Sage Narada

Introduction

A holy personage and celestial musician, always facilitating the good of the world; engaged in aiding the pious in times of challenge and in hastening the retribution of evil-doers. Traversing the three worlds, he spread the Path of Devotion to the Lord. Figuring in all major epics, he led many noble souls to salvation.

Narada

"Keep your army as well as the weaponry always in readiness... Be kind to your servants in order to win their hearts.... Always be prompt in paying the wages of the soldiers and servants. Never spend more than what you earn. Build lakes and canals and provide the farmers with all facilities."

Don't the above words seem like the advice of a modern political pundit to a senior administrator of a state? Army, weaponry, income-expenditure, farmers, lakes and canals - who is it that gave the above counsel?

It was indeed Narada, who is generally considered as a quarrel-monger and a talebearer.

The wise words quoted above were addressed by Narada to king Yudhishthira, in the epic Mahabharata.

The name of saint Narada is well known. Narada appears in every 'Purana' (ancient epic-tale). There is not a religious discourse or pouranic play or Yakshagana without the entry of Narada. No story is complete without Narada! Without Narada the story fails to sustain interest.

Usually Narada makes his characteristic entry with a Veena (stringed musical instrument in his hand and the name of Lord Narayana on his lips. He appears in the stories pertaining to all the three yugas, namely - Krita, Treta and Dwapara.

Narada's True Intention

The word 'Nara' means knowledge useful to mankind and 'Da' means 'a giver'. So 'Narada' means the one who gives useful knowledge to mankind and guides it in the right path.

Narada was a first-order musician. He always loved to sing songs praising the glory of the Almighty. It is said of Narada that he was the inventor of the musical instrument Veena. He played on his Veena, which was named "Mahati." Among the 'Devarshis', Narada is one of the holiest.

He commanded the respect of all. It was his habit to travel and to go round preaching to people, uttering his words of wisdom and telling people stories carrying an ethical message. He was loved by all - be it Gods, Demons and human beings.

He had one weakness - that of disclosing to both gods and demons, the secrets about each other. Gods and demons, naturally, hated each other. Narada's deeds often created trouble and friction among gods, demons and men, and such friction often led to a war in the end! Hence Narada acquired the name, 'Kalahapriya' or the lover of quarrels.

How can we call such a person a saint? Was it right that he set people against one another by spreading gossip? But we must remember that Narada's intention was to espouse a good cause. It was his constant desire that bad people should bepunished for their deeds, that the haughty ones should learn their lesson soon, and that the good should live happily.

eRipaththa nAyanAr

karuvUr was one of the important capitals of chOzA kings. It is a town where beauty of nature shakes hand with man-made wonders. It has the ancient Anilai temple of Lord pashupatIshwarar, Who never leaves the mind of loving devotees.

To add to the fame of the city there lived the devotee eRipaththar. He appeared with his axe to cut down the troubles put to the devotees, whenever such an atrocity appears. There was a saint, shivakAmiyANdAr who engaged his body and mind in the service of submitting sandal-smelling garlands to the Lord pashupatIshwarar. In his routine he filled his basket with fresh flowers on one fine morning with the mind filled with the thoughts of God. He rushed to the temple to be in time for the service. That day was the day before the great n^avami celebrations and hence the decorated royal elephant of the emperor pukazch chOzar(1) was going around the town. It saw shivakAmiyANdAr who was rushing to the temple with the basket full of flowers and walking fast in a hurry. The impudent elephant grabbed the basket and strew the flowers onto the ground thus straying his heart into pieces. The guard controlled the elephant realizing the sin it did and whisked it away, but the stalled shivakAmiyANdAr ran behind the elephant to hit it in despair, but couldn't owing to his old age. He rolled on the ground cried, wept with tears quenching the ground. He screamed, " Oh shivA ! You ripped the roaring elephant and wore its skin ! You are the strength for the strengthless ! What can I do now ? The elephant strewed off the flowers I brought for your scented head !! Oh my shiva! Oh my shiva !!"


eRipaththar who came that way, saluted shivakAmiyANdAr and became a burning fire as he came to know about the misdeed of the elephant. He went like a storm, like the god of death, to slaughter the elephant. He sprang and cut off its trunk with the dreadful axe in his hand and killed the guards who failed in their duty, but tried to stop him from his deed. The other guards who escaped ran to the guard of the kingdom to tell, "Somebody killed the royal elephant and the guards". The king who was a nightmare for enemies, reached the spot as a roaring lion - eyes red in anger, with his rich armed forces. Contrary to his expectation, he didn't see any enemy army but saw a sage standing in front of the elephant, which was rolling in the sea of blood. "Where is the enemy who dared to do this", he roared. The guards said it was eRipaththar, the devotee who was standing in front of him. He got surprised and said, "If the devotees who are the form of love get irked, then there should be strong reason behind it. What a worst sin I could have done for the devotee to become dreadful". He climbed down from his horse, bowed to the devotee who was in the form of fury, and asked humbly, "What was the crime the elephant and the guards did to get this piteous condition ?". eRipaththar told him the brutal act of the beast. The superior king pukazch chOzar felt the mistake was in his part too, as it was his royal elephant that committed misdeed against the service of the Lord. He fell on eRipaththar's feet and appealed to him, "Killing just the elephant and the guards is not sufficient punishment for the sin done. Kill me too! Killing with the holy axe is not the custom. Kill me with this sword", and submitted his sword to eRipaththar.

The love of the king for the Lord and his respect to devotees made eRipaththar think, "Oh I did a bad thing by harming the forces of the king who asks in the greatness of his devotion to kill him too and gives his own sword for none of his direct misdeed. I should kill myself as a penance for having made him suffer". The peerless king thought, "I owe to this great sage, because he is going to nullify my sin by killing me". eRipaththar instead of killing the king, raised the sword to cut off his own head like cutting his source of birth. The king shocked at his act, stopped him with his stone like arms while eRipaththar continued to try to cut his head off. In that troublesome situation of two great hearts clashing out of their love and respect for each other, God raised His voice, "Oh ! people of exceeding love ! To show the greatness of your devotion this happened. Don't worry". Both of them prostrated to the Lord. The elephant and the guards came back to life. The flowers came to shivakAmiyANdAr's basket with freshness and fragrance. The king took eRipaththar around the town on the royal elephant, holding the royal umbrella over his head. They went to the temple to pray the Lord who is the lust killer. eRipaththar continued his service to the Lord and became the head of shiva gaNa on reaching kailAsham. Let the valor of eRipaththar who raised his sword against the elephant without bothering about it being the royal elephant because of the sin it did and the fame of pukazch chOzar who gave his sword to kill himself for the sin of his possession stay in the mind.

amarnIthi nAyanAr

In the chOza kingdom is the town pazaiyARai which was a centre of major political activity during the choza dynastey. It was a town of wealth, prosperity, business and activeness. In that town was born the honest trader who is known as amarn^IthiyAr. Professional in his business amarn^IthiyAr was quite wealthy to have heaps of rubies and diamonds, gold and garments from all parts of the world. Still his mind wandered only about the pashupati's feet - the peerless of all gems. The humbleness is good for all, but for the rich it is the glorious wealth. Our n^yanAr who was very rich in his mind realising right the worthy use of the money, served with high modesty the devotees of the Lord wearing snake rings. He gave them feasts enriched with his kind words and cloths (kOvaNam) to wear saluting them.

In the festival of the Three eyed Lord at thirun^allUr, n^AyanAr worshiped the Love that robbed his heart and made a shelter where the devotees could take rest, have food and relax thinking of God. Along with his whole family he stayed there and personally made sure that devotees are served properly. One of those days when he was filled in happiness of serving His servants, the Lord deciding to show his deserving fame came as a celebating bachelor with the Holy Ash and other shaiva symbols adorning to his mutt. On seeing him, with the heart blooming in reception and the face widening more further in giving a warm welcome the stainless hearted devotee saluted the Stain throated God. He asked the Lord who had obscured His thrid eye to stay there and bless his service. That vedha chanting bachelor said He would take bath in kAvEri and come meanwhile as it was about to rain he should secure His cloth without any carelessness since that cloth was matchless, He claimed. He gave the cloth to n^AyanAr and went. n^AyanAr kept that in a very safe place with due care.

Whether He bathed in His matted hair's ga.nga or in flowing kAvEri only He knows, but came back wet walking in the rain after some time. That Lord who removes the three sources of suffering from the devotees heart removed the cloth from the safe place n^AyanAr had kept in His great deed. As if He did not know anything asked amarn^IthiyAr to get that cloth as He was completely wet. n^AyanAr rushed to the place to find the cloth missing. Tensed he searched throuout but how can he find that when the Heart-stealer stole that too off ! He feeling guilty, brought another fine cloth, begged His pardon and said he had brought a cloth which was very nicely woven, He should accept and forgive him. Did that Lord who gave all the covetable wealth to kubEran came to accept that white cloth ? What He wanted to clad was the white heart of amarn^Ithi n^AyanAr to exhibit to the world his unequable service ! He like a jumping flame shouted that n^AyanAr was trying to steal his invaluable cloth and wondered how honest was his trade. Shivering devotee fell on that Bachelor's feet and said he would give gems and jewels to compensate for that cloth. He refused and said He would accept only cloth that is equivalent of it. When asked how he could give the equivalent cloth the Sweet - heart of devotees said whatever the wet cloth He was wearing right then was the equivalent of the one he lost. So he asked n^AyanAr to give the cloths equal to the weight of it.

Agreeing to His suggestion n^AyanAr placed a balance instrument there. He put the other cloth of the direction-cladded Lord in one plate and on the other he kept on adding neatly woven cloths. Whatever he put the plate with the cloth of the Bachelor weighed more. Surprised he ordered to put all the new garment bags to balance. That pile was not able to equate the magic cloth. Scared he asked permission from the Lord to put his gems and other wealth too. He told that somehow He wanted things to be equivalent of His cloth. amarn^IthiyAr piled all his wealth. Nothing happened. What can be equivalent of the cloth of vEdhAs that the Lord wears in the entire world ? Even the whole worlds may not match it ! Everything he had was put. Now nothing left the true devotee who stood strong in serving the devotees asked permission to put himself, his wife and son to compensate. The Lord who shows the path to climb out of the ocean of tidal sweets and sufferings allowed them to climb on the balance. Feeling blessed, he with his son and wife circumambulated the balance where the Lord's cloth was there and said, "If it is true that in the purity of love we did not fault in the God's Holy Ash's honest slavery then it should come to balance." He chanting the Lord's Holy Five letters got on the plate over the piles of his wealth.

The wholeness of love and dedication brought the balance in the instrument. The world wondered. The heavenly bodies praised. The Lord of vEdhAs who showed the balance of amarn^Ithi n^AyanAr appeared with His inseperable shakti on the Holy Bull in the Horizon. Blessed the devotee who was praising unintermittently with His family standing on the plate. For the deserving devotee who used the worldly wealth for His service He gave the wealth of being with Him. With the plate becoming the heavenly carrier that gifted family reached the abode of Lord shiva, with the prostration of all the people. Let the determination in doing a flawless service for which amarn^IthiyAr was ready to give himself stay in the mind.

viRanmiNda nAyanAr

Worshipping the Lord nicely decorated with the bow pinAkam and the arrow pAshupatAstram , the axe, the fire, the disc sudharshanam , the mace, the sword and crores of powerful arms, the valiant sage parshurAma who got the magnificent axe parashu as blessing for that, made the land very well known for its beauty - the land of mountains, the land of elephants of mammoth ivory, the land that worships mahAdEva - the kingdom of chEra . There is this beautiful place called cheN^kunRUr (now known as thiruchcheN^kOdu), the place where the God stands in the superior male-female (ardan^ArIshwarar) form enjoying the sandal smell of the forests.

To illuminate the life of the traditional farmers of that town, viRanmiNdar was born there in an agricultural family. Holding tight only the feet of the fire like God that are beyond the reach of words, he was dared to root out any bond that was an obstacle. Caring much for the true devotees. Superior is his fame who minds only the Merciful Lord. Praying the abodes of the Almighty who makes abode in the hearts of such devotees and saluting the slaves of the Lord before they could salute him, he traveled through many parts of the land and finally arrived at the town thiruvArUr where the Lord rides the minds of the huge devotees also the big chariot in that town. He immersed himself in that beautiful shiva for whom the vEdAs became the chariot.

