Thiruppavai: 29 — சிற்றம் சிறுகாலே

சிற்றம் சிறுகாலே வந்துஉன்னை சேவித்துஉன்

பொற்றா மரைஅடியே போற்றும் பொருள்கேளாய்

பெற்றம்மேய்த்து உண்ணும் குலத்தில் பிறந்துநீ

குற்றுஏவல் எங்களைக் கொள்ளாமல் போகாது

இற்றைப் பறைகொள்வான் அன்றுகாண் கோவிந்தா

எற்றைக்கும் ஏழ்ஏழ் பிறவிக்கும் உன்தன்னோடு

உற்றோமே ஆவோம் உனக்கேநாம் ஆட்செய்வோம்

மற்றைநம் காமங்கள் மாற்றேலோர் எம்பாவாய்

In the pre-dawn session, arrived here to worship you

To sing praise of your lotus-feet, (Oh Govinda), please listen

Having born (like us) in the tribe of herds-people

You should not refuse our intimate worship

We have come to receive the cymbal/drum from you

In this birth as well as in the up-coming births,

Would love to be in-relation with you and serve only you

And would regulate our other desires

1. The pre-dawn period is called “Arunodayam” or “Ushat Kalam” or “Brahma Muhurtham”; where the mind remains very calm. This period is highly recommended for all pious, religious, educational activities

2. One of the most famous poems of Mother Andal and, indeed, in the entire pantheon of 4000 Divya prabandam

3. This is the 3rd song, where the name of “Govindaa” is invoked, continuously

4. As we come to the end of the Vrata/Nonbu, the phala-sruthi or the fruits of the vrata is indicated upon

5. பற்றுக பற்றற்றான் பற்றினை அப்பற்றைப்

பற்றுக பற்று விடற்கு

Worship of the feet of the Gods are widespread in our literature. Here is a sample from Thirukkural, where the author embarks on the word jugglery to stress the importance of the feet of the God

6. The period also indicates the dawning of the wisdom, knowledge about the Lord in the minds of the devotee. That knowledge has helped us to identify you and we have come to you in the wee hours

7. What kind of feet they are : the sole refuge, the personification of the very deity, sweet smelling, pleasant looking , all pervading and what not

8. Legs on the lotus reminds of another metaphor; I seek here, a little latitude to dwell on the yogic parlance. The lotus represents the 7th chakra, Sahasrara chakra and where the feet of the Lord stays permanently in that chakra. That means, constant devotion

9. The seeking of drum is nothing but continuous service to the Lord, either here or elsewhere or in the umpteen births one may take

10. This prayer also puts a burden on the Lord, wherever we are or whatever form we are or what space or time we are, we seek his Grace at all times for the continuous remembrance of the Lord

11. Here, Mother is saying on behalf of us: கோடி ஜென்மம் நான் எடுப்பேன் இறைவன் அருள் இருந்தால் / will take multitude of births provide we have your Grace to guide us at all times