Thondaradippodi Azhwar, one of the twelve Azhwars of Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam, was born as Vipranarayanan in a Brahmana family, 289 years after the start of kali yugam, in the year ‘Prabhava’, in the month of Margazhi (Dhanur masam), in the star Kettai (Jyeshta Nakshathram), on Chathurdhasi of krishna paksha, on a mangala vaaram (Tuesday), in a village called Thirumandangudi, near Kumbakonam, in Chola Dhesam. As his name suggests, he called himself as the dust on the feet of Bhagavan’s servants. He took greater effort in serving Bhagavan’s servants than Bhagavan himself. This is his unique greatness which is not seen in any other Azhwars – he is the only one who has a name which reflects Bhagavatha Seshathvam. He composed two works, Thirumalai and Thiruppalliyezhuchchi, dedicating both to Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam. He is considered as an amsam (an incarnation) of the vanamalai (divine garland) of Sriman Narayanan.
The deep, inner meanings of Thirumalai would not have been known to us but for the commentary of Periyavachchan pillai, a famous preceptor and Sishya (disciple) of Nampillai.
Azhwar being fully situated in Para bhakthi, Para gyana and Parama bhakthi and fully understanding that Periya Perumal is everything for him. He enjoys Ranganathar constantly through Thirumanthra Anusandhanam and Nama sankeerthanam. Understanding his divine position, he declares that srivaishnavas need not fear for yaman.
He says the servants of yaman will look out for the thiruvadi of Srivaishnavas while Srivaishnavas will look out for the Thiruvadi of other Srivaishnavas as their object of worship. Thus he sings Thirumalai in front of Periya perumal.
Phala Stuthi : Just as Emperuman was happy with Azhwar for having strung this garland [called Thirumalai], he will be happy if people learn these pasurams.
Emperuman’s happiness is the benefit of learning these pasurams.
Learning this Dhivya Prabhandam offers the same blessings as learning Sri Ramayanam, as envisioned by Sri Valmiki.
Here, the beautiful verses of Thirumalai, in the praise of Lord Ranganatha, are presented in the musical form (viruttham) in the following Ragas.
Mayamalavagowla - Thaniyan
1. Hamsadhwani
2. Kalyani
3. Kanada
4. Gowri Manohari
5. Poorvikalyani
6. Vasanta
7. Begada
8. Malayamarutham
9. Saveri
10. Bilahari
11. Charukesi
12. Anandabhairavi
13. Amruthavarshini
14. Kamas
15. Bhairavi
16. Navarasa kanada
17. Hamsanandi
18. Sahana
19. Kaapi
20. Dwijavanthi
21. Hindolam
22. Saranga
23. Kedaragowla
24. Madhuvanti
25. Behaag
26. Aberi
27. Nalinakanti
28. Abogi
29. Sindu Bhairavi
30. Kamboji
31. Panthuvarali
32. Mohanam
33. Chakravakam
34. Desh
35. Thodi
36. Amir Kalyani
37. Chala Nattai
38. Kedaram
39. Bhagyasri
40. Varali
41. Nattaikurunji
42. Lathangi
43. Atana
44. Maandu
45. Brindavana Saranga
May Ranganathar's and Azhwar's blessings be bestowed on all of us.
Kindly like, share and subscribe to our channel. Thanks in advance :')