Antiquity of the 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Antiquity of the 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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R.K.K Rajarajan
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Antiquity of the 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛
Year: 2012 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.4840
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article delves into the significance and antiquity of the 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 (sacred shrines) dedicated to 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 in the 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 region, primarily through the hymns of the Tamil mystics known as the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉. The 狈腻濒腻测颈谤补迟颈惫惫颈测补辫颈谤补辫补苍迟补尘, a collection of hymns, enumerates 108 sacred sites in the Indian subcontinent, with 18 located in 笔腻峁囜笉测补 country. The text explores these shrines' historical and cultural relevance, their ecological settings, and the influence of earlier Vedic and Sanskritic literature, alongside the adaptations made by the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 to resonate with local traditions.
Evolution of the 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 Cult
One important concept highlighted is the evolution of the 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 cult within the framework of Tamil devotional literature. The article establishes that the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 played a crucial role in shaping the 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 bhakti movement through their hymns, which blend earlier religious ideas with Tamil cultural elements. Dating the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 between the 5th and 9th centuries CE, it discusses how their collective works reflect a continuity of devotional practice that may have roots in earlier Tamil literature, such as the 笔补谤颈辫腻峁璦濒, suggesting a long-standing tradition of bhakti in Tamil Nadu influenced by a variety of historical and mythical narratives concerning the divine.
The Sacred Geography of 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛
Another key point is the sacred geography of 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 and the significance of its 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉. The article elucidates the theological and cultural dimensions of the 18 sacred sites specified in the 狈腻濒腻测颈谤补尘, underscoring how the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 portrayed these locations as not just physical spaces but as divine abodes teeming with ecological and spiritual richness. It presents a clear delineation of these sacred spaces based on their geographical attributes and the corresponding local legends and rituals that infused them with their sacred status, substantiated by archaeological findings and textual references.
The Role of Ecology in Devotion
The prominence of ecological descriptions within the hymns sheds light on another vital concept: the link between nature and divinity as expressed in the writings of the 膩岣籿膩rs. The article discusses how the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 celebrated the natural world鈥攊ts flora, fauna, and landscapes鈥攁sserting that these elements not only enhanced the beauty of each divyak峁tra but were also integral to the worship of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻. This connection between the sacred and the environmental situates the cult of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 within a framework of holistic reverence for nature, demonstrating how ecological appreciation was intrinsic to the Tamil devotional experience.
Transformation of Worship Practices
Next, the article addresses the transformations in worship practices and temple architecture over the centuries. It tracks the changes from the initial rock-cut temples to later structural styles, highlighting how the images and symbolism within these temples evolved in response to shifting devotional needs and socio-political factors. For instance, the 蝉迟腻苍补办补蝉 (standing forms) of the divine were often influenced by royal patronage and local customs, leading to a fascinating interplay between artistry, spirituality, and community identity in the growth of these sacred shrines.
The Influence of Cultural Adaptation
Additionally, the article discusses the cultural adaptations present in the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉' hymns, illustrating how the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 reinterpreted existing Vedic and Sanskritic narratives to make them accessible and relevant to the Tamil populace. This syncretic approach not only enriched Tamil literature but also fostered a deep-rooted cultural identity among the adherents of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 worship in Tamil Nadu. It emphasizes the role of the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 in democratizing spirituality, allowing various social classes, including non-Brahmins, to partake in the devotional traditions, fostering a sense of community and shared divine grace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article portrays the 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 as vital components of Tamil spiritual life, intricately connected to the history, ecology, and socio-cultural dynamics of the region. By analyzing the works of the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, it becomes evident that these sacred sites were not merely places of worship but were interwoven into the fabric of Tamil identity and devotion. Moreover, the study invites further contemplation on how Tamil devotional practices persist and evolve, aligning with broader trends in Indian sacred geography and spirituality.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the divyade艣as listed by the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉?
The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 extol 108 sacred venues, known as divyade艣as, dedicated to 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 across the Indian subcontinent. They classify these locations into geographical segments, with 18 situated in the 笔腻峁囜笉测补 region.
