சூளாமணியில் கலிவிருத்தம்

Kaliviruttams in the Sulamani

Abstract

In the history of Tamil Epic literature, Sulamani occupies a distinguished position next to Sivaka Sinthamani in terms of literary fame and significance. The original title given to this work by its author, Tholamozhi Thevar is Chenkan Netiyan Charitham. The Epic consists of twelve sarukkams and 2130 verses. This article examines and explains the compositional patterns of the kaliviruttam verses found in the work, based on the principles of Viruttappaviyal. Specifically, it highlights variations in rhyme schemes (etukai and monai), syllable counts, and rhythmic flow (chantham) within the kaliviruttam structures. By mapping these prosodic features against classical metrical rules, the study demonstrates how Tholamozhi Thevar skillfully adapted traditional verse forms to heighten emotional resonance and narrative momentum. Ultimately, this analysis provides deeper insights into the structural brilliance of medieval Tamil Jain epics and contributes to the broader understanding of Tamil metrics (Yappu).