My Grand father - My first Guru

 -a tribute to Kalpathy Shri.CV.Srinivasa Iyer (Chaami Anna)

This year, March 19 is Pankuni Uthram, which reminded me of my Great Grand Father and Iam posting this article as a tribute to this noble soul.. (this is an article which I wrote for my next book "Nothing But Ayyappan" )

A small request.... I have a desire to write his Life history in detail... so any reader who have had the acquaintance with Shri. CV.Srinivasa Iyer / CV Krishna Iyer and  have any small piece of information / photographs or anything to share.. please write to me(aravindsastha@gmail.com) or call me (09994641801)

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My Grand father - My first Guru 

-a tribute to Kalpathy Shri.CV.Srinivasa Iyer (Chaami Anna)

In the holy land of Bharat it is said that during every century, there would be atleast a single Jivan muktha born to accomplish a divine mission and to re-establish a divine faith.

True to this saying this Mahaan, Shri CV Srinivasa Iyer was born to re establish the supremacy of Lord Ayyappa, at a time when - the divine will wanted to spread the glory of Ayyappa Bhatki.

As per the wishes of Lord Ayyappa, during the right juncture- at his middle age - he was particularly attracted to the Sabarimala Yatra, because of his younger brother Shri.CV.Krishna Iyer, who was undertaking the yatra for years.

He reached the Sannidhanam for the first time - thereafter the spiritual progress of Chaami Anna was on the fast track and he

came into contact with great people and the truth of the vedantas were getting clearer to him..

Though he was a gruhastha, he was living a saint’s life working very hard for the spiritual upliftment of the ordinary souls. As a Guruswamy he took several hundreds of devotees to Sabarimala. True to the “Ayyappa thathwaam” - his clan of disciples comprised of lay men to Vedhic scholars. Many veteran Guruswamys we see today were his disciples. He was fondly known as “Chaami Anna” with respect and love from his sishyas.

For several decades for some reasons, the Pankuni Uthra Puja was not being done at the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple. Though it was an auspicious day for Sastha, the temple was not even opened on that particular day. As per the divine directions, Chaami Anna took the initative and this puja commenced to be done by him. A spectacular Lakhsharchana and Vedhic homams to Lord Sastha on the Pankuni Uthram day was performed judiciously and magnificently at Sabarimala for years by him. The puja grew in popularity and at one point of time his party included nearly 500 devotees and 70-80 Vedhic Scholars, 6-7 special busses and fleet of Cars and Lorries to carry the necessary items for the magnificent ritual. The festival attained the new heights with Purusha Sooktha Homam, Rudrabishekam and even to Maha Rudram and Athi Rudram.

He was not only an ardent and sincere devotee – but was a realized and elevated soul. Many have had the opportunity of getting his blessings and have come up in their life. I have heard from many of his associates that all what he says is the total Satyam and no one dared to defy his instructions. A simple namaskaram would bring forth from him an abundance of blessings and love and one could feel the depth and warmth of the same.

He was an embodiment of devotion and compassion and nobody would return empty handed after seeing him. Even today whenever I go for pujas or lectures anywhere in India, I would definitely see atlesat 2 or 3 disciples of Chaami Anna. Many many stalwarts and seniors exclaim that they have had the privilege of meeting him, eating saddhi(food) along with him, and getting prasadam from him.

The pilgrimage to the Sabarimalai is very symbolic of the journey of the individual ‘atma’ and it’s joining with the ‘Paramatma’ During the Pankuni Uthram festival of 1989, Chaami Anna, made a very significant remark that, he will cease to live beyond the Pankuni Uthram festival that year and it was an intuition from his side and that Lord Ayyappa wanted it that way. Events, have proved that he attained Lord Ayyappa’s world during the same date and in doing so, left all of us, his devotees orphans to be guided by his spirit of selflessness and love and compassion to all.

My tryst with a phenomenon called “Ayyappa” started right from the day I took birth in this earth- because of my Great grand father Shri CV Srinivasa Iyer. (Chaami Anna) whom I consider my first Guru to Sastha.

I was a small boy when he ceased his earthly connections, but even at that early age I had the rare privilege of getting blessings directly from him. And I am very sure that he is blessing all of us even today and this perhaps, is the guiding force and the inner drive which is operating us till date.

Devatas of the Ponnu Pathinettam Padi

Many of our friends especially Mumbai Kamesh was keep on requesting me regarding the Devatas of the Ponnu Pathinettam Padi - the holy 18 steps of Sabarimala

I have already written an article regarding the Pathinettam Padi

18 steps Pathinettam Padi

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/02/18-steps-pathinettam-padi.html

Padi puja is a unique ritual at Sabarimala where the Tantri performs the ritualistic puja to all the eighteen steps individually.

Actually the padi puja is not the puja to the physical 18 steps but the puja is for the 18 deities who preside over each of the eighteen steps. 

The devatas of 18m padi are very secretly maintained and not revealed to anyone. But every year during mandala season, news papers like Maalai Malar start a comedy show by putting the list of devatas of 18 padi (of their own) like Rahu, Ketu, Ranganathan (?? !!) etc.. We can view this entertainment show every year.

Since the list was a secret I was very reluctant in sharing it with anyone... Then I remembered an incident from my own life where a Deva Rahasya was once revealed to me by a Siddha Purusha and when I asked whether I can share this, he very gladly accepted saying it must reach the Bhakta Lokam.! 

So I decided to apply the same rule here and with a conviction that, even if one true devotee is happy reading my Bhakta Paripala's glory, Iam sure my Guru who revealed this secret, will forgive me for mentioning it.

Each step has a presiding deity. Each of this devata has a separate dhyana swaroopa, moola mantram and puja method. The details of the Dhyana and the Sankalpa of the 18 deities are below: 

(Iam not giving the dhyana sloka and moola mantra here... Certain things Ive made only a hint... So read between the lines to have a better understanding)

On the whole we consider Satya Dharma on either side of the 18 stepms and mentally offer salutations to them using their moola mantra for the 18 steps

Step 1 Naga Yakshi

Nagayakshi is one of the paripara devatas of Sastha and she is stationed at many of his temples like Kulathupuzhai, Achan kovil etc

Onnam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 2 Mahisha Mardhini

Mahishamardhini is Durga Swaroopini an infacther advent took place before Swami's Manikanta incarnation and she annihilated Mahisha and Manikanta destroyed his Sister Mahishi

Rendam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 3 Annapoorna

Sastha is Annadhana Prabhu and is very happy in the pious deed of feeding all his devotees - always. A Sastha devotee is never in want of food - throughout his life time.

Moonam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 4 Kaali

Kali is the Goddess of time and change representing both the creative and destructive aspects of Nature. S

he helps those who strive for knowledge of self. 

Naalam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 5 Krushna Kaali

Krishna Kali  is one such deity with whom devotees have a very loving and intimate bond, in spite of her fearful appearance. She is known for destroying ignorance. 

Ancham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 6 Shakti Bairavi

Shakti Bhairavi is the ugra swaroopini of Shakti and she is known more to the devotees as the famous Yakshi - who is seated in the court of Lord Sastha

Aaraam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 7 Kaarthaveeryarjuna

Kaartha Veeryaarjuna is an Amsha of Sudharshana Chakra. He got Satha Upasana from his Guru Datta and obtained many great powers and rose to a level of God

Ezhaam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 8 Krushnaabhan

Krishnabhan is more popularly known as Karuppan. He is the cheif of all the Bhootaganas of Sastha's Bhootha sena. He is seen in almost every Sastha temple in Tamilnadu and few age old temples of Kerala.

Ettam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 9 Hidimba

Hidimba is one of the chief warrior but also the preceptor born in the clan of Asuras. He is seated as the guardian deity of the ninth step.

Onpadham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 10 Vethala

Vethala is considered to be the head of Ghost and Goblins and in an amsha of Bhairava. Sastha is Bhoothanatha who controls these Ghosts and hence Vethala is one among his parivara.

