Do Iyers Follow Tamil Saivite Tradition?

The question of whether Iyers adhere to the Tamil Saivite tradition is a nuanced one that requires an understanding of the religious and cultural context surrounding these communities in India.

Introduction to Iyers

Many believe that Iyers, a community predominantly found in Tamil Nadu, adhere strictly to Tamil Saivite practices. However, upon closer examination, this is not entirely accurate. Iyers are known to follow Smartha traditions, which are significantly different from the Saivite practices that define Tamil Saivism.

Identification and Cultural Context

The Iyer community is indeed present not only in Tamil Nadu but also in other Indian states such as Kerala. They are part of the Smartha tradition, a sect that emerged during the period of Adi Shankara, who combined the concepts of the six major sects of Hinduism into a unified school. The term Smartism is derived from the founder, Adi Shankara, and his establishment of the Shan Matha Sthapakacharya, meaning the teacher who founded six religions.

Practices and Worship

A Smartha follows Advaitha, the doctrine of non-dualism. According to this belief, the supreme god is formless and attribute-less. As part of their religious duties, Smarthas worship Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti (goddess), Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Surya. However, this does not mean that they are exclusive to any one of these deities. They are free to choose their favorite form to worship, known as Ishta Devata. This flexibility in worship is a hallmark of the Smartha tradition. Consequently, Iyers can visit any temple and offer their prayers, encompassing a variety of Hindu deities.

Exclusion from Shiva Temples

It is important to note that Iyers cannot be archakas (priests) in Shiva temples. This is a strict rule within the Saivite community, and only those who follow Saiva traditions can serve as archakas in Shiva temples. Iyers, being Smarthas, do not have this restriction.

No Iyers as Strict Saivites

Based on my research, I have not encountered a single Iyer who is a strict Saivite. It is common for Iyers to worship both Shiva and Vishnu. Furthermore, Iyers have not embraced the Divya Prabandham, a collection of hymns composed by the Alwars, which holds significant importance for Tamil Saivites. Similar collections such as Saiva Thirumurai, Thervaram, and Thiruvasakam are not given the same emphasis within the Iyer community.

Therefore, from a practical standpoint, we can conclude that Iyers do not adhere to Tamil Saivite traditions. Instead, they follow Smartha practices, which offer a broader spectrum of worship and belief systems.

Conclusion: While Iyers are deeply rooted in Hinduism, they do not follow Tamil Saivite traditions in the strict sense. They practice a broader and more inclusive form of Hindu worship called Smartha, which encompasses a diverse range of deities and beliefs.