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ontribution of Agastya to literature
begins with the greatest of all contributions – language, which is the very
basis of literature. Legends state that Tamil, considered to be the oldest
language in the world was given to Agastya by Lord Muruga[1].
This transmission of the language became the basis for
Agattiyam, one of the first treatises on grammar in this language authored by Sage
Agastya. It set the foundation for the incredible plethora of literature that
was being produced in the area. Even though Agattiyam has not survived, the
oldest surviving Tamil grammar Tolkappiyam refers to the first ever compilation
of the Agattiyam.
According to historical references, the book Agattiyam was
featured in the first Sangam[2]. These were literary
conventions mainly comprising of poetic renderings of the history of the
ancient kings of Tamil region. The Sangam or convention enabled litterateurs to
gather and share poetic renderings that were discussed, compiled, and recorded.
These are said to have been held in southern India, in the historical kingdom
belonging to the Pandyan dynasty.
The Pandyan kings were known for promoting art and
literature and hence it is only natural that these great conventions received
their patronage. It is a popular belief that it was Agastya who convened the
first ever Tamil Sangam. These are extant texts that have chronicled the kings
and their history that contain archeological evidence to this effect.
While not much remains of the first two sangams or literary
gatherings, extensive literature abounds that originated during the third
Sangam. Just to give an idea of time - these Sangam’s spanned thousands of
years each according to some history and legends. The first two were said to
have been held in what is now termed “city under the sea.” The final one was
held in the modern city of Madurai.
If you have noticed, we are already talking about a wide
time span as far as Agastya is concerned here. Legend here is seen blending with
history. The legend is the giving of the Tamil language to Agastya by gods.
History is the treatise on grammar and other historical evidence of Agastya’s
contribution to this language.
Yet, references to Agastya’s work in literature range from
the Vedas that have no historical dates to the historical Pallava dynasty as
evidenced by archaeological facts. It is said that Agastya’s work on
meditation, medicine, hymns, and astrology - yoga, siddha medicine, mantras[3], and nadi shastra[4] are countless. It is
believed that he has authored nearly 1000 books. There seems to be no topic he
has not covered. His books cover everything from cosmic knowledge to siddha medicine,
the tantras[5], and the mantras.
To name a few: ‘Poorna Nool,’ a book of 200 verses covers
the topic of exorcism and prayers. ‘Deekshavedy’ is about magic and
enchantment. ‘Vytia Vaghadum Ayrit Arunooru,’ covers medicine. ‘Canda Puranam’
ancient history. ‘Agastya Vyatia Ernoorti Unjie’ is on chemistry. The list is
endless. Many of these books are available in the cities of Palani, Thanjavur ,
Tirupati and Chennai in Southern India.
The great philosophical text Thirumanthiram by Tirumular,
references Agsatya as a Sage who came from the north and settled in the south.
Another 10th century treatise on gems and diamonds bears his
signature name and is called Agastimata.
Other Sanskrit texts that Agastya is credited with are
Agastya Gita and Agastya Samhita which appear in the Varaha and Skanda puranas.
Interestingly there is much history and literature connected with Agastya in
Buddhism as well.
The first century Buddhist texts refer to Agastya as having
learnt Tamil and Sanskrit from Avalokitan, the Buddha to be. References to
Agastya is made in texts like Manimekalai and Viracoliyam according to Anne E.
Monius, an American Indologist and religious scholar. They refer to him as
student of the Buddha to be. Other historians have found mention of Agastya in
the Jataka stories[6] as well. He is
featured in the Jataka Mala by Aryasura which talks about Buddha’s previous
lives. Agastya is mentioned in its 7th chapter.
The ancient Javanese text Agastya parva treats him as a
principal Guru. That is probably why he is also sometimes referred to as Batara
Guru. In Javanese, Batara means male deity or defied ancestor. Agastya was very
important in the Javanese society because of his strong association with Shaiva
Siddanta. In fact, some scholars state that Shiva himself was called Batara
Guru by the Javanese. Reference to Agastya as Batara Guru shows the high esteem
that the Javanese culture holds this Sage in. Scholars state that the earliest
mention of Agastya actually date back to the mid-1st millennium CE.
Texts of the 10th and 12th century in Javanese language
that reference Agastya still exist.
The most remarkable of the Javenese texts is Agastya Parva,
a 11th century text which is in the form of dialogue between a Guru
and disciple. In this instance it is in the form of a dialogue between Agastya
and his son Drdhasyu. It is a combination of philosophy, mythology and
genealogy attributed to Agastya.
From the references in the puranas and historical texts, Agastya
not only appears in texts about him, but as an author of texts as we see here. Of
these, the most popular and continuously used work of Agastya are the hymns
composed by him.
[1]
Muruga: The second son of Lord Shiva, Muruga is revered as Lord of knowledge
and valor in Hinduism. He is known by many names – Vadivela, Valli Manavala,
Shanmuga, Karthikeya, Kanda etc.
[2]Sangam:
Literary conventions of poets and scholars in Tamil, held in southern India
over a vast period ranging from 200 BC to 200 AD.
[3]
Mantras: Mantras are a set of specific words that are uttered repeatedly. At
the basic level, they aid in concentration on the spiritual path. At their most
profound sense, they are powerful words or incantations of a small set of words
that are said to give great spiritual, mental, and physical powers to the
person who chants them with full devotion and with the right intonation.
[4]
Nadi Shastra: A system of astrology where thumb prints are used to locate
information recorded about individuals on ancient palm leaf manuscripts.
[5]
Tantra: A set of spiritual practices that encompass method, study and practice
of actions and words that result in beneficial results.
[6] Jataka stories: These were a
large body of literature connected to the incarnations of Gautama Buddha before
he assumed Buddhahood.
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