Thursday, January 26, 2017

Republic Day Celebration and its Specialty for Me | India's Republic Day

Happy Republic Day to all of you, my Dears.


Republic Day is celebrated by Indians to mark the occasion of India being proclaimed as a Republic from this 26th January Day of the year in 1950.

A "Republic" refers to the form of government where governing power resides with the elected representatives of the people of the country. The elections are conducted throughout the country in which all people above the age of some minimum age limit (either 18 or any other limit that is fixed by different countries as their norms) have the voting power to elect leaders to govern them. The whole country is divided into states or regions and each state or region has many constituencies within them for governing purpose. Each constituency is contested by many candidates of different political parties and one of them gets elected for that constituency according to the number of votes scored by him. These winning candidates again elect their leaders as CM of a particular state. The CM forms his government with the approval of the elected candidates by selecting the other ministers. The same thing happens for electing the country's central government also. All the voters elect their leaders for the Parliament through general elections. The elected parliamentarians, thereafter, elect their leader who becomes the Prime Minister of the country. And, he forms the central government by choosing the ministers with the approval of other elected leaders.

The government thus elected by the people of the Republic governs the state or country according to some constitution formed by the laws and mutual consent of the peoples' representatives. Our first constitution was prepared by B.R. Ambedkar and came into force with effect from January 26, 1950.

The first general elections in our country were held in November 1951 according to the new constitution of India after her becoming a Republic. The elections continued until February 1952 and the first Parliament got announced declaring Jawahar Lal Nehru as the First PM of Republic India.

So, we are celebrating each and every year on this Date, 26 January, as the Republic Day.

We salute our Country. We salute our martyrs who fought for our Independence and gifted us the independence on 15th August 1947.

These national festivals remind me of my forefathers who have also fought for the Independence of our country by taking an active part in the independence struggles and movements. My grandfather used to be referred to as Gandhiji of a village named Tallarevu near Kakinada of Andhra Pradesh during an early 20th century. My uncles were born while my grandfather was in jail. So, they were named as Satyagrahacharya (born during the non-cooperation movement) and as Pathakacharya        ('pataak' means Flag and it refers to the Indian National Flag).

Our country abodes people of different cultures speaking different languages and yet they are united and bonded. They love to be called as Indians and feel always proud to be Indians.

We salute our National Flag by hoisting it with great respect and pride. We salute our soldiers and award gallantry awards to them. We salute our Scientists, Litterateurs, and all other great personalities whoever contributed and are contributing to the growth and development of our country in each and every field.

We celebrate the festival with sweets and flowers.

This festival is further associated with my God also for me and my family.

Just as it brought a people's republic and happiness for the people of our country, our God arrived in our house on this day some more than 30 years ago in the form of tiny silver idols. We installed the idols of Lord Narayana and Goddess Sri Lakshmi on this day in a small wooden temple in our puja room on that day in 1984 or 85. From that day, each year, we are celebrating this day as the birthday of our God also besides celebrating the Republic Day.

So, January 26 is a very special day for me in both the cases.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 30 - Vanga kadal kadaindha Madhavanai


This paasuram is the last one of the literary garland of thirty paasurams created by Goda Devi (Andal) to provide the people with a very simple and an easy spiritual path of attainment of moksha and the blessings of Lord Vishnu or Sriman Narayana through the observance of Dhanurmasam or the ritual of sacred Pavai Vrat.

Paasuram 30

Vanga kadal kadaindha Maadhavanai KEsavanai
ThingaL thirumugaththu sey izhayaar senRu iRainji
Anga paRai konda aaRtRai aNi pudhuvai
PaingamaLa ththandheriyal bhattar piraan kOdai sonna
Sanga thamizh maalai muppadhum thappaamE
Ingu ipparisuraippaar eerirandu maalvarai thOL
Sengan thirumugaththu selva thirumaalaal
Engum thiruvaruL petRu iNbuRuvar embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this paasuram

Thus, the gopis who are shining moon-like faced (adorned by new clothes and ornaments), attained moksha by approaching the Lord, who is called as Madhavan (because of possessing Goddess Lakshmi obtained during the churning of the Milky Ocean) and Keshavan (because of the curly hair head).
That story of their attaining moksha is told by Goda who is the daughter of Bhattar piraan (a superior or great person is referred to as Piraan) who used to wear the garlands prepared with Tulasi and lotus beads around his neck.

