2
Ilayankudimara Nayanar
Ilayankudi!
The fertile farmlands please the eyes as if a great green carpet has
been laid all over the country side. The sacred earth never fails to gift
bountiful crops during every harvest. The affluence of the people is in display
everywhere.
The day is Mahasivarathri! The whole town is
decked up and in festive mood. From the nearby villages the people are
gathering in hordes in the Ilayankudi temple of Easan, awaiting the nightlong
discourses on divinity after the abhishekam and aaradanai of Easan. Women,
vying with men have assembled in the mantapam to hear the discourse.
To the resounding toll of the temple bell, the deeparadhanai of
Iraivan takes place. Enchanted by the
beauty of Easan the devotees stand with their folded hands in reverence. A
young man is seen standing in the sannathi with pure and focused thoughts on
Easan. The good crop of his tuft, the broad shoulders and well built arms
proclaim that he is a hard working youth.
The people who are returning after worship give way to him
respectfully. An old man comes running to him.
The old man
What is this Mara? I suppose you have lost yourself on seeing
the beauty of Easan! Everything has been readied for the commencing the
discourse. …Everyone is waiting for you… Have you forgotten that you have sponsored
these events?
Maran comes back to his senses and rushes to the mantapam with the old
man. The assembled public stands up on seeing Maran as a mark of respect.
Hiding the embarrassment on getting such adulation, Maran takes his special
seat. The lecture begins. The speaker pays his respects to the audience and
starts his speech.
The Speaker
What I am going to speak today will remain true till eternity. It is
an episode from the epic Mahabharatham.
During the time when the Pandavas are staying in Dvaitavanam …..
Only a few days were left for completion of their Agyanadhavasam…..
A Brahmin comes running to their hut where the Pandavas are seated.
Dharmar gets up quickly and rushes to meet him.
The Brahmin (bowing
to them)
Oh! The sons of Pandu! Kindly rid me of my distress!
Dharmar
Definitely… Be seated first..
What is distressing you?
The Brahmin
I have no time to waste… Usually I gather the wooden sticks and bundle
them for use in the yagam. To avoid the dire consequences due to disruption of
the yagam for want of adequate wooden sticks, I ensure that I have sufficient
extra sticks as well. Before the start of the yagam today, a stag lifted the
bundle of sticks with its horn. The bundle got so entangled in its horn that
the stag could not cast it away though it tried very hard. Ultimately it ran
into the forest with the bundle still stuck in its horn. I could not run and
follow it. Only you must help me in getting back the sticks so that I can
complete the yagam without any blemish.
The Pandavas pick up their weapons and go in search of the stag. They are able to spot the stag. As narrated
by the Brahmin, the bundle of sticks is seen entangled on its horn. The stag is trying to cast it off by jumping
and moving its neck this way and that way.
On seeing the Pandavas, it runs towards the forest. Pandavas follow it
in pursuit. After running a few distance it looks back whether it is being
followed. Arjunan strings his bow and
fixes his arrow to shoot it down. Dharmar stops him.
Dharmar
Arjuna! If you hit the stag with the arrow, its blood may fall on the
sticks in the bundle and they will become unfit for use in the yagam. We must
try and catch the stag alive. If we surround it from all sides it may not be
able to escape and will fall in our hands.
All the five try to surround it by dispersing in all directions. The
stag however dodges them skillfully and runs deep inside the forest. Having failed in catching it all the five
brothers gather at a place.
Nakulan
Anna! I am very thirsty. My throat is parched. Let us look for some
water source nearby. Let us first quench
our thirst and then look for the stag. I cannot run a step further without
taking a sip of water. If I am compelled to run after the stag I may even die.
All others are also more or less in the same state as Nakulan.
Arjunan
We have never denied anyone what they have asked of us so far. How
many times we are to be tested for our noble qualities? It appears that this
time we may not return alive! While it is noble to lose our lives fighting a
war in the battlefield, will it not be a disgrace to die of thirst? Why all
these tribulations are happening only to us? What is the reason for these
trials?
Dharmar
No one can define the reasons for these happenings. This is the game
played by the Dharmadevathai! If we follow dharma in each of our action, we
will come out successful in any such ordeal. What has happened now? We are all thirsty and parched. That is about
all. Once we quench our thirst, we are going to resume our search for the stag.
We must not lose heart for such a trivial thing!
Nakulan
I will go quickly and see whether any water source is available
nearby.
He walks off and after covering some distance sees a lake. He runs to
the bank of the lake is impressed by the clear water there. He cups his hands
and gathers the water. A voice is heard at the time.
The Voice
Hey! This lake belongs to me. If you want to drink its water you must
first answer my questions. If your answers are agreeable to me you can drink
the water…
Nakulan (angrily)
What will happen if they are not?
The Voice
You cannot drink the water.
Nakulan
Why should I follow your directions? I am going to drink the water in
any case.
The Voice
If you do so, you will surely die.
Overcome by his thirst Nakulan disregards the caution and drinks the
water. Soon he falls down dead.
Not finding Nakulan returning even after a long time Dharmar looks at
Sahadevan. He follows the track of Nakulan and soon reaches the lake. Seeing
his dead brother lying on its bank, he looks around who might have done the
cruel deed of killing him. Finding no one around, he bends down to gather the
water to quench his thirst. The same voice is heard again.
The Voice
Don’t drink the water. You answer my questions first. If you answer
correctly, I will permit you drink the water.
Seeing the water Sahadevan could not control his thirst any further.
Ignoring the warning he drinks the water and falls down dead.
There in the forest….
Not finding both of them return even after a long time, Arjunan now
goes in search.
Arjunan
It is quite a long time since both of them have gone from here! I fear that there could have been some
mishap! If I am permitted, I will go and find out what has happened.
Dharmar nods his head in approval and Arjunan goes off with his bow
and arrows following the path taken by his brothers earlier. Soon he also reaches the lake and sees his
brothers lying. Running towards them and finding them dead, he strings his bow,
fixes the arrow and looks around in a fit of rage. No one is seen anywhere
around. Though parched and thirsty, he listens intently for any noise. Not
hearing any sound he bends down and gathers the water.
The Voice
Hey Man! Don’t drink the water. First answer my questions. Otherwise
you will also meet the same fate as your brothers.
Arjunan
Hey! You specter! Do you think
I will spare you because you are hidden and unseen? Look.. I will shoot my
arrows and tear off your magical web.
He quickly shoots his arrows in the direction from where the voice was
coming from. Nothing happens. Only the sound of falling arrows is heard.
Arjunan
Hey! You specter! How dare you show play your tricks on me? Let
me first drink the water first. Let us see who wins later.
He drinks the water and falls down dead.
Next Bhiman comes there. He berates the fate of his brothers and looks
around as who could have caused this calamity. He also gathers the water in his
hand and is warned by the same voice.
Bhiman
Scared to face me openly andspeaking hidden behind some tree,I can
make out that you are a coward.
It is undignified for me to fight with cowards.
