Krishna for Today: Garuda

Jan 4, 2026

Tiruppavai 20

04-01-26 | Gajendra , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Devi

Andal’s efforts to wake up Devi and Krishna resulted in silence.

She thought again.

She tries to wake up Krishna first.

“O’ Lord! Krishna! You should protect us even before harm comes our way, just as you prevent the trembling of the thirty three devas* due to fear of their enemies.

“O’ valorous one! You are upright towards those who seek refuge in you. O’ Pure one! You have equanimity towards all, but cannot tolerate any ill-treatment towards your devotees.” (Gajendra and Prahlada)

No response. Andal understands that one has to approach Krishna only through Devi’s intercession.

She addresses Nappinnai:

“O’ beautiful and elegant lady! O’ Mahalakshmi!! Wake up! Give us the fan and a mirror, required to serve Krishna.

“Also wake up your dear husband Krishna! Help us perform our vow related ceremonial bath and bless us with eternal servitude.”

—————
*(The eight Vasus, eleven Rudhras , twelve Adhithyas
and the two Asvini devathas)

Jan 10, 2025

Andal in Vraj 26

10-01-25 | Tiruppavai

Now the gopis realise Krishna’s overwhelming vatsalya (compassion) and soulabhya (easy access) are incomparable. They address Him as the one with the hue of blue sapphire.

“O’ Kanha!

To perform the vow, we request you to give the accessories we require:

We need conches akin to your Panchajanya, the sound of which (OM) will resonate across the whole world.

A big drum to announce the festivities.

Experienced devotional singers of hymns who will guide and bless us.

Auspicious standing lamps, which indicates servitude.

A banner to invite people to join the celebrations - Garuda.

A Canopy (Adisesha) to prevent the early morning dew-drops.

(Adisesha will not part from Krishna even for a second. So Krishna gives his upper garment as a Canopy).

“O’ Gopikas! How can I give my Panchajanya to each one of you? Also Garuda and Adisesha? It’s impossible!”

To that the gopikas replied: “Aren’t You the One who slept on the banyan leaf during the deluge, protecting the whole universe in your belly? What is impossible for you?!”