Whoever recites this garland of Tamil songs (especially recited in groups) honestly without any break will obtain eternal bliss, now itself and thereafter, through the overwhelming grace of that Lord, who has beautiful eyes with a red hue and divinely faced and glorious with all good qualities.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 30

Andal tells people, through this last paasuram, about her authorship and about her father cum teacher (Achaaryan) and regarding the benefit of performing this Pavai nonbu or Vrat. She also hints at the supreme qualities and benevolence of God who will definitely bless His devotees with the eternal bliss or moksha.

It asserts the importance and valuable worthiness of the Thiruppavai, the authenticity of its writer who is the disciple of a great worthy Achaaryan, the quality, and essence of the contents of this work, and the great benefits obtained by reciting or hearing of these paasurams with sincere honesty.

A concluding paragraph
Goda Devi performed the Vrat of Thiruppavai by preparing a garland of 30 paasurams in this manner and dedicating one paasuram each day to Lord Vatapatra Shaayi at Srivilliputtur temple. After completion of this penance by Goda Devi, Lord, one day, appeared in her father's dreams and also in the dreams of the King and a temple priest of the Sri Rangam Temple, and instructed them to arrange for the marriage of Goda Devi with Himself, the Lord, inside that temple of Sri Rangam. So, Goda married God and became an idol to his side there and is being worshiped as Andal since that time.

For full story of Andal, read at this link.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 29 - SitRam siRukaale on 13-01-2017

This paasuram once more asserts the determination and commitment by the gopis to keep the penance or performance of Paavai for attaining their goal of moksha and plead Lord to keep away all other desires and thoughts from their mind.

Paasuram 29

SitRam siRu kaalE vandhu unnai sEviththu unn
PotRaamarai adiyE pOtRum poruL kELaay
PetRam mEyuththu unnRum kulaththil piRandhu nee
KutREval engaLai koLLaamal pOgaadhu
ItRai paRai koLvaan AnRu kaaN Govindhaa
EtRaikkum EzhEL piravikkum undhannOdu
UtROmE aavOm unakkE naam aatseyivOm
MatRainam KaamangaL maatRelOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Oh, Lord! We come early in the morning before dawn to visit you. After the darshan bhaagyam, we get pleased and sing prayers at your lotus-like feet in great pleasure.
We are blessed to have you born in our clan (even though we are very ordinary beings). Due to this attachment with you and our utter ignorance, You cannot do away without blessing us.
Oh, Govindha! We are not simply here to get the Parai from you.
We want to keep an eternal close relationship with you throughout the coming seven births and much more than that so that we can perform our humble services to you in all ages.
Oh, Lord! Please remove all the obstacles faced by us and fulfill our desires.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 29

Through this paasuram in the voice of gopis, Goda Devi spreads the message that those who discard all their material desires and enjoyments and indulge in the sincere services of God with pure love, attachment, and submission, seeking no returns from Him for those services rendered, will be rewarded by Lord, on his own, without your requests. Because he loves his true devotees and grants them with the permanent bliss of moksha removing all the physical barriers coming between Him and His devotees.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 28 - Karavaigal pin senru Dated 12-01-2017

In this paasuram, the gopis acknowledge their ignorance as they are simple cattle feeders and do not know what is good or bad and ask for his forgiveness if they committed any mistakes.

Paasuram 28

KaRavaigaL pin senru kaanam serndhu uNbOm
ARivonRum illaadha aay kulaththu undhannai
PiRavi peRundhanai puNNiyam yaam udayOm
KuRai onRum illaadha Kovindhaa undhannOdu
uRavEl namakku ingu ozhikka ozhiyaadhu
ARiyaadha piLLaigaLOm anbinaal undhannai
SiRu pEr azhaiththanamum seeRi aruzhaadhE
IRaivaa nee thaaraay paRaiElOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this paasuram

Oh, Krishna! We are very simple ignorant people going behind the cattle to the forests and eating there even without washing the hands.
In such a clan, you have arrived taking your birth. This is our great fortune.
Oh, Govinda! You are complete with all qualities and so capable of removing all our weaknesses.
This relationship between us cannot be undone even if we desire.
We are like little children unaware of any manners. So, kindly forgive us as we have addressed you with little names.
Please, oh God, bless us with the PaRai (moksha).

