Introduction
Thiruppavai is a collection of thirty stanzas (pasuram) in Tamil written by Andal, in praise of Lord Krishna. Sri Andal is placed amongst 12 Alwars (12 great saints of South India)
The first 5 stanzas provide an introduction to the main theme, its principle and purpose
Next 10 stanzas describes the importance of community participation
The next 5 stanzas describe Sri Andal’s visit to the temple accompanied by her friends.
The last 9 stanzas are on the glories of the Lord
The concluding he identifies her as the daughter of Vishnuchittar
(Ref: Wikipedia.org)
Thiruppavai is considered as an excerpt of Vedas. While the scripture embedded in the 4 Vedas are complex for everyone, the 30 verses of Thiruppavai are in a language (Tamil) that is understood by many.
it is also not very easy to understand the inner meaning of this great composition. “Reading in between lines” i.e. to try to understand what is meant by something that is not written explicitly or openly may often refer to a negative connotation in our day to day usage. However, I guess this tactic is very important to appreciate complex information contained in the Hindu scripture. I do not have this capability, but I have referred to the commentary contained in the publication of Thiruppavai, by Shri Ramanuja Acharya of Yatiraja Jiyar Math , Sydney to compile this document. I would like to thank our Acharya profusely for providing a foreword to my work. I would like to note here that I have also referred to a few commentaries by various Acharyas on the Internet.
I feel it is pertinent to mention Margazhi Vaibhavam 2012 that was telecast for 30 days in Vijay TV where Sri Andal’s praise was discoursed on the following topics
Andal’s praise was discoursed on the following topics:
- Andalum Margazhiyum
- Andalum Azhvarum
- Andalum Geethaiyum
- Andalum Vishishtadvaitamum
- Andalum Vasappadiyum
- Andalum Kappiyamum
- Andalum iyairkaiyum
- Andalum gopikaigalum
- Andalum thiruvadiyum
- Andalum vigyanamum
- Andalum natpum
- Andalum prabandamum
- Andalum meygnanamum
- Andalum sharanagathiyum
- Andalum thulasiyum
- Andalum Acharyarum
- Andalum bhakthiyum
- Andalum alankaramum
- Andalum isaiyum
- Andalum kiliyum
- Andalum Brindavanamum
- Andalum kadalum
- Andalum vedamum
- Andalum keniyum
- Andalum amudhum
- Andalum Azhvar thirunagariyum
- Andalum Gopalanum
- Andalum Ramanum
- Andalum Muthamizhum
- Andalum malaiyum
The above program has also given me an insight and interest to pursue with my document. I have tried to interpret, to the best of my limited knowledge, the commentaries provided by great stalwarts in providing inner meaning to Thiruppavai. I am very privileged to have had our Guruji review the document and provide his views.
Padma Bharadwaj, November 2013
Foreword
I must express my admiration to Padma for composing this very useful and succinct rendition of the essence of the Thiruppavai of Sri Andal. The Thiruppavai contains the very essence of the Srivaishnava philosophy and was the most favoured of all the Divya Prabandhas by our Acharya Ramanuja. Leaving aside all other text books on Srivaishnavism study should be undertaken of the Thiruppavai alone, this would be most conducive to one’s spiritual development.
Many commentaries have been written on the Thiruppavai but most of them are terse and heavy reading, but this this edition Padma has artfully given us the condensed meaning of all the Pasurams in her impeccable English.
Thank you Padma for taking the time and the effort for the enlightenment of others.
May all beings be well and happy.
