Tiruppavai (Opening Pasurams) — Benefits & How to Chant
திருப்பாவை
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Tiruppavai (Opening Pasurams)
Sung above all in Margazhi (Dhanurmasa), it is held to be one of the supreme paths of surrender (prapatti) and devotion to Lord Krishna-Narayana.
Andal promises in the verses themselves that those who recite it gain the Lord's grace and that their past and future sins are burnt away like chaff in fire.
Invokes the welfare of the whole world
timely rains, abundant harvests and unfailing prosperity for all beings.
Recited daily in Sri Vaishnava temples and homes during the 30 days of Margazhi, culminating in the festival of Andal's union with the Lord.
Cultivates the bhava of the gopis
pure, selfless longing for God — and is treasured as the essence of the Vedas in Tamil.
How to Chant Tiruppavai (Opening Pasurams)
Instructions
Bathe in the early morning (Brahma muhurta) and sit before an image of Krishna or Ranganatha. During Margazhi, sing one pasuram a day in order (or these opening pasurams together), with melody and devotion, picturing Andal and the gopis going to bathe and to awaken the Lord. Begin with Andal's thaniyan (invocation 'Nila thunga sthanagiri') where known, and end each verse with the refrain 'Elor Embavay'. Many complete all thirty pasurams on each day of the month for full benefit.
Spiritual Significance
Tradition holds that when Andal's Tiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi were sung at Srirangam, Lord Ranganatha Himself summoned her; Andal entered the sanctum and merged into the Lord, and to this day the Tiruppavai is honoured as the very breath of the Margazhi worship in every Sri Vaishnava temple.
Origin & History
Source: Nalayira Divya Prabandham — Tiruppavai of Andal (Tamil, c. 8th century CE)
Author: Andal (Godadevi / Kodhai), Alwar saint
Andal was the foster-daughter of the Alwar saint Periyalwar of Srivilliputhur, found as an infant beneath a tulasi plant. From childhood she loved Lord Vishnu so wholly that she would secretly wear the garlands meant for the temple before offering them, and so was called Andal, 'she who ruled (the Lord)'. Longing for union with Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, she composed the Tiruppavai — placing herself among the gopis of Gokula, observing the Margazhi Paavai vow to win Krishna. Tradition holds that she was at last united with Ranganatha Himself.