e-Book (for free circulation) Tiruppavai

Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran

About the Author: Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples, and Temple Architecture to many leading Dailies and Magazines.

His articles are popular in “The Young World section” of THE HINDU His e-books on nature, environment and different cultures of people around the world are educative and of special interest to the young. His e-books – Guide to 108 Divya Desams, Guide to 275 Siva Sthalams, The Path of , Madhwacharya, Guide to Kancheepuram and in a nutshell have been well received in the religious circle. He was associated in the renovation and production of two Documentary films on Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in Tamilnadu.

Acknowledgement: I wish to express my gratitude to the authors from whose works I gathered the details for this book, and to my wife Kamala Sampath in compiling the details. Courtesy Google, for some of the photographs. Special thanks to www.scribd.com for hosting my e-books.

Alwars (in pure Tamil "Azhwar") means "One who immerses himself". They deeply immersed themselves in their devotion and towards Lord Narayanan. The Azhwars are reported to be incarnations of Nithasuris of Sri Vaikuntam, namely, the Weapons, the Vanamaali, the , etc. They lived like human beings and burst out Bhatia laden great works for the sake of humanity. The works of Azhwars stood mysteriously a replica of the themselves and therefore came to be known as Dravidic Veda. In fact, there is a view that even the great Rishis are no match to the greatness of the Azhwars because these Rishis got their 'gnanam' (wisdom) as a result of their own actions of 'spiritual merit' ( Punyam) whereas the wisdom of the Azhwars was the direct result of the Lord's divine grace and therefore called ' Divyam'. It is because of this that the works of Azhwars is called ' Divya Prabandham' which are 4000 paasurams (poems).

Azhwar's paasurams (poems) called Naalaayira divya prabhandam composed by twelve Azhwars. The paasurams were collected and brought out by one of the much revered Srivaishnava Acharyas called Sri Naathamuni. Azhwar paasurams were not lost or unknown, by the time of Sri Naathamuni, (9th century A.D.). It was by divine grace that Sri Naathamuni came to know of the Tamil poems praising Lord . It is believed that Sriman Naathamuni heard some devotees visiting his home town of Veeranaaraayanapuram (present day Kaattu mannaarkudi near Mayilaadurthurai or Mayavaram) singing a few (11) Tamil songs starting with "aaraa amudhe adiyen udalam" and ending with

"... kurugoor sadagOpan kuzhalil maliyach sonna Or aayiratthuL ippatthum, mazhalai theera vallaar kaamar maanEy nOkkiyarkE." The twelve Azhwars were all inspired and ardent devotees who transmitted their divine infatuation to millions. They have left behind an imperishable legacy of devotional Tamil poetry –

Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam - considered to be the essence of the Vedas in Tamil, and in praise of Lord Vishnu. These have been rarely equalled either in quantity or in quality ever after.

Nammazhvaar is held in greatest esteem among the Azhwars.

He lived during the seventh century CE. His contribution is as many as 1352 of the four thousand prabandhams. His hymns are considered by the Vaishnavites to contain the essence of the Vedas. His works - Thiru Aasiriyam, Thiru Virudham, and Periya Thiruvandhadhi correspond to the Yujur, Rig and Atharva vedas respectively. His other work Periya Thirumozhi (Divine words) is the one of the key works of .

Periyazhwar delighted in worshipping Vishnu as mother, nurse, devotee and lady love. Andal who grew up in Periyazhwar's home attributed the Tiruppavai a most beautiful collection of 30 verses giving expression to the purest love of God.

Tirumangai Azhwar has done “mangalasasanam” (sung in praise) in maximum number of Divya Desams – pilgrim centers.

Andal was a 10th century Tamil poet who is revered as a saint in the southern parts of . In fact, she is considered as one of the twelve Azhwars (saints) and the only woman Azhwar of Vaishnavism (a cult devoted to Lord Vishnu). She is also believed to be an incarnation of Sri , the Divine Consort of Sriman Narayana, and manifestation of Lord Vishnu.

Vallabhadeva was the ruler of Pandya kingdom at Madurai. One day the king went round the city in disguise on horseback, to inspect the works of the guards. He found a man sleeping on a pail. The king woke him up and enquired who he was. "I am a pilgrim named Vishnuchitta lived in Villiputtur, a town near Madurai. My daily duties include procuring flowers for the worship of the Lord, Vatapatrasayi (Lord Narayana), at the local temple. I am going to Rameshwaram after a dip in the holy Ganges," replied. "Tell me anything you think important," said the king. The Brahmin replied, "Oh King! One has to work for eight months in order to earn enough for one full year's living. To provide for a happy life in old age, a man must earn and save plenty of money in his youth itself. To gain happiness in the next world one must strive hard on earth in all possible ways and means to earn Punya (Merit in God's eyes)".

On hearing this, the king was upset of not having done anything in this world to earn happiness in the other world. Since different religious codes teach different ways of earning merit, he arranged for a conference of learned men to get a clear knowledge.

Vallabhadeva had a minister and religious adviser, named Selvanambi who had a dream of Lord Srinivasa of Simhadri, to go at once to Villiputtur and bring Vishnuchitta to Madurai.for the meet. Accordingly he traveled from Madurai to Villiputtur and enquired about Vishnuchitta. He was directed to a very beautiful garden. Even at a distance the air was full of the fragrance of the Tulasi plant and of the jasmine, the champak and the dandelion. The garden was full of bunches of flowers of different colors, and was very beautiful

A middle-aged man, with twelve sacred marks on his body, was singing hymns and collecting the leaves of the Tulasi plant and flowers. He was conscious of nothing else. His hands were busy with God's work; his mind was with God. He was Vishnuchittaa a pious and saintly man and an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. They greeted each other.

Selvanambi was surprised to learn from Vishnuchitta that he too heard the call of God, asking him go to the city of Madurai, and proclaim, the Paratatva (the gospel that God is the ultimate goal), in the assembly of King Vallabhadeva. Vishnuchitta was worried since he was not well read in the Vedas or (the Scriptures). He had read them like any other devoted Brahmin of the day. He was not a learned scholar. Since God himself has directed him, he was in a fix. By the compulsion of Selvanambi, Vishnuchitta agreed to accompany him to Madurai.

To the astonishment of the gathering, by the grace of God, Vishnuchitta clearly explained the message of the Vedas. The learned men gathered there appreciated Vishnuchitta‟s profound authority on the subject. Vihnuchitta won laurels. King Vallabhadeva was very much pleased. He conferred a title 'Pattar Piran' (Chief Priest) on Vishnuchitta. He had Vishnuchitta taken in procession on an elephant. It was Vishnuchitta who sang the devotional poem 'Tiruppallandu' - may you prosper, in which he never asked for anything for himself. 'May God bless all mankind, and may all turn towards God' - so he prayed. In the first stanza of his poem he prays God as follows: 'May your feet, which are like red lotus, illumine the world forever and forever! Oh Lord, whose dark blue shoulders overcome the strongest wrestlers, may the beauty of your lotus feet illumine the world forever!'

