THE SPIRITUAL SPLENDOR OF PEOPLE OF TAMIL: SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CONCEPT OF GOD IN SAIVA SIDDHANTA
Keywords:
Saiva Siddhanta, Pati, Pasu, Pasa, Karma, Maya and SaccidanandaAbstract
Saiva is connected with Siva, Siddhanta literally means, the established conclusion or true end, and in its extension of meaning it denotes any system of philosophy. The Saiva Siddhanta indicates that the philosophy has been popular in south Indian as evidenced from the great temples dedicated to Siva and the source materials embedded in the Tamil language. One of the important features of Siddhanta is that it gives more value for reason, than for anything else. The Saiva Siddhanta system is not one standing exclusively all by itself. It does not denounce other systems as wholly false and claim a sole monopoly of all knowledge and wisdom for itself. In fact, it studies with respect all religions and philosophies and sees their merits and defects, finds that all of them have their place in human thought and progress, and takes delight in seeing them all as forming a progressive series, like steps in a ladder. It shines in its own sublime simplicity and celestial clarity. It has not said anything which is relegated to the realms of mysterious. It teaches practical philosophy which is appealing to our rational understanding and experience. The three fundamental entities such as God (Pati), Soul (Pasu) and Bondage (Pasa) of Saiva Siddhanta are peculiar to Tamil religious traditions. The understanding God and His attributes, functions in Saiva Siddhanta expose the religious splendor of people of Tamil and it is very peculiar in the south Indian tradition.References
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