In a world that values quantity, it is surprising that of the 4000 verses that comprise the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, only 10 verses are composed by Tiruppaan Alwar. Yet, this Alwar is counted amongst the 12 Alwars and his 10 verses find a pride of place among the 4000 verses of the ‘Dravida Veda’.
Born in a lower caste, Tiruppaan Alwar was not permitted to enter the Lord Ranganatha temple in Srirangam. One priest of the temple threw a stone at this Alwar when this Alwar inadvertently crossed his way. When the priest reached the temple, he was shocked to see the vigraha of the Lord bleeding. The Lord Himself commanded the priest to carry the Alwar on his shoulders and enter the temple as atonement.
These 10 verses express Alwar’s boundless happiness on entering the Srirangam temple.
Amalanadhipiran (on the flawless one)
927. It seems as though the lotus feet of the flawless one; the source of all creation; the divine light and the Lord of Srirangam who stays surrounded by fragrant flowers; seem to find their own way to my eyes!
928. Wearing golden red clothes, the Lord who possesses a blissful mind; who took three paces to measure the very end of the worlds; who possesses golden tresses; who destroyed the rakshasas as Lord Rama and who resides amongs the beautiful gardens of Srirangam; has created a deep impression in my mind!
929. In the hills of Tirumala where monkey jump from one tree to another, the Lord who is worshipped with flowers by celestials has manifested. In Srirangam, the Lord clad in resplendent red clothes that seem like the very skies; reclines and from His navel, rises the lotus on which Brahma resides. This form of the Lord has enveloped my thought and mind!
930. The Lord who attacked Lanka that was protected by four huge walls & who felled the ten-headed Ravana; has manifested as the ocean hued Lord in Srirangam where bees hum around fragrant flowers & peacocks dance in happiness. The beautiful ornamental waist belt of the Lord has captivated my thoughts!
931. The Lord rescued me from my burden of sins. He has entered my thoughts and mind. I know not what good deed I have committed to be blessed like this by Him. I am fascinated by the heart of the Lord where His consort Shri resides!
932. The Lord of Srirangam helped Shiva who carries the crescent on his tresses; from the sins that he had committed. The Lord is the one who consumed the seven worlds during the deluge. The beauty of His neck is captivating!
933. The Lord carries the conch and discus. He wears garlands of fragrant Tulsi leaves. My Lord slumbers in Srirangam. His beautiful face and bewitching half-smile leaves me spell bound!
934. The Lord tore apart the huge form of the asura Hiranya. He is the flawless one of Srirangam. His piercing glance has stolen my heart!
935. The Lord who consumed the seven worlds in His stomach and floated on a banyan leaf as a baby; has manifested in Srirangam and reclines on a serpent bed here. My mind is not able to comprehend the beauty of His form!
936. My eyes that have feasted on the beauty of the Lord who is colored like the dark rain bearing clouds and who stole butter from the houses of the cow-herd clan; will no longer find happiness elsewhere!
Thus concludes the composition of Tiruppaan Alwar. Will you be with me when we read & enjoy the verses of Madurakavi Alwar next? 🙂