In the thiruvArUr there was a hall called dhEvAchiriyam , where the great slaves of the blue throated Lord assemble and praise the simple and sweet shiva. Blessed are those who had the golden opportunity to see them, hear them follow them and serve them ! What else one requires to get liberation other than moving with those great bunch of fragrant followers !! viRanmiNdar prostrated to that people in the right path towards the Truth and stayed with them. One day when chun^dharar(1) who considers himself as the slave of the slave of the slaves of the sha.nkara went straight into the altar of the temple without saluting the devotees in the dhEvAchiriyam hall. Actually he was praying the Lord when can he get blessed by saluting those marvelous devotees. viRanmiNdar who noticed chun^dharar proceeding without prostrating to the crowd of devotees said angrily, "That sun^dharan who didn't know to pay respect to the devotees is no longer one in us." "The Lord who blesses him who proceeds without saluting the slaves also is not one among us", he continued out of his extreme respect for devotees. The Lord who accepts even the scoldings of the devotees as the praises done with the best coined words enjoyed this love and angry words as well and blessed viRanmiNdar. He gave the first line to chun^dharar to sing the greatness of devotees. chun^dharar composed that as the great gem thiruththoNdaththokai(2) which is the basic source for this periya purANam . What else can be more fame than saying that viRanmiNdar was the principle person who was instrumental in getting the excellent thiruththoNdath thokai from chun^dharar. Living long in this world which is meant for love and worship, upholding the respect of the devotees, that great devotee viRanmiNdAr stayed in a right way under the graceful feet of the Lord heading the army of the God. Let the emphasis that is clearly given by viRanmiNda n^AyanAr for the respect one should give to the reverend devotees of the Lord stay in the mind.

MeypporuL Nayanar

chEthi naAdu was one of the ancient kingdoms with the town thirukkovalUr - where Lord shiva destroyed the demon an^dhakAsuran, the form of ignorance - as it's capital. That kingdom made its fame indelible in the history when the king meypporuL n^AyanAr, whose life was an example of tolerance and doing good even to enemy, ruled it.


He had his heart engaged in hailing hara and hands in helping His devotees. He served them as the way they required, ruled the country with law and justice bringing peace to the country and devotion bringing peace to the minds of the people. His valour allowed no enemy to raise against the kingdom. He considered the wealth of loving the luminant feet of Lord shiva to be the greatest of all. The graceful form of the devotees made him do anything for them.

muththa n^Athan was the king who made all futile efforts to win meypporuLAr in the battle-field. He finally realised that fox can't beat the elephant in the fight. As the sin of taking revenge went high in his mind, he started enjoying the rotton smell of crooked ways. He knew that the meypporuLAr salutes and serves the devotees smeared with holy ash and other great symbols of Lord shankara. That spineless coward called muththan^Athan wanted to exploit this superior quality of that devotee.

He covered his body with the holy form of devotees smearing ash, with matted hair, covered a knife in a book he held in hand, as the darkness coming in the shadow of light. He arrived in the dark night in the palace of meypporuLAr with his mind darker than the one outside. Thinking him as a devotee of the Lord, the guards at many doors on the way permitted him with salutations. When he arrived at the room where the king was sleeping with dreams too of serving the devotees, the personal guard of the king by name thaththan told him that the king is taking rest and requested him to wait. But muththa n^Athan went ahead saying that he was coming from himAlayam to meet the king. thaththan couldn't stop him as he was in the form of devotee. The queen who saw him immediately woke up the king. The king pleased instead of getting angry for being disturbed at his private place, bowed down as soon as he saw the form of a devotee. muththa nAthan told him "I have got a rare Agama given by your God. I came to explain you that. So ask your wife to leave and we should be alone". The king with untainted heart asked his wife to leave, gave him a nice seat, sat over the ground and bowed down, to raise up in our hearts. The crooked enemy like opening the book took the knife and pierced the body of the king and pierced himself into the gloom stricken Hell. Who won ? Even if he lost his life, it was meypporuLAr who had a firm belief that the holy form of devotees is the Truth and winning his place under the Graceful feet of God and won the hearts of the devotees inspiring them.

thaththan who doubted muththa nAthan from the beginning leaped immediately into the room and raised his sword to kill the crooked. But meypporuLAr stopped him saying "thaththA! He is one among us". thaththan cried and asked him to order his duty. meypporuLAr asked him to guard the devotee of the Lord from others till he crosses the frontier. Unable to go against the word of his loving king thaththan guarded the wicked to the frontier. meypporuLAr held his breath till thaththan came back saying that muththa n^Athan crossed the frontier without any trouble. He praised thaththan for his action and advised his courtmen to uphold the good deed of loving the devotees and respecting the holy symbols of the Lord. The truthfulness of his love for the form of devotees led him to the Truth that dances in the great golden hall of thillai. Let the greatness of meypporuLAr who guarded even the enemy who took his life in a crooked way, just because he was in the holy form of devotees, stay in the mind.

ILaiyankudimara Nayanar

iLaiyAnkudi illuminated itself in the history by having a slave of slaves of sha.nkara known as iLaiyAnkudimARanAr . Ceded the his whole heart to the Lord who robs the hearts of the saluters. He got the widening wealth out of the hard work in the farm fields and the wide heart that tries to reach the infinite in the selfless service to the worshippers of the warrier who destroyed the three cities of three impurities. He had an enjoyable life with this wealth. Whoever came at his house with the love for the wet matted haired Supreme, were given a appealing welcome with his folded hands on the head, blossomed face showering flowers of nice words and his humble deeds making the red carpet. He would clean their feet with the scented water, give them the comfortable seat and then serve the food which is rich in all the six tastes for those devotees who love the taste of Holy five letters than anything else. He lived like the kupEra who was given limitless wealth by the Lord.

To show to the human kind n^AyanAr's real service motto which was so strong that even the absence of wealth would not be able to shake, the God apraised by vEdas slowly changed his wealth to poverty. The wealth shrunk, but his broad mind never shrunk. He sold his belongings, borrowed from proper means possible to continue the service that was at no time second in quality. The Lord whose characters even the creater and protector of the world do not know compoletely came to his house in this situation in the form that His loving devotees have. It was the dark night in the mansoon season. So what ? There is enough light in the hearts of the iLaiyAnkudi mARanAr couple, the person who arrives in the house is also the form of light.

n^AyanAr happily welcomed Him. Gave enough cloths to change the wet cloths for Him who does not wear anything. He gave to that refuge giving Lord a nice place to relax. With the enthusiasm to host the devotee he asked his equally devotional wife what can they do to quench the hunger of the sage. He was worried that it was not so bad that they did not have food for themselves but they had to serve somehow the devotee of Lord nice food. His loving wife replied that there is nobody in the village who would lend something for them and the time was also quite late in the night, but suggested that if he could bring the rice grain seeds that they sewed in the noon, she could make food out of that. For the farmers the grain seeds that are kept seperate for growing next time are very valuable and whatever comes they do not consume that grains. But for this excellent devotee this suggestion appeared to be a great gift as he was more worried about how to feed the devotee.

In that darkness and rain only his love for the Lord showing the way he went to the fields. The whole village all the creatures were sleeping. The rain poured in torents. Visibility was very less. But nothing shook the determination of the devotee. Sensing the path through his legs he went inside the farm land. He gathered the seeds that had been pushed to the corners by the rain along with the mud. He filled the basket he had brought and rushed back. His wife washed the mud off from the seeds. To cook the food there was no fire wood. That great man who had cut down the strong beam of ego cut the wooden beam of his house to burn ! After cooking the rice, that chaste wife worried what could she do for the side dish. He went immediately to the land where spinach is cultivated. He plucked the plants like plucking out the plant of pAcham . She cooked different varieties of dishes out of that spinach, showed them to her husband. They decided to wake up the devotee, who is beyond th ereach of thoughts, for having food.

"Please bless me my Lord, by having this simple food that we made out of the love", they saluted Him. To the surprise of the great servant and his matched wife, He arose as the flame of beautiful light. For those devotees who were shocked by that Light, which was unexplorable for vishNu and brahma , the Doer of good, the sha.nkara appeared blissfully on the Holy Bull with the pretty plaited parvati . He blessed them, "Oh loving minds! You who worshipped the devotees come to our great world to live blissfully with the lord of wealth serving you". Salutations to that shiva who is above all. Let the determined service of the n^AyanAr for the devotees stay in the mind.

Iyarpakai nayanar

One of the ancient cities of the world which was the capital of the early chOza kings, the city in which the river kAvEri enters into the sea, that famous town was called kAvirippUmpattinam or pukAr . That being the capital on the shore was a very big trade center.

The leading businessman of that town, owner of boundless properties, but slave for the people who do true slavery to the crescent ornated God with matted hair, who never says "no" to the devotees who asked for something but gives much before they ask for, called iyarpakaiyAr (contradictor to the normal behavior (of the world)). While iyarpakaiyAr was leading the married life serving the Lord, God came in the form of a devotee who chants the holy vEdas in order to exhibit that the dedication of iyarpakaiyAr never derails. With a face like the blossomed lotus he gave Him a warm welcome. He told iyarpakaiyAr that if he is ready to give whatever he is going to ask for He will tell what He wants. Immediately iyarpakaiyAr replied, "If I have anything that you ask for, that is yours. No doubt in it. Please ask". The Lord who had concealed Himself in the form of devotee asked for his wife.

iyarpakaiyAr replied, "I am glad that I have the thing you asked for" He told his wife, who was the form of chaste and had a never downgoing love for her husband, that he gave her to the devotee. She was petrified with shock. She was worried but consoled herself and told him, "If that be your wish I consider that as my duty" and bowed down. iyarpakaiyAr admiring her love and chaste heart bowed down in responce. She excelled anything else by her deed.

iyarpakaiyAr bowed to the Lord and asked what else he can do for Him. The Lord asked him to escort Him (!) so that He is not attacked by His relatives. n^AyanAr told I should have done it even before you told me. He took his sword and shield and went with the devotee and his wife like the royal lion that goes out for hunting. The relatives of iyarpakaiyAr and his wife were irked by the act of iyarpakaiyAr and decided "iyarpakai has become crazy and somebody is taking away the girl. We won't allow it to happen". They all set out with their weapons and besieged them in the outskirts of the town. The Lord shivered as if He was scared, but the girl of great deed said, "Don't worry, iyarpakai will win". iyarpakaiyAr warned them to run away and get spared. But they scolded him for bringing bad name to the entire family by sending his wife with a third person. They tried to attack the God in the devotee form. Angered by their intention to attack the devotee iyarpakaiyAr raised his sword against his own relatives and the entire group was killed by him and he, whose head had the crown of the holy feet od Lord shiva, went around without anybody to oppose.

iyarpakaiyAr told the devotee that there is no need to be afraid. The chaste hearted lady and he followed the holy feet of the Lord which were unseen by even brahma and vishNu. As they aaproached the place chAykkAdu , He told iyarpakaiyAr to return. n^AyanAr bowed down and returned without turning back. The Lord pleased by his true devotion shouted loud, "Oh! iyarpakai, who did the deed which is unimaginable ! come immediately!!". iyarpakaiyAr rushed back in a moment to see if anybody else escaped and give trouble to the devotee. He didn't see the devotee and saw only the lady. He saw the Lord shiva who and whose devotees are of greatness which is beyond the limit of expression. The Lord appeared on the Holy bull with pArvati like a creeper of maragatham to His side. n^AyanAr didn't stand, fell down and praised that Honey with the words the competes with his love. The Lord told, "Your love is faultless and so are you. You and your flawless wife stay in our abode". With the flower rain of dEvas, praise of all good thinking sages, they both got the boon of staying with and worshipping the God of Lords. Their relatives also entered the Heaven. Let the fame of iyarpakaiyAr of giving away even the wife, who is in fact more than one's own life stay in the mind.

Thiruneelakanta Nayanar

ThirunilakaNta Nayanar:

Transcending the beginning and end the dance the Lord plays in the Golden hall of thillai (chitambaram) with the mother of the universe witnessing it, to that feet of the master of marvelous unique dance had his mind always this devotee. He was always keen on serving the devotees. Never did he lean towards contradicting his words; Had been keeping the hara always in the lotus seat of his heart; followed the discipline of married life that is intended for humble service.

His profession was making pots and clay items. Hence his service was to provide clay bowls to whoever bows down the pinAka bow shouldered Lord shiva. He being the place of all good qualities, there appeared a small black spot. His young feelings led him once to a lady whose work is to give bodily pleasure. His better half was a very beautiful lady with the heart more beautiful than that and had the most beautiful Lord in that heart. With the entire heart going upbeat in the feeling of ecstasy she will chant thirunIlakaNtam - one name of the Lord who got a spotted throat by taking the poison that rose to destroy the entire universe. What can the poison do to Him ? He is not an ordinary creature to get destroyed by the poison. Even the spot cannot appear, but probably He had it to indicate to us that He is there to rescue when we are in trouble

She was unhappy with him for his deed. She did all the responsibilities of the wife but didn't allow him to be with her. To bring down her resentment he went with sweet words and tried to hug her. She said immediately, "If you touch us(me) ! thirunIlakaNtam !" (The thamiz word emmai means "us" but she used it to mean "me"). At the same moment of hearing her pledge on the name of Lord that great man whisked off his hands away from her. The immense respect he had for the Hero who burnt the lust made him say with determination, "As you said "us" (emmai) I won't even touch in dreams any females". It is the quality of the people who stand for their principles that if they do mistake once and realize it they never do that again, they will in fact become more strong in their principles. Hence they stand supreme in the history. The couple of wonderful determination and self control did the duties of the married life, but abstained from the base feeling of sex. They never revealed it to others - the ideal couple. It could be easier to conquer the world, but it is more difficult to conquer the senses and the toughest in presence of the charming spouse. Given that the person had a great amount of desire for that in the past that led him even outside, how difficult it would be to conquer ! He did conquer that for the Name of God and there he stands grand for even the sages, who conquered the senses by practice, to look up to !

