When VedAdhayanam is done, it starts and ends with PraNavam. When we recite Tamizh
MaRai of AzhwArs, we start and end with ThiruppAvai (SaaRRumuRai). Thus ThiruppAvai
becomes equal to the sacred PraNavam.
Sanskritic Vedams are like an earthern pot. It has asuddhi when used by any one outside the
Thrayi-VarNikAs. ThiruppAvai and AzhwAr's prabhandhams are like Golden pot. They have
no asuddhi if used by every one, independent of their VarNams. Every member of the four
VarNams are adhikAris for Dhivya prabhandham in general and ThiruppAvai in particular.
Vedam states that the Vinais of Prapannan gets burnt without any trace just as cotton bale, the
thorny shrub thrown in the fire. ANDAL gives us the same Vedic/Upanishadic message:
“pOya pizhayum, puhu taruvAn ninRanavum, Theeyinil Thoosu aahum”.
1. MARGAZHI TTINGAL
The first stanza which states the central premise to be
elaborated in the rest of the poem contains the
following ideas:
1.Andal praises the day (NANNAL)that has appeared of
its own accord for the observance of the vow.What it
means is that for a soul,that day is the Good Day when
he understands all about himself and God and their
mutual relationship of Lord and Servant which is stated
in the Tirumantram.
2.The fruit in getting one's body is for serving the
Lord here and hereafter (NEERADA PODUVIR)
3.All those who have a longing for the service of the
Lord are qualified to join her.(PODUVIR PODUMINO)
4.She speaks of the radiance that attended on the face
of her companions on hearing her requisition.(MADI
NIRAINDA ;the moon is not in the sky alone!)
5.The prosperity of Gokula consists of Sri Krishna's
amiable pranks in stealing butter and girls; i.e.,the
wealth of a Sri Vaishnava consists of his intoxicating
love for and enjoyment of Lord's company.
6.Nandagopa's vigilance in guarding Krishna with his
very sharp spear in hand symbolises the "ASTHANE
BHAYA-SANKA" and "MANGALASASANA-PARATA" which
characterises a SriVaishnava.
7.Yasoda's over-indulgence of Krishna is responsible
for all his pranks and misbehaviour towards the young
gopis.
8.SrimanNarayana is the SOLE MEANS of attaining His Feet.
This strikes the keynote of the Song Divine-TIRUPPAVAI.
NARAYANANE (Upaya Swarupam) NAMAKKE (Adhikari Swarupam)
PARAI (Phala Swarupam) TARUVAN.The safest means of securing
Him is not Karma yoga etc but His Grace only.
That is the sum and substance of this verse.
2. VAIYATHU VAZHVIRGAL
At her cordial invitation a huge crowd gathered and the
wonder-struck ANDAL exclaims,"in this ignorance-spreading
world,are there so many interested in Emancipation!".She
proceeds to prescribe "dos" and "don'ts"( which actually
are the SAMBHAVITA SWABHAVA,the natural characteristics
of the Adhikari).
While we appear to be performing this vow for getting
rain,in reality it is different.She stresses the words
"NAMUM NAM Pavaikku"- NAMUM- WE are quite different
from others; we long for His company and firmly believe
that He alone is the Means for achieving it. NAM Pavai-
Indrajit did a malefic rite to put an end to Rama;but
OUR beneficent rite is for securing Lord's and His
World's prosperity and happiness.
The SriVaishnavite Code of Conduct as prescribed by
her is as follows:
Recite the Samskrita and Dravida Veda which sings the
glory of the Feet of the Lord reclining on the Serpent
in the Milky Ocean,all the while thinking about one's
Redemption.
Eschew all carnal and even worldly desires like eating
ghee,drinking milk etc.
Bathe early in the morning.Don't adorn your eyes with
collyrium,or your hair with flowers till the completion
of the vow;meaning thereby that a SriVaishnava needs
decoration etc only when he is in union with the Lord.
Never indulge in an act which was not practised by our
righteous minded ancestors.Bharata refused the kingship
though granted by his father and permitted by Rama
on the grounds that the tradition of Solar Kings did
not permit a younger son to rule when the elder was
living.
A SriVaishnava should not speak ill of others or
even think about it (which is tantamount to reporting
it to the God inside the heart,thereby ensuring their
fall);Sita never uttered a word to Rama about the
illtreatment by the Rakshasis.
He should ever be ready to do charity and impart
knowledge about God to all those who need it.
In short he should constantly be thinking about his
upliftment and keep his mind filled with peace and
happiness.
3. ONGI ULAGALANTHA UTHAMAN
In this worse ANDAL wishes for rain and consequential
prosperity for the whole world as the world is the
property of her Lord.So who is a Sri Vaishnava ? It
is he who while being detached with reference to the
riches of the world,is at the same time aspiring for
them considering them as his Lord's riches.Hence all
Sri Vaishnavas after daily prayer recite the verse
which says "Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu" every one
should be happy.
Andal tells the girls,"If we,girls,recite the NAME of
the Lord who measured the entire universe with his
three steps and observe this vow then the whole world
will become prosperous."
Note the text which says "Uthaman PER"(his NAME).She
could have simply said "if we sing the glory of the
Lord." But she says instead, the NAME of the Lord.
Which means that the NAME OF THE LORD (the Tiru
Ashtakshara Mantra,the Eight-Syllabled one) is more
efficacious than the Lord Himself.When,in the court
hall of Duryodhana,Draupadi was being disrobed by
Dussaasana,it was only the NAME "Govinda" which
saved her modesty while the Lord failed her.
But we Prapannas (Surrenderers) seek salvation only
from Him.The Mantra is only for understanding the true
nature of the Soul,Lord,and the mutual relationship;
it is essentially to promote the ARTHA PANCHAKA knowledge.
NEENGATHA Selvam - we see that riches do not remain for
long with any man; then what does NEENGATHA mean ? It
refers to the Moksha Aiswarya,Service of God,obtained
through the recommendation of Sri Mahalakshmi.
4.AAZHI MAZHAI KKANNA
The Presiding Deity of Rain was keenly observing the
happenings in this world.He saw his master Sriman
Narayana serving all the gopis.So he thought that
taking orders from the gopis and carrying out their
commands was the best and easiest means of pleasing
his master.So approaching Andal who was in the guise
of a gopi he requests her to command him;and she
does so in a detailed manner in this verse.
The inner significance is as follows:Just as the
heir apparent to the throne is always feared and
respected by all ministers and officers so are the
Sri Vaishnavas by inferior gods.Hence When a Sri
Vaishnava worships other deities like Indra,Rudra
Varuna etc,he is doing something inappropriate as
well as ridiculous.It will only cause his downfall
and ruin his chance of getting salvation.So Beware!
So here the Rain God who has come to hear her command
is told," Go to the middle region of the sea,drink
the entire water leaving not a drop,then pour it out
in its entirety without discriminating between the
places where the good and bad live.The rain, which
resembles the arrows shot by Sri Rama to shatter the
demons to pieces, should instead bring forth happiness
and prosperity to the entire land."
A Sri Vaishnava is one who always thinks of everything
good for everyone in this world.
5.MAYANAI
Among the assembled gopis,one expressed a doubt,"we
are planning elaborately for getting the company of
Krishna.But remember,we are sinners and our sins
will throw obstacles in our path.It always happens
when a good deed is contemplated.It is the way of the
world.Take the case of Dasaratha who planned the
coronation of Rama;the great omniscient sage Vasishta
fixed the date;the citizens clamoured for him and
applauded the decision.But what happened ? Rama went
to the forest forsaking the city,and it was His
Paduka (holy sandals) which sat on the throne for
fourteen years.So what is the surety that we will
succeed?"
The answer is given in this verse: Recite the name
of Krishna;think of him;offer flowers;and all
obstacles will vanish.All sins committed before
taking Refuge with Him,as well those unwittingly
accruing after Surrender (Saranagati) will perish.
The Purva Agha (earlier sins) will be burnt to ashes
like cotton bales in a fire;and the Uttara Agha(Subse-
quent Sins) will not stick to the person like drops
of water to a lotus leaf.
Milk is both a pleasurable food as well as a medicine
to cure bile.The same is the case with Him.(Maruttuvanai
ninra mamanivanna)
SECTION II
INTRODUCTION: The first five pasurams of Tiruppavai form
one section and pasurams 6-15 the second section.These 10
stanzas describe the sleeping girls being woken up by those
who are already up.These two groups represent KAINKARYA
NISHTHA (those impatient to serve God,like Lakshmana) and
GUNA NISHTHA (those who are content to meditate on the
glorious qualities of God,like Bharata).Nammazhwar speaks
of their presence even in Vaikunthaloka - VAIKUNTATTU
AMARARUM (service minded) MUNIVARUM (enjoying His Virtues).
Poison acts on different people in different ways - some
faint and some run here and there;so do the attributes of
Sri Krishna.Hence the sleeping girls not a bit inferior
in their longing for Krishna to those who wake them.Though
one could go to Krishna on one's own,it is not advisable
"VEDAM VALLARGALAI KKONDU,VINNOR PERUMAN TIRUPPADAM
PANINDU " says Nammazhwar.We should always approch Him
through some godly person;because we have sinned against
Him and being a SWATANTRA (free to act as He pleases),He
may punish us.Hence a Recommending Authority is very much
needed.Moreover His virtues are like a huge river in
spate during rains,and so if a man wants to croos it
surely he needs the help of others.Further unlike in the
case of carnal company,enjoyment of His company will
be sweeter in the company of Bhaktas.
Those gopis who are vigilant are goaded on by their
haste (twara) to get Kainkarya,while those that are
asleep have firm faith (adhyavasaya)in the Lord as
Upaya.Hence pasurams 6-15 give room for interpreting
them as referring to Azhwars and acharyas.
6. PULLUM SILAMBINA KAN
The girls approach the mansion of a gopi and wake her
up by indicating signs of early dawn,"even the birds are
up and chirping.Get up." The sleeping girl rejects this
reason,"oh girls,you never allow the birds in your town
to sleep,with your chanting of His names and making them
chant too.This is no sign of dawn!" Then they mention a
noteworthy sign," PULLARAYAN KOIL etc..The blowing conch
in the temple of Vishnu for early morning worship, is
inviting us all for His service.Get up."
Here the phrase PULLARAYAN KOIL brings out an excellent quality
of the Lord:
PUL is bird,here Garuda; ARAYAN king ; KOYIL temple.
The temple of Vishnu.But why this circumlocution?
There is a reason.
In Ramayana while narrating to Hanuman her abduction by
Ravana,Sita says,"On that fateful day I was lured by that
demon disguised as a deer,and was separated from Rama's
younger brother and Lakshmana's elder brother(RAMANUJAM
LAKSMANA POORVAJAM CHA)." Such phraseology is used for a
purpose.The Lord feels happy when His name is coupled
with His devotee'sand so does the devotee when he is referred to as
being subservient to the Lord.The message of Sita (Sri Devi)
and Andal (Bhu Devi) to us is that when a Sri Vaishnava
names his child he should follow this principle.
ULLATHU KKONDU etc in this verse is noteworthy.The munis
and yogins get up in the morning very slowly from their
beds so that the Lord,taking eternal abode in their hearts
may not be disturbed.Prahlada was pushed down from the top
of a huge mountain,and while falling he held fast his
bosom with great concern for Sri Hari living there,never
bothering about what was happening to himself.But the Lord
waited for him at the bottom of the mountain and received
him in his spread arms.
Parasara Bhattar used to embellish his body with silken
robe,ornaments,sandal paste etc, and when asked about its
propriety in respect of the despicable body,he said in his
view it was not despicable but adorable being the sanctum
sanctorum of the Almighty.
Andal also leaves this lesson in this verse: When you get
up in the morning chant the name of Hari (HARIR HARIR
HARIRITI VYAHARET VAISHNAVAH PUMAN).Let us do so.
7. KISU KISU
In this stanza,from the two addresses in vocative case
PEY PENNE! and NAYAKA PPENPILLAY! which are diametrically
opposite in meaning,we are to understand that they are
said out of love and affection for the sleeping girl.
Whatever may be the apparent contradiction,the inner
feeling is most important while moving with Sri Vaishna
vas.
In the 6000-Padi commentary we find very interesting and
enlightening comments and to illustrate them an episode
narrated with exquisite charm.Having woken up a handful
of girls Andal could have proceeded on to Krishna.Why go
to EVERY house ? If one is a Sri Vaishnava he should
think of the welfare of ALL- not just a few.Not even a
single girl should lose the golden opportunity of getting
the grace of Sri Krishna. A man's relationship with
Sriman Narayana is true only if he rejoices at the good
luck of another man as if it were his own son's.If
he fails to feel that way he is no Sri vaishnava.
ALKONDAVILLY JEEYAR,a sincere pupil of SRI RAMANUJA
once met in Sri Rangam NANJEEYAR,the disciple of
PARASARA BHATTAR.The former exclaimed," O Jeeyar!
Really I have not developed a taste for Bhagavad
Vishaya (i.e., God)." Nanjeeyar was amazed and asked
"How is this possible? you are the faithful student
of Sri Ramanuja,serving him assiduously - still you
say this ?" The former said," If a man has real taste
for Bhagavan he must enjoy the sweet company of His
devotees.If not he is no Sri Vaishnava.Have we
developed that pleasurable attitude towards Sri
Vaishnavas ? Hence I say so."
Unless the meeting,mingling and deriving supreme
satisfaction and happiness in the company of Bhagavatas
are secured here in this world (which is the intensive
training ground for our life in Sri Vaikuntha),the
Moksha will not be delectable.NAMMAZHWAR says at the
end of Tiruvaymozhi,"ADIYAARODU IRUNDAMAI". He aspired
not for the mere union of the Lord but for the same
in the company of His devotees,which alone would
make it delectable.
8. KIZH VANAM
Here a girl who is Krishna's particular sweetheart is
being woken up.She can be compared to NAMMAZHWAR (Krishna-
trishna tatvam) the very embodiment of deep devotion to
Sri Krishna.Her company is certain to accomplish their
desire. KOTHUGALAMUDAYA PAVAAI! is a most beautiful form
of address.
"The horizon has become bright.Get up." say the girls.
But she astonishes them by replying,"It is the lustre
from your moon-like faces which has brightened the
Eastern quarter.The day is yet to dawn."
The second sign of daybreak mentioned in this stanza
indicates that Andal has indeed been transformed into
a gopi - "The buffaloes are fast dispersing in the
fields searching for the tender green grass with the
dew drops of dawn clinging to them.If we delay, Krishna
would have followed them into the forest and our purpose
would be lost." This statement could not have come out of
the lips of anyone other than a true cowherdess.So Andal
has totally identified herself with a gopi,living with
the cowherds and taking part in all their daily chores.
Her father Sri Vishnuchitta was a learned Vedic authority
and had even written a rule book for conducting sacrifices
called Kalpa Sutra.He too assumed the role of Yasoda to the
extent of participating in every childish activity of
Krishna.For this his daughter affectionately calls him,
"Bhogattil Vazhuvada Puduvayarkon"(one who has not missed
a single opportunity to enjoy Krishna).Now his daughter
does the same.
The conclusion is this: Only that caste is desirable,which
is congenial for the enjoyment of God and which is calculated
to bring down His Grace on us.SRI LOKA DESIKA says in SRI
VACHANA BHUSHANAM,"Periyazhvarum Tirumagalarum Gopa Janmattai
Asthanam Panninargal."
9.THOOMANI MADAM
The gopi woken up in this verse has unflinching faith in the
Lord's UPAYA BHAVA.In this regard she matches very well
with Sita who ,when Hanuman suggested that he carry her
back to Rama,sternly refused and rebuked him saying that
he was equal to Ravana,(Ravana-tulya) in this that while
Ravana robbed Rama of one of his possessions,Sita; Hanuman
is trying to rob Him of another,His "Sarva loka rakshakatvam"
(sole right to protect all).Then she added,"With my power
of chastity which cooled your burning tail,I could have
saved myself;but that would have only destroyed Rama's
reputation.He alone by His prowess should rescue me and establish
his valour.Tat Tasya Sadrusam Bhavet.That alone would be
befitting to Him." Hanuman applauded these words.
So also this girl having transfered her burden to Sri
Krishna,sleeps having total faith in His words," Ananyah
chintayanto mam......Yoga kshemam vahamyaham". ANDAL
teaches us in this stanza that a soul after surrendering
to the Lord should be like this gopi.
"MAMAN MAGALE!" -Oh,my uncle's daughter!. Though blood
relationship is condemned as it contributes to worldly
attachment,the same is most welcome if it helps to do
service to God and His devotees. NAMMAZHWAR recommends
living with all relations in TIRUVAYMOZHI 8.10,11,but
condemns the same in 9.1.1. for the above reasons.
KOORATHU AZHWAN,used to remark with a sad heart," I
do not have blood relationship with Sri RAMANUJA.
Fie upon me!That good fortune is with MUDALI ANDAN
and EMBAR!" This idea is noteworthy in this verse.
10.NOTRU SUVARGAM
There are two addresses in the vocative case in this
pasuram - NOTRU SUVARGAM PUKUKINRA AMMANOY! and
ARUN KALAME! - both bring out the excellences of this
gopi and thereby imply the excellent characteristics
of good Sri Vaishnavas.
1. SUVARGAM here means only union with God.
Sita says,while pressing Rama to take her with
Him to the forest," If I am with you that is heaven for
me.Separation from you means hell." The girl here has
completed all her rites by surrendering to the Lord and
hence is enjoying His company.So also for a Sri Vaishnava
there remains nothing to be done by way of" Upaaya" after
accepting Him as the sole refuge(SARANAGATI).
2.ARUNKALAME! "Kalam" has two meanings (a) vessel and
(b) ornament; A Sri Vaishnava is the vessel to contain
His Grace.A Sri Vaishnava possesses superior ornaments in
the form of virtues;or he himself is the best ornament
embellishing the gatherings of other Sri Vaishnavas.
SUVARGA can also be broken up into SU+VARGA (SU=good
VARGA=gathering).If a man possesses all good qualities
he will be taken into the fold of Sri Vaishnavites.
(Ref to PERIYAZHWAR TIRUMOZHI 3.6.11 - Saadu kottiyul
kolla ppaduvare.)
11.KATRU KKARAVAI
In this pasuram a gopi reputed for her exquisite beauty
like a golden creeper (POR KODI) and born of a very noble
family,is being woken up.Her father and kinsmen are known
for discharging the duties pertaining to their cowherd
caste,which entails milking an endless number of cows.
So Andal seems to say that performance of one's duty as enjoined
in the Scriptures is calculated to bring happiness to the
Lord and thereby falls into the category of His Service.
One should hence never discard one's duty.
SETTAR TIRALAZHIYA is noteworthy.SETTAR means enemies.
Who are the enemies meant here ? Not those who despise
them but those who want to harm Sri Krishna.For a
Sri Vaishnava there is no direct enemy;he will not
mind or may even welcome (as it will take away his
sin) someone trying to harm him.But he considers him
his enemy who intends harm to the Lord.
SUTTATTU THOZHIMAR - the girl-companions of this gopi
- who are they? They are those who even after performing
all kinds of services to the Lord,do not expect anything
in return except His Supreme Satisfaction and Happiness.
"Praharshayishyami sanatha jeevitah"-I'll make my life
worthwhile by pleasing Him- says Sri ALAVANDAR.The stanza
in NACHIYAR TIRUMOZHI " Naaru narum pozhil".(9.6-7) is also
to be remembered in this context.
12.KANAITHU
This gopi is the sister of a cowherd who,unlike the
duty-conscious one in the previous verse,totally
neglects the daily duty of milking the young she-
buffalo so as to be close to Krishna and serving Him.
He is called NAR SELVAN ; thereby indicating that for
a Srivaishnava it is not the doing or neglect of
Nitya Karma which helps attaining salvation,but it
is God alone who is the Means for salvation.For example
for a temple priest who is always engaged in Antaranga
Kainkarya there may be neglect of his daily duties;
this would however not be considered as sin .
MANATTUKKU INIYAN- Sri Rama,unlike Krishna brings joy
to the minds of his devotees as well as adversaries.
This is said by Andal,the very personification ofthe
Love for Sri Krishna,and hence is the richest tribute
paid to Sri Rama.It might be recalled that she,in
NACHIYAR TIRUMOZHI goes to the extent of blaming Yashoda
for bringing up Krishna to be a very bad boy.(Vembeyaaga
valarthaale).It is not such an extraordinary thing or a
great wonder if Sri Rama is loved by His devotees and
subjects;but when even Ravana is fascinated by His
valour,it makes the derivation of His name apt
(Ranjaneeyasya Vikramaih).
SINATTINAAL - out of anger but without hatred.Rama had
no hatred towards Ravana.Actually He wanted Ravana as
a devotee;it was Ravana's own hatred which caused his
downfall.It was only when he tried attack Hanuman that
Rama became furious and showered arrows on Ravana
(kopasya Vasameyivaan).So He is always ready to forgive
sins against Himself but not against His devotees.
13. PULLIN VAAY KEENDAANAI
A girl with bewitching eyes (PODARI KKANNINAAY) is
woken up in this verse.She is of the view that Krishna
will come to her fascinated by the beauty of her eyes.
To add to this she is lying,brooding over Krishna's
heroic exploits,in the bed formerly shared with Him
and which still retains His fragrance.
The statement in the previous verse that Sri Rama
scored over Krishna in being "MANATHUKKU INIYAAN"
created a sort of mutiny among the girls,some of
whom disputed this by saying,"how can Rama be said to
be the receptacle of all the virtues? Did He,like
Krishna who acted as Pandavaduta,go as messenger for
anyone?Didn't Krishna's charms allure even the sages?
Even His mischievous pranks are meant for us only.
Moreover Krishna is our husband and irrespective of
how he treats us,it is not proper for us to praise
another as being greater."
Some mediators intervened and pointed out that both
are the same Sriman Narayana,and so where is the
cause for dispute.Thus reconciled the girls split
into two halves each praising the glory of Krishna
and Rama.This is the excellence of this verse.
14. UNGAL PUZHAKKADAI
A gopi who is an expert orator and who is also chief
among these girls is woken up.She had promised that
she would get up before the rest and wake them up.
She has conveniently forgotten all about it and is
sleeping comfortably and peacefully.This is an unpardonable
crime.But still her inclusion in the group is
most essential as,with her silver tongue,she can
easily subdue Krishna.Moreover it is essential that
not a single girl loses His grace.If she were to sing
of Krishna as He appears bearing the discus and conch
He is sure to relent.
Incidentally Andal tells us, " Use your tongue not
merely for tasting delicious dishes,but for singing
about the Lotus-eyed One.That was the main purpose
for which it was gifted to you in the first place
by God."
15.YELLE ILANKILIYE
This pasuram which brings out the caharacteristics of
a SriVaishnava is considered to be the very essence
of Tiruppavai by our Acharyas.
The girl who is woken up begins to sing.
1.YELLE ILANKILIYE -the implied sense is that the speech
of the devotees is most welcome.
2.INNAM URANGUDIYO -It is wrong to indulge in other things
if the company of Bhagavatas is available.
3.CHIL ENRU AZHAYENMIN - Not a single harsh word should
be used with the Bhaktas.
4.NANGAIMIR PODARGINREN - Devotees should be addressed
respectfully.
5.VALLAI UN KATTURAIGAL - Even the chastisement by a
Bhakta (which will always be constructive) should be
accepted gratefully.
6.VALLEERGAL NEENGALE NAANE THAN AAYIDUGA - owning others
mistakes as one's own is the hallmark of a Sri Vaishnava.
For ex. Bharata holds himself responsible for Rama's
exile.
7.OLLAI NEE PODAAY - Separation from devotees even for a
second is unbearable.
8.UNAKKENNA VERUDAYAI - The path laid down by one's
ancestors is to be followed,not what is dictated by
one's own mind.
9.ELLAARUM PONDAARO PONDU ENNIKKOL- seeing a congregation of
devotees is the most desired fruit in this life.The enjoyment
is not complete even if one devotee is missing.Their sight
and touch are all contributory factors to one's enjoyment.
10.VALLAANAI..etc - Singing His virtues,valour,victory etc
are vital to a Sri Vaishnava as a means of pleasing other
Srivaishnavas; as such it results in the service of
Bhagavatas.
These ten commandments (golden rules) are to be cherished
as they constitute the acid test for testing whether one
is really a Sri Vaishnava.
16.NAAYAKAN
Thus in ten pasurams Andal woke up girls of differing
natures and thereby all the girls of Gokula were woken
up and they all proceed to Sri Nandagopan's mansion and
request the door keeper to let them in.
Cowherd colonies in those days may have contained only
huts and Nanda's mansion may be a big hut,without a
doorkeeper.And all this may be Andal's fertile imagination.
But what she is doing is to tell us how one should enter
a temple in Archavatara,and worship the Lord.Sri PARASARA
BHATTAR in his SRI RANGARAJA STAVA lays down the procedure
for temple entry based on this stanza.The door keepers
are really our Acharyas.In our daily pooja we open the
door of our 'koyil azhwar' (the box where the home idol
is kept) by reciting the Acharya Parampara and finally
this verse without fail.
TUYOMAAY VANDOM - we have come with purity. What is
the purity meant here ? Not the usual physical or even
mental purity.The physical purity of cowherds is
well known,say the commentators.The purity referred to
here is the fact that they have come to do service to
the Lord WITHOUT ASKING ANYTHING IN RETURN.Kainkarya
itself is the end (Swayam Purushaartha) and is not the
means to an end.This point should be ever fixed in
the heart of a Sri Vaishnava.
17.AMBARAME
Having entered Nandagopala's palace with the permission
of the guards,the Gopis (Andal) wake up Nandagopa,yashoda,
Krishna and Balarama,panegyrising their greatness.
Nanda has placed his bed near the entrance for fear that
the gopis,like Usha in the case of Aniruddha,may steal
Krishna;especially as Krishna is more handsome than His
grandson! Andal glorifies Nanda as a munificent donor of
clothes,water and food; but we do not come across any such
reference elsewhere.The commentator says:"As Krishna was
seen giving clothes to Draupadi to save her modesty;water
to the chariot horses at Kurukshetra;and food to his
boyhood companions in the forest - it could be presumed
that his qualities were inherited from His father."
But the gopis are not here for these items; they need only
Krishna (VAASUDEVAH SARVAM).Yashoda gave birth to Krishna
only to make Him their husband; and being a woman she
knows their plight.So they next wake her up.
Sri Krishna in his past incarnation as Trivikrama had
obtained Indra's kingdom for him.But the gopis do not
want Him to do any such thing for them.It is enough
if He allows them to do service to Him.Krishna does
not respond.
Realising their mistake in not approaching Him through
Balarama,they do so now and ask him to help them as he
had once done in the case of the gopis separated from
Krishna when He went to Mathura.
18.UNDU MADAKALITRAN
This is a very important pasuram.Even after waking up
all from Nanda to Balarama,when Krishna does not open
His lips,they realise their folly in not waking up
first NAPPINNAI,the chief queen and Purushakara (recom-
mending authority) during His sojourn in this world
as Krishna.They do it in this verse.
Nappinnai is Sri NEELA DEVI,the other two being SRI
DEVI (Rukmini) and BHOO DEVI (Satyabhama).Nappinnai's
name is not found anywhere in the Puranas and in
Sanskrit poems except in SRI YADAVABHYUDAYAM of Sri
DESIKA,where she is referred to as Neela; and in the
stotras of Sri KURATTAZHWAN.See also the "Taniyan"
of Sri Andal -"NEELA TUNGA..." by Sri PARASARA BHATTAR.
As we are sinners and the Lord is known for His "Swaa-
tantrya" (acting according to His own will),it is
necessary to approach Him through somebody who is very
near and dear to Him and whose advice is infallible.
Hence Nappinnai's intervention is is essential.
She is addressed as Nanda's daughter-in-law,because she
thinks that that is what gives her prestige and status
in society.Sita,when asked by Hanuman said," I'm the
daughter-in-law of Dasaratha first,and then only the
daughter of Janaka." So to an Indian woman Andal's
exhortation is: "After marriage a girl should always
prefer herself to be referred to as the daughter-in-
law of her father-in-law; which means that the welfare
of her husband's family should weigh more with her
than that of the family of her origin.This attitude
would enhance her own prestige and bring immense joy
to her own family."
This pasuram was the special favourite of our Acharya
Sri Ramanuja.He was in the habit reciting to himself
Tiruppavai stanzas while he went for his Maadhukara
Vritti (for collecting the alms the householders used
to give) .Once just as he reached the door of his Guru's
house he was meditating on this verse.While the last
line " SEERAAR VALAI OLIPPA etc " was on his lips the
door opened to the clinking of the bangles of the
daughter of his guru.Sri Ramanuja thought that it was
Nappinnai herself who opened the door and overwhelmed
with jubilation promptly prostrated himself before her.
The terrified girl ran to her father and narrated the
incident.The guru TIRUKKOTTIYUR NAMBI exclaimed,
"Jiya! were you reciting UNDU MADAKALIRU ? "
What an understanding between the Teacher and the
taught ! May that relationship save us all!.
19. KUTTU VILAKKU
A chola king who was constructing one of the ramparts
of the temple at Sri Rangam found that the beautiful
circular design was being spoilt by the house of a disciple
of KURATTAAZHWAN called PILLAI PILLAI AZHWAN,and ordered
it to be demolished.Sri PARASARA BHATTAR adviced him against
it explaining that it it is not his rampart but the
mangalasaasana (PALLAANDU) of the devotees which would
ensure safety to the Lord; and also that demolishing the
house of a SriVaishnava would be sure to bring down the
wrath of God.But the king turned a deaf ear to this advice,
and becoming furious caused trouble to Sri BHATTAR,as a
result of which he had to leave for Tirukkoshtiyur.While
he was suffering the grief of separation from Sri Rangam
and the Lord,his disciple NANJEEYAR requested him to
compose a song in praise of ANDAL to mitigate his feeling
of sorrow.There appeared from his lips the 'taniyan'
"NEELA TUNGA etc",which is the essence of the present
paasuram (KUTTU VILAKKU).
NAPPINNAI is lying on the costly couch along with Krishna.
The cot stands on four ivory bases,the ivory for which was
obtained by Krishna by his valorous act of plucking the
four tusks from the murderous mighty elephant Kuvalayapida.
Being the wife of a great hero she cannot get sleep anywhere
else except on such a cot.The references to the various
kinds of pleasures in this stanza is a suggestion by Andal
that all gopis should get them in Sri Krishna's company
and only for that reason Nappinnai is keeping company
with Him."If you don't ensure this,you surely don't have
mercy," Andal rebukes Nappinnai.
SECTION III
20.MUPPATTU MUVAR
Despite the rebuke, NAPPINNAI was moved to pity by the
wailing of the Gopis and getting up approached the door
to open it.Krishna thought," Nappinnai thinks that my devotees
are her own just as I consider hers to be mine.Hence
she should not open the door and get a good name ,leaving
me out.It is I who should open it." So He came from
behind and lifting her up bodily threw her on the bed
with Him.But the mutual touch was so pleasant to them
that they promptly forgot all about themselves and the
poor Gopis.
The inner meaning of this high drama,as given by the
commentator is that there is a Divine Couple who are
vying with each other to look after the welfare of all
of us (souls).Hence we have no cause for concern at all.
All we have to do is to accept their protection.
Andal says to Sri Krishna in this stanza: "You have on
several occasions in the past dispelled fear from the
minds of the Devas and rescued them from the Asuras.
Now by delaying in granting our boon you are going to
lose all that hard-earned reputation as a saviour.Note
also that we are not asking you to become the target
of the weapons of a Hiranya or a Ravana.We merely want
to see you get up from your bed and grant us the boon
of serving you.We are ANANYA PRAYOJANA ADHIKARIs.
21.YETTA KALANGAL
NAPPINNAI opened the door and told the Gopis: "Know
that I am one amongst you.Don't think I was keeping
mum.I was just waiting for an opportunity to advocate
your cause to the Lord.I will certainly accomplish
your end."
So she joins them.The Gopis now eulogise the Lord:
"Your father Nanda's prosperity is immeasurable;his
cattle-wealth is endless.It is sufficient if you
understand our distress."
The phrases UTTRAMUDAYAAY etc have double meanings:
UTTRAMUDAYAAY - 1) You are perfectly described in a
holy Scripture called Veda,which is unshakable,is
not of known authorship,permanent,flawless and is
an Authority by itself. 2)You have a very strong
determination not to abandon those who
surrender to you(as you exhibited in the case of
Vibhishana).
PERIYAAY- 1)Even those Vedas cannot fully describe
you as you possess an indescribable greatness.2)
Even after doing everything for your devotees you
think you have done nothing for them;and that what
you did was your own personal work.This is your
greatness.
ULAGINIL TOTRAMAAY etc.. 1)Vedas are rendered trust-
worthy by your incarnations as Rama,Krishna etc.
You have shown your form even to the lowliest among
the low in this world. 2)You have a predilection for
your devotees;you show this by going as messenger for
the Pandavas and acting as charioteer for Arjuna.So
much so that your 'Aasrita-Pakshapaata' (undue predilection
towards devotees) became evident even to enemies
like Duryodhana and Sisupala.
SUDARE -1)while the lustre of all the souls who take
birth due to their good and bad deeds gets dimmer with
each birth,your lustre (SUDAR) gets enhanced each time, as
your births are out of your Mercy (Kripa) for the distressed
souls.2)By willingly subjecting yourself to slavery in
respect of your devotees you enhance the lustre of your
greatness.
22.ANGAN MA
Sri Krishna enquires with the Gopis the reason for
their visit; and they reply:
O Lord! even though you know very well that we have
approached you as refugees,having no one else to give
us protection,you have not condescended to cast your
nectarine glances on us.We are born of a family (of
Azhwars) whose constant prayer is for your Grace and
that you you should talk to them by moving your coral-
like lips.We,like vanquished arrogant kings,have cast
aside our ego and assembled under your bedstead in
search of refuge.Our sole ambition is to be the target
of your merciful eyes.Your enquiry regarding the purpose
of our visit appears to be a new practice in your
relations with us.Know that we,who should be always
united with you,are today pining in separation.This
situation,which appears to be due to some curse,can
be modified only by your nectarine glance.It is only
for this cool look that we have come to you and not
for any other favour.So open your eyes slowly and
steadily look at us."
This is the very pathetic but gentle and sweet prayer
of ANDAL to Sri Krishna which would melt even an
adamantine heart.
NOTE: Each limb of the Almighty is capable of nullifying
the evil effect of a curse as can be seen in these cases:
1.HIS FEET -Ahalya's curse by her husband
2.HIS KNEES- Nala Kubara and Manigriva ,sons of Kubera
transformed into joined trees.
3.HIS THIGHS - Madhu and Kaitabha who were crushed to
death by them
4.HIS CHEST - Durvasa's curse on Indra,removed by Sridevi
who resides in His bosom
5. Now HIS EYES -curse of separation in the case of ANDAL
23. MAARI MALAI
Sri Krishna felt sad on hearing this pathetic appeal from
the Gopis who had come as refugees,when they were attendants
of Nappinnai.He also recollected two similar incidents in His
previous birth as Rama: 1)The Dandaka forest sages came and
exhibited their bodies mutilated by the demons;and He had
to apologise for His tardiness 2) When Vibhishana came to
Him,He thought He alone was responsible for all the
humiliations he had suffered at Ravana's hands.
When this is His behaviour towards even men,what then to
speak of women!So Sri Krishna consoled them and promised
to do whatever they wanted.They request Him to stir out
of His bedchamber with all splendour and grandeur.They
had seen His sleeping posture,but now they want to see
His grand gait as well as His sitting posture on His
royal throne.(Ninravarum Irundavarum Kidandavarum).
"Like a lion sleeping with a lioness in a mountain cave
during the rainy season,you sleep with Nappinnai,being
a jewel for Her bosom.Now O Lord,Awake and stride out".
Krishna asked: " Do you want me to appear before you like
RAGHAVA SIMHA or YADAVA SIMHA or NARASIMHA ?"
Gopis replied : "We merely gave the simile of the lion
to stress the fact that your greatness is natural to
you,just as a lion cub even at birth is the king of
the jungle and doesn't need any coronation.Further
it is like calling you POOVAI PPOO VANNA when this
comparison of your supreme bodily complexion to this
flower's is unworthy and highly improper."
UN KOYIL is noteworthy.In the 16th verse the Gopis said
"NANDAGOPAN KOYIL" (Nanda's mansion).Now they say "Krishna's
mansion".Strictly speaking to whom does it belong ? It
belongs to both; just like the Hridaya Kamalam (heart of
man) where both the soul and God reside;or like
AZHWAR TIRUNAGARI which belongs to both Saint NAMMAZHWAR
and the deity POLINDU NINRA BIRAAN.
24.ANRIVVULAGAM
In days of yore Arjuna ordered Sri Krishna,on the holy
battlefield of Kurukshetra,to park his chariot in between
the array of the two armies and the charioteer did so.
So also now the Gopis earnestly solicited Him to walk
out and embellish the royal throne by occupying it.He
did it.When He stirred out all the Gopis with Nappinnai
followed Him with prayers for His safety (Mangalaasaa-
sanam)and when He sat on the throne held His feet with
their very tender hands and pressed them to their heart
and eyes with veneration.They beheld quickly the change
in hue (i.e., the feet became very red owing to the strain of
walking and being pressed by their soft hands gently).
This reminded them of Sri Krishna's former heroic feat
of measuring the whole universe with His very delicate
feet.They thought they were also as cruel-hearted as
Indra and the devas who never thought about His tender-
ness (Saukumaarya).
That Andal is the very worthy daughter of Periyaazhwar
is proved in this verse.She says: " O Lord! you measured
this universe for the sake of Indra,who was intent on
getting back his kingdom;while Bali was after fame.No one
gave a thought to your tenderness;so we have come to
pray that you must be free from all evils.
Ravana was worse; he had neither the generosity nor the
aesthetic sense of Bali.Just like entering a cave and
waking up and fighting a wild beast you walked to Lanka
and fought with him.Hence we are afraid for you.
That was when you were 37 years of age.What about the
asura who entered the cart which was there to protect
you,at the time when you were an infant and unable to
distinguish between friend and foe? So we fear all the
more for that.
Then two asuras assuming the guise of a calf and fruit
tried to put an end to your life.They were hidden enemies.
We fear that all the more.
These were evil acts by your foes; but what about Indra for
whom you strained every nerve ? He suddenly became an
adversary, for the flimsy reason that you consumed his
food, and rained stony rain for seven days.You lifted up
the mountain and saved the entire Gokulam. Mangalam etc.."
UN SEVAKAME - only your (Krishna's) heroic feat.But it
may be remarked that in this paasuram Andal has sung
the glory of Vamana,Rama and Krishna.However there is
no contradiction here because they were all His own
previous births.Similarly her father Sri Vishnuchitta
sings of them all - "Varuga varuga inge Vamana nambi..
kariya kuzhal..Kaakutta nambi etc." As Sri Nanjeeyar
delectably puts it, "Both father and daughter had the
habit of building dams after all the water had flown
through to the sea."
26.MAALE MANIVANNAA
Lord Krishna: "O Gopis! your words are selfcontradictory.
You say you have come for getting materials for the NONBU,and
in the same breath that it is for enjoying my company.
Those who desire my company need to eschew all other
desires.Moreover what is this vow you mention? who has
prescribed it and what are the accessories needed?"
Gopis - "The cowherds proposed this vow.As it came in handy
to see your face and sing your glory and as it is in no way
opposed to our primary purpose of enjoying your company we
readily responded.We do it also to express our gratitude
towards these cowherds who have brought about our union
under this pretext.
"Although there is no direct Vedic injunction ,we do it
because our ancestors have done it (Melayaar seyvanagal).
We give more importance to the practices of our very
learned ancestors,than to any other injunctions."
Age old customs,traditions and practices of our Acharyas
are to be respected and observed with great care - is
the message of Andal in this paasuram.By enumerating all
the accessories for the Nonbu,Andal is actually speaking
about SAAMYAAPATTI- where the delivered soul gets emblems
similar to the Lord's in Sri Vaikuntha; and the warm welcome
it receives there after casting off this human mantle.
MAALE -depicts the LORD's excessive,boundless and unlimited loving
care and affection for the soul.It is the meaning of MAAM
in Geeta Charama Sloka.
AALINILAYAAY -mentioning His immeasurable and most wonderful
prowess brings out the sense of AHAM in the same sloka.
MAAM shows His SOULABHYA (accessability) and AHAM His
omnipotence.
27.KOODAAARAI VELLUM SEER
Sri Krishna,after hearing their list of articles needed for
the vow said- "O girls! If there is a God equal to Me then you
may find a conch equal to my Paanchajanya.You have asked
for 'many conches'I can give the conch blown at the temple
PULLARAYAN KOIL you mentioned in St.6,and the one I used
to blow to bring back the cattle from grazing and my
Paanchajanya.
"As regards PARAI - I can give the kettle drum JAAMBAVAAN
beat when I measured the whole universe; and the huge drum
beaten to celebrate my victory at Lanka;and the big one I
tie to my waist to attract all girls to my dance of the
pots (Kudakkoottu).
" PALLAANDU ISAIPPAAR - are your father Sri Vishnuchittar
and Sri Nammaazhwaar.
" KOLAVILAKKU - is Nappinnai; KODI - Garuda;and VITAANAM
(canopy) is Ananta.Are you satisfied ? Now you may go."
Gopis - "These are for the observance of our vow.But
after the vow we have to receive certain honours.They
are exclusively for us.You have to give them to all
to us."
This is the prayer of ANDAL in this paasuram;the inner
meaning being MUKTA BHOGA - the delivered soul's
enjoyment in the Lord's company at Sri Vaikuntha.
Incidentally Andal leaves a message for posterity.The
Lord can punish a soul for a wrong only if the the soul
is not prepared to take refuge unto Him i.e., only as
long the soul is bent on protecting himself by himself.
The moment he accepts His protection, the Lord cannot
punish him for his sins.This is the means to secure a
victory over him.This is the inner meaning of the first
line KOODAARAI VELLUM SEER.For ex: 1)Parasurama,instead
of confronting Rama with a bow and losing,could have
come with clasped hands,and won.This,perhaps he was not
aware of. 2) Ravana was allowed by Rama to get back to
his palace when he had lost everything and stood there
unable to defend himself.He came back the next day fully
furnished with with chariot and weapons,and lost his
life.Had he come without weapons he could have conquered
Rama.Gopis won Him over by their humble submission to
Him.
The ornaments referred to in this stanza are ornaments
not only for the body but the soul also.The food (SORU)
is the Lord; ghee and milk are His virtues (KALYANAGUNA).
MUKTA BHOGA is the quintescence of this stanza.
28.KARAVAIGAL
In the very first paasuram Sri ANDAL declared unequi-
vocally that Sriman Narayana alone was the Means(UPAAYA)
for getting emancipation and His Service."NarayananE
Taruvaan"- the "E" is very significant.Similarly Lord
Krishna in His CHARAMA SLOKA commanded "Maam EKAM
Saranam Vraja." - "EKAM" = Me ALONE. This is very well
brought out By Sri Andal in this verse.
A Prapanna who firmly believes that the Lord alone is
capable of putting an end to our ever-revolving cycle
of births and deaths should possess SIX essential
characteristics:
1.He should have no truck with any other "means" like
Karmayoga etc( this is his AAKINCHANYA).
2.Moreover to observe such Yogas he does not have any
legitimate right,as sanctioned by the Scriptures.He
has to declare his "lowness".(ANANYAGATITVA)
3.He has to keep thinking constantly of the Fullness
or unimaginable capabilities of Lord Almighty who
is the "MOOLA SUKRITA".
4.He should concentrate on the indissoluble relationship
that he has with God.
5.He should beg pardon of the Lord for all his countless
acts of misbehaviour in the past.
6.He should pray to God for the realisation of his
aspiration,namely Service to the Almighty.
Sri Andal in a very dramatic manner brings out all
these in this verse.
Sri Krishna observed,"O Girls! When your aspiration
is for the highest End - my Service (KAINKARYA),you
must have also performed the prescribed rites for it
like Karma Yoga etc. Have you done so ?"
Gopis: (emphatically) No,O Lord! To perform them we
should in the first place have learnt the Vedas by
sitting at the holy feet of a great Acharya(Prasaanta-
chittaaya samaanvitaya etc) reputed for his erudition
and practice of rites. But our "gurus" are the milch-
cattle and our vocation is tending them to fill our
stomachs.(KARAVAIGAL PIN SENRU etc)
To add to this we are born of a race which has no claim
for knowledge.(ARIVONRUMILOM)
Krishna: If that is the case I can't help you.
Gopis: We are imperfect creatures but your perfection
should fill up this gap.(KURAIVONRUM etc)
Krishna:Now you claim a relationship with me,but this
can be broken off very easily by performing a rite
called "Ghata Sraaddha"
Gopis:That rite is applicable only to the relationships
which are the result of Karma.But our relationship(namely
the one between the Soul and God)is indissoluble either
by you or us or both together.(UNTHANNODU etc)
Krishna: Now you correctly understand our relationship
and call me "Govinda" signifying my being one amongst
you.But in the past you have called me as 'Narayana"
which has caused me considerable pain.(NOTE: NARAYANA
indicates the Lord's relationship with every created
being,prapanna as well as non-prapanna;where as GOVINDA
was the title He received indicative of His special
Accessibility(SOULABHYA) and compassion towards calves,
cows and cowherds.)
Gopis: we apologise to you for this oversight on our
part.But after all we are innocent cowherd girls.Out
of our affection for you we lost our balance of mind.
Please forgive us.(ARIYAADA PILLAIGALOM etc)
Krishna then summoned NAPPINNAI and ordered her to
give them what they desired.
Gopis: No! she has played her role by recommending our
case to you.(PURUSHAKAARATVA).Now it is your turn.You
are the UPAAYA,the bestower of your very valuable and
much sought-after Service.(NOTE: in a similar case Sri
RAMANUJA in SARANAAGATI GADYA prayed to SRI LAKSHMI for
intercession and when she said ,"Astu te; tayaiva sarvam
sampatsyate", he proceeded to pray to the Lord for
Kainkarya.)Please do it.(IRAIVA etc)
"Sriman Narayana charanau...etc" - the First Line of
the DVAYA Mantra is well illustrated in this paasuram.
The stanza needs to be understood with an elaborate
explanation by an erudite Guru.The sum and substance
of the stanza is that He alone is the sole Means of
Salvation; and a person who has no claim for any Sat
Karma as the Means of salvation and a refugee, alone
is fit for surrendering himself unto the Lord.
29.SITTAMSIRU KAALE
This stanza clearly tells us of the highest Purushaartha
(the end of human life),explaining the meaning of PARAI.
Asking for Parai is a pretext; as the cowherds proposed
this "nonbu' for getting rain and as it came in handy for
Gopis(Andal) to keep looking at the face of Lord Krishna
for as long as they liked,they accepted it.Their real
intention is to get KAINKARYA (eternal service)at the
lotus-feet of the Lord.The word NARAYANANE used in the
first stanza was explained in the previous verse;the
word PARAI is explained here.
