2
Dhandiadigal Nayanar
Thiruvarur…..
A decrepit hut at the outer periphery of the village …
In the early hours before dawn on a day in the month of Panguni…
Kannaththal is in great agony and in labour.She wants to cry out.
Kannaththal
(thinking)
Mother will wake up if I shout. Poor thing...I don’t know when she
went to sleep.
With Praying to Easan and gritting her teeth, she bears the birth
pangs.
As time passes and the day warms up, she is unable to bear the pain in
silence any longer and gives a loud shout waking up her mother. On seeing her
daughter’s condition she gets up quickly.
Mother
It looks that it is already time for delivery…
She comes near her daughter and holds her hand.
Mother
Kannaththa! Are you getting the
labour pains?
Kannaththal
I started getting the pangs
before daybreak itself. I gritted my
teeth and tolerated it not wanting to wake you up as you were fast asleep. I
cannot bear the pains any longer.
He mother gets very much perturbed.
Mother
How did you manage to bear the pain for so long? My dear! It is
natural that you will experience pain… It is also necessary that you should
yell and scream. Then only the body will relax and the delivery will be simple
and trouble-free. I don’t know what will be the ill effect of tolerating the
pain this long by you?
She makes her daughter sit along the wall and runs to heat water.
Kannaththal under severe pain presses her hands on the floor.
Mother (to herself
earnestly praying to Easan)
Thyagesa! Appane! Take care of
my daughter… She should deliver the baby safely… Ayya! There is none to take
care of us except You!
She takes thiruneeru and applies it on her forehead.
Mother
Kannaththa! I cannot leave you alone and go out to seek the help of
neighbours. Take deep breathe slowly and deliberately. This is what my mother
told me and I am telling the same thing to you…. Easan is there to protect us.
She cups and folds her arms and prays to Easan.
Kannaththal starts taking deep breaths and lets out slowly. In a few
minutes, there is a sudden yell from Kannaththal followed by the cry of the new
born. Her mother runs and picks up the newborn and cleans it with the hot
water. While she is very happy to find that the baby is a male, a sudden shriek
emanates from her.
Kannaththal (highly
agitated)
What has happened? Tell me! Why did you scream so loudly?
Mother (looking at the baby)
Ayyo! What can I tell you? I thought that all your worries would be
over as a male child was born to you!
But he is also born blind just like you! I have been taking care of
you all these years. I am anguished how I will take care of him in this old
age!
She starts wailing. Finding
that there is no response from Kannaththal, she comes near her only to find
that she is dead.
Mother
Alas! My dear! Agonised I shouted that the baby was blind. Did you die
because of my tellingyou the truth?Come
on! Open your eyes and see your baby!
She starts crying again.
Unaware of all these Dhandiadigal Nayanar starts crying aloud.
********
Thyagesan sannathi…
Kannaththal’s mother stands there with the newborn in her hands. When a few drops of tears from her fall on
its cheek it quickly reacts but goes back to sleep. The mother looks up at
Easan.
Mother
Is this fair?
She looks into the sannathi as if expecting a reply from Easan. There
Easan is seated in silence.
Mother
You know very well that my daughter was born blind. They said that if
I give the name of ‘Kannaththal’ she would regain her sight. But nothing
happened! Throughout her life she moved about blindly. Now she has delivered
this baby (showing the baby to Easan) and left me forever. I have not removed
her dead body yet. Still I have come here…I got her married to my brother
hoping that he would look after her properly. He turned to be a scoundrel. He
has run away after impregnating his wife.I hoped that the child that would be
born would take care of my daughter. You have given not only given her a blind
child but also taken away her life. I
have come here seeking justice. They say
that Easan is the only refuge for the desolate. I am standing in front of You
holding this newborn not knowing what to do and where to go. Answer me! Easane! Answer me!
While she wails aloud in the
sannathi, she sees a brilliant light radiating from the sannathi and a divine
voice is heard.
The Divine Voice
Thaye! Though she was blind, your daughter was always keeping Me in
her thoughts. She has attained My abode! The baby that is born to her will be a
great achiever and will perform great deeds. Give him the name ‘Dhandi’. His name and fame will remain forever.
Whosoever worships me will worship him as well.
Bowing to Easan with utter devotion, she looks at her grandchild with
a sudden glow in her eyes.
Mother
Aaha! How blessed are we!
Ayya! Your name will remain as
long as this earth remains… That those
who bow to Easan will also bow to you!
Calling out ‘Dhandi, Dhandi’, she places the child on the floor.
Cupping her arms and bowing to her grandchild in reverence, she falls down and
dies.
At that time….
The Gurukkal, who comes inside the sannathi with water for abhishekam,
sees the child placed on the floor and the old woman lying dead in the
sannathi. Confused he looks at the Sannathi only to see the brilliant light
radiating from there. Keeping the pitcher of water on the floor he raises his
hands in reverence. He picks up the baby and finds that is blind. With tears
swelled up in his eyes he looks at Easan.
Gurukkal
There seems to be some divine intervention….
While I was filling water in the pitcher, I asked to be blessed with a
son who would serve the temple after I am gone. You have restacked immediately.
The brilliantly lit up sannathi indicates that this baby is very precious. I
heard that old woman calling him ‘Dhandi’. Let his name remain as only Dhandi.
He brings thiruneeru from the glittering sannathi and smears it on the
baby’s forehead..
Dhandi prattles…
*********
Thyagesan sannathi… filled to the brim with adiyavars….
Gurukkal is conducting deeparadhanai with the blowing of conch….
Everyone is captivated by the divine ambience. A youth of about
sixteen years comes and places on the floor the pitcher of water he has been
carrying on his shoulder. He looks in the direction of sannathi and bows. An
elderly adiyavar, turning back after receiving thiruneeru from the Gurukkal,
bumps on to the youth. As he loses his
balance, the adiyavar catches him preventing his fall.
Adiyavar
(patiently)
Hey! How come you are standing
with your eyes closed? Only with your eyes open, you will be able to see the
people and give them way.
The Youth (bowing
to the adiyavar)
Ayya! Please pardon me!
Gurukkal observing them talking, comes near them.
Gurukkal
Dhandi! What is the matter?
Dhandi
As a blind man lacking sight, I have been standing without giving way
to the adiyavar. He bumped into me.
He bends down and lifts the pitcher and places it on his left
shoulder. Only then the adiyavar realises that he is blind.
Adiyavar (catching
the right arm of Dhandi)
Ayyo!If he is blind then it is I who had bumped into him blindly.
Gurukkal (calmly)
That is what I also thought! Dhandi has not bumped onto anyone till
now.
Adiyavar is amazed and the Gurukkal explains.
Gurukkal (looking
at Dhandi passionately)
From very young age, Dhandi is serving the temple by sweeping the
area, bringing water for abhishekam, helping in the temple kitchen and other
odd jobs. Seeing the speed of his work no one will believe that he is born
blind. Except serving Iraivan, he harbours no other thoughts.
Dhandi
Appa! There is a requirement of water for the temple kitchen. When I
heard the sound of the conch, I was drawn here. Let me go and hand over the
water.
He walks off briskly.
Adiyavar
People commit a lot many mistakes even though they have full vision in
both eyes. How is he able to carry out the tasks with aplomb without eyes?
Gurukkal
Who says Dhandi does not have eyes? Easan has given us only two eyes.
But for Dhandi he has given him a thousand eyes!
The adiyavar is overawed hearing this and the Gurukkal goes back.
Seeing Dhandi returning from the temple kitchen, the adiyavar rushes
to him and holds his hand.
Dhandi
Adiyavare! Are you still standing here?
If you need anything to be done, I am ready to carry out the same.
Adiyavar
(surprised)
How come you recognised that it is me?
Dhandi (with a
laugh)
Since you held my hand earlier, from the touch I could make it out
that it is you.
Adiyavar
If the light goes off for even a few seconds we grope though we have
sight. How are you able to walk around without fumbling?
Dhandi
If one of the sense organ is defunct, the other sense organs
compensate to a great extent. That is how I am able to do service to the temple
properly. Apart from that, all people working in the temple will not keep the
things haphazardly. Otherwise I will be in great trouble.
Adiyavar (ardently)
I am enchanted by your talk…. If
at all Iraivan were here, let Him bless you with eyesight…
Dhandi is distressed hearing this.
Dhandi (crying)
Can such a statement come from the noble adiyavar? Is not my Easan is omnipresent?
Adiyavar
(perturbed)
Dhandi! Do not cry. In this town Samanars are everywhere. Believing
their false propaganda that there was, there is and there will be none as
Iraivan, people have lost their sanity also. The people coming to temples have
dwindled alarmingly… The Samanars are filling up the sacred and prestigious
tank of this temple with mud and stone. On its banks there are schools of
Samanars. When I see these things go unchallenged, my anguish whether or not
Iraivan is there in the temple made me blurt out what I said. Let Easan bless
you with eye sight and let the Samanars who are blind though having vision go
actually sightless.
Adiyavar leaves but Dhandi stands rooted to the place. Seeing him
standing motionless, the Gurukkal rushes to him.
Gurukkal
Mahane! What did the adiyavar tell you making you stand transfixed?
Dhandi
Appa! Has the temple tank which brings glory to the temple made dry by
filling it with stones and mud?
Gurukkal (in a sad
tone)
Yes! It is true… It has deteriorated because of the action of the
Samanars. Earlier, the devotees used to take bath in the sacred tank prior to
entering the temple. But … Now! There
are very few who visit the temple. Even a rare adiyavar who happens to come to
the temple is unable to take bath in the tank.
Dhandi (firmly)
Father! From now on, I will take up restoration of the tank every day
after I complete my work in the temple.
Gurukkal (worried)
For that you will have to go out of the temple and cross the road!
With so many carts, horses, cows, bulls and people using the road, how will you
cross the road and reach the tank. How
will you climb down? It is a very difficult proposition.
Dhandi
Why must I worry when Easan is there to take care of me?
He walks off and Gurukkal looks back at the sannathi of Easan.
******
Next morning…
The people of Thiruvarur give a curious look at Dhandi carrying a
basket on his head standing outside the entrance to the temple who till now has
not stepped out of the temple. They are even more surprised to see him carrying
a basket on his head.
One of the
Villagers
Dhandiadigalare!
Dhandi (excited)
Did you hail me as Adigal?
The one who spoke
You are an example for all of us as to how an Adiyavar must live and
lead his life! We have gathered here surprised to see you going forworkoutside
leaving the temple work behind!
Dhandi
My service will always be for Easan alone! Since the temple tank needs
to be restored, I have taken upon myself to carry out that work after finishing
my duties in the temple every day. I will be grateful if someone can guide me
to the bank of the sacred tank.
The one who spoke falls on the feet of Dhandi.
The one who spoke
Ayya! Please pardon our ignorance. We misconstrued that you are going
to work for someone not realising that you are embarking on this sacred
task. We are astonished by the concern
you have which in fact must be basically our concern. Come with me. I will take
you along to the sacred tank and also be of some help to you.
Catching hold of Dhandi’s hand he guides him in walking to the tank.
Hearing that a blind person is going ahead for restoration of the temple tank
the villagers gather there out of curiosity. The Samanars also reach there
hearing the news. Dhandiadigal reaches the centre of the tank. The guide who has taken him pegs a pole in the centre as instructed by
Dhandiadigal. From there they install the poles at intervals till they reach
the bank of the tank. Dhandi fastens a
rope connecting all the poles.
One of the
Villagers
Now it is clear to me! Dhandiadigal will use the rope to guide him to
the centre of the tank and after filling his basket with stones and mud, will
come back catching the rope without the need of anyone’s help.
The divine work starts to the resounding clapping of hands of the
assembled people.
The Samanars get angry and try to stop Dhandiadigal.
Dhandiadigal
Who are you to prevent my sacred work?
Samanan 1
We are Samanars…..
Dhandiadigal
So what?
Samanan 2
You should not be coming to this place.
Dhandiadigal
(firmly)
This sacred tank belongs to Thyagesan. I am a worker in the temple. I
have come here for carrying out a sacred work for the temple. I am going to
excavate this tank and carry out all other works needed for the adiyavars to
have their sacred bath here. Please do not hinder my work and leave this
place.
The Samanars leave from there speechless. Dhandiadigal continues with
his work. Slowly the other assembled people also go away for minding their own
work.
********
Next day…
The Gurukkal guides Dhandiadigal to the temple tank and he continues
his work of removing the stones and sand from there and dumping it outside. It
is mid day now and Dhandiadigal is walking back with his head load to the bank.
A huge crowd of Samanars block his way.
Samanan 1
(Threatening)
Ayya! Please stop for a while. We warned you yesterday itself. In spite of that you have come today also to
excavate the mud. You better return to your temple and do your work there. We
will not let you do any work here in this tank.
Dhandiadigal
(calmly)
Ayya! Do you need such a huge mob to threaten this blind man? Isn’t it
obvious from this that there is no legal backing for your threat? This sacred
tank belongs to Emperuman Thyagesan. No one has the right to prevent me from doing
this work. Please do not bar my way and leave this please.
Samanan 2
What will you do if we don’t leave?
He attempts to snatch the basket from his head. One of the elders
among them intervenes and stops that young man.
The Elderly Samanan
We will keep dumping the stones and mud as per our plan. Let him empty
whatever he can. How long he will be able to remove the dumping? Even if he
tries his best he will never be able to restore the tank in his life time. No
one can stop us from establishing our schools here. We will be ridiculed by the
people if we harass this blind man one hand and profess compassion to attain
Mukti on the other. Come on. Let us go.
All the Samanars leave from there half heartedly. Dhandiadigal resumes
his work as if nothing has happened.
*****
Days roll by….
Dhandiadigal is laboring day after day without any let up….
While the villagers are all praise for his efforts, the Samanars fume
and fret….
******
One day…
The Gurukkal has fallen ill and Dhandiadigal takes up his work in the
temple. After finishing the midday puja, he comes out of the temple to go the
temple tank.
Dhandiadigal
Ayya! Will someone please take
me to the banks of the tank?
At that time a group of Samanars reach there. Dhandiadigal extends his
hand towards them to guide him to the tank.
Samanan 1 (hitting
the extended arm of Dhandiadigal)
Who is seeking help and from whom?
A thundering voice hailing Easan as ‘Sambho Mahadeva’ is heard at that
very instant. Looking back and finding a Sivayogi walking quickly towards them,
the Samanars take to their heels.
Sivayogi (agitated)
Adiyavare! How strange it is? Why did the Samanan hit your hand and
push it away?
Dhandiadigal
They are averse to the restoration of the sacred temple tank. They may
have behaved like this due to that.
Ayya! If you can lead me to the bank of the tank, I will be able to
continue my work.
Sivayogi
I am amazed that, though being sightless, you have come forward to
undertake this task. Today I will also join you till sun set. Come on….
He catches his hand and leads him to the tank.
Sivayogi
From the state it is now,
doesn’t it appear that it may take many more years to complete the restoration?
Dhandiadigal
Let it take any number of
years… My work will continue…
Sivayogi
Today, you only dig up the sand and stone and fill the basket. My job
will be to carry it and dump it on the bank.
Dhandiadigal
It will be sacrilege! To burden a sivayogi with my work is not
acceptable to me.
Sivayogi
(surprised)
How did you infer that I am a sivayogi?
Dhandiadigal
From the scent of thiruneeru…. The jingling of rudrakshams you are
wearing … These helped me to identify you…
Sivayogi
But these are sported by any adiyavar…. How could you make out that I
am a Sivayogi as if you have seen me in person?
Dhandiadigal (with
a gentle smile)
Your appearance is visible in my mind’s eye… When you gripped my hand,
I could discern that you are a practitioner of yoga. The length of your fingers and their
thickness indicate that you are about
six foot tall and neither plump nor lean.
