High Technology Letters ISSN NO : 1006-6748

ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF SAIVISM IN SOUTH

Dr. B. PALAMMAL R.PRAYMINA

Assistant Professor Ph.D.Resarch Scholar

Department of History and Research Centre Department of History and Research Centre

Holy Cross College (Autnomous) Holy Cross College (Autnomous)

Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari District , Kanniyakumari District

Abstract

The religious history of South Travancore is almost identical with that of the rest of

Travancore. Hinduism has been the predominant religion. Jainism also exited in this area during

medieval period. Christianity and Islam though came later exited side by side with their

respective modes of religious life. Hindu temples of South Travancore had a very ancient history.

In old days, there were not only places of worship, but also centers of social and cultural life.

they were maintained both the royal benefaction and public patronage. The monarchs bestowed

particular attention to the up keep of this religious institution. Not only did they tolerate religious

sects other than their own but they patronized all persuasions’ in equal measure inscriptions

constitute the chief source of information for the study of the religious history of South

Travancore. There are number of inscriptions found at the temple, the Bhagavathi

Amman temple at Kanniyakumari, the Vishnu temple at Parakkai and Thirupathisaram which

through much light on the sign anticancer of such institutions in the social and religious life of

the people.

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Key Words

South Travancore, Saivism, Lord Siva, Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, Suchindram

Temple, Bhagavathi Amman temple at Kanniyakumari, Sivabrahmanas of Cholapuram temple,

1125 A.D,1163 A.D, 1217 A.D, 1243 A.D, 1536 A.D, 1610 A.D, Cholapuram Inscription and

Buddhism.

Introduction

The origin of Saivism is lost in obscurity, but it is clear that the history of saivism is a

bland of two lines of development the Aryan or Vedic and the pre-Aryan. It is not a single cult,

but a federation of allied cults whose practices range from the serenest form of personal life in

the faith to the most repulsive excesses that alienate one’s sympathy for the cult. The hold of

saivism extends not only over the whole of from the Indus Valley to Bengal but stretches

across the sea to Greater India and the Archipelago and beyond the northern mountains to

Central Asia.

Origin and Growth of Saivism in South Travancore

In South India, Saivism is traceable from very early times and its influence grew, like that

of vaishnavism by its conflict with Buddhism and Jainism the age of the great pallavas. The

Sangam literature knows of siva and his exploits and the Silappathikaram even mention the

Panchaksar(the five letters of the Mamasivaya Mantra). In the history of Tamil Country, the

period from about 7th to 9th centuries A.D. Marks the further development of the bramanical sects

of saivism. The popularization of Bhakti cult by the saiva Nayanmars and the temple building

activities of the Pallavas, early Pandyas and other minor dynastics had contributed to the rapid

growth of saivism.

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The great Cholas were without exception saivities. Their period is considered to be the

golden age of saivism. Under them the beginnings made under the pallavas in the construction of

temples and establishment of Matas, reached a more elaborate and systematic development. The

canon of Tamil saivism became systematized and this was followed by the growth of doctrial

literature. Saivism is the most popular religious sect in South Travancore. The notable centers of

Siva workship are Suchindram, Cholapuram, Virakeralanallur, Kottar, Agasteswaram, Vadesery

and Karuppukottai apart from several villages not much historical importance.

An important feature of the Suchindram inscriptions is the wide variety of the royal

dynasties which figure in them. There are epigraphs of the Cholas the Chola-Pandya generals,

the Nayaks of Madurai and the more recent South Travancore monarchs. Religious observances

and endowments were viewed with great importance in early and medieval times and it was a

common practice with people passing by the neighborhood at these celebrated places to pay their

homage and bestow gifts on them.

The Saivagamas are some of the earliest books written in the Sanskrit language on the

Saiva religion and Philosophy over a period of several countries before the Christian era. Some

of the earliest of them would have been written before the days of the Buddha before the sixth

century B.C. they are considered to have equal scriptural authority as the Vedas. The Vedas are

considered to be general while the Agamas are considered to be special for the particular class of

people to whom they were intended.

Saiva tradition identifies Lords Saiva or Siva as a formless eternal and mysterious being

with many aspects and dimensions. He is both transcendental and immanent who cannot be

quantified and quantified objectively with our limited awareness. He is beyond our mind and

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senses, but within the reach of our experience and awakening. The origin of Saivism is lost in

obscurity but it is clear that the of history of saivism is a blend of two lines of development the

Aryan or Vedic and the Pre-Aryan. It is not a single and epigraphic evidences show that it was

under the rule of Cheras and the South Travancore rulers subsequently. The wealth of this region

also attracted many invaders like Vijayanagar rulers, Nayaks and the Mughals. It is the

confluence of various religious faiths.

Conclusion

In South Travancore there are nearly 100 temples and 200 other places of worship. Many

of these are private institutions having been endowed by pious Hindus hundreds of years when

starting the temple the custom was to hand over landed properties of considerable value to

members of their own families or other trustees who met the necessary expenditure for the

temples from these properties. Jainism also existed in South Travancore during the medieval

period. Epigraphically evidence clearly shows the existence of Jainism in this area. Christianity

and Islam though came later existed side by side with their respective modes of religious life.

But religious harmony prevailed among the people. Temples, Churches and Mosques are situated

within a few yards of each other for countries without hindrance. The Muslims and Christians

respected the customs and usages of traditions of South Travancore and maintained cordial

relation with the other people. Siva does not ask us to worship him rather know ourselves as him

only and live with that faith and conviction the rest of our lives.

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