Thirugyanasambandar

2

Thirugyanasambandar

Thirukkailayam….

 Easan comes out of His meditation and finds Annai in deep thoughts with Her eyes closed. Knowing what is running through Her mind, he waits for her to open up Her eyes.

She opens Her eyes and sees Easan sitting , down cast.

Annai (alarmed)

Ayyane! Why are You looking unusually sullen today?

Easan

You are aware of everything! Why must You ask this question still?

Annai

Yes! That is a mistake. Forgive Me for that!

Easan

Pardon You! What mistake did you commit?

Annai

Times ago, You felt sad that people call You   Anaadi (Orphan)! Then You adopted Karaikkal Ammayar as Ammai, Navukkarasar Perumanar as  Appar and Chandikeswarar as Magan (son). They are all now seated along with Us now! When I was feeling low that I have not been able to breast feed My children,

You said that the time would come for that!  While that opportunity is going to happen now, how can You be morose? 

Easan

 We may have to get prepared to part our beloved son for some time. We know that this has to happen. Even then there is a concern about our son being sent to bhoologam all alone!

 Annai (stubbornly)

All alone! No… from the moment he takes his first breath. Our grace will be with him where ever he is!

At that very moment, Vinayakar Peruman appears there and bows to his parents.

Easan

Pillayare! Come!

Vinayakar (surprised)

Thanthaye! I am Your son! How can You address me as Pillayare respectfully rather than Pillaye affectionately?  Is it proper?

Easan

Though I created the Vedas, it is You who organized it and presented it to the world! When  VedaVyasar wanted to You as a scribe  for Mahabharatam, You put a poser whether he can narrate it without  giving a break in Your writing! He posed a counter to you that You could only scribe only after understanding its meaning! When he had to take time to compose, he would deliberately give a tough passage for you to understand, and would compose it in the time You took to decipher the meaning! Your competing skills were both a great delight and astonishment for everyone! When the stylus broke while you were writing, you broke off one of your tusks to make sure that Veda Vyasar was not hindered in his progress and also the scribing was not stopped! You became Ekadantan because of that!  It is therefore very apt and not improper to address You who has such a greatness, with respect, though You are My son! 

Vinayakar (bowing to Easan)

You have glorified Me, by hailing Me as Pillayare! I request that You fulfill My lifelong longing also!

Easan (laughingly)

 Isn’t Your mother alone  capable of fulfilling it?  Hence you must ask Her!

Embarrassed to ask His mother directly, Vinayakar keeps silence for a while.

Annai is overwhelmed listening to the conversation of Thanthai and Magan.

 Vinayakar

When a child is born, it gets its mother’s milk. With the head of an elephant, I never had that good   fortune! Though I am enjoying the immense compassion of My Mother, My mind is always perturbed that I have missed something! Though I am aware that this craving of Mine can never be fulfilled,  I cannot help but expressing it.

Easan

Pillayare!   There is a way to fulfill Your longing! For that, You may have to part Us  for a short time !

Vinayakar

If it is only for a short while, Easan may kindly be compassionate and show me the way!

Easan

You are prepared to leave Us because your desire is going to be fulfilled! No wonder, they say the hearts of the parents are fragile while those of the progeny are rock hard!

Annai

To bring about great changes in the world in the future, there need to be incarnations of divine beings on the earth. If you permit Vinayakar to leave, He will not only create great changes and in the bargain his longing will also be fulfilled.

Easan blesses Vinayakar as He stands bowing to them!

      ******

Chozhanadu…

The entire country is flush with paddy fields propagating the unbound wealth of the country.

 The Temple of Thoniyappar at the famous town of Seerkaazhi, glorified as Brhmapuram…

Sivapadahridayar enters the temple. Seeing the temple barren and devoid of any activity, he becomes extremely sad.

Sivapadahridayar (to himself)

People used to throng here in hordes to the resounding chanting of Veda mantras once upon a time. Today it is so empty that I can hear the echo of my own footsteps!

 Deeply perturbed by these thoughts, he enters the sannathi.

There, the Gurukkal is happy to receive him.

Gurukkal

Welcome! You are a great soul indeed!  You feed anyone coming to you hungry without discrimination! Look at the conditions here! This temple which used to be teeming with people! I have to look out whether someone would come here these days!

Sivapadahridayar

What you say is the bitter truth. Because of the dominance of Budhhars and Samanars, the temples of Easan are getting neglected by all. These conditions must change quickly.

Gurukkal

Iraivan is One… !In various forms, He is running this Universe! Nothing, not even an atom, can stir without His will! That is what they say! Is it His will that other religions are dominating and Saivam is fading away?

Sivapadahridayar

What is religion? It shows how to worship Iraivan. It also defines whatrighteous conduct is and what is not. There is a limit for everything. When you cross that limit and try to suppress the other religions, it becomes Adharmam. These days, the other religionists are suppressing the followers of Saivam and impose their will on them. That is why; there are no devotees here in this temple. But nothing can overbear Saivam forever. Saivam will again flourish in this very place where it was born. For that Easan, Thoniyappar must grace me with a son. I have come here seeking his grace! Please conduct Deepaaradhanai! 

    *******

As the day breaks next morning …

The house of Sivapadahridayar…

His wife, Baghavathiar, prostrates in front of him.

Sivapadahridayar

What is the matter? Why are you falling at my feet early in this morning?

Baghavathiar

For the past three years, we have been taking just enough food without salt just enough to live. We fed the hungry people and served them. We have no progeny. Till I conceive, I am going to undertake fast. Please permit me with your blessings!

Sivapadahridayar

I am really proud of you for your determination to go on fast till your wish gets fulfilled and also to be prepared to die in case it does not.  I feel truly blessed to have you as my wife. I will also join you in your fast.

Both of them undertake fast from that very instant. That night, Easan appears in the dream of Baghavathiar.

Easan

 Annaye! Because of your fasting, you have become weak. Only if you have proper food and regain your strength, you will beget a healthy child. Eat what I am offering you without protest!

A golden goblet appears filled with nectar in front of her. Obeying the orders of Easan, Baghavathiar consumes it and ends her fast. Next morning, she describes her dream to her husband.

Sivapadahridayar

If that is the will of Easan, let us not continue our fast.

They end their fast and resume taking food. In a short time, Baghavathiar conceives. Sivapadahridayar goes to the temple of Thoniyappar.

Gurukkal

Sivapadahridayare! The auspicious signs appearing in our country are comforting! There is greenery all around. The birds are cooing and the peacocks are dancing. The people appear happy.  In the houses of Brahmins, the chanting of the four Vedas is reverberating! All these things are indicative of a divine incarnation very soon. The son who is going to be born is going to be acclaimed throughout the world.  Many people from outside will come to this town to witness the miracles that are going to happen.

Sivapadahridayar (bowing to Easan)

Gurukkale! Let what you have predicted in this sannathi of Easan, come out to be true!

    ******

Time passes….

Pillayar is born under the auspicious star of Thiruvathirai to bring glory to his father Sivapadahridayar.  

Sivapadahridayar gifts gold coins and cows and other articles to everyone and all of them bless the new born heartily. The newborn is named as Sambandan.

At the same time in Pandiya Nadu …..

In the madam of the head Guru of King Koon Pandiyan, the Mahasabhai has assembled. The head Gurus of the eight hillock Samanar madams around Madurai are seated. As the Mahaguru Vardhamanasenar enters the assembly, everyone stands up and pay respects. As he gets seated, the proceedings commence.

Vardhamanasenar

Are you all aware, why have I called for this emergency assembly?

As everyone nods in the negative and declare, they do not know, he continues.

Vardhamanasenar

In recent times there are a lot of ill omens are observed in our country. The hooting of the owls is increasing day by day. The peacocks are shedding their feathers and look famished.  There is famine everywhere as the rains have failed. Though, killing of animals have been banned, people are resorting to eating meat due to hunger. I have a feeling that we are losing our hold and influence. Can anyone among you give reasons for these happenings?

The Samanaguru of Madurai Parankunram gets up….

Vardhamanasenar

Mantrasenare! Please tell us what you want to say. We are ready to hear you.

Mantrasenar

From the records kept in our madams, we understand that we and Buddhists are spread all over Bharatham   for the last three hundred years. During this time, the Sanatana Dharmam has totally disappeared. Everywhere, there are only Ekavastrars.

The Samanaguru of Aanaimalai Kunru, Srvananandi gets up to interrupt…

As the Mahaguru looks at him with stern eyes, he resumes his seat.

Mantrasenar

We are ruling this entire continent. In the North it is Buddhism and in the South, Samanam! We are in control of peak power everywhere. These ill omens are meant for our enemies only! They are not for us. They will run away scared on seeing us!

Everyone laughs except Srvananandi…

Mantrasenar

Why should we get scared of these ill omens? With the magic powers we have, we can drive them away in a jiffy! Can things happen opposing our power easily? The power and influence of our madams will continue for another hundreds of years. I am not seeing this just like that. Even those who have powers to foresee the past, present and future will vouch for it. What I want to convey is that we must without delay, expand our influence using our magic powers all over the country. The Mahasabhai may kindly give permission for the same.

Vardhamanasenar

Sravanare! What did you want to convey? Tell it now.

The tone of the Mahaguru did not hide his anger against Srvananandi.

Sravanar

Due to my objective views which I openly convey, I have failed to earn the appreciation of Mahaguru. Still, whatever I am going to say is only for our good.  If I fail to convey them now, it may prove to be too late for us….

Mahaguru (irritated)

Enough of your preamble! Come to the subject proper.

Sravanar

Like Mantrasenar, I have also researched our historical records. He has only shown the facade.  I want to convey the deep implications. Let the Mahasabhai decide whom and what to accept at the end.

The deep conviction in his tone makes everyone to sit up and take note.

Sravanar

Sanatana Dharmam is a very ancient religion. We can even call it as the origin of all religions. When this Universe was created from Onkaram and its functions were regulated   by the form of   lingam, the worship of Siva Lingam spread far and wide, even outside the boundaries of Bharatham. Overtime, it has shrunk so much that its existence is to be searched for! The tenets of Buddhism and Jainism are the reasons for its present status. Gautama Buddha established Buddhism 1200 years ago by propounding that “the reason for suffering is attachment”! The hard mantras of the four Vedas of Sanatana Dharmam bewildered the common man and he quickly grasped the simple principles propounded by Buddha. So the mankind accepted Buddhism without any qualms. The basic tenet of ours that “Jeevakaarunyam   alone can enable salvation” touched the hearts of the people to accept us.

Since most of the Kings of this vast continent of Bharatam embraced either Buddhism or Jainism, their subject also followed them proving the adage, “As the King, so are his subjects”.  That is how both Buddhism and Jainism have taken deep roots and they remain well entrenched. 

Slowly and steadily, the original tenets of Varnasrama path of Sanatana Dharmam started disappearing.  Many of us are not aware of what is the Varnasrama path… I am explaining it for their sake.  Earlier, people were   delineated thus: that who follow the path of wisdom were Brahmins, those who live by knowledge were Vaisyar, those who live by their physical prowess were Kshatriayar and others were Sudhrar. Overtime, the people started claiming their varnam as their birth right. This has continued. Because of the emergence and spread of Buddhism and Jainism all over the continent, the idol worship got obliterated totally giving way to propitiating of Agni. The Varnasrama path got totally destroyed.

 From the time the Sanatana Dharmam started declining, the Brahmins collected themselves into small groups and established themselves at Kasi, Rameswaram, Chidambaram, Seerkaazhi and other few places where their sacred temples are located. They introduced stringent conditions in their customs to ensure that they are not approached by people of other varnam. They banned inter-caste marriage. They excommunicated the people who did not follow their strict codes. They declared all others as untouchables. It was Sudhras who were most affected by these restrictions and felt neglected. So they embraced Buddhism and Jainism as they had no other avenue!  The religion of Buddha which has been the reigning for the past 1200 years has started to decline because of the overbearing attitude of its Gurus who are controlling their Madams.  I am afraid that we are also following them and committing the same mistake. The Buddhist and Jain monks have become traders   by and by!  They have indirectly started to capture and control the power to rule.  Following their path, the Vaisyars have become the rulers.  The Kshatriayar have forsaken their art of warfare and embraced the Ahimsa Dharmam. Again, it is the Sudhras, who not knowing what to do, get most affected. People who are unfit, unqualified and outright cheats have taken over as heads of Madams.  To fortify their position, they have started indulging in black magic and other esoteric means thereby deviating from righteous path. They have become experts in making the king and his subjects to dance to their tunes. Anyone who shaves off his head and covers his mouth with a white cloth is becoming a Thirthankarar!  Jeevakaarunyam, which is the basic tenet of our religion, has left us and ran away from us a long time ago! In the eyes of the public, we are seen as mere magicians! They are slowly losing their confidence on us. For them, life has become a big plight and leading a normal trouble free life has become a rarity. There is going to be a great upsurge in changes to the society. Sanatana Dharmam is going to emerge once again and establish itself firmly. We have all remained as clouds that show up in the sky intermittently.  We have lost our bearings and our identity. Sanatana Dharmam, which is eternal like the sky is going to flourish once again. These ill omens are meant to warn us of our mistakes.  From the information I have gathered, there are auspicious signs appearing around the areas of Chidambaram   and Seerkaazhi   indicating the birth of a divine incarnate! If we are to follow the path of wisdom, we must release the king and his subjects from our overbearing iron grip.  Our duty is to teach and spread Jeevakaarunyam alone!  Not running the kingdom. Let us not forget the path of wisdom by indulging in black magic.  Let us take the teachings of Aadi Thirthankarar to the common people by being among them. Today common people are unable to even approach us. Unless we mend our ways, we may get the dubious distinction of seeing the end of Samanam in our lifetime itself. We are eight thousand Samana Thuravigal here. You are our Maha Guru. The time has come for you to take a proper decision. I am hopeful that you will take a decision which will be good for all.

Finishing speech, he takes his seat. His honest and open oration has made all those present tongue tied.

Fearing that Sravanar might carry the day, Mantrasenar jumps from his seat. All eyes are on him.

Mantrasenar

Sravanar has spread a false scare quoting historical records, this and that and predicted that Samanam is going to perish during our life time. Throughout this kingdom, there are countless followers, innumerable madams, eight thousand Thuravis, eight Guru Madams and a Guru Maha Sabhai. These have been built up and nurtured over the past three hundred years. Today, the King of Pandiya kingdom is under our thumb! What we say is law here! No superman can challenge us here to change things upside down. I think that Sravanar might have had a bad dream last night and that is why he is blabbering that there will be a divine incarnation and we are all going to perish in a Pralayam soon!

He laughs ridiculing Sravanar. The other monks who were captivated by the earlier oration of Sravanar join the laughter.

Mantrasenar (continues)

No power on earth can pose a challenge to us. To make sure that our hold on the mantrasakti does not slip away from our hands, let us conduct a Maha Yagam inviting all the Samana Thuravis here. We will send back all the ill omens to the so called divine incarnation itself! Maha Guruve! Please give your orders!

He bows to Mahaguru and takes his seat.

Maha Guru

 What Sravanar has said appears to me as mere babble.  Let us conduct a Maha Yagam as suggested by Mantrasenar.

 As he gets up to leave, all the monks get up and bow to him. Mantrasenar gives a derisive look at Srvananandi. However, he leaves the hall unperturbed!

   *****

The temple town Thonipuram of Thoniyappar which is also called Seerkaazhi….

Sivapadahridayar and his wife are happily observing their toddler growing up with all its pranks and play.  They both enjoy every stage of the child like swimming on the floor, crawling and getting up and while doing so falling down.

Baghavathiar (worried)

From now on, we have to be very careful and always keep an eye on him as he started taking his baby steps.

Sivapadahridayar

Our child is wisdom incarnate! Protection mode of Easan will always be on him! Prediction says that this child is going to create history! Leave your worries and take care of the household chores. He will be under my watch here afterwards!

Sivapadahridayar is totally involved in looking after the child. As the baby Sambandan is always at the side of his father, he observes all the rituals, pujas and prayers his father is doing and register them in his mind.

   ******

Thirukkailayam…

Easan and Annai, who have been a bit morose for living in the absence of Pillayar, become suddenly cheerful.

Easan

Annaye! The time has come for your longing to be fulfilled. Our Pillayar is now three years old. We have to get over his absence from here and show to the world who he is! This is the time for it. Get ready to go.

Annai (laughing)

But the child is yet to start crying!

Ayyan also joins her laughter.

       ******

The pond of the Thoniyappar temple…

Carrying Sambandan on his shoulders, he reaches there.

Putting the child on the steps of the pond, he climbs down to take his bath. Chanting the usual mantras before ducking his head in the water, he does not resurface for long time. Observing his father has not come out, the child starts crying. When his father surfaces he stopped crying. As the time passes, he also feels hungry. He starts looking here and there and his eyes fall on the beautifully carved sculpture of Easan and Annai seated on the Nandi vahanam in the temple gopuram. This reminds him of who he is….

Sambandan (unable to tolerate the pangs of hunger cries aloud)

Ammai Appa! Ammai Appa!

On the call  with reverberating sound of the conch shell, Easan and Annai appear there seated on their Nandi vahanam and give him darisanam.  Remembering His assurance given  to the Vediyar that he will  at appropriate time rescue them from getting destroyed by other religious tenets and   recollecting the promise He has made  to Annai, He points out Sambandan who is crying to Annai.  On seeing the child crying out of hunger,   out of motherly love, Annai starts secreting milk. She collects the same in the golden goblet given by Ayyan.  Reaching next to Sambandan, She wipes off his tears and offers the golden goblet with milk to him. Taking it in his tender palms, Sambandan drinks the milk hurriedly to quench his hunger. The milk of wisdom given by Annai overflows from his mouth making him Sivagyanasambandan!  

Just at that time, as Sivapadahridayar climbs up the steps of the pond, Annai having got Her wish fulfilled goes back to Easan giving a smiling and compassionate look atSivagyanasambandar! Sambandar keeps looking at the sky retaining the scene of Annai and Appar in his mind! Seeing a golden goblet in his hand and the oozed out milk on his cheeks, Sivapadahridayar assumes that he has obtained the milk from unknown person. Picking up a twig and in a threatening gesture to beat him with it, he nears Sambandar.

Sivapadahridayar

Who has given you milk? Tell me. Show him to me.

Raising his tender right hand and pointing with his index finger, Sivagyanasambandar indicates in the sky the scene of Annai and Easan seated in their Nandi vahanam. Unable to see anything in the sky, Sivapadahridayar gets confused.

Sivapadahridayar (angrily)

Open your mouth and tell me.

With a smiling face, Sivagyanasambandar in his tender and beautiful voice blurts out the first  word of his first ever pathigam as “ Thodudaya Seviayan”("தோடுடையசெவியன்")

(The one has an ear stud   )….

Sivapadahridayar(thinking)

Who can it be? Thodu is worn by females!  Which man could be wearing an ear stud?

Sivagyanasambandar  starts singing

"தோடுடையசெவியன்விடையேறியோர்தூவெண்மதிச்சூடிக்

காடுடையசுடலைப்பொடிபூசியென்னுள்ளங்கவர்கள்வன்

ஏடுடையமலரான்முனைநாட்பணிந்தேத்தஅருள்செய்த

பீடுடையபிரம்மாபுரமேவியபெம்மானிவனன்றே"

Sivapadahridayar (to himself)

Thodudayan implies that it is a male who is sporting an ear stud on one ear! As Easan has kept Annai as His half, it is He who has given milk to my son in a golden goblet!  Aaha! What a blessing my child has got!  What penance I must have undertaken to beget such a child!

He looks up in the direction indicated by the child and bows to Easan.  Sivagyanasambandan, with the grace of Easan continues to sing more and more songs looking up at Easan among the clouds in the sky.

Sivapadahridayar (to himself)

Aaha! The One who is praised by all is the One who has stolen my heart! When Ravanan, out of arrogance, tried to lift the Kailayam, Easan subdued his pride by making it impossible but then out of compassion pardoned him when he sang for showing mercy! When Brahma and Vishnu competed with each other as to who was superior, Easan ended their vanity by asking them to find his feet and head.  Unable to find the beginning and the end of Easan, they prayed to Him chanting panchaksharam! Holding Gangai on His matted hair and sporting the white crescent moon as a jewel on His head, sporting Nagabharanam on His arms and smearing His body with ash from the cremation ground, He presents the most captivating picture of Himself! The Samanars and Buddhars have forgotten Iraivan, the Creator of this Universe and diverted the people from following the true path for their salvation based on the tenets propounded by individuals.  What a pity that they are not able to recognise that   Easan is the One who is beyond all these religions! 

How come my three year old is able compose songs bringing out the above facts! He is none other than the glorious child of Easan Himself!

The whole world witnesses the rare scene!

Father bows to his 3 year old son in great reverence!

As Thirugyanasambandar enters the temple singing in praise of Easan and clapping his palms in tune, Devas and Gandharvas play their musical instruments in accompaniment.  In the heavens, Brahma, Vishnu and others assemble and listen to the young child composing and singing a Pathigam and concluding it with a Thirukkadaikappu! There is a shower of flowers from the heavens!  Captivated by his songs, Easan also enters the sannathi along with Sambandan!

People assemble in large numbers outside the temple on hearing a resounding chant of panchaksharam followed by a shower of flowers from the sky wondering what can be the reason!

Sivapadahridayar, carrying his son on his shoulder, comes out of the temple. The assembled people bow their heads in great reverence to Sivagyanasambandan!  To the accompaniment of auspicious music and followed by the surging crowd of the people Sivapadahridayar reaches home.

    ******

Next day, early in the morning, carrying his son on his shoulder, Sivapadahridayar reaches Thirukkolakkapathi.  In the sannathi of Easan,   Gyanasambandan starts singing clapping his palms. As he sings more and more, his tender palms become red …

At the same time in Kailayam…

Annai

Easane! Emperumane! Look there! Our Gyanasambandan is singing and clapping his tender palms in tune…..

Easan

You wanted to say something. Why did You stop? Please convey what you want!

Annai (leaving a smile)

As if You are not aware of …!

Easan

I know. Our Gyanasambandan is only three years old. Still, how expertly he is composing songs in various beautiful PANS. Our Son has proved that Aanma is immortal and the acquired knowledge and wisdom follow it everywhere!

Annai

I was thinking of something else. Look! How red his tender palms have become because of his clapping?

Easan

This is what   motherly compassion is! As a Father I am astonished by his wisdom while as ampther You are worried about his discomfort!

Annai

Our son is going to sing thousands of compositions. If he were to clap for them, won’t his hands develop pain?

Easan

You are half of Me! Once You have expressed Your anguish, how can I remain inactive? Just see…

As Easan says this, there atThirukkolakkapathi, in the Easan Sannathi, a pair of golden cymbal appears in the palms of Gyanasambandan! Overwhelmed by the compassion of Easan, Sambandar composes a pathigam of ten songs and concludes it with a Thirukkadaikappu in praise of Easan!  Greatly pleased by hearing his beautiful songs reverberating in the heavens, Naradar blesses the child.  Sivapadahridayar and the people of the town go ecstatic seeing the grace of Easan in giving golden THALAMS (cymbals) to Sambandar.

After coming out of the temple, the baby boy Gyanasambandan starts walking towards Seerkaazhi. Unable to bear the sight of his child walking, Sivapadahridayar runs towards him and carries him on his shoulder and they reach Seerkaazhi. 

     *****

Aanaimalaikkunram…. 

Samana Palli…

Srvananandi is looking up at the Samana thuravi standing in front of him.

Samana thuravi

Gurumahoththamare! Salutations to you! As per your orders, I went to Seerkaazhi, Chidambaram and other places and met with reliable people. I am not sure that the news that I got is true or false. But I find a great change in those towns. The Sanatana Dharmam which was in oblivion has sprung up to life with gusto. Panchaksharam is reverberating everywhere all the time. There is wide spread belief that a divine incarnate has taken birth who will drive out Samanam and Buddhism from this land!

Sravanar

What is the news you do not know whether it is true or false?

Samana thuravi

I will narrate whatever I heard.

He narrates the entire story of Sambandar becoming Sivagyanasambandar.  He concludes saying that in one of his songs, Sambandar has predicted that Easan of Brahmapuram will drive the Samanars and Buddhists who are now loitering like mad elephants from this kingdom!

Sravanar

Why do you doubt that this news is false?

Samana thuravi

How can one believe that a three year old boy who cried of hunger started singing devotional songs   after getting cup milk and drinking it?  Not only this, there is another news also. If you hear it, you will yourself believe that there is no truth in any of this news.

Sravanar

Go ahead. Tell me what it is.

Samana thuravi

While he was singing in a temple at Thirukkolakka clapping his hands, Iraivan gave him a pair of golden cymbal out of compassion seeing his palms turning red due to clapping! Unless someone has hidden them and handed them over to him, how can these come from the sky and fall in has palms? People have lost their brain in believing that these miracles are the creation of Easan! They say that when this boy cried of hunger, their Iraivan came down and gave him milk. There are thousands of children who are crying of hunger. Does their Iraivan give milk to any of them?

Sravanar

We have found the way to live and in the process forgotten the way to Divinity! Our people have not realised that Iraivan is superior to everyone else. Our tenets are exceedingly good. But because of being controlled by a single man, we have forgotten the path. The very functioning of this universe is the proof that there is someone called Iraivan. For Him, who has created the lofty mountains and the deep oceans, there is nothing impossible! Giving milk to a hungry child and gifting golden cymbals are very ordinary events for Him. You must be at least forty years old. Can you compose a meaningful song and sing it in proper tune. This is not something which can be achieved by everyone.  For a three year old tiny tot, who does not even know the existence of Samanam or Buddhism, to compose a song to a proper ragam   and also sing to proper beat, proves that this child is blessed by Iraivan! I truly believe this!

Samana thuravi

What do we do next?

Sravanar

You go to Madurai and meet the Mahaguru and describe to him in detail of your visit to Seerkaazhi, Chidambaram and what you saw and heard in those places without leaving anything. You also tell him about our conversation. What Mahaguru is going to decide now alone will be very crucial.

 Samana thuravi looks up at Sravanar and leaves without understanding the implications.

    *******

The house of Sivapadahridayar….

He is seated in the (porch) Thinnai after completing his morning puja. A group of Brahmins from other village arrive there. Sivapadahridayar welcomes them and summons his wife.

Sivapadahridayar

Baghavathi! People from your village have come here! Come and receive their blessings and arrange for their comforts.

Baghavathiar comes out and bows to her relatives and other people who have come from her village .She goes inside to prepare food for them.

The elderly Anthanar

We have come to meet you on very important mission. Where is your son, Gyanasambandan? We have come to have his darisanam. Apart from that, we have a request to make to your son.

Sivapadahridayar brings his son. All the Brahmins prostrate on seeing Pillaiyar!

The elderly Anthanar (addressing Pillayar)

You great wise child! We bow to you. We have come from Thirunanippalli which is your mother’s birthplace. From the name of Palli itself you will understand that our village is under the influence of Samanargal .You great soul may be pleased to visit the Sivan koil there and compose and sing in praise of Easan there and revive Saivam at our place to its glory once again.

Gyanasambandar

So be it!

The elderly Anthanar

I have another request. Your songs may be kindly composed in the language of Vedas.

Gyanasambandar

The four Vedas are composed as slokas in Sanskrit.    But all languages are acceptable to Easan. All are His creations only! I want to ask you a few questions. My first question!  There are many Anthanars here. How many of you understand Sanskrit.

The Visitors

We all know!

Gyanasambandar

 If that is so, please tell me the meaning of Gayatri mantram!

No one comes forward.

The elderly Anthanar

We know how to recite the Gayatri Mantram correctly. But we are unaware its full import. But we know for certain that if we pray to Sooriyan three times a day chanting the mantras, it is equivalent to praying and bowing to the three great Devis!

Gyanasambandar

I will now tell you the meaning of Gayatri mantram. Gayatri means ‘Do sing’. Whosoever  chants this mantram with heartfelt   love of Easan will be protected by this mantram. It has to be recited before sunrise (காணாமல்) (at Brahma Muhurtam when you cannot see the sun), at mid day (கோணாமல்)when the sun it its zenith  ( straight) and before sunset without losing its sight (கண்டு) .  At Brahma Muhurtam, it is Saraswati, at midday when the sun is at its full power, it is Gayatri and in the evening it is Lakshmi or Vishnu roopini. It is not meant to invoke the three Devis. It is only to indicate the time for chanting the mantram. There are separate Gayatri mantras for Saraswati, Sakthi and SriDevi.

I will now tell the meaning of the mantram.

“That which shines in everything in this Universe as the unquestionable truth,

That which originated and created all creatures and all the three worlds, 

That which made all of them of its own,

That which then absolved them into itself,

That which destroys the sins of those seeking its refuge,

That, by which the thoughts are purified,

That, by which our wisdom is realised and through which we see that ‘Omkarajothi’ in all brilliance-

 Let us have the darisanam of that ‘Omkarajothi’.”

This is what is implied in the Gayatri mantra.

Chanting a mantra without knowing its meaning will not yield anything just like an unlit wood will give neither heat nor light. Vedas were given to us by Iraivan at the time of creation of this universe itself. They are in Sanskrit due to some peculiar advantages that language has. But it does not mean that other languages are inferior. Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas. It is used for composing slokas. To ensure that the meaning implied in word or syllable remains unchanged for eternity, these slokas were composed to follow musical notes. The reason for using the Sanskrit language is only to make sure that no one can alter or add the existing slokas.   Overtime, these slokas have become routine chanting by rote without grasping their meaning or significance. Because of that, the peoples’ faith in Easan started diminishing leading to the tenets propounded by individuals becoming popular. That is how, Samanam and Buddhism have taken spread their tentacles and the path to Godhead is getting forgotten. Sanskrit is not being spoken anywhere. When we are talking in our mother tongue Tamil, our prayers and the songs praising Easan are to be in our mother tongue only. Then only, the people will understand and faith will resurge. The songs I am going to compose must reach and be understood by everyone and therefore they will always be composed in Tamil only. It is the wish of Easan also.

Saying “Thiruchchittrambalam” , he bows to Easan.

Agreeing with his views all of them bow to him.