The years rolled down and not their determination, even the rocks could have changed in their stability, but they stood by their oath. With their appearance, beauty and charm disappearing they became old, but held strongly the Oldest feet of Lord in their heart. To exhibit to the world the path that should be followed as the way of salvation the Scholar who taught sitting beneath the banyan tree, stood in the form of a sage in front of nAyanAr's house. Welcoming and worshipping the devotee, nAyanAr asked in humble words what order the sage had for him. The shankara who came stealthily as sage gave the clay bowl in His hand to the humble nAyanAr and asked him to preserve it till the time He asks for it, as it was a rare bowl, He claimed. The servant of devotees took it and kept in a secured place.

The Robber who robs away the rotten pAcham from pachus removed the bowl from that place and reached at the devotees house after a lot of days. The truthful slave of God shocked to find out that the bowl disappeared from the specified place, searched the entire place with shivering heart, but couldn't get it. By then Immortal who witnesses the innumerable creation destruction cycle of the universe, shouted as if He was impatient to make it fast. The devotee begged for pardon to forgive the loss of the bowl and was ready to give a real nice new bowl instead of that old one. But the Giver of liberation asked for the same bowl that he had given and refused to accept even if he would give a golden bowl. As he was not able to give He charged him to be cheating. That devotee pleaded Him to trust his honesty. The sage said if he takes a dip in the pond holding the hand of his son He would believe. nAyanAr told him that he did not have any offspring. When the sage asked him to have a dip holding his wife's hand he replied humbly that due to a pledge he was not ready to do that. Acting as if angered the Graceful went to the court of the priests of thillai . "It was true that the sage gave the bowl but I am really ignorant of where it disappeared", said the man of immense integrity. The court upheld the argument of the sage that nAyanAr should have a dip in the pond holding his wife's hand.

Without breaking the secret of not touching his wife to the court, he came with her to the pond of the thiruppulIchcharam (temple of chithambaram ), the abode of the Lord with inseparable shakti . Each holding one end of the same bamboo, that sinless said the secret behind his not touching his wife and his deed behind that to the entire people present there and went into the water. The couple who raised from the water after the dip appeared to the astonishment of all as young as one could covet and at the same time found the disappearance of the Lord who came in the form of sage. There appeared the Lord in the horizon on the holy Bull with the consort to bless the hailing devotee, "You both are very great due to your victory over the five senses. You be with me in bliss without an end to this youth". That marvelous man and his worth praising wife lived in the youth that was excelling with the service to the Lord at His abode than it could have been in this mortal world. No doubt, pattinaththAr laments, "I am not as great as the devotee who sacrificed his youth for the pledge of his wife". Let the respect thirunIlakaNta nAyanAr gave to the name of the Lord and the determination he had in standing by the principle stay in the mind.

Nayanmars

Introduction: Nayanmar refer to the 63 devotees (and 9 general devotees) of Lord Shiva.
periya purANam talks in detail the life of these 63 devotees.The services that these devotees did differ, but the common thing is the love for the Lord ornated by moon.

Both male and female (ichainyAniyAr, kAraikkAl ammaiyAr) devotees are there. (In fact the wives of many nAyanmArs were equally devotional and got the place of Lord Shiva along with their husbands (thirunIlakaNdar) ). Some of them had high degree of learning and nyAna (thirumUlar) while some others excelled with their simple devotion even though they didn't learn any spiritual teachings (kaNNappar). Some of them were kings (pukazch chOzar) and some others didn't even have a house to stay (thirumUlar). Irrespective of their background all of them anointed Lord Shiva with the perennial spring of love and enjoyed the bliss of His grace. It can be said that their histories show how true devotees will act under different circumstances. They excelled in their own way to be compared only to that individual devotee. Their lives are an indication to all of us that we should worship and will be able to get His grace whatever our status be.

One can find some important qualities in all the 63 saints' life. Most of them did not undertake a service that was away from their lifestyle. The weaver nEcar had taken the service of providing clothes to the devotees whereas the farmer mARar gave them food. The service to the Lord that they undertake may look simple, like throwing a stone on the shivaliN^gam everyday. But the thing is, they did the needful andthey did it with flowing love for the Lord. The other thing is their determination in doing the service even when huge hurdles were on their way. If a service is undertaken to do for the Lord it should be done at any cost. To explain their state we need no words other than chEkkizAr's own words which are on the top of this page.

Reading about the 63 devotees can be said to have attained the purpose only when it resides in our mind ever green and guide us in the path of love for the Almighty in day to day conditions of the life. Let us try to simulate the state of them in our mind. Then do you think the Thief, whom even vEdhAs struggle to describe, can escape without giving the treasure of His bliss ?

Saint Tukaram

Introduction

A great saint who lived only for his God vittala. He faced varieties of difficulties with astonishing patience. He refused diamonds and opals offered by Shivaji Maharaj himself. His devotional songs are an invaluable contribution to Marathi spiritual literature.

Tukaram

That day the children of the lane were overjoyed. There was plenty of sugarcane. From the field till reaching the house, sugarcanes were distributed by him, one to each child, and he arrived at his house with just one sugarcane. Immediately, the children chanted, "Daddy has brought sugarcane; daddy has broughtsugarcane," and danced with excitement.

"Your Kindness Is Boundless"

Hearing this noise, the wife in the house came out joyfully and asked, "Have your brought sugarcane?" and looking at the sugarcane, said: "Having gone so far to the field, did you bring only one cane?"

"No. The landlord had given a bundle of sugarcanes. I gave one to each of the children in the lane. The remaining one cane is here."

"Although children of our house are craving for sugarcane, nobody gave our children even a small piece. But you have given away everything and brought only one to the house. You have no care for the children." So saying, the wife became angry and in a fit of fury, hit her husband on the back with the sugarcane. " O Panduranga Vittala, protector of devotees, kindness incarnate! There is no limit to your sympathy to the devotees. Although I brought only one cane to the house, you converted it into four pieces! – said he joyfully. He gave a piece each to the two children, put one is his wife’s hand, and holding one piece in his hand, began to dance clapping his hands.

Looking at the man, so calm and full of patience, the wife who had beaten him was puzzled.

That figure of patience was Tukaram: a saint who was behaving as if there is more good fortune and pleasure in giving than in receiving. The lady who beat him on the back with sugarcane was his wife Jeejabai. Those who tasted the sugarcane were his children: Kashi and Mahadev.

Righteous Parents

Pune is a big city in Maharashtra. Dehu is a small village neat it. Walking further one finds the hillock of Bhandari. The river Indrayani floes by its side. The temple of Pandharinath is situated on its bank. Vishwambhara Buva and his wife Amoobai were in charge of worship at that temple. In their dynasty Balhoba and Kanakayi were an ideal couple. Kindness, pity and compassion found a home in their heart. The long-standing family business was going on briskly.

But this couple had no children. They were more worried about children.

At last the wish of the couple was fulfilled. A male child was born to them. His name was Shahaji. Thereafter in 1608 another son was born. They named him Tukaram. After that a girl and a boy Kanhoji were born.

Devotee-Clever In Business

Tukaram was a very sharp and shred boy. By his various activities he was keeping his parents happy and was hospitable to people visiting the house. Bringing guests and invitees and serving them made him eager and happy.

Tukaram’s radiant eyes, long nose, serene face and courteous talk attracted everybody. When prayers were sung in the house, boy Tukaram was joining the group of songsters. He had a good voice and sang melodiously. People used to be pleased with this.

Tukaram, who with his father was worshipping God, circumambulating and participating in group singing of prayer, also knew business methods well. Although engrossed in thoughts of God, he knew the ways of living. He had great respect for the parents. Balhoba, not willing to burden the earlier born Shahaji or the still young Kalhaji, thrust it on the clever Tukaram’s shoulder and became a care-free man.

Tukaram’s generosity, simplicity and other virtues were inherited from his parents. He was kind to the poor. Hardly has such a virtuous man come to manage the household affairs earlier.

Tukaram, by his efficiency and hard work, improved the business and came to be liked by the customers. From boyhood he secured a place in the ranks of the big businessmen.

When Tukaram was thirteen years old his marriage to a girl called Rakhamayi was celebrated with great pomp. As Rakhamayi was suffering from asthma, sometime later, a second marriage was performed with Jeejabai belonging to a rich family.

Tukaram had come to know of the conditions of people’s life. Looking at the hard life of the ordinary people, he was grieved. He was thinking of devoting his life for setting right the defects and drawbacks in the people’s life.

Series Of Difficulties

Beautiful wife, handsome income, constant work, beloved of the people-thus, there was no shortcoming in Tukaram'’ life. But amidst his busy life, never did he overlook remembering God.

Shortly there was a big storm in his life. The parents unexpectedly passed away. At the same time brother Shahaji became an ascetic and went on pilgrimage. After the sister-in-law died, Tukaram felt as if an ulcer in the body had been branded. The same year there was a terrible famine. On that account business and industrybecame dull. Earth became fallow. Cattle perished. There was calmour everywhere. In Tukaram’s life despair and deep sighs been to appear. The amounts due to him were not received. There was intense pressure to pay his debts. On account of this the few articles in the house were sold. At that time the first wife Rakhamayi and her child died for want of food.

Thus numerous difficulties and losses followed one another and fell on him. On account of this his mind became unbalanced. He lost interest in his family. He surrendered himself to his venerable God Vittala. In his of hearts, Vittala’s beauty and love flourished and spread their influence around.

Bracelet Received At The House

Jeejabai who had grown up in immense wealth and comfort became dismayed by this misfortune. However, she made up her mind and got the help and cop-operation of near relations. She inspired Tukaram, who was clever in business, to resume business.

Once Jeejabai herself bought some chillies, put them on an ox and sent Tukaram to the neighbouring village for selling it. Tukaram put down the consignment in the market, tied the ox to nearby three and became immersed in contemplation of Panduranga. Meanwhile, the customers appeared and sought the price of chillies. "You are sure to know the prevailing price in the town, take the chillies at that price." On knowing this opinion of the ascetic they fought with one another, everyone wishing to purchase it. They weighed as they pleased and began taking away the chillies. Of those who took the chillies, some paid for it, some failed to pay. On hearing this a few good people of the village came forward, recovered the amount and paid it I the ascetic businessman.

When he was returning from the market, on the way, a few unscrupulous persons, on coming to know that he had money, gave him a brass bracelet describing it as made of gold and plundered the available money.

Looking at the husband who brought home a brass bracelet, Jeejabai became sad. She began sobbing with grief. The debt remained unpaid. There was no money for the next day’s business. She began worrying. What next?

"If You Make Up Your Mind …."

Even then, Tukaram was unperturbed and continued praying. Jeejabai went to him and spoke to him harshly: "Yesterday I got money with great difficulty and gave it to you. You wasted it all. IN future you cannot turn out any work. Let us go begging. You are already having a tamboora. I will clap in concert. Let Kashi and Mahadeva accompany us." Tukaram was never losing his patience under any circumstances. Even now, "what are you saying! What has happened to us to make us beg? Wait a little. God will set right everything", he said.

"It is the same god who is deceiving you. It is your Vittala who is setting fire to your business proficiency, cleverness and your wisdom capable of earning handsome money. How wrongly you are acting! Think it over once. The hunger of the children is unsatisfied. Stand firmly on earth and pray to God. If you work hard there will be no dearth of food, clothes, prayer, worship and service to the guests. If you wanted to be roaming about singing the raise of God, then why did you marry me?"

"When marrying I was not aware of this. If I was aware, I would not have married. Your father did not give you in marriage looking at me. He has considered my wealth and given. Now I have lost my wealth. You may go," said Tukaram.

"My father might have given me considering your wealth. I am not sorry for the loss of that wealth. You never keep this in your mind and, everything will be set right," said Jeejabai.

Jeejabai’s Worry

Jeejabai again borrowed money from the lender. She purchased salt out of that money and sent her hunband in the company of efficient businessmen. In the company of businessmen Tukaram put he salt on an ox and went out to seek business. Business was brisk that day. A large amount of money was received. After concluding business in the market place he was on his way home. On the way he saw a poor Brahmin who, unable to repay his debts, had been arrested by the bailiff and was struggling. This struck Tukaram with intense pity. He paid off the amounts due to the bailiff, spoke words of comfort, pacified and sent the Brahmin home.

In the same road another Brahmin met Tukaram and humbly asked: "You venerable saint, my son’s "Upanayana’ (sacred thread-ceremony) is being celebrated at home. Please help me for this celebration." Instantly Tukaram gave the balance of amount available with him and said: "Celebrate your son’s thread- ceremony."

Jeejabai came to know of the occurrence. Furiously she was waiting for her husband’s return.

Tukaram, instead of returning home, sat on the Bhamanata hillock in contemplation of God.

Kanhoji heard of his brothers’ having given as gift to the Brahmin the money he earned and hiding in fear of the sister- in- law, and was greatly distressed. "Truly, my brother, the great man, was not born to run a family. He is a great man born to cleanse earthly life. We are unnecessarilyharassing him. If we continue to trouble him, if we continue to trouble him, it would amount to our troubling the righteousness of Bhagavatas." "Thinking thus, he went in search of his brother. He was overjoyed at finding his brother a little further on the Bhamanata hillock, sitting in contemplation of God.

"Dear brother, the righteousness of Bhagavata has to prosper by your service. You are born only for righteous work. In future, you must work for righteousness. I will look after the household work to the best of my ability. Give me my part of the accounts and records of the business. I will look after the disposition of the part of the money coming to your share." Thus he expressed his opinion.

The brother took his part of property. Tukaram tied well the documents relating to his property, threw them into the Indrayani river and went to the hillock Bhandari.

In Search Of The Husband

In spite of a vigorous search, Tukaram could not be traced. "It was wrong on my part to have behaved so harshly with my husband by talking sarcastically. I hurt his feelings," Jeejabai began to feel.

That day, remembering the husband, she cooked food. She served food to Kashi and Mahadeva. She made a food packet for her husband, filled the eater cast from Tatrani and went on her way to Bhandari hillock. Stones and thorns did not deter her.

While she was thinking of the way her future life would shape and walking along, a thorn broke in Jeejabai’s foot. The thorn stuck in the sole of the foot. O! she cried and collapsed on the ground. More than he pain caused by the thorn, the likely hunger of her husband distressed her. Somehow, limping and dragging her feet, she began to work. The pain increased. The sorrow doubled.

On the way an old man came from the opposite direction. Looking at the sad-faced and limping Jeejabai he said: "Madam, has a thorn entered your foot?" "Yes, sir, a thorn has stuck", said she. Instantly, like a person acquainted with her for a long time, the stranger put Jeejabai’s foot on his thigh saying "The thorn has struck deeply", held the thorn and pulled it out. Jeejabai did not mind blood flowing freely from the foot. She was eager to get along. "Sir, what is your name?" she asked. That old man said: "Vittoo". As soon as she heard the sound "Vittoo" Jeejabai became angry. Without waiting for a minute, not even looking at his face, she left the place. She went through a slope in the mountain from where the sound "Panduranga,Panduranga" was heard and there saw her husband. His face which was like a tender bud blossomed into a smile.

Home Again

"You, godly man, is it right for your to abandon us and live in this hillock?" asked Jeejabai humbly.

Tukaram, who was immersed in meditation, woke up.’ "How did you come her?" he asked in surprise.

"Is it not that only a woman can feel that it is like to search for her husband? Only a woman knows the meaning of what I am saying."

"What a statement with a hidden meaning! Truly today are like a teacher. Panduranga himself should have brought out these words from your mouth. In future I will search for the husband of my herart, thinking of him as my real husband.’

"It is that Panduranga who has churned your simple, virtuous mind, putting and end to all your activites, wrecking the family, and pushed you to a life of poverty. He has given a chance to people to say that Tukaram has lost all his property and ahs become a lunatic. Still you are thinking of that bad Panduranga."

"Neeedlessly, don’t curse my God."

"You are my God. I have absolutely no liking for that wretched Vittala who misled an innocent man like you, separating us and putting you trouble. It is he who upset our peaceful family life." Saying so, Jeejabai began to cry. Controlling the pressing grief, she said, "You have no eaten food for four or five days. Wash yourself. I have brought food. Please eat." She opened the food packet, served food to her husband and herself. Together they both ate to their satisfaction. Both happily reached home.

Come To Watch The Field

That day saint Tukaram rose early in the morning, bathed and completed worship and singing in praise of God. He gave a gracious gift to Kashi and Mahadeva. "Today I will seek work somewhere," said he. Hearing such gracious words from her husband, Jeejabai was overjoyed.

While he was walking along the street, Salomala, a bard singing songs in Praise of God, saw him and said mockingly: "what Tukaji, you wrecked your family and became a person seeking alms. You made your wife and sons beggars. Now, putting on the garb of a saint, where are you going? On hearing this, without minding what was said, Tukaram replied, Nowhere in particular. I am seeking a job."

"You destroyed your happy family you did not take note of the misery of your children. You neglected Jeejabai who contracted debts neglected Jeejabai who contracted debts running your family. You know nothing of your own family, who can employ you? Go begging; beggary is the only suitable employment for you."

When he heard the word ‘beg’, Tukaram suddenly lost his temper. At once his eyes were filled with teats. "Panduranga, Panduranga," he said and closed his ears.

A man named Jnanoba, on hearing these words said: "Come, Tukaram. There is a great God who looks after everybody. Tomorrow I am proceeding to Alandi village. Look after my field till my return." He then showed him the field. Simultaneously he plucked a juicy sugarcane and said, "Give it to the children, return in the afternoon to guard the field,’ and sent him.

Result Of Guarding The Field

That evening saint Tukaram came to guard the field of Jnanoba. He looked across the whole field once. Throughout the field the corns was rife and ready for harvesting. Whichever way he looked, in every direction the green was turning grey. The ear of corn had wrinkled and the corn was about to ripen. Looking at this Tukaram said: "All these are due to the price of Panduranga. Out of one seed, how much corn has growh! Everything is filled by Panduranga. Everything is his gracious gift." Saying so he became absorbed in meditation.

Salomalo saw saint Tukaram who was absorbed in meditation. Thinking that it was the proper time for putting him to trouble, he drove the stray cattle of the town to the field and bolted. Saint Tukaram did not regain consciousness. The field was wholly destroyed.

Jnanoba returned from the village. ON hearing that his field had been destroyed he became grief-stricken. He also became terribly angry with Tukaram. At that time Salomalo came and said: "What, Jnanoba, did you go to the field and have a look?" Jnanoba hung his head in grief and was silent. Again Salomalo said: " I told you in advance no to entrust guarding the field to such a careless fellow. Eat the fruit of your action. Not only that, I am not going to give up a single grain of corn you have to give me as my portion. From where are going to get it? Let us see" and thus nagged him.

Salomalo abused Tukaram and dragged him to the village headman to seek justice. For the offence of having spoiled Jnanoba’s field Tukaram was directed to make over his house to Jnanoba. Necessary documents were prepared for the purpose.

The Grain which Reached The house

An uncommon incident occurred at that time, say devotees.

Jnanoba gathered the remaining stalks and ears of corn shedding tears. "Every thing is the play of Panduranga; he himself is our saviour," said he and consoled himself. In the midst of this hope and despair, he cut the stalks, bundled them, prepardet a field and threshed the bundle. Thinking of Panduranga he made a heap. There was no limit to jnanoba’s joy. Setting apart the quantity due to Salomalo,keeping his portion, he carted the rest to Tukaram’s house. Touching Tukaram’s feet out of respect, he humbly said: "Your greatness is immense. Not knowing your helpful attitude, I a stupid person caused you mental anguish, by forcing you to make over your house. Pardon my offence. This heap of corn, which is more than anticipated, rightly belongs to you."

"Jnanoba, God Vittala, pleased by your devotion, has granted a suitable return, according to your effort. I have no part in this. Turn round the carts and take the grain to your home.

"Respectable Tukaram, once at least look at the row of carts. This is your heap of corn. I have come here to offer you what is rightly yours.’

"The grain in excess of expectation is not mine as it is not yours," said Tukaram.

Instantly an idea struck Jnanoba. Reserving the heap for the restoration of the Panduranga temple which had been built eight generations earlier, keeping one bag in Tukaram’s house, he transported the remaining bags to the temple.

Tukaram gave away as charity the grain kept in his house without leaving even a grain behind. Poor people, destitute, blind people and lame persons got the grain and began shouting: "pundarika Varada, Hari Vittala", in praise of God.

Grace of Guru Composition Of Songs

Saint Tukaram now felt that he should not live in the midst or people. He went to a cave situated west of the hillock Bhandari and began contemplation. In addition he began to study the songs composed by Jnaneshwar, Namadeva, Ekanatha and such as greated saints. By this study his inner self began to have solace. His mind blossomed like a flower. Songs began to dance on his tongue.

Yet, the inner grief was making him languish. He had still not been granted the grace of the teacher. ON account of this, Tukaram’s heart was agitated.

Thus being greatly disturbed and muttering, one night he went to sleep. While sleeping Pandharinnatha himself appeared, caressed him and appeared to say: "Tukaram, do not grieve. You will be initiated by Baba Chaitanya." Accordingly Baba Chaitanya blessed saint Tukaram at an auspicious moment on Thursday, tenth day of the month of Magha. The same day, from his inner self came out the songs of piety. The treasury of Marathi language was enriched.

Spark Of Jealousy

Uttering some incoherent words, binding a charm, laying the ghosts and having these activities as a means for eking out a living-in these ways was Mumbaji living and was considered an ascetic. Another such ascetic was Salomalo who had grown fat by singing songs and poems and getting a handsome income. Both these people disliked saint Tukaram intensely although he was living a simple and virtuous life. Both these jointly approached Dharma- dhikari Rameshwara Bhat and complained. Tameshwar bhat was foolish enough to be moved by their incitement and came forward to raise a storm in Tukaram’s life.

Early next morning before sunrise Rameshwara Bhat came to Dehu village. Immediately he sent for the village head man and said; " I have come here to enquire about Tukaram."

"About what?" the village headman asked.

"What, headman, is it not foreboding of the end of the earth, if non-Brahmins read the Vedas, compose prayers songs and preach morality? If the activities of Tukaram continue like this, it will be the end of virtue. I have come here to restore morality. Get that non-Brahmin Tukaram.

The headman got Tukaram. Tukaram made obeisance to Dharmadhikari Rameswara Bhat.

"Fie on your obeisance and your prayers songs! Is there any place where non-Brahmins read Vedas, compose songs of prayer and preach to people? I have pardoned you for having committed mistakes so far in ignorance. Don’t do such things in future," thus thundered Dharmadhikari.

"Panduranga himself has ordered me to complete some incomplete songs composed by saint Namadeva. If you do not approve I will stop it."

"Stop it, stop it."

If so, what should I do with the poems completed so far?"

"Bundle them up and throw them into Indravani river,’ was the harsh order of Rameshwara Bhat.

"His Property Will Be Returned To Him"

Following Dharmadhikari’s order, Tukaram bundled the palmleaf manuscripts of the songs composed by him and immersed it in the Indrayani river. He was in anguish. He could not attain peace of mind in spite of all his efforts. "Why did God make me serve him in this useless manner? Whatever he make me di, I have offered to him what was his. IN future, I have nothing to worry about,’ thought he and single-, mindedly meditating he sat on a rock on the bank of Indrayani river, like another rock place on it.

The devotees say that an extraordinary thing occurred at that time. When twelve days had passed thus, Lord Panduranga presented himself, appeared in a dream and said: "At dawn tomorrow the songs you have drowned in the Indrayani river will come floating. Don’t worry." They say that on the thirteenth day at sunrise, copies of the songs came floating one over the other.

"Duty First"

Chatrpati Shivaji Majharaj came to know that in his kingdom there was a famouse saint, a person free from all wordly desires. Immediately he sent some ministers, public men and royal entourage to bring him in a procession with umbrella and fans and seated on a chariot.

The town was filled with joy. Jeejabai was overjoyed. " What more are we likely to need in future! We have the patronage of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Goddess Sarvamangala did not let us down finally. "So saying, she went inside the house, lit the lamp and prostrated.

As the retinue of the Maharaj approached his house Tukaram was surprised. "How highly has the Chatrapati honoured by sending his tetinue to the house of an ascetic like me! The majharaja’s magnanimity, piety and aid are noble." When he was thinking, the ministers arrived, place excellent clothing at this feet and invited him to the place.

The ascetic smiled and said: "Why does an ascetic need a bungalow of these clothes? Please take them and return them to the Maharaja."

"Wait, wait; You should not reject wealth which ahs come to your doorstep. Honourable ministers are giving those clothes," said Jeejabai coming forward.

"By beggary or gifts from the people our poverty will not end. Only if Lord Vittala himself grants it, will we be satisfied. Don’t aspire for this," said he. The ascetic blessed and said: "Gentlemen, return these gifts and books of songs to the Maharaja and convey my thanks."

Shivaji Maharaj read the songs sent with Tukaram’s blessings, and was overjoyed. He kept them on his head and danced with joy. "Today I am blessed my country is blessed," so saying, he himself went to meet that great saint.

Without any previous intimation Chatrapti Shivaji Maharaj came to meet the saint. He prostrated at the feet of the great renouncer, devotee, philanthropist Tukaram and requested: "By accepting the small gift of this devotee, you must please bless him."

In view of the diamonds, opals, pearls, gems, numerous types of clothing put in gold vessels and offered to hi, Jeejabai’s mind began to be excited. She felt like running forward and grabbing them. Meanwhile Tukaram said: "O! Maharaj, of what use are these diamonds and opals to a poor ascetic? If they are held in the Maharaja’s treasury, the poor will benefit. The kindom will prosper. People will become reghteous."

With great respect Shivaji Maharaja Prayed: "For your worshipping God at least take four villages as a present. This is my humble offering."

Maharaj, do not worry about me. Poor medicants may live somehow. Decaying Hindu morality, the growth of India and salvation have to be your concern. This is the wish of Lord Vittala also. Achieve it. This is the gift I seek."

On hearing these words of Tukaram the Maharaja’s inner renunciation glowed. The affairs of state were unwanted. He wished to attain his object by serving the ascetic.

ON hearing shivaji Maharaj’s intention, Tukaram said: " Duty is better than penance. Failure to do one’s duty results in loss of what life stands for now or after death. Therefore continue your rule of the kingdom more actively," said the solemnly.

To Tukaram who remainded him of his duty Shivaji bowed and said, "Let me have your kind blessings. I will go to my palace to day not as a king but as a servant of the people."

Last Journey

Saint Tukaram through his life had to face numerous difficulties and losses, and many obstacles, without every dreaming of his personal happiness, and worked hard to the good of the people. By his immoral voice he sowed the seeds of devotion in the people’s heart, simplified the foundation of morality and conveyed it to the people. A number of people were moved by the pious songs composed by him and became his disciples. His songs were on the lips of the learned and the ordinary people. They became a valuable heritage of the disciples.

Tukaram wished to end his mortal activities. Sri Hari also granted his wish. One day Tukaram told his disciples: "My mortal activities have come to an end. I am leaving. Live happily. Serve others. Take care of innocent Jeejabai," and blessed them. He came home and asked Jeejabai: " I am on my way to heaven. I will take you. Will you come along?" She said: "How can I leave behind the children and family members and cattle can calves and come with you?’

Tukaram went into the Indrayani river as if he was about to take a bath and went forward. Once he entered the river he was not visible again. They say that within a few minutes his rug, the cymbals in his hand and the tamboora fell down. The citizens bowed in reverence saying that Tukaram bodily went to heaven.

Tukaram died in about 1650. He was then 42 years old.

The following is one of his pious songs:

Krishna is my mother, Krishna is my father, Krishna is my relation – so Sayeth Tuka.

The meaning of another song is:

"Today I saw the feet of Vittala. The fruit of enormous virtue. The saints protected me. This is a time of good fortune; a day of good fortune. So said Tuka."

Vanquishing all desires, the great man Tukaram set apart his life for Vittala, with an unblemished mind.

MADHWACHARYA

Introduction

He is the saint who installed the idol of Sri Krishna at Udupi in Karnataka. The Philosophy he preached was previously known as ‘ Tattawavada’. Now it is known as ‘Dwaita’. He lived seven hundred years ago. He boldly said to a Muslim king: "By whatever name you may call, God is One." He maintained that one’s religion is not decided by birth but by his nature and personality. The Acharya’s knowledge, scholarship and achievements made him a great savant.

Madhwacharya

This happened seven hundred years ago. Islam religion was already spreading in some parts of northern Bharat.

On the coast of river Ganga, there was a kingdom ruled by a Muslim king. (Scholars guess that he might have been Jalaluddin Khilji). He kept a large army along the coast to guard the kingdom. There were no boats to cross the river. The ruler was concerned that spies room t e neighboring in u kingdom might enter his province. This is why such guards were positioned there.

On the other side of the river, there stood a majestic-looking 'sannyasi' (monk) with his followers. The disciples were worried: how to cross the river? The master understood their concern and gently told them: "Don't be afraid. We are here to swim across the river of life. Can't you even cross the Ganga? Follow me into the waters without fear."

The commander of the Muslim State saw them and told his men: "They must be spies from the neighboring state wearing the garb of monks. We should finish them off before they reach this shore."

The leader of the monks noted their concern and in a loud voice told them: "Do not be hasty and drown yourselves. We are only a few in number. Why should you fear us? We are only coming to see your king and not to fight you."

The soldiers stood surprised. They saw the ‘sannyasi’ leading his people boldly through the swirling waters of Ganga safely. Hundreds of swordwielding soldiers surrounded them’.

"Your God is My God"

The king, standing on the balcony of his palace, saw their arrival. He was surprised that a Hindu monk could reach his capital warding off his soldiers’ guard.

He addressed the monk:

"My soldiers are standing guard to prevent the entry of spies of the neighboring country. None has so far eluded them. How is it that you, a monk, walked through them? How were you able to cross the river without boats? What is your objective in coming here?"

The monk laughed, raised his fingers, towards the Sun and spoke in Persian the language of the king: "The supreme God, - who protects you, me and others in fact, the whole world - is there. For you, He is Allah; for me, He is Narayana, Address him by any name you choose the only one will answer your prayers. We are all citizens of His kingdom. it is only with His blessings that we were able to cross the river without boats. We pacified your soldiers who came to attack us; it is all His blessing. We are on our way to the North through your state."

The Muslim king was deeply impressed by the monk’s boldness and self-conviction and his impressive personality. He climbed down from his seat and invited him to the Rajasabha (royal court) and lavishly entertained him. He offered him a large estate and requested him to build his hermitage there.

But the monk politely declined the king’s offer and the party continued their journey northward.

Who is He?

Who is he? He is Acharya Madhwa : a distinguished saint of Bharat who preached to the world that God will hear in whichever language or name He is addressed. He left a great message for subsequent generations:

"Do not make a fuss about how should address god. You can you address him in any language and by any name. Know that there is no word in the world without His name. Apart from the language we speak, the entire nature extols Him. The sounds of the sea, the wind that blows, the chirping of the birds, the hooting of animals - all these are nothing but homage to God. Learn to recognise His existence in all the voices and everywhere. Live with godliness."

The Acharya went a step further in his commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita: "The caste system relates more to one’s nature than to one’s body. It is not important to which caste one belongs at birth. His nature decides his caste. Basically, the caste system in only a division based on man’s nature. A ‘chandala’ (untouchable) who treads the spiritual path is a better being than a brahmin who is ignorant of that path and puts on an artificial appearance."

In Bharat, during the thirteenth century, people were stubbornly practising the caste system. It is amazing that the Acharya propagated such progressive views at such a time.

The Earth is Blessed

Among the galaxy of Acharyas of our country, three stand out: Acharya Shankara who preached Advaita (Monism), Acharya Ramanuja who preached Vishishtadwaita (a blend of Monism and Dualism), and Acharya Madhwa who preached Dwaita (Dualism). "This world is an illusion; only God is true," said Shankara. "God is the soul of the universe; hence this body is also real," said Ramanuja. "This universe is a playful creation of God. Let us not try to diminish it by denouncing it," said Madhwa.

In old texts, Acharya Madhwa's Dwaita philosophy, is described ‘Tattwavada’. He maintained: "This world, is not an illusion. God is not a magician He signifies the duty of truth. This world should be considered as a school understand God’s greatness."

It is to the credit of Karnataka that it should have contributed such a great, philosopher as Madhwa to the world,

Acharya Madhwa was a Kannadig. He was born in the small village Pajaka near Udupi on Karnataka’s we, coast. It is a picturesque village flanked by two small hillocks. In a corner stand an ancient temple of Durga. At the foot of another hillock is a temple of Parashurama. Pajaka is a village rich in greenery.

The earth on which the Acharya walked stands blessed. Every stone here stands witness to hundreds of stories relating to his early years.

'God Was With Me’

Acharya Madhwa’s father was Nadillaya Narayana Bhatta, his mother was Vedavati. The couple had desired a son for a long time. They prayed to God and performed many rituals. At last, their prayers were answered: a son was born who not only enlivened his home but enlightened the whole mankind.

Acharya Madhwa was born on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashwayuja in the Saka year Vilambi (1238 A.D.). It was Vijayadashami day. The child was named Vasudeva.

The child, who was growing well, was very good-looking. "His mother lucky to have such a nice child," people would say. They were struck by his outward appearance but could not comprehend his inner self. Sometime the child’s pranks would baffle the parents who wondered, "This child not like others." A memorable eve could be recalled.

Vasudeva was then three years old. His parents had taken him to a function in nearby Nidiyur. In then midst of the celebration Vasudeva suddenly disappeared. Nobody knew where I had gone and the tearful parents began a vigorous search. Somebody in a street said: "We saw a small child going towards Kodavoor temple." Some one else said they saw a three-year-old child crossing the fields and going towards the Bannanje temple.

Nadillaya and others rushed to both the places but could not find the child there. They then came to nearby Udupi and arrived at their favourite temple of Ananteshwara. What a surprise! Vasudeva was standing before the ‘Shivalinga’ there with folded hands.

There were tears of joy. The Nadillaya couples were ardent worshippers of Ananteshwara and they found their child in His graceful presence! Vasudeva stood there smiling. "Dear Vasudeva, how did you come so far alone? How did you find the way?" asked the father. The child replied:

"Father, I did not come alone. First, I went to Kanangi (Kodavoor) and saw Shankaranarayana. From there I went to see Mahalingeshwara of Taleku (Bannanje). Then I came here and saw Chandramoulishwara. I saw Narayana in this ‘Shivalinga’. God was with me throughout the journey. God was my companion and showed me the way."

What he told the Muslim king which he was in his thirties and what I uttered as a child of three were the same: "We have arrived because God’s grace." Can one ever be imbued with qualities not nourished in childhood Yes, this cannot be easily understood by anyone. He pursues the only path shown by God. It was a child born show the divine path to the people.

Talented Child

When the child completed three years, his father initiated his educational lessons. One day the lesson of practising the alphabets was over and next day it was repeated. Vasudeva asked hi father: "Why repeat the same thing? Was over yesterday. Teach me something new."

The father felt both surprised and happy. What a talented child we have he wondered. He was struck by this child’s grasping power. He was concerned that the child may be affected by somebody’s evil eye; his mother would wave before him some pepper and other things (to ward off evil) and pray for his welfare.

The father continued to teach the child at home. Before long, Vasudeve was able to read all the books and would try to understand them. It was a pleasure to hear his readings from the texts. He had a fine voice and purity of expression.

When Vasudeva was five, his mother took him on a visit to a nearby place called Neyampalli. It was evening and I puranik discourse was in progress. People were listening with keen interest to the discourse by Madithaya Shivabhatta, well-known puranik’ (raconteuradept at delivering religious discourses). At one stage, Vasudeva, sitting beside his mother, got up and said: "Respected puranik, the meaning in the purana text says one thing and you are saying another."

Shivabhatta became annoyed at the boy’s insolence. But Vasudeva narrated the meaning of the concerned verse in a lucid manner People were pleased and agreed with him.

On another occasion, Nadillaya himself was corrected by his son. He was also a well-known ‘puranik’. Once, during a discourse, he could not remember the meaning of a won instantly. He avoided that word am continued. Vasudeva stood up and said "Father, you have named all the tree! but did not mention ‘lakucha’ and it! meaning. It means ‘hebbalasu’ doesn’tit?"

Nadillaya did not feel insulted. He felt happy that he learnt the meaning of the word from his son. He felt proud to be the father of such an intelligent boy.

When Vasudeva was seven, his father performed his ‘Upanayana (sacred thread-wearing ceremony) according to custom. And then on to a guru for studying Vedas and classics, studies as a disciple of Totantillaya, a respected Vedic scholar of that period.

Totantillaya felt the boy’s manner a bit strange. The boy would appear only at the time of the lessons and would spend the rest of the time in the playfield.

In the field, Vasudeva, with his strong physique beyond his age, would be surrounded by his playmates. Each day it was a different game. One day it is running; Vasudeva would come

first. Another time it is swimming; and he would be the first to reach the goal. It was wrestling the other day and though the entire band of his playmates attacked him, he would humble them with terrific blows. His mates were astonished at the prowess of Vasudeva whom they considered ‘Hanuman in swimming and Bhimasena in weightlifting’.

