Monday, December 03, 2012

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 9

Vinayagar Agaval, another masterpiece by Avvaiyar, that has stood the test of time and has also been passed on for generations and is recited even today in many homes. The hymn is in praise of universally accepted and much worshipped deity - Lord Vinayagar or Ganesha. There are two ways of describing someone in songs, the Paadhathikesa varnanai and the Kesadhipaadha varnanai, the former begins from the feet and describe up to the head and hair the latter is the reverse. Usually the former form is used when praising Gods. Avvaiyar has used the Paadhadhikesa varnanai in Vinayagar Agaval.

The greatness of Vinayagar Agaval is that it contains explanations about the very many things that one would acquire by worshipping Lord Vinayagar. The beauty is that all the greatness is containing in just 72 lines. It is packed with so much of stuff that some Siddhars and sages taken time to realise what is contained in Vinayagar Agaval.

In short, Avvaiyar explains how she got enlightened by Vinayagar the young elephant God - son of Lord Shiva. I wrote this as a one very long post to keep the essence and richness intact rather than distributing the feel of this great work across multiple post


சீதக் களபச் செந்தா மரைபூம்
பாதச் சிலம்பு பலஇசை பாட
பொன்னரை ஞானும் பூந்துகிலா டையும்
வன்னமருங்கில் வளர்ந்தழ கெறிப்ப


Seedha Kalaba Senthamari Poo
Paadha Silambu Pala Isai Paada
Ponnarai Gnanum Poondhugil Aadaiyum
Vanna Marungil Valardhalagu Erippa

meaning,
The rose-coloured lotus feet of a baby elephant
adorned with anklets singing many songs
The golden waist chain and the
flowery attire that decorates its body

பேழை வயிறும் பெரும்பாரக் கோடும்
வேழ முகமும் விளங்குசிந் தூரமும்
அஞ்சு கரமும் அங்குச பாசமும்
நெஞ்சிற் குடிகொண்ட நீல மேனியும்

Pezhai Vayirum Perumbaara Kodum
Vezha Mugamum Vilangu Sindhooramum
Anju Karamum Angusa Paasamum
Nenjil Kudikonda Neela Meniyum

meaning,
His box like belly and the weighty tusk
His Elephant face & and the vivid saffron streak
His Five Hands, the goad & the noose
The bluish body that captivated my heart

நான்ற வாயும் நாலிரு புயமும்
மூன்று கண்ணும் மும்மதச்  சுவடும்
இரண்டு செவியும் இலங்குபொன் முடியும்
திரண்ட முப்புரிநூலும் திகழொளி மார்பும்

Naandra Vaayum Naaliru Puyamum
Moondru Kannum Mummadha Suvadum
Irandu Seviyum Ilangupon Mudiyum
Thiranda Muppurinoolum Thigazholi Maarbum

meaning,

His hanging mouth, the four shoulders on two sides
His three eyes, the three musk trails
His two ears and the shiny golden hair
The holy three threads intertwined upon his broad chest

The three eyes requires some explanation. The two external eyes is known however the third eye, is what the sages and siddhars refer to is the pineal gland - the control centre of the body regulating the hormones. That is also one of the reasons for people to apply the holy ash by men or bindis by women in order to stimulate the pineal gland and thereby prevents precocious puberty.

சொற்பதம் கடந்த துரிய மெய்ஞ் ஞான
அற்புதன் ஈன்ற கற்பகக் களிறே
முப்பழம் நுகரும் மூஷிக வாகனன்
இப்பொழு தென்னை ஆட்கொள வேண்டித்

Sorpadham Kadandha Thuriya Meignana
Arputhan Eendra Karpaga Kalirae
Muppazham Nugarum Mooshiga Vaaganan
Ippozhudhu Ennai Aatkolla Vendi

meaning,

The Lord ( Lord Shiva) of the true knowledge - that is beyond word's explanation - Turiya (The Sleepless Sleep)
Begotten this Wish fulfilling (Karpagam) Elephant
The Lord who rides the mouse and tastes the three fruits - Mukkanis (Mangoes, Jackfruit, Banana)
Came now to possess me as His devotee

தாயா யெனக்குத்  தானெழுந் தருளி
மாயாப் பிறவி மயக்க மறுத்தே
திருந்திய முதலைந் தெழுத்துத் தெளிவாய்ப்
பொருந்தவே வந்தென் உளந்தனில் புகுந்து

