Thillaivazh Anthanar

2

Thillaivazh Anthanar

Antharvedhi…

Yagasalas have been erected as per the dictates of the Vedas…Brahma is seated in front of the Yaga Kundam… His four faces are reciting the Veda mantras… But Agni refuses to get ignited…

Trying again and again, He fails to raise Agni in the Yaga Kundam… Confused, he tries to find the reason by his innate vision… He sees that all the Devas are deeply absorbed in witnessing the graceful and joyful dance of Iraivan at Thillai.  Having found the reason he hastens to Thillai…

 Vyagrapathar, Patanjali Munivar, Upamanyu Munivar and all the Devas are standing there deeply engrossed in the darisanam of Easan. He also finds they are riveted to the captivating mantras of Vedas chanted in unison by the three thousand Thillaivazh Anthanars.  Brahma is amazed.  When Brahma bows in front of Easan after the completion of Vedic chanting and Deepaaradhanai , Vyagrapathar  rushes to welcome Brahma. Patanjali, Upamanyu, all the assembled Devas and the three thousand Anthanars also pay their respects to Brahma. .

Brahma

For the welfare of humanity and to increase the powers of all the primary Devas, I started a yagam.  In spite of my invitation none of them turned up.  I came here and found that all of them were captivated by the beautiful chanting of Veda mantras by the Anthanars.  Your Vedic chanting has captivated me also. So please come to Yagam for Me! Antharvedhi and conduct the Yagam.

 Brahma notices that the Anthanars are downcast hearing his request.

Brahma (surprised)

Anthanargale!  Why are you hesitant?

One of the Anthanars

 Brahma Devare! We are deeply anguished by the thought of not being able to abide by your order!  We cannot think of leaving Easan even for a moment.  Please see Him, in His dancing pose over there! A thousand eyes are insufficient to see the beauty of His posture which portrays the essence of Panchaksharam of Namasivaya!

His sacred feet represent the first syllable “Na”,

His lips represent the second syllable “Ma”,

His broad shoulders, the third syllable “Si”

His lotus like face, the fourth syllable “Va” and His flowing tuft of hair the fifth syllable “Ya”.

He also indicates His divine tasks of creating, preserving, destroying, concealing and bestowing of everything and every creature of this universe.  

The Udukkai that is rattled without any let up indicates creation or birth…

The palm showing the Abhaya Mudra indicates the preservation or upkeep…

The Kalagni (fire) in the other palm indicates the destruction …

The right foot that is placed on the spine of Muyalagan (representing ignorance) indicates concealment…

The left foot that is lifted above represents his grace or blessing….

He is dancing here which is the centre of this universe…. Blessed are we, who do not take our sight away from Him even for a second… What are we to do as our minds refuse to go away from here?

We are truly distressed…

 Vyagrapathar (ordering the Anthanars)

Brahma Devar is conducting this Yagam for the welfare of all and to increase the potency of the eight cardinal Devas. It is the desire of Easan that all of you preside over the Yagam and conduct the same. Therefore, quickly go for conducting the same without any further objections….

 All the Anthanars go to Antharvedhi half heartedly for parting from Easan… Days roll by.  The Anthanars are distressed for not having their usual darisanam of   Natarajamoorthy.   To alleviate their distress, Easan raises from the Yaga Kundam in the form of Jyothi!  The Anthanars are jubilant on seeing Easan in the form of Jyothi and continue the conduct of the Yagam happily.  Brahma concludes the Yagam finally.

He rewards each of the Anthanars individually for having conducted the Yagam in a grand manner and lets them return to Thillai. The eldest Anthanar walks ahead with the Jyothi Natarajamoorthy in his hands followed by all others with their hands folded in supplication…

Vyagrapathar receives them with great fanfare and honour… On seeing the Jyothi Natarajamoorthy, he goes in raptures and prostrates in front of it.

The eldest Anthanar (requesting)

Vyagrapathare!  Please install the Peruman, who, to alleviate our distress has risen from the Yaga Kundam of Brahma!

 Vyaghrapathar (praying)

 Let Nataraja Peruman  who has arisen from the scorching fires of Yaga Kundam as a precious jewel

 reign as ‘Ratnasabhapathy’ (Lord of the Diamond Arena)  to  bless and protect us forever!

To the accompaniment of auspicious music, he receives the murthy and installs the same. All the assembled raise their hands above their heads in prayer.  Looking for a familiar face among them and not finding him, he is aghast.

Vyaghrapathar

Have all the three thousand Anthanars returned safely?

The Anthanars take a count of them and find that one is missing. 

Vyaghrapathar (perturbed)

I am distressed by not finding an Andhanar who I have been seeing almost every day!

A divine Voice from the Sabhai

Vyagrapathare! The missing one is none but I am! You include Me also in your count!

 On hearing this temple bells start tolling on their own with a resounding noise!

Vyaghrapathar (pleading)

Is  that You , who showered Your grace as one of the three thousand Anthanars?  How blessed am I   for having  got the opportunity to  have Your darisanam?   Let You remain as one of the three thousand  

Thillaivazh Anthanars for ever and ever!

 The divine Voice

That will be so!  Also, I will be seated along with the ‘Arupaththumoovar’ as a Thillaivazh Anthanar  in all My temples!

 There is a shower of flowers on the murthy and all those assembled in the temple bow to Ratnasabhapathy, who declared Himself as one of the Thillaivazh Anthanars, in great reverence!

    *****

Thirukailayam...

Easan is in deep meditation...

With his eyes closed, Nandi is seated at the entrance and Naradar enters there. Seeing that Nandi is also in deep meditation, he tiptoes near his eras and shouts ‘Om Namasivaya’. Jolted by the reverberating Panchaksharam, Nandi opens his eyes and on seeing Naradar pays his respects.

Nandi

Naradare! What is the matter today! You always keep chanting ‘Om Namasivaya’ without any let but today not only you came without making any noise but also shouted at my ear. I was jolted due to the sudden voice!

Naradar

Easan is always in deep meditation... You are the second one... You are also blocking the entrance. When I utter something in your ears, will it not be heard by Easan also?  That is why I shouted  the mahamantram  in your ear!

He bows to Nandi again.

Nandi (bowing to Naradar)

It is not appropriate to pay respects to me when Easan is present here!

Naradar

You are close to Easan and hence you are to be revered! Like you the Thillaivazh Anthanars are also dear to Iraivan. Is that why they are also supposed to be revered?

Nandi

It has been very aptly said that they are to be revered! When we say temple it refers only to Chidambaram. There Easan is standing in the dancing pose ... His right foot firmly positioned in the heart of this Universe... His one hand raised above protecting all the creatures.... the other hand pointing towards His feet indicating that it is them which grant   salvation....  To perpetuate the functioning of this universe, He continues to remain in cosmic dance pose... It is Thillaivazh Anthanars who with purity of heart perform pujas with great devotion, strictly observing all the rules and regulations without even a minute flaw. They master all the four Vedas and recite them without any error... They perform Archanai of Nataraja Murthy with flowers everyday ... They are thorough in all the six Sastras namely Sikshai, Vyakaranam, Chandas,   Nrittam, Jyothisham and Kalpam and guide the people accordingly...   As householders, out of the six duties of   reciting Vedas and teaching the same, performing Yagam for themselves and for others, giving and accepting charity, they only shun the last of accepting charity considering it as ignoble. They consider serving Easan alone is the very purpose of their lives!

Only for the sake of propagating his glory, Sundaramoorthiyar composed the first song of ‘Thiruththondarthogai’ whose first stanza ‘Thillaivazh Anthanar Adiyarku Adiyen’ ( I am a servitor of Thillaivazh Anthanars)

Naradar

You said Thillaivazh Anthanars are householders who do not accept any charity from anyone and their entire life is spent in the upkeep and service of the temple. If that is so, how do they manage to look after their families?

Nandi

 Would Easan, who is the protector and caretaker of all His creatures in this universe, forsake them?  He is also one among the three thousands of them! These Anthanars do their duties by turn. When someone completes his turn in the service of the temple, he will place a copper place in the Sannadhi of Kalabhairavar.  The next morning it would turn into gold which he will take it  to meet the expenses for him and his family till his turn comes again.

Naradar

It is very pleasing to hear all these. Till now I was thinking only Kotravankudi Umapathy Sivachchariyar is revered as Thillaivazh Anthanar… Only now I came to know that Easan also one among the three thousands and due to this all the Thillaivazh Anthanars are revered…

Nandi (trying to recollect)

Who is Umapathy Sivachchariyar? Please tell me about him as I am very keen to know about him.

Naradar (Narrates)

 After his Upanayanam at the age of seven, Thirugnanasambandar comes to Thillai to have the darisanam of Easan.  All the three thousand Anthanars welcome him and arrange for special puja of Easan. He composes and sings many songs in praise of Easan in the Sannadhi. After the noon pujas are over, the temple doors are closed. All of them depart from there. That particular day happens to be the turn for Umapathy Sivachchariyar to conduct the puja. As is the usual practice, after   the  puja is over and temple is closed, the Sivachchariyar gets seated on a wooden palanquin and carried by men. The palanquin is preceded by a Torch bearer who walks ahead with a lighted torch announcing loudly and respectfully as to who is seated in the palanquin.  This is a routine to give prominence to the Sivachchariyar who is fortunate to be very close to Easan for the conduct of puja and to ensure no one blocks the way but pay their regards. This is the routine both for going to the temple from the Anthanar’s residence and his return.       

That day….

Naradar continues….

    *********

 Thirugyanasambandar, with a few of his followers is seated in the front porch of a house of an adiyavar. He looks at the palanquin passing by. He recognises the Sivachchariyar who did the noon puja in the temple seated inside. The Torch bearer walks ahead with a lighted torch shouting the name of   Sivachchariyar.  The people on the road give way paying due reverence to the seated Sivachchariyar. Thirugyanasambandar looks at him sharply and discerns an air of arrogance in his eyes.

Thirugyanasambandar (to himself)

The time has come for this Adiyavar for his self realization!

Thirugyanasambandar (loudly to his followers in sarcasm)

Hey! Look over there!  A day-blind is journeying on a dead wood! (A Paharkurudu Pattamaraththil Payanam Seikirathu)

Stung by these words and realising that the pronouncements from Pillayar as good as from Easan Himself, Umapathy Sivachchariyar  stops the palanquin and gets down. Rushing to Thirugnanasambandar, he falls on his feet in great supplication.

Umapathy Sivachchariyar

We are blinded by vanity for being close to Easan.  When you referred me as a ‘day-blind’ (Paharkurudu) it is not to mock  the use of a lighted torch during day time but to convey that  though    having  sight , yet not having vision. You may please bless me by accepting me as your disciple.

Thirugyanasambandar

You are all blessed to be close to Easan for serving Him! Therefore Easan Natarajamoorthy alone will be your Guru.

At that time, someone from the house brings porridge and with great reverence serves the same to Thirugyanasambandar. He takes it in his cupped palms and drinks it. A few droplets which escape through his fingers are caught by Umapathy Sivachchariyar before they fall on the floor.

Umapathy Sivachchariyar (bowing to Perumanar)

I take this as the divine prasadam of my Guru who opened my eyes! 

Touching his eyes with the cupped hands as a mark of reverence, he then puts the drops of porridge his mouth. 

He then returns home after bowing to Perumanar and obtaining his blessings.

Next day morning…  The bearers along with the palanquin reach his home to take him to the temple.

Sivachchariyar (addressing them)

From now on all these paraphernalia are not required for this dimwit.

Sending them away, he starts walking to the temple to perform his assigned duties..

There …

All the Thillaivazh Anthanars have   assembled blocking the entrance. Umapathiyar tries to enter the temple through them.

An Elderly Anthanar (abusing)

We have blocked the entrance to prevent you from going inside. Are you blind? How dare you try to enter inside?  Hold on! You dog!

Umapathiyar

I, who was blind, got my vision only yesterday. Leave it aside!. Is it to stop me from entering the temple, all of you have assembled here from early morning?

The Elderly Anthanar

You should have been driven out of this town yesterday itself for having committed a sacrilege. You belong to the clan which is considered equal to Easan.  Yet you took the porridge which was a spillover of another man. You took it in your hands and drank it. How shall we permit those very hands to bathe, clothe, decorate and feed Easan?  Even your shadow must not fall in sacred place such as this. You and your generations are forfeited of the right to perform any service to Easan. Leave this town on your own. Otherwise you will be beaten up and driven out.

Umapathiyar (not losing his composure)

Emperuman Natarajamoorthy resides in my heart. From now on I will perform the pujas appropriately to Him alone!

He returns home immediately and with his wife and children leaves for Kotravankudi.

 In the meanwhile there is a heated discussion as to who should take the place of Umapathiyar for the temple service. After a considerable time, it is decided to appoint the Sivachchariyar whose turn falls next.

With a lot of pomp and show, he starts from home and reaches the temple. Entering the temple he opens the doors of Chithsabahi.  

An alarming noise emanates from him in great horror and hearing his cry all the Anthanars rush to the Sannadhi.  There they find that Natarajamoorthy   is missing.  They start crying for having lost the precious idol of Iraivan. A divine voice is heard.

The Divine Voice

Residing in the heart of Umapathy Sivachchariyar, I am safely enshrined!

The temple bells toll in great gusto on their own.

Realising their folly, the Thillaivazh Anthanars rush to Kotravankudi. The elderly Anthanar bows to Umapathiyar.

The elderly Anthanar (weeping and pleading)

Umapathy! We made a great mistake.. Though we are grown up physically our minds have not matured… After you left the temple, Easan Natarajamoorthy   also came here with you… We have abused you without realising that Peruman relishes the service you do with your hands…. Please pardon all of us for our faults…  Please come back to the temple and continue your service and let posterity not blame   the Thillaivazh Anthanars   for disruption of   the pujas of the temple which have been going on for eons without a break!    We are all prepared to fall on your feet to seek pardon.

All the other Anthanars are also bowing to Umapathiyar ….

Umapathiyar

I who was mentally blind till yesterday got my vision by the grace of Thirugyanasambandar Peruman…   Because of you, I am profoundly blessed to carry Easan in my very heart today….    It is I, who should be bowing to you for having got this blessing! 

He bows to the elderly Anthanar and others.

The elderly Anthanar (pleading)

  Being very dear to Easan, you must come back and take over the duties of the temple.

Umapathiyar (decisively)

I am going to write books on Saiva Sidhdhantham. For that, it is essential that I remain aloof. Please do not compel me to take over the duties of the temple…

The elderly Anthanar (sobbing)

 I abused you as a blind man. Actually, it is we who are blind… Will the idol of Natarajamoorthy return if you don’t come back? 

Umapathiyar

Thillaivazh Anthanargale! You are all dear to Iraivan!  That is why Iraivan enacted this drama to open your eyes! Go back without any worries. Iraivan will be waiting for you there!

All of them return to the temple and as told by Umapathiyar,   Iraivan in his glorious glittering form is present there!

     ******       

Working day and night without a let up Umapathiyar writes on Saiva Sidhdhantham. He completes seven volumes and hiss mind is totally focussed on his work. It is now the month of Margazhi..The Arudra darisanam of Easan, the most awaited festival for the people is due to take place in this month. Already people from all over the country have started arriving in Thillai. The hoisting of the temple flag ten days before the main function marks the start of the festival.  Thillaivazh Anthanars perform the puja to the flag staff and try to hoist the flag with great enthusiasm as usual. The flag does not move up the flag pole...

At that very moment...

A voice is heard from the sky ...

“Where is my Umapathy?” it thunders..

All the Anthanars rush to Kotravankudi and request Umapathiyar to come to the temple to hoist the flag.

Umapathiyar reaches the temple to a tumultuous welcome to the accompaniment of festival music. Umapathiyar reaches the flag staff and bows to it in reverence. 

Umapathiyar

Is there any mantram which can equal the Panchaksharam representing the five activities of Easan?

On his uttering ‘On Namasivaya’, all those assembled repeat after him.

Lo and behold!  The flag climbs up the flag pole on its own and parks itself correctly!

On the spot Umapathiyar composes and sings ‘Kodikkavi’, a song in praise of the Temple flag staff. The assembled people go into raptures hearing his song and Peththan Sambhan is one among them.

     *****

Peththan returns home after the flag hoisting... His mind is totally engrossed in Natarajaperuman!  

Peththan (to himself)

 Words cannot describe the drama Easan enacted - of first stalling the flag from going up and then make it climb automatically to reveal the fame of Sivachchariyar to the world!  Though our clan is debarred from physically serving Easan, I will serve Adiyavar with all my heart assuming it to be the service rendered to Iraivan Himself! From now on Umapathiyar is Iraivan for me! I will bring firewood for his matam everyday as my offering....

As a daily routine he goes to the forest to bring a load of firewood and to leave it at the gate of the matam before day break. Surprised that someone is leaving firewood at their gate daily, the people of the matam are curious to find out as to who it is. Peththan gets wind of it and ensures he leaves the load of firewood incognito! This goes on for while...

One day... In the very early morning in the Sannathi of Iraivan....

Iraivan (to Himself)

Now is the time to reveal the fame of Sambhan to people all around....

He raises His hand and a torrential rain starts falling...

Peththan Sambhan is unable to go to forest as there is no let up of the heavy rains... However, drenching in the rain he reaches the boundary of Thillai...  Unable to fulfill his daily routine of bringing firewood to the matam due to the rains, he starts crying and pleads to Easan.

A divine voice

Adiyavare! I will stop the rains for your sake! You may continue with your daily obligation... Apart from that, you also handover the palm leaf I give you to Umapathiyar...

A palm leaf drops in his hand and the rain also stops.  Being illiterate, he is unable to read the contents of the palm leaf. However he keeps it safely in his waist. He goes to the forest and brings a head load of firewood to the matam. The people in the matam see him and bring him to Umapathiyar to introduce him as the one who brings firewood to the matam everyday...

Umapathiyar (kindly)

Are you the one who brings firewood to the matam every day?

 Bowing to Umapathiyar, he answers in the affirmative and takes out the palm leaf kept in his waist.

He hands it over to Umapathiyar in great reverence. Surprised Umapathiyar accepts it and reads the contents.

Umapathiyar (in a loud voice)

 “Given by the hand of Chitrambalamudayan”- he quickly gets up from his seat and bows to Thillai Ambalavanan in reverence and continues to read the contents in great devotion.

Umapathiyar (reading from the palm leaf)

This servitor of Adiyars, Peththan Sambhan is a wood cutter.... He belongs to the fourth caste.... He is very affectionate towards Me...  Belonging to lower caste, he has restrained himself from entering the temple by a self proclaimed rule... All the time he thinks of Me alone...   Believing strongly that to be of service to Adiyavars is his supreme duty, he has been bringing firewood to the matam   incognito all these days.... To proclaim his fame to the entire world, I started the rains and sent him to you... Please grant him whatever he desires...

Umapathiyar with unbound joy hugs Sambhan after reading the palm leaf.  

Sambhan (in discomfiture being conscious of his low caste)  

Perumane! Seeing you is good as having the darisanam of Easan Himself!  Your embrace is as good as the embrace of Easan himself!

Umapathiyar

I am ready to give you whatever you want... Please ask!

Sambhan (bowing to him)

Is it possible for people like me to be imparted Sivadeekhshai?

Umapathiyar

Adiyavare! Why do you request for Sivadeekhshai?

Sambhan (hesitantly)

Through that one can attain salvation.. Isn’t it?

 The other Thillaivazh Anthanars in the matam give a surprised look at Sambhan on hearing this.

One of the Anthanars (looking at Umapathiyar)

It is not sanctioned in the scriptures to impart Sivadeekhshai to people belonging to the fourth caste! They are not destined to get salvation also... Do you understand what I say?

 The other Anthanars also express their opposition.

Not heeding to their arguments...

Umapathiyar (with gusto)

It is proper to impart Sivadeekhshai to all Jivatmas born of Paramatma – be they trees or grass or animals... When that is so, where is the question of not getting Sivadeekhshai by a human like you?

The Anthanar who spoke earlier (angrily mocking)

 No one has heard or seen that grass and other vegetations can obtain salvation!

Umapathiyar (looking at Sambhan and ignoring the Anthanar)

Look here!

He points to a cactus plant that has grown in the matam

Umapathiyar (continuing)

Adiyavare! Deekshai is imparted in five ways..

First one..  Through mere glance.. One can impart Deekshai by looking with the eyes... It is called Nayana Deekshai..

The second... By touch.. By touching the top of the head or Agnyachakra it can be imparted... This is called Sparisa Deekshai.

The third one is through reciting the mantra or mantra upadesam.. The next one is by sprinkling water... Finally the fifth one is by smearing Thiruneeru..

Now, I am going to impart Nayana Deekshai to this cactus plait by looking at it with my eyes.

 He looks at the plant in great compassion and chants ‘Om Namasivaya’.

A bright glow of light emanates from the tree and stands in front of Umapathiyar for a second and vanishes in the sky while all the Anthanars are watching.

Sambhan (with unbound joy)

It proves that I can also obtain Mukti! I too can get Mukti!

He prostrates in front of Umapathiyar and remains touching his feet.

Umapathiyar (with tears welled up in his eyes)

Iraivan in the form Natarajamoorthy points to His divine feet with His hand to indicate that His divine feet are the place for salvation! Anyone who is imparted Sivadeekhshai will attain Mukti when he relinquishes the mortal body.

( Addressing Sambhan) Adiyavare! I am ready to impart Sivadeekhshai to you.. Therefore please raise.

 With his heart content, Sambhan stands up and bows with his hand folded   in reverence. Umapathiyar goes inside to the puja room and brings the sacred water of river Ganga kept there. Pouring it in his palm he sprinkles the same on Sambhan’s face... As the drops of water touch his body all of his five senses get rejuvenated... Umapathiyar chants the panchaksharam in his ear.  The Upadesam is over....

Sambhan (with his eyes closed chants loudly)

Om Namasivaya!

Om Namasivaya!

Om Namasivaya!

