Hindu Article- Wake-up call

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Wake-up call

 

CHENNAI: The Azhwars exemplify the highest form of devotion to the

Lord. The zest that characterises their songs extolling the infinite

glories of the Lord is unmistakable, as much as the coexisting

philosophical wisdom contained in the Vedas that surfaces right

through. Among the Azhwars, Andal's devotion assumes a special

significance, for, believed to be an incarnation of Bhu Devi, her

life and works continue to inspire and fascinate the seeker of the

ultimate, said Srirangam Sri R. Narasimhachariar in a lecture.

 

The Tiruppavai, a poem of thirty verses, in which Andal imagines

herself to be a Gopi and yearns to serve Him not just in this birth

but for all eternity, proclaims the unique experiential bond between

the Jivatma and the Lord. It is a comprehensive and valuable guide

containing the subtle features involved in spiritual quest.

 

The Marghazhi Nombu, the religious vow that she and her friends

undertake, is only a pretext to awaken the Jivatma lost in the

slumber of ignorance. The pious tradition alludes to the adherence of

spiritual discipline that is necessary to get initiated into the

indispensable paths of Karma, Bhakti and Jnana. It is from this

springboard that one can gain Vairagya (dispassion) towards worldly

attractions and impassioned love for the Lord.

 

Contemplating on the divine presence of the Lord and His innumerable

auspicious qualities manifest in His many incarnations is the only

way to get redeemed from the cycle of births. Her brief life span

illustrates the urgency to seek God with single-minded devotion. One

has to gain the Jnana that the Atma within is distinct from the body,

and realise that the Atma's one and only sole relation is with the

Lord. Seeking His feet with a tenacious longing with no other desire

except service to Him is the ultimate goal to aspire for. That the

means to attain this highest goal is also the Lord Himself is stated

repeatedly.

 

While Nammazhwar and Tirumangaiazhwar adopted the stance of a woman

to woo the Lord in the Nayaki-Nayaka Bhava, Andal's position as the

Lord's consort enabled her to live out the experience in the most

authentic manner.

 

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