After saying these words, he
drinks the water… He also falls down dead.
Lastly, Dharmar comes there. He
sees his brothers lying dead. Tears
flood his cheeks. He sees Bhiman.
Dharmar
(blabbering)
Bhimasena! You angrily vowed to kill Duryodhanan by tearing of his
thigh when he ordered Panchali to sit on his thigh in his open court in Hastinapauram
in front of our elders. Here you are lying dead. What will happen to Panchali’s
vow?
He then turns over Arjunan and looks at his face.
Dharmar
Oh! My dear brother Arjuna! Even when I lost my entire kingdom due to
the treachery of Sakuni in the game of dice, I was not distressed. I feel that my heart is going to burst seeing
all of you in this state. When we
asserted that we would win over Duryodhanan and his kin in battle, did not the
Devas bless us by shouting that victory would be ours? Are those blessings futile? Alas! The fallen
handsome youths Nakulan and Sahadevan! How I am going to face our mother Kunti
and tell her about your fate?
Crying and blabbering he gets up…
He sees an arrow of Arjunan lying on the ground and examines it. Finding no blood stain in it…
Dharmar (to
himself)
Arjunan’s arrow will never return without hitting the target. It
appears that some unseen superior force has felled them.
He examines his younger brothers once again.
Dharmar (to
himself)
Though they appear to have no life in them, it looks as if they are
asleep. Their souls have notleft them yet!
Confused he glares at them once again.
Dharmar
Let me first quench my thirst.
He touches the water of the lake.
The Voice
Hey! You human! This lake belongs to me… Answer my question first… You
can drink the water only if your answers are appropriate.
Dharmar
Who are you?
A bird flies in perches on the branch of tree in front of him.
Dharmar (looking at
the bird)
Are you the one who is going to ask the questions?
The bird
Yes! Indeed.
Dharmar (bowing)
If that is so, you cannot be an ordinary bird. Are you my Easan to
whom I pray always?
The bird comes down flying and stands in front of him. It transforms
into a huge and horrible looking Yakshan.
Yakshan
I am not Easan. I am a Yakshan.
I own this lake. Your brothers lost their lives since they did not heed my
warning. I am not to be blamed for their
fate.
Yakshan(In a truly sad tone)
Why they cannot comprehend that
they should not touch anything without getting permission?
Dharmar
If this lake belongs to you, I will not touch the water without your
permission. You may proceed to ask your questions.
Yakshan
What releases the Aanma from attachments? Who is its helper? Who
guides it to follow the path of wisdom? What Aanma achieves out of this?
Dharmar
Contemplating on Iraivan alone releases the Aanma from attachments.
Only noble qualities are its helper. Only righteous conduct can guide Aanma
towards the path of wisdom. Establishing ‘Truth’ is its achievement.
The people who are
seated in the mantapam (hailing in agreement)
Perfect answer!
The speaker continues…
Yakshan
What makes one to become a learned person? How does one achieve an
exalted position? What he gets subsequently? When does one become wise?
Dharmar
Only the knowledge of Vedas makes a man learned. One who shuns
attachments attains an exalted position. He gets the ability to discern
subsequently. Keeping the company of learned elders and by serving them, he
gains wisdom.
Yakshan
What gives the Brahmins the divine disposition? What actions of theirs
are in consonance with those of believers in divinity? What brings out their
human nature? What actions of theirs are akin to those of non believers?
Dharmar
Only the knowledge they gain by
their study of Vedas give them the divine disposition. Disregarding earthly
possessions alone makes them like believers. That they also die proves that
they are humans. Disregarding the path enshrined in the Vedas will equate them
with non believers.
Yakshan
What gives the Kshatrians the divine disposition? What actions of
theirs are in consonance with those of believers in divinity? What actions of
theirs are akin to those of non believers? What induces them to commit
mistakes?
Dharmar
Only when he sports the bow, arrows and sword, he gets a divine
composure. His sacrifices make him divine and equate him with believers. If he
ignores and refrains from helping those who seek his help will equate him with
non believers. It is ‘fear’ that induces them to commit mistakes.
Yakshan
What Samavedam defines as
sacrifice? What is its Yajur? What is that without which there is nothing?
Dharmar
Samavedam says giving up life itself is ‘sacrifice’. Its Yajur is
mind! In the absence of Rig Vedam, there is nothing.
When it says giving up life it does not mean ending one’s life. It
connotes living righteously in the path of wisdom. Just like the mantras are
the life force for Vedas, the mind is the life force for existence. The Rig
Veda mantras tell the method to propitiate Iraivan by using the mind. It
connotes that there is no life in the absence of propitiating Iraivan through
the mind.
Yakshan
What does a farm hand who ploughs the field value most? What does the farm hand who plants seeds
value most? Which gives prosperity to a farmer? Who gives him that affluence?
Dharmar
It is rain that is valuable for the farm hand who ploughs the field.
The one who plants seeds values good quality seeds the most. It is the cow that
gives prosperity to a farmer. It is his
progeny that enhances his wealth and affluence.
Yakshan
When will a learned, admired and cheerful man be considered as dead
though alive?
Dharmar
Whosoever does not share his food with Iraivan, his guests at home,
his servants working in his house or even with himself is considered a corpse
though he may be breathing.
At this point in the discourse two people converse.
The First man
What is this? There are only questions and answers! When is he going
to come back to the story?
The Second man
Today is Mahasivarathri! We need to keep awake the whole night
thinking only of Iraivan. If he keeps telling only the story, a lot of people
in the mantapam will go to sleep! If he asks questions, the audience will be
made to think of answers and in the process we will be alert and forget about
sleep. The lecturer deliberately narrates these questions. You should
concentrate on the questions and the answers without disturbing others. You will not feel sleepy.
The second man’s reply is like a slap on his face. Brusquely he looks
around whether anyone else would support him.
The speaker continues….
Yakshan
What is heavier than this
earth? What is taller than the sky? What can travel faster than the wind?
Which are more in number than all the grass in this world?
Again in the mantapam….
The Second man
(looking at the First man)
Hey! Yakshan has asked the
question. What is your answer?
The First man
If you think then the answer will come on its own! What is heavier
than the earth? Leave it aside. Let me ask
you one thing. Has anyone lifted the earth and found out its weight?
The second man glares at him and the first man moves away afraid. The
people sitting around laugh aloud at his discomfiture. The latest questions of
Yakshan create a mild flutter among the audience.
The speaker resumes after silence is restored.
The Speaker
Dharmar gives beautiful answers to all these questions….
*****
In the Dvaitavanam …
Dharmar
Motherhood is heavier than this earth! The Father’s advice is higher
than the sky. It is mind which runs faster than the wind. The thoughts that
comes to one’s mind are larger in number than the grasses on this earth!
Ilayankudi….
Easan’s temple…
Hearing the replies of Dharmar from the speaker, the audience in
raptures applauds repeatedly. The speaker continues once the order is restored.
The Speaker
What Dharmar implies is this.
