This lesson discusses the various aspects of ‘Arapaleesura Sadhagam’ composed by Ambalavaana Kavirayar in the 18th century A.D. Sadhagam is one of the 96 minor literary genres in Tamil. It is a compendium of 100 verses i.e. (cheyyul) pertaining to ‘agam’ or ‘puram’ themes. The verses are linked to each other by a refrain that occurs at the end of each verse.

    Initially, ‘sadhagams’ were written in praise of gods. A part of ‘Thiruvaasagam’ sung by Maanikavaasagar is called ‘Thiruccadhagam’. It celebrates the glory of Lord Shiva. Later poets started writing sadhagams in praise of kings, local chieftains, patrons, great heroes or their kingdom. ‘Thondai Mandala Sadhagam’, ‘Pandi Mandala Sadhagam, and Chozha Mandala Sadhagam are examples of sadhagams written on the socio- political life of a particular kingdom. Sadhagams were also written on a variety of other themes such as health, history, biography etc. Based on their themes sadhagams came to be classified as Bakthi Sadhagams, Varalaatru Sadhagams, Vaazhviyal Sadhagams, Maruthuva Sadhagams, Aga Sadhagams and so on. Sadhagams were usually written in a simple metrical form. As they were easy to learn and comprehend, they were often used as a means of driving home philosophical and moral truths. ‘Kumaresa Sadhagam’ and ‘Thandalaiyar Sadhagam’ are examples of sadhagams that used maxims or proverbs to comment on life and human nature.

    ‘Arapaleesura Sadhagam’ is dedicated to Lord Arapaleesurar at Caduragiri which is a saiva stalam near Kollimalai. Ambalavaana Kavirayar wrote this sadhagam at the behest of his patron Madavel. ‘Arapaleesura Sadhagam’ begins with an invocatory verse dedicated to Lord Vinayaga.

    Didactic in content, ‘Arapaleesura Sadhagam’ aims at imparting valuable lessons of life. It speaks of philosophical and moral truths. It comments on the follies and foibles of human nature. This sadagam talks about the transience of life and the need to live a virtuous life. It outlines the duties of a king, father, wife, husband and mother and stresses on the values that hold a family together thus analysing the basis of a happy domestic life. It speaks of the art of raising one’s children. The author also condemns anger as a terrible vice and sings about the tyranny of poverty. He invokes Lord Arapaleesurar in every verse and then expounds the various truths of life. The poet also mentions the generosity and kindness of his patron Madavel in every verse.