Carried by his father on his shoulder, as usual, Thirugyanasambandar reachesThirunanippalli. There is an orchard before the village and finding that the Sivan koil is inside that, he comes down from his father’s shoulder and walks up to the temple.  Easan is pleased that he is received there with full temple honours.

He stays there for a few more days and sings many beautiful compositions. People from surrounding places assemble in the temple everyday to hear his songs. He then travels through Thalaichchengadu, Thiruvalampuram, Pallavaneesuram, Saikkkadu, Thiruvenkadu ,Thirumillaivayil, Mahendrapplalli , Kurugavur   where he composes songs in Easan temples.  He returns to Seerkaazhi when a message comes asking him to return.

On reaching Seerkaazhi, he goes to the temple of Thoniyappar where he comes to know that Thiruneelkanada Yaazhpaanar is coming there to see him. He immediately comes out to welcome him.

Gyanasambandar (on seeing the Adiyavar, welcoming him)

Salutations from this humble boy to the great Adiyavar who has come to grace this village!

The divine countenance of Gyanasambandar makes the Yaazhpaanar wonder struck! He falls on his feet in great reverence. Both of them enter the temple.

Gyanasambandar

Easan and I are very eager to listen to your Yaazh music!

Yaazhpaanar

As Pillaiyar sings, I will play the tune in Yaazh!

Sambandar starts singing Thevaram and Yaazhpaanar plays his Yaazh. A huge crowd collects to listen to the music.

 After Sambandar completes the pathigam,

Yaazhpaanar (pleading with tears in his eyes)

I am captivated by your divine singing. With your blessings and approval, I wish to remain and accompany you and play my Yaazh for your singing always. Please grant me this wish.

Sambandar

If that is the will of Easan, so be it!

He resumes his Yatra of the temples and reaches Chidambaram where he is received by the three thousand Thillaivaazh Anthanars with due honours. As he walks along with them, 

Sambandar (looking at Yaazhpaanar)

Do you know what “Chidambara rahasyam” is (the Mystery of Chidambaram)?

Yaazhpaanar

I am anguished from the day I was born whether I would ever come   to know as to what it is!

Sambandar narrates:

Tharugavanam…

A few munis are seated.

Munivar 1 (looking at other munis)

With our own five elements we have attained the Ashtama Siddhis. It only proves that there is no one as Iraivan in this universe.

Munivar 2

Birth and death happen as a cycle because of good deeds and bad deeds of aanmaas. Where does God come in this?

Munivar 3

We have obtained Yoga Sakthi is through our own effort by performing sacrifices. If some says that it is because of God’s grace, their ignorance needs to be laughed at.

Munivar 4  

There is an adage that there is no effort without a cause and there is no cause without an effort. They mean that everything is ordained by God and without Him even an atom cannot stir. Will any sane person concede that the discussion happening here amongst us is also because of the grace of God?

 All of them laugh aloud.

Easan observes them from Kailayam.

 Easan (Smiling)

Ye Munivars of Tharugavanam! The time has come now to absolve all of you!

He disappears..

*****

Tharugavanam..

The Munivars are sitting on one side and engaged in debate…

Their wives, the munipatnis are busy in their homes carrying out their chores.

They hear someone asking for alms repeatedly which is quite unusual.

 Curious, the munipatnis come out to see who is begging for food.

There, Easan, considering the munipatnis as His mother, assumes the nude form of ‘Bikshadanar.”  He repeats his cry for biksha.

The munipatnis on seeing the nude form of Easan lower their heads embarrassed.

The Munivars, on hearing the voice, look back and see the nude mendicant and their discomfited wives. With great anger they rise but Easan disappears swiftly running in front of them and appears at Thiruvaalankadu taking the form of Kunchitapatar in front of Karaikkal Ammayar.  

The infuriated Munivars of Tharugavanam raise a sacrificial fire and conduct a yagam.

Using their yoga sakti, they produce a white tiger and command it to kill the naked mendicant. Easan kills the tiger when it pounces on him and wraps its skin around his waist.  Witnessing this, Ammayar bows to Easan.

Failing in their first attempt, they send a loud sounding Udukkai to drive Him out. Making an enormous sound, the Udukkai rattles heaven and earth but as it approaches Easan,  He silences it and keeps it His palm.  Karaikkal Ammayar bows to Him calling Him ‘Thudiyudayon’. The Munivars , angry even more, throw an axe at Easan which transforms into an armament and lands smoothly in His other hand. Finding it is impossible to defeat Him by using these weapons, they send the ‘Kalaagni’ to burn Him. How could Agni destroy the One who is the embodiment of the five elements, the ‘Pancha Bhutas.’? Agni lands in His other palm. The Munivars now hurl the death rope which is capable of taking out life.He is the One who decides when an aanma has to return! So that also lands on him without any effect. Then they fling snakes on him which turns to ornaments to adorn his body. Then they command a variety of ghosts to eliminate Easan but by His single glance they were driven to the cremation ground on the outskirts of Alangadu and confined in it.  Failing to cross the cremation ground and to reach Easan, these ghosts indulge in destructive dances out of frustration in the cremation ground.

Unable to control their anger due to successive failures, the Munivars create an Asura named Muyalavan to attack the Easan. Iraivan tramples him under his foot breaking his spinal cord. Finding all their efforts ending in defeat, the Munivars convert their three traits namely Aanavam ie arrrogance,Kanmam ie delution/ revenge and Maya ie ignorance/deceptionof into a Tirisoolam and fling at Him. Easan holds that in one of his hands and makes an Abhayamudra with the other hand. With their evil traits thus destroyed the Munivars are awakened from ignorance duly shreading the  Kanmam and vanmam and the realization dawns on them that no one is superior than Peraanma and Easan is the Ultimatum. They now reach Alangadu and bow before Easan in all reverence. Easan has thus vanquished their arrogance born out of their ego. 

If the curtains of arrogance, deception and delusion are taken off, one can see Iraivan in Aakayam.  During Aarudra Darisanam in the month of Marghazhi on the day of the star of Tiruvadirai, the Dikshitar removes the curtain and conducts Deepaaradhanai to the Aakayam which is ‘Chidambara rahasyam’, only to illustrate the above.  Standing in the dancing pose with His foot lifted  the people are made aware of the truth that Easan is the One who is controlling the entire universe and everything in this universe is under his foot. This is the crux of ‘Chidambara rahasyam’.

Yaazhpaanar

Aaha! I got the answer today for the question that has been troubling me all these years!  I have one more question! I have seen the dancing pose of Nataraja in many temples. But, here in Ponnambalam, He appears slightly distinct! May I request you to clarify as why it is so?

Sambandar

Aaha! You also noticed the difference! In all other temples, Easan as Kunchitapatar keeps His face straight and sees His devotees. But in Ponnambalam, with His head leaning back, face lifted up giving a gentle smile, He blesses His devotees with Abhayamudra! I will tell you the reason for this. Listen.

Sambandar (narrates)

At Aalankadu , Ratnasabhai is in all its glory.

Easan is waiting with his foot lifted.  For whom?

There is One more yet to arrive! He has to prove who He is to Mahakali, the arrogance part of his wife Annai Parvathi.

The cremation ground of Aalangadu…

Annai Parvati is standing taking the form of Kali, the destroyer.

The asuras Nimban and Sumban are lying dead with their heads severed.  Agitated, their sister Vikuriti dispatches her son Raktabijan. Kali, taking her Viswaroopam, decimates the demon. The victory over killing of Asuras makes her egoistic. At that time only she saw the ghosts sent by the Munivars of Tharugavanam were driven away by Easan to the cremation ground. Kali subdues all of them. She thought that someone trying to assault her with these ghosts. Trying to find out who drove those ghosts towards her, she locates that the person is Easan and reaches Ratnasabhai. There Easan in his most handsome form of Nataraja is standing with his right foot lifted.   Overcome with Her ego, She forgets that it is Her own Easan in the dancing pose.

Kalikadevi

Arane! Do you even know dancing?

Easan nods his head in affirmative with a sly smile.

Kalikadevi

 If that be so, compete with me in dance.. Victory will be mine…

 Easan again nods his head in affirmative.

Kalikadevi

 I propose a Condition! The one who is defeated should leave the precincts of Alangadu…

Easan accepted it with a smile.

 The dance commences…

Seeing the frightening dance of Annai, Karaikkal Ammayar sings Thiruvaalagadu Tiruppathikam to the beat of her palms and Easan dances to her tune. Annai also dances. The Devas and Munis are spell bound by this extraordinary display….Meanwhile songs are flowing without a break from the lips of Karaikkal Ammayar.

Kali dances without any let up equaling the dexterity of Easan.

When Easan realizes that the time has come to grant his ‘benevolence’ to Kali,

He lets His ear stud from the left ear fall to the ground. Standing with his right foot, He lifts the stud with toes of His left foot itself and fastens it back in His ear taking the posture of the   Urdhvathandamurthy.

While trying to imitate the above sequence, Annai realises that as a female she cannot execute it without compromising her modesty. She therefore stops Her dance and bows down Her head realising her folly in confronting Her Lord.  Feeling of remorse sets in at the thought of leaving from Alangadu for ever as per the conditions she herself stipulated. She is soon pacified by Easan.

Easan (Showing the Abhayamudra to Annai) 

As Ammayappar we are one and there is no victor or vanquished between us.  Henceforth the first puja in this temple will always be to Annai.

What we see in Ponnambalam is the glorious pose of Easan after He has absolved Annai unto Him!

Yaazhpaanar

Aaha…. Aaha! I bow to a thousand times for bringing that glorious dance before me to visualize.

Afterwards, As Sambandar sings at Ponnambalam to the accompaniment of Yaazh by Yaazhpaanar captivating everyone assembled there!

    ****

To hear the songs of Sambandar and the music of Yaazhpaanar, the crowds keep swelling day by day. The people start sporting Thiruneeru, Rudraksham and other insignia once again exhibiting their affiliation to Saivam. There is always a huge crowd of Adiyavars surrounding Sambandar to immerse themselves in immense devotion to Easan.  Accompanied by a host of adiyavars, Sambandar goes on a Yatra to Thiruvetkalam, Thirukkazhippalai, Thiruvekkaththampuliyur, Thirumuthukkunram, Thiruththoongaanai and other places and composes and sings many   songs in praise of Easan in these temples. One day, he plans to go to Thiruvaraththurai along with his retinue of adiyavars.

Sambandar

Thanthaye!   I have been to so many places carried by you on your shoulders. I do not want to trouble you any longer. From now on, I will walk on my own to visit all these sacred temples.

Sivapadahridayar (shedding tears)

Mahane! Gyanasambanda! Is it not the duty of a father to carry his son on his shoulders? I never felt it as a burden carrying you. I must have done great penance and good deeds in my earlier birth to have you as my son now! I will never permit you to walk!  I cannot let your tender feet to ache.

Sambandar

I have taken a vow that I will not climb on to my father’s shoulders. Please do not compel me!

Bowing to his father, he resumes his Yatra walking. As his tender feet start paining, he starts chanting panchaksharam and continues followed by his father and other adiyavars. As the reach Maranpadi, it is already dusk. They decide to spend the night there. Seeing blood oozing from the tender feet of Sambandar, they all get petrified.

Sivapadahridayar (to himself)

Emperumane! I am unable to bear the misery of Sambandan. He has taken a vow that he will not climb on to my shoulders. I have no right to make him change his decision. How can he walk on his own to all the temples with his tender feet? How can he get the prospect of visiting all the sacred shrines of Easan?    Please show me a way out of this predicament.

Keeping his child Sambandan on his lap, he goes to sleep.

    *******

Thirukkailayam…

Annai is looking at Easan with a pleasant smile…

Annai

You satiated the child which was crying of hunger by making Me give him milk! When his palms got reddened by clapping, You handed him a set of golden cymbals to ease his pain. Now, he is walking with his tender feet which are getting bruised! What are You planning to do now?

Easan

It is not something that can happen to our child only!  If any three year old toddler walks long distance, he will have pain in the legs, the feet will get bruised and bleed. We cannot do anything about it! However, I recall what Sivapadahridayar has prayed. Is he not a great Sivanadiyar?

Annai

I also remember that he was anguished as to how long his tender child would have to walk if he were to visit all the temples of Easan!

Easan

I have therefore decided to gift him our “Muththu Sivigai” (pearl palanquin).  Along with that the “Muththukkudai” (pearl umbrella) and Thiruchchinnam (a special conch shell to blow) to announce his arrival wherever he goes! Hearing the blow of that conch, the atheists will runaway in great fright and  devotees will assemble and hurdle in large numbers around him.   Wait and see! I am leaving now!

Annai (laughing)

 Whatever it is! You are in hurry and rushing now togive him these gifts, because You cannot bear that your child is in agony!

Easan disappears joining Her in her laughs!

 Thiruvaraththurai…

The temple of Easan…

The Anthanars stay put there itself for the night as they had a lot of work to complete.

It is going to be dawn..

There is a sudden loud voice hailing them as “Anthanarhale!”  Waking up with a start as to who would have called them, they find a great radiation emanating from the sannathi of Easan.  A divine voice is also heard.

Divine Voice

Anthanarhale! My son Sambandan has reached Maranpadi on his way to come to Me, here! He is in agony because he has been walking. To ensure that he need not have to walk any longer,  take My Muththu Pallakku, Muthukkudai and the Thiruchchinnam to Maranpadi and hand these three items to him. These three will remain with Sambandan for ever.

The radiant glow disappears…

At the same time at Maranpadi…. In the dream of Sambandar..

Easan

Gyanasambanda!  Are your feet paining too much due to walking?

Pillayar

Yes! It is indeed paining! Still I will bear it! I will still reach all Your temples by walking only!

Easan

Pillayare!  I have given My Muththu Pallakku, Muthukkudai and Thiruchchinnam for Your use to help you continue with your sacred tasks in future. These will be given to you by the Anthanars of Thiruvaraththurai. Accept them. Hearing the blowing of the Thiruchchinnam, the adiyavars will assemble in great joy and the atheists will run away frightened. Let your noble task continue…

‘Blessing Sambandar, Easan disappears. Sambandar wakes up.

Maranpadi…

After finishing their morning ablutions, the retinue of Sambandar is getting ready for their journey to Thiruvaraththurai.  At the same time, the Thiruvaraththurai Anthanars reach there to the accompaniment of auspicious music, carrying the Muththu Pallakku, Muthukkudai and the Thiruchchinnam. Sivapadahridayar rushes to welcome them. The Anthanars bow to Sambandar in great reverence.

The Chief Anthanar (joining his palms in reverence)

You became Gyanasambandar on drinking the milk given by Annai! In Thirukkolakka, Easan granted you a pair of golden cymbals so that your tender palms are not injured because of your clapping as you sing. Anguished that your tender feet will be hurt if you walk to all the temples, Easan has sent His Muththu Pallakku, Muththukkudai and the Thiruchchinnam and ordered us to hand them  over to you.  We pray that you kindly accept these.

Hearing this, Sivapadahridayar goes ecstatic that Easan has granted his request and chants panchaksharam in great joy. All others join him in repeating the panchaksharam.

The Chief Anthanar

We have carried out the orders of Easan and handed over the things to you. We request you to kindly come to our temple and sing in praise of Easan!

Gyanasambandar accepts the gifts and chanting Panchaksharam circumambulate the Pallakku thrice and prostrates in front of it. After bowing to all the adiyavars, he climbs and takes his seat inside.

 With great fanfare and enthusiasm, the Pallakku is carried and taken to Thiruvaraththurai to the chanting of panchaksharam. Sambandar is received with full temple honours. He sings in the sannathi of Easan and Yaazhpaanar plays the Yaazh. The devotees hearing the music go into raptures!

     *****

Hearing about the gifts of the Muththu Pallakku, Muththukkudai and Thiruchchinnam received by Sambandar from Easan, more and more adiyavars are reaching there to see Sambandar day by day.  With a huge retinue of adiyavars, Sambandhar starts off from Thiruvaraththurai and visits temples of Esan at Pazhuvur, Visayamangai, Thiruchenjalur, Thiruppananthal, Thiruppananallur, Omampuliyur, Vazhkolippuththur, Kadambur, Naaraiyur and Karuppalialur where he composes and sings Pathigams. He reached Seerkaazhi. The entire town is decked up to welcome the Pillayar in a grand manner. Sambandhar reaches home where his mother sheds copious tears of joy on seeing him after a long separation.

Sivapadahridayar (consoling her)

Bagahvathi! Sambandan is a divine personality!  Anguished that his feet would pain, Easan has gifted His own Muththu Pallakku, Muththukkudai and Thiruchchinnam to him. Hearing his Thiruchchinnam, the adiyavars assemble in hordes and the enemies run away and hide! Easan’s protection is always with him. Don’t cry and entangle the child in the net of compassion.  Be proud of the great deeds he is going to accomplish. Don’t get perturbed for getting separated from him.

Wiping off her tears, Baghavathiar applies Thiruneeru on his forehead with a smiling face and takes him inside. Food is served for all the adiyavars.  Thiruneealkanta Yaazhpaanar comes with his followers     seeking his permission to leave.

Sambandar

Perumpaanare! Though I am sad to lose your company, you go to your place and carry on with your tasks there. When I reach the age of seven, you join me again. You have a large responsibility to share for the tasks we have to complete at Aalavaai.

Yaazhpaanar and others leave for their place with a heavy heart.

   ********

Pazhuvur Sivan Sannathi…

The whole temple complex is lit beautifully…

The Gurukkal does Deepaaradhanai to the reverberating chants of Panchaksharam   by the devotees. Mangayarkarasi touches and bows to the deepam as her father Chozhiyan looks at her and then at Easan. Tears flow from his eyes. 

 Chozhiyan (weeping)

What is the use of having such an immense wealth? How can I give my daughter in marriage to a hunchback?

Mangayarkarasi catches his hand and leads him outside the Sannathi. Both of them walk towards the Navagraha enclosure.

Mangai

Thanthaye! What is this?  You are again shedding tears. Please stop crying thinking about my wedding. Once it has been destined as to who will betroth whom, even Easan will not change it!

Chozhiyan

When the Raja guru of Pandiya Nadu, Vardhamanar came in person asking for your hand for the king, I was dumb struck as to what to reply. The other relatives goaded me to accept the alliance and I gave my acceptance. Though the king is hunchbacked, I agreed to the proposal because my daughter is going to be the queen of the entire kingdom. But, whenever I look at you, I feel guilty of having committed of a grave mistake.   More than that he is hunch backed, he is a Samanar where as you are a great devotee of Easan. How   will it be compatible for both of you? Perhaps, if your mother were alive, she would have never agreed to this alliance. I have committed a grave wrong for you.

Mangai

Thanthaye! Why do you keep thinking about the same in spite of my repeated assurances? What did the Raja Guru say when he came to our house?  Though he is a Samana Thuravi, did he not speak that he also believes in horoscope and predictions like us?   Is not the reason he quoted in asking for me to wed the king acceptable? As per our elders who predicted the future based on my horoscope, the king’s hunched back will get straightened after he marries a girl born under the star of Rohini and named Mangayarkarasi!  He came asking for my hand for the king only after knowing about what our ancestors have predicted for me in my horoscope. The elders’ words have never failed! You also agreed only after I gave my acceptance. I feel sad for only one thing. I am a devotee of Easan. But he is a Samanar. Still, I am confident that I will be able to convert him after the marriage. Look at our own temple. Earlier it was in state of neglect. But now, just because of the three year old kid, it has regained its lost glory. After he sang Pathigams here, even the bow of Saivam has been straightened and now  it stands proudly with its head held high! He will straighten the hunch back of the king.  So, you start the preparations for the wedding without any further worry!

Chozhiyan

Mangai! I am excited by your talk! Will not Easan remove the king’s hunched back on your fervent appeal?  The prediction of our ancestors that   his back will be straightened because of you will not fail! I have regained my confidence. I will not feel depressed and shed tears any longer. Come let us get back home quickly before it gets dark!

They reach home.  By the next auspicious day, her marriage is solemnised in a grand manner.

    *****

The residence of the Amaichchar, Kulachchirai…

The Amaichchar is getting ready to go to the King’s palace. A maid servant of the queen comes running to him in a great hurry. Seeing her…

Amaichchar

What is the matter Thiruvisai? Why are you in a hurry?

Thiruvisai looks around to see that no one is nearby and tells the Amaichchar something in a very low voice. Hearing it, the Amaichchar’s face lights up and he bows to Easan instinctively! Still there is worry in his countenance. He instructs Thiruvisai as to what she must do.  The maid servant runs back to the palace to carry out his instruction.  The Amaichchar also hurries up to the palace without wasting a second.

In the palace, he finds the queen Mangayarkarasi getting ready to go somewhere and bows to her.

 An elder of her father’s age bowing to her makes her embarrassed.

Mangayarkarasi

Amaichchare! I am much younger than you. Is it proper for you to bow to me?

Amaichchar

Arasiyare! I bowed to the empress of our kingdom who is going to redeem our kingdom! Please accept my respects!

Maharani

Thiruvisai told me that you wanted to meet me to convey some message. What is the news?

Amaichchar looks around to confirm that no one is around to overhear their talk.

Amaichchar

I want to remind you of an old proverb. “During day time, please look around before you speak so that no one can overhear you. During the night time do not talk at all”

Maharani

What is the problem? Are there any spies of neighbouring kingdoms infiltrated here?

Amaichchar

There is no threat from any of our neighbours! There is danger from our own people around us!

Maharani (confused)

Amaichchare! Please come to the topic with no more ado!

Amaichchar

Please tell me, where are you planning to go at this early hour?

Maharani

Why is this question? The mannar is still asleep. I intended to go to the temple of Aalavaai  Azhagan Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple and return before he gets up. Thiruvisai gave me the message that you wanted to meet me to wait as you wanted to meet me.  After coming here I have not visited the temple even once. This is troubling my mind as if I am committing a wrong. I am going to the temple only to set my mind at peace.

Amaichchar

You cannot visit any temple… more so a temple of Sivan…

Mangayarkarasi gets angry, but still controls herself as the Amaichchar is an elderly person.

Maharani

Why can’t I go?

Amaichchar

You are now a Samanar. You are therefore not permitted to go to a Sivan temple.

Maharani (angrily)

Is that your order?

Amaichchar

No. Not at all. This is the order of the raja guru.

Maharani (taken aback)

Can he dictate his orders even on the maharani?

Amaichchar

Arasiyare! Only his writ is running in this kingdom now!

Maharani

I do not understand. Please explain clearly.

Amaichchar

For the past few generations, the Pandiyan kingdom is ruled not by the king but by the Samana thuravis! 

Maharani is shocked to hear this. Seeing her dumb founded, the Amaichchar continues…

Amaichchar

For the past three hundred years, The Pandiyan kingdom is under the control of Samanars. As king converted to Samanam, many of his subjects followed suit. In the earlier days, they followed the lofty principles of Samanam. But now, the people in high positions in that religion are unfit and unscrupulous. All crucial posts in the governance of the kingdom are occupied by self-seeking individuals. The kingdom has lost its sheen. Samanam has become a terror due to the extensive practice of black magic by the thuravis.  In the royal lineage, the eldest son becomes the king and his other male siblings become thuravis and control the kingdom indirectly. To establish themselves firmly, they start indulging in the practice of black magic and other esoteric practices. The entire kingdom is heading in the wrong direction.  Vardhamanasenar is the current Raja Guru. Under his control there are eight Samana madams and eight thousand Samana thuravis.  Nothing can escape his sight as he has appointed a number of spies in every nook and corner of this kingdom. This palace is no exception. If he comes to know even a mild threat for his control, he will nip it in the bud. That is why I told the old Tamil adage that you must be very cautious while speaking.  The Mannar, your husband, is a staunch follower of Samanam. The raja guru and his associate Mantrasenar are confident that they will set right the hunched back  of the king. Because of this, their hold on the king is very strong! But they failed in all their attempts in healing the king through medication and magic. From the horoscope research, they have found that the king will be getting rid of his deformity only by marrying you. They searched all over and located you and got you married to him. Your marriage was conducted only on their approval. Knowing very well that you are a devotee of Sivan, they agreed to get him married to you only to ensure that the mannar does not slip away from their grip. As per the tents of Samanam, the women are not entitled for salvation. So, they do not consider them of any consequence.  They are confident that there is no threat for them from you and that is why they ordered   this alliance.  But Easan has other plans. He has sent you here for a specific task. I am a staunch devotee of Easan. But due to political compulsion, I am not able to openly practice Saivam. If I leave the king, there is no one to ensure his safety. I am therefore continuing here though I undergo enormous difficulties. The great temple of Easan built by Pandiya kings is in a state of neglect.   Only Gyanasambandar can change this situation. The queen may kindly do all she can to invite him and bring him here. The Madurai temple must regain its lost glory. You must pray to Easan to set right the deformity of the mannar.

 Maharani is spell bound by the disclosures.

    *****

 Sambandar continues his Yatra of visiting one temple a day… The days roll by…

Sambandar is seven years old now….

When Sambandar is about to visit the temple a crowd of Anthanars reach his house.

Sivapadahridayar and his wife welcome them and gets them seated.

Bhagavdhiyaar quickly returned to kitchen to prepare food for the visitors.

Sambandar

I presume that there is a definitive purpose for your visit as a group.

Thinking that he is after all a young lad, the Anthanars look at Sivapadahridayar ignoring to answer him.

Sambandar smiles in anticipation!

Sivapadahridayar (to the eldest Anthanar)

 Periyavare! What is the matter?

Anthanar

 Perhaps you have forgotten your religious duty. But not us!

Sivapadahridayar (confused)

Well! I don’t understand what you are implying!

Anthanar

How old is your son now?

Sivapadahridayar

He is seven now.

Anthanar

Even poor people are conducting the upanayanam of their sons by the time they turn seven. What is the problem with you? Have you not thought of it till now?

Sivapadahridayar

Sambandan has drunk the milk of wisdom by Annai Parvati! He is wisdom personified! Where is the necessity for these rituals for him?

Anthanar

Whatever it is!  These rituals are to be conducted by stipulated time. If you do not respect our customsslowly all will follow suit and our culture will go to dooms.

 Sambandar

Periyavare!  I agree to get my upanayanam conducted. But how many of you are aware of the significance of upanayanam?

Anthanar

Why not? Every Brahmin must sport the Poonool to distinguish himself as a Brahmin. My grandfather did for my father. My father did it for me. I did it for my son. My son will do likewise for his son. This ritual has to be continued like a chain for all the generations to come. Perhaps only your father seems to be ignorant of this.

Sambandar (with a mild laugh)

To say that we must carry out this ritual just because our ancestors did so, is a worthless logic. I will tell you what upanayanam and why it should be conducted. Please listen carefully. Upa’ means nearness to Brahmam. ‘Nayanam’ means that the Guru is leading his disciple towards it.

  When anyone undergoes Upanayanam, it is said that Suryadevan Himself administers the Gayatri mantram, Brahaspathi, who is the Guru of Devas hands over the Poonool, Kasyapar ties the Moonjikayiru on his waist, Annai Bhoomadevi wraps the deer skin to augment his life span, Soman as the supreme deity of medicinal herbs hands over the Palasadhandam to protect him from diseases. Adhithi, as mother gives the koupeenam, the heavenly Devas the umbrella, Brahma the kamandalam, the Saptharishis the dharbha grass, Saraswathi, the prayer beads and Kubera the Bikshapathram. When he begs for alms saying ‘BhavathiBikshamdehi’, Annai gives him gyanam as the Biksha.

At the time of Upanayanam, the Guru asks the initiate to stand on a stone. Do you know its significance? It is as if to say ‘Hey! Sishya! Be strong in your body and mind like this stone. Acquire a strong will and mental courage to bear the difficulties posed to you by people who want to distract you from your vows. Become strong to fight with them and drive them out if the necessity arises.’

When he comes out of mother’s womb it is the first birth… At the time of Upanayanam it is his second birth…That is why we are called Dwijar.

During upanayanam, he takes a vow that he will learn and recite Vedas properly and explain their significance to others. One becomes a Brahmin only by these acts and not by being born for a Brahmin! Why upanayanam is conducted at the age of seven? Every man undergoes changes in his physique and mind every seven years.

Sivapadahridayar

Because I was traveling to various places with Sambandan al these years, I never gave thought to it. You have reminded me in time. I will conduct his upanayanam in the month of Aavani. I request all the elders to attend and bless the child.

The Anthanars disperse….

   ******

That day is Aavani Avittam…

This day is very auspicious to all Brahmins due to the fact that they all wear new mupuri nool(sacred thread) with all fanfare.

This is the ritual in Brahmin family when the male boy attains his seventh year .As stipulated Upanayanam is conducted .

Now Sambandan is seven year old boy. His father invited all vedhiyars in and around to carry out upanayanam.

Elobarate arrangements have been made to conduct the function.

After Brhama upadhesam,

The elders sitting around Sambandan started shooting numerous questions as to clear their doubts.

Elder 1

Sivam is Linga roopam! Explain this concept!

Sambandan

Periyorgale! Do you know that the whole Universe and its inhabitants are classified under three stages as Pasu, Pathi and Paasam.

 When an Aanma by its karma separates from Peraanma and takes a birth,

 it takes a body, be it human or any living creatures including vegetations and forestry. Here Aanma is named as Pasu, the female gender.

You may ask a question. I am a male. But how come you call me as female.

Our Vedas say that the aanmaas take births in this world as of various kinds are all female gender only. Why and how they say will be understood later.

Its body is called as Paasam.

Peraanma is called Pathi , male gender.

After completing the destined living days in this world Aanma shreds its body and unites with Peraanma .

Aanma is yoni and Peraanma is lingam.

After fulfilling the Vinaippayan ie accumulated good and bad deeds, the aanma either takes a rebirth due to its bad deeds or No birth due to its good deeds. No birth means the Aanma unites with Peraanma and loses its identity.

Linga roopam explains this as the Aanma which completes its vinaipayan merges with Peraanma establishing a fact that it has no rebirth or no identity.

Linga roopam is the representation of Unification of Aanma and Peraanma.

There is another thing to be understood that until Aanma shreds its Paasam that is called Samsarabhandham (the one which connects Aanma to the physical world) it cannot unite with Peraanma.

The single status Aanma takes dual status with body and feelings in this world, lives through and finally merges with Peraanma as third status and becomes ONE and ONLY ONE status that is lingaroopam.

