Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the Panniru Thirumurai (Twelve Thirumurai) stand as a key marker of Tamil identity and are regarded by many as having the power to help resolve personal suffering, beyond their role as devotional hymns.
She was speaking in Chennai during the second day of the 34th Deiva Sekkizhar festival organised by the Sekkizhar Research Centre. The event also featured the release of two books published by Sivalayam, including an edition of the Dharumai Adheenam Panniru Thirumurai with commentary and a commentary edition of the Thiruchendur Thalapuranam attributed to Ventrimalai Kavirayar.
The books were released by the 27th Guru Maha Sannidhanam of Thirukkayilai lineage, Dharumai Adheenam Masilamani Gnanasambandha Desika Paramacharya Swamigal, and the first copy was received by Sitharaman. Sekkizhar Research Centre secretary Sivalayam Mohan welcomed the gathering.
In her address, Sitharaman said the Thirumurai enable anyone to praise Lord Shiva in simple Tamil, and highlighted the breadth of authors represented in the tradition. She also pointed to the literary and musical richness of the hymns—citing forms such as Thandakam and Yamakam, long-standing temple singing practices by Oduvars, and references to instruments like the yaazh, udukkai and kottu.
Noting that many young people today may not be able to read palm-leaf manuscripts, she urged that technology be used to take the Thirumurai to the next generation, including through a dedicated mobile app.
