Saivism and Saiva Siddhanta – A Historical Perspective – International Interdisciplinary Conference [1]

Saivism and Saiva Siddhanta – A Historical Perspective – International Interdisciplinary Conference [1]

Saivism and Saiva Siddhanta – A Historical Perspective: The Department of Saiva Siddhanta, School of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Madras, Chennai – 600 005 organized the “Saivism and Saiva Siddhanta – A Historical Perspective,” from 10 – 08 – 2019 to 13 – 08 – 2019 at F-50 hall of the University Complex. Dr. S. Saravanan Professor and Head, Dept. of Saiva Siddhanta, University of Madras [hereinafter mentioned as Saravanan], has been the convener and organizer[1]. As it had been “International conference,” some references of “foreign” scholars had also been mentioned[2], but, mostly, they came here for their own and others did not turn up, as usual. The conference was to be held from 26^th to 29^th December 2018 but postponed to August 2019, obviously for some reasons. 114^th yearly Saiva Siddhanta Conference was held at Pazhani from July 19^th to 21^st July, 2019[3] sponsored by Sadhu Shanmuga Adigal. Ironically, here, Saravanan informed the media that they were going to pass a resolution to the effect to declare that Saivam is not Hindu religion, but, it is spiritual tradition of the Tamils[4]. Really, it is intriguing to not how the academicians involve themselves with politics, sectarian ideologies and communal philosophies.

The theme and sub-themes of the conference: As usual, there have been many themes and sub-themes for the conference and paper presentation and there are as follows[5].

THEMES AND SUB THEMES FOR CONFERENCE

1. ORIGIN OF SAIVISM AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
2. Origin of Saivism in Indus Civilization: Sakti, Pasupati and Kottukoppalan (N.Vanamamalai)
3. Tantricism in the Development of Kashmir Saivism and the Agamic tradition
4. Origin of Saivism: Vedic and Puranic sources
5. Origin of Saivism: Sangam and Post Sangam Literature, e.g. Epics and Ethical literature
6. Shiva, Muruga, Kumara, Seyon, Rudra, Kadavul, Iyavul, Paal, Varai, Dheivam, Paalvarai dheivam, Kandhazhi, Shivalinga, Guha.

2. SAIVISM AND SAIVA SIDDHANTA IN EARLY MEDIEVAL AGE (6th to 12 C. A.D)
3. Diverse schools of Saivism: Pasupata, Kalamuga, Lagulisa, Kashmiri Saivism
4. Saivism in Bhakthi literarture
5. Thirugnanasambandar and the Saivite tradition
6. Philosophical origin of Saiva Siddhanta: Tirumular, Thirugnanasambandar, Manickavasagarand Sekkizhar

1. Conflict of Saivism: Jainism and Buddhism
2. Siddhar Tradition: Karuvur Thevar, Sivavakkiyar, Pattinathar, etc.,

3. SAIVISM AND SAIVA SIDDHANTA FROM LATE MEDIEVAL TO EARLY MODERN PERIOD (13th to 18th C. A.D.)

1. Meykandar tradition of Saiva Siddhanta
2. De-Ritualization and the Evolution of Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy
3. Tradition of Arunagiri Nathar and Kazhi Kannudaiya Vallal
4. Establishment of Saivite and Saiva Siddhanta Mutts
5. Thathuvarayar Tradition: Paramadvitham
6. Veera Saivam tradition: Adhi Sivaprakasar, Santhalingar, Kumara Devar and Thuraimangalam Siva Prakasar
7. Veda, Agama conflict and Reconciliation
8. Religious Currents during Vijayanagara, Nayaka period: Veera Saivism, Sankara Vedanta, Paramadvitham, Vaishnavism, Siddhanta Saivam
9. Sanskrit tradition of Siddhanta: Neelakanda Sivachariyar, Appaya Dikshithar, Haradhatha Sivachariyar
10. Saiva Commentary Tradition: Sivagnana Munivar , Tiruvilangam (Srilanka), Nallur Saravanan

4. SAIVISM AND SAIVA SIDDHANTA IN COLONIAL AND POST-COLONIAL PERIOD
5. Contending Religious Currents in Early Colonial Madras:Veera Saivism, Sankara Vedanta, Paramathuvidam, Vaishnavism, Siddhanta Saivam
6. Ramalinga Adigalar: Arutpa, Marutpa struggle
7. Modernism in Tamil Saivism and Saiva Siddhanta: Reform, Revival or Re-configuration
8. The life and legacy of Arumuga Navalar’s Tamil/Saivite Revival
9. Somasundara Nayakar and Tamil Siddhanta
10. 19th and early 20th Century religious debates/conflict literature (Kandana Noolgal)
11. Caste and Social Struggle in Saivism and Saiva Siddhanta
12. Famine, Hunger and Food culture in Saivism and Siddhanta Saivam
13. The role of Pamban Swamigal: Vedic, Agamic and Tamil tradition
14. The role and Impact of Saiva Siddhanta Organizations and Institutions: Saiva Paripalana Sabai (Jaffna and Tamil Nadu), Siva Thondan, Thoothukudy Saiva Siddhanta Sabai, Saiva Siddhanta Maha Samajam (Perumandram)
15. Saiva Siddhanta Sastras, Saiva Literatures: Commentarial and Critical literary traditions
16. Modern Saivite Literary Creations: From Manonmaniyam Sundaram Pillai to Maa. Aranganathan.

