They teach us a theology that is not afraid of blood, heat, or disease. When we sing "Aadi masam, azhagu thanga ther, Amma ku pidicha kappu kaara malli" (In the month of Aadi, the golden chariot is beautiful; mother loves the pungent jasmine), we are re-enchanting the seasons.
The Kappu (bangles) and Malli (jasmine) are not ornaments. They are metaphors for protection (kappu) and sweetness amidst struggle (malli). amman bajanai padalgal lyrics in tamil
So the next time you hear a group of women, tired from the day's labour, sit down with a kudam (pot) and start a Bajanai—don't hear a folk song. Hear a theology of the soil. They teach us a theology that is not