His body shudders!

 His Jivaatma emanates from his body in the form of a radiant light, stops in front of Sivachchariyar for a second and then raises up in the sky to unite with Paramatma!

The reverberating divine sound of conch shells is heard ...

Umapathiyar and the Thillaivazh Anthanars bow to Easan.

    *******

Thirukailayam...

Naradar

After Peththan Sambhan obtained Mukti, Umapathy Sivachchariyar continued with his service of Easan and he also attained Mukti ...   There are stories like this about each of the three thousand Thillaivazh Anthanars.   They are being revered to ensure that their history is always remembered and passed on!

They are the ones who had kept the palm leaf manuscripts of the songs composed by the three great poet-saints for ages securely in their care. ...  It is none else than our Emperuman who brought them to light them at the appropriate time!

As Naradar is getting ready to leave, Nandi stops him.

Nandi

Isn’t it Nambiandar Nambi who brought the lyrics of Thevarm to light?  Is it because of your love of Emperuman you are crediting with that?

Naradar looks at him without giving an answer and Nandi is unable to decipher his expression! 

Naradar (smiling)

I think you will understand only if I narrate the events from the very beginning!

Nandi (respectfully)

Please do! I am eager to listen!

Naradar laughs aloud...

     ******

Naraiyur...

The temple of Pollappillayar...

Aadi Sivachchariyar carries out the temple rituals correctly attracting a large number of devotees to witness his act...

That day...

 After all other routines, he offers Neivedyam and the last item is Deeparadhanai.  To the surprise of the devotees, there is an unusual delay in doing it.     

An Adiyavar (in a loud voice)

Gurukkale!   What happened? You seem distracted today!

Sivachchariyar regains his composure and carries out the Deeparadhanai and distributes Thiruneeru. All the devotees disperse from there except that adiyavar who raised his voice. He looks intently at the Sivachchariyar.

Aadi Sivachchariyar (embarrassed)

You must kindly pardon me for my slip up. I have delayed the Deeparadhanai after Neivedyam considerably.

Adiyavar

Ayyare! I am always fascinated by the way you conduct the rituals and the way you recite mantras with great devotion in a resounding voice. Today you are not up to your mark... While doing Deeparadhanai, you used to recite the mantras in a beautiful raga. Today you left it out ... Is there any problem with you?

Sivachchariyar starts shedding copious tears shocking the adiyavar.

 Adiyavar

Tell me! Have I said anything wrong?

 Sivachchariyar

My grandfather, my father and then I ... We have been doing the service of Pollappillayar without a break even for a day for the past three generations...  I am heartbroken whenever I think   that this service might end with me.  My actions become tardy... My throat dries up ... I am at a loss as to what to do!

Adiyavar

Why can’t you continue your service here? Please tell me clearly and in detail.

Sivachchariyar

I have a duty left to perform for my aged parents... That is to take them to Kashi. They have taken a vow to spend the rest of their lifetime there.... Though they have decided to go on their own and not compelled me to accompany them, I am anguished.... I am distressed imagining their plight as they have to walk through difficult and rough terrains... Whatever happens I will not leave them alone and go with them. Who will conduct the services for Pollappillayar in this temple till I return? This very thought shatters me no end....

Adiyavar laughs aloud on hearing this...

Sivachchariyar (sadly)

 I am distressed and how could you laugh at my plight? 

Adiyavar (still laughing)

 Ayyare! You have a ready solution and you are not aware of it. Have you totally forgotten that you have a son who can take over from you?

Sivachchariyar

Who? My little one! He is just seven years old... Only last month I performed his upanayanam... He is very naughty... He does not mature enough to understand the niceties...    How can he carry pitcher full of water for doing Abhishekam? For generations we have carried out the service with great care and devotion... How I can handover such a responsible job to this playful boy?

Adiyavar

Is there a need to train a newborn fish to swim? These are all handed down through generations... Would he have been born to you without a reason? You handover the duties to him and proceed to Kashi with your parents. It may take years for your return.  Pollappillayar will look after your son till then ... Don’t you know that Pollappillayar is very fond of children? Whatever happens is destined by Easan... You embark on your journey without any worry.... Let your son start his work from tomorrow.

Adiyavar leaves the temple.

Sivachchariyar

I must take the words of Adiyavar as of Easan Himself!

He bows to Pollappillayar and leaves for home.

        ******

Next day....

Nambi, carrying an empty pitcher on his shoulder comes to the temple in a jolly stride...

He takes out the bunch of keys from his waist and opens the door...

It is still twilight as he crosses the front mantapam and opens the door of the sannathi.

Pollappillayar looks at his young friend.

Nambi

Pillayar Swami! From now on, only   I am there for You! My name is Nambi...  My father however   refers to me as ‘Arunthavaalu’ (a monkey without tail)! You can also call me so if  You wish!   Anyway, he has told me again and again...  that I should not be wanting in any way in serving You! ... that I should chant the mantras without any mistakes... I have memorized all the mantras as I have been hearing them since I was a toddler... Only, I may not be following the correct sequence of doing things sometimes... If I make any mistake, call me and correct me... Don’t   take away my eyesight as punishment instead.... I won’t be able to see my father when he returns...

He runs to the temple well joyfully...

Pollappillayar laughs aloud hearing the lovely and innocent chatter of His friend!

After   sweeping the floors swiftly, Nambi draws water and washes the floors. He fills up water for the ‘Thirumanjanam’ of Easan and then goes to the temple kitchen and prepares sweet rice - Sarkarai Pongal

- for Neivedyam. The devotees start coming and Nambi welcomes them happily. They hand over milk, curd, tender coconut water, oil and other items for the Abhishekam of Pillayar to Nambi. He receives them and carefully inspects them and after cleaning the items where needed, he does the Abhishekam chanting all the appropriate mantras in his enchanting young voice. The people stand spell bound hearing his scintillating chants of mantras. He then proceeds to decorate the Idol with flowers. He then does the Neivedhyam offering the steaming sweet rice he has prepared and the fruits and coconuts given by the devotees. Praying for the welfare of the people of the town, he offers Deeparadhanai and distributes thiruneeru as prasadam. People heap their praises on the young boy for his enthusiasm in carrying out the temple rituals. After all of them leave, he goes inside the Sannathi and looks at the Sarkarai Pongal.

Nambi

Pillayare!  What is the matter? Why haven’t you eaten the Pongal? Is it because I am standing here looking at you?

He goes outside the Sannathi and turns his back to Pillayar, sits down and covers his eyes with his palms so as not to see Pillayar eating the Pongal!  However, his ears are tunes sharp to hear Pillayar eating the Pongal!  After a few minutes ….Hearing no sound, he slowly swivels his head and look through his fingers with his left eye to confirm whether or not Pillayar is eating the Pongal. The Pongal remains as it was!

 As if he cannot wait anymore….. He gets up and comes inside and stares at Pillayar without batting an eyelid…

Nambi

 My father forbade me to have even a drop of water before doing Neivedyam…   At the time preparing the Pongal itself, I was salivating! If you eat early, I can also have it and rush to the Patasalai…. I am already late… If I go there still later, the Aacharyan will beat me black and blue… He also has a very fiery tongue….  I am scared of my plight…  So quickly eat the Pongal…

He walks up and down the Sannathi… time flies but the Pongal remains as it is. He stops and stands in front of Pillayar shedding copious tears.   Standing on his knees, he catches hold of Pillayar’s feet.

Nambi

Is there anything wanting in my puja? Is that why you have not eaten the Pongal? Can’t You pardon me If I have committed any mistakes? For the offence of keeping You starved, please poke my eyes now. 

Shutting his eyes , he starts crying aloud.  

Overcome with compassion, Pillayar looks at His devotee.

Pillayar

Nambi!

Nambi opens his eyes on being hailed…. There Pillayar takes a little bit of Pongal with His trunk and takes it inside His mouth.  He lifts a little bit of Pongal again and places it near Nimbi’s lips!

Nambi swallows it with great joy!

Nambi (in a pleading tone)

 While preparing the Pongal itself, I had a doubt that it might not be   sweet enough… But You did not complain at all! Never mind! Tomorrow, I will make it sweeter and delicious….    Pardon me for today!

Pillayar laughs…

Nambi

I am watching all along… You are either nodding Your head or laughing!  Please reply to me!

Pillayar

Your talk itself is as sweet as nectar…  Any way… You were complaining that you were getting late for Patasalai… Aren’t you going?   Start now..Go quickly…

Nambi (downcast)

 Look! It is already very late… I have to prepare for the mid-day Puja… Then it will be time for the evening Puja…  Will I ever be able to go for my studies?

 Disheartened, he looks up at Iraivan.

Pillayar

Don’t worry! I will Myself teach you the lessons… I will teach you the four Vedas, the hundred and eight Upanishads, the six Sastram, the two Itihasams and the eighteen Puranas.  Will that be alright?

Pillayar raises His hand…  With his eyes closed, his hands are joined he keeps bowing to Iraivan automatically.  Having been imparted him wisdom by Pillayar at that very instant, he starts singing songs in praise of Pillayar in the style of Andhadhi extempore!

Flowers from Pillayar’s hands fall on him as blessings. Nambi bows to Him and hugs Him with great love.  Closing His eyes Pillayar enjoys the innocent and unblemished love of Nambi…

Years roll by….

    ********

18/01/16

In the Royal Court of Thiruvarur…

Mannar Abhaya Kulasekara Chozhan is seated in his throne …

In front of him are seated four Adiyavars sporting garlands in separate seats.

Mannar (bowing and paying respects to them)

Adiyavrahale! You are travelling far and wide visiting temples of Sivan and singing devotional songs there….I hear that people gather in great numbers in those temples  to hear your songs … I request you to sing a few of those songs in the court please…

An adiyavar sings two songs composed by Thirunavukkarasar. The people are spell bound hearing those soulful songs.

Adiyavar

Manna! This song was composed by Thirunavukkarasar. He was born to a great Saivite Pughazhanr and his wife Madhiniyar. He was very attached to his elder sister Thilakavathiyar.  He goes to the great university of Patalipuram to ascertain which religious path is the most righteous for him to follow.  There he embraces the atheistic Jainism and wins a large number of debates defeating all other religious preachers earning the title of Dharmasenar.   Upset by his actions, his elder sister Thilakavathiyar appeals to Easan. To bring him to his senses, Iraivan makes him suffer from severe stomach pain.  Unable to bear the pain, he approaches the Jain monks for cure.   Unable to get any relief from his ailment through the Jain monks (Samanars), he returns to his sister.  Reciting the Panchakshara Mantram, Thilakavathiyar smears Thiruneeru on his forehead granting him Sivadeekhshai.   He then goes to the temple of Thiruveerattaneswarar and does Angapradakshinam. He obtains the ability to compose and sing by the grace of Easan. He composes a song pleading to Easan to cure him of his ailment. His ailment vanishes at that very instant!

Because of his erudite and extempore composing ability,   he is named “Navukkarasan” by Easan Himself!

