e-Book (for free circulation)

ANDAL
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 Ramanuja, Madhwacharya, Guide to Kancheepuram and
Hinduism in a nutshell have been well received in the religious circle.
He was associated in the renovation and production of two Documentary
films on Nava Tirupathi 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 bhakti towards Lord Sriman Narayanan.
The Azhwars are reported to be incarnations of Nithasuris of Sri
Vaikuntam, namely, the Weapons, the Vanamaali, the Garuda, 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 Vedas 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
Vishnu. 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 Vaishnavism.

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 India. 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
Bhumi Devi, 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 Brahmin 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 Shastras (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, Tuesday, and Pooram star - the sun 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
Krishna, at Gokulam, in Brindawan (Mathura 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 Rama 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 'Vrata' (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 Srirangam 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 Durga- kaatyayinidevi
'May we get good husbands and may we live happily after marriage'.
Andal took this story of the Vraja girls from the Bhagavata, 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 Thiruppavai 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
moon, 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 Varuna 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 gopis 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 yoga 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 Lakshmi - 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 Gopi, 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 Jupiter 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 compassion, 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 Thirumal 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 Puranas, 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 Ramayana, 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 Tamil Nadu. 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.

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

5. e primordial cause).