OF DNA TESTING & THE NADI

We are told that the mother passes only X chromosomes to all children and that the father passes on the X to the daughters and Y to the sons. How amazing!

Now we hear about Autosomal DNA and its testing. 

Autosomal DNA is a term used in genetic genealogy to describe DNA which is inherited from the autosomal chromosomes. An autosome is any of the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (the X chromosome and the Y chromosome). 

(Source:https://isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA)

The most popular DNA-deciphering approach, autosomal DNA testing, looks at genetic material inherited from both parents and can be used to connect customers to others in a database who share that material. The results can let you see exactly what stuff you’re made from — as well as offer the opportunity to find previously unknown relatives.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/lifestyle/she-thought-she-was-irish-until-a-dna-test-opened-a-100-year-old-mystery/?utm_term=.5d05b5978340

We are cautioned though that, "Doing DNA testing for fun can carry consequences few of us might anticipate. It requires little investment at the outset, but it has the potential to utterly change our lives."

Similarly when we go for a Naadi reading, we are told about our karma and its effects. The effects of karma can be far reaching, going back several centuries and several births, linking us not only to our family tree but beyond with people we hardly knew now but had somehow met before and influenced their lives both ways. We are told that every action of us comes back to either reward or haunt us in this life. 

For instance I was told that I was a temple priest, a Namboothiri from Kerala to be precise, in the Kaanda Nadi based on my thumbprint. Then after some 14 years, Agathiyar in his Jeeva Nadi reading tells me that I together with my present family were in Papanasam in a former birth. Along the way he tells Bala Chandran that we were together in Malaysia in some birth in the past and again together at Shringeri, India in yet another birth. That's four past births accounted for. Amazing.

My relative who was a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk in his past birth leads a spiritual group that worships Sri Raghavendra Swamigal. Amazing.

There is a possibility that I could have been born in other nations and regions too, adopting its language, culture, belief and faith. I might be championing a cause for a particular sect, cult or religion and hurting and harming others or bringing down their places of worship now, without the least knowledge that I could have been in that community and helped build it in the first place. There are so many possibilities out there that is beyond our imagination.

And as the study on DNA by the producers of the above videos reminds us that, "You have more in common with the world than you think" and as we are told, "Love thy neighbor as thyself", love your family and friends, for we are all connected.

Agathiyar tells us that he is in the prapanjam and that the prapanjam is in him. We are indeed all connected.

IN THE NEWS

Acharya Gurudasan or lovingly known as Master Gowri among AVM circles, will lead the following programme as posted below:

Initiation into Babajis Kriya Yoga in Dehradun,
December 1-3, 2017

Initiation into Kriya Kundalini Pranayama:

The Breath to Creation’s Power & Consciousness, Awakened Kundalini Shakti & Action with Awareness, Training in Meditation, Hatha Yoga Asanas, Mantra, Siddha Puja Ceremony.

Benefits:

Physical Health & Mental Fitness in Your Daily Life,
Constant Inner Peace in a Householder’s Life,
Realization of Your Self & Absolute Reality,
Conscious Creation of Your Present and Future Life.

Prerequisite: None

With Yogacharya Gurudasan from Bangalore
e-mail gurudasan@babajiskriyayoga.net,

Free introductory lecture: Friday night December 1, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm.

Seminar: December 2-3, 2017, Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Venue: Sakteswar Panchayati Temple. Post office Road, Lane Name Gurunanak Road, Subash Nagar, Clementown. Dehradun

Contact:

Shri. Vinod Kumar email: vinod@babajiskriyayoga.net, Phone: +91 98456 61221
Shri. Rohit Naithani email: rohit.naithani@gmail.com, Phone: +91 9412381505
www.babajiskriyayoga.net

On another note, Dr Tiaga of AVM is involved in organizing the following event:

THE PLAY OF LIFE & DEATH

Srinatha Raghavan posted the following enlightening conversation on fb,

In Banares, I happened to meet a young Aghor or a Tantrik, on the ghats of Manikarnika. As I was just staring into the pyre of death, He came and sat beside me and struck a seamless conversation.

He: Death is as temporary as Life?
Me: Yes.

He: Do you know why Death (Yama) & Time (Kala) are so feared?
Me: No.

He: Because they are least understood?
Me: True.

Me: How to understand Death?
He: By experiencing it, even when alive.

Me: And how do we do that?
He: Under the guidance of a Guru, you can experience Death.

Me: What is Death?
He: There is nothing called as Death?

Me: What?
He: Death as we know it, is just physical cessation of the Body and it's functions.

Me: Yes.
He: But what made the Body once tick, the spark of life, lives on and just like a drop of Water that has turned into Vapour, it goes back to become one with the whole.

Me: Interesting.
He: What is more interesting is what happens after that?

Me: What would that be?
He: It's the way the whole game once again, when the droplet separates itself from the whole to become an individual again.

Me: That's true.
He: Thus the play of life and death continues, till the drop has finally lived it's share of desires to assume a form and lives happily as a part of the formless whole.

Then giving me some Bhasma and a Rudraksha, as a parting gift, He said, "May this Bhasma ever remind you of the impermanence of life and death and the Rudraksha of the latent Divinity that lay hidden within you, which is nothing less than Shivahood?"

Om Namah Shivaya!
Om I acknowledge the Shiva in my Self!

~ Memoirs of a lost Spiritual Traveller.

"Thus the play of life and death continues, till the drop has finally lived it's share of desires to assume a form and lives happily as a part of the formless whole."

MAKING OF AN ALBUM

AVM in collaboration with a recording company is making an album on Agathiyar, that will carry a compilation of songs singing the praises of Agathiyar. The album that was initiated by Tavayogi after the producer received Agathiyar's blessings through a Nadi reading, is making good progress. This venture is possible because of the many good souls who came forward to sponsor the tracks. 

This album will be special in many ways as the AVM family is directly involved in many aspects of its making, hence having our heart and soul into it. Rather than outsourcing it and branding it as an AVM venture, we are grateful to Erai for allowing us an opportunity to participate actively with professionals in the field of music, to bring you a very personal account of our journey with Agathiyar and the Siddhas. Episodes from their lives, their preaching and their glories too have been taken into account while writing the lyrics.

Music and songs has always had a role and influence in our lives since ancient times. Many a saint when they hit the point of enlightenment through devotion towards Erai, translated their mystical and divine experiences into words, that came spontaneously in the form of hymns, stanzas and songs and alike. Similarly many musical geniuses have expressed their feelings on Erai through music.  

In return, these divine songs and music has aided contemplation and worship on the divine, as Tavayogi once mentioned after hearing me play the Thiruarutpa.

I have many personal favorites. Here are some.

