Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Ponnambalamedu

Swamy Sharanam

As per the request from many devotees, Iam writing few words about the Ponnambala medu. I shall elaborate on this subject with the second part of Shri Maha Sastha Vijayam which Ive started already working

Baktaparipala Pada renu
V.Aravind Subramanyam

Lord Sastha, the Supreme master is being worshipped at Various temples. When Parasurama created Kerala, he requested the Supreme Lord to protect his land. Sastha was pleased with the penance of Parasurama and he appeared before him.

 Lord Sastha promised him to stay in the land of God's own country and instructed Parasurama to build as many temples. 108 Sastha Temples are listed as Nuttiettu Sasthalayangal. Aong which one temple is called Aadhi Moola Kshetram or Sri Moolam Kavu.


During my long research for writing my book "Shri Maha Sastha Vijayam", I was searching for the book Shri Boothanatopahyanam- which actually contains the puranam of Sabarimala. Though till date I couldnot get the full text, by Bagawan's grace we could trace few chapters of the book.


The book contains one exclusive chapter titled "Swarnalaya Pratishta" which talks about a place called ponnambalamedu.

Bagawan Manikanda, during his human incarnation came to the forest. The Rishis and Yogis were doing penance at Veliyanavattam. They received the Lord wholeheartedly and wanted to perform puja to him.

tatrANgatasca bagawat tApasA bakti sAlina:
cakrirE bUtanAtasya pUjanam

The place is sanctified because the Rishis, Yogis and tapasvis made the Lord sit on a throne and did puja to the Akilanda Koti Brahmanda Nayaka.

The text says, Amidst dense beautiful hill the Maharishis, with their power, created a place for their penance. They created a Golden temple.

ramyE parvata srngAgrE tApasAsca tapObalAn
krtvA rkmAlayam tasminandarE maNikandaram

They made Lord Maha Sastha to occupy the central golden throne and then worshipped him.
ratna simhAsanE ramyE samstApya sakalEzwaram 

This place became the most sanctified place of the entire universe. And later after the purpose of the avataram was acheived, Manikandan came back to this spot and merged with this maha peetam.

This is the holiest of the holy spots, where the Supreme Lord Maha Sastha resides with Poorna and Pushkala, His eternal consorts and countless other devotees, from where he performs his divine play, known as leelas.

When we research further, the main question comes.. where is it located?

The text gives answer for that too.
dUrE paNca dwayE dEvayOjanAyAm tu tatra ta:
its located at 10 deva yojana distance from Pampa

According to Valmiki Ramayana one yojana is equated to 9 miles. So 10 yojanas = 90 miles. Moreover its given Deva Yojana. One devayojana=1000yojanas.
So on the whole it means, 90 x 1000 = 90000 miles. This is humanly impossible. (Thats why its deva yojana)

Which makes it clear that this Golden temple on Ponnambalam is not a place which exists in the physical plane. It cannot be seen with the naked eyes.

Just like Kailasam and Vaikuntam... they exist but you cannot see them...

 Even for 108 Vaishnava Divya desam only 106 is there in this world. Remaining 2 are to be seen in the other world.

Similarly this ponnambalamedu or Kanthamalai is a place which exists in the subtle plane and cannot be seen with the naked eyes..

Since one cannot reach here directly,  some people consider the present Ponnambalamedu to be the Kanthamalai of Bhoolokam..

Ponnamblamedu - the mound of pon ambalam - Golden Temple....

The rahasya behind this place- to remind the original Swarnalaya Pratishta done by Rishis, exactly at this actual spot Parasurama installed the Adhi Moolasthanam - Temple of Sastha (Which probably might have been in Gold - as the name suggests).

'Makaravilakku' is the only festival here.  The celebration of  'Makara Samkramam' in this temple is now known as 'Makara Vilakku'.

Later during the historic period, this temple was destroyed and looted by a dacoit named Udayanan..  

Ancient texts like Kerala Kalpam or Boothanaothopakhyanam name this temple as 'Sree Moolam Kavu'. This is the original point of today's 'Sabarimala' temple. 'Makarajyothy' usually appears above the top of this hill.

We dont find any temple there now.. nothing is to be seen now... today we see a yantram with "XX" beejam engraved there... 

It is the most sacred and divine place... The spot is very sacred and the divinity charged there in the atmosphere is beyond imagination.. But that is the state of ultimate bliss,  contentedness, a feeling of fulfillment.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Arul Osai -Call me to hear about Ayyappa

Swamy Sharanam
Iam talking about the glories of Swamy Ayyappan thru Sakthi Vikatan.

Call to (+91) 044-66802913 to hear me on "Arulosai"
Sharanam Ayyappa
Aravind Subramanyam

Monday, September 22, 2014

"Shakthi" - devi darisanam'



Swamy Sharanam
"Shakthi" - devi darisanam'

My lecture series on Devi - now being Aired on Swasthiktv.com 

Its an Online Channel so you can just logon to www.swasthiktv.com  and watch the program.

Please watch and get blessed

Time: Every Tuesday 7.00 AM and Retelecast on Tuesday 7.00 PM

Starting from today, Those who missed it, plz watch today 7.00PM

Thanks

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Swami has arrived - Sasthalaya Sevanam


Swamy Sharanam

We have been doing the Sasthalaya Sevanam - renovationg dilapidated Sastha Kshetrams.
(For those who are new you may visit here http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/09/sasthaalaya-sevanam-movement-for.html) for the past 3 years...

Ive already written about our involvement with this temple ( Details given here : http://shanmatha.blogspot.in/2014/05/sasthalaya-sevanam-kiratha-sastha.html and
http://shanmatha.blogspot.in/2014/07/result-of-devaprasnam-sasthalaya-sevanam.html )
Lord Kirathan

Kannimoola Ganapati
As instructed by Bagawan and with the support of devotees we had ordered for Shila Vigraham for Lord Kiratha Sastha and Ganapathy and Panchaloka Bimbam for Devi.

The stapati had told us that he needs atleast 20 more days to complete the vigraham. Today morning, (being the auspicious Uthra Nakshatram), we had call from the Stapati informing that the Stone Vigrahams are ready. Without any delay we rushed to the spot and we were astonished to see the black beauty - ashyama komalan - Lord Kirathan.
 
Opening the Eyes
Puja by the Stapati

 The Stapati did his own rituals and pujas to complete the vigraham and opened the eyes. The ever merciful Lord in all his majesty is now ready to bless his devotees. Along with him is Lord Ganesha - to remove all our hurdles and to witness tomorrow's Chaturti.

