PAAVAI NOMBU

                              Tiruppavai belongs to the Pavai genre of songs, a uniquely Tamil tradition sung in the context of the Pavai vow observed throughout the month of Maarkazi, originally by unmarried girls praying to the Pavai goddess (related to Parvati) for a blissful married life.

                              Sri Vaishnavas sing these stanzas every day of the year in the temple as well as in their homes. This practice assumes special significance during Margazhi: each day of this month gets its name from one of the thirty verses. There are references to this vow in the late-sangam era Tamil musical anthology Paripadal.^[1]
                           Andal's thirty songs contain the cardinal principles of Vaishnava dharma during the month of Maarkazi. Tamil Vaishnavas sing these songs to bring peace, prosperity and Divine Grace. Andal assumes the guise of a cowherd in these 30 verses. Andal appears intent upon performing a particular religious vow to marry the Lord thereby obtain His everlasting company, and inviting all her girl-friends to join her. Towards the end we learn that she did not actually perform a religious rite; but is simply praying to be granted the service of the Lord for eternity. She yearns for everlasting happiness and service of the Lord.
                       Andal came to know that Gopikas followed Kathyayani vrata and attained the lord Krishna similarly she followed the paavai nombu and through her tiruppavai asking us to wake from the sleep to attain the lord Krishna.It is believed that one who follow paavai nombu will be blessed with a great husband or wife.
                         
             In Andhra Pradesh, the same nombu is observed as Dhanurmasa vratam. Vaishnu bhakta, devotees of Lord Vishnu, recite Thiruppavai during the month and special naivedyam is offered on each day of Dhanur masam. Goda Kalyanam, marriage of Sri Goda Devi and Lord Venkateshwara, is performed during the month.