Tiruppavai Pasuram 5

Tiruppavai is a collection of 30 devotional hymns (or paasurams) written by the Tamil saint-poetess Andal (also known as Godadevi). These hymns are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the central theme of the Tiruppavai is the worship of Lord Vishnu as Ranghanatha (a form of Lord Vishnu) through the devotion of Andal, especially during the month of Margazhi (typically December-January in the Tamil calendar).

Key aspects of Tiruppavai:

Andal, one of the twelve Alvars (saint-poets in the Vaishnavite tradition), is unique because she is the only female among the Alvars. She is believed to have composed these hymns as expressions of her deep devotion to Lord Vishnu.

1. Significance: The Tiruppavai is one of the most important works in Tamil literature, especially in the Vaishnavite tradition. It is recited widely during the Tamil month of Margazhi, and its hymns are known for their beauty, devotion, and philosophical depth. The hymns emphasize the path of devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu.

2. Themes of the Hymns:

   • The love and surrender to Lord Vishnu.

   • The need for unity in devotion, where Andal calls on fellow girls and women to join her in worshipping the Lord.

   • The importance of performing rituals and worshiping with a pure heart and mind.

   • The idea of selflessness and the desire to become one with the divine.

3. Context: Andal is said to have recited the hymns while preparing for the worship of Lord Vishnu at the temple in Srivilliputhur. The hymns are primarily addressed to Lord Vishnu, but they also convey a message to the devotees about the importance of purity, devotion, and the grace of the Lord.

4. Rituals and Observances:

   • During Margazhi, devotees recite the Tiruppavai every day, especially in the temples dedicated to Vishnu. In Tamil households, it is also common for groups of women to gather, sing the hymns, and observe rituals in devotion to Lord Vishnu.

5. Influence and Legacy: The Tiruppavai has had a profound influence on Tamil devotional literature and Vaishnavism. It is often sung in temples, especially in South India, during the Margazhi season. The hymns are also sung in various classical music concerts, and many versions have been recorded by renowned artists.

6. Philosophical Essence: The essence of Tiruppavai lies in Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion). It teaches the devotees that pure, selfless devotion is the way to attain salvation, and it emphasizes the role of the guru or divine grace in leading one to God. Through her poetry, Andal offers a vision of a loving relationship between the devotee and God, where the devotee's complete surrender is met by the Lord's grace.

Conclusion: Tiruppavai is a vibrant expression of Andal's deep, unconditional devotion to Lord Vishnu. It continues to be a source of inspiration for devotees, especially during the holy month of Margazhi, symbolizing the joy and peace of surrendering to the divine

Tiruppavai Pasuram 5

one of the most cherished hymns in Andal's Tiruppavai. In this pasuram, Andal continues to invoke the spirit of devotion and calls her friends to join her in performing the ritual worship of Lord Vishnu. The theme of the pasuram is primarily about divine grace and the significance of devotion, focusing on the importance of purification, both of the body and mind, in preparing for the worship of the Lord.

Here is the full text of Pasuram 5 in Tamil, followed by an English translation:

பொன் ஒற்றை சூழ் புங்கொடியது வாய்ந்த

தன்னிலே அருள்ந்தெழு பத்துங் குழப்பான

கொன் மருந்தா குயிலாடும் சங்கு முக்கால்

வண்ணன் கண்டேன் எயிற்று முடிந்து விரிக்குது

பொன் ஒற்றை சூழ் புங்கொடியது வாய்ந்த

Translation: "The bells that ring the morning call, the conch that echoes With the sound of the sacred chants, we hear their glorious tones. The bright golden hue of the day, the sun rises above, In the early light, we wake up with a heart full of grace."

Spiritual Significance of the Pasuram

1. The Morning Rituals:

   • Early Morning: The time of the early morning is considered sacred in many spiritual traditions, and especially in the Vaishnavite culture, it is believed that the best time to worship Lord Vishnu is during the Brahma Muhurta (the early hours before sunrise). Andal calls on her companions to wake up early and perform the sacred ablution. This is symbolic of cleansing both the body and the mind, making them pure and receptive to the divine.

   • The Sound of the Conch: Andal uses the imagery of the conch (shankh) and the bells as symbols of awakening to divine consciousness. The conch's sound signifies purity and the call to righteousness, while the bell represents an offering to the divine, calling forth the deity's presence. These rituals are not just external actions but act as triggers to awaken the inner divine consciousness within the devotee.

2. Purification of Body and Mind:

   • "The golden light of the morning": In the morning light, Andal sees the divine in the rays of the sun, symbolizing the presence of Lord Vishnu. The golden light also metaphorically represents the warmth and grace that devotion brings to the devotee’s heart. As the sun rises, it’s an invitation to rise spiritually, shedding the darkness of ignorance and sin.

   • The Concept of 'Arul' (Grace): The divine grace (arul) is emphasized in Andal’s poetry. As the sun rises and dispels the darkness, so too, the Lord’s grace dispels the darkness of ignorance. The devotee’s heart must be open to receive this divine grace, which can only happen through devotion and surrender.

3. Unity in Devotion:

   • Andal not only emphasizes the importance of personal purification but also calls for collective participation in the rituals. Her call is not just for herself but for her friends and companions as well. In this way, the pasuram highlights the power of community and collective devotion in spiritual practice.

4. The Role of Rituals in Bhakti:

   • The actions of waking up early, bathing, chanting, and participating in rituals might seem simple, but in Andal’s view, they are gateways to spiritual elevation. She underscores that devotion isn't just a mental exercise but a holistic practice involving both the body and mind. Devotees should engage in physical actions (like taking a bath and performing rituals) that help prepare them for a deeper, more spiritual connection with the Lord.

The Deeper Meaning of Purity in Devotion

Pasuram 5 points to an important concept in the path of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) — the necessity of purification to attain the Lord's grace. But what does "purification" truly mean in this context?

1. Physical Purity: The act of bathing and wearing clean clothes is a reminder that external purity reflects internal purity. It signifies that before approaching the divine, one should shed the dirt of material attachments and impurities. The physical act of bathing helps the devotee feel rejuvenated, symbolizing the inner cleanse of desires and distractions.

2. Mental Purity: Purification of the mind is equally important. This is achieved through surrender and detachment. The devotion to the Lord is not tainted by ego, selfish desires, or worldly concerns. By focusing on the Lord and chanting His names, one cleanses the mind of impurities and aligns with divine will.

3. Spiritual Purity: Purification of the spirit happens when the devotee surrenders completely to the divine, letting go of the sense of individual ego and becoming one with the Lord. The desire for union with the divine is the ultimate form of purification.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Pasuram 5 of Tiruppavai is a gentle reminder that devotion requires action. It isn’t just about intellectual knowledge or mere prayer but involves waking up early, performing rituals, and living a life that aligns with spiritual values. Andal calls us to prepare ourselves — both in body and mind — to receive the Lord’s grace, and in doing so, she teaches us the importance of purity, community, and devotion in our spiritual lives.

By embracing these rituals with a heart full of devotion, we too can experience the warmth of Lord Vishnu's grace and embark on the path to spiritual liberation. The morning ritual of waking up early, cleansing oneself, and engaging in prayer or meditation isn’t just about religious obligation — it’s about aligning oneself with the divine and preparing the mind for the sacred presence of God.