Thiruppallandu (Pallandu Pallandu) — Word-by-Word Meaning
திருப்பல்லாண்டு
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
பல்லாண்டு
pallāṇḍu
Many years / 'long live!' (a benediction of long life and well-being).
பல்லாயிரத்தாண்டு
pallāyiraththāṇḍu
Many thousands of years.
பலகோடி நூறாயிரம்
palakōḍi nūṟāyiram
Many crores and hundreds of thousands (countless ages).
மல்லாண்ட திண்தோள்
mallāṇḍa thiṇthōḷ
(You of) firm, strong shoulders that subdued the wrestlers (Krishna who slew Chanura and Mushtika).
மணிவண்ணா
maṇivaṇṇā
O Lord of the hue of a blue sapphire / dark gem-like complexion.
உன் செவ்வடி
un sevvaḍi
Your red (lotus) feet.
செவ்வி திருக்காப்பு
sevvi thirukkāppu
May beauty and protection be ever upon them — we sing for the safeguarding of the Lord's grace.
அடியோமோடும் நின்னோடும் பிரிவின்றி
aḍiyōmōḍum ninnōḍum pirivinṟi
Without ever parting from You and from us, Your servants.
ஆயிரம் பல்லாண்டு
āyiram pallāṇḍu
For a thousand many-years (may it be so, forever).
நின் வல மார்பினில் வாழ்கின்ற மங்கையும்
nin vala mārbinil vāzhkinṟa mangaiyum
And the Lady (Lakshmi) who dwells on Your right chest — to Her too, pallandu!
வலத்துறையும் சுடராழியும்
valaththuṟaiyum suḍarāzhiyum
And the blazing discus (Sudarshana) that rests in Your right hand — to it too, pallandu!
பாஞ்சசன்னியமும் பல்லாண்டே
pāñchasanniyamum pallāṇḍē
And the conch Panchajanya, which roars when entering battle — to it too, may there be pallandu!
Complete Translation
The Thiruppallandu is the opening hymn of the entire Nalayira Divya Prabandham, sung by Periazhwar as a 'mangalasasanam' — a blessing wished upon the Lord Himself out of overflowing love.
Many years, many years, many thousand years, many crores and hundreds of thousands of years! O sapphire-hued Lord of firm shoulders that subdued the wrestlers — may auspiciousness and protection be ever upon Your beautiful red feet.
May there be a thousand many-years, with us Your servants never parting from You! Many-years to the Lady (Lakshmi) who lives in beauty upon Your right chest! Many-years to the blazing radiant discus that rests in Your right hand! And many-years to that conch Panchajanya, which roars aloud when it enters the field of battle!
Origin & History
Source: Nalayira Divya Prabandham — Thiruppallandu (opening verses), by Periazhwar (Tamil, c. 8th-9th century CE)
Author: Periazhwar (Vishnuchittar), Alwar saint
Period: Tamil Bhakti era (c. 8th-9th century CE)
Periazhwar of Srivilliputhur was granted a vision of Lord Vishnu, and seeing the surpassing beauty and tenderness of the Lord, his heart was filled not with desire to ask, but with anxious love lest any harm should touch Him. So he sang the Thiruppallandu, wishing the Lord 'many years' of well-being, as a parent blesses a child. This hymn became the opening of the entire Divya Prabandham, and is sung first in all Sri Vaishnava worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thiruppallandu?▼
The Thiruppallandu is a Tamil hymn of twelve pasurams by the Alwar saint Periazhwar, forming the opening of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. 'Pallandu' means 'many years' or 'long live' — it is a benediction in which the devotee wishes long life and auspiciousness upon the Lord.
Why does a devotee bless God instead of asking from Him?▼
This is the heart of the Thiruppallandu's beauty. Overwhelmed by love and seeing the Lord's tender form, Periazhwar feared even that some harm might befall Him, and so sang 'Pallandu' — a parent's blessing upon the Lord. This selfless love (mangalasasanam) is held to be the highest form of devotion.
Who was Periazhwar?▼
Periazhwar (originally Vishnuchittar) was an Alwar saint of Srivilliputhur and the foster-father of Andal. Tradition holds that he won a debate at the Pandya court establishing Vishnu's supremacy, and that on seeing the Lord he sang the Thiruppallandu to ward off any evil eye from Him.
When is the Thiruppallandu recited?▼
It is sung at the very beginning of any recitation of the Divya Prabandham and worship of Vishnu, and again at the conclusion, as an auspicious benediction. It is also recited daily and on all Sri Vaishnava festival occasions.
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