Abstract:
Translating Tamil works into English or any other Western languages began from the
th latter part of the 19 century. Institutionalized education, Western literary influence and the
knowledge of Western languages had induced a great number of scholars to indulge
themselves in this endeavour both in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. Particularly, in Sri Lanka the
reawakening of the Saiva-Tamil movement, championed by Arumuganavalar and his
adherents and its counteract against evangelism too kindled the motivation of the scholars to
concern about such translations. Sir P. Arunachalam, the brother of renowned Sir P.
Ramanathan was being an eminent scholar, educationalist, ardent follower of Saivaism and
th the strong advocator of Saiva Tamil Movement in the early decades of 20 Century. He
translated Thirumurukarrupadai completely and certain verses sporadically from the Tamil
Bhakthi literatures like Thiruvacakam, Thirukkovaiyar and Thayumanavar Padalkal. In this
study, the translation of Thirumurukarrupadai is taken into consideration. The objective of
this study is to highlight the merit of his translation and identify the techniques and devices
applied by him. This study is based on descriptive research methodology and compare study
with other translations is also made to evaluate the effectiveness and the accuracy of his
translation. Through this study it is possible to comprehend the motivation and the
inspiration that led the pioneer translator and learn the techniques and devises applied in the
translation of literature which deals with the theme of Bhakthi.
