Austere Avvaiyar - Part 4

Nall Vazhi, meaning Good way to lead life, is another great work by Avvaiyar that teems with morals. Like Moodhurai, Nall Vazhi also starts with the praise of Lord Ganesh.


பாலும் தெளிதேனும் பாகும் பருப்பும் இவை

நாலும் கலந்துனக்கு நான் தருவேன் கோலஞ்செய்

துங்கக்கரி முகத்துத்தூமணியே நீ எனக்கு
சங்கத்தமிழ் மூன்றும் தா


Paalum Theli Thaenum Paagum Paruppum Ivai
Naalum Kalandhu Unakku Naan Tharuvaen Kolam Sei
Thunga Kari Mugathu Thoomaniyae Nee Enakku
Sanga Thamizh Moondrum Thaa


meaning, I will offer you with milk, pure honey, jaggery and cereals. Bless me and bestow me, the God with the Elephant face. Bless me with all the three forms of Tamil.


The next song exhibits that Avvaiyar was a person who was against caste discrimination.


சாதி இரண்டொழிய வேறில்லை சாற்றுங்கால்
நீதி வழுவா நெறிமுறையின் மேதனியில்
இட்டார் பெரியோர் இடாதார் இழிகுலத்தோர்
பட்டாங்கில் உள்ள படி


Saadhi Irandozhiya Verillai Saatrungaal
Needhi Vazhuvaa Nerimuraiyin Maedhaniyil
Ittar Periyor Idadhaar Izhikulathor
Pattaangil Ulla Padi


meaning, If people should be classified based on caste, the truth is to say that there are only two such classfications. The one who does not go off the path of ethical values, ethical behaviour, generosity called as Noble (Periyor) and the ones that don’t - Ignoble (Izhikulathor). Other than than there are no other castes.


The next song explains the importance of agriculture


ஆற்றம் கரையின் மரமும் அரசறிய
வீற்றிருந்து வாழ்வும் வீழும் ஏற்றம்
உழுதுண்டு வாழ்வதற்கு ஒப்பில்லை கண்டீர்
பழுதுண்டு வேறோர் பணிக்கு


Aatram Karaiyin Maramum Arasariya
Veetrirundha Vaazhvum Veezhum Yaetram
Uzhuthundu Vaazhvadharkku Oppillai Kandeer
Pazhuthundu Vaeror Panikku


meaning, the tree at the river banks and the luxurious life with the king/ruler knowing it, will fall. There is no comparison to living a life by farming crops, the other jobs and life are not determinate and unstable.


The next song is about Karma, one has to suffer for the deeds that one does earlier


செய்தீவினை இருக்க தெய்வத்தை நொந்தக்கால்  
எய்த வருமோ இருநிதியம் வையத்து
அறும்பாவம் எ்ன அறிந்து அன்றிடார்க்கு இன்று
வெறும்பானை பொங்குமோ மேல்


Seitheevinai Irukka Dheivathai Nondhakkaal
Yeitha Varumo Irunidhiyam Vaiyathu
Arumpaavam Ena Arindhu Andridaarkku Indru
Verumpaanai Pongumo Mael


meaning, What is the use of cursing God, when the karma of your sins/bad deeds standing in front. Will such a curse bring fortune and wealth? Without realising that by helping the needy, the sins will go away. Like the empty pot that won’t boil and overflow, will it help those who are empty of good deeds to clear away their sins?


The cycle of Karma is that you will have to help the people around you rather than being miserly or perverse.


The next song is for those greedy for wealth and those who don’t spend what they have earned even for their own necessities


பாடுபட்டு தேடிப் பணத்தை புதைத்து வைத்த
கேடுகெட்ட மானிடரே கேளுங்கள் கூடுவிட்டிங்கு
ஆவிதான் போயினபின் யாரே அனுபவிப்பார்
பாவிகள் அந்த பணம்


Paadu Pattu Thaedi Panathai Pudhaithu Vaitha
Kaeduketta Maanidarae Kaelungal Kooduvittingu
Aavithaan Poyinapin Yaarae Anubavippaar
Paavigaal Andha Panam


meaning, Oh you people who toil to earn money and then safeguard it by burying (hiding) it without even using even for necessities. Who will be going to enjoy all your hard earned money once the soul leaves your body, you sinners.


Quite a strong message, people toil, fritter away their lives to earn a wealth of money but don’t have the heart to spend the money. Avvaiyar asks, what is the use of earning such money that you are not willing to spend even for your necessities, let alone helping others.


People these days are quite using to spending a lot using their credit cards, or rather overspending more than what they earn. The song above is for people who don’t spend and the next song is for people who spend lavishly more than their earning capacity. Both are dangerous and not recommended.


ஆன முதலில் அதிகம் செலவானால்  
மானமழிந்து மதிகெட்டு போன திசை
எல்லார்க்கும் கள்ளனாய் எழுபிறப்பும் தீயனாய்
நல்லார்க்கும் பொல்லானாம் நாடு


Aana Mudhalil Adhigam Selavaanaal
Maanamazhindhu Madhikettu Pona Dhisai
Ellarakkum Kallanai Ezhupirappum Theeyanaai
Nallaarkkum Pollaanaam Naadu


meaning, if one spends more than his capital/income, then he will have to lose his dignity, his sense, knowledge. He will treated as a thief in whatever direction he goes. And in every birth, he will be treated a bad guy without any respect.


