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The Hindu Religious Services of Navalar Peruman
Navalar Peruman had in mind two high and Noble ideas one to reestablish Saivaims which had been in its specialty owing to the invasion of Foreign powers the next one is to improve Tamil Language. To start with 1st idea he made report as follows:-
The main grace and blessing of God His Amaithy is to get and of the Sins of the souls. Navalar Peruman’s high nation says that one may be of had qualifies with no piety, grace knowledge, patience, jealously but even then of () pray to God to forgive him and enrich will all good qualifies.
1) This is the essence of Navalar Peruman high quality and from was youth he had the noble idea in mind that he must something at least to Saivaism in order to en rich it. At the age of 13 having the above said idea in mind it had sang a Venba as follows:-
2) The forgave all his pleasure and remained a bachelor thro out, to work for the welfare of Saivam. He had the idea that Saivam and Tamil Language must be supported and Protectors education and Saivam are like two eyes for the Tamils. This was his strong nation issued a “Viyakiyanam for the Saivaists” in 1888, with the above idea at each and every one must work for the growth of Saivam Education is general.
3) His other policy was that he didn’t beat on earning money. He gave away his teaching post for which has been the source of this earning.
4) He wrote the series of books to educate the children on religious basis. As the Pathirimar, published books in the name of Vethavinavidai I and Vethavinavidai II, Navalar Peruma II published Saivavinavidai I, II and enriched Saivam and fed the children from their very young age with Hindu Saiva knowledge.
5) At that time most of the religious books were in were forms which were rather hard founder stand for the common people and so Navalar Peruman wrote some of the very important Saiva books in simple () forms and published them which were welcomed by one and some of such books were as follows:- Sivalayatharisana Vithy, Periya Purana Vasanam, Thiruvilayadatpuranam, Kanthapuranam etc.
6) On observing the Pathirimar establishing presses and printing notices at their own accord. Navalar Peruman too printing presses, one at Chennai, and another at Jaffna and printed all his books including publications which criticized of the so-called Christion books that criticized Saiva publications. Also he went over the Tamil old publications and renewed them by improving them by avoiding the mistakes found in them.
7) From his young age Navalar educated the students in the subject religion Saivam freely without expecting any payment. Such students when they grew up did great service to the society and they formed a Navalar Paramparai in in due course of time, even now this very generation is flourishing among them the following scholars can be pointed out as fllows PUloy N. Kathiravelpillai, Vithvasiromnai Ponnambalam Pillai, Koppay Sabapathy Navalar, Arumugampillai, Nadaraja Iyar etc. Illakkia Kalanithy Pandithamani S. Kanapathipillai, the past Viduvan N. Suppaiyapillai etc. There scholars belong to the Navalar student generation.
8) Navalar Peruman’s strong idea was that, Saiva studnets must study in saiva schools only. So he established a new school in the name of “Saiva Pirakasa Vidyasalai” in 1848 Keela Varudam on the 5th of August at Vannarpannai. Following this he contessed all over that such schools must be established in every village. He stressed this point in all his lecturers. So, on owing to this schools of such category were established in places like Inuvil, Koppay, Puloly, Colombo Thurai. He also a very notable thing in establishing a such a school in Sithamparam in Tamil Nadu in 1864 and following others too to establish more such schools in their areas.
Owing to all these Navalar Peruman wa praised by with the title as “Navalar the father of the founders of Saiva school” which was rather very suitable. Shiva Peruman also helped financially for the growth and betterment of such schools He also appointed suitable scholars as teachers. The student was given free education. It is Navalar who in produced free Education for the 1st time here after Arulampala Muthaliyar.
9) Also Navalar Peruman realized that the Tamil Saiva students must also have a knowledge in English Language also, so he also established an English school for these students at Vannarpannai in the year 1872; but unluckily owing to lack of financial funds this school did not survive for a long time. But Navalar Peruman didn’t fail in this affair, he continued his efforts, and for the alone the famous Jaffna Hindu College and other such schools which were established later.
