We have learned about the God who has sixteen different weapons and having a happy life... For what reasons, Vishnu, who is claimed to be capable of accomplishing difficult tasks, soaked in love from head to toe... and as per 'Vedham' He has peaceful image, he needs so many different weapons? Leave Vishnu alone... If all the other deities are teaching love, why do they need these weapons to accomplish their tasks. Here again, the humanistic worship plays a role. How?... Only when the early man was scared, he believed in God. The very first, fast heart pounding that was excited by the thought that someone may be capable of destroying him, was the reason for creating God. During the prehistoric days... when the man was performing idol worship, he did not just configure the shape of God, with the human figure alone. If he has to protect us... what is the use of Him just sitting empty handed? We need to furnish Him, the same weapons, we use to destroy our enemies. They believed, that by providing these weapons, He will definitely protect us. The 'Chakkaraayudham' is described in 'Vedham' as Agni (fire). All other weapons such as conch etc., were used by the men of the primitive culture. They are the one furnished all these powerful weapons to God.
In 'puranic' stories, these weapons were elevated to very high esteem. To destroy the evil doers, the God, was using various weapons of mass destruction. I need to tell you, at this point, one more important matter. All these primitive weapons were made of gold and gold alone. Because, in those days, gold was available without any scarcity. In 'Vedham' itself, the importance of gold, has been greatly emphasized. When I was talking about the 'women of Vedic days' I said that women arrived for festivities with their entire body covered with shining gold ornaments. Do you recollect this fact? Similarly, during the Vedic days, the gold was extensively used for another important purpose. What purpose?... 'Dhatchanai' (gift). But before that...
The most important aspect of 'Vedham' is the 'yaagam'. Only Brahmins can perform these 'yaagams'. Brahmins may be termed as 'mantra labors'. 'Vedham' encompasses six parts. The part that deals with pronunciation of the Vedic words is called 'Sikshaa' and this is the first part. The second part deals with linguistics and is called 'vyaakaranam'. That part dealing with grammer is called 'Santhasoo'. The part that deals with the origination of words is called 'Niruptham'. That part that predicts the future is called 'Jothisham'. How to conduct each of the 'yaagams', that is described in the 'Vedham' is called 'Kalpam'. All these parts shall be learned before conducting a 'yaagam'. Conducting the 'yaagam' shall be learned, standing infront of fire, and reciting the appropriate mantras. Would anyone go through this endeavor for free? Shouldn't they be compensated? Shouldn't they get a fee for services? They shall be paid a salary. Isn't it? This compensation is called 'Dhatchanai'. The salary paid to conduct 'yaagam' is called 'Dhatchanai'!
I have talked about, in the early chapters of this series, about a particular 'yaagam' called 'asuvamedha yaagam'. In that, the Brahmins conduct this 'yaagam' for the benefit of the Kings... and the Brahmins take with them, as 'Dhatchanai', the queens and pricesses of the kings household. The priests spend their nights in 'Raajasukham' (intercourse) with queens and princesses and send them back to the palace. Thus... as, an apropriate 'Dhatchanai' was established for each 'yaagam'... an exceptional 'yaagam' exists, called 'Chaththira yaagam'. What is 'Chaththira yaagam'? This 'yaagam', in which, several people assembled in a place, several days, if not, several years and is conducted for the welfare of the world. For each of the 'yaagam' they will erect an 'Agni Kundam' (fire pit) and sacrifice various substances as prescribed by the Vedic rules. Just like 'Dhatchanai', what are the articles the sponsors of the 'yaagam' (Ejamaanar), should donate?
Housing, a campus for performing the 'yaagam' including cooking and dining facility, living quarters and all other facilities needed to successfully concluding the 'yaagam'. Whatever 'Dhatchanai' to be offered to the priests, shall be devoted, to the use of 'yaagam' itself. Only those facilities dedicated to this 'yaagam' such as houses, 'ashrams' (campus) and the palaces shall be used by everyone attending and conducting the 'yaagam'. Anyone can reside in these facilities. Those facilities donated for 'yaagam' such as houses, 'ashrams' and living quarters are later on called as 'Chaththiram'. Only for the 'Chaththira yaagam', no 'Dhatchanai' will be offered to the priests, as this this 'yaagam' is conducted for everyone's welfare, including the priests.
O.K... You may wonder... he was talking about gold and why is he suddenly changed his course to 'Dhatchanai'. There is relationship. Haven't I talked about the importance of gold in 'Vedham'? The same degree of importance, is also granted in 'Vedham', for those who conducts 'yaagam'. The 'Dhatchanai' for those who conducts 'yaagam' shall be only gold. They shall not be given any other metals. 'Vedham' has drawn up the line, based on the valuableness of gold, that gold is the only suitable metal for 'Dhatchanai'. Even for that there is a reason. When Brammaa created 'Rudhran'... as soon as the baby landed in this world it cried with sound 'ingee'. It was not an ordinary crying. It was very scary howling. 'Rodhanam' means crying. Since he continued his crying, he was named 'Rudhran'. That 'Rudhran's tears ... I have told you, that ever since 'Rudhran' was born, he continued his crying. The fifth part, in the first section of 'Yajur Vedham' is where the tears of 'Rudhran' is explained in detail. We cannot isolate ourselves as if it does not affect us, whether, 'Rudhran' cries or he laughs. You talked about 'Dhatchanai'. Later on you talked about gold?... Now all of a sudden, why about the tears of 'Rudhran'?...You may ask. The crying of 'Rudhran' was in a way to make the Brahmins laugh. Why?... How?... As 'Rudhran' was crying, doesn't he sheds tear drops?... Those drops were frozen and became a metal. What metal?... It became silver. In essence, the tear drop of 'Rudhran' is the silver. We have already seen, what kind of person 'Rudhran' was. He was cruel, trouble maker and tortures people. Sum total, according to 'Vedham' he was an 'Ayogyan' (brutal individual). Silver is Rudhran's tear drops. Hence, that metal shall not be given as 'Dhatchanai' to the Brahmins who conducts the 'yaagam'. One should not accept silver as 'Dhatchanai' either. Hence, the 'Vedham' advocates that one should accept only gold as the 'Dhatchanai'. Even today, the Brahmins do not accept silver articles as 'Dhatchanai' for homam. Either money or gold only will be accepted. Probably, now you will understand... How the tears of 'Rudhran', made the Brahmins conducting 'yaagam' laughing, all the way to the bank.
The Vedic priests knew that gold is more valuable than silver, and hence, they were holding to gold as the standard for 'Dhatchanai' and let the silver go on the wayside. If they ask "Don't give me silver and give only gold for me"... will any one heed to their request? That is the reason they made 'Rudhran' cry. From his eyes they dropped silver tears. 'Dhatchanai' has yet another status... 'Bhaagavatham' gives an example. If one considers God as the 'yagnayam' (yaagam)... then 'Dhatchanai' is the God's wife Goddess. If I expound further... 'Yaagam' is taking place. Consider that 'yaagam' is the God. Then, the wife of that God is the 'Dhatchanai'. If we expand yet farther... How a God suffers without Goddess... likewise 'yaagam' without 'Dhatchanai'. Using whatever analogies necessary to absolutely get the 'Dhatchanai'... the 'Dhatchanai' was elevated to the status of 'Bhagawaan's Paththini' (God's wife). This was called by 'Bramma Sooththirar'... the fee for 'yaagam'. 'Dhatchanai' is offerred only after the 'yaagam' is performed. However, I have told you about the 'Dhatchanai' first before talking about the 'yaagam' itself.
What is the importance of 'yaagam'?... The life long task of Brahmins is nothing but performing 'yaagam'. They must be walking only within the 'yaaga saalai' (shed constructed to perform yaagam). The Brahmins used to perform 'yaagam' for all classes of people, from the king of the land to the lowest level caste person, who happened to be a day labor in the agricultural community, and receive 'Dhatchanai' for the same. During the 'yaagam' even the king himself will be humbly and politely sits infront of a Brahmin. If you ask why... "Thasmaathu somaraajaanaahaa Braammanaahaa.." What does that mean?... "You all a king and he is ruling over you. However, he is not king for us. We are not bound by this king from 'Kshathriyaa' caste. We are Brahmins. We are higher than this king. Hence, your king is only below our caste. Our king is 'Somaraajaa' only". This is the meaning of this short mantra. Thus, even if the king is put into a demeaning position by the Brahmins... just think of the fate of the other castes.
What is the expected benefit to be received by conducting 'yaagam'?... 'Yaagams' may be conducted for the general welfare of the society. Some 'yaagams' are conducted to gain sons and daughters. The most important benefit of conducting 'yaagam'... is to get rid of our 'paavam' (sin). (Really, I need to tell you so much about 'paavam' and I will talk about it next.). The 'yaagam' called 'Agnihothram' is self performed for their own welfare. 'Dhatchanai' for this 'yaagam' has to be paid to self. 'Yaagam' called 'Dharshampoornamaasam' is performed based on full moon and new moon. 'Dharsham' is new moon, 'Poornam' is full moon. Do you know the 'Dhatchanai' for this 'yaagam'?... 'Annaahaaryam'. That is, the food served after the 'yaagam' itself, is the 'Dhatchanai'. Likewise, there are many more 'yaagams' and of course, many more varieties of 'Dhatchanais'. One single person, is not able to conduct the 'yaagam', by himself. Most of the time, several priests form a group, and the group collectively conducts the 'yaagam'. Hence, the 'Dhatchanai' also given as bulk, to the entire group. Besides the gold, 'Dhatchanai' may also be gifted as one hundred cows, one thousand cows, one hundred calves or one thousand calves."Has the 'yaagam' concluded?... Give them 1000 'nishkam' ". 'Nishkam' means... 'Nishkam' means... coins. Gold coins. The gold coins under circulation during the Vedic and post-Vedic period was called 'nishkam'. After the conclusion of a 'yaagam', they Brahmins get not only the articles made of gold but also they used to get 'nishkams'. "For God, please bring 1000 'nishkam'...", such loud requests will pop up during the 'yaagam'. If the 'yaagam' was sponsored by the kings, the priests will request bountiful 'nishkam'. If it was sponsored by others, the amount of 'nishkam' demanded will be adjusted accordingly. O.K... I have told you that, the 'yaagams' are conducted, to get rid of the 'paavam' (sins) and that I will explain to you in detail about various 'paavams'. What is 'paavam'?... Just like God, who is omni present and He is all around us, the 'paavam' also surrounds all of us. That is, every act that we executes is called a sin. For example, suppose, we buy a snack and eat them. This snack could have been bought by someone else to suppress his hunger. However, we bought it ahead of him, and deprived of him the opportunity and we became the cause for his continued hunger. Hence, we have committed a 'paavam'. The very air, that we are breathing at this moment, may belong to someone else, needing it for his/her survival. We stole it from them and consumed it. Hence it is also a 'paavam'. Suppose, in this world, you are travelling in a bus. You found a seat to sit and travelling. This also constitutes a form of 'paavam'. While others are travelling standing in a bus, if you sit and travel, you have deprived their opportunity to travel comfortably. Even if you travel standing in a bus, that may also constitute a 'paavam' as you may have denied the opportunity for someone else to get into this bus and travel. Aren't you actually standing at a location, where another person, was hoping to be standing and travel?... Thus, there are several categories of 'paavam'. The energy of 'paavam' is kept on thriving around us relentlessly. Hence, to get rid of that 'paavam', we must perform 'yaagam'.
While the Brahmins are conducting it... the 'paavam' gets converted to 'agni' (fire)... During the performance of 'yaagam', all the 'paavam' gets attracted towards the Brahmins conducting the 'yaagam'. In addition, they are also getting 'Dhatchanai' for performing the 'yaagam' which also brings them additional 'paavam'. All the 'paavam' extracted from the sponsor, plus that of the Brahmin, together gets destroyed while reciting the Vedic mantras. That is why, 'Vedham' advocates that, if you want to get rid of your 'paavam', then go to a Brahmin and let him conduct, an appropriate 'yaagam' for you. Christianity advocates the same retribution. However, several thousand years before Christ, 'Vedham' has advocated the forgiveness of sin by the priests. Without knowing this fact from the 'Vedham', today's reigning head of the Kaanchi mutt, 'Periyavar' Jayendhirar asked "Christianity what Christianity?... after committing the sin, whatever nature of the sin committed... it claims, that sin can be nullified. If that is so, does it advocates committing sin?".
Can you recall that, earlier when I was talking about the duties of a Brahmin, they perform a daily ritual called 'Sandhiyaa Vandhanam'?... There is a close relationship between that and the 'yaagam'. The rule is that a Brahmin shall perform the 'Sandhiyaa Vandhanam' ritual, three times a day, during the morning, high noon and evenings. Normally, in today's schedule, they perform in the morning and then they do it only in the evenings. What happened to the high noon?... They also perform that in the morning itself. Because, during the noon they may be at the office or conducting their work. In this let us look at the mantra called 'asanam' that is recited daily in the morning : "sooryachcha maamanyuchchamanyu Padhayachcha manyukrudhepya: Paabepyo radchanthaam yathraathriyaa paapam akaarsham manasaa vaasaa Hasthaapyaam pathapyaam utharena sicnyaa Raathri sthathavalumpathu yathkinja thurithammayi Ithamaham maam amruthayonav Soorye jyothishi juhomi svaahaa..." This one, is recited in the early morning, waking up before sun rise and praying to the Sun God. What are they praying for?... "Lord Sun... Please protect me from the sins, that I have committed, by not obeying the country's laws and regulations, as well as the societal norms. The night has passed... During that time, I may have committed many sins. 'Manasaa' (mind) - Through my mind, if I have thought of harming others that is a sin; 'Vaasaa' (words) - Through my words if I have hurt others feelings, that is a sin; 'Hasthaapyaam' (hands) - If I have physically harmed any one using my hands, that is a sin; 'Pathpyaam' (feet) - If I have harmed any life by inadvertently stepping on them or kicking the elders with my feet, that is a sin; 'Utharena' (stomach) - I may have committed a sin at night, through my belly, by consuming food that has been set aside for others; 'Sicnyaa' (male organ) - I may have committed a sin at night through my male organ, by hurting or giving trouble to ladies through my male organ as well as having illegitimate body contacts. During the last night, I may have committed all these sins. You must get rid of all these sins and protect me from such sins. This is the very first plea of the day, to Sun God, from the Brahmin... in the early morning as soon as he gets up. Next... We are talking about pardoning of the sins. When he got up in the morning, what did he requested from Sun God?... “Whatever sins committed, during the night using the hand, leg, mouth, heart and male organ, shall vanish like the dew upon your presence”… thus he requested the Sun God. This is the routine for the morning. O.K… Whatever sins committed during the night, this mantra is recited in the morning, to get rid of it. During the ‘Sandhiyaa Vandhanam’ at noon, another ‘asanam’ shall be recited. This is practiced during noon, nowadays, only by very strict orthodox Brahmins. Majority of other Brahmins, recite this also in the morning, along with the ‘asanam’ of the morning, like ‘two in one’. O.K… What does this noon mantra says : “Aabha punanthu pruthiviim pruthvii Boothaa punaathumaam punanthu brahmanas
Pathi brahmabhoothaa punaadhu maam
Yathiichchishtam abhojyam yathvaa
Thussaritham mama sarvam bunanthumaam
Aabha asathaamsa prathigraham svaahaa”
What is the meaning of this verse? “Lord… Gods and Goddesses… I (Brahmin) leave my place in the morning and visit several places and houses for the purpose of performing homam. In addition, I also go to conduct ‘yaagam’ for others. During that time… I accept as donation whatever articles the strangers offer. Among them may be articles that are contaminated with others saliva. At times, the donors may not be, sacred persons and are from lower caste. I am aware, that accepting their donations is ‘baapam’ (sin)… Without my knowledge, I may have brought it home. Hence… Please protect me, from the sins that accompanies by accepting those saliva tainted articles and the donations received from non-puritans”… Thus, prays the Brahmin performing 'asanam'.
That is... he is asking forgiveness, for his sins, twice within a day. Next... Evening... Again he is reciting the same mantra that he has recited in the early morning, with little twist. "The God of Fire ... what I have requested in the morning is what I am requesting now. Since the morning till this time, if I have committed any forms of sin through the use of my hands, legs, stomach, words and my male organ, knowingly or unknowingly, I beg you to relieve me from such sins"... thus he prays. Thus, within a day he recites the mantra thrice, does 'asanam' and begs for pardon. Oh... 'asanam' is the act of taking small amount of water in his palms... sanctifying it by reciting Vedic mantras... and drinking that water while praying. In addition to begging for pardon thrice a day, for the sins committed... another prayer called 'upasthaanam' shall also be performed. The important 'upasthaanam' during 'sandhiyaa vandhanam' is for God 'Varunan' (Rain God). This is a prayer to 'Varunan', who controls the rain. What is that?...
"Imamme varuna chrudhiihavam
Adhyaasa mrudaya thvaamavasyu:
Aasage thathvaayaami brahmanaa
Vandhamaanathu thathaasaasthe
Yajamaana! havirbi: aheda
Maana: varunehabhodhi
Urusamsamaana: Aayu: bramokshii:
Yachchiththidhe visoyaadhaa pradeva varuna
Vradham miniimasi dhyavidyavi yathkinj
Setham varunadhaivye janapithroham
Manushyaa: saramaasi asiththiiyathva
Dharmaa yuyobhima maanasthasmaath
Enaso dhevariirisha: kithavaasa: yathriribhu nathiivi yadhvaakaa sathyam
Udhayan navithma sarvaathaa vishya
Sithireva dheva adhaadhes yaama
Varunap riyaasa:"
"Hey... 'Varnaa', I am suffering very much. Like ordinary people I have also committed sins. Youhave drafted certain rules to live by in this world. I have committed excesses and broke those rules. I have committed sins through my senseless acts. I have even indulged in gambling and committed sins through them. I beg you, Vrnaa, please get rid of my sins and protect me from further sins".. This is the meaning of the above mantra. All these 'Sandhiyaa vandhana' mantras are part of the Vedic mantras. During the 'yaagam' these mantras shall be recited. Since the Brahmins have curtailed the Vedic rituals considerably to conserve time... they have added it to 'sandhiyaa vandhanam' rituals. Hence, there is a belief, that by reciting these mantras, the sins that they have committed will evaporate. This is what 'Vedham' says. Since, the forgiving of sins has been mentioned in our own Vedhas, several thousand years back... and if people like Jayendhirar, criticize the Christians for their 'forgiveness of sins' ... They do not have in-depth knowledge of the 'Vedham'.
We have seen through the treatise on forgiving the sins, that only those, who do not have the knowledge of 'Vedham' will criticise other religious practices. While I was writing this, I was focussing my eyes, on the Tamil newspapers and the English newspapers. In both newspapers, in the headline with utmost importance and in bold letters, they featured one article. That message was ... 'Sri Jayendhira Saraswathi swami, to get rid of his sins, he had visited the Rameswaram temple, and returned back'. What is the big difference between 'getting rid of sins' and 'forgiving of sins'? What can you say about a person, who once, criticized the 'forgiving of sins' by the Christian faith, now for his own welfare undertook the pilgrimage to Rameswaram to 'get rid of his sins'. Yet another point... at this time comes to my memory. This is an important line, contained in 'Bramma Sooththiram', written by 'Bramma Sooththirakkaarar'. "Pahisthu Upayathaabhi spiru dhehe aachaarasa..." What does this 'Sooththiram' (gist) says? "If the 'Rishis' (self realized souls), 'Sanyaasis' (renounced individuals), 'Yathis' and 'gyanis' (learned peple) committed sin, there is no relief for them for committing the sins. There are no remedies for them. That sin stays as sin with them. That will not fade away or go away"... thus states 'Bramma Sooththiram'. Basically, the words of elders are like 'amirtham' (heavenly nector). As it is the case, , criticizing other religions, based on the principle of 'forgiveness of sins', even for 'Vedham' it was not acceptable. Let us look at these verses from 'Atharvana Vedham' : "Sametha vishvaa vachasaa Pathinthivibhu yayeha Vibhuhii adhithith jananaam sabooryahaaa noodhanam aanavaasakii Thimvarththanihi anuvaavruththe Ekaiyith poori..." What is the meaning of this verse?... "People unite together. There is only one God.