The shape of your finger nails reveals that you have a long face like my
Easan… Your breathing sound indicates that you have a sharp nose. From the wind
swaying from your body, I can make out that you have raised your hair like a
makutam. When you raised your thunderous voice with ‘Sambho Mahadeva’ on seeing
the Samanars troubling me and their taking to their heels on seeing you made me
conclude that you have to be a sivayogi only.
Sivayogi (amazed)
Adiyavare! My physique is exactly as you have described. I can
therefore make out that you are well versed in ‘Samudhrika Lakshanam’. I am astonished by your wisdom. I am a
sivayogi as you have correctly said. But you said that my face is like that of
Easan. How are you certain that Easan’s
face looks as this?
Dhandiadigal
As you have said, I have knowledge of ‘Silpa sastram’. ‘Samudhrika Lakshanam’ forms one part of it.
In my boyhood days, I used to be a helper to the sculptors who came here for
renovating the temple. I learnt all of these from them. The divine dancing pose
of Natarajaperuman is embossed in my mind forever.
He stands bowing to Easan.
Sivayogi
I am also coming after an enjoyable darisanam of Easan in dancing pose
at Thillai and came here to see Him in the seated pose at Thiruvarur.
Dhandiadigal
(pleading)
Are you coming from Thillai? Yogiyare! Please tell me the history of
Thillai temple.
Sivayogi
I will tell you if you permit me to join you in the restoration work!
Dhandiadigal laughs. The work resumes….
Half way through their work, Sivayogi starts narrating the history of
Thillai….
*******
Vasishtar’s asramam…
The Munivars are seated in front of the Yagakundam. The Agni has
raised high in the Yagakundam. All are awaiting the sun rise. Vasishtar’s eyes
fall on Madhyanthinar seated next to him.
He was however looking at his hut where the munipatnis have gathered.
They all seem to be much harried.
Vasishtar (hails)
Madhyanthina!
Madhyanthinar steadies himself and looks at the Agni in the
Yagakundam.
Vasishtar
(continues)
Not even atom can stir without the will of Easan! Therefore,
concentrate on the duties we have to perform leaving aside all your worries.
The Agnihotram we perform everyday is for the welfare of this universe. The
time for the Prajapathi to rise and to accept the offerings is nearing. Don’t let your mind get distracted. Your son
will be born at the time of sun rise. His name will remain as long as this
earth remains. Whosoever worships Easan will worship him as well.
At that time one of the Munivars gets up and blows the conch to
announce the arrival of Prajapathi. All the Munivars pour the rice mixed with
yellow ghee into the Yagakundam reciting ‘Suryaya Swaha! Suryaya Idamnamaha!’ in one voice.
Next they offer the balance rice mixed with the yellow ghee reciting
‘Prajapathiye Swaha! Prajapathiye Idamnamaha!’Accepting the offering, Prajapathi
climbs up with great vigour. The recited Veda mantras reach the sky. At that very moment a son is born to
Madhyanthinar.
******
Gurukulam of Vasishtar…
The children of Munivars are reciting the Veda mantras.
A little away from the Gurukulam are outcrops of hills. Munivars are
seated here and there in deep meditation. No one knows how long they have been
meditating, may be days, months or even years.
As the seasons change, they return to the asramam one after another
after completing their tapas.
One day, Madhyanthinar is climbing the hills and reaches the spot he
is looking for. In front of him is a sixteen year old munikumaran in deep
meditation. Madhyanthinar becomes proud on seeing the radiance of his face.
Madhyanthinar
(hailing the munikumaran)
Mahane! Maadhyanthina!
In the prevailing silent surrounding, his gentle calling echoes
loudly.
Munikumaran opens his eyes. Seeing his father standing in front, he
prostrates fully and bows to him…
Overjoyed, Madhyanthinar lifts him up and embraces him.
Madhyanthinar
Mahane! Today you are completing sixteen years of age.
Munikumaran
(earnestly)
That means for the last six years, I was deeply in tapas… Thanthaye!
What am I supposed to do next?
Madhyanthinar
Mahane! Now the time has come for you to start your search for wisdom!
He looks at his father surprised!
Munikumaran
What for I need to search for wisdom?
Madhyanthinar
It is to see Iraivan!
Munikumaran becomes even more surprised.
Madhyanthinar
Why are you perplexed?
Munikumaran
(confused)
What for then have I mastered the four Vedas? Are they not useful to
realise Iraivan?
Madhyanthinar
The four Vedas and the six Sastras help in acquiring knowledge of Vedas.
They only show the path to realise Iraivan.
The attainment of Gynam (wisdom) alone is essential in realization of
Iraivan. You can acquire Gyanam only by searching for it!
Munikumaran
If Gyanam alone is sufficient to realise Iraivan, why the four Vedas
and the six Sastras were created?
Madhyanthinar looks at his son who appears confused.
Madhyanthinar
The four Vedas and the six Sastras tell the way for the humans to lead
their lives. In addition, they also describe the methods by which to understand
Iraivan. Iraivan in omnipresent … He is
there in this earth, where we are standing, in the sky, in the sun, in the
moon, in the stars and in this entire universe.
But to see him who is ever present in front of us, Vedic knowledge alone
is not sufficient. One must have Gyanam to realise Him!
Munikumaran
When we need items for cooking food, we need to go to the weekly
market. When we want to buy gold and gems, we need to go to the traders. To
attain knowledge of Vedas, we have to go to Vedic teachers. To attain Gyanam,
where do I need to go in search of it?
Madhyanthinar laughs aloud hearing this.
Madhyanthinar
Mahane! The answer for your question is contained in a short story
which I will narrate presently. Please listen.
He narrates the story.
********
The periphery of the village…
A very serene asramam and a Gyani is seated outside under a huge
banyan tree.
Seated in front of him are rows of men on one side and of women on the
other side.
One by one they come forward and seek the blessings of the Gyani who
gives thiruneeru as prasadam.
Everyone is observing silence and there is no sound except that
generated by the feet when the people walk.
Relishing the calm ambience prevailing there a man comes and stands in
front of the Gyani. On seeing him the Gyani is reluctant to give him thiruneeru
though the man keeps his hands extended to receive the same.
Gyani
I have been expecting you only all along!
The man is astonished hearing this.
The Man
Ayya! My name is Sivanandi. I belong to the neighbouring village. I
have come here for the first time after I hearing from the people that a great
Mahan is camping here. No one knows me here and I am also meeting you for the
first time now. How can it be that you expected me here?
Gyani
Forget about it…. What do you want?
Sivanandi (to
himself)
How do they call him a Mahan? He has not even answered my question.
Perhaps he does not have an answer!
He looks at the Gyani. The assembled crowd is eagerly waiting to hear
what Sivanandi is going to ask.
Gyani laughs aloud…
Gyani
Yes! Go ahead.
Sivanandi
I am a rich man. I have a good wife, caring children and affectionate
grand children. I am leading a happy life fulfilling all my wants. I have
everything I want. If there is something which I desire, I will acquire it whatever
its cost. People in my village have special regards for me. To enjoy solitude,
I left my village and loitered around and reached this village. That is all. I
don’t need any thing as I have everything and leading a happy life. I will
happily follow Yaman if he beckons me! Leading a contended life, I need only
your blessings!
He extends his arms again.
Gyani does something to him which he has not done to anyone else. He
puts thiruneeru with his own finger at the Agnyachakra (the spot between the
two eye brows on the forehead)of Sivanandi. Sivanandi’s inward eye opens.
Experiencing a great exhilarationas never before, he bows to the Gyani.
Gyani (dismissing
him)
I expect you to return here very soon.
Unable to comprehend anything, Sivanandi walks away.
*******
Ten days pass.
Gyaniyar is dispersing thiruneeru to the visitors in his asramam as
usual.
Sivanandi comes running and starts crying like a babyin front of the
Gyaniyar.
Gyani
Siva! What is the matter?
Sivanandi falls on his feet and grabs his ankles and starts crying
loudly.
Gyani
Mahane! Have you understood the world you have seen?