This entire earth belongs to the one who takes good care of his mother
and whosoever heeds his father’s advice and acts as per his wish, he reaches
heaven which is higher than the sky. Dharmar has aptly replied to the questions
without elaboration!
The audience applauds once again.
******
In the Dvaitavanam …
Yakshan
Which does not close its eyes while sleeping? What does not move after
being born? Which does not have a heart? Which spreads far and wide due to its
unique power?
Dharmar
The fish do not close its eyes while sleeping. The egg does not move
after it is laid. The stone does not have a heart. A river spreads far and
wide.
Yakshan
Who can be considered a friend? Who is the friend for a householder?
Who is the friend for a sick man?
Who remains a friend at the time of one’s death?
Dharmar
He alone is a friend who gives
unstinted support at all times. For a
householder, his wife is his best friend. The physician is the friend for a
sick man. While on one’s deathbed, the
good deeds he has done and the charities he has bestowed stand by him as his
best friends.
Yakshan
Who is the guest for all creatures? Which rite is without a beginning
or an end? Which elixir bestows longevity? Which permeates this entire
universe?
Dharmar
Agni is the guest for all creatures. From milk comes curd and by
skimming the curd comes butter. From butter we get ghee. This process has
a hidden significance. Offering these items to Easan is the rite which has no
beginning and end. Cows’ milk is the elixir for life. Vayu permeates the entire
universe.
Ilayankudi temple Mantapam…
The Speaker
Dear friends! The truth that
emanates from Dharma’s replies has kept us mesmerised! I wish to elaborate the
deep and hidden significance of ghee. Milk is ‘ignorance’. Curdling it with ‘contemplation on Iraivan’
to remove the ignorance, Curd that is ‘life’ results. Adding ‘compassion’ as
water to it to make it buttermilk and churning it using the cord of
‘experience’ brings out the butter that is ‘knowledge’. When you clarify the
butter that is knowledge, you get Ghee that is ‘wisdom’ or gyanam. Appreciating that the self and the gyanam are
one and the same and forfeiting one’s self to Iraivan is the rite that has
neither a beginning nor an end.
The audience
(admiring the explanation)
Aha! Aha!
The speaker continues…
Yakshan
What roams around all alone? What is born again after born? What is
the antidote for cold? What is called the wide farm land?
In the mantapam, the first man signals the second one by touching
him...
The First man
I know the answers for these
questions.
The Second man
Come on. Tell me the answers.
The First man
It is the soul of the man which roams about all alone. The one that is
born after being born is ego! The antidote for cold is heating. Thanjavur is
the wide farmland.
The Second man
Be silent. Let us see what the speaker is going to say in reply
*****
In the Dvaitavanam...
Dharmar
It is the Sun which roams about alone. It is the Moon which is born again after being born! Agni
is the antidote for cold. The wide farm land is none other than this
very earth.
Yakshan
When Dharmam is seen to attain its zenith? What is the highest accolade?
Which is supreme among the heavens? What is superlative happiness?
Dharmar
When Dharmam functions freely without constraints, it is at its
zenith. The accolade one gets for his charity and righteousness ranks the
highest. Truthfulness is the supreme heaven. One gets superlative happiness by
his exemplary conduct.
Yakshan
What is a man's Aanma? Who is a man's destined friend? What is his
inherent principal guard?
What gives him refuge?
Dharmar
His Aanma is his son! He ordained friend is his wife. His inherent
guard is Aakayam (Ether)! His charity
and righteousness alone give him refuge.
Yakshan
What is the highest compliment one can get? What is the paramount
wealth that is praiseworthy? What gives commendable supreme happiness? Which is the highest attainment?
Dharmar
‘Expert’ is the highest among
the compliments one can get. 'Knowledge' is the paramount wealth one can
acquire.'Contentment' gives supreme happiness! Having a disease free life is
the highest attainment one can get.
Yakshan
What is the highest virtue?
Which religion gives solace? What is the thing
to be controlled for one to lead a happy life? Whose friendship remains
forever?
Dharmar
Not harming any creature is the
highest virtue. Only the religion that
emphasises the Vedic path can give solace. He who can control his mind will
never be unhappy. The friendship of a man who is true remains forever.
Yakshan
By renouncing what, a man becomes amiable for others? By discarding
what, a man can avoid misery? By eschewing what, a man can become wealthy? By
quitting what, he becomes happy?
Dharmar
When he casts away his ego, he becomes lovable for others. If he gives
up anger, he will never face misery. By renouncing passion he becomes wealthy.
By giving up greed, he can become happy.
Yakshan
Why someone gives charity to a Brahmin? Why gifts are given to dancers
and entertainers? Why people give dole to their servants? Why people offer
gifts to the kings?
Dharmar
A Brahmin is given charity as told by the scriptures. For earning name
and fame he gives largesse to dancers. To ensure loyalty and co-operation he is
charitable to his servants. Out of fear
and to protect themselves people give gifts to the kings.
Yakshan
What is this world enveloped by? What prevents one from understanding
oneself? Why friends are indifferent to someone? What will prevent someone from
entering the gates of heaven?
Dharmar
This earth is enveloped in darkness. The one who does not understand
divinity does not know himself. Only greed makes one's friends to ignore him.
Attachment to material world alone prevents one from entering the heaven.
At this juncture, the speaker stops and gives a look around the
audience.
The Speaker
Dharmar says that this world is enveloped in darkness. Is that
correct? The world lighted by the sun and the moon. Then why did Dharmar say
that it is covered in darkness?
Not getting any response from the audience, he continues...
The Speaker
What he implies by darkness is not lack of light! It connotes lack of
wisdom. One does not know the righteous path if he lacks wisdom!
The audience appreciates the explanation of the speaker by a loud
exclamation.
The speaker continues...
In the Dvaitavanam....
Yakshan
When someone is considered lifeless? When will a kingdom is said to be
dead? When will people call a given charity as a dead charity?
Dharmar
A man suffering in penury is considered lifeless though he is living.
The kingdom without a king is a dead kingdom. Charity bestowed without
compassion is called a dead charity.
Yakshan
By following which path one can be assured that it is the correct one
and progress in life?
What are referred as Water, Food and Poison? What is the right time
for performing srardham?
Dharmar
Knowing the ways of life of righteous persons and following them will
make one progress in life. This universe is referred to as water, the cow’s
milk as food and our needs as poison. When one can get the services of a
Brahmin knowledgeable in Vedas, the srardham can be performed.
At this point...
Observing a little disturbance among the audience, the speaker stops
his discourse. A man gets up and all eyes are on him.
The Man
All the replies of Dharmar so far have been brilliant ... they are acceptable as well. But the
answers you just now narrated that this universe is water, cow's milk is food
and what is needed is poison are not acceptable to me. This earth is surrounded
by water and the sky is covered by air. So to refer the universe as water in
general terms does not appear reasonable. How can cow's milk alone be referred
as food? There are many who cannot afford to partake milk! This is also not acceptable. It is not clear
when you say our needs are poison. Will you kindly elaborate?
