PERUMAL THIRUMOZHI Tuesday, Aug 8 2006

Perumal Thirumozhi is composed by Sri Kulashekhara Alvar consisting of 105 pasurams of supreme devotion.

Perumal here means Sri Rama of whom Alvar was a great devotee. Thirumozhi is Alvar’s holy sayings.

Following are the titles under which he has composed the hymns with most of them with 10 hymns or pasurams under each title or group. Some have been sampled to show the meaning and richness of composition in imagination and bhakti.

1. Alvar is longing for darshan of Lord at Srirangam

He wants to join devotees and lose himself in Darshan of the Lord with tears of joy flowing in his eyes, his mind melting in devotion to the Lord etc. He says he wants to roll on the dust of holy devotees’ feet on the floor in temple.

2. In this group Alvar is proclaiming himself to be mad after Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal ( Another name of Sri Ranganatha) whose temple is found on opposite bank of Cauvery and Srirangam in place called Uraiyur, Near Trichy Tamilnadu.

In one of the Pasurams, Alvar says that he finds the worldly folk is like a spirit (Pey ) that is non-existent to him as he is a spirit to the common folk immersed in worldly matters . He does not wish to speak on this and calling O Ranga, O protector he has become a spirit immersed in Bhakti to the Lord.

4. Alvar says that it is satisfying for him to be born and live in holy Thiruvengadam ( Thirumala hills, Thirupathi.)

In one of the hymns ( Pasuram ), Alvar he likes to be born as the doorstep in Lord Venkateswara’s temple. The step crossed by devotees, celestials and nymphs like Rambha so alvar can constantly be looking at the red lips of the Lord, which resemble Red Coral Even today, the innermost step in front of The Lord Venkatesha of Tirumalai at the sanctum sanctorum is known as KULASHEKHARA PADI, after the Alvar.

5. In these pasurams Alvar prays to Lord at Vitthvakkodu in Kerala Alvar’s family deity. These are soaked in devotion and shows the utter helplessness of Alvar who is dependent on Divine Mercy for existence.

In one of the pasurams, Alvar compares himself to a sick patient who is totally dependent on his Apothecary (vaidyan ) The latter may by way of treatment cut by knife (operation ) burn diseased location patient does not lose his goodwill or faith in him. Similarly, even if God gives him difficulties / sorrow Alvar is looking forward to His Grace to alleviate his suffering.

6. This group is on Gopikas chastising the Lord for having deluded them.

7. This group is on lamentation of Mother Devaki on deprivation of the pleasure of the bringing up the child Krishna, which fell to the lot of Mother Yashoda.

8. This group is the famous Lullaby sung on Lord of Thirukkannapuram, whom Alvar sees as child Sri Rama.These are very popular and sung by many young mothers for their babes.

9. Dasharatha is lamenting the Lord Rama’s entering the Forest.

10. Alvar while worshipping Lord Govindaraja of Chidambaram , sees Lord Rama in him and sung the epic of Ramayana in these 11 pasurams.

These are titles of pasurams soaked in Devotion by Mahatma Sri Kulashekhara Alvar

ALVAR EMPERUMANAR DESHIKAR THIRUVADIGALE SHRANAM.

SRIMATHE LAKSHMINRISIMHA DIVYA PADUKASEVAKA SRIVAN SHATAKOPA SRI NARAYANA YATHINDRA MAHADESHIKAYA NAMAHA.

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SRI KULASHEKHARA ALVAR Tuesday, Aug 8 2006

Sri Kulashekhara Alvar was the King of a princely state in Kerala. He was a great devotee of sri Rama . He was as much attached to Vishnu Bhaktas (Called Bhagavathas ) as to the Lord Himself. He was always in company with devotees who came and stayed with him as guests. He liked their company and spent time in satsang singing the praise of the Lord. He was into this to the extent of overlooking the administration of the country which he left it to his ministers. The ministers in their turn were concerned that the King was showing apathy towards administration. In order to make him realise his mistake, the ministers planned to remove a valuable vessel of gold from the palace. They reported the matter to the King promptly. They also said that their suspicion of theft lay with the Bhagavatas who had free access to the King and palace. To this the king was sad that the Bhagavatas should be blamed. Without a second thought, he swore that Bhagavatas were innocent and pure. To prove this he put his hand inside a pot with a Cobra in it saying that he would be bitten if his statement ( that Bhagavatas were innocent ) is false. He was saved, showing his faith in Lord and His devotees.

