STAY SAVE WITH THE GURU

Srīnāthā Rāghavan posted the following on fb some hours ago.

On the Spiritual Path, we shall get to meet many Walkers, Talkers, Stalkers, Stoppers, Admirers, Bystanders and a very few Well Wishers and Helpers as well. Spiritual Maturity is how you deal with each one of them, so they don't influence your Mind from walking your chosen path, coaxing you to become one of them instead. 

Unfortunately the Spiritual Path is a solitary one, where you can't reach the destination in groups. You have to walk it all alone, despite of all the wanted and not so wanted company, you'll get to keep now and then. Stop not, walk alone if you must, till the end in faith!

How true is Sri's statement. I too made the mistake of expecting others to follow the Siddha path. Since I derived immense joy and bliss, comfort and peace, from treading the path, it was only natural of me to talk to others of its greatness and convince them to come on board ship. Then it dawned on me and I soon realized each person has to voluntarily take the first step, and make the journey for themselves. You can only take the horse to the stream, but it has to drink on its own. No one will be magically lifted off to Never-land on a magic carpet. You have to walk miles to reach the destination.

Incidentally Never-land is where its residents, ".. cease to age, its best known resident famously refused to grow up. The term is often used as a metaphor for eternal childhood (and childishness), immortality, and escapism." Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neverland

"Spiritual Maturity is how you deal with each one of them, so they don't influence your Mind from walking your chosen path, coaxing you to become one of them instead." This is the trend I see now taking place too where preachers and institutional heads try to push their faith and practices on unsuspecting commoners aspiring for something spiritual and elevating for both their soul and spirit. I too have listened to them speak of the greatness of their path and the merits of adopting certain practices, sadly at the expanse of belittling others faith and practices. They take the safe and easy way to address, convince and convert people already spiritually aligned to a path. I wonder should not their target be to bring their teachings to those who are aimlessly roaming out there for a bank to dock or a place to ditch? Or maybe to those unaware of the very existence of the divine. That would be a lifetime achievement.

Say what you may there might be hundreds out there who look the other way and shun from all these spiritual talks, satsangs and gatherings. They stay away from worship and rituals of any form. Does that equate to and mean that they are being less spiritual then us? 

For those who shun certain faiths, beliefs and rituals might do so for a reason unknown even to them. For all I know they could have gone through all these stuffs in previous lives and hence something in them tells them it was no more necessary and keeps them away. Can we belittle and ridicule them for their stand?

Thinking that we have outwitted Maya, taking on the role of a spiritual or religious leader, we give sermons, drawing crowds to our teachings. The greatest Maya that we fall for, without even realizing it, is we judge others to be less religious or spiritual. We begin to judge, divide and rule based on a persons faith, belief, religious practice, external behavior and sadly even the diet they take. I liked the part of an interview by someone, where he says do not classify people purely on their diet and do not reduce religion to the menu in the kitchen. Sadly this is what the preachers of many faiths stress on these days. They take the stage and talk about the menu but not the magic of transformation within.

It is sad that we are classified spiritual and non spiritual based on our eating habits. I became a vegetarian overnight 20 years ago for no reason. Nobody brainwashed me. It just happened. Many in AVM have turned vegetarians overnight too without any reasons. It just happened.

In their eagerness to convert others they forget that in event a vegetarian needs blood transfusion is he going to seek for "vegetarian" blood? The very body itself is meat. Throw us into the den of the tiger and we become food for them.

The very idea is to turn this meat body into light body. This takes place only by the grace of the divine and not by other means. When the divine comes within us a major transformation takes place. All things happen on its own then. 

We have indeed diverted from the path, lost sight of the supreme goal, seeking to score points by stopping to address other issues on the way.

Buddha went through both extremes and finally decided to choose the middle way. Lets be moderate in all things we hold and do.

Then everyone wants to give free advice, give initiation, give mantras, give techniques and leave, leaving the poor soul unguided, not watched and not monitored further. Everyone wants to jump into the robes of a guru without knowing its consequences. When someone takes on a disciple, the disciple's life comes under the purview of the Guru and his karma is the responsibility of the Guru too. Many did express surprise that Tavayogi being a Guru, should succumb to the blockages and undergo surgery some time back. I told them that he went through all the pain for me and my family, so that we were spared any form of suffering.

The difference between us and Erai is that Erai only sees the Atma and guides us to work towards strengthening it gaining Atma Balam. We see everything else except the Atma.

After my visits to India, after I was gifted with two wonderful physical Gurus and Agathiyar and his league of Siddhas, I stopped seeing saintly men and attending spiritual talks, rituals and religious ceremonies. Agathiyar mentioned in subsequent Nadi readings to see several Gurus. I turned his requests down stating that since I had him, that was enough. My search had ended. He was my world. Period. He too dropped that talk. The only time I turned up at a Vizha for Agathiyar organized by others was when Tavayogi asked that I represent him at the function.

Lately I did attend several talks, rituals and events as it was organized by some friends but again I understood that it was all not necessary, at least for me. As Srinatha says, "Spiritual Maturity is how you deal with each one of them, so they don't influence your Mind from walking your chosen path, coaxing you to become one of them instead", I guessed I have learnt to deal with these distractions by going back into my cocoon, my space and my thoughts as spelt out clearly by Saint Nakirar in his Vinayagar Thiruagaval, to be an intimate and prestigious space where both the guru and disciple share some sacred moments in understanding and comprehending the wisdom, experiencing and absorbing the bliss and eventually merging with the other. Indeed bliss is at the feet of the Guru.

மோனா ஞான முழுதும் அளித்து

சிற்பரிப் பூரண சிவத்தைக் காண

நற்சிவ நிட்கள நாட்டமுந் தந்து

குருவுஞ் சீடனுங் கூடிக் கலந்து

இருவரும் ஒரு தனியிடந் தனிற் சேர்ந்து

தானந்தமாகித் தற்பர வெளியில்

ஆனந்த போத அறிவைக் கலந்து

ஈசனிைணயடியிருத்தி

மனத்தே நீயே நானாய்

நானே நீயாய்க்

காயா புரியைக் கனவெனவுணா்ந்து

எல்லாமுன் செயலென்ேற உணர

நல்லா உன்னருள் நாட்டந் தருவாய்

காரண குருவே கற்பகத் களிேற

வாரணமுகத்து வள்ளலே போற்றி

mona gnana muluthumalitthu

sirparipoorana shivattai kaana

narshiva nitkala naattamum thanthu

guruvum seedanum koodi kalanthu

eruvarum oru tani edam thanil sernthu

thaananthamaagi tarpara veliyil

aanandha pootha arivai kalanthu

esan enaiyadi erutthi manathay

neeye naanaai naane neeyaai

gaayaa puriyai kanavena unarnthu

yellaam un seyalendray unara

nallaa un arul naatham tharuvaai

kaarana guruve karpaga kalire

vaarana mugatthu vallale potri

FROM SELF CENTERED-NESS, TO TAKING A JOURNEY, MAKING THE INNER JOURNEY & TAKING ON THE WORLD

In my last post I wrote, "What a journey! The end is still not in sight. We have a long way to go. And it all began with home prayers. Let us go on a drive to bring prayers closer to our hearts and into our homes. Prayers can move mountains and hearts. With these message the frequency of my writings will reduce henceforth, but I shall post as and when there is a need. Thank you for your following and all your support."