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 28

Through this paasuram, Andal refers to the ignorance of people in realizing the greatness of God.
We are unaware about His paramathmathathvam and His being the only savior of all our problems. But, once when we get some hints and glimpses of His image, we are able to recognize his Omnipotence and Omniscience qualities. Then, we discard all our lust for material pleasures and long for His union. We realize that we are too much inferior and discard all our ego and pride to seek His pardon and refuge.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 27 - Koodaarai Vellum Seer Govinda Dated 11/01/2017

In this paasuram, the Gopis reveal to Lord Krishna their intentions that they would like to be gifted magnificent costumes, bangles, jewels etc. and be allowed to feast in His company.

Paasuram 27

Koodaarai vellum seer Govindhaa undhannai
Paadi paRai kondu yaam perum sammaanam
Naadu pugaLum parisinaal nanRaaga
SoodagamE thOzh vaLaiye thOdE sevippoovE
PaadagamE enrenaiya palgalaNum yaam aNivOm
Aadai uruppOm adhan pinnE paal sORu
Mooda neyi peydhu muzhngai vaLi vaara
Koodi irundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Oh, Lord, you are capable of winning even the hearts of your opponents with your grace!
Oh, Lord, we are blessed with the world's most supreme reward of obtaining the PaRai (your company) singing your glories.
We will adorn ourselves with bangles and bracelets, shoulder ornaments, rings, studs and flower-like vertex earrings, anklets, and many more unknown ornaments being provided by you towards our gift.
Then, we will wear the new clothes provided by you and eat with you the milk-food prepared with lots of ghee, which while eating overflows from the hand to the elbow.
This is our wish, Oh Lord!

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 27

Andal, through this paasuram, refers to the breaking of the fast (after performing the Vrat or penance).
Lord is very kind and loves His devotees. He blesses them with good results and great rewards when they keep faith in Him. The devotees are blessed with His union or Saayujyam.
So, the gopis on getting His blessings, celebrate the occasion of breaking the penance by wearing new clothes, ornaments, and flowers, They prepare the milk-food with jaggery/sugar and a large quantity of ghee and offer it as Naivedyam to God and eat in His company.

That is why, on this 27th day of Dhanurmaasam, we prepare the akkaara vadisil (ksheeraannam or milk-food made up of milk, rice, jaggery, ghee, cashew nut, raisin, elaichi, etc.) and eat the same in His presence after offering it as Naivedyam to Him.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram - 26 - MaalE MaNivaNNa Dated 10-01-2017

In this paasuram, the gopis request Lord Krishna to provide them with the requirements needed to perform this "Pavai" Vrat and tell Him how they would like to be rewarded after performing it.

Paasuram 26

MaalE maNivaNNaa MaargaLi neeraaduvaan
MElaiyaar saivanagaL vEnduvana kEttiyEl
Nyaalaththai ellaam nadunga muralvana
PaalannavaNNaththu un paanjasanniyamE
POlvana sankangaL poy paadudai YanavE
Saala perumpaRaiyE pallaandu isaippaarE
KOla viLakkE kodiyE vithaanamE
Aalin ilaiyaay aruLElOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Oh, Lord with unbounded love and with the beautiful complexion of blue sapphire gems!
We are to perform the holy bath in this auspicious Maargazhi. Our ancestors have also performed like that.
For this purpose, we seek some tools from you.
1) The sound of which trembles all this universe, that milk-like hued Panchajanyam resembling conches;
2) A large musical instrument "paRai";
3) A group of singers to sing "pallandu":
4) Lighting lamps:
5) A flag and;
6) A huge tent for shelter.

Oh, All-powerful Lord, please provide all these things.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 26

Through this paasuram, Andal gives us the message that we should value the age-old customs and traditions of our ancestors. She tells that we should follow rituals as per their prescribed principles and practices to maintain the decorum and respect to our customs. The ancestors referred to can be either our AchAryas or our own family elders and include both.

The bath referred to is the worship here involving six steps.
While starting worship, we blow the conch reverberating the sounds of "Om".
Then we sound the bells and drums.
Next, we decorate Lord with the flowers and recite the Vedic mantras and slokas.
The fourth step is to light the lamps which refer to the offering of Naivedyam and lighting of camphor.
The flag is used during processions of Lord.
The tent referred to is the cover used for Lord while sleeping.

