தரபபகழல இரமயணக கறகள / Glimpses of Ramayana in Tiruppugazh

The “Ramayana” and the “Mahabharata” are epics that reflect Indian culture. These two epics have continued to appear in various forms in popular Indian Literature and life throughout time, incidents such as Sri Rama Navami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Sita’s marriage, and the worship of Draupadi. The stories that had been told orally for generations were transformed into epics and epic poetry over time. The epics “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” were written in the vernacular by Valmiki and Vedavyasa. They were composed in Tamil by Kambar and Villiputhur Azhwar. The plot and characters have been discussed throughout time. Some of the elements of the story remain the subject of debate even today. The essential elements of the epics are recorded in literature as references, allegories and internal evidence. Arunagirinathar sang about Lord Muruga in Tamil with melodies that evoke awe. He sings about the temples where Lord Muruga resides in the six abodes. He also describes the deities Vinayaka, Thirumal, Lord Shiva and Shakti in “Tiruppugazh”. He talks about Thirumal and highlights the merits of his tenth incarnation. Arunagirinathar sings on Thirumal by narrating the incidents of the “Ramayana” in a few songs. Therefore, the article portrays that the elements of the “Ramayana” story are prevalent in the “Thiruppugazh” songs.