The simple explanation given by Sambandan attracts all the people assembled and elders approve his explanations by claps.

Elder2

We call Easan as Ardhanaari! Male with female appearance and female with male appearance are also called as Ardhanaari! Is it true that Easan is neither male nor female? If so he is a transgender. Isn’t it?

On hearing this entire crowd has become suddenly silent. Many are seem to be upset very much over the remarks. But everybody is anxious to hear the answer from Sambandan.

Sambandan(unperturbed)

Easan is called Ardhanaari! In Sanskrit Ardha means half. Naari means Female. Meaning Easan is half male and half female. Who is that female? She is nothing but Annai Umai.

That is the reason Easan is also called as Umaiyorubagan!

Now come to the accusation part of it.

Transgender(eunuch) means those whose vithai(testicles) have been removed by accident or by intentionally thus made them in capable of  mating and producing child. Agories are of this kind.

By nature some male appears to be female, few females appear to be men. They are called as third gender. They also become incapable of conceiving. This kind can be seen in all living creatures including human being.

Whatever happens it happens with a reason. The births of third gender are the will of Easan! They are destined to live through as they are.

Now look at Ardhanaari Vadivam!

Easan is occupying the half Male portion and Annai Umai is another female half portion. Annai Umai occupies the left half portion of Easan .This means male or female there is no discretion. Man and female are equal. Especially in Samsaaram both husband and wife share equal responsibility. Ardhanaari represents this concept also.

In unification Easan does not look like female and Umai does not look like male.

In arithmatic one plus one is two.

But here Easan plus Eswari become one and only one! That is unification of Pasu and Pathi , Linga roopam! That is Ardhanaari!

One Paripoornam with no defects elsewhere unites with another paripoornam and stays as One Paripoornam only.

To explain the milk of a cow though kept in different vessels remains the same original milk when poured in single vessel.

Sri Rudhram says this concept only.

Sarvam Sivamayam! You and me and everyone else are all Sivam alone!.

On completion of our life period we go back to the origin that is Peraanma and unite with HIM.

This is Ardhanaari!

On hearing this explanation the entire assembled started chanting Om Namasivaya!

Once the normalcy sets in,

Elder 3

You are just sevenyears old. But your wisdom is Paripoornam.

Please explain the meaning of Namasivaya, the Panchakshara Mantram!

Sambandan

Panchaksharam means five letters.

That is Na , ma, si, vaa, ya

In Tamil AA means cow.

Similarly the each of the five letters means thus.

Na in Tamil means water,

Ma means earth,

Si means Fire,

Vaa means wind,

Ya means Akasham(Ether)

These five elements constitute the Universe!

Every single matter exists and  comes under The Universe fold.

We are all in this universe!

We are all coming under the fold of Namsivayam!

Namasivayame Sivam!

Sivame Om!

On hearing people sit there fully mesmerized.

Sambandan started singing the famous Panchakshara Pathigam.

Be it you are asleep!

Be it you are awake!

You put your faith in Him.

You will find peace in everyday activities.

Markandeyan at the time of his last minutes chanted Panchakshara Mantram only.

He was already under the death noose.

The moment Panchakshara Mantram is recited Sivan appeared and He by his left foot kicked away the Yaman and thus saved him from death noose.

Thus is the greatness of Panchaksharam.

When Sambanthan concludes the Pathigam by singing 11^th Pathigam as thus.

Natramizh Gnanasambandhan Naanmarai

Katravan kazhiyur Mannan unniya

Atrramil maalai eer yainthum  anchezhuth

Thutrana vallavar umber aavare!

Elder 3 (with tears)

Umber means Devas. We all are enlightened today and we all will chant Panchaksharam here onwards and become equal to Devas who surround Lord Shiva all the times.

The function comes to an end with all fanfare.

…

Seerkaazhi Thoniyappar temple…

Sivagyanasambandar is singing with great devotion and the assembled adiyavars listen to him in great devotion. As he composes the pathigam and completes it with a Thirukkadaikappu,   his father comes in.

Sivapadahridayar

Sambanda! I have brought news for you! Thirunavukkarasar is coming here to meet you. Do you know who he is?

Sambandar answers in the affirmative and narrates his story from his birth and how he established Saivam in Pallava kingdom after driving away the Samanars from there.

Sambandar 

He was blessed by Easan and attained expertise in composing great poems in praise of Easan. Easan named him as Navukkarasar! Such a great soul, as he is, still he is coming here to meet me, a small boy!

Before he comes here, I will go to meet him and prostrates at his feet. I will also request him to come to Thoniyappar temple of our town.

He starts his journey on his Pallakku to Chidambaram. While on his way, hearing the sound of his Thiruchchinnam, Thirunavukkarasar realises that Sambandar is on his way. He rushes and reaches the Muththu Pallakku.

Thirunavukkarasar (on seeing Sambandar with folded hands in great reverence)

Oh! Ye great soul! Blessed you are for having drunk the milk of wisdom by Annai, Blessed You are for having obtained golden cymbals from Easan! Easan himself presented you to travel in Muthu Pallakku with Muthukkudai accompanied by Thiruchinnam. When the holy vibration of Thiruchinnam raises , our enemies will run away out of fear! What noble deeds I must have done in my previous birth to feast my eyes on you?  

With misted eyes, he looks at Sambandar getting down from the Pallakku. Sambandar also goes into raptures seeing the great adiyavar Thirunavukkarasar. An exceptional event unfolds!

Thirunavukkarasar Peruman prostrates on the feet of Sambandar.

Sambandar, shaken and taken aback by his act, catches his shoulders to make him get up, hailing him as “Appare”.  He then falls on his feet and gets up. They hug and both of them are in joyful tears.  The assembled adiyavars are overwhelmed by the love and reverence these two great souls have for each other. They chant “Namasivaya” with great gusto to the reverberating sound of the conch shells.

Thirunavukkarasar

Sambandamoorthiyare! Blessed you are as Sivagyanar, how come you have hailed me, an insignificant mortal who ignored Easan under the illusion of other religion, as “Appare”!

Sambandar

Easan, who has no father or mother adopted Karaikkal Ammayar as mother by hailing her as “Ammaye”.

He hailed you as “Appar” to fulfill his craving to have a father. It is, therefore Easan, the Brahamapuraththan who has named you as “Appar”! Come Let us go to Seerkaazhi where Easan is waiting for you.

There Navukkarasar sings Thevaram accompanied by Thiruneelkanada Yaazhpaanar on the Yaazh.

    ******

After staying together for a few days with Thirugyanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar resumes his Yatra of sacred temples.  Going west on the north bank of Cauvery river, Sambandar also visits all the temples on the way and sings various pathigams. While on his way to Thirumanthurai, he has to stop at a village near Thirumanthurai called Thruppachchilachramam for the night as it is getting dark.

…

*******************

The house of Kolli Mazhavan, a great devotee of Easan…

He is looking at his bed ridden daughter greatly anguished.

Selvi (weeping)

I have brought you immense grief because of my illness. Please forgive me.

Mazhavan (controlling his tears)

Mahale! What are you saying? It is me who cannot cure you of your illness is to be pardoned.

Selvi

Alas! You have spent a lot of money in calling various physicians to get me cured. But they are all in vain. I am destined to suffer from it for life, it seems! 

Mazhavan

At least they have been able to diagnose your ailment. Now we have to hunt for an appropriate medicine to treat it.

Selvi

Is that so? What is the disease I am suffering from?

Mazhavan

What you are suffering is an ailment of your spinal column called “Muyalagan”. The nerves that are passing through the spinal column get affected resulting in ones hand and legs losing their mobility. The person affected by this cannot stand or sit and will have to be bedridden. When we are searching for a suitable groom for you, it is sad that you are afflicted by this disease. Tomorrow, I am taking you to the Sannathi of Manikanteesar and lay you at His feet. Only He can cure you. If you are not cured, I will die then and there in His Sannathi itself. I am taking this vow in the name of Easan whom I revere with my life!

He comes out to the porch and sits leaning against the pillar. Tired he goes off to sleep and when he wakes up it is already dawn. He runs inside to see his daughter who is lying unconscious. After finishing his morning ablutions, he carries her in his arms and walks towards the temple.  Seeing him carrying his daughter, the curious villagers follow him to the temple. After reaching the Sannadhi, he lays her down   on the threshold gently.

Mazhavan (to himself with tears flowing from his eyes in torrents)

Easane! Emperumane! We are at your doorsteps! Either You cure her disease or take away both our lives!  I cannot bear to see the agonising suffering of my daughter any more.

There….

The sound of the Thiruchchinnam is heard making the assembled people   restless.

Mazhavan

What is this auspicious sound?

One of the Villagers

Oh! Great soul of the farmers’ community! Sivagyanasambandar is coming to this temple. The sound is heralding his imminent arrival here.

Mazhavan (excitedly)

Is Sambandar Perumanar coming here? We are truly blessed to have him set foot in our village. Come on, let us quickly clean up and decorate his route to the temple. Let the elderly Anthanars receive him with full temple honours. Let us also organise to feed and comfort the retinue that is following him.

He quickly goes out to his home along with villagers to make arrangements for the reception of Sambandar and his followers. Easan looks at Mazhavan with great compassion who has left behind his daughter unattended in his eagerness to welcome the Perumanar!

  ******

Sambandar reaches the temple through the decorated streets of Thruppachchilachramam to the grand reception accorded to him.  As the Pallakku reaches the entrance of the temple and stops, Mazhavan prostrates in front of it in great reverence.  Sambandar gets down and touches his shoulder and he gets up.  With the auspicious sound of the Nadaswaram, the elderly Anthanars receives Perumanar at the entrance of the temple with Poornakumbam and lead him to the Sannathi. There on seeing the girl laid on the steps of the Sannathi…

Sambandar (taken aback)

What is this?

Mazhavan

Perumanare! The girl who is lying here is my daughter. She is afflicted by the disease of “Muyalagan” and is in extreme agony. I have tried to cure her by spending enormous amount of wealth through a large number of physicians. But none could cure her.  I have brought her here because only Easan, Manikanteesar, can save her. When I was deciding that both of us would give up our lives if she were not cured of her disease, I heard the sound of Thiruchchinnam. I rushed out totally forgetting her to receive you.

Sambandar, in a resounding voice, questions   Easan whether it is fair for Him to let this young girl suffer such an agony through a series of songs. Hearing the first one at Thirukkailayam, Annai is taken aback.

Annai

What is this? How come our Gyanasambandan questioning You in his songs?

Easan

Yes! He is praising Me but indirectly ridiculing Me also!

Annai

Yes! I noticed that too! That is why I was shocked. He praises Your beauty first but at the end questions whether allowing the young girl to suffer agony brings You fame!

Easan

  Now let us here the next one.  See, he praises me first but   blames My various qualities at the end in all his ten songs. He is concluding   now with a Thirukkadaikappu. If the girl does not get up cured at the end of this, he will again start a Pathigam to decry Me indirectly. Let us hurry up for Our act now!

 Ayyan and Annai appear in the Sannathi at the very instant when Sambandar completes his Thirukkadaikappu and blesses the girl.

Selvi gets up in a second completely cured of her ailment. There is shower of flowers from the heaven. Sambandar and all the villagers chant “Om Namasivaya” in a resounding voice.  In that divine ambiance, Thiruneelakantar plays his Yaazh!

    *******

Gyanasambandar along with his retinue of adiyavars resumes his Yatra and reaches Thiruchchenkodu. There the entire population afflicted by a venomous fever is shivering uncontrollably of cold. The disease spreads to the followers of Perumanar also.

Thiruneealkanta Yaazhpaanar (unable to bear the severity of the fever)

Shanbai Nathare! What past sins of ours have brought us to this place to get afflicted by this fever?

I am unable to bear the severity of the ailment!

Sambandar

 Understand that what we undergo as pleasure or pain in this birth is the result of our actions in our previous birth. Isn’t it our fault that we have not taken action to prevent the ills of our previous birth by praying earnestly to Easan now? 

Not to let the wrongs of previous birth to affect them now, he composes Thiruneealkanta Pathigam after taking a vow in the name of Thiruneelaknatam. As he concludes his eleventh Pathigam, all the adiyavars are all got cured of the fever. As Sambandar praises Easan for His compassion, the villagers are also cured of their fever. All of them assemble and bow to Easan for His grace!

At the same time ….

Annai at Thirukkailayam is also very happy to see the people of Thiruchchenkodu cured of their fever by the grace of Easan.

Annai

Well? Why our Gyanasambandan has taken a vow as Thiruneelaknatam to sing the Pathigam?

Easan throws a smile without answering Annai!

Nandi, with his hands folded in supplication answers Annai.

Nandi

When the Parkadal was churned, along with Amudham, Aalakaala Visham also emerged.  Concerned that the poison would destroy the entire universe, Iraivan scooped it in his palms without letting even a drop to fall and gulped it.  Annai, apprehending that the universe will cease to remain if the poison is swallowed by Easan as He is the Universe, constricts His throat with her palm to prevent the poison from going down. Because of that Easan’s throat turned blue and became Thiruneelaknatam. To protect all the creatures from agony, our Pillayar took the vow on Neelaknatam and composed the songs. The people got rid of their fever and all their sins of their previous birth also got completely washed out!

Annai

I can’t help but ask this question. Before our Pillayar has taken the vow, couldn’t You rid the people of their distress on Your own? 

Easan

Only the baby that cries is fed with the milk! Sambandan was fed by You only because he cried!

Nandi and Annai bow to Easan hearing his reply!

     ******

Patteeeswaram…

The adiyars are carrying the Pallakku chanting “Hara Hara Siva Siva”.  It is a hot summer day. Even Sambandar seated inside the Pallakku is feeling uncomfortable due to the heat while the adiyavars walking in the open are in great agony. Sambandar prays to Easan and due to His grace the Sivaganas carry a Muthuppandal (pearly canopy) covering the entire procession to protect all of them from the hot sun. The suffering of adiyavars ceases and Sambandar gets down from the Pallakku and prostrates on the ground thanking Easan for His compassion.

They reach Thruvaduthurai and Sambandar stays there and composes pathigam in praise of Easan Maasilamaniyar in the temple. He finds that his father is looking depressed and asks him the reason for the same.

Sivapadahridayar

Mahane! As I am travelling with you for the Yatra, I have not been able to earn any money. The time has come for me to perform the Yagam which is due. I am worried how I can carry it out without money. I am wondering how I can conduct and complete the Yagam without any hindrance.

Unable to stand the anxiety of his father, Sambandar appeals to Easan.

Sambandar

Except Your abundant grace, I have no material wealth to offer to anyone who needs monetary help. I have not uttered anything except chanting Your name ever! I will garland You with priceless gem of songs. Please help me to overcome this problem!

 Sambandar sings his heart out in praise of Easan. The next instant a small golden casket appears on the threshold of the sannathi.  A divine voice is heard.

The divine voice

 As you take out the gold in it, this golden casket will replenish itself and yield gold perennially forever!

All of them bow to Easan and Sambandar hands over the casket to his father.

Sambandar

Thanthaye! You return to Seerkaazhi and complete the Yagam. Whenever needed, you can take out gold from this casket and meet your obligations. I will start off on my Yatra now.

 Bowing his head, Sivapadahridayar accepts the casket with great reverence. Everyone chants Panchaksharam hailing the compassion of Easan.

      *******

At the same moment ….

In Madurayampathi, the capital of Pandiya Nadu…

In the palace of Mahaguru Vardhamanasenar, the Mahasabhai is assembled. The   eight head Gurus of the eight thousand thuravis are seated there. Mantrasenar, the head of the Parankunram madam is seated next to him with a defiant countenance.  Srvananandi is seated next looking contemplative.  The other heads are seated without any expression on their face as the confrontation is going to be only between these two. They all await the arrival of the Mahaguru.

As the Mahaguru enters the hall, all of them stand up and lower the peacock feather held in their hands as mark of respect.  Mahaguru goes to his seat without any response and takes his seat. Others resume their seats.

Mahaguru

The news we are getting from Padalipuththiram are scary. What is happening here? We have been in control of the people for the past three hundred years.  Our Samanam is getting rejected now and people are reverting to Saivam.

Mantrasenar

I am aware of the happenings in Padalipuththiram.  There our madams got destroyed and Samanarswere driven out of that country. It was all because of Dharmasenar curing the Pallava king of his stomach pain. He converted to Samanam and learnt all our arts and mastered them. He used them to destroy us there. He is to be punished for his treachery. Get an order from the king that he will be beheaded if he steps inside our kingdom. Our religion which has established its roots firmly for the past three hundred years is no danger from a few disloyal people.

Mahaguru 

What have you to say, Sravanare! You said someone called Thirunavukkarasar has reestablished Saivam in Pallava Kingdom and Samanars have been driven out from there. But Mantrasenar says that it is none other than our Dharmasenar. I am very well aware of Dharmasenar. He does not even speak loudly.  He is a great Samanar with exceptional knowledge and devotion to Samanam and none can equal him. Is he the one who turned against us?

Mantrasenar (scornfully)

That too after gaining all our knowledge on mantra and tantras…..

Sravanar (getting up)

Mahaguruve! We should not lose correct track due to wrong information.

Sravanar narrates the story of Thirunavukkarasar as to how he left his wealthy household and went away to Padalipuththiram and converted as Samanar, how he reverted to Saivam after his excruciatingly painful stomach ailment could not be cured by our gurus, how he was cured of his ailment by the intervention of his sister after he reached Thiruvathigai by Easan, how all the plans of our samanaguru to get him killed failed and how ultimately the King himself got convinced that  Saivam  is the right path to follow .These are all due to the ill treatments rendered to a harmless hermit by our  Samana Guru.

Sravanar (continues his speech)

The reason for plunge of Samanam in Pallava kingdom is only due to us by not following the righteous path and not due to Dharmasenar.

Mantrasenar

Dharmasenar is to be punished for his acts of disloyalty.  Having learnt all the tricks from us, he used them against us. I am amazed as to why Sravanar is speaking in his support.

Sravanar

What have we done to cure the king of his hunch back?

Mantrasenar (mockingly)

We are discussing about Pallava kingdom and he is now diverting to Pandiya kingdom!

Mahaguru 

We have assembled here to know the truth about what Sravanar is saying. Whatever may be the reasons, the reality is that Padalipuththiram has gone out of our control. The same thing must not repeat here in Pandiya kingdom is the main concern. During the last Mahasabhai, we decided and conducted yagams to drive out evil forces predicted by ill omens. But all our efforts did not yield the desired results. As per our research on horoscope, we found that the king’s ailment will be set right by his queen and we traced and got her married to him. I am asking you the same question what Sravanar asked. What is your answer?

Mantrasenar

Our Yagam gave us victory. The deformity of the king is right at his birth. There is neither medical nor tantric treatment to cure this deformity. We are still doing a lot of research and found a lot of solutions. One of them was to get him married to this queen. What is the connection between curing the King and the status of religion today? Let Sravanar explain.

Sravanar

As per calculations and if they are proved correct, It will be   Thirugyanasambandar, a seven year old lad who will set right the hunch back of the king as which we have failed to accomplish. I anticipate that we will face the same fate as we faced in Padalipuththiram.

Mantrasenar (laughing derisively)

A seven year old lad against eight thousand thuravis! And he is going to cure the hunch back of our king! As per our research, his hunch back will be cured only by the queen. Do you mean to say that the prediction of our elders is incorrect?

All the gurus join his laughter mocking Sravanar.

Sravanar (not showing any reaction)

I am following all the news reports about this child right from his birth. I will narrate them in this assembly.

Sravanar narrates all the events of Gyanasambandar from the time of his birth till date.

Mantrasenar

Is he an expert on mantras and tantras?

Sravanar

The only mantra he chants is “Namasivaya”!

As Sravanar resumes his seat, there is pin drop silence. Clearing his throat, Mantrasenar gets up to speak.

Mantrasenar

To declare that Samanam is in danger because of a traitor and a seven year old lad, only shows lack of our self confidence. If a seven year old lad can create history by just chanting five syllables, what stops us from achieving victory through the thousands of mantras and tantras handed over to us by our elders? I have enough power to face any challenge and win. No one can defeat me anywhere at any time. I will call both of them for a debate and win. I will destroy them.

All are shocked to see the vehemence in his face as he poses this challenge.

Sravanar

If Sambandan comes here and sets right the deformity of the king, I cannot imagine the consequences.  Our people will be driven out of here like in Pallava kingdom. Our temples will be razed to build Sivan temples.

Mahaguru

Where have we gone wrong?

Sravanar

 We have spent our time and energy in capturing power and to run the kingdom as per our dictates. We have ignored paying attention to our religion. We failed to convey the lofty ideals of our tenets to the people. We forgot the basic tenet that Jeevakaarunyam alone is the path to salvation. We tortured those who did not convert to our religion. Many among us forgot even human values in their behavior and this has resulted in people hating us. We have already lost Pallava kingdom. In the Chozha Kingdom, Saivam is reigning and Samanam has been discarded. If Pandiya kingdom follows suit, we will have no refuge!

Mantrasenar gets up on hearing this and shouts at Sravanar angrily to stop. The assembled gurus are taken aback by his shouting. Mantrasenar closes his eyes and extends his hand. A flame emerges and the fire catches the curtains, all within a wink.

Mantrasenar

I have the power to control all the five elements of nature. If Sambandan sets foot in this country, he will die in my hands. No panchaksharam or anything else on earth can stop this.

Saying this, he walks out of the Mahasabhai in great rage.

     ******

Dharmapuram in the Chozha kingdom ….

It is the birthplace of Thiruneelakantar’s mother.  The entire village sports a festive look on coming to know that the son of their soil Thiruneelakantar is coming there.   Sivagyanasambandar and his followers are given a rousing reception. The relatives of Yaazhpaanar are very happy to see him and request him to play on his Yaazh. After bowing to Sambandar and getting his permission, Yaazhpaanar plays his instruments the many beautiful compositions of Sambandar. The entire village is mesmerised by his pleasing performance. His relatives come up one by one to shower praise on him for his concert.

Relative 1

You are blessed by Iraivan and that is why you are able to perform so well! You have brought glory to our village!

Relative 2

Only because you play the compositions of Thevaram of Sambandar so beautifully, they have become famous and are being sung everywhere. We are blessed by prostrating before you.

When all his relatives prostrate in front of him, Yaazhpaanar gets agitated and embarrassed.

Yaazhpaanar (chastising them)

You are praising me instead of praising the Perumanar for his compositions. This is a grave sacrilege of Easan.

Yaazhpaanar (looking at Sambandar)

Swamy! Please forgive them for they are ignorant. The beauty of your compositions can neither be measured nor described.  To prove that they are loftier than even the heavens to these people and to the whole world, please sing a pathigam which I will not be able to match with my Yaazh.

Gyanasambandar, praying to Easan starts singing and Yaazhpaanar is unable to match his tune with his Yaazh. He stops playing and falls at the feet of Sambandar.

Yaazhpaanar (blabbering)

Alas! This Yaazh is the reason for this uncalled for proof to demonstrate the superiority of your songs.

 As he is about to throw it on the floor to break it, Sambandar restrains him.

Sambandar

This is also the act of Easan! Only to bring your steadfast mind and the beauty of the songs Thevaram to the knowledge of this world, Easan has played this game! Let us bow to Him. Please continue with playing your Yaazh.

As he chants “Om Namasivaya’, the relatives of Yaazhpaanar realise their folly and prostrate in front of Sambandar.

      *****

The next day…..

Sambandar along with his followers reach Saththamangai. Hearing the sound of Thiruchchinnam of Sambandar, a person rushes there and prostrates in front of Perumanar.

Sambandar (hailing him lovingly)

Neelanakka Nayanare!

Neelanakkan

 By hailing me as a Nayanar, You have glorified this insignificant and lowly soul.

He again prostrates in front of Sambandar.

Sambandar

You are a great soul, having had the darisanam of Easan! Your name and fame will remain as long as this world exists. Those who worship Easan will worship you as well.

Thiruneelanakka Nayanar (with tears in his eyes)

The abundant grace shown by Easan for this lowly soul has made me ecstatic! Kindly grace my house along with your retinue and stay with me for a few days. I also request that you to come to the temple of Ivanthi and compose a pathigam on Easan.

Sambandar   accedes to his requests and as they are on their way to his house….

Yaazhpaanar (to Sambandar)

Perumane! How Thiruneelanakkar attained the eminence of Nayanar?

Sambandar narrates.

   ******

Saththamangai…

A fertile and beautiful village on the banks of Cauvery endowed with abundant supply of water throughout the year. The paddy fields are ever green. The Sivan temple is in the middle of the village with agraharam   surrounding it on all four sides.  The houses of Anthanars exhibit their opulence.

An elderly adiyavar is coming there, tottering and stands in front of the house of an Anthanar. Just at that time, the owner of the house after completing the Yagam inside comes out tired to take rest on the porch.

Seeing the haggard adiyavar, he gets worried that he may sit there and ask for some help.

Anthanar

Periyavare! This is agraharam. Who are you looking for?

The elderly adiyavar looks up in the direction searching

Anthanar (irritatingly)

It looks that you are blind as well. Why have you come here?

Adiyavar

Anthanare!  I am told that I will be welcomed and fed if I go to the agraharam. From your tone, it appears that I have come to the wrong place.

Hearing the conversation, Neelanakkar comes out of his house which is just opposite. Seeing the tottering Sivanadiyar, he rushes and holds him from falling down.

Adiyavar

I have come a long way thinking that I will get food here. Perhaps, they have given me wrong information.

Neelanakkar (disturbed)

You have reached here as per correct information only. But you are standing at the wrong address. I am waiting to feed you. Come to my house and rest. You can have your meals there.

Neelanakkar takes him home. His wife is standing there at the entrance with water to wash his feet. After washing his feet, the adiyavar is lead inside and seated. He is served a hot and tasty meal and looked after with great care. Appreciating the arrangements made by the wife of Neelanakkar,

Adiyavar

Understanding and acting according to the thinking of your husband, your name will be hailed always.

Wife of Neelanakkar

Let all this greatness belong to my husband only.

Adiyavar

So be it!

Blessing both of them, the Adiyavar leaves.

     ******

It is Thiruvadirai….

Thiruneelanakkar, with his wife in the Ivanthi temple, is cleaning and decorating the Sannadhi of Easan and getting it ready for the Aarudra Darisanam early in the morning. Assisted by his wife, he does the Abhishekam reciting the Vedas. As he is putting the garland, an insect jumps from it and lands on the top of the Lingam. His wife sees a spider crawling faster over Lingam head portion towards its pray.Spider finds its pray and stung. But Stung by the spider missed its pray but the head of Sivan and blood starts oozing from the top of the Lingam. As Thiruneelanakkar is doing Archana of Easan chanting the mantras, he fails to notice it where as his wife observes oozing of blood. In order not to disturb her husband, she applies the saliva from her mouth to stop the flow of blood.  Seeing this act by his wife,   Neelanakkar goes furious unaware of the events leading to it.

Neelanakkar 

You have committed a most sinful act on Easan. You are liable for punishment. I will not touch you ever. The relationship between us is terminated this very moment. Do not enter my house.

As his wife tries to reason with him, he closes his ears not wanting to hear her and leaves the temple and reaches home. His wife, not knowing what to do, sits at the entrance of the temple chanting Panchaksharam without taking even a drop of water.

Time passes and it is night now. His wife not moving an inch from where she is sitting continues to chant “Om Nama Sivaya “with her eyes closed. On the other hand, Neelanakkar shedding tears thinking about the act of his wife keeps praying to Easan. In due course he goes to sleep.   He wakes as if he is being called by someone.   In front of Him Easan seated in His Nandi Vahanam appears in a radiant glow. Neelanakkar prostrates in front of Easan and gets up.

Easan

Thiruneelanakkare! I keep my dear spouse as a half of Me! Thirumal carries His wife in His chest. But you are much better than us.You carry your wife in your heart as if she is your life. Still, you discarded her for My sake! I am moved by your will power. But your wife did not commit any sacrilege. She did what I actually appreciated. When a spider stung an insect straying on my head from the flower garland, blood came out and seeing that your wife without hurting that spider brushed it aside and applied her saliva to stop the blood flow from My head.  The venom of the spider was neutralised by the saliva and removed and I was saved the agony.  Like a mother would do to her child, she applied the saliva as a medicine to save from pain and to stop the flow of blood. Now, look at the spot where she applied her saliva.

 Easan shows the spot to Neelanakkar and he finds that the spot has turned golden!

Easan (continues)

 I blessed her that her name and fame would be hailed by everyone around the world when I had taken food in your house as a Sivanadiyar. But she prayed that all the glory should be conferred to her husband.

So I am blessing You that your name and fame will remain as long as this earth remains. Those who worship me will worship you and your wife who has merged unto you as well!

The radiant glow disappears. Waking up quickly, Neelanakkar realises that he has committed a grave wrong against his wife. He runs to the temple in the middle of the night and hears the Panchaksharam being chanted by his wife and runs in that direction. Seeing his wife chanting with her eyes closed, he gently calls her as “Dear”. Hearing her husband calling her, she opens her eyes and sees her husband with tears falling from his eyes. She gets up and stands unable to see her husband crying. Neelanakkar hugs his wife and tells her the message of Easan .

There is sounding of the conch shells. The doors of the temple open on their own. Al the lamps are lit automatically and there is bright light everywhere. In the Sannathi, the entire Lingam appears golden.  The heavens open up with a shower of flowers. The couple bows to Easan.

Sambandar concludes the story of Thiruneelanakkar chanting Panchaksharam. Yaazhpaanar, who has been listening to the story, also joins him in chanting Panchaksharam.

     *****

The next day, Gyanasambandar goes to the temple along with Neelanakkar couple followed by his entourage. There he composes and sings a Pathigam on Easan and also a Pathigam on Thuruneelanakkar couple. Yaazhpaanar plays these songs on his Yaazh to the rapturous reception by everyone.

From there Sambandar continues his Yatra and reaches Thruchchenkattankudi through Naagai, Kaaronam and Keezhavelur where he composes many Pathigams. There Siruththondar comes rushing and bows to Sambandar.

Siruththondar

Pillayar Perumane!  I reverently appeal that you may please grace our place by staying here for a few days.

