The decline of the Kalabhras around 500 CE marked a turning point in the history of Tamil literature. For centuries, the Kalabhras had suppressed Hindu traditions, allowing Jainism and Buddhism to flourish across Tamil Nadu. Their eventual overthrow paved the way for the resurgence of Hindu dynasties such as the Pandyas in the south and the Pallavas in the north. Although these rulers initially adhered to Jain and Buddhist faiths, the Hindu community began to react strongly to what they perceived as the decline of their religion. This reaction culminated in a powerful revival during the 7th century, giving birth to a rich body of Vaishnava and Shaiva devotional literature that shaped the spiritual and cultural identity of Tamil society.
The Vaishnava Alvars and the Tamil Vedam
The Alvars, saint-poets devoted to Vishnu,
played a central role in the development of Tamil Devotional Literature.
Their hymns celebrated the glory of Maha Vishnu and were later compiled by Nathamunigal into the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a
collection of four thousand sacred hymns. This anthology is revered as the Tamil Vedam, considered equivalent in
sanctity to the Sanskrit Vedas.
Among the
earliest Alvars were Poigai Alvar,
Bhoothath Alvar, and Pey Alvar, each of whom composed one hundred Venpas extolling Vishnu’s virtues at
Tirukoilur. Tirumalisai Alvar, a
contemporary of Pallava king Mahendravarman I, authored works such as Naanmugantiruvadiandadi, blending
philosophical depth with devotional fervor.
The
prolific Tirumangai Alvar, who
lived in the 8th century CE, contributed nearly one-third of the Divya Prabandham. Periyalvar and his adopted daughter Andal enriched the Vaishnava canon
with around 650 hymns. Andal, celebrated for her purity and profound devotion,
expressed her love for Vishnu in verses portraying him as her beloved. Her
famous composition Vaaranam Aayiram
narrates her dream wedding to Vishnu and continues to be sung at Tamil Vaishnava
weddings today.
The
9th-century poet Nammalvar
composed Tiruvaimoli, a
masterpiece of 1,101 stanzas offering profound insights into the Upanishads.
Collected by Nathamuni around 950 CE, this work became the classical and
vernacular foundation of Sri Vaishnavism,
earning the Divya Prabandham
the title of Dravida Vedam.
The Shaiva Nayanmars and the Periya Puranam
Parallel
to the Alvars, the Nayanmars,
saint-poets devoted to Shiva, emerged as towering figures in Tamil devotional
literature. Their hymns, later compiled into the Periya Puranam, remain central to Shaiva traditions.
The
earliest known Nayanmar was Karaikal
Ammaiyar, a 6th-century poetess who pioneered Shaiva devotional poetry.
Other celebrated hymnists included Thirugnana
Sambanthar, Thirunavukkarasar
(Appar), and Sundaramoorthy
(Sundarar). Sundarar’s Tiruttondartokai
listed sixty-two Nayanmars, a compilation later expanded by Sekkilar in his monumental Periyapuranam, comprising 4,272
verses.
Another
towering figure was Manikkavasagar,
a minister in the Pandya court during the 8th century CE. His Tiruvasakam, consisting of over 600
verses, is renowned for its passionate devotion and lyrical beauty, often
described as poetry that can melt even a stone with its intensity of faith.
Legacy of the Devotional Period
The Devotional Period in
Tamil Literature was not merely a religious revival but a cultural
renaissance. The hymns of the Alvars and Nayanmars democratized spirituality,
making devotion accessible to all, regardless of caste or social status. Their
works combined poetic brilliance with deep philosophical insights, ensuring
their relevance across centuries.
This era
laid the foundation for the Bhakti
movement, which spread across India, influencing literature, music, and
religious practices. The devotional period thus stands as a golden chapter in
Tamil literary history, embodying the spirit of faith, love, and cultural
identity that continues to inspire generations.