பரயபரணததல வளணகட மரபகள / Agricultural Traditions in Periyapuranam

Sekkizhar composed Periyapuranam. He collected internal evidence from the Thirumurais, temple inscriptions, copperplates and Sasanas and external evidence from oral accounts of the Shiva devotees. He created a biographical epic centred on their devotion by visiting their birthplaces and the places they lived. Their lives are essential for humanity dedicated by Tamil society. Sekkizhar deserves credit for venerating the Nayanmars who fostered the devotional tradition in Tamil Nadu. Periyapuranam is a sacred text celebrating the lives of the Tamil saints and the miracles of lord Shiva. It bestows merit upon and serves as a comprehensive religious memoir for the Tamils. It shows the lives of devotees of unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva and received divine blessings. As an epitome of the twelve Saiva Thirumurai, Periyapuranam guides devotees on the path to salvation. Sekkizhar’s literary and spiritual wisdom has been evident in the great Purana of the Saiva tradition. It blends epic poetry with biographical and historical perspectives. The epic reveals Tamil cultural and religious values through the lives of the saints. It also portrays the valuable insights of the agricultural community and their practices. The connection between agricultural practices and the Nayanmars depicted in Periyapuranam is being studied in the article. Hence, Periyapuranam reflects the transformation during the post-Sangam period towards keen agricultural practices. Sekkizhar portrays the life of the Tamil people in a traditional manner. Thus, Periyapuranam illustrates the devotional life of the Tamil Nayanmars and also reveals the culture, Saiva religion and traditions of the Tamil society.