Sweet 16 and The Left Leg

Thai Ammavasai (27th Jan 2017 – This year) has a close association to  அந்தாதி.  It is a kind of poetic structure where the last word of the previous song or the verse is the first word of the next one. Andham – the end, Adhi – the beginning and both are same.

Trivia states that the first Andhadhi was written by Karaikal Ammaiyar. The next well know is ‘Abirami Andhadhi’. It was sung by ‘Abirami Pattar’ on the new moon day of the tamil month ‘Thai’. The incident happened in the place called Thirukkadaiyur. Abirami Pattar is a great devotee of the presiding deity of the town – Goddess Abirami. He used to forget his senses and devote himself to her. His original name was Subramaniya Iyer. Because of his adherent and unadulterated Bhakthi to the Goddess, he is widely known as ‘Abirami Pattar’.

Once, while he was lost in such a devotion, the King of the region  Serfoji I, a Maratha Ruler came to him and enquired on the ‘Thithi’ of the day. It was a new moon day but he stated it as ‘Full Moon day’. The king called for a challenge. The challenge was he would be killed if Moon isn’t seen for the day. When Abirami pattar came back to his senses he realized his position. He prayed to his Abirami. He was made to stand on a rope structure over burning fire and for each song a rope was cut. While singing the 79th song in the Andhadhi, Goddess threw her earring - tharanga, which shone as moon to lit the sky. Abirami Pattar went on to complete 100 songs and is called ‘Abirami Andhathi’, which tells his utmost devotion to the goddess and each song bestows one ‘Phala’ to the one who meditates.

The 49th song of this epic work destroys Thanatophobia.

பலன்: மரணத்துன்பம் அகலும்

குரம்பை அடுத்து குடிபுக்க ஆவி வெங் கூற்றுக்கு இட்ட
வரம்பை அடுத்து மறுகும் அப்போது வளைக்கை அமைத்து
அரம்பை அடுத்து அரிவையர் சூழ வந்து அஞ்சல் என்பாய்
நரம்பை அடுத்து இசை வடிவாய்  நின்ற நாயகியே

பொருள்:
குரம்பு - உடல். ஆவி - உயிர்.

நரம்புக்கருவிகள் (யாழ், வீணை போன்ற கருவிகள் - string instruments) எழுப்பும் இனிய இசை வடிவான தலைவியே, எனது ஆயுட்காலம் முடிவுறும்போது, இந்த உடலிலிருந்து உயிரை பிரிக்க, எமன் வருவான். அப்போது நான் மிகவும் பயமுறுவேன். நீ தேவமகளிரோடு என்னிடம் வந்து, உனது வளையல்கள் அணிந்த கரங்களை எனக்கு காட்டி, "பயப்படாதே" என்று கூறவேண்டும்.

To hear the song in ராகம் - காம்போதி, தாளம் -விருத்தம்

http://annaiabhirami.blogspot.in/2015/08/49.html?m=1

This song has close relation with the Kshetra. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Amirthaghateswarar known as Kala Samhara Murthi. He killed Lord Yama to save his devotee Markandeya. Markandeya is one among the ‘Sapta Chiranjeevis’ and is believed to live in the world now and ever.

The number 16 has a sweet co incidence with the Keshtra. The அபிராமி பதிகம் by  அபிராமி பட்டர் speaks about the 16 boons that are bestowed to the one who meditates on the Goddess Abirami,

கலையாத கல்வியும்
குறையாத வயதும்
ஓர் கபடு வாராத நட்பும்
கன்றாத வளமையும்
குன்றாத இளமையும்
கழுபிணி இல்லாத உடலும்
சலியாத மனமும்
அன்பு அகலாத மனைவியும்
தவறாத சந்தானமும்
தாழாத கீர்த்தியும்
மாறாத வார்தையும்
தடைகள் வாராத கொடையும்
தெலையாத நிதியும்
கோணாத கோலும்
ஒர் துன்பம் இல்லாத வாழ்வும்
தூய நின்பாதத்தில் அன்பும்

உதவி பெரிய தொண்டர்ரொடு கூட்டுக்கண்டாய்

அலையாழி அறிதுயிலும் மாயனது தங்கையே ஆதிகடவூரின் வாழ்வே
அமுதீசர் ஒருபாகம் அகலாத சுகபாணி அருள்வாய் நீ அபிராமியே!