Thaayai Enakkum Thaanezhndhu Aruli
Maayaa Piravi Mayakkam Aruthae
Thirundhiya Mudhal Aindheluthu Thelivaai
Porundhavae Vandhenn Ulandhanil Pugundhu

meaning,

Appearing as a Mother to shower his grace on me
He cleaved the trance of illusionary birth
To explain The pristine and divine five letters (Na Ma Si Va Ya) for my mind to understand
He entered into my heart then

குருவடி வாகிக் குவலயந் தன்னில்
திருவடி வைத்துத் திறமிது பொருளென
வாடா வகைதன் மகிழ்ந்தெனக் கருளிக்
கோடா யுதத்தால் கொடுவினை களைந்தே

Guruvadivaagi Kuvalayam Thanil
Thiruvadi Vaiththu Thiramidhu Porulena
Vaadaa Vagaithan Magizhndhu Enakkaruli
Kodaayudhaththaal Koduvinai Kalaindhae

Taking the form of a Guru (Teacher) in this world
Placing his divine feet and establishing life’s meaning
Joyously bestowing the evergreen grace on me
Expunging the bad karma with His tusks

உவட்டா உபதேசம் புகட்டியென் செவியில்
தெவிட்டாத ஞானத் தெளிவையும் காட்டி
ஐம்புலன் தன்னை அடக்கும் உபாயம்
இன்புறு கருணை இனிதெனக் கருளிக்

Uvatta Ubadesam Pugatti Enn Seviyil
Thevittadha Gnana Thelivaiyum Kaati
Aimbulan Thannai Adakkum Ubaayam
Inburu Karunai Inidhenakkaruli

meaning,

He feeds his teachings into my ears which never makes me filled
Showing the sweetest clarity of wisdom
The mastery to control the five senses
Bestowed to me by His joyest grace

கருவிக ளொடுக்கும் கருத்தினை யறிவித்து
இருவினை தன்னை அறுத்திருள் கடிந்து
தலமொரு நான்கும் தந்தெனக் கருளி
மலமொரு மூன்றின் மயக்கம் அறுத்தே

Karuvigal Odukkum Karuththinai Ariviththu
Iruvinai Thannai Aruththirul Kadinthu
Thalamoru Naangum Thandhenakku Aruli
Malamoru Moondrin Mayakkam Aruththae

meaning
He imparted me the knowledge of subduing the senses
Eliminating the darkness of birth and death
Blessing me with the four stages of salvation
Abscising the spell of three impurities (Pride, Sin, Ignorance)

ஒன்பது வாயில் ஒருமந் திரத்தால்
ஐம்புலக் கதவை அடைப்பதும் காட்டி
ஆறா தாரத்து அங்குச நிலையும்
பேறா நிறுத்திப் பேச்சுரை யறுத்தே

Onbadhu Vaayil Oru Mandhiraththaal
Aimbula Kadhavai Adaipadhum Kaati
Aarathaarathu Angusa Nilayum
Peraa Niruththi Paechurai Aruththae

meaning,

He showed one mantra for all  the nine doorways to this body
That could shut the Five sense gates that act on these doorways
Knowledge about the six chakras, became a prodding goad
By His definitive speech, that stood in mind forever

இடைபிங் கலையின் எழுத்தறி வித்துக்
கடையிற் சுழுமுனை கபாலமும் காட்டி
மூன்றுமண் டலத்தின் முட்டிய தூணின்
நான்றெழு பாம்பின் நாவில் உணர்த்திக்

Idai Pingalayin Ezhuthariviththu
Kadaiyil Sulumunai Kabaalamum Kaati
Moondru Mandalaththin Muttiya Thoonin
Naandrezhu Paambin Naavil Unarththi

meaning,

Showing details of the Idai and Pingalai Naadis that control the flow of breath
The end of which is the Suzhumunai Naadi at the head.
He made me realize about the pillar that stands connected to the three realms
And the Snake (Kundalini) that rises above

குண்டலி யதனிற் கூடிய அசபை
விண்டெழு மந்திரம் வெளிப்பட உரைத்து
மூலா தாரத்தின்  முண்டெழு கனலைக்
காலால் எழுப்புங் கருத்தறி வித்தே

