Sadhguru Gurukulam Samskriti students offering Thevaram devotional hymns from 17th January at Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu.
Thevaram consists of hymns sung in praise of Lord Shiva by the three Nayanmars—Sambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, and Sundarar.
Rendered in an ancient musical style that predates most Indian classical music systems, these songs provide insight into the wave of bhakti that swept across southern India in the 7th century.
The first event was inaugurated in the presence of Perur Adheenam Thavathiru Santhalinga Marudhachala Adigalar.
A press conference regarding this initiative was held recently at the Chennai Press Club.
Speaking at the event, Balasubramanian, volunteer of the Thenkailaya Bhakti Peravai, said, “As part of the centenary celebrations of Perur Adheenam and as an expression of gratitude to the Thevara Nayanmars who bestowed upon us the divine gift of Thevaram, students of Samskriti, under Sadhguru’s guidance, will be offering devotional hymns at over fifteen renowned temples across Tamil Nadu.
This initiative also aims to raise awareness about Thevaram among today’s youth.” More than fifty students from Sadhguru Gurukulam Samskriti have been divided into four groups, to offer Thevarams across different regions of Tamil Nadu.
The series commenced on 17 January at Perur Adheenam and was followed by events on 18 January at Kamatchipuram Adheenam, Tiruchengode Arulmigu Thiru Arthanareeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Sri Kachabeswarar Temple, and Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple in Chennai.
On 19 January, the events took place at Siravai Adheenam, Mayilai Kapaleeswarar Temple, Virinchipuram Margabandeeswarar Temple, Kodumudi Sri Maguteswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, and Vellore Jalakandeswarar Temple.
The Thevaram devotional singing series concluded on 20 January at the Thiruvannamalai Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple.
For centuries, Thevaram hymns have been sung by Shiva devotees and recited by temple priests across Tamil Nadu.
Continuing this rich tradition, students at Sadhguru Gurukulam Samskriti, have been trained in Thevaram from a young age.
Samskriti students have also been rendering hymns before thousands of devotees on important festival days such as Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Guru Purnima, and Dhyanalinga Consecration Day.