Tiruppavai 14

 29-12-25 | Vatsalya , Utsav , Bhagavatha , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Vishnu

Andal goes to the next devotee.  

 

She begins respectfully — “O’ noble lady! You are gifted with an eloquent tongue. People would love to hear you speak. You are a bhagavatha of a high order (devoted of Krishna). You are endowed with the discipline of Gnyana, Bhakti and Vairagya. And you have the ability to inspire people and induct them in the service of the Krishna.

 

“Also, when we are in the presence of Krishna, if he asks us ‘Why have you come here;  what do you want?’ It is only you who can respond convincingly. Please lead us all to the lotus-eyed Krishna, who holds the conch and the Sudarshana.” 

—————

Traditionally, the sudarshan chakra is mentioned first and then only the conch Panchajanya. Andal reverses it. She prefers the conch to the chakra. The conch is a symbol of Gnyana. She says it is the conch which protects the devotees from fear.  Krishna’s conch in the Mahabharata war is a case in point. 

 

(In the picture, the conch is held in the right hand and the chakra in the left. As in Tirukkovilur).

Tiruppavai 06

21-12-25 | Bhagavatha , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Dashavatara , Bala Leela

In another ten verses, Andal wakes up devotees of Krishna to participate in the austerities for the rains.

 

It is said that something good, like the joy of experiencing Krishna, should not be enjoyed alone - it should be shared and enjoyed with many.

 

The first Gopi is very young and a novice in devotion to Krishna. Andal slowly tells her to wake up.

 

“O’ Gopi, get up! Don’t you hear the birds chirping? Don’t you hear the sound of the conch from the temple? Don’t you hear the slow chanting of ‘Hari, Hari’ by the many yogis and ascetics? You have to make an effort to experience Krishna anubhava. He is an embodiment of Rasa.”

 

Andal gently tells the young Gopi about the Lord’s different manifestations as

 

Param (the primordial cause of creation),

Vyuham (his four forms as Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumba and Aniruddha in the cosmic ocean),

Vibhavam (his avatars on the earth as Rama, Krishna etc.,), and

Antaryami (his presence in every soul) and Archavatara (his worship as deities in various temples).

 

Andal expands on the Krishna avatar with Putana samhara and Shakatasura vadha. She says Krishna’s deeds are atimanushyam - super human. But still, even Arjuna, a close friend of Krishna had to be shown the Vishwaroopa.

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?!”

Andal in Vraj 14

 

Andal in Vraj 14

29-12-24 | Gopika , Tiruppavai , Dashavatara

Andal in Vraj 14   At dawn, the lilies fold up (withdrawal of the senses) and the lotus blooms (realisation of the Supreme within). Andal wakes up a girl who is eloquent with words(shanka). This is absolutely essential to address the one with lotus eyes - and hail his adorable qualities.

Andal in Vraj 06

 

21-12-24 | Gopika , Tiruppavai , Bala Leela

Andal wakes up devotees in various stages of Krishnanubhava (Verse 6 - 15).

Birds chirp scriptures. The conch removes impurities (Putana) and keeps the body from straying in the wrong direction (Shakatasura).

Singing the glories Krishna (Narada), and Keeping Hari always in mind (Prahlada), leads one to realise the Supreme.

Krishnanubhava 06

 Krishnanubhava 06

Tiruppavai 06

“Having a glimpse of Krishnanubhava, girl? Arise. Quick. The dream can be realised.”

Ramayana - The story of Surrender