Thirunavukkarasar

2

Thirunavukkarasar

The Himalayas…..

A Munivar is doing an arduous penance.

Iraivan is seated in front of him.

A few years roll by. ….

As he opens his eyes one day, he sees the Lingam unable to comprehend that Easan is present there!

Munivar

For how many years, I have been doing this penance? I am not aware! I can only recollect the day I sat here closing my eyes.

He looks at his body.

From the look of my body, it could have been close to fifty or sixty years. Easan has not appreciated my grueling penance of these years and has not appeared before me so far.   I doubt that he will come now or ever!

Perhaps, I have wasted all these years of my life been searching for someone who is not there at all!

Iraivan looks at the Munivar who doubts His existence in profuse compassion. 

Easan

Vakeechare! I am sitting in front of you  from the day you started your penance. You have not attained enough maturity to discern Me! Therefore, you will have to undergo another birth and in that birth you will realise Me! Since you are doubting whether I really exist, you will not be able  to see Me or hear Me. In your next birth you will search for, find out and assimilate what is the true Neri. You will also impart that true Neri to others. You will be hailed with an exceptional name of Thirunavukkarasar.  As I am an Anaadhi, having no parents, you will become My Appar and merge unto Me in the end!  Your name and fame will remain as long as this earth remains. Whosoever worships ME will worship you as well!

Easan disappears after blessing him thus.

Oblivious of these, the Munivar breathes his last and his lifeless body falls down on the earth.

    ******

Thiruvaamoor…

A few Brahmins are walking hurriedly.

Vediyar 1(in anguish)

Hi! We are already twenty. I don’t know how many have already reached there and how many more will be coming there!

Vediyar 2

Ayyare!   Get over your doubts!  Perhaps you are not aware of Pugazhanaar, a great leader of Velalars! His palace is like a great fort… Wherever you look, there are huge Nel Kudirs… They store only gold and gems in those Kudirs… He is immeasurably rich… He is entitled to give the hand of his daughter to the Royalty. Only women of his clan have become reigning queens of this country.  When a girl was born as his first child, he hosted a feast for the people entire town and those coming from outside for ten days.  They honoured each and every guest with gifts of gold coins. I was told there were thousands and thousands who took part in the feast. He is going to beget his second child now after seven years.   The astrologer   has predicted with certainty that only a male child will be born.  The whole town is rejoicing that a suitable heir to the abundant   fortune is going to arrive. Why are you worried? You will definitely get gifts of gold coins! Have you brought suitable bag to take them home safely?

Vediyar 1

 Alas! I wish I had I known earlier!

Vediyar 2

So what?

Vediyar 1

Had I known earlier, I would have brought along a bigger and better bag!

He looks and around here and there to compare his bag with those of others as to its size.

Vediyar 3 (disgusted by his act)

Hey! Why are you acting as if in penury? People are coming here in thousands neither for attending the feast nor for getting any gifts! The child that is going to be born is said to be a divine incarnation. He is going to ensure the growth of fine arts… ensure that the true Neri flourishes … ensure the darkness that is enveloping the world is removed and the world is radiant once again… They are all hurrying here only to have glimpse of that divine child.

Vediyar 1

Do you mean to say an incarnation of Sooriyan is going to be born to remove the darkness of the world?

Vediyar 3

What a dimwit you are! When I say darkness, it implies ignorance. The Buddhism and Jainism have emerged and taken a deep root here in the last hundred years. They are preaching that there is no God and converting the people to their religion by engulfing them in the darkness of ignorance. This  radiant child is going to destroy this evil spell binding the people , prove to the world the existence of Iraivan and  take them through the path of Bakthi.

Vediyar 1

Ayyare! I know that you are an astrologer. But how can you rattle all these future happenings? Are you plotting to collect extra gift from Pugazhanaar by telling him these predictions?

Vediyar 3

Divine incarnations occur only at set times. In those times, there will be a large number of auspicious and   indications to inform us in advance. The whole town will be prosperous. The monsoon will be copious. There will be no dearth of wealth. There will be heavenly indications in the sky by way of emergence of stars to give hint to the expert astrologers.

 All of them quicken their pace to reach the palace early.

    *****

Thiruvaamoor…

The mansion of Pugazhanaar…..

A large crowd has assembled jostling for space.  The clan of Pugazhanaar welcomes them and makes them comfortable. Everyone is delighted on hearing that a male child is born as an heir to the immense fortune.  Pugazhanaar is standing near his wife Madhiniyar at delivery table beaming with pride.

Pugazhanaar

As expected, a male child is born to us. The whole town has come here to have a peep at him!

Madhiniyar

Where is Thilakavathi?  . She has been praying to Easan that she must be blessed with a brother for a long time. She must see her baby brother first before anyone else.

Pugazhanaar brings his daughter Thilakavathi who is greatly excited to see her new born baby brother.

Madhiniyar

Thilakavathi!  Easan has answered your prayers! You now have a baby brother as per your wish! Do you like the baby?

Thilakavathi

I like the baby very much. He has such soft hands, it may even pain him if I touch them.

The parents laugh at her innocence and concern for the baby.

Thilakavathi

Amma! I have some good news for you. When you were agonized by labour pains, I ran to Easan … He spoke to me! 

Madhiniyar (interrupting)

Did Easan speak to you? You are truly blessed….. What did he tell you?

Thilakavathi

The boy who is going to be born is a divine incarnation. You must give him all your love and care as a mother would and guide him in proper path so that he is revered by the entire world! But I am not   able to make out what Easan implied by this!

Both the parents look amazed and also agonized. Thilakavathi is taken aback by their looks.

 Thilakavathi

Amma! Appa! Have I said something wrong? Why do you look perturbed?

Pugazhanaar quickly regains his composure and looks at his daughter.

Pugazhanaar (cupping his palms in veneration)

I feel highly elated and proud to hear that Easan spoke to you! We have treated you like an ordinary girl unaware of your greatness. Kindly pardon us!

Thilakavathi is stunned.

Madhiniyar

Easan has granted a glorified life for our daughter.  It is heartening to hear that she will guide our son to glory and to become revered by everyone! We are also proud to know that we are directly involved in the divine happenings in the future by begetting this child! What name can we give to this child?

 Thilakavathi

Easan told me that also!

The parents are again amazed to hear this!

Thilakavathi

He told me that the boy who is going to be born will remove the darkness of ignorance surrounding the world! So name him as “Marul Neekkiyar” (the one who will obliterate darkness)

Pugazhanaar

Aaha! What a great blessing Easan has bestowed on us! Can we even think of any other name after Easan Himself has given the name for our son?  We will give him the name of Maruneekkiyar!

The baby Maruneekkiyar looks at Thilakavathi and smiles.

After Thilakavathi leaves…

Pugazhanaar

From what Easan has told Thilakavathi, it appears that we are not going to live long! Both of them are our children. We will be saddened to leave them but at the same time it makes us ecstatic to think that   the world is going to be benefited because of them!

All are the great play of Easan!

Om Namasivaya!

Om Namasivaya!

Om Namasivaya!

Madhiniyar bows to Easan as Marulneekkiyar keeps looking at her without batting his eyes!

     ******

Maruneekkiyar turns 5. Thilakavathi is looking divine on turning twelve. Maruneekkiyar is holding on to his sister at all times. One day, while she carries him in her waist to the temple gasping for breath, the people around look at her in amazement. As she reaches the temple, Maruneekkiyar gets down. The Gurukkal welcomes them.

Gurukkal

 What is this? Your brother has grown up quite a bit. Why are you carrying him even now?

Thilakavathi

So what if he is grown up? He is still my younger brother.  The temple is quite far from our home. Won’t his tender legs pain if he walks all the way? 

 Sporting Thiruneeru on her forehead and wearing a rudrakshamala, Thilakavathi presents a radiant picture of herself.

Gurukkal

Thaye! Your care and affection for your brother even at your tender age surprise me! Seeing you devoid of golden ornaments and wearing only the signage of Easan, reminds me of Annai Akhilandeswari of Thiruanaikka standing in great piety and yearning for Easan’s grace. Come in! Easan is waiting for you!

Gurukkal guides them to the Sannathi.

Thilakavathi

Gurukkale! The temple is very beautifully decorated today! There are welcome arches… plantain tress tied to the pillars… flower decorations all around… the Brahmins chanting Vedas around the many a Yagakundam… All these things are really very pleasing. Is there anything special today in the temple?

Gurukkal

Our Senapati Kalippagaiyar is passing through our town with his force. He is coming for the darisanam of Easan.  Isn’t it extraordinary that the Senapati of our country who is also a devout Saivite is visiting our temple? But we are not sure when he will reach here. That is why we are a little excited. Come… Let us   complete the darisanam quickly. I have to receive him at the entrance with due respect when he arrives.

Thilakavathi

Gurukkale! You please go and receive him at the entrance. That is the proper way. We will go to the Sannathi and have darisanam of Easan.

Gurukkal agrees to her suggestion and walks towards the temple entrance. Thilakavathi walks along with her brother. After having the darisanam of Vinayakar and Nandi, she stands on the threshold of Sannadhi and looks at Easan.  Captivated by the beauty of Easan, she starts singing in His praise with great ecstasy with tears blinding her eyes. Wiping her eyes she looks at Maruneekkiyar. To her surprise she finds Kalippagaiyar is also standing there. Taken aback that she did not notice his arrival and presence, she goes red in her face.

Kalippagaiyar (Noticing that she is embarrassed)

 Penne! Even a stone hearted man will be moved to tears listening to your song. Only I ordered everyone to remain quiet so as not to disturb your singing. I am truly blessed to hear such a beautiful singing in the Sannathi of Easan.

 Hearing a young adult praising her for the first time in her life, she becomes even more embarrassed and keeps looking down!  As the Gurukkal does the Deepaaradhanai, every one bows to Easan.

Kalippagaiyar (to himself)

Iraivane! I have found my match in your Sannathi! I pray earnestly that You kindly bless me that I get married only to her! 

Gurukkal (aware of what is running in Senapati’s mind, points to Thilakavathi and Maruneekkiyar with a smile)

They are the daughter and son of Pugazhanaar, the leader of the great clan of Velalars! They hold the right to give their daughters in marriage to the Chozha royalty!  And he is the world renowned Senapati of Chozha Empire!

Thilakavathiyar does not look up and catching hold of her brother’s hand walks away without uttering a word. Kalippagaiyar is even more fascinated by her modesty!

   *******

In the mansion of Pugazhanaar!

Pugazhanaar is restless hearing the news that the Senapati of Chozha Empire is coming with his parents and other relatives are coming to seek the hand of his daughter in marriage! Madhiniyar is busy preparing a feast for the guests who will be arriving.   Thilakavathi is all laughs seeing Maruneekkiyar in his innocence walking about carefully so as not to soil his costly silk dress! As the guests start arriving, she rushes inside and goes inside. The elders are seated after given due welcome.  They agree to the betrothal 

Of Kalippagaiyar and Thilakavathi and sign their agreement. They leave after promising them that they would inform the day of wedding in due course.

While the parents of Thilakavathi are waiting for news for the date of wedding, news arrives that Kalippagaiyar is leading the Chozha army in a campaign and the marriage would take place only after his return from the war front! They get deeply anguished.

The days roll into weeks and months.  Saddened that his daughter’s marriage is getting delayed Pugazhanaar breathes his last. Madhiniyar   declares that she would give up her life by plunging herself in the funeral pyre of her husband. This news spreads like wild fire and the entire town of   Thiruvaamoor   plunges in grief.

As the body of Pugazhanaar is placed on the sandal wood logs for cremation, Madhiniyar arrives decked in yellow attire wearing flower garlands. She goes around the body of her husband and climbs on to the funeral pyre. Thilakavathi, carrying her brother keeps wailing. As a conch is blown, Maruneekkiyar lights the pyre. As the lit fire touches the heavens, a mild shower falls as if Sooriyan himself is shedding tears.  Madhiniyar keeps chanting “Siva Siva” as the fire rages and she unites with her husband without showing any sign of pain or struggle. The chanting of “ Shivanantha Roopam Shivoham Shivoham” from the assembled public rises everywhere.

Om Namasivaya!

     ******

After her parents demise, Thilakavathi is burdened with the responsibility of managing the property of her household. Only now she realises that her parents have left behind an ocean of wealth to administer. She has to spend day and night in managing the same. To ensure that Maruneekkiyar is always under her watch, she engages tutors to teach him at home. Two years roll by. Maruneekkiyar starts realising that his sister is sacrificing all for his sake. He becomes very diligent in learning and mastering his lessons.  News of victory in war for the Chozha Army and its imminent return to the capital   is announced with great fanfare. Thilakavathiyar is eagerly waiting for the day of her wedding. But like a bolt in the blue, it is announced that Kalippagaiyar has died a martyr in the battle.    All the relatives of Thilakavathiyar reach her mansion.

Thilakavathiyar (in a decisive voice)

I will also die like my mother. Please prepare a pyre for my cremation.

The whole town is stunned to hear her decision. Her relatives try their best to dissuade her. But Thilakavathi is firm in her resolve to mount   the burning pyre. As she is about to mount the pyre, Maruneekkiyar catches hold of her feet.

Maruneekkiyar

As I have lost my parents already, who will be left as my kin, if you also decide to end your life? Before you leave me, let me plunge into this fire first to welcome you later!

Thilakavathi is stunned to hear this.

The happenings in the Easan’s sannathi when she was a young girl flashes back in her memory!

  ****

Easan is seated in all His glory in the sannathi.

Thilakavathiyar is standing in front contemplating and praying to Easan with her eyes closed.

Thilakavathi

Easane! Emperumane! My mother is under tortuous labour pain.  Only You can help her have a safe and easy delivery and ensure both the child and the mother are safe.

Easan (in invisible form)

Thilakavathi!

Thilakavathi opens her eyes and wondering as to who has called out her name as there is no one else around, looks here and there.

Easan (again)

Thilakavathi!  It is I who called you!

Thilakavathi

Iraiva! Emperumane! Blessed I am by Your presence here for listening to my prayers!

Easan

Yes! Mahale! When a mother gives birth to a child, she has to undergo pain. It is natural and ordained not only for humans but also for all creatures. But you need not worry! You will be blessed with a brother. He will dispel the ignorance of the people in this world. Therefore, you name him as Marulneekkiyar! You must be the mother figure for him and guide him in proper path and present him to the world at large! As you are born as the elder sister of Marulneekkiyar, who will do remarkable deeds, you are also truly blessed. Your name will remain remembered forever.

 Easan vanishes from there and at that very moment, the temple bells toll on their own heralding auspicious times. Thilakavathiyar stands stunned as if she has been fed with the divine nectar.

   ****

Once again the order of Easan, “You must be the mother figure for him and guide him in proper path and present him to the world at large!” rings in her ears. Thilakavathiyar picks up Maruneekkiyar who is still lying down holding on to her feet. She embraces him and kisses him on his forehead.

Thilakavathi

Alas!  Was I trying to hug you in the fire? You are destined to do great things in life. As ordained by Easan, I will be your mother and will be with you for your help. I will not try to end my life ever. This I promise in the name of Easan, whom I pray every day.

Maruneekkiyar is astounded seeing a radiant glow in his sister’s face as she takes that vow!

    *******

As the years roll by, Maruneekkiyar   masters various sastras from eminent Acharyas. Wanting to acquire knowledge of North Indian languages, he seeks permission from his sister to travel north.

Thilakavathi

Thambi! You are now sixteen years old.  I want to find a suitable girl for you and conduct your wedding as soon as possible. Half of my responsibilities would be over!  How come you are seeking permission to travel north now?

Maruneekkiyar

I am not inclined to lead a married life! I am keen to find out as to what is the purpose of my birth!  As I learn more and more, my thirst for knowledge is only increasing. I must know, before anything else,  what I am … Then only I can decide what I want to do with my life. Till such time, please grant me permission to lead my life as I wish…

He stands cupping his palms in great reverence.

Thilakavathiyar looks at her brother.

 Thilakavathiyar (overcome with emotion)

I do not want to stop you from going on your journey to seek realization of yourself, though you are endowed with enormous wealth. At the same time, I cannot reconcile myself to stay separated from you. I do not know what to say!

Maruneekkiyar

My mind is enjoining me to go north to learn their languages. I want to learn and master those languages. I do not want to remain here carrying the burden of this wish in my heart. Your love and compassion for me is far more superior to whatever I have leant in the past or whatever I will master in future. But at the same time, I do not want that to be a stumbling block for my hunger for knowledge.  Give me just five years! I will learn whatever is needed and return. Please grant me to your whole hearted approval! 

Thilakavathiyar is unable to deny her approval as she has never denied any of his wish before!

Maruneekkiyar starts on his journey to North!

      ******

 Maruneekkiyar returns home after five years as a youth of twenty one years.

Thilakavathiyar who has been counting days for his return is overcome with emotion on seeing him.  Wiping her tears which are blurring her vision to see her brother, she rushes to him. Both of them shed copious tears of joy. As he narrates his visits to various centres of learning and what are the things he has learned, it is almost dawn. Both of them start to the temple. The Gurukkal welcomes both of them and leads them inside.

Gurukkal (on their way to Sannathi)

Oh! You radiant   son of Pugazhanaar! Let this town earn name and fame because of you.

He does Deepaaradhanai to Easan. Thilakavathiyar is lost in her thoughts of Easan. Maruneekkiyar looks at Easan and Easan in turn looks at him. There is a mild smile in the face of Easan. The Gurukkal gives Thiruneeru to both of them.  While Thilakavathiyar applies it on her forehead with great piety, Maruneekkiyar keeps staring at it intently to the surprise of the Gurukkal and Thilakavathiyar.

Thilakavathiyar

Thambi! I am surprised by your action. Usually, you would apply the Thiruneeru with great piety as soon as you received it. I am anguished seeing you staring at it!

Maruneekkiyar

Akka! Tell me, what is this?

Thilakavathiyar is taken aback!

Thilakavathiyar

Have you forgotten our customs during your northern sojourn? You are asking what Thiruneeru is!

Maruneekkiyar

Why should it be smeared on the forehead?

Thilakavathiyar

Those who revere Easan sport it as a sign! How come you are asking this as if you are not aware of it?

Maruneekkiyar

What does Thiruneeru symbolise?

Thilakavathiyar (composing herself)

Oh! I see!  You asked those questions wanting a clarification of its significance!

Sporting Thiruneeru signifies impermanence!  

Maruneekkiyar

It implies that this body is one day going to be cremated and turn into ash. Therefore one must stop thinking about his physical body and devote his mind towards things that are eternal or permanent! Thilakavathiyar

Yes! You put it very succinctly! Impermanence is not limited to the physical body alone. Our wealth, this town, this nation, this very earth, the sky, the universe …. All these are not permanent. Easan alone is eternal! To keep Him in focus in our mind all the time, Thiruneeru is smeared on the forehead.

Maruneekkiyar

Is there someone called Iraivan?

This question from Maruneekkiyar hits both Thilakavathiyar and Gurukkal like lightning bolt!

But Easan is all smiles!

Thilakavathiyar

How dare you ask whether or not someone called Iraivan in His very abode? From when onwards, you are having this audacity? Were you having inapt friendship when you were away from us?

Seeing her sister getting angry for the first time, Maruneekkiyar looks at her resolutely.

Maruneekkiyar

Our father who believed that Iraivan alone is everything died. Our mother, who was determined to end her life by burning herself in his funeral pyre, killed herself. You, who chant “Sivaya Nama” relentlessly, became a widow even before marrying anyone. You have none except me as a blood relative. Look at me… Not only I lost my parents at very young age but also have the misfortune of seeing my beloved sister wasting her life. In spite of our family’s unstinted devotion to Easan, we have undergone such harsh life. Isn’t it obvious from all these that there is no one called Iraivan?

Maruneekkiyar throws the Thiruneeru on the floor contemptuously   and walks out from Sannathi without turning back. Unable to withstand this sacrilege, Thilakavathiyar chants “Siva Siva” cupping her ears with her palms.  Gurukkal stands spellbound! But Easan continues with his smiling!

Easan

Vakeechare! The time is not far, for you to realise who you are!   You will answer your questions yourself that day!

He looks at Maruneekkiyar as he leaves the Sannathi with great compassion!

    *******

When Maruneekkiyar returns to his mansion he sees a large number of the town’s people assembled there. They all pay their respects to him and Thilakavathiyar who is following him. They return their compliments and bid them to be seated.

The Headman of the town

Thambi! You have returned home as a highly learned man after your visits to many parts of our country in the North. During your father’s time, we used to rush to him if the town is confronted with any issues. He used to donate bags and bags of paddy whenever there was famine. To ensure that no one went hungry, he created a lot of jobs and paid them. He was a great soul!   

Maruneekkiyar

 Like him I am also equally ready to serve the people of this town.  Please tell me what you want me to do!

The Headman of the town

 There will be copious rains next month. If you help us in getting some ponds dug up, we will be able to save the rain water which otherwise will go waste.  We also need to repair the cart paths which are in bad shape. This will not only help us in easy transportation of goods but also reduce the strain on the bullocks. There are no choultries for the outsiders to stay when they come here to take part in local festivities. If we build a few of them more people from other places will flock here and we will be able to sell our produce more. But to complete all these we need a large amount of money. But we need not have to do all of them at once. For the present it will suffice if we are able to dig ponds on priority.

Maruneekkiyar

 We can complete all your requirements one after another. If need be, we may even employ manpower from outside. You do not worry. I will take care of all these things.

Thilakavathiyar, who has been extremely disillusioned by his actions in the temple, becomes somewhat peaceful by his philanthropic attitude

   ******

Maruneekkiyar devotes his entire time and effort in his philanthropic work for the betterment of the people.  He builds a large number of choultries and ensures everyone who comes there is adequately fed. After he exhausts all his wealth in this activity, he does not mind even disposing off some of his properties to continue his charity without a break. Though he devotes his entire time in charitable work, his mind does not appear to become content and he becomes restless.

Thilakavathiyar (unable to bear seeing her brother disturbed)

Thambi!  It appears that something is troubling your mind… Get married and you will realise the meaning of life. I am unable to bear seeing you living a disturbed life.

Maruneekkiyar

Akka! You taught me at the Easan Sannathi the meaning of impermanence! The wealth we have, this relationship we hold dear, the very physical body are all going to be destroyed one day! Therefore, I am not attracted to these things. So, I am not going to be a family man ever. I have understood that there is no one called Easan.  I want to discern what the appropriate path is for me.  I want to recognise which is the true religion among all the religions and I am going to embrace it with all my heart!  I have learnt that in Padalipuththiram, the capitol city of the Pallava kingdom, there are daily discourses on religious topics by learned people.  Come on! Let us go to Padalipuththiram, as we have nothing here to hold us back. 

Thilakavathiyar

 To seek the guidance of learned people is the best way to get one’s mind cleared of intrigues.   If you feel that you will get your answers at Padalipuththiram, go ahead. If that is the will of Easan, so be it! But leave me here alone. I will spend rest of my days in the service of Easan seeking His darisanam everyday!

Though Maruneekkiyar pleaded with her to accompany him, she is firm in her resolve not to accompany him. Maruneekkiyar starts his journey to Padalipuththiram in his search for a true religion all by himself!

      *******

 It is Padalipuththiram, the capitol of Pallava kingdom…..  

