Murugattrupadai

Murugattrupadai is a collection of ten Tamil poems from the Sangam literature period. These poems are attributed to the poet Nakkirar and are dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan. The title itself translates to "A Guide to Murugan," suggesting that the poems serve as an instructional or devotional guide for pilgrims seeking to visit Murugan's shrines. The collection is a significant work within the Pathinenkilkannakku, a group of eighteen Tamil ethical and didactic works.

The poems within Murugattrupadai are characterized by their rich imagery, vivid descriptions of landscapes, and intricate mythological allusions. They typically follow a structure where the poet encounters a devotee of Murugan and, after learning about the god's glories, advises the devotee on how to reach Murugan's abodes. The poems often describe the arduous journeys, the natural beauty encountered along the way, and the divine blessings one can expect. They provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs, social customs, and geographical settings of ancient Tamil Nadu. The language used is classical Tamil, making it a subject of study for scholars of Tamil literature and history. Murugattrupadai remains an important text for understanding early Tamil devotional poetry and the worship of Murugan.