10) Navalar performed very many lectures explaining the truths of Saivaism Vannarpannai Vaitheesuaran temple and other such holy places, and he also encourage his students too to follow his ways of service to Saivaism. Owing to Navalar’s such lecturers, those who converted themselves to Christianity before, and again comeback to Saivaism. This is because of the great influence of the speeches and activities of Navalar Peruman.
11) Navalar also published News Paper named “Saivothayabanu” on behalf of the growth of Saivam and this newspaper only came in the name of “Inthushanam” later the edition came in the hands of Pandit V. Thirugnanasambandhar form Madduvil
12) Navalar also wanted to create a safety treasury for future purpose and for this purpose he bought some paddy fields in the name of the Soma with proofs.
13) Also, he brought in to order all the temple Vetha Sivagamaneri where the Pooja rites were heather too were disorder.
14) Navalar gave lectures on Vaithikam and Saivam and made the Bharamins the importance of Siva Theechai and made them to undergo that Hindu Saiva rite of Siva Theechai. By this Sivakama research, Sivapooja, recital of Thevara Thiruvasakam, Pooja bells sound and such all these holy events spread all over Jaffna and Saivam Nourished all over.
15) Aslo Navalar brought to Eelam specialty to Jaffna, Thevara reciters especially from Thiruvavaduthurai who could recite Thevara Thiruvasakam with piety to make the listeners at temple to involve in piety. This Pannodu was recited at Saiva temples and many devotees received enough practice to recite the some from this valuable effort of Navalar.
16) Also Navalar brought in the habit of Puranapadanam in Templers daily and thereby made the common people involve in Saiva thoughts.
17) He gave a clear idea of the renewal of Thiruketheeswaram and Keerimalai Sivan temple and in the report the situation of Saivam in Jaffna “Yalppanaththu Samaya Nilai”.
18) To guide the devotees of Shiva temple, Navalar Peruman Published a book named “Sivalaya Tharisana Vithy” with long and a notice “Saivasamaya Saaram” and also the Urai for the book “Kolaimaruththal by Sithambara Swamikal.
19) Also Navalar worte “Sivanathu Paraththuvam” and a Puranam named “Siththatha Sivan Paalvaiththar” which was appricated by one and all and the ideals in those in those books were unknown to many neither too.
20) Navalar also felt the importance of his service at Tamil Nadu and so, he did the maximum in this field. The spread the Saiva knowledge thro’ many of his ovation in the following religious Hall and Sabas, as Thiruvavaduthurai Atheenam Tharmapura Atheenam, Mathurai Atheenam, Thiruvanna Malai Atheenam, Kaanchi Atheenam, Ramanathapuram, Chithamparam, Chennai, Veetharaniyam etc.
21) Though he tried to establish a Vethasivakam Gurukula school at Nallur in Chithamparam, it didn’t come out successful. But this great desire and effort were fulfilled at Thirukketheeswaram in the year 1961 and at continued at Jaffna Vatheesvarar Koil in the year 1974 and at present it continues as Vethaakama Gurukula School, at Nadesar Koil.
22) Saivam is followed and praised by all Eelaththu Tamils all the culture and nature of life style here has been given the attribute “Saivam” and such names are as follows:- For example Saiva Vina vidai, Saivasamaya Saaram, saiva Pirakasavidyasalai, Saivapirakasa Press, Saiva Poothkarkal, Saiva Anuddanam etc. later it continued this:- Saivaparipalana Sabai Saiva Vith Viruththy Sangam, Saiva Aasiriyar Kale Sabai, Saiva Pada Salaikal, Saiva Samaya Paada Pareechchai, (Exam) Saiva Pautham, Saiva Baothini, Saiva Makaththuvam, Saiva Pirakasanam, Saiva Siththantha Sankirakai, Saiva Pooshana Santhirikai, Saiva Sithththantha Churukkam, Saiva Kiriyai Vilkkam, Saiva Manchari, Saiva Neri etc. Thus these and examples for the way in which he brought into publicity the very important term “Saivam”
23) It is sure that but for Navalar, Jaffna people would have been changed or converted into staunch Christians. All Siva temples would have been demolished. No Hindu Saivaists will be seen in villages and say thro out Jaffna.