What important themes are covered in the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉' hymns?
Their hymns encompass details on m奴rti (idol), t墨rtha (sacred water), local ecology, landscape, flora, fauna, as well as associated mythologies, rituals (p奴j膩s), and festivals (utsavas) related to 痴颈峁ａ箛耻.
How did the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 adapt existing themes to local culture?
The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 incorporated elements from the Vedas and pur膩峁嘺s, reinterpreting them in a Tamil context to resonate with local cultural traditions and beliefs, tailoring worship practices to meet regional sentiments.
Which centuries did the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 influence Tamil literature?
The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 significantly influenced Tamil literature from the 6th to the 9th century, creating a lasting legacy in devotional poetry that shaped the Tamil Vaishnavite tradition.
What is the significance of the 狈腻濒腻测颈谤补迟颈惫惫颈测补辫颈谤补辫补苍迟补尘?
The 狈腻濒腻测颈谤补迟颈惫惫颈测补辫颈谤补辫补苍迟补尘 is a collection of hymns by the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 that detail the praise and significance of 108 divyade艣as, which are central to Tamil Vaishnavism.
Which 膧岣籿腻谤 mentioned the sacred location 惭腻濒颈谤耻帽肠艒濒补颈?
惭腻濒颈谤耻帽肠艒濒补颈 is extolled by 笔别谤颈测腻岣籿腻谤 in his hymns, celebrating its beauty, ecological richness, and the divine presence of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻, reflecting the significance of the site in Tamil devotional practices.
How many 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 sang praises of 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛?
Among the twelve 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, seven specifically sang praises about the divyade艣as located in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛, contributing to the recognition of these sacred sites.
What are the characteristics of the temples in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛?
Temples in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 feature specific architectural styles, with m奴rti representations, rituals, and a historical evolution influenced by various dynasties from the early medieval period to the 18th century.
What role did ecological descriptions play in the hymns?
The ecological descriptions in the hymns emphasize the natural beauty surrounding the divyade艣as, linking the divine with the environment. They reflect the ecological awareness and cultural identity of the Tamil people.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for 鈥淎ntiquity of the 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Temple:
A Temple, as described in the text, refers to centers of worship of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻, known as divyade艣as, each having significant historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. Notable temples discussed include 惭腻濒颈谤耻帽肠艒濒补颈 and 碍奴峁璦濒 A岣籥kar temple, each associated with intricate rituals and festivals
2) Alvar (Arvar, Alwar):
膧岣籿腻谤 refers to the twelve Tamil 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 mystics who authored hymns extolling 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 and his divyade艣as. They are deeply immersed in the love of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 and consider themselves as the Lord鈥檚 a峁単as. Seven of them particularly celebrated the divyade艣as in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛
3) Sthanaka:
厂迟丑腻苍补办补 is a term mentioned in the text referring to one of the three primary stances of deities in the temples, specifically indicating a standing posture. Several 惭奴濒补产别谤补s (primary deities) in the divyade艣as are described in this stance
4) Rajarajan (Rajan-rajan):
R.K.K. Rajarajan is the author of the provided text, who conducted a detailed study on the antiquity of 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 诲颈惫测补办峁迟谤补蝉 in the 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 region. His work includes analysis of the hymns by 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, historical developments, and iconographic details
5) Mulabera (Mula-bera):
惭奴濒补产别谤补 refers to the main deities enshrined in the temples. These deities are described in various stances such as sth膩naka (standing), 膩sana (sitting), and sayana (reclining), each carrying specific cultural and religious significances
