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{{Short description|Hindu iconography}} | {{Short description|Hindu iconography}} | ||
[[File:Pillayar Suli.svg|thumb|''Pillaiyar Suḻi'' is a sacred textual symbol attributed to [[Hindu]] god [[Ganesha]]]] | |||
[[File:Pillayar Suli.svg|thumb| | {{Hinduism}} | ||
{{Hinduism}}'''Pillaiyar Suḻi''' ({{ | '''Pillaiyar Suḻi''' ({{Langx|ta|பிள்ளையார் சுழி}}), also rendered '''Ganesha's curl''' or '''Ganesha's circle''', is a sacred textual symbol. It is dedicated to the [[Hindu]] deity [[Pillaiyar]] (Ganesha), who is ritually worshiped first with prayers for success and is used to symbolize an auspicious beginning. The symbol consists of a circle and a curve similar to the [[Tamil script |Tamil letter]] ''உ''(u) with two lines and a dot below. It is used primarily by [[Tamil Hindu]]s , who usually use it before writing anything new. | ||
[[ | ==Nomenclature and Symbol== | ||
Pillayar Suli in [[Tamil language]] can be roughly translated to "Ganesha's curl" in English with ''[[Pillayar]]'' denoting the [[Hindu]] god "[[Ganesha]]" and ''Suli'' meaning "curl". It is also known as "Ganesha's circle".<ref name="Patnaik"/> The symbol consists of a circle and a curve similar to the fifth [[vowel]] of the [[Tamil script]] ''உ''(u) accompanied by two straight horizontal lines and a dot below.<ref name="Patnaik">{{cite book |title=99 Thoughts on Ganesha By Devdutt Pattanaik |isbn=978-8-184-95152-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wh22qvzQuowC&dq=pillaiyar+suzhi&pg=RA1-PA62-IA3 |last1=Pattanaik |first1=Devdutt |date=27 January 2015|publisher=Jaico Publishing House }}</ref> | |||
==History and theology== | |||
The symbol is used to denote the [[Hindu]] god [[Ganesha]], who himself was a scribe helping [[Maharishi]] [[Vyasa|Veda Vyasa]] to write the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref name="Patnaik"/> As Ganesha is ritually worshiped first with prayers for success, the symbol is written to herald auspiciousness and to remove any obstacles in the path towards success.<ref name="Patnaik"/><ref name="Natesan"/> The origin of the symbol has various explanations. | |||
Pillayar Suli is considered as a truncated version of the Hindu auspicious symbol and mantra ''[[Aum]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title=Flipside of Hindu Symbolism: Sociological and Scientific Linkages in Hinduism By M. K. V. Narayan |isbn=978-1-596-82117-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ewRfp4qpvt4C&dq=pillayar+suzhi&pg=PA37 |last1=Narayan |first1=M. K. V. |date=April 2007|publisher=Fultus Corporation }}</ref> ''Aum'' is considered a fusion of five forms, the letters signifying ''Akhara'' symbolizing lord [[Shiva]], ''Ukhara'' symbolizing [[Parvati|Shakti]] and ''Makhara'' representing [[Pasha (Hinduism)|Malam]] (taints that adhere to the soul) to go with the fourth and fifth letters in sound form representing [[Maya (religion)|Maya]] (reality and existence) and [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Ātman]] (the soul).<ref name="Natesan"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/religion-seek-him-with-humility/article6704884.ece|title=Seek Him with humility|date=18 December 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Ganesha as the son of Shiva and Shakthi is denoted by the Pillayar Suli, which combines the first two forms namely ''Akhara'' and ''Ukhara''.<ref name="Natesan"/> | |||
As per the [[Puranas]], ''Aum'' symbolizes the [[Trimurti]] with ''Akhara'' symbolizing the creator god [[Brahma]], ''Ukhara'' symbolizing the protector god [[Vishnu]] and ''Makhara'' symbolizing destroyer god Shiva. Pillayar Suli represents the fusion of Brahma and Vishnu, as a means to create and protect any new creation.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.advan-kt.com/Hinduism/Hinduism.pdf|title=Hinduism|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Advan}}</ref> According to [[Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham|Kanchi]] [[Chandrashekarendra Saraswati|Sankaracharya]], there are various meanings of the symbol. The symbol similar to the Tamil letter ''உ''(u) may be derived from Umayaval or Uma, a name of Parvati who is considered as a sister of Vishnu. As Parvati created Ganesha, the symbol became associated with him. He further explains that the curve emanating from a circle indicates that everything arises from the [[universe]] (represented by the circle) and the curve may represent Ganesha's trunk. The curve followed by straight lines may also indicate that any work that deviates will be set right on worship to Ganesha.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/tamilnadu/why-pillaiyar-suzhi-before-we-start-writing-anything-261931.html|title=Why Pillayar Suli before start of anything?|work=OneIndia|access-date=1 December 2023|lang=ta}}</ref> | |||
