Vageesh Express

December 2006 Edition

Vedic Guru

Saint Auvaiyar

"Katrathu Kai Mann Alavu, Kallathathu Ulagalavu"

- Saint Auvaiyaar

Meaning - What we know is a mere handful, and what we do not is like the entire world in size.

Saint Auvaiyar was one of the favorite poet saints during the reign of the Cholas in the Southern region of India. She is the poet who is still remembered as the grand old lady and whose simple quotes are quoted and emulated by Tamilians world over.

Life and works of Saint Auvaiyar

It is said that Saint Auvaiyaar was born to a couple who had to give her up at birth, as they undertook Sanyasa. Auvaiyar was raised by a learned poet and in her early years, she had started composing couplets with deep spiritual connotations to them.

Auvaiyar was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha. She did not want to lead a worldly life and on the day of her wedding, she prayed to Lord Ganesha to turn her into an old woman. Her wish was granted and she travelled all over India as the grand old lady to spread her teachings. She lead a yogic life and it is said that Lord Muruga manifested himself in front of her.

Auvaiyar was the court poet of the Chola king and was the contemporary of poets Kambar and Ottakkuttar. She found great joy in the life of small children. Her poetic works, Athichoodi and Konraiventhan were written for children. Two other works, Mooturai and Nalvali were written for older children.

In Muppandal, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India, there is an image of Auvaiyar. It is believed that this is the place where the great poetess saint left the mortal world.

Saint Auvaiyar’s Teachings

The following verses from Athichoodi are a sample of her teachings. These are read by school children even today in Tamil Nadu, India.

	Submit feedback to newsletter@mahaganapati.org with subject line as <Vedic Guru> Disclaimer: Views of readers/column writers are that of their own and not of the Temple