Even today Tiruppallandu is being sung every day in many Shrivaishnava temples. Vishnuchitta came to be called “Periyazhwar” – “Great Azhwar”. “Azhwar” means one who always loves God; the devotees of an Azhwar believe that God is so pleased with his devotion that he follows his wishes. Vishnuchitta returned from Madurai and become once again absorbed in the floral worship of the Lord.

One morning, - in the Tamil month of Aadi, valarpirai, chathurdasi thithi, , and Pooram star - the had just risen and spread his red rays everywhere. Vishnuchitta was working in his garden preparing beds for his Tulasi plants with a spade. He was digging below a big Tulasi plant. The spade struck something and there was a sound. Again, holding the spade firmly, he dug the earth and then removed the mud around. There was a box. He feared that the box might contain money and jewels. But at the same time he thought that with this wealth he could worship God better and was pleased. But yet again he grew nervous and worried because he thought he should not take the treasure. Well, all this must be the will of Vatapatrasayi! 'Whatever is in the box belongs to Him and is for Him only', he decided. When he opened the box, he saw something beyond his wildest dreams. A lovely female baby lay in the box. It shone with a divine radiance most pleasing to the eyes.

Periyazhwar thought that this was the play of the Divine will. He brought the bright baby to his dwelling.

After he brought the baby, one after another several thoughts troubled him. There was no woman in the house. Who was to bring up this baby? And how? He did not know how to handle a child and how to take care of it. Caught in the whirl wind of this thought Vishnuchitta felt that having no family of his own, it was God's grace that gave him this child and named the baby „Goda'. ('Go' means the 'earth' and 'da' means 'given by') In Tamil he called her 'Kodai' (one who has beautiful hair

Vishnuchitta developed deep affection for the baby. He brought her up with great care and love. He was both father and mother to her and became absorbed in the task of bringing her up.

Periyazhwar never cooked for himself in the house. The prasadam (cooked rice offered to God) given in the Vatapatrasayi temple was his food. The same food was given to Kodai, also, who became accustomed to it. He wanted her to be associated with God from her infancy.

As days passed Kodai delighted the Periyazhwar. Sometimes he thought' “I am poor. I got this child. Should this child also grow up in poverty?” This made him gloomy. But he was comforted when he saw that Kodai had developed good qualities and was dedicated to the Lord; he thought she was indeed rich and not poor.

Kodai grew up in an atmosphere of love and devotion. Vishnuchitta doted on her in every respect, singing songs to her about his beloved , at Gokulam, in Brindawan ( in North – the birth place of Krishna) teaching her all the stories and philosophy he knew, and sharing with her his love of Tamil poetry. He was delighted when he heard her pronouncing the names of and Krishna. Little Andal used to listen to the stories of Rama and Krishna with rapt attention. Her interest in these stories grew.

The love Vishnuchitta had for his beloved Lord intensified further in his daughter, and before long she was passionately in love with Lord Krishna. Even as a child, Kodai made up her mind to marry none but the Lord of Brindavan, and refused to think of any human being in similar terms.

Little Kodai was always with her father. Whenever he went to the garden he took her also with him. He used to tell her stories of God's matchless strength and goodness and mercy. Her love for God and devotion to Him developed from her childhood itself. Little Kodai moving about with tiny steps surprised the Periyazhwar himself by her enthusiasm for his work. She gathered the flowers and put them in the basket. Periyazhwar used to keep saying, 'Every thing is for God, everything is for God.' Even while collecting the flowers Kodai used to remember Periyazhwar's words. While weaving the flowers into garlands she sang like her father. Every time she chose a flower she was happy with the thought that it would adorn God. She would identify herself with the flower and begin to dedicate herself to God. She excelled even the professional garland-makers in weaving garlands for the Lord.

One day Periyazhwar had prepared a big garland. Kodai saw it. She was filled with the desire to wear it. She wanted to please God, as the garland pleased God. But she was afraid of what her father would say. But Periyazhwar was not in the hut. Boldly she put on the garland. She looked at herself and thought God might be pleased with her, too. After some time she put the garland back where it had been. She repeated this every day. Every day Periyazhwar unknowingly offered a garland to the Lord; which was earlier worn by Kodai first, and then put back in the basket.

One day, Vishnuchitta noticed a strand of Kodai's hair on one of the garlands. Shocked and saddened by this desecration of what was meant only for the Lord, he scolded Kodai for her misuse of the garland and discarded it. He carefully prepared a new one and offered it to the Lord, begging His pardon all the while.

That night, the Lord appeared to Vishnuchitta in his dream and asked him why he discarded Kodai's garland instead of offering it to Him. He told Vishnuchitta that He missed the scent of Kodai's body in the flowers, and that He preferred them that way, and asked to continue to offer the garlands once worn by kodai.

Overcome with emotion, Vishnuchitta awoke and cried with tears of joy and remorse. It dawned on him that his daughter was someone whose love of God was so intense and pure that even he had not comprehended its extent. Her spiritual greatness was such that the Lord Himself wished to share her presence. From this day on, she became known as "Andal", the girl who "ruled" over the Lord. She was very happy. She won over Periyazhwar by her qualities and indeed became 'Andal' (one who attracts).

Azhwar was very much astonished and was happy. He had been worshipping God for a very long time to gain His grace. And God had responded to the devotion of this young teenage girl. “My daughter is very fortunate. She has, gained the grace of God! She has excelled me in divine knowledge! I did not realize this”, he thought. He was full of repentance. From that day he worshiped with the garland which Andal had worn before. She came to be called “Choodikkodutha Naacchiyaar” (the Beloved who first wore the flowers, and then offered them to God).

Andal was never alone. She wanted her friends also to be devoted to God and love him, as she did. She wanted her girl friends to please God by their sincere devotion, meditation and worship. So she gathered a team of her friends for the Lord's services.

A '' (special worship) demands strict discipline. The worship in the month of Margashira (winter) is of greater virtue than in other months but is particularly difficult. Margashira and Pushya are winter months. People shiver with cold. Often there is thick fog. To leave the warm bed even a little early in the morning seems difficult. Margashira Vrata requires the devotee to get up early in the morning and meditate on God. Whatever be the difficulties, one who has undertaken this worship must get up early.

Andal offered this worship with deep devotion. She trained her friends for this special austere worship. Shri Krishna was the beloved Lord of Andal. She wrote thirty songs of devotion to wake up her Lord and sang them.

These songs became famous and are known as 'Tiruppavai' ('Tiru'means the highest; 'Pavai' means devoted worship). It is to her credit that Andal taught her friends the path of devotion to God and introduced congregational worship and prayer.

Andal brought together five hundred thousand women for the devoted service of God. She joined them in their meditation and hymns. She taught them to worship God with love and devotion.

Andal showed an easy way of pleasing God. Not everyone can study and understand the Holy Texts. Not everyone can serve God by spending money. 'All are equal in the eyes of God. Dedication and love are all that He wants,' said Andal.