The speaker
‘Kadvaul’ (God), is the One who saves people who are drowning in
‘Kadal’ (sea) and brings them to
‘karai’(shore). The direct meaning of this is, God is someone who saves people struggling
in the sea from getting drowned and gets them ashore. But is this the correct meaning? Here one has
to pay attention to the implied
meaning. Here this universe is implied by ‘Kadal’ (sea) and ‘Mukti’
(liberation from birth and death) is implied by the ‘karai’ (shore)! So the
inner meaning is that it is Iraivan who liberates the people born in this
universe! So they called the sea as water and called it universe.
The next point is how come Cow’s milk becomes food! It is the cow
which feeds the humanity through its blood. It is also called as the second or
the alternate mother…. From the cow’s milk, curd, buttermilk, butter and ghee
are produced. The ghee is poured in the yagams for appeasing Varuna baghawan
(the God for rains) for good rain and for the resultant bountiful crops.
Therefore we may also call Cow’s milk
as food!
The third point is ‘what is needed is poison’. Let me explain what is
implied by this. Not having wants gives happy life, they say! Craving for all
and sundry will destroy happiness in life. So what we keep longing for as our
needs will steadily poison our lives and destroy us ultimately.
The audience
Aaha! A very apt explanation!
The discourse continues…
Dvaitavanam…
Yakshan
How can one achieve the status of a Gyani, who is non receptive to
anything? What is meant by self-control? What is true ‘pardon’? What is
shameful?
Dharmar
If one abides by and follows his righteous path, he will attain the
gain the frame of mind of a Gyani who is impervious to any wants.
To keep the mind happy by focusing on Iraivan alone is ‘self-control’?
To forgive even an enemy is true pardon!
Following wrongful path and acquire its consequences is shameful.
Yakshan
What is ‘meant by ‘knowledge’? What is meant by ‘tranquility’? What is
‘highest compassion’?
What is simplicity?
Dharmar
To understand ‘Brahmam’ is true knowledge. The mind which is not
turbulent is tranquil. Be considerate
to the well being of all creatures is the highest form of compassion. Simplicity
is a state of mind.
Yakshan
Who is the unknown enemy of a man? What is the incurable disease? Who
is‘straightforward’? Who is ‘deceitful’?
Dharmar
‘Anger’ alone is the unknown
enemy of a man! ‘Cowardliness’ is the incurable disease. He who keeps friendly
relationship with all is straightforward. He who views everyone as his enemy is
deceitful.
Yakshan
What is foolishness? What people refer as ‘pride’? What they refer as
‘indolence’? What is ‘sadness’?
Dharmar
Not knowing what one’s own scriptures say is foolishness! Not knowing
that a superior force is controlling all the activities and vainly deeming that
it is all due to one’s own effort is ‘pride’.
Not performing the assigned duties properly is ‘indolence’. Lacking
knowledge is one’s misery!
Yakshan
What is called by Rishis as duty bound? What is tolerance? Which the
most sacred bath? What is Dharmam?
Dharmar
To follow the righteous path as given in the scriptures is what Rishis
call as ‘duty bound’?
To keep the five sensory organs under control is ‘tolerance’. To wash
away all the dirtiness of mind is the most sacred bath. To protect all
creatures alone is ‘Dharmam’.
Yakshan
Who is knowledgeable? Who is an agnostic? Who is an ignorant? What is
lust? What is jealousy?
Dharmar
He who knows his obligated duties is knowledgeable. Only an ignorant
man has no belief in God. He who has no belief in God is ignorant. To crave for
worldly pleasure is ‘lust’. The
obsession in the mind is jealousy!
Yakshan
Who is an imposter? What is the special nature that Iraivan has
granted exclusively to humans? Who is a rascal?
Dharmar
He who pretends to be a believer in God is an imposter! Being
compassionate is the exclusive nature of humans granted by Iraivan. He who
cheats others is a rascal.
Yakshan
What activities of humans make even Iraivan angry?
Dharmar
Calling a Brahmin for giving alms and driving him out without giving
him anything is one. Not sparing anything for charity by a wealthy person is
another. Acts such as these make even Iraivan angry.
Yakshan
Who is a Brahmin? Does one
become a Brahmin because of his birth or by his righteous actions or because of
his knowledge of Vedas?
Dharmar
No one can become a Brahmin because of his being born to a Brahmin. He
also cannot be called a Brahmin just because he has acquired knowledge of
Vedas. Only good conduct gives a man the exalted position of a Brahmin. He is the one who follows the path
enshrined in Vedas and leads an exemplary life. If he does not lead his life as
such, he is no way higher than asuthiran though born of Brahmin parents.
Yakshan
What results from speaking in kindly terms? What results by doing
things after proper planning? What
happens to a man who has many friends? What one gains by doing benevolent acts?
Dharmar
He who speaks gently is adored
by people. Victory is assured when one acts after proper planning. He who has
many friends will live happily in his present life. By doing benevolent acts he
will be happy in his next life!
At this point the speaker stops and estimates the time. In a short
time it will be daybreak. He looks at the audience. They are keenly listening
to his lecture and seated spell bound by his discourse. He continues…
In the Dvaitavanam….
Delighted by the answers given by Dharmar, Yakshan gives him a
pleasant look.
Yakshan
Yudhishtira! I am satisfied by
all of your answers. ..I will ask you four last questions … If you answer these
also correctly, I will resurrect one of your four brothers. What do have to say?
Dharmar (bowing)
I am prepared to answer any number of questions you wish to ask!
Yakshan
Who remains happy in this world? What is most astonishing in this world? What is happening in this
world at this moment? As told in the scriptures, what is the best way to attain
Moksha?
In the mantapam…
The First man
He has asked so many questions already. Aren’t they enough? Now there
are four more of them! That too very tough! Poor Dharmar! He is trapped and
looks bewildered!
The Second man
Except for the question on what is presently happening in this world,
the others do not appear very tough. Let us see how Dharmar is going to answer
them….
In the Dvaitavanam…
Dharmar
Those who are not hounded by ‘Law’, those who have not borrowed money,
those who eat simple food and those who live in their own houses lead a happy
life in this world! Your next question…
In spite of countless creatures die
every day in front of him, man believes and lives as if he is immortal. That is
the most astonishing thing in this world! Your third question is what is
happening in the world at this instant. The world is a big cauldron. The sun is roasting all the creatures in it
day in and day out over the week, month and year without any let up using his
burning power. That is what is happening at this instant. Coming to the last
question as to what is the best way to attain Moksha? The best way to attain Moksha is to follow
the path of wisdom as elaborated in the scriptures.
The audience applauds loudly expressing their joy. The speaker resumes
after silence is restored.
In the Dvaitavanam….
Yakshan
Aaha! Aaha! All your answers are brilliant! Now tell me.. Who out of
your four brothers you want me to resurrect?
Dharmar (without
any hesitation)
It is Nakulan!