24) With an idea that Saivaims must continue allover in Jaffna and Tamil Language ought to continue cherishing Navalar wrote news book both in prose and verse forms. Also he wrote Urai for certain important religious books. All his literatary works were printed in Jaffna and Chennai too.
THE DETAILS OF NAVALAR’S NEW PUBLICATIONS
1. Muthalam (I) Palapadam
2. Irandaam (II) Palapadam
3. Nankam (IV) Palapadam
4. Periya Puranam Vasanam
5. Sivalaya Tharisana Vithy
6. Saivathooshana Parikaram
7. Supirpaotham
8. Saiva Vinavidai Muthat Book I
9. Saiva Vinavidai Muthat Book II
10. Ilakkana Surukkam
11. Chithampara Manmium
12. Kanthapurana Vasanam
13. Anuddana Vithy
14. Yalppana Samaya Nilai
15. Ilankai Poomisashiram (Geography)
16. Thiruvilayadal Purana Vasanam
17. Illakkana Vinavidai Book I
18. Illakkana Vinavidai Book II
19. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Book I
20. Nallur Kandaswamy Book II
21. Periyapunana Vasanam
22. Puloly Arud Pa Maruppu
23. Mithivatha Nirasanam
24. Puloly Pasupatheeswarar Peruman Thiruvunchal
25. Kathirkama Swami Meeth Keerththanankal
26. Thanipamalaikal
Urai Eluthy Veliyidda Nolkal
Books Pulbished with Urai
1. Thirumurukattuppadai
2. Koyit Prunamam
3. Saivasamaya Neri
5. Konraiventhan
6. Vaakkundam
7. Nanneri
8. Nanvali
9. Nannool (Kaandiurai)
Parisothitha Puthuppitha Noolkal
Books which were revived and printed
1. Soodamani Nikandu (Uraiyudan)
2. Sawnthariyakalari (with urai)
3: Nannool Viruththyurai
4. Thirusenthoorneerodda Yamakaanthaathi
5. Kullaththoor Amuthambikai Pillai Thamil
6. Kantharalarankaram
7. Kantharanupoothy
8. Eeralupathu
9. Thirukkai Vlakkam
10. Maraisai Anthathi
11. Koyitpuranam Moolam
12. Thirukkaruvai Paththanthathi
13. Sithampara Mummanikkovai
14. Paddinaththu Pillaiyar Paadal
15 Arunakirinathar Vakuppu
16. Maruthoor Anthathy Thokkuppurai
17. Thiruchchenthoorkaval
18. Vinayakarakavaal
19. Vinayaka Kavasam
20. Sivakavasam
21. Thiruvalluavar Parimellorkarurai
22. Thiruchchittampala Kovaiurai
22. Saethu Puranam
24. Pirayogaviveka Moolamum Uraiyum
25. Tharukka Sankirakam
26. Upamana Sankirakam
27. Raththina Churukkam
28. Illakkana Koththu
29. Tholkappiya Soththira Viruththy
30. Elakkana Vilakka Chooravali
31. Kanthapuranam
32 Pathinoram Thirumurai
33. Naalvar Naanmanimaalai, Periyanayaki, Viruththam, Periyanayaki Kaliththurai, Pushdana Navamanimaalai
34. Tholkappiyam Sollathikaaram Senuvaraiyarurai
35. Ethampara Manmiyam
36. Sivagnanapoethach Sitturai
37. Periyapuranam
38. Pudpavithy
39. Upanidatha Moolamum Uraiyum
Navalarathu Saiva Panippayankal
Arumuganavalar was of pure heart and Siva Bakthi. His culture and Tharam, efforts, and thoughts gave him success in all his activities.
