Monsoon is over, and the next one is far away in the horizon. The morning dew drops on fresh leaves and flowers reminds us of a rainy day though. Rain is very heavily revered in Tamil philosophy and Thiruvalluvar, in his Thirukkural, places the significance of rains right next to the first adhikara(chapter) that talks about God. It's also noteworthy to remind, Thiruvalluvar has never used a word that literally means God in any of the 1330 Kural verses, he only denotes God as a source of eternal wisdom and embodiment of ultimate truth. Back to the subject, Rain is essential and to pray for rains is a very deeply connected to Tamil tradition.
In this stanza #16 of Thiruvempavai, the women pray for rain by singing of its glory in comparison to Goddess Uma. Saint Manickavachakar eloquently conveys their plea through words.
The Verse:
முன்னிக்கடலை சுருக்கி எழுந்துடையாள்
munnik kadalaich churukki ezun^dhudaiyAL
என்னத் திகழ்ந்து எம்மை ஆளுடையாள் இட்டிடையின்
ennath thigazn^dhemmai ALudaiyAL ittidaiyin
மின்னிப் பொலிந்து எம்பிராட்டி திருவடிமேல்
minnip polin^dhem pirAtti thiruvadimER
பொன்னம் சிலம்பின் சிலம்பித் திருப்புருவம்
ponnany chilambiR chilambith thiruppuruvam
என்னச் சிலை குலவி நந்தம்மை ஆளுடையாள்
ennach chilaikulavi n^an^thammai ALudaiyAL
தன்னில் பிரிவிலா எம்கோமான் அன்பர்க்கு
thanniR pirivilA eN^kOmAn anbarkku
முன்னியவள் நமக்கு முன்சுரக்கும் இன்னருளே
munni avaLn^amakku munchurakkum innaruLE
என்னப் பொழியாய் மழையேலோர் எம்பாவாய்
ennap poziyAy mazaiyElOr empAvAyTranslates to:
Goddess Uma's gloriously dark skin is a symbol of the abundant and nourishing nature of the earth, as the darkening clouds bring water from the oceans to replenish and sustain life. Her slender waist represents the powerful and transformative energy of the divine, as embodied by the lightning that illuminates the sky. The majestic chimes of her anklets symbolize the thunderous power of the divine, which echoes throughout the cosmos. The graceful curve of her eyebrows, like the arching rainbow, represents the promise of hope and the possibility of renewal. As the rain showers down upon us, we are reminded of Goddess Uma's constant presence and her unwavering mercy, which, like her inseparable bond with Lord Siva, is a source of strength and guidance. Come showering upon us, dear rain, like how Goddess Uma, who never separates from our leader, Lord Siva, showers her mercy upon us.
Rain, Rain, Don't go away! Little Johneh wants to pray!
For a soul to even contemplate God, it is essential that they have access to food and water; and Rainfall is very essential for agriculture. At least, it has been until science messed things up. This is just one of the many reasons why rain is highly revered in Tamil philosophy and Hinduism. Rain is believed to bring the souls of the deceased back to life on Earth. To be concise, the soul, being eternal, goes through a cycle of birth and death repeatedly. Life, as we understand it, is only a brief moment in the long existence of a soul. The concept of multiple births has not been scientifically proven, but can be logically argued.
If something can be proven by science, it can also be abused and exploited by science.
In one of my previous posts, I discussed how a seed, which has the characteristics of life, comes into contact with earth, air, and warmth, and is nourished and initiated for life by water. While earth, air, water, and light are all necessary for a seed to come to life, it is water that continues to carry and connect the energy as it grows. The first life forms began to emerge in water. When we search for aliens, a second home in space, and extraterrestrial life, we first look for water. Water, while not having life itself, has the power to bring life into being. Therefore, in India and particularly in Tamil philosophy, we do not wish rain to go away, but rather welcome it. In this stanza, the women pray for rains, by comparing how it is perceived visually, as the embodiment of Lordess Uma, and dances in joy.
Stay blessed and we will meet with Stanza #17 out of 20 of Thiruvempavai, soon, by the grace of Saint Manickavasakar.
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