The next song illustrates the effect food and hunger have over humans


மானம் குலம் கல்வி வண்மை அறிவுடைமை
தானம் தவம் உயர்ச்சி தாளாண்மை தேனின்
கசிவந்த சொல்லியர்மேல் காமுறுதல் பத்தும்
பசிவந்திட பறந்து போம்


Maanam Kulam Kalvi Vanmai Arivudaiamai
Dhaanam Thavam Uyarchi Thaalaanmai Thaenin
Kasivandha Solliyarmael Kaamurudhal Paththum
Pasivandhida Parandhu Pom


meaning, The ten characteristics of humans would be ignored when a man is hungry. Those 10 are Maanam - Dignity, Kulam - Class in the Society, Kalvi - Education, Vanmai - Strength, Arivudaimai - Knowledge, Dhaanam - Benevolence, Dhavam - Penance, Uyarchi - Rank, Thalanmai - Generosity, Kamurudhal - Romance. Thaenin Kasivandha Solliyarmael Kaamurudhal - Romance with women uttering out words that are sweet as honey


The overall meaning of the song is that If hunger strikes a human, then all the 10 characteristics mentioned above would go away from him/her until his hunger is over. None of the above in the list takes priority until the stomach is filled up.


The last song in this post is about politeness. But it also gives insights to into the simple science that was used to build the architectural wonders such as the Brihadeeshwarar Temple at Thanjavur. Let's see the  meaning of the song


வெட்டெனவை மெத்தெனவை வெல்லாவாம் வேழத்தில்
பட்டுருவும் கோள் பஞ்சில் பாயாது நெட்டிருப்பு
பாறைக்கு நெக்குவிடா பாறை பசுமரத்தின்
வேருக்கு நெக்கு விடும்


Vettenavai Methenavai Vellavaam Vaezhathil
Patturuvum Kol Panjil Paayaadhu Nettiruppu
Paaraikku Nekku Vidaa Paarai Pasumarathin
Vaerukku Nekku Vidum


meaning, Hard and rough things will never win over soft things. A spear that thrusts through the body of an elephant will never be able to thrust up into cotton. Likewise a rock that does not give in even for the hardest iron crowbars, will give in for the tender roots of a tree.


This song above illustrates the need for people to polite as it yields good results and also it even helps achieving the almost impossible. Apart from the moral, this song also provides some scientific insights into how the people who built such magnificent temples were able to cut out huge rocks from the mountains without the aid of modern instruments 1000 years ago.  First they would select the rock that needs to be cut out, then they chisel out small holes along the line the rock has to be cut, then they drive in the roots of trees and pour water into it. As a result, the root would expand as it soaks and then rock would be cut out with perfect precision. This is how people used to cut out rocks from mountains - simple and effective way!


I have covered only a few songs, of Moodhurai and Nall Vazhi, but the others are indeed quite valuable. In the upcoming posts, we will see more interesting incidents and legends about Avvaiyar.


More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 3

The next of the famous works of Avvaiyar come Moodhurai and Nall Vazhi, these were the works of the later Avvaiyars. The beauty of these two works the lines in the verses are still being used as a quote by people even today. Though people don't remember full verses, but the lines in those verses stand as a testimony to truth and values, for example, "Kettalum Maen makkal maen makkalae" meaning "People who are noble will never lose their nobility even during tough times/penury". In this post, we will see the verses from Moodhurai.

As with most Tamil poems, the first song/verse will be in praise of the God, usually Lord Vinayakar; Moodhurai and Nall Vazhi begin with a song that is in praise of Lord Vinayakar


 வாக்குண்டாம் நல்ல மனமுண்டாம்  மாமலராள்
நோக்குண்டாம் மேனி நுடங்காது பூக்கொண்டு
துப்பார் திருமேனித் தும்பிக்கையான் பாதம்
தப்பாமல் சார்வார் தமக்கு

Vaakundaam Nalla Manamundaam Maamalaraal
Nokkundaam Meni Nudangaadhu Pookkondu
Thuppaar Thirumeni Thumbikkaiyaan Paadham
Thappaamal Saarvaar Thamakku
 

meaning, People who worship the elephant trunked God, Lord Ganesh, with flowers will have good command of words and knowledge, good heart and mind, the blessings of the Goddess of wealth and prosperisty, Goddess Lakshmi and good health.

