Tiruppavai

The ceremony of piety

By

Andal

With a word for word translation in English

Authors Notes

1. This poem has been composed by Andal, the only lady Alwar.2. The poem is in Tamil. I have attempted a word for word translation in English, along with a short

summary. 3. The poetess suggested a simple way to become closer to God. She suggests singing the glory of the

Lord, remembering His many valorous deeds. We can do this as we go about our daily chores. In the poem, Andal, takes the name of the Lord on her way to the river to take a bath.

4. Instead of going alone, Andal collects all her friends on her way to the river, encouraging them to also rise early and sing the Lords praises. Enjoying the God, she says, is best done in the company of others with the same interests (rasikas).

5. The waking up of the friends, the wise interpret, as the awakening of the spirit to the quest of truth (atha tho brahma jignyasa).

6. It is interesting to note that Andal collects the Lord also, on her way to the river. A suggestion to the fact, perhaps, that once we start on the way to the service of the universal (paramarth), we will find even God a companion and participant.

7. The object of the ceremony of piety is to please the Lord, so he gives the participants of the ceremony all the aids (drums, knowledge, devotion etc.) for them to be successful in their pursuit. The end result is to serve the Lord, by singing His glories. The way to that end result is also to sing His glory. This is all eternal beings do, all the time. There is no beginning, no end and no change in that realm (AayarPaadi, GoLok, SriVaikuntam).

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1.Verse: Markarhith thingkal mathi nirainntha nannnaalaall ; Neratap pothuveer podhumeeno neerairhiyeer ; Shir malkum aayppatith shellvach shirhumirkal ; Kurvel kolinthorzilan nannthakopann kumarann ; Eerarnntha kannee yashothai eealamm shingkamm ; Karr meni shengkann katherr matheyam pooll mukaththan ; Naaraayanane namakke parai tharuvan ; Paroor pukara patintheloor yempavaay

Word for Word: This month in winter Monday revered rife good day ; For-bathing come-for when wearing-ornaments ; steady overflow residents-of-the-hamlet wealthy little-ones ; Sharp-spear having-shoulders head-of-cowherds son-of ; Wide eyes yashoda’s young lion ; Black body red-eyes sun-beams afternoon like face ; In-dweller only-us drum will-give ; Sing glory imprinted my-friend

Summary: Oh my friends ! Today is the revered Monday of the month of winter. Will you all not come for bathing (in the river) wearing your ornaments. O little residents of the hamlet (of Ayarpaadi), who overflow with everlasting wealth, let us sing the praises of the Lord (in-dweller, Narayana). He is the son of the valiant lord-of-cowherds (Nandagopan). He is the young lion cub of Yashoda whose broad vision encompasses everyone. The Lord (Narayana) will (definitely be pleased and) give us drums to aid the ceremonies (singing) that we have undertaken.

2.Verse: vaiyaththu varveerkal namum nampavaikku ; sheyyum kirichaykal kelero palkatalul ; Paiya tuyeenra paraman adi padi ; naiyyunnam pal unnom natkale neeradi ; maiyetezhutom malarittu nam mutiyom ; saiyyadana saiyyom thekkuralai shenrothom ; ayyamum picchayum aanthanaiyum kai katti ; uyyumar enni ukantelor yempavay ;

Word for Word: of-this-world residents we for-our-ceremony ; doing rites will-you-here milk-ocean-in ; pouch sleeping supreme feet sing ; clarified-butter (ghee) will-not-take milk will-not-take morning bathing ; eye-highlighter will-not-wear flowers will-not-wear ; that-which-should-not-be-done will-not-do acerbic-words will-not-utter ; alm-seekers alms eyes-seeking hands showing ; living best-way my-friends ;

Summary: O my friends, residents of this world. Hear of the rites that we need to observe for this ceremony of piety. We will take bath early in the morning. We will sing the glory of the Lord, who sleeps on the ocean of milk. For the duration of the ceremony, we will not take milk or butter and shall refrain from wearing eye-highlighter or flowers. We will not do anything that is not allowed (as per traditions) and we shall abstain from uttering bitter words to anyone. We will give alms to those who ask with their hands and also to those who show the desire in their eyes only. Thus we will seek to live in the best-possible way.

3.Verse: oonki ulakalanta uttaman per padi ; nankal nam pavayikku shatrtri niradinal ; thengkinri nadellam tingkal mum mari paiythu ; onngku perum shen nel ulu kayal ukala ; pungkuvaiala pothil pori vantu kan paduppa ; thengkathe pukkirunthu shirththa mulai patrtri ; vangka kutam niraikkum vallam perum pashukkal ; ningkatha shelvam nirainthelor yempavay

Word for Word: stretching world-measured supreme name singing ; we our ceremony-for waters bathe ; dull lands timely three times raining ; raising big ripe corn plow fish jump ; garden field in trapped bees eyes lie-down ; without-hesitation milk assiduous root touch ; to-buy pot filling flood big cows ; unending wealth boundless o friend ;

Summary: O friends ! If we sing the praises of the supreme - who measured the worlds with his feet - and bathe in the river - the parched lands will be blessed with rains three times (as required) ; the fish will jump amidst the big ripe corn that will grow in the plowed fields ; the bees will get trapped in the beautiful flowers in the garden and will lie down to rest (in resignation) ; the big cows will yield a flood of milk, filling the pots, and that too without hesitation and at a mere touch ; thus we will be blessed with boundless and unending wealth.

