VAIYATHU VAZHVIRGAL- by U.Ve.ESB

[Guest guest]

Respected Ramanuja Bhaktas,

 

With the kind permission of Smt. Sheela Belur, who runs a web site

dedicated to Sri E. S. Bhuvarahacharya Swamy, I am continuing in

sharing daily postings on the esoteric meaning of Thiruppavai. Today

is Vaiyathu Vazhvirgal: the day that Andal provides the rules for

performing the sacred vow, instructions that in their deeper meaning

provide a code of conduct for the followers of Ramanuja darshanam.

 

 

 

At her cordial invitation a huge crowd gathered and the

wonder-struck ANDAL exclaims, " in this ignorance-spreading

world,are there so many interested in Emancipation! " .She

proceeds to prescribe " dos " and " don'ts " ( which actually

are the SAMBHAVITA SWABHAVA,the natural characteristics

of the Adhikari).

 

While we appear to be performing this vow for getting

rain,in reality it is different.She stresses the words

" NAMUM NAM Pavaikku " - NAMUM- WE are quite different

from others; we long for His company and firmly believe

that He alone is the Means for achieving it. NAM Pavai-

Indrajit did a malefic rite to put an end to Rama;but

OUR beneficent rite is for securing Lord's and His

World's prosperity and happiness.

 

The SriVaishnavite Code of Conduct as prescribed by

her is as follows:

Recite the Samskrita and Dravida Veda which sings the

glory of the Feet of the Lord reclining on the Serpent

in the Milky Ocean,all the while thinking about one's

Redemption.

 

Eschew all carnal and even worldly desires like eating

ghee,drinking milk etc.

 

Bathe early in the morning.Don't adorn your eyes with

collyrium,or your hair with flowers till the completion

of the vow;meaning thereby that a SriVaishnava needs

decoration etc only when he is in union with the Lord.

 

Never indulge in an act which was not practised by our

righteous minded ancestors.Bharata refused the kingship

though granted by his father and permitted by Rama

on the grounds that the tradition of Solar Kings did

not permit a younger son to rule when the elder was

living.

 

A SriVaishnava should not speak ill of others or

even think about it (which is tantamount to reporting

it to the God inside the heart,thereby ensuring their

fall);Sita never uttered a word to Rama about the

illtreatment by the Rakshasis.

 

He should ever be ready to do charity and impart

knowledge about God to all those who need it.

 

In short he should constantly be thinking about his

upliftment and keep his mind filled with peace and

happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

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