Sri Rama Ramanujachari
Invocatory Verses
“NeeLA-Tunga sthanagiri-taDI Suptham udhbhOdhya KrishNam
PaarArTyam svam sruthi-satha-siras-siddham adhyApayanthI
svOcchishtAyAm sraji nigalitham yaa balAthkruthya bhunkthE
GOdhA Tasyai Nama idhamidham bhUya yEvAsthu BhUya”:
Salutations to Goddess Sri Andal
Who prayed to Lord Krishna
Andal’s total surrender to Him
By wearing garlands before the same adorned Him
“anna vayal puduvai AndAL arangaRkup –
pannu thiruppAvaip palpadiya(ga)m – innisaiyAl
pAdik koduttAL naRpAmAlai, poomAlai
choodik koduttALaich chollu ”
Andal’s birthplace of Srivilliputtur
Beams with pasture and nature
Andal gave Krishna not only flower garlands
But also gave beautiful poetic garlands
” choodik koduththa sudarkkodiyE tolpAvai,
pAdiyaruLavalla palvaLayAy ! nAdinee
“vEnkadavaRkku yennai vidhi” yenra immAtRam
nAngadavA vaNNamE nalhu ”
Andal who bedecked the garland meant for Sri Ranganatha
Composed 30 verses in praise of Lord Krishna
We pray you to please shower your blessings
For us to become humble and sincere devotees
| Pasuram (verse) 1 maargazhith thingaL madhi niRaindha nannaaLaal neeraadap pOdhuveer pOdhuminO naerizhaiyeer seer malgum aayppaadich chelvach chiRumeergaaL koorvael kodundhozhilan nandhagOpan kumaran aeraarndha kaNNi yasOdhai iLam singam kaar maeni cengaN kadhir madhiyam pOl mugaththaan naaraayaNanae namakkae paRai tharuvaan paarOr pugazhap padindhaelOr empaavaay |
| In the month of margazhi (December/January) When the full moon is shining Get freshened early in the morning And let the prayer begin The purpose of the Self (Jeevatma) Is to reach the Supreme (Paramatma) Let us sing His praise To obtain His grace |
| Pasuram (verse) 2 vaiyaththu vaazhveergaaL naamum nampaavaikkuch cheyyum kirisaigaL kaeLeerO paaRkadaluL paiyath thuyinRa paramanadi paadi neyyuNNOm paaluNNOm naatkaalae neeraadi maiyittu ezhudhOm malarittu naam mudiyOm seyyaadhana seyyOm theekkuRaLaich chenROdhOm aiyamum pichchaiyum aandhanaiyum kai kaatti uyyumaaRu eNNi ugandhaelOr empaavaay |
| Informing all the human beings The means to get His blessings Moving away from being ‘ordinary’ Refraining from involvement in gossip Giving alms helping the brethren Thus joyfully seeking liberation |
| Pasuram (verse) 3 Ongi ulagaLandha uththaman paer paadi naangaL nam paavaikkuch chaatri neeraadinaal theenginRi naadellaam thingaL mum maari peydhu Ongu peRum senN nel oodu kayalugaLap poonguvaLaip pOdhil poRi vandu kaN paduppath thaengaadhae pukkirundhu seerththa mulai patri- vaanga kudam niRaikkum vaLLal perum pasukkaL neengaadha selvam niRaindhaelOr embaavaay |
| Great Narayana is worshipped as Uttaman (the Best) One who is called Uttaman Is the one who does good to others Without any expectations Rich or poor, prince or peasant Treating alike is so pleasant Practising in our lives compassion Is the path that leads to liberation |
| Pasuram (verse) 4 aazhi mazhaik kaNNaa onRu nee kai karavael aazhi uL pukku mugandhu kodu aarthu aeRi oozhi mudhalvan uruvam pOl mey kaRuththup paazhiyam thOLudaiya paRpanaaban kaiyil aazhi pOl minni valamburi pOl ninRu adhirndhu thaazhaadhae saarngam udhaiththa saramazhai pOl vaazha ulaginil peydhidaay naangaLum maargazhi neeraada magizhndhaelOr embaavaay |
| Here again the repeat of compassion Praising the Lord who gives protection Like the clouds gather moisture And brings down for us rain water The great preceptors gather knowledge And shower upon us the essence of spiritual knowledge This selfless deed of our ancestors Is an example to follow the great ones |
