The nature of sacred power in Old Tamil text
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: The nature of sacred power in Old Tamil text
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
In the exploration of Old Tamil texts, Kamil V. Zvelebil examines the nature of sacred power, particularly focusing on the term "ananku," which encompasses various meanings including pain, affliction, and a goddess associated with lust. Through detailed analysis of texts and poetic conventions, Zvelebil aims to unpack the complexities of ananku as both a fear-provoking force and a sacred power linked to deities, particularly Murukan. This sacred power not only possesses a duality of meanings ranging from benevolent to malevolent but also reflects the spiritual beliefs of early Tamil culture.
2) The Concept of Ananku
Ananku signifies an awe-inspiring sacred power inherent in various elements of nature and human experience. It manifests as a force that evokes reverence and fear, suggesting a hidden and potentially dangerous power. Zvelebil categorizes ananku as a form of “hieratic power,” which can be invoked or driven away, distinguishing it from concepts of terror associated with the term "cur." Ananku, while capable of causing distress, does not always have malevolent intentions, as it can also be linked to fertility, love, and spiritual purity.
3) The Distinction Between Ananku and Cur
Zvelebil distinguishes ananku from cur, the latter representing terror and cruelty. Ananku is characterized as a sacred power that is not inherently malevolent but can be daunting and awe-inducing. Through a close reading of ancient poems, Zvelebil demonstrates how cur represents a fear that is fundamentally different from the complex emotional and spiritual experiences associated with ananku. This demarcation emphasizes the nuanced understanding of supernatural forces in Tamil culture and the dual nature of divine experiences.
4) Ananku in Rituals and Healing Practices
The text discusses the rituals surrounding ananku, particularly in the context of exorcism and healing. The presence of ananku in individuals, especially women, is often interpreted through divination performed by wise women. Rituals led by priests (velan) involve ecstatic dances and offerings aimed at invoking or dispelling ananku. These practices reflect the cultural significance of sacred power, demonstrating how it is closely intertwined with love, desire, and social relationships within the community.
5) The Evolving Concept of Ananku in Tamil Literature
Over time, ananku evolves from an impersonal force into a more personalized concept, being associated with specific deities and eventually personified as a female demon or fairy in later texts. Zvelebil traces this progression, revealing how ancient understandings of ananku transitioned into a more contemporary conception that incorporates both beauty and danger. This transformation highlights the dynamic nature of Tamil literary traditions and the layering of cultural meanings over time.
6) Conclusion
Zvelebil’s analysis illustrates that the sacred power represented by ananku is deeply embedded in ancient Tamil spirituality and practices. It underscores the importance of examining historical and cultural contexts to fully appreciate the complexity of such concepts. The interplay between fear and reverence in the ancient portrayal of ananku not only enriches our understanding of Tamil literature but also reflects broader themes in human interaction with the divine and the inherent sacredness of nature. Through this exploration, Zvelebil invites deeper consideration of how sacred power has been understood and represented throughout history, linking past beliefs to contemporary spirituality.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Kamil V. Zvelebil
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: The nature of sacred power in Old Tamil text
Year: 1979 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5116
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of ananku in Old Tamil texts?
Ananku refers to a sacred power perceived as awe-inspiring and potentially dangerous, often associated with natural settings, deities, and human experiences. It represents an impersonal force that can provoke both reverence and fear.
Who are the main deities associated with ananku?
The primary deity associated with ananku is Murukan, but Indra and some asuras also possess this sacred power. Murukan's relationship with ananku emphasizes both the beauty and danger of this sacred force.
What contexts are associated with ananku in Old Tamil poetry?
Ananku appears in contexts related to love, divine possession, and emotional distress, often experienced by women. The poetry illustrates how ananku influences desire, longing, and shamanistic practices for healing.
How does the worship of Murukan relate to ananku?
Worshiping Murukan often involves rituals to invoke or dispel ananku. Shamanistic practices led by a velan (spear-man) are central to these ceremonies, aiming to soothe individuals afflicted by ananku.
What is the difference between ananku and cur in these texts?
Ananku represents awe-inspiring sacred power with beneficial aspects, while cur embodies fear and malevolence. Ananku can lead to possession but also healing, contrasting with cur, which only brings terror.
What are some common manifestations of ananku?
Ananku manifests in various forms, including natural environments like mountains and waters, human emotions, and sacred objects. It may also be presented as divine presence during rituals, often linked to love and desire.
How is ananku personified in later Tamil literature?
In later literature, ananku is often viewed as a female fairy or demon, sometimes malicious or seductive. This personification represents a shift from its original context of a sacred, immanent force.
What kind of rituals were associated with ananku?
Rituals involving ananku typically include shamanistic dances, sacrifices, and offerings to invoke or dispel ananku, aimed at healing emotional distress and ensuring divine favor, often performed in community settings.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “The nature of sacred power in Old Tamil text”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Power:
In Old Tamil texts, power is often referred to as 'ananku,' which denotes an awe-inspiring, supernatural force that can be both beneficial and malevolent. It is immanent in certain places, objects, and beings.[see source text or glossary: Power]
2) Murugan (Murukan):
Murukan, also spelled Murugan, is a significant deity in Old Tamil texts, often associated with ananku or sacred power. He is revered for his strength and his connection to various natural and sacred sites like mountains and tree temples.[see source text or glossary: Murukan]
3) Tamil:
The Tamil language is the medium through which Old Tamil texts explore complex themes such as sacred power (ananku), love, and divinity. Tamil literature from this period includes works like the Akananuru and Puram anthologies.[see source text or glossary: Tamil]
4) Love:
Love in Old Tamil poetry is a central theme, often connected to ananku. It explores the emotional states and romantic relationships of young women and men. The desire and suffering associated with love can sometimes be mistaken for possession by ananku.[see source text or glossary: Love]
5) Possession:
Possession in Old Tamil texts often refers to being overtaken by an ananku, a sacred or supernatural power. This possession could be both genuine, causing illness or distress, and feigned, often related to love-longing.[see source text or glossary: Possession]
6) Mountain:
Mountains are frequently described as the dwelling places of ananku in Old Tamil texts. They are considered awe-inspiring and sacred, and are often the settings for poetic explorations of love and divinity.[see source text or glossary: Mountain]
7) Nature:
Nature plays a significant role in Old Tamil literature, with many natural elements like mountains, waterfalls, and forests being described as imbued with ananku, sacred power. These natural settings often evoke reverential awe.[see source text or glossary: Nature]
8) Woman (Women):
Women in these texts are often portrayed as being vessels of ananku, particularly when they come of age. This sacred power makes them objects of desire and emotional complexity in the literature.[see source text or glossary: Woman]
9) Akam:
Akam refers to a genre of Old Tamil poetry that deals with themes of love and personal relationships. It often explores the concept of ananku in the context of romantic longing and emotional suffering.[see source text or glossary: Akam]
10) Fear:
Fear is associated with ananku as an awe-inspiring and sometimes malevolent force. It also relates to cur, another term for terrifying supernatural entities in Old Tamil texts.[see source text or glossary: Fear]
11) Breast:
In Old Tamil texts, the breasts of women, especially those who have reached puberty, are considered seats of ananku. This sacred power can attract men and cause emotional distress.[see source text or glossary: Breast]
12) Poem:
Poems in Old Tamil literature often explore themes like ananku, love, and divinity. Notable collections like Akananuru and Puram delve into these subjects through intricately composed verses.[see source text or glossary: Poem]
13) Demon:
Demons, including those categorized as ananku, pey, and cur, play significant roles in Old Tamil literature. Ananku is sometimes personified as a malevolent fairy, while pey are ghostly spirits, and cur represents personified fear.[see source text or glossary: Demon]
14) Spear:
The spear (vel) is a prominent symbol in Old Tamil texts, particularly associated with Murukan. The spear is often consecrated and used in rituals to invoke the sacred power of ananku.[see source text or glossary: Spear]
15) Tree:
Certain trees like the kadampu are considered sacred and filled with ananku. These trees are often associated with Murukan and play roles in rituals and poetic descriptions.[see source text or glossary: Tree]
16) Puram:
Puram is another genre of Old Tamil poetry that contrasts with Akam in focusing on public life, war, and heroism. It also touches on themes of sacred power and divine presence.[see source text or glossary: Puram]
17) Natrinai (Narrinai):
Narrinai is one of the anthologies in Old Tamil literature. Like other collections, it explores themes of love and sacred power, notably ananku, often within the context of personal relationships.[see source text or glossary: Narrinai]
18) Priest:
The priest or 'velan' in Old Tamil texts is often a shamanistic figure who performs rituals to invoke, control, or dispel ananku. Their role is crucial in ceremonies involving possession and exorcism.[see source text or glossary: Priest]
19) Worship:
Worship in Old Tamil literature often involves rituals to invoke ananku or other deities. These rituals can include offerings, sacrifices, and dances performed to gain divine favor or dispel malevolent forces.[see source text or glossary: Worship]
20) Deity (Deities):
Deities in Old Tamil texts, such as Murukan and Tirumal, are frequently associated with ananku or sacred power. These gods have complex roles in rituals and worship.[see source text or glossary: Deities]
21) Flower:
Flowers, particularly fragrant ones, are used in rituals and garlands during worship in Old Tamil texts. These flowers often signify the presence or invocation of ananku.[see source text or glossary: Flower]
22) Desire:
Desire, especially in the context of love poetry, is a recurring theme in Old Tamil texts. It is sometimes mistaken for or associated with possession by ananku, causing emotional turmoil.[see source text or glossary: Desire]
23) Human:
Humans in Old Tamil literature frequently interact with supernatural forces like ananku. These interactions can cause emotions ranging from reverential awe to fear and desire.[see source text or glossary: Human]
24) Personification:
Personification of ananku as a demon or goblin is a later development in Old Tamil texts. Initially an impersonal power, ananku eventually became a character in the literature.[see source text or glossary: Personification]
25) Illness:
Illness in Old Tamil texts is often attributed to possession by ananku. Rituals led by priests aim to diagnose and cure these afflictions, distinguishing between genuine and love-driven possession.[see source text or glossary: Illness]
26) Lover:
Lovers in Old Tamil literature are often subjects of intense emotional and spiritual experiences involving ananku. The concept frequently appears in the context of love poetry where ananku influences their actions and feelings.[see source text or glossary: Lover]
27) Maturaikkanci (Maturai-kanci):
Maturaikkanci is one of the texts in the Old Tamil Puram anthology, exploring diverse themes of life, including sacred power, divine beings, and supernatural phenomena.[see source text or glossary: Maturaikkanci]
28) Animal:
Animals like lions, tigers, and elephants in Old Tamil texts are often considered to embody or be associated with ananku. These animals add to the awe-inspiring and supernatural elements of the literature.[see source text or glossary: Animal]
29) India:
India, particularly the Tamilnadu region, provides the cultural and geographical backdrop for the Old Tamil texts. The sacred power of ananku is deeply embedded in this ancient cultural context.[see source text or glossary: India]
30) Kalam:
Kalam, initially meaning 'threshing floor,' evolves into a sacred space in Old Tamil poetry. It is a central place for rituals where the sacred power of ananku is invoked and revered.[see source text or glossary: Kalam]
31) House:
Houses in Old Tamil texts can be filled with ananku, turning them into spaces of sacred power. Certain homes are described as dwellings of supernatural forces or domestic gods.[see source text or glossary: House]
32) Light:
Light often contrasts with the darkness in which the ananku or supernatural forces roam. It signifies purity, clarity, and the divine, essential elements in rituals and poetic imagery.[see source text or glossary: Light]
33) Paripatal (Paripadal, Paripaadal):
Paripatal is a collection in Old Tamil literature. The text explores themes of sacred power, love, and divinity, often connecting these to ananku and other supernatural elements.[see source text or glossary: Paripatal]
34) Hinduism:
Hinduism integrates ancient Tamil concepts like ananku into its broader religious framework. This sacred power has evolved into various forms, retaining its immanence in certain places and objects.[see source text or glossary: Hinduism]
35) Tirumal:
