Sadaka Ilakkiyam is a branch of Tamil literature. There are no references to Sadaka Illakkiyam before the age of the Pallavas. It was Manickavasagam who first used the word 'Sadakam' in Tamil, and composed a hundred verses (Thirusadakam) which are included in the Thiruvasagam. Sadakam emerged as an independent from of Sittrilakkiyam only in the 16th century.

Sadakam is a Sanskrit word. Sadam means a hundred. Sadakam implies ‘that which has a hundred'. Hence, a work containing a hundred verses came to be called 'Sadakam'.

Vaidyanatha Desikar who lived in the 17th century, laid down the grammatical rules of Sadaka literature. Sadaka works can be classified into three groups -- historical works, works written in praise of somebody and works which deal with social justice and are didactic in nature.

Works included in Sadaka literature were written on various themes such as: the King of a State, his reign, the state's natural wealth; the spread of a particular religion and the rejection of another; narratives like the Mahabharatha; social justice and reform; practical ethics, omens, superstitions and so on.

Kaarmandala Sadakam, written by Avinasi Aaraikizhar, is the earliest Sadaka work. Next in importance is Thondaimandala Sadakam written by Padikkaasu Pulavar. He also wrote Thandalayaar Sadakam, which marked a turning point in Sadaka Literature. Its unique feature was that each verse contained a proverb. Sadaka literature continued to be popular till the 18th century.

Some of the well-known Sadakams are: Kaarmandala sadakam, Thondaimandala sadakam, Cholamandala sadakam, Kongu mandala sadakam and Arappaleeswara sadakam.

Thandalai, situated on the southern banks of the Cauvery in Tamil Nadu, was famous for its Siva temple. Thandalayaar Sadakam was composed by Padikkaasu Pulavar in praise or Lord Siva. This poet belonged to Thondai Nadu. After being a householder for sometime, he became a recluse. He had obtained wide knowledge and poetic ability from Thiruvarur Vaidyanatha Navalar. A very pious man, he had won many a reward for his literary greatness. Once, during his stay in Tirunelveli, he had no money. He sang verses in praise of Goddess Sivakami. By her Divine grace, five gold coins fell to the earth, accompanied by a voice from heaven which said, "புலவருக்கு அம்மையின் பொற்கொடை". Thenceforth, he was called Padikkaasu Pulavar. Thandalayaar sadakam deals with the various aspects of domestic life such as, the greatness of a virtuous life, the importance of chastity, hospitality and the need for righteousness in politics.

This lesson teaches you what Sadaka Literature is, its different themes, well-known sadaka works. the greatness of Padikkaasu Pulavar who composed Thandalai Sadakam and its unique features.

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