The Tirupallantu (), also rendered as the Pallandu, is a Tamil benedictory hymn dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Composed by the poet-saint Periyalvar, it serves as the opening hymn of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, medieval devotional compendium of the Alvars. It is also referenced in other works of this anthology, such as the Perumal Tirumoli.
This hymn is commonly recited during morning prayers at temples that adhere to the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Etymology Tiru is a Tamil honorific prefix denoting sacredness or holiness, while paḷḷāṇtu translates literally to 'many years.'
Legend A Sri Vaishnava legend recounts the circumstances surrounding the composition of this hymn. Periyalvar was invited by the Pandya king to participate in a theological debate at his court. The poet-saint successfully defeated competing Jain scholars in the debate, winning the king's admiration and patronage. He was honoured by the monarch with a grand procession, riding through the capital atop an elephant. Pleased by his devotee, Vishnu himself descended to Earth accompanied by Lakshmi,riding upon his mount Garuda. Overwhelmed by the deity's majestic presence–and fearing for his safety out of intense maternal devotion (vātsalya)–Periyalvar glorified Vishnu by singing the Tirupallantu, invoking protection and longevity upon the Lord.
Hymn The Tirupallantu comprises twelve verses. The poet extols the attributes of Vishnu in this work, such as his Sudarshana Chakra and his Panchajanya:
Translations Srirama Bharati features a prose translation of the hymn in his translation of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, named The Sacred Book Of Four Thousand. Kamil Zvelebil features a poetic translation of the hymn by J.S.M Hooper in his book entitled Tamil Literature.
Prose translation (Srirama Bharati) Many years, many years, many thousands of years, and many hundred thousands more, Gem-hued Lord with mighty wrestling shoulders! Your red lotus feet are our refuge.
To the bond between us, many and many a thousand years; To the dainty lady resting on your manly chest, many and many a thousand years; To the fiery orb discus adorning your right shoulder, many and many a thousand years. To the conch Panchajanya that strikes terror in the battlefield, many and many a thousand years.
Poetic translation (J.S.M Hooper) Reverence, reverence be unto thee, O thou mighty One, who didst overcome the Mallas, thou like to the sapphire in glory! Infinitely blest be the beauty of for thousands of years, for crores of years, for ever!
All hail! Oh may no rift come 'twixt thy slaves and thee! All hail to Sri, who dwells, thy lustre, on thy right! All hail, the glorious discus in thy fair right hand! All hail to Panchajanyam sounding in the fight!
See also
Periyalvar Tirumoli Tiruppavai Tirupalliyeḻuchi
References