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Most of the didactic works in the world are based on some religion or the other. Some of them, in fact, are written to propagate a particular religion. Very few didactic works are free of any religions flavour. The Thirukkural is the greatest of these few. The concepts put forth in the Thirukkural are common to all men and ages. In other words, they are universal and immortal. Doctrines vary from time to time and religion to religion. They take on different forms to suit different situations and environments. But the doctrine put forward by Thiruvalluvar, goes beyond ages and nationalities. The word 'இறை' means immanence. He who is immanent is called இறைவன். இறைமை. இறைமை could be said to mean primacy, godliness, god, governance, propagation etc. Hence, in religious terminology, இறைமை would refer only to God. Awed by the inexplicable wonders of nature, people in ancient times, began to worship the supreme power that worked these wonders. In course of time, this developed into a religious doctrine. Religions are based on faith. This world, along with everything in it, was created by God. When men realized that there was a power above them which was Omnipotent and Omnipresent, they began to worship that power in the form of God. The ancient Tamils based their worship on the land they lived on, their lifestyle and their traditions. Today, there are several religions in Tamil Nadu, such as Saivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Christianity. During the Sangam era, there were only four religions, viz, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Jainism. With the view of finding unity among these, Thirumoolar in the 6th century, wrote "There is only one community and one God." The same attitude could be seen in the Thirukkural also. For example, in the section "கடவுள் வாழ்த்து", , Thiruvalluvar does not mention the name of a particular God or religion. He maintains this stance till the very end of the Thirukkural. Writing about governance, Thiruvalluvar said that he who governs without any bias, is a good king and therefore equal to God. If such a king rules, there will be prosperity in the land and the people will be happy. Most religions advocate the philosophy that life on earth is transitory and hence men should strive to attain bliss after death by leading an austere life on earth. Thiruvalluvar, on the other hand gives importance to family life and says that if a man fulfils his duties as a householder faithfully, he becomes godly. Similarly, a woman who considers her husband as her God and leads a chaste life, can control even the elements of nature. Thiruvalluvar was also of the view that it is possible to overcome one's destiny through one's efforts. Just as the letter 'Ü' is the first in the Tamil language, God is the beginning and the basis of this world. True happiness can be derived only when a man leads a righteous life. Similarly, when a man does something wrong, his conscience itself will punish him. He who intends harm to others, will himself come to harm. These are the lessons which the Thirukkural teaches us. |
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