The last two lines states that Goddess Abirami is the the one who is the sister of Vishnu, one lying in the Milky ocean and the one who shares the left part of Lord Shiva.

As the song tells about 16 boons, Lord Shiva saved his 16 year old humble devotee Markandeya here.

Which the great music composer and one among the trinity of music, Muthuswamy Dikshitar beautifully sings on his kriti ‘abhirAmIM akhila bhuvana rakshakIM ASrayE’ in the raga Bhooshaavati which he has composed during his visit to the Keshtra.. As per the temple evidences Lord Shiva was the one who blessed Markandeya the immortality. Lord Shiva killed yama by kicking him with his left leg. By the tatva of ardha-nArI, left leg denotes Goddess Parvati and hence the great composer beautifully sings ‘mArkaNDEya Ayushprada’ - அமுதீசர் (amrithaghadeswarar) ஒருபாகம் அகலாத சுகபாணி அருள்வாய் நீ அபிராமியே!

References:
For Muthuswamy Dikshitar Kriti -
http://guru-guha.blogspot.in/2007/08/dikshitar-kriti-abhiraameem-akhila-raga.html

For Abirami Andhadhi song and meaning:
http://annaiabhirami.blogspot.in/2015/08/49.html?m=1

Vaigai Puyal Vadivelu and Corporate Lifestyle Sutra

Quest makes life interesting. The post is about joy in any moment, finding ways to smile during awkward situations, a simple analysis on mind voices that pop instantly, in day to day scenarios and the dialogues that come handy to express even awkward emotions in a humorous way.

Vadivelu has been there from the moment of 'Adichan paaru appointment order' and has been a major support till the moment, 'Edhu naanae enaku vechukitta aapu', to make one smile amidst sea of emotions. Many small drops only make an ocean. Similarly, many little things make or break a day. One such is bus travel. It can either make or break a day. Silent travel might make a day pleasant. Even slightest irritation during the travel to office can have a contagious effect on the day. Out of many little things, bus travel plays a crucial role.

A bus travel is an awesome journey. A bus travel is an awesome journey if one gets a window seat. A bus travel is an awesome journey if there are no fights during the journey. A bus travel is an awesome journey if one gets ample time to observe people and surroundings. A bus travel is an awesome journey if one gets to read a book calmly. A bus travel is an awesome journey with music over earphones and is a bliss when one need not remove earphones frequently because a co passenger keep asking questions in installments. A bus travel is an awesome journey if one gets ticket, the moment one boards bus. The list is endless and might vary with the nature of an individual. But a bus travel is a sheer awesome journey if and only if one gets the exact change from the conductor along with the ticket the moment penny is given, 'Without Scoldings'.

If not a typical 'Rendu 50' moment starts in no time. Some conductors tell straight away that they would give while getting down and the frequency of 'Rendu 50' diminishes. But some conductors tell 'Tharen' and the same moment increases in geometric progression. One turns back to see if conductor catches the gaze. Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't. If he does he would nod. If he doesn't the commuter need to scratch his/her head and start counting the number of stops ahead.

If the conductor crosses the seat by any chance, one gets the nagging sensation to ask the conductor. Words throng out. "Anna Change". Some would nod, some yell. Some tell, "Thangachi (thambi) tharen (ma), odida matten". Depending on the answer the frequency of 'Rendu 50' alters. The 'Rendu 50' is also an attribute of rupee note exchanged. If 20, the frequency varies. If 100 or 500, frequency is exponential to 20. If someone is brave enough with a 2000 rupee note, the frequency is left to individual's imagination. But one might typically give the same expression of Vadivelu and is subjected to the same fear of getting down in a different stop to destination, undoubtedly.  Once the 'Rendu 50' moment is passed, there is an immense sigh of relief. One can get back to senses and wait for reality of tasks ahead to slap on face.

