Shekhizhar about Shiva Worship

Saivism had spread all around the world in ancient times. Evidence of Shiva worship has also been found in the Hindus Valley Civilization. There are literary references to Shiva even in the Sangam period. Shiva has been linked with the metaphysical philosophy. In the seventh century A.D, Saivism had a revival and spread throughout Tamil Nadu. The Nayanmars spread the Saivism throughout Tamil Nadu. Their history was made into a great epic called Periyapuranam by Shekhizhar. This article examines the tradition of Shiva worship through Shekhizhar’s works

Examining the Kalburgi thesis on the origin of the Lingayats

The story of the origin of the Lingayats, and the current demand of the community seeking minority status, lies in the late M. M. Kalburgi's thesis. Manu V. Devadevan explores the thesis and cautions against the historical claims made as part of the current demand for minority status

Nature Related Virtue in Saivism

Nature is the most important thing when it comes to religions.  Preserving nature and seeing nature as God are considered as a moral value among Tamil people. Seeking spirituality through nature is a sacred thing. During Covid-19 we realize that it is our duty to love nature and to maintain clean environment even if we are under social distancing, isolation and self-defense. That was a good time in restoring nature. Tamil people have witnessed various religious practices and religious literatures. National and international religions spread divine principles in Tamil Nadu, Jainism, Buddhism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Christianity and Islam grew and flourished in our country.  Tamil grew out of these religions and in turn religions grew out of Tamil. Saivism was enriched by devotional hymns sung by sixty-three diviners. Hinduism and nature cannot be separated. Nature is considered as a religion. The idea was to create separate shrines for the five elements, to maintain it and protect living beings and plants by associating them with the gods. Saivisim encouraged the conservation of the natural environment

Saivism and its Subdivisions

Religion is essential in people’s lives from ancient times to today. Each religion has its own characteristics, activities, habits and norms of life. When the Tamil people lived without intermingling with the foreign people, they worshipped the dead people, snakes and lingam. The people of Kurinchi land worshiped Murugan, the people of Mullai land worshiped Maayon, the people of Maruda land worshiped Vaenda (Indra), the people of Neytal land worshiped Varuna, and the people of desert land worshiped Kotravai (Kali). Over a period of time people understood that NC-22-47

The Human Predicament

In this paper a comparison is presented between the analyses of the human condition offered by Christianity in terms of sin, and by Saiva Siddhanta in terms of anavam (darkness, ignorance). Following a summary of the Saiva teaching on anavam, more detailed comparisons are made between the two religions in relation to particular issues in which the outworking of those doctrines is seen, such as the nature of salvation, of the saviour and of the redeemed state, etc. Areas of difference and of common ground between the two religions are highlighted and discussed

Book Review: A.J. Appasamy and his Reading of Rāmānuja: A Comparative Study in Divine Embodiment

Book review of A.J. Appasamy and his Reading of Rāmānuja: A Comparative Study in Divine Embodiment. By Brian Philip Dunn. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016, xi + 315 pages