Thiruppugazh

Thiruppugazh ("Glory to the Lord" or "Divine glory") is a 15th century anthology of Tamil religious songs dedicated to Murugan, the son of Shiva, written by the poet-saint Arunagirinathar. The anthology is considered one of the central works of medieval Tamil literature, both for its poetical and musical qualities, and for its religious, moral and philosophical content.

 

There are no historical records of the life of Arunagirinathar, and what we know of the composition of the Tiruppugazh is largely derived from oral traditions and legends recorded in commentaries on the work. According to these, Arunagirinathar led a hedonistic life as a young man. His disgust at his own conduct led him to attempt suicide by jumping off the temple tower at Tiruvannamalai. He was saved by a stranger, who, according to legend, was Murugan himself. Arunagirinathar was transformed, and began a long pilgrimage, visiting the arupadai, the six temples most sacred to Murugan, and over 200 other holy shrines in India and Sri Lanka. At each of these, he composed songs in praise of Murugan, which are collected together in the Thiruppugazh. The majority of the songs are sung to Murugan, but there are also a few songs that sing of deeds of Siva or the avataras of Vishnu, and of the power of Parvati. Each song ends addressing Murugan as Perumal, a term that traditionally had strong associations with Tamil Vaishnavism.

 

 

Arunagiri was not a born poet nor a devotee but rather started out in a different way of life and transformed himself into an erudite scholar and versatile poet. Arunagirinathar describes this in Kandhar Anuputhi) (The Adoration to God) thus: "This talent, this skill, this knowledge and this devotion, do not belong to me. These are the gifts of Muruga. It is only you, Lord Muruga, who make me sing." (Yaam Odhiya Kalviyum Em Arivum Thame Pera Velavar Thandhadhanal"). ( Courtesy : Wikipedia )

 

 

Lyrics in Tamil can be downloaded from Project Madhurai . I am including this website so that other great Tamil Litarary works can also be downloaded

 

Best resources for MP3 and Lyrics can be found on these websites devoted to Sri Murugan