4.Verse: aarzhi marzhi kanna oonrhu ne kai karavel ; aarzhi uul pukku mukanthu kotu aarththu yerhi ; uulzhi multhalvan uruvam pol mey karhuththu ; paazhiy am tholudai parpanapan kaiyil ; aazhi pol minni valampori pol nenru athernthu ; thazhathe sharngkam uthaithatha shara mazhai pol ; vazha ulakilil peythiday nangkalum ; markazhi Nerada makizhnthelor yampavay ;

Word for Word: ocean rain one-with-beautiful-eyes one your hands spear ; ocean in milk absorb give river lake ; primordial first form like dark black ; discus shoulder-having lotus-like-navel hands ; discus like lightning right thread like loud shudder ; don’t-hesitate sharanga-bow starting-from shower rain like ; to-live in-this-world rain we-also ; winter-month bathing enjoyed o friend ;

Summary: O Lord with beautiful eyes! We request you to assimilate water from the ocean (like the ocean of milk); then like the primordial one (with dark form, one hand bearing the irradiant discus and the other hand bearing the thunderous conch) rain down (like the sharanga bow) to give us lakes and rivers; that we (me and my friends) who live in this world may enjoy bathing in the river, this winter.

5.Verse: mayanai mannu vada madhurai mainthanai; thuya peru neer yamunai thurhaivanai; aayar kulaththinil thonrhum ani vilakkai; thayai kudal vilakkam sheytha damodaranai; tuyomay vandu nam tumalar tuvi tozhudu; vayinal padi manaththinal shinthikka; poya pizhayum pukutharuvan ninranavum; thiyinil thushakum sheppelor empavay;

Word for Word: one-who-posesses-illusory-powers lord north Mathura son; water wide river Yamuna field-user; cowherds family occurring string-of lamp; mothers stomach description done-this one-tied-by-rope; bathing coming-for us water-blossom sprinkle worshiped; with-mouth sing with-mind think-of; to-go error coming-in-future there-now; in-fire made-trivial straw o friend

Summary: O friends ! Lets bathe and worship Him with flowers – One who has illusory powers, who is the son of the Lord of Mathura; who swims in the waters of the wide river Yamuna; who is the lamp of the tribe of cowherds; who has brought glory to being born of a mother – and if we sing His glory thus, keeping our minds focused on Him, all our sins, past and future, will be burnt away like straw.

6. Verse: pullum shilampina kan pullaraiyan koyilil; vellai vili shangkin peraravam kettilaiyo; pillay yazhinthiray pey mulai nanchundu ; kalla shakatam kalakkazhiya kalochchi; vellaththaravil tuyilamarntha

viththinai; ullaththu kondu munivarkalum yokikalum; mella yazhunthu ari yanra peraravam; ullam pukunthu kulirnthelor yempavay;

Word for Word: birds screaming are lord-of-birds temple-in; white call conch blowing hear-not; o-child wont-you-wake-up demoness root poison-eaten; evil cart-wheel shake-wasted feet-noise; floods at-night carotid-seated-in way; inside finding the-thinkers the-ones-in-union-with-God; slowly waking hari this name-saying; inside get-into coolingly-thrilling o friend.

Summary: O friend ! Don’t you hear the birds chirping; don’t you hear the white conch in the temple of the Lord who is served by the Lord-of-birds (Garuda); don’t you hear the sound of the evil cart wheel (Shakatasura) being shattered by the feet of the Lord, after He has just sucked out the poison from the evil-demoness (Putana); don’t you hear the thinkers (munis) and the-one-who-are-one-with-the-Lord (yogis) saying “Hari”, as they find inside their heart the dweller (Vishnu) in the ocean-of-purity (Sheerabdi) and are slowly waking up with that cool thrill within themselves.

7. Verse: kech kechanrhengkum aanai chaththan kalanthu; peshina peccharavam kettilaiyo pey penne; kashum pirhappum kalakalappa kai perththu; vasha narhum kuzal aaycchiyar matthinal; ooshai paduththa thayir aravam kettilaiyo; nayaka penpillaay narayanan murththi; keshavanai padavum ne ketta kidaththiyo; theshamudaiyay thiravelor empavai;

Word for Word: “kech” “kech” thus everywhere the-annai-chathan-bird mixing; talk sound not-heard demon girl; coins others churning hands effort; fragrance smell mats-of-hair lady-cowherd blender; noise making curds not-heard; lord girl child narayanan idol; Keshava to-sing you hearing lying-around; luminous wont-you-open o friend;

Summary: O friend ! Don’t you hear the cries of the Annai bird talking to each other; don’t you hear the pendants in the necklaces of the lady-cowherds, whose mats-of-hair have a fragrant smell, or their blender, as they churn the curds; you are the daughter of the Lord Narayana and are formed in His image; why are you thus lying around and not coming to sing the names Keshava etc; O Luminous one, wont you open your eyes, your mouth and the door of your house.

