THE MAKING OF AN ASHRAM & A TEMPLE?

I grew up as a kid, mindless of what took place around me and what others had to say back then in the sixties. I used to play to the tune of others, obliging them always. I was the sweet kid on the block. Then, a chance reading of a book in the library of my college taught me to say "No" and take a stand. Sadly, I cannot remember its title or the author of this book that changed me from someone who accepted everything others said to someone who began to make a stand. If I were bullied by others until then, I learned to stand up for what mattered to me most. I guess it was because I made a stand that I stand out today among others and am not a follower like them. Tavayogi tells us to never follow blindly but to question even the Siddhas. If I had written about others and pointed out their weaknesses, it was not to prove to others that I was way above them, but to keep reminding me not to become them or follow them. I guess it is true what Agathiyar revealed in my very first Nadi reading, that I would stand out among others, besides many other revelations. This is not arrogance or ego but a true observation of myself. 

If I could adapt to people and society, situations, and environments, back then, it was truly a challenge these days. I cannot socialize. I do not have a common topic to hold a conversation with others. I have become the odd one out. Many stay away from me when they come to know that I only speak about Agathiyar. I have no more friends. 

Then, in having read the "Spiritual Numerology of Moses," or better known as the "Soul Contract Reading" some time back, Roshan, who did the reading for me, revealed further about me. The question as to of why Agathiyar chose a humble householder who was minding his business, for HIS purpose, and his home to become the epicenter to host HIS divine play came to be answered. 

Just as Supramania Swami was pretty excited, telling me that he wanted to chart my horoscope and find out about me, on my second visit, Roshan too was keen to do so. If Supramania Swami looked towards my stars for the answers, charting my horoscope outside his village home, in the shade of a makeshift hut to protect and shelter the family from the heat of the day, Roshan did the reading in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant. He, too, was keen to know about me. 

My purpose here came to be known as to assist others, to be a Catalytic Spiritual Teacher, which was what I realized then Agathiyar had me do since 2013. Agathiyar came to endorse this reading later and told me that he had now prepared me to fit the role of a teacher. Maybe it was written in my face that I was a teacher, for since the day I moved into my neighbourhood in 1994 until now, ironically, people stop to ask me if I was one, either a teacher at school or a Yoga teacher. Roshan and later Agathiyar ask me to come out of my cocoon and take up my purpose as revealed. Agathiyar asked me how he was to depend on one person to do his work. He said that he had to raise everyone to come to the state where they carry out his work. 

Looking up to know further what a Spiritual Catalyst meant, Teal Swan's articles at https://tealswan.com/resource gave a detailed description of the term.

"A Spiritual Catalyst is a person who precipitates an event or a change on the level of spirit (the essential, incorporeal part of someone or something). Spiritual Catalysts, like gurus, have attained a high level of spiritual authority, awareness, and knowledge, which enables them to guide others. Spiritual Catalysts, however, do not aim to become “Leaders” to their disciples as much as they wish to cause their disciples to question and find answers within themselves. It is the firm belief of a Spiritual Catalyst that if a person is caused to initiate their own exploration on the level of spirit, that person will then become the conscious leader of their own life. It is also the belief of a Spiritual Catalyst that if a person becomes the conscious creator and leader of their own life, that their life will inevitably become a kind of living enlightenment; thereby allowing that person to live in a continuous state of internal peace and joy."

And so my humble home turned into an Ashram, Peedham, and school that taught rituals to others, beginning with several youths whom Agathiyar sent my way after their Nadi reading in 2013. Today, after 24 years of conducting worship to the Siddhas and performing rituals, Agathiyar came to declare openly that it was a temple, in a recent Nadi reading, something that Lord Muruga told me earlier in 2018 in a Nadi reading too. And so, true to the definition and aspiration of a Spiritual Catalyst, Agathiyar, who sent others over to watch and learn from my personal home worship, had me show and tell. We came to be known as Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia (AVM). We brought the Siddha worship into the homes of others and the temples, too. Agathiyar had us carry out charity, too. Then, in the wake of the pandemic, giving them the tools and the method, he had them go their way to continue the tradition and legacy. I guess I had fulfilled my purpose just as Teal Swan mentioned. True to the definition, "Spiritual Catalysts, however, do not aim to become 'Leaders' to their disciples as much as they wish to cause their disciples to question and find answers within themselves", there were no strings attached. No following nor followers. And no Ashram, Peedham, or school in the traditional sense. My home is back to being a family home. 

Have I made a stand and left my mark while here? I guess I have attended to life's purpose as detailed by Agathiyar and carried in Vashisht Vaid's post on his blog https://holysageagathiyar.com/ too.

Agathiyar, in listing 5 Tenets for mankind, spoke about humanity's purpose clearly. He says that man has to first and foremost understand his purpose in taking birth. With his purpose made known then, he should come to thank the divine creator or energy that brought forth his birth (through consultation with the lunar forefathers and their angelic hierarchies that co-exist with us down here). He asks that we then thank all the caretakers, both seen and unseen, in the present and the past. There arises then an obligation on our part to "dutifully aid and help, the ongoing evolution of all co-existing human beings." The final task is to extend this aid and help towards "the ongoing evolution of all co-existing beings and entities, existing upon the lower levels of the evolutionary ladder, dutifully supporting the manifested matrix or Prapanjam." 

I came to thank "the divine creator or energy that brought forth this birth (through consultation with the lunar forefathers and their angelic hierarchies that co-exist with us down here)" thanks to my gurus and their lineage of masters showing me to them. I came to thank "all the caretakers, both seen and unseen, in the present and the past." Tavayogi and Agathiyar set me to carry out my duty in "aiding and helping the ongoing evolution of all co-existing human beings", carrying out charity programs with this wonderful group of youths. Bringing these activities to a halt later, Ramalinga Adigal connected us with the Prapanjam, hence bringing us to fulfill our final task in extending this aid and help, towards "the ongoing evolution of all co-existing beings and entities, existing upon the lower levels of the evolutionary ladder, dutifully supporting the manifested matrix or Prapanjam." 

Then Agathiyar surprised me, saying that I had desired it, and he had to fulfill my desire. When I asked myself when I desire it, knowing that I had no such desire, if initially I thought that it was a previous Vasana from a previous birth that had to be seen through, as I pen these words, it dawns on me that my soul had desired it and was seeing to it that it takes place. Agathiyar, who had to prepare me for the role, asked that I accept all the trials and tribulations that would come my way and keep my calm and peace. 

As to my question, "What should I do further?", wondering if there were any further practices to undertake, after he triggered, aroused, and activated the dormant Kundalini energy within me in 2007, and set her free in 2022, to travel beyond the Svadishtana Chakra where she was held captive and had ponded, he asked that I do nothing, and that she shall do her work. 

As I refused the numerous offers that came my way, and was willing to let go of everything that Agathiyar had me start and accomplish, which I came to know later, were tests and baits to lure me further into Maya, and trap me, Agathiyar had them vaporized. I did not fall for the game of Maya that Lord Siva initiated with Agathiyar, having Lord Indra roll the dice, thanks to Lord Murugan, who came to warn me to watch my steps in the nick of time. I saw through the divine game and came out unscathed. Nothing remains of the past except fond memories. 

From My Maiden Travels in India - 2003

It was during my maiden trip to India in 2003 that I began keeping a record of everything notable that occurred during my journey. It was a rather detailed account of my journey. Hence began my documentation of my spiritual diary. I decided to share my experiences and post them on several platforms. I am glad I did, for I have a story to tell or leave behind for my grandchildren and others interested in knowing, and those keen to travel to India. 

The following piece and the earlier post on my gurus Supramania Swami, and Tavayogi were originally carried on my website 'indianheartbeat', which is defunct now. 

MY MAIDEN PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA

I was asked to perform a pilgrimage to India by Sage Agathiyar in the Nadi reading in 2002. Before seeing the Nadi, I had neither idea nor intention to go to India. I was to conduct prayers and obligations at Utamar temple, Palur Sani temple, and Tiru Anaikaa temple, all in Trichy, according to Karma Parikaara Kaandam. I had to pray at the five elemental temples of Lord Siva, namely Kalahasti temple in Andhra Pradesh, Egambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram, Nadaraja temple in Chidambaram, Tiru Anaikaa temple in Trichy, and Arunachaleswarar temple, or Annamalaiyaar temple in Tiru Annamalai. I was instructed to go around the sacred hill of Tiru Annamalai during a full moon. I was also instructed to go to Lord Palani Murugan temple. This was stipulated in the Gnana Kaandam. 

Departure

I planned to go in December 2003 for the Kartigai Deepam but opted to go earlier, since the crowd would be tremendous during the Deepam festival. I finally left for India on the 31st of August 2003. I was in India from 31st August to 13th September 2003. I checked in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10.30 pm on 31st August 2003. The plane took off at 11.15 pm. Mr. Dhanu, whom I became acquainted with on board the plane, sat beside me and kept me company by talking about his guru, Swami Ramachandra, and his master's master (Paramaguru) and his (Ramachandra) mission in Chennai.

Arrival In Chennai 

On arrival at Meenambakkam Airport in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Mr. Devendran (Deva) - my appointed driver - was waiting for me. He tells me later that Mr. Raji was to fetch and accompany me throughout my journey in India, but he had taken ill. Mr. Dhaksanamurthy (Murthy), my travel agent in Malaysia, was waiting for my arrival at the Sindoori Hotel in Chennai. He told me Vinayagar Chaturthi, the day I traveled to India, was an auspicious day to travel, as it was customary for Indians to plan travel on this Vinayagar Chaturthi day. This was not planned for.

Day 1 - Paying To See Lord Vengadasalapathy

I started the day by having breakfast with Murthy opposite the hotel. After exchanging the currency I had brought, and dropping him off at the local bus depot at Egmore, I left for Tirumalai Tirupathi Vengadesa Perumaal temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, at 9.30 am. I reached the Andhra Pradesh border at 12 noon. At the border, as Deva was getting the papers sorted at the security post to enter the state of Andhra, a sadhu walked towards the car and stood by my open window. He began chanting Lord Murugan's name. I gave him some rupees, which he happily accepted and walked back to a tent some distance away. Further, a small group of devotees stopped our car and asked for donations for Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations. I gave them some rupees too. At the entrance to the foothill of the Tirupathi temple, security guards collected entrance fees before allowing us to drive up to the top of the hill temple. 

