Wednesday 17 December 2025 (2nd verse) (Section I verse 2 of 5)
Vaiyathu Vazhveerkal ! nanum nam pavaikku
All ye who live in this world ! Listen, to our plan
Seyyum kirisaikal keleero ! Paarkadalull
of our actions for our Lord, who on the ocean
Paiyya thuyindra paraman adi paadi
is asleep while we sing at his feet, his praise
Neyy unnom paal unnom naatkale neeradi
we fast, forsake milk and ghee, and bathe early
Maiyittezhudom malar ittu naam mudiyom
not decorate ourselves with eyeliner or flowers
Seyyadana seyyom theekkuralai sendrodhom
not do inappropriate acts, nor say harsh words
Iyamum pichaiyum aandanaiyum kai kaatti
Will give charity, give alms and be good to the saints
Uyyumarenni ugandhelor empavai
think noble thoughts to attain salvation, my girls
In this second verse Sri Andal enumerates the dos and don’ts for the month long Nonbu ( intense worship) that she is setting out to do with an invitation to everyone to join in. We will sing the praise of the feet of the Lord who is sleeping gently on the serpent in the middle of the wide ocean. We will wake up early and bathe, we will not adorn ourselves with eyeliner (kajal) and flowers, we will not eat Ghee and milk, we will not do inappropriate deeds, will not speak evil and and harmful words, we will do charity and righteous deeds. Think noble thoughts and work to attain salvation and unification with the Lord.
The reference to not eating and not adorning is an advice to change the focus from the self and enjoyment of worldly pleasures to increasing the focus intensely on God and godly matters. When intensity of one activity increases the intensity and time on other activities automatically decreases. Conversely when we make the choice to eschew some activities, we automatically create the time and inclination for other activities.
As you are into the second day of Margazhi it is a good time to introduce a nice little verse that can be recited every day before you recite the Thiruppavai. This verse is in praise of Sri Andal, was written by Sri Uyyakondar and goes like this.
Anna-vayal puduvai Andal
Andal from the rich land
arangarku Pannu thiruppavai palpadiyam
The wonderful verses for the Lord Rangan
innisai yaal Paadi koduthallai nar-paamalai
Sang the verses beautifully like a garland
poomalai Soodi koduthalai sollu
She also wore the flower garland before offering it to the Lord
Soodi kodutha chuddar kodiaye ! tholpavai
The maiden who wore and then offered it to the Lord
Paadi arula valla palvalaiyaai
You graced us all with the songs
Naadi nee Vengadavark kennai vidhi endra immatram
You sought the Lord with no other recourse
Naam Kadava Vanname Nalgu
May we benefit from all your grace
This is a beautiful verse that can be recited everyday before reciting the Thiruppavai and sings the praise of Sri Andal the author of Thiruppavai.