Now we also got a phone call that the Gopura Kalasams are also ready. - All happening in the same day ... !!!

Bagawath Sankalpam...

As suggested by the Lord - it is evident that the Lord is happy about the present happenings and We are sure that, as promised by HIM, he is directly blessing the devotees who is taking part in this venture.

We are awaiting for the next process of completing the Srikovil and Kumbabhishekam of the temple.

Vettakkorumakane Sharanam Ayyappa !!
Vettakkorumakane Sharanam Ayyappa !!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

மஹாம்ருத்யுஞ்ஜய மந்திரம்



இது மஹாம்ருத்யுஞ்ஜய மந்திரம் என்ற பெயருடையது. ருக் வேதத்திலும் (7.59.12) யஜூர் வேதத்திலும் (1.8.6.i; VS3.60) காணப்படுகிறது. இம்மந்திரத்தைக் கண்டறிந்தவர் மார்கண்டேய முனிவர். இது முக்கண்களையுடைய சிவபிரானிடம், சாகாமையை  வேண்டுவதாக அமைந்துள்ளது.
ஓம் த்ரயம்பகம் யஜாமஹே ஸுகந்திம் புஷ்டிவர்தனம் l
உர்வாருகமிவ பந்தனாத் ம்ருத்யூர் முக்ஷீய மாம்ருதாத் ll

சொற்பொருள்:-
ஓம் = ஓம்; த்ரயம்பகம் = முக்கண்ணுடையவரே; யஜாமஹே = நாங்கள் உம்மை யாகத்தினால் பூசிக்கிறோம்; சுகந்திம் = நறுமணமும் (எல்லா வளமும்); புஷ்டி = ஊட்டமும் (எல்லா நலமும்); வர்த்தனம் = பெருகும்படியாகச் செய்பவரே; உர்வாருகம் = வெள்ளரிப்பழம்; இவ = போல; ம்ருத்யோர் = (என்னை) இறப்பின்; பந்தனாத் = பிடியிலிருந்து; முக்ஷீய = விடுவித்து; மா = எனக்கு; அம்ருதாத் = இறவாமையை அருளும்.

மந்திரத்தின் பொருள்:-
ஓம் முக்கண்ணுடையவரே! எல்லா வளமும், எல்லா நலமும் பெருகும்படிச் செய்பவரே! நாங்கள் உம்மை யாகத்தினால் பூசிக்கிறோம். வெள்ளரிப் பழம் போல, என்னை இறப்பின் பிடியில் இருந்து விடுவித்து, எனக்கு இறவாமையை அருளும்.

விளக்கவுரை:-
ஓம் என்பது எல்லா மந்திரங்களுக்கும் பொதுவானது. அதைத் தனியாக உச்சரிக்க சன்யாசிகளுக்கு மட்டுமே உரிமையுள்ளது. ஆகையால், மற்றோர்களும் அதை உச்சரித்துப் பயன் பெற வேண்டும் என்பதற்காக, அந்த ஓரெழுத்து மந்திரம் அனைத்து மந்திரங்களுக்கும் முதலில் உச்சரிக்கப் பெறுகிறது. இங்கும் அதுவே பின்பற்றப்பட்டுள்ளது.

சிவபிரானுக்கு மற்ற பல அங்க அடையாள, அணிகலன்கள் இருக்க, இங்கு அவர் முக்கண்ணரே! என விளிக்கப்படுகிறார். காரணம், மற்றெந்த தெய்வத்திற்கும் இல்லாத இந்தச் சிறப்பை உடையவரே, மற்றெந்த தெய்வத்தாலும் அளிக்க இயலாத, பின்னால் கேட்கப் போகும் (இறவாமை என்ற) வேண்டுகோளை நிறைவேற்ற சக்தியுள்ளவர் என்று சுட்டிக் காண்பிப்பதற்காகவே ஆகும். மூன்றாவது கண்ணால் காமவேளை எரித்தவருக்கு, அதேபோல, யமனை எரிப்பது ஒரு பெரிய காரியமல்ல என்று கூறுவதுவும் ஏற்புடையதே.

சிவபெருமான் காரணமின்றியே, அவர் மீது பக்தி இல்லாவிடினும், அருள் செய்து (இதற்கு வடமொழியில் ’அவ்யாஜ கருணா’ அல்லது ’நிர்ஹேதுக க்ருபா’ என்று பெயர்), நறுமணத்தையும், ஊட்டத்தையும் அளிக்கிறார். அவர் மீது நமது பக்தி கூடக் கூட, அவற்றை அதிகரிக்கச் செய்பவர் என்பதையே ’வர்தனம்’ என்ற சொல் உணர்த்துகின்றது. நறுமணம் என்பது மனமகிழ்ச்சி, போன்ற உள்ளம் சார்ந்த வளங்களையும், ’புஷ்டி’ என்பது  உடலுடன் தொடர்புடைய நோயின்மை, சுகம் என்ற நலன்களையும் சுட்டுகின்றன. வடமொழியில் ’யஜனம்’ என்றால் யாகம் செய்தல் என்று பொருள். பொதுவாக பூசிப்பது என்பது பொருளானாலும் சிறப்பாக யாகத்தால் பூசிப்பதையே குறிக்கிறது.

மரத்தில் ஏற்றி விடப்பட்ட வெள்ளரிக் கொடியில் காய் காய்த்துப் பழுக்கிறது. பக்குவம் வந்தவுடன் பழம் கொடியிலிருந்து விடுபடுகிறது. நிலத்தில் விழும் அதற்கு என்ன நேருகிறது?  அதே கொடி நிலத்தில் படருகிறது, காய்க்கிறது, பழுக்கிறது. பழம் எடை கூடுதலாக இருப்பதால், பக்குவம் வந்தவுடன், பழத்திற்குச் சேதமில்லாமல், கொடி பழத்திலிருந்து விடுபடுகிறது. அந்த நிலையே இங்கு விளக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. நம்மைப் தன்பால் பிணைத்து வைத்துக் கொண்டுள்ள இறப்பு, நம்மிடம் இருந்து விலக அருள் புரிய வேண்டும் என வேண்டப்படுகிறது. வெள்ளரிக்காய் பழுத்த உடனேயே கொடி அதை விட்டுப் பிரிவதில்லை. பக்குவம் வர வேண்டியதுள்ளது. அதுபோல, சாகாமையை வேண்டினாலும் பக்குவம் வரும் போதுதான் அதை அடைய முடிகிறது. அதுதான் குருவருள். இறையருள் கிடைத்தாலும், குருவருளின்றிக் காரியம் கை கூடாது என்பது இங்கே, அதாவது பக்குவம் வந்தபோது தானாக விடுபட்டுப் போகும் கொடியினால், குறிப்பாக விளக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இறவாமை என்றால் என்ன? பிறந்த உடனேயே சாவதும் உறுதி. எவரும், எதுவும் நிலையல்ல; அப்படியிருக்க இறவாமையை எப்படி வேண்டிப் பெற முடியும்? இறவாமை, இப்பொழுது எடுத்துள்ள இப்பிறவியில் அல்ல. இனிப் பிறந்து-பிறந்து, இறந்து-இறந்து இளைக்காமல் இருப்பதுவே வேண்டப்படுகிறது. அதற்கு இம்மனிதப் பிறவி ஒரு கருவியாக இருக்கிறது. இம்மாதிரியான மந்திரங்களைச் சொல்லி, கேட்டு, சிந்தித்து, உணர்ந்து பயன் அடைய முடிகிறது.