Vaakundaam - Vaaku + Undaam - Word, Knowledge
Nalla Manamundaam - Good Heart, Mind
Maamalaraal - Goddess Lakshmi
Nokku Undaam - Sight, Blessings
Meni - Body
Nudangaadhu - Will not become weak or have ailments
Pookondu - With flowers
Thuppaar Thirumeni - The body of Lord Ganesh which is bright in colour
Thumbikkaiyaan - Lord Ganesh - Thumbikkai - elephant's trunk
Paadham - Feet
Thappaamal Saarvar - People who worship Lord Ganesh's feet without fail
Thamakku - A pronoun referring the people who worship Lord Ganesh

We would have come across the next two song, in one of the earlier posts however, it is worth repeating them here, because of the moral they inculcate about the good deeds

நன்றி யொருவற்க்குச் செய்தக்கால் அந்நன்றி
என்று தருங்கொல் எனவேண்டா  நின்று
தளரா வளர்தெங்கு தாளுண்ட நீரை
தலையாலே தான் தருதலால்

Nandri Oruvarrkku Seidhakkaal Annandri
Endru Tharungol Ena Vendaa Nindru
Thalaraa Valar Thengu Thaal Unda Neerai
Thalaiyaalae Thaan Tharudhalaal
 
meaning, deeds done in time of need, however small, without expecting a favour in return, will pay off someday like the coconut tree that gives benefit carrying on its head, though you pour the water to its feet.

Nandri - Good deeds, gratitude
Oruvarukku - for someone
Seidhakkaal - Act done
Endru - When
Tharungol - Benefit, pay in return
nindru thalaraa valar thengu - The coconut tree (thengu) that stands tall and steady
Thaal - Feet
Unda - Drank, intake
Neerai - Water
Thalaiyalae - On top of the head
Tharudhalaal - provide 


நெல்லுக்கிறைத்த  நீர்  வாய்கால்  வழியோடி
புல்லுக்கும்  ஆங்கே  பொசியுமாம்  தொல்லுலகில்
நல்லார்  ஒருவர்  உளரேல்  அவர்பொருட்டு
எல்லார்க்கும்  பெய்யும்  மழை

Nellukku Iraitha Neer Vaaikaal Vazhiyodi
Pullukkum Aangae Posiyumaam Thollulagil
Nallaar Oruvar Ularael Avarporuttu
Ellarrkkum Peiyyum Mazhai
 
meaning, The water that is pumped to irrigate paddy also irrigates the weeds and grass. Likewise, just for the one good person on earth, rain falls for the benefit for everyone on earth. Good deeds are so powerful that even for good deeds done by a few, everyone in this world gets benefitted.

Nellukku - (possesive case of) Nell - Paddy
Iraitha - Poured, Irrigated
Neer - Water
Vaaikaal - Stream, a shallow passage for water to flow
Vazhi - Path
Odi - Run
Pullukkum - For the grass (Pull), in this context, weed
Aangae - There
Posiyumaam - Flow, Drip
Tholl Ulagil - Old (Tholl) Earth - (Ulagu)
Nallaar - Good persons
Oruvar - (denoting count of persons) One
Ularael - Ula - Exist ; in conjunction with Oruvar - if one such person exists
Avar Poruttu - Avar: Them, respected tone of a single person; Poruttu - For a particular purpose
Ellarkkum - For all (Ellar)
Peyyum Mazhai - pour down, used in conjunction with rain (Mazhai)

 அட்டாலும் பால்சுவையிற் குன்றா தளவளய்
நட்டாலும் நண்பல்லார் நண்பு  அல்லர்
கெட்டாலும் மேன்மக்கள் மேன்மக்களே சங்கு
சுட்டாலும் வெண்மை தரும்

Attaalum Paal Suvaiyil Kundraadhu Thalavalai
Nataalum Nanballaar Nanbu Allar
Kettaalum Maenmakkal Maenmakkalae Sangu
Sutaalum Venmai Tharum
 
meaning, Certain things done in this world don't change even if the circumstances change. Like milk that still tastes good, even after boiling it in fire. People who are not friends will never be friends even if they are placed nearby each other. People who are noble and magnanimous will never lose their magnanimity even in times of adversity. Likewise the conch shell will be white inside, even if charred by hot fire

Attaalum - Boil
Paal - Milk
Suvai - Taste
Kundraadhu - Not deteriorate
Nataalum - Place nearby
Nanbu - Friendship; Allaar - Negation
Kettaalum - Fall into adversity, worsen in situation
Maenmakkal - Magnanimous People
Sangu - Conch
Suttalum - Burn
Venmai - Whiteness

Some of Avvaiyar's songs strongly support the concept of destiny and fate. In the next two songs, Avvaiyar's point that things won't happen until time is ripe and things destined to happen will happen 


அடுத்து முயன்றாலும்  ஆகு  நாளன்றி
எடுத்த  கருமங்கள்  ஆகா  தொடுத்த
உருவத்தால்  நீண்ட  உயர்மரங்கள்  எல்லாம்
பருவத்தால்  அன்றி  பழா

Aduthu Muyandraalum Aagu Naalandri
Edutha Karumangal Aaga Thodutha
Uruvathaal Neenda Uyarmarangal Ellaam
Paruvathaal Andri Pazhaa.

meaning, even if you attempt again and again, things that should happen only a specified time will not happen until the time is ripe, like the trees that stand tall, though they are big in size, will not bear fruit until it is the right time.

