Time

The Aazhwars, the Tamil saint poets who lived between 2 nd and 9 th century AD espoused emotional devotion --Bhakthi ,to Vishnu .Their hymns 4000 in number have been consolidated as Nalayara DivyaPrabhandm. These devotional cum philosophical verses are accorded deep respect at par, along ,with the vedas, by those professing SriVaishavism --a sect of Hindu's who worship Narayana or Vishnu along with his consort Sri or Lakshmi, as the only Supreme being.

There were 12 Aazhwars . They belonged to all castes.

Nammazhwar, a vellalar [ agriculturist] by birth , is held with the highest esteem amongst the aazhwars . He has written more than a 1300hymns. They contain the essence of Veda's and epics. He has made the following observation regarding Time .

ooimin thirai konnarandhu

yendru ullagu aandawar immaiye

tham insuvai madavarai

pirar kolla thamvittu

vemmin olli veiyyil

kanagam poi kumai thinpargal

chemeen choodarmudi

tirumalai veeraindhu adisermin!


Those great emperors,

Who have extracted tributes from others,

In their own life time , have fled in blazing sun,

To forests ,surrendering their wealth and women,

And under went various hardships,

There fore make haste to surrender to the feet of my lord,

The one adorned with a dazzling crown!



Adhi Shankaracharya of 8 th century AD ,who was the embodiment of knowledge and intellect had in his later years realised the efficacy of faith or Bhakthi and has the following observation to make regarding Time

Ma kuru dhana jana yauvana garvam,

Harati nimesat 'kalah' sarvam ,

Maya mayamidam akhilam hitva,

Bramha padam tvam pravisa viditva !


Do not boast of wealth ,friends [power] and youth,

These can be taken away in a flash of Time,

Knowing this world to be under illusion ,

Try to seek the feet of Brahman, the absolute!


Bhaja govindam, baja govindam,

Govindam ,bhaja moodamate!


Worship Govinda, worship Govinda,

Worship Govinda, foolish one!