Spiritual Ecstacy Of Lifetime

Spiritual Ecstacy Of Lifetime

Reminiscences of Hariharaputra Mahotsavam

I offer my prostrations at the lotus feet of my Gurus and the foremost among them - Shri.Seshadri Swamigal and my Greatgrandfather Shri. CV. Srinivasa Iyer by whose grace we could do this Magnificient event.

The history of Bharath has witnessed an event which has not happened in the near past.

It is very rare that a Yagnam of this significance can be witnessed. Equally rare is the opportunity for the people to actually participate in the worship.

Lord Dharma Sastha’s grace is always abundant towards his devotees.  - And there are a lot of “once in a life time opportunities” He had offered me.

We really feel to be gifted and blessed to be able to host this grand mahotsavam for the first time. It’s rarest of rare opportunity to get in one’s life time. It was such a matchless and blissful experience, that it is next to impossible to put it in words.

Sasthru Bhakthi :

Hari Shambo Su Putrascha Poojaisha Buvi Durlapa…

It is indeed a very difficult thing to get the opportunity to do the worship of Lord Hariharaputra

That being the case, a person like me will still dare to venture into such a Himalayan task, relying solely on the grace of Sri Gurukrupa.

Lord Maha Sastha, my beloved Hariharaputra, is the master in the age of Kali. He is praised as Pratyaksham Tu Kalau, Kalau Shasthru Vinayakau and Kaliyuga Pratyaksham

Each and everytime I visit any of His Shrine - the experience is unique ! This happens right from my childhood - from day one when I had the marvelous chance of knowing Him at the shrine of Aryankavu - when I was 5 years old.  At that time, He chose to appear to me in one of His more beautiful forms: a majestic King who is the master of universe. There I could realize a bondage with HIM - that I had never felt before.

Since then I cannot be the same as before. He has taken over me - taking care of me - making me do things. From that moment - He is everything to me ! The only God, only mantram and only thought.

Each darshan takes me to me to another stage of consciousness! Every single moment of my life is HIM ! Even the Nityakarmas have become “Maha Sasthru Preethyartham” – instead of “Parameshwara Preethyartham”


By His grace I was able to trace out and find out many more hidden treasures in the near past.  Right from Pratha Smaranam, Snana Vidhi, Bhasma Dharanam, Thantrika Sandhya Vandhanam, Chathushshashti Upacharam, Navavarana Puja– everything we have exclusively for Sastha and Iam practicing it too.

The Idea of Santarppanai

As a part of this  thought process - “Sarvam Sasthru Mayam”, Bhagawan bestowed His grace upon us to think about the Hariharaputra Santarppanai.

To my limited knowledge - This Splendid Event of “Hariharaputhra Sandharpana”,is happening for the first time in the Spiritual history.

Hariharaputhra Santarpana has a special significance. Sastha is acclaimed as “Vipra Pujayan”. According to this, 120 Brahmin Upasaskas of the Lord are brought together and they are worshiped considering them as the Lord SASTHA Himself. Its a religious Yagyam proposed to be performed in a strictly religious way, invoking the presence of Lord Hariharaputra.

Though there are many customary offerings such as Puja, Sharana Gosham, Bhajananjali ,etc., to hail the Lord, this Santarpana has a special significance.

It’s not a regular Annadhanam or social function, but a religious Yagyam proposed to be performed in a strictly religious way, invoking the presence of Lord Hariharaputra.

An ancient text named “Guhya Rathna Chintamani” exclaims the glory of Lord Hariharaputra through the mouth of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva has Himself taught the special 108 Naamas of Sri MahaSastha to Parvathi. To the count of these 108 Namaas, Brahmins who have been initiated to the Moola Mantra of Sastha are seated accordingly and are invoked with the Particular Sasthru Naamas. They are adorned with Sandalwood paste and flowers and 16 Upacharams (Shodasopacharam) are performed to the Upasakas and are finally fed with a sumptuous feast containing Shatrasams. All pujas are done to them – considering them to be the very form of Bhagawan Himself.

It all started when I attended Lalitha Maha Yagam at Chennai which inspired me and gave a question, why not do a similar  puja to “my beloved” ?

The work begins:

Though the desire started 11 months ago – it was so intense that it was growing day by day and became as if its my liefelong dream ! I started waiting for this event with very great excitement.

I explained the process to the members of our Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam. We started the laborious work and have been meticulously planning for the event for the whole 11 months and I was praying to the Lord to grant us the ability to execute the same,

For the first few days, I had great difficulty in approaching people – because many upasakas did not understand the concept and mistook it to be a conference for Guruswamis or Honoring Guruswamis. Few people discouraged such effort – stating it’s going to be an impossible task and many people thought Iam kidding them.

“Sharanam Na anyam prapannosmyaham” – says our Kirathashtakam

I bow to none other than take refuge under you

I have a very “bad habit” of never giving up – especially when it is my Lord’s work. I traveled a lot and communicated with many Guruswamis and senior upasakas and explained them about the whole process. Soon people started understanding that the unique Hariharaputra Santarpana Mahotsavam - is going to be a mammoth ritual which is being organized in the world for the FIRST TIME EVER.

Senkottai Vanchi Mama was the first person who felt very happy on hearing this and whole heartedly gave his blessings for the event. (who could not participate due to his age factor and ill health)

Soon we started preparing non-exhaustive list and our whole team started working with full effort, planning and execution.

Our work and HIS work

As soon as the sankalpam was made in my mind for doing the Santarpana, things started manifesting into reality - the swiftness with which Lord Sastha acknowledged it cannot be explained in words!!

At one point of time we had a confusion about the method to be adopted in performing the grand event; But our Bhaktha Paripala, within a week , removed this confusion; Accidentally(or intentionally), I was able to get a manuscript copy contaiing the rules for performing this glorious event. This text was written by none other than Shri Bhaskararaya – the great exponent of Mantra Sasthra and a great devotee of Devi Lalitha Tripurasundari.

After this, each and every work started proceeding in the right track as destined by “HIM”.

The team of Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam – all our members and supporters worked diligently for days and nights in co-ordinating each and every part of the event. The total number of guests alone crossed 200. Shriram and Vibhavan spent almost sleepless nights planning the tickets, pickup, drop, travel, accommodation etc Infact we visualized each and every second of the event and the activities. Members like Paramesh and Deepak were very much disturbed since they could not be here physically since we need a lot of effort before the event.  Shri. (Kambankudi) Hari and myself spoke through phone almost daily about the progress. They got their leave sanctioned and reached here even before the event. All our volunteers like Vinayak, Praveen Kumar, Jayesh, Rakesh and many others worked round the clock and were perfectly coordinating.

A group of devotees from Bombay like Shri.Mohan and Shri. Bala from Goregon also joined our band. (Sabari Travels) Shri.Chandru and Shri. Srikanthan took an active role in reception and also coordinating the series of events. The trimoorthis from our Perambur(Vethrapuri) Ayyappan Temple - Shri Ganesh, Ramaswamy Mama and Shri.Hariharan enthusiastically undertook and shared our work. Shri. Ramachandran came all the way from Muscat and took charge of preparing Neipayasam. Everybody rendered their services selflessly. I specially invoke the blessings of Lord Hariharaputra on all of them for the tireless efforts.

