Decad: 9 Thirupporchchunnam Sub-title: Aanandamanoiayam (Merging of the soul in rapture) Abstract: In this decad the saint sets out his love of God in the guise of the chief of the maidens who is none but the lady-love. She calls 8 of her companions by name to participate in the holy ritual of preparing the sacred powder for the bath of Civan. Perhaps the 8 maidens with the chief signify the 9 Sakthis -the different, manifestations of the energy of the God-head. The ceremonial preparation of the yellow-coloured, hence golden, powder with all serenity and solemnity reveals the divinity of the purpose. The maidens' minds are swinging with the Lord Who is dancing with His Spouse, the supreme Compassion. Their body, mind and deed are all fully engaged in singing about Civan, swinging with Civan and pounding dust for Civan. They are one with Civan all along enjoying rapturous Bliss. Hence the sub-title of this decad. 400
