Tiruvachakam

collection by Manikkavachakar

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July 14, 2026

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The Tiruvachakam, meaning "Blessed Utterance," is a collection of poems and songs dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. It was compiled by the 9th-century South Indian mystic and poet-saint Manikkavachakar. Legend states that Manikkavachakar, after a vision of Shiva, dedicated his life to religious devotion and bhakti poetry in Tamil. The Tiruvachakam is highly revered by Tamil Shaivites, who memorize and recite its verses in worship. The work is considered an inspiration for later Tamil bhakti poetry.1

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Manikkavachakar
His best-known work is the Tiruvachakam, or “Blessed Utterance,” which became the inspiration for later Tamil bhakti poetry. The text is a collection of poems and songs dedicated to Shiva, who is said to take on human form and teach the means to salvation to people of all classes. The…
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His best-known work is the Tiruvachakam, or “Blessed Utterance,” which became the inspiration for later Tamil bhakti poetry. The text is a collection of poems and songs dedicated to Shiva, who is said to take on human form and teach the means to salvation to people of all classes. The…
Read More

South Asian arts
Bhakti poetry
…moving collection of hymns in Tiruvācakam, sees Śiva as lover, lord, master, and guru; the poet sings richly and intimately of all sensory joys merging in God. Minister and scholar, he had a child’s love for God.
Read More
…moving collection of hymns in Tiruvācakam, sees Śiva as lover, lord, master, and guru; the poet sings richly and intimately of all sensory joys merging in God. Minister and scholar, he had a child’s love for God.
Read More