Velichappads of Shabarimala Temple - Part 4

Palai Baskara Iyer 

Palai Baskara Iyer was a true guide and helper to all the devotees. He had a lovely physique, fair complexion, graceful look and the Bramma Thejas which will attract even the person who is against him 

After Harihara Iyer, many tried for the Sabarimala Velichappad position and no one knew the Lord's will that who will be the next Velichappad. For this reason many consider Harihara Iyer as the Last Official Velichappad of Sabarimala. But Palai Baskara Iyer who occupied the post is not a person to be ignored.

As mentioned above, after several confusions, during one Makara Sankramana a certain group at Sabarimala decided to "choose" the next Velichappad. The person they had chosen was stading right in front of the Srikovil. After the evening deeparadhana a person posed as if getting into trance and took the haram from the Lord's neck the and came running. But who can play with Sathya swaroopi Bhagawan? He slipped near the srikovil entrance and his head got hit at the upper portion of the Srikovil door and he fainted immediately. Now a shanthikaran who was inside the Srikovil got the supreme power within him and instantly took the haram and came out running and he threw the garland and it went to Palai Shri Baskara Iyer who was at that time doing his Gayatri Japam. Thus Palai Baskara Iyer was opted to be the next Velichappad of Sabarimala Temple. 

Baskara Iyer had yet another speciality - the Mudra Vadi he had was the Lord's. During the disastrous fire accident in 1952 at Sabarimalai, everything was burnt to ashes including the Srikovil. The Moola Vigraham of Ayyappan ( made of Krishna Shila)  was broken into pieces. The Only thing remained was the Mudra Vadi which was kept along with the Lord's Vigraham. When Baskara Iyer went to Sabarimalai temple for seeing the temple, the melshanthi who was there took the Mudravadi and gave it to him.

People still recollect the glorious scene of Palai Baskara Iyer getting into trance at Sabari Peetam while receiving the Tiruvabaranam. He use to run along with the Trivabaranam entirely in Trance Mood right from Sabari Peetam to Sannidhanam rotating his mudravadi and looking upward towards the sky... When he enters the Padinettampadi, accompanied by the Thiruvabharanam and he will be given a karpura  Harathi and received to the Sannidhanam.

It was an experience to watch Baskara Iyer in Trance.. And all what he says is total SATYAM and defying his instructions can only result in a problem.

There are numerous examples that can be quoted explaining the marvels of Palai Shri Baskara Iyer. And still we have thousands of people who were lucky enough who had the opportunity of meeting and getting the blessings of this great soul. 

Palai Baskara Iyer and Shri CV Srinivasa Iyer (Chaami Anna)
at Sabarimala Sannidhanam - a photograph from yester years
if Iam right its Pankuni Uthram (March) 1973

He was a very good friend of My Grandfather( Shri Chami Anna) and was a frequent visitor to our house at Kalpathy. Baskara Iyer used to accompany Chaami Anna during his Pankuni Uthra Poojas at Sannidhanam.

After serving the Lord and the devotees for many years Palai Baskara Iyer reached his divine abode during the late 80s. When his mortal remains were cremated, the next day there was a very big flood at Palai. His relatives worried about the sanchayanam (which needed the remains of the cremated body) because the crematorium was surrounded by water upto the hip. As soon as they reached the spot where he was cremated, instanteously a portion of it sprang out along with some fire and started floating on the water. The Lord proved his greatness even after his demise.

After Palai Baskara Iyer, there was (or rather there is) actually a fight for the status of Velichappad in Sabarimalai amongst the Tamil Brahmins. People considered that this status was reserved solely for the Tamil Brahmins only. Many tried in many ways, but could not succeed.  There are persons who claim to be the disciple of Palai Baskara Iyer and having his mudra vadi and Tamil Brahmin origin etc (But the reality is, the person who is claiming it today he has not even seen Baskara Iyer and definitely not a Tamil Brahmin). 

After Palai Baskara Iyer there is no Velichappad in Sabarimalai except that some pose themselves as Velichappads and act in such manner.

