Tevaram
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Hymns to Shiva by the three great Nayanar saints, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar, sung in Tamil Shiva temples to this day.
| Tradition | Hindu (Tamil Shaiva) |
|---|---|
| Type | Devotional hymns |
| Language | Tamil |
| Period | c. 7th–8th century CE |
| Composed or compiled by | Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnana Sambandar and Sundarar |
What it contains
- The first seven books of the Tirumurai, the 12-book Tamil Shaiva canon.
- Hymns (patikams) in praise of Shiva at specific temples (padal petra sthalams).
- Set to traditional Tamil melodies (pann).
- Compiled, by tradition, by Nambiyandar Nambi in the Chola period.
Significance
Odhuvars (hereditary singers) still sing the Tevaram in temple worship. The hymns helped shape the Tamil bhakti movement.