New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) On the momentous occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his respects alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the celebrated Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, whose profound works and ideals continue to enlighten countless individuals across generations.

In a post on the social media platform X, Home Minister Shah remarked, "On Thiruvalluvar Day, I extend my heartfelt tributes to the venerable sage. The life and contributions of Thiruvalluvar Ji epitomized the highest virtues of our civilization and illuminated the path towards a righteous life and a harmonious society. His enduring legacy will guide us on our quest for greatness."

The Prime Minister also shared his thoughts on his official X account, stating, "Today, as we commemorate Thiruvalluvar Day, I pay homage to the multifaceted Thiruvalluvar, whose teachings and ideals inspire countless people. He envisioned a society characterized by harmony and compassion. He embodies the finest aspects of Tamil culture. I encourage everyone to explore the Tirukkural, which showcases the exceptional intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar."

Thiruvalluvar thrived approximately two millennia ago in Mylapore, now part of Chennai.

He was a natural Siddha and poet, known simply as Valluvar, or more broadly as Thiruvalluvar, which translates to 'the devotee of the Valluva caste'.

The Valluvas were traditionally associated with the Pariah community, now known as Harijans, and their profession involved announcing royal decrees by beating drums.

According to tradition, Thiruvalluvar was born to Bhagavan, a Brahmin, and Adi, a Pariah woman whom he wed.

There are conflicting narratives regarding the birthplace and era of Thiruvalluvar.

While some accounts suggest he was born in Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas, his lifetime has been dated between the 4th century BCE and the early 6th century CE.

Scholar Maraimalai Adigal dated his birth to 31 BCE, while Tamil scholar Kamil Zvelebil proposed that Thiruvalluvar and the Tirukkural likely originated between 500 and 600 CE.

Many regard Thiruvalluvar as an incarnation of Brahma.

His wife, Vasuki, is celebrated as a devoted and virtuous woman, epitomizing the ideal spouse who faithfully fulfilled her husband's desires.

Through his life and teachings, Thiruvalluvar exemplified that one could lead a divine life of integrity and purity while remaining a family person.

He demonstrated that renouncing family life is not essential for attaining spiritual excellence.

Also affectionately known as Valluvar, he stands as one of the most esteemed Tamil philosopher-poets.

His masterpiece, the Tirukkural, consists of 1,330 couplets addressing morality, governance, economics, and love.

This text is hailed as one of the pinnacle achievements of Tamil literature and is revered for its universal values and ethical clarity.

In January 1935, the Tamil Nadu government officially acknowledged 31 BCE as Thiruvalluvar's birth year.

Scholarly consensus suggests that Valluvar might have connections with either Jainism or Hinduism.

During his lifetime, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism flourished throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Thiruvalluvar is celebrated as one of the greatest poet-philosophers of the Sangam period.

His work is esteemed to such an extent that it has been referred to by various names, including Tirukkural, Uttaravedam, Tamil Veda, Teyvanul (the divine book), and Potumarai (the common Veda).

Across southern India, Thiruvalluvar is venerated as a saint, and in certain traditions, as a deity.

Many Shaivite communities regard him as the 64th Nayanmar, particularly in areas like Mylapore and Tiruchuli.

Numerous temples dedicated exclusively to Thiruvalluvar exist in South India, with the most renowned located in Chennai's Mylapore, constructed in the early 16th century within the Ekambareeswara-Kamakshi temple complex.