 Sambandar agrees to it. That night Yaazhpaanar approaches Sambandhar and bows to him.

Sambandar (with a mild laugh)

 I know what you are going to ask me!  

 Yaazhpaanar

It is always a delight to hear the stories of Adiyavars.  That is the reason, I am here shunning my sleep! I am eager to know the story of Siruththondar. Please tell me as to why he is named as such! By stature, he is tall and hefty with scars on his face and chest looking like a great warrior who has seen many a war! How can be hailed as “Siruththondar” (tiny servitor)?

Sambandar (laughing aloud)

Shall we now call him “Periyathondar” (a giant servitor)? His actual name is Paranjothiyar. He  is one of the sena thalapathies of  the Chozha Kingdom. He has participated in many wars and earned many victories for the kingdom. He went as far as Vaathapi and won the battle against Chalukya king. He brought enormous amount of gold and other valuables from there. He brought Vaathapi Ganapathiswarar from there and installed it here in the Ganapatheeswarar Only then, the king came to know that he was a great devotee of Sivan. Saddened that he engaged a great devotee of Easan for  the conduct of wars, he granted him a large amount of gold, lands and other precious items in order that he can pursue his service to Easan without any hindrance.  Though Paranjothiyar appeased the king saying that he has carried out the orders of the king who are as good as orders from Easan Himself, he accepted the king’s suggestion of devoting his future in the service of Iraivan. He stayed in the temple of Ganapatheeswarar and carried out a lot of service. He fulfilled all the needs of any Sivanadiyar coming to Thruchchenkattankudi and remains a servitor of adiyavars.  Though he is tall and well built, he used to bend low to any Sivanadiyar as mark of reverence. So some people say that he is called as ‘Siruththondar” because he stoops low to look small. But that is not so. A town which is prosperous and glorified is called a “Seer mihum” town. Likewise one    who is prosperous and noble is a “seer mihum” person. So the adjective is actually “Seer mihum” Thondar which in course of time has distorted to Siruththondar. He has married a virtuous woman from Venkadu and has a son named Seeralan.  He is very devout and every day does not take his food unless he feeds an adiyavar.  Tomorrow, I will compose a Pathigam on him in the Ganapatheeswarar temple.

Yaazhpaanar

While people clamour for power, status and wealth, it is rare to see someone doing service to adiyavars shunning all these.

 While Sambandar is staying in the house of Siruththondar……

In the nearby village of Vaippoor …. At the temple of Easan…

A man and a woman are conversing!

The man

Mangai! I do not agree to your proposal. Let our marriage be conducted in this village only whatever be the consequence.

Mangai

 You have the right to marry me even if we elope, because you are my maternal uncle. If we delay any further our wish will be futile. My father will betroth me by force with some wealthy person as he has done for my elder sisters.  The dying wish of my mother and the promise made by my father to her at her death bed will both become unfulfilled.

Maman

Mangaye! I am not agreeable to run away from here and marry you in secrecy. Drop this topic.

Mangai (shedding tears)

I have been dreaming of marrying you all these years thinking that you are for me. What will happen to me if my father gets me married to someone else?

Maman

He has been dilly dallying every time I take up this issue with him. If he tells me on my face that he will not give you in marriage to me, then I will elope with you and marry you. But he is not saying that but simply wasting time.

Mangai

Suppose, he promises to give me in marriage to someone else!

Maman

How can he do that? He has to announce it in a forum and ask for anybody’s   objection. I will get up and object at that time saying that while I am entitled o marry you, he cannot give you away to any outsider.

Mangai

My father is deliberately dragging you without giving any assurance to you knowing your good nature. Supposing he does not call any one and promises secretly to marry me off to somebody else, what will happen?

Maman

If he does so, I will carry you away and marry you in the Sannathi of our Kuladeivam at Thirumarugal.

At that time a servant of Maman comes rushing to him.

Servant

Ayyane!  I have seen your uncle, father of this girl, bringing a few outsiders and keeping them lodged in a   public house to marry this girl off. I kept searching for you to give this news and came here ultimately.

Mangai

See! What I have feared has come true. If I return to my house now, you will never be able to see me again.

She starts crying.

Maman (catching her hand)

Come! Let us go to Thirumarugal right away. We will stay in a choultry for the night and get married in the presence of Easan in His sannathi tomorrow morning.

By the time they reach it is already dark and   they stay in a choultry for the night. When he wakes up next morning to complete his morning ablutions, he is bitten by a snake and dies instantly. Shattered by the death of her lover, Mangai reaches the temple of Manikkavannar and looks up at the gopuram. Tears flow in torrents from her eyes.

Mangai

Easane! You gulped the most potent poison of Aalakaala to save the entire universe from imminent death and became Neelakantan.  You resurrected Manmadhan whom you burnt to ashes heeding to the plea of his wife Rathi. You even kicked Yaman to save your devotee Markandeyan! Our village is Vaippoor. We came here to your Sannathi not because there is no Easan in that place but because you are the family deity of Maman. He said that You would save our entire clan forever and that was why he brought me here to marry me in Your sannathi. What wedding gift You have given me? Is this fair on Your part?

She starts crying uncontrollably.

Sambandar who has been singing a Pathigam on the glory of Manikkavannar in the sannathi hears her cry and comes out.

Sambandar (with great compassion)

Mangaye!  Your wailing is breaking my heart. Please tell me what your misfortune is.  With the grace of Easan, it can be resolved. Tell me.

Seeing a radiant seven year old boy in front of her confidently telling her that her misfortune can be solved…

Mangai

Your words are giving me great solace. Please hear my story.

She narrates her story.

Mangai

I am like a capsized ship in the middle of the sea. Please save me.

Guided by Mangai Sambandar goes along with his adiyavars to the choultry.  Seeing the lifeless body of the man, he is very much moved. Songs come out of him in quick succession pleading to Easan to revive the dead man and questioning whether it is fair to bring such a calamity to the girl who isthinking only of Easan all the time.

Moved by his fervent appeal Easan decides to act. The sound of conch shell is heard and the man gets up relieved of the effects of the poison. All of them bow to Easan for His abundant grace and compassion.

Sambandar  (to the couple)

Now, your wedding will be conducted in the sannathi of Manikkavannar as per your wish.

Their wedding takes place in due course in the presence of their relatives and friends in a grand scale.

     *****

`The Agraharam of Thiruppugalur…

An Anthanar is walking slowly carrying a sack on his shoulders. The Gurukkal of Siva temple crosses his path. Perturbed on seeing the elderly Anthanar carrying a heavy load, he bows to him and stops.

Elderly Anthanar

Gurukkale! What is this? You are in the sacred service of Easan. How can you bow to an ordinary mortal like me?

Gurukkal

 I am moved by your plight! You have mastered all the Vedas. You can be an Aacharyan of Yagasala for the asking and earn handsomely! Instead of that you are gathering the grains scattered on the earth for your living. On top of that you are also feeding adiyavars out of your meager earnings! I am not able to understand you!

Elder

I am an “Aparigraha”!

Gurukkal (confused)

I have heard of Brahmachari and Grahastan but not Aparigraha!

Elder

Baghavad Gita defines who is an Aparigraha! Whosoever controls his mind and body, not loving or hating anything or anyone, not seeking material from anyone though being a householder, always keeping in Easan in his mind, doing the penance of his mind is an Aparigraha! 

Gurukkal

You are always keeping Easan in your thinking! It is alright for you. But you have a  son. Don’t you have to think of his future also?

Elder

He is a gift of Easan. He will live eternally as Thirumuruga Nayanar!

Gurukkal

He is small boy! How can you call your own son respectfully as Nayanar?

Elder

Though, he is my son, he is way above me!

As Gurukkal gets dumbstruck, the elder walks way in proudly!

     ****

His father’s demise has not affected Thirumurugan a bit… He remains detached from all feelings like a water drop on the lotus leaf in a pond…    When the tenth day ceremony for his dead father isdue  he is stopped by the Gurukkal seeing him walking on the road.

Gurukkal

What is this?  How come you are so devoid of any feelings?  I am told that you did not  shed a tear when your father died and the whole village was shocked by your act.

Not getting any reply from him…

Gurukkal (irritated)

Today is the day for doing the tenth day ceremony for the departed soul. Are you at least aware of that?

Thirumurugan

What is tenth day ceremony?

Gurukkal (shocked)

Amazing! Being a Brahmin, you are not even aware of this ceremony! It is called “Karumadhi” meaning the day his Karma gets liberated.  By offering him “Pindam”, his soul will rest in peace. The ‘theetu” (death spell) will end. Everyone must conduct this ceremony for his parents. If you are not aware, at least, you could have asked others. I am told that your father has trained you in Vedas. Has he not covered these aspects?

Thirumurugan

Separated from Paramatma, the Aanma enters the womb of the mother and is born in this world. After living its life as per its karma it goes back again to Paramatma. My father has returned to where he came from. One day all of us   will also do the same. What is there to cry over this? Today is not the day to liberate karma. Today is the day to bring peace to the soul. Though the physical body of my father is destroyed, the indestructible Aanma of his will lose its identity and forgets its past and merges into panchaksharam. As it does not have a physical body, it resides in the body of a crow and eats the food of its liking and goes away from this world. I have left the food my father used to relish on the banks of the river for the crows and returning home.  Do you know why the crows are given the food liked by the departed soul?

Gurukkal is taken aback by the knowledge of the young man.

Gurukkal (stammering)

Well.. If we feed the crows before we take our food, we will get Mukti. That is what they say! That is why this practice has started.

Thirumurugan

That is alright. But why should it be only crow? Why not feed other birds or other animals?

Gurukkal is blinking not knowing what to answer.

Thirumurugan

Crow is the vahanam of Sani baghavan. It is Sani baghavan who decides the longevity of the humans. After finishing its stipulated time in this earth the Aanma flies away as a crow.  Gingili seeds are mixed with the Pindam. This is the spiritual explanation. Practically,   crows live in groups like humans live with their kith and kin unlike other creatures. Like humans, when a crow is in distress the other crows try to help it. If a crow commits a crime, an assembly of other crows is held to punish the rogue. Unlike other creatures, crows gather all the members of its group to share the food. I said that Aanma unites with Paramatma after finishing its time and completing its karma. The Aanma that is yet to complete its karma is either takes a new birth or takes the form of a crow to complete its karma. But why it should be born as a crow to complete its karma? Only crow serves the humanity by cleaning the environment as scavenger of the sky, without expecting any reward and dies. Our ancestors Aanma are pleased by offering food to the crows. This day is therefore the day “to please the Aanma” (day for doing Aatmapreeti). This is referred as “Karumadhi” due to common usage.

Gurukkal is dumbstruck by his knowledge and unconsciously cups his palms in reverence.

Gurukkal

 I have heard that Vedas display a lusture. Today, I witnessed that lusture in your face!  You will bring glory to this town!

He bows to Thirumurugan who walks away without showing any feelings!

  At that time, the sound of Thiruchchinnam is heard from a distance. Announcement that “Sivagyana Sambandar is entering our village” is made loudly and repeated. The whole agraharam is roused and gets busy to welcome the Perumanar. Thirumurugan rushes to the temple excited.  Sambandar is given the full temple honours and welcomed with poorna kumbam at the entrance. Overcome by his great devotion, Thirumurugan is unable to express himself on meeting Sambandar face to face.

Sambandar

 I am equally excited on seeing you. Aren’t you Thirumuruga Nayanar?

Thirumuruga Nayanar

You have given me an unattainable honour by hailing me as Nayanar!  My thousands and thousands of salutations at your sacred feet!

As he is about to prostrate in front of him, Sambandar restrains him and hugs him instead.

Sambandar (smiling)

We are friends now! I have come here to stay in your house! 

Thirumuruga Nayanar

Isn’t it a great blessing for this insignificant soul? But my house is quite small.  It can accommodate only two people. What will I do to accommodate your entourage?

Sambandar

It is not a small place! It is a huge palace!  When Easan awaits everyday to wear the flowers from your garden, we get blessed to stay in such a place! I have heard that adiyavars come to your house for food like bees converging for honey.

 Sambandar composes and sings a Pathigam extolling the unshakable devotion of Thirumuruga Nayanar and his charity in feeding adiyavars. Thiruneelkanada Yaazhpaanar plays them on his Yaazh captivating the villagers assembled there.

At the same time Thirunavukkarasar also reaches there with his retinue. Sambandar and Thirumuruga Nayanar touch his feet in great reverence. A divine ambiance permeates all around.

 A Samanathuravi is observing all the happenings from a hideout!

     ******

Both Thirunavukkarasar and Thirugyanasambandar visit many temples and sing Thevaram to nurture the devotion of people towards Easan. Saivam flourishes wherever they go. The temples are renovated and pujas for six times a day are resumed after a long interval of neglect.

Thiruveezhimizhalai turns into a vibrant town because of the arrival of both the Perumanars. Navukkarasar and Sambandar establish a madam each and staying there they visit the temples in surrounding towns and villages. Their singing of Thevaram attracts more and more people to become devout.

     ******

Around this time…

In the Confidential chamber of the Mahaguru of Samanars at Madurai, three persons are seated….

Vardhamana Senar

Sravanare! We have lost the kingdom of Pallavas. As per your brief, it appears we may lose the Pandiyan kingdom also!

Mantra Senar

Dharmasenar, the traitor of our religion is root cause for that.

Vardhamana Senar

Sravanare! Please tell Mantrasenar, the information we have gathered recently.

Sravanar 

 I will narrate exactly what one of our thuravis has witnessed by his own eyes at Thiruppugalur. We are aware that Dharmasenar is now called as Thirunavukkarasar.  Sambandar, who is the cause of the ill omens we have witnessed in our midst, is staying with him. Both of them are attracting a large number of people through their singing of devotional songs. Wherever they go, Saivam is getting fresh lease of life and flourishing. Both of them are staying now at Thiruveezhimizhalai and are engaged in renovating all the temples and throwing them open for the public.  Their resurgence has threatened the Samanars there and they are migrating to Pandiya en mass. It has become a daily affair for the Samanars to migrate to Madurai in groups.

Mantrasenar

So what? Let them come. We will ask the king , Pandiya Mannar to extend all facilities for them. Why should we worry on this score?

Sravanar

There are two things I am concerned about.

Firstly, the incoming Samanars will narrate all the miracles they have witnessed in the Chozha kingdom which may affect the disposition of the people against us. Secondly, efforts are afoot to send two emissaries to Sambandar from the King’s palace.

Mantrasenar (shocked)

What? Who are those two?

Vardhamana Senar

It is Thiruvisai, the personal attendant of Maharani and her husband Maravan.

Mantrasenar

Those two orphans were brought up by us! How can they indulge in this treachery?

Sravanar

Why should we blame the arrow rather than its shooter?

Mantrasenar

Who is arranging and ordering them to go?

Sravanar

It is the maharani herself!

Mantrasenar goes quiet and in deep thought.

Vardhamana Senar

 It is because our ancestors’ predictions and orders that we have got her married to the king knowing well that she is a Saivar.  This effort of her may even   prove to be a stepping stone for our success later on!

Mantrasenar

Mahaguruve!  You said correctly. Let Thiruvisai and Maravan go to Chozha Nadu. We have to do three things before they start.

First, we must keep an eye on all Samanars arriving from Chozhanadu all the time. If someone does any act against our religion, he must be deported out of this kingdom forthwith.  Second, get an order   issued by the king that if the traitor Dharmasenar sets foot in the Pandiya kingdom, he will be sentenced to death and get it proclaimed through every nook and corner of the kingdom. Third, to keep a constant surveillance on the Saiva madam in Madurai. If Sambandan comes, he will stay there only. My only wish that Sambandan must come here due to the efforts of Maharani to meet his end here! Anyone who is acting against our religion must be terminated.

His warning looking at Sravanar appears as if to convey that he is no exception.

Mahaguru

Your suggestions are good. Do carryout all these.

Mahaguru gets up and leaves concluding the meeting. 

As Sravanar leaves with a unperturbed look, Mantrasenar looks at him in utter aversion.

    ******

While in Thiruveezhimizhalai…

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

Anthanar

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

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

Sambandar

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

The Anthanars are overjoyed hearing these words!

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

Easan

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

Sambandar

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

Easan

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

Sambandar opens his eyes come out of the meditative state.

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

   *****

Everyday Sambandar prays to Easan before going to bed…

Sambandar

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

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

Adiyavars (pleading to Easan)

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

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

 Easan

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

Sambandar gets up from his sleep.

Sambandar (bowing to Easan)

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

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

Sambandar

Appar Perumane! Easan appeared in my dream last night.

Appar

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

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

   ******

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

Sambandar

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

Administrator

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

Sambandar

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

Administrator

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

Sambandar

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

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

A Divine Voice

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

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

Sambandar

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

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

    *******

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

Navukkarasar

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

Sambandar

So be it!

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar

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

Sambandar

Adiyavare! Please tell us your doubt!

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar

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

 Navukkarasar laughs out aloud!

Navukkarasar

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

Sambandar

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

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar

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

 The Panchaksharam is echoing everywhere!

     ******

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

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

Navukkarasar

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

Kovil Gurukkal

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

Sambandar

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

Navukkarasar

Let it be so!

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

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

Navukkarasar

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

Sambandar (sings)

“ சதுரம்மறைதான்துதிசெய்துவணங்கும்

மதுரம்பொழில்சூழ்மறைகாட்டுறைமைந்தா

இதுநன்கிறைவைத்தருள்செய்கஎனக்குன்

கதவந்திருக்காப்புகொள்ளுங்கருத்தாலே.”

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

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

Easan

Appar Perumane!

Navukkarasar

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

Easan

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

Navukkarasar

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

He looks up to Easan.

Easan

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

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

Easan disappears then from his dream.

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

Easan

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

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

    *******

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

The male 

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

Thirugyanasambandar

 What is the message?

 Thiruvisai (cupping her palms in reverence)

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

Thirunavukkarasar

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

Maravan

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

Thirugyanasambandar

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

Thirunavukkarasar

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

Thirugyanasambandar

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

He composes and Sings Kolaru Pathigam.

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

He bows to Thirunavukkarasar.

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

Let the visit of Perumanar to Madurai bring him victory!

The standards raise their tune in victory. Thirugyanasambandar starts his journey to Madurai.

The Entourage (chanting)

Hara Hara Siva Siva!

Hara Hara Siva Siva!

Hara Hara Siva Siva!

The “Muthuppallakku” commences its great historical journey!

At the same time a Samana thuravi who has been spying on the happenings from a hideout gallops to Madurai. The news of Sambandar reaching Madurai is conveyed to Mahaguru much in advance of his arrival there!

    *****

The secret chamber of Vardhamanasenar…

The head Gurus of the eight kundrams are seated. All of them appear highly tense.

Vardhamanasenar

Sravanare! Tell the information you have received in the assembly.

Sravanar

Thirugyanasambandar has reached Thirukkodunkundram in outer periphery of our kingdom through the southern part after traversing Thirukkodikuzhagar, Thiruvakaththiyan Palli, Thirukkadikulam, Thrividumpavanam and Thruvuchchadanam. By today or tomorrow, he will reach Madurai.

Mantrasenar (interrupting, mockingly)

I am eagerly awaiting his arrival.

 While a few of them laugh, the stern look of the Mahaguru stops their interruption.

Vardhamanasenar (sternly)

This is not the time to joke around. Sravanare! Continue with the other information you have obtained.

Sravanar

All through the route, Thirugyanasambandar was received with great honour, devotion and fanfare by the entire population of the villages. People are falling head over heels to have his darisanam. Wherever he sets foot, Saivam resurges and flourishes.

Mantrasenar (haughtily)

There were many kings who came to attack and capture Madurai with their powerful armies but were driven out by our onslaught. Our kingdom has never been defeated by any enemies in the past.  I am wondering why our Sravanar is mortally scared of a toddler who is singing and journeying around with a few destitute people?  Our Pandiya King is a staunch follower of Samanam. The subjects are also fully devoted to Samanam following the way of our king. The boy might get respect in our neighbouring kingdom. If he steps inside our kingdom, he will be ignored by our people. He may even go back disgusted by the cold reception he gets here. He is after all only seven years old!   If he tries anything here, I will burn him to cinders by my magical power. After witnessing his death, Padalipuththiram will reemerge as a great centre of Samanam. Forget your worries and carry on with your work.

Sravanar

 You will be astonished to hear as to what happened in our Pandiya Kingdom as soon he stepped in.

There are hundreds of Samanars of our kingdom, who sported Thiruneeru and sandalwood paste to welcome Sambandar.  There was virtual shower of flowers as he walked around.  Chanting their God’s name aloud, our people are following him in huge processions. The temple of Meenakshi   Sundareswarar is renovated and getting ready for his visit.

Mantrasenar (angrily)

Aren’t our queen and that Kulachchirayar responsible for all these?

Sravanar

No! It is only the people of Pandiya Nadu who are responsible. 

All the assembled Gurus are taken aback!

Sravanar (continues)

Yes! Our own people have stopped respecting us. What is the reason for this? Let us look at ourselves for a brief second. How are we projecting ourselves? We are devoid of clothes and remain naked. Since we do not bathe, our body is dirty. As we do not clean our teeth and mouth, we smell badly. As we pluck our hair with our hands, our heads are oozing with pus giving an obnoxious smell. Mantrasenar ridiculed    them as destitute. Are you aware, how the people are calling us? Digambaran (naked man), Stink mouthed, Puss head and so on.  Gyanasambandar and his entourage of Adiyavars take bath, wear clean clothes, sport Thiruneeru on their forehead, and wear necklaces of colourful gems and smear perfume. As they sing devotional songs to fine music to spread their religion, people gather around them. They compare their appearance and look at us as untouchables. Some of them call us as evil magicians. The news coming   from all over our kingdom portends ill omen. Where our female Thuravis are staying, there is brawl everyday spilling over to the streets. Our female Thuravis, instead of showing patience are instigating one against the other. The carrion eating pariah kites and owls are collecting in our temples of Thirthankarars and howl night and day.

Mantrasenar (losing patience)

Stop it! You exaggerate everything. Why these ill omens cannot be meant for them?

Vardhamanasenar

What Sravanar has said is not exaggeration. For the last few days, my left eye lid is pulsating. My sleep is disturbed.  I get nightmares when I sleep. In one of the dreams, we are mounted on donkeys and dragged along the streets of Madurai and people spit on our faces. The sacred Asoka trees in our temples get uprooted and fall. What do you say for this?

The assembled Gurus are aghast seeing the Mahaguru himself is rattled.

Mantrasenar

Last time, I created Agni in the open space and showed you. I will engulf the entire madam where that toddler is going to stay with fire. He will run away scared. If that does not happen, I will draw him for a debate and defeat him. I have mastered the magic handed down by our ancestors. Nothing will get burnt in fire or sink in water when I invoke my mantras. I will teach a lesson to anyone who dare challenge to destroy us. You must be near the king always and see that he does not deviate from our path.  I said people always follow their king. That should not go against us also!

Sravanar

Let whatever we do follow the path of Dharma only.

Mantrasenar (irritated)

 Our enemies also well versed in all magic works. Getting gold coins, creating famine and terminating it, making showers of flowers are all examples of their magic tricks. Our expertise in magic will give a formidable response to their tricks. There is no need to talk about just and Dharma here. Because of the traitor Dharmasenar, we lost Padalipuththiram. I will not let Pandiya Nadu from our grip on your advice of following dharma. 

Sravanar (cautioning)

Gyanasambandar has not come here on his own. He has been invited by the maharani and so a guest of the Royalty. If he is harmed by fire, all of us may be censured for it.

Vardhamanasenar

We have to carefully consider what Sravanar has just said. Let us not do something in a hurry and get entangled.

Mantrasenar

Well, in that case, obtain the permission of the king.

Vardhamanasenar

For what?  To scare and drive away the Sivanadiyar by burning the madam where he is staying using or magical powers!

Mantrasenar

Why not? Please take me to the king. I will get the permission from him.

Vardhamanasenar

When?

Mantrasenar

Now itself.

Vardhamanasenar

Sravanare! You also come along.

Mantrasenar (grimacing)

Why only him? Let all the eight Chief Gurus of the kundrams can come along.

Vardhamanasenar agrees and all of them rush to see the Mannar.

   *****

The news that Thirugyanasambandar is coming to Madurai spreads all over the surrounding places like the fragrance of a million flowering jasmine buds. People rush to Madurai in their carts in droves. The whole of Madurai is sporting a festive look to welcome the Perumanar.  Seeing all these preparations, the Samanars collect in small groups here and there and discuss as to what will happen in great apprehension.

The Amaichchar Kulachchirayar reaches the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple awaiting the arrival of Sambandar. The auspicious music heralding his arrival is heard. The Muththuppallakku reaches the entrance of the temple to the reverberating sound from the Kombus. Hearing the sound of the Thiruchchinnam of Sambandar, Kulachchirayar prostrates on the ground in the direction of the sound. He gets so excited that he remains like that without even getting up. Sambandar gets down from the Pallakku. Coming to know that the adiyavar who lies prostrate is Kulachchirayar, the Amaichchar of the kingdom, Sambandar touches his shoulder to get him up. His mere touch makes him highly ecstatic. Mangayarkarasiyar, who is standing on the other side with her entourage, falls on the feet of Sambandar in great reverence. Gyanasambandar lifts her up and sings a Pathigam praising her and the Amaichchar.

Sambandar Perumanar is received with full temple honours at the entrance. Raising his cupped palms above his head, Sambandar enters the temple chanting aloud the Panchaksharam. The followers keep chanting “Hara Hara, Siva, Siva” and enter the Sannathi following him.  He composes and sings poems with misty eyes overcome by devotion. Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar plays the Yaazh and all are mesmerised and stand transfixed in devotion. After he comes out of the temple Sambandar along with his followers is lead to the Vakeechar Madam to the accompaniment of music by Kulachchirayar.   At that time, he sees Vardhamanar leading the Samana Gurus rushing towards the palace. Mantrasenar has a fleeting glance on Sambandar. There is immense animosity in it!

     ******

In the palace…..

The private guard of the king (rushing to the king)

Mannar Mannare! The Samana Gurus headed by the Maha Guru are coming to meet you. The king quickly reaches the entrance, receives them with due honour and take them inside.

Mannar

 I offer my salutations to the Maha Guru and to the head Gurus of the eight Kundramsms. Kindly be seated.

Elated by the warm reception, the gurus take their seat.

Maha Guru (angrily)

Mannar Manna! Are you aware where is Maharaniyar now?

Mannar (perplexed)

I understand that your visit as a group is for something important. Is there any connection for your visit with the actions of Maharaniyar?

Maha Guru (still in anger)

Nedumara! Where she has gone? Tell me that first.

Mannar

I believe some young Sivanadiyar is coming to the Aalavaai temple and she has gone to receive him with her entourage.

Mantrasenar

He is not a Sivanadiyar. He is a Anthanar boy.

Mannar (closing his ears on hearing it)

Is he an Anthanar?

Mantrasenar

As we were coming to see you, our eyes fell on him and as a result our eyes have become unclean             (Kandu muttu). Since you heard the word, yours ears are now unclean (Kettu muttu) Since Brahmins have enacted a code to purify them if ever they see or hear people of lower castes, our Thirthankarars have also ordered that we must decontaminate us if we ever see them or hear about them. Do not be under the wrong impression that he is a mere boy. He is a talented tantric and trickster. He has mastered black magic. He is conjurer who gets gold coins from thin air. He makes the people sick and then cures them. He creates famine to harass people to no end and then gives them food to attract them to his fold. He is presently staying in the Vakeechar madam with his followers. If you permit and order us, we will drive him out invoking our own tantric ways. We will fling a fire ball at him to drive him out and to decontaminate us.

Mannar

Since he is an Anthanar, do whatever code our scriptures dictate. And do it quickly.

Heaving a sigh of relief, the Samana   Gurus leave the palace.  The Mannar retires to his chamber with a heavy heart.

On her return Maharaniyar observes that the mannar is mentally disturbed.

Maharaniyar

Arase! Why you are looking unusually gloomy today?

Mannar

When you wanted to visit the Sivanadiyar, I gave you permission. But I learn that he is an Anthanar. I have therefore become polluted as per the code of Samanars as I happen to hear about him. Still, I am disturbed as to why all the Samana gurus came here for this trivial reason. 

Mangayarkarasiyar is shocked and spell bound !

      ******

That night…

In the mansion of Mantrasenar, a Yagasala is erected and Agni is propitiated.  Seated in front, Mantrasenar is chanting mantras with his eyes closed while other Samana gurus are seated slightly away watching the proceedings. Mahaguru is seated separately.  It is almost midnight.  A fireball emerges and rises up from the Yagakundam while all of them are watching. Mantrasenar gazes at the fireball intently without batting his eye lids. While all the Samana Thuravis are in awe, that fireball shoots out of that mansion and takes off in the direction of Vakeechar madam.

Mahaguru

Well done! Let the evil that has come to visit our Pandiya Nadu gets destroyed with this!

Mantrasenar

Come! Let us all go to Vakeechar madam and witness its destruction to our hearts’ content.

Mahaguru

It is not proper for all of us to go there at this midnight hour.  You go alone and see the happenings. We will stay here waiting for your report.

Mantrasenar rushes to Vakeechar madam.

     *******

In the Vakeechar madam….

All the members of Sambandar’s entourage are listening to stories from Sivapuranam like they do on the night of Sivarathri! Gyanasambandar is seated chanting Panchaksharam. Seeing a fireball darting fiercely towards Vakeechar madam, Amaichchar Kulachchirayar runs there only to find that the fire ball becomes stationary on reaching the entrance to the madam as if in a spell. Mantrasenar who is observing from a hideout hid himself on seeing the Amaichchar rushing to the madam. As the Amaichchar enters the madam, the fireball also follows him and goes inside. Seeing the Amaichchar running inside followed by the fierce fireball, all the adiyavars get up in great shock. Gyanasambandar opens his eyes.  Seeing the fireball standing in front of him without any movement, he lets out a smile. Thiruneelkanada Yaazhpaanar wonders aloud as to what this phenomenon is!

Sambandar

This is the weapon of fireball sent by Samanars to burn us down. It is now bound by the Panchaksharam and hence has no power to move.