Divine intervention:

When the event date came closer we started getting excitements. Just few days before the poojas, the Lord invited me to His various abodes Kallidaikurichi, Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzhai, Sabarimalai and Finally His ultimate spot at Ponnambalamedu. I prayed for the successful execution of the event at all these places. And even the Lord wanted to give a contribution to the event. At Sabarimalai – HE gave his acknowledgement to the Mahotsavam !  

It was the beginning of the Nandana Varsham - a very special day in my life.  All over the world people celebrate the new year.

As soon as we reached Sannidhanam - it was impossibly crowded, to my acute surprise. Anyhow I could get the Darshan within 10 minutes and I came near Nagaraja Shrine and was standing on the steps nearby waiting for others. 

My Mind was thinking about the Hariharaputra Santarppanai to be conducted.

I was mentally pondering about the purchases to be made for the event - which Ive completed long before leaving the country. We have been planning meticulously and I tried my level best to get the best items as far as possible. Right from “Naar Madi” pattu from Kasi, Rudraksha Malai, Mudra Sanji, Silver Ring – everything was ready even before 3-4 months. The only thing remaining was "Poonal" - Yagnyopaveetham to be given to the Brahmins who are going to be worshipped. I had a second thought in buying Yagyopaveetham from shops So, I had already approached one Veda Patashala for procedurally preparing 200 sets of Poonal. 

I called the patashala and reminded them about the Poonal. But they had expressed their inability to get it ready within the stipulated date. I was a bit upset with this answer and was thinking about the next alternative.

Suddenly I saw an unknown person coming to me. He came and stood near me and forcibly handed over a small packet. I was extremely irritated with this behaviour and so asked him "Who are you ? Why are you giving this to me?". 

The man asked politely: "Sir, are you sure you are here at Sannidhanam?".

I replied: "Yes". 

Then that Person continued: "And You are an Iyer"  - "Yes" 

"You are going to do Puja to Iyers. Right ? You may give this to them". Thus saying, the man, just jumped from the steps, again stopped for a moment, looked back- smiled and nodded his head and disappeared into the crowd! 

I opened the bag - it contained 200 Yagyopaveedhams (Poonals) - the exact number which I wanted !

My mind stopped for some time. I was just standing there for several minutes and my mind was totally blank. Had I not leaned down on the railings, I would have fainted ! After almost 15-20 minutes I could come back to my senses - It was absolute peace - but could only listen to the joyous exclamations of the devotees : "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa!"

My Ego was burnt to ashes with the Jyothi Swaroopan's fire. He always makes me remember that He is there with us to take care of Us !  Who am I to worry? Its He who is making us do things ?

The Lord does anything to fulfill the desire of his devotee.

The Lord arrives and the event begins:

For me, whatever be the occasion, I just need a reason to celebrate “My beloved” and each and every time is such an ecstasy to be in HIS company. So even a week before the event – we started enjoying the divinity.

Many devotees from all over the country started coming to witness, take part and assist us on this great occasion. Mahesh Jayaraman, Longlife Mani and few more devotees landed two days before the event to lend us a helping hand.

When Shri. (Madras Stores) Mani came, he added the idea of doing Suvasini, Kanya and Dhampati pooja –to make the puja a full circle. Even before I could think, my mother accepted it readily. A special thanks to Him for taking an active role in executing the great puja.

We started shifting the materials to the mandapam by 14th evening and the actual decoration began only during 14th night. Finally myself and Sabarigiri went home and brought Bhakthaparipalan and Mudravadi to the hall. But the beginning was remarkable – exactly at  the stoke of twelve.. Lord Bhaktha Paripala was seated inside the pooja Mandapam – in that instant the Majestic tusker entered the Pooja Mandapam and bowed before the Lord thrice - a mind boggling scene ! We could visualize Mathagaja vahanan seated above the Elephant and blessing us. Everybody of us were sure about the success of the event.

Pratyaksha Ganapaty Homam

On 15th June - the puja commenced with Guru Vandanam and Pratyaksha Ganapaty Homam. Initially we had the plan of doing regular Ganapaty Homam - but later I had an inner feeling that it would be great if we could do a Pratyaksha Ganapathy Homam. When I expressed my desire on this matter Survajith took all the initiatives and by the grace of Lord,within no time we could get the permission from the forest and police departments and brought the majestic Ganapathy. I wanted the Ganapathy Homam to be done in the Chaturayatanam way – in a unique composition. Ie invoking Sree Maha Ganapathy parallely on 1) Homakundam 2) Deepam 3) A Brahmachari boy and 4) A live elephant

Shri Goapalakrishnan – Konthamani Vadyar from Poonkunnam took incharge of the Pratyaksha Ganapaty Homam. When the Gajarajan stood in front of the Homa Kundam and accepted the puja – it captured all our heart.  The elephant and the boy accepting the offering and blessing the devotees – was an awe-inspiring scene reminding us of the sacrifices of the glorious past. This was immediately followed by Kanya Puja and Suvasini pooja. After this the Avahanam of Lord Maha Sastha was done along with all His parivaras. Divinity encompassed the entire mandapam and we were tranceeded to Sasthru Lokam in no time.

I can surely say that – even before this - Bhagawan’s presence was in paripoornam in the whole atmosphere and His grace surrounded the entire area.

Ezhunallippu

After the Usha Pooja, Poornabhishekam to Sastha was performed.  And Lord Bhaktha Paripala was taken on procession (Ezhunallippu) with the caparisoned elephant accompanied by Vedha Gosham in the morning through the streets of Ramnagar.  It was a wonderful and mezmersing scene to watch the Bhavani of the Lord on Divya Vaaranam surrounded by Vedha Parayanam. A special thanks to Pradosham group Kondhai Anna and KK from Hyderabad for supporting us with “Vedha Gosham”. The Lord Majestically rode the elephant and came back to the Puja hall around 8.30 Am and was received with Maha Deeparadhana. 

Swagatha Puja

The Santarpana started by welcoming the upasakas by doing Swagatha puja to them. Parallely the Puja Vigrahams adorned the stage and the poojas other upacharam were carried out by people with Moola Mantra Upadesham. I requested Shri. (Kambankudi) Hari to do the parallely along with me for the santarppanam. Shabrish Iyer from Mumbai was a very good "keezh shanthi" - to assist the pooja. Guruswamy Mama’s assistance in co-ordinating the puja was excellent. This parallel arrangement maintained the mood of the event.

Selected Dhampathis in traditional attire - washed the feet of the Upasakas and welcomed them for the pooja. The upasakas were given a bag with various materials including Kaasi Pattu Veshti and were requested to adorn the pancha kacham.

The Six Gurunatha’s of the Sasthru Guru Mandalam and Six Sasthru Moorthis were added to the Ashtottara Sata namvali of Lord Sastha – making the count to 120.

Gaja , Ashwa, Go Pujas

We began the Santarppana by doing special pujas to Gaja and Ashwa – Elephant and Horse being the primary Vahanas of Lord Sastha. This was followed by Go puja – with a cow and her calf. When all these three pujas were done systematically everybody’s heart started beating with joy and thrill. Finally Dhampathi puja was also done before beginning the actual process.

Santarppanai Puja

When the Upasakas were seated inside the mandalam – they appeared to be transformed to be in a different plane radiating the divine grace of Lord Hariharaputra all over. The atmosphere was charged with divinity.

