Online M.A. Divya Prabandham – SASTRA Deemed University
The Online M.A. in Divya Prabandham from SASTRA Deemed University is a two-year postgraduate programme dedicated to the scholarly and devotional study of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham — the sacred collection of 4,000 Tamil devotional verses composed by the twelve Alvar saint poets between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. These hymns, addressed to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, represent the spiritual and literary pinnacle of the Tamil Vaishnavite tradition and hold central significance in Hindu religious practice. The curriculum spans ten course modules across two years, covering the five books of the Thiruvaimozhi, the Songs of Thirumangai Alvar, Songs of the Early and Later Alvars, Songs of Satagopar, and the Later Prabandhams. Students develop deep competency in interpreting these hymns through their literary, philosophical, and devotional dimensions. The medium of instruction is Tamil, reflecting the authentic linguistic tradition of the Prabandham. This programme is suited to graduates with a background in Tamil literature, Hindu religious studies, or Vaishnavite philosophy, as well as devotees and scholars seeking formal academic engagement with this sacred canon. Delivered fully online in live and recorded formats, it is accessible to learners across India.
Tamil
Not specified
Course Start Date:
Starting Soon
Application Deadline:
Closing Soon
Duration:
2 Years
₹ 24,000
Overview
SASTRA Deemed University's Online M.A. in Divya Prabandham is a two-year postgraduate programme offering in-depth academic study of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham — the canonical collection of 4,000 devotional Tamil verses composed by the twelve Alvar saints. Delivered through SASTRA's Directorate of Distance Education in an online format combining live and recorded sessions, the programme is conducted in Tamil and is accessible to learners across India. The curriculum covers all major divisions of the Divya Prabandham: the five books of the Thiruvaimozhi, Songs of Thirumangai Alvar, Songs of Early and Later Alvars, Songs of Satagopar, and Later Prabandhams — spanning literary, theological, and devotional dimensions of this sacred canon. At a total fee of Rs 24,000, this programme provides an affordable and rigorous academic pathway for scholars, devotees, and students of Tamil classical tradition.
Why Master of Arts (MA)?
The Nalayira Divya Prabandham is among the most revered texts in the Tamil and broader Vaishnavite Hindu tradition, yet formal academic programmes devoted to its systematic study remain rare. SASTRA's M.A. in Divya Prabandham offers the unique opportunity to engage with this sacred canon through structured postgraduate coursework from a NAAC A++ accredited, NIRF-ranked institution. The programme approaches the Prabandham both as literature and as living spiritual tradition, covering all major Alvar composers and their works in their authentic Tamil medium. For learners seeking deep engagement with Tamil devotional heritage — whether as scholars, teachers, or practitioners — this programme offers scholarly rigour combined with cultural and spiritual depth at an accessible cost.
What does this course have to offer?
Key Highlights
Two-year online M.A. in Divya Prabandham from NAAC A++ accredited SASTRA Deemed University
Delivered in Tamil — authentic medium of the Prabandham tradition
Covers all five books of Thiruvaimozhi, Songs of all major Alvar groups, and Later Prabandhams
Online live and recorded format for flexible learning
Total fee of Rs 24,000
One-time admission fee of Rs 1,000
Interested in career outcomes and specializations?
Who is this programme for?
Graduates with interest in Tamil classical literature, Vaishnavite philosophy, or Hindu religious studies
Devotees and practitioners of the SriVaishnavite tradition seeking formal academic engagement with the Divya Prabandham
Aspiring scholars, researchers, and teachers of Tamil religious and literary heritage
Individuals pursuing postgraduate studies in Tamil studies, Indology, or comparative religion
Minimum Eligibility
10+2+3 pattern (10th, 12th/PUC, and undergraduate degree) completed in regular mode from a recognised institution
No specific subject background stated beyond standard UG completion
Not sure whether you qualify for this programme?
Who is the programme for?
Applicants must have completed the 10+2+3 pattern (10th, 12th or PUC, and an undergraduate degree) in regular mode from a recognised institution. No specific subject background is stated beyond standard undergraduate completion. The medium of instruction is Tamil. The programme is delivered fully online through live and recorded sessions over two years. The curriculum is structured across ten course modules spanning both years. Assessments and examinations follow the university's scheduled calendar. Students with backlogs are required to pay an additional readmission or arrear fee per paper. Examination fees and a one-time admission fee of Rs 1,000 are payable separately in addition to the tuition fee.
