Perumal Thirumozhi is composed by Sri Kulashekhara Alvar consisting of 105 pasurams of supreme devotion.
Perumal here means Sri Rama of whom Alvar was a great devotee. Thirumozhi is Alvar’s holy sayings.
Following are the titles under which he has composed the hymns with most of them with 10 hymns or pasurams under each title or group. Some have been sampled to show the meaning and richness of composition in imagination and bhakti.
1. Alvar is longing for darshan of Lord at Srirangam
He wants to join devotees and lose himself in Darshan of the Lord with tears of joy flowing in his eyes, his mind melting in devotion to the Lord etc. He says he wants to roll on the dust of holy devotees’ feet on the floor in temple.
2. In this group Alvar is proclaiming himself to be mad after Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal ( Another name of Sri Ranganatha) whose temple is found on opposite bank of Cauvery and Srirangam in place called Uraiyur, Near Trichy Tamilnadu.
3. In one of the Pasurams, Alvar says that he finds the worldly folk is like a spirit (Pey ) that is non-existent to him as he is a spirit to the common folk immersed in worldly matters . He does not wish to speak on this and calling O Ranga, O protector he has become a spirit immersed in Bhakti to the Lord.
4. Alvar says that it is satisfying for him to be born and live in holy Thiruvengadam (Thirumala hills, Thirupathi.)
In one of the hymns (Pasuram ), Alvar he likes to be born as the doorstep in Lord Venkateswara’s temple. The step crossed by devotees, celestials and nymphs like Rambha so alvar can constantly be looking at the red lips of the Lord, which resemble Red Coral Even today, the innermost step in front of The Lord Venkatesha of Tirumalai at the sanctum sanctorum is known as KULASHEKHARA PADI, after the Alvar.
5. In these pasurams Alvar prays to Lord at Vitthvakkodu in Kerala Alvar’s family deity. These are soaked in devotion and shows the utter helplessness of Alvar who is dependent on Divine Mercy for existence.
In one of the pasurams, Alvar compares himself to a sick patient who is totally dependent on his Apothecary (vaidyan ) The latter may by way of treatment cut by knife (operation ) burn diseased location patient does not lose his goodwill or faith in him. Similarly, even if God gives him difficulties / sorrow Alvar is looking forward to His Grace to alleviate his suffering.
6. This group is on Gopikas chastising the Lord for having deluded them.
7. This group is on lamentation of Mother Devaki on deprivation of the pleasure of the bringing up the child Krishna, which fell to the lot of Mother Yashoda.
8. This group is the famous Lullaby sung on Lord of Thirukkannapuram, whom Alvar sees as child
Sri Rama.These are very popular and sung by many young mothers for their babes.
Sri Rama.These are very popular and sung by many young mothers for their babes.
9. Dasharatha is lamenting the Lord Rama’s entering the Forest.
10. Alvar while worshipping Lord Govindaraja of Chidambaram , sees Lord Rama in him and sung the epic of Ramayana in these 11 pasurams.
These are titles of pasurams soaked in Devotion by Mahatma Sri Kulashekhara Alvar
ALVAR EMPERUMANAR DESHIKAR THIRUVADIGALE SHRANAM.
SRIMATHE LAKSHMINRISIMHA DIVYA PADUKASEVAKA SRIVAN SHATAKOPA SRI NARAYANA YATHINDRA MAHADESHIKAYA NAMAHA.
