Invocation to Goddess in Tamil Literature

Abstract

The Mother Goddess occupies a central position in the Hindu religious system and is revered as Sakti, the primordial source of energy without which male deities are considered powerless. This study examines the evolution and significance of Mother Goddess worship in Tamil literary traditions from ancient to modern times. The objective of the paper is to analyse how Goddess worship—particularly in the forms of Kotravai, Kali, Kollipavai, Mariyamman, and Meenakshi—is represented in classical Tamil texts and epics.
Methodologically, the study adopts a historical and textual analysis, drawing upon Sangam literature, Tamil epics such as Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, Bhakti literature, and relevant archaeological and iconographic evidence. The findings reveal that Mother Goddess worship in Tamil literature reflects themes of fertility, war, protection, morality, and community identity, while also demonstrating continuity and transformation across historical periods.
The study contributes to Tamil religious historiography by offering a comprehensive synthesis of literary, cultural, and historical representations of the Sakti cult. This study concludes that understanding Mother Goddess worship is essential for interpreting the broader religious and social foundations of Tamil society, while also indicating the scope for future research on ritual practices, regional variations, and contemporary forms of Goddess worship.