LAYING OPTIONS IN LIFE

Many relationships could have been saved if we had asked ourselves the following questions before we spoke. Is "what we intent to say" going to bond or break the relationship?

Similarly many could have saved themselves from landing in debts if they had asked three simple questions each time they paid to buy a stuff. Do I need it?, can I afford it?, and can I live without it? Even if they had a need and could afford it, the last question would make them rethink about their purchases.

In the spiritual field too, many can save themselves from further confusion if they ask themselves sincerely if they wanted a life of a mendicant and roam the streets living on alms or live a dignified life with the family and society, earning an honest living and giving away a portion to charity. 

But the path can never be the same. Studying and living with nature opens many frontiers and widens our perspective of life. The stream that is left to take its natural course, does not flow on a designated path or predetermined path. It finds its own way. It creates its own path. So do we need to find our own path, a path that should bring us immense joy and that we want to share with others. Share only the bliss but do not convert another. Once he gets to sample the bliss, he would want to join you too voluntarily in making this bliss permanent and lasting.

Agathiyar summoned me for an audience with him, I guess when he figured that I was ready to learn about him. I had a calling to see the Nadi. He placed an option, through the Nadi reading telling me about karma, its influence on my pasts, what I was to do to gain relief from it, and my next move in life. I was given the choice of whether to heed his words or turn a deaf ear. I took up his advice and carried out what was dictated with faith.

He told me to worship Lord Ganapathy, Lord Shiva, the Siddhas and him. He brought us to a living guru. He came in the form of an idol, asking us to chant his moola mantra, perform libation, and conduct homam. This is how he came into our lives, as an idol, then a part of the family, a master, a guide, a guru, ever watchful over us, ticking us off if we made the wrong move. Soon he came into the idol and opened his eyes to see us. He asked us to light a earthen lamp with ghee, and he listened to all our grievances and outpourings. Later he brought us to chant the Arutperunjhoti Mantra. He brought us to chant Muruga. He brought AVM to worship Vaalai Thaai (Manonmani, Bhuvaneshwari, Balambigai, Vaalai Parameshwari and many more names of Sakthi). Soon he asked us to take up reading of Siddha's works. He brought us to the worship of Lord Shiva at Chidambaram. 

To bring compassion into our lives, he brought us to do charity and feeding.

He brought us along on a walk:  he brought us into idol worship and worship of yantras; he brought us to discipleship to a guru; and he brought us to perform charity. Today in return for all the years of dedication and faith on him, he has given us access to the universe, asking us to take whatever we want from it. It is amazing and a wonder to see the compassion and blessing that he has showered on his devotees. He asked us to walk tall for then he too shall walk tall he added. Now when we are asleep he takes a walk. 

Photo by Sivakavin, Chennai

THE "I"

Where was this "I" before it took on this body? What then happens to this "I" after I shed this body?  Will "I" keep existing? Life is a mystery indeed.

When did this journey that we call life start? When did I become aware of "me"? I try to trace back but I do not have any recollection of that moment when the "I" arised in me and I became aware of me as an individual or entity. 

When did this journey that I know as life start? From my mother's perspective, it must have begun the moment she began to have symptoms linked to pregnancy. Then my father would have come to know of the good news. Both of them would have rejoiced and looked forward for my arrival. My siblings would have become aware of a life taking shape in their mummy's tummy later. Soon the relatives and friends too would have come to know. Where was "I" then? I have no recollection, as I am shown photos of the past.

My life had already begun without "my" knowledge. "I" was not making my life happen but was at the mercy of some mysterious hand that worked on me then. The moment I was delivered, even then "I" was not making my life. I was dependent on so many for my very existence and survival.

When did this "I" set in then? When did this awareness of "me" as an entity, an individual among many others arise? It would seem that "I" came to occupy this body only after some time of its existence. Soon "I" began to pack myself with all kinds of thoughts, ideas, routines, ambitions, achievements, etc till this "I" has bloated into one inflated ego.

In this journey of life that "I" have taken I became engaged in worship for reasons I cannot remember. I used to follow my parents as a child; then I began to frequent temples on my own. Wanting to understand better what is it that we were doing and practicing, led me to read and listen to discourses by pioneers in this field. Then dissatisfied with the actions of certain quarters I took it upon myself to conduct prayers personally in the comfort of my home. That began to give me utmost satisfaction and joy. I set my own rules and built discipline within me, never breaking my own rules. Then there came a cooling off period in my life. I abstained from all forms of worship. In 1998 when a new temple was built and consecrated for Lord Muruga in my local neighborhood, I began to frequent the 48 days of Mandala Puja that followed the Kumbhabhisegam. My wife was carrying our second child then. I cannot remember what mooted me to revisit the temple after a long gap of 14 years. Similarly I had no reason, to go on a vegetarian diet after she was born.

Then Agathiyar stepped into my life, things became clearer. He began to reveal the reasons for my existence, reasons for things to take place, etc. This "I" now is aware of another side of the coin that is life. "I" am shown my purpose in life. I understand that every single thing that takes place or single person I meet was placed in my path for a reason. I was to help them. Helping others bring joy to both parties. "I" have to leave something of me behind when my day is up. Something to be remembered by. Only then can "I" safely say that I had lived a fulfilling life.

A TRUE DEVOTEE

I met him at Kallar Ashram during the Agathiyar Jayanthi and Guru Puja last year. He walked up to me with his sling bag dangling from his shoulders, with a wide grin on his face as if he knew me before. He introduced himself. He told me that we had been acquainted through the social media even before we met.

Once back home, we kept in touch over the phone. I asked him to initiate a Whatsapp group to bring Chennaites on the Siddha path, together. He immediately got to it. He soon made new friends at the Panchesti Agathiyar temple. He followed Kandhan Gurukal of the Panchesti templer to Pothigai peak and had the darshan of Agathiyar. All these happened within a short time of Sivakavin engaging with all these wonderful souls. He met Vaidyanathan Aiya who was blessed with the gift of healing through certain medicines that he dispensed to the sick.

Then tragedy struck when the vehicle Sivakavin was traveling in went off the road and crashed near Madurai. Sivakavin and several others survived the crash while two of his fellow passengers were killed instantly.

The very first question I asked him once he was able to communicate on phone was if he was angry at Agathiyar for the mishap. I have had devotees become atheist and non believers after they were confronted with mishaps or illnesses. I feared he too would change his belief and stand. But he told me that whatever happens he would stand by with Agathiyar. Those words of determination and courage brought a huge relief to me.

After Sivakavin was discharged and returned to his in laws place at Kanyakumari, Vaidyanathan Aiya and several others dropped in on him. Vaidyanathan Aiya performed the Yagam and treated Sivakavin, traveling regularly from Chennai. Another good soul was sent to guide and heal him both internally and externally by Agathiyar.

After recovering from a head injury, multiple injuries and several broken bones, his left arm humerus bone had yet to mend. His guides started him on a 48 day Ganapathy puja which he carried out without fail.  The bone too has mended, avoiding the need for further surgery. Slowly but surely Sivakavin has recovered with Agathiyar's grace and is more then ever determined to serve Agathiyar.

AVM'S DAY TOGETHER

என்னென்ன செய்தோம் இங்கு

இதுவரை வாழ்விலே

எங்கெங்கு போனோம் வந்தோம்
விதி எனும் பேரிலே
காணாத துயரம் கண்ணில்லே
ஓயாத சலனம் நெஞ்சிலே

இறைவா ..
சில நேரம் எண்ணியதுண்டு
உன்னை தேடி வந்ததும் உண்டு
சன்னதியில் சனனம் வெல்லுமா
இறைவா
அன்பான புன்னகை செய்வாய்
அழகான பார்வையில் கொல்வாய்
நீ என்பது நான் அல்லவா விடை சொல்கிறாய்
கல்லாக இருப்பவன் நீயா
கண்ணீரை துடிப்பவன் பொய்யா
உள் நெஞ்சிலே உன்னை வாங்கினால்
கரை சேர்க்கிறாய்

வாழ்கையின் பொருள் தான் என்ன
வாழ்ந்து தான் பார்த்தால் என்ன
கதை சொல்கிறாய் பயம் கொல்கிறாய்
காலை சூரியனின் ஆதிக்கமா
பாடும் பறவைகளும் போதிக்குமா
உனது அரசாங்கம் பெருங் காடு
உலகம் அதிலே ஒரு சிறு கூடு
உன்னை அணைத்துக் கொண்டு
உள்ளம் மருகி நின்றால்
சுடும் தீயும் சுகமாய் தீண்டிடும்

இறைவா ..சில நேரம் எண்ணியதுண்டு
உன்னை தேடி வந்ததும் உண்டு
சன்னதியில் சனனம் வெல்லுமா
இறைவா

உள்ளிருக்கும் உனைத் தேடி
ஓயாமல் அலைவோர் கோடி
கருவறையா நீ கடல் அலையா
மலைகள் ஏறிவரும் ஒரு கூட்டம்
நதியில் மூழ்கி எழும் பெரும் கூட்டம்
என்னில் கடவுள் யார் தேடுகிறோம்
பொய்யாய் அவரின் பின் ஓடுகிறோம்
கண்ணை பார்க்க வைத்த கல்லை பேச வைத்த
பெருந்தாயின் கருணை மறைக்கிறோம்

இறைவா ..சில நேரம் எண்ணியதுண்டு
உன்னை தேடி வந்ததும் உண்டு
சன்னதியில் சனனம் வெல்லுமா
இறைவா

அன்பான ...

(Source: http://tamilsong2015.blogspot.my/2012/05/ennenna-seidhom-ingu-lyrics-mayakkam.html)

See http://www.lyricaldelights.com/2011/12/18/mayakkam-enna-ennena-seithom-ingu/ for an English translation.

The lyrics of the above song expresses our current thoughts and practices into words and together with it brings a new insight to our understanding and realization. We can relate to this song. Several verses from this song reminds me of Tavayogi's speech many years ago. 

The past month was a period of uncertainties where Tavayogi who went to check why his fever did not subside even after a few days had passed, was told that that he had coronary artery disease and was operated on promptly, recovered only to lapse into a state of worry. AVM placed prayers at the feet of Agathiyar asking that he should be with Tavayogi and see him through his period of ordeal and prayed that Tavayogi should return back to his ashram to continue his service to Erai and humanity.  But sadly, one day he would be fine and the next day his health  was reported to be deteriorating. When there was a time where I accepted the fact that we were about to lose him and was prepared to let him go, I began to console the others too, "We have to be calm at this moment in time. Let things take its course. We have prayed hard but who knows what Tavayogi's soul wanted? Who knows what's the deal between him and Agathiyar? Pray that Agathiyar is at his side taking care of all matters." That is when many from the AVM family called in pleading and asking that he be with us longer. 

Even in these moments of anxiety, I saw blessings being showered on us. Tavayogi seeked medical attention at the right moment and was attended to immediately by a wonderful team of doctors. Mataji was at his bedside caring for him since day one. Mataji carried out her service to the Guru with responsibility and dedication, a task that was placed on her shoulders by Agathiyar through her Nadi reading way back in the days of her coming to know Tavayogi. Agathiyar had assigned her to take care of Tavayogi and in return Agathiyar promised her liberation or mukthi. Agathiyar must have foreseen this day. Thavathiru Kumarsamy Aiya of the Agathiyar Ashram in Anuvavi, visited Tavayogi to extend help. Dr Subashini of Chennai, made a day trip to Coimbatore to visit Tavayogi. Nirmala from AVM visited him at the hospital, carrying our prayers with her. 

Once back at the ashram, many who knew him visited him. Acharya Gurudasan flew in from Bangalore, and represented us by paying a visit to Tavayogi carrying our message of concern and best wishes. Tavayogi is recovering well and he informs us that the Agathiyar Jayanthi and Guru Puja prayer scheduled for January 4 will go on as usual but on a modest scale.

AVM had planned sometime back to come together to give thanks to Erai for his unfailing attention and care on all his children. The event took place yesterday with a very good turnout. A day before the event, Agathiyar surprised me with a reading in which he discloses again to our surprise, that the Siddhas had come together to conduct a Yagam so that Tavayogi would sail through the trying times and come out of his life threatening condition! The Siddhas saved him and extended his life span, hence answering our prayers. The most compassionate father listened to our prayers. Although he put us through this brief period of anxiety and worry, he took measures accordingly, to fulfill the wishes of the numerous wonderful souls who came together for him in the light of this unexpected turn of events, in his time of need, in prayer and through monetary and other assistance.

Agathiyar also reminded me to be thankful to others for all our achievements in life. What an appropriate timing of events! We at AVM thanked Agathiyar and the Siddhas for all their blessings, care and protection, and for helping many recover from their illness, helping them come out of their problems, and for saving Tavayogi's life. We joined hands in a moment of silence and contemplation that was energizing led by Master Arunan and Master Uva.

The AVM family was given a sneak preview of the audio CD album that is in the making, a compilation of songs of praise on Agathiyar. This venture in collaboration with a local recording company has received positive views and funds too from devotees of Agathiyar both in Malaysia and abroad.

Thank you everyone.