Whoever invites Him... He visits their home. He is very orthodoxy for the orthodoxes. He is very contemporary for those who are contemporarians. Even though there is only one God, the ways to worship Him in this world are many. Even though there are so many ways to worship Him, they are all right paths... Hence, in His name, no one shall criticize or condemn others..." This is the advise from 'Atharvana Vedham'. Several thousand years back, using the ways of worshipping God as example, 'Vedham' has stressed the unity among the religions. I knew, a retired female from the Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S.), now residing in Kilpauk, a part of Chennai, has etched this unifying Atharvana Vedha mantra, in the front entrance to her house. Only those who do know this mantra, or those who knew but acts as if they do not know, criticize other religions. And they accumulate sins. We have dealt in detail about the 'Paavam'. I will narrate another incidence. From that probably, you can guess the next topic, we will roll onto.
Approximately thirty to forty years back, the Hindu Religious Trust Department has arranged for a meeting at the Naachchiyaar temple located near Kumbhakonam. This was convened on an emergency basis. In those days, all the poojas, mantras and rituals in the temples were exclusively conducted only in Sanskrit language... there were voices advocating use of Tamil in the Temple and the worship services shall be conducted in Tamil also. From my recollection, at that time the commissioner of the Hindu Religious Trust was Mr.K.S. Narasimman. (Even though I have crossed my nineties, I can recall everything from Vedhas. However... those recent happenings I am not able to recall instantly). All important officers were assembled in the Naachchiyaar temple. From the Uppiliappan temple of Kumbhakonam, Sri Ramadesikaachchaar swami and other priests were also in attendance.I was also present in that meeting. The deputy commissioner was explaining the reason for convening this meeting. "We have decided that the 'Archanai' (reciting 108 names) shall also be conducted in Tamil language. Hence, we want you all to write how various 'Archanas' can be conducted in Tamil and give it to us."... thus he is requesting. As soon as they heard, from the priests side they raised their voice "How can it be... if you ask us, all of a sudden, to conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil? We have tradition to consider and the rituals to consider. We cannot conduct everything in Tamil...". At that time one of the officer in that crowd... "Why Swami... In your house when you are talking to your wife and children, are you talking in Sanskrit? Just like that, talk to God also in Tamil"... interceded. Deputy commissioner inquired me about this topic. That time, I also recommended the use of Tamil 'Archanas'... and gave him a sheet of paper. They started to read that paper.
Haven't I been talking to you about the meeting that was held in the 'Naachchiyaar' temple? I also told you that 'I will relate to you the incidence and you can from that guess the next topic we will go into'. Yes... we are going to look at the status of Tamil in worship services at the temples. Please come back again. We will get back to 'Naachchiyaar' temple to take part in the meeting. As the deputy commissioner was saying that they have decided to conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil and hence, the priests shall perform 'Archanas' in Tamil, "How?... How?... How can we perform 'Archanas' in Tamil?" thus erupted a linguistic war from the side of the priests. However, the officers... "Why? Why you cannot conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil? Has no one, to date, wrote 'Archanas' in Tamil? If that is so you can write your own 'Archanas'. We have announced this before we convened this meeting... Did you all bring your write up?". Some 'Bhattaachchariyaars' (Priests) handed over what they have brought with them. All their write up was, to prop up their belief, that it was not possible to conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil. This was satisfactory neither for the officers nor to the Tamil language. Remember that I was also in the meeting. They asked me about the Tamil 'archanai'. I handed over, what I have brought with me. It went like this...
"Uyarvuara uyar nalam udaiyavan potri
Mayarvuara mathi nalam arulinan potri
Ayarvuara amararkal athipathi potri..."
Thus, I have handed over, the verses with 108 lines, in praise of Lord Naaraayanan. I did not create these myself. When I thought of Tamil 'archanai', those came to my mind, was 'Aazhwaars' (Vaishnava saints). What I have given to them was nothing but ... starting from 'Thiruvaai Mozhi' of Nammaazhwaar, taking some of the verses and rearranged in the form of a 'Sahasranaamam' suitable for 'archanai'. What is 'Sahasranaamam'?... Even today, in several houses of the Brahmins, as well as Viashnava devotees, the tape recorders plays the 'Sahasranaamam'. Several Brahmins are convinced, that by reciting 'Sahasranaamam', whenever they get time, it adds to their goodwill with God. 'Sahasranaamam' is nothing but reciting the God's name and praising Him in thousand different ways. Thousand names in Sanskrit. That is 'Sahasranaamam'. "Suklaam bharathanum vishnum... Visvam vishnum vashatkaaro Bhootha Bhavya Bhavath prabhuhoo..." Starting thus, it ends with 'Pala sruthi', which are the praises on 'Vishnu Sahasranaamam' by other scriptures. This is what is used in 'Vishnu' temples for performing 'archanai'. For this occasion, for the sole purpose of performing 'archanai' and also 'poojas' in Tamil, I have taken verses from 'Nammaazhwaar', the famous and chief of all the 'Aazhwaars', who was called as 'Kaarimaaran' by literary devotees, and converted it so that it was suitable for performing 'archanai'. The officers, who read the Tamil 'archanai' were so thrilled. They commented, "while we have such sweet, meaningful devotional songs, why would we hang ourselves onto the Sanskrit verses that noone understands." They suggested, that we can perform all our 'poojas' and 'archanas' using the pure Tamil language compositions from 'Naalaayira Dhivya Pirabhandham'. Everyone agreed and accepted their suggestions. Based on that meeting... the 108 Tamil 'archanai' that I have extracted from the Aazhwaar's work and modified for 'archanai'... immediately, of course, with the opposition from the priests... was introduced, thirty to forty years back, in the 'Saarangapaani' temple in Kumbhakonam. 'Saarangapaani Perumaal' who was getting tired of listening to the 'Sahasranaamam' in Sanskrit for generations... only on that day, happened to hear and enjoy His 108 names in sweet Tamil language. One of the officer asked me "Thaaththaachaariyaar, are you happy now?". I replied to him " Please ask the Perumal (God) Himself, He will tell you that He is doubly happy". He enjoyed my reply and smiled in return. I was not bringing this incidence for fun. Only to bring it to your attention, how the language has been down played into the worship of God. The Tamil 'archanai', that was debuted at the 'Saarangapaani' temple on that, did that simultaneously adopted in other temples? Even today, if you request the priests to perform 'archanai' in Tamil they start to sizing you up. Even though there are so many sweet and meaningful devotional tunes in Tamil... we see in the temples a board announcing 'We perform archanai in Tamil'... Where did this board came from?...
‘Naalaayira Dhivya Prabhandham’. From these words themselves, you can understand how the Tamil language, was suppressed in those days. The ‘Naalaayiram irai paattu’ (Four thousam devotional songs), that was composed by Tamil ‘Aazhwaars’, praised as ‘Aandra Tamil Marai’, Fifth ‘Vedham’, ‘Diraavida Vedham’, containing four thousand devotional songs in Tamil… were even today called ‘Naalaayira Dhivya Prabhandham’… ‘Dhivyam’ (Pure), ‘Prabhandham’ (collections) with two Sanskrit words. ’Aazhwaarkalin Naalaayira Arulich Cheyal’ is the Tamil name for this sacred book. At least from now on… would everyone call this book by its pure Tamil name? You may understand with this simple example, how Tamil was tied down with Sanskrit rope. In those days… ‘Vedham’ occupied the Tamil country. Wherever you see was ‘Vedham’… In everything was ‘Vedham’. When the Brahmins saw the statues in Tamil Nadu and very intricate sculptures in the temples… they said “Why are you simply putting flowers on these statues?... We can bring into these statues, those angels that are mentioned in the ‘Vedham’. These angels are not visible to the naked eyes. They are residing in these statues only in the form of spirit. If we recite the Vedic mantras loudly so that they can hear it, we can bring within these statues those Vedic angels.” As I have mentioned to you in earlier chapters, the Tamil people worshiped in the beginning, only with flowers. I want you to read this verse 2940, from ‘Thiruvaaimozhi’ of Nammaazhwaar: “Naadaatha malar naadu naalthorum Naaranan…Than Vaadaatha malar… adikkiizh vaikkave vakukkinru… Viidaadi Viittruththal vinai atrathu en seivatho?... Oodaathu pani vaadaai…! Uraiththu iraai enathu udale…” That is… Aazhwaar, to convey his wishes to God… he is requesting various kinds of birds such as storks, swans, coocoo, seagulls, cranes, lined beetles, parakeets, ‘naaganavaai’, one by one to be his messenger… Next, he selects autumn wind (‘Vaadaai’) as his messenger. When the storm blows, he requests the storm to be his messenger. Only the verses are composed by Aazhwaar. The real person sending messages through the birds, beetles and the autumn wind was the heroine (lover of God), who was separated from God. “’Pani Vaadaai’ (autumn wind)… ‘pani vaadaai’… please come near me. You go to my God, and on my behalf, please convey a message to Him. The way we are at present, Him estranged from me and me separated from Him are not in our best interest. Please communicate this to Him… He only has created all the lives, creatures and human beings in this world. His intensions for creating so many lives, was only to daily pick the several varieties of fresh flowers, that are grown in this world, and bestow them gently, on the fresh lotus feet of Lord Narayanan, and worship Him. How can He justify His aloofness, and leave me all alone here, that I am not able to worship like others?”… You go and tell Him my plight. If He does not accept me… you come back and tear my flesh apart, and break my bones into pieces… ‘Pani Vaadai’, you cut my body into pieces”… thus, ‘Aazhwaar’ writes, as if the devotee, in deep love for God, was sending the ‘Pani Vaadai’ as the messenger. As you can see, what a beautiful piece of literature?...
The same Tamil ‘Pani Vaadai’, is still blowing, even today. Through this verse, what message this ‘Pani Vaadai’, is bringing to us?... “It is telling us that pluck fresh flowers daily and offer it to God (‘Poo’ (flower) + ‘Sei’ (do) = ‘Poosei’). Worshipping tradition of Tamil has been ‘Poosei’”. The Brahmins crossed their path with this ancient tradition. At first, they said, “You keep on showering the God with flowers… I will be reciting the ‘Vedham’ simultaneously”… and they stood outside the temple. The reason?... “If you stand close to the God and whatever you say, there is a possibility you may be spitting, unknowingly, on God. Hence, you shower the flowers on God staying close to the idol and I will recite loudly the mantras staying outside.” This was called ‘Adhyayana Bhattar’. After few days, the ‘Adhyayana Bhattar’ slowly stepped inside. Inside means, inside of the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha graham)! “From now on I will take care of the inside. You go outside and take care of the outside maintenance”… with these words, he put the native worshippers, outside the sanctum. Next… The ruling of the ‘aagamakkaararkal’ (Ritual performers)! Since, they were the first and foremost Sanskrit language descendents… the Tamil people were kept outside the sanctum. Sanskrit people entered inside. They showered Tamil flowers and recited Sanskrit ‘archanai’(recital of 108 names of God in Sanskrit).
Thus, as the ‘Sanskrit Government’ was going on in full force… to bring to the forefront, our Tamil devotional literatures, then and there ‘Aazhwaars’ emerged between the periods of fifth and tenth centuries… These ‘Aazhwaars’, with their extreme devotion, in addition to their affinity for Tamil language, with their mastery of the same, praised God Narayanan. At the same time, they grasped the essence of Vedic philosophy, breathed in the puranic stories and created Tamil poems and lyrics in praise of God Vishnu.. These twelve ‘Aazhwaars’, with their songs in praise of very specific God presiding in a particular temple, sanctified these temples through their songs. That is they become purified. In spite of it… We have seen that the 'Aazhwaars', through their praising of God, using Tamil language, sanctified various temples. However... today, the pity is that even in those temples sanctified with Tamil language, what is resonating in the early mornings, is the 'Subrapaatham' in Sanskrit! What is the meaning of 'Subrapaatham'?... This itself is a anskrit name. The meaning is, 'let this time become an auspicious time'. If I want to tell this in modern mode it is 'Good Morning'. Praying God in the early morning and waking Him up is 'Subrapaatham'. Can God go to sleep? If a person sleeps, is he qualified to be a God?... These are to be dealt in a different forum! In essence it is "Good Morning to God and wake Him up...". Today in various temples... during early mornings, in gorgeous crack of dawn... they play 'Subrapaatham' in loud speakers. Its music is very intoxicating. But, do you know the meaning of those verses?... Without knowing what they are singing... we repeat those verses silently. We put the recording in a tape recorder and let it paly. M.S. Subbulatsumi in her own melodious fertile voice... "Kowsalyaa suprajaa raamaa Poorvaa santhyaa pravaththadhu..." With these words she starts. You keep on listening to it, till the day break. Who wrote this?... What is the meaning of it?... In Tamil Nadu, even in the residences of non-Brahmins, this 'Subrapaatham' is played and intoxicates the listeners... Why this 'Subrapaatham' is not available in Tamil language?... The 'Subrapaatham' that was intended to wake up God Venkatesa of Thiruppathi, why is it played even in tiny villages of Tamil Nadu?... You may be wondering with these questions. Many of may not know the reason for it. This 'Subrapaatham', which is a wish of good morning to God, in Sanskrit, was composed by 'Prathivaathi Bhayankaram Annaa'. (If anyone came to argue with Annaa in religious matters... through his intimidating defense tactics, he will defeat them. That was why Annaa earned the reputation as 'Prathivaathi' (defender) 'Bhayankaram' (terrifying)). He was a disciple of 'Manavaala Maamunikal'. This was the same 'Manavaala Maamunikal' who blessed with the words 'Aazhwaarkal Vaazhi Arulich Cheyal Vaazhi'.
The first lines of this 'Subrapaatham'..."Kowsalyaa suprajaa raamaa Poorvaa santhyaa pravaththadhu..." were extracted from 'Vaalmiiki Raamaayanam'. Sage Viswaamithrarn was waking up Lord Raaman. "Raamaa... the one born through Kowsalyaa's good deeds... there, in the forest those uncivilized cruel people ('Arakkar') through their rough behavior giving trouble to the learned saints (Meditating Yogi). Please come and get rid of them..." ... thus he was waking Raamaa up. Keeping these as the very first lines, 'Prathivaathi Bhayankaram Anna' has composed this 'Subrapaatham', said to be during the fourteenth century. But... just like the 'Subrapaatham' composition that we hear today in Sanskrit, along the same pattern, approximately six hundred years before 'Annaa', 'Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar' has magnificently composed in sweet Tamil. I am going to brief you few verses of this sweet Tamil composition titled 'Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi' (Sacred Wakeup Call) verses 917 through 926, extrated from the book 'Aazhwaarkal Arulic Cheyal'.
'Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar' has composed these verses, to wake up Aranganaathan, the presiding deity of Thiruvarangam, located on banks of the river Kaaveri. "Kathiravan gunadhisaich chikaram vanthu Anainthaan; Kanai irul akandrathu Kaalai am pozhuthaai Madhu virinthu ozhukina maamalar ellaam Vaanavar arasarkal vanthu vanthu eendi Ethirdhisai nirainthanar. ivarodum pukuntha irun kalitru eettamum pidiyodu murasum Athirthalil alai kadal pondruvithu engum Arangaththammaa. palli ezhuntharulaaye..." This is the very first verse of the 'Thirupalliezhuchchi' in Tamil. The meaning... "The sun has cracked open the Eastern sky. The darkness of the night has vanished... Those morning flowers have bloomed and their nector is oozing out. The angels from the heaven, the kings and princesses of the earth and your very own devotees are assembled on the Southside plaza to get a glimpse of you. The howling of the herd of elephants they rode on, and the noise from the drums of the elephant army are echoing in every direction! Arangaa... please kindly wake up from your sleep. Let them have a glimpse of your image...", thus 'Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar' is tapping the Deity of Thiruarangam in sweet Tamil and begging Him to wake up. Here, in this line 'Arangaththamma Palli Ezhuntharulaaye...', Aazhwaar addresses his God as 'ammaa' (mother). Is there no 'Bhakthi' (devotion) in this verse?... Isn't there any sweetness?... How about literary brilliance?... or You did not understand the meaning?...
Please listen to yet another Tamil 'Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi' :
"Kadi malark kamalangal malarnthana, ivaiyo
Kathiravan kanai kadal
Mulaiththanan, ivano
Thudiidaiyaar suri kuzhal pizhinthu udhari
Thukil eduththu eerinar.
Soozhpunal Arangaa
Thodai oththa thulavamum koodaiyum pozhinthu
Thondriya thol
Thondaradip Podi ennum
Adiyanai aliyan endru aruli un
Adiyaarkku aadpaduththaay!
Palli ezhuntharulaaye! "Arangaa... encircled by the river Kaaveri all around you, the sun has risen over the sea... in the ponds, the lotus flowers are smilingly bloomed and their fragrance spread around you. The girls with tiny hips, had their bath in the river Kaaveri... are twisting, shaking and drying their wet hair, to rid of the moisture... wearing their dresses, they are climbing on the banks. Such an early morning, I, known as 'Thondaradip Podi', am waiting with garlands of 'Thulasi' and basket full of loose flowers for your grace. Please, take this devotee's offering, bless me and shape me to be an useful person"... What is lacking in this Tamil verse? Of the ten verses of Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar’s Tamil ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’, I have selected the very first and the last verses and explained its beauty to you. What a beautiful, detailed, and colorful descriptions?... What a rhyming words?... How much sweetness is spilling over? Second verse starting with ‘Kozhunkodi mullaiyin kozhumalar’… Third verse starting with ‘Chudar oli paranthana soozhthisai ellaam’… Fourth verse starting with ‘Mettu ila methikal’… Fifth verse starting with ‘Pulambina putkalum poompozhilkalin vaai’… Sixth verse starting with ‘Iraviyar mani nedun therodum’…Seventh verse starting with ‘Antharaththu amararkal koottangal’… Eighth verse starting with ‘Vambavizh vaanavar vaayurai vazhanga’… Ninth verse starting with ‘Eedham il thannumai eekkum maththali’… Thus, Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar’s all these pure sweet Tamil ten verses to wake up Thiruvaranganaathar were composed approximately six hundred years before the Sanskrit composition that is heard everyday in our speaker systems.
There is also another logic in the ‘Subrapaatham’ of Sanskrit and the ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’ of Tamil language. Even in that, only Tamil is triumphant. Thiruppathi Venkataachalapathi for whom the ‘Subrapaatham’ was composed is in standing position. Does it sound reasonable to wake up a person who is standing on his feet? On the otherhand, Thiruvaranganaathar of Thiruvarangam is laying in a flat position. Does it make logical sense, to wake up a person, who is laying on a bed? Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar had composed, ten verses to wake up a deity, who is laying on a bed of snake while Annaa, had composed the Sanskrit verses, to wake up a deity who is standing. However, we are listening every morning, the Sanskrit ‘Subrapaatham’ that is illogical and that does not make any sense.