எந்த மந்திரத்தை உச்சரித்தாலும்,  அதற்கேற்ற பயன் கிடைப்பது உறுதி. அதில் ஐயமில்லை. ஆனால் ஒலிநாடா சொல்லிக் கொண்டிருப்பது போலன்றி, அதன் பொருளறிந்து சொல்லுவது, பன்மடங்கு பயனை, உடனே அளிக்க வல்லது.        

- எழுதியர் ஸ்ரீ சாஸ்தா கோபால், கோவிந்தபுரம்

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Kamokarsheet Japam and Seshadri Swamigal

Today is Avani Avitam (Shravana Poornima) and its Upakarma for people belonging to Yajur Vedha. Rg and Sama Vedhis will be having their upakarmas subsequently.  

While performing the Upakarma how many of us try to understand the significance of the Upakarma and various aspects of Upakarma?

I was really glad when my dear brother Anand questioned me about one important part of the Upakarma  ie Kamokarsheet Japam

If we can observe carefully, the actual process of Upakarma starts with Kamokarsheet japam. Many of us just like that take it easy and do the Kamokarsheet Japam (though prescribed count is minimum 1008, most of the people do 108, 28 or even 11) 

On the upakarma day, a Praayaschittam (expiation) is performed on two counts - to pardon the sin of learning Vedas in the prohibited period of the year and a special request to pardon all the sins committed by them during the year. With this sankalpam we perform the Kamokarsheet japam.

We need to understand the very essence of the whole Karmic formula of Hinduism (or rather the human race ) lies in this Kamokarsheet Japam. Thats the reason its kept as a part of our Nitya Sandhyavandham and a special japam is suggested on the Upakarma day.

What is the purpose of doing this japam 1008 or 108 times?

Its not only a chant, but a great prayer or declaration to contemplate. 

As part of our life in this world, knowingly or unknowlingly, voluntarily or invluntarily we commit sins. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. And this is the basic law for Karma and because of this, we all are bound by Karma. Kamokarsheet is a confession for all the sins committed by us during the year prodded by Kama and Manyu, avarice and anger. 

The Kamokarsheet Japam is orginally from the Mahanarayana Upanishad. 

In the mantra Kamoekarsheet Manyurakarsheet’ Namo nama:" -  both Desire (Kama) and Anger (Manyu) are raised to a special  status and salutations is given to them. Even gods are bound to  these qualities.

‘Kamokarsheet’ in Sanskrit means ‘those acts that are out of desire’.‘Manyurakarsheet’   means “those acts that are committed out of anger”.

It reminds us of all our sins and make us understand that  it is lust & anger that are the root cause of all our misdeeds, thus reminding us to be careful and vigilant.

An incident from the life our Gurunathar Seshadri Swamigal proves the importance of Kamokarsheet Japam for spiritual aspirants.

During his younger days at Kanchipuram, Swamigal was always engrossed in continuous and vigorous Japa and prayers. 

Many great scholars at Kanchipuram were always surprised to see the small boy sitting in the corner of the temple and murmuring something. 

Once, they all decided to question the boy and get an idea about what he is doing all these days.

They all went to Swamigal and called him.

"Oh Boy ! What are you doing" - they asked Swamigal

An immediate reply came: 
" I need to get rid of my Karma ; So Iam doing Japam for that"

The scholars never expected such a mature reply from a small boy. 

"What are you chanting for this purpose?"

Swamigal again gave an astounding reply  : 


"Kamokarsheet namo namah: Kamokarsheet
kamah karoti naaham karomi
kamah karta naham karta
kamah kaarayitaa naham kaarayita;
Esha the kaama kaamaaya swaha:

Manyurakaarsheet namo namah: Manyuh akaarsheet
manyuh karoti naham karomi
manyuh karta naham karta
manyuh kaarayita naham kaarayita;
Esha the manyo manyave swaha:"

Ive completed half my target, Iam yet to complete few more to get rid of my Karma.

He then explained the significance of the statement and also its actual meaning.

"Desire performed the act. Desire did the act. Desire is doing the act, not I (Self). Desire is the agent not I. Desire causes the doer to act not I. O Desire, fascinating in form, let this oblation be offered to thee, Hail!

Anger performed the act. Anger did the act. Anger is doing the act; not I. Anger is the agent; not I. Anger causes the doer to act; not I. O Anger, let this oblation be offered to thee. Hail! " 

The small boy suggested the veteran scholars 
"Dear Sirs, even you people start chanting this; Only this can kill karma. And without getting rid of Karma how can you qualify for Moksha (salvation) ?"

"Kaamah Karoti Naaham Karomi ; Kamoekarsheet Manyurakaarsheet’ Namonama:"

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Result of Devaprasnam: Sasthalaya Sevanam


Result of Devaprasnam: The Lord is very happy about the re-instation


We have been doing the Sasthalaya Sevanam - renovationg dilapidated Sastha Kshetrams.
(For those who are new you may visit here http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/09/sasthaalaya-sevanam-movement-for.html) for the past 3 years...

Ive already written about our involvement with this temple ( Details given here : http://shanmatha.blogspot.in/2014/05/sasthalaya-sevanam-kiratha-sastha.html )

After completing the the mandapam and the Srikovil, we wanted a deva prashnam to be conducted. Only after knowing the willingness of the Lord, we wanted to venture into Vigraham and Pratishta and Kumbabhishekam. 



