பன்னிருதிருமுறையில் மனிதநேயச் சிந்தனை

Abstract

The Panniru Thirumurai (the Twelve Sacred Books) are the foundational devotional literature of Saivism. They do not merely expound the worship of God; they also set out lofty humanistic values essential to human life, such as love, compassion, charity, service, sacrifice, equality and kindness towards all living beings. This study aims to identify the humanistic thought found in the Panniru Thirumurai and to examine its social relevance. The Thirumurai hymns, including the Thevaram, Thiruvasagam and Thirumanthiram, emphasise the idea that love itself is the divine state. Thirumular's concept of “Anbe Sivam” (Love is God) proclaims that love and compassion must prevail among human beings. Moreover, virtuous acts such as feeding the hungry, serving others, helping those in distress and showing mercy to living beings are highly extolled.

The life histories of the Nayanmars also reveal humanistic qualities such as selfless service, sacrifice, charity and care for devotees. The Thirumurai tradition also reflects a vision of approaching human beings on the basis of divine love, transcending differences of birth, wealth and social status. Accordingly, humanism in the Panniru Thirumurai does not denote individual love alone; it is a broad vision that encompasses social welfare, compassion for all life, equality, service to others and the welfare of the world. These humanistic ideas remain relevant today for fostering love, unity, virtue and social responsibility in society.

Keywords

• Panniru Thirumurai
• Humanism
• Love
• Compassion
• Charity
• Service
• Equality
• Social Welfare