Navalar’s writings, publications, and lecturers step by step achieved success His sincere efforts blocked the invasion of the British especially in the field of Religion. So the foreigners couldn’t convert the Saivaists to other religions. Even those who converted themselves foolishly to Christianity, came back to Saivasm owing to the influence of Navalar. Even the whole world came to feel and study the greatness and speciality of Saivam. Also the Savaists improved with their knowledge in Saiva education, Saiva culture, Saiva lecturers, Puranapaddanam giving due respect to the Saiva Sinnankal like holy ash, Ruthirakkam etc. They also followed the ways of Navalar Peruman and formed Saiva Sabas wrote and published books conceted with Saivaism PUrana Padanam. Thirumurai recital, establishing Saiva schools all over, and it went to the extent of Saiva devoees, preaching the truths of Saiva even in Tamil Nadu as a result new Hindu religions books were published. They were launched properly what Navalar expected to happen at both Thiruketheeswaram Koneswaram, came out successful. Even after the period of Navalar, Hindu college, Keerimalai Sivan Kovil and Vethagama School etc. flourished end Navalar’s dreams become true.
In history we can’t come across such a personality like Navalar Peruman says majority of the Eelam people during the Pallavar period Gnanasambandhar and Apparswamikal and the needful and Saivam began to flourish with British period when Saivam was to delay and demolish Navalar Peruman appeared on the scene and protected it so Navalar is considered as the 5th Kuravar and the 64th Nayanar. Even today Navalars activities are continuing to make Saivaism cherish. The benefit and the good result of Navalrs’s is what we see and enjoy today.
One K. Ilayathamby was in support and acted as an example for all Navalar’s worthy activities.
NAVALAR’S SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
All most all the services of Navalar was based on the welfare of the sociality alone even then some of his activities could be identified to religion and religion alone ie. “Saivamsm”.
1. Because Navalar underwent so many difficulties during his school days; he introduced free education and established many Tamil Saiva schools one example of this type, is Vannarpannai Saiva Pirakasa Vidyasalai which was followed with the some thought “Vannarpannai Saiva English Vidyasalai was formed later by Navalar, to make the people understand the value of English Language. Navalar’s social activities were continued and resulted in the establishment of Jaffna Saiva Paripalana Sabai, and Saiva Vithyaaapiviruththy Sangham. Certain individuals also continued such educational and religious activities of Navalar Peruman having in their minds Navalar’s social temperament.
2. During his period Navarar preplanned and had documents with other future plans of his establishments, which were of great help to his followers. Also he had savings to he spent on his anticipated future activities.
3. He was wishing and good enough to translate the books which were in verse form and could be used and understood only by learned scholars, into prose forms with an idea that people with limited knowledge too benefit by them.
4. With a proud mind all must get the opportunity for education Navalar established presses libraries wrote books in prose forms etc.
5. His lectures were not done for time passing, in fact he wanted the public to receive the maximum benefit from his ideas given in his speeches and the great thing is what he expected, materialized.
6. Often he used short notice to make the common people understand and accordingly. Even now we are able to see this method is being followed among our society.
7. One Ravpagathoor C.V. Themotharampillai and scholars of his category who were well trained in English knowledge and made as Navalar’s disciples and there by the Tamil society earned maximum benefits which Navalar expected.
8. Famine occurred in Eelam due to shortage of rain in the year 1877. “Eshura year” and so Navalar to console the people by helping them from hunger, formed “Kanchithoddy” system which supply food for the common people till famine come to an end that was nearly for 7 months and following this Navalar supplied Rice and Curry along with vegetables too. Thus he saved the common people from famine.
9. Also, Navalar had the plus point of correcting and punishing those who make great blunders even they were well to do.
10. In 1877 there spreaded among the people of Pashaiyoor, Karaiyoor who folloed Christianity they suffered a lot, and Navalar didn’t hesitate, he immediately took the necessary steps to cure them and save them from that situation. Even then the Government agent didn’t act accordingly in nursing the sick and it was Navalar who went up to the President, requesting him again and again to take the necessary action. To help the Christian society who suffered from plaque, action was then taken at the request of Navalar and this shows how his social activities went allover helping the people, irrespective of their rule, religion and culture, rich or poor etc. This is an example Navalar Peruman’s service to all irrespective of Race and Religion.
11. One Govt. authority named Thuvainam was against Navalar and his multi services to humanity because of the complaint made by Navalar against him. But even then, this Govt. agent Thuvainam didn’t fail to show respect to Navalar for example on the death day of Navalar Peruman he felt sorry, sent messages of condolences and requested all his staff members in the Kachcheri office to partake in the funeral of Navalar, visiting his house giving them duly leave etc. This shows how Govt. respected Navalar’s Social activities and broad mindedness.
