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
3871 ## சூழ் விசும்பு அணி முகில் * தூரியம் முழக்கின * ஆழ் கடல் அலை திரை * கை எடுத்து ஆடின ** ஏழ் பொழிலும் * வளம் ஏந்திய என் அப்பன் * வாழ் புகழ் நாரணன் * தமரைக் கண்டு உகந்தே (1)
3871. 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.
Explanatory Notes
(i) This song describes the ecstatic manner in which even the inanimate clouds, which decorate the sprawling sky and the surging waves of the deep seas, came forward to greet the devotees of Lord Śrīman Nārāyaṇa of undying fame, during their ascent to the high spiritual worlds. All the seven islands wore a festive appearance and their inhabitants, one and all, held, in
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
3872 நாரணன் தமரைக் கண்டு உகந்து * நல் நீர் முகில் * பூரண பொன் குடம் * பூரித்தது உயர் விண்ணில் ** நீர் அணி கடல்கள் * நின்று ஆர்த்தன * நெடு வரைத் தோரணம் நிரைத்து * எங்கும் தொழுதனர் உலகே (2)
3872. 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.
Explanatory Notes
Not satisfied with mere roaring with joy, as set out in the last song, the clouds present the ceremonial ‘Pūrṇa Kumba’ (vessel containing water, having coconut as the lid) to the distinguished sojourners; likewise, the oceanic waves, that danced, keep on expressing their joy. The denizens of the upper worlds vie with each other in setting up mammoth banners and buntings for greeting the Lord’s votaries, during their ascent to spiritual world.
Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
3873 தொழுதனர் உலகர்கள் * தூப நல் மலர் மழை பொழிவனர் * பூமி அன்று அளந்தவன் தமர் முன்னே ** எழுமின் என்று இருமருங்கு இசைத்தனர் * முனிவர்கள் * வழி இது வைகுந்தர்க்கு என்று * வந்து எதிரே (3)
3873. 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.
Explanatory Notes
There are certain upper worlds, charged with the special responsibility of guiding and conducting the released souls in their onward march to spiritual world. Those denizens are shown here as revering the new-comers by burning incense before them and showering on them choice flowers of outstanding fragrance. Even the sages came forward, breaking their normal vow of silence, to welcome these spiritual world-bound souls and escort them.
Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
3874 எதிர் எதிர் இமையவர் * இருப்பிடம் வகுத்தனர் * கதிரவர் அவர் அவர் * கைந்நிரை காட்டினர் ** அதிர் குரல் முரசங்கள் * அலை கடல் முழக்கு ஒத்த * மது விரி துழாய் முடி * மாதவன் தமர்க்கே (4)
3874. 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.
Explanatory Notes
(i) The Devas in the upper regions, are said to manifest their great joy over the spiritual worldly ascent of the devotees of Mādhava, by playing music, en route, and putting up nice halting camps in enchanting surroundings, where the distinguished marchers might possibly alight and relax themselves. Even if these special camps, studiously set up by the Devas in their
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
mādhavan thamarkku — for the servitors of ṣriya:pathi (lord of ṣrī mahālakshmi); imaiyavar — (dhĕvathās) those who don-t blink their eyes; edhir edhir — in the path of ṣrīvaishṇavas going to paramapadham; iruppidam — palaces which are resting places; vaguththanar — made;; kadhiravar — the twelve ādhithyas; avaravar — in their respective ability; kai nirai kāttinar — gave their rays which are their hands as the decorative rows;; murasangal̤ — the drums which they beat; adhir kural — the tumultuous sound; alai kadal — in ocean with tides; muzhakkoththana — matched loud noise.; vānavar — ādhivāhika dhĕvathās (those who guide the āthmā in their path to paramapadham) such as varuṇa, indhra, prajāpathi et al; vāsalil — standing at the entrances of their respective abode
3875. 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.
Explanatory Notes
The Celestials came out into the open to greet the devotees of Lord Mādhava Who bears Śrī Mahālakṣmī on His chest, as the favourite wards of the Divine Mother. The distinguished marchers to spiritual world were accorded a warm reception by the Celestials who invited the former to visit their places and accept their hospitality. The Vedic Scholars of the upper worlds deemed
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
mādhavan thamar — servitors of ṣriya:pathi (lord of ṣrī mahālakshmi); enṛu — showing reverence; pŏdhumin — -kindly come in this way-; emadhu idam pugudhuga — please enter the places which are under our regime; enṛalum — as they say these words and honour them with gifts; vĕdha nal vāyavar — those who are having distinguished mouth/speech due to their recital of vĕdham; vĕl̤vi — (their) karmas such as yāgam (fire sacrifice) etc; ul̤ — with reverence thinking -our recitals have become purposeful-; maduththu — offered (at the lotus feet of the ṣrīvaishṇavas); kinnarar — kinnaras (celestial beings); gerudargal̤ — garudas (celestial beings); gīdhangal̤ pādinar — sang songs.; vĕl̤vi ul̤ maduththalum — ās the vaidhikas offered all dharmas; virai kamazh — emitting fragrance
3876. 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."
