The Mixed Language
Maṇipravāḷa (Sanskrit-Tamil blend: maṇi = gem/ruby [= Sanskrit, considered precious] + pravāḷa = coral [= Tamil, considered precious]) is the literary register in which most of the major Śrī Vaiṣṇava theological granthams are written. It mixes Sanskrit and Tamil words, often in the same sentence, following Tamil grammatical structure but freely incorporating Sanskrit vocabulary and quotations.
Origins and Development
Manipravāḷa developed as the natural medium for a tradition that honored both Sanskrit Vedic knowledge and Tamil Āzhvār devotion equally (Ubhaya Vedānta). By the time of Nammāzhvār's commentators (12th century CE), Maṇipravāḷa was fully established as the medium for sophisticated theological writing.
Major Works
Virtually all the major post-Rāmānuja granthams are in Maṇipravāḷa:
- Piḷḷai Lokācārya's Rahasya Granthams (Mumukṣuppadi, Śrīvacana Bhūṣaṇam)
- Vedānta Deśika's Rahasyatrayasāra
- Azhagiya Maṇavāḷa Nāyaṉār's Ācārya Hṛdayam
- Maṇavāḷa Māmunigaḷ's extensive commentaries
The richness of Maṇipravāḷa lies in its ability to carry both Sanskrit precision and Tamil warmth simultaneously.