A hundred Tamil verses, one for each set of ten verses in Nammazhwar's Thiruvaymozhi, giving its meaning as explained in the Eedu commentary and praising Nammazhwar by name. It is written in the andhadhi style so that it is easy to learn and recite.
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Meaning
Nammalwar saw for himself the full greatness of the Supreme Lord and described it in the way the Vedas do. Mamunigal says that Maran's words keep people free of all confusion and give them a good life, and liberation grows out of them as surely as a tree grows from its root.
Meaning
In these ten verses Maran of Thirukkurugur, out of kindness for everyone on this earth, teaches people to let go of everything else and seek the feet of Sriman Narayana, whose fame has no equal. Mamunigal sees the decad as a gracious song sung for the good of the whole world.
Meaning
Nammalwar taught that the Lord is always within easy reach of those who love Him, and that through His births in this world He grants liberation, so people should turn to Him with deep devotion. Mamunigal says that those who take up Maran's sweet words are freed from the long chain of births.
Meaning
Longing for the Lord, Nammalwar begged the birds with lovely wings to go and tell his state to the Lord who holds the discus. He grew weak and bewildered as he searched for his master, and Mamunigal calls this the richness of Maran's devotion.
Meaning
Thinking of the Lord's vast greatness and his own smallness, Nammalwar felt unworthy and wanted to step away from Him. But Perumal, with His shining gentleness, lovingly drew Maran back to His side.
Meaning
Nammalwar spoke warmly of the Lord, who has no flaw, and said He is not hard to worship, because He is pleased with whatever is offered to Him sincerely. With this teaching Maran freed simple, unknowing people of this world from repeated birth.
Meaning
Nammalwar declared that Perumal, the husband of Sri, frees those who hold on to Him from birth, gives them the joy of the eternal realm, and is supremely sweet to them. Mamunigal tells his own heart to run to Maran's feet as its one true companion.
Meaning
Nammalwar showed that the Lord accepts as His servants even those whose mind, words and deeds do not agree, and so made His straightforwardness known to the whole land. Mamunigal says that thinking of Maran in this way brings a life that truly suits the soul.
Meaning
The Lord, pleased with those who understand His qualities, comes and unites with every part of their being, one step at a time. Nammalwar tasted this joy and sang of it eagerly, and as we recite his words the Lord's golden feet come to rest on our heads.
Meaning
Nammalwar saw clearly that the Lord who bears the conch and discus comes down to this earth and gives Himself for no reason other than His own grace. Mamunigal prays that his head may bow at Maran's feet and his mouth may always praise him.
Meaning
When the Lord seemed to hide from him, Nammalwar's grief grew so great that he saw the birds, the sea and the wind as fellow sufferers and wept with them. Mamunigal says that this same Maran now looks with kind eyes on those who are devoted to him.
Meaning
Firm-minded Maran explained clearly that Perumal is the supreme Lord, showing it through His avatars. Those who understand how well Nammalwar taught this, and who bow at the feet of his devotees, will no longer be ruled by the body.
Meaning
The Lord came and joined Nammalwar so closely that they felt like one, and Maran longed for fellow devotees to share that sweetness, wishing even to join the assembly of the eternal realm. Mamunigal tells his heart to live in the company of those who belong to Maran.
Meaning
Nammalwar grieved because he could not yet join the devotees who dance with joy in the eternal realm. Those who loved him described his state, as a mother speaks of her suffering daughter, and Maran was overcome with sorrow. Mamunigal ends the verse with a cry of pity.
Meaning
Out of love for His own abode, the Lord came with His eternal attendants and united richly with Nammalwar, ending all his pain. Mamunigal asks his heart to keep a fitting love for Satakopan's feet every single day.
Meaning
After the Lord of Vaikuntham came and joined him, Nammalwar began to feel unworthy, and the Lord grew anxious that Maran might leave Him. When Maran assured Him that he would not let Him go, Kesava was at peace again, and Mamunigal praises this generous strength.
Meaning
Nammalwar declared that, because of his bond with Kesava, the generations of his family before and after him had all become the Lord's servants. Mamunigal tells his heart to hold Maran's flower-like feet as the refuge for all souls.
