ANDAL NACHIYAR

TAMARAPU SAMPATH KUMARAN

About the Author:

Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes

articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples, and Temple

Architecture to many leading Dailies and Magazines.

His articles are popular in “The Young World section” of THE HINDU

His e-books on nature, environment and different cultures of people

around the world are educative and of special interest to the young.

His e-books – Guide to 108 Divya Desams, Guide to 275 Siva Sthalams,

The Path of Ramanuja, Madhwacharya, Guide to Kancheepuram and

Hinduism in a nutshell have been well received in the religious circle.

He was associated in the renovation and production of two Documentary

films on Nava Tirupathi Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in

Tamilnadu.

Acknowledgement:

I wish to express my gratitude to the authors from whose works I

gathered the details for this book, and to my wife Kamala Sampath in

compiling the details. Courtesy Google, for some of the photographs.

Special thanks to www.scribd.com for hosting my e-books.

Alwars (in pure Tamil "Azhwar") means "One who

immerses himself". They deeply immersed themselves in their

devotion and bhakti towards Lord Sriman Narayanan.

The Azhwars are reported to be incarnations of Nithasuris of Sri

Vaikuntam, namely, the Weapons, the Vanamaali, the Garuda, etc.

They lived like human beings and burst out Bhatia laden great works for

the sake of humanity. The works of Azhwars stood mysteriously a

replica of the Vedas themselves and therefore came to be known as

Dravidic Veda. In fact, there is a view that even the great Rishis are

no match to the greatness of the Azhwars because these Rishis got

their 'gnanam' (wisdom) as a result of their own actions of 'spiritual

merit' ( Punyam) whereas the wisdom of the Azhwars was the direct

result of the Lord's divine grace and therefore called ' Divyam'. It

is because of this that the works of Azhwars is called '

Divya Prabandham' which are 4000 paasurams (poems).

Azhwar's paasurams (poems) called Naalaayira divya prabhandam

composed by twelve Azhwars. The paasurams were collected and

brought out by one of the much revered Srivaishnava Acharyas called

Sri Naathamuni. Azhwar paasurams were not lost or unknown, by the

time of Sri Naathamuni, (9th century A.D.). It was by divine grace that

Sri Naathamuni came to know of the Tamil poems praising Lord

Vishnu. It is believed that Sriman Naathamuni heard some devotees

visiting his home town of Veeranaaraayanapuram (present day Kaattu

mannaarkudi near Mayilaadurthurai or Mayavaram) singing a few (11)

Tamil songs starting with "aaraa amudhe adiyen udalam" and ending

with

"... kurugoor sadagOpan

kuzhalil maliyach sonna Or

aayiratthuL ippatthum,

mazhalai theera vallaar kaamar

maanEy nOkkiyarkE."

The twelve Azhwars were all inspired and ardent devotees who

transmitted their divine infatuation to millions. They have left behind an

imperishable legacy of devotional Tamil poetry –

Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam - considered to be the essence of the

Vedas in Tamil, and in praise of Lord Vishnu. These have been rarely

equalled either in quantity or in quality ever after.

Nammazhvaar is held in greatest esteem among the Azhwars.

He lived during the seventh century CE. His contribution is as many as

1352 of the four thousand prabandhams. His hymns are considered by

the Vaishnavites to contain the essence of the Vedas. His works - Thiru

Aasiriyam, Thiru Virudham, and Periya Thiruvandhadhi correspond

to the Yujur, Rig and Atharva vedas respectively. His other work Periya

Thirumozhi (Divine words) is the one of the key works of Vaishnavism.

Periyazhwar delighted in worshipping Vishnu as mother, nurse,

devotee and lady love. Andal who grew up in Periyazhwar's home

attributed the Tiruppavai a most beautiful collection of 30 verses giving

expression to the purest love of God.

Tirumangai Azhwar has done “mangalasasanam”

(sung in praise) in maximum number of Divya Desams – pilgrim

centers.

Andal was a 10th century Tamil poet who is revered as a saint in the

southern parts of India. In fact, she is considered as one of the twelve

Azhwars (saints) and the only woman Azhwar of Vaishnavism (a cult

devoted to Lord Vishnu). She is also believed to be an incarnation of Sri

Bhumi Devi, the Divine Consort of Sriman Narayana, and manifestation

of Lord Vishnu.

Vallabhadeva was the ruler of Pandya kingdom at Madurai. One day the

king went round the city in disguise on horseback, to inspect the works

of the guards. He found a man sleeping on a pail. The king woke him up

and enquired who he was. "I am a Brahmin pilgrim named Vishnuchitta

lived in Villiputtur, a town near Madurai. My daily duties include

procuring flowers for the worship of the Lord, Vatapatrasayi (Lord

Narayana), at the local temple. I am going to Rameshwaram after a dip

in the holy Ganges," replied. "Tell me anything you think important,"

said the king. The Brahmin replied, "Oh King! One has to work for eight

months in order to earn enough for one full year's living. To provide for

a happy life in old age, a man must earn and save plenty of money in his

youth itself. To gain happiness in the next world one must strive hard on

earth in all possible ways and means to earn Punya (Merit in God's

eyes)".

On hearing this, the king was upset of not having done anything in this

world to earn happiness in the other world. Since different religious

codes teach different ways of earning merit, he arranged for a

conference of learned men to get a clear knowledge.

Vallabhadeva had a minister and religious adviser, named Selvanambi

who had a dream of Lord Srinivasa of Simhadri, to go at once to

Villiputtur and bring Vishnuchitta to Madurai.for the meet. Accordingly

he traveled from Madurai to Villiputtur and enquired about

Vishnuchitta. He was directed to a very beautiful garden. Even at a

distance the air was full of the fragrance of the Tulasi plant and of the

jasmine, the champak and the dandelion. The garden was full of bunches

of flowers of different colors, and was very beautiful

A middle-aged man, with twelve sacred marks on his body, was singing

hymns and collecting the leaves of the Tulasi plant and flowers. He was

conscious of nothing else. His hands were busy with God's work; his

mind was with God. He was Vishnuchittaa a pious and saintly man and

an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. They greeted each other.

Selvanambi was surprised to learn from Vishnuchitta that he too heard

the call of God, asking him go to the city of Madurai, and proclaim, the

Paratatva (the gospel that God is the ultimate goal), in the assembly of

King Vallabhadeva. Vishnuchitta was worried since he was not well

read in the Vedas or Shastras (the Scriptures). He had read them like any

other devoted Brahmin of the day. He was not a learned scholar. Since

God himself has directed him, he was in a fix. By the compulsion of

Selvanambi, Vishnuchitta agreed to accompany him to Madurai.

To the astonishment of the gathering, by the grace of God, Vishnuchitta

clearly explained the message of the Vedas. The learned men gathered

there appreciated Vishnuchitta‟s profound authority on the subject.

Vihnuchitta won laurels. King Vallabhadeva was very much pleased. He

conferred a title 'Pattar Piran' (Chief Priest) on Vishnuchitta. He had

Vishnuchitta taken in procession on an elephant.

It was Vishnuchitta who sang the devotional poem 'Tiruppallandu' -

may you prosper, in which he never asked for anything for himself. 'May

God bless all mankind, and may all turn towards God' - so he prayed. In

the first stanza of his poem he prays God as follows:

'May your feet, which are like red lotus, illumine the world forever and

forever! Oh Lord, whose dark blue shoulders overcome the strongest

wrestlers, may the beauty of your lotus feet illumine the world forever!'

