Subhashitam-Pasuram

 

 

Pasuram

 

Meyyanaagum virumbittozhuvaarkkellam

Poyyanaagum purame tozhuvaarkkellam

Seyyil valai ugalum tirukkannapurattu

Iyan aagattanaippaarkku aniyane.

          (tiruvoimozhi 9.10.7)

 

Translation

 

Tirukkannapuram Sowri perumal is true to all those whose only attainment is Himself; but otherwise to those who wish for other attainments. He is easily accessible to those who place Him intimate.

 

Explanation

 

Nammazhvar has called Perumal as 'meyyan' and 'poyyan' but not in the sense of truth and lie. He is always true to all irrespective of them being loyal to Him or not. But the degree of truth varies. He is absolutely true to those whose only accomplishment is Sri Krishna Himself (ananyaprayojana) but relatively true to those who wish for material pleasures (prayojanaantarapara)

 

An example from Mahabharata

 

Sri Nambillai in his Eedu 36000 padi commentary on Tiruvoimozhi refers to a happening in Mahabharata to vividly portray this behaviour of Perumal. Before the war broke, Duryodhana and Arjuna came to Krishna requesting for help. Finding Krishna sleeping they had to wait. The haughty Duryodhana sat in the head side of Krishna and the ever humble Arjuna close to Krishna's holy feet. Krishna woke up and quickly understood their behaviour and wish. Krishna smilingly said "I have two options 1. My ten million strong army of Naryana gopalas and 2. Me alone. You can choose between the two." Arjuna, given the first chance to choose, naturally opted for Krishna alone. Duryodhana rejoiced at the folly of Arjuna and opted for the large army. We know what happened eventually.

 

Now the question - Was Krishna true to both? Although He granted the wish of both He was absolutely true to Arjuna since He offered Himself to Him but relatively true to Duryodhana as He misguided him by offering the army. Krishna could have taken the initiative of suggesting Duryodhana about the merits of choosing Himself but He remained silent. Nammazhvar promptly named Him 'Poyyan' - one who hides Himself. We must realize that our only accomplishment must be Krishna which in turn urges Him to be absolutely true to us and grant Himself.

 

Conclusion

 

Did you notice the thread connecting the Sanskrit subhashitam of this month with this pasuram ? Good is rare but that triumphs. Krishna was alone and rare. Narayana gopala army was large. Who triumphed?