AGATHIYAR VIZHA @ THE SRI AGASTHIYAR KUMBAMUNIVAR SANNATHI, KUMBAKONAM

There are many temples that are special and close to my heart in India. The Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam is one of them. The reason being AVM Agathiyar was brought to the Adhi Kumbeswarar temple for puja from Swamimalai before he crossed the seas to Malaysia. This was one of many requirements from Agathiyar before he set foot at AVM.

Many temples for Agathiyar held the Jayanthi and Guru puja celebrations for Agathiyar recently on 18 December 2016. The Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham in Kallar, the Sri Agasthiyar Ashram in Anuvavi, AVM in Malaysia, and the Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam were some.

When AVM members came to the Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam while on a nine day spiritual yatra, we chanced 'or was it ordained' to meet Sri Sankar at this temple grounds. He informed us of the celebrations that were to take place on 18 December and invited us over. So did Thavathiru Kumarsamy Aiya of the Sri Agasthiyar Ashram in Anuvavi through his many phone calls to us. But we were already engaged to be at the Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham in Kallar for its inauguration of their new Ashram/Meditation complexes and the Guru Puja.

I personally had the opportunity to participate in the puja at the Sri Agasthiyar Ashram in Anuvavi through the kindness and generosity of Mr and Mrs Maheswaran in the morning followed by a similar puja at Kallar Ashram in the afternoon. But we all missed the Guru Puja at the Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam. Nevertheless Sri Sankar posted several photos of the puja to us. 

The Sri Agasthiyar Kumbamunivar Sannathi in Kumbakonam

"WHEN A SAINT LEAVES HIS BODY, THE TEMPLE BECOMES HIS BODY"

Srinatha Raghavan posted the following piece on fb some moments ago.

The Master's Ashram would be buzzing with activity, with hordes of people coming from far off places, just to have a glimpse of the Master.

The Master would seldom give any lectures or talks, but He would simply sit and stare into oblivion. At times He would laugh for no reason or cry like a child missing its Mom. He taught nothing and asked nothing from his followers either. Yet thousands would flock to the Master's abode, like iron filings attracted to the Magnet.

Years later the Master gave up his body and to the surprise of the Ashram authorities, even more people came to the Master's abode, despite his mortal absence. One of the Authorities casually said to another devotee, who was the Master's loyal aide when he was alive, "I don't understand why so many people come here, even after the Master's disappearance?"

The Devotee smiled and inquired, "Do you really think the Master has gone away. Feel the walls and the pathways and every other thing that is, and you'll know that it's infused with the touch of the Master's invisible presence."

The Devotee understood that it's the Master's body that was no more; but the Master's soul was, is and will be an Eternal Presence.

So when you visit a Ascended Master's Earthly abode, know this for sure, that even if you no longer see them with your mortal eyes, they very well see and hear you (and if you're duly prepared, they will communicate with you too).

"When a saint leaves his body, the temple becomes his body" - Neem Karoli Baba from "Miracle of Love"

SIDDHAR GAYATHRI

AMAZING AGATHIYAR PART 3

Just as he stabilized the earth, for devotees who approach him for his guidance, Agathiyar very carefully balances their merits and demerits (karma). He very carefully and diligently removes the knot that we have created for ourselves. To effect something in our life, he has to move another as it is all related. Hence the need to remain patient and wait, if necessary, to bring this change and fulfil one's desires. If only we could appreciate what he is doing for us and show some gratefulness!

Pon Govindasamy released many interesting information in his "Thiruchitrabalam Yendra Sirsabaiyum Porsabaiyum Avaniyin Antaranga Arul Arasu Chidambara Ragasiyam" and "Vallalarum Brahma Jnana Sangamum" published by Bharath Book Bureau Chennai 1970.

In each kalpa the seven land mass under seven manus appear and disappear one after the other. When the third land mass Kumari Kandam appeared, Erai sent Agathiyar, one of the seven Rishis, as its protector. Agathiyar learnt the sciences from Lord Murugan at Pothigai. He mastered the five aspects of Erai that is creation, sustenance, destruction, veiling and blessing and also achieved all eight siddhis. Hence he stood as a Vignana Kalar.