| Pasuram (verse) 5 maayanai mannu vada madhurai maindhanaith thooya peru neer yamunaith thuRaivanai aayar kulaththinil thOnRum aNi viLakkaith thaayaik kudal viLakkam seydha dhaamOdharanaith thooyOmaay vandhu naam thoomalar thoovith thozhudhu vaayinaal paadi manaththinaal sindhikkap pOya pizhaiyum pugudharuvaan ninRanavum theeyinil thoosaagum cheppaelOr embaavaay |
| Brahman (the Supreme) cannot be described Human minds cannot comprehend We need to understand His greatness By performing appropriate actions (karma) Whenever we perform an action T here needs to be a conviction Mind, Body and Speech S Should be pure when providing service |
| pasuram (verse) 6 silambina kaaN puLLaraiyan kOyilil veLLai viLi sangin paeraravam kaettilaiyO piLLaay ezhundhiraay paey mulai nanchuNdu kaLLach chakatam kalakkazhiyak kaalOchchi veLLaththaravil thuyilamarndha viththinai uLLaththuk kondu munivargaLum yOgigaLum meLLa ezhundhu ari enRa paeraravam uLLam pugundhu kuLirndhaelOr embaavaay |
| Like birds who wake up early in the morning We need to rise early without being lazy Human body is like a horse-cart Senses are horses that pull the horse-cart To restrain the horses, we need to meditate That practices will help us get liberate God is present everywhere and so omnipresent Understanding this is very important |
| Pasuram (verse) 7 keesu keesu enRu engum aanaich chaaththaan kalandhu- paesina paechcharavam kaettilaiyO paeyp peNNae kaasum piRappum kalakalappak kai paerththu vaasa naRum kuzhal aaychchiyar maththinaal- Osai paduththa thayiraravam kaettilaiyO naayagap peN piLLaay naaraayaNan moorththi kaesavanaip paadavum nee kaettae kidaththiyO dhaesamudaiyaay thiRavaelOr embaavaay |
| Early to rise makes us wise Dawn makes us active and agile Thus early in the morning We need to commence the day’s service We should not feel lazy and lethargic That is no good for doing any service |
| Pasuram (verse) 8 keezh vaanam veLLenRu erumai siRu veedu maeyvaan parandhana kaaN mikkuLLa piLLaigaLum pOvaan pOginRaaraip pOgaamal kaaththu unnaik- koovuvaan vandhu ninROm kOdhugalamudaiya- paavaay ezhundhiraay paadip paRai kondu maavaay piLandhaanai mallarai maattiya dhaevaadhi dhaevanaich chenRu naam saeviththaal aavaavenRu aaraayndhu aruLaelOr embaavaay |
| The very meaning of Sanathana Dharma Is portrayed in this verse of Sri Andal Service to all beings is God’s service Kindness and compassion we need to practice We need to be pure in thought, word and deed Not to show discrimination of colours, caste or creed God has no discrimination Such should be our determination |
| Pasuram (verse) 9 thoomaNi maadaththu sutrum viLakkeriyath thoopam kamazhath thuyilaNaimael kaN vaLarum maamaan magaLae maNik kadhavam thaazh thiRavaay maameer avaLai ezhuppeerO un magaL thaan- oomaiyO anRi sevidO ananthalO aemap perunN thuyil mandhirap pattaaLO maamaayan maadhavan vaikundhan enRenRu naaman palavum navinRaelOr embaavaay |
| Andal wakes up all her friends May be some are sleeping with comforts To give up attachment to materialistic pleasure And seek His blessings that’s a great treasure here is no wealth that is bigger and better That the one we attain when we Surrender |
| Pasuram (verse) 10 nOtruch chuvarkkam puguginRa ammanaay! maatramum thaaraarO vaasal thiRavaadhaar naatrath thuzhaay mudi naaraayaNan nammaal pOtrap paRai tharum puNNiyanaal pandu oru naaL kootraththin vaay veezhndha kumbakaraNanum thOtrum unakkae perunthuyil thaan thandhaanO aatra anandhal udaiyaay arungalamae thaetramaay vandhu thiRavaelOr embaavaay |