Meaning
Nammalwar taught, without any flaw, that the Lord grants liberation and brings worldly souls into the company of those who serve Him for ever. Mamunigal says that Maran's feet, famous everywhere, are themselves that highest liberation.
Meaning
Nammalwar told the Lord that he wanted no kind of liberation for himself, only His feet, and that those alone were enough. Mamunigal asks his heart to wear Maran's flower-like feet on its head, give up all lowly wants and rise ever higher.
Meaning
Nammalwar taught that we should reach Thirumaliruncholai, the hill where the radiant Lord lives, with hearts that never tire. Mamunigal says we will place our heads before the feet of this glorious Maran.
Meaning
At Thirumaliruncholai Nammalwar stood firm and enjoyed in full the beauty of Azhagar, from His shining crown down to His anklets. Mamunigal recalls how completely Maran savoured that holy form.
Meaning
Immersed in Azhagar's beauty, the chief of Thirukkurugur cried out that even he could not measure it, and he grew troubled because his senses fell short. Kannan then calmed him and removed that confusion.
Meaning
Nammalwar longed to serve the Lord of Thiruvenkatam at all times, without a break, always staying by His side, and that resolve filled him with joy. Mamunigal tells his heart to praise Maran's beautiful feet.
Meaning
The Lord showed that He stands within all things as their inner self, and Nammalwar, wishing to serve Him everywhere, served Him through his words. Mamunigal says Maran did this by the strength of his knowledge and devotion.
Meaning
Happy in serving the mighty Lord with his words, Nammalwar praised those who serve Him with love and scolded the foolish who have no love for Him. Mamunigal asks his heart to give Maran a devotion that is rare to find.
Meaning
Nammalwar, master of Tamil, taught that among the Lord's forms, the supreme one, the vyuha forms and the avatars, it is His temple form in this world that is easiest to reach for those who seek Him. Mamunigal sums up this lesson of the decad.
Meaning
Nammalwar longed to serve the devotees who keep their minds on the feet of Perumal, the husband of Sri, and serve Him. Mamunigal says that those who do not become servants of Maran's feet will never reach the end of birth.
Meaning
Nammalwar's endless love made all his senses rush towards the Lord, each wanting to do the work of the others, and he wanted every one of those wishes too. Mamunigal says Maran's words in this decad are dense with that longing.
Meaning
Nammalwar told poets with skilled tongues not to waste their verses praising short-lived men, but to join him in praising Perumal. Mamunigal says that by the lasting grace of the lord of Thirukkurugur, their births will come to an end.
Meaning
Nammalwar told the world that in this very birth he had the joy of praising the Lord, who is born again and again to protect the worlds, and so he lacked nothing. Mamunigal asks people to praise Maran even for one day, until their tongues grow sore.
Meaning
Nammalwar weighed the rule of the whole earth, the pleasures of heaven and the soul's enjoyment of itself, and showed that none of them lasts or truly satisfies. He taught that serving the Lord is the only lasting joy.
Meaning
Like a fretful child, Nammalwar longed for the Lord, who was far away from him in time and place, and was worn down by desire for a joy so hard to reach. Mamunigal calls him the king who was born in Thirukkurugur.
Meaning
The Lord, master of all, removed the limits of time and showed Nammalwar all the deeds he wished to see, uniting with him to end his worry. Mamunigal says the world itself flourished because Maran praised this kindness.
Meaning
The Lord joined Nammalwar and then went away, and Maran, in the mood of a love-sick girl, mistook everything that resembled Him for the Lord Himself. Mamunigal points to the depth of love behind this madness.
Meaning
The Lord came from the eternal realm and showed Nammalwar His form and qualities, ending his grief. Maran worshipped Him with joy and declared how fortunate he had become.
Meaning
When the Lord left him, Nammalwar lost consciousness, and his worried relatives tried every wrong remedy. Maran came back to himself only when he heard the Lord's names, and Mamunigal points to this as his special nature.
Meaning
Woken by the name of Kannan, who is full of goodness, Nammalwar cried out again and again to see and reach Him. Mamunigal remembers the lord of Thirukkurugur calling out in this longing.