6) Tamil:
Tamil is the language in which the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 composed their hymns, known for its rich literature and cultural heritage. The Tamil Vedas, N膩l膩yirativviyappirapantam, hold a significant place in Tamil Vai峁ａ箛avism
7) Pandinatu (Pandinadu, Pandi-natu, Pandi-nadu):
笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 refers to the region south of the River K膩viri, rich in cultural history and home to 18 sacred venues called divyade艣as. It is highlighted in the hymns of the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 who extolled its temples and religious practices
8) Kshetra (Ksetra):
碍峁迟谤补, synonymous with sthala, refers to sacred venues or holy spots of worship. In the text, 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 contains several k峁tras recognized for their historic and religious prominence, specifically visited and praised in 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns
9) Vishnu (Visnu):
痴颈峁ａ箛耻 is the principal deity revered in the divyade艣as. The hymns by the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 extol his virtues, heroic feats, and mythologies associated with him, contributing significantly to Tamil bhakti literature
10) Mamkai (Mankai):
Tiruma峁卥ai 膧岣籿腻谤 (惭补峁卥补颈) is one of the twelve 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 whose hymns praise several k峁tras. His hymns document early and medieval rock-cut temples and their significance in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛
11) Meyyam:
Meyyam is one of the divyade艣as in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛, noted for its rock-cut temple and sacred significance. The place is highlighted in the hymns of 惭补峁卥补颈, depicting both reclining and standing images of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻
12) Maliruncolai:
惭腻濒颈谤耻帽肠艒濒补颈, also called A岣籥kark艒yil, is one of the prominent divyade艣as in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛. It is extensively praised for its natural beauty and sacred significance in the hymns by 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, particularly 笔别谤颈测腻岣籿腻谤,
13) Sayana (Shayana):
Sayana is one of the three stances of deity representation, specifically representing a reclining posture. It is described multiple times in the text regarding the m奴laberas in rock-cut and structural temples
14) Vaishnava (Vaisnava):
痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 pertains to the worshippers of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 and aspects of his cult as elaborated in Tamil bhakti literature and the sacred divyade艣as. The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉' hymns play a critical role in Tamil 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 tradition
15) Veda:
Veda, referring to the ancient Sanskrit scriptures, considerably influences Tamil 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 texts and religious practices. The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 often invoke Vedic knowledge and themes in their hymns
16) House:
House typically refers to households or places of residence linked to historical and mythological contexts present around divyade艣as, often described as abodes of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 in the text
17) Pallantu:
笔补濒濒腻峁囜弓耻 is a significant hymn composed by 笔别谤颈测腻岣籿腻谤, praising 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 and seeking his eternal protection for countless years. It is intricately linked to 碍奴峁璦濒/Maturai
18) Antal (Andal):
膧峁囜弓腻岣� is one of the twelve 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, revered for her devotion to 痴颈峁ａ箛耻. She composed the Tirupp膩vai hymns and envisioned herself as the bride of the deity, central to the cultivation of 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 tradition
19) Paripatal (Paripadal, Paripaadal):
笔补谤颈辫腻峁璦濒 is an early Tamil literary work, indicating the antiquity of certain divyade艣as like 碍耻岣籥苍迟补颈, evidencing 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 bhakti traditions preceding the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉
20) Asana (Ashana):
膧蝉补苍补 describes a sitting posture of deities, one of the three principal stances of representation. Several m奴laberas are described in this posture in divyade艣as such as 颁墨惫补谤补尘补峁卥补颈
21) Kutal:
