‘Periya Puranam’ is a revered book of ................ cult.

The correct answer is - Shaiva

Key Points

• Periya Puranam
  • The Periya Puranam, also known as the Great Purana, is a Tamil poetic work that narrates the life stories of the 63 Nayanars, who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva.
  • It is considered one of the most important texts in the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, which centers around the worship of Lord Shiva.
  • Authored by Sekkilhar during the 12th century, it is a monumental work of Tamil devotional literature.
• Shaiva Cult
  • The Shaiva cult refers to the religious and philosophical traditions that focus on the worship of Lord Shiva as the supreme deity.
  • The Periya Puranam plays a central role in emphasizing devotion (bhakti) to Shiva and celebrates the lives of those who achieved spiritual liberation through their unwavering faith and service to him.

Additional Information

• Bhakti Movement
  • The Bhakti Movement was a significant cultural and religious movement in medieval India that emphasized devotion to a personal deity, often through poetry and songs.
  • The Periya Puranam is an exemplary text of the Tamil Bhakti tradition and is deeply associated with the Shaiva aspect of the movement.
• Other Related Texts
  • Other important texts in the Shaiva tradition include the Tevaram, a collection of devotional hymns by the Nayanars, and the Tirumurai, a compilation of Shaiva devotional works.
  • The Periya Puranam itself is the twelfth and final book of the Tirumurai, making it a key part of Shaiva canonical literature.
• Significance of the Nayanars
  • The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints who were devoted to Shiva and played a pivotal role in promoting Shaivism in Tamil Nadu.
  • Their lives, as depicted in the Periya Puranam, highlight themes of selfless devotion, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in Shiva.