A DAY OUT DOING CHARITY

AVM through its charity arm Amudha Surabhi and with volunteers from Thondu Seivom fed the inmates of a home in Semenyih this afternoon. There was joy in giving as we brought cheer to the unfortunate. 

THE GRACE OF THE MASTERS

When I look back at all the events that had taken place within a short span of some fifty years, I am amazed at how the divine has taken care, and guided me and all those close to me.

To  a question as to why my father having dared to travel far to make a living, crossing countries and boundaries in the days of limited modes of transportation; having struggled with the alien languages, customs and traditions in these foreign lands namely Burma, Ceylon, and Singapore before settling down in then Malaya; marrying my mother, a local and begetting us siblings, Agathiyar answered so that we could be born in a land of milk and honey, in his terms, Bhoga Nadu or Sukra Bumi. I need to thank my father for his journey of courage on foot, horse cart and ship and his courage in leaving the comforts of his home for the uncertainties and the unknown so that we could have a better life.

Having built a simple yet comfortable life for himself, my father stretched out his arms to help the less fortunate who came in search of aid and help. Then all these changed when the war came. Life was tough during the war, I was told. When a string of bullets fired from a machine gun aboard a Japanese fighter plane missed my father's head by just a couple of inches, my father suddenly was reminded of the uncertainties of life. As he lay on the dirt road he froze in fear for his life clutching to two bags of currency that he had just withdrawn from the bank earlier. He came to realize that moment that the money in his hands would have been of no use to him had that bullets hit him. After that incident that changed his outlook of life he took to distributing and giving away his wealth and seek spiritual solace in an ashram in India. But the guru soon sent him back to Malaysia to fulfill his remaining responsibilities and duties towards the family. My biggest regret is not having documented the details of his spiritual endeavour. Due to the enormous charity and aid he did, his last moments in this mortal frame were mystical in nature. After having an hearty laugh watching that afternoon's matinee on television, he asked for coffee which itself was surprising since he always made his own coffee. When my mother came around with the coffee he was not to be seen in in his chair, in his usual corner. My mother found him seated cross legged in another corner of the living room. She noticed that he was seated in a Yogic pose, the padmasana. When she began to free his legs my father toppled over and rested his head on my mother's lap. He had left us. He did not suffer neither was he in any pain, something that we all would wish for too. I believe the divine and his guru was with him during his last moments.

Agathiyar says this relationship between a Siddha guru and the disciple does not come about all of a sudden but is carried on from the past. When a devotee of Agathiyar who had some medical issues saw the Jeeva Nadi read by Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal in Malaysia last June, her guru of past birth pleaded with Agathiyar to help his child (the devotee). Most of the AVM family had been told of their past births too and how they had served Agathiyar. When a famed Nadi Nool Aasan passed away many years ago, Agathiyar revealed that his soul (Aasan) was meditating in Pothigai, and should not be disturbed by remembering him. Recently a very dear soul was taken away suddenly to his abode to be with him too. Agathiyar shelved all the plans he had for her seeing her extreme yearning to be with him. That is the magnitude of the guru and his hold on the disciple, crossing over several births.

Among the many wonderful souls who dropped by at AVM was a soul so dear to Agathiyar that he took her with him. Her devotion for Agathiyar knew no bounds. Agathiyar who came into her live and guided her every second, granted her wish and desire to eventually merge with him. He took hold of her hands in 2011, led her on a journey that was both mystifying and wonderful. Her affection to Agathiyar surpassed all other needs, wants and desires. Very few knew her; but she made an impact in the hearts of all those who came to know her. A true mother in every sense. He showed the world his magnificence working through her before he chose to take her with him. She shall live in our hearts forever.

Jnana Jhothiamma merged at Agathiyar's feet on Tuesday 4 April, 2017 in Chennai. Her demise came as a shocking news to all of us. Although we knew that she was in solitude, performing tavam and preparing to merge with Erai, the news did break our hearts.  The Siddhas have the ability to change the fate and destiny of sincere devotees and seekers, accordingly to their asking and reasonable desires. Devotees seeking material gains will have to be patient for the change to take place, at the right time and place. For those who seek the Holy Feet of Erai, the Siddhas expedite the process, sometimes almost immediately. Jnana Jhothiamma was one such soul who desired very much to reach the Holy Feet of Erai and Agathiyar granted her her wish. She was due to go to the USA and come over later to Malaysia this year, upon completion of her tavam, but Agathiyar rewrote her path.

We do not know what is in store around the corner, although it could be a much frequently travelled road. The water does not flow the same way twice; it meanders accordingly to the terrain and obstacles it confronts. There is never a similar moment. Every moment is special. Cherish each moment. The divine has taken care of us. The divine has been kind to us. Be grateful. Be grateful that you are still around to witness the moment. 

SIDDHARGAL VIZHA (CHITHIRAI POURNAMI VIZHA) 2017

Thavathiru Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal invites devotees to his Kallar Ashram to celebrate the annual Siddhargal Vizha on 10 May 2017.

