Tiruppavai 30

 Andal's marriage.

Tiruppavai

 13-01-26 | Utsav , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna accepts the gopikas’ request for eternal servitude. Everyone was happy.

Suddenly, Andal went close to Krishna and started prostrating repeatedly. Krishna held her by her shoulders and gently lifted her up.
“What is this, child? I have already given all that you desired. Is there something more you want? Don’t worry, reveal whatever you have in mind. ”

Andal was in tears. She was overwhelmed.

Slowly, she begins to speak: “We have come early in the morning, sung your glories and paid obeisance to you. There is one invaluable request that we wish to put forward at your lotus feet. Please listen.

“You were born as a cowherd amongst us. It is only natural that you should command and happily accept our services at any time…”

Krishna: “ I have already assured all that. But why the tears?”

“O’ Govinda! We agree that you’ve blessed us with everything, to the last detail. We are elated. Overjoyed. But then, the afterthought was devastating. You will go back to your mansion, and we’ll have to go back home.

“How do we suffer your separation? How do we spend our life? Even if it is heaven, the life of luxury is perishable. Fear grips us. The joy of being with you wanes. So I fell at your feet, seeking solace.”

Krishna: “Charming girl! …then, what more do you seek?”

“This sacred vow will be complete now. But we want the assurance that it will continue in all our successive births. Every day of every life, we want you to be amongst us. Not even a second of separation. We seek daily service to you — only you.”

Krishna: “It is customary for devotees to ask for servitude without rebirth — but you seem to have different ideas. Your nature is noble. Your Bhakti is endearing. Let everything happen according to your wish. ”

Andal: “We cannot trust that, Krishna! The cosmic power of illusion can hide you from us, and show itself as most desirable. Slowly it will lead us away from you!

“So we ask: Let our mind seek nothing else but you. Let it remain pure. Yes, the mind cannot remain without desires. If our desires go astray - please direct it towards you."

Krishna smiles: "Smart girl! Forever it'll be! Be at peace!

Tiruppavai 28

 12-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna: “O’ Gopikas !  You sought conches, drums, flags etc., and later clothes, ornaments and sumptuous food — aren’t they perishable? Is there something higher that you had in mind?  If so, have you observed any austerities to achieve whatever you desire?” 

Andal sums it up : 

“O’ Lord! It might appear that we were seeking worldly pleasures. Our ultimate aim is to be of eternal service to you. But we are clueless on the means to achieve it.  You are our only way. You have to fulfill our desire.   

“O Govinda! We are simple folks.  What learning do we have?  Every morning, we follow the cows to the forest and let them graze. When they take rest under shade of the trees, we have our bath in the Yamuna and have some simple curd rice. And with you at the centre, we eat our lunch while you play the flute.  

“O Krishna! We are blessed and extremely fortunate that you have chosen to descend upon this earth — specifically amongst common folks like us!  

“O Govinda - you are the one without a fault!  Poorna. The Complete one!   Our relationship is indestructible — neither by you, nor by us. We cannot live without you nor can you live without us!  

“O’ compassionate one! We’ve have taken liberties with you, calling you with inappropriate names - but it is out of affection. Don’t be angry with us!

“O’ Almighty God! Please grant us eternal servitude.”

Tiruppavai 27

 11-01-26 | Govardhana , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Aabharana

The austerities near completion -

Andal exults:

“O’ Govinda ! You have a graceful way of winning over your opponents, just as you humbled Indra’s rage by holding the Govardhan mountain for seven days to protect the cowherds. And it was he, who anointed you as Govinda.

“Govinda! As a reward our austerities, we’ll adorn ourselves with bracelets, shoulder ornaments, ear-studs, rings, anklets et al. We will wear new clothes. We will have food prepared using milk, and the sumptuous ghee will rise over the food and flow down our elbow.
"With your grace, we eulogize you. That’s the real reward. We shall be eternally united and experience infinite joy.”

Tiruppavai 26

 10-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Andal and the others proceed for the sacred bath, along with Krishna.

Tiruppavai 25

 09-01-26 | Krishna Leela , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna: “Dear children! You have come very early in this cold winter morning…”

 

Gopikas: “O’ Lord! We came singing your praises, so we didn’t feel the chill.”

 

Krishna: “What is it that you want?  

 

Andal unequivocally states the purpose of their visit.  She begins by articulating the objective of his avatara.

 

“You were born to one, but in the same night, you chose to grow up with another. One lost the experience of motherhood (Devaki), another one (Yashoda) fully experienced the joy of motherhood, without even giving birth to You.  You grew up with her, glowing vibrantly in Gokula. How can one hide your divine radiance?

 

“Kamsa could not bear this. He couldn’t stop thinking of you.  He wanted to do away with you by any means. You stood as a blazing fire in his belly, ultimately destroying him. 

 

“O’ Krishna! O’ infinite one!!   You ask ‘What do we want?’ — We want only You. 

 
“If you give us what we seek, We’ll sing about the glory of your valour.  We’ll sing about your stature as the consort of Lakshmi. That is infinite wealth.  Experiencing you, serving you eternally, is our goal.  It will end all our sorrows and bring eternal joy.

Tiruppavai 24

Krishna is elegantly seated on the throne.  

The gopikas adore his magical charm. They are grateful that Krishna has accepted their request to participate in the sacred bath.

Overwhelmed with the Darshan of the Lord, they express their gratitude and sing the glory of the Lord’s feet.   

“Long ago, you measured this Universe with your feet. Glory to those feet !!

“You went south to Lanka and killed Ravana, who held Sita captive. Glory to your valour !!

“Shakatasura came in the form of a cart to kill you. You destroyed him with your kick, even as a child.   (It was so unbelievable, you became famous.)  

Glory to your feet and Glory to your everlasting fame !!

“You used Vatsasura as a stick and smashed it against a wood-apple tree (another asura), in one shot.

Your admirable stance when you used your feet to whirl the calf around and throw it at the tree!  Glory to those feet !! 

“You lifted the Govardhan mountain like an umbrella ; Glory to that quality of extraordinary grace !!  

“You wield a powerful spear that wins over your opponents and removes any trace of enmity !!  Glory to that spear in your hand.   

“We’ve all come today to seek the accessories required for the sacred bath.  Please be compassionate to us. We only seek eternal servitude to you.”  

(The word Bhagavan has six attributes. Gnana, Shakti, Balam, Aishwaryam, Veeryam and Thejas. Andal praises all these aspects in this verse.)  

Tiruppavai 23

 07-01-26 | Narasimha , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna opens his eyes. 

He asks without getting up: “O gopikas!  What can I do for you all?”

 

The gopikas reply:  “O Lord! Our wish is not one that can be disclosed in private. Please come out in grandeur to the designated mantapa, where you can have a Royal audience.” 

 
Andal:  “O’ Krishna!!  Don’t hasten to walk as yet. We would like you to get up and come out of your chamber with grace and majesty.  Let me describe how!  The lion sleeps crouching inside the mountain-cave during the monsoons. When it wakes up,  it opens its blazing eyes, looks all around, shakes its mane, stretches itself leaning front and back, gets up majestically, comes out of the cave with a loud roar…. 

 

“We would blessed to see this graceful gait of yours.  After you are seated on the simhasana, you may kindly look into our aim and purpose of coming here.”

 

To the great joy of all those gopikas, Krishna demonstrates his majestic gait — Are two eyes enough?

Tiruppavai 22

 06-01-26 | Ramayana , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Andal addresses Krishna:

 
“O Lord!  The kings of this vast beautiful earth, their pride crushed, gather together at the foot of your cot. So also, we have all gathered together before you, overcome by your excellent qualities.  

“Oh Lord!  Won’t you cast your glance at us? Open your eyes slowly. Slow, like a blossoming lotus, akin to the small bells of the dancing anklets. 

“Won’t you look at us with your comforting glances?

“The grief of separation from you is unbearable. Its a sin.  

“Your graceful look clears all our sins and also our ignorance — we’re here to experience the other outcome: ecstasy!”

Tiruppavai 21

 05-01-26 | Ramayana , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Nappinnai opens the door and comes out to meet the gopikas.  

