Meaning of the term Devalayam used during sangam age
The term “Devalayam” refers to a Hindu temple or shrine that was present during the Sangam Age in ancient Tamil Nadu, India. The Sangam period is considered to be the classical period of Tamil literature, spanning roughly from 300 BCE to 300 CE.
Devalayam temples were places of worship that were dedicated to various Hindu deities and were often located in or near villages and towns. These temples were considered to be sacred spaces and were maintained by the local communities with the help of patronage from kings and other wealthy individuals.
During the Sangam Age, Hinduism was one of the predominant religions in Tamil Nadu, and the Devalayam temples played a significant role in the religious and social life of the people. The temples were centers of worship, offering a space for devotees to connect with the divine through prayer, offerings, and rituals.
The Devalayam temples were also centers of cultural and intellectual exchange, where poets, scholars, and artists would gather to exchange ideas, perform music and dance, and create works of art inspired by the deities and stories of Hindu mythology.
Today, the tradition of Devalayam temples continues in Tamil Nadu and throughout India, with temples dedicated to various deities and revered as sacred spaces of worship, cultural exchange, and community gathering.