Sanatana Dharma

Sanātana Dharma (सनातन धर्म) means “the eternal way of life.” It is the traditional self-description of what is today called Hinduism.

• Sanātana = eternal, timeless, universal

• Dharma = cosmic order, duty, righteousness, way of living
  Together, it refers to a timeless spiritual and ethical framework rather than a single, fixed religion.

Key foundations

1. Vedas – The oldest sacred texts (Ṛig, Yajur, Sāma, Atharva)

2. Upaniṣads – Philosophical inquiry into Brahman (ultimate reality) and Ātman (self)

3. Smṛtis & Itihāsas – Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata

4. Purāṇas – Devotional narratives and cosmology

• Brahman – Supreme, infinite reality

• Ātman – The true self, identical with Brahman (in Advaita)

• Karma – Law of action and consequence

• Saṁsāra – Cycle of birth and rebirth

• Mokṣa – Liberation from saṁsāra

• Dharma – Moral, social, and spiritual duty (varies by role and stage of life)

   

Paths to realization (Yogas)

• Jñāna Yoga – Path of knowledge

• Bhakti Yoga – Path of devotion

• Karma Yoga – Path of selfless action

• Rāja Yoga – Path of meditation and discipline

   

Way of life 

• Accepts multiple philosophies (Advaita, Dvaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita, Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, etc.)

• Encourages pluralism: “Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti” — Truth is one, sages call it by many names

• Emphasizes personal spiritual experience over compulsory belief

• Integrates spirituality, ethics, society, ecology, and daily life

• Sees the universe as sacred and interconnected

Kandhar Alangaram by Arunagirinathar - Vizhikku thunai

Kandhar Alangaram - Arunagirinathar - Vizhikku Thunai

திரு அருணகிரிநாதர் அருளிய கந்தர் அலங்காரம் _- விழிக்குத் துணை

In Kandhar Alangaram, the phrase "Vizhikku Thunai" (விழிக்குத் துணை) can be translated as "Support for the eyes" or "Guidance for vision".

This phrase is often interpreted as a reference to Lord Murugan being a divine light that guides devotees, granting them spiritual vision and wisdom. It signifies that His sacred feet (Thirumenmalarp Paadhangal) serve as a guiding force, helping devotees perceive truth and righteousness clearly.

விழிக்குத் துணை திருமென்மலர்ப் பாதங்கள் 

மெய்ம்மைகுன்றாமொழிக்குத் துணை முருகாவெனு நாமங்கள் 

முன்புசெய்த பழிக்குத் துணையவன் பன்னிரு தோளும் 

பயந்ததனி வழிக்குத் துணை 

வடிவேலுஞ் செங்கோடன் மயூரமுமே.

Vizhikkuth thuṇai Thirumenmalarp pāthangaḷ

Meimmaikundrāmozhikkuth thuṇai Murugāvenu nāmangaḷ

Munbu seitha pazhikkuth thuṇai avan panniru thōḷum

Bayandha thani vazhikkuth thuṇai

Vadivēlun chengōdan Mayūramumē.

Meaning:

Our eyes/vision is supported by the lotus feet of the Lord Murugan. 

Our true words/speech are supported by The names of Muruga. 

The twelve shoulders of Lord Murugan are the support of our previous wrongdoings. 

The support of the lonely path of fear is our Lord Murugan with his velayudham and his peacock.