சித்ரா பௌர்னமியை முன்னிட்டு சித்தர்கள் விழா நமது அகத்தியர் ஆசிரமத்தில் வரும் 10ஆம் தேதி நடைபெற உள்ளதால் அனைவரும் கலந்து கொண்டு சித்தர்கள் ஆசி பெருமாரு அன்போடு அலைகிரோம்.

Agathiyar at Kallar Ashram

Similarly AVM will have prayers between 10.30am till 1pm.

Agathiyar at AVM

Master Uvaraj too is holding prayers at his Sri Agasthiyar Sakthi Allayam.

Allayam Chithira Pournami Villa @ Agasthiyar Sakthi Allayam, No.415, Jalan 20/39, Taman Petaling Kepong, Kuala Lumpur

7am - Abishegam for Agasthiyar
11am - Guru Homam & Prayers
12pm - Allayam Annathanam (Food Serving)

Agathiyar at the Sri Agasthiyar Sakthi Allayam

Sri Krishna of Agathiyar Universal Mission (AUM) is holding prayers at AUM Illam. Thavathiru Kumaraswamigal Aiya from Anuvavi Agathiyar Ashram in Coimbatore will preside over the prayers.

This prayer at AUM Illam will be followed by another at Eco City Agasthiyar temple.

Thavathiru Muthukumarsamy Aiya is currently conducting prayers daily till 11 May 2017 at the Sri Shenbagadevi Amman temple in Kutralam.

Meanwhile Dr Thiaga and the Sri Mayuranathar Alayam, Sri Math Pamban Kumaraguruthasa Swamigal Thirukovil temple committee in Dengkil will hold a coloring contest in conjunction with the Chitra Pournami prayers at the temple.

Khru Pedro Solana, Chief Instructor and Founder of Muay Thai Sangha Fighting Arts and Sangham Internal Arts based in Chiang Mai, Thailand will hold prayers at his centre too.

His website http://www.muaythaisangha.com/ provides a brief description of himself as follows,

OBEDIENCE

Life is full of options. For instance there is two options in the face of receiving a directive. Either you follow or you do not. If you do not wish to follow it is settled then and there. But if you choose to follow you might want to know the reason to follow the directive, wait to be convinced before following it or dive your nose in without hesitation and without the need to be convinced. 

I began conducting prayers in the early morning hours and at sundown each day of my bachelorhood, just to kill time and overcome boredom. I was in my twenties then. I frequented the neighborhood temples regularly too. I dived deep into reading about religion. But I realized there was conflict in the rational of things taking place around me and what was written in the books. Rather than understanding and becoming clearer in thought, I became more confused. I had so many questions. I became frustrated at not having answers to these queries. Then I had a dream. In the dream I saw a marble statue of Lord Shiva in full view sitting in Padmasana pose. I realized his chest heaved. He was breathing and alive! He began to smile and began to open his eyes. Almost immediately a bright light shone. I heard him speak without opening his mouth. He said, "Keep your questions to a later date", hence shutting me up. I dropped all form of worship and all query since that day or night, I should say.

Soon I was transferred from the small coastal town of Lumut to the bustling capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. For the next 13 years I did not visit a single temple, nor read any religious or spiritual books. Nay I did not even light a lamp in my home! 

Then one stormy day in 2001, my nephew hands me a mantra of Lord Vishnu, asking me not to question its source. He tells me that he was only directed to pass it to me. He asks that I start chanting it. Surprisingly I followed his dictate. Soon he furnished me with a painting of Lord Dhakshanamurthy and several hymns of Goddess to recite for the ongoing Navarathri. I followed his dictates without question. The only hint he gave me was that all these was to prepare me to meet my guru.

True to his words, Agathiyar in my maiden Nadi reading the following year reveals that I would meet my guru. I meet Supramania Swami at the end of my maiden pilgrimage to India in 2003, just hours before I boarded the plane back to Malaysia.

Just as I listened with awe and amazement as Agathiyar revealed my past, exposed my present and unfolded my future, I listened with awe and amazement as Supramania Swami revealed about me, my past, present and my future without any aid be it astrology, palmistry or any other science of prediction.

Agathiyar pulled aside the curtain of ignorance and showed me who I was. I followed his dictates in the Nadi without question. Supramania Swami lighted the spark of devotion in me. I followed his dictates without question too. Soon Agathiyar introduced me to my second guru, Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal of Kallar Ashram. Tavayogi introduced me officially to Agathiyar and the Siddhas; introduced me to a life of an ashramite; took me to the abodes of the Siddhas; and nurtured me further in the path of devotion. I followed his dictates without question too. 

Along this journey there were numerous questions that came to mind but I chose to refrain from wanting to know the reasons for doing a task first before embarking on it. I did not wait to be convinced first before starting my task.

Soon Agathiyar answered most of these questions sometimes after a couple of years, but he did come around to answer my queries. I am pretty sure he would answer the other remaining questions too.

SIDDHARGAL VIZHA

Thavathiru Muthukumar Swamigal of Kutralam invites devotees to the annual Chithirai Pornami Thiruvizha to be held beginning 1 May 2017 to 11 May 2017 at the Shenbagadevi Amman Temple in Kutralam.

