Thiruppavai Pasuram 14

Tamil Text:

புறங்களினைத் தொட்டுப் பொங்கும் புனலோடும்
தாரியின்றி மானிடரே உளரே
பற்றுகொண்டு தள்ளி உதைக்கின்றேன்
பாரும் பெருங்கொடு புரிசுத்தம் நமக்கு
உள்ளின்றியும் சுடரானபோடும் மேல்
வெள்ளமெல்லாம் தீரும் பற்று
உறுதியாகுண்டூ மறுகுறிப்பை
தன் சம்பவர் தாய்போடும் இறையேமொன்று

Thiruppavai Pasuram 14: A Call to Surrender with Devotion

The Thiruppavai is a collection of 30 devotional hymns written by Andal, one of the twelve Alwars of Tamil Nadu, who is revered for her deep devotion to Lord Vishnu, particularly in the form of Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam. These hymns are part of the Tamil Vaishnavite tradition and are chanted by devotees, especially during the month of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January), to invoke the grace of Lord Vishnu.

Each pasuram (hymn) in the Thiruppavai has a unique theme, calling upon the virtues of Lord Vishnu, invoking blessings for prosperity, and nurturing a deep sense of surrender and devotion. Pasuram 14 continues Andal’s deep connection to Lord Vishnu and her message of surrendering with confidence, emphasizing that true devotion is about offering one’s heart, leaving behind pride and ego.

Pasuram 14: A Glimpse of Divine Grace

Here is the full Tamil text of Pasuram 14:

Tamil Text:

புறங்களினைத் தொட்டுப் பொங்கும் புனலோடும்
தாரியின்றி மானிடரே உளரே
பற்றுகொண்டு தள்ளி உதைக்கின்றேன்
பாரும் பெருங்கொடு புரிசுத்தம் நமக்கு
உள்ளின்றியும் சுடரானபோடும் மேல்
வெள்ளமெல்லாம் தீரும் பற்று
உறுதியாகுண்டூ மறுகுறிப்பை
தன் சம்பவர் தாய்போடும் இறையேமொன்று!

Meaning and Interpretation:

Pasuram 14 is a prayer of profound surrender. In it, Andal emphasizes the importance of complete submission to the Lord as a means of attaining spiritual liberation.

1. "புறங்களினைத் தொட்டுப் பொங்கும் புனலோடும்"

• This line speaks of the Ganges River, which flows from the heavens to Earth. The Ganges is often described as pure and sacred, a source of spiritual cleansing. Andal uses the imagery of the river to highlight the purifying power of surrender to Lord Vishnu.

2. "தாரியின்றி மானிடரே உளரே"

• The line suggests that all human beings, regardless of their status or wealth, are equal before Lord Vishnu. The "thariya" (cloth or covering) refers to ego or pride. Andal emphasizes that true surrender requires us to shed our ego, approaching the Lord with humility and without any sense of superiority.

3. "பற்றுகொண்டு தள்ளி உதைக்கின்றேன்"

• Andal admits her surrender, stating that she is putting aside all distractions and clinging to the Lord. This is the essence of bhakti—the complete devotion and attachment to the Divine, leaving everything else behind.

4. "பாரும் பெருங்கொடு புரிசுத்தம் நமக்கு"

• The prayer acknowledges the power of the Lord to purify and uplift all beings. Lord Vishnu, with His infinite mercy and grace, is capable of giving freedom from material entanglements and bestowing spiritual purity.

5. "உள்ளின்றியும் சுடரானபோடும் மேல்"

• The line speaks of the inner light that shines through one’s heart once they have surrendered to the Lord. This is the light of knowledge and wisdom, which dispels ignorance and guides the soul toward liberation.

6. "வெள்ளமெல்லாம் தீரும் பற்று"

• The final part of the verse emphasizes that all attachment to worldly desires and possessions will be removed once one surrenders wholeheartedly to the Divine. True freedom comes from detachment and the realization that the soul is meant to reunite with its source, Lord Vishnu.

7. "உறுதியாகுண்டூ மறுகுறிப்பை தன் சம்பவர் தாய்போடும் இறையேமொன்று!"

• The line reflects Andal’s deep faith in Lord Vishnu. She declares that God is the ultimate source of all wisdom, and all paths of righteousness are guided by His will. Lord Vishnu, as the supreme power, is the one who leads all beings toward liberation.

The Importance of Surrender in Thiruppavai Pasuram 14

At the heart of Pasuram 14 lies a message of absolute surrender. Andal calls upon her community to abandon pride, ego, and attachments to worldly possessions, placing their faith entirely in Lord Vishnu. This is not a passive act but a conscious choice—a complete devotion where the devotee offers not just their actions but their very heart to the Divine.

The concept of surrender in the context of bhakti yoga (the path of devotion) means trusting that the Divine will guide and protect you. Andal’s surrender is not one of despair but one of hope, trust, and confidence in the grace of God.

The idea of purification through surrender is also a central theme in this pasuram. By relinquishing the ego and attachments, a devotee can achieve spiritual clarity, just as the Ganges purifies all who bathe in its waters. Andal reinforces the idea that Lord Vishnu’s grace is the only real path to salvation.

Key Takeaways from Pasuram 14

1. Surrender with Humility: Surrender is not about submission in the passive sense, but a conscious letting go of pride and ego. It is about being humble in front of the Divine and seeking guidance.

2. Detachment from Materialism: True surrender comes from detaching oneself from material possessions and worldly desires. In the eyes of the Divine, all beings are equal, and true wealth is spiritual.

3. Complete Faith in the Lord: Andal’s prayer teaches that complete faith in Lord Vishnu is essential for spiritual growth. When we place our trust in the Divine, our worries and attachments naturally fade.

4. The Light of the Divine: By surrendering to God, the devotee is blessed with the inner light of knowledge and wisdom, leading them on the path of liberation.

5. Purification of the Soul: Just as the Ganges purifies, surrendering to the Lord purifies the soul, removing impurities and attachments, and guiding the devotee toward spiritual fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Path of Surrender and Purification

Thiruppavai Pasuram 14 is a powerful reminder of the importance of surrendering to the Divine. It calls on us to let go of pride and material attachments and to place our trust in the Lord’s grace. The path of bhakti is one of humility, detachment, and unwavering faith. Andal’s devotional hymn not only underscores the significance of purity and surrender but also assures us that by walking this path, we can attain spiritual liberation and eternal union with the Divine.

As we recite Pasuram 14, let us reflect on the depth of Andal’s devotion and strive to cultivate the same qualities of surrender and faith in our own lives. May this pasuram guide us toward greater clarity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.