POTHIGAI MEALS ON WHEELS

Just a year back Sri Krishna invited Sadhu Janagiraman of Thiruvannamalai to officiate his feeding programme aptly named Pothigai Meals on Wheels. With the blessing of the Divine, and support from numerous souls, he expanded his noble feeding programme to encompass the homeless on the streets, poor students and inmates of homes. A couple of days ago he began feeding the cows too. Today his team freed pigeons in captive, and fed the birds, monkeys and fish too. 

 

THE REAL BLISS IS IN CALLING OUT TO YOU

நாராயணா ஹரி நாராயணா

நொந்துடலும் கிழமாகிக் தளர்ந்தபின்
நோயில் நடுங்கிடும் போது
ஜீவ நாடிகள் நைந்திடும் போது
மனம் எண்ணிடுமோ தெரியாது
இன்று சிந்தை கசிந்துன்னை கூவுகின்றேன்
அருள் செய்திடுவாய் ஹரி நாராயணா

நீடு கபம் கோழை ஈழை நெருக்கி
என் நெஞ்சை அடைத்திடும் போது
விக்கி நாவும் குழறியபோது
மனம் எண்ணிடுமோ தெரியாது
நான் அன்றுன்னைக்கூவிட
இன்றழைத்தேன் என்னை
ஆண்டருள்வாய்  ஹரி நாராயணா

ஐம் பொரியும் கரணங்களும்
வாயுவும் ஆடி அடங்கியபோது
எந்தன் ஆவி பிரிந்திடும் போது
மனம் எண்ணிடுமோ தெரியாது
இன்று நம்பி உன்னை தொழுதே
அழைத்தேன் ஜகன் நாயகனே
ஹரி நாராயணா

எம்பொருள் என்மனை
என்றேதெல்லாம் இனி இல்லை
என்றாகிடும்போது
மனம் எண்ணிடுமோ தெரியாது
நீ அன்று வரும் பொருட்டின்றழைத்தேன்
அருள் அச்சுதனே ஹரி நாராயணா

வந்து எம தூதர்கள் வளைத்து
பிடித்தென்னை வாவென்று
இழுத்திடும்போது
மனம் எண்ணிடுமோ தெரியாது
அந்த அந்தியம் நீ வர
இன்றழைத்தேன்
சச்சிதானந்தனே ஹரி நாராயணா

உற்றவர் பெற்றவர் மற்றவர்
சுற்றமும் ஓவென்று நின்றழும்போது
உயிர் ஒசைகள் ஓய்திடும்போது
மனம் எண்ணிடுமோ தெரியாது
இன்று பற்றி உன்னைப் பணிந்தே
அழைத்தேன் ஆபத் பாந்தவனே
ஹரி நாராயணா

- அகத்தியர்

அங்கும் இங்கும் எங்குமாய்
அமைந்த தேவ தேவனே
ஆதியாய் அநாதியாய்ச்
சமைந்த ஜோதி ரூபனே
மங்கலங்கள் யாவும் நல்கும்
அம்பிகை மணாளனே
மைந்தன் செய்யும் பூசையில்
மகிழ்ந்தருள் நடேசனே

எந்த இல்லம் ஆயினும்
இருந்த இல்லம் சிதம்பரம்
எடுத்த பீடம் ஆலயம்
தொடுத்த கூரை கோபுரம்
செந்தமிழ் சொல் மந்திரம்
திருந்தும் அன்பே ஆகமம்
சிவந்த பாத பங்கயம்
உவந்தருள் நடேசனே

மண்ணிலே எடுத்தகால்
என்மனையிலும் எடுத்துவை
மனதிலே நினைத்த நன்மை
விரைவிலே முடித்துவை
என்றும் தீமை அணுகிடாமல்
ஈசனே தடுத்துணை
ஏத்தும் அன்பர் குழுவில் என்னை
செர்த்துவை நடேசனே

ஆ பயந்த ஐந்தினோடு
பால் பழம் பஞ்சாமிர்தம்
அலைவாய்க் கரும்பு தெங்கு
தேன் சுகந்த சந்தனம்
நீ பயந்த யாவையும் நினக்களித்தேன் ஆடி
நேர்ததியாய் அனைத்து ஆடி
வாழ்த்துவாய் நடேசனே

வில்லினால் அடிக்கவோ
வீசுகல் பொறுக்கவோ
மிதித்த பாதுகை பிரம்பை
மேலும் நான் எடுக்கவோ
நல்ல பிள்ளை என்னை
ஆளும் நாதனும் நீ அல்லவோ
நாளும் நான் படைத்த
சொல்லும் பூவும் கொள் நடேசனே

ஆட நீ எடுத்தாய்
அறிந்தவர் இயம்புவார்
அல்ல அல்ல என் தலைமேல்
சூட என்று சொல்கிறேன்
ஈடில்லாத தெய்வம் நீ
இடப்புறம் எடுத்த கால்
எந்த நோக்கில் என்று
சொல்ல வந்தருள் நடேசனே

மழுவெடுத்த எதை விளக்க
மன்று தோறும் ஓடினாய்
மதியெடுத்து சிரம் இருக்க
மந்தனாய் ஏன் ஆடினாய்
கழுதெடுத்த நடனம்  ஆடும்
காட்டில் என்ன தேடினாய்
கையில் நான் எடுத்த தூபம்
கொளுவாய் நடேசனே

எடுத்த தூபம் ஆதியாவும்
ஏற்றருள் மகேசனே
இன்று நான் படைத்த யாவும்
உண்ணுவாய் சபேசனே
தடுத்த பண்டை வினையகற்றித்
தாங்குவாய் சர்வேசனே
சரணம் உன்னை அன்றி ஏது
தாங்குவாய் நடேசனே

வாழி நீ படைக்கும் தெய்வம்
மலர் அணை அமர்ந்த தாம்
வகுத்தளிக்கும் தெய்வம் கூட
அரவணை கிடந்ததாம்
ஊழி தோறும் ஐந்தொழில்
உவந்து செய்யும் ஈசனே
ஓய்ந்து சற்றென் நெஞ்சனைக்கண்
சாய்ந்து கொள் நடேசனே

ஓம் நமசிவாய ஓம் சிவாய நம ரூபனே
ஓதும் ஐந்து சபையில் ஆடும்
பாதனே சங்கீதனே
வாமியாய்த் தழைத்த சிவ
காமி காதல் நேசனே
மாறிலாத கருணை நீ
வழங்குவாய் நடேசனே

THE MOMENT OF REVELATION PART 4

After seeking all the material gains and happiness that it brings with it man eventually turns towards the divine, for something in him tells him that life is not all about family, work and momentary joy. There has to be moments of bliss that we are told happens when we are with the divine. This moments go beyond sensory indulgence that gratifies our needs, alas momentarily only. This bliss is said to be ever lasting, while awake and also asleep, in the midst of company or all alone.

