Kulasekara

Kulasekara is a Tamil given name and surname. It is derived from Sanskrit words 'kula' meaning lineage or family and 'shekhara' meaning crest or crown, thus signifying "crown of the lineage" or "head of the family." The name is associated with royalty and has been borne by several prominent figures in South Indian history.

The most notable historical figure to bear the name was Kulasekhara Alwar, one of the twelve Alvars, a group of Vaishnavite saints who were devotees of Lord Vishnu. He was a significant poet and composer of devotional hymns, collectively known as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. His life and works are central to the Tamil Bhakti movement.

Another prominent ruler was Kulasekhara Varma, a king of the Chera dynasty in the 9th century CE. He is credited with ushering in an era of peace and prosperity for his kingdom. The Chera kings were known for their patronage of arts and literature, and Kulasekhara Varma is believed to have contributed to the development of Malayalam literature.

In contemporary times, Kulasekhara continues to be a popular given name in Tamil Nadu and among the Tamil diaspora. It is also used as a surname by many families. The name evokes a sense of tradition, nobility, and cultural heritage.