Thread about Shashanka and alleged persecution of the Buddhists. The purpose of this thread is to defy their claims while tackling a few other issues.

(Very long thread but useful) 1/n

Shashanka was a Shaivite king of Gauda with his capital being Karnasuvarna.
He is often accused to be a persecutor of Buddhists by the certain historians prejudiced folks to form a picture that Hindu kings were also against other religions just like the muslim kings. 2/n

Much of Shashanka's life after 619 CE is not very much known to us. Historians primarily cite from a few sources like 1) Banabhatta's Harshacharita and 2) Hsuan Tsung's Si Yu Ki(SYK), both being 7th century texts and 3/n

3) Manjushri Mula Kalpa(MMK), an 8th century text sometimes also dated as a 12th century text. 4/n

The method of accusing Shashanka as a Buddhist hater is established by saying that Shashanka desecrated Buddha's sacred marks, destroyed the Bodhi Tree in Gaya and replaced the Buddha statue w Shiva after which he died as he incurred a mortal flesh-rotting disease 5/n

Why christians and musIims shouldn't and can't be celebrating Pongal?

Short answer: Pongal is strictly a Hindu festival. In other states, it is known as Makara Sankranti, Lohri, etc among Hindu communities in other states.

Long answer: read the thread

1/n

Pongal is generally a multi-day festival. Contrary to popular dumeelian understanding, Pongal is neither a special Tamil festival nor the real Tamil New Year as Mr Arulchelvan tried to justify back some time ago.
2/n

The day before the main Pongal day is known as BHOGI. BHOGI itself is a Sanskrit word derived from 'bhoga', which means enjoyment. The one who enjoys is called Bhogi. The Lord remains an enjoyer while we, jivas are the enjoyed.

3/n

This is exactly what Andal showed by leading us as an example. She observed the Dhanurmasa vrata and reunited with Lord Ranganatha on the last day of Margazhi, the day of Bhogi.
4/n

On Bhogi, a popular activity is lighting a bonfire early in the morning. The bonfire offers warmth in the cool and chilly morning weather. Fire also burns away anything that we put in. On Bhogi, the fire is light to signify burning our sorrows, materialistic desires,
5/n