Then Balamurugan placed a request in AVM's Whatsapp group, "Ayya, your writings are beautiful. Pls continue writing." Others wrote in previously too.

Dear Shan aiya. I hope you and the family and the entire AVM family are very well. I only just had the opportunity to read Need for Tolerance. What an amazing piece. All of your writings are amazing but this piece resonated with me so much. I smiled in knowing as I read how you spoke to every Tom Dick and Harry about the siddhas and was met with disinterest. I know it well too happened to me so many times. I have not been on the path long  Shan aiya but you have nutured and guided us perfectly....do not despair. Your request to everyone to write about their journey is sage The Carl Sagen quotes about books have come up for me twice this week I know why I just don't know what to do about it. 

Dear Shan aiya. Hope you and all at AVM are very well. Saw your message...you relieving your role within AVM. Your wish as well as Lord Muruga's is highly respected. What does it mean Shan aiya? Will we hear from you again from time to time, will your writings stop etc?. ... So sorry Shan aiya did not want to disturb you. My first thought was "silence" for you. I understand completely. I am so happy for you. Am going to miss you so much but it is going to be such an incredible, amazing part of your journey. 

extraordinary journey (on Sanjivji's journey) ..We all are indebted to the the divine blog...and the nourishment it gives to our souls in by the way  of such divine writings....Thanks a lot shan sir...sanjeev ji and to the entire team.

There were many moments when I thought of signing off and going into oblivion. But it always happens that the moment I intend to do so, I either have someone email me or tell me how they had benefited from these postings and writings making me stay on. 

To all those who wrote in asking me to continue writing, I bring my hands together and bow my head in salutation to you. I am truly grateful to Agathiyar to have kept me alive to continue writing, giving me the honor and opportunity and using me as a tool to write about him and his message; giving me the subject to write about; sending materials and important messages that needed to be shared on the blog through the AVM family; dispelling doubts and bringing clarity; bringing timely and appropriate answers and messages to readers and for giving these writings life and energy. It is all his work and doing. Nothing is mine. 

Coming to him, coming to worship him, holding on and being faithful to his league, he comes down to work on us, work on our problems, removing obstacles and clearing the path, bringing us to understand life and the reasons for taking birth, reveals our mission or gives us a new task or mission from that moment on, guides us along in seeing the task complete, and prepares all the avenues for us to accomplish the given task to his satisfaction. Upon completion he gives us a pat on the back. He then begins to shower us with rewards and gifts. I too came to the crossroad of life where I needed to decide whether to accept his gifts and hence stop the journey there and then, remaining stagnant at that stage or particular level of realization, not moving further. Or I could refuse all these tempting gifts and acknowledgement that came with a position, an honorary title, respect from the society, power, authority, Siddhis, etc. I chose to turn down all these offerings for the sole reason that I did not want to get trapped and fall further into the state of illusion or maya that has now emerged and taken on a new form, that of  these goodies and appreciation. I understood the play of Erai. I refused them for all the above reasons. This small clever and tricky mind of mine instead thought that if I was to negate and refuse Erai's gift, he would come up with another gift and yet another till he would have nothing else to give but HIM! I had him cornered! That was what I wanted. Nothing else mattered. 

Although I knew I had a choice in the matter, but when I ascertained my choice of action, I came to realize that my action in making a decision to turn down his wishes only denoted that I was still in charge and had not surrender fully to Erai, still having a desire separate from Erai and not willing to co-operate. If before this I used to think why should the saints or Mahaan's receive all the worship and veneration from the public, when they could easily put a stop to it all, I suddenly realized that if they were to stop all these forms of adoration that the public showed towards them, then it would only mean that they were still maintaining a separate identity from the divine, compelling, insisting and letting know their likes and dislikes, wants or abhorration. I then understood the reason why they refrained from stopping the devotees from performing libation on them, feeding them and showering gifts etc.

Today I very well understand that I am merely a tool and an adiyar or servant brought to do his work. The moment we drop our desires and wants we stop living for ourselves and instead live for him. We become his servant. We need only do his work. In return he takes care of us and our families thenceforth. The "I" that has lost its freedom to choose and make a choice does not exists then, its only He that exists.

I understand clearly too that when it comes to doing his work, we do not have a choice. Neither is there an option but to follow their dictates for it is their will that takes charge from thereon. When the divine order wants something done there is a reason for it. Just like the commander in a battle field or war zone, he need not provide nor explain in detail, listing the reasons for giving the command. The divine has the whole of humanity in mind and sight in all its doings unlike personal wants and individual gains that drives us to do something. He works on the whole while we work just on a tiny piece of our individual self. 

But before starting us on serving humanity he sends us off on a journey of self discovery, where we are made to lose and shed our individual identity and personal desires. We are shown things that shake the very foundation of our thoughts and opinions that we had upheld till then. We return a changed person, having dropped individual desires and personal wants. We appreciate life and begin to show our gratefulness to the divine for taking care of us well. We return with an objective and a determined resolve to bring a change to the self, in others and the world we live in. The thought to help others too begins to develop. We look for means and ways to help the society and humanity. We come out of the comfort zone and the well that we had made our home and stayed in for far too long a time. 

For all these to happen, we need to take the first step. The very first step starts below our feet and after all the pilgrimage, journey and travel it ends at the same place, below our feet. 

Sheik Muhaiyaddeen Guru Bawa, a Sufi master takes us on a step by step inner journey, a journey of discovery, armed with wisdom and the light of this wisdom. 

Know the truth and that which is in this truth,

the grace within this,

the love within this grace,

the compassion within this love,

the equality within this compassion,

the unity of life in this equality,

the radiance within this unity,

the wisdom within this radiance,

the light within this wisdom,

the god within this light,

man within god, and finally

know the god within man.

Source: The Divine Luminous Wisdom that Dispels the Darkness: God-man, Man-god by M.R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, The Fellowship Press, Philadelphia

AGATHIYAR GNANA PEEDHAM KALLAR

FROM THE TEMPLE INTO THE HOME

Alternating between home worship and temple worship, and with a hibernation period and abstinence from all forms of worship thrown in between for a period of 14 years, a sudden surprise visit from Agathiyar's messenger who carried Lord Vishnu's mantra, delivered Lord Dhakshanamurthy's picture, and passed on a promise that I would meet my Guru in a years time, brings a series of fortunate events to take place immediately.

Coming to read the Nadi a year later, I was told I shall meet my Guru. With the coming of the Guru in the physical form, two wonderful Gurus, Supramania Swami in 2003 and Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal in 2005, the path I was to take was shown distinctively.

Supramania Swami showered his love and blessings, frequently reminding me of my obligation towards Erai. That is He, Supramania Swami, the Guru, one who dispels the darkness.

