Knowledge Bank

What is the practice of maḍal in Tirumangai Alvar's works?

The maḍal is a practice adopted by Tirumangai Alvar to publicly declare his love for God, graphically presented in his poems Siriya Tirumaḍal and Periya Tirumaḍal.

Fulfilling Life's Three Debts Through Daily Duties

A human is born with three debts: Rishi Rina (debt to sages), Pitru Rina (debt to ancestors), and Deva Rina (debt to deities). To become free from these debts, scriptures prescribe daily duties. These include physical purification, Sandhyavandanam (daily prayers), Tarpana (rituals for ancestors), worship of deities, other daily rituals, and study of scriptures. Maintain cleanliness through physical purification, perform daily prayers through Sandhyavandanam, remember ancestors through Tarpana, worship deities regularly, follow other prescribed daily rituals, and gain spiritual knowledge through the study of scriptures. By adhering to these actions, we fulfill our spiritual esponsibilities.