What do you think?
Rate this book
Sekkilar's Periyapuranam
A Minister turned poet turned saint Sekkizhar (1113-1173 CE) created the literary masterpiece cum devotional epic cum Hindu religious history, aptly called Peria Puranam (great epic). Original is in form of 4286 Tamil verses. It deals with the lives and times of 63 Nayanmars who served Lord Siva and the mankind in their own distinct ways. The trials and tribulations they willingly undergo and the supreme sacrifices they make us wonder-struck. It is noteworthy that they belong to various castes and professions known to the Tamil society of those days; and, except one, all of them were house holders. This makes the Puranam's appeal universal. Rendered in simple readable English prose form by an engineer turned scholar, this work is sure to introduce the epic to and enthuse the readers of the present day generation to learn more about it.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1935
51 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 28, 2025
Detailed Review : https://thecommunemag.com/book-review...
March 9, 2024
Periya Puranam: A Testament to the Power of Devotion and the Legacy of Shaiva Saints
The Periya Puranam, a revered Tamil text by Sekkizhar, stands as a cornerstone of Shaivism in South India. Its significance lies not just in its literary merit, but in its profound portrayal of the lives and devotion of the 63 Nayanmars, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva.
The Periya Puranam transcends the typical hagiography. Each Nayanmar's story is unique, showcasing the boundless ways devotion can manifest. From kings like Raja Raja Chola who built magnificent temples to Kannappa, a hunter who offered Shiva his own eye, the text celebrates the power of unwavering dedication. Social barriers dissolve; saints come from all walks of life - queens, outcastes, and even a courtesan. This inclusivity underlines the universality of Shiva's grace, accessible to anyone with pure devotion.
The Nayanmars' stories are not just chronicles of piety; they are testaments to the transformative power of devotion. They inspire readers with their unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity. The text also subtly instructs on various aspects of Shaivism - temple rituals, philosophical concepts, and the importance of selfless service.
The Periya Puranam offers a rich tapestry of South Indian history and culture. We glean insights into social customs, societal structures, and the prevalent religious landscape of the time. The text's influence extends beyond the realm of religion. It is a celebrated piece of Tamil literature, admired for its masterful storytelling and beautiful use of language.
The Periya Puranam's impact on Shaivism has been profound. For centuries, it has served as a source of inspiration for devotees, shaping devotional practices and temple traditions. Saints like Ramana Maharshi credit the text with awakening their spiritual yearning.
In conclusion, the Periya Puranam is more than just a collection of saintly biographies. It is a testament to the enduring power of devotion, a rich source of history and culture, and a cornerstone of Shaivism in South India. Its message of unwavering faith and the boundless forms devotion can take continues to resonate with readers and inspire spiritual seekers even today.
The Periya Puranam, a revered Tamil text by Sekkizhar, stands as a cornerstone of Shaivism in South India. Its significance lies not just in its literary merit, but in its profound portrayal of the lives and devotion of the 63 Nayanmars, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva.
The Periya Puranam transcends the typical hagiography. Each Nayanmar's story is unique, showcasing the boundless ways devotion can manifest. From kings like Raja Raja Chola who built magnificent temples to Kannappa, a hunter who offered Shiva his own eye, the text celebrates the power of unwavering dedication. Social barriers dissolve; saints come from all walks of life - queens, outcastes, and even a courtesan. This inclusivity underlines the universality of Shiva's grace, accessible to anyone with pure devotion.
The Nayanmars' stories are not just chronicles of piety; they are testaments to the transformative power of devotion. They inspire readers with their unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity. The text also subtly instructs on various aspects of Shaivism - temple rituals, philosophical concepts, and the importance of selfless service.
The Periya Puranam offers a rich tapestry of South Indian history and culture. We glean insights into social customs, societal structures, and the prevalent religious landscape of the time. The text's influence extends beyond the realm of religion. It is a celebrated piece of Tamil literature, admired for its masterful storytelling and beautiful use of language.
The Periya Puranam's impact on Shaivism has been profound. For centuries, it has served as a source of inspiration for devotees, shaping devotional practices and temple traditions. Saints like Ramana Maharshi credit the text with awakening their spiritual yearning.
In conclusion, the Periya Puranam is more than just a collection of saintly biographies. It is a testament to the enduring power of devotion, a rich source of history and culture, and a cornerstone of Shaivism in South India. Its message of unwavering faith and the boundless forms devotion can take continues to resonate with readers and inspire spiritual seekers even today.
