Old Tamil Poetry

Nammalvar – 3107

Without realizing who I am,
I thought I was on my own;
But all that I am is you, all that’s mine is yours,
Oh’ Celestial ruler, bowed to by one and all!

யானேயென்னை அறியகிலாதே,
யானேயென்தனதே யென்றிருந்தேன்,
யானேநீயென் னுடைமையும்நீயே,
வானேயேத்து மெம்வானவரேறே.

In this verse, Nammalvar submits himself to Lord Vishnu completely. He says, “Oh’ Lord of the celestials, to whom all gods bow to! When I was born in this world, I didn’t realize my inner true self. I thought that what I am was created by myself. I have lost this arrogance now, as I realize all that I am is you. All that I consider my belongings are nothing but you. So I give myself up completely to you”

யான் – My self
அறியகில்லாதே – அறியாமலே – without knowing / realizing
என் தனதே – I am my own
உடைமை – belongings
வானே ஏத்தும் – woshiped by celestials (I took liberty to translate it as one and all)
வானவர் ஏறு – Ruler of celestials