Miscellaneous - Religion   

Wake-up call

CHENNAI: The Azhwars exemplify the highest form of devotion to the Lord. The zest that characterises their songs extolling the infinite glories of the Lord is unmistakable, as much as the coexisting philosophical wisdom contained in the Vedas that surfaces right through. Among the Azhwars, Andal's devotion assumes a special significance, for, believed to be an incarnation of Bhu Devi, her life and works continue to inspire and fascinate the seeker of the ultimate, said Srirangam Sri R. Narasimhachariar in a lecture.

The Tiruppavai, a poem of thirty verses, in which Andal imagines herself to be a Gopi and yearns to serve Him not just in this birth but for all eternity, proclaims the unique experiential bond between the Jivatma and the Lord. It is a comprehensive and valuable guide containing the subtle features involved in spiritual quest.

The Marghazhi Nombu, the religious vow that she and her friends undertake, is only a pretext to awaken the Jivatma lost in the slumber of ignorance. The pious tradition alludes to the adherence of spiritual discipline that is necessary to get initiated into the indispensable paths of Karma, Bhakti and Jnana. It is from this springboard that one can gain Vairagya (dispassion) towards worldly attractions and impassioned love for the Lord.

Contemplating on the divine presence of the Lord and His innumerable auspicious qualities manifest in His many incarnations is the only way to get redeemed from the cycle of births. Her brief life span illustrates the urgency to seek God with single-minded devotion. One has to gain the Jnana that the Atma within is distinct from the body, and realise that the Atma's one and only sole relation is with the Lord. Seeking His feet with a tenacious longing with no other desire except service to Him is the ultimate goal to aspire for. That the means to attain this highest goal is also the Lord Himself is stated repeatedly.

While Nammazhwar and Tirumangaiazhwar adopted the stance of a woman to woo the Lord in the Nayaki-Nayaka Bhava, Andal's position as the Lord's consort enabled her to live out the experience in the most authentic manner.

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

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8788
Solution to Puzzle 8787
Wake-up call
dated December 19, 1956: Ike-Nehru meeting
dated December 19, 1956: Lakshmi Bai Nagar
Weather

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu