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Significance of worship

CHENNAI: The paths of knowledge (Jnana) and devotion (Bhakti) are advocated as sure routes to salvation to those caught in Samsara. But salvation remains a distant dream to many because they find it difficult to gain the knowledge that clarifies one’s purpose in life. So God Himself chooses to show the way through the scriptures, Itihasas and the Puranas, and also by designating preceptors and Acharyas to enlighten mankind in this regard. It is believed that the Azhwars were born into this world to spread the invaluable experience of God to humanity and their lives and their hymns (Nalayira Divya Prabandham) exemplify the quality of Bhakti in many unique ways.

Kalyanapuram Sri R. Aravamudachariar pointed out in a discourse on Tiruppavai that the culture of collective worship initiated by Andal (who is Bhu Devi incarnate) rightly establishes the invaluable quality of associating with the pious (Sat Sangh). It is only such company that helps to develop attachment to what is everlasting, namely God, and also throws light on the ephemeral quality of life that needs to be renounced. There are instances to show how good company has proved to be most fortunate to many and lack of it has ruined many. Sugriva’s association with Hanuman was a great asset to him; but Ravana’s persistent attempts to woo Sita made her wonder if it was lack of good company that had allowed him to step into wrong ways.

The hymns of Tiruppavai describe the vow (Nombu) that the Gopis in Ayarpadi observed during the month of Marghazhi and Andal imagines herself to be one among them and they join together to seek Lord Krishna’s grace. She thus brings to life this form of worship and reveals the path of surrender to the Lord that is most efficacious for salvation.

Andal encapsulates with brevity and simplicity the essence of all Vedantic thought and emphasises the value of surrender to the Lord.

Commentators have delved into these hymns and come forth with interpretations and explanations that commend the depth of knowledge and insight in them. Once one learns to be detached from worldly objects, one becomes free of the delusion of the world.

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