Due to the conspiracy of Samanars, he gets arrested and is brought to the court in hand-cuffs. He is ordered to be locked inside a raging lime kiln.  Seated on the scorching floor of the kiln he composes the song you just heard. If anyone asks the person who has received the protection of Easan as to how he feels in such a situation, he will surely answer the way he has said in this composition…

That it is as sweet as hearing the sound of Veena being played…

It is as cool as moon rising at twilight …

It is as breezy as if the soothing southerly wind is blowing …

It is as pleasing as the beautiful season of spring…

It is as joyful as seeing the bountiful flowers filled with honey attracting the bees by their fragrance around a waterfall.

When Perumanar sings this song, inside the fiery lime kiln….

A sweet melody from a Veena is heard…. The coolness of an evening moon rise sets in…

A cool breeze blows…

It is as though the season of spring has descended…

 The walls of the kiln lose their   heat and the environ is as if there is a waterfall surrounded by bountiful fragrant flowering plants…

Perumanar keeps singing more and more…

He overcomes the conspiracies of Samanars against him and has composed thousands of songs both alone as well as with Thirugyanasambandar.   On a day of the star of Sadhayam in the month of Chiththirai, he merges unto Easan in the temple of Thiruppugalur   while singing many songs in praise of Easan…

The adiyavar takes his seat completing the story of Thirunavukkarasar.  The royal court goes spell bound,

The next adiyavar gets up and bows to the Mannar and sings the next song.  Tears well up in the eyes of everyone in the court as the adiyavar sings such poignant compositions one after another in that divine ambiance.

After he finishes…

Mannar

These are heartrending compositions. Who has composed the song which makes one want to hear it again and again?

Adiyavar

Mannar Perumane! The song you just heard was composed by Thirugyanasambandar in the temple town of Perumanam….

I will tell you the story behind this historically significant song…. Please listen…

He is born of a Anthanar (Brahmin) caste of an Adisaiva family. When he is three years old, he is left on the bank of the sacred temple tank and his father goes for his bath…  He waits for his father to return.  As the time passes, he becomes hungry and not finding his father he starts crying aloud unable to withstand his hunger. …   Ayyan and Annai appear in the sky and Annai extracts milk from her breast and hands it to him…  It not only satiated his hunger but also imparted wisdom to him. A little of the milk overflowed on to his chin. Soon his father returns and seeing milk in his chin, threatens him with a stick to reveal as to who has given him milk.

Pillayar (pointing to the sky) in his tender voice

Amma Appa

His father looks up at the sky and not finding anyone, threatens him, raising the stick  again to tell him who has given him milk.

Pillayar (again pointing his finger skywards)

‘Thodudaya Seviyan’ (The one sports ear studs)

On being asked by his father as to who is that, he composes his first song beginning with the words ‘Thodudaya Seviyan’. He goes on to compose thousands of songs in praise of Easan visiting various temples. 

When he is sixteen years of age, his marriage is fixed. On the day of the wedding at the Perumanam temple, he is asked to circumambulate Agni holding the hand of the bride. He says that he will go only around    Easan as He is   the form of Agni. He takes his wife inside the Sannathi   and composes the    sings the song which you heard from me.  The temple itself split into two and Easan emerges as great radiant Jyothi.  As destined by Easan…. He catches hold of the bride’s hand and goes around Easan three times and merges unto Easan….

He starts his first song with ‘Thodudaya Seviyan’ and ends his last song with ‘Nama Sivayave’!  Words cannot express the greatness of his compositions!

Adiyavar sits after completing the story.  The public as before are immersed in the floods of Bhakti.

Next, the third Adiyavar gets up and sings the ‘Thondar Thogai’. The crowd applauds happily hearing this composition creating a din. Once the silence is restored he continues…

Adiyavar

Manna! Sundaramoorthiyar, who joyfully proclaimed that he would be  a servitor to everyone born in your Thiruvarur was born in Anthanar caste.  To refute the myth that the Anthanar caste is superior to other castes, he married Paravai Nachchiyar of Kanikar caste and Sangiliyar of Sudra caste. He brought to light the fact that the case is decided on the work one undertakes and not by his birth.

In this song…

He says I am a servant of Thillaivazh Anthanars and at the same time to Thiruneelakantar who belongs to the caste of potters!

Viranmindar was after his blood and wanted to chop off his legs…  Still he says that he is a servant of him as well…These songs are to be written in golden leaves…

The Thogai , I sang is the authentic testimony to prove  that it is the life one leads alone is the  distinguishing feature of the  great men….

After he sits down, the fourth adiyavar gets up and chants ‘Potri Agaval’.

Adiyavar (in a loud Voice)

‘Thennadu udaya Sivane Potri’ (Glory to Siva who owns the Southern country as His abode)

The other three adiyavars get up and in a thundering voice

‘Ennattavarkum Iraiva Potri Potri’ (Hail! Glory to the Lord of all the countrymen)

 The ambience turn divine once again..

Mannar

My heart melts hearing your ‘Potri Agaval’! What is thrilling is the saying that Easan who owns the Southern country as his abode is the Iraivan of the people of all countries! I am keen to listen to your elucidation…

Adiyavar

The ‘Potri Agaval’ is composed by Manikkavachakar Peruman… Converting wild foxes into horses and taking up the guise of a horse trader, Easan came down to earth, for handing them over to the king Arimardhana Pandiyan at Madurai just for the sake of this Perumanar! Manikkavachakar has composed many songs glorifying the act of Easan stepping on this earth for the sake of a human being. I have recited only two lines of the ‘Potri Agaval’. I will now explain their import! Please Listen!

Our Easan is the owner of the entire universe! The reason for hailing him as ‘Thennadu udaya Sivane’

 (Siva who owns the Southern country as His abode) by the Perumanar is because of Thillai…. When we refer ‘Kovil’, it points only to the temple where Thillai Natarajar performs His cosmic dance everyday!   In the ‘Aakasasthalam’ of Thillai which is the heart of the entire universe, Easan is in His cosmic dancing pose forever so that all the functions of the universe are in sync.  That is why he says ‘Thennadu udaya Sivane’- the very heart of the universe and its functioning! We also   see that in many of the songs, Easan is referred as One (Yekan) and at the same time Many (Anekan) …. Iraivan is One! At the same time He is Many…. That is, the people of all countries worship Him in different forms!  His philosophy that all religions are one is fantastic!

In Thirupperumthurai, he asks Easan who took the form of a teacher, “What is Sivagnana Bhodham”?

Giving a mild laugh, Iraivan looks at him…. Perumanar realises that Iraivan is imparting him ‘Nayana Deekshai’….  He understands   very clearly what Sivagnana Bhodham is…

To become the paramount Meiporul is Sivam..

To understand the Meiporul is Gyanam...

 To lead the life according to the Sivagnanam is Bhodham...

He lives in accordance with the tenets of Sivagnana Bhodham and merged unto Easan at Thillai...

The learned people say that his songs will melt the heart of even the most stone hearted man!

Now I will sing a Thiruvembhavai composed by him...

He proceeds to sing the song and the people become spell bound hearing it...

Adiyavar 

Manna! These four great saints of Saiva Sidhdhantham have composed many thousand songs and inscribed them in stones of temples and in palm leaves...   Why are they called the four great saints of Saivism?

Mannar

Please tell us! We are keen to know.

Adiyavar (continuing)

The four Saiva Sidhdhanthams are Sariyai, Kiriyai, Yogam and Gyanam. 

Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugyanasambandar, Sundaramoorthiyar and Manikkavachakar have lived their lives as per Sariyai, Kiriyai, Yogam and Gyanam respectively and narrated the true ways of these four tenets for the welfare of mankind. That is the reason why they are called the four great saints of   Saiva Sidhdhantham!

Mannar

Your songs are so absorbing that one does not feel how much time pass by! I desire to hear them all the time... Adiyavrahale! Please do the needful for the same...

The adiyavars become downcast on hearing this.  

Mannar (disconcerted seeing their faces)

Periyeer!... Is there anything wrong in my request?

Adiyavar (with tears welling up in his eyes)

The palm leaves in which the compositions of these four great saints have been lost due to the passage of time... The adiyavars have been searching for the same for the past so many decades... We are unable to identify even the place where these palm leaves have been kept.

The mannar is shocked to know that the invaluable assets of the Tamil populace are not traceable.

The adiyavar says that only by the efforts of the mannar, they can be traced and brought to light. All the other adiyavars get up and bow to the mannar indicating that it is their common wish that the mannar must take the lead to locale the treasure!

Mannar

Am I blessed to succeed in this job?

Adiyavar

 Is there anything impossible for the decisive Mannar to achieve?

Mannar

Anyway! You have handed me a great responsibility!  Where do I start from?

Adiyavar

 Like the great Thirugyanasambandar who started composing songs even as a child after Annai fed him the milk of wisdom, in Thirunaraiyur   Nambiandar Nambi has been composing songs after Pollappillayar fed him the food of wisdom. We have been blessed to witness with our own eyes, Pollappillayar relishing the Neivedyam offered by Nambi Peruman when we were in Thirunaraiyur.  He alone will be able to assist you in this colossal task of unearthing the palm leaf manuscripts.

They take their leave after paying their respects to the mannar.

     **********

The very next day...

The mannar leaves for Thirunaraiyur with his retinue carrying a large variety of fruits...

The people of the town welcome the king and take him to the temple of Pollappillayar.

Mannar (to himself – on seeing Nambi)

 This glowing young man radiating Tejas- Is he Brahma incarnated?  

Ecstatic, he bows to Nambi. Nambi returns the compliments and offers the fruits given by the king as Neivedyam. Pollappillayar picks up the fruit with His trunk and tastes it with great relish. Witnessing this rare event everyone stand dumbfounded. Nambi gives thiruneeru to all of them. 

Mannar (pleading)

Perumane!  Only with your help it is feasible to retrieve the treasures of Thevaram, Thiruvachakam and other scriptures dealing with the history of Nayanmars which are hidden somewhere.  Oh! Holy one! Please give your consent for the same!

Nambi (surprised)

Is this my destined job for taking this birth?   

He runs inside happily and catches hold of the feet of Pollappillayar.

Nambi (pleading with all his heart)

Iraiva! Emperumane! The one who granted the wish of Avvai! Where are the treasures given by the great saints kept? Please show us the way.

There... A loud voice is emanates.....

The divine Voice

Nambi! Go to Thillai... To the west of Kanakasabahi and near to it, you will find a closed room bearing the palm impressions of the three.  There you will find the treasures which you are searching for! They were kept hidden all along...  Let them be brought out by you and propagated far and wide. My blessings are with you.

The temple bells toll on their own with resounding echoes of “Ohm”! 

     ********

The sannathi of Natarajar in Thillai....

Nambi is standing with his eyes closed in deep contemplation... Behind him stands Abhaya Kulasekara Chozhan with his hands folded along with his retinue..  Seeing their king in their midsts, the Thillaivazh Anthanars go frenetic... 

Enraptured by the darisanam of Natarajamoorthy, Nambi starts singing seventy extempore compositions in a torrent! Everyone feels the presence of divinity in the sannathi. After the Deeparadhanai...