Let me again emphatically state, that ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’, composed with the same meaning as the Sanskrit ‘Subrapaatham’, written in sweet Tamil, six hundred years back was sidelined. Today, in the temples during the daily worship services, Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar’s ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchci’ is broadcast through the speaker system. However, just like the Sanskrit ‘Subrapaatham’, for the Tamil ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’, at least now, would someone come forward and set melodious music to the lyrics, and must be proudly broadcasted, through the speaker system every morning, so the sweetness of Tamil will hit the ear drums, of every Tamil citizen?... Some of the Sanskrit criminals have classified Tamil as a low class language and distanced themselves. From the life history of another 'Aazgwaar', you will find that tamil not only for us, but also for the Thiruaranganaathan, it is the friendly and preferred language.
He was Thiruppaanaazhwaar... He was born in fertile city of Uraiyur located in the Chola country into 'Paanar' caste. 'Paanars' normally play the musical instrument called 'paan', in the court of the kings and earn a livelihood from the gifts they receive from the kings. However... our 'paanar'... was singing his praises only on the presiding God at Thiruvarangam. Through his musical instrument 'paan', he used to create 'dingu dingu ding ding...' reverberation, and continuously sing praises on the presiding deity of Thiruvarangam, which is encircled by the Kaaveri river. But... those higher caste looked at hi and said "Look! You are from a lower caste. How can you enter into Thiruvarangam?... Run away"... with these words, they chased him away. In spite of it, Paanar... "I am determined sing praises on God and noone can stop me"... thus, he was relentlessly and with utmost devotion, singing praises on Arangan in pure tamil language. Not paying any attention to his tamil devotional songs... the higher caste devotees drove him away from the town...
While he was carrying on his praises, for the Lord, standing on the banks of river Kaaveri, a extraordinary incidence happened. As Paanar was standing lonely on the Kaaveri river bank, and singing praises on the God Arangan, in front of him appeared, a very orthodoxy learned priest. He said "Paanar! Please forgive us... We have committed sin, to this date, by not allowing you inside Thiruvarangam... and not allowing you to worship Arangan. We have been showing disrespect for your Tamil 'Kiirthanai' (songs). However... 'Bhagawaan' (God) Aranganaathar is praying for your Tamil music. Arangan is enjoying your melodious Tamil music. He summoned me and commanded thus...'You go and bring me that abandoned Paan Perumaal (Great Person) by carrying him on your back. Do not try to isolate him from Me. Hurry back'. Please come with me. Climb on my shoulder. I will carry you and take you to Arangan and leave you with Him"... thus, Loka Saarangar, the messenger sent by Arangan, told Paanar, very humbly. Paanar, a.k.a. 'Thiruppaanaazhwaar' climbed on the shoulders of Loka Saarangar and as he reached Thiruvarangam... There, as Arangan saw Thiruppaanaazhwaar... He appeared in front of him and requests "Paanaazhwaare, now you stay right next to me and sing for me in Tamil". After, witnessing this scene, overwhelmed with joy, Thiruppaanaazhwaar composed 'Amalanaadhipiraan' consisting of ten verses (927-936)... Now you tell me whether tamil is a low level language?... or Is it the language preferred by Gods?... Based on the life history of Thiruppaanaazhwaar, we have seen whether Tamil language is very much liked or hated by God. Just to listen to the Tamil Kiirthanais of Thiruppaanaazhwaar, the presiding deity of Thiruvarangam, Aranga Perumaal, sent a person to carry him with proper respect and bring him to His abode. However… in that very Sri Rangam, in front of the Ranganaathan, who is laying on Aadhiseshan, do they recite those four thousand sacred verses? Every ‘Thirumaal’ (Vaishnava God) temples, in each year, ten days before and ten days after the ‘Vaikunta Ekaadhasi’ day, sum total twenty days, they conduct Tamil festival, during which period, they recite all four thousand sacred verses of the Aazhwaars. This festival takes place every year. If you want to know how this is conducted in Sri Rangam… as the consecrated deity (‘Moolavar’) is laying down on the bed of ‘Aadhiseshan’, eagerly waiting to hear all four thousand sacred verses of the Aazhwaars… the priests will carry the small replica of the ‘Moolavar’ called ‘Urchavar’, i.e., ‘Urchava Moorthy’ from the chamber of the ‘Moolavar’(Garbhagraham) to an open hall. They place him on a pedestal, and recite all four thousand verses with melodious music. This is called ‘Arayar Sevai’. After this event, i.e., after the recital of Tamil verses the ‘Urchavar’ is returned back to the chamber of the ‘Moolavar’. So… Just to prevent the Tamil getting inside the Garbhagraham, they carry the alter ego of the ‘Moolavar’ (God) outside. That too… the same Aranganaathan, who has sent a priest for carry and bring Aazhwaar to His Garbhagraham so He can listen to the sweet Tamil music… according to the man devised worship rules, God is forbidden to hear His favorite Tamil music. Even though I have stressed this point several times before… some of the ‘Vaishnava sect’ people kept on opposing to it. Yet, in my position on this issue or in the status of Tamil language, is there absolutely any change?
O.K… We have seen the treatment to the Tamil language, by the ‘Vashnava sect’. How about in ‘Saivaite sect’? "Thennaadudaiya Sivane Potri Ennaattavarkkum Iraivaa Potri" Through this poem, 'the God Sivan is from the Southern part of India i.e., He is a Tamil God... However, He blesses people from every part of the world'... assures that Sivan is a Tamil God. If someone does not melt away to the music of 'Thiru Vaachakam' they cannot be melted by any other word. Thus, a tight relationship was drawn up between the Tamil language and Sivan by the devotees of Sivan and the saints of Saivaite sect ('Naayanmaar'). For example... todays Vedhaaranyam that was called earlier as Thirumaraikkaadu... The door of the 'manivaasal' (bell plaza), of the Sivan temple at this town, was shut through Vedic chants and prayer. The Siva devotees were troubled by this shut down, and they were claiming, that they have done everything they could, and it will not open. The great Saivaite Naayanmaars Thirugnyaanasambhandhar and Thirunaavukkarasar decided to open the doors by the request of the devotees. Thirunaavukkarasar was standing at the entrance to the temple...
"Pannineer mozhiyaal umaipangaro
Manninaar valam seimaraik kaadaro
Kanninaal umaik kaanak kadhavinai
Thinnamaaka thirantharul seimminee..." Thus he sang in Tamil. The results were delayed. Again he continued...
"Arakkanai viralaal adarththittaniir
Irakkam ondriliir emperumaanaree
Surakkum punnaikal soozhmaraik kaadaree
Sarakka ikkadhavam thirambimbinoo..." As soon as the second Tamil song was heard, the belled door of the Sivan temple, that was shut down, during the past several years by Vedic chanting, slowly opened. They worshipped Sivan through several Tamil devotional songs. Everywhere, happyness was overflowing! O.K... It is getting dark. We must shut the door and open it tomorrow moning. Again, as Thirugnyaanasambhandhar was singing the Tamil verse, 'Chathuramaraithaan...' the door closed. Only from that time on, that belled door was, altered so that it can be opened and closed. Even though we may not believe this story... the thought that 'the door that was closed for several years, by Vedic priests, shall be opend through Tamil songs' is enough to convince us that Tamil language has all the powers just like any other language... To establish the principle that 'What Vedham can shut the Tamil can open', this story of the door was crafted. Thus, giving importance to Tamil, Saivam (Saivaite Sect) has created, thousands of devotional verses, in pure basic Tamil language, that can be understood by the masses. In ancient days, when the river Kaaveri dried out and famine ruled over Chola Naadu... it was said, that the God Himself gave money and requested that everyone be fed, because He was so anxious to listen to the Tamil music through His Naayanmaars. These verses... "Irunthu niir Thamizhodu isaiketkum Ichchaiyaal kaasuniththal nalkiriir" are by Saint Sundharar. In addition... "Paadalangaara parisil kaasaruni Pazhuththa senthamizh malat soodi..." thus says Senthanaar in his composition 'Thiruvisaippaa'. That is... using the Sivan in the forefront, the Saivaite are sending the message that 'even if there was a famine for food, for Tamil language... as well as for Tamil passion, there shall be no famine'. Thus, as Sivan and Tamil are twisted and roped together... what is the status, today, of Tamil language, in the poojas and rituals conducted, in Sivan temples?... Sivaachchaariyaars wear 'thiruniitruppattai' (three horizontal lines on their forehead using ashes) and will go near the 'Sivalingam'. He will conduct poojas. There won't be any Tamil in his mouth and only Sanskrit. At the same time staying outside the Garbhagraham, away from the Lingam and the Sivaachchaariyaar, few persons will recite Tamil verses. They usually recite few verses of devotional songs from 'Thevaaram', 'Thiruvaachakam', 'Thiruvisaippaa', 'Periya puraanam' and 'Thiruppallaandu'. They are called 'Odhuvaarkal' (Reciters). In essence... whatever they are reciting, will not reach the ears of either Sivaachchaariyaar or the Sivalingam. In Sivan temples, Sivan hears the recited Tamil songs so barely, just like, while we are travelling in a bus, the song which we like most, sometime faintly pops up from nowhere, and then fades away from our ears. In Saivam (Saivaite Sect) as well as in Vaishnavam (Vaishnava Sect), why Tamil was derailed into oblivion? We get the answer to this question only from 'Vedham'. Let us look at one of the mantra from 'Suklayajur Vedham': "Thasmaathu brammanena Namlechchitha vai Namaababhashitha vai..." Stagnant in these few lines are mammoth philosophy. I have already told you that there was a war between the dwellers of the heaven (Dhevar) and uncivilized souls (Asuran). The 'Vedham' calls the good person as 'Dhevan' and the bad souls as 'Asuran'. According to 'Vedham', the Dhevars who spoke Sanskrit language were victorious. Those who spoke other languages (non-Sanskrit, 'Milechcha') were defeated. Hence... sanctified Brahmins shall not speak any other language except Sanskrit. 'Milechcha' means nonAryan. Except Sanskrit, all other languages are flawed language belonging to awful people. It is 'Milechcha Bhaashai' i.e., it does not have sanctity... as per Vedham. To simplify the contents of the Vedhams, Manu was composed and for its share it states : " ... Dhayo reva anthadham kiriyohaa Dheva nadhiyohaa yadhantharam Thamdheva nirmitham dhesam Aariya varththam vithur puthaahaa..." That is... the region between the Vindhyan mountain and the Himalayan mountain... the region that contains the rivers Gangai and Yamunai and lies in between the rivers is called 'Aariya Varththam'. Only here the sanctity and the Sanskrit language are permanently stationed. Hence...except this region... all other regions of the world do not possess sanctity. At the same time, Manu is also giving another statement. Manu also categorizes the suitable areas for the Brahmins to live... he notes, certain regions of the Himalayan foothills called 'Brummaa Varththam' and 'Brummarishi Varththam'. All these regions are now called Afghanistan. According to Vedhas and Manu, Brahmins shall not talk in any other language than Sanskrit. If they do it is a sin. In addition, they shall live only in Himalayan mountain ranges, Vindhyan mountain ranges, along rives Gangai and Yamunai and they shall not live in any other parts of the country. If orthodox Brahmins strictly want to adhere to the Vedhas and the Manu, let them discard Tamil language. However... Blindly following the mantras, that was written by someone, several centuries back, who knew no more than the land in which he was living, and trying to live within its bounds, isn't it an irrational act in itself?
Let me give you an interesting example to show the incongruity. In the performance of various rituals and ‘yaagams’ they always recite a Vedic mantra : “Namo Gangaa Yamunai yohe Madhyeye vasanthii… Theme prasaninaath maanaahaa…” Sitting on the banks of our own rivers such as Kaaveri, Vaigai or Thaamirabharani, the Brahmin recites this Vedic mantra. He joins his palms together and asks those sitting in front of him also to join their palms together to salute God. If you ask me the meaning of this mantra, here it is… “Hey! ‘Rishi’s! I bow to those living in the land that lay between the rivers of Gangai and Yamunai”. If you challenge him, “What a thievery… You are sitting on the banks of river Kaaveri. The person who is paying for your services also belongs to the plains of Kaaveri. Why are you bowing to those ‘Rishi’s living in the land between Gangai and Yaminai?”… thus, he replies simply “It is in the ‘Vedham’ and I am simply reciting it”. ‘Vedham’ also declares that Tamil is a bad language and you should not speak that language. ‘Vedham’ says that your mother is a bad woman. It tells you whom you should worship. Based on that, would you obey to everything that the ‘Vedham’ dictates?
The people of the Vedic period… based on the geography and environment, in which they were living, worshipped their land mass, rivers and the mountains. They worshipped the nature in which they were living. Similarly, you also worship the land mass, rivers and mountains near which you are living. That is the nature worship.
Rather than that... What is the logic in standing on the banks of Kaaveri river and worshipping the Gangai river? That mantra was written in ancient days when they were living on the banks of Gangai and it must be adapted to our new surroundings. For example those Brahmins living in Chennai shall say : "Namo Adaiyaaru Koovamyohe Madhyeye vasanthii..." Meaning : " I pray to those Rishi's who are living between the Adaiyaaru and Koovam rivers". Don't say this in Sanskrit. Rather say it in Tamil language thus... "Adaiyaarukkum Koovam aatrukkum idaippatta rishikalai vanangukiren". O.K... If it is Southern districts such as Madhurai and Nellai, then "Thaamirabharanikkum Vaikaiyaatrukkum idaiye ullavarkalai vanangukiren"... If you start with this statement in Tamil language itself, everything that you start will be enormously success. People living in the Kaaveri delta may pray by joining their palms and acknowledging the rivers Kaaveri and Kollidam before starting their project. "Gangaiyir punithamaaya Kaaviri naduvuppaattu..." thus, Thondaradippodi Aazhwaar says in his composition 'Thirumaalai'. He says that the sacred place, Thiruvarangam is encircled by Kaaveri river that is more purer and more sacred than river Gangai. In spite of it... If you are stubborn to worship only Gangai as per the Vedham and refuse to worship Kaaveri... you can judge your own ignorance!
In the last chapter, we have seen the ignorance in most of us, as we sat cross legged on the banks of the river Kaaveri and worshipping the river Gangai. In addition, we have also seen the claim that except Sankrit all other languages are 'Milechcha Bhaashai' (non-Aryan) and the Vedham prohibits their usage by priests. Those who are stubborn and standing on one leg, about praising only Sanskrit and listen only if spoken in Sanskrit, I would like to recite one 'slokam' (verse). This is also in Sanskrit, and as it is in Sanskrit, would they obey per the contents of this slokam? "Vedha praamaanyam kasya mithu Karthru vaadhahaa snaane Dharmechchaa jaathivaatha avalebaha Santhaa paarampahaa paabhahaanaa yasaithii Sadhvastha prakgnyaanaam sanjalingaanii jaamye..."
Let me explain the meaning of this Sanskrit poem, please listen. Humans have life. They have soul. They are obligated to think. Thus, born to be a thinker, he became an inanimate matter. That is, he became a lifeless matter, like a disintegrated wall and those stones laying on the roadside. How did he became a matter? How did he loose his ability to think? This slokam stacks reasons for the degradation of the human ability. I will describe one by one! 1. Vedha Praamaanyam : Whatever issue at hand, rather than thinking and taking a rational decision based on what is good and bad... blindly beliving in Vedham and following it to the letter, as if Vedham has all the answers to the problems confronted. 2. kasya mithu karthru vaadhahaa : He becomes an inanimate matter, by baselessly believing that 'We were all created by one person. He is our creator and our nucleus. He will protect us' and not using his brain cells and acting accordingly. 3. Snaane : This is a very important word. Taking a bath in early mornings of everyday, is for the sole purpose of cleansing the body, so we are healthy, revitalize our body and mind. However... this bathing was given a religious twist. Assembling a crowd, and taking a bath in the river or a pond, was called 'Punitha Niiraadal' or 'Thiirththavaari', by giving a coat or religious paint. If you paint an object, you can wash it, probably with water or a solvent. However if you paint the solvent itself... Then what? New moon days of 'Aadi', 'Thai', 'Mahaalaya' and on 'Mahaamaham' were considered to be religiously auspicious days and on these days crowds of people gather at the river or pond and take bath. In the name of washing their sins, they are polluting the rivers and ponds. Thus, by introducing religion into everyday routine and making bath an ablution, he becomes a lifeless matter. 4. Jaathivaatha avalebaha : The one who argues 'He is from a higher caste... He is from lower caste... He was born from shoulder... He was from thigh... Hence, they cannot be equal. Where he prays another person of lowercaste shall not pray... Where he dwells another person of lowercaste shall not live'. Thus, the one who sets rules and the one who follows those rules based on caste discriminations are not human beings and they are matter... useless matter! 5. Santhaa paarampahaa... : For converting from human to a 'Jatam'(matter), this is most important qualification. What is that?... We witness everyday in the roads and streets the following scene. A strong man... with his family, portraying himself as a devotee of a God, visits every house or shops and flogs himself with a whip and endures the pain. All over his back and chest there are lines of blood and blood oozing from the wounds. If you ask him the reason... he claims that he has pledged to the almighty God. Someone else, pokes a needle through his tongue, and comes in a procession and collects money. Thus, in the name of God... if you hurt yourself physically, you are not a human being but a inert 'Jatam'.
This the gist of that Sanskrit slokam. If you go to those priests, who insists on having Sanskrit in everything, everywhere... give this Sanskrit slokam and tell him 'Please perform an 'archanai' (reciting) for the God Vishnu, using this slokam', he will readily agree to perform using this very slokam. Why?.. Because, the depth of their Sanskrit language is at a level, they do not even know the meaning of the slokam. Those who claims, that they will accept anything, only if it is written in Sanskrit language, would they accept the content of the above Sanskrit slokam, contained in the book 'Piramaana Vaarththikam', written by Dharmabaalar? They will definitely say 'NO'. Why not? Sanskrit is the God's language! If anything was written in that language, was it not the commandment of God? Everyone must understand one thing. Language is a tool. It is a communication tool. It shall be used only to communicate between each other and not to be used to degrade others by establishing a hierarchy. If we establish adjectives to languages such as, low class language, higher class, God's language... Asuraa's language then the language itself will curse us. Just to bring out this point, I have explained the slokam of Dharmabaalar.
We have explored the slokam by Dharmabaalar about 'Jatam' (lifeless matter). Hasn't he given five different pathways for a human beings to become a 'Jatam'? We will look into one of them in more detail. We have seen Just to get God's blessing, we torture our own body and endure sufferages hoping that God will show sympathy. One type of such sufferage is 'Viratham'(Austerity). What is 'Viratham'? 'God! Keeping you in my thoughts, I am not going to eat any food today. You must recognize my resolve and hardship, and bless me with what I ask of you'... thus demanding God for a favor in return for the sufferage endured. In essence it is a barter system. In modern days, several people are observing Viratham. The Viratham also observed for various purposes and hence several varieties. A virgin unmarried girl prays for her future husband to be handsome, courteous, kind to her and earn good income, and observes 'Varalatsumi Viratham'. On that day, they do not consume any food, and requests plenty of food for her future life. The married ladies, request that they must remain married, till their death (Thiirkkasumangali) and that their 'Thaali and Kungumam', shall stay with them, during the entire duration of their life. For that purpose they also observe 'Varalatsumi Viratham', and they donate a piece of cloth as bribe, to married ladies just like them.