Even today Tiruppallandu is being sung every day in many

Shrivaishnava temples.

Vishnuchitta came to be called “Periyazhwar” – “Great Azhwar”.

“Azhwar” means one who always loves God; the devotees of an Azhwar

believe that God is so pleased with his devotion that he follows his

wishes. Vishnuchitta returned from Madurai and become once again

absorbed in the floral worship of the Lord.

One morning, - in the Tamil month of Aadi, valarpirai, chathurdasi

thithi, Tuesday, and Pooram star - the sun had just risen and spread his

red rays everywhere. Vishnuchitta was working in his garden preparing

beds for his Tulasi plants with a spade. He was digging below a big

Tulasi plant. The spade struck something and there was a sound. Again,

holding the spade firmly, he dug the earth and then removed the mud

around. There was a box. He feared that the box might contain money

and jewels. But at the same time he thought that with this wealth he

could worship God better and was pleased. But yet again he grew

nervous and worried because he thought he should not take the treasure.

Well, all this must be the will of Vatapatrasayi! 'Whatever is in the

box belongs to Him and is for Him only', he decided. When he opened

the box, he saw something beyond his wildest dreams. A lovely female

baby lay in the box. It shone with a divine radiance most pleasing to the

eyes.

Periyazhwar thought that this was the play of the Divine will. He

brought the bright baby to his dwelling.

After he brought the baby, one after another several thoughts troubled

him. There was no woman in the house. Who was to bring up this baby?

And how? He did not know how to handle a child and how to take care

of it. Caught in the whirl wind of this thought Vishnuchitta felt that

having no family of his own, it was God's grace that gave him this child

and named the baby „Goda'. ('Go' means the 'earth' and 'da' means 'given

by') In Tamil he called her 'Kodai' (one who has beautiful hair

Vishnuchitta developed deep affection for the baby. He brought her up

with great care and love. He was both father and mother to her and

became absorbed in the task of bringing her up.

Periyazhwar never cooked for himself in the house. The prasadam

(cooked rice offered to God) given in the Vatapatrasayi temple was his

food. The same food was given to Kodai, also, who became accustomed

to it. He wanted her to be associated with God from her infancy.

As days passed Kodai delighted the Periyazhwar. Sometimes he thought'

“I am poor. I got this child. Should this child also grow up in poverty?”

This made him gloomy. But he was comforted when he saw that Kodai

had developed good qualities and was dedicated to the Lord; he thought

she was indeed rich and not poor.

Kodai grew up in an atmosphere of love and devotion. Vishnuchitta

doted on her in every respect, singing songs to her about his beloved

Krishna, at Gokulam, in Brindawan (Mathura in North – the birth place

of Krishna) teaching her all the stories and philosophy he knew, and

sharing with her his love of Tamil poetry. He was delighted when he

heard her pronouncing the names of Rama and Krishna. Little Andal

used to listen to the stories of Rama and Krishna with rapt attention. Her

interest in these stories grew.

The love Vishnuchitta had for his beloved Lord intensified further in his

daughter, and before long she was passionately in love with Lord

Krishna. Even as a child, Kodai made up her mind to marry none but the

Lord of Brindavan, and refused to think of any human being in similar

terms.

Little Kodai was always with her father. Whenever he went to the

garden he took her also with him. He used to tell her stories of God's

matchless strength and goodness and mercy. Her love for God and

devotion to Him developed from her childhood itself. Little Kodai

moving about with tiny steps surprised the Periyazhwar himself by her

enthusiasm for his work. She gathered the flowers and put them in the

basket. Periyazhwar used to keep saying, 'Every thing is for God,

everything is for God.' Even while collecting the flowers Kodai used to

remember Periyazhwar's words. While weaving the flowers into

garlands she sang like her father. Every time she chose a flower she was

happy with the thought that it would adorn God. She would identify

herself with the flower and begin to dedicate herself to God. She

excelled even the professional garland-makers in weaving garlands for

the Lord.

One day Periyazhwar had prepared a big garland. Kodai saw it. She was

filled with the desire to wear it. She wanted to please God, as the garland

pleased God. But she was afraid of what her father would say. But

Periyazhwar was not in the hut. Boldly she put on the garland. She

looked at herself and thought God might be pleased with her, too. After

some time she put the garland back where it had been. She repeated this

every day. Every day Periyazhwar unknowingly offered a garland to the

Lord; which was earlier worn by Kodai first, and then put back in the

basket.

One day, Vishnuchitta noticed a strand of Kodai's hair on one of the

garlands. Shocked and saddened by this desecration of what was meant

only for the Lord, he scolded Kodai for her misuse of the garland and

discarded it. He carefully prepared a new one and offered it to the Lord,

begging His pardon all the while.

That night, the Lord appeared to Vishnuchitta in his dream and asked

him why he discarded Kodai's garland instead of offering it to Him. He

told Vishnuchitta that He missed the scent of Kodai's body in the

flowers, and that He preferred them that way, and asked to continue to

offer the garlands once worn by kodai.

Overcome with emotion, Vishnuchitta awoke and cried with tears of joy

and remorse. It dawned on him that his daughter was someone whose

love of God was so intense and pure that even he had not comprehended

its extent. Her spiritual greatness was such that the Lord Himself wished

to share her presence. From this day on, she became known as

"Andal", the girl who "ruled" over the Lord. She was very happy. She

won over Periyazhwar by her qualities and indeed became 'Andal' (one

who attracts).

Azhwar was very much astonished and was happy. He had been

worshipping God for a very long time to gain His grace. And God had

responded to the devotion of this young teenage girl. “My daughter is

very fortunate. She has, gained the grace of God! She has excelled me in

divine knowledge! I did not realize this”, he thought. He was full of

repentance.

From that day he worshiped with the garland which Andal had worn

before. She came to be called “Choodikkodutha Naacchiyaar” (the

Beloved who first wore the flowers, and then offered

them to God).

Andal was never alone. She wanted her friends also to be devoted to

God and love him, as she did. She wanted her girl friends to please God

by their sincere devotion, meditation and worship. So she gathered a

team of her friends for the Lord's services.

A 'Vrata' (special worship) demands strict discipline. The worship in the

month of Margashira (winter) is of greater virtue than in other months

but is particularly difficult. Margashira and Pushya are winter months.

People shiver with cold. Often there is thick fog. To leave the warm bed

even a little early in the morning seems difficult. Margashira Vrata

requires the devotee to get up early in the morning and meditate on God.

Whatever be the difficulties, one who has undertaken this worship must

get up early.

Andal offered this worship with deep devotion. She trained her friends

for this special austere worship. Shri Krishna was the beloved Lord of

Andal. She wrote thirty songs of devotion to wake up her Lord and sang

them.

These songs became famous and are known as 'Tiruppavai' ('Tiru'means

the highest; 'Pavai' means devoted worship). It is to her credit that Andal

taught her friends the path of devotion to God and introduced

congregational worship and prayer.

Andal brought together five hundred thousand women for the devoted

service of God. She joined them in their meditation and hymns. She

taught them to worship God with love and devotion.

