THE THIRUPPAVAI of Andal is a hymn comprising 30 Tamil verses in the first thousand of the Nalayira Divyaprabandam of the Azhwars. The verses of Thiruppavai are clothed in deep imagery and cannot be understood without the help of commentaries by the preceptors. There are actually four available commentaries designated on the basis of their size — 2000, 3000, 4000 and 6000 — besides two “Swapadesas” (explanation of the hidden inner significance). Of these, the Muvayirappadi (3000) by Periavachan Pillai is traditionally adopted as the standard commentary on which this work is a study. After a brief account of the life and works of Periavachan Pillai, it presents very ably an analytical appreciation of the salient features of the commentary which bring out deftly the greatness of Andal, the depth of her devotion and steadfastness in attaining her goal of selfless service to Krishna. The various appendices are highly informative. This commendable study is a valuable addition to the literature on this great devotional hymn.

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