Mannar

Thillaivazh Anthanargale! We have come here in search of the Tamil Vedas. Where is the closed room   bearing the palm impressions of the three great saints supposed to be to the west of Kanakasabahi and close to it? 

The Thillaivazh Anthanar lead the way with Nambi and the mannar following. As soon as they reach the closed room, the mannar orders them to open the locked rooms.

The Elderly Anthanar (hesitantly)

Mannare!  You can see on the door the palm impression of the three people.  They belong to palm of impressions of Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugyanasambandar and Sundaramoorthiyar only! Once a divine voice from the sky ordered, “Unless all the three come here and be present together, the door must not be opened”. From that time onwards, we have kept this room locked and are performing puja daily from outside... We do not know what is kept inside... We are not aware whether the Tamil Vedas, you have mentioned, are here or not... We have been only guarding this room for generations... Only when the three great saints come here together, it is possible to open the doors of the room. It is not our edict...  It is the divine command of   Easan, Thiruchchitrambalamudayan Himself! 

Mannar (worried)

 How is that possible? The three great savants belonged to different periods in time!  They have already been absorbed unto Iraivan by Easan Himself! How can we get all of them here now?

Nambi (enthusiastically)

Thillaivazh Anthanargale! Please fetch the keys for unlocking the door!  In a moment all the three great savants will be present here!

He starts walking chanting ‘Om Namasivaya’. Unable to comprehend anything, the mannar and others follow him. The Thillaivazh Anthanars stand perplexed seeing the happenings. Nambi reaches the place where the murthys (idols) of the three great poet-saints are kept in the temple along with the other Nayanmars. Nambi bows to the murthys of all the Nayanmars and lifts the murthy of Thirunavukkarasar and places it on his head chanting ‘Om Namasivaya’.  Taking a cue from him, the mannar lifts the murthy of Thirugyanasambandar on to his head ... One of his ministers likewise places the murthy of Sundaramoorthiyar on his head ... Chanting Panchakshara mantram all of them return to the closed room and stand in front of the locked door.

Curious, the people of Thillai also start assembling there...

Mannar (ordering)

Thillaivazh Anthanargale! Now, all the three great savants are assembled here ...   Open the door quickly...

One of the Anthanars bows to the door and unlocks it. As he opens the doors, the bells embedded on them rattle making a resounding noise...

 As the Mannar   looks inside, he is horrified by the sight and lets out a terrible groan.

Nambiandar Nambi (with his eyes filled with tears shouting aloud)

Thillai Ambalavana!  Why is this cruelty?

 The Thillaivazh Anthanar looks inside the room with great trepidation. 

 Inside the room, they find the palm leaves   kept in heaps and heaps are covered by anthill earth.

Nambi

Oh! Good men! If you pour oil copiously over these, we may be able to retrieve a fair amount of these palm leaves!

Following his suggestion, the palm leaves are drenched in copious oil. The undamaged palm leaves are segregated very carefully.  Finding their numbers to be very less, Nambi is heartbroken.

Nambi  

I am aware that Thirunavukkarasar has composed forty nine thousand, Thirugyanasambandar sixteen thousand and Sundaramoorthiyar thirty eight thousand songs. Form what we have been able to retrieve; it appears we have lost an enormous amount of our precious wealth!

Unable to bear the loss, he starts wailing aloud..

A Divine Voice (ordering)

Nambi! It is I who has kept only those that are needed for these times and destroyed the others by mud. Therefore cease worrying about them and start compiling them properly!

Accepting what is destined by Easan; he starts gathering the palm leaves and starts his work of compiling them.

    *********

The Sannathi of Thiruchchitrambalamudayan...

Nambiandar Nambi is honoured by the Thillaivazh Anthanars by tying a parivattam to the accompaniment of auspicious music. Two men are bringing a huge golden platter loaded heavily with shining inscribed copper leaves. Nambi offers the platter to the mannar who touches it to his eyes in great reverence as mark of accepting them.

Nambi

 I have organised the invaluable treasure trove of the palm leave manuscripts given to us by Easan   into Eleven Thirumurais.  The first three are the Thevarapathikangal composed by Thirugyanasambandar. The next three are those composed by Thirunavukkarasar. The next, the seventh one is the one composed by Sundaramoorthiyar. The eighth one comprises of Thiruvachakam and Thirukkovai composed by Manikkavachakar. The ninth one includes the Thiruvisaipakkal tuned by the nine Nayanmars and the Thiruppallandu composed by Senthanar. The tenth is the Thirumanthiram of Thirumoolar. The eleventh comprises Thirumugapasuram and Divyaprabahandham. As per your wish, I have invited musicians to set tunes for these songs. Let us listen to them sung by expert musicians. Please come.

All of them reach the Thousand Pillared Mantapam where the experts in vocal and instrumental music have assembled. They bow to the Mannar, Nambi and the three thousand Anthanars of Thillai and begin their concert.  The songs of Thevaram are sung very pleasingly. The assembled public is enthralled by the   music. Al of a sudden, the music stops and the musical experts become remorse. 

Mannar (seeing their condition)

Why have you stopped singing?      

One of the experts gets up and bows to the mannar.

The expert

Mannar Perumane! We are struggling to set the tunes for the Thevaram compositions in vain....

Everyone is taken aback hearing this.

Nambi (deeply distressed with tears welling up in his eyes)

 Experts of music! Appar, Sundarar and Gynasambandar have sung the Thevaram compositions in various temples creating tumultuous impact of devotion among the people.... Are you implying that these songs are not amenable for singing?

One of the Anthanars

Nambiyare! Why should you worry when we have our Easan, Sabhapathy with us?

He rushes to the sannathi with his hands raised above his head with palms joined. 

The Mannar and Nambi follow him. There the Iraivan rises as a great Jyothi and a divine voice is heard.

The Divine Voice

Perunthakai, a descendant of Thiruneelakantar who set the tunes for the compositions of Thirugyanasambandar, alone is capable of setting the tunes for these songs.

 Nambi

I know that Thirugyanasambandar lived more than five hundred years ago. Thiruneelakantar used to accompany him and play his songs in his Yazh (a string instrument of music like a harp) ... I don’t have any knowledge of his descendants or where they are living now. When it is difficult to recollect even own relatives of three generations before us, how can anyone remember his ancestors who lived more than five hundred years ago? Even if someone called Perunthakai is actually living now, how can we locate that person and bring him here?

Nambi is at a loss as to what to do further.

Mannar (with a gentle smile)

Perumane!  When Iraivan Himself has given the orders, where is the question of any doubts? If we make public announcements through town criers throughout the country, someone may turn up here on hearing it.

Nambi agrees to the idea and the mannar orders for the announcements to be made through out his kingdom.

      *******

 Days roll by...

They are anxiously waiting for some descendant of Thiruneelakantar to turn up every day but in vain.

On the tenth day, a seven year old girl carrying a head load comes to the Sannathi of Ambalavanar.   Seeing the Mannar she bows to him.

The girl

Manna... I am Perunthakai, a descendant of Thiruneelakantar!  Hearing your public announcement, I have reached here to meet you.  May I know what your orders are for me?

Mannar (surprised)

Are you Perunthakai?

Perunthakai (perceiving the reason for his surprise)

Manna! Are you surprised how could a girl of seven years be Perunthakai? Indeed, I am Perunthakai.

Nambi

Perunthakayare! My salutations to you!  Do you have any proof to show that you are a descendant of Thiruneelakantar?

 The girl keeps the load on her head on the floor. Opening it, she takes out a golden plank and places it in front of the Mannar to the amazement of everyone.

Perunthakai (pointing to the golden plank)

This is the proof!

Everyone looks at the girl and the golden plank unable to comprehend anything.

Perunthakai

Periyeer! This golden plank was donated by the Pandya King Nedumara Pandiyan on the orders of Easan to be used as a seat for the Yazh of Thiruneelakantar as otherwise  the Yazh will  lose its timbre if kept on the cold surface of the floor. In our town of Dharumapuram, we have been venerating and guarding it with great care for generations.  I will now tell you the history of this golden seat.

Perunthakai (continues)

The victorious Thirugyanasambandar starts to Madurai from the banks of the river Vaigai after winning over the Samanars in all the forms of debates. Madurai now sports a festive look.... The conduct of Vedic yagams has resumed. Thirugyanasambandar in his pearl palanquin is taken to the temple of Easan. The Mannar with his consort and other ministers follow. All along the route the people are lined up to welcome Sambandar.  They keep hailing his feat of defeating the Samanars, reverting the king to their fold and bringing back confidence in the minds of people.  He enters the temple and has darisanam of Easan with his hands raised above his head. A torrent of songs emanate from his lips in praise of Easan.

The king and all others assembled immerse in the sea of devotion. After Sambandar finishes singing his compositions, Thiruneelakantar starts to play his Yazh keeping it on the floor. The wet surface of the floor affects the tremble of the instrument and a divine voice is heard.

The Divine Voice (ordering)

 The Yazh of Banar will be spoiled due to the cold surface of the floor. Place a golden plank for seating him and his Yazh.

A golden plank is immediately given by Mannar.  Thirugyanasambandar goes euphoric by the care Easan has taken for his adiyavar and raises his hands above in reverence. The Mannar and all others hail Easan bow to Him.

Everyone in the sannathi is in rapt attention as Perunthakai narrates the story.

Perunthakai

Many compositions of Thirugyanasambandar are in my possession... For generations past my ancestors have set them to tune and been singing in various temples.... 

 She then goes on to give out a song captivating all those present.

 Mannar (After she finishes singing)

You are aptly named as Perunthakai! You are the one Easan has told us to contact. Only you are capable of setting the tunes for all the songs of Thevaram.

 Becoming highly emotional, he bows to the young girl!

 Perunthakai

Mannar Perumane! If you can get our people here with the necessary musical instruments, it will be helpful in setting the tunes.

Mannar does the needful to fulfill her request.

        *******

Thillai....

The thousand pillared mantapam is overflowing with people....  In the centre is seated, Perunthakai nicely garlanded.  The banars (musicians) are seated around her holding their instruments. In front of Perunthakayar is a golden   plate on which are spread the copper leaflets inscribed with compositions. Perunthakai prays to Easan and picks up a copper leaflet and puts it on her eyes as a mark of reverence.

As he looks up to the Mannar and Nambi, they grant her permission to proceed.  There is pin drop silence in the mantapam.

Perunthakai

Periyeer! The seven Thirumurai that are placed on this golden plate are Thevara Pathikangal. Pathikangal contain ten songs in them. The eleventh composition is not taken into account. There are three hundred and eighty four Pathikangal of Thirugyanasambandar... three hundred and twelve of Thirunavukkarasar ... a hundred of Sundaramoorthiyar.  We have to, therefore create Pann (Raga or Tune) for a total of seven hundred ninety six compositions of Thevaram... It cannot be accomplished in day or a week... It will take several months to complete this task.  Thirugyanasambandar has himself indicated how to set the Pann for the Thevara Pathikangal in one of his songs. As per his formula the Thevara Pathikangal are to be sung in twenty one different Panns.  Keep in mind that some Panns that are sung during day ought not to be sung at night where as a few can be sung both during day and night. So when we researched the twenty one Panns , we conclude that there are ten for the day, eight for the night and the balance three for both the day and night.

