த஠ருப்பாவை / Thiruppavai (Audio/Lyrics/Meaning)

The Thiruppavai (த஠ருப்பாவை) is a collection of thirty stanzas (paasurams) written in Tamil by Andal (also known as Nachiyar), in praise of the Lord Perumal(Vishnu). It is part of Divya Prabandham, a work of the twelve Alvars, and is an important part of Tamil literature.

Thiruppavai belongs to the Pavai genre of songs, a unique Tamil tradition sung in the context of the Pavai vow (Vratham or ritual) observed throughout the month of Margazhi. Sri Vaishnavas sing the Thiruppavai stanzas every day of the year in the temple as well as in their homes. This practice assumes special significance during Margazhi: each day of this month gets its name from one of the thirty verses. There are references to this vow in the late-sangam era Tamil musical anthology Paripadal.

Andal's thirty songs contain the cardinal principles of Vaishnava dharma during the month of Marghazhi. Vaishnavas sing these songs to bring peace, prosperity and Divine Grace. Andal assumes the guise of a cowherd in these 30 verses. Andal appears intent upon performing a particular religious vow to marry the Lord, thereby obtain His everlasting company, and inviting all her girl-friends to join her. Towards the end we learn that she did not actually perform a religious rite; but is simply praying to be granted the service of the Lord for eternity. She yearns for everlasting happiness and service of the Lord.

Thiruppavai is said to be 'Vedam Anaithukkum Vithagum', meaning it is the seed of the vedam. As the entire tree and the trees coming from it are hidden in the subtle seed, so is the entire essence of vedam hidden in Thiruppavai which can be revealed only under the guidance of an acharya or a guru who is well versed in vedic scriptures.

About Andal

Andal (Tamil: ஆண்டாள் ) is the only female Alvar among the 12 Alvar saints of South India. The Alvar saints are known for their affiliation to the Srivaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Active in the 8th-century, with some suggesting 7th-century. Andal is credited with the great Tamil works, Tiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi, which are still recited by devotees during the winter festival season of Margazhi.

She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple. So she thus named as "Chudikodutha Sudarkodi (lady who gave her garland to Vishnu)".
For Tirupathi Venkateswara temple Brahmotsavam festival, Garland worn by Andal in Srivilliputhur temple (Tamil Nadu) is sent all along to Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh one day before the Brahmotsavam.These traditional garlands are made of tulasi, sevanthi and sampangi flowers.These garlands are used on prestigious Garuda seva day of Tirupathi Venkateswara in which the lord appear as Maha Vishnu.

Every year Tirupathi Venkateswara’s garland is sent to Srivilliputtur Andal for marriage festival of Andal Thayar.

Meaning is available for all 30 Tiruppavai (த஠ருப்பாவை) songs.

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