The ordinary ways of enjoying TiruppAvai - 7

[Guest guest]

Dear friends,

 

I'm not a gambling man at all but I'm willing to wager a $100 on the outcome if

an imaginary worldwide poll is taken amongst TiruppAvai-lovers asking them to

vote for their most favorite stanza of all in the 30-verse long Tamil hymn of

AndAl. I am certain the 3rd stanza ending with that oft-quoted, oft-celebrated

phrase

 

" .. neengAdha selvam niraindhu elOr empaavaay! "

 

will win hands down.

 

The reason is not too far to seek. It's because this stanza is all about a

subject-matter the whole world simply loves to love viz. " Wealth " , " Money " and

" Prosperity " .

 

One may have trouble grasping the rest of the TiruppAvai but understanding this

stanza is really a breeze. No need for the services of a weighty theologian,

ancient or modern, to explain nuances and hidden significance. No need to hire a

" maNi-pravAlam " expert to explain the text. No need to attend a public

" upannyAsam " to learn from a professional TiruppAvai expounding profundities.

This stanza is so simple and straightforward in conveying its central message

you need read it only once to be charmed and captivated by its form and content,

style and substance.

 

This stanza and the phrase, in particular, both speak of one of the most

deep-seated of Man's earthly longings viz. the longing for the dream or the for

the ideal of " undiminished wealth " ( " neengAdha-selvam " ). In plain, literal and

simple terms this stanza is nothing but a paean in praise of " Cornucopia " or

" selvam " . And so beautifully has it been composed that any pious TiruppAvai

reader can easily and conveniently turn it to his own benefit. He can use it as

full-throated and whole-hearted personal prayer to the Almighty to be blessed

with " neengaadha selvam niraindhu... " : " Oh Lord, may it please you to bless me

with Wealth that is both plentiful and undiminishing on earth! "

 

In SriVaishnava households today, in India or abroad, one will find that this

stanza has become part of sacred litany used in everyday worship. It is

frequently invoked and chanted at home on all important and auspicious occasions

and events (a birthday in the family or someone's wedding anniversary, or a

festival, for example). The efficacy of chanting this particular staza is taken

today as an article of faith amongst SriVaishnava families. This stanza is

sacred " mantra " . If you repeat it often enough with faith it is certain to fetch

you the blessing of Wealth, Security and Prosperity on earth. Even if you knew

precious little otherwise about AndAl's famous hymn, just being able to chant

this one verse will serve the purpose: it will fill your coffers!

 

Theologians and commentators, on the other hand, have taken great pains to

explain that the main theme of this stanza i.e. " neegAdha-selvam " is only its

apparent crux, not its true one. It is not so much about earthly wealth or

prosperity this stanza speaks about as it does about the spiritual riches found

in the Kingdom of God: everlasting Salvation in " parama-padam " . The phrase

" neengAdha-selvam " , although literally referring to earthly wealth, these

theologicans explain in their learned commentaries, is however only a metaphor

for the greater glory of Salvation that awaits Man in the divine realm.

 

In spite of the theologian's eloquent " vyAkhyAnam " , to most " ordinary " folks the

real appeal of this stanza continues to lie more in its literal sense than the

loftily theological or metaphoric one. And so Stanza 3 remains till this day

what it always has been for centuries since the time of AndAl: a popular verse

that is veritable " mantra " for those who, in their heart of hearts, desire for

the riches of the world.

 

In the modern world only " Money talks " . And the TiruppAvai too is not exempt

from the rule. When Money talks even Theology must remain respectfully withdraw

into sullen silence. When popular un-Truth is being broadcast it is difficult

for Truth's whisper to be heard over the din.

 

**********************

 

More in the next posting on " neengAtha selvam " .

 

Best Regards,

Sudarshan MK

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Adiyen Dasan,

Herewith I am attaching Thana Sri Ranganathan Koil MahaSamprokshnam Invitation DasanR.Ramani

 

 

 

 

 

 

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