When Tavayogi arrived in Malaysia in 2005, he asked us to come out of the Bhakti marga or path of devotion and step into the Gnana marga or path of self realization. He worked on us by bringing us to the fields to gain experience directly, expounding lessons through his rare and occasional statements while on these long walks, and little by little bringing the realization that Agathiyar, the most compassionate Kadavul, was also Shiva, and the very breath. That is He, Tavayogi, the Atma Guru, who carries the light with him.

Then Agathiyar came directly and accelerated the whole process. Agathiyar in the Nadi painted the path, lighting it up, removing the veil and obstacles, leading the way initially, then stopping for a moment to wait for us to catch up with him, then taking us by the hand, eventually carrying us on his shoulders. That is He, Agathiyar, the Gnana Guru, who demands nothing from us but gives all he has. 

He cannot see us shed a tear. He shoulders our karma. He serves as a force field. That is He, Arutperunjhoti Andavar, the most compassionate Guru. 

He delivers us from the hold of Yama. He stands up to injustice done to us. He uplifts us to his status. He listens. He heals. He lives and moves in us. He serves his devotees through us. That is He, Supramaniar, the Satguru.

The moment the Guru came into our lives, the light at the end of the path was lighted. He came in the form of the Nadi. He appeared in the subtle form whenever and wherever his name was mentioned. He made his presence known to his devotees through miracles. He made us sense his presence. He brought changes in our thoughts, the physical body and the surroundings. He began creating a conducive atmosphere and environment, bringing together all his children to contribute towards his cause. Moulding us into his devotees, he brought us to perform rituals, ceremonies, charity, and tapas. He has many more things planned for us, that he would reveal in days to come. 

After all these activities he proposes that we unwind and go into a silent retreat. That is He, Dhakshanamurthy, the Mouna Guru or Silent One.

What a journey! The end is still not in sight. We have a long way to go.

And it all began with home prayers. Let us go on a drive to bring prayers closer to our hearts and into our homes. Prayers can move mountains and hearts. With these message the frequency of my writings will reduce henceforth, but I shall post as and when there is a need. Thank you for your following and all your support. 

Gowri Arumugam - Karunai Vizhiyaal Official Music Video | Agathiyar Geet...

Watch the music video Karunai Vizhiyaal, the title track from Raagawave Production's Audio Cd Album "Agathiyar Geetham", produced in collaboration with AVM and AUM. For orders of physical copies and online purchases of the Audio Cd see the sidebars on this blog.

BRINGING THE POWERS HOME

"And now the true journey starts," with that statement Tavayogi looked back at me with a smile on his lips and a sparkle in his eyes as he led me on a life changing journey to various Siddha spots and samadhis. He sort of implied that the travel and pilgrimage I did before was not "The Journey". "The Journey" with him, a seasoned turavi or mendicant, opened my eyes, heart and very being. The journey taught me many subtle things besides what was already pretty apparent. The journey brought me into an entirely new sphere of magic, mystery and initial bewilderment that soon came into focus and clarity with amazing results.

Balamurugan, the only one in AVM to have made a religious pilgrimage and a journey of inner seeking and finding to life and its mystery, told me that as he stood before the majestic Mount Kailash, viewing the mountain up close, he felt so tiny, small and insignificant. This was only in comparison with the majestic mountain. We have not compared ourselves to the entire world, universe, cosmos and beyond! Even before he finally reached out his hands and physically touched and felt the divine mountain, he was knocked off his pride and senses while making the journey, figuring out what he was doing in a vast landscape caught between the never ending sky, skyline and horizon and the snow clad rocks and mountains. Balamurugan tells me there is total silence out there except for the sound of the wind that brushed him along its way. He adds that here he came face to face with the other side of nature, the rough, treacherous terrain and climate. You are grateful to be alive each second out there. You come face to face with your own fears, the fear of death, and the thought of a lonely death, if it does happen, away from the family except for the company of a handful of fellow travelers.

In the midst of 7.6 billion people we feel significant and powerful, destroying Nature and its beauty for our monetary gains and comfort. But being out there in the remote mountainous terrains untouched by man or on a road less traveled, the fear of Nature grips you for there stands Nature in all its might leasing out terror on her open and vast playground. 

Pico Iyer, writes a beautiful piece on the need or otherwise of a pilgrimage and journey at https://tricycle.org/magazine/long-road-sitting-still/ He quotes Henry David Thoreau,

... the very act of taking off on a journey speaks for a kind of openness and ripeness that is in fact the first step on the road to transformation. It’s a public recognition that you don’t know everything and that some of those things can come to you as readily on the road as on the mat; it’s a way of setting your senses at the level marked “ON,” slapping yourself awake and trying to join that much larger sense of self—or non-self—we sometimes lose when we’re sleepwalking through our lives.

Pico Iyer writes on D. H. Lawrence, 

.. to take him as an inspiration and as a fellow traveler who was responding to some intuition that said that what he saw in his enclosure wasn’t everything. 

Just as there is a world beyond the four walls, Tavayogi too showed me a world that stood fast and close to nature - the world of the Siddhas. Agathiyar tells travelers on the Siddha path, that on reaching the destination "Puranamum Kude Pesum", that would translate loosely to mean Nature then speaks to you. Rather then imply that we have control of Nature, which would show our arrogance to control and rule, and imply our superiority over Nature, I would say that Nature abides to our wishes. Nature cooperates with us. Nature works with us in unison. That is the nature of a Siddha. This was the lesson shown to me at the end of my travels with Tavayogi.

Coming back into the city and present times, whenever Tavayogi is approached by people for a solution to their problems, illness, sufferings, he reveals to them the cause of all these miseries. What is the cause? Karma. What is the solution then? Prayers. Who should we then pray to? The Siddhas. This is how many came to worship the Siddhas. 

Then there are those while seeking ways out of their misery are told about the Siddhas and the existence of the Nadi that could provide solutions to their problems, illness, sufferings. The Siddhas reveal to them the cause of all these miseries. What is the cause? Karma. What is the solution then? Prayers. Who should they then pray to? The Gods and Goddesses in the trilogy and the myriad numbers of Devas, Rshis, Siddhas, Munis and numerous other energies. This is how many came to worship the Siddhas too. 

Coming to read the Nadi they are introduced to Agathiyar and the Siddhas. They begin worship of the Agathiyar and the Siddhas. What do you get by worshiping the Siddhas asked someone some time back while we were in the midst of prayers. It brought us great joy we replied then. 

Today the worship of Siddhas has brought immense joy coupled with bliss in multifold. 

Prayers to Agathiyar brings him from his abode in the Pothigai hills to our abode, a small dwelling in Malaysia, from his mystical plane to our miracle planet. 

Prayers to Agathiyar brings him into our hearts. One of the very early songs of praise to Siddhas given to us mentioned that the mere mention of his name makes the other Siddhas turn around and look out inquiring as to who was calling out for Agathiyar. Similarly when Ramalinga Adigal made his journey to the abode of Lord Nadaraja the entire beings of that plane, stopped for a moment to ask each other who was this saint who had made the rare journey thus far, referring to Adigal.

Soon the Siddhas too arrived in our homes, standing in benevolence and deep respect as we sang the praises of Agathiyar. Mataji was testimony to this event when she shared with us how she felt the ground shake and move below her as she ran through the names of the Siddhas at a prayer in AVM. Agathiyar pointed out this miracle to her in a later Nadi reading for a devotee, revealing that the whole force of Siddhas were present to witness the puja for Agathiyar led by Tavayogi. Agathiyar returned the favor by bringing all the might of the Siddhas to conduct a Yagam to extend Tavayogi's life span recently.

Lord Muruga too dropped in wherever his disciple Agathiyar was worshiped and praised. He brings along with him the whole entourage from the Divine Kingdom including Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi; Lord Narayana and Mother Laksmi; Lord Brahma and Mother Saraswathi. Just as the security services spring into action days before the arrival of dignitaries, screening and clearing the way, numerous energies are summoned and arrive before the Lords and Goddesses do. Never in my dreams did I anticipate happenings of these nature to take place in real time. 

With continuous chanting of the names of the Siddhas over the years the divine chooses to dwell in our homes and hearts. Our homes and hearts become energized with the divine substance. Everyone and thing in the home takes on a new aura. The sacred ash or vibhuthi for instance then gains the merit to cure, becoming prasad.  The food that is served becomes medicine, again turning into prasad. The body heals itself. We heal others. They are healed by merely being present in these energy filled homes and circle. The divine begins to heal the wounds in their hearts and illness in their body and mind. 

With the coming of the Siddhas, great transformations take place within and without. Sounds are amplified. Even the minutest sounds are heard. One hears his own heartbeat. The thoughts of others are heard. Solutions are given from the divine. 

Those who are in tune with the divine can easily tap into these energies and make them work towards their cause. All their wishes see the light of the day and come true. 

During our entire lives we are practically moving things physically, emotionally or mentally. A desire arises in us and we work towards it. All things should move with faith, intent, some effort or joint effort if necessary. But in reality it is otherwise. We realize then all these is only possible with the cooperation of the individuals concerned. When what we want involves a person both these hearts have to merge in unison for a deal to work out in favor of both parties. We realize then that although even the mountains can be moved but it is tough to move the hearts of some. This is where we learn to avoid direct confrontation and conflict but rather seek out the divine to open the hearts of these difficult people. It takes a lot of work mending the broken heart and the hardened rigid heart. With us doing our part not messing up and making the situation more chaotic, the divine works subtly behind the screen doing its part. Even the toughest hearts melt eventually over time. Hence the continuous reminder to be patient. 

This goes for all our other dealings too in this material world. Just as when someone's heart is rigid, an obstacle is then placed in our path, all our obstacles are man made in nature. When we seek the Siddhas for a solution they sent us around doing various remedies like pleasing the Gods and Goddesses at temples, feeding the poor and hungry, feeding the animals, etc. These acts if followed will open up the individuals heart and also the hearts of the receiver be it the divine, man or animal. Although these acts are acts of reprieve and atonement in direct response to one's past karma, it goes beyond that. If we give a moment of thought to it, we realize it helps inculcate the act of doing charity to others. Hence begins a chain of engaging in doing noble deeds. The equivalent results of these positive actions, if continued, begins to transform the person from within.

We have to have faith in the Siddhas first. With the coming of the Siddhas, all obstacles and sufferings start to clear. Finances improve with many new ways shown to improve our standard of living. Doors that previously were closed begin to open. 

The divine that once we were a part of, becomes the master or guru as we serve him, stays at our side guiding and protecting. The divine speaks in us and through us as we become an apostle of his. Our reason to take birth is finally attained and accomplished when he comes to bring us back to his abode to be at his feet forever.

From Salokyam or living in his world, attending to mundane things besides serving him in small ways, we are brought to realize his presence amidst us or Saameepyam in all our doings. When due to his grace we change into the image of him we take on his tanmai or nature, becoming Saaruppiyam. Finally we attain Saayuchyam when we are one with him. This is the inner journey or pilgrimage as laid out by Agathiyar.

Guru Agathiyar Puranam & Pathikam

ANNADHANAM & ITS MERITS

Just as the individual had four asramas namely Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sannyasa (renunciate) in ancient times, the society too was divided along the nature of work. The man who plough the fields whole day long cannot be expected to sit in meditation. But he fed the visiting sanyasi, food. Society these days would slander the sannasi for living off the income from hard labour of the farmer. They might question that it wasn't fair that the farmer had to slog and toil in the fields while the sanyasi had it easy. 

The food that is given to a true sanyasin is returned in favour to the farmer as a blessing from the sanyasin. The sanyasin's merits gained from his life long tapas is transferred to the farmer who hardly knows the ways of the spirit and the means to attaining moksha. But he is instantaneous elevated to the stage of moksha without him engaging in austerities and rituals. 

The farmer too derives merits in feeding the population through his noble contribution. Agathiyar says briefly he was from the farming community in the past. He has advice a devotee to take up an offer in the Middle East; make all the money he could within a five year span; return home; buy a piece of land and toil and work on it. What a transition? From information technology to farming. Who could understand the ways of the divine?

I did not realize until a moment ago that we have come one whole cycle and fulfilled Tavayogi's initial initiation on the merits of feeding that began with us serving him food at our home many years back. When Tavayogi came to my home for the very first time taking up my invitation to lunch, I asked him to conduct a small prayer before food was served. Then Tavayogi went on to address the small number of invitees, mostly family and friends, to the event. He read from a small booklet that he had published for his Agathiyar Gnana Peedham extolling the greatness of serving food and looking after a true Gnani and his needs,  and the collectively large merits gained through these humble and simple acts.

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே தீர்த்தமாடல் 

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே தேவ பூஜை 

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே செப தபங்கள் 

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே செய்யுமறங்கள் 

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே சிவத்தைக் காணல் 

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே சிவத்தின் சேவை 

திட ஞானி தெரிசனமே மேவுவதற்குக் 

திரிவிதமா முலகத்து மரிதாம் யார்க்கும் 

வரமான ஞானிக்கு மகிழ்வி னோடே 

வளமான போசனமே அளிப்ப தாலும் 

திரமான ஞானிக்குத்  தேவை யான 

திரவியமே சிரத்தையோடு கொடுப்பதாலும் 

பரமான ஞானிக்குப் பக்தி யோடே 

பலவிதமாம் பணிவிடையே செய்தவாறு

அரிதான மோட்ச சுகம் எளிதே யாக 

அடைந்திடலாம் அணுவும் இதில் ஐயமில்லை 

ஞானியுடைய அருட்சனையே செய்வதாலே 

ஞானபல அடைந்ததனார் சீவன் முக்தி 

ஆன பரமானந்த அடையலாகும் 

அதன் பின்பு பரமான விதேக முக்தி 

தானும் அதால் அடைந்திடலாம் ஆதலாலே

தளர்வு தரும் பவ மீதி அனைத்தும் தள்ளி 

ஆனியிலா முத்திநிலை அடைய வேண்டி 

அறிஞனுடை அருச்சனையே செய்ய வேண்டும் 

போகாமர் படைத்தவன்றான் ஞானிபாதம் 

பூசிப்பான் சிரசில்வைத்துப் புவனங் கார்த்தோன் 

தாகமாய் ஞானியவன் நினைத்த தெல்லாம் 

தலையினால் சுமந்து வந்து தருவான் பாரு 

ஏக்கமாய்ப் புவனமெல்லா மெரித்தோன் தானும் 

இவன் பின்னே திரிந்திடுவான் இவனைக் காக்க 

சாகாத வானவர்க்கும் மனிதருக்கும் 

சரண் பணியக் கிடைத்திடுமோ ஜெகத்தில்தானே  

தானென்ற  ஞானிக்கோர் பிடிதான் பிச்சை 

தானளித்தோர் தங்களுக்குப் பலத்தைக் கேளு

கோ னென்ற அகரமொரு நூறு கோடி 

கோபுரந்தான் கோடி செய்த பலத்துக் கொடுக்கும் 

ஊனென்ற நால் வேதம் சங்கமாக 

ஓதியதோர் வேதியர்கள் கோடி பேர்க்கும் 

தேனென்ற அன்னமிட்ட பலத்துக்கும் அதிகம் 

சித்தாந்தம் வேதாந்தம் செப்பும் பாரே 

செப்புமப்பா ஞானி அவனிருந்த இடமெல்லாம் 

செம்பொன் மணிக் கைலாச வைகுந்த மென்பார் 

ஒப்பிலவன் செய்வதெல்லாம் உலகத்து ரட்சை 

ஓங்கியே அவன் பாதம் பட்டவிடமெல்லாம் 

தப்பில்லா யாகாதி செய்த இடமாகும்

தானவனைக் கண்டாக்கால் சிவ தெரிசனமாம் 

அப்பா கேளவன் வார்த்தை மந்திரமுமாகும் 

அதைக் கேட்டால் வேத மென்பார் அறிவுள்ளோரே

இறை ஞானி தனைப் பூசித்தெழுந்து பணிந் தேற்றி 

இவன் சரணந் தன் சிரசில் அணிந்து கொண்டு 

அறையவன்தன் பாதத்தை நேத்திரத்தில் வைத்து 

அவன் பாத தூளியினைச் சரீரமெல்லா அணிந்து 

உறை கேந்த புட்பமொடு தீப தூபம் 

உபசாரஞ் செய்துமவன் சேட முண்ண 

மறையிருளுங் கடுவிருளில் பருதி வருவது போல் 

மல நீங்கி அவன் நெஞ்சில் சிவனுதையமாகும்  

But be aware to whom you choose to give these days as there are many frauds in the name of sadhus. It brings us great despair and sadness when we are told about incidences in ashrams and temples where sadhus fight over clothing and cash handouts and demand their share when the allocation is exhausted. There are sadhus who pitch up at these places feeding off the limited resources of these establishment without contributing in cash, kind or in the form of physical work. Least they could do is take up the task of cleaning up the toilets or the surroundings or water the plants; help in the kitchen, cut vegetables, cook or help serve the others. They could take the cue from Ramana who spent time helping out in the kitchen and he was a Mahaan.

DOING ERAI'S WORK

We are all placed on the face of the earth to do Erai's work. But sadly we are so engrossed with taking care of the individual self and its needs, fulfilling and satisfying our desires and wants that we do not come to realize the reason for taking birth. 

I too did not realize my role in this beautiful play of Erai or Lila until Agathiyar started revealing it to me. He tells me we have taken birth in a wonderful country that he terms as paradise. Because we had served him in our prior births, he chose to reward us now. While partaking the pleasures of the world around us and satisfying our senses, he comes to remind me of my purpose in taking rebirth. It all fell into place. I understood that I had all this while mistakenly lived for myself and my family. He made me realize that it was only when you deliver and fulfill your dharma towards yourself, your family, your society and mankind, only then can you safely say that you had lived a fulfilling life, satisfying and complete life. It is only when you extend your limited sight to include the others around you and take steps in helping them too, you realize true satisfaction and joy. He brings us to this state where he gets us involved with the less unfortunate and needy, opening our eyes to their sorrow and misery, and directly reminding us of the blessed life we live compared to them. The desire to help another then arises as compassion and love builds in us. By extending help joy arises in our hearts. We then feel grateful for all the blessings showered on us.

When Tavayogi's daughter was saddened that her father was to become a monk, Agathiyar consoles her saying that he wanted Tavayogi for a bigger and higher purpose, that of serving humanity. If he was in the way of the householder he would only remain her father. True to Agathiyar's words today Tavayogi is father to all of us. 

The results in feeding others is akin and comparable to the many chakras we are told that exists alongside this physical body of ours and their state. The veil prevents us from seeing these realities, we are oblivious to the sights and sounds of the poor and ill. I walked by them without lifting even an eyelid. They did not matter to me. Neither did their condition. The thought to donate or help another never was there.  It was as though they did not exist. I was contended with what I had. I was at the baser and lower chakras then. Arriving at Muladhara the veil was lifted. I saw the suffering that people went through all around me. At Svadishthana I began to take notice of their co-existence. I saw that they were my kind too, Erai's creation. At  Manipura I began to share my food and buy them, feeding them. At Anahata my heart opened up and tears of joy streamed down the cheeks having appeased their hunger pangs and seeing the glimmer of hope in the eyes of those I fed. Their life had been extended by another day. At Vishuddhi we began to talk about the need to feed the hungry to others. At Ajna we devised constructive ways to bring help to the unfortunate. At Sahasrara the divine came to us easily.

In this age of numerous challenges and addictions the Siddhas have devised this simple way to receive Erai's blessing and love. Yogi Ramsuratkumar tells us that it is difficult to achieve a meditative state in this era due to the numerous waves around us these days that interfere with the process.  Just as when someone asked Neem Karoli Baba, “How can I get enlightened?” and he replied, “Feed people.”, Agathiyar has shown us the same approach too. Agathiyar tells us that we had done enough tapas in the past (lives), it is sufficient to just feed others now. 

Whenever someone drops by at AVM or calls to share their problems, I could relate to their sadness and sufferings. If its a financial situation I help out to my ability. If its a direction I show them to Siddha prayers, in the footsteps of Tavayogi. In the beginning I would share my thoughts too and start advising them. Then this complicated matters and I was faulted for the undesired turnout or result. When I referred to Tavayogi he asked me why I involved directly. Rather he told me to point them to Agathiyar. Let them pray and ask him for their needs. Henceforth I stopped advising and directed them to Agathiyar. 

But many thought that my prayers were answered hence asked me to put in a prayer on behalf of them. There were times these prayers were for their family members or close ones. Some might not even know who was Agathiyar. But I still prayed for them. I used to convey exactly what they wanted to Agathiyar. Then my mode of prayer change when I was told of an episode where the soul gave up the fight and wanted to leave the body but the family did parikaram and remedies and offerings so that he would survive the ordeal. Just as one might want rain and the other might pray that it doesn't rain then, Agathiyar had a dilemma at hand. He had to give in to the request of the soul. He died.