Manna... Please ensure that the Pann corresponding to each of the compositions are engraved in the copper leaflets correctly so that they remain for posterity.

Mannar

Perunthakayare! As you keep singing the Pathigam and Pann will be engraved in the copper leaflets.

May we know which are the twenty one Panns you are referring to?

Perunthakai

The Panns that are to be sung during day time are – Puraneermai, Ghandharam, Piyanthaghandharam, Kousikam, Indolam, Thirukkorunthogai, Thakkesi, Nattaragam,Saathaari, Nattapaadai, Pazhampanjuram, Ghandharapanchamam. There also a time restriction as to which Pann is suitable for each part of the day.

The Panns that are to be sung during night time are – Thakkaragam, Pazhaththakkaragam, Seekamaram, Kolli, Kollikowvanam, Thirunerisai, Thiruviruththam, Viyazhakkurunji,  Megaraghakurunji, Andhalikkurinji. There is time restrictions for these also.

The common ones are Sevvazhi, Senthuruththi and Thiruththandakam. These can be sung at any time of the day or night without any restrictions.

Mannar

I am surprised to know that there are these many details in composing tunes and singing them!   

Nambi

Manna! I was hugely elated when I saw the pathigams. I was amazed when I heard that they are to be set to tunes. There are not one or two! Seven hundred ninety six of them! A colossal effort indeed! It is easy to write a song for a given tune... Knowledge of music is sufficient for that.  But it is very difficult to compose a fresh tune for the lyrics already in existence! For that one needs the blessings of Easan in full measure! Perunthakayare! As revealed by Easan, only you are fit for this onerous task.... We are eagerly waiting to hear your concert.

Perunthakai starts with ‘Thodudaya Seviyan’, the first song composed by Thirugyanasambandar.

The congregation becomes vibrant!

   *******

Thirukailayam..

Naradar (giving a puzzled look at Nandi)

 Nandiyare! What is the matter? I am narrating the glory of Anthanars ... You seem to be absorbed seriously on something else!

Nandi 

 Aren’t the Saiva Thirumurais twelve in number? If Nambiandar Nambi organised only eleven of them, I am wondering as to what happened to the twelfth one?

Naradar (mockingly)

I thought Nandiyar is well versed in devotional aspects only! I am surprised he is equally at ease in calculations also!

Nandi gets upset by this joke.

Naradar (in appeasing tone)

Well! Your question is perfectly valid! Nambi organised only eleven of them! Much later than his time, the ‘Thondar Puranam’ written by   Sekkizhar was taken as the twelfth Thirumurai.

Observing that Nandi still has some doubts to clarify but not coming out with it,

Naradar

I can discern that you are reluctant to ask me a question being afraid that I may deride you.... But I can make out what your question will be...

Nandi (baffled)

Well! Tell me, then, what I intended to ask you!

Naradar (accepting the challenge with a mild laugh)

You wanted to ask, “Isn’t it Periapuranam, the twelfth Thirumurai?  How come he is calling it Thondar Puranam?”

Nandi is amazed!

Naradar

Don’t be surprised!  The question you wanted to ask is posed by almost everyone! Sekkizhar titled his work as Thondar Puranam only... When Avvai declared that the glory of Thondar is magnificent (Periyathu) for narration, it came to be re-titled as Periapuranam (Magnificent epics)!

Periapuranam also was recited for the first time in public in the thousand pillared mantapam of Thillai!

Nandi bows to Naradar and stands keeping quiet.

Naradar (laughing aloud)

I understand your thoughts! I will narrate the story of the origin of Periapuranam!

He narrates

    ********

Two horses with mounted men are toddling slowly... The men appear exhausted....

One of the men

Manna! Only a little distance is left... We will reach Kunraththur... it is a place of abundance...  There, we will take rest for a while and then decide where to proceed further...

Mannar 

To see the condition of our vast country, we have been going around in disguise as common subjects...  We have already covered large areas in the plains...    Though it is much more refreshing to travel in the mountains like this, the thought of home is taunting me... After reaching Kunraththur let us return to our capital after resting for a while.

His friend

Mannare! We will do as you wish!

Both of them trot towards Kunraththur.

    ********

As they approach Kunraththur, they stop their horses on seeing a large number of people coming towards them in great commotion.   As the crowd sees the strangers on horseback, the din subsides...

The Elder of the village

You appear to be from noble families. Is there anything particular for your visit to our village?

The Friend

We are travelers. We have come here after visiting Kanchipuram. We are fascinated by the beauty of your mountainous   village. After taking a little rest, we intend to continue our journey...

The Elder of the village (excitedly)

Is that so? You are here as our guests now... Welcome... There is a village resting place where you can stay and take as much rest as you want and continue your journey...   We will get food for you readied soon...

The mannar is enthralled by the hospitality of the villagers. All of them reach the village rest house.

Mannar

Periyavare! When we entered the village, you were all walking with a lot of commotion... May I know the reason for the same?

 The Elder

The solution to a riddle posed ten years ago was obtained only today. It also proved that a learned man will remain learned for all times to come!

Mannar (unable to suppress his curiosity)

What is that riddle?

The elder narrates....

      *******

An old man is lying on a cot in the cattle shed of a house.... A ten year old boy is massaging his feet.

The boy (weeping)

Appa! Please open your eyes...  I am very scared as you are not opening your eyes at all...

 There is no movement of the old man.  A burly young man comes there bringing a Vaidhyar (doctor) along.

The young man (addressing the boy)

Hey! You! Good for nothing! Has the old man opened his eyes?

 Scared, the young boy quickly gets up and stands in a corner...

The young man (to the doctor)

Ayya Vaidhyare! Is the old man alive or dead? Please check up!

Vaidhyar (mortified)

It is very wrong to have kept your father in these open cattle shed in this cold season that too when he is seriously ill...  When, even fit people go numb in this cold climate... I don’t know what would have happened to him.

He checks his pulse...

The young man

Who can keep such ill people inside the house? He keeps coughing throughout the night disturbing my sleep!  As it is he may conk any time... that is why I put him here...

He looks at his father and his young brother with venom scaring the boy out of his wits.

Vaidhyar

The pulse is falling...  You may call the near and dear for the last rites... 

The young man appears scared for the first time and asks the Vaidhyar whether he really means it. The Vaidhyar just nods his head in the affirmative. The young boy catches the feet of his father and starts wailing.

Hearing this, the old man opens his eyes slowly..

Vaidhyar

Look! He has just opened his eyes.  Veerachchamy! Ask him what his last wish is.

Veerachchamy (looking at the old man in revulsion)

What ... do you want?

The villagers also reach there by that time...

The old man signals the young man and the boy to come near him.  Both of them go near his cot.

The old man (addressing his elder son)

 Hey! Veera! Guru, the young one is only ten years old. .. Don’t abandon him..  I have accumulated lands, gold and other things a great deal.... Please promise me that you will look after your younger brother in front of the villagers... I will tell you how to partition the property...

Veerachchamy is gladdened to hear this...

Village Elder

Look! Your father is telling his last wish. Why don’t you make a promise to look after your brother?

Veerachchamy (haughtily)

Let him first tell me how he is going to divide the property among us. Then I will decide whether or not to make the promise!

The old man

 Veera! You are my son and so is Gurusamy....   I wish both of you well.... Please look after your younger brother nicely... When he reaches the age of twenty, hand him over the property which you consider dear to you...

Veerachchamy becomes very happy hearing his wish.

 The Village Elder (addressing the old man in anger)

Kannusamy! What is this? Have you lost your senses?  To divide the property equally among the siblings is the general norm in the world!  How can Veerachchamy decide on his own as to what to give? That too what is dear to him! Are you out of your mind?

Veerachchamy (intervening, catching his father’s hand)

Appa! I will look after the younger brother nicely.... As per your wish, when he reaches twenty, I will hand over to him whatever is dear to me... This is my promise...

The villagers are surprised to see Kannusamy grin on hearing his promise despite his precarious state. In a moment he breathes his last.....

     ****

The mannar and his friend are curious to know what happens further. 

Mannar

Then what happened?

The Village Elder

Today Gurusamy completes twenty years...  In the morning, he called his brother and told him that he is giving him only the cattle shed as share of his property. His brother called the villagers demanding justice. The case went to Arunmozhi Thevar...

Mannar (unable to suppress his curiosity)

Then what happened?

The village elder continues....

     ******

The entire village has assembled in the Village Centre with Arunmozhi Thevar majestrixcally seated on a high platform.  His brother Balaravayar stands next to him reverentially. Giving a fiery look, Veerachchamy stands arrogantly sporting a huge twisted mustachio. Gurusamy stands with his hands folded giving a humble and peaceful look. His handsome frame with his rippling muscles proclaims  that he is a hard worker.

Arunmozhi Thevar

Gurusamy! Come forward and state what your case is.

Gurusamy comes forward and bows to Thevar.

Gurusamy  

Ayya!   My brother who is standing here and I are the two sons of my father. My father had enormous wealth... I was ten years old when he died.   He asked my brother to hand over my share of property after I complete twenty years of age. His hundred acres of land on the banks of river Palar was lying uncared for... I reclaimed the land and cultivated it and brought home the produce year after year... Our house was the biggest in the whole village.  Near to it is ten acres of land... It was lying barren and hard. I reclaimed that also and planted coconut saplings... The six hundred trees are now ready to yield nuts... But what I got in return...  like a labourer just two meals a day and the cattle shed for my stay... In a year he gave me just two pairs of clothes to wear... Today my elder brother called me and told me that he has given the cattle shed as my share of property. He ordered me not to come anywhere near the lands or the house.. I have come to you seeking justice... Only you can give a fair judgment.

Thevar

Veerachchamy! What have you to say for this?

Veerachchamy

As told by my father, I have looked after my brother very well ... Today, he completes twenty years. Just as he wanted, I have given him the property that is dear to me... He refused to accept the same... When he was in death bed, as his last wish, this was the way he wanted the property should be divided. The whole village is witness to it... Only you can give my brother good counseling.

Thevar

What do you mean by the whole village is witness to it?  

Veerachchamy

The Vaidhyar and other villagers who were present when my father breathed his last are witness to what he wished.

Thevar

Is there anyone present here who can come as witness?

Many including the Vaidhyar come forward. Thevar calls the Vaidhyar.

Thevar

 What is your statement in this case as an eye witness? Please narrate.

Vaidhyar

What Veerachchamy says is true... I was the one who was taking care of his health just before his death. He asked his son to make a promise.  When he was reluctant he called both his sons to come near him.

He then narrates the events as it happened...

The old man (addressing his elder son)

 Hey! Veera! Guru, the young one is only ten years old. .. Don’t abandon him..  I have accumulated lands, gold and other things a great deal.... Please promise me that you will look after your younger brother in front of the villagers... I will tell you how to partition the property...

Veerachchamy is gladdened to hear this...

Village Elder

Look! Your father is telling his last wish. Why don’t you make a promise to look after your brother?

