THE STORY OF PANCHESTI TEMPLE

A beautiful depiction of the episode as narrated by Agathiyar,  painted by Saravanan Palanisamy for Velayudham Karthikeyan's Siththan Arul

Today's post (18.9.2014) on Siththan Arul is about a temple for Agathiyar at Panchesti. I personally have not been to this temple yet, but I came to know about this temple from Jnana Jyothiamma who frequents this place. As a child she used to be brought here by her parents, later her husband and son accompanied her. She came back again, after a long stay in the USA, to rediscover Agathiyar at this temple. 

Velayudham Karthikeyan, the administrator of Siththan Arul writes on Agathiyar's revelation to the Jeeva Nadi Guru of Chennai about this temple.

When the Jeeva Nadi Guru, one day, requested Agathiyar to reveal about any of the numerous temples associated with him (Agathiyar), Agathiyar immediately chose to speak about his temple at Panchesti.

At one time in the past, when Agathiyar was in deep meditation, an Arakan (Asura) with his family fell at his feet. Surprised to find an Asura at his feet, Agathiyar through his wisdom eye, comes to know about him. He was Sukethu. Although born as an Asura, he was honest. He had to take birth as an Arakan due to his past karma. He used to worship Lord Shiva all the time. As a result the other Asuras gave him a lot of problems and disturbed his family and him. Agathiyar wanted very much to save Sukethu and his family and gave it much thought. 

Agathiyar realized that conducting a yagam or lighting the sacrificial fire was the only way to remove his Dosa and confer on him the state of Mukthi. Agathiyar decided to conduct 5 kinds of yagam, namely : Deva yagam, Brahma yagam, Bhoota yagam, Pithur yagam, Maanuda yagam. 

Agathiyar also knew that the rest of the Asuras will not allow this yagam to be carried out. While figuring a way out, Agathiyar receives a pleasant visit from Goddess Umaiyaal. 

Goddess Umaiyaal told Agathiyar that she had heard about Agathiyar's yagam from Lord Shiva but had not had the opportunity to witness one. She asked that Agathiyar allow her to witness this yagam.

Agathiyar explains to Goddess Umaiyaal that all this while he had been conducting yagam for the Devas and his disciples to remove their Dosa. Now he is about to carry out a Panja yagam, for the sake of Sukethu and his family, for the very first time. Agathiyar gives Goddess Umaiyaal the privilege to choose the spot where this yagam shall be held. Agathiyar requests that Goddess Umaiyaal should ensure no harm comes from the Asuras during the duration of the yagam. Agathiyar also requests that Lord Shiva should take form and appear in the yagam. 

Agathiyar also told Goddess Umaiyaal that on completion of the Panja yagam he plans to continue with the Sathru Samhaara yagam with Lord Murugan's aid. "The Sathru Samhaara yagam too will be conducted for the very first time", added Agathiyar. "This yagam would help lessen the troubles of man who has to face jealousy, objection, and torture." Agathiyar reveals that Lord Murugan himself has instructed him to conduct this yagam. 

Goddess Umaiyaal blessed Agathiyar and named the place where these yagams were to be conducted by Agathiyar to be known as Panchesthi. Agathiyar on his part told Goddess Umaiyaal that from that day forth she will be known as Anandhavalli Thaayaar.

Just as foreseen, the Asuras came to cause trouble and stop Agathiyar's yagam, but Goddess Umaiyaal destroyed them all. Agathiyar victoriously completed the Panja yagam and the Sathru Samhaara yagam. Sukethu and his family members attained release from their curse.

The following are photos of Gnana Jyothi Amma at Panchesti. Photos courtesy of Gnana Jyothi Amma.

A DIVINE RELATIONSHIP

The relationship between the guru and the disciple is beautifully illustrated in the life of Kalpattu Ramalingam who later came to be known as Kalpattu Aiya.

