Countless jivatmas caught in the cycle of birth continue to swirl endlessly without even knowing that there is way out for them. During the Lord's Varaha Avatar, when He saved the Earth, the most compassionate Bhu Devi won a promise from the Lord that just as He saved her, He should similarly save the Jivatmas lost in Samsara. The Lord made a vow to her that if only a jivatma thinks of the Lord at least once in his lifetime and wishes to be saved, He would remember this wish and be present at his death bed ready to lead him to salvation. Bhu Devi decided to incarnate in this world as Andal with the purpose of making known to the jivatmas the need to seek His feet. Andal's hymns in Tamil may seem deceptively simple but they carry the essence of the Vedas to the common man easily and most effectively.
She exclaims at the outset in the Tiruppavai that only Narayana can grant salvation to the jivatma. The central theme in the hymns is Bhakti towards the Lord who is compassionate to the erring jivatmas. Though He manifests in Para and Vyuha forms in Vaikunta and Parkadal respectively, He is accessible to all in His Vibhava, Archa and Antaryami forms. In these manifestations, His countless auspicious qualities are revealed, prompting the jivatma to seek Him as the only valuable goal. The jivatma gradually sheds his ego and realises that there is nothing worthwhile in worldly gains. The spirit of renunciation takes root and he longs to be of service to the Lord. Worship of His Archa form in temples, reliving His incarnations as Narasimha. Krishna or Rama and singing His glory become the ideals to be pursued.
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