Who is Pandia?
Pandia or Pandian is a name closely associated with Madurai. The Pandian Kingdom ALWAYS ruled from Madurai. So the prominent train to Madurai was named Pandian Express & the state roadways corporation with Madurai as headquarters was called Pandian (PRC) till all such corporations were merged and named blandly as TNSTC. Even rural folks in southern Kerala refer Tamilians as ‘Paandimaar’ instead of ‘Tamizhan-maar’.
We take it for granted that Pandia is an ancient Tamil name. Well, I came across the following detail at Pandia website (while visiting this link, just scroll above – not down – to read about Pandia)
Pandia was a Greek moon-goddess of light and enlightenment and daughter of Zeus and Selene. She was reckoned to be one of the most beautiful goddesses on the Olymp. There is a particular Homeric hymn that gives us the story about Pandia. Then again, others say that Pandia is the daughter of the Hindu god Krishna.
This is quite new to me. Does Krishna had a daughter named Pandia? Are Pandians known as descendants of Krishna? Or, Pandia & Pandian are two completely different names not be confused upon? Are there any other reference to the origin of Pandians of Madurai? Just curious.
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So..we have a greek origin with a stop over from Lord Krishna ! Well, well well…i always thought our land was different. Now, you seem to throw some light !
If you ask the locals, they would say the opposite!! That Greeks originated from here !
“Pandia’ – greek godess should be pronounced as ‘pan’ in pancake. Pls do not confuse it with Paandias of Madurai.
Thanks. But I could find only a small difference in pronunciation, which might pass as the European accent. I’m not confusing it with Madurai Pandians, just wanted to point out the similarity in names.
Also, that site mentioned a daughter of Krishna with same name. That was quite new to me. If any body had info on that it would be helpful.