Status of Women in Periyapuranam

Abstract

Periyapuranam is considered to be the twelfth book of the twelve Thirumurai. Periyapuranam is composed by Chekilar. It is a historical repository that tells about sixty-three Nayanmars and nine Thogaiadiyars who lived in different regions. In the world there are living organisms ranging from first sense to sixth sense. Among them human beings who have six senses occupy the first position. Women are considered to be the best among men. Motherhood has its own specialities in the world. This article about such women who are described in Periyapuranam. Periyapuranam explains the specialities of various women like Isainianiyar, Karaikal Ammaiyar, Mangaiyarkarasiyar, Thilakavathiyar, Tiruvenkattu Nangai, wife of Iyarpakai Nayanar, wife of Ilayankudi Maaran Nayanar, wife of Thiruneelakanda Nayanar and wife of Appoothiadigal. This article explains only about foure women characters. They are Isainianiyar, Karaikal Ammaiyar, Mangaiyarkarasiyar and Thilakavathiyar. From Karaikal Ammaiyar, we can know that women can be superior to men in terms of devotion. Karaikal Ammaiyar, has the privilege of being called by the Lord Himself as Mother and who has attained the supreme position of standing forever under the Lord's feet. Mangaiyarkarasiyar, whose real name was Maani, was the queen of all the Mangaiyars (Women). Mangaiyarkarasi made Saivism flourish and made women feel heroic, who sacrificed her life for her younger brother. Tilakavathiyar is a person who changed her entire life for his family. Through Tilakavathiyar, Chekilar conveys the idea that a woman dedicates her entire life to her family, and that women should be given higher position in the country. This article conveys the idea that despite focussing on the risks and problems faced by women, they should be appreciated. This article brings out the opinion that women should be praised as that how they were praised in Periyapuranam.