Andal would constantly be singing songs in praise of God. She would close her eyes and meditate on God, and forget the world in her meditation. Seeing all this, her father used to admire her devotion. He was happy when he saw Andal always lost in meditation.

Many years passed. The scriptyres narrate an interesting story about the marriage of Andal.

Andal grew up. She had to be married. Father Periyazhwar also thought about it. "Whom will you marry?" Vishnuchitta asked his daughter. "The Lord Sriranganatha, at temple, is my husband. I will not accept anyone else as my husband” replied Andal. Vishnuchitta heard this with deep concern. “Where are we and where is Almighty Sriranganatha?” thought Periyazhwar. He prayed God to guide him.

One day Periyazhwar had a dream. Lord Sriranganatha Himself appeared in his dream and told him, “Andal has won my heart, give her to me in marriage."

Periyazhwar's heart was filled with joy. His worries vanished in no time. But how could he go to Srirangam? Srirangashetra was nearly two hundred miles away. In those days it was very difficult to travel that long distance. There was no one to help him. Periyazhwar thought of the Pandya King Vallabhadeva. He sent word to him. He told him about his daughter's decision and the wish of Lord Sriranganatha. He made a request: "I have to go to Srirangashetra with my daughter. Please help me." The king was very happy. He considered himself as a member of the bride's party. He made grand arrangements for Periyazhwar and his daughter Andal to travel.

The priest of Lord Sriranganatha Temple also had a dream: “I am marrying Andal. She must be brought in a grand procession, with all honour," so ordered Lord Sriranganatha. The priest was surprised. But he did not delay. He started at once. King Vallabhadeva also came from Villiputtur to join the bridal party. Andal appeared as a bride, wearing splendid ornaments.Periyazhwar was very happy when he saw the grand procession, which came from Srirangam.

Andal sat in the palanquin. The marriage procession moved to Srirangam with musicians playing on varied instruments. It reached Srirangam. People came from many places to witness this grand wedding.

Andal stepped down from the palanquin and stood before Lord Sriranganatha. She was thrilled when she saw her attractive Lord. All watched with bated breath. The marriage of Andal did take place! Andal dedicated herself to the feet of Lord Sriranganatha. Her dream came true. Everyone was amazed to see Andal entering the sanctum and merge in Lord Sriranganatha. Lord Sriranganatha accepted her joyfully.

Everyone realized the greatness of Andal. Periyazhwar was grieved to lose his daughter; but her supreme good fortune in being united with Lord Sriranganatha Himself filled him with joy.

Andal became a Goddess to everybody. She, who had been an ordinary girl, became a deity to be worshipped. The Town Villiputtur has been from then on called Srivilliputtur.There is a beautiful temple of Andal in Srivilliputtur. By its side is a garden.

To this day, Andal is worshipped with the flowers of that garden. The garland worn by Andal the previous day is presented to Vatapatrasayi the next day.

Andal is the person who gave 'Poomaalai' and 'Paamaalai'. Just as she presented the garland of flowers to God after having worn it, she gave Him a garland of songs too. She had been called Goda; the word means not only one given by the earth' but also 'one who offers words'. The name given to her was justified.

Andal Tiruvadigale Saranam

Tiruppavai' composed by Andal is a very beautiful collection of poems. She prays to Lord Krishna in a variety of ways and calls her fellow devotees to worship. In one of the stories of the Bhagavatha – which narrates the childhood of Krishna and His devotees - some girls pray to - kaatyayinidevi 'May we get good husbands and may we live happily after marriage'. Andal took this story of the Vraja girls from the , and while they desired handsome and loving husbands, Andal desired that God Himself should be her husband, and seek to become one with Him. In Tiruppavai, Andal has made use of this story; and. prays that God may become her husband. 'May I win Lord Krishna's love!' prays Andal. She prays, 'May Lord Krishna rise from his bed; my heart is His throne; and may He always shine on the throne of my heart!. People who worship Shri Krishna believe that He is an incarnation of God. Shri Krishna was Devaki's son. Thinking that Kamsa would kill Krishna, Krishna's father Vasudeva took the baby to Nandagokula and left him there. Yashoda brought him up in Nandagokula. Devaki, who gave birth to Krishna, and Yashoda, who brought him up, were both human beings. Recollecting this Andal prays to Krishna: “we have come to you. Only you can fulfill our desires. We shall happily sing of the boundless joy you bestowed on us.” Then Andal preaches total surrender to God. Everyone who is filled with the desire to reach God is like a maiden looking forward to her joyful life with the husband she has chosen. Such a maiden lives only for her husband and wants nothing except to live with him. The devotee who wants to be accepted by God should show the same love and dedication In one of the songs Andal wakes up a friend with these words: 'Birds are flying. Did you not hear the sound of the conch in the temple? All hermits are praising Shri Krishna, who pretending to suck milk killed the Rakshasi (the demon) Poothana. All the sages are praying to Lord Hari (Krishna). So wake up.'

In another poem, Andal says to her friends: 'in the garden behind your house, the flower known as sougandhika has opened its lips. The lotus has closed its lips. The sun has risen. The sanyasis are going to worship God. So wake up. Let us also sing the praise of God.'

Andal prays to God thus: 'it is our desire to worship you in the early morning and offer our services at your feet. You are a protector of cows; accept our loving service; we shall be your servants in every birth.' Tiruppavai attracted all that followed the path of devotion. Some of the songs are to awaken the Lord. What does this mean - this awakening of God from His sleep? God has to protect the good and punish the wicked. But God is also merciful. Because of His mercy God sometimes does not punish the wicked; so His mercy makes Him inactive. It is this inaction, induced by God's mercy that Andal calls sleep in these hymns. Evil forces grow stronger if the Lord does not help the good people. So she begs God to awaken from His sleep and overcome the forces of evil.

In the first five hymns Andal explains how one may become so worthy. Both body and mind should be absolutely pure. And God must fill the mind. No other desire, another goal should enter it.

Then Andal preaches total surrender to God. Everyone who is filled with the desire to reach God is like a maiden looking forward to her joyful life with the husband she has chosen. Such a maiden lives only for her husband and wants nothing except to live with him. The devotee who wants to be accepted by God should show the same love and dedication.

Human beings, too, are lost in sleep. A person's life is mere sleep until he awakens to the greatness and the glory of God. The days and years he spends in seeking other pleasures and objects are like time spent in sleep. When he realizes the greatness of God he is like one who awakens from dreams to the reality. The devotee who has surrendered himself / herself to God finds pleasure in nothing except the thoughts of God.

