The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : The philosophy of the song of songs

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 18, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

The philosophy of the song of songs

CHENNAI, DEC. 18. The Azhwars spearheaded a significant movement which heralded an ecstatic devotional ethos and intuitive wisdom. The term "Azhwar" in itself refers to one who is deeply immersed in the divine experience. Celebrating the glory of the Supreme Being through their devotional hymns, these saints have dealt with the basic tenets of Vedanta-tattva or ultimate reality, hita or the means of its attainment and purusharta or the supreme goal of life. While at a superficial level the songs of these minstrels may appear intensely devotional, at a deeper level they also encapsulate the philosophy of the Upanishads, the epics, the puranas and the pancharatra agamas. "Thiruppavai," the "song of songs," composed by Andal, one of the Azwar pantheons, should be viewed in this genre.

In his discourse, Sri. R. Aravamudhan said that an incarnation of Bhu Devi, Vishnu's consort, Andal's hymns are highly laudable since they speak of essential aspects, in a manner easy of emulation, besides being a work containing the essence of Vedic teachings. While capable of negating one's sins, these songs also fetch adherents close to their goal of god realisation. As indicated by the title the 30 songs refer to a religious rite observed by women during the winter month (of Margazhi) in order to win a husband of one's choice with Andal casting Herself in the role of a gopi, yearning to be married to Lord Krishna. The lyrical composition, replete with the rich imagery of the ritualistic ceremony observed in the month, can be viewed in five parts, the first five verses being an introduction, the next five portraying the experience of an uninitiated woman into awareness of Krishna, the third lot of five verses dealing with awakening women already steeped in their awareness of the Lord, with the last 15 verses detailing the Lord's abode, the characteristic traits of Krishna, and the benefit of reciting the work. Clearly the message of the ultimate reality and the means of attaining the ultimate goal are contained herein and seekers need to comprehend that only when the mind expands with god consciousness can one aspire for fructification of their yearnings. Andal displayed such spiritual wisdom.

The month is also a salubrious one, ideally suited for observation of certain rites, for all flesh is weak and the mind instead of focussing on the Lord would otherwise revolve around external discomfitures.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News Update

Stories in this Section

Cartoon

The Hindu Crossword 8168

Solution to puzzle 8167

The philosophy of the song of songs

dated December 18, 1954: Warm welcome to Tito

dated December 18, 1954: Police strike in Bengal

dated December 18, 1954: Chou invites UN chief

Weather