12. The following incident is a proof to Navalars service to the common society. Navalar wanted to send Ponnambalam Ramanathan a youngster to Saddasabai and to get the support of the comman people, be delivered two speeches in supportive of Ponnambalam Ramanathan, It the political meeting on 22.05.1879 at Saivapirakasa Vidyassabai under the President, ship of Suthumalai Carol, Visuvanathapillai. It was a political meeting. Navalar delivered a standard speech with all facts and figures and all the audience praised and wondered at that speech. This was considered as an example to Navalar’s social service through the political field.
13. Besides establishing Annasathrams for the pilgrimage crowd Navalar brought in compulsory Arakkadalkal for the purpose of feeding all devotees, poor enabled crowd, children below 10 years and for the sick etc. This helped the entire community in different ways.
14. The broad mind of Navalar is clearly seen in his translating the Viviliyavetham into Tamil Language. The Saiva community felt proud and praised him at this particular service of His.
15. In 1872 Sri William Girakeri the Governor formed a Sangam in the Jaffna, Batticaloa Varththaka Vallanmai in order to donate terrible land of 20,000 acres near Kanthalai Pond (Kulam) to the common people. This Sangam had 30,000 shares each costing Rs. 10/=. Among these shares, Navalar and R.M. Muthukarappan Chettiar jointly paid Rs.2,000/= and got 200 shares. The purpose of buying there shares was that to clear the miseries of the common people. Their poverty, sickness and other one of the plan was to cut the worthy trees like, Karunkali, Muthirai, Paalai and Samandalaiand to sell the woods and will that particular in come to serve the common needs of the community is need. Because he had 200 shares in this, he was selected as one of the Managers of the above mentioned Sangam. He also did some more services to the so called Sangam. At the same time Navalar was in charge of lands and at the same time a religious and so all were happy over this and the News Paper named “Ilanka Nesam” Praised this and it came as the subject of the editorial of “Ilanka Nesan”.
16. The Ceylon University Tamil Thurai scholars Rev. Kings Bury praised all service of Nalavar and enriched him with the tittle “Alapparumsalanithy”
NAVALAR’S SERVICES TO THIRUKOVILKAL
(1) In Thondai Nadu most of the Kovilkal were in hard condition. They needed repairs. So a Saba was ferried at Chennai namely “Thondai Naddu Pathy Punniasabai” to see to the repairs and other activities concerned. In order to collect funds for the repairs two meetings were assembled one on the 22nd of March 1867 and other on the year 1868 February 1st in the meetings, Navalar gave a thorough explanation as to what and which to be done regarding this reneval activities and their great benefits. The sabstance of Navalar’s speech is as follows:
(a) Lord Shiva prepared the Thevara Thiruvasaka Padalkal by his sincere devotees with Appar, Sundarar, Sampanthar and Manivasakar, otherthan his own Vedam which was blessed by Lord Shiva and Shiva alone. These 4 devotees worshipped those Sivathalanka where they recited the Thevar Thiruvasagam songs. These Thithuthalankal are considered to be divine and passion in speciality. These Thiruthalam are of great blessings.
(b) Repairing and doing the needful for the temples is named as “Parama Tharumam”. If these temples are left to be more and more damaged it is considered to be a curse for the country itself says History. So renewing such templers is a must so it is a must of the community to donate cash and services for the repairs daily Poojas, Festivals etc there the devotees must get together forgetting all in differences and join hands and act there whole hearted this can be considered as one of the Siva Punniyams. So it is the first and for most of the rich crowd to donate maximum to their above mentioned holy services. The saying “Aayiramam Kaani Arupathiranndarai” says that though what denoted may be a small amount, but because the notion is good, holy and high the donation will increase and every activity will be completed. Only supporters of the above said service are fit to be called as “Saivasamayikal and they are sure to be blessed with high class benefits.