Andal showed an easy way of pleasing God. Not everyone can study and

understand the Holy Texts. Not everyone can serve God by spending

money. 'All are equal in the eyes of God. Dedication and love are all that

He wants,' said Andal.

Andal would constantly be singing songs in praise of God. She would

close her eyes and meditate on God, and forget the world in her

meditation. Seeing all this, her father used to admire her devotion. He

was happy when he saw Andal always lost in meditation.

Many years passed. The scriptyres narrate an interesting story about the

marriage of Andal.

Andal grew up. She had to be married. Father Periyazhwar also thought

about it. "Whom will you marry?" Vishnuchitta asked his daughter.

"The Lord Sriranganatha, at Srirangam temple, is my husband. I will not

accept anyone else as my husband” replied Andal. Vishnuchitta heard

this with deep concern. “Where are we and where is Almighty

Sriranganatha?” thought Periyazhwar. He prayed God to guide him.

One day Periyazhwar had a dream. Lord Sriranganatha Himself

appeared in his dream and told him, “Andal has won my heart, give her

to me in marriage."

Periyazhwar's heart was filled with joy. His worries vanished in no time.

But how could he go to Srirangam? Srirangashetra was nearly two

hundred miles away. In those days it was very difficult to travel that

long distance. There was no one to help him. Periyazhwar thought of the

Pandya King Vallabhadeva. He sent word to him. He told him about his

daughter's decision and the wish of Lord Sriranganatha. He made a

request: "I have to go to Srirangashetra with my daughter. Please help

me." The king was very happy. He considered himself as a member of

the bride's party. He made grand arrangements for Periyazhwar and his

daughter Andal to travel.

The priest of Lord Sriranganatha Temple also had a dream: “I am

marrying Andal. She must be brought in a grand procession, with all

honour," so ordered Lord Sriranganatha. The priest was surprised. But

he did not delay. He started at once. King Vallabhadeva also came from

Villiputtur to join the bridal party. Andal appeared as a bride, wearing

splendid ornaments.Periyazhwar was very happy when he saw the grand

procession, which came from Srirangam.

Andal sat in the palanquin. The marriage procession moved to

Srirangam with musicians playing on varied instruments. It reached

Srirangam. People came from many places to witness this grand

wedding.

Andal stepped down from the palanquin and stood before Lord

Sriranganatha. She was thrilled when she saw her attractive Lord. All

watched with bated breath. The marriage of Andal did take place! Andal

dedicated herself to the feet of Lord Sriranganatha. Her dream came

true. Everyone was amazed to see Andal entering the sanctum and

merge in Lord Sriranganatha. Lord Sriranganatha accepted her joyfully.

Everyone realized the greatness of Andal. Periyazhwar was grieved to

lose his daughter; but her supreme good fortune in being united with

Lord Sriranganatha Himself filled him with joy.

Andal became a Goddess to everybody. She, who had been an ordinary

girl, became a deity to be worshipped. The Town Villiputtur has been

from then on called Srivilliputtur.There is a beautiful temple of Andal in

Srivilliputtur. By its side is a garden.

To this day, Andal is worshipped with the flowers of that garden. The

garland worn by Andal the previous day is presented to Vatapatrasayi

the next day.

Andal is the person who gave 'Poomaalai' and 'Paamaalai'. Just as she

presented the garland of flowers to God after having worn it, she gave

Him a garland of songs too. She had been called Goda; the word means

not only one given by the earth' but also 'one who offers words'. The

name given to her was justified.

Andal Tiruvadigale Saranam

Tiruppavai' composed by Andal is a very beautiful collection of

poems. She prays to Lord Krishna in a variety of ways and calls her

fellow devotees to worship.

In one of the stories of the Bhagavatha – which narrates the childhood of

Krishna and His devotees - some girls pray to Durga- kaatyayinidevi

'May we get good husbands and may we live happily after marriage'.

Andal took this story of the Vraja girls from the Bhagavata, and while

they desired handsome and loving husbands, Andal desired that God

Himself should be her husband, and seek to become one with Him. In

Tiruppavai, Andal has made use of this story; and. prays that God may

become her husband. 'May I win Lord Krishna's love!' prays Andal. She

prays, 'May Lord Krishna rise from his bed; my heart is His throne; and

may He always shine on the throne of my heart!. People who worship

Shri Krishna believe that He is an incarnation of God. Shri Krishna was

Devaki's son. Thinking that Kamsa would kill Krishna, Krishna's father

Vasudeva took the baby to Nandagokula and left him there. Yashoda

brought him up in Nandagokula. Devaki, who gave birth to Krishna, and

Yashoda, who brought him up, were both human beings. Recollecting

this Andal prays to Krishna: “we have come to you. Only you can fulfill

our desires. We shall happily sing of the boundless joy you bestowed on

us.”

Then Andal preaches total surrender to God. Everyone who is filled with

the desire to reach God is like a maiden looking forward to her joyful

life with the husband she has chosen. Such a maiden lives only for her

husband and wants nothing except to live with him. The devotee who

wants to be accepted by God should show the same love and dedication

In one of the songs Andal wakes up a friend with these words: 'Birds are

flying. Did you not hear the sound of the conch in the temple? All

hermits are praising Shri Krishna, who pretending to suck milk killed the

Rakshasi (the demon) Poothana. All the sages are praying to Lord Hari

(Krishna). So wake up.'

In another poem, Andal says to her friends: 'in the garden behind your

house, the flower known as sougandhika has opened its lips. The lotus

has closed its lips. The sun has risen. The sanyasis are going to worship

God. So wake up. Let us also sing the praise of God.'

Andal prays to God thus: 'it is our desire to worship you in the early

morning and offer our services at your feet. You are a protector of cows;

accept our loving service; we shall be your servants in every birth.'

Tiruppavai attracted all that followed the path of devotion.

Some of the songs are to awaken the Lord. What does this mean - this

awakening of God from His sleep? God has to protect the good and

punish the wicked. But God is also merciful. Because of His mercy God

sometimes does not punish the wicked; so His mercy makes Him

inactive. It is this inaction, induced by God's mercy that Andal calls

sleep in these hymns. Evil forces grow stronger if the Lord does not

help the good people. So she begs God to awaken from His sleep and

overcome the forces of evil.

In the first five hymns Andal explains how one may become so worthy.

Both body and mind should be absolutely pure. And God must fill the

mind. No other desire, another goal should enter it.

Then Andal preaches total surrender to God. Everyone who is filled with

the desire to reach God is like a maiden looking forward to her joyful

life with the husband she has chosen. Such a maiden lives only for her

husband and wants nothing except to live with him. The devotee who

wants to be accepted by God should show the same love and dedication.

Human beings, too, are lost in sleep. A person's life is mere sleep until

he awakens to the greatness and the glory of God. The days and years he

spends in seeking other pleasures and objects are like time spent in

sleep. When he realizes the greatness of God he is like one who awakens

from dreams to the reality. The devotee who has surrendered himself /

herself to God finds pleasure in nothing except the thoughts of God.

