Marapin Mainthan Muthaiah has conducted introductory classes on traditional Tamil literature and Saiva literature four times in the past. They will be held again.
To know Saiva is to know Tamil and Tamil culture in depth. Saiva ideology is the philosophical face of Saiva. Saiva ‘thirumurai’ is the literary face of Saiva. Even ardent Saivas are aware of only some of the famous songs in Saiva thirumurai. Those who are keen to know more will buy books, but they cannot fully learn from them.
A tradition exists for learning Saiva Thirumurai. In today’s environment, someone who is familiar with modern literature and the modern education system has to recreate that tradition for today’s environment and teach it. Marapin Mainthan Muthaiah is one such person. He knows modern literature, classical literature, and Saiva tradition.
This class will provide a simple introduction to Tamil traditional literature. We will then guide you into the Saiva traditions, helping you understand their poetic taste and philosophy. This class is a beginning. One can proceed from there and continue one’s education.
