Agathiyar is educating us on how intense our prayer should be. For instance, when the sisters Shamini Rajah and Roshini Rajah sang the songs of praise at AVM in the tone just as they were taught in Thevaram classes, Agathiyar told them to give life to their singing and sing to bring down Lord Shiva from his abode in Kailash. Indeed these sisters brought him down that night of Shivarathri. Similarly, when my daughter gathered her friends and in-laws around in a puja that she hosted in her home, after the Homam ritual, she led them in singing the Mahamantra Arutperunjothi. Minutes into reciting the mantra, Agathiyar who came through a devotee called me over and asked us to recite his name instead. I led the recitation. When some of the attendees quietly recited Agathiyar's name to themselves, while others kept quiet, Bhogar came suddenly and called on each one of them to recite so that we could help achieve the target of a thousand chants that Agathiyar had decreed. He went around getting each of them to recite his name loud and clear.
I wonder if when we gather and socialize we can be loud and cheery, why can't we sing the praise of the Lord in that manner too? I take off my hats to the Hare Rama Bhajan groups and the Gospel choirs in the churches for their commitment and love in singing the praises of God. As for us who are into temple worship, a designated Ootuvar will sing and devotees will be passive. Just as we lack active participation in our concerts, there is a passive mood among us in sitting on group bhajans. But I was surprised to witness a soulful bhajan conducted by a group of youngsters singing in the homes of members as they prepared to celebrate Thaipusam. Hari and Jegan who were part of this group had invited me and my wife when the group stopped by at Hari's home.
Swami Haridos did a spectacular move in bringing everyone to participate in his bhajan when he was in Malaysia many years ago. The Swami is known to insert his preaching and teachings while conducting bhajans. When I was in Sungai Petani then, I heard that he was to give a talk at a temple. I went over to listen to him. Seeing the audience sit passively while he rendered his songs, he asked us to join in the bhajan. Nothing happened. No one responded. Finally, he said, "அது ஒன்னும் இல்லை. அவர்கள் தோளில் ஏதோ ஒன்று அமர்ந்து இருக்கிறது. அதனால்தான் அவர்களால் கைகளை உயர்த்த இயலவில்லை" implying that there was something sitting on our shoulders that prevented us from raising our hands singing with joy. Those gathered looked at each other and slowly lifted their arms and hands and clapped and sang to the rhythm of his singing. What a strategy the Swami used to get everyone involved in singing with him.
It dawned on me later as to why Agathiyar stopped the newcomers from chanting the Mahamantra Arutperunjothi. Beginners should start with the Guru Mantra and that the Mahamantra that was known to do wonders was for those who had adopted the ways of Ramalinga Adigal in seeking to merge with the Light.
Recently visiting the home of his devotees, where the host adorned his home and altar with pictures and statues of masters and gurus, Agathiyar educated us that it was not sufficient to keep them around, but we should engage with these gurus, reciting their names. A guru's name should be recited in a manner that causes a vibration, explained Agathiyar. Henceforth, his name would do the magic of transforming us.
It makes me wonder again why as a child we sing and dance cheerfully listening to songs and music, but can't bring ourselves to do so as adults? Is it that we become conscious of our surroundings?