In Tamil literature, it is the poetical works, which form the majority in terms of length, quality and number. Among these, epics occupy an important place. Works based on several religions have been written in Tamil. There are epics based on Christianity, which is one of the greatest of world religions. These works enhance the greatness of Tamil. In this lesson, you shall learn about, இரட்சணிய
யாத்திரிகம், one of the important Christian epics in Tamil.

    European Christian missionaries have played a significant role in enriching Tamil literature. Tamil Christians have also added to the wealth of Tamil literature by their works. Notable among them is H.A.Krishna Pillai. Born in a small village called Karaiyiruppu in Tirunelveli District on April 23,1827, Krishna Pillai was a Vaishnavite. His parents were Sankara Narayana Pillai and Deivanayaki Ammal. Well-versed in Tamil, Krishna Pillai’s father could give discourses on Kamba Ramayanam. Hence he made sure that his son also acquired a good knowledge of Tamil and Sanskrit.

    Krishna Pillai worked as a lecturer in Tamil in the Christian College at Saayarpuram. At that time, attracted by the teachings of Jesus Christ, he became a Christian.

    Apart from the, இரட்சணிய யாத்திரிகம், Krishna Pillai has written several rare works, some of which are not available now. இரட்சணிய யாத்திரிகம் (A Safe Pilgrimage) is a unique epic. Though based on John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, இரட்சணிய யாத்திரிகம் is typically Tamilian, incorporating Tamil culture and traditions. It describes the journey of a pilgrim. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the language used by Krishna Pillai is a mixture of Tamil and Sanskrit. From the composition of the verses, one can detect the impact of the Kamba Ramayanam on the poet. The entire epic is in the form of a long metaphor. It also incorporates the Vaishnavite philosophy of total surrender to God.