Meaning
Nammalwar said that if his ornaments and even his own soul are not wanted by the Lord, on whose chest Sri Mahalakshmi lives, then he does not want them either. Mamunigal tells his heart to seek Maran's feet as its goal.
Meaning
Seeing people suffer endlessly because they do not seek the Lord's feet, Nammalwar could not bear it and wept for them. Mamunigal says Maran's compassion is our one true support.
Meaning
Nammalwar proved to everyone that there is no god other than the Lord who created all the worlds. Mamunigal says his hands want only to fold in worship before the feet of Maran.
Meaning
Nammalwar was amazed that, though he had no real devotion and spoke only false words, the Lord with the discus gave him true grace. Mamunigal says Maran spoke of this kindness with shining joy.
Meaning
Nammalwar rejoiced to see the devotees of Sriman Narayana filling the world and blessed them, while also turning back those who were still astray. Mamunigal says his words work like medicine that washes away the stains of the mind.
Meaning
Missing the Lord's beauty, Nammalwar's love grew so strong that he resolved to perform the madal, the public protest of a love-sick girl, without fearing blame, and the whole town trembled. Mamunigal recalls this bold resolve.
Meaning
The long dark night and everything with it tormented Nammalwar and kept him from the madal he had resolved to perform. Mamunigal asks how anyone could ever describe the grief in Maran's heart.
Meaning
Nammalwar told his mothers that they could not scold him now, because the beauty of Nambi of Thirukkurungudi stood before his eyes. Mamunigal says that Maran, who sang this vision, is an ocean of joy for those who think of him.
Meaning
Unable to see the Lord, Nammalwar kept himself alive by speaking as if he were the Lord Himself, so firmly did he feel one with Him. Mamunigal says those who understand and recite these words have earned the right to serve Maran.
Meaning
Before the Lord of Vanamamalai, Nammalwar declared that he had no other means, could not live without Him, and held on only to His grace. Mamunigal says those who recite this become sweet nectar to the eternal devotees.
Meaning
Nammalwar surrendered to Aravamudhan of Thirukkudanthai, but his wish was not granted at once, and he cried out with a longing he could not bear. Mamunigal calls this Maran of spotless glory our master.
Meaning
Nammalwar set out with great love for Thiruvallavazh but collapsed in the gardens outside the town and sang in distress. Mamunigal says those who learn these verses will never be born anywhere away from the Lord's feet.
Meaning
Nammalwar prayed to Kannan, who is born in the worlds to protect them, to let him reach and enjoy Him instead of only melting at the memory of His deeds. Mamunigal tells his heart to rest at Maran's feet.
Meaning
In deep longing Nammalwar sent birds as messengers to Rama, the son of Dasaratha, who lives at Thiruvanvandur. Mamunigal asks the people of the world to bow at Maran's feet.
Meaning
Taking the mood of the cowherd girls, Nammalwar sulked and pushed Kannan away because He came late after being with others. Mamunigal asks his heart to help him worship Maran's feet every day.
Meaning
Kannan ended their sulking and showed His wonderful power over opposite things, such as joy and sorrow and heaven and hell, and Nammalwar sang of it without end. Mamunigal says those who recite the words of Maran, king of Tamil, become worthy teachers even to the eternal ones.
Meaning
Nammalwar was proud to have a heart that praises Kannan's deeds day and night, beginning with His kuravai dance with the cowherd girls. Mamunigal tells his heart to sink into the honey of these words.
Meaning
From the very beginning Nammalwar was immersed in the Lord of flawless qualities, and his love for Him never faded. Mamunigal says Maran revealed this nature of his own in this decad of Thiruvaymozhi (6.5).
Meaning
Unable to live together with the Lord, Nammalwar grew weak and said that the things he owned did not wait for him to give them up; they left him on their own. Mamunigal tells his heart to enjoy Maran's flawless qualities.
Meaning
Nammalwar said that his food, his drink and his betel are all Kannan, and with tears filling his eyes he set out for Thirukkolur. Mamunigal says Maran's golden feet are our true wealth.
Meaning
Nammalwar offered the birds rule over both worlds and asked them to carry his grief to the Lord. Mamunigal asks the people of the wide world to go and bow to Maran.