Each Pasuram (ode to Gods) of Thiruppavai is generally named by the

first few words of the poem. These are given first and a translation in to

verse given then:-

1. Margazhi Thingal

maargazhi(th) thingaL madhi niRaindha nannaaLaal

neeraada(p) pOdhuveer pOdhuminO nErizhaiyeer

seer malgum aayppaadi(ch) chelva(ch) chiRumeergaaL

koorvEl kodundhozhilan nandhagOpan kumaran

Eraarndha kaNNi yasOdhai iLam singam

kaar mEni cengaN kadhir madhiyam pOl mugaththaan

naaraayaNanE namakkE paRai tharuvaan

paarOr pugazha(p) padindhElOr empaavaay

In this month of Marghazhi ,On this day filled with the light of

moon, Come for bathing,

Oh ladies who are richly dressed, And Oh ladies in rich homes of

cowherds, For he with the sharp spear, He who kills his enemies

without mercy, He who is the son of Nanda gopa , He who is the

darling son of Yasodha , Who wore scented flower garlands, He

who is a lion cub, He who is pretty in black colour, He who has

small red eyes, He who has a face like the well-lit moon, And He,

who is our Lord Narayana , Is going to give us big drums, So that

Let us resort to Him performing the Paavai-Nonbhu and get the

benefit of praise from the people of the world.

2. Vaiyathu Vazhveergal

Vaiyaththu vaazhveergaaL naamum nampaavaikku(ch)

cheyyum kirisaigaL kELeerO paaRkadaluL

paiya(th) thuyinRa paramanadi paadi

neyyuNNOm paaluNNOm naatkaalE neeraadi

maiyittu ezhudhOm malarittu naam mudiyOm

seyyaadhana seyyOm theekkuRaLai(ch) chenROdhOm

aiyamum pichchaiyum aandhanaiyum kai kaatti

uyyumaaReNNi ugandhElOr empaavaay.

May you listen to our austerities, we will sing in praise of the holy

feet of Paraman, the Supreme Purushan that has taken to sleep –

Yoganidhra, merrily on the milky ocean. At the early small hours

of dawn, we will bathe immersed in the river; and refrain from

applying anjanam to our eyes; performing proscribed duties; we

will not speak painful untruth; we will give liberally alms to those

people. We will always contemplate upon the fair method to

achieve the aim of purposeful life, and live a contented life. This

way, Oh dear girl, you may know our routine, refraining from

doing wrong acts, through the path of vairagya. Oh, who reside in

this world, Be pleased to hear of those penances, you are to follow

during our Paavai Nonbu.

3. Ongi ulagalandha Utthmar peyar padi

Ongi ulagaLandha uththaman pEr paadi

naangaL nam paavaikku(ch) chaatri neeraadinaal

theenginRi naadellaam thingaL mum maari peydhu

Ongu peRum senN nel oodu kayalugaLa(p)

poonguvaLai(p) pOdhil poRi vandu kaN paduppa(th)

thEngaadhE pukkirundhu seerththa mulai patri

vaanga kudam niRaikkum vaLLal perum pasukkaL

neengaadha selvam niRaindhElOr embaavaay

lth

If we adhere to the Vratam Paavai nombu, sing in

praise of the holy names of the Utthaman, Lord Thrivikraman who

grew to a cosmic form and measured the three worlds in two

strides and put His third step on the head of Emperor Mahabali,

When we bathe, in the sacred Yamuna in the name of our Vratham,

there will be three timely showers, of rain in the country The

country will be rich and plentiful And the red paddy plants would

grow big, and in their fields the fish would swim and play, and the

spotted bees after sipping honey to their hearts content , would

sleep in the flower themselves after the fill, and the cows with big

udder would fill milk pots to the brim, and this will never diminish

wealth. And all this is assured by worship.

4.Azhi mazhai kanna

1. aazhi mazhai(k) kaNNaa onRu nee kai karavEl

aazhi uL pukku mugandhu kodu aarthu ERi

oozhi mudhalvan uruvam pOl mey kaRuththu(p)

paazhiy am thOLudai(p) paRpanaaban kaiyil

aazhi pOl minni valamburi pOl ninRu adhirndhu

thaazhaadhE saarnga mudhaiththa sara mazhai pOl

vaazha ulaginil peydhidaay naangaLum

maargazhi neeraada magizhndhElOr embaavaay ,

Oh Lord Varuna who comes from the sea,

please enter the sea again, and bring water to your fill. You should

become resplendent with lightning, just as the dazzling discus, held

on the hand of Lord Padmanabha with broad shoulders. You

should make a thunderous roar like the conch – Paanchajanyam,

held by the Lord; you should bring forth rains in abundance

without any cessation, -the rains just like the shower of arrows

coming forth in succession from the bow – Saarangam, of the

Lord, to make this world happy, and to help us take bath in the

month of Margahzhi, and worship.

5. Mayanai

maayanai mannu vada madhurai maindhanai(th)

thooya peru neer yamunai(th) thuRaivanai

aayar kulaththinil thOnRum aNi viLakkai(th)

thaayai(k) kudal viLakkam seydha dhaamOdharanai(th)

thooyOmaay vandhu naam thoomalar thoovi(th) thozhudhu

vaayinaal paadi manaththinaal sindhikka(p)

pOya pizhaiyum pugudharuvaan ninRanavum

theeyinil thoosaagum cheppElOr embaavaay

All of our sins will vanish like a blade

of grass thrown into fire, when we sing in praise of Krishna and

worship Him, the young courageous Lord born at north Mathura.

One who sports in the pure waters of the great river Yamuna; the

emerald-like shining Lamp that has risen from the race of

cowherds; and the Lord who made His mother‟s womb holy. We

came after a holy bath; we sang and offered pure flowers at his

feet, bringing the thoughts of him in our mind. We were sure, that

all our mistakes of the past, and all that we will do in future, will

vanish as ashes in fire. Therefore let us sing His glory.

6. Pullum shilambina kaan

puLLum silambina kaaN puLLaraiyan kOyilil

veLLai viLi sangin pEraravam kEttilaiyO

piLLaay ezhundhiraay pEy mulai nanchundu

kaLLa(ch) chakatam kalakkazhiya(k) kaalOchchi

veLLaththaravil thuyilamarndha viththinai

uLLaththu(k) kondu munivargaLum yOgigaLum

meLLa ezhundhu ari enRa pEraravam

uLLam pugundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

Awaken, Oh Young girl! Even the birds have

woken up and are chirping about the arrival of the morning. Did

you not hear twittering birds making loud noises. Did you not hear

the loud sound of white conch, from the temple of the king of

Garuda.Oh girls please wake up. Let us hear the holy sounds of

“Hari , Hari” from the savants and sages, calling him who drank

the poisonous milk from the ghost, Putana, Him who kicked and

killed the ogre of the cart (Chakrasura), and him who sleeps on the

great serpent, Adi Sesha. Oh Young girl! Please awaken and join

us in the nombu!

7.Keesu keesu endrengum

keesu keesu enRu engum aanaich chaaththaan kalandhu

pEsina pEchcharavam kEttilaiyO pEy(p) peNNE

kaasum piRappum kalakalappa(k) kai pErththu

vaasa naRum kuzhal aaychchiyar maththinaal

Osai paduththa thayiraravam kEttilaiyO

naayaga(p) peN piLLaay naaraayaNan moorththi

kEsavanai(p) paadavum nee kEtta kidaththiyO

dhEsamudaiyaay thiRavElOr embaavaay

Did you not hear, Oh slow witted girl, the twittering sound of

black birds of the morn, outside your sleeping chambers? Which

sounds like a talk between them, did you not hear the tingling

sound, and the dawn is advancing. There are signs of the world

awakening all around you. Don't you hear the sound made by the

busy churning of the curd by the other gopis with symmetric

movement of their churning rods?