Alvar was very much devoted to Lord Sri Rama so much so that he saw Sri Rama in all the deities he worshipped. It seems that once he was listening to a discourse on Ramayana. The lecturer was describing the battle of Sri Rama fighting alone with 14,000 Rakshasas in Janasthana. Alvar, on hearing this, got up excited and ordered his army to be ready to assist Sri Rama. Hurriedly, the lecturer explained that the Rakshasas were vanquished which cooled down.

His compositions is full of Bhakti Bhava. He is a good poet and he has composed 105 pasurams on Srirangam, his Family deity at Vithuvakkodu in Kerala, Thirumalai Thirupathi, Chidambaram etc. A sweet has to be tasted and words cannot give the experience !

Perhaps, he is the only Alvar who has written a Sanskrit Shloka, MUKUNDAMALA, in praise of Lord Krishna. This shloka is a classic in itself showing Alvar’s devotion, ecstasy he feels in chanting Lord’s names.

We shall find the titles under which he has composed 105 pasurams. This composition is called PERUMAL THIRUMOZHI under NALAAYIRAM. See Perumal Thirumozhi.

ALVAR EMPERUMANAR DESHIKAR THIRUVADIGALE SHARANAM

SRIMATHE LAKSHMINRISIMHA DIVYA PADUKA SEVAKA SRIVAN SHATAKOPA SRI NARAYANA YATHINDRA MAHADESHIKAYA NAMAHA.

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NACHIYAR THIRUMOZHI Sunday, Aug 6 2006

Nachiyar means Devi or Consort of the Lord Narayana. Thirumozhi is holy sayings. Sri Andal, also known by the name Sri Goda Devi gave the Lord both Poomaalai as well as paamaalai. Poomaalai means Garland of Flowers and Paamaalai means garland of Poetry expressing Her longing and love for the Lord. She has sung 30 pasurams or Hymns of Thiruppavai and 143 Pasurams of Thirumozhi. Thiruppavai has been touched upon already. Refer Aandal.

The following are the titles of pasurams ( in groups Of Ten pasurams each ) in which She has put forth the Outpourings on Her love for the Lord.

1 Sri Andal prays to Kamadeva, Lord of Love, to make Lord Krishna to accept Her.

In one of the Pasurams, She says that She has dedicated Her Body solely for the Lord bearing the Discus and Shankham and cannot bear the thought of fixing the marriage with a Human Being. For, She likens the latter event to Desecrating the offering meant for Celestial Devas in a Yaga by a Jackal from the Wild, touching and sniffing it !

2. Andal and friends imagining themselves to be small girls, are playing making castles in sand. In this group of 10 hymns, they plead with the Lord not to damage their creations.

3. Krishna is playing pranks with Gopikas.Andal , one in the group is pleading to have mercy and spare inconvenience to them.

4. Sri Andal is addressing Her Soul to merge with Lord, if it is possible.

5. This group is famous as KUIL PATTHU. In this, Andal is seeking the help of Koel Bird act as Messenger and ask the Lord to come to Her.

In one pasuram, She says that in Anticipation of glancing at the Holy Feet of the Lord of Villiputhur, wherein Swans play with their Soft tread,, Her fishlike eyes are ever awake (without Sleep ). If you call the Lord to come, She says to the koel that She will make Her pet parrot befriend it !