| Andal refers to the story of Ramayana And cites the character of sleepy Kumbakarna We shouldn’t be thamasic (sluggish) and be in deep slumber Instead, we need to be alert and endeavour To learn about the “unknown” the creator With the help of a good preceptor |
| Pasuram (verse) 11 katruk kaRavaik kaNangaL pala kaRandhu setraar thiRalazhiyach chenRu seruch cheyyum kutram onRillaadha kOvalartham poRkodiyae putru aravu alkul punamayilae pOdharaay sutraththu thOzhimaar ellaarum vandhu nin- mutram pugundhu mugil vaNNan paer paada sitraadhae paesaadhae selva peNdaatti nee- etrukku uRangum poruLaelOr embaavaay |
| This very meaningful stanza Reminds Lord Krishna’s Bhagavad Gita While we need to stride in the path of liberation We need to carry out all necessary actions We need to continue with our daily duties Without any selfish motives |
| Pasuram (verse) 12 kanaiththu iLam katrerumai kanRukku irangi ninaiththu mulai vazhiyae ninRu paal sOra nanaiththu illam saeRaakkum naR chelvan thangaay panith thalai veezha nin vaasaR kadai patrich chinaththinaal then ilangaik kOmaanaich chetra manaththukku iniyaanaip paadavum nee vaay thiRavaay iniththaan ezhundhiraay eedhenna paer uRakkam anaiththu illaththaarum aRindhaelOr embaavaay |
| The importance of performing actions-Karma Is stressed again in this stanza If doing duties is suspended for some reason They need to be re-commenced soon Abandoning one’s own duties Is not a perfect method for doing His service |
| Pasuram (verse) 13 puLLin vaay keendaanaip pollaa arakkanaik kiLLik kaLaindhaanaik keerththi mai paadip pOyp piLLaigaL ellaarum paavaik kaLambukkaar veLLi ezhundhu viyaazham uRangitru puLLum silambina kaaN pOdharik kaNNinaay kuLLak kuLirak kudaindhu neeraadaadhae paLLik kidaththiyO! paavaay! nee nan naaLaal kaLLam thavirndhu kalandhaelOr embaavaay |
| This verse is in the form of a reminder For us all to remember for ever We should not be carried away in this worldly ocean And engulfed in delusion Andal has used planets as analogy To show us the right way to understand divinity The awakening of Venus is compared to awakening knowledge Passing of Jupiter is compared to getting rid of ignorance |
| Pasuram (verse) 14 ungaL puzhakkadaith thOttaththu vaaviyuL sengazhuneer vaay negizhndhu aambal vaay koombina kaaN sengaR podik koorai veNbal thavaththavar thangaL thirukkOyil sangiduvaan pOdhanRaar engaLai munnam ezhuppuvaan vaaypaesum nangaay ezhundhiraay naaNaadhaay naavudaiyaay sangOdu chakkaram aendhum thadakkaiyan pangayak kaNNaanaip paadaelOr embaavaay |
| While waking up her friend Andal refers To the unfolding and folding of flowers Blooming off flower is a symbol of spiritual unfolding Folding of night lilies is like suppression of senses We should walk the talk And not simply talk the talk We need to get rid of our ego and practice compassion If we would like to attain real freedom |
| Pasuram (verse) 15 ellae! iLam kiLiyae innam uRangudhiyO chil enRu azhaiyaen min nangaiyeer pOdharuginRaen vallai un katturaigaL paNdae un vaay aRidhum valleergaL neengaLae naanae thaan aayiduga ollai nee pOdhaay unakkenna vaeRudaiyai ellaarum pOndhaarO pOndhaar pOndhu eNNikkoL vallaanai konRaanai maatraarai maatrazhikka- vallaanai maayanaip paadaelOr embaavaay |
