Meaning of Thiruppavai pasuram 28 -Karavaigal pinsenru gaanam

In  this stanza Godā declares that Kṛṣṇa is the end as well as the means. These humble cowherd folk do not follow the way of knowledge (jñāna), works (karma)  or devotion (bhakti)   they have simply surrendered themselves totally to the Lord (prapatti). The prapanna recognises that he or she is worthless, lacking in intelligence and means to effect ones own salvation, once the prapanna has placed complete  faith in Kṛṣṇa it becomes His obligation to redeem the fallen one. This stanza deals with the means (prāpakam)  which can directly lead us to the goal (prāpyam).  The means is the Lord Himself, the magnitude of whose glory and grace infinitely exceeds the depth of our lowliness and impurity. The gift of Grace is entirely dependant upon the will of Kṛṣṇa —  no good works, knowledge or devotion or even self-surrender (prapatti)  can induce Grace from the Lord.  Though there is no means except the Lord Himself, we must and ought to make ourselves fit for receiving Grace by  acknowledging our helplessness (akiñcinyam), realising that there is no other means (ananyagatitvam)  and take refuge in Kṛṣṇa having realised the indissoluble relationship between ourselves and him. This is done  by contemplating upon the Lord’s infinite goodness, and mercy and on our weakness and sinfulness, by submissively apologising for past misconduct and by praying for Him to take us under His gracious Feet. The following important points are made by Godā:— kaṇavaikaḷ pin śenṛu—   In this line, the Gopis refer to (1) their dearth of meritorious actions, i.e., their vocation is simply to “follow their cows to the forest”  —   this is the result of their past karma and indicates a lack of merit. aṛivonṛum illāda āy kulattu —    A people which has no claims whatsoever to knowledge –  they refer here to their (2)  simplicity and lack of any social status. kuṛaivonṛum illāda govindā —    You, Govinda! who have no wants and no imperfections whatsoever  —   here they refer to the (3) Perfection of the Lord’s attributes   uṛavēl namakku ingu ozhikka ozhiyādu  —   the relationship between you and ourselves here cannot be dissolved not matter what either of us may do. They refer to the (4)  Indissoluble relationship between the jīvas and the Lord.

śīriyarulādē  —    “Pray, do not get offended at our failings” –  they beseech (5) forgiveness for their past sins and failings.  iṛaivā! nī tārāy paṛai —   O  Lord! Grant  us our hearts’ desire —  here they refer (6) to the  attainment of their Puruṣārtha.

The above-mentioned six points are the stages to perfection for a  prapanna  or one who has taken  refuge in God.

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