6. This group is Famous VARANAMAYIRAM. In this , Andal is recounting Her dream, in which The Lord is Marrying Her, to a friend. This group is sung with fervour during weddings. This group consists of various rites gone through in a wedding which Andal went through in Her wedding To The Lord ( Dream ) 1. She sees Sriman Narayana coming in a procession with 1000 (ayiram ) Varanam or Elephants. To welcome Him, Purnakumbhams are kept and everywhere thoranam or festoons are used in decoration to welcome Him. Purnakumbham is pot (kudam, here gold kudam ) filled with water and pot’s mouth is covered by a coconut and with bunches of green Mango leaves. This Kumbham or Pot is taken in front of Very important persons, a Guru , Heads of State like King etc. The bearer of Kumbha walks backwards facing the guest never showing his own back to the guest . 2. Andal sees the Lord Govinda entering the decorated wedding pandal for the wedding on the morrow. 3. Indra and other celestials request Her hand for Lord and present the saree sanctified by chanting mantras. Sister of The Lord Goddess Durgai helps Andal to wear bridal saree and decorates Andal with flower garland 4. Priests well versed in Religious rites have brought Water from Holy rivers from all directions. While the priests chant loudly the Mantras in benediction, Lord and Andal are tying Kankana (thread ) to take marriage vows. 5. Young damsels of beauty of age and form are bringing auspicious kalashms and lamps while Lord enters. 6. With auspicious drums beating and blowing of conch I saw ( in dream ) The Lord taking my hand in His, beneath the pandal decked with strings of pearls says Andal. 7. Amidst chanting Matras by priests, I saw the Lord going round the Holy fire holding my hand says Andal. 8. Andal Sees her brothers come and take part in Laja Homam, where brothers of bride come and give Pori or puffed rice for homam in fire by Both wedded couple.9. To ease the discomfiture of exposure to the heat of Agni during Homam couple is anointed with cool Kumkumam paste and Sandal paste and in all finery Andal is going round the decorated city with Lord on an elephant in Procession. 10. This hymn is giving the results of chanting these ten hymns with devotion. They are the reader will get good natured obedient children. Unmarried girls will get a good husband as good as Lord Krishna Himself !

7. This group is on Panchajanyam, Holy Shankham in Lord’s hand . She addresses the conch as the nearest relative of the Lord and enquires about the Lord.

8. In this group, She is sending Clouds as messenger to the Lord.

9. Andal is worshipping Lord at Thirumalirunjolai (near Madurai TamilNadu )

It is in this group that Andal is offering Butter in 100 vessels and Akkaravadishil (Payasam of rice cooked in Milk with jaggery and ghee ) in 100 vessels to Lord of Thirumalirunjolai so the Lord may come in person ! (see notes in Andal where reference is made to Sri Ramanuja making the offering promised in place of Andal. Nooru Thada (vessel ) utsavam is celeberated to this day in Melkote.)

10 Andal speaks of the miseries undergone due to Her love addressing various things in Nature.

11. This group is dedicated to express Her love to Lord of Srirangam

In one of pasurams, She says that in the past, when Mother Earth was submerged in water with moss covering Her all over, to get to Her in mud, Lord of Srirangam took avatar of Sri Varaha ( Wild Boar). He promised then to give protection to all His Devotees. This promise can never be erased ( from Memory ).

12 In this group Andal requests Her people to take Her to the place of the Lord. ( Mathura, Vrindavan of U.P. Dwaraka Of Guj. )

13. This is a beautiful composition. Andal requests Her people to treat Her with things connected closely to Lord so that Her sickness due to love is pacified.

14. Andal is recounting here as She found the Lord in Vrindavan.

In penultimate stanza, Andal finds Him coming hunting. VETTAIYADI VARUVAANAI.. she says. Lord known by name of Betarayaswami is worshipped at temple of Denkanikottai (Thenkanikottai ), near Hosur, in Tamilnadu.

ANDAL EMPERUMAANAAR DESIKAR THIRUVADIGALE SHARANAM

SRI LAKSHMINRISIMHA DIVYA PADUKASEVAKA SRIVANSHATAKOPA SRI NARAYANA YATHINDRA MAHA DESHIKAYA NAMAHA.

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PeriAlvar Thiruvoimozhi Wednesday, Aug 2 2006

Perialvar  has  composed  473  hymns   known  as  Perialvar Thirumozhi    He  has  imagined  himself  to  be  Mother  Yashoda  and  has  enjoyed  the  Lord  as  child  Krishna 1

1.1He  has  sung  famous  Thirupallandu  wherein  he  wards  off  evil  eye on  The  Lord,  Sri  Lakshmi  residing  in  His  chest, Sri  Chakrayudham in  His  Right Hand  and  The  Shankham,  sounded  in  His  war  with  evil.He  wishes  that  all  the  possessions  and  the  Lord  should  live  for  long,  to  the  joy  of  His  devotees  whose  company  should  also  be longlasting without  a  break.

