Poosalar Nayanar

2

Poosalar Nayanar

Thiruninravur….

The smoke emanating from the Yagakundam are raising high in the sky.  Departing from his routine, Poosalar has not gone to attend the Yagam that day.

Poosalar (to himself)

Somehow, I feel disinterested in doing anything today! At the same time my mind is prodding me to do something… But I am not clear as to what I want to do. As an Anthanar, I am not getting any mental satisfaction in reciting Veda mantras. Let me see whether serving adiyavars will give solace to my perturbed mind!

He goes around looking for adiyavars. On seeing a few of them, he invites them to his house and gives them a sumptuous feast. A few days pass by like this. But his mind is getting restless once again. There is a feeling that he has missed out in doing some task.  He is so much perturbed that he is even unable to sleep properly. Days pass by and it is the month of Margazhi. It is season of winter. One early morning, he wakes up sweating even in that cold climate. He wonders whether his mind is expressing its restlessness by this sweating. He walks out in the misty morning without any aim and crosses the village boundary and enters the jungle on the outskirts. He continues walking aimlessly. Suddenly, his eyes fall on a particular spot. There is a huge banyan tree and a Siva lingam is seen buried at angle underneath.   Seeing a few dew drops on the lingam, he quickly wipes them off with the towel he is wearing. As he wipes of the dew drops, his mind is deeply affected.

 Poosalar (to himself)

What an ordeal is this? Lingaperuman is buried in the earth and it seems that he has been buried for very many years! How much Easan may be suffering due to sun and rain lying in the open?  What can I do now?

As he is lamenting like this, a thought appears in his mind and he brightens up.

Poosalar (in a loud voice)

Why not build a temple for Easan at this very spot?

He hears his own words repeat as a resounding echo from nowhere. He feels that his long nagging and restless mind has suddenly become calm.

 Poosalar

From now on, I will devote myself totally in constructing a temple for Easan only.

He bows to Easan and returns.

    *******

The other Anthanars of the village keep looking at Poosalar who is walking hurriedly.

Anthanar 1

 What is the matter? You have been looking lost all along! Today, you look so joyous as if you have won the heavens!

Poosalar (with a mild laugh)

Yes! Very true. There is only small difference. I am going to win over the heavens only now!

Anthanar 2 (mockingly)

Please take me also along! Let me also enjoy the fun!

Taking this as joke all others laugh out aloud and unmindful, Poosalar walks off laughing even faster.

Anthanar 3

What is wrong with him? He looks alright.  There is nothing strange in his laughter also. But, it appears there is something queer!

 Anthanar 4

Queer? How dare you say that? He will make a dozen of us insane!  … Look at his fast stride…  Something must have happened…

Anthanar 1

It looks that he is heading to meet our Aacharyan. Come. Let us also go there and watch what he does.  Who knows? He might have even found some buried treasure!

All the Anthanars rush to the Aachrayan’s house the moment they hear the words ‘treasure’!

   *****

 Aachrayan’s house… He is seated on his cot. Poosalar goes and falls on his feet in great reverence and gets up.

Aacharyan (greatly pleased)

Come! Poosalane! How are you doing? I am not seeing you in Yagams nowadays. You are so perfect in intonation of Veda mantras to make even Agni to stay still in the Yagakundam!   What has happened to you?

By this time the other Anthanars also reach there. The countenance of Aacharyan changes dramatically on seeing them.

Aacharyan (looking at Poosalar)

Have you got into any trouble? Why these clowns have here?

Anthanar 1 (to Aacharyan)  

I understand what you are implying! Poosalan has come to you to seek some advice. We have just come here to help him. That is all.

Anthanar 1(to Poosalar)

Come on. Ask him. Do you have to do puja first before unearthing the treasure or do it later?

Aacharyan (reacting quickly)

What treasure?

Poosalar

Yes! It is indeed a treasure!

All the Anthanars are in great glee hearing this.

Aacharyan (excitedly)

Where did you find? How did you make out?

Poosalar

Outside our village, under a banyan tree I found an invaluable treasure lying half buried in the earth.

Anthanar 1(eagerly)

See! Didn’t I tell you that he must have found some treasure?   Now tell us how many people you need to unearth it?

Aacharyan (intervening angrily)

Hey! Why are you interrupting with useless questions?   Do shut up now! Let him speak.

Poosalar

To unearth that great treasure, about ten men are more than enough. But where to keep that after taking it out is the question!

Aacharyan understands that Poosalar is hinting at something else.

Aacharyan (taking his seat)

What did you find under the banyan tree?

Poosalar

I found a Siva lingam half buried in the earth.

Anthanar 2 (in a sour tone)

You mean Siva Lingam!

 All the Anthanars look at each other.

Anthanar 3 (angrily)

It has been lying there for a very long time. Perhaps you have seen it only now. How do call it as a great treasure?

Poosalar (calmly)

He is the One who clears all our debts! Isn’t He our great treasure?

Anthanar 3

Didn’t I tell you that he is behaving like a queer? We have such useless day to start with!

He walks away giving a scornful look at Poosalar and others follow him.

Aacharyan (thinking)

How is that, you said Easan clears all our debts?

Poosalar

The debt of being born in this earth! Unless we clear that debt, how can we get released from re-birth by obtaining Mukti?

Aacharyan brightens up hearing this reply.

Aacharyan

I used to be amazed by your wisdom even when you were young and a student. I am still amazed by you. Now, tell me what for you have come to me?

 Poosalar

The buried Siva lingam must be excavated and kept outside so that everyone can do puja. I have come here to learn from you the details as to where and how to keep the Lingam.

He bows to Aacharyan.

Aacharyan

I am amazed even more now by your dedication. We cannot just lift and keep the Lingam in the centre of the village… We have to first build a temple as per the sastram and install it by due process of chanting Veda mantras. We have to first place the appropriate Chakra and keep nine different gems and install it above them. There are other rituals like Ashtabandhana Kappu to be performed. Is it possible for poor Brahmins like us to undertake this task? Only kings and those who are rich for many generations can afford to take up this kind of divine undertaking.  Poor we are even to buy a yard of land, we cannot even dream of doing such things.

Taken aback by what he just heard, Poosalar however composes himself quickly.

Poosalar

 I am resolute to gather the materials and build temple come what may! Tell me how to go about building a temple. You said there is some Sastram. What is that sastram?

Aacharyan

Brigu, Atri, Vasishtar, Viswakarma, Mayan, Naradar, Nagnashith, Visalakshar, Purandarar, Brahma, Kumaran, Nandichar, Sanakar, Baragar, Vasudevar, Anirudhrar, Sukrar and Brahaspati are the eighteen authors who wrote Silpa sastram. I have the one written by Mayan. It is a very antique one. My great grandfather’s great grandfather was a Sthapathi. The palm leaves are very old but in good condition. I will give it to you. You read it. You are a scholar. That is nothing impossible for you to achieve. You don’t retract from your aim. Easan’s anger will burn this entire village to ashes. I will tell you a composition of Thirumoolar. It will be helpful in your search.

“Within my body, I discovered a great truth

  That, the body is the temple where resides the Noblest, Easan”

He said that the human body itself is the temple. In Thillai, Easan is said to be dancing at Ponnamblam considered to be the heart. Constructing a temple akin to the structure of a human body is brought out thus. I will bring the palm leaf bundle of Mayan. Let it be of use to you at least.

He brings out the palm leaf manuscript of Mayan from the puja room and hands it over to Poosalar who receives it with great piety.

  *****

  For the next six months, Poosalar is not seen anywhere outside.  Except for few winks of sleep, he pours over the palm leaf and makes notes for the construction of the temple. After he is satisfied with his notes, he goes to meet the Aacharyan. Aacharyan is shocked to see his disciple.

Aacharyan (to himself)

 What a change! He used to look quite healthy and robust... He is reduced to skin and bones now!  His face looks the same... His eyes are sparkling brilliantly ... Such a pair of radiant eyes is a great wonder never seen by anyone before!

Poosalar comes and bows to Aacharyan.

Aacharyan (eagerly)

Have you finalised your plan for the construction of the temple?

Poosalar

I have come here only to discuss about that!

Aacharyan tells his disciple to take his seat and asks him to proceed.

As Poosalar is about to begin, Aacharyan observes that he is concentrating his mind at Kailayam. Inferring that he is going to disclose something very substantial, Aacharyan keeps his entire attention on what he is going to say.

