Thiruppavai of Sri Andal - Song 2

At her cordial invitation a huge crowd gathered and the wonder-struck ANDAL exclaims,"in this ignorance-spreading world,are there so many interested in Emancipation!".She proceeds to prescribe "dos" and "don'ts"( which actually are the SAMBHAVITA SWABHAVA,the natural characteristics of the Adhikari). While we appear to be performing this vow for getting rain,in reality it is different.She stresses the words "NAMUM NAM Pavaikku"- NAMUM- WE are quite different from others; we long for His company and firmly believe that He alone is the Means for achieving it. NAM Pavai- Indrajit did a malefic rite to put an end to Rama;but OUR beneficent rite is for securing Lord's and His World's prosperity and happiness. The SriVaishnavite Code of Conduct as prescribed by her is as follows: Recite the Samskrita and Dravida Veda which sings the glory of the Feet of the Lord reclining on the Serpent in the Milky Ocean,all the while thinking about one's Redemption. Eschew all carnal and even worldly desires like eating ghee,drinking milk etc. Bathe early in the morning.Don't adorn your eyes with collyrium,or your hair with flowers till the completion of the vow;meaning thereby that a SriVaishnava needs decoration etc only when he is in union with the Lord. Never indulge in an act which was not practised by our righteous minded ancestors.Bharata refused the kingship though granted by his father and permitted by Rama on the grounds that the tradition of Solar Kings did not permit a younger son to rule when the elder was living. A SriVaishnava should not speak ill of others or even think about it (which is tantamount to reporting it to the God inside the heart,thereby ensuring their fall);Sita never uttered a word to Rama about the illtreatment by the Rakshasis. He should ever be ready to do charity and impart knowledge about God to all those who need it. In short he should constantly be thinking about his upliftment and keep his mind filled with peace and happiness.