SALUTATIONS TO MY PARENTS & GURUS

I was a spoilt brat and still am. I was pampered all my life. It is not that I saw wealth throughout my young days. When my father was wealthy, I wasn't born as yet. When I was born our lives had taken a dip by that time. Having purchased properties and assets, life was promising until the war came. When a string of machine gunshots from a Japanese fighter plane missed my father by inches, he realized that moment that all the wealth and money he had could not possibly bring him alive if he had been hit by a stray bullet. My father began to give away his riches and properties. He left for India shortly and had a stint in an ashram where he served the guru. Later the guru sent him away back to his home and family to fulfill his responsibilities towards the family. My biggest setback is that I did not take note of the name of his guru and his ashram. My father turned into a philanthropist. Besides entertaining guests and strangers (virunth upasarippu) he helped all those who came for help financially. In later years although my family was no more wealthy we never went hungry. We had one decent meal a day and ate the leftovers for dinner. My mother would have all of us siblings sit around and pass rice balls placing them onto our palms. If still hungry I would dive my teeth into the coconut meat or kernel. That satisfied my hunger. 

He seemed to know of his impending death. It was a pretty normal day when he woke up and towards the late morning took his bath and prayed as usual.  Surprisingly he wanted his clothes to be ironed that morning. Towards the evening after he had watched a Tamil movie he asked for coffee. Again this was surprising as he usually makes his own. Just as my mother brought him the coffee, he had already sat in a corner of the living hall, legs folded in Padmasana pose, the pupils looking up, and sweating profusely. When my mother tried to move his legs, he toppled over, his head landing on my mother's lap. He had passed away.

I was always proud of my father for his courage to travel far in times when the only means of travel were by foot, horsecart, bullock cart, and ship. I wonder at times if I could have performed the same feat. My late father, like the others who were money lenders both by clan and profession, was courageous. They took the leap seizing the opportunity, as new frontiers opened up. He left his homeland in search of greener pastures. He traveled on foot and cart overland to do business in Rangoon in Burma; sailed to Ceylon and Singapore and finally settled in Malaya. He began his business with his peers in Ipoh and later at Market Street in Taiping. Whilst he had traveled far and wide, from his village Kilsevalpatti in Karaikudi to Rangoon in Burma, and sailed to Sri Lanka and later came to Singapore before making Malaya his second home, I never ventured out of my house nor traveled away from home. My maiden travel to India too came by and materialized only because Agathiyar gave me a nudge through my Nadi reading. 

My father passed away in 1991 when he was 76. I guess the reason all of us are hale and healthy is because of the charity my late father did. I believe blessings and merits he collected, have come down to us too, safeguarding us from harm and danger. He never harmed anyone. He did not manipulate nor use anyone. He was honest in all his business dealings. He never made enemies. I realize that it is difficult to fit into his shoes. Meanwhile, my mother is 95 this year. God has granted her a long age. We are grateful to him.

I am 62. I believe I got a bonus of two years. So I was rather upset when I sat and pondered what I had achieved in this past two years. Nothing. With the numerous lockdowns due to the pandemic, I had not ventured out. Neither could others come by to AVM. Agathiyar too had in a timely manner shut us indoors, dissolving the group and putting a stop to Sariyai and Kriyai. All he asked us to do was to carry on with our yoga practice and meditation which I had failed miserably for I could not bring myself to meditate even with all the guidance and practice given by Agathiyar. I could not pursue the yoga practice due to the recurring backache and of course, I could not sit to meditate either. 

Sharing this with Mahin, he saw this from another perspective. Only then did I realize how foolish I was to think of adding on more gains to our spiritual practices as we do in adding on wealth and power in the material world. Only after he told me that I had dropped much during the past two years, did I realize that it is not about gaining but losing oneself. That is the transformation we are to seek. I was forced to shed my hold on many a thing. Before the advent of the pandemic, he made me close the WhatsApp group that brought together the AVM family in puja and charity. We were sent indoors to carry out yoga and meditation. With the pandemic raising its hood we had to drop many things that we loved to do before. Our time was spent in isolation and with only our thoughts to keep us company. It was indeed a reset for us, having to lose many in order to gain some.

What have I gained? More hair on my head. Seriously. My hair is growing. The bald patch on my head is now covered with hair. My skin seems young. The epidermis seems to have thinned out. My senses are enhanced. I can connect with the prana in the five elements. The body heals on its own. It is amazing. What can I say but a BIG THANK YOU to Agathiyar? 

Today I have a family of my own and 3 grandchildren too. God has been good to all of us. He chose to come to us as Agathiyar. He now takes care of all our needs. He dines with us. He sleeps with us. He listens to our talk. He travels ahead of us and waits for us to turn up. He paves the way for us, removing obstacles and delays. He rewards us. He weeps with us. He laughs with us. We are truly fortunate to have him look over our shoulders, 24/7.

My late father used to tell us his story of how God came in the form of a bee and drove away some wild dogs that had circled him as he made his way on foot from his village Kilsevalpatti to Palani. This miracle happened when he called out Lord Muruga's name. A bee came from nowhere and entered the ear of one of the dogs and sent the pack scattering away when the dog howled in pain.

The magpie that used to accompany my second daughter on her university grounds here in Malaysia is seen to be with her in South Korea where she is doing an exchange program. How do we explain this? Lord Murugan told us he came in this form to accompany her while Goddess Ma tells us that she is in good hands. What else do we want?

Agathiyar had addressed my wife's question as to the relationship between her and Agathiyar some time back. We had all been living as a family in the past in Kuttralam. My wife and I sold fruits in the vicinity of the Kuttraleshwarar temple. We used to offer Agathiyar the fruits before we started to sell our wares for the day. Our little daughter then two years of age would feed Agathiyar (statue) with these fruits. We lived in poverty then. Since we served him back then, although much in a very simple piety way, through offering these fruits that were picked from the surrounding hills - the most compassionate father decided to provide us a better life in this birth. Hence we all took birth in Malaysia where we enjoy a comfortable life. Agathiyar coins or terms this country as "Boga Naadu." Now I understand why my father made the move to Malaya.

My late father's childhood home and street when I visited his village in 2003

I guess my gurus in physical form, both Supramania Swami and Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal's grace has much to do with what I am seeing now. They never taught me to worship them but instead, Supramania Swami showed me to Lord Shiva and Tavayogi showed me to Agathiyar. When I reached out to my gurus, they passed me to Lord Shiva and Agathiyar instead and stood back. This is a true guru who links us with the source rather than takes precedence and credit. Rarely do we come across such gurus. Today even after they had shed their mortal frame I am not lost for I have a place to hold on. I have access to Lord Shiva and Agathiyar. 

THE PROCESS

Before the call to come to the path of the Siddhas came by, Lord Shiva decided that I had to purge myself of all my previous learnings and practice including simple rituals during my home puja, visits to the temples, yoga that I picked up from books and the information stored from small satsangs held with some senior colleagues back then. I took up his advice to keep all my doubts and questions to a later date and dropped these routines. After 14 years Lord Dhakshanamurthi comes as a painting given by my nephew who was ordained by his Paramaguru to pass me both the painting and the Vasudeva mantra. 

I learned later that the Vasudeva mantra is said to pierce the Vishnu granthi. The other two knots are Brahma granthi and Rudra granthi. We are told that further practice of pranayama would pierce these too and the six chakras. R Venu Gopalan in his book, "The Hidden Mysteries of Kundalini", enlightened me further on this mantra stating that the Vishnu Granthi adds obstructions for the sadhaka keeping one under the wraps of attachment and bondage. The mantra is recited for balancing the Vishnu Granthi. I was soon to learn from my Nadi revelation the following year that all my efforts in carrying out puja and yoga practices would not see results as I had my karma stand in between and deprive me of all my efforts. So it now makes sense why Lord Shiva put a stop to my efforts. I would end up frustrated and might have made some drastic move in the opposite direction.

R Venu Gopalan writes, 

The nadis of the heart chakra is cleansed. It balances the heart chakra. Continuous practice of meditation on this mantra helps purify the thinking process. It also helps in dissolving all the past karmic deeds for a better future. 

From Awakening State at http://www.awakeningstate.com/spiritual-awakening/om-namo-bhagavate-vasudevaya/ we learn that,

This Sanskrit mantra can be practiced to attain freedom (moksha) from Samsara – the “Karmic Wheel” that keeps us bound to cycle after cycle of incarnations. This liberation mantra is a karmic eraser. 