Ramalingam was a yogi from a town called Kalpattu in Nadu Naadu or present day Vizhuppuram. He was doing austerities on a hill at Thirunarungkundram, near present day Ulunthurpettai. Thirunarungkundram later became known as Thirunarungkondai and eventually came to be known as Thinrangkottai. Kalpattu Ramalingam lived in solitude, continuing severe tapas, only to enter the nearby town once a day to beg for food. His only wish was to advance spiritually with the guidance of a highly evolved master.

One day he declared to others that on a particular day that he mentioned, a master shall come to guide him. The miracle happened on the very specific day Kalpattu Ramalingam had indicated. Chidambara Ramalinga Adigal or Arutprakasa Vallalar's blessed feet graced the town of Thirunarungkundram that day. Vallalar's eyes fell on Kalpattu Ramalingam's thavakudil or residence. Kalpattu Ramalingam and the town folk who had anxiously awaited for the said master on seeing Ramalinga Adigal arrive, were visibly shaken and were in joy. Kalpattu Ramalingam fell for Ramalinga Adigal immediately. He cried his heart out at the much awaited master's feet. Ramalinga Adigal lifted Kalpattu Ramalingam and embraced him. "My prayers have been answered", cried out Kalpattu Ramalingam in joy. He continued, "I worship you master". "Please take me along with you", begged Kalpattu Ramalingam. Ramalinga Adigal told him to wait till he (Ramalinga Adigal) summons him.

One day Ramalinga Adigal thought about Kalpattu Ramalingam and immediately Kalpattu Ramalingam headed for Karungkuzhi where Ramalinga Adigal was staying. Kalpattu Ramalingam came to Ramalinga Adigal with high hope and aspiration to serve Ramalinga Adigal. Kalpattu Ramalingam wept in joy at reaching Ramalinga Adigal's abode at Karungkuzhi. But Ramalinga Adigal directed him to go to Chidambaram first and return after 6 months instead.

After 6 months had passed Ramalinga Adigal went looking for Kalpattu Ramalingam again and brought him to Dharmasalai at Vadalur. He had a kudil built for Kalpattu Ramalingam, east of Dharmasalai near a well, and instructed him to stay there. The same day Ramalinga Adigal gave him Gnana Upadesam. Kalpattu Ramalingam never left that kudil following that wonderful moment of initiation by his master. He immersed himself in tapas as shown by Ramalinga Adigal. Kalpattu Ramalingam lost himself in bliss.

During his meditation Kalpattu Ramalingam heard a voice question him, "Do you know from whom you received that Gnana Upadesam?", and  received an answer too. "You have received it from Vallal Ramalinga Adigal. Not only are you a student of his, you are also his child." From that day on Ramalinga Adigal was addressed as Vallal.

If he has news for Kalpattu Ramalingam or Kalpattu Aiya, Vallalar will summon him. As a result of his severe tapas and its resulting Tava Kanal, Kalpattu Aiya's body became fiery hot and he developed burnt wounds. Seeing him in torment, Vallalar commanded that Kalpattu Aiya be given food once a day.

Once Vallalar was away for days on end. Before leaving he reminded and had given instructions to his followers to send food to Kalpattu Aiya daily. But sadly it was not done. Once on arrival back at Dharmasalai, Vallalar inquired if Kalpattu Aiya had eaten in his absence. As his followers stood in shame and remained silent, Vallalar summoned them to bring food and headed straight for Kalpattu Aiya's kudil. He fed Kalpattu Aiya with his own hands that day, taking him to another level of bliss.

On another instance when Vallalar was saddened that his followers were not heeding his words and openly announced his displeasure at them, Kalpattu Aiya who was sitting among them, upon hearing these words of his master, suddenly fainted. Vallalar arose and went over to where Kalpattu Aiya lay and revived him, mentioning, "I did not mean you".

