A Prayer For Mother Tamil

We Tamils have deified our mother tongue as a goddess and call her Tamil Annai or Tamil Thaai (Mother Tamil), representing the Tamil language and the Tamil society itself.

We have also dedicated a prayer song or vaalthu for Her. Deification is against the religious teachings of the non-Hindus like Muslims but It is not a problem for the rest of us Hindus.

In a circular dated November 23, 1970, the Government of Tamilnadu designated the Tamil Thaai Vaalthu as a “prayer song" and not as an anthem. This means it has a religious significance unlike Jana Gana Mana which is the national anthem of India.

Therefore, the Tamil Thaai Vaalthu is actually a form of Sakthi worship. It is the core principle of Saktam as seen in several Hindu slokas because the mother tongue (Tamil Annai) also represents consciousness, intelligence and race.

The Saktam religion teaches Hindus to see Sakti in every aspect. Whenever you sing the Tamil Thaai Vaalthu, you are worshipping the Divine Mother in the form of Mother Tamil even if you happen to be an Atheist.

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Chetanetyaabhi Dheeyate
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
(Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who abides in all beings as consciousness)

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Buddhi Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
(Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of intelligence)

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Jaati Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
(Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of race)

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Matru Roopena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
(Meaning:Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who resides in all beings in the form of Mother.)

The lyrics of Tamil Thaai Vaalthu
நீராருங் கடலுடுத்த நிலமடந்தைக்கெ ழிலொழுகும்
சீராரும் வதனமெனத் திகழ் பரதக் கண்டமிதில்
தெக்கணமும் அதிற்சிறந்த திராவிட நல் திருநாடும்
தக்கசிறு பிறைநுதலும் தரித்தநறுந் திலகமுமே
அத்திலக வாசனைபோல் அனைத்துலகும் இன்பமுற
எத்திசையும் புகழ்மணக்க இருந்தபெருந் தமிழணங்கே!
தமிழணங்கே!
உன் சீரிளமைத் திறம்வியந்துசெயல்மறந்து வாழ்த்துதுமே!
வாழ்த்துதுமே!!
வாழ்த்துதுமே!!!

Brimming Sea drapes exuberant Dame Earth!
With Beautified face in this exalted Indian Continent!
South In particular Divine Dravidian Country!
As Aesthetic Thilakam on its beauteous curved forehead!
Like the Fragrance of that Thilakam, for the entire world to be delirious!
your fervor spread in all directions!
Oh! Tamil Lady!
Ever remain afresh Thee alone! Purity intact too!
Delighted! Praise thou beauteous Tamil, youthful forever! Awestruck!
Praise unto thee!
Praise unto thee!

Ponggal Is Not A Secular Festival

Pic Credit: Thestatesman. Representative image Photo: AFP

Ponggal, the harvest festival of the Tamils, is often perceived as a secular celebration, observed by various cultures under different names. However, a detailed analysis reveals that Ponggal holds significant religious connotations and is primarily associated with the Hindu Tamil community. From its origins in the Sidereal solar calendar to the specific rituals and deities revered during the festival, Ponggal distinctly aligns with Hindu practices, setting it apart from Christianity and Islam.

The Significance of Ponggal in the Sidereal Solar Calendar

Ponggal marks the day when the Sun enters the 10th zodiac, Capricorn, at an angle of 270 degrees - 300 degrees of the celestial sphere. This event, also known as Makara Sankranti in Sanskrit, is derived from the Sidereal solar calendar and coincides with the Winter Solstice. While any community following this calendar system may acknowledge this celestial moment, in Tamil society, only Hindu Tamils utilize the Sidereal solar calendar for their religious observances.

Gurukkals: Guardians of Ponggal's Date and Time

The date and time of Ponggal are meticulously calculated and determined by the Gurukkals (priests) of Hindu temples who maintain the Panjangam (Almanac). Conversely, the Gregorian calendar is followed by Tamil Christians, while Tamil Muslims adhere to the Hijri lunar calendar. As such, Pastors and Imams do not base their religious or cultural celebrations on the Panjangam, further distinguishing Ponggal as a Hindu event.

Distinctive Rituals and Deities in Ponggal

Ponggal unfolds over three days, each marked by unique rituals and devotional offerings. The eve of Ponggal, Bhogi Pandigai, commemorates Indra, the lord of heaven, also known as Bhogindra or Bhogan, and is a day to express gratitude for rain and favorable weather. This deity holds significance solely in Hindu belief, making Bhogi Pandigai a Hindu celebration.

The first day of Ponggal, Surya Ponggal, involves worship of the Sun, Hari (Vishnu), and Lakshmi, symbolizing life, preservation, and prosperity, respectively. The veneration of celestial objects is exclusive to Hindus, setting Surya Ponggal apart as a Hindu occasion.

On the second day, Maatu Ponggal, bulls and cows receive worship, particularly in Hindu temples during Nandi worship. Although Jallikattu, a traditional sport involving bulls, is observed on this day, Hindu Tamils revere these animals and abstain from consuming beef, distinguishing Maatu Ponggal as a Hindu event.

The final day, Kaanum Ponggal, is devoted to fertility and features rituals honoring the virgin goddesses, Kanni deivam. This practice, unique to rural Tamil Nadu, reflects Hindu beliefs in seeking the blessings of these goddesses for fertile land. Kaanum Ponggal's association with Sakthi worship and the reverence of young unmarried girls as SapthaKannimaar aligns with Hindu traditions, making it exclusive to Hindu Tamils.

Conclusion: Ponggal as a Distinctly Hindu Festival

From its calendar basis to the specific rituals, deities, and practices involved, Ponggal bears the distinct hallmarks of Hinduism. While individuals of different faiths may partake in Ponggal celebrations alongside Hindus, the festival's essence and spiritual significance remain rooted in Hindu culture and belief. Acknowledging the non-secular nature of Ponggal does not imply opposition to participation by non-Hindus; rather, it serves to recognize and appreciate the cultural and religious heritage of this cherished Tamil harvest festival.