Lord Krishna was a mischievous child. That did not stop him from becoming a philosopher when he recited the Bhagavat Gita to Arjuna. We often stereotype others based on their past behavior. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.
There is redemption for all.
Tiruppaavai – The Third Set of Five
484. Oh girl born into the cowherd clan that lovingly takes care of cows & calves and fearlessly face their enemies! Snake which has hidden in its nest! (You are not to be seen outside!) Beautiful peacock! We girls are standing outside your door lovingly singing about the lord who plays the flute. You are not stirring! There is no response from you! What is the reason for this deep sleep?
485. As there is no one to milk them, the cows’ udders are overflowing with milk and your house is drenched with the milk that is pouring out from them. Oh girl belonging to a noble family! Though we are shivering in this early morning mist, we are singing of the one who killed the wicked Ravana. Your neighbours are watching in amusement as there is no sign of you! Enough of this sleep. Are you going to get up or not?
486. All the girls have reached the spot where they are going to fast and sing of the one who tore apart Bakasura and plucked the ten heads of the wicked Ravana. Dawn is breaking. The birds are chirping loudly announcing the rise of the sun. Oh girl with eyes shaped like a honey bee! What are you doing in bed? Do you want to secretly dream of Krishna all by yourself? Get up quickly and come with us to bathe!
487. The Ambalam flower in the pond behind your house has blossomed. Don’t you understand that dawn is breaking! The ascetics with their pearly white teeth (they don’t chew paan!) are heading to the temple blowing the conch. You bragged that you will be the one to get up first and that you will come to wake us up. Shameless girl! Come to sing of the long-limbed lord who wields the conch and the discus!
488. Oh girl who is like a beautiful parrot! Are you still sleeping? (To the rest of her friends, Andal says) Don’t try to wake her up with angry words. I will handle this. Oh girl who has a sweet voice, I know that you can talk very well. (The girl now responds) All of you girls are only sweet tongued! Not me! Have all of you assembled here? (Andal says) Yes, we have all come. If you have a doubt, you can come and count our heads! Oh girl who loves make-up (Sringaram), come quickly so that we can sing of Kanna who felled the mighty elephant.
How lucky you are, if you have a friend like Andal! 🙂