Tamil worship from an anthropological perspective (As Understood by Tamil Critics)

Abstract

Despite the long-standing cultural axiom that the 'Mother' is the first deity of humankind, rigorous academic research into its anthropological roots remains in its nascent stages. This paper seeks to bridge this gap by examining Tamil worship practices through an anthropological lens, considering the geographical habitat, religion, and cultural evolution of the Tamils. By analyzing the transition from Mother Goddess worship (Kortravai) to the veneration of Clan Deities and eventually to the cult of Murugan, the study establishes that Mother Goddess worship constitutes the earliest form of global religious expression. Furthermore, it posits Murugan as the primordial male deity in the Tamil pantheon. Through a comparative study of indigenous rituals and mythologies, this article provides a structured framework for understanding the trajectory of Tamil spiritual history and its significance in the broader context of human civilization.