Each Pasuram (ode to Gods) of is generally named by the first few words of the poem. These are given first and a translation in to verse given then:-

1. Margazhi Thingal maargazhi(th) thingaL madhi niRaindha nannaaLaal neeraada(p) pOdhuveer pOdhuminO nErizhaiyeer seer malgum aayppaadi(ch) chelva(ch) chiRumeergaaL koorvEl kodundhozhilan nandhagOpan kumaran Eraarndha kaNNi yasOdhai iLam singam kaar mEni cengaN kadhir madhiyam pOl mugaththaan naaraayaNanE namakkE paRai tharuvaan paarOr pugazha(p) padindhElOr empaavaay

In this month of Marghazhi ,On this day filled with the light of , Come for bathing, Oh ladies who are richly dressed, And Oh ladies in rich homes of cowherds, For he with the sharp spear, He who kills his enemies without mercy, He who is the son of Nanda gopa , He who is the darling son of Yasodha , Who wore scented flower garlands, He who is a lion cub, He who is pretty in black colour, He who has small red eyes, He who has a face like the well-lit moon, And He, who is our Lord Narayana , Is going to give us big drums, So that Let us resort to Him performing the Paavai-Nonbhu and get the benefit of praise from the people of the world.

2. Vaiyathu Vazhveergal Vaiyaththu vaazhveergaaL naamum nampaavaikku(ch) cheyyum kirisaigaL kELeerO paaRkadaluL paiya(th) thuyinRa paramanadi paadi neyyuNNOm paaluNNOm naatkaalE neeraadi maiyittu ezhudhOm malarittu naam mudiyOm seyyaadhana seyyOm theekkuRaLai(ch) chenROdhOm aiyamum pichchaiyum aandhanaiyum kai kaatti uyyumaaReNNi ugandhElOr empaavaay.

May you listen to our austerities, we will sing in praise of the holy feet of Paraman, the Supreme Purushan that has taken to sleep – Yoganidhra, merrily on the milky ocean. At the early small hours of dawn, we will bathe immersed in the river; and refrain from applying anjanam to our eyes; performing proscribed duties; we will not speak painful untruth; we will give liberally alms to those people. We will always contemplate upon the fair method to achieve the aim of purposeful life, and live a contented life. This way, Oh dear girl, you may know our routine, refraining from doing wrong acts, through the path of vairagya. Oh, who reside in this world, Be pleased to hear of those penances, you are to follow during our Paavai Nonbu.

3. Ongi ulagalandha Utthmar peyar padi Ongi ulagaLandha uththaman pEr paadi naangaL nam paavaikku(ch) chaatri neeraadinaal theenginRi naadellaam thingaL mum maari peydhu Ongu peRum senN nel oodu kayalugaLa(p) poonguvaLai(p) pOdhil poRi vandu kaN paduppa(th) thEngaadhE pukkirundhu seerththa mulai patri vaanga kudam niRaikkum vaLLal perum pasukkaL neengaadha selvam niRaindhElOr embaavaay lth

If we adhere to the Vratam Paavai nombu, sing in praise of the holy names of the Utthaman, Lord Thrivikraman who grew to a cosmic form and measured the three worlds in two strides and put His third step on the head of Emperor Mahabali, When we bathe, in the sacred Yamuna in the name of our Vratham, there will be three timely showers, of rain in the country The country will be rich and plentiful And the red paddy plants would grow big, and in their fields the fish would swim and play, and the spotted bees after sipping honey to their hearts content , would sleep in the flower themselves after the fill, and the cows with big udder would fill milk pots to the brim, and this will never diminish wealth. And all this is assured by worship.

4.Azhi mazhai kanna

1. aazhi mazhai(k) kaNNaa onRu nee kai karavEl aazhi uL pukku mugandhu kodu aarthu ERi oozhi mudhalvan uruvam pOl mey kaRuththu(p) paazhiy am thOLudai(p) paRpanaaban kaiyil aazhi pOl minni valamburi pOl ninRu adhirndhu thaazhaadhE saarnga mudhaiththa sara mazhai pOl vaazha ulaginil peydhidaay naangaLum maargazhi neeraada magizhndhElOr embaavaay ,

Oh Lord who comes from the sea, please enter the sea again, and bring water to your fill. You should become resplendent with lightning, just as the dazzling discus, held on the hand of Lord Padmanabha with broad shoulders. You should make a thunderous roar like the conch – Paanchajanyam, held by the Lord; you should bring forth rains in abundance without any cessation, -the rains just like the shower of arrows coming forth in succession from the bow – Saarangam, of the Lord, to make this world happy, and to help us take bath in the month of Margahzhi, and worship. 5. Mayanai maayanai mannu vada madhurai maindhanai(th) thooya peru neer yamunai(th) thuRaivanai aayar kulaththinil thOnRum aNi viLakkai(th) thaayai(k) kudal viLakkam seydha dhaamOdharanai(th) thooyOmaay vandhu naam thoomalar thoovi(th) thozhudhu vaayinaal paadi manaththinaal sindhikka(p) pOya pizhaiyum pugudharuvaan ninRanavum theeyinil thoosaagum cheppElOr embaavaay

All of our sins will vanish like a blade of grass thrown into fire, when we sing in praise of Krishna and worship Him, the young courageous Lord born at north Mathura. One who sports in the pure waters of the great river Yamuna; the emerald-like shining Lamp that has risen from the race of cowherds; and the Lord who made His mother‟s womb holy. We came after a holy bath; we sang and offered pure flowers at his feet, bringing the thoughts of him in our mind. We were sure, that all our mistakes of the past, and all that we will do in future, will vanish as ashes in fire. Therefore let us sing His glory.

6. Pullum shilambina kaan puLLum silambina kaaN puLLaraiyan kOyilil veLLai viLi sangin pEraravam kEttilaiyO piLLaay ezhundhiraay pEy mulai nanchundu kaLLa(ch) chakatam kalakkazhiya(k) kaalOchchi veLLaththaravil thuyilamarndha viththinai uLLaththu(k) kondu munivargaLum yOgigaLum meLLa ezhundhu ari enRa pEraravam uLLam pugundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

Awaken, Oh Young girl! Even the birds have woken up and are chirping about the arrival of the morning. Did you not hear twittering birds making loud noises. Did you not hear the loud sound of white conch, from the temple of the king of Garuda.Oh girls please wake up. Let us hear the holy sounds of “Hari , Hari” from the savants and sages, calling him who drank the poisonous milk from the ghost, Putana, Him who kicked and killed the ogre of the cart (Chakrasura), and him who sleeps on the great serpent, Adi Sesha. Oh Young girl! Please awaken and join us in the nombu!

7.Keesu keesu endrengum keesu keesu enRu engum aanaich chaaththaan kalandhu pEsina pEchcharavam kEttilaiyO pEy(p) peNNE kaasum piRappum kalakalappa(k) kai pErththu vaasa naRum kuzhal aaychchiyar maththinaal Osai paduththa thayiraravam kEttilaiyO naayaga(p) peN piLLaay naaraayaNan moorththi kEsavanai(p) paadavum nee kEtta kidaththiyO dhEsamudaiyaay thiRavElOr embaavaay

Did you not hear, Oh slow witted girl, the twittering sound of black birds of the morn, outside your sleeping chambers? Which sounds like a talk between them, did you not hear the tingling sound, and the dawn is advancing. There are signs of the world awakening all around you. Don't you hear the sound made by the busy churning of the curd by the other with symmetric movement of their churning rods?

