வைணவம்: திருமால் (மகாவிஷ்ணு) மற்றும் அவரது அவதாரங்களை வழிபடும் முறை

Vaishnavism: The Tradition of Worshipping Thirumal (Maha Vishnu) and His Avatars

Abstract

Vaishnavism stands as a prominent Bhakti (devotional) movement within Indian religious traditions. The religious path that worships Vishnu as the Supreme God is known as Vaishnavism. This faith is one of the six major sects of Hinduism. In Tamil tradition, Vishnu is affectionately called Thirumal or Perumal. The worship of Thirumal has existed in Tamil culture since the Sangam era.

Vaishnavite scriptures describe Thirumal as playing a central role in the creation, preservation, and establishment of righteousness (Dharma) in the universe. While Brahma is associated with creation and Shiva with destruction, Vishnu manifests as the Preserver. It is believed that whenever unrighteousness (Adharma) rises in the world, the Lord takes an Avatar (incarnation) to protect living beings and restore Dharma.

Among the countless incarnations of Thirumal, ten significant ones are known as the Dashavataras. These ten avatars are Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Balarama, Krishna, and Kalki.

The twelve Alvars, who lived in Tamil Nadu between the 5th and 9th centuries CE, were the chief pioneers of the Vaishnavite Bhakti movement. They praised Thirumal through Tamil verses and worked dedicatedly to spread Vaishnavism across Tamil Nadu. The Tamil compendium composed by these Alvars, known as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, is revered on par with the Vedas. The Vaishnavite preceptor (Acharya) Ramanuja formalized the practice of reciting these Tamil hymns during worship rituals in all Vaishnavite temples and households.

Within Vaishnavism, there are two major sects: Vadakalai and Thenkalai, as well as two ritualistic Agama traditions: Vaikhanasa and Pancharatra. Worship rituals such as daily pujas, festivals, and the lighting of ghee lamps take place regularly in Thirumal temples. As a result of the Bhakti movement, Shaivism and Vaishnavism flourished, leading to a golden era of Tamil devotional literature. Today, Vaishnavism thrives as a faith with millions of devotees worldwide.