Spread Of Saivism In The Kongu Country

Abstract

The Kongu country was known to the ancient people of Tamil Nadu as a separate territorial entity. It played an essential role in the context of its relationship with the neighbouring regions. The Saiva Saints like Thirunavukkarasar, Tiruganasambandar and Sundaramurti Nayanar highlighted the seven Saiva temples in the Kongu region. Their hymns are based on a poetic composition called Devaram. The study of inscriptions from these seven Saiva temples can be corroborated with literary evidence, which gives a graphic description of the region, the social condition, numerous customs, and traditions. Tamil land was divided into five central territorial divisions: Chera Nadu, Chola Nadu, Pandya Nadu, Thondai Nadu, and Kongu Nadu. Tolkappiyam mentions the three divisions of Kongunadu, Cheetham, panic, and malanadu, while purananuru refers to Kongunadu as a separate division. These sources confirm that the kongunadu had flourished separately for several centuries. This paper aims to trace the spread of Saivism and Lord Shiva Worship in the Kongu country from a historical perspective. The Kongu country enjoyed a premier position in the history of Saivism due to the fact that the people of the country and the ruler had extended their patronage to the Saiva religion.