A Study on Tolkappiya Ceyyuliyal Principles in Alagar Killaividu Thoodu

Abstract

This research paper presents a critical analysis of the application of 'Ceyyuliyal' (Poetic Principles) from the ancient Tamil grammatical treatise Tolkappiyam in the 17th-century Tamil devotional literature 'Alagar Killaividu Thoodu', authored by Palapattai Chokkanatha Pillai.  The poem centers around a heroine who sends a parrot as a messenger to Lord Alagar (Vishnu) of Solaimalai to convey her longing, divine love, and distress of separation. The study investigates how classical Tolkappiyan prosodic components (Yappu, Thodai), thematic divisions (Thinai, Thurai), literary perspectives (Kootru, Ketpor), and rhetorical devices (Yamakam, Siledai, Uvamai) are harmonized within the framework of medieval Prabandham literature.  The findings reveal that while strictly adhering to the rigorous structural metrics and rhythmic cadence (Seppalosai) of Venba meter, the work successfully fuses Akam (love/subjective) conventions with Puram (praise/objective) elements. It transforms romantic longing into a profound spiritual quest for union with the Divine. Ultimately, this research underscores the enduring relevance and structural versatility of Tolkappiyam's poetic theory in shaping later Tamil literary traditions.