Recently, a bhakta asked me what ‘Vanakkam’ (in Tamil) actually means. Its counterpart is ‘Namaste’ in Hindi. Though there was no specific reason for asking this question, I have noticed that some people object to saying ‘Namaste’ with hands folded because it is supposed to be a sign of worship of that person and therefore equating them with God. I have watched some videos, including one where an African person gave the same explanation by dividing the words: Nama + Te = I salute you or the God in you.
One can understand that he said this in the context of defending his preference for a handshake to greet others. As a joke, I said, “There are three kinds of folding hands: one in front of one’s face, another in front of the heart, and another above the head – which one do you mean?” Then I pointed out to him that in general when we say ‘Vanakkam’, we keep our folded hands in front of our face, and when we worship deities, we keep them either in front of our hearts or on top of our heads.
In general, when arati is performed in front of a deity, most devotees, excluding many women, will raise both their hands above their heads. Similarly, when entering a temple, several people will do the same, with some even prostrating (performing Ashtanga Namaskaram where all eight limbs of the body touch the ground before the deity – ‘ashta’ meaning eight and ‘anga’ meaning limbs). Many followers of a particular guru or Swami will also do this when visiting them. This special gesture is mostly reserved for deities or respected dignitaries.
Of course, as politicizing every part of life has now become the norm in a democracy, during election campaigns almost all candidates will perform this gesture, indirectly conveying to the people, ‘now you are our gods’ while canvassing for votes. After winning the election, it becomes the people’s turn to do the same before the elected members to gain some favors or even request them to fulfill their duties. However, it is rare to see someone perform this gesture when greeting another person with ‘Namaste’ or ‘Vanakkam’.
Although I don’t know the exact reason for such a gesture, I once heard that keeping both hands above the head in ‘Anjali Mudra’ creates a space above the head called ‘Chitakasha’ (Chit meaning consciousness and Akasha meaning sky). Here, the sky does not refer to the normal sky but the miniature of the entire cosmos, where the devotee invite the deity to come and dwell.
Though I don’t know the etymology or root word of the Tamil word ‘Vanakkam’, it might come from ‘Vanangu’ which has several meanings like bowing down, humbling, lowering, respecting, etc. The opposite word is ‘Vanagga’ which was used in the Old Tamil Muktiveda as ‘vanagga kazhutu ullavarhal’ (வணங்காக் கழுத்துள்ளவர்கள், Exo. 32:9; 33:3, 5; 34:9 etc.) which in English means, ‘those who have a stiff neck’.
But we know that taking the literal meaning doesn’t help us understand the actual meaning of a word and the context in which it is used. For example, ‘stiff neck’ does not refer to a health issue but rather to disobedience. Similarly, when we say ‘Vanakkam’ or ‘Namaste’, do we really mean that we worship the other person as God or that we are worshipping the God in that person?
Each culture has its own form of greeting others. In North India, they say ‘Namaste’ to people of the same level and ‘Pranam’ to elders out of respect. To gurus, acharyas, sannyasis, and family elders, they touch the feet and say ‘Pranam’ or ‘Pailagun’ (I touch your feet). Of course, this is not a pan-North Indian custom either. Similarly, in Tamilnadu, most people say ‘Vanakkam’ to greet others and say ‘Namaskaram’ to those from the older or elite society.
According to my understanding, with the exception of gurus and sannyasis/swamijis, no other person is greeted with reverence as if worshipping God. Even in the case of gurus and sannyasis/swamijis, they are considered ‘human gods’ and not deities or eternal ones. So when we say ‘Vanakkam’ or ‘Namaste’, we don’t worship any God in that person or worship them as God.
Even the concept of ‘human-god’ does not have a uniform understanding. Very few individuals like Saibaba claim to be a god, whereas in a few cases, the followers of a particular guru or sannyasi (like Sri Ramana, Kanchi Chandrasekara Saraswati Swami, etc.) call the individual ‘bhagavan’ and treat him like God. Even Ramakrishna Paramahamsa received the same status from his followers. But in other cases, ‘human-god’ means someone who showed grace by revealing the spiritual path to the followers. As the Hindu reality is a pluralistic inclusivism, deriving one meaning from this multi-complex worldview can be misleading.
