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Writer's pictureJohneh Shankar

Thiruvempavai - 2

In the second stanza of this song, the women continue to try and awaken their friend, questioning her devotion to Shiva and suggesting that her heart belongs more to her bed than to the deity. This provokes a response from the woman, who asserts that her heart belongs to Shiva and that he only hesitates in giving his affection to those who pray to him for material gain, rather than to humble devotees who offer selfless love and devotion.

This stanza highlights the importance of genuine and selfless devotion in spiritual practice. It suggests that seeking material gain or superficial devotion is not enough to earn the love and affection of a deity. Instead, it is only through true humility and selflessness that one can earn the favor of a higher power.

Additionally, this stanza highlights the role of community and the influence of peers in spiritual practice. The women's persistent singing and questioning serve as a reminder and a source of motivation for their friend to awaken and join them in their devotion to Shiva. The power of community and shared spiritual practices can serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for individuals on their own spiritual journeys.


The Second Stanza


pAcham paranychOdik kenbAy irAppakaln^Am pEchumpO dheppOdhip pOdhAr amaLikkE n^Echamum vaiththanaiyO n^ErizaiyAy n^ErizaiyIr chIchi ivaiyuny chilavO viLaiyAdi Echum idamIdhO viNNOrkaL EththudhaRkuk kUchu malarppAdhan^ than^dharuLa van^dharuLum thEchan chivalOkan thillaichiR RambalaththuL IchanArk kanbAryAm ArElOr empAvAy

Meaning

The friends say: "You used to tell us that our bond is with the Supreme Luminance, but now it seems like all your affection is for this soft, floral bed." The girl on the bed replies: "How can you speak to me like this, my beautiful friends?" The friends reply: "Is this the time for mockeries? We are the lovers of the Luminous One, the Lord of the world of Shivam, who resides in the small abode of Thillai. Even the celestial beings are unworthy to praise the floral feet that he bestows upon us. How can we engage in petty teasing when we are devoted to such a great deity?"




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