உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்

Abstract

In the history of Tamil literature, the word Kalvan (thief) does not merely denote a common criminal; it carries a profound symbolic meaning across the distinct realms of love (Akam) and devotion (Bhakti). This article explores how the "human hero" who steals the heroine’s heart in the Sangam literary tradition evolved into the "Divine Being" who steals the ignorance of souls during the Bhakti period.

Drawing upon the scholarly insights of Dr. A. Atheeswari, this paper analyzes the transformation of the Kalvan symbol—found in works like Kuruntokai and Kalithokai—into the "Thief who steals the heart" (Ullam Kavar Kalvan) in Thirugnanasambandhar’s Thodudaiya Seviyan hymn.

The article provides a detailed explanation of the six stages through which the Divine steals the soul's heart:

1. Arousing Doubt (Initial encounter/wonder)
2. Loosening the Bangles (The physical manifestation of longing)
3. Captivating through Speech
4. Awe-inspiring Acts
5. Captivating through Valor
6. Forceful Grace (Coming voluntarily to claim the soul)

Furthermore, the paper discusses from a philosophical perspective why the Almighty is hailed as the "Great Thief" in Saiva Siddhanta and explores His nature as Antaryami (the Indweller).

Keywords

• Ullam Kavar Kalvan (The Thief of Hearts)
• Sangam Literature
• Bhakti Literature
• Thirugnanasambandhar
• Saiva Siddhanta
• Akathinai (Interior Landscape)
• Symbology, Kapilar
• Kuruntokai
• Kalithokai