Periya Puranam, also known as Tiruttondar Puranam or Thiru Thondar Puranam, is a Tamil poetic work composed in the 12th century by Sekkizhar. The title translates to “Great Epic” in English, and it narrates the lives of the 63 Nayanars, who were devout followers of Lord Shiva. This literary work holds significant importance in Tamil literature, serving both as a religious text and a cultural artifact.
The composition consists of 60 chapters, each dedicated to one or more of the 63 Nayanars. These devotees came from various social backgrounds, including royalty, poets, and ordinary citizens. Their stories illustrate profound devotion to Shiva and the transformative power of faith.
Periya Puranam is highly regarded in Tamil-speaking communities and is frequently recited during religious ceremonies in temples and homes. It not only provides hagiographical accounts but also offers insights into the social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of medieval Tamil society. The text’s enduring popularity and influence stem from its ability to combine religious teachings with poetic expression, making it a cornerstone of Tamil literary and spiritual traditions.
Periya Puranam continues to be studied and revered for its historical, literary, and religious significance.
Key Takeaways
- Periya Puranam is a Tamil poetic work that narrates the lives of 63 Nayanars, the devotees of Lord Shiva.
- Thirugnana Sambandar, one of the Nayanars, was blessed with the ability to speak and compose hymns at the age of three.
- Thirunavukkarasar performed miracles such as bringing a dead man back to life and stopping a flood with his prayers.
- Sundarar’s unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva led to him being granted the title “Sundaramurthi Nayanar.”
- Manickavasagar’s teachings in Periya Puranam emphasize the importance of surrendering to Lord Shiva and seeking spiritual liberation.
- Periya Puranam holds great significance in Tamil literature as it showcases the devotion and miracles of the Nayanars.
- The influence of Periya Puranam on Tamil culture is evident in the widespread veneration of the Nayanars and the celebration of their lives through music, dance, and art.
The Legend of Thirugnana Sambandar
Early Life and Devotion
Even as a child, Sambandar displayed extraordinary devotion to Shiva, and his miraculous healing of his mother’s illness at the age of three garnered widespread attention.
Pilgrimage and Miracles
Sambandar’s devotion and miraculous abilities continued to grow, and he embarked on a pilgrimage to various Shiva temples, composing hymns known as Thevaram along the way. One of the most famous miracles attributed to Sambandar is the resurrection of Poompavai, the daughter of a Chola king, who had been possessed by an evil spirit.
Legacy and Inspiration
Sambandar’s unwavering faith and his ability to heal the afflicted through his hymns earned him a revered place among the Nayanars. His life and miracles, as chronicled in Periya Puranam, continue to inspire devotees and serve as a testament to the power of faith and devotion.
The Miracles of Thirunavukkarasar
Thirunavukkarasar, also known as Appar, was another prominent Nayanar whose life and miracles are chronicled in Periya Puranam. Appar was born into a Brahmin family in present-day Tamil Nadu and was initially a staunch follower of Jainism. However, after encountering the teachings of the Nayanars and experiencing a divine intervention at the hands of Lord Shiva, Appar renounced Jainism and embraced Shaivism.
His unwavering devotion to Shiva and his miraculous experiences are documented in Periya Puranam. One of the most famous miracles attributed to Appar is his encounter with a ferocious tiger while on a pilgrimage to a Shiva temple. Instead of attacking him, the tiger bowed down in reverence to Appar, signifying the divine protection he received from Lord Shiva.
Appar’s hymns and devotional songs, known as Thevaram, continue to be sung in temples and homes across Tamil Nadu, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy. His life and miracles, chronicled in Periya Puranam, stand as a testament to the transformative power of faith and devotion.
The Devotion of Sundarar
| Metrics | Data |
|---|---|
| Author | Sundarar |
| Genre | Bhakti literature |
| Language | Tamil |
| Period | 9th century |
| Subject | Devotion to Lord Shiva |
Sundarar, also known as Sundaramurthy, was another prominent Nayanar whose life and devotion are chronicled in Periya Puranam. Sundarar was born into a Brahmin family in present-day Tamil Nadu and was initially a devotee of Vishnu. However, after encountering the teachings of the Nayanars and experiencing divine interventions at the hands of Lord Shiva, Sundarar renounced Vaishnavism and embraced Shaivism.