Pon Govindasamy writes that Agathiyar in this current era was Brahma's representative at the Antaranga Arul Aratsatchi based at Chidambaram. He is tasked to look into the affairs pertaining to the portion of the Vedhas known as Karma Kanda. Besides that he is responsible for culture, kriya, and agamas. He oversees Sanatana Dharma. Through his thoughts he drives the scientist and researchers to excel in their fields respectively.

Agathiyar goes through each individual's account of merits and demerits (karma). To aid him in this task he has Karma Devas known as Chitraguptas.

Agathiyar who is author of several publications, set up many Ashrams from Pothigai till the Himalayas. In his Agathiyar Karpa Theechai, it is written that Shiva and Parvathi named him Thakshanamurthy. He took on the form of Thiruvalluvar and later that of Ramalinga Adigal too.

AMAZING AGATHIYAR PART 2

It is said that Agathiyar was summoned by Lord Shiva and sent to the south to balance the earth that had tilted as a result of all the Gods, Goddesses, Devas, and Devis converging at mount Himalayas to witness the marriage of the Lord to Parvathi. When I was with Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal at Agasthiyampalli in 2005, the "temple priest" pointed us to the very spot where Agathiyar had placed his thumb on the ground to set the earth right. 

Logic would tell us that to create a balance both sides need to be equally weighted. So one can deduce the magnanimity and greatness of Agathiyar through this simple episode. I choose to see Agathiyar as equivalent to all who had gathered there at the wedding reception. In the last Nadi reading Agathiyar says that he sits at AVM representing Lord Shiva and Parvathi in their moment of matrimony. Blessed are we to hear this revelation. 

During our recent travels in India which culminated in us taking part in the four day celebrations for Agathiyar at Kallar Ashram, AVM family was intoxicated with miracles upon miracles at almost every temple, cave and samadhi that we went to.  

As Siddha Heartbeat carries the tag, "Taking the First Step into the Mysterious & Mystical World of the Siddhas" and an opener "Step in to Believe in the Mysterious Workings of the Siddhas", and another slogan from Agathiyar that when translated goes as, "While man says that he only believes when it happens (an event or something); the Siddhas on contrary say that if man believes, it happens", this blog loves to carry amusing and amazing miracles, the very binding agent or cement that bonds the faith and belief of man with Erai.

Speaking about miracles is important as it can bring many closer to the perception of Erai and the creator. By personally experiencing these miracles that go beyond logical thought patterns, they are captivated and indulge themselves to learn more about the creators of these miracles. Hence their journey towards the mysterious and mystical world of the Siddhas begins. They step in with belief on the mysterious workings of the Siddhas. Hence as the Siddhas say, "If man believes, it happens", everything is possible. 

The movie Dr Strange from Marvel Studios was an eye opener towards this phenomena. I can attest to it that that is what happened at Palani, my favourite portal and twilight zone! The walls and floors of Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy sannadhi and that of Bhoganathar's samadhi, nay the very space itself was altered in all my three visits there! 

If I thought it only happened in Palani, the Siddhas shook me again by presenting me two entirely different visions at Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple too on two different visits!

Balamurugan after listening to all of us who returned from the visit, said that the difference between his visit and ours was that we chose to see all as a miracle! He was equally amazed! Who would not be, when doors to temples that are closed are opened on our arrival and those that were to be closed stayed open till we had had our darshan!

AMAZING AGATHIYAR PART 1

It is amazing how Agathiyar gives us or hands out bits of pieces of the puzzle one at a time for us to complete the puzzle. Although he has the blueprint he only shares one thing at a time, dealing from moment to moment. That is how he has been revealing things to us too. 

He expects us to follow his directives. Satisfied with us, he adds on more task, only that much which we can shoulder and not any more, for the moment. At times he replaces a particular puzzle piece with another. At other times he removes it entirely. Hence devotees of Agathiyar have to walk his path carefully. But the most compassionate father forgives all eventually. 

Agathiyar is a true guru who has moulded and shaped many to the status of a guru too sometimes at par with him. 

Life becomes blissful after his arrival. 

