A Peep into Periya ThiruMozhi 199

[Guest guest]

THE TRUSTEESHIP

 

It is customary for Azhwar to conclude each Patthu with a

Phalashruti—a list of benefits that await those who master the

verses. We find, surprisingly, that Azhwar promises ephemeral rewards

like untold riches, exalted existence as Emperors, the power to rule

over worlds as Devas, etc. (“Manni mannavaraai ulagu aandu maana ven

kudai keezh magizhvaare”, “oli kadal soozh ulagu aalum umbar taame”)

This puzzles us—why should Azhwar, who cares not for worldly

pleasures, prescribe such trifling baubles as benefits for those who

study his immortal verses?

 

The answer lies in Azhwar’s own life of distinction. He earned a lot

and spent whatever he earned for Bhagavat, Bhaagavata Kainkaryam.

Hence there is nothing wrong per se in possessing riches and

occupying positions of distinction during our mundane lives, provided

we always utilise the benefits of such office in the service of the

Lord and His devotees. Any number of examples can be cited in this

regard—Sri Kulasekhara Perumal, Sri Janaka Maharaja, Ambareesha

Chakravartthy, and so on. Wealth and Power are detrimental only so

long as we develop attachment to the same and consider them as

personal rewards—once we realise these to be given to us in trust,

for utilisation in the Lord’s service, they become mere instruments

for Kainkaryam, ceasing to affect us detrimentally. Hence Azhwar’s

prescription of these apparently puerile benefits as reward for

mastering his verses.

 

Srimate Sri LakshmiNrisimha divya paduka sevaka SrivanSatakopa Sri

Narayana Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:

dasan, sadagopan