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 />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 />Song Name-Raga-Thala<br />1. Margazhi Thingal Nattai - Adi<br /><br />Verse<br />மார்கழித் திங்கள் மதிநிறைந்த நன்னாளால்;<br />நீராடப் போதுவீர்! போதுமினோ, நேரிழையீர்!<br />சீர்மல்கும் ஆய்ப்பாடிச் செல்வச் சிறுமீர்காள்!<br />கூர்வேல் கொடுந்தொழிலன் நந்தகோபன் குமரன்,<br />ஏரார்ந்த கண்ணி யசோதை இளஞ்சிங்கம்,<br />கார்மேனிச் செங்கண் கதிர்மதியம் போல்முகத்தான்<br />நாராயணனே, நமக்கே பறைதருவான்,<br />பாரோர் புகழப் படிந்தேலோ ரெம்பாவாய்.<br /><br />Meaning:<br /><br />In this month of Marghazhi,<br />On this day filled with the light of moon,<br />Come for bathing,<br />Oh ladies who are richly dressed,<br />And Oh ladies in rich homes of cowherds,<br />For he with the sharp spear,<br />He who kills his enemies without mercy,<br />He who is the son of Nanda gopa,<br />He who is the darling son of Yasodha,<br />Who wore scented flower garlands,<br />He who is a lion cub,<br />He who is pretty in black colour,<br />He who has small red eyes,<br />He who has a face like the well-lit moon,<br />And He, who is our Lord Narayana,<br />Is going to give us big drums,<br />So that we bathe and worship Our Goddess Pavai,<br />In a way that the whole world sings about.