The only mantra right now for us is the mantra of appreciation and gratefulness - "Thank you Agatheesa! Thank you Agatheesa! Thank you Agatheesa!" One cannot repay his kindness. When man refuses to forgive another, the most compassionate father forgives us. He sets us on the right path reminding us often not to stray. But even that he regards as a necessary experience for us. He takes us back into his folds. He refines us. He polishes us. He makes us fit to take on the task he has in store for us. He makes us missionaries of his church. He sets us on a venture getting us to aid in his mission and fulfilling his wishes. He oversees our accomplishments. He honors us. He gives us our dues by rewarding us with gifts. But the idea here is to refute all that he gives. He will keep on giving. Refuse to accept. He will give further. Say no to that too. Eventually he will have nothing else to give but to give himself. Mission accomplished!

K.R. Sivakanthan composed a beautiful prayer for Poondi Mahan in his book, "Sitthargal Thathuvamum Yoga Neri Muraikalum, Poondi Mahan Varalaaru" by Kazhaga Publications, 2003,

ஞானம் வேண்டேன் 

நல் வேதம் வேண்டேன் 

சூரியக்கலை வேண்டேன் 

சந்திரக்கலை வேண்டேன் 

சுழிமுனை வேண்டேன் 

அட்டமா சித்தி வேண்டேன் 

ஆறு ஆதாரம் வேண்டேன் 

அதற்கு மேலும் வேண்டேன் 

நின் பாதாரவிந்தம் வேண்டும் 

நின் கருணை வேண்டும் 

நின் பாதாரவிந்தம் மறவா மனம் வேண்டும் 

பூண்டி ஈசா சரணம் சரணம் சரணம்

I ask not Jnana

I ask not the Vedhas

I ask not Suriyakalai

I ask not Chandirakalai

I ask not Suzhimunai

I ask not the 8 Siddhis

I ask not the  Adharam

I ask not beyond that

I seek you Holy Feet

I seek your compassion

I seek a heart that never fails to remember your Holy Feet

Poondi Esa Saranam! Saranam! Saranam!

The path to Godhead can be divided into three stages. For instance G. Valmikanathan in his book MAKERS OF INDIAN LITERATURE-RAMALINGAM, published by Sahitya Akademi (ebook at http://www.vallalar.org) traces Ramalinga Adigal’s journey on the Pathway to God dividing it into three portions, 

1. Journey on the purgative way,

2. Journey on the illuminative way,

3. Journey on the unitive way.

Valmikanathan explains each step wonderfully:

1. ‘The purgative way is that part of the long path which, one treads towards the godhead and in which one purges oneself of all desires and attachments, of all imperfections, of all acts of commission and omission of shortcomings in renunciation, of shortcomings in the total love of god in the passion for the apprehension of the godhead.’

2. ‘The illuminative way is that part of the path, which comes after the purgative way, and in which one gains illumination, knowledge, and gnosis.’

3. ‘The unitive way is that part of the pathway in which the pilgrim marches on with buoyant and joyous steps, filled with hope and freed from doubt or misconception. The journey is characterized by a sense of urgency. The pilgrim, in this part of his journey, begins to walk fast, then breaks into a loping trot, finally, gallops on with increasing tempo towards the beckoning smile and the outstretched arms, and is soon locked in an eternal embrace with the beloved, the eternal being, the godhead, the ground of all being. The journey on the unitive way is composed of several factors of experience. Recollection and quiet, contemplation, ecstasy and rapture, dark night of the soul, and unitive life.’

Valmikanathan compares the experiences gained or endured in each of these stages,

‘Of these three sections of the pathway, the first is painful and dolorous; the second a strange mixture of sorrow and joy, the joy increasing in intensity as ignorance is slowly replaced by illumination; and the last section of sheer delight, of mounting bliss.’

Ramalinga Adigal's outpourings as a result of his immense experiences while on the path to Godhead have been compiled as the Thiru Arutpa. When one reads these songs one would realize the amount of gratitude Adigal had poured forth to Erai or Arutperunjhoti Andavar as he chose to name it.

Saravanan Palanisamy, who provided the wonderful illustrations to accompany the wonderful stories on https://siththanarul.blogspot.my, recorded his gratefulness after coming to the worship of Agathiyar and the Siddhas, in the form of a poetry, akin to the style recognized in Nadi readings, one day while driving from work.

Once ignorant of the ways of puja, I came to be shown the way
Place the image of the Siddhas and light an oil lamp
Chant the names of the Siddhas wholeheartedly
Joy shall you derive,

Continue this and you shall witness miracles take place
The magnificent Yagam becomes simple to do
The sacrificial fire shall burn all karma
This has been promised by Kumbha Muni,

Worship the Siddhas to achieve success in devotion
Devotion is the door to the fort of Yoga and Jnana
Through persistent devotion derive Yoga and Jnana
Thus spake Mulan, whose words shall not fail.

Being Grateful by Shanmugam Avadaiyappa on Scribd

AGATHIYAR AT AVM

When I read the Nadi for the very first time in 2002, Agathiyar asked me to come to his marga or path. Later in 2009 he directs me, again through the Nadi, to have his image in bronze made and worshipped at my home before he moves to the Jegathguru Sri Raghavendra Mrithiga Brindavan in Ipoh which was in the preliminary process of procuring a state land back then.

Agathiyar stipulated that his image should be a replica of the granite murthy at Agasthiyampalli, Vedharanyam. Although he gave me other specific instructions too like: the component; his height; the place he was to be cast that was Swamimalai; the period that the work should start; and the rituals to be adhered before he finally sets foot on our shores, but surprisingly neither did he mention why we should follow his image as in Agasthiyampalli and not any other temple; nor did he mention why he was to be cast in Swamimalai and not somewhere else.

I got to fulfill his wish and his idol was delivered on 2 January 2010. Over the years of worship to Agathiyar at AVM, he became fond of us I guess as one fine day he revealed the reasons why he decided not to move to the Brindavan but instead stay put at AVM.

In the latest Nadi reading for Surendaran Selvaratnam just days after the Kallar Vizha, Agathiyar answers the first question - why a replica of him at Agasthiyampalli!

As we made his statue in Swamimalai on his directive, the second question - why Swamimalai - was answered through a Nadi reading for Jnana Jyothi Amma some time back. Agathiyar revealed why the statues made in Swamimalai are revered and held in high esteem.

Listen to a compilation of these various Nadi readings, beginning from the blessings, from the very start of AVM Agathiyar taking shape till the last reading.

Agathiyar says Swamimalai is the place to come to rid of man's daily problems and worries. His atma will be purified here. Agathiyar's statues from the banks of Cauvery in Tanjai (Swamimalai), with the blessings and wishes of Lord Muruga from Swamimalai, will reach far and wide. This is the wish of Lobhama too. 

Agathiyar will perform miracles in and through this murthy, one of it being, opening his eyes to see his devotees. This murthy will find its way into the hearts of devotees. This miracle will forever be remembered.

Agathiyar's murthy at AVM is that of Agathiyar in a blissful state, similar to that at the time of receiving both Lord Shiva and Parvathi's darshan of their wedding, given at Agasthiyampalli. Although he sits alone in tapas at AVM, Agathiyar says that he represents Shiva and Parvathi. Devotees will be overjoyed and in tears on seeing him.

SRI AGATHIYAR - MENTOR & GURU

Sri Agathiyar never fails to amaze me since the day I came to this marga or path. In 2002 I sat before him apprehensive and fearful of what he was going to say about me through his Nadi. Yes he pointed out the mistakes I made in life but quickly added that it was his doing too and that I needed those experiences too. 

All he asked was to come to his marga! And I did. He held onto me since then. It was pretty obvious he took hold of my life and that of my family members too. He promised miracles when I came over to India. After showing me several he added that he would show them once I was back in my homeland too! He has kept his word till this day. 

Slowly he led me step by step on his path. He was especially careful when giving me assignments, practices and techniques since I had a family, a career and responsibilities. He gave me a task, that although I had no idea how to go about it prior to it, that I was capable of. I also had the time for it. He began me on rituals.

Soon he blessed that I leave my job and devout my time to him fully. It has been exactly a year now since I retired.

My journey on the Siddha path is relatively a very short one that began in 2002. During this time he brought together many amazing souls who came, saw and conquered the hearts of Agathiyar and the Siddhas too. Today I am very pleased to see their progress too and the level of commitment, faith and belief of theirs. 

As we step into another year, here are some highlights of the special moments in our lives - moments with Agathiyar and the Siddhas.

1. Agathiyar most gracefully provided me with his moola mantra through a Nadi reading and asked that I share it to all.

2. One of the many videos of AVM's puja in the beginning years.

3. A very rare moment where we managed to film Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal teach us Asanas and Pranayama.

4. A very special person and someone close to Agathiyar is introduced into our lives - a turavi in the making.

5. A series of Nadi readings where Agathiyar guides me on preparing his bronze murthy and bringing him over to AVM, and further guidance on his path.

6. Acharya Gurudasan from Bangalore most graciously spends his time conducting weekly Kriya Hatha Yoga classes for AVM family members during his short working stint in Malaysia.

7. AVM Agathiyar graces the Sri Mayuranathar Alayam/ Srimath Pamban Swamigal Thirukovil at Dengkil on the occasion of Agathiyar Vizha.

8. AVM family goes on a Spiritual Yatra of temples in Malaysia.

9. The Agathiyar Gnana Thiruvizha is held at Agathiyar's temple in Bangsar in conjunction with Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal and Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyar's visit to Malaysia.

10. The testimonials from AVM family members and devotees at Kallar on how they came to Agathiyar.

11. Sri Agathiyar blesses us with a Jeeva Nadi reading at AVM.

12. Live streaming of Puja from AVM.

13. Kallar Ashram Kudamuzhukku Vizha and Agathiyar Jayanthi & Guru Puja Vizha 2016

DESTINATION INDIA DAY 6 TO 8

24. Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham, Kallar

16 December 2016

As dawn broke over the Nilgiri mountain range and Kallar Hills, preparations were made to carry out the second stage Yagna, worship for Lord Muruga, Agathiyar and the 18 Siddhas at the Yaga Salai. Devotees began to arrive by then. Vinthamaray and her family and Balachander Aiya from Malaysia had arrived at the Ashram that morning. 

There was heavy presence of police personnel which was welcoming. The Thirukkuda Nanneeraathu Vizha followed at the Meditation Hall. After this program, we excused ourselves to leave for the neighboring town of Methupalaiyam to do some purchases to be given to Tavayogi and Mataji and the poor at Kallar. Bala Aiya too left to visit the Sri Agathiyar Ashram at the foothill to Anuvavi Murugan Temple at Periya Thadagam, Kovai.

When I came to the old Kallar Ashram in 2013 with my family, Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal called me aside immediately upon arrival and told me that it might not be important to me, but since I have my children with me, to take them to Ooty to have some fun. He arranged for Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyar to accompany us to Ooty the next day. 

I had followed a wonderful group of youths this time to India. Although they had their fun and made an equal amount of mischief, as youths, I was amazed how they could change 360 degrees and become focused in their prayers when we arrive at each place of worship! Later I realized after seeing the photographs taken that these were the very youths who worked hard to prepare the stage for the Sarva Dosa Nivarana Maha Yagam. I was at Anuvavi at that time. 

Having seen 24 places of worship with these children from AVM, I thought it would only be fair to take a break from the routine and head for the hills of Ooty where Shanga, Dyalen, Bala, Sugu, Yuva, Saha, Malar and Tamil could relax for a while. We enjoyed ourselves, going boating and horse riding and partaking the hot Nilgiri tea in the freezing cold at Ooty. It was late at night when we arrived back at the Ashram. 

We had wanted to go to Othimalai as it was a short drive away from Kallar, but we were given several different information on the opening times of the hill temple. Finally we decided to leave next day morning. We put a word to Tavayogi of our intention to visit Othimalai and Tavayogi gave us permission but asked that we leave after the book release scheduled for the next day. Tavayogi was releasing a couple of books authored by him.

17 December 2016

We gathered at the Prayer Hall to follow a regime of basic Yoga Asanas arranged by the Ashram. The book release was to follow. Shortly after breakfast, Mataji came along and informed us that we could leave and that the book launch could wait till we returned. That surprised us. Soon Tavayogi came and told us to leave immediately! That was it, the sign we had waited for! Othiappar was willing to see us!

Earlier I had invited the Sanjiv family and Vinthamaray family to join us. Vinod from Chennai too showed interest. Sadly as we could not accommodate anyone since our Tempo was a ten sitter and we were ten of us with Suren joining us, we told Sanjiv and Vinod to make their own arrangement. Vinthamaray had rented a car while in India. But when Tavayogi expressed an urgency in us leaving immediately, we took to the wheel and informed them to met us at Othimalai. They joined us eventually to receive a wonderful darshan of Othiappar, Agathiyar and Arunagiri!