Aduthu Muyandraalum - Even if tried again and again
Aagu naal - Ripe time/Destined day
Edutha Karumangal - Tasks taken
Thodutha uruvathaal - In their grown appearance
Neenda uyar marangal - the tall and lengthy trees
Paruvathaal - Season
Andri Pazhaa - Will not bear fruit until that time 


எழுதியவாறே  காண்  இரங்கும்  மடநெஞ்சே
கருதிய  வாராமோ  கருமம்  கருதிப்போய்
கற்பகத்தை  சேர்ந்தோருக்கு  காஞ்சிரங்காய்  ஈந்தேல்
முற்பவத்தில்  செய்த  வினை

Ezhuthiyavaarae Kaan Irangum Madanenjae
Karudhiya Vaaraamo Karumam Karudhippoi
Karpagathai Saernthorkku Kaanjirangaai Eendhael
Murpavathil Seidha Vinai
 
meaning, Hey you wailing heart. Things will happen the way they are destined to happen. Will they happen the way you imagine them to happen? Even if you reach the Karpaga tree - (the mythological tree that gives you anything when you are under it) - and if it gives the Ettikaai (Poisonous fruit), then it is what it has been destined for you from your past actions.

Ezhuthiya - Written
Kaan - See
Irangum - Wailing, Despondent
Mada Nenjae - Foolish Heart/Mind
Karudhiyavaaru  - Imagined
Aamo - Happen
Karumam - Act, Result
Karpagam - Mythological tree that gives anything wished for
Saernthu - Reach
Kaanjirankaai - Ettikaai (Strychnos Nuxvomica)
Murpavam - Past life
Seidha - Done
Vinai - Actions/Sin 


கான  மயிலாட  கண்டிருந்த  வான்கோழி
தானும்  அதுவாக  பாவித்து தானுந்தன்
பொல்லாச்சிறகை  விரித்து  ஆடினாற் போலுமே
கல்லாதான்  கற்ற  கவி

Kaana Mayilaada Kandirundha Vaankozhi
Thaanum Adhuvaaga Paavithu Thaanum Thann
Polla Siragai Virithu Aadinaar Polumae
Kallaadhaan Katra Kavi

meaning, The turkey that saw a peacock dancing with its feathers spreadout. On seeing that the turkey started spreading out its feathers imitating the peacock and started dancing. This can be compared to a poem being learnt by a fool

Kaana - Forest
Mayil - Peacock
Aada - Dance
Vaankozhi - Turkey
Thaanum Adhuvaaga Paavithu - Considering it as peacock
Thaanum Thann - Pronoun referring the turkey
Polla Siragu - Incomplete or Insufficient feathers
Virithu - Spread
Aadinaal - Dance
Kalladhaan - Illiterate
Katra Kavi - learned poem

The next song illustrates the prominence for education and knowledge. The most popular phrase "Katrorukku Sendra Idam Ellam Sirappu" which means "The learned and scholarly will be praised wherever they go" is from this song



மன்னனும்  மாசற  கற்றோனும்  சீர்தூக்கின்
மன்னனில்  கற்றோன்  சிறப்புடையன்  மன்னனுக்கு
தன்தேசம்  அல்லால்  சிறப்பில்லை  கற்றோருக்கு
சென்ற  இடமெல்லாம்  சிறப்பு

Mannanum Maasara Kattronum Seerthookin
Mannanil Katron Sirappudaiyan Mannanukku
Thann Desam Allaal Sirappillai Katrorukku
Sendra Idam Ellam Sirappu
 
meaning, if you compare a King and a Scholar, a Scholar has more prominence that the King. The King is popular and prominent only in his kingdom and outside of his kingdom, he is not; but a scholar is popular and prominent at all places wherever he goes

Mannan - King
Maasara Katron - Scholar
Seerthookin - Compare
Sirappudaiyan - Prominent, Popular, Better
Thann - His
Desam - Country
Sendra Idam - Places gone

Not only are the songs in Moodhurai are simple to understand, the moral values they inculcate are great and are still being used by parents and elders to educate their children about the moral values the Tamil Civilization had thousands of years ago.

More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 2

The first thing that everyone remembers on hearing the name Avvaiyar is Aathichudi. Aathichudi is said to have been written by the later Avvaiyar. Aathichudi stands as a crown for tha works of Avvaiyar. Its simplicity and the moral values it inculcates has a wide acceptance among people. It is so simple that is even taught to kids just out of kindergarten, and even used by people as quotes during their ordinary day to day talks or speeches.

Aathichudi has 109 verses explaining the morals. The beauty is that it is organized in such a way that each verse is in the order of the vowels (Uyir Ezhuthu), consonants (Mei Ezhuthu) of the Tamil alphabets and the combinant alphabets (Uyir Mei Ezhuthu).

