மாணிக்கவாசகரின் காட்சியனுபவம்: திருவாசகத்தில் வெளிப்படும் மெய்பொருள் மற்றும் சைவ சித்தாந்த நுட்பங்கள்

The Visionary Experience of Manikkavasagar: Metaphysical Truths and Saiva Siddhanta Nuances in Thiruvasagam

Abstract

The Thiruvasagam, authored by Manikkavasagar, stands as a supreme spiritual document revered as the 'Eighth Thirumurai' in the landscape of Tamil devotional literature. Centered on the Visionary Experience of Manikkavasagar, this research paper provides a detailed exploration of the Saiva Siddhanta nuances and metaphysical truths embedded within his verses. The article analyzes the spiritual evolution of a soul once immersed in worldly pleasures, which—intercepted by Divine Grace—eventually attains the state of supreme bliss known as Sivananda.

The study discusses how Manikkavasagar records his internal visions in sections such as Sivapuranam, Thiruchathakam, and Kandapathu, and how these visions align with the Saiva Siddhanta triad of Pati-Pasu-Pasam (God-Soul-Bondage). Furthermore, it expands upon the historical context of the Lord appearing as a Guru at Thiruperunthurai to reclaim the saint, the concept of Madhura Bhakti (Nayagi-Nayagan Bhavam or the Bride-Bridegroom relationship), and scientific perspectives on the origin of the universe found in his hymns. Ultimately, this paper establishes how Manikkavasagar’s profound path of devotion—encapsulated in the philosophy of "attaining the Divine through yearning tears"—facilitates the absolute liberation of the soul.