                   1.2  He  has  sung  the  scene  wherein all  citizens  of Mathura  are  happy  on  the  Birth  of  Lord Krishna.  Here  he  has considered  Thirukkottiyur  as Mathura  and   painted  the  picture  of  people  going  ecstatic,  unable  to  contain  Joy. His  choice  of words  are  so  perfect  that it  can bring  the  scene  before  the  eyes  like  a  TV! He  says  that  while  giving  Bath  to  child  while  cleansing the  tiny  mouth of  the  Lord,  Yasoda  sees  the  seven  worlds  or  universe  itself inside!

1.3 Next  he  has  enjoyed  the  beauty  of  the  child’s  parts  of  body from  Holy Feet  to  the  lovely  Locks and  as  mother  invites  other  gopis  to  partake  in  her  enjoyment. As  Lord  Krishna  was  hid  from  Kamsa  and  secretively  brought  up,  Alvar  says  the  Child    was  born  in  star  that  is  tenth  from  Hastam!  Counting  forward  tenth star  from  Hastam  is Thiruvonam  Which  is  Lord Narayana’s  star  and  counting  backwards from  Hastam  is  Rohini,  Star  of Lord  Krishna.  So  intelligently composed.

1.4 Next  Alvar  has  subg  Lullaby  for  Divine Child  and  lists  various  presents  made  by  different  celestials  like  Brahma, Rudra, Kubera,  Varuna, Indra,  Sri Mahalakshmi,  Bhumadevi,  Kali  etc.

1.5 Next,  Mother  Yashoda  is  showing  the  Full  Moon  to  the  child  in  her  hip.  She  invites  Moon  to  come  near  as  child  is  eager  to  play  with  him. She  says  come  quick  as He  is  sleepy  after  His  food  and  if  He  sleeps  late  the  food  will  not  be  digested  properly !  She  cautions  Moon  not  to  ignore  saying  He  is  small, and  reminds  him  of  the  experience  of  Mahabali  with  this  small  one !

1.6 next hHe  sings  of  the  stage  where  mother  keeps  the  child  and  sways  him forward  and  back

1.7 Next  he  sings  of  dwarf  like  stage. 

1.8   Like  that  he  sings  of  Faltering  steps,

 1.9  Acho Acho  and 

1.10 caressing  His  back,

1.10  His  showing  fright  to  her,

2. 1 Breast feeding, he  sings  of  the  Twelve  Namas of  the  Lord  during  the  ear piercing  function ( KESHAVA, NARAYANA,MADHAVA, GOVINDA,VISHNU, MADHUSUDANA TRIVIKRAMA,VAMANA,SRIDHARA,HRISHIKESHA,PADMANABHA &  DAMODARA  are  the  twelve  names.).

Next  is  Neerattam  or  Giving  Bath, calling  Kakkai (crow ) to  groom  the  hair, To  get  a  Stick  for  Him  to play, Decorating  the  Lord with  variety  of  Flowers, Kappidal ( keep  Rakshai  to  ward  off  evileyes, BalaKreedai  of  Krishna, Complaints  of  Neighbours  on  Krishna, Mother in  awe  of  child  is  refusing  to  feed  her  breast  but  only  solid food, mother  feeling  sorry that  she  had  to  send  Child  to  tend  the  calves  during  grazing , Her ecstasy  on  finding  safe return  of  Krishna  in  Evening, Damsels  getting  enamoured  of  Lord  coming  behind  the  Cattle. All  these  titles  have  10  or  12  pasurams  each and  the  group of  ten  of  such  ten  pasurams are called  MUDAL  PATTHU  , IRANDAM Patthu etc. meaning  100,200 pasurams.

Next  Two  hymns  of  20  pasurams  are  the  exquisite  of  all   in  my  opinion  as  they  are  as  fine  as  a painting  with  the  whole  scenery  unfolding  itself  before our  mind’s  eye.  They  are  Lord Krishna’s  Lifting  Govardhana  mountain. He  gives  vivid  description  of  mountain  itself.  Next  one  is  Lord  Krishna’s  playing  Flute  mesmerising  Gopis, Cows, even  the  birds  of  wild  and  also  the  trees  and   the  celestials  in  Heaven.It  is  of  interest  to  know  that  Lord Venugopala  idol  is  installed  fashioned  after  this  group  of  pasuram  in  Village  Called  KIZHNATTHAM  near  THIRUNELVELI. 

