Women’s Games in Thiruvasagam – An Overview

திருவாசகத்தில் மகளிர் விளையாட்டுகள் - ஒரு பார்வை

Abstract

From the Sangam period onward, the games played by women have held a distinct cultural significance. Tamil literature—from the Sangam poems to modern writings—has continuously reflected references to women’s games. These games, often linked to emotional and psychological aspects, occupy an important place in social life. During the Bhakti movement, women’s games were not merely forms of recreation but became symbolic of religious and cultural growth, serving as expressions of devotion toward God. Both Saiva and Vaishnava literatures contain numerous depictions of women’s games intertwined with religious ideas. In this context, the games played by women as portrayed in Thiruvasagam reveal deep spiritual and devotional meanings, highlighting the devotion and piety of women in Tamil religious tradition.