Thirukuripputhonda Nayanar

2

Thirukuripputhonda Nayanar

Ekambarar Thirukkovil of Kanchipuram…

Evening time…

A large crowd has assembled in the front Mantapam in great anxiety. 

A Thuraviyar arrives with his disciples to the accompaniment of blowing of conch shell.

 All the people stand up and bow to him as a mark of reverence. After blessing them, the Thuraviyar takes his seat and signals the crowd to resume their seats. With folded hands his disciples stand a little distance away. The Thuraviyar looks around   searching for someone. He becomes very pleased on seeing a half clothed lonely man   hiding behind a pillar with his hands folded in piety. Without taking his eyes off him…

Thuraviyar (to himself)

Mahane! I have come here only for your sake… The time has come for you to know about yourself!

Taking his eyes off him, he looks at the crowd.

Thuraviyar

 I know about all of you… Is there any one here who knows who I am?

The Temple in Charge gets up hesitantly.

The Temple in Charge (unable to contain his amazement)

Thuraviyare! We are seeing you for the first time today. How is that possible that you know about all of us?

The Chief disciple comes forward to answer this question.

The Chief disciple

Our great Guru comes from the Himalayas where the sacred Ganga originates! It is covered in snow throughout the year! He undergoes severe penance there in the open… As he is covered in snow people call our great Guru as “Panithalayar”.  There will be always people waiting for him to open his eyes and give them darisanam. As he opens his eyes, he will surprise everyone by hailing the person in front by his name. There is nothing surprising in this because a Gyani will know everything about the person in front him… his name.. from where he comes from… what is his destiny etc. Our Guru is a great Gyani!

The Chief disciple goes back to his place.

The people seated in front try to touch the feet of the Thuraviyar creating a little commotion. The Temple in charge intervenes and restores order asking everyone to resume their seats.  All of them resume their seats except a youth who remains standing. The Thuraviyar   looks at that youth. 

The youth

Thuraviyare! One can accept a thing as truth only after he sees and experiences it. Though it is amazing to hear that   a person is capable of calling out the name of the person in front as he opens his eyes after  keeping them shut for a long time, it is not appealing to my intelligence. The claim to announce all the details of an unknown person, is unbelievable not only to me but for many in this congregation.

He points with his index finger the person   seated half hidden behind the pillar.

The youth (continues)

Can you tell as to who that person seated behind the pillar is and what does he do for his living?

 The crowd looks in the direction pointed by the youth. The person seated there gets up highly embarrassed and bows to the Thuraviyar. The Thuraviyar looks at the youth in great compassion.

Thuraviyar

You revere your parents as they have given you your body and life but you refuse to revere Easan who has given us this entire universe and all the creatures! Isn’t it odd, Susruta?

The youth expresses both amazement and wonder at the same time!

Thuraviyar

Now, I will answer your questions.

He looks at the man as he stands with his body bent and feeling shy to look at the crowd with great compassion.

Thuraviyar

This servitor standing here is Bakthanukkadiyan. He is a gem of man born in the caste of Ekaliyar.

The job he undertakes and what I do are one and the same…

With their jaws dropped in amazement, the crowd looks at the Thuraviyar.

 Thuraviyar (continues)

As he is called “Vannan” by his trade of washer man, he has even forgotten his actual name of Bakthanukkadiyan. As he removes the dirt from your clothes, I have come here to remove the dirt from your thoughts. His job is very much akin to what the Gyanis do!

The youth, who posed the question rushes ahead and prostrates in front of the Thuraviyar.  Copious tears run down his cheeks. As the Thuraviyar blesses the youth, the people realise that the Thuraviyar is an extraordinary Gyani!

The youth goes back to his place and Bakthanukkadiyan also takes back his seat.  The people are eagerly waiting to hear what the Thuraviyar is going to speak further.

Thuraviyar

Makkale!  You all know that self-manifested Easan here is Ekambarar.. But are you aware that he has another name as Kuzhaindhasamy?

No one gets up to answer.

Thuraviyar

Easan’s heart melted (Kuzhaindhu) when Annai embraced him leaving impressions of Her forehead, the bangles worn on Her hands and the teats of Her breasts on His body.

 He closes his eyes and meditates on Kailayam.  As he opens his eyes after a few seconds, a few in the crowd stand up.  

