Day 24 - Did you know...

.....the association of “Dasavatharam” (10 incarnations) with “Thiruppavai”?

A few of the avatharams have direct references to them in the paasurams and few others are associated by some means.

Direct References:
For all avathaarams, one out of many references is mentioned here. Readers can explore (and encourage kids) to find other references and are welcomed to share them.

No	Avatharam (Incarnations)	Paasuram	Verses
1	Narasimha	Maari malai [23]	“Seeriya singam” ...“Theevizhithu”
2	Vaamana	Ongi ulagalantha [3]	“Ongi ulagalantha Uthhaman”
3	Rama	Kanaithilam katrerumai [12]	“Thennilangai Komaaanai setra Manathukku iniyaan”
4	Balaraama	ambarame thannere [17]	“Umbiyum neeyum”
5	Krishna	Aazhi mazhai [4]	“Aazhi mazhai kanna”

Associations :

6) Matsya : (Fish) : “OOdu kayal Ugala” : Here kayal refers to Fish. Few Pandits associate this to “Matsya” avathara. [paasuram : 3: Ongi ulagalandha]

7) Koorma : (Tortoise) : “Vanga kadal kadaintha Maathavanai” : This involves the story of Emperuman “Churning the milky Ocean”.In this, HE had taken Kurma avathara to support the manthra malai on his back. [paasuram :30 : Vanga kadal]

8) Varaha (Boar):

• Avathaara Rahsyam of “Varaha” is explained in “Maayanai mannu” [paasuram 5]. For details ,refer Day 5 - Did you know ?.
• “Govindha”...The word “Go” has many meanings. Although -

  Gaam (second case singular of 'go') jalam vindhathi - Mathsya and Koorma. (meaning animals resorting to the water like the fish and the tortoise)

  
  “Govindha” can be referred to for many meanings, Scholars say that Andal being the avathara of Bhudevi had more love for govindha nama as the Lord saved her in Varahavathara. (“Go” also means “Earth”).
  
  If Readers have any references to “Parasu-rama” and “Kalki” avatharams, that can also be shared.

References:
1. Thiruppavai Upanyasams by Sri. U. Ve. Velukkudi Krishnan swami : http://www.ibiblio.org/ramanuja/thiruppavai/pasuram/
2. Oppiliappan Koil Varadachari Sadagopan http://www.sadagopan.org