So, the gopis required all these tools to worship Him which is equal to their taking bath in a spiritual river.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 25 - Oruththi maganai pirandu Dated 09/01/2017

In this paasuram, Goda Devi refers to the divine tales of Sri Krishna's birth and the ultimate goal of performing this Parai ritual or penance. 

Paasuram 25

Oruththi maganaay ppiRandhu Oriravil 
Oruththi maganaay oLiththu vaLara
Tharikkilaanaagiththaan theengu ninaindha
Karuththai pizhai piththu Kansan vayitRil
Neruppenna ninRa nedumaalE unnai
Ariththiththu vandhOm paRai tharudhiyaagil
Thiruththaka selvamum sEvagamum yAmpaadi
Varuththamum theerndhu magzhilndhElor embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

You have born as the son of one mother during one night and grew up as the son of another mother.
Oh, Lord! We can't keep thinking about the ways you involve in rewarding or punishing the acts of people. You have been like a fire in the belly of Kansa due to his bad acts.
We have come to seek Parai (moksha) from you.
If you grant us the "PaRai", we will sing the glories of You and about the heroic deeds of You to please You and Nappinnai. 
Please grant us moksha so that our sorrows and problems get dissolved and may we immerse in bliss.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 25

God seems to assume various forms and involve in various deeds to protect His devotees and to punish those who create trouble in the lives of His people. We can't understand or describe such wonderful deeds of God. Even we do not understand the ways in which He rewards the good acts or punishes the bad acts. We should simply submit ourselves to Him and seek the eternal bliss of moksha.

The essence of this paasuram is that the gopis seek permission to perform His worship in His human form and enjoy His company. 

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram - 24 - Anru ivvulagam alandaay Dated 08/01/2017

In this paasuram, the gopis sing the praise of Lord in the style of PallAndu (mangaLaasaasanams) while Krishna wakes up and walks towards His throne accompanied by NeeLA Devi and gets seated on it.

Paasuram 24

AnRu ivvUlagam aLandAy adi pOtRi
SenRangu ththennilangai setRaay thiRal pOtRi
PonRa chchagadam uthaththaay pugazh pOtRi
Kanru kunilaaveRindaay kazhal pOtRi
Kunru kudeyaay eduththaay kuNam pOtRi
VenRu pagai kedukkum nin kayyil vEl pOtRi
EnRenRum un sEvagamE  Eththi paRai koLvAn
InRu yaam vandom irangElOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

During those days when the world was weeping due to atrocities of the demons, You took the step(s) (measuring the earth and sky with two steps and keeping the third foot on the head of Bali).
Again, those days, You took steps towards Lanka in the South with the arrows (to kill Ravana).
Then again, You kicked the wheel with force using these feet (to kill the SakatAsura demon in the form of a wheel).
You, again, flew a demon-calf towards another demon in the form of a tree, using amazing force with these feet, to kill both of them simultaneously.
You lifted the mountain Govardhana like an umbrella with such splendid awe using a finger (to protect your people and cattle from the anger of Indra).
Oh, Lord! You hold a spear in your hand that destroys all the enemies.
Glory to Thee, oh, Lord!
We have come here to offer our eternal services and to seek the gift of Parai from You. Oh, Lord, have mercy on us.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thirupaavai Paasuram 24

Goda Devi, in this paasuram, not only refers to the different styles of  Lord in killing the demons but also wanted to highlight the different gaits of Lord during His walk from His chamber towards the throne. A gait is a style of moving one's feet or legs while walking. She describes the different gaits of Lord which are exceptionally worthy of Him only. The gopis requested Lord to ascend His throne for listening to their prayers only because of this reason of getting the pleasure of viewing His majestic and beautiful gaits. After viewing this beautiful scenery, the gopis got overwhelmed with joy and praised the Lord with so many great deeds of Lord during different times and with shouts of "Glory to Thee".

Friday, January 6, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 23- maari malai muzhanjil Dated 07-01-2017

Krishna gets awakened after the gopis accompanied with Nappinnai (NeeLa Devi) herself pleaded Him to awaken and heed to their requests. Now, the gopis request Him to come out of His bedding room and sit on the throne and listen to their prayers and grant them the gift of Parai.