Next  is  the  outpourings  of  a mother  concerned  over  her daughter’s   yearning  in  love  for  the  Lord.   We  find  all  Alwars  writing  such  pasurams  as  a  mother  of  her daughter  meaning  their  own  Souls  longing  for  union  with  The  Lord.  Some  have  been sung  as  a Lady Love  for  her Beloved. Next  is  Mother  chastising  her  daughter  for  having  followed  the  Lord.

Next  patthu  is  on  Lord  Krishna  and  Lord  Rama  being  sung  in praise in  Alternate  pasurams.  Beginning  with  En Nathan …  this  is  sung  by  Smt.  M. S.  Subbulakshmi melodiously. Next  group  is  on   Lord  Hanuman  identifying  himself  as  a  messenger  of  Lord  Rama  to  Sri  Seetha  and  instilling  confidence  by  mentioning  the  Episodes as  told  by  Lord.

Next  is  on Thirumalirunjolai ’s  Special  features This  is Lord  Kallazhgar’s  temple  in Picturesque  surroundings  near  Madurai, Tamilnadu.      Next  is Thirumalirunjolai’s  Lord  is  described. Next  is  Thirukkotiyur  Special  features

Next  ten  pasurams  is  Upadesam  or  Advise  to  people Here  also  he  paints  a  gruesome  picture  of a  human  in  deathbed  and  shows  futility  of  human  life  and  advises  the  folk  to  surrender  to  the Lord  before  such  a  thing  happens  well  in  advance. ,   next  is  advice  to  christening  children  with  Narayana’s  name  and  in  the  process  remember  Lord’s  name while  calling  out to  children,  which is  potent  enough  to avoid hell  and  netherworlds  after  death.

Next  he  sings  on  Kandam  kshetram  on  banks  of  Ganga. in  Himalayas. Next  two  sets  are  on  SriRangam  and  third  is in praise   of  Sri  Ranganatha  reclining  on  Adisesha  in  Srirangam  

He  prays  to  the  Lord  that  he  should  not  forget  to  rescue  him  in  his  last  stages  of  life  as  he  is  not sure  whether  his  body  in  deathbed  will  be in  fit condition to  remember  His  names and  that  is  why  he  is  taking  His  names  In THE  PRESENT . Next  is  he  is  speaking  of  how  inferior  he  is compared  to  Lord.This  is  a  fit  reason  for  Him  to  protect  him. Next  he  speaks  of  Lord  on  Adisesha   dispelling  all  ills  of  his  body.  He cautions  the  ills  not  to  invade  his  body  like  the  ants  attacking  a  vessel  full  of  Ghee as the  Lord On  Adisesha  has  made his  body  as  His  abode and  is  in charge  of  protection. Next  he  is  addressing  Lord  of  Thirumalirunjolai  that  he  will  not  allow  Him  to  leave as  he  has   kept  Him  in  his  heart. He  says  that  none  other  like  Shiva, Brahma or  Indra  know  the  medicine/ cure  for  the  disease  that  is  the  birthcycle , You  are  the  Physician  for  this  disease  of  rebirth  cycle  and  help  me  overcome  this  disease  of  rebirth  by making  me  orient  my  thoughts  towards  your  temple.

  Final set  of  10  stanzas  find  Alwar   feeling  at  peace  as  Lord  of  Thiruvengadam ( Tirumalai Thirupathi )  has  occupied  his  Heart fully  occupying it.

These  are  the pasuram  groups  of  Sri  Perialvar.  The  titles  of  groups  of  ten  pasurams  and  meaning  of  sample  pasurams  are  given above.   

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Sri Vishnuchitta / PERIALVAR Tuesday, Aug 1 2006

Sri  Vishnuchitta  was  a Devout  Brahmin  serving  the  Lord  Vatapathrashayi  in  Srivilliputtur. He  tended  the  flower graden  with  thulasi and  he  used  to  make  fine  garlands  for  worship  of  the  Lord  in  temple. 

