We live in a well-informed society today. With the advent of information technology and making it available to every single man, our expanse of knowledge has grown multifold. What was the purview of selected few who were daring to cross the borders on horseback, or by sailing the rough seas is made available to us with comfort, provided we have the cash. Travelling out of the cocoon that was our society has opened our eyes to the beauty of the terrain and its people in other lands. Through documentation of these travels these places are brought right into our living rooms.
Today we realize that even before Ramalinga Adigal started the Dharma Salai to feed the hungry a century ago, the people of Punjab had started feeding thousands of devotees at their golden temple at Amritsar since the sixteen hundreds. With the numerous occupation of the lands by invaders, we saw new races and faiths emerge. With people travelling out of the homes and villagers to make a better living, venturing into unknown territories, they happen to come upon the locals there and merged with their culture.
My father was one of those who chose to travel beyond the walls of his ancestral home of Kilsevalpatti to seek new fortunes. He travelled to Burma, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and finally settled in Malaya. I am grateful he took up the urge to leave the comforts of home and venture to new lands. I am grateful he opted to marry and raised us in this country. Today the reason I am able to write this post in the comfort of my home, with all the technology available just a click away, is because of the sacrifice of my parents and forefathers. He dared to travel. He dared to carry out his money lending business in foreign lands when there we only a handful of banks in existence at that time. He gave back to society whatever interest earned from those loans. Today, the reason my family and I are doing well is due to the tremendous blessings gain by being a philanthropist, giving generous donations towards people in need. The moment death came, he sat quietly in a corner of our home, in the padmasana pose and passed away peacefully.
I believe blessings and merits he collected, have come down to us too, safeguarding us from harm and danger. He never harmed anyone. He did not manipulate nor use anyone. He was honest in all his business dealings. He never made enemies. I realize that it is difficult to fit into his shoes. My mother and siblings took care of all our needs while my father was away. I am grateful to all these souls with whom I grew up.
Today I have a family of my own and a grandchild too. God has been good to all of us. He chose to come to us as Agathiyar. He now takes care of all our needs. He dines with us. He sleeps with us. He listens on to our talk. He travels ahead of us and waits for us to turn up. He paves the way for us, removing obstacles and delay. He rewards us. He weeps with us. He laughs with us. We are truly fortunate to have him look over our shoulders, 24/7.
How can I return these favours? What would bring joy to him? How would he want us to live our lives? The day we learn the answers to these questions is the day we will bring a tremendous change in us.
Today we celebrated Siddhar Vizha in a modest way. As it was a working day, a small number of devotees who could find time joined us in prayer to the Siddhas. A homam was lit followed by abhisegam to the Siddhas and finally the lighting of the Aganda Deepam. Agathiyar has reminded us countless time that rituals are important in wanting to move up the spiritual ladder. Through attending to rituals, he is slowly bringing us to a state of silence and bliss within. At the end of the day, everyone leaves for their home, happy and contented.
Today we celebrated Siddhar Vizha in a modest way. As it was a working day, a small number of devotees who could find time joined us in prayer to the Siddhas. A homam was lit followed by abhisegam to the Siddhas and finally the lighting of the Aganda Deepam. Agathiyar has reminded us countless time that rituals are important in wanting to move up the spiritual ladder. Through attending to rituals, he is slowly bringing us to a state of silence and bliss within. At the end of the day, everyone leaves for their home, happy and contented.