Yakshan (surprised)
Dharmarajane! Your brother Bhimasenan is as powerful as a huge army.
Don’t you need him for your war against Kouravas? Let it be. Your next brother Arjunan can envelope the
entire sky with his arrows. He is capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with
you in the battle field. Don’t you want him back alive? Your request to
resurrect Nakulan is startling!
Dharmar
He who does not respect the Dharma destroys himself! He who follows
the path of Dharmam alone will be victorious. Dharmam safeguards till end those
who follow its path respectfully! Both mother Kunti and mother Madhuri are
equal for me. Since I am alive, mother Kunti has a son alive. What about mother
Madhuri? She has no son alive now. That is why I request you resurrect mother
Madhuri’s son Nakulan.
Immediately there emanates sound of conch shells and horns and
Yamadharman appears.
Yamadharman
Son… I am your father! I am Yamadharman! Your staunch belief in
following the path of Dharmam irrespective of any adverse consequences is to be
lauded. I will resurrect all your brothers now.
He raises his arm and all his brothers get up as if they have been
awakened from a deep sleep!
All of them bow to Yamadharman.
Yamadharman
My Son! I took up the role of Yakshan only to test you! You have
answered all my questions appropriately and have thus established the
‘Dharma sastram’. Ask me what ever boon you want.
Dharmar
Father! When a Brahmin was about to start his yagam, a stag lifted the
sticks he has gathered in its horn and ran away. Please grant my wish that the
sticks reach the Brahmin immediately.
Yamadharman
It was I, who came as a stag and took away the sticks. I will return
them to him just now!
He raises his hand and the sticks reach the place of yagam where that
Brahmin is.
Yamadharman
Mahane! What else you want?
Dharmar
My desire to meet you in person has been fulfilled today! Your
darisanam amounts to bestowment of a crore of pious deeds. Still you please
grant me only one boon. You must grant
my wish that I never ever forsake the righteous path delineated in the Dharma sastram.
Yamadharman
Mahane! So far you have conducted yourself without breaking any of the
rules of the Dharma sastram. You will continue to be like this in future also…
You will never commit a breach of the laws of Dharma. Still I grant you the
boon as you have wished.
Yamadharman vanishes after blessing the Pandavas. They return to their
place fully refreshed with their thirst and hunger satiated.
Giving a posture that he has completed his discourse, the speaker
looks around the mantapam eyeing the audience.
Maran gets up from his seat.
Guessing that he is wishing to ask him something, the speaker looks at
Maran.
The Speaker
Maran Avarhale! The discourse is completed very well due to your
donation. From your countenance, it
appears to me that you desire to ask some question. Please ask any question
without any hesitation.
Maran rising from his seat and the permission of the speaker to him
creates a mild flutter in the mantapam. Maran starts to speak and silence
restores in the mantapam.
Maran (with his
chest high)
Dear learned speaker! One of the questions posed by Yakshan and the
answer given by Dharmar got me thinking… I need your elaboration on that.
The Speaker
Go ahead!
Maran
When Yakshan asked the question , ‘What activities of humans make even
Iraivan angry?’, Dharmar answered , ‘Calling a Brahmin for giving alms and
driving him out without giving him anything is one. Not sparing anything for
charity by a wealthy person is another. Acts such as these make even Iraivan
angry.’
I am not satisfied by these answers. It is an unpardonable sin to
invite a person promising him alms and then driving him away without giving him
anything irrespective of the caste he may belong to. Such a person is inhuman.
Secondly, my opinion on the answer that a wealthy person will invite the wrath
of Iraivan if he is not charitable also differs slightly. It is not mandatory
that one has to be wealthy to be charitable.
It is enough even if one is inclined to be charitable. Whether one is
wealthy or otherwise, it is the duty of everyone to provide whatever one can to
those who seek help.
There is a loud applause appreciating Maran for his views.
The Speaker
I have been wondering all along if there can be anyone who can excel
Dharmar in explaining the path of Dharma! What you have expounded that there is
no distinction among the people based on caste and that it is not necessary
that one has to wealthy to be charitable and it is enough even if one has the
attitude to be so are to be inscribed in golden letters.
Today is Mahasivarathri….
That we should all be awake and
that Iraivan should be observing all of us is the significance of this day.
Easan is observing you. Your noble thoughts will put on a high pedestal and
proclaim that you are a gem among the mortals.
He hails Easan and the crowd joins him in extolling Easan. The temple
bell tolls and Deeparadhanai for Easan takes place.
Full of compassion, Easan is looking at his dear friend Maran, without
batting His eyelids.
********
People pay their respects to Maran as they come out of the
temple. Surprised to see a palanquin
stops next to him, he is curious to know who its occupant could be. The palanquin is placed on the ground and a
damsel of heavenly beauty comes out and bows to Maran. Confused, Maran keeps
looking at her.
Penn
Ayya…I listened to the various aspects of Dharma as told by Dharmar. I
also heard your opinion. My heart tells
me to touch your feet in reverence for the noble thoughts you expressed without any hesitation in the
mantapam after the discourse; that no one should be turned out empty handed
when sought alms and there is no division among people and also that it is not
necessary that one has to wealthy to be charitable and it is enough even if one
has the attitude to be so.
She falls on his feet and touches his feet in veneration. Getting up
quickly she climbs on to the palanquin without expecting any reply from Maran.
The palanquin departs immediately. It
takes considerable time for Maran to regain his bearing due to this lightning
event.
******
The palace of Maran!
As soon as he returns from the temple, Maran calls his Kariakarar
(executive).
Maran
Kariakarare! When I was just coming out of the temple…
Kariakarar (with
laugh)
Yes! I also saw…. You want to know about the girl who fell on your
feet. Am I right?
Maran
Do you know? Who is that angel?
Kariakarar (with a
mischievous smile on observing Maran’s face brightening up in delight)
An angel! I thought it was a girl from our neighbouring village. I am
unaware of any angel!
Maran laughs and so does the Kariakarar. His face exhibits his affection towards his
master.
Kariakarar
Thambi! After your mother’s
death, it is the first time I am seeing your face brightening up exhibiting
happiness! I gathered all the information about that girl after she fell on
your feet and bowed to you. She is the daughter of Arumuganar, a wealthy man in
the neighbouring village of Perungudi and goes by the name of Vadivukkarasi.
Apart from the godly appearance she has, she is very pious and of noble
qualities. She speaks kindly to everyone irrespective of their caste or social
standing. The village folks have unbound affection for her…. She is the most
suitable match for you… But…..
Kariakarar’s look becomes downcast at this point.
Maran (unable to
suppress his curiosity)
Then what?
Kariakarar
I enquired from close friends as to why she remains unmarried in spite
of her beauty, noble qualities and wealth… As per her horoscope, it is feared
that she is not blessed with begetting a child…. Everyone wants his clan to widen and prosper.
…. You also need to have children of
your own to claim the enormous wealth
that has been passed on by your ancestors.
Therefore….
