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Pattinattar

Timeline (10th Century)

Poems by Pattinattar
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Some scholars believe that there were actually two poets who composed their songs under the name Pattinattar. One probably lived in the 10th century, the other in the 14th - 15th century.

Whether composed by one or two authors, the poetry of Pattinattar is among the greatest sacred poetry to emerge from the Tamil Siddha tradition of southern India.

The Tamil Siddha tradition is an expression of Shiva worship that mixes asceticism, alchemy, Tantra and a social egalitarianism. Though somewhat looked down upon by more orthodox Hindu authorities, the Tamil Siddha tradition is still widely respected in southern India.

The poetry of Pattinattar revolts against ritualism and the caste system, finding a universality in mystical union that makes the artificial distinctions of social order absurd. Like some of the other Tamil Siddha poets, in his zeal for the celibate ideal, some of his poems can seem misogynistic, however.

Poems by Pattinattar

The Poets of the Powers: Freedom, Magic, and Renewal, Translated by Kamil V. Zvelebil

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