One of them (surprised)

 Are there marks on the sacred body of Easan?   Even though being local we are not aware of this! 

The Temple in Charge

What the Thuraviyar said is true!  There are marks impressed on the body of Easan. All these days, I have been thinking that it may be due to poor workmanship of the sculptor who sculpted it… Only now, I learn that they are the impressions of Annai’s forehead, bangles and teats.

 Looking at the Thuraviyar, he continues…

The Temple in Charge

Gyaniyare! I am very curious like all of the people here to know the reason for Easan having these marks. Kindly tell us.

As he takes his seat, the Thuraviyar narrates.

    ********

Thirukkailayam..

 Seeing Easan is in deep meditation, Annai who comes there gives a playful smile...  Tiptoeing slowly, She comes behind Easan and covers His eyes with Her palms in fun! 

Instantly, the whole universe plunges into darkness. Agonising wails in fear are heard from all over the seven worlds. Shocked, Annai takes away Her hands. The seven worlds return to normal again. Ashamed of Her folly, Annai bows Her head down. Easan looks at Annai in extreme sorrow which makes Annai greatly surprised.

 Annai (with her hands folded and praying)

Iraiva! Infatuated by You, I shut your eyes... I have now learnt Easan and the entire universe are one and the same.... Kindly pardon My mistake...

A few drops of tears roll down from Easan’s eyes which turn into Rudraksharams.  Seeing them Annai is highly agonised.

Annai

Iraiva!  It is I who committed the blunder... Why should you feel sorry and shed tears for that?

Easan

 I feel sad because the one who commits mistake has to undergo punishment as reparation. 

Annai (shocked)

 Is there a punishment?

Easan (sorrowfully)

As You made the mistake due to Your lust for Me, You have to separate from Me as a punishment.

Annai (shedding tears)

 What? How can I ever live separated from You?

Easan

 I am also liable to undergo punishment, being the reason for your mistake! That is to live separate from You!

Easan vanishes from there leaving a bewildered Annai who stands there all alone not knowing what to do further. 

 Shortly thereafter, the seven great sages reach there and bow to Annai who in return bows to them. There is unfathomable sadness in Her eyes as She looks at them.

Vasishtar

When the seven worlds of this universe plunged into darkness, we came running here to know its cause.   We are shocked to know of its reason and the consequent developments that you have to separate from Easan and Easan has to live alone. We are very much grieved.

Annai

Mahamuniye!  Only you can guide Me to overcome this trouble!   

Vasishtar

Annaye! You must go south and reach Kadambavanam. There you must fabricate and install Easan and pray to Him.  Easan will reunite with Annai at the appropriate time.

Annai bows to the sages and vanishes in the sky.

    *******

 Annai reaches Kadambavanam.  Kambai River is meandering peacefully.... Looking for a suitable place    along its banks, She selects a sandy patch and creates a Lingam out of the river sand with Her own hands.

Easan is established in the sacred form of Lingam.  After doing puja, she closes Her eyes and goes into deep penance.

The time passes and years roll by...

Realising that the time has come to reunite with Annai, Easan is exhilarated.  As a result all the rivers are in spate.  Kambai is no exception. The sudden floods in the river breach its banks and enter Kadambavanam. As the water wets the seated Annai in penance, she opens Her eyes with a start. Fearing that the flood waters may wash way the Easan’s idol, she hugs it intimately. Her forehead, the bangles worn on Her hands and the teats of Her breasts leave their impressions on the wet sandy body of Easan.   Bound by Her love, Easan appears there. 

Easan

Annaye! Bound by Your immense love, I shall remain here in this sandy form as Kuzhaindhasamy with all these impressions forever.. You will remain beside Me as Kamatchi.   This holy place will be one of the Panchabhootha Kshetram representing Bhumi (Earth). Whosoever comes to this Kshetram will obtain Mukti.

 Annai reunites with Easan....

   ******

 In the Ekambarar Temple, the crowd goes ecstatic listening to the narration of the Thuraviyar.

Thuraviyar

The episode I narrated not only brings out that anyone who steps his foot here will attain Mukti, but also brings out another fact...

The crowd eagerly awaits to hear as to what he is going to say next...

Thuraviyar

Here, Annai Kamatchi is Pasu...  The lingam she embraced is Pathy...  Because of the union of these two, Iraivan became Pasupathy.  It is only to highlight the “Lingathatvam’ that Annai is described to have discarded Her bodily impressions and embraced the Godly Pathy.

 It is not Annai alone but people from all walks of life have united with Easan.  Those who have been graced to unite with Easan are said to have reached the status of Nayanmars. Union with Easan can be attained in one of the following three ways, namely Guru, Lingam and Sangamam. I will explain these now.

On seeing Bakthanukkadiyan who is listening intently with his eyes closed, he continues with a broad smile.

Thuraviyar

Only those who realise the true import of ‘Siva Gyana Bhodham’ through the grace of a Guru, can attain

the union with Iraivan.  Here Sivam implies becoming ‘Meiporul’.... To be aware of it alone is Gyanam...  To assimilate and uphold it principles in life is Bhodham...  Now I will tell you the names of persons who attained Mukti through the path shown by their gurus. Appudhi Adigal who took Thirunavukkarasar as his guru... Kulachchirayar, Mangayarkarasiyar, Ninra Seer Nedumara Nayanar and Thiruneelakantar who took Thirugyanasambandar as their guru... Thirumoolar, Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugyanasambandar and Manickkavachagar who took Easan Himself as their Guru attained the greatness of eternal union with Easan.

Those who attained Mukti through the path of Lingam include Athipaththa Nayanar, Arivattaya Nayanar, Kannappa Nayanar, Yeyarkone Kalikkama Nayanar, Kungiliya kalaya Nayanar, Chandeswara Nayanar, Dhandi Adigal, Thirunalaipovar Nayanar, Thiruneelanakka Nayanar and Naminandhi Adigal. 

 The third Sangamam way of attaining Mukti is by being a servitor of Adiyavars considering it to be in the service of Easan Himself. Karaikkal Ammayar, Yenadhi Nayanar, Viranmindar Nayanar, Meiporul Nayanar, Munaiaduvar Nayanar, Ilayankudimara Nayanar and Amarneedhi Nayanar are all belong to this category.

I will narrate the story of a palm tree climber, known as Yenadhi Nayanar, who merged unto Easan as one, through the path of Sangamam...

 Thuraviyar narrates the episode of Yenadhi Nayanar. 

As he Thuraviyar ends the narration, the audience   starts repeating panchaksharam, “Om Namasivaya” voluntarily. The disciples of the Thuraviyar blow the conches and the sound of ‘Om’ reverberates in the mantapam. The youth who posed the question to the Thuraviyar gets up. On seeing him, the crowd goes silent eager to hear what he is going to say.

 The Youth (excitedly)

 We were under a false notion that only higher caste people have the right to think, talk and merge unto Easan. From the story of Yenadhi Nayanar, we have learnt that Easan will come rushing to the aid of his adiyavar irrespective of his status in the society and also that in the eyes of Easan all are equal. Emperuman who have given darisanam to a potter, hunter and a tree climber   will grant such a grace to me also. He will grant Mukti to people like us also...   I and everyone in this village will never forget you for showing right path to attain mukti.    

He bows to Thuraviyar and takes his leave. All others also leave the mantapam one by one after paying their respects to the Thuraviyar.  Bakthanukkadiyan is the last one to take leave.

Bakthanukkadiyan

Perumane! Please let me hold your feet on my head for you have given downtrodden people like us a hope that we too can attain Mukti.

He goes on his knees in front of the Thuraviyar and places his feet on his head. The temple bells toll resoundingly as he does. The Thuraviyar blesses him raising his hand.

   ******

That night...

Bakthanukkadiyan tries to sleep keeping his hands as support. The sleep eludes him as the words of Thuraviyar keeps repeating in his ears.

Bakthanukkadiyan (to himself)

 Yenadhi Nayanar is to be worshipped for ever as he made the world realise that   by just smearing Thiruneeru on ones forehead, one raises to the level of an Adiyavar and such adiyavar has to be protected from any infamy even at the cost of one’s life. I must also do something in the service of adiyavars from now on.

He closes his eyes and falls into deep sleep.

   ****

 Next morning...

He is walking towards the Kambai River carrying the bundled dirty clothes on his back. As he reaches the entrance of the Ekambarar Temple, he drops the bundle and stands with his hands raised above his head    in great reverence looking at the temple gopuram. An Adiyavar sporting Thiruneeru reaches there carrying a small bundle of clothes.

