Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari: Difference between revisions

Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari
Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari
	Murti of the goddess
Venerated in	Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism
Affiliation	Lakshmi, Parvati, Adi Parashakti
Adherents	Komati community
Texts	Vasavi Puranamulu
Region	Andhra Pradesh

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Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari is a Hindu goddess, primarily revered by the Komati community of Andhra Pradesh.^[1] She is primarily recognised by her adherents as a virgin form of Parvati, and sometimes also identified as a form of Lakshmi in Vaishnava tradition.^[2]

She is regarded to be a kuladevata by members of the Komati community, as well as the Arya Vaishya, Kalinga Vaishya, Arava Vaishya, Marathi Vaishya, Beri Vaishya, and the Trivarnika Vaishya communities, as per the various versions of the Vasavi Puranamulu, written in Telugu during the 18th century CE.

The Jaina Komatis venerate her as Shanti Matha Vasavi, who is regarded to have promoted ahimsa for the benefit of all mankind, and averted warfare and loss of life through peaceful means.

Legend[edit]

There is no authentic version of Vasavi's legend, and different versions exist amongst classes who are both Komati and non-Komati. The oral accounts sung by bards vary amongst regions, religious sects, castes, and sub-castes.

According to legend, a powerful Chalukya monarch called Vishnuvardhana ruled Andhra in the 11th century CE. During this period, a prominent Vaishya named Kusuma Sreshti lived at Penugonda, under the king's domain. Due to his wisdom, the king treated the man like a chieftain. Due to his childlessness, the merchant prayed to Virupaksha, who blessed him with a son, Virupaksha, as well as a daughter, Vasavi, who grew up to become a comely and pious maiden. She caught the attention of the king, who wished to marry her. Despite the fact that her parents objected to the match, they could not dissuade the king of his desire. On the day of her wedding, the bride, her parents, as well as all the leaders of the community's 102 gotras showed their opposition by leaping into the homam fire, performing the act of agni pravesham. After her death, Vasavi's soul was sanctified at Penugonda, and elevated to the status of a deity.^[3]

The legend is said to exemplify the concept of ritual pollution in Hinduism, where Vasavi chooses to end her life rather than forcibly marry the king, who was both already married, and belonged to a different varna from her.^[4]

Traditions[edit]

Shaivism[edit]

The Jangam Komatis are a sub-group of the Veerashaivas, who believe Kanyaka became an ardent devotee of Shiva, who turned into a mendicant.

The Shaivaite Komatis see Kanyaka as Kanyaka Parameshvari. She is regarded to have cursed a king and killed him. She later showed herself as an incarnation of Parvati, and went to Kailasa, marrying the form of Shiva worshipped as Nagareshwara. This tradition is more common among Beri Komatis and Gavaras.

Vaishnavism[edit]

Sections of the Komatis, mainly the Trivarnikas and Gavara Komatis, for whom Venkateshvara is the family deity, follow Vaishnavism, and for them, Kanyaka is an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. This historical tradition stemmed when Vaishnavism spread southwards during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, leading to a decline of Jainism and Buddhism.

Jainism[edit]

Komatis who practice Jainism worship the deity as Shanti Matha Vasavi Devi, the one who convinced the king to give up his kingdom, and later causing him to become a Jain monk through the teaching of ahimsa. She is believed to have blessed all Komatis to take up ahimsa and prosper in trade.

In popular culture[edit]

Shri Kannika Parameshvari Kathe was a big screen Kannada movie released in 1966 starring Kalpana as Sri Kanyaka Parameshvari and Dr. Raj Kumar, Pandhari Bai, BS Dwaraknath, Ramachandra Shastry, Narasimha Raju and Ramadevi as the main cast. This movie was produced and directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy.

In 2012 a Telugu movie called Sri Vasavi Vaibhavam was released depicting the goddess's life. The actress Meena acted as the goddess Parvati and actress Suhasini played the main role of goddess Kanyaka Parameshvari.