 The Devaprasnam was scheduled on 23rd June 2014 at the same Sree Vettakorumakan Temple premises.


Our friend Shri.Anish Krishnan Nair who suggested us regarding this temple and ourselves first went to the Krishnan Temple where the present thidambu of Lord is placed and is worshipped. We wanted to get permission from the Lord before initiating the restoration.

As a positive nimitham we were welcomed with the temple's Swami's Seeveli Vigraham. Immediately after this we went to the Kiratha Sastha temple spot and did a pooja to Lord Kiratha Sastha to mark the beginning of the Deva Prashnam. Then Puja was offered to Ganapati, Dakshinamurty and Subramanya and the Rasi devatas (Planets). The Devaprasnam started with the mangalya vasthus given to  the hands of a small girl and she was asked to put those in anyone of the 12 houses after doing puja of Rasi Chakra.   

The devaprasnam, began at 11.00 am after placing a ‘swarnaaroodham’ in ‘Kanya rasi'.The presence of the Lord was very clear and unmistakable - the Lord is Sastha in the form of a hunter ie Vettakorumakan. He is of full power but His full 

potential is yet to be manifested. The presence of the sub-dieties were also made clear. Ganapathy and Bhadrakali was identified and two separate shrines had to be installed. Two sankalpa peetams for Madan and Yakshi was also identified (But no praishtai is required).

The Astrologer Kamalasanan Nair, who headed the devaprasnam, suggested that the Devaprasnam revealed the irregularities and loss of divinity due to the various reasons.

Lord’s displeasure poured out aplenty in the beginning. The Lord is unhappy with the past and present happenning in the temple. But  He is very happy about the future and hence its HE who has initiated the process.

The prashnam also revealed that whoever involved in the devevlopment of the temple without any expectations, will prosper in their life.

Lord Nod for New Vigraham

The present thidambu of the Lord (Kiratha Sastha) is very old and damaged and the Lord favored our request to replace it with a new Stone idol. When the same question was raised about Bhagawati, the Lord refused for an idol but to maintain a Kannadi Bimbam for Bagawati. But permission was given that the Kannadi may be replaced with a new one as the present bimbam is broken. Also a new stone idol has to be installed for Ganapati - with a vlampuri trunk.

The devaprasnam also found that the Lord is not favorable to the mandapam built some few years ago, but there is nothing wrong if the Srikovil's roof and kalasam is raised above the mandapam.

The Lord favored a barricade separating the mandapam and the Srikovil.

It was revealed that the neivedhyam done to the Lord so far had some impurities and ashuddis which had to be immediately rectified.

The devaprasnam disclosed that the deity had a lot of wealth in the yester years and was taken away by many in due course of time. The next stage of Devaprasnam, predicted few robbery and untimely death to the people who have usurped the Lord's property and that would have seriously affected them - this was later confirmed by the villagers.

Meanwhile, the Devaprasnam also listed out certain special poojas to be performed to cleanse the temple and to appease the Lord.‘special pooja’ be conducted to Lord Shiva and Mahavishnu in the nearby temples. Also, special poojas should be offered at the Sarpakavu of Uma Maheshwara Kshetram every Ayilyam.

Finally the devaprasnam got the deity’s approval for the overalll renovation schemes planned for the temple. It was once again made clear that the Lord is happy about the present happenings and He is ready to bless the devotees who takes part in this venture.

Shri Kamalasanan Nair, Parvathipuram Shri. Anish Krishnan Nair and Anandhan Nampoothiri participated in the ritual.

Devaswom Board Srikaryam, members of the temple committe, members of Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam, the village people and few more astroloers were present.

Vettakkorumakane Sharanam Ayyappa !!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

"Shri Maha Sastha Stuti Mala"


Swami Sharanam

The members of Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam has brought out an Audio Cd on Lord Ayyappa titled "Shri Maha Sastha Stuti Mala" . The CD was released during our Sastha Preethi Mahotsavam on June 2014.

Ancient scriptures and texts praise Lord Hariharaputra as Lord Kalau Sasthru Vinayakau - Pratyaksham Tu Kalau.

The are various vibrant stuits and stotras which praise his glory in several ways. among them, a few rare stutis are compiled in this volume.

Listening to slokas about Lord Sastha - Pratha Smaranam, Suprabhatham, Different Dhyana slokas of the 16 different forms of Sastha brings good things to your home. Sasthru Stavaraja Stotram - the king among the stutis of Lord Sastha is a feast to the devotees. Hariharaputra Sahasranama, Ashtotram and Kavacham lifts the spirits of the devotees.

These prayers will please Lord Bhuthanatha and he will grant us health, wealth, prosperity and Salvation.

This is dedicated to the Lotus feet of Sri Gurunathar and Poorna Pushkala samedha Sri Bhakthaparipala Maha Sastha

The noble mission of recording this Audio CD is to propagate the Stotras of Lord Sastha.

The cost of the CD is Rs.70/-

For copies of the CDs, contact :
Shri. Shrivibhavan Ph: 9487019489

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Sasthalaya Sevanam - A Kiratha Sastha Temple at Nagarcoil


Lord Sastha is celebrated as Loka Veeram and Mahapujyam. Among his various incarnations, his Veera form is known as Kiratha Sastha or Vettakkorumakan.

Among many of his ancient temples, this temple located at Nagarcoil dist. (Yester year's Kerala and todays Tamilnadu). So there is a mix of both Tamil and Malayalam culture in this place. Originally the temple was located inside dense beetle nut grove. Some years back, the original Kiratha Sastha and his sub-deities were removed and balalayam was made in a nearby temple. All these happend some  generations back. After so many years, till date the deities Ganapaty, Kiratha Sastha and Badrakali are living as a guest inside another temple.

Our friend and eminent writer, Shri.Anish Krishnan Nair suggested us regarding this temple and on behalf of Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam - we are now involved reinstating the Lord to his original place. 

We have been doing the Sasthalaya Sevanam - renovationg dilapidated Sastha Kshetrams.
(For those who are new you may visit here http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/09/sasthaalaya-sevanam-movement-for.html) for the past 3 years...

We had a great difficult job in identifying the temple. Lord Kiratha Sasrga only recently disclosed His presence. The records showing 3 acres out of which 2.4 acres are now under encroachment. The devaswom board also came forward to support us.

Situated in a lush, green milieu at the banks of Tamraparni river, this temple is located at a beautiful place - a place of serene divinity. Iam sure this might have been associated to some ancient history of Parasurama Kshetram.

Now a mandapam and the Srikovil is almost ready inside the temple compound. Soon we will be conducting a deva prashnam; After knowing the willingness of the Lord, a new Vigraham and Pratishta and Kumbabhishekam will be planned.

At this juncture, when we are doing Kiratha Maha Rudram - I personally feel that its the divine will of Lord Sastha that he gave us the opportunity to serve  his same form of Vettakkorumakan.

We are really happy that we could serve these deserving temples and it gives a sense of satisfaction.
Vettakkorumakane Sharanam Ayyappa !!



Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Audio Recording - Question Answer Session



Swami Sharanam

Our Friend Shri.N.S.Kumar have recorded my  upanyasam at Mulund Bhajan Samaj , December 2013. Apart from the Hariharaputra Sapthaaham, we had few question answer session. The audio recordings of that day is uploaded.

Ive answered the questions raised on that particular day within the time frame.

The content is as follows:-

01 What is the meaning of iru vinai.mp3
02 Who should perform the Mala Dharnam on first day of Vratam.mp3
03 What is the significance of ghee  in the coconut Can one take more than one mudra thengai.mp3
04 Kettunarai-Some do at home, Some do at Pamba Is it Right or Wrong.mp3
05 Significance of 18 steps.mp3
06 Please explain Shastha's swaroopam.mp3
07 Who is big - Vishnu or Shiva.mp3
08 Eight Avataram Eight Swaroopam.mp3
09 Relation between  Kambankudi and Shastha.mp3
10 Meaning of Samstha Aparada Rakshane.mp3
11 Is Murugan Anna or Thambi of Shastha.mp3
12 Can ladies sit for Ayyappa Laksharchana.mp3
13 About Noorni Shasthapreethi.mp3
14 Can ladies chant rudram.mp3
15 Is vratam compulsory.mp3
16 Shraadham after mala dharanam.mp3
17 On the way to Sabari malai yatra, we pick stone and put it another location, explain.mp3

The link to access these files is https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3iXkPbpbdowcm5ZUEpWOFk2bDA&usp=sharing

The link is a public link hence anyone can access it.

My Special thanks to Shri.N.S.Kumar once again

Swamy Sharanam
Bhaktaparipala Paadha Renu
V.Aravind Subramanyam

Friday, April 25, 2014

Appeasing Sastha : Theory Text And Practice Of Sastha Preethi In South India



My Special article given for Journal of Indological Studies

Appeasing Sastha :
Theory Text And Practice Of Sastha Preethi In South India


Shri Maha Sasthru Priya Dasan
V. Aravind Subramanyam, (Sastha Aravind)
President, Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam
Thejovathy, 94 B, Third Street, Tatabad, Coimbatore 641012
Ph:(0)99946 41801 Email: aravindsai@gmail.com


Sabarimalai Yatra, Ayyappa Pooja and Sasthapreethi are the three, most well known events that please the Kaliyuga Varadha Swami Shree Dharma Sastha. For a Ayyappa devotee the chanting of the celebrated three words is everything - " Swamiye  Saranam Ayyappa" – Oh Lord Ayyappa, I come to Thee for refuge. The high and low meet on equal terms in the presence of the Lord who is known as Dharmasastha – one who teaches and upholds dharma. 

Sasthapreethi is a time tested mode of worshipping Lord Dharmasastha in a very religious way by various samoohams and organizations in and around Kerala, and now in all parts of the country and abroad.  The religious pooja is given more importance followed by Annadhanam.

One should not confuse Sastha Preethi with Ayyappa puja or Sabarimalai Yatra; Sastha Preethi in a unique and different form of worship which has its own methods and procedures.

Origin :

The spreading of Sastha Preethi as a cult (other than Kallidaikurichi) dates back to three centuries.

Over 300 years ago a handful of enterprising men, started from a village called Kallidaikurichi,(Tirunelveli district). Their aim was to establish some business and improve their material prospects.

The Karandhaiyar palayam Samooham (of Kallidaikurichi) situated on the banks of river Thamirabarani, was the origin of a concept called Sastha Preethi. Consisting of 18 Agraharams, Kallidaikurichi was in the western ghat region, it was the border of Chera and Pandya Kingdoms in yester years. Sastha was the beloved deity on both sides of hills. Kallidakuruchi had a temple for Sastha.

Lord ‘Manikandan’ (during his human incarnation) had come to this village and had called at the house of an old couple for some food. The Lord felt very happy with their hospitality and became "Kambankudi Daasan". People started celebrating the Lord and thus began the glorious Sastha Preethi through the Kambankudi family who hailed from Kallidakuruchi.

When the people of Karanthaiyar palaya samooham, moved out from Kallidaikurichi towards Kerala in search of a new life, Lord Sastha promised that He would accompany them.

Passing through hills and forests they underwent many hardships, but could overcome everything by the grace of Lord Dharma Sastha. They understood that the divine blessing of Lord Hariharaputra was following them. First they settled in a place between the present Mavelikkara and Kayamkulam. But they were not happy and were suffering with a sense of insecurity there… From there few groups settled at Kochi, Few at Paravoor and another pocket at Trivandrum.

Vanji paattu

Those days the geographical setup and main transport was water way. When the first Brahmin settlement went to Kochi, Vanchi Pattu (the boatmans song) was developed on the rivers and backwaters, sung by boatman on voyages to keep up their spirit. So selected few Sastha Preethis have Vanji Paattu as a part of their ritual. Singing on a typical folk tune, the glory of their Saviour  - Lord Sastha is praised.

From Kallidaikurichi, Kochi and Paravoor, the concept of Sastha Preethi got widespread among the Brahmins who settled in and around Kerala. Sastha is praised as “Paradesi Kavalan”  - one who protects a person of a foreign land  in short Helper to the helpless. This system further spread to Palakkad, Trichur , Ernakulam districts of Kerala and Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Nagarcoil districts of Tamilnadu.

The meaning of the name Sastha Preethi is ‘appeasing Lord Dharma Sastha’ by pooja, songs and mainly by offering sumptuous feast to His devotees.

Though there is no standard written text for the procedure and methods, it is a customary practice that is being followed in all the places.

There may be slight variations on the pooja and procedures followed at various places of Sastha Preethi by different persons, but the underlying principle is same.

Generally the pooja on Sasthapreethi day comprises of Mahaganapathi Homam, Mahanyasa Japam, Rudrabhishekam, Rudra Kramaarchana, Sastha Avahanam,  Pooja, Sastha Sahasranamarchana, Deeparadhana, Chaturvedaparayanam and singing of traditional  Sastha Paattu songs.