Ted Schmidt in his Advaita Vision at https://www.advaita-vision.org/author/ted-schmidt/, talks about the various pursuit of ours beautifully and the eventual realization of a truth. He begins by listing out the first three pursuits that we seek: "The first thing people seek is security. Once people feel secure, the next thing they go after is pleasure. The third thing people pursue is virtue." 

Here are some highlights from his blog that bring us a greater understanding of the purpose of life.

While the desire for objects seems quite natural and essentially harmless, it actually agitates my psyche to a greater or lesser degree depending on the intensity of the desire and directs my attention away from my own inner reservoir of peace and happiness, pointing it outward toward the objective world (which in terms of Vedanta includes the mind) where it hopes to find a source of satisfaction.

Ironically, I, myself, am the source of the happiness I seek to experience through my ceaseless pursuit of both “inner” objects (i.e. emotional and psychological states) and “outer” objects (i.e. relationships, possessions, and experiences). Moreover, following this line of reasoning to its inevitable end, I realize that joy is my true nature. I am joy itself.

So if the joy that I seek through object is actually in me, is indeed my own true nature, then it is only logical that I should pursue joy directly in myself rather than wasting my time and energy scrambling after objects that are ultimately incapable of providing me with any lasting fulfillment.

Then he puts forth the fourth pursuit,

This is the realization from which the fourth pursuit – freedom or liberation (i.e. moksha) – takes its cue and enters into the drama of my life. At this point, freedom from limitation becomes my top priority, the guiding goal that gives purpose to all my actions.

Then there has to come a time where our very desire for Erai, that we use to substitute and replace all our other desires with, as Buddha ask to replace all the thousand thoughts with one thought, has to go to.

10ம் திருமுறை

திருமந்திரம் (திருமூலர் அருளியது) 

எட்டாம் தந்திரம் (2122 - 2648)

40. அவா அறுத்தல்

2615

ஆசை யறுமின்கள் ஆசை யறுமின்கள்

ஈசனோ டாயினும் ஆசை யறுமின்கள்

ஆசை படப்பட ஆய்வருந் துன்பங்கள்

ஆசை விடவிட ஆனந்த மாமே. 3.

(Source: http://shaivam.org/tamil/thirumurai/thm_8.htm)

From Advaita Vision, we continue the pursuit, 

I already possess that which I am looking to find. My only problem is that I don’t know I have it. In a word, my only problem is ignorance. So what is the solution? What will remove my ignorance and reveal my true identity? Here again, reason rather than faith comes to the rescue. Logical inquiry leads inevitably to the conclusion that only one thing can give me what I’ve already got: knowledge.

Taking Jnana as a tool to a better understanding, this divine knowledge draws the final curtain that of ignorance aside, revealing everything as it is, in its exact nature, Vetta Veli, without any assumptions, judgement or veiling.  

Only knowledge will liberate me from my erroneous notions of limitation and thus “give” me the freedom that is already mine. Therefore, according to Vedanta, both the point of knowledge and the purpose of life are one and the same.

Agathiyar explains the purpose of life in a simple statement to a question by Malarvathy from AVM.

பிறப்பின் நோக்கமே பிறவா தவம் பெறுவது (Pirappin Nokkame Pirava Tavam Peruvathu)

The purpose of taking birth is to be blessed with not taking birth anymore. Revealing this purpose, he then leads us along, pointing out and teaching us how to overcome or put a stop to taking birth, hence breaking the cycle forever. 

THE MOMENT OF REVELATION PART 3

As I take the Siddhas hand and they lead me through life, it suddenly dawns on me what a beautiful paradise that we are dwelling in. The divine has made it so perfect that no man can replicate it. Every inch of space has been accounted for and every living thing has a role and responsibility to play. He has drawn the curtain aside and made me stop in my tracks and take in the beauty of his creation.

I used to join others in advising the sick at their hospital bed while visiting them back in those days. Having read much about alternative systems of healing, I would jump at the opportunity and at the very instance someone has taken ill, I vomit all that I learnt to them, subtly blowing my ego too. Then I heard someone talk over the radio, telling the public that when they are visiting a patient at the hospital, go visit them. Do not become a doctor yourself. This came as a blow to me too. For that was what I was practically doing too. 

Since that day I got the blow, I go over, say something positive, pray for them and come back. I do not ask how the tragedy happened or how he took ill. Imagine if everyone were to ask him these questions and he were to recollect the tragedy, that would be traumatizing. In the first place he is supposed to forget the incident and work on getting better. I realized that when a patient is under the care of the doctors, we should let them handle the situation. I learnt to stop advising the patient to try other methods of treatment, or advising them on food intake, what they should take and what they are to avoid. In event some treatment or food supplement that we have asked to take goes wrong or aggravates their situation, are we going to take responsibility for it? We would most likely admit that we read it somewhere and move on. The doctors are trained in their respective fields and understand their responsibilities very well. They would have to answer to their superiors if in event something goes wrong. They are held by their medical ethics and shoulder a big responsibility for the patient under their care. It is dangerous practice for us to give bits and pieces of advice without knowing the history or smuggle in and administer alternative medicines while in their care and not opening up to the doctors. These food intake and supplements will show in the blood tests and might alter certain traits in the patient and lead to confusion and wrong diagnostics and treatment on the part of the doctors.

If modern medicine needs feedback from the patient and looks at symptoms and depends on machines to guide them on the patients condition, the Siddhas go even further to the root cause of the ailment that could surprisingly have its beginning in one minute action of ours to another way back some centuries ago in a past life. The Siddha scans through the life of the soul and identifies the wrong doing that had triggered a series of ailments in the patient in current times. They then recommend that we carry out remedies and seek the appropriate medical attention or treatment. The Siddhas have advised us accordingly showing us the appropriate treatment required for our ailment, at times requesting us to get all the medical attention from the hospitals while at other times forbid us to do so but instead seek alternative means for certain reasons. The Siddhas at times have worked hand in hand with doctors using the modern day facilities and know how in new breakthroughs in the field of medicine, administering them to combat the illness. 

On another note we are often told what food to take and what to avoid, blaming the food for all our troubles. The phrase "We are what we eat" is common usage now, used to instill fear in people and getting them careful on what they consume. I personally realize that as I age I tend to have certain discomforts that I understand comes with age. But I am told that it is due to certain food that we take and am asked to avoid.

Then Ram Dass writes about his encounters with his Guru Neem Karoli Baba. Among them, he mentions the following episode at https://www.ramdass.org/ram-dass-gives-maharaji-the-yogi-medicine/

In 1967 when I first came to India, I brought with me a supply of LSD, hoping to find someone who might understand more about these substances than we did in the West.

