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Both Sita and Andal are considered as aspects of Bhu Devi. Contrary to how they are portrayed these days, both are actually strong willed women. Both know what they want and have no hesitation in speaking up. When Rama leaves for exile, he is reluctant to take Sita along. Sita says – “I don’t need your permission to accompany you whether in the palace or in the forest.” Andal is not shy to talk about her love and her verses are an outpouring of what she thinks and feels.
Sita and Andal remind us that we can be firm and yet be polite.
Tiruppaavai – The Final Set of Five
Andal weds Rangamannar. Wedding Pic by Anjana
499. Oh dark colored Lord! Listen to what we want. We want the Panchajanya conch that when blown, makes the enemies tremble. We want drums. We want the poets who sing your praises. We want lamps that glow. We want flags that flutter high. We want a shelter to shield us from the morning mist. Oh Lord who manifested on a leaf! Will you grant us these?
500. Oh Govinda! You attract and draw to yourself even the people who are shy and who seem to be aloof. After singing your praises, we will wear bangles, earrings, flowers and anklets that you gift us with. We will wear glittering ornaments and saris. We will have Paal Soru (milk rice!) with dollops of ghee. We will draw pleasure from your company. (Kids love Paal Soru and it is considered to be a good source of protein and is easily digested.)
501. Accompanying the cows to the forest, we eat while they graze. We know nothing else. It is a blessing that we ignorant girls have got to know you. Oh flawless Govinda! Our relationship will endure forever. We know nothing. Out of boundless love for you, we have called you several names. Mistake us not. Don’t ever stop playing the drums for us!
502. Do you know why we have come to worship your lotus feet so early in the morning? It is not to get your drums from you. It is to make sure that you forsake us not! Even if we have many re-births, we will still hold you dear every time. We will continue to serve you. Help us to avoid trivial desires.
503. Periyalwar’s daughter Godhai (Andal) has recited these verses about the girls who fasted, prayed and got blessed by Kesava, by Madhava who churned this ocean to fetch nectar. Those who recite these verses composed by Godhai who wears the garland of the Lord, will be forever blessed by the broad-shouldered husband of Sri – Govinda himself.
Thus concludes Tiruppaavai. Hold my hand as we journey into Naachiyaar Thirumozhi next. 🙂
4000 Divya Prabandham 