8. Thiruvammaanai “Let us sing of the Garland of Mandaarai (Bauhinia purpurea) flowers, of the Southerner of Perunthurai surrounded by flowery groves,Who in the sacrifice performed by Thakkan, graciously ground the moon, crushed the shoulders of Indra, cut off the head of Echchan, knocked off the teeth of the radiant sun and scattered them about and delighted to disperse the devaas away in several directions. Behold ! Ammaanaai!” (8:15) “Let us relate how the Warrior Who wearing the garland of honey-filled (Cassia fistula) (Kondrai) flowers and mingling in my flesh, life and experience as honey, ambrosia, and candy of sugar-cane graciously bestows on us the path not known even to the devaas, is resplendent as glorious Light of wisdom to us and dwells as the King in the various countless creatures. Behold Ammaanaai!” (8:16) “I shall wear the blossom of Cassia fistula (Kondrai): I shall embrace the mighty shoulders of Civan's Embracing thus tightly I shall sulk, sulking I shall yearn for His rosy lips' I shall seek for Him; searching and melting inwardly I shall ponder over the jewelled Feet of Civan I shall faint and I shall bloom again! Let us sing the rosy Feet of the fire-bearing Dancer. Behold! Ammaanaai !” (8:17) 379
