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Book Review
Canonical hymn
T. V. VENKATARAMAN
PANNIRUTIRUMURAI, Vol. XIV – Part 1 — Seventh Tirumurai: S. N. Kandaswamy — Tr. in English; Pub. by The Institute of Asian Studies, Chemmancherry, Chennai-600119. Rs. 800.
Pannirutirumurai, the 12 sacred books of canonical literature of the Tamil-speaking Saivite people, consists of devotional poetry, religious philosophy and history of the lives of the devotees of Lord Siva. Sung by the saints between the fifth and the 12th centuries A.D., they laid a solid foundation for the growth and nurture of Saivism.
The poetical outpourings of Sundaramurti Nayanar (early eighth century), who is well-known, are recorded in the Seventh Tirumurai. He, along with Thirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar, is worshipped as “The Three”. Their lives, songs and message are a continual source of inspiration. They tirelessly journeyed to the numerous temples dedicated to Lord Siva, in the length and breadth of Tamil land, composed memorable songs in His praise, gathered a huge following including kings and chieftains, and helped to generate a widespread atmosphere of intense religious fervour.
The life of each saint is unique and that of Sundarar is distinguished by the fact that Lord Siva Himself changed his destiny, prevented his marriage that was about to take place, allowed Himself to be called a mad man by this devotee, in return for which Siva called him His unruly servant, and finally took him as His beloved friend. This famous episode finds an important place in the Periapuranam. His life surrendered to God, Sundarar’s intense devotion and unflinching loyalty blossomed into rich and moving poetry, which set the tone and defined the context of surrender to God. The Seventh Tirumurai has a listing of 100 decades. Part I of Volume XIV consists of 50 decades.
The Institute of Asian Studies and its project director, G.S.John Samuel, have launched a laudable project for the translation of Panniruthirumurai. This is the first publication in the series.
Features
S.N.Kandaswamy, a distinguished scholar, has undertaken this task in respect of Sundarar’s Tevaram, edited by T.B.Siddalingaiah. He has followed a pattern of giving the text, paraphrase in Tamil, transliteration, and free translation into English. For each verse, copious notes are given with Puranic, historical and literary references. The author has also referred to the background of Sangam literature and early Tamil culture, which according to him, were a source of inspiration to Sundarar. The metrical, hymnal and thematic specialities of each decade have also been brought out. The Saiva philosophical content in Sundarar’s songs has also been mentioned at appropriate places. The saint combines description of nature with charming musical melody uniquely. The author’s translation does ample justice to the musical spirit.
The notes on the temple centres contain useful details of historical, mythological, epigraphic and religious importance. It is difficult indeed to do full justice by way of translation to the intense devotion, the rich imagery and the loving description of Lord Siva uttered in mellifluous Tamil language. Kandaswamy deserves full credit for his noteworthy accomplishment.
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