What is the kovalam?

Question

it is apparently some kind of Hindu symbol.

http://summer.rutgers.edu/hsp/html/credit_2_2007.html

It is referred to in a list of symbols of Hinduism on this page. It says "From om to swastika to kovalam to lingam."

Answer 1

A wonderful research and study of Indian/hindu culture. It is not Kovalam but KOVALA-N-. He was the husband of Kannagi who is a PATTINI - elevated as Goddess of CHASTITY.

The story how an ordinary woman named Kannaki became deified as goddess Pattini, for her chastity, is mentioned in the Tamil texts Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, belonging to the Sangam Age of India. Kannagi (Tamil: கண்ணகி), a legendary Tamil woman, is the central character of the South Indian epic Silapathikaram. (one of the great five epics of Tamil Language) For more details on this Tamil Epicl please see - http://www.tamilnation.org/literature/cilapathikaram.htm of Legend has it that Kannagi took revenge on the king of Madurai, for a mistaken death penalty imposed on her husband Kovalan, by cursing the city with Disaster.

Pattini or Kannaki is a conspicuous example of the deification of a mortal being whose human attributes elevated her to the status of a goddess very well known for her chastity. Kannagi or Kannaki Amman is eulogized as the epitome of chastity and is still being worshiped as its goddess. She is praised for her extreme devotion to her husband, in spite of his adulterous behaviour.

She is worshiped as goddess Pathini in Sri Lanka by the Sinhalese Buddhists as well as, as Kannaki Amman by the Sri lanka Tamils Hindus.

I have gone through the website - http://summer.rutgers.edu/hsp/html/credi...

Here I would like to say that referring or comparing KOVALAN as a symbal to other symbals like Om to swastika to lingam is not Correct, this man was attracted by another lady dancer Madhavi and left his wife Kannagi alone in search of enjoyment. While Kannagi waiting for long years came to now only when Kovalan was killed by Madurai king and with the power of her CHASTITY she burnt Madurai on the whole. She was elevated to the status of Goddess. Apparently there is no symbol involved here.
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KOVALLAM (some people have discussed earlier here) is a beautiful beach in Kerala whichis attracting lot of touriest - has not relavance with the subject of Symbol we are discussing in this question.

Answer 2

is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, a state in south India. It is located around 16 km outside Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) City in the Thiruvananthapuram district. There are a number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a Muslim shrine. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. There is a small light house on Eve's Beach.

The normal tourist season is from November to March

Answer 3

Kovalam is simply sixteen kms clear of Trivandrum. Today Kovalam seashore is referred to as the "Paradise of the South". Kovalam Beach in Kerala State of India is likely one of the lovely Beach within the World! Kovalam Beach is composed of Three shores separated by means of rocky outcroppings. Lighthouse Beach and Hawah (Hawwah) Beach are extra preferred for travelers and the 3rd one Samudra Beach (continuously busy with fishermen) could also be well. Nearby Asoka Beach could also be regarded as aspect of Kovalam Beaches. Lots of Beach inns are to be had neighborhood Kovalam Beach Area. Avoid heavy wet days to move there Best Time to Visit (September to May) Have a fine commute to Kovalam, Enjoy your Holidays. Cheers!

Answer 4

I brouse the ERL given by you.The information seemes not correct.Kovalam is a place name(beach resort) .Thereare two Kovalams-One in Kerala (well known) and another in Tamilnadu near Chenai--Both in India