Poosalar

When I came here first, you gave me a maxim. That is, the structure of a temple must resemble that of a human. That apart, I have read the Silpa Sastram of Mayan and have made notes on important aspects. We can talk about that in detail some other time. Let me first place some fundamental viewpoints before you.

We all follow the path of Sanathana Dharmam. It encompasses the six religions. The Saivas, the Vaishnavas, the Kapalikas, the Ganpathyas, the Koumaras, the Souras have Nataraja Peruman,  Perumal, Durga,Vinayaka, Murugan and Suriyan as their Presiding deities respectively and construct independent temples for all these deities each of them hailing that only they are supreme. They fail to remember that all of us follow the path of the same Sanathana Dharmam and also that Iraivan is One and He manifests as Many! Alas, we stand divided unable to tell the world that Sanathana Dharmam is the supreme path for the entire world.

Therefore, the temple we are going to build must be inclusive of all these six religionists. The conflict arises only when the Presiding deity is given a form. Saivas will say this is not Nataraja Peruman.  Vaishnavas may say that this is not Perumal and so on. In order that they do not create any conflicts, I must install the Formless Iraivan in the form of Lingam.  To drive home the point that Iraivan alone is Pati, Aanma alone is Pasu and the Balipeetam is Pasam, I am going to Install Him in the form of Lingam. To signify that Aanma, discarding its Pasam unites with Peraanma...

 Lingam that is Pati unites with Yoni that is Pasu will be the Presiding Deity which is formless and at the same time having a form.  

The sacred form of Lingam therefore becomes Iraivan. His three tasks are that of Brahma, of Perumal and of Sivan. Now I tell you how to bring the six religionists inside.   

 Suppose we assume that the human body as the temple. Then....

 The head is the Sanctum sanctorum.

 His neck is the Artha mantapam.

The chest and stomach forms the Maha mantapam.

 The male organ is the flag staff.

The thighs are the Balipeetam.

The feet are the Raja Gopuram. The toes form the kalasam.

The place where the Aagya Chakram is located on the face is where the Iraivan is seated.

The right eye is the seat of Vinayakar while the left eye is that of Murugan. The left side of Easan is north where Durga is seated. The right side of Easan is south where he is seated as Dhakshinamoorthy.   As Easan is facing east, it is where Suriyan is to be installed.  The top side looking up to sky is where He takes the form of Agni covering the earth and sky as the incomprehensible Lingothbhavar.   In the heart region of Maha mantapam, Perumal resides in any one of His ten Avatarams.  There are seven Praharams to denote that only after seven births, a human realises that is He who is my Iraivan. I am going to construct an imposing Rajagopuram with high boundary walls so that when there are natural disturbances the temple becomes the ultimate sanctuary for all the creatures.

There has to be a starting point which defines the relative positions of all other structures for any venture. I am going to make the flag staff as the base point.    I am going to construct the temple in such a way that by looking from the flag staff, the idols of the six religionists are intertwined. To drive home the point that Iraivan is One and at the same time he takes different forms as worshipped by the six religionists, I am going to install Iraivan in the form Lingam in the Sanctum Santorum. I will give reasoning for this. Everyone has Aagya Chakram located in between the eyebrows. It is not visible but at the same time it is there.  Likewise Iraivan is both formless as well as well having a form. Iraivan in the form of Lingam brings out this principle very clearly. A question may arise why Lingam is called Siva Lingam! Brahma does the act of creation and Perumal that of protection. Destruction is done by Sivan.  Destruction can be done by only the One who Himself is indestructible! Iraivan is indestructible! That is why Lingam is called Siva lingam.

The site selected for the construction of the temple must be of supreme quality. One can ask whether there are different grades of sites for construction! There is a method to grade a site. One must dig the earth for a given length, width and depth and excavate the soil. After that, the excavated soil must be refilled in the dugout.  If the ditch gets filled and there is surplus earth left, that site is considered supreme. If the soil fills up the ditch exactly, then the site is average. If the excavated soil is deficient to fill up the dugout, that site is poor. Only supreme soil is fit for construction of a temple.

The size of the idols, the get up of the mantapam etc. must conform to the dimensions given in Silpa sastram. The measurements are also specified in terms of ‘Maatraangulam’ which is defined as the length, width and the circumference of the middle portion of the middle finger of the right palm of the builder.

When one builds a temple all measurements are given in Maatraangulam.

If you consider my statements as acceptable and say so, I can calculate the dimensions of all structures and design the temple in totality.

I am awaiting your orders.

He looks up to Aacharyan who is bowing to him with tears of joy flowing copiously.

Aacharyan

This is the first time I have heard as to how a temple must be designed and how nobly all the six religionists can be brought to one place for their worship. You are a great man. You have made me proud that I happen to live in your time. Easan will remain with you to make your dream of constructing the temple into reality.

    *****

After meeting Aacharyan, Poosalar returns home and makes an estimate of the amount of building materials required for the construction of temple. He then calculates the cost involved in their procurement and the cost of labour. It comes to a few thousands of gold coins. Even this, he is afraid may not be sufficient. He goes around the place and meets all wealthy people and speaks to them about the temple to get financial support for the venture. Though they all give him a keen ear, they are not inclined to help him in any way, so much so that they avoid meeting him anymore.  Poosalar is deeply distraught by their behavior.

Poosalar (to himself)

I am not going to be anguished for not getting any gold. I will build a temple for Easan in my heart itself according to the Agama Silpa Sastram. First let me find a suitable site for it and I will start the work on an auspicious day.  He leaves his home to select the site.

At the same time....

In the city of Kanchi....

The Pallava king is taking a walk around with some of his chief advisers. As the reach a particular spot, one of his advisers points to a spot and confirms that it is the spot that has been chosen. All others look around and give their assent for the selection. Order is given to dig out a pit of one (forearm length) Muzham by One Muzham of one Muzham depth after marking it on the spot in the ground. One of the workers digs out the earth strictly as marked and takes out the soil. The King is watching the going on.

The adviser who marked the dimension of the pit comes up in front of the mannar.

The adviser

Mannar manna! Please pray to your favoured deity. We will now refill the pit to test the suitability of the site.

Mannar (to himself)

 Iraiva! Emperumane! I am building a temple in order that I may be blessed with a progeny! Please indicate a suitable site for the temple so that I can fulfill my vow!

He looks up to the adviser who is the Sthapathi.

Mannar

Sthapathiyare! Please proceed with your work.

The excavated soil is refilled into the pit and there is a good amount of earth left indicating that the site is most suitable making everyone happy.

Sthapathi

The site selection is finalised. We can start the work after doing Bhoomi Puja on an auspicious day.

Mannar

Are there any stipulation  in the Sastras  for starting the  work?

Sthapathi

Yes indeed, Manna! Every single task for the construction of the temple is defined in the Sastras. What are the days suitable for doing Bhoomi Puja are also specified. As the Sun travels between North and south of the hemisphere, from the month of Thai to Aani is called Uttarayanam.  From Aadi to Margazhi is Dakshinayanam. The five months in Uttarayanam namely Thai, Panguni, Chiththirai, Vaikasi and Aani are suitable to start the work. Though the months of Aavani and Karthikai during Dakshinayanam are suitable, starting the work during Uttarayanam is preferred. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are suitable days. Revathi, Punarpusam, Maham, Swathi, Uththiram, Chiththirai, Anusham, Thiruvonam, Hastam, Rohini, Poosam, Aswini and Mrigaseerisham are suitable stars. There are also methods to determine the exact direction of East. It is determined using a small stick placed on the earth and marking where it its shadow cuts the perimeter of a circle of twice its diameter during sunrise and sunset. The line joining the points on the perimeter gives the exact East West direction. During the middle of the month of Kartikai, the sun travels in a straight line with respect to earth. If the marking is done at that time it will be exact. For other months corrections have to be applied based on the offset of the sun. These are all very well and accurately defined in the Sastram.

Mannar

 Aaha! I am amazed that there are so many such details! All of you discuss and finalise the auspicious day to start the work.

The Royal astrologers determine the auspicious day and the work commences in brisk pace to the chanting of Veda mantras. At the same instant, Poosalar also starts his puja for constructing his temple in his mind. His resounding mantras reach Kailayam.

   ****

As the construction of the temple being built by the Mannar is progressing, so is the mental temple being built by Poosalar. Slowly and steadily the beautiful and ornate temple at Kanchi and the temple of Poosalar in his heart at Thiruninravur are getting completed and be ready for Kumbhabhishekam.

A day prior to Kumbabhishekam...

Mannar goes around the temple and gets totally enchanted by its beauty and structure. As he goes to bed, he is unable to sleep as he is totally mesmerised by its splendour.

Mannar (to himself)

Tomorrow, the Kumbabhishekam is going to be held for this divine structure. My lifelong dream is going to become a reality tomorrow! Easan, Emperuman must kindly come and accept our Puja and bless us.

As he closes his and sleeps, he hears that someone is calling him. As he opens his eyes, he sees Easan present there with the radiance equaling that of a million suns. Mannar rushes and falls on Easan’s feet and grabs them with his hands.

Iraivan

I heard your heartfelt invitation to Me to be present during the Kumbabhishekam. Tomorrow, at that very same auspicious time, My friend Poosalar has constructed an incredible model temple at Thiruninravur to show to the world that all temples must be constructed as per his design. I will be going there only. You postpone the Kumbabhishekam here to some other day.  

Easan Vanishes from there.

 Mannar gets up from his sleep and rushes to Thiruninravur with his entourage even at the dark hour.

   ******

On learning that the mannar is coming to their village, all the people of Thiruninravur assemble at the boundary itself to welcome him with great enthusiasm.  Pleased by their warm welcome, the mannar dismounts from the horse. He was given the most auspicious and royal reception to the accompaniment of   Veda mantras by the Anthanars.

Mannar (speaking to the Anthanars)

Learned Anthanarhale! I have come here to attend the Kumbabhishekam that is taking place in your village!

 The Anthanars look at each other in confusion. Mannar is now perplexed seeing their bewilderment.

One of the Anthanars

Someone has given wrong information to Mannar, it seems! There is temple getting built here! How can there be a Kumbabhishekam for a temple that does not exist!

Mannar becomes even more puzzled.

Mannar

 Easan! Emperuman Himself gave this information. How can that be wrong? Is there any one named Poosalar here?

One of the Anthanars

 Yes! There is one who has been blabbering that he is going to build a temple where all the six religionists can come and worship. He has also been boasting that in future all the temples will be built only according to his plan.

Mannar (excitedly)

Anthanarhale! Please take me quickly to wherever he is. I have to tell him what Iraivan has promised to me.

 The Anthanar, though not being clear of what is happening guide the mannar and his entourage to the house of Poosalar. Hearing a great commotion outside his house, Poosalar comes out and is surprised to see the Mannar walking with his palms cupped in reverence followed by the villagers.

Mamannar (bowing to Poosalar)

It is said that having the darisanam of an adiyavar is as good as having that of Easan himself! I have realised how true it is on seeing you! I feel as if I am seeing Easan Himself in you. Last night Easan gave me information. As He is coming here to attend the Kumbabhishekam of the temple built by Poosalar today, he asked me to postpone the Kumbabhishekam of the temple I have built.  He said “Tomorrow, at that very same auspicious time, My friend Poosalar has constructed an incredible model temple at Thiruninravur to show to the world that all temples must be constructed as per his design. I will be going there only.”

Poosalar (in great ecstasy with tears in his eyes)

Is Iraivan coming to the temple I have shaped in my mind personally? How blessed am I?

A divine voice is heard.

The Divine voice

 Poosalar Nayanare! Only to make your fame spread far and wide, I informed the Pallava mannar and made him come here. I am taking my seat in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple you have built in your heart. Let the Mannar build the temple around me as per your design. You will remain on My right side forever proclaiming the greatness of adiyavars! Your name and fame will remain as long as this earth remains.   Whosoever worships Me , will worship you as well.

 Easan disappears after blessing him thus. All of them bow to Easan chanting ‘Om Namasivaya” in a resounding tone.

The Pallava mannar constructs the first temple for the six religionists strictly as per the guidance of Poosalar. The Kumbabhishekam of this temple is also conducted in due course and the Mannar is also blessed with a child.

As Poosalar continues his service of the completed temple, one day the Sivaganas reach there and bow to Poosalar. Poosalar bows to them and climbs on to the chariot they have brought. The chariot flies off in the sky to a shower flowers from the heavens.

Thiruchchittrambalam