References

Following is the reference made about the book: "Thiruppugazh: Glory to Lord Muruga" in an article of the same title written by Sri V. Radhakrishnan in the January-March 2007 issue of MOUNTAIN PATH, the journal brought by Sri Ramanasramam.

The story of Muruga in the Skanda Purana describes how he was born in a sacred pool. In his wonderful work, Thiruppugazh: Glory to Lord Muruga, (1) the author V.S. Krishnan describes the myth which gives Muruga his name Saravanabhava, that is, 'He who was born in a jungle of reeds'.

 

V.S. Krishnan's translations of the famous and popular verses of Kanthar Alamgaram and Kanthar Anuboothi included in Thiruppugazh, (2) deserve praise and appreciation. He has conveyed much of the charm and elegance of the original, though one would need to hear the originals to catch the cadence and counterpoint. The prime object of his translation and elucidation is "to propagate the noble concepts enshrined in Thiruppugazh. It is universal in appeal, the verses blended with devotional music awaken the consciousness, elevating the soul to the Eternal World of God, kindling peace and tranquility in the heart of devotees." The non-Tamil speaker can appreciate hearing these verses sung or even recited, the rhythm and flexibility of the sounds in the language used by Arunagirinathar is both playful and ecstatic, its spiritual mood is infectious to a listener of any language.


1. Thiruppugazh: Glory to Lord Muruga by V.S. Krishnan, Krishnaveni Publishers, 32A, Nethaji St., Vimal Nagar, Vadavalli, Coimbatore 641041, published September, 2005, 370 pages, Price Rs. 100/-. It is an elucidation and history of the songs of Arunagirinathar and related topics based and enlarged upon articles appearing in The Hindu newspaper by the author. Non Tamil speakers please note the 'ZH' ending is prounounced somewhere between L and R in Tamil as in Japanese.

2. Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi often attended Thiruppugazh bhajans. The song by Arunagiri that moved him deeply and profundly was Suruthimudi Monanchol (Prayer song 62).