TAMIL
Mystical hymns
S. N. KANDASWAMY
SANTHANGALIL POTHINTHA MEYGNANAM — Four Parts: C.R. Krishnamurthi; Arudra Pathippagam, D2, Kalyaani Kannaathaal Apartment, Plot No. 27, C.V. Koyil Street, Ramanakrishna Nagar, Chennai-600087. Rs. 100 (Part 1); Rs. 60 (Part 2); Rs. 75 (Part 3); Rs. 50 (Part 4).
ARUNAGIRINATHAR WAS an ardent devotee of Muruga, the favourite God of the Tamils. He was a great mystic and a unique poet. His devotional lyrics form his spiritual autobiography, unfolding the transformation of a sinner into a saint. His soul-stirring hymns are collectively called Tiruppugazh.
This book is in four parts, containing an interesting and an in-depth study of the melodious poems of Arunagirinathar. The first part contains the life-sketch of the saint, his erudition and encounter with some of his contemporary poets. In the second, the significance of Advaita Vedanta and Saiva Siddhanta, mystic experience and the means of release are explicated. The third part illuminates that Lord Muruga is the transcendental reality, eternal beauty, absolute knowledge, infinite energy and boundless compassion. Also details of the regular arrangements of rhythmic patterns known as Chandam and musical time measures known as Talam, being the characteristic features of Tiruppugazh are provided with sufficient illustrations. Some aspects of the social problems and the remedy through the application of the moral teachings of Arunagirinathar are presented in the last volume.
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