அறம் செய விரும்பு    
Aram seyya virumbu 
Desire doing righteous deeds

ஆறுவது சினம்    
Aaruvadhu Sinam 
Anger is to be controlled

இயல்வது கரவேல்    
Iyalvadhu Karavael
Help others in whatever ways you can
 
ஈவது விலக்கேல்    
Eevadhu Vilakkael 
Never prevent others from providing charity
 
உடையது விளம்பேல்    
Udaiyadhu Vilambael
 Never proclaim/boast what you have
 
ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல்    
Ookamadhu Kaividael
 Never give up the confidence and hope
 
எண் எழுத்து இகழேல்    
Enn Ezhuthu Egazhael
 Never despise learning
 
ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி    
Yaerpadhu Igazhchi
 Accepting alms (begging) is despicable
 
ஐயமிட்டு உண்    
Ayyamittu Unn 
Share your food with the needy, before you eat
 
ஒப்புர வொழுகு    
Oppuravu Ozhugu 
Act virtuously
 
ஓதுவது ஒழியேல்    
Odhuvadhu Ozhiyael
 Never stop learning
 
ஒளவியம் பேசேல்    
Ouviyyam Paesael
 Never gossip about others
 
அஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல்    
Akkam Surukael
 Never cheat on quantity of items you sell
 
The name Aathichudi is because of the head verse is in praise of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganapathy, who is adorned with the Aathi flowers.
 
ஆத்திசூடி  அமர்ந்த  தேவனை
ஏத்தி  ஏத்தி  தொழுவோமே

Aathichudi Amarndha Devanai
Yaethi Yaethi thozuvomae
 
meaning, we will praise the The God (Lord Vinayaka) who sits in the lap of the Lord (Lord Shiva) who wears the Aathi flowers

The simplicity of these verses are not only easy to comprehend but also easy to remember. Very easy for learning kids, that they remember through out their life.

Another work, the Kondrai vendhan, is also by the later Avvaiyar, which is similar to the Aathichudi in many respects. The same one-liner style, along with the order of the alphabets makes it easy to read and remember too. This is praise of Lord Shiva, who is adorned with the Kondrai flowers, and Lord Vinayaka. Usually all Tamil poems being with a song that is in praise of the poet's favourite God. This verse is called the Kadavul Vaazhthu. Now, the verses from Kondrai Vendhan.
 
கொன்றை  வேந்தன்  செல்வன்  அடியினை
என்றும்  ஏத்தி  தொழுவோம்  யாமே

Kondrai Vendhan Selvan Adiyinai
Endrum Yaethi Thozhuvom Yaamae
 
We will ever worship and praise the Son (Lord Vinayaka) of the Lord (Lord Shiva) who wears the Kondrai flowers.
 
அன்னையும்  பிதாவும்  முன்னறி  தெய்வம்
Annaiyum Pidhavum Munnari Dheivam 
The mother and the father are the Gods to be realised first
 
ஆலயம் சென்றடல்  சாலவும்  நன்று
Aalayam Sendridal Saalavum Nandru
 It is good and noble to worship the God in temples
 
இல்லறம் அல்லது  நல்லறம்  அன்று
Illaram Alladhu Nallaram Andru 
It is ignoble to not follow a peaceful marriage
 
ஈயார்  தேட்டை  தீயார்  கொள்வர்
Eeyaar Thaetai Theeyaar Kollvar
 The belongings of the miserly will be plundered by the evil-minded
 
உண்டி  சுருங்குதல்  பெண்டிருக்கு  அழகு
Undi Surungudhal Pendirukku Azhagu
 Reducing the quantity of food intake, by women is good for them
 
ஊருடன்  பகைக்கின்  வேருடன்  கெடும்
Oorudan Pagaikkin Verudan Kedum 
Hostility with the society/country will destroy everything one has right from the root
 
எண்ணும்  எழுத்தும்  கண்ணென  தகும்
Ennum Ezhuthum Kannena Thagum
 Education and knowledge is like the eye for everyone
 
ஏவா மக்கள்  மூவா  மருந்து
Yaeva Makkal Moova Marundhu
 Children who do the right things without the parents' guidance are like curative medicine
 
ஐயம்  புகினும்  செய்வன  செய்
Aiyyam Puginum Seivana Sei
 Even under impecuniousness do your duties
 
ஒருவனை  பற்றி  ஓரகத்து  இரு
Oruvanai Pattri Oragathu Iru 
Marry one and be loyal the spouse
 
ஓதலின்  நன்றே  வேதியர்க்கு  ஒழுக்கம்
Odhalin Nandrae Vedhiyarkku Ozhukkam
 Discipline is more important to a priest than uttering the sacred hymns
 
ஔவியம்  பேசுதல்  ஆக்கத்திற்கு  அழிவு
Auviyam Pesudhal Aakkathirkku Azhivu
 Gossiping is destructive to one's fame
 
அஃகமும்  காசும் சிக்கென தேடு
Akkamum Kaasum Sikkena Thaedu
 Earn cultivation lands and the money soon in your life

The beauty of these verses are their simplicity and the greatness of the values they inculcate in such curtness. Moreover, all of these are easy to remember as they have been composed in the order of the Tamil  Alphabets, that one can easily related to these verses based on the alphabets.

Children and kids find it very easy to take it by heart, also explaining these to them does not take much effort as they are easily understood.

