V in sangam

 In Sangam literature, Lord Vishnu is revered as one of the key deities, often referred to by names like Māyōn, Mal (the dark-hued one), and Thirumal. He is portrayed as a protector, preserver, and a deity of immense compassion and strength. Descriptions of Vishnu are found in texts like the Paripāṭal and Akam poems, which weave divine imagery with devotion.

Key Descriptions of Vishnu in Sangam Literature:

1. Dark-Hued Beauty (Māyōn)

Vishnu is frequently described as having a dark complexion resembling the deep blue of the ocean or the blackness of rain-filled clouds. This epithet highlights his transcendental nature and magnetic charm.

2. Protector of the Cosmos

As Thirumal, he is seen as the preserver of the universe. He is associated with divine qualities like compassion, valor, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining cosmic balance.

3. Garuda and Adisesha

He is depicted riding the mighty Garuda, a divine bird, and resting on Adisesha, the thousand-headed serpent, emphasizing his omnipotent and majestic presence.

4. Connection with Nature

Vishnu's association with nature is a recurring theme. He is linked to mountains like Vēṅkaṭam (Tirupati), sacred rivers, and lush landscapes, reinforcing his role as a deity who nurtures life and fosters harmony with the natural world.

5. Consort of Lakshmi

Vishnu is also described alongside Lakshmi (Tiru), the goddess of wealth and prosperity, signifying his role in ensuring the material and spiritual well-being of his devotees.

6. Krishna and Rama

Sangam texts occasionally hint at his incarnations, especially as Krishna (Kannan), the playful and divine herder, and as Rama, the righteous king, tying him to popular epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

7. Worship Practices

The Paripāṭal celebrates the worship of Vishnu in temples and festivals, where devotees sing his praises, perform rituals, and seek his blessings for peace and prosperity.

Example Verse from Paripāṭal (Paripāṭal 3)

"He is Māyōn, the eternal one, who dwells in Vēṅkaṭam,

Adorned with tulasi garlands, praised by gods and sages,

The savior who showers grace upon the devoted."

These depictions in Sangam literature reflect an early Tamil conception of Vishnu as a benevolent and powerful deity, deeply integrated with the natural and spiritual landscape of the region.

Certainly! Sangam literature is rich with references to Lord Vishnu, especially in works like Paripāṭal and Akam poetry. Below are more examples and descriptions that highlight his divine attributes, cosmic role, and worship:

1. Lord Vishnu as Māyōn in Paripāṭal

The Paripāṭal, a collection of devotional hymns, contains vivid descriptions of Vishnu's form, his abode, and his grace.

Verse 4:

"He, who sleeps on the mighty serpent in the vast milky ocean,

The dark one adorned with a radiant garland of tulasi,

Is the eternal protector, revered by gods and mortals alike."

This verse emphasizes Vishnu’s cosmic form, lying on Adisesha in the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara), a classic depiction in Hindu cosmology.

Verse 6:

"The river flows joyfully to touch the sacred feet of Thirumal,

The mountains bow down to his eternal presence,

He, the dark-hued one, is the savior of all worlds."

This shows nature's reverence for Vishnu and his omnipresence.

2. Vishnu as the Protector in Akananuru

Akananuru (70):

"Māyōn, with eyes like blooming lotus petals,

Protects the mountains and rivers of the land,

His divine discus spins, defending the virtuous."

This verse glorifies Vishnu as the wielder of the discus (Chakra), safeguarding the world and maintaining order.

Akananuru (366):

"Māyōn, who once measured the vast worlds with his steps,

Dark as the rain-laden clouds,

Is the protector of those who seek his grace."

This is a direct reference to the Vamana avatar, where Vishnu measures the universe in three strides.

3. Mountains as Abodes of Vishnu in Paripāṭal

The Vēṅkaṭam (modern Tirupati hills) is frequently associated with Lord Vishnu.

Paripāṭal 9:

"On the Vēṅkaṭam hills where flowers bloom and bees hum,

Dwells the eternal Māyōn,

Whose grace showers like the rain on the devoted."

This highlights the sacredness of Tirupati as Vishnu’s abode, resonating with nature's beauty and divine energy.

4. Vishnu’s Connection with Lakshmi in Kurunthogai

Kurunthogai (65):

"Thirumal, the consort of golden Lakshmi,

Dances in joy with anklets that chime melodiously,

His grace fills the hearts of those who worship him."

Here, Vishnu is depicted alongside Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and love.

5. Vishnu as the Cosmic Preserver in Narrinai

Narrinai (366):

"Māyōn, the one with the eternal discus and conch,

Stood tall, guarding the realms of men and gods,

With a smile that calms the stormy seas."

This portrays Vishnu as the preserver of cosmic harmony, holding the symbols of his divinity—the discus (Chakra) and conch (Shankha).

6. Vishnu in the Story of Krishna (Kannan)

While not extensively detailed in Sangam literature, Vishnu's incarnation as Krishna finds mention in the context of devotion and celebration.

Paripāṭal 23:

"He, who played the flute amidst the cowherds,

The dark one with enchanting eyes,

Is the joy of all creation."

This brief mention highlights Krishna's playful and divine nature.

7. Imagery of Vishnu in Nature

Paripāṭal 5:

"Māyōn resides where the rivers sing his praises,

Where the lotus blooms and the deer roam free,

He, the giver of eternal bliss, shines in the hearts of his devotees."

Vishnu’s essence is often intertwined with natural landscapes, symbolizing his nurturing and harmonious role.

These examples reflect the deep-rooted devotion to Lord Vishnu in Sangam literature, portraying him as an omnipresent, compassionate, and cosmic deity while tying his divine essence to the beauty of Tamil landscapes.