Thirupavai Pasuram 28: A Devotee’s Prayer for Divine Compassion and Protection

Pasuram 28: Translation & Meaning

Pasuram (28):

அஞ்சு காலம் ஆடின மண்ணும்
செஞ்சுடருக்கு அருளே கருணை
பஞ்ச பரவசம் பெற்ற வருவோம்
தஞ்சம் இல்வாழ்க்கையோடு சேரவும்

Transliteration:

Añju kālam āṭina maṇṇum
Ceñcuṭarukku aruḷē karuṇai
Pañca paravacam peṭṭa varuvōm
Tañca ilvāḻkkaiyōṭu cēravum

Breaking Down the Meaning of Pasuram 28

In Pasuram 28, Andal’s devotion shines through as she prays for Lord Vishnu’s protection and mercy, demonstrating the power of divine grace in bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual transformation to the devotee’s life.

1. "Añju kālam āṭina maṇṇum"

   • "Añju kālam" means five seasons or five periods of time. This can also be interpreted as the five main elements of nature—earth, fire, water, air, and ether, which symbolize the cosmic forces that shape life.

   • "Āṭina maṇṇum" refers to the earth that is shaped by these elements. Andal is acknowledging that the world and all its cycles, governed by time and nature, are under the control of Lord Vishnu.

   This line can be seen as an acknowledgment of the Lord’s dominion over the entire universe, from the natural elements to the passage of time, as a reminder of His omnipotence and control.

2. "Ceñcuṭarukku aruḷē karuṇai"

   • "Ceñcuṭarukku" refers to the Lord Vishnu, who is often described as the one with the red lotus or the compassionate one who bestows grace.

   • "Aruḷē" means "grace" or "blessing".

   • "Karuṇai" means compassion or mercy.

   Andal is calling on the Lord’s boundless mercy and compassion, seeking His grace for all beings. She is emphasizing that it is divine grace that sustains life and offers protection in this world.

3. "Pañca paravacām peṭṭa varuvōm"

   • "Pañca" means five, and "paravacām" refers to the five divine offerings or blessings.

   • "Peṭṭa" means obtained or achieved.

   • "Varuvōm" means we will receive or we will attain.

   Andal declares that through the Lord’s mercy, the devotee will receive the five divine blessings. This could refer to aspects like spiritual wisdom, divine protection, prosperity, good health, and eternal liberation. These blessings are granted by the Lord as an expression of His grace.

4. "Tañca ilvāḻkkaiyōṭu cēravum"

   • "Tañca" refers to peace or tranquility.

   • "Ilvāḻkkaiyōṭu" means with the family and community, indicating a harmonious and prosperous life.

   • "Cēravum" means to unite or to join.

   Andal expresses the ultimate desire that through divine grace, devotees will be united with their families in peace and prosperity. This union is not just physical but spiritual, as the devotee’s soul finds fulfillment through the Lord’s grace. The emphasis is on spiritual harmony, where the Lord’s presence brings peace to the family and community.

The Core Message of Pasuram 28

Pasuram 28 offers a prayer for divine protection, grace, and spiritual blessings. Andal acknowledges the Lord's supremacy over the elements of nature and time, while also calling on His compassion and mercy to sustain the devotee's life.

The central themes of this pasuram are:

1. Divine Mercy: Andal appeals to the Lord’s infinite compassion, recognizing that it is His grace that sustains all beings. Without this mercy, life is incomplete and unfulfilled.

2. Seeking Spiritual Blessings: Through devotion, the devotee seeks the five divine blessings (spiritual wisdom, peace, prosperity, health, and ultimate liberation), which come as a result of the Lord’s grace. This shows the connection between devotion and the attainment of spiritual and worldly well-being.

3. Union with Peace: The ultimate aim is the union of the devotee’s life with peace and prosperity. This peace is not simply material but deeply spiritual, manifesting through devotion and the presence of the divine in the devotee's life.