At 2.30 pm, I was at the Varasidhi Vinayagar Temple Shrine at the foothills of Tirumalai. I reached the hilltop temple at 3.10 pm. I paid 1000 Rs for the special passes that Deva purchased to have a darshan of Tirupathi Vengadesa. What happens when you pay is that you cut the existing queue and waiting time. Yet I had to wait in a line for 1 ½ hrs before I had a view of Lord Vengadesa. I was told that if you don't pay, it could take days to see the Lord. Deva and I started queuing up at 3.30 pm, and the Lord's audience was over at 5 pm. It was a beautiful darshan, although only for a few moments. 

Kalahasti

I left for Kalahasti, also in Andhra Pradesh, at 6 pm, reaching the hotel at 7.45 pm. After checking in at 8.15 pm, I walked up to the Kalahasti Eeswarar temple, which was a short distance from the hotel. Deva accompanied me. I did Archana at Lord Siva & Goddess Parvathi's shrine. This was one of the Pancha Bootha Stalam of Lord Siva that I was asked to visit in the Nadi. 

Day 2 - Lord Nadaraja Draws Me At Egambareswarar Temple 

The next day, 2nd September 2003, I visited the Kalahasti Eeswarar temple again, this time I went alone. I was there from 6 am to 8 am. I wept silently at the Lord's sanctum. After some time, I wanted to return to the hotel. In the daylight, I noticed a flight of steps up a hill behind the temple and a shrine temple at the peak of this hill. The hunter Vedan Kanappa, one of the Tamil Nayanmars, had paid homage to Lord Siva throughout the night, unknowingly throwing down onto the Sivalingam leaves that he plucked off a tree he had perched on for the night. The hotel aide told me this was the spot where a king was driven ashore at the height of the great flood and was the start of humanity. 

Tirutani 

At 8.15 am, I left for Tirutani, reaching the Tirutani Murugan temple at 10.20 am. Darshan was only possible at 11.10 am since the temple was closed to the public for a special prayer. Deva accompanied me into the temple grounds. We queued up and waited. I did Vilva Archana at Lord Murugan's sanctum. At 11.50 am, I started for the town of Kanchipuram. We reached the town at 1 pm and took a tour of the cottage industries of Kanchipuram, witnessing how silk sarees were woven while waiting for the temples to be reopened to the public. Upon coming out of the shop, we realized we had a puncture in the rear tire of the car. Deva got busy replacing the tire.

Kanchipuram 

Murthy and the local tour agent in India, Mr. Mahendren, came over to my hotel at 4.15 pm to check on how I was faring. At 5.30 pm, I was at the Kanchi Kamatchi temple with Murthy and Mahendren. There was a slight drizzle as we came round the temple grounds. I had a beautiful view of Kamatchi Amman. The goddess was extremely beautiful.

Later, Deva and Mahendren dropped me at the Egambareswarar temple. This was another of the Pancha Stalam that I had to visit according to the Nadi. The main sanctum was packed with devotees conducting special prayers and, as a result, was extremely noisy. I had to look for another spot to do my prayers. As I came round the main sanctum, I noticed a huge chamber on the left. As I stopped to have a look, there was a majestic statue of Lord Nadarajah in that chamber. A young priest who stood at its entrance ushered me into the chamber. As I stepped inside, I sensed an entirely different atmosphere. A strong vibration could be felt in this chamber. The young priests went over to Lord Nadarajah and started chanting some verses in Sanskrit. I broke down in tears. I cried aloud. I had Lord Nadarajah all to myself then.

I was invited by an elderly couple conducting prayers to Goddess Kali to sit and watch the Abhisegam. I saw Abhisegam for Lord Egambareswarar too. I saw the famed 3000-year-old mango tree, now completely hollow but with green leaves sprouting, on the grounds of the temple. I was at this temple from 6 pm to 7 pm.

It was already dark as we left for the Kumara Kottam Murugan temple, also in Kanchipuram. There was a marble statue of Ramalinga Adigal here. 

Day 3 Vadalur And Sathya Gnana Sabha 

At 5.30 am, on Wednesday, 3rd September, I left for the Melmaruvathur Athi Parasakthi temple. Murthy had helped build this temple when he was studying in a college in India. He insisted that I visit this temple. I reached the temple at 7.30 am. Deva and Mahendren dropped me at the temple. I was shoved away by the attendants at this temple, who only gave me a minute or so at the Goddess sanctum.

Sathya Gnana Sabai. 

Then, at 7.50 am, I left for Vadalur. I reached Satya Gnana Sabai, the temple that Ramalinga Adigal had envisioned and built, at 10.30 am. I had very much wanted to be here. Deva and Mahendren waited on me as I entered the temple. I was told that prayers were only conducted three times a day and lasted half an hour each time. I had to wait for the next prayer between 11.45 am and noon. A priest came into the complex at 11.45 am. He opened the door to the inner sanctum only to expose a black curtain at the doorway. The flame from the camphor was shown to this curtain. I later came to know that all seven curtains in this temple were drawn aside to reveal the light (Jhoti) only during the Thaipusam festival once a year. 

I was then driven to Sittivalagam Tirumaligai in Mettukuppam, a few kilometers away. Ramalinga Adigal walked into a room in this building and had himself locked in from the outside by his disciples. When the government authorities questioned his disciples about the whereabouts of the saint and insisted that they were allowed to enter the room, they found the room empty. The saint had disappeared into thin air. 

Bhuvanagiri And The Birth Place Of Raghavendra Swami

I dropped in at Bhuvanagiri, the birthplace of Ragavendra Swami, at 2.40 pm. Unfortunately, the building was closed for renovation. I managed to steal a peek at the image of the saint through the grilled doorway. 

Chidambaram And The Temple Of Thillai Nadarajah 

At 3 pm, I reached the town of Chidambaram. The temple was closed. We adjourned to the Thillai Kali temple, which was some distance away. After praying at the Thillai Kali temple at 4 pm, we went back to the Chidambaram temple. Deva and Mahendran dropped me off at the Thillai Nadarajah temple. I was here from 4.40 pm to 6.10pm. I conducted the Archana at the Adi Lingam sanctum. 

Vaitheeswaram

I continued to Vaitheeswaram, where I checked in at a hotel within walking distance from the famed Vaitheeswaran temple. At 7.30 pm, I walked to the temple. At 8.40 pm, the huge doors to the temple were closed for the day. I returned to the hotel.

Day 4 - Tiruvengaadu And The Temple Of Buddhan

Thursday, 4th September 2003, I left for the Buthan Temple at Tiruven Kaadu at 6.40 am. Siva, back home, had recommended that I include this temple in my tour of temples. He had directed me to do the kriyas at this temple. I followed his instructions. I dipped in the three tanks, Agni Theertam, Chandra Theertam, and Surya Theertam, respectively. Deva stepped into the tanks first to ensure the steps were not slippery and the water was not too deep before allowing me to go in. The first two tanks had some water, but the last one had practically dried up. I lit twenty-four ghee lights (Agal Vilakku). I prayed at the main temple of Lord Siva. There was a footprint under a tree in the compound of this temple. There was also a shrine of Lord Siva, where I was told Lord Brahma had meditated.

Keelaaperampalam And The Temple Of Kethu 

At 9.25 am, I left for the Kethu temple at Keelaaperambalam. Later, I stopped at Mallava Rishi temple, also known as the Pathinathar Temple. Deva accompanied me. There was a shrine for Sage Pathinathar here. 

Mayil Aduthurai 

At 10.10 am, I left for the Mayil Aduthurai temple at Mayavaram. 

Suryanar Temple 

I arrived at the Suryanar temple in Mayil Aduthurai in the scorching heat of the afternoon, at exactly 12 noon. There was a central temple housing the sun god and individual shrines around the main temple for the other eight planets. I had been advised against giving alms to the poor on this pilgrimage by my brother, who had the bitter experience of having to ward off large groups of these beggars who turn up once they see a foreigner or visitor giving donations. Siva had particularly mentioned to me to be wary of beggars in the guise of sadhus, especially at this temple. So, taking heed of their advice, I left the grounds of the temple speedily when a woman came after me asking for alms, followed by a disfigured man. This couple, as if they could read my mind, called out after me, "There are only two of us - please donate". True enough, nobody else was around on the immediate grounds of the temple. I dipped my hands into my pockets and handed whatever cash I had then to the lady, who happily went away with her partner. 

Tiruvidaimarutur 

I made it in the nick of time to pray at Tiruvidaimarutur Amman temple. The Siva temple, though, was already closed for the afternoon. 

Kumbakonam-Swamimalai-Tiruvalanchuli 

At 12.50 pm, I left for Kumbakonam. I dipped my hands in the famed Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam town. We found our way to Mr. and Mrs. Barnabas's home. They are the parents of Mr. Thomas, my neighbor in Malaysia. Deva accompanied me. Mrs. Barnabas greeted us as I introduced myself. She served lunch. Later, Mr. Barnabas and another son joined us. I was here from 1.30 pm to 5 pm, after which I left for the Adi Kumba Eeshwarar temple. I witnessed prayers conducted for Lord Nadarajah and Goddess Sakthi. I was here from 5.10 pm to 5.50 pm. 

We stopped at the Swamimalai Murugan temple from 6.10 pm to 6.40 pm. I rushed up the flight of stairs to get a darshan of Lord Murugan. The temple was packed with devotees. I could hardly see the inner sanctum. 

It was night as we continued to Tiruvalanchuli Siva and Vinayagar temples. Lord Vinayagar's statue - Suvetha Vinayagar - I am told is made of sea froth. It was dark except for dim lighting from a single streetlight at the entrance to the temple. As I stepped out from the car onto the tar road and made my way in the poorly lit surroundings, my feet sank into the ground, which felt like sand to me, just as at the beach. But there was no sea! Had the sea resided back over the ages? 

At 7.20 pm, I started for Tanjore and checked in at a hotel.

Rajarajacholan's Famed Breehadeshwarar Temple In Tanjore 

7 am, 5th September 2003, I visited the Breehadeshwarar temple in Tanjore. At this Siva temple was a huge statue of a bull (Nandhi), and in the inner sanctum a gigantic lingam where the priests had to stand on raised platforms on either side to perform the abhisegam. Sadly, the abhisegam was done behind the veil. Besides the main Siva sanctum, there was a shrine for Sage Karuvurar located at the back of the temple. Sage Karuvurar was the architect of this temple and the guru of King Raja Cholan. There was a flight of steps leading up to a shrine of Lord Dhaksanamurthy. 

Trichy And My Parikaaram 

I was off to Trichy at 9.15 am to perform the parikaaram. On the way, I stopped to watch how pottery was made by the villagers at the insistence of Deva. I continued at 11am for the Utamar temple. I reached the temple at 12.50 pm. Deva went in to enquire if any priests could be of assistance in advising me on how to go about doing this Parikaaram, as the Nadi did not stipulate in detail as to what I was to do and offer here. It only mentioned that I had to make a donation to three Brahmin priests at this temple. Then, as if God sent, Deva comes back, accompanied by a priest willing to help out at this temple and also at the Tiru Anaikaa Siva temple in the town of Trichy. The priest told me we need to get to Tiru Anaikaa temple first and fast before the temple is closed for the afternoon. I made an appointment to come back to the Utamar temple in the evening for the Parikaaram.

Day 5 Guided Tour At Thiruvanaikaval 

The priest took me to the Tiru Anaikaa temple. He advised me on what to purchase. He used his contacts at the temple to open doors that were closed. Lord Vinayagar's chamber was already closed. He called on a caretaker and had it opened for me. He caught hold of an elderly priest to perform the prayers. "You are the want to do the prayer," he said to the Brahmin priest who was squatting at a corner of the temple. He insisted that this elderly priest should perform prayers at the main sanctum. I was taken into the main sanctum and shown the lingam, which was partially submerged in water. After the prayers, I fell at the feet of the elderly priest. As I picked myself up, I realized all those who followed me had also fallen at the feet of the elderly priest following my gesture. 

This priest then led us to Lord Dhaksanamurthy's sanctum and conducted prayers. After the priests left, I broke down at Lord Dhaksanamurthy's sanctum. I cried aloud here, to the amazement of my new friends. The caretaker of the temple tried to console me. The priest from the Utamar temple said, "Let him be. Let him cry". 

After a while, I picked myself up, and I adjourned to feed the poor, a cow and an elephant on the advice of the priest who accompanied me from the Utamar temple. I was literally shoved from one shrine to another by these people performing each prayer to the utmost satisfaction. All these just happened with no prior indications that they would take place. 

The priest whom we picked up at Utamar temple insisted that I drop him off at a location that he chose. He did not want me to send him back to the Utamar temple, saying he had errands to run. After dropping him off and giving him a token of appreciation for his assistance, we drove off. I looked back and realized that we had dropped him off at a Hanuman temple. 

At 2.55 pm, I was driven to Thuraiyur to meet Rendaraja Desigar, hoping to be back in time for the prayers at the Uttamar temple.

Samayapuram and Turaiyur 

On the way, I stopped at Samayapuram Maari Amman temple, reaching the temple at 3.15 pm. Deva accompanied me. The temple was under renovation. The idol of the goddess was replaced with a painting. I deposited a silver foil (Tagadu) in the impression of a pair of eyes that I purchased from the vendors at the temple grounds into the donation box. 

Meeting Rengaraaja Desigar Of Ongkaara Kudil

I left for Turaiyur at 3.40 pm, hoping to get darshan and blessings of Rengaraaja Desigar Swamigal, founder and patron of the Agathiyar Sanmarga Sangam, at Ongkara Kudil, Turaiyur. I specifically wanted to come here. I reached his ashram at 5 pm. I was welcomed by Mr. Nadarajah. On hearing that I was from Malaysia, he was overjoyed. He had very high respect for Malaysians. He said, "All these are only possible because of you Malaysians", pointing to all the structures and facilities put up with donations from Malaysians. I inquired if I could see the Swami. I was told he would be coming in a short while for the evening prayers at 6.30 pm and that I could see him then. While I waited, I was served tea. 

After a while, Nadarajah tells me that Swami was coming over to meet a couple of businessmen. I was allowed to meet the Swami after them. But before that, Nadarajah personally took me around to view all the facilities that they had at the ashram, which help feed the poor. As he ended the tour of the office, kitchen, and stores and other related buildings, he gasped aloud to find that the two visitors had left. He hurried me along to a building, praying that Swami should still be around to see me. 

And there was Rengaraaja Desigar seated alone on the floor in one corner of a small room. There was an aide in attendance standing at the doorway to another room. I entered the room and prostrated in front of the Swami. Deva followed too. Nadarajah introduced me to Swami. Swami talked cheerfully about Kuala Lumpur and enquired from Deva about my arrangement to tour India. I never expected to have an audience with Swami one-on-one. I asked that he bless me. There was no response to my requests. Fearing he might not have heard me, I repeated my request. Finally, the Swami replied that coming to Ongkara Kudil in itself was a blessing. I did not know how to receive his answer then. Nadarajah invited me to stay overnight, but I had to turn it down because of prior arrangements to do parikaaram back at the Utamar temple. 

Upon returning to Malaysia, I narrated my visit to Ongkara Kudil and having the audience with Swami to the devotees at Agathiyar Sanmarga Sangam in Dengkil, and they were surprised that I was allowed to see Swami that easily and in private. I was told the organization had laid certain rules to restrict the inflow of devotees coming to see Swami, which was taking much of Swami's time and hindering his meditation. Devotees were required to bring along fruits and flowers that were customary when visiting Swamis. It did not occur to me to bring these offerings, nor did Nadarajah enlighten me on the procedures. I suppose I was destined to meet the Swami. 

Brahmaharti And Sangkalpa

I started back to the Utamar temple at 5.45 pm to perform the next parikaaram and prayers to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Siva, and donations to Brahmin priests. Deva accompanied me. Siva told me that since I had done harm to Brahmins in my last birth, I should ask to do Brahmaharti too at this temple. The priests in Lord Vishnu's chamber chanted a mantra and splashed some water on my face.

Thinking I needed to do Brahmaharti at Siva's chamber too, I mentioned to the priests at this chamber only to be told that he had done the Sangkalpa pooja that removes all my previous, present, and future karmas. 

Day 6: Appeasing Saturn 

8 am, 6th September 2003, and I am off to Paalur Navagraha temple to perform parikaaram at Sani Bhagavan's sanctum. Deva accompanied me. The uniqueness of this Navagraha temple is that all the planets are with their consorts here. On enquiring what I should do, the priests ask that I donate sesame oil and silk cloth for the nine planets. At 8.20 am, I am back at Trichy to purchase the said items. I rush back to the temple for prayers. Abhisegam was done at 10 am. 

Then I was off to Sri Rangam Temple. It was just as crowded as Lord Vengadesa temple in Tirupati. I could not enter the main chamber to see Lord Ranganathar. I spent some time at the Ambal sannadhi, where prayers were going on.

As I was about to get into the car and drive away from Sri Rangam, a holy man with a long white beard, long hair that was tied up neatly, and dressed in a white vesti, appeared from out of nowhere and stood next to the car. He was a fair, merry, and cheerful elderly man. He started blessing me, "You shall be fine". He spoke English and Tamil. I bent to touch his feet, asked if he had eaten, and gave him some rupees before I bid farewell to him.

2.10 pm, I started back to the hotel that was on the outskirts of Trichy. From 4 pm to 5 pm, I shopped the streets of Trichy for books. 

Deva accompanied me as I started my climb up the flight of stairs leading to the Rock Fort, where the Uchipillaiyaar temple and Taiyumaana Swami temple are located. The electricity supply was interrupted in certain portions of this Rock Fort temple while I was there. It was an unusual experience, though, praying and moving around in the dark. It was a beautiful view from up here. I left for the hotel at 7.30 pm. 

Day 7 Palani And Twilight Zone

5.30 am, 7th September 2003, I left for Palani a day earlier than scheduled. I reached Palani at 8.50 am. After a brief drive around the hill, Deva dropped me off at the entrance to the Tiru Avinankudi temple. I bought prayer items and started up the hill. After taking a few steps, I just could not move my legs any longer. They were extremely heavy. The heart was working hard. I was gasping for air. I had to break the climb, stopping every few minutes. I eventually reached the top of the hill. On reaching the top, I was dizzy and had to sit. I dropped my belongings and leaned against the wall of the stalls that were lined up. As I sat there, I was sweating profusely and on the verge of fainting. The throat was extremely parched and dry. As I opened my eyes, all was bright and white. I could hear the crowd and see the silhouettes of people moving along.

After some time, having regained my composure, I continued my way to Lord Palani Andavar's chambers. I stood in the row to have the darshan of Lord Palani Andavar and did prayers here. 

Leaving the Lord's chambers, I followed the devotees ahead of me. That is when I came upon another room where, on looking within, there were four Brahmin priests. I enquired if it was Sage Bhogar's samadhi, and they nodded. I entered and stood in prayer while one of the priests lit the camphor and showed the flame. One of the four priests, a young man, reached for a tumbler on top of a closet in the room and handed it to me, saying it was abhisegam milk. I drank the milk. I took the opportunity to sit for a while in Sage Bhogar's chamber, as there were no devotees around. Upon opening my eyes, I noticed the priest was still there in front of me, this time holding some flowers and vibhuti in his hand. He gave them to me. I took leave, thanking him silently. 

I came out of Sage Bhogar's chamber in a daze, not comprehending what had just happened back there. I walked around the temple grounds a couple of times, still in a daze but with a full heart, brimming with joy. I finally left the premises and found my way to the car at the foothill at 11 am. I was back at the hotel in Trichy at 2.40 pm. 

Day 8: Revisiting My Roots 

8th September 2003, I had a day without any activity as we had covered all there was to see earlier than planned. So Deva suggested I visit my late father's village, Kilsevalpatti, in Karaikudi - Sivagangai district. I started for my father's village at 7.20 am.

Viralimalai 

I stopped at Viralimalai Murugan temple. Here I saw a spectacular sight. I saw flocks of peacocks roaming freely in the wild.

Kundrakudi and Pillaiyaar Patti 

8.50 am, I am at the Kundrakudi Shanmuganathar temple, located on a small hillock.

11.40am, I am at Pillaiyaar Patti Karpaga Vinayagar temple. Here was one huge statue of Lord Vinayagar carved on the face of a huge boulder that had become a famous temple now.

12.30 pm, I stopped over at the Kaala Bhairavar temple. A very tranquil place.

I left this temple at 1.20 pm for my late father's village. As we drove down a lane between rows of houses, there was a large gathering in front of a house. We stopped three doors away from the crowd and stepped into a house. An elderly man was seated in a corner. I introduced myself and inquired if he knew my late father. He tells me he was related to and informed me that my cousin had passed away last night. The crowd three doors away had gathered for the funeral. As I was on a pilgrimage, I could not meet my relatives. I gathered whatever I could from this relative and snapped a few shots of the house where my father was born and lived. I could not enter my father's childhood home because lunch was being served for the relatives of the deceased. So for some reason, I was not allowed to meet up with my relatives in India. 

Vayalur

I returned to Trichy at 4.30 pm and continued to the Kumara Vayalur Murugan temple. I was here from 5.30 pm to 6 pm. A huge statue of Kripananda Vaariyaar greeted me upon arrival. 