References[edit]

^ Sadanandam, P. (2008). Art and Culture of Marginalised Nomadic Tribes in Andhra Pradesh. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-212-0958-8.
^ Padma, Sree (November 2013). Vicissitudes of the Goddess: Reconstructions of the Gramadevata in India's Religious Traditions. OUP USA. p. 211. ISBN 978-0-19-932503-0.
^ Gupta, C. Dwarakanath (1999). Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste. Mittal Publications. p. 25. ISBN 978-81-7099-726-9.
^ Gupta, C. Dwarakanath (1999). Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste. Mittal Publications. p. 26. ISBN 978-81-7099-726-9.

External links[edit]

[1] Sadanandam, P. (2008). Art and Culture of Marginalised Nomadic Tribes in Andhra Pradesh. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-212-0958-8.

[2] Padma, Sree (November 2013). Vicissitudes of the Goddess: Reconstructions of the Gramadevata in India's Religious Traditions. OUP USA. p. 211. ISBN 978-0-19-932503-0.

[3] Gupta, C. Dwarakanath (1999). Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste. Mittal Publications. p. 25. ISBN 978-81-7099-726-9.

[4] Gupta, C. Dwarakanath (1999). Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste. Mittal Publications. p. 26. ISBN 978-81-7099-726-9.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{short description|Hindu goddess}}
-{{Multiple issues|
-{{Unreliable sources|date=August 2017}}
-{{More citations needed|date=April 2013}}
-{{original research|date=August 2017}}
-{{Confusing|date=May 2020}}
-{{Lead rewrite|date=February 2021}}
-}}
 {{Infobox deity<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Hindu mythology-->
-| type     = Hindu
+| type = Hindu
-| name     = Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari Devi
+| name = Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari
-| image    = Kanyaka Parameswari.jpg
+| image = VasaviMata.JPG
-| planet   = Earth
+| planet =
-| deity_of = Arya vysya Community
+| deity_of =
+| caption = [[Murti]] of the goddess
+| region = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
+| affiliation = [[Lakshmi]], [[Parvati]], [[Adi Parashakti]]
+| texts = Vasavi Puranamulu
+| venerated_in = [[Vaishnavism]], [[Shaivism]], [[Shaktism]]
+| adherents = [[Komati caste|Komati]] community
 }}
-'''Vasavi Maatha''' is hailed with veneration for promoting peace through Ahimsa. She is credited with averting war and thereby saving many lives through logic and reason and overcoming brute force. She taught the world harming oneself or others isn't the way forward but bringing a change of heart is what matters in averting wars.
+'''Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari''' is a [[Devi|Hindu goddess]], primarily revered by the [[Komati (caste)|Komati]] community of [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sadanandam |first=P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Nhu52oHk6r4C&dq=vasavi+parameshwari&pg=PA124 |title=Art and Culture of Marginalised Nomadic Tribes in Andhra Pradesh |date=2008 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-212-0958-8 |language=en}}</ref> She is primarily recognised by her adherents as a virgin form of [[Parvati]], and sometimes also identified as a form of [[Lakshmi]] in [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] tradition.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Padma |first=Sree |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BZCJAAAAQBAJ&dq=goddess+vasavi+parvati&pg=PA211 |title=Vicissitudes of the Goddess: Reconstructions of the Gramadevata in India's Religious Traditions |date=November 2013 |publisher=OUP USA |isbn=978-0-19-932503-0 |pages=211 |language=en}}</ref>
-She is elevated with heavenly stature as a goddess amongst some sections of the Komti community and for some of these sections has become the "Kula Daivam" or the caste [[goddess]]. She is the caste goddess for the Arya Vyshya, Kalinga Vaishya, Arava Vysyier, Marathi Vaishya, Beri Vysya and Trivarnika Vysya community as per the various versions of Vasavi Puranamulu written in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] during the 18th century AD.