So first and foremost our bad debts have to be cleared. Karma that causes suffering, pain, and delays stood in my way obstructing even the good I deserved. I understood from my Muslim friends who travel to Mecca to perform their Hajj, they had to ensure that they settled their debts to others before leaving for the Holy land. They had to ask for forgiveness from everyone too.

Besides ridding my karma as I came to know later, I was told that in taking up the recitation of the mantra and worship of Lord Dhakshanamurthi, I shall meet my guru. As told I began to worship Agathiyar and took up the call to come to the path of worship to the Siddhas a year later, after reading the Nadi. I received Agathiyar's painting from Sivabalan who brought in the Nadi reader from India. I came to know later that Agathiyar was Dhakshanamurthi too. I came to know a couple of years later, that Agathiyar had passed on the message to my nephew's Paramaguru and initiated my coming back into the path of devotion after a long absence of some 14 years. Agathiyar had paved the path even before materializing before me as words in the Nadi in 2002. 

Negative qualities needed to be dropped and replaced with those that are positive. I needed to repent for my past actions. In the Kaanda Nadi reading, Agathiyar gave me remedies to further rid my karma having me complete them locally and at numerous temples in India too. Agathiyar gave the techniques of Nadi Suddhi and Dega Suddhi to adopt and put into practice. The purification of the Nadis is required before one progresses to take up pranayama. These are prerequisites to taking up asanas and pranayama as we take note in the 8 Angas of Patanjali. So it makes sense why my previous efforts in puja and yoga in the eighties never saw results. 

Swami Vivekananda speaking about this practice of Nadi Suddhi or purification of the nerves quotes from the Shvetashvatara Upanishad.

First, the nerves are to be purified, then comes the power to practise pranayama. Nerve currents will have to be displaced and given a new channel. New sorts of vibration will begin, the whole constitution will be remodeled, as it were.  

So it makes sense now that all the practice of recitation and chanting of mantras, and pranayama is to help build up the vibration in us to become at par with the divines. Then we are one. The good vibes drive the bad away. The light drives the darkness away. And so has all our efforts intensified the vibration and the light within that was hardly noticeable and visible initially.

As we have come to understand that life is full of knots that have to be released these were slowly and meticulously removed, many a time unknowing to us, happening rather subtly. If the first knot and blockage were released with me receiving the Vasudeva mantra in 2001 and chanting it and the practice of purification of the Nadis gave the power to practice pranayama, the following year a series of knots were released by getting to know my karma and performing the remedies locally and in India, eventually the energies at the numerous temples I visited in carrying out my parikaram came within to further clear the path, as shared in a previous post. Returning home from my maiden pilgrimage to India, the spate of energy transmission that erupted in spontaneous outbreaks of tears and cries of joy, as detailed in a previous post, continued. The process of clearing the "house" continued further. I understand now why I lost hold of myself, my "I"  in all the sannadhis of Lord Dhakshanamurthi. The guru granted his darshan. Agathiyar guided me further through his Aasi Nool. The gurus in physical form came to shed light and clear my ignorance. Yoga that was taught by my gurus hastened the process of clearing the airways and bringing in prana. The chakras that were either sluggish or dormant were energized, the blockages released and the passages cleared. This resulted in a sudden surprise move of the energy that took place without my knowledge. I broke my back so to say. I couldn't move momentarily after coughing out phlegm during my morning shower. A nerve pulled and tugged from my lower back right to the toes. I had to bear this pain in my lower back for some 3 years that became worse. First, I could not walk long distances. Then I could not sit long. Finally, the pain woke me up from sleep. Agathiyar came to explain why I was going through the agony. The 3 dosas had gone haywire resulting from energy awakenings in the Muladhara chakra. He asks to stop all my yoga practice in 2011. 

Then it was time to purge the physical body. He had me take a shot of his purgative Agathiyar kuzhambu that came by through Siddha practitioner Arivan Aiya and detailed to me another preparation to prepare and consume daily. Then the energies came within and perform miracles. The Siddhas spoke through us. We could connect with the Prapanjam in some rare moments. 

Looking back now, what a journey it has been. I often ask myself if I deserved their compassion and love and the shower of miracles. I am a sinner yet they chose to shower their grace on me. How could I ever repay their kindness?

LEARNING FROM NATURE

I had a pleasant surprise upon waking up today. The readership count of this blog for the last 24 hours hit the first-time high of 2.63 K views. Never had I reached this number in a day before. I thank all readers for their continuous patronage.

We are very much part of nature. The 5 elements that maketh us also is in all of creation. Talking to my grandaughter about growing old, I drew the process of a seed germinating into a tree and the tree withering and falling down at the end of its time or brought down by strong winds or lightning, or chopped down by people, etc. Then I went on to explain to her how from an embryo we grow into a child and an adult later and finally reach old age and shed the body, or die accidentally. I explained about the composition of our Udal or body made from the 5 primary elements and my wish to see it dispersed back into the elements and the Uyir or breath aligning with the Atma to return to God. 

In a BBC Earth documentary, "Climate Changes - Ade on the Frontline S1", scientists in Australia show their concern about the diminishing males of the green turtle due to high temperatures. They surprise us by telling us that sand temperatures at these beaches determine the sex of the hatchlings. Never knew the hot climate could be a reason for the decrease in the population of male turtles. The last 10 to 20 years saw 99 % of hatchlings hatched were females. Scientists are taking measures to boost the number of male turtles being born by transferring the eggs to artificial nests to control the temperature of the sand.

I was surprised to learn many years ago that the human embryo takes a male form initially before something determines if it should remain a male or turn into a female. Then the male genitals shrink into the body becoming the ovary and the vagina. Look at the marvel of nature.

Dattatreya is said to have "reached self-awareness by observing nature during his Sannyasi wanderings and treating these natural observations as his twenty-four teachers". 

"Dattatreya considered the entire Universe and its creations as his teachers, for each of them taught him something useful - such was his greatness and humility." The 24 are listed at https://www.dollsofindia.com/library/dattatreya/.

Mother Earth taught him tolerance, patience and forbearance; Water taught him to comfort others; Fire taught him not to be judgmental; Air taught him to be unfettered; Space taught him to be unattached; Sun taught him to cheer up everyone; Snake taught him to drop desires and ownership; Python taught him to be flexible; Moon taught him to remain unaffected; Ocean too taught him to remain unaffected; Butterfly touch him to be unattached; Dove taught him love and peace; Fish taught him not to fall for temptation; Honeybee taught him to labor; Deer reminded him to be ever wary of people who exploit others; Elephant taught him to remember; Bumblebee reminded him not to hurt; The Prostitute Pingala taught him dedication; Eagle taught him not to hoard; Child taught him not to hold grudges; The Village Girl reminded him not to disturb others; Arrow-maker taught him to focus on the work on hand and concentration; Spider taught him to remain free and unattached; and finally a Wasp taught him intent and perseverance. 

Tavayogi said that many of the Yoga asanas were a result of watching animals in the wild by the sages who meditated in their midst. These sages interacted and reached out to nature and vice versa. 

It is said that the plants would bow down to Agathiyar and reveal their properties. This is how he gained the knowledge to prepare and treat diseases. 

If lovers were used to sending the moon as ambassadors, Ramalinga Adigal looks up to the moon and requests that it sheds some light on the secret to self-realization in his "Vennila Kanni". As Lord Siva adorns the crescent moon on his head, Ramalinga Adigal too wants a place there. He goes on to list a long list of wants and asks the moon to get it for him.

தன்னையறிந் தின்பமுற வெண்ணிலா வே - ஒரு
தந்திரநீ சொல்லவேண்டும் வெண்ணிலா வே.

நாதமுடி மேலிருந்த வெண்ணிலா வே - அங்கே
நானும்வர வேண்டுகின்றேன் வெண்ணிலா வே.

சச்சிதானந் தக்கடலில் வெண்ணிலா வே - நானுந்
தாழ்ந்துவிழ வேண்டுகின்றேன் வெண்ணிலா வே.

இராப்பகலில் லாவிடத்தே வெண்ணிலா வே - நானும்
இருக்கவெண்ணி வாடுகின்றேன் வெண்ணிலா வே.

தேசுநிற மாய்நிறைந்த வெண்ணிலா வே - நானுஞ்
சிவமயம தாய்விழைந்தேன் வெண்ணிலா வே.

போதநடு வூடிருந்த வெண்ணிலா வே - மலப்
போதமற வேண்டுகின்றேன் வெண்ணிலா வே.