This is 'Varalatsumi Viratham'. Of all 'Virathams' the most important 'Viratham' is 'Ekaadhasi Viratham'. On this particular day, they believe that if they do not eat rice and sleep, then they directly go to heaven ('Moksham'). Just to go to heaven several people are observing this 'Viratham'. On the day of 'Ekaadhasi' one is restricted from eating a meal or drink even a drop of water. Another bizarre tradition of that day is... On the day of ‘Ekaadhasi’, those who observe the ‘Viratham’, pray to Perumaal (God Vishnu) and then start their ‘Viratham’. Our tradition has been, that since the observers are fasting all day long, Perumaal also shall not be fed during that period. Yes… Only on the day of ‘Ekaadhasi’, they do not offer cooked rice to Perumaal. They offer, on that day only ‘uppuma’ (cream of rice or cream of wheat) is offered to Perumaal. Just like that, on the new moon day, people observe ‘Viratham’ to get blessings from their departed beloved fathers and ancesters. To get blessed with children, Vaishnava devotees observe ‘Viratham’ on the ‘thiruvonam’ star days, and Saivaite devotees observe ‘Viratham’ on ‘Sashti’ (sixth day after full moon). Another famous ‘Viratham’ is on ‘Piradhosham’ day. Most of the people, not knowing what is ‘Piradhosham’, they worship Sivan and observe their ‘Viratham’. ‘Piradhosham’ means early part of the night i.e., beginning of night. ‘Viratham’ observed on trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is called ‘Piradhosha Viratham’. It comes once in fifteen moon days. This period is most auspicious for Sivan. Worshipping Sivan at this prescribed time and harvesting the benefit is ‘Piradhosha’ worship.
O.K... We have seen various types of 'Virathams'. How did they evolved to present state? In the ancient days, as per Vedic rules there were various rituals and 'yaagams' that can be performed, at considerable expense... without any poojas, rituals, showoff, elaborate arrangements and expense a personal contract between the observer and the God is this 'Viratham'. i.e., There is nothing about this in the books, to conduct this one does not require a priest, and no requirement to conduct a 'homam'. 'Viratham' was unprescribed by 'Vedham' and was uncommitted to the Vedic traditdion. If you strictly follow the Vedic tradition, then you cannot deny food and go onto fasting. Why? "Thasmaadhu aahaara Manushyaa achanamichchanthe praayathascha chaayanchcha..." These Vedic verses, are indirectly talking about the 'Viratham'. For a man, food is very important. Only if you consume food regularly you will be able to live like a man. The animals only can eat of fast any time they choose to. However... as a man, you must eat morning breakfast, noon lunch and night dinner at set schedule and regularly. You must follow this faithfully. Thus, 'Vedham' advises to eat regularly three meals a day. Another mantra : "Asnaathi Chapraanaeva Aathitho bhavathii..." 'Hey!... That which gives you life is the food. You must be capable of conducting huge 'yaagams'. To conduct such 'yaagams' you need strength and stamina. Hence, you must eat good. Do not stay without food' ... thus 'Vedham' is very plain about the necessity of food for the body. Now, the 'Viratham' that was not encouraged by 'Vedham', let us look at 'Manusmiruthi' to find out what it says. For the fasting it is prescribing a fasting. "Naasthi sthriinaam Barath yagnyahaa Na vratham Naaba ubhoshanam" "One can observe 'Viratham'. However, since all the females are considered as 'Sudhraas', they as well as all 'Sudhraa' men shall not observe 'Viratham' "... thus, Manu establishes its rule on 'Viratham'. (T.C.: Probably, since these groups are supposed to carryout all the manual labor, Manu probably considers that they require strength and thus forbids 'Viratham'). The married people raising a family, have needs, and they may request blessings from God, to grant them various treasures. However, the religious monks, who have renounced the world, what is the need for them to observe 'Viratham'? A monk was in his 'aashram' (abode), sitting and in deep meditation. Outside heavy rain was pouring... When enquired his disciple about the monk's whereabouts, he replies that the monk is observing 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. If the sesame is thrown in the sun for drying out, should the mouse excreted balls also be dried? The sesame seed is dried in the sun, to extract the oil from it. Along with it, the excreted balls of the mouse, that is mixed in the sesame also gets dried up. However, what is the benefit derived by drying up the mouse excretion? Just like that... those attached to the life in this world, family men or women, request for personal welfares such as jewelry, happy married life, or profitable business and public welfare such as rain etc. and they observe 'Viratham' to get what they are longing for. But... the saints, monks, 'rishis' and 'yathis' have relinquished this worldly life, and they have crossed over the river of 'Sukham' (comfort) and 'Dhukkam' (sorrow). As far as they are concerned, their needs were died. In English, they call it civil death. What is the need for such renounced souls, to observe 'Viratham'? What is the background for observing the 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'? Today, some monks claim that they are observing 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham' and decline to appear in the courtroom. If that is so, is that 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham' a very important 'Viratham'? To get answers to these questions we need to turn some pages of various monk's lives.
Before that we look into a slokam in 'Baghawath Githa', that was given by Sri Krishna. "Yathaha pravarththini Bhoothaanaam enasarvam Idhamthadham sokarmanaahaa Dhamabyarchcha chiththim vinthathii maanavahaa..." The meaning : "If you want to go to heaven, do not sit and meditate closing your eyes. Run... be active... move within the society. Get involved in the society and contribute to its welfare. Be part of the society and discharge your faithful duty. You must give back to the society to your maximum capacity. Only by fulfilling your obligations to your family and to the society, you can attain 'Moksha'. This is told by Sri Krishna, in 'Baghawath Githa' as an advise to everyone. Out of which some items, may be applicable to the sages also. One such item is 'Run... Run... Keep on running...'. The sages are supposed to thrive by begging and eating whatever was offered to them. If they stay in one village, begged and ate the outcome, they shall not stay in that village next day and beg for food. The sun rises in the East next morning and his rays slowly engulfs the village. The sage, who stayed in that village last night, rolls up his belongings and takes his stick he starts his journey in a hurry. This was what happened, in the life of a sage, in the ancient days.
Why?... Because a sage, shall not stay in a village, no more than one night. He must keep on moving. That is, he must travel relentlessly everyday. That too... Do you know how?... "Vaaganastham pathin thirushtvaa chasera snanamaasye..." If he encounters, any vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, such as vehicles powered by bulls or horses, or palanquin carrying royal family members, chariots... he must take a bath, to get rid of the sin. acquired by witnessing them and then continue his journey. So what is the gist of all these? They must roam around only on foot. That too they must travel, not staying in any village no more than one night. Thus, those sages, who has the discipline and adhering to the principle 'one night, one village', are called 'Parahamsa parivraasakar'. The sages or saints are graduated into four stages... Kutsan, bahudhahan, hamsan and paramahamsan. Classified such as First stage, second stage, third stage and in all these stages those who attained the final and highest stage are called 'Paramahamsar'.
O.K... Let us set aside all these classifications. We were talking about the 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. What happened to it? Those sages, who are supposed to be moving everyday, can they afford to move throughout the year? On hot summer day, one can rest under the shade of a tree and continue their journey. They can cross several villages before halting into one. However... on rainey days...? The rainy season of today is different... and the rainy of ancient days were different. During the rainy season of Vedic days, the rain used to pour, pour and continue to pour. The total number of trees in the Vedic days can be equated to those of the human count of today. Again, the human count during Vedic days can be equated to the tree count of today. Should we ask further?... Pure unpolluted earth... philanthropic sky. During the rainy season you cannot stick your head outside. The sages looked at the environment. In this pouring down rain, going house to house, village to village, and begging for food is not feasible. Let us pitch the tent and camp! Hence, they stayed, the entire four months of the rainy season, in one place. Just for this they established the rule 'They have to stay in one place during all four months of the rainy season'. 'Chaathu maashyam' means four months. This evolved later on to be 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. That is four months 'Viratham'. If they go outside during the rainy season, they will get infected with multitude of germs, die and smell. Hence, what they imposed on themselves, to safeguard their health, they eventually made it a 'Viratham'. Even today, there is a place called 'Aandi Kaadu' in Thanjaavur district. Here during the rainy season, the sages, saints, 'rishis' and renounced souls stay. Afraid of rain and staying in a shelter for four months was 'Chaathurmaashyam'. Even in this modern age, when there is not that much rain, because they are afraid to present themselves in the courtroom, some sages claim that they are observing 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. O.K... The truth about ‘Viratham’ has climbed the mountain. Next... The truth about climbing on the mountain... We have seen about various ‘Virathams’. Performing continuous meditation, without eating, is against the preachings of ‘Vedham’ and ‘Baghawath Githa’. Another important aspect of ‘Viratham’… Nowadays, crowds and crowds of devotees, observing ‘Viratham’ for a prescribed number of days, either one of two ‘mandalams’ (In religious concepts the ‘Mandalam’ is forty one days. The thirty days from the ‘prathipada’, after the full moon to the next full moon day and eleven days to the ‘Ekadasi’ is the period of ‘Mandalam’) and they start their pilgrimage to their favorite temple, with strong determination, and promise to God that they will reach His/Her temple by foot. They walk several miles, with leg pain, and they invariably climb the mountain, where the temple is located. Upon reaching the temple, at the top of the mountain, they finish their fasting. Haven’t I, in the previous chapter, told you that the truth about ‘Viratham’ has climbed the mountain?... Now, we will explore certain truths about climbing the mountain after observing the ‘Viratham’.
“Dhayo reva anthadham kiriyohaa
Dheva nadhiyohaa yadhantharam
Thamdheva nirmitham dhesam
Aariyavarththam vithurpudhaahaa…” That is, the region between Himalayam mountain and Vindhyan mountain was the devine region according to Manu. Rest of the areas of India was considered as ‘Milechcha’ (Asura) region. Yet… people living in the mountainous regions in various parts of the world, considered that their mountains are equally devine and made them sacred. One among those mountains is the mountain in South India. Since there are seven hills in this mountain, it is called ‘Eezhumalai’. Think about the status of the mountain, long long times back, how it would have been? Wherever you look it was forest. Very thick forest infested with herds of various wild animals. Within this thick forest and among the dangerous wild animals was also living the native mountain people… that is hill tribes people were also living in this wild forest. They knew nothing more than the mountain. Coming down from the mountain was an ardent task and if not was impossible. Living and dying happened… only on the mountain. They ate only the fruits that were grown in the forest. Whatever, wild animals that was caught by them or hunted was the only meat they ate. Yet… for these people of the hill tribe, the fear about their security, from the animals or other tribe people, never vanished. “What is this… Everywhere the wild animals are wandering and commit atrocities. Eventhough we are on top of the world, why are we haunted constantly by fear? Should the fear and life be always intertwined?... Noone knows, when the children of the hill tribe, would be going to be torn apart, by the wild animals. The ever changing darkness of the thick forest itself was scary enough for these primitive people.
I have already said that, fear was the greatest motivation, and the foremost key to discover God. Because of the fear over their life… those people of the hill tribe, decided to install a security God for their protection. At first, they used to worship the sun, who drove away the darkness, and later on, started to worship wild beasts, to fend off the fear of the animals. Now they drifted to idol worship and they installed their deity. What kind of shape their deity took? Of course, it had to look something like them. In those days, the people of hill tribe, was having scarcity only for God. But, they never had any scarcity for granite stone. They took the stone from their own mountain… and they carved out an idol similar to themselves, in black granite. That was ‘Kaali’. Yes!... ‘Kaali’ means black. We have already seen about the female deities, and in particular when we talked about the rural Gods, they were installed at the village boundaries for the protection against the intruders. Male, deities cannot be depended for staying in one place and they keep on wandering. Females, just like they take care of the home, staying inside the home, the primitive people believed that the female deities were more suited to protect their villages, by staying at their temple and constantly guarding against their enemies.
Along the same logic… to protect their own mountain, their people… for the first time they created ‘Mountain Kaali’ and began to worship that deity. The males, worshiped ‘Kaali’ as they go for hunting and after they finished their hunting, bestow their hunted animals under the feet of the ‘Kaali’, before they take it to their home, became their tradition. May be because of it or not… to conform to this routine habit, they have carved out the idol. The ‘Kaali’ had two hands. Her right hand wass pointing downwards, to her feet, and the left hand was pointing upwards, showing her palm to her devotees. It was as if telling in sign language, ‘If you offer all your huntings under my feet, I will protect you’. This may even be the meaning in the hill tribesmen’s dictionary. Thus, whatever they have hunted was offered under the feet of ‘Kaali’, and protecting themselves from the darkness and the wild beasts… they never forgot to celebrate their testivities, with ‘Kaali’ as their centerpiece. Just for ‘Kaali’ they wandered all over the hills and plucked fresh flowers… offered to the deity… and enthusiastically sang their stimulating songs and danced around. All these celebrations… are a form of entertainment, just to get rid of their fear over the darkness and wild animals. In the same manner, this ‘Kaali’ worship continued, for several centuries. Till the mountain was not encroached by the outside people, the only form of worship that was carried on the mountain was ‘Kaali’. Let us set aside this mountain ‘Kaali’ for a while. In the modern scientific era… whatever God has created, the humanity challenged and tried to change. That is, by performing various sex change surgeries, the medical profession claims that it is possible to convert the males to females and change females to males. Is it possible to convert males to females and females to males?... During those days of ‘Kaali’ worship, when the science was in its primitive state, such an operation for sex change, was carried out very successfully… What?... What?... Where?... Wasn’t I talking about the surgery to convert a female to a male?... What is wrong with him?... As he was talking, in a series, about the God and religion, don’t ger confused and ask, ‘why he is carrying on about sex change operations?’. Yes… We are talking about a sanctified surgery. I was talking about the worshiping of ancient deity of the hill tribe, mountain ‘Kaali’. For over several centuries, till the people of plains invaded the mountain, ‘Kaali’ was their security God. If that is so… that mountain ‘Kaali’… the one carved in Thiruppathi… established and worshiped by the hill tribe on the seven hills… Where is it now?... The answer this question is the commencement of the sanctified surgery. Several centuries later… The plains people began to migrate to the mountain. Plains people means?... You can consider them as Brahmins. Those climbed on the mountain… they saw the statue of mountain ‘Kaali’. They also saw the way the people of the hill tribe performing ‘Poojai’ to the deity. As the Brahmins saw, the hill tribesmen were picking and offering the fresh forest flowers, and placing the flesh of the hunted animals under the feet of the deity, and performing the ‘Poo Sei’… they questioned the tribesman “Is this how to perform ‘poosai’?... We know the ‘aagamam’ (pooja rituals). We know how to perform the poosai the right way. The way you are performing the ‘poosai’, ‘Kaali’ will not get energized. In addition, you will not get the blessings of ‘Kaali’ either. Hence, you must leave the responsibility for performing the ‘pooja’ rituals to us”. Thus the Brahmins urged the hill tribesmen to handover the responsibility.
The hill tribesmen were surprised. Whereever, they were from, came up the hill… now, they are asking us to hand over the responsibility to perform the ‘pooja’ rituals. They all assembled together. We have been worshiping this deity for several centuries. Now… why they are asking us to handover the pooja responsibility to them?... Should we handover or not? … This is the centerpiece of discussion. Some of them said “Let us handover… Let our ‘Kaali’ acquire more powers”. However, others said “No… We will worship our ‘Kaali’, the way we have been for centuries”. The handing over of the ‘pooja’ responsibilities to Brahmins did not happen immediately. As the time passed on, gradually, the idol of mountain ‘Kaali’ fell into the hands of the Brahmins. They told the tribesmen “You may have worshiped, and offered ‘Poosai’ to ‘Kaali’, till this time with flowers and meat. From now on you are not allowed to offer flowers and meat to God”. After the Brahmins brought under control the ‘Kaali’ of the tribesmen, they began to offer rituals according to ‘aagama’ rules. They also built a small temple to enclose the deity.
As the Brahmins brought the ‘Kaali’ worship completely under their control, they enclosed the deity within the ‘Vimaanam’ (chamber). According to the ‘aagama’ rules, wherever there are female deities, a lion shall be installed as the vehicle for the deity to ride on. Where a male deity is installed, in those temples, a bull shall be installed as the vehicle. As per this rule… they installed a lion next to ‘Kaali’. As the ‘Kaali’ was brought under control of the Brahmins, over few generations, they told the hill tribe… “From now on you shall not enter the temple. We will perform all the worship rituals. You stay outside of the chamber, worship the deity, and return to your home. This ‘Kaali’ is now bound by the ‘aagama’ rules. She is not your old mountain ‘Kaali’, to worship any way you want. If you are not abiding by our ‘aagama’ worship rules ‘Kaali’ will loose Her power. Hence, whatever you have brought to mountain ‘Kaali’, during festivals, celebrations and offerings, give everything to us. We will take care of everything”… The hill tribesmen, never expected, such sweeping handover of the control. There was another change brewing, that can swallow, the changes brought out by the ‘aagama’ tragedy…
This is what I called as the operation or surgery. When the people of the hill tribe came to worship, one day, they were shocked at the sight of ‘Kaali’. The reason?... The ‘Kaali’ who stayed as a female till yesterday… suddenly, she changed Her sex and became a male God. Cobra snakes were coiled around the arms of ‘Kaali’. The snakes were outfitted around the arms. Cobra snakes… What is this?... “We are going to make this deity famous. This is a ‘Saivaite’ deity named ‘Siva Peruman’. This is not ‘Kaali’… Only now, the hill tribesmen realised, that the Brahmins are out to make profit, out of their native deity. They started to fight back. They started to bear weapons. However, the Brahmin’s keen tactical knowledge and sharp mind defeated the weapons. They said to the hill dwellers “Please wait! Be patient! Because of this deity you must be benefitted and we also must be benefitted. Tell us about your ancestral trade and we can find a way that will be beneficial for both parties”… The tribesmen answered “hunting, collecting honey and shaving the heads”. Brahmins “What?... What was the last one you mentioned?”... Tribesmen said “Among us one part shaves heads of others!”. Brahmins clinched a compromise. “Great! From now on, whoever visits the temple… comes to pray the God… they must sit with you, and get their head shaved, before they enter inside the temple premises. This is the condition of entry from now on. You must collect the appropriate fee, for shaving the head, and keep it for yourself. What we collect inside the temple belongs to us. You are benefitting from this arrangement, and we also benefit, out of this agreement. You are getting ‘dhatchanai’ and we are also getting ‘dhatchanai’. It will bring good things to you as well as for us”… Thus, the Brahmins, convinced the hill tribesmen, to shave the heads of the pilgrims. The people of hill tribe, lost their right to their ‘Kaali’, and became barbers staying outside the temple, and shave the heads of the religious pilgrims, who came to worship the God. The Brahmins, on the other hand, entered and went inside the temple, and robbed the tribesmen of their right to the idol. At this situation ... What situation...? The situation, under which the mountain 'Kaali' of Thiruppathi, was sex transformed by the Saivaites, into Paramasivan and Subramanyan... the news of this change reaches the ears of the Vaishnavas. Their blood boiled. They were under the leadership of Vaishnava elder of all time, Sri Ramaanujar, who has been acclaimed as 'Vainavaththilakam' and 'Em Perumaanaar', determined to fight this occupation. The 'Vainava' ('Vaishnava') army marched up the mountain to fend off the intruders. Sri Ramaanujar lived in the eleventh century. That is approximately one thousand years back. He went to Thiruppathi, to listen to the Raamaayana (Story of Lord Raamaa) from his uncle, Thirumalainambi. While he was learning the Raamaayana, in the lower Thiruppathi... the news of Saivaite takeover, of the mountain 'Kaali', and subsequent conversion to Siva worship, at the upper Thiruppathi, must have reached his ears. He took along with him, several Vainavaas and climbed up the hill. There he found a temple, in which the mountain 'Kaali' was converted to Sivan, and the Saivaites were ruling over, the native hill tribe. This Saivaite-Vaishnavaite confrontation and the part Sri Raamaanujar played is well documented in the sacred text 'Guruparambarai'. 'Guruparambarai' means?... I have already told you that Guru are the 'aachchaariyars' (The elders of the Vaishnava sect). That is... the book of compilation of the life history of the teachers of the 'tradition of the Vaishnava sect' is called 'Guruparambarai'.