People from all walks of life came to Vadalur. As the numbers of devotees fed at the Dharmasalai increased, Vallalar summoned Kalpattu Aiya and Dharmasalai's cook Velur Shanmuganaar.  He asked them to take charge of preparing porridge and feeding the poor who arrived at Dharmasalai in large numbers. From that day foreword both Kalpattu Aiya and Shamuganaar, heeding Vallalar's command, took it upon themselves to doze the flame of hunger in the poor arriving continuously at the Dharmasalai.

Once as they were traveling in a cart drawn by a bull, Vallalar laid his head on the thigh of Kalpattu Aiya and took a short nap. Suddenly tears streamed from Vallalar's eyes and drenched Kalpattu Aiya's thighs, the floor of the cart and dripped onto the earthen road they traveled. Watching this unusual phenomena, questions arose in Kalpattu Aiya. Vallalar eventually quenched his thirst to know the reason for his continuous stream of tears. Vallalar had thought for a moment, "When would he see the day where peace would prevail by gods grace, where all suffering ends, where all are merged in eternal bliss, and where all come in unison bonded by love for each other".  Kalpattu Aiya on hearing this from Vallalar wept thinking how many people actually think about this or have this thought. Kalpattu Aiya too prayed to see the day where all sufferings end and only bliss prevails. Returning to Dharmasalai, Vallalar passed on the full responsibility of running the Dharmasalai to Kalpattu Aiya. Later Amaavaasai Paradesi joined Kalpattu Aiya and Velur Shanmuganaar with this mighty task.

On November of 1873 Vallalar entered Siddhivalagam and stayed behind closed doors for 3 months. Kalpattu Aiya and Kattamuthupaalaiyam Narayanar kept shuttling between Dharmasalai and Siddhivalagam. Vallalar summoned Kalpattu Aiya and Karanapattu Kandasamy and passed on to them his doctrines. Vallalar stated his disappointment to them on his followers not heeding his teachings. He commanded them to continue the act of feeding with compassion. Kalpattu Aiya sensing something, summoned Vallalar's followers to Siddhivalagam.

After 3 months in solitude, Vallalar appeared in the midst of all gathered at Siddhivalagam on 30th January 1874. He spoke his last words then. Kalpattu Aiya and Karanapattu Kandasamy stood in a corner, silent with tears flowing. Vallalar revealed that he would assume the role of Gnana Sidhar for the next 42,000 years and disclosing this, entered the room at Siddhivalagam. He sat on a Peedham. Kalpattu Aiya had the honor and privilege to latch the door from outside. Vallalar went into a blissful sleep.

As ordained  Kalpattu Aiya, Subburaaya Paradesi, and Kattamuthupalaiyam Narayanar carried out their duties of feeding at Dharmasalai with reverence. On the 8th of February, 1902 Kalpattu Aiya passed on his duties to his student Subburaaya Paradesi and waited to merge with Vallalar, an act that baffled those around him. They ridiculed Kalpattu Aiya asking how he was going to merge with Vallalar who had left them some 25 years ago. Kalpattu Aiya openly announced that Vallalar will come forth to take him with him just as he had done in the beginning, bringing him from Chidambaram to Vadalur.

That said miracle took place exactly after 48 days of his open decree, as ordained. It was 26th of April 1902. Vallalar appeared in front of Kalpattu Aiya. Immediately Kalpattu Aiya left his mortal frame. His life long wish was granted that day. Vallalar carried out Kalpattu Aiya's last rites. Vallalar stepped into Dharmasalai after 25 years.

Anaiyaa Aduppu at Dharmasalai. Photos courtesy of Gnana Jyothi Amma and Mathi

Kalpattu Aiya's Samadhi

Siddhivalagam

Gnana Jyothi Amma at Siddhivalagam

Sathya Gnana Sabai

The above post is based solely on Gnanabharathy's TAMIL MANNIN THANTHAI, 2005

THE POWER OF DEVOTION PART 1

As Navarathri is just round the corner (25.9.2014), thought I would share the story of a devotee of Goddess Sri Abhirami, Abhiramipattar, whose devotion moved and made the goddess "alter the course of the events in a mysterious manner".