The body movement of these beautiful gopis sends out fragrances from their flower-adorned locks of hair and their bangles collide against each other and result in a rhythmic musical sound. Oh, leader among girls, How can you sleep, How can you be so indifferent and sleep away even after hearing us singing the namams of our Lord Kesavan, who destroyed the demon Kesi appearing in disguise as a horse? Please awaken and get up! When they sing the names sweetly of Narayana and Kesava, Oh, She who is sparkling, Be pleased to open the door, Come and open the door so that we could sing together about the mahimai of our Lord and worship.

8. Keezh vanam Vellendru keezh vaanam veLLenRu erumai siRu veedu mEyvaan parandhana kaaN mikkuLLa piLLaigaLum pOvaan pOginRaarai(p) pOgaamal kaaththu unnai(k) koovuvaan vandhu ninROm kOdhugalam udaiya paavaay ezhundhiraay paadi(p) paRai kondu maavaay piLandhaanai mallarai maattiya dhEvaadhi dhEvanai(ch) chenRu naam sEviththaal aavaavenRu aaraayndhu aruLElOr embaayaay

In Gokulam, the Cowherds had three kinds of wealth: Cows, Sheep and Buffalo and the approaching day break is seen by the whitening of the Eastern sky from the earlier red hue linked with Arunodhayam. Awaken! The hungry buffalos have been led to the pastures close to home for their “breakfast” of dewy grass. We have detained the other Gopis, who were ready to go to the place of vratham so that you can join us. We have assembled in front of your house to awaken you and take you with us. Please get up.to sing of our Lord's glory together. When we approach our Lord, prostrate before Him in all humility. Krishna, the Lord of all Gods will be moved and have Daya for us and will inquire about our Kshemam with great interest Please wake up. Let us all sing and get gifts,

9. Thoo mani madathu thoomaNi maadaththu sutrum viLakkeriya(th) thoopam kamazha(th) thuyilaNaimEl kaN vaLarum maamaan magaLE maNi(k) kadhavam thaazh thiRavaay maameer avaLai ezhuppeerO un magaL thaan oomaiyO anRi sevidO ananthalO Ema(p) perunN thuyil mandhira(p) pattaaLO maamaayan maadhavan vaikundhan enRenRu naaman palavum navinRElOr enbaavaay

The cowherd women folk practicing the Srivratham (Paavai Nonbhu) awaken another maiden, who has self complacency in her earnest devotion to the Lord.

You are taking rest and sleeping on the soft bed, while the lamps are lit all round the dazzling hall with inlaid gem stones of your mansion filled with aroma of the incense. Please get up, and open the lever-lock of the shining doors. Dear Aunt! Could you please awaken your daughter? Is she dumb or deaf or exhausted and tired out? Or has she been cursed with long spell of sleep? Let us recite as remedy, the numerous names of the Lord as” God of theSupreme magical power (Mahamayan), the Lord of Goddess Maha - Maadhavan and Vaikuntan - the Lord of Sri Vaikuntam and get benefited

10. Notru Swargam nOtru(ch) chuvarkkam puguginRa ammanaay! maatramum thaaraarO vaasal thiRavaadhaar naatra(th) thuzhaay mudi naaraayaNan nammaal pOtra(p) paRai tharum puNNiyanaal pandu oru naaL kootraththin vaay veezhndha kumba karaNanum thOtrum unakkE perunthuyil thaan thandhaanO aatra anandhal udaiyaay arungalamE thEtramaay vandhu thiRavElOr embaavaay

Here a , who thinks of herself as one deeply immersed in Bhagavath Bhakthi is awakened.

Oh Dear girl, who is very much confident of practicing nombu and entering heaven – Svargam. Is it your custom not to open the doors and not even respond to our calls? If we sing in praise of Lord Narayana – Krishna, adorning the fragrant Tulasi garland on His head, He will surely bless us for our Vratham.

So, you also wake up and come with us. Is it that Kumbhakarnan, who was in days of yore, made to leap to his death by Lord Ramachandra, give you his sleep before he went off from here, Oh lass who is very lazy, Oh lass, who is like pretty jewels, Wake up from your sleep, well, and open the door.

11. Katru karavai katru(k) kaRavai(k) kaNangaL pala kaRandhu setraar thiRalazhiya(ch) chenRu seru(ch) cheyyum kutram onRilaadha kOvalartham poRkodiyE putru aravu alkul punamayilE pOdharaay sutraththu thOzhimaar ellaarum vandhu nin mutram pugundhu mugil vaNNan pEr paada sitraadhE pEsaadhE selva peNdaatti nee etrukku uRangum poruLElOr embaavaay

In this paasuram, a Gopi known for her extraordinary beauty and distinguished lineage is being awakened. Her relatives are known well for the way in which they discharge the duties of the Aayar Kulam. Oh daughter of the cattle baron, who milks herds of cows, wages war on enemies and makes his enemies loose their strength Oh Golden Creeper of a girl you are a jewel among the cowherds, thoroughly blemishless! Oh charming peacock-like damsel with the hips resembling the hood of a cobra! You come and join our fold. When we--Your kinswomen and friends have come and entered the open front yard of Your house, and when we are singing in chorus the names of the Lord of dark cloud-like hue, what are you fast asleep for, without even moving or giving response, Oh rich and young girl

, 12. Kanaithilam Katrerumai kanaiththu iLam katrerumai kanRukku irangi ninaiththu mulai vazhiyE ninRu paal sOra nanaiththu illam sERaakkum naR chelvan thangaay panith thalai veezha nin vaasaR kadai patri(ch) chinaththinaal then ilangai(k) kOmaanai(ch) chetra manaththukku iniyaanai(p) paadavum nee vaay thiRavaay iniththaan ezhundhiraay eedhenna pEr uRakkam anaiththu illaththaarum aRindhElOr embaavaay

In the previous paasuram, Andal awakened the sleeping Gopi with her father in mind, here She awakens the Gopi with her brother in mind. This brother is the one, who watches over Krishna from getting into trouble and accompanies Krishna every where like His shadow. Hey, sister of the rich one, who owned the mooing she buffalo with a calf which took pity on the calf, and gave out plenty of milk to it through its udder, This made his courtyard slushy with milk.We assembled in thine yard, in the dripping fog, and sing about Him, Who killed in anger the king of Southern Lanka , He who is very dear on. Wake up now, Why this very deep slumber, Why do you prolong your sleep? People in all other houses have already woken up.

13. Pullin Vay keendanai puLLin vaay keendaanai(p) pollaa arakkanai(k) kiLLi(k) kaLaindhaanai(k) keerththi mai paadi(p) pOy(p) piLLaigaL ellaarum paavai(k) kaLambukkaar veLLi ezhundhu viyaazham uRangitru puLLum silambina kaaN pOdhari(k) kaNNinaay kuLLa(k) kuLira(k) kudaindhu neeraadaadhE paLLi(k) kidaththiyO! paavaay! nee nan naaLaal kaLLam thavirndhu kalandhElOr embaavaay.