Day 9: The Pinnacle Of My Journey is carried in the previous post. 

From My Travels in India - Supramania Swami

The following piece was originally carried on my website 'indianheartbeat', which is defunct now. 

From My Travels in India.

Day 9: The Pinnacle Of My Journey 

According to the Nadi, I was to go around Annamalai hill on a full moon night. 

9th September 2003

I left for Thiru Aanaikaval temple again at 6 am, thinking I could take a dip in the tank. But there was hardly any water in the tanks. 

7.15 am, I started for Tiru Annamalai, stopping over at Viradeswarar Temple in Tirukovilur at 10.40 am. I continued my journey to Tiru Annamalai at 11 am. 

I reached the Tiru Annamalai temple at 1.15 pm. Deva, my chauffeur, accompanied me. I was at the temple grounds till 1.50 pm. I had a beautiful darshan and a pretty close one too of Lord Annamalaiyaar and Unna Mulaiyal. I performed prayers here, at the Siva Parvathi Urchavamurthy shrine and at Lord Murugan's shrine. I saw the Patala Lingam where Ramana Maharishi had meditated. I left for the hotel at 2.30 pm. 

Today was the day when devotees go around Mount Tiru Annamalai. The full moon started at 10.47 pm and lasted till 10.48 pm the next day, 10 September 2003. At 5.30 pm, I walked to the temple from the hotel. I joined the long queue to get another darshan of the Lord before embarking on the Girivalam. It was a long queue indeed, for I only saw the Lord at 9 pm. At 9.40 pm, I started on the Girivalam path, finishing back at the temple grounds at 6.30 am on 10th September. I stopped over at the following places of worship: 

Tuesday, 9th September 

9.45 pm Agni Lingam in the temple grounds

10.40 pm Seshadari Ashram, Amman Temple, Dhaksanamurthy temple

10.45 pm Kali temple

11.30 pm Ramana ashram

11.40 pm turned back without visiting Yogi Ramsuratkumar's (Visiri Swami) ashram as it was too far off the Girivalam route

11.55 pm Murugan temple, Sakthi temple, Adi Shankaracharya Madam, Tank

Wednesday, 10th September 

12.10 am Cemetery, Yama Lingam

12.20 am Mrityam Or Jaya Lingam, Ganesar temple

12.35 am Tank, Dhurvasar temple, Nandi temple

12.50 am Tank, Jhoti Vinayagar temple

1.20 am Vallalar temple, Annamalaiyaar temple, Unnamulai temple

1.30 am Anjaneyar temple

1.40 am Palani Andavar temple, Raja Rajeswari temple, Nandi temple

1.50 am Adi Mudi Sidhar Samadhi, Kautamar Rishi temple, Surya Lingam temple, Ramar temple, Varuna Lingam temple, Adi Arunachaleswarer temple

2.45 am Manickavasagar temple, Ganesar temple, Sakthi temple, Sudhananda ashram

3.10 am Vayu Lingam temple

3.20 am Tank, Ramachandra Swami Ashram

4.20 am Kubera Lingam temple

4.40 am Eduku Pillaiyaar temple, Panja Muka Darshan temple, Brahma Rishi temple, Esaki temple

5.00 am Arthanathiswarar temple

5.10 am Seenivasa Perumal temple, Cemetery, Ammani Ammal Peedham, Esanya Lingam temple

5.30 am Easanya samadhi, Annamalaiyaar temple

5.55 am Draupadi Amman temple

6 am Durga, Anjaneyar, and Perumal temples

Finally, Erathai Vinayagar temple at 6.30 am, ending the Girivalam at the eastern gopuram. 

I was hoping to come face-to-face with my guru at this holy event. 

Day 10: A Chance Meeting with Supramania Swami, or Was It Ordained? 

After lunch that day at 12 noon, I went back to Ramana Maharishi's ashram and sat at his samadhi. I purchased the Tamil Parayanam cassettes. Later, I left for Yogi Ramsuratkumar's ashram, which I had not gotten to visit earlier during the girivalam. Unfortunately, Yogi Ramsuratkumar's ashram was closed for lunch. 

I then decided to go eight kilometers out of Tiru Annamalai to Deva's uncle's home. I was told he was an astrologer. Deva introduced me to Supramania Swami as a tourist from Malaysia who was there for his daughter's astrological chart reading. I mentioned my name to the Swami. He immediately took me into his prayer room, lit the camphor, hovered it in front of all the portraits of the deities in his prayer room, and blessed me. We sat outside the house as he prepared to chart my daughter's future. But what he actually did was to talk about my future and me. 

The first thing he mentioned was: "Now since you have arrived in Tiru Annamalai, all is over for you" (Ingu vanthutear. Yellam mudinthathu). I didn't ask what he meant by that. He reminded me, "Now I had to put effort into certain practices", which he elaborated later. I did not question him nor interrupt him. I just sat there listening, waiting for each word to break out from his lips. He mentioned that he had been going around Mount Tiru Annamalai for the past thirty years, but could not do it the night before, which was a full moon day, due to ill health. 

He mentioned his master's. He had had five gurus. Amongst them were his own father, Jayaraman Pillai, Pundi Mahan (Atru Swami), Sathanandha Swami, Kolli Malai Swami, and Yogi Ramsuratkumar (Visiri Swami). The Yogi, he said, had placed him under house arrest. He was asked to meditate at the Yogi's residence for five days. The Yogi had asked Supramania Swami to stay put at his place, but later decided that he would be with his family. Swami did mention another incident where the Yogi, after going into samadhi, had appeared and tapped the door of his home at 11 pm one night. Swami woke up to be given a poster of the Yogi himself, and the Yogi left laughing. Swami tried to keep up with the Yogi but could not. 

Supramania Swami gave me an initiation or the mantra teecha, which was the guru upadesa to be recited. He asked that I chant the mantra for half an hour each day till I recite one kodi (lakh). That amounts to ten million times. "Just as a silversmith polishes his wares, we too shall slowly work on IT till we achieve IT", said Swami. Swami did ask me to get a mat made of tharbai or kusa grass for use during meditation; to light a Kamatchi Amman lamp or vilakku, or Asthalaksmi vilakku during prayers. 

As we sat there together, Swami revealed new happenings that were about to take place in my life. He could tell several intimate things about the life and mission I was to face. As he was narrating all these happenings to me, I could not help but break down. I cried like a child. I cried for the number of blessings I had received from god till that very moment. I realized how much God loved me then. Then he surprised me further when he mentioned that I would build a temple right here in India, in Tiru Annamalai, and set up a Peedham. I cried aloud again. Swami was by now seated up erect, in a meditative (padmasana-tavam) state as those words crept from his lips. I did not ask for clarifications. 

When Deva mentioned to Swami that it took me nine hours compared to three hours for others to go around Mount Tiru Annamalai (Annamalaiyaar), Swami replied, "Of course it would take that long for he (referring to me) had been stopping over at all the places of worship and ashrams." 

We had a photography session. As we left his home, he stood there, hands together in prayer for me. I, in return, stood there with my palms in prayer to him too, not knowing what was appropriate for the moment. I just could not believe the amount of love this man had for a total stranger. He was praying for my safe journey. He had ordered Deva to ensure I was safely taken to the airport and boarded the plane back to Malaysia on 12 September 2003. I left him as night fell over this small village known as Nachaananthal. I reached the hotel at 8 pm.

Day 11 Returning Home - A Satisfied Pilgrim 

Thursday morning, 11th September, I walked to Annamalaiyaar temple at 6.30 am to have HIS darshan again. Today, there was no crowd any longer. I took my time to pray and look around. I saw abhisegam being performed to Annamalaiyaar's feet. I splashed myself with water from the tank (Indra Theertam). A woman was standing alone against the wall opposite Egambareswarar's sanctum. She indicated by hand gestures that she was hungry. I gave her some rupees and fell at her feet.

I returned to the hotel after breakfast. Deva turned up at 10 am. 

I went over to Ramana Maharishi's ashram to purchase the cassettes; then over to Yogi Ramsuratkumar's ashram at 10.40 am and sat at his samadhi. No one was around then except for an employee from the ashram who was distributing prasadham at the entrance. It was beautiful here. The calmness away from the hectic atmospheres in most of the major temples that I had visited earlier. 

I went over to the Kubera Lingam at 11.30 pm. Deva accompanied me. I left for Chennai at 11.40 am.  

On the way, I chanced to see Saint Ragavendra's Brindavan at Vemandhi in Pelakuppam, Tindivanam. 

Then I diverted to Tiruporur Kandasamy temple. I was there from 4 pm to 4.30 pm. I reached Chennai at 5.20 pm.

I had planned to see a few more temples in Chennai, but it was not important anymore. After Tiru Annamalai and the darshan of Supramania Swami, nothing was important anymore. That night, I ventured out of my hotel. Having nothing to do, I dropped in at the Vinayagar temple next to my hotel.

Day 12 Departure Day 

At 5.30 am, 12 September 2003, I ventured out of the hotel, going back to the Vinayagara temple. Then I went to the adjacent Vadapalani Murugan temple and a Siva temple. 8 am I was back at the hotel; at 10 am I did some shopping in T Nagar, returning to the hotel at 3 pm; at 8 pm I started for the airport. I took the flight back to KLIA Sepang at 12.05 am on 13 September 2003. It was a memorable journey and a satisfying trip indeed. 

My first trip to India, which started off as a means to carry out my remedies, showed me, my guru, too.  I returned home carrying wonderful memories and bliss. As the routine life went on, the bliss slowly wore out. Although Agathiyar was silent after my return, as he had told me to come in for a second reading of the Nadi three years on, Supramania Swami was at hand to give me a tug and a reminder and showered his blessings. Before coming to the Siddhas, I only knew the Gods and Goddesses and the deities. Agathiyar brought me to his fold to know the Siddhas, too. Coming to Supramania Swami, I came to know about men who were Gurus. A new chapter had yet to unfold. A Guru-disciple relationship unfolded. 

Supramania Swami’s Life In Brief. 

When I went over to India again in 2005 and met Supramania Swami before I left for Kallar Ashram to meet Tavayogi, as instructed by Agathiyar, to spend a few days with him, I asked Swami to narrate his life history because the first time I met him in 2003, I had spent only five hours in his company, during which he was talking mostly about me. Swami narrated his story briefly, aided by his wife.

