Kaliya Nayanar

2

Kaliya Nayanar

Thruvotriyur… Sakkarapadi Street…

It is the month of Aadi and the day is breaking ….

A large number of the villagers have assembled in front of a big mansion in that street…

The cry of a newborn breaks their glum countenance and all of them express their profound joy.

A group of happy maids come out running happily…

One of the maids (to the owner of the mansion)

Ayya… A son is born to you to make your clan flourish…

The owner gifts a pearl necklace he was wearing to the girl who announced the happy news.  As the midwife comes out, the assembled astrologers rush to her to know the time of birth. Noting it, they make the Jathakam (astrological birth chart) of the child.

Jyothidar 1(happily)

Chokkanare! Your son is born in the Kettai Nakshatram in Aadi. He will be a source of great pride to your clan.

 Jyothidar 2

Even Raja Harichchandran under this star in Aadi. He had to undergo severe ordeals like losing his kingdom, had to sell off his wife and son. Your son will also undergo such adversity.

Chokkanar and others are rattled hearing this.

Jyothidar 2 (continues seeing their reaction)

Still… Are we not hailing him even today for his exemplary conduct of not wavering from following the true path? Your son will be a great Gyani. For him gold and dust are equal. Even though, he will be worldly, he will remain unattached like a water droplet on the lotus leaf. He will have great support from the divinity. With that strength, he will overcome all the challenges.  All these are the great game of Easan, Otriyooran!         

Chokkanar is at a loss whether to fell happy or sad hearing these words from the Jyothidar.

The midwife brings the baby and hands it over to Chokkanar. Seeing the smiling face of the baby, all his worries melt away. Keeping the baby close to his chest, Chokkanar says that he will name the child after his grandfather Kaliyanar. He utters the name Kaliyanar thrice onto its right ear. The baby looks up to its father on hearing the words

Midwife

Look… How the baby is looking up even now. Normally, they say it takes thirty days for a new born to look up the direction of sound. He is doing it now itself! He is truly blessed as a Gyani!

The glum environment after hearing the predictions of Jyothidar changes to normal.

Chokkanar

Everything is and will be as per Easan’s wish!  He bows to Easan.

      ********

Kaliyanar turns ten…

One by one his mother and father expire… When his father’s body was laid out at his house after his death, the whole village assembled there and mourned his death. But Kaliyanar did not drop a tear. After cremating the body, the villagers assembled in his house. They started a heated discussion as to who would become the guardian of the ten year old boy and take care of the huge wealth left behind by his father.  One of his relatives comes forward to address him.

One of the relatives

Kaliya! You decide… Let the decision for selecting a guardian to look after this huge mansion and the wealth, be only by you. Here everyone is clamouring to become your caretaker.

 Kaliyanar (calmly)

Why anyone else has to look after me and my business?

 The otherwise noisy environment becomes still and there is pin drop silence on hearing his words.

The relative who spoke first

 You see… You are all alone and that too very young… How can you manage such a vast estate and business all by yourself?

Kaliyanar (showing no emotion)

So what!

The relative who spoke first (angrily)

We are your close relatives. You are an orphan now having lost your parents. Don’t  you think that one of us have to be your guardian and remain here till you become a youth?

Kaliyanar

Who told you that I am a mere boy?

As the relative who posed the question struggles to answer him, there is murmuring all around.

Kaliyanar (calmly but loudly)

I can stay and live on my own. I know how to care of my house and my business.

The people become speechless on hearing his curt retort.

The relative who spoke first (charging at Kaliyanar)

What is this? You are humiliating us. We shall see how you can do your business without our help!

 The other villagers who have been watching the goings on among the relatives of Kaliyanar come forward so as to prevent his relatives from doing any physical harm. All his relatives who have been vociferous become quiet.

 Kaliyanar

My dear relatives! I have not humiliated any of you. Do not get angry for no reason. Easan, Otriyooran is there to take care of me. These villagers are there to help me whenever I need. You take care of yourself and your work. Let not your time be diverted towards me just because I have lost my parents.

Folding his hand and cupping his palms, he pays his respects to his relatives. The relatives leave the place without speaking a word. The villagers hail Kaliyanar for his brave stand against his relatives.

   *******

Years roll bye!

 By his business acumen, Kaliyanar expands his oil business many fold. He started a large number of oil expellers and stored the oil in glazed clay pots so that the oil did not seep and wasted. To ensure that the pots don’t get broken in transit, he devised an ingenious way of protecting the by rolling hay-ropes. Because of these trade practices, scores of traders from far off places come to Otriyur to buy from him. Kaliyanar reaps enormous wealth and soon becomes very rich. As he attains  marriageable  age, he years to have a wife and children not only to ward off his loneliness but also to share and enjoy the enormous wealth he is holding. As his relatives are still angry with him because of his rebuke, no one comes forward to give away a girl in marriage to him.

Stricken by his loneliness, he visits the temple of Easan at Otriyur one evening. As he enters the Sannadhi of Easan, he is surprised to find that there is no one there.

Kaliyanar (to himself in amazement)

What is this? There is no crowd at all in the temple! As a boy whenever I came here with my father, it used be full of people with lot of life. There used to be people all around. Because of my demanding business related works, I have not been coming to the temple all these years. I wonder as to why there are no people around here. There are no lights also in the Sannadhi. They used to conduct puja six times a day. I don’t think any \thing of that sort is happening. There used to be Gurukkal to conduct the pujas. Where is he?

As he looks around looking for the Gurukkal, he sees an old man approaching him in that semi dark Sannathi.

The old man (in a trembling voice)  

I see someone here… Ayya! Who are you?

Kaliyanar

Ayya! Are you the Gurukkal?

The old man

Yes! But are you new to this town?

Kaliyanar (deeply moved in a choking voice)

No! I belong to this place only. I have not come to the temple for a long time… I am here only now… I am moved to tears seeing the poor state of the temple. In my childhood days, I have seen Iraivan in all his glory shining like a thousand suns with so many lamps lighted around. I am not able to see Him as there is not even a single lamp lighted up here. What has happened to my Easan Otriyooran?

