Interesting Facts About Tamil Paadalvarigal
The ancient origin of Tamil Paadalvarigal System
The Paadalvarigal system is one of the ancient tribal systems that has been passed down among the Tamils since the early days of their history. The system is a mixture of various Hindu customs and traditions that are common among people living in the South Indian state. The system has its own origins and history Tamil Song Lyrics
The early Tamil literature refers to this system, which we know of now, as the ‘Paadavalar’ system. The word ‘Paadavalar’ has been derived from the roots ‘Paadu’ and ‘Vallar’. The ‘Paadu’ or the ancestor is the one who is believed to have created the system.
The eight generations of a person’s life and death
The Paadalvarigal system is an intricate system that governs a person’s life from birth to death. The new members are brought up in a particular family and are considered to be the third generation after their forefathers. The second generation comprises of the son and the daughter of a paadalvarigal while the first generation is the son and daughter of the first paadalvarigal. The members of the first generation pass away as soon as they are born. The members of the second generation also die when they turn 8 years old and after death, they go to the next generation. The members of the third generation have a lifespan of 80 years and are given inheritance rights. The members of the fourth generation have a lifespan of 100 years and are considered to be the old people. The fifth generation have a lifespan of 120 years and the sixth generation have a lifespan of 140 years. The Paadalvarigal system is a complex system and it is beyond the scope of this article to analyze it in detail. But, the basic rules of this system are as follows:
The rights and duties of a paadalvarigal
The members of the second generation under a family are called ‘paadalvarigals’. The rights and duties of a paadalvarigal are as follows: The children of a paadalvarigal are expected to love and respect their parents. The children should not reprimand or scold their parents if they are old and weak. The children should respect the elders and show their gratitude to them. The children should maintain the family property and respect their parents’ feelings. The children must always help their parents with work and maintain a regular routine. The children should not commit any mistakes or crimes during their life time. The children must conduct themselves as exemplary members of society and maintain a clean life.
The Paadalvar family tree
The members of the second generation under a family are called paadalvarigals. The family tree of a paadalvarigal looks exactly like that of the original paadalvarigal. The members of the first generation have no familial relation with the members of the fourth generation after their death. The family tree of a paadalvarigal has 8 generations. The members of the first generation are the son or daughter of the first paadalvarigal. The first paadalvarigal must be an 8th generation paadalvarigal. The members of the second generation are the son or daughter of the first paadalvarigal. The members of the third generation are the son or daughter of the second paadalvarigal. The members of the fourth generation are the son or daughter of the third paadalvarigal. The members of the fifth generation are the son or daughter of the fourth paadalvarigal. The members of the sixth generation are the son or daughter of the fifth paadalvarigal. The members of the seventh generation are the son or daughter of the sixth paadalvarigal. The members of the eighth generation are the son or daughter of the seventh paadalvarigal.
A Brief History of Tamil Paadalvarigal System
The Tamil Paadavalar system is an ancient system that is followed by the upper castes of the state. The system was actually prevalent among the ancient Tamils and was only later adopted by the Brahmins of the state after the early Christian era. Many theories have been proposed about the origins of the system. Some suggest that it dates back to the times of the Ramayana while others claim that it existed even before the epic was written.
Important terms you will come across while studying this system
There are certain words and phrases that one will come across while studying the system. These words and phrases are very important and are often used while conducting rituals. The following are some of the important words you will come across while studying the system: Panchaali - This is a sacred set of 5 metals that the paadalvarigals wear around their neck. It is a symbol of their honour and is seen as a mark of distinction.
Aaththuvar - This is a specific section in a temple that is dedicated to the ancestors. The aaththuvar is usually installed in the front of the main entrance of a temple.
Aaththuvarigal - This is the person who is responsible for maintaining the aaththuvarigal.
Paadu - This is the ancestor of the paadalvarigals.
A Brief History of Tamil Paadalvarigal System
The Tamil Paadavalar system is an ancient system that is followed by the upper castes of the state. The system was actually prevalent among the ancient Tamils and was only later adopted by the Brahmins of the state after the early Christian era. Many theories have been proposed about the origins of the system. Some suggest that it dates back to the times of the Ramayana while others claim that it existed even before the epic was written.
Important terms you will come across while studying this system
There are certain words and phrases that one will come across while studying the system. These words and phrases are very important and are often used while conducting rituals. The following are some of the important words you will come across while studying the system: Panchaali - This is a sacred set of 5 metals that the paadalvarigals wear around their neck. It is a symbol of their honour and is seen as a mark of distinction.
Aaththuvar - This is a specific section in a temple that is dedicated to the ancestors. The aaththuvar is usually installed in the front of the main entrance of a temple.
Aaththuvarigal - This is the person who is responsible for maintaining the aaththuvarigal.
Paadu - This is the ancestor of the paadalvarigals.
Conclusion
The Tamil Paadavalar system is one of the oldest tribal traditions in the country. It is a complex system that governs the lives of the members of the system and is very intricate. The members of the second generation under a Paadalvar house are called ‘paadalvarigals’ and are given the duty to maintain the family property and to conduct themselves as exemplary members of society. This article highlights some interesting facts about this unique society that is followed by the upper castes of the state.