Agathiyar said he extended Tavayogi's life going to the extend of gathering the Siddhas and performing a Yagam so that he should live longer. It is reasonable to extend his lifespan in liew of the divine work he does. Many devotees wanted him around to guide him further. His demise would be a loss to many who see him as their Guru and mentor. Although Bhagawan Nithyananda and Yogi Ramsuratkumar at their deathbed have mentioned to their followers not to mourn their death as they would continue their work in the subtle form and plane, and in fact attests that they can do more in that plane, the followers still could not bring themselves to accept the departure of their beloved Guru. 

Then there are those who survived their ordeal with death due to the collective prayers held. To those who have had an extension or given a new lease, surviving death's hold, it is only proper that they devout the rest of their lives to do Erai's work. Otherwise why would Erai want to extend his/her lifespan if only to continue and carry on the mundane tasks they were doing prior to falling ill or before the near death experience. 

It is said that we are sent to this world with a specific number of breaths and we spend them as we engage in carry out our daily activities. The man who preserves the breath lives longer. Hence the reason the Siddhas engage in activities that do not deplete the given store rather increasing and storing up prana energy and more breaths for their divine work by doing Pranayama and control of the breath.  Agathiyar has on several occasions mentioned to devotees who came back alive after drifting off into coma, that he had given them his breath so that they should survive. Make good use of this second chance. Engage in doing divine work and his work. That is the least form of repayment we could possibly do in return for his kindness and compassion.

SIDDHAR MAGAVELVI POOJAI

The Siddhar Magavelvi Poojai was held at the Agathiyar Arul Siddhar Peedam yesterday under the guidance of Siddha practitioner Thiru Arivan.

Meanwhile Nalini from Chennai has been feeding crows that drop in at her home every morning after prayers. Today she had a surprise visitor drop by - a peacock.

UNDERSTANDING THE GURU

When a devotee from Thiruvannamalai who came down for the Pornami Puja at Kallar Ashram, showed Tavayogi a rudraksha and asked if he could wear it around his neck, Tavayogi gave him the green light but cautioned him about the do's and don'ts about wearing one. When the devotee left the spot, Tavayogi turned round to me and told me, "We do not need it son." I wasn't wearing any but he made me drop the idea even before it surfaced.

When he saw me wear a navaratnam ring or ring embedded with nine precious stones he enquired about it and again he said, "We do not need it son." I stopped wearing it after a stone fell, even before I hit the shores of Malaysia.

When a musician played his music to Bhagavan and the rests of the devotees at Ramana Ashram, Bhagavan praised him and spoke highly about music. When another seeker came along and asked if he should make music his career Bhagavan rejected the suggestion asking him to go do something worthy. 

Similarly when devotees stood before him and asked for ways to reach Erai, he would enquire what they were doing currently and ask them to continue. But when Harilal was basking in joy having seen Krishna and reporting back to Bhagavan, Bhagavan checks him asking why he was so concerned about gods appearing and that all rituals and practices were good up to a certain extent. He was told to learn to let go even these most pursued desires to see the divine externally and instead learn to look within for the light that was shining in his own deepest self.

Similarly when Agathiyar speaks in the Nadi what is said is for the individual only unless stated otherwise. 

The masters advise is for the individual only. It might seem like the master contradicts his own words but in reality it applies from case to case and each individual differently. 

The student too shall understand the masters words in a different light. The spoken words of the master and in the Nadi could have another meaning some years later, as the understanding of the student deepens.

DEVOTION SIMPLIFIED

I remember bringing my hands together in prayer at my childhood home asking for my needs from the entire pantheon of gods pictures we had at our altar. I bicycled some distance to the temples in town regularly. Moving on to college there was a break from this temple routine for some two years although there was still the daily prayer at the altar at my sisters home. After settling in a job I had much time on my hands and began frequenting the temples in town besides registering my attendance at the home altar. Soon I sat to perform very simple prayers which included lighting a lamp, offering flowers and singing songs of praise to the deities at dawn and at dusk without fail. Then there was a long gap of 14 years where there was neither worship nor rituals entirely. 

Then I was initiated into a Vishnu mantra by my nephew who walked in one day telling me not to question anything. I am given a painting of Lord Dhakshanamurthy to worship. A year later I read the Nadi. I turned to the worship of Siddhas as instructed by Agathiyar. I am given a painting of Agathiyar to worship. The following year I make my maiden pilgrimage to India and am gifted a living guru, Supramania Swami of Tiruvannamalai. He was an ardent Shiva devotee. He received a vision to build a temple for Lord Muruga but strangely later he was questioned the reason to build it by a "mysterious stranger". He dropped the task.

Then I am gifted another guru, Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal of Kallar Ashram. He is an ardent Agathiyar devotee. He too took up a vision to build a temple, this time it was for Agathiyar and successfully completed it.

Supramania Swami kept reminding me about not missing out on my tavam that included lighting a lamp and chanting the Lord's name. Tavayogi kept reminding me to chant, in his case it was the names of the Siddhas.

With the blessings of both gurus, and their surveillance and continuous reminders I kept at my given task. Tavayogi threw in Asana and Pranayama practices to follow. He passed on a couple of mantras too. He directed me to start lighting a homam or a fire pit during these prayers. He instructed me to conduct an annual fest or Vizha coinciding with the Vizha at Kallar Ashram. Agathiyar made sure that seekers and devotees arrived to participate in the Vizha held at my home. We then began group puja and prayers. Agathiyar then arrived in the form of a bronze statue. We included doing libation or abhisegam.

Today Agathiyar and Lord Muruga and the pantheon of Hindu gods have come to stay in our homes and in all our hearts.

Then the divine indicates and shows us to conduct and perform the rituals - brief and short. What took two hours earlier was reduced to an hour - this included the homam, abhisegam and putting forth our collective prayers for the good of all. Agathiyar has simplified the ways and means of devotion making it accessible to all and making it convenient to all too. 

I believe this was how devotion was in the past. Common folk visiting the temples, poured their hearts out to the stone idol in these temples and returned home in peace believing the divine would take care of their problems and misery. If they saw results and their prayers were answered they came back and delivered their promises and made good their vows. As simple as that. 

Those who had a yearning to reach Erai, made their rounds visiting temples and churning up songs from their heart that soon came to be sang be others. They were soon recognized as saints among the locals for their depth and unperturbed devotion. As simple as that.

I presume their devotion was akin to that of this devotee recorded on the video that is making its round on social medias currently at https://www.facebook.com/100008313063822/videos/2116815161938899/

No saint was a product of a gurukulam, ashram, organization or establishment then. They were self made, self realized souls who never had the slightest inkling or desire to start a following. Their relationship was solely with Erai. 

These days we see peedhams, ashrams, organisations, religious and spiritual establishments and new temples mushrooming, as they do immediately after a storm.

I saw many devotees approach Tavayogi to request him to officiate their newly formed organizations affiliated to his Agathiyar Gnana Peedham based in Kallar, in Malaysia. He fulfilled their asking. Turning to me Tavayogi once told me to talk about the Siddhas to people. I told him I was not eligible and did not have sufficient knowledge about the Siddhas to begin preaching to others. 

