Grandeur of Thiruppugazh (The Hallowed Hymns of Arunagirinatha)

DETAILS : 

• Author : S. R. S. Ayyar
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Paperback : 133 pages
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 250 g

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Grandeur of Thiruppugazh is an insightful exploration into the rhythmic and devotional masterpiece created by the 15th-century saint-poet Arunagirinathar. Written by S. R. S. Ayyar, the book serves as a bridge for English-speaking readers to understand the profound spiritual and musical depth of the Thiruppugazh (meaning "Holy Praise"), a collection of over 1,300 extant hymns dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Ayyar doesn't just translate the verses; he analyzes the unique Chanda-Talam (complex rhythmic patterns) that make these hymns a cornerstone of Carnatic music. The book highlights the themes of social reform, the rejection of carnal desires, and the total surrender to the Divine, which characterize Arunagirinathar’s transition from a life of dissipation to one of enlightened sainthood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. R. S. Ayyar was a dedicated scholar and devotee known for his efforts to propagate the teachings of Tamil saints to a global audience. His writing is marked by a blend of academic precision and deep personal piety. He possessed a keen understanding of the nuances of Tamil prosody and the philosophical underpinnings of Saiva Siddhanta, which allowed him to articulate the "Grandeur" of these hymns in a way that appeals to both the intellect and the heart.