Naavakariam - Thirukotiyur Sirappu--By Peria azhwar --Thirumozhi--4-10-4 verses.. 360-- 369 -Meanings

This post is on Pasurums byPeriaazhwar on Thirukoshtiyur. 
  
 
Naavakariam means 'that which should not be spoken'

These verses of Peria aazhwaar describe Thirukotiyoor [near Madurai]and are in praise of the presiding deity ---Vishnu--. They also praise the devout and chide the indifferent and non believers.



They are as follows---           NAVAKARIAM
                                              நாவகாரியம்      
 
                                        THIRUKOTIYUR SIRAPPU:
                                         திருக்கோட்டியூர் சிறப்பு :

  தனியன் :

               குருமுக  மன்தீத்ய பராஹ  வேதா  நாசேஷன் ,
               நரபதி  பரிக்கிலுப்தம்   சுல்க மாததாது காம :
                சவசுர    மமரவந்த்யம்  ரங்கநாதஸ்ய ஸாக்ஷத்
               த்விஜகுல திலகம் தம் விஷ்ணு சித்தம் நமாமி .
                    -----------                நாதா முனி அருளியது

                                        -------------------------------        

360**நவகாரியம் சொல்லில்லாதவர்  நாடொறும்  விருந்தோன்புவர் ,
தேவகாரியம்  செய்து வேதம் பயின்று வாழ் திரு கோட்டியூர்
மூவர் காரியமும் திருத்தும் முதல்வனை சிந்தியாத அப்
பாவகாரிகளை படைத்தவன் எங்ஙனம் படைத்தான் கோலே ?


360.Why did Brahma create those sinners who spare no thought to the deity at Thirukotiyoor,

Who is the upholder and leader of all three eternal duties.

And is residing at the place where the devotees do not let loose their tongues to speak falsehood or flattery or hurt others with their stinging words,

And where the devout chant Vedas ,are always involved in pious acts and extend their warm hospitality to all guests ,every day.

**361-- குற்றமின்றி குணம் பெருக்கி குருக்களுக்கு அனுகூலராய் ,
              செற்றமொன்று மிலாதவன் கையினார்கள் வாழ்திரு கோட்டியூர்
              துற்றியேழுல குண்ட தூமணிவண்ணன்  தன்னைத் தொழாதவர் ,
               பெற்றதாயார் வயிற்றினை பெருநோய் செய்வான் பிறந்தார்களே .

361.Guile less and faultless , always engaged in improving their nature, serving their guru's obediently,

Bereft of jealousy, generous in giving alms , are the residents of Thirukotiyoor!

The Bhagwan bearing the colour of blue Sapphire and the 'Bhagwan' who swallowed 7 worlds is enshrined in the temple of this sacred place!

Those who neither acknowledge his presence nor worship him are born only to cause great pain and misery to their mother's womb.

362**வண்ண நன் மணியும் மரகதமும் அழுத்தி நிழலெழும் ,
திண்ணை சூழ் திருக்கோட்டியூர்த் திருமாலவன் திருநாமங்கள் ,
எண்ணக்  கண்ட விரல்களால்  இறைப்பொழுதும்  எண்ணகில்லாதுபோய் ,
உண்ணக்  கண்டதம் ஊத்தை வாய்க்கு கவளம் உந்து கின்றார்களே.


362.The pyols[thinnai] that are studded with gems of many hues as well as with emeralds, flashing their lights,
Abound and surround the temple at Thirukotiyoor ,where Sriman Narayana is enshrined !

To chant whose sacred names is the purpose for which one is provided with fingers, to calculate and meditate,

Instead these fingers are being used only to shove in food into foul smelling mouths. How abhorrent!


363**உரக மெல்லணையான் கையிலுறை  சங்கம்போல் மட அன்னங்கள்
          நிரைக்கணம் பரந்தேறும்  செங்கமல வயல் திருக்கோட்டியூர் ,
          நரகநாஸனை நாவிற் கொண்டழையாத  மானிட சாதியர் ,
         பருகுநீரும்  உடுக்கும் கூறையும் பாவஞ்செய்தன தாங் கொலோ !

363 .The fields and ponds of red lotuses of Thirukotiyur are full of white swans,

That are as white and pure as the conch held by the 'One' lying on the bed formed by Adisesha,

The deity reigning in this temple is capable of destroying intolerable pain and misery.

The 'water' drunk and the 'clothes' worn and the 'houses' sheltering those men who do not call him out by their tongue , have definitely sinned in the past to be of service to such men.


**364-- ஆமையின் முதுகத்திடைக்குதி  கொண்டு தூமலர் சாடிப்போய் ,
              தீமை செய்திளவாளைகள்  விளையாடு நீரத் திருக்கோட்டியூர் ,
              நேமிசேர்  தடங் கையினானை நினைப்பிலாவலி  நெஞ்சுடை ,
              பூமி பாரங் களுண்ணுஞ்  சோற்றினை வாங்கிப் புல்லை திணிமினே .

