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 Periyalwar's Contribution to Vaishnavism

Periyalwar, one of the twelve Alwars of the Srivaishnava tradition, is renowned for his deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and his focus on maternal love for the divine. His hymns reflect profound affection, care, and reverence for Vishnu, often portraying the Lord as a divine child, Krishna. His works laid the foundation for a highly personal and emotional connection with Vishnu, emphasizing devotion over rituals or intellectual pursuits.

Here’s a synopsis of his contributions and teachings, supported by specific verses and their meanings:

1. The Supremacy of Lord Vishnu

Periyalwar unequivocally established Vishnu as the supreme deity, protector, and savior of all beings. His hymns emphasize that Vishnu is the ultimate goal and refuge for humankind.

Verse:

"பள்ளிக் கிட்டு உந்துமதனால் பரமன் அருள் செய்யும் சின்னம் எனவே!"

(Paḷḷi kiṭṭu untumatāṉāl paraman aruḷ ceyyum ciṉṉam eṉavē!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 4.2.6)

Meaning:

This verse glorifies the act of offering a garland to Lord Vishnu as a sign of His mercy and blessings. Periyalwar praises Vishnu’s grace as the highest gift to humanity, reinforcing His position as the supreme deity.

Contribution:

By portraying Vishnu as the ultimate savior, Periyalwar strengthened the philosophical foundations of Vaishnavism, highlighting total surrender to Him as the only path to liberation

2. Maternal Love for Krishna (Vatsalya Bhava)

Periyalwar’s depiction of Krishna as a mischievous yet endearing child introduces the concept of vatsalya bhava (parental affection) as a form of devotion.

Verse:

"தாரகையின் சோதியை சுழிமதியின் வண்ணத்தை

பாரகையின் மெய்யதனால் பிள்ளையனாய் பிறந்ததே!"

(Tārakaiyiṉ cōtiyai cuḻimatiyiṉ vaṇṇattai

Pārakaiyiṉ meyyataṉāl piḷḷaiyaṉāy piṟantatē!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 1.1.7)

Meaning:

Here, Periyalwar describes Krishna as a divine child, radiating the brilliance of stars and the beauty of the moon. He marvels at the fact that the supreme being has chosen to incarnate as a child to protect humanity.

Contribution:

Periyalwar’s vatsalya bhava emphasizes the accessibility of God through tender, human emotions, making Vishnu more relatable to devotees.

3. The Importance of Devotional Singing and Worship

Periyalwar stressed the significance of nama sankeertana (devotional singing) as a powerful way to connect with Vishnu. His hymns often describe acts of worship such as adorning the deity with flowers and singing His praises.

Verse:

"செந்தாமரைக் கண்ணனை சேர்மின்கள் வீழ்மின்கள்

வந்தார்க்கு மேல் வீழ்வதும் வாராதே!"

(Centāmarai kaṇṇaṉai cērmiṉkaḷ vīḻmiṉkaḷ

Vaṉtārkku mēl vīḻvatum vārātē!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 4.10.3)

Meaning:

“Adorn the lotus-eyed Lord and fall at His feet in surrender, for He never fails to protect those who seek Him.”

This verse underscores the transformative power of devotion and worship in overcoming the struggles of life.

Contribution:

By emphasizing devotional practices, Periyalwar encouraged personal and community worship as essential components of Vaishnava life.

4. Celebration of Lord’s Glory and Compassion

Periyalwar’s hymns repeatedly highlight the boundless compassion and glory of Vishnu, portraying Him as the loving protector of His devotees.

Verse:

"நந்தகோபால கண்ணன் நஞ்சுண்டாலும் நல்வழிக்கு

அந்தகன் வேங்கை வடந்தான் அஞ்சல் என்று அருளினான்!"

(Nantakōpāla kaṇṇaṉ nañcuṇṭālum nalvaḻikku

Antakaṉ veṅkai vaṭantāṉ añcal eṉṟu aruḷiṉāṉ!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 3.6.2)

Meaning:

"Even as Krishna drank the poisoned milk, He reassured Yashoda with His grace, proving His commitment to protect and uplift all beings."

This verse celebrates Vishnu’s divine intervention in saving devotees from danger, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Contribution:

Periyalwar’s portrayal of Vishnu as the compassionate protector strengthened the faith of devotees in the Lord’s unwavering care.

5. God as the Universal Parent

Periyalwar depicts Vishnu as both the divine child and the cosmic parent, fostering a deep emotional bond with the deity.

Verse:

"அவனை வாழ்த்தி வாழ்திவோம்! அவனை வாழ்த்தி வாழ்திவோம்!"

(Avaṉai vāḻtti vāḻtivōm! Avaṉai vāḻtti vāḻtivōm!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 4.10.10)

Meaning:

“We shall live by glorifying Him, and only by glorifying Him!”

This repetitive affirmation reflects the devotee’s complete dependence on Vishnu as the sustainer of life.

Contribution:

Periyalwar’s focus on Vishnu as the universal parent made devotion a personal, heartfelt relationship, central to Vaishnavism.

6. Emphasis on Purity in Devotion

Periyalwar repeatedly emphasizes purity of mind and body as prerequisites for worship.

Verse:

"தூயோமாய் வந்துநாம் தூமலர் தூவிதழ் தூவினோம்!"

(Tūyōmāy vaṉtunām tūmalar tūvitaḻ tūviṉōm!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 5.3.1)

Meaning:

“We come purified, offering fragrant and pristine flowers at His feet.”

This verse stresses the importance of a pure heart and sincere devotion in approaching Vishnu.

Contribution:

By emphasizing purity, Periyalwar established the moral and spiritual discipline required for Vaishnava worship.

7. Paternal Concern for Lord Vishnu

Periyalwar uniquely sings from the perspective of a worried parent, expressing anxiety over the Lord’s well-being during His childhood.

Verse:

"பள்ளிக்கொண்டு பாய்ச்செய்வேன்! பஞ்சசயனத்தாய்!"

(Paḷḷi koṇṭu pāyceyvēṉ! Pañcasayanattāy!)

(Periyalwar Thirumozhi 4.3.7)

Meaning:

“I shall gently cradle You in the softest bed, O Lord of the serpent-adorned couch!”

In this verse, Periyalwar’s devotion takes the form of maternal care, reflecting his concern for the Lord’s comfort.

Contribution:

This emotional dimension of devotion brought a unique depth to Srivaishnavism, inspiring devotees to nurture a tender, intimate relationship with the Lord

Summary of Periyalwar’s Contribution to Vaishnavism

1. Establishing Vishnu’s Supremacy: Proclaimed Vishnu as the ultimate savior and goal.

2. Maternal Devotion: Introduced vatsalya bhava, portraying the Lord as a divine child and himself as a loving parent.

3. Emphasizing Devotional Worship: Highlighted acts of singing, adorning, and surrendering as central practices.

4. Celebrating the Lord’s Compassion: Focused on Vishnu’s role as a protector and savior.

5. Purity and Discipline: Stressed the importance of purity in devotion and worship.

6. Personal Connection: Made devotion an emotional, intimate relationship with the divine.

Periyalwar’s hymns, particularly from the Periyalwar Thirumozhi, are foundational to Srivaishnavism, inspiring a faith rooted in love, surrender, and personal devotion.