SRISHTI TALES

Am I capable of understanding and learn the avatara secret of the Lord like Mandodhari? - asks Pen Pillai.

How did Mandodhari learn that Sri Rama was the Almighty Narayana?

How noble is the virtue of displaying empathy towards those in grief? Did I offer comfort and console anyone like Trijata offered for Sita Devi? - ponders the little girl from Thirukolur. 

Kabandha's helped Rama by giving him a break through in his search of Sita.. Did I offer any help to a Bhagavan or Bhagavatha? laments Pen Pillai.

Time and again, our elders have said that Rama's truth and Krishna's falsehood have been protecting us so what does Pen Pillai imply through this story? Let us analyze with Veda Paati.

“My child, are you going to tell us the story of yet another Azhwar? Please do go on!”, questioned Illayazwhar Ramanuja with eagerness. “Yes, Swami. I can neither be like Thirumazhisai azhwar who researched and understood the Supreme, nor like Nammazhwar who was filled with humility! But how about Kulasekar Azhwar?”, and then she went on to narrate the story of the next Azhwar, taking us all to the state of Kerala.

Emperumanaar Ramanuja’s joy knew no bounds when he heard stories of Azhwars! Was she going to tell the story of yet another Azhwar, he wondered to himself? Just as these thoughts were running through his mind, the little child of Thirukolur said, “Swami, am I like Nammazhwar who praised the Lord saying that He is small?”. Who is Nammazhwar and why did He praise the Lord so?

Pen Pillai shares - "Did I research and explore other religions and give them up as false like Thirumazhisai Azhwar?"

“Swami, why do I deserve to remain in this Divya Desam? I do not possess the faith of Akroora, innocence of Vidhura, the love of Rishi’s wife, determination of Sita Piratti, the divine friendship of King Thondaiman, simple devotion of Ghantakarna, motherly love of Anusuyai, steadfastness of Dhruva, ability to change like Kshatrabandu, patience of Ahalya, nor do I have the maturity of Andal! Also, did I call the Lord my own like Pattarbhiran?”, lamented the sweet child of Thirukolur. “Dear child, tell me about Bhattarpiran”, coaxed Ramanuja.

Did I gain spiritual wisdom in childhood like Andal? - Asks our little girl of Thirukolur. 

Undoubtedly, in her list of 81 devotees, Andal would rank the highest. Yet, after Akroora's faith, Vidhura's purity, Rishi Pathni's detachment, Sita Piraati's chaste devotion, Thondaimaan's KArpanyam, GhantAkarnan's offering, Anasooya's modesty, Dhruva's steadfastness, Kshtrabandhu's change of heart and Agalya's surrender; Pen Pillai patiently introduces Andal only in the 11th verse. Is she maturing her audience to evolve enough to understand Andal?

Kodhai who is the embodiment of compassion shows us how to do Bhakti, not just at an individual level, but communally with all beings. Her Bhakti marga is simple - reign in His heart with aligned thoughts, words and deeds, focussed only on Him, ask only for Him. Should you deter, ask him to remind you and put you back on track. Andal's path is that simple.

Let Andal manifest in you again through Veda Paati's soulful narration.

Andal Thiruvadigale Charanam!

“Swami, was I blessed by the Lord’s feet like Ahalya?”, continued Thirukolur Pen Pillai as Swami Ramanuja gently coaxed her to go on. Who is Ahalya and why was she blessed by the feet of the Lord?

Ahalya was the beautiful creation of Lord Brahma. Her stunning form attracted both Indra and Gauttama Muni who both wanted her hand in marriage. There was a competition held between the two suitors to select the best match for Ahalya. The rule of this competition was that, the one who could traverse around the world and get back first would be the one to marry Ahalya. The ever fervent Indra immediately set off to make a trip around the world. Poor Gauttama felt disappointed as he was not equipped to achieve this task.