Kurinjippattu

Kurinjippattu is an ancient Tamil epic poem attributed to the poet Nakkeerar. It is considered one of the Eight Anthologies (Ettuthokai) of Sangam literature, a collection of classical Tamil poetry from the ancient Tamil kingdoms. The poem is believed to have been composed sometime between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE.

The title, Kurinjippattu, translates to "Ten Thousand Lines in the Kurinji Mode" or "The Song of the Kurinji Flower." The Kurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a blue-violet flower that blooms once every twelve years in the hills of South India. The poem is structured around the theme of love, specifically the union of lovers in the mountainous region (Kurinji thinai) of classical Tamil geography.

Kurinjippattu describes various aspects of life in the Kurinji region, including its flora and fauna, the social customs of its inhabitants, and the emotional landscape of love. It is renowned for its vivid imagery and its exploration of the nuances of human relationships. The poem is not a continuous narrative but rather a collection of verses that, when read together, paint a rich picture of the Kurinji land and the sentiments associated with it.

The poem is significant for its contribution to understanding ancient Tamil culture, language, and poetic conventions. Its preservation within the Sangam canon ensures its continued study and appreciation by scholars and enthusiasts of Tamil literature. The enduring appeal of Kurinjippattu lies in its lyrical beauty and its timeless portrayal of love and nature.