(c) It is said the blessings and benefits that a devotee received repairing and remaining destroyed temples is much more than a devotee receives in building a new temple, more means the amount of benefit is said to Thousand times more than the original one thus says. Piramanankal, Sivapunniaya Thelivu, Thirumanthiram and Saivasamayikal.
(d) It is said and it is (believable) that those who donate for temples with Sincerlity and those do all services needed to temple Thirupani will definitely achieve divinity.
(e) Those who sincerely do service and use the money which devotees do donate, must be really educated for they know what honesty is and those who donate for such Tharma services ought to be wealthy becomes they will be only having enough wealth to donate for their activities such people must and are fill to be members in the Thiruppani Maha Saba.
(f) Once you decide to donate something to a Tharma Kariyam it may be cash or gold or land, immediately it belongs to that particular activity and then no more you are the owner of that property. So when one decides to donate some to a Tharma activity immediately give to the proper person concerned. It is no more ours. This thought must be in our mind.
(g) When you have a choice a many of doing the best and urge your friends well-wishers and other whom you think they listen to your advice to do the same as doing some Tharma service etc.
(h) It one follows strictly what is advised above, all good and beneficial happenings will definitely occur. In fact God’s blessings will be definitely yours.
(2) The following is what Navalar Peruman published in his Vinchapanam, about “Yalppana Samaya Nilai” in 1872 in the Month of October. It says about the service to Thiruketheeswara Thirukoil which was without Pooja and festival to rites for 2 Hundred years’ time. The following is what Navalar Peruman has said.
There are two temples in Eelam which are praised and described in Thevaram Pathikankal. They are Thiruketheeswaram and Thirukkoneswaram Gnanasambanthar has sung Thevaram on Thirukkonamalai Thiruththalam, Sundaramoorthy Swamikal and Gnanasampantha Peruman sung Thevaram Thirupathikankal on Thirukeetheeswara Thalam. Navalar following saying that Thiruketheeswaram at Maathoddam is ruined to its maximum when so many new temples are being built in Eelam now why don’t you think of repairing Thiruketheeswaram. If all devotees in Ceylon donate a little it will due course of time became a big sum and it will be more than enough for the repair of the Thiruketheeswaram Thalam and Karuna Kadal God Shiva will definitely bless you all. This temple now we see at Maathoddam is the reply by the Saivaists to the request of Navlar Peruman.
(3) In the year 1873 in the Month of January Navalar lectured about Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and its Aakamavirotha Kiryai. He found some faults in it. The details are as follows.
It is against Aakama rites to place Velautham at the Molasthanam of the so-called temple with Valli and Thevvayanai on both sides. The temple committee accepted Navalar’s advice and demolishing the former Karpakiraham rebuilt it with Karunkal. They also accepted to place a Silavikrekam at the Karuvarai for this purpose a Thiruppanisabai too was formed immediately and the beauty is that the President of this Thirupani Sabai is none but Navalar and Navalr only. For this renew all purpose (Thiruppani) Rs.6000/= was collected and among this Rs.3000/= was given to a responsible officer to bring Karunkal from Karuvur for the Moolasthona building purpose.
(4) It is very painful to mention that many Sivan temples were demolished by Portuguese. One among was Keerimalai Sivan Kovil Navalar also took efforts for the renovation of this temple. Explaining this situation Navalar handed over a request on 1878 may the 24th. He also mentioned about this matter in his lecture at Vannarpanai Saiva School. The following Navalar what he mentioned in his lecture.
“There was a Sivan temple at Keerimalai in ancient time. But it was destroyed by the Portuguese. At the bottom of the Keerimali water tank there is found pure water which flows in to the river. This is considered to be very holy and the Jaffna people often visit to bathe in the holy water. Also people visit Keerimalai to do the last rites of the dead person. But the only one defect there was that there was no temple found for the common people to worship after bathing at Keerimalai. It is really a defect for not having a Saiva temple here. Some must collect a fund and if they can build such a temple it will be ever useful.
This was Nalavar’s opinion. So he bought land for this purpose.
Navalar with the help of Nallur astrologer one Viduvan Ragunathasastri and Araali Swaminaatha Sitpachchari laid the foundation stone for such a temple is Keerimalai.
