This is a very beautiful paasuram of Tiruppaavai … I find it so very fascinating! Whenever I read this Andal paasuram , I ask myself : Who are the “moopatthu moovar amarargaL” that Sri Andal has in mind ?
They are the Devas, of course, the lesser gods in the Vedic pantheon … But then that’s a very literal answer to a deeply metaphorical allusion… It is a rather bland description of the Devas who the puranas say are 33 crores in number … !
But in my humble opinion, metaphorically speaking , I believe the “33 crore Devas” are really the innumerable DNA genetic connections within the human complex neurological system …
They are the same synaptic, electro-magnetically energised connections which constitute the countless minute parts that go to make up our central and efferent/afferent nervous or neurological systems … and without whose proper functioning during the entire course of our time on earth, none of us can expect to live well and find happiness and fulfilment in life. (We all know how miserable life can be for one with nervous disorders or neurological disabilities).
It is those “33 crore neurological Devas” — “mupaatthu moovar” — who thus reside within us and bless us all with active and productive life.
And why ? Because the Almighty always keeps them regulated and protected too thereby ensuring they all each never fail to do the functions that they are divinely designed and bidden to do … The Devas are the grid but the real source of their power is none but the Almighty himself — for he is “Kaliye!”… as Andal says.
But on our part as mere earthlings, we too, of course, have to do whatever it takes and whatever we must to keep the Devas — our nervous systems — intact, humming and functioning well to prevent any major breakdowns or afflictions (“kappam tavirkkum”… ) I.e. we must lead a life of discipline, steady piety and growing devotion, all in accordance with sastra — all of which are denoted by the singular phrase of Andal : “tuyilezhaai”… (Think of it as we proudly owning a Cadillac car that’s been gifted to us . We must be careful however to know how to drive it carefully and maintain it properly, shouldn’t we?)
And it is thanks to the Devas — our vital nervous systems that vitalises our being — thus that we are enabled to pursue and fulfill the ultimate purpose of our lives —- the “parama purushaartha”— which is attaining everlasting communion with God.
A beautiful verse indeed ! In this paasuram Andal through a single lovely metaphor “muppatthu moovar” evokes in our mind and imagination the visual image of the vast, complex and very mysterious system of human neurology !
Andaal tiruvadigale sharanam 🙏
Sudarshan Madabushi
PS: If you wish to know how to enjoy the Tiruppaavai paasurams like I do , please read my book “Unusual Essays of an Unknown Sri Vaishnava”… 🙏