He pulls him up and makes him sit next to him. Regaining his composure
Sivanandi looks at the Gyani.
Sivanandi
Ayya! When you put the thiruneeru on my forehead my inward eye was
opened. I returned to my village. When they saw me, my loving wife, my
children, my affectionate grandchildren and the respectful villagers, though
surprised, welcomed me happily. But what a paradox! I could perceive very clearly what was
actually running in their minds.
My wife was thinking ‘I thought the cursed man has gone forever, but
he has returned alive’. My sons were thinking ‘The old hag has returned just
when we were going to partition the property among ourselves! It appears even our lives may end before we
acquire some wealth of our own!’ My grandchildren were angry that neither I
would die nor let them live peacefully. The villagers were hatefully talking about me, ‘We were hoping thatwe will
acquire the unaccounted wealth of his in the village after he is gone. He has come back alive. Rather than going
away to some forest or jungle at this old age to do penance, he is standing
here like a ghost!’
I could hear all these comments
very clearly. I realised that whatever I was thinking as truth are all false.
Where will I get true love, true affection and true regards? I am prepared to
buy it whatever be the cost!
Gyaniyar gets up.
Gyani
Siva! Follow me… You must not
speak to me on the way.
He walks ahead followed by Sivanandi to the amazement of the people.
They keep walking all day long. Though physically tired, Sivanandi walks with
firm resolve. Just by sun set they reach the outskirts of a village. There is a
hut and by its side a tree stands. Gyani stops
Gyani
Siva! Are you hungry?
Sivanandi (reacting
quickly)
Gyaniyare! Yes! I am
famished...
Gyaniayar laughs aloud.
Gyani
There... Go to that hut. You will get satiated there.
Sivanandi goes there and knocks at the closed door. A male voice from
inside responds and asks who is there.
Sivanandi
I have come here as an athithi
(guest).
The door opens immediately and an old woman comes out. She bows to
Sivanandi and takes him inside. There her son and daughter in law welcome him
and lay a mat for him and Sivanandi gets seated.
Sivanandi
Amma! I am from another village... I have been walking all day long ..
I am very hungry. Can I get some food?
The old woman rushes inside and brings a pot and hands it over to him.
The Old Woman
Ayya! This broth is old.. But it will taste like nectar if you
drink... Drink it and satiate your hunger..
Sivanandi
Amma! Please bring three more pots. Let all four of us share what is
there.
The daughter-in-law brings three empty pots and places them in front
of Sivanandi. While placing the pots,
tear drops from her eyes fall on the floor. Sivanandi is aghast
observing this and tries to get up.
The Son (catching
the feet of Sivanandi and pleading)
Ayya.... please pardon my wife for her action.. Please partake the
broth and satisfy your hunger. Otherwise we will be blighted for not taking
care of a guest.
Sivanandi looks at the three of them greatly astonished....
The Son
We could prepare only this broth last night with the money I earned
yesterday. This is what is left over. Today, I could not get any work and so I
came home empty handed. My wife handed me this leftover and asked me to drink
it.
The Daughter-in-law
(interrupting)
Doesn't he need the strength to work tomorrow and earn money? That is
why I gave the left over broth to him.
The Son (pleading)
My poor old mother! She has brought me up by toiling hard throughout
her life. I could not bear to see her go hungry. When I was about to hand over
the broth to her you reached here. The moment she heard that a guest is at the
door, my mother gave that pot to you. When you wanted the broth to be shared
among all of us, my wife overcome by your noble nature, shed a few drops of
tears. Please do not mind it! Please take it and satisfy your hunger.
Sivanandi looks at them in awe without even blinking his eyes ... He
hands over one pot to the old woman and signals the other two to pick up the
two more pots kept there. All of them share the broth. He comes out satisfied
and to his surprise he finds that the Gyaniyar has vanished!
Sivanandi
True love, affection and respect are not commodities that can be
purchased. From my experience here, I
have realised what they are! You have opened my eyes....
He mentally bows to Gyaniyar in great reverence.
******
Madhyanthinar and his son are on the hillock. His son is overcome with emotion on hearing
the story.
Munikumaran (cupping
his arms and bowing)
Thandhaye! I have now understood that the knowledge of Vedas can be
acquired by study but the wisdom comes
only after prolonged search and practical experience... Where should I start
the search for my wisdom? Please show me the way.
Madhyanthinar
Go South! There you start your
search for Gyanam!
Munikumaran starts on his long journey in search of Gyanam!
*******
Crossing many countries, rivers, hills and forests, Maadhyanthianar
reaches the plains...
He sees an asramam at a place and finds a large number of disciples
seated in front of a Guru...
On seeing the Munikumaran, the disciples rush to welcome him. Looking
at them curiously, he goes near the Guru and bows to him.
The Prime Disciple
(going near the Guru and announces)
The Munikumaran who is expected has arrived here.
The Guru opens his eyes and on seeing the Munikumaran a brief smile
escapes from his face.
Guru
Maadhyanthina!
Munikumaran is astounded.
Guru
Mahane! It is not that easy to see Iraivan
Looking at his prime disciple....
Guru
Take Munikumaran for a bath and give him food. After that bring him to
me...
Madhyanthinar walks away with the prime disciple with a thousand
questions running in his mind...
On the way ..
Munikumaran
I do not know any of you... How come you know about me, my visit and
its purpose?
The Prime Disciple
Only the Guru can answer the above questions! Have you undertaken this
journey to see Iraivan?
Munikumaran
Yes!
The Prime Disciple
Even our Guru is performing penance for seeing Iraivan!
Munikumaran
(eagerly)
Has he seen Iraivan?
The Prime Disciple
(looking at him)
What do you think the age of the Guru would be?
Munikumaran
Looking at his physique and demeanor, he could be around seventy or
eighty years... Why did you ask this question?
The Prime Disciple
He has been absorbed in penance for the past thousand years. ..
Iraivan is yet to show mercy!
Munikumaran is totally stunned on hearing this.
The Prime Disciple
Why are you surprised? Don't you know that it is a stupendous task to
see Iraivan?
Munikumaran is dumbstruck and
is unable to give a reply. He takes his
bath and eats the fruits offered by the disciples and comes back to the Guru.
Guru
Munikumara! There are thousands of questions crossing your mind....
Vasishtar has sent word about your arrival and the reason for the same. The
rites we follow are as told in the Vedas. Even if we conduct penance for
thousands of years, one can get His darisanam only by his grace. Even Brahma
and Vishnu tried in vain to look at His feet and head. Can we mere mortals able to achieve what even
they could not do? Still, your approach is different from that of ours. We try
to see him through the path of Vedas. But you want to try the path of Gyanam!
Iraivan remains as formless everywhere. Your path of Gyanam is also without
form. Let your effort to see the
Formless through the formless path succeed. Go South! When you reach
ThillaiVanam, your aim will be fulfilled. My blessings are with you...
He then concentrates his vision on Brahmam...
Munikumaran bows to the Guru and his disciples and then walks in the
direction of Thillai Vanam.
*******
Walking strenuously for long, he gets tired and stops...
And suddenly seeing the Thillai
trees in abundance, he is over joyed and runs inside the Thillai Vanam. He
starts searching here and there and up and down in the midst of the thickly
grown trees.
Maadhyanthinar (to
himself)
I am loitering about not knowing what I am looking for! That He is
here is proven by the scenes that are unfolding before me. When will I see the
Formless in Form!
He walks disheartened without feeling either hunger or thirst. His
mind is focused only on the thought of seeing Iraivan. His eyes keep looking here
and there inside the forest.
*****
Days roll by...
He has searched in every nook and corner of the vanam. Nothing
indicates the identity of Iraivan.
The day is new moon day...
It was pitch dark after the sun has set.
Tired, he lies under a tree.
Sleep is eluding him.
He recollects what the Guru told him on his way.
Maadhyanthinar (to
himself)
Will the blessing of the Guru that my aim to see the Formless through
the path devoid of form will be fulfilled go in vain?
