Hindu Festivals in the North Arcot District Under Vijayanagar Rule: A Historical Study

Abstract

The Vijayanagar Empire made a lasting contribution to the religious and cultural history of South India through its extensive patronage of Hindu temples and festivals. In the North Arcot district, temples became important centers of religious worship and social life during the Vijayanagar period. Hindu festivals conducted in these temples were not merely religious observances but also played a vital role in promoting social cohesion, economic activity, and cultural continuity.

This paper studies Hindu festivals in the North Arcot district under Vijayanagar rule, focusing on their organization, ritual practices, and social significance. Both Saivite and Vaishnavite festivals were actively celebrated, reflecting the religious tolerance of the empire. Epigraphical records and literary sources provide evidence of royal grants, temple management, and community participation in festival celebrations.

The study highlights how festivals strengthened the relationship between the state, temple institutions, and local society. It also emphasizes that Hindu festivals functioned as dynamic cultural expressions that preserved tradition while adapting to changing historical conditions. Through this analysis, the paper demonstrates the enduring influence of Vijayanagar-era festivals on the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu.