DUAL PERSONALITY

In all the last three categories, the poems are concluded by the Alvar invariably as the compositions of Satakopa (Nammalvar), clearly indicating a dual personality, the main part being that of a lady, with the conclusion being that of the Alvar in his normal state.

Kulasekhara Alvar was so taken in by Devaki’s deprivation of all the enjoyment of the childhood pranks and playful actions of Sri Krishna which were all vouchsafed only to the fortunate Yasoda, that he identified himself with Devaki and poured out all her sorrow in the Seventh Decade of Perumal Tirumoli. However, in the last verse he speaks only as Kulasekhara and not as Devaki. Likewise, in his Ninth Decade he becomes Dasaratha, loudly lamenting the parting of Rama who was sent to the forest, but again regains his identity as Kulasekhara while concluding the piece.

While describing the jubilant celebrations connected with the birth of Sri Krishna, Periyalvar suddenly becomes Yasoda in one verse and declares: "I am unable to manage this child because if I lay him down in the cradle, he kicks it as if it would go to pieces: If I keep on my hips, he presses so hard as if he will crush my middle; if I hug him tightly pressing his arms and legs, he plunges into my belly. Not having the strength to bear these actions of the infant, I have become very thin."

Further, in Periyalvar Tirumoli (4-1) we discover the dual personality of the Alvar in a clearer form. It is the same Supreme Lord who took the avataras of Rama, Krishna etc.