Karka Nirka's 10th anniversary. A thank you note and 10 of my favorite blogs over the years. Share your favorite blog as comment.
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10 years of Karka Nirka
Realize the god in you – Civavakkiyam
Tamil Sidhha movement were more oriented toward journey of knowledge, who believed only through knowledge one can realize the god, as against the popular form of Hinduism the Bakthi movement. Tamil Sitthar's literary movement started with Thirumoolar. The later Siddhas especially Civavakkiyar was very critical against mainstream Hinduism. He criticized idol worship and people running after temples. His philosophy was God is in you realize him. You will see more of Civvakkiyar in the next few weeks.
Flood of Passion – Kurunthokai 99
Another gem from Auvviyar of Sangam age. A poet par excellence, most of us know her songs on Adhigaman Neduman Anci. In way some of her poems were prelude to hero build up songs in Tamil cinema. But the side most of us don’t know is the sensitive and mostly aggressive love poems. This a poem from a lover lorn Thalaivan's point of view.
no names, no color and no size – Civavakkiyam
God is within your soul,when you realize this you realize he has no names, no color and no size. This is the essence of Civavakkiyar's poem below. Sivavakkiyar is considered to be one of the greatest Shidda poets along side Thirumoolar and Pattinathar. His poems questions Hindu religious structure, Brahmanical supremacy, idol worship, authority... Continue Reading →
Isn’t he father and mother – Kurunthokai 93
It is not easy for women especially if the marriage doesn't work out. Thaliavan has started philandering and he is not allowed to enter the house by Thalaivi. When Panki (Thalaivi's friend) comes to advice her of not have love quarrels with her husband and asks her to let him in. Thalaivi responds that as husband he should care for her like a father and mother. And feels he isn't behaving like that, when there is no love how can there be love quarrel is her central question. Sangam literature deals with every facet of love and marital life.
One for Self esteem – Purananuru 208
Next time you vote for a reality show or in an appraisal cycle, think about this poem! Beautiful poem on Self esteem from Purananuru.
Integrity of a ministry – Malaipatukatam
A verse from Malaipatukatam on integrity of a kings council. Malaipatukatam (Echoes on the Mountain) by Peruilkunrur Perutikaucikanar is dated c. 210 A.D.The title of the poem is taken from line 348; the original title was perhaps different. A poem of 583 lines celebrates Nannan the son of Nannan,and describing various aspects of life in different communities of his territory, It contains some exquisite pictures of nature.
He came many days! Kurunthokai 176
How to impress a girl? A note from 2000 year old poem!
Melt me and fill me – Andal’s Nachiyar Thirumozhi 10.8
By far one of the best love and philosophical poem, I have read in Tamil. It is a surprise to me it matches Sangam love poems but surpasses them here by it deep philosophy.This poem has layers, each passing day I was realizing a new meaning to the poem. Plain vanilla translation would neither emphasize the philosophy of the poem nor the intended meaning of the poem.