+She is regarded to be a [[kuladevata]] by members of the Komati community, as well as the Arya Vaishya, Kalinga Vaishya, Arava Vaishya, Marathi Vaishya, Beri Vaishya, and the Trivarnika Vaishya communities, as per the various versions of the ''Vasavi Puranamulu'', written in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] during the 18th century CE.
-The many versions of Vasavi Puranas aren't restricted to Komatis alone but are also sung by various castes like Veera Mushtis, Jakkali-vandlu, Mailaris and other bards.
-Jaina Komtis venerate her as '''Shanti Matha Vasavi''' who promoted Ahimsa for the benefit of all mankind and averted warfare and loss of life through peace and reason. Her actions brought a change of heart in the King who repented and became a Jain Monk handing over his kingdom to his son.
+The [[Jainism|Jaina]] Komatis venerate her as '''Shanti Matha Vasavi,''' who is regarded to have promoted ahimsa for the benefit of all mankind, and averted warfare and loss of life through peaceful means.
+==Legend==
-==Bhaskaracharya and Parameshwari Mahatvam==
+There is no authentic version of Vasavi's legend, and different versions exist amongst classes who are both Komati and non-Komati. The oral accounts sung by bards vary amongst regions, religious sects, castes, and sub-castes.
+According to legend, a powerful [[Chalukya dynasty|Chalukya]] monarch called [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana|Vishnuvardhana]] ruled [[Andhra Pradesh|Andhra]] in the 11th century CE. During this period, a prominent [[Vaishya]] named Kusuma Sreshti lived at [[Penugonda]], under the king's domain. Due to his wisdom, the king treated the man like a chieftain. Due to his childlessness, the merchant prayed to [[Shiva|Virupaksha]], who blessed him with a son, Virupaksha, as well as a daughter, Vasavi, who grew up to become a comely and pious maiden. She caught the attention of the king, who wished to marry her. Despite the fact that her parents objected to the match, they could not dissuade the king of his desire. On the day of her wedding, the bride, her parents, as well as all the leaders of the community's 102 [[gotra]]s showed their opposition by leaping into the [[Homa (ritual)|homam]] fire, performing the act of ''[[Agnipravesham|agni pravesham]]''. After her death, Vasavi's [[Ātman (Hinduism)|soul]] was sanctified at Penugonda, and elevated to the status of a deity.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gupta |first=C. Dwarakanath |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OJlpWwZkRDAC&dq=vasavi+kusuma&pg=PA25 |title=Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste |date=1999 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-726-9 |pages=25 |language=en}}</ref>
-The head priest of king Vishnuvardhana's kingdom was a renowned Brahmin named Bhaskaracharya and the author of Kanyaka Puranamulu. Varnashrama had not fully taken root in the south of Vindhyas and duties for caste groups had to be appropriated according to their Varna. The [[Komati caste|Komatis]] were engaged in trade and supporters of [[Jainism|Jaina]] Dharma. However, since these Komatis were being organised as Vysya's by Bhaskarachrya and imposition of Varnashrama had to be organised by occupation and birth for the benefit of the society. The duty of the King was not suitable for Kusuma Sresti since he had to become a Vysya during the reorganization of society, ruling was not his occupation and would contradict his Varna and Dharma. The Vasavi puranamulu was written to show the ill efforts of following an occupation that contradicts Varna and Dharma. The varnashrama dharma maintains the Brahmins right to perform priestly duties or take up the duties of Kings and the Kshatriyas the right to rule. The right to trade existed with the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, only if they weren't interested in their respective prescribed duty. Agriculture  with cattle-rearing was prescribed as a means of livelihood for Vysyas and Shudras. Vysyas, too, along with Brahmins and Kshatriyas had the right to take up trade.
