Miscellaneous - Religion   

In Love with the Lord

Chennai: Tirumangai Azhvar has composed his Peria Thirumadal in nayaka-nayaki bhavam. In this work, he imagines himself to be the nayaki, pining for her lover, in this case Lord Narayana. Love is a primordial instinct, and there are few who are immune to the lure of romance. So it was, that Tirumangai Azhvar chose to address his devotion to the Lord, as if he were a rejected lover of the Lord, said Raza Narayanan.

Tirumanagai Azhvar, as the nayaki, pours out his anguish at not being embraced by the Lord. The Jeevatma is at home only when it is with the Paramatma. Separated from the Paratma, the Jeevatma is not at ease, and aches to get back to where it belongs, namely to the Paramatma. This is akin to the feeling one experiences when one is away from one’s own country. One may have riches and status in the country of adoption, and yet, the feeling of homesickness will not go away. One aches to visit one’s motherland. So also, the Jeevatma, separated from the Paramatma, can see no delight in anything, except oneness with the Paramatma. It is in distress when away from the Paramatma.

Tirumangai Azhvar’s words, while seeming to be angry ones on the surface, are just a part of his feigning anger. He merely threatens to expose the Lord as a fickle one, one who is not to be trusted. He has no intention of really carrying out his threat. He dwells on incidents in the Krishna avatar and Rama avatar, and mocks the Lord.

But it is clear that this mockery is just playacting on the Azhvar’s part. In reality he has the utmost admiration and respect for the Lord.

And what does he pray for through the Peria Thirumadal? He only wants to be granted the opportunity of serving the Lord. Service to God is the only wealth that is sought by the true devotee.

The Peria Thriumadal is recited during the chariot festival in Nachiar Kovil. Kambar has composed verses in praise of the Peria Thirumadal, and these too are recited in Nachiar Kovil. Usually no verses other than the Divya Prabandhas are recited in temples. Kambar’s verses in praise of the Peria Thirumadal are the only exceptions to this rule.

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