சைவத் திருமுறைகளில் கருப்பொருள்களின் ஆதிக்கம்: தேவாரத் தலங்களின் அகப்பொருள் மற்றும் ஆன்மீகப் பின்னணி குறித்த ஓர் விரிவான ஆய்வு

The Dominance of 'Karupporul' (Native Elements) in Saiva Thirumurai: A Comprehensive Study on the 'Akam' and Spiritual Background of Thevaram Shrines

Abstract

In the history of Tamil literature, the period of Bhakti literature is regarded as a golden era where the triad of language, art, and spirituality converged. Specifically, Thevaram, constituting the first seven of the twelve Thirumurais, stands as a monumental achievement that fused the classical Tamil tradition of Akam (inner/love theme) grammar with the path of devotion (Bhakti).

This research paper extensively examines how Karupporul (native elements) in Thevaram hymns is utilized not merely to describe the geographical nature of a landscape, but to elucidate profound spiritual truths and sentiments related to the Akam tradition. Among the three fundamental components defined by the Tolkappiyam—Muthanporul (primary elements), Karupporul (native elements), and Uripporul (emotional themes)—Karupporul represents the lifeline of a landscape. It comprises elements such as the presiding deity, food sources, fauna, flora, birds, percussion instruments (Parai), occupations, and string instruments (Yazh).

When depicting the natural abundance of the shrines they praised, the Thevaram Trio (Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar) employed these native elements not as mere aesthetic descriptions, but as Ullurai Uvamam (implied metaphors) that illustrate the relationship between the soul and the Divine. Through the analysis of 12 primary hymns, this paper logically dissects how the flowers of the Ainthinai (five landscapes), the behavior of animals, the resonance of musical instruments, and the worship practices of devotees collectively construct the spiritual identity of a region.