At that very moment, he sees a portion of the sky light up
brilliantly. He jumps up enthusiastically and starts running towards the light
in the new moon day darkness. On his way his skin is getting torn by the
branches of the trees and bloods spurts out in torrent. Unmindful he keeps running
and reaches the place of extreme
radiance.
Having the brightness of a billion suns, Easan in the form of Siva
lingam grants him darisanam.
The conches and trumpets blare.
With teary eyes and heart fulfilled by the darisanam, he prostrates and
gets up bowing to Easan. Easan looks at His devotee with great compassion. The
injuries vanish and his body turns bright and shiny.
Maadhyanthinar
(Looking at Easan)
I am seeing my Formless Easan here and now! I know not how many births
I have taken and how much penance I may have done to see this divine spectacle.
He recites 'Om Namasivaya, Om Namasivaya, Om Namasivaya' which
reverberates all through the forest. Hearing the repeated echoes of Panchakshara
mantram, he goes into raptures and falls down swooning.
*******
It is daybreak...
Easan looks at his devoted friend lying in front of him. With a benign smile he lifts his right
hand.
Water issues forth nearby and forms into a pond. Regaining his consciousness, Maadhyanthinar
gets up.
Seeing the brilliant Easan in the form of Siva lingam, he raises both
his hands above his head and bows to him. Excitedly looking around he sees the
newly created pond.
Maadhyanthinar
Aaha! Easane! Emperumane! Have you created the pond close by so that
your son need not walk long for taking bath? How merciful you are!
He takes bath in the pond and feels refreshed.
Maadhyanthinar
What a fantastic rejuvenation! The mind and body have been cleansed as
if I have taken bath in the holy Ganges! This pond has been created by Iraivan!
This will henceforth be called Sivagangai Thirtham. He comes next to the
Lingam. Let me construct a roof to protect Iraivan from sun and rain.
He starts collecting the fronds and make matted panels out of them. He
also makes a small hut for himself nearby. At night, unwilling to part with him,
he closes his eyes in front of Iraivan and sits there. Getting up before
sunrise, he quickly takes bath and plucks fruits and flowers from nearby
trees.
Maadhyanthinar
I must pluck the flowers before the bees touch them and gather the
fruits before squirrels, birds and other
insects bite them.
He pleads.
For that Iraiva, please give me the vision of the tiger so that I can
see in the dark and also give me the feet of the tiger so that I can climb the
trees easily.
The next moment, his eyes turn into those of a tiger and his feet to
that of a tiger. The blowing of conch is heard and the voice of Iraivan
reverberates.
Iraivan
Maadhyanthina! I am pleased by your devotion and dedication. From now
on, people will hail you as 'Vyaghrapathar' (Pulikal Munivar). This place will
also be called as‘Vyaghrapuram’ and ‘Puliyur’ both! You have My blessings!
Maadhyanthinar
Iraiva! You are doing all these things for my sake! Please grant me
that I will never ever leave Your side.
Pleading to Easan he looks at the changes in his body again. He starts
constructing the Yagakundam as outlined in the Vedas.
Next day, he starts his yagam early in the morning during the Brahma
muhurtham. Days roll by.
Overcome by fatigue, one day he sleeps far into the day and wakes up
when the sun rays heat up his body. Waking up with a start, he berates.
Vyaghrapathar
(perturbed)
Alas! How have I over slept
like this? I have failed to bring the flowers and fruits for my Iraivan? How
can I offer the polluted flowers and fruits?
Banging his head he continues berating. Suddenly he stops and looks at
Easan.
Vyaghrapathar
How thoughtless I am to forget
that my body remains unpolluted! I will offer my body itself as an offering to
you…. just now.
He starts to severe his own head for offering to Easan.
At that very moment… There is reverberating noise of conch shells
being blown.
A divine voice is heard from the sky.
The Divine
Voice
Vyaghrapatha! I am pleased
by your devotion. … You have realised the path of Gyanam. The time to see Me
will come soon…. Pathanjali will be coming to meet you… I will display My
Anandathanadvam to both of you… Be patient till then… Before that I desire to
see you getting married… There… Look… Vasishtar is coming…
The voice trails off…
Vasishtar, his younger sister and the father of
Vyaghrapathar(Madhyanthinar) arrive there travelling aerially . Vyaghrapathar
welcomes them.
Vasishtar
As per the orders pronounced by Easan, we have come here to marry off
my sister to you!
The preparations for the wedding start immediately and Vasishtar
conducts the marriage rites with Easan witnessing the same!
Madhyanthinar
Mahane! Obtaining the eyes and legs of tiger is the rarest of rare
achievements that one can get! That Iraivan has a special corner in His heart
for you is obvious from this! You construct a temple for Him here itself!
Vyaghrapathar and his wife bow to Vasishtar and Madhyanthinar as they
take leave and travel through the sky. Vyaghrapathar starts the construction
work of the temple. Days roll by. His wife becomes pregnant and Vasishtar comes
there and seeks his permission to take her with him for confinement. On getting
his approval he goes away with her. After some time, Vyaghrapathar gets the
news that he is blessed with a son.
*******
Days roll by…
Vyaghrapathar is fully involved in the construction activities of the
temple.
One day standing in front of Moolattanathar….
Vyaghrapathar
(pleading)
Iraivane! I am very fervent to
see my son and wife… I don’t know when I
will see them!
That very moment, a divine voice is heard at the Vasishtar’s asramam.
The Divine Voice
Maharishiye! My dear Vyaghrapathan desires to see his son… Take his
son and mother immediately to Thillai.
Vasishtar brings his sister and her son Upamanyu by sky and reaches
Thillai within moments. Surprised to see them standing in front of him,
Vyaghrapathar prostrates before Moolattanathar and gets up bowing to Him.
Vyaghrapathar
(overcome with emotion)
Easane! How compassionate you are! You have brought my wife and son
within seconds of my prayer to You! Ayyane!
I bow to You !
After leaving his wife and son, Vasishtar takes leave of them.
Vyaghrapathar returns to his hut with his wife and child. Happily he takes up
the child from his wife. Soon the child
starts crying and in spite of handing it back to the mother, he continues to
cry.
Vyaghrapathar
(distressed)
My dear! The child is crying
without any let up. Please do something to stop his crying. I am unable to bear
his cry.
His Wife (in tears)
I have not been able to feed him ever since he was born. In the
asramam of maharishi, there is Kamadhenu and hence there was no dearth of cow’s
milk to feed him. But here there are only fruits. I do not know what to do?
Where will I go for milk to feed him?
Vyaghrapathar grabs her hand leads her to Moolattanathar.
Vyaghrapathar
For me Easan here is Kamadhenu or any other divine wealth! When that
is so, why should you get distressed and cry?
Taken aback, his wife looks at Easan and Easan is looking at the
crying hungry child.
At that very instant, an ocean of milk sprouts there! The mother runs
to it and gathers the milk to feed the child. Upamanyu looks at Easan even as
his hungry mouth drinks the milk!
Vyaghrapathar
They say that Iraivan is an ocean of mercy! Is it any wonder that You
created an ocean of milk to feed my hungry child?
He bows to Easan in humility and gratitude!
As Upamanyu grows up so do the works on the construction of the
temple.
********
Sri Vaikuntam!
Perumal is lying stretched on Aadhiseshan!
Thondaradippodiyazhwar stands in front of him with his hands raised
above his head in reverence. He is looking at Perumal without batting his
eyelids even once. His eyes become moist and form a curtain hiding Perumal
making the Aazhwar highly distressed. Thirumal eyes His adiyavar and a mild
smile escapes from Him.
Perumal
Thondaradi Perumane! What is the matter? Why are you perturbed?
Aazhwar
Perumale! You are a knower of everything! How then can you ask me such a question? Not
wanting to lose sight of Your Sayanakolam even for a moment, I kept my eyes
open without batting my eyelids… Because of that my eyes turned moist and I am
perturbed because the tears blocked the View of Your Yoganidhra!