I will try to post the meaning of the other verses too in the upcoming posts. The complete verses can be downloaded here.

There are more fascinating songs by Avvaiyar that served as technological insights to great construction feats like the Brahadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur. We will see those in the upcoming posts.

More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 1

"Avvaiyar",  the venerated name that reverberates throughout Tamil Literature  The name and the works of Avvaiyar have permeated in the minds of the Tamil people at all ages. Avvaiyar is seen as an icon representing the female poets in Tamil literature because Avvaiyar comes first when the question of naming the female poets in Tamil literature arises. This post and the subsequent posts are about this magnificent, magnanimous, literary eloquent, venerated and a motherly person - Avvaiyar, who is respected by people in all walks of life.

Avvaiyar is envisioned by many as one person who was a female ascetic and a wise crone. But, in reality, there were more than one with the name Avvaiyar. Abithana Chintamani identifies that there were 3 female poets who had the name Avvaiyar. The first one lived during the Sangam age, over 2000 years ago. The second one during the period of Kambar and Ottakoothar (11th and 12th). The third during the 14th century. Some researchers even say that there were at least 7 persons with the name Avvaiyar. One such reference to another Avvaiyar is during the time of Sage/Siddhar Agasthiar, where it says that Avvaiyar recommended another Siddhar Theraiyar - author of Padhartha Guna Chinthamani - to become the disciple of Agasthiar. The time of Agasthiar was about 5200 BC to 4000 BC.

Though there were many Avvaiyars in different periods of time, their works exhibit the nature of the poets - simplicity, austerity and truth.

Avvaiyars' works are being recited and researched by students right from kindergarten to doctorates. Their works include Aathichudi, Kondrai Vaendhan, Nall vazhi, Moodhurai, Vinayagar Agaval, some songs in Puranaanooru, Aganaanooru. Many songs are just collections of single songs sung over various periods of time and they don't fall under a group or common title. These works have stood the test of time and still inculcate the moral values, virtues and stand as a beacon to lead a good life.

There are lot of interesting legends and songs that support those legends about Avvaiyar that we are going to see in the upcoming posts. I'll try to provide information on which Avvaiyar sangs those songs, in cases where I could not find such information, we will just enjoy those legends, the meaning and the literary eloquence those songs convey. For simplicity, here-in-after we will refer Avvaiyar as a single person, though we know that there were more than one Avvaiyar.

Many verses, single lines from Avvaiyar's songs are quoted even today as a moral to represent virtue, humility and truth. For example, her words

"கற்றது கைமண் அளவு, கல்லாதது உலகளவு"
"Katradhu Kai Mann Alavu, Kalladhadhu Ulagalavu"

meaning, "What we have learned, is like a handful of earth; What we have yet to learn, is like the whole world" is exhibited in NASA

Avvaiyar was very much respected by the Kings and Emperors of South India, even the Emperors of the three great kingdoms - Chera, Chola and the Pandya - had high regard for Avvaiyar. Avvaiyar is venerated so much in Tamil Nadu, that she is even worshipped as a God. People have even built a temple for her. In Thovalai Taluk of Kanyakumari district, there is an old temple that was built during the 11th century for Avvaiyar. The deity is called Avvaiyar amman. Women in that locality, prepare kolukattai (a steamed cake made out of rice flour) and offer it to Avvaiyar amman during the Tamil month of Aadi. Women worship Avvaiyar amman to get good husband and for betterment of the standard of living.

This itself is a proof, that Tamil Nadu held Avvaiyar, and women in general, in high respect. In the upcoming posts, we will explore more about these legendary Avvaiyars and their works that makes us proud of having such great people in our ancestry

To be continued...

More to come, until then...

Esoteric Edaikaadar - Part 3

Continuing Part 1 and Part 2, this post I wanted to write Edaikaadar's predictions for the next few years and the legends associated with this Siddhar. First let us see the predictions and the interesting legend about how Edaikaadar evaded the famine for 12 years and manipulated the planetary positions to reverse the effects of the famine.

Vijaya (விஜய )

மண்ணில்  விஜய  வருடம்  மழை  மிகுதி
எண்ணு  சிறு  தானியங்களெங்கும்  நண்ணும்
பயம்  பெருகி  நொந்து  பரிவாரமெல்லாம்
நயங்களின்றி வாடுமென  நாட்டு

Mannil Vijaya Varudam Mazhai Migudhi
Ennum Siru Dhaniyangal Engum Nannnum
Bayam Perugi Nondhu Parivaaram Ellam
Nayangalindri Vaadum Ena Naatu

meaning, In this land, during the Vijaya year, rainfall will be abundant. Pulses (Crops) will grow well. Fear will mount, and as a result, the army and people will become unhappy and weak.
 

Jeya (ஜெய )

ஜெய  வருடந்தன்னிலே  செய்புலங்களெல்லாம்
வியனுறவே  பைங்கூழ்  விளையும்  நயமுடனே
அஃகம் பெரிதாமளவில்  சுகம்  பெருகும்
வெஃகுவார்  மண்ணிறை  மேல்

Jeya Varudam Thannilae Sei Pulangal Ellam
Viyanuravae Painkoozh Vilayum Nayamudanae
Akkam Peridhaam Alavil Sugam Perugum
Vekkuvaar Mannirai Mael

meaning, during the "Jeya" year, crops will yield a good harvest in both the Nanjai and Punjai lands. Divine activities like Yaagams and Poojas will be on the rise. Everyone will be happy and comfortable. The rulers will become greedy and proud.
 

Manmadha (மன்மத)

மன்மததின்  மாரியுண்டு  வாழும்  உயிரெல்லாமே
நன்மை  மிகும்   பல்பொருளு  நண்ணுமே  மன்னவரால்
சீனத்தில்  சண்டை  உண்டு  தென்  திசையிற்  காற்று  மிகுதி
காணப்பொருள்  குறையும்  காண்

Manmadhathin Maariyundu Vaazhum Uyirellamae
Nanmai Migu Palporulum Nannumae Mannavaraal
Seenathil Sandai Undu Then Disayil Kaatru Migudhi
Kaanapporul Kuraiyum Kaan

 

meaning, In the year "Manmadha", rains will be good. People will live well and be bestowed with good things. Because of the decisions made by the rulers, China will have to face war. The southern regions of India will have more winds. As a result, items obtained from the forests will get reduced.
 

Dhunmugi (துன்முகி)

மிக்கான   துன்முகியில்  வேளாண்மை  யேறுமே
தொக்க  மழை  பின்னே  சொரியுமே  மிக்கான
குச்சர   தேசத்தில்  குறை  தீரவே  விளையும்
அச்சமில்லை  வெள்ளை  அரிதாம்

Mikkaana Dhunmugiyil Velanmai Yaerumae
Thokka Mazhai Pinnae Soriyumae Mikkaana
Kuchara Desathil Kurai Theeravae Vilayum
Achamillai Vellai Aridhaam
 

meaning, in the year Dhunmugi, agriculture will flourish, good amount rains will fall during the later part of th year. Gujarat will see good harvest. There is nothing to fear in this year, but products that are white - milk, salt, cotton etc will become scarce.
 

Heyvilambi (ஹேவிளம்பி)

ஹேவிளம்பி  மாறியற்பமெங்கும்  விளை  குறையுமே
பூவில்  விளைவரிதாம்  போர்மிகுதி  சாவதிகம்
ஆகுமே  வேந்தர்  அநியாயமே  புரிவர்
வேறுமே  மேதணி  தீ  மேல்

Heyvilambi Maari Arpam Engum Vilai Kuraiyumae
Poovil Vilaivaridhaam Pormigudhi Saavadhigam
Aagumae Vendhar Aniyayamae Purivar
Yerum Maedhani Thee Mael
 

meaning, during Heyvilambi, rains will fail and harvests will fall. Countries will wage war against each other. Rulers will begin to do injustice as a result, the world will burn in fire.

Vilambi (விளம்பி )

விளம்பி  வருடம்  விளைவு  கொஞ்சம்  மாரி
அளந்து  பொழியும்  அரசர்  கலங்க்முடன்
நோவான்  மெலிவரே  நோக்கரிதாகும்  கொடுமை
ஆவா புகலரிதாம்

Vilambi Varudam Vilaivu Konjam Maari
Alandhu Pozhiyum Arasar Kalangmudan
Novaan Melivarae Nokkaridhaagum Kodumai
Aava Pugalaridhaam
 

meaning, Vilambi year will see less harvests, rainfall will be just sufficient. Rulers will commit blatant injustice, torture and tyranny. Successful happenings will become scarce.

Now on to the interesting legend, where Edaikaadar manipulated the planets to bring prosperity. Edaikaadar was a shepherd and was herding his goats in the Podhigai hills. One day, one Siddhar was passing by those hills and Edaikaadar provided him with the goat's milk and other food items. As a token of gratitude, that Siddhar bestowed Edaikaadar with the knowledge of self-realisation. Edaikaadar attained knowledge and self-realisation. He acquired the knowledge of predicting things before hand and thus he then calculated that the next 12 years is going to suffer from drought and famine, started to train his goats to eat the Erukkilai (Madar plant), it is one of the plants that will survive even the toughest drought. Though it has medicinal properties, raw intake could cause a lot a problems that includes skin irritation. He also mixed the Kuruvaragu (a kind of millet) along with mud and started to construct a small hut in that region.

On the onset of the drought, grazing grounds started to dwindle and the goats were left with no other choice than to eat the Erukkilai. As a result, it will start to itch which in turn will make them to rub their skin against the walls of the hut. After the goats scratch themselves against the walls, the kuruvaragu will fall off along with the dried mud. Edaikaadar collected these, prepared food and made his living.

Soon, all the people in that place, fled to other areas because of the severe drought. But Edaikaadar stayed there, as he had the way to endure the drought. The Navagrahams (Nine planets) who influenced everything on this planet, were confused when they saw Edaikaadar being able to survive the drought, wanted to find out how he did.

