Austere Avvaiyar - Part 10

Vinayagar Agaval, the masterpiece that stands as a testimony to the eloquent legacy Avvaiyar has left for us. In this concluding part, we will see about another work of Avvaiyar which not quite famously known among people, but very rich in meaning and would stand as another masterpiece by Avvaiyar - Kural Moolam.

Kural Moolam, is collection of couplets grouped in 31 chapters in 3 sections. Each chapter has 10 couplets. It is similar to the famous Thirukural, by Thiruvalluvar, in the way the couplets are organized, however Avvaiyar’s Kural Moolam was not so popular as the Thirukural, but the 310 couplets have in them the rich meaning, moral values and the poetic exuberance. These couplets will exalt one into the state of realising the Supreme Being.

The Kural Moolam is organised into the following Chapters - வீட்டுநெறிப்பால், திருவருட்பால், தன்பால்  (Veetuneripaal, Thiru Arutpaal, Thann Paal). The first chapter is about the discipline for the body which the home for the soul, The second chapter is about the Divine grace. The third is about the Self and realisation.

Let us see a few of these couplets from Kural Moolam. Click the links to download the full version of Kural Moolam - PDF | Online

உடம்பினைப் பெற்ற பயனாவ தெல்லாம்

உடம்பினி லுத்தமனைக் காண்.

Udambinai Petra Payanavadhu Ellam

Udambinil Uththamanai Kaan

meaning,  the purpose of getting this physical body is to find the Divine Being inside

மாசற்ற கொள்கை மனத்தி லடைந்தக்கால்

ஈசனைக் காட்டு முடம்பு

Maasattra Kolgai Manaththil Adaindhakkaal

Eesanai Kaatum Udambu

meaning, if you gain virtuous thoughts in your mind the body will show the Supreme Being (Lord Shiva)

முன்னைப் பிறப்பின் முயன்ற தவத்தினால்

பின்னைப் பெறுமுணர்வு தான்

Munnai Pirappin Muyandra Thavathinaal

Pinnai Perum Unarvu Thaan

meaning, the realisation in this birth is the result of the penance and good deeds in the previous births.

வாய்மையாற் பொய்யா மனத்தினால் மாசற்ற

தூய்மையா மீச னருள்

Vaaimaiyaal Poiyaa Manathinaal Maasatra

Thooimaiyaam Eesan Arul

meaning, the grace of Lord Shiva can be achieved by speaking the truth, the truthful mind and cleanliness.

கருத்துறப் பார்த்துக் கலங்காம லுள்ளத்

திருத்திச் சிவனை நினை

Karuthura Paarththu Kalangaamal Ullathu

Iruthi Sivanai Ninai

meaning, See Him (The Divine Being - Lord Shiva) in your mind and without any deviation or disturbance, keep thinking about him

உண்டில்லை யென்னு முணர்வை யறிந்தக்கால்

கண்டில்லை யாகுஞ் சிவம்.

Undillai Ennum Unarvai Arindhakkaal

Kandillai Aagum Sivam

meaning, the realisation about Lord Shiva is about the thought that He exists in the state of existence and non-existence.

பிறத்தலொன் றின்றிப் பிறவாமை வேண்டில்

அறுத்துருவ மாற்றி யிரு

Piraththal Ondri Piravaamai Vendil

Aruththu Uruvam Aatri Iru

meaning, if you yearn for salvation of birthless-ness in this birth, renounce everything and worship the divine spirit

தன்னை யறியு மறிவுதனைப் பெறில்

பின்னைப் பிறப்பில்லை வீடு

Thannai Ariyum Arivuthanai Peril

Pinnai Pirappillai Veedu

meaning, if one acquires the knowledge about knowing oneself one can achieve the state of birthless-ness and salvation.

நிற்கும் பொருளும் நடப்பனவுந் தானாகி

உற்றெங்கும் நிற்குஞ் சிவம்.

Nirkkum Porulum Nadappanavum Thaanagi

Uttrengum Nirkkum Sivam

meaning, The Supreme Being (Lord Shiva) exists as things that are animate and inanimate as emptiness and void.

மெய்ப்பா லறியாத மூடரது நெஞ்சத்தின்

அப்பால தாகுஞ் சிவம்.

