Blessings to God Himself

This year, the Tamil month of Purattasi (corresponding to Asvija) runs from 17^th September,2009 to 17^th October,2009. It is believed that Tirupati Sri Venkateswara revealed himself to the devotees on the day in this month having the star Sravaranam; hence its importance. The month is observed by fast, prayers etc., especially on the first, third and fifth Saturdays.

Besides his two mothers Devaki and Yasodha, Sri Krishna may be said to have had a third mother as well, namely Periyaalvar. Alvars are the inspired saints who had composed devotional hymns in Tamil on Vishnu. These hymns are being recited in the temples and temple processions in South India even now. The term alvar means “to immerse, to dive, to sink, to be lowered, to be deep.” (Zha is a unique letter, found only in Tamil alphabet). Hence, instead of azhvar, we may, for our present purpose, follow the more usual spelling, alvar.

Periyaalvar sang about Sri Krishna as an infant and a child. These songs presented a pen picture of Krishna’s childhood pranks and other events. These were so graphic that they gave rise to a new poetry category known as Pillay Tamizh (infant/child version Tamil literature). The poet envisages himself as Yasoda herself and invites the readers to participate in the doings of the mischevious child Krishna.

Pallandu pallandu pallayirathaandu

Palakodi noorayiram

Mallanda thintholh manivanna un

Sevadi sevvi thirukkappu

(1-1-1)

Your colour is that of green emerald. You conquered and won the bout against (Kamsa’s) wrestlers. Let the beauty of your red-coloured feet have limitless protection for countless periods.

(Periyaalvar)

The Alvar’s deep devotion made God very dear and near to him; this emboldened the Alvar to invoke blessings on God Himself. In this paasuram, Periyaalvar has envisaged the supreme God who is beyond space and time, coming down to the time-bound universe. Lest this cause Him any injury, the Alvar blesses Him to remain protected till the end of the endless time-phenomenon. Perhaps this is the justification for a devotee venturing to bless God Himself!

In the next Paasuram (1-1-2) he cites a long list of entities to be blessed along with God – Your own obedient devotees, Lakshmi who resides in Your heart, Your disc, Your conch, may all these too remain blessed for all time.

Paasuram (1-1-3): If any good happenings occur for the master, the servants (devotees) carry loads of earth; if any auspicious events befall the master, then also they carry loads of earth and celebrate the inauguration. Likewise they (the servants) rejoice at weddings at the master’s family as if these had taken place in their own family. We offer these two rights to those devotees and invite them to join with us and bless the conqueror of Lanka (reference is to Sri Raama).

Paasuram (1-1-4): Before your body falls to the ground (before you die), if you are so inclined, breaking out of the bonds, you devotees who sing the name Naarayana loudly for all to hear , join with us speedily and bless Him.

Paasuram (1-1-6): For seven generations (my father, grand-father, great-grand father etc), we have been Your obedient servants (devotees).

Thiruvonath thiruvizhaavil

Andhiyampodhil ariuruvaagi

Ariyyai azhitththavanai

Pandhanai theera pallandu pallaayirath

Thaandu enrhu paadudhume

(Periyaalvar)

You killed Hiranyakasipu (a demon) in the evening of the day of the star Tiruvonam (reference to Sri Narasimha). Let us bless Him so as to relieve His tiredness!