He then sings
Keeping your Head Easterly and,
Stretching your legs Westerly,
Baring your back Northerly and,
Observing Lanka Southerly,
Sleeping Stretched on
Aadhiseshan,
Won’t my body melt seeing My Iraivan of Oceanic hue?
I know not what to do!
குடதிசை முடியை வைத்துக் குணதிசை பாதம் நீட்டி
வடதிசை பின்புக்காட்டி தென்திசை இலங்கை நோக்கி
கடல்நிறக்கடவுள் எந்தை அரவணைத்துயிலுமா கண்டு
உடல் எனக்கு உருகுமாலோ என் செய்வேன்?
He stands there in total ecstasy. Perumal blesses the Aazhwar and he
goes out bowing to Perumal all the way.
Afraid that his breath may burn the Aazhwar to cinders, Aadhiseshan has
been holding his breath all along. He
lets off his breath with great relief after his departure!
Perumal
What is the matter Aadhisesha? You want to inquire something! But you
are panting heavily!
Aadhiseshan
In the song of the Aazhwar, he says that his body will melt seeing
Your Divine Ananathasayanam!
Will a body dissipate?
Perumal
While witnessing rare divine apparition some people’s heart would
melt! Some people will become euphoric and their hearts would bulge! One cannot
see the melting or bulging with their eyes.
Not clarified by the reply Aadhiseshan looks at Perumal. In a short
while he feels astonoshed as Perumal is getting heavier and heavier! Unable to bear His weight he squirms and
Perumal gets down from him and stands laughing at his discomfiture. Aadhiseshan
stands in front of Him downcast.
Perumal (laughing)
Aadhisesha! Have I become very heavy for you to bear?
Aadhiseshan
Perumale! What is this deception? I am bearing you for crores and
crores of years. But today… I wonder why
your weight kept on increasing with time!
Perumal
I was recollecting in my mind the Urdhvathandavam of Easan on the
request of Annai Kalikambal and the four Munivars headed by Sanakar. I became
euphoric and hence my weight increased. During his thandavam, recapturing the
scene where Easan takes off and drop his left ear ring and then picking it and
putting it back deftly with his left foot made me ecstatic. This made my weight
to increase further and further. When
someone’s heart melts, his body will also dissolve… When someone becomes
euphoric and he will also bulge!
Understand this!
Aadhiseshan
(cupping his hands in reverence and pleading)
Ayyane! Please grant this measly soul his ardent wish to witness the
happy thandavam of Easan!
Perumal
For that you must go to Kailayam and undertake penance meditating on
Easan. He Himself will grant your wish!
Aadhiseshan is worried that he will have to leave Perumal to undertake
the penance.
Perumal (discerning
his worry)
All that happens are due to
Easan! There is a pending task for you to carry out for the sake of the humans
on earth. For that you will have to part my company in any case!
Perumal blesses him and Aadhiseshan goes to Kailayam and commences his
tapas.
One day while he is deeply meditating, the sound of booming conch
shell is heard. Waking up he sees Iraivan equaling in brilliance of thousands
of crores of sun appearing there. In raptures he bows to Easan.
Aadhiseshan
Emperumane! I am very eager to see your Anandathanadvam. Kindly grant me that wish!
Iraivan (mildly
laughing)
For that you have to go Vyaghrapuram on the earth!
Aadhiseshan is perplexed.
Iraivan
If you go to earth with your thousand heads and your gigantic body,
all the earthlings will shiver out of fear. Therefore you have to take up a
human form and reach there. For that you will have to be born as a human being.
Aadhiseshan
(pleading)
For witnessing Your Anandathanadvam, I am determined to take any number
of any types of birth!
Iraivan
I am happy to see your firm resolve…. There … Look at the river Ganga!
Aadhiseshan looks at the indicated direction. He sees Athri Munivar and his wife Anusuya
standing in the river.
Athri Munivar
Thirumale! We are pleading to have Aadhiseshan, on whom You lie in
Ananathasayanam, as our progeny. Please grant us this wish!
Both of them meditate on Thirumal. At Vaikuntam Thirumal smiles on
hearing their prayer. In Kailayam, Aadhiseshan bows to Easan overcome with joy!
Taking the form of a human baby, he floats along the Ganga the very
next moment! He lands on the outstretched hands of Athri Munivar. Opening his
eyes Athri Munivar sees the child in his hands. Frightened to see the child
with a human body and five heads of snake, he drops it in the river. But
Anusuya quickly picks up the baby.
Anusuya
Let him grow up as our son taking the name of Patanjali (the one that
is dropped out of fear). It is
Aadhiseshan who has come to us as our son answering our prayers.
Pleased, the couple returns to their cottage taking the baby with
them. Athri Munivar imparts all Vedas to him.
By the time Patanjali grows up to youth, he masters all the four Vedas
and the six Sastras. He recollects what Easan has told him to do. Patanjali goes
to his father and pleads.
Patanjali
Thanthaye! Thus far I have fulfilled all your wishes. Now you must help me fulfill my wish.
Athri Munivar
Tell me what you want! I will definitely fulfill your wish.
Patanjali
(requesting)
I have to go to Vyaghrapuram. You kindly tell me how to reach
there!
Athri Munivar raises his hand and the very next instant Patanjali
lands in Vyaghrapuram! Welcomed heartily by Vyaghrapathar, he is pleasantly
surprised…
Vyaghrapathar
(happily)
I am elated if I have achieved
the aim of my life on seeing you! Easan has informed me already about your
arrival here. The Anandathanadvam of Easan will take place very soon. I welcome
you with all my heart!
Patanjali
Let me tell you what Iraivan told me, ‘In the month of Thy, on a
Thursday coinciding with the Star Pusam and Pournami, I will perform
Anandathanadvam along with My consort Sivakami at Thillai.’
Vyaghrapathar closes his eyes and does a mental calculation. His face brightens up.
Vyaghrapathar
Aaha! That day is coming very soon. In the ensuing month of Thy itself
there is the coincidence of a full moon on a Thursday under the Pusa
nakshatram. The temple works will also be more or less completed by that time.
He bows to Easan. At that time Upamanyu Munivar also reaches there. Patanjali
Munivar is stunned to see the dazzling bright young Munivar who pays his
respects to him. When all of them bow to
Moolattanathar and return, a miracle takes place. Alighting from his Garuda Vahanam,Baghavan
Krishna lands in front of them.
Krishna Baghavan
(looking at Upamanyu Munivar)
I was travelling through the sky and I landed seeing a brilliant hue
here even during this day time. On
seeing you, the one with the radiant eyes and a brilliant body, I remembered my
forgotten duty. You kindly give me Sivadeekhshai!
Patanjali Munivar bows to Baghavan and takes him to the Siva thirtham
for the sacred bath. As per the established norms, Krishna Baghavan after his
ritual bath sits on haunches folding his hands and covering his mouth. Upamanyu
Munivar, touching the Agnyachakra of Baghavan and reciting the panchaksharam in
His ear imparts Sivadeekhshai where after Krishna Baghavan gets up. All of them
then go to the sannathi of Moolattanathar.
********
Days roll by…
One day Vyaghrapathar and Pathanjali are walking around the temple
praharam.
Patanjali
What Emperuman told me in Sri Vaikuntam is still ringing in my ears.
He said ‘There is a pending task for you to carry out for the sake of the
humans on earth. For that you will have to part my company in any case!’ I am
unable to make out what is that pending task. Can you please tell me if you
happen to be aware of it?
Vyaghrapathar
If you recapitulate what all happened that day, you will get an
answer!
Patanjali goes into deep thought. Vyaghrapathar walks along silently
not wanting to disturb him. Suddenly Patanjali stops and his face brightens up.
Patanjali (shouting
merrily)
Yes! I have now found the answer….
Vyaghrapathar waits for him to continue.