Velichappads of Shabarimala Temple - Part 3

Pulikkal Matam Kottarakara Bramma Sree Harihara Iyer 

After Anantakrishna Iyer came the illustrious Kottarakara Harihara Iyer. Kottarakara Harihara Iyer was a pioneer in Sabarimala Yatra and was a true friend to all sincere devotees.

He had a thorough knowledge of the Puja Kalpam and was a master in doing the systematic puja and worship to Lord Hariharaputra. He never bothred about the Guru Dakshina given by the disciples. He used the entire sum for doing annadhanam during the sabari yatra.

He was a strict disciplinarian and followed it with utmost sincerity and also made sure that all his sishyas follow it with same discipline.

Once a disciple wanted to treck sabarimala with Harihara Iyer. Iyer asked the disciple to get the permission from his parents. The parents were quite hestitant in sending their only son to the difficult yatra. The son kept on persisting for 4-5 days and finally convinced his parents and got their permission. Immediately he rushed to Harihara Iyer for wearing the Mudra mala.. But because of the 4-5 days delay he had in his native place, he had only 46 days left for the Sabarimala Yatra.

Harihara Iyer politely refused saying,
"Dear Child! you dont have enough number of days for observing the vrutham for a complete Mandala Kaalam(48 Days). Dont worry...  Let us see next year"

Those days sabari yatra was entirely through the thick forest. Wild animals, rain, flood etc could easily attack and trouble the devotees. Because of his upasana, Harihara Iyer could easily predict the hazards that are going to happen during the yatra and warned the devotees and saved them from the hardships.

Similar to Kalarkadu Appu Iyer, few group of devotees doubted the Trance mood of Harihara Iyer. They decided to test Harihara Iyer by putting an iron chain (Changili) inside the fire (Aazhi) at Pampa and place the red hot iron chain in a place where Harihara iyer would walk.

At Pampa the regular pujas were going on and Harihara Iyer got into trance. As the aazhi blazed and tongues of flames went  higher, he casually went to the Fire Aazhi and sat inside the fire. He took the red hot iron chain and wore it as if its a Garland. He started giving prasadam sitting on the Aazhi fire.

Everyone who witnessed the incident stood spellbound and cursed themselves for doubting this great soul and begged his pardon.

The disciples of Kottarakara Harihara Iyer later became very great Guruswamys and were the beckon light to the clan of devotees. Among the Trinities of Sabarimala ie Punalur Shri Subramanya Iyer, Trivandrum Shri Neelakanda Iyer and Kambankudi Shri Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer, the latter two were the disciples of Harihara Iyer.

Pulikkal Matam Kottarakara Bramma Sree Harihara Iyer occupied the post of Veliya Velichappad for a very long span and merged in Him in 1944.

Velichappads of Shabarimala Temple - Part 2

Ambalapuzha AnanthaKrishna Iyer :

After Appu Ayyar, many tried for the respectable position of Sabarimala Velichappad, but the position was not that easy to acquire. 

The process was On an auspicious day (like Makara Sankarma) after the evening deeparadhana the then melsanthi gets the supereme power invoked within him for a moment and comes out of the Srikovil with a haram on his hand which was originally placed on the diety's neck.  Instanteously he puts it on a person who is Lord's choice without his self-knowledge.  Then the person who was selected was taken by the Melshanthi and the tantri to Basmakulam. After a holy dip he is brough back to the sannidhanam. The newly opted Valia Velichappadu is made to sit in the southeastern corner of this Mandapam )which was present at that time in front of the srikovil) 

Valiavilichapadu is offered a Palagai made of Jack wood framed with Silver and made of Jack wood. The melsanthi then brings in a full banana leaf, the prasadams which is then handed over to the Velicjappad. The Melsanthi and the Tantri offers Sastanga Namaskaram to the Vailavelichapaddu and gets this prasadam fro him as blessings. Valliavilichapadu is always seated  on the vellipalagai in is Mandapam during season. He was considered as the "visual representatie of the Lord"

It is said that Velichapadus were there for almost all dieties of Sabarimala like Vavar,Kaduthai,Karuppasawamy etc who all assemble at Erumeli during Makaravilakku season. Everyone take thr Valliavilichapadu's blessing and basmam before terking in periapadai for makaravilakku dharshan.

