Thevaram

Thevaram is a collection of Tamil devotional hymns dedicated to Shiva. It comprises the first seven volumes of the Tirumurai, the twelve-volume Saiva scripture of Tamil Nadu. These hymns were composed by the three most celebrated Nayanars: Sambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, and Sundarar, who lived between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. The term "Thevaram" itself translates to "divine garland" or "offering to the divine."

The hymns in Thevaram praise Shiva's attributes, his cosmic activities, and his divine lila (play). They describe various temples associated with Shiva across Tamil Nadu, often referring to them by their local names. The poetic style is characterized by lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and philosophical insights. The compositions are believed to have been compiled by Nambi Andar Nambi in the 10th century CE.

Thevaram holds significant religious and cultural importance for Tamil Hindus. It is sung daily in Shiva temples and is an integral part of religious festivals and ceremonies. The hymns are not only devotional but also serve as a rich source of information about the socio-cultural and religious landscape of ancient Tamil Nadu. The scholarly study of Thevaram has shed light on the development of Tamil literature, language, and the history of Shaivism.