Meaning
Nammalwar called out with such longing, asking the Lord not to stay away in His high realm, that everyone who heard him melted. Mamunigal says the world is saved by reciting these words.
Meaning
With Sri Mahalakshmi as his mediator, Nammalwar surrendered to the feet of the Lord who stands on the high hill of Thiruvenkatam to save the world. Mamunigal tells his heart to hold Maran's feet as its refuge.
Meaning
Nammalwar cried out that the Lord of countless wonders keeps him in this world with the five senses living inside him, and seems to want to torment him. Mamunigal says that thinking of Maran ends the dark night of worldly life.
Meaning
Losing sleep night and day, Parankusa Nayaki fainted, and her mother asked Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam what He meant to do for her. Mamunigal says hearing these words of Maran makes the heart pure.
Meaning
On hearing the Lord's names, Nammalwar's heart went out to Thenthirupperai, and he resolved to go there. Mamunigal says those who belong wholly to Maran are truly deep-hearted.
Meaning
The ocean-hued Lord showed Nammalwar His victories as if they were happening before his eyes, and Maran sang of them. Mamunigal says those who recite these words are reciting the finest of words.
Meaning
Nammalwar was pained that the people of the world do not cherish the Lord's avatars, which the wise have always loved. Mamunigal calls Maran's tuneful verses here the great scripture of Tamil.
Meaning
Nammalwar saw in his pure heart the beauty and qualities of the Lord that the Vedas praise, and melting with love he cried out to reach Him. Mamunigal says those who do not approach this great Maran are truly poor.
Meaning
The beauty of the Lord's face surrounded Nammalwar on every side and tormented him, and he sang of it. Mamunigal says the sins of those who cling to Maran are destroyed for good.
Meaning
Nammalwar marvelled at the Lord's many-sided wealth, for He is one with the elements and with all living beings. Mamunigal asks when we will ever praise Maran and live in that joy.
Meaning
Nammalwar asked the Lord why He had placed him in this world, and the Lord said it was to sing sweet poems for Him and His devotees. Maran said he had nothing to give in return, and Mamunigal says those who reach him find joy.
Meaning
Nammalwar saw the Lord who made him sing this sweet Thiruvaymozhi, living happily with Sri Mahalakshmi at Thiruvaranvilai, and longed to serve them there. Mamunigal says Maran's feet are the highest Lord for all who have firm faith.
Meaning
For a moment Nammalwar doubted whether the Lord truly belongs to His devotees and whether all things are His own, and then his doubts were cleared. Mamunigal tells the people of the world that our hearts will settle on Maran.
Meaning
So that the Lord would know his mind, Nammalwar examined himself and announced that he had no attachment to himself or to anything of his. Mamunigal recalls how Maran looked into this and declared it.
Meaning
Nammalwar feared that in this world no one cares for the Lord's well-being as the eternal ones do, and the Lord assured him that such people are everywhere. Mamunigal says those who reach Maran's anklet-clad feet will truly live.
Meaning
To end Nammalwar's fear, the Lord showed him His strength and His many devotees, and Maran rejoiced. Mamunigal tells his heart to go to Maran's feet, or else it will fall among worldly people and perish.
Meaning
Nammalwar's grief at not seeing the Lord's beauty grew so great that he cried out. Mamunigal says that being near Maran is our daytime and being away from him is our night.
Meaning
To end Nammalwar's long sorrow, the Lord stayed close by at Thirukkadithanam, and Maran saw this, grew calm and spoke of it.
Meaning
The Lord came from Thirukkadithanam into Nammalwar himself, fulfilled all his wishes and united with him completely. Maran saw this in his heart and described it.
Meaning
The Lord filled Nammalwar's eyes and, to make their union firm, showed him the true greatness of the soul. Maran reflected on it and spoke what was in his heart.
Meaning
In the voice of a girl's friend, Nammalwar spoke of her unique union with the dark Lord, showing that the soul belongs to Him alone and can never belong to another. Mamunigal asks us to reflect long on this truth.
Meaning
Nammalwar declared that he is the servant of the Lord's devotees, who love His beauty and kindness, and placed himself at the very end of that line of servants. Mamunigal shows this as the highest point of servitude.