Amaichchar

When you were entering the madam, I saw the Samana Mahaguru going towards the King’s palace along with his associates. I learnt later as to what transpired between them and the king. I am at a loss even to tell you about it.

Sambandar

Amaichchare! Please tell me without any reservation.

Amaichchar

As per Samana Theerthangarars if anyone see  a Brahmin they are contaminated with a disease like and if they hear the word Brahmin(Anthanar) also they are contaminated with a disease like and they are required to take purification actions. This they name it as Kandu Muttu and Kettu muttu.

Sambandar

How come by seeing an Anthanar or hear the word Anthanar, a person will be contaminated (theetu)?

Amaichar

Those days Brahmin Pandits see low caste person or hear the cast name they close their eyes and ears.

They declare that they are contaminated and seek self purification procedures. Hence forth the religious leaders of Samanam ordered that if any one sets his eyes on a Brahmin or hear the cast name as Anthanar they have to carry out self purification procedures.

Hearing this every one in the madam stays shocked. 

Sambandan (unperturbed)

So when they saw me and hear that I am a Brahmin boy, they including Mannar are contaminated.Then what happened?

Amaichar

They have got the permission to drive you away from here from the Madam. I was keeping a vigil around the Madam fearing that Samanargal are out to harm you some way or the other. When I saw the fireball darting towards the madam, I ran here to give you a warning.

Sambandar

 Mannar with or without his knowledge if his subject causes  any harm, Mannar has to be responsible. He wants us to leave this place . For which he gave permission to Samanars to do this kind of dirty job.

Amaichchar (with his head bowed in embarrassment)

Yes!

Sambandar

The fireball magically created will not extinguish unless it harms someone.  Hence I am going to appeal to Aalavaai Sundareswarar  to redirect the magic fire ball to the offender himself. Here the offender is mannar and he stands responsible for this crime for which he has to be punished not physically but with effects of the magic fireball.

Then Sambandar  starts singing a Pathigam on Aalavaai Sundareswarar to carry out his wish.

 As he completes the pathigam, the fireball loses its lusture and flies out formless and enters the body of the Mannar. His temperature shoots up like a burning log and there is an agonized howl from him unable to bear the burning sensation.

    ******

At the same time….

Mantrasenar is surprised that the fireball sent by him has not caused any damage after its entry inside the madam.  

Mantrasenar (to himself)

 Alas! Has the fireball I have sent out become ineffective in front of that lad? Otherwise, by now all of them would have run out to save their lives.  My reputation is at stake now! If the Mannar and the Mahaguru get wind of the failure, they will be angry with me.

Quickly he calls a confident servant of his and tells something to him. He runs away hearing his orders and returns after a few moments with a few lighted torches. Both of them then torch the roofs of the huts surrounding the madam and the fire spreads and surrounds the madam quickly. The people inside rush outside and there is great commotion. Mantrasenar is mighty pleased by the devastation and confusion. The Amaichchar and Yaazhpaanar come out of the madam guarding Sambandar. Mantrasenar is troubled seeing Sambandar coming out unscathed. Sambandar who has been all along praying to Easan with his eyes closed to save his followers from the fire opens his eyes. He observes two men running and hiding and one of them is a Samana thuravi and realises that this is another evil act of Samanars again.

Sambandar

What you sow, you shall reap!

Neelakanda Yaazhpaanar blinks unable to comprehend the reason for these words from the Perumanar!

Amaichchar leaves the madam only after ascertaining that no adiyavar is harmed in the fire.

     ******

It is dawn next day…

Amaichchar tells all the events of the previous night to Maharaniyar.

Maharaniyar (sad and crying)

It is because of me the sivanadiyaars are  subjected to such sufferings.

Amaichchar

I am worried that there will be more such perils in store for Sambandar Peruman from these Samana thuravis.

At that very moment a few private guards of the mannar come there running.

Guard 1

Arasiyare! The Mannar’s body is hot like on fire. The palace physicians are treating him.

Guard 2

 His radiated body heat is unbearable even for us who stand nearby.  You can well imagine his condition.

Guard 3

We have informed the Mahaguru and requested him to find a remedy.

Guard 4

If Maharaniyar reaches there immediately, it will be proper.

Amaichchar and Maharaniyar quickly leave to see the mannar. His body is lying limp on the bed due to immense heat. The physicians get up and look at the Maharaniyar not knowing what to tell her.

Maharaniyar

  Vaidya Sironmanigale! What is the reason for the king’s sudden change in health condition? How come he radiates such immense heat?

Vaidyar1

That is a great puzzle for all of us. Yesterday, before he retired for the night, we examined him and found him hale and hearty. It is a mystery, how he developed such an immense heat in his body in the morning! We are unable to find a reason for this. We have tried all the cures given in the science of medicine.  The heat is only increasing and not reducing. Only Mahaguru Vardhamanar   may be able to find the cause of this ailment and suggest a cure for the same.

Deeply perturbed, Maharaniyar goes near the mannar and touches him. The mannar opens his eyes.

Maharaniyar

Mannare! I am afraid that this ailment may be due to our wrong doings to Sivanadiyaars. Yesterday night, the madam where my Adiyavar Peruman was staying caught fire and it was put out. By Easan’s grace all of them escaped from certain death. Is the heat of that madam burning you here? If you give permission, I will get the Perumanar here.

 As she is seeking the permission of the mannar, Mahaguru reaches there.

Maharaniyar bows to Mahaguru which he ignores to respond and goes near the mannar to check his health. As he touches his body, he withdraws his hand quickly.

 Vardhamana Senar

What is this?  I feel as though I have touched a blazing log!

At the same time, the mannar lets out an agonized cry as if pierced by a thorn where his hand has touched him. The Mahaguru murmurs a few mantras and touches his body with the peacock feather he is holding. The feather catches fire and turns to ashes jolting everyone around.

Vardhamana Senar

It is surprising that the mannar who was alright till yesterday should be afflicted by this heat ailment all of a sudden. It appears to me that it is not a natural phenomena but someone has deliberately planted it. It must have been done by that Anthana tantric lad only. We will cure it using our mantras.

He orders the guards to bring Mantrasenar and Sravanar immediately.

Maharaniyar (to mannar)

I have a humble submission to make.

Mannar

Go ahead! Tell me.

Maharaniyar

The one who has come is only a seven year old boy. At this age, he cannot master mantric and tantric arts to make use of them.  When he was three years old, Annai Parvati gave him her breast milk to drink. He is now a Sivanadiyar more than Brahmin. He is known as Thirugyanasambandar. I obtained your permission to meet him when I came to know that he was coming to the Sundareswarar temple. I am hurt as Mahaguru has said that he is the reason for your ailment. The madam where that adiyavar is staying was set on fire by some miscreants last night.  Fortunately, by the grace of Easan, they all escaped unhurt saving our kingdom from earning a bad name. I am anguished that the heat of the fire set on the madam may have reached you to give this sudden ailment condemning the cruel act.

The Mahaguru is planning to treat your ailment using the path of mantrasakti. Supposing it does not yield any results…? We will invite Gyanasambandar Peruman also here to cure you of this ailment. We will follow the path of Samanam or Saivam whoever is able to cure you. If you give permission, I will get Sambandar Peruman also here.

Amaichchar Kulachchirayar (coming forward)

Manna! I have seen a Samana thuravi near the madam when it was set alight. Your ailment is a consequence of their ill deed. That is the truth. It will be therefore futile for them to find a cure. You yourself can see that their efforts aggravate your ailment and not soothe your pain. That is the reason why the peacock feather of the Mahaguru caught fire and burnt when it touched the body of the Mannar. The Mannar’s ailment can be cured only by Thirugyanasambandar. It is most appropriate to invite him here.

Mannar (to himself)

I feltthat a cold and soothing wind enveloping my body when I the name “Thirugyanasambandar” was mentioned! I also feel that he must be a great soul!

Mannar

Maharaniyare!  Let it be so. Go with the Amaichchar and bring the young Sivanadiyar with royal honours here.

Amaichchare! On your way, give an order that a golden seat is placed next to my bed.

Mahaguru gets deeply anguished hearing these orders from the king. In a short while, Mantrasenar and Sravanar reach there and pay their regards to the king.  Opening his eyes with considerable effort, Mannar welcomes them. 

At that very moment, the Amaichchar and the Maharaniyar are standing in front of the adiyavar at Vakeechar madam with tears welled up in their eyes.

Thirugyanasambandar

 I see both of you in tears. Has some misfortune come upon you?

Arasiyar (with her palms cupped)

The Samanars sent a fireball to destroy the madam using their magical powers. Perhaps, has that turned into a roasting ailment afflicting the king? The magical cures of the Samanars are only aggravating his suffering and not reducing it a bit. Perumanar may please come to the palace and nullify the magical effects of the Samanars and cure the mannar of his ailment. Otherwise, along with the Mannar I will also die.

Thirugyanasambandar

Fear not! Let us go to the sannathi of Aalavaai Sundarar and obtain His blessings to defeat the Samanars  tricks and make your king wear Thiruneeru!

 He goes to the temple and sings in praise of Easan and requesting His blessings to defeat the bad designs of Samanars and be victorious.  The moment he finishes his song, the temple bells toll on their own, revealing the approval of Easan! Thirugyanasambandar reaches the palace along with his followers. The moment the mannar sets his eyes on the young Perumanar, sporting Thiruneeru and radiating charm, he feels a cold breeze sweeping across his body giving some respite from the searing heat he has been feeling. Feeling relived and happy, he pays his regards to Sambandar and gets him seated in the golden seat. The Samana Thuravis are terrified seeing the dazzling Perumanar, worried as to what is in store for them.

Vardhamana Senar (going near the mannar and in a murmur so that others do not hear)

You have called for people from both religions to cure you of your ailment. In case, if you are cured by the efforts of that little boy, don’t reveal it. Admit that you are cured only because of the Samanars’ effort. You are a Samanar and you must safeguard your religion.

Mannar (to Vardhamanar in a murmur)

Mahaguruve!  I am first the ruler of this kingdom and the next only I am Samanan. Both of you try to cure me of my ailment. I will determine who has cured me. I will not waver from justice.

Vardhamana Senar goes back to his seat frustrated. Thirugyanasambandar takes the golden seat.

Mannar (respectfully)

Pillayar Avarhale! Where do you reside?

Thirugyanasambandar

My village is the fertile Kazhumalam on the banks of Cauvery!

Vardhamana Senar(angrily)

Manna! You have done great sacrilege by offering the golden seat to an Anthanar boy. But, let him enter into a debate with me. We will decide whether or not he is eligible to be seated with honour like this.

Thirugyanasambandar

Amanare! Can you tell me the tenets of dharma enshrined in your religion?

 Worried that the Samanar may bring harm to the adiyavar in the garb of debating with him, Kulachchirayar looks at Maharaniyar.

Maharaniyar

Peruman is young. There is no need for him to enter into a debate with elderly Samanars. At this juncture, curing the mannar of his ailment is of highest priority.

Mannar

Fear not!

Looking at Mahaguru and Sambandar Peruman,

Mannar

Both of you are here to cure me of my ailment.  Find a way to relieve me from my ailment and stop any talk of debating.

Thirugyanasambandar

Maharaniyare! Don’t be perturbed because   I am young!  I am no less qualified to debate with this Samanar. I am not scared of debating with him.

Mannar

Perumanare! Both of you try and cure me of my ailment individually.  Let us declare that whosoever does it quickly has won the debate! I am unable to tolerate the severity of my ailment.

He closes his eyes…

Mantrasenar

Mannar Perumane! We will use all our expertise to cure you. Let that Anthanar boy attempt it.  If you are relieved of your ailment, we will not know as to who has actually cured you. So to know for certain who has cured you, we will take on the left half of your body to heal you. Let him take on the other right half. Then only you will realise the power of ours.

He looks up at Mahaguru and Sravanar proudly.

Mannar (opening his eyes with great effort)

Mantrasenare! Well said! We will consider this as “Analvaadham” (a challenge on heat) and I will follow the path of the winner in this!

With over confidence on his ability, Mantrasenar goes near the Mannar murmuring some mantras and sprinkles the water he has brought and glides the peacock feather on the left side of his body. The mannar howls unable to tolerate the pain. All are shocked. Mahaguru touches his left side and feels that the temperature is far higher than it was before. As he withdraws his hand unable to bear the heat, Mantrasenar shaken. Sravanar who has been witnessing all the happenings is not showing any emotion. Mangayarkarasiyar bows to Sambandar and he comes to the right side of the mannar. Taking a fistful of Thiruneeru in his hand, he sings a Pathigam seeking the compassion of Aalavaai Sundareswarar praising the glory of Thiruneeru.  

Thirugyanasambandar

Thiruneeru yields to our longings like a Mantram!

Thiruneeru, that which is sported in Devalokam by all!

Thiruneeru, its glory is extolled in Vedas!

Thiruneeru, that which imparts Sivagyanam!

Thiruneeru, that which dispels ignorance!

Thiruneeru, that which has eternal glory!

Thiruneeru, that which accords mukti!

Thiruneeru, that which is sported by saints!

Thiruneeru, that which is indestructible!

Thiruneeru, that which can give the eight Siddhis!

Thiruneeru, that which gives splendor! 

Thiruneeru, that which drives away death!

Thiruneeru, that which gives knowledge!

Thiruneeru, that which gives greatness!

Thiruneeru, that which gives emancipation!

 Thiruneeru, that which gives auspiciousness!

Thiruneeru, that which is the form of sakti,

Thiruneeru, that which drives away the sins!

Thiruneeru, that which is Truth!

Thiruneeru, that which cures all ailments!

Thiruneeru, the radiant glow which will make the Samanars to open their eyes to reality!

Let such the Thiruneeru of such exalted glory, turn into mantra and medicine by the grace of Aalavaai Easan!

So saying, he smears the Thiruneeru very gently over the entire right side of the king’s body. The mannar is immediately relieved of his ailment on his right side.

Mannar (to himself)

Though he is a young boy, all his glorified achievements seem to be true!

Mannar (looking at Mahaguru)

Come forward to test whether I am cured my ailment on the right side!

Mantrasenar goes ahead and touches his right side.

Mantrasenar (shocked)

The right side of the body is normal and the heat has disappeared whereas his left side is still hot! How astonishing!

 He goes back thoroughly disappointed with his head down.

Mannar (looking at the Samana Thuravis)

What a miracle! One half of my body is normal and pleasant while the other half is burning and agonising! Has it happened only to dispel my ignorance? I have now realised that your conduct has been unjust and unfair! You have lost the Analvaadham. All of you leave this place at once.

The Samanars are mortified hearing this.

Mantrasenar (challenging)

Manna! It  is unbelievable. Let us see that Anthanar boy can cure the other half also.

Sambandar Peruman, with a compassionate look, gently smears the Thiruneeru on the left half of the body. The mannar is relieved of his ailment on the left side also and is cured completely. He gets up and stands. Kulachchirayar and Maharaniyar prostrate at the feet of Perumanar thanking him for his greatness.

Maharaniyar

 I have realised the cause of my birth in this world today!  You have cured the physical and mental ailments of the mannar in one go! You have exhibited the glory of Saivam today. I and the entire subjects of this kingdom will never ever forget the Perumanar!

Mannar touches the feet of Sambandar Perumanar. 

Mannar (tearfully)

Sambandar Perumane! I am emancipated by touching your feet!

The Samanars look at the mannar as if they have not conceded their defeat. Observing that …

Sambandar

Thuravihale! Please tell me frankly what is going on in your minds.

Mannar (looking at Samanars)

 What is left for you now as you are defeated in Analvaadham?

Mantrasenar (as if in cue)

Manna! The vaadham has not yet started. Please wait. Let both of us write our respective tenets in palm leaves and throw them in fire.  Accept the religion as the true path to follow, the palm leaves of which are not burnt in the fire.

As the mannar is about to deny any further tests, Sambandar intervenes…

Sambandar

Having lost Analvaadham, you are challenging me for “Kanalvaadham” (a challenge by fire). Well said.   You have said, whichever comes out of fire unscathed is to be taken as the true tenet. We accept the terms and will abide by it.

(Turning to Mannar) Mannare, please order a fire to be lit.

Mannar issues the order to light a bon fire.

The news that Samanars and Sambandar will be challenging each other in the presence of mannar spreads like wild fire. The people of the kingdom assemble the royal arena in large numbers to witness the event. At the same time, Vardhamanar is seated in his mansion surrounded by the chiefs of the eight kundrams. He appears totally lost and crestfallen.

Vardhamanasenar

 We had to bow our head in shame in front of an Anthana toddler! Whatever art we have mastered and made use of in the past centuries have become inept. As we have not been able to cure the ailment of the king, the kingdom is going to slip away from our grasp! We now have the Kanalvaadham to face. Will we win this at least?

Sravanar

 Our tenets are superb! These have been taught by our Thirthankarars and followed for thousands of years by many kings and their subjects. Our tenets cannot be destroyed by time. The palm leaves with our tenets written on them will not burn if they are thrown in fire. I am confident of this.

Vardhamanasenar

The palm leaves we have are very old. They will burn if thrown in fire. That is natural. Mantrasenar has agreed for the Kanalvaadham without realising this. Supposing we write the tenets in a new set of palm leaves, will they remain without getting burnt? Do we have time to do this?

Mantrasenar   

We have seen that the sacred water sprinkled by the Mahaguru and the sacred water from our temples sprinkled by me turned useless. It is all because of that traitor Dharmasenar.   All our secrets, he learnt from us, he has imparted to this lad and sent him here to defeat us. We must not fall into his trap. We must devise ways to overcome his design. Call for the new palm leaves as suggested by Mahaguru and also a burning pot.

 Mahaguru calls for a set of new fresh palm leaves. Mantrasenar selects a few out of them.

Sravanar (standing up)

 If you give me a little time, I can scribe our tenets in them.

Mahaguru signals him to sit down. A burning pot with flames is brought in and kept in the middle of the assembly. Mantrasenar murmurs some mantras holding a few palm leaves in his hand. He then drops them in the burning pot. The leaves are not affected and remain intact. Mantrasenare looks at Mahaguru as if he has won the challenge then itself! Mahaguru looks relieved and confident.

Sravanar

The challenge is to establish whether Agni accepts our tenets as true or their tenets are true. Is it therefore correct to invoke mantras and tantras as if we are ourselves not confident of our tenets?

Vardhamanasenar

This is the time of life and death for us.  We should not be arguing what is right and what is wrong. Mantrasenare! Get ready for the challenge. We may get thecall from the mannar any time.

As he is saying this a messenger from the palace reaches there.

    *******

As Mahaguru   Vardhamanasenar arrives at the royal arena along with the eight chief Gurus of the Kundrams, and eight thousand Samana Thuravis to the accompaniment of their musical beat of Secundi, the people assembled are put off by the obnoxious smell emanating from their naked bodies. There is sudden silence in the arena. The Mahaguru, Mantrasenar and Sravanar take their appointed seats near the king. Pillayar arrives there to the resounding Thiruchchinnam to the tumultuous greetings of the assembled public welcoming him. Chanting Panchaksharam, the adiyavars are walking ahead followed by the Muththuppallakku which stops in front of the king. The young Pillayar alights from it sporting Thiruneeru, wearing a garland of Rudraksham with the pair of golden cymbals tied to his waist and carrying a bundle of palm leaves very respectively on his head.  In those fresh and crisp leaves are some of the pathigams he has composed in praise of Easan. The wonderful scene mesmerizes the assembled public and everyone chants the Panchaksharam immersed in devotional feeling. The Mannar, Arasiyar and Kulachchirayar get up and bow to Sambandar Peruman.

Kulachchirayar

Mahaguruve! Here is Thirugyanasambandar! Who is going to put their palm leaves into fire first?

Vardhamanasenar

Let the Anthana lad do it first! Let his palm leaves burn and let him accept his defeat!

With a smile, Pillayar takes the palm leaves one by one from the bundle he has been carrying and after touching his eyes with them in reverence puts them in the raging flames pronouncing “The Onkaramantram   Namasivaya alone is the Meipporul.”  The palm leaves remain as they are unaffected by the fire.

Kulachchirayar (looking at Vardhamanasenar)

The adiyavars has established that his way is the true path to be followed by proving that the palm leaves let in the fire with the saying that “The Onkaramantram   Namasivaya alone is the Meipporul” has not been burnt by the fire. Now it is your turn.

Mantrasenar gets up and goes near the fire.  Murmuring a few mantras looking at some of the palm leaves in his hand, he drops them in the fire. They burn quickly to ashes. The public seeing the palm leaves let out by the Samanaguru burn let out a huge cry of derision. Pillayar retrieves the leaves he has earlier dropped in the fire and shows it to Mahaguru. Unable to believe his own eyes, Vardhamanasenar receives those leaves and examines them to find that not even aletter that is scribed has been affected by the fire. He also reads aloud the pathigams that is written. After he finishes reading….

Thirugyanasambandar 

I will explain the meaning of the Pathigam now. Listen….

He, the Attamurthy, Who has the Malaimahal on His left side alone, is Meipporul”.

The shouts of joy appreciation of the crowd reach the sky! Vardhamanar hands over the palm leaf back to Perumanar shivering and shaking.  Pillayar accepts it and places it back in the bundle.

Sambandar chants aloud

“Siva Siva Siva Namasivayave Om Siva,

 Siva Siva Siva Sivame Om”  and the crowd repeats it with great gusto and reverence.  Once the commotion subsides …

Mannar (angrily)

Mahaguruve! Where are your leaves? Pick them up and show.

As soon as Mantrasenar goes near the fire, the flames shoot up and he withdraws scared unable to bear the heat quickly. The soldiers bring   pitchers of water and put out the fire.  Not wanting to accept his defeat, Mantrasenar picks up a stick and pokes around the ash searching for the palm leaves.

Mannar (mockingly)

Mantrasenare!  Sieve the ashes thoroughly to retrieve the palm leaves you have dropped!

There is laughter all around hearing the king’s tease.

Mannar (looking at the Samana Thuravis who have gone speechless out of shame)

You have tried to establish untruth as truth. All of you leave this kingdom immediately.

Unable to answer him, the Thuravis stand with their heads bowed.

Mannar

You lost when you were not able to cure me of my ailment. The fire has not come to your rescue now. Are you still not accepting your defeat?

Taking that as an additional chance given by the king….

Mantrasenar    

We had challenged twice. We will challenge him once more. If we win this out of the three , we will prove our path is the true path.

 Seeing the Mannar is hesitant to give a reply….

 Sambandar  

What is the next challenge?

Having got another chance to contest, the Thuravis are feeling relieved and happy.

Mantrasenar

Let each of us write that our tenet is the only true tenet on palm leaves and put it in a flowing stream. The leaf of whom that floats& swims against the current will be declared as the winner and accept the tenet that is scribed in it as the true path.

Sambandar  

So be it!

Kulachchirayar

You already lost the Kanal Vaadham and Anal Vaadham. Now you want to have Punal Vaadham! What to do with the party that is defeated?

Confident that he will definitely be victorious and with a vicious intent ….

Mantrasenar

Mannavane! Put the defeated party on the stake!

As he says these terms affecting both the contesting parties, there is grave silence.

Mannar 

You have uttered this condition in vehemence and vengeance! Anyway it is your wish.

Reach the banks of river Vaigai with your respective palm leaves scribed with your tenets.  Start now!

All of them start towards the Vagai river.

     ******

Amaichchar Kulachchirayar goes in the opposite direction towards the place.  He summons Thiruvisai and Maran. 

Amaichchar (ordering)

Marane! I am always waiting for this golden opportunity and kept ready the stock. Take our men and aranmanai  kaavalargal to erect eight thousand stakes in our ground for gallows. As there is a very little time available, employ as many as you want to erect these stakes immediately and complete the job properly.

Taken back initially on hearing these orders, Maran rushes out with Thiruvisai to carry out the orders of the Amaichchar. Amaichchar mounts his horse and gallops towards Vaigai bank.

   *****

Thirugyanasambandar ascends into his Muththuppallakku and starts off to chanting of “Hara Hara Siva Siva” of his retinue. The Maharaniyar walks along.    Mounted on the royal horse is the Mannar following them. His hunch back is visible. The Samanars are following them as if in a trance.  Coming to know of one more challenge taking place, the people of Madurai collect in large numbers and start walking behind them to witness the event. All along the route, the people bow and hail Sambandar Peruman as he goes past them.

One of the men in the crowd

The young adiyavar has come here only to make our country prosperous.

Another one (bowing in the direction of Pallakku)

We have realized that “Namasivaya is Onkaaram and that alone is Meipporul”.

Yet another one

There goes the great Perumanar who has defeated our Samana Thuravis!

Another one

He has defeated them in Kanal and Anal Vaadham. Can he establish his victory in Punal Vaadham?

See…His victory is clear as this day light! I wonder why these Samanars do not understand this!

Yet another one

Look at them walking with their head down now after committing atrocious things and made our lives miserable in the past!

The first one

Adiyavar has proved that Thiruneeru is both mantra and medicine! Do they still need further proof?

Another one

Hiding the truth that there is a supreme power, these thuravigal always are thinking of the worldly issues, Now it is time to realize their folly. Will they?

Yet another one

I am told that the one who is defeated will be put on stake!

Another one

This condition is laid by Samanars only!

Yet another one

How many stakes will be needed? Will it be one or eight thousand?

Another one

If you drop a palm leaf in the fast flowing river, will it be carried away in the current or will it swim against the current? Can anyone challenge the nature? Both of them will lose the challenge.  Hence eight thousand and one stakes may be needed!

Yet another one

The one that was not burnt in fire means that leaf will swim against current in the water also.

The next man

People are rushing to Vaigai to witness that miracle! Come! Let us also go there.

People all along the route join the procession and the crowd swells in great excitement and expectation.

Concluding thus all are marching towards vagai.

Soon the Muththuppallakku reaches the river bank.

Sambandar alights and walks to the royal team.

Mannar, Arasiyar, the Amaichchar and the Samanars look at the gushing waters of the Vaigai flowing with great force.

The hunchback king looks at every one.

Mannar (ordering both the parties)

 Learned souls! Write your respective Meiporul in palm leaf and drop it in the river as you have challenged.

Vardhamanasenar

We will drop our leaf first to prove the adage that those who have been defeated earlier will not fail this time!

Then he nodded to Mantrasenar.

Mantrasenar

To clarify what is Dharmam, we have to explain what Adharmam is. To denote what is Truth, we have to indicate what is untruth. This is what our Achariyar Sidhdhasenar defines in his Sanmathi Sutram. In every article, one half is ‘sath” or having a state of presence and the other half is ‘asath”   or having a state of absence. So the article exits and not exists. It is therefore defined as “Asthinasthi”.  This is our Meipporul.

He scribes this in a palm leaf and after murmuring a few mantras, he drops it the flowing water of the river. It flats away fast in the gushing waters of Vaigai.  Soon it disappears in the swirling waters. The Samanars run along the bank for a long distance unable to even to locate where it has gone.  They return empty handed and bow their heads in shame. The Mannar looks at Sambandar Peruman and receives Thiruneeru from him. Smearing it on his forehead, he converts to Saivam.

Mannar (bowing to Sambandar)

I have realised that Sanathana Dharmam is the Universal discipline and the ‘Sivaneri’ alone is the true path to fallow! Alas! These Samanars are ignorant of this!

Mantrasenar (looking at Sambandar Peruman)

You, Anthana lad! Come! Let us see you drop your palm leaf in the river. If that is also swept away in the current, we cannot be declared as losers.

Thirugyanasambandar

Samanare! You have brought out the idea of ‘Asthinasthi’ to prove that there is no one called as Iraivan and thereby hid the ‘Meiporul’. Now listen to the true Meipporul.

Glory to Virtuous, Glory to Devas, Glory to the herd of Cows!

Let rains fall from heaven and flourish our lands,

Let the king prosper and thereby his subjects,

Let all the evil things drown in the swirling waters,

Let “Namasivaya” is uttered everywhere.

Let the difficulties of all creatures vanish by this chant.  

Our Easan cannot be discerned by everyone. He will never appear before people who are unkind. He appears even as a servitor to those who are compassionate.   He alone is the supreme! He is the one who has created this entire universe and the billions of creatures in it. He is the one who created the five elements. (Panchabhoothas).  Until He wishes no one can see Him physically. He is the One who will turn into ash all of His creations. All that is destroyed merges unto Him who is indestructible. He again builds up everything from the ashes. He has no parents. He enfolds and contains everything but He himself cannot be contained! Is it possible to quantify His glory? He is incomparable. The nine planets will be benevolent to those who surrender to His sacred feet! He will show that He is the “Meipporul” to those who realise that He remains as a compassionate Jyothi in their hearts. Look at Him without a break through your eyes of wisdom. Your sorrows will vanish!

He praises Easan’s glory by his songs and then inscribes them on the palm leaves. As he drops the leaves one by one in the fast flowing Vaigai, they swim against the current. The heavens open up with a shower of flowers. The assembled public goes into raptures and the conch shells are blown creating a great echo. Even as the Samanars are witnessing the rarest of rare sight, Sambandar sings that let the king be straightened (வேந்தனும்ஒங்குக). The birth defect of hunchback of the Pandiya king gets cured and he stands erect. Seeing their king cured of his birth defect, the people start chanting “Sivaya Nama” with gusto and devotion. Kulachchirayar gallops on his horse to gather the palm leaves which are swimming against the current. Thirugyanasambandar sings a Pathigam to make the palm leaves to stay static. The place where the leaves stopped from going further against the current came to be called Thiruvedagam. Kulachchirayar gets down into the water and gathers all the palm leaves. Keeping them on his head out of devotion, he returns and hands them over to Sambandar Peruman who in turn gives them to the Samanars to examine them. They accept their defeat by bowing their heads.

Mannar (angrily)

You have lost the challenge and as per the terms, all of you will be put on the stakes.

Thirugyanasambandar (looking at the Samanars)

We proclaim “Love is God (அன்பேசிவம்)”. All of you chant Panchaksharam and sport Thiruneeru and save yourselves from this cruel punishment.

He raises his hands to bless them.

Kulachchirayar

Expecting that Sambandar Peruman would lose the challenge, Samanargal wanted that the one who gets defeated be put on stake. Suppose  Samabanda Peruman has lost in this challenge? Will they keep quite?

