Lesson - 2

A01122 PERIAPURANAM - ITS LITERARY EXCELLANCE

     The lesson tells you about the literary excellence of Periapuranam, its imaginative appeal, its rhetoric, and the stylistic devices which enhance its poetic beauty. It also tells the story of the life of Meypporul Nayanar, one of the 63 nayanmars.

     Those who read Periapuranam are impressed not only by its religious fervour, but also by its literary excellence. The greatness of a literary work lies in four aspects of it - namely originality or novelty, sublimity, universality and theme. We can see how Periapuranam excels in all these four aspects.

     Originality is of two types: of theme and of style. No literary classic before Periapuranam had dealt with the lives of ordinary mortals like these saints. In its style too, Periapuranam set a new trend.

The views regarding the saints and their lives, as expressed in the Periapuranam are universal. This universality contributes to its uniqueness as a classic, which in turn makes it truly, great.

     To understand the aesthetic beauty of Sekkizhar’s style, you should read the Periapuranam carefully. The flights of imagination, mastery of words, use of similes, figures of speech and descriptive power displayed by Sekkizhar, are unparalleled.

     This lesson also tells you about Meypporul Nayanar and his life. Meypporul Nayanar was a king who live in Thirukkovaloor. He believed that a saint who wore the Rudraksha Maala and smeared sacred ash on his body, was the embodiment of Truth (Meypporul); hence his name. He made arrangements for poojas, festivals and celebrations to be held regularly in all the Siva temples, and spent his life in the worship of the Lord and his saints. Muthanaadan considered Meypporul Nayanar as his enemy and waged war on him several times; but he was always defeated. Knowing that Meypporul Nayanar had great respect for Saivite saints, Muthanaadan disguised himself as a saint, entered the King’s bedroom, and struck him with his sword. Even then, Meypporul Nayanar forgave Muthanaadan and ordered that he be escorted safely to a distant place.

     In recognition of his unfailing devotion, Lord Siva appeared before Meyporul Nayanar and took him into His own being.