A large number of artistically embellished buildings, arenas, museums are adding to the glory of the city. Maruneekkiyar is astounded seeing the blemish less and clean environment everywhere. Men are sporting a totally shaven head wearing a single piece of white cloth and carrying a peacock feather. Maruneekkiyar is excited when he comes to know that they are Samanars. The women wearing colored clothes are walking briskly with great abandon.  There are also people of the six faiths carrying their respective religious flags and sanayasis wearing saffron clothes walking briskly.  The Buddhists with shaven heads and wearing sandal colored clothes are also seen carrying a fan in one hand and twirling their prayer wheel on the other. 

There is a sudden commotion. A few soldiers are shouting at people to move to their sides and clearing the way. All the people move to both sides of the road and eagerly awaiting in awe, the   passing by of some one important. Maruneekkiyar is also standing among them eagerly awaiting the arrival.

 At that time a sweet singing is heard “ Anyatha charanam Naasthi, Tumeva  Charanam mama , Raksha Raksha  Jineswara” ( I don’t surrender to anyone else. My surrender is only unto you. Protect me, protect me Jineswara)

Maruneekkiyar is frozen when he sees the thuravis singing the above. Holding a peacock feather and sporting no hair on their head, all of them are stark naked. They are sweeping their path with the peacock feathers as they walk.

One of the men standing near Maruneekkiyar

Are you new to this city? You are looking perplexed seeing all this!

Maruneekkiyar

Yes. I am new to this city. I am surprised to see these things for the first time in my life! Some of them have shaven their head and are wearing a single piece of cloth. Some of them with their head full of blisters are stark naked with their bodies covered in dust and sweeping their path with peacock feathers! Who are they?

The man who spoke to Maruneekkiyar

The ones who have shaven their head and wearing a single cloth are the Samanathuravis of second and third stage. They live in the city. The naked ones with blistered heads sweeping the path with peacock feathers are the thuravis of first stage. These people live in forests and caves in the mountains. They come to city only whenever there are religious discourses conducted.

Maruneekkiyar

Why they have blisters on their head. Some of them are even bleeding. Why they have not applied any medication?

The man laughs aloud hearing this making Maruneekkiyar even more confused.

The man

They pluck off the hair with their own hand as using a razor may injure the tiny insects in the hairs. They keep doing that as their hairs grow and because of that they get these blisters. Some of them will be oozing with pus even. They do not clean their body by bathing. They do not even brush their teeth as that might kill the germs inside their mouth. They do not care for their physical body. That is why they are not wearing any clothes. They are called Dhigambar as they consider that the four cardinal directions are their clothes. (Dhig- cardinal direction) They sweep the path before they step on to ensure that there are no creatures in their path which they may step on and kill them by accident! They consider that only (non-violence) Jeevakaarunyam   is the path to salvation and demonstrate their belief by living like this.

Maruneekkiyar folds his hand and cups his palms in sub conscious reverence!

Maruneekkiyar

What a highest thinking on Jeevakaarunyam!    Cleansing of Aanma rather than worrying about cleaning one’s physical body!  Their care that even tiny insects are not to be harmed   wittingly or unwittingly needs to be hailed! I am very much attracted by their righteous way of life! I want to know more about Samanars. Can you please guide me!

The man

The one who was leading the thuravis in the procession you just saw is Vijayasenar.   He is the Mahaguru. He is the one, who advices the emperor.   His words are law in this land! He is going now with his entourage to Chithirakoodam.  He is going to deliver a lecture on Mahavirar, who is revered by Samanars. If you go along, you can reach Chithirakoodam. You can know more about the Samanars and their religion there.

That man walks off in the opposite direction. Cupping his palms in reverence, Maruneekkiyar follows the Dighambars though for a moment he is surprised by the man’s action.

    ******

In the Chithirakoodam….

As soon as the Mahaguru enters, there is pin drop silence and every one stands up with cupped palms.  Vijayasenar takes his seat and his retinue of thuravis stands on his sides. One of them blows the conch once as the crowd keeps standing. Maruneekkiyar also stands with his palms cupped copying others.

Vijayasenar (in a loud voice after getting up)

Sri Vrishabha, Ajitha, Sambhava, Abhinandana, Sumati, padmaprabha, Subharswa, Chnadraprabha, Pushpadhanta, Seethala, Sreyomsa, Vaasupujya, Vimala, Ananta, Dhrma, Santhi, Kunthu, Ara, malli, Munisoovrata, name, Nemi, Parswa, Sri Vardhamana 

After he   announces the name of all the Theerththankarars with great piety , the Samanathuravis who are standing to his left and right side  shout “ Ithi Vardhamanakala Chaturvimsathi Theerththankara Parama Jina 

 Devobhya namo Namaha”   

 All the people in the crowd follow by chanting aloud in unison “Anyatha charanam Naasthi, Tumeva  Charanam mama , Raksha Raksha  Jineswara.”

Pulled by these mantras, Marulneekkiyar stands transfixed.

After Vijayasenar takes his seat, the thuravis gets seated on to his left and right side. The people then take their seats. Maruneekkiyar follows suit.

Vijayasenar

The great saints! The great followers of Jainism! The other general public assembled here! Listen carefully about our twenty-fourth and last Mahavirar Sri Vardhamana Theerththankarar.

Vardhamana means ‘the one who gives prosperity’. He was named as such as the country was very prosperous at the time of his birth. He was born as the second son of king of Kundarapura of Vaisali and queen Trisalai. Many are not aware that he was born a prince. He mastered all the arts that are required to be mastered by a king. Though he had all the luxuries of the palace at his disposal, he was not fascinated by them and simply ignored them.

Once when the royal elephant ran amuck, he subdued it single handedly. While everyone praised his bravery he was not taken by it. Instead he said that only the one who controls the ‘seven elephants’ of one’s mind is fit to be hailed as a hero!   In deference to the wishes of his mother, he married Yashoda, a princess from the neighbouring kingdom and begot a daughter named Priyadharshani. After the demise of his parents, he went into deep meditation. He realised that following the life of a saint, he can realise much more than being a householder. He left aside his royal life, his wife and daughter and went to forest in search of knowledge and wisdom.  

Maruneekkiyar is intently listening to the lecture and deeply absorbed in it. Comparing his own life as that of Vardhamanar, he feels proud that he has also left his luxurious life and all his relatives behind to come to Padalipuththiram.

Vijayasenar (continues in a loud voice)

Mahavirar asked three questions! I am going to ask all of you the same three questions. Will you answer?

The public

 Yes! We will!

Vijayasenar

Can anyone stop from getting any disease by taking a vow on Iraivan?

The public

No!

Vijayasenar

The next question! Can anyone prevent from getting old by taking a vow on Iraivan?

The public including Maruneekkiyar

No!

Vijayasenar

The third question. Can anyone stop one’s death by taking a vow on Iraivan?

Maruneekkiyar along with others

No! It is impossible!

Vijayasenar

If that is so, is there anyone called Iraivan?

Maruneekkiyar and other people (standing up and shouting in unison)

No! There is definitely no one known as Iraivan!  

Vijayasenar (beaming with a victorious smile)

Mahavirar also came to this very same conclusion. Everyone who is born has to die one day. All that are happening to us are due to our own doings alone. We can win only through true wisdom. Only those who get true wisdom can attain mukti, freedom from the cycle of rebirth. He was vigourously searching for an answer as to get true wisdom. He attained Gyanam while meditating under a banyan tree! He attained the capacity to know of the past, present and future. What he taught as the ways to attain Mukti became the basic tenets of Samanars. They have taken deep roots and are flourishing like a huge banyan tree. He showed that only Jeevakaarunyam is the path to salvation or Mukti. He attained Mahanirvanam at the age of seventy two.

Vijayasenar hails Mahavirar and all the people rise and bow to Mahavirar.  As he walks away, followed by his retinue, Maruneekkiyar goes up and bows to him.  The Mahaguru looks at the bright young man with radiant eyes.

 Maruneekkiyar (with his hands folded in prayer)

 Mahaguruve! Please accept me as your disciple!

Vijayasenar

Young man! I can see compassion in your eyes! What is your name?

Maruneekkiyar

Maruneekkiyar

Vijayasenar

From now onwards, your name is Dharmasenar. Let your entry bring more glory to the religion of Samanars!

Maruneekkiyar shaves off his head, wears a single cloth and stands before the Mahaguru to receive his blessings and assumes the responsibility of a Samanathuravi that very day!

     *******

A few years roll by…

Dharmasenar is seated as a Digambarar, keeping a Kamandalam and a peacock feather on his right. His eyes are radiating great brightness. The Samanathuravis are seated in front of him.

Dharmasenar

Thuravihale! Do you thing a man’s life ceases with his death?

As no one comes forward to answer the question, he continues….

Dharmasenar

It is not easy to give the most appropriate answer for this question. Nobody knows what happens after one dies. But one can surmise! A man’s life does not end with his death… It is but a beginning!

How is that?

Let us take an example of a man who is a scoundrel of the highest order. During his entire lifetime, he has done everything which is against dharma…like committing murder and decoity… and living a life of luxury with his ill gotten wealth. One day he dies suddenly. His physical body perishes. But what about the crimes he has committed? Should he not get punished for his ill deeds? So he will have to be born again and again and undergo the punishments for his ill deeds till he leads a virtuous life to attain the state of never to be born again! Whatever bad things we do is nothing but a web we make to entangle ourselves!  Only true knowledge can help one to free oneself from the web! Our knowledgeable Samanars have written a lot of books to help us acquire that true knowledge. Those books are our guide today ….

 As he finishes his answer, a Samanathuravi rushes there in great haste and bows to Dharmasenar.

Samanathuravi

Perumanare! I have been sent by the emperor and the Mahaguru to bring you to Padalipuththiram immediately. In order to reach quickly, I have come in a chariot to take you along.   Please let us start at once. 

Dharmasenar

If the emperor and the Mahaguru are calling me, then it must be really something important.

He starts off to Padalipuththiram from his cave residence in the forests for the first time after he has been ordained as a thuravi.

Samanathuravi (On their way) 

Today is the pournami of Vaikasi month. Perhaps you are aware that today our Mahaguru is going to challenge the Buddhist monks from Vaisali in a religious debate.

Dharmasenar

Yes! I have heard of it… Are we going there?

Samanathuravi

Yes!

Dharmasenar

How very fortunate!

 Samanathuravi

On learning that the great Guru of Buddhism from the state of Vaisali is going to debate on this important day of Vaikasi pournami at Chitthirakoodam, a large number of Buddhists from neighbouring countries and people belonging to the six sects have assembled at Padalipuththiram. Our Samanars have also started assembling in large numbers from the early morning itself. Our emperor is greatly upset as our Mahaguru is unable to even speak due to a wound in his throat.  Knowing his condition, the Buddhists have already celebrating their victory in advance! The emperor and the Mahaguru have called you to confront the Buddha Guru of Vaisali in the debate. This will be a do or die religious battle to save our religion!

The chariot reaches Chitthirakoodam.

As Dharmasenar enters the Sabha, everyone including the Pallava king rise and offer their salutations. The Mahaguru of the Buddhists and his disciples also get up to welcome him realising that he must be a very important person.

Dharmasenar

Today is the day of Buddha Pournami!  I welcome you all with greetings and regards on this day, the day which you all celebrate with great festivity as the day of Mahanirvanam of Bodhisattva.

 As he takes his seat, the Mahaguru of the Buddhists appears greatly relieved on getting a pleasant welcome.

The Buddhist monks get up and chant aloud

“Budddham  Charanam Gachchami,

Dharmam Charanam Gachchami,

Sangam charanam Gachchami. ”

The Sabha becomes quiet and the king gives his ascent for the discussions to begin.

Dharmasenar (addressing the Buddhist monks)

You may please begin the debate.

The Samanars are amazed as it is contrary to the usual procedure.

One among them (murmuring to the one seated next)

What is this? Had there been Vijayasenar, he would have roared like a lion and put the opponents spell bound. This man is telling the opponent to begin the debate! I doubt his ability!

Buddhist Monk (Mahaguru )

In this Bharathakandam, it is Buddhism which is the leading religion for the past two thousand years, except for a few places in the North and the kingdom of Pallava in the south. If the Samanars   here accept Bodhisattva as their lord and bow to him, our Buddhism will fly high from the Himalayas to Sothern tip of this vast continent. We have come here all the way here with the confidence of converting you to Buddhists.

Dharmasenar

How do you propose to convert all the Samanars to Buddhists?

Buddhist Monk

If you lose in the debate, you have to accept to get converted to Buddhism! That is the condition.

Dharmasenar

Does that imply that you accept Samanam if we win?

Buddhist Monk

Isn’t that the aim of the debate?

Dharmasenar

If someone accepts a religion, it means that he is accepting the tenets of that religion with understanding and agrees to abide by the regulations of that religion with confidence! Suppose he has to accept to follow another religion just because he loses a debate will amount to a forced conversion! Won’t it be?  How can the victory or defeat in a debate become the deciding factor for accepting or rejecting to follow a religion?

The forceful argument of Dharmasenar makes everyone to think. The Buddhist Monk is baffled to give forth a reply. Somehow he gathers his wits and speaks loudly.

Buddhist Monk

It is the rule that the one who loses in the debate has to accept the religion of the winner. We can continue the debate only on this condition.

Dharmasenar

Let your condition be final. The one who loses the debate will embrace the religion of the winner!

Why, Buddhism which is reigning in the North is not accepted in the kingdoms of Pallava and Pandiya in the south?

Buddhist Monk

The reason is the mindset of people of the south.

Dharmasenar

Can you please elaborate?

Buddhist Monk

The people follow their ruler! The Pallava king here is a Samanar and the Pandiya king there is even more a staunch Samanar. That is the reason why the people both here and there are following that religion. We know that it is not because of their belief in those religious tenets! That is why we have come here first. After winning here, we intend going to the Pandiya kingdom.

Dharmasenar

Samanam is an ancient religion. It evolved during Vedic times. The principles and postulates of this religion are highly superior. While the “Varnasrama Dharma” divided the people into four grades and classified them in a scale of higher to lower, Samanam expounded that there is differentiation of people into higher and lower caste. It absorbed them into its fold rather than letting them go astray.  Its basic tenet that all are one and all are equal is accepted by all the people. It has done colossal and eminent works in the fields of art and medicine. Because of its supremacy in its contribution in preservation of culture, art and medicine, it has spread far and wide in our country. Buddhism evolved much later. When it was established in one corner and when the king embraced it, his subjects also converted to that religion. It is illogical to claim that it is superior just because the subjects follow the religion embraced by the king!

 There is a loud applause in the Sabha hearing his forceful argument. Those who have doubted the ability of Dharmasenar change their opinion. The Buddhist monks are surprised by his cool headed approach and yet a very powerful argument.

Buddhist Monk

What is the proof that Samanam is as old as Vedic times?

Dharmasenar

There are sixty three Mahapurushas who are hailed in Samanam. Twenty four of them are Theerthankarars. Twelve of them are emperors. Nine of them are Baladevas. Nine of them are Vasudevas and nine of them are Prathi Vasudevas. Thus they make up a total of sixty three. Out of all these, Baghavan Vrishabadeva, was the first Theerthankarar. The Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas evolved at the same time. Atharva Veda came later. These Vedas are our historical guides even today. These Vedas were taught more than four thousand years ago. The Rig Veda, Vrishabadeva is mentioned and hailed in twelve places.  He is hailed in Yajur and Sama Vedas also.

  “Om Namo Arhato Rishabho

   Om Rishabo Pavitram Yagyeshu

 Nagnam , Paramam Swaha”  -  Rig Veda.

In Yajur Veda he is hailed  as “ Om Nadham Vrishabham Vadhan”  and in Sama Veda as “ Vrishabeba Virajajasa.”

I will explain what is meant by Theerthankarar for the benefit of those who do not know its meaning.

Theertham means water. It also implies sagaram or sea. This life or samsaram is generally referred as sagaram. Theerthankarar  is one who helps you cross the sea of samsaram and attain the state of mukti or  no- rebirth! 

Our Mahavira Vardhamanar and Gautama Buddha are contemporaries. They are historical evidences to prove that they lived about two thousand years ago. Mahavira Vardhamanar is our last, the twenty-fourth Thirthankarar!  Do we need any more proof that Samanam is far more ancient than Buddhism?

The whole Sabha erupts with a hail of applause as Dharmasenar concludes his argument.

Buddhist Monk

Our Gautama Buddha was born to Sudhdhodhana, the King of Kapilavastu and his queen Mayadevi. He is named Siddhartha. When the astrology experts predicted that he would be a great saint to uplift the humanity , the king is worried that he might become a saint and leave them rather than becoming his successor to rule the kingdom. He is therefore brought up in great seclusion from meeting any common people. He was married off to princess Yashoda when he came of age.  A beautiful son is also born to them. One day, what the king feared most happens. He sees a person afflicted with disease, one who is old and infirm, a dead body being taken away in a procession with people mourning and such disturbing scenes. Seeing all these miseries, he starts to think very deeply and sees a thuravi. Seeing that thuravi, he decides as how to lead his life in the future. To find an answer as to how to get the people out of their miseries, he goes away to forest as a thuravi one night without any body’s knowledge relinquishing the luxuries of royal life, his beautiful wife, his son and the throne. Under a peepul tree, he attains Gyanam, the supreme wisdom. Realising that attachment is the root cause of all miseries, he travels to various countries to propagate his teachings. Hearing his sermons a large number of people are attracted to his teachings and become his followers. The kings and emperors are also drawn to his teachings and leave their lust for capturing others’ territory. The wars come to an end and the people are leading a prosperous and peaceful life. The tenets of Buddhism spread and far and wide and the people there start worshipping Buddha as their Lord. Buddhar peruman relinquished everything only for the sake that people must not suffer. You must also accept him as your Lord and worship him. If you do that, you will get all your needs in this life for a peaceful life and attain mukti at the end of your lifetime. 

 As he concludes his speech all the Buddhist monks get up and chant in chorus:

“Buddham Saranam Gachchami,

Dhammam  Sranam Gachchami,

Sangam Saranam Gachchami.”

The whole Mantapam falls silent as if the whole audience has been mesmerized by the speech.

When the Buddhist monks go to beat the victory drum, Dharmasenar signals them to sit down with his hand. They all resume their seats.

Dharmasenar

 The history of Mahavirar and Gautama Buddha are more or less similar. Buddha attained his Gyanam under a peepul tree and Mahavirar under a banyan tree! Buddha said that attachment is the cause of all miseries and who so ever breaks it would attain mukti. Mahavirar said Jiva Karunyam is the route to salvation and lived a life with extreme compassion towards all creatures. Both of them belong to the same period. Some historians even say that they were living together once but separated due to differences in beliefs. That many of the tenets of Buddhism are akin to those of Samanam may be due to this. The principles of Dharma, Law, Administration, Righteous conduct, knowledge of sastras, and advancement of society are the hall marks of Mahavira’s teachings. Buddha on the other hand was concerned about shattering blind religious doctrines and driving the fear of religious dogmas away from the minds of the people.  Our Mahavirar propounded that non violence and not killing creatures(jeeva karunyam) is the greatest virtue. He said that no creature is higher or better than any other and Jeeva Karunyam is the supreme virtue. Buddhists are not as much concerned about violence to creatures as Samanars are. The highest type of violence is to kill birds and animals for food! The Buddhism which does not ban violence against animals and eating their flesh can never equal the exalted position of Samanam. Nor is it acceptable.

Buddhist Monk (in an agitated mood)

From the wide spread following of Buddhism around the world, one can easily understand that it is superior to not only Samanam but also to any other religion being followed by others. You are boasting about Mahavirar every now and then. How many people he had killed in various battles to earn such a name? How can you compare him with our peace loving Buddha baghavan? On one hand you are harping on Jeeva Karunyam while on the other hand you are hailing his bravery in fighting by calling him Mahavirar! Aren’t they contradictory?

Dharmasenar

He is hailed as Mahavirar not because of his prowess in battles. While he was in deep meditation under a banyan tree devoid of clothes as a Digambarar, a large number of insects and worms swarmed all over his body. Thinking that they might be harmed if he brushed them away, he tolerated their presence and continued his meditation unmindful of the pain and discomfort. He is hailed as Mahavirar because of this act. Once when he was walking through the forest, the villagers let loose their hounds to attack him. Our Theerthankarar was least afraid of the ferocious dogs running to attack him but saw them with great compassion. The hounds, realising that he was a great soul fell on his feet as if in great reverence. Once when he was playing with his brothers, the royal elephant started running amuck towards them. While everyone ran away, Vardhamanar controlled the elephant by standing in front of it firmly and then guided it to its shed and tied it to its post. His bravery and steadfastness was hailed by one and all. Vardhamanar did not take part in any battle. Not a single man was killed by him ever. To hail Vardhamanar as Mahavirar is truly apt as his history shows. No where it is mentioned in the Vedas that animals are needed to be sacrificed during the conduct of yagams. But when the Brahmins killed goats, bulls, cocks, elephants, horses as sacrificial offerings to please the gods, Mahavirar brought out that there was no sanction in the Vedas to do such killings. This was accepted and the sacrificial offerings of animals were stopped. The Brahmins who were meat eaters converted as vegetarians realising the greatness of Jeeva Karunyam. These are the victories earned by Vardhamanar in promoting the concept of Jeeva Karunyam. There is no other religion in this world which emphasizes that how miniscule a living creature may be, its life is as precious as that of any other.

All the people including the Pallava king sitting in the mantapam give a loud applause. The Buddhist monks are unable to counter the powerful argument of Dharmasenar. 

Buddhist Monk

Today is Buddha Pournami. A very great day. This day, our Buddha attained Mahanirvanam. He propounded that attachment is the reason for all sorrows and showed the path to salvation for all of us. Throughout the world, the people venerate this day and pray to Buddha baghavan to obtain His blessings. Don’t get swayed by the glib talk of   Jeeva Karunyam and this and that. Be sensible and follow the path of Buddhism by surrendering to the holy feet of Baghavan Buddha. You will attain the exalted state of Mahanirvanam with no further re-birth.

 “Buddham Saranam Gachchami,

Dhammam  Sranam Gachchami,

Sangam Saranam Gachchami.”

He takes his seat indicating that his argument is over.

 Dharmasenar

Today is the Vaikasi Pournami! You, the Buddhists celebrate this day as the day Buddha attained Mahanirvanam. It is unacceptable to compel others to pray to Buddha for attaining salvation. Just to glorify the day Buddha died, his followers are glorifying the day as the day of his Mahanirvanam. But what the history tells us is different. While going with his disciples when he is eighty years old, he is invited by a man called Kandan to take part in a feast. He agrees and goes for the feast. Among the food that is served, there is meat of wild boar also. Buddha does not permit his disciples to eat the pork as it is not good for health. But to ensure that the host does not feel offended, he alone eats the pork that is served.    

There is a sudden exclamation from the audience on hearing this.

Dharmasenar (continues)

After the feast is over, Buddha continues his journey with his retinue to Kushinagar. On the way, his stomach gets upset due to eating of the pork and he gets afflicted with loose motion. He however continues his journey and reaches the banks of the river Kaguth. He takes bath in that river and crosses the river. On reaching Upavardhana forest on his way to Kushinagar, he realises that he cannot continue his journey any more. He tells his disciples to spread a sheet between two Sal trees and lies down. He realises that his end is nearing. He imparts his last sermon to his disciple Subathhar and breathes his last. The reason for his death is none else than the meat of the wild boar he ate.

As he finishes his arguments, the whole mantapam becomes silent. Unable to counter his arguments, the Buddhist monks bow down their heads. A Samana thuravi blows the conch as if to announce their victory in the debate. The whole mantapam reverberates with the sound of applause from the public. The Pallava King bows to Dharmasenar and all others follow. The city of Padalipuththiram sports a festive look. The Samanars engrave the day of winning over Buddhists in golden letters.