Choosing the Day and Pooja practices:

Generally traditional samoohams have a fixed date for their Sastha Preethi. A convenient day is always chosen well in advance. It is a traditional practice that it’s always a Saturday. But the other aspects of the day are scrutinized so that it doesn’t hinder the feast and oil bath. (For example days like Ekadasi, Amavasai are excluded). The persons who are invited as representatives of the Lord - should compulsorily take an oil bath on the day of the event.

Regarding the pooja methods - Vaidheeka or Thanthreeka or Mishra pooja is used for Sastha Preethi according to the location. The priest invokes Lord Ganapathi, Ambal and Dharma Sastha and His attendants (Parivara Devathas) on tall brass lamps decorated tastefully.

The positioning of the Lamps varies from place to place. Sastha lamp always occupies the centre. All other lamps have fixed places with respect to the main lamp.

Kallidaikurichi and Paroor have Guru and Ganapathy on either Side of Sastha; Whereas Kochi has Ganapathi and Chellapillai on the either side. In few places all other Parivarams like Karuppan, Kaduthan etc are placed on the left side of the Lord and Yakshi or Devi swaroopams are seated on the right side. But a separate South facing lamp is compulsorily placed for Boothanatha Swami who controls all the parivaras.

Other than the traditional samoohams and in neo-Sastha Preethis, there is a common placement of Ganapathi and Devi on either side of Sastha.

It is also a practice that Sastha Lamp is lit with ghee and all others are lit with sesame oil.

Proper, procedural, detailed pujas are done to the Lord according to the Kalpam. Upacharas, Avarana Puja and other poojas are done which is followed by Kramarchana or by Sahasranama Archana. ( Pancha / Ashta / Nava Avarana puja is done to Sastha as per the school of thought. Texts like “Dharma Sasthru Pooja Kalpam” of Bala Dhandayudhapani Swamigal, “Maha Sasthru Pooja Kalpadhrumam” – attributed to Adhishankara, Dhakshinamnaya Pooja etc are used. We follow a method of Navavarana puja to Sastha which is in line with Srividya Navavaranam)

Shanka pooja plays an important role in Sastha Preethi. The people who get into trance are invoked with the Lord’s grace through this Shanka theertham.

The specific neivedhyams like Chathachayam Payasam, Ellurundai, Neiyappam are compulsory for a Sastha Preethi. And in general the entire Payasam in which vessel it’s made - is brought in front of the Lord.

Varavu Paattu

After the detailed puja, neivedyam and deeparadhana followed by mantrapushpam a detailed Veda Parayanam is made. After appeasing the Lord with Vedha gosham, the traditional Sastha paattu (Varavu Paattu – inviting Songs) songs are sung.

All these Varavu songs are written by a poet named Manidasa who lived around some 150-200 years ago.Tamil poet-saint Arunagirinathar is considered as the Gurunathar of all devotees of Lord Muruga. Likewise Manidasar, a descendant of the Kallidaikurichi (Kambangudi) family lineage, is considered as the universal Gurunather of all devotees of Lord Sastha. Manidasar has sung several hundred songs in praise of Lord Hariharaputra – which are sung during the Sastha Preethi.

For each and every event of the pooja he has rendered songs and poems called Viruttams.

He has also sung five group songs, each group consisting of five vrittams. These are known as “Kulaththur Panchagam, Aryankavu Panchagam, Achchanaar Panchagam, Muththayyan Panchagam and Sabari Panchagam.

Several songs of Manidasar register the glories and history of Lord Sastha. His songs are rich with emotive beauty with meaningful words and with a perfect symphony.



There are very few well versed singers in Kerala and in Tamilnadu. These singing follow a tradition and starts from Ganapathi. Manidasar’s songs are there in Chaste Tamil in praise of Lord Dharma Sastha inviting Him. Songs invoking Ganapathi, Shastha, Chellapillai, Yakshi, Sangili Bhoothathan and other Parivara Devathas are sung. 

(Though not compiled into a perfect text format, hundreds of songs of Manidasar are sung in various parts of South India during the occasion of Sastha Preethi. We on behalf of Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam, have tried to compile few songs of Manidasar and have released a book titled “Sampradhaya Sastham Paattu in the year 2009)

Sthanikas and their Trance:

While singing, the traditional upasakas or Sthanakaras of the respective deities gets into a trance and gets the supreme power invoked within them. In General Sastha, Chellapillai, Yakshi and Boothathan are the deities who are invited. Very rarely a place is given to Karuppan or Maadan.

Before the singing starts, eleven or more plantain leaves (Nuni elai)  are bundled and decorated with sandal paste, kumkum and flowers and kept in the sannidhanam of the Lord during the pooja . All the ayudhams of Lord Sastha and the Parivaras are also placed near the main lamp.

A wooden plank is decorated with Kolam and placed before the Lord. In few places the peeta puja of the respective deities is done to the wooden plank. These Sthanikas (or Komarams as addressed by local people) who get into trance sit on this wooden plank.

It’s a customary practice that the moolamantram of Sastha is enchanted on Punugu (Civet) and handed over to the Sthanikar of Sastha. Once he gets into trance, he in turn hands over similar enchanted Vibhuti to Chellapillai and Boothathan, Kunkumam to Yakshi and Manjal (Turmeric) to Karuppan. Similarly the person with the trance of Lord Sastha accepts all the ayudhams from the priest and gives the respective ayudhams to the respective deities (in trance).

These Sthanikas are offered respect by the devotees and upacharas are done to them. They are seated on the wooden plank and abhishekam is done to them. They are decorated with garland, sandal paste and kumkum.

They bless the devotees with prasadam and convey the deity's satisfaction in the conduct of the Sasthapreethi.

The plantain leaves are handed over by the representative of Lord Sastha along with vibhuthi prasadam to the person organizing the pooja.   Only after this ritual, prasadam, the food is served to the public. 

The Lord conveys his message for the days and confirms his satisfaction about the Sastha Preethi conducted. People prostrate before him, get blessed and receive Vibhoothi as prasadam.

Once the sthanikas come out of their trance, they offer back the respective ayudhams to the priest and prostrate before the Lord and accept the shanka theertham.

The Lord accepts any form of worship with devotion and dedication and to those who cast their ego and with absolute surrender and purity prayerfully calls out to Him. He is always there, ever ready to take them under His benign shelter and bestow upon them health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. This is very well seen during the Sastha Preethi festival. This is an occasion where one directly gets the grace of the Lord.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Sastha Preethi and Kiratha Maha Rudram

Respected Devotees,

Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam feels privileged to write a few lines to everyone of you.

