Question

“Ramalinga Adigal played a prominent role in the social and Religious Reform Movements” – Explain it.

Answer 1

1. St. Ramalinga tried his best to find a solution to the social evils by inculcating spiritual awareness.
2. St. Ramalinga led to the unity and solidarity of the Tamils.
3. He favoured the creation of a casteless society to be guided by God.
4. He believed God to be in the form of “Arul Perum Jothi”.
5. Ramalinga Adigal believed that hunger and poverty are the evils of society.
6. He advocated that feeding the poor is the highest form of worship.
7. Ramalinga Adigal condemned the inequalities based on birth and promoted universal love and brotherhood.
8. As a result, he founded Sathya Dharma Sala at Vadalur for feeding the poor. It provides food to everyone irrespective of caste and creed throughout the year.
9. He showed compassion and mercy not only on human beings but also on plants, insects, birds, and animals. This is called “Jeeva Karunya”.
10. He opposed superstitious beliefs and rituals.
11. He emphasized being vegetarian.
12. He forbade the killing of animals for the sake of food.
13. In 1870, he established Sathya Gnana Sabai.
14. His devotional songs are compiled in a volume called “Thiru Arutpa”.