Eminent and senior most Guruswamys and also the giants of Kambankudi family under the leadership of Shri. Krishnan Guruswamy were seated there – a scene which resembled the ever vibrant Veliyana Vattam !

But there is a difference here. At Veliyana Vattam they are Guruswamys ! But here they are in the form of Lord Himself ! A scene which filled both our eyes and heart. We were exteremely ecstatic to see the 108 forms of “my beloved” in the glowing faces of these upasakas.!  -  a scene which has to be experienced and very difficult to put into words.

The Lord often loves to play with His devotees. A similar thing happened the previous day night… (due to unavoidable reasons) there was a sudden fall in the number of upasakas participating and many people made last minute cancellations and the number went down to 107 – the previous night. “Sharanam Na anyam prapannosmyaham” was my only tharaka mantram. But when we started the Swagatha Pooja – His divine will prevailed and exactly one hundred and nineteen upasakas were present. I strongly believe that He made this happen - to make us understand that HE - “My beloved” Bhaktaparipaala HIMSELF was the one hundred and twentieth.

I just came and sat in the stage and took my Mudra Vadi in my hand and did my japa. With a fully charged mind – I began the puja – understanding that the single Swaroopam who was sitting in the stage - my Bhakthaparipalan, manifesting into 120 individual forms. The 120 forms of the Lord were invited and invoked on 120 upasakas. Surprisingly - I was able to keep my consciousness right at this point. Nothing could distract me. Soon the mind set up got tuned to see Lord Sastha in every aspect happening.  By Bagawan’s Krupa - the mental state was unbelievably focused; I came as close as I've ever come to one-pointedness of mind. I think the main reason for this is the presence of so many upasakas sitting in front – as gross representatives of Lord Sastha.

All the Shodasha upacharas – Bhooshanam, Pushpa Maala – Archanam etc were done simultaneously to the upasakas – as well as the Lord.

And coming to the neivedhyam part – Iam sure Annapoorneshwari – being our family deity was present there at the Kitchen and blessed Sabari Catering Subbudu Mama ! The committed service by his sons Shri. Santhanam and Shri.Sabari is worth mentioning ! The delicious food was served in abundance not only during the puja but throughout the event. 

During the Santarppanai, I wanted even the serving to be done be ladies adorned in traditional Madisar dress. Each and every person who went inside the mandalam – was strictly instructed to be in the traditional attire.

After the bhojanam we gave thamboola dhakshina and saught each upasaka’s anugraham. All the assembled audience and the sishyas did pradakshinam to the Sastha – Swaroopa Upasakas. The Aseer Mangala Akshathais were give to the upasakas to bless the devotees waiting! The concluding session with deeparadhana– was a feast to the eyes.

With emotions overwhelming me completely, we completed the puja by doing puja samarppanam - to the Lord. There is no question of yatha sthanam here – the 120 pratyaksha forms of Lord got united and they attained “layam” the state of oneness with Lord Bhaktaparipala.

This Sandarppana is the most sacred and powerful among all the Maha Yagnas. It is very rare that a Yagna of this significance and magnitude was performed.

Evening Session :

The evening session began with the Sahasra Kamala Archana to the Lord. Yes ! We did Hariharaputra Sahasranamarchana with 1008 Lotus flowers ! – the Lord who is seated above the Sahasrara Padmam was right in front of our eyes !

We had a wonderful bhajan session by our members, Shri. Mahesh Jayaraman (Mumbai), Shri Vibhavan and Sathyanarayanan.

This was followed by Kuthiraiottam – a procession of Lord Sastha seated on a white horse. All our boys actively took charge of the procession - quite amazing and a totally different but enjoyable experience. The majestic celebration in itself deeply touched our heart, mind, eyes and ears.

 

What I specially noted here is all the invitees were not mere guests – but become one among our family and took the freedom to actively participate in all the events.

Second Day – Vanji Paattu:

On the second day, the Sastha Preethi Mahothsavam started.

When the second day’s puja began… My mood elevated automatically…

Vanji Pattu was captivating with the enthusiastic participation from Paramesh, Arun, Deepak and Prashant. Not only Vibhavan singing and Survajith performing, But I could see the involvement of everybody which happenned involuntarily… And as usual like the yester years– the divine presence was witnessed – with three Garudan flying just above the Lord..

Sastha Preethi :

The Sastha Preethi puja began with Navavarana puja to Lord Maha Sastha. The Lord was also adorned with the Tiruvabaranam – exact replica of Sabarimala Tiruvabaranam. After the detailed puja to Sastha along with his Parivara Devatas...  neivedyam and deeparadhana was done followed by mantrapushpam and namaskaram. After this traditional Varavu Sastha paattu songs was sung by Shri.Gowrishankar (Kutty Mama) anfd his son Murali. Songs invoking Ganapathi, Sastha, Chellapillai, Yakshi, Bhoothanatha and other Parivara Devathas are sung.  

 

The traditional sthanakaras from Kambankudi and other families of the respective deities were seated before the Lord. The Sthanakaras are inspired by the moola mantra japam and gets the supereme power invoked within them. This time it was termed as “Full Bench” because we had almost 16 sthanikas for all the deities of Sastha pantheon. They were offered respect by the devotees and upacharas are done to them. The Lord took the elaikattu and handed it over to my parents along with vibhuthi prasadam and conveyed His satisfaction in the conduct of the Sasthapreethi. Finally Lord Hariharaputra blessed each and every devotees with prasadam.

 

Conclusion :

To make it short - the entire Sandarppana Mahotsavam was a truly amazing and spiritually inspiring experience. For all the four days – we were not in this mundane world, but felt as if living in Sasthru Lokam – forgetting everything. Every second was truly mesmerizing moment of life.. and Harihraputra was embedded in our being...!

If at all if there is something called achievement in this effort – I dedicate everything at the feet of my parents Shri.Venkatraman and Smt. Rama Venkat - whose constant support, love, blessings and encouragement made this possible.

We were completely lost with fervor and excitement. We could feel that everyone of us were simply present there – where everything was takenover by Him. All that remained was unceasing serenity, luminosity and a presence like never before

 “Evam ya: kuruthe BhakthYA Janma madhYE saKruNara:

thasyaiva sapalam Janma muKthis’ thasya kare sthiRA”

One who performs this event of “Hariharaputhra Sandharpana” along with the element of Pure Bhakthi towards the Lord, attains the ultimate goal of his life. He has MOKSHA ready in his hands.

All of us have heard about the results of Guru Krupa and Daivanugraham– But I now stand before you as a direct example. When a fool like me can accomplish so much just by relying on Krupa, what else do you need to prove?

In one of my old articles Ive written : - "This once unlettered boy, whom He took under his benign and protective care, as a fond father would do, and made him what he is today" - these words are proved 200% true once again.. Not only as a fond father  but more than a compassionate mother he is taking care of me.... 

To cut a long story short I can say that the Lord Bhaktaparipala Himself held our hands, made us do things in the way he wanted and made it a reality.... 

I thanked him for being "my life" and granting us the opportunity to serve him. For the yeomen service rendered by my ancestors, the ever merciful Lord is  keeping up his promise generations after generations.

I thanked him once again while completing this article – He answers me with His same playful smile..

The message from the Lord was simple: “I am here for you”


What more do we need?

Twavamevasi Daivam Padhe Vetra Pane

Hrudayaaravinda Nivasa dayalo

Prabo baktapaala parahbrahma moorthe

Twadhanyam na manye na manye na manye

You are the only God ! Oh my Master who has the Vethram (Mudravadi) in your hand, You are ever compassionate one who dwells in the lotus of our heart (who dwells in the Hrudayam of Aravindan – the monographer). You are the ruler and the prahbrahmam – my Bhakthaparipala. Other than you, I do not think of anyone, not think and not think 

A report on Our Laksharchanai - by THE HINDU

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SABARIMALA, June 19, 2012

Laksharchana performed at Sabarimala

STAFF REPORTER

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A Laksharchana was performed on Monday at the Lord Ayyappa Temple here in an atmosphere charged with devotion.

A large number of devotees from different parts of South India thronged the holy hillock to witness the ritual.

The temple chief priest (Tantri), Kandararu Maheswararu, assisted by the head priest (Melsanthi), N. Balamurali, performed the Brahmakalasapuja.

A group of 18 priests from Coimbatore took part in the chanting of mantras at the Laksharchana led by the Tantri at the Namaskara Mandapam in the forenoon.

Brahmakalasapuja as part of Kalabhabhishekom and Sahasrakalasabhishekom too was performed at the Northern Mandapam in the forenoon.

All the three golden urns carrying Brahmakalasoms were taken out in a procession to the sanctum sanctorum, to the accompaniment of the sacred Marappani and other traditional temple percussion, for the Abhishekom prior to the Utchapuja, later.

The Tantri poured sandal paste (Kalabhom), and holy water over the Ayyappa idol, marking the culmination of the ritual. The sandal paste offered to the deity was distributed among the devotees.

Padipuja was performed before the gold-plated 18-steps (Pathinettampady) after the Deeparadhana followed by Pushpabhishekom in the evening.

A large crowd of devotees thronged the Lower Tirumuttom, braving the incessant showers, to witness the ritual.

The Tantri and Melsanthi performed the ritual. Udayasthamanapuja and Pushpabhishekom were the other important rituals performed at the temple on Monday.

The temple will be closed after the Athazhapuja on Tuesday, marking the culmination of the five-day monthly rituals in the Malayalam month of Midhunom.

The Latest Temple chosen for Sasthalaya Sevanam: Sasthan Kovil at Mannarkovil.





The temple located at Ambasamudram Dist.
On behalf of Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam - we are providing Power - Connection, Water facilities, Getting New Pooja materials and painting the temple.

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

But this is the first temple to have approached us with proper photographs and appeal...

There are certain temples for which inspite of me repeatedly asking for a single letter/foto, the response was only for getting money...

Anyway, we are really happy that we could serve deserving temples

This temple needs a water motor - to draw water from the nearby source for the puja purposes. If someone can arrange for a motor pump please let me know(aravindsastha@gmail.com)  - I shall direct it to the temple.

Soul - Athma and Body

Query :

We all believe that the soul has no death, only the outer body is considered dead when the soul leaves the body.

The body only is then cremated or burned as per the various religious customs and beliefs. It means the soul does not go to the Crematorium and only the body is taken to the crematoria for the final rites.

Then why do we day that there are ghosts/evil spirits in the graveyard….. in fact, as per the Gita/Quran/Bible/Granth, etc. the soul takes rebirth in another new body.

Then what are these so called ghosts and evil spirits???? Superstitions?????

Secondly, when the soul has taken rebirth, then what is the so called Thevasams that we perform for the departed souls in our family?????

The priests/Vadhyars say that the pitrugal come in the form of a crow and bless us???? Does that mean the departed soul of our family member (having already taken rebirth at some other location) will come back in the form of a crow to bless us on the Thevasam day?????

Doesn’t it look like that we are all following a superstitions blindly… I mean we are all having blind faith….

=================
Answer :
Swami Sharanam,

Garuda Puranam gives a very clear picture about all these...

Athma  - Soul - Body all three are three different entities...

To be precise let me equate it in Tamil
Soul = Uyir (Jeevan and not Athma)
Athma is totally a different concept from soul

This is the Maya play of Parashakthi - by which a person is identified...

 the one you think you are, the one that others think you are and the one you really are.'

The one you think you are, is the body - by which you aidentify yourself
the one that others think you are, is your mind - character - which is your soul.
the one you really are, is the real, eternal unchanging truth ie atma

When the soul departs from the body - the mortal remains - is only the body ie the person is dead... But the Athma chaintanyam doenst diminish or leave... its always there.

Now coming to the soul - it doesnt end there... after the proper rituals at the grave yard... the soul assumes a subtle body and travels to the nether world...  Through various funeral
rituals(for 13 days), this subtle body is encouraged and assisted to make its journey out of Bhu-loka across the river Vaitarni and reach the Pitru-lokam, the land of ancestors.

Some souls are unable to make their journey from the land of living to the land of dead. They stay back in the crematorium. This may be due to untimely death, suicide, accident, murder, too much of attachment to the world and with no proper samskaras etc.. As a result they do not turn into Pitru; they remain here as Pisasu or ghosts.

These ghosts ,may torment the living people at times. No they are not superstitions - but beings who are to be pitied and taken care... I have personally seen a case of a Prethaathma which stayed back in their ancestral house for more than three generations(nearly 90 years) and finally after performing various painstaking rituals for 41 days it was finally sent to pitru lokam and then to Vishnu Lokam.

And coming to the next part... there is a very big mistake in the question itself… Except for Bhagawath Githa – Quran or Bible etc  never accepts that the soul takes rebirth in another new body.

Only Hinduism accepts the concept of rebirth..

While the journey from Bhuloka to Pitru-lokam happens  through the crematorium, the journey back to Bhulokam happens by entering through the mother’s womb. While passing out of the mother’s womb, the spirit body loses all memory of previous lifetimes.

Now  the concept of Shraddams are given to the Pitru Devatas in the name of ones relatives and not to the relatives directly. And moreover the Shraddam is a karma to show one’s commitment and bound duty – in reciprocation to his blood relations.

Moreover a soul doesn’t take birth immediately next second after death(except in movies)… based on the papa and punya done it may stay back for several  years in various lokas and once both the papam and punyam have exhausted, it may come back to bhulokam again… this may take even several hundred years…

So by shraddams and tarpanams we do – we don’t actually give it to them; but facilitate them in the respective lokas they live… For example the tarpanam you do here will give them comforts and food in the present body they live. (this rule applies even after they take rebirth)

If you send a money order through the post office – please don’t expect the same currency notes to reach the person to whom it is sent. Similarly, doing shraddam is your duty – the result will reach the person according to the present situation where he lives.

The crow is considered to be the medium through which this is passed. (similar to agni who carries the offering to the Gods)

Please understand… Crows are considered to be the Pitru Devatas and not exactly your father or Grand father..

In Hinduism nothing is given as blind faith or superstition.. its only we who fail to understand the inner significance because of our ignorance and start blaming the system….