| Parrot has the knack to repeat what’s said So, we need to repeat what’s good Admonition and harsh words Will result in nothing but distress We need to acknowledge goodness in others And be kind and loving as good friends No good to remain in isolation All good to lead a life with cooperation |
| Pasuram (verse) 16 naayaganaay ninRa nandhagOpan udaiya kOyil kaappaanae! kodi thOnRum thOraNa- vaayil kaappaanae! maNik kadhavam thaaL thiRavaay aayar siRumiyarOmukku aRai paRai- maayan maNi vaNNan nennalae vaay naerndhaan thooyOmaay vandhOm thuyil ezhap paaduvaan vaayaal munnam munnam maatraadhae ammaa! nee- naeya nilaik kadhavam neekkaelOr embaavaay |
| This stanza of Thiruppavai depicts Cow-herd women’s request to the gatekeepers Opening of the front doors Symbolises opening of hearts We need to open our hearts And show warmth to others Charity begins at home This is what we need to know |
| Pasuram (verse) 17 ambaramae thaNNeerae sORae aRam seyyum emberumaan nandhagOpaalaa ezhundhiraay kombanaarkku ellaam kozhundhae kula viLakkae emberumaatti yasOdhaay aRivuRaay ambaram ooda aRuththu Ongi uLagu aLandha umbar kOmaanae uRangaadhu ezhundhiraay sem poR kazhaladich chelvaa baladhaevaa umbiyum neeyun uRangaelOr embaavaay |
| Here again the stress for charity And the importance of generosity Water and clothes are bare essentials Providing them to needy is essential We need to treat everyone alike without discrimination That’s the quality of a good human |
| Pasuram (verse) 18 undhu madha kaLitran Odaadha thOL valiyan nandhagOpan marumagaLae nappinnaay kandham kamazhum kuzhali kadai thiRavaay vandhu engum kOzhi azhaiththana kaaN maadhavip- pandhal mael pal kaal kuyilinangaL koovina kaaN pandhu aar virali un maiththunan paer paadach chendhaamaraik kaiyaal seeraar vaLai olippa vandhu thiRavaay magizhndhaelOr embaavaay |
| This stanza illustrates to us The importance of relationships Our aim to reach Brahman That is, Jeevatman reaching Paramatman We need to be guided by an Acharya (teacher) Who would show us the spiritual path Like salt combines all ingredients in a dish Relationship between devotee, Guru and Supreme combines in the worship |
| Pasuram (verse) 19 kuththu viLakkeriya kOttuk kaal kattil mael meththenRa pancha sayanaththin mael aeRik koththalar poonguzhal nappinnai kongai mael vaiththuk kidandha malar maarbaa vaay thiRavaay maith thadam kaNNinaay nee un maNaaLanai eththanai pOdhum thuyilezha ottaay kaaN eththanaiyaelum pirivu aatragillaayaal thaththuvam anRu thagavaelOr embaavaay |
| This verse portrays Lord Krishna’s posture Relaxing on a bed with four legs The four legs represent the four purusharthas (chief aims of life) Dharma (righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation) The importance of getting rid of selfish attribute Is emphasised again in this verse |
| Pasuram (verse) 20 muppaththu moovar amararkku mun senRu kappam thavirkkum kaliyae thuyil ezhaay seppam udaiyaay thiRal udaiyaay setraarkku- veppam kodukkum vimalaa thuyil ezhaay seppenna men mulaich chevvaaych chiRu marungul nappinnai nangaay thiruvae thuyil ezhaay ukkamum thattoLiyum thandhu un maNaaLanai ippOdhae emmai neeraattaelOr embaavaay |
| In this stanza of Thiruppavai Devotees plead Sriman Narayana and Lakshmi For their attention towards devotees Who have come to surrender themselves There is a mention of fan and mirror That equate to cooling of mind and to reflect inner No auspicious time for surrendering Here and now, should be commencing |
