On Manimekhala "the guardian deity of the sea” (a Cambodian document)

Summary

This article analyses the Tamil Buddhist epic "Maṇimēkhalai." It recounts the story of Maṇimēkhalā, daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi from the earlier epic "Cilappatikāram," who renounces worldly life, receives a miraculous begging bowl, and wanders preaching Buddhist ethics. The author highlights the work’s advocacy of vegetarianism, non‑violence and the impermanence of worldly attachments. He discusses the influence of Mahāyāna doctrine, particularly the bodhisattva ideal, and notes the epic’s criticisms of Jainism and Brahmanical ritual. The article also considers the poem’s depiction of ancient Tamil ports and society and comments on its language, which blends Tamil with Sanskrit loanwords. By situating the "Maṇimēkhalai" within the broader context of Tamil Buddhist literature, the author argues that it offers valuable insights into religious syncretism and social history in South India.