The Hindu Article - Rich legacy left by Azhwars

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Namaste:

 

This excellent article is quite complementary to the ongoing

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Date:18/11/2002 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2002/11/18/stories/2002111801020900.htm

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Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Rich legacy left by Azhwars

 

CHENNAI NOV. 18 . Human beings have broadly two options before them

while they live in this world. In the first category are those who

spend their time aimlessly, without being concerned about the

consequences of their conduct. They invariably form the majority

while in the other group are men of integrity, adhering to the Law of

Virtue and adopting steps to get released from worldly bonds. The

Lord manifests in this world to save the pious people who are harmed

by those who defy the Law and resort to evil ways. What He has

declared in the Gita, commentators say, is that when the society

needs reformers, He will depute His messengers to re-establish moral

order.

 

What the Lord has added is that moral codes will never be wiped out

or obliterated as they have eternal value, but there may be signs of

decay occasionally or its weakening effect, when evil forces may

raise their heads. The purpose of saints appearing amongst us is to

ensure the continuity of this Law and to remove the wicked. "The

world is built on the wisdom of the noble; but for them the entire

universe will be a heap of ruins", says Saint Thiruvalluvar, adding

testimony to the fact that God will never allow the wicked to have

their sway.

 

The Azhwars are among such guides deputed by the Lord and they have

left a rich legacy in the form of Tamil verses. The three Azhwars,

who formed a Trio before the other nine appeared, had the vision of

God in all His splendour. They have sung a number of "Paasurams"

extolling Lord Narayana as the saviour and refuge of the distressed.

One of them has referred to the Lord's supreme powers and the man's

dependence on Him and his role as a servant of the former, stating

that man may devise plans but their implementation depends on God's

approval.

 

Even those who claim that they have no belief in God will submit to

Him when they are confronted with dangers and problems. The Azhwar

has also pointed out that a devotee can worship any form of God — an

idol, a picture or a painting — but He will always be ready to

respond to their pleas, said Sri R. Kannan Swamigal in a discourse on

the works of the first three Azhwars, known as "Mudhalazhwargal".

They have adored the Lord of the Seven Hills and have stressed the

need to shun the company of wicked men and move only with those who

adhere to Dharma and always remain glued to religious injunctions.

 

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