Vardhamanasenar

Our tenets are exemplary. They are here for more than a thousand years. We understand that we have committed a lot of mistakes. We should have remained as saints. It is our folly that we got involved in the administration of the kingdom. It is our stipulation that the one who loses in the challenge will be put on the stake. If we do not honour our own words, no one else will. All eight thousands of us are ready to climb the stakes and impale ourselves.

As he looks up to the Mannar and the people, there is a pin drop silence.

Mantrasenar with his head bowed stands in front of the Mahaguru while Sravanar stands erect showing no emotion.

Sivagyanasambandar tries to intervene as he is not in agreement with their consent to climb the stakes. But Kulachchirayar prevents Sambandar and speaks thus.

Kulachchirayar (firmly)

It is Easan’s act that Samanargal must pronounce their own death sentence as they committed a sin of trying to kill the Sivanadiyars by torching the Vakeechar madam.

On hearing,

 The Samanars walks away to the Royal killing ground without making any noise. They all climb on the stakes themselves and kill themselves one by one. They didn’t exhibit the agony of piercing pain and no sound came from them.

  ******

On the banks of Vaigai…

The Mannar accepts Thiruneeru from Sambandar Peruman who has created a history of sorts there with great devotion and chants “Sivaya Nama” while smearing it on his forehead. All the people of his kingdom assembled there do likewise. There is a shower of flowers from the heavens. Madurai sports a festive look. The Vedic rituals are revived once again. Sivagyanasambandar proceeds to Aalavaai Azhagar temple followed by the Mannar, Maharaniyar and others. All along the route the people hail the Perumanar and the Mannar. Sambandar sings Pathigam extolling the compassion and grace of Easan. As Yaazhpaanar follows his songs seated on the floor, a divine voice orders that a golden plate be placed on the floor to seat the Yaazhpaanar as his instrument may be affected by the dampness of the floor. A golden seat is placed immediately. All are praising the meticulous care of Easan shows for his adiyavar.

    *****

Freed from the clutches of the Samanars, the people of Madurai take their revenge by demolishing their residences, schools turning them to dust. Their actions reveal the amount of hatred they have been harbouring against the oppressive Samanars. 

   ****

When he is staying in Vakeechar madam, Sivapadahridayar reaches there. Sambandar enquires about his mother and Easan Thoniappar and sings poems of Thevaram in praise of Thoniappar. Sivapadahridayar informs that the entire Chozhanadu is in celebration hailing the adiyavar’s victory over the Samanars. After a few days, Sambandar Peruman, Pandiya Mannar, Maharaniyar, Amaichchar Kulachchirayar along with the royal retinue visit all the Siva temples in the South. Sambandar Peruman composes many pathigams in these temples. They visit Rameswaram, Eezham, Thirikonamalai and Thirukkeththeeswaram where Perumanar sings in praise of Easan. After their return to Madurai, Sambandar plans to return to Chozhanadu, the Mannar and his followers want to accompany him.

Sambandar

You all must remain in Pandiya Nadu and govern the kingdom keeping the welfare of the subjects in mind.

As he looks at Maharaniyar and Kulachchirayar who are reluctant to stay back, both of them prostrate before him.

Sambandar

Mangayarkarasiyare! Because of you not only the bent back of the Mannar but also the Pandiya Nadu has been straightened up. You must remain with the king and after relishing the fruits of this birth, you will attain Mukti. Your name and those of Ninra Seer Nedumara Sundarapandiyar and Kulachchirayar will remain as long as this earth remains. Whosoever worships my Easan will bow to you also. Because of your efforts, the darkness that has engulfed this kingdom has been removed and is now radiant. You will also attain Mukti when the time comes.

All of them bow to Perumanar in great reverence.

After blessing them, Sambandar starts off towards Chozhanadu as his Thiruchchinnam announces his victorious journey!

    ***** 

Sambandar Peruman visits a lot of temples in Chozhanadu and composes many pathigams. He is given a grand reception wherever he goes. After visiting Thirukkalar and Padhaleeswaram, he keenly intends to visit the temple at Thirukkollumputhur which is on the other bank of the river. He reaches Mullivaai to cross the river but finds the river in spate. The boats and coracles are tied to trees on the river bank and no batman is seen around.

Elder of the village

Perumane! Blessed are we, that you have set foot in our village! The river is flooded and fast flowing. It is impossible to row the boat across now. The boatmen have all gone home taking with them the paddles also since no one will dare cross the river till the floods subside. See even the boats that are tied are battered by the flood waters.

Sambandar

Why this restraint to have darisanam of Iraivan? Whatever happens, I will have the darisanam and return.

He climbs on to a boat that is tied to a tree.  Greatly worried, the accompanying adiyavar try to dissuade him.

Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar

Adiyavarhale! When the palm leaves dropped by Perumanar in the swirling waters of Vaigai could swim against the current, this flood cannot do any harm to him. Don’t fear. We will all climb on to the boat.

He asks the village elder to untie the rope from the tree after all of them climb inside to set the boat free. They all climb on to the boat chanting Panchaksharam. The village elder, praying to Easan tries to untie the rope. The rope release itself due to the force of the current and the boat starts swirling in the flooded river. Sambandar, with his eyes closed, sings a Pathigam praying to Easan to get the boat across so that they can have His darisanam. The boat moves ahead and reaches the other bank without the aid of even the paddles!

Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar

Sambandar Perumane! The supremacy of your tongue reciting the Pathigam has guided the boat to this side as if it were the paddle! Hail to Easan of Thirukkollumputhur Who has graced the Perumanar!

All the adiyavars follow the Perumanar and enter the temple chanting “Sambo Mahadeva”.  After a few days stay there, they start off to Thirunallaru. Sambandar sings a Pathigam there. From there the party reaches Thiruththelicheri and from then on to a place called Bodhimangai.  This place is a predominant Buddhist town with their flags hoisted everywhere. Coming to now the arrival of Sambandar Peruman in his Muththuppallakku, the followers of Saivam receive him with Poornakumbam with auspicious music of Nadaswaram.  The Thiruchchinnam of Perumanar is also blown heralding his arrival. Seeing the grand welcome, the Buddhists rush to their madam in revulsion.

 Addressing the head monk Buddhanandi

Buddhists  

Head of our Sanga! A head of another religion has come here with great fanfare creating a large commotion.  He is blowing his own victory trumpet also! What do we do with him?

 Buddhanandi

How dare anyone blow his trumpet in our area without defeating us?  Who is that?

He rushes with his followers and stops the procession of Perumanar.

Buddhanandi

Stop!

 Seeing a shaven head elder wearing sandalwood coloured clothes confronting them, the people in the procession go silent.

Buddhanandi

What is this commotion you people are creating? These sounds are foreign to this place. On top of it, you are sounding a victory tune. We cannot allow this. Go back to where you have come from.

Sensing that the Pallakku has halted and the music has stopped, Sambandar looks out of the Pallakku. Kaththaperuman, who is a great devotee of the Perumanar and who has scribed the Pathigams of Perumanar comes running.

Kaththaperuman

Pillayare! A Buddha Bikshu has come with a large posse of Buddhists. He has stopped our procession and the blowing of our Thiruchchinnam. He is asking us to go back. It will not be improper if they are punished for hurting the feelings of our adiyavars. Otherwise, they will feel they are superior to us. What do we do now?

Sambandar

If they are ready to engage in a debate that their path is the “Meipporul” , I am prepared to meet their challenge. It is not proper to drive us away by a show of strength.

Sambandar is trying to get down from the Pallakku.

Kaththaperuman (trying to prevent him)

Pillayare! If you get down from the Pallakku, the ruffians may do you harm. I will not live to see any harm coming to Perumanar.

Sambandar

If I do not intervene now, some harm may come to our adiyavars. So do not stop me.

As he sets his foot on the ground ….

Seeing a young boy getting down from the palanquin…

Buddhanandi

There he is! The religious preacher…. Don’t let him leave.

He charges at the Perumanar with his followers. Agitated that some harm may fall upon Sambandar Peruman,   Kaththaperuman orders ‘Let a thunder bolt strike and severe his head”. At that very instant, a lightning strikes from the sky followed by the thunder on Buddhanandi. His severed head rolls down. Mortified by this happening, the Buddhists run away and disappear. 

Yaazhpaanar

Ayyane! Iraivan has acceded to the words of Kaththaperuman and severed the head of Buddhanandi and drove away the Buddhists. Let us resume our yatra.

Sambandar

Everything happens as per Easan’s wish! Let us all chant Panchaksharam aloud!

He climbs on to the palanquin. The yatra resumes to the chanting of “Om Namasivaya” by all.

    ****

At the same time, the bewildered Buddhists run to their madam.

The head of the madam is confused seeing his followers coming inside greatly agitated. 

One of them

Sari Buddhar avarhale! Because of the deceit of people of other religion, our dear Buddhanandi’s head got severed and he died just now on the spot.

 Sari Buddhan (alarmed)

Is that so?

Another man

Yes! The person who has come is a very young lad. He belongs to Saivam. He was entering our village with a lot of fanfare.  Because of that our Thuravi went to stop him and his followers. During the course he explained that it was wrong to enter our village, creating lot of commotion. That is all. He was killed instantly and unjustly.

Yet another man

He looks too young to do this killing!

Sari Buddhan

They must be very cruel as they have killed our Thuravi for merely stopping them.

Another man

They do not appear so. They do not look like murderers. They created a lot of noise by beating the drums and blowing their conches but did not trouble us in any way. On other hand our Thuravi, without finding out who they were, tried to threaten them  to drive them away.

Yet another man

Even if our Thuravi was acting in haste, can his head be severed for this?

 Another man

His head was not severed by a sword or knife.  By the use of Tantra, they created a thunder in the sky and made it to severe his head.  It appears that they are well versed in Tantric magic. Only you can save us from those hooligans.

Sari Buddhan

It is really strange. If there was a thunderbolt, all of you should have perished. How come it came down only on the head of Buddhanandi? You also say that it was done by  a small boy !  

The man who spoke first

That boy did not do anything. One of his servants, afraid that the boy may be harmed by our people, invoked a song. That turned into an order to strike a thunderbolt. Since I was standing close to that man, I could observe it.

Some of the men (in surprise)

Is that? If they can sing and get a thunderbolt to strike, their path must be a good one to follow!

Sari Buddhan

To prove whose path is the true path, I will challenge them in a debate. If they do not indulge in Tantric ways, I will win over them and convince them to convert to our religion.

Chanting “ Buddham Saranam Gachchami,

                 Dharmam Saranam Gachchami,

                Sangam Saranam Gachchami”, they all come out of the madam headed by Sari Buddhan.

      ********

As Sambandar Peruman proceeds further in his Muththuppallakku surrounded by his followers, a message is received from Sari Buddhan. Kaththaperuman reads out the message that Sari Buddhan has challenged him for a debate. Sambandar says that it is very apt and tells him to bring them to the Chatram (Choultry) nearby for the debate. Sari Buddhan comes to the Chatram along with a huge crowd of his followers. The news that there is going to be a debate in the Chatram between two religious heads spreads like wild fire. A large crowd of local people gather there to witness the debate.

Sambandar

Sari Buddhare! You may start your debate by pronouncing what your “Meipporul” is!

Sari Buddhan starts his debate invoking their Saranakosham,

“ Buddham Saranam Gachchami, 

 Dharmam Saranam Gachchami,

Sangam Saranam Gachchami”

Sari Buddhan

Sambandane! You have killed my Thuravi unjustly using your tantric techniques. This has exposed your ignorance and also your likely unjust means of winning the debate using tantric means. I am prepared for the debate. But you must not use any tantric tricks. The winner of the debate can blow his victory tune. The vanquished must become the follower of the victor!

Sambandar

It is my Easan’s verdict and not my Adiyavar’s order to make the thunderbolt strike Buddhanandi as he threateningly stopped the blowing of my Thiruchchinnam. The debate will be conducted as per your wish. Let the condition that the vanquished become the followers of the victor   and let the defeated become the disciples of the winner.

Sari Buddhan

We do not accept that there is someone called as Iraivan. When we say that, it follows without saying that we do not accept the Vedas and Upanishads which are said to be giving direction to reach Iraivan. We do not accept that all creatures that are born have Aanma and that Aanma is derived from a Peraanma. This earth is a big article. It is destructible. Only the path that is followed by the livings in this world will give them Mukti or deny them Mukti. Blabbering about Aanma and Peraanma, smearing ash all over the body and wearing the seeds of a tree are mere outward show! They are of no use! Our Supreme Buddhan has enunciated the code of righteous conduct for all to follow in this earth. He alone is the one who will give the everlasting happiness and peace of Mukti. Surrendering to him is the only way for salivation. That is why we chant “Buddham Saranam Gachchami”.

Sambandar

The Thiruneeru that is smeared on the forehead and the Rudraksham that is worn are the insignia of Saivam. If you call wearing them is only for a show, what about your shaven head and the single coloured cloth you wear? Can it be also declared as a show?

Don’t digress from the debate on ‘Meipporul’ and stop discussing about show etc.,

You said that surrendering to Buddhan is the only way for Mukti. Please explain What is Mukti?

Sari Buddhan

I will tell you what Mukti is. 

The termination of the Panchakantham that is composed of these five,

that is the body we take on birth,

the distress we feel in our mind,

the knowledge that we have achieved,

our actions,

the wisdom that we have gained

totally five aspects will lead to mukthi.

Sambandar

Explain clearly.

Sari Buddhan

The body we have is composed of total eight elements.

First four elements are water, fire, wind, earth ,

and next four are blood, pain, smell and colour. 

These eight make our body shape.

The distress we feel is three that is composed of knowledge of happiness, knowledge of sadness, knowledge of both happiness and sadness.

The  knowledge consists of six items.

Seeing,

Hearing,

Touching,

Smelling,

Tasting, and

Intelectually analyzing, and  so the total comes to six (Aaru Arivu)

Our actions or make up include

telling lies,

back biting,

furious talk,

useless talk

so the  total comes to the four that emanate from our tongue.

Stealing,

plundering

and murdering

are the three physical acts or physical attributes.

Lust,

greed

and vengeance to kill

 are the three makings of the mind.

These are the ten evil qualities.

Speaking truth, speaking good, speaking sweet and speaking useful things are the four good qualities of the tongue.

To get educated, to do penance and to do charity are the three good actions.

Charity, compassion and detachment are the three virtuous qualities of the mind.

These are the ten righteous qualities. 

Therefore our actions include both these.

 Gyanam includes clarity of thought, clarity in sound, touch, shape, smell and taste totaling six elements. So there are forty three qualities or components that constitute the Panchakantham.

Mukti is the termination or destruction of Panchakantham in other words the void of all these forty three qualities.  

Sambandar

Do you mean to say that Gowthama Buddha, whose tenets you follow attained Mukti by the destruction of Panchakantham? 

Sari Buddhan (proudly)

Yes! Of Course! He attained Nirvana on the full moon day in the month of Vaikasi. That day is celebrated all over the world as Buddha Purnima… a sacred day for the Buddhists.

Sambandar

You denote Mukti as Mahanirvanam! Don’t you?

Sari Buddhan

Yes.

Sambandar

If the five namely,

the body,

the awareness,

the sensory perception,

the knowledge

and the wisdom are destroyed, it is called as Mukti…

Do you mean to say that being devoid of all these five you call it as Panchagantha Azhivu, and Gowthama Buddha attained Mahanirvanam?

Sari Buddhan(happily)

Yes! You put it correctly.

Sambandar

Since Buddha has attained Mahanirvanam, you accept him as your Supreme by saying

“Buddham Saranam Gachchami” and offer him flowers, fruits. Is that right?

Sari Buddhan (confused now as to why he is posing these questions)

Yes!

Sambandar

You also say that he accepts these offers and blesses you. Isn’t it?

Sari Buddhan (after a thought)

Yes!

Sambandar

When the body is destroyed, the senses are also destroyed. When the knowledge and wisdom about the self are also destroyed on attaining Mahanirvanam, how come your supreme Head can exist now?

When Gowthama Buddha is in the status of Maha Nirvaanam and so is devoid of all the forty three gunas, how can he accept your offer and bless you with Gyanam? ( the knowledge  that  he is Gowthama Bhuddha  and you are his devotees)

Sari Buddhan

The one who is asleep is devoid of feelings or consciousness. If that consciousness is revoked, can he not bless his follower who is yearning for his grace? Our Supreme though appears to be asleep is fully conscious and grants the wisdom to those who pray to him. If we do not worship him, it will amount to assuming that he has lost his knowledge and wisdom also along with his body and other senses and therefore it will amount as if we have killed him.

Sambandar

What did your Buddha say?

All the things are subject to change.

Nothing in this universe is permanent.

Therefore he deduced that the tenet of Saivam which proclaims that their Iraivan has neither birth nor death (beginning or end), that He is changeless and permanent is not acceptable.

He refused to concede that there could be an Iraivan who stays permanent ever.

Then, as per your logic, how come Buddhar who having lost Panchakantham and had attained Mahanirvanam, is able to retain his knowledge and wisdom and able to remain permanent in this world?

Since you have accepted that he remains permanent, you have conceded to ourshiva ideology that Lord Shiva is permanent that is in destructible and hence lost the debate.

Firstly…

It is not acceptable to conduct worship for Buddhar as he has attained Mukti or Mahanirvanam as you say and therefore he is void.

Else..

If he is still claimed to be having knowledge and wisdom of everything,  it would mean that he has not attained Mukti or Mahanirvanam. So it is proved that what he taught during his lifetime is also false.

If   my reasoning is not acceptable, you may put forward your reasoning if there is any further  to continue the debate.

He looks at Sari Buddhan to indicate that the debate is already over.

There is total silence in the assembly.

Sari Buddhan (unable to counter the arguments, but still staggering to speak)

An entity can be general or specific.

For example ‘orchard’ is a general term.

There may be a variety of trees in it.

But when we indicate a mango orchard it has mango trees only, a palm orchard has only palm trees.

These are specific terms. But they will all burn if they are heaped individually or collectively by fire.

Our Buddhar is like the fire and he will burn irrespective how the trees are perceived either generally or specifically. What I mean to say that he will bestow his grace to one and all.

Sambandar

You gave a most improper example of fire for bestowing grace!

There is no shape for feeling. But fire has.

Your Buddha’s grace is talking only of the present status. It does not speak about the past and future. So his observations are incomplete. The Panchasheela tenets of “Do not Steal, Do not kill, Do not cheat, Do not tell lie, do not become slave of intoxicants” are all about acting righteously. These are included in our Vedas also. There is no difference of opinion among any religion in this world as to what virtuous (Dharmam) is and what is not virtuous  (Adharmam)! Dharmam and Adharmam do not vary among religions. We differ only about the existence of Iraivan, whether He is there or not. You said that all the things in this universe are subject to change. Why? Because they are subject to movement or motion! Where there is motion, there will be sound. I am moving my hand.  There is sound generated by this movement. But we are not able to hear it. But that does not mean that no sound has been generated. Imagine, even if this small movement of a hand creates sound, how big the sound will be when the entire universe is in motion! That is “Ohm”, the Pranava mantram. That is what emerges as the great sound “Omkaram” which in turn becomes the great radiant Jyothi. We call that alone as Sivam.

 Your lives are based on the these three restraints of “Buddham Saranam Gachchami, 

 Dharmam Saranam Gachchami, Sangam Saranam Gachchami”. It is like a stool with three legs. It is stable only as a seat. You cannot stand on it without losing your balance. The one who has created, who maintains and who will destroy this universe is Iraivan alone! He alone is Sivam. Sivam is Ohm! Ohm alone is this universe. If you have to stand firmly, we have to have belief and faith in Iraivan as the fourth leg of a stool. Accept this fact!

Sambandar bows to Easan chanting “Sivaya Nama”.

Sari Buddhan concedes his defeat and prostrates in front of Sambandar. Sambandar lifts him up and offers him Thiruneeru. Sari Buddhan accepts it and smears it on his forehead. All the Buddhists accept Thiruneeru and convert to Saivam.  The Thiruchchinnam of Sambandar is blown resoundingly. The Panchaksharam is chanted by everyone around.

    ****

Kailayam..

Nandi Peruman is meditating with his eyes closed. Hearing the chants ‘Om Namasivaya” , he opens his eyes and sees Naradar standing in front of him.

Nandi

My salutations to Narada Munivar!

Naradar (repeating)

Om Namasivaya… Om Namasivaya..

Nandi Peruman looks a bit confused.

Naradar

Why are you looking lost?

Nandi

You chanted a mantram now. What is that?

Naradar

I chanted “Om Namasivaya”. What did you hear?

Nandi

I heard “Om Namasivaya”

Naradar

Of course, I chanted that only. What is there to be confused about?

Nandi

Oh! You used to say that whenever you chant “Namo Narayana”, I hear it as “Om Nama Sivaya”. I thought perhaps, you are going to say the same thing today!

Naradar laughs aloud.

Naradar

Nandi Perumane! Will I ever cheat you?

Nandi

Fine! Let us go inside and have darisanam of Easan.

Naradar

 No! Today I have come here for your darisanam only!

Nandi is feeling a bit embarrassed.

Naradar

We may get clarification for a few things from learned elders.

Nandi

Does that mean I am not a learned one!

Naradar

Not all! It will be sacrilege to even think like that. You are second to Easan or even the Second Easan! During Pradosham even the Archana of Mahadev starts only after you are offered Arugampul and Kapparisi.

Nandi

I am also wondering for long as to why it is so! It appears that you have come today to explain the reason behind it. Please tell me why that precedence is given to me?

Naradar

“Pra” denotes “Pralayam”. The duration of Pradosham is as calamitous as Pralayam.   The only way for Devas and mortals to escape from such great danger is to take refuge in the temples of Easan. During the churning of the milky ocean by Devas and Asuras, Easan saved the entire universe from destruction by gulping the Aalakaala poison which emerged from the ocean and Annai Parvati stopped it in His throat and prevented from getting swallowed. All the gods and goddesses, all the Devas and Asuras and the entire universe bowed to Easan and Annai in great piety and humility for having saved them from certain destruction. You became bigheaded thinking that you were the one carrying them as their Vahanam.  Sensing your arrogance, Easan got angry and you became mad. Annai prayed to Easan to pardon you and He gave you Arugampul and Kapparisi as medicine to cure you. You returned to normalcy. The period when all these things happened is called as Pradosha kaalam. Seeing you cured of your ailment, Easan and Annai danced happily and all the Devas and assures viewed that dance through the two horns of yours. Now it has become the practice of all the people in the world to view Easan only through your horns during Pradosham. It is also because that no one should come in between you and Easan during this time. But tell me, did all these things happen without you knowing about them?

Nandi (with tears in his eyes)

 It is all clear to me now. As I was blinded by arrogance, I was not aware of those happenings. Easan and Annai have showered their affection on me as Their own progeny!

Naradar

Well! I have come here to clarify my doubts. But you have posed the question to me!

Nandi (wiping his tears)

 Go ahead and ask. If I know the answers, I will reply.

Naradar

You are with Easan all the time and therefore I assume that you may be aware of it. But you must not get angry with me…

Nandi

How can I get angry with you? It will never happen. Go ahead and ask whatever you want.

Naradar

 Is your Easan Saivar (vegetarian) or Asaivar (non- vegetarian)?

Nandi is furious hearing this question and charges at Naradar. Naradar steps aside and shouts “Sambo Mahadeva” invoking Easan. Nandi stops on his tracks.

Naradar

Nandi Baghavane! Stop! Please Stop!

Nandi (somewhat pacified)

How can you even ask such a question?

Naradar

Fortunately, I did not pose this question to Easan. He would have burned me to ashes by opening His third eye! That is why, I asked you. But instead of answering you are madly charging at me!

Nandi

Narada Munivare! Pardon my anger. Aren’t you aware that Iraivan is Poojyan (zero or void)?

Naradar (teasingly)

It implies naught! Do you mean that Iraivan is not there?

Seeing Nandi getting irritated, Naradar becomes more cautious to escape his anger. Nandi seeing his discomfiture laughs to bring the situation to normal.

Nandi

Poojyam does not denote nothingness. It is the state of neutrality. It is devoid of both yearning and revulsion.

Naradar

How can Poojyam be neutral?

Nandi

Supposing I have four gold coins and you borrow them from me. After a few days, you return them to me. So you have nothing more to give back to me. That is zero or Poojyam. Suppose, you have coins to return, you owe me four gold coins. The status when you received the four coins from me is the status of receipt. If you have returned all of them, it is the status of Poojyam. If you have not repaid, it is the status of debt. Receipt is plus and debit is minus. Poojyam is the intermediate state. There is no plus or minus in Poojyam. But without Poojyam there is no plus or minus! Yearning is plus and revulsion is minus. Since Easan is devoid of both, He remains Poojyan!

Naradar

Aaha! You have given an excellent explanation for Poojyam.  But the question I asked first… Whether Easan is Saivar or Asaivar! You have not answered that.

Nandi

Since He is Poojyan, He is neither!

Naradar

If that is so, why he live creatures are offered to Him? Why He accepts them?

Nandi

Since He is devoid of both like and dislike, He accepts whatever is offered to Him by His devotee. It is the acceptance of the love of His devotee. Since He accepts His devotee, He also accepts whatever is offered by him.

Naradar

I can agree to your logic if the offering is a bird or an animal. Supposing it is a human being?

Unable to give an answer, Nandi blinks!

At that very moment Kali appears there with a thundering sound with an appearance that will scare the entire universe! With a mighty frame with Her long untied hair touching Her heels, a broad forehead, big frightening eyes, the third eye like that of Easan, a garland of skulls and a skirt of human hands on her waist, a thousand arms each holding a dreadful weapon, one holding the Trisoolam, another one holding a goad, one hand holding the Conch of Vishnu and another carrying the Chakram, one hand catching the tuft of a severed head and another collecting the blood from it in a pitcher, the deep red tongue sticking out in fury, Her countenance is shocking to Nandi and Naradar. Both of them bow to Annai.

Naradar

Mahakaliye!  Mahishasura mardhaniye!  I bow to you.

Kalikambal

Narada! Leave poor Nandi alone. I will answer your question. You must have  heard of Ekanathan! What is meant by Ekanathan?

Naradar

Ekanathan means that there is only one Supreme Being!

Kalikambal

Those who worship Sivan as the Supreme Being are Saivar and those who worship as one Vishnu are Vaishnava. Those who worship Kali as the Supreme Being are Sakkiyar. Likewise Ganapathyar, Koumarar and Souriyar are those who worship Ganapathy, Murugan and Suriyan as Supreme Being respectively. All these six ways still represent that Supreme Being as one only. So how does a distinction arise whether they are Saivar or Asaivar? Saivam and Asaivam are merely eating habits. Who likes what is up to the individual. 

Naradar

Isn’t it sin to kill an animal to eat it?

Kalikambal

A cow eats grass to overcome its hunger. A tiger kills a deer to satiate its hunger. Those who see a tiger killing a deer get disturbed that the helpless poor deer is killed by the tiger! What they do not realize is that even the grass which the cow eats has life! They happily observe a cow munching the grass. The distinction between Saivam and Asaivam is in the minds of the observer only! A tiger cannot eat grass and a cow will not eat meat! What is agreeable to one is consumed by it. There is no sin committed either by tiger or by the cow! Likewise, a devotee also offers to his Supreme Being, what he considers as most valuable! It may be sweet meats, flowers, gold or diamond as a thanksgiving. Now look at My devotees. Because I killed an Asuaran with a buffalo head, they offer Me buffalos as bali! There are even people who have severed their own head to offer as bali to Me! Earlier there were Kapalikars who ate human flesh after offering humans as bali. As for them, what they ate was only the offerings to their Supreme Being. Gold and diamonds were not valuable and rare for them. They considered the human life as the most valuable and rare and hence they indulged in Narabali and eating human flesh as prasadham. Once it has been ordained that killing of living beings is not an agreeable righteous thing, this practice has come to an end in due course. Whatever is offered by my devotees is acceptable to Me as I am a Poojyar devoid of likes and dislikes.

Naradar

Aaha! You have given a very excellent reasoning. Today I got the answer for a query which was troubling me for a long time.

Kalikambal

 The Supreme Being sometimes goes to extremes to test his devotee. Now let us go and see and Easan at Thiruchchettangudi, where he has assumed the role of a Bairaghi to announce to the world the greatness of one of his adiyavars.

All of them bow to Easan …

    *****

Thiruchchenkattangudi,…

Ganapatheeswarar temple….  Morning time …

People are returning home after visiting the temple to continue with their daily work. A youth is running highly agitated. An elder stops him.

Elder

Hey!  Why are you running like this as if you are chased by a tiger?

Youth

Thaththa! A Bairaghi is coming into the village. He is very tall and frightening even to look at.  One cannot make out his age from his looks. But his long white hair almost touches the ground! His gait is as fast as a cyclone! The Rudrakshamalai tied to his waist looks like a thick rope. The ash from the bag tied to his waist scatters as he walks past. He is holding a kapalam (skull) in one hand and a Udukkai on the other. The sound of the Udukkai will make anyone shiver in fear! I looked at him from a hiding. He is wearing a garland of skulls. Smearing Kunkumam on his forehead, one might think he is the very Easan with the Third eye who has descended to earth. I am the eldest son, a bachelor without any bodily blemish. Fearing that he may not set his eyes on me, I ran for my life.

The elder is shocked on hearing this information. The children  all run away shouting that a Bairaghi for catching children is on his way. In few seconds, the whole village gets alerted and the women folk get hold of their respective children and rush inside their homes. They all bolt their doors from inside and the streets become empty. As the Bairaghi walks along looking here and there, his anklets are making a resonating sound while the sound from Udukkai is shaking the very earth.  Finding no one, he walks along and stops with a smile in front of a house, he has been looking for.

Bhairavar (in thundering voice)

Sambo Mahadeva!

With that one call, a woman rushes out of the house and bows to Adiyavar.

Woman

You have come here as if Easan Himself has graced this place! The master of the house has gone in search of an Adiyavar for feeding. The mistress of this house, Thiruvenkattu Nangaiyar is at home. My master Siruththondar is well known for his hospitable nature in comforting any visitors to his house. He must be returning anytime now. I, Santhana Nangai, pray that You may kindly come inside and rest.

Bharavar

I do not enter a house when the master is not there. I will go to Ganapatheeswarar temple and sit under the Thiruvaththi tree. When Siruththondar comes, ask him to come there.

Thiruvenkattu Nangaiyar comes out hearing these words and prostrate in front of the Adiyavar.

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar (getting up)

My husband will return very soon. He will be miserable if he comes to know that you have left without entering and resting in our house. Adiyavar may please therefore agree.  

Bharavar

Annaye! I am a Bairaghi. I have a code of conduct which I will never breach whatever the circumstances. I will enter your house only after your husband comes.

He starts walking in the direction of the temple.

Nangaiyar stands not knowing what to do. In a few moments, Paranjothiyar reaches there.

Paranjothiyar (in a sad tone)

Nangai! I don’t know why Easan is testing me today? I could not find any adiyavar. How can I have my food without feeding an Adiyavar?

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar

My dear! Just a few moments ago an adiyavar came here. I have only heard of the Perumanar who guards the cremation grounds. He looked as if he is the one who came here!  I prayed to him to come inside. He refused saying that he would not enter a home when its master is not present and said he would wait for you in the temple under a tree. Go and bring him here at once. I will prepare the food in the meantime.

Paranjothiyar rushes to the temple to invite him.  The entire temple is silent as people have left the place afraid of Bairaghi. Paranjothiyar sees him resting his left hand on his staff, holding the kapalam on his right hand and meditating on Kailayam. Paranjothiyar prostrates in front of him in great piety and gets up.

Paranjothiyar

Perumanare! When you reached my house, I was not present unfortunately. You must kindly pardon me for that and come to my house and bless me by having food in my house.

Bairaghi

My dear! I have come from far North only to see you.  As your service to adiyavars is hailed throughout the country, I came to witness it in person. Having seen it, I take leave.

Paranjothiyar (catching hold of his feet)

Ayyane! I will not let you go unless you have a meal in my house.

Bairaghi

Appane! You do not know of my food habits!

Paranjothiyar (pleading)

Give me an opportunity to serve you the food of your choice.

Bairaghi

On seeing you, I am hesitant to ask for it. Suppose you are not able to fulfil it, you will feel miserable and I do not want that to happen.

Saying so he starts walking and Paranjothiyar follows him. .

Paranjothiyar

The mere thought that you have come to my house and left without having food, itself is enough to kill me. If you tell me what your food habits are, I will make sure that they are made to your satisfaction.

Bairaghi

Appane! I eat flesh that too of cows…

Paranjothiyar (interjecting)

I have plenty of cows. I can cut off the flesh and cook the food for you. Anyway, I am very happy that you asked for something I am able to accomplish.

Bairaghi

Don’t be hasty! Listen fully to what I say… if that is possible by you, I will stay back. If for any reason, you cannot oblige, I will leave without sorrow or anger.

As Paranjothiyar tries to interrupt, he stops him.

Bairaghi

I eat only once in six months. That too cooked of a human cow!

Though Paranjothiyar is shocked to hear this, he hides his feelings.

Bairaghi

The boy must be the only child of his parents without any deformity in any of his limbs. The mother must place the boy in her lap and the father must carve his flesh without dropping a tear or feeling sad. If you promise to serve the entire cooked flesh of the boy, I will come to your house for taking my food. Even if you have an iota of doubt that this cannot be done, I will return from here. This body survives by getting its food from the air. I do not know how long I will have to wait for this kind of food?

Paranjothiyar (bowing)

If the adiyavar leaves the village without getting satiated, what is the use of my being here? Please come to me house and partake the food of your choice. 

Easan is pleased to His adiyavar pleading Him to come to his food.

Bairaghi

Siruththondare! I will keep sitting under this very tree. After the food is ready, you  can fetch me from here.

He looks up at Kailayam.

Siruththondar rushes home and his wife is pleased to see him coming home happily.

Thiruvenkattu Nangaiyar

Oh! Noble man! Has the adiyavar agreed to have food in our house?

Paranjothiyar tells her the conditions the Bairaghi  stipulated.

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar

From where can we get such a child?

Paranjothiyar

Can’t we get a boy if we offer our entire wealth to his parents?

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar

Even if you are able to get a child, how can we be sure that the parents will not feel sad or shed tears when the boy’s father cuts him off keeping him on the lap of his mother? It is just impossible. As per the conditions imposed by the Bairaghi, our son Seeralan meets all of them. We believe that service to adiyavar is the supreme service to Easan. Only we will be able to serve the food required by the Adiyavar. Go quickly and get our son from his school.

Paranjothiyar rushes to the school. Though He is aware of all these happenings, Easan is steadily concentrating on Kailayam only…

Paranjothiyar carries his son on his shoulder from school. His mother bathes him and put new clothes on him.

Seeralan (curious)

Annaye! Why all this? Is there something special today?

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar

Yes, Today an Adiyavar is coming home and he is a Bairaghi.

Seeralan

Annaye! I am not able to understand. Is Easan to whom we all pray, coming to our house today?

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar

He is a servitor of Easan. We are all blessed to have him in our house.

After giving him a kiss, she hands him over to Paranjothiyar. Both of them go to a corner where no one can see them. The mother places the son on her lap and the father cuts off his neck and collects the blood in a big vessel. After carving out all the parts, she keeps the head separately in a vessel thinking it will not be a suitable for serving to the Adiyavar. She hands it over to Santhana Nangai and   goes about cooking the rest. The food is cooked and ready. She asks her husband to invite the Bairaghi for food. Paranjothiyar runs to the temple and requests the Bairaghi to accompany him for food. The villagers have been curiously watching Paranjothiyar going and coming to the temple. As the Bairaghi walks in a majestic gait sounding his Udukkai, followed by Paranjothiyar with his hands cupped in piety, the villagers also start following them. Soon the crowd swells. As the Bairaghi reaches their door, he is offered a golden plate to stand on and they do the Padapujai. After garlanding him, he is taken inside as per ritual. Though scarred of the Bairaghi, the whole village is watching the happenings from outside. Paranjothiyar requests the Bairaghi to take his seat. Seeing only one seat and only one leaf for serving food has been placed…

Bairaghi

I am not used to have my food alone. In case you can get any Sivanadiyar, we will eat together. Paranjothiyar rushes outside and searches for an Adiyar here and there. Not finding anyone he returns.

Paranjothiyar (pleading)

I am not able to find any adiyavar. Please have your food.

Bairaghi

Can there be a more suitable adiyavar than you? You sit next to me and have food. Only after you taste the food, I will eat.

To ensure that the Bairaghi eats food, he sits next to him with a leaf placed in front. Thiruvenkattu Nangaiyar serves the entire cooked flesh to both of them. Bairaghi keeps looking at it intently. Suddenly..

Bairaghi

Though all the parts are here, where is the tasty brain?

Thiruvenkattu Nangai is taken aback. Santhana Nangai comes forward and places a vessel with the cooked head.

Santhana Nangai

Annai does not know how to cook the head. So I have cooked it and kept it separately. I suppose, there is no further constraint for eating the food by the Adiyavar.

Paranjothiyar heaves a sigh of relief and as he is about to touch the food …

Bairaghi (in a stern and loud voice)

Stop!

Taken back, Paranjothiyar looks up at Bairaghi.

Bairaghi

What is this?  You said you have a son.How can you have food before your son eats? Call him at once?

Paranjothiyar

He is playing in the back yard. Our family member takes their food only after the adiyavar has his food. This is the practice we have been adhering to all these years.

Bairaghi

That is not something that cannot be changed. I will not agree to take my food without your son eating first. Send your wife to call your son from the back yard where he is playing and ask her to  bring him here .

Paranjothiyar

Nangai! Call our son and bring him here as ordered by Adiyavar.

Thiruvenkattu Nangayar (going to the back yard)

Seerala! Mahane! Sivanadiyar wants you to come and have food so that we all get blessed!

Come!

She shouts aloud so that Adiyavar can hear it.  A reply comes from the back yard, “I am coming”.  Bewildered hearing her son’s voice, she looks ahead where she sees his son running to her and hugs her.

Seeralan

Annaye! You laid me on your lap happily! What happened afterwards? Why my body is smeared with condiments?

Hearing his son talking inside, Paranjothiyar gets up and goes inside in great confusion. Seeing his son smiling, he comes back to the hall with his wife and son and finds that the Bairaghi is not there.

Paranjothiyar

Alas! Adiyavar has left without taking his food! What sin have I committed?

He falls to the ground.

At that moment, the Kombus are blown with a resounding noise. The people who are gathered outside rush inside hearing it. Easan appears along with Annai on His Nandi Vahanam for all to see. All the Devas headed by Indiran also assemble there bowing to Easan and Annai. Paranjothiyar and Thiruvenkattu Nangayar prostrate in front of Easan and gets up with tears in their eyes.

Easan

Siruththondar Nayanare! You are resolute in your mind to give whatever is asked for by an Adiyavar even if that happens to be your own son. Your name shall remain as long as this earth remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well.

 Your wife, son Seeralan and Santhana Nangai are also equally steadfast in the service of Adiyavars like you. Whosoever thinks about you will remember them as well. It is impossible for Me to be separated from you. You, your wife, your son and Santhana Nangai will all merge unto Me !

All of them unite unto Easan with their hands folded and cupped. There is a shower of flowers from the heavens. All the assembled villagers bow to Easan.

     *******

Thiruppariyalur Veerattam…

The entire village has assembled to welcome Sambandar Peruman arriving with his retinue. He visits the temple and sings in praise of Easan. When he is about to retire for the night, Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar informs that information has come from Thiruchchenkattangudi regarding the Easan’s abiding grace bestowed on Siruththondar and his family.  He wonders what miracle; Easan has in store for that place like He is performing one after another in all other places!  Sambandar gives a smile and closes his eyes chanting Panchaksharam…. Iraivan appears

Easan 

Sambanda! The goblins of Veerattam crave that I perform dance tonight for them. Do not sleep, hurry and reach the cremation ground at once.

Easan disappears. Sambandar reaches the cremation ground along with Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar. He witnesses the dance of Easan at midnight and composes a Pathigam on the “Kapali” dancing in cremation ground.

Next he tours other places and reaches Thirukkadavur where he is given a grand welcome. On enquiring about Thirunavukkarasar, he learns that he is in Thiruppoonthuruththi doing maintenance service in the temple. He immediately starts off with his followers to meet him there. Learning about his impending arrival and the sound of his Thiruchchinnam, the local people rush to Thirunavukkarasar and inform him of the same. Thirunavukkarasar feels it is appropriate that he goes instead to receive Sambandar who has been victorious over the Samanars in Pandiya Nadu and Buddhar in Thiruththelicheri. Seeing the Muththuppallakku at a distance, he mingles with the surging crowd and reaches the Pallakku and becomes one of the bearers of the palanquin carrying Sambandar Peruman. Observing this from Kailayam,Annai looks up at Easan.

Easan

This deed of Navukkarasar will be inscribed in golden letters! We hailed him as Appar! He is carrying our Pillayar like a father would carry his own son! Hail to his name! 

Sambandar (seated inside the palanquin)

Adiyavarhale!  Are you aware, where is Thirunavukkarasar Peruman?

Thirunavukkarasar

I must have done unparalleled penance! Therefore, I am fortunate to carry your sacred feet and attain an exalted state!

At that very instant Sambandar asks the Palanquin to stop and he gets down. He runs and touches the feet of Navukkarasar reverently with tears flowing in his eyes.

Sambandar (sorrowing)

Appare! Is it proper for you to carry me?

Appar

I carried you, because of my abundant love for Perumanar!

The people assembled there go euphoric seeing the mutual love and admiration of both Perumanars for each other. The chants of “Om Namasivaya” reverberates to the sky

    *****

Both of them spend a few days and exchange their experiences. Appar goes on his way to Pandiya Nadu. Sambandar visits Thiruneidhanam, Thiruvaiyaru, and Thiruppazhanam singing many pathigams in these temples and reach his home town Seerkaazhi. The entire town is sporting a festive mood to welcome the great son of their soil. His father and mother are most happy to have him home. After spending a few days, he starts off to Thondai Nadu.

Visiting a lot of shrines on the way, he reaches Thiruvannamalai. He composes many pathigams and sings them in praise of Easan and Annai. Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar plays them in his Yaazh captivating the devotees in the temple. From there Sambandar climbs the hill and reaches the Thiruvoththur temple and sings in praise of Annamalayar in a Pathigam. An adiyavar comes there prostrates in front of him and catches hold of his feet.  He starts weeping aloud not saying anything.

Sambandar (embarrassed)

Adiyavare! What is this? Please leave your hold on my feet. Tell me whatever is your problem? 

Adiyavar (without leaving his hold on his feet)

Perumanare! I am Arunainathan. I am fortunate to be serving in this hill ever since my birth! During my childhood I planted a large number of palm trees thinking that they will grow tall to reach the sacred feet of Easan in my innocence. After I grew up, I realised   that Iraivan is far too above! The palm trees however have grown very tall now. But they have not given any yield till now. The Samanars who are here are mocking me saying that these palm trees being of male species will not yield any fruits and they are as useless as your Iraivan to you. They are laughing and challenging me to get these trees to yield fruits to prove that our Iraivan exist. I do not know what to do! If the palm trees do not yield fruits, it does not matter to me. But I cannot tolerate people ridiculing my Easan. 

He continues to cry. Perumanar stays there the whole night and sings in praise of Easan. At the end, when he composes Thirukkdaikkappu, he concludes with these lyrics almost at daybreak.

“குரும்பைஆண்பனைஈன்குலையோத்தூர்

அரும்புகொன்றையடிகளைப்

பெரும்புகலியுள்ஞானசம்பந்தன்சொல்

விரும்புவார்வினைவீடே”

It is daybreak. As per his words that the male species of palm will yield fruits, all those palm trees turn into female species and are flush with bunches and bunches of sprouting fruits. All the people around chant “Om Namasivaya” bowing to the grace of Easan. Hearing the Panchaksharam being chanted aloud, the Samanars come out of their houses and see the miracle that all the palm trees having bunch of fruits. Some of them run away in fear, some of them throw away their pitchers. A large number of them start revert to Saivam chanting “Sivaya Nama” and smearing Thiruneeru.

Sambandar continues his yatra seen off by all the people of the town headed by Arunainathan. 

   ******

Sambandar reaches Kanchi and sings a Pathigam glorifying Ekambaranathar in His sannadhi. He reaches Thiruvalankadu visiting various temples on his way. As the palanquin bearers step into the village, he asks them to stop and gets down.

Sambandar

Easan hailed her as “Ammaye” when Karaikkal Ammayar walked on her head thinking that it will be sacrilege if her feet touch the soil of Kailayam. Ammayar in return called Him as “Appane” and expresses her wish to see the sacred dance of the Easan. Easan brings her here so that she can witness the Urdhavathandavam. This place is trodden by her noble feet. I dare not step in such a scared soil!

Standing on the outskirts, he composes Pathigam in praise of Karaikkal Ammayar. Yaazhpaanar plays them in his Yaazh. Bowing to Easan he retires for the night in a Chatram for the night. Easan in His dazzling form appears in his dream. Sambandar bows at His feet.

Easan

Pillayare! You reached the border of Alankadu but returned without visiting My abode. Is that proper?

Sambandar

Fearing that setting my foot on the soil walked on by Karaikkal Ammayar will be an act of irreverence, I did not visit the temple. Ayyan must please pardon me for this lapse.

Easan 

How can you disappoint Me from hearing your songs which I have been yearning for?

Sambandar wakes up with a start!

He starts singing in a torrent of many episodes glorifying Easan who danced at Alankadu. Kaththaperuman scribes the songs in the palm leaves as he sings. It is soon day break. Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar comes running to Kaththaperuman after hearing about the events.

Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar (miserably)

Kaththaperumanare! I am told that throughout last night Sambandar Perumanar sang in praise of Iraivan of Alankadu. Why didn’t you wake me up? I would not have lost the chance of hearing them!

Kaththaperuman

He was actually fast asleep. Suddenly he gets up as if shaken and with his eyes sparkling starts singing. Even at that midnight hour, he sang without any glitch. I was so totally absorbed in scribing his songs which were coming up fast without interruption that I forgot to wake you up. Please forgive me.

Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar

I believe he also sang about the story of Pazhayanur. Can you tell me what that story is about?

Kaththaperuman

The noble people of Pazhayanur listen to disputes for all villages around and execute justice and are true to their word. They will not mind giving up even their life if they come to know that have given wrong judgement. It is a long story. I will tell you about it briefly.

   *******

In the village of Pazhayanur lived a wealthy merchant named Sivaprakasam and his only daughter Nilambari.  Having lost her mother when she was an infant, she was brought up by her father with great love and care. When she grows up to marriageable age, Sivaprakasam starts looking for a suitable groom.   However much he tries no alliance could be finalised. Distraught, he consults a friend of his who advises him to take his daughter to the temple at Vaitheeswarankovil and make her   light a lamp in the sannadhi of Durgai Amman during Rahukaalam and pray for her marriage. He takes her daughter to Vaitheeswarankovil.  In Vaitheeswarankovil, there is a young man named Kalaththinathan living with his widowed elder sister named Shenbagam. Though their parents were originally well to do, Kalaththinathan due to his wayward habits and his liaison with women of disrepute is shunned by locals. No one wants to give their daughter in marriage to him. He also comes to the temple on the same day and same time to the temple. On seeing the beautiful girl, Nilambari he is infatuated and broaches the subject with her father. Nilambari falls in love with him at first sight and prays to Durgai Amman to fulfil her wish of marrying him. Knowing the events that will unfold later in her life, Durgai Amman grants her wish. In due course, their marriage takes place and Sivaprakasam gifts a lot of jewelry for his daughter and a lot of dowry in gold coins to his son-in-law. Pleased with the enormous wealth he has got and infatuated with his bride, Kalaththinathan spends the first few months after marriage happily with his wife. As habits die hard, he starts visiting houses of ill repute and squanders all the gold given as dowry. Chided by his sister Shenbagam for not doing any work and having no money left, he hatches a plan to rob his wife of her jewelry with the help of his sister promising to give her a portion of it.  A few months pass by and Sivaprakasam comes on a visit to see his daughter. Alarmed that her daughter has lost all her jewels and the dire financial straits, he returns only to come again with more jewels for her and more gold coins for his son-in-law to start a business. Kalaththinathan has no plan to start any business or do any honest work. He hatches a plan to eliminate her sister who has kept a portion of the jewelry, kill his wife to take away her jewels and gold coins given by her father and vanish without a trace. Accordingly, he tells Nilambari to put on all her jewels as he wants to take her to Pazhayanur and show her in her finery to her father.  On the day they are to travel by a horse cart to Pazhayanur, after taking away the jewels kept by his sister he kills her by hitting her head with a wooden log.  Unware of this, Nilambari starts off with him to Pazhayanur. As they reach the outskirts of Pazhayanur, it is mid-day and he asks for water from his wife. Finding the pitcher empty Nilambari asks him to stop near the well in front of the Durgai Amman temple. It was the day of total solar eclipse and the eclipse starts as they reach the well.  Nilambari gets down  as it gets dark in the middle of the day and there are no people around.  Feigning innocence, he urges her to draw water from the well saying his throat is parched.  As she turns around to draw water from the well, he smashes her head with a wooden log. Nilambari slumps to the ground in a pool of blood though still alive. He boasts of his plan o choosing this day and time when no villager ventures out during the time of eclipse and there will be no one to witness his crime. He can make good his escape before the eclipse ends in darkness and no one will ever know where he has gone.  He quickly removes the jewelry from her body and finding that the bag he has carried is not big enough to hold all of them, he removes her sari to bundle them. After ties up the bundle, he looks around and finds that his cart and horse are no longer there. Meanwhile, the dying Nilambari prays to Durgai and asks as to why she is punished like this though she has been a dutiful wife and a pious woman. Since she has prayed to Her for marrying Kalaththinathan   she had to grant her wish. Nilambari prays that she wants to turn into a spirit and take revenge on Kalaththinathan by killing him with her own hands. Durgai Amman promises that her wish will be fulfilled in his next birth and she must remain calm and not leave the limits of Pazhayanur.   Durgai Amman blesses her saying that her name and fame will remain as long as the earth remains though she will turn into a spirt. Nilambari breathes her last.

Meanwhile, not able to find his cart and horse, Kalaththinathan starts worrying that he may be spotted when the eclipse withdraws and it will be daylight soon. Carrying the bundle of jewels wrapped in her wife’s sari, he starts running and enters a forest and covers a long distance. He gets trapped in quicksand and starts sinking. Soon he gets buried along with the jewels and gold coins he is carrying.

Nilambari as a spirit goes to her house and finding her father not there goes to his friend’s house. She finds her father in his death bed telling his friend that he must inform his daughter that till his last breath he has been thinking of her alone. Nilambari takes a vow that from then on she will be known as Neeli and avenge her death

About twentyseven years later….

One Friday in the temple of Durgai in Vaitheeswarankovil, an old couple along with their son are standing and lighting two lamps praying for a suitable bride for their son.  There is a sudden gust of wind and all the people cup their hands around the wick so that their lamps do not go off. As the wind withdraws, the two lamps lighted by the couple disappear. Deeply perturbed by this, they come out of the temple and walk along the street. Seeing his son looking here and there, his father enquires what the matter is. His son replies that the temple, the Sannadhi, the streets are looking very familiar to him. He even recognizes an old Jyothidar who gets surprised. He informs him that they have come all the way from Thanigai to pray to Durgai Amman. Telling his parents to follow him he walks ahead. Unable to keep pace with him, they follow him at a distance. Suddenly, he stops in front of a locked and dilapidated house. Staring at that house he gets scared and starts sweating profusely. By now, his parents reach. Finding his son gone pale, his mother asks him as to why he is standing there as if slapped by some spirt! Suddenly, it appears that the doors of the house are getting opened and a very old lady standing at the door. She starts calling him to come inside as she has been waiting for him. As he is about to enter, a voice from the rear stops him. On being told that he has been called to come inside by an old woman, the elder who stopped him tells him that the house is a haunted one and no one stays there. They run away from there and stumble upon the Jyothidar. He narrates that has stopped in front of house which is very familiar to him. The Jyothidar tells that the house is Kalaththinathan whose whereabouts are not known. The villagers found her sister dead with her head smashed about thirty years ago. Ever since that house remains haunted and no one even stop by it. On hearing the name Kalaththinathan, the father faints as his son’s name is also Kalaththinathan.  The Jyothidar falls in bout of fits.

After about a month, in Thanigai…

Kalaththinathan’s father engages a tantric from Chera Nadu to find out what is the background of all these events in Vaitheeswarankovil.  He does a puja of Kaali and finds out that some evil spirit is behind all these happenings and he may be killed by it one day. He hands over a sword after doing a lot of rituals and asks Kalaththinathan to keep it tied to his waist all the time to protect him from the evil spirit. He warns that if he removes it, his life is not guaranteed.

Kalaththinathan becomes attracted by a girl who says that she is from Pazhayanur. Infatuated, he promises to meet her there on a new moon day and meet her in the weekly market. He starts off on his horse for Pazhayanur before dawn. Like in Vaitheeswarankovil, this village also looks familiar to him. He is feeling thirsty   and also wants to water his horse. A familiar tree and a well are seen ahead. He goes there and finds a beautiful married woman drawing water from the well. He approaches her and requests for water. She draws water with a pitcher and gives him. He then requests that she may draw some water for his horse also.  She asks him to wait there as she wants to get a bigger pitcher from the Durgai Amman temple to water the horse. Kalaththinathan feels the surroundings are familiar.  Finding that she has not returned from the temple for a long time, he intends to go to the weekly market where the girl may be waiting for him as promised. He looks around and finds his horse missing. He starts searching for the horse around the temple.

At the same time a woman with a child in her hand is wailing aloud in front of the Easan’s temple. The judges who hear cases of disputes of the villagers enquire as to what has happened. She narrates that she has been abandoned by her husband at Pazhayanur Durgai Amman temple saying that he is going to marry some other woman here and go away to some far off place.   She further says that when he tried to grab her jewels, she pushed him down and ran here. She says that her name is Neeli and the child is Shenbagam. The judges send a couple of sturdy men to bring Kalaththinathan to the court.

There are seventy judges assembled to hear the case from both of them.

On hearing that he is the husband of the woman and father of a girl child hanging in the woman’s waist

Kalaththinathan says that he is from Thanigai and has never seen her or the child before. But Neeli says that he has abandoned her so that he can marry the girl waiting for him in the weekly market.

The judges are surprised as to how she knows about that woman would be waiting at weekly market if Kalaththinathan has never seen her before. They  ordered to bring that woman named Kanmani from the market. She deposes before the judge that she is not aware that Kalatinathan is already married and also has a child. She says that he promised to give her a lot of jewels if she marries him and has asked him to wait for her in the weekly market on this new moon day. On hearing this, Neeli unfolds the bundle she is carrying and shows a huge quantity of dazzling jewelry. Seeing the jewelry, Kalaththinathan recollects his wife’s face in his previous birth.  Looking at the child’s face resembling the face of Shenbagam in his last birth, he shouts at them whether they are Neeli and Shenbagam. The judges are convinced now that he must be her real husband as he tells her name and that of the child too. But Kalaththinathan is adamant that both the mother and the child are spirits out to kill him. He asks the judges not to be swayed by her sob story. But Neeli shows her ankles and those of the child to disprove that they are not spirits. Kalaththinathan requests the judges to get his parents from Thanigai who will prove the charges are false and that he is not married. The judges agree. Since his parents can reach there only by next morning, they will keep him, Neeli and the child in the village chattaram under guards so that he cannot runaway. Neeli convinces that as she is alone with the child, he should be disarmed otherwise he may harm them with the sword. Kalaththinathan pleads before the judges that the sword has been given to protect him from evil spirits.  He requests that they be kept in separate places till his parents reach there and he be allowed to keep the sword with him. The judges do not agree for this and order to remove the sword forcibly.

All the three are kept in village choultry with full guard all round.

  In the night, Neeli with the sword of Durgai Amman chops him to pieces. Shenbagam rushes and drinks his blood and then vanishes.

The moments it happens  as detailed above, the doors of the temple which have been locked for the past twenty seven years open on their own with lot of sounds. The villages hearing the sound run to the temple and enter it. There they see the Durgai Amman holding the sword from which the fresh blood is ozzing out.

The next morning an old woman claiming to be Kalaththinathan’s mother reaches there and tells the judges that her son is not married at all but feared danger to his life from evil spirits due to his karma of previous birth. The judges ask the guards to open the room where Kalaththinathan was lodged the previous night. The guards open the room and find his body cut to pieces.They cann’t see the woman and child. After a while the actual parents of Kalaththinathan arrive from Thanigai and meet the judges. The judges are surprised that if they are the real parents. To know the truth they summened the old woman who gave the news.

The guards could not find that old woman who has also vanished without a trace.

The judges now realise their folly of disarming Kalaththinathan against his pleadings and hold themselves responsible for his death. They decide to end their lives by jumping into a burning pit of fire. A huge pit is dug in front of the Easan’s temple and filled with wood and charcoal and fire is lit. Neeli appears before the judges and argues that it is not their fault as Kalaththinathan is destined to be killed by her as approved by Durgai Amman.   As their judgement has been faulty in not acceding to the pleading of Kalaththinathan to keep them in separate places and not to disarm him till his parents reach there, all of the judges totaling seventy give up their lives by entering the raging fire pit one by one chanting Panchaksharam!

   *****

As Kaththaperuman concludes the story of Pazhayanur Neeli, Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar is speechless. 

Kaththaperuman

The judges of Pazhayanur never waver from delivering correct judgement. Because they erred seeing the drama enacted by Neeli, they gave up their lives. This history will be a lesson for all those who are lustful, immoral that they will be punished ultimately by Neeli. Even though she turned into a spirit, her name will be remembered along with the sacred temple of this village. This is what Easan has ordained. As it is going to be daybreak, they quickly ready themselves and join the retinue of Thirugyanasambandar who has resumed his yatra.

 *******

Thirumayilai…

 Sivanesar is a rich trader having earned enormous wealth by trading through the high seas. Always immersed in the thoughts of Easan, his lips keep murmuring Panchaksharam all the time. He is great philanthropist who donates liberally to singers singing in praise of Easan.  One day a group of singers from south reach his home. Sivanesar welcomes them and enquire about any news from their land. One of the singers sings the very first song composed by Sambandar as a child of three years. He then narrates the exploits of Thirugyanasambandar and also sings other famous pathigams of Sambandar. Extremely jubilant to know that because of Sambandar, Saivam is resurging as before in South, he gifts him a lot of gold and gems .He requests him to keep him informed about Thirugyanasambandar and his activities.

He prays to Easan before retiring to bed.

Sivanesar

Ayyane! You have given me enormous wealth but has not granted me a progeny! Why this trial for me?

Sambandar became your Pillayar as Annai has fed him milk. If I get a girl child, I will get her married to him and will be greatly blessed!

He begets a girl child after ten months as per his prayers. She is named Poompavai. She comes of age when she turns seven. After the exhaustive and impressive rituals are over, she is led to new chambers built specially for her along with her maid servants and friends. Called Kannimadam, no males other than her father are permitted to enter there.

Sivanesar

Poompavai! You are aware that you are to be betrothed to Thirugyanasambandar as per my vow. Your thoughts must always be on Easan and you must spend your time singing the pathigams composed by Sambandar Peruman. You will be taught here itself. This Kannimadam is like a small village by itself! There is a Sivan temple for you to go and pray with a Nandavanam (flower garden) nearby. A small pond is there for you to take bath with a playground where you can play with your maids. I have constructed this Kannimadam as a mini township! When Sambandar Peruman comes here, I will hand you over to him along with our entire immense wealth and we will retire to Kasi to spend rest of our lives. You are aware of all the miracles created so far by Sambandar Peruman. You are also in the know of all of his pathigams. I will keep you informed of all the fresh news about Perumanar regularly.

After giving these instructions he takes leave of her.

   *****

Days roll by…

One day, when Poompavai is playing with her maids, she is bitten by a cobra. Her parents rush there and to find their daughter lying with her body turned blue.  Sivanesar starts crying uncontrollably.

Sivanesar 

Mahale! I was coming here to give the news that Thirugyanasambandar converted all the male palm trees into female ones at Thiruvannamalai and all the Samanars ran away seeing this miracle. But what a shock I have had seeing you in this state. I will not let you die. I will immediately call for people to revive you and I will hand over all my wealth to anyone who cures you. I will get this announced through the town criers everywhere. The proclamation spreads like wild fire. Sivanesar brings his daughter to his residence at Thirumayilai.  All the vaidyars, snake charmers and others rush to Thirumayilai and there is a large crowd collected there.

One of the Vaidyars  

Sivanesare! There is nothing left to be done. It is impossible to revive your daughter who is already dead.

Please do the needful for cremating her soon.

Sivanesar comes to a decision. He calls for a huge Thazhi (earthen pot). Carrying his daughter on his shoulder, he walks to the cremation ground. The entire village follows him.  Without doing any final rites, he lights the pyre. As per custom people return after the funeral fire is lit. But he remains there watching the raging fire burning her mortal remains. Not knowing the reason for his staying back, the villagers also stay back. After the body is fully burnt, the fire subsides. Clearing away the ash, he carefully collects the bones and ashes and places them in the big Thazhi. Afterwards, with the lid of the Thazhi, he collects and places seven lid full of soil and seals the Thazhi with the lid. Taking the Thazhi in a large procession, he reaches the Kannimadam and places it on the decorated cot of his daughter. Looking at his wife and others standing and sobbing there…

Sivanesar

Easan has performed a lot of miracles right from the time he was a three year old child. We are all aware of Easan’s abiding compassion for Sambandar Peruman and how He came to his aid in winning over Samanars and Buddhar and how He transformed the male species of palm trees to female species at Thiruvannamalai recently. Will He not revive my dead child when Sambandar comes to Thirumayilai? The day my daughter is resurrected will be the festive day for me. Till such time, let this Thazhi remain here properly guarded.

The public

Om Namasivaya …

Om Namasivaya …

Om Namasivaya …

   ****

Five years roll by….

Sivanesar is gifting gold coins to the singers as usual. One of them rushes in.

One of the Singers

Sivanesare! I have rushed here to you that news that you have been expecting all these days. After visiting many sacred temples in the North, Sambandar Peruman has reached Thiruvottriyur via Sri Kalahasti.  Immediately go with adiyavars and receive him with due honours and invite him to visit Thirumayilai. Sivanesar prostrates in front of the Paavalar for having given this news.

   ****

The news that Thirugyanasambandar is coming to Thirumayilai and will resurrect Sivanesar’s daughter Poompavai spreads like wild fire. A large number of Sivanadiyars, Samanar and Buddhar collect in front of the Kapaleeswarar temple to witness his arrival.

One of the Samanars

They say that this sixteen year old youth Sambandan has revived Saivam in the South by making a lot of miracles. It is only hearsay as no one has seen any of them. Now they are claiming that he is going to resurrect the girl who has died five years ago. Can anyone be brought alive after she has died and cremated? Even if she is brought alive, will she be of a child of seven years or a girl of twelve years?

Another Samanar

We do not believe that there is someone called Iraivan. The births and deaths are acts of nature. To give life to a body can only be a trick and an illusion and cannot be true.

Yet another Samanar

What I feel is that they are going to keep a living twelve year old girl inside the Thazhi beforehand and claim Sambandan has brought her alive . The foolish Sivanadiyars will believe that he has resurrected a girl from bones and ashes!

One of the Sivanadiyars

How dare you call us foolish?

One of the Buddhars

Let us not get into fight. It is a genuine doubt raised by the Samanar. There can be a live girl inside. So we must be allowed to examine the Thazhi after it is brought here. But will the Sivanadiyars agree to our examination.

A Sivanadiyar

Everyone here knows that the Thazhi contains only the bones and ashes covered with seven bushels of earth and sealed on top tightly with a lid. No one can be kept alive inside as there will be no air to breath for more than a few minutes. The whole town is aware that this Thazhi has been kept in Kannimadam for the past five years under guard. So it is not proper to open the Thazhi to examine it. Still once a doubt has been raised, that must be cleared at all costs.

One of the Samanar

Why must we discuss and fight for an event which will not happen. Once the Thazhi arrives here, you, me and a Buddha Thuravi will carry the Thazhi and keep it in front of Sambandar. The truth will be known at that instant only whether a live body is inside or only ash and bones are inside…

At that moment, Muththuppallakku is seen coming towards the temple with the Thiruchchinnam heralding the arrival of Sambandar Peruman. Sivanesar runs ahead and prostrate in the direction of the arriving Muththuppallakku.  As the Pallakku reaches near him, Sambandar alights from it. An adiyavar nearby tells Sambandar Peruman about Sivanesar and his daughter and the purpose for his prostration in his direction. Sambandar Peruman goes near him and touches and makes him get up. Sivanesar is ecstatic on getting touched by Perumanar and he stands in great devotion with his body bent and hands cupped with tears in his eyes.

Sambandar

Perumaganare! Your devotion to Sivan has inspired me! Let us first have Darisanam of Kapaleeswarar. Later on you bring the Thazhi of  your daughter to the gates of Mayanam (cremation ground). Everything will happen as destined by Easan.

As he climbs up the Pallakku, Sivanesar shoulders one of its sides. Soon they reach the temple. Sambandar enters the temple with full temple honours as arranged by Sivanesar. Inside the Sannadhi, he sings a Pathigam on Easan which Yaazhpaanar plays on his Yaazh mesmerizing everyone around. After completing the Thirukkdaikkappu, he comes out and reaches the entrance.

Sambandar (looking at Sivanesar)

Sivanesare!  Where is the Thazhi of your daughter?

Sivanesar

As instructed by Perumanar, I have kept it at the entrance of Mayanam. We are ready to go there along with you.

Sambandar laughs on hearing this.

Sambandar

Our Easan is known as Sudalaiaandi! He guards the Mayanam. He dances there. So wherever He dances, it becomes a Mayanam. Even this sacred temple becomes a Mayanam! That is why I asked the Thazhi to be brought to the entrance of this big temple.

Cleared of the doubt, Sivanesar orders that the Thazhi be brought to the entrance of the temple. The Thazhi is carried by three men, a Sivanadiyar, a Samanar and a Buddhar. Sambandar gives a smile seeing the three people carrying the Thazhi.

Thiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar

Kaththaperumanare! Why Sambandar Perumanar is smiling on seeing the carriers of Thazhi?

Kaththaperuman

The Buddhar and Samanar have collected here for verifying whether Iraivan who they don’t believe in, will really come to the rescue of Sambandar Peruman or the whole drama is a trick. I will also clarify why Sambandar Perumanar equated the temple to a Mayanam. The Iraivan at Mylai is Kapaleeswarar, the one who wears a garland of human skulls! The place where Easan wears such a garland is Mayanam. There is another reason also to call it as Mayanam. After death, one reaches Mukti at Mayanam and it is Iraivan who grants Mukti. Therefore where Iraivan resides, it becomes Mayanam.

As they are talking, the three carriers bring the Thazhi and place it in front of Sambandar. Observing that the Thazhi old, sealed tightly and very light to carry, they are convinced that only ash and bones can be inside it. They reach their group and inform of them of the same. Everyone is eagerly waiting as to what is going to happen. Not only they, even the Devas and others from heaven have assembled to have darisanam of Easan who is going to re resurrect Poompavai on the pleading of Sambandar.

Thirugyanasambandar starts singing on Kapaleeswarar   with his eyes closed.

“மட்டிட்டபுன்னையங்கானல்மடமயிலைக்

கட்டிடங்கொண்டான்கபாலீச்சரம்அமர்ந்தான்

ஒட்டிட்டபண்பின்உருத்திரபல்கணத்தார்க்

கட்டிட்டல்காணாதேபோதியோபூம்பாவாய்?”

Will you Poompavai leave this world without seeing the sacred Kapaleeswarar, who dances in Mayanam wearing a garland of skulls and who embraced Annai when She came here as Peahen?

As he sings in praise of Easan one song after another, the bones start uniting and the limbs start growing. When he completes the tenth song, Poompavai emerges breaking the Thazhi as a beautiful girl of twelve years. The Devas and others in heaven hail Easan for His abundant grace and a shower of flowers falls.

The Samanars and Buddhars realising that there is Iraivan who creates who is there forever, run away from there in fright. Poompavai bows to Sambandar and she and her father prostrate in front of Perumanar. Perumanar gives both of them Thiruneeru. The people of Mylai who have assembled there chant “Om Namasivaya” aloud

Sivanesar

Perumane! I prayed to Easan and begot this girl only to give her in marriage to you. She is resurrected for your sake only. Pleasebless me by accepting her and my immeasurable wealth!

Sambandar Peruman

Your daughter died of poison. Due to the grace of Kapaleeswarar, I brought her back to life. Therefore your proposal is improper.

Sivanesar and his daughter swoon on hearing it.  When they get up after a few moments Sambandar clarifies.

Sambandar Peruman

By begetting her, you are his father. By giving her a new life with the grace of Iraivan, I am also like a father to her. It is therefore improper for me to marry your daughter. 

He then enters the temple.

Poompavai (to Sivanesar)

Thanthaye! Do not grieve. We have to abide by the Dharmaneri and that is the reason I lost the status to marry him. He resides in me and therefore, I will not marry ever. I will spend the rest of my life in the service of adiyavars by feeding them and looking after their wellbeing.

She bows to Easan and enter Kannimadam.

   *******

After staying in Thirumayilai for a few days, Sambandar continues his yatra. Sivanesar along with his relatives and friends bids him a tearful send off. He along with his retinue reaches Thruvanmiyur where he is given a rousing reception.

That night all are seen assembled at the hall of the madam where Sambandar stays.

Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar looks here and there and finally locates where Kaththaperuman is sitting. He goes there and sits next to him.

Kaththaperuman tries to tease him.

What happened to you Yazhpanare! Nowadays you come with lot of questions?

Panar(beaten by his words)

Just now I came to you to clarify certain things!

On hearing kaththaperuman feels that he has offended the great artist.

Kaththaperuman

Sorry!If I have offended your feelings please pardon me.I am just coping perumanaar pathigangal in palm leaves.But you make it glorious with your musical instrument.Your service is noble and better than mine.Plesae ask your doubt.If I know the answer I will tell you.

Panar

To attain mukthi if any one receites perumanar Pathigangal that is enough.He will reach his goal.My question is how can a person to recite the thousands of thousands of perumanar Pathigangal?My feelings are that I am unable to recite them myself every day . Have you  any answer as to how I can come out of this guilt feelings.

Kaththaperuman

I understand.The same question was asked by Sivapadhahirudayar to Perumanar.For which Perumanar gave an answer by a pathigam.If you recite this pathigam only that is enough. It equals you read all the Pathigams of Perumanar.

After saying this he searched a particular palm leaf and located the same.

He started singing the pathigam while panar plays his instrument.

The entire crowd is deeply immersed with the fine tune of Pathigam.

Smabandar also listens.

Panar

Excellent! If you could tell us what it means those who do not know the literate tamil may understand.

Karththaperuman

There is one supreme called Paramathma

Paramathma stand as Two in the form of Sivam and Sakthi

He carries three duties ie padaiththal, katththal, azhiththal.

He explains the ever standing truth to the four sanagathi Munivargal.

He wears crescent, deer, Mazhu the weapon, fire and Thrisool. Which are total five representing pancha bhoothangal.

When vedha manthrangal are recited he stays in all the Six parts that explain the four vedhangal.

Parmaporul spreads itself in sapthaswarangal,sarigamapathanisa!

The one exhibits Himself as Brahmapuraththan at a place which has got twelve names to recognize.

Those who recognize Brahmapuraththan as the  Paramporul they complete their birth cycle in this materialistic world and unit with Him ultimately.

Do you know why Brahmapuram is also called as Thonipuram? And Easan is called Thonipuraththaan?

To explain, materialistic attachments is compared to Sagaram ie ocean and the one who gets thoni(boat) which is called the grace of Easan, he swims across the ocean and reach the thiruvadi of Paramathma .The one who grants mukthi to those who worship is hence called as  Thonipuraththaan,

The whole night no one slept since the discussions were going on and on.

                                    . . .

 From there he reaches Chidambaram visiting many temples and singing many pathigams in each of them. As he stands in the Sannadhi of Ambalaththan, Easan and Annai look at their Pillayar who has now grown up to be a fine youth of sixteen years. Annai is looking immensely gloomy.

Iraivan

What is this Devi?  Why are you sad? You must be rather cheerful seeing your Pillay!

Annai

You are talking as if Youdo not the reason. He came to our Sannadhi as a three year old baby. Now he is sixteen years old. It is time that he gets married at an auspicious day.  But…..

She trails off without completing what She wants to say and looks up at Easan.

Iraivan

You are equally aware of everything. Your motherly compassion is blinding you from seeing the reason. Markandeyan is sixteen years of age forever. Sambandan who has drunk your milk of wisdom will also be sixteen forever. You must be rather happy that he will be uniting with Us as he is! Why must You feel sad? To consider birth as an auspicious event and death as an inauspicious event itself is incorrect. Whoever starts his journey in this earth will have to end it one day after completing the assigned tasks. Gyanasambandan has totally completed his work for which he has taken this birth. His auspicious muhurtham will be fixed for the day of Moola Nakshatram in the month of Vaikasi. What you fear as inauspicious will turn to be an auspicious event.

Annai

If that is in the will of Sivan, so be it!

She blesses Gyanasambandan.

   *****

Learning that his son has arrived at Chidambaram, Sivapadahridayar reaches there with his relatives and friends. He requests Sambandar to visit Seerkaazhi as the people there are fervently praying for his darisanam. Sivagyanasambandar prostrates in front of his father and gets up. He enquires about his mother and Easan Thoniappar. On being told that his mother is very eager to see him and requesting him to come home, Sambandar starts off from Chidambaram. All the three thousand Thillaivaazh Anthanars accompany him till the limits of Chidambaram to see him off.

   ****

Thonipuram…

The entire town is sporting a festive look to welcome their illustrious son of their soil. Thirumuraga Nayanar and Thiruneelanakka Nayanar receive him from the outskirts of the village with all the religious honours with great fervor. He is taken in a procession to the accompaniment of auspicious music to his home.

He bows to his mother and says that he is blessed by Easan to be born to her. His mother expresses her desire that he must get married and bring his wife home by the next auspicious muhurtham.  Though Sambandar resists saying that his life is devoted to the service of Easan and wants to spend the rest of his life singing in praise of Easan, his father convinces that one of his six sacred duties is to conduct yagam for which he should be grahasthan ie married . Moreover Sambandar has promised that he will do whatever his mother wishes. Sambandar agrees finally.

Soon a suitable match is found.

The total population of Thonipuram headed by Sivapadhahirudaiyar reaches Thirunallur.

Nambiyandar Nambi the head welcomes them all with folded hands.

The elder in the procession

Ayya Nambiyandar Nambi avargale! You first agree to give your daughter’s hand to the son of Sivapadhahirudaiyar, Thirugynanasambandhar then we all will step in your home.

Can any one refuse such a boon? By saying NambiyandarNambi immediately agrees.

The elders consult Panchangam and finalizes the wedding day as Vakasi Moola natchathram and the  details are recorded in two palm leaves and one is given to Nambiyandar Nambi the other one is to Sivapadhahirudaiyar.

The palm leaf given to Nambiyandar Nambi is received with full honour and taken to the poojaroom and kept under the feet of Natrarajar.

The wedding is to be celebrated for seven days.

The news that ThirugynanaSambandar is going to wed spreads everywhere like wildfire and thousands and thousands of  sivanadiyars from throughout the country North to South and East to West started to arrive at Thonipuram. The rulers of various countries, their Ministers, the rich,  sivaneri selvargal etc are all proceeding towards Thonipuram.

At Thonipuram  the task of welcoming the participants and arranging comfortable stay for them by erecting large camps and arranging  food for them etc has been apportioned to many devotees.

Hence the things are smoothly going on.Any one reaches Thonipuram he is received properly and his stay and food are immediately arranged.

The previous night of the wedding day…

The entire town  is  seemed to be heavily crowded.

Everyone wants to be present and witness every single action  performed to the groom.

The large procession is heading to the manadapam where Sambanda peruman stays.

The elders are walking with golden vessels in their head in which the just harvested paddy is kept.

The women folks are carrying ornamented kuthuvilakkugal.

The children are carrying baskets of various kind of flowers.

Bhramin pandits are heading the crowd chanting vedha manthranagal.

To witness the procession large no of people are standing  both sides of the path.

Musical instruments are playing excellent tunes which made the crowd to forget where they are and what purpose they are all here.

The entire crowd enter the mandapam.

At appropriate time Sambandha peruman is asked to extend his right arm.

With smiling face Peruman extends his right arm.

Muruganayanar ties the sacret kappu in his ankle.

All the elders bless the groom.

All the celestial personalities are arriving one by one in their chariots and park their vehicles out side the town and start walking towards the marriage hall.

Bridegroom is ready to leave to the marriage hall.

The muththu pallaku is awaiting his presence.

The moment Thirugynanasambandhar alights the pallaku,

Hara hara sound reaches skyhigh.

Mappillai oorvalam starts.

The whole world is walking along with the muththu pallakku.

On the way at Thiru nallur Perumanakkoil the procession stops.

Sambandar Peruman alights from the Pallakku and enters into the temple.

There Sambandra Peruman sings in praise of the residing deity.

At the finish Sambandar Peruman is reminded of the need of wearing Marriage costumes hence

he proceeds to nearby madam.

There the elders pour Thirumanjananeer on Peruman and groom’s costumes are given to him. Sambandar comes out wearing new clothes.

His face is radiant with thousands and thousands of light.

With auspicious music shower like thunder he is crowned.

After completing the routine Sambandar takes out his rudhrakshamaalai and wears it again.

Now the procession starts towards the marriage hall.

The representations of Saivam,vainavam,sakththam,ganapathyam,kowmaram and sowravam,the six sects of Shanathanatharmam in huge numbers holding their flags making welcoming sounds from their conches and udukkai & melam are also following the groom.

Devas who participate in the procession suddenly remember the similarity of Sundareswara Peruman’s wedding procession towards Madurai.

On the way there are lot of commotions announcing that  Sanbai Vendhar is coming.

The whole world is walking along with the groom.

At the marriage hall the bride is tied with auspicious kappu in her hand and is ready for the wedding.

The bride looks like Mahalakshmi!

Those who saw her first time without their knowledge they worship her.

Such a beauty the bride is!

Sambandar Peruman is received by the women folks with lot of fanfare.

Perumanar sits on the ponmani peedam.

NambiyandarNambi with his wife, the bride’s parents come forward to do the kanniga Dhaanam.

First a golden thambalam is brought and kept in front of the Perumanar.

Perumanar places his holy feet in the thambalam.

Bride’s mother pours the milk and Bride’s father is washing the thiruvadigal of Peruman.

After performing the padhapooja,

On command Perumanar extends his both hands in receiving posture.

The Bride’s mother pour holy water from kamandalam and the Bride’s father receives it in his hands and pour in the hands of perumanar with saying that he Thirunallur citizen Nambiyandar nambi is willingly gives the hand of his daughter to Sanbai Sivapadhahirudhayar’s Son,ThirugyanaSambandhar.

Thus the kannigathanam gets completed.

The elders ask ThiruNeelanakka Nayanar to conduct the rituals.

Thirumuruga Nayanar fetches Sambandhaperuman to the  beautifully decorated Thirumanamedai and made him to sit.

The bride is seated in the right side of perumanar

Thiruneelanakka Nayanar after completing all the rituals finally takes out the managal suthra and sings….

Oh! Sarvamangala Mangalye!Shive!

Sarvatha shadhagaye!

Saranye Thiriambige Devi!

Narayani Namasthudhe!

After worshipping Annai Parvathi he hands over the mangalanaan to the perumanar.

Then he recites the muhoortha manthram.

Mangalyam thanthunanena mama jeevina hethuna

Kante padhnami subage sanjeeva shardhaam sudham.

This time Sambandhaperuman intervenes and addresses the bride.

Penne! You want to know the meaning of this manthram!

This is mangal suthra!

I am blessed to live long in this life. Towards that,

Now I am going to tie this to you!

Sagalasowbakiyangalaiyum kondavale! Hereafterwards my wife,the better half,

You live hundred years!

By saying he ties the mangal suthra to his bride.

The entire crowd blesses the couple.

The parents of groom and bride, out of joy see the great occasion with tears in their eyes.

Thiruneelanakkar announces!

Sabaiyore! This is the time for sapthapathi!

The moment he makes the announcement the entire crowd wants to witness and there is lot of commotions.

Sambandar Peruman with smile holds the bride’s right foot in his hand and makes her to take seven steps around the yagakundam. Every step when the bride takes Neelanakkanayanar receites the respective manthram.

Sambandar Peruman concludes Sapthapathi by saying,

Oh! My wife! Just now you came forward by taking seven steps.

This confirms that you and me be together forever whether it is rain or shine.

Now you are my best friend.

This relationship will stay forever.

Whatever prescribed in our vedhas we will live to it.

Towards which,

let us take sangalpam together.

Hereafterlet us be great lovers, goodhearted, agreeing on good deeds as stipulated in Vedas,

Whatever one eats the other will eat the same. There cannot be any distinction in food habits. In any matters we take unanimous decisions.

There will be happiness and sometimes sorrow. Let us together face it.

Let us live long as long as earth stays.

The needs of us will be hereafter common for both of us.

I am the man giver of suklam.

You are the recipient.

If I say a word,   the script is of mine but the meaning is yours!

We both reflect in our thoughts and deeds.

You are the sowbhakyavathi!

Step into my life!

By saying that he looks at the crowd.

The crowd jeers.

Thiruneelanaka Nayanar commands the Perumanar!

Manamahane! The time has come for you to come forward and hold the thump of right foot and place it in Ammikal and look at Arunthathi! Arunthathi the sathi will bless you both!

Sambandhar is holding the right foot thump and places on ammikal and tells his wife.

Oh! Penne! You are now placing you yourself on the stone, meaning that you should be as strong as the stone itself.If any body does harm to you. Like the stone you do not react and bear it.If they exceed their limit you attack them without fear with a strength equals to this stone.

The bride with folded hand accepts the advices.

Thiruneelanakka Nayanar calls Thiru Muruganayanar!

Thiru Muruga Nayanar Avargale! You are now the brother of the bride.

Thiru Neelanakka Nayanar gives the nelpori to Thiru Muruga Nayanar!

Nayanare!give this to your sister.

Thirumuruga Nayanar gives the nelpori as told.

Thiruneelanakka Nayanar addresses the bride !

Oh! Manamakagle! You have to pray the God of fire and request him to bless her husband to live long and with that saying put the “pori” in the yagakundam.

The bride obeys.

Thiruneelanakka Nayanar looks at the couple and command thus.

Now the time has come to bid farewell to all those celestials present in this happy event.

Manamagane! Hold your wife’s right hand and lead her and pray the mukkodi thevargal and munivergal by going around the yagakundam three times and then  submit the aaguthi, the sacred offerings  in the yagakundam  together and pray them to bless you both.

On hearing this Sambandar Peruman holds the bride’s right hand and starts  walking but stopped suddenly.

The action of the bride and his refusal to abide the command of the conductor stunned the crowd.

Sambandha Peruman addresses Neelanakka Nayanar.

Nayanare! Please say the manthrangal that to be recited during this occasion and its meaning to the assembled.

With out understanding what is in the mind of Perumanar,

Threeneelanakka Nayanar receites the manthram and explains its meaning.

The manthrangal are to be recited by groom as thus.

He recites.

The meaning of the first manthram  is

Oh! Agini Bhagavane! First in the beginning of everything in this world  Sun gives his daughter’s hand to you.like that you give your daughter, the bride’s hand to me the bridegroom.And bless us with many children.

The meaning of the second manthram is

Oh! Agni Bhagavane! You heard me!you conceded and made her as my wife. I am blessed.Now I live long to my full term of hundred years.

The meaning of third manthram is

Oh! Agni Bhagavane!At times when we face our enemies you give as full strength to defeat them like the flood in the river washes out all the dirt on its way.

After concluding. He looks at Sambandha Peruman.

Perumanare! As I told  now you  take three turns of Agni receiting the manthrams. And end the rituals with aaguthi put on the holy fire.

Sambandha Peruman looks at the crowd.

His face looks stern.

Oh! Elders! Listen now what I am going to say.

The great sage Vishwamithrar gave this world his precious Gayathri manthram to this world.

It says that the one which creates, protects,and destroys it at appropriate time and engulf everything that stands around as endless light that is peroli.It is the duty of everybody to meditate the peroli in their mind and pray to Him to wash out all the karmas he earned.That peroli is nothing but Ongharam ie OHM!

Ohm is mothing but Sivam.

He is the earth!

He is the wind!

He is the water!

He is the Prabanjam!

He is the Agni!

If at all I need to go round the yagakundam to seek the blessings of Agni I  will do it right now by going around Sivam, en appan.

I ask the elders a question.

Is there a better aaguthi to be offered than we ourselves?

The elders are all bewildered!

They do not understand the actions of Peruman.

They all stay dump.

ThiruGyanaSambandhar holding his wife’s right hand walks out of the kalana media and proceeds to Perumanakoil by walking.

Looking his son leaves with his wife and proceeds to temple, Sivapadhahiruddayar along with his wife

Accompany him with folded hands.

Similarly Nambiyandar Nambi with his wife starts following them.

Also Neelanakka Nayanar with his wife and ThiruMuruganayanar follow them.

Just behind them thiru Neelakanda Yazhpanar with his associates and kaththa peruman the keeper of all the palm leaves that inscribed with permanar pathigangal are seen.

The devotees  shouting hara hara manthram are following them behind.

Annai Bhoomadevi with folded hands follows the crowd.

Annai Parvathi who fed Her blessed son with Milk that imparted the wisdom at his age of three also walks along with the crowd.

Easan em peruman also walks along!

Behind Him mukkodi thevargal and munivergal follow the procession.

SambandhaPeruman  still withholding his wife’s hand enters the temple.There they reach the sannathi and Peruman looks at Easan.

His eyes are filled with water.

Peruman sings.

“காதலாகிக்கசிந்து…

The moment Peruman starts singing Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar  is supporting him with his musical instrument yazh.

The word is so meaningful, the very mention of that word creates tinkles in every body listening.

Next word comes out.

கண்ணீர்மல்கி…

The very mention of that word every body starts shedding tears.

ஒதுவார்தமைநன்நெறிக்குய்ப்பது,

வேதம்நான்கினும்மெய்ப்பொருளாவது,

நாதன்நாமம்நமச்சிவாயவே!

நாதன்நாமம்நமச்சிவாயவே!

நாதன்நாமம்நமச்சிவாயவே!”

By concluding his first song,

He says to the world that…

with true love and affection  if one recites Namachivaya manthram the One who stands above all the four vedhas and who is the Meiporul(the standing truth of four vedhas) will  guide him into the right path.

Songs are pouring out from the mouth of Peruman and the last one of the pathigam he communicates to the entire world that…

Those who really understand the true value of his pathigams will stay out of misery of worldly order.

Then Sambandha Peruman looks at Easun.

He still holding the hands of his wife pleads to Him,

The time has come to unify with the great Lord…

Those who understands the meaning of the song starts crying out of ecstasy.

At that very moment Easan is addressing his pillaiyar!

My dear Rarest in rarest! I granted all what you wish!You want to end your earthly presence and  now asking me to appear as Peroli! Will I refuse to grant the same? As you wish I now stand before you!

The very moment Sannathi opens up into two halves and a huge fire raises from it and its bottom touched the earth and its flame touches skyhigh .

Mangala vathyangal start playing.

Vedha manthrangal is heard everywhere.

The conch raises its samhara sound that fills the entire world.

 Easun speaks to his holy son.

Sambandha!My son , the one who drank the wisdom milk from your mother Parvathi!As you wish you turn around Me three times holding your dear wife’s hand and be become aghuthi and unit with Us. Your name and fame will remain as long as the earth exists.Those who worship me will worship you.

Now I see many of your devotees want to merge with Us. I invite them all.

On hearing Sivapadhahirudaiyar with folded hands addresses to Easun.

Oh! My Lord! At the age of three I asked a question to Sambandhan as to who gave you the milk?

He didn’t answer directly. But he started singing with his first word Thodudaiya seviyan.To day at the end he concludes his own statement by saying  Namachivayave! Thus he answered now my question by saying Thodudaiya seviyan Namachivayave!

With that saying Sivapadhahirudayar takes his wife’s hand,  together they enter into the peroli.

Similarly Nambiyandar Nambi with his wife enters the peroli!

Thiruneelanakka Nayanar holding his wife’s hand enters the jothi follow suit Thirumuruga Nayanar.

Then Thiru Neelakanda Yazhpanar with folded hands along with his team enters.

 The next one Kaththa Peruman !

He comes and stands in front of Perumanar. Since then he carried the palm leaves in which 4147 Pathigangal inscribed.He hands  them over to koil Gurukkal.Then he comes forward and take three turns with folded hand around SambandhaPeruman.Then shouting  Ohm Namachivaya manthram,  he enters the Agni. 

Next  the pallakku sumakkum adiyavargal approach Peruman and worship him.

Then they also enter the Agni.

Likewise those who participated from six sects of Shanadhana Tharmam follow suit.

Finally,

ThirugynanaSambandhar addresses Easun!

Andasarasrare!Agayamaga Nirpavare! Because of the moments of various kiragangal as a sound, uyir vazha kaatrum neerum thanthu mannil sennira Theeyaga Nirpavare! Idho! Me and my wife are ready to present ourselves as the aaguthi.Please accept us!

Ohm is nothing but sivam!Sivame Ohm!

Ohm Namasivaya!

Ohm Namasivaya!

Ohm Namasivaya!

By saying he turns around the Agni Jothi three times.

With auspicious musical sounds and vedha koshangal,

He enters with his wife in the Agni Jothi.

The Deva and Asura Ganas play their respective instruments and create auspicious sounds.

The heavens open up in a shower of flowers.

The Sannadhi that split into two rejoins as one as before.

The Omkaram is reverberating everywhere.

Thiruchchitrambalam