The Siddhas knew that man could not sit and bring his attention to a thing or bring about focus much less asking him to meditate. Hence, they devised the means and the way to slowly take a step at a time by introducing him to Sariyai first. In bringing him to step into a temple he comes to know about the occupants of God's home. Kindling an interest to bring back and continue with the worship in the temples, he starts the worship at his home and at his altar. Learning more about his beloved deity now, he aims to emulate their qualities. The deities send him their messengers and later takes the form of a guru. They lead him on into Kriyai and performing rituals that burn away past karmas. With karma out of the way, the vessel is cleansed and renewed. He begins to accept the teachings of the guru and adopt them putting into practice what was taught. Stepping into Yogam he sees his body, breath and soul rejuvenated. In purging all the impurities, he leaves the purgative way or phase and embarks on the illuminative way, where he gains clarity. This is the start of the dawn of Gnanam. Traveling within the chakras, he gains direct knowledge. The rests are God's doing and happens according to his will and the state of the body and the transformation in the devotee thus far and his preparedness to receive what is to come.
From http://www.ramalinga.com, a detailed explanation is given on what happens during this stage.
"The material body constituted of impure elements is transformed into a “Body of Pure Light” that emits a golden brightness. Ramalinga affirms that, following the divine path of truth and purity, the most impure body will become a body pure and imperishable. Then the Divinity descends and settles in disciple's heart, who becomes entirely filled by Him. Captivated by the "Ardent Fire" of the Divine essence, the disciple stops thinking, feeling, acting and even existing. He has become pure love and compassion, and this is what he spills on all the beings. This secret, which has been hidden and now is divulged according to the explicit wish of Ramalinga, points the disciple’s heart as the end of the path showed by Him."
Tavayogi had aptly signed of my copy of his book "Andamum Pindamum" with the following words that reflect the above. Both the destination and source are one he wrote. Tavayogi identified the residence of God as being within the inner chamber of the heart. He wrote, "The journey begins and ends there". It is a journey of returning back home.
A devotee couple who dropped by at AVM this morning was given a surprise welcome by Tavayogi as they entered the "empty" room that once was the hub of activity and worship. Her husband reiterated again that it was amazing how all the dust had settled and only silence and the immense energies prevail there. As I had yearned and missed Tavayogi a lot, I guess Agathiyar has relieved Tavayogi of the work that he had given him in his realm and has him be with us henceforth. I am glad that Tavayogi has come to stay with us too following Agathiyar and Vaalai. We are blessed indeed.