+The legend is said to exemplify the concept of ritual pollution in Hinduism, where Vasavi chooses to end her life rather than forcibly marry the king, who was both already married, and belonged to a different [[Varna (Hinduism)|varna]] from her.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gupta |first=C. Dwarakanath |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OJlpWwZkRDAC&dq=vasavi+kusuma&pg=PA25 |title=Socio-cultural History of an Indian Caste |date=1999 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-726-9 |pages=26 |language=en}}</ref>
-== Shanthi Matha Vasavi Devi ==
-According to Jain beliefs, Vasavi is a Jain princess of a prosperous kingdom. Her father was a benevolent king and well loved by his subjects. His kingdom was attacked by another powerful king who wanted to plunder the benevolently run kingdom's wealth. Vasavi Matha was able to convince the attacking ruler of his grave shortcoming through Ahimsa and made him repent:  he did so, gave up his own realm, and became a wandering monk of the Jain religion.  Thus she was also able to prove that Non Violence isn't just physical;  one should  not even think of acting violently. She blessed the Komatis to prosper in business.
+==Traditions==
-Most Komatis still adhere to this principle: they follow the practice of Ahimsa which is to live in peace and let others live likewise. Komatis abstain from eating meat and meat-based products. They will not take up any profession that involves slaughter of animals.
-==Story of Vasavi==
+=== Shaivism ===
+The Jangam Komatis are a sub-group of the [[Veerashaiva]]s, who believe Kanyaka became an ardent devotee of Shiva, who turned into a mendicant.
-There is no authentic version of Vasavi Puranamulu and different versions exist amongst castes who are Komati, and even those that are not Komatis such as interdependent castes like Veeramushtis - a part of the Veerashaiva sect-, Mailaris, Jakkali-vandlu etc. All these versions point to a period  when Komatis faced persecution.  Many accounts exist of such stress: they vary only  in details according to region, religious sects, castes and sub-castes.
+The Shaivaite Komatis see Kanyaka as Kanyaka Parameshvari. She is regarded to have cursed a king and killed him. She later showed herself as an incarnation of Parvati, and went to Kailasa, marrying the form of Shiva worshipped as Nagareshwara. This tradition is more common among Beri Komatis and Gavaras.
-==Shaivite Tradition==
-'''Jangam Komtis''' are a sub-group of the Veerashaivas who believe Kanyaka became an ardent devotee of Shiva who had turned into a mendicant (bhikshaaNdaar).
+=== Vaishnavism ===
-'''Shaivite tradition''' relates that Kanyaka as Kanyaka Parameshwari cursed a king and killed him. She later showed herself as an incarnation of Paarvati and went to Kailaasa marrying Shiva who was worshipped as Naageshwara. This tradition is more common among Beri Komatis and Gavaras.
+Sections of the Komatis, mainly the Trivarnikas and Gavara Komatis, for whom [[Venkateswara|Venkateshvara]] is the family deity, follow Vaishnavism, and for them, Kanyaka is an incarnation of the goddess [[Lakshmi]]. This historical tradition stemmed when Vaishnavism spread southwards during the reign of King [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana|Vishnuvardhana]], leading to a decline of Jainism and Buddhism.
+=== Jainism ===
-Recent times show that the orthodox are dropping the name Vaasavi.. They only call her Kanyaka Parameshwari, indicating a very violent form of Paarvati with 10 hands bearing deadly swords, spears, tridents and chakras. She is  blood- thirsty: one of her many hands holds the severed head of  Kinh VishNuvardhana. Kanyakaa Parameshwari is shown seated on a ferocious lion, claws and fangs dripping with blood, pouncing on the decapitated  body of the king. Orthodox Aarya Vysyas offer many kinds of Vedic sacrifices, which include killing of animals to appease the violence-personified Goddess.
+Komatis who practice Jainism worship the deity as Shanti Matha Vasavi Devi, the one who convinced the king to give up his kingdom, and later causing him to become a Jain monk through the teaching of ahimsa. She is believed to have blessed all Komatis to take up ahimsa and prosper in trade.
+==In popular culture==
-==Vaishnavite Tradition==
