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 affiliation being represented by Arunagirinathar is that of the spirit with deity, and the imagery specifically evokes the legend of Murugan's pursuit of Valli, the daughter of a Kurava chief. This appropriation of worldly imagery for spiritual purposes is characteristic of the Tiruppukal: just as it encourages people to turn away from sensual pleasures towards a life focused on God, it redefines language formerly employed to celebrate romantic love in celebration of God.