Efficacy of Oruththi Maganai Pirandhu

The Tamil month of Margazhi resonates worldwide to the singing or chanting of Tiruppavai, the work of the Vaishnavite saint Andal. Comprising 30 verses, Tiruppavai is inlaid with deeply mystical meaning. It is also a body of work that possesses the power to draw a devotee to listen to discourses and dissertations on it. In the verse, Oruththi Maganai Pirandhu, Andal encompasses the complete story of Lord Krishna’s manifestation and avatar, said Damal Perundevi.

Andal traces Krishna’s life, from being born to Devaki but raised by Yashodha, and growing up without Kamsa’s knowledge, outsmarting Puthana, besting Kamsa, accepting Rukmini and being the charioteer for Arjuna to delivering the Bhagavad Gita. She then appeals to Krishna for Tirutakka Selvam. One may wonder at this prayer. Selvam (riches) refer to temporal wealth, while takka Selvam is a reference to Lakshmi kadaksham (grace of Goddess Lakshmi/ principled thoughts). What is the Tirutakka Selvam Andal is referring to?

Serving God and developing bhakti is the ultimate wealth. To attain this, one should not only have unshakable faith in Perumal; but this too comes about only by God’s grace. How then can one obtain His grace? Only by showing steadfast devotion to Him can one gain tirutakka Selvam. When Krishna’s friend Kusela is impoverished, his wife sends him to Krishna and packs some poha from a few neighbours as a gift for Krishna. The all-knowing one enthusiastically welcomes his friend. His heart filled with happiness due to the time spent with Krishna, Kusela leaves without seeking alms. However, when he reaches home, he finds not only his house but also those of his neighbours (who lent the poha) enriched by Krishna. Kusela prays to Krishna, saying, “I do not want these riches if they are going to make me proud. Please grant me only one gift: that of unchanging Krishna bhakti.”