Patanjali
‘When the heart melts the body dissolves… When the mind is euphoric,
the body will bulge.’ This is what Paranthaman said! It means there is a close
relationship between the mind and the body. For the body to remain healthy,
control of the mind becomes a necessity. I used to control my breath many times
to ensure that the hot exhalation of the breath from my thousand heads does not
burn the things in front. For leading a healthy life, the mind, the body and
the breath are to be kept under control. The one who accomplishes this is a
Yogi. The methodology for achieving this may be called ‘Yoga sastram.’ I have
now realised that it is my duty to present this ‘Yoga sastram’ to the
humankind. I am going to transcribe my realisation immediately…
Vyaghrapathar
(blessing him)
Aaha! Wonderful! Let the Yoga Sastram you are going to prescribe be
called ‘Patanjali Sutram’!
******
It is the Thursday in the month of Thy and the day of full moon under
the star Pusam as indicated by Easan…
The three Munivars rise up very early in the morning and after completing
their ablutions await the arrival of Iraivan.
It is mid day now and the white puffs of cloud in the sky move away
and the Devas are now coming down.
Bowing to them, the Munivars welcome them. The Devas go the Hundred
Pillared mantapam. Thirumal, Lakshmi,
Brahma and Saraswati arrive there shortly. The Devas and the Munivars stand up
and bow to them reverently. The
auspicious of musical instruments are played and the three thousand Andhnars of
Thillai reach there. The Munivars welcome them paying due respects.
At that very moment…
A thunderous sound of Udukkai shaking the very universe emanates to
the excitement of all those assembled there. Soon the sound transforms into a
brilliant Jyothi. From that Jyothi, Nandi Devar comes down along carrying his
staff.
The Saptharishis carrying the Purnakumbams are walking ahead chanting
aloud ‘Om Namasivaya’! Behind them is Iraivan… Holding the Gangai and wearing
the crescent moon on his head with the hair fluttering in all eight directions,
the ornaments of snakes covering his body He walks along. The Vedas are
reverberating from the anklets he is sporting on his legs. Holding the Udukkai on the rear right hand
and Kaalagni on the rear left hand, this is indeed the golden scene to behold!
Iraivan, reaching the centre of the mantapam stands in the dancing
pose on His right foot, lifting His left foot, extending His left hand and
raising His right hand! Annai Sivakami comes and stands next to Easan. It is if
the divine Kailayam itself has been transported there! The Munivars are
ecstatic looking at the rarest of rare scene and shout aloud ‘Sambho Mahadeva’
hailing Easan. With Nandi playing the
Mridangam Naradar the Tampura, Saraswati playing Veena, the Deva and Asura
Ganas give musical accompaniment with their respective instruments. Iraivan and
Iraivi commence their Anandathandvam. The divine dance of Shivasakti is
witnessed by the thirty three crore Devas and Munivars in great joy. The
Anandathanadvam of Iraivan continues with no limit on time! Losing themselves everyone is transfixed.
Patanjali is shedding tears of joy!
Patanjali (joining
his hands and raising above his head)
Iraivane! You have fulfilled my cherished desire though I am a lowly
mortal! I bow to You!
Vyaghrapathar
(joining his hands and raising above his head)
You make the entire universe
and the whole of mankind to exist and function by your Anandathandavam Still
You have come down to Earth only to fulfill my prayer to see You! I bow to You!
Iraivan (standing
still in the dancing pose)
Performing the Anandathandvam has given Me unlimited joy. Ask me any
boon you wish! Vyaghrapathar
In order that the entire universe and all the living creatures carry
on with their functions without stoppage, please grant me my wish to see You in
this divine dancing pose for ever at Thillai, considered as the heart of this
universe!
Dwelling at Thillai with Annai Sivakami, Easan as Kunchitapathan
fulfills the wishes of His devotees for all times to come. In his dancing pose,
His left hand points to His foot indicating that It is the place for seeking
Mukti, His right hand raised in chinmudra indicates that it is He alone is the
Protector of all, His right foot is stamping on Muyalavan ( Abasmaram)
indicating that He dispels Ignorance!
The Panchakshara mantram reverberates everywhere!
*******
Thiruvarur…
In the sacred tank of the temple Sivayogiar is helping Dhandiadigal in
his work…
Dhandiadigal
Aaha! I am able to visualise
all the scenes in my mind because of the way you narrated the story of Thillai.
I am also clear as to why Vyaghrapathar having feet of tiger and Patanjali with
heads of five snakes are always present in front of Easan as Natarjar in the
dancing pose! I prostrate before you for bringing to my mind’s eye the divine
darisanam of Natarajar!
He holds the feet of Sivayogi.
Sivayogi (blessing
him)
I am very happy that you allowed me to take part in the service of
Easan along with you. Let me take leave of you now.
Dhandiadigal
Hearing the glory of Ayyan again and again fills up my heart. Reciting the panchaksharam sweetens the
tongue. I bow to you again for not only helping me in my work but also for
narrating the splendour of Thillai.
He bids farewell to Sivayogi.
Three years pass by….
The sand and stones have been removed from the tank and its banks are
raised beautifully. While the villagers are awe struck by the work done by
Dhandiadigal, the Samanars are jealous and harbour their hatred in their
hearts.
Around that time Thiruvarur starts sporting a festive look. The
saffron flags of Samanars are fluttering everywhere… The idols of
Thirthankarars, who established Samana religion, are taken in procession from
town to town. They reach Thiruvarur at last.
Samanars from all over the country are pouring into Thiruvarur. Lined up on both sides of the roads, the
Samanars are waiting for the street procession of the idols.
As usual, Dhandiadigal is
trying to enter into the tank with his basket and shovel for his work. Samanars, who have come from other towns,
block his way. Soon they are joined by
the local Samanars and a big crowd surrounds Dhandiadigal.
A Samanan from
Outside
Where are you going carrying a shovel?
You appear to be blind as well!
Dhandiadigal
Ayya! It is not today or yesterday… For the past three years I am
working in this tank to restore it. It seems you are new to this town! Perhaps
that is why you are asking me this question!
Samanan 2
Being blind, why have you taken
up this futile task? Have you earned
wages handsomely in the past three years?
Dhandiadigal
(horrified)
Siva! Siva! How can I ask for wages for a service to Sivan? That will
be sacrilege!
Samanan 3
How unfair is this? Had you put in the same effort for us in our
establishments, you would have earned enough to take care of you for the rest
of your life. You need not have to carry your basket and shovel and roam around
like this.
Suddenly there is a loud commanding voice ordering everyone stop their
talk. People stop their chatter and keep
quiet. Parting the crowd,a Samana monk enters there. Seeing Dhandiadigal with his basket and
shovel, he gets angry.
Samana monk
You blind man! How dare you
embark on this task? Don’t you realisethat
you are harming countless insects living there as you dig the earth with
the shovel? Your action is against the tenets of our religion which says that
the path for salvation is through not harming any creature. Therefore we will
not let you enter the tank to do any work.
All Samanars standing around him clap their hands enthusiastically. A
few of them grab his basket and shovel.
Dhandiadigal (horrified)
Ayya! What is this impudence?
It is unjust to grab my tools and prevent me from doing my work. What I am
doing is a service to Sivan. Don’t prevent me and incur the consequence of
sacrilege to Sivan! Please return my implements. Don’t disturb my sacred task.
Samana monk
(angrily)
I thought you were only blind.
You seem to be deaf as well! Didn’t you hear my saying that your action
of harming the creatures is not acceptable to us?
Dhandiadigal (not
knowing what to do)
Easane! Emperumane! These people are preventing me from doing my work.
How can you allow this? Anguished, he
sheds tears.
Samanars laugh aloud hearing his appeal to Easan.
Samana monk
(mockingly)
You are talking as if your Easan is standing here in front of you! I
thought you were only blind. Now I realise you are alsodeaf and dimwitted.
The crowd laughs aloud teasing him.
Dhandiadigal
(taking a firm stance and raising his voice boldly)
It is you who have eyes that don’t see, the ears that don’t hear and brains
lacking intelligence. What I see is the Anandathanadvam of my Easan Siva peruman who burnt the Tripuram
to ashes! What I hear is the Panchakshara mantram! What my brain tells me is
that nothing other than my Easan’s sacred feet can give anyone Mukti!
