குறுந்தொகையில் வழிபாட்டுத் தொன்மங்கள்: Worship Myths in Kuruntokai

Abstract

Sangam literature serves as primary evidence reflecting the lifestyle and culture of the ancient Tamils. Kuruntokai, one of the love-themed anthologies of the Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies), not only expresses the emotions of people within love conventions (Akapporul) but also records rare historical data regarding the religion, rituals, worship methods, and mythical beliefs of ancient Tamils. This article comprehensively examines the worship myths of deities featured in Kuruntokai against the background of the etymological growth of the term "Myth," the grammatical definitions in Tolkappiyam, and scholarly explanations. This study presents detailed evidence structured under four major divisions: the myth of Lord Murugan (god of the Kurinji landscape) destroying the Avunas (demons), references to Kollipavai, natural worship practices such as crescent moon adoration rituals, and valor-based hero stone (Nadukal) worship.

Keywords

• Kuruntokai
• Myth
• Sangam Literature Religion
• Murugan Avuna Vatham
• Kollipavai
• Crescent Moon Worship