📖 Overview
Sekkizhar, also known as Arulmozhithevar, was a 12th-century Tamil poet and minister who served in the court of the Chola king Kulothunga Chola II. He is primarily known for composing the Periya Puranam, a Tamil hagiographic work that chronicles the lives of the 63 Nayanars (Shaivite saints).
The Periya Puranam, consisting of 4,286 verses, represents one of the most significant works of Tamil literature and is considered the twelfth and final book of the Tirumurai, the sacred canon of Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta. Sekkizhar's masterwork meticulously details the devotional experiences and miracles associated with each Nayanar saint, drawing from earlier sources including Nambiyandar Nambi's Tiruthondar Tiruvandadi.
As Chief Minister of the Chola kingdom, Sekkizhar composed the Periya Puranam at the request of King Kulothunga II, who sought a work that would counter the growing influence of Jainism in the region. The work was first presented at the Chidambaram Temple, where it continues to be recited annually during the month of Ani (June-July).
Born in Kunratur near modern-day Chennai, Sekkizhar came from a family of Vellalas (landowners) and received extensive education in Tamil and Sanskrit literature. His given name was Arulmozhithevar, with Sekkizhar being an honorific title bestowed upon him later in recognition of his scholarship and service to the Chola court.
👀 Reviews
Few reader reviews or ratings exist online specifically for Sekkizhar or Periya Puranam translations. Most discussion appears in academic contexts rather than consumer reviews.
Readers appreciate:
- Detailed portrayal of Nayanar saints' lives and devotional practices
- Historical insights into 12th century Tamil culture and religious life
- Poetic descriptions of significant temples and sacred sites
- Clear explanations of Shaivite philosophy and bhakti traditions
Common criticisms:
- Limited English translations available
- Complex Tamil vocabulary challenging for modern readers
- Religious/cultural context needed to fully understand references
- Length and repetition in some saint narratives
No ratings currently listed on Goodreads or Amazon for English translations. Academic citations focus on historical and literary analysis rather than reader experience. Tamil language forums occasionally discuss the work's religious significance but rarely provide detailed reviews.
[Note: Limited verifiable reader review data exists for this classical Tamil text]
📚 Books by Sekkizhar
Periya Puranam (also known as Tiruttondar Puranam)
A 12th century Tamil hagiography chronicling the lives of 63 Nayanar saints, consisting of 4,286 verses structured in thirteen books.
Nampiyandar Nampi Tiruthogai A compilation text preserving and organizing the hymns of the Nayanar saints into eleven books known as Tirumurai.
Thiruthondar Thiruvandhadhi A poetic work of 89 verses praising the devotees of Shiva using the andhadhi meter, where the last syllable of each verse becomes the first syllable of the next verse.
Nampiyandar Nampi Tiruthogai A compilation text preserving and organizing the hymns of the Nayanar saints into eleven books known as Tirumurai.
Thiruthondar Thiruvandhadhi A poetic work of 89 verses praising the devotees of Shiva using the andhadhi meter, where the last syllable of each verse becomes the first syllable of the next verse.
👥 Similar authors
Appar wrote Tamil Shaivite devotional poetry in the 7th century and compiled the Tevaram hymns. Like Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam, Appar's works focus on the lives and devotion of Shaivite saints.
Sundarar composed poems about Shiva in Tamil during the 8th century as one of the most prominent Nayanar saints. His hagiographical accounts of other saints' lives influenced Sekkizhar's later biographical work.
Nambi Andar Nambi compiled and arranged the Tevaram hymns in the 10th century which provided source material for Sekkizhar. He preserved many of the saint narratives that Sekkizhar later expanded in the Periya Puranam.
Manikkavacakar wrote the Tiruvacakam hymns expressing devotion to Shiva in Tamil during the 9th century. His poetic style and devotional themes align with the spiritual focus found in Sekkizhar's writing.
Campantar created Tamil hymns as a child prodigy in the 7th century, becoming one of the most celebrated Nayanar saints. His life story and compositions feature prominently in Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam accounts.
Sundarar composed poems about Shiva in Tamil during the 8th century as one of the most prominent Nayanar saints. His hagiographical accounts of other saints' lives influenced Sekkizhar's later biographical work.
Nambi Andar Nambi compiled and arranged the Tevaram hymns in the 10th century which provided source material for Sekkizhar. He preserved many of the saint narratives that Sekkizhar later expanded in the Periya Puranam.
Manikkavacakar wrote the Tiruvacakam hymns expressing devotion to Shiva in Tamil during the 9th century. His poetic style and devotional themes align with the spiritual focus found in Sekkizhar's writing.
Campantar created Tamil hymns as a child prodigy in the 7th century, becoming one of the most celebrated Nayanar saints. His life story and compositions feature prominently in Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam accounts.