When I had met Maharajji (Neem Karoli Baba), after some days the thought had crossed my mind that he would be a perfect person to ask. The next day after having that thought, I was called to him and he asked me immediately, “Do you have a question?”

Of course, being before him was such a powerful experience that I had completely forgotten the question I had had in my mind the night before. So I looked stupid and said, “No, Maharajji, I have no question.”

He appeared irritated and said, “Where is the medicine?”

I was confused but Bhagavan Dass suggested, "Maybe he means the LSD.”

I asked and Maharajji nodded. The bottle of LSD was in the car and I was sent to fetch it. When I returned I emptied the vial of pills into my hand. In addition to the LSD there were a number of other pills for this and that –diarrhea, fever, a sleeping pill, and so forth. He asked about each of these. He asked if they gave powers. I didn’t understand at the time and thought that by “powers” perhaps he meant physical strength. I said, “No.” Later, of course, I came to understand that the word he had used, “siddhis,” means psychic powers.

Then he held out his hand for the LSD. I put one pill on his palm. Each of these pills was about three hundred micrograms of very pure LSD – a solid dose for an adult. He beckoned for more, so I put a second pill in his hand–six hundred micrograms. Again he beckoned and I added yet another, making the total dosage nine hundred micrograms – certainly not a dose for beginners. Then he threw all the pills into his mouth. My reaction was one of shock mixed with fascination of a social scientist eager to see what would happen.

He allowed me to stay for an hour – and nothing happened. Nothing whatsoever. He just laughed at me. The whole thing had happened very fast and unexpectedly.

When I returned to the United States in 1968 I told many people about this acid feat. But there had remained in me a gnawing doubt that perhaps he had been putting me on and had thrown the pills over his shoulder or palmed them, because I hadn’t actually seen them go into his mouth.

Three years later, when I was back in India, he asked me one day, “Did you give me medicine when you were in India last time?”

“Yes.”

“Did I take it?” he asked. (Ah, there was my doubt made manifest!)

“I think you did.”

“What happened?

“Nothing.”

“Oh! Jao!” and he sent me off for the evening.

The next morning I was called over to the porch in front of his room, where he sat in the mornings on a tucket. He asked, “Have you got any more of that medicine?”

It just so happened that I was carrying a small supply of LSD for “just in case,” and this was obviously it. “Yes.”

“Get it,” he said.

So I did. In the bottle were five pills of three hundred micrograms each. One of the pills was broken. I placed them on my palm and held them out to him. He took the four unbroken pills. Then, one by one, very obviously and very deliberately, he placed each one in his mouth and swallowed it – another unspoken thought of mine now answered.

As soon as he had swallowed the last one, he asked, “Can I take water?”

“Yes.”

“Hot or cold?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

He started yelling for water and drank a cup when it was brought.

Then he asked, “How long will it take to act?”

“Anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour.”

He called for an older man, a long - time devotee who had a watch, and Maharajji held the man’s wrist, often pulling it up to him to peer at the watch.

Then he asked, "Will it make me crazy?”

That seemed so bizarre to me that I could only go along with what seemed to be a gag. So I said, “Probably.”

And then we waited. After some time he pulled the blanket over his face, and when he came out after a moment his eyes were rolling and his mouth was ajar and he looked totally mad. I got upset. What was happening? Had I misjudged his powers? After all, he was an old man (though how old I had no idea), and I had let him take twelve hundred micrograms. Maybe last time he had thrown them away and then he read my mind and was trying to prove to me he could do it, not realizing how strong the “medicine” really was. Guilt and anxiety poured through me. But when I looked at him again he was perfectly normal and looking at the watch.

At the end of an hour it was obvious nothing had happened. His reactions had been a total put-on. And then he asked, “Have you got anything stronger?” I didn’t.

Then he said, “These medicines were used in Kullu Valley long ago. But yogis have lost that knowledge. They were used with fasting. Nobody knows now. To take them with no effect, your mind must be firmly fixed on God. Others would be afraid to take. Many saints would not take this.” And he left it at that.

– Ram Dass

"To take them with no effect, your mind must be firmly fixed on God." I got the message that be it the intake of food or any action if it is done with surrender to the divine then nothing unwarranted happens to you. It is all a matter of understanding and bringing us to a state where we are in charge rather then have the elements control over us. The Siddhas have achieved this state, and they have drawn the curtain aside so that we could understand the workings of the mind and body better.

As it is I have survived the past 19 years on a vegetable diet, finding at times extreme difficulty in getting it when out in certain towns. In desperate moments I have had a decent meal cooked by others in their kitchen with utensils that had been used to cook meat too. I do not look into the fine prints of the packaging if it had any animal base additives in it. In event I am dumped in the Arctic or Antarctic I would be force to change my eating habits and adopt a fish or meat based menu, although I am told that supply of fresh fruit and vegetables is made available now through ships that dock or when an aircraft lands. Or if I am evacuated with my family to safer and higher grounds in the wake of flood waters rising as is happening in many parts of Malaysia, I would need to survive on canned foods supplied by authorities and charitable organisations, which most likely would be canned sardines and chicken. 

Rather than debate on the virtues of vegetarian food or otherwise, we should build compassion in people. Bringing good norms and thoughts of kindness, sharing and giving will inculcate and build compassion in one. By becoming compassionate to another, the thought and feeling extends to all of divine's creation, hence he would abstain from hurting or killing another. The urge to kill and consume meat of another of divine's creation will drop on its own over time. 

We have to have our priorities clear in life. What is it we want in life? If it is to earn an honest living, have a comfortable home, family and children then take all that life has to offer. But if you want a life akin to leaving in the monastery or ashram then live according to its rules and regulations. 

For every ounce of meat consumed, you will have to go through a grilling process of expelling it from the body. Imagine then if you had taken meat throughout your life the amount of grueling moments you have to go through in purging and getting rid of it from this body. You would have to go through this and many other cleansing processes to transform this body into that of light. So if your intention is to gain this state go for it and adopt all the regimes and disciplines needed for it.

THE MOMENT OF REVELATION PART 2

The next moment of revelation came through Supramania Swami of Thiruvanamalai. Coming to him too is an interesting and amazing story. As I began packing for India on my maiden visit, my wife asked me if I could chart our second child's horoscope in India, as there are many great exponents of this ancient science there. 