I did not have the urge or wish to start a peedham or movement either. But I took up what came to me easily, using it as a tool to spread the word of Tavayogi. I began to write. It began as a website - several websites in fact. Soon I was captivated by bloggers and their blogs. As I found it was more simple to post on blogs compared with web pages, I opted for this new medium. A new blog Siddha Heartbeat was born, replacing the website Indian Heartbeat. I found that this medium could reach more people and began posting talks of Tavayogi and videos and photos of Kallar Ashram and its activities. I preferred to stay behind the screen and scene and contribute towards spreading the Siddha teachings through this channel. I found it very convenient and conducive working from home and doing my share, pleasing Tavayogi and fulfilling his directive to talk about the Siddhas.

Soon Agathiyar too gave the thumbs up for this venture and small contribution of mine in giving back to society. Today I get many reviews, thumbs up, likes and congratulatory notes and mails from readers of this blog encouraging me to carry on. Tavayogi and Mataji are all smiles for promoting and spreading the Siddha Margam. 

Just as I was getting comfortable with the way things were moving in my favor, having settled in comfortably with prayers at AVM, an occasional charity do, and attending to my family and their needs, Lord Muruga recently motioned to me that I build a temple for him, reminding me of a desire put forth by Agathiyar in my very first Nadi reading in 2002. Seeing my reluctance to engage in a venture of this size, nature and complexity, he sends Agathiyar to coax me into it. 

I had from the very beginning turned down many requests of Agathiyar, not wanting to get caught with the process nor settling for the rewards that came my way. Seeing my stand on these matters he dropped them too accordingly. I refused to accept or acknowledge receipt of these handouts and positions for the only reason that I wanted him and not the rewards. He keeps throwing in gifts and surprises and I keep refusing them. Let us see how far and how long this duel will go on.

AGATHIYAR'S CHILD

Sanjiv Malhotra from New Delhi shares his experiences after coming to Agathiyar. Sanjiv and his family are regular visitors to Kallar Ashram and have read the Nadi several times. Agathiyar has guided them. I saw the intense devotion and bakthi they have on Agathiyar when I met them at Kallar Ashram. I saw the bliss in them at Othiappar temple in Othimalai. It is an honor to come across such noble souls in our journey. 

He writes: "Believe me when HE is the host the journey becomes remarkable, full of experiences and such experiences which have to remain embedded in the depth of one’s heart."

What a wonderful understanding, stand and faith on the Divine. I give way to Sanjiv now to narrate the rest of his experiences.

My very first Jeeva Nadi reading around four years back mentioned that I would travel for Darshan to Sathuragiri hills in the South close to Madurai where I would get the blessings of a Devi and also that my Guru will be revealed to me after that the Divine Darshan. Being from North of India little did I know about the divine hill. Many other things were also told to me in my first Jeeva Nadi reading.

A couple of years later vide another Jeeva Nadi reading I was told that Agathiar would call me to his abode and after that I would get another Jeeva Nadi reading.

The annual Guru Puja at ‘Kallar Ashram’ was to be held 4th January 2018 onwards. I and my wife have been fortunate to be at Kallar during the preceding two Guru Puja as well.

My mind was focused on the expected Jeeva Nadi reading. Well I thought that’s great on 4th January I will be at ‘Kallar’ which is the Abode of Agathiar’ and after the Guru puja maybe I would get a Jeeva Nadi reading at Kallar itself. I was eager to know what Agastya had to tell me.

Our flight for Coimbatore was booked well in advance for the 1st of January 2018 with the thought of spending time in Kallar and starting the New Year afresh at His abode. This was done somewhere in August 2017.

Much to our dismay Tavayogi Ji suddenly underwent a cardiac bypass and his health became a matter of concern for us. We are thankful that Agathiar took care of him and he was back for the Guru Puja celebrations. Since Swamy ji was not keeping very well and needed rest and we had enough time before Guru Puja, the thought of our going to Sathuragiri and making it back to Kallar seemed to be a good option.

Little did we know that our trip had been planned by Agathiar Himself down to the minutest detail.

During the months of December and January winter sets in and is usually at its peak. Fog does sometimes worsen the visibility conditions. Luckily No fog had set in and we had a clear sky. A day before our flight Mr. Fog came knocking in the morning hours resulting in a few delays with the flights and some cancellations. The rest of the day was sunny. The day of our departure eventually came; we had an early morning flight. We woke up to a clear sky and heaved a sigh of relief. The one hour drive to the airport took us fifty minutes and we thanked Agathiar for keeping Mr. Fog at bay.

After our arrival at the airport and on completing the check in formalities we found a blanket of fog slowly descending down and within no time we were in a situation of zero visibility. Many flights was delayed and quite a few cancelled. Take offs and landings came to a standstill. We waited with abated breath for the announcement of our boarding. Well an hour or so later we were ushered into the aircraft and somehow knew that we would be taking off soon. Visibility started improving but still no sign of take off. Four hours we just sat in the aircraft before it moved even an inch. We were informed later on that there was a dense patch of fog in the runway which just refused to clear. The delay in our flight taking off turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us which is a secret between the three of us me, my wife and Agathiar ji.

Anyway we would reach Coimbatore now and then take a cab to Sathuragiri. That motivation was enough for me. Now it’s important to point out here that I had absolutely no idea at the time of booking my tickets for Coimbatore (which was somewhere in August) that Sathuragiri darshan was allowed only on a few days in the month. Moreover at that point of time (of booking my tickets) I had not even thought of visiting this Divine place, Sathuragiri. 

1st and 2nd of January 2018 were among the few days when darshan was allowed it being Full Moon on 1st January 2018. I cannot under any circumstances fool myself into believing that this was a coincidence.

We finally landed in Coimbatore in the afternoon at around 2.30pm, had a quick lunch and were in the cab on our way to Sathuragiri Hills. It would not be out of context to mention here that we had an English speaking driver who was of immense help in the entire trip.

A room was booked for us in Thaaniparai which is at the base of the hill. We slept in comfort and got up fresh and energetic looking forward to the journey ahead. R R Swamy who runs an annadan atop the hill near to the temple and whom I happened to contact through our very dear Manoj Bhai had taken care of us to an extent that he not only saw to it that we were comfortable on the night of arrival but also sent a person along with us from the base of the hill to guide and help us in the trek. We were surprised to see our driver who was reluctant to climb atop for darshan on the night of arrival in Thaaniparai ready and eager to accompany us in the morning. We paid obeisance and seeked the blessings of Vinaygar, Raja Kali Amma, Paechi Amma and Karuppasamy whose temples are at the foothills. We prayed for a hindrance free successful journey. The temples of Paechi Amma and Karuppasamy have been installed by the Siddhars for guarding the Southern side of the Hill.

