THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION OF TAMIL VAISHNAVISM THROUGH TEMPLE WORSHIP

Abstract

The theological foundation of Tamil Vaishnavism is intensely entwined with the ritual, architectural, and philosophical dimensions of temple worship. Emerging from the Bhakti movement spearheaded by the Āḻvārs, Tamil Vaishnavism articulated an inclusive devotional theology centered on Śrīman Nārāyaṇa as the supreme reality and the temples as living embodiments of divine presence (archāvatāra). This research observes Tamil temples—such as those at Srirangam, Tirupati, and Kanchipuram—function as theological spaces where metaphysical ideas are expressed through liturgy, iconography, and ritual practice. It explores the integration of prabandham hymns with Vedic and Āgamic traditions, illustrating vernacular devotion redefined orthodoxy. The temple thus becomes not merely a site of worship, but a medium of theological communication where concepts of divine grace (śaraṇāgati), service (kainkarya), and cosmic order are ritually enacted. The paper argues that Tamil Vaishnavism’s theological depth lies in its synthesis of metaphysics and emotion, doctrine and devotion, and its unique ability to translate abstract theology into embodied communal worship.