Tamil is the Language of Gods, says Madras High Court

Chennai

Hailing Tamil as the "Language of Gods," theMadras High Court has said temple consecrations across the country should bedone reciting Tamil hymns composed by saints like Azhwars and Nayanmars,besides others like Arunagirinathar.

A bench of Justice N Kirubakaran, since retired, and Justice B Pugalendhi, in arecent order also said that in our country "it is made to believe thatSanskrit alone is Gods' language." In various countries and religions,different types of beliefs were in existence and the places of worship alsochange according to the culture and religion.

"In those places, only the local language was stated to be used for doingheavenly service. However, in our country, it is made to believe that Sanskritalone is Gods language and not any other language is equivalent. No doubt,Sanskrit is an ancient language with enormous ancient literature. The belief isspread in such a way that only if the Sanskrit Vedas are recited, the Gods willlisten to the prayers of the devotees," the bench said.

The court was hearing a petition seeking consecration of a temple in Karurdistrict in the state seeking direction to government authorities, includingthe Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment to conductconsecration/ Kudamuzhukku/ Nanneerattu function of Arulmigu PasupatheshwaraSwamy Tirukovil by chanting Thirumuraikal, Tamil Saiva Manthiram (hymns) andalso songs of Saint Amaravathi Aatrangarai Karurar.

"Tamil is not only one of the earliest ancient languages of the world butalso a 'Language of Gods'. It is believed that Tamil language is born out ofpellet drum which fell from Lord Shiva while he was dancing. Another School ofthought is that Lord Muruga created Tamil language."

"As per mythology, Lord Shiva presided over the first academy (First TamilSangam). It is believed that Lord Shiva played 'Thiruvilayadal' to test theknowledge of Tamil poets. The above would only mean that Tamil language isconnected with Gods. When it is connected with Gods, it is a Godly language.Such a Godly language has to be used while performing Kudamuzhuku," thecourt said.

The judges noted every language spoken by the people is God's language.

"Man cannot create language. The languages are in existence for centuriestogether and passed on from one generation to the other generation. There canonly be improvement in the existing language and there cannot be any creationof language," they added.

"The petitioner seeks for performing Kudamuzhuku in a particular temple byreciting Tamil verses. However, it is not only for that temple but throughoutthe country, all the temples should be consecrated by reciting Tamil Thirumuraiand other hymns composed by Saints like Alwargal and Nayanmargal, apart fromPattinathar, Arunagirinathar etc," the bench noted.

In an apparent reference to the two Dravidian parties-- the DMK and the AIADMK,the court said "even the policy makers who have been ruling the State fromthe year 1967 onwards are also interested in making use of Tamil in all thefields."

If Tamil hymns cannot be used in the temples located in Tamil Nadu, nowhereelse it can be used.

The court pointed out at the saying that Tamil has been developed by Alwars(Vaishnavite saints) and noted that even as on today, at the holy TirmualaHills in Tirupathi, during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), only"Thirupavai", rendered by Vaishnavite saint Andal is recited inpraise of the presiding deity.

"Even according to Bhagavat Geetha, Lord Krishna stated that he manifestshimself in the month of Margazhi. Thus, God Thirumal would like to hear TamilThirupavai during the month of Margazhi which he is fond of. When Vaishnavismgave importance and prominence to Tamil hymns, Saivism equally gave importanceto Tamil, due to availability of many literatures, especially Bakthiliterature."

"If God could not understand Tamil, how was it possible for die harddevotees who were committed to worshiping of Lord Shiva, Lord Thirumal, LordMuruga etc., to have composed so many hymns in praise of them. Therefore, thetheory that God understands only one language cannot be believed," thecourt said.

The court further said that as far as the scientific evidence available Sanskritlanguage is concerned, the age is first Century BC. Though it is stated thelanguage is in existence for more than 3000 years and passed on orally, it isonly hypothetical as proof is not available. However, it is also one of theancient languages which is required to be preserved.

"However, Tamil has got scientific evidence to prove its antiquity.Therefore, it cannot be said that only one language alone is God's language andother languages are not," it said.

Sadly the estampages of Tamil inscriptions taken by the British are notproperly preserved and many of them are lost or damaged. It is also stated thatmany precious palm leaf manuscripts containing Tamil literature were burnt orthrown into river, the court said.

It credited Tamil scholar U Ve Swaminatha Iyer for being responsible forretrieving and preserving the palm leaf manuscripts and Tamil materials. "But for him, many of the precious valuable literature could not have beensaved," the bench said.