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ISSN: Pending Registration
pp. 1–9

Concept of Afterlife in Sangam Literature A Study of Beliefs and Philosophical Perspectives

சங்க இலக்கியத்தில் மறுமைச் சிந்தனை : நம்பிக்கைகள் மற்றும் தத்துவப் பார்வைகள்

K. Karuppasamy*

* Corresponding author

Abstract

The concept of the afterlife occupies a significant place as a philosophical element in Sangam literature. There exists a widespread belief that the good deeds performed in this life determine the outcomes in the next birth. Works such as Paripadal, Kalithogai, Kurunthogai, and Purananuru extensively record ideas related to rebirth, the law of karma, and righteous living. The influence of religious traditions such as Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist thought is also reflected in these concepts. At the same time, there are viewpoints that reject the idea of rebirth. This study explores the various dimensions of afterlife concepts in Sangam literature.

Keywords

Afterlife Rebirth Sangam Literature Karma (Law of Action) Virtue (Aram) Penance (Thavam) Charity (Dhanam) Vedic Thought Jainism Buddhism Moral Philosophy Tamil Society
மறுமை மறுபிறப்பு சங்க இலக்கியம் வினைப்பயன் அறம் தவம் தானம் வைதிகச் சிந்தனை சமணம் பௌத்தம் ஒழுக்கத் தத்துவம் தமிழ் சமூகம்.

Publication Workflow

Received
03 Aug 2026
Revised
08 Aug 2026
Accepted
05 Oct 2026
Published
08 Oct 2026