8. Verse: kizhvanam vellainrhumai shirhu veedu; meyvan paranthana kann mikkulla pillaikalum; povan pokinraray pokamal kaatthu; unnai kkuvuvan vandu ninrhom; kotukalam udaiya pavay yezhunthiray padip parai kondu; mavay pilanthanai mallarai mattiya; thevathi thevanaich shenrhu nam sheviththal; aava yenrharaynth arulelor yempavay;

Word for Word: morning sky white-like buffaloes wealthy house; to-graze gone they also boys; those-wanting-to-go those-going from-going waiting; yourself calling came standing; wheat-field girl wont-you-get-up to-sing drum bearing; like-dough tear-apart wrestlers hanged; of-gods god going-to-him we pay-salutations; Wow thus-with-due-consideration blessing o friend;

Summary: O friend! Your house is shining with the whiteness of the morning sun. The boys in your house have gone to graze the buffaloes. We, who wish to move on, are being held back by having to call for you. Why don’t you get up and sing, in accompaniment of your drums. If we pay salutations to the

God of gods - who has ripped asunder the evil demon (Kesi) and has vanquished the wrestlers (Chanur and others) – He will appreciate our efforts with words of praise and will bless us - with due consideration on what is good for us.

9. Verse: thumani maataththich shitrrum vilakkeriyath; thupam kamazhath thuyil anaimel kanvalarum; maman makale manik kathavam thal thiravay; mamir avalai yezhippiro; un makal than umaiyo anrhich shevido ananthalo; yemap peruththuyil manthirap pattalo; mamayan mathavan vaikunthan enrenru; namam palavum navinrelor yempavay

Word for Word: adorned-with-gems dome dim lamp-burning; incense smelling sleep bed-upon eyes-drooping; uncle daughter bell-adorned door latch open; aunty her wont-you-awaken; your daughter she-is dumb or deaf sleepiness; death’s major-sleep spell has-become; the-illusionist lakshmis-consort lord-of-vaikunta-heaven thus thus; names many wake-up o friend;

Summary: O friend! The bed is indeed most comfortable, decorated with gems, a dim lamp glowing; incense smell adding to the ambience. O daughter of our well know uncle, won’t you open the door for us. O Aunty wont you awaken her. Is she definitely your daughter or has she become dumb or deaf or is it only sleepiness. Has the final sleep of death come over her. She needs to wake up so we can take the many names of the Lord – Mamayan (amazing), Madhavan (Lord of the Goddess Lakshmi), Vaikundan (Lord of the highest abode) and others like these.

10 Verse: notrus chuyarkkam pukukinra ammanay; matrramum tararo vashal tiravadar; nattrath thuzhay mudi narayanan; nammal pottra parai tharum punniyanal; pandorunal kutrrathtin vayvizhntha kumbakarananum; thotrrum unakke perunthuyil dan thandano; aatrra anannthal uudayyay arumngkalame; thotramaay vanthu thiravelor yempavay.

Word for Word: in-the-past heaven entering lady; words-also open outside-door open-wont-you; sweet-smell thulasi crown in-dweller-narayanan; by-us praise drum giver one-who-is-pure; one-day offense fell kumbakarna; in-defeat to-yourself deep-sleep only has-given; lull drowsiness having curio (trifle/curiosity); appear come-over wont-you-open o friend.

Summary: O friend! You have already entered heaven (alone). Won’t you open your mouth and say a few words if not able to open the front door. If we (together) praise the Lord Narayana (indweller) – who wears the sweet smelling Tulasi for his crown and who is purity itself – he will bless us with drums (that will aid our glory singing). Has Kumbakarna, who fell one-day-long-ago due to his offenses, accepted defeat at your hands and passed over his deep sleep to you? You have been afflicted by the lull of drowsiness. Won’t you come over and open the door for us.

11 Verse: katrtruk karavaik kalangkal pala karanthu; shetrtrar thiral azhiyach chenrhu sheruch sheyyum; kutrtram oonrillatha kovalar tham porkodiye; putrararavalkul punamayile potharay; shutrraththuth thozhimar yellarum vanthu; nin mutrram pukundu mukilvannan per padach; shetrrathe peshade shelvap pendatti; ne yetrrukkurangkum porulelor yempavay;

Word for Word: bundles cows groups several milked; enemies assembly-of destroyed gone-to mud made; faults not-even-one cowheards of-the-group standard; amoung-the-group like-a-beautiful-peacock wont-you-come; your-circle friends everyone has-come; your room entering clouds-like-colored name sing; a-little not-talk wealthy wife; accept-sleep wealth o friend

Summary: O friend! You have milked the several groups of cows and have thus destroyed your competitors. You are the standard for the groups of cowherds and are the best among them, most beautiful like a peacock. Won’t you come and join all your friends. We have come to enter your room to sing the praises of the one who is colored dark like the clouds (Krishna). Won’t you talk a little; or have you accepted sleep as your only wealth.

