FOREWORD This book "SIVA VAZHIPAADU" in addition to the "Nalvar Thirattu" and "Sivan Arul Thiratu", is a collection of hymns from Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, Thiruppugazh, Thiru Arutpa and the songs of Pattinaththar and Thayumanavar. These compositions are precious gems to our wealth which we have Inherited from our ancient men of God. This compilation is made possible by the unstinted support given to me by those selfless people from Tamil Nadu who have continuously strived for the welfare df our brotheran. I owe a special word of thanks to Dr.N.Mahalingam, the President of the Ramalingar Pani Mandram, Madras, for his personal interest in my undertakings for the propagation of our educational and cultural activities. My sincere gratitude to Doctor again for permitting his office staff to help me and for affording care and comfort during my stay in Madras. I am also very grateful to the Natal Tamil Vedic Society Trust, the South African Tamil Federation, its units and their affiliates for the encouragement given in pursuing my life desires to promote language and Culture. At the invitation of the 'Natal Tamil Vedic Society Trust', Thiru Lalgudi Swaminathan, Oduvar of Tamil Nadu, accompanied by Thiru P. Pakirisamy on the Violin and Thiru S. Yugarajan on the Mirdhangam gave concerts in Natal, Transvaal and the Eastern Cape. His rendition of the songs by our great saints created a great impact in the minds of our people. I had the good fortune of getting this great singer to render them all the sixty-nine songs from SIVA VAZHIPAADU on cassettes and the introductory
