Mrs.Indra. S . Siva-Yoham F.R.C.S.(Eng) F.R.C.Ophth CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON (retired)
Mrs.Indra. S . Siva-Yoham F.R.C.S.(Eng) F.R.C.Ophth CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON (retired)
படைக்கலமாக உன் நாமத்து எழுத்தைந்தும் என் நாவில் கொண்டேன் – திருநாவுக்கரசர்
உலக வாழ்க்கையில் நிலைபெற்ற இன்பம் அனுபிவிப்பதற்கு மார்க்கமொன்றுண்டு. அது பற்றற்றானாகிய சிவப்பரம்பொருள் மீது இடையறாத பக்தி கொள்வதே.
பக்தி நிலை
பக்தி எனும் செயல் யாதென எழும்பும் பிரேரணைக்குப் பதில் மணிவாசகப் பெருந்நகையின் திருவாய்மூலம் பின் வருமாறு தெளிவாகியுள்ளது.
“சிந்தனை நின்தனக்காக்கி நாயினேன் தன்
கண்ணிணை நின் திருப்பாதப் போதுக் காக்கி
வந்தனையும் அம் மலர்க்கே ஆக்கி வாக்கு உன்
மணிவார்த்தைக் காக்கி ஐம்புலன்கள் ஆர
வந்தெனை யாட்கொண்டுள்ளே புகுந்த விச்சைமால் அமுதப் பெருங்கடலே,மலையே உன்னைத் தந்தனை செந்தாமரைக் காடனைய மேனித்
தனிச் சுடரே யிரண்டுமிலித் தனியனேற்கே.”
இறைவன்பால் திருவாதவூரர் சொல்வது யாதெனின், “இறைவா என்தன் மனதில் தோன்றும் எண்ணங்கள் யாவும் உன்வசமாகவும், என்தன் கண்கள் காணும் காட்சிகளும் மென்தளிரன்ன நின்தன் திருவடிகளேயாகவும், என்தன் வாயூடாக வெளிப்படும் மொழிகள் நின்தன்மகிமையை விளக்குவதாகவும், என்தன் புலன்கள் யாவும் நின்வசமே ஈர்க்கப்பெற்ற நிலையில் என்னை ஆட்கொண்டு என்னுள் புகுந்த தத்துவாதீனனான பெரும் சமுத்திரமே! மலையே! செந்தாமரை மலர்கள் அன்ன செம்மேனிப் பிரகாசம் உள்ளவரே” என்கிறார்.
இவ்வகை மனவுறுதி கொண்டவர்க்கு மேலும் உள்ளத்தில் உருவெடுக்கும் பேரின்ப நிலை,
மீண்டும் மணிவாசகப் பேரருளாளர் மூலம் தென்படுகின்றது.
“உள்ளந்தாள் நின்று உச்சியெல்லாம் நெஞ்சாய் உருகாதால்,
உடம்பெல்லாம் கண்ணாய் அண்ணா வெள்ளம் தான் பாயாதால்,
நெஞ்சம் கல்லாம் கண்ணிணையும் மரமாம் தீவினையினேன்கே”
சிவப்பரம்பொருளாகிய இறைவன்பால் , ஒருவர்தம் சித்தத்தின் ஆளத்தில் தூய அன்பும் ஈர்ப்பும் ஏற்பட்ட நிலையின் எதிர்பார்ப்பை விஸ்தரிக்கும் கூற்றே இங்கு குறிப்பிடப் பெற்றது.அதாவது இறையனுபவம் என்பது சொல்லால் விவரிக்கக் கடினமானதென்பது யாம் அறிந்ததே.
“ பெருமானே! என்னுடைய தேகத்தில் உள்ளங்கால்தொட்டு என்னுடைய உச்சிவரையுள்ள அங்கங்கள் யாவும் நெஞ்சாக வுருவெடுத்து உருகமாட்டாதா, என்னுடைய சரீரமெங்கும் கண்கள் உருவெடுத்து கண்ணீர் வெள்ளமாகப் பாயாதா “ என, வருந்துகின்றார், பரம பக்தராகிய மாணிக்கவாசகப் பெருந்தகை.
“சித்தத் எழுந்த செழுங்கமலத்தன்ன சேவடிகள் வைத்த மனத்தவர் வாழ்கின்ற தில்லை” என்ற திருநாவுக்கரசருடைய கூற்று, தில்லை வாழ் அந்தணருடைய பரிபக்குவத்தை விழக்குகின்றது.
எனினும் ஒருவர்,சிவப்பரம்பொருளின் செந்தாமரை போன்ற திருவடிகளை சித்தத்தில் தரிக்கத் தகுதி பெற்றவராவதற்கு, பக்தி மட்டும் போதாது எனவும்,காமம் குரோதம் பகைமை, வெறுப்பு பொறாமை ஆகிய துர்க்குணங்கள் அற்ற நிலை,அத்தியாவசியம் என்பதுமே.இறை அனுபவம் ஏட்டில் படித்தோ, ஐம்பொறியளவில் பொருந்தியோ வருவதல்ல.
சமய குரவர்களாகிய நால்வராதியர் பக்குவம் பெற்ற பெருந்தகைகள்.அவர்கள் சித்தங்களிலிருந்து தேவார திருமுறைகள் ஊற்றெடுத்துப் பாய்ந்தன என்றால் மிகையாகாது.தித்திக்கும் தமிழ் மொழிக்குத் தனி மகிமை யாதெனில், ஒரு சொல்லுக்கு பல்வேறு கருத்துக்கள் அமையக்கூடும்.அவற்றில் பொருத்தமானது யாதெனத் தேர்ந்தெடுப்பதற்கு ஏதுவாக சூழல் ஆகிய பரிணாமங்களை உபயோகிப்பதற்கும் உள்ளிருக்கும் இறையருள் உந்திப்பதை அறிவோம்.அத்தோடு பண்ணிசையும் நெகிழ்ச்சிக்கு ஆதரவு செய்வதால் அடியார்க் கூட்டங்கள் ஈர்க்கப்பெற்றனர்.அதன் விளைவாக சமயப்பற்று மக்களில் அதிகரித்த நிலை ஏற்படவும்,முக்கண் மூர்த்தியின் பாதமலர் சென்னிமேல் தாங்கியவர்களாகும் மன நிலை ஏற்பட, சந்தற்ப சூழ் நிலை பிரகாரம் ஈசன்தன் கிருபை தென்பட்டது.
அதன் விளைவாக சைவ சமுதாயம் உற்சாகம் பெற்றது.
பக்திப் பரவசம்
“ மெய்தான் அரும்பி வதிர்விதிர்த்து உன் விரையார் கழற்கு என் கைதான் தலைவைத்துக் கண்ணீர் ததும்பி வெதும்பி உள்ளம், பொய்தான் தவிர்ந்து போற்றி சய சய போற்றி,
என்னுகைதான் நெகிழவிடேன் ,உடையாய் என்னைக் கண்டுகொள்ளே! “- – திருவாதவூர் அடிகளார்
இங்கு விவரிக்கும் பரிபூரண அனுபவம் மெய்யடியார், உணரக்கூடிய நிலை.அதாவது பரிபூரண முழுமையான அனுபவத்தை நெகிழவிடேன் என்பதேயாகும். சொல்லப்போனால், இறையனுபவ வேளையில், அவ் அடியாரின் தேகம்முழுதும் பூரித்து,மயிர்சிலிர்த்து,ஆனந்தக் கண்ணீர் பெருகி,இன்சுவை அருந்நிய தெவிட்டாத மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் நிற்கும், அன் நிலையைக் கைவிடேன், என்கிறார்.
அச்சு வேற்றுமை
எனினும் எப்பவோ ஏற்பட்ட அச்சுப் பிளை காரணத்தால், “என்னுகைதான்” என்ற சொல் மாறி – – “என்னும் கைதான்” – எனப் பதிவுற்று, வந்துள்ளது. அடிகளார் குறித்த அதி அற்புத சம்பூரண அனுபவத்தின் சாராம்சத்தை மாற்றி, அதன் ஒரு அற்ப பகுதியை ( கையைத்தான் நெகிழ விடேன்) என்ற தப்பான விளைவை ஏற்படுத்தி யுள்ளதென்று தோன்றுகிறது. அவ் அச்சுப்பிளை” ம் “என்ற எழுத்தை உட்கொண்டு அன்று தொட்டுப் பிரதிகளில் தொடர்ந்து வருவது வருந்தத்தக்க விடையமாயிற்று.
தாம்பத்திய தர்மம் இதுகாறும் குறிப்பிட்ட மனோநிலைகள் துறவறதாரிகள் வாயால் பகரப் பெற்ற குறிப்புக்கள் எனினும், அதே மகத்துவம் நன் நெறி நின்று வாழும் இல்லறத்தவர்க்கும் கிட்டும்.
இணை பிரியாத மனப்பக்குவ ஒற்றுமை மிகுந்த தம்பதிகள் நடாத்தும் இல்வாழ்கை, பெரும் தவ வலிமை யுள்ளது எனச் சான்றோர் புகழ்ந் தேற்றுவது யாமறிவோம். மணாளன் குறிப்பு அறிந்து அதற்கேற்ப தன் செயல்பாடுகள் ஒத்துவர இயங்கும் பதிவிரதை இல்லறதர்மத்தின் மகத்துவத்தை,தெளிவாக்கு கின்றாள்.
அகத்திய மாமுனியின் பதிவிரதையான லோபாமுத்திரையின் உச்சநிலை பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கான ஆண்டுகள் தோறும்
ஆகமத்தொகுப்புகள் பலவற்றில் எப்படிப் போற்றப்பட்டு வருவதோ,அதை நிரூபிக்கும்.
“மங்கல மென்ப மனைமாட்சி மற்றதன்
நன்கலம் நன் மக்கட்பேறு” என
வள்ளுவர்ப் பெருந்தகை குறிப்பிட்டது மிகையாகாது.
எனவே தாம்பத்திய வாழ்கையினூடாகப் பரம ஏளை எளியவற்கும் துறவிகளுக்கும் செய்யும் பல் வேறு சேவைகளாகிய,பசிப்பிணி தீர்த்தல், வஸ்திரம் வளங்குதல் ,மருத்துவ சேவை, ஆலயசேவை, போன்ற கைங்கரியங்களைக் கையாளலாம்.
மலர் மாலை புனைதல் போன்ற துறைகளிலும், இல்லக்கிளத்தி இணைந்து இயங்க, துறவறம் பூணாமலே சானித்தியம் பெற்று முக்கணெம்மானுடைய அருள்வளாகத்தில் பரிணமிக்கலாம்.தண் இதள் மலர் சேவையை சிந்திக்கும் கால், பதஞ்சலியும் வியாக்கிரபாதர் களாகிய முனி சிரேஷ்டர்கள், நடனசபாபதிப் பெருமானுடன் இணைந்து, வேண்டிய வரம் யாதெனில்,வண்டினம் எச்சிப்படுத்துவதற்கு முன், சூரியோதயத்திற்கு முன்பாக, மரங்களில் சுலபமாக ஏறி மலர் கொய்வதற்கு ஏதுவாக, பதஞ்சலி, தன் பாதங்கள் பாம்பின் வால் போலவும், வியாக்கிர பாதர் தன் பாதங்களில் புலியின் நகங்கள் போல் மரங்களை இறுகப்பற்றி வழுக்காது மலர் கொய்யும் பாக்கியமும் பெற்றனர்.எனவே கணவன் மனைவி இணங்கி மலர்க் கண்டுகளை வளர்த்து அவற்றை இறைசிந்ந்தனை யுடனேயே பராபரித்து அவைபால் தோன்றும் புஷ்பங்களை இறைவன்பால் அர்பணிக்கும் எண்ணத்துடனேயே கொய்து,மலர்த் தொடை புனையும் வேளை சிவசக்தி ஐக்கிய சிந்தனையிலேயே மனம் லயித்து, ஈடுபடுவதுடன், இறைசன்னதிக்கு ஏகி சமர்பிப்பது சாலச்சிறந்தது.
சோழமண்டலத்திலே புகழ்ச் சோழ மன்னனுடைய அரசாட்சி காலத்தில் இடம்பெற்ற திருவிளையாடல் இங்கு குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. சிவகாமி ஆண்டார் எனும் பரம பக்தர் மலர் கொய்து, அவற்றை மாலையாய் புனைந்து, கூடையில் கொண்டு ஆலயம் செல்லும் வேளையில் மன்னனுடைய பட்டத்து யானையும் பாகரும் பராபரிப்பாளர்களும் அவ்வழி வந்து கொண்டிருந்தனர். காரணம் யாதுமில்லாமல் யானை மதம்பிடித்
தது போல் சிவகாமி ஆண்டாருடைய மலர்க் கூடையை சிதறி அவருக்கும் அங்க சேதம் ஏற்படுத்தியது. அதைக் கண்ணுற்ற எறிபத்த நாயனார், சிவனடியாருக்கு பட்டத்து யானையால் ஏற்பட்ட பெரும் அவலத்தை நிவிர்த்தி செய்ய எண்ணி,வாளால்
பட்டத்து யானையையும், பாகர்களையும் பணியாளர்களையும் வெட்டி விழுத்தினார்.அச்செய்தியை மன்னன் அறிந்ததும் பரிவாரங்களுடன் அவ்விடம் ஏகினான். அங்கு வந்து நடந்த சம்பவ விபரம் அறிந்ததும் எறிபத்தரிடம் மன்னிப்புக் கோரி, தன் உடைவாளை எறிபத்தரிடம் நீட்டி,தன் பட்டத்து யானையால் சிவகாமி ஆண்டாராகிய சிவனடியாருக்கு ஏற்பட்ட ஆபத்துக்கு தானே பொறுப்பேற்று, அவ்வாளால் தன்னைச் சிரச்சேதம் செய்யுமாறு பணித்தார்.அவ்வேளை பட்டத்து யானையும் பாகர்களும் உயிர் பெற்றெழும்பி, வானத்தில் பராசக்தி சமேத சர்வேஸ்வரனும் ரிஷபாரூடராக காட்சியளித்து திருவிளையாடலை நிரூபித்தனர். என்னே மலர்த்தொண்டின் மகிமை!
இவ் வகையில்,இராட்சிய பொறுப்பேற்க உரிய சேரமான் பெருமான் என்ற சேர இளவரசனும் பூந்தோட்ட பராபரிப்பும் அத்துடன் மலர்ச் சேவையிலும் மிக ஊக்கம் செலுத்தினார் என்பதும், அன்னார் சிவகாமசுந்தரி சமேத நடனசபாபதியை சித்த த் இருத்தி பூஜா கிரமங்கள் செய்து முடியும் அந்நிமிடமே நடன சபாபதியின் சிலம்பொலி செவிமடுப்பதாக, சேக்கிழாரின் மகா காவியமாகிய பெரிய புராணத்திலிருந்து தெளிவாகிறது. அன்னார் பரிமேலேறி பரம்பொருளின் இணையடியில் கலக்கும் பாக்கியம் பெற்றதும் யாமறிவோம்.
சற்புத்திரப்பேறு
சற்புத்திரப்பேறும் இல்வாழ்கைக்கு மெருகூட்டுவதுடன், நெறிதவறாத வகையில், குடும்ப வாழ்கை நடாத்த வளி வகுக்கின்றது.
அறுபத்தி மூவருளொருவரான சிவனடியார் மாணக்கஞ்சாறனார், சோழநாட்டில் கஞ்சாறூர் எனும் கிராமத்தில் வசித்து வந்தார்.அப்பெரியார் சோழமன்னரின் படைத்தலைவராகப் பணிபுரிந்து, பெரும்போரில் சோழ மன்னருக்கு எதிர்பாராத வகையில் பெரும் வெற்றியை ஏற்படுத்திய காரணத்தால் அவருக்குப் பாரிய நன்கொடை அரசன் வழங்கி இழைப்பாறவும் பணித்தார்.அன்னார் அதி சிவபக்தியுடன் சிவனடியார்களுக்கும், துறவிகளுக்கும், ஒப்பற்ற தொண்டு செய்துவரும் தயாளனென அறிந்த இறைவன், அவரை சோதிக்க திருவுளங்கொண்டு, மாவிரதியாரான கடும் தவசி வேடம் பூண்டு அன்னாரின் இல்லத்தை அணுகின்றார்.அங்கு வந்த மாவிரதியாரை மாணக்கஞ்சாறனார் பணிவுடன் பாதபூஜையும் பல சலுகைகளும் செய்து வரவேற்று, அத்தினம் திருமணம் நடைபெறுவதற்கு சோடனை செய்யப் பெற்ற,ஏக புத்திரியை வரவழைத்து
அங்கு விஜயம் செய்திருந்த மகானுடைய திருவடிகளை வணங்கி ஆசீர்வாதம் பெறுமாறு அன்புடன் ஏவ, புத்திரியும் அதற்கு இணங்கி பஞ்சாங்க நமஸ்காரம் செய்ய,அவள்தன் அழகிய நீண்ட கூந்தலைக் கண்ணுற்ற மாவிரதியார் தன் பஞ்சவடிக்கு அம் மணப்பெண்ணின் கூந்தல் உதவும் என்று தெரிவிக்க, சற்றும் தயக்கமில்லாமல் தந்தையார் அரிந்து கொடுக்க, புத்திரியும் பூரணசம்மதம் தெரிவித்து, ஒத்துளைக்க, மாவிரதியார் மறைந்து,மணப்பெண்ணின் கூந்தலும் திரும்ப உருப்பெற்று, வானத்தில் அம்பாள் சமேத ரிஷபாரூடராகக் இறைவன் காட்சிகொடுத்து மாணக்கஞ்சாறனாரையும் சற்புத்திரியையும் இரட்சித்தனர்.
இவ்வகையில் சற்புத்திரப்பேறும், இறைவன் கொடுக்கும் பெரும் பாக்கியமெனக் கொண்டு, தாம்பத்திய வாழ்வுக்கும், அதன்மூலம் ஆன்மீகத்துக்கும், உறுதுணையாய் உதவுமென்பதற்கு ஆட்சேபனையே இல்லை.
“இரும்பு தரு மனத்தேனை ஈர்த்து ஈர்த்து, என் என்பு உருக்கி, கரும்பு தரு சுவை ஈதெனக் காட்டினாய் நின் கழலிணைகள்”
– மாணிக்கவாசகர்
இறைவா! என் மனமோ இரும்பு போன்றதாய் இருந்தும், அதனை நீ ஈர்த்து (magnetic attraction) ஈர்த்து, என்னுடைய எலும்பைக்கூட உருக்கக் கூடிய அனுபவத்தை ஏற்படுத்தி, உன் திருவடிகளை அற்புதமாக எனக்குக்காட்டி, இவை உன்பால் கரும்பு தரக்கூடிய இனிமையை ஏற்படுத்தும் எனக் கூறினாய், யான் ஏது கைமாறு செய்வேன்!
மாணிக்கவாசகர்,அரச ஆணையின்படி, குதிரை வாங்குவதற்குப் புறப்பட்டு பயணிக்கும் வேழை, திருப்பெருந்துறையில் குரு வடிவு தாங்கி,குருந்த மர நிழலில் அமர்ந்து அடியார் கூட்டத்திற்கு உபதேசிப்பவர்போல் காட்சி கொடுத்த செம்மேனியானாகிய சிவப்பரம்பொருள் ஏற்படுத்திய அனுபவமாகும் இங்கு குறிப்பிடப் பெற்ற திருவாசகம்..
இறைவனின் சக்தி அம்சம்
இறைப்பரம்பொருள், தன் வல்லமையையும் கருணையையும் பராசக்தி உருவமாக்கி,ஜீவாத்மாக்கள், பெற்ற தாயை சுலபமாக அணுகத் துணிவதுபோல், சந்தர்ப்ப சூழ்நிலையை ஏற்படுத்திக் கருணை மழை பொழிகின்றார்.
“ஸ்வாஹா ஸ்வதா மதிர் மேதா,ஸ்ருதி ஸ்ம்ருதி அனுத்தமா,புண்ய கீர்த்தி புண்யலப்யா புண்யஸ்ரவண கீர்த்தனா” ஸ்ரீ லலிதா ஸஹஸ்ரநாமம்
வேத தத்துவமே உருவெடுத்தவளாயும், பாராயணத்துக்குரிய ஞாபகசக்தி முனிஸ்ரேஷ்டர்களுக்கும் பாமர பக்திமான்களுக்கும் வேற்றுமை காட்டாது சொரிபவளும், ஒப்பார் மிக்காரற்றவளும், புண்ணியம் செய்பவர்களை இரட்சிப்பவளும், தன் பெருமையைக் கேட்பவர்க்கும், கீர்த்தனம் செய்பவற்கும் புண்ணியம் கொடுப்பவளுமாய் விளங்குகின்றாள் ஆதிபராசக்தி என்று மேல் குறிப்பிட்ட ஸ்ரீ லலிதா ஸஹஸ்ரநாம ஸ்லோகம் தெளிவுபடுத்துகின்றது. அஃதுடன் ஸ்ரீ லலிதா ஸஹஸ்ரநாமத்தில்
“”ஸர்வ வ்யாதி ப்ரசமனீ ஸர்வ ம்ருத்யு நிவாரணி”
என சகல நோய்களையும் தீர்ப்பவள், பக்தர்களின் மரணத்தைத் தடுப்பவள் எனவும் ஸ்லோகம் உண்டு.
அபிராமிப்பட்டரின் அந்தாதியில்
“விரும்பித் தொழும் அடியார் விழி நீர் மல்கி,மெய் புளகம்
அரும்பித் ததும்ப ஆனந்தமாய அறிவிழந்து ,
கரும்பில் கசிந்து மொழி தடுமாறி.முன் சொன்னவெல்லாம்
தரும் பித்தராவரென்றால் அபிராமி சமயம் நன்றே! “
என, அரச தண்டனைப் பிராகாரம்,மூட்டிய தீயின் மேல் உயரத்தில் கட்டிய உறியில் உட்கார்ந்தபடி பாடுகின்றார்.
ஒருவர் இங்கு குறிப்பிடப்பெற்ற மனநிலையுடன் (உறி,அனல் அனாவசியம்) பராசக்தியைத் தொழுவாரானால் அவ்வேளை செய்யப்படும் வேண்டுதல் பயனளிக்கும் என்பது உறுதி!
“சொல்லும் பொருளுமென நடமாடும் துணைவருடன்
புல்லும் பரிமளப் பூங்கொடியே நின் புது மலர்த் தாள்
அல்லும் பகலும் தொழும் அவர்க்கே,அளியா அரசும் ச
செல்லும் தவநெறியும் சிவலோகமும் சித்திக்குமே”,
என்றும் அபிராமிப் பட்டர், இறை அருளின் உந்துதலால் அந்தாதியில் தெளிவாக்கியுள்ளார்.
அதாவது ,உச்சரிக்கப்படும் மந்திரங்களின் ஒலி – சக்தி.அதன் பொருள் – சிவம்.ஒலியும் பொருளும் கூடிய நிலை வடிவே சிவத்திருமேனியாகும்.ஒலி அலைகள் வளைவுகளாகப் பரவும் தன்மையுடையன.
சிவகாம சுந்தரியின் திருமேனியில்,கழுத்து,இடுப்பு,முழங்கால் என மூன்று வளைவுகள் உள.அம்மை ஒலி வடிவாக, பொருள் உருவாகிய சிவனில் பிணைக்கப்பட, எங்கும் வியாபித்து, பல உருவங்களை எடுக்கும் தகைமை சிவசக்தி ஐக்கியதிற்க்கு உண்டு.
அதில் ஒன்றே கூத்தப் பெருமான் ஆகிய நடராஜர் வடிவம். .கூத்தப் பெருமான் தன் திருமேனி பஞ்சாக்ஷ்ர உருவமே.
டமருதம் தாங்கிய வலக்கை “சி”, வீசிய இடக்கை “வ “, அபயம் அளிக்கும் வலக்கை “ய”, அனலேந்திய இடக்கை “ந”, ஊன்றிய திருவடி “ம,” திருவாசி ஓம்காரம் .எனவே ஓம் நமசிவய என்ற பஞ்சாக்ஷ்ரம் முற்றுப் பெறுகின்றது.
எண்ணுவார் நெஞ்சில் நண்ணுவான் ஈசன்
முழு நம்பிக்கை வைத்து இறைவன்பால் அடைக்கலம் புக எண்ணிய வேளை தொட்டு, ஐம்புலன்களைக் கட்டுப்படுத்தி எம் பெருமான் பெருமாட்டியை சித்தத்தில் வைத்து சிவ பஞ்சாட்சரத்தை ஓதி ஆராதிக்க,
“கல்லாமனத்துக் கடைப்பட்ட நாயேனை, வல்லாளன் தென்னன் பெருந்துறையான் பிச்சேற்றிக் கல்லைப்பிசைந்து கனியாக்கித் தன் கருணை வெள்ளத் அழுத்தி வினைகடிவான் வேதியன்”
என்பது உறுதியே!
ஓம் நமசிவாய ஓம் நமசிவாய ஓம் நமசிவாய
HE THAT CAUSED THE STAKE THAT HE WAS MEANT TO BE BURNT ALIVE ON , TO BE CONSUMED BY FIRE BY A MERE GLANCE AND A VERSE —- PaDinathAr
The Spiritual lifeline of Southern India, in particular in Thamil Nadu, is the meandering flow of water in the River Cauveri. Along its banks are located innumerable Sivan Temples, all of which have their individual ambience of Divine Grace.The banks, are interspersed with luscious Grasslands and woods and hillocks displaying nature’s bounty.The majestic waterway flows eastwards to reach the Bay of Bengal and at its estuary were located masterpieces of architectural splendour, including the renowned Cauveri- Poom – PaDinam.
Innumerable Holy Shrines – Temples of Lord Siva, amounting to 63 on the Northern bank, and 127 on the Southern bank, each one of them imbued with events attributable to the pervading Divine Grace.
Cauveri-Poom-PaDinam was a prosperous hub of Commerce with its own Port visited by many foreign traders, besides being endowed with Natural beauty .
In this city dwelt a very prosperous merchant with high principles and spiritual devotion to Lord Siva at Thiruvidai Maruthoor – Lord Marutheesar – one of the renowned Temples on the Southern bank of the Cauveri . Many international traders from the Far East and the Middle East had business dealings with him.The merchant bore the name- Thiru VeNkAdar Chettiar and his accomplished wife bore the name SivaKalai .They were very benevolent to the poor and needy and took great pleasure in doing so, and were held in high esteem and he was honoured by the title bestowed on him as PaDinaTHAr. ThiruveNkAdar had his elderly mother living in their home as well. He had an older sister and a younger brother, the latter being an unscrupulous pawn broker, each one of whom had their own homestead.
Yearning for progeny
ThiruveNkAdar and Sivakalai would visit the Temple with great devotion and supplication, and amongst their silent longings communicate with the Lord for the gift of an offspring. As months passed by, the gracious Lord took upon Himself to comply with their longing. There lived a Brahmin by the name of SivaSarma and his wife, in a nearby village, and who performed Poojah at the local Temple. They were impoverished, to the extent they did not have means for the next meal. Yet they would still give of what little they had to any beggar who sought their help. The gracious Lord decided to help SivaSarma and simultaneously ThiruveNkAdar and appeared in the dream of Siva Sarma and indicated that there would be a baby lying on the roadside at a specified spot and that he should take the baby to the home of ThiruveNkAdar Chettiar, who would be delighted, and gift Siva Sarma with riches in return. The Lord appeared in ThiruveNkAdar’s dream and that of his wife Sivakalai, and indicated to them that a Brahmin by the name- SivaSarma would bring them a baby and that the Brahmin should be rewarded with Riches in plenty. Accordingly within the next few days Siva Sarma had ventured to the location indicated by the Lord and to his delight found the beautiful baby, and as advised, the couple went along to Cauveri- Poom- PaDinam to the residence of ThiruveNkAdar Chettiar, and conveyed the purpose of their visit, and ThiruveNkaAdar was eagerly awaiting them, and took no time in arranging for the baby to be placed in the pan of a large scale and Gold, Precious Stones and Silks and jewels were placed on the contralateral pan, and yet the baby’s weight could not be superseded, and when Siva Sarma indicated that the riches were more than sufficient, the baby’s pan equalled the other.
Both ThiruveNkAdar and Siva Sarma couples were delighted with the Lord’s Grace, and celebrations began to welcome the infant to their home and the baby boy was named Marutha VANan, in recognition of the Lord at Thiruvidai Maruthoor. The child was brought up with great love and care, and he in turn brought great joy to the loving parents and was endowed with great charm and intellect. ThiruveNkAdar’s trade prospered further, and his son Marutha VANan kept up with the cumulative knowledge and professionalism. Merchant ships bountiful of goods crossed the oceans, ,and having transacted business. returned replete with the earnings together with merchandise from foreign terrain.
International Trade
Having witnessed the goings on for a year or two, and encouraged by the rewards of trade, young Marutha VANan expressed a desire to participate in this activity himself. His parents, who held him so dear, and who did not fancy the idea of being parted from him for even a day, discouraged him from making this journey, saying there were many of the employees who are paid to perform it.
Marutha VANan, however was so intent on participating, that ThiruveNkAdar had to yield.All arrangements having been made for comfortable sailing of Marutha VANan, the flotilla set off to the shores of the Far East. Days and weeks went by and the anxious parents were eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of their son.
As a couple of ships returned and others had yet to do so, sentries were posted on the seaside to keep a watch as reports of stormy weather and turbulence had been mentioned. The sailors who had returned ahead bore tidings that Marutha VANan had not been successful in his trading and was also enmeshed in the vagaries of the weather, which information, no doubt was agonising to the loving parents.Shortly after, came the news of the safe landing of the son,who visited the father’s business venue and it was revealed that the packages he had brought back were found to contain slabs of dried organic debris, much to the father’s distress. ThiruveNkAdar Chettiar in turn mildly chided his son. Marutha VANan, then proceeded quickly to the residence much to the delight of his Mother- SivaKalai, and the Grandmother. MaruthavANan expressed his immeasurable love and affection to them and handed a little decorated metal box to his mother informing her that it contained a present to his loving father.
After MaruthaVANan’s departure from the business premises where he met his father, it was noted that when the slabs of dried organic debris were being handled, some happened to fall down on the floor and had revealed several costly precious stones . On being informed of this find, the father feeling distraught that he had been harsh on the son had rushed up to the home to make amends. But all efforts to find MaruthavANan proved futile, as he had left the premises and could not be found.
Spiritual Awakening
Though disappointed, ThiruveNkAdar Chettiar, hoped to find appeasement in opening the box.The contents turned out to be a hand written note and a Needle of Gold with it’s eyelet broken off. The message was :“காதற்ற ஊசியும் வாராது காண் கடை வளிக்கே” which translates as “Even a needle with a broken eyelet will not accompany one on his last journey”
ThiruveNkAdar Chettiar was dumb stricken by the succinct Spiritual message and awakened by the infallibility of those words written by his loving son, who unknown to him was the Lord Supreme- Lord Siva himself who had come as his son, to rescue ThiruveNkAdar Chettiar from SansAra. In an act of total compliance to the heavenly guidance, PaDinathAr stripped himself of the rich attire he had on, and the ornaments, and indicated his intent of abandoning all worldly attachments, much to the pleading of his dear wife and mother, and leaving instructions to feed and help the poor and needy, took to the streets dressed in a white cloth and a Rudraksha bead round his neck.When his elderly mother appealed not to abandon her in her old age, the reply was that he would not fail to perform his duty when required.The residents of CAuveri – Poom _ PaDinam and the suburbs were astonished that such a wealthy Merchant had cast off all his riches and become a mendicant, and even approached him and inquired, to which PaDinathAr replied that worldly prosperity was a false state of security, and the true path to supreme bliss was a life of non attachment. He preached to the many who came to hear him of the greatness of leading morally pure and honest lives.It also happened that the king of ChettiNadu also was concerned that such a successful Merchant had sought a spiritual path.
Faced with revulsion by siblings
PaDinathAr would focus his mind totally on divinity,,and eat only what was offered to him by any well intended devotee. His sister was quite ashamed that such a prosperous merchant brother of her’s should stoop to walking the streets like a vagrant and was intent on destroying him. In his spiritually elevated state he may have sensed this, and it happened that he was at her front door begging for alms. On seeing and hearing him, she felt pity and at the same time, felt this was an opportune moment to destroy him as well. She quickly retired to her kitchen and made a sweet Bread and introduced poison into it, and knowing he loved sweet bread gave it to him.
He sensed that it was poisoned and calmly threw it on her thatched roof saying “ May this sweet bread do what it was meant to, on this house instead” and the roof caught fire promptly and was ravaging.The sister fell on her knees and begged forgiveness and apologised to PaDinathAr who waved his hand and abated the destruction.
His younger brother who was an unscrupulous pawn broker was also ashamed of his brother’s lifestyle as a mendicant. In addition to his ruthless pawn brokering trade, this brother indulged in immoral activities such as visiting prostitutes. Sensing this perhaps, PaDinathAr had been to the front door of such a home begging for alms, and his brother happened to be savouring the delights of this illicit relationship. He came to the door himself with this companion and started berating PaDinathAr, and proceeded to assault PaDinathAr at which point the assailant developed General paralysis and total disfigurement and was cast off by the prostitute and when he reached his home with great difficulty, and where his only son and wife lived, he was not even welcome there, and was committed to lead a miserable existence.
False Accusation of Robbery
PaDinathar continued on his travels unhindered and happened to go into a wayside Temple Dedicated to Lord Ganapathy and sat in meditation. It so happened that a gang of robbers who had returned successfully with precious loot walked into the Temple to thank the presiding Deity for the success of their venture. As a token they decided to place a gold chain on the neck of the meditating mendicant, who was totally oblivious of the happenings.
It turned out that the robbery had taken place at the Palace and several items of precious jewellery had been stolen. The king sent out a search party to locate the culprits and arrest them.Whilst on their search, they happened to visit the Temple where they apprehended a man deep in meditation but having one of the Queen’s chains round his neck. They arrested him and to PaDinathAr’s astonishment was told that he would be charged with the robbery at the palace. PaDinathAr was taken to the King’s court and was sentenced to be burnt on a sharp upright stake(Skewer), despite his expression of innocence.Having passed the sentence, the king felt uneasy within himself, remaining at the Palace.
When PaDinathAr was led to the Stake, he worshiped Lord Siva and sang aloud a verse which promptly burned down the Stake to everyone’s astonishment. This was conveyed to the King, who was not surprised and immediately renounced his Crown and kingdom and robes of office and hurried to the venue and prostrated at the Feet of PaDinathAr, begging forgiveness, and sought to become his disciple. PaDinathAr accepted his request and bade him go to the Temple at Thiruvidai Maruthoor, and that he would meet him there.
Demise of the Mother
One day PaDinathAr had suddenly sensed the passing away of his mother, and keeping his word given to her, made his way to the venue and in the midst of a large gathering noted firewood piled on her corpse, ready to be set alight.He requested that the firewood be removed, and tender stumps of the Banana tree be placed and instead of using fire to ignite PaDinathar sang a verse that rose from his heart,which lit the pyre and the mortal remains of the one that bore him, were consumed.
Finding Sanctuary at Thiruvidai Maruthoor Temple.
PaDinathAr returned to the venue at the entrance to the Temple and many were they that came to worship the Lord and seek PaDinathAr’s blessings.Among the many that came was his erstwhile younger brother who had suffered considerably from his paralysis and disfigurement, and who came with great difficulty and begged for forgiveness. PaDinathAr readily forgave him.
Seated at the rear of the Temple in tandem with his Guru who was at the front entrance was the king who had unwittingly ordered PaDinathAr to be killed on the stake and who eventually begged forgiveness and became his disciple having abdicated. and accepted the DeekshA NAmam of Bhadhra Giri.
