For a description of the Chakras, please refer to the section 'Mystic References in the Agaval'. Vinayagar is considered to sit at the gate of the Earth (Muladhara) Chakra, protecting us from the lower worlds beneath, represented by the lower chakras, the Hindu equivalent of hell. seeta kalabhach chentaamarai poovum paathai chilambum pala isai paada 'cool earth (sandal paste), red lotus feet' is seen as a reference to the Muladhara or 'Earth Chakra', Vinayagar's abode within the human body. Yet even in the first few lines, the philosophical references of Auvaiyar's exposition are often lost in the translation from Tamil to English. Without beginning with the earthly shadow or foot print of the God one may not aspire to understand his totality. One may see this poetic tradition of praising the feet also with the 7th century Sivapuranam, which emphasises throughout that the presence of the God is felt on earth through the imprints of his feet. And we will see later in the poem a play upon the material universe as the womb of the God. And so, in keeping with traditions of Saivite sacred poetry the Vinayagar Agaval begins with contemplation of the jewelled feet of the god: Cool, fragrant lotus feet with anklets tinkling sweet, There are also some sects that follow principally Durga (the mother). By contrast, the Vaishnavite tradition, following Vishnu (and his incarnations as Krishna, Rama etc) are popular in Northern India. Auvaiyar follows the 'Saivite' tradition of Hinduism, centred around the God Shiva, which is most popular in the Dravidian cultures of Southern India and Tamil Eelam. It begins with contemplation of the external form of the God and continues as an exposition of ancient Hindu spiritual belief and practice. Auvaiyar's poem is a journey through the Tamil devotional tradition known as 'Bhakti'. 'Agaval' is a form of blank verse, close to speech, but often lost in translation is the natural succinctness and rhythm of the Tamil language. The Vinayakar Agaval remains one of the simplest and most accessible sacred poems in the vast collection of ancient Tamil literature and is hence chosen for our introduction to this subject. Nevertheless, it is her less widely taught ode to Vinayaga, that stands out as one of the most important poems of classical Tamil. Among the Tamils of Sri Lanka Auvaiyar II is best known for her children's poems, which take the form of proverbs and instructions in ethics, and which are taught almost universally in kindergarten and primary schools in present day Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam.

Auviayar II gained recognition in her life time as a court poet of the Chola monarch and as sometimes a peace envoy between warring states. Whereas Auviayar I lived in or around the early 1st century CE, it was Auvaiyar II of the medieval Chola period who wrote the Vinayakar Agaval. The name Auvaiyar has been given to a number of important female poets, of whom three in particular stand out as literary giants. The Cholas presided over an important renaissance in Tamil literature, art and architecture, particularly temple construction. The Chola dynasty, which emerged around the ninth century, went on to rule most of South India for the next four hundred years. It is thought to be the greatest poem of the Chola era poet Auvaiyar, written shortly before her death. TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday December 12, 2007Īn introduction to Auvaiyar’s Vinayagar Agaval Culture Editor Tamil Guardian THE Vinayagar Agaval ('Song of Vinayaga') is a stunning example of Tamil sacred poetry.

Vinayagar agaval meaning