Gurukkal

 The Samanars and Buddhists are solely responsible for the degradation of the temple to this state. The Samanars propagate that there was, there is and there will be none known as Iraivan. Therefore, the Vedas that are believed to have been given by him are also lies and only non violence is the route for attaining Mukti. The Buddhists ascertain that attachment is the sole reason for all our miseries. By their sustained propaganda, they have converted most of our people to their religion. Since many of our own people resent the division of people into four clans, it is easy to attract them to their fold. So the number of our people coming to temple has now become a trickle. As there is no one to take care of the temple needs, it has now become impossible even to light lamps here. I am doing my bit to serve the temple even though I am unable make my both ends meet. Only Otriyooran can put a stop to this misery!

Kaliyanar (shocked and perturbed)

What! How can anyone ascertain that there is no Iraivan even after seeing this entire world, the sun, the moon and the stars?  Aren’t they aware that the division of people into four sects is only to ensure that the human race carries on with its sustenance without any problem? We have   divided the people into Anthanar, Kshatriyar, Vaisyar and Sudrar based only on the work they perform and not on their birth.

I do not know much about Samanars and Buddhists. But still….. Even among them there will have to be some who need to be teachers, some to be merchants, some to protect them and others to other jobs. So there will be divisions even among them. The world is functioning only because these four types of jobs are carried out without any let up. Where the question of something is being superior or inferior?

Gurukkal

You are wise enough to understand these things. But many of the people do not understand this.

Kaliyanar (in affirm voice)

Tell me, what is to be done to attract the people back to our temple?

Gurukkal

 The temple must be lighted first.  Who wants to come to a place which is dark? There are thousands of lamps in the temple. They only lack oil to get lighted. Then   Puja must be conducted at least thrice a day.   People will start coming in small batches. If we can invite learned people to conduct religious discourses in the evenings, people will come to clear their doubts. They will realise that Iraivan exists. So to ensure these changes, the first step is to light up the temple every day.

Kaliyanar

Gurukkale! You said the right thing. I am in the business of dealing with oil. Till I am alive, I will make sure that all the thousand and eight lamps of the temple are lighted by supplying oil. I will never permit my Easan’s temple to be engulfed in darkness! I promise this in the name of this very land where I am born!

Let me go and arrange for the supply of oil now itself!

He returns home and in no time pots of oil are loaded on carts and taken to the temple. That very night, the temple of Otriyooran dazzles in bright light. The people of the town rush to the temple by this wonderful transformation. Iraivan glitters in all His glory in the Sannathi and the Gurukkal conducts Deepaaradhanai in great elation. Kaliyanar bows to Easan with a contented heart.  

     *******

The six time Puja is resumed very soon. Kaliyanar supplies oil and personally lights the thousand and eight lamps as promised. He invites learned people to give religious discourses and interaction with people. Slowly and steadily, the crowd starts gathering in the temple. They also start helping Kaliyanar in the task of lighting these lamps saving him much labour as the days roll by. Among them there is a girl who shows extreme keenness and devotion in helping Kaliyanar in lighting the lamps. Kaliyanar is deeply attracted to her. One day…

Kaliyanar (enquiring kindly)

Penne!  Who are you?

The Girl (stopping her work of preparing the wicks for the lamp)

I am Soundaryavalli!

She replies politely and resumes her work.  Kaliyanar is captivated by her politeness as well as her involvement in her work for Easan. Next day he goes to her house and meets her parents.

 Kaliyanar

Ayya…  Though I have a large number of relatives, they have abandoned me. I am seeking your daughter’s hands in marriage. If you feel that I have committed any mistake by my act, please pardon me.

The Girl’s father

Not at all… We must have done good deeds in our past ten births to have you as our son-in-law. I know your father very well. The response you gave to your relatives after the cremation of your father is still fresh in my mind.  I feel sad that their parents are not alive today to see the temple of Otriyooran back to its old glory by your efforts. Not everyone is fortunate to give his service to Easan. For that also, Easan’s grace is required. We can conduct the marriage on any day you choose.
He pays regards to his would-be son-in-law.

Kaliyanar (to himself)

This is all due to Easan’s grace!

The marriage of Kaliyanar and Soundaryavalli is solemnised in the temple of Otriyooran on an auspicious day in the month of Thai.

    ******

Due to the sustained and untiring effort of Kaliyanar, the temple gets renovated and looks as if freshly built. The entire town’s people assemble and celebrate the Kumbabhishekam of the temple. That evening all the thousand and eight lamps are lighted giving a grand appearance. There is huge crowd assembled in the temple mantapam as never before. The speaker for the religious discourse is seated on the dais. The entire town’s people are seated facing him eagerly waiting for his discourse. Kaliyanar stands in a remote corner with his hands bound across his chest with Soundaryavalli standing behind him!

Gurukkal (pleading)

Adiyavar Perumane! There was time when I was yearning for at least a couple of devotees to come to the temple.  The temple is overflowing with people these days. It is all primarily due to you only. You must come and get seated in the centre of the dais.

Kaliyanar (in a low voice)

I have not undertaken this work to promote myself! These are all the deeds of Easan Himself! He is the one to be given pride of place in this assembly. I, an insignificant human, must not carve for such a lofty honour. Please leave me alone.

Gurukkal leaves praising Kaliyanar’s humility in his thoughts.

The Speaker

Makkale! This temple had been renovated and the Kumbabhishekam was conducted today. When I asked the Gurukkal as who has made all these possible, he did not point out the person. This is the work for Easan. He might have thought that advertising his work for Easan as uncalled for or even repugnant. Those who built this temple originally and those who took care of it did not reveal their identity to the public. Even the houses where they lived have gone a long time ago. But, the temple they built is still standing there reminding us of their glorious deed. Bowing to those great people who believe that it is not necessary that their work must be advertised for the information of the world at large but suffice if Easan knows about it. 

The kings never built their palaces thinking that they would stand there for eons. But they wanted that the temples they built remains for a thousand years. Do you know the reason why? Thirumoolar gives a fitting answer to this.

This world is the creation of Iraivan. All the creatures in this world are again His creation only! He is the one who has given, who is and who will be giving you everything like gold, gems and other objects. He is the owner of everything in this earth! So to return the things that have been given by Him, claiming their ownership is illogical.   That is the reason why our ancestors did not give much importance to wealth. We do need to have wealth, but only just enough to make our living. Wealth does not have permanence. Wealth accumulated by one in heaps today may land up with another one tomorrow! There are many among us today who have wasted their time and energy in their futile search for more and more wealth. Thirumoolar gives various similes for the accumulated wealth.  He compares wealth to the floods in wild streams.  During the rains they run violently full. After the rains cease, no one will believe that water ever flow through it! He also compares the wealth as the nectar in the flowers. The bees by their sustained hard work, suck this nectar from thousands of flowers and store it in a beehive they build with their saliva. The gatherer seeing the bee hive drives the bees away and takes away the honey. The honey which is prepared by the hard work of the bees gives away give away the bees. Likewise, the accumulated wealth will give away the owner.