As the result of the efforts of Navalar, in course of time many devotees came for word fulfill the wish of Navalar and that the present temple there was built and it is regarded and considered as one of the best Kovils of Eelam.
(5) Naddukkoddai Chettis gave full support to Navalar’s Thiruppanikal.
NAVALARS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
1) Navalar, while he was student at Methodist school present Jaffna Central College he taught English for lower grade students and Tamil for senior grade students. To control the teachers’ Salary expenses they practical this method.
2) Though Navalar got educational help form great poets of that time, home of them could satisty his hunger for knowledge. So he referred to many books at his own and fried to clear his doubts the felt that this sorrow full experience must in occur to the future generation in 1841 he collected his best, in the urgent students and gave them day and night classes to bring out on able Teacher’s generation. This materialized to the full and continues its service even now.
3) Along with the free Education offered in the morning and evening Navalar for cuss his attention towards Elders’ Education. In this way his continouse lecturers on every Fridays from 31st Dec. 1847 at Vannarpannia Sivan Kovil definitely contributed a lot in developing and improving Elders’ knowledge. This is what Navalar Peruman expected.
4) Navalar also made arrangements to offer to the able scholars by conducting graduate courses for the same.
5) How students with a great thirst for knowledge, hunting for able teachers, how to read and understand valuable books. How to collect knowledge from the above mentioned ways – Navalar had clearly explained in his scheme of education. Navalar who understood the value of Avvaiyar’s saying “Ilamial Kal” has given a good explanation stressing the necessity of it in the his publication “Palar Padam Book III” which services to the present system of education even today.
6) Navalar has also given a thorough explanation about the “Imporatance of Female Education” in his book “Pala Padam Book III”
7) Understanding the common truth, thirst for wealth and Education he stress in the great truth that to earn wealth to save it, to enjoy it the proper way, to worship God and to attain Divinity for such things one need first of all education and education alone. To satisfy and fulfill all the above needs he thoughts of establishing schools. And there religious book only must be taught; along with which educating such students in hand crafts also preferable says Navalar Peruman.
8) Among his service in the educational field he 1st preferred he preferred educating the youths whom aged scholars were hurry in developing their poetical talents, Navalar concentrated in educating the younger generation. To uplift the Tamil Language in generation vice youth educations is compulsory for this purpose he wrote in language and literature books in simple style so that the youngsters can easily understand and grasp the contents of what is given in the books he started in a simple way and little by little he up lifted the standard of the same. For example, the following can be mentioned.
(1) Ilakkona Vina Vidai
(2) Ilakkana Surukkam
(3) Nan Nool Kandiyurai
Navalar had given such an apt definition for “Ilakkana Nool”, that time will approach to correct in they improve the same it says thus:-
A language book is only that serves as a guide to speak and write a language properly having in mind the previous style of prose and verse.
The definition which he gave for “Kuttiyal Ukaram” has expelled that of Nannoolar’s definition and has been understood by the student population to the maximum.
The following is on explanation of Navalar to Kuttiyal Ukaram.
Other letters rather than Kuttiyal Ukaram, when they are used in the end of the letters.
“Kuttiyal Ukaramavathu Thanik Kuttaluththallatha Mattaiya Eluththukkalin Pinnal Molikallin Iruthiyil Vallina Meikalil Eari nItkum Ukaramam.
Navalar adviced as follows :- Those who want to study Tamil, specially the saivaists, first of all they must study all Palar Padankal, following Illakkana Surukkam and try to speak and write the same. Even for Tamil scholars used Navalar’s Ilakkana Surukkam as a guide book for them. It is of such a high and well planned effort. In short is what Tholcappear and Nannular have felt behind in general without well defining Navalar has defined it well and cleared the “Sottpunarchchi” section.
9) Navalar had a policy that if the students can publish in Newspaper about their doubts and get explanative answers form scholars. As for example Navalar had a doubt about “Eyesight” to clear this double he published a better about this in the “Uthaya Tharakai” publication on the14th of August 1841 and he got a details answer his doubt in the same publication “Uthaya Tharakai: dated 2nd of September 1841. This is a strong proof for the same.