Kundali Adhanil Koodiya Asabai
Vindezhu Mandhiram Velippada Uraithu
Mooladhaarathin Mundezhu Kanalai
Kaalaal Ezhuppum Karuthu Ariviththae

meaning,
The rhythm of breathing that accompanies the Kundalini
Rised above by the Mantra imparted to me by Him
The flame that ascends from the base chakra (Mooladharam)
He imparted the knowledge to elevate it from the base

அமுத நிலையும் ஆதித்தன் இயக்கமும்
குமுத சகாயன் குணத்தையுங் கூறி
இடைச் சக்கரத்தின் ஈரெட்டு நிலையும்
உடற் சக்கரத்தின் உறுப்பையும் காட்டி

Amudha Nilayum Aadhithan Iyakkamum
Kumudha Sagaayan Gunaththayum Koori
Idai Chakkarathin Eerettu Nilayum
Udal Chakkarathin Uruppayum Kaati

meaning,
The state of enlightenment and the functioning of the Sun
The nature of lily-lover - The Moon, all explained to me by His grace
He revealed the sixteen facets of the Vishuddhi Chakra
And the components of the Chakras in the body

சண்முக தூலமுஞ் சதுர்முகச் சூக்கமும்
எண்முக மாய் இனிதெனக் கருளி
புரியட்ட காயம் புலப்பட எனக்குத்
தெரியெட்டு நிலையும் தெரிசன படுத்தி

Shanmuga Thoolamum Sadhurmuga Sookamum
Ennmugamaai Inidhenakku Aruli
Puriyatta Kaayam Pulappada Enakku
Theriyettu Nilayum Therisana Paduththi

meaning
The tangible broadness/extent of Lord Shanmuga, the minute-ness in Lord Brahma’s creations
He explained with a smile His face.
He enabled me to perceive the subtleness of this body
Revealing the Eight Siddhis that could be accomplished

கருத்தினிற் கபால வாயினிற் காட்டி
இருத்தி முத்தி இனிதெனக் கருளி
என்னை யறிவித்து எனக்கருள் செய்து
முன்னை வினையின் முதலை களைந்து

Karuththinil Kabaala Vaayinil Kaati
Iruththi Muththi Inidhenakku Aruli
Ennai Ariviththu Enakkarul Seidhu
Munnai Vinaiyin Mudhalai Kalaindhu

After revealing it to my mind and vision - the gateway to the mind
He bestowed enlightenment sweetly as ever
He made me know myself and showered his grace on me
Clearing off the sins/karma of my previous births

வாக்கும் மனமு மில்லா மனோலயம்
தேக்கி யென்றன் சிந்தை தெளிவித்து
இருள்வெளி இரண்டிற்கு ஒன்றிட மென்ன
அருள்தரும் ஆனந்தத் தழுந்தியென்  செவியில்

Vaakkum Manamum Illa Manolayam
Thaekki Endhan Sindhal Thelivithu
Irulveli Irandirrkku Ondridam Enna
Arultharum Aanandhaththu Azhundhi Enn Seviyil

meaning
Aligning the mind in Him seamlessly without words or thoughts in it
Clarifying my intellect with that alignment
Explaining Void and Space emanate from the same source
That showers the grace and joy in my ears to listen

எல்லை யில்லா ஆனந்த மளித்து
அல்லல் களைந்தே அருள்வழி  காட்டி
சத்தத்தி னுள்ளே சதாசிவம் காட்டி
சித்தத்தி னுள்ளே சிவலிங்கம் காட்டி

Ellai Illa Aanandham Aliththu
Allal Kalaindhae Arul Vazhi Kaati
Saththaninullae Sadhasivam Kaati
Siththaninullae Siva Lingam Kaati

Granting me the limitless joy
Removing the troubles and showing the path of grace
Showing the Shapeless Supreme Sadashivam in the sound (OM)
Revealing the Shiva-lingam in my mind

அணுவிற் கணுவாய் அப்பாலுக் கப்பாலாய்
கனுமுற்றி நின்ற கரும்புள்ளே காட்டி
வேடமும் நீறும் விளங்க நிறுத்தி
கூடுமெய்த் தொண்டர் குழாத்துடன் கூட்டி

