Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: Outlook
The Government of Tamil Nadu appointed 15 ‘odhuvars’ to government-controlled Hindu temples, including five women odhuvars, a “milestone in the journey for equality.”
Who are Odhuvars?
Odhuvars sing devotional hymns in Tamil Nadu’s Hindu temples but are not priests. They are in the service of Lord Shiva by singing his praise from Thirumurai in Saivite temples. They sing devotional hymns but do not enter the sanctum sanctorum.
Another progressive decision by the Tamil Nadu Government: The recent appointment of three women priests in the state’s temples.
Usage: The example can be used in Qn related to Indian Society/ Women/ Reforms in Religion etc.
About Thirumurai:
Tirumurai is a twelve-volume compendium of songs or hymns in praise of Shiva in the Tamil language from the 6th to the 11th century CE by various poets (Nayanars) in Tamil Nadu.
The twelve books are:
| Tirumurai | Hymns | Period | Author(s) |
| 1, 2, 3 | Tirukadaikkappu | 7th century CE | Sambandar |
| 4, 5, 6 | Tevaram | 7th century CE | Appar |
| 7 | Tirupattu | 8th century CE | Sundarar |
| 8 | Tiruvasakam and Tirukkovaiyar | 9th century CE | Manikkavacakar |
| 9 | Tiruvicaippa and Tirupallantu | 9th century CE | Various Authors |
| 10 | Tirumandiram | 8th century CE | Tirumular |
| 11 | Prabandham | Various Authors | |
| 12 | Periya Puranam | 12th century CE | Sekkizhar |