Tirumal is another name for the god Visnu in Old Tamil texts. He is also associated with ananku, the sacred power, showing its presence across different deities and contexts.[see source text or glossary: Tirumal]
36) Poetry (Poetic, Poetical):
Poetry in Old Tamil literature is a crucial medium for exploring themes of love, sacred power, and human-divine interactions. Collections like Akam, Puram, and others delve into these subjects deeply.[see source text or glossary: Poetry]
37) Night:
The night is often depicted as a time when ananku or other supernatural forces roam. It adds to the sense of mystery, danger, and awe in Old Tamil texts.[see source text or glossary: Night]
38) Blood:
Blood is a significant element in rituals involving ananku. Mixed with offerings like rice, it symbolizes the potent life-force and is used in ceremonies to invoke or appease sacred power.[see source text or glossary: Blood]
39) Rice (Rce):
Rice, often mixed with blood, is a common offering in rituals described in Old Tamil texts. It plays a role in invoking or appeasing ananku through sacrificial practices.[see source text or glossary: Rice]
40) Weapon:
Weapons, particularly spears, are imbued with ananku or sacred power in Old Tamil literature. They symbolize divine strength and are central to rituals and worship.[see source text or glossary: Weapon]
41) Temple:
Temples in Old Tamil texts are spaces imbued with ananku. These sanctuaries house sacred power and are focal points for rituals and worship aimed at invoking divine presence.[see source text or glossary: Temple]
42) Heart:
The heart often symbolizes deep emotion and is a seat of ananku in the context of love poetry. It reflects the internal struggle between divine possession and human desire.[see source text or glossary: Heart]
43) Pain:
Pain in Old Tamil literature can result from both physical ailments and emotional distress caused by ananku. It often appears in the context of love-longing and divine possession.[see source text or glossary: Pain]
44) Supernatural power (Magical power, Supernormal power):
Supernatural power, or ananku, is a central concept in Old Tamil texts. It can be both beneficial and malevolent, manifesting in places, objects, and beings, and influencing human experiences.[see source text or glossary: Supernatural power]
45) Kuruntokai:
Kuruntokai is one of the anthologies in Old Tamil literature, featuring poems that explore themes of love, nature, and sacred power. Ananku often appears in these poetic contexts.[see source text or glossary: Kuruntokai]
46) Divination:
Divination practices in Old Tamil texts often involve invoking ananku. Methods include using beans, like the molucca, to predict the future or diagnose possession and illness.[see source text or glossary: Divination]
47) Sickness:
Sickness in Old Tamil literature can be attributed to possession by ananku. Rituals and exorcisms are performed to cure these ailments, usually involving shaman-priests and diviners.[see source text or glossary: Sickness]
48) Skanda (Skamda):
Skanda, also known as Murukan, is a deity closely associated with ananku or sacred power in Old Tamil texts. He embodies both benevolent and malevolent aspects of this supernatural force.[see source text or glossary: Skanda]
49) Saman (Shaman):
Shamans, termed velan in Old Tamil texts, are ritual specialists who invoke, control, or dispel ananku. They perform dances, sacrifices, and other rituals to manage this sacred power.[see source text or glossary: Shaman]
50) Terror:
Terror is often evoked by malevolent supernatural forces like cur and pey in Old Tamil texts. Ananku can also cause fear, though it is not always malevolent.[see source text or glossary: Terror]
51) Dead:
Dead individuals may become pey or ghosts in Old Tamil texts. These spirits roam at night and are distinct from ananku, which can be both a sacred power and a benign or malevolent force.[see source text or glossary: Dead]
52) Young women (Young woman):
Young women in Old Tamil texts are often depicted as vessels of ananku, especially upon reaching puberty. This sacred power influences their interactions and desirability.[see source text or glossary: Young woman]
53) Akananuru:
Akananuru is a significant collection of Old Tamil love poems. It frequently explores the concept of ananku and its impact on emotional and spiritual experiences.[see source text or glossary: Akananuru]
54) Elephant:
Elephants in Old Tamil texts can embody ananku, the sacred power. These majestic animals add to the awe and reverence associated with ananku in nature.[see source text or glossary: Elephant]
55) Garland:
Garlands of flowers are used in rituals to invoke ananku or honor deities like Murukan. They symbolize purity, beauty, and divine favor.[see source text or glossary: Garland]