Veerachchamy (haughtily)

Let him first tell me how he is going to divide the property among us. Then I will decide whether or not to make the promise!

The old man

 Veera! You are my son and so is Gurusamy....   I wish both of you well.... Please look after your younger brother nicely... When he reaches the age of twenty, hand him over the property which you consider dear to you...

Veerachchamy becomes very happy hearing his wish.

 The Village Elder (addressing the old man in anger)

Kannusamy! What is this? Have you lost your senses?  To divide the property equally among the siblings is the general norm in the world!  How can Veerachchamy decide on his own as to what to give? That too what is dear to him! Are you out of your mind?

Veerachchamy (intervening, catching his father’s hand)

Appa! I will look after the younger brother nicely.... As per your wish, when he reaches twenty, I will hand over to him whatever is dear to me... This is my promise...

The villagers are surprised to see Kannusamy grin on hearing his promise despite his precarious state. In a moment he breathes his last.....

This is what exactly happened.

The whole assembly is silent.

Thevar

Who is the next witness?  

The village elder comes forward and Thevar asks him what he has to say.

The village Elder

What Vaidhyar narrated is what has exactly happened.

Thevar

I have understood what the last wish of Kannusamy Thevar was. ... The time has come to deliver the verdict!

He orders Veerachchamy and Gurusamy to stand in front of the podium. They come in front of him with their hands folded and their bodies bent respectfully.

Thevar

To divide the property equally among the sons is the established norm everywhere. Periyavar Kannusamy had not only posed a riddle for the partition of property but also left a smile as its answer at the time of his death!

His first condition ... Veerachchamy should look after his younger brother... The second condition... When he completes twenty years of age, he must hand over the property dear to him.

Veerachchamy has given the promise consenting to these conditions in front of the villagers as witnesses.

Kannusamy put the first condition because of his fear that his elder son may endanger the life of his younger son to grab the whole property out of greed.  He was afraid that there would be no guarantee for the life of the younger son if he had willed that the property must be divided equally. So he said that Veerachchamy should hand over the property dear to him ...He made Veerachchamy responsible to execute his wish, thereby ensured his younger son’s life would not be in danger! Knowing the attitude of his elder son that he would give only something useless to his younger brother, he used the word ‘the property dear to him’. The use of this word is very significant here.  There is a lot of difference between what is dear to one and what one desires! He has not told that the elder should give his younger brother what he desires! He has said that the property dear to him should go the younger brother. Kannusamy laughed after Veerachchamy made his promise as he knew that his elder son has fallen in the trap he had set! 

 He looks at the public and they are all eager to hear what he is going to say further.

Thevar

As per the old man’s last wish...

The hundred acres of land, the huge house and the ten acres of coconut grove adjoining it which are dear to Veerachchamy will go to Gurusamy... Only the cattle shed which is left will be given to Veerachchamy.  This is the verdict I pronounce....

The public applaud the judgment loudly while Veerachchamy lets out an anguished cry. After the din subsides, Gurusamy prostrates in front of Thevar and gets up.

Gurusamy

Thevar Perumane! If I accept the properties as per your verdict, there will be no difference between me and my brother. He has ensured my sustenance by providing food twice daily all these years... had my father been alive till today, perhaps he would have divided the property evenly among us... I therefore request you to revise your verdict to grant equal share of the property between us.

The people loudly cheer and applaud the greatness of Gurusamy. Veerachchamy runs to huis brother, hugs him and cries aloud.

Veerachchamy (weeping)

 I was blinded by arrogance all along! I have done lot of harm to my father and my brother. I have realised now how much affection they have for me! 

Thevar

 I commend Gurusamy for showing to the world a perfect example of brotherly love. I revise my verdict that the property be divided equally among the two as per his wish.

The people display their happiness by giving a loud round of applause and loud cheering.

    ******

 After the village elder finishes the narrative..

 Mannar

 Aaha! An incredible judgment!  I want to meet Arunmozhi Thevar... Please take me to him.

The village elder takes both of  them to Arunmozhi Thevar . The villagers follow them.

    *****

Thevar’s bungalow.....

Thevar is seated in the courtyard of the house. He comes out  of his house hearing people’s commotion outside.

The Village Elder

 Thevar Ayya! These two are travelers. There here to take   rest for some time and then go away.   They are here as they desire to meet you...

 Thevar welcomes them and offers them seats. He also takes his seat.

Thevar (addressing the mannar)

Ayya! May I know who you are? Form where you have come?

Mannar (with a pleasant smile)

 I am Anabhaya Chozhan... the king of this country!

 Thevar gets up with a jerk on hearing it and bows to Mannar.

The Village Elder cries out aloud,”Mannar Anabhaya Chozhar” and the people hail him and bow to him respectfully.

Mannar

Arunmozhi Thevare! I heard about the judgment you delivered. Your sharp analytical mind and judging skills have greatly impressed me! From now on, you will be hailed as Uththama Chozha Pallavarayar!

The Village Elder cries out aloud, “Uththama Chozha Pallavarayar” and the people hail him cheerfully.

Mannar 

Pallavarayare! I invite you to take over the duties of a minister for giving me proper advice on all matters.

Thevar accepts the request as orders of the Mannar. People congratulate him with loud cheers.

    *****

On a new moon day...

It is already getting dark..... Mannar Anabhaya Chozhar is seated in the Vasantha Mantapam.  Arunmozhi Thevar is seated next to him. Balaravayar is standing behind him at a distance...  The relatives of the king are seated in rows behind. All eyes are on the screen covering the stage in front of them. People are busy arranging things behind the screen.

The blowing of conch is heard and everyone including the Mannar get up from their seats and stand respectfully. Thevar also stands up and assumes that some one of importance must be coming as the mannar himself is standing up. Eight Jain monks reach there. Mannar bows to them. The head monk, with the peacock feather, brushes the right and left side of the king and raises his right hand blessing the king. On seeing Thevar he raises his eyebrows as if to question his identity!

Mannar (introducing Thevar)

Maha Guru! This is Arunmozhi Thevar. He is a learned man from Kunraththur..  He is very well versed in law and an expert judge. I have given him the title of Uththama Chozha Pallavarayar! He has taken the responsibilities of a minister to advice us on all matters of administration.

Maha Guru (giving a scornful look questions Thevar)

Who are you?  

 Thevar gets perplexed.

 Maha Guru (seeing his confused look – angrily)

 To what caste out of the four, you belong to?

Mannar (embarrassed)

Whatever he is... He is a great scholar..  Very upright and honest...

Maha Guru gives a scorching look at the Mannar for intervening.

Thevar

I belong to Velalar caste... We have the right to give brides to and get bridegrooms from the Chozha kings.

Maha guru heaves a sigh of relief on hearing this.

Maha Guru

A great relief! Had you belong to the first of the four castes, I would have needed to undergo severe austerities as evden hearing their caste or seeing them are sacrileges for us.

Let us witness some scenes from Jeevaka Chintamani, a great epic of Samanars.

All of them take their seats after Maha Guru takes his seat.

Thevar (to himself)

What is this paradox? How have I taken the responsibilities of a Minister without knowing that the Mannar is a Samanar? Is it ordained for me by Easan? 

 The screen gets pulled up and the drama starts and many scenes from the epic are presented with great fanfare. Thevar is flummoxed by the way the scenes are presented as if they are real life happenings in front of them.

At the end of the drama, the mannar gets up and wishes the monks who take leave. All others bow to the Mannar and leave the mantapam. Mannar and Thevar are alone and it is getting very late.

Thevar (feeling hungry)

I suppose the Mannar is not getting late for his supper!

Thevar gets confused when Mannar laughs aloud on hearing this.

Mannar

We all have our food before sunset. I suppose you haven’t had any food.

He summons a guard   gives him some order. After he leaves...

Mannar

 How was the drama?

Thevar

 I have not seen such settings and performance in my life before! They were very life like and impressive.

Mannar

I am not impressed as I am used to seeing these repeatedly.

Thevar

You could have asked for something new if you had seen this drama before!

Mannar

 Are there other dramas also? I am not aware of it!

Thevar gives a surprised look without giving any reply.

Mannar (continues)

I have been seeing only Jeevaka Chintamani for the past twenty years! The same scenes... The same dialogues... Only the actors keep changing... These are all arranged by Maha Guru.... Drama will be staged invariably on all full moon and new moon days! I am fascinated by the drama on Jeevaka Chintamani as it has left a deep impression right from my child hood. However I am very keen to see the history of other kings also through the medium of drama. What we need to do for that?

At that very instant, the guard brings some fruits and keeps them there. Thevar is surprised to see the fruits.

Mannar

 I can understand your astonishment! At this time, there will be no cooked-food available. That is why I asked him to bring the fruits.

 After Thevar eats a plantain...

Mannar 

Are there any other new dramas? Which kings they portray?

Thevar

Why only kings? There are plenty of them portraying even common people!

Mannar (surprised)

Do you mean to say that even commoners are depicted as heroes?

Thevar

There are many common people who have been elevated to the status of Nayanmars by Iraivan due to their noble deeds. Iraivan has ordained that whosoever worships Him must worship them also. That is why their idols are installed on the right side of Easan. What is curious in this? Iraivan, who has no form or figure for Himself, has ordered that the figures of the Nayanmars belonging to all the four castes be installed in His shrine!

Mannar (confused)

We do not accept that there is someone called Iraivan as existing! That is why we do not acknowledge the Vedas which are supposed to have been given by him.  We also do not have the four castes as given by the Vedas.

Thevar laughs aloud to the surprise of the king.

Thevar

Please pardon me for the laugh I let out...  Even after seeing the entire universe, the Samanars do not believe its creator. They are like blind men who deny the existence of sun as they cannot see it! There has to be an origin from which the universe has evolved... Nothing can come out of nothing! That origin is primordial! That is Iraivan! He is one! But at the same time, he takes many forms in different countries by which he is worshipped by people... Even his servitors are worshipped by the people! Is it proper for a king like you to accept the beliefs of Samanars who have hidden all these historical facts? Iraivan exists!

He is encompassing the people of all the four castes without any distinction and protects them.  A lot of truth has been hidden from you all these years. The historical facts can never be concealed forever.... They will come to light at some time or the other...

Mannar

Your conviction raises a lot of questions in my mind. If there are historical proofs, please narrate them to me.

Arunmozhi Thevar then goes on to narrate the story of Sundaramurthy Nayanar when he composed Thiruththondar Thogai. He sings all the songs narrating the glory of the sixty three Nayanmars.

Mannar (exhilarated)

Aaha! These are soul stirring songs! Like we have composed the life story of our king Jeevakan through songs to last forever, you also compose songs narrating the stories of the Nayanmars so that they become immortal.

Thevar (bewildered)

Am I capable of it?

Mannar

When I saw you first, I had a premonition that you would be doing extraordinary things.... Your knowledge and wisdom will enable you to compose songs! Like Thiruththakka Thevar titled his composition on our king as Jeevaka Chintamani, you title your work on the history of Nayanmars as Thondarpurnam...  

