Tevaram is a collection of Tamil devotional hymns composed by three great Saiva saints—Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnana Sambandar—in the 7th and 8th centuries CE. These hymns form the foundation of Saiva Siddhanta, one of the main branches of Shaivism, and are considered sacred texts for Tamil-speaking devotees of Lord Shiva, particularly in the Tamil Nadu region of India.
The Tevaram hymns are part of the larger corpus of Tamil Shaiva literature that includes the Tirukkural, Tiruvacakam, and other important texts. These hymns are sung in praise of Lord Shiva, who is the central figure in Shaivism, and were composed during a period of religious revival in Tamil Nadu.
The Tevaram hymns were composed during the early medieval period, when the Saiva movement was gaining strength, and they played a key role in spreading the worship of Shiva in the region.
These hymns, originally written in Tamil, were later collected into four books, and they are still widely sung in Tamil temples today.
The Tevaram consists of three distinct parts based on the works of the three saint poets:
Tirugnana Sambandar's Hymns:
Tirugnana Sambandar was a child prodigy who composed numerous hymns in praise of Shiva. His hymns are deeply spiritual and are marked by his devotion to Lord Shiva. He is believed to have miraculously brought back life to a dead devotee and has numerous stories of divine intervention associated with him.
His hymns focus on the magnificence of Shiva, the power of His grace, and His cosmic role in the universe.
Appar (Sankara) Hymns:
Appar, also known as Tirunavukkarasar, was one of the most revered Tamil Saiva saints. He was a prolific composer of hymns that expressed deep love and devotion to Shiva. Appar’s hymns emphasize the spiritual power of Shiva's grace, his role as the supreme deity, and the importance of surrendering to Shiva for liberation.
His hymns often reflect his personal experiences of devotion and the difficulties he faced in his spiritual journey.
Sundarar's Hymns:
Sundarar was a prominent poet-saint who composed Tevaram hymns that convey his devotion to Lord Shiva. His hymns often focus on the personal relationship between the devotee and Shiva, and his devotion is expressed in passionate terms.
Sundarar’s hymns are considered to have a special musical quality, and they are still sung in temples today as part of daily rituals and religious events.
Praise and Devotion to Shiva: The primary theme of the Tevaram is the praise of Lord Shiva as the supreme god and the source of all creation. The hymns emphasize his attributes, such as his infinite power, compassion, and grace. The saints also speak about the different forms and names of Shiva and describe His divine manifestations.
The Cosmic Role of Shiva: Many of the hymns describe Shiva as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. The saints emphasize that Shiva is the ultimate reality, and everything in the world is a manifestation of His divine will.
Liberation (Moksha): The hymns also discuss the importance of self-realization and liberation (moksha), which can only be attained through devotion to Shiva. The saints often refer to Shiva's grace as the key to overcoming the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Saiva Doctrine and Practices: The hymns advocate for the worship of Shiva through rituals and mantras. They also discuss the importance of temples, holy shrines, and pilgrimages to sacred places associated with Shiva.
The Tevaram hymns had a significant impact on Tamil culture and Shaivism. They were part of a larger movement that sought to spread the worship of Shiva across Tamil Nadu, and these hymns are considered to be a key element in the development of Saiva Siddhanta, the philosophical system of Shaivism that emphasizes the monotheistic worship of Shiva.
The Tevaram was later compiled into four volumes by the Tirukkural scholars, and it was incorporated into the religious practices of Tamil Shaiva temples. These hymns became the foundation of temple worship, and they are regularly sung during religious ceremonies and festivals, especially in Shaiva temples across Tamil Nadu.
Devotional and Emotional Expression: The hymns are filled with deep emotional fervor, love, and devotion to Lord Shiva. The saints express their heartfelt feelings of surrender, gratitude, and devotion towards Shiva.
Musical and Poetic Excellence: The Tevaram hymns are known for their melodic structure and poetic excellence. Many of these hymns have become musical compositions that are still performed in Tamil temples today. Their meters, rhythm, and lyrical beauty make them an important part of Tamil classical music and devotional performance.
Imagery and Symbolism: The hymns are rich in symbolism and mythological references. The saints often describe Shiva’s various forms and his various manifestations in the world, using powerful imagery to communicate the divine presence.
Veneration of Shiva’s Sacred Shrines: The saints extol the sacred shrines of Shiva, describing their significance and the spiritual benefits of visiting these temples. These shrines are considered to be the earthly manifestations of the divine and are central to Tamil Shaiva worship.
Here are a few popular hymns from the Tevaram:
"Aezhu Thivara" (The Seven Sacred Hymns) by Tirugnana Sambandar: A hymn in praise of Shiva’s manifestations.
"Kanaka Varnam" by Sundarar: A hymn extolling the beauty and grace of Lord Shiva.
"Thiruvasagam" by Appar: A collection of devotional hymns by Appar that describe his devotion and his miraculous experiences with Shiva.
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