Tirumangai Alwar converted to Vaishnavism in order to marry Kumudavalli. However, his true transformation into Vaishnavism was initiated directly by the Lord himself when Tirumangai attempted to rob the Lord who was dressed up as a bridegroom!
Periya Thirumozhi – The Fifty Third Set of Ten
1468. Lord of Vinnagaram! I will never let go of the happiness that I experience from your grace. I will never forget your form. I will not be born again. This boon of escaping the repeated cycle of births is only through your grace!
1469. Lord of Vinnagaram! Lord who incarnated as a Brahmin boy (Vamana)! I have renounced worldly life as well as the likes & dislikes that emerge from worldly life. By doing this, I have excelled in serving you at your feet. I worry no longer as you now reside in my heart.
1470. Beautiful Lord of Tirukkurungudi! The honey-like sweet Lord of Tirunaraiyur! Lord of Vinnagaram! I sought refuge you as I did not want to be snared by the arrow-like piercing looks of beautiful damsels! (Tirumangai Alwar visits the temples of Tirunaraiyur and Tirukkurungudi subsequently. He perhaps, is giving us a sneak peak here!)
1471. Lord of Vinnagaram! By embracing damsels who had smeared fragrant Sandalwood all over themselves, I was trapped in the jaws of hell. By seeking refuge in you, I hope to be spared of the consequences of my sinful deeds.
1472. Lord who vanquished Ravana, the king of the island of Lanka! Lord of Vinnagaram! I will think of no other deity other than you. By installing you in my heart, I have escaped from the repeated cycles of birth and death. (Tirumangai Alwar converts to Vaishnavism after his marriage. It is perhaps because of this that he repeatedly refers to renouncing other Gods.)
1473. Lord of Vinnagaram! I have experienced your form that encompasses the dark seas, the vast sky, beautiful mountains & your radiance that shines everywhere. I will no longer worship any other Lord other than you.
1474. Lord of Vinnagaram! There is one thing that I need to say. I will not utter even a single word of prayer to any other deity other than you.
1475. Lord of Vinnagaram! In the wide dense forest, the elephant in pain rests by leaning on a tree. I have relied on your word just like that. When will you release me from the bondage (of earthly life)?
1476. Lord on whose chest Lakshmi resides! Playful dancer! Madhusudhana! Lord of Vinnagaram! I have sought refuge in me. Please spare me of this bondage of sin.
1477. This garland of Tamil verses have been composed by Tirumangai on the Lord who resides in Vinnagaram amidst the lakes where lotuses blossom in abundance and where the paddy fields are fertile. Those who recite these verses in devotion will be freed from the burden of their sins.
May the Lord of Vinnagaram – Oppiliappan reside in our hearts too! 😊