ஆருமறி யாமலிங்கே வெண்ணிலா வே - அரு
ளாளர்வரு வாரோசொல்லாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

அந்தரங்க சேவைசெய்ய வெண்ணிலா வே - யெங்கள்
ஐயர்வரு வாரோசொல்லாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

வேதமுடி மேலிருந்த வெண்ணிலா வே - மல
வேதையுள வேதுசொல்லாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

குண்டலிப்பால் நின்றிலங்கும் வெண்ணிலா வே - அந்தக்
குண்டலிப்பால் வேண்டுகின்றேன் வெண்ணிலா வே.

ஆதியந்த மென்றுரைத்தார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அந்த

ஆதியந்த மாவதென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

வித்திலாம லேவிளைந்த வெண்ணிலா வே - நீதான்
விளைந்தவண்ண மேதுசொல்லாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

முப்பொருளு மொன்றதென்பார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அந்த
மூன்றுமொன்றாய் முடிந்ததென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

நானதுவாய் நிற்கும்வண்ணம் வெண்ணிலா வே - ஒரு
ஞானநெறி சொல்லுகண்டாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

ஞானமய மாய்விளங்கும் வெண்ணிலா வே - என்னை
நானறியச் சொல்லுகண்டாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

வாசிவாசி யென்றுரைத்தார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அந்த
வாசியென்ன பேசுகண்டாய் வெண்ணிலா வே.

ஐந்தலைப்பாம் பாட்டுகின்றார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அவர்
அம்பலத்தில் நின்றதென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

ஓரெழுத்தி லைந்துண்டென்பார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அது
ஊமையெழுத் தாவதென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

அம்பலத்தில் ஆடுகின்றார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அவர்
ஆடுகின்ற வண்ணமென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

அந்தரத்தில் ஆடுகின்றார் வெண்ணிலா வே - அவர்
ஆடும்வகை எப்படியோ வெண்ணிலா வே.

அணுவிலணு வாயிருந்தார் வெண்ணிலா வே - எங்கும்
ஆகிநின்ற வண்ணமென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

அண்டபகி ரண்டமெல்லாம் வெண்ணிலா வே - ஐயர்
ஆட்டமென்று சொல்வதென்ன வெண்ணிலா வே.

அம்பரத்தி லாடுகின்றார் வெண்ணிலா வே - என்னை
ஆட்டுகின்றார் இம்பரத்தே வெண்ணிலா வே.

(Source: https://www.thiruarutpa.org/thirumurai/v/T209/tm/vennilaak_kanni)

IT IS ALL A VIBRATION

The beauty in Hindusim is that it accepts that everything can exist simultaneously. The devotee in the video interview we saw in the last post, says it beautifully that "When I got to India and began to learn about Hinduism, the paradox does not exist .. both stories can exist simultaneously. A relief for my questions because I hit the Dharma. The Dharma answered my questions". The believer and nonbeliever, the gnostic and agnostic, the many sects and religions, and the equally many faiths and beliefs all can co-exist. Each has a role in the divine's play. 

My brother-in-law was a Buddhist in his last birth. In this birth, he is a Hindu. He was approached to build or rebuild/renovate temples in places where he had served with the public works department. Finally taking Sri Raghavendra as his guru, he builds a wonderful Mrithiga Brindavanam for him and heads it as its patron founder. I believe we shall experience and go through each faith over the numerous births we take. We shall experience the truths in each, and finally reach the understanding knowing that the experiences and learning, the knowledge and wisdom can be many, but the vibration and energy that is manifested in all are one. We come across this vibration and energy as in energy vortexes, only in places of worship where its intensity is felt immensely. This is the abode of Siva. From here the vibrations ripple out. Man who learns to take notice and becomes aware of it can tap into its source. These energy knots and nodes are available in sound, whirlpools, knots, and chakras too. Going beyond, or rather in going within, he loses touch with the physical world and his physical body, and instead he touches the subtle Atma as he reaches the subtle plane. Going within the Atma engages in releasing the knots, clearing the blockages, renewing its energy, revitalizing it, and electrifying it. The physical body gains a new momentum to do the divine's work. It is rejuvenated. Even as these vibrations and energies are everywhere it is only in these places that a common man can realize it and experience it. He realizes that the vibrations and energies are one but of different amplitudes and frequencies. On the other hand, a Guru and Gnani who is ever connected to the Prapanjam can reach out and fetch immediately these energies and pass them on to devotees through his touch as in blessings, through his look or a mere word. We have witnessed how Yogi Ramsuratkumar passed on the energy to writer Balakumaran just by stroking his back in an earlier post.

My very first encounter with these vibrations and energies was on day 2 of my maiden pilgrimage to India to carry out my remedies or parikaram given in my first Nadi reading some 8 months earlier. It happened at the Lord Nadaraja sannadhi or chambers at Egambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram. Deva, my chauffeur, and Mahendran, my travel agent in India, dropped me at the Egambareswarar Temple. Deva did not accompany me into the temple on my second day in India, telling me that I did look like one of the locals and had merged in completely with them. This was another of the Pancha Stalam that I was directed to visit by Agathiyar in my Nadi. As the main sanctum was packed with people participating in a ‘private family puja’ and as the atmosphere was extremely noisy, I decided to pray elsewhere. As I came around the temple complex, I came across a huge chamber on my left. When I say it is huge believe me it was really huge and within its walls was an equally huge statue of Lord Nadarajah. As I stopped at the entrance to the chamber to have a look, suddenly a young priest rose from his seat and quickly ushered me into the chamber. I did not see him until he moved to get up and lead me inside. He walked briskly ahead of me. As I stepped inside this magnificent chamber, I felt I had stepped into another world and another plane; into another space and time. An entirely different atmosphere prevailed within the walls. Something I had never felt before overcame me. I could feel a strong vibration come over me. Was I being shown a small sample of the bliss that is often mentioned by the Yogis and Gurus I wondered later? The young priest started chanting as he showed the sacred flame or arati. Lord Nadaraja looked down on me not in a menacing way as one would have thought given the massive height of his that dwarf both the priests and me, but with so much compassion and love. I stood in front of him at close proximity, amazed, astonished, and emotionally shaken up, with tears pouring down my cheeks. I could not contain the bliss any further. I broke into a loud cry. I stood there shedding tears of joy. I had my Lord all to myself at that moment. Everything else stood still! It was some time before I came out of it. The priests who stood afar and only observed approached me with the prasad once I became composed. I thanked him and tucked some rupees into his hand and made my way out of that electrifying chamber of Lord Nadaraja. Further down the corridor, to my surprise, I was invited by an elderly couple to sit and watch with them a private prayer or puja and the bathing ritual or Abhisegam to Goddess Kaali. I stayed long enough to witness the evening Abhisegam performed on Lord Egambareswarar too. All these took place in a short time of an hour from 6 pm to 7 pm.

My next experience with these vibrations was on day 5 at Tiruvanaikaval, Trichy. The priest from Utamar Temple, who surprised us, in volunteering to bring me and Deva to Tiruvanaikaval, advised me on what to purchase on arrival on the grounds of the temple. It was 12 noon. The temple was already closed. I understood then why he had suggested and rushed us to Tiruvanaikaval first to carry out the parikaram and return to Utamar temple later in the evening. To my surprise, he used his contacts at the temple to open doors that were closed. With his "magic touch" or rather his good rapport, he had the doors to Lord Vinayagar’s sannadhi opened for us, calling over the temple caretaker to open it up. He had a priest conduct and show the arati. We then moved on to Lord Murugan's sannadhi and the same took place. Then at the main sanctum, he called out "Mama, Come. You should do the prayers!" to an elderly priest who was seated in the dark with the other priests. Did I say dark? But it was 12 noon then. This is how our temples were in the past. The only moment we ever get to see the deity is the few seconds when the arati or camphor flame or oil lamp is hovered before the deity. These days when Agathiyar comes he ask us to shut out the light and kindle the flame in the oil lamp at our altar. 

The old priest surprisingly led all of us into the inner chamber through a side door. I had the privilege to be shown the Shivalingam which I came to know was partially submerged in water. The elderly priest bent down in the darkness and told me to listen to the sound of water when he moved it with his hands. When he stood before me again with the prasad I thought I saw my "father" in him. I fell at his feet. As I picked myself up, I realized the priest from Utamar Temple, the temple caretaker, and Deva too had fallen at the priest’s feet following my gesture and were picking themselves up too. The priest from Utamar Temple insisted the elderly priest should conduct the prayers at the Lord Dhaksanamurthi sannadhi too. We all made our way to the sannadhi. After the elderly priest left, I broke down at Lord Dhakshanamurthi’s sannadhi. I lay on the floor crying for no reason. I suppose I must have cried aloud and long for the caretaker of the temple tried to console me. I heard the priest from Utamar Temple say, “Let Him Be, Let Him Cry.” After a while, I picked myself up and we adjourned to feed the poor, a cow, and an elephant on the advice of the priest from Utamar Temple. I was literally pushed or shoved from one shrine to another, by this wonderful group of people, who came to assist me. The elderly priest, the priest from Utamar Temple, the temple caretaker, and Deva, made my day in performing each prayer to the utmost satisfaction. The priest whom we picked up at Utamar Temple to assist me with my parikaram initially at Utamar temple had gone all his way to help us out at Tiruvanaikaval temple too. As we were on our way to send him back to Utamar temple, he insisted that we drop him off at a location he pointed to, telling us that he had errands to run. I handed him the first of three offerings or Andhanarku Dhanam as part of my parikaram. As we drove off I chanced to look back to realize that we had dropped him off at a Hanuman temple! Why did he get down at the Hanuman temple? Who did come in the guise of the priest and showed me around? Was it Hanuman? It would not be a surprise as the agility, speed, and velocity he demonstrated, practically shoving me from one shrine to another, could only mean that it was Vaayu's son who came for us.  It did not surprise me either that I did not see him again at Utamar Temple that evening when I was there performing the atonement there!

If these temples brought me to connect with the vibration it was in Palani that the vibration literally, uplifted me. It was day 7. We reached Palani at 8.50 am. After a brief drive around the hill, Deva dropped me off at the entrance to the Tiru Avinankudi Temple. After a brief moment at Tiru Avinankudi temple, as there was a wedding in progress, I purchased some items to bring over to Lord Murugan. I then started for the hill temple. Laying my feet on the first step, I just could not move my legs. They were extremely heavy as if they had turned to stone or rooted to the ground. I had to force myself using both my hands as if prying and tearing my feet apart from the ground. It was akin to uprooting a tree. My heart was pumping hard. I was gasping for air. I pushed myself determined to scale the hill. I did the same struggling to pry myself and take another step till the top. I had to break the climb, stopping every few minutes to take a breather. But the irony is nobody stopped to enquire if I was alright? Was I hidden from their view? Eventually, I reached the top of the hill. On reaching the top, I became dizzy. I was drenched in sweat. My throat was parched and dry. I had to sit somewhere! I made my way to the shops that I spotted in the distance. I just dropped myself and my belongings, leaning against the wall of one of the shops. As I sat there, I was sweating profusely. I was on the verge of fainting. During this time I remained in this position I only saw brightness engulfed all around me. I could make out silhouettes of people walking by. I heard the muffled sound of their talk. Regaining my senses after some time, I stood up. I made my way to queue up in line for the darshan of Lord Murugan. Once inside I do not remember seeing Lord Murugan. All I remember was a priest walking up to me and practically snatching the goody bag I brought for Lord Murugan asking if they were for his abhisegam. I cannot recount what took place next. Next I knew, he was back and shoved the same bag into my hands. He told me that there was the sandalwood paste from Lord Murugan's abhisegam. I turned to follow the crowd ahead of me out of Lord Murugan's chamber. Hardly had I taken a few steps I then chanced upon a room on the right. On peering within I saw four priests. I enquired if it was Bhogar’s Samadhi and they nodded. I entered and stood in prayer while one of the priests showed the flame or arati. One of the four priests, a young man, reached for a tumbler on top of a closet in the room and handed it to me saying it was Abhisegam milk. I drank the milk. As I realized I was the only one then in this chamber then, I took the opportunity to sit for a while next to the exit door with their permission. Upon opening my eyes, the priest who gave me the milk held out some prasad. I received it and took leave thanking him with a nod of the head. As I came out of Bhogar’s chamber I was in a daze. I was drifting as I came around and around the temple. I did not sense my feet touching the ground. I drifted as if a boat or yacht would drift downwind. My heart was full to its brim with bliss. As I finally became aware I left the premises and found my way to the car at the foothill. It was 11 am.

I had no problem climbing the 272 steps at Batu Caves. Neither did I have a problem climbing the numerous steps in the Gua Tempurung Caves back home prior to this trip. So why couldn't I climb Palani Hill? As I left Bhogar's chamber, I asked myself where did the long queue of people in front of me and those behind me go? Not comprehending what had just happened back there and then on 7 September 2003, Agathiyar reveals what took place at Palani in the Nadi reading two years later on 19 August 2005! 

These brief moments of connecting with the vibrations and energies continued even after I returned to Malaysia as Agathiyar told me in the Nadi that I shall not be spared even on my home ground. Two years later in 2005, as I bid farewell to Tavayogi, after meeting him for the first time in Malaysia, and as it was customary to fall at the feet of gurus, I did just that. He moved back and told me never to do that again. Instead, he pointed me to a pair of wooden sandals or Padhugai, telling me to fall only at Agathiyar's feet. Only when Tavayogi pointed me to Agathiyar's feet that I saw the sandals and the large painting of Agathiyar in the meditation room of his local affiliate Peedham in Batu Caves. Before that, I was so engrossed in the conversation with him that I had failed to notice my surroundings. It was just as I had no awareness of my surroundings in the presence of the Divine in all the temples I visited in India. The moment I touched the wooden sandal, I broke into tears and began crying aloud for reasons I could not comprehend. It was not that I wanted to cry but it happened suddenly and spontaneously. The cry came from within without my control or me initiating it. I cried my heart out. I guessed then that my soul got connected with Agathiyar recognizing him as my guru from the past. My guess was right. Agathiyar says the same of the Atma in his recent memo.

These vibrations were felt while doing pranayama too. Following the techniques that were shown by Tavayogi, in the years beginning from 2008, I could feel large volumes of prana enter into my lungs and into every part of my body. I guess every cell was revibrated by the massive flow of prana. So when I caught the flu after 6 years, I realized how the most common cold could derail our mission in life. Prana is life. If that prana is cut off by the mucus that accumulates in the nostril and its passages, and the chest, we suffocate. This is what Ramalinga Adigal says too, that the kapam or phlegm is what kills us at the last stage of our lives. Appreciate the free flow of prana that we had evidently enjoyed all these years without any effort on our part. Take time to notice it and pay attention to your breath. The difference between a Siddha and a common man is not in the many Siddhis or "magic" they perform but in the attention given to the breath. While man is so occupied noticing what goes on around him, the Siddha only is occupied in noticing his breath. He shuts everything else. That is Samadhi.

Tavayogi was a student of Chitramuthu Adigal. Chitramuthu Adigal in turn was a disciple of Jeganathar. Jeganathar was a disciple of Ramalinga Adigal. Ramalinga Adigal's guru was Agathiyar. Learning this, each time we went back to our hometown in Perak we would stop over at the Sri Jeganathar Sivalayam in Tapah. If it was not possible then we would drop by on the way back. As I stood with my family at his samadhi temple one day, I was suddenly overcome by emotion and cried for reasons I do not know. Surprisingly the disciples of a Swamiji who were residing at the temple then did not notice what was taking place right next to them. It is as if these moments are veiled from the sight of others. My family was always the sole witness. I felt the grace of my Paramaguru. The Atma brought us to engage with the lineage of gurus. I guess I touched the Atma and vice versa. 

When I was with my family at the cave temple of the Siva Subramaniam Alayam, Kampung Kepayang, I was again overcome by emotion. The vibration shook my very core again.

When my family and I had prayed at the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple, Penang, and stepped out, and as we asked for direction to go over to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, atop the hill next from a man mending his flower shop, he pointed us to its tower that was visible from where we stood.  I went into a state of bliss and laughter just looking in the direction he pointed. He told my family, "He is in bliss." I guess I felt the bliss of the Atma then.

Revisiting Tiruvanaikaval again, this time with my family, Jnana Jhotiamma of Chennai and Dr. Ram Subramaniam of Tirunelveli, in 2013, again I was overcome by an emotional outbreak of cry and joy at Lord Dhakshanamurthi’s sannadhi. As we assembled at his sannadhi, I hit the floor crying my heart out again. Jnana Jhotiamma was trying to pacify me. When I came around to get a hold of myself, a young priest came along and opened the grilled gate to the sannadhi and went about the puja. Jnana Jhotiamma prompted me to leave some money on his tray as he finished showing the Arati or camphor flame. As I walked up to him, he suddenly asked me "Did you see?" "பார்த்தாயா?" Immediately my glance went to Lord Dhakshanamurthi and back to the priest. I saw the priest take the posture of Lord Murugan in the form of Lord Dhandapani of Palani. I fell at his feet immediately and began to cry out. As I rose I realized the priest had stepped aside. I kept on asking if the others had seen him too as we left the sannadhi.

Then the highlight and pinnacle or grand finale of all these shows of vibration and energy happened in the inner caves of the Sri Siva Shanmugar Temple in Sungai Siput on 7 March 2016. When "the priest" who had volunteered to take us on a tour of the cave stopped at a spot and revealed to me and my family that that was the spot where our Paramaguru Chitramuthu Adigal had meditated for years, I suddenly went into a spin, lost my balance and fell on my back into a depression in the ground, just missing the boulders by inches. This was the only instance caught on video. I must have connected with the Atma again.

When Tavayogi and Mataji visited us in June of 2016, as we sat together conducting the Homam at AVM, Mataji had sensed a ground-shaking vibration under her seat. She asked me the next day when we gathered at the home of another devotee to conduct a Satsang if I had sensed the vibration. I did not. Calling aside Sri Krishna we asked if he had sensed it. She told me when she told Tavayogi he too had not sensed it. The following day Agathiyar came in Tavayogi's Jeeva Nadi reading for a devotee and revealed that the Siddhas had come down and sat among us during the puja. Only Mataji was given the privilege to sense their presence. Their presence was sensed by Mataji by way of an immense vibration from the ground. 

Later the same year as the AVM family made its way to join the festivities for Agathiyar's Guru Puja in Kallar, we stopped over at numerous temples among them the Mayuranathar temple in Mayiladuturai. As we sat in the presence of Lord Dhakshanamurthi, Lord Ganesh, and Kuthambai Siddhar, I was overcome by a profuse flow of energy that went right through me and left me crying in joy. It refused to settle for a long time. The ground was shaking and so was I. Later at the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Madurai, I was overcome by the same vibration and energy sitting at the Sundarananthar Vallabha Siddhar Sannadhi as we recited the names of the Siddhas.

When the couple Mr. and Mrs. Sri Krishna who had devoted their lives to the service of Agathiyar and charity, asked Agathiyar his true form like Tavayogi, Agathiyar answered with another question. "What do you sense in all your spiritual and charitable undertakings?", he asked them. They replied an "Athirvu" or a vibration. "That I am" he replied.

In the beginning, when I made contact with the vibrations I could not make any sense of it. I could not comprehend what was happening and why it was happening. These brief moments at these holy spots never exhausted me or drained our energy. I always remained alert and on my feet. Even if I fell in salutation I would pick myself up without any assistance. The only time I needed help in rising up was when I fell into a depression in the ground of the cave temple at Sungai Siput. My wife had to give me a hand. There was no need for another to help revive me either. It was just that I was not myself then. But it was blissful. But the opposite happened when I was in public places. I felt drained off my energy level when in the midst of people and the crowd such as at supermarkets and malls. Hence I kept away from the crowd unless it was very absolutely necessary. I guess after some time I had built sufficient immunity against the onslaught of others' energies for it does not bother me much these days. 

The Siddha's dream is for us to attain this state where we can connect and interact with the prana, these vibrations, and energies. This is only the start. Soon we begin to connect with the Prapanjam. The Prapanjam then takes care of all our needs. Just as in our everyday life when we intensify our efforts we see results, similarly in the race to achieve oneness with the Prapanjam we need to intensify the efforts too. And it all begins with worship at the temples followed by worship of the Siddhas. Then we need to practice yoga. Then the guru comes to initiate a chain of events that we never dreamt of. I had wished that in these brief moments I could pass on these vibrations and energies to others. And so we did by holding hands together. Those who were receptive to these energies experienced it. Ramalinga Adigal would wait eagerly for these moments of bliss to appear. Tavayogi told me we needed to prolong these moments. As for me even if it was to come to an end now I would die happy. 

DOING HIS WORK

Something might happen that brings the one who doesn't believe in God to have faith, start praying or enter a temple. He then becomes a believer, a devotee, a follower, or a seeker. On the other hand, something might happen to another to have him lose his faith and hold on to God and drop everything. He leaves the path. He becomes an atheist. This is where we allow external influences to determine our stand on matters.

Seekers too are of several kinds. Those who seek out of curiosity as in going on adventures and those who have a sudden urge that moves them to want to know the answers. Then there are those who have a lifelong yearning just waiting to be unleashed.

If some seekers were moved out of curiosity, then there are those who are moved by the divine in a moment or spur of revelation. They tend to stay longer and travel far with the divine as opposed to those who come out of curiosity and leave pretty soon. The moment of revelation in the latter is when the Atma awakens from its hibernation behind the veil. That is the moment of awakening or enlightenment of the Self by the Atma. That is Atma Darisanam. That is Self Realization. That is the dawn of Gnanam. As Agathiyar says it is not given by him but we have to make that journey and make that effort, we arrive at the destination in due time and find that all becomes known.

It begins when we surrender to the divine. If we think that we have taken birth to fulfill our desires, then when the true purpose of our birth is known, that we are here to see through the divine purpose, that is enlightenment. That is the moment the "I" drops. He sheds everything else for the will of the divine. He works to see through the wishes of the divine through him. He becomes a vehicle of the divine. Eventually, he himself becomes divine by nature. When Tavayogi ended his 8-year stay and came down from Sathuragiri to go into samadhi at a place shown to him as Agathiyar Vanam, he soon found it to be at Kallar. But Agathiyar intervened and had him do his will. He had him follow in the footsteps of his guru Chitramuthu Adigal and Paramaguru Jeganatha Swami in coming to preach in Malaysia. I guess it was our unknown hidden desires that intervened in his life and made the change in plans. We were blessed to meet, enroll and follow his teachings. The Atma connected me and my family, and others at AVM, with Tavayogi and his gurus and Agathiyar and paved the way for so many wonders to take place. We are grateful.

I have seen many come only to leave later. Some went on to condemn the earlier establishments that provided food and shelter for them. How could they forget to be grateful for the hospitality shown and their stay? Watching these happen once too often in other establishments made me stay away from establishing peedhams or centers. A seeker is never satisfied. The reason being he has established a picture in him. Whatever pursuit he undertakes has to fit into that picture, otherwise, he leaves for greener pastures. If the master and his establishment do not fit into the picture he has projected as J. Krishnamurthy says he leaves. Hence we see that they do not stay around for long. No one can deliver nor fulfill or satisfy his wants and likings. For one like him, he should put a stop to the seeking and begin to build all that he has envisioned from scratch rather than leeching to others. 

For those whose yearning is true and sincere, they need not seek any further. Either the seeking stops on its own or the master shall come and put an end or a stop to their seeking. Most of the time we go seeking we take up practices and baggage that cause hurt and harm. But when we begin something that is their wish or desire with their blessings we shall see it through. Rather than cook up an idea and expect them to bless and see through the venture, take up their cause and make it our purpose in life. See it through and leave this world satisfied that you had done his work. As we each create our dreams and as far as our dreams seem real this world too would seem so. As our dreams in our sleep are shattered or come to an end abruptly so are our dreams in this world. It is then the moment to make our dream that is his dream too come true. But as long as karma is not settled in this birth its force drives us into action and into acquiring more karma. Hence we know now why the Siddhas showed so much importance to the eradication of one's karma and the many ways they stipulated to reduce its effects on our lives. With karma out of the way, the driving force behind our actions is gone. We remain still and surrender to the divine. Doing his will does not gather karma. We become missionaries of God. We become servants of God. The Nayanmars saw themselves as servants of Lord Shiva. They saw Shiva in all. They worshipped all. Later, man began to install idols of them and worship them too. We do not attempt to attain what they did. Our effort falls short of singing their songs at temples and in competitions.  

I took up the worship of the Siddhas after reading the Nadi. Agathiyar had told me to do so. Many have asked me why worship them? They were men who walked the face of the earth back in time too like us. Yes, it is true. But they have achieved what we never tried and attempted. We stopped short of asking questions. They ventured to know and gained that Atma Gnanam. When we worship them our thoughts begin to align anew following their lives and achievements. We become their very nature. We speak and breathe them. Our lives take a new direction. The divine moves the chess pieces henceforth. Nothing moves us or bothers us as we know who is in charge. We settle to do whatever obligations we have and the remaining responsibilities without attachment. Going through life and responsibilities we are constantly engaged in the thought of the divine. Humane work and that of the divine's take precedence. When our reason to come is exhausted there is then a new reason to stay. Many a saint have been jolted from their dream and this world of dream in this manner. They then take up the cause of the divine dropping their own desires. The vasanas die on their own. Karma ends. The cycle of birth and death ends with it. They became Jeevanmuktas.

