Divya Prabandha

Divya Prabandha

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The Divya Prabandha is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses (pasurams) composed by the Azhwars, the poet-saints of South India who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. These hymns are considered to be among the earliest and most important works of Tamil literature and are revered in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition.

Etymology

The term "Divya Prabandha" means "divine composition" in Tamil. The word "Divya" signifies "divine" and "Prabandha" refers to a "composition" or "literary work".

Historical Context

The Azhwars were deeply devoted to Vishnu, and their hymns express their intense love and devotion to the deity. The Divya Prabandha is considered to be the Tamil equivalent of the Vedas and is often referred to as the "Tamil Veda". The hymns were compiled in their present form by Nathamuni, a 10th-century Vaishnavite theologian.

Structure

The Divya Prabandha is divided into four parts:

1. Mudhal Aayiram (First Thousand)
2. Periya Thirumozhi (Great Sacred Sayings)
3. Thiruvaimozhi (Sacred Words)
4. Iyarpa (Unmetered Verses)

Each section contains hymns that are dedicated to different forms of Vishnu and his various manifestations.

Themes

The hymns of the Divya Prabandha cover a wide range of themes, including:

• Devotion and Love: The Azhwars express their deep love and devotion to Vishnu, often using the metaphor of a lover yearning for the beloved.
• Philosophy and Theology: The hymns explore various philosophical concepts within the framework of Vaishnavism, such as the nature of the soul, the universe, and the supreme being.
• Ethics and Morality: The verses often emphasize the importance of leading a virtuous life and adhering to dharma.

Influence

The Divya Prabandha has had a profound influence on the development of Bhakti movement in India. It has inspired countless poets, saints, and philosophers, and continues to be a central text in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. The hymns are recited in temples and homes, and they play a crucial role in the liturgical practices of the community.

Preservation and Recitation

The Divya Prabandha is preserved through oral tradition and is recited during various religious ceremonies and festivals. The recitation of these hymns is considered to be an act of devotion and is believed to bring spiritual merit to the devotee.

See Also

• Azhwars
• Sri Vaishnavism
• Bhakti movement
• Tamil literature

References

• Hardy, Friedhelm. "Viraha-Bhakti: The Early History of Krsna Devotion in South India." Oxford University Press, 1983.
• Varadachari, K.C. "The Philosophy of Nathamuni." University of Madras, 1957.

External Links

• Divya Prabandham Online