• Gajalakshmi

This paper explores the spiritual dimensions of nayaka-nayaki relationships in Thiruppugazh, a collection of devotional hymns by the 15th-century Tamil poet-saint Arunagirinathar. Central to these hymns is the portrayal of Lord Murugan as the ideal hero (nayaka) and his devotees as idealized lovers (nayaki), enriching the emotional landscape of devotion. The transition from bhakti bhava to nayaka-nayaki bhava reveals complex dynamics of love, longing, and spiritual yearning, allowing performers to engage intimately with the text. This exploration emphasizes the duality of devotion and romance, highlighting challenges such as balancing emotional depth with the original intent of bhakti. Through performance, dancers embody both roles, using expressive storytelling (abhinaya) to convey nuanced feelings of admiration and yearning. This study underscores the enduring relevance of Thiruppugazh, illustrating how its themes resonate in contemporary artistic expressions, while fostering a vibrant dialogue between the artist and audience. Ultimately, the exploration of nayaka-nayaki bhava within these hymns affirms their significance in Tamil devotional art and spirituality.

Thiruppugazh, Arunagirinathar, Nayaka-nayaki bhava, Bhakti, Spiritual expression, Bharatanatyam, devotion, Performance, Tamil literature, Emotional dynamics.

"EXPLORING THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF NAYAKA-NAYAKI RELATIONSHIPS IN THIRUPPUGAZH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 10, page no.g322-g326, October-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2410640.pdf

"EXPLORING THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF NAYAKA-NAYAKI RELATIONSHIPS IN THIRUPPUGAZH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 10, page no. ppg322-g326, October-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2410640.pdf