Guru Totantillaya would not approve of the boy's behavior. He felt he was not studying properly and once chided him: "Oh, you are a master of knowledge! You learn things without reading. Let us see, recite the 'Suktas' (hymns) you have been taught so far."

Vasudeva sat cross-legged and recited in a ringing, clear voice all the hymns in the correct pattern and without a single mistake. The Guru gave up testing him. Vasudeva's studies and sports both continued.

Wrestling Between The Master and Disciples

Acharya Madhwa attached much importance to good physique. "People of our country should be strong both in mind and body" - this was his life-message. if the body is weak, the growth of the intellect too will be weak. But one should take care to be strong not in body alone but in mind too."

The Acharya made it compulsory that even the monk-disciples, apart from others, should practise physical exercises. He would always tell them: "Don’t bow to anybody but God. Hold your heads high and learn to live without fear."

An incident occurred when the Acharya was in his forties. Once he was staying at Varanasi with fifteen of his disciples. He happened to hear them discussing about their physical strength. He called them and laughingly said: "Many times I have tested your intellect. Now I want to test your physical strength.

All of you should fight me at the same time. If anybody hesitates and stays behind, he would be violating the guru’s injunction."

It was a strange wrestling bout between the Acharya, now in his forties, and the fifteen disciples who were around twenty. The Acharya warded off his disciples with a single blow to each. All of them fell to the ground. Flexing his arm further, the Acharya smilingly asked them:

"Why have you fallen down like this? Free yourself from my grip and stand up." The devotees, still prostrate, pleaded: "Your every finger seems to us like an iron grip. Please free us."

The disciples knew that their Master was well-versed in vedantic philosophy. But he could also be a sturdy wrestler when occasion arose.

The Hand Which Carries The Sacred Stick Wields an Axe

Through another incident, the Acharya taught his disciples how to face dangers in life. The party was proceeding to Badari. They were passing through mountains and thick jungles. The disciples carried the bundles containing their clothes and articles of worship on their heads. Suddenly a band of dacoits confronted them, wielding axes. The disciples became frightened. But the Acharya smiled, called one of the disciples, Upendratirtha, and said: "Why are you standing like’ this when your fellowmen are facing danger? The hand that carries the ‘danda’ should also know how to wield an axe. Go forth."

Upendratirtha was aroused by his guru’s call. He charged at the dacoits like a storm, seized an axe from one of the dacoits and began swinging it with great force. Shocked by this heroic act of a monk, the dacoits ran away.

I am Going to become a Sannyasi"

The manner in which the Acharya, who lived like a soldier of philosophy, took to ‘Sannyasa’ and became a monk was also strange.

Vasudeva was then eleven years old. One early morning, he came to Udupi. There lived a famous saint, Achyutaprajna, and the boy became his disciple. Nadillaya came looking for his son but Vasudeva told him: I have to fulfil the mission of my life. Leave me alone. I am going to become a ‘Sannyasi’."

Two other sons born to the Nadillaya couple had died very young. What should the old father do when the only surviving son says that he wants to become a monk? But the boy was determined. The father prostrated before him and begged: "Don’t throw us on the streets by taking to ‘Sannyasa’:

" Vasudeva answered: "It is wrong for a father to prostrate before his son who is not a ‘sannyasi’. Now that you have bowed to me, it means that you have accepted me as a monk." And he answered all his father’s arguments.

Nadillaya then tried to make one last effort. "I may agree but how can you convince your mother?", "Leave it to me", the boy replied.

The father returned home and forewarned his wife: "At any rate, do not agree for his taking to ‘sannyasa’."

But Vasudeva had already decided on the mode of approach to his mother. "If you want your son to be before you, agree to my becoming a monk. Otherwise you will never see me again." His mother had to agree. She was only worried that there would not be a son to look after them in old age. Vasudeva had a ready reply to that also. He said: "All right, I will not take to ‘sannyasa’ till another son is born to you."

Vedavati gave birth to a son the following year. This boy served his parents till their end, then took sannyasa’ from the Acharya himself. He later came to be renowned as Vishnutirtha. He was a great monk living only on fruits and leaves and spent his life-time in penance. He was a worthy brother to the Acharya.

‘Poornaprajna’ ‘Anandatirtha’ ‘Madhwa’

The parents had to consent,and Vasudeva was initiated into ‘sannyasa’ by saint Achyutaprajna. He then came to be known as ‘Poornaprajna.’

He was then a boy of twelve. About forty days after he assumed ‘sannyasa’, Vasudeva Pandita, an eminent interpreter of philosophy, and some others came to Udupi, Achyutaprajna sent his young disciple to argue with them. The twelve- year-old boy easily overcame the arguments of these stalwarts who could not answer him satisfactorily.

Achyutaprajna was filled with joy at the astounding knowledge and scholarship of the boy. He installed Poornaprajna on the official seat of Vedanta and named him as ‘Anandatirtha’. ‘Madhwa’ was Poorna- prajna’s religious name and later he came to be renowned by the name.

From that time onwards Acharya Madhwa’s entire life was devoted to the propagation of Vedic philosophy. He was not unnecessarily provoking others to arguments. But if anybody came toengage him in philosophical debate he would successfully argue and defeat them. Hundreds of arrogant scholars who came to challenge him had to go back with their heads bowed in defect.

Country-wide Tour for Dharmic Renaissance

Acharya Madhwa toured the whole country to propagate his version of philosophical interpretation called ‘Tattwavada’. He shared it gladly with anybody who came to him. He taught and trained many devotees. He wrote as many as forty books: these have been a spiritual treasure for subsequent generations. Seemingly, they are simple in narration which even children could understand. Actually, they are classic works which even mature scholars have to study deeply to understand the Vedic philosophy.

Soon after becoming a ‘sannyasin’, Acharya Madhwa visited famous religious shrines in the South includingKanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Srirangam, and Anantashayanam. Thrice he travelled up to Badarinath shrine in the snowy Himalayas. He dedicated his first work ‘Gita Bhashya’ to Guru Vedavyasa at Badari. He stayed there for sometime and wrote commen- taries on Brahmasutras.

Wherever he went, people were highly pleased with his wonderful discourses. It was a time when the influence of Islam was spreading; Christianity too was making headway. The country was facing a piquant situation under these alien religious influences. Besides, the Indian people themselves were helpless spectators to squabbles among their own religious sects, various castes, creeds etc. The Acharya toured the country at such a time of disturbed philosophical situation and brought reassurance to the people. They were impressed with this saint and listened to his discourses with devout attention. His following steadily grew.

Upon the return of the Acharya to Udupi, his Guru Achyutaprajna also read his disciple’s commentary on the Gita.

He discussed with the Acharya about some doubts that had arisen in his mind and, satisfied, he himself became a follower of Acharya Madhwa. Thus, this 'shishya’ who offered initiation to his own Guru earned a permanent place in the hearts of the people.

The Acharya’s prime disciple was Padmanabhacharya. There were also eight other intimate disciples: Hrishikeshatirtha, Nrisimhatirtha, Janardanatirtha, Upendratirtha, Vamanatirtha, Vishnutirtha, Ramatirtha and Adhokshajatirtha. These eight saints later became the founders of the ‘Ashta-mathas’ (eight mutts) at Udupi.

The Installation of Sri Krishna

According to ancient documents, the story of the installation of Sri Krishna at Udupi runs thus:

A ship had left the shores of Dwaraka. With the other cargo had been kept some mounds of ‘Gopichandana’ (sandalwood paste). When the ship was on the sea-shores of Malpe, a storm broke. The ship hit a boulder, broke and sank.

One day, Acharya Madhwa awoke from his meditation and suddenly left for the shore of Malpe. There he got men to fish in the wasters and they brought up an idol of Sri Krishna from the sea-bed. The Acharya installed it at his Mutt in Udupi and worshipped Him for several years.

Thus Sri Krishna has been the deity present at Udupi for the last seven centuries, blessing countless worshippers. This is the most ancient accepted version of the installation.

They Stole The Books!

Acharya Madhwa made Udupi his headquarters and was engaged in his philosophical pursuits. He however had to face considerable opposition. When a society reaches a state of stagnation, great men appear on the scene to give it a new drive. Such men who set about making efforts towards the improvements of the society, though they may become popular, have also to face opposition regarding the principles and approach they advocate. Acharya Madhwa was no exception to this.

Many raised a hue and cry that the Acharya was disturbing the established, ancient order. When people could not confront him successfully on the strength of spiritual texts, some took to shameful and petty ways. Attempts were made to break his ‘danda’. Efforts were also made to kill him with the help of wrestlers Kodinjadi brothers. A smear campaign also took place. But the Acharya could not be cowed down and his opponents had to suffer failure.

By this time, the Acharya had a priceless collection of books. During his travels across the country, he had collected many rare texts for his philosophical research. He has mentioned several such rare works in the books he wrote. His library was a treasured possession. And Padmatirtha went to the extent of stealing these books!

Blessed Were They Who Saw Him

This theft took place at Kasargod, the capital of Tulunadlu. Hearing about it, Jayasimha, the king, felt sad. He managed to seize the books from Padmatirtha and sent a request to the Acharya to come for a visit.

The king accorded a ceremonial reception to the Acharya on his arrival. He climbed down first from his palanquin and walked to receive the Acharya. Soldiers lined up on both sides of the road. The king bowed to the Acharya reverentially. Both then walked to the Vishnumangala temple. It was a memorable sight. Devotees and disciples walked in the front singing devotional prayers. Besides the Acharya walked to the king with folded hands.

The Acharya’s personality created an instant impression upon the people. He stood out in the assembly, looking as if carved out on the basis of ‘Lakshana- shastra’: a tall, broad shouldered person. A smile adorned his face. Those who saw him felt blessed

Message of Service to The World

Trivikrama Pandita was the brother of Shankara Pandita who looked after the Acharya’s library. None in the area could match his scholarship.

Trivikrama Pandita entered into a vehement debate with the Acharya and showered him with many questions. The Acharya, calm and smiling, answered every question. Their debate went on for fifteen days and Trivikrama Pandita, with his doubts cleared and queries answered, became the Acharya’s disciple. The replies the Acharya gave him came as a great revelation to the whole country:

"There is one God, the embodiment of positive Divinity. He is addressed as ‘Narayana’; he is also called Ishwara, Brahma, Vishnu and by other names. You can address Him by any name.

"This life is a reflection. The original image is God. We should understand the original through the reflection. You cannot comprehend Him without realising your soul. First, understand yourself; then you can understand Him.

"The Vedas are basic truths. One should not become a slave to argumentation to know those basic principles. There is always the possibility of a debate losing its track. We should surrender ourselves to the Vedas to realise the Truth.

"Never forget your duty and its related action. Real duty is your helping others who suffer more than you. This worldly duty is the ‘fee’ you pay God who is the Lord of the universe.

"The world is God’s wonderful creation. Try to understand His greatness. Also, know your own limitations and surrender yourself to Him. This is the only path for your salvation,"

The Acharya wrote the famous ‘Prasthanatraya’ - commentaries on the Gita, the ten Upanishads and the ‘Brahmasutras’. He wrote the well-known classic ‘Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya’, a masterly analysis of the Mahabharata and the Puranas; Wrishnamrita Mahamava’, an anthology of puranic verses. He also wrote commentaries on the Rigveda and the Bhagavata. He is the author of ‘Tantrasara Sangraha’ dealing with iconography and a unique ‘Tithi- nirnaya’. work on mathematics

He wrote many other significant works.

The Acharya was proficient in music too. He has composed many beautiful songs. ‘Dwadasha Stotra is a distinguished musical creation.

Once after touring Goa, the Acharya was camping at a place called Pashupe. People there had heard of his knowledge of music and his fine voice. They requested him to sing and he agreed. That music was enchanting. Listeners could not believe that a male singer had such a lilting voice.

Last Trip to Badari

Thus the Acharya’s whole life was devoted to singing the praise of God. He faced his problems, opposition and difficulties boldly. As a young boy, he had crushed with his foot a poisonous snake which came to bite him. The Acharya knew no fear. He never bowed to anybody and always held his head high. He was clear about his life-mission and how to achieve it. He lived the life of a dynamic ‘sannyasi’ and had a reassuring effect on all who came to him.

After leading full, fruitful life till he was 79, on the ninth day of the first fortnight of Magha in the year Pingala (1317 A.D), Acharya Madhwa took leave of his disciples and left for Badari. None saw him afterwards. This day is observed as 'Madhwa-navami when people pay homage to the great Acharya.

ANDAL

Introduction

The girl who would marry no one but God. She lived a life of innocence, purity and total dedication to her God and was finally united with Him.

Author - Jaggu Sudarsanachar

Andal

Pandya was a kingdom in ancient Tamil- nadu. Its capital was Madurai.Vallabhadeva was the ruler. He was a very good ruler. The people were happy. He was always watching his officers to make sure that they did their work honestly and well.