Meaning
Nammalwar, who wishes good even for the ignorant, taught people to leave the relatives bound to them only by karma and hold on to the Lord, the true kin who joins them to His devotees.
Meaning
At Thiruppulingudi, Nammalwar asked the Lord, his kin from the very beginning, to let him serve Him in every relationship without a break. Mamunigal tells his heart to hold the two feet of Satakopan as its help.
Meaning
The Lord said, "Am I not Narayana? I will do all that you wish," and showed Nammalwar every bond He has with him, and Maran sank into that gentleness. Mamunigal says Maran's grace will drive away the darkness in our hearts.
Meaning
Nammalwar cried out to see the Lord who holds the conch and discus and has Sri Mahalakshmi, with her dark-lined eyes, on His chest, and on seeing Him he rejoiced. Mamunigal says reciting Maran's name lifts up the soul.
Meaning
Nammalwar saw the Lord within his heart and longed to see Him with his eyes, and in the mood of a girl he was hurt by everything that reminded him of the Lord. The hearts of those who think of his grace will melt.
Meaning
Nammalwar said his heart melts at the Lord's deeds and his longing keeps growing, and he spoke of this in pain. Mamunigal asks how his tongue could ever stay silent about Maran's words.
Meaning
Saying that the Lord's natural beauty is the cause of his love, Nammalwar sent flocks of birds to Him as messengers. Mamunigal says the evils of those who think on Maran's feet are destroyed.
Meaning
Not able to wait for the messengers to return, Nammalwar set out in his confusion for Thirunavai. Mamunigal recalls this restless love of Maran.
Meaning
At evening time Nammalwar asked the Lord when he would get to serve Him fully, and could not wait for the answer. Mamunigal says Maran's grace removes his own ignorance.
Meaning
The Lord promised Nammalwar to grant all his wishes at the end of this body, and Maran joyfully told people to go to Thirukkannapuram and surrender to the Lord there. Mamunigal asks whether Maran will not give us his feet.
Meaning
The Lord is the guide on the last journey for those who take refuge at His feet. Nammalwar, with that cloud-dark Lord of Thirumogur as his protector, set out for the eternal realm from which no one returns, and thinking of this ends all sorrow.
Meaning
Nammalwar wanted to serve the Lord resting on Adisesha at Thiruvananthapuram as if he were already serving Him in the eternal realm, to the wonder of the eternal ones.
Meaning
Not yet having reached the Lord's realm, Nammalwar feared that he might be kept in this world even longer, and the Lord reassured him. Mamunigal calls this Maran our refuge.
Meaning
Nammalwar showed how the devotion he taught at the start of Thiruvaymozhi reaches its fulfilment in surrender to the Lord. Mamunigal says his eyes will joyfully see Maran's feet every day.
Meaning
Nammalwar summed up briefly how devotees should love the feet of Kannan, so that it stays firm in everyone's heart, and with this he finished his teaching to the world.
Meaning
The Lord, who had lifted Nammalwar up by His grace, wished to take him to the eternal realm in his very body and waited for Maran's consent. Maran's words reveal this purity of the Lord.
Meaning
The Lord praised by the true words of the Vedas longed for Nammalwar's body, but Maran, firm in strength, held on to His feet and asked to be freed from it. Mamunigal calls this Maran our wealth.
Meaning
Seeing the Lord's great love for him now, Nammalwar asked why, in the past, He had kept him away in this world for so long. The Lord had no answer, and stood troubled, staying close around the glorious Maran.
Meaning
The Lord showed Nammalwar the path of light to His realm, and Maran described the welcome there and his joy among the eternal devotees. Mamunigal calls him the wise sage who wears vakula flowers on his head.
Meaning
The sage Maran lost the full joy he had spoken of earlier and stood alone, weak with longing. Melting in supreme devotion, he was united for ever with the Lord of Sri, the lady of the lotus, and rose to the highest state; with this Mamunigal completes the hundred verses.
The text is checked verse by verse against koyil.org, acharya.org, five printed editions (archive.org). The meanings are simple ones to help the reader; learn the recitation from an adhyapaka.
These are short introductions to help the reader; the works themselves are best studied under one's acharya.
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