13-08-2019 – 1.00 pm: Though, the inauguration was to start by 1.00 pm, few people were at F-50 hall and it was known that the function would start by 3.00 pm only.  Thus, as usual, “delegates” started coming and sitting with their own characteristics. About 100 persons were there in the hall at the time of inauguration. Rs 1000/- was charged for paper presenter, but, no list of papers, programme [to know when one can present his / her paper] etc., about the academic proceedings were given. One scribbling pad was there, but, no pen found in the cloth bag given. Saravanan introducing the speakers informed that the proceedings would be in Tamil, though, it was an International Conference and most of them could understand Tamil.

3.10 to 3.20 pm: S. Natarajan, Advocate told that he had not come there to tell anything new. He claimed that he knew many languages and talk also, however, prefer to speak in Tamil. He claimed that Siddhanta = Siddhu + Egantham. Siva would be active, only when Sakti is joined.

3.22 to 3.30 pm: S. S. Sundaram, HOD and Prof of History department spoke that after Baskar, Saravanan was appointed as HOD for the Saiva Siddhant department. He recalled that when he faced many problems, they supported him[6]. The controversy was about a book written by Padmavathy, “The Period and opinion of Manicka Vasagar,” where the author reportedly mentioned that the temple [of Manicka vasagar] was not a Shiva temple. He then mentioned that, “the Saiva Siddhanta should be spread all over the world…..Tamil is the first language. Tolkappiyam also talked about Saivism……….Tirukkural contains the concept of Saiva siddhanta….The Shivalinga worship was prevalent throughout the world…..Rajaraja Chola was the first King to appoint “Odhuvar” Saivism reached peak during the Chola period….”

Conference with historical perspective, but, conducted suppressing facts: In between every speaker, after speaking, Saravanan was commenting upon them adding extraneous details that were political. Unnecessarily, he was commenting upon “Atti varadhar” and so on. He was mentioning about “Tamizhar Samayam,” as proposed by one Somasundara Naicker, who was sidelined and Maraimalai Adigal was given prominence, though, he was the forerunner in propagating “Thanittamizh iyakkam” [Separate / Pure Tamil Movement]. Though, he claimed that Somasundara Naicker opposed Vaishnavism and other faiths, he never mentioned that he was punished and fined for such sectarian and hurting the feeling of others by the court. He gave an apology letter on January 8, 1891 to A. V. Ramanuja Navalar and paid a fine of Rs. 100/= based on a complaint No. 22349/1890 filed with the Magistrate, Madras Presidency. This is mentioned as an example, but, many-many claims made without any historical evidence.

3.45 to 4.00 pm Siddha talk resulting in parochialism: Deiva Velayudham, a Siddha practitioner talked making many claims about Siddha medicine[7]. He talked about “tridhoshas” etc, and lamented that Siddha medicine was not given importance…. The ratio between the three has to be constantly maintained at 4:2:1 for a disease-free life filled with health[8]. Any imbalances in the three humors, viz. Vatham, Kapham and Pitham are said to cause diseases or ill-health. Also, it is essential that the three humors are kept in a state of harmony with the five primordial elements of nature. Each humor is made of two primordial elements and hence they are influenced directly. For example, Vali (Vatham) is influenced by air and space, Azhal (Kapham) is influenced by fire and water, and Aiyam (Pitham) is influenced by water and earth. This altered harmony and balance variation of the three thathuvams result in disease and ill-health. According to Siddha, if the three humors are disturbed, the 7 basic physical constituents of the human body, namely, Saaram (Chyle), Senneer (Blood), Oon (Muscle), Kozhuppu (Fat), Enbu (Bone), Moolai / Nalli (Marrow) and Sukkilam / Suronitham (Sperm and Ovum) are also affected. Siddha Medical system also holds that food is in a way a medicine (the concept of Unave Marunthu). As per this logic, any food that contains too much of one particular Suvai (taste) is also said to disturb the three humors. As an example, food that is sweeter like desserts does more harm than good. To put it rather plainly, Siddha Medicine holds that the factors like environment, climatic conditions, diet, physical activities, and stress, all have a role to play in the manifestation of diseases. In the modern world, it is a known secret that high stress, poor diet and less physical activities are the norms of the day for many individuals. These conditions have resulted in the phenomenal rise to medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems, obesity, sleep apnea, etc……….,” so far OK, but, suddenly, he started telling, “There is no God but Shiva and Saivism is the only religion[9]…..Religion could come within caste, but, caste should not come in the religion…..Tamizhar samayam [the religion of the Tamils] is the most ancient[10]….” Thus, the politicized form of speech was intriguing.