364. Beautiful fishes jump over turtles back ,dashing against dainty flowers and splash around playfully in the ponds of Thirukotiyur!

Those who do not meditate on the deity of this idyllic place are a burden on this earth.

Seize their food and stuff their mouth with grass.


**  365---பூதமைந்தொடு  வேள்வியைந்து புலன்களைந்து பொறிகளால்
                ஏதமொன்றும் இலாதவண் கையினார்கள் வாழ்திரு கோட்டியூர்
                நாதனை நரசிங்கனை நவின்றேத்துவார்கள் உழக்கிய
                பாத தூளி  படுதலால் இவ்வுலகம்  பாக்கியம் செய்ததே .

365.    The residents of Thiru kotiyur have within their grasp the---

5 elements,-[-earth, water, fire , wind and sky]; 5 services ---[reciting Vedas, propitiating Devas by Agni homams, feeding dogs, cats and crows, remembering ancestors by performing pithru tharpanam and dedicate a partof their food ,and feeding guests]; 5 senses ---[taste, sight,touch, sound and smell], 5 medium of senses --[mouth,eyes,nose,ears,and mind].

And are without any fault or blemish.

Narsimha the leader of all has risen here .

The entire world is blessed by the footsteps of persons ,who are ardently devoted and worship wholeheartedly Narsimha enshrined in here!


** 366 -குருந்த மொன்றொசித் தானொடும் சென்று கூடியாடி விழாச்செய்து
               திருந்துநான் மறையோர் இராப்பகல் ஏத்தி வாழ் திருக்கோட்டியூர்
              கருந்தட முகில் வண்ணனை கடைக்கொண்டு தொழும் பக்தர்கள்
              இருந்தவூரில் இருக்கும்மானிடர்  எத்தவங்கள் செய்தார் கோலோ !

366. What austerities and penances did all those perform to be blessed to reside at this holy place where,

The devotees of 'Bhagwan' who is as dark as rain bearing clouds, live,

And worship him day and night reciting the Vedas and performing all the rituals and festivals and dancing joyously ,together?


**367--நளிர்ந்த சீலன் நயாசலன் அபிமானதுங்கனை  நாடொறும்
           தெளிந்த செல்வனை சேவகங்கொண்ட செங்கண்மால்திருக்கோட்டியூர்
           குளிரிந்துறைகின்ற கோவிந்தன்குணம் பாடுவாருள்ள நாட்டினுள்
          விளைந்த தானியமும் இராக்கதர் மீது கொள்ள கிலார்களே .


367. Persons who are pure and good natured ,never swerving from the path of justice ,

Are residing at Thirukotiyur where the red eyed Sriman Narayana has risen to bless all,

Since such persons are at all times singing the virtuous qualities of Govinda,

Even Asura's lose their strength and are unable to rob and carry away the grains grown in here!


**368--கொம்பினார் பொழில் வாய்க்குயிலினம் கோவிந்தன் குணம் பாடுசீர்
             செம்பொனார் மதிள்சூழ் செழுங்கழனி யுடைத் திருக்கோட்டியூர்
             நம்பனை நரசிங்கனை நவின் றேத்துவார்களை கண்டகால்
           எம்பிரான்றன சின்னங்கள் இவர் இவரென்றாசைகள் தீர்வனே

368. The koels in the groves of Thirukotiyur sing the qualities of Govinda

The place is reef with ponds reddened by lotuses flowering in profusion and is guarded on all sides by thick compound walls,

When I see the devotees of Narsimha , the Bhagwan enshrined within the temple

They appear as symbols of god himself !By seeing them I satisfy my life long quest!


** 369--காசின்வாய்க்கரம் விற்கிலும் கரவாது மற்றிலி சோறிட்டு    

           தேசவார்த்தை படைக்கும் வண்கையினார்கள்   வாழ் திருக்கோட்டியூர்

          கேசவ !புருடோத்தமா !கிளர் சோதியாய் ! குறள அ என்று
         பேசுவார் அடியார்கள் எந்தமை விற்கவும் பெறுவார்களே .

369.Kasin vaaikaram virkillum karavaadu matrri sorittu,
Desa vaarthai padaikum vankaiyinaargal vazh thirukotiyur,
Kesava!Purotothama! Kilar jodhiyai! kuaralla yendru,
pesuvaar adiyargal yendhamai virkavum peruvaargal,

meaning--

When a fistful of grains are sold at high prices as during famines,

The residents of Thirukotiyur are famous all over the country for giving their food to the needy,without hiding or securing for themselves their scarce resources and without expecting any thing in return!

To all these residents of Tirukotiyur who worship Bhagwaan calling aloud ,

Kesava! Purushotama! The self illumined One! Vamana!,

I am willing to sell and enslave myself and do their bidding!