12 Verse: kanaththilang katrrerumai kanrhukkirangki; ninaiththu mulai vazhiye ninrhu pal shora; nanaiththillam sherhakkum narshelvan thangkay; panith thalai vizha nin vashar katai patrtrish; shinaththinal then eelangkaith komanaich chetrra; manaththukkiniyanayp padavum ni vay thiravay; eenith than yezhinthiray eethanna per uurakkam; annaiththillaththarum arhinthelor empavay;

Word for Word: calling-young tied-up-buffalo calf-going-to; thinking-of from-root overflow standing milk advanced; making-wet slush good-wealthy younger-sister; dew head falling your outer-door shop holding;with-anger south lanka lord-of killed; to-the-mind-pleasing-he sing-about you mouth open; at-least-now wont-you-rise what-is-this name-sake sleep; all-houses-of are-aware o friend !

Summary: O friend! The buffaloes are giving milk just thinking about their calves, who are calling to them, but are not able to reach, because they are both tied up. The overflow of milk is making the mud slush. Thus is your wealth! We have come to your door step and are braving the dew falling on our heads. Won’t you at least open your mouth to sing the praises of the pleasing Lord, who with anger alone, killed the lord-of-Lanka. Won’t you rise, giving up this feigned sleep.

13 Verse: pullin vay kindanay polla aarakkanak; killik kalainthanaik kirtthimai padip poyp; pillaikal yallarum pavaik kalam pukkar; velliyezhinthu viyazhan uranngkitrru; pullum shilampina kan podarik kanninay; kullak kulirak kudainthu neradathe; pallik kidatthiyo pavay ! ne nannalal ; kallam thavirnthu kalanthelor yempavay;

Word for Word: bird mouth for-fun evil demon; pinch tear-up greatness sing go; the-children everyone for-the-ceremony started entered; Friday-rising Thursday has-slept; birds shouting are-also beautiful having-eyes; inside thrilling cutting-deep wont-you-come-to-bathe; recline lying o friend; you are-good ? stealth giving-up mix-with-us o friend;

Summary: O friend! Won’t you come to sing the glory of the Lord, who has slain the evil demon, who had come in the form of a bird, by tearing his mouth up into pieces, as if in jest? All the children have already come to observe the ceremony. Thursday has ended and Friday has already begun. The birds are chirping, O girl with beautiful eyes. Won’t you come to have a thrilling and fulfilling bath? Why are you still lying in your bed? Give up this feigned sleep and come join us.

14 Verse: ungal puzhaikkadath thottatthu vaviyul; shengkazhnir vay nekizhnthampal vay kuumpina kan; shengkarpodik kuurai venpar thavatthavar; thankal thirukkovil shangkiduvan pothanthar; yengkalai munnam yezhuppuvan vay peshum; nangkay! Yezhunthiray nanathay! Namutaiyay; shangkodu shakkaram yenthum thadakkaiyan; pankayak kannanaip padelor yempavay;

Word for Word: your backyard garden pond; red-eyes-water mouth opening flowers mouths opening have; red-powder cloth white-teeth them-whoever; their holy-temple to-blow-conch are-going; us before will-wake-up mouth speaks; O Lady! Wont-you-get-up steeped-in-yourself! Feeling-of-“our”selves; conch discus carry strong-handed; lotus-like eyes singing o friend.

Summary: O friend! The lotus and other flowers have blossomed in the pond which is in your own backyard garden. The saffron cloth clad ascetics are on the way to their respective temples to offer their service to the Lord in the form of conch-blowing (representative of knowledge or the Vedas). You had promised to rise before the rest of us and wake us all up. O lady! Won’t you discard this want-to-be-alone-with-yourself attitude and join the rest of us, so we can together sing the praises of the one, whose strong hands carry the discus and the conch and whose eyes are beautiful like the lotus flower.

15 Verse: yelle! Eelangkiliye! Eennam uurangkuthiyo; chil yenrzhiyenmin nangkaimiir! Potharukinren; vallai uun katturaikal panteyun vaayarithum; vallirkal nengkale naane than aayiduka; ollai ne poday uunakkenna verudaiyai; yellarum pontharo ponthar ponthennikkol; vallanai konranai matrararai matrarazhikka vallanai; mayyanai padelor empavay;

Word for Word: o limit-of-everything! Young parrot! Even-now lying-there; screech like-calling o friend! We-are-going; net your binding-talk fruit-yours mouth-difficult; all-skillful you-all-are i-am only become-this; having-this you gone what-for-you different-treatment; everyone has-come have-come come-to-count; all-skillful one-who-killed the-others also-killed all-skillful-one; one-of-wondrous-deeds sing-glory O friend !

Summary: O friend! You are the limit of everything (pious). Your voice sounds enchanting like a parrot. Why are you still lying there (in bed)? Oh, we are screeching is it? We are all going (to bathe, and want you to join us). Your talk is difficult (to respond to, your arguments appear sound) and its binding (us, stopping us from proceeding) like a net. Oh, we are all-skillful is it? All right, I will accept that I have become like this. Why do you expect a different treatment (from the others, why are you being so difficult). You wish to know if everyone else has come, is it? Then come over and count for yourself. Come join us and let us sing the glory of the all-skillful-one who killed all those who thought none-more-skillful-than-themselves (the self-proclaimed-“all-powerful”-evil-demons) and one who-performed-many-a-wonderful-deed (maayan).