Swami was born on Monday, 17 July 1943, on a ‘Kritigai’ day, an auspicious day for Lord Murugan, in the Tirutani Murugan temple grounds. His mother was doing penance by taking a ‘kavadi’ when she had labor pains and delivered Swami. Muthalamma was their clan’s deity. Swami was named Supramanian. His grandfather, Thuraisamy Pillai, was a Vaisnavite from Aadi Peedham, Ladavaram near Tiruvanamalai. He was an accountant at Tiruvanamalai Arunachaleswarar temple. His father, Jayaram, was teaching in Reddi Kuppam, Anaikoyil. His uncles were teachers too. At one juncture, his father left his mother, another son, and him in Andipalam and came to Tiruvanamalai. Later, in the absence of his father, who was in Tiruvanamalai at that moment, a priest admitted Supramanian to a school in Andipalam. Supramanian’s brother, who joined the military, contracted a high fever and passed away at the age of 24. 

Supramanian used to follow his father to the woods to chop a ‘kalli’ tree. That’s when the sap of the tree blinded him. Supramanian, now partially blind, went to Madras alone, hoping to receive treatment at the Government hospital. A policeman, seeing him struggling on the streets of Madras, called an ambulance that took him to the hospital. There, the local Indian doctors certified that he had to be operated on to remove his eyes. There was no other way to it; any delay would otherwise lead to the poison eventually reaching his brain. One of the doctors, however, sent for an American doctor to get a second opinion. The American doctor said he could save Supramanian’s eyesight, and he subsequently performed six operations on Supramanian, which cost Rs950, 000. Supramanian was blessed to have the politician, Mr. MU Karunanidhi, who was undergoing treatment for his illness at the same time at the hospital, take up the cost of operating on Supramanian. 

Supramanian’s father, who worshipped Lord Vengadasalapathy, gave him initiation or ‘teecha’ on Lord Murugan. Supramanian meditated for seventeen years in the hills surrounding Tiruvanamalai. One day, he lost his mind. He started performing miracles. He would grab a handful of sand, which would turn into vibhuti, kumkum, or panjamirtham. This he gave to the people, which cured their illnesses and sufferings. He was only attired in a banana tree bark then. During this time, a sidha indicated to the locals the site of a ‘vel’ that was buried by him by entering Supramanian's body. Supramanian kept possession of this vel. Supramanian had no memory of what transpired during that period. He only heard about his antics after gaining his memory back, which surprisingly came back to him after consuming food prepared by a stranger. When Supramanian was in Tiruchendoor, he pulled the temple chariot for seven consecutive years, walking on sandals with nails on them. His back carried the scars of hooks driven into his skin with which he had pulled the temple chariots. Occasionally, he puts on the clothing to resemble Lord Murugan and takes part in plays or dramas held at the temple grounds on festival days. Supramanian was married at the age of 31. His ability to perform miracles by changing sand and earth to sacred ash stopped on its own after he had his second daughter. 

He has three daughters and a son, and a few grandchildren. His wife and granddaughter were already asleep as we talked into the early hours of the morning. They had stayed back at the kudil while Ramajayam went back to the village that night. 

Prayers With Supramania Swami. 

Later that night at 7.30 pm, Supramania Swami led me on a prayer in his kudil. The Swami started chanting his guru Yogi Ramsuratkumar's (Visiri Swami) name. The chant went YOGI RAMSURATKUMARA, YOGI RAMSURATKUMARA, YOGI RAMSURATKUMARA JAYA GURURAYA. After a few minutes into the chant, I heard another voice - that of a male chanting together. I could hear Swami’s voice. I could hear mine too. So who was this third person chanting with us? There was no one else then in the kudil. Swami's wife and son had gone out. I did not open my eyes. Eventually, after about twenty minutes, Swami ended the chant, and the voice was not heard again. I had wanted to ask him about this third voice, but I completely forgot.

I soon left for Kallar Ashram to spend several days with Tavayogi, taking up his invitation and following the directive of Agathiyar.

Another Day With Supramania Swami. 

After a night's rest in Kallar, I woke up early. Mrs. Sarojini (now Mataji) heated up the water for our bath, as it was too early and dark to have a bath in the river. She prepared breakfast too. My brother and I bid farewell to Tavayogi and Mrs. Sarojini. 

We left Kallar for Tiruvanamalai at 6.00 am. We reached Tiruvanamalai at 2.30 pm. I introduced my brother to Supramania Swami. The Swami asked me, “Did you see your Guru?” I was simply amazed at this man who, upon hearing the nadi reading that I had to take Tavayogi as a guru, did not feel defeated nor discouraged me, nor did he stop me from visiting Tavayogi. Supramania Swami then asked, “Did you hear the voice?”, triggering my memory back to the day I heard a third person sing along with us in the kudil. I asked Swami who it was. He answered with a laugh, “That was Visiri Matai,” referring to his guru Visiri Swami (Yogi Ramsuratkumar). Only then did I realise the potential of Supramania Swami. He had made his guru appear and chant with us in his very abode. 

From My Travels in India with Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal

The following piece was originally carried on my website 'indianheartbeat', which is defunct now. 

The Actual Journey Begins 

23rd Sept 2005 

“Only now our actual journey begins”, said Tavayogi with a big, wide grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes, as we left on the second leg of our tour. We were headed for Agasthiyampalli in Vedharanyam, Pothigai, Courtallam, and Palani as instructed in my Nadi. He was just as excited as I was. 

We reached Trichy at 2.00 pm, where we had lunch. Then we went over to the hotel where my brother was staying. Tavayogi excused himself to visit his friend in Trichy, while my brother and I went to a book fair. 

Tavayogi returned shortly to the hotel. Subarao, Mano, and others who accompanied my brother for a seminar in India met Tavayogi and exchanged views. Tavayogi and I wanted to find accommodation in the same hotel, but we were told all rooms were taken up. On the way to the adjacent hotel, the local organizer of the seminar insisted that he would make arrangements for all of us to stay in the same hotel. 

Sage Agathiyar Welcomes Us At Agastiyampalli

24th Sept 2005

At 6 am, Tavayogi and I left Trichy for Vedharanyam. We stopped over at Tanjore at 7.30 am for breakfast. We saw the salt lakes where Mohandas K Gandhi had carried out his famous Salt March. We also saw the places where the tsunami wave had hit on 26th December 2004. 

We reached Agastiyampalli, Vedharanyam at 10.30 am. A temple priest who was sitting with two people at the entrance of the temple, on seeing us alight from the car, came forward to usher us into the temple grounds. He took us straight to Sage Agathiyar’s shrine. This shrine was on the left of the entrance and was facing the main temple of Lord Siva. He lit a camphor and showed the flame. Tavayogi and I sat on the floor. Tavayogi started singing a hymn. The priests interrupted him, asking us to go around the temple grounds and then to the main temple first. He insisted we pray at Lord Siva’s shrine first, as he told us that he was going away to another temple to conduct prayers. He gave instructions on how to go around the temple grounds. Tavayogi told me, "Let's oblige him". 

Tavayogi and I came around the temple grounds as the priests had instructed. We stepped into Lord Siva’s shrine, where the priest was waiting for us. He showed the flame. He explained that this was the very temple where Sage Agathiyar pressed his thumb into the ground to balance the earth that had tilted due to the Devas, Gods, and Goddesses converging in the Himalayas for Lord Siva-Goddess Parvathy’s wedding. 

After praying at Lord Siva’s shrine, we came back to Sage Agathiyar’s shrine. Tavayogi picked up singing the hymns from where he had left off. I continued with the Potri songs as usual. As I started reciting the ‘Pranavam’-‘AUM’ at Sage Agathiyar’s shrine, I could hear and feel the ‘Pranavam’ reverberate and bounce off the granite walls. I felt a cool breeze sweep over me even as I was sweating away at the shrine. As I uttered the last line of the 'Potri' song, ‘OM MAA SIDDHARGALE POTRI,’ I broke down in tears. I cried and cried. I asked Sage Agathiyar to open his eyes and see me. He did not respond. I shut my eyes as I wept. I opened my eyes after some time. Tavayogi, who was earlier seated opposite me, was not there anymore. I turned towards the entrance. He had moved to the open air and was standing there. 

Sage Agathiyar Opens His Eyes. 

As I got up, he ushered me to his side and told me that Sage Agathiyar had opened his eyes twice. “There is the aroma of sandalwood in the air, too,” he added. He asked that I stand at the same spot he had stood. “Concentrate on looking at the Sage's eyes”, he said. I peered at the granite statue of Sage Agathiyar, but I could hardly make out his face, much less see him open and close his eyes. The shrine was dark. I could sense Tavayogi’s disappointment that I could not see the Sage open his eyes. This I knew from the tone of his voice when he consoled me, “Never mind, son. Let's snap some photographs, shall we?” 

I entered Sage Agathiyar’s shrine again and was about to sit when Tavayogi motioned me to sit with Sage Agathiyar in the inner sanctum sanctorium, saying, “Go in and sit at Sage Agathiyar’s feet at the inner sanctum. He is our father. Who dares object?” That’s when Tavayogi throws his shawl over to me, asking me to lay it on the floor to sit on, as the floor had oil spills. As I laid his shawl and sat, I glanced at Sage Agathiyar’s face, and what do I see? The sage is observing me with an eye open. 

I looked hard, not believing. Only a moment ago, I had seen him with both eyes shut. The eyes were engraved into the granite, and I was sure they were engraved shut as I entered his shrine this morning. I was overcome with joy seeing Sage Agathiyar look at me, and I called out to Tavayogi, “Swami…” Even before I could complete my sentence, Tavayogi understood and told me, “Right! he has seen you, has he, come!, They will show themselves to you only for a moment.” Even as I came out from his shrine, the sage was looking at me with one eye shut, grinning away. We left Agastiyampalli at 11.15 am. Tavayogi tells me it has been ten years since he came to Agastiyampalli. 

In the Nadi prediction, Sage Agathiyar had promised that he would look at me when I came here. I was convinced the vision I had was possible only with the help that I got from my guru, Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal. Only after he had thrown his shawl over to me to sit on did this miracle take place.

Back at Breehadeshwarar’s Temple and Sage Karuvurar’s Shrine

We had lunch at Tanjore and proceeded to the Breehadeshwarar Temple at 3 pm. As the temples in India are closed from 1 pm to 4 pm, Tavayogi took the opportunity to take a nap in front of the huge Nandi at the temple grounds, while I went around to snap some photos of the temple. I walked up the flight of steps to Lord Dhashina Murthi’s shrine. Then I walked to the back of the temple grounds where Sage Karuvurar’s shrine was located. The caretaker who was cleaning the oil lamps got up, called me in, lit the camphor, showed the flame, and gave me the sacred ash. I came back to the spot where Tavayogi was napping. He invited me to share the shawl that he had spread on the ground to lie down. At 4 pm, when the temple doors were opened to the public, Tavayogi went straight to Sage Karuvurar’s shrine, and the same man who attended to me earlier attended to Tavayogi too. Tavayogi sat at the shrine in meditation. I followed suit. Some pilgrims who had taken shelter away from the scorching sun at Sage Karuvurar’s shrine were conversing loudly. The caretaker drove them away, saying people were meditating, referring to us, creating a peaceful environment for us to meditate. As we came around the temple complex, Tavayogi must have sensed my yearning to see Lord Siva, for he told me to go ahead while he stood in the shade of the temple structure. I rushed up the flight of stairs to the inner sanctum of the temple, where the largest Sivalingam was housed. I joined Tavayogi shortly, and we left the temple complex. 

