VIJAYAWADA: Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan (Zen) in China has deep roots in Andhra Pradesh and belongs to early Pallava dynasty from Srisailam region, claimed Professor T Raghu, author of ‘Bodhidharma Retold - A journey from Sailam to Shaolin’.Released by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the author, in his book, made a path breaking revelation stating that the title Shaolin temple is derived from the geographical location Srisailam. Sailum, over the years of alternative pronunciation, became Shaolin.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday, Raghu said that Kung Fu, the mother of martial arts has its origin in Andhra Pradesh. He said that in the present volume, he explained the Chinese version of Bodhidharma’s history and in the second volume, to be released in three months, he will narrate the Indian version of Bodhidharma’s life in Andhra Pradesh.
He said Yakshas were one of the tribes in the land around Srisailam region. Interestingly these Yakshas (Jakkus or Chenchus of today) also find place in Shaolin temple where the staff is named after them and Yakshas are worshipped.The author said that a Zen park monastery should be developed in Srisailam region to protect and highlight roots of Bodhidharma.