Om Pitru yagjansya Phaladhaaya Nama : says Hariharaputra Sahasranama

Swamy Sharanam
Aravind Subramanyam

Embodiment of Grace

It was the beginning of the Nandana Varsham - a very special day in my life.  All over the world people celebrate the new year. On my way return trip from Muscat to India, we landed directly to Trivandrum and proceeded to Kallidaikurichi. The next day we had planned to visit Sabarimalai. 

Each and everytime I visit any of His Shrine - the experience is unique ! This happens right from my childhood - from day one when I had the marvelous chance of knowing Him at the shrine of Aryankavu - when I was 7 years old.  At that time, He chose to appear to me in one of His more beautiful forms: a majestic King who is the master of universe. There I could realize a bondage with HIM - that I had never felt before.

Since then I cannot be the same as before. He has taken over me - taking care of me - making me do things. Each darshan takes me to me to another stage of consciousness! A sense of complete submission takes over when I stand in front of him-  At Pazhavur, at Kochi, Kallidaikurichi, Bhoo Sastha and many other places.

But this time - to be frank - even I never expected such a grace ! This time after my Muscat visit we directly came to Kallidaikurichi in the company of several other devotees from Abudabi, Dubai and Muscat. From there we visited Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzhai and finally came to Pampa. The group had almost 22 members and nearly 10 Kanni Ayyappans, I thought of going first and make the arrangements. I took Shankar(from Muscat) along with me and started proceeding towards Sannidhanam. For the next 1½ hours I really had a very tough time - with unusual palpitation - literally gasped for breath every 100 feets. However, shortly after hearing "Shree Kovil Nada Thurannu" at 5.00 PM when the shrine was opened for the evening pujas - I felt strangely overcome. I found electrically charged and proceeded towards the sannidhanam. 

As soon as we reached Sannidhanam - it was impossibly crowded, to my acute surprise. Anyhow I could get the Darshan within 10 minutes and I came near Nagaraja Shrine and was standing on the steps nearby waiting for others. 

My Mind was thinking about this year's magnificent Puja to be conducted during June 2012. This year we have planned to perform the great event of “Hariharaputhra Brahmana Santarpana Vaibhavam” on June 15. 

To my limited knowledge - This Splendid Event of “Hariharaputhra Sandharpana”,is happening for the first time in the Spiritual history. So I was a little tensed thinking about this. (details given here http://shanmatha.blogspot.in/2012/03/sastha-preethi-and-hariharaputra.html)

Hariharaputhra Santarpana has a special significance. 120 Brahmin Upasaskas of the Lord are brought together and they are worshiped considering them as the Lord SASTHA Himself. Its a religious Yagyam proposed to be performed in a strictly religious way, invoking the presence of Lord Hariharaputra.

I was mentally thinking about the purchases to be made for the event - which Ive completed long before leaving the country. The only thing remaining was "Poonal" - Yagnyopaveetham to be given to the Brahmins who are going to be worshipped. I had a second thought in buying Yagyopaveetham from shops So, I had already approached one Veda Patashala for procedurally preparing 200 sets of Poonal. 

But they had expressed their inability to get it ready within the stipulated date. I was a bit upset with this answer and was thinking about the next alternative.

Suddenly I saw an unknown person coming to me. He came and stood near me and forcibly handed over a small packet to me. I was extremely irritated with this behaviour and so asked him "Who are you ? Why are you giving this to me?". 

The man asked politely: "Sir, are you sure you are here at Sannidhanam?". I replied: "Yes". 

Then that Person asked: "And You are an Iyer"  - "Yes" 

"You are doing Pujas to iyers. Right ? You may give this to them". Thus saying, the man, just jumped from the steps, again stopped for a moment, looked back- smiled and nodded his head and disappeared into the crowd! 

I opened the bag - it contained 200 Yagyopaveedhams (Poonals) - the exact number which I wanted !

My mind stopped for some time. I was just standing there for several minutes and my mind was totally blank. Had I not leaned down on the railings, I would have fainted ! After almost 15-20 minutes I could come back to my senses - It was absolute peace - but could only listen to the joyous exclamations of the devotees : "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa!"

My Ego was burnt to ashes with the Jyothi Swaroopan's fire. He always makes me remember that He is there with us to take care of Us !  Who am I to worry? Its He who is making us do things ? I have Only one statement to make ‘Avananri or anuvum asayadhu"

Part VIII DHARSHAN OF TEMPLES OF LORD SASTHA (AYYANIN ALAYA DHARISANAM)

Part VIII (Final Part)

DHARSHAN  OF TEMPLES OF LORD SASTHA

 (AYYANIN  ALAYA  DHARISANAM)

BY

Sri Maha Saastru  Priyadasan  V. Aravind Subrahmanyam

Translated by Shri. Thiruvarur Chandrashekaran

“THIRUMENI AZHAGAN THANTHA VARAVERPPU”

(The Grand Welcome Given by The Lord with Beautiful Form)

From there we went straight to Pazhavoor. It was a long pending desire of mine to visit this temple. But even without visiting this temple I had however written in my book “Maha Saastha Vijayam”, that, “every one must visit this temple at least once, without fail and have a dharshan of the Lord” This time I decided that I must visit this temple some how or the other. I contacted Sri Ramalingam of Kochi. For him this Lord is his “Kula Dayvam” (Family Deity). I did not however anticipate that he would issue instructions to keep everything ready at the temple in anticipation of our visit. When I enquired about this with Sri Srinivasa Iyer who is looking after the affairs of the temple, he simply said “ All of you please come in! You are most welcome! Whatever festivities take place on “Panguni Uthram Day” (Saasthas special day), all those would take place TODAY”

Pazhavoor is situated deep inside from the main road. Since we had been briefed in advance that we have to go inside after crossing the village “Pettai Sudhdhamalli” we came to the correct place without much hassle.

Sri Srinivasa Iyer had kept ready everything before we reached the temple. All the “Kumbhams” after due pujas, have been kept and “Rudra paaraayanam”(recitation of “Srirudram”) was also over, duly completed. The idols of all deities have been anointed with oil and ready for abhishegam.

The idol of Lord Ganesh and alongwith him three “parivara ganangals”(followers and bodyguards) are also there. As ‘Sakthi Swaroopini”  “Vana Paychchi Amman” (speaking deity of forest) idol was there. With Trishul (trident) and the skull in the hands she is seen as “Bhairavi”.  On one side “Maadan” and the other “Karuppan”. Both are “Swaabhaaviga Ugramoorthys”  (by nature ferocious). But here they were in “Prasanna Saannidhyam”(pleasant disposition) could be felt very clearly.

It is a small temple only. But the “Murthy”(Lord) and its  “Keerthy”(Fame) are immeasurable. The Lord here is known as “Poornaa Pushkalaa Sametha Thirumeni Azhaghar” No idea as to who selected this name for christening the idol. But, there is no doubt that it is the outcome of one’s own realization as it is most appropriate. One cannot locate such exquisitely carved stone idol anywhere else. It is incorrect to call it a stone idol. Lord Hariharaputra is prathyaksham here (Present in reality).

We have seen the “balakrishnan”(Lord Krishna as a Child) in some photos dressed in a peculiar hairstyle, with a bunch of hairs as a  “Kona Kondai”, (slanted tuft) in front side of the head. With such a slanted “tuft” Lord Thirumeni Azaghar is seen seated with his consorts Poorna and Pushkala.