The body movement of these beautiful gopis sends out fragrances

from their flower-adorned locks of hair and their bangles collide

against each other and result in a rhythmic musical sound. Oh,

leader among girls, How can you sleep, How can you be so

indifferent and sleep away even after hearing us singing the

namams of our Lord Kesavan, who destroyed the demon Kesi

appearing in disguise as a horse? Please awaken and get up! When

they sing the names sweetly of Narayana and Kesava, Oh, She who

is sparkling, Be pleased to open the door, Come and open the door

so that we could sing together about the mahimai of our Lord and

worship.

8. Keezh vanam Vellendru

keezh vaanam veLLenRu erumai siRu veedu

mEyvaan parandhana kaaN mikkuLLa piLLaigaLum

pOvaan pOginRaarai(p) pOgaamal kaaththu unnai(k)

koovuvaan vandhu ninROm kOdhugalam udaiya

paavaay ezhundhiraay paadi(p) paRai kondu

maavaay piLandhaanai mallarai maattiya

dhEvaadhi dhEvanai(ch) chenRu naam sEviththaal

aavaavenRu aaraayndhu aruLElOr embaayaay

In Gokulam, the Cowherds had three kinds

of wealth: Cows, Sheep and Buffalo and the approaching day

break is seen by the whitening of the Eastern sky from the earlier

red hue linked with Arunodhayam. Awaken! The hungry buffalos

have been led to the pastures close to home for their “breakfast” of

dewy grass. We have detained the other Gopis, who were

ready to go to the place of vratham so that you can join us. We

have assembled in front of your house to awaken you and take you

with us. Please get up.to sing of our Lord's glory together. When

we approach our Lord, prostrate before Him in all humility.

Krishna, the Lord of all Gods will be moved and have Daya for us

and will inquire about our yoga Kshemam with great interest

Please wake up. Let us all sing and get gifts,

9. Thoo mani madathu

thoomaNi maadaththu sutrum viLakkeriya(th)

thoopam kamazha(th) thuyilaNaimEl kaN vaLarum

maamaan magaLE maNi(k) kadhavam thaazh thiRavaay

maameer avaLai ezhuppeerO un magaL thaan

oomaiyO anRi sevidO ananthalO

Ema(p) perunN thuyil mandhira(p) pattaaLO

maamaayan maadhavan vaikundhan enRenRu

naaman palavum navinRElOr enbaavaay

The cowherd women folk practicing the Srivratham (Paavai

Nonbhu) awaken another maiden, who has self complacency in her

earnest devotion to the Lord.

You are taking rest and sleeping on the soft bed, while the lamps

are lit all round the dazzling hall with inlaid gem stones of your

mansion filled with aroma of the incense.

Please get up, and open the lever-lock of the shining doors. Dear

Aunt! Could you please awaken your daughter? Is she dumb or

deaf or exhausted and tired out? Or has she been cursed with long

spell of sleep? Let us recite as remedy, the numerous names of the

Lord as” God of theSupreme magical power (Mahamayan), the

Lord of Goddess Maha Lakshmi - Maadhavan and Vaikuntan - the

Lord of Sri Vaikuntam and get benefited

10. Notru Swargam

nOtru(ch) chuvarkkam puguginRa ammanaay!

maatramum thaaraarO vaasal thiRavaadhaar

naatra(th) thuzhaay mudi naaraayaNan nammaal

pOtra(p) paRai tharum puNNiyanaal pandu oru naaL

kootraththin vaay veezhndha kumba karaNanum

thOtrum unakkE perunthuyil thaan thandhaanO

aatra anandhal udaiyaay arungalamE

thEtramaay vandhu thiRavElOr embaavaay

Here a Gopi, who thinks of herself as one deeply immersed in

Bhagavath Bhakthi is awakened.

Oh Dear girl, who is very much confident of practicing nombu and

entering heaven – Svargam. Is it your custom not to open the doors

and not even respond to our calls? If we sing in praise of Lord

Narayana – Krishna, adorning the fragrant Tulasi garland on His

head, He will surely bless us for our Vratham.

So, you also wake up and come with us. Is it that Kumbhakarnan,

who was in days of yore, made to leap to his death by Lord

Ramachandra, give you his sleep before he went off from here, Oh

lass who is very lazy, Oh lass, who is like pretty jewels, Wake up

from your sleep, well, and open the door.

11. Katru karavai

katru(k) kaRavai(k) kaNangaL pala kaRandhu

setraar thiRalazhiya(ch) chenRu seru(ch) cheyyum

kutram onRilaadha kOvalartham poRkodiyE

putru aravu alkul punamayilE pOdharaay

sutraththu thOzhimaar ellaarum vandhu nin

mutram pugundhu mugil vaNNan pEr paada

sitraadhE pEsaadhE selva peNdaatti nee

etrukku uRangum poruLElOr embaavaay

In this paasuram, a Gopi known for her

extraordinary beauty and distinguished lineage is being awakened.

Her relatives are known well for the way in which they discharge

the duties of the Aayar Kulam. Oh daughter of the cattle baron,

who milks herds of cows, wages war on enemies and makes his

enemies loose their strength

Oh Golden Creeper of a girl you are a jewel among the cowherds,

thoroughly blemishless! Oh charming peacock-like damsel with

the hips resembling the hood of a cobra!

You come and join our fold. When we--Your kinswomen and

friends have come and entered the open front yard of Your house,

and when we are singing in chorus the names of the Lord of dark

cloud-like hue, what are you fast asleep for, without even moving

or giving response, Oh rich and young girl

, 12. Kanaithilam Katrerumai

kanaiththu iLam katrerumai kanRukku irangi

ninaiththu mulai vazhiyE ninRu paal sOra

nanaiththu illam sERaakkum naR chelvan thangaay

panith thalai veezha nin vaasaR kadai patri(ch)

chinaththinaal then ilangai(k) kOmaanai(ch) chetra

manaththukku iniyaanai(p) paadavum nee vaay thiRavaay

iniththaan ezhundhiraay eedhenna pEr uRakkam

anaiththu illaththaarum aRindhElOr embaavaay

In the previous paasuram, Andal awakened the

sleeping Gopi with her father in mind, here She awakens the Gopi

with her brother in mind. This brother is the one, who watches over

Krishna from getting into trouble and accompanies Krishna every

where like His shadow.

Hey, sister of the rich one, who owned the mooing she buffalo with

a calf which took pity on the calf, and gave out plenty of milk to it

through its udder, This made his courtyard slushy with milk.We

assembled in thine yard, in the dripping fog, and sing about Him,

Who killed in anger the king of Southern Lanka , He who is very

dear on. Wake up now, Why this very deep slumber, Why do you

prolong your sleep? People in all other houses have already woken

up.

