The union which Arunagirinathar uses this to symbolise, however, is that of the soul with God, and the imagery specifically calls to mind the legend of Murugan's wooing of Valli, the daughter of a Kurava chief. This appropriation of secular imagery to religious purposes is characteristic of the Tiruppukal: just as it call people to turn from hedonistic pleasures to a life centred on God, it turns the language formerly used to celebrate carnal love to celebrate God.
The union being symbolized by Arunagirinathar is that of the soul with God, which parallels the legend of Murugan's pursuit of Valli, the daughter of a Kurava chief. This adaptation of secular imagery for spiritual purposes is typical of the Tiruppukal, as it redirects people from hedonistic pleasures to a life centered on God by reinterpreting language originally used to celebrate romantic love.