Meippaal Ariyaadha Moodaradhu Nenjaththin

Appal Aagum Sivan

meaning, For those fools who dont realize the divine truth the Supreme Being, Lord Shiva will stay aloof from their hearts

The following note appears last that indicates that this is a work of Avvaiyar and it is a note to the reader to follow the morals inculcated in the couplets to attain salvation

முத்திக்கௌவையார்சொல் முந்நூற்றுப்பத்துமுன்

சித்தத்தில் வைத்துத் தெளி.

Mukthikku Avvaiyar Sol Munnootrupaththu Munn

Siththathil Vaithu Theli

meaning, to attain salvation, follow the 310 couplets written by Avvaiyar, understand them and retain them in your mind to attain the eternal bliss.

The works of Avvaiyars have stood the test of time and she still is a revered female icon in the hearts of many, no wonder that people are worshipping her as a God, by building a temple for her. More than being a poet, she stands as an authority for inculcating the morals and virtues that serve as an eternal beacon for generations to come. The Avvaiyars have made us proud in many ways that we owe them the debt of carrying on their great works to our future generations.

More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 9

Vinayagar Agaval, another masterpiece by Avvaiyar, that has stood the test of time and has also been passed on for generations and is recited even today in many homes. The hymn is in praise of universally accepted and much worshipped deity - Lord Vinayagar or Ganesha. There are two ways of describing someone in songs, the Paadhathikesa varnanai and the Kesadhipaadha varnanai, the former begins from the feet and describe up to the head and hair the latter is the reverse. Usually the former form is used when praising Gods. Avvaiyar has used the Paadhadhikesa varnanai in Vinayagar Agaval.

The greatness of Vinayagar Agaval is that it contains explanations about the very many things that one would acquire by worshipping Lord Vinayagar. The beauty is that all the greatness is containing in just 72 lines. It is packed with so much of stuff that some Siddhars and sages taken time to realise what is contained in Vinayagar Agaval.

In short, Avvaiyar explains how she got enlightened by Vinayagar the young elephant God - son of Lord Shiva. I wrote this as a one very long post to keep the essence and richness intact rather than distributing the feel of this great work across multiple post


சீதக் களபச் செந்தா மரைபூம்
பாதச் சிலம்பு பலஇசை பாட
பொன்னரை ஞானும் பூந்துகிலா டையும்
வன்னமருங்கில் வளர்ந்தழ கெறிப்ப

Seedha Kalaba Senthamari Poo
Paadha Silambu Pala Isai Paada
Ponnarai Gnanum Poondhugil Aadaiyum
Vanna Marungil Valardhalagu Erippa

meaning,
The rose-coloured lotus feet of a baby elephant
adorned with anklets singing many songs
The golden waist chain and the
flowery attire that decorates its body

பேழை வயிறும் பெரும்பாரக் கோடும்
வேழ முகமும் விளங்குசிந் தூரமும்
அஞ்சு கரமும் அங்குச பாசமும்
நெஞ்சிற் குடிகொண்ட நீல மேனியும்

Pezhai Vayirum Perumbaara Kodum
Vezha Mugamum Vilangu Sindhooramum
Anju Karamum Angusa Paasamum
Nenjil Kudikonda Neela Meniyum

meaning,
His box like belly and the weighty tusk
His Elephant face & and the vivid saffron streak
His Five Hands, the goad & the noose
The bluish body that captivated my heart

நான்ற வாயும் நாலிரு புயமும்
மூன்று கண்ணும் மும்மதச்  சுவடும்
இரண்டு செவியும் இலங்குபொன் முடியும்
திரண்ட முப்புரிநூலும் திகழொளி மார்பும்

Naandra Vaayum Naaliru Puyamum
Moondru Kannum Mummadha Suvadum
Irandu Seviyum Ilangupon Mudiyum
Thiranda Muppurinoolum Thigazholi Maarbum

meaning,

His hanging mouth, the four shoulders on two sides
His three eyes, the three musk trails
His two ears and the shiny golden hair
The holy three threads intertwined upon his broad chest

The three eyes requires some explanation. The two external eyes is known however the third eye, is what the sages and siddhars refer to is the pineal gland - the control centre of the body regulating the hormones. That is also one of the reasons for people to apply the holy ash by men or bindis by women in order to stimulate the pineal gland and thereby prevents precocious puberty.

சொற்பதம் கடந்த துரிய மெய்ஞ் ஞான
அற்புதன் ஈன்ற கற்பகக் களிறே
முப்பழம் நுகரும் மூஷிக வாகனன்
இப்பொழு தென்னை ஆட்கொள வேண்டித்

Sorpadham Kadandha Thuriya Meignana
Arputhan Eendra Karpaga Kalirae
Muppazham Nugarum Mooshiga Vaaganan
Ippozhudhu Ennai Aatkolla Vendi

meaning,

The Lord ( Lord Shiva) of the true knowledge - that is beyond word's explanation - Turiya (The Sleepless Sleep)
Begotten this Wish fulfilling (Karpagam) Elephant
The Lord who rides the mouse and tastes the three fruits - Mukkanis (Mangoes, Jackfruit, Banana)
Came now to possess me as His devotee

தாயா யெனக்குத்  தானெழுந் தருளி
மாயாப் பிறவி மயக்க மறுத்தே
திருந்திய முதலைந் தெழுத்துத் தெளிவாய்ப்
பொருந்தவே வந்தென் உளந்தனில் புகுந்து

Thaayai Enakkum Thaanezhndhu Aruli
Maayaa Piravi Mayakkam Aruthae
Thirundhiya Mudhal Aindheluthu Thelivaai
Porundhavae Vandhenn Ulandhanil Pugundhu

meaning,

Appearing as a Mother to shower his grace on me
He cleaved the trance of illusionary birth
To explain The pristine and divine five letters (Na Ma Si Va Ya) for my mind to understand
He entered into my heart then

குருவடி வாகிக் குவலயந் தன்னில்
திருவடி வைத்துத் திறமிது பொருளென
வாடா வகைதன் மகிழ்ந்தெனக் கருளிக்
கோடா யுதத்தால் கொடுவினை களைந்தே

Guruvadivaagi Kuvalayam Thanil
Thiruvadi Vaiththu Thiramidhu Porulena
Vaadaa Vagaithan Magizhndhu Enakkaruli
Kodaayudhaththaal Koduvinai Kalaindhae

Taking the form of a Guru (Teacher) in this world
Placing his divine feet and establishing life’s meaning
Joyously bestowing the evergreen grace on me
Expunging the bad karma with His tusks

உவட்டா உபதேசம் புகட்டியென் செவியில்
தெவிட்டாத ஞானத் தெளிவையும் காட்டி
ஐம்புலன் தன்னை அடக்கும் உபாயம்
இன்புறு கருணை இனிதெனக் கருளிக்

Uvatta Ubadesam Pugatti Enn Seviyil
Thevittadha Gnana Thelivaiyum Kaati
Aimbulan Thannai Adakkum Ubaayam
Inburu Karunai Inidhenakkaruli

meaning,

He feeds his teachings into my ears which never makes me filled
Showing the sweetest clarity of wisdom
The mastery to control the five senses
Bestowed to me by His joyest grace

கருவிக ளொடுக்கும் கருத்தினை யறிவித்து
இருவினை தன்னை அறுத்திருள் கடிந்து
தலமொரு நான்கும் தந்தெனக் கருளி
மலமொரு மூன்றின் மயக்கம் அறுத்தே

Karuvigal Odukkum Karuththinai Ariviththu
Iruvinai Thannai Aruththirul Kadinthu
Thalamoru Naangum Thandhenakku Aruli
Malamoru Moondrin Mayakkam Aruththae

meaning
He imparted me the knowledge of subduing the senses
Eliminating the darkness of birth and death
Blessing me with the four stages of salvation
Abscising the spell of three impurities (Pride, Sin, Ignorance)

ஒன்பது வாயில் ஒருமந் திரத்தால்
ஐம்புலக் கதவை அடைப்பதும் காட்டி
ஆறா தாரத்து அங்குச நிலையும்
பேறா நிறுத்திப் பேச்சுரை யறுத்தே

Onbadhu Vaayil Oru Mandhiraththaal
Aimbula Kadhavai Adaipadhum Kaati
Aarathaarathu Angusa Nilayum
Peraa Niruththi Paechurai Aruththae

meaning,

He showed one mantra for all  the nine doorways to this body
That could shut the Five sense gates that act on these doorways
Knowledge about the six chakras, became a prodding goad
By His definitive speech, that stood in mind forever