**370--சீதநீர் புடைசூழ செழுங்கழனியுடை த்  திருக்கோட்டியூர்
              ஆதியானடி யாரையும் அடிமையின்றித்திரி வாரையும்
            கோதில் பட்டர்  பிரான் குளிர்புதுவை மன் விட்டுசித்தன்  சொல்
            ஏதமின்றி உரைப்பவர்கள் இருடீகேசனுக் காளரே .

 All those who recite faultlessly the above pasurams of Peria azhwar about the virtuous qualities of devotees of  -The first and foremost Bhagwan --Sriman Naryana and who are living in Thirukotiyur which is land of plenty and also about the indifference of  its other inhabitants towards Sriman Narayana,  are none other than the true devotees of Hrishikesa.


       பெரிய ஆழ்வார் திருவடிவளே சரணம்
        PERIA AZHWAR THURUVADIGALE SARNAM.

*~~~~~~~~~~~*
*On top the temple at Thirukottiyoor.Bottom.Thirukotiyoor village as seen from the 2 nd floor of the temple

Immersed!

Aazhwaar literally means 'one who is immersed'!

It was my original intention to translate a few of the popular hymns of Aazhwaars and then get back to my 'observation desk'.

How ever the magnetic pull of the Aazhwars deep and unflinching devotion , their breath taking breadth of knowledge -spiritual, scriptural and traditional and their incredible poetry has contrived to immerse me deeply into their hymns!

These holy men and saints are a shining example of the following verses from the Gita--

Aham sarvasya prabhavo mattah sarvam pravartate|
Iti matva bhajante mam budha bhava -samanvitah....................8

Meaning--
I am the source of all beings, from me all these go forth,
knowing thus the wise one's worship me ,being filled with ecstatic devotional fervour!

Further,

With their minds engrossed and their vital energies deeply involved in me , they are ever contented and delighted by mutually conversing about Me and enlightening each other thereby.

I bestow intuitive understanding to those who thus serve me,by which they come to me!

And I destroy the darkness born of ignorance in them by the brilliant lamp of wisdom!

[8,9 10 and 11 th hymns from 10 th chapter of Gita.]

Thirumizhsai Aazhwar's hymn in praise of ulagalandaperumal --Thiru ooragam at Kanchipuram

Thirumizhsai Aazhwar one of the 12 revered Vaishnavaite saint has sung 120 hymns compiled under the tittle Thiruchanda vrittam.He is contemporary of the early three aazhwars. Dated at 5 th cent AD.

The following hymn is in praise of Vishnu enshrined in Ullagaallanda perumal koil.

Nanrirundu yoganeedhi nanuvargal sindaiyul,
sendrirundha theevinaigal theertha devadevane'!
kundrirundu maadanedu padagathum ooragathum,
nindri irundu vekannai kidandu yenna neermaye'!.......................[814]

Meaning.

Leader of Deva's ! One who enters the thoughts of those who practise the yoga of meditation,

And extinguishes the results of evil deeds!

Isn't it your kindness that you chose to reside in the place that has houses as tall as peaks,

In Padagam[pandavar temple at Kanchipuram]Oooragam [ullagalandar koil],and Thiruvekka[sonavanam seida perumal temple at kanchipuram].................................[63] Ulagallanda perumal vimanam and temple at Kanchipuram at

Thirumangai Azhwar's hymn in praise of Vaikuntanathar at Kanchipuram

The following hymn is from Peria Thirumozhi---[2-10-9]

Solluvan sotruporul thanavaiya suvai
ooru voli natramum thotramumai,
nallaran nallaran nanmugan naranakku
idanthan thadam choozhinda azhagiya kachi
pallavan villavanyendru ulagil palaraipala vendar vanagunkhazhal
pallavan mallaiyarkon panindu paramesuara vinnagarmaduve'.......................1128


The translation.

The leader of mantra's chanted aloud as well as the inner meaning of Veda's ,

Who is within taste, sound, smell ,form and motion!

Who is also within the four faced Brahma,

Is also within the Parameswara vinnagram[ancient name of Vaikuntanathar temple] which is in the picturesque town of Kanchipuram,

And is worshipped by brave and mighty Pallava rulers --Pallavan and Villavan!...........(1.)


Viakuntanathar temple at kanchipuram.

Docile.

On my return from Kanchipuram I noticed that the national highways is losing its sheen and is being allowed to go to seed. The ,once green plants with flowers blooming in profusion in the space between the dividers have for a large part withered away.

As we entered Chennai , Amma smiled sattvicaly from huge bill boards at various points.In one such, were two lions standing at her feet, looking as docile as a sheep.