March 7, 2024
The Periya Puranam, also known as the Tiruttondar Puranam, is a 12th-century Tamil masterpiece by Sekkizhar. It's not simply a collection of biographies, but rather a captivating tapestry woven with profound devotion, engaging narratives, and rich cultural insights.
The core of the Periya Puranam lies in its portrayal of the sixty-three Nayanmars, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. Each story, unique in its setting and characters, showcases the boundless ways devotion can manifest. From the unwavering faith of a king to the selfless sacrifice of a hunter, the text celebrates the power of unwavering dedication.
While the Periya Puranam holds immense significance for devotees of Shiva and those interested in Tamil literature and South Indian history, it's important to acknowledge that the text's religious themes and cultural context might not resonate with everyone. Readers seeking a purely religious experience might find the narrative structure episodic, while those unfamiliar with Hinduism might require additional context to fully appreciate the nuances.
Overall, the Periya Puranam is a remarkable work that offers a profound exploration of faith, devotion, and the human condition. Its rich literary tapestry, historical significance, and timeless themes make it a valuable read for those seeking a deeper understanding of South Indian culture and the power of unwavering dedication.
The core of the Periya Puranam lies in its portrayal of the sixty-three Nayanmars, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. Each story, unique in its setting and characters, showcases the boundless ways devotion can manifest. From the unwavering faith of a king to the selfless sacrifice of a hunter, the text celebrates the power of unwavering dedication.
While the Periya Puranam holds immense significance for devotees of Shiva and those interested in Tamil literature and South Indian history, it's important to acknowledge that the text's religious themes and cultural context might not resonate with everyone. Readers seeking a purely religious experience might find the narrative structure episodic, while those unfamiliar with Hinduism might require additional context to fully appreciate the nuances.
Overall, the Periya Puranam is a remarkable work that offers a profound exploration of faith, devotion, and the human condition. Its rich literary tapestry, historical significance, and timeless themes make it a valuable read for those seeking a deeper understanding of South Indian culture and the power of unwavering dedication.
February 28, 2024
Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam is an enthralling journey into the hearts and lives of 63 Nayanmars, ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. This 12th-century Tamil masterpiece transcends the boundaries of a mere collection of biographies, blossoming into a vibrant tapestry woven with profound devotion, captivating narratives, and rich cultural insights.
The beauty of the Periya Puranam lies in its multifaceted nature. It is, first and foremost, a testament to the unwavering faith of the Nayanmars. Their extraordinary dedication to Shiva, expressed through acts of selfless service, unwavering love, and even unconventional defiance, fills the reader with awe and inspiration. Each story, unique in its setting and characters, celebrates the boundless ways devotion can manifest.
Beyond its religious significance, Periya Puranam shines as a literary gem. Sekkizhar's masterful storytelling brings the Nayanmars and their times to life. He utilizes a captivating blend of poetry, prose, and song, seamlessly integrating historical details and cultural nuances into the narratives. The text is a treasure trove for those interested in South Indian history and religious practices, offering a glimpse into the lives of people from diverse social backgrounds.
The beauty of the Periya Puranam lies in its multifaceted nature. It is, first and foremost, a testament to the unwavering faith of the Nayanmars. Their extraordinary dedication to Shiva, expressed through acts of selfless service, unwavering love, and even unconventional defiance, fills the reader with awe and inspiration. Each story, unique in its setting and characters, celebrates the boundless ways devotion can manifest.
Beyond its religious significance, Periya Puranam shines as a literary gem. Sekkizhar's masterful storytelling brings the Nayanmars and their times to life. He utilizes a captivating blend of poetry, prose, and song, seamlessly integrating historical details and cultural nuances into the narratives. The text is a treasure trove for those interested in South Indian history and religious practices, offering a glimpse into the lives of people from diverse social backgrounds.
June 6, 2018
A good introduction to the material, though more interested in appealing to a christian audience than honest translation.
May 26, 2020
A sincere devotee of Lord Shiva should not miss this book. It is amazing to know that even a householder with a family and an occupation can spend so much time in loving devotion to the Lord so as to be included in Lord Shiva's galaxy of saints. One need not renounce everything in search of God and the Truth
June 23, 2020
Excellent book
April 13, 2022
Periyapuranam requires caste reading.
Read and study this book from the lens of caste! It will illuminate how caste system gets perpetuated. Amazing read.
Read and study this book from the lens of caste! It will illuminate how caste system gets perpetuated. Amazing read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews