2
Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar
Kodungalur….
The palace of Cheraman is sporting a festive look celebrating the
arrival of Sundaranar…
The reunion of the two friends after a long separation makes everyone
exhilarated….
Both of them are in separable in all of their activities from dawn to
dusk….
One day, as usual, both of them wake up early and get ready for going
for their bath…
Sundaranar
Cheraman
Perumale! You have your bath here itself
and carry on with your routine and puja. I will go to Tiruvanjaikalam and take
my bath in the temple tank and do my darisanam of Easan there.
Cheraman Perumal
Why will you go to
Tiruvanjaikalam alone, leaving me here?
Sundaranar
Cherane! I am perturbed that
you are spending all your time with me neglecting your work administering your
kingdom. It is improper for a king to
neglect his royal duties…. I think the time has come for me to go away…
Therefore please let me go…
Cheraman Perumal
Adiyavare! What is this? Will the man who plants the trees ever forget
to water them? The administrative works of the kingdom will carry on their
own. But will I remain alive if you go
away from me?
Sundaranar
(agitated)
Cherane! Do not speak like this. I will return from Tiruvanjaikalam
after the darisanam of Easan…
He walks away….
Sundaranar (to
himself)
Who can know the ways of Easan?
*****
Tiruvanjaikalam….
Sundaranar takes a dip in the pond … He hears someone calling “Nanba” (friend)….
He lifts his head out of water and looks around. Finding no one, he takes
another dip in the pond and again hears someone hailing him as before. Perplexed to find no one around, he realises
that it is none but Easan who has been calling him.
Sundaranar
Emperumane! Is that You who
called me out?
Easan
Yes! My friend! How long can I stay on without your company? I have sent ‘Iravatham’ to fetch you. Please
mount it and reach My abode!
Obeying the command of Easan, Sundaranar comes out of the pond and
sees the Iravatham waiting for him on the shore. Paying his respects to the
heavenly elephant, he climbs on its back. Iravatam starts flying towards
Kailayam…. On the way he recollects the promise made to Cheraman Perumal that
he would return and becomes morose….
At the same time, the Royal steed at Kodungalur goes to the king
The Royal steed
Oh! King! The adiyavar who you revere is going somewhere by flying in
the sky on a white coloured elephant!
Cheraman, without wasting a second, mounts the horse and chants the
Panchaksharam, “Sivaya Nama” twice. The horse now gets two wings on its sides
and it starts climbing up and flying in the air chasing the Iravatham. In a short while, he overtakes Iravatham and
goes around it bowing to Sundaranar. All
of them reach the entrance of Kailayam.
The gatekeeper stops them and both of them dismount…
The gatekeeper (bowing to them)
The gatekeeper (bowing to them)
A thousand salutations to both of you!
I can permit only Sundaramoorthiyar to go inside. Perumal Nayanar has no
permission to enter inside…
Sundaranar
(distressed)
Nanbare! I will go inside and prostrate at the feet of Easan. I will
obtain his approval for your entry also.
He enters Kailayam and goes into unbound raptures on seeing Easan. He
falls on His feet and hails
Cheraman Perumal to come inside and join him. He runs inside and prostrates at the feet of
Easan.
Easan laughs…
Easan (looking at
Cheraman Perumal lovingly as if He is ignorant of the goings on)
Cheraman Nayanare! Why did you
come when I have not summoned you?
Cheraman Perumal
(highly perturbed as if he has committed a grievous sin and catching hold of
Easan’s divine feet)
Emperumane! Have mercy and kindly pardon this insignificant soul! As
my body, mind and soul were bowing to and following Sundaranar I was not even
aware that I was coming to Kailayam. I am blessed by Your divine grace of being
in Your presence!
Sundaranar realises that this a deliberate ‘drama’ enacted by Easan to
shower His divine grace on his friend Cheraman Perumal.
Easan (blessing
him)
Cherane! You have been taking
care of my adiyars and hence you become my friend. From now on you will be the
Chief of all my attendants.
Cheraman Perumal
(bowing to Easan)
Emperumane! I seek your
permission to sing “ThirukkayilayaThiruvula” in Your divine presence.
On getting Easan’s approval, Cheraman Perumal starts to sing. All the Devas assemble there to hear his
song. After he concludes his singing, all of them disburse from Kailayam. Easan
is seated in contemplation. Naradar
reaches there and bows to Easan.
Easan (to Naradar)
What is the matter? You look
harried! It appears that you are here in search of something!
Naradar
I witnessed your divine sport of blessing Cheraman Perumal! I have a
doubt in this whole episode! I came here to get it clarified by Your benign
grace!
Easan (with a mild
laugh and lovingly)
Go ahead! Speak up! What is your doubt?
Naradar
You dispatched Iravatham to fetch Sundaranar here. There is nothing peculiar in that. But You
ignored his friend Cheran Perumal and did not send any means for his
transport. He had to chant the
Panchaksharam in the ear of his horse to make it fly. Have you not been impartial to your adiyars?
Why this bias? Why would send Iravatham for one adiyavar and leave
other one in the lurch?
Easan
All right! You get a horse here and chant Panchaksharam in its ears.
Let us see what happens!
Naradar gets a horse there and chants ‘Sivaya Nama... Sivaya Nama’ in
its ear. The horse remains as it
is. He goes around the horse and finds
there are no wings sprouting from its body.
Naradar (realising
his folly, joins his palms and raises his hands above his head in supplication)
Emperumane! You must kindly
pardon me for my impertinence. I have understood that not even an atom in this
universe can stir without the will of Easan.
He bows to Easan begging His leave. Soon he reaches the gates where he
is met and welcomed by Nandi.
Nandi (jokingly)
Naradare! I saw a horse going
inside! Could it fly?
Naradar feels snubbed ...
Nandi (pacifying
him)
Have I hurt your feelings? Please pardon me...
At that very moment a radiant light appears at a distance...Both of them gaze at that radiant light.
Easan’s voice
Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanare! Welcome! I am pleased by your actions.
Your name and fame will remain forever. Whosoever worships Me will worship you
as well.
Nandiyare! Naradare! Accord proper reception to adiyavar and bring him
to Me.
Naradar and Nandi bow and adiyavar emerges from that radiant light
source. Adiyavar bows to Nandi and Naradar.
The attendants of Annai welcome the adiyavar with great fanfare
carrying ‘Purnakumbha kalasam”. To the
accompaniment of chanting of Veda mantras by the Saptarishis, Nandiyar leads the adiyavar … The divine damsels
shower flower petals all along their path. Soon they reach the Sannadhi of
Iraivan. The adiyavar prostrates in front of Easan and gets up.
Adiyavar (overcome
by emotion with his eyes going moist)
I have only heard about the reception accorded to Your friend at
Thiruvarur. I have now seen it practically here… As an insignificant adiyavar,
do I deserve such a grand reception?
Iraivan (with a
mild laugh)
Sundaramoorthiyar is your friend and he is My friend! Therefore don’t
you become My friend as a corollary?
Adiyavar (bowing to
Easan)
Who knows the will of Easan?
Nandi looks at Naradar. Naradar, it appears , is trying to control his
laughter.
Come on! Let us go.
Adiyavar leaves with Nandi after bowing to Easan again. Naradar also
accompanies them. Nandi notices a certain anxiety in Adiyavar.
Nandi (to adiyavar)
I wonder why you are looking a little anxious!
Adiyavar
Sundarmoorthiyar is going to see me for the first time. I am nervous
as to how our meeting will be!
Nandi gets so much perplexed on hearing this, that he is unable take a
step further. Adiyavar is
astonished on seeing the condition of Nandi and Naradar takes adiyavar
further to Sundaramoorthiyar.
******
After Naradar returns …
Nandi
What did Easan say to adiyavar? He said,“Sundaramoorthiyar is your
friend and he is My friend! Therefore you become My friend.” But adiyavar says
that he has never met him before and he is going to see him for the first time
now! I am unable to understand anything.
You are a knower of the past, present and future. Only you can explain and
clear my doubts.
Naradar contemplates for awhile and the past incidents flash in his
mind… He narrates the past events as they unfold in his mind…
*******
Perumizhalai…
A huge coconut grove around the temple of Easan…. A wide pathway with
a canopy of leafy branches on both sides for the people to walk in… A water
channel meanders with a gentle rhythmic sound
irrigating the coconut palms… The buzzing of bumble bees adds to the
music… Relishing these sights and sound, a group of ten adiyavars are walking
along…
Adiyavar 1
We are going at an odd time… Will there be any food left for us?
Adiyavar 2
We have been walking for quiet long. I wonder how much more we have to
cover.
Adiyavar 3
Do not despair. We will reach
there in a moment... Look there.
They all see a ‘pandal’ made
of coconut frond just ahead of them. On seeing the group of adiyavars, two
people come out running from inside and bow to them.
Adiyavar 3
It is long past noon. Very soon
it will be sunset. Can we get some food
to eat?
The First man
Adiyare! By the time you refresh yourself, hot food will be ready to
be served. Please come along. Let us go to the nearby well.
He guides them to the well. Drawing water from the well he pours them
at the feet of adiyavars. The adiyavars feel refreshed after washing their
faces.
Adiyavar 4 (
looking at the second man)
Adiyavare! May I know who you
are?
The Second man
This insignificant body goes by the name of Kurumbanar..
On hearing this everyone is taken aback.
Adiyavar 3
Aren’t you then the king of Perumizhalai?
Adiyavar 6 (surprised)
Don’t they also call you as ‘Siddhar Swamy’?
Adiyavar 7
People claim that you are more than four hundred years old… Is that
true?
Adiyavar 1 (in a frightened
tone)
They say that you are always in a state of ‘Samadhi’.
Kurumbanar laughs aloud and asks them to follow him without answering
any of their questions. The ten adiyavars follow him and reach the pandal.
There are around a hundred young men stationed there . They all bow to
Kurumbanar as he reaches there.
Kurumbanar (looking
at the adiyavars)
All these youngsters are my disciples. First you all have your food… I
will answer all your questions after that…
His disciples place mats for the adiyavars to sit
and they are served delicious food served piping hot..
Taking a little rest for a while after finishing
their meal, the adiyavars get ready to leave after blessing the disciples of
Kurumbanar for their devotion in looking after them. They come to Kurumbanar to
bid farewell.
Adiyavar 3
We will always cherish the way we were welcomed
here and fed. I want to convey our heartfelt thanks and seek your permission to depart.
Kurumbanar
Would you not like to know the answers to your
questions?
The adiyavars look at him without giving any
replies.
Kurumbanar
I will answer all your questions now…
Your first question was whether I am the
Chieftain of Perumizhalai. In fact I must ask you whether or not I am a
chieftain. The immense wealth that I have actually belongs to all adiyavars
alone! That is used only for feeding
them and looking after their welfare. Food will always be found ready and hot
for them.
Your next query was as to why people call me as
‘Siddhar swamy’? Honestly, I don’t
know the answer for this question. Your
third question was whether I am actually more than four hundred years old. I do
not know when I was born. I don’t even know who my parents are… I don’t even
know to which caste out of the four, I belong to… A long time ago I had been to
Thiruvarur. There after taking a bath in the sacred pond of Kamalalyam, I got
up and bowed to Easan…. That is the only thing that I recall.. Afterwards for
years, I have been taking bath in that pond and having the darisanam of Easan without
batting my eyelids….
Once after taking a dip in the pond, a voice was
heard calling me out as I arose. I looked around and saw no one around. I could not make out as to who called me. As
I was climbing the steps of the pond, the same voice was heard again addressing
me, ‘Kurumba! You have been keeping Me
in your heart all these years forgetting everything else. What do you seek from
Me?’ I realised that it was none other than Easan Thyagesar Himself, who
addressed me. I bowed to Easan and requested Him to kindly indicate a suitable
‘Guru’ for me. I got confused when I heard a merry laughter in response rather
than a reply. The divine asked me, ‘Why are you seeking a guru?’ I replied that only a Guru could show his
disciple the path to salvation. I heard
again the same laughter of Easan even louder than before…. His divine voice
continued, ‘Only My Sundaran will be able to show you the way for your
salvation. I will introduce him to you
at appropriate time. You wait until then.’
I was wondering as to what should I do till that
time. I heard a group of adiyavars entering the temple chanting loudly and
repeatedly the Panchakshara mantram.
From that very instant, the Panchaksharam became my prana (life air). I
resolved at that very moment that service to adiyavars would be the only aim of
my life and reached Perumizhalai. I have been feeding adiyavars and serving
them ever since. I do not even know whether I have ever sat down closing my
eyes even for a moment ever! So I
cannot correctly answer your question as to how old I am. Coming to the fourth
question….. What was that? Could anyone
please repeat?
Adiyavar 1
We were told that you are always in a state of
‘Samadhi’. Is that true?
Kurumbanar
It is true… Only a few days ago, I rose from the
state of Samadhi and opened my eyes. … These disciples were seated in front of
me.
He points to his disciples assembled there.
Kurumbanar
(continuing)
I do not recognize any of them….
Adiyavar 1
How is that you
cannot recognize your own disciples?
Kurumbanar
(continuing)
When I opened my
eyes, I could not actually recognize any of them… What they told me later made
me even puzzled… They said they are descendants of my original disciples when I
entered Samadhi…. They also said that belong to the twelfth generation of my
original disciples…
The adiyavar who
posed question was so much shocked on hearing this that he swoons. The others help him regain his composure and
all the adiyavars take leave of Kurumbanar..
On their way…
Adiyavar 1
Why did Easan
laughed twice while speaking to Kurumbanar?
Adiyavar 3
What did the divine
voice ask? Divine voice asked Kurumbanar
what he wanted to seek. Kurumbanar recognized that it was Easan’s voice and he
bowed to Easan and asked Him to kindly show him a suitable guru for him.
Iraivan laughed on hearing this… Why? Easan Himself is the Lord... He is the
supreme Guru… When Kurumbanar did not
realise that and requested Him to show him a Guru, Easan laughed at his
ignorance. When Kurumbanar got confused as to why Easan was laughing at his
request, Easan asked him as to why he was searching for a Guru. When Kurumbanar
replied that only a Guru could show his disciple the path for salvation, Easan
laughed again aloud for the second time. Why?
If Kurumbanar requested Easan to grant him salvation, Easan would have
granted that wish at that very instant… Instead of that, his request to Easan
to show him a Guru through whom he wanted to obtain salvation is a laughable
round-about way. That is why Easan laughed!
*******
The next day …early
morning …
All the disciples
are waiting for the sun to rise…
Kurumbanar
Disciples! I am now going to teach you how to perform
‘Suryanamaskaram’. I will tell you the benefits of doing this in proper way
afterwards. In a few moments the rays of the sun will emerge and touch the
earth… There are twelve steps or stages of Yoga in the performance of this. The
method involves performing these steps in proper sequence and returning to the
starting point. .. Now observe me doing these steps carefully… Then you can
also do them like wise…
The sun rises and
Kurumbanar looks ahead in the direction of the sun and demonstrates performance
of Suryanamaskaram about ten times. The disciples repeat the procedure and
Kurumbanar guides them in their performance, correcting their postures where
necessary…. The training goes on ….
*******
Later that day …
after their meals…
Guru is seated in
front of his disciples…
Kurumbanar – Guru
Today I taught you
how to do Suryanamaskaram as a physical exercise. There are basically only six
poses.. They have to be done in twelve steps… Tomorrow, I am going to teach you
the breathing technique during each
of these steps. Now you may clarify any
of your doubts…
Disciple 1
There is a saying
‘What is the use of doing Suryanamaskaram after loss of eye sight?” This
implies that there is some connection between Suryanamaskaram and eyes sight.
May we know what is the connection between the two?
Guru
The ‘eye’ in this
saying refers to the whole physical body. The saying implies that even people
who have neglected to care for their general health can benefit by performing
Suryanamaskaram… There is no direct connection between the condition of the
eyesight and performance of Suryanamaskaram… Had it been so, it would mean
blind people will not benefit by doing it which is not the case! When the rays
of the sun touch our body a host
of things happen inside…
People also
interpret the saying thus: “If one does
not appreciate the value of vision and light when he has perfect eye sight,
what is the use if he thinks about them when the eye sight is gone?”
Disciple 2
Suryan is a worshipful god for us. Is
Suryanamaskaram a method for
worshipping Suryan?
Guru
Suryanamaskaram is
the title of the Asana. It is not a form of worship at all… Suryan is an
identity of this cosmos… To ensure that the energy of the cosmos reaches our
body, we raise both our hands above the head … The chakras in our palms absorb
the energy from the sun rays and transmit to our inner body… Even atheists perform Suryanamaskaram as a healthy
exercise… This exercise has stupendous medical benefits for the practitioners…
There is a big
truth hidden here… When we do this by facing the sun at the time of sun rise,
all toxins in the body are expelled thereby making the physique to remains ever
young.
There are many who
do not see the sun ever… There are places where the sun rays do not touch their
bodies ever…. Even they can benefit by performing Suryanamaskaram and keep
their bodies in trim. Suryanamaskaram
synchronises the body and life air or Prana and make the practitioner an
achiever. Suryanamaskaram is the first step
in the study and learning of all other
yoga asanas.
Disciple 2
For how long one
has to practice Suryanamaskaram?
Guru
It must form part
of our daily routine. It requires very little time every day but it will make
one disease free for his life time. It extracts all the toxins in our body and
expels them as salt through sweat. The inhalation and exhalation of air through
our nose strengthens our muscle, nerves and bones… the blood flow will be
regulated optimally to make our body healthy… The unwanted fats are burnt and
the body weight remains steady.
Like Suryan is the
life giver for all the creatures in this universe, this asanam being a vital one for the body is named
appropriately after Suryan! Because
of the peculiar structure of their physique, the women are not advised to
perform some of the Yoga Aasanas as they would affect them adversely… But this
Suryanamaskaram can be performed by both men and women… This is another
peculiarity of this asana. But, one has to practice under the supervision of a
Guru and gain expertise before doing it independently… A wrong exercise may produce ill effects
rather than doing good to the body… The practice of asanas has to be handled
very carefully as if you handle a double edged sword!
Disciple 5
Should we undertake
such a dangerous asana which might produce ill effects as well?
Guru
Nothing is easy in
this world! Just because we get food to eat, we do not appreciate the labour of
the farmers who puts in tremendous efforts to produce the grains! The Yoga is eight fold. Hence it is called
Ashtanga Yoga! It is the first step to gain the Ashtamasiddhis! Only those who
are determined to achieve their goal may seek the help of a Guru to master
Yoga… Those who are having doubts about the benefits of yoga may leave this
place immediately….
No one stirs from
that place as they are afraid of being marked as unwilling to study yoga.
Guru
Why nobody wants to
leave?
Disciple 1
Guru Maharaj… We
have been waiting for you to wake up from your Yoganidra for the past twelve
generations… How can we leave you when we have seen with our own eyes that one
can remain alive for thousands of years through practicing Yoga? We are waiting
for you to teach us this rare art for eons. Suppose you have not awakened, we
and our progeny would be waiting for generations to come for you to wake up… Only
you can quench our thirst for the knowledge and skill of Yoga…
Saying this he bows
to Guru and sits down. Looking at all other disciples and discerning the same
eagerness in their countenance Kurumbanar is pleased….
*******
As the days roll on
… Kurumbanar is seated in his Ashramam facing his disciples seated in front of
him…
Guru
Today I am going to
tell you about Yoga Sastram We are going to discuss very important items… Let
the Thirumanthiram of Thirumoolar show us the way!
He closes his eyes
and prays to Thirumoolar. As he opens his eyes, a sudden glow radiates from his
body. Overwhelmed by the scene unfolding in front of their eyes, his disciples
bow to their Guru in great reverence.
Guru
Why did Paramatma
create Jivathmas? Many a great wise men are trying to find an answer for this
question … To my mind the only reason for Paramatma for creating them is for
the Jivathmas to realise Paramatma!
Disciple 1
They say that
Iraivan cannot be perceived even after arduous penance for many years by sages
and Devas…. If that is so will Jivathmas
ever perceive Paramathma?
Guru
As disclosed by our
elders, one can realise Paramathma through one of the three ways.
That you can
perceive Him in the form of Agni through Veda mantras is the Vedic way. The Tantric
way declares that you can perceive Him by worshipping His form as we see in the
temples. The third is the Yoga Yantra
way as enunciated by Thirumanthiram. The reason why even sages and Devas are
unable to realise Him in spite of thousands of years of arduous penance is
simply this. They are searching for Him in the outside realm without realising
that He resides within in them and in their very hearts! Because He has taken
His abode within our body in a unrecognizable formless state, Thirumoolar identifies
the human body with a temple!
Disciple 2
Does that imply
that Jivatmas can never realise Paramatma?
Guru
Why not? Is there
anything impossible to achieve through Yoga? None!
Disciple 3
Guru Maharaj! If
that is so, have you seen Iraivan?
Guru
No, I haven’t seen
Iraivan!
Disciple 4 (with surprise)
Could you not see
Him even when you were in a state of Samadhi?
Guru
Samadhi is a state
of profound equilibrium. It is a state of greatest exhilaration. To relinquish that state and come back to normal
is like losing great wealth from one’s hands.
The experience is inexplicable in words.
Only Iraivan’s grace can grant any one that vision to discern His form,
His Complexion and He Himself!
He closes his eyes
and proceeds to return to that state. He undergoes a new experience. His eyes
are closed. There is a bright radiance emanating from his face.
Guru (eyes closed)
Now I am flying in
the sky in my invisible form… An unknown force is pulling me … I see a village
at a distance… What is that place?....
Kurumbanar
continues…
******
Puththur…
A huge wedding
pandal decorated with flowers and pearls are erected in front of Sadangavi
Sivachchariyar’s house. The whole village is in very joyous mood to celebrate
the wedding of the foster son of their king, Narasingamunayar. The king
accompanied by his ministers and the bigwigs of the village are seated in the
pandal. As the bridegroom belongs to the
clan of ‘Aadi Saiva Sivachchariyars’, Yagakundam has been established and a
yagam is performed as per Vedic rites. The bride groom enters the pandal in
wedding finery, wearing a crown and sporting necklaces of all the nine types of
gems. He is wearing a silken veshti and angavastram with golden borders.
Sporting garlands of aromatic flowers, his body is also smeared with scents of
fine fragrance. He is lead to a slightly raised platform and seated there to
the accompaniment of auspicious instrumental music.
Praying to
Suriyanar, a string is tied around his wrist for protection and to ward off any
evil eye.
In a short while
the bride is also brought there.
All those assembled
are happy to see a beautiful and fitting match of the bride and the groom.
After praying to
Suriyanar a string is tied to her wrist also.
Now the playing of
musical instruments stop as the proceedings for the wedding ceremony is about
to start. Silence prevails…
Purohithar (in a commanding voice)
Let the parents of
the bride come forward!
The parents come
near them and bow to all the assembled people.
He then calls the parents
of the groom to come forward. They also come up.
Purohithar
Sadangavi
Sivachchariyar! Are you willing to do Kannigathanam of your daughter in
marriage to Aarooran, son of Sadayanar?
The Bride’s parents
Yes! We do!
He gives golden
pitcher filled with water to the wife of Sadangavi Sivachchariyar ..
Purohithar (addressing Sadangavi Sivachchariyar)
Please repeat , “
For our daughter to lead a prosperous
and splendid life and be faithful to her
husband ever, we hereby hand her over to this man, Nambi Aarooran, son of Sadayanar”.
The parents of the
bride place the palms of the bride over the palms of Aarooran while groom’s
parents holding their son’s hands as per the norms called for in accepting the
thanam (free gift) The mother brings up the pitcher of water and slants it up
and the father is about to direct the water on to the joined palms of the bride
and the groom.
Suddenly, there is
a loud and authoritative voice in the pandal, “Stop this marriage! You folks
who are assembled here must here me now”. Everyone looks in the direction of
the voice without a stir.
The mother of bride
stops her attempt to pour the water and the two parents look at the direction
where that command came from?
There…
Iraivan…..With his
forehead smeared with thiruneeru… sporting ear studs and a neck ring … with the muppurinool across his chest… a knee
length garland of rudraksham … an
angavastram swaying on his
shoulder… a white garment covering his waist…. an umbrella tucked in his
armpit… a bundle of darba grass clutched in his left palm… a walking stick to support his elderly frame
in his right hand…
Iraivan…. He stands in the garb of an very
aged Brahmin.
Aarooran looks at Him… Easan also looks at him. The
radiating brightness of Easan’s eyes blind Aarooran for a moment…
Purohithar(stunned by the radiant and gracious looks of Iraivan)
Oh! Great Brahmin!
We are blessed by your presence here. Please let us know the purpose of your
coming here. Please tell us whatever you want to say quickly. The marriage is
about to take place!
Easan (ordering)
Looking at Aarooran
seated majestically in all wedding finery…
Aaroora! You can
marry only after you conclude your obligation to Me and end the great dispute
between us.
Nambi Aarooran
Ye! Brahmin! I have
not seen you ever in my life… In what
way are we related? Still, if there is a dispute between us, let me settle it
first. Then I will marry!
He gets up. Totally perplexed all those assembled also
get up. The bride’s parents are dumbfounded.
Hanging her head down, the bride goes into tears. Even Annai Parvati at Kailayam is upset
seeing her condition.
Easan (looking at Aarooran)
Ye! Brahmins! Here
Me now! This man, Navalooran, is my slave. That is my case!
Taking it as a
joke, people who were a bit tense all
along laugh out loudly.
Aarooran (annoyed by the elderly man being laughed at because of the
Jenmajenmandra Bhandhan without even knowing it)
Anthanare! Please
stand aside. After the wedding ceremony is over, please bless us and take part
in the feast and eat to your heart’s content. You may then kindly leave .
On hearing this the
people laugh again annoying Easan.
Easan (in a threatening tone)
You are my slave.
Come with me this very moment without arguing with me.
Aarooran and the
assembled people lose their composure.
Aarooran (irritated)
Ayyare! I am not
your slave. You have mistaken me for somebody else and creating an unwarranted
brawl here.
Easan (in a commanding voice)
I am very well
aware of you, your parents Sadayanar and Isaigyaniyar as well as your
grandfather Aarooran. Do not play smart with me! You better get ready and accompany me this
very moment.
On hearing this
confident retort of the Brahmin, the entire assembly falls silent.
The king
Narasingamunaiyar who has been observing the goings on quietly addresses the
elderly Brahmin.
Mannar
Periyavare! What
proof you have to corroborate that Aarooran is your slave?
Easan
I have a “Allolai”, a document written on palm
leaf.
Mannar
What is meant by
“Allolai”?
Easan
It is a document
confirming the enslavement. When someone becomes a slave of another person, he
writes this document in palm leaf in his own hand agreeing to be his slave.
This is called “Allolai”.
Aarooran (gently laughing)
Anthanare! If you
have such a document in your possession, please show it here.
After enacting a
little drama like an old man, as if He is
searching for the palm leaf around his waist, Easan takes out a leaf
acting as if He is visibly relieved! He takes it close to His eyes as if He is
reading to verify its contents. He lifts that leaf above his head for everyone
to see.
Easan (looking at Aarooran)
Long time ago, this
“Allolai” was given by your grandfather. What is there for you to laugh at it?
As He again lifts
the palm leaf above for everyone to see, the assembly becomes silent.
Aarooran (stopping his laughter in an angry tone)
I have neither
heard nor seen of a Brahmin become a slave of another Brahmin. Are you a madcap? ( Piththano?) What makes you to come here and blabber all
this nonsense?
Easan ( in a firm tone)
Let Me become a
madcap (Piththan) ! Let Me also become a ghoul later on! I will not feel even if you call Me names! Alas! You have
still not recognised Me! Follow me
without any further arguments.
Aarooran
Please hand over
the “Allolai” if you have one. Let me see and ascertain the truth.
Aarooran extends
his hand to receive the palm leaf.
Easan
I am not a fool to
hand over that leaf to you since you are the affected party! Your job is only to slave under Me! You do
that! Let the assembled people see it!
So saying Easan
tries to hide the palm leaf from Aarooran.
Aarooran becomes furious and tries to grab the palm leaf from the old
Brahmin by force. The Brahmin runs here and there dodging Aarooran and in the
process dropping his umbrella and the bundle of grass on the floor. Soon
Aarooran catches up with Him. Grabbing and twisting His hand, he takes hold of
the palm leaf. Shouting that it is against the norms for a brahmin to be a
salve of another brahmin, he tears the palm leaf into pieces and throws them
away.
The king is visibly
upset by this act. Sadayanar, his father is also baffled by this audacious act
of his son. The assembled public is dumbfounded by this hasty act of Aarooran.
Easan
Hey! Do you think
that you can escape from Me by tearing the “Allolai”?
Easan catches hold
of him to make sure that Aarooran cannot move even an inch. Aarooran struggles
to extricate himself from His clutches.
Mannar (annoyed by all these commotion taking place in his presence
orders)
Aaroora! Stop your
struggle.
Aarooran stops his
struggle.
Mannar
Periyavare! Please
let him off!
Easan loses his
grip and lets him off half-heartedly.
Mannar
It is not in our
custom to enslave a brahmin under another brahmin. It is also an unacceptable practice. At the
same time, we are unable to ascertain the truth as the palm leaf has also been
destroyed. What we do now?
Easan
Ignoring the
established norms, Aarooran by grabbing the palm leaf by force from Me and
destroying it has accepted the authenticity of the palm leaf . He is my slave
for sure!
Easan (Looking at Aarooran)
Now you follow me quickly.
Aarooran (pleading to the assembled public)
That was a plain
palm leaf. There was nothing written in it…. Please do not believe this madcap.
He has brought a dummy palm leaf to
enslave me.
Mannar (addressing Easan in the garb of an elderly Brahmin)
You are contesting
an unheard of custom of this part of the world. Who are You? From where You
have come? Where do you stay?
Easan
Thiruvennainallur
is my town. People know me as Thiruvenkadar. My abode is the biggest in the
whole town. Please send Aarooran with me without any further hassles.
Aarooran (shouting)
Do You consider Yourself a great lawyer? Let me see that you contest whether it is
correct or not to enslave a brahmin in your town of Thiruvennainallur.
Easan
If you choose to contest
this case at Thiruvennainallur, I will prove that you are my slave in front of
the judges.
Easan walks out
slowly taking the support of the walking stick. Aarooran walks behind, with his
head bowed. The king, his parents, the bride with her parents and the public
who have gathered to attend the wedding ceremony all follow them. The news that
a peculiar unheard of case of brahmin claiming another brahmin as his slave is
going to be decided by the judges at Thiruvennainallur spreads like wild fire.
People from far and wide rush to Thiruvennainallur to witness the proceedings.
There...
In the Court of Justice...
A panel of five judges are seated on the platform...
The chamber is filled to the brim withonlookers jostling for space...
Easan, in the garb of old Brahmin reaches there. Aarooran follows Him
and stands in front of Him.
As the king enters the judges raise and pay their compliments to the
king. A throne is placed for king. After
the king takes his seat, the proceedings start...
The Chief Judge
You Nambi Aarooran who has come
to this court in wedding finery and You, the elderly Brahmin! Tell us what your dispute is?
Aarooran (fearing
that the old Brahmin may present His version first, comes up quickly and speaks)
Learned judges! Let me first narrate the events. From the day of my
birth till today, I have never met this man ... I do not know who he is ...
Today, just when I was about to marry, he entered the marriage venue and
claimed that I am his slave. All these days he has never shown his face and all
of a sudden on the day of my wedding, he came and stopped my marriage... The
bride and her parents are in tears as the wedding has been stopped and as they
do not know what will happen now, they are greatly anguished.
As he indicates them with his hand, the public feel great sympathy for
them and at the same time they look at the old Brahmin in anger and
disgust.
Aarooran
(continuing)
I pray that you find the truth and issue orders to let me off from his
clutches and conclude my marriage ceremonies.
Bowing to the judges he stands aside.
Easan
You ridiculed me whether I was a great lawyer earlier! But you have
earned the sympathy of all in no time!
Are you a great lawyer or Am I?
The Chief Judge
(reprovingly)
Anthanare! Stop unnecessary arguments and state only what your case
is. Before that, please state your name, your native place and where you
reside.
Easan
My name is Piththan! (Madcap)
The public is aghast and heave a sigh of surprise whether anyone could
have a name as Piththan.
Easan (continuing)
I belong to this very town of Thiruvennainallur! This biggest abode in
this town is Mine! For a long time I have been in the North and I returned only
yesterday. ... When I went in search of my slave Aarooran, I learnt that he has
gone to Puthur to get married... I therefore went there and found him in the
nick of time.... Otherwise, he would have already got married....
The Chief Judge
It is not in vogue that a Brahmin becomes a slave of another Brahmin.
What have to say for this?
Easan
When I was about to show the palm leaf proclaiming that he is my
slave, he forcibly snatched it from me and tore into pieces... The one he tore
is the “Allolai” written by his grandfather.
The Chief Judge
Aaroora! Is that true that you
tore of the palm leaf as told by this old man?
Aarooran
Yes! It is true that I tore off
the palm leaf. But there was nothing written in that... This madcap is bent on
making me his slave and enacting this drama with that aim only!
Easan (to Himself
with a wry smile)
My dear Aaroora! I am enacting
koothu every day in this entire
universe! Because of that many call me as kooththadi ! How naïve you
are in accusing Me of enacting this as
drama where as you only now acting as if you are innocent?
The Chief Judge
Aaroora! You have destroyed the evidence and therefore you have to
accept what this staggering old man says.
He then looks at Easan.
The Chief Judge
Periyavare! Is there any other evidence to prove that he is a slave of
yours?
Easan
Kindly tell me what other evidences I have to produce?
The Chief Judge
First
whatever you produce that is to be in an accepted norm of this court.
The second is the written agreement.
If there is no written agreement, two independent witnesses who can
corroborate what you say.
It will be sufficient even if you are able to produce any one of them.
Easan
I knew that Aarooran will come out with many tricks and complicate the
issue.... I showed him only a duplicate palm leaf... the original is safely with
me.
Looking at Aarooran, He gives a mischievous smile.
Aarooran is aghast and lets out a loud sigh.
The public are stunned by the
way the case is taking a turn.
The Chief Judge
If you have the evidence, show it immediately...
Easan
He has grabbed the one I showed earlier by force and destroyed it.
What is the guarantee that he will not do the same to the original leaf here
also?
The Chief Judge
Oh! Learned Brahmin! We will ensure that you will not come to any
harm. You can show the palm leaf without
any fear.
Easan searches for it as if He is not enthusiastic in producing it.
However he takes it out of his garment from around His waist and shows it.
There is audible murmuring
among the crowd. The Chief Judge brings order. He calls for the
Court Accountant and he comes forward.
The Chief Judge
(ordering the accountant)
Go and obtain the palm leaf from the elderly Brahmin. After
ascertaining its antiquity, read aloud the contents of the agreement therein so
that everyone can hear.
The accountant obtains the palm leaf from Easan and checks its
antiquity.
Accountant
This palm leaf is very old! If someone tries to write anything on it,
it will crumble to powder... Therefore this palm leaf is not only very old but
also has been preserved with its writings carefully.Let me now read its
contents
The Accountant reads the contents in the form of a poem from the palm
leaf.
The Chief Judge
Dear Aaroora! Do you understand
what does this palm leaf written by your grandfather conveys? Listen to what I am going to say,
“The eminent Veda exponent and
Aadi Saivan Aarooran is writing this undertaking to Thiruvennainallur Piththan:
Me and the descendants of mine will forever be at your service both mentally
and physically. This is written in my
own hand willingly and at my own free will.”
This is the explanation of what is written in the palm leaf. This
Court also accepts the authenticity of the executor and of the witnesses to
this deed.
Hearing this pronouncement, Aarooran is downcast.
The Chief Judge
Aaroora! What have you to say in reply?
Aarooran
Will anyone execute such a slave bond like this? It appears to be the
handiwork of this old man. What is the proof that this palm leaf was written
only by grandfather? I doubt it.
The Chief Judge
If that is so, you yourself examine the handwriting and confirm
whether or not the handwriting is that of your grandfather.
At this juncture Easan intervenes.
Easan
Is he qualified to examine the contents? No…The only way to verify is
to compare the writings with another document if there is any, written by his
grandfather, let it be brought here and examined by the judges. Let truth
prevail!
The Chief Judge
I accept your argument.
Sadayanare! If there are any palm leaves written by your father in your
possession, please produce them here.
Sadayanar quickly goes home and returns with a few palm leaf
manuscripts written by his father and submits them to the court. All the five
judges compare the palm leaves produced with that given by the old Brahmin and
nod their heads as if in agreement. Aarooran and the assembled public are
keenly watching their every move silently and are awaiting the verdict.The Chief Judge
There is nothing to discuss. The time has come to deliver the
judgment.
Aaroora! Anthanare! Both of you please come in front of the judges.
Both of them come in front and stand in reverence to hear the verdict.
The Chief Judge
Nambi Aaroorare! You have lost
your case. The handwriting in the palm leaf is that of your grandfather
only. It has proved that even Brahmins
can be enslaved as propounded by this old Brahmin. Therefore we the judges
pronounce that you will serve this old Brahmin.
The public express their sympathy and Aarooran sheds copious tears on
hearing the verdict.
Aarooran ( in a
saddened tone)
If this is to be my destiny, where is the way for me to counter it ?
With a heavy heart the King and
the public rise.
The Chief Judge
(addressing the old Brahmin)
Periyavare! From the palm leaf, we come to know that you belong to
this town only. But, none of us have ever seen you before! Where is your
residence? Will you please take us there?
Easan (catching
hold of Aarooran’s hand)
If none of you know Me, come along with Me! I will show you!
He walks ahead with Aarooran and his parents following behind
Him. The king, the judges and the public
who have come for the wedding follow them. The people of Thiruvennainallur also
follow them. Easan reaches the temple of Thiruvennainallur and takes everyone
into the sannathi. He releases his grip on Aarooran and runs to the moolavar
and merges into the Lingam in front of all those assembled! Aarooran also
follows him and enters the sannathi.
To the great sounds of trumpets and conch shells, Easan appears with
Annai Parvathi mounted on his Nandi vahanam.
What a spectacle!
Aarooran prostrates in front of them in great ecstasy with tears
rolling down his eyes in torrents!
Aarooran (weeping)
Emperumane! Is that You, who
has enlightened me by force? Is this Your drama?
Easan (blessing)
Aaroora! You were my servitor
in your earlier birth. Engulfed by lust
You neglected your duty and therefore you were ordered by Me to be born as you
are now in this earth. At that time you have requested me to intervene in this birth
so that you will have no further arduous rebirths in this world. So I have to
come to enlighten you!
All the festive and auspicious musical instruments raise a din and the
heavens shower flowers on Aarooran. The
Vedic chants fill the air and all the people assembled there go into raptures
and prostrate to Easan, Annai and Aarooran in great reverence.
Easan (addressing
Aarooran)
Since you called me names and used harsh words against me, you will
henceforth be known as “Vanthondan” and I want to hear your song in exquisite
Tamil from now on!
Aarooran (overcome
with emotion)
You ordered me to sing! Coming
in the garb of an old Brahmin, You won over me in the court. I am an
insignificant small fry not knowing your
enormity and grace! What will I compose on You and how and where to start?
Easan (laughing)
You addressed me as “Piththan” ( a madcap). So begin your first
composition with that very word of “Piththan”.
Aarooran
(addressing Easan as Piththa and looking at Him)
“Pithha Pirai soodi Perumane Arulala,
Eththan maravadhe ninaikkinren manaththunnai
Vaiththai pennai thenpal
Vennainallur arutruraiyul
Aththa unakkala yini allel ena laame”
Hearing this song so sweet the assembled people go into raptures.
Easan
Since I enlightened you dressed in wedding finery (Kalayankolam) on
this day of your wedding, let this be your daily outfit (nithyakolam)
forever. Sundaramoorthiyare! Now you
visit all my abodes where I will be waiting for you to hear your songs Thus You
will fulfill your karmavinaigal in this
birth.
So saying Easan merges into the Lingam!
All of them except three are left in the sannathi.
Annai looks at Easan. There is a tinge of sadness in Her countenance.
The Bride
Iraivane! What can I beg from You? Me and my parents are totally lost
not knowing what to do. How can You leave us in this state of uncertainty? If enlighting Navalooran is due to his
destiny, what is the reason for leaving me in the lurch? There is a pro verb
that one can perform a wedding even if he has to say a thousand lies! You
uttered one truth and stopped my wedding! Is this act appropriate for
Emperuman?
Standing in front of the
sannathi she sheds tears .
Theivakkural (Easan)
Mahale! In this birth of yours you are not destined to lead a wedded
life! Still since you have kept Navaloor Aarooran in your heart, you will
obtain Sivagathi.
Listen all the three!
Don’t despair! As long as this universe remains, the name and fame of
Sundaramoorthiyar will remain. Those who think of him will also think highly of
all of you. Your fame will remain forever.
If you see any adiyavar, feed him for the remainder of your lives in
this earth. You will merge unto Me in
due course.
All of them bow to Easan.
*******
In the Asramam of Perumizhalai.....
Kurumbanar opens his eyes... His face is radiating brightness as never
before...
Guru (in great joy)
Aaha! I have seen Iraivan! I have attained the greatest bounty for
having been born in this earth! Sundaramurthy
Nayanar, who made this possible,
will be my own life force from now on...
Pointing at his own self he says in great elation “What I have here is
only my mere physical body.”
The disciples bow to him in reverence.
******
That night...
All the disciples retire to bed...
But sleep eludes all of them...
One of the
Disciples (lying in bed)
Our Guru is in great joy for having seen Iraivan... Whatever he
narrated about Sundaramoorthiyar was very sweet to hear... Is it possible for
any normal human being to travel in space and time leaving the mortal body
behind?
Another disciple gets up and sits down looking at him.
The Disciple who
spoke (getting up and sitting)
Have I said anything wrong?
Disciple 2
Yes... Our Guru did not leave his body and went aerially ... Had it
been so, would not the body without life have become a corpse? What he saw
through his intrinsic and miniscule frame, is what he described through his
physical body that we see. This shows
that he has acquired “Ashtama Siddhis”.
These are eight in number. Anima refers to transform to a state tinier
than an atom. Mahima refers to growing larger than even mountains to the sky.
Garima refers to gaining density heavier than iron. Lahima indicates becoming lighter than
feather. The next is Praththi which denotes taking an indestructible body.
Pragamiyam is the ability to transform oneself from one body into another. While Easathvam refers to becoming superior
to everyone else, Vasithvam denotes the ability to attract anyone to own self.
The persons who have acquired these eight capabilities or Siddhis are called
Siddhars. Our Guru has indicated to us
very subtly that it is possible to live for hundreds of years and also to
travel aerially.
The Disciple who
spoke first
It is very apt, therefore, that
everyone calls our guru as “Siddharsami.”
The great fortune of being his disciples which was denied to our
ancestors, have come in our way! We are truly blessed!
All the disciples agree to the statement by nodding their heads.
******
Ashramam …..
The disciples are seated
in front of the Guru…
Guru
The three thousand
poems written by Thirumoolar is an invaluable asset for the human beings. It is
our supreme duty to safe guard and to propagate them to our descendants without
any let up… I am now going to tell you about what he has written on Yogam. Yogam means to join or unite… The unification
of Jivatma with Paramatma is called Yogam.
In Yogam there are
eight angangal (steps)…..
Iyamam, Niyamam,
Aasanam, Pranayamam, Pratyaharam, Dhaaranai, Dhyanam and Samadhi are the eight
steps. Yogam is also therefore called Ashtanga Yogam meaning the one with eight
angangal.
The first one
is Iyamam… You must have noticed in the
temple a figurine depicting four Munivars seated attentively in front of
Sivaperuman in many temples. Can you name them?
Not finding any of
the disciples coming up with an answer, he gives the answer himself.
Guru
They are Sanakar,
Sananthanar, Sanathanar and Sanathkumarar…
Easan is telling them…
Munivarhale! Even
if it rains without any let up or the sun burns without mercy, why even if the
whole world is rattled by earthquakes, the one who practices Iyamam will not waver.
It is extremely important to practice Iyamam to attain the power of Yoga Sakti.
It implies not to do anything evil or immoral.
A man is known and recognised by his qualities. What are the qualities
which a man who practices Iyamam must have?
He will not kill
anyone or anything. He will not speak anything but truth. He will not steal
even in his dreams. He will analyze and evaluate everything before coming to a
conclusion. In short he is a good soul who will do good deeds never wavering
from the righteous path.
He is the one who
will share his food, meaning his wealth, with others. He is without any blemish. He is devoid of
falsehood and infatuation.
A disciple gets up
hesitantly and looks at the Guru.
The Disciple
Is it feasible for
anyone to follow all the above norms easily?
Guru
What we strive to
attain through Yogam is equally arduous….
Only those who can
follow the tenets of Iyamam can reach the next step of following Niyamam which
comprises of ten sterling qualities. Purity, charity, frugality in intake of
food, patience, being just and truthfulness are those to be imbibed. Lust,
stealth, violence and pride are to be shunned. These two combined together form
Niyamam.
Disciple 2
How much time it
will take to master Iyamam and Niyamam?
Guru
There are things
that can be achieved by a time table! If one is determined, he can achieve
these qualities in no time. It is all in our hands only…. One need have to wander around in search of
truthfulness for instance….
Penance,
meditation, faith in God, happiness in disposition, charity, observance of
vows, listening to tenets, conducting yagam, performance of Pujas and darisanam
of Easan – these ten deeds itself will make one a achiever of Iyamam and
Niyamam.
Now I tell you
about third angam.
As he says this,
his body becomes taut. He closes his eyes and his inner life gets released from his physical body and
reaches the Sannathi of Easan at Thiruvarur.
There….
The wedding of
Sundaramoorthiyar and Paravai Nachchiyar takes place. Witnessing that grand
event, the Guru continues to remain in the state of Samadhi. Bowing to their Guru, the disciples leave
that place one by one in silence…
********
When Kurumbanar
opens his eyes, it is already evening…
Soon his disciples
gather around him when they come to know that he has come back from his state
of Samadhi. He narrates the scenes he witnessed in Thiruvarur to his disciples.
He concludes:
Easan physically
appeared on this earth for His friend and called all the Adiyavars and ordered
them to conduct the marriage ceremony of Sundaramoorthiyar. From this you can
very well conclude that all those who are born in Thiruvarur are none other
than the attendants of Easan Himself!
What all Easan is going to enact for the sake of His friend in future?
Who can gauge the will of Easan?
Guru (continues)
I am now going to
tell you about Aasanam.
In the Yoga
Sastram, Aasanam occupy a very prominent place. Paththiram, Gomukham, Padmam,
Kesari, Soththiram, Veeram and Sukasanam are the primary ones out of the one
hundred twenty six aasnams.
If these are
practiced daily with the correct breathing technique, one will realise
immediate results….
Why should we do
Yoga Aasanam? Lot of people think that
this is meant only for acquiring a healthy physique.
That is not
correct… The body functions on its own… The life force also functions on its
own. Yoga Aasanam is the bridge that
links the body and the life force!
When that bridge is established, the body will act as per the will of
the life force and vice versa. As both of them unite, there will be a great
radiance all round. All the five elements of nature will be brought under
control.
Out of the Ashtama
Siddhis, Anima, Mahima, Garima and Lahima are related to the physical body…
Prapthi, Pragamiyam, Easathvam and Vasithvam are related to life force. Our physical body must have enormous capacity
to withstand the might of Ashtama Siddhis. Otherwise, the body will collapse
unable to bear that Siddhis. Now, close your eyes and imagine that you are
flying in the air… How will your conscience accept this? One may go mad by the
mere excitement. To bring both your body and (mind) conscience under control,
Yoga Aasanam is the only gift available to the mankind!
Guru goes silent
and goes into meditation. The disciples stand bowing to him.
*******
The disciples
undergo various Yoga Aasnams under the guidance of Guru. The time goes on. At
the end of the session they are all
seated in front of the Guru.
Guru
I am happy to note
that many of you are correctly doing the Aasnams after months of training… If
there are doubts in the minds of some, they should get them clarified from
fellow students… Now I am going to give you all an invaluable gift! Without
this your Yoga exercises will not yield any results…
There is a little
murmur and a little commotion among the disciples on hearing about the
invaluable gift as to what it could be!
They feel that they
would rather know about the way of attaining Mokhsham by avoiding of re-birth
rather than gold and gems as gifts. Discerning what is running in their minds,
the Guru laughs aloud.
Guru
I can read your
thoughts! What I am going to give you
are neither gold nor gems…. It is far… far… above all these… Nothing that can
be compared to this wealth.. It will
never deplete even after it is given away..
I am now going to
tell you how to perform Pranayamam, which is the stepping stone for good health
and longevity!
This is the song of
Thirumoolar..
“Eruthal Purakam
Eerettu Vaamaththal,
Aaruthal Kumbhakam Arupaththunaalathil,
Ooruthal
Muppththirendathi Reachakam,
Maaruthalonrin kan
Vanchgamame!”
ஏறுதல் பூரகம் ஈரெட்டு வாமத்தால்
ஆறுதல் கும்பகம் அறுபத்துநாலதில்
ஊறுதல் முப்பத்திரண்டதி ரேசகம்
மாறுதலொன்றின் கண் வஞ்சகமாமே!
There is one action
which we do unconsciously. That is breathing! Perhaps that is why, it also
leaves us without our knowledge!
The disciples enjoy
the joke silently,
Guru
When we inhale, it is called Poorakham and
when we exhale it is called Reachakam. When the inhaled air is retained inside
it is called Kumbhakam. Inhalation, retention inside and exhalation are all to
be done as per established timings. The calculation of the time I will explain.
“Eerettu
Vaamaththal” means sixteen Maththirai where one Maththirai equals one
“Kaisodukku”, the time to flick the thumb and index finger.
The Guru executes a
flick and the sound of the flick is heard.
The time to inhale
(Eruthal or Poorakham) is the duration of sixteen such Maththirai.
The time for
retention inside (Aaruthal or Kumbhakam) is of sixty four Maththirai.
The time for slow
exhalation (Ooruthal or Reachakam) is of thirty two Maththirai.
One has to inhale
through the right nostril, retain it and exhale through left nostril. This is
called Vanchakam.
Thirumoolar also
says that if one does this properly, his body will shine like marble.
Disciple
There are many who
have propounded about Yagam. Why is that we must follow what is stipulated by
Thirumoolar only?
Guru
Those who have been
acknowledged as Nayanmars by Easan are those who were born on this earth and
went up to obtain His lotus feet… on the contrary to carry out the order of
Easan, Thirumoolar alone came down to earth in his intrinsic form and entered
into the body of Moolan using the Pragamiyam of Yoga in order to find the
answer for the riddle “Ettum Irandum Kandal Seevanil Sivaththai Kaanalam”. He
composed one song per year for three thousand years and reached Thirukailayam
finally. Every one of his song is divine and called ‘Thirumanthiram”.
Fascinated by his
explanation which brings radiance all around, the disciples bow to their Guru.
*******
Kurumbanar watches
his disciples seated in front of him. He can discern their enthusiasm in
acquiring knowledge.
Guru
I am bowing to Easan
for bestowing all of you as my disciples! Today I am going to talk about
Pratyaharam….
Pratyaharam is the
ability to harness the mind (thoughts) to stay still which otherwise is always
in a state of flux.
My good disciples!
Now I am going to tell you the mantram which stills the mind.
Hey! Wind stop… Let
the recited mantram be heard as intoned…
The wind ceases and
there is stillness.
Guru (in a loud Voice)
“ Nabikku keezhe
pannirandu angulam
Thabikkum
manthiram thannai arihilar
Thabikkum manthiram
arinthapin
Koovikkondu Easan
kudi irunthane”
"நாபிக்கு கீழே பன்னிரண்டு அங்குலம்
தாபிக்கும் மந்திரம் தன்னை அறிகிலர்
தாபிக்கும் மந்திரம் அறிந்தபின்
கூவிக்கொண்டு ஈசன் குடியிருந்தானே!"
Here ‘Koovikkondu’
refers to the sound that emanates…
Twelve (pannirandu) inches (angulam) below
(keezhe) navel(nabi) is the Mooladharam.
(An inch is not of
the exact length of an angulam but an approximation)
“Hamsam” is the
mantram for establishing (thabikkum) stillness.
The air created by
the sound “Ha” goes inside and comes out making the same
sound.
But we inhale and
exhale without realising it always…
But once we realise
that this is the mantram, and if we then follow the “soham” mantram for
bringing up the air which has come down, we can hear the sound. “Ha” refers to
the sun (Sooriyan) and “Sa” refers to the moon (Chandran). The union of these two is the Hatayogam. It is also called Rajayogam.