Tamil saint and [[Nayanmar]] [[Tirumular]] gives a varied explanation in his [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] treatise ''[[Tirumantiram]]''. In the fourth section of the tenth [[Thirumurai]], he explains that ''Agharam'' denotes the soul and ''Ugharam'' denotes the body and the combination them represents life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilvu.org/slet/l41A0/l4130son.jsp?subid=2448|title=Tirumantiram|lang=ta|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Tamilvu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/news_detail.php?id=5747|title=Nangam Thanthiram|work=[[Dinamalar]]|lang=ta|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> | |||
The symbol might have had a different realistic usage during the ancient period. Before the advent and widespread usage of [[paper]], [[palm leaves]] were used to write [[manuscript]]s. The symbol consisting of a circle, a curved line, straight lines and a dot might have been used to test the quality of palm leaves before writing other contents.<ref name="Patnaik"/> It later came to be associated with Ganesha. | |||
==Usage== | |||
The symbol is a sacred textual symbol primarily used by [[Tamil Hindu]]s.<ref name="Natesan">{{cite book |title=The Indian Review, Volume 65 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-D_jAAAAMAAJ&q=pillayar+suzhi |last1=Natesan |first1=G. A. |year=1966| page=299,300}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sircar |first=D. C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hXMB3649biQC&dq=pillaiyar+su%E1%B8%BBi&pg=PA93 |title=Indian Epigraphy |date=1996 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publications |isbn=978-81-208-1166-9 |pages=93}}</ref> The symbol is used to denote auspiciousness and good luck, it is often used before writing anything new.<ref name="Patnaik"/> The symbol is often used in day-to-day activities such as writing a letter, document or a diary.<ref>{{cite book| title=Worship of Deities in Hindu Religion| first=Subramanya |last=Balakrishnan |year=1991 |page=12 |publisher=University of California}}</ref> Students often write the symbol before writing exams or tests.<ref name="Patnaik"/> | |||
The practice is similar to writing [[Shri]] (Tamil:ஸ்ரீ, Sanskrit:श्री) prevalent in [[North India]] where the word is used to denote lord Ganesh.<ref name="Patnaik"/> [[Sri Vaishnavism |Sri Vaishnavas]] believe that “௳” sign represents the goddess [[Lakshmi]], and it is an alternative for writing Shri.<ref>{{cite web |last=Limited |first=Alamy |title=Vaishnavite symbol, Ulagalandha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram|url=https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-vaishnavite-symbol-ulagalandha-perumal-temple-kanchipuram-kanchi-kancheepuram-83604503.html |access-date=1 December 2021 |work=Aalamy }}</ref> | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Tamil culture]] | [[Category:Tamil culture]] | ||
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[[Category:Tamil languages]] | [[Category:Tamil languages]] | ||
[[Category:Tamil Hindu literature]] | [[Category:Tamil Hindu literature]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Culture of India]] | ||
[[Category:Ganesha]] | [[Category:Ganesha]] | ||
[[Category:Hindu iconography]] | [[Category:Hindu iconography]] | ||
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[[Category:Hindu art]] | [[Category:Hindu art]] | ||
[[Category:Tamil art]] | [[Category:Tamil art]] | ||
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Pillaiyar Suḻi (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), also rendered Ganesha's curl or Ganesha's circle, is a sacred textual symbol. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Pillaiyar (Ganesha), who is ritually worshiped first with prayers for success and is used to symbolize an auspicious beginning. The symbol consists of a circle and a curve similar to the Tamil letter உ(u) with two lines and a dot below. It is used primarily by Tamil Hindus , who usually use it before writing anything new.