It turned out that one day when both PaDinathAr and Bhadhra Giri walked into the Temple at Thiruvidai Maruthoor, the latter merged with the Lord. Disappointed as PaDinathAr was, he heard the heavenly voice of the good Lord Siva make known that when he finds a variety of Sugar Cane that is bereft of sweetness but does taste sweet to him , it is time to end his mortal life and enter the Divine abode, so to speak. And when this happened, and he left Thiruvidai Maruthoor having paid
humble salutations to Marutheesar, PaDinathAr travelled Northwards to ThiruvoTiyoor, another well known Divine precinct on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.
In the meantime his devoted wife SivaKalai, having been aware of PaDinathAr frequenting the Temple at Thiruvidai Maruthoor, decided she must go and see him and seek his blessings, although she was very feeble. To her utter disappointment, she was told that PaDinathAr had already left and that she was late. This prompted her to fall at the spot where PaDin athAr had been, and she collapsed and her soul departed.
PaDinathAr’s Final Moments
When PaDinathAr arrived at ThiruvoTiyoor, having paid obeisance to the Lord Siva= PuTeesar = at the celebrated Temple, proceeded to the sandy beech, where he witnessed several lads playing. Having befriended them, he informed them of a game he knew that could thrill them, and indicated to them that he should be covered by placing a wicker basket that was found on location, and after a count of twenty look for him under the basket. So they did as told and when they lifted the downturned basket, he was not to be found, but came walking from an outside location. He repeated this sequence once more. But the third round had a different outcome, for when the basket cover was lifted, and much to the astonishment of the lads there was a beautiful Sivalingam instead of the mendicant. The lads paid obeisance to the Sivalingam and went on to inform their elders.The ever gracious Lord Siva had welcomed PaDinathAr into his celestial compound, having first initiated PaDinathAr into total material detachment by the succinct message “Not even a needle with a broken eyelet will accompany you on your final passage”
The life story of this great devotee of Lord Siva illustrates the benefit of benevolence and compassion to the poor and needy. Leading a life of total material detachment as circumstances demand, pays enormous dividends. However, such merits could also be achieved, while leading a life of matrimonial bliss with honesty, devoid of avarice, and providing succour to the needy and helpless, without any expectations of gainful returns.
Aum Nama Sivaya !
Lord Siva’s Response to sustained Devotion despite Obstacles
To recount the exemplary lives of some devout and well focussed individuals devoid of arrogance.They have been identified throughout history over the centuries and their lives have been a source of inspiration. They were strong in their convictions and braved any consequences, to perform the actions they believed in, and in their way of life.Their lives have been documented in scholarly poetry by the eminent First Minister of the one time Chola Chakaravarthy, Anabaya Cholan. The first Minister, CekkilAr by name was concerned that the decadence evident in contemporary society in Thamil Nadu by virtue of exposure to writings such as JeevakaChinthamani focused on materialism and immorality had to be countered, and measures to enable greater focus on Spiritual and moral values had to be encouraged..On expressing a desire to do this, Cekilar was readily supported by the Emperor, and in order to do so, Cekilar was relieved of his statutory duties,and provided with every facility that could help him in his spiritual pursuit.
Cekkilar trod the path of righteousness, and lived a life of supplication to Lord Siva the Almighty. Cekkilar travelled to Chithambaram, the holiest of Holies to commence his noble task of documenting the lives of sixty three individuals whose lives were exemplary in terms of virtuous living, and further lives of Groups of individuals who could be categorised in terms of similarity of intent and accomplishments who were referred to as Pothu AdiyArs.
Of the Individual Sivanadiyars, their purpose in life being to safeguard and revere the insignia of Saivism, namely Vibhoothi – holy Ash,, the PanchAksharam- The five letter(Akshara) word- NamaSivaya, Trtuthfullness, Rudraksham- the corrugated Seed worn on neck chain, or as a Coronet, and Charity to the needy.
Of them, one who comes foremost to my mind singularly is one by the name Kungiliya Kalaya NAyanAr who resided in the holy City of Thiru Kadavoor where God Siva, as Amirtha Kadeswarar and Goddess Parvathy as Abirami Preside. It was also here that a fervent young devotee named Markandeyar, whilst engaged in prayer to Amirtha Kadeswarar was approached by Yama the harbinger of Death bearing the Noose to entrap him. Markandeyar on being aware of the situation clung on to the Feet of Lord Siva seeking sanctuary. In response Lord Siva kicked Yama rendering him lifeless. This event where Lord Siva performed this unique act of benevolence authorises this Holy Shrine to be categorised as one of the Eight, Holiest of Holy Venues referred to as Ashda VeeradAnangal.
Kungiliyak Kalaya NAyanAr was a well endowed Devotee, who considered providing the scented Resin by name Kungiliyam to the inner sanctum of the Thiru Kadavoor Devasthanam, as an obligatory act of devotion.To this goal ,he centered his life and worshiped with fervent devotion at the Temple.With the progress of time, together with the intention of the Lord Supreme- Lord Siva, Kalayanars wealth began to dwindle, but not his devotion to the Lord, and his chosen act of servitude in lighting the Kungiliyam {Resin} continued without interruption.The scale of poverty reached a stage when no money was available to even provide for the meals of the family.Gold Jewels had been pawned, to meet the daily needs of the family, and after several days of starvation,the wife, who had earlier pawned the Gold Chain that was strung to Marital Insignia,the Thali, called the husband to aside and took off the Golden Thali itself, replacing it with a piece of Turmeric{Which is considered sanctified} slung on the thread round her neck, handing the Golden Thali to her consort, to be sold to provide food for the starving family.
Kalayanar reluctantly took the Thali and was on his way to sell it, to provide funds for food for his starving family, when he encountered a Vendor hawking Kungilyam, the Resin, in large quantity. Kalayanar was mesmerised at the thought of his service to the Lord, and decided to purchase the Kungiliyam instead, and making his way to the Temple, and enriching the atmosphere with the smell of the heavenly incense, and paying obeiscance to Lord Amuthakadeswarar, lay down to sleep, fatigued by starvation.
Whilst this happened the gracious Lord, having decided it was time to reward His ardent devotee, endowed Kalayanar’s home with riches and provisions bountiful, on seeing which Kalayanar’s devoted wife began cooking to ensure a tasty meal for the family. The Lord further, appeared in Kalayanar’s dream informing him to go home, saying that a tasty meal awaits him. The Lord ensured that Kalayanar continued his service with Kungilyam.
It happened that a young damsel by the name ThAdakai pursued yet another avenue of Worship of the Sivalingam located at the foot of a Palmayrah Tree, at ThiruPanandhA, located many kilometres away. She would string a beautiful Garland of Flowers each day and bring it to adorn the Sivalingam . It so happened that one day whilst adorning, the front piece of her saree was on the verge of falling down exposing her breasts. Thadakai appealed to the Lord, at the same time trying to prevent the Saree falling off and ensuring that the garland did not fall. The gracious Lord depicted by the Stone Sivalingam, however sensing her predicament leaned forward to receive the garland, to her astonishment. What was even more surprising was that the Sivalingam maintained that posture for several years and did not yield to efforts by the King of the land employing even elephants to restore the vertical posture of the Sivalingam.
