TAMIL
Commentarial work
V.N. GOPALA DESIKACHARIAR
BHAGAVAD VISHAYA BHAVA BODHINI — Commentary on Second Centad of Tiruvoimozhi: Tirupputkuzhi Narasimha Thathachariar; Hayagriva Vidya Peetam, 22, Tiruvalluvar Street, Taramani, Chennai-6000113.
Rs. 50.
BASED ON the Vedas and nurtured by sages of yore such as Parasara, Vyasa and Bodhayana, Vaishnavism received a fillip with the advent of the Azhvars who popularised it among the masses with their mellifluous outpourings in Tamil, collectively called the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Nammazhvar is venerated as the chief among the Azhvars and his four Prabandhas are adored as equal to the four Vedas. The masterpiece Tiruvoimozhi is equated to the Sama Veda, with its 1000 verses synchronising with the 1000 sakhas of the Sama Veda.
The Tiruvoimozhi is divided into 10 centads, each consisting of 10 decades of 10 verses each (with the 11th one as benedictory verse or phalasruti). The earliest commentary on this work was by Kurukesa (Pillan), a disciple of the celebrated Ramanuja, at his master's bidding; and this is the first treatise in `Manipravala' language (a mixture of Tamil and Sanskrit), followed by several other commentaries over the centuries, by later preceptors.
A reputed Vaishnavite scholar and savant of the last century, Tirupputkuzhi Narasimha Thathachariar has written a simple commentary on the Tiruvoimozhi, closely following Pillan's exposition. The present book pertains to the second centad.
In this section, Nammazhvar, besides praising in extenso the Lord's greatness and mercy, His myriad auspicious qualities and divine sports during manifestations as Rama and Krishna adopts the approach of bridal mysticism in two decads, depicting the acute pangs of separation from his beloved Lord. The commentator gives the text, word-for-word meaning and a detailed summary, explaining the import of each verse. The explanation in simple Tamil is lucid and illuminating, with apt allusions to and quotations from sacred texts like the Ramayana. Small anecdotes at appropriate places, culled from the works of earlier Acharyas, add to the beauty.
The author's commentary, particularly on decades 2.1, 2.4 and 2.10 is delectable. Another noteworthy feature is the pithy heading given to each verse, bringing forth its quintessence.
The book unravels the pristine beauty of the Azhvar's divine poetry in simple Tamil that can be understood and appreciated by all.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