The inputs for the required deliverable might look like 'Thattanuku sattai pottal kuttai paiyan kattaiyal adippan, Avan yaar?' and 'pandriku nandri solli kundrin Mel yeri nindral vendridalam kulasekaranai' and one has to wonder that 'Thattam pochi patri en paramparaikae theriyadhu manna.' When the inputs are clear or minimum data is provided, team can reasonably manage. Worst case scenarios are faced when there are no inputs and need to work on a deliverable in a constrained dead line. The 'Aalae illa bellu' moment is faced.

Team meetings happen to deal the situation in a refined manner. The famous 'Kenatha Kanum' case is taken as a reference. The client is responded with a mail stating 'Boss, Kadal-layae illayam'. If bad luck is on cards, the situation might turn against and land in an escalation where to make the client understand one has to follow the 'Ennai Viyabaram' steps. ' Edhu kadala ennai dhana, edhu nalla ennaiya?' and save the billing thus 'Vellai kodikku velai' moment arrives in style. Any new technology gives the feel of 'Puja Karana hai' and many 'Venu Sastri' moments follow in order.

Corporate has strange celebration strategies. The strategy is called 'Treat for any situation'. Code fails, treat. Dropped a table from data base, treat. A team member marries, treat. A team member becomes dad, treat. Few to be celebrated as there is a joy in Sharing. 'Thadukki vizhundha' treat. Soon, treat for breakup, hook ups might join the list. A treat for no valid reason is a 'Kuzhu kudika vena varen, kudukkalam illa' moment to experience 'Vada poche' moments.

Despite the challenges there is a sense of happiness while getting the hard earned money. But when some random person comes and asks about hike and salary is the perfect moment for 'Bata enga ma tharanga, ellam maasa sambalam dhanma' and 'vangara sambalam pongalkum puliyodharaikumae poiduthu'.

Of all the moments one dialogue of Vadivelu come around, sometimes lifts the worst low mood when the efforts go as waste giving a realization in life, bit philosophical, depends how it is looked upon is the 'Nee pudungarthu puramae thevai illadha aani dhan' moment.

From 'Rendu 50' which is to day to day bus travel to 'Akka Mala' and 'Gapsi' telling about Foreign investment in an unhealthy manner, his dialogues come around fantastically. His dialogues are almost imbibed in every situation and steal the show, making situations lighter. Even the most awkward emotion is expressed in a beautiful manner. A smile is a curve that sets many things straight and his dialogues soothes any heated situation in no time.

Hail Vagai Puyal Vadivelu!

தூது - The message and the messenger

Diplomats, Ambassadors play a significant role in a country's progress. He or She must be a tactful person. Someone who understands the situation, act accordingly, without letting down their country or the purpose.

தூது has a special significance in any ancient text or historical incident same in day to day political scenarios. தூது
generally plays a situation altering role. It changes the pace of a story. Usually gives a break through. Kalidasa wrote Megaduta, a poem where cloud carry messages, describing beauty of India in Sanskrit. Might be an inspiration for modern cloud computing.

In Ramayana, till Sundarakandam the pace of the story is different. During Sundarakandam, pace shifts because of Lord Hanuman - The divine messenger. He is the driving force of Ramayana. Kamba Ramayana has two major scenes with Messengers. One is 'Anuman thudhu padalam' and the other is 'Angadhan thudhu padalam'. Both scenes serve as a crux, gives the much needed break through to keep the scenes going, taking one closer to destiny.