Similarly Thavathiru Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal invites devotees to his Kallar Ashram to celebrate the annual Siddhargal Vizha on 10 May 2017.

சித்ரா பௌர்னமியை முன்னிட்டு சித்தர்கள் விழா நமது அகத்தியர் ஆசிரமத்தில் வரும் 10ஆம் தேதி நடைபெற உள்ளதால் அனைவரும் கலந்து கொண்டு சித்தர்கள் ஆசி பெருமாரு அன்போடு அலைகிரோம்.

TAVAYOGI ON THE TRAIL OF THE SIDDHAS

Tavayogi and Mataji were at Atri hills and Kalyana Theertam recently and shared these pics in Agathiyar devotees Whatsapp group.

WALKING THE MIDDLE WAY

We at AVM chose the middle way; and we talk the talk and walk the walk. We do not debate which path is superior or inferior. We do not debate whether the chicken came first or the egg came first. We do not debate justifying eating meat is fine since plants too have life.

For a hungry man it is immaterial what you give him, vegetarian or meat. All he wants is food. In event there is no food he fills his tummy with water. I remember as I grew up my family used to have a whole meal only once a day. When night comes, mother would gather all my siblings around and feed us with what is left over from the midday meal. In event we are still hungry a coconut meat would do fine; we would secretly plunge our young tender teeth into it's meat only to be caught later as we had left tooth marks in the coconut meat. In event this too is not available we would reach for the tap and drink from it to appease our hunger.

Many have maintained a vegetarian diet for medical reasons too. When I became a vegetarian overnight some 19 years back, many questioned me if I had stopped consuming meat because of religious beliefs or for medical reasons. I did not have a reason then. It just stopped. The desire just dropped on its own. I have been moderate. Although I stopped taking meat, fish, and eggs, I do not strain my eyes looking into the fine print on food packets to see if it contained animal products. Along the way the body itself has begun to reject these foods to the extent that I cannot bear the smell of raw meat and fish. I keep away from wet markets for this reason. Neither can I bear the smell of scrambled eggs on the wok, fish being fried and etc. I have become more sensitive to smell as my senses are enhanced.

In present times with mother nature throwing blows on us for not respecting her, in event my town is submerged in flood waters and we are displaced to higher grounds, the local authority would provide meals while waiting for the flood waters to reside and relocate us back to our homes, I would most probably end up eating canned sardines too. If in the event I was dropped off in the north or south pole I would end up consuming fish and seal meat to keep me alive, although I understand in modern times vegetables and other needs are dropped off in these remote places by helicopters regularly.

Diet is immaterial for devotion to fruit; taboos and superstition do not stand between Erai and us. Whether you are vegetarian or not the divine lives in you as a spark of light. Whether you are a believer or not the divine lives in you.

When Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal told me that I have to bring my family too into their (the Siddhas) fold, my family and I started by conducting prayers at home which included singing the praise of the Siddhas. Later when Agathiyar came to our home in the form of a bronze statue my family and I performed the bathing ritual or Abhisegam according to Agathiyar’s wishes. Then Tavayogi instructs us to carry out the homam. I was not a priest and knew nothing about the sastras and had my reservations initially but Tavayogi mooted me to carry it out. Later he conducts the homam in our home where we learnt to fine-tune the procedures. Agathiyar blessed and encouraged us further and spoke highly of the homam and prayers, listing its benefits. My wife used to sit at the homam with both my daughters as I recited the hymns. In event I was out of town, she would continue with the children. The question of whether ladies can sit to light the homam did not arise. Since then my family and I have been conducting these rituals on Pornami, Amavasai and every Thursday. We also conduct them on auspicious days including Shivarathri, Navarathri, Vinayagar Chathurthi and on Agathiyar’s Jayanthi and Guru Pujai. Agathiyar is full of praise for my wife and children who do all the preparation in view of these prayers. 

I had carried the following post, THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN HINDU SPIRITUALISM - The Wife as a Tapa Sakhi earlier.

In the book on Kavyakantha Vasistha Ganapati Muni entitled NAYANA, A BIOGRAPHY OF KAVYAKANTHA VASISTHA GANAPATI MUNI [1] (from the original Telugu texts by Gunturu Lakshmikantam), Dr G Krishna says Ganapati Muni had described his wife as a Tapa Sakhi, meaning comrade in Tapas just as Arundhati was the Tapa Sakhi of Vasistha and so were the wives of many of the rishis.

“They never considered their wives as hindrances to Tapas.”

Ganapati Muni advised that women should not be barred from any spiritual or religious chores when it was prevalent at that time that women were not considered fit to worship Agni, study the Vedas and recite Vedic Mantra and were denied the benefits of upayana. Ganapati Muni himself used to initiate women into Mantra japa. Many were the women who were initiated into Gayathri Vidhya, which was considered exclusive to men.

Visalakshi, wife of Ganapati Muni took to the worship of Agni whenever Ganapati Muni was out of station.