Even if we accept, for argument’s sake, that by saying ‘Vanakkam’ or ‘Namaste’ we worship the God in that person, then what does it mean? According to my understanding, the Muktikedic teaching of humans being ‘created in the image of God’ suggests that we need to see every person as a bearer of that image of God in them. This could also mean that we treat and respect the other person for their worth as being created in God’s image and not in any other form.
When following cultural-religious practices, it is helpful to understand them in their cultural context and not approach them solely from a theological perspective. In addition to saying ‘Vanakkam’, many severely object to touching the feet of elders. Just read how many times in the Muktiveda (particularly in Purvaveda) even the ‘chosen’ people touched others’ feet.
After revising this, I asked OpenAI to give a short summary of Vanakkam and Namaste. I will provide these in the Appendix below.
2-6-15. db. Gurukulam.
Revised on 17-7-2024
Gurukulam
Appendix: Vanakkam and Namaste by Open AI. Accessed on 17-7-2024, 7.15 to 7.30 pm.
“Vanakkam” (வணக்கம்) is a traditional Tamil greeting that can be used to say “hello” or “welcome.” The term is derived from the root word “vanangu” (வணங்கு), meaning “to bow” or “to greet with reverence,” and it conveys a sense of respect and acknowledgment. It is a versatile word used in both formal and informal settings across Tamil Nadu.
In daily usage, “Vanakkam” is employed similarly to how “Namaste” is used in Hindi-speaking regions. It can be used to greet people at any time of the day and is often the first word exchanged in a conversation. Additionally, “Vanakkam” can be combined with other words to form specific greetings such as “Kaalai Vanakkam” for “Good Morning,” “Madhya Vanakkam” for “Good Afternoon,” and “Maalai Vanakkam” for “Good Evening” [[❞]](https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-meaning-of/tamil-word-31693f7f2549ff4fc147bc8e33915ed06bd50f20.html) [[❞]](https://howtosayguide.com/how-to-say-namaste-in-tamil/).
In Tamil Nadu, this greeting reflects the cultural value of showing respect and politeness. It is common to see people bow slightly with their hands pressed together in a gesture of “Anjali Mudra” when saying “Vanakkam,” especially during formal occasions or when greeting elders. The use of “Vanakkam” signifies not only a greeting but also a way to honor the person being greeted, which is deeply rooted in Tamil culture.
For further reading on this topic, you can visit [WordHippo](https://www.wordhippo.com/what-does/வணக்கம்-mean-in-Tamil) and [How to Say Guide](https://howtosayguide.com/how-to-say-namaste-in-tamil-formal-and-informal-ways/).
*Namaste: Meaning and Usage*
*Meaning:*
“Namaste” is a traditional Hindu greeting that originates from Sanskrit. It is composed of two words: “namah” (meaning “bow,” “obeisance,” “reverential salutation,” or “adoration”) and “te” (meaning “to you”). Hence, “Namaste” translates to “I bow to you.” It is a respectful greeting that acknowledges the divine spark within each person [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste) [[❞]](https://www.brettlarkin.com/namaste-meaning/).
*Usage:*
Namaste is widely used across India and among the global Indian diaspora. It is commonly accompanied by a gesture called Anjali Mudra, where the palms are pressed together in front of the chest, fingers pointing upwards, and a slight bow of the head. This gesture conveys respect and humility.
*Contexts of Use:*
1. *Greeting and Farewell*: It is used to greet elders, family members, teachers, friends, and even strangers. It can also be used as a farewell.
2. *Yoga and Spiritual Practice*: In yoga, “Namaste” is often used at the end of a session to thank participants and acknowledge the shared energy. It fosters a spiritual connection between teacher and student.
3. *Formal and Religious Settings*: In temples and during religious ceremonies, “Namaste” is used to show reverence to deities and during prayers.
4. *Positive Interactions*: The greeting is also a way to express gratitude, politeness, and goodwill. It is used in everyday interactions as a mark of respect and civility.
The usage of “Namaste” extends beyond personal interactions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it gained international recognition as a non-contact form of greeting, promoting safety and hygiene while maintaining cultural respect [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste) [[❞]](https://www.brettlarkin.com/namaste-meaning/).