This would then become the "golden" age. We cannot change the world at large but we can surely change ourselves. Nothing is more satisfying than doing his work. But to reach that state one has to start small. He has to decorate and pray to him first. We bathe him, feed him and sing to him. Love for him generates within and does wonder. When he begins to shower his love in return, nothing can hold us back. We take the jump. We yearn to meet him. Speak to him. Have him around. He comes as a father, mother, guru, guide, friend, companion, lover, and even servant. 

Watching the above video on Neem Karoli Baba, we come to know of how a devotee took up the word of Baba and returned to accomplish what was given as a task to her.  So have many taken up the directives of their teachers, masters, and gurus. There are those who in wanting to give back took up certain tasks on their own too. As we watch the video further, we wonder why would Baba want to build not one but several temples? When Tavayogi told us to come to the path of Gnana from Bakthi, I questioned his motive in building a temple. He replied that it was not for him but for the people. 

J. Krishnamurthy drops a bombshell. He says if you seek you will find what you have projected in your mind. He asks that we stop seeking. This very seeking itself I believe is a vasana nested deep within us that prompts us to move. A desire waiting to germinate. That vasana ingrained in him to build a temple most likely carried over from a past birth to this birth and carried further in his heart for another 40 years almost saw his dream come true for Supramania Swami. When at the threshold of seeing it become a reality his lifelong dream was trashed by a Siddha who came by and asked Supramania Swami why he was going back to devotion or bakti when he was a gnani.

If the thought that is projected moves us into action then if we could brush away these thoughts what is there to do but to sit still? Void of thoughts now the divine begins to fill us with his thoughts. While our thoughts are self-centered and work towards our wellbeing, the divine's thoughts envelop all of his creation. He then works for humanity at large without even engaging directly with them. They work on us from afar. We understand now why Bhagawan Nithyananda and Yogi Ramsuratkumar told their disciples on their deathbed that they could do more in a subtle form. Dhanvantri told us that Tavayogi was working on us even after his demise. Their work goes beyond time and space.

UNDERGRADUATE

Although the Siddhas have been known to be around for ages, only certain quarters spoke about them when I entered the path some 19 years back. Those who followed the path kept away from mainstream devotion preferring to remain exclusive to themselves. The subject of Siddhas was shrouded in mystery too. Although works of Siddhas are now available in print not much can be deciphered from these works. But these days most of the Tv stations, YouTube channels, and individuals on social media compete to bring news and footage of places associated with the Siddhas, their interpretations of the Siddha texts, and coverage of any individual who apparently appears like Siddhas and performs Siddhis.

Coming to the path, I learned that the Siddhas were men who strived to achieve Godhead by means of performing austerities together with living a life of discipline. They then taught their disciples this path. Together they then laid them out in writings for future generations to cherish and follow. It is wonderful indeed of the Siddhas that they had documented every finding and discovery and till this day guide humans through their writings and the Nadi. They perfected the means to enable the body to remain alive forever and to this date are believed to be living amongst us. How did they manage to do it? By becoming one with the Prapanjam, that exists all around us and in us too. This is the contribution of the Siddhas towards humanity. Their desire is to make every one of us a Siddha. But before we can fall into their footsteps and transform this physical body into a state of energy and vibration, we need to rid of the garbage that we have been collecting and carrying around for ages. The baggage of karma has to go too. Hence importance is given to the eradication of karma by the Siddhas in the very beginning followed by cleansing of the body and clearing of the breath. 

After "signing in for the course", I was given a list of parikaram or remedies to be done and sent out to do it. Agathiyar who revealed my past, present, and future in my first Nadi reading, told me that he shall see me in three years' time. And so I began to carry out all the things Agathiyar told me to do. I carried out the parikaram in the local temples first and then took flight on my maiden journey to India the following year in 2003. Between 14 December 2002 and 15 August 2005, I read much about the Siddhas, I looked up the establishments associated with them in Malaysia, frequented them, and sat in to hear what they had to deliver. As Agathiyar had asked me to specifically come to worship the Siddhas this was new to me then. I picked up whatever I could get my hands on and began my home puja. I put into practice the yoga asanas and pranayama that I had picked up from books during the eighties too. Hence my "undergraduate years" began when I enrolled to see the Nadi on 14 December 2002. It ended when Tavayogi seeing that we were qualified brought me and my family on stage to perform the puja at his Kallar ashram in 2013. We "received our scrolls" that day. We had graduated.

15 August 2005 was a turning point in my life. Agathiyar placed me under the tutelage of Tavayogi that day after I went back to be initiated by Tavayogi again as directed to both of us in the Nadi. I followed in the heels of Tavayogi to his Kallar ashram and later into the jungles and caves of India. Receiving another initiation at the end of this journey, I returned home to continue with my home puja of the Siddhas and carry out what was told. The Siddhas slowly revealed their aspirations for mankind through the numerous Aasi Nadi readings that kept coming, back to back in subsequent years. They have conveyed much through the Nadi. But it was never to make us superhumans or magicians. We were to evolve into a man with divine nature.

They spoke about their Nadi. 

The Nadi is a means of communication between the Siddhas and their disciples. The Siddhas give instructions through the Nadi. All those who come in search of the Nadi have the blessings of the Siddhas. The Siddhas tell us never belittle the Nadi readings for it is sacred. 

They spoke about Pilgrimages.

The Siddhas ask that the disciples perform prayers at temples to appease the planets and to garland the Gods to please them. They encourage disciples to go on pilgrimages that would help change one’s perception of God and to know and learn more about the Siddhas. They assure us that they shall wait with open arms for our arrival at these destinations. They promise that they shall receive the disciple and accompany them on their pilgrimages to these temples, shrines, caves, and samadhi.

The irony here is most temples outlaw the Siddhas preferring to carry out worship to the main deities, the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. But it surprises us that most temples were initiated by the Siddhas in the first place. Even today they send us to these temples to carry out our parikarams or remedies before having us step into their path.

They spoke about Worship.

The Siddhas ask that we help finance the building of temples and other places of worship. An excellent example is that of the Siddha Korakar who advised the presiding King of Tanjore, Raja Cholan to build a temple to counter the karma that he had gained when he went to war with the neighboring states. We are told that Korakar personally supervised the construction and completion of this temple known as Breehadeswar temple. They encouraged us to visit and pray at their abodes and dwellings. In receiving us, they assure us that happiness shall prevail in the lives of the disciple as a result of these daily prayers to the Siddhas. Their advice to the disciple is he needs to be steady in his or her mission even when confronted with people who shall shake their very faith. The disciple is advised not to heed these harsh and discouraging words but instead to carry on with the prayers. There is much good in prayers, they assure us. All the disciple’s problems shall be relieved step by step through prayers. He is reminded not to give up on prayers. Worship Siddhas and attain much say the Siddhas. The disciple is encouraged to recite the Maha Mantra – Arutperun Jothi. They ask to recite the names of the Siddhas too. They request the disciples to chant Lord Murugan’s name for it is light too. Bliss and joy are acquired by chanting the Lord’s name, they say. They mention that they are in the form of light in this world too. They request that the disciple spread their teachings. The disciple is requested to stay on this path. The disciple is to continue consistently with the spiritual practices that the disciple is currently following. She/he is advised not to get distracted. The disciple is encouraged to conduct research, continue the aforementioned practices, prayers, and rituals to their utmost satisfaction. 

They spoke about Morality.

The Siddhas tell us to drop the following: Worries; Fear; Sadness; Tears. We are asked to control anger as temper shall destroy all merits gained through meditation; not to utter harsh words as they shall take shape and so they warn us. 

They ask us to engage in the following positive activities: Do good; Be joyful; Conduct prayers; Meditate; Be compassionate; Feed the poor and the animals; Help the needy; Do charity; Live a life of virtue; Fulfill one's responsibilities towards the family and nation; Be pure at heart and the disciple shall be at peace; Be truthful. In being truthful, he shall face challenges. In those circumstances do nothing, and the disciple shall see bliss, they assure us, and finally, they advise us to take things one step at a time. Towards this purpose, they have written extensively on good morals and attributes. Thiruvalluvar gave us the Thirukural. Avvai gave us the "Athi Chudi" and "Konrai Venthan". Patanjali gave us the "Yoga Sutras". Svatmarama gave us the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika".

