சறதயவ வழபடடன தததவமம மவயல நககம: ஒர வரவன மனடவயல மறறம சமகவயல ஆயவ

Abstract

Minor deity worship, deeply rooted in the cultural foundations of Tamil Nadu, exists not merely as a set of rituals but as a philosophical bedrock supporting the entire lifestyle of a community. While institutionalized "Great Tradition" (Major) deity worship operates within the framework of Vedantic and Agamic rules, minor deity worship is directly intertwined with the daily needs, fears, beliefs, and social security of the people. This study extensively explores the philosophical foundations and metaphysical dimensions of minor deity worship from an anthropological perspective. It explains, with evidence, the transitions ranging from the Hero Stone (Nadukal) tradition found in the Sangam literature Purananuru to the modern-day processes of Sanskritization and Globalization. Furthermore, it subtly examines the relationship between body, mind, and spirit, the philosophical background of metaphysical phenomena such as spirit possession (Samiyaduthal), and the role of these deities within social power structures. This research evaluates how minor deities protect the moral ethics of a society and the challenges of institutionalization they face in the modern era.