In that sacred book, the incidence that happened on the Thiruppathi mountain, between the Saivaites and the Vaishnaaites, is explained in detail. As Raamaanujar, under his leadership, reached the mountain top, along with his Vaishnava accompanies... the anger of the Saivaites, who have already occupied the mountain, reached its pinnacle. They shouted at the Vaishnavas... "Why did you all come here? This is our temple, and this is our God. Politely, go back to where you came from". Neither Raamaanujar nor his associates were not shaken by these demands. The Vaishnavas claimed that "This is where 'Bhagawaan Narayanan' has materialized naturally. This temple is very sacred for the Vaishnavas. All these preceeding years, that you have profitted out of our temple, is more than enough. At least now, you must vacate this place, without any skirmishes". "Impossible! We want you to look at the cobras that are spiraled around the deities arms. Hence, He is Sivan"... with these arguments, they showed the cobras that they coiled around the arms of the deity, a while back, as the proof that the deity was indeed Sivan.
Both sides were engaged in explosive arguments and counter arguments. They brought a king, from somewhere, named 'Thondaimaan Chakkaravarthy' to mediate the dispute. In the presence of the king, the 'Bhaghawath Panchaayath' (God mediation) continued. (I myself was wondering about this. In those days, was there a king, on the top of the mountain? Why did he came here?... T.C.: King Thondaimaan was ruling the northern part of Tamil Nadu during this era and probably he was invited to mediate this dispute). Sri Raamaanujar, opened his mouth and said... "O.K... Among us, both sides are explosively, continuously, engaged in heated arguments. As far as we are concerned, we claim that this God, on this hill, is none other than 'Perumaal', and we can conclusively prove this fact. However, you Saivaites claim that this hill is Sivagiri (Siva's mountain). Since, we were unable to conclude this dispute, by arguments and counter arguments... I propose that the God Himself put an end to this dispute. Who am I? Am I Sivan? Or am I Perumaal?... Let Him tell us His decision". One of the disciple of Raamaanujar, wondered about this jurisprudence, and asked... "My great master... How is He going to relate His decision to us?". At this time, a little turbulance, in the gathering! While heated arguments was going on among the two sects of Hinduism, and after winessing the entire proceedings, the native people of the hill tribe, were baffled over, to either laugh at it or cry over it. After all, it was the 'Kaali', they installed to protect their tribe!
Let us, again, travel back to 'Guruparambarai'. Sri Raamaanujar was answering to the question "How 'Bhaghawaan' is going to relate His decision to us?". "Please bring here the most important weapons of Perumaal (Naaraayanan) such as 'Sangu' (Shell) and 'Chakkaram' (Wheel) and the weapons of Sivan such as 'Maan' (Deer) and 'Mazhu' (Mallet)"... thus he commanded. Believing that 'under favorable circumstances, we can take our sets of weapons and we can adorn the deity', both sects brought the weapons of their choice belonging to their deities. Sri Raamaanujar continued ... "Now we will place the weapons from both parties, in the God's 'sannidhi' (chamber), under the feet of the deity. Night we will lock the chamber with weapons inside. We all go home and will assemble back sharply at sunrise. We will open the chamber and witness the deity together. If He is wearing 'Sangu' and the 'Chakkaram' then the deity is 'Perumaal'. If He is wearing 'Maan' and 'Mazhu' then He will be declared to be Sivan. Is this condition acceptable to everyone?" Each group had a caucus of their own and delibrated on that proposal. They felt it was a fair proposal. 'Everything is an act of God. O.K... This is fair' ... everyone agreed. They placed the 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram' on one side and the 'Maan' and 'Mazhu' on the other side of the idol. Night time! Pitch dark! Every one was suspicious that 'at night time someone may hide inside the 'Garbhagraham', and fit the deity with the weapons, of their choice' and hence, everyone looked around very carefully, and exited the chamber, leaving behind only te weapons. With everyone witnessing, they locked the door to the 'sannidhi'.
Inside noone but the 'Bhaghawaan'. From here on everything is in His hand. Justice is His! Everyone left th place. The night time, to everyone's expectations, slowly disintegrated... the sun raised his eyelids slowly... The sky and the earth gradually flooded with light. Who is 'Bhaghawaan'? What is His verdict? With considerable anxiety, they opened the door. Inside... As per the compromise proposal advocated by Sri Raamaanujar, the select favorite weapons of both Sivan and Naaraayanan were placed inside the 'sannidhi' and it was locked. Next morning, even before the sunrise, everyone started to assemble and were eagerly waiting to see the results. Their hearts were pounding in elevated rhythm and curious to know the God's justice. After the sunrise... the 'sannidhi' was unlocked... the door was opened. Inside...
On His shoulder, with 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram', the deity was standing with grace. The reason? The four hands that are characteristic of the 'Perumaal' was not there. Only two hands to that idol. As soon as they saw the 'Chakkaram' worn on the idol, the face of al the Vaishnavas were bloomed and filled with smiles. The faces of the Saivaites had no life in them. There was also another reason. The Perumaal did not stop at just wearing the 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram'. Last night, along with 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram', weren't there also other favorite weapons of Sivan such as 'Maan' and 'Mazhuvu' placed in the 'sannidhi'? They were all crushed up and tore into pieces and they were all spread everywhere on the floor. As if a rowdy person invaded the 'sannidhi'... the Sivan's weapons were torn into pieces and were spread all over the floor. When the Vaishnavaites saw this scene, their excitement sky rocketed. The Saivaites, were ashamed and silently vacated the place. Because of this event… Sri Raamaanujar earned the title ‘Appanukku Sangaazhi Aliththavar’. ‘Appan’ means the the presiding deity Thiruppathi Perumaal. Expanding further, for the ‘Appan’ itself, that is, for the Thiruppathi Perumaal, Sri Raamaanujar has presented the ‘sangu’ (shell) and ‘Aazhi’ (‘Chakkaram’, wheel). All these facts are noted in the book titled ‘Guru Parambharai’. Just like this… Sri Raamaanujar has defended and saved the Vainava sect from other religious denominations and to commemorate these heroic deeds ‘Thiruvarangaththu Amudhanaar’ has composed series of one hundred poems called ‘Raamaanuja Nootranthaathi’. I want you to listen to one such ‘Anthaathi’ : “Dharkka samanamum saakkiya peykalum… Thaazhsadaiyon Sorkatra sombarum sooniya vaathamum Nirka kurumbu sei niisarum maandanar nii nilaththe Porkarpakam em Raamaanusa Muni pontha pinne…” Meaning of this Tamil verse : “The ‘Samanars’ (Jains), who constantly engaged in arguments; the so called ‘Budhdha’ religion that has been haunting the people of Tamil Nadu like a ghost; the Saivaites, who have been following ‘Thaazh Sadaiyon’ (one with matted hair) a.k.a. Siva; those who were engaged in empty banal arguments; and those ‘Adhvaithis’ who claims that everything is unreal (mirage) … everyone noted above died and uprooted”.
When?... After the birth of our Raamaanujar… thus states this ‘Anthaathi’.
If you have the feeling that we may be descending from the Thiruppathi hills abruptly. I have some more messages to add to it. The 'Bhaghawaan' on the top of the mountain has selected the weapons of His choice and wore it on him. That is O.K. But why did He destroyed all the weapons of Sivan and tore it into pieces and spread it across the floor?... Just by wearing the 'Sangu' and the 'Chakkaram' alone everyone will be convinced that He is Perumaal. Why then... 'Bhaghawaan' Narayanan had to destroy the weapons of Sivan into pieces?... Breaking the materials thus, is this expected of a God?... Only when this question was raised, along the medium of 'sevi vazhi seythi' (the news through ears only), based on 'Guru Parambharai', a news has been circulating among the religious elites. That is... the night before, all the weapons were placed within the 'Garbhagraham', and it was locked. Everyone was convinced, that no other human beings were hiding behind, inside and they went to their bed. Later on... at night, Raamaanujar returned to the temple. How?... He assumed the figure of a snake. Snake?... Yes. According to the religious notes, God Vishnu appeared in front of Nammaazhwaar (most respected of 'Aazhwaars'), who lived several years before the birth of Sri Raamaanujar, and told him that would be Raamaanujar, is none other than Aadhiseshan, the snake on which Aranganaathar is laying. Accordingly... Nammaazhwaar has written a song, based on this encounter, about the one going to be born, Sri Raamaanujar, titled 'Kaliyum Kedum Kenmin'. This type of writing is called 'Pavishyadhaasaaryar'. That is... knowing about someone, who is going to be born in the future, and praising them. Thus... there is a belief that Perumaal Himself communicated to Nammaazhwaar... "Raamaanujar will come to this world as the incarnation of Aadhiseshan".
With these characteristics... Again at night, Raamaanujar with the skills of snake Aadhiseshan, came to the temple. The 'sannidhi' is locked. Inside, the weapons of both sides are laying on the floor. As he decided that, in the morning, the idol shall wear the 'sangu' and 'chakkaram', and He must portray the image of God Vishnu, he goes around and around the temple to find a solution. Only one pathway is open to get inside the temple... only 'Gomukai'. What is that?... During celebrations, when the idol inside was given a bath, using sacred turmeric water, the drainage hole to get the water outside is called 'Gomukai'. Except that hole there was no other way to get inside the temple. Since, he was born with the characteristics of Aadhiseshan, he immediately changed his form to that of a snake, and through that hole, he entered into the 'sannidhi'. In a hurry, he fixes the 'sangu' and 'chakkaram' on the shoulders of the idol. The task was accomplished! He again, converts back to the form of snake, exits through the same hole and disappears into the darkness of the night. Later on... in the morning, he was accompanied by everyone and as they opened the door, the idol was wearing the 'sangu' and 'chakkaram' and was appeared as Lord Vishnu... and found some of the weapons of the opposition party was crushed into pieces. This was the 'Sevi Vazhi Seythi'... If that was so with 'Guru Parambharai' as the nucleus, you have heard the 'sevi vazhi seythi', that provided an insight into the process, by which the idol has selected its weapon of choice. Since it was only a 'sevi vazhi seythi', you may accept this explanation or decline it. If this message, sprang up without a basis, you may refuse to accept. However... since it was an auxiliary to the incidences contained in the 'Guru
Parambharai', you cannot reject this explanation, in its totality. On the other hand... original copy of 'Guru Parambharai', contains references to Raamaanujar assuming the shape of Aadhiseshan, and entering the temple through the 'Gomukam'. If that message was left intact, whatever Raamaanujar undertook to prove, will become a question mark. Hence, it was strongly believed that, the elders decided to leave that portion of the message out and carried it on as a 'sevi vazhi seythi'. Under these conditions... a question may arise... "Who are you to talk about the Thiruppathi Hills? What rights do you have?". Some people have directly posed these questions to me! To answer this question, I am going to relate another interesting incidence to you.
Do you recall that I told you that Raamaanujar's uncle was Thirumalainambi? He stayed on the hills and was performing necessary services ('Kainkaryam') for the Perumaal. The major 'Kainkaryam' that was needed on the top of the hill was to bring water for Perumaal according to the Vedic rules. The main hurdle was, that the water may be logged, in small ponds, between the hills. He has to search for these ponds, and carry it to the temple in a pot. It was strenuous and an ardent task. Thus, Thirumalainambi used to find and carry the water, and thereby rendering his services to Perumaal. On one day... nowhere water to be found, all around the temple. Alas... with the thought 'somehow I have to serve the God', Thirumalainambi was wandering up and down, through far away places on the hill. Nowhere, water to be found! After considerable roaming, and with much difficulty, he collected one pot full of water. (When they described his dedication, they used to tell that he went to 'Aakaasa Gangai', high region of Himalaya where Gangai originates, and brought the water). With a feeling of accomplishment, he returned happily, back to the temple with water. On the way back... from other side of a small hill... he heard someone calling him 'Thaaththaa'. Thirumalainambi turned towards the caller. There was a person standing with utter thirst. He was begging "I am very very thirsty. Even my saliva is dried up. If only you give me little bit of water I will always be grateful to you". His eyes as well as his hands were anxiously expecting for a positive reply from Thirumalainambi.
Thirumalainambi turned towards the requester. His look was stern, just like the look of a person, when asked for a liter of water, either living in the village area, who have wandered all over the village, from well to well, to fetch a pail of water, or look of a city dweller, who was waiting all day long, and struggled to get a pot full of water, from the municipality lorry. He told the parched man... "Sorry sir... I am taking this to service the God Himself. I have fetched this pot of water with considerable difficulty. I cannot spare this for you". The dehydrated man continued... "A man is struggling to survive. Without giving water to me... you are giving Perumaal as the excuse? Does it seems as justice to you? If you give me water, you will accrue 'Punniyam' (good karmic point) for saving a life. What are you going to get by pouring water over a stone?". Thirumalainambi resolutely refused to his request and continued his journey. Again, he heard, "Thaaththaa" in a bolder voice. He turned towards the man. That was, to his surprise, Perumaal, who was testing the dedication of Thirumalainambi, and appeared before him as a thirsty man.
Why am I telling you this encounter now?... 'Thaatha' also in Sanskrit means father. Perumaal was considered as father of 'Brammaa', the creator. Such a great father Himself was calling, Thirumalainambi as 'Thaatha...'. i.e., since Perumaal called him as 'appaa' (father)... Thirumalainambi became 'Thaaththaa' (grand father) to this writer. His descendants became 'thaathaachaariyaars'. That is ... "Pithaamakasya abhi pithaamahaaya piraasethu Aadhesa palapradhaaya sribhashyakaara Uththama dhesikaaya srisaila poornaaya Namo namasthe..." ..."Since, the father of Brammaa, Perumaal Himself, has called Thirumalainambi as 'Thaatha...' (father), we pay our respect to him" ... thus states this slokam. Hence... the successors of Thirumalainambi became 'Thaaththaachchaariyaars'. My family has told me that I was descendant of this clan. Since I also was born in the 'Thaaththaachchaari' dynasty, I claim to have roots to the Thiruppathi temple. Hence... I also claim rights to talk and write about the Thiruppathi temple. I was not relating this story, just to establish my rights to talk about the temple. I just wanted to bring this justice to the forefront ... "Help the humanity. Take care of the God later on"... the very message of God given to Thirumalainambi. Next... When we talk about the Thiruppathi Hills, an important personality of this temple was Haththiyaraam Baabaaji. Who was this gentleman?...
The original natives of a place normally termed as 'Kallin Kadavul' or otherwise son of the soil. Like wise... we have seen, that of the native deity of the Thiruppathi hill was none other than 'Kaali', and how she was transsexualized into other deities by low land invaders. In addition, at the end of the last chapter, I have noted about Mr. Haththiyaraam Baabaaji and said that he was an important personality of the Thiruppathi temple. Who was this person? What was he doing in Thiruppathi? As soon as you heared his name, you may have guessed, what kind of person he could have been. As you may have guessed, he was a North Indian. He was wandering all over India, looking for peace, and landed in Thiruppathi. In those days, in the Thiruppathi temple, all the worship services were conducted in a natural and peaceful manner. Baabaaji was intensely devoted to Venkataachalapathi, the presiding deity of Thiruppathi, and he used to stay close to the alter of the temple. He will take over various responsibilities of the temple and complete it with utmost devotion. Within few days... because of his enthusiasm and devotion to the temple, he became the administrator of the temple itself.
O.K... Are you having urge to ask me 'what great things he did to earn a name for himself?'... I have already talked to you, about the origin of that tradition, of shaving the head of people, who climbed up the hill and came to visit the temple. Do you remember that? As per the compromise, worked out by the Brahmins and one sect of the hill tribesmen who were barbers, everyone agreed with the common good of 'you need to earn an income, and we need to get some income' and accordingly, the barbers got the right to shave the head of the devotees, visiting the temple and earned their income. That tradition of shaving the head of the visitors, was popularized and made it a foremost signature event, of Thiruppathi temple by Baabaaji. He realized, that to propagate the name of the temple, amongst the masses, a trade mark was essential, and he actively promoted the shaving of the head. During his period, more people resolved to offer their hair, if their request to this God was realized, and as aconsequence, people started to pour in bunches. Now... during the Tamil month of 'Purattaasi' (Sep-Oct)... the surge of crowd is so vast that the Thiruppathi mountain itself appears to be shaking. Eventhough the crowd in those days was not as much as it is today, based on the economic condition of the people and transportation facilities available in those days, the crowd started to pour in by popularizing the hair offering.
Under these prevailing conditions... some of the Brahmins went to Baabaaji and said "In the hands of the idol, the snakes are carved in and if we remove it it would be better. Similarly, if we also get rid of the braided hair at the rear of the 'Vigraham' (statue) it would be ...". Baabaa rejected their request and said "Everything will be just like it has been. Nothing will be changed". Wait! What is that braiding?... Behind this, there is an interesting story. I should not be telling this to you. I was firmly resolved not to reveal this story to you. However... I am relating this very reluctantly and a bit nervously. Several years back... You know more about Israel and Palestine. They are countries where there are lots of blood shed due to clashes between the muslims and the jews. The Israelis and the Palestinians were breathing only the war. In that war dusted sacred land is the city of Jerusalem. What is this?... You may wonder 'While talking about Thiruppathi, why is he meandering into Jerusalem?'... A lady who was born in that city, was very much interested in exploring the temples of India and in particular she was very excited to learn more about the Thiruppathi temple, visit and get the blessings of God. She was a jew and she knew our own queen of music M.S. Subbulakshmi. With M.S.S.'s introduction, she came to the temple. From time to time when she has a doubt or needed clarifications about 'Sanaadhana Samayam', she was looking for someone, who is well versed the 'Vedham', to bounce her questions to get a reliable answer. Someone gave my name to her and she contacted me. I accepted her invitation, and accompanied her to the Thiruppathi temple. She belongs to 'Milechcha' (lower level) religion per Vedic interpretation, and how did they let her in?
It was very difficult! After considerable song and dance, pulling some power ropes, they let her in. After she was admitted into the temple, she became anxious to go around the 'Vigraham' (idol), and examine it. After some heavy hitting, she got permission to go inside the 'Garbhagraham'. That is when... I have also witnessed, the braided hair of the Thiruppathi Perumaal, that was combed and well decorated. Now, are you convinced, that she was indeed mountain 'Kaali', as per my earlier claims? I was afraid, that someone is going to ask me, one of these days, 'Have gone there in person and checked it yourself?'. Just for that reason, with very, very much reservation and half heartedly, I have revealed the entire truth to you.
Even today, crowds and crowds of people with considerable hope, climb up the hill and worship Venkataachalapathi Perumaan. It is everyone hail and praise, that all their wishes are fulfilled by going to Thiruppathi and they hope that 'If you go to Thiruppathi and return back, there will be change in your life'.
