Lagatar24 Desk
Hailing Tamil as the “Language of Gods,” the Madras High Court has said temple consecrations across the country should be finished discussing Tamil songs formed by holy people like Azhwars and Nayanmars, other than others like Arunagirinathar. A seat of Justice N Kirubakaran, since resigned, and Justice B Pugalendhi, in a recent order said that in our country “it is made to believe that Sanskrit alone is Gods’ language.”
In various countries and religions, different types of beliefs were in existence and the places of worship also change according to the culture and religion.
“In those places, only the local language was stated to be used for doing heavenly service. However, in our country, it is made to believe that Sanskrit alone is Gods language and not any other language is equivalent. No doubt, Sanskrit is an ancient language with enormous ancient literature. The belief is spread in such a way that only if the Sanskrit Vedas are recited, the Gods will listen to the prayers of the devotees,” the bench said.
“Tamil is not only one of the earliest ancient languages of the world but also a ‘Language of Gods’. It is believed that Tamil language is born out of pellet drum which fell from Lord Shiva while he was dancing. Another School of thought is that Lord Muruga created Tamil language.”
“As per mythology, Lord Shiva presided over the first academy (First Tamil Sangam). It is believed that Lord Shiva played ‘Thiruvilayadal’ to test the knowledge of Tamil poets. The above would only mean that Tamil language is connected with Gods. When it is connected with Gods, it is a Godly language. Such a Godly language has to be used while performing Kudamuzhuku,” the court said.
The judges noted each language verbally expressed by individuals is God’s language.
“Man cannot create language. The languages are in existence for centuries together and passed on from one generation to the other generation. There can only be improvement in the existing language and there cannot be any creation of language,” they added.
“The petitioner seeks for performing Kudamuzhuku in a particular temple by reciting Tamil verses. However, it is not only for that temple but throughout the country, all the temples should be consecrated by reciting Tamil Thirumurai and other hymns composed by Saints like Alwargal and Nayanmargal, apart from Pattinathar, Arunagirinathar etc,” the bench noted.
In the event that Tamil hymns can’t be utilized in the temples situated in Tamil Nadu, no place else it very well may be utilized.
“Even according to Bhagavat Geetha, Lord Krishna stated that he manifests himself in the month of Margazhi. Thus, God Thirumal would like to hear Tamil Thirupavai during the month of Margazhi which he is fond of. When Vaishnavism gave importance and prominence to Tamil hymns, Saivism equally gave importance to Tamil, due to availability of many literatures, especially Bakthi literature.”
“If God could not understand Tamil, how was it possible for die hard devotees who were committed to worshiping of Lord Shiva, Lord Thirumal, Lord Muruga etc., to have composed so many hymns in praise of them. Therefore, the theory that God understands only one language cannot be believed,” the court said.
“However, Tamil has got scientific evidence to prove its antiquity. Therefore, it cannot be said that only one language alone is God’s language and other languages are not,” it said.
Sadly the estampages of Tamil inscriptions taken by the British are not properly preserved and many of them are lost or damaged. It is also stated that many precious palm leaf manuscripts containing Tamil literature were burnt or thrown into river, the court said. It credited Tamil scholar U Ve Swaminatha Iyer for being responsible for retrieving and preserving the palm leaf manuscripts and Tamil materials. “But for him, many of the precious valuable literature could not have been saved,” the bench said.
(With inputs from The Indian Express and PTI)