Paasuram 23 

Maarimalai muZhanGil mannikkidandhu uRangum
Seeriya singam aRivutRu ththeeviLiththu
VERimayir ponga eppaadum pErundudhaRi
Moori nimirundhu muzhangippuRa pattu
POdarumA pOlE nee poovai poovaNNaa un
KOil ninRu iNGanE pOndharuLi kkOppudaiya
Seeriya singaasanaththu irundhu yaam vandha
Kaariyam aaraayndhu aruLElOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Just like the lion sleeping in a cave shudders its sleep with a loud roar, watching all around fiercely and erecting all its hair, and steps out of the cave majestically, Oh, Lord Krishna, possessing an enchanting hue of bluish complexion, please come out of your temple-like chamber and be seated on your majestic throne, throwing a blessing glance at us while passing by. Oh, Lord, may you, then, listen to the purpose of our coming to you and awakening you so early from your sleep.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 23

It seems that Andal, here in this paasuram, wanted to elaborate the previous reference made by her to Lord Krishna as "Yasodhai iLam-singam" in her first paasuram. 
The attribute of iLam singam is derived from God,s form of Narasimha incarnation to save Prahlada and to punish the demon HiraNyakashipa. So, Krishna gets compared with Lord Narasimha in this paasuram and not the animal lion.

Andal indirectly refers to the AchAryAs and their awakened souls (JnAni and JnAnam) and wishes that they should always spread awareness and pave the path for ignorant people to be able to be gifted with His blessings. Nappinnai is one such path shower in Thiruppavai who aids the gopis in reaching Sri Krishna and get blessed by His grace. And, Andal herself is a great path shower to all of us as she gifted this Thiruppavai to us.



Thursday, January 5, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram -22 - AngaNmaaGyAlaththu arasar on 06-01-2017

Thiruppavai paasuram 22 describes the submissiveness of the entire world at the feet of God with no more egoism to seek His blessings and protection. The gopis accompanied by the support of NeeLa Devi or Nappinnai, who guided them to the bed of Lord Krishna,  praise Him and appraise Him that they have discarded all pride and ego that possessed them previously and seek for His graceful vision that can wash their sins and purify their body and soul.

Paasuram 22

AngaN maaGyaalaththu arasar abimAna
BangamAy vandhu nin paLLikattiRkeezhE
SangamiruppAr pOl vandhu talai ppeyidhOm
KiNgiNi vaay chCheydha thAmarai ppooppOle
SengaN SiRichchiRidhe emmEl vizhiyAvO
ThingaLum Adiththiyanum EzhundaaR pOle
AngaNiraNdukondu engaLmEl nOkkudhiEl
EngaLmEl sAbamizhindheLor embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Just like the vanquished kings released by their ego have surrendered at your feet by gathering below your bed in groups to serve you, we also have come to rest at the feet of your bed after banishing our pride and ego to receive your protection.
Just like little bell-shaped pearls opening their mouth slowly, please open your lotus-like eyes gradually so that we may bear the radiant glow of your glances.
As if the Sun and Moon are rising at the same time, please look at us with your beautiful eyes with the coolness the moon and the brightness of the sun, so that all our sins and defects get washed away.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 22

As human beings, we are always in the deception and under the delusion that we are the superior beings in whatever field we are. We believe that we are the authority here and this position, place or thing belongs to us and we can do whatever we like with it as we are independent in all respects. But, once when you become helpless before circumstances and unable to control things, you gradually realize the reality and the existence of something superior that controls everything. You will then discard all your ego and pride and seek the help of God. This fact is preached to people through this paasuram.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram - 21- EtRa KalanGaL Edhirpongi - 05-01-2017

Nappinnai got awakened and opened the doors after the gopis along with Goda Devi pleased her with their praises and requests. Now, Nappinnai also joins with the gopis to awaken Lord Krishna from his sleep.