    ******

Dharmasenar takes on all future debates and wins all of them. His achievements spread all across the Pallava kingdom and reaches even the Pandya kingdom.

   *****

 The news that that Saiva Neriyalars from chozha country coming to Padalipuththiram to debate with Dharmasenar creates a lot of excitement among the public.

People are assembling in Chithirakoodam in large groups and discussing about the ensuing debate.

One man

They say Dharmasenar also belongs to Chozha country and those who are coming for debate are also from there. How can we be sure that Dharmasenar will not concede defeat and let down our Samanam? I am sure that this time only Saiva thuravis are going to be victorious.

Another man

Perhaps you are not aware of news…. Dharmasenar is known by the name of Maruneekkiyar in his country. His father, mother and elder sister are staunch Saiva Neriyalars. The Royal kingdom, as a matter of tradition, seeks their brides for their princes from their families only. Many of his ancestors have been kings of Chozha kingdom. Are you aware?  Your prediction for the result of the debate is likely to come true.

The third man  

You thankless goons! How can you speak like this? Aren’t you ashamed of yourself to talk about Dharmasenar like this? Do you think one’s affiliation to his country or own people will decide the outcome of a debate? It is because of Dharmasenar, Samanam is the undisputed religion of the people of Pallava kingdom! His wisdom and logical approach to his arguments have yielded many victories against others. As his name suggests, he does not waver from righteous path. His nonchalant countenance will make even his enemies to surrender him. How can you cast aspersion on such a noble soul? You said that his name is Maruneekkiyar. Do you know the meaning of that word? It means that he is born to dispel the ignorance of the people. He is the one who removed our ignorance and made us realise what is true and what is untrue. What we are indulging now is Vadam (altercation)… What he does is Vivadam (logical reasoning or debate). You people don’t even know to distinguish between Vadam and Vivadam and are passing your judgment.

The first man

We agree that we are not aware of the difference. You tell us what the difference between Vadam and Vivadam if you are aware.

The third man 

What we indulged in so far is Vadam…. If something is uttered in a gathering, it needs to be proved…. The wise men who are selected as judges will carefully listen to whatever is put as arguments. You cannot   win over them just by gift of gab! Only those who are thoroughly knowledgeable of the subject can put forth their views. They also have to answer the questions posed to them correctly and to the point. This is Vivadam (debate). Dharmasenar has Dharma in his name itself. Dharma has never lost nor will ever lose.

Let us hurry now to the Chitthirakoodam before the debate begins.

They all rush to the venue of the debate which is teeming with people. The mantapam is overflowing with people with many not even able to find a place to stand. To the welcoming blowing of conch shell Dharmasenar enters the mantapam. He greets all the people and takes his seat. In a few moments, the conch shell is blown heralding the arrival of the Pallava king and the Mahaguru Vijayasenar. They also take their seat after greeting the public. When the conch shell is blown for the third time, there is a sudden rise in excitement of the public. A group of seven Saiva Neriyalars enter the mantapam. They bow to the king and others and get seated opposite to Dharmasenar. Now the conch shell is blown for the fourth time to announce the arrival of five wise elders who will be the moderators. They also bow to the king and all others and occupy their seats between Dharmasenar and the Saiva Neriyalars. The Chief moderator gives his consent for the debate to commence. The Saiva Neriyalar gets up and looks at Dharmasenar. The mantapam goes quiet.

Saiva Neriyalar

Ayya! Before we start the debate, I want to ask you a question. We know of your past already. You were born to the great Saiva Neriyalar Pugazhanaar and his wife Madhiniyar at Thiruvaamoor, a fertile and rich area of Chozha kingdom. You were named as Maruneekkiyar. You discarded Saivam and embraced Samanam and are sitting here unclothed, unclean with your head oozing with pus and with your mouth stinking. How spiteful it is that you have forgotten your own dharma and sitting here to argue that Samanam is superior to Saivam?

The whole mantapam is shocked to hear this poser.

Unperturbed Dharmasenar looks at the Saiva Neriyalar with great compassion.

Dharmasenar

Those who follow the path of righteousness must first determine whether their action is an acceptable one or not. If it is an acceptable act, they can undertake that task without any hesitation…  In case they are compelled by the circumstances to do an unacceptable act, they will before doing the task will analyse and contemplate on their country, the caste they are born into, their ancestral house and its traditions etc. Then they will act accordingly. As far as I am concerned I never had to contemplate on these things. In this world, nothing is of permanence. Our relations, wealth, this body …. None of them last forever. Once I realised the impermanence of this life, I spent my entire wealth on charity, renounced my relatives and left my home with only the clothes I was wearing in search of a religious path which would give me Mukti. I reached Padalipuththiram during my wanderings and here I realised that Samanam, which follows the path of Jeeva Karunyam is the most suited religion for attaining Mukti. I embraced Samanam.  I am sure you will also agree at the end of this debate that Samanam alone is the most apt religion to follow to attain Mukti. Shall we begin the debate?  

There is a loud applause in the mantapam as the people who doubted the loyalty of Dharmasenar also joined in applauding him. The Saiva Neriyalars face Dharmasenar with confidence.

Saiva Neriyalar

As per our tenets Sivan alone is Iraivan. Nothing in this universe, not even atom can stir without Him. He is the one who takes care of every one. He is the one who ordained us to follow the path shown by the four Vedas. Surrendering to His sacred feet is the only way to Mukti.    Mukti cannot be attained by following Jeeva Karunyam, the propaganda of Samanars! What is your path   to attain Mukti? Tell us!

Dharmasenar

“Sivan alone is Iraivan. He is the reason for everything. He is the one who gave the four Vedas. Those who follow the path of the Vedas will attain His feet. That is what Mukti is”. The above is your Vadam.  Your Vadam is erroneous. The Vedas are four thousand years old. What do they express? Rig Vedam is the book which lists the Moola Mantram of Devatas who are to be invoked while conducting Yagams. Yajur Vedam tells as to how to invoke them through Mudras or physical action. Sama Vedam comprises of songs for singing them with proper intonation to make the Devatas happy. Atharva Vedam gives the antidote for any mistakes committed during the execution of the three Vedas above. It also describes the way to control evil forces from affecting us. These can be accepted as historical works only and it is not admissible to accept them as a means to attain Iraivan. Can anyone attain Mukti just by chanting the Veda mantras or by following the tenets of Jeeva Karunyam? Can the onset of disease, ageing or death be abolished or postponed by invoking the orders of Iraivan?  It is impossible! It is just like writing on the air! Now let me tell you what Samanam says.

Of the entire entities created in this world, there are only two sects. One is Jeevan, which has life and does not perish and the other Ajeevan which is lifeless and is perishable. This is referred in our Chiththa Senar’s Sanmathi Sutras as Sath and Asath.   In all the states, there has to be a status of both Sath as well as Asath.  There has to be an affirmative and a negative in all the states. For example to know what Dharma is, we have to know what Adhrama is.  To know what is true we must have the knowledge of what is untrue. This is “Asthi Nasthi” and if we are aware of this, we can open up the path to Mukti. This is the true import of Samanam.  

Saiva Neriyalar

Just a few moments ago, you said that Jeeva Karunyam is the route to Mukti. Now you say if we are aware of Asthi Nasthi, we can attain Mukti. Don’t you realise that you are contradicting your own statement? Mukti means reaching the feet of Iraivan and attain the state of no rebirth and nothing else. At least now,  stop your illogical Vadam and sport Thiruneeru!

 Dharmasenar

From very ancient times, we have defined what Dharmam is and what Adharmam is by our rational thinking and wisdom. We have classified what are all included in Dharmaneri. Jeevakaarunyam alone is the foremost among them! He who leads his life observing Jeevakaarunyam will not have re-birth and will attain mukti. To observe Jeevakaarunyam is one of the tenets. The tenets which are eight fold bind the Aanma with attachment.  Through good deeds, good knowledge, good conduct and good austerity one can get rid of the shackles of attachment and make the Aanma to shine with great radiance. Aanma has   four stages. In the first stage, Aanma is shacked by attachment and not realising its own pure nature it is mired in confusion. The second stage is when realization of what is truth and what is untruth evolves.  In the third stage, unable to discern truth, it is suspicious of everything.  In the fourth stage it can counter lust, gullibility and fervour in totality. If one attains the fourth stage, his Aanma is in the threshold to attain mukti. Jeevakaarunyam alone will take one to reach this fourth stage.  At a certain period in time all will attain the fourth stage through the path of Jeevakaarunyam. Without sustained effort and will to overcome all odds focussing only on  the final victory , Aanma will revert to it’s the very first sage shackled by attachment to earthy things. Aththi Naththi neri alone will lead Aanma in the path to  Mukti and Jeevakaarunyam alone will lift the Aanma from the fourth stage to  attain Mukti.

The audience in the mantapam is mesmerized by this discourse.

The Learned men   

Whatever Dharmasenar has uttered is absolute truth.

Saiva Neriyar

You keep repeating Jeevakaarunyam and creating a halo around it as if it is something that cannot be practiced by all. Violence and non violence are illusions in one’s mind. What is violence for one may be non violence for another. The offer of animal sacrifice in Yagams is also like that. No one treats it as a violent act. It is taken only as an offering to Iraivan. You may mesmerize people by your tall talk about Jeevakaarunyam but it is just a gift of your gab.

Dharmasenar

Saiva Neriyarhale! Makkale, who are seated here in front of me! Please close your eyes for a second and bring a spotted deer in front of your mind’s eye!  

Everyone closes his eyes and brings to mind an image of a deer.

Dharmasenar

Likewise bring a calf of a buffalo in front of your mind’s eyes!

The people do like wise.

Dharmasenar

 Now bring to mind the picture of a few chicks pecking away on their feed!

Everyone including the Pallava king bring to their mind a deer, a buffalo calf and chicks keeping their eyes closed. 

Dharmasenar (in a compassionate yet thundering tone)

What sin these poor creatures have committed to be offered as sacrifice in the yagams?

The entire audience heaves a huge sigh of astonishment which reverberates in the mantapam!

Dharmasenar

Saiva Neriyalare! I will speak based on your own beliefs. If your Iraivan is true to his word and if he is compassionate to the creatures said to his own creations, will he ever ask their lives as sacrifice for him?

These myths are written and enacted by educated brainy people to hoodwink the innocent and uneducated public for their own selfish ends.  Aren’t you convinced from this that Vedas are not written by Iraivan? If there is anyone called Iraivan, he would not have accepted this at all! That is why we believe that there was, there is and there will be none known as Iraivan. We also do not believe that the Vedas are of his making.

The forceful counter by Dharmasenar makes the entire mandapam go silent. The Saiva Neriyalar is lost as to what to argue in the debate.

Saiva Neriyalar (still not recovering from the shock)

I am shocked that a man born of a family of strong Saivite   says that there was, there is and there never will be someone called Iraivan! Are you saying this just because you are sitting on the side of Samanars? Please tell the truth… Even after seeing this world, the creatures around us and also the universe surrounding us, do you still say that there is no one called the Creator,Iraivan?

Dharmasenar

Yes! I do not believe that there is someone called Iraivan! If he is omnipresent and most powerful, would he have created  such disparities like  the rich and the poor, the good and the evil, the beauty and the ugly, the healthy and  the unhealthy at the same time?

Saiva Neriyalar

Do you mean to say that these disparities are proof that Iraivan does not exist?

The Samanars are taken aback by this counter worrying that Dharmasenar does not get entangled in his own argument.

 Dharmasenar

These disparities are only because of the karmas of one’s previous births.

 How do we get gold?

It is buried under rocks, earth and with other impurities surrounded.

We are also like that. We are all surrounded by our karmas of previous births. We have to surmount the karmas in this birth. Like we have to remove the rocks and clean the raw gold by purifying it so that it shines, one has to remove the impurities surrounding our Aanma to make it radiant. He, who understands his Aanma, will also know the ways of making it pure! Only he will attain mukti! 

A deafening applause erupts in the mantapam taking a few minutes to subside!

Saiva Neriyalar

 Worried and thinking about the state of life after death, you stand ruining your present life in the name of Jeevakaarunyam! Please look at your own self! Not a shred of clothing on your body… you proudly pronounce that you are a Digambarar wearing the four cardinal directions as clothes…. Plucking your hair from your bare hands your head is oozing with pus attracting flies all around… You don’t brush your teeth saying it would kill the germs and for the same reason does not bathe even… Are these not repugnant to see? Is this Jeevakaarunyam? The Saivaneri says that Iraivan resides in your body and therefore it has to be kept clean and pure. You are doing just the opposite by abusing your body and exploiting the ignorance of the people by claiming that Samanam is the most superior religion. In fact even wise people like you have been brainwashed into believing all these illusions. The infatuation with another religion due to vagaries of time will not last long. When truth prevails all these falsehoods will be crushed to powder and blown away. Our white flags with the ensign of Nandi will flutter all over the world. You will realise that “Sarvam Sivamayam”.

The passion filled speech of the Saiva Neriyalar pricks the conscience of all those assembled, Dharmasenar is no exception!

The mantapam goes silent for a few seconds and then the people start discussing among themselves.

The moderator brings order to the Sabha.
Dharmasenar (not losing his composure)

For Gyanis, their body is the most frivolous thing in front of their resolve to uphold their tenets. The Samanam which has been spearheading the upholding of Jeevakaarunyam in all walks of life is flourishing in all regions of this world. Its tenet of Jeevan and Ajeevan emphasises that all creatures in this universe belong to the same sect and there is no superiority or inferiority among them.  Even among humans there is no one is born superior or inferior. Just because it promoted equality among the humans, its spread is far and wide. The Samana Gyanis lived in the past , living now and will live in future not only  by preaching that Jeevakaarunyam is the sole path for salvation but also by practicing it. Please remember that we are seated here to discern which religion is the best among all and not to ridicule the physical appearance of the speakers. You are disillusioned into believing that you can see Sivan in Jeevan as it has been drilled into you for a long time. If we accept that Sivan is residing in the Jeevan of yours and mine, it means you as well as I are Iraivan! Tell me now? Are you and me Iraivan?   That is why we say that there was, there is and there never will be anyone called Iraivan.

The audience gives a hearty laugh appreciating the argument of Dharmasenar indicating their conviction in his logic. 

Saiva Neriyalar

You have such a closed mind and are blind to know the depth and true import of what Sri Rudram says! The five elements namely , the earth, the water, the fire, the wind and the sky , all these living creatures , the people who are seated here including you and me and the entire universe are the creation of Iraivan! These are real and tangible proof which we see with our own eyes!  That being so how can you say that there is no one called Iraivan?

 Dharmasenar looks at the Saiva Neriyalar losing his cool for the first time.

Dharmasenar

Saiva Neriyalarhale! I know very well that you lead your life strictly as per the tenets of Saiva Neri and do not deviate from it even by an iota. I am posing a question to you in front of the people here.  Do you lead actually lead your life as per Saiva Neri?

Taken back by the vehemence in his tone, everyone looks at him.

 Saiva Neriyalar

Yes! 

Dharmasenar

If that is so, have you seen Iraivan?

The Saiva Neriyalar is stunned by this sudden poser and staggers to reply.

 Dharmasenar

From your silence, it is apparent that you could not have seen Iraivan!  Has any one of your ancestors seen him?

Getting no answer to this question also…

Dharmasenar

There are innumerable people sacrificing everything for serving in various Siva temples. Has Iraivan appeared before any of them? You cannot answer… because no one has seen Iraivan with his own eyes. For hundreds of years many wise Gyanis have participated in thousands of debates conducted in Kasi and Padalipuththiram and narrated their experiences. Not one of them could come forward and claim that he has seen Iraivan! In the past hundreds of years He has not seen by any one nor has he appeared before anyone. Why? Because there is no one called Iraivan. We would have got proofs of His existence if he really exists! You bring to your mind the picture of Nataraja who you revere as your god. Tell us, is there any proof that he transcended the universe? Has anyone seen him dancing carrying fire in one of his hands? Has anyone seen Him with bluish neck wearing snake as a garland? Has anyone seen His third eye? Has anyone seen a river flowing from his mane? These things cannot be imagined even. That is why we say that there is no one as Iraivan. Neither in the past nor in the present or future!

As he concludes his speech and sits down, the public give him a resounding ovation. The Mahaguru Vijayasenar and the Pallava king express their happiness. The Saiva Neriyalars are seated speechless without any further argument to counter.

The Samana Thuravi blows the conch announcing the victory of Dharmasenar in the debate.

The Saiva Neriyalars spend a sleepless night. So does Dharmasenar!

     *****

Thiruvathigai….

Thilakavathiyar has woken up much earlier than day break and sweeps and cleanses the floor with water.   After making kolums, she brings water to fill up the big containers for abhishekam of Easan. She then goes to the Nandavanam to pluck flowers chanting Namasivaya. As she is busy with her routine, she notices a few coming towards her with their palms cupped in reverence. She looks at them wondering who they can be.   

Saiva Neriyalar

Thaye! Our salutations to you!

Recognising that they are from Thiruvaamoor, she welcomes them all.

Thilakavathiyar

 Seeing Adiyavargal, I feel greatly blessed. Are people doing well at home?

All the seven Saiva Neriyalars start shedding copious tears. Thilakavathiyar is taken aback and looks up to them in great anguish.

Saiva Neriyalar

Annaye! We saw your younger brother!

Thilakavathiyar is stunned on hearing about his brother. The visitors are confused whether or not to disclose about her brother.

Thilakavathiyar (composing herself)

My brother! I am hearing about him after thirty years. Where is he? How is he doing? Did you see him? Please tell me all about him? Has he also become old like me?

Saiva Neriyalar (with tears in his eyes)

 Covering your entire forehead with Thiruneeru, wearing white clothes akin to the flag of our Easan and chanting Namasivaya all the time, your appearance will make anyone to bow to you on seeing you ! But we saw your brother in a shocking and unbearable condition.

Thilakavathiyar is shocked.

Saiva Neriyalar

 Plucking his hair with his hands, his head is full of blisters.  His body is dirty as he does not take bath. His mouth stinks as he does not brush his teeth. As for his attire, what can I say! He wears no clothes and remains a Digambarar.  He is so unsightly to behold!

Thilakavathiyar is shocked hearing this.

Saiva Neriyalar

Yes! It is true! Your brother is a Samanar now.

Thilakavathiyar swoons and falls to the ground with the flower basket she is carrying.

Saiva Neriyalars lift her up and carry her to the mantapam and make her seated.  Water is sprinkled on her face and she is given water to drink. Slowly, Thilakavathiyar regains her composure.

 Thilakavathiyar (with tears flowing down her cheeks)

 Please tell me what all has happened.

The Saiva Neriyalars narrate what they saw in Padalipuththiram, their participation in the debate and their defeat.  

Saiva Neriyalar

We are not saddened by our defeat in the hands of your brother, who having discarded his name of Maruneekkiyar and having taken the name of Dharmasenar and who is hailed as a great Gyani and teacher in the kingdom of Pallavas.  We are distressed how the son of our Pugazhanaar whose every breath was devoted to Saiva Neri is heading the non believers! We are offended by his assertions. He said that there was, there is and there will never be anyone called Iraivan. He also denied acceptance of Vedas as they are said to have been enunciated by Iraivan. We are unable to bear that insult. How can you, who is always devoted to the service of Easan and his temple, have a younger sibling like him? 

After pouring their heart out of their anguish, the Saiva Neriyalars take their leave.

For hours after they have left, Thilakavathiyar keeps sitting with tears in her eyes looking at Easan in the Sannathi. She recollects the day when as a seven year old girl she has come to Easan while her mother was in labour. She recollects her crying and her conversation with Iraivan unfolds in front of her.

Thilakavathiyar (looking at Easan in the Sannadi)

That day in Your Sannathi…… You said

 The child that is going to be born will remove the darkness of ignorance surrounding this world. Therefore name him as Maruneekkiyar….

You ordained me to be his foster mother for this divine child and guide him to lead the people in the righteous path. Today he has crossed fifty years of age. I am also old and hanging on to my life…  Will what you said in your Sannathi become untrue?  To hear what he is propagating in Padalipuththiram that there was, there is and there will never be someone called Iraivan is harsh to my ears. I know…nothing happens without your approval. But still I am shattered hearing the news about him. What shall I do?  

Tears flow in torrents from her eyes. Easan looks at her with great compassion.

That night…

Easan appears in her dream and calls her out. Thilakavathiyar wakes up and falls on His feet and gets up.

Easan

Great saint! Leave your mental worries.  Your sibling was a Munivar in his previous birth.  While he was meditating in front of Me, he harboured a doubt whether there is actually someone called Iraivan! At that very instant he breathed his last. He has gone to Padalipuththiram and joined the Samanars only to dispel his doubts of his previous birth and to recognise Me ultimately! The time is ripe to make him realise who he really is! He will be set right by you and will be hailed as Appar by the whole world. For that I will make him suffer from a severe stomach ailment and then absorb him unto Me!

Easan vanishes and Thilakavathiyar resumes her sleep peacefully!

 *******

It is dawn and Dharmasenar has been confined to his palace for the past fortnight after his winning debate against the Saiva Neriyalars. The proceedings of the debate keep taunting him without a letup and he paces up and down. The scene of the debate unfolds again.

**** 

Saiva Neriyalar

You have such a closed mind and are blind to know the depth and true import of what Sri Rudram says! The five elements namely , the earth, the water, the fire, the wind and the sky , all these living creatures , the people who are seated here including you and me and the entire universe are the creation of Iraivan! These are real and tangible proof which we see with our own eyes!  That being so how can you say that there is no one called Iraivan?

 Dharmasenar looks at the Saiva Neriyalar losing his cool for the first time.

Dharmasenar

Saiva Neriyalarhale! I know very well that you lead your life strictly as per the tenets of Saiva Neri and do not deviate from it even by an iota. I am posing a question to you in front of the people here.  Do you actually lead your life as per Saiva Neri?

Taken back by the vehemence in his tone, everyone looks at him.

 Saiva Neriyalar

Yes! 

Dharmasenar

If that is so, have you seen Iraivan?

The Saiva Neriyalar is stunned by this sudden poser and staggers to reply.

 Dharmasenar

From your silence, it is apparent that you could not have seen Iraivan!  Has any one of your ancestors seen him?

Getting no answer to this question also…

Dharmasenar

There are innumerable people sacrificing everything for serving in various Siva temples. Has Iraivan appeared before any of them? You cannot answer… because no one has seen Iraivan with his own eyes. For hundreds of years many wise Gyanis have participated in thousands of debates conducted in Kasi and Padalipuththiram and narrated their experiences. Not one of them could come forward and claim that he has seen Iraivan! In the past hundreds of years He has not seen by any one nor has he appeared before anyone. Why? Because there is no one called Iraivan. We would have got proofs of His existence if he really exists! You bring to your mind the picture of Nataraja who you revere as your god. Tell us, is there any proof that he transcended the universe? Has anyone seen him dancing carrying fire in one of his hands? Has anyone seen Him with bluish neck wearing snake as a garland? Has anyone seen His third eye? Has anyone seen a river flowing from his mane? These things cannot be imagined even. That is why we say that there is no one as Iraivan. Neither in the past nor in the present or future!

  *****

Recollecting the debate makes him feel immensely sad and he shuts his eyes.

Dharmasenar (to himself)

Why have I behaved like this?

When I asked the elderly Saiva Neriyalar the question whether he was leading his life only in accordance with Saivaneri, he answered with great pride and confidence in the affirmative. Then, when I countered with another poser whether or not he has seen Iraivan, he was shocked beyond belief. Alas! What a great dishonour I have brought on to that Adiyavar? Is it logical to conclude that there is no Iraivan just because Iraivan has not appeared in front of a righteous and noble man? If Iraivan exists, will not all be equal for Him? Both righteous people and sinful people will be His creations only! Will He, then be partial to one by appearing before them and deny the same to others?  When the Saiva Neriyalar said ,” The five elements namely , the earth, the water, the fire, the wind and the sky , all these living creatures , the people who are seated here including you and me and the entire universe are the creation of Iraivan! These are real and tangible proof which we see with our own eyes!  That being so how can you say that there is no one called Iraivan?” I did not give any evidence to prove that there was no Iraivan! Why? Is it because that I still lack wisdom despite having mastered many books. It was height of my pride and arrogance which prompted me to ask them to show Iraivan as proof of their argument. While I do not have any evidence to show that Iraivan does not exist, how it is fair for me to ask them to show evidence that He exists? I did not know what happened yesterday. I do not know what is happening today or what will happen tomorrow. When that is so, how can I be judgmental in pronouncing that there was, there is and there will never be anyone called Iraivan?

Such thoughts make him remorse.

Suddenly he feels a sharp pain in his stomach and the pain increases progressively. In a short time the pain becomes excruciating to make him cry aloud. Hearing his loud wail the people from outside rush inside only to find him suffering great pain. The news is conveyed to the palace. The Pallava king and the Samana Mahaguru rush to see Dharmasenar who is greatly agonized by the pain. The king orders that expert physicians among the Samana Thuravis be brought to attend to his ailment. The experts come and examine him and give him treatment. However Dharmasenar does not get any relief. On the contrary his pain increases even more.   As Dharmasenar is crying in pain, the Mahaguru looks up to the king in great anguish.  

Vijayasenar

There is no relief from pain in spite of administering a variety of potent drugs. It appears that the Saiva Neriyalars who got defeated in the debate might have cast a spell on him. Only our expert Munivars who are well versed in magic spells will be able to get him rid of the spell.

He calls for expert magicians among the Samana thuravis to cure him of the evil spell. They come and chant mantras and touch his stomach with the peacock feathers to relieve his pain. Instead his pain shoots up and his loud wailing out of pain reverberates around the palace walls shocking every one. Not knowing what to do further, the Pallava King and Vijayasenar return to the royal palace.

 Dharmasenar loses his conscience. Finding that he has not regained his consciousness even after three days, the Samanathuravis get scared and report to their Mahaguru. The Mahaguru is also perplexed as to what to do. In the middle of that night, Dharmasenar regains his consciousness. As he tries to get up, there is excruciating pain in his stomach as if a thousand needles are piercing it.  Bending his body like a hook, he starts shedding copious tears. Finding no one near him, he feels sad and remembers his sister Thilakavathiyar.

Dharmasenar

How come I forgot you all these years? Is this the punishment for leaving you? Whatever the Samanars has tried has not reduced my pain. If you were nearby, perhaps you would have done something to relieve my pain.

He sends his confidential follower Siththanna to Thiruvaamoor.  Siththanna reaches Thiruvaamoor and after enquiring a few people reaches Thiruvathigai and meets Thilakavathiyar.

Siththanna

Ammaye! I am Siththanna. I have come to meet you as directed by your younger brother. 

Thilakavathiyar

Is my brother in any trouble?

Her calmness surprises Siththanna!

Siththanna

Your brother is afflicted by a severe stomach disorder and is in agonizing pain. The Samanars could not cure him of his pain in spite of their untiring efforts. They have abandoned him to his fate. It will be very helpful if you are by his side now. He has therefore asked me to bring you to Padalipuththiram. If you can start immediately, it will save him from further agony.

Thilakavathiyar

 I have given myself in the service of Veerattaneswarar temple. I cannot leave this town. Apart from that to see a Samanar will be a great sacrilege for me. If he can come here, it will be most proper.

She goes inside the temple without any further talk.

Siththanna returns to Padalipuththiram and narrates the events to Dharmasenar.

 Dharmasenar (remembering Thilakavathiyar)

 Akka! Rather than dying here with this pain, I would rather reach Thiruvathigai and die in your lap!

A miracle happens. As soon as he mentions Thiruvathigai, he feels that his pain has reduced a little.

Determined to start immediately, he looks up at the mirror to see his body.  He remembers what the Saiva Neriyalar said in the assembly.

“Saiva Neriyalar

Ayya! Before we start the debate, I want to ask you a question. We know of your past already. You were born to the great Saiva Neriyalar Pugazhanaar and his wife Madhiniyar at Thiruvaamoor, a fertile and rich area of Chozha kingdom. You were named as Maruneekkiyar. You discarded Saivam and embraced Samanam and are sitting here unclothed, unclean with your head oozing with pus and with your mouth stinking. How spiteful it is that you have forgotten your own dharma and sitting here to argue that Samanam is superior to Saivam?”

Those words again ring in his ears.

Dharmasenar (to himself)

 Will my sister bear to see me in this state? Will she not die seeing me like this?

Dharmasenar

Siththanna! Let no one know that I am leaving for Thiruvathigai.

Siththanna

 It will be so!

Dharmasenar grabs a curtain hanging in the palace and wraps and covers himself fully with it and leaves the place for Thiruvathigai without getting noticed.

   ********

It is the crack of dawn …  

The hermitage of Thilakavathiyar…

Maruneekkiyar goes into raptures seeing Thilakavathiyar in her divine appearance, wearing spotless white clothes with Thiruneeru smeared across her forehead and sporting a Rudrakshamala around her neck. He falls flat at her feet and grabs both her ankles in great reverence. The meeting after a separation of thirty years makes both of them shed copious tears.

Maruneekkiyar (praying)

Because of the pious deeds and penance of our ancestors, I am redeemed and have returned as Maruneekkiyar.  My foolhardiness got me this incurable stomach ailment. Please show me the correct path for my salvation so that I don’t lose my wisdom ever again.

Thilakavathiyar (lovingly)

You have suffered great distress because you fell in the deep pit of those who claim that there is no Iraivan. Now get up. 

Maruneekkiyar gets up staggering and stands trembling before her with cupped hands in reverence.

 Thilakavathiyar

All these are acts of Easan Himself! He redeems those who surrender to Him! From now on be in His service!

Here is His Thiruneeru! Chanting ‘Om Namasivaya” she smears Thiruneeru on his forehead thrice.

Maruneekkiyar is both relieved and happy to be ordained by his sister and applies Thiruneeru all over his body. The dark clouds of ignorance engulfing his body and mind clears at once!

 Thilakavathiyar

Come on! It is time for the waking up ritual of Thiru Veerattaneswarar… Let us hurry.

Easan is waiting for them!   

    ******

As soon as they reached the temple, Maruneekkiyar prostrated in front of the Kodimaram and chanting aloud Panchaksharam circumambulated around the Praharam by Angaparadhakshinam (rolling his body). The dust lying on the Praharam became Thiruneeru for his body and he acquires the competence to compose songs in Tamil. He gets up and enters the sannathi and cupping his palms and keeping them above his head, he looks at Easan with tears flowing from his eyes. Easan too glances at His adiyavar.

 A steady flow of Songs keep coming out of Maruneekkiyar in praise of Easan.

“Thou Art , residing in the divine abode of Thiruvathigai Veerattanam  on   the banks of  Kedila river, I am unaware of my previous sins due to which I am suffering from this serious stomach ailment. I have made my heart as a residence for You to reside! Perhaps to clear my ignorance in not recognising what is flawed, you inflicted this severe pain on me but still You comforted me to shed my fears! My stomach is burning! Will You not cure me?”

 As he finished singing this pathigam, the hand of Easan raises in the sannathi. The excruciating pain which was twisting the intestines disappears in a moment! Maruneekkiyar feels fresh as if he had suffered no ailment at all! He starts shedding copious tears for the unbound love of Easan for him.

Maruneekkiyar (in great remorse)

Annale! I have fallen into the bottomless pit of Samanars who do not believe Iraivan. You have shown to me that You are here, there and everywhere! I will be thankful for ever for this severe stomach ailment which   has brought out that Your grace is there for even those who have denied, derided and forgotten You!   

A brilliant light emanates in the Sannathi!

A divine voice

Muruneekkiyare!  As you have composed songs in flowing and flawless Tamil, let your name be hailed as “Navukkarasar” from now on in all the seven worlds!

A shower of flowers follows while the temple bells toll on their own in great resonance to the amazement of those who have seen and heard these happenings.

Thilakavathiyar

You have acceded to my request to take my brother back into Your fold! It’s all because of Your abundant grace! I will always hail Your holy feet at which I have surrendered myself!

    ********

Padalipuththiram….

The palace of Samana Mahaguru….

Vijayasenar is seated and in front of him stands a man with his body bent and cupping his palm in reverence.

Vijayasenar

Dhananjaya! What news you have? How is Dharmasenar?

Dhananjayan

I am unable to even believe what I actually saw! Even now, I go into raptures recalling the things I saw!

Vijayasenar

Stop your preamble! Tell me what you saw!

Dhananjayan

I followed Dharmasenar as per your orders. He wrapped a cloth from the palace and covered himself discarding his peacock feather, water pitcher and mat and left the palace incognito like a thief. Siththanna accompanied him till the city limits. I followed him and we reached Thiruvathigai in the morning. There he found a hermitage called Thirumadam after enquiring about it. But before entering it, he did something which he has not done before.

Vijayasenar

Come on! What did he do?

Dhananjayan

 He bathed in the Kedila river and cleansed himself!

Vijayasenar is shocked to hear this.

Dhananjayan

He met his elder sister and fell at her feet.

Dhananjayan then describes all the incidents till the shower of flowers and tolling of temple bells.

Like everyone else in the sannathi, I also became overwhelmed by these happenings. I also prayed to Easan. Though I longed to get Thiruneeru from him, I feared that I might be recognised. I, therefore stood aside. I could hear people telling that Dharmasenar would not return to Padalipuththiram ever and would devote his life in the service of Easan’s temple only.   

Samana Mahaguru is shocked for words on hearing these details and sits with his hands holding his head in deep worry!

Dhananjayan

 Perhaps you will not take offence to what I am going to say. After hearing and seeing things over there, there is a total transformation in my mind also. I have also decided to follow Dharmasenar. What I heard, what I saw and what I told you are all true.

Vijayasenar thinks deeply for a few minutes and the looks up at Dhananjayan.

Vijayasenar (in a stern voice)

Let whatever you have seen, heard and told me remain within us. If it is known to anyone outside, you will be beheaded! Be warned!

Dhananjayan (scared)

Samana Mahaguruve! I promise that I will not speak anything to anyone unless and until you order me!

Vijayasenar is troubled as he leaves the place.

     *******

It is the new moon day!

The palace of Samana Mahaguru is teeming with activity.  The Samana thuravigal from various corners of the Pallava kingdom have assembled in the conference hall. After all of them have entered its doors are closed.

The Mahaguru gets up to address them and all of them are keenly waiting to hear what he is going to say.  He narrates all the events Dhananjayan has seen and heard about Dharmasenar from the time he left Padalipuththiram in the dead of night. As he finishes his narration, there is a profusion of shock, surprise and worry   in the countenance of all Samana thuravigal.  

Samana Mahaguru (concluding)

 For the last thirty years Dharmasenar has captured the hearts of all our people. He is held in high esteem from the emperor downwards. He is well known and hailed as the greatest Samanathuravi not only in our country but also in all the neighbouring kingdoms. It is well known that no one can defeat him in any debate. If he himself has discarded our religion, many of our people including even our king may discard our religion and reconvert to their original religion. Even, our most loyal servant Dhanajayan is deciding to convert to their religion after witnessing the events there. That he did not try to hide it even from me is difficult to digest and at the same time a very worrying thing.  I have called for this meeting to analyse these events and to decide what action we must take further by discussion amongst us. Wisemen among you can give your views.

One by one, the Samanathuravis give their opinion.

     ******

The entire palace of the Pallava king is looking very busy and excited. The news that, heading all the foremost thuravigal of the Pallava kingdom, the Samana Mahaguru is coming to meet the king is both exciting and surprising. Only twice in a year, once on the birthday of the king and the second on the day of Mahavir Jayanti such a congregation used to take place. Such a meeting taking place during other times has kindled everyone’s anxiety as it must be because of something important and urgent. Even the king is equally anxious and surprised.

The blowing of the conch announces the arrival of the Mahaguru leading the thuravigal. The king rushes to welcome them.

Samana Mahaguru

Manna! We have come to discuss a very important thing! We must go to your assembly and discuss it there. Excepting us and you, there should be no one else in attendance.

Mannar (not cleared of his doubts)

So it will be!

All of them reach the Assembly of the king and all the doors are closed and locked.

Vijayasenar 

Manna! There is a great threat to your country from one of our enemies!

The mannar is taken aback!

Mannar

Is there anyone leading his army against us? Are we to get ready for war?

Vijayasenar 

 If he is a visible enemy, we can lead our army to our borders and defeat him before he even steps inside our territory. But the enemy is a single person. He has not been recognised by us physically or by intuition. If we do not destroy him, there will be untold harm to the Pallava kingdom. We will all be destroyed!

The king looks even more perplexed.

Mannar

Is there danger to our kingdom from a single enemy?  Please tell me in detail. Who is that person?

Vijayasenar 

Dharmasenar!

Mannar (unable to believe his own ears as to what he heard)

What? The one who brought glory to our kingdom and as a great teacher taught us  the correct path to follow! I can’t believe it!

Vijayasenar (in an angry tone)

Don’t you trust what I say? 

The mannar is shocked by the angry retort of the Mahaguru.

Vijayasenar (continuing)

Yes… Indeed it is he! For the last thirty years he infiltrated us and mastered all our sastras and became a famous guru even to us. He captured the hearts of our people and gained prominence in the neighbouring kingdoms also. At appropriate time he acted as if he is afflicted by severe stomach ailment which could not be cured by us but surreptitiously went to his native place to falsely prove that he got cured by smearing Thiruneeru. He has taken upon himself to promote Saivam.  If the news that the great Samanar Dharmasenar has converted to Saivam spreads in your kingdom, many of your subject will follow him because of their love and regards for him. This may lead to severe internal disturbances and may prove to be a great danger to your kingdom itself. He has deliberately left us and went away stealthily.   If his treachery comes to light, our enemies and other neighbours will ridicule us!  As a Samanar and as the king what action you contemplate taking?

Mannar (still in a state of daze)

I am unable to comprehend the news and views you have said? What do you expect me to do as a Samanar and as a king?

Vijayasenar

Once we have recognised someone as our enemy, he should be nipped in the bud and thrown out! We should send our soldiers to his place and bring that religious despot for handing out exemplary punishment. In case he refuses to accompany our people or if his villagers do not let him leave and attack our people, we must send a reliable and able minister with a small force to his place to arrest him and bring him here. All our plans and actions must be kept top secret. Even if there is a little leak of our plans or actions, we may not be able to control the religious upheaval among the public. I am sure you understand the gravity of the situation as you can see all the head Samana thuravigal of Pallava kingdom have come here to warn you of the seriousness of it.

Mannar calls for his minister Naminathan and he arrives.

Mannar

Amaichchare! Do whatever Mahaguru orders you to carry out.

All the Samana thuravigal give a sigh of relief.

      *******

Thiruvathigai…

Amaichchar Naminathan stops his troops outside the Veerattaneswarar temple and enters the temple alone. He reaches the place where Thirunavukkarasar is doing some physical work for the temple. The sight he sees makes him wonder!  Wearing a cubit of cloth around his waist, sporting Thiruneeru on his forehead, chanting panchaksharam, carrying a small axe to aid him in his work, Thirunavukkarasar is deeply immersed in his work in great serenity.

Naminathan (to himself)

Is he a great threat to Pallava kingdom?

Involuntarily bows and he pays his regards to Perumanar.

Navukkarasar

 My respects to Amaichchar Peruman! Are the Mannar, Samana Mahaguru Vijayasenar and all others doing well?

Naminathan (shocked looking at him)

Dharmasenare! What is this makeover?

Navukkarasar

The name Dharmasenar got attached to me for a short while in between! My name is Thirunavukkarasar forever. That this name was uttered by Easan Himself is the greatest blessing this insignificant soul could aspire to get!

Bearing the marks of Saivam on my body, focussing on Easan  always in my mind , chanting the panchaksharam which is the highest form of prayer for Iraivan  and doing  with my hands   some  physical service to the temple , I will strive to be service to Easan by my mind, speech and  physique.  

Naminathan (to himself)

There is an ocean of difference between what Samana Mahaguru said and what I see here! Throwing away the huge palace, the great honour of being the teacher for the emperor, the name and fame earned among the public, the comfort of having any number of  servants to work for him, he is here  wearing a cubit of cloth around his waist and doing menial work in the temple with an axe in his hand! He looks like an ordinary man! Is it an exaggeration that there is danger to the king and his kingdom from him? He said that Iraivan Himself called him as Thirunavukkarasar! Does that mean that there is someone known as Iraivan is true? Does it imply that what I have followed all these days as the best religion is unacceptable? How can I arrest and put handcuffs on him who is radiating divine exuberance? What crime he has committed that I have to handcuff and drag him? He was a Saivar in the beginning and then converted to become a Samanar and now he has re-converted as a Saivar! Is it not a basic right of a man to accept any religion who he feels like following?  While when I am myself not convinced to arrest him on a charge of religious conversion, how will the people of this town accept such a charge for his arrest?

Confused by all these thoughts, he is unable to speak any further. Thirunavukkarasar looks at him with great compassion.

Navukkarasar

Amaichchare!

On being hailed, Naminathan regains his composure.

Navukkarasar

Did the king ask you to imprison and bring me there?

Naminathan (taken aback by this unexpected poser)

No… No….. He asked me to bring you only to see you!

 Navukkarasar (laughing mildly)

But you have come with a force to take me along! Please tell me the truth. Has he not ordered you to imprison and drag me to his court?

Unable to see him eye to eye, the Amaichchar looks down.

Thirunavukkarasar starts singing in a bell metal voice and people gather around hearing his singing.

Navukkarasar

“ I am not a citizen of any sovereign I don’t fear even Yaman ”

(நாமார்கும் குடியல்லோம் நமனை அஞ்சோம்)

  As he starts singing the people go into raptures

Navukkarasar ( again)

நாமார்கும் குடியல்லோம் நமனை அஞ்சோம் நரகத்தில் இடர்ப்பட்டோம் நடலை இல்லோம்!

ஏமாப்போம் பணியறியோம் பணிவோமல்லோம் இன்பமே

எந்நாளும் துன்பமில்லை!

தாமார்கும் குடியல்லாத்தன்மையான சங்கரன்நற்

சங்கவெண்குழையோர்காதில்  கோமாற்கே

நாமென்றும் மீளா ஆளாய்க்கொய்மலர்ச்சேவடியினையே குறுகினோமே!

 Thilakavathiyar (looking at the Amaichchar)

 Amaichchare! Do you understand the meaning of what the Adiyavar has just said?

We , who have  surrendered to the sacred feet of Iraivan Sankaran are subjects of no sovereign!

We do not fear death, hell is not for us, we do not know disease, we are only happy and never distressed. We sport only Thiruneeru. We are soft hearted and never cruel. We chant Namasivaya. There is none here on earth or in the sky against us. We are blessed to be always remembering Easan who is the Lord of the entire universe. We have forgotten all the teachings of Samanar and are keeping only Easan in our thoughts. He will be with us always and for everything that happens to us.

(The usage of plural “We” instead of singular “ I”  by Thirunavukkarasar is to bring out the emphasis of being proud to be and being  unassailable as an Adiyavar of Easan)  

 Navukkarasar (happily)

Come on…  Let us proceed to Padalipuththiram!

The news that the Pallava king has sent a force to imprison and take away Thirunavukkarasar spreads like a wild fire and people start gathering there and stand with their hands cupped in reverence. The Amaichchar and the troops lead Thirunavukkarasar with their head bowed. Thilakavathiyar goes into the sannathi of Easan and looks at Him with tears in her eyes. A gentle smile escapes from Him!

     *******

On learning that Naminathan is returning with Dharmasenar, Mahaguru rushes to the palace and await them so as to prevent them from meeting the Mannar.  Amaichchar reaches the palace and pays his respects to Mahaguru.

Naminathan

 Mahaguruve! I have hand cuffed and brought Dharmasenar as per your orders. He is standing outside. What I am to do further?

Vijayasenar

I and the king must never see the traitors with our eyes. I will go to the king and find out what are his further orders. You remain here.

Mahaguru rushes to meet the mannar. Unable to disobey the orders of Mahaguru, the mentally disturbed Amaichchar keeps waiting.  The Mahaguru meets with the mannar in the palace.

Vijayasenar

Manna… Amaichchar has imprisoned Dharmasenar as per my orders. It will be ruinous for you and this kingdom, if you set your eyes on him.

Mannar (surprised and confused)

Is that so? What should I do now?

Vijayasenar

He must be given an exemplary punishment as a stern warning to all that what will await them if they indulge in acts like Dharmasenar.  Having acted as if he was one among us and learnt all our teachings. Then at a suitable time he acted that he was afflicted by a severe stomach ailment and made a fool of us. Such confidence tricksters will face the severest punishment must be made clear to all your subjects. You pronounce the order that he must be pushed and locked inside the lime kiln wash.

(After the lime is burnt in the kiln, water is sprayed inside which will generate enormous heat. That heat is sufficient even to melt the bones of the man inside).

Mannar (shocked)

So be it!

He bows to Mahaguru. Mahaguru comes outside elated. He calls for Naminathan and narrates the order approved by the king. He orders him to execute the order forthwith. Naminathan walks away on hearing the king’s order greatly perturbed.

Naminathan (to himself)

Does the religion that boasts of Jeevakaarunyam and preaches against injuring even insects asking me to execute this cruel act?

With a heavy heart he reaches Thirunavukkarasar.

Naminathan (pained)

Adiyavare! The Mannar and the Mahaguru do not want to see you.  I have been ordered to lock you inside the lime kiln for committing treachery against the religion.

Thirunavukkarasar (unperturbed)

Where is your lime wash?  

Amaichchar and the troops are feeling very sad.

They all reach the lime kiln. The troops open the heavy iron lid of the kiln on top and the heat coming from inside scorch their faces. They hastily step backwards covering their faces. Binding both his hands at the wrists with ropes, he is lowered slowly inside the kiln. As his feet touch the floor of the kiln, the lid is shut! Watching these from a hideout, Mahaguru heaves a sigh of relief.

Naminathan (to himself)

If Iraivan exists as claimed by the adiyavar, let Him save him!

Praying to Thiruvathigai Easan, he goes away even without wiping his tears.

   ******

As he is lowered into the lime kiln, the heat strikes him. As his feet touch the floor the burning lime stones scorch his soles of his feet. Unmindful of the burning, he sits on the floor while his body is burnt from all sides. A beautiful song emanates from him.

“மாசில் வீணையும் மாலை மதியமும்

வீசு தென்றலும் வீங்கிளவேனிலும்

மூசுவண்டறைப்பொய்கையும் போன்றதே

ஈசன் எந்தை இணையடி நிழலே!”

As he sings , to prove that Adiyavars words will never fail, the radiant heat around him turns into  a cool breeze , engulfed in the cool rays of the evening moon , with beautiful music notes of a Veena playing, Thirunavukkarasar is mesmerized like a bee immersed in honey  under the shades of Iraivan’s sacred feet.

Likewise he composes many songs and days roll by.

Vijayasenar is sleepless. He is worried all the time about Dharmasenar.

Vijayasenar

 It is seven days since he was lowered inside the lime kiln. The heat of the kiln must have subsided after the wash. If I can open the lid and see inside,then only I can sleep peacefully. After daybreak, he calls for Naminathan and accompanies him to the lime kiln. The Amaichchar is s morose while the Mahaguru is happily thinking that his enemy would have been reduced to ashes by now. As they open the lid of the kiln, the kiln instead of being hot is cool.  A beautiful song is also heard coming from inside. Mahaguru takes a peep through the lid only to get a shock seeing Thirunavukkarasar singing with his eyes closed. He ran way to the palace in great bewilderment! Amaichchar, not knowing what happened, looks inside and seeing Thirunavukkarasar unharmed heaves a sigh of relief. With the help of a rope he hauls him up and brings him outside.

At the same time, the mannar is surprised seeing the Mahaguru running towards him disoriented.

Mahaguru (breathing heavily)

Manna… Manna..

He is unable to utter anything. The Amaichchar who has by now reached the palace speaks.

Amaichchar

Dharmasenar who was locked inside the lime kiln is safe and sound even after seven days. No harm has been done to him and fire did not burn him.

Mannar (surprised)

What? Is that true?

He gets up from his throne.

Mahaguru (perplexed)

Quiet… Quiet… Quiet…

You need no further proof of what we have been telling you. He has mastered all the magic from our scriptures and made himself immune from getting burnt by fire or scorched by heat. I was present when he was lowered into the burning lime kiln. Unless he is an expert in tantras and mantras, he could not have come out alive from there. An ordinary man would have been burnt to ashes within seconds after he is lowered into that kiln. We have seen the condition of criminals who were punished thus. He has been alive there for seven days. Don’t forget our elders’ saying that you can win a trickster only by trickery. If this news is broken to public, there will be uprising to throw you out and your kingdom will be lost. So this must not be made known to anyone.

Mannar (still in a confused state of mind)

There is a truth in what you say. He was looking so innocent and always gave an appearance of noble and high thinking person. He has cheated all of us and has even made us worry for the stability of our kingdom.  You please tell us the punishment to be given to him so that he cannot escape from it by using the secret skill he has mastered from us.

Mahaguru

He has been there for a week without water and food. He must be terribly hungry. If we give him a milk food mixed with the poison of king cobra, he will die before he can recite any secret mantra. The poison of king cobra is so potent that it will make the person to lose his life with in a second it touches his tongue. We will get rid of the pest from our kingdom.

 Mannar (looking at Naminathan with a tired countenance)

Do as told by Mahaguru.

Naminathan (to himself)

Why such a cruel treatment to the one who harmed no one?  Don’t the Samanathuravis  have compassion for fellow beings which they boast that they show to even insects and flies?

With thousand such questions bothering him, he reaches the lime kiln where he has left Thirunavukkarasar. Seeing the cool and composed and totally peaceful Thirunavukkarasar, he is in two minds as to whether or not inform him of the king’s orders. Four Samanars reach there and hand over a bowl containing the poisoned milk food to the Amaichchar saying that Mahaguru has asked them to hand it over to him.  

With a heavy heart, he takes it and hands it over to Thirunavukkarasar. He accepts and looks at the milk

that has turned bluish. Aware that it is poisoned milk food, he laughs aloud. 

Thirunavukkarasar

If the Aalakaala poison which could destroy the entire universe was elixir for my Iraivan Paramasivan, will this be poison for His Adiyavar? Will it also not turn into Amritam?

He takes the milk food and eats it peacefully. After finishing it, he extends his hand to give  it back to the Samanars.   Finding nothing has happened to Dharmasenar, they run away from there without even collecting the bowl from him. Amaichchar bows to Thirunavukkarasar.

Thirunavukkarasar (with a smile)

What will be the next?

Amaichchar goes back to the mannar and narrates the events.

Mahaguru

Manna! He is escaping from all our efforts by using the tricks leant from us. You order that he be chained to the ground and let the Royal elephant to crush his head.   I will tell the Samanathuravigal to ensure that all the tricks leant from us are made ineffective and he will have no escape.

Mannar (ordering Naminathan)

Carry out his punishment as told!

Amaichchar now returns but this time he is not sorry!

   *******

Padalipuththiram…

The people see a Sivanadiyar is handcuffed and taken along the road followed by a large number of Samanathuravigl.  Surprised and curious, they also follow them.  They all reach the ground called “Death Ground” where criminals are trampled to death by elephants as punishment. Amaichchar looks at the guards. The guards make Navukkarasar to lie on the ground and bind him to the earth with chains. The public are standing around the ground in great fear and silently wondering as to what is going to happen.

The Samanathuravigal, with their mat held by their sides by one hand and holding the peacock feathers on the other hand, surround the Sivanadiyar. The royal elephant comes running.  Now they realise what is in store.

One man in the crowd

Hey! They are going to kill a Sivanadiyar by trampling by the elephant!

The others are shocked hearing this.

They could not recognise Dharmasenar as Thirunavukkarasar is wearing the signs of a Sivanadiyar! 

The same man in the crowd (wondering and worried)

What offence he has committed?

Another man in the crowd

Generally they will announce what is the crime that has been committed warranting this punishment and when it will be executed well in advance. In this case nothing of that sort has been done. They are going to use the Royal elephant to execute the killing which is also very strange! It looks as if this decision has been taken in a hurry.

Yet another man

Who are these Samanathuravigal surrounding the adiyavar?  We have not seen them before! Where they have come from?

Another man

They appear to be mantrics! Look at them murmuring something and the peacock feathers are oscillating!  

Yet another man

It is very obvious. Why they are holding this old man to take their revenge? Pity! The adiyavar looks quite old. What crime he might have committed? He is so calm and peaceful. He is not asking anyone to save him nor letting out any cry. All these are signs of some impending disaster for all of us.

Another man

Seeing so many Samanathuravigal here, it appears this must be a very important case. Till now the sky was clear. Suddenly I can see the dark clouds surrounding this entire town. I think it forebodes some serious trouble for the kingdom.

They hear some one  singing and realising that the song is coming from the Sivanadiyar,

they stop their talk.

There is absolute silence in the “Death Ground”.   

Thirunavukkarasar

'சுண்ணவெண் சந்தனச்சாந்தும் சுடர்திங்கட் சூடாமணியும்

 வண்ண உரவையுடையம் வளரும் பவளநிறமும்

 அண்ணல் அரண்முரணேரும் அகலம்வளாய அரவும்

 திண்ணன்கெடிலப்புனலும் உடையாரொருவர் தமர்நாம்

 அஞ்சவது யாதொன்றும் இல்லை அஞ்ச வருவதும் இல்லை!'

Sporting Thiruneeru and sandalwood paste, keeping the crescent moon on His head, wearing the colourful tiger skin and elephant skin around His waist, shining in the colour of a flawless pearl, wearing a snake as His necklace and keeping the sacred water of Kedila River as His Thirtham is the Iraivan Veerattaneswarar Who is without equal. I am His adiyavar. I am not scared of anyone. Nor anything to scare me will ever happen.

As he completes his Pathigam, the elephant which was charging towards him in great rage becomes totally subdued on seeing him. In circumambulate three times around him and bending its knees trumpets aloud as if to hail him! Finding that the elephant is not obeying their command, the mahouts hit it with their goads and kick it with their feet. Unable to bear the pain inflicted by the goad, the elephant lifts its trunk and drags the mahouts, throws them to the ground and tramples them with its legs. The mahouts meet with painful death on the spot. The public run helter-skelter after seeing rage of the elephants against the mahouts.  The Samanathuravigal surrounding the adiyavars start chanting mantras, shaking the peacock feather in their hands and blocking its way. The elephant start running towards them. The thuravigal feel that the elephant is bound by their mantras but seeing that it is coming towards them in great fury, they also start running away to escape. But the elephant catches them one by one by its trunk, tosses them to the ground and smashes their heads with its foot killing all of them. The news reaches the palace and the Mahaguru is now in jitters.

Mahaguru (asking Naminathan)

 Is what I heard true?

Naminathan nods his head in the affirmative.

Mahaguru

Manna..  The wailing that people heard from the ‘Death ground’ forebodes warnings to you as to what are all calamities are going to happen because of Dharmasenar! What are you going to do? Are you also going to run away fearing for your life?  What will happen to your kingdom then?

Mannar

Will a king runaway fearing a religious renegade? Guruve! Tell me. What should I do to Dharmasenar. I will get it executed forthwith.

Amaichchar (to himself wondering)

 Is this kingdom being ruled by the king or by a Samanathuravi?

Mahaguru

I cannot remain a silent spectator any longer. I am going to get into the arena myself. If you permit,   along with some Samanathuravigal I will take Dharmasenar in a boat and after tying him to a granite pillar throw him out into the sea. It is enough if Amaichchar Naminathan alone comes with us. This time he cannot escape from me. It is our luck that no one recognised Dharmasenar in the “Death Ground”. Otherwise we will not be sitting here and talking. Let the plan be utmost secret.

Mannar    

Amaichchare! Please make arrangements to execute the plan given by Mahaguru. Do it by tonight itself and bring me the favourable news by tomorrow morning. 

    ******

That very night, Amaichchar Naminathan, Samana Mahaguru, a few Samanathuravigal along with Navukkarasar with his hands and legs tied and bound climb a big boat and go out to the sea. No one is talking and there is silence all around. As the boat reaches a deep area in the sea, Mahaguru signals his command with his eyes. The Samanathuravis get up and tie the already bound Navukkarasar to a granite stone pillar with ropes. After examining that the ropes are well tied to his body, they heave it overboard into the sea. Navukkarasar start sinking into the water along with the stone pillar. Navukkarasar starts singing a pathigam.

"சொற்றுணை வேதியன் சோதிவானவன்

பொற்றுணை திருந்தடி பொருந்தக்கைத்தொழ

கற்றுணைப்பூட்டியோர் கடலிற் பாய்ச்சினும்

நற்றுணையாவது நமச்சிவாயவே!"

Those who surrender to the sacred feet of Iraivan , who is sustaining everyone at all times,   who is the source of the four Vedas , who is in the form of Jyothi have the unfailing  aid of “Namasivaya” even if they are cast into any sea with a stone pillar tied to their body.  

He starts singing the glory of “Namasivaya”   through nine more songs making it what is famed around the whole world as Namasivaya pathigam.

Among the flowers Lotus is the most special, for the cow, its Panchakavyam is special, for governance it is being impartial and for the tongue, its glory lies in chanting Namasivaya.

All the sins committed by one in his previous births and the present birth , even if they are countless ,  chanting Namasivaya will reduce them to nil just like a small spark will reduce to cinders a huge heap of dried wood.

We will only appeal to Iraivan and not to anyone else to save us from any severe calamity. Even if a mountain were to fall on us, Namasivaya will drive away our fears and save us from destruction.

 Thiruneeru that is smeared on them glorifies the adiyavars. The Vedas that are recited by them glorifies the Anthanars. The moon gets its glory by being positioned on Sivaperuman’s head. What brings glory to us? It is the Namasivaya, we chant!

 Like Easan grants the wishes of His seekers in abundance, Namasivaya gives name and fame to everyone!

To reach Sivalogam like those adiyavars who lived by Sivaneri, even common man like me can hope to quickly attain it by merely chanting Namasivaya!

Anyone can see a lighted lamp in a house. It will drive away the external darkness. Which is the bright lamp among the words? It is the Panchaksharam Namasivaya! No one can see it with their eyes. But, please realise that only it can drive away our ignorance which is our internal darkness.

Those who follow Sivaneri are certain to attain Iraivan, who is the head of all Neris.  For them, Namasivaya is the Neri!

 Those who chant Namasivaya will never be in distress!

As he concludes the above pathigam, the ropes binding Navukkarasar to the granite pillar snap off like dried twigs and the pillar itself became a float to support him.  Buoyed by the stone pillar, he is nearing Thiruppadhrippuliyur, floating on the sea.

It is now daybreak….

At the same time…

As the people in the temple of Thonraththunainathar at Thiruppadhrippuliyur are having darisanam, a divine voice emanates from the sannathi.

Divine voice

Adiyavarhale! Navukkarasar, who is greatly devoted to me is floating in the sea. Please welcome him with due regards and bring him to the temple.

The people and other adiyavars reach the sea shore and wait to receive him with due honours. In a short time Navukkarasar reaches the shore floating on the granite pillar.

 All of them bow to him and with great pomp and show and take him to the Thonraththunainathar temple. As he reaches the sannathi, he is mesmerised by the beauty of Easan. He starts singing and Iraivan listens greatly pleased!

   *******

 Thiruppadhrippuliyur…..

When Navukkarasar Peruman is staying there, people come to know of the cruelty meted out to him by Samanars and how Easan came to his rescue. His fame spreads far and wide and people throng to pay their respects   and also to have darisanam of Thonraththunainathar whose divine voice made everyone to know about the greatness of the adiyavar.

Perumanar plans to return to Thiruvathigai and visits Thirumanikkuzhi, Thruththinai en route. As he reaches the outskirts of Thiruvathigai, the entire town assemble there to accord a most befitting welcome   with a lot of fanfare. He is taken to Veerattaneswarar temple where he composes Thiruththandakam and sings it accompanied by his hand clapping. Iraivan is enjoying every bit of it!

   ******

The palace of Padalipuththiram…

Bending his head down, the Mannar is taking a stroll alone with his mind totally ill at ease.

Mannar (to himself)

When Samana Mahaguru came and announced the victorious news that he had got Dharmasenar tied to a stone pillar and thrown into the sea, I don’t know why I did not feel happy but rather felt terrible! There is a   nagging guilty feeling that is not going away from my mind. I am unable to sleep peacefully in the past so many days. Was it wrong on my part to have accepted whatever Mahaguru said without seeing Dharmasenar and hearing his plea? Have I failed in discharging my duty as the king? 

 Amaichchar Naminathan comes there and king looks up at him.

Amaichchar

Mannare! I have come with important news. But I am hesitant to inform you.

Mannar

Tell me the news…

Amaichchar

The news I am going to tell you is what I have gathered from very dependable people whom I have selected and sent. Before Samana Mahaguru tells you the news, I wanted to break it myself.

 Mannar (hesitantly)

Is there any difference between what you say and what the Mahaguru will say?

Amaichchar (gaining a little confidence)

What Mahaguru says will be far from truth!

The mannar is taken aback as has not heard anyone saying  anything bad about Samanathuravigal all these years!

Mannar

Does that mean Samana Mahaguru is a liar?

Amaichchar

(Seeing the shocked countenance of the Mannar, the Amaichchar gets worried whether he has exceeded his limit)

I did not mean it… But he can give you misinformation.

Mannar

You are still to disclose the news!

Amaichchar

I have got this news from Thiruvathigai. Samana Mahaguru was pleased that Dharmasenar would have died drowned in the sea as he was tied to a granite pillar and thrown overboard. But what happened is entirely different. The very granite pillar to which he was tied became a float for him and he reached Thiruppadhrippuliyur floating on the sea! This was announced to the people by Iraivan Himself. The people went to the sea shore and welcomed him with all honour and took him to the Sivalayam.  Wherever he is going, Saivam is flourishing. He has returned to Thiruvathigai now. 

Mannar (heaving a sigh of relief)

Appada! I am at peace now! I was relentlessly worried whether I had done injustice to Dharmasenar.  I am very elated by the news that he is alive!

Amaichchar is surprised to hear the mannar speaking his mind like this!

Mannar

Amaichchare! Please tell me everything from the very beginning!

Amaichchar

I thought it would be better if Siththanna and then Dhananjayan narrate directly to you what they have seen and heard. I have called them to be here.

Mannar

Who are they?

Amaichchar

Siththanna was a loyal helper of Dharmasenar. Dhananjayan is confidential assistant to Samana Mahaguru.   They came running to me and narrated the events when Dharmasenar as a Sivanadiyar was dragged down the streets of Padalipuththiram. I think that Mannar must listen to them to have firsthand knowledge of the things that happened.

Mannar orders both of them to his presence and tells them to narrate what they want to say.

Siththanna narrates as to how he went to Thiruvaamoor to fetch the sister of Dharmasenar before Dharmasenar left Padalipuththiram in the dead of night. Likewise Dhanajayan narrates all events starting from the time he fallowed Dharmasenar when he left Padalipuththiram till Samana Mahaguru called all chief Thuravigal to Padalipuththiram for consultation. Then the Amaichchar narrates the events when he went to Thiruvathigai on the orders of the king with a small force to arrest and to bring Dharmasenar to Padalipuththiram. He then narrates all the events from the time he saw Dharmasenar doing manual work in the temple till he was thrown into the sea.

Amaichchar

Even now, he is absorbed fully in the service of the temple. There is no danger either to the Pallava king or his kingdom from him. I have realised that his Iraivan alone is Iraivan. All these hundreds of years, the Samanathuravigal have misguided us and taken us through a wrong path.  The tenets of Samanars of non-killing, Jeevakaarunyam are superfluous is proved beyond doubt from the actions of Samana Mahaguru.

They don’t show any compassion to fellow humans which they are exhibiting to insects and flies!  To keep the administration of the sovereign under their control, they have indulged in all sorts of scheming ways all these years. They have blown to winds the high ideals taught by the Samanam. What does the Samana Dharmam states for a Thuravi? One has to wake up early in the morning and after finishing the morning routines, recollect and repent whole heartedly the sins committed the previous day.  Then go for alms and accept only what is needed to sustain life and eat while standing avoiding sweets and other tasty items. One has to go around the country on Yatra to spread the lofty ideals of the religion and spend their time in reading and researching religious books.  Not to harm even a tiniest insect. Never waver, even an iota, from the truth.  Never steal nor covet others’ property. Never be lustful.  The above are the lofty ideals. But the outward actions they exhibit like taking a mat and a pitcher, not taking bath, not cleaning their teeth, pulling the hairs with their hand and walk with a peacock feather sweeping ahead are all only to mesmerise the common man to a blind belief. Disregarding the teachings of Mahavirar, Vijayasenar   has spent his entire lifetime in capturing and retaining the power over the king and his kingdom and did everything he could do to retain that power.     Is he a true Samanar? Is the way he shows the true path to salvation?

Once…. Only once….  If you go to Thiruvathigai and meet Navukkarasar and his elder sister Thilakavathiyar, you will come to know which is the true path to follow! 

   *******

Thiruvathigai…

It is very early in the morning. ….

In the temple of Veerattaneswarar, Thilakavathiyar is drawing water from the well and Navukkarasar is carrying it on his shoulder in a kudam to the Easan’s sannathi. All the way back and forth from the well to the Sannathi he is chanting “Namasivaya” while doing this.

Pallava King reaches there followed by Amaichchar Naminathan, Siththanna and Dhananjayan. Perumanar is pleased to see the mannar.

Perumanar

My salutations to the mannar! Are you and your subjects doing well?

Pallava Mannar is astonished to see the smiling face in front of him wearing a cubit of cloth around his waist, with Thiruneeru smeared all over his forehead , a rudraksha mala around his neck and  carrying a kudam full of water on his shoulder!

Radiating a bright hue all around where he is standing, the mannar cups his palms in bows to him involuntarily!

Mannar (shedding copious tears)

Is this Dharmasenar, I am seeing in front of me?

Mannar (continues)

Dharmasenare! No.. No… Thirunavukkarasar Perumane! You have forgotten all the cruel deeds I inflicted on you and welcomed me with a smiling face and enquired about my well being and of the people! We stand before you with our head bowed in front of you in great shame!

He starts shedding tears again. Thirunavukkarasar quickly keeps the kudam on the floor and catches hold of the Mannar’s palms.

Mannar (on being touched by the Adiyavar)

Your touch has burnt away all my past sins and I feel like having a new life now!

Perumanar

It is because of you that Easan has showered His abundance grace on me and proved to the world that nothing, not even an atom can stir in this universe without Him!  You are not only a Samanar but also a king. Your coming to this temple and standing here in all humility is also the deed of Easan alone! This can’t be due to any other reason!

Mannar

While preaching that non-killing and Jeevakaarunyam are the ways to salvation, they did not show the compassion and sympathy to you which they publicise as being shown to even insects and flies! This has opened my eyes and I have realised that while Jeevakaarunyam is the highest state of Dharma, will that alone make one attain Mukti?  The sacred feet of Iraivan is the highest one must aspire to attain.  To stand in the shadow of His feet is Mukti! I have also understood that, even though the Samanars are aware of this but being blind to it, are duping themselves, the people and those around them.  For Your Iraivan will be Iraivan for me and my subjects from now onwards!  Please give me Thiruneeru from your blessed hand and bless us that we all obtain the abundant grace of Iraivan!

Thilakavathiyar takes out the Thiruneeru which Perumanar accepts and gives it to the mannar. Mannar receives it with great piety and smears it on his forehead. Cupping his palms and raising his hands over his head, he pays his respects to Thilakavathiyar and Perumanar. All of them reach the sannathi of Easan. Perumanar composes and sings in praise of Easan. All of them go into raptures hearing him.  A mild smile escapes from Easan’s face!

     *****

Before the mannar reach Padalipuththiram, the news that he has converted to Saivam reaches there. A huge revolution explodes there. Samanars are on the run for their lives throwing away their mat, Kamandalam and peacock feather. The public, who have an accumulated aversion against them all these years, are driving them out of the city.  The news that all their schools are razed to the ground   and Samana Mahaguru along with all other thuravigal have been driven out of the country by the people themselves .After achieving what they want to do for years they are all now awaiting for the king to arrive back.  All his subjects smear Thiruneeru on their forehead in front of Mannar after he reaches his capital.

      *******

To commemorate that he has reverted to Saivam for ever, the Pallava king builds a temple for Easan at Gunapaleechchram with the stones retrieved from the demolished Samanar schools. He devotes his time and energy in the upkeep of the temple.   Samanam is totally obliterated in the Pallava kingdom and Saivam flourishes. The flag of Easan with the ensign of Nandi flutters everywhere. The panchaksharam is recited resoundingly wherever one goes!

  *****

After spending some time in Thiruvathigai doing physical service to various temples around, Perumanar decides to continue his work in all other places also. So he starts on a Yatra visiting various temples. After Thruvennainallur, Thiruvamaththur and Thirukkovilur where he composes and sings many songs of Thevaram and does physical work in maintenance of these temples. He reaches Kadanthai which is also known as Pennaakaram by night fall. He stays in a madam for the night.  He is unable to sleep however much he tries.

Thirunavukkarasar (thinking)

My mind is burdened with sorrow! To whom shall I express my grief? The thought that  my body was dirty for decades while I followed the tenets of Samanam, I am not at peace even though now I am wearing the signs of   Saivam. Though I take bath many a times and smear Thiruneeru, I feel that the dirt is still sticking on to me.  What do I do now? If I discard my body, my thinking of Easan will also cease. Easane! Will You not show me way to be of Your service for the rest of my life?

Blabbering to himself he goes off to sleep. Next morning he goes to   Thiruththoongaanai Madam and stands in the sannathi of Easan. Bending his body in great piety he looks at Easan who is radiating brilliance all around. He starts to sing.

Perumanar

I have a submission to make at the sacred feet of the golden hued Iraivan!

Before he can sing the next line, he is wondering as to how to put across his request. So he repeats once again the same line, “I have a submission to make at the sacred feet of the golden hued Iraivan!”

Easan listens to his request amused.

Unable to proceed further, he keeps looking at Easan.

Wondering in his mind whether or not to ask Easan a favour, he is again stumbling for the next line and for the third time repeats the same line, “I have a submission to make at the sacred feet of the golden hued Iraivan!” 

Now Easan laughs aloud!

 Perumanar (continuing)

“I have a submission to make at the sacred feet of the golden hued Iraivan!

If you care for my life, to remove my mental agony,

Let my body be branded with a Tirisoolam and Erudhu”

He continues to do the physical maintenance of the temple till night fall and returns to the madam and goes to sleep with a heavy heart.

 In the dead of night, a Sivaganam arrives there and sits beside the Perumanar and completes its work. Seeing Perumanar is shivering due to cold, covers his body with a cloth and disappears. When Perumanar wakes up in the morning, he is surprised to find a cloth covering him. As he removes the cover he finds the signs of Tirisoolam and Erudhu branded on his shoulders!

He is elated that Iraivan has acceded to his request and blessed him by branding these signs on his body.

He goes to the Thiruththoongaanai Madam temple and sings many a pathigam in praise of Easan.  The news that Perumanar has been branded with the signs of Tirisoolam and Erudhu by the grace of Easan Himself spreads far and wide and a great congregation of people assemble in the temple. The panchaksharam is reverberating everywhere and Easan is relishing the songs of Perumanar!

     ******

  Perumanar   reaches Thillai through Thiruvaraththurai, Viridhdhachalam and other scared places where he does physical work in the maintenance of the temples. Hearing the news that Perumanar is reaching Thillai, the three thousand Thillaivaazh Anthanars receive him with great respect and lead him to the temple of Easan. There he composes Thiruththandakam keeping in mind the great dance of Easan. People from surrounding areas come in hordes to see him and join him in his physical maintenance service of the temple.

One day, they seek clarifications for their doubts from the Perumanar.

Adiyavar 1

 They call Thillai as Ponnambalam!  Is there any Velliambalam also?

 Perumanar

 Ambalam means the place from where Easan reigns or the Capital! Thillai is called Ponnambalam because here the covering of his throne is made of a golden roof. (Pon , Kanakam  means gold ). There is also a Velliambalam where it is made of Silver (Velli means Silver). That is in Madurai! That is made fully of Silver. Ambalam is also known as Sabhai. In Nellai there is Thamira Sabhai (Thamiram means copper) ; in Kutralam it is Chitra Sabhai (Chitram means paintings) and in Thiruvaalankadu Easan is having  Rathna Sabhai (Rathnam means Diamond)! So there are a total of five Ambalam or Sabhai! Since He is the Lord of the Sabhai, and hence Easan is called Sabhapathi!    

Adiyavar 2

Aaha! Very well brought out! We want to know the special features of the Thillai temple. Please tell us!

 Perumanar

Do you know how many entrances are there for this temple?

Adiyavar 2

I see only four entrances through the four Rajagopurams.

Perumanar

There are nine entrances including these four. They signify the nine holes in the human body!

The place where he stands dancing is the heart of the temple. It is the heart which is enabling a man to exist and act. We can infer that the place where Iraivan is standing is the heart of this entire universe and his dance is the reason why the Universe exists and functions! 

‘Chit’ denotes Aakayam (ether or sky), one of the “Panchabhootham” (five elements) making up this earth. In Thillai he has both Chithsabahi (sky or emptiness as the roof) and Kanakasabhai combined as Ponnambalam. Above the Ponnambalam, there are nine Kalasam (pitchers). They denote the Nine Shaktis (In order to sustain the universe and the living beings therein, nine types of SHAKTIS were required.  These 9 SHAKTIS became active to sustain the universe.  They are referred to as NINE DEVIS.The names of these 9 DEVIS are JAGADAMBA, BHADRAKALI, ANNAPURNA, SARVAMANGALA, BHAIRAVI, CHANDI, LALITA, BHAVANI & MUKAMBIKA.

If you observe closely, there are five steps to reach the Chithsabahi. They are the five syllables of panchaksharam namely “Na  Ma Si Va Ya” Anyone  chanting the panchaksharam will attain the Easan’s sacred feet and heart. That is to say they will attain Mukti. The Kanakasabhai is supported by eighteen pillars representing the eighteen puranas. Likewise, the five pillars in Chithsabahi denote our five senses. The roof of Ponnambalam is supported by sixty four wooden rafters representing the sixty four varieties of art! The golden tiles covering the roof are twenty one thousand six hundred in number. It is the number of times a human breathes every day. He who chants even once “Thiruchchittrambalam” and bow to Thillai Nataraja Peruman will gain the benefit of chanting panchaksharam a twenty one thousand six hundred times! There are seventy two thousand nails used to fix these tiles. It denotes the total number of nerves in a human body. Do you know where the heart is located in a man’s body?

Adiyavar 2

It is slightly off to the left side and not in the centre!

Perumanar

 Here also the sanctum is not in the centre unlike in all other temples and is slightly kept off centre. As told in the Sri Rudram that Sivan resides in all the Jeevan, the temple has been constructed to represent the human form in its various aspects. The Sannathi depicts the three forms or states of Easan. The first one is Rupam or corporeal form. The dancing state of Nataraja depicts this. The second is Rupa-Arupam.  It is both form and formless state. The Lingam Rupam of Easan depicts this as it is having both form and formless. The Third is Arupam or formless state. The Aakayam or Aakaasam Rupam of Easan is representing this state.  

Now I will tell you in detail the enchanting dancing posture of Easan! Bring to your mind the dancing form of Easan as I describe the various parts and their significance. The dancing pose of Easan describes the three functions, namely the creation, the maintenance and the destruction!

 The dancing posture of Iraivan reminds us that every individual atom making up the entire Universe (Andam) and in every individual entity (Pindam is dancing or oscillating following a defined particular cycle or time frame. Though all His limbs are depicting a state of motion, His face is seen as steady and still. This is to tell us that He is dancing but at the same time He doesn’t move or waver!  

 He is sporting a snake on the right ear and a ring on the left ear to show that He depicts the union of male and female forms and He is Ammayappar!

His flowing mane reminds us of the great universe having the countless like stars, planets and other celestial bodies. The Seshanagam on it depicts the Time cycle; the skull, His function of destruction;

 the Ganga, impeccable purity and the crescent moon, the competence of mind. The third eye on His forehead portrays that He is the knower of all the three times namely the past, the present and the future!

Understand that the Agni (glowing fire)  that is held in the left rear palm is to remind that after he destroys the universe in its entirety , He is the one who will again recreate it! This represents the syllable “Na” in the Panchaksharam. His grounded foot represents the next syllable “Ma’ which gives Mukti to those who surrender at His feet. The right rear hand holding the Udukkai represents the Onkaram sound emanating from the entire universe and the entities in them. It is the third syllable “Si”. His bent front left hand like that of the trunk of an elephant (Gaja hasta) shows His blessings and benevolence.  This hand   pointing to the lifted foot of Easan to indicates that all beings will ultimately reach only His sacred feet.    The fourth syllable “Va” is depicted by this. The right front hand in the pose of “Abhaya Hastam” assures that it is none but He , who is the protector of the entire universe and all the entities in it! This the fifth and last syllable “Ya” of Panchaksharam.

The Nagabharanam (snake ornaments) entwines in his body represent the hidden Kundalini sakti. The demon who is trampled under his foot is Abasmaram (ignorance and impudence) which must always be subdued!

The Deepagni (fire) depicted around Peruman is called Prabhavali! That is our mind! He is on the top of Prabhavali as Mahakaalan! Every Deepagni in the Prabhavali has three tongs of fire! They are Aakayam (sky or ether), Vayu (wind) and Bhumi (earth).

He starts the dance drama of life, runs it and ends it! He is the greatest Dancer , ever dancing at Thillai as Ambalavanan! Thiruchchittrambalam!

As he concludes all the adiyavars chant Panchaksharam and bow to Easan. A group of Adiyavars arrive at the sannathi from outside and one of them is looking for Thirunavukkarasar.

Adiyavar

 Perumane! As you are setting an example that service to Easan is the highest form of worship, I wish to narrate one of the glorious acts of Easan.

 Hearing the words of Easan’s act, Perumanar bows to Adiyavar.

Perumanar

I am very keen to know of the glorious act enacted by Easan. Please narrate the same.

Adiyavar

We are all coming from Seerkaazhi. There a son is born to a great Brahmin scholar Sivapadahridayar and his wife by the grace of Easan. He is named Sambandan. When the child is three years old, his father carries him to the temple of Easan. Leaving the child on the bank of the temple tank, he goes down to take his bath. As he takes a considerable time to return, the child starts crying out of hunger. Hearing his wail, Easan appears along with Annai on his Nandi vahanam. Moved by the crying of the child of hunger, Annai’s breasts start to lactate.  Milking it in a golden goblet, She hands it over to the child to drink. By drinking that milk, he transforms from Sambandar to Gyana Sambandar or wisdom personified!

After finishing his bath, the father comes up and seeing milk spilled over from his mouth on his cheek, he assumes that he has asked for and got the milk from someone and gets angry. In a threatening tone he asks him, “Who gave you milk?” The wise child points to the sky and says, “Amma Appa”. Unable to comprehend what the child says, he picks up a twig and threatens the child with it and repeats as to who has given him milk.  He says pointing to the sky again “தோடுடையசெவியன்”, the One who wears a stud in His ear.

Thirunavukkarasar goes into raptures as he hears the words “தோடுடையசெவியன்”.

Adiyavar (continues)

The father is confused as he looks up the sky wondering who can be wearing a stud like a woman. The child again says, “தோடுடையசெவியன்”. Could it be Easan? He again looks down at his son.

Gyana Sambandar sings clapping his palm in harmony!

"தோடுடையசெவியன் விடை ஏறியோர் தூவெண்மதிச்சூடிக்

காடுடைய சுடலை பூசி என் உள்ளங்கவர் கள்வன்

ஏடுடைய மலரான் முனைநாட்பணிந்தேத்த அருள்செய்த

பீடுடையபிரம்மபுரமேவிய பெம்மான் இவனன்றே!"

Thirunavukkarasar (with tears flowing due to overwhelming happiness)

How incredible! A three year old child singing that Easan (தோடுடையசெவியன்), has captivated him and (என் உள்ளங்கவர் கள்வன்) robbed his heart !   

It is so enchanting!

Adiyavar

 Yes!  Perhaps, the great composer Gyana Sambandar wanting that his lofty poems which are a relish for the people must reach the sacred ears of Easan glorified it in his very first composition by calling Him as the One having ear studs!

The child then went to the temple of Brahamapuraththan and composed ten such beautiful compositions on Easan. The public showered flowers on the child .Even his father along with others bow to the child in great reverence. From that time onwards, Gyana Sambandan goes around all temples and composes and sings in praise of Easan.  Thousands gather to hear his songs. When the child went to the temple of Thirukkolakka and sang with clapping in harmony. Unable to bear his tender palms becoming red because of clapping, Easan Himself handed him over a golden plate embossed with panchaksharam for keeping the beat. Perumanar is seven years old now! When he undertook a trip to Thiruvaraththurai, he reached Maranpadi by foot. Unable to bear his discomfort, Easan presented him with His pearl palanquin to travel, the pearl umbrella for identification and Thiruchinnam which will announce the arrival for his further travel. 

On hearing the assembled people at that instance were overwhelmed by the gesture of Easan!

Thirunavukkarasar (with tears flowing on hearing such great episodes of Gyana Sambandar)

Adiyavare! How can I express my gratitude for enlightening me! Will you please   take me to meet the great son so that I am also blessed by his grace!

The crowd of adiyavars starts to Seerkaazhi. Navukkarasar Perumanar covers the boundary of Thillai by Angappradakshinam fearing it would be sacrilege to place his feet on the street when Easan is taken around the streets in procession!

After reaching the city limits, he walks on towards Seerkaazhi followed by a posse of Adiyavars chanting “Hara Hara Siva Siva”.

     *****

 Seerkaazhi … Thoniyappar temple…

Sambandar is singing in praise of Easan in the Sannathi and completes them when Sivapadahridayar comes there.

Sivapadahridayar

 Sambanda! I have some news for you! Thirunavukkarasar is coming here along with adiyavars to meet you. Do you know who he is?

Sambandar

 Yes! I am very well aware that he was born as Marulneekkiyar in a in great Saiva Velalars clan in Thiruvaamoor. Then he became a Samanar and became a great monk named Dharmasenar. Because of his Sister Thilakavathiyar’s appeal to Easan Veerattaneswarar, he reverts to Saivam and gets rid of Samanam and its influence in the Pallava Kingdom. He is a great soul. Before comes here to meet me, an youngster, it is appropriate that I go and find him. I will request him to visit our Thoniyappar temple!  

He starts his journey in his palanquin towards Chidambaram. Learning that Thirunavukkarasar is close by, he rushes and reaches in his pearl palanquin. 

On seeing,Thirunavukkarasar

How blessed I am to set my eyes on such a glorious adiyavar !

Sambanthar tries to get down from the palanquin.

Seeing Sambandar getting down from his palanquin,

Thirunavukkarasar is spell bound seeing the grate adiyavar!

A sensational incidence takes place within batting of an eyelid! 

Thirunavukkarasar falls at the feet of Sambandar in great reverence!

Sambandar (greatly agitated and pulling up Navukkarasar)

Appare!

By calling Sambandar falls on the feet of Navukkarasar.

Now Navukkarasar catches his arms and lifts him up.

With tears in his eyes, Sambandar bows to him with his cupped palms in great reverence!

 Seeing this divine exchange of reverence and love between them, the assembled adiyavars chant

  “Hara Hara Namasivaya” and blow the conch shell.

Thirunavukkarasar

 Sambandamoorthiyare! You are the repository of the wisdom of Saivam! You have hailed me, an insignificant soul, who converted to another religion forgetting Saivam, as “Appare”!

Sambandar

Easan, having no father or mother, took Karaikkal Ammayar as His mother by calling her “Ammaye”! After that not to miss fatherly affection He called you as “ Appare”! The word “Appare” came out from me was not from me , but from Iraivan  Brahamapuraththan Himself!

Please come with me! Let us go to Seerkaazhi and have darisanam of Thoniyappar!

All of them reach the temple. As Navukkarasar sings Thevaram to the accompaniment of Yaazh played by Thiruneelakandayaazhpanar, the people get mesmerised!

Easan too!

   ******

Thirunavukkarasar along with Thirugyanasambandar goes to nearby Siva temples and sings Thevaram. After a few days, he takes leave from Sambandar and resumes his Yatra!

He visits Karuppariaylur, Punkur, Needur, Kurukkai, Ninraiyur, Nanippapalli, Edirkolpadi, Thruvaduthurai, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Thirunageswram and Pazahaiyarai. In all these places he composes many songs in praise of Easan and also does physical work in the maintenance of these temples. He reaches Saththimutram. In the sannathi, he witnesses the rare scene of Annai hugging and kissing Easan. He sings a song in praise of Easan and a bright Jyothi appears in the sanctum.

Mesmerised by the Jyothi, he stands in great euphoria.

Easan

Appare! Come to Thirunallur!

Easan disappears after giving the order.

Perumanar rushes to Thirunallur.

      *******

Kailayam….

A lot of rudraksham are heaped in front of Annai. She picks each one of them and after inspecting it for its shape, number of faces and purity selects them for making a garland. Though she is working on the garland, Her attention is on Murugan who is playing with the Sivaganas. Playfully Murugan comes and sits on Her lap and the beads fall on the floor and spreads everywhere. 

Annai is enjoying the playful nature of Her child.

Murugapperuman

Annaye! I am eager to see the Anandaththandavam which You and Ayyan performed in Thiruvaalankadu. One day both of You must perform it for me!

Annai

It is not Anandaththandavam that we performed there. It is Oordhuvaththandavam!

Murugapperuman

What is Oordhuvaththandavam?  

Annai

The dance by which Easan absorbs you!  

There are seven varieties of dances He performed…..

 In Nellai he performs Kalikathanadavam.

 In Madurai it is Sandhyathanadavam.

 In Kutralam he performs Thripurathandavam.

Oordhuvaththandavam is at Thiruvaalankadu and

Anandaththandavam is in Thillai. While He does Gowrithandavam at Thiruppaththur,

His   Samharathandavam happens at all over this universe! These are hailed as Sapthathandavam! 

Murugapperuman

 What is the meaning of absorbing someone?

Annai

 To complete one’s determined task under Easan’s grace is getting absorbed in Easan! To work under His power!

Murugapperuman

When one is concentrating to complete his task, how is it possible for him to concentrate on Iraivan also?

 Annai

When I say ‘to complete the determined task’, it means to ‘forget one’s ego’. It does not mean ‘to forget the process of thinking itself’.

Murugapperuman

Is absorbing Karaikkal Ammayar at Thiruvaalankadu meant to make her forget her own self and think only Easan is everything?

Annai

Yes! Not only Karaikkal Ammayar., Kaarkodakan, Sunandar and I were all absorbed by Him by His grace!

Murugapperuman (surprised)

You too!

Annai

I, in the form of Kalikamabal, having thousand arms and fiery eyes to destroy Mahaishasuaran, killed him in the battle. Becoming arrogant because of my victory in the battle and not knowing myself, I came running to destroy everything on my way. At that time, the ghosts let loose by the Sanakadhi Munivars were running helter-skelter shouting in great fear as they were beaten up and driven out by Easan! Wondering who could be more valiant than me to drive out these powerful ghosts, I went further and saw Easan dancing appearance with one foot lifted up. I challenged Him to compete with Me in dancing! I also spelt a condition that   whosoever got defeated would leave Thiruvaalankadu forever!

Murugapperuman

 I know that You are still reigning in Thiruvaalankadu as Kalikamabal. If so, who won the challenge?

Annai

Both of us were victorious!

Murugapperuman

 It is all very topsy-turvy! Ayyan did Oordhuvaththandavam at Thiruvaalankadu and You challenged Him! You also said that he absorbed You! You are still there in Thiruvaalankadu as Kalikamabal in the temple. Did Ayyan lost? The whole thing is confusing!

 Annai (mildly laughing)

I have to tell you the whole thing from the beginning to make you understand!

Arrogant after killing the Asuran and becoming victorious in the battle, I became egotistical thinking that ‘It is only Me, and Me alone’ Who mattered. Wanting to destroy my ego and to make Me realise Myself, Iraivan did that dance!

Towards the end of the competition, he in a fraction of a second, he unhooked and took out His left ear stud with His left toe and replaced it again with the same foot. I realised at that very moment Who I was! Embarrassed, I stopped my dace and bowed my head ashamed. This is how Your father destroyed My ego and absorbed Me! His idea was to drive out my arrogance and not drive Me out from Alangadu!    As we are together as Ammayappar, We removed the stud and refitted it ourselves! So both of Us are winners!

 Murugapperuman

Aaha! A very eminent explanation! Has Ayyan absorbed Me and Vinayagapperuman?

Annai

Pillayar is born as Sambandan. He absorbed him by making him cry for milk and by feeding him the milk of wisdom to become Gyanasambandan! You were born as Nakkeeran. As the head of the Tamil Sangam, He absorbed You by opening His third eye on His forehead!      

Murugapperuman

It is very delightful to hear all these stories! Where has He gone now!

 Annai

He has gone to establish our tenets!

Murugapperuman (pleading)

Can you please explain?

Annai

He created four great religious teachers to spread four different paths which are basically to propagate the “Bakthi Margam” or the path of devotion!

The four paths are called as Neri and these are SariyaiNeri , KiriyaiNeri, Yoga Neri and Gyana Neri.

Sariyai neri means thondu neri.

That is those who dedicates there life in carrying out the maintenance work of His thirukoilgal fall in this category. Life style of Thiruvavukkarasar is the fitting example of Sariyai Neri.The relationship between Peranma and anma here is “ Iraivan is The Supreme and all the subjects are his thondargal”.

Next one is Kriyai Neri!

The relationship between Peranma and anma here is Iraivan is kept in  fatherly position  and  all the subjects are his issues. That is  the reason Kriyaineri is called as uravuneri. Sweeping and cleaning the premises of Thirukoil complex, watering, beautifying  with kolams(Rangoli),decorating the place with flowers, Praising The Lord by singing his glorious aspects etc., fall in this category. Life style of Thirugnana Sambandar is the fitting example of Kriyai Neri.

The third is Yoga Neri. Also representing the relationship between Peranma and anma on friendly terms. That is why Yoganeri is named as Saga Neri. Saga means friend.

There is a lot of difference in the attitudes when one thinks Iraivan is my master and I am His servant. Second Iraivan is my father and I am His issue and third Iraivan and myself are Great friends. Easan is going to present shortly his beloved friend to be the fitting example of Yoganeri. Yogam means unifying with one another.

Fourth is Gnananeri. The relationship between Peraanma and aanma here is Guru Shishya  Bhavam or Nayagan Nayagi kind of relationship. Here the devotee see that there is no one who can be compared with Peraanma and he is the only one the devotee is concerned with. Iraivan is Guru and I am his diciple.Let me serve my Guru.That is all. The fitting example is life history of Manickavasagar. Here The great Guru Iraivan Himself imparts the gnanam, the path that leads to Mukthi.

If you just look at these four neri every one ends with the ultimate unification of Aanma with Peraanma.

After naming Maruneekkiyar as Navukkarasar He has decided to absolve him and that is why has called him to come to Thirunallur for that very reason!

Murugapperuman

Annaye! Let us also go to Nallur and witness the act of Easan absolving Navukkarasar Peruman!

Annai and Murugapperuman rush to Nallur!

Thirunallur…

Thirunavukkarasar Peruman is standing in the Sannadhi with his body bent, covering his mouth with his right palm, folding his other arm at his waist in great reverence. With Annai Parvati and Murugapperuman standing along, Easan places his feet on the head of the Peruman as  if placing a  crown!

Easan

I have terminated your ego here! You will unite with Me ultimately. Till that time let your Yatra to the holy temples and physical service to those temples be continued!

As Easan blesses the Perumanar, the temple bells toll resoundingly and there is a shower of flowers from the heaven!

Thirunavukkarasar starts singing pathigangal latter named as Thevaram Easan and they come out of his mouth like a torrential rain, enchanting all the people around.

Easan along with Annai and Murugapperuman blesses all those present!

From here Appar Peruman goes to Karukavur, Thiruvarur, and Thruppalaiththurai composing many songs in all these temples. He again reaches Thirunallur and reaches Thingalur via Thiruppazhanam.

Big surprise is actually awaiting him there!

 *****

Green paddy fields and coconut groves abound, Thingalur is a fertile and a rich place.  

The smoke emanating from the Yaga Kundam here and there raises high above the sky. The melodious incantation of Sri Rudram from the Veda Padasalai is captivating and making the people spell bound! All the houses in the Agraharam are decorated with Kolams and Thoranams giving a divine ambience!

An adiyavar sporting the Thiruneeru in his forehead.chest,and sholder blades comes out of his house and walks on the street. All the people on his way greet him with great reverence. Acknowledging their regards and responding to their greetings, he continues his walk towards the village temple. There is a huge crowd in the Sannadhi with little place left for even to enter. From the Sannadhi, the Gurukkal calls out to him.

Gurukkal

Appoodhi Adigalare!  Welcome … Welcome..

Hearing the name of Appoodhi Adigal, the crowd quickly parts to give him way and stand reverently.

Embarrassed to accept any special privilege in the Easan’s Sannadhi,   he walks ahead and stands in front of Easan.

Adigalar (with tears in his eyes)

Easane! Emperumane! Please grant me at least one chance to meet with Thirunavukkarasar Peruman, whom I respect   immensely! Unless I fall at his feet and pay my respects, how can I complete my task of taking this birth!  The day he comes to this village will be the most revered day for me!

Gurukkal (seeing his eyes moist with tears)

Adigalare! What is this? This whole village is bright and prosperous because of you! You have created a lot of charities like Choultries, watersheds, schools; all in the name of Thirunavukkarasar and you are running them. You are doing a great service to the people.   How come you have tears in your eyes?

Adigalar

 I go into raptures by merely hearing the name of Thirunavukkarasar. Will I be fortunate to see him with my eyes in this birth?

Gurukkal

Definitely, You will see him… Easan will not rest unless He fulfils your longing! You will see yourself! In this very Sannidhanam, Perumanar is going to sing Thiruththandagam! You, me and the people of this village will witness and be blessed!

Adigalar

Let your prediction come true!

Adigalar comes out of the temple after bowing to Easan. He is astonished to see a Sivanadiyar walking towards the temple.  Elated on seeing the adiyavar, attired in a simple loin cloth, carrying an axe on his shoulder, wearing all the symbols of Saivism on his body and a radiating countenance he rushes and prostrates in front of him. 

Thirunavukkarasar Peruman

I am an insignificant person!  I go around the temples to do physical work for their upkeep… You appear to be a wealthy person. But the symbols you are wearing indicate that you are an exalted Sivanadiyar! I pay my respects to you! 

Adigalar

Perumanare!  My name is Appoodhi! As I sport the Symbols of Easan all the time, they have suffixed Adigal to my name and call me Appoodhi Adigal! Where are you coming from?

Thirunavukkarasar

 I have come via Thiruppazhanam after having darisanam of Easan at Thirunallur.  I want to ask you something. Wherever I see in this village, I find the name Thirunavukkarasar in every nook and corner! Who is that Thirunavukkarasar?

 Adigalar

Don’t you know who he is?   Can there be anyone who is unaware of him?

He then describes the life story of Thirunavukkarasar from his birth on wards till the present day.

Adigalar

Hailed as Appar by Easan Himself, he is a great soul to be revered by all. I have named all my charities in his name because of my deep affection and reverence. I am eagerly awaiting to see him. Wanting him to come to this village I am praying to Easan every second. I am deeply pained that I have not been able to see him till now!

 Perumanar

It is me whom you want to see! 

The moment the adiyavar heard that the so much saught great personality is just standing in front of him

His joy has no bounds.

 Adigalar

I have attained my life’s ambition!

He falls on his feet in great reverence.

The news that Thirunavukkarasar has come to the village spreads fast and the whole village sports a festive look. He is received with great honour. To the accompaniment of mangala vaththiyangal, he along with others reaches the residence of Appoodhi Adigal.

Adigalar (pleading)

Perumanare! If you accept to have your meal in my residence, I will feel that this birth of mine has completed its mission!

Accepting his invitation, Perumanar enters his house.

Adigalar introduces his wife, children and other relatives to Perumanar. They all prostrate in front of Perumanar and receive his blessings. Adigalar’s son enters there.

 Adigalar

Perumanare! This is my eldest son. I have named him after you!  His eldest son Thirunavukkarasan prostrates in front of Perumanar and gets up.

 Adigalar’s wife announces that the food is ready to be served. The eldest son goes to the back yard to cut plantain leaves for serving the food.  When he is returning from the back yard with the leaves, he is bitten by cobra. He runs inside with the leaves and after handing them over to his mother, falls down dead.

Seeing the froth in his mouth and the incision of the fangs on his foot, his mother understood what happened to her son , rushes and brings a mat and rolls it around the dead body and hides it in a corner. She then calls her husband to come inside.

Wife (suppressing her grief)

Please listen to what I am going to say calmly. Our eldest son was bitten by a snake and he is dead. If the Adiyavar comes to know that there is a death fallen upon us, he will leave without taking food.  It will be a great sin to send away the hungry sivanadiyaar without feeding him. I have therefore hidden the dead body. You tell the Perumanar to wash his hands and get seated for the meals. I will place the leaf and serve the food in the mean while.

Distraught by the news of the death of his son, Appoodhi Adigal appreciates  the quick reaction of his wife. Composing himself he goes to invite the Perumanar for food and gets him seated to partake the meals.  Before he starts eating the food, Adigalar observes that the Perumanar is looking for someone around without eating.

Adigalar

Are you expecting any one to join us?

Perumanar

 I am looking for your son. You call him also. We will have our food together.

Adigalar

He is not in a position to be here now.

Perumanar realises that there is some mishap in the household. He quickly gets up from his seat.

All are shocked seeing him getting up discarding the food served.

 Perumanar

You are hiding something. If you respect me truly, please come out with the truth without hiding anything.

Adigalar starts crying as the suppressed grief bursts open.

Adigalar

 My son was bitten by a snake when he went to cut the leaves in the backyard. We have hidden his dead body in a mat.

Perumanar (shocked)

How can anyone even attempt to do such an act?

Wife (with folded hands and tears rolling)

We should have done enormous penance to get this opportunity to feed the Perumanar. I have done this act not wanting to send you hungry. Please forgive us.

Perumanar

Where have you hidden him? Show me.

She leads him inside and shows the dead body after unwrapping the mat. Seeing the body has turned blue, Perumanar picks up the body and holding it in his hands, rushes to the temple. Appoodhi Adigal and his wife follow him. The people of the village also follow them. In the Sannadhi, Perumanar places the body in front of Easan. He starts singing the ten glorious deeds of Easan. Iraivan opens His eyes and there is a radiant glow in the Sannadhi. The boy springs to life and jumps up. Easan’s voice emanates from the sanctum.

 Divine Voice

Appoodhi Adigalare! Your name and fame will remain as long as this universe remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well!

There is a shower of flowers. The resurrected son bows to Easan and Perumanar.

    ******

Perumanar stays for a few days with them and resumes his Yatra. Appoodhi Adigalar and his wife are in tears seeing him leave.

Perumanar (blessing them)

Your devotion to and care for Adiyavars is praiseworthy.  You have demonstrated that dedication to Adiyavars is as good as that to Easan Himself! One must have performed countless good deeds to feed a hungry adiyavar. You wife’s exemplary conduct of caring for the guest unmindful of the tragic death of her son will remain etched in my heart for ever.

He starts off on his journey,

   ******

 He reaches Thiruvarur passing through Thiruppazhanam, Pazhaiyarai, Valanchzhi, Kudavai, Naalur, Thiruchcherai, Kudavayil, NaraiyurmThiruvanchiyam and Peruvelur. While in Thiruvarur, he composes a Padhgam in praise of Naminandi Adigalar who lit up the lamps of the temple using water from the temple tank and shamed the Samanars. Then he visits Thiruvalivilam, Keezhvelur and Kunrappur and composes Pathigam for each one of them. He then returns to Thiruvarur. He witnesses the procession of Easan on the day of Thiruvathirai and then goes to Thiruppugalur. Thirugyanasambandar who has also reached Thiruppugalur at that time makes elaborate arrangements to welcome him when he comes to know of his impending arrival. He receives Thirunavukkarasar with due regards and both of them stay there with  Thirumuruga Nayanar before resuming their respective Yatra. Thirunavukkarasar goes to Thiruchchettangudi,Thirunallaru and Thirumarugal and returns to Thiruppugalur while Thrugyanasambanadr after finishing his trip to Thiruvarur also reaches there. Continuing their  Yatra together, they visit Thirukkdavur,Thirukkadavur mayanam, Thiruvakkur and Thiruveezhimizhalai. In each of these places they nurture Saivam to grow to great heights by their devotional singing!  The Sivan temples which have been in a state of neglect are getting a new lease of life by proper maintenance and resumption of regular pujas six times a day. The town itself sports a flourishing look. Navukkarasar and Gyanasambandar establish a madam each and go around the nearby villages.

     ******

While in Thiruveezhimizhalai…

The Anthanars from Seerkaazhi come and meet Sambandar with great reverence.

Anthanar

A thousand eyes are not enough to set on the grandeur of Easan in Seerkaazhi, your place of birth. How long you will remain in another place forgetting us and our temple of Easan? Why don’t you come over there and be a guide to all of us?

Sambandar feels the urge to visit his birth place and to have darisanam of Easan over there.

Sambandar

All right! We will leave for my home town tomorrow itself!

The Anthanars are overjoyed hearing these words!

That very night, Sambandar was meditating with his eyes closed. He hears Easan’s voice!

Easan

Sambanda! There is a task to be performed by you and Appar here! You will realise it very soon. Therefore both of you stay here for a few more time!

Sambandar

My mind is restless to witness your splendour at Seerkaazhi! If You are kind enough to permit me, I will go and return here immediately.

Easan

Sambanda! If you have thought of visiting Seerkaazhi for this purpose, I will show you my stature of Seerkaazhi, at Veezhi Azhakeswarar sannathi here itself!

Sambandar opens his eyes come out of the meditative state.

 Next morning he reaches the Veezhi Azhakeswarar temple with his group. There Iraivan shows him his grandeur stature of Seerkaazhi! Sambandar sings praising the compassion of Easan!

   *****

Everyday Sambandar prays to Easan before going to bed…

Sambandar

Iraiva! Emperumane! I am still not able to discern as to why You asked me to remain in Thiruveezhimizhalai! How long I and Appar Peruman are we to remain here?       

Very soon, he and Appar realise as why they are retained there all these days. The river Cauvery runs dry due to failure of rains and farming comes to a stop. There is severe famine and the people are put extreme distress due to hunger. The Adiyavars go to the temple of Easan in a group.

Adiyavars (pleading to Easan)

If the saying that Easan is always there to rescue those who have no other means is true, You must please protect us now from hunger and distress!

There is even a fear gripping the people that if they remain there any longer, they may die of hunger. That night, Easan appears in Sambandar’s dream.

 Easan

Sambanda! Since the adiyavars pleaded that Easan is the only source for those who have no other recourse, I will give you and Navukkarasar gold coin each everyday till the famine is contained.  I will keep it in the Eastern entrance for you and in the Western entrance for Navukkarasar. You both take it and use it to feed not only the adiyavars but also all the people of this town and relieve them of their hunger.

Sambandar gets up from his sleep.

Sambandar (bowing to Easan)

Perhaps, Easan ordered us to stay here for this purpose only!

 It is soon day break. Appar and Sambandar meet at the temple as usual.

Sambandar

Appar Perumane! Easan appeared in my dream last night.

Appar

I am aware of it. He appeared in my dream also and directed me to mitigate the suffering of the people. After we finish our darisanam and return, you will get a gold coin at the Eastern entrance and I at the Western entrance. Come! Let us finish our prayers to Easan quickly and get the coins. Let us mitigate the hunger of the people without delay!

Both of them sing many pathigams in praise of Easan. After they finish their darisanam Sambandar goes to the Eastern entrance and in resounding voice chants “Om Namasivaya”, Om Namasivaya”…. A gold coin appears on the step of the entrance which all the people see in wonder. Sambandar picks it up and hands it over to the temple administrator and asks him to procure provisions for cooking and feeding the people. Likewise, Appar Peruman also receives a gold coin at the step of the Western Entrance whenhe chants Panchaksharam aloud.    He picks it up and takes it to his madam and makes preparations for cooking food for the people. The news that Iraivan has given “Padikkasu” (coin that appeared on the step) spreads like wild fire. Men with thandora is engaged to invite people from every nook and corner to the madams to have free food.

   ******

The routine of finding a Padikkasu in each of the entrances everyday is witnessed by the adiyavars and other people of the town in great piety. They satiate their hunger by going to the madams and having their food there. One day Sambandar notices something strange. He notices that the people going to the madam of Appar are served food much early where as the people coming to his madam are served late. He calls the administrator.

Sambandar

Why there is undue delay in serving food in our madam?

Administrator

Perumane! The gold coin you give is not absolutely pure. Every day, we have to examine it and calculate its intrinsic worth and obtain the provisions based on its value. It is therefore takes more time.

Sambandar

Appar Peruman is also getting a coin like I am getting. How come the food is served in his madam without any delay?

 Administrator

 The coin he gives is of pure gold without any blemish. Therefore there is no need to examine it thoroughly to know its value. Therefore, the people in his madam get the provisions faster.

Sambandar

It is not possible to mint gold coins without alloying with a little copper! Why there is a difference in the quality of the coin I get from the one given to Appar Peruman? I am responsible for keeping the Sivan adiyars hungry for a longer time! It is a great sacrilege against Easan!

With his cupped hands raised above his head, he starts shedding tears.

A Divine Voice

Sambanda! There is no difference in the quality of coins which I give to both of you. Appar carries out physical temple service every day and picks up the coin after his service. Because of his service done by his hands for the temple, the coin touched by his hand becomes pure on its own.

Hearing these words, Sambandar walks towards the temple followed by adiyavars. He reaches the sannathi and stands in front of Easan.

Sambandar

 Iraiva! Please give me also the same pure gold coin! You will not be decried for this! You have created everything in this Universe and You are the Lord of it! You will not harm this village, that I am very sure. Please give me pure gold coin and redeem us! You burnt down Manmadhan by opening Your third eye. Please do not look at us with such anger! Please grace with Your beautiful eyes as Thiruveezhiazhagar! Thiruneelkanada Perumane! Please grant us our wish! You carry the mighty Ganga on Your head to save this world! Please end up our distress! Please give us only the pure Kasu!  Have You have not  forgiven even the  sinner  Ravanan and blessed him?

He composes and sings many songs on these lines pleading for pure gold coin. As he reaches the Eastern entrance, a pure gold coin appears on the step. Sambandar and other adiyavars are overwhelmed by the compassion of Easan and chant aloud the panchaksharam. The conch of Sambandar blows a resounding note!

    *******

Slowly the famine subsides and there are copious rains. The land yields plenty of produce and the appearance of Padikkasu ceases. Sambandar and Navukkarasar meet.

Navukkarasar

Sambandar Perumane! The work ordained for us by Easan in this place is complete! Let us now proceed to various temple towns and have darisanam of Easan!

Sambandar

So be it!

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar

I have a nagging doubt all these days! Only you great souls can clear it off!

Sambandar

Adiyavare! Please tell us your doubt!

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar

Easan saved the people of this village through both of you by providing Padikkasu every day. Why he gave one each to both of you everyday rather than giving it one lot in the very beginning?

 Navukkarasar laughs out aloud!

Navukkarasar

Will not Easan like to hear Sambandar’s song every day? Will not the others who assembled in the sannathi everyday also be deprived of hearing his sweet songs? Had he given the whole lot of coins in one go, perhaps all provision would have been procured and handed over to the madams and he might have left this place! All of us then would have been deprived of hearing Sambandar’s beautiful compositions all these days!

  Sambandar

 Perhaps, Easan wanted all the temples here are maintained in pristine shape due to the tireless effort of Navukkarasar all these days. That is the reason that wanted to retain him here and gave one Padikkasu a day!

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar

Anyway, because of the two of you, the distress faced by the people of this village has been mitigated. It is all the grace of Easan.

 The Panchaksharam is echoing everywhere!

     ******

After visiting various temples independently, both Nayanmars reach Vedaranyam. Navukkarasar reaches there first and is received with due religious honour by the people of the town. At the very moment, the signal heralding the arrival of Sambandar is also heard. Navukkarasar takes the people who have assembled to welcome and receive him along with him to welcome Sambandar! As they meet and greet each other, the people of the whole village become overjoyed seeing the two great Nayanmars together!

The chants of “Hara Hara” and Panchaksharam are echoing everywhere. Both of them reach the temple of Vedavanaththayar and are surprised to see the gates at the entrance of the Rajagopuram shut and a small opening has been made by its side for the people to enter and exit the temple.

Navukkarasar

 What is this? Why the doors are kept shut and people are entering through a small side opening?

Kovil Gurukkal

 After the Anthanars closed the doors and secured it sacredly one night, the doors could not be opened the next morning however much we tried. Therefore we made a small entrance by the side and are using it.

Sambandar

Navukkarasare! We shall enter the temple through the Rajagopuram only! Please compose a Pathigam to make the doors open!

Navukkarasar

Let it be so!

He bows to Sambandar and starts singing in a steady flow. Time flies but the doors remain shut.  Frustrated, he composes Thirukkadaikappu finally and the doors open on their own with a great noise from the bells attached to the doors!  Chanting “Om Namasivaya” repeatedly, both the Nayanmars and the people enter the temple with great devotion raising their hands above their heads through the golden roofed Rajagopuram!   The temple elephant trumpets in great exhilaration while the auspicious musical instruments are played with great devotion. Even the Devas in heaven are celebrating the achievement!

In the Sannadhi, Navukkarasar and Sambandar  sing in praise of the Natarajar alternatively to the accompaniment of Yaazh played by Thiruneelakantar. After the deepaaradhanai all of them come out of the temple through the Rajagopuram.

Navukkarasar

Sambandar Perumane! You must please sing to ensure that the ornate doors of this entrance are able to be opened and closed always.

Sambandar (sings)

“ சதுரம் மறைதான் துதிசெய்து வணங்கும்

மதுரம் பொழில் சூழ் மறைகாட்டுறை மைந்தா

இதுநன்கிறை வைத்தருள் செய்க எனக்குன்

கதவந்திருக்காப்பு கொள்ளுங்கருத்தாலே.”

Just by this one song, the doors get closed with a resounding jingling of bells! The heavens open up with a shower of flowers. Sambandar sings another nine songs followed by the eleventh Thirukkadaikappu.

That night Navukkarasar is deeply disturbed in his sleep. Iraivan appears in his dream.

Easan

Appar Perumane!

Navukkarasar

Easane! Emperumane! You have immense compassion towards me to appear before me!

Easan

I have come here only to answer the question troubling your mind! Open up and tell me what is disturbing you!

Navukkarasar

When I was singing to make the doors open, it was made difficult and I got frustrated after finishing ten songs. But the door closed easily and immediately after one song was sung by Sambandar! There is no doubt that he is a divine incarnation who has translated the Vedic gems into Tamil. I have realised today that his words have immeasurable power!

He looks up to Easan.

 Easan

It is Me who called you Appar through his mouth! Orphan, as I am, I got Karaikkal Ammayar as My mother! I have taken you as My father! Since your songs were so pleasing, I wanted to continue hearing them. That is why I delayed the opening of the doors. When you got frustrated and pleaded for the doors to open, I got them opened immediately out of compassion.  For the doors to shut by the song of Sambandan   I was overcome with pity for the young child who might be hungry and therefore not to delay him further, I got the doors closed soon after his first song! I played the role of a son to You and that of a father to Sambandan!

Please sleep peacefully and shed your anguish! Come to Vaimoor tomorrow. We shall meet there!

Easan disappears then from his dream.

Thirunavukkarasar wakes up from his dream and praising Easan for his grace goes back to a sound sleep. Next morning, he enquires about the route to Thiruvaimur and starts his journey. The route is pretty long and he keeps walking and finds a temple at last. Finding that is the temple indicated by Easan, he enters there. Coming to know that Navukkarasar is going to Thiruvaimur, Sambandar  also traces his path and reaches the Sannadhi of Easan. Finding Easan not being there, he starts singing a Pathigam.  Iraivan appears along with Annai seated on the Nandi Vahanam. Both the Perumanars stand mesmerised seeing the grandeur of Easan and Annai in front of them. Both of them start singing the praise of Easan alternatively and Easan is enjoying their songs. Suddenly Easan and Annai   get up from their Vahanam. The rarest of rare event which has not been witnessed even by Devas and as indicated by Easan in his dream is about to unfold!  Annai Parvati and Easan take up their dance pose!

Easan

In Thiruvalankadu, we did the Oordhava Thandavam to fulfill the wish of My Ammai! Here we will perform Ananda Thandavam for the sake of My Appar!

Accompanied by Vaani on Veena, Nandi on the Mridangam, Naradar on Tempura and other Sivaganas playing their instruments, Easan and Annai perform the most heavenly dance! Witnessing that divine  dance which no one can ever be able to see, both the Perumanars again start composing songs in praise of Easan.

    *******

As both of them return to Vedaranyam,   they are informed that some message has come from Pandiyanadu. A man and woman who have brought the message bow to Sambandar.

The male 

Thirugyanasambandar Perumane! I am Maravan. This woman is my wife Thiruvisai.  We have brought a message from Mangayarkarasiyar, the Empress of Pandiyanadu!

Thirugyanasambandar

 What is the message?

 Thiruvisai (cupping her palms in reverence)

My salutations to Perumanar. Our queen is from Pazhuvur in   your Chozhanadu born in a farmers’ clan. She is a staunch devotee of Easan.  Coming to know from the Samana Mahaguru that the hunch back of our king Nedumara Pandiyan will be set right only through her, she married him as per the request of the Mahaguru. She is aware of the great miracles you have performed right from your birth. She is also very well aware that because of you, Saivam is again flourishing with  a fresh lease of life! Pandiyanadu is under the control of Samanars. Our queen is of the firm belief that the hunch back of the king and also the control of the kingdom will be straightened only by you. Our minister, Kulachchiraiyar has renovated the Vakeechar Madam  for your comfortable stay at Madurai and is keenly awaiting your arrival. You must please set foot in Pandiyanadu so that Saivam flourishes once again. 

Thirunavukkarasar

Sambandar  Perumane! The Samanars are well versed in mantras, tantras and magic. They kept the Pallava King at Padalipuththiram   under their thumb and tried to put me into great misery. It was with the grace of Easan that I came out unscathed and Saivam again flourished there. As you are very young, I will not let you go there and undergo misery at Samanargal hands. I will go myself to Pandiyanadu and win over Samanars and make Saivam to flourish once again.

Maravan

Salutations to Thirunavukkarasar Peruman! What you have said is true.  They are experts in black magic. They have declared you as a traitor and they have planned to even kill you if you set foot in Pandiyanadu since they know that you were the reason for driving Samanam from Pallava kingdom. They have even got the approval of the king to kill you. If you come there and something untoward happens to you, our whole kingdom will be destroyed. Therefore, please permit Sambandar Peruman to go.   

ThirugynaSambandar

Perumanare! Let me, therefore, go to Madurai and defeat the Samanars and revive Saivam. I will impress on them that their basic tenets of Vegetarianism, Jeevakarunyam etc are common for Saivam also. I will try to make them realise that our path is the Salvation to mankind.

 Thirunavukkarasar

The planetary positions are not favorable now for ThirugynaSambandar .  He may encounter dangers in this mission now. It is very dangerous to confront sworn enemies at this juncture.

ThirugynaSambandar

When Easan is on our mind all the time, these planets can do no harm but only good to us.

He composes and Sings Kolaru Pathigam.

The Thiruneeru on my forehead will defeat the wicked designs of Samanars and show me the victory path.  When two people from Madurai, sporting Thiruneeru, have requested me to come there, I will go there and defeat the Samanars and make Sivam to re-emerge. I shall not rest until I complete this task.  This is my vow in the name of yours!

He bows to Thirunavukkarasar.

Thirunavukkarasar (after listening to his Kolaru Pathigam in great raptures)

Let the visit of Perumanar to Madurai bring him success !

Vetri Muzhakangal immediately surrounds that place.

ThirugynaSambandar  starts his journey to Madurai.

The Entourage ( chanting)

Hara Hara Siva Siva !

Hara Hara Siva Siva !

Hara Hara Siva Siva !

The “Muthuppallakku” commences its great historical journey!

    *******

From Vedaranyam, Navukkarasar Perumanar reaches Nagai and from there Thiruvaduthurai. He sings many Pathigams in praise of Pasupathynatha Swamy. From there he reaches Pazhaiyarai where people welcome him with garlands.  He notices that people appear forlorn and wants to know the reason.