Read my earlier post on our journey to Othimalai at http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2016/12/othimalai.html

Sanjiv sent in a wonderful mail of the circumstances leading to our visit to Othimalai once I was back in Malaysia.

While reading the post I have relived the moments and happenings of the journey.

1. An invite to accompany you to a temple trip (something I had been secretly wishing for).

2. I requested Dr.Ramasubramanian to arrange a cab for us to Othimalai and left for the hotel planning to come back at the scheduled departure time. We however came back a little earlier to find Vinod looking for us to tell us the cab could not be arranged.

3. However before leaving the hotel for ashram I somehow made arrangement for a cab and kept him on hold just in case there was some problem in booking.(something kept telling me... book a cab)

4. I frantically called him after learning from Vinod that there was a change in plan and you had to leave hoping against hope that the cab on standby would come and we would not miss this opportunity. But we did manage to reach the place. Agathiyar ji wanted us to go so we reached well in time.

Thanks to Agathiyar and Shanmugam Sir for taking us along and for the beautiful, mesmerising darshan which will remain embedded in my mind for long.

Om Agatheesaya Namah

Rgds Sanjiv

18 December 2016

The grand Vizha began for Agathiyar as another wonderful day broke at Kallar Ashram. Devotees began flowing in from near and far. Acharya Gurudasan arrived from Bangalore. Aditya, also from Bangalore arrived. Mrs Kogie Pillai and Mr Naidu with their daughter arrived from South Africa. Saravanan Kandasamy from Chennai was with us the past few days. Mrs Rakhi and her family from New Delhi arrived. Suganthi from Singapore and her family in Kovai arrived. Sagar's friends Manoj and Vivek turned up too. Sivakavin from Chennai joined us too. I became acquainted with all these social media friends that day.

We prepared to hoist the Ashram flag and begin the celebrations for the annual Agathiyar Jayanthi and Guru Puja. 

I had become acquainted with Thavathiru Kumarsamy Aiya of the the Sri Agathiyar Ashram through Sri Krishna when they came to AVM some time back. Since then Kumarsamy Aiya has been calling me over to his Ashram. When he knew that we were coming over to India and Kallar for the Vizha he asked us to join Agathiyar's Vizha to be held on the same day at his Ashram. While traveling in India he called Bala Chandran and relayed the message again. 

Bala Aiya asked me to go visit Kumarsamy Aiya and join in the Agathiyar Guru Puja that was to start at 9am at the Sri Agathiyar Ashram and that he would take care of matters at Kallar Ashram. As the Sarva Dosa Nivarana Maha Yagam was only scheduled to begin at 2pm he felt that I could participate in the morning Yagam at Anuvavi and return to Kallar for the afternoon Yagam. That was when Mr and Mrs Kanagambikai of Kovai arrived at the doorsteps of Kallar Ashram in a rented car and invited me over to Anuvavi. I thought at that moment that it was Agathiyar's wish that I be at the Yagam at Anuvavi and left Kallar for Coimbatore.

Kumarsamy Aiya greeted us as we alighted at the Sri Agathiyar Ashram. Milk libation or Paal Abhisegam was in progress for the Utchava Murthy of Lord Shiva and Parvathi and Agathiyar and Lobhama. Mr and Mrs Kanagambikai and I were given the honor to participate. 

I received blessings from the senior Guru at this Ashram, Thavathiru Kaathusamy Aiya. 

The Yagam started shortly. I was given the honor to participate in the Yagam too. Kumarsamy Aiya requested that Kanagambikai and I sing some praises for Agathiyar. Soon the herb libation or Muligai Abhisegam began for Agathiyar in the inner sanctum. We were again given the honor to jointly participate. 

Kumarsamy Aiya's mother took good care of us too feeding us the whole time. I saw love prevail at this Ashram. I saw the personal commitment of Kumarsamy Aiya in all his endeavors. It amazed me to see the cooperation and unity of its members it conducting the Vizha headed by Kumarsamy Aiya. I left Anuvavi in bliss! I sincerely thank Mr and Mrs Kanagambikai for all their efforts in bringing me over to Anuvavi and Bala Aiya who persuaded me to attend.

