தமழர பணபடட மரபல வழபடம கயலகளன தறறமம / Worship and Origin of Temples in Tamil Cultural Heritage

Culture is related to food, dress, shelter, worship, culture, civilization and traditional customs. This article explores the impact of temples on the worship tradition of Tamils and the social change faced by them. It tells about the ancient worship of Tamils such as nature worship, temple-based gods and their worship, tree worship, Indra worship, Kaman worship, Kartika festival, Pongal and Panguni Uthiram. Then, Anangu and Sur were also known as deities worshipped out of fear. Nadukal worship, the tradition of worshipping stones, mother goddess worship and Muruga worship paved the way to idol worship and this should be considered as the early stage of statehood. Kattralis, Kottams emerged at a later stage and laid the foundations for the construction of temples. In this situation, the distinctions between the deities Perutheivam (Great Gods) and Sirutheivam (Small Gods) have been created. Perutheivam has acted as a centre of power and expression of the influence of the Monarchy. As a result, common native people have been affected in various ways. Clan deities and Nattar deities are worshipped as minor deities. The method of Small God worship has preserved the worship tradition and culture of the Native people even today. This article explores how temples created the success of kings, the luxury of the ruling class and the development of patriarchy in Tamil society. The noble form of worship is to greet and worship the Lord who is common to all. This article establishes that everything else is for pomp and show.