திருப்பரங்குன்றம் பண்பாட்டுப் படிமலர்ச்சியும் பண்பாட்டு மாற்றமும்

Cultural Evolution and Cultural Change in Thiruparankundram

Abstract

Thiruparankundram has been an important centre of worship from the Sangam period to the present day. During the Sangam age, it was primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan, as evidenced in the Paripāṭal literature. Over time, the site evolved into a multi-religious centre, accommodating the worship of deities such as Lord Shiva, Perumal, Vinayagar, and Goddess Durga. The worship traditions of Thiruparankundram also reflect the continuity and transformation of ancient religious practices, including nature worship, Vel (spear) worship, and image worship. Among these, Vel worship, one of the earliest forms of Murugan worship, continues today through annual religious festivals. Likewise, the ancient belief that worshipping Lord Murugan brings happiness and worldly benefits has evolved into the contemporary belief that He blesses devotees with obstacle-free marriages. Anthropologists identify such enduring traditions as cultural survivals, which represent remnants of earlier cultural practices preserved through time. This study employs the theories of cultural change and cultural survivals to examine the transformation, continuity, and sequential development of the worship traditions of Thiruparankundram based on the evidence presented in the Paripāṭal literature.