It was 1.30pm when we reached Kallar Ashram just in time for the Yagam at 2pm. This was my very first time at Kallar Ashram for Agathiyar's Jayanthi and Guru Puja Vizha. All these years, beginning in 2005, my family and I had been hosting a similar ceremony at AVM to coincide with the Vizha at Kallar. 

Although I was not present at Kallar, I had the opportunity to view all the videos footages at Kallar that were sent to me each year after the Vizha. I would sit through and watch these videos as I edited and uploaded them to YouTube. I could see the exhaustion and at times Tavayogi and Mataji lost their voice sitting through the three hour event, chanting five major hymns for Agathiyar and the Siddhas. Tavayogi starts with Thirupalli Yezhuchi of Ramalinga Adigal; 10 poems from Kunangkudi Mastaan's Agathiyar Sadagam and finally the Gayathri Mantra of the Siddhas. Mataji follows with Thava Murugan Varugai and the Siddhar Potri. Then Agathiyar's Moola Mantra and a rendition of all the names of the herbs or Muligai by Mataji follows as the various herbs are placed in the sacrificial fire. I asked myself if there was no one else to help them or relieve them of these chores. 

When I visited Kallar Ashram in 2013 with my family, seeing the booklet of daily prayers to Agathiyar and the Siddhas that I had compiled for my home prayers, Tavayogi gave us the honor of singing from this compilation, at the Ashram during Puja for two consecutive days while we were there.

When Tavayogi and Mataji were in Malaysia in June of last year, Tavayogi asked to perform the Yagam at several temples beginning with Tavayogi's Paramaguru Sri Jaganatha Swamigal Sivalayam at Tapah. Then Tavayogi's immediate Guru Chitramuthu Adigal voiced out his wish for us to perform the Yagam and Siddha/ Sapta Rishi Puja at the Taneermalai Murugan Temple in Taiping, a place where Chitramuthu Adigal had meditated through a Jeeva Nadi revelation for Dyalen by Agathiyar through Tavayogi. Sri Krishna had arranged for Tavayogi to conduct a similar Yagam at the Bangsar Agathiyar temple. Tavayogi conducted a Yagam at AVM too. We then arranged to perform the homam, which is a Yagam on a smaller scale, at the homes of AVM family members. We managed to conduct it at ten homes during the duration of Tavayogi's stay in Malaysia. 

During these Yagam/Homam I had requested that both Tavayogi and Mataji take a back seat and relax and advise us appropriately while we made the preparations. Tavayogi too, at my request, let me sing the Thirupalli Yezhuchi, while Bala and the rests would recite the Siddhar Potri, hence relieving Tavayogi and Mataji of a lengthy recitation. This formula worked pretty well in Malaysia at all the Yagams/Homam sessions. So while in Kallar I suggested the same to both Tavayogi and Mataji and they agreed. Bala and I were honored to alternately sing the praises of Agathiyar and the Siddhas with Tavayogi and Mataji. Tavayogi started with a prayer, I continued with Thirupalli Yezhuchi and Agathiyar Sadagam. Tavayogi continued with the Gayathri Mantra for the Siddhas while Mataji sang the Tava Murugan Varugai. Bala Chandran completed the recitation of hymns with the Siddhar Potri. It was an elevating moment singing the praise of Agathiyar and the Siddhas at Kallar. The whole place is energized 24/7! The neighbouring mountains are majestic and the weather is conducive for meditation! 

As the devotees began to depart after receiving the prasad from Tavayogi and Mataji we had a photograph session with Tavayogi and Mataji and all of AVM family from India, Malaysia and all over. We bid farewell to all that night as we left for Trichy at 11pm to board the morning flight back to Malaysia. 

AVM thanks Tavayogi, Mataji, Dr Ram Subramanian, Saravanan, Radha, Agatheeswari, Scientist Suresh, Vinod, the Sanjiv family, Rakhi family and all those wonderful souls who came to Kallar after reading this blog. I personally would like to thank the many wonderful souls from AVM, who accompanied me to Kallar including Acharya Gurudasan from AVM now residing in Bangalore, and to those who prayed for our safe journey Siddha Heartbeat and AVM thanks all those who participated and gave interviews to our team while at Kallar, and shared their views and photographs.