56) Trance:
Trance states in Old Tamil rituals are often induced by ananku. Shamans enter these states through dance and ritual practices to commune with the divine or perform exorcisms.[see source text or glossary: Trance]
57) Forest:
Forests are frequently depicted as settings imbued with ananku in Old Tamil texts. These natural landscapes evoke sacred power and are often the backdrop for divine and human interactions.[see source text or glossary: Forest]
58) Erotic (Eroticism):
Erotic themes in Old Tamil literature often involve ananku, especially in the context of love poetry. This sacred power can influence desire, longing, and emotional states.[see source text or glossary: Erotic]
59) Magic:
Magic or supernatural forces, particularly ananku, play significant roles in Old Tamil texts. Rituals, divinations, and exorcisms are performed to invoke, control, or dispel this power.[see source text or glossary: Magic]
60) Snake:
Snakes in Old Tamil texts are often associated with ananku. Their presence adds to the awe-inspiring and sometimes dangerous nature of this sacred power.[see source text or glossary: Snake]
61) Tooth (Teeth):
Teeth, particularly in describing young women, symbolize beauty and maturity. They are sometimes mentioned in the context of ananku as part of a woman's allure in Old Tamil literature.[see source text or glossary: Teeth]
62) White:
White is often associated with purity and ritual cleanliness in Old Tamil texts. It appears in descriptions of flowers, garments, and other objects used in rituals invoking ananku.[see source text or glossary: White]
63) Drum:
Drums are used in rituals to invoke ananku. Their rhythmic beats can induce trance states in shamans or add to the atmosphere of sacred ceremonies in Old Tamil texts.[see source text or glossary: Drum]
64) Dead person:
The concept of a dead person becoming a ghost or pey is prevalent in Old Tamil texts. These supernatural entities are distinct from ananku, which can be both a sacred and malevolent force.[see source text or glossary: Dead person]
65) Tirumurukarruppatai (Tirumurugatruppadai):
Tirumurukarruppatai is an Old Tamil text that explores themes of worship and sacred power. It often mentions ananku and its association with deities like Murukan.[see source text or glossary: Tirumurukarruppatai]
66) Silappadikaram (Silappatikaram, Cilappatikaram):
Cilappatikaram is a significant epic in Tamil literature. It also delves into themes of sacred power and divine interactions, mentioning concepts like ananku.[see source text or glossary: Cilappatikaram]
67) Ainkurunuru:
Ainkurunuru is an anthology in Old Tamil literature, featuring poems that explore love and sacred power, notably ananku, often within personal relationships and natural settings.[see source text or glossary: Ainkurunuru]
68) Sacrifice:
Sacrifices in Old Tamil texts involve offerings to invoke or appease ananku. These can include animals and specific rituals, often performed by priests or shamans.[see source text or glossary: Sacrifice]
69) Kurinci:
Kurinci refers to the mountain or montane region in Old Tamil poetry, often associated with love and sacred power. The setting is frequently described as filled with ananku.[see source text or glossary: Kurinci]
70) Mohini:
Mohini, considered an enchanting fairy or demoness, is a specific personification of ananku in later Tamil texts. This concept highlights the evolution of ananku from sacred power to a bewitching supernatural entity.[see source text or glossary: Mohini]
71) Leaf (Leaves):
Leaves, such as those of the katampu tree, are used in rituals to invoke or symbolize ananku. They often appear in sacred garlands or offerings.[see source text or glossary: Leaves]
72) Riddle:
Riddles or teasing questions may be used in poetic descriptions involving ananku. These elements add to the enigmatic and playful aspects of interactions influenced by sacred power.[see source text or glossary: Riddle]
73) Garden:
Gardens in Old Tamil texts can be settings imbued with ananku. These cultivated spaces often symbolize beauty, fertility, and divine presence.[see source text or glossary: Garden]
74) Praise:
Praising deities like Murukan is a key element in rituals involving ananku. Hymns and songs of praise are used to invoke divine favor or dispel malevolent forces.[see source text or glossary: Praise]
75) Indra (Imdra):
Indra, the Vedic god of rain and war, is also occasionally associated with ananku in Old Tamil texts. This sacred power is sometimes invoked in the context of his divine attributes.[see source text or glossary: Indra]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 77]