| Pasuram (verse) 21 aetra kalangaL edhir pongi meedhaLippa maatraadhae paal soriyum vaLLal perum pasukkaL aatrap padaiththaan maganae aRivuRaay ootram udaiyaay periyaay ulaginil- thOtramaay ninRa sudarae thuyil ezhaay maatraar unakku vali tholaindhu un vaasaR kaN aatraadhu vandhu un adi paNiyumaa pOlae pOtriyaam vandhOm pugazhndhaelOr embaavaay |
| This verse again has the theme Of praying the Supreme To attain salvation One needs be devoid of ego and practice humiliation The great learned men are compared to the cows The overflowing milk is “wisdom” they possess With the help of such teachers (Gurus) We need to completely surrender ourselves |
| Pasuram (verse) 22 aNGkaN maaNYaalaththu arasar abimaana- pangamaay vandhu nin paLLik kattiR keezhae sangam iruppaar pOl vandhu thalaippeydhOm kingiNi vaaych cheydha thaamaraip poop pOlae sengaN chiRuch chiRidhae emmael vizhiyaavO thingaLum aadhiththanum ezhundhaaR pOl aNGkaN irandum kondu engaL mael nOkkudhiyael engaL mael saabam izhindhaelOr embaavaay |
| This stanza reiterates Refuge (Prapathi) at the feet of the Supreme Krishna’s eyes are compared to Sun and Moon Each one having characteristic of its own Cool moon is for enlightening the mind Rays of sun destroying our ignorance Cowherd women seeking liberation With pure mind and with no inhibition |
| maari malai muzhainchil mannik kidandhu uRangum seeriya singam aRivutruth thee vizhiththu vaeri mayir ponga eppaadum paerndhu udhaRi moori nimirndhu muzhangip puRappattup pOdharumaa pOlae nee poovaippoo vaNNaa un- kOyil ninRu iNGNGanae pOndharuLik kOppudaiya- seeriya singaasanaththu irundhu yaam vandha- kaariyam aaraayndhu aruLaelOr embaavaay |
| Sri Andal emphasises in this verse That the Supreme is all pervading Eight legs to the throne are compared To eight qualities that exist Righteousness, Wisdom, Dispassion, Selflessness And 4 opposites namely unrighteousness, ignorance, attachment and Selfishness We need to cultivate good qualities And gradually get rid of the opposites |
| Pasuram (verse) 24 anRu iv ulagam aLandhaay adi pOtri senRanguth then ilangai setraay thiRal pOtri ponRach chakatam udhaiththaay pugazh pOtri kanRu kuNilaa eRindhaay kazhal pOtri kunRu kudaiyaay eduththaay guNam pOtri venRu pagai kedukkum nin kaiyil vael pOtri enRenRum un saevagamae aeththip paRai koLvaan inRu yaam vandhOm irangaelOr embaavaay |
| Lord Krishna is praised in this stanza For his various incarnations (Avataras) As Vamana (a dwarf), he showed us Never underestimate by mere physical traits As a young lad (Krishna), tossing the wicked man in disguise Shows us what result cheating brings Lifting Mountain (Krishna) to safeguard citizens Is an example of helping/protecting others Thus with such examples Sri Andal gives us a great advice |
| Pasuram (verse) 25 oruththi maganaayp piRandhu Or iravil- oruththi maganaay oLiththu vaLarath tharikkilaan aagith thaan theengu ninaindha karuththaip pizhaippiththuk kanchan vayitril neruppenna ninRa nedumaalae!, unnai- aruththiththu vandhOm paRai tharudhiyaagil thiruththakka selvamum saevagamum yaam paadi varuththamum theerndhu magizhndhaelOr embaavaay |
| In the story of Krishna Avatara We come to know, as soon as he was born, moved to Gokula Leaving his own mother Growing with the care of foster mother He protected both sets of parents When they were confronted by adversaries What we learn from this verse Is how we need to lead our lives Duty of a child to his/her parents Is to protect them and provide all comforts |