Maran (interrupting
vehemently)
Therefore you want to say no to this alliance!
Kariakarar (nodding
his head)
Yes!
Maran (mildly
laughing)
Begetting a child is due to the blessing of Easan! Instead of
believing on horoscopes, have faith in Iraivan. What harm the planets or their
position can do to us if we recite Panchakshara mantra? The moment she touched my feet reverently,
she has sealed her decision. I am going to take my decision now. Only that girl
will be my life partner. You meet Arumuganar immediately and fix up the date of
the wedding.
Kariakarar leaves happily…..
Acclaimed by the entire village their wedding takes place in a few
days….
The bride and the groom walk to the palace to the accompaniment of
festive music. As she steps inside the house putting her right foot, the elders
bless her. Vadivukkarasi enters the puja room first and lights the lamp and
prays to Easan. Then she goes to the kitchen. She sees three vessels filled
with rice, grains and salt lined up in sequence.
One of the
women
Dear newlywed! Ilayankudimaranar is motherless. If she were alive, she
would have been immensely happy to receive you. It is the custom that the bride
as she enters the kitchen must touch the rice, the grain and the salt with her
right hand. It is believed that if she does so, the wealth of the house will
grow… there will be no dearth of food grains at anytime… the fame of that house
will go sky-high.
Vadivukkarasi happily touches the rice, the pulses and the salt with
her right palm and bows to them.
Vadivukkarasi (to
herself)
Iraiva! Bless me that I will never ever have to send away any hungry
soul seeking food here!
The Goddess of the home blesses her accordingly!
*******
That night!
Maran is waiting for Vadivukkarasi and she comes. After bowing and touching his feet
respectfully, she pours milk from a pitcher on to a silver cup and hands it
over to him. After taking a sip, Maran returns the cup to her. She consumes the
left over milk with great devotion. Maran is enthralled by his wife’s beauty
and demeanor. Catching his arm she makes him sit on the cot and takes her seat
as well.
Maran (as if in a
stupor)
Vadivu! Is it only to marry you
that I kept a vow not to marry all these days?
Vadivu
My dear! The moment I cast my eyes on you in the mantapam, I took a
vow that if at all I marry, I will marry only you! I was fascinated by the way you were keenly
listening to the questions posed by Yakshan and to the replies given by
Dharmar. Your facial expressions
revealed your concurrence with the replies.
I was captivated by the varied reactions of anger, kindness, compassion,
sorrow reflected from your face while
listening to the discourse. You never cast your eyes on either me or the other
girls seated in front of you. I appreciated the great virtue of yours in not
casting your eyes on other women. I was overwhelmed by your lofty ideals and compassion when you
disagreedwith Dharmar’s reply and said that no one should discriminate based on
caste while giving alms and also that it
is not necessary that one has to be wealthy to be charitable and it is enough
even if one has the attitude to be so.
Your darisanam in the temple of Iraivan turned out to be the darisanam
of Iraivan Himself! I bowed and touched your feet on the temple threshold
praying that I must have you as my husband. I am forever your servitor for having accepted me as your
bride.
Her eyes go moist in raptures as she is saying this. Maran hugs her
affectionately.
Maran
I am still to get over my
trance after seeing your beauty in front of the temple. Hearing your beautiful
speech I think I will forget myself!
Vadivukkarasi laughs aloud.
Maran
You said it very rightly. It is due to grace of Easan that both of us
have similar disposition. If everyone has the noble trait of giving help to
those who seek setting aside any discrimination based on caste, this earth will turn into heaven!
Vadivukkarasi
Yet, I have a small submission.
Maran
Go ahead and tell me!
Vadivukkarasi
Unlike for others we must give special treatment to any Sivanadiyar
approaching us by performing Padapujai
and giving whatever is needed by him. We must obtain his blessings by paying
due respects and reverence.
Maran
They are also same like others! What is the difference between
Sivanadiyars and others?
Vadivukkarasi
To extend our help to anyone who are stung by poverty is our duty! To
serve Sivanadiyars is our fortune!
Unlike Sivanadiyars, all others can make a living by working for
somebody. The only belonging, a
Sivanadiyar has is the thiruvodu, which can hold food only for a single meal.
They don’t even horde for their next meal. They spend their entire lifetime
thinking of Sivan alone. They do not possess money or any valuable. We must have done enormous good deeds in our
previous birth for them to set foot in our home. We must bow and welcome him
and do Padapujai. We must then take him
inside and feed him with a variety of food items in great reverence. We must
ensure that he is comfortable while having food by fanning him. After he
finishes his food, he is to be comforted with adequate rest. He must be offered
whatever he needs and make him fully contented and happy when he leaves. This
is the proper way of hosting a sivanadiyar. Serving an adiyavar is akin to
serving Easan Himself!
Hearing the precision in his wife’s speech Maran feels very proud of
her. It turns out to be a long night for both of them.
********
Ilayankudi.
The destitute approach Maran for their needs and return fully
provisioned. The adiyavars, satiated by the food and overwhelmed by their
kindness bless the couple heartily. The
public hold the Maran couple in high esteem. Maran grows wealthy as if he has a
golden touch. Due to the grace of Easan,
the more he disburses his wealth on charity, the more his wealth keeps growing.
It is day of Mahasivarathri!
As usual, the entire expenditure of the temple for the day’s
celebrations is taken over by the Maran couple.
It is day brake and Maha Deeparadhanai is conducted. Maran is given
the due temple rights and privileges.
Easan gives a compassionate look to His friend!
******
Thirukailayam…
Nandi is guarding the entrance….
Naradar is running towards him in great haste.
Nandi
Naradare! Calm down! Usually ‘Om Namasivaya’ is heard loudly as you
approach. Today even that was not heard. What is the tearing hurry?
Naradar
Who can predict the games Easan
plays? Still there has to be some limit to that also. How can he play such a
cruel game in the life of His friend?
Nandi (angrily)
Have you come here to accuse Easan?
Naradar
Have I come here with accusations? That too here! I have come here to
unburden my anguish to you!
Nandi
What can I do if you do not tell me the details?
Naradar
I am pained even to talk about it.
Sometimes, I used to be glad that I am capable of knowing the past, the
present and the future of everything. But there are times when I feel sorry why
I have this capability when I foresee some future events.
Nandi
When do you feel happy and when do you feel sad? How can I comprehend
unless you tell me in detail?
Naradar
Easan who has been generous to the exemplary Maran couple as they
distributed their wealth more and more charity, is now going to put them under
severe tests. He is going to give unimaginable distress to the one who treats
adiyavars with extreme warmth. I am the one who would not like anyone in this
world to face distress… He who is living in a great palace is going to reside
in a mud hut. The people who revere him now are going to turn away and avoid
seeing him and be seen by him… Is the way for Easan to treat his dear friend?
