P10345 Arputha Thiruvandadi
This
lesson discusses the various features of ‘Arputha Thiruvandadi’
sung by the famous poet-saint Karaikaal Ammaiyaar. ‘Arputha Thiruvandadi’
is a part of the 11th Tirumurai and is a very good example of Andadi
Ilakkiyam. Andadi is one of the several minor literary forms in
Tamil. It is usually made of a hundred verses in which the last
word, phrase or line of the preceding verse forms the opening of
the succeeding one. Though it is generally believed that andadi
ilakkiyam entered the Tamil literary scenario under the influence
of the North Indian languages, instances of this verse form can
be found in the ‘Purananuru.’ Andadi flourished during the time
of the Bhakti Movement in Tamil Nadu. The Saivaite Bakthi movement
provided the necessary impetus for the growth of this verse form.
‘Arputha Thiruvandadi’ was written by Karaikaal
Ammaiyar during the 6th century A.D. It has the distinction of being
the first Andadi in Tamil and is therefore known as the ‘Aadi Andadi’.
It is also unique in that it was sung by a woman poet- saint in
an age which believed that women cannot attain moksha or liberation
through devotion. ‘Periya Puranam’ contains the hagiography of this
famous poet- saint.
‘Arputha Thiruvandadi’ has 101 verses and
is set in a metre called ‘Venba’. The last word of the preceding
verse forms the opening word of the succeeding verse. Extremely
moving and intensely devotional, these verses popularized saiva
philosophy among the masses. They set down the basic tenets of saivism,
expounded the various aspects of saivism and celebrated the glory
of Lord Shiva, who is the Supreme Being. Shiva is the Primal Being,
who transcends time and space. He is without a beginning or an end.
The verses also lay emphasis on love, devotion and compassion to
fellow human beings as a means of attaining liberation.
‘Arputha Thiruvandadi’ is noted for its
intense poetic beauty. Kaaraikaal Ammaiar uses striking metaphors
to convey the essence of saivaite philosophy. Also worth mentioning
is the imaginative strength of the verses.
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