The ethical works
Avvaiyar
Counsel from the grandmother of Tamil
In Tamil tradition Avvaiyar is a devotee of Lord Vinayaka, and the Vinayakar Agaval is honoured as her hymn. A well-loved story tells how Murugan, appearing as a cowherd boy under a naval tree, asked her, "Do you want roasted fruit or unroasted fruit?" and humbled the great poet with a child's riddle.
Her four works teach dharma (aram) in words simple enough for a child and deep enough for an elder. Aathichoodi opens with "Aram seya virumbu", "Love to do what is right". It is still the first verse many Tamil children learn by heart at home.
The four works
- Aathichoodiஆத்திசூடிOne-line maxims in the order of the Tamil alphabet110 verses
- Kondrai Vendhanகொன்றை வேந்தன்Alphabetical counsel that opens in praise of Lord Shiva92 verses
- MoodhuraiமூதுரைThe wisdom of elders, told through images from nature31 verses
- Nalvazhiநல்வழிForty verses on the good path through life41 verses
- Vinayagar Agavalவிநாயகர் அகவல்A hymn seeking the grace of Lord Vinayaka12 verses