இடைபிங் கலையின் எழுத்தறி வித்துக்
கடையிற் சுழுமுனை கபாலமும் காட்டி
மூன்றுமண் டலத்தின் முட்டிய தூணின்
நான்றெழு பாம்பின் நாவில் உணர்த்திக்

Idai Pingalayin Ezhuthariviththu
Kadaiyil Sulumunai Kabaalamum Kaati
Moondru Mandalaththin Muttiya Thoonin
Naandrezhu Paambin Naavil Unarththi

meaning,

Showing details of the Idai and Pingalai Naadis that control the flow of breath
The end of which is the Suzhumunai Naadi at the head.
He made me realize about the pillar that stands connected to the three realms
And the Snake (Kundalini) that rises above

குண்டலி யதனிற் கூடிய அசபை
விண்டெழு மந்திரம் வெளிப்பட உரைத்து
மூலா தாரத்தின்  முண்டெழு கனலைக்
காலால் எழுப்புங் கருத்தறி வித்தே

Kundali Adhanil Koodiya Asabai
Vindezhu Mandhiram Velippada Uraithu
Mooladhaarathin Mundezhu Kanalai
Kaalaal Ezhuppum Karuthu Ariviththae

meaning,
The rhythm of breathing that accompanies the Kundalini
Rised above by the Mantra imparted to me by Him
The flame that ascends from the base chakra (Mooladharam)
He imparted the knowledge to elevate it from the base

அமுத நிலையும் ஆதித்தன் இயக்கமும்
குமுத சகாயன் குணத்தையுங் கூறி
இடைச் சக்கரத்தின் ஈரெட்டு நிலையும்
உடற் சக்கரத்தின் உறுப்பையும் காட்டி

Amudha Nilayum Aadhithan Iyakkamum
Kumudha Sagaayan Gunaththayum Koori
Idai Chakkarathin Eerettu Nilayum
Udal Chakkarathin Uruppayum Kaati

meaning,
The state of enlightenment and the functioning of the Sun
The nature of lily-lover - The Moon, all explained to me by His grace
He revealed the sixteen facets of the Vishuddhi Chakra
And the components of the Chakras in the body

சண்முக தூலமுஞ் சதுர்முகச் சூக்கமும்
எண்முக மாய் இனிதெனக் கருளி
புரியட்ட காயம் புலப்பட எனக்குத்
தெரியெட்டு நிலையும் தெரிசன படுத்தி

Shanmuga Thoolamum Sadhurmuga Sookamum
Ennmugamaai Inidhenakku Aruli
Puriyatta Kaayam Pulappada Enakku
Theriyettu Nilayum Therisana Paduththi

meaning
The tangible broadness/extent of Lord Shanmuga, the minute-ness in Lord Brahma’s creations
He explained with a smile His face.
He enabled me to perceive the subtleness of this body
Revealing the Eight Siddhis that could be accomplished

கருத்தினிற் கபால வாயினிற் காட்டி
இருத்தி முத்தி இனிதெனக் கருளி
என்னை யறிவித்து எனக்கருள் செய்து
முன்னை வினையின் முதலை களைந்து

Karuththinil Kabaala Vaayinil Kaati
Iruththi Muththi Inidhenakku Aruli
Ennai Ariviththu Enakkarul Seidhu
Munnai Vinaiyin Mudhalai Kalaindhu

After revealing it to my mind and vision - the gateway to the mind
He bestowed enlightenment sweetly as ever
He made me know myself and showered his grace on me
Clearing off the sins/karma of my previous births

வாக்கும் மனமு மில்லா மனோலயம்
தேக்கி யென்றன் சிந்தை தெளிவித்து
இருள்வெளி இரண்டிற்கு ஒன்றிட மென்ன
அருள்தரும் ஆனந்தத் தழுந்தியென்  செவியில்

Vaakkum Manamum Illa Manolayam
Thaekki Endhan Sindhal Thelivithu
Irulveli Irandirrkku Ondridam Enna
Arultharum Aanandhaththu Azhundhi Enn Seviyil

meaning
Aligning the mind in Him seamlessly without words or thoughts in it
Clarifying my intellect with that alignment
Explaining Void and Space emanate from the same source
That showers the grace and joy in my ears to listen