Recently, a bhakta asked me what ‘Vanakkam’ (in Tamil) actually means. Its counterpart is ‘Namaste’ in Hindi. Though there was no specific reason for asking this question, I have noticed that some people object to saying ‘Namaste’ with hands folded because it is supposed to be a sign of worship of that person and therefore equating them with God. I have watched some videos, including one where an African person gave the same explanation by dividing the words: Nama + Te = I salute you or the God in you.
One can understand that he said this in the context of defending his preference for a handshake to greet others. As a joke, I said, “There are three kinds of folding hands: one in front of one’s face, another in front of the heart, and another above the head – which one do you mean?” Then I pointed out to him that in general when we say ‘Vanakkam’, we keep our folded hands in front of our face, and when we worship deities, we keep them either in front of our hearts or on top of our heads.
In general, when arati is performed in front of a deity, most devotees, excluding many women, will raise both their hands above their heads. Similarly, when entering a temple, several people will do the same, with some even prostrating (performing Ashtanga Namaskaram where all eight limbs of the body touch the ground before the deity – ‘ashta’ meaning eight and ‘anga’ meaning limbs). Many followers of a particular guru or Swami will also do this when visiting them. This special gesture is mostly reserved for deities or respected dignitaries.
Of course, as politicizing every part of life has now become the norm in a democracy, during election campaigns almost all candidates will perform this gesture, indirectly conveying to the people, ‘now you are our gods’ while canvassing for votes. After winning the election, it becomes the people’s turn to do the same before the elected members to gain some favors or even request them to fulfill their duties. However, it is rare to see someone perform this gesture when greeting another person with ‘Namaste’ or ‘Vanakkam’.
Although I don’t know the exact reason for such a gesture, I once heard that keeping both hands above the head in ‘Anjali Mudra’ creates a space above the head called ‘Chitakasha’ (Chit meaning consciousness and Akasha meaning sky). Here, the sky does not refer to the normal sky but the miniature of the entire cosmos, where the devotee invite the deity to come and dwell.
Though I don’t know the etymology or root word of the Tamil word ‘Vanakkam’, it might come from ‘Vanangu’ which has several meanings like bowing down, humbling, lowering, respecting, etc. The opposite word is ‘Vanagga’ which was used in the Old Tamil Muktiveda as ‘vanagga kazhutu ullavarhal’ (வணங்காக் கழுத்துள்ளவர்கள், Exo. 32:9; 33:3, 5; 34:9 etc.) which in English means, ‘those who have a stiff neck’.
But we know that taking the literal meaning doesn’t help us understand the actual meaning of a word and the context in which it is used. For example, ‘stiff neck’ does not refer to a health issue but rather to disobedience. Similarly, when we say ‘Vanakkam’ or ‘Namaste’, do we really mean that we worship the other person as God or that we are worshipping the God in that person?
Each culture has its own form of greeting others. In North India, they say ‘Namaste’ to people of the same level and ‘Pranam’ to elders out of respect. To gurus, acharyas, sannyasis, and family elders, they touch the feet and say ‘Pranam’ or ‘Pailagun’ (I touch your feet). Of course, this is not a pan-North Indian custom either. Similarly, in Tamilnadu, most people say ‘Vanakkam’ to greet others and say ‘Namaskaram’ to those from the older or elite society.
According to my understanding, with the exception of gurus and sannyasis/swamijis, no other person is greeted with reverence as if worshipping God. Even in the case of gurus and sannyasis/swamijis, they are considered ‘human gods’ and not deities or eternal ones. So when we say ‘Vanakkam’ or ‘Namaste’, we don’t worship any God in that person or worship them as God.
Even the concept of ‘human-god’ does not have a uniform understanding. Very few individuals like Saibaba claim to be a god, whereas in a few cases, the followers of a particular guru or sannyasi (like Sri Ramana, Kanchi Chandrasekara Saraswati Swami, etc.) call the individual ‘bhagavan’ and treat him like God. Even Ramakrishna Paramahamsa received the same status from his followers. But in other cases, ‘human-god’ means someone who showed grace by revealing the spiritual path to the followers. As the Hindu reality is a pluralistic inclusivism, deriving one meaning from this multi-complex worldview can be misleading.