16 Verse: nayakanay ninrha nanthakopanutaiya koyil kappane! Kodiththonrhum thorana vayil kappane! Manikkathavam thal tiravay aayar shirhumiyarhomukku; mayan manivannan ninnale vaynernthan; thuyomaay vandom thuyilezhap paduvaan; vayal munnam munnam matrrade amma; ni neya nilaik kathavam nikkelor yempavay.

Word for Word: as-the-lord standing the-cowherd-Nanda’s temple guard! Flag-occurring arch-of-leaves-at-entrance mouth guard! Bell-adorned-door latch wont-you-open cowherds for-little-girls; one-of-wondrous-deeds who-is-like-a-gem yesterday promised; from-sleep have-come to-awaken-from-sleep by-singing; with-mouth in-front in-front won’t-you-speak o-lady; you listen state door put-stop-to o friend!

Summary: O Guard - of Nanda’s house, whose entrance is adorned with a flag and an arch of leaves -won’t you open the door, adorned with bells. We little cowherd girls have come, as we have been promised by the one-of-wondrous-deeds and who-is-like-a-gem (Lord Krishna) yesterday itself (of our admittance in His house). We have forgone our sleep to wake others, with our singing. Why don’t you also repeat again and again (His praises), while listening to us (singing) and open the door for us.

17 Verse: amparame thannire shore aram sheyyum; yemperuman nantha kopala! Yazhinthiray; kompanarkkellam kozhunthe! Kula vilakke; yemperumatti yashothay! arhivurhay; amparam uulatarhuthathongki uulakalantha; uumpar komane! Urangkathezhunthiray; shempor kazhaladic shelva palatheva; uumpiyum neyum urhangkelor empavay;

Word for Word: clothes water food charity doing; lord by-name-Nanda cowheard! Wont-you-wake; cowherds-all flame-for! Group-of lamp-for ; o-lady by-name-Yashoda! Wont-you-wake; sky torn-up-by-stretching world-measured; skies lord-of! Sleep-not-wont-you-wake; red-glow under-feet o-prosperous by-name-Baladeva; your-younger-brother yourself still-sleeping o friend

Summary: O Nanda! You are the giver of clothes, water and food for us cowherds and are our Lord. Please wake up. O Yashoda! You are the flame of the lamp for us cowherds and are our Lady. Please do wake up. O Lord, who measured the worlds, by tearing up the sky, please wake up. O Baladeva! Your under-feet is (beautiful) with the red glow (of a lotus?) and you are the prosperous one (for having the Lord for your sibling?), wont you wake up and also your younger brother. Be a good friend!

18. Verse: unthu matha kalitrran oodatha thol valiyan; nantha kopalan marumakale! Nappinnay! Kantham kamazhum kuzhali! Katay thiravay; vanthengkum kozhi aarhaiththana kaan; madhavipanthal mel palkal kuyil eenangkal kuvina kaan; panthaar virali! Uun maiththunan per padac; shenthamaraik kaiyal shirar valay oolippa; vanthu thirhavay makinzhnthelor empavay;

Word for Word: driven-by madness slayer-of no-going-back shoulder capable-of; By-name-Nanda cowherd niece! By-name-Nappinay! Sweet-odor good-smell head-curls! Door won’t-you-open; has-come the-cock to-call with-respect; by-name-Madhavi-flower-canopy on-top-of long-time the-bird-Koel flocks-of calling with-respect; one-holding-ball in-fingers! Your cousin name for-singing; lotus-red-colored hands-with children bangles sounding; wont-you-come open with-appreciation o friend;

Summary: O friend! You are the niece of the cowherd Nanda, who is the slayer of elephants that have gone mad with the pride of their strength, whose shoulders have never turned back in battle. O Nappinnay! Your curls smell of sweet odors. Won’t you open the door? The cock has made its calls and so have the flocks of Koel birds, as they sit on top of the canopy of Madhavi flowers. You have slept while still holding the ball in your hands (from yesterdays play). We have come to sing the names of your

cousin (our Lord). Won’t you open the door to the girls who have gathered here, whose hands are colored red like the lotus and whose bangles are making a (joyous) tinkling sound.

19. Verse: kutthu vilakkeriya kottukkal kattilmel; metthenra panch shayanaththin mel yerhith; koththalar pungkuzhal nappinnai kongkai mel; vaiththuk kidantha malar marpa! Vay thirhavay! Maith thatangkanninay! Niyun manaalanai; yeththanai pothum thuyilezha ootthaaya kaan! Yeththanai yelum pirivatrtrakillaayaal; thathuvam anrhu thakavelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: oil-pouring lamp-burning straight-legs cot-on-top-of; soft five-headed bed on-top-of climbing; thick-head head-curls Nappinay’s chest on-top-of; kept lying-down blossomed chested! Mouth won’t-you-open!; black-eye-liner decorated-with-eyes! You-also your-lord; how-much is-enough sleeping sticking-to thus!; how-much small-time separation-not-tolerable; system-of-belief not-this won’t-you-open o friend!