எல்லை யில்லா ஆனந்த மளித்து
அல்லல் களைந்தே அருள்வழி  காட்டி
சத்தத்தி னுள்ளே சதாசிவம் காட்டி
சித்தத்தி னுள்ளே சிவலிங்கம் காட்டி

Ellai Illa Aanandham Aliththu
Allal Kalaindhae Arul Vazhi Kaati
Saththaninullae Sadhasivam Kaati
Siththaninullae Siva Lingam Kaati

Granting me the limitless joy
Removing the troubles and showing the path of grace
Showing the Shapeless Supreme Sadashivam in the sound (OM)
Revealing the Shiva-lingam in my mind

அணுவிற் கணுவாய் அப்பாலுக் கப்பாலாய்
கனுமுற்றி நின்ற கரும்புள்ளே காட்டி
வேடமும் நீறும் விளங்க நிறுத்தி
கூடுமெய்த் தொண்டர் குழாத்துடன் கூட்டி

Anuvirkku Anuvaai Appaalukku Appaalaai
Kanumuttri Nindra Karumbullae Kaati
Vedamum Neerum Vilanga Niruththi
Koodumei Thondar Kuzhaathudan Kooti

meaning,
Existing as an atom for an atom (so small) and distance beyond the distant (Universe)
Revealing as the sugarcane that is ripe with the strong seams
Enabling the desire for devotion and clarifying about the sacred ash
Merging me with the group of ardent devotees that gather to worship

அஞ்சக் கரத்தின் அரும்பொருள் தன்னை
நெஞ்சக்  கருத்தின் நிலையறி வித்து
தத்துவ நிலையை தந்தெனை யாண்ட
வித்தக விநாயக விரைகழல் சரணே

Anja Karaththin Arumporul Thannai
Nenja Karuththin Nilayarivithu
Thathuva Nilaiyai Thandhenai Aanda
Viththaga Vinayaga Virai Kalal Saranae


meaning, 
Revealing the sacred meaning of the Five Letters (Namashivaya)
Instilling that knowledge in my heart and mind
He ruled me imparting the philosophical state of mind
The wise Lord Vinayaga, at his feet I take refuge with my hands together

The beauty of Vinayagar Agaval is that it makes anyone engrossed and makes them read again and again and enjoy the bliss. The bliss is not just the praises of Lord Vinayaga, but the amount of wisdom that it contains. The flow and rhythm enthrals everyone.

People believe that regular recitation of the Vinayagar Agaval improves their speech. Some people have trouble with intonations and pronunciation. The regular recital makes the tongue to twist and turn improving the way people speak.
The richness and eloquence in the usage of words proves Avvaiyar’s mettle and of course the grace she would have got from Lord Vinayaga. The grace from the Universally liked God, is what would have exalted Avvaiyar to an ever-remembered and revered female icon in Tamil Literature.

More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 8

After quite a long break from blogging, I am continuing with yet another post of Avvaiyar's works. By now we have got the image of how Avvaiyar became a respectable icon in Tamil literature. Many of her verses bring out the universal truths which are undeniable though they seem to appear expressed in a simple tone. The following songs bring about those universal truths

Many people think big about a lot of things and but some are not affected by those things are immaterial. The following song explains that. 

போந்த வுதாரனுக்கு பொன்துரும்பு  சூரனுக்கு
சேர்ந்த மரணம் சிறுதுரும்பு  - ஆய்ந்த 
அறவோர்க்கு நாரி யருந்துரும்பாம் இல்லத் 
துறவோர்க்கு வேந்தன் துரும்பு

Pondha Vudharaanukku Ponn Thurumbu Sooranukku
Saerndha Maranam Siru Thurumbu, Aaindha
Aravorkku Naari Arunthurumbaam Illa
Thuravorkku Vendhan Thurumbaam

meaning, "Gold is immaterial for the man who has a generous mind. For a brave warrior, death is immaterial. For those who have realised knowledge, pleasure of a woman is immaterial. For those who have renounced everything, even the king becomes immaterial.