Yet, what is happening in Thiruppathi? If a person is rich, they take him close to the deity and let him worship as long as he wishes. From all others, they collect 50 rupees and 100 rupees, just to see the God and worship, and drive them out as fast as they enter. If one do not have even that much money to pay, they have to stand anywhere from 5 hours to 24 hours, depending on the season and occasion, just to get the glimpse of the 'Vigraham'. That too, fifteen to twenty feet before the God, they block the devotees and force them to 'Keep on moving'. Thus, I was talking only about, the past history of the Venkataachalapathy, who eventually, became a commercialized God. What a pity... The sons of the moutain, who originally worshiped 'Kaali', today they sit outside the temple, and shave devotees heads. Even, shaving the heads was made into a big business... Just because of this commercialization, I have to relate to everyone, about the twists and turns, that happened in the past life of 'Kaali'!. Next... So... What did we see so far?... We have seen what I have witnessed in Thiruppathi temple. We have explored the various issues over the 'Vigraham'. In addition, we can also accumulate more evidences to justify the claim. Generally, Perumaal has four arms with two hands holding 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram' and the other two hands are extra. However... for Thiruppathi Perumaal has only two hands. He is not holding the 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram' in His hands. They are hanging onto His shoulder. The counting of the hands also throws the weight on our side. Next, another important evidence... Have you seen, near the Thiruppathi Perumaan, His consort 'Piraattiyaar'? You will not see Her? Why not?... After descending from the mountain, when you travel in the plains for a while, you will find 'Padhmaavathith Thaayaar', in a place called Thiruchchaanoor. Why was she not installed on the top of the mountain? How can you place the 'Vigraham' of a female deity, next to the 'Vigraham' of another female deity? Yes... After all, the 'Vigraham' that was installed on the mountain, was it not, but the original 'Thaayaar' ('Kaali') of the hill tribesmen? That was the reason, there was no consort on the mountain, for the one who became Venkataachalapathi. Later on, to camouflage this deficiency, the concept of Piraatti living in Thiruchchaanoor, was propagated. These are further evidences to suport our contention.
Now... for us, it is not important whether Venkataachalapathi is a male or female idol. Yet... today, how the foreign cool drinks are profitting, using our own water, by crushing the local competitions such as 'Maappillai Vinaayakar', and 'Goli Soda'... just like that, the local hill tribesmen's deity 'Kaali', was crushed by the invaders from the plains and they continue to profit. I am only bringing this fact to the forefront, to demonstrate how the rights of the downtrodden hill tribesmen were defrauded. Please do not misconstrue my intentions, and I beg pardon from all the devotees of Thiruppathi, if I have caused any anguish. Devotion is same for everyone, for you as well as for me. O.K... What next?... “Yappappaa”, what a speed… Did these horses eat horse gram? Or were they eating horse meat? Why they are chasing them, with such speed and coarseness, what a wonder, galloping and riding at the speed of hurricane? Who are these people?... The people of the village, on the hill, were trembling. Sitting on the horse, holding the horse rope on one hand and the whip on the other hand, those burgler soldiers were thrashing the horses to speed them further. The women were fleeing in every direction… Small children were thrown out of the pathways… Some men were facing the riders and they were ready to resist them. However… they could not bear the force of the whip and they fell to the ground. Who were those soldiers?... Where was this village located?... Why are they whipping the village folks?... The village was located in the Western ghats, in present day Malaiyaala (Kerala) country. Those who came to rob the villagers were low class soldiers. The Malaiyaala country, one time was ruled by ‘Paandiya’ king, was very fertile, during and after the rule. After plundering all around the village, the tired soldiers, were straitened themselves up a bit. All around the village, there were five hillocks, appeared very beautiful. The natural panorama was a spectacular view. “Would they have any treasures up the hill?”… one of the soldier questioned. “Mmmm… May be” another answered. Everyone, with considerable effort, climbed up the hill.
There are two versions of the scenery they witnessed, are floating around. As they climbed up the hill named 'Kaantha Malai', the soldier's eyes were blinded by a powerful reflection. As they were getting closer and closer, all their body parts were getting illuminated. What was there to emit such brightness? Golden statue. Yes!... Bright shiney golden statue was proclaiming the prosperity of the people living in that mountain region. The soldiers robbed everything. This is one of the rumor ('sevi vazhi seythi') circulating. The other version of this story is that the soldiers wrecked the statue and broke it into pieces. After loosing the idol that they worshipped, to the soldier bandits, the people of the hill tribe descended down from the top a bit. In the valley between the five hillocks they carved out and installed a new deity. Starting with worshiping the nature, then switched to worship the wild beasts and eventually settled on human form, this deity called Ayyanaar, was that village dwellers prime God. Just like, they used to install female deities as their security God, this idol was a male security God. Just in this manner, the hill tribes people have installed Ayyanaar, as their security God, and have been worshiping that deity for centuries.
This idol was also robbed, by low class soldiers, few centuries back. The first place, where the golden statue was installed, called 'Ponnambalam'. 'Pon' means gold and 'ambalam' means 'temple'. After the golden idol was robbed... they were hoping to istall an idol safely in between the hills... that was also robbed. Here another contradicting message... During the second raid by the bandits, the statue was not robbed but it was disfigured and broken into pieces. Thus... the idol of the hill tribesmen was said to be stolen and/or broken into pieces, by the enemies, today, it is a very distinguished and a very sacred God. Keeping the deity, for which everyday, the pooja was performed with flowers... and religious celebrations are performed by the hill tribesmen... as the center piece... today few people, keep that temple open only for few days in a year, and holding onto the steering wheel of worship. That statue?... Disfigured and stolen by the low class soldier bandits, the statue that was neglected for a while, was recarved by the hill tribe and was re-installed for worship. Bringing the pure and chilled water, that flowing in the mountain streams, the hill dwellers bathed their deity 'Ayyanaar', and adorned it with fresh plucked flowers, that bloomed, that very same day and thus they were worshiping daily on gentler manner. On another side, they also offered under the feet of the deity, the fresh meat of the wild animals, that was killed by pointed sharp tools, and worshiped in primitive sadistic manner. As the gentler worship, and the primitive sadistic worship, continued simultaneously... to that hill country, a crowd of people, exodus from present state of Andhrapradesh, arrived by foot, looking for a livelyhood. Upon arrival, they witnessed the deity Ayyanaar, and the people of the hill tribe. That was night time. They were carrying, on one hand fat fueled fire torch, and on the other wild animal meat. They lighted the torch, and set it in front of the deity, and they started to offer the deity, the bodies of all the animals they have hunted. Those 'Namboodhries' emigrated from the present state of Andhrapradesh, as they were twisting their 'poonool' were witnessing their prayer ritual. The 'Namboodhries' who were staunch followers of Vedic tradition... watching this 'Ayyanaar' worship ritual for few days... suddenly, one day they put forth a new dilemma in front of the tribesmen... "Yappappaa (unbearable cruelty)... What a disservice to the deity? Instead of offering ghee (clarified butter) and coconut to the deity, you are offering the meat dripping with fat...? Do you really know who this deity is?"...
The hill tribesmen were shaken up. When they saw the 'Namboodhries', who were built majestically, the tribesmen paid very much respect for them. "Swami, what are you saying?"... they asked. "Listen... This is not your 'Ayyanaar'. He is our 'Ayyappan'. Do you know the story, how he got to this place?" ... the 'Namboodhries' were fishing for an entry. Tribesmen..."We knew! It was disfigured two or three times by bandits. Later on, we ourselves, with considerable hardship, carved out this statue. We kept it for our security"... thus they answered. The Namboodhri Brahmins retorted "Wrong... Wrong...There is a long unwritten story, behind the arrival of this deity, to this place". With these words they shared the story. "You know God Siva... Whoever meditates, thinking of Him, He appreciates and gets intoxicated with their praises, and he awards them whatever boon they request. Like that one time a 'asuran' (cruel person) named 'Padhmaasuran' was observing severe meditation on Siva. He was not concerned about the heat, rain, 'pari', snake and tiger, and without any motion, he was reciting the names of Siva. Siva appeared in front of him and asked him... "what boon are you longing for?". "Devaa (my God)... If I keep my hand over anybody's head, they must be in flames, and become ashes"... the boon he requested. Without giving deep thought over the boon he requested, Siva..."I award you Padhmaasuraa"... thus He sanctioned the boon.
From that day on, the hands of 'Padhmaasuran' becme restless. He put his hands on the heads of, his enemies, those humans whom he do not care for. The minute his hand, touched their heads, they were burnt and became ashes. For him, a very strange thougt cropped up. I have kept my hand on everyone's head, and the only one left over, is the one who granted me this boon. That was Siva... He went to Him.
Siva asked..."What is the matter?". "I would like to test the strength of the boon you have granted to me. Hence, I would like place my hand over your head..." ... said 'Padhmaasuran'. Sivan understood. He is trying to destroy me with the same boon I have granted to him. He got scared and ran towards 'Thirumaal' (Vishnu). 'Perumaal' understood the plight of Sivan. If we have change the direction of this 'asuran', it can only happen by 'Dhasai' (flesh), and 'Perumaal' immediately changed into 'Mohini'. 'Mohini'?... Yes! With lust at its zenith, inviting to taste the forbidden fruit, the one with most beautiful body was the 'Mohini'. Well built body... Very fertile soft body... Small hip... Colorful jewelries... Her beauty was such that it intoxicates, and elicits everyone's lust, when they see her. She was standing like a beautiful sex figure.
‘Padhmaasuran’ looked at her beauty. As he intensely surveyed her body, each part, one by one, from toe to the top of her hair, he was impaired with intoxication of sexual lust. When he was in the impaired state… how is he going to remember, Sivan, ‘Dhasai’, and the boon? As he was immersed into the lustful pool of Mohini’s sexy figure… everything about his past was nothing but a blur. ‘Perumaal’ i.e., ‘Mohini’ gaged at his toxic level. She wanted to take him to a higher level of ecstasy and started her dancing. What a beauty? Even if ‘Mohini’ was standing still, her beauty cannot be described in words. As is, if she shakes her body and moving her body parts… how can one describe the dynamic energy, passing through everyone’s nerves? “If only you can dance like me, ‘Padhmaasuraa’ you can have me. Are you ready?”… she enticed him. Her words was so soothing, he was floating in the heaven. He forgot about the rogue activities of his past, and he stood in front of her and started to imitate her dance postures. As ‘Mohini’ bent her hip, he followed her and bent his hip. ‘Mohini’ using her bangled arms, performing various dance postures and ‘mudhraas’ (seals) and he copied and followed it exactly. She bent down, raised up and smiled and he imitated the same. ‘Mohini’ raised her leg way up and showed her silky feet. He tried to raise his leg. She swirled around. Her braided, beautiful hair, was floating in the air. Again, she put her hand on the hip. Placed, her hand, on the chest. Later on, she closed her face with both palms and smiled. ‘Asuran’, in the intoxicated state, followed her every movement. Finally… ‘Mohini’, drifted upwards her palms slowly, to top of the head. Without any hesitation, ‘Padhmaasuran’ also drifted his palms, to top of his head… Intoxicated over the shape of the ‘Perumaal’, who came as ‘Mohini’, Just like her, he also placed his palms over his head. That was it!... The boon, that he obtained, dictated his own fate. Based on the boon that he obtained… ‘whoever heads I place my hands on, they must burn to death’, he was burnt to death by his own actions. After burning him to death, Sivan became peaceful. ‘Mohini’ face also relaxed and bloomed, by the fact the ‘avathaaram’ (incarnation) she took was very successful. Sivan, who thought that he buried the troubles from ‘Padhmaasuran’, He was haunted with ‘Mohini’ trouble. Yes!... The beauty of ‘Mohini’, especially after burning the ‘Asuran’… stoked the love lust in Sivan. Gently, he approached ‘Mohini’. “You have destroyed that ‘asuran’. However… within me there is another ‘Asuran’ named ‘Premam’ has sprouted and he is taking a ‘Vishwaroopam’ (monumental shape). I need your help in suppressing this ‘Asuran’ also and destroy him”… thus he pleaded. Sivan and ‘Mohini’ thought for a while. They both made love. With their affair, ‘Mohini’ gave birth to a devine baby… that baby… that devine baby was… Ayyappan. The one born by the union of Sivan and ‘Mohini’, was born with a bell around His neck and hence, He was also called as ‘Manikantan’.
When this story of the birth of Ayyappan was told by the Namboodhries to the hill tribesmen, they were in a shock. Here, with this brief narration of this story, if it was so interesting, in those days, when it was related to the hill traibesmen, in detail, day by day, like a soap opera, one can imagine the excitement, that was elicited among the people. “Is that so?... Did our Ayyanaar was born in this manner?”... in great surpise, the hill people asked them. “Yes… He has performed, many more wonders. Since Ayyappan was a creation of two different Gods, you should not be worshiping in this primitive manner… You must delegate this worshiping rituals in our hands”… said the Namboodhries. The hill tribesmen, gradually, started to believe the story of the origin of Ayyappan as related by the Namboodhries. In the steep hill range, to reach the plateau, where the Ayyappan idol was installed, and offer the flowers, the hill tribesmen have built some steps. When the Namboodhries saw the steps and they asked… “Aah haa… do you have any idea about these steps?...”. The hill dwellers… “Why wouldn’t we know? Just to make it easy, to climb up the steep slope,and to worship the God, we built these steps”. “What a sin?... What an ignorance?... These were not ordinary steps… Each step has the characteristic of a particular deity. Six steps have the characteristics of Sivan. Six more steps have the characteristics of God Murugan. The last six steps have characteristics of Ayyappan a.k.a. ‘Manikantan’. You cannot climb up these steps in ordinary manner. You must observe strict ‘Viratham’… Not ordinary ‘Viratham’… One ‘Mandalam’ period of ‘Viratham’… in addition, you must avoid meat eating during this period… stay clean… then only you may be eligible to climb up these steps. Do you all understand?...” with high commanding voice, Namboodhries took away the rights of the hill people, and put a stop to their freedom, in worshiping Ayyappan. Thus, gradually, little by little… as the years were passing by, the Ayyanaar of the hill inhabitants… was converted to Manikantan and eventually, Ayyappan by the Namboodhries.
The inhabitants of the hill were left standing at the bottom of the steps, and the Namboodhri Brahmins climbed up the steps and reached the top. When they were on the top, their eyes witnessed, a flickering colossal beam of glow with a ‘Dhigu Dhigu’ oscillation.”What is that?”… the Brahmins asked. The hill dwellers were laughing at that question. “We are wondering. We are very much frightened over this huge flame in the middle of the forest. However, your faces are not even showing any signs of fear or concern”… the Namboodhri Brahmins asked again. “Oh… that!... Remember, when you have met us for the first time, at night… we had lit our fat fueled fire torch… haven’t you noticed us?...” asked the hill tribesmen. “Yes…” the Brahmins replied. “Today, is our celebration day. We have lit our fire torch and we are celebrating in the light of the torch. That is the fire, shining on top of the ‘Kaantha Malai”… thus replied the tribesmen.
Few days passed… The Brahmins decided, to take advantage of the celebration of the hill people, and claim it as their own celebration. “You stupid people… That not only has been your festival… there was a ardent devotee of Ayyappan from the forest dwellers called ‘Sabhari’. Ayyappan delivered ‘Moksham’ for her. As the flowering trees showering their flowers… and the angels came and showering praises… a huge bright light appeared on the earth. ‘Sabhari’ entered into that light and reached the state of ‘Moksham’. That is ‘Moksha Jyothi’ (Light of Liberation). You have started celebrating this event afterwards. Do you understand now the significance of this ‘Jyothi’ (illumination). This region of the Western ghat is called ‘Sabhari Malai’. That was how this hill was named. Now you understand the sourse of ‘Sabhari Malai’?... The Brahmins have delivered a new light on the ‘lighting festival of fire torch by the hill dwellers’. Even to this day, on the reighning star of ‘Makaram’, during the Tamil month of ‘Thai’… on the top of the ‘Kaantha Malai’, one can witness a ‘Jyothi’. All of a sudden, it disappears. Even now, are the hill tribes people lighting their fire torch and celebrate their festival?... It is not?... Then how one witnesses the ‘Makara Jyothi’? This is a secret arrangement of the Namboodhries! They go to the top of the hill and set fire and return back. This fact, has been claimed among the top circles, of the famous Kerala leaders. ‘Makara Jyothi’ was the lighting festival of hill tribesmen. Now, the Namboodhries adapted it as their own and celebrating it with ‘puranic’ (fabricated stories) claims. We have explored much about the worship of God. Now we will go into exploring the philosophy of ‘Who is God?’ and the various philosophers who explored the concept of God. When I say philosophy, do not get all psyched up about it. To look into this… we need to go backward little bit. We have seen so much about the ‘Vedham’ and the ‘karmaas’ devised by the ‘Vedham’. What came after the ‘Vedham’ was called ‘Upanishadhs’ written by several scholars and practitioners who have given their impressions… “Nakarmanaa naprajaa thanenaa Thiyaakena eegee Amirthathvam aanaso…” “Sacrifice the ‘karmaas’ themselves. i.e., let it go of your past deeds. That is the ‘Moksham’…” according to this slokam. Thus… the Vedic and the Upanishadh authors thoughts about God differing wildly… six different major philosophers were born… they have learnt these ‘Vedhams’ and ‘Upanishadhs’ and based on these, they have established their own philosophy. Who were they? What did they say?... But before that …
The luckiest part of the ‘Vedha sanaadhana religion’ (Hindu religion) was its recognition for giving importance to knowledge and absorb whatever makes sense. The reason for survival of ‘Vedham’ and those treatises based on ‘Vedham’, to this date, were those books that explained and expounded on the Vedic knowledge. I need to tell you, at this juncture, about another matter. Brahmins never go to war. Their sole profession was only to think. That was how, they kept on writing books, on various subjects. Since, they were on the driver seat of religion, they were leading and kept the religion under their control.
Holding on to the orthodoxy, they showed special interest for learning new ideas and concepts and adapting to them to their advantage. The reason was, in several of the Vedic prayers, they begged God, thus… “Please give me wisdom”. So much for that digression. Shall we look at the life history of those six persons? They were : 1.) Kanaadhar; 2.) Akshapaathar; 3.) Vyaasar; 4.) Kabilar; 5.) Pathanjali; & 6.) Jeymini. Their teachings were called as ‘Dharshanams’ (Philosophies). Of these six people, Kanaadhar and Akshapaathar preached respectively ‘Vaisheshikam’ and ‘Nyaayam’. ‘Nyaayam’ means debating. Debating over God and it was also called ‘Dharkkikam’. Kabilar practiced ‘Saankyam’. Basically he practiced in-depth questioning about God. Pathanjali wrote about the principles of ‘Yogam’. Here we will explore in detail about Vyaasar and Jeymini. But before that…
The banks of the river Gangai… ancient banks of Gangai… dense forest… In those days, several ‘Munis’ (sages) used to roaming around these banks. They were usually, in deep meditation, most of the time. Along with them, living in the forest were, those ladies living in the forest i.e., those cot the trees and gather firewoods… those women collecting herbs and spices… and since, it was river banks those women belonging to the fishermen caste. Among these ladies, were the ‘Munis’ carrying on with their meditation. “Puthrene… paaryene…” conforming to these words “Do not need a wife and do not need a son”… thus the ‘Munis’ shall carry on with their life without worldly attachments. But… life in those days was such that, while carrying on with meditation, numerous girls can be seen around them. The beauty of those women, entice sexual lust, in the meditator. ‘Munis’ must reject such urges and control their desires. However, if the build of the ladies body, was troubling and hinderence to their meditation, immediately they must approach that woman and touch her and put an end to his sexual urge. Those ladies were also not in a position to deny the sages sexual propositions and ready to satisfy the sages.