13. Pullin Vay keendanai

puLLin vaay keendaanai(p) pollaa arakkanai(k)

kiLLi(k) kaLaindhaanai(k) keerththi mai paadi(p) pOy(p)

piLLaigaL ellaarum paavai(k) kaLambukkaar

veLLi ezhundhu viyaazham uRangitru

puLLum silambina kaaN pOdhari(k) kaNNinaay

kuLLa(k) kuLira(k) kudaindhu neeraadaadhE

paLLi(k) kidaththiyO! paavaay! nee nan naaLaal

kaLLam thavirndhu kalandhElOr embaavaay.

The lasses have reached the place of prayer for Pavai, Singing the

fame of our Lord. They went there singing the praise of our

Krishnan, who tore open the mouth of Bakasuran the demon, who

in the form of a crane, came to assault Him, and who, in His earlier

avatharam as Rama, chopped off the ten heads of the treacherous

demon king Raavana and destroyed him.

The nevus has risen in the morn, The Jupiter has vanished from

the sky, The birds are making lot of sound, Of beautiful one with

wide eyes red as a flower. Without taking bath by dipping again

and again, In ice cold water, Would you prefer to sleep. Oh lass,

On this holy day, Do not stay aside, come to bathe with us. Kindly

leave your restraint and aloofness and join us freely.

14. Ungal puzhakkadai

ungaL puzhakkadai(th) thOttaththu vaaviyuL

sengazhuneer vaay negizhndhu aambal vaay koombina

kaaN

sengaR podi(k) koorai veNbal thavaththavar

thangaL thirukkOyil sangiduvaan pOdhanRaar

engaLai munnam ezhuppuvaan vaaypEsum

nangaay ezhundhiraay naaNaadhaay naavudaiyaay

sangOdu chakkaram Endhum thadakkaiyan

pangaya(k) kaNNaanai(p) paadElOr embaavaay.

In this paasuram, a silver tongued leader of the Gopis is being

awakened, who proclaimed the evening before that she will wake

up first and then wake all the other Gopis. Now, she has forgotten

all about that promise and is sleeping cozily. The Gopis waiting

outside are annoyed and yet want to have this silver tongued Gopi

with them, when they go to meet Krishnan, since she has the

powerful persuasive skills to influence Krishna to grant the boons

that they desire.

Already it is day-dawn, for even the Senkazhuneer flowers red

lotuses have bloomed and Aambal flowers have closed their buds,

in the small tank of your back-yard garden. The white toothed

sages, who wear clothes as red as the powder of brick, are going to

their temples for blowing the conch. Oh our Lady who yesterday

that you will come and awaken us at first! Now, please get up.

Please wake up, are you not ashamed you chatter box, Let us sing

the glory of the Lord of lotus-like eyes, who holds aloft on His

mighty hands, the Conch and the discus

15. Elle, ilam kiliye

ellE! iLam kiLiyE innam uRangudhiyO

chil enRu azhaiyEn min nangaiyeer pOdharuginREn

vallai un katturaigaL paNdE un vaay aRidhum

valleergaL neengaLE naanE thaan aayiduga

ollai nee pOdhaay unakkenna vERudaiyai

ellaarum pOndhaarO pOndhaar pOndhu eNNikkoL

val aanai konRaanai maatraarai maatrazhikka

vallaanai maayanai(p) paadElOr embaavaay

This paasuram unlike the other awakening paasurams, is set in

Paraspara Samvadham (mutual dialog) Those who understand the

importance of Bhagavath daasyam and stay away from the

apacharams to the servants of the Lord are very, very dear to Him.

That is why our Lord says in His upadesam: “Dhyanithu

aathmaiva” and “mama bhaktha bhaktheshu”. Another utthama Sri

Vaishnavar wants the boon of being the Lord's servant's servants

seven times over.

p “Hey, little bird, Are you still sleeping? ” “Don‟t disturb my sleep,

Lasses, I will just come”. “You are good in your speech, we know

what you mean.” “You be good, but leave me alone” “Come

quickly, why is it different for you?” “Have every one gone?”

“Gone, think they have gone” “Please wake up and sing, of He

who killed the big elephant, of him who can remove enmity from

enemies, and of him who is the holy enchanter..

16. Nayaganay ninra

naayaganaay ninRa nandhagOpan udaiya

kOyil kaappaanE! kodi thOnRum thOraNa

vaayil kaappaanE! maNi(k) kadhavam thaaL thiRavaay

aayar siRumiyarOmukku aRai paRai

maayan maNi vaNNan nennalE vaay nErndhaan

thooyOmaay vandhOm thuyil ezha(p) paaduvaan

vaayaal munnam munnam maatraadhE ammaa! nee

nEya nilai(k) kadhavam neekkElOr embaavaay

Dear Bhakthas: The ten girls symbolizing “the pancha-Laksham

gopis” of Gokulam are awakened now and proceed together to

Nandagopan's palace to awaken the residents of that mansion.

Hey , He who guards the palace of Nanda Gopa , Hey, who guards

the ornamental door with flags, Please be kind to open the door

with bells, For yesterday the enchanter Kannan , has promised to

give beating drums, to us the girls from the houses of cow herds.

We have come after purification, to wake Him up with songs. So

do not talk of this and that, Hey dear man, open the door with

closed latches, so that we can worship our God.

17. Ambarame Thannere

ambaramE thaNNeerE sORE aRam seyyum

emberumaan nandhagOpaalaa ezhundhiraay

kombanaarkku ellaam kozhundhE kula viLakkE

emberumaatti yasOdhaay aRivuRaay

ambaram ooda aRuththu Ongi ulagu aLandha

umbar kOmaanE uRangaadhu ezhundhiraay

sem poR kazhaladi(ch) chelvaa baladhEvaa

umbiyum neeyun uRangElOr embaavaay.

In the previous Paasuram, the gatekeepers were requested to open

the doors of Nandagopan's palace so that the Gopis can get inside

and wake up King Nandagopan, Queen YasodhA, Lord Krishna

and Prince Baladevan, the elder brother of Sri KrishnA. The

gatekeepers obliged and the Gopis stand now in front of the bed

chambers of each of them and appeal to them to awaken.

Hey Nandagopa, who does good deeds and charity, Who gives

water, cloth and food to others, Pleas wake up. Our lady Yasodha,

who is the light of the homes of cow herds, and She who is dear to

all the ladies, Please wake up. Hey, Krishna who is the king of

Gods, Who went up tearing the sky. Please wake up, and do not

sleep. Hey Baladeva , who wears pure golden anklets, Please wake

up along with your brother, So we can worship our God.

18. Undhu Madha kalitran

undhu madha kaLitran Odaadha thOL valiyan

nandhagOpan marumagaLE nappinnaay

kandham kamazhum kuzhali kadai thiRavaay

vandhu engum kOzhi azhaiththana kaaN maadhavi(p)

pandhal mEl pal kaal kuyilinangaL koovina kaaN

pandhu aar virali un maiththunan pEr paada(ch)

chendhaamarai(k) kaiyaal seeraar vaLai olippa

vandhu thiRavaay magizhndhElOr embaavaay

Lord and Sri Devi are inseparable and they serve together as

Upayam (means) and Upeyam (Ultimate goal). This is “Yeka

Sesthithvam”.

Oh daughter-in-law of King Nandagopa, who has the proud gait of

elephants with valiant shoulders having invincible strength. Oh

Nappinnai with enchanting fragrant black tresses! Kindly unlock

Your door. Hearken, the cocks have awakened now and are

making lound noises. The group of cuckoos sitting on the

boevenwer of Maadhavi (Kurukkatthi) flowers, have cooed gently

many times.

