சறதயவ வழபடடன தததவமம மவயல நககம: ஒர வரவன மனடவயல மறறம சமகவயல ஆயவ

Summary

Minor deity worship in Tamil Nadu is not just ritual but a philosophical foundation for community life, contrasting with institutionalized major deity worship governed by Vedantic and Agamic rules. This anthropological study traces the tradition from the Hero Stone (Nadukal) in Sangam literature to modern Sanskritization and globalization. It examines metaphysical phenomena like spirit possession (Samiyaduthal), the relationship between body, mind, and spirit, and how minor deities uphold social ethics and power structures, while facing challenges of institutionalization.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Minor deity worship, deeply rooted in the cultural foundations of Tamil Nadu, exists not merely as a set of rituals but as a philosophical bedrock supporting the entire lifestyle of a community. While institutionalized "Great Tradition" (Major) deity worship operates within the framework of Vedantic and Agamic rules, minor deity worship is directly intertwined with the daily needs, fears, beliefs, and social security of the people. This study extensively explores the philosophical foundations and metaphysical dimensions of minor deity worship from an anthropological perspective. It explains, with evidence, the transitions ranging from the Hero Stone (Nadukal) tradition found in the Sangam literature Purananuru to the modern-day processes of Sanskritization and Globalization. Furthermore, it subtly examines the relationship between body, mind, and spirit, the philosophical background of metaphysical phenomena such as spirit possession (Samiyaduthal), and the role of these deities within social power structures. This research evaluates how minor deities protect the moral ethics of a society and the challenges of institutionalization they face in the modern era.

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