The Predominance of Lord Shiva in Early Temples of South India: A Cultural and Religious Insight

Introduction

South India's rich tapestry of early temples is deeply rooted in the worship of Lord Shiva, with significant influences from Dravidian and Vaishnavite traditions. This article explores the profound cultural and religious significance of Lord Shiva in these temples and how the religious landscape transformed over time due to the spread of different philosophical concepts.

Shiva: The Original Deity of the Dravidians

Lord Shiva, often referred to as the neerisvaran or the "lord of the flow," is central to Dravidian beliefs. He is not only the primary deity but also the original god of the Dravidian people. The history of these temples traces back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) where meditation and yoga were practiced, indicating that Hinduism, as we know it today, emerged from Dravidian practices that were later influenced by Aryan beliefs.

The Medieval Shift to Vaishnavism

Ramanujacharya and the Rise of Vaishnavism

It was during the 11th century CE when Ramanujacharya initiated Vishishta Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical concept centered around Sri Narayana/Vishnu. His teachings transformed the religious landscape of South India, leading to the exclusive worship of Lord Vishnu among Brahmins. This shift marked a significant transition from the predominant worship of Lord Shiva to the rise of Vaishnavism.

Many major temples, including those at Madurai's Meenakshi Temple, were built following this period, aligning with the selective Agamas that guide Vaishnavite worship.

The Continued Worship of Lord Shiva

Chola Dynasty and Shiva Temples

Simultaneously, other Brahmins continued to worship Lord Shiva and his family, as well as other deities. The Chola kings, particularly from the 6th to 13th centuries CE, played a crucial role in building numerous Shiva temples. These temples often serve as the political and cultural centers of their regions, with a high Gopuram designed to protect the king from invaders.

Notable Shiva temples include:

Kovil Tamil: Located near Chennai, it is built around the River Koovam. Thiru Perur Temple: Located in Coimbatore, it is by the River Noyyal. Meenakshi Temple: Located in Madurai, it is by the River Vaigai. Thiruvanaikaval Temple: Located in Tiruchy, it is by the River Cauvery.

The temples also have a sleeping room called Palli-Arai where the king would rest, indicating their multifaceted importance as both religious and royal centers.

The Symbolism of Shiva in Hinduism

Gatekeepers to the Divine

In Hindu mythology, Shiva is at the core of the pantheon, with many other deities functioning as gatekeepers to his divine presence. This concept is evident in the Navagraha temples around the Cauvery basin, which are Shiva temples where the solar deities serve as gatekeepers to Shiva.

The Pancha Bhoota Stalam further exemplifies this idea, where the five elemental aspects of nature are believed to be manifestations of Shiva:

Agni (Fire): Thiruvanamalai Neer (Water): Thiruvanaikaval Uruk (Air): Sri Kalahasti Prithvi (Earth): Ekambaranathan Akasa (Space): Chitambaram

Additional gatekeepers to Shiva include:

Perumal (Vishnu): Thiruveezhimizhalai Parvathi (Shiva's wife): Meenakshi Temple Murugan (Shiva's son): Thirumuruga Poondi Brahma (Creator): Thiruvanaikaval Rama (Avatara of Vishnu): Rameswaram

Conclusion

South India's early temples were inextricably linked with Lord Shiva, who remains the primary deity for many Hindus, particularly Tamils. While Vaishnavism became dominant due to the influence of Ramanujacharya, Shiva's importance as a divine guardian and central figure in Hinduism remains unchallenged. The temples of South India not only serve as places of worship but also as symbols of political power and cultural heritage, continuing to preserve traditions and beliefs that date back to ancient times.