Abstinence for accomplishment

All of us want to be achievers. Yet, when we find difficulties or obstacles in our path, we become discouraged. However, the ones who are determined, are ready to go that extra mile to get what they want. Now, the secret of the quality of the success lies in the path we pursue. Determination laced with discipline with a dose of ethical conduct can help us arrive at our chosen destination without the baggage of sin or guilt.

It is interesting to note that a young eighth century saint poetess Andal registered the code to righteous accomplishment in her devotional poetry Thiruppavai. 

Girls were married off at a very young age in those days. Parents would encourage them to take up the Kathyayini Vratham or the Paavai Nombu as it was called in south India, so that they could get suitable life partners who would cherish them all their lives. This austere vow required girls to get up well before dawn in winter in the Dhanur Maasa of the Indian calendar and bathe in the cold waters of the river and then worship the goddess.

Andal, the adopted daughter of Periaazhwaar, took up this vow with earnest zeal with the hope of marrying lord Krishna, the groom of her dreams. She understood that if she abstained from the regular distractions of the world, she could be much more sincere in her pursuits. Besides, she also knew that if she included likeminded friends in her group, they could support and encourage one another as and when required. So, she gathered her companions and pledged for all of them to follow some ground rules through the month in the name of the lord. 

 Goda announced that the girls would maintain a strictly vegan diet and abstain from the ubiquitous milk and ghee to remain fit. They would also not indulge in grooming themselves and refrain from applying collyrium and wearing flowers, so that they could focus better on their oath. 

The girls promised not to indulge in the cardinal sins or even raise their voices against anyone. Additionally, they would make it a point to be charitable, as and when possible.

Thus, the lady Aazhwar, chalked out a path of abstinence at the physical, mental and spiritual levels which would complement the route to accomplishment righteously.