Friday, December 15, 2017

Thiruppavai - Pasuram 1 - Margazhi Thingal

Goda Devi, also known as Andal, was determined to have Lord Krishna as her husband. To achieve this, she initiated the auspicious pavai ritual by performing a Vratham. Throughout the month, she composed 30 beautiful lyrics that praised the glories of Lord Krishna and were dedicated to Him. She worshiped Lord Krishna in the form of Vatapatrasaayee for a full month. In this process, she gathered her companions as well, so they too could be blessed with the gift of the Lord's companionship.

For this purpose, she considered her birthplace (Srivilliputhur) as Gokulam and her father's temple (Vatapathrasayi temple) as Krishna's home, and herself as a gopi, cowherdess.

Andal composed this Thiruppavai magnificently, ecstatically filling each pasuram with in-depth spiritual and intellectual knowledge incorporating beautiful descriptions. Many hidden meanings and blissful revelations have been filled in each of these paasurams.

I am trying to fill some light on each of these paasurams in a very simple way with my own humble efforts.


Paasuram 1 of Thiruppavai


Maargazhi thhingaL madhi nirainda nannaaLaal
Neeraada ppOdhuveer pOdumino neriLaiyeer
Seermalgum aayppaadi chelva chchiru meergaaL
KoorvEl kodunthozhian NandagOpan kumaran
Eraarnda kaNNi Yasodai iLamsingam
KaarmenichengaN kadir madiyambol mugathhaan
NaaraayaNane namakke Parai tharuvaan
PaarOr pugazhappadindeLor embaavaay



The outer explicit meaning of this paasuram is as follows:

On this auspicious Margazhi month's full moon day, oh you, the well-ornamented (jewel-like) girls, let us (whoever wants to observe this holy ritual) go to Aayppaadi (Gokulam, the residential village of Krishna)) that is full of virtues and wealth and is the abode of noble people and Lord Krishna Himself, to take the holy bath.
He (Krishna) is the son of King Nandagopan, who holds a sharp spear always to protect his people, and, is (like) the lion-cub of beautiful-eyed Yasodha.
Krishna whose complexion is like dark clouds and whose face is like vibrant Sun and pleasing Moon, that Lord Narayana Himself will grant us the Parai (a musical instrument).
The whole world will witness it, O my dear friends.


The inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Pasuram:

The first paasuram of Thiruppavai highlights the deep love and commitment that God has towards His devotees, emphasizing His unwavering dedication to protecting them from ignorance and the evil forces in the universe. It suggests that just as moonlight dispels darkness, God’s grace will shield them from all worldly evils and ultimately grant them moksha (liberation).

The auspicious month of Margazhi is described as a celestial period, particularly the early morning hours. It assures that the Lord will listen to those who pray to Him during this sacred time, rewarding them for their pure dedication and self-discipline in thoughts and actions.

Through this first paasuram, Goda Devi emphasizes that Lord Narayan is the only true savior of our worldly lives. To attain salvation and seek His protection, one must earn His grace.

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