This story is based on The Little Flower Company's publication in Tamil of the Sri Abhirami Andhathi.

It was the Tamil month of Thai, an ammavasai night or a new moon. King Sarobhoji, ruler of the kingdom of Tanjai having dipped in the waters of Kaveri, headed for with his entourage. On returning from Kaveripumpattinam he stopped over at Thirukadavur to have a darshan of Lord Sri Amudhakadaysar and Goddess Sri Abhirami.

Abhiramipattar was lost in deep meditation at the temple. The king who noticed the devotion of Abhiramipattar inquired about him from the locals. They briefed the king about Abhiramipattar. The king entered the inner sanctum to offer his prayers. But the king could not bring himself to focus on his prayers as the image of Abhiramipattar stood in front of him. On completion of his prayers, the king stopped to chat with Abhiramipattar. He asked what was the tithi that day, knowing pretty well that it was ammavasai or new moon. 

Abhiramipattar who was engrossed in the beauty of the goddess replied what he saw, a full moon. The king took to believe that Abhiramipattar was a lunatic just as the villagers had informed him earlier. The king left the premises.

Upon coming out of his tapas Abhiramipattar was informed of what had transpired earlier. Abhiramipattar regretted for having lied to the king unknowingly. He felt he had established himself as a lunatic in the eyes of the king and the public through this incident, just as they had teased and branded him all this while. He turned towards the goddess to remove the tainted perception she had brought on him. 

To prove his innocence he dug up a large pit and set a fire going. He hung precariously over the fire on a platform held by ropes. He prayed that the goddess should clear his name or he shall die in the flames. 

Abhiramipattar began singing the first verse of the Abhirami Andhathi, "Uthikindra sengathir ucchi thilagam unarvudai orr". As he completed each verse he cut into the ropes that held him afloat. When he had sang the 79th verse, "Vizhikke arul undu abhirami vallikku vedam sonna", the goddess appeared before him. She let afloat her tadangam or ear-ring into the sky. It took the shape of a full moon.

She spoke, "What you unknowingly uttered I have made it materialize. Complete the Andhathi. Thus continued Abhiramipattar with "Kuttiya vaa yennai thanadiyaaril kodiyavinai". Abhiramipattar sang another twenty verses to complete the Abhirami Andhathi. The king and the locals realized that they had misjudged continued Abhiramipattar and asked for forgiveness.

Gnana Jyothi Amma's post on Google+ appropriately explains Abhirami Pattar's experience with the Divine that made him spontaneously sing the Abhirami Anthathi at the eleventh hour in the face of humialition and danger. 

The live experiences what I had with Agathiya Maharishi, and still have ...... the impact of HIS grace, love and protection in my life ... my very existence ... makes me want to post the following.

It is absolutely true to the core that the Divine Grace, which is superior to all natural laws and the most powerful force in the universe can modify .... rather alter .. what ever is termed as "DESTINED" for an individual.

This extract is taken from a blog, administered by Shanmugam Avadaiyappa .......... www.agathiyarvanam.blogspot.com.

D C Desai quotes Paul Brunton in DIVINE GRACE THROUGH TOTAL SELF SURRENDER.

"Divine grace is a manifestation of the Cosmic freewill in operation. It can alter the course of the events in a mysterious manner, through it's own unknown laws, which are far superior to all natural laws, and can modify the latter by interaction."

"It is the most powerful force in the Universe. It descends and acts, only if it is invoked in total surrender. It acts from within, because God resides in the hearts of all beings."

It's whisper can be heard only by the minds purified by self surrender and prayer."

There can NEVER be more truer statements that what is mentioned above. This powerful force from the universe, that dwells within you, does descend and alter your very existence. Your DNA gets altered, your Inner Self gets revealed to you ... it reforms you into a totally, "NEW YOU."