Summary: O Nappinay! You are (comfortably) lying on top of the soft bed, which has a (soothing) oil lamp burning near it. You have the Lord lying in your heart. His heart is also fully blossomed from His love for you. Won’t you open your mouth (to respond to our call). Your eyes are beautifully decorated with the black eye-liner. How long will you and your Lord sleep thus, separation being intolerable. This is not proper as per our system of belief (which recommends being with the Lord as a group, rather than all alone). Won’t you be a good friend and open the door.

20. Verse: Muppaththu muvar amararkku mun shenrhu; kappam thavirkkum kaliye! Thuyil yezhay; sheppam uutayyaay! Thiral uutayaay shetrararkku; veppam kodukkum vimala! Thuyil yeezhay; sheppenna main mulaish shevvaysh chirhu marungkul; nappinnai nangkay! Thiruve! Thuyil yezhay; uukkamum thattoliyum thanthun manaalanai; eeppothe eemmai nirattelor yempavaay;

Word for Word: thirty three-of-them the-immortal-gods before arriving; fear avoided dark-of-the-last-quarter-of-the-epoch! Sleep won’t-you-leave; coarse having! Group-of having defeated-who-are; heat giving pure-one! Sleep won’t-you-leave; red-like real root-of red-lips small others-also; O-Nappinnay Lady! O-embodiment-of-wealth! Sleep won’t-you-leave; oil mirror giving your-lord; right-away them for-bath o friend!

Summary: He (the Lord) arrives before the thirty three (crore) demi-gods, to quell the fear (of His devotees), even though He is black like the last quarter of the epoch (Kali). He gives heat (punishment) to those who are coarse with the pride of having defeated everyone who is in their way, even though He (the Lord) is white purity. O Lord, won’t you give up your sleep for us. O Nappinnay! All the parts of your body are a beautiful red and also are petite. You are our Lady (the Lord’s consort) and are the embodiment of wealth. Won’t you give up your sleep and send your Lord, along with the oil and the mirror, with us for the bath in the river. O! you are our good friend.

21. Verse: yetrra kalangkal eethir pongki mithalippa; matrrathe pal shoriyum vallal perum pashukkal; aatrrap padaiththaan makane! arivuraay; uutrram utayaay! Periyay! uulakinil; thotrramay ninra shudare! Thuyil yezhaay; maatrraar uunakku vali tholainthun vaashrhkan; aatrraathu vanthun aadipanipuma pole; potrriyam vanthom pukazhnthelor empavay;

Word for Word: loaded cells resisting overflowing over-the-limits; without-change milk give generous huge cows; for-play created o-boy! Won’t you wake; to-feed doer! the-highest! In-the-world; appear-like standing fire! won’t-you-wake; others for-you pain gone-away outer-door; believers coming-to your-feet-seek like; to-sing-praise we-have-come always-praised o friend;

Summary: Many groups of generous cows, which give milk to the extent that all the vessels overflow. Their generosity does not change over time. He (the Lord) has created these, as if by play. He is that highest, who stands like the fire that feeds the world, thus maintaining it. Those who had not joined His group yet, have also joined now, thus losing all their pain. They have become like your already existing devotees who seek the same (freedom from pain), by taking refuge in your feet. We have come to sing your praises, as you are always praised by everyone. O friend, do wake up!

22. Verse: angkan ma naalaththarshar abhimaan; bhangkamay vanthu nin pallikkattil kizhe; shangkam eeruppar pol vanthu thalaippeythom; kingkinivaysh sheyda thamaraip pup pole; shengkan shirhush shirithe eemmel vizhiyaavo; thingkalum aathiththiyanum eezhinthaalpol; aangkan eerandum kontengkalmel nokkuthiyel; yengkanmel shapam eezhinthelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: that-eye image fine-rulers pride; destroyed coming to-your resting-bed under; conch taking like we-have-come on-the-head-showered; bell-mouth made lotus flower like; red-eyes small-amount a-little on-us won’t-it-fall; moon-and sun rising-like; those-eyes both-of-them with-them-using-on-us if-you-look-at; on-us curses fall-away o friend!

Summary: The rulers, who were proud of their eye for fine details (in their fields of art), have come to seek refuge under your bed-stead, as their pride has finally been destroyed. We have also come like them, with our mouths acting like conches (to sing your praise). We offer ourselves (our heads) to you, just like a lotus flower, those that have a bell shaped mouth. If your beautiful red eyes rise like the sun and the moon and gaze even a little on us, all our curses will fall away. Be a good friend and help us thus.

23. Verse: maari malai muzhainchil mannik kidanthurhngkum; shiriya shingkam aarivurrhuth thi vizhiththu; very mayir pongka yeppaadum pernthutharhi; muri nimirnthu muzhangkiy purappatdup; podaruma pole ni puvaippu vanna; uun koyil ninringngane pontharulik; koppudaiya shiriya shingkachnaththirunndu yam vanda kariyam; aaraaynthurulelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: changing mountain yards-in remitted lying-there; roaring lion consciousness coming-to staring; from-root hairs expanding day born; bending straitening stretching starting; going like you flower-like-soft decorated-with-that-quality; your temple waiting-here to-go-to; anger-with roaring throne-from our coming-here work-for; after-due-consideration-bless-us o friend!