Nandi
Naradare! How could you pose a question like this when you are fully
aware of the extreme compassionate nature of Emperuman? He is called
‘Ammayappar’ as he displays the love of mother and the mercy of father. Isn’t it correct that one’s parents need to
expose him to the world when they want their son to earn name and fame? It is
not enough if the eminence of Maran is known only to the residents of
Ilayankudi. Doesn’t the whole world come to know of the same? Don’t get perturbed by asking unnecessary questions
and carry on with your work. The activities in the world are not going to be
stilled by your worries! Keep your calm
by chanting ‘Rama Siva’ and don’t keep running about here and there, lest
something untoward may happen to you.
Naradar (murmuring
irritated)
Do I need to take advice from people like you?
Nandi (not able to
hear what he said)
What did you say?
Naradar
I said ‘Om Namasivaya’
Nandi
Fine! Please repeat the same.
Naradar
Om Namasivaya
Nandi
That is better. Had I not heard it, you would have replied that you
only said ‘Namo Narayana’! You are very crafty!
Naradar
Who is crafty? Is it me or Easan?
Nandi charges sportingly displaying mock anger at Naradar who takes to
his heels.
Though Nandi pretended to be angry with Naradar, he is downcast.
Easan looks at Nandi.
Easan
Nandiyare! Has Naradar come here to confuse you too?
Nandi
I am perturbed by what he has said. I am unable to bear that the Maran
couple, who are setting an example to the whole world as to how a husband and
wife must lead their lives, are to undergo distress.
Easan
Nandi! What do you call distress?
Nandi
You are Omniscient! Aren’t You aware what distress is? Going into penury after leading a luxurious
life is the greatest distress one can face.
Easan
A wealthy man becomes devoid of his wealth. Are you saying that this
is distress?
Nandi
If that is not distress, I
don’t know what else is?
Easan
Distress or grief is a state of mind. In the earthly life, some are
wealthy and some are poor. There are
people who lead dignified life even though poor. To cross the ocean, a boat is essential. How can one cross the ocean if he is lazy to
row the boat? If one keeps cribbing this
as distress, he will have to keep struggling in the mid sea.
Nandi
The brain comprehends what You say… But the mind is unable to grasp
it.
Easan
Nandi! Where do you think the mind is?
Unable to answer the question, Nandi becomes perturbed. Easan laughs
aloud at his discomfiture.
********
A hut on the outskirts of the village!
Maranar is coming out of it carrying a basket full of paddy on his
head.
The sky is overcast and hazy…
Vadivukkarasi
My dear! The sky is dull and
gloomy. If it rains the paddy seeds will get washed away! Only you can decide
whether to go for sowing the seeds today!
Maranar
Three days have already gone like this… All others in the village have
already completed the sowing! Only our fields are left behind. Let us put the
burden on Easan and He will take care. You don’t worry!
He walks away to the loud laughter of Vadivukkarasi. Maranar quickens
his pace happy to note that his wife is happily seeing him off in spite of
their pathetic condition.
A few villagers watch him as he walks along the pathway towards his
fields.
One of the
Villagers
What kind of misfortune is this? What kind of life he has lived?
Frittering away all his wealth on charity, he has to now carry a basket on his
head and going for sowing in his field!
Another Villager
It is all due to arrogance!
Being head strong, he believed that he could always earn and make up his
expenses. Look at him now! He is going
to work as a coolie! Our elders have always said that one should indulge in
charity only after providing adequately for own self first
Another Villager (regretfully)
The same elders also said that being generous will protect one from
all perils! Will anyone be charitable after seeing his conditions today?
Yet another
Villager
Charity will definitely ensure protection. .. Words of our elders
never fail. Those who are charitable will definitely enter the heavens!
One of the villagers
(pointing to the villager)
Look at this man… He speaks as if he has just returned from heaven!
There is a loud laughter at this joke.
Another Villager (mockingly
at the last man who spoke)
Why? Have you already visited hell before your return here?
There is again a high laugh at this barb.
The next Villager
(angrily)
Neither we nor our ancestors have seen either the heaven or the
hell. This heaven, hell are all lies.
These are the entire ruse by poor people to dupe and rob the rich of their
money! If you give money to charity, you
will accumulate virtues…. If you take bath in sacred rivers your sins will be
washed away… If you conduct rites for your ancestors, they will obtain
salvation… What are all these? These are nothing but many ways to swindle
money. Virtues and sins are all mere
lies created only to scare us. I seethe with anger when I see those people who
prescribe the method to reach the nonexistent heaven and hell. If someone says that ‘Charity Protects’
even after seeing this man who fritted away his wealth on charity and
walks around wearing a loin cloth, I feel like giving him a deathly blow.
Another Villager
He is great philanthropist who gave away in plenty to the needy
without discriminating on caste or religion.
He hosted all Sivanadiyars with reverence by performing their Padapujai
and fed them sumptuously. His is well known all around and his fame will remain
forever. There are many who will revere him by mere mention of his name. Does
anyone know of you and me? Don’t decry
him like this as if you have full knowledge of these
things.
The next Villager
I concur with what you say.
They are true. Many of them who advanced
him loans are now worried as to how to get their money back. Did anyone ask him
to indulge in charity by getting money on loan? If he comes across, they all
run away and hide themselves fearing that he may request for a loan. Anyway, we
have to admire his wife. Has anyone seen her downcast even after such a
downfall? Has these happenings taken place in our households, forget the
adiyars, even we may not have been offered food!
Another Villager
No one in this village is going to give any money or articles to
Maranar now… We should see the fun if an adiyavar comes to his house now and
how Maranar will be able to host him!
Unable to endure the sickening conversation which he has been hearing
all along any longer, an elderly villager speaks up.
A Village Elder
Why are you indulging in frivolous judgment? Easan will never forsake
a good hearted man. If any won criticises Maran any more, I will beat him up
with my stick.
As he gets up swinging his walking stick others laugh at him.
One of the
Villagers
Ayya! Our elders wanted us to
love and promote charity. It is now
very clear that we would be left with nothing if we do so. Instead answering this, you are brandishing
your stick! But any way…. If good things happen to Maranar, not only
me, the entire village will be happy.
But I doubt its happening in his
lifetime.
The Village Elder
It will happen definitely. Now
look …
He points his finger in a certain direction.
All of them look at the direction indicated by the village elder. They
see the temple gopuram and its kalasam.
The elder joins his hands reverently at the gopuram.
The Village Elder (continues)
The Easan residing there will come and bless Maran. All of us will witness the same. Wait and
see.
Bowing to Easan in the direction of the temple many of them disperse
on their errands. A few give a nasty
look at the elder and go away from there. The elder keeps looking at the temple
gopuram with tears swelling in his eyes. As his eye sight is poor, he is unable
to see an elderly Adiyavar climbing down the gopuram! The Adiyavar comes near
the village elder and gives him a benevolentlook and walks in the direction
Maran has gone.
After covering a short distance he sees Maranar working on his field
raising the embankment with mud. He goes to a tree nearby and sits there
watching all the while Maranar and his toil…
Maranar (to
himself)
Vadivu asked me what I would do if it starts raining. I must therefore first raise the embankments
to ensure that the seeds sown are not washed away if it rains. Then I can sow
the seeds. Let my destiny be decided by
Easan!
