THE HERMENEUTIC SEMIOTICS OF APPAR

THE HERMENEUTIC SEMIOTICS OF APPAR

The science of Hermeneutic Semiotics constitutes the scientific component of Metaphysical Life where truth-experiences are enjoyed and with that metaphysical illuminations gained.

This constitutes the way of life of temple-centered Tantrism (even the Buddhist variety) where the mythical tales are interpreted; metaphysical truths are gained and enjoyed. Such enjoyment constitutes an essential component of genuine metaphysical life and for which reason the itikasas and puraNas are taken NOT as science fictions but rather the Language of Gods akin to dream experiences and which demand a way of approach and Logic that I call here Hermeneutic Semiotics.

There are hundreds of such Patikams that constitute the essence of Bakti Hinduism that rules the mind of the average Hindu who without any knowledge of the Vedas and so forth finds great religious meanings in the temple rituals, the icons and the various godly tales they depict. 

There were days when there was folklores sung upaniyasams conducted in the temple precincts and where ordinary folks would sit with rapt attention and absorb the metaphysical truths unfolded. In Indonesia we have the Itihasa themes mingled with local issues and presented as puppet plays by way of stimulating metaphysical thinking that are also relevant for the practical issues.

The best way to recapture this Hermeneutic Semiotics is to study a master of such a science and who can be better than Appar, who is one of foremost metaphysicians who laid the foundation for the further development of Saiva Siddhanta as such among the Tamils?

Dr K Loganathan Krishnan @ Ullaganar