The Tiruppavai is a collection of thirty stanzas (paasuram) in Tamil written by Andal, in praise of the Lord Perumal, (= Vishnu; Tamil). It is part of Divya Prabandha, a work of the twelve Alvars, and is important in Tamil literature.<br />Tiruppavai belongs to the Pavai genre of songs, a unique Tamil tradition sung in the context of the Pavai vow observed throughout the month of Margazhi, originally by unmarried girls praying to the Pavai goddess (related to Parvati) for a blissful married life. Sri Vaishnavas sing these stanzas every day of the year in the temple as well as in their homes. This practice assumes special significance during Margazhi: each day of this month gets its name from one of the thirty verses. There are references to this vow in the late-sangam era Tamil musical anthology Paripadal.<br />Andal's thirty songs contain the cardinal principles of Vaishnava dharma during the month of Marghazhi. Vaishnavas sing these songs to bring peace, prosperity and Divine Grace. Andal assumes the guise of a cowherd in these 30 verses. Andal appears intent upon performing a particular religious vow to marry the Lord, thereby obtain His everlasting company, and inviting all her girl-friends to join her. Towards the end we learn that she did not actually perform a religious rite; but is simply praying to be granted the service of the Lord for eternity. She yearns for everlasting happiness and service of the Lord. <br /><br />Song Name-Raga-Thala 3. Ongi Ulagalandha Arabhi - Adi<br /><br />Verse<br />ஓங்கி உலகளந்த உத்தமன் பேர்பாடி<br />நாங்கள் நம் பாவைக்குச் சாற்றிநீர் ஆடினால்,<br />தீங்கின்றி நாடெல்லாம் திங்கள்மும் மாரிபெய்து<br />ஓங்கு பெருஞ்செந்நெ லூடு கயல் உகளப்<br />பூங்குவளைப் போதில் பொறிவண்டு கண்படுப்ப,<br />தேங்காதே புக்கிருந்து சீர்த்த முலைபற்றி<br />வாங்கக் குடம் நிறைக்கும் வள்ளல் பெரும்பசுக்கள்<br />நீங்காத செல்வம் நிறைந்தேலோ ரெம்பாவாய்.<br /><br />Explanation<br /><br />If we sing the praise of Him,<br />Who grew big and measured the world,<br />And worship our Goddess Pavai,<br />Then would there be at least three rains a month,<br />And the red paddy plants would grow big,<br />And in their fields would the fish swim and play,<br />And the spotted bees after sipping honey,<br />To their hearts content,<br />Would sleep in the flower themselves<br />After having their fill,<br />And the cows with big udder<br />Would fill milk pots to the brim,<br />And healthy cows and never diminishing wealth,<br />Would fill the country,<br />And all this I assure by worship of our Goddess Pavai.