+''Shri Kannika Parameshvari Kathe'' was a big screen Kannada movie released in 1966 starring Kalpana as Sri Kanyaka Parameshvari and  Dr. Raj Kumar, Pandhari Bai, BS Dwaraknath, Ramachandra Shastry, Narasimha Raju and Ramadevi as the main cast. This movie was produced and directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy.
-'''Vaishnavite Tradition''' has a tale still told by Trivarnika's and Gavara Komtis for whom Venkateshwara is the family deity. Kanyaka is not associated with Parameshwari by them. They see her as an incarnation of goddess Lakshmi and pay homage to Lord Venkateshwara in the Tirumala hills.  Their  Vaishnavism spread down south during the reign of King Vishnu Vardhana seeing a decline of Jainism and Buddhism.
+In 2012 a Telugu movie called ''Sri Vasavi Vaibhavam'' was released depicting the goddess's life. The actress [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] acted as the goddess Parvati and actress [[Suhasini (Telugu actress)|Suhasini]] played the main role of goddess Kanyaka Parameshvari.
-==Jaina Tradition==
-Komtis who practice Ahimsa worship her as Shanti Matha Vasavi Devi who convinced the King to give up his kingdom who later became a Jain monk through the teaching of Ahimsa. She blessed all komatis to take up Ahimsa and prosper in trade. Her clever reasoning saved the lives of Komatis and non Komatis alike.
-==Vasavi Puranamulu in Telugu written by Brahmin Bhaskaracharya==
-{{Disputed section|date=August 2017}}
-Kusuma Sresti, the king of the [[Vaishya|Arya Vysyas]] was ruling the kingdom making Vasavi [[Penugonda]] (called the Kasi of Arya Vysyas{{by whom|date=August 2017}}) (Jestasailam) as capital city for all the 18 mahapattana's during 10th–11th century AD.  Kusumamba was his wife.  They were ideal couple and led a peaceful domestic life.  They were worshipping [[Shiva|Lord Siva]] (Nagareswara swamy) and [[Vishnu|Lord Vishnu]] (Janardhana Swamy) as the part of their daily duties.  His kingdom was part and parcel of Vengidesha, which was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana-7 or Vimaladitya Maharaj.
-The couple were childless and became concerned about who would succeed them.  They approached Kulaguru (family teacher) [[Bhāskara II|Bhaskaracharya]].  He advised them to perform Puthra Kamestiyaga which [[Dasharatha]] had observed.
-During the auspicious hour, Kusuma Sresti couple started the [[Yajna|yaga]].  The Gods were pleased and sent [[prasad]]am (a blessed fruit from god) through Yagneswara (fire god).  There was a divine utterance that they would get children after eating prasadam.  With utmost devotion they ate Prasadam, and within a few days the sign of [[pregnancy]] was found with Kusumamba.  She expressed unusual desires, which indicated that she would give birth to children who would fight for the welfare of all.
-===Childhood===
-Kusumamba gave birth to twins on 10th of [[Vaishakha]] (a Telugu month).  The boy was called Virupaksha, and the girl Vasavamba.  During childhood, Virupaksha demonstrated leadership qualities while Vasavamba was inclined towards [[art]], [[architecture]] and [[music]] and showed a philosophical approach to life.
-Under the guidance of the Vysya kula guru Bhaskaracharya, Virupaksha learnt [[Vedas]], [[fencing]], [[Equestrianism|horse riding]], [[martial arts]] and [[archery]].  Vasavamba studied fine arts and mastered philosophical subjects.  Virupaksha went on to marry Rathnavathi, the daughter of Aridhisresti of Aelur Town.
-===Attempted marriage===
-Kusumasresti welcomed and entertained Vishnu Vardhna ([[Gandharva]] '' Chitra Kanta'''s incarnation on Bhoolok) at [[Penugonda]] when the latter visited during an expedition to expand his empire and vanquish his enemies.  During this visit, Vardhna noticed Vasavamba and determined to marry her.  This caused Kusumasresti a dilemma: he was neither in a position to accept Vardhna's wishes nor to refuse the offer.  The disparities of age and caste, as well as the fact that the emperor was already married, were significant objections, but, in consultation with advisers and family members, Kusumasresti decided that Vasavamba should make up her own mind.  Her response to was express a desire never to marry and to focus her life on less worldly issues.
