Periyalwar - Makers of Indian Literature

Book Details

• Publisher: SAHITYA AKADEMI
• Author: M. P. Srinivasan
• Language: English
• Pages: 128
• Cover: Paperback
• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm (8.5 x 5.5 inches)
• Weight: 180 gm
• Edition: 2014
• ISBN: 9788126041909

About the Book
The Bhakti poets often compare the Lord's affection for His devotees to a mother's love, a tradition that has been widespread in Indian devotional literature. However, Periyalwar introduces a novel perspective where the devotee sees himself as a caring mother and the Lord as his beloved child. This unique portrayal of Krishna-Consciousness, discussed in the chapter "Krishna-Consciousness" of this text, presents a fresh approach to the traditional Bhakti movement.

The other six chapters of the book explore Periyalwar's works from religious, literary, and philosophical perspectives, emphasizing his contributions to Tamil literature. This text highlights how Periyalwar's immortal poems have enriched Tamil literary traditions.

M. P. Srinivasan, the author, served as a Professor of Tamil at the Raja Doraisingam Government College, Sivaganga, for over thirty years. His expertise in Vaishnava texts and Alwars' pacurams earned him a Doctoral Degree in "Genres in the Divya Prabandam." His two other published works in this area have received high praise from scholars.

Padma Srinivasan, the translator, is a retired Professor of English at Madurai Kamaraj University, specializing in Comparative Literature. Her doctoral thesis focused on "Mysticism in English and Tamil Poetry - A Comparative Study," and she has previously translated M. P. Srinivasan's works such as "Kulasekara Alwar." "Periyalwar" is her second translation for Sahitya Akademi.