Even if we accept, for argument’s sake, that by saying ‘Vanakkam’ or ‘Namaste’ we worship the God in that person, then what does it mean? According to my understanding, the Muktikedic teaching of humans being ‘created in the image of God’ suggests that we need to see every person as a bearer of that image of God in them. This could also mean that we treat and respect the other person for their worth as being created in God’s image and not in any other form.
When following cultural-religious practices, it is helpful to understand them in their cultural context and not approach them solely from a theological perspective. In addition to saying ‘Vanakkam’, many severely object to touching the feet of elders. Just read how many times in the Muktiveda (particularly in Purvaveda) even the ‘chosen’ people touched others’ feet.
After revising this, I asked OpenAI to give a short summary of Vanakkam and Namaste. I will provide these in the Appendix below.
2-6-15. db. Gurukulam.
Revised on 17-7-2024
Gurukulam
Appendix: Vanakkam and Namaste by Open AI. Accessed on 17-7-2024, 7.15 to 7.30 pm.
“Vanakkam” (வணக்கம்) is a traditional Tamil greeting that can be used to say “hello” or “welcome.” The term is derived from the root word “vanangu” (வணங்கு), meaning “to bow” or “to greet with reverence,” and it conveys a sense of respect and acknowledgment. It is a versatile word used in both formal and informal settings across Tamil Nadu.
In daily usage, “Vanakkam” is employed similarly to how “Namaste” is used in Hindi-speaking regions. It can be used to greet people at any time of the day and is often the first word exchanged in a conversation. Additionally, “Vanakkam” can be combined with other words to form specific greetings such as “Kaalai Vanakkam” for “Good Morning,” “Madhya Vanakkam” for “Good Afternoon,” and “Maalai Vanakkam” for “Good Evening” [[❞]](https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-meaning-of/tamil-word-31693f7f2549ff4fc147bc8e33915ed06bd50f20.html) [[❞]](https://howtosayguide.com/how-to-say-namaste-in-tamil/).
In Tamil Nadu, this greeting reflects the cultural value of showing respect and politeness. It is common to see people bow slightly with their hands pressed together in a gesture of “Anjali Mudra” when saying “Vanakkam,” especially during formal occasions or when greeting elders. The use of “Vanakkam” signifies not only a greeting but also a way to honor the person being greeted, which is deeply rooted in Tamil culture.
For further reading on this topic, you can visit [WordHippo](https://www.wordhippo.com/what-does/வணக்கம்-mean-in-Tamil) and [How to Say Guide](https://howtosayguide.com/how-to-say-namaste-in-tamil-formal-and-informal-ways/).
*Namaste: Meaning and Usage*
*Meaning:*
“Namaste” is a traditional Hindu greeting that originates from Sanskrit. It is composed of two words: “namah” (meaning “bow,” “obeisance,” “reverential salutation,” or “adoration”) and “te” (meaning “to you”). Hence, “Namaste” translates to “I bow to you.” It is a respectful greeting that acknowledges the divine spark within each person [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste) [[❞]](https://www.brettlarkin.com/namaste-meaning/).
*Usage:*
Namaste is widely used across India and among the global Indian diaspora. It is commonly accompanied by a gesture called Anjali Mudra, where the palms are pressed together in front of the chest, fingers pointing upwards, and a slight bow of the head. This gesture conveys respect and humility.
*Contexts of Use:*
1. *Greeting and Farewell*: It is used to greet elders, family members, teachers, friends, and even strangers. It can also be used as a farewell.
2. *Yoga and Spiritual Practice*: In yoga, “Namaste” is often used at the end of a session to thank participants and acknowledge the shared energy. It fosters a spiritual connection between teacher and student.
3. *Formal and Religious Settings*: In temples and during religious ceremonies, “Namaste” is used to show reverence to deities and during prayers.
4. *Positive Interactions*: The greeting is also a way to express gratitude, politeness, and goodwill. It is used in everyday interactions as a mark of respect and civility.
The usage of “Namaste” extends beyond personal interactions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it gained international recognition as a non-contact form of greeting, promoting safety and hygiene while maintaining cultural respect [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste) [[❞]](https://www.brettlarkin.com/namaste-meaning/).
Leave a Reply