-Kusumasresti told Vardhana of his daughter's decision, which caused a fury and an attempt to capture Vasavamba by force.  The [[battalion]] sent to achieve this aim was thwarted by the Vysyas of Penugonda.
-Kusumasresti arranged for a Great Conference comprising the Chiefs of the 18 cities and the leaders of all 714 [[gotra]]s, to be held in the presence of Bhaskaracharya.  There were differences of opinion at this conference, with 102 gotra chiefs preferring resistance to the overtures and attacks of Vardhna but the leaders of the other 612 gotras believing that matrimonial alliance would be safer and more beneficial.  Bhaskaracharya favoured the minority view, saying that retaining respect was of greater significance than protecting life, and Kusumasresti was inspired by this support.  Thus, the unity of the Vysyas was broken and the 102 gotras prepared for the defence of Penugonda against further attacks by Vardhana.
-===Vasavi Devi's reaction===
-Vasavi entered onto the scene and said: "Why should there be bloodshed among ourselves for the sake of a Girl? Why sacrifice the lives of soldiers for our selfish desire. It is better to give up the idea of war. Instead, let us rebel in a novel way. We can control war through non-violence and self-sacrifice. Only people with strong will power and moral strength can participate in this kind of self-sacrifice."  Vasavi's new idea was delightful to her parents and they decided to act in accordance with Vasavi's directions.
-===Athmam Balidhana===
-As per the directions of Parameshwari, at the holy place of Brahmakunda on the banks of [[Godavari River|Godavari]], the royal servants arranged 103 Agnikundas ([[fire pit]]s) in a special way.  The whole city was observing that day as a festival day.  Then Parameshwari asked the couples of the 102 Gotras: "Will you plunge into this holy fire along with me?"  Everyone of them whole heartedly gave their consent.
-She smiled and revealed her true self, which had the glittering radiance surpassing the brightness of the sun.  She said: "I am the incarnation of [[Adi Parashakti]]. To safeguard the caste system and to reveal to the world the magnanimity of Vysya's by feeding Bramhins regularly. I come here in ''[[Kali Yuga]]''. Kusumasresty during last birth was a great Saint by name Samadhi as per his aspirations he could attain salvation along with the people of 102 Gotras. That is why I asked you all to undergo Athmam Balidhana."  Parameshwari advised the gathering about Feeding Bramhins, Practising Rituals, Agriculture, and Cow Worship.
-===Vishnu Vardhana's death===
-Devi disappeared as soon as the divine words came out of her mouth and people saw her in human form.  Then all of them entered into holy fire after meditating upon their Gods.
-Though Vishnuvardhana felt bad [[omen]]s, he marched ahead and reached the main entrance of Penugonda.  Then his detectives reported all that had happened in the city.  He could not bear the great shock and his heart shattered into pieces.  He fell down vomiting blood and he was no more.
-The self-sacrifice of Vasavi and the end of Vishnuvardhana was the talk of the town.  People condemned the deeds of Vishnuvardhana and appreciated the epoch maker Vasavi and her non-violent principle.
-===Sri Vasavi Devi's legacy===
-The son of Vishnuvardhana, Raja Raja Narendra rushed to Penugonda and repented about the incident.  Later, Virupaksha consoled him and said: "Brother, let us learn and formulate the present and future on the strong base of past. Vasavi had come to rescue of the people without giving room for great bloodshed. Her non-violence gave a good result".  Hence forth Vysya's shall not fight or rule states but shall engage in service and as well wishers of others including services such as [[trade]] and [[agriculture]].
-Virupaksha visited many [[pilgrim]] centers like Kasi, Gaya and others under the guidance of Vysya kula guru Baskaracharya.  To commemorate the [[pilgrimage]] they installed 101 lingas for each gotra in Penugonda.  Then, Narendra installed a statue of Vasavi as a token of respect.  From that day onwards all Vysya's began performing poojas to her and she is considered as Vysyakula Devatha-Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari.