Disciple 5
(standing up and hesitantly)
Guruve! I am unable to
understand what you are saying.
Guru (looking at
the disciple)
Listen…
Two finger width above the anus and two finger width above the testes,
a coiled serpent is asleep with its hood down. If it is awakened, it will rise
up with tremendous fury. If it unites with the female residing in the higher
reaches, one can see the cosmic dance of Siva and Shakti in the “Chithsabahi”
(the mind stage).
(The arousal of Kundalini Shakti
and its union in Sahasrara is
explained above)
When Sivam unites with Shakti, you can hear the blowing of the conch
shell.
He picks up the conch and blows it aloud. The sound of the conch rises
high above. The radiant countenance of
the Guru captivates all his disciples around.
*******
Kurumbanar is seated,,
His disciples are waiting for him to come out of his meditation…
With a broad smile, the Guru
opens his eyes.
Guru
I witnessed a spectacular event…
Easan conducts the wedding of Sundaramoorthiyar with Sangili
Nachchiyar at Thiruvotriyur ….
The disciples are taken aback by this revelation.
Disciple 5
Guruve! How is this fair? How
can he have one wife at Thiruvarur and another one at Thiruvotriyur? How can
Easan be a party to this? Has Sangili Nachchiyar who married him lost her
senses?
Guru
Can Iraivan be asked the
reasons for his acts?
He has revealed to this world a great truth without explicitly
expressing it.
Sundaramoorthiyar is a staunch Adisaiva Anthanar,… When he wanted to
marry the daughter of Sadangavi Sivachchariyar of his own caste, he intervened
and claimed him to be his slave… That wedding never took place…
When he went to Thiruvarur, Easan Himself ensured his marriage with
Paravai Nachchiyar saying that he is making amends for having stopped his
marriage earlier. Do you know who Paravai Nachchiyar is? She is a chaste lady
belonging to Kanigaiyar caste. (Kanigaiyar means Devadasi sect)
When Sundaranar was on his visit of holy temples, He got him married
to Sangili Nachchiyar at Thiruvotriyur. … Do you know who Sangiliyar is? She is
a gem born of the lowest fourth caste! There is no rule or binding that a
brahmin must wed only the woman from his own caste… To prove to the world that there is nothing
known as higher or lower caste and there are no differences among them, Easan has enacted these. Sangiliyar even
asked Easan, “You are asking me to marry an already married man. What is the
guarantee that he will not leave me also and run away? Easan advises her , “You
confront Sundaramoorthiyar with your doubts and agree for the marriage only after getting an
assurance to that effect’. Overcome with
infatuation, Sundaramoorthiyar agrees to the condition put up by Sangiliyar and
promises that he would never leave her.
When people do not live up to the
promise made in front of Iraivan, they get into lot of trials and
tribulations. So long as
Sundaramoorthiyar lives up to the promise made to Sangiliyar, there will
be no problem for him. What will happen in future? Only Iraivan has the answer!
The disciples remain speechless, listening to their Guru,!
*******
A few months pass by….
Guru (addressing
his disciples)
The aphorism told by Thirumoolar is also known as Kundalini Yogam.
The Kundalini can be awakened only through the method prescribed by
one’s guru… It is important to know Santhi Yogam to rein in the unbound energy
that emanates due to the awakening of Kundalini.
Without mastering Santhi Yogam, if someone releases the Kundalini
Shakti, his body will be shattered.
Now, one of you come up near me…
One of the disciples gets up and comes near the Guru. The guru directs him to sit on the platform
in Padmasanam pose. The disciple sits as told.
Guru
Appane! Now touch your right eye.
The disciple does so. .
Guru (looking at
other disciples)
Your right eye is the sun.
Guru (looking at
the disciple)
Now. Touch your left eye.
The disciple does as told.
Guru
Your left eye is the moon.
Now touch the point between the two eyebrows with your index finger.
The disciple does likewise.
Guru
This is Aaghnya aadharam (
Aaghnya Chakra)..
Next … the throat… This is Visukthi..
The heart… This is Anaagadham…
Next is solar plexus,, this is Manipurakam…
Below this is Navel … this is Swathittanam…
Below navel, where the spine ends, is the Mooladharam.
These are the six Aadharams (Chakras) which form the body of the
Kundalini.
The apex of the head is the Sahasraram…
What is there in the nature is what is there in the human body…
The five elements which make up this universe are the Panchabhoothas …
The throat is ether or sky.. Aakasam
The chest portion is air.. Vayu
The stomach portion is fire… Agni
Urinary tract is water … Appu (Neer in Tamil)
The evacuation part is earth … Prithvi (Mann in Tamil)
The right nostril is called Pingalai and the left nostril is called
Idakalai. In our body there are 72000 nerves. We breath 21600 times in a day by
inhaling and exhaling air.
He orders a disciple to stand up and the disciple gets up.
Guru
In our body, the two channels called Suryakalai and Chandrakalai are the most important. The Pingalai which
starts from the right foot, and the Idakalai which starts from the left foot
reach the left side and right side of the spine respectively and unite at
Aaghnya. These three form the Triveni sangamam. Idakalai gives
nectar and Pingalai gives poison. The process of raising the Kundalini Shakti
from Mooladharam and bring it up to Aaghnya is called Raja Yogam… The location of Aaghnya where Idakalai,
Pingalai and Kundalini Shakti unite is the Triveni sangamam….
That is the reason why Vibhuti is applied as three strands above the
eyelids so also Namam of three lines are applied.
Now I will tell you how to keep alive for ever…. All of you listen’’
Locking the Mooladharam, raising the air that emanates from there
upwards and stilling the mind on the Aaghnya (like a crane awaits standing still
for its prey in water), one will have a perfect physique forever.
Now I will tell you the method to extricate the Aanma from the body
and let it reach Kailayam…
To acquire Kundalini Shakti it is essential to have the help of a
Guru…
Only those who receive the
Diksha from a Guru can raise Kundalini
Shakti. There are five methods of giving Diksha. These are - Look, Touch, Mantra upadesam,
Blessing and Sprinkling of water …
The straight vertical path the Kundalini Shakti takes from Triveni
sangamam to the top of the skull is called the Rajapattai or royal path. That
is the Brahma Nadi.
Where it ends on the skull is known as Bramarandiram… The anus is
Brhamadwaram…
A Gyani can raise his soul or Aanma through Brahma Nadi using
Kundalini Shakti and let it out through Bramarandiram located in the skull and
reach Kailayam… He will be blessed to have no rebirths…
Om Tat Sat… (That which is
true)
The disciples stand in great
bliss as the Guru concludes his discourse….
**********
Months roll by…
With his eyes closed Kurumbanar is seated in deep meditation…
The disciples are seated in front of him…
Suddenly copious tears start falling from his eyes…
Perplexed, the disciples stand up not knowing what to do.
Kurumbanar opens his…
Guru (still shedding tears)
I am deeply perturbed by the happenings in Thiruvotriyur.
Sundaramoorthiyar has gone blind as he left Thiruvotriyur breaking his promise
made to Sangiliyar.
The disciples heave sigh of great agony on hearing this.
One of the disciples
Perumane! Can’t you alleviate his distress using your
power of Ashtamasiddhis?
Guru
His punishment has been awarded by Easan. Can any human mitigate or nullify it?
Disciple 1
It is difficult even for us to find our way after sunset. How
difficult it would be for Sundaranar to move about being blind can be well
imagined!
Guru
I was deeply perturbed whenever I see him stumbling… When he pleaded
to Easan in his Sannadhi to restore his sight, Easan, who normally rushes to
his aid, remained silent. Sundaranar then asked aloud, “Are You there?” The retort came from Sannadhi asking him to
leave from there immediately. On hearing
this Sundaranar felt as if he was lashed by a thousand whips. I could not bear
the sight and that is why I shed tears.
Overcome with emotion Kurumbanar again sheds tears.
Disciple 8
Is it not the duty of Easan to mitigate the suffering of an Adiyavar?
Guru
Whether he is a king or God Himself, destiny cannot be changed. Though
he may be a close friend, yet he has to be punished appropriately for the
misdeeds!
Disciple 1
Who can come to the rescue of Adiyavar when Iraivan Himself abandons
him?
Guru
His loving wife Sangiliyar alone can come to his rescue! No one else
can help him.
Disciple 8
He has been punished for breaking the promise that he would not leave
her ever… Sangiliyar must be distressed by his separation already… How can she
come to his help? What logic is this? Guru
If Sangiliyar revokes the promise made to her, Adiyavar will be
relieved from distress further.
The Disciples
Will that ever happen?
Guru closes his eyes and sees the happenings at Thiruvotriyur through
his inward eyes. He opens his eyes with great joy and looks at his disciples.
Guru
An adiyavar is now pleading
with Sangiliyar to relieve Sundaranar from his distress… just as I thought !
Closing his eyes, he goes into
meditation again.
********
One day…
Kurumbanar waking up very up early and completing his daily ablutions
during Brahma muhurtham itself reaches home.