The following song explains about the fact that many things in life can have exceptions, but a few don't

மாடில்லான் வாழ்வு மதியில்லான் வாணிபம் 
நாடில்லான் செங்கோல் நடாத்துவது கூடும் 
குருவில்லா வித்தை குணமில்லா பெண்டு 
விருந்தில்லான் வீடு வீழல் 

Maadillaan Vaazhvu Madhiyillaan Vaanibam
Naadillaan Sengol Nadaathuvadhu Koodum
Guruvilla Viththai Gunamilla Pendu
Virundhillaan Veedu Veezhal

meaning, "Life for a man without wealth is possible. Business can be done by who is not smart enough. One can rule a country that is not good. But learning without a guru, women without good heart and mind, the man without hospitality will fall"

The following song is a great management truth, quite useful for administration at different levels and public relations too. It is a hint about when to praise and appreciate people

நேசனைகா ணாவிடத்தில் நெஞ்சார வேதுதித்தல் 
ஆசானை எவ்விடத்தும் அப்படியே வாச 
மனையாளை பஞ்சணையில் மைந்தர்தமை நெஞ்சில் 
வினையாளை வேலை முடிவில் 

Nesanai Kaanaavidathil Nenjaravae Thudhithall
Aasaanai Evvidathum Appadiyae Vaasa
Manayaalai Panjanaiyil Maindharthamai Nenjil
Vinaiyaalai Velai Mudivil

meaning, "Praise a friend when he is not at that place. Praise the teacher who taught you, at any place. Praise the wife when alone in the bed. Appreciate the employee after the job is done"

The next song is about the real value of education

எழுதரிது முன்னம் எழுதிய பின்னர் 
பழுதறவா சிப்பரிது  பண்பாய்  முழுதுமதை 
கற்பதரிது நற்பயனை காண்பதரிது கண்டக்கால் 
நிற்பதரிது தானந் நிலை

Ezhudharidhu Munnam Ezhudhiya Pinnar
Pazhudhara Vaasiparidhu Panbai Muzhudhumadhai
Karpadharidhu Narpayanai Kaanbadharidhu Kandakkal
Nirpadharidhu Thaan Annilai

meaning, "Ability to write is rare. After writing something, reading it without mistakes is even rare. Even rare is the effort to learn it fully. Even if fully learnt, rare is to find a person who stands by it"

These days there is a big fight about which language takes prominence, the regional language or the most widely accepted language. The same situation happened when Avvaiyar was in the place called Kurugoor (Alwar Thirunagari) where people where fighting if Sanskrit is to be used to chant and praise the God or Tamil. For which Avvaiyar gave a great explanation that praising the God using one's mothertongue is better of all

ஐம்பொருளும் நாற்பொருளும் முப்பொருளும் பெரிதமைந்த
செம்பொருளை எம்மரைக்கும் சேட்பொருளை தன்குருகூர்ச்
சேய்மொழிய அதென்பர்  சிலரியான் இவ்வுலகில் 
தாய்மொழிய தென்பேன் தகைந்து 

Aimporulum Naarporulum Mupporulum Peridhamaindha
Semporulai Emmaraikkum Saetporulai Thannkurukoor
Seimozhi Adhenbar Silariyaan Ivvulagil
Thaaimozhiya Dhenbaen Thagaindhu

meaning, "The Supreme Being exists as the five elements of nature, four kinds of wealth, and as three kinds of realisations. Some say that the Supreme being needs to be worshipped only in Sanskrit but I would strongly say that the mothertongue is the best way worship the Supreme Being"

The final song in this post, explains about the different kinds of wealth each kingdoms of the South India region were famous for.

வேழம் உடைத்து மழைநாடு மேதக்க 
சோழ வளநாடு சோறுடைத்து பூழியர்கோன் 
தென்னாடு முத்துடைத்து தெண்ணீர் வயற் றொண்டை  
நன்னாடு சான்றோர் உடைத்து 

Vezham Udaithu Mazhainaadu Methakka
Chozha Valanaadu Sorudaithu Poozhiyarkon
Thennaadu Muthudaithu Thenneer Vayal Thondai
Nannadu Saandror Udaithu

meaning, "The Chera Kingdom was rich in Elephants. The Great Chola Kingdom was rich in food. The Pandya Kingodm was rich in pearl and the Thondai Region was rich in Noble people"

Avvaiyar(s) proved that inculcating moral values will stand even the test of time. Avvaiyar's works have really proved that and have been educating a lot of people in moral values and universal truths. In the next post, we will see one of the landmark literary work of Avvaiyar that has been passed on for generations and recited even today in many homes.

More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 7

From the previous posts, it is clear about the influence of Avvaiyar's works even to the common man. Her songs are lucid, simple and convey a great meaning that still progresses even to this day in the form of sayings and quotes. 