In such cultured banks of Gangai, a ‘Muni’ called ‘Paraacharar’ was carrying on his meditation. One romantic, beautiful day, as he was strolling on the banks of the river Gangai… he saw a girl with well built curvy body, wrapped with wet clothing that accentuated her beautiful body. All of a sudden, his mind was hanging on to her body. He approached her. “Girl, Who are you?”… He asked her. She replied…”Maharishi (Great sage)… my good name is ‘Machchakanthi’ a.k.a. ‘Sathyawathi’. I am a girl belonging to fishermen caste. My father casts his net and he catches fish. I collect those catches and carry it home”. As she was introducing herself… ‘Paraacharar’ approached her still closer. From the body of ‘Machchakanthi’ emanated terrible, intense stink of fish. That stinking odor, did not bother him at all. He was deeply immersed in the smell of woman. ‘Munivar’(sage) gently touched the shoulder of ‘Machchakanthi’. “Maharishi…” (Great sage) as hair raised with energy passing through her body, ‘Machchakanthi’ gently moved away from him. “Girl!... would you help me to cross the river Gangai?”… asked the sage and she accepted to help him to cross the river. Though, the ‘Muni’ crossed the river, he could not cross over his overwhelming lust. He embraced 'Machchakanthi' and held her tight. "This is 'Bhaghawath Muhurtham' (godly auspicious time). At this auspicious time, you agree with me, and become one with me. You give birth to a great 'Muni' for me. Nobody will know anything about this... What do you say"... he begged her. 'Machchaknthi' yielded to his request. As the fish odor faded away from her body, the men odor prevailed.
'Paraacharar' leaped, over the body of 'Machchakanthi', the fishermen girl, on the banks of Gangai. In
that forest region, at that auspicious time, an event to create a very special creation has taken place. Among the thorny bushes, 'Paraacharar', has performed his miracles, for blooming of a flower. "Machchakanthi... you have helped to fulfill my lust. I thank you for that. Now you can give birth to my son, and you can go back to your father. He will never know about our affair... You will remain as a virgin"... thus 'Paraacharar' said to her. 'Machchaanthi', within few hours of gestation, gave birth to a male child. You may be wondering 'What is this...? It looks like, the tree sprouted and stood up as soon as the rain stopped". The girl, who had sexual relationship with 'Paraacharar', gives birth to a child instantly? In spite of giving birth, to a child, she remains a virgin?... Yes! There is a saying 'Rishi garppam raath thangaathu' (i.e., the gestation period of a rishi's child wouldn't last overnight). That is, the Rishis channel their sexual urge, only if it is, extremely essential. i.e., only to increase their knowledge, of other areas.
After the union of 'Paraacharar' and 'Machchakanthi', a baby was born. He grew. Wasn't 'Paraacharar' telling that noone will know of the birth of the child? But... everyone in the forest came to know that this child was born to a 'Valayachchi' (fisher woman). 'Machchakanthi' gave the baby to 'Muni' and she left.
However, all other 'Rishis' in that forest were Brahmins. They said "chii.. chii... we cannot accept a baby born to a 'miinavaththi' (fisher women). Take him back to her". They decreed, that no one should teach him, the sacred scriptures and no one should teach him, our tradition. More or less, the Brahmins of that day, discarded him. i.e., they sidelined him. In spite of their indifference, that boy grew up. He learned the sacred scriptures. He learned the tradition and culture. Whatever the Brahmins refused to teach him, he learned them all. He grew... His knowledge expanded... Beard grew... He became a great 'Rishi'. The 'Vedhams', that are celebrated by the Brahmins, even today, were compiled by him. He also compiled the eighteen 'Puranic' stories that is the root and origination of thousands and thousands of stories over various deities. He also wrote 'Bramma Soothram', that is considered as the most ancient and sacred book by the Brahmins.
He was the great 'Vyaasar' a.k.a. 'Vedha Vyaasar'. We may consider, that the incidences leading to the birth of ‘Vyaasar’, may be an imaginative story. Yet… look at the message conveyed in that story. He was discarded by the Brahmins of yesterdays, Just because he was born to a ‘miinavaththi’, later on he was considered as a boon to their caste. At this point, another minor incidence comes to my mind. I want to take you from the forests on the banks of Gangai to Kaaraikudi located in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu. In Kaaraikudi, we have convened a meeting of the Hindu religion. I was addressing the participants. The crowd was huge. I was talking about ‘Vyaasar’ also. At that time, E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, came to the meeting. As he heard me, addressing the crowd about ‘Vyaasar’, he asked me “Sir… was ‘Vyaasar’ born to a ‘miinavaththi’?”. I replied… “Yes”. Naicker again…”When he was born, did the Brahmins outcaste him?”. I said… “Yes”. Naicker continued… “In that case, can’t you also throw away his creations?”. The crowd turned towards the direction of Naicker. O.K… Now we will return back to the forest region on the banks of the Gangai river.
'Vyaasar' on the subject of God, in his 'Bramma soothram', has criticized the four philosophers, I have mentioned earlier. O.K... What is the reservation of 'Vyaasar'? "You are all approaching at the 'Brammam', i.e., God, on the basis of reasoning. But, He is beyond knowledge and He is crossed over the debate. The world was created by Him. He is the protector of this world. Do not approach Him through knowledge, reasoning or debate. God is beyond human's logic"... thus he concludes. This is Vyaasar's concept of God, in a nutshell. He compiled all four 'Vedhams'. He also, compiled the puranic stories, that simplifies the basic of Vedic philosophy, for average human beings. Hence, approached God through Vedic teachings using poetic means. i.e., stories told through poetic form. O.K... 'Vyaasar' had a disciple. One may call him as a naturalist. His name was Jeymini. The arguments between Vyaasar and his disciple Jeymini are very interesting. They provoke everyone's thinking power.
One time... in the forest, when Vyaasar was instructing to Jeymini, he was delivering his usual advise. "...'Sishyaa' (Disciple)! God has created this forest, plants, trees, this soil, you and me. He not only created us, but also He is protecting and maintaining us"... as 'Vyaasar was continuing with his discourse... Jeymini was holding onto a plant and said "Swami, please call Him". "Calling who?"... asked Vyaasar. "That is the one! The God you were talking about"... said Jeymini. Jeymini's curiosity was to Vyaasar... "Swami, please bring Him here"... Jeymini "Bring who?"... Vyaasar "The one you were talking about. The very same person, that you said, has created this world with ease. Only that God" ... Jeymini The request of Jeymini pierced through Vyaasar. Vyaasar, slightly closed his eyes and opened wide and said... "He is dwelling in 'paralokam' (beyond this world)... You cannot see Him from here...". Jeymini smiles and asks "How does that place looks like?". "Here when we conduct 'Yaagam' how we get so much of smoke. That 'paralokam' will look like very dense and intense smoke"... thus describes Vyaasar. "Have you seen this place? Do you know this 'paralokam'?... If you know please show it to me. If not, you can call someone who knows the 'paralokam'. I will be excited to meet them, and enjoy his company"... said Jeymini. As Vyaasar was silenced, without an answer... Jeymini continued... "Kohi thasvedha yathya mushpin loke Asthii vaaravethii..." This mantra is from Yajur Vedham. Meaning... "Who knows about 'paralokam'?... Who has seen this place?... If there is one, please bring him/her here... How does it looks like?"... Thus, Yajur Vedham stacks
question over questions. Jeymini was asking "Do you have any answers for this Vedic questions?". Vyaasar... "He is living in 'paralokam'... He was the one gave life to you, me, this plant and for this vine and he also gave a body for every one"... After hearing this Jeymini, immediately got hold of a vine and said... "This vine also has a soul. It grows, moves, flowers, yields and bears fruits. Everything was possible because of the water it took in. That water itself, its food. Now, if you claim that this vine is surviving because of God, then is the water, indeed God? On the other hand, is that God, indeed water? That vine has an inner energy. It possesses adequate energy to grow. That energy is derived from water. Why are you calling that God?"... These are Jeymini's questions and his exploration of the existence of God. Jeymini, thus by using the plants and vines as example, to demonstrate that they also have a life, of their own. Only after several centuries after his death, the scientists confirmed that 'plants also have life'. When Jeymini talks about food it was not merely eating stomach full and after consuming paan (Betal leaves, nut,calcium combination) and burping... "Eetho vaanasya mahimaa yadhaannenu Adhilogathii..." "The food that delivers 'praana shakthi' a.k.a.'praanic energy' or life energy is the God". We eat in the morning. Little past noon, we are hungry again. Why?... That energy delivered by the morning food is exhausted. For further survival... for the function of our body and life no more energy was available. We need more food to keep us going. Food that delivers the vital 'energy' is the God. Hence, 'The Food is God'. Thus, Jeymini was placing the nature, in the forefront of the debates, over God. If we carry on the rituals such as 'yaagams', poojas, 'homams' and 'vrathams' to alter our karmas... what is the necessity for God?... That was question, Jeymini has raised. This was the essence of the argument between Vyaasar and Jeymini.
We have seen that, Vyaasar has created the sacred book, called 'Bramma Soothram' (Soothram means notes or sketches). It was called 'Uththara miimaamsa'. Saints such as Sri Raamaanujar, Sankarar have written 'Bhaashyam' (Treatise). That is, they have elaborated it, so an average person can understand. However, Jeymini has created a 'Chiththaantham' (offerings after considerable research or thought) called 'Poorva Miimaamsa'. We have already seen that 'Miimaamsa' means enquiry. Those who have touched 'Viyaasar's Miimaamsa', they never paid any attention to, 'Jeymini's Miimaamsa'. Because, in those days, Jeymini was considered by some, as 'Naasthikar' (Atheist). Here, a bizarre observation! That too it is a troublesome joke... Some Brahmins claim, that they are engaged in the enquiry over God, based on Jeymini, and they declare that they belongs to 'Jeymini Gothram' (Jeymini clans). However... their belief and concepts are directly opposite to what Jeymini has been advocating.
O.K... We have seen Vyaasar and we have also seen Jeymini. Now we will slip into another 'Dharisanam' (vision). The whole head resembles a parrot. The whole body was built like a human being. Who was this unique person?... How was he born like this?... What kind of conversation he is carrying on with that king?... Shall we listen to it?... There is a relationship between him and Vyaasar. Who was that?... The head resembling that of parrot, and the body was built like a man. Besides, was he having relationship, to the Vyaasar, that we have seen earlier? We have seen the manner in which Vyaasar was born. It was different from the normal birth of a human being. That is, Muni Paraacharar was having a bodily relationship with a girl of fisherman caste... conceived and Vyaasar born instantly. O.K... Then Vyaasar was instrumental for birth of a baby. How was he born?... This was also a puranic story. Don't get alarmed saying... 'What is this man, a very old man, kept on telling stories'. If you flip the pages of the 'puranams' (sacred stories to religion close to commoner), and do a bit of research, you will find such stories are very common. O.K... Let us come to the subject. Vyaasar was the source for birth of a baby. How was he born?... I have already told you, that the 'Rishis' were engaged in sexual pleasures, only when it was very essential. Thus when they were not engaged in sexual pleasures for very long time, isn't it a natural phenomenon for their semen to eject, during the periods of non-engagement?
Under such circumstances, one time Vyaasar's semen was ejected through natural causes. What did a parrot do, to that semen, that was spilled over the floor? It picked on it, and swallowed the same. Some claim that, he was having relationship, with a woman, who came in the form of a parrot. Aahaa... A Rishi's semen... that was considered to have intense intuitive knowledge... That parrot, which ate the semen, would she get by without any effect? She became pregnant. What normally happens, if a parrot became pregnant? She lays eggs... have baby parrots... and they eventually become beautiful parrots. However, this parrot was not going through that cycle. After all, wasn't she became pregnant with, a great Rishi Vyaasar's, semen? So this pregnant parrot gave birth to a little baby. What?... A parrot gave birth to a baby?... That is what the 'puraanam' says. How did that parrot baby looked like?... The entire head was like a parrot and the body was that of a human being. What is this? Are you saying, that it looks like, a new bizarre embellishment?... Yes! it is an ancient bizarre disgust. Wait... The story continues... The fact that this 'parrot baby', was born to the great sage Vyaasar and a parrot, came to the knowledge of Vyaasar. As Vyaasar came out of his hut, and called for the 'parrot baby'... before that the 'parrot baby' flew away. Any how... what was the name of that 'parrot baby'?... 'Sukahaa'... in Sanskrit means 'parrot'. Hence, he was named 'Sukar'. He was also called as 'Sukabrammam'.
Even though Vyaasar has digested all of the Vedhic verses... classified it and compiled it into four 'Vedhams'... wrote 'Bramma Sooththiram' to expound on all the 'Upanishadhs', and assembled all eighteen 'puraanams', he was not satisfied with his accomplishments. Hence, he also created the great epic 'Bhaagawatham'. 'Bhaagawatham' gives the details about the life history of God Krishna, and various devine messages associated with His accomplishments during His lifetime. There is a belief, that if one hears this story, or if they were tutored on 'Bhaagawatham', their soul gets liberated from reincarnation, and they would reach 'Sri Vaikuntam', the abode of God Narayana. This story of the parrot... "Emprav vishantham Anubetham upadhe hiruthyam Dhanava paayahai Viraka kaatharaha aahijaa Kaadhethii thanmayedhaya tharavo..." thus, is given in the 'Bhaagawatha paaraayana' slokam. O.K... This 'Bhaagawatham' wrote by Vyaasar, was narrated to king 'Pariitchiththu' by Sukar, who was considered as more intelligent than Vyaasar and excelled in knowledge. That too, the critical condition was, that the king shall receive the entire teachings of 'Bhaagawatham', within a week, if he has to attain 'Moksham'. How today's teachers rush, chase, threaten, slapping, flipping complete that portion of the subject necessary for the upcoming examination, likewise, Sukar completed his lectures on 'Bhaagawatham' to king 'Pariitchiththu'. By listening to the 'Bhaagawatham', the curse on 'Pariitchiththu was annulled and he attained 'Moksham'.
At this point, we are going to search, for the answers of the question, raised by Jeymini. That is the reason I narrated this story of Sukar. When they say that he attained 'Moksham' and reached 'Vaikuntam'... What is 'Moksham'?... How does the 'Vaikunta Lokam' (Vaikunta world) looks like? The answers to this can be found in the 'Upanishadhs'. Just like in this earth, 'Vaikuntam' also has all the amenities and pleasures. If that is so... Do they have houses in 'Vaikuntam'?... Those in 'Vaikuntam', are they living with their wives? Just like in this world, are the inhabitants, enjoying sexual pleasures?... Do they also bear children?... Do they have thieves over there?... How about sages? Do they entertain extra-marital affairs?... I am not asking these questions! Moving on... Virajaa is a small stream that is flowing uniformly, making the sound 'jala... jala...', in a very narrow path. Acroos the river there is a town called Aparaajithai. Town is so good and happy… and wherever you see the men and women are very happy… assemble in crowds, and enjoying themselves. Lined up with huge mansions with terraces and elaborate temples there is also a hall with one thousand pillars. Inside that hall also there is entertainment and happyness is overflowing. In that thousand pillared hall, there is a very high cot named 'Dhivyaparyangam'. On that cot, using snake as the matress Perumaal is resting on it. Nearby, another dweller, has created as per his own desire 'Pithru Lokam' (Ancestral world) and 'Sthrii Lokam' (Ladies world). He is also enjoying life like everyone else. What a hooplaa!... This is called 'Moksham'. In the Moksha world... Are there families?... Are there kids?... Are there sages?... Does one person takes away another person's wife? ... questions such as these were raised in the last chapter. These questions were not raised by me... Chakkaravarththi Aachchaaryaar in his book titled 'Mummadhasaaram' has raised these questions. He himself, later on, gives the answers to these questions. "The Moksham, that these people are associated with, is praised by everyone. Divisions based on caste, class, religion, color does not exists here. Everyone belongs to only one caste. Even in the enjoyment, there is no difference between them... Enjoyment is equal for everyone. This is called 'Saayujyam'. Every variety of enjoyment is equally divided among the individuals and distributed to all dwellers is 'Saayujyam'. Other living beings such as, nightingale, parrot, eagle, elephant, plant, vine, and tree also found in Vaikunta world. Since they are also living beings, some of you may wonder... based on their size and the intellectual level, wouldn't there be any discrimination?
The answer to this... they are all permanent 'Nithyasoorikal'.('Nithyasoorikal' they are perpetual residents of the Vaikuntam and exist to serve the 'Bhagawaan' himself.) Even though there are two different sexes... in no means one is deprived of the other. Even, the parrot and nightingale can assume other forms, at their will, and serve the God. A 'Mukthaathmaa' (a soul that has been liberated Mukthi+Aathmaa) can assume multiple forms at the same time. 'Mukthaathmaa' can assume the multiple forms, it can assume the forms of male, female and children and serve as a family. Or... one 'Mukthaathmaa' can associate with another 'Mukthaathmaa' and serve together, by both 'Mukthaas' assuming several forms that are suitable for the service mission and carry on joint family service (Kudumbha Dhaasyam). Thus, while performing the 'Kudumbha Dhaasyam'... as the male forms of one 'Mukthaathmaa' and female forms of different 'Mukthaathmaa' associate together and play around or amuse themselves, there is a potential for developing sexual urge between them. Because of those feelings, do not suspect that it is acting against the image of the Moksham. All the 'Ramanam' (naughtiness) among each form is only the mischief of the 'Bhagawaan'.
Why Sri Krishna shall enjoy the company of Gopi women and have bodily relationship with them?... How come Paraasara Bhattar in his book ‘Sri Gunarathna Kosam’ established that Sri Ranganaathan enjoyed His bodily relationship with His consort Sri Ranganaayaki using His male body part?... If we think based on all these writings… just like in this world, in the Moksham also every sort of enjoyment exists. Even if the dwellers of Moksham are puritans, they were flirting around and enjoying the company of opposite sex. Every happenings is the act of ‘Bhagawaan’…” … Thus, Chakkaravarththi Aachchaariyaar gives a detailed accout of the Moksham and the life in the Moksha world. Now, shall we look into the lines of Upanishadhs to find out what is going on in the Moksham?... “Saha yathii pithur loka Kaamo bhavathii… Sankalpaa dhevaasya Pithara upathishta nthe…” “What do you want?... You want to see your deceased mother? You create her yourself. You want to see your father? Create yourself. O.K… You are hateful your wife and relatives… Now, you need an outside women (parasthrii)?... That is, whichever woman you have been longing for, in this world… or in that world, whichever woman you are longing for… If you wish, she will appear in front of you. She will smile at you. Approach closer to you. She will gently embrace you and give the pleasures you are expecting from her. In this world, the enjoyment you derive from bodily contact with women, is considered as little pleasures. Where as, in the Moksham, the same will be great joy. The pleasures in this world are irrelevant. There it is ‘Bhagawath Aanandham’ (Godly pleasure). This is nature and that is super nature. “Yashananne kriidanne Ramamaanaahaa sthriipirvaa Yaanirvaa…” … Thus says upanishadh. “Just like the way, you are roaming around in a car in this world, there also you can roam around freely. That too, you can spend your time, with any ladies you choose. You will have the power to create her yourself”… thus goes the upanishadh. If that is so… What is Bhagawaan’s responsibility in moksham?… In this world, the one who gave birth to you, is your mother... where as in Moksham, you can create your own mother. Here, the source of your birth, is your father... and in Moksham, if you wish, you can create him. Thus, we have seen more about Moksham, that is being operated under the supernatural laws. It for real?... How to get to this world, in which there is no hunger or famine, if one desires?... For guiding a person who wants to reach this world, several lessions are given, in 'Sandhokya Upanishadh'. That is, starting from the third chapter... 'Madhu Vidhyai', 'Gaayathrii Bramma Vidhyai', 'Saandilya Vidhyai', 'Samvarga Vidhyai', 'Shoda Sakala Bramma Vidhyai', 'Upakosala Vidhyai', 'Praana Vidhyai', 'Panchaakni Vidhyai'... thus several 'Vidhyai' (learned art) and the list keeps on going. These 'Vidhyais' were taught by Bramman to Prajaapathi and from Prajaapathi to Manu and finally from Manu to common citizens. What is the content of these 'Vidhyais'?... 'The one who realizes his soul... he attains Moksham'... this is the gist of this Upanishadh.