Thus after Kalarkad Appu Iyer, the new Velichappad post was given to a retired school teacher, a Tamil Brahmin Ambalapuzha Ananthakrishna Iyer.

Ananthakrishna Iyer was a pleasing personality and was very sincere and highly devoted to the Lord. He served the devotees and the Lord to the maximum extend possible and had a very cordial relationship will all the devotees without even a pinch of Ego. Inspite of his position as Velia Velichapad, like an ordinary priest he will readily agree to perform Poojas in any devotee’s house, whenever requested.

The velichappads of those days never misused their respectable position of Sabarimala Velichappad. Though the Velichappad had many unwritten powers and influence over the devotees. AnanthaKrishna Iyer was a humble person and it is said he lived a very very simple life and suffered a lot to carry out his day to day activities.

People still remember the marvels of Ananthakrishna Iyer and his powers. He used to get into trance at Erumeli and give prasadams to the devotees assembled there.. He would easily judge the sincerity of the Vrutham undertaken by the person. Based on the caliber of the Vrutham he would allow or stop the person from proceeding the yatra. Even the devotees had sincere belief and would proceed to sabarimala only after the permission(Utharavu) of the Velichapad. There are many incidents where the devotees ignored the Velichappad's words and underwent a lot of sufferings.

He served the Lord for about thirteen years as Velichappad, severed his worldly connections in 1920.

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TO BE CONTINUED

Velichappads of Shabarimala Temple - Part 1

Velichappad is a term used in kerala - especially with Bhagawati temples. This actually denotes the traditional upasakas of the respective deities who are inspired and get the supereme power invoked within them.

During religious ceremonies and poojas these Velichappad(or Sthanika - as they are called in Brahmana Samoohams) gets himself into a trance and these Sthanikas are offered respect by the devotees and upacharas are done to them. They bless the devotees with prasadam and convey the deity's satisfaction and certain prophecies.

These words which come from their mouth are the words of the deity itself. The person who is seated as the Velichapad is considered as the God himself (during that time) and he can tell the past, present and future.

Even today many people - comment on this “Swami Thullal” and have a hesitation to believe this. This is beacuse most of us fail to undertand the real trance and the emotional outburst. I have seen 90% of the pujas people mistake an emotional person to be in trance and offer him respects and all other things -which is totally wrong. When really the Lord's arrival happens-the man gets himself immersed in trance, and the very sight is divine - he issues orders, gives blessings and prasadam to the devotees present. The total atmosphere is filled with divinity.

The Velichappad is a common phenominea in most of the Devi temples, but in case of Sastha- it was a very very rare incident - except only for the Kambankudi family who had the previlege of getting the trance of Dharma Sastha. Later on when the concept of Sastha Preethi started spreading to all Brahmana Samoohams, Swami chose few upasakas to be his representatives.

Paravoor Shankaralinga Iyer, Kambankudi Veeramani Iyer, Tharakad Rama Iyer, Kalpathy (Chaami Anna) CV Srinivasa Iyer(my grandfather), Sucheendram Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer, Trivandrum Anantharama Iyer, Parvathipuram Venkateeswra Iyer, were few stalwars and Veteren Stanikas of yester years.

Our records show the Dharma Sastha temple at Sabarimalai - had Velichappads or Sthanikas since 1874. Let me try to present the details or atleat a brief outline about the Velichappad of Sabarimala.

Kalarkad Appu Iyer:

"Even a Nasthika will become an Asthika after seeing Appu Iyer in trance" - was a famous quote during the years 1905/06. Even now, people at Kalarkode believe that Appu Iyer was the incarnation of the Lord Sastha Himself and even today, there are many stories told about his achievements. He is perhaps (recordically) the first and famous Velichappad of Sabarimalai. (This offical post on Sabarimala was usually termed as the “Valia Velichappad”.)

Appu Iyer was a dynamic and pleasing personality, backed with strict upasana and Bhakthi towards Lord Dharma Saastha. It is said that people from far off places come to see the Sastha Preethi at Kalarkode(near Alleppy) Brhamana Samooham to get the blessings of the Lord through Appu Iyer.

Appu Iyer's thejas and upasana earned him respect from all corners. Even the Maharaja of Travancore had a great regard for Appu Iyer and specially felicitated him. He tracked to Sabarimalai every year, and During the Sabarimalai season at Erumeli temple and at Sabarimalai Sannidhanam, Appu Iyer used to get into trance and would answer the queries of the devotees.

This was not taken in the right sense by few devotees there. A very sincere Nair devotee from Alangad had his own reservation in accepting Appu Iyer. He felt this scenario is disturbing the sacredness of the pilgrimage itself. He came to a conclusion and decided to test Appu Iyer's trance by an unique method. H used to receive Dakshina and donations from devotees - which he very secretly and saved the amount; this he did for three years. Then he very secretly employed a goldsmith and made a gold chain with bells for seven sovereigns. Nobody knew about it and the purpose for which it is made.

The next year's mandala kaalam started and he carried the chain in a velvet bag and went to sabarimala. His idea was - If Appu Iyer really had the powers, during his trance, should ask him about the chain. Since it so secretly made, if Appu Iyer could know this he will garland Appu Iyer or else throw him out of Sabarimalai immediately.

As usual everyone was at Sabarimalai and during the Deeparadhana, Appu Iyer, who was sitting on the Mandapam at Sannidhanam, got into a trance. He called for the Alangad devotee and casually explained all the details about the chain, including the amount the collected, thes ource of the money, the gold smith who made it, actual cost of the chain, number of bells it had and the exact weight of the chain and theplace where the devotee had safely kept the chain. The Nair was spellbound.

Appu Iyer also asked the devotee to come and garland him - since he had decided in his mind to garland him if his doubts are cleared. Alangad Nair stood speechless and astonished; he respectfully came forward abd prostrated before Appu Iyer. He was totally impressed with Appu Iyer that instead of presenting a floral Garland he garlanded Appu Iyer with the very same neck chain and seeked his blessings and felt sorrt for doubting him. All the devotees who stood there were were really amused and astonished to see this and jointly called aloud “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa”.

There are many such anecdotes told even today about the powers and achievements of Appu Iyer the great. Similar incidents made Appu Iyer’s fame rise to the top, and he became very famous as the “Valia Velichappad of Sabarimalai”. Appu Iyer weared the chain gifted by the Alangad devotee till his end.

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TO BE CONTINUED.................

Guru Dakshina during Sabari Yatra

Dear Gurugaru,

We read about the Guru dhakshina in your article.
What is the procedure for Gurudakshina in sabarimala ?

Each and everytime we put down our Iramudi we need to pay Guru dakshina to guruswami. Is this right?

Rammohan Swami
Guntur
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The whole concept of Sabarimala revolves round Guru - without him no yatra gets fulfilled.

Here talking about the qualifications of a Guruswamy will lead to a spearate topic; so Iam just giving the details regarding Guru dakshina.

The Guruswamy takes you to the Lord; He is leading you towards the Lord. So in order to show your graditude towards him we need to pay Guru Dakshina to the Swami and do namaskaram to him.

Now we see many so called Guruswamys threatening the sishyas not to remove the Irumudi from the head wihtout him(Guruswamy) and demand dakshina for each time. This is not right.

This is what Iam taught by the elders. A sishya has to pay respects to his Guruswamy and pay him Guru dakshina 8 times during the sabarimala yatra.

1. The first time when the Guru formally accepts him for the sabarimala yatra
2. While wearing the Maala
3. While taking the irumudi - Kettu Nerai
4. At Erumeli after the darshanam while starting the yatra
5. At Azhudha river
6. At Pampa after the snanam and while starting
7. At sannidhanam after the abhishekam
8. While removing the maala

It is the duty of every Ayyappa bhaktha to follow all these rules strictly and earn the grace of Guruswamy and thereby get the blessings of Guruswamy's Guruswamy(Lord Ayyappa)

Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Hariharaputra Ashtothra Shata Namavali with meaning

Hariharaputra Ashtothra Shata Namavali with meaning

Swamy Sharanam 

As ordained by the Lord i have presented the meaning for the Hariharaputra Ashtothrashata Namavali (108). If He will, I shall soon explain each nama with a detailed commentory