Having heard of this impasse, KalayanAr decided an effort on his part may be worth the while, God willing. He made his way to Thiru PanandhAL, and utilising a Silk Scarf on the nape of the Sivalingam and employing a rope looped around the nape over the silk and engaging his own neck in the loop KalayanAr exerted a gentle pull, and Lo and behold the Sivalingam of stone became erect, to everybody’s astonishment, the Good Lord having acquiesced to the appeal of His ardent Devotee. True and selfless devotion has its REWARDS – lesson to be learnt.
Aum Namah Sivaya!
“Saktham – Easier access to Compassion and Grace of Divinity”
“SiNthoorArooNa ViKrahAm Thri NayanAm, MANiKa Mouleeswara ThArA NAyaka SEkarAm, Smithamookeem Apeena Vakshorookam, pANiByAm ALipoorna Rathna Sashakam rakthOpalam ViBratheem SauMyAm Rathna Gadastha RaKtha SaraNAM,DhyAyEth ParAm AmbikAm”
Oh Divine Mother of Red Vermillion hue, possessing three eyes, and adorned with ruby studded crown surmounted by the Crescent Moon, Thy face beaming a compassionate smile, and bearing in your hands the gem studded pot containing the Divine Nectar, and using the gem studded pedestal to place your vermillion coloured Holy Feet, we beseech Thy Grace!
Lord Hayagreeva, inspired by the gracious Goddess ParaSakthi , Sri Lalithambika sang the attributes and Thathvas of the Goddess, as the Sri Lalitha Sahasra NAmam, thus paving the path to spiritual emancipation. Sage Agasthya who occupied a special status in Saiva hierarchy was among the specially ordained that were invited to be present at the inauguration Ceremony of the Lalitha Sahasranamam in Sanskrit.
The entire Grace of Parasakthi. the Kinetic Energy of Lord Siva, conveyed in this adoration consisting of the Thousand attributes, became available to mankind, several millennia before Christ.
Sakthi Worship was already in existence then, and it was given further emphasis by Sage Thirumoolar , one of the eight specially selected Sishyas of Nandi Supreme(Lord Siva ) in Mt Kailas. He was a contemporary of Sage Agasthiar, in search of whom he had trekked South, from Mt Kailas in the Himalayas enroute to POthikai Malai in Thamil Nadu, where Sage Agasthiyar resided.
Sakthi Inspires The Thoughts of Sage Thirumoolar
In the Scriptural classic, Thirumanthiram – that resulted from a state of Tapas producing a fount of succinct pronouncements by Thirumoolar- a vast section numbering 373, of the three thousand verses,, are devoted to SAKTHI and Her attributes and powers. What is known as Kundalini Sakthi, is in fact this Kinetic Energy that lies coiled in a dormant form at the lower end of the Spinal Cord in Humans. Practices of Kundalini Yoga is to activate this, and aided by control of breathing, – Ida , Pingala NAdis located to left and right of the Spinal axis- enable the central Nadi referred to as Sushma Nadi to transport the Kundalini Sakthi via the Six Chakras(Nerve Plexuses) to the Agna Chakra located between the inner ends of the Eyebrows and eventually to the Sahasrara Chakra located at the Vertex of the Cranium. This location is the pedestal attributed to Lord Siva, and Union of Kundalini Sakthi with Lord Siva culminates in the individual benefiting totally the fruition of Jnanam, and higher planes of existence.
The above concept is aptly conveyed in the following verse of ThiruManthiram,
உள்ளொளி மூவிரண் டோங்கிய அங்கங்கள் ( 1196 )
வெள்ளொளி அங்கியின் மேவி அவரொடுங்
கள்ளவிழ் கோதைக் கலந்துட னேநிற்குங்
கொள்ள விசுத்திக் கொடியமு தாமே.
Worship of Goddess Parasakthi takes the form of Saguna UpAsanA and that of ParamaSiva takes the form of Nirguna UpAsanA. Constant thoughtful reverence of Goddess Parasakthi and identifying HER in every object and in every act of the devotee, produces remarkable spiritual prowess, equivalent to Kundalini Yoga..
அளியொத்த பெண்பிள்ளை ஆனந்த சுந்தரி
புளியுறு புன்பழம் போலுள்ளே நோக்கித்
தெளியுறு வித்துச் சிவகதி காட்டி,
ஒளியுற வைத்தென்னை உய்யவுண் டாளே. (1064) which translates as : She is the Lady, compassion embodied and filled with bliss. My wavering mind,is similar to the Tamarind fruit covered by a hard shell, which She permeated and purified, and enlightened me to acquire Jnana and thus appreciate Siva PAkiam.
Adhi Shankara’s Advocacy of SAktham
In the tranquil world when Thirumoolar made his pronouncements, there prevailed discipline and morality. As time went by, influenced by conflicting concepts and ideologies, mankind became victims of confused thought. Lord Siva, in an effort of redemption of victims of confusion, sent forth a redeemer in the form of Adhi Shankaracharyar Who entered this world in year 509 B.C on the Poorvapakka Panchami in the month of VaikAsi. This event was 1,500 years after Thirumoolar, at a time when Jainism and Buddhism were getting a stronghold. Adhi Shankara was initiated at OmkaraNath by Guru Govinda Bhagavath Padha. Adhi Shankara was emphatic on the virtuous concept of SAktham – worship of the compassionate Kinetic Energy of Lord Siva manifesting as Mother and Empress of the Universe. He, in addition, was credited with advocating reverence and worship of the Sri Chakra, the Diagramatic Manifestation of Siva and Sakthi, emphasising their interaction. Sankara sensing certain unhealthy vibrations induced by malpractices in Temples, established Sri Chakra as adornments to the deity as ear ornaments after powerful Poojahs and as three dimensional object of worship referred to as Sri MERU .It is known that these sanctified Diagramatic engravings on Gold or Pacha Loka are made with precision, so much so that they are receptive to pronouncements of Sanskrit Slokas, and also Thamil Scriptural Hymns(ThevArams)and thus acquire miraculous powers.The recitation of Slokas at the HOma Kundam Propitiating the deity conveys immense potential to the liquid contained in the Kumbam alongside the Homa Kundam via atmospheric vibrations, as well as conveyed physcally by the long Dherpa Grass held to the Silver Cask- Kumbam, Recent Scientific research in Japan, has shown that electron microscopy of fluid to which pleasant words have been spoken, has shown the molecular structure to be very orderly and precisely, whereas when unkind and derogatory language has been thrust on the liquid, the molecular structure of the liquid is very disorderly, amounting to total confusion. However the sages, and Siddhars, of Saivism, were privy to this knowledge many millennia ago.
It is worthy of note that Adhi Sankara, sought salvation at the Sakthi Sthalam in Kanjeepuram having established several Mutts, whilst on pilgrimage.These being, the SAradA Peetam at Sringeri KarnAtaka,at Dwaraka, BadarikAsrama, and at Puri and the KAmakshi Peetam in KAnchi. HIS successors at all these Mutts, carry on the worship of the Deities in all its fullness, which was an integral part of HIS teachings.Adhi Shankara was also responsible for construction of KAmAkshi Amman statue in Kanchi, and construction of EkAmpareswara Temple, and Varadaraja Temple in Kanchi Puram.