Thiruppavai Paasuram 21

Etra kalanGaL edhRpongi meedhaLippa
MaatRaadhE paal sorium vaLLal perum pasukkaL
AatRa padaiTTHaan magane! aRiuRaay
OotRam udaiyaay periyaay ulaginil
ThOtRamaay ninRa sudarE thuyilezhaay
Maatraar unakku vali tolaindhu unvaasaR kkaN
Atraadu vandhu unnadi paNiyumaa pOlE
POththiyaam vandhOm pugazhndhElOr embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this paasuram

Oh, Lord, the son of NandagOpan, whose innumerable, big cows pour milk incessantly even before the vessels get changed quickly and thus get overflowing! Please kindly get up.
Oh, Supreme being, Oh Lord! even though you have no limits in this universe and are unreachable, you have taken this human form for us, Oh, the effulgent streak of light! Please awaken.
Just as your enemies, who got defeated and made powerless, come to your house and stand up at your doorsteps in line,  we have come here singing your praise and glory. Kindly listen to our prayers.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 21

The in-depth meaning of this paasuram is too much complex to understand by us. It is based on some very highly spiritual knowledge. There are some deep explanations to be found on sadagopan.org some of which I am providing here.

The phrase "maatRadhe paal sorium vaLLal perum pasukkaL" is interpreted as referring to the capabilities of brilliant disciples who are able to produce the knowledge derived by them from their previous teachers in exactly the same manner without changing anything in an incessant flow. Their knowledge spills out overflowing but nothing is changed or twisted that has been imparted by their Acharyas. Further, it is mentioned in the same website that "VaLLal perum pasukkaL" refers to the brilliant Acharyas who have been able to pass on the knowledge gained from their previous Acharyas as it is without changing anything. So, the knowledge that has been directly derived from God and Goddess are passed on from generation to generation through this ever-maintained chained relationship of brilliant teachers and brilliant disciples.

The passage "matRaar unakku vaLi tolaindhu un vaasaRkkaN" is interpreted as the gopis surrendering before Lord Krishna telling Him that they have left all their pride and ego (of thinking themselves as the most beautiful gopis after seeing His amazing beauty and virtuous qualities).

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 20 - Muppaththumoovar Amararku for 04-01-2017

In this Paasuram, Goda Devi and her gopis continue awakening NeeLa Devi (Nappinnai) and Sri Krishna.

Muppaththu moovar amaraRku mun senRu
Kappam thaviRkum kali ye thuyilezhaai
Seppamudaiyaay thiRaludaiyaay settaarku
Veppam kodukkum Vimalaa thuyilezhaai
Seppannamenmulai Sevvaay chchirumarunGul
Nappinnai nangaai thiruve thuyilezhaai
Ukkamum thattoLiyum thandhu un maNaaLanai
IppOde emmai neerattelor embaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Oh, Lord Krishna, who removes the trembling fear of the thirty-three crore angels (it is believed by ordinary people that there are thirty-three crore angles in heaven) by standing in front of them (during their battles with demons), Oh, valorous one, kindly wake up from sleep.
Oh, Lord, who takes care and protects your devotees and possesses enormous strength! You are blemishless in doing so by saving your dependants and punishing their enemies. Oh, blemishless, please wake up.
Oh, Nappinnai! Who possesses a charming body with soft bosoms, red lips, and a narrow waist! Oh, Goddess Lakshmi! Please awaken.
Please give your Lord to us along with a fan (of peacock feathers generally) and a bronze mirror and bathe us in the holy waters just now.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 20

The number 33 angels or gods, in this context, comprises the total figure of ashTa Vasu (8 vasus), 12 Sun-Gods of Bhagavata Purana, 11 Rudras, and 2 Ashwini Devatas.
Andal tells that Lord Krishna should come even before all to protect us as he does with them.
God always protects his devotees and has an equal attachment with all beings. But, if anybody harms his devotees, He will destroy them.
Nappinnai is regarded here as the Goddess Lakshmi herself. So, she is referred to as Thiru in "thiruve". She is the PurushakAram just like Goddess Lakshmi who always involves herself with God in the protection of devotees. So, the gopis request Her to help them in taking this holy bath by giving them Lord Krishna.

Monday, January 2, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 19 - Kutthu viLakkeriya for 03-01-2017

When Andal praises Nappinnai (NeeLA) and reminds of the duties, she wakes up and wants to open the doors. But Krishna wants to open the door himself and so prevents her from going to the door. So, the gopis now appease both Krishna and Nappinnai again in this 19th paasuram.

