Life values in Porunmozhik Kanji of Puranaanuru

Abstract

Tamil philosophies have set high standards for the internal and social lives of people. These are provided with a view to fostering individual relationships and social welfare. Purananuru, which is one of the anthologies of the Sangam, talks about war, the country's specialness, the fame of kings, politics, education, etc. It prescribes many values of life which are necessary for individuals and kings. Puranaanuru insists on these as individual virtues and social virtues. The songs featured in Puranaanuru are grouped into landscapes and disciplines. Among these, the discipline called Porunmozhik Kanchi is meant to highlight the positive things that are beneficial to life. Seventeen songs are composed in Purunmozhik Kanji in Puranaanuru. Considering these songs as basic data, this article highlights the values of life that they express. Basic values such as not doing non-beneficial things, helping, compassion for life, effort, friendship, charity, diligence, the duty of kings, universal love and respect for others are featured in these songs. These values, which are included in Puranaanuru, provide a fair and impartial life for the human race. These are long-lasting. These are common to all people, irrespective of country, race, and language. Such values are described in this article with appropriate evidence of the style embodied in the porunmozhik kanji songs. These values have been indicated for approval with the comments from Thirukkural. This article highlights the persuasion of these songs about the social duties that the king and the citizens have to perform.