Anuvirkku Anuvaai Appaalukku Appaalaai
Kanumuttri Nindra Karumbullae Kaati
Vedamum Neerum Vilanga Niruththi
Koodumei Thondar Kuzhaathudan Kooti

meaning,
Existing as an atom for an atom (so small) and distance beyond the distant (Universe)
Revealing as the sugarcane that is ripe with the strong seams
Enabling the desire for devotion and clarifying about the sacred ash
Merging me with the group of ardent devotees that gather to worship

அஞ்சக் கரத்தின் அரும்பொருள் தன்னை
நெஞ்சக்  கருத்தின் நிலையறி வித்து
தத்துவ நிலையை தந்தெனை யாண்ட
வித்தக விநாயக விரைகழல் சரணே

Anja Karaththin Arumporul Thannai
Nenja Karuththin Nilayarivithu
Thathuva Nilaiyai Thandhenai Aanda
Viththaga Vinayaga Virai Kalal Saranae


meaning, 
Revealing the sacred meaning of the Five Letters (Namashivaya)
Instilling that knowledge in my heart and mind
He ruled me imparting the philosophical state of mind
The wise Lord Vinayaga, at his feet I take refuge with my hands together

The beauty of Vinayagar Agaval is that it makes anyone engrossed and makes them read again and again and enjoy the bliss. The bliss is not just the praises of Lord Vinayaga, but the amount of wisdom that it contains. The flow and rhythm enthrals everyone.

People believe that regular recitation of the Vinayagar Agaval improves their speech. Some people have trouble with intonations and pronunciation. The regular recital makes the tongue to twist and turn improving the way people speak.
The richness and eloquence in the usage of words proves Avvaiyar’s mettle and of course the grace she would have got from Lord Vinayaga. The grace from the Universally liked God, is what would have exalted Avvaiyar to an ever-remembered and revered female icon in Tamil Literature.

More to come, until then...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Prabhu,
I request you to write an article on Nadi Josiyam. I contact a Nadi astrologer, he mentioned my father's name and mother's name with just my right thumb impression without asking any questions. Since you are well versed in tamil literature, I would like to see your views on Nadi Josiyam.

Thanks,

Venkatesh

R. Prabhu said...

Hi Venkatesh,

Thanks for coming by. Sure Nadi Josiyam is in my list, but I need more time to research it thoroughly before I start writing about it. Will surely write a post or a few posts about it soon.

Thanks for the support and encouragement!

GG said...

Hi Prabhu,

I am looking for an authentic write-up on Avvaiyar's vinayakar agaval for a temple souvenir. I am a volunteer with the temple. Is it possible to reach you by email regarding that? Your blog post on avvaiyar is pretty good.

GG said...

I would like to get your permission to reprint this blog post on Vinayakar agaval with you as an author. For that it would help to talk or email. Pl refer to my blog page with some souvenirs i was involved with:
http://rithaavaree.wordpress.com/souvenir-volumes/

thanks,gg

R. Prabhu said...

Hi GG,

Good to hear that you liked the post. Feel free to reprint the blog post, I would be more than happy if you did :)

Thanks,
Prabhu

Unknown said...

Hi Prabu,

You are really doing a great job. Keeping the tradition and history alive. Please continue doing it. Let you have the divine's blessings.

Thanks
Balakumar E

R. Prabhu said...

Thanks Balakumar!

Manoharan said...

Prabhu

Why 11 months to say a thanks?
How are you? Fine?

I too translated Vinayagar Agaval
Very soon it will be online.

Good work by you.
Have you started Nadi astro venture?

Man-O-Haran

R. Prabhu said...

Thanks Manoharan, sure send me your translation link once your are done. I have barely scratched the surface of Nadi Jodhidam, need to delve more into it later.

Unknown said...

Hi prabhu,
Thank you for publishing this great article. I have memorised and I recite vinayakar agaval. I would strongly like to know the meaning of agaval and I have a lot of clarifications. Please let me know in detail of the below,
Showing details of the Idai and Pingalai Naadis that control the flow of breath
The end of which is the Suzhumunai Naadi at the head.
He made me realize about the pillar that stands connected to the three realms
And the Snake (Kundalini) that rises above

I would be thankful.

Vinod

Malar said...

I am just starting learning and understanding tamil literature with help of ur blog. Thanks a lot for ur helpful nature of teaching bysharing what u know!!!! Sandosham asirvadham✡