Assurance

As I sank into the velvety grass soaking in the greenery ,slaking my parched eyes , for a moment's respite , I could visualise the dark and wiry Thirumangai Azhwaar pouring his heart out to Vaikuntanathar in hymns inspired at the very moment by the reigning deity at this very place.It was very reassuring even though a enormous gap of time has lapsed since then.

Hieun tsang.

As I circumbulated the inner corridor around the main shrine that has several statues in various stages of disintegration , a old priest on seeing the camera in my hand directed to me the corner where Hiuen stang the famous Chinese traveller has been immortalised in stone !

It is sad to see the defaced statues . Where a nose should be there are gaping holes. Most of them have dismembered limbs. Some attempts have been made to patch and plaster them . Time takes its toll.Vishnu's image at the entrance of ranganathar's shrine
The image of Hieun tsang with an umbrella. [17.5.11]

Vaikuntanathar temple------Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is full of temples and I decided to visit Vaikuntanathar temple, the oldest temple in here , dating back to 6 th cent AD , built by Pallavas.

Well ,kept lush green lawns bordered by violet coloured flowers smiling over rows of hedges surrounding the entire temple which is under ASi ,was cool and welcoming.

Our luck was in store! The temple's another shrine ---of Ranganathar located at the first floor was open to public today , in honour of the Garuda seva of Vardharajar, though it is normally open only on Ekadesi's.This information was given by two young priests at the main shrine . Like every where else there are more and more young faces in priest hood and lesser lesser of old one's.
After paying obeisance of VAikuntanathar we climbed the steep steps to see SriRanganathar. The Moolavar was very small and compact! Unlike the huge and majestic one's I am accustomed to seeing at Srirangam , Thirumaiyyam or moderate size of moolavar at Thiruvallur, koiladdi and so on.

[17 .5 11]

Gopuram of Vardaraja perumal at Kanchipuram

To push through the milling crowd of lakhs of devotees and to stand in serpentine queue for the darshan of Moolavar --the deity within --with the heat rising by the second was too daunting a prospect and so the desire for entering the temple was shelved,with a feeling of disappointment and reserved for another day.

Garuda sevai. 17.5.11

Hoping to see the processional deity of Sri Varadharajaperumal on Garuda vahanam, we slipped out early in the morning.The traffic wasn't threatening ,however Kanchipuram was brimming with people and vehicular traffic.

Even though an local holiday had been declared at Kanchipuram, for the most important festival of Vardharaja perumal ---'Garuda sevai'.Every millimetre of the space on the side as well as the middle of the streets through which the deity was to be taken in procession was occupied.

The devouts whiled away the time downing cups of salted buttermilk, a heaven send in this terrible heat of mid May, distributed generously by groups of people as a seva ! Paper plates heaped with sambhar and curd rice as well as sweet pongal and payasam in dhonnai's---leaf cups, were also handed around liberally to any one stretching their arm towards the willing donors.

Vedic chants by Brahmin priests heralded the arrival of Sri Varadharajar on Garuda,over the palanquin borne by able bodied men.I had a good darshan at the brief halt of the procession on the road side.

Like the Garuda seva at Tirumala the Garuda seva of Vardharajar is also the most important festival of all festivals performed in the temple through out the year.

PeriyazhwarThirumozhi ---360-370---Naavaakariam.

These verses describe Thirukottiyur and are in praise of the presiding deity as well as the devout.They chide the indifferent and nonbelievers.

5.
Graceful fishes jump over the turtles back dashing against dainty flowers ,

And splash around playfully in the ponds of Thirukotiyoor

Those who do not meditate on the deity of this idyllic place ,

Are a burden on this earth.Seize their food and stuff their mouth with grass!

The verse. [364]

Aamai yin mudukathidaigudi kondu thoomalar sadipoi,
theemai seidila vallaigal vilaiyadu neer thirukotiyoor,
nemiser thadang kaiyinnai ninaipilavali nenjudai,
bhoomi bharangalunnum sotrinai vaangi pullai thinimino.

PeriyaazhwaarThirumozhi----- 328--337 Mayanai kanda suvadu uraithal.

In these 10 verses Periya aazhwaar challenges the theory that the various avatars of Vishnu is only a myth, by directing such doubters to those who people who have actually seen or perceived the Avataars.

3.
If you are searching for the one who broke the tusk of the rogue elephant[kuvalayapeetam]and destroyed huge armies of his enemies,

And One [Rama]who is capable of piercing seven trees in a row with a single arrow,

Then proceed to the shores where monkey's built a bridge over the sea with huge boulders ,

You will find people, who have seen him there in!

The verse.--[330]

Kolaiyanai kombharitthukodalar senai porudozhia,
silaiyaal marmaara meidevannai chikena naaduthirel,
thalaiyal kuarakinam thangi sendru thadvarai kondadaipa,
alaiyaar kadarkarai veetru irundavanai anguithai kandarulaar!