碍奴峁璦濒, another name for the city of Maturai, is significant for its ancient temple 碍奴峁璦濒 A岣籥kar, praised by the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 in their hymns, with notable focus in the Tiruppall膩峁囜弓u hymn by 笔别谤颈测腻岣籿腻谤
22) Villiputtur:
痴颈濒濒颈辫耻迟迟奴谤 is another prominent divyade艣a, home to the hymns composed by 笔别谤颈测腻岣籿腻谤 and 膧峁囜弓腻岣�. It houses the temple known for the deity Vatapatrasayi
23) Periyalvar:
笔别谤颈测腻岣籿腻谤, one of the twelve 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, known for his devotion and the composition of the 笔补濒濒腻峁囜弓耻 and several hymns praising 痴颈峁ａ箛耻, particularly highlighting locations such as 碍奴峁璦濒 and 痴颈濒濒颈辫耻迟迟奴谤
24) Sthala:
Sthala is another term for k峁tra, referring to a sacred location or venue dedicated to divine worship. The text details various sthalas in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 extolled in 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns
25) Vedas:
Vedas are the ancient scriptures pivotal to Hindu religious practices. The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉 often reference Vedic literature, integrating it with Tamil bhakti traditions
26) Cave:
Cave temples are discussed, particularly highlighting early rock-cut sacred deities in places like Meyyam and 罢补峁噆腻濒, dating as far back as the 6th century CE
27) Utsavabera (Utsava-bera):
Utsavabera refers to the festival images or processional deities used during religious ceremonies. They are typically in a sth膩naka (standing) stance
28) Maturai:
Maturai, also known as 碍奴峁璦濒, is a prominent cultural hub and location for significant divyade艣as such as the 碍奴峁璦濒 A岣籥kar temple, noted extensively in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns
29) Shiva (Siva):
艢颈惫补, though primarily a 艢aiva deity, frequently features in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns as part of the mythological and religious context, indicating the syncretic interplay in Tamil religious traditions
30) Bhakti:
Bhakti revolves around intense devotion to a deity, a central theme in 膧岣籿腻谤 literature, particularly focusing on their devotion to 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 within the Tamil 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 tradition
31) Tankal:
罢补峁噆腻濒 is one of the divyade艣as mentioned in the hymns by 笔奴迟补尘 and 惭补峁卥补颈 with a significant early rock-cut cave temple featuring reclining images of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻
32) Image:
Image refers to representations of deities in various stances (膩yana, sth膩naka, sayana). The text details such images in divyade艣as and their significance in temple worship
33) Varakunamankai (Varakuna-mankai):
痴补谤补办耻峁嘺尘补峁卥补颈 is one of the sacred divyade艣as, noted in the hymns by Namm膩岣籿膩r, represented primarily in the seated (膩sana) posture
34) Literature:
Literature in the text refers to both Tamil and Sanskrit scriptures and hymns by the 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, which play a pivotal role in the religious and cultural heritage of divyade艣as
35) Vaikuntam:
Vaiku峁囜弓am or 艢r墨vaiku峁囜弓ham is a significant divyade艣a referenced by Namm膩岣籿膩r where the deity is described in a standing (sth膩naka) posture
36) Flower:
Flower symbolizes nature, ecological settings, and beauty frequently mentioned in 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns describing the surroundings of the divyade艣as
37) Putam:
笔奴迟补尘 refers to P奴tatt膩峁�, one of the twelve 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, who authored hymns extolling divyade艣as, contributing to Tamil bhakti literature
38) Divyadesha (Divyadesa, Divya-desha):
顿颈惫测补诲别艣补蝉 are the 108 sacred venues revered in Tamil Vai峁ａ箛avism, praised in 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns, categorized across various regions such as 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛, C艒岣籥n膩岣島, and others
39) Venkatam:
痴脓峁卥补峁璦尘, known today as Tirupati, is highlighted as one of the earliest 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 divyade艣as, dating back to early centuries BCE, depicting its ancient cult significance
40) Pullani:
笔耻濒濒腻峁噄 features in the hymns by 惭补峁卥补颈, highlighting its sacred significance, especially in its ponds and floral richness, represented in the seated posture of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻
41) Delhi:
Delhi, mentioned as the headquarters (e.g., Sharada Publishing House) of some of the scholarly works cited in the text related to Hindu iconography and religious studies
