Sastras are the signposts to God realisation but their import is not easily understood. Only those knowledgeable in the esoteric truth of the Sastras and are themselves staunch believers in it can guide us. The overall spirit of the Tiruppavai hymns reflects the role of the Acharyas and Azhwars in inspiring the Jivatma towards seeking God, pointed out Sri K. B. Devarajan in a discourse.
Andal adopts the stance of a Gopi in Ayarpadi who participates in observing their sacred vow during Marghazhi. The Gopis gather in the morning, waking up those who are still asleep. They call out to a friend who had promised them the previous day that she would be the first to get up. The flowers in the backyard have bloomed and the Sanyasis have begun their daily worship. Is it not time to be up and join them in their worship of the Lord with the auspicious conch and discus?
The symbolic undertone behind Andal’s entreaty to her friends to wake up and seek Krishna subsumes the essence of the three basic mantras in the Vaishnava tradition — the Tirumantram, Dvayam and Charama Sloka — that signify the truth of the Almighty.
The Tirumantram, also known as Ashtakshara or the Moola Mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanaya,’ establishes the supremacy of Narayana and chanting this confers His grace. The chanting of Dvayam instils the bhava of surrender in the Jivatma who accepts the truth of the boundless grace of the Divine Couple. What greater fortune than seeking the Lord who along with Lakshmi is ever ready to help the Jivatma out of Samsara? The Charama Sloka is Krishna’s assurance regarding salvation. After explaining the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti to Arjuna, Krishna finally states that a Jivatma could always find solace by seeking His feet. He alone has the power to grant salvation and He promises to save and protect the Jivatma and lead him in the right direction. There is no need to worry about getting lost in the dangers of Samsara. The Jivatma wishes to consolidate this permanent and sacred relationship between itself and the Lord through service and worship at all times. There is no further desire in the Jivatma except this ideal.
