Vedas and Thirumurai

When I was trying to title this write up, I was thinking to myself, if it should be Sanskrit vs Tamil, Vedas vs Thirumurai, etc. Nevertheless, best is to take the less controversial stand. In today's Tamil world, being heavily influenced by the Dravidian movement, there are arguments against scripts in Sanskrit and the usage of them in rituals, etc. There are some folds of people who have started adopting Tamil language as their medium of rituals, Yagyas, prayers, Archanai, everything is being done using the Tamil language. Even Yantras have been 'translated', Sanskrit Acharas are being replaced with Tamil alphabets. These are some of the extremes that we see happening these days. I ask myself, is this for convenience or merely due to the fact that some (if not many) are Sanskrit illiterates? Then comes the argument if Sanskrit is the oldest language or Tamil is older than Sanskrit? Well, I'm not dwelling into this argument as it's totally ridiculous! On the contrary, we don't see the other languages, like Telugu, Marati, Kannada, Bengali, etc arguing on the superiority of Sanskrit over their mother tongues. Why is that so? Why is this only seen predominantly among the Tamil speaking people? I term this as ignorance and not knowing the essence of the Vedas. One can take drastic steps to translate every verse of the Vedas, but will that derive the same level of energy if it was recited in Sanskrit itself? Not to mention the Ghayathri Mantra which is called the mother of all Mantras is in Sanskrit. It cannot be chanted in any other languages as it will never bring the same Palan (benefit). The Pranava mantra 'Aum' or 'Om' (ॐ) is the sound of the universe, beyond all religions and languages and predominantly best defined in Sanskrit, comprising the Agaara (represents the vibration that brings into manifestation the created universe), Ugaara (represents the vibration that preserves the creation) and Magaara (represents the destructive vibration that dissolves the manifested universe back into the Infinite Spirit), These terms can be explained in many languages but the root definition cannot be translated into any other languages. The Sanskrit language having such richness and dominance, it cannot be taken for granted and it continues to play a vital role in ensuring proper life force energy derivation and experiencing the true Palan.  

Uniqueness of the Vedas is the combination of various elements including:
1. स्वरूप (Swaroopa)  Sound- combination of  Shiksha or Swara and Chandas (meters/length), 
2.अर्थ (Artha) the Meaning- combination of Vyaakarana and Nirukta. Both are embodiment of grammar, and
3. आचरण (Aacharana) the context sensitive “act/deed” part- combination of Jyotisha and Kalpa. 
In addition, there are various Paatha techniques for both recitation and error corrections.
The sound/phonetics connects with the Naada Brahman- which is realized only by Paaraayana (recitation).
These are the unique aspects of the Vedas, thus Vedas are mainly about recitation including the correct pronunciation of the complex sounds with the respective Swaras. Hence, Vedas contain what we call as சப்த சிறப்பு (Sapta Chirappu) which denotes the greatness of the sound. Such uniqueness of the Sanskrit language are not witnessed in other languages.  The Swara contained there in the Vedas, such as Udaatta, Anudaatta, Swarita, etc, are not applicable in the Tamil scriptures. Thus, we cannot compare recitation of Thirumurai with respect to the Veda Paaraayana.
Quoting from the Thirumurai itself. In Thirumurai 1, Thirunyanasambandhar, in description of Lord Shiva says வேதமோதி வெண்ணூல்பூண்டு வெள்ளை யெருதேறிப் (Vedam Oothi Vennuul Puundu Vellai Erutheri). Meaning, He is seen chanting the Vedas, wearing the sacred white thread (denoting a Brahmin), riding on a white bull. When a great saint himself who described the Lord as 'Vedas friendly', then why do we oppose the Sanskrit language and the texts in Sanskrit which are sacred? No doubt, in the Thirumurai, Bhakti and some rich spiritual philosophies are being embedded bringing about பொருள் சிறப்பு (Porul Chirappu- great meaning). For example, the Thiruvaasagam by Maanikkavasagar has got such great meaning and philosophy that anyone read them, understand the meanings, will shed tears with folded hands, leading one towards devotional path.
The richness and greatness of the Vedas and the Thirumurai are unique in their own ways. They coincide, correlate and cooperate with one and other. We cannot neglect one for the other. Great Tamil Saints, the Nayamars, Thiruvalluvar, etc who are all from the land of Tamil, have acknowledged this fact and they have realized the greatness of both the Sanskrit and Tamil Language. Let us follow suit and attain Nyana.

   

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