Summary: You are like a lion - that has been lying in its mountain den, almost measuring it (its vastness), on day break, comes to a waking state with a roar, staring around (as if with anger), its mane expanding from its roots, stretches its legs and then starts for the outside – O Lord, but still have softness of flowers as your quality, we have come to your temple and are waiting for you. Please come down from the throne of angry-lion-ship and bless us for success of our task, after due consideration on what would be beneficial to us, O friend!

24 Verse: aanrivvulakam aalanthay aadipotrri; shenrhngkuth then eelangkai shetrraay thiral potrri; ponrha shakatam uthaithtaay pukazh potri; kanrhu kunila yerinthay kazhal potri; kunrhu kudaiyaay yeduththaay gunam potrri; venrhu pakai kedukkum nin kaiyil vel potrri; yenrenrhun shevakame yeththep parai kolvaan; eenri yaam vanthom eerngkelor yempaavaay.

Word for Word: that-day-this-world measured feet-be-praised; going-to south Lanka killed valor be-praised; disguised-as wheel kicked fame be-praised; calf bent thrown ankle be-praised; mountain umbrella-like lifted qualities be-praised; wins enmity spoils your in-hands spear be-praised; all-the-time serve lifting drums will-accept; now we-have-come wont-you-descend o friend!

Summary: May your feet be praised for measuring this world (as Lord Trivikrama) that day. May your valor be praised for going south to Lanka to kill (the demon king Ravana). May your fame be praised for kicking (and killing) the one (demon Shakatasura) disguised as a wheel. May your ankle be praised for its ability to (skillfully) bend to throw the calf (demon Vatsyasura disguised as one, to kill him). May your qualities (compassion, condescention, strength, power etc.) be praised for lifting the mountain like an umbrella (to protect the folks of the hamlet Aayarpaadi). May the spear in your hand be praised for spoiling enmity by winning it over (to your side). (We have heard that) You accept service at all times. We have come to you now, so will you not come down (to our level and accept the same) O friend!

25 Verse: ooruththi makanaayp pirhanthu oor eeravil ooruththi makanaay ooliththu valarath; tarikkilaan aakith than thingku ninaintha; karuththai pizhaippiththuk kannchan vayitrril; neruppenna ninrha nedumaale; aaruththiththu vandom parai tharudi yaakil; thiruththakka shelvamum shevakamum yaam paadi; varuththamum thirnthu makizhnthelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: One son born in-one night one son hidden growing-up; special being himself evil-thoughts thinking; crux-of nurtured the-king-Kamsa’s in-stomach; fire-like standing devotees-fond-of; expecting we-have-come drums will-give thus; weath-capable wealth service we singing; sadness ending appreciating o friend!

Summary: You were born as one women’s son and within one night had to grow up secretly as another women’s son. You became a fire in the stomach of King Kamsa (to torment him), who not only had the evil thoughts of being special (egoistic) himself, but also nurtured the crux of the same (everywhere). However, (we know) you are fond of your devotees. We have come expecting that you will gift us with drums (service). Please give us the service that is worthy of (appropriate/suitable/complementary to) our singing. This will end all our sadness and we will be able to appreciate (enjoy) our service (to the fullest), O friend!

26 Verse: maale! Manivannaa! Maarkazhi nir aaduvaan; melaiyaar sheyvanakan venduvana kettiyel; nnalaththai yellaam nadungka muralvana; paalanna vannaththun paanchachanniyame; polvana shangkangkal poyp paadudaiyanave; shaalap perum parzaiye pallaandushaippaare; kola vilakke kodiye vithaaname; aalin eelaiyaay ! arunlelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: O lord! One-of-gem-like-looks! Holy-month-of-winter water playing; first-who are-doing request won’t-you-hear; knowledge all shiver first-makes ; milk-like hue-your paanchajanyam; like-this

conches going are-singing; roads big drums glory-music-will-make; staff lamp flag canopy; of-Al-ilai-tree leaf ! won’t you bless, o friend!

Summary: O Lord, who are like a gem to look at, won’t you come to bathe in the river in this holy month of Marharzhi. Please hear the requests of the ones who are already into this ceremony. Please bless us with – conches which are like your own conch Panchajanya, which is milk white in hue and which makes all the worlds of knowledge shiver (when it is blown); big drums to help us loudly proclaim your glory with their music, in the streets; also a canopy, a staff and lamps with long stands (all of which will again herald to the world, the ceremony which is going on and encourage them also to join us). We know you are used to sleeping on the banyan leaf (when the world is submerged in the apocalyptic waters). But please join us now for this ceremony, O friend!

27 Verse: kudaarai vellum shir govinda! Uun thannaip padip paraikondu yaam perum sammaanam; naadu pukazhum parishinaal nanrhaakach; sudakame tholvalaiye thode shevip puve; padakame yenranayya pal kalanum yaam aanivom; aadaiyuduppom athan pinne paal shorhu; muda naiy peythu muzhangkai vazhivaarak; kuudiyirunthu kulirnthelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: gathering-together winning effort cattle-care-taker-of! Your self sing drums-receive we big honours; country will-praise with-gifts nicely; garland armlets ear-studs ear flowers; foot-anklets thus-many several ornaments we will-wear; dress-we-will-wear that after milk rice; till-top clarified-butter pouring back-of-hands-towards-elbows flowing-picking-up; gathering-together won’t-you-enjoy-the-thrill o friend!

