Thiruppavai commentary from the Hindu

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The Almighty assumes different forms

 

23-12-1997 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c

 

Cl: Religion

 

CHENNAI, Dec. 23.

 

The Supreme Being takes innumerable forms because the transcendental

form is beyond the ken of human reach. According to Srivaishnava

religion the Almighty who is Sriman Narayana in His eternal abode,

Srivaikunta, when He deigns to create this universe assumes the

reclining form on the milk-ocean (Kshirabdhisayi, Anantasayana). This is

the form from which the Vyuha forms of the Lord responsible for creation

emanate.

 

In the Tiruppavai, Andal points out this fact in the opening verses

where she identifies Narayana as the Almighty and subsequently refers to

His form on the serpent couch to point out that from the standpoint of

the devotees this form is more important. Further it is made clear that

it is out of compassion for the sages and His devotees that the Lord

assumes this form.

 

In his discourse on the Tiruppavai the Jeeyar Swami of Parakala Math

said, the role of Sri as the mediator (Purushakara) became prominent in

His Kshirabhdhisayi form. While describing the details of the Pavai

nonbu which Andal undertakes with the object of performing service to

Lord Krishna, she stresses that Sri had to be propitiated first thereby

underlining the fact that the Divine Mother is the very embodiment of

Lord's compassion and grace and that it is possible to approach Him only

through Her intercession.

 

A legitimate doubt which can arise in this context is (why Andal should

describe the transcendental and Vyuha forms) when she had undertaken the

performance with Lord Krishna as the end to be attained instead of

addressing Him directly. The commentators have pointed out that it is to

clarify that the Supreme Being had incarnated as Krishna in Gokul that

Andal addresses these forms first.

 

In the second verse of this hymn Andal points out that those who are

born in this world are most fortunate in that they have been given an

opportunity to express their devotion to the Lord. There are two aspects

to spiritual practices. There are certain observances which have to be

followed and some which have to be abstained from. By this process the

spiritual aspirant does not lose sight of the goal to be attained.

 

That the Nonbu described in the Tiruppavai is for the sake of spiritual

progress and not for any material gain is another point made right at

the outset. All the rituals described and the actions of the devotee

must be dedicated to the Lord and must be undertaken only for His

pleasure as service to Him. That the Lord can be approached only through

the mediation of the preceptor is stressed right at the outset.