The following verses are examples of her works that have permeated to all generations of people. Being used commonly to portray moral values.


சொல்லாம லேபெரியர் சொல்லிச் செய்வர்சிரியர்
சொல்லியுஞ் செய்யார் கயவரே நல்ல
குலமாலை வேற்கண்ணாய் கூறுவமை நாடில்
பலாமாவைப் பாதிரியைப் பார்


Sollamalae Periyar Solli Seivar Siriyar
Solliyum Seiyyaar Kayavarae Nalla
Kulamaalai Vel Kannaai Kooruvamai Naadil
Palaa Maavai Paadhiriyai Paar


meaning, people who help without being asked for are noble and generous. The ones who help after being asked are mingy or mean. Those who don't help even after asking are crooks. They are comparable to the Jackfruit, Mango tree and the Paadhiri tree. Jackfruit, gives benefit without indication like flowering that it is going to bear a fruit. The mango flowers announcing bearing the fruit, whereas the Paadhiri tree just flowers but does not bear any fruit.


The next song is about a miserly businessman who is very fond of praises but never gives even the least valued copper coin to those who praise him. The businessman's name was Koraikkal Azhwan. He was very wealthy that was an attraction, which sometimes made poets to think that he would provide money if they sang songs in praise of him. So, poets would go to him sing praises about him, Azhwan would enjoy such praises, but would say some reasons and ask them to come the next day. So, most poets would walk to him for a few days and then give up. 


Avvaiyar knew about this and wanted to teach him a lesson, so she went to him and praised him about the wealth he had. Azhwan was happy and told Avvaiyar that he would provide her wealth and send her along with an elephant the next day. Avvaiyar went to him the next day, Azhwan said that elephant would be of no use to Avvaiyar, also that she is old, she would not be able to maintain and elephant, so he promised that he would give her a horse, with which she can travel. 


Avvaiyar nodded and went to him the next day expecting a horse. But again, Azhwan said that a buffalo might be more useful for her as she can get milk from a buffalo and asked her to come the next day.


Avvaiyar patiently went the next day, this time Azhwan said that he will give her an Ox instead of a buffalo. Avvaiyar spoke no word and went the next day, again he said that he would give her a saree the next day. 


Avvaiyar knew this would happen and spoke to him that the saree would wear out in to useless threads and sang the following song which severly condemned Azhwan's behaviour. From then on, Azhwan stopped the practice of making people walk for the prize he is not willing to give and also stopped hearing praises from poets.


கரியாய்ப் பரியாகிக் காரெருமை தானாய்
எருதாய் முழப்புடவை யாகிக் திரிதிரியாய்த் 
தேரைக்கால் பெற்றுமிகத் தேய்ந்துகால் ஓய்ந்ததே 
கோரைக்கால் ஆழ்வான் கொடை


Kariyaai Pariyaagi Kaarerumai Thaanaai
Erudhaai Muzhappudavai Yaagi Thirithiriyaaith
Theraikkaal Pettrumiga Theynthukaal Ointhathae
Koraikkaal Azhwaan Kodai


meaning, First an elephant, then a horse and then a buffalo. Next day an Ox, and finally a saree which in turn would go into useless threads. I (Avvaiyar) walked in vain just to get my feet worn out and get flat as a toad's webbed feet. All because of the generosity of Koraikkal Azhwan.


The next verse is so popular that it has been used almost everywhere. It is so ubiquitous, that everyone agrees to it without question. It is "Kattradhu Kai Mann Alavu, Kallaadhadhu Ulagalavu..." meaning, what we have learnt is like a handful of sand, but what we haven't learnt is like this whole world. This same line in the verse has been cited by NASA too. That makes us proud that we professed the quality of humility to the world well before anyone did. 


There is an interesting legend about this verse. Once, a poet wanted to insult Avvaiyar, when she arrived at the King's court, he just showed a handful of sand, indicating that she and her works was nothing more than the worthless handful of sand. Avvaiyar immediately sang this verse which expressed the need for humility and that one should not take pride that he has learned everything.


