LESSON - 5

D0 6115 சிறுதெய்வங்களும் கோயில்களும்

MINOR GODS AND TEMPLES

    Folklore approach is a pioneer to the modern temple architecture. The structure of the temples for little gods and the security provided by them to the village are mentioned in this lesson. The bases for the worship of minor gods in ancient times are also explored. Serpent worship has been a tradition from olden days and has an impact even in temples for great Gods. Ayyanar temples exist in most villages and சாத்தன் is traced to Ayyanar. சுடலைமாடன், கருப்பசாமி and முனீசுவரன் temples have been organisations of safety for the rural people. There are temples for deities like இயக்கி (இசக்கி) in many villages. The temple campuses where seven virgins and சேட்டை (ஜேஷ்டா தேவி) are worshipped are historically explained in this lesson.

    The architectural dimensions were not too well known to the ancient Tamils. Living in thatched huts on mountain slopes and forest ranges, they felt that diseases like diarrhoea and small-pox were caused by angry gods and goddesses and by the spirit of the dead. There were attempts to pacify them by offering sheep, cock and buffalo as sacrifices to the installed stones, tridents or spears in village temples. These temples were constructed by a somewhat traditional folk architecture different from the modern artistic architecture. The temples in fact followed the planning of houses for people to live. Over the years these temples became larger campuses with prayer halls etc., But the faith in the gods and Goddesses established in open space without roofs continued. Such temples in turn became places of safety and security. Goddesses were more prominent in rural areas than gods.

    Serpent worship right in the anthills where they live had led to the appearance of various mythological creations and the apparent principles underlying them.

    The most sought after security God in Tamil villages is ஐயனார். Temples for Ayyanar are not large campuses like other temples but contain vast spaces in front to allow people to come in large groups for preparing food for offering.

    Other small temples include the guardian deities gods like சுடலை மாடன், கருப்பசாமி, முனீசுவரன் and இசக்கி.

    Similarly several other types of worship like seven mothers, seven virgins, சேட்டை or மூதேவி became prominent forms of Goddess Sakthi to protect the people from not only natural calamities but also from committing sins in life.

    This lesson provides you with all the information about rural conceptions of gods and goddesses more as protective devices and designs than as Supreme Being.