Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies

In the Tamil literary tradition, Meyppadu refers to the profound grammatical elements that realistically express the deep inner emotions of the human mind through external bodily manifestations and gestures. Among the eight types of Meyppadu defined by Tolkappiyar in Porulathikaram, the Azhugai (sorrow/weeping) Meyppadu holds a unique place, as it blatantly reflects the existential tragedies of human life. The Azhugai Meyppadu is the external manifestation of mental agony arising from four primary factors: Ilivu (disgrace/degradation), Izhavu (loss), Asaivu (fatigue/weakness), and Varumai (poverty).

This study aims to explore the various dimensions of the Azhugai Meyppadu found in Tamil's first epic, Silappatikaram, along with its social and philosophical backgrounds. It analyzes how the Azhugai Meyppadu in all three cantos of Silappatikaram—Puhar Kandam, Madurai Kandam, and Vanchi Kandam—does not merely remain a personal sorrow, but symbolically expresses the decline of social dharma and tragedy on a cosmic scale. Specifically, the profound dimensions of sorrow are brought to light through the emotional struggles and psychological states of Kannagi, Kovalan, Madhavi, the Pandya King, Madhari, and the people of Madurai.