Margazhi Month-Thiruppavai and its Essence

            Sri  Andal is regarded as the embodied incarnation of Sri Bhooma Devi, the celestial companion of Sriman Narayana, the one and only supreme being. It is also believed that she was born on this earth to liberate human beings from suffering and worldly bondage. She composed and sang thirty melodious songs that encapsulate the fundamental principles of Sanatana Dharma within the Sri Vaishnava tradition. These songs were sung during the month of Margazhi. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states, "… I am Margazhi among the 12 months…" The transition of the sun from one rasi to the next is celebrated as Sankranthi. 

This month is dedicated to the worship of deities, commencing normally on December 15-16 each year and concluding on January 13-14. It is believed that one human year on Earth corresponds to a day for the Devas. Consequently, this month in Deva Loka is regarded as morning time, representing Brahma muhurta for the Devas. 

Generally, the morning is a suitable time for worship and meditation. Consequently, the recitations of Thiruppavai occur in all Vaishnava temples at 4:30 am. Additionally, Andal dedicated the entire month to composing the thirty songs and performed the Katyayini Vrutam alongside her friend Thorigal. This devotion also explains the absence of marriages, house-warming ceremonies, and other functions during this month. The entire month is reserved for worship. 

The worship known as Raapatthu and Pagalpatthu is celebrated at the Sri Rangam Temple for a duration of 21 days. The key observances this month include Paavai Nombu, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Hanuman Jayanthi, and Arudara Dharshan.

Who is Andal?

Andal lived in the first half of the eighth century, although some scholars have proposed possible dates as far back as 3000 years B.C. Swami Vellukudi Krishnan, in his upanyasam—discourse—states that her life fell between the Dwapar Yuga and the Kaliyuga.

Perialwar discovered Andal as a baby in the Tulasi garden, which is why she is also known as Godhai, meaning 'gift of Mother Earth'. Andal was born in Srivilliputhur, near Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, during the Tamil month of Adi. Her birth star was Pooram, and she was born on a Tuesday, specifically on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Perialwar, who is also referred to as Vishnucitta, nurtured Andal by singing songs about Lord Krishna and teaching her the stories, philosophy, Tamil poems, and hymns composed by the great Alwars in praise of Lord Narayana. This deepened her longing for Lord Krishna; her passionate love for him led her to regard herself as his bride and no one else's. For further details on Andal, please refer to Sri Vaishnava Siddhantham.

The Tiruppavai is a collection of thirty songs, known as 'paasuram' in Tamizh or Tamil, composed by Andal. It is written in praise of Lord Vishnu, referred to as Perumal. The Tiruppavai is a part of the Divya Prabandham, which comprises 4000 songs, or Nalayirum, contributed by twelve Alwars. Among these, Andal is uniquely chosen, as she is the only female Alwar amidst the eleven male Alwars. She has also authored the Nachiyarthirumuzhi.

Andal, disguised as a cowherd, observes the vrat known as 'nombu' in Tamil, with the intention of marrying Lord Narayana and attaining his eternal abode. Alongside her unmarried friends, she undertakes great penance, invoking her hometown of Gokul, the river Kaveri, and the Yamuna, referring to themselves as Gopikas who long for unification with Lord Krishna. For thirty days, they recited songs—one each day—dedicated to and sung in praise of Lord Narayana.

The first ten songs articulate the key principles and purpose of the vrat to be observed. In these songs, she emphasises simple devotion and inner beauty that please the Lord, rather than superficial beauty. She has chosen to forgo the application of Khol or Kajal, known as Mai in Tamil (Khol is typically used by women to enhance their eyes). Many women abstain from its use during this month. She also elaborates on what delights Krishna. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of community participation in performing the vrat or nombu, which is believed to be pleasing to Lord Krishna. She highlights the selfless involvement of animals and birds in prayer, as well as the beauty of nature, with blissful, blossoming, colourful flowers offered to the Lord. The text concludes with her praises of the Lord's glory in the final ten songs.

The life and teachings of Bhagawan Krishna, along with the Bhagavad Gita, have been interpreted by various schools of Hinduism. In this Thiruppavai, Andal encapsulates the essence of all eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and provides an abstract of the Vedas in straightforward language that is accessible to the common people.

The life and teachings of the Bhagawan Krishna, along with the Bhagavad Gita, have been interpreted by various schools of Hinduism. In this Thiruppavai, Andal encapsulates the essence of all eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, as well as the core concepts of the Vedas, using simple language that is accessible to the common people.