Similarly in Mahabharata, Krishna being a vital force for Pandavas goes to Hastinapur as a diplomat and the story goes to next level. Tamil literature has 'N' number of modes of messages. Diplomats not only represent a country, ease tensed war situations but also a consiler or reconsiler in love stories. Lord Hanuman has played both roles excellently. Tamil has 'Kili Vidu Thudhu', 'Mayil Vidu Thudhu', 'Annam vidu Thudhu', 'Thendral vidu Thudhu' and many more.

Kavingyar Kannadasan beautiful describes the state of a lover, a classic example of 'Aganaanoru' in the movie 'Pachai Vilaku'.

"Thoothu sella oru thozhi illai ena thuyar kondayo thalaivi?"

While 'Imsai arasan 23am Pulikesi' movie tells about 'Pura Vidu Thudhu', the communication gap and the consequences that occur due to a less responsible messenger who forgets his duty is a classic example of 'Puranaanoru'.

Lyricist Thamarai questions the ability of தூது beautifully in the song

"தூது வருமா தூது வருமா
காற்றில் வருமா கரைந்து விடுமா
தூது வருமா தூது வருமா
கனவில் வருமா கலைந்து விடுமா
நீ சொல்ல வந்ததை சொல்லி விடுமா
பாதி சொன்னதும் அது ஓடி விடுமா" from the movie Khaka Khaka.

For which the answer was given long back by Mylapore Man. திருவள்ளுவர் has dedicated an அதிகாரம் in his உலகப் பொதுமறை telling the significance of தூது and the characteristics of diplomats. He may or may not have acted as a diplomat but he has given, set of rules to be followed which serves a greater purpose till today.

தொகச் சொல்லித் தூவாத நீக்கி நகச்சொல்லி
நன்றி பயப்பதாந் தூது. - குறள் 685

The Indian history tells, Chonira Belliappa Muthamma was the first Indian Woman diplomat. Next famous woman diplomat is Vijayalakshmi Pandit. But some 2000 years back lived ஔவையார்.

She was the first woman diplomat. She represented king Adhiyaman. Adhiyaman was tired after a battle. He gets an immediate call for another battle from King Thondaiman. Adhiyaman doesn't want the battle, at the same time doesn't want his pride to be let down. He chose ஔவையார். She goes and meets the opponent. King Thondaiman takes her for a walk across his army and exhibits his weapons to her thinking that she would run away in fear and tell King Adhiyaman his powers. But she sings the below.

First 3 lines tell about, Thondaiman's weapons which are shiny and sharp, as he has not used them much. While the next lines tell that Adhiyaman's weapons are not because he has not missed any battle that came his way and won all of them. Also she adds that Adhiyaman is generous and kind hearted. She uses வஞ்சபுகழ்ச்சி அணி -  புகழ்தலை போல் பழித்தல்

by which she sounds to praise Thondaiman, but in a notorious manner is singing the praise of her King. King Thondaiman realizes his ego and take back his call thus she averted a major war. 

ஔவையார், the first woman diplomat is a perfect example of the குறள்: 685. A diplomat is someone who compiles many things, projects what is necessary in an elegant manner and refrain from speaking the unnecessary,  for the betterment their Kingdom. And hence she praises திருக்குறள் as 

அணுவைத் துளைத்துஏழ் கடலைப் புகட்டிக்

குறுகத் தறித்த குறள். 

Means in திருக்குறள் each one is like an atom and Thiruvalluvar has split an atom and filled it with seven seas. The depth of each kural is beyond one's imagination. 

ஔவையார் who is considered as a contemporian to திருவள்ளுவர் has praised the depth of திருக்குறள் in a beautiful manner. Such a critical acclaim from contemporian tells about Thiruvalluvar's depth of knowledge and poetry skills. 

For all 1330 gems _/\_ 

Happy Thiruvalluvar day. 

Book References:

மகளிர் வளர்த்த தமிழ் - அ.ச. ஞானசம்பந்தன்

திருக்குறள் - திருவள்ளுவர்

Make a wish - காரியம் ஆராய்ந் தருளேலோரெம்பாவாய்.