Pathaam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 11 Naagaraja

Nagaraja is the king of the Serpants. In general Anantha is considered to be the King of the Naga Kingdom  and he is stationed at the eleventh step here to destroy the Sarpa doshas of the devotees

Pathinonnam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 12 Renuka

Renuka is the Mother of Parasurama who was killed and later resurrected by Parasurama. After the death of Jamadagni, Revana Siddha gave her Sasthru Deeksha at Padavedu and she is stationed here.  

Pantrendam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 13 Swapna Varahi

Swapna Varahi is a form of Vartali who gets pleased with the devotees and comes and guides the devotees through dreams.

Pathimoonam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 14 Pratyangira

Pratyangira is Ugra Swaroopini who is very much forceful in action and her primary duty is to protect the upasakas of Para Devata

Pathinalam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 15 Bhooma Devi

Bhoomadevi is the consort of the Varaha Moorthi. She is Dharma Swaroopini and represents Kshama- forgiveness. Holding a paddy sheaf in her hand, She also indicates prosperity

Pathinancham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 16 Aghora

The following there are Astra Devatas. Ever ready for prayoga against the evil. Agora is one of the Astra of Shiva which he created to destroy the Tripurasuras. It can grants worldly good and salvation to the soul.

Pathinaram Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 17 Pashupatha

Pashupata is Shiva's personal asta and a most forceful one. It can even be discharged by eyes, words or mind. Its capable of destroying anything and can even stop creation. 

Pathinezham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Step 18 Mrutyunjaya

Mrutyunjaya is yet another Astra which gives eternal state to the aspirant. This is not just to live a healthy life and get rid of ailments. This conquers mrutyu - the permanent state of existence; Thats knowing the self; being self; Thats Thathwamasi.

Pathinettam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

And IMHO Padipuja is again unique to Sabarimala and I dont know how far its right to repeat it at other places. This is because - the 18 steps are installed at Sabarimala as a Prathishta by Deva Sankalpam. We dont know exactly on what sankalpam these steps were installed and hence you cant repeat it elsewhere. (and Since the 18 steps are guarded by these devatas you need proper Vrutham to qualify yourself to please the devatas of each step and step your foot on the padhinettam padi) 

At all other places the 18 steps are built (and not installed as a prathishta) and so the question of doing padipuja does not arise. (Today we see padipuja at many places - especially at Andhra and I saw a padi puja done for temporary 18 steps built with bamboo sticks !!! )

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

The Great Temple at Sabarimala in the year 1942

The Great Temple at Sabarimala in the year 1942

This Photo was clicked in Year 1942 when His Highness Shri Chitira Thirunal Balrama Marthanda Verma Maharaja of Travancore Visited Sabarimala. The Photo was clicked by his brother Shri Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Verma who accompanied him.

Is it not Beautiful … Alas! we have lost it due to Modernization and so called cry from devotees for ‘facility in Sabarimala’

18 steps Pathinettam Padi

Swamy Sharanam Anna

What is the actual meaning of 18 steps which is there in sanidhanam. becasue i have heared lot of menaing for the same viz 18 puranas. 18 gunas, 18 mountains around sabarimala, etc... I want to know what is actual meaning of the same and after claiming we attain the Lord which is called "THAATVAMAASI" you hav written the meaning of the same in ur book but since i dont knw to read i did not knw the actual meaing.

Awaiting to your reply

Swamy Sharanam

Santosh

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18 Steps.... are equated to

18 Puranas

18 Mountains

18 Ayudhams

18 Siddhas

18 Devatas

18 Gunas

There are various explanations suiting each of the above statement.

You can also find ample of proof justifying each stand ...

"Padi Pathinettum Puranangal Aakkiya Premaswaroopandae Ananda Mandapam..." says an old sharana vili

There are 18 mountains surrounding Sabarimalai and each one is represented through one step of the padhinettu padi...

