The Fruit of Wisdom


Greetings to everyone.

Many of us would have watched the classic Tamil film Thiruvilaiyadal. In it comes the famous song written by Kannadasan — “Gnanapazhatthai Pizhinthu.” Though we often sing along joyfully, many of us may not fully understand the deeper meaning behind its opening lines. While several parts of the song seem clear, the initial verses remained a mystery to me for a long time.

The song portrays Murugan as a cute innocent child, upset that the Fruit of Wisdom was not given to Him, and leaving His divine parents in anger. Avvaiyar then lovingly tries to console Him.

Today, my heart longed to truly understand those lines. And when I searched for their meaning and reflected upon them, my heart overflowed with joy. I wondered—could the Lord possibly be praised in a more beautiful way than this? Awe and bliss filled my being. I am certain that same sweetness will bloom within you too.

Those Tamil Song lines are, 

Murugaa! Nee pranava gnaanap pazhaththaip pizhinthu, rasam anbinodu naam unnnavum koduththa nalla gurunaadhan nee! Unakkenna vidham ikkaniyai naam eevathendru naaniththaan, appani thalaiyar tharavillai...! Appanithalaiyar tharavillaiyaathalaal Murugaa unakku saarumoṟu pizhaiyillaiye..!

Before understanding this explanation, one must first revisit the Lord’s divine story.

From the fiery sparks born from the third eye of Shiva, carried by Agni and placed within a beautiful reed-filled pond, emerged six divine infants upon six lotus flowers. These children were nurtured by the six celestial maidens known as the Karthigai Pengal (In Tamil). Later, by the grace of the Divine Mother, the six children merged into one radiant child with six faces and twelve arms.

Murugan received all sacred teachings under Brahmadev. Yet even after mastering all knowledge, He longed to understand the mystery of the Pranava (The Origin of All Existence) — “Om.” Through the power of His wisdom, He realized its truth and even imparted that supreme knowledge to His own father, Shiva.

(We all know the popular story of Murugan imprisoning Brahma after questioning him about the meaning of the Pranava. However, personally, I have never fully resonated with the idea that the Supreme Lord—described in the Bhagavad Gita by Krishna Himself as “Among commanders, I am Skanda”— would disrespect Brahma by imprisonment, who is older and the deity of creation. Deep within, I feel the story points to a deeper symbolism rather than literal disrespect. This is merely my humble reflection.)

The word “Swam” means the soul or possession. The Supreme Being who possesses all souls is called Swami. Thus, Shiva Himself is Swami—the Lord of all.
“Natha” means teacher or master.

Since Murugan imparted wisdom even to Swami Himself, He became Swaminatha — the Teacher or The Master of the Lord.

Thus, Avvaiyar consoles the divine child:

“You are the One who compassionately offered even the nectar of Pranava Wisdom to Your own father. How then could anyone presume to offer You a mere fruit? Out of reverence and hesitation, your father—the One adorned with the cool Ganga—did not give it to You. You, who have realized the Pranava unknown to all, who contain everything within Yourself and transcend all things—you lack nothing, O Lord!”

When I understood the meaning behind these lines, my heart swelled with pride and fulfillment at the greatness of the Lord. My eyes welled with tears of bliss. In the very next moment, my mind fell at His sacred feet.

I believe that those reading this too would have felt a spring of joy rise within their hearts.

On this sacred day of Vaikasi Visakam, the divine star under which Lord Murugan incarnated, I am deeply happy to share this reflection with you all.

We shall meet again.

Thank you.
Shanmugapriya K Sambathkumar

Location: Udumalaipettai, Tamil Nadu, India

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