A similar miracle took place in the life of Pattinathar. Wondering as a hermit he decides to spend the night in a ruined down temple. He enters the dark inner sanctum and goes into deep meditation unaware of what was taking place around him. He is suddenly jolted from his tapas and dragged to the court of the ruling king. He is charged for theft at the king's place. The gold ornaments he was supposedly stolen is hanging around his neck, sufficient proof for the king to condemn him to the gallows. Pattinathar remains silent throughout the trial not even lifting a finger to defend himself. Since he chose to remain quiet, the king finding him guilty executes the sentence for theft accordingly to the law of the day. Pattinathar is tied to a pole and is about to be tortured when the pole mysteriously catches fire. News of this miracle reaches the king. The king sensing that his judgement and sentencing was wrong hurries to the torture chamber and falls at the feet of Pattinathar asking for forgiveness. This king was to become a disciple of Pattinathar later, known as Patragiriyaar.

SOLITUDE

What I have found is that I, like many modern humans, was living a busy life, filled with plenty of ways to ignore myself and slap on a façade of joy and happiness. I found that I had been doing any and everything possible to avoid sitting down for five minutes and communicating with my own mind. I had lost touch with who I identified as my self. And in the process had lost a connection with my own humanity and heart. By having no other option but to sit, in a prison bed or in an isolated back road, I had an opportunity to understand my most deep pains and to begin healing them. It is this healing that will help bring our species back in alignment with the planet and its inhabitants.

The above is an excerpt from the upcoming book “The Conscious Resistance: Reflections on Anarchy and Spirituality” by Derrick Broze and John Vibes out in 2015. (http://earthweareone.com/the-importance-of-solitude-on-your-path-to-liberation/)

Beautifully said. Moving into solitude can come voluntarily, under instruction, forcefully, as a result of circumstances or due to fate and destiny. Just as the author reminiscences his life in his upcoming book, many saints have been instructed to go into solitude. Arunagiri was told by Lord Murugan to remain silent, "Sol Ara, Summa Eru". He sat in solitude for the next 12 years. After coming out of this austerity he was instructed to go places by Lord Murugan. He left Thiruvannamalai for many places including Palamuthircholai, Nimbapuram, Vada thirumullaivaayil, Palani, Siruvai, Kondruthoraadal, Thiruchendur, Thiruchiraapalli, Thiruvaavinankudi, Thirumayilai, Thiruvarunai, Thiruthanigai, Vayalur, Kanagagiri, Thiruparangkundram, Vayiravivanam, Periyamadam, Thirukurankaaduthurai, Vallimalai, Valliyur, Chidambaram, Thirumuruganpoondi, Thiruveragam (Swamimalai), Thirumayilai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Thiruvanaika, Thiruchenkodu, Thirumaanthurai, Thirunaakechuram, Oothimalai, Kodainagar, Devanur, Madurai, Thiruvaanjiyam, Thiruvarunai, Thirupaandikodumudi, Thirupanthanai nallur, Avinaasi, Aaru thirupathy, Kathirkaamam, Vaitheeswarankoyil, Viraalimalai, Seerkazhi, Thiruvaadaanai, Kandhankudi, Thiruveezhimizhalai, Thirukazhukundram, Konganagiri, Sri sailam, Somanaathanmadam, Yettukudi, Nagapattinam, Someechuram, Thiruvakarai, Sri musnam, Thirutavathurai (Laalkudi), Thiruvaanmiyur, Sri thirakovai, Mayilam, Yenkan, Maduraanthagam, Vinayagamalai, Thiruvengadam, Maayaapuri (Harithuvaaram), Thirukaalathi, Thiruporur, Uttaramerur, Vedaranyam, Kodainagar, Karuvur, Kuntalur, Vazhuvur, perur, Kayilaimalai, Virinjipuram, Kuratti, Perainagar, Thiruvidaikazhi, Thirupukozhiyur, Thirunallaaru, Rathnagiri, Theerthamalai, Sikkal, Thiruvalithaayam, Kumbakonam, Ilanji, Kodainagar, Yezhukarainaadu, Thirukonamalai, and Kaasi among many others.