Thevar

Let your order be as if it is that of my Easan! Your ancestor Abhaya Kulasekara Chozhar has got eleven Saiva Thirumurais imprinted in copper plates with the help of Nambiandar Nambi and handed them over to the temple at Thillai... Let us go there and get those copper inscriptions and start composing the history of Nayanmars with the blessings of Easan Nataraja Peruman...

Mannar

Let us start immediately to Thillai and commence the noble work like our ancestors.

Mannar, Thevar and his brother Balaravayar make haste to Thillai.

     ********

Thillai....

 There is hectic activity on hearing that the king is coming there with his minister..... All the three thousand Thillaivazh Anthanars, the learned, the pious and others are awaiting their arrival. The mannar as he reaches there with Thevar is given the most fitting ceremonial welcome with beautiful   chanting of Veda mantras. The Mannar is enchanted and loses himself totally on hearing the mantras for the first ever time in his life! They are lead inside the temple to the accompaniment of Nadaswaram. In the sannathi, Mannar is enthralled by the beauty of Nataraja Peruman. The Head Anthanar comes there with a golden plate with the copper plates kept on it. 

The Head Anthanar (handing over the plate)

Manna! Here are the copper plates of the eleven Thirumurais gifted by your ancestor Abhaya Kulasekara Chozhar.

 Mannar receives it and hands it over to Arunmozhi Thevar who accepts it with great reverence. He looks up at Easan and tears well up in his eyes out of veneration.

Thevar (pleading to Easan)

 You made your friend to compose his first Thevaram by prompting him with the word “Piththa”. Again you gave the first words “Thillaivazh Anthanar” to help him compose Thiruththondar Thogai.  

 Please bless me also by prompting me with the first words for composing the Thondar Puranam..

The sannathi suddenly radiates with a bright light for everyone to see. A divine voice is also heard.

The Divine Voice  

Adiyavare! Compose the Thondar Puranam with the word “Ulagelam” (in the Entire world) to occur in the beginning, the middle and at the end!

You will be henceforth called Sekkizhar as you are Sevur Kizhar ! Your name and the name of Anabhaya Chozhan who conveyed My command for composing Thondar Puranam to you, will live forever.

 Easan dangles His anklet loudly so that everyone could hear!  Going raptures, everyone shouts “Om Namasivaya” repeatedly. There is exhilaration all round...

Anabhaya Chozhar

Sekkizhar Perumane! I have realised that there is someone called Iraivan and the four Vedas are His gifts to us because of your effort.

 He prostrates in front of Nataraja Peruman and stands up bowing to Him. He smears the Thiruneeru received from the Sivachchariyar on his forehead with great reverence. The temple bells toll resoundingly as if to convey the happiness of his subjects for his home coming!

    ******

The Thousand Pillared mantapam of the temple....

Sekkizhar Peruman is seated in the centre wearing a rudrakshamala around his neck and sporting thiruneeru on his forehead. The king Anabhaya Chozhan is seated in front of him.  The mantapam is filled with the heads of various temples have come from far and wide, learned judges, elders and other men of letters. The composition of Thondar Puranam is slated to start. Sekkizhar composes the first song starting with “Ulagelam” as the first word as told by Iraivan. As he keeps singing the songs one after another, scribes write them on to copper leaves. Days pass by.

The mantapam is packed to capacity being the concluding day of the composition of Thondar Puranam. Sekkizhar concludes the last song with the last word “Ulagelam” as ordained by Iraivan to a standing ovation of the assembly.

One of the learned men

It is really great that the epics of the Adiyavars have been narrated by way of songs so that it is known and understood by people around the world. It is indeed a huge effort. It is therefore fitting to call this compilation as Periapuranam (Great Epic) rather than Thondar Puranam (Epics of adiyavars). This assembly also accepts Periapuranam as the twelfth Thirumurai.

There is a shower of flowers from the heavens. The copper plates on which the Periapuranam is transcribed is placed on a golden plate and covered with silken cloth.   Seated on the howdah of an elephant, Sekkizhar keeps the golden plate on his lap.  The people walk along with their hands raised above their heads in reverence seeing a rare sight of the king sitting behind Sekkizhar fanning him. The elephant goes around the four streets of Thillai as a procession. Sekkizhar and Anabhaya Chozhan then enter the temple. Sekkizhar peruman keeps the golden plate at the feet of Nataraja Peruman in the sannathi reverently.

The clanking of the anklet of Easan is heard as a token of His approval!

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Thirukailayam..

Nandi

I am really delighted to hear that the king fanned Sekkizhar! It only proves the adage that learned people are respected wherever they go and wise people are honoured wherever they are!

Naradar seeks permission to leave.

Nandi

Well! Well! You made fun of me saying that I could be proficient even in arithmetic! Nayanmars are supposed to be sixty three in number... How come Periapuranam says there are seventy two  of them?

Naradar laughs aloud and Nandi goes crestfallen!

Naradar (quickly)  

Nandiyare! Pardon me for making you dejected! Your question is very valid! From Thiruneelakantar to Isaigyaniyar there are only sixty three of them. They are individual Nayanmars. The count of seventy two is also justified... The extra nine Nayanmars are called “Thogai” that is group of Nayanmars. They comprise of more than one individual. Thillaivazh Anthanar, the poets who are not subservient to any one, the singers who sing only on Easan, those who focus their thoughts on Easan alone always, those who are born in Thiruvarur, those who touch to decorate Easan three times a day, the saints who smear their whole body with thiruneeru and those who attain the holy feet of Easan are the nine groups of people... It is what is told in Sri Rudram also. Everyone who has seevan is Sivan! It connotes the towering ideal that everyone is fit to be revered!

Nandi (sadly)

How come, they have left me out?

Naradar (confused)

Who has left you out?

Nandi

 I mean Sundaramoorthiyar, Nambiandar Nambi and Sekkizhar did include my name in the list of Nayanmars. Had they done so, it would have been sixty four Nayanmars! 

For the first time Naradar gets confused and blinks!

Nandi

What? Naradare! Have I confused you? It was I who was born as Manikkavachakar at Thiruvadavur!  How is that, those who have agreed to include the Thiruvachakam as the eighth Thirumurai , left out  its author Manikkavachakar in the list of Nayanmars? Though he is recognised as one of the four great saints along with Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar, he is not one among the sixty three Nayanmars. The other three had not mentioned of him in any of their compositions. Likewise Manikkavachakar also does not mention about these three in any of his songs!  This is acceptable since the three of them belong to a much later era than Manikkavachakar. What is surprising is how come none of the three ever mentioned about Manikkavachakar though they mention about each other in their compositions. There is also no mention of Manikkavachakar in any of the Thevaram compositions. This doubt of mine is persisting with me for a long time. Only you can reason it out!

 Naradar (looking at him intently and speaking softly)

Nandiyare!  You know I am Naradar. But do you know which one of the erstwhile Naradars am I? 

Unable to answer his question Nandi remains silent.

Naradar

I myself do not know which one of the many Naradars I am!

This is my answer to your question also!

Nandi

I asked something else.   The answer has no connection at all to my query! You are supposed to know the past, present and the future as a Trikalagyani! Is there anything unknowable by you?

Naradar

It is true! I have the power to know about the present, past and future of this present Kalpam only. At times, even I am unaware of many things. For example I am not aware of many lingams that lie buried in various parts of the world and sprout from time to time. After I see that Siva lingam, I am able to know about its past, present and future. But I have no clue about them before.

We know that Iraivan gave to the world the four Vedas at the time he created this universe.  We also know that as Guru Baghavan, He has dictated the Vedas to the four Munivars headed by Sanakar.   It is also said that it is Brahma who recited the Vedas to sage Vyasar and it was he who subdivided them into four parts...   He was called Veda Vyasar because of his work... There is also conflicting information. That is... Vyasar divided the Vedas taught to him by Brahma into only   Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas.  Only later on sage Atharvanar created the fourth Atharvana Veda. It is also said that Paramatma with the head of a horse taught the Vedas to Brahma.  In the Yajur Veda it is stated that He took the form of a swan  and recited the Vedas to Brahma....

Nandi 

 All these are contradicting with one another! Which is the correct one?

Naradar

There is no contradiction...  All of them are correct!

Nandi

Can you please explain?

Naradar

In the cycle of Yugas, each of them will recur in turn.. The events in those Yugas will also recur... The creations of the universe and its destruction through Pralaya have been recurring through each Kalpam. Every beginning has an end and every end gives rise to a new beginning! So the events would also return ... This is what Yajur Veda says.  But a question arises! Will the Jivans who attained Mukti also return to earth and undertake the same work? The answer is this. The Jivans who attained Mukti need not return but can’t other Jivans come in their place?

He looks at Nandi who remains confused even more!

Naradar

I will narrate some events to make it clear to you.    The time of Ramayanam.... After Hanuman informs Rama of his finding of Sita in Lanka, Rama is highly pleased.  Proud of his achievement, hanuman feels that there is none who can equal him. Rama calls him and gives him a small receptacle of kunkumam and asks him to drop it in a nearby well cautioning him not to look inside the well while dropping it or afterwards. Hanuman does as told and walks back. But curious to know the reason as to why Rama told him not to look inside the well; he goes back to the well and looks inside. 

Nandi (unable to contain his curiosity)

What was there in the well?

Naradar 

There were many kunkumam receptacles exactly like the one he dropped!

Nandi lets out a heave of surprise! 

Naradar

Yes! Nandiyare! This instance alone is sufficient to prove that the Yugas and the events there in keep repeating! It is also the reason why that places trodden by Rama is spread throughout the world. This also brings the answer to the question as to which of the Naradars I am at present! That question can never be answered!

As the events happened at different periods of time, it is possible that the three great saints did not mention about Manikkavachakar and vice versa.

Nandi

Aaha! You have answered many of the questions for which I was unable to find answers. I have one more question which is troubling my mind ... that is about our Easan...

Naradar (interrupting him)

Nandiyare! How can you harbour such a doubt? Easan is one! At the same time He is many! He is the one who creates, preserves and destroys the universe.  He is the destroyer and hence He cannot be destroyed! Only the One  who could not be destroyed can create Pralayam  to destroy everything! Only He can recreate the entire Universe! The daily events that are happening are the same that are repeated in each of the Kalpam.  The Syllable Si in Sivam denotes Sat, the syllable Va denotes Chit and the syllable M denotes Anandam.  Sivam alone is therefore Satchitanandam. Siam alone is Om!

Naradar bows to Easan and prepares to leave. Nandi again stops him.

Nandi

Naradare! You are trying to leave without telling anything about me.  Which of Nandis am I?

Naradar (with a mischievous look)

As per Thirumoolar, you are the second Nandi.

As he tries to leave, Nandi bars his way to prevent him from going.

Nandi (perturbed)

If I am the second one, tell me who is the first one?

Naradar laughs aloud seeing the perturbed Nandi who, infuriated by his laughter gives an angry look.

Naradar

Calm down! The first Nandi is none other than Emperuman Easan!

Relishing the bewildered look of Nandi, Naradar vanishes in the sky shouting aloud “Om Nama Sivaya”.

There is a loud eruption of laughter!. Easan is laughing aloud in the Sannathi!

Tiruchchitrambalam