Nityanusandhanam
The Alwars' pasurams recited every day at home: what it is, how a recitation begins and ends, and the works most families keep.
What it is
Nityanusandhanam means "daily meditation": the pasurams of the Alwars recited every day, at home and in the temple, so that each day begins and ends with Perumal. It is often recited during Tiruvaradhanam, and again in the evening.
How a recitation begins and ends
Every recitation of the Prabandham begins with Tiruppallandu, Periyalwar's blessing for the Lord. Each work is preceded by its taniyans, the verses in praise of its Alwar. The recitation closes with the sattrumurai, in which the last two pasurams of Tiruppavai are recited.
The works most families keep
The full nityanusandhanam, as each family and matham keeps it, is longer than this and varies, and often includes works of the acharyas. These are the works found in almost every home:
- Tiruppallandu Always first.
- Tiruppalliyezhuchi In the morning, waking Perumal.
- Tiruppavai Every day in many homes, and in every home through Margazhi.
- Amalanadipiran Often recited with the morning worship.
- Kanninun Siruthambu In praise of Swami Nammalwar, the acharya.
Starting at home
If your family has no practice yet, a good beginning is Tiruppallandu every morning, and one Tiruppavai pasuram a day with its meaning. Learn the full order your family follows from your acharya or your elders.
These pages explain what each practice is, its steps and their meaning; the Tiruvaradhanam, Sandhyavandanam and Bhojana vidhi pages also give their mantras. Learn them, with their right sound, from your father or acharya, as has always been the way. The order and details differ between families and mathams; where they do, follow your acharya and your elders.