The Musical Heritage of the Tevaram: An Analysis of Traditional Tamil Instruments

Abstract

The Tevaram hymns occupy a prominent place in Tamil devotional literature, serving not only as expressions of profound Saivite devotion but also as valuable records of the cultural, artistic, musical, and social life of the Tamil people. Beyond their spiritual significance, these hymns preserve important evidence of the rich musical traditions that flourished in ancient Tamil society. In particular, the references to musical instruments found in the Tevaram provide significant insights into the development of temple music, ritual performances, and the evolution of Tamil musical culture. This study aims to examine the musical instruments mentioned in the Tevaram hymns composed by the three great Saivite saints Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Sundarar. The study identifies and analyzes references to traditional instruments such as the yazh (lute), muzhavu (drum), murasu (war and ceremonial drum), kuzhal (flute), and thslam (cymbals). It further explores their roles in temple worship, religious festivals, dance performances, and various ritual practices, demonstrating how music functioned as an integral component of devotional expression. The musical instruments described in the Tevaram not only illustrate the antiquity of Tamil musical traditions but also reveal the growth of a temple-centred musical culture that significantly influenced the evolution of South Indian devotional music. Through literary analysis, this article demonstrates that the Tevaram hymns constitute an invaluable source for reconstructing the history of Tamil music, preserving indigenous musical knowledge, and understanding the cultural heritage of the Tamil people.