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Notes & Sources
Sivapuranam (சிவபுராணம்) is one of the most celebrated devotional compositions of Saint Manickavasagar and forms the opening hymn of the Thiruvasagam (திருவாசகம்), one of the great treasures of Tamil Saiva literature.
Beginning with the immortal words “நமச்சிவாய வாழ்க! நாதன் தாள் வாழ்க!”, Sivapuranam is an intense expression of surrender, devotion and spiritual awakening at the feet of Lord Shiva.
In this hymn, Manickavasagar praises Shiva as the eternal reality that transcends beginning, end and limitation. He describes the soul wandering through countless forms of birth before finally receiving the grace of Shiva and discovering the path towards liberation.
The famous passage beginning “புல்லாகிப் பூடாய்ப் புழுவாய் மரமாகிப்…” portrays this long journey of the soul through different forms of existence. After experiencing innumerable births, the devotee finally declares:
“மெய்யே! உன் பொன்னடிகள் கண்டு, இன்று வீடு உற்றேன்”
Having seen the sacred feet of Shiva, the wandering soul has finally reached its true home.
Sivapuranam also explores profound Saiva philosophical ideas such as Pati (the Lord), Pasu (the individual soul), Pasam (bondage), Karma, Maya, divine grace and liberation. Yet Manickavasagar presents these ideas not merely as philosophy, but as a deeply personal experience of longing, surrender and divine love.
Lord Shiva is described as the light beyond darkness, the subtle consciousness beyond ordinary perception, the source of creation, preservation and dissolution, and the compassionate Lord who enters the heart of the devotee and removes ignorance.
The hymn culminates in praise of Shiva as the cosmic dancer of Thillai, Chidambaram, and declares that those who understand and recite these sacred verses with devotion shall attain the divine feet of Shiva.
Sivapuranam therefore represents far more than a hymn of praise. It is a poetic journey of the human soul, from birth and bondage through divine grace towards realization and liberation.
திருச்சிற்றம்பலம்