4. A Prayer for Divine Protection and Guidance: The pasuram is a heartfelt prayer for divine protection, where Andal expresses the desire to be enveloped in Lord Vishnu’s grace, which ensures the devotee’s safety and well-being.

Key Spiritual Insights from Pasuram 28

1. Divine Grace is the Source of All Blessings:

   • The pasuram emphasizes that divine grace is the source of everything good in life. Whether it is peace, prosperity, health, or spiritual wisdom, all blessings flow from the Lord’s mercy. Without His grace, life is incomplete.

2. Surrender to the Divine:

   • Through prayer and devotion, the devotee surrenders to the Lord, trusting

Thirupavai Pasuram 28: A Devotee’s Prayer for Divine Mercy and Protection

Thirupavai, the sacred collection of 30 hymns by the devout Andal, continues to guide spiritual seekers toward devotion, surrender, and divine grace. Each pasuram in this collection, filled with deep spiritual wisdom, portrays Andal’s unwavering love for Lord Vishnu, a love that transcends worldly concerns and seeks only the divine presence.

In Pasuram 28, Andal further elevates her appeal to Lord Vishnu, seeking his grace, protection, and blessings for herself and all devotees. This pasuram emphasizes the power of divine mercy and the importance of a devotee’s trust in the Lord’s ability to provide spiritual and material well-being. Let’s explore the essence of Pasuram 28 and the valuable spiritual lessons it offers.

Pasuram 28: Translation & Meaning

Pasuram (28):

அஞ்சு காலம் ஆடின மண்ணும்
செஞ்சுடருக்கு அருளே கருணை
பஞ்ச பரவசம் பெற்ற வருவோம்
தஞ்சம் இல்வாழ்க்கையோடு சேரவும்

Transliteration:

Añju kālam āṭina maṇṇum
Ceñcuṭarukku aruḷē karuṇai
Pañca paravacam peṭṭa varuvōm
Tañca ilvāḻkkaiyōṭu cēravum

Breaking Down the Meaning of Pasuram 28

In Pasuram 28, Andal continues her prayer to Lord Vishnu, seeking his mercy and protection while emphasizing the transformative power of devotion. Here is a breakdown of the verses:

1. "Añju kālam āṭina maṇṇum"

   • "Añju kālam" refers to five seasons or five periods of time. These could symbolize the cosmic elements, or even the phases of the soul's journey through life.

   • "Āṭina maṇṇum" refers to the earth or the world shaped by the natural forces. Andal acknowledges that the Lord has dominion over time, nature, and the world.

   This line reminds us of the Lord's control over all the forces of nature. The earth, the seasons, and the cycles of time are all under His influence, reflecting His supreme power and ability to direct the course of the universe.

2. "Ceñcuṭarukku aruḷē karuṇai"

   • "Ceñcuṭarukku" refers to Lord Vishnu, often described as the one with a red or golden hue, symbolizing His divine beauty and grace.

   • "Aruḷē" means grace or blessing, and "karuṇai" refers to compassion or mercy.

   Andal appeals to Lord Vishnu’s boundless compassion, recognizing that it is only through His grace that the devotee can find peace, protection, and divine direction. This reflects the importance of mercy in spiritual progress—without divine grace, the devotee cannot reach their goal of liberation.

3. "Pañca paravacam peṭṭa varuvōm"

   • "Pañca" means five, and "paravacam" refers to the five divine offerings or blessings.

   • "Peṭṭa" means obtained or achieved, and "varuvōm" means we will receive.

   Andal conveys that through the Lord’s mercy, the devotee will receive five divine blessings—spiritual wisdom, peace, prosperity, protection, and ultimate liberation. These blessings, given by the Lord, ensure the devotee’s well-being both materially and spiritually.

4. "Tañca ilvāḻkkaiyōṭu cēravum"

   • "Tañca" means peace or tranquility.

   • "Ilvāḻkkaiyōṭu" refers to family and community life, emphasizing family harmony and prosperity.

   • "Cēravum" means to unite or to join.