On my last leg of parikaram I am brought to Supramania Swami's home on the pretext of charting my daughter's horoscope. Again she was the reason I came to my Guru. Supramania Swami who lived with his family at their home in a village called Nachaananthal some 8 kilometers away from the town, sat to reveal my future, neither drawing my horoscope, nor by any other means. He sat in padmasana with eyes closed, disclosed further secrets that only I and Agathiyar knew. I was with him 5 hours and was constantly breaking in tears for reasons I could not comprehend. I was grateful to the divine that day for all his blessings. As dusk fell over the village I bid him farewell, momentarily, for he was to be my Guru till he left his physical body on 7 February 2006. He drew aside the curtain that kept me away from achieving progress in the spiritual path till then. He rekindled the flame of devotion in me and showered his blessings on me. Before leaving, he did what no Guru in physical form would do: he passed on all his years of tapas or austerity on this soul. I am asking myself if I do deserve this kindness, compassion and love from the divine Gurus.

The next round of revelation came in the form of Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal of Kallar Ashram. He showed me my responsibility towards the unfortunate in the society. On our very first meeting in Malaysia, he showed me photos of the numerous charitable activities he was carrying out at his ashram. He invited me over to see it for myself. When I was in Ongarakudil earlier in 2003, I was shown around the Sri Agathiyar Sanmarga Sanga complex to see for myself the extent of help that is going out to the poor, hungry and unfortunate, even before I got to see the Guru. Both these gurus opened my eyes, drawing the curtain that blinded me to the existence of the less fortunate and encouraged me to do my share towards society.

As I traveled this beautiful path, Agathiyar seems to draw the curtains aside just as is shown in the devotional movies based on puranas and ithigasas in India. Amazing. It has been an amazing journey, a walk through life from the perspective of the Siddhas. I believe there is more curtains to draw aside, and understand from life's mysterious and mystical journey. Stay with me. 

THE MOMENT OF REVELATION PART 1

The moment of revelation where the curtain was drawn back and I was shown the past, present and future came to me in the form of a Nadi reading back in 2002. It was an amazing moment; the dawn of knowledge in the mysterious and mystical ways of the Siddhas.

The numerous events that brought me to that moment are equally interesting and amazing.

Till that moment of my very first Nadi reading on 14 December 2002, I had no idea where I was heading to although being a public servant, I had a permanent job and source of income and a wonderful family and friends. Life was easy on me, I never actually went through hardship in life although we were the average family that made ends meet.

My father was a well to do businessman from Karaikudi, Tamilnadu. Then a turn of events took place in his life where during the war his life was spared. As he stepped out of the bank clutching to two bags of money, air-raid siren went off warning of an approaching enemy fighter plane. He immediately hit the ditch as many others did. The machine-gunner from the Japanese plane missed him by mere inches. He was spared. At that moment, the curtain of ignorance that life was permanent, was drawn aside and a revelation dawned on him that all the riches in this world could not buy him another additional moment of life. He began giving away all his property and riches. He cherished his life and took towards seeking solace, peace and harmony within.  There was a time when he spent some time in an ashram in India but the head of the ashram sent him back telling him to settle his responsibilities towards the family first. He never went back.

Back in Malaysia, he practically led a life of a hermit with very little needs though he was with the family till his end. His daily routine was to take a bath at 11am, pray and take a walk into town in the scorching heat of the afternoon. As age caught up, he did not venture out unless the children brought him out. He was hale and healthy, took care of his needs, particularly making his own coffee. He had his younger brother in Malaysia who would occasionally update him on the affairs in their family home back in India, after his many frequent visits.

My father passed away in 1991 peacefully at home. That day of passing was remarkable in many ways. As usual he took his bath but this time asked that my mother iron his shirt and vesti, something that he never asked for before. After lunch he sat to watch the Tamil matinee that was aired once a week on the local TV station. After the movie ended he surprisingly asked for coffee from my mother. When she came back with the hot coffee he was not at his chair in the living room. Instead he was sitting on the cold floor at another corner of the living room in padmasanam. He did not respond to my mother's call although his eyes were wide open with the pupils looking up towards his ajna chakra. My mother who had never seen him in this pose before began to pull at his legs that were crossed and feet placed on opposite thighs. He collapsed on her lap. He had departed the physical body that day. 

During my bachelor days I used to frequent temples daily, read a lot of spiritual books, and waking up in the predawn hours and sitting again at the moment of dusk to conduct prayers in my room for hours on end. I had good company too, elders who shared their knowledge on religion and spiritualism. We often debated on such matters. All these too had to come to an end, or was it only a momentary stop, which I came to find out in later years.

Lord Shiva in a dream told me to take a break as I was clouded and confused with too many questions and doubts that arised as a result of all the reading, association and happenings around me. The divine came at the right moment and halted my practices. He drew the curtain close at the right time. He saved me that day for otherwise I would have gone cuckoo. The year was 1988. At the same time I was transferred from Lumut to Kuala Lumpur. I got married a year later. We raised a child happily. I had stopped all forms of worship then.

When we had our second child, least did I know that I was soon to come to the path of the Siddhas with the coming of her, as was revealed only last year. My wife and I came because of her, to accommodate her needs, and I in return came into the path because of her. We had Agathiyar's grace in one of the many past births just by offering him fruits that we sold in the temple premises of Papanasam. The most compassionate father chose to reward us with this life, in a country he calls Sukra Bumi and Bhoga Naadu.

During my casual daily conversation with a colleague Muralitharan in 2002, he brought up the subject of the Nadi. This rekindled my meeting with Dr Krishnan, medical astrologer, Siddha medicine practitioner and Guru, in the 90's when I began to frequent him. I was introduced to him through another colleague Sethu who was a die-hard follower of astrology and its predictions. At a time when I had given up all hope on spiritualism, religion, custom, tradition, beliefs, faith and the sciences, the elders in my family kept calling me up if the other had told me anything. This puzzling chain of calls went on for some time with no one willing to tell me what was going on. I then presumed that they must have seen an astrologer and that my life was in danger. I told Sethu I would like to see Dr Krishnan and the next moment I was at his office. The moment he saw me he told me all was over. Phew! I survived (whatever it was that had threatened my life! Never did find out till now). Soon I began frequenting him for direction and advise. He was the first to bring up the subject of Siddhas and their Nadi, which I had not heard off till then. When I asked if there was a possibility his predictions would not materialize, he replied affirmatively and explained the circumstances where the predictions would not give results. He spoke about curses or saabam. When I asked him to look into my chart to see if I was cursed, he replied only the Siddhas and their Nadi could reveal this. The Dr drew back the curtain to reveal the existence of things beyond my understanding. I left it at that.

When Muralitharan brought up the subject of the Nadi, I was interested to see it then. He made a few calls and the next thing I knew was I was at Sivabalan's home reading the Nadi. Nadi Nool Aasan from Avinashi took my thumb print and brought out a few stacks of old palm leaves and placed them before me. Thence began a journey of intimate revelation, secrets and information only known to me where being revealed. Agathiyar began to reveal the secrets of birth and life too. Till late 2016, Agathiyar had blessed me with 52 readings. Lately he has been addressing the AVM family as a whole through readings for family members. Agathiyar has drawn back the curtain of ignorance and shown us a whole new understanding of life and its mysterious circumstances. 