He compares the wealth to the unsteady coracle plying in a river which can capsize at any moment. He says only those who do not realise this are crazy of accumulating wealth forgetting about unifying their life Iraivan.  I am telling this to all those who are mad after riches and spend their entire life in chasing it.

When the life force escapes through the nine orifices of the human body, all the relatives, friends and even the mother who gave birth to it, bow to it and then cremate it in the cremation ground. They all rush away after the body is burnt to ashes. Thirumoolar says, that one must understand this and  do not chase the perishable wealth  but pursue Iraivan who is indestructible!

I do not profess that one should not earn or add wealth. But I do say that do not make it the sole aim of life forgetting the very reason for having born a human in this earth.  One must first realise that Iraivan exists. Then one must seek the ways for attaining His sacred feet! Then thirdly, he should not forget that he must attain Him and obtain Mukti and free himself from being born again.

I have been telling you about the mortal nature of wealth all along. Now I will tell you about the similar nature of human body. In this world, what is liked by one may be averse to another and vice versa. But there is one news which no one wants to hear! What is that news? That is one day death will be at everyone’s own doorsteps!

He then looks at the audience and points to a person to get up.

The Speaker

Suppose you are dead and your dead body is carried for cremation. Ho will your relatives refer to it at that time?

The Person

My parents will say that their son is being carried.

My wife will say that her husband is being taken away.

My children will cry that their father is being carried away.

The other relatives will say so and so is gone.

Hearing this there is silence in the audience since everyone starts thinking of a similar occurrence to their own self!

Anticipating this, the speaker gives a little time for the audience to ponder over what they have just heard.

He then signals the person who has stood up and answered him to sit down.

The speaker (continues)

Tell me what the general public will say?

As he looks around and finds no answer coming forth, he continues.

The speaker

I will answer the question. They will say that a dead body is being carried off. Once the life departs from body, the body loses its name or recognition. You are recognized by your name only as long as you are alive.  After death, all are commonly recognized as dead bodies only. That too only till reaches the cremation ground. Once the body is lit in the funeral pyre, it reduces to ashes. The relatives and friends will take a dip in the river and soon forget that person. Even his own wife and children are included   will forget him eventually. This is why the body is referred as something transient.  When there is life in it, the body is referred as temple. When the life is gone it is nothing. Even after we are aware the transient nature of our wealth and also of our lives, should   we still lead this mundane life rather than seeking the true purpose of our lives? Thiruchchittrabalam!

The speaker concludes his lecture and leaves the mantapam. A lot of people keep sitting there lost in their thoughts not even realising that the lecture is already over. Kaliyanar   also regains his composure after a few minutes.

Kaliyanar (to himself)

I have now realised what is transient and what is permanent. I will not waste my time any further on things that are transient and will seek Iraivan alone in my thoughts, words and deeds. I will make sure that the temple of Otriyooran is lit gloriously and darkness never falls on it.

He, along with his wife keeps all the lamps of the temple lit by replenishing the oil throughout that night!

     *****

The days roll by.

Kaliyanar spends the entire nights in the temple making sure that all the lamps are lighted by periodically refilling the oil. As he has understood the transient nature of wealth, he is unable to concentrate on his business. Still because his business is already flourishing, it reaps good profits and increases his wealth. 

One night, Soundaryavalli while helping her husband in filling oil in lamps, feels elated that her husband, the richest man in the whole town is working like a servant enthusiastically filling oil and lighting lamps in the temple.

She enters the sannathi and bows to Easan.

Soundaryavalli (to herself pleading to Easan) 

Iraiva! I am bowing to you for accepting me and my husband as Your adiyars and for giving us this opportunity to serve You. As the temple started getting brighter and brighter, our wealth has also increased many folds. We can continue this service and upkeep of the temple without any let up only if we have sufficient wealth to back up. Please grant us that we continue to do this service. I pray to Your   sacred feet! My husband is born in a rich business family. He must never be put into any discomfort. Please grant us our wish that both of us attain Your sacred feet while serving in this temple of Yours.

Iraivan looks at the adiyavar with extreme compassion.

Iraivan

 The gold has to be melted in hot crucible and get beaten by the hammer of the goldsmith to take away the impurities to make it pure.  I am aware of the greatness of your husband. Should the world at large not be aware of it?

Soundaryavalli is rapturous hearing Easan’s words and bows to Easan with her eyes filled in tears. At the same time she becomes equally sad.

 Soundaryavalli (shedding tears)

 Does that mean that my husband will have to undergo ordeals? Will he be able to endure them?

Iraivan

 My adiyars is a Gyani and has reached the stage beyond those of bliss and gloom!

Soundaryavalli is amazed!

      *******

Time rolls by…

The couple continues their routine of going to the temple for lighting the lamps carrying the pitchers of oil on their heads. While many of them give them way respectfully, a few give them scornful look.

One of the people

What a paradox! I don’t say that one must not do work for the temple. But there has to be a limit. This fool has ruined his flourishing business on the false notion of serving Iraivan.

An another man    

His business empire that was booming once is now flat on the ground. Even now, it is not too late.  If he pays attention to his business, he can still bring up his business in ten months. He is a very sharp business man. But what is the use if he is not devoted to his business?

A third one

Now look at both of them carrying oil. Can’t they get this work done through servants? Will the lamps refuse to give light if someone else lights them up? Is Iraivan is going to keep the gates of the heaven open and welcome them for their service?

The next one

I am more irritated than angry at them. We are poor by destiny and we cannot enjoy the comforts. But these people have lot of wealth but still they are toiling! What is so important in doing this service in the temple?

While Soundaryavalli walks on shedding tears unable to stand the barbs heaped at them, Kaliyanar however walks on unmindful reciting the Panchakshara mantram aloud, not even feeling the heavy pitcher on his head.

********    

One day….

Senkan goes to bed greatly enthused. His wife Tharakai comes in after completing her work. Surprised to see him awake as he usually is fast asleep, she sits on the bed.