Once  it  so  happened  that  the  King  of  Pandya kingdom arranged  for  a  debate  of  all  learned  scholars  to  prove  and  decide  the  Supreme deity /God  to  be  worshipped  and  he  announced  a  gift of  a  bagful  of  gold coins  for  the  winner.  Lord  Vatapathrashayi  appeared  in  Vishnuchittar’s  dream  and  ordered  him  to  attend  the  same  and  proclaim  Lord  Narayana  as  Supreme  deity  worthy of  Worship.  The  debate  was  called PARATATVA NIRNAYA  In  all  humility  and  owing  to  the  fact  that  he  was  not  formally  educated  in  Vedas  and  shastras,  sri Vishnuchitta  did  not  attach  much  importance  to  the  dream.  Lord  repeatedly  asked  him  in  dream  to  go  and he had  to  yield  to Lord’s  command. He  proceeded  to  the  Royal  Court  of  Pandya  kingdom  and  brilliantly  argued  in  support  of  worshipping  Sriman Narayana  who  indeed  was  the  PARATATVA.   He  won  the  debate  and  King  was  so  pleased  with  him  and  he  presented  the  moneybag  with  gold  coins  and  arranged  for  a  procession  of  Sri Vishnuchittar  riding  an  elephant  through  the  capital city.  Lord  Narayana  wanted  to  see  his  devotee’s  procession  and Lo!  there  appeared  in  the  sky  Lord  Mahavishnu  seated  on  Garuda  His  mount  overlooking  Sri  Vishnuchittar.  Sri  Vishnuchittar ( aptly  named  so because  he  had  Lord  Vishnu  constantly  in  his  Mind  or  chitta ) hurriedly  dismounted  from  the  elephant  and  was more  concerned  that the  Lord  may  be  subject  to  evil  eyes  as  He  came  in  front  of  all  people  and  so  he  began  Chanting  PALLANDU, PALLANDU… so  He  may  live  long  unaffected  by  evil  eyes  on  His  celestial  beauty  unparalleled !  He  kept  ringing  the  bell  in  one  hand  that  was  worn  as  an  ornament  of Royal  elephant,  he had mounted. This  Pallandu  hymn  is  the  beginning  of  Nalayiram. It  is  chanted  in  Temples  and  household  aradhanam  alike  daily  after  Naivedyam  in  Shatrumurai. 

                    He  was  Foster father  of  Sri  Godadevi Or Andal  whom he  found  in  his  garden  under  Thulasi  plant. Refer Andal.

                    He  has  written   473  pasurams  in  all  Perialvar Thiruvaymozhi is  the  first  composition  in  Nalayira Divya  prabandham beginning  with  THIRUPALLANDU. Thiru  means  holy Vaymozhi  means  Truth (true Sayings )  or   Alvar Sayings  This  is  part  of  sacred  4000 hymns  called  Divine  Compositions.( Divya Prabandham )                   

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Tiruppaavai Monday, Jul 31 2006

Sri Ramanujacharya was always reciting the 30 pasurams or hymns of Tiruppavai. It seems he was in habit of reciting the hymns and enjoying the beauty of the composition and Bhakti emanating out of these. It is said that one day, while he was going round seeking the food as it was ordained in shastras that a Sanyasi has to live by way of charity received, he was enjoying the beauty of hymn starting with ” UNDU…”

 In this hymn Sri Andal requests in front of bedchamber of the Lord to get up and come out to know their desire. She requests Nappinnai consort of Krishna to come and open the door with her bangles jingling sweetly so she can have darshan of Lord. Just as he was immersed in the hymn, he had reached the residence of his guru Mahapurna. It so happened that Guru’s daughter Atthuzhayi by name opened the door to present the alms with her bangles jingling while opening the door. Acharya was overwhelmed at the scene in his contemplation unfolding itself in reality and swooned in emotion.

Perplexed the lady brought her father out and Guru could imagine what exactly had transpired and felt how great a person was Ramanuja. This favoritism towards Thiruppavai Of Ramanuja earned him the name Thiruppavai Jiyar. His devotion to Sri Andal was so much that he fulfilled a vow made by her in one of the hymns. In hymn she says that if her wish of union with LORD ranganatha is fulfilled she will offer 100 Thadas of Akkaravadishil ( rice cooked in Milk with Jaggery very much like Sakkarepongal ) to lord at Azhagarmalai. In her place, Sri Ramanuja fulfilled the vow by offering 100 thadas of Akkaravadishil which pleased Sri Andal so much that she exclaimed that Sri Ramanuja is like her Anna or Elder brother to her.