Saraswathy Mahal 

Tavayogi suggested we visit the Saraswathy Mahal, hoping to show me some old scripts and collections of King Sarobhoji. It was 5 pm as we got into the car and rushed to the museum before it closed for the day. Tavayogi purchased a couple of tickets, and we entered the museum. The palace of King Sarobhoji was now converted into a museum that houses his vast collection of English books, portraits, and old writings. Tavayogi was saddened that most of the writings that were kept here earlier were no longer to be seen. We returned to Trichy. Tavayogi still insisted on sleeping on the floor, although he relented to accept a blanket to be spread on the cold floor and a pillow under his head.

Pothigai And Courtallam

25 Sept 2005

My brother checked out of the hotel. His visit to India to participate in and cover a seminar had ended, and he had extended his visit to follow us. Tavayogi, my brother, and I left for Pothigai Hills at 6 am. We had breakfast in Tanjore and lunch on arrival at Papanasam. Here was the famous Agathiyar Falls. This place was packed with holidaymakers, as it was a Sunday. Tavayogi and I washed our clothes in the stream and laid them out to dry on the rocks. We took a bath under the falls, dried ourselves, and started our climb up a long flight of stairs to a lake known as the Kalyana Theertam. On the way, we passed a house built into the cliffs where a lady saint, Krishnaveni Ammal, was staying. I was told she has been staying in solitude since coming up to this spot following a Siddha when she was barely thirteen years of age. She never went back. Tavayogi stopped to enquire if she was around, only to be told that she was having her afternoon nap. Tavayogi told us we could try our luck on our way down. Further up, perched on a cliff, was a Siva temple. There was a shrine for Sage Agathiyar too. Tavayogi meditated at this spot. Tavayogi tells us this was the spot where Sage Agathiyar himself had meditated and attained Mukti. I was told this was also the spot where the Siddhas come down in the form of light after 11.00 pm daily. Impressed by the talk that one could see the Siddhas in light form in this spot, I requested Tavayogi that we stay overnight to watch them, but Tavayogi preferred to stay in the caves of Courtallam. 

As we started on our way down and approached Krishnaveni Amma’s ashram, the ashram door was still closed. Tavayogi did not want to disturb her and lead us away from there. Then we stopped at a large temple dedicated to Sage Agathiyar, further down. Here, Sage Agathiyar was enshrined in the form of a granite statue sitting in a similar pose to that of Ayappa Swami in Kerala. Then we returned to Agathiyar Falls, where there is a large and old Sivan temple. It was closed. We waited for the temple to open at 4.00 pm. We then left for Courtallam. We had tea at Courtallam and later purchased a candle and torchlight as we were going to stay in Sage Agathiyar’s cave overnight. Tavayogi stops at one of the numerous houses lined up in this small town and enquires about the caretaker of the caves. We are told she was at the temple in the hills. Prem drops us at the famed Courtallam picnic spot. I picked up my bundle of laundry that was still wet. I took along my bag of fresh clothing and a blanket, and we rushed to the caves on foot, as it was almost nightfall. Strong winds blew again as we hiked up the hill behind the Courtallam Falls. It was a three-kilometer walk uphill to Sage Agathiyar’s cave. Eventually, the night set in. We trodded in the dark with Tavayogi leading the way with the aid of a torchlight. It was pitch dark as we reached the Shenbaga Devi Amman temple, which was in total darkness except for a light inside the Devi's shrine. Tavayogi calls out in the dark through the metal grills. I see some movement on the floor of the temple. Apparently, some folks were sleeping in the temple. He introduces himself, and they seem to know him. He asked them to open up Sage Agathiyar’s cave, which they readily obliged. A gentleman led the way while we followed. It was pitch dark, and I could not make out the surroundings, although I knew we were walking on the banks of a lake and could hear the roar of a waterfall nearby. The caretakers were three elderly women. Their brother, Supramaniam, who was from out of town, was the one who showed us to the cave. He unlocked the iron grills to the cave. He lit the hurricane lamp and tidied the place so that it was conducive to spending the night, and even prepared hot tea for us in the cave. The drink was a blessing in that cold weather. There were a few statues, including a statue of Sage Agathiyar, pictures, and the staff that Sage Agathiyar used. This staff is placed under one's arms to retain the flow of the breath through a particular nostril. Tavayogi told us that there were even Sage Agathiyar’s sandals earlier, but now missing. The caretaker lady drops in to check if all was conducive for our stay and night out in this cave. They then leave. We could hardly stand up in this cave. It was small, cozy, and warm in here.  I was told the adjacent compartment of the cave, which was empty except for an oil lamp burning, was where Sage Agathiyar had meditated. We entered this chamber and seated ourselves. Tavayogi was sad to notice that a portion of this cave had now become a store filled with pots and pans. Tavayogi was also saddened that the cave had now been named Avaiyaar’s cave when, in actuality, it was Sage Agathiyar’s cave. As usual, Tavayogi sang the hymns which I have now become familiar with, followed by me singing the Potri. Tavayogi then left us to continue with the prayers and retired for the day. I dried my clothes outside the cave and locked up the grilled door to the cave entrance before retiring for the day. We laid blankets on the ground and used our bags and clothing as a pillow. We were so exhausted that the moment we lay our heads on the ground, we had dozed off. I did wake up in the middle of the night, though, and saw rats scurrying away in the crevices and sides of the cave. I had a good night’s sleep and was refreshed the next day.

Roaming The Jungles Of Pothigai And Courtallam

26th Sept 2005 

I woke up early as usual and came out of the cave to realize that we were next to a huge waterfall and a lake. In the early morning sunlight, I could make out some movements in the surrounding jungles. I sat and watched the day begin. As the day dawned and there was more light, I noticed it was monkeys that had been perched on the cliffs and trees. Tavayogi woke up shortly after. Supramaniam and the caretaker lady turned up early to prepare tea for us. We took our bath at the falls under the watchful eyes of Tavayogi. He cautioned us to be careful, as the rocks were slippery, and asked that we hold on to the railings that had been put up. I washed and dried my clothes again! After drying my cloths I came up the steps to the cave. I was taken aback to see a sadhu squatting at the entrance to the cave and having tea. He resembled the photograph of Pundi Mahaan Aatru Swami, who was one of Supramania Swami's gurus. He had long, matted hair and was beaming a smile. He invited me in. I gestured "Vanakam" to him and sat down beside him. I had my tea. He remained quiet as Tavayogi talked with the caretakers. This sadhu then tells me he would be at the temple below and leaves the cave. It reminded me of Supramania Swami telling me just before we parted days ago that I shall meet a Siddha on these travels. 

Lord Dhaksanamurthy’s Cave

Tavayogi suggested we go over to Dhashina Murthi’s, and Saint Ramalingam’s, or Vallalar's cave. He asked me to get the blessings of the elderly woman and give a small contribution to her, which I did.

We came down the hill to the Shenbaga Devi Amman temple. I saw the sadhu again. He was at the temple just as he had promised. I told him I was going to the caves and asked if he would like to follow. He jumped down from his seat immediately and led the way to Lord Dhashina Murthi’s cave. He opened up the grilled gates to the cave entrance for us. He lit the oil lamp inside the cave. The sadhu, having lighted the place for us, went out and sat on a rock outside the cave. We entered the cave, which was large enough to allow us to stand. What a surprise I had. There were statues of Sage Agathiyar, his wife Lobamuthirai, and Sage Visvamitra in this cave. In the inner chamber was a statue of Lord Dhashina Murthi. We sat in meditation for a while.

Saint Ramalingam or Vallalar Cave

The sadhu closed the grilled gates to Lord Dhashina Murthi’s cave as we came out. Tavayogi then led us to the Saint Ramalingam or Vallalar cave. The sadhu followed us a distance but eventually turned onto another path. I caught up with him to thank him. He gave me a wink.

I turned to join Tavayogi and my brother, who were already some distance ahead. Tavayogi left us at a spot to check out the route to Vallalar’s cave. He reappeared from a different direction and led us away from the spot. The entrance to Vallalar’s cave was secured with metal grills, too. Tavayogi told me it was locked. I inspected the door and tried to unlatch it. Surprisingly, the latch gave way, and I could slide the grilled door aside quite easily. It was pitch dark inside. We had to light the candle. The outer chamber was large enough to stand around. Tavayogi and I crawled into the inner chamber, which was rather small. I grasped Tavayogi’s hand. Tears ran down my cheeks. I was grateful and appreciated Tavayogi for having guided me to these auspicious spots and places. I would not have seen and experienced this much if I had undertaken this journey alone. We closed the grill to the caves and headed back for Sage Agathiyar’s cave.

We prayed at the Shenbaga Devi Amman Temple on our way back. This temple was where Maha Avatar Babaji had sat for days in meditation. His guru, Sage Bhogar, had instructed him to go to the Pothigai hills to meet Sage Agathiyar. Babaji left Kadhirgamam in Ceylon for the Pothigai Hills. Babaji adamantly went into penance until Sage Agathiyar appeared in front of him.

We bid farewell to all the caretakers who had gathered at the temple. Tavayogi again insisted on carrying my bundle of damp cloths. We started down the mountain to the spot where Prem left us yesterday. Prem had been worried sick, having no idea about our whereabouts in the jungles of Courtallam. He had been calling Tavayogi on the cellphone, but there was no signal in the mountains. He was relieved to see me as he was answerable to his travel agency for my safety and well-being. We then continued on our journey to Palani.

Sage Agathiyar Opens His Eyes Again

Before we left Courtallam, Tavayogi took us to a Siva temple, Lord Kutralanathar, in town. At the Siva temple was a shrine for Sage Agathiyar. Tavayogi narrated an incident that took place here during his travels through India. He was at Sage Agathiyar’s shrine at the spot where we stood today. He could hear a melodious hymn. On tracing the source of that hymn, he chanced upon Somasundareswarar Swami, who was standing at a shrine of Lord Siva. Later, Tavayogi met Somasundareswara Swami often at Shenbaga Devi Amman temple. Sage Agathiyar’s cave and the surrounding caves were maintained by Somasundareswara Swami until his demise.

