Neythal Land Worship and Beliefs found in Natrinai

Abstract

Sangam literature is a mirror of the times which shows the lives of the people of the Sangam age. Among the land divisions such as Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai, Neithal Thinai is the sea and the land around the sea. They help us know the customs of the people of Neithal Land. We are able to understand the great labour and methods of worship of the people of the land through the Natrinai Neithal Thinai. Moreover, it is possible to know the customs of the Bharatas, the sun, the moon, nature, the wind, the rain, the trees, the fasting, and the rituals of worshipping the deity. The Etthutthokai and the Pathuppaattu songs greatly help to understand their unchanging way of life. Moreover, worship and beliefs prevail in the songs found in the Neithal Thinai. In this article, we are also amazed at the brave tide-sea journey of the people of Neithal, the devoted way of life of the woman-head of the family, and the ability to cope with the hardships caused by natural calamities. In today's time, the sea's condition is compassionate. It is not an exaggeration to say that if the songs of Natrinai Neithal Thinai are closely looked at, it is their faith and worship that give creativity and encouragement to everyone and teach them to face life with courage.