“Visalakshi paid equal attention to house-keeping and Mantra upasana. Ganapati did not share the belief that a woman was the source of sin and Maya. The study of scriptures had convinced him that the ancient rishis had practiced austerity and attained self-realization without giving up family life and responsibilities. Women were not treated as objects of pleasure by our ancient rishis. They were as qualified as men to discharge spiritual responsibilities. The ancient rishis by their exemplary behavior became spiritual preceptors to their wives and helped to establish a well ordered society.”

M. Govindan in BABAJI AND THE 18 SIDDHA KRIYAYOGA TRADITION, Kriya Yoga Publications, Quebec, Canada, 1991, (M.Govindan, 1991)says,

“The Siddhas never called for seclusion of oneself. On the contrary, Siddhas have asked us not to neglect our families and responsibilities but to attend to worlds, the material and spiritual.”

As M. Govindan says, “They challenge us not to turn our backs on the world in our quests for spiritual enlightenment.”

[1] Kavyakantha Sri Ganapati Sastri, a Vedic scholar of repute in his age with a deep knowledge of the Srutis, Sastras, Tantras, Yoga, and Agama systems, came to visit Ramana in 1907. After receiving instructions from him, he proclaimed him as Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Ramana was known by this name from then on. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

To a question whether ladies could pay their last respects to the deceased at the crematorium or grave, which is a taboo all these years, I had a cousin who had no option but to lit the pyre for her late mother as her male siblings did not turn up. 

We at AVM respect all forms of worship. When aspirants came to Ramana seeking ways to liberation, Ramana would ask what they were doing currently and asked them to continue doing it. But sadly many masters in this current era have already decided that their path is THE only path and belittle and ridicule those on other paths. Nay some in the same path too ridicule the beginners on the path. I too was ridiculed by a Master in the Siddha path for worshiping Agathiyar in the form of an idol. 

We do not hold lectures, talks and satsangs in posh hotels but instead cramp up in this tiny space at AVM. The money spent in rentals of a larger space is translated to cash and kind donations towards the upkeep of children's homes, old folks homes and orphanages. Our prayers are confined to this small home that we call AVM, but the physical space is not a criteria for Erai to reside; he seeks the teeny weeny space in all our hearts to reside. Bring him into your homes first. Then bring him into your hearts. Worship Erai in your home first. Worship him at the temples. Then learn to worship him in your hearts. All rituals are necessary to bring us together in prayers. All customs and traditions are necessary to bring the community together.

We do not scare and drive away aspirants on the Siddha path with codes of practise, principles and rigid regimes. Bring them into the fold first and let them evolve naturally. The divine in each of us will eventually guide us. Transformation will take place on its own accord and at its own pace and never by force. The aspirants will drop certain habits for want of better and higher aspirations.

The debate about diet and rituals has been going on for ages without a compromise or a common solution. I chose to remain moderate for if you indulge in questioning the diet than you would end up asking, "What about the air and water we drink?" too. The air is common to all, humans, animals and plants although humans and animals take in oxygen and the plant takes in carbon dioxide. Similarly there is a vast range of marine life living in the sea and rivers. The rivers provide us with our source of drinking water too. If we are to be so concerned about these things, then we should not accept the currency that is handled by the meat seller. If we are what we eat, then the blood too is impure. Therefore there are certain things best left alone and not questioned.

For a man making a living the hard way, trying hard to place bread and butter on the dining table, he might not have much choice in many matters. But if there is an option by all means choose vegetarian.

It is required to be a vegetarian for certain suksma reasons for those on the path of transformation into light. It helps develop compassion. For one who wants to merge with Erai, Erai brings a total transformation in all the various bodies that we are made of. One has to be prepared mentally and physically for this transformation to take place. A saint in the making shared the following: It all starts with a sacred initiation by a Siddha. Once the process is started there is no way out but to see it through. The Siddhas will have to remove 7 jenmas of karma or karma accumulated over the last 7 births; make us shed all 7 layers of skin; lose weight till we are 1/4 of our original weight; purge the body of all the meat that we had eaten over the years sometimes vomiting as many as 32 times a day. All these you have to endure not a day or two but 2 1/2 years and you have only shed 2 layers of skin and are only at the 2nd stage. I am told that there are 4 stages before you become a Siddha.

Ramalinga Adigal reveals the transformation that took place in him in his Agaval, 

தோலெலாங் குழைந்திடச் சூழ்நரம் பனைத்தும்
மேலெலாங் கட்டவை விட்டுவிட் டியங்கிட (1450)

என்பெலா நெக்குநெக் கியலிடை நெகிழ்ந்திட
மென்புடைத் தசையெலா மெய்யுறத் தளர்ந்திட
இரத்த மனைத்துமுள் ளிறுகிடச் சுக்கிலம்
உரத்திடை பந்தித் தொருதிர ளாயிட
மடலெலா மூளை மலர்ந்திட வமுதம்
உடலெலா மூற்றெடுத் தோடி நிரம்பிட
ஒண்ணுதல் வியர்த்திட வொளிமுக மலர்ந்திட
தண்ணிய வுயிர்ப்பினிற் சாந்தந் ததும்பிட
உண்ணகை தோற்றிட வுரோமம் பொடித்திடக்
கண்ணினீர் பெருகிக் கால்வழிந் தோடிட (1460)