Senkan

Come… I am waiting for you only.  Today is a great day for me! I was yearning for long, that one day I must become richer than him. That has been achieved today. All the traders from far and wide have come to me and given me gold and money as advance for  procuring oil from me. Not only that, they said that they will buy oil only from me. Do you know the reason for my success?

Tharakai (thinking)

Please tell me… I am not aware.

Senkan

 It is all due to the lessons he has taught. Not only the expellers in our town, but all the expellers in and around will be working for us only!

Tharakai

You keep saying he and him! Who is that person?

Senkan

 He…That pauper… Kaliyan.

Tharakai gets up from bed and cups her hands on hearing the name Kaliyan.

Tharakai (in tears)

Is he Kaliyanar, the great adiyavar who has brought glory to our clan?  Did you consider him as your competitor all these days? When you purchased all his expellers, I thought you are doing it to help him. Will we and the people of this town ever see such a noble soul in our midst?

Senkan (surprised)

Is it not due his arrogance that he brushed aside all his relatives after his death? He has become a pauper today because of that only. Are you not aware that no one from our clan will ever give him a helping hand?

He looks at his wife angrily.

Tharakai

Please recollect.  I was there among all of you in his house on the day his father died. Did he say that he did not want any relationship with our clan?  He only said that he was capable of looking after his house and his business all by himself.  Don’t these words reflect his self confidence? In fact we, the women folks were proud to hear a young boy speak with such an assurance. He proved his worth and became an undisputed leader in the oil business. That he is impoverished toady is not due to losing his wealth in gambling or visiting houses of ill-repute. He has been always thinking of Easan and Him alone! The only thing he utters is, “Om Namasivaya”.  Making his service to the temple as the bounden duty of his lifetime, he is making the temple glitter in all its glory every day. He has spent his entire earning in the service of temple only.  Isn’t the same Iraivan has given us also whatever we have now? Suppose Iraivan today comes and asks you to return whatever He has given you, will you give them back? Answer me truthfully.

Senkan (irritated)

 He is a nonentity today! Why are siding with him? Now I will ask you question. Suppose Iraivan comes and asks him to handover whatever he has. What he has got now to give to Easan?

Tharakai (calmly)

He will give his life even!

Not wanting to continue the talk anymore, she turns about and goes to sleep. For the first time in life Senkan is unable to sleep and keeps awake throughout the night!

   *******

The next day … at daybreak…

Senkan comes out of the house and is startled to see Kaliyanar standing there with his hands folded. He is unable to even call him inside.

Kaliyanar (calmly)

Ayya! I have to buy oil for the service of Easan. If you can please employ me in one of your expellers , I will be very grateful. You may even pay me in oil for wages.

Tongue tied, Senkan keeps   bowing to Kaliyanar. Tears flow from his eyes.

Senkan (overcome with emotion)

Oh!  The great soul who is born in our clan! Your parents are greatly blessed to have given birth to you! You have renounced all your wealth in the service of Easan and now come forward to work as a labourer. You need not have to suffer any more. You can take whatever amount of oil you need from here every day. Let the temple of Easan remain lit gloriously forever.

Tharakai is both surprised and euphoric to note the change of heart in her husband!

Kaliyanar (calmly)

Ayya! I want to get the oil by earning for it. If you give the oil to me free I will get indebted, which I do not want. I am very certain in my mind that when I depart from this earth, I owe nothing to anyone.

 Senkan is moved to tears.

 *****

From that day, Kaliyanar works in the expeller and taking the wages in oil, continues his service at the temple as before. Days roll by.

Iraivan looks at His adiyavar who has become skin and bones due to lack of food and sleep. Tears wells up In His eyes…

It starts raining at Otriyur and continues for the next day also. He goes to the oil expeller to work. The work is stopped due to rain and he returns home. Soundaryavalli is alarmed seeing him return with a long face.

Kaliyanar

 The bulls cannot pull the expeller in the rains. So I have no work today. How will complete the service to the temple today?

Soundaryavalli

I have kept some oil as reserve at home. That will be enough to light the lamps for a few hours only. What can we do to keep the lamps lighted through the whole night?

Kaliyanar slumps to the ground in great turmoil. Soundaryavalli is deeply perturbed seeing her husband in this state. There no let up of the rain. It is soon evening and will be dark very soon.

Kaliyanar

Iraiva! Why are you testing me like this? Should I continue to live when I am unable to fulfill my vow?

As he cries aloud, the rain stops all of a sudden. As he comes out, he speaks to his wife.

Kaliyanar

Pick up the oil pitcher. Let us hurry up to the temple before it gets dark.

Both of them rush to the temple and Kaliyanar stops at the entrance holding her also back.

Soundaryavalli

Why have you stopped at the entrance itself?

Kaliyanar

The oil we have is not sufficient to light the lamps in the temple. …So…

He is unable to speak any further.

Soundaryavalli (perturbed)

I have never seen you baffled like this. What can I do? Please tell me.

Kaliyanar (in a choking voice)

Priyai! (Sweetheart)

Soundaryavalli (in tears)

Anbare! (Dear!)  You have not addressed me like this in many years!

Kaliyanar

The service to Easan cannot be hindered at any cost. To make up for the shortfall of  oil , I am going to sell you and with that money buy the oil for the temple.

Soundaryavalli is shaken as if hit by a thunderbolt…

Soundaryavalli

Should you also face the same predicament as Harichchandran? I am ready to give myself for your service to Easan. If you auction me off by shouting for bids, you may even get a thousand gold coins. So auction me off.

Catching his feet and crying, she swoons and slumps to the floor.

Kaliyanar (shouting)

Here is my wife. If you buy her and give me gold, I will be able to complete the service of Easan today.

The people who hear him are shocked in disbelief.

Hearing his loud voice, the Gurukkal comes out of the temple.

Gurukkal (with tears rolling down his cheeks)

I have never seen anyone auctioning a woman. That too one’s wife! What sin have I committed to even hear such a thing?

By this time, it is becoming dark. Kaliyanar rushes inside and lights the lamps with the oil they have brought from home.

Finding that the oil in the pitcher will not last for the night, he looks here and there. At that time a Sivanadiyar comes in front of him. Kaliyanar runs up to him, prostrates at his feet and gets up.

Sivanadiyar

Ayyane! I notice that you are highly perturbed seeking something.  Can I know the reason?

Kaliyanar

I bring pitcher full of oil every day to light the lamps here. But today, I have only very little oil. I am looking whether there is anything I can find to light the lamps.

Sivanadiyar

Even our blood can be used. Are you not aware of it?

Kaliyanar (brightening up)

Aaha! You have given me solace by telling this. I will give my blood to ensure that my service to Easan continues without a break.

As he tries to chop off his hand to let out the blood, the Sivanadiyar laughs aloud. Not knowing the reason for his laughter, Kaliyanar stops his act and looks up at Sivanadiyar questioningly.

Sivanadiyar

The blood let out from hand will not be enough to fill the pitcher. Only if you chop off the head , the blood will be sufficient.

Kaliyanar

Aaha! I am truly blessed. Adiyavare! Please do me a favour. In the entrance my wife is lying unconscious. Please get her up and bring her here. In the mean time, I will cut off my head and fill this pitcher with my blood. After you bring her here, tell her to light all the lamps with my blood. Under no circumstances, the temple of Easan can remain unlit.

He chants “Om Namasivaya” thrice and closing his eyes, he tries to severe his head with the knife he is carrying.

At that very moment there is a sound of Dhundhubhi and Conch shell. The temple bell tolls on its own. The Sivanadiyar grabs his hand to prevent him from chopping his head. Kaliyanar opens his eyes in anger to see as to who has stopped him from the noble task.

As he sees Easan, he throws off the knife and catches hold of the sacred feet of Easan. The Veda mantras reverberate in the entire universe. Soundaryavalli gets up from her stupor and rushes inside. The public who had assembled also follow her.

 There Easan is seated on his Nandi Vahanam along with Annai Parvati.

Iraivan looks at His adiyavar in great compassion. He stretches His hands in a gesture of welcoming Him to His fold.

Iraivan

 Kaliyanayanare! Your act is to be inscribed in gold! You and your dutiful wife will reach Me as you are. You will remain on the right side of my temples and bless those who come there. Your name and fame will remain as long as this earth remains. Those who worship Me will worship you as well!

A great Jyothi rises there. With their palms joined in great reverence, Kaliyanar and his wife merge unto that great Jyothi.   A resounding Onkaram is heard as the people bow to that great Jyothi.

Thiruchchittrambalam

Vaayilar Nayanar

2

Vaayilar Nayanar

 Mayilai Kapaleeswarar temple….  It is evening time…

 A young man enters the temple walking a little unsteady.  As he enters the sannathi and sets his eyes on Easan, he gets totally engrossed and stands transfixed. Easan also casts His eyes on the adivayavr.

Easan (to Himself)

Come on in! Adiyavare! I am waiting only for you! You have come a long way to see Me, forsaking your sleep and food. Now is the time for you to know about yourself!

 As Easan raises His hand, the Gurukkal enters the sannathi holding a vessel in his hand.   The Gurukkal looks at the youth in great wonder!

Gurukkal

Ayya! I can make out that you have come here from a far off place. You also appear famished. Wait. I will give you prasadam. Please eat it to your heart’s content and then go.

He empties the entire content of the vessel into a large plantain leaf   and hands it over to the youth.   The Gurukkal bursts out laughing when the young man accepts it without uttering a word.  Unable to make out the reason for his laughter, the young man looks up at him inquiringly.

Gurukkal

 Ayya… You must be wondering why I am laughing aloud.  Usually, this place will be crowded with people at this time of the day. But today hardly anyone has come.  Therefore, the prasadam that is usually distributed to all has remained   full. But you didn’t ask why   people have not come here today!

He laughs again and the youth stands perplexed.

Gurukkal

How would you know? You are new to this place.  That is why! Suddhanandha Swamy has arrived here , and that is the reason why!

The Gurukkal laughs again and the youth is still confused unable to comprehend the reason for his laughter.

Gurukkal (suppressing his laughter with some effort continues)

You may ask, what Swamy’s visit has to do with people not coming to temple? Generally, when any Swamy visits the temple, people come in large numbers and it becomes difficult to control the crowd. But when Suddhanandha Swamy comes, they all run away. Why?  Because, no one can understand what this Swamy says. They get confused so much by his lecture, it becomes even necessary to guide them back to their own residences!

 The Gurukkal again starts laughing uncontrollably. The young man leaves the sannathi silently and looks around for a place to eat the prasadam. He reaches the mantapam where Suddhanandha Swamy is seated. Only four persons are seated in front of him. On seeing the Swamigal, the youth feels a sudden exhilaration   lasting a few seconds. He goes and gets seated behind those four. Keeping aside the prasadam he has brought with him, he keenly awaits the Swamy’s discourse. Swamigal sees the people seated in front of him in great compassion.

Swamigal

Today, there are only a few of you here. Still, I am going to speak to you the things I know. These are great sayings. One must be really lucky to hear and learn about them.

  He closes his eyes and remains so for a few minutes. He opens his eyes and looks  at the people seated in front and again closes his eyes.

 Swamigal

Today, I will tell you some of the dictums given to mankind by Thirumoolar. He has left three thousand poems, giving them out at the rate one poem per year. It is no easy to comprehend what he says in each of his poems. But, if one can grasp their meaning, he will realise that it is more valuable than a crore of gold nuggets.

 A rich man….

 He leaves behind his wealth so that his children can live in comfort when he dies.

A poor man…

He leaves his trade so that his children can pursue it for their living.

The king…

He leaves behind good governance for the welfare of his subjects.

A Gyani…

He leaves behind his knowledge and wisdom with his disciples.

What about a Siddhan?

He guides us to follow the righteous path as long as he is alive and continues to guide us even afterwards by living amongst us! While a human is a mortal, a Siddhan is immortal. There is no death for him. That is why, I said Siddhan is living amongst us! A Siddhan’s utterance is as good as that of Sivan, Easan Himself!

Now let me tell you one such declaration!

The Swamigal closes his eyes and concentrates his mind on Kailai.

 Swamigal

Who is that great knower of all, who has created this world? He is none other than Iraivan ruling over the three worlds!  (The three worlds are the earth, the heaven and the nether world) Are you aware of His greatness?

Let me tell you now.

Easan’s eminence is higher than the highest Meru mountain and wider than this earth. We have talked about the height and the girth. What about its depth? It is as deep as the four categories of Saivam.  One can measure the height of Meru or the width of this earth. But can any one measure the depth of Saivam? Is there been any one measured the depth of the four types of Saivam?  Thirumoolar very rightly compared the depth of Easan’s eminence to Saivam, which is immeasurable!