Thiruppavai is chanted during month of Margazhi (Dec 15th to Jan 14th ) during Aradhanam in all houses and temples early in morning at rate of one hymn per day.

At Srivilliputtur, birthplace of Sri Andal, Sri Andal is seen alongside Sri Rangamannar ( Ranganatha ) and she has given equal place to Garuda in gratitude to his sevice of bringing the lord to her quickly.

The temple tower at Srivilliputtur Was tallest gopuram in South India. This gopuram finds the place in Tamil nadu State Government emblem. In 1987, H. H. 44th Jiyar of Ahobila Mutt (Mukkoor Azhagiya Singar ) constructed the unfinished gopuram of Sri Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam, based on the dream he had in which Sri Andal ordained him to build. This is the tallest of all gopurams now pushing Srivilliputtur temple Gopuram to second place.

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Thiru Adi Pooram Friday, Jul 28 2006

Thiru means holy Adi is tamil month of Kataka ( of Zodiac fixing Sun’s position ) as per solar calendar and Pooram is birth star of Shri Andal or Goda devi. She is an Incarnation of Bhoodevi, one of the Consorts of Lord Vishnu the other two being Sridevi or Mahalakshmi born out of milky ocean and Neeladevi Like Sri Seetha of Ramayana.

Andal was not born of human parents. She was found in Thulasi garden of Sri Vishnuchittar, a Brahmin in service of Lord Vatapatrashayi of Srivilliputtur in Tamilnadu. He brought her up as his own daughter in midst of his services to lord Vatapatrashayi ( one reclining on Banyanleaf ).

Vishnuchitta was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He tended the flower garden solely for Lord’s service and he would with great devotion cut the flowers and make it to beautiful fragrant malais to present to Lord.

Andal grew up in such an atmosphere and would listen to the Leelas of the Lord and his various Archamurthis (idols) in other holy places. She was impressed by the Lord of SriRangam, Sriranganatha as explained by her father. She dreamed herself fit to be the bride of the Lord of SriRangam and developed love for him and would not think of marriage with worldly beings.

She has written “Divya Prabhandham” (Holy Hymns) in praise of the Lord where she has poured her yearning for the Lord. Unable to bear the separation, she has sung 143 pashurams (hymns) in praise of Lord and she at times is harsh with him for not listening to her entreatise to be united with him.

She used to stealthily adorn herself with the garlands prepared by her father and used to look at herself in the mirror to judge whether she is fit enough to be the bride of the Lord. Vishnuchitta used to take these garlands to the Lord without knowing of Andal’s using it.

One day it happens that a hair is found in the garland which Vishnuchitta is about to offer and he is shocked at the desecration. So, during tracing the cause for it, he happens to see his daughter adorning herself with a garland before a mirror. He becomes sad and then stops taking the garland to the deity.

That night, Vishnuchitta sees the Lord in his dream and asks him to continue offering the garlands and he likes the garland worn by Sri Andal. So she becomes famous as Sudikudutha Nachiyaar (Thaayar, consort). Further, the Lord wishes to take her as his consort and he orders Vishnuchitta in his dream to bring her to SriRangam bedecked as a bride and he would accept her.

So, Vishnuchitta is happy and takes Sri Andal as ordered by the Lord to SriRangam where Andal merges with Lord Ranganatha. Thus, Vishnuchitta became father-in-law of Ranganatha and so Periya Aalwar.

Sri Andal has sung Tirupaavai, 30 songs sung imagining herself to be a Gopasthree of Gokula and she wakes up Lord Krishna sleeping in his house. She points out that it is his duty to look into the requisites of his devotees and should not sleep. Thus, she becomes an Achaya or Guru even to the Lord.

Her sacred hymns are considered very beautiful and emotional. She is the only lady Aalwaar and there is difference of opinion that she should not be counted among the twelve aalwars as she is BhoomaDevi herself. So she has given thirty paashurams of Tirupaavai and 143 hymns in praise of Lord of SriRangam and Thirumaal Irunjolai and other places.

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