Translations Śiva Prakāṣar translated the
Prabhulinga Leelai (or
Prabhulinga Līlai), a 15th-century Kannada Vīraśaiva text, into Tamil. The original work, composed by
Chamarasa, narrates the lives and teachings of 12th-century Śivagaṇas (devotees of Śiva) such as
Basava,
Allama Prabhu, and
Akkamahadevi through 1,111 verses. Chamarasa wrote it in response to a challenge by Vaishnava scholars to create a work surpassing the
Mahābhārata and
Rāmāyaṇa. Legend states he completed it in 11 days after a divine vision of Vīrabhadra (a form of Śiva). Presented at the court of Vijayanagara Emperor
Devaraya II (r. 1424–1446 CE), it gained acclaim for its spiritual and literary merit. Śiva Prakāṣar's Tamil translation preserved its devotional essence while adapting it for Tamil audiences.
Notable poems and samples Śiva Prakāṣar's works blend moral instruction, devotional fervor, and linguistic creativity. Below are excerpts from his compositions: 1.
Nanneri (Moral Conduct) A didactic poem offering ethical guidance, including verses composed as marital advice for his siblings:
Verse 6: Unity of Couples Tamil: காதல் மனையாளும் காதலும் மாறின்றித் தீதில் ஓருகருமம் செய்பவே – ஓதுகலை எண்ணிரண்டும் ஒன்றுமதி என்முகத்தாய் நோக்கல்தான் கண்ணிரண்டும் ஒன்றையே காண்.
Transliteration: Kādal manaiyāḷum kādalum mārinrit Tītil ōrukarumam ceypavē – ōtukalai Eṇṇiraṇṭum onrumati enmukattāy nōkkaltān Kaṇṇiraṇṭum onraiyē kāṇ.
Translation: "The loving wife and devoted husband Should act as one in purpose, free of strife. Just as two eyes behold a single sight, Their hearts and deeds must unite in life."
Explanation: The verse likens marital harmony to the synchronized vision of two eyes, emphasizing unity in thought and action for a fulfilling partnership. 2.
Naalvar Naan Mani Maalai (18th Verse) A devotional hymn praising the Tamil Śaiva saint Appar:
Tamil: பாட்டால் மறைபுக ழும்பிறை சூடியைப் பாடிமகிழ் ஊட்டா மகிழ்சொல் லிறைவனைப் பாடி உவப்புறுக்க வேட்டால் மலிபெருங் கல்லவன்போல மிதப்பனெனப் பூட்டா மறிதிரை வார்கடற் கேவிழப் போதுவனே
Transliteration: Pāṭṭāl maraipuka lumpirai cūṭiyaip pāṭimakil Ūṭṭā makilcol liraivanaip pāṭi uvappurukka Vēṭṭāl maliperun kallavanpōla mitappanenap Pūṭṭā maritirai vārkaṭar kēvilap pōtuvanē.
Translation: "Singing of Śiva, whose crescent moon adorns his matted locks, My heart swells with joy, like a stone cast into the sea, Sinking deep into devotion’s boundless tides, Where waves of grace forever rise and fall."
Tamil literary works Śiva Prakāṣar authored over 30 works, including:
Major compositions •
Tiruchendil Neerotta Yamaha Anthathi •
Nanneri •
Thiruvengai Kalambagam •
Thiruvengai Kovai •
Thriuvengai Ula •
Thiruvengai Alangaram •
Thirukoova Puranam •
Seekalathi Puranam •
Periyanayaki Ammai Nedunkazhi nedilasiriya virutham •
Periyanayaki Ammai Kalithurai Devotional hymns •
Naalvar Naan Mani Maalai •
Ittalinga Maalai •
kaithala Maalai •
Niranjana Maalai •
Sathamani Maalai •
Sona Saila Maalai •
Pitchadana Nava Mani Maalai •
Siva Nama Mahimai •
Kurunkazhi Nedil •
Nedunkazhi Nedil Philosophical and polemical texts •
Sidhantha Sigamani •
Vendantha Soodamani •
Pazhamalai Anthathi •
Thala Venpa •
Kocha Kalippa •
Tharukka Pari Bashai •
Prabhu Linga Leelai (Translated from Kannada) •
Yesu Matha Niragaranam (The Refuting the Religion of Jesus) Works on his Guru, Śivagnana Balaya Swamigal •
Sivaprakasa Visagam •
Sivagna Bala swamigal Thaalattu •
Sivagna Bala swamigal Thirupalli ezuchi •
Sivagna Bala swamigal Pillai Tamil •
Sivagna Bala swamigal Nenjuvedu Thoothu •
Sivagna Bala swamigal Kalambagam ==References==