Paairam.

 "Paairam" (பாயிரம்) is a Tamil literary term. It usually means a prefatory verse or an introductory benediction at the beginning of a poem, epic, or literary work.

In classical Tamil works, the Paayiram (also spelled Paayiram, Pāyiram, Pāyiram) is like a prologue, sometimes in the form of a few verses.

It sets the stage for the main work, explaining the subject, purpose, and often offering invocation to God, teacher, or patron.

It also asks for blessings so that the composition may be fruitful and the reader/listener may benefit.

For example:

Tirukkural has a Paayiram of 4 verses written by later commentators introducing Valluvar and the work.

Periyapuranam, Kamba Ramayanam, and other epics begin with such Paayiram verses.

Kamban begins his work with a Paayiram (introductory verses). The very first verse is an invocation to Lord Ganesha:

Example Paayiram (from Kamba Ramayanam)

Tamil (in transliteration):

"Ainthu karatthaanai aindhu pozhudhum

Ainthu padaiththaanai aindhu padaikkum

Ainthu uzhudhaanai aindhu ozhukkum

Ainthu avanaiththaan adiyen padaikken."

Meaning in English:

"I worship the One with five arms (Lord Ganesha),

Who created the five great elements,

Who rules the five senses,

Who moves the five vital airs —

To Him, I bow and begin my song."

Purpose of this Paayiram

1. Invocation: Kamban invokes Lord Ganesha so his work may proceed without obstacles.

2. Blessing: By starting with the divine, the poet asks for blessings on both the poet and the listener.

3. Setting the Tone: It tells the audience: “This is no ordinary story — it begins with the sacred.”

4. Literary Convention: Almost all great Tamil works begin with a Paayiram.

 In short, the Paayiram is not part of the story proper but an auspicious and respectful opening.

Tirukkural itself (1330 couplets by Valluvar) has no Paayiram, but later commentators such as Parimelazhagar and others composed four Paayiram verses as an introduction to praise Valluvar and his work.

Here are the four Paayiram verses, with translation and meaning:

Paayiram 1

Tamil (transliteration):

"Thiruvalluvar ennum thirunāmattāl

Peruvalluvar peṛṛa pirapanchamum ēṭṛṛu."

Meaning:

By the sacred name “Tiruvalluvar,”

The world itself has gained greatness.

Praises the poet Valluvar: his very name brings honor to humanity.

Paayiram 2

Tamil (transliteration):

"Thiruvalluvane pōl oruvar uḷarē?

Piraviyil thān pugazhum pāthippināl."

Meaning:

Is there anyone equal to Tiruvalluvar?

His glory shines by the merit of his birth itself.

Declares that no other poet or sage can be compared to him.

Paayiram 3

Tamil (transliteration):

"Thamizh nāṭṭu ulaginil vāzhum

Valluvane pōl oruvar uḷarē?"

Meaning:

In the Tamil land and in the wide world,

Is there another like Valluvar?

 Universalizes Valluvar’s greatness, saying his wisdom transcends Tamil Nadu and belongs to all.

Paayiram 4

Tamil (transliteration):

"Thiruvalluvar oruvar ulaginil ēnṛāl

Ulagam aṟiyum uḷaṅgu."

Meaning:

If one says “there is Tiruvalluvar in this world,”

That alone explains the glory of the world.

 The very existence of Valluvar is proof that the world is blessed.

These four Paayiram verses are not part of the Kural itself, but serve as a floral garland of praise (mangala verses) tied to the front of the book, so readers approach the text with reverence.

The Paayiram of Periyapuranam (12th century, by Sekkizhar).

Unlike Kamban’s Ramayanam or the Tirukkural Paayiram, here the Paayiram does three things at once:

1. Invokes Lord Siva (to sanctify the work)

2. Praises the Nayanmars (the 63 Saiva saints whose lives the book narrates)

3. Explains the purpose of the text

Periyapuranam – Opening Paayiram

Tamil (transliteration):

"Ulagellām uyya oruvar aruḷāl

Maṟaiyōdum oḻukkamum vayiṅgu

Thiruvēṇi thannul thiruvaruḷ seydhān

Periyapurāṇam ivvulagam aṛiya.

Meaning in English:

By the grace of the One Lord (Siva),

The Vedas and right conduct flourish together,

In Thiruvarur, He showered His divine grace,

And thus was born this Periyapuranam,

So that the whole world may know (the greatness of His devotees).

Purpose of this Paayiram

Divine sanction: The work is not just poetry — it is granted by Lord Siva Himself.

Sacred intent: It teaches both Vedic wisdom and ethical life.

Introduction: Tells the reader what the text is about: the lives of the saints who lived for Siva.

Universal vision: The word “ivvulagam aṛiya” (so the whole world may know) shows Sekkizhar’s confidence that Periyapuranam is timeless and meant for everyone.

So, compared to Tirukkural’s Paayiram (which is mostly praise of the author), the Periyapuranam Paayiram is more like a sacred preface, placing the whole work under divine light and stating its aim.