The moment he thinks of Easan, he becomes enthusiastic and continues
his work with increased vigour. Soon it is mid day and he is extremely hungry.
Maranar (to
himself)
There is no way for me to get any food. There is nothing left at home
for eating. Vadivu must be equally hungry. She has none but me to fall back on.
… At least in the evening I must approach someone for some loan. Hopefully, the harvest may be bountiful this
time… I will be able to pay off all the debts…
He looks at the well. He runs to it and draws water. He drinks he
water to fill his hungry stomach. Tapping his left shoulder with his right hand
as a sign of encouragement to himself, he resumes his work of strengthening the
embankments smiling all along.
Sitting under the tree Easan is overcome with compassion as he
observes his adiyavarMaranar.
It is evening now and Maranar starts sowing the seeds after
ascertaining that the embankments are adequately high and strong.
The sky is getting darkened…
After finishing his work, he cleanses himself and drinks the water
from the well again to refill his empty stomach. He starts to returns home
carrying his shovel and basket. As he reaches the tree where Easan is sitting,
the sky opens up with a heavy downpour. To save himself from getting drenched
he runs to the tree where he sees the Adiyavar standing there shivering in
cold. Immediately he bows to him and
falls on his feet. Removing the towel he was wearing he covers the Adiyavar
with it to ward off the cold , himself standing only in loin cloth.
Adiyavar
Ayya! You appear to be of noble descent. I have not taken any food
since morning.. I have managed to pacify
my hunger by drinking water till now. I am unable to endure my hunger any
longer… If you take me home and feed me it will be a great blessing for you…
Maranar
I must have performed great penance to have you in our house… Come on!
Let us go to our house and have food.
The rain stops abruptly.
Maranar
Let us go quickly so that we reach home before the rain starts again.
He stars walking along with the Adiyavar. As the Adiyavar staggers
while walking, Maran holds him in his hand all the way home. The rain starts
again as they reach his house and Adiyavar gets drenched and stands with wet
clothes. Vadivukkarasi quickly comes out and bows to adiyavar. She places a mat
for the Adiyavar to stand on the threshold. The couple brings a pitcher of
water and washes the feet of adiyavar and cleanses it of slush. Wiping his feet
with a fresh dry cloth, both of them prostrate in front of adiyavar. Pleased by
their Padapujai the Adiyavar steps into his hut. Maranar hands over dry clothes
to him which he wears after casting off his wet clothes.
In great anguish Maranar and Vadivu go inside.
Vadivukkarasi (in
tears)
We don’t have even a grain of rice now. I also left you famished since
morning…. What can I do to feed the Adiyavar?
Maranar
Let me approach our neighbours and collect some articles for
cooking. In the meanwhile you light the
stove and keep it ready.
Vadivukkarasi
(hesitantly)
No one will give us anything in this village. Rather than asking them
and returning empty-handed, we may think of doing something else.
Maranar
Dear… Tell me whatever it is…The Adiyavar is hungry since
morning.
Vadivukkarasi
My Dear! The seeds you have
sown today must have collected in one corner of our field in this heavy
rain. Please go and gather them and
bring them here. In the mean time, I will go to the back yard and pluck some edible
leafy vegetables. We will serve meals of all six tastes to the Adiyavar.
Maranar happily goes to fetch the basket. There he sees the Adiyavar in deep meditation
in Padmasanam. Bowing to him, he picks up his wet clothes and wrings them dry.
Putting them on a clothes’ line without making any noise, he dashes off to his
field putting the basket upside down on his head to protect him from rain. With
His eyes closed, Iraivan in the garb of Adiyavar is deep in meditation.
In this torrential rain and in pitch darkness, he reaches his field
and tries to locate the sown seeds. His feet keep getting stuck in the slush
and with great difficulty he is able to locate the seeds collected in one
corner of his field. He picks up them with his bare hands and the basket is
filled up with the paddy and slush. Once
he feels enough of paddy has been gathered, he walks back home in a hurry
carrying the basket on his head. Because of the rain, the slush in the basket
keeps coming down and covers his face which he has to keep wiping frequently.
In the meantime, Vadivukkarasi goes to the backyard. Squatting in pouring rain
in pitch darkness, she discerns which are edible by touching them and plucks
only those. She segregates the leaves for cooking. Maranar reaches home and
hands over the basket to her. Washing
off the slush she gathers the wet paddy. Maranar goes to see the Adiyavar and
finding that he is still in meditation, returns to the kitchen.
Vadivukkarasi
We have gathered whatever we
could for feeding the Adiyavar. There is no dry fire wood to light the stove…
How will I start the cooking?
Maranar, with his hand signals her not to lose heart. He selects some
dry wood supporting the roof and pulls them off. Breaking them into pieces he
hands over the dry wood to her. Vadivukkarasi lights the stove and roasts the
paddy. Maranar splits the paddy, removes the husk and hands over the rice. In a
short time piping hot sweet smelling rice and a variety of leafy vegetables in
six tastes are readied. Maranar goes to Adiyavar.
Maranar (gently)
Adiyavar Perumane!
As the Adiyavar comes off his meditation the rain stops abruptly.
The people of the village come out of their houses and astonished to
see a brilliant light radiating from the house of Maran. At that very instant,
the Adiyavar is served with the food items and Maranar stands with his hands
folded in supplication.
Mixing the food with his palm, Easan puts a hand full in his mouth and
relishes it.
At that very instant, the
temple bells starts to toll on their own.
Amazed all the villagers start running towards Maran’s hut. Hearing a
great commotion outside their hut, Maran and Vadivu turn around. The Adiyavar,
who has been eating vanishes from there.
Apprehending that they might have committed some mistake for the
disappearance of Adiyavar, they come out of their hut.
There….
To the loud reverberation of musical horns and to the chanting of
Vedas loud enough to reach the skies,
Iraivan appears along with His consort Umayaval mounted on His Nandi
vahanam. Maranar and his wife immediately prostrate to Iraivan and get up with
tears in their eyes. Cupping their palms and raising their hands above their
head in great reverence, they stand witnessing the pleasurable sight of Easan
and Annai.
Easan
Ilayankudi Maranare! His
Manaiviyare, who made known to the world what, is meals of six tastes! Both of
you deserve to be commended for selflessly serving adiyars keeping in mind that the service to
adiyars is service to Easan Himself.
Your name and fame will remain forever. Whoever worships Me will
worship you as well. Both of you now merge unto Me!
Easan welcomes them to His fold extending both his arms. The couple
merges into Easan who transforms to a great Jyothi!
The Devas shower the place with flowers.
The people of Ilayankudi bow to Easan and Maranar. Indiran and all the other Devas, Sanakar and
all other Munivars and Naradar bow to Easan.
Naradar with his teary eyes looks at Nandi who is equally shedding
tears of joy!
Tiruchchitrambalam
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