Adiyavar

Ayya! I am new to this town. Can you tell me the way to the river?

Bakthanukkadiyan (after bowing to the Adiyavar)

Adiyavare! Salutations to you! I wash the clothes of the people here... I am going to the river for that very purpose.  I will take you there .You may please come along with me. By the way... Where are you from? 

Adiyavar

I have gone to Thirukkalaththi to have darisanam of Easan there and have come here to have the darisanam of Ekambaranathar.

Bakthanukkadiyan

What is Thirukkalaththi famous for?

Adiyavar (surprised)

Aren’t you aware of its greatness which is not far from Kanchi? This is the place where Easan gave Mukti to the hunter Kannappar! The brightest of the three eyes of Easan is the one given by Kannappar! He offered his eye to Easan!

Bakthanukkadiyan (amazed)

Is that so? I know that people offer flowers and fruits to Easan.  Has Kannappar offered his eye itself?

Adiyavar

 Iraivan has given us this body, life and Aanma! So He is the owner of these things! Is it not our duty to return His belongings to Him?

He   says “Om Namasivaya” loudly and Bakthanukkadiyan repeats it after him.

Bakthanukkadiyan

 Adiyavare! If you do not mind to hand over your clothes I will wash and   clean them free of dirt and hand it over to you after drying them.

Adiyavar

Ayya!  As I consider the sacred feet as my only refuge, I do not keep any money or gold with me.  I regret that I do not have anything to pay you for your work.

Bakthanukkadiyan (surprised)

Aren’t you keeping any gold or other goods? How do you then live? 

Adiyavar laughs aloud hearing this.

Adiyavar

Do we need food to live or gold and riches to live?

Bakthanukkadiyan

But to buy food, one needs gold!

Adiyavar

That is for common folks!    Adiyavars do not need gold or other riches... While we do not beg for food, we do not reject food offered to us willingly... Will not Easan, who takes good care of all creatures in this universe, look after us?

Bakthanukkadiyan (in a firm tone)

Yesterday, I learnt of the glory of adiyavars in the temple.... Today, because of you, I have understood what service I must render to adiyavars! Adiyavare! From now on, I will wash and clean the clothes of any adiyavar without asking for any wages... Not only that... I will first wash the clothes of adiyavar and then only take up the washing of others clothes... I take this vow in the name of Ekambaranathar! 

Adiyavar

As you have taken a vow not to take any wages from Adiyavars as you have discerned that they do not have gold or other goods, you will henceforth be called as Thirukuripputhondar (the one who has discerned) by everyone.

At that very moment, the bells of Ekambaranathar temple toll resoundingly to a beaming Adiyavar.

     *****

The time passes by...

Thirukuripputhondar, sporting Thiruneeru on his forehead and carrying the bundle of clothes on his back for washing is walking towards the river as per his daily routine....  having realised his greatness, the villagers,  who used to shun him and avoid his contact earlier are now leaving him way respectfully. But it makes no difference to him as he is unaware of any changes in their attitude. His only concern is to look for any adiyavar so that he can collect his clothes for washing them first as per his vow. On seeing an adiyavar, he feels relieved and runs to him to gather his clothes. After washing, drying and folding them, he hands them over to the adiyavar who blesses him.

  ******

 Thirukkailayam..

Easan is preparing to leave. Annai looks at the Lord of the entire universe who has disguised Himself as famished adiyavar sporting a heavily matted hair, body smeared and covered fully with ash, wearing tattered and soiled clothes.

Annai

Why have You disguised as a mendicant doing penance?

Ayyan

Only We and the people of Kanchi know of Thirukuripputhondar. Shouldn’t he become well known throughout the world?

Annai  

But why must you be in this disguise for that?

Ayyan

When a hero is called a super hero?

Annai  

When he gives scant worry even for his own life to fulfill an undertaking he has started,  a hero becomes a super hero!

Ayyan

Similarly, those who undertake a penance to unite with Me, give scant regard for their body, life and Aanma and think only of Me forsaking their food and sleep become super saints. Because of their shabby appearance and skeletal body due to lack of food, people   get scared when they see them. They never think of eating even when they are hungry... They discard even their clothes and keep themselves secluded from distraction to meditate on Us all the time... If at any time, they need to interact with people, they will wear dirty and tattered clothes! They do not even bother to clean the clothes they wear... I have a    reason for   to go to My adiyavar disguised like one of them....