Ayyappan has 18 Ayudhams... he left each one of the ayudham while ascending the peetam and hence each step has or represents an aydham of Ayyappan. - Weapons which kills (the enemies) and at the same time protect (the devotees)

All our Shastras greatly exclaim about the 18 siddha purushas... These siddha purushas have surrendered to Lord Sastha who is the Yogeeshwara and obtained the status or privilege of being his Ashtadasha Peetam(18 Steps)

18 Special Devatas are installed in the 18 steps.. During the customary Padi Pooja - these dieties are worshipped...

Confused ...?

All these are implications.... Everything is true as far as this is concerned... you cant deny of the above statement... "It is there - because it is there" - is the best answer

As per the divine will of Lord Ayyappa all these things happen...

Now just go in the reverse order...

There are eighteen devatas who are the adhishtana moorthis of 18 mountain ranges(or Parivara devats) who are installed in the 18 steps... and Sastha was seated above all (here the steps are not built.. but it is done as a pratishta... that is the most important thing and uniqueness of Sabarimalai... )

When Ayyappa avatara took place he renounced his prince hood and left his ayudhams one by one on each of the step of Pathinettampadi... and merged with Sastha

Further 18 siddha purushas who wanted to serve the Lord, installed their divine presence in the 18 steps to serve him as well as bless the devotees..

Just imagine, the Swami is same everywhere.. at Achankovil, Aryankavu or Kulathupuzhai, Coimbatore or Banglore... But the 18 steps are unique here... You can see the Lord even without the vrutham. But you cannot step the Padinettampadi without Vrutham... Thats its speciality..

Bcoz.. By climbing the steps - You are actually stepping the zone of a Particular devata who guards it... and only if you have the Vrutha Balam - you qualify - "you pass the exam" - you are blessed.

(These devatas are worshipped during the Padi Pooja - this detail is not known or not revealed to many.. I can humbly claim that Iam blessed to have the actual process and the actual list of devatas of all the 18 steps along with their dhyanam - moola mantram and everything)

Now you can see - Every statement given above is true...

And thats not the end...

Every divine aspect has a direct side and an esoteric meaning... For Example Rama's war with with Ravana to unite with Seetha - is not a mere story but the aikyam of Jeevathma and Paramatma

Similarly the 18 steps has an esoteric meaning -

that one who conquers the 18 Gunas becomes Bhagawan... thats THATHVAMASI

Each year you follow the Vrutham to 100% sincerity, you climb one step or rise one level in your spiritual progress... the inner refinement happens.. (that is the actual purpose of Sabarimalai yatra.. if this is not happening.. there is no use even if you go 1008 times)

Similarly when you overcome the 18 gunas... you become pure and attain the state of oneness with the Lord - the state is called THATHVAMASI.

THATHVAMASI is a Maha Vakyam from the Vedas meaning - "You know that you and that are One"..

Unfortunately, we have neither understood the direct meaning nor the esoteric meaning

Let that evercompassionate Lord bless us with the Gnana and Bhakti and the inner drive to understand His significance...

Hariharaputram Sadhaa Bajeham Maaya Kaaryam Thyejeham

V.Aravind Subramanyam (Sastha Aravind)

Coimbatore

www.mahasastha.com

பார் புகழும் சபரிமலை பதினெட்டும் கடந்த நிலை ஸ்ரீ

சக்ர பீடமதில் சின்மயானந்த பாலன் மகரம் சூழ் நன்னாளில் யோகியாய் ஜோதியாய் இரண்டென காட்சி தந்து இருவினை களையும் போது உருகி வரும் அடியவர்கள் சரணங்கள் விளிக்கும் போது தருணமாய் வந்து காக்கும் என் ஐயன் ஐயப்ப ஸ்வாமியே.... சரணம் ஐயப்பா

Paar Pukuazhum Sabarimalai. Pathinettum Kadantha Nilai Shri Chakra Peetamathil Chinamayanandha Baalan... Makaram Soozh Nannaalil Yogiyay.. Jyotiyaay.. Irendena Kaatchi Thanthu Iru Vinaiyum kalaiyum poothu Uruki varum adiyavarkal Sharanangl Vilikkum Pothu Tharunamaai Vanthu Kaakkum Yen Ayyan Ayyappa Swamiye.. Sharanam Ayyappa !