கற்றதுகைம் மண்ணளவு கல்லா துலகளவென் 
றுற்ற கலைமடந்தை ஓதுகிறாள் மெத்த 
வெறும்பந் தயங்கூற வேண்டாம் புலவீர்
எறும்புந்தன் கையாலெண் சாண்


Kattradhu Kai Mann Alavu Kallaadhadhu Ulagalavu
Endruttra Kalaimadandhai Odhukiraal Meththa
Verum Pandhayam Koora Vendam Pulaveer
Erumbum Thann Kaiyaal Enn Saan


meaning, Even the Goddess of Knowledge, Goddess Saraswathi, meditates and learns everyday, knowing the fact that what we have learnt is like a handful of sand and what we haven't learned is like this whole world. So, don't challenge someone without knowing about them. Even the ant measures, 8 spans of its own hand, but it cannot compare itself to a human who is many times bigger.


The last line made the poet realise his mistake, Avvaiyar comparing him to an ant, made him feel that he has done a mistake and apologized to Avvaiyar.


The next verse is also very popular though people use only the first line quite often "Madhiyaadhar Vaasal Midhiyadhae..." meaning, don't step into the house of those who don't respect you. There is an interesting legend associated with this verse too.


There was once a man who was miserly, but proclaimed that he was generous and gave away a lot of money to those who won his challenge. Likewise, he would provide a challenge often. He would pose false arguments to those who actually win his challenge and would send them away. Avvaiyar who coincidentally travelled to his place when he announced that he would provide 1000 gold coins to whoever sings "4 crore" songs.


Avvaiyar took the challange and the crowd gathered with the judges to adjudge the results. The man was confident that noone could sing so many songs and they would not win the challenge. Avvaiyar sang the song with 4 crores appearing in it, though he argued that this cannot be 4 crore songs, the judges adjudged that it is valid as the song contained 4 crores. Avvaiyar won the prize money. 


Here is the song


மதியாதார் முற்றம் மதித்தொருகாற் சென்று
மிதியாமை கோடி பெறும்
உண்ணீர்உண் ணீரென் றுபசரியார் தம்மனையில் 
உண்ணாமை கோடி பெறும் 
கோடி கொடுத்ததும் குடிப்பிறந்தார் தம்மொடு  
கூடுவதே கோடி பெறும்
கோடானுகோடி கொடுப்பினும் தன்னுடைநாக் 
கோடாமை கோடி பெறும்


Madhiyadhaar Muttram Madhithuorukaal Sendru
Midhiyaamai Kodi Perum
Unneer Unneer Endru Ubasariyaar Thammanaiyil
Unnaamai Kodi Perum
Kodi Koduthum Kudipirandhaar Thammodu
Kooduvadhae Kodi Perum
Kodaanu Kodi Kodupinum Thannudai Naa
Kodaamai Kodi Perum


meaning, Don't step into the house of those who don't show respect. That is like getting a crore of wealth. Don't eat at the home of someone who don't show good hospitality, that is like getting a crore of wealth. Even if you spend a crore to get the relationship of noble people, it is like getting a crore of wealth. Finally, even if you get crores and crores of wealth, keeping up the promise is like getting a crore of wealth.


The song above, illustrates the Avvaiyar's presence of mind and her interesting use of vocabulary to win the situation. 


The last song of this post, is quite heavy in its meaning and stresses the importance of family and relations. One has to take care of these relationships in order to lead a better life.


தாயொடு அருசுவைபோம் தந்தையொடு கல்விபோம் 
சேயொடு தான்பெற்ற செல்வம்போம் மாயவாழ்வு 
உற்றாருடன்போம் உடன்பிறப்பால் தோள் வலிபோம் 
பொற்றாலி யோடெவையும் போம்


Thaaiyodu Arusuvaipom Thandhaiyodu Kalvipom
Seiyodu Thaan Pettra Selvampom Maayavaazhvu
Uttraarudanpom Udanpirappaal Thol Valipom
Pottraaliyodu Yevaiyum Pom


meaning, With the mother, goes tasty food. With the father, goes knowledge and learning. With the children, goes away all the wealth. With the relatives, goes away the illusionary happy living. With the sibling, goes away the strength. With the spouse, goes away everything.


These days people go to separate classes to learn about the importance of family. Avvaiyar has given us this treasure centuries back, when people would have never imagined that there would be a time when people would forget about their family and relations and would chase money and live a meaningless life. Just following Avvaiyar's sayings would help a man lead a peaceful life.


More to come, until then...