Chapter 8
Songs of a cowherd - (காதில் கடிப்பு)
ஆய்ச்சி ஒருத்தி கண்ணனோடு ஊடி உரைத்தல்
These verses are structured as if an angry Gopi, upset by Krishna's mischief, speaks in a tone of feigned anger and complaint. The āzhvār captures this playful yet frustrated dialogue, showcasing the Gopi's emotions and her chiding words towards Krishna.
கண்ணன் செயல்களால் சினம் கொண்ட ஆய்ச்சி ஒருத்தி ஊடல் கொண்டு பேசுதல்போல் ஈண்டுப் பாசுரங்கள் அமைந்துள்ளன.
Verses: 1922 to 1931
Grammar: Kaliviruththam / கலிவிருத்தம்
Recital benefits: Will not suffer the ocean of sorrow
- Verse 1:
1922. A cowherd girl says to Kannan, “You didn’t come on the day you said you would to see me, but wearing earrings in your ears and lovely clothes on your waist and a cool tulasi garland shedding its pollen on your chest you come here now and stand behind me. What is this? What is this?” - Verse 2:
1923. A cowherd girl says to Kannan, “You wear an orange dress, your hair is tied up in a knot and you have tied a kachu around your waist. You come near the door in the backyard and stand there. What do you want? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 3:
1924. A cowherd girl says to Kannan, “You, matchless, carry an eagle banner and you killed Sakātāsuran when he came as a cart, and now you come into our home in our village and frighten us. What are you doing in the night like this? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 4:
1925. A cowherd girl says to Kannan, “You are the sweet Nāranan with many names adorned with thulasi garlands. You come like Kāma, the god of love, sing songs and enter our homes. Why are you doing this in the middle of the night? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 5:
1926. A cowherd girl says to Kannan. “Your hair is long and curly, you carry a small sword and you are adorned with many golden ornaments studded with beautiful diamonds. You have come into our front yard and you smile and just stand there. Why do you do this? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 6:
1927. A cowherd girl says to Kannan. “You left the cowherds and their cows, carrying a curved victorious bow, and now you look to see if anyone is around and enter our homes when no one is there. Why are you doing this where others might see? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 7:
1928. A cowherd girl says to Kannan, “You, our beloved, fought the wrestlers with your strong arms. Last night we already knew what you wanted. You always go away without telling us when you will come back, and if you do tell us, you never come when you said you would. O god! What is this? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 8:
1929. A cowherd says to Kannan “You are faultless. You entered a pond, caught the snake Kālingan and danced on his heads. You don’t think we’re as important to you as you used to— you have many good girlfriends. O god! What is this? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 9:
1930. A cowherd girl says to Kannan. “You are a handsome young man. The goddess of wealth Lakshmi and the earth goddess stay with you, but you join the beautiful cowherd girls and dance the kuravai dance with them. O my friend, do you see this? What is this? What is this? What is this?” - Verse 10:
1931. Kaliyan who has strong mountain-like arms composed a garland of pāsurams describing how the cowherd girls, quarrel during the day with lotus-eyed Kannan. If devotees learn and recite these pāsurams and worship the god they will have no sorrow in their lives.