He is the Kula Daivam (family deity) for about 1000 families.  He is the family deity of

“Palai” Sri Bhaskara Iyer who was nominated as His representative at Sabarimalai by the Lord Himself.

This temple is more than 1200 years old. During the British regime orders came from higher ups to demolish the temple to build a dam at that site.

All the people approached the Collector with a plea not to demolish the temple of their deity. “Who are “you” to plead not to demolish the temple? Whomsoever you say as the owner of the temple let that Saastha come and tell me. I shall then take a final decision.”

“The owner of the temple himself spoke directly to the Collector and got the dam shifted to another site” said Srinivasa Iyer.

The minute I entered inside He, ThirumeniAzhaghan, captured my heart. It is beyond words to describe adequately the beauty and the grand manner in which he is majestically seated therein. He had folded his one leg up and the other hanging down, he had a slanting “tuft” in the front of the head, he had a bubbling smile in the face. The beauty has to be experienced in person.

The abisheagam started with recitation of the veda mantras by learned pundits. We too joined in the “veda parayanam”(recital of veda). With the reverberating sound of the veda recitation in the back ground, the Lord accepted Abhishegam with various items viz.  milk, curd, ghee, tender coconut water, sandal paste, panchamrutam etc. We were all alone there (yekaantham) and enjoyed to our full mental satisfaction. When finally the “viboothy” (sacred ash) abhishegam was over, and the Lord was garlanded with one made of “rudraksha beads” and the “pirambhu” (a cane stick) was given in his hands, my mind was completely occupied by Him!

Then we carried the “poorna kumbham” (the biggest kumbham which is kept as center piece while reciting Vedas to charge it with power) and went around (circumambulate) the temple. Then with that sanctified water in the poorna kumbham abishegam was performed to the idols of Poorna, Pushkala and Ayyan.

As part of the “alankarams”(decoration) they put on the silver “kavacham” (coverings) to all the deities.  No wonder! Though the Lord is residing at such a remote village he had effortlessly (anaayasam) got “accomplished” the desires and wishes of many a devotees and in turn accepted their “kaingaryams” (token of gratitude) like the silver kavachams.

After completing the detailed pujas and archanas the priest took “deepaaradhanai” (camphor aarathy). I looked at the Lord.  “Yennada…Tripthiyaa?” (Hi, Are you satisfied and happy) asked the Lord silently and symbolically. A smile seemed to appear on HIS face as if seeking my approval.

“Here My Lord is seated in reality (“Prathyaksham”).” Overwhelmed by feelings I could not control my sobbing.

“Vilichchaal Vili Ketgum Daiyvame…”(Malayalam Prayer)(The Lord who responds to one’s call)

I could only cry aloud as above.

Oh! The Lord of Ocean of Mercy! Who else is there in this universe “equal” to you?

Such an elaborate arrangement in such an isolated village was quite an unexpected one.

As a devoted follower of Lord Ayyan, Srinivasa Iyer had made excellent arrangements for the conduct of the Puja. Not stopping at that, in the sannidhi of the Lord, he also served us lunch as a prasadam of the Lord. In fact a mini Saastha Preethi had been conducted.

I had no mind to come out of such a wonderful sannidhi. “Till next visit these sweet memories will engulf our minds completely”

We again had yet one more dharshan to the delight of our eyes and hearts.

“maruvilaathu avaniyilE un vaasal asaaram Odhum

manthiri veLLaikkal bUtham vaakku uRuthi seythu adimai

sey maaththiram sonna vaasamE aRikilEnE !

vaRumaiyai thIrththu nal vaLam perugavE manam ennavO

i n nEram mathiyuRRu unathu bakthi vaazvuRa

seeyavum manam illa kaLLan anthO!”

“kirubai seythu enthanidam urimai vaiththaal unthan

kIrththikku kuRaivu AgumO-giri pancamaagra

sanjcaritha un mirudhu paatha kiruslayam sernthu ilankka

aRivu illaatha enthan akilaa abaraatham poRuththu ennai

Aandu koNdarula ithu nalla samayam ayyanE!”

(Your Minister, Vellaikkal Bootham, who ceaselessly trumpets the “Dos and Don’ts” from your doorsteps to the world, promised and said Do Serve The Lord; other than that I know nothing. For removing my poverty, increasing my welfare don’t you have the heart? By now attaining good sense should not my mind be devoted to you for a better life but it is acting like a thief)

(If you take pity on me and keep relations with me will it bring down your glory?

You who wander over all the five hills! I who do not have the good sense to surrender at your soft feet, please bear with me and pardon all my wrong deeds. This is the right and opportune moment to take me under your folds and tender care.)

We started from there for the simple reason that we have to return back home.

 Right from the start of this yatra, Lord Sastha, who had made me to dance to his tunes as a “puppet” in his hands, who had given us wonderful dharshan at all places seems to have selected this place as a finale for the yatra, to complete it with a  mangalam (happy ending) and make  it sampoornam.

We, who had no connection, none whatsoever with this village, had been brought to this forest and had been bestowed with such an enjoyable  “Yekantha” dharshan. You shower us with your blessings and bountifully grant all our wishes.  You are the great benefactor.

You are my family deity. You are the protector of your devotees. Please grant me the boon never ever to forget you.

Will the yatra of Ayyan be complete without the dharshan of Ambaal?

Whenever Saastha Preethi is celebrated it is to be completed by having a “Bhagawathy Sevai” (worship of Ambal in a lighted lamp) too as per Sampradhaayam.  (Traditional practices).

“Ayyanum Ammaiyum Anugrahichchaal Athuve Gaja-Kesari Yogam” is a saying in Kerala. ( If Ayyan (Father) and Ammai (Mother)  bless us that is Gaja- Kesari  (Elephant & Lion) Yogam)

“Paravathee hridhayaanandam –Saasthaaram Pranamaamyaham”(Sanskrit Slogam).

(I bow to Lord Saastha, the beloved of Godess Parvathi)

So on our way back we went to Maduari and had an enjoyable dharshan of the Mother Godess Meenaksi, Mother of the Lord Saastha, the “paandyesa vamsa thilagam” (the star of pandya king dynasty), and “Appan Chokkan” (Lord Chokkanaathar).

I had gone to all these holy places earlier too. Due to the grace of the Lord let me have the good fortune to visit them again in future too. But the experiences I under went this time would always remain green in my memory.

Saastha is also called “Avvyaja Karunaa Moorthy” (Lord of Mercy with no expectations in return). All our actions and efforts, Bhakthi-Puja-Bhajan are all done with some expectations in return from the Lord. But for the mercy he bestows on us no reason is needed. It His first act of mercy that he gave us a heart that is favorably disposed towards him and a mind which wants to worship him. He explicitly made this clear during this trip. It is that mercy which is continuing till date, till this moment.

Drenched in His rain of Mercy we took leave from Ayyan and returned to Coimbatore.

Swaamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!! Swaamiye Saranam Ayyappa!!!

