Manikkavasagar
Born in Thiruvadhavur near Madurai, Manikkavasakar’s journey from prime minister to revered saint is a tale of transformation.
மாணிக்கவாசகர்
Manika Vasagar
songs known as Tiruvasagam
Thiruvasagam is a renowned Tamil devotional poem composed by Manika Vasagar, a saint-poet of the 9th century. This sacred hymn is a part of the Tirumurai, a compendium of Shaivaite devotional poetry. Thiruvasagam is revered for its lyrical beauty and profound devotion, expressing the poet’s intense love and reverence for Lord Shiva. It is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature and is sung in temples and homes as a form of prayer and devotion.
Manika vasagar: From Prime Minister to Divine Poet
Birth and Background: Born in Thiruvadhavur near Madurai, Manika vasagar hailed from the sub-caste of amatyars on the banks of River Vaigai, with his birth date shrouded in controversy.
Spiritual Awakening: Displaying remarkable spiritual inclination from a young age, Manika vasagar mastered philosophies and scriptures by age sixteen.
Early Career: Rising to prominence, he became prime minister under Pandya King Arimardhanan, earning the title “Thennavan Biramarayan.”
Encounter with Lord Shiva: During a journey, he encountered Lord Shiva chanting under a tree, leading to a transformative experience where he was renamed Manika vasagar.
Temple Construction: Utilizing funds meant for buying horses, he constructed a temple for Lord Shiva, facing repercussions from the king but ultimately being protected by divine intervention.
Trial and Triumph: Despite enduring torture under the king’s orders, his steadfast faith led to miraculous interventions by Lord Shiva, prompting the king’s realization and subsequent repentance.
Journey of Devotion: Embarking on a spiritual journey, he traveled singing praises of Lord Shiva, ultimately reaching Thillai Chidambaram where he experienced divine bliss.
Spiritual Confrontation: Engaging in a religious debate with Buddhist challengers, he successfully defended Shaivism’s supremacy through profound arguments and demonstrations.
Divine Revelation: Lord Shiva entrusted him to sing his compositions, which were later affirmed and disappeared, leaving behind blessings and a legacy of devotion.
Legacy and Contributions: Manika vasagar composed Tiruvasagam, a collection of hymns praised for their simplicity and profound love for the divine, alongside significant contributions to Tevaram, enriching Shaivite literature for generations to come.