42) India:
India, home to these divyade艣as, provides the cultural and religious backdrop to the 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 bhakti traditions discussed extensively by Rajarajan
43) Mokur:
惭艒办奴谤 is one of the divyade艣as, noted for the standing posture (sth膩naka) of its deity K膩岣穉m膿kap Perum膩岣�, elaborated upon in the hymns by Namm膩岣籿膩r
44) Tolaivillimankalam (Tolai-villimankalam):
罢辞濒补颈惫颈濒濒颈尘补峁卥补濒补尘 is a sacred spot praised by Namm膩岣籿膩r, known for its mythological significance and deity鈥檚 sth膩naka (standing) stance in the temple
45) Civaramankai (Civara-mankai):
颁墨惫补谤补尘补峁卥补颈 is another divyade艣a, praised for its deity鈥檚 膩sana (seated) representation, with various ecological and mythological descriptions provided in Namm膩岣籿膩r鈥檚 hymns
46) Kurunkuti:
碍耻峁焨峁卥耻峁璱, praised by several 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, houses deities in both standing and reclining postures, with beautiful descriptions of its natural settings and mythological lore
47) Pandya (Pamdya, Pandyan):
笔腻峁囜笉测补 refers to the ruling dynasty under whose reign many of the divyade艣as in 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 were developed, celebrated in the hymns by 膧岣籿腻谤蝉
48) River:
River K膩viri demarcates the region of 笔腻峁囜笉颈苍腻岣岛 and is associated with various sacred divyade艣as and ecological richness described in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns
49) Rock:
Rock-cut architecture is significant in early sacred spots like Meyyam and 罢补峁噆腻濒, housing images of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 described in the hymns
50) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamilnadu is the southern Indian state where most divyade艣as are located. The 膧岣籿腻谤蝉鈥� hymn of these locations reflects its deep religious and cultural traditions
51) Praise:
Praise is a central theme in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns, extolling 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 and his dwellings in the divyade艣as, describing their sanctity, beauty, and mythological importance
52) Cult:
Cult refers to various religious traditions and practices associated with the worship of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻 in the divyade艣as, enriched by the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns
53) Pulinkuti (Pulinkudi):
笔耻岣穒峁卥耻峁璱 is another divyade艣a mentioned in the hymns, known for the reclining (sayana) stance of its deity 痴颈峁ａ箛耻, celebrated by Namm膩岣籿膩r
54) Kulantai:
碍耻岣籥苍迟补颈 is an ancient divyade艣a whose significance is referenced in both the 笔补谤颈辫腻峁璦濒 and the hymns by Namm膩岣籿膩r, featuring natural and mythological imagery
55) Kurukur:
碍耻谤耻办奴谤, modern-day 膧岣籿腻谤tirunakari, is the birthplace of Namm膩岣籿膩r, houses the 膧din膩tha temple, and is praised extensively in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns for its divine and natural beauty
56) Brahma:
叠谤补丑尘腻, the creator deity in Hindu mythology, often appears in the 膧岣籿腻谤鈥檚 hymns related to 痴颈峁ａ箛耻鈥檚 divine narratives and mythological contexts
57) Lotus:
Lotus is frequently mentioned in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns symbolizing purity and beauty, common in the descriptions of the divyade艣as' natural scenery
58) Kottiyur:
碍艒峁弓颈测奴谤, mentioned in the hymns of several 膧岣籿腻谤蝉, features sacred iconography indicative of its ancient and mythological significance
59) Arankam:
础谤补峁卥补尘, specifically 艢r墨ra峁単am, is extensively praised in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns, known for its deep-rooted 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 religious importance and large ceremonial practices
60) Ocean:
Ocean symbolizes divinity and sanctity, frequently appearing in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns referring to P膩峁焝a峁璦l, the Ocean of Milk, and the sacred waters around the divyade艣as
61) Kolur:
碍艒岣放玶, one of the divyade艣as extolled in 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns, known for the sacred reclining image of 痴颈峁ａ箛耻, elaborated in natural and mythological details
62) Bird:
Birds, especially those like parrots and peacocks, are part of the ecological descriptions in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns, adding to the divine aesthetic of the divyade艣as
63) Indian:
Indian culture provides the backdrop of the 痴补颈峁ａ箛补惫补 traditions depicted in the 膧岣籿腻谤 hymns, highlighting the deep ancient roots of these religious practices