Silappathigaram Puliurkesigan(Theliurai) - Tamil

• The Silappathigaram is considered one of the five Great Epics of Tamil literature, along with Manimegalai, Valayapathi, Kundalakesi, and Seevaga Chintamani.
• It is a complex and rich work that explores a wide range of themes and provides insights into Tamil culture and society during the Sangam period.
• This edition of the Silappathigaram includes a commentary by Puliyurkesigan, a renowned Tamil scholar. The commentary provides explanations of the poem's text, as well as historical and cultural context.
• The Silappathigaram is an epic poem consisting of three cantos:
• Adigal: The story of Kannagi, a virtuous wife who is falsely accused of theft and subsequently commits suicide. Her anklet, the silappadhigaram, becomes a symbol of her innocence and unleashes divine wrath upon the city of Madurai.
• Madhavi: The story of Madhavi, a courtesan who becomes a disciple of Kannagi and helps to avenge her death.
• Mandal: The story of Kovalan, Kannagi's husband, who is reborn as Arattan and seeks redemption for his past sins.
Themes:
• The Silappathigaram is one of the oldest surviving Tamil literary works.
• The poem is known for its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and use of symbolism.