By the divine blessing as the guiding force, we are stepping into this year's pooja celebration - to be conducted as 2 days program at Shri Ayyappan Puja Sangam, Ramnagar, Coimbatore.

Pujas of yester years were a Mega success,by the grace of Lord Ayyappa. This became possible ONLY due to your overwhelming response, moral and financial support.

This year, ive attached the invitation copy for the festival :

English Version :



The glorious SASTHA PREETHI in the traditional way falls on 14th June, Saturday, starting with Vanji Paattu, Sastha Puja and then Varavu...This is followed by Procession, Nama Sankeerthanam in the evening.

The unique : KIRATHA MAHA RUDRAM ie Maha Rudram to Lord Kiratha Sastha is on 15th June Sunday - by traditional way. (Needless to say for the FIRST TIME)

(Written a brief account on this event below)

Please make yourself convenient and be present for both the days with all support.
We earnestly request all devotees to attend this auspicious pooja and get the blessings of Lord Sastha.

Those who wish to contribute to this Puja, may send Cheque / MO / DD in favour of :
"Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam" to V. Aravind Subramanyam, Thejovathy, 94 B, Third Street, Tatabad, Coimbatore 12. Ph: 099946-41801

Or You may pay directly to our Bank Account :
Name: "Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam"
Karur Vysya Bank A/c No. 1121 135 822
IFSC CODE - KVBL0001121
Nanjappa Road Branch
or
Canara Bank A/c No. 2988 101 015671
IFSC CODE - CNRB0002988
PSG Arts College Branch

Devotees who donate can mail us your Name and Nakshatram and the Address so that it will be included in the Puja and we can send you the prasadam.

Looking forward to your active support to celebrate this function of "OUR" Lord.

Contributions in way of Cash or Kind / Materials :

Flowers Rs. 5,001 (Per Session)
Puja Materials Rs.5,001 (Per Session)
Ashwa Puja, Go Puja Rs. 5001
Sankalpam for One Rudra Ganam Rs. 15000
Materials such as Rice Bags, Vegetables, Milk, Coconuts,Oil tin, Ghee tin etc
Annadhanam (Full Contribution) Rs.75,000 (Per Day) or
Annadhanam (Part Contribution) Rs.10,000

(All these are indicative only) Any small contribution to the above event would make it very successful and obtain the blessing of Lord Dharma Sastha.

For Details You may Contact
Ph: 099946 41801
Email: aravindsastha@gmail.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIRATHA MAHA RUDRAM

With the boundless blessings of Our Baktha Paripala Sri Maha Sastha, and blessings of Ayyappa Bhaktha Ratnam ,Kalpathy Sri C.V. Srinivasa Iyer (my Great Grandfather), last year's great event of “Hariharaputhra Brahmana Santarpana Vaibhavam” was a life time experience and without the divine grace event of such magnitude could event be dreamt of. This was followed by the glorious Bhuvaneshwara Pattabhishekam under the leadership of Kadanthethi Sivacharyars.

This year, Shri Mahasasthru Seva Sangam, has ordained to perform the unique event of “Kiratha Maha Rudram" - Maha Rudra Yagnam to Lord Kiratha Sastha and the annual Sastha Preethi Mahotsavam, on June 14 & 15, 2014.

Kiratha Maha Rudram 15-06-2014:

The Karunyam of the Almighty, Sri Maha Sastha is immeasurable. Our gratitude to the Great Lord can be expressed in many ways.

The word Rudram means fire which ignites the divine grace. Sri Rudram is a part of Yajur Vedha and is a wish full filler of the entire humanity.

Scriptures define several methods of Rudram recitation . These are summarized by Sage Satapatha

  1. Reciting the entire Sri Rudram – reciting Namakam 11 times followed by first ,second canto of Chamakam for each Namakam recitation is known as Rudraikadasini (Ekadasha Rudram).
  2. Eleven Rudraikadasini make one Laghu Rudram (121 times recitation). This is usually done by 11 priests each chanting Rudram 11 times simultaneously.
  3. Eleven Laghu Rudrams make one Maha Rudram (1,331 times)

So Sri Rudram and Chamakam when chanted 121 times by 11 Vedhic Scholars it becomes Maha Rudram

Sri rudram praises the Supreme Lord as a divine hunter with bow, arrow and sword, the very source
of cosmic energy for the entire creation. His Divine form encompasses and extends far beyond all known and unknown galaxies and universes. He is the conqueror of Death and an embodiment of infinite mercy, compassion and love.

This is exactly similar to the form of Lord Kiratha Sastha - the divine hunter, who is often addressed as Paradevatha - the ultimate supreme of all Gods. Though there are many forms to Lord Sastha, this incarnation is to for blessing the good and virtuous and also for the destruction of evil.

Lord Kiratha Sasha is praised as the son of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, born when he assumed the form of a Kirata (hunter) to deliver a weapon known as Pashupathasthra to Arjuna. He is one who is worshipped in Erumeli Kotta. He is worshipped in most famous temples of Kerala like Balussery Kotta, Nilambur, Trivandrum Kizhakke Kotta etc

Even Adhishankara Bagawadpada has praised the Lord in this form.

The worship of Lord Kiratha Sastha is well explained in ancient texts like Sasthru Puja Kalpadrumam and Kiratha Soonu Charitham. Texts like Srichakrarchana deepika also lists his moola mantrams.

The mantrakalpa for Lord Kirata is said to be from umayamala tantra. After the worship of Lord Kiratha Sastha in the mandala with Sri Rudra Parayanam, Kirata-ashtaka stuti is used to offer pushpanjali to the Lord.

It’s not a regular puja or celebaration but a religious Yagyam which would happen only by the divine grace and which would directly get us the grace and blessings of the Lord.

This Splendid Event of “Kiratha Maha Rudram”, according to my knowledge, again, is the FIRST OF ITS KIND to take place.

Very rarely a Yajna of this significance and magnitude can be witnessed and the opportunity for the people to actually participate in the worship. It is also done particularly for the sake of washing away ones sins and afflictions, for bringing peace, prosperity and family happiness.

So, the Bhakthas who are taking part in this magnificent event can be assured of obtaining the limitless blessings of Sri MahaSastha and getting all their prayers fulfilled.
--
May Lord Hariharaputra be with you always, giving you the best of everything.
Swamy Sharanam
V.Aravind Subramanyam

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

அவ்யாஜ கருணா மூர்த்தி


இந்த மகர ஜோதியன்று பெரியானைவட்டம் காட்டில் சண்டி ஹோமம் நடத்துவதாக திட்டமிட்டோம்...