We sat at Sage Agathiyar’s shrine, and Tavayogi started singing hymns. Tavayogi broke down as he sang Saint Ramalingam’s ‘Indru varumoh naalaiku varumoh allathu mathendru varumoh’. That’s when I thought I saw Sage Agathiyar open and shut both his eyes. I got up to move closer, to get a better view, and to confirm what I had seen. True enough, there was Sage Agathiyar opening and closing both his eyes, which were human. Back at Agastiyampalli, the sculptured granite figure of the sage had both eyes sculptured closed. But as I left his shrine, his left eye was wide open, watching me. At Courtallam, the Sage's eyes were sculptured wide open. It was human eyes that were watching me. I stood still, amazed, my sight fixed on the sage's eyes. That’s when Tavayogi called out to us, saying, “You have seen, have you? Come on lets leave.”

It was nightfall when we checked in at a hotel in Palani. Tavayogi told us we shall climb Palani Hill first thing in the morning. He again insisted on sleeping on the floor.

Palani Amazes Me Again

This was the second time I was invited to Palani by Sage Agathiyar through the Nadi reading. At 5.00 in the morning, we started for the Palani temple. The streets were quiet. Shops were still closed. We walked from the hotel in town to the temple on the hill. We had to wait in line, as the temple was still closed. At 6.00 am, we were allowed to enter. We stood in front of Palani Andavar and offered our prayers. I still can’t recall what I saw here, just as I can’t recall the first time I was in this temple in 2003. We went down some steps to the open and crossed over to another temple structure, which housed Sage Bhogar’s shrine. Palani had puzzled me earlier in 2003. I wanted some answers then. Now it was clear to me. This was definitely not the route I took to Sage Bhogar’s shrine in 2003. In my earlier visit, I walked along a passage from Palani Andavar’s shrine to Sage Bhogar’s shrine. There was no necessity to go into the open air. The shrine walls were now beautifully painted with murals depicting episodes from Bhogar’s life in color. In 2003, there were no paintings on the wall.

Tavayogi sat along the corridor outside Sage Bhogar's shrine in meditation. I wept in silence. As I opened my eyes. When he came out of meditation, we entered Sage Bhogar’s shrine. There were four temple priests when we stepped into the chamber. One of them showed the flame in front of the Maragatha Lingam and another figurine of Goddess Bhuvaneswari that Sage Bhogar had worshipped, both placed on a raised dais. The priests then pointed out the opening where Sage Bhogar had entered and is still believed to be. They narrated the history of the temple to Tavayogi and my brother. I cried again here. After gaining control of myself, I moved to a spot in the room to sit for a while as the three priests continued filling in Tavayogi on the temple's history. The fourth priest, who was very much younger than the rests was standing in attendance observing me and the others, not uttering a word.

As we came out of this chamber, these young priest intercepted us in the corridor away from the others. He passed a tumbler that he was holding to Tavayogi, who was right in front, saying, Abhisega Paal. I told myself, “My God, it was happening again. I am being given the Abhisega Paal again.” I was given a tumbler of milk on my visit here in 2003. Today I was receiving it again. Tavayogi drank a portion and passed the tumbler to my brother, who was behind him. My brother drank a portion and, in turn, passed the tumbler to me. I emptied the tumbler and gratefully handed it over to the priest, who looked pleased. Surprisingly, no one questioned him, nor did he say anything further.

As we came down the steps into the open again, Tavayogi stopped and turned back to look at me, something that he never did in all the time we walked on this travel with him leading the way. He questioned me, “What is it, my son?” I went up to him and placed my head on his chest. Tears welled in my eyes. He had this twinkle in his eyes and gave me a broad smile. I remained silent as we walked around the temple grounds. We left the temple premises. Later, we checked out of the hotel.

Marudamalai And Pampatti Sidhar’s Cave

On the way back to Kallar, Tavayogi took us to the Marudamalai Murugan temple, where Pampatti Siddha had meditated at an adjacent cave. We had to leave the car behind at the base of the hill because renovation works were being done in and around the hill temple. We hopped onto a bus that took us to the top of the hill. This was my first ride on a bus in India. We stood all the way to the top as the bus was packed. We had a quick darshan of Lord Murugan. The temple priest brought two garlands of flowers and placed them around Tavayogi and my brother. Tavayogi removed his garland and placed it around my neck. We went down a flight of steps to the cave of Pampatti Siddha. Here, the temple priest explained to us about Pampatti Sidha and his penance at this spot. We sat for a while. Tavayogi meditated. Some of the devotees and the tourists came over to Tavayogi for the sacred ash. This was the first time I saw the Indian public approach Tavayogi for his blessings in public. We took the bus back down the hill.

Back To Kallar

As I was coming to the end of my tour, I realized I needed something more than the sights and sounds that were shown to me. I pondered a lot on the way back to Kallar about this fabulous tour of religious spots and places. I was extremely blessed to have Tavayogi escort and show me around. A lot of miracles had taken place since I was here in India on my second trip, just as Sage Agathiyar had promised me in the Nadi reading. Yes, it was fine for me to return to Malaysia and tell my family and friends that Yogi Ramsuratkumar had joined Supramania Swami and me in chanting his name; that Sage Agathiyar had opened his eyes to see me, first one eye at Agastiyampalli, then later both eyes at Courtallam; I cherished all that I had seen and heard on this pilgrimage. I could talk about them for some time, but eventually talk would have to end too. What's next after I reach the shores of Malaysia? Do I go back to my routine life?

This journey should not be a mere tour of pilgrimage spots. I needed something that I could take back with me besides these memories. So I told Tavayogi, as we had tea, on our way back to Kallar, I did not want this journey of mine to end just like any tour of India. I wanted something more out of this journey. Something that could bring me advancement in my spiritual path. He looked at me for a moment and then asked if I had been chanting the mantra that was given to me by him at the Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham back in Malaysia, some months ago. I told him that I had received that mantra of Sage Agathiyar way back in November of 2004, and I have been chanting it since then. Tavayogi asks me from whom I received it. I mentioned I got it from Astrologer Dr. Krishnan. Tavayogi tells me briefly about other practices and mantras that need to be undertaken and mentions some of them.

Just before my brother and I left for Tiruvannamalai to bid farewell to Supramania Swami before returning to Malaysia, Tavayogi called me in and gave me my third initiation and a mantra to go along with it.  I was glad that I had received another practice just as I had asked of him. 

KNOW THY SOUL

I have come to realize that I am being pushed into stepping into the shoes of my gurus, Supramania Swami and Tavayogi. If I were minding my business, Agathiyar sent many strangers knocking on my door in the past. This I saw happening during the few days I spent with both my gurus. They would listen patiently, and if Supramania Swami pleased them by giving amulets, etc., and advice, Tavayogi would ask them to worship the Siddhas and see their Vinai or troubles clear. Similarly, a conversation begins with these strangers with small talk and leads to a can of worms. As at the beginning, we tend to become concerned and start giving advice, but it backfired, I asked Tavayogi why all this was happening. He, as usual, replying with a question, asked me why I had to be involved and instead asked me to send them to Agathiyar. Then one day, standing before Agathiyar in my prayer room, Agathiyar asked me where I would go if he were to shut his ears? I realized that he wants me to listen to others. And so, even as I go on my morning and evening walks in my neighborhood these days, people stop to share their problems. Then many are concerned with the sad state of matters, regarding the nation and people, and would go on and on for hours lamenting about it. When I was working back then at the HQ, in 1988, a group would gather each morning at a stall opposite my office, open up the daily paper, and review the day's happenings, not in a constructive manner but in condemnation of others and the way they handled matters. It often became personal and ugly. I would hurriedly finish my breakfast and move away, unable to take on the negativity that builds up. When I was posted to a project on the outskirts of the city, and came back after 5 years to my HQ, the group was still at it, having recruited new faces now. It was the same talk going on after all these years. I walked up to them and asked if they hadn't changed in all these years. I told them that if it mattered to them so much, then they should set their sights and work towards becoming a member of Parliament to bring these changes, rather than hold this coffee shop talk that brings us nowhere. 

Whenever he sends someone over or when I meet someone, I always question myself, what I learned from the meeting, and what the other party learned too. There was always a lesson for me, even if I wondered whether the others understood. 

And so Agathiyar played his Lila again last evening. A friend from the former office called me to converse, and it led from one thing to another to the sad state of the community and the nation again. He had previously spoken about this in our face-to-face meetings. As Agathiyar had told me to listen, I did just that then and now. But it was going on for a long time, turning into a monologue, the negativity surfaced, and the conversation became toxic, penetrating the cocoon that I had built around me with happy thoughts and gratitude. I could not stomach it. As I was at home then and Agathiyar was with me as the bronze statue, I walked into his room and placed the phone to his ear. Since he asked me to listen, I told him, "Now you listen." Maybe this is what we are doing as a ritualistic practice in whispering into the ears of Nandhi, the bull that sits before Lord Siva in his temples. In sharing our problems with Nandhi, we hope he will find a moment to deliver them to Lord Siva to look into, as it is said that Nandhi listens on Lord Siva and Parvathi's conversation. If there have been many moments when Agathiyar comes within and it was pretty much blissful, this was not one of those moments. I guess he, too, must have lost his cool after some time, for I could feel an energy come within me that made my body begin to tremble and cause an ache. Agathiyar seemed to have passed him a message through me, which I was pretty sure of and aware of. He uttered the exact thing that Bhagawan Ramana told Sadhu Om on their first meeting: To do what he came for. 

We read from http://sadhuom.net/, http://www.arunachalasamudra.org, https://realization.org/, and "Arunachala Ramana", that Sadhu Om went in search of a genuine Guru after first reading about Bhagawan Ramana in Suddhananda Bharati’s book "Sri Ramana Vijayam". He went with Janaki Mata to meet Bhagavan. Finding his seat empty, Sadhu Om left. Returning a couple of weeks later, he found Bhagawan having his breakfast in the  Ashram dining hall. 

He entered the dining hall and, seeing that Sri Bhagavan was eating there, he sat in front of Sri Bhagavan and started eating. When Sri Bhagavan finished his breakfast, he got up from the seat. Seeing this, Sadhu Om also got up, although he had not finished eating. Sri Bhagavan looked at Sadhu Om and said, Vandha Velaiyaip Paar (Look after the business for which you have come). Sadhu Om then sat down, but since he had gotten up while eating, he was reluctant to continue eating. Sri Bhagavan, after washing his hands, was walking alongside the dining hall. Seeing that Sadhu Om was reluctant to eat, he repeated the words, Vandha Velaiyaip Paar. Hearing these words, Sadhu Om started eating again. As Sri Bhagavan went near the entrance and was about to pass over the threshold, Sadhu Om turned back and looked at Sri Bhagavan. Sri Bhagavan also looked at Sadhu Om and uttered the same words, Vandha Velaiyaip Paar, for the third time in succession.