1. Om Mahasastre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the supreme Ruler

2. Om Mahadevaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of Gods

3. Om Mahadevasutya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the son of Shiva(Mahadeva)

4. Om Avyayaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is eternal (imperishable)

5. Om Lokakartre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the creator of the World

6. Om Lokabhartre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the preserver of the World

7. Om Lokahartre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the destroyer of the World

8. Om Paratparaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is higher than the Highest

9. Om Triloka rakshakaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who protects the three worlds

10. Om dhanvine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a great archer

11. Om Thapasvinae Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a great ascetic

12. Om Bhoothasainikaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has the army of Bhootha Ganas

13. Om Mantarvedine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has the knowledge of all the mantras

14. Om Mahavedine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of the Vedas

15. Om Marutaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the form of air

16. Om Jagadishvaraaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of the Universe

17. Om Lokadyakshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of the world

18. Om Agranye Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the first born

19. Om Sreemate Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has all the prosperity

20. Om Apramaeyeparakramaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM whose valor cannot be mesured

21. Om Simharoodaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is mounted on a Lion

22. Om Gajaroodaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is mounted on an Elephant

23. Om Hayaroodaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is mounted on a Horse

24. Om Maheswaraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the greatest Lord

25. Om Nanashastradharaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is holding various weapons

26. Om Anarghayya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is priceless(to the devotees)

27. Om Nanavidyavisharadaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of all arts

28. Om Nanaroopadaraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who assumes various forms

29. Om Veeraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is heroic

30. Om nanapraninishaevakya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is worshipped by all the living beings

31. Om Bhooteshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of all beings

32. Om Bhootidaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who grants prosperity

33. Om Bhrityaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who nourishes everyone

34. Om Bhujanfaparanothamaaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has the serpent as his ornaments

35. Om Ikshudhanvine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has a bow of Sugarcane

36. Om Pushpabaanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has the arrows of flowers

37. Om Maharoopaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has a magnificent form

38. Om Mahaprabhavae Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the greatest Master

 

39. Om Mayadevisutaaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the son of Mayadevi( Mohini)

40. Om Maanyaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is always respectable

41. Om Mahanitaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who takes

42. Om Mahagunaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is virtuous

43. Om Mahasaivaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a follower of Shaiva

44. Om Maharudraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is very form of Rudra

45. Om Vaishanavaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a follower of Vishnu

46. Om Vishnupoojakaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who worships Vishnu

47. Om Vighneshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the very form of Vigneshwara (Ganapati)

48. Om Veerabhadreshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of Veerabhadra

49. Om Bhairavaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who appear as Bhairava

50. Om Shanmukhadhruva Nama:

Salutations to HIM who manifests as Shanmukha

51. Om Merushrigasamasinaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who sits on Mount Meru

52. Om Munisanghanisevitaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is always surrounded with the ascetics

53. Om Devaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the God

54. Om Badraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is auspicious

55. Om Jagannathaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of the world

56. Om Gananaathaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the leader of the group

57. Om Ganeshvaraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the ruler of the group

 

58. Om Mahayogine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the great yogi

59. Om Mahamayine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the great deceiver (through maya)

60. Om Mahanjanine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the great Jnani

61. Om Mahasthiraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is always present

62. Om Devashastre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the ruler of the Devas

63. Om Bhootashastre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who ruler of every living being

64. Om Bheemahasa parakramaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has a tribute of boisterous laughter

65. Om Nagaharaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who wears a serpent as his neclace

66. Om Nagakeshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who has a serpent adoring his hair

67. Om Vyomakeshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM whose hair is space

68. Om Sanathanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is ancient

69. Om Sugunaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is good natured

70. Om Nirgunaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is attribute less

71. Om Nityaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is eternal

72. Om Nityatriptaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is ever content

73. Om Nirashrayaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is not dependent(independent)

74. Om Lokasrayaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM on whom the world is dependent

75. Om Ganadhishaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of the Ganas

76. Om Chathushasti kalamayaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the personification of 64 forms of art

77. Om Rig Yajus Samaatharvarupine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the embodiment of Rig – Yajur – Sama and Atharva

78. Om Mallaksura panjanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who destroyed Mallakasura

79. Om Trimurtiyae Nama:

Salutations to HIM who manifests as the Trimoorthi (Brahma Vishnu & Shiva)

80. Om Daithyamadanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who destroyed the Daityas (Asuras)

81. Om Prakruthayae Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the creative force

82. Om Purushotamaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the highest of all beings

83. Om Kaalajnanine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a master of time

84. Om Mahanjnanine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a great master

85. Om Kamadaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who grants the desire

86. Om Kamalekshanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is Lotus-eyed

87. Om Kalpavrikshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is Kalpaka Vrishka (wish fulfilling tree )

88. Om Mahavrikshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a great Tree

89. Om Vidyavrikshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is a Tree of Knowledge

90. Om Vibhootidaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who gives prosperity

91. Om Samsaratapavichetre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who gives shelter from the heat called Samsara (worldly life)

92. Om Pasulokabayankaraya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is dreadful to the ignorant

93. Om Rogahartre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who destroys the sickness

94. Om Praanadatre Nama:

Salutations to HIM who gives life

95. Om Paragarva vibanjanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who destroys the pride of the enemies

96. Om Sarvasastrartha tatwajnaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the master of all the essence of all the scriptures

97. Om NeedhImathae Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is always righteous

98. Om Papabhabjanaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who destroys the sins

99. Om Pushkala Poorna Samyuktaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is along with His consorts Pushkala and Poorna

100. Om Paramatmane Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the supreme self

101. Om Satangadaye Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the shelter of virtuous people

102. Om Anantaaditya sankashaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who glows like thousand suns

103. Om Subrahmanyanujaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the brother of Subramanya

104. Om Baline Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is full of strength

105. Om Bhaktaanukampine Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is sympathetic towards the devotees

106. Om Deveshaya Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the Lord of the Devas

107. Om Bagavadae Nama:

Salutations to HIM who is the Supreme most being

108. Om Bhaktavatsalaya Nama: 

Salutations to HIM who has a motherly care for His devotees

Shri Poorna Pushkala Samedha Shri Hariharaputra Swamine Nama: 

Salutations to Shri Poorna Pushkala Samedha Shri Hariharaharaputra Swami

Swamye Shararam Ayyappa 

Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi and Sastha at Aryankavu

Who is Mampazhathurai bhagawathi and what is her connection with Sastha. My friedn told me She is Pushkala whom Sastha marries at Aryan Kavu.

But it is also told Sastha Thirukalyanam at Aryankavu does not happen and that why she is kept alone at mampazhathurai and so she is angry? is it right.

The serial "Swami Ayyappan" gave a diiferent version. What is the actual fact.

V.R. Rajaraman

Senkottai
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Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi..

This is a very big doubt iam having  for a very long time. I dont find the direct relationship of Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi with Sastha Thirukalyanam at aryankavu - except the fact that the sourashtra people go and worship there before commencing the marriage.

As per the local lengend of Aryankavu if it is Pushkala.... there are 2 stories around this... let me first present these stories...

Story 1:
Ayyappan married this Girl at Madurai and brought her to Aryankavu / Achankovil... once Ayyappan hunted a deer and to his shock this girl started cooking it... Since Ayyappan is "VEGETARIAN" he ordered her to stay out of his temple premises and thus She stayed here.. and so she is angry because her husband neglected her... (this story style itself says it is too much Folklore.....)

Story 2 :
This sourashtrial Girl fell in love with ayyappan at Aryankavu and The Lord accepted to marry her.. the Marriage date was fixed and exactly the day before her marriage this girl had her periods and so marriage was stopped.. Ayyappan was very angry and understood that it was a test to his celibacy and so decided  not to marry and asked her to stay at Mampazhathurai as a deity.. (The marriage would have taken place at subtle plane like Andal and definitely not as stated in this story... this infact pulls down the divinity of Sastha.. this Episode was further treated with all Garam Masala with Malayala Manthereekan etc in "Swamy Ayyapan" serial and made the girl Pushkala almost to an extend of a Ghost )

I'l give 90% discount to the depictions shown in Swami Ayyappan serial... It is very much clear that, with one line information they have developed screenplay to drag the episodes...  (if you can remember the serial, please recollect.....

    * they picturised Achankovil as Sastha sitting alone without devis
    * there was hardly a mention about Poorna pushkala and only once - they gave a wonderful statement that Poorna and Pushkala -both are same
    * The marriage at Aryankavu doesnot takes place.. only the engagement takes place...
this was carried out to "ESTABLISH" sastha is a bachelor, a famous notion in Kerala...

Both these stories are absurd according to me. The marriage happened at Aryankavu between Sastha and the Sourashtra girl is not on physical plane but pure merger - "Aikyam" of the devotee with the Lord. This can be compared to Andal and Ranganatha's marriage. This is an ultimate state of supremeness and so the question of running a household and cooking vegetarian/nonvegetarian does not arise.

This story is further treated with salt and pepper by some more people. Also there is a romour spread that only the engagement happens there and not the marriage. But this is not true. The marriage very well happens every year and the devi is very very happy always.  Remember the devi with Sastha at Aryankavu is benign-sowmya swaroopini; (carriying a lotus) whereas Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi is ugra swaroopini. The form itself varies completely.

Please understand, the Thirukalyanam between Sourashtrian Pushkala and Sastha at Aryankavu is an example of supreme devotion and the state of oneness with the Lord, something similar to Radha Kalyanam.

According to my findings, Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi must be Yakshi who is an important parivaram of Sastha.

You can see she carries Trishoolam and kapalam which exactly fits into the dhyanam of yakshi.

I have deciphered the incident (in the following manner) with my very little knowledge and observation : (I have heard that there is a detailed mention of Aryankavu in Mahothra Purana or Mahendra Purana... but i could not even get any trace of the book.. Iam still searching it)

Aryankavu is a shrine which was installed by Parasurama as Prabha Sathyaka Samedha Sastha...(as Swambhu Stones like Kulathupuzhai).. The Panchaloka idol which is there today may be of a later date... Very much later... after the Sourashtrian settlement in Madurai (maybe maximum within 5 or 6 centuries ago), this Girl who was highly devoted to Sastha came to this temple along with her father.. (her name is not clear in the available versions of the stories) Exactly like Andal, who married Ranganatha in the subtle plane and merged with the Ranga idol in the Shrine, this devoted girl married Aryankavu Sastha and merged with him...

In memory of this divine leela, this marriage celebration by the Sourashtrian community would have originated...
Just because she is seated in the left side of the Lord she may be called Pushkala....(considering her as an amsha of original Pushkala) or by a remote chance - her original name itself maybe Pushkala.

Bagawathi is a very common name given to any female deity in Kerala.. this necessarly need not be her name...

I've heard about the rowdra Swabhavam of Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi... one of the disciples of my Grandfather told me the following incident about his personal experience...

Some 2 or 3 decades ago, he met my grandfather(Chaami Anna) and casually informed that he is also planning to go to this temple. Knowing that he is always hyper active, my Grandfather warned them about this temple and advised them just to have the darshan and donot do anything of their own without proper guidance. When their group reached this place, it was all alone and no one was there... and the temple gate was also closed.. they thought of doing Lalitha Sahasranama Kunkumarchana and so they opened the gate and entered there...

So they sat in front of the temple... placed a leaf and started the archana... even before they could complete 3rd nama, a Monitor Lizard (udumbu) fell exactly on the Trisulam which was planted nearby and it blood splashed all over the area, including the Puja place... They felt this as a bad omen and immediately vacated the place...

Mampazhathura is near Nagamali Estate in Kazuthuruthi near Punaloor. The local people claim her as Madurai Meenakshi.  (You may be aware that Yakshi is often identified with Meenakshi or Rajamatangi in most of the Varavu songs clearly attributed in his songs by Manidasar.. who is the Supreme court - with respect to Sastha) Inscriptions on the stone is surprisingly in Tamil only and the temple is pretty old one from its look.

Remember Mampazhathurai Bhagawathi is also related to Achan kovil.

These fact give us an idea that Mampazhathurai may be a Yakshi Kavu - a favorite parivaram of Sastha

Iam just presenting my view here and I'l never pass any Jugdement with Swami...
Who can give judgements with our Swami's vaibhavam?