Explanatory Notes
The bright-eyed ‘Apsaras’, the sweet damsels in the upper regions, cast their cool glances on the Lord’s devotees, passing along; Overcome by spontaneous joy, these ladies welcomed the distinguished travellers with the same warmth with which the elders would greet the home-coming of an youngster who had strayed away in distant lands quite long. Nampiḷḷai would just melt
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
naṛum — fragrant; pugai — incense; engum kalandhu — spreading everywhere; kāl̤angal̤ — wind instruments; valam puri — conches with curl towards the right side; isaiththanar — blew;; vāl̤ — radiant; oṇ — beautiful; kaṇ — having eyes; madandhaiyar — celestial women; āzhiyān — for sarvĕṣvaran who has thiruvāzhi (divine chakra); thamar — you who are servitors; vānagam — these abodes such as svarga (heaven) etc; āṇmingal̤ — should rule over; enṛu magizhndhu — being joyful in this manner; vāzhththinar — blessed.; thodu kadal kidandha — mercifully resting in the deep ocean; em kĕsavan — being kĕṣava who is the creator of everyone such as people like me, dhĕvas starting with brahmā, and nithyasūris
3877 மடந்தையர் வாழ்த்தலும் * மருதரும் வசுக்களும் * தொடர்ந்து எங்கும் * தோத்திரம் சொல்லினர் ** தொடுகடல் கிடந்த எம் கேசவன் * கிளர் ஒளி மணிமுடி * குடந்தை எம் கோவலன் * குடி அடியார்க்கே (7)
3877. 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.
Explanatory Notes
(i) Not satisfied with what they did, in their respective areas, unto the distinguished marchers to spiritual world, the ‘Maruth Gaṇas’ and ‘Aṣṭa Vasus’ went beyond their territorial limits, as far as they could, singing all the time the glory of these great souls on their upward journey. As a matter of fact, even these Devas, reputed for their rapid movements with immense
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
3878 குடி அடியார் இவர் * கோவிந்தன் தனக்கு என்று * முடி உடை வானவர் * முறை முறை எதிர்கொள்ள ** கொடி அணி நெடு மதிள் * கோபுரம் குறுகினர் * வடிவு உடை மாதவன் * வைகுந்தம் புகவே (8)
3878. 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.
Explanatory Notes
(i) The ‘Nityas’, in spiritual world, now come forward, in their strength, to greet the devotees from Earth, of Lord Govinda, who were enthralled by His amazing simplicity and loving condescension, during His advent on Earth. The venue where the two groups meet is just outside the main entrance to spiritual world (Śrī Vaikuṇṭa). It may be noted that, while the previous
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
enṛu — saying; mudi udai — having similar form with crown etc as īṣvara; vānavar — nithyasūris; muṛai — as per their respective position; edhir kol̤l̤a — come forward and welcome; vadivu udai — having a decorated form; mādhavan — sarvĕṣvaran-s (who is present with lakshmi as said in -ṣriyāsārdham-); vaigundham — in ṣrīvaikuṇtam; puga — to let them enter; kodi aṇi — being decorated with flags (as a mark of welcoming them, as decoration); nedu madhil̤ — having tall fort; gŏpuram kuṛuginar — arrived at the main entrance.; vaigundham pugudhalum — ās the ṣrīvaishṇavas entered ṣrīvaikuṇtam; vāsalil vānavar — the divine gate keepers
3879. 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.
