Music in ThiruvilayadalPuranam

திருவிளையாடற் புராணத்தில் இசைக்கலை

Abstract

For centuries, Tamil Nadu has been a land celebrated for its poetic excellence, enriched by over five hundred poets who composed thousands of songs, strengthening the Tamil language. These were later collected into anthologies named Ettuthokai and Pattuppattu, commonly called Sangam literature. The period of their creation is regarded as the golden age of Tamil literary history.

ThiruvilayadalPuranam, a devotional text narrating the divine sports of Lord Shiva, notably integrates music as a vital artistic element. The text describes the playing of divine musical instruments such as the Veena and Yazh, personifying their sacredness and musical finesse. The Veena is celebrated as the instrument of Goddess Saraswathi, symbolizing knowledge and artistry.

The stories in the Puranam often highlight Lord Shiva’s musical performances on the Yazh, showcasing elaborate ragas and rhythm patterns. These divine musical acts symbolize spiritual wisdom and artistic beauty, illustrating the close relationship between music and divinity in Tamil culture.

This study explores the prominent role of music and musical instruments as portrayed in ThiruvilayadalPuranam.