Chapter 9
Āzhvār sings on the warm welcome he received upon reaching paramapadam - (சூழ் விசும்பு)*
பரமபதத்தில் தமக்குக் கிடைத்த நல் வரவேற்பை ஆழ்வார் அனுபவித்துப் பாடுதல்
When a prince of royal lineage is on a procession, auspicious musical instruments are sounded as part of the protocol; similarly, when Āzhvār proceeds to go towards paramapadam, sounds rang out from the clouds. The waves of the sea danced with joy. Renowned vocalists such as the kinnarar and kerudar (celestial beings) sang beautifully. Conches and brass pipe horns were blown. Celestial women gave their blessings and praise. This chapter elaborates on this festivity.
அரசகுமரர் செல்லும்போது மங்கள வாத்தியங்கள் முழங்குவது வழக்கம்., அதுபோல் ஆழ்வார் பரமபதத்திற்கு எழுந்தருளும்போது மேகங்கள் முழங்கின. கடலலைகள் அசைந்தாடின. பாடுவதில் வல்லவர்களான கின்னரர் கெருடர்கள் கீதங்கள் பாடினார்கள். காளங்களும் வலம் புரியும் இசைந்தன. தேவமடந்தையர் வாழ்த்தினர். இச்செய்தியைக் கூறுகிறது இத்திருவாய்மொழி.
Verses: 3871 to 3881
Grammar: Kaliviruththam / கலிவிருத்தம்
Pan: கொல்லி
Timing: 10.30 PM - 12.00 AM
- Verse 1:
The comely clouds in the sprawling sky resonated with music, while the surging waves of the deep seas danced in joy. The inhabitants of the seven islands held gifts in their hands to greet with great joy the incoming devotees of my Lord, the beneficent Nāraṇaṉ of undying fame. - Verse 2:
Up in the sky, the joyous clouds, heavy with fine water, honored Lord Nārāyaṇa's devotees. They presented them with gold vessels filled with water, topped with coconuts. Meanwhile, the deep waters of the oceans applauded with standing ovation, and beings from all worlds raised festive banners high in celebration. - Verse 3:
The devotees of the Lord, who once spanned the worlds, were greeted with incense and showers of fine flowers by the denizens of SriVaikuntam. The sages broke their silence to adore these marchers to SriVaikuntam, welcoming them all the way. Arrayed on both sides, they duly escorted these dignitaries with honor and reverence. - Verse 4:
The Nithyasuris led the way for the devotees of Mātavaṉ, adorned with His honey-studded tuḷaci garland, and arranged inns along their spiritual journey. They were accompanied by twelve Katiravars and other escorts who guided them, showcasing various sights and playing drums that echoed like the roaring of the seas with their surging waves. - Verse 5:
The Nithyasuris assembled in outer space to honor and revere the great marchers to the SriVaikuntam, acknowledging them as devotees of Mātavaṉ. They warmly welcomed them to their respective places. Vedic scholars from SriVaikuntam released and bestowed upon them the benefits earned through their rites and rituals. Meanwhile, the Kinnaras and Karuṭas sang many songs in celebration of their arrival. - Verse 6:
The savants offered the fruits of their Vedic rites, filling the air with the sweet smoke of incense. Chanks and bugles sounded loudly as bright-eyed damsels hailed the marchers. They joyously spoke to them, "You, devotees of our Lord who wields the discus, may you hold sway over our land." - Verse 7:
When the ladies sang the glory of these great marchers who have faithfully served Kēcavaṉ, our Lord, across generations, and who now rest in Kuṭantai adorned with a gleaming gem-set crown, the ‘Marutars’ and ‘Vacus’ extolled their greatness. They continued to follow them as far as they were able, acknowledging their devotion and reverence towards Mātavaṉ. - Verse 8:
The crowned inhabitants of SriVaikuntam spared no effort as they came forward to warmly welcome the devotees of Lord Kōvintaṉ, who had arrived at the main entrance of SriVaikuntam, the exquisite abode of Mātavaṉ. This sacred place was adorned with stately walls adorned with lovely banners. - Verse 9:
The eternal Nithyasuris awaited in front of the gates of SriVaikuntam, greeting these great marchers with immense joy. They said to them, "May you, our masters, devotees of the Lord of Vaikunta, take over our duties and positions." The Nithyasuris, engaged in perpetual service to the Lord, and the deeply meditative sages considered it a privilege for humans from Earth to journey to SriVaikuntam. - Verse 10:
The eternal Nithyasuris, revered in the sacred Vedas, considered it their great fortune that these men had come to SriVaikuntam. They welcomed them with grand honors, ceremonially washing their feet. Damsels with faces radiant like the moon came forward, carrying the Lord’s foot-rest, vermilion powder for the devotees’ foreheads, vessels filled with water topped with coconut lids, and auspicious lamps. - Verse 11:
Those who can recite these ten songs, part of the thousand Vedic-inspired compositions by Caṭakōpaṉ of Kurukūr, amidst lush flower gardens, narrating his blissful experiences in SriVaikuntam. They were in the company of great devotees in a gem-set hall, greeted by the Supreme Lord and the Divine Mother. Such reciters will attain the status of eternal sages immersed in the Divine forever.