The gift we seek from Krishna

Tiruppavai means many things to many people today. For many, it is the pull of Andal’s poetic Tamil and effortless presentation of bhakti. For many, it is the enduring appeal of M.L. Vasanthakumari’s masterly musical presentation. For a few, it is the attraction of Pongal, especially on the day of Koodarai Vellum Seer Govinda and the sakkarai Pongal. However, Tiruppavai, hailed as the Tamil vedam, is the song of Srivilliputtur, where Andal emphasises on togetherness in finding eternal happiness (Perumal), said Damal Perundevi.

After saluting Him with various names, Andal calls upon Govinda, three times in this pasuram (27th). Following the early morning austerities and listening to discourses on Krishna avatar (which itself comes about only if one is truly blessed), one should surrender to Perumal by saying Govinda three times and He will take care: Krishna Himself gives this assurance in the Bhagavad Gita, when he says forsake earthly needs and surrender to me, I will accept that surrender. Whoever meditates on Perumal or accepts Him, is never forsaken.

In the Ramayana, when everyone is gathered for the Sita Rama Pattabhishekam and Vashista is about to commence the ceremonies, Perumal, who manifested as Rama, tells the sage to wait as He was unable to find His most important person. He was referring to Anjaneya, who however, chose to take his seat at the bottom of the coronation throne, in order to be able to carry the same on his shoulder: as service to Perumal and Thayar that is unparalleled. Genuinely touched, Rama offers a precious pearl necklace to Anjaneya. Andal seeks a similar, world-renowned gift, from Krishna. When He says He had gifted her everything she sought in the Tiruppavai, Andal says she and her friends (devotees) only want to serve Him regardless of how many rebirths they take. Surrendering to Him and gaining His grace is all that matters.