Scriptural

Phalaśruti

பல ஸ்ருதி

Also known as: phalaśruti, phala shruti, phalasruti, fruit verse, benefit verse, phala-sruti, phala śruti

Meaning

The 'fruit-verse' — the final verse of a hymn or scripture that states the spiritual benefit obtained by those who recite or hear the complete work.

Detailed Explanation

The Concluding Promise

Phalaśruti (Sanskrit: phala = fruit/reward + śruti = hearing/declaring) is the concluding verse of many Vedic, Purāṇic, and devotional compositions that states the blessings accruing to those who recite, hear, or study the text. It functions as a seal on the text and an encouragement to devoted recitation.

In the Divya Prabandham

Most prabandhas of the Nālāyira Divya Prabandham conclude with a phalaśruti — the Āzhvār declares the benefit: liberation, Bhagavān's presence, protection from evil, success in devotion, etc. For example, Nammāzhvār's Tiruvāymozhi concludes with the declaration that those who recite it will attain Bhagavān's company in Vaikuṇṭha.

Theological Significance

The phalaśruti is not mere encouragement — it is an Āzhvār's guarantee, backed by their direct vision of Bhagavān (divya-maṅgala-vigraha). When the Āzhvār declares 'those who sing this will be free,' it is a statement of fact grounded in the Āzhvār's own experience and Bhagavān's will.

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