Perumanar

Adiyavarhale! What is bothering you? You are all looking despondent! Please let me know without any hesitation what is troubling you.

Adiyavar 1

Perumanare! We heard that because of you Samanars were driven out of Pallava Kingdom and the king and all his subjects returned to the fold of Saivam. Here in our Vatathali temple, the Samanars has captured the temple and hidden the idol of Easan. You must kindly drive out the encroachers from here, bring out the hidden idol of Easan and arrange to restart   the six time pujas of Easan as before!  

Adiyavars and others fall on the feet of Perumanar with this prayer. Perumanar asks them to get up.

Perumanar

I will not leave this place until I break the hold of Samanars and bring out the hidden idol of Easan. Now, please take me to the temple.

The adiyavars guide Perumanar and all others follow them chanting “Hara Hara”!

   ******

As the news spreads that Perumanar is coming to the temple with a large crowd of followers to liberate the temple from the encroachers, all the Samanars assemble in the entrance of the Vatathali temple blocking it. A few of them come forward to stop the Perumanar from proceeding further.

Samanar 1

Where do you people think you are going to? This is our institution. You tramps are not permitted inside. If you try to enter, you will be beaten up and driven away. 

He spreads his arms to block the path of Perumanar.  Thirunavukkarasar  starts looking at the buildup of the temple from outside not bothering about the threat of the Samanar.

Thirunavukkarasar

This temple has been built as per our design with a water source inside and with main entrance in the East. It is you who have not only forcefully entered in our temple but also hidden our Easan. It is you who need to be driven out from here.

Samanar 2 (Threatening)

 Your efforts came off in Pallava Nadu.  This is Chozhanadu. Your tricks will not work out here. So, go back in the way you have come.

Thirunavukkarasar sits right in front of the temple entrance.

Everyone gets perplexed by his act.

Thirunavukkarasar

Iraiva! I will not leave this spot unless I view your sacred feet! I will forgo food and water! This is my vow on You! 

He closes his eyes and goes silent!

 All the Adiyavars get seated behind him chanting “Om Namasivaya” and all the public follow suit!

The Samanars are taken aback by this unexpected development.

Samanar 1

How long can they keep sitting here? When the night falls, they will disperse unable to stand the cold. Let us also remain here till all of them leave this place.

Assembled Samanars also sit facing the Perumanar and his followers.

Time passes.

 The news that the Perumanar is seated in front of the Vatathali temple observing his vow of fasting spreads far and wide like wild fire and people from far and wide start assembling in front of the temple. As the time passes there is no abatement of the surging crowd assembling there.   The crowd keeps swelling every second as more and more people are reaching there from all over the country. The chants of “Om Namasivaya” of the people resonate everywhere and reach the sky.  Soon it will be day break.

There in the palace the Mannar is fast asleep.

Easan appears in his dream!

Startled and in great raptures seeing Easan, the Mannar raises his cupped arms above head in great supplication.

Easan

Manna! In the Pazhaiyarai Vatathali temple, I have been kept hidden by the Samanars. Thirunavukkarasar, who has come for my darisanam, has taken a vow of not to take foods and water till he sees me and is sitting in front of the temple. Go immediately to Vatathali and take Me out from where I have been hidden so that Navukkarasar does not suffer hunger!

Mannar gets up from his dream and orders the guard to call the Amaichchar. The guard reveals that the Amaichchar is already waiting for the Mannar to get up from his sleep. The Amaichchar is brought in immediately and he bows to the king.

Mannar

In the Pazhaiyarai Vatathali temple… 

Amaichchar (Surprised and intervenes)

Mannare! How have you got the news so quickly? Even I have come to know to know only just now that the temple is in possession of Samanars who have hidden the idol of Easan  and Thirunavukkarasar on being prevented by the Samanars from entering the temple yesterday has taken a vow not to eat or take water and not to leave the place until and unless he gets the darisanam of Easan. The public have also assembled in large numbers at the place and large number of people are also proceeding there from various parts of our kingdom. What should we do now?

 Mannar   

I received the orders of Easan just now! How blessed I am!

Amaichchar (thrilled)

You got the orders from Iraivan! What did He want?

 Mannar   

Iraivan appeared in my dream and told me what you narrated just now!  He ordered me to go there immediately and to save Navukkarasar from being famished any longer. Let us go with our Army and drive out the Samanars and retrieve the moortham.

The Mannar with the Amaichchar and Senapati start off to Pazahaiyarai leading his Army.

The news that the Mannar is the way to Pazahaiyarai with his Army reaches the Samanars. They quickly take out the idol of Easan from its hidden place and placed it in front of the sannathi and run away from the temple premises.

The Mannar reaches the temple with his Army and comes to know that the Samanars have already ran way. Elated, he bows to Perumanar and informs him of Easan’s orders in his dream. Closing his eyes Thirunavukkarasar, in great ecstasy,   sheds copious tears for the compassion of Easan.   To the chanting of “Om Namasivaya”, the idol is re installed in the Sannadhi observing all rituals.  Thirunavukkarasar composes a song on Easan. The Chozha Mannar, his retinue and the people bow to Easan

   ********

After staying for some time at Pazahaiyarai, he travels to the Easan’s temples at Thiruanaikka, Thruverumbiyur, Karkudi and Thiruppraithurai composing and singing songs in praise of Easan and doing manual maintenance work.  He then starts on his journey to Thruppainjeely. After walking a long distance, he is hungry and thirsty. Though he physically tired, his resolve makes him   to continue his journey with renewed energy.  Anguished by his physical state, Easan wants to come to his help.  He creates a pond and a small orchard on its bank on his route.  In the garb of Brahmin, Easan awaits his arrival with packed food. Navukkarasar decides to take a little rest there on seeing the orchard and reaches there.

Iraivan (in the garb of a Brahmin)

Welcome! Welcome! It seems you are coming from a quite far-off place. You also look hungry. Come in. I have some cooked food. Please eat and take water from the pond. After resting for a while you may continue your journey.

Accepting his kind offer, Navukkarasar eats food and has a fill of water from the pond.

Iraivan

Adiyavare! Where are you heading?

Perumanar

 I intend to reach Thruppainjeely. Like a kind mother, you gave me food when I was overcome with hunger. I am ever grateful to you.

Perumanar bows to him.

 Iraivan

Thruppainjeely!  My home is also nearby only! Come on! Let us go together.

He catches his hand and walks ahead as Perumanar walks behind holding his hand. Annai proudly watches Iraivan walking holding the hand of the elderly Perumanar as a caring and compassionate son!

As soon as they reach Thruppainjeely, Iraivan disappears in to the sky!

Perumanar (shocked)

Was that my Ayyan? Giving me food and water, catching my hand and speaking all good words along the way …. Was it Easan? He becomes ecstatic and reaching the temple, he sings in praise of Easan holding on to His sacred feet.

   ******

Perumanar goes to Thiruvannamalai and during his stay visits the temples in nearby places. He then reaches Kanchipuram to a grand welcome and taken to Ekambaranathar sannathi. He composes and sings many songs which Easan listens with great pleasure. From there he goes to Thirukkazhugukundram, Thrumayilai and Thruvotriyur where he is received with temple honours. He is taken to the sannathi of Thyagesar. He undertakes a lot of physical maintenance works and composes many pathigams. He then goes to Thirukkalaththi and composes songs in praise of Easan. From there, he starts off his journey towards North!

Perumanar (to himself)

I have forgone eating…. From now on, my only aim is to reach Kailayam! 

Without having any food, he keeps walking night and day chanting “Om Namasivaya”! The sole of his feet wears out and starts bleeding. Not minding it, he continues walking .His muscles start crumbling and the bones are becoming visible. Unable to walk any longer, he falls to the ground.  Unable to get up and stand on his feet he starts crawling with his hands and chest towards Kailayam.

Every move of his reverberates in the Kailayam like thunderbolt!

The Sivaganas are perplexed and start looking from where the thundering sounds are coming from! Seeing the condition of Perumanar, they bow to him in great respect. As he inches ahead with his chest, the stones and thorn tear into his flesh. Unmindful of his extreme discomfort and excruciating pain, Perumanar continues chanting the panchaksharam without any break. The Devas and other heavenly residents pray to Easan seeing his determined effort to mitigate his suffering. They are all greatly anguished and shed tears as Easan has not listened to their prayers.   Even Annai is terribly upset and tears start falling from Her eyes too! 

Annai

Ayyane! You are the knower of everything in this universe!  Why are you not showing your mercy on Perumanar?  All the Devas are highly perturbed seeing his condition. Kindly open Your eyes!

Easan (opening His eyes which are also shedding tears)

Did you also think that I am such a stone hearted One?

Annai (greatly anguished and shedding tears) 

I am unable to understand your silence. You warded off all the troubles he had to face in the Pallava kingdom in seconds. But is it acceptable to witness him crawling with his entire body bleeding all over?   Should he suffer like this till the end? 

Easan

Because of Your motherly nature, You are speaking like this! When he has still a lot of tasks to accomplish , how his aim of reaching Kailayam will bear fruit?

Annai

 Does that mean that he must live to suffer like this?

Easan

You are well aware that nothing happens without a reason! Still since You are requesting, I am leaving just now!

He vanishes into the sky!

In the forest Iraivan stands in the garb of a Munivar and looks at the Perumanar crawling spilling blood all over.

Munivar

 Periyavare!  Why are you crawling in this forest bleeding all over?

Perumanar

 I am here on my way to reach Kailayam to have the glorious darisanam of Easan and Annai!

Easan

 How do you hope to have the darisanam of Easan which is impossible for even Devas and other gods even after severe penance for thousands of years? Stop punishing your mind and body and return home .

 Perumanar (with determination)

I will not retrace a single step! I will not go back without having the darisanam of Kailayam. I have wasted a few seconds talking to you.  I will resume my journey without wasting another wink.

As he crawls further, a wooden branch pierces his chest and the blood spurts out and wets the feet of Easan.   Discarding his garb of the Munivar, Easan appears in His own form !

Easan

Appare! Get up!

As Easan raises his hand in blessing, all the wounds in the body of Perumanar disappear and he gets up!

Seeing Easan in His great glory, he falls on His feet and grabs them.

Perumanar

Annale! The Elixir that has engulfed me! Please grant my wish of seeing You and Annai as in Kailayam!

Easan

Navukkarasare! There are a lot of tasks to be performed yet by you in this earth. What you wish is to see Me and Umayaval seated in Kailayam. I will grant you that wish.

As he raises his hand saying this,  a pond appears there!

Easan

Perumanare! You take a dip in this pond and you will emerge in Thirvaiyaru! I will grant your wish of     Kailaya darisanam  there!

As Easan disappears, Perumanar takes a dip in the pond chanting the panchaksharam and emerges from the temple tank at Thirvaiyaru to an astonished assembly of people there!

    ******

Navukkarasar takes the dip in the pond chanting Panchaksharam. He comes out with his palms cupped and arms raised above his head and rushes to the Sannathi of Iyyarappar. In front of his eyes, the Sannadhi transforms s into Kailayangiri!!! The Vedic chants reverberate as if to touch the sky! The Ganas are keeping vigil in all the entrances. Nandikeswrar is supervising the maintenance work. Naradar is playing on his Tumburu. Annai Saraswati is playing the Veena. Lakshmi Devi is seated as Gajalakshmi in the entrance! Vishnu and Brahma are standing praying to Easan!  In their midst are seated Paramasivanar and   Annai radiating a brilliance surpassing that of a million suns! Seeing the Ayyan’s Kailaya darisanam, Perumanar becomes ecstatic. Falling on the feet, he sings “I have seen His sacred feet!  Those  which I have never seen or known before.”

He sings many songs in praise of Easan. Easan blesses Perumanar and disappears. The temple returns to its original look. After composing many Pathigams in praise of Iyyarappar and doing physical service in the temple for a few days, he resumes his journey of visiting sacred places. He reaches Thiruppoonthuruththi  and does work for the upkeep of the Poovananathar temple and composing songs in His praise.  One day he gets news from an adiyavar!

Adiyavar

Perumanare! I have brought you good news… After winning the Samanars in Madurai and re-establishing Saivam in Pandiyanadu, ThirugynaSambandar  is coming here to meet you with his retinue of a thousand adiyavars!

Thirunavukkarasar

How blessed am I? I have the good fortune meeting the Pillayar again!

He proceeds to meet him along with the crowd of other adiyavars and quietly mixes with them and becomes one among the bearers of the Muththuppallakku!  The pallakku reaches Thiruppoonthuruththi!

Thirugyanasambandar (seated in the Pallakku -in his eagerness to meet the Perumanar and not finding him)

Where my Appar has gone?

Thirunavukkarasar (from below, Carrying the Pallakku with others)

I! Your servitor! I am here, having been blessed to carry your sacred feet.

Hearing this, Thirugyanasambandar orders the Pallakku to stop and gets out of it greatly perturbed. He falls on the feet of Perumanar.  Appar raises him up! The honouring acts of the two great adiyavars make the on-lookers to go into raptures. Chants of “Sivaya Nama” reverberate everywhere!

They stay in Thiruppoonthuruththi for a few days. One day Thirugyanasambandar narrates all the events in Madurai and he won the Samanars and re-established Saivam in Pandiyanadu. Thirunavukkarasar expresses his keenness to visit the Sundarar temple at Madurai. Next day, they part ways and Thirunavukkarasar starts towards Madurai.

   ******

As the news of Perumanar coming to Madurai reaches the Mannar Ninra Seer Nedumarappandiyan along with queen Mangayarkarasiyar and Amaichchar Kulachchiraiyar reach the outskirts of the city to welcome him with royal paraphernalia.  Perumanar is received with due honours with chanting of Vedic hymns. He is taken in procession to the accompaniment of auspicious music along the streets of Madurai and taken to the Sannadhi of Sundareswarar.  He is excited to have darisanam of Easan in the Velliambalam in the unusual dancing pose of standing with His left foot and   right foot lifted up!

  As Easan looks upon the Perumanar, songs flow from him in praise of Easan in a torrent! After spending a few days doing his service to the temple and composing songs, Perumanar reaches Thiruppuvanam and then Rameswaram.  He then reaches Thiruppugalur through Tirunelveli and Tirukkanapper.  Praying to Easan in all the above temples, he stays for more time at Thiruppugalur where he composes many great songs like Thiruththandagam, Needu Thaniththandagam, Papanasappathigam, Thiruviruththam and Dasapuranam. 

While staying there…

One day in the early morning, when he goes to the temple as usual to sweep the floors of the Praharam, he finds diamonds and other precious gems scattered along with other rubbish. As the sun rises, these diamonds and gems start glittering. Unmindful and unperturbed by this, he sweeps those diamonds and gems along with other rubbish lying there and throw them into the temple pond outside to ensure that the sacred feet of Easan and His adiyavars are not hurt by them when they go around the Pramises!  Observing that for Perumanar diamonds and gems have no value, the heavens open up with a shower of flowers! The Devas and other Vanavars heap their praise on Perumanar.  Easan lets out a smile seeing all this!

Annai (looking at Easan)

Is it fair to scatter diamonds and gems to test your adiyavar after you have put him through so much of rigorous physical tests? On top of it You are flashing a smile too!

Annai is perplexed as Easan again gives a smile without answering Her! 

    *******

In Thiruppugalur…

Perumanar continues to render his physical service to the upkeep of the temple. To the surprise of the villagers, posses of heavenly damsels alight from heaven and walk towards the temple.  Curious, the people follow them. They fall on the feet of Perumanar and after touching his feet in great reverence, they get up. Though they were of bewitching beauty, wearing attractive clothes and ornaments and sporting fine perfumes, Perumanar is least disturbed. He continues his work without any distraction.

One of the damsels

Perumanare! We are here on the orders of Easan! We have come here from heaven to help you!  We entertain the Devas in heaven and we are here to entertain you also.  We are waiting for your orders to please you!

Thirunavukkarasar

Heavenly ladies! Easan is Iraivan to all of us. If you realy want to help me in the maintenance work of Easan, you draw a thousand pitchers of water and wash the floors of the Praharam.

The women carryout his order and in the process deliberately touches him or bumps on to him to distract his attention. Perumanar is least perturbed and continues his work as if they are not even in existence! Both the villages and the heavenly damsels are surprised by his devotion.

One of the damsels

Perumanare! Please forgive us for our misbehavior!  What we have done is only to spread your glory around the world!

Bowing to Perumanar, they all vanish into the sky!

In Kailayam….

Annai is standing bowing to Easan.

Easan

What do You want Devi?

Annai

Why do You pretend as if You are not aware of it? Do You remember what you said when Appar was crawling on his chest to reach Kailayam with his whole body in tatters and bleeding?

Easan

I do! His tasks have not been completed. I said that it was not proper for him to reach Kailayam without completing his assigned tasks.

Annai

 Not only that. You also said nothing happens without a reason for it!

Today, I have understood its true import!

She bows to Easan with her eyes turning moist!

Easan (with a smile)

What have you learnt, Devi?

Annai

You could not see the suffering of Karaikkal Ammayar when she tried to climb Kailayam with her head and held her head in your hand and addressed her as “Ammaye!” You then made her come to Thiruvaalagadu where You made her to unite unto You! I did not realise being so compassionate, You   would tolerate the suffering of Perumanar!  You therefore went where to where he was and addressed him as “Appare”! You gave him the Kailaya Darisanam in Thiruvaiyaru only to make the world realise his greatness! You did that only to get many of the temples are renovated by him and many hundreds of beautiful songs are also composed by him! To make his   greatness well known, you deliberately put diamonds and gems along with the rubbish which he did not care to even look at! You sent the heavenly damsels to do his bidding but he was steadfast in Easan’s service to prove that it is far more enjoyable than even any other comfort! I have understood that all the trials and tribulations You make Your adiyavars to ace is not to harass them but only to bring out their glory! I have realised that Your compassion towards Your adiyavars is greater than even this Kailayam!

Easan

The time has come to grant him mukti! Look , he is standing there praying to us with his palms cupped in supplication seeking Mukti!

Come! Let Us go!

Both of them vanish from there.

Thiruppugalur…..

The day was Chittirai Sadayam…

There is a huge crowd of people in the Sannadhi. Thirunavukkarasar is standing with his hands folded and palms cupped!

With tears in his eyes he starts singing, pleading to Easan !

As he completes the Pathigam, the sound of conches and Kombus are reverberating heralding the arrival of Easan and Annai seated on the Nandi Vahanam! The Panchaksharam  chanted by Perumanar and the people is  reverberating all around.

Perumanar (shedding copious tears of joy)

Easane! Emperumane! Please keep me under Your sacred feet forever! 

Easan

Me and Annai are very delighted hearing your songs. You have composed three thousand sixty six songs in three hundred and twelve Pathigams!  In Padalipuththiram, during the debate, you asked the questions to Saiva Neriyalar and later gave the answers also to your questions. We want to hear that Pathigam now!

Please recite the same.

Perumanar recollects the event and his questions to the sivanadiyargal.

He hears himself!

There are innumerable people sacrificing everything for serving in various Siva temples.

Has Iraivan appeared before any of them?

Dharmasenar asks the question.

Since there was no response he continues.

You cannot answer… because no one has seen Iraivan with his own eyes. For hundreds of years many wise Gyanis have participated in thousands of debates conducted in Kasi and Padalipuththiram and narrated their experiences. Not one of them could come forward and claim that he has seen Iraivan! In the past hundreds of years He has not seen by any one nor has he appeared before anyone. Why? Because there is no one called Iraivan. We would have got proofs of His existence if he really exists!

You bring to your mind the picture of Nataraja who you revere as your god.

Tell us, is there any proof that he transcended the universe?

Has anyone seen him dancing carrying fire in one of his hands?

Has anyone seen Him with bluish neck wearing snake as a garland?

Has anyone seen His third eye?

Has anyone seen a river flowing from his mane?

These things cannot be imagined even. That is why we say that there is no one as Iraivan. Neither in the past nor in the present or future!

After getting the flashes of old memories back he starts singing.

Perumanar

Is there any proof that Iraivan travels across prabanjam?

While dancing can any one carry agni in his arm?

Can any one carry seven amunitions at a time?

In this earth he moves here and there.how?

Has any one has his adam apple bluish?

Every one has two eyes.Has any one seen a person who has three eyes?

Has any one seen any adiyavar kootam accompany him?

Please Say if any of the above is true?

Can you say that Easan glows like sun?Is it possible?

He travels in his bull vahanam. Imagin can anyone travel on bull across prabanjam?

The snake with its hoods up be with him always?

Can any one imagine that so called creator wears tiger skin at his waist?

Many say that he wears muppurinool(sacred thread) in his chest. Has any one seen and confirmed it?

Has any one seen the Jadamudi decorated with dancing cobra ?

On that Jadamudi moondram pirai Chandran is also said to be there. Is it possible to wear moon?

Can any one even imagine that the holy river Ganga is emanating from top of his Jadamudi?

Has he got any identity as to which sect he is?

Please tell us have any one seen Easan with all these mentioned?

Since no one has seen him with the above descriptions, is your Easan is truly ruling this prabanjam?

Perumanar(continues)

After asking so many questions as above now I answer my own questions.

Yes! I am seeing His thirumeni smeared with thiruneeru everywhere!

Yes! I am seeing the river Ganges reverberates from his Jadamudi!

Yes! I am seeing weapons which can cause instant death at His hands!

Yes! I am seeing Udukkai which makes warning sound always as He dances announcing the world about His celestial dance to end the adharmam!

Yes! I am seeing the moon on His cresent!

Though He warns the adharma vadhigal with udukkai on His hand vibrating celestial sounds, He shows cool and compassionate posture to his adiyavars!

Yes! I see His ponmeni with thiruneeru flashes now and then during His dance!

Yes! I am seeing tiger skin on His waist!

Yes! I am seeing Him with His wife Umai as part of his body!

Yes! I am seeing Him with Cobra as a belt!

Yes! I am seeing arakkan Muyalagan crushed under His holyfeet!

Yes! I am seeing Him right in front of me with the descriptions which already been seen in meditation by many munivergal and as described by them latter!

Perumanar (now pleading)

Easane!

Emperumane!

With out your permission no one can physically see you!

You have no one to compare with!

You are not single!

You do not belong to one place, one sect, one culture!

With all these You are still single, belong to Adiyavars!

Those who sees Him can never describe You as they  see! You are beyond any descriptions!

As Perumanar recites the song, Easan and Annai get highly pleased.

Easan

 Appar Perumane! You are named by Me as Navukkarasar because of your   exemplary skill in poetry. The time has come for you to unite unto Me! Out of the four great Saiva Nayanmars, you will be hailed in this universe for “Sariyai Neri”. Your name and fame will remain as long as this universe remains. Those who worship Me, will worship you as well.

With great compassion, Easan extends His arms to welcome Perumanar unto His fold.

With both his hands raised above his head, Perumanar sings  his final verses!

Here after,

We do not belong to any one but You!

We do not fear death!

We are not going to experience any pain of rebirth!

We do not have any more diseases!

We submit ourselves totally!

We will experience only pleasure and no pain!

By reaching your Thiruvadi Nizhal we terminate the continuance of numerous births in this world!

Perumanar started chanting!

Ohm Namasivaya!

Ohm Namasivaya!

Ohm Namasivaya!

With the holy sounds vibrate everywhere,

Thirunavukkarasar merges unto Easan chanting  loudly Panchaksharam.

The Conch shells and Dhundhubhi are sounded.

The temple bells toll resoundingly as the temple elephant trumpets!

The auspicious sounds reverberate in the heavens. The Devas shower flowers from the heavens on Thirunavukkarasar Peruman.

Thiruchchitrambalam