Vinayagar Agaval

Vinayagar Agaval is a hymn in praise of the Lord Ganesha, by the great Chola era Tamil poetess Avaiyar. It is thought to be her greatest poem, written shortly before her death.

"Agaval” is a form of blank verse, close to speech. Auvaiyar’s poem is a journey through the Tamil devotional tradition known as Bhakti, in this instance as part of the Shaivite philosophy.

It begins with contemplation of the external form of the God (Lord Ganesha) and continues as an exposition of ancient Hindu spiritual belief and practice. The song consists of 72 lines and describes the various facts and facets of human life as being taught by Lord Ganesha.