p20211 Lesson 1 Saivism in Ancient Tamilnadu

This lesson traces the origin and evolution of saivism in Tamilnadu. ‘Saivism’, which denotes the worship of Lord Shiva, is considered to be one of the most ancient religious faiths in the world. Rock inscriptions, archaeological findings and references in ancient literary texts have helped in reconstructing the history of saivism. Archaeological excavations in the Indus valley and other parts of the world have revealed that the cult of Shiva was prevalent in several ancient civilizations.

In Tamilnadu the earliest references to the worship of Shiva date back to the Sangam period. Sangam literature, which comprises the ‘Ettuthogai’ (or the Eight Anthologies) and ‘Pathupaatu’ (or the Ten Idylls), are replete with references to Shiva, who was held as the Primal Being by the Tamils. It is interesting to note that the deity is only referred to by other names attributed to Him. The name ‘Shiva’ itself is conspicuous by its absence. The anthologies which are a part of ‘Ettuthogai’ contain vivid descriptions of the various attributes of Shiva. A song in ‘Agananuru’ speaks of Him as the God with the ‘third eye’ on his forehead’. Similarly, the ‘Kalithogai’ hails Him as the Lord who bears the ganges on his head. The invocatory verses in ‘Aingurunuru’, ‘Kalithogai’, ‘Agananuru’ and ‘Purananuru’ celebrate the greatness of Shiva. These texts also have numerous references to puranas associated with the cult of Shiva. Some of the anthologies in ‘Ettuthogai’ allude to the festivals and rituals associated with Shiva. The ‘Paripadal’ speaks of the festival of Thiruvathirai, while a verse in ‘Agananuru’ mentions the ‘Velan Veriyaattu’, a ritual dance associated with saivism.

‘Pathupattu’ (or the Ten Idylls) which begin with the ‘Thirumurugaatruppadai’ reveals that the cult of Muruga was held as an important aspect of saivism. ‘Pathupattu’ not only testifies to the antiquity of saivism but also highlights the importance attached to idol worship. ‘Sirupaanaatruppadai’ one of the ten idylls, informs us of the various sacrificial yagams held in veneration of Shiva.

‘Tholkappiam’, an ancient grammar text, refers to Muruga as ‘Sevvel’ and hails Him as the presiding deity of Kurinji- the mountainous regions. In ‘Thirukkural’ one finds philosophical tenets that are similar to the saiva siddantam.

The period between the 2nd and the 6th century A.D. is generally referred to as the Dark Age in Tamil history. Tamilnadu was ruled by the Kalapirars and not much is known about the growth of Saivism during this period. The only allusions to Shiva worship are found in the twin epics ‘Silapathigaaram’ and ‘Manimekalai’ and the devotional hymns of Kaarikkal Ammiar. ‘Thiruvaalangattu Moothathiruppathigam’, ‘Thiru Irattai Manimalai’ and ‘Arputha Thiruvanthathi’ written by Karaikkal Ammaiar were the first texts that laid down the basic tenets of saivism.

After the 6th century A.D. the Tamils came under the rule of the Pandya, Pallava and Chozha Kings. Saivism flourished under the glorious reigns of these kings. The saiva bakthi movement gained momentum with the compilation of the Thirumuraigal. The Thirumuraigal are hailed as the canonical literature of saivism and are the fountainhead of saiva philosophy. Written by the poet-saints Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunaavukkarasar and Sundarar, the Thevaram, which constitutes the first 7 Thirumuraigal, took the doctrines of saiva siddantam to the common man. Among the 12 Thirumuraigal, the 9th and the 11th were composed by various other poet- saints. ‘Periapuraanam’, the 12th Thirumurai sung by Sekkeezhaar, is also considered to be an important work in Saiva literature.