BLESSINGS FROM AGATHIYAR

FEEDING THE COWS

After having fed countless people on the streets and homes, Sri Krishna with Shanga ventured to feed the cows in a shed in Klang yesterday afternoon with other good souls. When I asked him the reason for doing so, he explained that Agathiyar had encouraged feeding the animals, as feeding the cows specifically removes one's many past lives karma. Next he plans to buy birds from the pet shops and let them free, into their natural environment.

My sister in law shared her experience where the unexpected took place. While waiting for their cab in New Delhi with her family, she became quite nervous as most people were indoors and the streets where pretty much deserted. It was nine in the night. As they sat waiting for their driver, a creepy feeling came over her and she began imagining all sorts of things. That is when she began to pray calling the divine for company. Immediately a stray dog came up to them from nowhere and took its position smack in the middle of this small family of three. They were taken aback and wary of the intruder least he should harm them. But it sat alert and watched over the pedestrians who walked by, growling if they did not keep a distance and barking at them if they came too close for comfort. This went on for some time till the car arrived. The dog left the spot as they drove off. She was amazed at this miracle.

When AVM family were at the Trichy airport to board the flight back to Malaysia after participating at the Kallar fest last December, another unprecedented event took place. As Bala  Chandran and the girls were returning from having tea at a stall outside the terminal they were followed by a dog that circled them, waged its tail and bowed to them before holding out its front legs to Bala as if giving him a handshake and bidding him farewell! Amazing.

My late father used to tell us his story of how a bee came to his aid and drove away some wild dogs that had circled him as he made his way on foot from his village Kilsevalpatti to Palani. This miracle happened when he called out Lord Muruga's name. A bee came from nowhere and entered the ear of one of the dogs and sent the pack scattering away when the dog howled in pain.

VA SI

Sri Tamaraiselvan Ramaiya Aiya explains the prominent role of Va Si or breath as revealed by Agathiyar in his "Anandha Perukku".

Man goes through misery at times and joy at other times. But both this extreme states do not provide a conducive environment for one to think about Erai and experience him. Control of the breath removes both misery and overindulgence in material joy, bringing one to a state of oneness and calm. This is possible with the aid of a Siddha Guru. Taking Agathiyar as a Guru will bring us to this state of union and merging with Erai. The numerous stanzas of praise for Agathiyar by other Siddhas help us to get to know him better. 

GANESHA

Supramania Swami once told me that nothing goes in vain. All our efforts produce results. If the obstacle does not give way or budge, it is just that the obstacle is larger than we presumed. This is where we seek help from others to move things. Some prefer to go to the divine to seek his divine intervention. This is where prayer comes in. We see the efficacy of prayers. Everything then falls into place just as desired.

And who do we seek in case we come across obstructions and obstacles? Lord Ganesha off course. But he goes beyond removing obstacles. He is Guru for many saints and has lead them to liberation and enlightenment.

A beautiful statement is made in the movie, "Cloud Atlas", "Our life is not ours; we are bound to others." How true. We are all connected to each other and nature and the divine. The divine moves and lives in us. It would surprise us to realize that the divine lives in this piece of meat that we own as our body and that is food for another.

Tirumular compares the temple with the physical body. 

The inner recess is the residence of Erai; the physical body the temple;

The mouth is the doorway for Erai;

The enlightened know the Jeeva (Soul, Atman) as the Shivalingam;

the five senses as lamps.

திருமந்திரம் (Thirumanthiram) - 1823

உள்ளம் பெருங்கோயில் ஊனுடம்பு ஆலயம்
வள்ளற் பிரானார்க்கு வாய்கோ புரவாசல்
தெள்ளத் தெளிந்தார்க்குச் சீவன் சிவலிங்கம்
கள்ளப் புலன்ஐந்தும் காளா மணிவிளக்கே!

Agathiyar started me on this path asking me to chant Lord Ganesha's moola mantra for a mandala. Later I was surprised to hear Agathiyar mention in my Nadi that both Lord Ganesha and Gautama Buddha were the rulers of Va Si (breath). Tavayogi once told me that the breath is God. Agathiyar has mentioned to several devotees he saved that he had given them his breath so that they could live.

The mantra that I received from Dr Krishnan who willingly came to my aid, after I failed miserably in gaining information and guidance from existing societies and peedhams linked to Agathiyar, came mysteriously at the right moment as if it was from the divine. On the day I met him I told him I was asked to come to Agathiyar and the worship of the Siddhas. He told me he would prepare a yantra and give me Agathiyar's mantra then. When I was there to collect the yantra he told me he would pass me the mantra another day. One day as I was engaged in puja on Amavasai, the phone rang. Usually I do not answer nor bring the phone with me during prayers. But surprisingly I had my phone beside me that day and the call was from him. He ran the mantra in my ears as if I was getting an initiation into the mantra. It was a good start for us at an auspicious day and moment.

Later Tavayogi initiated me and my wife and several others into this mantra with a slight variation. But the basis of both this mantras was Si Va or Va Si when reversed: AUM SI VA A U M.

Avvai in her Vinayagar Agaval pleads that Lord Ganesha take hold of the breath and lead her to the state of liberation.

Thavathiru Rengaraja Desigar in all his talks mentions that the Siddhas will come into us and conduct the breath.

Nakirar who takes Lord Ganesha as his Sadguru too, in his Vinayagar Thiruagaval takes his hand to take hold of the breath.

நாசி நுனியில் நடக்குங் கலைகள்
வாசிவா வென்று வாங்கிப் பிடித்து...

He equates him to Lord Shiva and Vaalambigai.

வேதனு மாலும் விமலனு மறியாப்
பாதத் சலங்கைப் பலதொனி யார்ப்பத்....

மூலா தார முச்சுடர் காட்டி
வாலாம்பிகை தன் வடிவையுங் காட்டி
மாணிக்க மேனி மலர்ப் பதங் காட்டி...

He seeks poetic genius as rewarded to Avvai and Arunagiri.

அருணகிரியா ரவ்வை போலக்
கருத்து மிகுந்த கவிமழை பொழிய...

Sivakavin from Chennai who broke several bones in a major accident some time back and went into surgery spent a mandalam performing the Ganapathy Homam and saw its results. The wrist bone joined and healed amazingly without the need of further surgery. This amazing episode reminds us of Pamban Swamigal and his Shanmuga Kavasam that was recited by his followers that effected healing in Swami's foot that was injured when a horse-cart ran over it.