பாடாண்திணையின் வகைமை நோக்கில் தேவாரம்: பக்தி இலக்கியப் பரிணாமம் மற்றும் புறப்பொருள் மரபுகளின் மீள்வாசிப்பு

Devaram through the Lens of Padan Thinai: The Evolution of Bhakti Literature and a Rereading of Purapporul Traditions

Abstract

In the history of Tamil literature, the transition from the Sangam era to the Bhakti era represents a monumental journey from land-based human praise to transcendental divine glorification. At the heart of this evolution lies the 'Padan Thinai' (the genre of praise), a tradition of Purapporul (heroic/external themes).

Attributes such as fame, strength, philanthropy, and grace, which were attributed to kings and patrons in Sangam literature, were transformed in the 7th and 8th-century Devaram hymns into tools to extol the supreme power of Lord Shiva. This article extensively investigates how the sub-themes (thuraigal) of Padan Thinai—defined by Tolkappiyam and Purapporul Venba Maalai—deeply influenced the hymns of the Trinity (Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, and Sundaramurthi Nayanar). Specifically, it examines themes such as Kadavul Vazhathu (invocation), Poovai Nilai (comparing a deity to the kaya flower), Iyanmozhi Vazhathu (extolling natural virtues), Parisil Thurai (seeking gifts/grace), and Kadavul Maattu Maanida Pendir Nayandha Pakkam (divine bridal mysticism).

Furthermore, this textual analysis aligns the Ashta Veerata (eight heroic deeds) of the Lord with the bravery depicted in Purathinai, and the pleas of devotees with the Parisil Thurai (the poet's request for patronage). This paper establishes that Bhakti literature is a direct continuation of the Sangam tradition and illustrates how it functioned as a catalyst for social and spiritual transformation.