Tiruppavai 15

 30-12-25 | Rajagopala , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

A group of gopikas sauntered to their destination at Yamuna without waiting for Andal’s group. Then it struck them that Andal would be waking up Krishna too! What if they missed that moment?! They quickly turn back to join Andal. They were relieved to see Andal waking up the last of the Gopikas. Andal insisted that none should be deprived of the nectar of Krishna anubhava.

Reaching the residence of this girl, Andal calls out:
“O young lady, are you sleeping? The others have already reached Yamuna.”

At this moment, the girl inside was awake and humming the previous verse, immersed in the lotus-eyed Krishna. She was annoyed that it was interrupted.

She says: “Don’t be so curt, O noble ladies! I am coming.”

Andal: “We know about your oratorial skills and your quick wit.”

The girl inside: “Ok, agree you’re all more capable. Let the fault be mine.”

She apologises. This is a trait of a Srivaishnava — to seek pardon even if one is not at fault. This verse is considered a sum and substance of Tiruppavai.

The girl continues: “Have everyone gathered here?”
 

Andal: “Yes, everybody has come -- you can count them.
Let’s continue — We’ll sing the glories of the mayavi Krishna in the wrestling arena and how he tricked the rogue elephant Kuvalayapeedha.”

Tiruppavai 08

 23-12-25 | Krishna Leela , Bhagavatha , Gopika , Tiruppavai

To remove darkness, we light a lamp. This lamp removes darkness and also spreads its aura of divinity around it. The oil that fuels it, is devotion.

 

Andal is determined to make everyone realise the Supreme:  “O learned girl, wake up and open your eyes. The beautiful eastern sky is lightening up the horizon. Even the buffaloes have left to graze the early morning grass, wet with dew".

 

“We have made the other gopikas to wait, so that you can join us all in the austerities. And you know why we insist that you join us?! You are an enthusiastic girl. It is only proper that we all complete all austerities with wholehearted zeal. It is a festive occasion. We need you to inspire us. Get up and join us".

 

“Krishna has reached Mathura. He has killed the rogue elephant  Kuvalayapeeda and also eliminated the wrestlers challenge with speed and alacrity.  He has come to Mathura to kill Kamsa. He’s a cowherd. Now he has proved to the world that he is the Supreme, the lord of lords.

 

“We have to go and worship him. Surrender to him. We will plead with him to ignore our sins born out of desire.  Let’s submit ourselves to all scrutiny and wait for his blessings. He’s generous. He would feel that he has made us wait.  He will call us closer and accept us with joy!”

Kuvalayapeedam - Pricking The Bubble Of Power

Invited by kamsa, krishna goes to Mathura, only to be challenged by a killer elephant Kuvalayapeeda. Krishna overcomes all obstacles along the way and ultimately kills kamsa too. Here, the elephant symbolises the abuse of power. The palatial pillars shaped like elephant's legs and the parasol etc., denote power.

Krishna Leela - Kuvalayapeeda

 Kamsa arranged a rogue elephant Kuvalayapeeda to kill Balarama and Krishna when they enter the wrestling arena. Krishna with his manoeuvres outwitted the elephant and killed it.