Life is at times ironical. The thought process is one way but the outcome from one’s own self might be different. Some ironical moments might be funny and thought provoking at the same time. There is a sheer happiness in travelling alone in MTC bus in Chennai. 50 rupees pass for a day can take one to any number of destinations. N number of bus routes await to be explored all in just 50 bucks. Travel always transforms. The most positive aspect of MTC buses is the saying each one of them carry. “Thirukkuarl”, seven words that can make a difference in mood.

Some of us like to hear songs through head phones and some wants it to be played aloud. While boarding, the lyrics were louder.

“Un Cellphoneila Balance Maranjukundi
Un Laptop Ellam Virus Nerenjidumdi
Un Atm Card Rendum Tholanjidumdi
Athu Kedachalum Pin Number Maranthida Pray Pannuvaen
Nee Engae Ponaalum Naa Pray Pannuvaen” – (Madhan Karky, Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara)

And a turn to get a ticket just to spot the Thirukural that the bus carries, which reads,

வேண்டுதல்வேண் டாமை இலானடி சேர்ந்தார்க்கு

யாண்டும் இடும்பை இல. – (கடவுள் வாழ்த்து, திருக்குறள், திருவள்ளுவர்)

And the irony strikes. This thirukural means “To those who meditate the feet of Him who is void of desire or aversion, evil shall never come.” But as human beings, being devoid of desire or aversion is practically unattainable state, say for a common man. Humans are made of emotions and are subject to Nava rasas. Meditation is effective. Prayer makes oneself close to the inner self. But one need to be careful while making a wish because

“The devil doesn’t come dressed in a red cape and pointed horns. He comes as everything you’ve ever wished for…” – Tucker Max

Indian ancient texts give many examples to validate the above quote. One such is the prayer of Hiranyakashipu. He was from the asura clan. He wanted to be immortal. In other words it can be stated as the fear of death or the acceptance to the natural phenomena was less in him. He prayed for years together. The lord appeared. He asked for immortality. But God denied as its against nature. He thought for a while and made a wish. He made a list of  things through which death shouldn’t come near him. He did not want to die. Neither in the morning nor in the evening. Neither by a human, nor by an animal. Neither by weapon, nor by hand. Neither on the earth, nor in the midair. And the list continues like the sequels of final destination or the movie I which shows death by various reasons. The God stated “Thathasthu”. Hiranyakashipu thought he had won. But God had other plans. God smiled and let Hiranyakashipu free just to make him realize that his own son is against his core values. He took the mission to kill his own son. One fine day, the repeated failures in the mission of  killing his son paved his way to what he wished for. The lord of  the universe took the form which didn’t vary even an ounce from what he wished for. The rule was followed. The boon became reality. Narasiṃha came down to kill Hiranyakashipu to restore peace and to uphold the universal law.

The same story is the story of Ravan. He wanted his death only by a human who leads an army of monkeys. The outcome was as expected. The same is the story of Maidas from Greek Mythology.

Purana means Pura-api-naveen. Means the one which is old but still applies. These stories teach that one can wish for but the expectations need to be realistic. Realizing these, Shri Andal beautifully threads her prayers in 22ndand 23rd Thiruppavai.

செங்கண் சிறுச் சிறிலே எம்மேல் விழியாவோ?

திங்களும் ஆதித் தியனும் எழுந்தாற்போல்

அங்கண் இரண்டும் கொண்டு  எங்கள்மேல் நோக்குதியேல்

எங்கள்மேல் சாபம் இழிந்தேலோர் எம்பாவாய். – Thiruppavi 22

She wants to be blessed slowly and steadily as one is not capable to count all their blessings at once and one might slip into asura gunas.  She wanted the lord to bless in a righteous procedure which she states in Thiruppavi 23.

