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 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!”