தேவாரப் பனுவல்களில் புறப்பொருள் மரபுகள் மற்றும் தத்துவக் கூறுகள்: External Traditions and Philosophical Elements in the Devaram Hymns

Abstract

The Bhakti movement in Tamil literary history is considered a monumental social and cultural revolution. Specifically, the Thevaram hymns, composed between the 7th and 9th centuries CE, absorbed the Purapporul (objective/heroic) traditions of Sangam literature and restructured them into a God-centered philosophical framework. In Sangam life, "fame" (Pugazh) served as a core philosophy, reflected through terms like Keerthi and Isai. In the Thevaram, this concept of fame is transformed into hymns of praise and worship dedicated to the Divine for bestowing grace upon all living beings.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the Purathinai elements found in the hymns of the Thevaram Trinity (Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar). It examines how attributes formerly reserved for earthly monarchs in Sangam literature—such as valor, philanthropy, fame, and royal insignias—were attributed to Lord Shiva. Furthermore, it explains the adaptations of Tolkappiyam’s Purathinai conventions in the Thevaram and how the Ashta Veerattams (the eight heroic deeds of Shiva) are depicted as the pinnacle of heroism. This theoretical shift is presented not merely as a literary device, but as an expression of the political and religious struggles prevalent in the society of that era.

Keywords

• Thevaram
• Purathinai
• Ashta Veerattam
• Royal Insignia
• Philanthropy (Kodai)
• Tolkappiyam
• Bhakti Literature
• Saiva Thirumurai
• Tamil Culture
• Sangam Influence
• Nayanmars