தமழப பகத இலககயஙகளல நமபகக மறறம மனநல மடப: நவன உளவயல கடபடகளன வளசசததல ஒர ஆயவ

Abstract

In a modern world where stress and mental health issues are on the rise, ancient Tamil devotional literature serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the depths of the human mind. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the concepts of faith and mental health recovery found in Tamil Bhakti literature through the lens of modern psychological theories. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study relies on primary devotional texts such as Thiruvasagam, Nalayira Divya Prabandham, Thayumanavar Songs, and Kandar Sashti Kavasam. These are analyzed alongside key modern psychological frameworks, including Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis, Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, Martin Seligman’s positive psychology, and Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The findings of this study reveal that faith in devotional literature is not merely religious devotion; it functions as a potent psychological force that reduces stress, regulates emotions, and provides purpose and meaning in life. Manikkavasagar's expression of inner darkness in the Thiruvasagam aligns with self-expression and emotional catharsis techniques used in modern psychological therapy. The verses of the Alwars in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham offer comfort and psychological security to the mind through collective emotional resonance and archetypal metaphors. The songs of Thayumanavar deeply analyze the mind's workings, recalling CBT techniques used to reframe negative thoughts. Protective literary works such as Kandar Sashti Kavasam dispel mental fear, acting as protective shields and affirmative declarations for the mind. Thus, ancient Tamil devotional literature offers significant contributions to contemporary mental healthcare, including emotional expression, instilling hope, mental mindfulness/focus, social connection, and imparting meaning to life. Future research focusing on developing mental health therapeutic interventions based on these literary works would be highly beneficial.