As we wish to sing about Your Lord's names, please come with joy

and open the door with your red lotus-like soft hands, which create

a pleasant sound (sunadham) from the movement of Your bracelets

adorning your forearms

19. Kuthu Vilakeriya

kuththu viLakkeriya kOttu(k) kaal kattil mEl

meththenRa pancha sayanaththin mEl ERi(k)

koththalar poonguzhal nappinai kongai mEl

vaiththu(k) kidandha malar maarbaa vaay thiRavaay

mai(th) thadam kaNNinaay nee un maNaaLanai

eththanai pOdhum thuyilezha ottaay kaaN

eththanaiyElum pirivu aatragillaayaal

thaththuvam anRu thagavElOr embaavaay

The young gopis try to wake up the Dhivya Dampathis, Nappinnai

Piratti and Lord Krishna.

As the cluster of lamps are glowing beside, Oh Lord Krishna You

are lying on the very soft silky bed, on the ivory cot with Your

broad chest resting on the bosom of Sri Nappinnai, who is adorned

with blossomed bunches of flowers on Her tresses. Krishna even if

You are unable to get up may You, at least open Your mouth.

Oh Young Lady with black and wide eyes, we think that you won't

allow Your Lord to wake up, even if it is late, because you cannot

bear His separation, even for a short while. However, Oh Young

lady, neither it is just on your part to keep the Lord only for

yourself nor does it befit Your unbounded Mercy!

20. Muppathu Muvar

muppaththu moovar amararkku mun senRu

kappam thavirkkum kaliyE thuyil ezhaay

seppam udaiyaay thiRal udaiyaay setraarkku

veppam kodukkum vimalaa thuyil ezhaay

seppenna men mulai(ch) chevvaay(ch) chiRu marungul

nappinnai nangaay thiruvE thuyil ezhaay

ukkamum thattoLiyum thandhu un maNaaLanai

ippOdhE emmai neeraattElOr embaavaay

Please wake up Oh, Lord, Who removed sorrow and fear, from the

thirty three sections of Devas, even before they approached you, by

going to battles, on their behalf and by being in front of them.

Oh Lord, Who is glittering like gold, Oh Lord, who has inimitable

valour, Kindlyawaken. Oh the great Lady Nappinnai possessing a

charming physique --with a jar-shaped soft bosom, enchanting rosy

lips and slim waist! Oh the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi! Be

pleased to rise up. May you give us a fan, a mirror and Your Lord

as well, and at this time itself, may you help us to take our

ceremonial bath.

21. Etra kalangal

Etra kalangaL edhir pongi meedhaLippa

maatraadhE paal soriyum vaLLal perum pasukkaL

aatra(p) padaiththaan maganE aRivuRaay

ootram udaiyaay periyaay ulaginil

thOtramaay ninRa sudarE thuyil ezhaay

maatraar unakku vali tholaindhu un vaasaR kaN

aatraadhu vandhu un adi paNiyumaa pOlE

pOtriyaam vandhOm pugazhndhElOr embaavaay

Oh Lord, Kindly get up; You are the son of Lord Nandhagopan,

who is the owner of innumerable, generous and big cows that pour

forth incessantly, copious milk into the vessels, kept (below their

udder) in quick succession, and are overflowing. Oh Lord, who is

full of mercy, Oh Lord, who is better than the best, Oh lord, who is

the light that began the world please wake up. Oh Lord, who is

very much attached to us! Oh Supreme One! The effulgent streak

of light arisen in this World! Be pleased to rise up. We have come

to you singing Your praise and proclaiming Your greatness. Kindly

lend your ears and fulfill our prayerful requests.

22. Angan maa gnalathu arasar

AnkaN maa GYaalaththu arasar abimaana

pangamaay vandhu nin paLLi(k) kattiR keezhE

sangam iruppaar pOl vandhu thalaippeydhOm

kingiNi vaay(ch) cheydha thaamarai(p) poo(p) pOlE

sengaN chiRu(ch) chiRidhE emmEl vizhiyaavO

thingaLum aadhiththanum ezhundhaaR pOl

am kaN irandum kondu engaL mEl nOkkudhiyEl

engaL mEl saabam izhindhElOr embaavaay

just as the kings of the vast beautiful Earth, who stay contented in

large groups at the foot of Your cot (throne) after renouncing their

haughtiness and self-esteem, we also have come near. Will not the

sight of your red eyes which is like the lotus fall little by little on

us? If you see us using those eyes, which are like sun and the

moon, all the curse on us will vanish we will be freed from the

curse of sins, past, present and the future.

23. Maari malai muzhanchil

maari malai muzhainchil manni(k) kidandhu uRangum

seeriya singam aRivutru(th) thee vizhiththu

vEri mayir ponga eppaadum pErndhu udhaRi

moori nimirndhu muzhangi(p) puRappattu(p)

pOdharumaa pOlE nee poovaippoo vaNNaa un

kOyil ninRu iNGNGanE pOndharuLi(k) kOppudaiya

seeriya singaasanaththu irundhu yaam vandha

kaariyam aaraayndhu aruLElOr embaavaay

Like as the majestic lion wakes up with

ire, from the mountain cave in the rainy season, looking with fiery

sight, and with deep angry sweat from all the hairs, turns up its

head with awe, and comes out making lots of din, Hey Lord , who

is the colour of the blue lotus, come from your temple to here, and

sit on the majestic royal throne, and hear with compassion, May

You kindly look into the aim and purpose of our coming here

24. Anru ivvulagam

anRu iv ulagam aLandhaay adi pOtri

senRangu(th) then ilangai setraay thiRal pOtri

ponRa(ch) chakatam udhaiththaay pugazh pOtri

kanRu kuNil aaveRindhaay kazhal pOtri

kunRu kudaiyaay eduththaay guNam pOtri

venRu pagai kedukkum nin kaiyil vEl pOtri

enRenRum un sEvagamE Eththi(p) paRai koLvaan

inRu yaam vandhOm irangElOr embaavaay

Slowly and gradually, the young gopis could find Lord Krishna

getting up and walking towards them. They perform

mangalasanam to His Thiruvadigal – feet. We worship your feet

which measured the three worlds then we worship your fame of

,

winning over the king of Southern Lanka, Your enormous

vanquishing power. You gave a kick to sakatasura destroyed Him

with Your Thiruvadi. We hail your victorious anklet and feet. You

have lifted aloft the Govardhanamountain just as an umbrella; We

hail Your pristine merits and grace. You hold in your hand, a

powerful spear that completely subjugates and eradicates Your

enemies; We hail and glory the spear in Your hand.

We have come to your side today now to offer our prayers and to

seek the drum (parai) from You, So Please be compassionate to us,

who seek eternal Kaimkaryam to You.

25. Oruthi maganai Pirandhu

oruththi maganaay(p) piRandhu Or iravil

oruththi maganaay oLiththu vaLara(th)

tharikkilaan aagi(th) thaan theengu ninaindha

karuththai(p) pizhaippiththu(k) kanchan vayitril

neruppenna ninRa nedumaalE!, unnai

aruththiththu vandhOm paRai tharudhiyaagil

thiruththakka selvamum sEvagamum yaam paadi

varuththamum theerndhu magizhndhElOr embaavaay

Lord Krishna's avathara rahasyam is being celebrated here.

