Talk:Arumuga Navalar

By Vishal Agarwal

Arumuga Navalar (1822–1879 C.E.)

was a great Śaiva Hindu scholar and reformer from Jaffna, Sri Laṅkā. He was born at a time when Hindus on the island faced severe persecution. Nearly two centuries earlier, the Portuguese had killed the Hindu ruler of Jaffna and forcibly converted his heirs. Later, the British also discriminated against Hindus, demolishing temples and promoting conversion to Christianity.

Arumuga was deeply learned in the Śaiva Āgamas, which worship Śiva as Supreme. Saddened by the plight of Hindus, he realized that many common people could not understand their own dharm because scriptures were in Sanskrit and not easily available. Rituals had become costly and burdened with social evils, while Christian missionaries printed cheap Bibles and mocked Hindu practices.

To protect his people, Arumuga adopted modern methods. He used printing presses to publish Śaiva scriptures and explanations in Tamil, making them accessible. He also published critiques of Christian missionary attacks, while pointing out that many costly ceremonies demanded by some priests were not sanctioned by the Āgamas. Through these efforts, conversions slowed, and Hindus became better educated in their traditions.

Arumuga Navalar lived a life of sacrifice and dedication. He chose celibacy, refused his father’s inheritance, and lived only on donations. Despite opposition and boycotts from some priests, he stood firm, uniting Hindus of Sri Laṅkā. He also founded schools—modeled on missionary institutions but rooted in Hindu dharm—that taught both religion and modern subjects. Many of these schools continue even today.

Thanks to his vision and work, Sri Laṅkan Hindus preserved their dharm against colonial and missionary aggression. To this day, Hinduism remains the faith of the majority in the northern and eastern regions of the island.