The King's Problem

One day the king went round the city on horse back in disguise to inspect the work of the guards. A man was sleeping on a pial. The king woke him up and Enquirer who he was. "I am a Brahmin pilgrim; I am going to Rameshwaram after a dip in the holy Ganges," said he. "Tell me anything you think important," said the king.

The Brahmin replied, "Oh King! One has to work for eight months in order to earn enough for one full year's living.To provide for a happy life in old age a man must earn and save plenty of money in his youth itself. To gain happiness in the next world one must strive hard on earth in allpossible ways andmeans to earn Punya (Merit in God's eyes)."

On hearing this, the king was upset. 'True, I have not done anything here to earn happiness in the other world. How can I earn merit? Different religious codes teach different ways of earning merit. To get clear knowledge, I must invite learned men from different countries and get a definite decision in the matter,' he thought.

So there was a conference of learned men

In A Garden

Famous scholars from far and near have assembled in Madurai. The winner gets plenty of money; and this money is placed near the main door of the assembly hall itself. The learned men are explaining their ideas to the king.

An officer of the palace of Vallabhadeva had a dream. Lord Shrinivasa of Simhadri, a place at a distance of ten miles from Madurai, appeared in the dream and said, "Go at once to Shrivilliputtur and bring Vishnuchitta to Madurai."

Vallabhadeva had a minister and religious adviser, Shelvanambi by name. It was he who had the dream. He traveled from Maduraito Shrivilliputtur and Enquirer about
Vishnuchitta. Somebody said: "Look, there is his garden."

Vishnuchitta Comes to Madurai

A very beautiful garden. Even at a distance the air was full of the fragrance of the Tulasi plant and of the jasmine, the chapmpak and the dandelion. The garden was full of bunches of flowers of different colors, and was very beautiful (This garden can be seen even to this day. It is the flowers of this garden that are used for the worship of the deity).

A middle-aged man, with twelve sacred marks on his body, was singing hymns and
collecting the leaves of the Tulasi plant and flowers. He was conscious of nothing else. His hands were busy with God's work; his mind was with God. He was Vishnuchitta. He was a Shrivaishnava (a devotee of Shri Vishnu), a pious and saintly man.

Shelvanambi came to this garden. They greeted each other. Vatapatrashayi (the God who lies on a banyan leaf) was the God whom Vishnuchitta worshipped. He too heard the call of God. God seemed to say: "Go to the city of Madurai. There, in the assembly of King Vallabhadeva proclaim, the Paratatva (the gospel that God is the ultimate goal)." At the same time Shelvanambi also came with his request.

Vishnuchitta was not well read in the Vedas or Shastras (the Scriptures). He had read them like any other devoted Brahmin of the day. He was not a learned scholar. He himself nursed plants bearing flowers, and with his own hands wove the garlands and offered them to God. God Himself had asked him to visit Madurai, but yet Vishnuchitta was worried. Though Shelvanambi came on behalf of the king and invited him, Visnuchitta was very
much worried.

It was an assembly at the king’s court and the King had particularly invited scholars to it. Renowned scholars would have gathered there. Vishnuchitta thought to himself, ‘I have not studies the Vedas. I am not a great scholar. What and I do in this assembly of towering scholars?’ Finally, he decided that he should bow down to God’s wish and left for Madurai.

God had been pleased with Vishnuchitta's devotion. God's grace was with him when he went to the assembly. Vishnuchitta clearly explained the message of the Vedas. The learned men gathered there were compelled to nod their heads in appreciation. Vihnuchitta won laurels.

King Vallabhadeva was very much pleased. He conferred a title 'Pattar Piran' (Chief Priest) on Vishnuchitta. He had Vishnuchitta taken in procession on an elephant.

The Great Alwar

It was Vishnuchitta who sang thedevotional poem 'Tiruppallandu' (may you prosper). He never asked for anything for himself. 'May God bless all mankind, and may all turn towards God' - so he prayed. In the first stanza of his poem he prays God as follows:

'May your feet, which are like red lotus, illumine the world forever and forever! Oh Lord, whose dark blue shoulders over come the strongest wrestlers, may the beauty of your lotus feet illumine the world for ever!'

After eleven years of prayer and worship he concluded Tiruppallandu with the vow that he would always meditate on Lord Narayana.

Tiruppallandu is sung every day in many Shrivaishnava temples.

Vishnuchitta came to be called'Periyalwar'. 'Alwar' means one who always loves God; the devotees of an Alwar believe that God is so pleased with his devotion that he follows his wishes. Vishnuchitta is the 'Great Alwar'. It was natural that a man of boundless devotion, who yet said he wished for nothing for himself, should come to be called the Great Alwar.

There is only one woman among the Alwars of the Shrivaishnava sect, and she is Andal. It was Vishnuchitta who adopted and brought up the girl. Andal, pure of heart, was the adopted daughter of Vishnuchitta, himself pure of heart-and father and daughter were both fortunate. The adoption of Andaf by Periyalwar is itself a very interesting story.

The Treasure in the Earth

Vishnuchitta returned from Madurai and become once again absorbed in the floral worship of the Lord.

One morning, the sun had just risen and spread his red rays every-where. Vishnu- chitta was working in his garden preparing beds for his Tulasi plants with a spade. He was digging below a big Tulasi plant. The spade struck something and there was a sound. Again, holding the spade firmly, he dug the earth and then removed the mud around. There was a box. He feared that the box might contain money and jewels. But at the same time he thought that with this wealth he could worship God better and was pleased. But yet again he grew nervous and worried because he thought he should not take the treasure. Well, all this must be the will of Vatapatrashayi! 'Whatever is in the box belongs to Him and is for Him only', he decided. When he opened the box,he saw something beyond his wildest dreams. A lovely female baby lay in the box. It shone with a ' divine radiance most pleasing to the eye.

Periyalwar thought that this was the play of the Divine will. He brought the bright baby to his dwelling.

This incident happened about one thousand and one hundred years ago.

After he brought the baby, one after another several thoughts troubled him.

God Alone Should Help It!

There was no woman in the house. Who was to bring up this baby? And how? He did not know how to dandle a child and how to take care of it. Caught in the whirl wind of this thought, the Periyalwar con- cluded that the child was meant to serve God, and that God Himself should help the child. He named the baby ‘Goda'. ('Go' means the 'earth' and 'da' means 'given by') In Tamil he called her 'Kodai' (one who has beautiful hair). He also called her 'Andal' (one who attracts).

Vishnuchitta developed deep affection for the baby. He brought her up with great care and love. He was both father and mother to her and became absorbed in the task of bringing her up.

The First Birth day God's Gracious Gift

Periyalwar never cooked for himself in the house.The prasadam (cooked rice offered to God)given in the Vatapatrashayi temple was his food. The same food was given to Andal also, who became accustomed to it. He wanted her to be associated with God from her infancy.

A year passed. Andal's birthday had to be celebrated. But how was he to do it? He was not able to do anything. God's service and meditation were all he was capable of. He brought the sweet prasadam from the temple and gave it to the child.

He was very happy to see the child Andal eat it with delight. The thought of God and His prasadam always thrilled Andal. Even as a child, meditation on God and His worship absorbed her mind.

Andal's Childhood

As days passed the childiship of Andal delighted the Periyalwar ranks more and more. Sometimes he thought' lam poor. I got this child. Should this child also grow up in poverty?’ This made him gloomy. But he was comforted when he saw that Andal had developed good qualities and was dedicated to the Lord; he thought she was indeed rich and not poor.

Little Andal was always with him. Whenever he went to the garden he took her also with him. He used to tell her stories of God's matchless strength and goodness and mercy. He was delighted when he heard her pronouncing the names of Rama and Krishna. Little Andal used to listen to the stories of Rama and Krishna with rapt attention. Her interest in these stories grew. Her love for God and devotion to Him developed from her childhood itself. Little Andal moving about with tiny steps surprised the Periyalwar himself by her enthusiasm for his work. She gathered the flowers and put them in the basket. The periyalwar used to keep saying, 'Every thing is for God, every thing is for God.' Even while collecting the flowers Andal used to remember Periyalwar's words. While weaving the flowers into garlands she sang like her father. Every time she chose a flower she was happy with the thought that it would adorn God's head or feet. She would identify herself with the flower and begin to dedicate her-self to God. She excelled ven the professional garland-makers in weaving garlands for the Lord.

‘I Too, Must Please the Lord'

One day Periyalwar had prepared a big garland. Andal saw it. She was filled with the desire to wear it. She wanted to please God, as the garland pleased God. But she was afraid of what her father would say. But Periyalwar was not in the hut. Boldly she put on the garland. She looked at herself and thought God might be pleased with her, too. After some time she put the garland back where it had been. She repeated this every day. Every day Periyalwar offered a garland to the Lord; so every day Andal first put it on and then put it back for worship.

'What Has My Daughter done!'

One day Andal put on the garland and said, "This is offered to God." The Periyalwar heard these words and turned to her in wonder. She herself was wearing the garland meant for God! Periyalwar was shocked. He took care to touch the flowers only with his fingers while plucking them and weaving the garland. He would not allow any other part of his hand to touch the flowers, The flowers were for God, and he did not want them to wither by his touch. He used to cover his nose with a cloth while weaving the garland, so that he might
not smell the flowers. He would breathe softly. With such care did he offer the flowers to the Lord. And now his daughter had put on the garland meant for God, and the garland had touched her entire body! On seeing this Periyalwar was takenaback. "Oh, the garland has become defiled," he cried with agony.

"What has my daughter done? She has herself worn the garland meant for God's worship! It is our duty to offer to God only flowers, which are fresh and pure. A crime has been committed! Lord, forgive my ignorant and innocent child," cried out Periyalwar and prayed to God on one side he was unwilling to question his daughter about it, lest she should be unhappy; on the other he felt that she must be told about it; otherwise she would continue
to commit the same mistake every day and incur God's displeasure. After all she was a girl; she might have a natural craving for flowers. The mistake must be corrected. It was his duty as an elderly person tocorrect her, so he thought. He called Andal and told her gently, "Child! What have you done? It is sinful to offer flowers to God after we wear them." Andal was pained and at once said, "Never shall I do this, father," and begged him to forgive her.

The Great beloved who offered Flowers she had worn

That day Periyalwar had not the mind to offer the garland to God. Vatapatrashayi did not get his daily garland. Periyalwar came to God empty-handed and prayed to Him to forgive his daughter who had done wrong in her ignorance.

God Vatapatrashayi seemed to speak. "Periyalwar, the garland worn by your daughter has the sweet fragrance of her devotion and purity; that is the garland I love."

Alwar was very much astonished and was happy. He had been worshipping God for a very long time to gain His grace. And God had responded to the devotion of this young teenaged girl! 'My daughter is very fortunate. She has, gained the grace of God! She has excelled me in divine knowledge! I did not realize this, 'he thought. He was full of repentance. He offered to God the very garland worn by his daughter. From that day God came to be worshiped with the garland which Andal had worn before. She came to be called
'Shoodikkodutta. Naacchiyaar'(the Beloved who first wore the flowers and then offered
them to God). She was very happy. She won over Periyalwar by her qualities and indeed became 'Andal' (one who attracts).

A Light to Friends

Andal was never alone. She wanted her friends also to be devoted to God and love him, as she did. She wanted her girl friends to please God by their sincere devotion, meditation and worship. So she gathered a team of her friends for the Lord's services.

A 'Vrata' (special worship) demands strict discipline. The worship in the month of
Margashira (winter) is of greater virtue than in other months but is particularly difficult.
Margashira and Pushya are winter months. People shiver with cold. Often there is thick fog. To leave the warm bed even a little early in the morning seems difficult. Margashira Vrata requires the devotee to get up early in the morning and meditate on God. Whatever be the difficulties, one who has undertaken this worship must get up early. Andal offered this worship with deep devotion. She trained her friends for this special austere worship. Shri Krishna was the beloved Lord of Andal. She wrote thirty songs of devotion to wake up her Lord and sang them. These songs became famous and are known as 'Tiruppavai' ('Tiru'means the highest; 'Pavai' means devoted worship). It is to her credit that Andal taught her friends the path of devotion to God and introduced congregational worship and prayer.

Andal's Teaching

Andal brought together five hundred thousand women for the devoted service of God. She joined them in their meditation and hymns. She taught them to worship God with love and devotion.

Andal showed an easy way of pleasing God. Not every one can study and understand the Holy Texts. Not every one can serve God by spending money. 'All are equal in the eyes of God. Dedication and love are all that He wants,' said Andal.

Andal would constantly be singing songs in praise of God. She would close her eyes and meditate on God, and forget the world in her meditation. Seeing all this, her father used to admire her devotion. He was happy when he saw Andal always lost in meditation.

Many years passed.

'Shriranganatha is my Husband'

The devotees narrate an interesting story about the marriage of Andal.

