To listen to the song Click Here to go to the respective site

Translation of the Tiruppavai

Oh brilliant Vishnu! Are you asking about the Margashirsha vratam
That is observed by the elder ?
Great white Panchajanya like conches will be blown.
Gigantic drums will be played.
Songs from the pallandu will be sung.
Then under bannered canopies, beautiful lamps will burn
Bless us as one on the banyan leaf, my dear pavai.

Reflections

Advice on traditional practices

The sadhana of pavai vratam as envisaged by the elders have many elements that go towards self purification. This immersion in the divine is the true neeradal. This is accompanied by internal mantric vibrations whose healing sounds are the roar of the panchjanya. The perum parai drum reflects the external rhythm of life. Our life should vibrate with the beats of the divine in all places and all times. The pallaandu is the collection of upadesha or advice given to us as guidance by wise sadhaks of yore. The vithanangal such as lamps and banners are external signs of divine illumination, which we will naturally begin to display. In the trembling of a simple pipal leaf we shall recognise the presence of the Lord. That is how fine-tuned we become, when this vratam is done, the way the elders prescribed.