தமிழ் இலக்கியங்களில் காவல் தெய்வங்கள்: ஒரு வரலாற்று மற்றும் பண்பாட்டு ஆய்வு

Guardian Deities in Tamil Literature: A Historical and Cultural Study

Abstract

It is a consensus among researchers that folklore has served as a vital foundation for the emergence and development of classical literature throughout the long cultural history of Tamil Nadu. Within this ancient tradition, "Guardian Deity Worship" refers to the ritual systems created by the people to protect their habitats, boundaries, and agricultural lands. This study explores in detail how these guardian deities have been recorded from the Sangam era to contemporary literature. Using archaeological and literary evidence, it explains how hero-stone (Nadukkal) worship, which originated as a symbol of valor in the Sangam period, evolved into idol worship and minor deity traditions in later periods. Specifically, this research paper provides a deep analysis of the characteristics and worship methods of deities such as Madhuramadevi in Silapathikaram, Ilangaimadevi in Kamba Ramayanam, and Kollipavai and Kotravai as mentioned in Sangam literature. Furthermore, it elaborates on the causal relationships between guardian deity worship and social structures, alongside the sociological background of how victims of injustice were transformed into deities.