The lasses have reached the place of prayer for Pavai, Singing the fame of our Lord. They went there singing the praise of our Krishnan, who tore open the mouth of Bakasuran the demon, who in the form of a crane, came to assault Him, and who, in His earlier avatharam as Rama, chopped off the ten heads of the treacherous demon king Raavana and destroyed him.

The nevus has risen in the morn, The has vanished from the sky, The birds are making lot of sound, Of beautiful one with wide eyes red as a flower. Without taking bath by dipping again and again, In ice cold water, Would you prefer to sleep. Oh lass, On this holy day, Do not stay aside, come to bathe with us. Kindly leave your restraint and aloofness and join us freely.

14. Ungal puzhakkadai ungaL puzhakkadai(th) thOttaththu vaaviyuL sengazhuneer vaay negizhndhu aambal vaay koombina kaaN sengaR podi(k) koorai veNbal thavaththavar thangaL thirukkOyil sangiduvaan pOdhanRaar engaLai munnam ezhuppuvaan vaaypEsum nangaay ezhundhiraay naaNaadhaay naavudaiyaay sangOdu chakkaram Endhum thadakkaiyan pangaya(k) kaNNaanai(p) paadElOr embaavaay.

In this paasuram, a silver tongued leader of the Gopis is being awakened, who proclaimed the evening before that she will wake up first and then wake all the other Gopis. Now, she has forgotten all about that promise and is sleeping cozily. The Gopis waiting outside are annoyed and yet want to have this silver tongued Gopi with them, when they go to meet Krishnan, since she has the powerful persuasive skills to influence Krishna to grant the boons that they desire.

Already it is day-dawn, for even the Senkazhuneer flowers red lotuses have bloomed and Aambal flowers have closed their buds, in the small tank of your back-yard garden. The white toothed sages, who wear clothes as red as the powder of brick, are going to their temples for blowing the conch. Oh our Lady who yesterday that you will come and awaken us at first! Now, please get up. Please wake up, are you not ashamed you chatter box, Let us sing the glory of the Lord of lotus-like eyes, who holds aloft on His mighty hands, the Conch and the discus

15. Elle, ilam kiliye ellE! iLam kiLiyE innam uRangudhiyO chil enRu azhaiyEn min nangaiyeer pOdharuginREn vallai un katturaigaL paNdE un vaay aRidhum valleergaL neengaLE naanE thaan aayiduga ollai nee pOdhaay unakkenna vERudaiyai ellaarum pOndhaarO pOndhaar pOndhu eNNikkoL val aanai konRaanai maatraarai maatrazhikka vallaanai maayanai(p) paadElOr embaavaay

This paasuram unlike the other awakening paasurams, is set in Paraspara Samvadham (mutual dialog) Those who understand the importance of Bhagavath daasyam and stay away from the apacharams to the servants of the Lord are very, very dear to Him. That is why our Lord says in His upadesam: “Dhyanithu aathmaiva” and “mama bhaktha bhaktheshu”. Another utthama Sri Vaishnavar wants the boon of being the Lord's servant's servants seven times over. p “Hey, little bird, Are you still sleeping? ” “Don‟t disturb my sleep, Lasses, I will just come”. “You are good in your speech, we know what you mean.” “You be good, but leave me alone” “Come quickly, why is it different for you?” “Have every one gone?” “Gone, think they have gone” “Please wake up and sing, of He who killed the big elephant, of him who can remove enmity from enemies, and of him who is the holy enchanter..

16. Nayaganay ninra naayaganaay ninRa nandhagOpan udaiya kOyil kaappaanE! kodi thOnRum thOraNa vaayil kaappaanE! maNi(k) kadhavam thaaL thiRavaay aayar siRumiyarOmukku aRai paRai maayan maNi vaNNan nennalE vaay nErndhaan thooyOmaay vandhOm thuyil ezha(p) paaduvaan vaayaal munnam munnam maatraadhE ammaa! nee nEya nilai(k) kadhavam neekkElOr embaavaay

Dear Bhakthas: The ten girls symbolizing “the pancha-Laksham gopis” of Gokulam are awakened now and proceed together to Nandagopan's palace to awaken the residents of that mansion. Hey , He who guards the palace of Nanda Gopa , Hey, who guards the ornamental door with flags, Please be kind to open the door with bells, For yesterday the enchanter Kannan , has promised to give beating drums, to us the girls from the houses of cow herds. We have come after purification, to wake Him up with songs. So do not talk of this and that, Hey dear man, open the door with closed latches, so that we can worship our God.

17. Ambarame Thannere ambaramE thaNNeerE sORE aRam seyyum emberumaan nandhagOpaalaa ezhundhiraay kombanaarkku ellaam kozhundhE kula viLakkE emberumaatti yasOdhaay aRivuRaay ambaram ooda aRuththu Ongi ulagu aLandha umbar kOmaanE uRangaadhu ezhundhiraay sem poR kazhaladi(ch) chelvaa baladhEvaa umbiyum neeyun uRangElOr embaavaay.

In the previous Paasuram, the gatekeepers were requested to open the doors of Nandagopan's palace so that the Gopis can get inside and wake up King Nandagopan, Queen YasodhA, Lord Krishna and Prince Baladevan, the elder brother of Sri KrishnA. The gatekeepers obliged and the Gopis stand now in front of the bed chambers of each of them and appeal to them to awaken. Hey Nandagopa, who does good deeds and charity, Who gives water, cloth and food to others, Pleas wake up. Our lady Yasodha, who is the light of the homes of cow herds, and She who is dear to all the ladies, Please wake up. Hey, Krishna who is the king of Gods, Who went up tearing the sky. Please wake up, and do not sleep. Hey Baladeva , who wears pure golden anklets, Please wake up along with your brother, So we can worship our God.

18. Undhu Madha kalitran undhu madha kaLitran Odaadha thOL valiyan nandhagOpan marumagaLE nappinnaay kandham kamazhum kuzhali kadai thiRavaay vandhu engum kOzhi azhaiththana kaaN maadhavi(p) pandhal mEl pal kaal kuyilinangaL koovina kaaN pandhu aar virali un maiththunan pEr paada(ch) chendhaamarai(k) kaiyaal seeraar vaLai olippa vandhu thiRavaay magizhndhElOr embaavaay

Lord and Sri Devi are inseparable and they serve together as Upayam (means) and Upeyam (Ultimate goal). This is “Yeka Sesthithvam”.