Work for preparation of food is going on. On seeing him, his disciples
continue with their work even more briskly. Kurumbanar also joins them and
supervises the preparation.
The food is ready for serving …
The Adiyavars start coming one
by one and Kurumbanar receives them personally and serves them food with his
own hands… As the time goes, adiyavars in batch after batch keep coming and
getting fed. Showing no fatigue, the Guru
is busy looking after them without any rest throughout the day.
Only after all of them have had their food and left, the Guru and his
disciples take their food. It is almost evening!
It is night time. Torches are lit and kept all around. The guru is seated
and his disciples are in front of him. He could discern from their faces that
all of them are harbouring a same query in their minds!
Guru (laughing
aloud)
What is the matter? All of you are having a same question in your
minds! Isn’t that as to why I devoted the whole of today in serving Adiyavars?
One of the
disciples
Yes! Very true! All of us are
here to do your bidding. We are
surprised as to why you took the trouble of serving the Adiyavars all by
yourself!
Guru
In the early years, I used to cook the food myself and offer it to
Adiyavars... I don’t even know for how long! Later on as I progressed
spiritually, I went into deep meditation... The disciples who came to me by the
grace of Easan started helping me... Once I handed over the responsibility to
them, I got lost in myself... I lost the
sense of space and time... Due to the arrival of Sundaramoorthiyar, I came out
from the state of Samadhi... If there is a beginning for anything, it will have
an end also for certain.... I am no exception to this rule... The time to shed
this mortal body is approaching fast... They say that it is very rare to be
born a human and to get the fortune of serving adiyavars isstill the rarest of
the rare... I am going to spend the rest
of my life in the service of adiyavars only... I have trained you and shown the
way of Ashtanga Yogam. I will also teach
you as to how to achieve Ashtama Siddhis. Only those who have done good karma in their previous birth
will be able to achieve them...
********
Days roll by....
One day....
After hosting and feeding the Adiyavars, he is seated contented. His
disciples come there one by one and bowing to him get seated in front.
After all of them are seated...
Guru
Sundaramoorthiyar, accompanied by Cheraman Perumal is going from place
to place visiting temples. Both of them are composing and singing songs in
praise of Easan in each of the places... I am unable to part with them as I
keep hearing their sweet songs... I am
so much filled with great joy, I am afraid that I may not be able to sleep
tonight! So I am going to remain with
all of you throughout tonight... You can
make use of this opportunity to clarify any doubts you may have...
Disciple 1
Having one wife at Thiruvarur and another one at Thruvotriyur your
friend is enjoying a happy homely life. But you are not attached to any of the
pleasures and are spending your life in the service of Adiyavars and thinking
about your friend Sundaramoorthiyar all the time....Why did you not marry?
Guru
Why a man gets married? Can any of you answer?
While some of the disciples keep quiet, a few give out mischievous
laughs without noise... No one gets up to answer!
Guru
You are hesitant to speak a few things out openly ... Let me answer the
question myself... To enjoy the pleasure of conjugal bliss, a man may get
married... He may marry to beget children to continue his family chain... he
may marry to ensure that there is someone to love and look after his needs....
He may marry to express his love and affection for a particular person... It is
ordained by Easan that all living creatures must procreate and multiply.... It
may also be destined that a particular Aanma has to be born as a son or
daughter to a predetermined parents and that can be cause for a man and a woman to marry...,
The aim of this life is to ultimately unite one’s own Aanma with
Paramatma that is Easan...
I decided that I devote myself to look after adiyavars ... I wanted that my wedded life should not be a
hindrance for that... that is why I did not marry... The aim of
Sundaramoorthiyar is to understand the worldly pleasures and find which is
superior and attain the lotus feet of Easan.
I am destined to serve adiyavars and attain salvation! Those who believe that whatever happens is
destined by Easan realise that the worldly happenings are nothing but
illusions... You will all realise ultimately what Siddhars told us is true...
‘That this world is an illusion ... It is an empty bag filled with air... If that
air is gone it is as useless as a needle without an eye.’
Disciple 1
The Vedas state that you can see Iraivan in the form of Agni.... The
Tantras state that you can see the form of Iraivan in temples ... You can also
see him in Yantras through Yoga ... They all only talk about the means of
seeing Him and not about how to unite Jivaatma with Paramatma. On top of that you also say that the whole
world is an illusion... How this Aanma residing in this world reach Iraivan? Is
death alone the solution?
Guru
Standing in Mangadu, Annai Herself is showing us the way!
Disciple 1
Do we have to stand in one leg in penance like Annai seeking Iraivan?
Guru
I will explain how Annai has implied the way to unite with Iraivan by
Her pose! She is standing erect on the tip of Her left big toe with Her right
leg folded up, Her head slightly bent backwards, with Her eyes focusing on the
bridge of the eyebrows, with her hands extending above her head and joining her
palms in reverence...
The air that goes from our right nostril is Pingalai ... This is for
our body.. That which goes through the left nostril is Idakalai... That is for
our life or Aanma... It is also called ‘Amirtakalai’ (Amritam or nectar)
because it supports Aanma which has no death....
Standing on a needlepoint with Her big toe, Annai is demonstrating the
aspect of Yoga. By folding Her right leg
and straitening her left leg, She is holding the Pingalai and straitening the
Idakalai... By keeping Her body upright and slightly tilting Her face upwards,
She ensures that all the six Chakras are in a straight line .... By focusing
her eyes on the bridge of the eyebrows, She unites the air coming through the
Idakalai at the apex. By raising Her hands above Her head with the
palms joined is to indicate Iraivan above...
What does the above pose
indicate? I will tell you now... Being
in the state of Yoga, if you
contain Pingalai and straighten the Idakalai and channel it through the six
Chakras upwards and unites it at the apex,
the Aanma which is yearning for Iraivan will unite with Him....
Annai Kamakshi, by her pose of penance has established the above
principle....
The disciples are spell bound hearing his explanation...
Unlike all other days, Kurumbanar keeps talking to his disciples all
through the night... Before dawn , at
the Brahma Muhurtham, he completes his
morning ablutions and seated on a tiger skin, he closes his eyes and
meditates...
The scenes unfold...
******
Thiruvanchaikalam... the sacred temple water tank...
Sundaramoorthiyar is taking a dip...
Hearing someone calling “Nanba” (friend), he raises his head above the
water and looks around... There is no one on the banks... Thinking it was just
his imagination, he again goes for a dip. Again he hears someone calling him as
before... Surprised at not seeing anyone, he realises that it can be none other
than Easan who has been calling him...
Sundaramoorthiyar
Emperumane! Is that You, who called me?
Easan (lovingly)
Yes! My dear friend! How long can I remain separated from you? I have sent Iravatham to you.. Mount on it
and reach Me soon!
Sundaramoorthiyar comes out of the tank and bowing to Iravatham
waiting for him on the bank, he mounts it. Iravatham takes off to Kailayam...
****
At that very instant...
The disciples of Kurumbanar are taken aback seeing his body shaking
violently...
They keep standing bowing to their Guru not knowing what to do...
Guru (with his eyes
still closed)
Sundaramoorthiyar is going towards Kailayam... The life force has left
the body... What is the use of remaining here for this body?
Saying this, he raises the
Kundalini from Mooladharam and passes it through the chakras upwards and after
uniting at Aagya, passes it through Brahma Nadi to reach Kapalam. Breaking the
Kapalam through Brahamarandiram, he emerges as a radiant light and rushes to
Kailayam.
******
Thirukkailayam...
Naradar and Nandiyar are at the entrance...
Naradar has just finished the story of Kurumbanar...
Nandi (ecstatic)
Aaha! How glorious this Adiyavar’s
fame is!
It was a fitting tribute to have given him such a grand welcome and I
was fortunate to hold his hand and guide him inside!
As Naradar is preparing to leave, he observes that Nandiyar has still
some doubts...
Naradar
What is the matter? Are your doubts still not clarified fully?
Nandi
Long ago, what did you say prior to Thirunalaipovar was born?
Naradar (confused)
What did I say?
Nandi
“Arul illarku ivvulagam illai
Porul illarku avvulgam illai”
"அருளிலார்க்கு அவ்வுலகில்லை
பொருளிலார்க்கு பூவுலகில்லை"
This is what you said
Naradar
Yes... I stand by what I said.
If you ask me now, I will say the same thing.
Nandi
‘Porul’ mean the physical body...
Only when Aanma is present in the body, it has a name... The moment Aanma leaves the body; it
relinquishes its name also. This is what you said. If that is so, Kurumba
Nayanar would have lost his identity as well as memory when his Aanma left his
body and reached Kailayam. How could he
have identified Sundaramoorthiyar at Kailayam?
Naradar
Only you can answer this question!
Nandi (confused)
How can I clarify my own doubts? How can I answer my own questions?
Naradar laughs aloud on hearing this.
Easan joins in his laughter.
Naradar bows to Easan and departs ... Nandi keeps looking at the
departing Naradar, confused as ever...
Thiruchchitrambalam
No comments:
Post a Comment