தமிழ் இலக்கிய வரலாற்றில் பக்தி இலக்கியத்தின் பங்களிப்பு

The Contribution of Devotional Literature to the History of Tamil Literature

Abstract

Devotional literature holds a unique place in the history of Tamil literature. Between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, devotional songs served as a vital medium for spreading Saivite and Vaishnavite religious sentiments among the people. The Nayanmars and Alvars expressed their faith, love, sense of surrender, righteousness, and social perspectives through simple Tamil. In Saivite devotional literature, the hymns of Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, and Manickavasagar hold great significance. Within the Vaishnavite tradition, the *Pasurams* (hymns) of the twelve Alvars are noteworthy. These literary works are not merely religious in nature; they also document aspects of language, music, art, culture, and social life.