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.

6 interesting facts about Manika Vasagar

From Minister to Saint: Manikavasagar began his journey as a prime minister under King Arimardhana Pandiyan before renouncing his worldly duties to become a devout saint, showcasing a remarkable transformation.

Divine Encounters: His life was marked by divine encounters, including an episode where Lord Shiva appeared before him as a Shaivaite sage, inspiring him to compose his first hymn and renaming him "Manika Vasagar," meaning "Gem Speech."

Miraculous Interventions: Manikavasagar's unwavering faith led to several miraculous interventions, such as the transformation of horses into foxes and the flooding of the Vaigai River, showcasing the power of divine grace in his life.

Spiritual Legacy: He is revered as one of the four samayak kuravar (religious guides) and is known for his profound devotional hymns, especially the Tiruvasagam, which continues to inspire millions with its deep spiritual insights.

Religious Debates: Manikavasagar engaged in spiritual debates, including one with Buddhist challengers from Sri Lanka, where he defended Shaivism's supremacy through profound arguments, leaving his opponents speechless.

Divine Revelation: Lord Shiva entrusted him to sing his compositions, which were later affirmed with his seal. This act symbolized his acceptance by the divine and solidified his place as a revered saint-poet in Tamil literature.