Being born to woman, and in the same night in hiding, you became

the son of another. But the fire in the stomach of that Kamsa could

not tolerate and wanted to cause more harm to you. Oh great one

we have come here with desire for a drum, and if you give the

drum to us, we would sing about thine great fame and wealth, and

would end our sorrows and become happy.

26. Maale! Manivanna!

maalE! maNivaNNaa! maargazhi neeraaduvaan

mElaiyaar seyvanagaL vEnduvana kEttiyEl

NYaalaththai ellaam nadunga muralvana

paal anna vaNNaththu un paancha sanniyamE

pOlvana sankangaL pOy(p) paadudaiyanavE

saala(p) perum paRaiyE pallaandu isaippaarE

kOla viLakkE kodiyE vidhaanamE

aalin ilaiyaay aruLElOr embaavaay

May You listen to us, If you ask us what we need, in your great

grace and great deeds, for our holy bath of Marghazhi, we are in

the need of following. A superior conches similar to Your great

Paanchajanyam, which have the white hue of milk and which

through their tumultuous sound shakes all the

worlds, Several musicians of fame to sing “Pallandu” Several

beautiful pretty lamps, Several flags and cloths to make tents. Oh,

He who sleeps on a banyan leaf at time of deluge, please giveus

them all, so that we worship.

27. Koodaarai vellum seer Govinda

koodaarai vellum seer gOvindhaa undhannai(p)

paadi(p) paRai kondu yaam peRum sammaanam

naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanRaaga(ch)

choodagamE thOL vaLaiyE thOdE sevip poovE

paadagamE enRanaiya palagalanum yaam aNivOm

aadai uduppOm adhan pinnE paaR chORu

mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaara(k)

koodi irundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

The exultation of the Gopis is expressed by them, when the Lord

listens to their appeal and fulfills their desires. Oh Lord Govindha!

You have the benign supremacy of winning over Your opponents.

We shall get the drum (parai) from You, the sakthi to sing eulogies

about You. Thus, we get the reward of great eclat and glory of all

the worlds. We will adorn ourselves with many ornaments:

bracelets, shoulder ornaments, ear-studs and rings, ornaments in

the form of flowers. We will wear new clothes as you give us Your

divine company. Getting Your personal contact we will be very

joyous, We will mix rice with milk, covering the rice fully with

ghee We will be together and be happy, We shall ever be united

and thus become cool

in heart and stay joyous.

28. Karavaigal pin chendru

kaRavaigaL pin senRu kaanam sErndhu uNbOm

aRivu onRum illaadha aay(k) kulaththu undhannai(p)

piRavi peRundhanai(p) puNNiyam yaam udaiyOm

kuRai onRum illaadha gOvindhaa undhannOdu

uRavEl namakku ingu ozhikka ozhiyaadhu

aRiyaadha piLLaigaLOm anbinaal undhannai

siRu pEr azhaiththanamum seeRi aruLaadhE

iRaivaa nee thaaraay paRaiyElOr embaavaay

Belonging to the ignorant family of cow herds, we would drive the

cattle to the forest, And there we would all eat together, We feel

blessed as you are one with us.. Oh Govinda who does not have

any short comings. None can ever break the ties that we have with

you,

Oh Lord, We are but ignorant girls, who do not know the world,

and in ignorance and love we have called you by name. as

Nandhagopan mahane and other short names! Please do not be

angry at us, since our relationship is indestructible

29. Sitram Siru Kaale

Sitram siRu kaalE vandhu unnai sEviththu un

potraamarai adiyE pOtrum poruL kELaay

petram mEyththu uNNum kulaththil piRandhu nee

kutREval engaLai(k) koLLaamal pOgaadhu

itrai(p) paRai koLvaan anRu kaaN gOvindhaa

etraikkum Ezh Ezh piRavikkum un thannOdu

utrOmE aavOm unakkE naam aatcheyvOm

matrai nam kaamangaL maatrElOr embaavaay

Please hear Oh Lord Govindha! May You listen to us (the cowherd

girls) who approach You at the very small hours of the day-dawn,

and who bow down to You, the purpose and aim of our singing in

praise of Your golden, lotus-like pair of feet. You, who took birth

in the race of us, the cowherds, earning our livelihood by grazing

and rearing the herd of cattle, can not deny us the humble (divine)

service (to be rendered unto You Oh Lord! it is not only that we

desire to receive the drum (from You) today but we desire, in fact,

that let us be ever --throughout the births, several generations --the

kith and kin of You, let us perform all kinds of Kaimkaryams to

You alone; You make us rid of other desires.

30. Vanga Kadal Kadaintha

vanga(k) kadal kadaindha maadhavanai kEsavanai

thingaL thirumugaththu sEy izhaiyaar senRu iRainchi

anga(p) paRai konda aatrai aNi pudhuvai(p)

painkamala(th) thaN theriyal battar piraan kOdhai

sanga(th) thamizh maalai muppadhum thappaamE

sonnaingu ipparisuraippaar eerirandu maal varai thOL

sengaN thirumugaththu(ch) chelva(th) thirumaalaal

engum thiruvaruL petru inbuRuvar embaavaay.

He who sings without error, The thirty odes in sweet Tamil, Of the

story of how the rich ladies , With faces like moon, Who

worshipped and requested, The Madhava who is also Lord Kesava,

Who churned the ocean of milk, obtained the unparalleled drum

Godha, adorned with the cool garlands of fresh lotuses, and a

resident of beautiful Srivilliputthur has composed this

Thiruppavai. Whosoever recites this hymn faithfully will get the

divine bliss here and hereafter, through the benign grace of the

Lord Thirumal endowed with a supreme, divine form, namely four

strong mountain-like shoulders, beautiful face with eyes of reddish

hue along with other prosperous glory.

Her first work is Tiruppavai a poem of thirty verses in which

Andal imagines herself to be a cowherd girl during the incarnation

of Lord Krishna. She yearns to serve Him and achieve happiness

not just in this birth, but for all eternity, and describes the religious

vow (pavai) that she and her fellow cowgirls take for this purpose.

The second is the Nacciyar Tirumozhi, a poem of 143 verses.

Tirumozhii, literally meaning "sacred sayings", is a Tamil poetic

style in which the work is composed. "Nachiyar" means goddess,

so the title means "sacred sayings of our Goddess." This poem

fully reveals Andal's intense longing for Vishnu, the Divine

Beloved. Utilizing classical Tamil poetic conventions and

intermixing stories from the Sanskrit Vedas and Puranas, Andal

creates imagery that is quite possibly unparalleled in the whole

gamut of Indian religious literature.

The impact of these works on the daily religious life of the South

Indian has been tremendous. Just like the Ramayana, people are

never tired of listening to the Tiruppavai. The poem itself is recited

with great religious fervor by women, men, and children of all

ages, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The daily services in most

Vaishnava temples and households include its recitation. Both of

these works, particularly the Tiruppavai, have been commented on

extensively by innumerable scholars in a number of languages over

the centuries.

H

im alone), our sins of past, present and future will vanish like straw put into fire.

Therefore let us sing His glory.

5. e primordial cause).