The very first lesson that they teach us is to bring change in our behavior, speech, and beliefs. They emphasize character building, good behavior, right conduct, right knowledge, and yogic practices. They ask us to restrain our anger, lust, and ego. Once we take care of these weaknesses, then perception and understanding will change accordingly. The world will still be the same but we shall see it from a different perspective then and different light. We shall see the world differently. We shall accept everything as God’s doing. We shall go with the flow. Moving further on there comes a stage where nothing is understood, instead everything is known.

Thiruvalluvar in the "Thirukural", reminds us of the following: Be righteous, Be kind in speech, Be grateful, Maintain self-control, Do not desire another man’s wife, Be forgiving, Do not envy, Do not covet, Do not slander, Perform charity, Be truthful, Abstain from anger, Be courteous.

Avvai in her work entitled "Athi Chudi" has109 advice for us, amongst them: Do good, Control anger, Do not hinder aid to others, Feed the hungry, Help the needy, Keep reading, Do not be jealous of other’s achievements, Help your relatives and friends grow with you, Look after your parents, Do not forget those who have come to your aid, Do not secure what does not belong to you, Do not venture into things that are degrading by nature, Abstain from using harsh language, Refrain from thinking degrading thoughts, Do not harm others, Give your best in every venture that you undertake, Lead an honest life, Respect others.

Again Avvai in her "Konrai Venthan" has 91 pieces of advice for us. Through another work of hers "Muthurai", she has 30 pieces of advice and another 40 in "Nalvazhi".

The following is their aspiration for their disciples.

They want the disciples to live the life of a Siddha and he shall live like Sivam too they say. The disciple needs to establish himself firmly in the path of the Siddhas. He has to be faithful to this path. God’s name should flow through the breath of the disciple. Let the thoughts revolve around the Siddhas. Let the thoughts be centered on them day and night. Receive the advice of the Siddhas with devotion. Follow the advice and guidance of Siddhas. Spread their teachings. Invite them into our homes. Make them a part of the family too. When confronted with danger, call out to the Siddhas and they shall protect. Admire the sages and decorate the Siddhas in the heart’s eye. They too shall decorate the disciple similarly. Research into the reason for taking birth. Being a disciple of the Siddhas, and having chosen to follow their path, live with pride. 

If the disciple adheres to the wishes of the Siddhas, they promise much in return. They shall perform miracles just for their disciples. Visions and miracles shall take place at their abodes, caves, and samadhi. The disciple shall witness miracles happen at his home too. They shall appear to the disciple. They shall live in the disciple. God shall live in the disciple. The disciple shall become one with them. They shall show the disciple his path. The disciple becomes a true friend and shall be highly regarded by them. They shall love the disciple as much as the disciple loves them. Once a disciple comes to this path, others around him too shall follow suit. Family members and others shall benefit from the disciple’s association with the Siddhas. The family and others too shall have their blessings. They shall care for the disciple and his family. They shall grace their presence in the disciple’s home. They are greatly moved by the devotion of the disciples. Never miss the worship of Siddhas at home, they remind us. Then great saints shall live with the disciple, they proudly declare. When the Siddhas are established in the home of disciples then the disciple has no need to spend his life at an ashram. Siddhas shall visit the disciple’s home then. They shall test the loyalty of their disciples occasionally but they shall not let down the disciples. They shall advise and witness the disciple do prayers and meditation. For those who follow their path, they give assurance that the disciple’s wishes shall come true. All the disciple’s efforts will pay off. The disciple shall see much progress come his way. The disciple’s aspirations shall be realized. The disciple’s asking shall be granted. They shall provide the disciple the knowledge to drive away ignorance. They shall be present in the disciple’s thoughts, words, and deeds. The disciple shall realize joy and bliss each day. The disciple shall attain a sweet voice, youth, and clarity of thought through prayers to them. They shall send their messengers to deliver their word to their disciples. The disciple shall realize the reason for his birth. They shall be a companion. Just as the parent takes care of the child, they shall take care of the disciple. The disciple shall have their grace immediately.

Having told us our role and part on the path and the returns in coming to their path, the Siddhas speak about the Guru/Discipline relationship.

The Siddhas ask that the disciple fulfill the responsibilities towards the guru without a second thought, full-heartedly and without mistake. They remind the seeker to choose the right guru who shall lead him further on. They remind him to chant the name of the guru daily. They add that if that is not possible, to allocate a day in the week in prayer for the guru. They reveal that gurus come around so that the disciple shall know the truth. The truth shall be revealed through the guru. They encourage the disciples to gain merits by visiting gurus and places of worship. And they ask that the disciple be patient for the time will come when this transmission takes place. With the blessings and grace of the Siddhas the disciple shall be protected from harm, they promise. 

They spoke on Yoga

The Siddhas advocate the practice of Deha Sudhi, and other breathing techniques (Pranayama). They say, preferably, these practices should be initiated through a guru. The disciple is to practice meditation daily as a result of which they shall gain full concentration. The disciple needs to just concentrate on their meditation while they shall take care of the disciple’s other needs. To enable advancement in the disciple’s practices and meditation, the disciple is requested to sit on a seat made of wood covered with a white cloth during meditation, and to meditate for twelve minutes daily with eyes shut and the sight focused between the brows, chanting their names. To progress further in the spiritual endeavors, he/she is to meditate sitting on the Tharpai grass. They assure the disciple that the disciple shall receive great benefits from this practice. The thinking ability shall improve. Temper shall be gone. Health shall improve. The body shall become robust. The disciple shall gain clarity. The disciple shall see changes during these stages of meditation and prayer. The disciple shall attain knowledge and speech attributes and other benefits through meditation. The disciple shall achieve the highest meditation through the path of the Siddhas. The disciple shall gain all that the Siddhas and elders have attained, they assure us. All efforts and practices shall not be in vain, they assure. 

Supramania Swami too tells me all our effort shall not go to waste and encourages me with these words, "We shall continue from where we left. We shall keep on polishing until we bring out the shine in us."

Through their teachings and guidance, we build up the body and soul to make it a suitable dwelling for the Lord. The Siddhas tell us to care for the body for it is only with this body that we can achieve God-realization. Thirumular mentions in his "Thirumanthiram" that he had regarded his body initially as filth and as dirt only to realize later that it is the abode and temple of the Lord. Since then he had taken extra care of it.

When Tavayogi taught me some Asana and breathing techniques when he was in Malaysia in 2008, I did not realize the value of his teaching then. Later Agathiyar in the Nadi mentions that it is a treasure chest that he has delivered to us. True enough upon further reading I realized the importance of Asana and Pranayama for one seeking the divine. Tavayogi mentions that there is eighty-four major Asana coinciding with 8,400,000 species on the face of the earth. He quotes from Agathiyar’s "Saumiya Sagaram", verse 250, where it is mentioned the nine Asanas that are of utmost importance. They are Go‐mukha‐Asana, Padma‐Asana,Vira‐Asana, Simha‐Asana, Path‐e‐Asana, Mukt‐Asana, Mayura‐Asana, Vajra‐Asana and Suga‐Asana.

As food is related to the wellbeing of the body and its purpose, in seeing us move through the states of Sariyai, Kriyai, and Yogam, they spoke about food intake.

The Siddhas recommend consuming pure natural food and avoiding excessive salty, sweet, sour, and pungent food. They advise us to adhere to these requirements since when meditating excessive heat would arise in the body of the disciple. The disciple’s body shall generate heat due to yogic practices. Since heat shall increase hence there is a need to take only satvic foods to counter the heat.

Finally, the Siddhas are not the least against marriages.

They encourage their disciples to marry and carry out their responsibilities to their families. They ask that their disciples walk the path to Godhead without deserting the families. They never called for the seclusion of oneself. On the contrary, they have asked us not to neglect our families and responsibilities but to attend to both worlds, the material and spiritual.

These were practical guidelines and practices given out to the aspirant on the path. Discipline is a major factor in attaining the goals that are seen to be missing in seekers. Hence they fall out on their observances and practices. In all these revelations the Siddhas never promised heaven and earth. They do not lure us with sweet promises and gifts. Although they gave us assurances, whatever said had to be practiced and put to work by us. We still needed to put in the effort. They were only concerned with a balanced life. All they wanted of us is to lead a righteous life and fulfill the purpose we came for. Those who come in search of the Genie's lamp or a wonder machine or a jackpot machine will be disappointed. I understood that this path is not for all too.