She explains the delay: “I did not ignore your appeals. I was waiting for the appropriate time to recommend you to the Lord.”  Nappinnai also joins the group.

The Gopis were elated.  They sing glories of their Lord.   

Andal: “O’ Krishna! You are the son of Nandhagopa who has an immeasurable treasure of generous, gigantic cows that pour forth copious milk in huge vessels.  What a fortune!*

“You are Paravasudeva (creation)!  You are the Vyuha murthy (in milky ocean)!  You are the Vibhava avataras (Rama / Krishna)! You stand as deities in temples (archavatara)! You are Antaryami (ensconced in our hearts). Yet you were born here amongst us to make us realise who we are.    

“Your enemies seek refuge in you — not finding solace in all three worlds**.  We have come to seek refuge in you, attracted by your infinite noble qualities.
___________________________

Notes:

*Here, the cows are symbolic of the generous acharyas.  
A confused Arjuna becomes Krishna’s disciple and surrenders to him.  The generous Krishna listens to him patiently.  Then he comforts Arjuna with his wisdom on the human predicament and the resolution thereof.  

** When in exile, Rama was taking a nap in Sita’s lap.  Kakasura (Indra’s son Jayantha), in the form of a crow, hurt  Sita by pecking her bosom and drawing blood.  Enraged, Rama took a blade of grass, empowered it with the Brahmastra and threw it at the crow for his unforgivable fault. The crow went around the three worlds for protection and ultimately surrendered at Rama’s feet.

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)

Tiruppavai 19

 03-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Devi

Andal now appeals again to Nappinnai to get up and open the door for them. 

 

Devi is represented in three different personas. (Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Neela devi).  She is inseparable from the Lord, meant only to bless the souls. Yesterday, Andal addresses Devi as Neela. In today’s verse, she addresses her as Bhoodevi.  In tomorrow’s verse, she will address her as Mahalakshmi.   

 
She is with Krishna in a cot with a soft and luxurious mattress. The cot is supported by four elephants representing the guardians of the four directions (or the four purusharthas - Dharma, Artha, Kama and moksha.  There is a five-face oil lamp lit inside. (The five lights represent the senses, through which soul infers, experiences and gets the required knowledge. Only the divine couple Lakshmi and Narayana can make us realise the soul. Devi makes the Lord overlook all our faults and makes him bless us.)

 

Andal says, “O’ Devi,  Krishna is the Lord of the Universe, does he not belong to us too? You should recommend our plea to him.  As Bhoodevi, you tolerate everything for us all. You are patience and kindness personified. It doesn’t behove you to be silent. 

 

“Krishna, you’re the one with a generous heart, Shouldn’t  you answer us?!”

 

But what was happening? The divine couple were competing with one another on who will bless them first. 

Tiruppavai 18

 02-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Guru and Devotee

Andal appeals to Nappinnai (NeeLa Devi), the daughter-in-law of King Nandagopa. Andal first praises her father-in-law Nandagopa’s invincible strength.  

 

Nappinnai is holding a ball of flowers in her hand. 

 

Andal: “O Neela Devi*!! The cocks are giving their wake-up call. The cuckoos are singing. (Suggesting the outpouring of songs of bhakti by the Azhwars and sages like Valmiki and Shuka.)   

  
“Please come and open the door with joy with your lotus-like hands! Let’s smell the flowers which adorn your tresses. Let’s hear the jingling sound of the bangles.” 

 

(*Neela Devi is the consort of Krishna, likened to Radha.)

Tiruppavai 17

 “O generous Nandagopala! O blessed Yashoda! O Balarama! We seek your most precious treasure, Krishna!! He is our food, water and clothes. ”

Tiruppavai 16

 31-12-25 | Ramayana , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Guru and Devotee

Andal and the gopikas now reach the mansion of Nandagopa. They see a dwara-palaka (gate-keeper) at the entrance.

Andal asks him to open the bejeweled doors of the mansion and allow them in. “O’ Nayaka! We are here to sing Krishna’s glory and awaken him. He has already assured us yesterday, that he would give us the tools required for our vow.

