Kadavarkon Nayanar

2

Kadavarkon Nayanar

Kanchipuram….

 In the palace, the Mannar Kadavarkon is pacing up and down immersed in thought on a variety of issues. The queen and the crown prince come in and bow to him.

 Maharani

 I came to know that I have been summoned…

She looks up to Mannar before completing her sentence.

 Kadavarkon

Yes, I summoned you to discuss a very important issue. Let the Amaichchar Peruman also come.

In a few seconds the Amaichchar also reaches there and bows to the Mannar.

 As the three take their seats, Kadavarkon addresses them.

Kadavarkon

A week ago, when I was praying to Easan in the sannathi of Ekambaranathar, a Sivanadiyar came there. He looked at me and then at the Iraivan. Looking again at me he posed a question to me.

As he gives a pause, all the three become eager to know what the question is.

Kadavarkon (continues)

The question he posed to me is, “For how many more days?” The Sivanadiyar then bowed to Easan and hurried away without waiting for my response.  I was stunned for a few moments not knowing what he implied by that question. I then composed myself and wanted to ask the Sivanadiyar himself as to what he implied by that question. So I also hurried outside but he was nowhere to seen. That question is troubling me no end. If any of you know the answer, you may please tell me.

Amaichchar

If that question is posed to a common man, it may be connected regarding his work or his living. If it is posed to the King of the land, it may imply how long you may reign or how long you will live.

Mannar

 Well said.  I also thought so. I called for the Court astrologers and posed these questions. They are very definite that my clan will continue to rule this country for the next seven generations As far as my life span is concerned they are firm that I have a long life. So the confusion has now only compounded as to what is implied by that question.

Maharani

 Though, I am certain that you do not waver from righteous path and righteous action, he might have implied of any unwanted addiction of yours.

Crown Prince 

It is the duty of the king to ensure welfare of his subjects. …His every second is very valuable. He might have implied that how long you will be going around temples without sparing that time for your subjects.

Amaichchar

The Mannar said that a Sivanadiyar posed this question. It is impossible that he would have implied as to why he is wasting his time going around temples. Secondly the Mannar is very strict in enforcing righteous conduct of all his subjects. So it is very unlikely that the question implied as to how long he would be deviating from any unwanted addiction. It is not possible to either foretell how long a reign will last or someone will live. Therefore we have to get some clarifications from the Mannar. We should not go by the literal interpretation of the question.   If that question was posed in a strong demanding tone, it will imply “How long you will you continue your arrogance?” If the same question was posed in a begging tone it will imply “How long will you postpone your bounden duty?”  A question will have different connotation based on who posed the question, where it was asked and how it was framed. Only if we know all these details, it is possible to guess what is implied by a question.  Even here it may not be accurate.

 The Mannar who has been listening to all the three people without interrupting them, get up enthusiastically.

Mannar  

I have found a solution. If we lose some object, we must start looking for it from the place where it is lost. Likewise, the question was posed in the Sannathi of Ekambaranathar.   Come let us go there and I am sure we will find the answer there.

He gets up and all of them reach the sannathi. As Easan is getting decorated in the sannathi, the curtain is drawn. As everyone is eagerly waiting for the curtain to part to have the darisanam of Easan, they have not noticed the arrival of the mannar and party.

However the mannar is able to hear a man and his mother talking.

The Son

Amma! You have always been saying that you wish to visit all the temples and sacred rivers and ultimately reach Kasi to give up life and attain mukti.  To fulfill your life’s ambition, I have gathered the required things. You have also completed all your obligations here. How long will you post pone this?

At that very moment, the curtain is parted and the temple bells toll. Deepaaradhanai is conducted mesmerizing all the devotees there.

Mannar (hugely excited)

Iraiva! You have shown me the way by speaking thorough a devotee. I am not going to delay even a second what I am supposed to do. I am going to fulfill my longstanding desire of visiting all the temples and sing in Your praise and attain Your sacred   feet.

He composes and sings a song in praise of Ekambaranathar then and there and looks at his son in great zeal. He takes of the crown from his head and places it on the prince’s head. He removes the sword from his hip and places it in his hands. He removes all his ornaments and hands them over to his wife. People are aghast seeing the action of the Mannar. He then goes near the sannathi and accepts Thiruneeru from the Gurukkal and smears it on his forehead.  He turns back and faces his son and does an act which no one has ever done before! He folds his hand in supplication and bows to his son. Every one is shocked and surprised.

Kadavarkon (addressing his son, the newly crowned king)

 Mannar Manna! You must propagate the sanctity and greatness of Thiruneeru throughout your kingdom. Let the white flags with the ensign of Nandi flutter everywhere in your kingdom.

Chanting the panchaksharam “Om Namasivaya” repeatedly, he rushes outside the temple and walks fast.  Shedding tears, the maharani follows him running. Kadavarkon stops, turns back and stops the maharani from following him.  Asking the maharani to pay attention to the good conduct of the new king , he walks away without uttering anything else.

The maharani, Amaichchar and all others stand transfixed.

      *******

Thillai…

Kadavarkon is standing in the sannathi of Ambalavanan. Closing his eyes, he brings before his mind’s eye the unsurpassed beauty of Easan in His eternal dancing pose. The hand of the Iraivan in Abhayayamudra raises and directs Kadavarkon to sing.  Kadavarkon sings praising the Easan’s dancing poses in the five Sabhais namely the Thamira Sabhai at Nellai, the Chitra Sabhai at Kutralam, the Rathna Sabhai at Thiruvaalagadu, the Velliambalam at Madurai and the Ponnambalam at Thillai. He goes into raptures and sheds copious tears that there is no redemption for him unless he worships the Easan’s sacred feet in these five places. A divine voice is heard from the sannathi.

Devine Voice  

 As you have glorified the Ayyadigal of Easan, you are Ayyadigalar! You come to all of My temples and sing As Easan is eager to hear your singing!

Ayyadigalar

I am greatly redeemed!    

He bows to Easan and starts off on a journey of visiting all the temples of Easan. He first visits Kudanthai. From there he goes to Thirvaiyaru, Thiruvarur, Thiruththruthi, Thirukkodika, Thiruvidaivasal, Nedungalam, Kuzhiththandalai, Thruvasramam, Thiruvanaikka, Tirusirappalli, Thiruppunnai, Makaalam, Valaikulam, Poompuhar, Mazhapadi, Thenthiruvaipadi, Thiruppananthal, Thiruvotriyur  and reaches Thirumayilai Kapaleeswarar temple.

He composes a song on Easan who resides in the cremation ground. Praising the Easan who  grants Mukti to his devotees, he falls down and breathes his last.  The Ssivaganas reach there  and carry him off to Kailayam.

Iraivan welcomes him with a smile. Ayyadigalar bows to Easan and then raises his hands above his head in great reverence. The Vanavar showers flowers on him. 

Iraivan (blessing)

Ayyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanare!  Refusing the kingdom and the luxuries of royalty, you have travelled far and wide seeking only the feet of Easan as your ultimate goal. You have composed songs for leading righteous life and in praise of these temples   for the benefit of mankind. You shall remain on My right forever.  Your name and fame will live as long as this world remains.  Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well.

Onkaram reverberates everywhere!

Thiruchchittrambalam