Thirupavai--3

The following hymn composed by Andal the woman vaishnavaite saint of 9 th cent AD is sung on the third day of Margahzhi month viz December to January.This gem out of the total of other equally precious gems of 3o hymns sung by her is specially noted for its poetic excellence in its description of nature and this nation's wealth.

Vongi ulagalanda uthaman perpadi nangul nam pavaikku satri neeradinaal,
Theengu indri nadellam thingall mummari peidhu vongu perun sen neloodu kayalkhalapa
poongkuvallai podhil porivandu kanndu pathengadhe pukkirundhu seerthu mulai patri
vaanga kudam niraikkum vallal perum pasukkal neengadha selvam niraindhe lorempavai

Meaning:  In pursuance of our penance if we sing the names of the self sacrificing superior one--Purushotaman ,who measured this entire world by stretching himself effortlessly,
Without fail , the entire country will be blessed with rains, thrice a month!
Fishes will play amidst towering and vast expanse of fields of ripened red grains,
And spotted bees ,after having their fill of heady nectar will drowse peacefully ,with eyes closed on soft and downy beds [fit for princes] of the petals of flowers blooming in profusion,
And the indestructible wealth of this land , the generous and gentle cows, will grow steadily in numbers , ready to be milked,
And the milking vessels will overflow , flooding the country.!

This poem is a testimony to this country's limitless wealth as well as Andal's inexhaustible literary wealth.