Andal grew up. She had to be married. Father Periyalwar also thought about it. "Whom will you marry?" Vishnuchitta asked his daughter.

"The Lord of Shrirangakshetra, Shriranganatha is my husband. I will not accept anyone else as my husband replied Andal. Vishnuchitta heard this with deep concern. 'Where are we and where is Almighty Shriranganatha?’ thought Periyalwar. He prayed God to guide him.

'Andal Has Won My Heart'

One day Periyalwar had a dream. Shriranganatha appeared in his dream and told him, " Andal has won my heart, give her to me in marriage."

Periyalwar's heart was filled with joy. His worries vanished -in no time.But how could he go to Shrirangam? Shrirangak- shetra was nearly two hundred miles away. In those days it was very difficult to travel that long distance. There was no one to help him. What to do?

Periyalwar thought of the Pandya King Vallabhadeva.He sent word to him. He told him about his daughter's decision and the wish of Shriranganatha.He made a request : "I have to go to Shrirangakshetra with my daughter. Please help me." The king was very happy. He considered himself as a member of the bride's party. He made grand arrangements for Periyalwar and his daughter Andal to travel.

The priest of Shriranganatha Temple also had dream: " I am marrying Andal.She must be brought in a grand procession, with all honor," so ordered Shriranganatha. The priest was surprised. But he did not delay. He started at once.

Shriranganatha’s Wife

King Vallabhadeva also came from Shrivilliputtur to join the bridal party. Andal appeared as a bride, wearing splendid ornaments.Periyalwar was very happywhen he saw the grand procession, which came from Shrirangam.

Andal sat in the palanquin. The marriage procession moved to Shrirangam with musicians playing on varied instruments. It reached Shrirangam. People came from many places to witness this grandwedding.

Andal stepped down from the palanquin and stood before Shriranganatha. She was thrilled when she saw her attractive Lord. All watched with bated breath.Themarriage of Andal did take place! Andal dedicated herself to the feet of Lord Shriranganatha. Her dream came true. Shriranganatha accepted her joyfully. Everyone realized the greatness of Andal. Periyalwar was grieved to lose his daughter; but her supreme good fortune in being united with Shriranganatha Himself filled him with joy.

Andal became a Goddess to everybody. She,who had been an ordinary girl,became a deity to be worshipped. There is a beautiful temple of Andal in Shrivilliputtur. By its side is a garden. To this day.Andal is worshipped with the flowers of that garden. The garland worn by Andal the previous day is presented to Vatapatrashayi the next day.

Andall's Garland of Poems

Andal is the person who gave 'Poomaalai' and 'Paamaalai'. Just as she presented the garland of flowers to God after having worn it, she gave Him a garland of songs too. She had been called Goda; the word means not only (one given by the earth' but also 'one who offers words'. The name given to her was justified.

One of Andal's works is called 'Naacchiyaar Tirumoli' ('the song of the Beloved'). It contains 143 songs. This is a collection of beautiful songs ' 'it is not enough if the devotee loves the Lord, the Lord must love the devotee,' this is the desire expressed in the song. Meditation of the Lord has made Andal's mind pure.. 'May God also love me,' is her prayer. She is unable to forget the enchanting form of God. She remembers Him always. She does not want food, she does not want sleep; such is her love of God.'How happy I would be if I am married to God,' she thinks. She imagines that the pomp and the splendor of her marriage with God would excel those of the marriage of monarchs. 'Tirumoli' is a song of rapture - a song that rise' only from the joy of deep devotion to God.

A wedding is a singularly appropriate occasion for the singing of these Tamil songs. Andal's service to Tamil literature is very great. For that reason she has won a very high place in Tamil literature.

'Tiruppavai’

'Tiruppavai' composed by Andal is a very beautiful collection of poems. She prays to Lord Krishna in a variety of ways and calls her fellow devotees to worship.

The Bhagavatha is one of the famous religious books of India. The story of Shri Krishna's childhood is narrated in it; and it contains other stories about Him and His devotees. In one of the stories of the Bhagavatha some girls pray to Durga- katyayinidevi 'May we get good husbands and may we live happily after marriage' - this is their prayer. Andal has made use
of this story.But inTiruppavai the devotee's prayer is different. She prays that God may become her husband. 'May I win Lord Krishna's love!' prays Andal. She prays, 'May Lord Krishna rise from his bed; my heart is His throne; and may He always shine on the throne of my heart! People who worship Shri Krishna believe that He is an incarnation of God. Shri Krishna was Devaki's son. Thinking that Kamsa would kill Krishna,Krishna's father Vasudeva took the baby to Nandagokula and left himthere. Yashoda brought him up in Nanda-gokula. Devaki, who gave birth to Krishna, and Yashoda, who brought him up, were both human beings.Recollecting this Andal prays to Krishna: 'we have come to you. Only you can fulfill our desires. We shall happily sing of the boundless joy you bestowed on us.'

In one of the songs Andal wakes up a friend with these words: 'Birds are flying. Did you not hear the sound of the conch in the temple? All hermits are praising Shri Krishna, who pretending to suck milk killed the Rakshasi (the demon) Pootani. All the sages are praying to Lord Hari (Krishna). So wake up.'

In another poem,Andal says to her friends: 'in the garden behind your house,theflower known as sougandhika has opened its lips. The lotus has closed its lips. The sun has risen. The sanyasis are going to worship God. So wake up. Let us also sing the praise of God.'

Andal prays to God thus: 'it is our desire to worship you in the early morning and offer our services at your feet.You are a protector of cows;accept our lovingservice ; we shall be your servants in every birth.' Tiruppavai attracted all that followed the path of devotion.

Shri Ramanujacharya appreciated it very much. He approved the path of Andal and
followed it.He called her the Ideal Woman. Today the Tiruppavai of Andal is an immensely popular collection of songs.

The Story of a Florist

There is a story -that a seller of flowers attained salvation by preparing beautiful garlands and offering them to Shri Krishna.

There is a city called Mathura in NorthIndia. This is some 300 miles to the south of Delhi. The kings of Chandravamsha (the Moon Dynasty) lived there. Mathura was their capital. Ugrasena was the king.Kamsa was his son. He imprisoned his father and himself became king. Many good people were persecuted by Kamsa.

Kamsa hated Shri Krishna. He wanted to kill him somehow. He kept ready elephants and wrestlers for this purpose. ShriKrishna was in a place calledNandagokula. Kamsa invited Shri Krishna to Mathura.

Shri Krishna and his elder-brother Balarama came to Mathura. As they were village boys, they wore simple clothes. But should they not go to the king's court infine clothes?They saw a washerman of Kamsa 's palace. Krishna and Balarama took fine clothes from him. A little later they saw a hunchback; she used to supply sandal paste to the palace.The brothers got sandal paste from her and applied it to their bodies.

Then they reached the house of the man who supplied flowers to the palace. His name was Sudama, meaning a maker of lovely garlands. He earned his livelihood by selling garlands.

When Balarama and Shri Krishna came to his house, Sudama involuntarily got up and
touched their feet. He gave water that they might wash their hands and feet and then
offered seats.The followers of Shri Krishna who had accompanied him from Nandagokula were also welcomed in the same way.

The florist felt very happy. He said to Shri Krishna, "Lord! My life has now become
meaningful. My house has attained holi- ness. By worshipping you one gains the blessings of all other gods."

Then 'he presented beautiful, colorful garlands to both Shri Krishna and Balarama. The complexion of Shri Krishna was Shyamala (blue black). He wore blue back flowers to match his complexion. Balarama was of fair complexion. He wore flowers to match his complexion. Shri Krishna and Balarama were very happy. " 0 h, Sudama, what do you desire? I will give you whatever you wish," Shri Krishna said to him.

The florist replied,"Lord you are everything to me. I am your devotee. Grant that my
devotion be firm and unwavering. And may I have the compassion to suffer with those that suffer!"

Shri Krishna wondered that Sudama wanted nothing for himself. He Let Your Devotion Find Expression in Hard Work

In this way, both Alwar and Andal set the example of showing devotion to God through hard work. And not only that. They nursed the garden with their unceasing care and hard work. They never forgot that every flower grown in the garden would be offered to God. They looked after every plant and flower as if they were children. And they offered the flowers of these plants to God with devotion.

How many have attained God by hard manual labor? 'God Likes hard labor which is the highway to Vaikunta (God's Place)' - Alwar and Andal exemplified this lesson in their lives.said to him, "I have given you whatever you have asked for. But you must also listen to what I say. Generation after generation, your family will have all that it desires. May your family continue! May you be wealthy so that you can serve God! Be happy and live in peace!"

They Belong to All Mankind

Periyalwar composed songs. Andal also composed songs. In the songs of both of them there is one thing that shows their greatness. In their songs, both of them pray God to eradicate unrighteousness (Adharma)and pray only for righteousness. Is not this the prayer of the people of all countries and all religions?May vice perish, may goodness grow, and may all people live in cooperation, without harming one another - is this not the prayer of all good people ? Such people belong to all religions, they belong to all who desire
the good of all mankind-. Both Alwar and Andal practiced the ideals of selflessness and freedom from all desire, and they set an example for others to follow. It is not wonder that people of all religions and have all times honour them.

The birthday of Andal,which falls on Pubba Nakshatra(star) day in the month of Adi (usually in July) is celebrated every where as 'Tiruvadippoora'.

Even to this day the pleasing idol of Andal can be seen in all Shrivaishnava temples.
The Tiruppavai composed by her is chanted everyday.

The Path of Surrender

Tiruppavai contains the very essence of her way of life; so let us learn something more about it.

Andal took the story of the Vraja girls from the Bhagavata. But while they desired
handsome and loving husbands, Andal desired that God Himself should be her husband. She loves God and God alone. She seeks to become one with Him. Then she will escape from the cycle of births and deaths, she will be free from disease and sorrow. So becoming one with God is supreme bliss; it is the highest goal.

But how can one become one with God? How can one become worthy of being accepted by God?

In the first five hymns Andal explains how one may become so worthy. Both body and mind should be absolutely pure. And God must fill the mind. No other desire, another goal should enter it.

Then Andal preaches total surrender to God. Everyone who is filled with the desire to reach God is like a maiden looking forward to her joyful life with the husband she has chosen. Such a maiden lives only for her husband and wants nothing except to live with him. The devotee who wants to be accepted by God should show the same love and dedication.

Awakening the Lord from his Sleep

Some of the songs are to awaken the Lord. What does this mean - this awakening of God from His sleep? God has to protect the good and punish the wicked. But God is also merciful. Because of His mercy God sometimes does not punish the wicked; so His mercy makes Him inactive. It is this inaction, induced by God's mercy that Andal calls sleep in these hymns. Evil forces grow stronger if the Lord does not help the good people. So she begs God to awaken from His sleep and overcome the forces of evil.

Man Has to Awaken from Sleep, Too

Human beings, too, are lost in sleep. A person's life is mere sleep until he awakens to the greatness and the glory of God. The days and years he spends in seeking other pleasures and objects are like time spent in sleep. When he realizes the greatness of God he is like one who awakens from dreams to the reality. The devotee who has surrendered himself to God finds pleasure in nothing except the thoughts of God.

The Divine Mother

Andal seeks the grace of the Divine Mother. The divine Mother is the gracious teacher and guide of all who seek the Lord. She is full of compassion for one who desires to reach the Lord and through Her the devotee achieves God's grace.

Andal begs Shri Krishna to wake up - to leave his bed and to ascend His throne; the pure heart of the devotee is His throne. The Lord's radiant form, His mercy and His greatness have enchanted the devotees, and Andal invites Him to adorn their hearts.

Beyond Man's Understanding

Reflecting on the story of Lord Krishna, Andal finds much to wonder at. God, who has no birth and no death, was born as the son of a mortal woman, Devaki. He, who is the light of all the worlds, was of dark complexion. He who delivers men from fear was hidden in fear. The Lord of Heaven grew up in cowsheds. Who can understand God's ways?

So Tiruppavai is a song of wonder and love, of prayer and surrender; it sings of God's glory and man's devotion.

A Meaningful Life

Andal was young in years, but she wanted to make her life meaningful. She did not want an empty life- a life spent in eating and drinking and sleep and trivial pleasures. The light of God-love filled her life.

'Andal Utsava' (celebrations) in Shrivilli- puttur is like a grand religious fair. The women of the place participate in the festival with pride. Andal is like a precious jewel among women.




So Shri Krishna blessed the florist. Like this maker of garlands Periyalwar, too, asked for nothing. He also garlands and offered them to God with devotion.

As Sudama went on offering garlands to Shri Krishna and Balarama, saying,'This is lovely, this is lovelier,'so Periyalwar also found fulfillment in presenting flowers to God. He would not give even a single flower to any one except God. Did he not grow angry even with Andal, whom he loved so much, because she wore the garland?