EAP810/2/1/14

Title in original script: நீலகண்ட மந்திரம்

The manuscript is constituted of a text containing palm leaves numbered from 1 to 24 and 8 leaves without a number. It is in good state with little damages caused by larvae and rodents.

The text, entitled Nīlakaṇṭa Mantiram, explains the meaning of mantira addressed to lord Civa, notably the formula “Maṉatai kaṭakka ceyvatu” which means that people have to indulge their mind in the activity they are doing. So when they worship a deity (tēvatai), they have to concentrate their entire mind on this action. A compilation of these mantiram is called Mantira Cāstiram.

The text specifies that there are three sub-divisions Mantira Cāstiram: mantiram, tantiram and yantiram.

Regarding mantiram, it explains that each deity has a primary letter (pījākṣaram) that the devotee has to use to worship it. For example, Kam for Kaṇapati (Ganapati or Ganeṣa); Im for Sarasvati; Hrim- Lakṣmi or Ram for Akkiḷi.

Regarding tantiram, the text mentions that mantiram and tantiram are same.

Regarding yantram, the text explains that it is a picture composed of mantira words or letters put in the middle and in corners which is used for worshiping deities and performing pūja to them.

Lastly, the text defines māla mantiram which is a specific mantiram used for pirayōkam. It exists 6 types: ākarṣaṇam, stampaṉam, mēkaṉam, uccāṭaṇam, vitveṣaṇam and māraṇam. It recommends to perform mantiram, yantiram and māla mantiram in order to have the requests fulfill by the deities.

Size of the manuscript: 21,0cm x 2.4cm. The text contains 35 palm leaves numbered from 1 to 24, not numbered and numbered 2, 3 and 6. The manuscript has also an introductive leaf and a blank leaf. It is in good state with little damages caused by larvae and rodents.