First Yatra Sampoornam

Part VII DHARSHAN OF TEMPLES OF LORD SASTHA - KULATHTHOORIL AYYAN ENDRAAL KUTRAM ONDRUM VAARAATHE

Part VII

DHARSHAN  OF TEMPLES OF LORD SASTHA

 (AYYANIN  ALAYA  DHARISANAM)

BY

Sri Maha Saastru  Priyadasan  V. Aravind Subrahmanyam

Translated by Shri. Thiruvarur Chandrashekaran

KULATHTHOORIL AYYAN ENDRAAL KUTRAM ONDRUM VAARAATHE

(No sin would accrue if one takes the name of Kulaththoor Ayyan)

We proceeded towards the Sannidhi of Kulaththoor Ayyan. The Saastha temple here is in the village of Mudaliyapuram. This temple has many achievements to its credit. But the temple structure itself is a very simple one. It is to this village “Saakshaath” Hariharaputra Bhagwan had directly come and partook food in one house. In return for this indebtedness, Lord had given a “Saasanam” saying that he is “Adimai”(Slave) to their “paramaparai”(hierarchy), that is  “Kambangudikku Adimai” (Slave of the Kambangudi hierarchy). He is my “Prathyaksha” God too.

While we say we are slaves to the God, the Lord says I am the “Dasan”(servant) of the Bhakthas(devotees).

Saastha Preethi is the name given to one form of worship started by the Kambangudi hierarchy, who had the privilege to “own” the Lord.

The “Saastha Varavu Padalgal” (Songs invoking welcome of Lord Saastha) were all sung by them. Today many do not know the meaning of “Varavu” (Arrival).

They are wonderful songs. (I am compiling them all to some extent)

No one has any authority to change the “Sampradhayam” (traditions). Better late than never!!! Sooner than later we have to take serious action to set aright the situation. Even for that we need His blessings.

Kulaththoor Ayyan Sannidhi can be likened to a “Power House” for all the Saastha “Kshetrams”

]

This would become clear if we have a look at the Saastha Bhajan songs.

“maaNikka maalai makiz maalai  pUmaalai

kaaNikkai konduvanthu kaaNpaar thina nthORum

aaNippon maarban  azakan  kuLaththUraanai

pENiththOzaay ne nje pizaikaL onRum vaarathE”

“kuLaththUrilE yirundhu kudiyirunthu avathariththu….”

“kuLaththuril ayyan enRaal kuRRam onRum vaaraathE…”

(The devotees daily carry Manikka Maalai (garland of Rubies), Magizh Maalai(Garland of Magizhzmbu flower), Poo Maalai(Garlands of Flowers) as Kanikkai(presents) when they come to have his dharshan. Oh My Heart! Please do serve and pray to Him, the beauty incarnate, whose chest is shining duly adorned with golden ornaments, and no sins would ever accrue to you.)

(He who resided at Kulaththoor and took avathaaram from there. ……….)

(If you just mention the name of Kulaththoor Ayyan no sin would ever accrue…)

The Kulaththooran, referred to in all the above songs, is none other than this Lord of Kulathur.

Wherever worship is held on a “Purattasi Saturday” the Lord worshipped there would invariably be Lord of Tirupathi, Sri Venkatachalapathy. Similarly in whichever part of the world Saastha Preethi is celebrated it is the worship of this Kulaththoor Ayyan only, who is at “Karanthapuri”  in Kallidaikkurichchi. This is the  “Truth” but unfortunately not known to many!

This holy place is a very powerful kendram. Manidasar has again and again referred to the Karanthapuri Brahmana Samooham in his songs as “Karanthaapuri Jana Samooha Mahaa Meru”. This name board “Karanthaiyerpalayam Brahmana Mahaa Samooham” welcomed us! The Saastha Preethi at Karanthayapalayam used to be celebrated in such a grand manner at one period of time, which set a benchmark to the entire world. As a continuation of this “Sampradhayam”(tradition) in full, Saastha Preethi is now being held at Kochi. That at North Paravur is also a continuation of this tradition only. The Lord had given us the “Bhagyam” of celebrating it this year the same way at Coimbatore too.

When I came here for the first time I felt extremely happy. The “Bhagwat Sannidhyam” erupted as a fountain and started overflowing. As soon as I saw the “Avaahana” vilakku (oil lamp in which Lord is invoked by chanting Mantras) I got goose pimples and forgot all about myself and started sobbing. That year the Lord Dharma Saastha got invoked on  Venkatachalam Iyer, son of Kambangudi Paravur Sankaralinga Iyer. It was a wonderful

experience!  Even now if I think of it I get goose pimples. It is one such happening, which I can never forget through out my life.

I would like to narrate yet one more incident to show the mercy of the Lord. I have no direct connection, (except that of the Lord), none whatsoever with this place. I came here for the first time just to watch the “fun’ of Saastha Preethi celebarations. In the second year itself I got the “Bhagyam” to sit in the front row and participate in the Puja. This year “My Hariharaputran” has brought me up to the dais and made me to sit by His side.

All the Devadas were so pleased with the people of this place, who had the good fortune to worship the Lord that they migrated to this village of Kallidaikkurichchi.

“Saastha Kudumbha Sriyam” is a saying by people of virtue.  It is a certainty that in the residence of those who worship Saastha, “Lakshmi Kadaksham” would remain permanently.

While examining a very ancient manuscript I came across a statement of Truth.

“If the words  “Kulathuril Aiyan Thunai” is kept written, even in a remote corner of a house, I reside in that house as “Rajya Laksmi”. It is said that Mahalakshmi Herself has come forward and gave this as a boon.

With these thoughts running in our mind we went to the Saastha temple belonging to the Samooham of Karanthayaarpalayam. Initially the plan was to have a puja leisurely stretching over half a day. But due to certain other unanticipated developments we had to leave immediately cutting short our planned duration of stay.

Though the Abishegam was not performed, it was otherwise an unhurried traditional puja. Though he was in employment, Sri Hari had learnt and grasped all the puja procedures from his father and does the puja with  “Bhakthi and Shraddha” (care and devotion)

There is no idol as such for the Lord.  Saastha “Avahan” (Invocation) has been done on a “Adi Yantra” stone peedam. (In most of the ancient temples this was the procedure in existence)  Boothaththaar is worshipped in another smaller peedam kept by the side.

There are sannidhis for Vinayagar, Siva and Ambaal too.

The special feature of this place is that “Sri Chakram” has been carved on top of the stone peedam and Saastha worship is done to this Sri Chakram only. This is yet one more proof to show that Lord Saastha always has the “Sannithyam” of Ambaal.

(At Sabarimalai too Saastha prathishtai has been done on “Sri Chakram” only. A friend of mine had taken a photograph of the Sannidhanam from Ponnambalamedu in which this fact is clearly visible and it appeared as if Sri Charam has been super imposed.)

We recited the Archana Namavalis wholeheartedly in traditional style and had darshan of Kulaththooran to our entire satisfaction. The sanctum sanctorum was bright with sunshine. The “Pancha Mugha Deepam” (Oil lamp with five faces) in front of the Lord was also lit. So when camphor deeparadhanai was taken Ayyan looked like the “Kanthamalai Jothi”

One feels like offering a prayer wish as under: YEPPOTHUM UNAI UNNUM UNARVAI NALGAAI (Grant me the sense to feel your presence always). This only is “Saaswatham” (permanent)

“oppu umakku yaar ulagil! enthanukku isaintha theyvam

 ambuviyil kara- nthayyanE !

 thoNdar bayam thiirththavanE !

 paavaththai niikki  vaippaay baagyam migaththaan tharuvaay

 bUpathiyaay vanthuthiththa pukaz kuLaththUr ayyaavE!”

