Temples or the abodes of Erai are one of the earliest structures to be built by men of all faith where their followers congregate and show their gratitude to Erai. Over time the temples too have transformed both in their shapes and structures and in their roles. Sadly today we go to a temple not to show our appreciation and gratefulness to the almighty but to put forward a never ending list of personal wants and desires and wishes, praying that Erai grants them - immediately. To expedite our material needs, numerous rituals are suggested and added on to what should originally have been a quite moment with Erai.
The agamas stipulate temple construction and worship at these places.
While the Vedic form of yajna requires no idols and shrines, the Agamic religions are based on idols with puja as a means of worship. Symbols, icons and temples are a necessary part of the Agamic practice, while non-theistic paths are alternative means of Vedic practice. Action and will drive Agama precepts, while knowledge is salvation in Vedic precepts. This, however, does not necessarily mean that Agamas and Vedas are opposed, according to medieval-era Hindu theologians. Tirumular, for example, explained their link as follows: "the Vedas are the path, and the Agamas are the horse". (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agama_(Hinduism)
Just as numerous candles or lamps can be lit from a single fire source, one brings within him, and brings back with him the immense energy from a temple to his home, recharging both self and home regularly.
Though rituals are a necessary part of temple worship, Agathiyar tells us it is not necessary to perform rituals at the saints samadhis. Neither are we to place our needs before them. The saints who sit in samadhi have achieved and attained a high state, as such rituals we do at this places does not in anyway enhance or contribute to their presence, power or energy. Instead we are asked to sit in silence and contemplate and link with them in a subtle way, devoid of rituals and other means of worship. We are asked to receive and take back what is offered or gifted by these saints.
I was told to commission a bronze statue of Agathiyar and have libation or abhisegam done. I was to give both the form and spirit to the metal. Varadaraj of Bronze Creative in Swamimalai did a wonderful job of casting the replica of Agathiyar as he sits at Agasthiyampalli. I gathered family and friends to chant Agathiyar's mantra as dictated. We have since then been doing the rituals at our home for Agathiyar. From external forms of worship at temples that act as clearing houses for checks or in our case merits, we are brought to the next checkpoint, where the siddhas show us further ways to settle our past karma, telling us to be careful with our thoughts and actions so as to not to incur more karma that keeps the cycle of birth and death going. We are asked to surrender the good merits gained by our good actions done in the present to Erai. The moment we consider all our actions as his doings and abstain from taking credit for all the results of our good actions, there is no reason to take birth anymore. Refraining from doing bad and surrendering the good merits is the only way to stop this cycle.
The siddhas do not bring us into another faith or belief but their path is a continuation of temple worship. The first thing they tell us to do is to visit the temples. They tell us to participate in the rituals. But the difference is that we are told the reasons for the rituals from a different perspective. For instance when doing the yagam in temples or its smaller version homam now in our homes, we are told that it is for the good of prapanjam. All our actions, after coming to the siddhas, is never self centered but done towards the well being of all. This is a huge step forward from the previous individual prayers and worship at temples and homes. The major rituals conducted in conjunction with the various celebrations are a move towards bringing society together in prayers and in praise of Erai and to pray for the good of all of his creation.
A beautiful definition of a pilgrimage is given at https://www.pilgrimswaycanterbury.org/why-pilgrimage/
Pilgrimage can be a life-changing, transformational experience. A time of letting go of the old to let the new come in. Pilgrims don’t merely visit a place as tourists, they come away inspired and changed by it in some way. Going on pilgrimage may give us a new sense of awareness and wonder. Or result in a greater sense of our life’s purpose. Pilgrimage helps to illuminate the journey of life by helping us to focus on ‘what really matters’ and to rediscover the joy of giving and generosity. And to have a greater appreciation for life’s gifts.
True to the above, I came back inspired, energized and changed too. When I was with Tavayogi I learnt to give and discovered the joy in giving. I do appreciate life better now. I had a new purpose in life too. A new sense of wonder and awareness came over me too.
When I was in the company of Tavayogi, traveling to places and abodes of the siddhas I lost track of both time and space. I was reminded of my family back home in Malaysia by Tavayogi after several days in India. When we were waiting on the streets of Kumbakonam, as a cobbler mended his sandals, he suddenly asked if I had called home. I did not. He led me to a STD booth and forced me to call my family and exchanged a few words with my wife and children too.
