Tiru

Tiru is a common honorific prefix used in Tamil and other Dravidian languages, meaning sacred, venerable, or holy. In religious and devotional contexts it often precedes the name of a deity, a temple, or a revered figure. The prefix is frequently transliterated as Thiru in English texts.

The term derives from the Tamil திரு, a word denoting sanctity and respect. It serves as a marker of reverence in both religious naming and formal address. While closely related in spirit to the Sanskrit Sri/Shri, Thiru remains a distinct Tamil usage, commonly appearing in temple inscriptions, devotional literature, and place names.

In toponymy, Thiru commonly appears at the start of sacred or temple-related towns and sites. Examples include Thiruvarur, a town in Tamil Nadu known for its temple and historic significance, and Tiruchirappalli (often anglicized as Trichy), where the prefix marks a revered place. The full formal name of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, also carries the Thiru prefix in its canonical form. Outside of geography, Thiru can also serve as a formal honorific before a person’s name in written Tamil, signaling respect in official or ceremonial contexts.

Today, Thiru remains a recognizable marker of sacredness and respect in Tamil-speaking communities, especially in religious, historical, and administrative settings. It is typically used in formal language and is less common in casual speech, though its usage persists in toponymy and ceremonial address.