The people who have been making fun of him stop their laughter…
Samana monk
(infuriated)
Does your Easan exist in reality?
Dhandiadigal
(calmly)
Yes! He Exists!
Samana monk
Have you seen His feet?
Dhandiadigal
I see His sacred feet everyday!
Samana monk
(ridiculing)
When you, a blind man say that you can see, it is proved that you are
out of your mind! How can you a blind fellow see your Easan, when we who have
eyesight cannot see Him?
Dhandiadigal
If my Easan, the creator of this entire universe and all the living
creatures, wishes it will definitely happen that I get my vision restored and
you who have eyes but unable to see lose your vision!
Angered by this the crowd starts beating him blindly. The Samana monk orders them to stop.
Samana monk (speaking
to Dhandiadigal)
You blind man! We are leaving
here as we have to welcome the Thirthankarars. Tomorrow we will come to this
very place. You also come. You bring Your Easan also along! If Your Easan
restores your vision and makes us blind we will all run away from this town. If
that does not happen, you will work in our institutions as a slave for your
life time.
He glances at the assembled crowd and all of them disperse from there.
******
That night…
Dhandiadigal is lying on his bed hurt both bodily and mentally. While he is half asleep, a huge Jyothi raises
in front of him as if in a dream.Easan, Natarajan appears in His dancing pose.
Dhandiadigal grabs his feet in great reverence.
Easan
Dhandi! Get rid of your worries… Will the sayings of an adiyavar ever
be in vain? Tomorrow you will regain your sight. Those who tormented you will
lose their eye sight.
The Jyothi vanishes!
******
At the same time…
The Jyothi rises in front of the Chozha king. The king falls on the
feet of Thillai Natarjar and gets up.
Easan
Chozha Mannne! My dear Dhandi is at Thiruvarur. A few of them there
have given him some trouble. You go to Thiruvarur forthwith. Take appropriate
action after a thorough enquiry!
He disappears after giving these orders.
The king starts off to Thiruvarur with his paraphernalia immediately.
*******
Thiruvarur…
In the middle of the night there is a sudden down pour. The restored tank is filled up by the rain
water and the rain also stops.
******
It is dawn…
The whole of Thiruvarur is agitated.
People in hordes are walking towards the temple of Thyagesan.
One of the men
What is happening? Where are
the whole town’s people going to?
The next man
The King has come to the sannathi of Easan along with his
paraphernalia. They say that he has called for an assembly for conducting some
inquiry!
The First man
If that is so, let us also go there!
Both of them rush to the temple. There the people have assembled on
the banks of the sacred tank waiting to have a glimpse of the king. The King
arrives and the crowd hails the king. A
throne is kept ready and the king is seated there. Catching his hand, a king’s attendant brings
Dhandiadigal before the king.
The attendant
Manna! This is Dhandiadigal.
Seeing that he is a born-blind man, his face becomes taut!
At the same time, the soldiers produce a Samana monk along with other
Samanars before the king.
The people are standing curiously.
Mannar
Dhandiadigalare! What happened
to you?
Dhandiadigal
Manna! I am born blind. From
the time I was born, I am staying in the Thyagesan temple. I am doing the
service in the temple with great devotion as if it is my life breath. To
facilitate that adiyavars to take bath in the temple tank, I have been removing
the debris in the tank for the past three years. Yesterday, When I was about to
enter the tank for my work, some people blocked my way and took away my
implements. They called me blind, deaf and a dimwit and physically assaulted
me.
He starts crying and the people look at the Samanars angrily.
Mannar (looking at
the Samana monk)
What is your deposition?
Samana monk
There are a countless number of living things under the stones and
mud. That is why we stopped him as they
will be harmed while shoveling the tank and at that time he cursed us. Angered
by his curse a few of us beat him up. We will not permit anyone to harm the
living creatures as it is against our tenets.
Mannar
Professing that compassion towards living creatures alone is the way
to Mukti and showing concern for the even insects , does your tenets condones
you if you beat up a fellow human and
that too a blind man?
Samana monk
Manna… Some of us got wild and beat him only because he cursed us. He
alone is at fault.
Mannar
Dhandi adigale! Is his statement correct?
Dhandiadigal
Manna! When they took away my things, I pleaded ‘Ayya! What is this
impudence? It is unjust to grab my tools and prevent me from doing my work.
What I am doing is a service to Sivan. Don’t prevent me and incur the
consequence of sacrilege to Sivan! Please return my implements. Don’t disturb
my sacred task.’
He retorted, ‘I thought you were only blind. You seem to be deaf as well! Didn’t you hear
my saying that your action of harming the creatures is not acceptable to us?’
Not knowing what to do further I pleaded to Easan crying, ‘Easane!
Emperumane! These people are preventing me from doing my work. How can you
allow this?’ He laughed aloud hearing this and said
‘You are talking as if your Easan is standing here in front of you! I
thought you were only blind. Now I realise you are also deaf and dimwitted.’
The people around mocked me by laughing aloud. I told him “Only you are blind,
deaf and dimwitted.” What I see is the Anandathandvam of my Easan Siva peruman who burnt the Tripuram
to ashes! What I hear is the Panchakshara mantram! What my brain tells me is
that nothing other than my Easan’s sacred feet can give anyone Mukti!’ He asked
angrily whether my Easan exists and I replied in the affirmative. Then he asked
me whether I have seen his sacred feet. I answered that I see them every
day. He ridiculed me saying, ‘When you,
being blind, say that you can see, it is proved that you are out of your mind!
How can you, a blind man see your Easan, when we who have eyesight cannot see
Him?’ Only as a reply to his ridicule I said, ‘If my Easan, the creator of this
entire universe and all the living creatures, wishes it will definitely happen
that I get my vision restored and you who have eyes but unable to see Him lose
your vision!’
On hearing my retort people started beating me. I started crying in
pain. Then, when he asked them to stop
beating me, they stopped. He said that he was leaving to welcome their
Thirthankarars and asked me to come the next day. He also asked me bring along
my Easan. He said that if Easan restores my vision and make them blind, they
would run away from this town else I would be their slave for my lifetime
working in their institutions. This is what has happened.
Mannar (looking at
Samana monk)
As narrated by Dhandiadigal, will you leave this town if he gets his
vision and you lose yours?
Samana monk
(shouting aloud)
We accept the challenge if he
agrees that he is prepared to be our slave for his lifetime if he fails.
Mannar (pronouncing
his orders)
Well! Now both parties go and take a dip in the tank. If Dhandiadigal
regains his eye sight and you all lose yours, you will all get out of this
town. If that does not happen, Dhandiadigal will work in the institution of
Samanars for his life time as a slave.
Now! Carry on as per my orders!
The attendant of the king takes Dhandiadigal and guides him into the
tank deep enough for him to take a dip and comes back. The Samanars headed by
their monk also get down and stand in the tank.
Dhandiadigal
Om Namasivaya! Om Namasivaya!
Om Namasivaya!
Shouting aloud the Panchakshara mantram he takes a dip in the water of
the tank and gets up.
Samana monk
(shouting)
There was, there is and there will never be any Iraivan!
He takes a dip and all other
Samanars standing with him follow him.
In a short time they all get up
losing their eyesight. Dhandiadigal regains his vision and climbs up with his
eyes shining brilliantly. A divine voice
is heard at that moment.
The Divine Voice
Dhandiadigal Nayanare! I granted you vision only to prove that the
utterance of an adiyavar will never be in vain. After completing all your
service in this earth, you will attain Me! Your name will remain as long as
this earth exists. Whosoever worships me will worship you as well. My blessings
to you!
The divine musical instruments blare up. The Devas shower flowers on Dhandiadigal!
The King and the assembled public look for the Samanars who have lost their eye
sight. They see them running helter skelter falling on each other. The king and
the people of the town bow to Dhandiadigal.
In accordance with
the Royal diktat, the restoration of sacred Kamalalayam tank is completed in
all its erstwhile splendour under the supervision of Dhandiadigal. 