It is during this time of the year (the month of ma:rgali as per the Vedic Lunar calendar) that our Andal Devi saw the world (her Nandavraj) in its true state. She saw Sri Krishna, the supreme tatthva reflecting the most beautiful state of ultimate bliss. Additionally, she saw three groups of people.
But how is seeing world in its true state different from how most people see it?
When one sees the world, one may not be able to observe tatthva in its truest, purest form. One may see differences in people at the physical level, emotional level, or intellectual. The natural state of people is categorised by Andal into three groups based on the state of mind, the manas.
Gopikas, representing the ones whose mental state is selfless and in forever in love with Krishna.
Elders, representing the ones whose mental state is mostly arrogant, thinking of themselves to be greater than what they truly are -however they do seek Krishna when they feel like there is no other way to get their work done
Dependants, representing the ones who get carried away by others even though they are consciously aware of the true sole saviour, Krishna
Time for self-assessment, what group do you fall in?
At any point of time, the world is comprised of the same three groups of people.
Despite these differences in people, God’s grace is equal toward all of them. After all, He compassionately owns the responsibility of each one’s well-being and upliftment.
Andal, out of pure love for Krishna naturally assumed His responsibility by motivating the gopikas of the world to enhance their knowledge and conduct life through a step-by-step guide.
When such pure-hearted gopikas who have no interest in accepting the benefit of devotional life and association with God, begin to conduct themselves as described in the guide provided by Andal Devi. Thus, all the benefit is simply passed onto the ones who need the most assistance (the other two groups: the elderly, and the dependants).
Where is the step by step guide ?
The step by step guide is beautifully portrayed through 30 songs, honoured as the one and only, Thiruppavai. In these 30 songs, Andal addresses the gopikas of the world enlightening them, motivating them to do what’s right for the benefit of the entire world. Nandavraj (that place of eternal bliss) for Andal Devi, is this world, the world where you and I are living.
– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Dec 16 th , 2020,
– 1 st Day of Dhanurmasam, Vijaya Kiladri.
Always in the service of God