Spirit Worship in Sangam Literature

சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் ஆவிவழிபாடு

Abstract

The paper will discuss the theme of spirit worship in the Sangam Tamil literature. The ancient Tamil culture had a range of supernatural beings like Korravai, Perunkattu Korri, Kadamar Selvi, Kadalkelu Selvi, Tunangaiyam Selvi, Palaiyol, Sur, Anangu, Murugan, Kolli Pavai, and Vidaragathu Suli who were all known to be spirits that were capable of instilling fear and harm to humans. The article discusses the spirit form in which it was believed to have been formed out of unfulfilled desires of the deceased that were related to land, time and individuals. The idea of Anangu is discussed carefully as the primal, formless power that is expressed in fear, grief and Godly energy of both men and women, yet it is identified with feminine power mostly. Basing on the Sangam literature such as Akananuru, Purananuru, Ainkurunuru, Kurunthokai, Kalithokai, Thirumurugatrupadai, Natrinai, Pathitruppathu, paripadal and Maduraikkanji, the article shows how Anangu dwells within mountains, forests, trees as well as water bodies. The Sur and Sura Makalir are considered to be scary goddesses who represent devastating forces. It also discusses the ritual of Veriyattu that the Velan, a Murugan priestengages in as a spirit possession and worship ritual. Lastly, the paper addresses the spirit mediums within ancient Tamil culture and tries to argue that this type of spirit worship is the living heartbeat of the ancient Dravidian and Tamil religious culture.