Selection process
How to apply?
Curriculum
The M.A. Divya Prabandham curriculum is structured across ten modules spanning two years, covering the complete canonical body of Alvar devotional literature. Year 1 introduces learners to the Thiruvaimozhi through its first three books (Thiruvaimozhi I, II, and III), then moves to the Songs of Thirumangai Alvar and the Songs of the Early Alvars. Year 2 completes the Thiruvaimozhi with books IV and V, and proceeds to the Songs of Satagopar (Nammalvar), Songs of the Later Alvars, and the Later Prabandhams. Each module carries 6 to 8 credits, building a comprehensive and chronologically structured engagement with the entire Prabandham tradition.
There are 2 semesters in this course
Year 1 opens with Thiruvaimozhi I, II, and III — the first three of the five books of the Thiruvaimozhi, the magnum opus of Nammalvar and the most celebrated text in the Divya Prabandham. Students then study the Songs of Thirumangai Alvar, who composed the largest body of hymns among all Alvars, followed by the Songs of the Early Alvars, covering Poigai Alvar, Bhoothathalvar, and Peyalvar — the three earliest saint-poets of the tradition. Year 2 continues with Thiruvaimozhi IV and V, completing the full study of this central text. Songs of Satagopar (Nammalvar) focuses on the remaining compositions of the tradition's most revered Alvar. Songs of the Later Alvars covers Andal, Thiruppaan Alvar, and Thirumangai Alvar's later works. The programme concludes with Later Prabandhams, which encompasses the remaining Prabandham texts including Thiruppavai, Naachiyar Thirumozhi, and other compositions that complete the canonical 4,000 verses.
Year 1
Year 2
Programme Length
2 years (online, live and recorded format, Tamil medium)
Tuition Fee
The total tuition fee for the M.A. Divya Prabandham programme is Rs 24,000 for the full two years. A one-time admission fee of Rs 1,000 is payable at enrolment. Examination fees and convocation fees are charged separately, with examination fee amounts announced before commencement of each examination. Students with backlogs pay an additional arrear or readmission fee per paper.
Fee Structure
Payment options
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Learning Experience
The M.A. Divya Prabandham is delivered entirely online through SASTRA's Directorate of Distance Education, combining live sessions with recorded content to provide accessibility across India. The medium of instruction is Tamil, preserving the authentic linguistic context of the Prabandham tradition. Learners engage with the devotional, literary, and theological dimensions of the Alvar hymns through structured coursework, with regular assessments conducted according to the examination schedule. The online format accommodates learners who wish to study this sacred tradition alongside other personal and professional commitments.
University Experience
SASTRA Deemed University is a NAAC A++ accredited institution with deep roots in South Indian academic and cultural traditions. Through its Directorate of Distance Education, SASTRA extends its academic rigour to online learners with programmes spanning technology, management, and classical humanities. The university's location in Thanjavur — the heartland of Tamil culture and Vaishnavite heritage — makes it a particularly meaningful institution to host a formal postgraduate programme in Divya Prabandham studies. Learners benefit from faculty expertise in Tamil classical literature and the broader Indological tradition.
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About the University
Established in 1984, SASTRA is a premier private deemed university located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The university operates across multiple campuses offering comprehensive education through various schools including Engineering, Medicine, Management, Law, Sciences, and Humanities. With a strong focus on research and innovation, SASTRA has emerged as one of India's leading institutions, known for its academic excellence and industry-aligned curriculum.
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SASTRA provides comprehensive career support through structured training programs and industry interactions. The center facilitates continuous institute-industry engagement through pre-placement training, industrial exhibitions, and seminars. Students receive intensive coaching in personality development, leadership qualities, and technical skills. The CDC organizes year-round placement activities including pre-placement talks, aptitude tests, group discussions, and interviews. The university mandates industrial training and internships, enabling students to gain practical industry exposure.
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Course Start Date:
Starting Soon
Application Deadline:
Closing Soon
Duration:
2 Years
₹ 24,000
Frequently asked questions
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