330--கொலையானைக்   கொம்பு  பறித்துக்  கூடலர் சேனை பொருதழிய ,
சிலையால் மராமர மெய்த தேவனை சிக்கென நாடு திரேல் ,
தலையால் குரக்கினம் தாங்கி சென்று தடவரை கொண்டைப்ப ,
அலையார் கடற்கரை வீற்றிருந்தானை அங்குத்தை கண்டாருளர் .




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Yellaiyil mayanai ethum peru--- PeriyaazhwarThirumozhi --371--380.

In these 10 verses Periya aazhwaar advises a householder ,the ways to overcome the fear of death at the hands of Yama ---The lord of Southern direction and God of death.

I have translated few of them.

                                                  எல்லையில் மாயனை ஏத்தும் பேறு

                                                       Yellaiyil mayanai yethum peru.

                  

371"My mother, my father, my children , my wife , my land and property " may have been the names on the lips of a person attached to them all his life.

If at the time of death when all his senses are reeling and dimming , he does not call them but instead thinks and utters the following names---

Kesava! Purushothama! Varahamoorthy!

Then that house holder , though having never worshipped or even spared a thought of Gopala in his lifetime,is however sure to reap great benefits,

The benefits accrued would be so infinite that it is humanly impossible to list them!..... 1.

The verse.

                               

371--ஆ சைவாய்  சென்ற  சிந்தையராகி அன்னை யத்தன் என்  புத்திரர்  பூமி ,
         வாசவர்  குழாலா ளென்று மயங்கி மாளும் எல்லை கண், வாய் திறவாதே ,
        கேசவா  !புருடோத்தமா !என்றும் கேழலாகிய  கேடிலீ  என்றும் ,
     பேசுவாரவர் எய்தும் பெருமை பேசுவான் புகில் நம்பர மன்றே .

Aasaivai sendra sindhaiyaraghi annai yuthan yen puthirar bhommi,

vasavaar kuzhalyendrum mayangi mallum yellai vai thiravadhe,

Keasave! purutothama ! yendrum khezhalaghi kedili yendrum,

Pesavaaravar yeidhum perummai pesuvaan pugil nambhar mandre'. 371.


377. The lord of south's messengers will come claiming your life,

They will beat you mercilessly and tie you with a thick rope and drag you like a ox !

Before that if you chant the sacred names and think of the sublime qualities of Madhusudhan,who is the overlord of Yama,

The darkness caused by fear will dispel and the light of wisdom will dawn!

You will be assured of a place at the blissful feet of Vishnu,along withNityasuri's [ free souls ]

The verse in Tamil.[377]  தென்னவன் தமர் செப்பமிலாதார் சே அதக்குவார் போலப் புகுந்து ,
         பின்னும் வன் கயிற்றால் பிணித் தெற்றிப் பின் முன்னாக இழுப்பதன் முன்னம் ,
இன்னவன்  இனையானென்று சொல்லி எண்ணி உள்ளத்து திருளற நோக்கி ,
மன்னவன் மதுசூதனனென்பார்  வானகத்து  மன்றாடிகள் தாமே .
     

thennavan thamar seppamiladhar se adakuvar pola pugundu,
pinnum vankayatril pinnithetri pin munnaga izhupathan munnam,
innavan innaiyanyendru solli yenniulla thirullara nokki,
mannavan Madhusudhan yenbar vannagathu mandradigal thame.


378.Before you are wrapped in new clothes from head to foot and placed on the bier and taken to the cemetery,

And before your relatives converge around you weeping and lamenting ,only about your good deeds,

Like a pack of jackals hovering around a pot full of jaggery syrup,

If you merge yourself with Govinda , One who is adorned by Kaushika bead, by placing him in your heart,

Then you can cross over Yama's region!

The verse. [378] கூடி கூடி  உற்றார்களிருந்து குற்றம் நிற்க  நற்றங்கள் பறைந்து ,
பாடிப் பாடியோர் பாடையிலிட்டு  நரிபடைக்கொரு  பாகுடம் போலே ,
கோடி மூடி எடுப்பதன் முன்னம் கௌத்துவம் உடை கோவிந்தனோடு ,
கூடியாட உள்ளத்ததரானால் குறிப்பிடம்  கடந்துய்யலுமாமே .

Koodi koodi utrargalirindu kutram nirka natrangal paraindu,
padi padiyor padailittu naripadaikuoru pagudum pole,
kodi moodiyedupadhan munnam cowthavum udaiGovindanodu,
koodi ada ullatharanaal kurripidum kadandu vuilolame



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Kaasum karaiyudai -- Periyaazwar Thirumozhi--- 381 to390.

On naming a child! There are 10 verses. I have translated 5 of them.


                                       காசும் கறையுடை --          6 ஆம் திருமொழி

                                      பெரிய ஆழ்வார் திருவடிகளே சரணம் .