The Two Dimensional Sri Chakra carved on PanchaLoka plate consisting of upwards pointing triangles depicting Siva and those pointing down depicting Sakthi. The four triangles with apex up. superimposed on five triangles apex down, and a single spot or Bhindu exactly in the centre of the Chakra. The spiritual prowess of Sankara and his intense devotion to Sakthi was so great even as a boy, so that when he went to the specified number of homes, as was the custom, calling for Biksha- alms- and he encountered a home where there was dire poverty, and yet the couple offered their only food item in the house, a NElli Fruit as alms, he in response blessed by singing an appeal to the Goddess to bless them- The Kanaka DhArA Sthothram,, when a shower of Sovereign Gold Coins rained onto the forecourt of this humble devotee’s home. It is said that of the six disciples of Sankara, one was more focused and attended more to Guru Seva than the others. On one occasion when seated on the banks of Thunga Badra river with HIS disciples Sankara commenced preaching to the disciples and discovered, the one who was not an extrovert was on the other bank of the river washing the Guru’s vasthrams(clothes). Sankara indicated that they should await his arrival, to which the other five indicated reluctance saying that he was not worth waiting for. Sankara called aloud to this disciple, and he in response stepped to cross, not mindful of the river, and Adhi Sankara ensured a large Lotus popped up on the water to receive his foot, in each step, to the utter amazement of the others. This disciple was later known as Padma PAda.
Several Siddhars have adhered to this path supreme and reaped the benefits therefrom.
Abirami Paddar Of ThiruKadavoor
Noteworthy among the Sidhars and of later vintage, was one who resided in ThiruKadavoor, a Sthalam presided over by Lord Siva as AmuthakadEswarar who rescued His youthful ardent devotee Markandeyar from the grips of Yamadharman,harbinger of death. The consort of Lord Amuthakadeswarar is Goddess Abirami who was beacon of grace to the devotee Subramania Paddar. Paddar would spend hours in meditation at her hallowed hall of worship. Many did not take kindly to his practice and were envious of him, so much so that, when the king who ruled over this terrain was on his way to have a dip in the sea, on the New Moon day in January, the adversaries of Subramania Paddar, had complained that Paddar was an imposter. The King in response, visited the temple on his return, wishing to ascertain the veracity of this allegation. In doing so he tapped on the shoulder of Subramaniam who was in deep meditation, inquiring from him the exact position of that day on the Lunar Calendar. In response to repeated questioning, the reply was “Full Moon day” whilst still in deep meditation.
The King convinced of Subramaniam’s dishonesty, declared that if the moon was not seen as Full that night, Subramaniam would be executed. Subramaniam was not even aware of this pronouncement till the priest of the temple conveyed it to him, on his recovery from meditation. Subramaniam had not been aware of any part of the events that had taken place. Later in the day,Subramaniam sat on a platform and had it suspended by 100 strands of rope, and had a raging fire prepared on the ground below and sang 100 verses that sprang from him effortlessly praising Abirami Amman. At the end of each verse he divided one of the 100 strands of rope. He, suggested to himself, that the effulgence he witnessed in meditation was HER splendour, and laid the blame of his statement as Her responsibility. To this Goddess Abirami, appeared to Paddar only, and plucked the earring on her left ear visible only to him, and flung it into the sky. It however shone brilliantly as a full moon in the dark Sky, visible to all. The King was informed of this and realised the impeccable spiritual acumen of Paddar and begged for forgiveness.
Contemporary Experience of Grace of Goddess
In order to convince and encourage non believers that the Grace of Sakthi is undeniable, but to experience it, constant love and submission to the Goddess is paramount. I propose to site the experience of a devotee who had for several decades worshipped the Goddess daily with recitation of Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam from memory, performing Abishekam with milk and honey,and floral offerings. On entering the Sri Raja Rajeswary Amman Temple in London in 2003, and recollecting the Raja Rajeswary Ashtakam which specifically states “Amba Sambavi, Chandra Mouli”,(Oh Mother, Consort of Sambu-Lord Siva- Thee who wears a crown adorned with the Crescent Moon) the devoteewas ill at ease in noting the absence of a crescent moon on the Goddess’s Crown, and with agreement of her husband had a Gold Jewelled Crescent Moon made for the Crown. This however did gladden her heart but did not eliminate her disquiet in the mind till they had a similar one made in Gold for the PanchaLoka statue of the Goddess as well, and offered it on a Full Moon day to their delight. However as the devotee left the Temple, while on the ramp she noticed a black crescent moon appearing in the field of vision of her Right eye to her utter delight. To allay the anxiety of the family,who were concerned about the possible outcome of this symptom, although she felt convinced that no pathology could exist to the detriment of her vision as the Grace of the Goddess was invincible, she submitted to thorough examination of the eye at a reputable London Eye Hospital by a consultant, and was informed that no damage had taken place, but there was a black crescent located in the Vitreous gel, which although unusual, was of no serious significance at all. The black crescent has persisted to this day, seven years on, with no ill effect at all. This conclusion confirmed to the devotee the immense and immediate acceptance of the love and devotion to the gracious ParaSakthi, Sri Raja Rajeswari in an identical manner to the offering, they had made, and felt that the Goddess indicated to her that SHE- Sri Raja Rajeswari- had taken up residence in the devotee.
. The significance of the Crescent Moon on the Goddess’s Crown or that of Lord Siva, is indicative of offering sanctuary and succour to the destitute who come in desperation to the Goddess or Lord Siva, who in fact are inseparable.
Thus constant adoration of Godhead, and leading a virtuous life with compassion and charitable help to the needy and underprivileged, undoubtedly confers both evident and imperceptible grace on the seeker.
Such experiences of devotees would help to convince the younger generation, that even in these contemporary times, Divine Grace is within reach, if approached correctly. A message to the youth , who would be the torch bearers of the future in whose hands will pass on the duty of nurturing Saivism, establishing and nurturing Saiva Institutions, in this country, as well as elsewhere on the planet, and dedicating their life in Service to Lord Siva and Goddess Parasakthy, in order that Saiva Society will continue to prosper.
Aum Namah Sivaya!
Dear Arul
Thank you very much for taking pains to collect many rare treasures from Saivaism and putting them in your website.
One of your collections are the articles written by Dr. Indra Sivayogam (I.S). I had the fortune to read many of them in the annual Journals of the London Saiva Temples Federation annual conferences.These are treasures that come from the distilled thoughts of the minds of I.S.
These articles are written with the noble aim to share and inculcate the lofty ideals learnt through her ripe years of research ,meetings with Saiva saints and practice. I.S is the bright spark of the bright spark of her eminent father the late Justice P.SRiSKANTHARAJAH who adored the Supreme courts of Srilanka .
Dr. Sabapathy Sivayogam and Dr. )Mrs.) Indra Siva yogam are a very pious and exemplary Saiva Couple in our midst today and I join the many devotees to wish both of them the best of health to continue their service to Lord Shiva and Godess Parvathi
Kanthiah Thiagamoorthy
Dear madam,
iam kasi vishwanathan , iam working as a chef in abroad . actually i would like to collects all the hindusim books example nalayiram dhivya prabhantham,khandha puranam , bhagavat githa, and sri ramayanam.etc….if those kind of books how can i buy ,,kindly please help me to buy those things,,my e-mail id.. kk.vishwanath@yahoo.com
regards,
kasi viswanathan
very useful writeups, many thanks