Paasuram 19

Kutthu viLakkeRiya kOttukkaal kattil mEl
Metthaina panja sayanathin mEl ERi
Kotthalar pUngudal Nappinnai kongai mEl
Vaitthukidandha malar maarbaa vaay thiRavaay
Maththadan kaNNinaay nee un maNaaLanai
Etthanai pOdum thuyilezha vottaay kaaN
Etthanai yElum pirivaatRagillaayaal
ThatthuvamandRu thagavElor embaavaay

Outer, explicit literal meaning of this paasuram

Oh, Krishna, you are sleeping even when the lights are glowing beside the ivory bed, on the soft mattress (having all the five qualities of coolness, freshness, fragrance, softness, and filled with flowers) resting your broad chest on the lofty bosom of Nappinnai whose braid is adorned with fresh bunches of flowers. Oh, Krishna, please open your mouth (and answer to our calls).

Oh, Nappinnai, whose eyes are dark and wide as if decorated with collyrium lotion! Won't you allow your Lord to wake up even after so long duration to come to us? Won't you bear separation from Him even for a while? It is not just for you or noble on your part.

Inner, in-depth meaning of this Thiruppavai Paasuram 19 

In this paasuram, Andal is referring to the Purushakaara element or nature of Nappinnai and reminds her of this nature and the other important point that Lord is not the possession of a single being. He belongs to all and He should attend to all his people's needs and calls.

The glowing lights refer to the knowledge imparted by teacher or Acharya.
The bed with its four legs refers to the four goals of life - Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
The mattress is the five-headed serpent's ShEshatalpam or universe.
MaiththadamkaNNi means the best disciple of her Teacher as Nappinnai always has been close and dear to Lord.




Sunday, January 1, 2017

Thiruppavai Paasuram 18 - Undhu madagaLitRa nodadha 2nd January

When Krishna does not awake, Goda Devi realizes that she should first awaken Nappinna piRaati (NeeLa Devi) as they are both inseparable and Krishna would not awake without her. So she awakens NeeLa first.

Thiruppavai Paasuram 18

Undhu madhagaLitRan Odaadha thoLvaLiyan
Nandagopalan marumagaLe Nappinnaay
Kandham kamazhum kuzhali kadai thiRavaay
Vandhengum kozhi aLaiththanagaaN Madhavi
Ppandhalmel pal kaal kuzhilinanagaL koovinakaaN
Pandhaarvirali un maiThThunan peRpaada
Chendhaamarai kayyaal Siraar vaLaioLippa
Vandu Thiravai maghindu Elor enbaavaay

Literal, explicit meaning of this Paasuram

Oh, daughter-in-law of the great warrior Nandagopan who is famous for his invincible valor and army of giant elephants and so never faces defeat!
Oh, Nappinnaay! you, whose hair is dark and beautiful with locks, please open the door.
Even the cocks have arrived now making loud noises and even the cuckoo birds sitting on the bower of creeping flower plants have cuckooed many times very sweetly.
Oh, Lady with lofty round fingers! As we want to sing in praise of your Lord, please open the door making a loud noise of the bangles on your lotus like hands, so that He can awaken.

Inner, in-depth meaning of the Thiruppavai Paasuram 18

Here, Nappinnai is the PurushakAram or the important recommendation for reaching Lord Krishna. So, she is to be pleased and requested for seeking the blessings of Krishna.
Now, to appease Nappinna, Goda Devi first praises her father-in-law Nandapopan. Goda is clever enough to know that if she praises Nappinna's father-in-law, she would get much pleased and listen to her requests as Nandagopan is a close relative of Nappinna. Goda Devi praises his great valor and then praises Nappinna's good qualities. She praises her beautiful long hair, her lotus-like hands, and her bangles. She further adds that the shouting of the cocks and the cuckoo birds making pleasant sounds as the signal for people to awaken and indulge in their duties. The cock generally crows three times to awaken people. It is a symbolic reference to the three mantras that are imparted by Vaishnava Acharyas for attaining moksha, the Thirumanthram, Dvayamanthram, and Charama slokam.  So, Andal requests Nappinna to kindly open the door so that Krishna will awake.

The opening of door refers to the removal of obstructions in the path of reaching God. Goda Devi requests Nappinnai to help us in crossing the obstacles in the path of reaching God.