There are a number of articles and blogs that one can read to know about the trek to Sathuragiri Hills. We were well prepared with stick in hand to assist us in the climb, glucose, a few chocolates, drinking water and some biscuits. A torch in case we need in the early morning hours. A quick light breakfast and we started walking, looking forward towards the climb on this mystic hill. Different thoughts crossed our mind while we took in the purity, natural ambience and holiness of the place. After all this was Agathiar Jis and the other Siddhas abode. Many Siddhas it is said are still in penance in these hills. This is the hill where Shiv and Parvati have given word to Siddhas that they will always be there.

This is the Hill where the Siddhas assume any form a butterfly, a rock, a tree, a plant. It is this Sathuragiri trek which is also known as the “Kailash” of South. This is the Hill where Agathiar will hold your hand and take you for darshan and believe me when HE is the host the journey becomes remarkable, full of experiences and such experiences which have to remain embedded in the depth of one’s heart. How much ever I would like to I cannot at the moment share all my experiences on this platform as I do not as yet have permission to do so. I have though shared some of these experiences with some fellow devotees.

While trekking uphill we learnt that Gorakkar cave had now been closed to the public and all routes to the same had been fenced. In fact later on I came to know that Tavayogi ji who has spent quite a few years in the Hills of Sathuragiri had made a small hut for himself above the cave where he would go into dhyan for long durations without the need of food or water. I had read about this cave and was eager to pay my respects here and also meditate for some time but since some people had started partying close there, so the restrictions. It’s really sad. May better sense prevail upon people who use the place for partying, throw plastic bags and empty packets of chewing tobacco around. Undoubtedly they do not know what they are doing. We also came to know that special permission was required to trek up to Thavasi Parai where the Siddhas meditate and Periya Mahalingam since they were deep in the jungle and danger of wild animals around was always lurking. We left it at that and were absorbed in the bliss of having had the opportunity to be at Such a Divine place. We continued our climb with the Chants of Om Agatheesaya Namah and Har Har Mahadev.

On reaching atop the hill we met R R Swamy ji at his matt who welcomed us with great warmth and then we were off for Darshan of Sundara Mahalingam and Santhana Mahalingam. At R R Swamy ji matt food is offered to all no matter what time of the day or night. I can only revel with admiration at the level of commitment of service and charity towards mankind by R R Swamy and the people associated with him. Arranging all material that it takes to cook on top of the hill involves a tremendous cost because everything has to be carried on top by people. Preperations for the Annadan start months before. The clear instruction by R R Swamy is no one should go without food.

The Mahalingam ensures that there is no shortage of food. For those who want to contribute towards the noble cause of Annadan at the Holy place can contact R R Swamy Ji .His phone number is +919047079909, +919842179909.

Another surprise awaited us when we joined for 18 Siddha Puja which happens once in a year. 2nd Jan 2018 was the day of 18 Siddhas Puja also. This was a sight to behold and cherish. Thank you Agastya Muni if you had not planned for us we would never have been fortunate to have the darshan.18 Siddhas Puja carried on for some time and each of the 18 Siddhas were bestowing love and blessings on all who were present. After the puja we met a gentleman who had come from Salem sitting outside Satta Muni cave. We spent quite some time with him talking before we decided to move towards the matt for lunch. The climb to the top from the base took us a little more than five hours which was pretty good considering that we stopped at quite a few places for Darshan. A hearty lunch was served with so much warmth and love followed by a wonderful Darshan.

Pain in the feet and back spasm had just about to set in for me and I was about to take a pill to kill the pain when the gentleman from Salem suggested I see a Siddha doctor who was also around. The Siddha doctor who had also come for Darshan turned up in not more than five minutes and gave me an acupressure and acupuncture treatment by pressing some points all around my back and my feet.

The pain had gone. Bye to the pill. He takes care to the minutest details. The acupressure had made me feel fresh and good. We decided to go again for darshan of the Holiest of the Holy, The Supreme Guru, The One and Only Lord Shiva at the Sundra Mahalingam Shrine. Breathtaking, Majestic beyond words.

While we were absorbing all this in came a Nandi eager to do the Darshan too. Squeezing us against the railings of the temple, unmindful of the devotees around Nandi completed the parikrama and left. Hardly had we absorbed this that the Priest placed in my spread out hands a Dhoti, flowers along with the sacred ash all blessed and touched at the sacred shrine. We decided to sit at the back of the temple and meditate. Some time had elapsed when my wife felt as if something was placed in her lap; it took a little while for her to register only to find a beautiful face of Lord Shiva made of chandan placed in her lap along with flowers. The gentleman from Salem had left this for us as a memory to cherish for the rest of our lives and informed us that it is strange that one was somehow left with the priest, which he gave us, deciding not to disturb us during meditation.

The grace of Agathiyar was being clearly felt. Somehow a small room with a roof top made of an aluminum sheet was arranged for us to spend the night since that probably was the only place which had a washroom. The small room had a door without a latch, a bed and a Chitai (A hand-woven mattress). An earthen lamp was lit in the room, our source of light we were given blankets and also had carried two warm sheets for the night. We lay awake for quite some time in anticipation of our journey the next day. Since the door did not have a proper latch and a little strong push could have led to the door falling down I placed a big drum filled with some material right in front of the door. This I feel helped soothe my wife’s nerves since the thought of spending the night in the forest that too in a room whose door could fall off was keeping her awake. After some time a cow came and sat next to the room and we could hear the sound of the bell in her neck every time she moved. I wanted to use the washroom and so went out of the room. What I saw was the cow sitting next to the wall of the room and a well built robust dog black in color with erect ears and a large chest standing just outside the room with his face towards the temple. I had never seen such a mighty and handsome dog before. I came inside knowing that we were being looked after 24x7.

An amazing experience of being weightless and effortlessly climbing the Hill that too at a pace unknown to me never eludes my mind. The same was experienced by my wife too. I have no words to express the joy every breath and every step taken on the Hill gives. It is a divine place, the Hill of the Siddhas, The Hill of Shiv and Parvati. At certain places we went to we found that packets of chandan, Sindoor and the holy Ash just coming straight into my wife’s hands.

The trip to Sathuragiri is a treasure which Agastya Muni has given us. Something which we will keep embedded in our hearts for a lifetime. There is so much love and affection that HE showers, reminding his devotees that HE is always there for them.

After our trip we did get a Jeeva Nadi reading as Agastya Muni had promised. A few excerpts:

Agathiar ji speaks,

“During your pooja in Sathuragiri, I was present and gave blessings in the form of Roobam (In the form of human being) and Arubam (in the form of light). In this time period you have got blessings of Guru’s. I accepted you as my disciple.”

“Sathuragiri is a great and holy divine place. There is no limit for this mountain and it is such a wonderful place. Whoever comes to this holy place will get a great amount of Siddhas blessings.”

“In Sathuragiri, Lord Karuppasamy was taking care of both of you.”

“You are walking towards this Siddha path. This path will give high wisdom. This is a very great and true path. You people got the blessings of Thava Murugan and Pasna Moorti and Bhogar”

“Currently both Gayatri related Siddha/Monks and Gayatri Devi gave their blessings to you both”

I remain indebted to Shanmugam ji as I learnt about the Siddha path through his wonderful blog “Siddha Heartbeat”.

OM Agatheesaya Namah.