Along the way Arunagiri was gifted with many siddhis beginning with the ability to sing the praise of Lord Murugan that later was compiled as the THIRUPUGAZH. I understand Arunagiri sang more than 16,000 hymns of which only 3,000 was saved, and only 300 in print today. Agathiyar says if one sings the THIRUPUGAZH and upholds its teachings will attain Mukthi easily. Agathiyar mentions that many miracles took place in Arunagiri's life but the Almighty chose only to reveal some instances. Agathiyar shares with us the moment Lord Murugan wrote on Arunagiri's tongue the Sadachara, and dictated him to remain silent, "Sol Ara, Summa Eru", Arunagiri received Sparisa Diksha, Nethira Diksha, Pulan Diksha, Kaatchi Diksha, and Nadana Diksha. But this did not come easy to Arunagiri either. It was the effort, tapas and good merits accumulated through the many previous births he had taken. Lord Murugan did not want Arunagiri to remain in Thiruvannamalai hence instructed him on a long and tedious journey throughout the length and breadth of India. Below is a song sang at Konganagiri.

On the other hand Ramana Maharishi on hearing the name Thiruvannamalai mentioned by a relative, left for Thiruvannamalai from Madurai immediately and never left the place (Thiruvannamalai) again. Ramana remained in solitude and silence for years before he came to preach his doctrine of Atma vichara or self enquiry.

Learn to Chant Sri Arunachala Akshara Mana Malai, one of Ramana's greatest works at http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/portfolio-item/sri-arunachala-akshara-mana-malai-english/

Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal too had been instructed to 'take a walk' through India that brought him out of his hometown of Thirupur to many places including Pollachi, Palani, Thanjavur, Thirukaniyur, Kollimalai, and Sathuragiri. At 60 years of age, Tavayogi wanted to go into samadhi. But Agathiyar had other plans for Tavayogi. Tavayogi was to propagate the path of the Siddhas. He was instructed to  seek out Agathiyar Vanam at Kallar and set up the Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham. He was directed to seek out devotees and establish Peedhams in Malaysia and Singapore. Listen to Tavayogi narrate how he came to this path in the following videos.

ARUTPA

These are the songs that introduced me to Ramalinga Adigal. Sethu from my office gave me a cassette one day. He had been given this cassette by his friend. I took it back home and listened to it. I was amazed. It was truly beautiful. I went looking for the full volume on cassette. I found them at Melody Audio Video Centre at Leboh Ampang. I came back with whatever collection of Ramalinga Adigal's THIRUARUTPA, I could lay my hands on and played them to my hearts content.

I went looking for Ramalinga Adigal's books. I was shown a last copy of Ooran Adigal's publication of the THIRUARUTPA at Manonmani. This two volumes of the complete works of Ramalinga Adigal made me even more happier. 

My sister and brother-in-law gifted me with Ooran Adigal publication of Ramalinga Adigal's URAI NADAI PAGUTHI, which they purchased at Vadalur. I was in joy upon receiving it as I had been searching for a copy of this book.  

Later at Vadalur, I was handed a soiled and tattered book as I was browsing through the books on sale just outside Sathya Gnana Sabai. Swami Saravanananda's beautiful explanation of Ramalinga Adigal's hymn the Arutperunjothi Agaval exalted me into further joy. 

Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal told me later in Malaysia that listening to these THIRUARUTPA songs itself will uplift and enlighten us. Thank you to all these good souls who have brought joy into my life.

THIRUARUTPA - ARUTPERUNJOTHI AGAVAL

Malaiyur Sada Sivam and Saroja Nataraj have rendered beautifully Ramalinga Adigal's hymn, the ARUTPERNJOTHI AGAVAL, a single hymn comprising of 1596 lines, among the more than 6,000 hymns written by him back in the 19th century. 