10) Jaffna saivapirakasa Vidyasalai established by Navalar on 1848, stood as a notable example for the rest of the Tamil schools established later.
11) Even in the time of high short of cash. Navalar did get any fees from the students He collected rice in little amounts from house to house, and when it came to a good amount, he sold the same and paid as salary for the teachers. In course of time he dropped that idea of collecting Pidy Arisi that is in small amounts, because it didn’t pay him much. At this time Navalar felt sorry over his enablity to carry out his plans, Sir. Pon Ramanathan;s wife’s father one Mr. Nanniththamby Mudaliyar did send same financial help to Navalar, and with that money two shops were bought for the sale some of the school.
12) After the establishment of the new school, it was noticed that suitable text books were not available for teaching purposes. So suiting the age groups and classes, books were written and published by Navalar to meet the needs these were the so called books. “Palapadankal” These Pala Padankal contained the essence needs to the students such as the, aim of education clear and Simple sentence with complete meaning and short essays etc.
13) To make it easy for the one who study : hard words and lengthy words with no damage to the meaning, and properly used where necessary. The 1st person to write and publish such books was none other than Navalar Peruman.
14) One English newspaper named “Native Public Opinion” from Chennai in the year 1872 gave a long worthy Criticism about Navalar’s Palapadankal.
15) In 1945 Free Education was introduced in Sri Lanka by the Government. But we must have in mind that the 1st person who introducated this sort of free education before 100 years at his own thinking and planning was none but Navalar and Navalar alone.
16) It was well known that great scholars and after many research works came to the conclusion, that “Learning in one’s own mother tongue is the best way for the growth of knowledge of students. On this basis teaching mother tongue language started in our county too in 1946. This system developed little by little, and it went up to senior classes. Following in 1963 this paved the way to conduct class lectures in mother tongue up to Bachelor of Arts – University classes. It is to be mentioned that Navalar had brought this system of education, before 100 years’ time at his own planning without any consultation with any scholars. But at the time many scholars had English as their medium why not Navalar too got his education in an English Medium. Even them with the great thinking and motive that all students must receive educational knowledge, in the 1st school he established teaching to take place in mother tongue language only ie in Tamil and Tamil alone the subjects that were taught in mother tongue according to scheme were as follows:- Geography, Medicine, Astrology, Agriculture, Commerce, Politics, Art etc. Navalar who was keen that education must be in mother tongue the importance of books on each subject in Tamil Language with this nation he wrote the book “The Geography of Ceylon”.
17) Navalar was keen also in conducting exams from term to term for the students in their subjects in this schools and he requested other school Managements also to follow this example of this.
18) This educational policy went round in many of the countries for a long time and surrendered in the aspect of religion. It was felt that purpose and out of education is to attain good conduct, good culture and attaining high spiritual standard. On this basis, the subject religion was made a compulsory subject in the “Kalvi Pothu Tharathara Exam” from 1965. But the above truth 2as in the heart of Navalar more than 100 years ago having the idea of religious education in heart only, Navalar started developing his educational policies. Among all his writings and publications we can easily find out his ideas of religious, education, topping the list.
19) When words contracts form pages to pages (Eaddukkeu Eadu) it is noted down in the bottom of the book’s page in the name of “Pada Paetham”. It is the habit found in printing. Present scholars came to the conclusion that it is proper, take in proper, and suitable terms (words) and even the unwanted, unsuitable terms. This is what happening now after so many plans. But this very system was founded by Navalar 100 years back; and he noted accordingly, His Thirukkural publicationin A.C 1861 is a good example for this action of his.
So after observing all the multi activities of Navalar both in educational and religious field how can we consider Navalar as such as ordinary man? Is it correct? No he is of divine birth; this is hundred percent correct.
Let us note now what Muththamil Vithakar Arulthiru Vipulanandar says
“It at all 10 genuine Bachelors come forward of following the example of Navalar’s life with an idea that Saivaism and Education must remain lifelong then definitely. This country will be blessed, religious education will reach its peak, and Saivaism will grow to the utmost.
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