The Maranakapporul and the Tiruppatikkovai of Tirukkurukaipperumal kavirayar

The Maranakapporul and the Tiruppatikkovai of Tirukkurukaipperumal kavirayar

Author(s): T. V. Gopal Iyer
Publisher: Institut Francais De Pondichery
Language: Tamil
Total Pages: 369
Available in: Paperback
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Description

The Maranakapporul" and "The Tiruppatikkovai of Tirukkurukaipperumal Kavirayar" are works that delve into the literary contributions of the Tamil poet Tirukkurukaipperumal Kavirayar, a prominent figure in Tamil literature, particularly known for his devotion to the Tamil Alvars and his contributions to Vaishnavite devotional poetry.

1. The Maranakapporul (மரணக்கப்பொருள்):

The Maranakapporul is a poetic work written by Tirukkurukaipperumal Kavirayar, which translates to “The Meaning of Death” or “The Poem on Death”. The work primarily explores the concept of death and mortality, reflecting on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. It is a philosophical piece that offers spiritual reflections on the nature of existence, focusing on the journey of the soul, the importance of devotion, and self-realization. In Tamil devotional literature, works such as this play a vital role in guiding the devotee to understand the deeper aspects of life and death.

Themes in Maranakapporul:

  • Philosophy of Death: The poem emphasizes that death is a part of the natural cycle of life, and it is an inevitable transition rather than an end.

  • Detachment: It urges individuals to detach from worldly desires and attachments, as they are transient and lead to suffering. The focus should be on spiritual growth and the path to liberation (moksha).

  • Devotion: A key message in this work is that devotion to God (especially to Lord Vishnu, in the case of Tirukkurukaipperumal Kavirayar's works) can provide solace and ultimate peace when facing death.

  • Moral Reflection: It calls for the individual to live a life of moral integrity, wisdom, and righteousness, as these values will guide the soul to salvation.

2. The Tiruppatikkovai:

The Tiruppatikkovai (திருப்பதிக்கொவைய்) is another important literary contribution of Tirukkurukaipperumal Kavirayar, which translates to “The Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Lord”. This work is a devotional anthology that praises Lord Vishnu (or his incarnations, such as Krishna and Rama) through a series of hymns. It is a part of the larger tradition of Tiruvaymoli and Nalayira Divya Prabandham, which are sacred texts in Vaishnavite tradition. Kavirayar's hymns are highly revered in Tamil Vaishnavism, focusing on the glorification of the Lord and his divine qualities.

Key Aspects of Tiruppatikkovai:

  • Devotional Hymns: The work is filled with verses that describe the beauty, attributes, and qualities of Lord Vishnu, invoking his divine blessings and seeking liberation through his grace.

  • Thematic Focus: The hymns often focus on the themes of divine love, grace, and surrender to the will of the Lord. Kavirayar emphasizes that the soul can attain liberation through complete surrender and devotion to God.

  • Literary Style: The verses are rich in classical Tamil poetic forms and employ intricate stylistic features that are characteristic of Alvar devotional poetry, often using metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery to express the poet’s deep love and reverence for the divine.

  • Spiritual Teachings: Through the Tiruppatikkovai, Kavirayar conveys the importance of bhakti (devotion) and the need for a pure heart to receive divine grace. It emphasizes that devotion to God should be the sole aim of human life.