He said that there are four categories of Saivam. Are there really? Yes. The first of them is Suddha (pure/ clean) Saivam!  When I say “Suddha”, it implies that there exists an opposite of it also which is “Asud dha” (impure/polluted/unclean) Saivam!  The third is Marga Saivam and the fourth is “Kadumsuddha Saivam” (rigourously pure form).

At this point a person seated in front gets up and asks whether there are people following impure Saivam and if so how is that possible. Swamigal opens his eyes and after looking at the person who posed this question closes his eyes again.

Swamigal

The answer to your question, I will tell you now.

Let me first explain what Suddha Saivam is. Listen carefully. Who is Iraivan? He is Pathi. Who are we humans?  We are none other than Pasu! What is Pasam? This body, the life we lead, the feeling of “I” … these are Pasam.  Setting aside the rituals mandated by the so called religious heads as trivial,  realising who is Pasu, Who is Pathi and what is Pasam and instilling the ways to reach the glorious   sacred feet of Easan are the characteristics  of Suddha Saivam.

Next is the Asuddha Saivam!

Those who claim that there is no refuge for them other than the sacred feet of Easan on one hand , but wearing earrings, sporting Thiruneeru and  wearing rudraksham around their neck and head to exhibit their Saivam on the other hand belong to this category. They remain in the lower stages of Sariyay and Kiriyay and have not evolved to higher levels of Yogam and Gyanam. When you are carrying Iraivan in your heart, where is the necessity to carry these symbols on the body which will be dead one day!  He called them Asuddha Saivar to highlight this fallacy!

 The third is the Marga Saivam. What is meant by Margam? It means the ways and means or path. Marga Saivam specifies what the correct path is and what the correct means are! Those who understand and lead their lives according to Saiva Siddhantham, Sivagyana Bhodam etc. are said to follow the Marga Saivam.

What happens if you follow the tenets of Siddhantham? Thirumoolar himself answers this question in a poem.

  “Onrum, Irandum, Ilathumaai

Onraha ninru

Samaya niraharm neengiye

Paraparai Neyaththai paadhaththal senru

 Sivamathal Siddhantha Saktiye”

ஒன்றும், இரண்டும், இலதுமாய்

ஒன்றாக நின்று சமயநிராகாரம் நீக்கியே

பராபரை நேயத்தைப்பாதத்தால் சென்று

சிவமாதல் சித்தாந்த சக்தியே!

If you look at these sentences as a whole, it is confusing and its meaning is not discernable.

If you take one word at a time and try to derive its import, it will be clear.

When he said “Onru” he meant the Brahmam. He is omnipresent. He is omniscient. He alone is all the creatures. He is “I” and I am “He”.  This is Advaitham.

“Irandu” denotes Dwaitham!   Iraivan is distinct. All others including Jeevan are separate.

“Ilathu” conveys that which cannot be understood or deciphered.

Even though these three differ from each other, in the Vedanta Siddhantham, they exist as one. (onraha ninru)

“Samaya niraharm neengiye” means eschewing the thoughts of religious dogmas and rituals.

 “Paadhaththal senru” means to follow the path or live by the tenets.

 

I will now tell the meaning in totality.

 Though the paths of Advaitham, Dwaitham or neither of the above   appear to vary in their axioms, they are, as per Vedanta Siddhantham, stand as one. If one follows any of these paths ignoring the religious dogmas to union with Sivam,  that is the path of Marga Saivam. 

 I am sure that you have all understood what I have said very clearly.

 The last one is the Kadumsuddha Saivam!

Without any paraphernalia, those who consider themselves as “He” (Easan) in their highest state of Gyanam are said to be Kadumsuddha Saivar! These Gyanis discard Sariyay and Kiriyay and consider “Gyanam” as the highest path.

What is Gyanam?

Kandangal onpadhvum kandavar kandanar

Kandangal onpadhvum kandaaya Arumporul

Kandangal onpadhvum kandavar kandamam

Kandangal kandavar kadumsudhdhasaivare!

Which are the onpadhu (nine) Kandangal?

கண்டங்கள்  ஒன்பதும்  கண்டவர்  கண்டனர்

கண்டங்கள்  ஒன்பதும்  கண்டாய  அரும்பொருள்

கண்டங்கள்  ஒன்பதும்  கண்டவர்  கண்டமாம்

கண்டங்கள்  கண்டவர்  கடுஞ்சுத்தசைவரே!

The first line is explained below.

Which are the Onpadhu (nine) Kandangal?

 The five elements of earth, water, wind, fire and ether, the sun, the moon and the Aanma make eight. If you add Pranavam (the galaxy), they add up to nine or onpadhu. 

 Those who have realised that all these are in one’s own body are Kadumsuddha Saivar.

The next line is explained below.

Which are the next nine Kandangal?

Naanmukhan (Brahma), Thirumal (Vishnu), Rudran, Maheswaran, Sadasivan, Vindhu, Nadham, Sakti, Sivan  are the nine manifestation of Sivam alone. Those who have realised this great gem of a truth are Kadumsuddha Saivar.

 Thirumoolar says that only those who have realised these nine Kandangal are knowledgeable of this entire universe and only they can be called as Kadumsuddha Saivar.

 What are the four Saiva Neris (channels or avenues)?  

Thirumoolar classifies four Neris as Sariyay, Kiriyay, Yogam and Gyanam.

The service rendered by physical work by one’s limbs is Sariyay.     This also called Sanmargam or Dasamargam. Those who practice this Neri of Sariyay reach Saalogam which is Siva’s place. Our elders have defined Kailai or Kailayam as the abode of Sivan.

The service rendered both by the heart and the limbs are Kiriyay. This is called as Sathputramargam. It is akin to the service rendered by a devoted son to his father. Those who practice this Neri attain Saameepam.  Saameepam means nearness to Iraivan. It is the attainment of the status of Nayanmar or Nayanmarpadam.

The next is Yogam. Yogam means union. It implies union or oneness with Iraivan. As union is identified with friendship, this Neri is companionship with Easan. Those who practice this Neri attain Saaroopam.   (Swaroopam) That is acquisition of the same form as Easan Himself! It amounts to saying that the self and Iraivan are similar and not distinct from each other.

