Growth of Vaishnava and Saiva religions, Tamil Bhakti movement | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Tamil Bhakti Movement

The period between the 6th and 9th centuries A.D. in Tamil Nadu is characterized by a significant religious revival and the emergence of the Bhakti Movement. This era witnessed a Hindu renaissance, with the Bhakti movement gaining prominence from the 6th century A.D.

• The early figures of the Bhakti Movement included Pey, Poykai, and Putham, who were among the first Alwars, and Karaikkal Ammaiyar and Tirumular, the early Nayanmars. These saints were the pioneers of the Bhakti Movement.
• During this time, the fundamental principles of religion began to take shape. Concepts of God and the paths to divine union became clearer. Saints from the traditions of Saivism and Vaishnavism propagated their philosophies, making religious ideas accessible to the masses. The devotional songs sung by these saints in temples fostered a deep devotion to God, with Siva, Vishnu, and Durga being the primary deities of worship. These hymns significantly enhanced the impact of the Bhakti movement.

Jainism and Buddhism, which had flourished during the Khalabhra period, started to decline in the Pallava period. This decline was attributed to several factors:

• Political changes in the Tamil region.
• Detachment from worldly life and a focus on the afterlife.
• Diminished belief in God.
• Support for Hinduism by rulers such as Mahendravarman I, Maravarman Arikesari, Nandi II, and Pandyan Parantaka Neduncheliyan.

The essence of Bhakti lies in complete devotion and surrender to God. It is a true reflection of mystical experiences, where devotees, in moments of ecstasy, perceive a personal vision of God. The Saiva and Vaishnava saints of South India were instrumental in developing the Bhakti cult. Their devotional songs were marked by deep piety and intense attachment to God, leading to profound changes in the religious landscape of Tamil Nadu.

The Bhakti cult also emphasized temple worship as a central aspect of religious practice. Within Hinduism, Saivism and Vaishnavism emerged as two prominent cults. Saivites revered Lord Siva as the supreme deity, while Vaishnavites worshipped Lord Vishnu.

Saivism and the Nayanmars

Introduction

• The Saiva Nayanmars, a group of 63 revered saints, played a crucial role in the growth of Saivism in Tamil Nadu.
• They composed devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Siva, worshipped in various forms such as Lingotbava Moorthy, Somaskantha Moorthy, and Gangadhara Moorthy.
• Their lives and contributions were documented in the Periapuranam, which helped spread awareness about their devotion and teachings.

Development of Saivism:

• During the Chola period, Saivism saw significant growth.
• The Chola rulers, especially those following Vijayalaya, were devoted to Lord Siva and constructed numerous temples in his honor.
• It is believed that the Tevaram and Thiruvasham hymns were sung in temples for the first time during this period.
• Nambi Andar Nambi played a vital role in preserving and compiling these hymns, which formed the foundation of Saivism in Tamil Nadu.
• Sekilar authored the Thiruthondar Puranam, detailing the biographies of the 63 Nayanmars and contributing to the understanding of their lives and contributions.

Thirunavukkarasar (Appar)

Early Life:

• Thirunavukkarasar, also known as Appar, was born in Tiruvamur and belonged to the Vellala community.
• He was well-versed in Tamil and Sanskrit.

Religious Journey:

• Initially, Appar embraced Jainism before converting to Saivism.
• He composed 3,066 stanzas in praise of Lord Siva, which are part of the Thevaram work.

Devotional Approach:

• His approach to God is known as chariya marga or dasa marga, emphasizing the relationship between God and devotee as that of a master to a slave.

Thirugnana Sambandar

Early Life:

• Thirugnana Sambandar was born in Sirkazhi and belonged to the Brahmin community.
• He lived a short life of only 16 years.

Religious Contributions:

• As a contemporary of Appar, he sang 4,158 verses in the Thevaram.
• His devotional songs are known for their unique similes, beauty, and sweetness.

Impact on Saivism:

• Thirugnana Sambandar played a significant role in converting Arikesari Parangusa Maravarman, also known as Kun Pandian, to Saivism.

Devotional Approach:

• His approach to God is called kriya marga or sat-putra marga, where the relationship between God and devotee is likened to that of a father and son.

Sundaramurthy

Early Life:

• Sundaramurthy, born in Navalur, hailed from the Adisaiva community.

Religious Journey:

• His marriage was thwarted by Lord Siva at Tiruvennainallur, leading him to marry two other ladies, Paravai and Sankili.

Devotional Approach:

• Sundaramurthy’s approach to God is known as yoga marga or sakha marga, emphasizing a relationship of friendship between God and devotee.
• He is recognized as Tambiran Tholan, a friend of God.

Contributions:

• Sundaramurthy is credited with authoring the seventh Tirumarai.

Manikavasagar

Early Life and Background:

• Manikavasagar, a prominent Saiva saint, served as a minister under a Pandyan King.
• According to tradition, he received his initiation from Lord Siva himself, under a Kurundha tree.

