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The Science and Romance of a Kiss: What Happens in the Human Body? A kiss is more than just the meeting of lips; it is an electric symphony of emotions, chemistry, and biology. From the fluttering of the heart to the fireworks in the brain, every kiss tells a story—a tale of love, passion, and deep connection. But what exactly happens in the human body when two people kiss? Let’s unravel the fascinating science behind this intimate act. 1. The Initial Spark: Anticipation and Excitement As lips inch closer, the body experiences a surge of anticipation. The brain sends signals to the nervous system, releasing a cocktail of neurotransmitters that heighten excitement. Adrenaline and noradrenaline flood the system, causing the heart to race and breathing to quicken. This exhilarating moment is often accompanied by dilated pupils and flushed cheeks, all signs of intense attraction. 2. The Touch of Lips: A Dance of Sensations When lips finally meet, a cascade of sensations rushes through the...

Tirukkural Manuscripts



The Tirukkural, often hailed as the "Universal Veda," is a timeless Tamil classic composed by the revered poet-saint Tiruvalluvar. This monumental work, consisting of 1,330 couplets, delves into the essence of ethics, politics, economics, and love. The preservation and transmission of the Tirukkural over centuries offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Tamil literary heritage.

Origins and Composition

Believed to have been composed between 300 BCE and 5th century CE, the exact dating of the Tirukkural remains a subject of scholarly debate. The work is structured into 133 chapters, each containing 10 couplets, known as "kurals." These couplets are crafted in the "Kural Venba" meter, a concise form of classical Tamil poetry characterized by brevity and depth.
Worlds Within Words

Manuscript Tradition

In its earliest days, the Tirukkural was meticulously inscribed on palm-leaf manuscripts. This traditional method involved etching the verses onto dried palm leaves using a stylus, a practice prevalent in ancient Tamil Nadu. These manuscripts were then bound together with cords, ensuring their safekeeping and facilitating their transmission across generations.

The resilience of these palm-leaf manuscripts is noteworthy. Despite the challenges posed by the tropical climate of South India, many of these manuscripts have survived, bearing testimony to the dedication of scholars and custodians who preserved them. The manuscripts not only safeguarded the text but also provided insights into the orthographic and linguistic nuances of the period.

Transition to Print

The advent of the printing press in India marked a significant turning point in the dissemination of the Tirukkural. The first known printed edition of the Tirukkural in Tamil dates back to 1812. This edition played a pivotal role in making the text more accessible to a broader audience, reducing the reliance on fragile palm-leaf manuscripts.
Worlds Within Words

Interestingly, prior to this Tamil edition, a Malayalam manuscript of the Tirukkural was published in 1595, underscoring the text's widespread influence beyond Tamil-speaking regions. This early adaptation highlights the cross-cultural appreciation of the Tirukkural's universal themes.

Preservation and Challenges

The preservation of the Tirukkural manuscripts was not without challenges. The tropical climate, coupled with the organic nature of palm leaves, rendered the manuscripts susceptible to decay, insect infestations, and other environmental hazards. To mitigate these risks, traditional methods such as applying natural oils and storing the manuscripts in dry conditions were employed.

Furthermore, the manual transcription process introduced variations and errors over time. Scribes, while diligent, occasionally made mistakes or introduced regional linguistic influences into the text. These variations have provided scholars with rich material to study the evolution and dissemination of the Tirukkural across different periods and regions.

Modern-Day Significance

Today, the Tirukkural stands as a beacon of ethical guidance and literary excellence. Its manuscripts, both palm-leaf and printed, are treasured artifacts housed in libraries and museums worldwide. Digital initiatives have further enhanced the accessibility of the Tirukkural, with numerous online platforms offering digitized versions of the text, translations, and commentaries.

The journey of the Tirukkural from palm-leaf manuscripts to printed editions and now to digital formats underscores its enduring relevance and the timeless wisdom it imparts. As we delve into its couplets, we are reminded of the universal truths that transcend time and culture, offering guidance for righteous living and societal harmony.





















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