Dear readers, please note that these sharings are not to boost my ego or to make an impression or a statement that I and all those who came along with me on this journey are special in the eyes of the divine. We are neither special nor are we the apple of the eye of Agathiyar. We have to remind ourselves that father loves everyone equally. It is just that we came to him earlier. Others will come to him soon. The idea of sharing them is to make known to readers how simple it is to get the grace of the Siddhas by way of worshipping them. One's experience will kindle another to travel the way. That is all we are doing here. To make progress each one has to put in the effort.
We shall continue the journey.
The next 3 years were spent in me searching, gathering and discovering anything and everything on the Siddhas and engaging in short conversations with Supramania Swami through STD calls to India and the snail mail.
In 2005, I kept seeing an advert for the opening of a Peedham in Malaysia, in a local Tamil daily. The name of one of the dignitaries struck a chord in me. It carried the name and photo of one Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal. I went through my stack of documents and retrieved a leaflet that I received from Senthilkumar after he had read the Nadi for me in 2002. It carried the name Thai Veedu Thangarasan MA. Were they the same person? I had to ascertain. I called the number in the advert. I soon saw myself standing in front of Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal who was to become my second Guru.
Nadi Reading 2 by Agathiyar - 15.8.2005
We shall continue the journey.
The next 3 years were spent in me searching, gathering and discovering anything and everything on the Siddhas and engaging in short conversations with Supramania Swami through STD calls to India and the snail mail.
In 2005, I kept seeing an advert for the opening of a Peedham in Malaysia, in a local Tamil daily. The name of one of the dignitaries struck a chord in me. It carried the name and photo of one Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal. I went through my stack of documents and retrieved a leaflet that I received from Senthilkumar after he had read the Nadi for me in 2002. It carried the name Thai Veedu Thangarasan MA. Were they the same person? I had to ascertain. I called the number in the advert. I soon saw myself standing in front of Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal who was to become my second Guru.
Nadi Reading 2 by Agathiyar - 15.8.2005
I told Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal when I met him the very first time in Malaysia in 2005, that it had been 2 ½ years since I last saw the Nadi with Senthilkumar. Tavayogi immediately gave me Nadi Guru Ramesh’s telephone number. I made an appointment. When I saw Senthilkumar in 2002, he took an imprint of my right thumb to enable him to locate my Nadi. We had to leaf through numerous leaves to arrive at mine. However, Ramesh did not do so, this time around. Ramesh played the tail end of the earlier reading of my Nadi that was recorded on tape by Nadi Guru Senthilkumar. He asked for my date of birth, time and Lagna. Then he went into an adjacent room and seem to have my Nadi in his hands, in a jiffy, all too magical to believe. He asked if he should transcribe the reading. I told him to do as he pleased. He then taped the whole session without transcribing.
It was the Aasi Kaandam of Agathiyar that was read. I was told that this Nadi is not located from the thumbprint as in locating the Kaanda Nadi, but is a revelation by Agathiyar, to whom he chooses to speak to. Throughout the reading, I was in tears. He accepted me into his circle and blessed me for a better future. Agathiyar was so kind and generous to me. He pardoned me for my past mistakes, removed the guilt that I had carried all this while, saying all was his doing and added that I needed those experiences too.
Moving to the present, Agathiyar, Ma, Aiya who frequent my dwelling, have been stressing to us the same, that we are here to gain experiences and to learn valuable lessons in life. Ma says that the Siddha path is one of learning or padipinai. Agathiyar says that everything is a lesson or paadam for us. I have come to realize that since I took the very first step in seeing my Nadi till the present day, everything that took place in my life was orchestrated by Agathiyar for me to learn and establish the good and the evil, and refrain from repeating the mistakes I did and those of others too. There were many a times that I felt guilty in having made certain decisions but he later came to relieve me of the guilt, telling me that it was his doing. I have learned to take things in my stride these days knowing that he wants me to learn a lesson from each engagement and the turn of events. Similarly, he filled me with the knowledge and understanding that came with carrying out worship to the Siddhas, performing the numerous rituals that were once the purview of priests, learning the mystic art of yoga, etc. He brought me to trend fresh territories each time, discarding the old. We began to experiment and develop the means and ways to enhance all the tasks given. He made me drop those that became irrelevant in our time. He gave us leeway to live our lives as we wished. But more on that later. I bring you back to my second Nadi reading that materialized with the blessings of Tavayogi.
It was the Aasi Kaandam of Agathiyar that was read. I was told that this Nadi is not located from the thumbprint as in locating the Kaanda Nadi, but is a revelation by Agathiyar, to whom he chooses to speak to. Throughout the reading, I was in tears. He accepted me into his circle and blessed me for a better future. Agathiyar was so kind and generous to me. He pardoned me for my past mistakes, removed the guilt that I had carried all this while, saying all was his doing and added that I needed those experiences too.
Moving to the present, Agathiyar, Ma, Aiya who frequent my dwelling, have been stressing to us the same, that we are here to gain experiences and to learn valuable lessons in life. Ma says that the Siddha path is one of learning or padipinai. Agathiyar says that everything is a lesson or paadam for us. I have come to realize that since I took the very first step in seeing my Nadi till the present day, everything that took place in my life was orchestrated by Agathiyar for me to learn and establish the good and the evil, and refrain from repeating the mistakes I did and those of others too. There were many a times that I felt guilty in having made certain decisions but he later came to relieve me of the guilt, telling me that it was his doing. I have learned to take things in my stride these days knowing that he wants me to learn a lesson from each engagement and the turn of events. Similarly, he filled me with the knowledge and understanding that came with carrying out worship to the Siddhas, performing the numerous rituals that were once the purview of priests, learning the mystic art of yoga, etc. He brought me to trend fresh territories each time, discarding the old. We began to experiment and develop the means and ways to enhance all the tasks given. He made me drop those that became irrelevant in our time. He gave us leeway to live our lives as we wished. But more on that later. I bring you back to my second Nadi reading that materialized with the blessings of Tavayogi.
In this Aasi Kaandam reading, Agathiyar told me that the Agathiyar Gnana Peedham in Batu Caves which Tavayogi came to officiate, was the place for me to learn about spirituality. I was also told to see Tavayogi that night itself for a teecha, although he had given it to me and nine others including my wife earlier. Why was there a necessity to get the teecha again? I was late night then as businesses were closing? Where am I to get the items to gift the guru as Guru Thaksanai? I was lucky that these questions did not crop in my mind then for I would have been faced with having to make a choice. I could have brushed aside, ignored or delayed seeing Tavayogi. Instead, when I followed as instructed and got Tavayogi’s blessing and teecha from him again that very night, my life took a turn. My life was realigned to come under the tutelage of Tavayogi personally rather than through association with the Peedham. The reading on tape too was mysteriously ‘erased’ and rewritten defining a new destiny for me after I followed what was asked of me by Agathiyar.
Nadi Reading 3 by Agathiyar - 18.8.2005
I went back to Ramesh explaining the mysterious event. When the Nadi was re-read to me, there was no mention of the Agathiyar Gnana Peedham in Batu Caves anymore. I figured that the moment I surrendered to Tavayogi there was no need for an organization anymore. Besides Kallar and Palani, which was mentioned earlier, the new reading mentioned additional temples and Siddha’s places that I ought to visit including Tiruvannamalai, Vedharanyam, Pothigai, and Courtalam.
Nadi Reading 4 by Agathiyar - 19.8.2005
This reading was not recorded but instead written out for me. Agathiyar mentions the initiation or Theecha I received from Tavayogi. He reveals the mysterious events that took place at Palani during my first visit in 2003.
I frequented the Peedham in Batu Caves where Tavayogi was staying during his stay in Malaysia to meet, chat or just sit in his presence. When he left for India, I took up his invitation to visit his Ashram in Kallar.
I frequented the Peedham in Batu Caves where Tavayogi was staying during his stay in Malaysia to meet, chat or just sit in his presence. When he left for India, I took up his invitation to visit his Ashram in Kallar.
On my second trip to India, I continued keeping a detailed account of my visit and shared it on my websites.
MY SECOND PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA
Day 1 Starting The Pilgrimage With Ragavendra Swami's Blessing
I boarded the plane for India from KLIA at 9.05am, 16th September 2005 on a pilgrimage a day after my 46th birthday. I had been directed to make this pilgrimage by Agathiyar through the Aasi Kaandam Nadi reading.
I arrived in Chennai at 10 am IST. Mr. Jiva, the tour agent in India and Mr. Prem, my driver received me at the airport. I confirmed my return ticket at the Jet Airway's counter before heading for the moneychangers in Saidapet. I called on Mr. Amman Satyanathan, a staunch devotee of Saint Raghavendra at Triplicane to collect herbs for my brother-in-law. I started my pilgrimage with a prayer at Saint Ragavendra's Brindavan opposite Amman Satyanathan's bookshop.
I had lunch at Hotel Saravanabhavan and l left for Tiru Annamalai at 1.20 pm.
Melmaruvathur Athi Parasakthi Temple
I stopped at Melmaruvathur Athi Parasakthi temple. This is the second time I am here. There was hardly any crowd this time around and I had the Goddess all to myself.
I reached the outskirts of Tiru Annamalai at 5 pm. I had the first view of 'the hill' here. I went looking around for Supramania Swami's hermitage (kudil) that we helped build, but without success. Eventually, I decided to call Swami's son Ramajayam over to Yogi Ramsuratkumar's (Visiri Swami) ashram and have me taken to the kudil.
Visiri Swami's Samadhi And Ashram
Leaving Prem to contact Ramajayam I entered the temple complex. Prayer was in progress. A small group of devotees was singing the Yogi's name (naamam) and going around his samadhi. I joined them. I was given prasadham. I took some and fed a dog that stood to look at me.
Ramajayam was already waiting as I came out of the ashram grounds. We hugged each other. He took me to Swami's kudil. We stopped the car a short distance from the kudil as the lane had narrowed down not permitting us to drive through. I hopped onto Ramajayam's motorcycle. I saw the building that I had helped put up for Swami for the first time. It was thirty feet by eleven feet built on a small plot of land thirty feet by sixty feet. Swami's wife greeted me at the door front. As I stepped into the kudil, Swami came out of the prayer room. I handed Swami the offering of flowers and fruits that I had brought and fell at his feet. Swami picked me up and ushered me into the prayer room. He handed over a dhoti (kaavi) to adorn and had me sit on a carpet. Ramajayam tells me Swami was waiting since morning for my arrival with excitement.
Swami told me he had closed up the window that was directly opposite his bed in the living area of his kudil, because he could not see the hill, as it was too fiery (ahnal malai).
Prayers With Supramania Swami
I was taken to a vacant house a short distance away from where I refreshed myself. Swami offered me to stay at this house but I chose to stay at the kudil with him. Later that night at 7.30pm, Swami lead me on a prayer. He started chanting the Yogi's name (Nama japam). The chanting went as follows - Yogi Ramsuratkumara, Yogi Ramsuratkumara, Yogi Ramsuratkumara, Jayagururaaya. I followed suit.
After about a few minutes into the recitation, I heard a third voice - that of a male chanting together. I could hear Swami's voice. I could hear mine too. There was no one else in the kudil. His wife and son had gone out. So who was this third-person chanting with us? I did not open my eyes. Eventually, after about twenty minutes, Swami ended the japam and the voice was not heard again. I had wanted to ask him about this third voice but completely forgot.
I asked Swami to narrate his life history because the first time I met him, I had only spent five hours in his company, where he was only talking about me. Swami narrated briefly his story, aided by his wife. His wife and granddaughter were already asleep as we talked into the early hours of the morning. They had stayed back at the kudil while Ramajayam went back to the village that night. Swami and I talked till 2.30 am.
Day 2 Girivalam - A Second Time
On 17th Sept 2005, I woke up at 5 am. It was the first Saturday of Puratasi Sani. Swami asked that we go to Lord Sri Ranganathar temple in Tiruveragam that morning but he asked to delay the journey and told me we should leave at 10.30am after Rahu Kaalam. I thought I should read my Nadi to Swami while waiting since he was the first guru I had met. I thought he should know what was in store for me. And what better way to indicate to him, that Tavayogi was to be my guru too according to the Nadi. Swami was excited when I talked about Agathiyar and the Nadi. He listened attentively. After listening to the Nadi reading Swami mentioned to me the reason he had asked that we delay the trip to the temple. He had wanted me to share this reading, he said (Un vayaaleh varanum yenbatharkuthan, ethargaga than erunthuthu pohvohm yendren). Swami was so excited he too wanted to see his Nadi. I gave him Nadi reader, Ramesh's contact number.
That is when he narrates to me the incident that took place early that morning after I had gone to sleep. A woman and a child came into the kudil and were seated beside me as I slept through the early morning hours. Swami was watching from his bed and listening to their conversation. The woman was dressed in a rainbow-colored saree and was carrying a feeding bottle also of the same color. Then the child told the woman, "Let's see if the light vessel (agal vilakku) in the altar has sufficient oil" and lead her to the adjacent prayer room. They did not come out of the room for a long time. On inspecting the room Swami realized they had vanished. Swami cried as he mentioned this incident.
This peculiar visitation by the "lady" in a rainbow-colored saree took place a couple of times, later in 2016 at the Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam and also at Korakkar's samadhi temple at Vadukupoigainallur of Nagapattinam district. More on that later.
This peculiar visitation by the "lady" in a rainbow-colored saree took place a couple of times, later in 2016 at the Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam and also at Korakkar's samadhi temple at Vadukupoigainallur of Nagapattinam district. More on that later.
Tiruveragam Sri Ranganathar Temple
I told Swami I would like to take him along on my pilgrimage and he agreed to follow. We left for Tiruveragam Sri Ranganathar Temple, a 500-year-old temple near Swami's village of Nacha Ananthal. I noticed the few kilometers that we drove to Sri Ranganathar temple that morning had taken its toll on him. I had requested Swami to follow me on my pilgrimage but then I had doubts now whether it was a good idea. He was not in good health to travel such vast distances. Ramajayam too mentioned that Swami had recently returned from a trip to Palani only to be bedridden later. So I told Swami on the way back that I would go alone to which Swami agreed and added that he did not want to hinder my trip in any way in the event he falls ill along the way. "Would you attend to your pilgrimage or take care of me?", he added (Nee un payanaththai paarpaaya, ennai kavanipaayah?).
My Second Girivalam
It was a full moon day and I had planned to go around the hill with Swami but he was not fit. He asked that Ramajayam accompany me. I wore a 'dhoti' and had a 'tundu' wrapped over my shoulders. I got the blessings of Swami and his wife before I started on the girivalam from Swami's kudil at 6.40 pm. Swami asked that I go to the Yogi's ashram first before joining the girivalam path. I prayed at the Yogi's shrine. I went in and out of all the temples and ashrams lined throughout the girivalam route. At 1.40 am I was in front of the main temple. It was closed. I then started back to the kudil. I finished the girivalam after having taken six hours to cover 14 km.
Day 3 Meeting Up With Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal in Kallaru
It is the next day now, 18th Sept 2005 and I am back at the kudil at 2 in the morning. Swami and his wife were waiting for Ramajayam and me to return from the girivalam. I woke up at 5 am and l left for Kallaru at 7.40 am. Before parting, Swami gave me saffron (kungumapoo) and a blanket to use in Kallar. He prayed for my save journey. We hugged each other as I bid farewell.
Prem and I reached Salem at 11.15am. I called my wife back home from Salem when we stopped over for lunch at 12noon. I called Tavayogi too to inform him I was coming over. I reached Mettupalayam at 3pm where I bought fruits and flowers as offerings to Agathiyar and Tavayogi. I reached Turipalam at 3.30pm. Tavayogi had sent out his aids and disciples to this small town that was located at the 9th km along the route from Mettupalayam to Ooty. Some of his devotees had stayed back after the recent Pornami pooja. These devotees come down to his Peedham just before the full moon to hold prayers and helped out with the feeding of the poor (annadhaanam).
Later I came to know from them that Tavayogi had sent word about my arrival and asked his disciples in Chennai and Tiru Annamalai to offer all the assistance possible. They had been waiting for me too. Tavayogi was waiting for my arrival at his ashram steps. He greeted me just as a father would have received his son. He hugged me. He pulled up a couple of chairs and offered me some fruit.
Later I came to know from them that Tavayogi had sent word about my arrival and asked his disciples in Chennai and Tiru Annamalai to offer all the assistance possible. They had been waiting for me too. Tavayogi was waiting for my arrival at his ashram steps. He greeted me just as a father would have received his son. He hugged me. He pulled up a couple of chairs and offered me some fruit.
Tavayogi asked if I would like to take a dip in the river or whether I would like to take a bath in the shed that was constructed at the Peedham grounds. I opted for the river. We came down a flight of steps onto a railway line serving Mettupalayam and Ooty. After some distance, we stepped onto a path that took us down to a river. On returning to his ashram Tavayogi lead us on a prayer and meditation.
That night we set off to the wholesale market at Mettupalayam. I was told Methupalayam was where greens produce from the Ooty and Nilagiri hills where sold to retailers and dispensed throughout India.
When we returned, Mr. Nadaraja, Tavayogi's faithful aid had already prepared dinner of idli and sambar. As the ashram did not have electricity, Tavayogi and I chat under the luminosity of gaslight for a while before retiring to bed at 8.15pm. He gave me the option of whether I wanted to spend the night in the prayer room where he sleeps or with the others in the shed. I chose to rough it out in the shed rather than intrude into his privacy.
Day 4 In The Midst Of The Siddhars
19th Sept 2005 - I woke up at 4.40am. Nadarajah was sound asleep on the concrete bench outside the Peedham as if standing guard over Tavayogi. I sat down and tried to meditate in the morning hours. Eventually, one by one each disciple woke up. Tavayogi and I were served milk. Tavayogi invited me along on his usual morning walks and bath at the river. He passed me his shawl to cover my body as it would be cold. We walked along the railway line before passing a small village and then on to the Ooty-Mettupalayam road. We walked up until the Forest Rangers posts and returned back to the ashram. We then collected our clothing and headed for the river for our morning bath.
After washing our clothes in the river and having our bath, Tavayogi decided that we take another route back to the Peedham. He went back across the river for my sandals even though I told him I shall get them myself. Along the way back, Tavayogi showed the spot on the riverbanks where elephants had come for a drink. The tracks were still fresh on the riverbank. It seems these animals only come out into the open on hot days for a drink; otherwise, during the monsoon periods, they hardly venture out from the interiors.
On the way back from the walk Tavayogi showed me an inscription on a pedestal (kalvethu) with the words Agathiyar Vanam on it. Tavayogi apparently was told in his nadi he had to set up his ashram at a spot (Agathiyar Vanam in Kallar) where he would find this inscription. He has since then been in Kallar for the past five years. The tribal people (Athi vaasi) settled here later. The Indian Government was in the process of building homes for theses aborigines beside the Peedham.
Prayers at Tavayogi's ashram were simple. Tavayogi lighted camphor (sudam) and started singing a couple of Siddha songs followed by the rests of the disciples singing the 'Siddha pohtri' hymns. After prayers and breakfast of idli and sambar, Tavayogi asked if I wanted to go to Ooty or Shivan Malai - the option was mine. I chose Shivan Malai.
Later in private, I showed Tavayogi my written copy of the Nadi. He pondered on the places that I had to go as mentioned in the Nadi. He said, "We shall think about it" (naam yoshipom).
Shivan Malai And Shivavakiyar's Cave
We left for Shivan Malai in Kangayam at 10am, passing through Tavayogi's hometown of Tirupur. An elderly man who had come for the Pornami prayers and had stayed back wanted to follow us. We reached Shivan Malai and had Lord Murugan's 'darisanam'. Sage Shivavakiyar had meditated here on this hill and temple and later disappeared into an adjacent cave. The temple authorities had sealed off the cave. We sat at the entrance to this cave and meditated. As we came around the temple, a strong wind blew. We left Shivan Malai at 1.45pm.
We passed Vathamalai Vinayagar temple. Coimbatore district has lots of Murugan temples built almost on every hillock available. Tavayogi told me Pothigai, Kutrallam, Kallar, and Sathuragiri were places where Sage Agathiyar had roamed. We stopped for lunch at Kangayam.
Uthiyur And Sage Konganar's Cave
We came to Uthiyur where we walked up a flight of stairs to a deserted Murugan temple and then crossed the hills and undergrowth terrain to the cave where Sage Konganar had meditated. Tavayogi told me Sage Konganar was the sage who installed the Tirupathi Murugan deity. Strong winds blew as we scaled the mountain on our way to Konganar's cave with Tavayogi saying, "Right, right we are coming" (Sari, sari vanthu kondirukhom) and turning around to me he added, "THEY are inviting us" (Avanga nammai varaverkiraanga).
There was an opening to a cave inside a huge boulder. There were a few compartments. We sat inside the cave that was occupied earlier by Tavayogi when he was roaming India in search of answers. Tavayogi broke down in tears as he started to sing some songs on Sage Agathiyar at this cave. Then Tavayogi took me to the adjacent cave where Sage Konganar had sat in meditation. We entered a small opening to reach the cave. Here as elsewhere, Tavayogi sang a couple of songs on Sage Agathiyar. He then asked us to recite the names of the Siddhas (Sidhar Potri). As the elderly man was well versed in these hymns he was rushing through the lists of names. As I could not keep up with him, I settled down to close my eyes and try meditating instead. Upon opening my eyes I saw Tavayogi holding out some vibhuti in a piece of paper in front of me. He applied the vibhuti on my forehead and that of the older man and gave us some to take back with us. After a session of taking photographs, we prepared to leave. That's when I asked Tavayogi as to why he left the remaining portion of the sacred ash behind. He questioned me if I had brought it along. I answered in the negative. We both looked at the elderly man who accompanied us from the Peedham. He answered he did not bring it along. Then Tavayogi explained, "The Siddhars had come - THEY had blessed us, showered flowers on us. THEY were happy" (Yelorum vantirunthanga, valthunaanga, malar tuvunange, anadham adainthargal. Vibhutiyai alithargal). We started on the trail back into town and boarded the car towards our next destination.
Chennimalai And Sage Punakeeswarar's Cave
Chennimalai is where the samadhi of Punakeeswarar is situated. We passed through the temple grounds to reach the samadhi. The samadhi was on top of a hillock. There was a small opening in the rock. It was pitch dark inside. Tavayogi tried to enter but could not fit into it. He then decided we would sit outside the cave and meditate. I understand the Kanda Shasti Kavacham was first offered to the world in this temple by Balan Devaraya Swamigal. On the way down the hill, we had to come around the temple as the temple was closed for the day. The sun had already set as I returned in joy after having seen the world of the Siddhars, thanks to Tavayogi.
On the way back we stopped at a Mariamman Temple near Methupalayam where Tavayogi had sought shelter when he lost his eyesight earlier. The temple was closed. This temple was famous because the Goddess here has cured devotees who had lost their eyesight including Tavayogi.
Day 5 Meeting Other Swamis
20th Sept 2005 - Tavayogi suggested we go to Ooty to drop in on some of the local living saints. With Mr. Suresh from Tiru Annamalai, who was at the Peedham for the Pornami festivities, we went looking for one Mr. Mani to take us to see these saints. Eventually, we picked up Mr. Mani and his son-in-law too and headed for Satgurunathar's cave and ashram on the face of a cliff just along the Ooty Mettupalayam trunk road. I was told Sage Agathiyar himself had blessed Sargurunathar. After his demise, one Ramasamy Swami had taken over the running of the ashram and done much charity in and around Ooty. At a clinic that Ramasamy Swami had built to serve, the locals was a pedestal on which was inscribed the words Agathiyar Vanam, that Tavayogi pointed out to me.
On Ramasamy Swami's demise last month, his disciple Suyam Jhoti Swami was now leading this organization. His ashram was in the slopes of Nilagiri Hills in Ooty in a place called Kaasnadi. We dropped in on him too. We had lunch with Suyam Jhoti Swami at his ashram. His disciples served us food. We were served simple food rice and a bowl of soup (rasam) cooked with lots of grains and nuts. Tavayogi and he were engaged in long conservation about their movements. Suyam Jhoti Swami took us to the prayer room and blessed us. The Swami gave us some books on songs about his paramaguru written by him.
On Ramasamy Swami's demise last month, his disciple Suyam Jhoti Swami was now leading this organization. His ashram was in the slopes of Nilagiri Hills in Ooty in a place called Kaasnadi. We dropped in on him too. We had lunch with Suyam Jhoti Swami at his ashram. His disciples served us food. We were served simple food rice and a bowl of soup (rasam) cooked with lots of grains and nuts. Tavayogi and he were engaged in long conservation about their movements. Suyam Jhoti Swami took us to the prayer room and blessed us. The Swami gave us some books on songs about his paramaguru written by him.
Then Mr. Mani took us to a Mariamman temple in the middle of a field. The priests here conducted prayers, questioned us a lot, talked on his temple and festivities, and blessed me and our entourage, even Tavayogi, by applying kungumam on our foreheads. His aids served us some bites.
The last stop was to one Dayananda Swami who lived alone in his ashram in the woods in Ooty. A volunteer cum caretaker informed the Swami of our arrival. Saint Adi Sankara's portrait greeted us in the hall of this house as we were lead into a room where the swami was cuddled on a bed in a corner of the room. He adorned a woolen cap on his head, a woolen shawl around his neck and a blanket wrapped tightly around his fragile body exposing only his feet to us. He asked lots of questions to Tavayogi and also talked about Ooty - past, and present. He told me he was going to leave the world and I shall see him as a star in the sky, the next time I come around. Initially, this saint did not allow me to photograph him but as we were having this conversation with him he eventually told me I could snap a picture or two. We were served tea, which brought relief in this cold weather.
Tavayogi wanted to pay a return visit to a Swami who had paid him a visit at his ashram in Kallar earlier, but as it was a cold and wet night out in the hills of Ooty and as it was already late he decided to head back to the Peedham. Strong winds and drizzle prevailed throughout our journey back. On the way back Tavayogi explained to me the spiritual states of each of the swamis we met.
Day 6 A Day In The Life Of An Ashramite
21st Sept 2005 - It was in Kallar that I saw the moon extremely big and close with a very wide radiant circle around it. It was extremely beautiful. During the time I was in Kallar, I used to wake up each morning at 4am and tried to meditate until sun break which occurs early in India, around 5am. There was a noise that woke me up in the early hours one morning. Upon lying in bed and paying attention to it, it sounded like the walk of a heavily built person with a walking stick. I was not sure what it was. I narrated to Tavayogi that I heard sounds in the night. He, in turn, narrated stories where elephants used to walk right up to the Peedham and stand in the bushes; a leopard having come into the Peedham grounds and killed a dog that was tied up, and numerous other occasions where snakes were spotted in the premises. I used to see at least two crows every day I was at the Peedham.
I took it upon myself as a chore to pick flowers for the morning prayer. I spent the day at the ashram with Tavayogi, Mr. Vimalan, Mr. Suresh, and Mr. Nadaraja where I did some reading besides chatting with these folks. Tavayogi was with the local aborigines and a local village headman sorting out the allocation of the housing for the locals that the government was building adjacent to the Peedham.
Tavayogi told me the anxiety he had to go through trying to put up the Aaru Aataare Peedham. The Peedham was fashioned based on exact measurements and guidance given by Sage Agathiyar to Tavayogi. It was one massive piece of granite weighing 1,250kg that was cut into seven number of receding steps. It was made out of a solid piece of granite elsewhere and then transported by lorry to the foot of the small hillock where the ashram was perched on. The Peedham had to be carried across the railway lines that were running from Coimbatore to Ooty passing the small village of Kallar. When he was lost for ideas trying to bring the Peedham, all the way up the small hillock over the railway lines, Sage Agathiyar sends someone with an elephant to pull it up the hill slopes.
Tavayogi spoke about his paramaguru Jaganatha Swami, and his immediate guru Chitramuthu Adigal both of whom followed Saint Ramalingam's teaching. As I was sitting at the ashram I had a thought that since tomorrow being a Thursday, an auspicious day for Guru worship, I wanted Tavayogi to carry out a special prayer for Sage Agathiyar followed by serving food for the locals. I mentioned this wish (yennam) to Tavayogi and Mr. Nadaraja who were overjoyed.
In the evening we went downtown to purchase groceries and vegetables for the next day's feast (anadhaanam). Later that evening Tavayogi brought out bundles of Nadi that were in his possession, some passed on to him since his name had appeared in them. There were of various sizes, some with very fine writings and some with big writings. He also showed me and read to me some transcriptions of the Nadi written in notebooks and from religious books. He passed me the Nadi on his daughter. In it, Sage Agathiyar consoles his daughter who was saddened since Tavayogi had left the family to become a monk (Turavi).
In the evening we went downtown to purchase groceries and vegetables for the next day's feast (anadhaanam). Later that evening Tavayogi brought out bundles of Nadi that were in his possession, some passed on to him since his name had appeared in them. There were of various sizes, some with very fine writings and some with big writings. He also showed me and read to me some transcriptions of the Nadi written in notebooks and from religious books. He passed me the Nadi on his daughter. In it, Sage Agathiyar consoles his daughter who was saddened since Tavayogi had left the family to become a monk (Turavi).
Then Mr. Vimalan came over to me and whispered close to my ears that Mr. Suresh and Mr. Mani's son-in-law were waiting at the village below and wondered if I would like to follow them into the town of Mettupalayam. I excused myself from Tavayogi who did not stop me nor question me. I dressed up and we headed for Methupalayam with Prem behind the wheels. Only in the car did they mention they wanted to go to the famed Keel Tirupathi Temple on the outskirts of town. This temple was a miniature of the Tirumalai Tirupathi Temple in Andra. It was privately owned and stood in the middle of a mill. It was beautiful and well maintained. Vimalan had to leave his cell phone with security. Once inside the temple, my new found friends wanted to wait it out until the closing time where God and Goddess are put to sleep.
When we came back to the ashram, Tavayogi was waiting up for us. Upon seeing the car he sent Mr. Nadaraja down with a torch. Mr. Nadaraja passed the torch without saying a word and went down to the village. Tavayogi asked me why we were late. I told him we went to a temple. He asked why we did not call him. Mr. Vimalan replied he had surrendered the phone with the security. Tavayogi told us Mr. Nadaraja had prepared dinner and had waited on us. "The food was now cold. Help yourself" he said. He watched us as we ate in silence feeling guilty for staying out late and not informing him. I could envision him as a father who was worried sick and nervously plying the room waiting for news of his children and looking out for signs of a car approaching with his children returning home.
Day 7 A Day Of Doing Charity
22nd Sept 2005 Mr. Suresh and Mr. Vimalan cooked the food with some assistance and supervision from Mr. Nadaraja. Word was passed on to the villagers that prayers would be conducted and food would be served. Tavayogi conducted the special prayers at exactly 11am followed by serving food to the local adults and children at noon.
After the event, Mr. Nadaraja out of the blues commented that today's 'anadhaanam' was even greater (sirapaana anadhaanam) than the usual feeding done on full moon days (Pornami Anadhaanam). He added that today was also auspicious because it was Kritigai, a special day for Lord Murugan. Later Tavayogi tells me it was not Mr. Nadaraja that had made the statement ( Athu Nadarajah pesugirar endru ninaikirengalah magane?). He indicated that the Siddhas were communicating through Mr. Nadaraja and THEY were happy. I did ask Tavayogi if the Siddhas were present at the altar in the ashram to receive our prayer and offerings as they usually did according to Tavayogi. Tavayogi questioned me back, "What! Do you think they are not around?" (Nee yenna avenge illainu ninaikiraayaah?) since he must have thought I doubted their presence by asking each time if they were around, at the ashram, in the caves and at the samadhi that we visited.
That night Tavayogi and I sat done to plan over journey according to Sage Agathiyar's Aasi Kaandam. My brother Kathi, a journalist, was also in India having just arrived on September 17th for a convention and visit to farms reporting on Agriculture and the various methods of farming adopted in India. He was with a few other journalists and some farmers from Malaysia. We made arrangements to meet him in Trichy the next day.
Day 8 The Actual Journey Begins
23rd Sept 2005 - "Only now our true mission has begun" (Eni thaan namma payanam tuvangukirathu), said Tavayogi with a big grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes, as we left on the second leg of our tour to Vedharanyam, Pothigai, Courtallam, and Palani which were mentioned in my Nadi. He was as excited as I was too. We reached Trichy at 2pm where we had lunch. Then we went over to the hotel where my brother was staying. Tavayogi excused himself to visit his friend in Trichy while my brother and I went to a book fair. Tavayogi returned shortly to the hotel. Mr. Subarao, Mr. Mano and others who accompanied my brother to India met Tavayogi and exchanged some views. Tavayogi and I wanted to find accommodation in the same hotel but we were told all the rooms were taken up. On the way to the adjacent hotel, the local organizer of the seminar insisted that he would make arrangements for all of us to stay in the same hotel. Eventually, we stayed in the same room with Kathi with some adjustments in the sleeping arrangements. That evening we watched a classical dance show organized for the Malaysian entourage.
Day 9 Sage Agathiyar Welcomes Us At Agastiyampalli
24th Sept 2005 - At 6.00am Tavayogi and I left Trichy for Vedharanyam. We stopped over at Tanjore at 7.30am for breakfast. We saw the salt lakes where Mohandas K Gandhi had carried out his famous salt walk. We also saw the places where the tsunami wave had hit on 26th December 2004.
We reached Agastiyampalli, Vedharanyam at 10.30am. A priest was seated with two people at the tower to the temple or Rajakoburam. On seeing us alight from the car he came forward to usher us into the temple grounds. He took us straight to Sage Agathiyar's shrine (Sannadhi). Now why did he do that? He then showed the flame (deepaarathanai). We took a seat here and Tavayogi started singing a hymn. The priests interrupted him and asked us to go around the main temple. He insisted we prayed at Lord Shiva's sannadhi first as he was going away to another temple to conduct prayers. Tavayogi looked at me and told me lets accommodate him (Yetho avasarapaduthugirar, vaa magane poi appuram varuvohm). We came round the temple grounds as he instructed and stepped into Shiva's shrine where he was waiting for us. He showed the 'arati'. He explained to me that this was the very temple where Sage Agathiyar pressed his thumb into the ground to balance the earth that had tilted due to Devas, Gods, and Goddesses converging in the Himalayas for Shiva-Parvathy's wedding.
After praying at Shiva's sannadhi we went back to Sage Agathiyar's sannadhi. Tavayogi picked up from where he left and I continued with the Potri songs. As I recited the pranavam Om at Sage Agathiyar's sannadhi I could hear and feel the pranavam reverberate and bounce off the granite walls. I felt a cool breeze sweep over me which brought much relief as I was sweating away. As I uttered the last line of the Potri song, OM MAA SIDDHARGALE POTRI I broke down in tears. I cried and cried. I asked Sage Agathiyar to open his eyes and see me, "Your son has come. Please open your eyes and see me"(Un mainthan vaithirukiren. Kann vilithu parr esa). HE did not respond. I shut my eyes as I wept. As I opened my eyes after some time, Tavayogi who was earlier seated opposite me was not there anymore. I turned my head towards the entrance. He was standing outside the temple.
Sage Agathiyar Opens His Eyes
I got up and as I approached Tavayogi, he ushered me to his side and told me, Sage Agathiyar had opened his eyes twice. He asked that I stand at the same spot he had stood. "Concentrate looking at HIS eyes", (Avar Kangalai Utru Parr) he said. "There is the aroma of sandalwood in the air", (Sandhanam Manakkirathu) he added. I peered at the granite statue of Sage Agathiyar but I could hardly make out HIS face much less see HIM open and close HIS eyes. The shrine was dark. I could sense Tavayogi's disappointment that I could not see Sage Agathiyar open HIS eyes. This I knew from the tone of his voice when he consoled me, "Never mind, son. Let's snap some photographs, shall we." (Parava illai magane, vaa padam pudipohma?)
I entered Sage Agathiyar's sannadhi again and was about to sit when Tavayogi motioned me to sit with Sage Agathiyar in the inner sanctum (Mulastaanam) itself saying, "Go in and sit at Sage Agathiyar's feet at the inner sanctum. He is our father. Who dares object?" (Ulluku poi utkaarrunge magane, avar naam appan thane, yaar ena solvathu?). That's when Tavayogi throws his shawl (tundu) over to me asking me to lay it on the floor to sit on (Ithai pothuthu utkarunge magane).
As I laid his shawl and sat I glanced at Sage Agathiyar's face and what do I see? The Sage is observing me with an eye open. I looked hard not believing. Only a moment ago I had seen him with both eyes shut. The eyes were cut or engraved into the granite and I was pretty sure there were closed. I was overcome with joy seeing Sage Agathiyar look at me and I called out to Tavayogi, "Swami". Even before I could complete my sentence Tavayogi understood and told me, "Right!, Right!, He has seen you has he, Come!, come!, THEY will show you only for a moment." (Sari!, sari! parthutaaraa. Vaa!, vaa! Athu yellam konjam neram thaan kaathuvaargal). Even as I came out from his shrine the Sage was looking at me with one eye shut, grinning away. In the Nadi, Sage Agathiyar had promised that HE would look at me when I came here. I realized the vision was possible only with the help that I got from my guru Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal. Only after he had thrown his shawl over to me to sit on did this miracle take place.
It was drizzling having rained earlier as we left Agastiyampalli at 11.15am. Tavayogi tells me it has been ten years since he came here. On the way back I asked Tavayogi what was the meaning of the song by Ramalinga Adigal 'Aani pon ambalathil kanda tiru kaatchi yellam arputha kaachiyadi amma' and why the saint mentions 'Vanathil meethu mayil aade kanden mayil kuyil aachutadi'. Tavayogi's face immediately bloomed and he got excited. He immediately started singing that song saying he had set a different tune for it. He explained that all those paths, mountain, hall, stage (veethi, malai, maadam, koodam, medai) mentioned in the song was not external but depicted the various chakras in the body.
It was drizzling having rained earlier as we left Agastiyampalli at 11.15am. Tavayogi tells me it has been ten years since he came here. On the way back I asked Tavayogi what was the meaning of the song by Ramalinga Adigal 'Aani pon ambalathil kanda tiru kaatchi yellam arputha kaachiyadi amma' and why the saint mentions 'Vanathil meethu mayil aade kanden mayil kuyil aachutadi'. Tavayogi's face immediately bloomed and he got excited. He immediately started singing that song saying he had set a different tune for it. He explained that all those paths, mountain, hall, stage (veethi, malai, maadam, koodam, medai) mentioned in the song was not external but depicted the various chakras in the body.
Back at Breehadeshwarar's Temple And Sage Karuvurar's Samadhi
We had lunch at Tanjore and proceeded to Breehadeshwarar temple at 3.00pm. As the temples in India are closed from 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Tavayogi took the opportunity to take a nap in front of the huge Nandi at the temple grounds while I went around to snap some photos of the temple. I walked up the flight of steps to Dhakshanaamurthi's sannadhi. Then I walked to the back of the temple grounds where Sage Karuvurar's samadhi was. The caretaker who was cleaning the lights (agal vilakku) got up from his job, called me in and lighted the camphor, showed the flame (karpura arti) and gave me the sacred ash (vibhuti prasadham). I came back to the spot Tavayogi was napping. He invited me to share the shawl that he had spread on the ground to lie down.
At 4.00pm when the temple doors were opened to the public, Tavayogi went straight to Karuvurar's samadhi. Now why did not he come here straight upon our arrival? The same man, left behind whatever he was doing, to light the camphor and showed the 'arati'. Tavayogi sat at the samadhi in meditation. I tried to meditate. Some pilgrims who had taken shelter away from the scorching sun at Karuvurar's samadhi were conversing loudly. The caretaker drove them away saying there were people meditating, referring to us, creating a peaceful environment for us to meditate.
As we came around the temple complex, Tavayogi must have sensed my yearning to see Lord Shiva. He told me to go ahead while he stood in the shade of the temple structure. I rushed up the flight of stairs to the inner sanctum of the temple where was house the largest Shiva lingam. I joined Tavayogi shortly and we left the temple complex.
Saraswathy Mahal
Tavayogi suggested taking me to the Saraswathy Mahal hoping to show me some old scripts (yedhu or Nadi) and collections of King Sarobhoji. It was 5.00pm as we got into the car and rushed to the museum before they closed it for the day. Tavayogi purchased a couple of tickets and we entered the museum. The palace of Sarobhoji Mannar was now converted into a museum that houses his vast collection of English books, portraits and old writings. Tavayogi was saddened that most of the writings were no more to be seen now.
We returned to Trichy where we shared the room with Kathi at his hotel. Tavayogi still insisted on sleeping on the floor but this time he accepted a blanket to be spread on the floor and a pillow under his head.
Day 10 Pothigai And Kutrallam
25th Sept 2005 - Kathi checked out of the hotel. His visit arranged by the organizers had ended and he was now free to follow us. Tavayogi, Kathi, and I left for Pothigai Hills at 6am. I sat in the front seat of the car with the driver giving an opportunity to Kathi to chat with Tavayogi. We had breakfast in Tanjore and lunch on arrival at Papanasam, Pothigai. We did not have good hotels nor choice of food in this small town, which caters to the needs of the holidaymakers taking a bath at the Agathiyar Falls and the many worshippers of an old Shiva temple. Then we proceeded to have a bath at the famed Sage Agathiyar Falls, which was now a tourist spot. This place was packed with holidaymakers, as it was a Sunday. Tavayogi and I washed our clothes here and laid them out to dry on the rocks.
Then we started our climb up a flight of stairs to a lake known as the Kalyana Theertam. On the way, we passed a house built into the cliffs where Krishnaveni Ammal was staying. She has been staying in solitude since coming up to this spot following a Siddhar when she was barely thirteen years of age and never went back. Tavayogi stopped to enquire if she was around only to be told that she was having her afternoon nap. Tavayogi told us we could try our luck on the way down.
Further up perched on a cliff was a Shiva temple.
Kalyana Theertam
Here was a shrine (sannadhi) for Sage Agathiyar. Tavayogi meditated at this spot. Tavayogi tells us this was the spot were Sage Agathiyar had meditated and attained Mukti. Impressed by the talk that one can see Siddhas in light form in this spot, I requested Tavayogi that we could stay overnight to watch THEM but Tavayogi preferred to stay in the caves of Courtallam.
As we started on our way down and approached Krishnaveni Amma's ashram, the ashram door was still closed. Tavayogi did not want to disturb her and lead us away from there. Then we walked down to a large temple dedicated to Sage Agathiyar further down. We returned to Sage Agathiyar Falls where there is a large and old Shivan temple. It was closed. We waited for the temple to open at 4.00pm. We then left for Courtallam. We had tea at Courtallam and purchased a candle and torchlight as we were going to stay in the caves overnight.
Overnight In Sage Agathiyar's Cave
Tavayogi told us we should spend the night in Sage Agathiyar's cave. He stops at one of the numerous houses lined up in this small town and enquires about the caretaker of the caves. We are told she was at the temple in the hills. Prem drops us at the famed Courtallam picnic spot. I picked up my bag of clothes and we rushed to the caves on foot, as it was almost nightfall. Strong winds blew again as we hiked up the hill behind the Courtallam Falls. It was a 3km walk uphill to Sage Agathiyar's cave. We trod in the dark with Tavayogi leading the way with the aid of a torchlight. Suddenly Kathi slips and falls but picks himself up. He was not hurt. We continue the journey.
It was pitch dark as we reached the Shenbaga Devi Amman temple, which was in total darkness except for the 'deepam' inside Ambal's sannadhi. This Shenbaga Thevi Amman temple was where Maha Avatar Babaji had sat for days in meditation. His guru Sage Bhogar instructed him to go to the Pothigai hills to meet Sage Agathiyar. Babaji left Kadhirkaamam in Ceylon for the Pothigai Hills. Babaji adamantly went into penance (tapas) until Sage Agathiyar appeared in front of him. In "Babaji' Gita written by Yogi Ramaiah, we are told that Babaji tapped the temple authorities of the Kutralanathar temple at Papanasam some distance away, to build the shrine of Agathiyar and installed a statue for Babaji too on the exact spot where Babaji was initiated by Agathiyar.
Tavayogi calls out in the dark to some folks sleeping in the temple. He introduces himself and they seem to know him. He asked them to open up Sage Agathiyar's cave, which they obliged readily. A gentleman, Supramanian leads the way while we follow. The caretakers were three elderly women. Their brother Supramaniam who was out of town was the one who showed us to the cave. It was pitch dark and I could not make out the surroundings. We had to walk on the banks of a lake and could hear the roar of a waterfall nearby. He unlocked the grills to the cave. He lit the hurricane lamp and tidied the place so that it was conducive to spend the night and even prepared hot tea for us in the cave. The drink was a blessing in that cold weather.
Tavayogi calls out in the dark to some folks sleeping in the temple. He introduces himself and they seem to know him. He asked them to open up Sage Agathiyar's cave, which they obliged readily. A gentleman, Supramanian leads the way while we follow. The caretakers were three elderly women. Their brother Supramaniam who was out of town was the one who showed us to the cave. It was pitch dark and I could not make out the surroundings. We had to walk on the banks of a lake and could hear the roar of a waterfall nearby. He unlocked the grills to the cave. He lit the hurricane lamp and tidied the place so that it was conducive to spend the night and even prepared hot tea for us in the cave. The drink was a blessing in that cold weather.
There were a few statues including a statue of Sage Agathiyar, pictures and the stick (vaasikhol) that Sage Agathiyar used. This stick is placed under one's arms to retain the flow of the breath through a particular nostril. It aids in resting one's arm too while rolling the beads of the rosary during chants. Tavayogi told us there were even Sage Agathiyar's sandals (Paatha Ratchagai) but now was missing. The caretaker lady drops in to check if all was well and conducive for our night out in this cave. They then leave. The adjacent compartment of the cave which was empty except for a light (vilakku) was where Sage Agathiyar had meditated. We entered this chamber and seated ourselves. We were sad to notice that a portion of this cave has now become a store filled with pots and pans. Tavayogi was also saddened that the cave had now been named Avaiyaar's Guhai when in actuality it was Sage Agathiyar's cave. As usual, Tavayogi sang the songs which I have now become familiar with, followed by Kathi and me singing the Potri. Tavayogi then left us to continue with the potri and retired for the day. We joined him shortly. I locked up the grilled door to the cave entrance from inside. The cave although small and low and we could hardly stand up, cozy and warm again another blessing during the cold night. I laid a blanket on the ground and used my begs and clothing as a pillow. I was so exhausted that the moment I laid my head on the ground I dozed off. I did wake in the middle of the night and saw rats scattering and scurrying away in the crevices of the cave. I had a good night's sleep and was refreshed the next day.
Day 11 Roaming The Jungles Of Pothigai And Kutrallam
26th Sept 2005 - I woke up early as usual and came out of the cave to realize that we were at this cave that was adjacent to a huge waterfall and a lake. In the early morning sunlight, I could make out some movements in the surrounding jungles. I sat and watched the calm atmosphere. As the day dawned and there was more light, I noticed it was monkeys that had been perching on the cliffs and trees. Tavayogi and Kathi woke up too. Supramaniam and the caretaker lady turned up early to prepare tea for us. We bath at the falls under the watchful eyes of Tavayogi. He cautioned us to be careful as the rocks were slippery and asked that we hold on to the railings put up. I washed and dried my clothes AGAIN.
After drying my clothes I came up the steps to the cave. I was taken aback when I saw a man squatting at the entrance to the cave and having tea. He had long matted hair and was beaming a smile, inviting me in. I gestured Vanakam and I sat beside him and had my tea. He remains quiet as Tavayogi talked with the caretakers. This man then addressed me telling me he would be at the temple below and left (Naan kileh kovilil erupen).
Sage Dhaksanamurthy's Cave
Then Tavayogi suggested we go over to Saint Dhakshanaamurthi's and Ramalinga Adigal's (Vallalar) cave too. Tavayogi asked me to get the blessings of the elderly women and give a small contribution to her which I did. She was beaming with a large smile. I gave some money to another lady too who accompanied her and of course to Mr. Supramaniam who made us tea.
We came down the hill to Shenbaga Thevi Amman temple. I asked if we should pray to Ambal first but Tavayogi replied that we shall pray after coming back from the caves. Here I saw the sadhu again. He was at the temple all right just as he had promised. I told him I was going to the caves and asked if he would like to follow. He jumped from the platform he was perched on immediately and led the way to Lord Dhaksanamurthy's cave. He opened up the cave entrance for us. He lit the lamp inside the cave. We entered the cave which was large enough to allow us to stand. There were statues of Sage Agathiyar, his wife Lobamuthirai and Sage Visvamitra. The sadhu having lighted the place for us went out and sat on a rock outside the cave while we sat in meditation for a while.
Ramalinga Adigal's (Arutprakasa Vallalar) Cave
The sadhu closed the grills to Lord Dhaksanamurthy's cave as we came out. Tavayogi then led us to Ramalinga Adigal's (Vallalar) cave The sadhu followed us a distance but eventually turned onto another track to leave us. I caught up with him to thank him and managed to give him some money, which he accepted gratefully and gave me a wink. I turned to join Tavayogi and Kathi who were already some distance ahead. Tavayogi left us at a spot to check out the route to Vallalar's cave. He reappeared from a different path and led us away from the spot. The entrance to Vallalar's cave was secured with metal grills too. Tavayogi told me it was locked. I tried to unlatch the grilled door. The latch gave way and I slid the grilled door aside quite easily. It was pitch dark inside. We had to light up the candle. The outer chamber was large enough to stand around. Tavayogi and I crawled into the inner chamber which was rather small.
As we lighted the candle and sat there, I grasped Tavayogi's hand. Tears ran down my cheeks. I was grateful and appreciated Tavayogi for having guided me to these auspicious spots and places. I would not have seen and experienced this much if I had undertaken this journey alone. We closed the grill to the caves and headed back for Sage Agathiyar's cave to get dressed and leave Courtallam.
We prayed at the Shenbaga Thevi Amman Temple on our way back. We bid farewell to all the caretakers who had gathered at the temple. Here again, Tavayogi insisted on carrying the wet cloths that I had bundled up. I carried my beg. We started down the mountain to the spot Prem dropped us yesterday. Prem had been worried sick having no idea about our whereabouts in the jungles of Kutrallam. He had been calling Tavayogi on the cell phone but there was no signal in the mountains. He was relieved to see me as he was answerable to his agency on my safety and well being. We then started on our journey to Palani.
Sage Agathiyar Opens His Eyes Again
Before we left Courtallam Tavayogi took us to a Shivan temple, Lord Kutralanathar in town. We walked through rows of shops selling all kinds of souvenirs, and foodstuffs before arriving at the temple. At the Shiva temple was a shrine for Sage Agathiyar, just behind the Sakti Peedham in the outer precincts of the temple. In "Babaji' Gita written by Yogi Ramaiah, we are told that Babaji tapped the temple authorities who built the shrine of Agathiyar and installed a statue for Babaji too. This shrine was built on the exact spot where Babaji was initiated by Agathiyar, writes the Yogi.
Tavayogi mentioned an incident that took place at this spot during his journeys in search of answers. Tavayogi then was at Sage Agathiyar's shrine. He heard someone singing and could not resists wanting to know the source of a song that was coming his way. He met Somasundareswarar Swami at this temple. Somasundareswarar was standing at a shrine of a Lord Shiva, singing hymns. Subsequently, Tavayogi met up with Somasundareswarar often at Shenbaga Amman temple and Sage Agathiyar's cave and the surrounding caves, which were maintained by this Swami until his demise.
Tavayogi mentioned an incident that took place at this spot during his journeys in search of answers. Tavayogi then was at Sage Agathiyar's shrine. He heard someone singing and could not resists wanting to know the source of a song that was coming his way. He met Somasundareswarar Swami at this temple. Somasundareswarar was standing at a shrine of a Lord Shiva, singing hymns. Subsequently, Tavayogi met up with Somasundareswarar often at Shenbaga Amman temple and Sage Agathiyar's cave and the surrounding caves, which were maintained by this Swami until his demise.
We sat at Sage Agathiyar's shrine and Tavayogi started singing. Tavayogi and Kathi were seated to my right. There was a pillar that obstructed my view of them. Tavayogi broke down as he sang Ramalinga Adigal 'Indru varumoh naalaiku varumoh allathu mathendru varumoh'. That's when I thought I saw Sage Agathiyar open and shut both his eyes. I got up to move closer, to get a better view and to confirm what I had seen. True enough there was Sage Agathiyar opening and closing both his eyes, which were human-like. Back at Agastiyampalli, the sculptured granite figure of the sage had both eyes sculptured closed initially. But as I left his shrine his left eye was wide open watching me. Here at Courtallam, it was human eyes that were watching me. I stood still, amazed, my sight fixed on Sage Agathiyar's eyes. A moment later I called Kathi over to have a look too. I pointed out to him each time the sage opened and closed his eyes. But Kathi was silent, just as I did at Agasthiyamalli back then. That's when Tavayogi called out to us saying, "You have seen, have you? Come, come, let's leave." (Paarthuthingaleh, vanga pohvohm).
Chitra Sabai And Lord Nadaraja
We then drove to another temple known as Chitra Sabai. Here no prayer is done. It was sort of an exhibition center with paintings done hundreds of years ago with paint derived from plants. The paintings were truly astonishing. The temple structure was in timber and had a copper roof. It was deserted except for a couple of tourists and a caretaker. I understand this is one of five 'sabai' or assemblies for the Lord Nadarajah.
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
We left Courtallam for Madurai at 11.30am. We had lunch at Rajapalayam. We reached the famed Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple at 3.00pm. Tavayogi only agreed to visit this temple on my insistence since he was not too keen to stopover. The last time I came to India in 2003, I turned back after Palani and did not venture further south. As this temple was on the route back to Palani and Kallar, I convinced Tavayogi that I wanted to see it. Finally, after much persuasion, Tavayogi consented. As the temple was closed we decided to spend the time viewing the exhibits at the 1,000-pillared hall. We met the Nadi reader, Mr. Ramesh, by a coincidence, here. He had accompanied two men from Klang, Malaysia to fulfill their parikaaram. We had darshan of Ambal when the temple was opened to the public at 4.00pm. We were allowed in a small group of five or six people at a time. Once in front of the goddess we were asked to sit down. We had a darshan of Madurai Meenakshi. At 5.10pm we left Madurai Meenatchi Amman temple for Palani.
It was nightfall when we checked in at a hotel in Palani. Tavayogi told us we should climb Palani Hill first thing in the morning. When Kathi said we could get a larger room or more beds he refused asking us not to waste money. He again insisted on sleeping on the floor while Kathi and I shared a bed.
Day 12 Palani Amazes Me Again
This was the second time I was invited to Palani by Sage Agathiyar through the Nadi. At 5.00 in the morning, we started for the Palani temple. The streets were quiet. The shops were still closed. We walked from the hotel in town to the temple on the hillock. We had to wait in the queue, as the temple was not open. At 6.00am we were allowed to enter. We made our way through passages created by placing barricades by the temple authority. There was no way one could stray away to other parts of the temple. We stood in front of Palani Andavar and offered our prayers. Even now I still cannot recall what I saw here just as I cannot recall the first time I was in this temple in 2003.
Then we went down some steps to the open and crossed over to a separate shrine that housed Sage Bhogar's samadhi. Now I could confirm this was definitely not the route I took to Sage Bhogar's samadhi in 2003. In my earlier visit, I was lead through a passage from Palani Andavar's shrine to Sage Bhogar's shrine. There was no necessity to go into the open air. The samadhi walls now were beautifully painted with murals depicting episodes from Bhogar's life in colorful. In 2003 there were no paintings on the wall.
Tavayogi chose a corner at the corridor outside the samadhi where we all sat. He went into meditation while I wept in silence. Then as I opened my eyes I saw Kathi was in tears too. Tavayogi came out of meditation. We entered Sage Bhogar's samadhi proper. There were four temple priests when we stepped into the chamber. One of them showed the arati in front of Bogar's samadhi. There were the Maragatha Lingam and another figurine of Goddess Bhuvaneswari that Sage Bhogar had worshipped, placed on a dais. The priests then pointed out the opening where Sage Bhogar had entered and is still believed to be in samadhi. He narrated the history of the temple to Tavayogi and Kathi. I cried for no reason or was it maybe for reasons beyond my understanding. After gaining control of myself, I moved to a spot in the room to sit for a while as the three priests continued filling in Tavayogi and Kathi on the history of the temple. The fourth priests much younger then the rests was standing in attendance observing me and the others, not uttering a word.
As we came out of this room, this particular priests intercepted us at the corridor. He passed a tumbler that he was holding to Tavayogi who was in front, saying, "Abhisega Paal". I said, "My god it was happening again. I am being given the abhisega paal again." I was given once in 2003. Tavayogi drank a portion and passed the tumbler to Kathi who was behind him. Kathi drank some and gave it to me. I emptied the tumbler and gratefully handed it over to the priest who looked pleased. Surprisingly no one questioned him nor did we talk about receiving it, amongst ourselves.
We left Sage Bhogar's chambers. As we came down a couple of steps into the open again, I approached Tavayogi in bliss. Tears quelled in my eyes. Tavayogi turned around and questioned, "What is it, my son" (Yenna Magane). He had this twinkle in his eyes and gave me a broad smile. I moved close to him and placed my head on his chest. I appreciated what I received back there. I did not say a word as we walked around the temple grounds. We left the temple premises, stopped over at the shops lined up along the road to the hotel to get a couple of paintings of gods and goddesses for my friend. We checked out of the hotel.
Marudamalai And Pampatti Sidhar's Cave
On the way back to Kallar, Tavayogi took us to Marudamalai Murugan temple where Pampatti Siddhar had meditated at an adjacent cave. We had to leave the car behind at the base of the hill because renovation works were being done in and around the hill temple. We hopped onto a bus that took us to the top of the hill. This was my first ride on a bus in India. We stood all the way to the top. We had a quick view (Darisanam) of Lord Murugan. The temple priests brought two garlands of flowers and placed around Tavayogi and Kathi. Tavayogi removed his garland and placed it around my neck. We removed the garland and handed it over to some female tourists. We then walked down a flight of steps to the cave of Pampatti Siddhar. Here the temple priests explained to us about Pampatti Siddhar and his penance (tavam) at this spot. We sat for a while. Tavayogi meditated. Some of the devotees and the tourists come over to Tavayogi for 'vibhuti prasadham'. This was the first time I saw the Indian public approach Tavayogi for his blessings in public. We took the bus back down the hill. We had lunch at Coimbatore before we left for Kallar at 3.30pm.
Back To Kallaru
As I was coming to the end of my tour I realized I needed something more than the sights and sounds that were shown to me. I pondered a lot on the way back to Kallar about this fabulous tour of religious spots and places. I was extremely pleased and blessed to have Tavayogi escort and show us around. A lot of miracles had taken place since I was here in India on my second trip. It should not be a mere tour of pilgrimage spots. I needed something more; that I could take back with me besides these memories. What next after I reach Malaysia? Yes, it was fine for me to return to Malaysia and tell my family and friends that Sage Agathiyar had opened his eyes to see me and I had seen and heard other miracles. I could talk about them for some time but eventually, talk would have to end too. What next? Do I go back to my routine life?
So I told Tavayogi, as we had tea, on our way back to Kallar after visiting Marudamalai, "I did not want this trip of mine to end just like another tour. I wanted something more out of this trip. Something that could bring me advancement in my spiritual path." (Entha payanam verum sutrulaavaatham amainthirakudathu. Naan valarunam. Atharku naan yenna seiyanum?). He looked at me for a moment and then replied I had to do lots of practice (neraiya payerchi seiyanum). He asked if I were chanting the mantra that was given to me at the Agathiyar Gnana Peedham back in Malaysia. I told him that I had received that moola mantra of Sage Agathiyar way back in November of 2004 and I have been chanting since then. Tavayogi asks from whom I received it. I mentioned how I got it from Astrologer and Siddha Practitioner Dr.Krishnan. Then Tavayogi tells me briefly there are other practices and mantras that need to be chanted and mentioned some of them. As Kathi came back from the washroom, our conversation on this matter ended there. Before returning to Malaysia, he called me up and gave me another teecha.
On arrival at the ashram in Kallar, we were greeted by Mrs. Sarojini. Mrs. Sarojini was from Tirupur, Tavayogi's hometown and a member of his Pati Mandram team. Tavayogi had asked her to come over to assist at the Peedham with the preparation of the food for tomorrow's event since Mr. Nadaraja had gone to Tiru Annamalai. She readily acknowledged Tavayogi. (Mrs. Sarojini became Mataji Sarojini and is currently running the ashram after Tavayogi's demise.)
Day 13 Another Day Of Doing Charity
This morning I went for a bath at the river with Tavayogi, Kathi and the local children while Mrs. Sarojini and a local woman prepared food to feed the locals, sponsored by Kathi. Back from the river, I cleaned and decorated the prayer room, which I took it upon myself to do as long as I was in Kallar.
Mrs. Sarojini told us much has been said in her nadi about Tavayogi to which Tavayogi stopped her from revealing more. Later when she came into the cabin that was our lodge I asked her to continue on Tavayogi and the Nadi readings pertaining to him. She brought more transcriptions of the Nadi on Tavayogi, and from others on Tavayogi, all neatly written out in notebooks. She read to me the greatness of Tavayogi that was mentioned by the Siddhas. For instance, she told me it was stated in her nadi that she could achieve enlightenment (Mukti) by simply serving Tavayogi and practice some techniques of breathing which Tavayogi would teach her.
That afternoon we had a special prayer for Sage Agathiyar and the Siddhas followed by free food for the locals (annadhaanam).
Before returning to Malaysia, I visited Supramania Swami at Tiruvannamalai again and shared my adventure with him.
Before returning to Malaysia, I visited Supramania Swami at Tiruvannamalai again and shared my adventure with him.
Agathiyar talks about my pilgrimage to India. He mentions Tavayogi. He asks that I continue prayers to the Siddhas. He reveals what took place at Papanasam, Courtalam, and Agasthiyampalli in Vedharanyam. He explains the reason for asking me to come over to India in haste.
He talks about Supramania Swami and reveals what took place at Tiruvannamalai. Agathiyar emphasizes Supramania Swami was the catalyst to ignite me and the reason for me to tread this path. He reminds me to hold him in my thought. Agathiyar talks about the prayers that I conducted and the pilgrimage with Tavayogi. Then he goes on to explain the reason to introduce Tavayogi. Agathiyar talks about the prayers back home. He reveals the reason for taking birth. Agathiyar asks that I stay on this path. He asks to continue the practices. Agathiyar reveals that one can remove his Karma through prayers. He reads my thoughts and mentions them immediately in the Nadi.