சீரியசிங்கா சனத்திருந்த யாம்வந்த

காரியம் ஆராய்ந் தருளேலோ ரெம்பாவாய். – Thiruppavi 23

She wanted her prayers to be known by the lord, grant boons accordingly and bless her by sitting on the noble thrown which doesn’t allow one to take evasive decisions.

So for the realistic prayers and the boons she writes “ யாம்வந்த காரியம் ஆராய்ந் தருளேலோ ரெம்பாவாய்”.

Phobia - கப்பம் தவிர்க்கும் கலியே!துயிலெழாய்

Phobia  means an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something as the first search in google states.  The phobia that one has is subject to situations faced. Common fears are fear of failure, fear of  abandonment, fear of being alone. Most of the times the childhood pattern repeats itself until unless one makes a conscious effort to change as it is deep rooted in the subconscious.  Fear operates in a different manner and is capable of bringing other emotions like insecurities, frustration, sometimes both together. A honest self talk can bring the fear to the surface which is likely to be the most uncomfortable emotion to face.

Sometimes, fear over take reality and hence it becomes difficult to perform the duties also known as KARMA. Living in the present becomes difficult when one start to feed fears. One procrastinates to avoid fears. But everything one wants is on the  other side of fear and when one faces the fear, it runs away. The lesson that fear gives is an immense strength.

One cannot make all mistakes to learn well. Sometimes the mistakes of others need to be related to learn better due to time constrain on this earth. So rather the argument whether Ramayana or Mahabharata happened and the search for the corresponding evidences, more peace is seen when one relates with the lessons that they possess and teach.

So does Maha Kavi Bharathi while he searches his Krishna in deep dark woods  where the signal is out of range and google maps cannot help. He beautifully describes the dense forest,  the flora, the fauna  and how draining the journey is. He meets a hunter on the way. To be read as ‘She’ as he portrays ‘Nayika Bhavam’. She is all beautiful and he tries to harass her.

திக்குத் தெரியாத காட்டில்-உனைத்
தேடித் தேடி இளைத்தேனே.

அண்ணா உனதடியில் வீழ்வேன்-எனை
அஞ்சக் கொடுமைசொல்ல வேண்டா-பிறன்
கண்ணாலஞ் செய்துவிட்ட பெண்ணை-உன்தன்
கண்ணாற் பார்த்திடவுந் தகுமோ?”

“ஏடீ,சாத்திரங்கள் வேண்டேன்-நின
தின்பம் வேண்டுமடி,கனியே!-நின்தன்
மோடி கிறுக்குதடி தலையை,-நல்ல
மொந்தைப் பழையகள்ளைப் போல”

காதா லிந்தவுரை கேட்டேன்-‘அட
கண்ணா’வென் றலறி வீழ்ந்தேன்-மிகப்
போதாக வில்லையிதற் குள்ளே-என்தன்
போதந் தெளியநினைக் கண்டேன்.

கண்ணா!வேடனெங்கு போனான்?-உனைக்
கண்டே யலறிவிழுந் தானோ?-மணி
வண்ணா! என தபயக் குரலில்-எனை
வாழ்விக்க வந்த அருள் வாழி!

கண்ணன்-என் காதலன் - காட்டிலேதேடுதல்

The superficial meaning could be a hero saving the heroine in a forest when villain abducts her. But a deeper meaning could be facing one’s own worst fears in life and seeking divine help or the help of universe when pushed to storm and waiting for it to pass to realize the strength by trusting the process.

The modern personality development books tell not to be the victim of any situation and yield to fears by feeding them and to cut oneself from negative self talk. So does Krishna - the Jagadh Guru when Arjuna struggles to over come his multiple attachments and fears, throws his ‘Gandeepam’, ready to give up his karma, stating ‘मा शुच:’ which Shri Andal sumps up beautifully in Thiruppavai 20 கப்பம் தவிர்க்கும் கலியே!

(கப்பம் – Fear கலியே – Saviour)

References:
Bharathiyar Kavidhaigal
Bagavat Gita
Thiruppavai