Actor Daali Dhananjay and his wife Dhanyatha have revealed the name of their son on the occasion of the Gowri-Ganesha festival. The couple has named him Ereya, an ancient Kannada name with a historical connection to the Badami Chalukya dynasty.
The name was revealed through a gold pendant featuring the map of Karnataka, with ‘Ereya’ engraved at its centre. Dhananjay shared the name with the festive post, introducing their son to the public.
Ereya is an ancient Kannada term that means lord, master or ruler. The name also has a connection to Pulakeshi II, one of the prominent rulers of the Badami Chalukya dynasty. Historical accounts state that Pulakeshi II was known as Ereya in his childhood.
Pulakeshi II, who ruled the Chalukya kingdom from Vatapi, present-day Badami, is remembered for expanding the kingdom and for his conflicts with several contemporary rulers, including the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I.
By choosing Ereya, Dhananjay and Dhanyatha have given their son a name with a reference to an important period in Karnataka's history. The name also reflects the couple's decision to use a traditional Kannada name for their child.
The couple had not previously revealed their son's name publicly. Their announcement on Gowri-Ganesha festival has now introduced the name Ereya to their fans and followers. The announcement has been met with wishes from their friends, colleagues and members of the Kannada film industry.
For Dhananjay and Dhanyatha, Ereya is both their son's name and a word with a documented place in Kannada history, carrying the meanings of lord, master and ruler and a connection to one of the best-known rulers of the Badami Chalukya dynasty.
