The Psychoanalysis of Appar - Introduction

The Psychoanalysis of Appar

The study of this remarkable Patikam of Appar (4: 25) that deals with the sexual act is prompted by the recent controversy about the application Freudian psychoanalytic interpretations of Ganesha, which has served to offend the feelings of Hindus. It is NOT sufficient say that the analytical psychology of Freud, Jung and so forth is inadequate to understand how the Hindus view sexuality. We have to also articulate how the shapers of Hindu thoughts, in particular the Tamils have actually viewed the matter and how it differs from that of Freud, Jung and so forth.

The Tevaram and Divviya Prabantam, the Divine Tamil is full of metaphysical insights all of which have not been brought out by scholars. Most of the Indologists  focus too much on Sanskrit, almost to the total negligence of Divine Tamil containing within it metaphysical insights perhaps unique to Tamil divine literature.

This has a commentary by Tiru Muttu. C. Manikka Mutaliyar (published by Tarumai Ateenam, 1957) that while I take into account but venture to give my own both in English and Tamil. My intention is to bring out the psychoanalysis buried in these verses.


ULLAGANAR