Nature Related Virtue in Saivism

Abstract

Nature is the most important thing when it comes to religions. Preserving nature and seeing nature as God are considered as a moral value among Tamil people. Seeking spirituality through nature is a sacred thing. During Covid-19 we realize that it is our duty to love nature and to maintain clean environment even if we are under social distancing, isolation and self-defense. That was a good time in restoring nature. Tamil people have witnessed various religious practices and religious literatures. National and international religions spread divine principles in Tamil Nadu, Jainism, Buddhism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Christianity and Islam grew and flourished in our country. Tamil grew out of these religions and in turn religions grew out of Tamil. Saivism was enriched by devotional hymns sung by sixty-three diviners. Hinduism and nature cannot be separated. Nature is considered as a religion. The idea was to create separate shrines for the five elements, to maintain it and protect living beings and plants by associating them with the gods. Saivisim encouraged the conservation of the natural environment.