1--காசும் கறையுடைக் கூறைக்கும்  அங்கோர் கற்றைக்கும் ,
         ஆசையினால் அங்கவத்தப் பேரிடும்தர்காள்                                                                கேசவன் பேரிட்டு நீங்கள் தேனித் திருமினோ ,
நாயகன் நாரணன் தம் அன்னை  நரகம் புகாள்................381

1. O despicable one's, in return for money, clothes and grains

You are naming your children after lowly persons!

With utmost devotion , name your children after the sacred names of Kesava [vishnu],

If you name your children after 'Naryana' , the leader of all,

Then their mother will be saved and will not enter hell!

2--  அங்கொரு கூறை யரை குடுப்பதனாசையால்  ,
          மங்கிய மானிட ஜாதியின்  பேரிடும்  ஆதர்காள் ,
          செங்கண் நெடுமால் !சிரீதரா !வென்ற அழைத்தகால் ,
          நங்கைகாள் !நாரணன் தம் அன்னை நரகம் புகாள் ...........382

2..O foolish men , driven by the desire to wear rich clothes,

You are naming your children on receiving such trivial gifts, after mean minded men !

All of whom belong to the race that is sure to be destroyed ,one day or the other!

If you name and call your children --"Thirumaale"! or"Sridhara"!,

Then ladies, the child's mother that bears Narayana's name will never enter hell!


4--மானிட  ஜாதியில் தோன்றிற்றோர்  மானிட ஜாதியை
மானிட ஜாதியின் பேரிட்டால் மறுமைக்கில்லை,
வானுடை மாதவா !கோவிந்தா !என்றழைத்தல்கால் ,
நானுடை நாரணன் தம் அன்னை நரகம் புகாள் ..............384.

4.If the child that is born in the human race, is named after human beings ,

That child has no scope of attaining merits even in its next birth,

It can, only If you name and call your child as "Madhava"or as" Govinda"

My leader Narayana , whose name the child bears ,will save its mother from entering hell!



6--நாடும் நகரும் அறிய மானிடர்  பேரிட்டு ,
கூடியழுங்கிய குழியில் வீழ்ந்து வழுக்காதே ,
 சாடிறப்  பாய்ந்த தலைவா !தாமோதரா !என்று ,
நாடுமின் நாரணன் தம் அன்னை நரகம் புகாள் ..........386

6.By naming your child after human beings, that is common and known only to your country men and in hell,

You will be getting attached to such men and will fall into bottom less pits along with them!

Hence adorn your child with the name "Damodhara"My leader who defeated the asura sukatasura and call him as such wholeheartedly

Then the mother of that child will not enter hell!


8--நம்பி பிம்பியென்று நாட்டு மானிட பேரிட்டால் ,
நம்பும் பிம்பு மெல்லாம் நாலு நாளில் அழுகிப்போம் ,
செம்பெருந் தாமரை கண்ணன் பேரிட்டுழைத்தக்கால் ,
நம்பிகாள் !நாரணன் தம் அன்னை நரகம் புகாள் .........388

8. If you name your child 'Namb'i or 'Bimbi' after your kinsmen,

The very endeavour is futile, as all men are sure to decay, one day or the other.

If you name your child with the names of the ,

One with lotus like red eyes ---Sri Krishna ,then,

Sensible one's ! Then the mother of the child that bears the name " Narayana" will never enter hell !

The Tamil verses in  English .

Narana namam thandarmarku idunalam.

1.Kasum karaiudai kooraikkum angor katraikum,

Asai innal angavathu peridum adarkaal ,'

Kesavan perittu nengal theni thirumeeno ,

nayagan naranan thamannai naragampugaal.

2'. Angu voru koorai yaraikudupadhan aasaiyal,

mungia manuda sadhiyin peridum adharkaal,

sengam nedumaal ! Sridhara ! vendra azhaithaal,

nangai naal! naranan thamannai naragam pugaal!

4. Manida sathiyil thondrit vor manida sathiyai,

maanida sathiyin perittaal marumaikillai,

vanudai Madhava! Govinda! yendruazhaithalkaal,

naanudai naranan tham mannai naragam pugaal!

6.Naadum nagarum ariya manidar perittu,

koodiyazhunghi koozhiyil veezhindu vazhukathe,

sadiru paayindha thalaiva! Damodhara! yendru,

naadumun naranan thamannai naragam pugaal!

8.Nambi bimbi yendru nattu maanida perittal,

nanbhum bimbumyellam naalu nallil azhughi pom,

semperun thamarai Kannan perit azhaithaal,

nambhikaal ! naranantham annai naragampugaal1

Periya aazhwaar.

He is one of the 12 revered aazhwaars belonging to 7 th centuryAD . He is also popular as the father of Andaal, the only woman vaishnavaite saint.Periya Aazhwaar has to his credit nearly 500 verses. the most famous of them is the hymn of 12 verses blessing Narayana with several100 crore years of reign and supremacy.

Pallandu pallandu palla kodi noor aandu---is the begining of the verse in Tamil.

Apart from Thirupallandu he has written Thirumozhi, 461 in number, which mainly seek to potray the experiences of Yasodha as the mother of Sri Krishna ,as divined by Peria azhwar ,in touching verses.

I have attempted to translate few other hymns from Thirumozhi.

Please note.

In my attempt to translate Aazhwaars pasurams from Tamil to English, relying upon its abridgement as well as their plain reading [and not their special and inner meanings] I may have made some mistakes ,unwittingly and unknowingly. My knowledge of Tamil is at the most, of high school level.

Hence I request my viewers, scholars and devotees to bear with

me and to kindly excuse my errors.I willingly stand corrected where ever I may have erred.

Thank you.

Thirunedunthandagum----1

Of Thirumangai Aazhwaar's compilation of 30 hymns known as Thirunedunthandagum I have translated the following hymn.

First he made me realise that whatever I see in this world are as short lived as a flash of lightening,

Then he gifted the four Vedas as the leading light to dispel the darkness eclipsing all human beings,

Then he gave the bliss and tranquility that the sight of the cool white moon rise,would,

He bestowed upon me the sense of hearing , meditating and concentrating ,

and directed me towards the 24 th principle that is 'Atman' ,

He showed me a way out of this wordly life which is full of sorrow like disease ,old age and so on,and to overcome thecycle of birth and death,

His golden form and pearl like beauty encourages me to meditate on him,

He is in all 5 elements ---air, water, fire, earth and ether,

In the form of water He is accessible to all.

In the form of fire , he is detached.He is self illuminated.In all his forms he is within me!

His lotus feet that rests on my head, is the only ornament I will ever need!

The verse.

Minnuruvai munnuruvil vedam nangai,

vilakoliyai mulaithuyezhundu thingal thaannai,

pinnuruviyai munnuruvitra pinni moopilam ,

pirapillaaiirapadhirke yennadha yennum ,

ponnuruviyai maniyurivir poodamaindhai,

punalooruvai anul ooruvil thigazhum jothi Than ooruvai yenooruvil nindra yendai,

thalir puraiyum yen thalaimele'!

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Peria Thirumoazhi--Thiruvengadam--4 (7)

O heart ,I am thankful that you chose Srinivasa to worship

One,who is within the sun , making him shine! Who resides in Thirumala where bees sing and hum,

And not the gods [opposed to Vedas] of those men who spend all their time in long winding arguments and debates ,

And thrust their views under every one's throat along with their only offering, curd rice!

The verse.

Tharukinaal saman siedhu soruthan tayirinaal thiralai midaritridai,

nerukku varalakkanadhukandu yen nenjamyenbhai!

marutkal vandugal padum vengadam koil kondathanodum vaanidai,

Arukkan mevi nirpadarkku adimai thozhil poondaye!

Peria thirumozhi--thiruvengadam--3 (9)

You came and conquered my heart! You are permanently stationed therein
The Bright light that never dims! One who resolves all our woes!
'O' the peerless pearl who grants all our boons instantly,
One who is in Tirumalai. Here after I will never let go of you!

The verses.

Vandai yenmanam pugundai manni nindrai,
nandada khozhunchudare! Yen Nambi!
chintamaniye! thiruvengadam meyayendai,
ini yaan unnai yendrum videin!

Peria thirumozhi---9.

I have nothing .I have no support. I kept sinning and have become a total sinner,
Mayane! I know none other than you. My Madhava!
Venkateswara! I have no other means but to surrender myself at your place ,
Where honey flows from caves in rapid streams and mingles in the mountain springs ,that has lotuses blooming in profusion!
Take over me! Take care of me !

The verse in Tamil.

PAtrel ondrumillen pavame seidhu paviannen,
matrelondru ariyen mayane! yengal madhavane1
kalthen paindhu vozhugum kamalsunnai vengatava!
atren vandhtaindhen -adiyennai aat konduarullave!

Peria Thirumozhi-- -8.

When I was a ignorant lad I perpetrated a lot of wicked deeds,
As I grew older I became poorer and poorer working for the benefit of my family.
'O' Venkateswara who is in Tirumalai which is surrounded by thick fragrant foliage and is the abode of elephants ,
Hari! I have reached your place Take over me and show me, your compassion!

The verse.

Theriyen palaganai pala theeimai seiddhumitten,
Periyenanapin pirarukke uzhaithu yezhai annen,
kariser poom pozhil chooz kanamamalai Vengatava,
Ariye! vandhdaindhen adiyennai aatkondarule

Peria Thirumozhi---thiruvengadam---4.

I am tired and fatigued by my repeated births and deaths in all communities,
I have nothing worthy or noble on my person.I haven't done a single good deed ,
One who is presiding over the hills whose pathways are always hidden by clouds,
Venkateswara!After aimlessly wandering around I have entered your precincts. Take over me and bless me!