வாய்துடித் தலறிட வளர்செவித் துணைகளிற்
கூயிசைப் பொறியெலாங் கும்மெனக் கொட்டிட
மெய்யெலாங் குளிர்ந்திட மென்மார் பசைந்திடக்
கையெலாங் குவிந்திடக் காலெலாஞ் சுலவிட
மனங்கனிந் துருகிட மதிநிறைந் தொளிர்ந்திட
இனம்பெறு சித்த மியைந்து களித்திட
அகங்கார மாங்காங் கதிகரிப் பமைந்திடச்
சகங்காண வுள்ளந் தழைத்து மலர்ந்திட
அறிவுரு வனைத்து மானந்த மாயிடப்
பொறியுறு மான்மதற் போதமும் போயிடத் (1470)

தத்துவ மனைத்துந் தாமொருங் கொழிந்திடச்
சத்துவ மொன்றே தனித்துநின் றோங்கிட
உலகெலாம் விடய முளவெலா மறைந்திட
அலகிலா வருளி னாசைமேற் பொங்கிட
என்னுளத் தெழுந்துயி ரெல்லா மலர்ந்திட
என்னுளத் தோங்கிய என்றனி யன்பே

Agathiyar lives in our homes and in our hearts. He has brought many good souls and children of his to AVM.  He has brought many masters, teachers, gurus and saints to AVM. We were blessed to have received Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal and Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyar over a span of years beginning in 2005. Their last visit to AVM was recently in June of last year. Then came Jnana Jhotiamma in 2013 and again the following year. We were introduced to Acharya Gurudasan of Bangalore. Brahmarishi Narayan Swami from Jammu and Kashmir, Thavathiru Kumarsamy from Anuvavimalai Agathiyar Ashram, and most recently Thavathiru Muthukumar Swamy of Kutralam have blessed this home with their presence, all by the grace of Agathiyar who resides here, in our home and in our hearts.

BE MODERATE

We have all come for a purpose. The purpose is revealed to some and not as yet to others. Of all the world's population we tend to only meet with a handful of people and interact with them, some for a lifetime, others for a limited time. Many though are co-travellers in this journey of ours hardly exchanging a word let alone a glance. Among those we meet and interact, a bond is created or rediscovered. We then begin to help each other on our journey,  looking into each others needs, and to help each other achieve their vision. 

Life teaches us many things. We see, we begin to judge based on our past experiences and form an opinion. Sadly most of the time we take on others opinions and vomit it elsewhere. Many take a question and place it to a Master, Teacher or Guru. They come prepared with an answer too. One can say it is to test the teacher or to show off one's prowess and understanding on the matter on hand.

Many questions have been debated over and over again for ages without arriving at a conclusion that is acceptable by all. As long as man has his own thought and skills to evaluate, no two men can agree on a thing. 

But to put a thing or mission together, we need to bring alike minds together. We see that happening at AVM. Agathiyar has brought us together to serve humanity in our own small way. He asked that I perform the homam in my home, which I reluctantly did initially. Once he explained to me that it was done for the good of mankind, I began to do it with commitment. He asked Bala Chandran Gunasekaran to carry out annadhanam or feeding programs which he has been doing with his Thondu Seivom team. He brought this noble thoughts to his family and has begun to spread this deed further. As NS Shaan told me once, the one thing he loved about AVM was that we were doers. 

We at AVM adopted the middle way, respecting each other, refraining from engaging in acts that could hurt another. We hardly engaged in discussion of theories and philosophical ideas. It is said, "In his dialogues, Plato discussed every kind of philosophical idea, including Ethics (with discussion of the nature of virtue), Metaphysics (where topics include immortality, man, mind, and Realism), Political Philosophy (where topics such as censorship and the ideal state are discussed), Philosophy of Religion (considering topics such as Atheism, Dualism and Pantheism), Epistemology (where he looked at ideas such as a priori knowledge and Rationalism), the Philosophy of Mathematics and the theory of art (especially dance, music, poetry, architecture and drama) - http://www.philosophybasics.com/philosophers_plato.html". On the contrary we are simple folks who took Agathiyar's words and put it into action, while going about our daily business with the thought of having to place food on the table and paying the bills.

On a personal note, Agathiyar had warned me never to engage in debate for whatever reason. His mantra for me was to perform puja or prayers as his mantra for Bala Chandran was to perform Thondu or service. He never spoke about meditation, asanas and yoga nor gnanam. Occasionally he would give a technique or two to follow on specific timings or for a specific period and would later ask that I stop it too. Life has been simple for us at AVM too. No rigid regimes to follow and no specific teachings. Many of us have been told to focus on our jobs and careers and family while allocating some time for the divine. We are free to experiment with life although within the boundaries of moral living. Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal used to say that the soul or atma should not be chained and should be let free to experience life. After going through life's ups and downs we become wiser and more knowledgeable. 

There are many learned masters who shun idolatry and temple worship urging the seekers into yoga, meditation and the path of gnanam. The irony is that they refrain children and teenagers from attending their lectures. If in their talks they preach that that is the only way to enlightenment, then several questions come to mind. What happens to those below 19 years of age? Who or what is going to fill these young and tender minds with spiritual knowledge?

Here we see that the four ways Sariyai, Kriyai, Yogam and Gnanam and the four age-based life stages or ashramas, Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sannyasa (renunciation) stipulated in the old texts serves every soul and age group and never leaves out anyone in particular.

We at AVM are at the threshold of a long journey. But we are happy that we have begun the journey. We have faith and belief that Agathiyar shall guide us on. 

BIRTH OF AGATHIYAR VANAM MALAYSIA (AVM)

When I began doing puja for the Siddhas at home, after reading the Nadi in 2002 where Agathiyar asked me to come to his path, the Nadi Nool Aasan Senthilkumar started me on the recitation of the Siddha names or Siddhar Potri. He was a guru in a sense for introducing me to the numerous Siddhas. It is said that the mere mention of the names of the Siddhas will have them turn to look at you. Their grace shall fall on you by mere mention of their names and just thinking of them.

My very first painting of Agathiyar was gifted by the late Sivabalan who brought in the Nool Aasan from India. I worshipped this painting until I decided to place it in my in-laws home. I worshiped another painting of Agathiyar from thence on. In 2010, Agathiyar comes to my home in the form of a bronze statue commissioned and made in Swamimalai and air flown to Malaysia. Never did I imagine that this particular form of Agathiyar in Agasthiyampalli will be famous the world over.

In all my 55 Nadi readings Agathiyar has stressed the importance of performing puja and prayers. Maybe that was to be my dharma in this life.

When Agathiyar told me to feed the birds (pulligal) before coming in for one of my Nadi reading, (I was having weekly Nadi readings then) and in a later reading asked that I feed the birds once a week, never did I imagine that he would make provisions to send these birds to my home too. To our further joy, other species of birds dropped in too, unannounced. Later a pair of squirrels turned up too.

Soon I realized that when Agathiyar wants us to carry out a task, he brings the relevant persons too around to help us accomplish his directive.

In 2013 Agathiyar sends Bala Chandran Gunasekaran to my home to participate in a Pournami Puja after being instructed in a Nadi reading. Never did I imagine that this wonderful soul would take the worship of Agathiyar that was private and confined to my family and home to another level. With him came his thirty odd former schoolmates and friends. Bala Chandran, throughout his numerous Nadi readings was reminded to perform seva or thondu or service and annadhanam or feeding. With his team of youngsters Bala Chandran formed his Thondu Seivom group to accomplish this task that was given to him. Maybe that was to be his dharma in this life.

Soon I too figured that we needed a name for my home so that I could direct newcomers over. And so Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia (AVM) was born. When Bala Chandran came over to my home, he brought his team along. Thus AVM and Thondu Seivom travelled on a mission to promote Tavam and Dhanam within our circles, two virtues that we are constantly asked to uphold in life. Besides relieving others of their hunger and wants, these noble actions bring joy and bliss to us. On another perspective, it is said that both the receiver and the giver will have his karma reduced.

It is amazing to see so much can be achieved and done when we are of the same thought and in the same frequency. With many other wonderful souls joining the bandwagon, AVM, its financial arm Amudha Surabhi and Thondu Seivom took up several charities and prayers fulfilling the wishes of the Siddhas.

Agathiyar who kept a watchful eye on us, guided us on. It was wonderful to receive his blessings and encouragements to carry on in subsequent Nadi readings for members in the AVM family.

AVM, AS and TS are currently involved in fulfilling the following dharma:

Pusat Jagaan Insan Istimewa, Semenyih
~Providing monthly groceries / things they need
~Bala Chandran's family is providing monthly annathanam on a personal/family basis

Pusat Jagaan Sayang Sejati, Bdr Rinching, Semenyih
~Providing monthly groceries
~Dr.Jana is sponsoring transportation fees for 8 kids

Persatuan Kebajikan Vivekananda, PJ
~Providing Milo packets (a beverage) for needy family in the Klang valley

Pothigai Meals on Wheels
~Contribution of RM150 monthly to Agathiyar Universal Mission (AUM) towards distribution of food parcels every month to the homeless people in Kuala Lumpur city.

Medical student's expenses
~Contributing RM200 monthly for a medical student's expenses.

Come join us in bringing cheer and hope to those in need who Agathiyar shows to us from time to time.

BABAJI'S KRIYA YOGA (INITIATION INTO KRIYA KUNDALINI PRANAYAMA)

Once again Acharya Gurudasan or more popularly addressed as Master Gowri in AVM circles will conduct a three day seminar covering Kriya Kundalini Pranayama, Asana and Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Dhyana techniques, Mantra and Initiation Puja, and addressing Lifestyle. He held a similar seminar for the public in Malaysia in the past. Please get in touch with Balachander Aiya for more details if you are keen to meet Acharya Gurudasan and enrol in this 3 day seminar.

Acharya a qualified and very knowledgeable master, was a favorite at AVM. We liked him for his humbleness and willingness to share his knowledge. Acharya amidst his rigid work routine while serving in Malaysia back then, volunteered and found time to conduct Kriya Hatha Yoga classes for AVM family. 

CHANGE YOUR DESTINY WITH THE AID OF SIDDHAS

The common man comes to the spiritual path hoping to escape the troubles and problems that manifest and take root in the material world; hoping to see a glimpse of some serenity and peace for his wounded soul. For want of a balm to heal the soul, he joins a religious or spiritual establishment and begins to follow its dictates and doctrines while treading on its path. Some come attracted to the mystery surrounding these teachings. Many come out of devotion to a deity or a guru. I came seeking the Nadi of the Siddhas first out of amazement in being told that the Siddhas could tell us the past, present and the future. Agathiyar after revealing this, asked me to come to the path of the Siddhas. I was overwhelmed at this invitation by Agathiyar. I dived into it without a thought. I came to his path. Thus started a journey of discovery and learning. 

The Siddhas tell us that there has to be an iota of past relationship that brings one to their path. It is never an accident. Thavathiru Muthukumar Swamy of Kuttralam stresses this point. Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal too mentions it. Supramania Swami too did mention it.

My family and I are blessed to have Agathiyar come into our lives. His words of encouragement is the driving force that keeps us going. Soon he brought great souls together that intensified the joy and happiness at being together serving and worshipping him; carrying out his dictates and getting an energy boost by way of receiving a pat on the back once in awhile. The cheer and vibrant atmosphere while in the presence of these souls is what keeps AVM and the spirit alive. Mails written to appreciate our efforts are liken to being adorned in garlands of praise, adding joy and bliss.

Mail 1

Namaskaram Sir, Om Agastheesaaya Namaha!

My name is ...... and am based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. I cannot describe in words how your website and your spiritual journey with your Gurus has made an impact on my life ever since I stumbled upon it just a few days ago. It is a miracle how I landed on your blog and through your blog to Gnanaboomi website.

Since a few months I have been praying for a Guru and I found Maha muni Agasthiar and have been chanting his moola mantra that you have shared in your website everyday especially during Guru hora hours. It is giving me tremendous strength and I have completely surrendered to Him.

I have prayed to Maha muni Agasthiar to show me and help me to reach His ashram in Kallar and meet Tavayogi ji and Mataji. I have left it to Him  for me to visit the ashram and do puja and Nadi reading at His ordained time.

Om Agastheesaya Namaha. Namaskaram

Mail 2

Greetings! I am grateful for your reply. I came across your blog while researching Siddhas in Malaysia. 

Mail 3

Hi. Love the blog.

Mail 4

Hello sir, Hope you remember me. You kindly sent me the pdf of your book FIRE OF DEVOTION months back and it's today that i finished the book. 

It's beyond words to define how enlightening was the experience going though the events and knowledge you parted with through the book. 

Lot of my doubts (or the single big doubt) were also cleared through your quotes from many biographies/autobiographies of many complete siddhas. and the analyses. the miracles.. 

thanks a lot for this work sir. once more thanking you. 

Mail 5

Thank you for the marvelous information.Its like a we have found a treasure in our hand.The info was very meaningful to us 

Mail 6

I sincerely thank you for creating the blog and spreading the knowledge about siddha. I got interested in siddhas because of my brother.

Mail 7

My tears are flowing down while reading this.

Mail 8

No words to say... 

It is a wonderful journey of revelation. During this journey, I was shown, in many instances, the multiple facets of man, both spiritual and otherwise; and that of Erai. It was a learning process for me. Every incident and happening was for a reason. I began to look and see what teaching or lesson was there in each episode.

When we came to know that Tavayogi would be bringing his Jeeva Nadi with him on his visit to Malaysia, we at AVM were excited. Many including me had not had a Nadi reading with him. AVM was hosting him at Balachander Aiya's residence. We decided to keep the reading among AVM and devoted devotees of Agathiyar only and not open up to public, in event Tavayogi reads the Jeeva Nadi. We were not being selfish, but we did not publicise the Nadi for other reasons. When Tavayogi received approval to read the Nadi from Agathiyar, Balachandran took the bookings and coordinated the appointments with Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyar. All went fine where both the devotees and Tavayogi himself were pleased at the outcome of the readings, as it was all done in a controlled environment and without any hassles. The Nadi seekers were genuine devotees who knew the majesty of Agathiyar and came with reverence to hear and took his word as the spoken word of Erai. As their stay in Malaysia was extended by another month, more people came to know by way of mouth of Tavayogi's Nadi sessions, and were introduced, recommended or brought over for a reading. Many strangers came, who were associates, friends and relatives of earlier seekers, bypassing Balachandran, resulting in delays and conflict and clashes in timings of the readings. Things sort of went out of our control. To make matters worse those who turned up, only knew that  a Swamiji from India was giving an astrological reading and came out of curiosity to know their future and did not have any prior knowledge about nor reverence for Agathiyar and the sacred Nadi. Some ended arguing with the host for delays in the reading or for want of an urgent reading, even sending proxies and demanding to hear out the readings. Luckily these characters only showed up towards the last two days of Tavayogi's stay in Malaysia. We we saddened by their behaviour.