In 2013 Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal endorsed that I and my family were eligible to lead the puja at his Kallar Ashram and gave way to us. That was "graduation day" for us. After "graduating" in 2013, I began my "postgraduate". In 2016 when Tavayogi gave me and the rest of the AVM members from Malaysia the honor to lead the puja during the inauguration of the new Kallar Ashram, together with the devotees from all parts of India, we were deemed to have completed our "postgraduate". If during my "graduation" in 2013 I and my family led the puja with just a handful of devotees present at the ashram, in 2016 we had the privilege to lead a large crowd of devotees as it was a festival to commemorate the annual Jayanthi of Agathiyar and also the opening of the new ashram/temple/meditation hall complexes. Tavayogi had seen to it that my purpose was done. When in the many visits he made to Malaysia after 2004, once on our way to officiate a branch peedham of his in Banting, he told me to speak about the Siddhas. I told him "What do I know about them to talk about?" as I was pretty new. During his speech, he surprised me by telling the audience that I shall speak. I was dumbstruck. I asked myself "Where do I start?" I began to speak about Tavayogi. Then I switched to singing the Arutperunjothi mantra while everyone followed. I was saved by the mantra that day. When I wind up my show back then deactivating my YouTube account, FB, the numerous websites, and informed him, Tavayogi questioned me "Why my son? Let it be". I had to create everything from scratch. Agathiyar later came to ask me to continue writing. They had more confidence in me than I had in myself. It is an honor to carry their words, cherish and live by them.

COURSE ADMISSION

Who is a Siddha? A common definition of a Siddha is given below.

Siddha (Sanskrit: सिद्ध siddha; "perfected one") is a term that is used widely in Indian religions and culture. It means "one who is accomplished." It refers to perfected masters who have achieved a high degree of physical as well as spiritual perfection or enlightenment. Siddha may also refer to one who has attained a siddhi, paranormal capabilities. Siddhas may broadly refer to siddhars, naths, ascetics, sadhus, or yogis because they all practice sādhanā. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddha)

The first time I heard the name Siddhas mentioned was by Dr. Krishnan who told me that only the Siddhas could tell if we were cursed. Why did the subject come up? When all the predictions of Dr. Krishnan came true for others, it did not materialize in my case. So I asked if his predictions could go wrong. He replied, "Yes if you had been cursed in past lives". The subject ended at that in 1996. In 2002 my colleague brought up the subject of the Nadi relating to me his experience in reading it in 2000. I became excited and asked to see it. An appointment was made and I sat before the Nadi reader from Avinashi who was in Malaysia. I sat through the reading with awe hearing my life unfold before me. When my present was narrated, I was astonished. When my future was predicted, I was excited. But when my past was exposed, I was ashamed. True enough just as Dr. Krishnan had indicated the possibility of curses, Agathiyar confirmed it by revealing my horoscope in the Nadi. I was made to understand that the sins of my past lives and the associated karma, which appeared as flaws and curses in the planets that were apparent at my time of birth had contributed to the state of affairs. I understood that just as at the post office the letters and parcels are sorted into their respective postal codes to be delivered to the addresses, the appropriate results of our past sins and actions waiting to take form is most intelligently, determined, classified, and slotted to happen to align with the movement of the planets. The planetary cycle determines when certain effects of our past deeds are rolled out and take place. It knows when to bring out the parcel from its warehouse and roll it off to its receiver. So when the time is right to reap the benefits of our past actions or be showered with bullets the "delivery man" delivers the package to our doorsteps. We are either surprised with gifts and good news that is an outcome of our good actions in the past or jolted from our seats thinking that the planets have turned against us and become unfavorable. The planets are merely a mechanism set into orbit to deliver the goods of all our past undertakings. They have nothing to do personally with us, no vengeance nor friendship. They just do their job. They deliver the goods, our goods back to us.

Laying my horoscope before me, the Siddhas gave me hope. Things would change, they told me. I understood that sure it would be provided I heeded their advice. I understood that our fate is not written in stone but it can be changed with the help of these Siddhas. I was told that the faults in the stars can be changed with God's grace. I was told that worship of God, upholding divine thoughts, service to humanity, and temple worship would go a long way in bringing these changes. Health issues can be subdued by carrying out agamas or rituals. Though I had repented and done the necessary remedies in my past birth, and though it brought me to be blessed with this birth, I was told that karma followed on my heels. Hence it was only befitting that I carry out the said remedies. I understood the nature of karma and how difficult it was to erase them once it is ingrained in the Akashic records.

Given a set of parikarams or remedies and armed with prayers to the Hindu Gods and the Siddhas, I began my journey to know the Siddhas. The remedies first and foremost came in the form of thanking the Siddhas who had painstakingly documented my past lives and volunteered to retrieve them from the archives and look through them and advocate a solution in this life. This came in the form of Naadikku Dhanam that was a homage paid in the form of a prayer to the Nadi and worship of the Siddhas in return for their compassion in looking into the skies for an opening at the end of the tunnel. As Lord Ganapathy is known to break all shackles and remove all the obstacles, next came the chanting of Lord Ganapathy's mantra. I was assured of quick progress with the worship of the Siddhas. This would be hastened by the worship of Lord Siva. Besides this, I was told to come to the path of Agathiyar. Meanwhile, I sought establishments linked with the Siddhas in the Klang Valley. But as none could show me worship to the Siddhas, I picked up whatever I learned from the Nadi reader, and from some books and took up their worship in the confines of my home. 

I understand today that the Atma in me that was hibernating behind the veil letting me finish my business in settling my past debts arranged for the calling from within to read the Nadi. Agathiyar who identified himself as Guru came to show the path that I was to pursue henceforth. Then I was made to realize the intensity of our karma in our lives and how besides causing sufferings, hardship, delays, disappointments, misery, ailments, etc it can block even the good merits that are attainable through puja, prayer, and worship. I was told that even the yogic practices that I carried out would not see results until and unless karma is addressed first. Doubts and confusion, obstacles and delays shall pursue until we set our mind to rope the karma in and set it on fire. I came to know later that the Tava Kanal or fire of meditation is a good weapon to burn karma to ashes. But for freshies, newcomers, commoners, and simpletons like us, we are given remedies to carry out instead. The pain endured in walking up the stairs or tracking through the jungles to pilgrimage spots, slowly exhausts our karma. Feeding others, and the animals shall mellow our hearts bringing on compassion that clears the karma. 

But even before we undertake these remedies we are asked to bring our physical body to a favorable state first. Deha Sudhi or cleansing the body was required. This was to be followed by the practice of Vaasi or pranayama. Agathiyar showed me the practice too. It was to be done during the early morning hours of Muhurtham some two hours before sunrise. Generally, the Vaasi or breath shifts every two hours from the right to the left nostril or vice versa depending on the days of the week. We are to observe this flow and forcefully change it to coincide with the particular day. This practice will bring forth Pranayamam says Agathiyar. 

Tavayogi says the Siddha path is all about bringing on discipline within us, in our thoughts and habits, on disciplining the body, adhering to a strict discipline in our diet, and disciplining the breath. The pranayama shall be perfected when initiated by a guru. At this juncture, Agathiyar hints that I shall meet a guru in physical form. The guru comes to clear the blockages within us by his touch, look, or word. Besides, Agathiyar gave the word that he will continue to guide through the Nadi. Agathiyar brings up the subject of building his temple. All these were revealed in my first Nadi reading on 14.12.2002. I registered for the course. A new journey began that day.

The knowledge of the Siddhas has become too academic. It is rare to find a practicing Siddha these days. I had a youngster come over claiming he and his family were in the Siddha path. On probing him further, he admitted that they read a lot about the Siddhas. Agathiyar told us no one follows the Siddha way of life. Speak about the Siddhas and people automatically relate them to doing wonders or magic or Siddhi. Much is written about the 8 powers or Ashtama Siddhis gained and is seen as in a public display of a number of them. But does it all end with a public display of these powers? Is that all the Siddhas have to offer to humanity? Is that the goal they had for us and the reason and for the purpose they are still around? Agathiyar over time nurtured us on the ways of the Siddhas giving us simple practices to follow and making it a habit. He came often to check on us. He pushed us to do them. It has been 19 years now and guess what? The Siddhas never mentioned a word about the much-acclaimed Siddhis. Let me run through the things that they have touched on till now in the next post.