The verse.
Kullanannaithanaiyum pirande irande teithu vozhinden,
nalanthnondrumillen nalla thor aram seidhum illen
nilam thoi neel mughil ser neriyaar thiru vengatava!
allandhen vandhtaindhen adiyennai aat kondu arrule!

Peria Thirumozhi --Thiruvengadam 3.

Without any purpose I killed and murdered several people,
I have no memory of my ever speaking sweet or kind words to those seeking alms,
One who is presiding over the mighty hills, that always has cool clouds floating by ,
Though I have no good deed to my credit .Venkateswara!
I have surrendered at your feet . Enslave and bless me!

The verse in Tamil.

Kondren pala ooyirai kurikolindrilamaiyinal,
yendrenum irandharku innidhaga uraithariyen,
kuntrei megamadir kulir mamalai venkatava!
andre vandu adainthen adiyennai aat kondu arrul.

Peria Thirumozhi---Thiruvengadam---2

These are 10 verses describing Tirumala and dedicated to Venkateswara. I have translated few of them .

1. I became diseased and destroyed myself due to my attachments to my mother, father, wife and children,
I have come here with the desire of seeing you and seeking your refuge ,
One who is presiding over the temple surrounded by bamboo forests and gardens of flowers,
Thiru Venkatava! I am worse than a dog ! Kindly take over me and bless me!


The verse.

Thaye thandai yendrum tharame kilaimakkal yendrum,
noiye patu ozhinden nunnai kanbhadorasai il,
veye poompozhil choozh viraiyar thiruvenkatava!
nayen vandhu adhainthen nalki aal yennai kondu arule.

Peria thirumozhi---9.

It will confer on you ,high tittles! It will give you wealth! All the sorrows you have experienced will be razed to the ground!,
It will take you to lofty realms,
It will give you the capacity to realise the self and also several other good merits!
It will do more good to you than the mother who has given birth to you.
It is the sacred word I have realised and discovered. The holy name --Narayana!


The verse.

kulam tharum selvam thanthidum adiyar paduthuyaraayinavellam,
nilantharanch siyum neelvigam paralum arulodu peru nilamallikum,
vallantharum matrunthidum petra tahyin ayina seium,
nalantharum solainaan kandu konden Narayana yennum namam!

Peria thirumozhi--8.

I did not study any scripture or acquire any art form,I channelised my mind only towards objects that attracted my 5 senses,
Due to this, I reaped a delirious mind that was unable to discriminate between right and wrong,
I wandered around plotting about ways and means by which I could harm others,
Now,thankfully I have avoided further infamy by securing for myself the support of the sacred name Narayana!


The verse in Tamil.

Katrilen kalaigal, aimpulan karudhum karuttule thiruthinen manathai,
petrilen adhanal pedaiyen nanmai,peru nilatharoir kellam,
setrame vendithiritharven , thavirthen selkadhiku vuoomarenni,
nalthunai aaga patrinen adiyen Narayana vennum namam!

Peria Thirumozhi--mudar pathu---1

I withered away in deep sorrow worrying about this impermanent body,
I united with young women ,chasing them tirelessly for more pleasure,
In this mindless race and pining that brought only in its wake untold miseries I discovered the remedy to dispel my sorrow,
That what I was seeking all along was 'Narayana', the sacred name!

The verse in Tamil.

Vaadinen vaadi varundhinen manathal perum thuyar idum paiyil pirandu,
Koodinen koodi ilayavar thmaodu avar tharum kalavia karudhi,
vodinen vodi ooivathor porullal unnarvennum perum padamtherindu,
Naadinen nadi naan kandu konden Narayana vennum namam!

Thirumangai Aazhwaar.

Thirumangai Aazhwaar was in all probability the contemporary of Thondaradipodi aazhwaar.[8-9th centAD].
He has written more than a 1000 verses andhymns,10 each on the deity of all the 108 Divyadesams in the length and breadth of this country ,he had visited in his lifetime.They also include Himalayan shrines like Badrinath and temples in the western part of our country like Dwaraka.

Like Thondaradi podi aazhwaar he is very candid and forthright. He confesses to all his misdeeds,faults and limitations without glossing over them and admits to the great struggles he underwent to overcome them.

All Aazhwaars were extremely well versed in our ancient scriptures and intensely spiritual. Their verses are the flowering of the rare combination of high intellect and deep emotions.
The fact that neither Thondaradipodi aazhwaar nor Thirumangai aazhwaar don the holier than thou attitude ,in their amazingly insightful and spiritual poetries , is very refreshing.And that which, each of us can identify ourselves with and would encourage one to take and trod the path shown by them.

I have translated few hymns of Thirumangai aazhwaars Peria Thirumozhi.
The very first hymn of his is as follows---next post