Oh daughter-in-law of King Nandagopa, who has the proud gait of elephants with valiant shoulders having invincible strength. Oh Nappinnai with enchanting fragrant black tresses! Kindly unlock Your door. Hearken, the cocks have awakened now and are making lound noises. The group of cuckoos sitting on the boevenwer of Maadhavi (Kurukkatthi) flowers, have cooed gently many times. As we wish to sing about Your Lord's names, please come with joy and open the door with your red lotus-like soft hands, which create a pleasant sound (sunadham) from the movement of Your bracelets adorning your forearms

19. Kuthu Vilakeriya kuththu viLakkeriya kOttu(k) kaal kattil mEl meththenRa pancha sayanaththin mEl ERi(k) koththalar poonguzhal nappinai kongai mEl vaiththu(k) kidandha malar maarbaa vaay thiRavaay mai(th) thadam kaNNinaay nee un maNaaLanai eththanai pOdhum thuyilezha ottaay kaaN eththanaiyElum pirivu aatragillaayaal thaththuvam anRu thagavElOr embaavaay

The young gopis try to wake up the Dhivya Dampathis, Nappinnai Piratti and Lord Krishna.

As the cluster of lamps are glowing beside, Oh Lord Krishna You are lying on the very soft silky bed, on the ivory cot with Your broad chest resting on the bosom of Sri Nappinnai, who is adorned with blossomed bunches of flowers on Her tresses. Krishna even if You are unable to get up may You, at least open Your mouth. Oh Young Lady with black and wide eyes, we think that you won't allow Your Lord to wake up, even if it is late, because you cannot bear His separation, even for a short while. However, Oh Young lady, neither it is just on your part to keep the Lord only for yourself nor does it befit Your unbounded Mercy!

20. Muppathu Muvar muppaththu moovar amararkku mun senRu kappam thavirkkum kaliyE thuyil ezhaay seppam udaiyaay thiRal udaiyaay setraarkku veppam kodukkum vimalaa thuyil ezhaay seppenna men mulai(ch) chevvaay(ch) chiRu marungul nappinnai nangaay thiruvE thuyil ezhaay ukkamum thattoLiyum thandhu un maNaaLanai ippOdhE emmai neeraattElOr embaavaay

Please wake up Oh, Lord, Who removed sorrow and fear, from the thirty three sections of Devas, even before they approached you, by going to battles, on their behalf and by being in front of them.

Oh Lord, Who is glittering like gold, Oh Lord, who has inimitable valour, Kindlyawaken. Oh the great Lady Nappinnai possessing a charming physique --with a jar-shaped soft bosom, enchanting rosy lips and slim waist! Oh the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi! Be pleased to rise up. May you give us a fan, a mirror and Your Lord as well, and at this time itself, may you help us to take our ceremonial bath.

21. Etra kalangal Etra kalangaL edhir pongi meedhaLippa maatraadhE paal soriyum vaLLal perum pasukkaL aatra(p) padaiththaan maganE aRivuRaay ootram udaiyaay periyaay ulaginil thOtramaay ninRa sudarE thuyil ezhaay maatraar unakku vali tholaindhu un vaasaR kaN aatraadhu vandhu un adi paNiyumaa pOlE pOtriyaam vandhOm pugazhndhElOr embaavaay

Oh Lord, Kindly get up; You are the son of Lord Nandhagopan, who is the owner of innumerable, generous and big cows that pour forth incessantly, copious milk into the vessels, kept (below their udder) in quick succession, and are overflowing. Oh Lord, who is full of mercy, Oh Lord, who is better than the best, Oh lord, who is the light that began the world please wake up. Oh Lord, who is very much attached to us! Oh Supreme One! The effulgent streak of light arisen in this World! Be pleased to rise up. We have come to you singing Your praise and proclaiming Your greatness. Kindly lend your ears and fulfill our prayerful requests. 22. Angan maa gnalathu arasar AnkaN maa GYaalaththu arasar abimaana pangamaay vandhu nin paLLi(k) kattiR keezhE sangam iruppaar pOl vandhu thalaippeydhOm kingiNi vaay(ch) cheydha thaamarai(p) poo(p) pOlE sengaN chiRu(ch) chiRidhE emmEl vizhiyaavO thingaLum aadhiththanum ezhundhaaR pOl am kaN irandum kondu engaL mEl nOkkudhiyEl engaL mEl saabam izhindhElOr embaavaay

just as the kings of the vast beautiful Earth, who stay contented in large groups at the foot of Your cot (throne) after renouncing their haughtiness and self-esteem, we also have come near. Will not the sight of your red eyes which is like the lotus fall little by little on us? If you see us using those eyes, which are like sun and the moon, all the curse on us will vanish we will be freed from the curse of sins, past, present and the future.

23. Maari malai muzhanchil maari malai muzhainchil manni(k) kidandhu uRangum seeriya singam aRivutru(th) thee vizhiththu vEri mayir ponga eppaadum pErndhu udhaRi moori nimirndhu muzhangi(p) puRappattu(p) pOdharumaa pOlE nee poovaippoo vaNNaa un kOyil ninRu iNGNGanE pOndharuLi(k) kOppudaiya seeriya singaasanaththu irundhu yaam vandha kaariyam aaraayndhu aruLElOr embaavaay

Like as the majestic lion wakes up with ire, from the mountain cave in the rainy season, looking with fiery sight, and with deep angry sweat from all the hairs, turns up its head with awe, and comes out making lots of din, Hey Lord , who is the colour of the blue lotus, come from your temple to here, and sit on the majestic royal throne, and hear with , May You kindly look into the aim and purpose of our coming here

24. Anru ivvulagam anRu iv ulagam aLandhaay adi pOtri senRangu(th) then ilangai setraay thiRal pOtri ponRa(ch) chakatam udhaiththaay pugazh pOtri kanRu kuNil aaveRindhaay kazhal pOtri kunRu kudaiyaay eduththaay guNam pOtri venRu pagai kedukkum nin kaiyil vEl pOtri enRenRum un sEvagamE Eththi(p) paRai koLvaan inRu yaam vandhOm irangElOr embaavaay

Slowly and gradually, the young gopis could find Lord Krishna getting up and walking towards them. They perform mangalasanam to His Thiruvadigal – feet. We worship your feet which measured the three worlds then we worship your fame of

, winning over the king of Southern Lanka, Your enormous vanquishing power. You gave a kick to sakatasura destroyed Him with Your Thiruvadi. We hail your victorious anklet and feet. You have lifted aloft the Govardhanamountain just as an umbrella; We hail Your pristine merits and grace. You hold in your hand, a powerful spear that completely subjugates and eradicates Your enemies; We hail and glory the spear in Your hand. We have come to your side today now to offer our prayers and to seek the drum (parai) from You, So Please be compassionate to us, who seek eternal Kaimkaryam to You.