Just as Bhagawan had told Sadhu Om, giving an upadesa, to look after the business for which he was born in this world, similarly, through the telephone conversation where Agathiyar, asking my friend to Look after the business for which you have come, I learned that he was asking us to stop looking outside and look within towards seeking the Soul or Atma within. This is what we came for. Everything else was Maya at its work. If we were to engage in it, we would be caught in an neverending cycle of activity. We shall never find time to set our sights on our Soul and go within. I guess this is the reason after having me study and build a career, marry and build a family, having me worship the Siddhas and carry out charity, finally, bringing the shutters down on all these activities, he had me stay in solitude and go within so that I could come to know my Atma too. In speaking to Mahin, he tells me that it is only when we have lived out our lives to the maximum that we shall begin to search within, bringing us to Osho's teachings. Osho asks us to exhaust all our desires and then go within. In having his followers carry out methods, he finally has them sit still. If we tend to look for our purpose in coming, thinking it was some kind of work or task or goal that needed to be done, or achieved, Agathiyar made me realize that the true search and our true purpose in coming was to know our Self. This was what Bhagawan Ramana had given as an Upadesa to Sadhu Om, too. 

JOINING THE FOLD

The guru lives in us just as our ancestors do. What they fail to achieve, attain, or desire is carried out or lived out by their disciples or lineage, respectively. Similarly, we do tend to borrow some things from our ancestors too, which come by way of the shared DNA and practices and traditions observed by them. I guess we are collective souls, just as we are told that the plants and animals are, too. I guess we are here to fill up the gaps left behind in the master blueprint drawn up over time and space. And so it is that most religions observe the rituals associated with paying homage to their ancestors and forefathers. In the spiritual circle, the followers pay homage to the entire lineage of masters before them. This is partly the reason we carry out Puja and sing the praise of the Siddhas, too. This should answer the question from a devotee who asked why we need to praise the Siddhas. Besides that, in ushering them, be it our visitors or the Siddhas and the heavenly bodies, it brings us to be humble, caring, and loving.

Who are the Siddhas then? Looking up the net, we come up with a definition of them as follows.

Siddhas (or Siddhars) are perfected spiritual masters in Indian traditions, particularly Tamil Hinduism, who have attained enlightenment, physical immortality, and mastery over nature through intense yoga, alchemy, and tantric practices. Often considered immortal, these sages possess supernatural powers (siddhis) and are revered as scientists, doctors, and mystics who developed Siddha medicine. (Google search)

If the above is on paper or rather digital these days, many have rubbed shoulders with Siddhas in the physical form and subtle too. The net carries numerous stories on them. This blog also carries stories on them. But here we share what we have seen, heard, and learned from them and feel, being in their presence or when they are in our presence. Many are the stories that we have shared of others, too, who came across these divine souls. 

In my digital book "First Encounters with the Masters", I have shared what I have read about the very first moments disciples, who later came to be great masters themselves, came by their master or vice versa. 

I had asked Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal to see Agathiyar and Ramalinga Adigal in the days following our meeting in 2005. 

Sri Ramana Maharshi says, "I have seen God! I have seen him face-to-face! I am seeing God just as clearly as you are seeing me. Those who have seen the truth can also show it to others. There is no room for doubt in these revelations. (Source: ‘SRI RAMANA DARSANAM’ by Sadhu Natanananda.)

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says, "God can be seen and spoken to just as surely as I am seeing you and speaking to you. If anyone really wants to see God and if he calls upon Him, God will reveal Himself. That's for certain." (Source: ‘RAMAKRISHNA - A PROPHET FOR THE NEW AGE’ by Richard Schiffman.)

Tavayogi too said that that was possible and that they would come. Only later, when I was at his Kallar Ashram, did I come to know that Tavayogi is known to speak to Agathiyar and Agathiyar has appeared as Light to him. But he said something else, too, that got me thinking. He asked me if that was what I wanted. It dawned on me that there was more to it, or higher, if you wish. When Agathiyar asked all those gathered, their wish and desire, coming to me, he waited on me. Although I had none, I had to think of something. I soon came up with asking to be born again and again to serve him as I did now, to which, like Tavayogi, he asked is that what you want? Only when I began editing a video days ago did I come across Tavayogi's similar desire in a song asking to serve Agathiyar in the next birth too.

என் உடல் என்னும் பம்பரத்தில்
உயிர் என்னும் கயிற்றைக் கட்டி
வினை என்னும் ஆட்டக்காரன் ஆட்டுவிக்கிறான்
இறைவா எம்பிரானே அகத்தீசா
வினை அறுக்க உன்னையே சரணடைந்தேன்
போற்றினால் உனது வினை அகலுமப்பா
போற்றினால் பூரணமும் கூடப்பேசும்
என்று சொன்னவனும் நீ தானே
ஆகவே உன்னையே சரணடைந்தேன்
நான் விடுகின்ற மூச்சும் நீயே
என் உடலும் நீயே உயிரும் நீயே
கூட்டுவிப்பவனும் நீயே குலைவிப்பவனும் நீயே
ஆட்டுவிப்பவனும் நீயே பெருமானே
இனி பிறப்பு வேண்டாம் எங்களுக்கு
ஒரு வேளை பிறப்பு இருக்குமானால்
அப்பிறப்பில் உனக்குத் தொண்டு செய்யும்
பாக்கியத்தைக் கொடுத்தருள்வாயாக அகத்தீசா

Tavayogi, in the above prayer, asked Agathiyar to end this cycle of birth. If it was not possible, then he asked Agathiyar to grant him the wish to take another birth and serve him as he did now. 

But when Agathiyar asked me if that was what I desired, I knew that moment that I was not to ask for this. There was something else. Later, speaking to Mahin over the phone regarding this, we agreed that we should ask for Gnanam that Tavayogi always reminds us to move towards, leaving devotion or Bakthi behind. Soon he comes again and tells me that I had asked for Gnanam. Then he explains that Gnanam is not gifted, but we have to earn it by traversing the Chakras and arriving at the Sahasrara, where, not that Gnanam would dawn on us automatically, but where we come to know what Gnanam is. If Gnanam was not gifted, then what more is there that he wants to gift me, I wonder.  

Soon, during each encounter with Agathiyar coming through a devotee, he, too, would put forth a question and reply to me with another question, "If that was what I wanted?" I guess there is no end to this search and journey, just like there is no end to our desires and wants. Ramalinga Adigal, in defining the numerous stages in the journey, comes to a point where he says that words could not describe or possibly do justice to the stages beyond it. So too is it that I cannot possibly describe in words the joy and bliss that comes on. I had wished to share this with others by just touching them, back then. But that would only be blissful for that moment only, wouldn't it? Tavayogi asked us to prolong this joy when it comes on. Agathiyar says that he is "this feeling" or Unarvu. 

Swami Muktananda in ‘KUNDALINI - THE SECRET OF LIFE’, Siddha Yoga Publication, 1994, writes,

The guru is the grace-bestowing power of God. The entire body of such a guru has become permeated with Shakti. In fact, the guru becomes the embodiment of Shakti to such an extent that the hat he wears, his clothes, and the mat on which he sits become permeated with it, and just by touching them, a disciple can receive Shakti.

So this Shakti and bliss can be passed on to others, too. No wonder each time Ramalinga Adigal comes through a devotee, he hugs us tight and passes on his bliss, asking us to connect with the storehouse of the Prapanjam for a continuous supply of it. All this is only possible through the guru.

Swami Muktananda quotes from the 'GURU GITA’ that sums it all up. We are asked to meditate on the guru's form. We are asked to worship the guru's feet. The guru's word becomes the mantra. Then liberation comes by his grace. 

Muktananda in ‘THE GURU MAINS YOU PERFECT MEDITATIONS ON THE GURU'S GRACE’ from ‘DARSHAN’, a Siddha Yoga Publication, May 1992, says,

The guru is one in whom the divine power of grace has taken permanent abode. The truth is that when God is pleased, he will direct you to the guru, and when the guru is pleased, he will direct you to God. It is only when the two come together that you have the divine union. 

This is what Tavayogi did too, showing me Agathiyar. In asking if that is what I wanted when I asked to see Agathiyar and Ramalinga, he showed me that I should instead desire to become them in all manner of existence and in all the planes too. Agathiyar, on his part, showed me to Sivam. In asking me to let him go too, he asked how else we are to become one. 

These gurus do not want us to worship them, forever be at their feet serving them. They want us to fill their shoes and fill that gap or void when they decide to leave to carry out other duties on the other planes. 

As Muktananda says,

Gurudev is like the philosopher's stone; he makes his disciples just like himself. He turns them into gurus like himself. This is the true guru-disciple relationship.

If Tavayogi brought me to Agathiyar, Agathiyar worked tirelessly on me. Supramania Swami, by giving me the merits of his 40 years of Tavam or austerities, made my journey easy. Tavayogi indeed told me with amazement that I had come this far quite easily while he had to struggle. Agathiyar too said that he could not simplify nor make it much easier refering to how he had to struggle too. 

I guess he has finally accepted my asking to join his fold or Tirukootam. I had written in an earlier post that, after offering me the privilege of building a temple, to become a medium to heal others, offering the Nadi for keeps and to read for myself and others, and head a Peedham, all of which I turned down, made me realize that to serve him in the births to come was not what we should ask for, either. And in taking up another desire of Tavayogi, that of asking for Gnanam, Agathiyar tells us that it was not gifted but that we had to earn it after journeying the Chakras. So, then in asking me if he should make me a guru, and as I felt guilty at turning down all the previous offers, and when I nodded my head in silence, he immediately rescinded that offer, and told me that he would make me a Siddha instead. Finally, Agathiyar agreed that to wish to be in his fold or Tirukootam was the right thing to ask. And so he takes Tavayogi with him to do his work in their realm. And so did Yogi Ramsuratkumar return to the Heavenly Father to do greater things in the subtle form.

How do I repay them and show my gratitude towards them, if not by carrying on their work here? I finally came to realize that I have lived my purpose in coming here, after editing and uploading two previous videos. I read the message that came through to me through these videos. True to the "Spiritual Numerology of Moses," or better known as the "Soul Contract Reading", I fulfilled my role as a Spiritual Catalyst here.