-Vasavi's life is worth remembering because of her faith in non-violent religious values and her defense of the [[Women's rights|status of women]].  She became [[Immortality|immortal]] because she has been mainly responsible for the propagation of the reputation of Vysya's throughout the world.  Vasavi, who had rejected worldly pleasures, won the minds of Vysyas and is the champion of peace and non-violence and is remembered by the faithful. She averted the needless loss of life of many people of her community / kingdom through the Supreme sacrifice of sacrificing one's life through "Sati" or "Self-Immolation".
-And through her "Atma Samarpana", she communicated the powerful message that "Common Good is greater than Individual benefit, and one should be ready to give up one's own life if necessary for the same...and, Sacrifice itself is greater than enjoyment of worldly pleasures got through unethical means".
-Inspired by her act, couples of 102 gothras too participated in the community event, i.e all of them stepped into the 102 "Agnikundams" after she did.
-===Gotras===
-{{One source section|date=August 2017}}
-There were 714 gotras before agnipravesham of vasavi matha now there are 102 gotras among Ārya Vaiśyas.  They followed 102 [[Rishi]]s for conducting their rituals.  Surname gotras and Rishis for identification and classification for all the Ārya Vaiśyas are one and the same.  The gotras is equivalent of the Sanskrit names of Rishis.
-Groups of Ārya Vaiśyas became followers of particular Rishi for conducting their [[ritual]]s and they claimed to be the followers of that particular Rishi.  Thus they are identified by the Rishi name.  And for still feature identification they use a pre-fix surname generally indicating the area from which they migrated or the profession to which they belong and other such identification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vysyamala.com/arya-vysyas/gothras.aspx |title=Arya Vysya Gothras |publisher=Vysyamala.com}}</ref>
-==Caste Hierarchy==
-The Komatis who accepted the [[Varnashrama Dharma|Varnashrama]] had to submit themselves to the ruling authority of the [[Kshatriya]]s regularly paying taxes and filling up the coffers of the kings (Raja Bokkasum) and follow the instructions of [[Bramhin|Brahmins]] to conduct all rituals. They had to give charities and had to feed Bramhin's regularly in order to maintain their caste status as [[Vaishya]]. However the Niyogi's, a powerful [[Bramhin]] caste who are also successful traders opposed them and clashes are recorded and riots occurred between Bramhins and such Komatis who took up Varnashrama. This period saw Komatis going back to Jainism and some sections embracing Buddhism and people in Karnataka and Maharashtra becoming Lingayats. Today Komatis who call themselves Arya Vysya are accepted as one of the many south Indian Vaishya castes whether they engage in trade or are in services.
-Sections of Komatis are covered either in OBC or EBC reservations based on central, state or region based guidelines.
-==Movies==
-Shri Kannika Parameshwari Kathe was a big screen Kannada movie released in 1966 starring Dr. Raj Kumar, Pandhari Bai, BS Dwaraknath, Ramachandra Shastry, Narasimha Raju and Ramadevi as main star cast. This movie was produced and directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy.
-In 2012 a Telugu movie "Sri Vasavi Vaibhavam" was released depicting Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari Devi life.  Actress [[Meena (actress)|Meena]] acted as Goddess Parvati and actress [[Suhasini (Telugu actress)|Suhasini]] played the main role of Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari.
 ==References==
@@ Line 115: / Line 50: @@
 == External links ==
 *[http://www.nriva.org NRI Vasavi Association]
-* [http://www.penugondavasavi.org www.penugondavasavi.org]
+*[http://www.penugondavasavi.org www.penugondavasavi.org]
+*[http://www.vasavitemple.in www.vasavitemple.in]
 {{Authority control}}
 [[Category:Religion in India]]
+[[Category:Forms of Lakshmi]]
+[[Category:Forms of Parvati]]
+[[Category:Hindu folk deities]]

Authority control databases
International	VIAF
National	Germany