(Equal to you, who is there, in this world? You, who reside at Karanthayarpalayam, are my favorite deity on earth! You allay the fears of your followers. Please cleanse (wash off) all our sins. Please bestow on us a lot of Bhagyams (fortunes and blessings).

You appeared as the king on earth, as the Ayya, at the famous place of Kulaththur.)

I do not know the secret of the magnetic power of His attraction!

“We leave this place to come back”. With these thoughts we left the sannidhi and took leave of Him.

NELLAIYAPPAR KOVIL

It was just past 8.15 AM. Since we had to be at Pazhavoor by 11.00AM, we had our morning breakfast at Ambasamudram on our way, and reached the temple of Neelaiyappar.

“The spectacle of Natarajan has to be set aright. I will search out if there is any optical shop. All of you can go inside the temple and have the dharshan” After delivering a big speech like that I left from there. By now both Vibhawan and Shyam became alert and they too came with me.

We briskly walked and went straight to the Bhothaththaar corner. Lord Boothanathar appeared majestically with the Gadhai(mace) raised in his hands. This temple is situated in the left side border of the temple of Lord Nellaiyappar.

Boothaththaar stands like a tall tower. He gives his dharshan in three stages including one above and the other below. Before the start of the Rath (Chariot) of Lord Nellaiyappar, permission is obtained from Boothaththaar by breaking coconut in front of his idol and then only the procession starts. Further inside the temple there is a Boothanatha Vahan for the Lord Nellaiyappar.

After having the dharshan of Sangili (chain) Boothaththaar I entered into a small lane that was there just opposite. I said, “Sekkadi Saastha temple is here only”

This is the holy place where Saastha gave dharshan to Sage Augusthiar. During my last visit to Thirunelveli I “discovered” this holy place.

When we visited, the temple was not yet open. So we had dharshan from outside itself.

This stone idol of Saastha can well said to be the biggest amongst idols of Saastha as its height is about 5 ½ feet!

Another special feature is that unlike the usual posture, the right leg of Lord Saastha is raised and in the left hand he holds a bouquet. A very rare sight indeed.. It is said that it is because of hurried retreat from the hills to give appearance to Sage Augusthiar.

Sage Augusthiar stands with folded hands before the Lord who is seen with his two consorts Purna and Pushkala.

It would be difficult to believe that this too is a holy place fulfilling the three pre requisites viz. “Murthy-Sthalam-Theertham”.

This ancient “holy place”(Sthalam) now appears in the midst of heaps of garbage. This temple is as old as the temple of Nellai-Appar.  As per the Sthala Puraanam, the holy water in the tank of this place, known as “Dharma Theertham”, possessed the powers to cure leprosy. (Today even if you search, the “Theertham”, is nowhere to be found. We are fortunate that at least the temple is still in existence today)

Thanks to the efforts of few “Punyathmaas” (blessed souls) a compound wall has been erected to protect the temple and the devotees now get at least a leg space to stand inside the temple.

After having the dharshan of “Sekkadi Saastha” we hurried to the Neelaiyappar temple and first had the dharshan of “Kanthimathi Annai”.

Laltha Sahasranammam begins with the words “Sree Maathaa…” First comes the relationship of “Mother.”  All other relations come later. That She is “Sree Maharaakjee” etc comes later.

Whichever temple I visit I always have the respect and regard that She (Ambaal) is “My Mother”. But only at the temple of Kanthimathi it goes a step further that I really feel HER to be as “a mother who gave birth to me”! Without any special efforts from me I could feel the magic of automatic congruence of my mind. With no one else being present, other than few group members, at the Sannidhi, we had an enjoyable “Yekaantha” dharshan of  “Annai, Aadhiparaashathi, Akilaanda Naayaki, Amma”!

In such a huge big inner complex of the temple, how and where to locate the rest of our group members? All of a sudden my inner conscious told me something!

“There must be a saanidhi of Saastha somewhere around here!” I said.

Behold! There it is! The Sannidhi! With sandal paste on the forehead and tilak of Kumkumum over it and other decorations and with an idol of Elephant-Vahan in the front, Lord was majestically seated. It is always a pleasure to see the Lord, wherever and in whatever state He may be! This “He” very well knows better than us! Just like attracting and playing with a child by giving a lollypop, He too is playing with us likewise.

There was yet one more surprising thing in the same mandapam. In the beautifully executed pillars they had carved out 7 to 8 feet high statutes of “Yazhi” and others. In one pillar a statue of a “veera swaroopam” (hero like figure) holding a “Kundaanthadi”

(a stout and thick stick, bigger than a baton, as a weapon) with both hands had been carved out. Just staright behind it a similar figure with tigers paw but holding a “kundaanthadi” with both the hands had been carved out as a statue in the pillar. At first I could not quickly come to any conclusion as to what these two statues represent. But immediately I could solve the mystery. Without an iota of doubt it is none other than Sri Boothanaathaswamy. The statues have been carved on the pillars situated in the mandap in which is situated the sannidhi of Saastha. “Kundaanthadi” is a special unique weapon of Boothaththaar. So the statue appearing in the front is undoubtedly that of Sri Boothanathar. The one behind, whose statute it could be?  One cannot all of a sudden come to the conclusion that it is Sage Vyaagrabaathar!  As per the rules and manuals of the art of sculpture, statue of sage Vyaagrabaathar with tiger’s paw has to be in a worship form with folded hands. Sri Boothanaathaswamy is considered to be the “Athipathi” (Captain) of the “Udumbhaarai Kottai” (A fort with steep rock structure) area of the Sabarimalai. Even today one can very easily feel his “Sannidhyam” (strong presence) in that area. He is known here as “Vyaagra Paadhan”(One who has tigers paw). So the “Divya Swaroopam” (wonderful figure) with Tigers Paw holding the Gundaanthadi in hands and His “Nija Swaroopam”(True form) are the two forms, which appear as the front and back statues.

Where to search for the other members of our group? We came around, circumambulated, the Sivan Sannidhi.  There, at the trunk of the Vanni tree, Saastha was seated in a “padmapeedam”(lotus peedam) and welcomed us!

Wondering at the “Leela Vinothams” (playful pranks) of the Lord we came in search of others and reached the Sivan Sannidhi. All other members too were there only! So we joined them forming a single group. By this time Natarajan too arrived after rectification of his spectacles.

None of the other members of our group could decipher where we went and why went etc! We also did not dwell on the subject much and enjoyed the dharshan of Neelai-Appan, the Lord who built a “Veli”(fence) around the paddy (a leela played by Lord in this temple)

Out of the five famous Sabhas (Halls) of Nadana Sabhapathi,(Expert Dancer), Lord Siva, Thamira Sabha (Hall of Copper) is located here only. The Mandapams and the Sannidhis in this temple complex are very huge and gigantic! Each and every Sannidhi, like Kailash Dharshan , Kubera Lingam, have to be seen and enjoyed leisurely. We had a dharshan of all the Sannidhis and after one more dharshan of Kanthimathiammai, and with a great mental satisfaction we finally took leave of Ammaiappan, the Lord Neellaiappar and returned.

.... to be continued...