Though Ardhanareeswaran, Tamil Department was sitting there on the podium, he did not address the delegates.

First day paper session [5.00 to 6.00 pm]: After that, there was a paper reading session. Ms. Usha Rani from Puducherry University claimed that till 2o17, she knew nothing about Pamban Swamigal, but, then, started reading his works and doing research. She tried to explain “Kumara kavacam,” but could not do it properly. Next, Mukunthan read a paper in very generalized manner. Anyway, for counting or counting purpose, these papers to pull along up to 6.30 pm. As there were expecting food, Saravanan intervened and started talking about so many issues.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

15-08-2019

[1] Off: 9144-25399711 Mobile No: 91-9444651203, 91-9445201634; E-Mail: interconsaiva2019@gmail.com;

[2] Prof. Ravi Vaithees (Canada): ravi.vaithees@umanitoba.ca, Dr.Krishnaveni (Jaffna), krishna.veney@yahoo.com; Sri.Fatimaharan (London) sjfatimaharan@yahoo.com, Dr.Nanthini (Colomboo) nanthini_s3@hotmail.com, Prof. Natarajan (B.H.U., UP) : mknats@gmail.com, 91-8825 421821.

[3] பழநியில் சென்னை சைவ சித்தாந்தப் பெருமன்றத்தின் 114 ஆண்டு மாநாடு துவங்கியது. பழநி தெற்கு கிரிவீதியில் சாது சாமி மடத்தில் 3 நாட்கள் மாநாடு நடைபெறுகிறது. உயர்நீதிமன்ற நீதிபதிகள், சாதுக்கள் ஆன்மிகப் பெரியோர்கள் உட்பட பலர் பங்கேற்கின்றனர். பெருமன்ற தலைவர் நல்லூர் சரவணன் கூறுகையில், சைவம் இந்து அல்ல; அது தமிழர் அருள்நெறி மரபு என அறிவிக்கவும் மாநாட்டின் வாயிலாக கோரிக்கை வைத்துள்ளோம் என்றார்.

[4] https://www.dinamalar.com/video_main.asp?news_id=169759&cat=32

[5] Based on the brochure circulated by the organizers.

[6] Indian Express, Students protest religious group entering University of Madras blowing conches, Published: 19th September 2018 06:45 AM | Last Updated: 19th September 2018 06:45 AM, By Express News Service

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/sep/19/students-protest-religious-group-entering-university-of-madras-blowing-conches-1874069.html

CHENNAI: Protests erupted at the University of Madras on Tuesday when a Hindu religious group, comprising nearly 100 individuals, entered the premises, urging demotion of the head of the Saiva Siddhantha department, for his alleged controversial remarks on Saivist history. Members of the group, who identified themselves as ‘Sivanadiyars’, allegedly marched into the university, blowing conch and singing Saivist songs. This led students to stage a protest, asserting that religious groups must not infiltrate educational institutions. The group entered the campus in the noon to lodge a complaint with the Vice-Chancellor, urging him to demote Prof Nallur S Saravanan, head of the Saiva Siddhantha department as he had often spoken publicly on controversial topics. The professor is also the president of the Saiva Siddhantha Perumandram, which published the book ‘Manikkavasagar: Kaalamum Karuthum’ that aims to identify grey areas in historical records of 9^th century Tamil poet. “The book raises a lot of questions about the period he lived in, the temples in his literature and his ideologies themselves. Although I didn’t write the book, I have publicly spoken about this topic often, leading to controversies,” Saravanan said. Students, who were angered by the entry of the Sivanadiyars, expressed solidarity with the teacher and said that religious groups must not enter places of study. “Religious groups must not use educational institutions for propaganda,” said S Gopinathan, a first-year student. Students from the department and from Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle staged a protest to bar further entry from the group. Vice-Chancellor P Duraisamy told Express that university security and police officers quickly asked the religious group to leave the campus. The group came to lodge a complaint with the V-C, urging him to demote Prof Nallur S Saravanan, head of the Saiva Siddhantha department as he spoke publicly on controversial topics. The professor is also the president of the Saiva Siddhantha Perumandram.

[7] https://drvelayudam.com/; TAMBARAM – No. 9, GST Road, Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai – 600 047, (Near Andhra Mess); ANNA NAGAR – C-47, 2nd Avenue, Shop No. 37, I Floor, Anna Nagar Plaza, Anna Nagar, Chennai – 600 040 (Near Aiyappan Temple) – +91-9444908979.

[8] https://drvelayudam.com/siddha-concept-of-disease/

[9] This has been just like Muslims who claim there is no god but Allah, Mohammed is the prophet!

[10] This claim has been more serious, as other religious, separatist and radical ideologists have been propagating, but, only few takers. Catholic church in Madras conducted a “Tamizhar Samayam Conference,” at their diocese complex.