KANNINUNSHIRUTTHAMBU
In this composition of 11 hymns / pasurams Madhurakavi Alvar has sung the praise of his Acharyan / Guru Swami Nammalvar. Madhurakavigal venerated his Guru as superior to God Himself. These hymns bring out his undivided Bhakti towards His Guru , Swami Nammalvar.
In the Thanian ( An invocation Hymn sung in praise of the composer before reading his composition ) of Madhurakavi Alvar, penned by Natha Munigal , Madhurakavigal is praised as follows :
Madhurakavi Alvar did not know anything other than Swami Nammalvar. He took great pleasure in singing the Prabandhams ( Divine Compositions ) of Swami Nammalvar. Enamored by the glorious virtues of Swami Nammalvar Madhurakavigal dedicated himself as an object of service to Swami Nammalvar.
Madhurakavi Alvar paid tributes to Swami Nammalvar as follows : “ Finer, Subtle meanings of Vedas ( which are difficult to understand ) were given in Tamil by Swami Nammalvar, named MAARAN. I do not know anything other than him. SHATAKOPA ( another name of Swami Nammalvar ) Leader of THIRUKURUKOOR is our Life. He only is capable of emancipating us. “
Alvar places His Guru, Swami Nammalvar in exalted position even to God Himself. Alvar takes reference to an incident in Bhagavatha related to Krishna avathara.. Once, Mother Yashoda wanted to punish child Krishna for His mischief by binding Him by a rope. But mother Yashoda found the rope short. Yashoda lengthened the rope by adding another piece connected by a knot. Even this was not sufficient. She tried several times by adding extensions and got tired, as she was not successful in the mission. Taking pity on her plight Lord allowed Himself to be bound by the rope.
Here Acharyas take note of His easy accessibility ( SAULABHYA ) to His devotees and wonder at His getting bound, The One who is capable of releasing the Devotees’ bond of SAMSARA ( Worldly Life ) ! . Madhurakavi Alvar says that he approached Swami Nammalvar in preference to The Lord of such marvelous power as cited above. Taking Swami’s name is relishing sweet as it is, like Nectar to me, says Madhurakavi Alvar.
I relished chanting his names several times, took refuge under his holy feet . I do not know of any God other than Swami (Nammalvar ). I will sing his compositions wherever I move. Says Alvar.
If ever separated from Swami, I will see the Lord himself, a favourite of Swami. I got the privilege of seeing the Lord , as I served the Swami , to the exclusion of others.
The scholars versatile in Vedas, consider me as a lowly person ( Due to my lack of education equal to theirs ). So I accept Swami as my Leader of Virtues, who is both Father and Mother to me, mastering over me.
Earlier, I used to crave for other’s riches , banked on other dames . Having become a devotee of the Swami, I got the moral strength
Swami Nammalvar blessed me to have unshakeable Bhakthi towards Acharyan for the next seven births in future, to sing his praises. Swami will acknowledge me as his forever , will not look down on me.
Swami Nammalvar, Son of KAARIYAAR, destroyed all my sins, out of deep concern for me. So, I will sing the praise of him and his kindness to me, spreading it in all the directions.
Swami Nammalvar composed the meaning of precious Vedas in Tamil, to the ecstatic joy of devotees of The Lord. Out of kindness ( to humanity ) he sang one thousand verses in Tamil and this kindness is great.
The Vedas studied and understood by scholars was condensed to give the inner meaning in Swami’s composition which he made to be rooted in my heart I got the desire of serving only him, out of devotion to the virtuous Swami
Swami is not benefited by correcting the erring folk and some people by nature are incorrigible, in spite of which swami will correct them and make them his devotees. Madhurakavigal prays that he should be blessed by Swami with steadfast Bhakti at his holy feet.
Madhurakavigal accepted Swami Nammalvar – who was devoted to Lord and His Devotees – as his Acharyan. Alvar says those who learn this hymn of Acharya Bhakti with devotion, will live in Vaikuntham, in eternal communion with the Lord.
ALVAR EMPERUMAANAAR DESHIKAR THIRUVADIGALE SHARANAM
SRIMATHE LAKSHMINARASIMHA DIVYA PAADUKAA SEVAKA
SRIVANN SHATAKOPA SRI NAARAYANA SHATAKOPA YATHINDRA MAHAADESHIKAAYA NAMAHA…