“He is a mayavi — with a hue of dazzling blue-sapphire. But we can manage to read his thoughts. We know him. Please grant us entry.

“Please don’t send us away with trivial excuses. We are simple cowherd folk who have come to you with a pure heart. And don’t make us unlock the door and find our way in. You should hold our hands and take us where we should go.”

(Notes for the seeker):

The Acharya is the dwarapalaka. Andal addresses him as Nayaka — one who leads people. The doors are our ahamkara and mamakara (‘me’ and ‘mine’). The lock to the doors are the meanings of the mantra, which will be initiated by the Acharya.

Andal says “Krishna has already assured to protect all those who seek his protection — In the Rama avatar when he accepts Vibheeshana’s surrender and proclaims: “Anyone who surrenders to me completely, will be assured of protection.” And so also in the Bhagavadgita, Krishna tells Arjuna — Maam ekam sharanam vraja.)

(Andal wakes up the gopikas and goes on to wake up everyone until Krishna. But the dwara-palaka was not woken up. Can he ever sleep?)

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 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 13

 28-12-25 | Vatsalya , Rajagopala , Ramayana , Gopika

Next, a silent devotee, who has earlier had a glimpse of divine bliss.  She avoids any talk with the others. 

Andal encourages her: “O’ Young and beautiful girl with charming eyes!!  We all should go to the river to bathe. Not for a hesitant dip. But a deep plunge into the cold waters;  This immersion is an exhilarating Krishna anubhava! Don’t while away your time sleeping.

“Come, the others are singing the glories of Rama. Let’s join them.   Jatayu is a vulture who fought Ravana while he carried away Sita.  Jatayu’s wings and beak were chopped off by the Rakshasa.  Rama was uncontrollably angry.  The ten heads of Ravana rolled.

     
“All the gopikas have reached the chosen place for the austerities.  Oh dear sakhi ! it is truly a great day for us . Kindly let go of your restraint and share your divine experiences with all of us.”

Tiruppavai 12

 27-12-25 | Vatsalya , Rajagopala , Ramayana , Bhagavatha , Gopika

Andal wakes up a gopika who is sleeping even after daybreak.

She is the sister of a great devotee and a close personal attendant of Krishna (Sridhama).

He milks the buffalo in his home. On a particular day, he had rush to the temple on an important errand to the Lord. Due to the urgency, he left the buffalo unmilked. The buffalo was unable to bear the delay, and pours out her milk. It forms a slush in the gopikas house. Andal and the others couldn't get in.

Andal stays outside, holding the door step with the dense morning dew falling on their heads.

Andal: "You're still asleep? How can you be so ignorant? You're so fortunate to have a brother who has earned auspicious wealth? (Sharanagathi to Krishna.)

Since she didn't wake up by hearing glories of Krishna, Andal decides to sing the glories of Rama. "Rama is sweet to the mind (Ramayati iti Ramah)*. The one who would be affectionate even to his opponent. These should not only be enjoyed by the mind, but should also be talked about.

Everyone nearby is already awake. Get up now!"

Here, Andal lists the types of services to Krishna, and how to prioritise it.

Tiruppavai 11

 26-12-25 | Vatsalya , Rajagopala , Bhagavatha , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Guru and Devotee

In Gokula, the number of cows are not counted. Only the number of cow-sheds are mentioned.  Such is the grand wealth of Gokula. The cowherds have to milk the cows in turns, without getting tired.   

 

Here the gurus are likened to the cows. The disciples (cowherds) absorb the wisdom from the gurus and keep gathering them like bees collect honey from the flower. They protect it from being misinterpreted out of ill-will; and from attributing inappropriate meanings which does not adhere to scriptural norms. 

 

Andal wakes up another Azhwar, whose character is without blemish. She has all the necessary traits worthy of the highest devotee of Krishna. But she has been sleeping, unmoved. 

 

The friends waiting outside appreciate her humble and attractive presence — and also the clarity with which she puts forth her interpretations.  She’s joyful like a peacock dancing in the rain. Andal and her friends exhort this gopika, a favorite of Krishna, to share her Krishna-anubhava with them.