The fourth Neri is Gyanam. It amounts admitting that Iraivan is my Guru and I am His disciple. The devotion (Bakthi) to Iraivan is displayed as that of a disciple to his guru! Those who follow this Neri attain Saayuchyam. It is amounting to dissolution into Iraivan totally.   In other words to become Pasupathi!

If you become Pasupathi, your body will radiate and glow! You may ask how this is possible. Thirumoolar clarifies this doubt also. He says, “He (Easan) who gives the radiance to the Sun, the moon and all other glittering planets, when He enters into my heart will make me glow”. That He has entered into my heart, I will presently show you.

 That very moment…

An astonishing thing happens…

A radiant light emanates from the body of the Swamigal! On seeing this bright and profuse light,   the young man gets up and bows to Swamigal in great reference and rapture.

The Swamigal opens his eyes and looks at the young man bowing in front of him. He is fascinated by the ecstatic looking young man. There is no one else as others have left a long time ago. He looks at the folded leaf lying on the floor. He signals the young man who has been listening to him forgoing his food even, to come near him. The young man   goes near still bowing with great reverence.

Swamigal

Mahane! Who are you? What is your name?

The young man breaks into tears and tries to signal his reply with his hands.

Swamigal is greatly moved by pity.

Swamigal

Are you unable to speak? You can’t even tell your name! I must give you a name so that others will know who you are. I will call you Vaayilar (the one without speech)! Is that name agreeable to you?  

The young man happily signals his concurrence and bows to Swamigal.

Swamigal

Vaayilare! Come here! I will impart you Gyanam!

As Vaayilar comes up and bows in front of the Swamigal, he raises his hind and touches the Agyachakra of Vaayilar.

Swamigal (blessing)

I have opened the gate of the fort of your inner mind. Let that gate be the threshold of your heaven! 

Swamigal then asks him to sit in front of him.

Swamigal   

Those who chant “Om Namasivaya” are never in distress. Since you cannot make sound, you recite the Panchaksharam along with Onkaram in your mind. When the Onkaram that you raise inside you unites with the Onkaram that is omnipresent in this universe, you will attain Saamibam. To raise Onkaram inside you, I will teach you Pranayamam of Thirumoolar.

Closing his eyes, the Swamigal concentrates on Thirumoolar.

Swamigal

Do you know what Thirumoolar has said of Saalogam, Saameepam, Saaroopam and Saauchchiyam?

I will presently recite that poem.

“Pasam Pasu aanathu Saalogam

Pasam  Arul aanathu aahum Saameepam

Pasam siram anathu aahum Ichcharoopam

Pasam karaipathi Saauchchiame! “

பாசம் பசுவானது ஆகும் சாலோகம்

பாசம் அருளான் அது ஆகும் சாமீபம்

பாசம் சிரம் ஆனதுஆகும் இச்சாரூபம்

பாசம் கரைபதி சாயுச்சியமே!

In the Saalogam stage, the body which is Pasam will not falter from the accepted way of living. It will therefore cause re-birth again.

In the Saameepam, the body which is Pasam will lead a life not constrained by the mundane rules of living but will be of   great charity. This is attaining the status of Nayanmar!  Attaining this stage results in no re-birth!

 In the Saaroopam, the way of living by Pasam will enlighten the body and  make one attain the status equal to that of Iraivan.

In Saayuchiyam the body that is Pasam will lead a life such that it becomes one with Iraivan obliterating itself totally!

We are born in this world. We cannot discard this body and ask for another one. We have to accept the body as such and live along. But the kind of life we lead is entirely up to us.  It is in our own hands. We can change our way of life as we like. If that is so, how do we control the body?

The practice of Ashtangayogam alone can ensure that one can lead a proper life.

Ashta means eight…

Anga means limbs…

Yogam means unite...

Therefore Ashtangayogam implies the eightfold paths or Neris.

What are these eight Neris?

These are Yama, Niyama, Aasanas, Pranayamam, Prathyaharam, Dharana, Dhyanam and lastly Samadhi.

Yama is leading a life without harming others. The one who practices Yama will not kill, will not lie, will not steal, leads a pious life, is unassuming, will not waver from righteousness. He will share his wealth with others. Thirumoolar defines Yama as not doing wrong deeds. Doing correct deeds is the mark of Niyama. How to identify a good man who practices Niyama? Can we identify him from his appearance or his countenance? It is impossible. To qualify as a good man, he must exhibit these ten qualities.

Cleanliness, charity, controlled diet, patience, integrity, truthfulness and assiduousness are the positive seven traits, he must exhibit and must not harbour the three negative traits of lust, thievery and murder. 

Next are the Aasanas.  Though there are innumerable Aasanas in existence, Thirumoolar lists   seven of the most eminent Aasanas which are profoundly suitable.

The next one is very important. That is the one which will help you attain Saameepam.  That is Pranayamam.

Vaayilare! Please listen carefully without missing even a syllable of what I am going to tell you and act strictly according to it.

Pranayamam is nothing but controlling Prana! What we do involuntarily is breathing! That is inhaling and exhaling air. To perform it with deliberation is Pranayamam! Those who do Pranayamam as per established norms will automatically lead to the attainment of the next four limbs namely Prathyaharam, Dharana, Dhyanam and Samadhi!

Now I will explain to you how to perform Pranayamam.   

“ Aivarku Nayakan Avvoor thalaimahan

Uyyakkondu yerum kudhirai  matru onru undu,

Meyyarkuppatrukkodukkum  Kodadhu poi

Poyyuraiththulli Vizhundhidum thane”

ஐவர்க்கு நாயகன் அவ்வூர்த்தலைமகன்

உய்யக்கொண்டு ஏறும் குதிரை மற்று ஒன்று உண்டு

மெயயர்க்குப்பற்றுக்கொடுக்கும் கொடாது போய்ப்

பொய்யுரைத்துள்ளி விழுந்திடும் தானே!

By “Aivarku Nayakan Avvoor thalaimahan’,  Thirumoolar means Aanma.

“Uyyakkondu yerum kudhirai  matru onru undu”  means  that for that Aanma to flourish, there exists a horse called Pranan .  

“Meyyarkuppatrukkodukkum”  - That horse can be reined  only by those who practice this properly.

 “Kodadhu poi Poyyuraiththulli Vizhundhidum thane”-  It ( Pranan)  cannot be controlled  by those who are not steadfast in their correct practice. It will fall through from the throat down below.