   The pasuram closes with a plea that the devotee’s life be filled with peace, both internally and within the family and community. The union with divine peace signifies spiritual harmony, where the Lord’s grace leads to inner fulfillment and harmony with loved ones.

Core Message of Pasuram 28

The core message of Pasuram 28 is one of divine mercy, protection, and the power of grace. Andal’s prayer is a heartfelt appeal for the Lord’s blessings, which she seeks not only for herself but also for the well-being of all her fellow devotees. There are several important themes that emerge in this pasuram:

1. Divine Grace as the Source of Blessings:
   Andal acknowledges that the Lord’s grace is the source of all the blessings that a devotee seeks—be it peace, prosperity, or spiritual wisdom. The Lord’s compassion ensures that these blessings flow freely to those who seek them.

2. A Prayer for Divine Protection:
   The prayer emphasizes protection—both physical and spiritual. Andal asks for the Lord to guard the devotee from suffering and to provide safety in this material world while also guiding them toward spiritual fulfillment.

3. Union with Peace and Prosperity:
   The ultimate goal of a devotee’s life is peace, and this peace is achievable through the Lord’s grace. The prayer also highlights that true peace includes not just spiritual fulfillment but also prosperity and harmony in personal and community life.

4. The Power of Divine Mercy:
   The pasuram reflects the boundless mercy of the Lord, which is the only means through which devotees can achieve liberation (moksha). Andal emphasizes that without this divine mercy, one cannot achieve true peace or spiritual success.

Key Spiritual Insights from Pasuram 28

1. Divine Grace Transcends All Obstacles:
   Andal’s plea for mercy reminds us that it is only through divine grace that a devotee can navigate the challenges of life. Whether in times of trouble or peace, the Lord’s mercy transforms everything for the better.

2. Trust in Divine Protection:
   Just as Andal prays for the Lord’s protection, modern-day devotees must also place complete trust in divine guidance. This trust means surrendering all fears and anxieties to the Lord, believing that He will take care of all our needs.

3. Spiritual Peace Leads to Worldly Prosperity:
   While the world may often focus on material wealth, true prosperity begins with spiritual peace. The blessings of the Lord, as Andal prays for, come with spiritual fulfillment first, leading to peace in the devotee’s life, family, and community.

4. The Role of Mercy in Spiritual Growth:
   This pasuram underscores that spiritual progress is not about effort alone, but about the Lord’s mercy. Devotees must remember that even when they feel distant or unworthy, divine mercy is always available to help them on their journey.

Lessons for Modern-Day Devotees

1. Cultivate Gratitude and Surrender:
   Andal’s devotion teaches the importance of surrendering to the Lord and cultivating gratitude for His blessings. Modern devotees can practice this by focusing on the Lord’s grace in every situation, no matter how small or large the blessing may seem.

2. Seek Peace Through Divine Grace:
   In a world filled with constant stress and turmoil, finding true peace is essential. Divine grace is the key to lasting inner peace, and by relying on God’s mercy, a devotee can experience calmness, contentment, and clarity.

3. Practice Devotion with a Heart of Mercy:
   Just as the Lord extends mercy, devotees should practice compassion and mercy toward others. Helping others and being kind is a reflection of the divine qualities that Andal embodies in her prayers.

4. Balance Material and Spiritual Well-Being:
   Andal’s prayer highlights that material success and spiritual success are not separate. True prosperity is a balance of both, where spiritual growth leads to harmony in all areas of life—family, work, and relationships.

Conclusion: A Prayer for Divine Grace and Protection

In Pasuram 28, Andal beautifully portrays the essence of divine grace, protection, and spiritual blessings. Her heartfelt prayer to Lord Vishnu calls upon His mercy and compassion to bestow peace, prosperity, and fulfillment on all devotees. Through this pasuram, Andal teaches us that it is only through complete surrender to the divine, and trust in God’s infinite mercy, that we can achieve true spiritual peace and worldly well-being.

May we all seek the Lord’s grace with a humble heart, and may His divine mercy guide us toward peace, prosperity, and eternal spiritual liberation.