எப்படி திட்டமிட்டோம் என்றெல்லாம் கேட்கக் கூடாது... நமது நண்பர் மணி ஸ்வாமி கூறியது போல, இரண்டு முழுக்கிறுக்கர்கள் ஒன்று சேர்ந்தால் என்ன நடக்குமோ அது தான் நானும் அவரும் சேர்ந்தால் நடக்கும்.

அப்படித்தான் நானும் அவரும் சண்டிஹோமம் வைக்க ஆசைப்பட்டோம்.

காடு என்பதால் எல்லா ஏற்பாடுகளையும் முன்னரே செய்து சாமான்களையும் கடத்தியாகி விட்டது. பூஜைக்கு வேண்டிய முன்னேற்பாடுகளையெல்லாம் ஏற்கனவே செய்து விட்டோம். (அல்லது அப்படி நினைத்துக் கொண்டிருந்தோம்)

நண்பர் தியாகராஜனிடம் அவர்கள் குழுவிலிருந்து ஒரு கன்யா குழந்தையையும் சுமார் பத்தேமுக்கால் பதினொன்று வாக்கில் அழைத்துக் கொண்டு வரச்சொல்லி இருந்தேன்.

மகரசங்க்ராதியன்று (ஜனவரி 14 மகர ஜோதியன்று) காலை 5:45க்கெல்லாம் எல்லாம் தயாராக ஹோமம் துவங்கி விட்டது. துவக்கம் முதலே அம்பிகையின் ப்ரபாவம் வெளிப்படையாகவே தெரியத்துவங்கியது.

சரியாக பதினொன்றாவது அத்யாயம் வந்தது; எனக்கு எப்போதுமே இந்த “நாராயணி ஸ்துதி” எனும் 11ம் அத்யாயத்தின் மேல் ஒரு பைத்தியம் உண்டு.

அதனால் எல்லோரிடமும் “உங்கள் மனதில் உள்ள அபீஷ்டங்களையெல்லாம் ப்ரார்த்தனை பண்ணிக் கொள்ளுங்கள் “ என்று அறிவித்து விட்டு அந்த அத்யாய ஹோமத்தை துவங்கினோம்.

மிகச்சரியாக 36வது ச்லோகத்தில் அம்பிகை “வேண்டும் வரங்களை கேட்டுக் கொள்ளுங்கள்” என்று அறிவிக்கும் தருணம், பாலையாக குழந்தை ஹோம குண்டத்தின் முன் வந்து நின்றது. நாங்கள் அனைவரும் மெய்சிலிர்த்துப் போனோம்.

உடனடியாக எங்கள் விரியில் இருந்த வயதான பெண்கள், அந்த குழந்தைக்கு பாவாடை சட்டையெல்லாம் அணியச்செய்து, அலங்காரங்கள் செய்து கன்யாபூஜைக்கு உட்கார்த்தி வைத்தார்கள்.

எல்லாமே ஏதோ அளவெடுத்து செய்தது போல கச்சிதமாக இருந்தது.

(நிறைய கன்யா பூஜைகள் பார்த்தபடியால் பொதுவாகவே குழந்தைகள் எப்படியெல்லாம் படுத்தும் என்பது எனக்குத் தெரியும். சில குழந்தைகள் சுற்றி எல்லோரும் அமர்ந்து பண்ணும் Ragging-ல் பயந்தும் போகும்)

ஆனால் இந்தக் குழந்தையின் முகத்தில் இருந்த தேஜஸ் சாதாரணமானதாக இல்லை...

”பேர் என்னம்மா?”
- “தாக்ஷாயணீ”

ஹோமத்தில் உட்கார்ந்து விட்ட காரணத்தால் எங்களுக்கு இருப்பு கொள்ளவில்லை.

பாத்யம், அர்க்யம், ஆசமனீயம் என்று கன்யாபூஜை செய்பவர் குழந்தையின் தேஜஸ்ஸில் மயங்கித் தடுமாற, அந்தக் குழந்தையோ ஏதோ பல வருடங்கள் பூஜையில் அனுபவப்பட்டவள் போல் வாங்கிக் கொண்டிருந்தாள்.

எனக்கும் மணி ஸ்வாமிக்கும் எழுந்து போய் நமஸ்கரிக்க மனம் கொதித்தது... ஆனாலும் எழ முடியவில்லை.

நைவேத்ய பாலை அவ்வளவு அழகாக உண்டு முடித்து கற்பூர ஹாரத்தியையும் தாம்பூல தக்ஷிணையையும் வாங்கிக் கொண்டாள்.

எங்கள் கண்கள் நிறைந்து மேற்கொண்டு பாராயணம் ஓடவில்லை.

எல்லாம் முடிந்து அந்தக் குழந்தை எழுந்து போன பிறகு ஒருவர் மெதுவாக என்னிடம் காதில் வந்து கேட்டார் :

“நாம சொல்லி வச்சுருந்த குழந்தையை இப்போ கூட்டிண்டு வந்தா சரியா இருக்குமான்னு கேட்டு விட்டா”

எனக்கு தூக்கி வாரிப் போட்டது; நான் ஏதோ நாங்கள் முன்கூட்டியே சொன்ன குழந்தை தான் மிகச்சரியான தருணத்தில் வந்து சேர்ந்ததாக எண்ணிக் கொண்டிருந்தோம்...

அப்படியானால் இந்தக் குழந்தை யார்? எங்கிருந்து வந்தாள்? இந்தக் காட்டுக்கு நடுவில்? அதுவும் மிகச்சரியாக அம்பிகை வரம் தரும் தருணத்தில்?

அவ்யாஜ கருணா மூர்த்தி என்ற பெயர் கொண்டவளாயிற்றே ?

கற்றும் தெளியார் காடே கதியாய்க்
கண்மூடி நெடுக் கனவான தவம்
பெற்றும் தெளியார் நினையென்னில் அவம்
பெருகும் பிழையேன் பேசத் தகுமோ ?

நண்பர் ஒருவர்  போட்டோ எடுத்திருந்தார்.

நாங்கள் நேரில் கண்ட அந்த தேஜஸ் போட்டோவில் வரவில்லை என்றுதான் என்னால் கூற முடியும்.


தாயே ! ஜகதம்பிகே ! பராசக்தி... நீயே துணை...