 In effect he says that the horse named Pranan will be under control of those who practice Pranayamam properly. For those who are not steadfast in doing it correctly, it will be uncontrollable.

If you have the blessing of an able Guru, both Pranan and Apanan will be under control.  That means that inhalation, retention and exhalation of breath will be under control.

 When you take Pranan up, it will be intoxicating and exhilarating. All the five senses will be alert. The body will acquire a glow. One has to prepare his body through Yogasanas. If the body is not pre conditioned by Aasanas, taking up Pranan will have very detrimental effect. To take Pranan in or inhalation is called “Poorakham”. The air has to be taken in through the left nostril. The duration is for sixteen “Maththirai”.  This is “Yeruthal”. (Inhalation or Poorakham))

Are you aware that Maththirai is a unit of time?

Vaayilar nods his head in affirmative.

Swamigal (continuing)

Now, we come to “Aaruthal”.  This is called as “Kumbhakam” (retention). This refers to retention of inhaled air inside for a brief period. The duration is   sixty four Maththirai.

The next is “Ooruthal”. This is called “Rechakam” (exhalation). This is to let out the air through the right nostril.

The other way of inhaling through right nostril and exhaling through left nostril is called “Vanjhanai”.

Why Thirumoolar named the exhalation as Ooruthal rather than Viduthal (letting out)? It is because…. he wanted the Gyanis to discern the mystery behind it. What is mystery here? It is the inner meaning of Pranava manthiram! I am now going to tell you the inner meaning of Pranava manthiram which is not known to anyone in this universe or even to Devas! 

The one who imparts the Pranava Manthiram is Guru…

The one who hears is the Seedan (disciple)….

 You must listen to it as a Seedan.

A great event takes place there.

 With his chest puffed up, Swamigal looks up and concentrates on Kailai as Vaayilar gets up and sits on his knees in front of him holding his right foot with his hands. Swamigal bends down and murmurs the Pranava manthiram into the ear of Vaayilar.

The Onkaram “Om” reverberates for a duration of thirty two Maththirai.   After the sound waves subside, he asks Vaayilar to get up and resume his seat. A sudden glow radiates from his face and his  eyes  are shining.

Swamigal

Vaayilare! You must inhale through our left nostril for sixteen Maththirai and hold it inside for sixty four Maththirai. You must then exhale slowly from the pit of your stomach for a duration of thirty two Maththirai sounding “Ommmmmmm” with the help of your throat. The entire air must be let out. At that stage, every limb of your body will crave for air. You must then inhale the air as said before, hold it and release it with the sound of Onkaram. It is time to tell you the meaning of Pranava manthiram. Mahane! Sit up with your spine erect. Raise your head slightly up. Close your eyes and focus your thoughts on Kailai. Then perform Pranayamam as I instructed you.

When you fraise the sound of Onkaram inside, close both of your ears with your palms. You will be able to feel the sound waves of Pranava manthiram passing through the seventy two thousand nerves in your body.   

As you are dumb, you may doubt as to how to raise the sound of Onkaram! Even if you are able to raise the sound ‘im’, the Onkaram will emanate sounding like the waves of the ocean. Come on! Try.

Vaayilar does as told and cups his ears with his palms. His whole body shudders in exhilaration.

Swamigal

Now let out the air completely.

Vaayilar does so exhaling the air from the pit of his stomach.

Swamigal

Remain so as long as you can.

Vaayilar does as instructed and resumes inhaling from the left nostril when the craving for air overcomes him.

Swamigal then asks him to open his eyes which he does.

Swamigal

You have let out the air for duration of thirty two Maththirai. For that duration, your body did not require, air, water or food. By sustained practice, this duration can be gradually increased. This duration can be even one year! There will be no need of food or water during this time! The body will also not decay and do what you want. Because of such sustained Sadhanas, the Siddhars and Munivars have lived for thousands of years. That which is born has to die one day. The Siddhars and Munivars, raise their life force along with their Aanma by raising them from Mooladhara Chakra to Kapalam and then letting them out through Bramaranthiram.   While they have no control over their births, the Siddhars they embrace death whenever they wish!

Perumizhalai Kurumba Nayanar attained Saameepam in this way only!

The meaning of Pranava manthiram has not been explained to all as the attainment of Mukti is only meant for Siddhars and Munivars. Still, I explained to you only because of the fact that you can’t even express your hunger and ask for food from others…

When you start living taking only air as your food, steadying Onkaram in your heart and realise that your time has come to merge unto Easan, release your Aanma through Bramaranthiram and attain Sameepamukti.

Vaayilare! Due to your sustained effort you will attain the great fortune of remaining close to Iraivan! Iraivan is common to both; those who can speak and those who cannot!

That you can achieve this will become known to the entire world. Let this place Mayilai attain glory because of you.

Vaayilar Nayanare! Your name and fame will remain as long as this universe remains. Those who worship Nandi will worship you as well!

As the Swamigal blesses him, Vaayilar gets up and stands with both his hands raised above his head and cupping them in great reverence.

Swamigal

 Only a Siddhan will recognise another one!

Laughing, the Swamigal vanishes in the sky!

               *******

Vaayilar Nayanar builds a small hut near the temple. He practices Pranayamam as instructed by the Swamigal regularly. A large number of people keep coming everyday to pay their regards and to revere him. Fifteen years pass by…

One day…

Seeing a radiant glow emanating from Vaayilar Peruman’s body, a huge crowd assembles in front of him. As Vaayilar opens his eyes, his inside is filled with Onkaram. The people in great ecstasy start chanting Panchaksharam.

 “Om Namasivaya!”

“Om Namasivaya!”

“Om Namasivaya!”

Though his eyes were looking ahead, he is not seeing the people assembled there.

In his seated position, he raises his hands above his head and cups his palms in great supplication concentrating on Kailai.

The bindu rises from Mooladharam and mingles with the music at Chithsabahi making him reach the zenith of bliss. Enjoying and not wanting to withdraw from the great bliss, he opens up the gates of Bramaranthiram.

A huge ball of light emanates from his body and shoots up towards the sky for all the people to see.

At the same time there is booming sound of blowing of conch shells and of Kombus. The heaves open up with a shower of flowers.

Euphoric, the people start chanting panchaksharam aloud which touches the heavens!

Thiruchchittrambalam