விழிக்குத் துணை திரு மென்மலர்ப் பாதங்கள் மெய்ம்மை குன்றா
மொழிக்குத் துணை முருகா வெனு நாமங்கள் முன்பு செய்த
பழிக்குத் துணையவன் பன்னிரு தோளும் பயந்ததனி
வழிக்குத் துணைவடி வேலுஞ்செங் கோடன் மயூரமுமே.
He whose sacred Lotus feet gives the right vision,
whose sacred names guide me to speak the right language,
whose twelve sacred shoulders lift me up from my karmas,
who helps me to walk through the lonely path towards death who resides at Tiruchengodu with Vel and Mayil,
I bow before the Lord of such infinite grace.
Through Kandhar Alamgaram, Sri Arunagirinathar brings before us Muruga, the Lord of infinite grace, adorned with ornaments and garlands, the Lord who holds the powerful Vel that destroyed the demon Sooran, the Lord flanked by Valli and Deivanai. As we continue reciting Kandhar Alamgaram, we not only keep admiring the beauty of the Lord, but also ponder over his qualities or absence of qualities (Nirigunas). The Alamgaram guides us to discard those qualities which formed part, but not part of us and elevate ourselves to the state of experiencing Muruga within. Through its 107 verses, Kandhar Alamgaram gives the message: “Distance yourself from the objects of senses, kindle the light of devotion in heart, and cultivate qualities of humility to be able to get His grace”.
A humble attempt has been made to give the songs, the meaning and interpretation in a book titled ‘Kandhar Alamgaram” The book was released by Sri Kumaragurupara Swamigal, the head of Kaumara Mutt, Coimbatore, on the auspicious day of Thaipusam (18th January 2022) amidst a large gathering. The book which gives commentary on Kandhar Alamgaram from my limited perspective contains 212 pages. Priced at Rs. 200/- it will be available at leading Stores like Giri Trading.
V.S. Krishnan
vsk1940@gmail.com