Read a review of the ARUTPERUNJOTHI AGAVAL at http://www.scribd.com/doc/149503282/The-Agaval-of-Ramalinga-Adigal

The Agaval of Ramalinga Adigal by Shanmugam Avadaiyappa

Kurai Ondrum Illai by Haricharan

A lovely song, Kurai Ondrum Illai that has touched many souls including mine. While searching through the net for information on this song, I came across some interesting facts from Wikipedia. 

Kurai Onrum Illai (Tamil: குறை ஒன்றும் இல்லை, meaning No grievances have I) is a Tamil devotional song written by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, Indian politician, freedom-fighter and Governor-General of India. The song was written in praise of the Hindu god Krishna and set in Carnatic music. This song is unique due to the fact that it does not assume the tone of devoted prayer as most Hindu devotional songs but one of thankfulness to God. The date of the composition is not clearly known. The song became popular for the first time in 1969 when Indian singer M. S. Subbulakshmi sang the composition at the United Nations. "Kurai Onrum Illai" is his sole Carnatic composition that has gained widespread recognition. The song depicts his intense devotion to God.

At http://www.shivkumar.org/music/kurai-onrum-illai.pdf more information is shed as follows,

The song describes the contented state of mind of the composer. The composer does not want anything. He is just content with seeing and worshiping the Lord. 

He expresses only a common concept that the Lord, though present in the stone form, is taking care of the needs of the devotees. However, the concept comes out so crystal-clear when one hears the song. The words used are so commonplace. 

Another distinctive feature of this song is that this was sung by MS Subbulakshmi at her United Nations concert in 1969 arranged by the then UN Undersecretary-general C V Narasimhan. The song was set to music by Kadayanallur Venkataraman who has worked with MS for decades. 

As Rajaji lay dying in the General Hospital in Madras in December of 1972, the last words spoken by him from his death bed was "I am happy" in reply to a question on how he felt. If only we could see the world through Rajaji's perspective, we shall attain peace and be at rest with ourselves.

Lyrics of this song, and its meaning can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurai_Onrum_Illai

More versions of this song can be watched at http://wn.com/kurai_ondrum_illai

THIRUPUGAL - AN AMBROSIA FOR THE SOUL

A mesmerizing rendition of Arunagiri's Thirupugal by Sambandam Gurukul.

Continue listening to more Thirupugal renditions by Sambandam Gurukul at songs 16 through 24 on SIVAYANAMA's playlist.

Nambinal Nambungal - Episode 47 - September 4, 2014

Stalin passed me this link.

AGATHIYAR GURU PUJA 2015

The next Guru Puja for Agathiyar will be held on 8th January 2015 at Kallar ashram. Already preparations are being made to usher this noble day where devotees gather on the grounds of the Sri Agathiyar Sri Thava Murugan Gnana Peedham to witness the great event and pinnacle of the two day celebration - the lighting of the sacrificial fire or the Sarva Dosa Nivaarana Maha Yagam.

Present day Kallar ashram

Kallar ashram some years back

Everything has fallen into place. Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal was chosen among us to leave the family behind on a much greater and noble mission. When I was with Tavayogi the very first time at his ashram nestled in the foothills of the Kallar mountain, going through the many Nadi leaves that he had brought out to share its contents with me, he read from a transcribe in a notebook made from a Nadi reading for his daughter. In it Agathiyar consoled his grandchild not to be sad that she had to part with her father for Agathiyar said that Tavayogi had a much bigger mission to perform. How compassionate of the Father to console his granddaughter.

After many years of tapas or austerities in various hills and caves, Agathiyar had Tavayogi seek out Agathiyar Vanam and began working on his ashram immediately. He made Tavayogi travel numerous times to Malaysia where the little funds he gathered was used to improve living conditions at the ashram and to feed the poor. Agathiyar in my Nadi reading tells me that funds received from the public are put to good use at Kallar.

Tavayogi was instructed to place a granite structure called Aaru Aadhaara Peedham and worship the light or Jyothi placed on the summit of this tiered abstract form. The Aaru Aadhaara Peedham, instructed to be made and installed by Agathiyar, in the inner chambers remains auspicious for those who could comprehend its inner meanings.

