மணிமேகலை கூறும் பசிப்பிணி தீர்த்தல் என்னும் அறம் – ஓர் ஆய்வு

The Virtue of Eradicating the Disease of Hunger as Proclaimed in Manimekalai: A Study

Abstract

Among the classics of Tamil literature, the epic Manimekalai holds a significant place. It was authored by Seethalai Sathanar. In the realm of Tamil epics, Manimekalai is positioned right next to Silappatikaram. While Silappatikaram discourses on art, domestic life, governance, and nature, Manimekalai primarily focuses on Buddhist virtue (Dhamma). Through the titular character of Manimekalai, this epic expounds upon social virtues, projecting the eradication of the "disease of hunger" (pasipini) as the foremost virtue.

Although various ethical concepts such as impermanence and the theory of karma are discussed throughout the epic, it strongly emphasizes that relieving the hunger of living beings is the loftiest virtue of all.

Specifically, Buddhist virtues are put forward with the intent of eliminating social inequalities among people. While these virtues were shaped by the social and religious backgrounds of the Manimekalai era, it is essential to analyze their formation and convey their ethical value to contemporary society. Furthermore, the objective of this study is to identify the root causes of the hunger that plagued the people, and to re-examine the construction of virtue against that backdrop.