Tirumurai

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The word Tirumurai means literally 'sacred book' and it is a compendium of songs or hymns in Saivism.

Saivas have the Tirumurai as their religious text, while Vaishnavas have the Nalayira Divyaprabandham as their sacred work.

[edit] History and background

The Pallava period in the history of Tamil land is a period of religious revival of Hinduism by the Saiva Nayanars who by their bhakti-cult captured the minds of people. They made a tremendous impression on the people by singing the praise of Lord Siva in soul-stirring devotional hymns.

[edit] Overview of different Tirumurais

The Saiva Tirumurais are twelve in number. The first seven Tirumurais are the hymns of the three great Saivite saints. These hymns were the best musical composition of their age.

• The first three Tirumurais are the extempore compositions of St. Thirugnana Sambanthar.

• The fourth, the fifth and the sixth Tirumurais are those of St. Thirunavukkarasar

• The seventh Tirumurai consists of St. Sundarar's hymns.

• The eighth Tirumurai consists of St.Manikkavasagar's hymns.

• The ninth Tirumurai has been composed by nine saints namely St. Tirumalikaittever, St. Centanar, St. Karuvurttevar, St. Nampikatava nampi, St. Kantaratittar, St. Venattatikal, St. Tiruvaliyamutanar, St. Purutottama nampi and St. Cetirayar.

• The tenth Tirumurai has been composed by St. Thirumular.

• The eleventh Tirumurai has been composed by St.Karaikkal Ammaiyar, St. Ceraman Perumal Nayanar, St. Pattinattu p-pillaiyar, St. Nakkiratevar Nayanar, St. Kapilateva Nayanar, St.Thiruvalavaiyudaiyar, St. Nampiyantarnampi, St. Iyyadigal katavarkon Nayanar, St. Kalladateva Nayanar, St. Paranateva Nayanar, St. Ellamperuman Adigal, St. Athiravadigal.

• The twelfth Tirumurai has been composed by St.Chekkilar.