Tiruvacakam

Tiruvacakam is a seminal work of Tamil devotional literature, composed by the saint Manikkavacakar in the 9th century CE. It is part of the Shaiva Siddhanta canon and is considered one of the most important Tamil religious texts. The work consists of fifty-one poems, each dealing with various aspects of the devotee's relationship with the Hindu deity Shiva. The verses express a range of emotions, from intense love and devotion to profound grief and ecstatic joy, reflecting the spiritual journey of the poet.

Manikkavacakar, believed to have lived during the Pallava dynasty, is one of the twelve Nayanars, the revered saints of Tamil Shaivism. Tiruvacakam is his most famous composition and is highly regarded for its lyrical beauty and theological depth. The poems often use vivid imagery and metaphors to describe the divine presence and the devotee's longing for union with Shiva. The text is a cornerstone of Shaiva worship and is chanted and recited in temples and homes across Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities worldwide. Its spiritual message continues to inspire devotees, offering solace, guidance, and a path to understanding the divine.