Nomenclature and Symbol[edit | edit source]
Pillayar Suli in Tamil language can be roughly translated to "Ganesha's curl" in English with Pillayar denoting the Hindu god "Ganesha" and Suli meaning "curl". It is also known as "Ganesha's circle".[1] The symbol consists of a circle and a curve similar to the fifth vowel of the Tamil script உ(u) accompanied by two straight horizontal lines and a dot below.[1]
History and theology[edit | edit source]
The symbol is used to denote the Hindu god Ganesha, who himself was a scribe helping Maharishi Veda Vyasa to write the Hindu epic Mahabharata.[1] As Ganesha is ritually worshiped first with prayers for success, the symbol is written to herald auspiciousness and to remove any obstacles in the path towards success.[1][2] The origin of the symbol has various explanations.
Pillayar Suli is considered as a truncated version of the Hindu auspicious symbol and mantra Aum.[3] Aum is considered a fusion of five forms, the letters signifying Akhara symbolizing lord Shiva, Ukhara symbolizing Shakti and Makhara representing Malam (taints that adhere to the soul) to go with the fourth and fifth letters in sound form representing Maya (reality and existence) and Ātman (the soul).[2][4] Ganesha as the son of Shiva and Shakthi is denoted by the Pillayar Suli, which combines the first two forms namely Akhara and Ukhara.[2]
As per the Puranas, Aum symbolizes the Trimurti with Akhara symbolizing the creator god Brahma, Ukhara symbolizing the protector god Vishnu and Makhara symbolizing destroyer god Shiva. Pillayar Suli represents the fusion of Brahma and Vishnu, as a means to create and protect any new creation.[5] According to Kanchi Sankaracharya, there are various meanings of the symbol. The symbol similar to the Tamil letter உ(u) may be derived from Umayaval or Uma, a name of Parvati who is considered as a sister of Vishnu. As Parvati created Ganesha, the symbol became associated with him. He further explains that the curve emanating from a circle indicates that everything arises from the universe (represented by the circle) and the curve may represent Ganesha's trunk. The curve followed by straight lines may also indicate that any work that deviates will be set right on worship to Ganesha.[6]
Tamil saint and Nayanmar Tirumular gives a varied explanation in his Shaiva treatise Tirumantiram. In the fourth section of the tenth Thirumurai, he explains that Agharam denotes the soul and Ugharam denotes the body and the combination them represents life.[7][8]
The symbol might have had a different realistic usage during the ancient period. Before the advent and widespread usage of paper, palm leaves were used to write manuscripts. The symbol consisting of a circle, a curved line, straight lines and a dot might have been used to test the quality of palm leaves before writing other contents.[1] It later came to be associated with Ganesha.
Usage[edit | edit source]
The symbol is a sacred textual symbol primarily used by Tamil Hindus.[2][9] The symbol is used to denote auspiciousness and good luck, it is often used before writing anything new.[1] The symbol is often used in day-to-day activities such as writing a letter, document or a diary.[10] Students often write the symbol before writing exams or tests.[1]
The practice is similar to writing Shri (Tamil:ஸ்ரீ, Sanskrit:श्री) prevalent in North India where the word is used to denote lord Ganesh.[1] Sri Vaishnavas believe that “௳” sign represents the goddess Lakshmi, and it is an alternative for writing Shri.[11]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Pattanaik, Devdutt (27 January 2015). 99 Thoughts on Ganesha By Devdutt Pattanaik. Jaico Publishing House. ISBN 978-8-184-95152-3.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Natesan, G. A. (1966). The Indian Review, Volume 65. p. 299,300.
- ↑ Narayan, M. K. V. (April 2007). Flipside of Hindu Symbolism: Sociological and Scientific Linkages in Hinduism By M. K. V. Narayan. Fultus Corporation. ISBN 978-1-596-82117-0.
- ↑ "Seek Him with humility". The Hindu. 18 December 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ Hinduism (PDF). Advan (Report). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ "Why Pillayar Suli before start of anything?". OneIndia (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ "Tirumantiram". Tamilvu (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ "Nangam Thanthiram". Dinamalar (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ Sircar, D. C. (1996). Indian Epigraphy. Motilal Banarsidass Publications. p. 93. ISBN 978-81-208-1166-9.
- ↑ Balakrishnan, Subramanya (1991). Worship of Deities in Hindu Religion. University of California. p. 12.
- ↑ Limited, Alamy. "Vaishnavite symbol, Ulagalandha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram". Aalamy. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
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