So saying He vanishes in the air...

    *******

That day...

Thirukuripputhondar is waiting in front of the Ekambarar temple looking for any Adiyavar to take his clothes for washing as per his vow.  No adiyavar seems to be around as if to test him.

Thirukuripputhondar (to himself)

 From the day I have taken the vow, I have taken up the washing of the others’ clothes only after finished washing the clothes of at least one Adiyavar, so far. But today even after a long time after the day break, not a single Adiyavar is seen around anywhere here... If I am not able to return the clothes of the villagers after washing them by evening, I will be breaking my promise!   Iraiva! Emperumane! Only You can come to my rescue.

Hearing his plea, Emperuman in the disguise of an elderly adiyavar in tattered and dirty clothes comes there stumbling in his walk. On seeing Him, Thirukuripputhondar runs to Him and catches hold of his feet. Tears roll down his eyes.

Thirukuripputhondar

Perumane! You have come here to save me from defaulting in my vow.  Your ash smeared body exhilarates me! Your matted hair which is a feast to my eyes, reminds me of Natesan of Thillai! Ayyare!

Why are looking so thin?

He bows to adiyavar and keeps standing with his palms joined in reverence. The Adiyavar looks at him with great compassion and rises to bless him.

Thirukuripputhondar

I take it as my duty to wash and clean the clothes of adiyavar every day. I blessed to be of service to You today! Oh! Great saint! Please hand over your clothes for washing..

Iraivan looks at the soiled clothes he is wearing.

Easan

 For the past few years, I am unable to bear the cold.  After sunset, this is what protects me! To beg for another one is not agreeable to Me! So, you please leave Me alone and let Me go My way.

As Easan walks ahead, Thirukuripputhondar follows Him greatly perturbed and pleads.

Thirukuripputhondar

Ayyare! Please hand over your cloth. I will clean it without delay and return it to you before sunset definitely.

 Easan (acting as if half-hearted)

This cloth is soiled terribly and it is impossible to clean it fully. Still, since you are insisting, I am giving this to you for washing! If you do not return it for use before sunset, you will be doing a great harm to this body of Mine!

He takes of the upper clothe wrapped around his waist and hands it over to him. Thirukuripputhondar, on receiving it rushes to the river bank as Easan in disguise disappears.

On the river bank,   Thirukuripputhondar starts washing the cloth of the adiyavar. In spite of many attempts, the dirt refuses to part with the cloth.

Thirukuripputhondar (to himself)

The dirt may dissolve if I steam it! It is already midday. If I light the stove now and boil the water to steam it, I will be able to return the cloth dried before sunset.

He lights up the stove and keeps the cloth on the pot. A sudden gust of wind puts off the stove. Before he realises, there is a sudden downpour. He picks up the rag in his hands and waits for the rain to stop to light the stove again. But there is no let up of the rain.

The time flies.

Thirukuripputhondar(with lot of concern)

Ayyo! I have given my word that I will return the cloth duly cleaned before sunset! Adiyavar  was also reluctant to part with his clothe. Now, I will not be able to keep up my promise. He even warned that I would be harming him if I could not return the clothe today!   I have become responsible for the Adiyavar’s discomfort! Having committed a sacrilege of Sivan, how can I remain alive?

Once a thought has come he comes out from the shade and goes to the stone which he normally uses for washing the clothes.

As he tries to give up his life by banging his head on the washing stone, the sacred arm of Iraivan stops him from doing so.

There is a resounding   noise of conch shells. The heavens stop the pouring rain and instead shower flowers. Seeing the rain of flowers, the people of Kanchi run to the riverbank.

 Seated on the Nandi vahanam, Ayyan and Annai appear in the sky.  Exhilarated, Thirukuripputhondar and the people, bow to Easan in great piety.

 Iraivan

Thirukuripputhonda Nayanare! I enacted this drama only to publicize your fame in all the three worlds.  From now onwards, You will remain united with me for ever! Your name will remain as long as this world remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well.

As Easan blesses him, Thirukuripputhonda Nayanar, raises his hands above his head and chants aloud  “Om Namasivaya.”

He merges unto a great Jyothi of Easan that erupts there to the reverberating sound of “Om” which permeates the entire universe.

Thiruchchitrambalam