Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai

Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai Biography

Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai was an eminent Tamil scholar, poet, writer and teacher who lived in the 19^th century. He is best remembered for bringing many long-forgotten works of classical Tamil literature to light. He was a scholar who conducted research works on numerous classic works in Tamil language. Sthalapurana is his celebrated work, where he researched and listed history of 90 ancient temples. It is an important literary text for studying temples in the context of socio-economic scenario existed then. He lived during the period, 6th April 1815 - 1st February1876. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer was his disciple, who compiled his biography work in Tamil.

Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai was born in Trichy, Tamil Nadu on 6th April 1815. He worked as a Tamil teacher in Mayiladuthura, and is credited to teach countless students Tamil literature. He authored Akhilanda Nayaki Pillai Tamil, one of his early publications published in the year 1942. Tamil studies, Saiva Agamas and Sthalapuranas are major sections in which he conducted research works and gave significant contributions too. Tamil speaking world idolized him through the autobiography work, En Saritham compiled by his dear student U. V. Swaminatha Iyer.

He was an ardent Saivite in his religious beliefs. Some of his major works include - Prabantha Thirattu – Paguthi in more than 33 volumes, Seizhkizhar Pillai Tamil, Thiruvanaikka Agilandanayagi Pillai Tamil, Thiruvidaimaruthur Ula, Thiruvavauthurai Atheenathuk Guru Parambarai Agaval, Vaatpokki Kalambagam, Thiruvidaikazhi Murugar Pillai Tamil, Prabada Tirattu, Kanthimathiammai Pillai Tamil and a few more. These works authored long before the advent of the new style of poem writing. His works followed Yaappu and Ani Illakanam grammatical writing style. He passed away in 1876.

Published: September 04, 2018

Updated: September 04, 2018