Explanatory Notes
Tirumaṅkai Āzhvār was so steeped in the enjoyment of the Lord in His Arcā (Iconic) manifestation in the ‘Līlā Vibhūthi’ (Sportive Universe), easily worshipped in His image form of exquisite charm, that he even ridiculed the idea of men aspiring for spiritual world, like unto the senseless pursuit after the flying crow, letting go the rabbit on hand. And so, there lies
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
vaigundhan thamar — these ṣrīvaishṇavas, who have attained ṣrīvaikuṇtanātha; emar — are desirable for us;; emadhu idam puga — they should enter our dominion; enṛu — considering this; viyandhanar — became pleased;; vaigundhaththu — in that abode; amararum munivarum — amarars (those who engage in kainkaryam) and munivars (those who engage in meditating on bhagavān-s qualities); maṇṇavar — those who were immersed in worldly pleasures on earth; vaigundham puguvadhu — entering paramapadham; vidhiyĕ — what a bhāgyam (fortune)!; enṛu viyandhanar — became pleased.; vidhi vagai — by the order of īṣvara, in the form of our fortune; pugundhanar — the ṣrīvaishṇavas arrived and entered;
3880. 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.
Explanatory Notes
(i) The ‘Nitya Sūrīs’, the Eternal Angels, who never passed through the gruelling mill of Saṃsāra and are, therefore, known as4 aspriṣṭa Samsārīs’, honour the ‘Released Souls’ just entering spiritual world on such a grand scale, without the slightest tinge of superiority complex. What makes them admire the new entrants and honour them, by enthroning them and washing their
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
enṛu — being pleased; nal vĕdhiyar — the nithyasūris who are well versed in vĕdham (as said in purusha sūktham -sādhyāssandhi dhĕvā:-) and having distinguished nature; padhiyinil — in their respective abode; pānginil — in an honourable manner; pādhangal̤ kazhuvinar — cleansed the divine feet (of such ṣrīvaishṇavas);; nidhiyum — bhagavān-s pādhukā which are said as the wealth for devotees as said in sthŏthra rathnam -dhanam madhīyam-; nal suṇṇamum — distinguished thiruchchūrṇam (fragrance powder, which acquired its greatness due to the contact with the divine form of bhagavān); niṛai kudam — pūrṇa kumbam (sacred pot filled with water); vil̤akkam — mangal̤a dhīpams (auspicious lamps); madhi — shining like a full moon; mugam — having face; madandhaiyar — divine damsels who have the humility revealing their subservience; vandhu — coming forward; ĕndhinar — carried.; avar — he himself (who is with lakshmi); vandhu edhirkol̤l̤a — as he comes forward and receives
3881 ## வந்து அவர் எதிர் கொள்ள * மா மணி மண்டபத்து * அந்தம் இல் பேரின்பத்து * அடியரோடு இருந்தமை ** கொந்து அலர் பொழில் * குருகூர்ச் சடகோபன் * சொல் சந்தங்கள் ஆயிரத்து * இவை வல்லார் முனிவரே (11)
3881. 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.
Explanatory Notes
(i) This end-song sets out the benefit, accruing to the chanters of this decad, as being their elevation on a par with the sages in the high spiritual world, immersed in incessant contemplation of the auspicious attributes of the Lord.
(ii) Oh, what a glorious ascent! How exciting, exhilarating and entertaining is this special spiritual world-bound route, exclusively
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Word by Word (WBW) meaning
(The words may be rearranged to facilitate conversion from poetry to prose (Aṉvayam). Please read the meanings (in black) continuously to form the sentence and understand the simplified meaning based on the Divyārtha Dīpikai for the verse.)
mā maṇi maṇdabaththu — in thirumāmaṇi maṇdapam (the divine assembly hall); andham il — endless; pĕr — boundless; inbaththu — having bliss; adiyarŏdu — being with sūris (nithyasūris, mukthāthmās); irundhamai — in the way one is present; kondhu alar — bunch of flowers blossoming; pozhil — having garden; kurugūr — controller of āzhvārthirunagari; satakŏpan — nammāzhvār; sol — mercifully spoke; sandhangal̤ — having different metres; āyiraththu — among the thousand pāsurams; ivai — this decad; vallār — those who can practice well; munivar — will become those who meditate upon bhagavān-s auspicious qualities (in paramapadham).; muniyĕ — (being unqualified to be distinguished by name and form, being in an annihilated state without any difference between chith (sentient beings) and achith (insentient entities), in that singular state of all entities as said in chāndhŏgya upanishath -sadhĕva- and -ĕkamĕva-, as said in vishṇu thathvam -īṣvarāya nivĕdhithum-, with merciful heart, set out to bestow body and senses to chĕthanas, to make them surrender unto him) one who meditates upon the ways of creation; nānmuganĕ — (after performing samashti srushti (initial creation up to creating the oval shaped universes) in transforming the primordial matter to mahath etc, to engage in vyashti srushti (variegated creation) inside the universes, as said in -srushtim thatha: karishyāmi thvāmāviṣya prajāpathĕ-) having four-headed brahmā as your body