When one seeks the Nadi, he is told the reason he has arrived and has come to the Siddhas at that precise moment in time; not a moment earlier or later. He is told of his past so that he would have a better understanding of his present. He is shown ways to correct his past misdeeds and karma. That itself is a means to bring change in oneself and his destiny. But alas how many adhere or listen.

When I took a parent of my daughter's classmate to see Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal for a solution to his numerous problems, I came to realize how people can completely drown into their worries. Tavayogi was visiting Malaysia then and stayed at a local affiliated peedham in Sri Gombak. He had allocated his time out of his busy schedule to hear out this man's problems, at my request. The man started and went on and on talking about his problems. Tavayogi waited for a moment when he would pause for a breather; the moment never came. Hei had to interrupt him abruptly. Tavayogi explained that the reason he was facing all these hardship and obstacles was because of his Munvinai or past karma. The man continued talking. Tavayogi waited for another moment to interrupt him. He told him to pray, "Potrinaal unathu vinai agalum appa". The man continued again. Again Tavayogi interrupted him to say to whom he should pray. His advice to pray to the Siddhas seemed to fall on deaf ears. After an hour of monologue, I told Tavayogi that we were leaving and took him out of the premises. I regretted bringing him over. I was saddened by his behaviour.

Tavayogi told the man that it was vinai or karma that had got hold of him strongly, providing an explanation and reason for him going through a tough time. He had proposed a solution too - prayers. He directed him to the worship of the Siddhas, but alas his advice fell on deaf ears. This was one good opportunity for him to take his life into his own hands and defeat karma with the aid of Agathiyar and having the Siddhas bandied around him for support. If only he had chosen to remain silent and listen.

When one comes with reverence and respect to the Siddhas; when one adopts every single command of theirs; when one puts into practise the dictations of the Siddhas; when one patiently awaits the outcomes of his actions and change; eventually his destiny is changed. The Siddhas, they go all the way out to help change the fate of these seekers.

Opportunities are always made available to us to bring change into our lives and our destiny and fate. Agathiyar says performing parikaram or atonement with sincerity; visiting stipulated temples and offering our prayers to the deities; offering food and clothings to the priest, the poor and homeless; performing the homam; and conducting Siddha prayers all help towards lessening the hold of karma. With the Siddhas blessings and our sincere efforts, karma can be wiped out and a new horizon and frontier open up right before our eyes. Let us take the first step.

A SAMARITAN IN CHENNAI

Ram is one of many samaritans who has taken up the responsibility of caring for the elderly in Chennai through an Old Age home that he runs. 

Ram formed a Trust in 2012 and runs this Old Age home for destitute women senior citizens. This home accepts inmates based on two basic criterias: that they have no husband or sons to care for them and that they have no pension or deposits in their name. Food, shelter, clothing and medicines are provided free for inmates. Medical facilities are provided through the Hindu Mission while eyecare is provided by Sankara Eye hospital.  Currently he has 11 inmates. The oldest inmate is a 88 years old grandma. They are taken care of till their last days. 

Ram adds, 

Rajalakshmi Charitable Trust (RCT) is a non-profit organisation that runs Vasantham Home for the destitute senior citizens. It also supports education of underprivileged children and educational institutions that support the underprivileged.

Currently Vasantham old age home is operating in a rental premises. In order to reduce the burden of recurring monthly rental expenses, and also to provide a more senior citizen friendly environment, RCT has decided to construct its own space. The cost of land and building is estimated to Rupees 1 Crore. The Trust and its trustees are bearing 50% of the total cost. The remaining has to be raised through donations from philanthropists like you. Kindly consider contributing towards providing a comfortable space for the aged people in our home. Your donations will be eligible for exemption under 80G IT Act.

TRACKING AGATHIYAR IN INDONESIA PART 2

Master Uva who is at Candi Prambanan in Indonesia with Master Arunan says there are at least 10 various forms of Agathiyar sculptured in stone at this temple monument, that is now a museum cum archaeological park.

Master Arunan 

Locals worshipping. "This Muslim Indonesian lady walked in and said a prayer in Islamic verses and said a prayer to Agasthiyar."

"This Indonesian couple too walked in and just surrendered at the feet of Agasthiyar and said their prayers. Such devotion to see. It's beautiful to see different souls coming to him" 

Master Uva 

SERVING THE UNDERPRIVILEGED

Just as the Siddha puja had spread to all homes of AVM family members, the concept of feeding the poor, homeless and those at the orphanages and old folks homes has been well received and taken far and wide, bringing family and friends to involve in this noble service. Just as Bala Chandran Gunasekaran brought his family members together to cook and serve food for the old, handicapped, disabled, and mentally challenged, Rekha Murilitheran from AVM family brought her friends along to serve annadhanam at another home in Rawang today.