Besides seeking a moment of peace, Agathiyar says karma is reduced significantly by going on these long pilgrimages. Agathiyar reveals and explains in a Jeeva Nadi reading by Sri Ganeshan of Tanjavur, the auspiciousness of hills, why the temples are located on them and how the karma of devotees are lessened by visiting these places. The hills are generally known for the extensive range of herbs and medicinal plants. A plant on the lowlands would possess 100 times its potential in the highlands. The reason for erecting temples and places of worship in the hills was solely to cater for the health and well being of devotees. Climbing the hills once a day itself is an Abhyasam or good practice. The hike up a hill will benefit man's 22,000 nerves. This is the physical benefit one gains in climbing hills. Speaking about the subtle aspect of this practice, Agathiyar says certain forms of karma is reduced with continuous worship and meditation at these places of worship. The level of the hardship one goes through in scaling these hills and mountains, is proportionate to the extent and reduction of one's karma. These places of worship are where one's past sins and wrongdoings, the forefathers wrongdoings, and sabam or curse is reduced speedily.
When I was in the company of Tavayogi, traveling to places and abodes of the siddhas I lost track of both time and space. I was reminded of my family back home in Malaysia by Tavayogi after several days in India. When we were waiting on the streets of Kumbakonam, as a cobbler mended his sandals, he suddenly asked if I had called home. I did not. He led me to a STD booth and forced me to call my family and exchanged a few words with my wife and children too.
The throng of people, young and old making their way up hill slopes and rough terrain, waiting in line for days, just to get a glimpse of Erai is both heart melting and mind blowing. When I was cruising in an air-conditioned ambassador making my way to Palani I noticed throngs of people walking in the afternoon heat. Deva who was driving me around told me they were on their way to Palani. This is true devotion. Bakthi of this proportion can only be seen in India. My late father used to walk day and night from his village in Kilsevalpatti to reach Palani, some 160 km away. The hardship my father went through, has granted me a good life today.
Saving up a bit at a time the devotees finally make the pilgrimage, forgetting family, home and work, at least for that period of time. The idea of going on pilgrimages is to take a break from the tedious routines in life and be in the presence of Erai. The idea of going to temples is to break from home and all its related duties momentarily to be in the presence of Erai. The idea in having an altar at home is to be in the presence of Erai at least for a few moments each day. The irony is that in this grand space that Erai created we are struggling to look for a tiny space to get connected with him. On the contrary the saints who have attained high states see Erai in all things. Hence their search stops.
Besides seeking a moment of peace, Agathiyar says karma is reduced significantly by going on these long pilgrimages. Agathiyar reveals and explains in a Jeeva Nadi reading by Sri Ganeshan of Tanjavur, the auspiciousness of hills, why the temples are located on them and how the karma of devotees are lessened by visiting these places. The hills are generally known for the extensive range of herbs and medicinal plants. A plant on the lowlands would possess 100 times its potential in the highlands. The reason for erecting temples and places of worship in the hills was solely to cater for the health and well being of devotees. Climbing the hills once a day itself is an Abhyasam or good practice. The hike up a hill will benefit man's 22,000 nerves. This is the physical benefit one gains in climbing hills. Speaking about the subtle aspect of this practice, Agathiyar says certain forms of karma is reduced with continuous worship and meditation at these places of worship. The level of the hardship one goes through in scaling these hills and mountains, is proportionate to the extent and reduction of one's karma. These places of worship are where one's past sins and wrongdoings, the forefathers wrongdoings, and sabam or curse is reduced speedily.
Traveling this path we finally realize that all these are done to eventually bring the monkey mind to sit still. For one who is educated in the sciences, we can use the aid of mind boggling concepts to justify Erai's existence. They have the ability to envision and accept these concepts. One could not possibly explain the higher concepts of worship, devotion, meditation etc to simple people with simple minds. A guru would rather show a statue of Agathiyar at his ashram as Erai to a simple man with simple thoughts rather then spend hours explaining the concept of Erai, who is both infinite and abstract. The next thing the seeker would do is to pick some flowers and place them at the feet of the statue and pray hard for the statue to bless him with good times and good fortunes. He returns home happy that he had seen Erai and touched his feet. If Agathiyar wills he might open his eyes or show some other miracle to this simple and down to earth soul. That would bring much joy to him. That would be a moment to cherish all his life long. This is the concept of temples and worship. Simple and uncomplicated.