His unwavering devotion to Shiva and his miraculous experiences are documented in Periya Puranam. One of the most famous miracles attributed to Sundarar is his encounter with an elephant while on a pilgrimage to a Shiva temple. Instead of attacking him, the elephant bowed down in reverence to Sundarar, signifying the divine protection he received from Lord Shiva.
Sundarar’s hymns and devotional songs, known as Thevaram, continue to be sung in temples and homes across Tamil Nadu, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy. His life and miracles, chronicled in Periya Puranam, stand as a testament to the transformative power of faith and devotion.
The Life and Teachings of Manickavasagar
Manickavasagar was a renowned poet-saint and one of the prominent Nayanars whose life and teachings are chronicled in Periya Puranam. Manickavasagar was born into a Brahmin family in present-day Tamil Nadu and served as a minister in the court of Pandya king Arimarttanar. Despite his high social status, Manickavasagar renounced worldly pleasures and embraced an ascetic life devoted to Lord Shiva.
His unwavering devotion to Shiva and his profound spiritual experiences are documented in Periya Puranam. Manickavasagar’s most famous work is Thiruvasagam, a collection of hymns that express his deep love and devotion for Lord Shiva. These hymns are revered for their lyrical beauty and profound spiritual insights.
One of the most famous miracles attributed to Manickavasagar is his ability to transform an old woman into a young maiden through his divine grace. His life and teachings, chronicled in Periya Puranam, continue to inspire devotees and serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith and devotion.
The Significance of Periya Puranam in Tamil Literature
The Literary and Spiritual Significance
The text is revered for its poetic beauty, lyrical richness, and profound spiritual insights. It has been instrumental in shaping the devotional landscape of Tamil Nadu and continues to inspire generations of devotees with its timeless tales of faith and devotion.
The Inclusive Nature of Shaivism
The 63 Nayanars chronicled in Periya Puranam hail from diverse backgrounds, including kings, poets, and commoners, reflecting the inclusive nature of Shaivism. Their stories exemplify unwavering faith and devotion to Lord Shiva, serving as an inspiration for devotees from all walks of life.
Enduring Legacy of the Nayanars
Periya Puranam stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Nayanars and their profound impact on Tamil literature and culture. The text has been instrumental in popularizing the devotional hymns known as Thevaram composed by the Nayanars, which continue to be sung in temples and homes across Tamil Nadu.
The Influence of Periya Puranam on Tamil Culture
Periya Puranam has had a profound influence on Tamil culture, shaping religious practices, artistic expressions, and social values. The text has played a pivotal role in popularizing the devotional hymns known as Thevaram composed by the Nayanars, which continue to be an integral part of religious ceremonies and cultural events in Tamil Nadu. The stories of the 63 Nayanars chronicled in Periya Puranam have been depicted in various art forms such as music, dance, drama, and visual arts, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Tamil Nadu.
The enduring legacy of Periya Puranam is evident in the widespread veneration of the Nayanars and their contributions to Shaivism. Temples dedicated to the Nayanars have been built across Tamil Nadu, serving as centers of religious pilgrimage and cultural heritage. The text has also inspired countless literary works that celebrate the lives and teachings of the Nayanars, further cementing their place in Tamil culture.
Periya Puranam continues to be revered by the Tamil-speaking community for its role in preserving and promoting the spiritual heritage of the Nayanars and their timeless tales of faith and devotion.
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FAQs
What is Periya Puranam?
Periya Puranam is a Tamil poetic work that narrates the lives of the 63 Nayanars, the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is considered a sacred text in the Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta tradition.
Who wrote Periya Puranam?
Periya Puranam was written by Sekkizhar, a poet and devotee of Lord Shiva, in the 12th century.
What is the significance of Periya Puranam?
Periya Puranam is highly revered by the Tamil Shaiva community and is considered a significant work in Tamil literature. It is a source of inspiration and devotion for the followers of Lord Shiva.
What are the themes of Periya Puranam?
The main themes of Periya Puranam include devotion, sacrifice, and the miraculous acts performed by the Nayanars in their devotion to Lord Shiva. It also emphasizes the idea of divine grace and the power of faith.
Is Periya Puranam still relevant today?
Yes, Periya Puranam is still relevant today as it continues to inspire and guide the followers of Lord Shiva in their spiritual journey. It is also studied for its literary and historical significance.