The Navagrahams, went to Edaikaadar's place to find out how he managed the drought. Edaikaadar realising that they are the Gods that represent the Navagrahams, received them well and his hospitality was great that he provided them with the Varagu food and goat's milk. Having had a lavish meal, the Navagrahams dozed off. At that time, Edaikaadar changed their positions and thereby ending the drought. When the Navagrahams woke up they realised that their positions have been altered, grew furious, but the hospitality of Edaikaadar prevent them from cursing him, instead they blessed him and left the place.

Though the legend might not sound logical or even humanly possible to manipulate the planets, but Edaikaadar's predictions and his presence of mind enabled him to endure the drought and also maintain a herd which is appreciable.

More to come, until then...

Other parts to this post

Part 1
Part 2
Part 4

The Lost Heritage - Muttam

The temples and the archaelogical wonders in India are quite fascinating. More fascinating are the ones that have a great heritage, become lost over time and later rediscovered. One such place is Muttam, also now known as Kottai Kaadu, meaning the forest of the fort. It is quite intriguing to know that this place was once a hive of activity, with people flocking from all across the globe. The Romans and the Greek conducted trade with people in that region. The reason behind it was the great perennial river, Noyyal. It is referred to as the Kanchi Maanadhi in ancient literature. However, some people opine that the Kanchi Maanadhi and the Noyyal start as two different rivers that merge together before merging with the famous Cauvery at a place called Kodumudi. The Kanchi Maanadhi was laden with precious and semi-precious stones that was one of the biggest reasons for people flocking from all across the globe. The other reason was that the region was rich in spices and condiments that are quite valuable to the people of the other countries.

Muttam lies in the Kongu region, the present Coimbatore, near the foothills of the famous Vellingiri hills and in the banks of the Kanchi Maanadhi river (Noyyal). The route along the river Noyyal gave the foreign traders access from a port called Vanji in Kerala to one of the busiest cities in the Chola Empire - Tiruchirapalli (Trichy). This route became more of a trade route called the Rajakesari Highway, which still connects Coimbatore and Tiruchirapalli. The name Rajakesari refers to the Chola king "Aditya Karikalan - I" who conquered the Kongu region and provided a shadow of army to safeguard the traders and their precious belongings while they travel in this route. Along the Rajakesari highway were a few other important places that were also a hive of activity and trade, they were, Vellalur, Erode and Karur. Ancient Greek and Roman currencies were discovered in these places when research and excavations were done.

It is no wonder that kings from the three empires were insistent on conquering the Kongu region, because, when they have the fertile and rich Kongu region in their control, they amassed great wealth. Muttam was the hub of all the events and trade happening. In order to safeguard the place, a fort was built by the then rulers of the place, some say Cholas and some say the Pandyas. This dates to the days of another famous place call the Perur, which has a famous Shiva temple built by the great Chola Emperor - King Karikala Peruvalathaan. Many Sangam period Tamil literary works Kurunthogai, Padhitrupathu and Aganaanuru have references about the Kongu region

Now, in the once famous centre of activity, only a small renovated temple remains. The fort is now ruined and the blocks of granite used to build the fort have now been used up to erect fences, stone embankments. Now let's see the present state of this glorious place, that is, temple. The temple's main deity is Lord Shiva adorned with the named Muttathu Naagalingeshwarar and his consort Goddess Parvathi is in the name Muthuvaaliamman. The other deities include Vinayagar, Subramaniar, Dakshinamoorthy, Perumal and Sandikeshwarar. The temple also carries the symbols of the Chera, Chola and the Pandya kingdoms, implying that the kings were patrons to this temple. The temple does not have a festival yet, but the Poojas are being performed daily. Thavathiru Santhalinga Adigalaar took efforts to renovate and rebuild the temple in the same old structure it was. The same stones that were used to build the original temple was used again too, to renovate and rebuild that temple. Nearby the temple runs the Kanchi Maanadhi. Now let's see the pictures of this great old treasure.

The front view of the Muttam Nagalingeshwarar Temple

The front view of the Muttam Nagalingeshwarar Temple

The shrine of the main deity Nagalingeshwarar  and the Dakshinamoorthy shrine. My friends Sakthivel and Vijayendran too in this snap

The closeup view of the main shrine

The Vinayagar shrine

The view of the main shrine from the Vinayagar temple with me and Sakthivel

The stone inscriptions on the temple walls

Following are the pictures around the temple

Lord Subramaniar Shrine on the left

Goddess Muthuvaali Amman Shrine

Carving of the Kannappa Nayanar. Shiva worship was quite prominent in the Chola Empire

The Pandyan Empire symbol - The Fish

Lord Vishnu Shrine

Navagraha Shrine

The Nandhi status in front of the Nagalingeshwarar Shrine

The serene and fertile Betel nut plantation near the temple

The Kanchi Maanadhi. This is a perennial stream that irrigates the lands nearby (Sakthivel, Anwar and Vijayendran)

A few more picture of the Kanchi Maanadhi

Though we have lost the heritage of this great place Muttam, the remains have to be preserved for the generations to see how well the Tamil civilisation flourished, when most others were just beginning to evolve.

More to come, until then...