Meaning of Carrying Ghee in Cocunut

Dear Anna

Swamy Sharanam!!!!!

Can you please explain of Carrying Ghee in Cocunut for abhishekam to sabarimala, i hv got various answer for this Can you pls telll me significance of the same

Swami Sharanam

Santosh

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The meaning of carrying Ghee in the coconut is an age old and unique tradition that is followed in sabari malai... unfortunately people today follow it without even knowing the meaning.

This is an unique worship - all your vrutam is focussed towards this irumudi and the irumudi is containing this ghee... All your 48 days of Vrutham is now given a final shape... for what purpose?

The coconut is nothing but equated to your body and the ghee is the atman... and So the ultimate sharanagati - surrender is the ghee abhishekam... its Atma Nivedhanam

One of my friend who is going to sabari for the past 20 years(and also a Guruswamy) commented, its just because those days people did not have any containers and ghee will last long for more days and thats the only reason for taking Ghee... Sheer Arrogance I say... then why not take honey, why not chandanam which will last long as well...

Its a very great quality to accept things which you dont know; but people's ego never allow them do so... Especially with Sastha - whenever u think you are "too smart" and give judgement on His issues... He'l immediately show who is smarter...

You surrender yourself to the Lord... thats the Thathvam of Nei Thengai...

And once you do your Kettu Nerai.. Your existence ends there.. YES !!!!

Iam not telling this of my own.. what i've learnt from many senior Guru Swamis, like my grandfather Kalpathy Chami Anna, My Guru and stalwarts like Kambankudi Mama and many others, Iam giving this statement..

Once You are doing your "Kettu Nerai" you are equal to that of a dead body... coz... Your atman is now installed in the Nei Thengai... (Remember.. the 3 hands of rice has a very very subtle and supreme meaning).. Now correlate this with the unique system of sabarimalai yatra of starting the journey without looking back, no farewell, no good byes etc...

And now answer me...

How can you allow Mr. X to put in the rice for your Kettu ?

How can one carry the coconut for (which is his own self) Mr. Y

As far as Iam told only during unavoidable circumstances one can carry the "Nei Thengai" of another person in his irumudi - only for persons to whom he "Karmically bound"

Today, we see any one can put in the rice, any one can even fill the ghee and a devotee can carry "Nei Thengai" on behalf of 7-8 persons

This is the reason I mostly avoid attending Kettu Nerai... The situation becomes embrassing and I generally vacate the place till its over...

How can you expect your results - when you write exams for 5 people?

Please excuse me devotees...Iam not talking out of arrogance but out of sorrow. Today 99 % of the devotees do not follow any thing... Sabarimalai has already become a picnic spot...

Just filling the coconut with the Ghee is not kettu nerai... you can very well take it in a plastic container instead of so much trouble. Thats what its happening today...

Its hardly difficult or its only 1% to see a proper kettu nerai...

And you have certain qualifications to Sit as the Guruswamy for Kettu Nerai... for which moola mantram is a must.. and he has to do the avanaham of Sastha in the Mudrai and do the Bhandanam.. with Astram (not every Guruswamis will be having moola mantram but atleast he can invite a Sasthru upasaka to do that or atleast do follow the basic procedure even without moola mantram) this process will be concluded only at Sannidanam for the abhishekam..

When properly done.. each Nei Abhishekam becomes a Mini-Kumbabishekam for Swami... Your Vrutham adds the Sannidyam multifold. You offer yourself to the Lord and he gives himself...

Sorry if iam a bit harsh, but

My humble request is.. please try to learn things and then crave for the blessings of the Lord.

Doing things which are not told is not going to make any difference. or

When you dont do things which are prescribed you are in a neutral state - No Plus and No Minus...

But doing things which are prohibited will have serious consequences...

Poi Inri Meiyodu Nei Kondu Ponal Ayyanai Nee Kanalam

Hariharaputram Saastharam Sadha Bhajeham Maaya Kaaryam Thyejeham

May Lord Hariharaputra be with you always, giving you the best of everything.

Swamy Sharanam
V.Aravind Subramanyam
www.aravindsastha.com