Devotional Approach:

• His approach to God, known as Gnanamarga, is well-documented in the Tiruvilaiadal Puranam.

Contributions:

• Manikavasagar is renowned for his works Tiruvasagam and Tiruchirrabalkovai.
• According to tradition, these works were transcribed by Lord Natarajar in the form of a Brahmin youth at Chidambaram.

Philosophy of Saivism

• Saivism is centered around the concepts of Pathi(God),Pasu(Soul), and Pasam(bondage). It also emphasizes Mupporul Vunmai, which includes God, soul, and matter (the world). According to Saivism, humans are influenced by passions, and liberation, or Mukti, is achieved by freeing oneself from these passions.
• Meykandar, a prominent figure in Saivism, compares the Veda to a cow, with its true essence being the Agama. He likens the Tamil sung by the Four to ghee, and his own Tamil work to the fine taste of ghee.
• Two important texts, the Tiruvundiyar and Tirukkalirruppadiyar, outline key aspects of Saiva doctrine and practice. In the 13th century A.D., the Siva-Nana-Bodam became the first systematic presentation of Tamil Saivism’s principles.

Saivite Works

• The devotional hymns of Sambandar,Appar, and Sundarar were compiled into seven Tirumarai(Divine literature) by Nambi during the time of Rajaraja I. The first three Tirumarai were of Sambandar, the next three were of Appar, and the seventh was of Sundarar, collectively known as Tevaram.
• Thiruvasakam, written by Manickkavasagar, was the eighth Tirumarai. The ninth Tirumarai consists of the hymns of nine saints, while Tirumular’s Tirumantiram was the tenth Tirumarai. The eleventh Tirumarai includes hymns by various poets.
• The Periapuranam, written by Sekkilar, was the twelfth Tirumarai and deals with the biographies of 63 Nayanmars (Saiva Saints). Composed in the 12th century A.D. by a Chola minister, the Periapuranam significantly influenced the Tamil Saiva community.Nilakanda Sastri views it as a commendable composition that reflects the era of the Imperial Cholas and their enduring devotion to Saivism.
• Kalladum, composed by Kalladanar, recounts miracles performed by Siva at the behest of Manikkavasagar,Idaikadar, and others, and is believed to date back to the 10th century A.D.

Vaishnavism and the Alwars

• The saints of Vaishnavism, known as the Alwars, are a group of twelve revered figures in the tradition. They include Poikai Alwar, Poothathalwar, Peyalwar, Thirumalisai Alwar, Thondaradi Podi Alwar, Nammalwar, Periyalwar, and Madhurakavi Alwar. Among these, Poikai Alwar, Poothathalwar, and Peyalwar are considered earlier Alwars.
• Origin of the Alwars The trio of Poygai, Bhudam, and Pey Alwars had a significant encounter at a Vishnu temple in Tirukkovilur. One rainy day, while resting, they experienced the divine presence of Lord Vishnu upon them. This profound experience prompted them to sing the praises of the Lord. Notably, their compositions are characterized by a lack of sectarian bias, reflecting a universal devotion.
• Nalayira Divyaprabhandham The Nalayira Divyaprabhandham is a revered compilation of poems authored by the twelve Alwars. This collection was meticulously compiled by Nathamuni, who played a pivotal role in promoting Vaishnavism across the country.

Structure of Nalayira DivyaprabhandhamFirst Thousand Poems:

• Composed by Periyalwar, Andal, Kulasekara Alwar, Tirumalisai Alwar, Thondaradi Podi Alwar, Tirupanalwar, and Madhura Kavi Alwar.

Second Thousand Poems:

• Dedicated to Tirumangai Alwar.

Third Thousand Poems:

• Composed by Tirumalisai Alwar, Nammalwar, and Tirumangai Alwar.

Fourth Thousand Poems:

• Exclusively the poems of Nammalwar.

Vadakalai and Thenkalai Sects Within Vaishnavism, the Vadakalai sect was established by Vedanta Deshikar in the 13th century A.D. He emphasized a close attachment to God as essential for reaching the feet of Vishnu. The Thenkalai sect, founded by Logacharya, distinguished itself by the symbols used on the foreheads of its followers: the Vadakalai with a U symbol and the Thenkalai with a V symbol.

• Spread of Vaishnavism Vaishnavism gained prominence in the Tamil region, supported by rulers such as Vishugopal, Simhavishnu, Narasimhavarman, Nandivarman II, and Tirumangai.
• Vaishnavite Works The hymns of the twelve Alwars were compiled into the Nalayira Tivya Prabandham by Nathamuni. The early three Alwars, namely Pei, Poykai, and Pudam, bloomed in the pre-Pallava period. The hymns of Andal, particularly Tiruppavai, spread beyond India to Southeast Asia.

Ramanuja, a prominent Vaishnavite scholar and proponent of Vishishtadvaita, contributed to the tradition by writing commentaries on the Vedas. In Tamil literature, the Ramayana, penned by Kambar in the twelfth century A.D., stands out as a remarkable masterpiece.