Aaru Aadhaara Peedham and Arutperunjhoti at Kallar

The Aaru Aadhaara Peedham at Kallar

Understanding that people were very much hooked onto forms and temple worship, and realizing that they were not ready to receive God in the abstract and formless, as yet, Agathiyar allowed for his worship in the form of a 6 feet tall fiber statue.

Agathiyar blessing devotees at Kallar

Thava Murugan joins the fold later.

Thava Murugan sitting majestically at Kallar

These masterpieces bring form into worship that is easily accepted by the public. Agathiyar surprises Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyaar by instruction her to bring a miniature granite statue of Agathiyar that she was directed to place at a Nadi center, back to Kallar ashram after many years.

Agathiyar commissioned by Mataji now at Kallar

Agathiyar again instructs Tavayogi to place another granite statue of him in the hills of Kallar where Tavayogi was blessed with his Darshan or vision. This place is now known as Mulasthaanam.

Agathiyar at Mulasthaanam in the hills of Kallar

Just a couple of days before the annual Guru Puja it is Tavayogi's turn to be surprised with a gift handed over by a sadhu in the early morning hours. The sadhu hands Tavayogi a 1 1/2 feet long Rudraksham weighing 7 kg and asked to worship it as a Shivalingam.

The single faced mystical rudraksham now worshiped as a Shivalingam

I am blessed to have witnessed the development of this ashram from a hut to a full fledged ashram and a magnificent temple. Agathiyar had Tavayogi conduct libation or abhisegam to the granite structure representative of the 7 tiers or removal of veils that eventually leads to the witnessing of light or Jyothi. Agathiyar had Tavayogi conduct the monthly Yagam on full moon days and an even more massive Yagam, the Sarva Dosa Nivarana Maha Yagam, held annually in conjunction with the Guru Puja and Jayanthi celebrations. What started with 5 fire pits later was expended to 108 where devotees were given the honor to participate.

The monthly Yagam conducted during Full Moon days at Kallar

Tavayogi addressing the devotees prior to the start of the Maha Yagam

Devotees at the Maha Yagam

Many herbs are gathered from the hills of Kallar and placed in the sacrificial fire so that participants could inhale the smoke and benefit from inhaling the fumes

Agathiyar blesses Tavayogi with yet another gift - the much talked about Jeeva Nadi. Tavayogi reads this Nadi to seekers on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

I understand better what is taking shape at Kallar now. Kallar was mentioned in Agathiyar's text many thousand years ago.

A hymn from Agathiyar's 12,000 which reveals the hills where the Siddhas made their it their homes, including Kallar

Agathiyar reveals Kallar again in the much recent Jeeva Nadi revelations in possession of Nadi Guru Ganeshan of Thanjavur.

The significance of Kallar hills is revealed by Agathiyar in a Jeeva Nadi reading recently

Agathiyar explains why temples are built on top of hills, further strengthening the role that the Kallar ashram has to play in the years to come. Lobha Maa foresaw all these taking place and graciously stepped into Kallar ashram some years back to reveal it to Tavayogi.

Lobha Maa at Kallar

True to its role Kallar as the sole place where karma will be rid off, the annual Sarva Dosa Nivarana Maha Yagam has been held for the past several years. Agathiyar in my Nadi reading mentioned that "the skies open up' at Kallar during Agathiyar's Jayanthi and Guru Puja.

The next Maha Yagam will be held on 8th January 2015. Devotees will make their way to Kallar to be a part of this celebrations. Make a date with Tavayogi at 98420 27383 or Mataji at 98425 50987 now.

VIVEKANANDA

Aravind Maharaj has uploaded a movie on Swami Vivekananda at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9b4OGG3oZELQRDeZW3bczA

A masterpiece. A retelling of a tale of a master and his disciple. Truly a beautiful relationship.