Both "Means" and "End" are the same in Sri Vaishnava
Sampradaaya;it is Sriman Narayana himself.If those who
take Him as the "Means' have contact with other "Means"
like Karmayoga etc,it is akin to pollution due to contact
with a dead body(because Karma Yoga etc are by nature
inert and need His Presence to give Result).And if they
consider their act of Surrender to the Lord
(Prapatti) itself to be the "Means", it is like accretion
of sin due to contact with a chandaala(because anything
which has the taint of the ego pollutes the purity of
the Prapanna).
Similarly regarding the "End" also there are two mistakes
which need to to be avoided: 1)Desiring other mundane
things from Him,which would be like desiring to eat poisoned
or contaminated food; and 2)serving the Lord for one's own
enjoyment rather than exclusively for His pleasure(Swaartha
Kainkarya),which would be like eating food left over from
another eater (Uchchishtha Bhojana).
Both these types of Purities (UPAAYA SUDDHI and UPEYA
SUDDHI) need to be strictly ensured by a Prapanna.The
previous verse (28) speaks of UPAAYA SUDDHI -"UNTANNAI..
..PUNNIYAM YAAM UDEYOM"- You ALONE are our Means.The
present verse enjoins UPEYA SUDDHI - "UNAKKE NAAM AAT_
SEYVOM" -We serve you for the sake of your happiness
ALONE,and we derive happiness on seeing your enjoyment.
Even the least trace of selfish enjoyment is to be
totally erased in the service of God.It is just as in
the case of sandal paste,cool breeze,flowers,ornaments
etc which give pleasure to man,without themselves feeling
any;the only difference being that man not being inert like
them feels happy looking at the pleasure of the Lord.
Krishna ordered His servants to bring the huge kettle-
drum (PARAI).Then Andal says,"O Wonder! you have not
understood us.We require only your everlasting,most
enjoyable service.We wish to be always born alongwith you,
and keep company with you always to serve you.(Like
Lakshmana who served Rama whether He was in Ayodhya
or in the forest.).Kindly guard us from evincing
interest in anything except you."
Just as the body serves a man,the Soul,which is the
body of the Lord (Yasya aatma sareeram),should serve
Him.This is the natural law.This is the message of
Andal in this crowning verse.
30.VANGAKKADAL KADAINDA
Those who study this Tiruppavai are forever acceptable to
Sri Mahalakshmi and Sriman Narayana - this is the gist of
this stanza.In days of yore,in Dwaapara Yuga,Gopis actually
performed this Nonbu.Later on Sri andal imitated them in
her heart.Both Gopis and Andal got the service of the Lord.
So also even without performing the rite or imitating it,
just by chanting this Divya Prabandha,people will get the
same fruit (Kainkarya).Sri PARASARA BHATTAR said,"Just as the
mother cow gives milk even in the presence of its dead and
stuffed calf (TOL KANRUKKUM IRANGUMAPOLE) so also the Lord
will bless us even though we are absolutely devoid of the
supreme devotion of Andal,merely because we are repeating
her words."
Gopis had surrendered themselves to Sri Krishna;but their
Saranaagati would gain fruit only through the PURUSHAKAARA
(recommendation) of Sri Mahalakshmi.The Lord had churned
the Milky Ocean to get her; and so the Gopis begin by chanting
that herculean effort of the Lord.VANGAKKADAL was churned
only to get Sri Devi who had remained hidden there.Thus
He became MAA(Lakshmi's)-DHAVA(husband).In stanza 2 Andal said
ADI PAADI- singing the glory of His Feet; here in 30 she
says KESAVANAI -of Him who has fascinating locks of hair.
Thus she enjoys the Lord's Form from His Holy Feet to His
Head (Aa paada choodam).
The meaning of the POORVA KHANDA (first half) of the DVAYA
Mantra is implied in this first line.
The word "SRIMAT" (He who is ever in the company of SRI) in
DVAYA mantra is represented here by MAADAHAVANAI.
" NARAYANA" in DVAYA means He who has the noble qualities
of VAATSALYA,SWAAMITVA,SAUSHILYA,SAULABHYA,GNAANA and SHAKTI.
These are brought out in the present paasuram as under:
1.KADAL KADAINDA -Lord Vishnu ,turning a blind eye (Kaanaa-
kkannittu) towards the blemishes of all the gods and demons,
churned the ocean to get them nectar;this is VAATSALYA.
2.He established His Supremacy by managing the entire
operation single-handedly; this is SWAAMITVA.
3.He even worked in cooperation with worst criminals -
the lowliest of the lowly; this is SAUSHILYA.
4.He took the guise of a charming cherub and personally
distributed the nectar;this is SAULABHYA.
5.He had the requisite knowledge,the know-how to churn
the ocean; this is GNAANA.
6.And He had the required strength to complete the task
up to the end; this is SHAKTI.
KESAVANAI- By referring to the locks of hair, His Form is
implied; that is the meaning of "CHARANAU" in the DVAYA.
Those who recite the Tiruppavai paasurams are sure to be
blessed by Him.They will get everything here and finally
attain Salvation.Sri PARASARA BHATTAR used to say,"every
one should every morning recite all the 30 verses;or at
least the 29th one-SITTAM SIRUKALE; if he finds even that
difficult, he should at least bring to his mind how much
exquisite joy WE added to our days and nights through
chanting,understanding,discussing and in fact living
with these Divine Verses (Naam irunda iruppai ninaippadu)."
Those who thus take refuge unto Him will serve Him for
ever and ever;no rebirth for them.Let us also chant these
sweet songs and make our mother SRI GODA DEVI's appearance
in this world useful and purposeful.
SRIRASTU
SRIMATYAI VISHNUCHITTARYA MANO NANDANA HETAVE
NANDA NANDANA SUNDARYAI GODAAYAI NITYA MANGALAM
25. ORUTTY MAGANAAY
Lord Krishna after hearing their mangalaasaasana said
with a melting heart and an affectionate tone: "O girls!
By your birth (as the daughter of Periyaazhwaar) you are
ever interested in my welfare and pray for that.You have
all come here braving the biting cold and unmindful of
your health.Have you anything else on your mind except
PARAI (accessories for the NONBU rite)?"
Gopis replied: "We have come under the pretext of petitio-
ning you for the accessories,but actually our request is
for your Service only."
Lord Krishna: " I may find it difficult to grant your
request immediately.After all it is not all that simple.
There may be so many impediments in the way."
Gopis: " You were born as the son of Devaki and on the
same night you became the son of Yasoda.To the former
you gave the pleasure of giving birth to you(avataara-
rasa), and to the latter the pleasure of enjoying your
sport (leela-rasa).Having falsified Kamsa's evil intentions
and you made them fall on his own head.All this you did
because of your love for your votaries.So nothing is
impossible for you.You can do away with all obstructions.
The only thing needed is that you should have the mind
to bless us with your Service."