| Pasuram (verse) 26 maalae! maNivaNNaa! maargazhi neeraaduvaan maelaiyaar seyvanagaL vaenduvana kaettiyael NYaalaththai ellaam nadunga muralvana paal anna vaNNaththu un paancha sanniyamae pOlvana sankangaL pOyp paadudaiyanavae saalap perum paRaiyae pallaandu isaippaarae kOla viLakkae kodiyae vidhaanamae aalin ilaiyaay aruLaelOr embaavaay |
| This verse again reiterates The importance of wisdom and service to others The lamp referred in the verse represents knowledge The canopy represents selfless nature Being charitable without being selfish Is considered as the greatest worship |
| Pasuram (verse) 27 koodaarai vellum seer gOvindhaa un_dhannaip- paadip paRai kondu yaam peRum sammaanam naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanRaagach choodagamae thOL vaLaiyae thOdae sevip poovae paadagamae enRanaiya palagalanum yaam aNivOm aadai uduppOm adhan pinnae paaR chORu mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaarak koodi irundhu kuLirndhaelOr embaavaay |
| This prayer is about Mukta yoga The journey of Self (Jeevatma) to the Supreme (Paramatma) The food referred in this verse is the Supreme The Ghee and milk are virtues of the Supreme This liberation journey to the Almighty Cuts off the thread or birth and rebirth completely The subtle body is shed Becomes matter-less, ageless, divine, auspicious and natural state of “Self” is attained |
| Pasuram (verse) 28 kaRavaigaL pin senRu kaanam saerndhu uNbOm aRivu onRum illaadha aayk kulaththu un_dhannaip piRavi peRundhanaip puNNiyam yaam udaiyOm kuRai onRum illaadha gOvindhaa un_dhannOdu- uRavael namakku ingu ozhikka ozhiyaadhu aRiyaadha piLLaigaLOm anbinaal un_dhannai siRu paer azhaiththanam seeRi aruLaadhae iRaivaa nee thaaraay paRaiyaelOr embaavaay |
| This verse talks again about the relationship Between Self and the Supreme Six aspects to be kept in mind When we seek to be liberated Positive intent, Purity without malice Humility, and Absolute faith in the Supreme Appeal to Him seeking protection Complete surrender resulting in liberation |
| Pasuram (verse) 29 sitram siRu kaalae vandhu unnai saeviththu un- potraamarai adiyae pOtrum poruL kaeLaay petram maeyththu uNNum kulaththil piRandhu nee- kutraeval engaLaik koLLaamal pOgaadhu itraip paRai koLvaan anRu kaaN gOvindhaa etraikkum aezh aezh piRavikkum un thannOdu- utrOmae aavOm unakkae naam aatcheyvOm matrai nam kaamangaL maatraelOr embaavaay |
| Quintessence of Hindu philosophy Is depicted in this poetry Both “means” and “end” are same Nothing but reaching the Supreme We need to provide service to Him Not asking any favour with selfish motive Like “body” is the vehicle that services Self (Jeevatma) Self is like a vehicle that should render services to the Supreme (Paramatma) |
| Pasuram (verse) 30 vangak kadal kadaindha maadhavanai kaesavanai thingaL thirumugaththu saey izhaiyaar senRu iRainchi angap paRai konda aatrai aNi pudhuvaip- painkamalath thaN theriyal battar piraan kOdhai sonna sangath thamizh maalai muppadhum thappaamae ingu ipparisuraippaar eerirandu maal varaiththOL sengaN thirumugaththuch chelvath thirumaalaal engum thiruvaruL petru inbuRuvar embaavaay |
| The final verse of Thiruppavai Is about interrogation of our own minds The mind is like an ocean Ebbs and flows with lot of commotion Churning of the ocean is compared To churning of our own mid that’s disturbed Let us discard all our negatives And bring up in our lives all the positives All the 30 verses of Thiruppavai, the great compilation When learnt and understood, show way to liberation |
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