25. Oruthi maganai Pirandhu oruththi maganaay(p) piRandhu Or iravil oruththi maganaay oLiththu vaLara(th) tharikkilaan aagi(th) thaan theengu ninaindha karuththai(p) pizhaippiththu(k) kanchan vayitril neruppenna ninRa nedumaalE!, unnai aruththiththu vandhOm paRai tharudhiyaagil thiruththakka selvamum sEvagamum yaam paadi varuththamum theerndhu magizhndhElOr embaavaay

Lord Krishna's avathara rahasyam is being celebrated here. Being born to woman, and in the same night in hiding, you became the son of another. But the fire in the stomach of that Kamsa could not tolerate and wanted to cause more harm to you. Oh great one we have come here with desire for a drum, and if you give the drum to us, we would sing about thine great fame and wealth, and would end our sorrows and become happy.

26. Maale! Manivanna! maalE! maNivaNNaa! maargazhi neeraaduvaan mElaiyaar seyvanagaL vEnduvana kEttiyEl NYaalaththai ellaam nadunga muralvana paal anna vaNNaththu un paancha sanniyamE pOlvana sankangaL pOy(p) paadudaiyanavE saala(p) perum paRaiyE pallaandu isaippaarE kOla viLakkE kodiyE vidhaanamE aalin ilaiyaay aruLElOr embaavaay

May You listen to us, If you ask us what we need, in your great grace and great deeds, for our holy bath of Marghazhi, we are in the need of following. A superior conches similar to Your great Paanchajanyam, which have the white hue of milk and which through their tumultuous sound shakes all the worlds, Several musicians of fame to sing “Pallandu” Several beautiful pretty lamps, Several flags and cloths to make tents. Oh, He who sleeps on a banyan leaf at time of deluge, please giveus them all, so that we worship.

27. Koodaarai vellum seer Govinda koodaarai vellum seer gOvindhaa undhannai(p) paadi(p) paRai kondu yaam peRum sammaanam naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanRaaga(ch) choodagamE thOL vaLaiyE thOdE sevip poovE paadagamE enRanaiya palagalanum yaam aNivOm aadai uduppOm adhan pinnE paaR chORu mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaara(k) koodi irundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

The exultation of the Gopis is expressed by them, when the Lord listens to their appeal and fulfills their desires. Oh Lord Govindha! You have the benign supremacy of winning over Your opponents.

We shall get the drum (parai) from You, the sakthi to sing eulogies about You. Thus, we get the reward of great eclat and glory of all the worlds. We will adorn ourselves with many ornaments: bracelets, shoulder ornaments, ear-studs and rings, ornaments in the form of flowers. We will wear new clothes as you give us Your divine company. Getting Your personal contact we will be very joyous, We will mix rice with milk, covering the rice fully with ghee We will be together and be happy, We shall ever be united and thus become cool in heart and stay joyous.

28. Karavaigal pin chendru kaRavaigaL pin senRu kaanam sErndhu uNbOm aRivu onRum illaadha aay(k) kulaththu undhannai(p) piRavi peRundhanai(p) puNNiyam yaam udaiyOm kuRai onRum illaadha gOvindhaa undhannOdu uRavEl namakku ingu ozhikka ozhiyaadhu aRiyaadha piLLaigaLOm anbinaal undhannai siRu pEr azhaiththanamum seeRi aruLaadhE iRaivaa nee thaaraay paRaiyElOr embaavaay

Belonging to the ignorant family of cow herds, we would drive the cattle to the forest, And there we would all eat together, We feel blessed as you are one with us.. Oh Govinda who does not have any short comings. None can ever break the ties that we have with you,

Oh Lord, We are but ignorant girls, who do not know the world, and in ignorance and love we have called you by name. as Nandhagopan mahane and other short names! Please do not be angry at us, since our relationship is indestructible

29. Sitram Siru Kaale Sitram siRu kaalE vandhu unnai sEviththu un potraamarai adiyE pOtrum poruL kELaay petram mEyththu uNNum kulaththil piRandhu nee kutREval engaLai(k) koLLaamal pOgaadhu itrai(p) paRai koLvaan anRu kaaN gOvindhaa etraikkum Ezh Ezh piRavikkum un thannOdu utrOmE aavOm unakkE naam aatcheyvOm matrai nam kaamangaL maatrElOr embaavaay

Please hear Oh Lord Govindha! May You listen to us (the cowherd girls) who approach You at the very small hours of the day-dawn, and who bow down to You, the purpose and aim of our singing in praise of Your golden, lotus-like pair of feet. You, who took birth in the race of us, the cowherds, earning our livelihood by grazing and rearing the herd of cattle, can not deny us the humble (divine) service (to be rendered unto You Oh Lord! it is not only that we desire to receive the drum (from You) today but we desire, in fact, that let us be ever --throughout the births, several generations --the kith and kin of You, let us perform all kinds of Kaimkaryams to You alone; You make us rid of other desires.

30. Vanga Kadal Kadaintha vanga(k) kadal kadaindha maadhavanai kEsavanai thingaL thirumugaththu sEy izhaiyaar senRu iRainchi anga(p) paRai konda aatrai aNi pudhuvai(p) painkamala(th) thaN theriyal battar piraan kOdhai sanga(th) thamizh maalai muppadhum thappaamE sonnaingu ipparisuraippaar eerirandu maal varai thOL sengaN thirumugaththu(ch) chelva(th) thirumaalaal engum thiruvaruL petru inbuRuvar embaavaay.

He who sings without error, The thirty odes in sweet Tamil, Of the story of how the rich ladies , With faces like moon, Who worshipped and requested, The Madhava who is also Lord Kesava, Who churned the ocean of milk, obtained the unparalleled drum Godha, adorned with the cool garlands of fresh lotuses, and a resident of beautiful Srivilliputthur has composed this Thiruppavai. Whosoever recites this hymn faithfully will get the divine bliss here and hereafter, through the benign grace of the Lord endowed with a supreme, divine form, namely four strong mountain-like shoulders, beautiful face with eyes of reddish hue along with other prosperous glory.

Her first work is Tiruppavai a poem of thirty verses in which Andal imagines herself to be a cowherd girl during the incarnation of Lord Krishna. She yearns to serve Him and achieve happiness not just in this birth, but for all eternity, and describes the religious vow (pavai) that she and her fellow cowgirls take for this purpose.

The second is the Nacciyar Tirumozhi, a poem of 143 verses. Tirumozhii, literally meaning "sacred sayings", is a Tamil poetic style in which the work is composed. "Nachiyar" means goddess, so the title means "sacred sayings of our Goddess." This poem fully reveals Andal's intense longing for Vishnu, the Divine Beloved. Utilizing classical Tamil poetic conventions and intermixing stories from the Sanskrit Vedas and , Andal creates imagery that is quite possibly unparalleled in the whole gamut of Indian religious literature.

The impact of these works on the daily religious life of the South Indian has been tremendous. Just like the , people are never tired of listening to the Tiruppavai. The poem itself is recited with great religious fervor by women, men, and children of all ages, particularly in . The daily services in most Vaishnava temples and households include its recitation. Both of these works, particularly the Tiruppavai, have been commented on extensively by innumerable scholars in a number of languages over the centuries.

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im alone), our sins of past, present and future will vanish like straw put into fire. Therefore let us sing His glory.

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