Summary: O Govinda (caretaker of all life)! You easily win over those who are reluctant to join your group. We have received the drums as honors for having sung your praises. The people of the land also honor us mightily for our achievements. We will (now) wear garlands, armlets, ear-studs, ear-flowers, foot-anklets and several such ornaments. We will wear (beautiful) dresses and then enjoy rice cooked in milk and overflowing with clarified-butter (ghee). We will all enjoy the thrill of being together (with each other and you) in this celebration.

28 Verse: karavaikal pin shenrhu kaanannshernthunpom; aarivonrhum eellaatha aaykkulaththu uun thannaip; piravi peirhunthanaip punniyam yaam uudi yom; kuraivonrhum eellaatha kovintha uun thannoduravel namakkingkozhikka oozhiyaathu; aarziyaatha pillaikalom aanpinaal uun thannai; shiruper aazhaiththanavum shiriyarulaathe; eerhaiva! Ni thaaraay parhaiyelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: calfs behind going singing-together-will-do; awareness-one not-there of-cowherd-tribe your self; birth high-having merit we obtained have; desires-left-unfulfilled not-there caretaker-of-cows your self-relation for-us-now-forsake forsake-cannot; not-aware children-we-are due-to-fondness your self; pet-name for-having-been-called-by anger-not-bless-with; O God! You won’t-give drums o friend!

Summary: We will follow the calves, singing (His praises) together as we do so. We are not aware of any other way, as we are born in the tribe of cowherds. We do not know how to obtain any other birth by earning high merits. You have no limitations (on the other hand) and are the caretaker of cows. The relation between us cannot be broken henceforth. Being unaware of your greatness, we call you by your

pet name. You should not get angry with us, for this. O God! will you not be a good friend and give us what we desire.

29 Verse: shitrram shirhukaale vanthunnai sheviththu; uun portraamarai aatiyai pottrum porul kelaay; petrram meyththunnum kulaththil piranthu; ni kutrreval yengkalaik kollaamal pokaadhu; itrraip parai kolvaan aanrhu kaan kovinthaa! Yetrraikkum yezhezh pirhavikkum; uun thannodutrtromeyaavom uunakke naam aatsheyvom; matrrai nam kaamangkal maatrrelor yempaavaay;

Word for Word: small small-part-of-time coming-to-you pay-obeisance; your red-lotus-like feet glory-singing substance ask-for; beings-that-are-born grazing tribe being-born; your attention ourselves seeing-without will-not-go; right-away drums accept thus seeing caretaker-of-cows; always seven-seven births-for; your self-close-we-will-become yourself we will-serve; other our wishes for-speaking-only o friend!

Summary: We will come early in the morning to pay obeisance to you. We will ask you to grant our desires, after praising your lotus like feet. You are born in the tribe that grazes the cows (all beings) and therefore your attention will not forsake us. Please accept our services (singing and music with drums) today. We also express our only desire to be born with you always, be close to you and serve only you. All other desires are merely hearsay, O friend!

30 Verse: vangkak katal kataintha maathavanaik keshavanai; thingkal thirumukaththu sheyizhaiyaar shenrhirhaynuchi; aangkap parai kontavaarhrhai aani puthuvaip; paingkamalath than theriyal pattarpiraan kothai shonna; shangkath thamizhmaalai muppathum thappaame; eengkipparishuraippaar eerirandu maal varaith thol; shengkan thirumukaththuch shelvath thirumaalaal; yengkum thiruvarul petrtrinpurhuvar yempaavaay;

Word for Word: eastern ocean churned lord-of-the-mother killer-of-kesi-demon; moon divine-faced doer doing-loudly; there drums carrying-who-are team new-one; blossoms one-who-has seen-to worshippers-best-among by-name-kotha sung-by; conch in-tamil-language all-thirty without-missing-any; now-thus-secrete two-two one-who-is-fond-of-his-devotees liked-by shoulders; red-eyes beatific-face wealth mother-wealth-fond-of-one-who-is-by-him; always divine-blessing obtaining-enjoying o friend!

Summary: The Lord, known by names Madhavan (Lord of the Mother MahaLakshmi) and Keshavan (One who killed the Kesi demon), churned the eastern ocean and has the divine face that shines like the moon. There serve the new team of singers, singing loudly, with drums to their accompaniment. Among them is Kotha, the daughter of the best among the worshippers (Pattarpiran), who has, like a conch, sung these verses in Tamil. Anyone who sings these thirty verses, without missing any, will obtain and enjoy the blessing of the Lord – who has four hands (Chaturbhuj), who is fond of his devotees, who has beautiful red eyes (lotus like), a beatific face, who is also fond of Mother Lakshmi (TiruMaal) and who is in turn worshipped by the Mother (who is the embodiment of all wealth).

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