The angels in heaven ('Dhevar') and those cruel people in this world ('Asuran') are children of Prajaapathi. He spread, all over the world, the word, 'The one who realizes 'Aadhmaa' (soul) along with its eight characteristics only can attain Moksham'. At once... the leader of the 'Dhevars', Indhiran and the as representative of 'Asurans', Virosanan, approached their father Prajaapathi and asked him 'How to attain Moksham'?... and upon his instructions, they were observing thirty two years of celibacy. At that time their father told them "Fill a pail with water and intensely look through the water. Decorate yourself with jewelries and costumes and look deep into the pail. If nothing is visible you come and ask me". The leader of 'Asuran' clan, Virosanan looked into the water. He can see only his own image. He concluded that this is 'Aadhmaa' and returned back and taught every 'Asuran' his perception of 'Aadhmaa'. Because of his wrong teachings the 'Asura' dynasty became 'Dhehaadhmawaadhi' (Dheham=Body; Aadhmaa=Soul; Waadhi=Believer, petitioner). That is, they wrongly believed, that the body itself is the soul. However, the leader of Indhiran, realized that the reflection resembles his own face, and returned to Prajaapathi. He instructed Indhiran to continue his penance to one hundred and one years during which he instructed various 'Vidhyai' and sent him to Moksham.
Based on this... the Asurans have no privilege to Moksham, and is reserved only for Dhevars. If the purpose of this story, is to relate, the differentiation between the Asurans and the Dhevars... then and there, couldn't Prajaapathi have instructed, correctly about the Aadhmaa, to the Asurars also?... Only thing is, that the Rishis, who wrote these Upanishadhs, did not think about this point. From the same Upanishadh another 'Vidhyai'... Son of Arunamaharishi was Uththaalakar. His son was Svethakethu. He had no interest in learnng Vedham, tradition or any other arts. He roamed around as a free bird. After seeing his behavior, his father Uththaalakar told him... "Hey!... What is the use, being a Brahmin, and if you cannot recite Vedhams?... You get out from here, go to a 'gurukulam' (In-residence with a guru and learn) and return back"... with these words, he sent him out. These words of 'Uththaalakar' toched his nerves and he left the house. He learned every Vedham, without any flaw... and returned back after convincing himself that nothing more to learn. His father Uththaalakar asked him... "What happened... You have returned back so soon?". That twenty four year old lad replied..."I have learned twelve years. There is nothing more to learn". His father... "Did you ask your guru, 'If I meditate by requesting on which one thing, that I will get the benefits of meditating, requesting for everything in this world'?"... asked. Son... " What are you talking about? This world is so big? How can you know a single thing, and through that know the entire world?...There is no such matter exists in this world"... Later on the father 'Uththaalakar', continued teaching him, on various subjects.
Another scene... Svethakethu went to a 'Sathas' (academy) in Paanchaala Dhesam. 'Sathas' is an academy, where intellectuals get together, and debate over various topics. Ther he met with a Raajarishi (Elder Rishi) named Pravaahanan. Raajarishi asked... "Son... Has you father been teaching you various subjects?"... Svethakethu... "Yes Sir"... Raaja : "If that so... Do you know where everybody goes after their death?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "Do you at least know their return pathway?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "O.K... Do you at least know, of some lives, that has reached the upper world (Moksham)?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "O.K... Do you know the difference between 'Dhevayaana Maarkkam' and 'Pithruyaana Maarkkam'?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "If that is so... What kind of teachings did you had?... If you do not know answers to all these questions, how can you claim that you had any teachings?"...
Svethakethu ran back to where his father was... and told him of the humiliation that he was going though in front of the Raajarishi. After sobbing for a while, he asked "Dad... What are the answers to all those questions?". His father Uththaalakar..."Son... If I only knew the answers wouldn't I have told you about it?"... Thus his father replies. This is how it goes, all enquiries over the Moksham...
We have explored in detail all enquiries about Moksham. We have also seen various examples of enquiries such as, the discussions between Vyaasar and Jeymini, and discussions of UththaalakarSvethaethu-Pravaahanan. What did we understood from this treatise? That is, You must live in this very world, as a good person. If you do, there is another world, which even better than this world, is waiting for you. Thus Moksham is nothing but an entity created to stoke your gluttony. We have already seen that women cannot go to Moksham. If they desire, they have to go through an incarnation as man and work towards their goal. If that is so, we have also seen, that there won't be very many ladies, in Moksham and those men who goes there, they have the ability, to create one or several women, to their likings. If everyone can create, without any effort, whatever they desre, then what is the task of God in Moksham? His only work is to hang around Mahaalatsumi and enjoy Her company. If you go further, Mokshalokam (Moksha World), is nothing but another world, similar to ours, but much happier, sweeter, plentiful and everything is there to pleasurize you. However, to reach that place there are very strict conduct and conditions have to be met... thus, Moksham was created just to force us live in this world per established moral, societal rules and regulations. Nothing more!
O.K... We have swirled around from... "Baby! Here is the milk, and you drink this, and grow to be a good person"... thus starting with the newborn baby, sending them Vedic education, till after life in Moksham as described in Upanishadh. While going through all these topics, have we used the word 'Hindu' at any place? Only at the end of the first chapter... When Brahmins, set foot on Indian soil, there were 450 religions prevailing in this land. I raised the question, out of these, which was Hindu religion? After the usage at that location, have we used the word 'Indhu' or 'Hindhu' in any other locations? Think about it! The title of this book itself is 'Indhu Matham Enge Poogirathu?'. Yet... to this point, I have not introduced this word 'Indhu' to you? We have looked into various details about our religion, our traditions, cultural and religious highlights, incidences, and stories. Yet?... We have not used the term 'Indhu' or 'Hindhu'? Only when this question is raised, we need to tell how this word 'Hindhu' has originated. Before that...
The human race in this world is divided, by the anthropologists, into five groups. What are they? Semetic - Jews and Arabs Hemetic - At present they are considered to be non-existent Negroes - People of African origin Mangolis - China and surrounding countries Aryans - Europeans and Indian Brahmins After looking at this classification, of the human race, come to Babylonia. Babylonia?... Yes! I am going to quote a sentence, by the world historians, after they have conducted considerable research. Then you will understand about the Babylonia. "In the dark past of ancient countries... Babylonia and Egypt are only lights with fine culture...". If we go back to the dark days, of the ancient world, and turn it around, there, only at two places, the light of civilization blinds the eyes.One was Babylonia and the other was Egypt. Here, we are going to look among them, one of those bright spots called Babylonia. The inhabitants of this place, several thousand years back, went through a revolution in civilization. They have ruled by establishing a country as well as cities. Their religion and culture were matched and compatible. We get evidences for this from the book 'The Encyclopedia of World Religions and Ethics'.
How did the people of Babylonia look? What kind of deities they worshiped? In ancient Babylonia, the people practiced, 'Totomism Worship'. That is, they were worshiping deities shaped like animals. How?... They were, for their animal deities, conducted functions. That too, just like we take palanquin and carry our 'utsavamoorthies' (uninstalled movable deities), they used to make palanquin out of wood, and decorated it with live flowers, kept their deity inside, and carried it around the town and thus conducted their festivals. They even went farther... they assigned duties (Dharma) for each class of people, and established principles of justice such as what one can do and not do. They used to wear a short skirt, over their strong rugged body, and wear a sharp machete at their hip, and looked very scary. However, their life style was bloomed out of matured civilization. O.K... Let the cultural flood of Babylonia, over flow the banks. I know that you would like to ask... "How was that culture connected with the word 'Indhu'?"... Wait!... We need to look at little more details about Babylonia.
We have been looking into the civilization of the Babylonians. Before we get back to our subject… we need to look little bit more about their civilized culture. What culture… The wonder about their civilization is burst open and flowing all over Babylonia. The people of Babylonia have been living such a civilized life. Borrowing few of the books of civilization from Sumerians, Babylonians established for themselves, a much superior civilization, and lived a very happy life and thereby left a mark in this world. To find out more about the life they lived thousands of years back… let us get back to the Babylonian soil.
The flowering trees, with greenest of green leaves… In that area, sweet music was flowing through and fills the tree groves. What type of music was it? How can one describe in words, about the song that was played, several thousand years back? If we move towards the spot, where the music was originating, we find a small gathering. In the middle of the crowd, was standing a person, with shaven head, and wearing full length red dress. Who was that person? He was the religious Guru of the Babylonians. What was the religion of the Babylonians? They worshiped nature such as the sun and the moon. Later on, they worshiped various animals and finally, they created their own deities and named them in their own language. In that crowd… the drums were there and flutes were also there. As some people were playing instruments, others were singing together. “In the assembly of the elders May my speech be heard Oh God… Daily walk with me Thy praise I would sing…” Babylonians, various types of devotional songs, this was a small drop. In the book titled ‘Encyclopedia of World Religions and Ethics’ under the heading ‘Babylonian’s Prayer’, we can read this song. (T.C.: There is no need to translate these verses.) Babylonians were requesting from God, more mental acumen and knowledge.
There are lot more information about the religious Gurus. There were several hierarchy in the religious Gurus. A common religious Guru was called 'Sangu' and it means leader. He was at the bottom of the rung of religious Gurus. The next higher in the pecking order was called 'Sangu Rapu' which means a high priest. Next in the hierarchy was called 'Sangu Danu' which means thathe was a mighty priest. The highest level of priesthood was called 'Sangu Mahoo' meaning supreme priest. Though there were such hierarchy existed among the religious Gurus, during the public prayers everyone from the kings to ordinary laborers were admitted to pray without class distinction. Why just ordinary laborers? They even allowed slaves to pray together in the congregational worship practices. However, to participate in the worship services, one has to meet certain conditions. One must pay as tax, one tenth of their income, to be eligible to participate in the worship services. Even those, who do not own a piece of land, are eligible to participate in the worship services. Rather than money, they must contribute sweat labor, and attend to temple related activities.
How about ladies in the worship services?... Why not?... Just like for men, they must also contribute taxes, to be eligible to participate. The chief reason for this inclusion was, that they respected women to be equal, and were also worshiping female deities. Here a scene!... There was a common prayer session in progress. At that time a woman walks in to participate. The temple officers refused to admit her into the prayer hall. Female : "Hey! Do you know who I am?" Officer : "How does it matters, who you are?" Female : "My name is Ninqaya. I am the servant of this country's King's mother. I come directly, from the royal palace, and even for me no permission?" Officer : "Lady!... You pay your dues... Till that time, I am not bothered, even if you are the King's mother." What happened after that?... The servant woman paid her share of the tax and she was admitted to enter the prayer hall. The reason for brineing this to your attention, was to show that the religious Gurus were not only dedicated to devotion, religious discourses and activities, and worship services, but also they were taking active part in the financial management of the temple. Thus, in the religious matters as well as administrative matters, they practiced strict regulations... collecting appropriate dues and through that carrying out social services... from kings to common laborers same kind of treatment including common worship for everyone... thus they were living in a very civilized and disciplined society. Naturally, such peaceful urban civilized society has tendency to elicit jealousy from the kings of the neighboring land. The king of the neighboring land 'Antha' was itching to takeover Babylonia. We have looked into the highly civilized life of the people of Babylonia. Who wouldn't be delighted to rule over such a paradise? That desire overwhelmed one king! Which one? History predicts that happened approximately 2600 years back... The adjacent land next to Babylonia, was Paarasiikam (Persia), ruled by king Cambysis I. He had a son named Cyrus, who was very aggressive, even during his birth. Everybody was thinking... 'For a kid born in a vassal country, he is too aggressive... he is going to be a roughneck when he grows up'. Indeed... at that time the people of Paarasiikam were vassals to the king of Midiiya named Astyages. Even though the country of Paarasiikam was vassel to Midiiya, it was run as a self autonomous country. According to ancient historian, Heradatus, 'Persian nation contains a number of tribes'. Basically, then, it had people of several tribes, brought under one umbrella. What are they?... 'Paasaragate', 'Maraahbi', 'Maasbi' were few of the many tribes that were living in that country. Out of these tribes, 'Paasaragate' tribe was considered to be a very respectable one, beacuse of the family ties, that they have established. Just like them, there were several nomadic tribes, such as 'Paanthiyaale', 'Derusiyaaye', 'Taay', 'Drobiki', 'Sakarti', also living in Persian nation. The king of Midiiya was ruling over such tribes who were living in bunches.
At that period in time, Cyrus (He was also called as Curus) was an young lad. Under his fathers upbringing, Cyrus learned all the arts... and in his youthful days... roughened age he became the king of his country. During those days, Persia was called as Anson. As soon as Cyrus became the king of Anson, he brought the nomadic tribesmen who were dodging around his father, completely under his control. Cyrus was putting more restrictions, and controls over these nomads than his father. He himself was under the rule of the king of Midiiya. However, if he goes and beats up the nomadic tribesmen and collects royalties... what would those people do? They took every weapon, they can get hold of, including machete and stones, and revolted against his administration. The king of Midiiya was sizing up the situation. "This Cyrus himself, is under my rule. How can he exercise, more authority, over the tribal nomads?"... he became very angry and decided to send an army to suppress Cyrus's power. He sent his army under the leadership of his general Harpogus, to conquer over Cyrus.
However, Cyrus, himseld was waiting for an opportunity to confront the king of Midiiya. "Come you damn it... come on... Were you thinking, that I am an older gentleman, just like my father?... I was pondering over the issue 'whom should I attack?'... that too, I was waiting for an opportunity, to trounce you, for keeping us, as vassals for all these years"... thus Cyrus was beating his thighs. He defeated and chased the army of the Midiiya country as they were fleeing. After, Cyrus crushed the army of the general Harpogus, as a next step he marched on Midiiya country, and brought it under his rule. From that time on, he not only became the king of Midiiya and Persia, by his own actions, but also those who made the country of Persia, as a vassal during his father's ruling, he made them as vassals and made them pay tribute to him. At this juncture, there was a 'Raaja Ragasyam' (king's secret) concealed by the historians. This secret was brought to light by great historian Herodotus.
What secret?...
You see… Cyrus’s father, somehow chased around and got married to Mandane, the daughter of the king of Midiiya, the one who has kept him as a vassal king. That is, he added her also to his stable of numerous wives he already had in his haram. “O.K… What kind of ‘Raaja Ragasyam’ was it? This happens every day in the royal families”… you may ask. The secret is yet to come! As you know, Cyrus’s father was married to a daughter of the king of Midiiya. Ctesias of Cnidus, a prominent Greek historian, gives further account of the happenings in the Kingdom of Midiiya. “Another daughter of the king of Midiiya, was married to Cyrus himself”… wrote the Greek Historian. What is this? One daughter was married to father and her sister was married to the son. That too, the son gets married after the wedding of the father! That means he married his step-mother’s sister. Because of this marriage, Cyrus officially became the owner of the kingdom of Midiiya. Hence, Cyrus was elevated to king of dual kingdom, one, of his father-in-law’s, and if we go still further, his grandfather’s kingdom of Midiiya, and the other, of his own kingdom of Persia. This Cyrus was the one, who wanted to takeover Babylonia. However?… In order to face the mighty Babylonian army,
Cyrus needed more reinforcement for his army. What did he do to overcome this handicap? Whom did he approach for that help?... What have we seen so far?... We have seen the Persian king Cyrus’s love for Babylonia and his determination to take it over. When he found out that he cannot accomplish the task with his own army… few people were giving him advice ‘how to reinforce the army’? “Go little bit farther… There you will find the king of Sindhu Desh. You ask his help for conquering Babylone. He will definitely assist you”… they advised. Cyrus or his messengers reached the Sindhu Dhesam. Sindhu Dhesam means… Huge country that was laying on the banks of the present Sindhu river. Sindhu river originates in the Lake Manosarovar located in present Tibetan region meanders along the Himalayan platea, descends into Pakistan and at Karachi, it confluences into Arabian sea. Sindhu Dhesam, probably was located, on the banks of the river and extended beyond into the plains. Cyrus was requesting military help only from this very powerful kingdom of Sindhu Dhesam. Historian Arrian, in his sketch, confirms that Cyrus had visited the Sindhu river region. However, he concludes that there was no evidence, or stone tablets, to prove that he had conquered this region. The king of Sindhu Dhesam, helped Cyrus with a strong contingent of elephant and horse brigades. With the reinforcement of these contingents, Cyrus, was victorious and he took control of Babylone. This is given in the writings of historian Taalmii. A book publisher, I believe it was P.T. Paani, located in Thiruvallikeni published the book called ‘Age of Shankara’. In this book, Taalmii’s statements are explained in detail.
O.K… Are you saying, ‘Let the king of Sindhu Dhesam help Cyrus’?...’ What about it now?... Only now we are getting back to the point. I have asked earlier, ‘How the name ‘Hindhu’ was given?’ Now you listen to me. This Cyrus… being friendly, with the king of Sindhu Desham, wouldn’t he had few conversations with him? The reason is… based on the conclusions of the philology experts of the world… there are some similarity and differences between the Sanskrit and the Persian language. What is ‘Sa’ in Sanskrit is ‘Ha’ in Persian language. Example, What is ‘Saraswathi’ for us was ‘Harahwathi in Persian. We say ‘Asurahaa…’ and while Persian’s worshiped a God ‘Ahuramasthaa’. Along these lines, ‘Sindhu’ was called as ‘Hindhu’ by Persian people. The Persians pronounced it incorrectly. However… in our books, and in ‘Vedhams’, approximately in one thousand locations, it was referred only as ‘Sindhu’, and nowhere it was referred as ‘Hindhu’ or ‘Indhu’. Absolutely not! O.K… How was the word ‘Sindhu’ was used in our Vedhas?... “Sindhohaa… apara paathe aasanna…” The words that follow this sentence, are flowing like a river on the mountain slope with roaring noise of ‘Sala…Sala…’. What is the meaning of these words? ‘Sindhu’ river, several times wider than the present width, is flowing like a ‘Jiiva’ (perennial) river. The surface waves are moving very beautifully. In that perennial river Sindhu… few people are crossing the river starting from the other bank and coming towards this bank, by a boat… this is the meaning of this Vedic lines.On the banks of this river only, various karmas were devised by the ‘Vedham’. One such karma was, the people who were living in this valley, used send their children to learn various arts and ‘Vedham’. This karma was called ‘upanayanam’. That is, this karma, what was originally performed, to send off a child to his school (Gurukulam), now it is used to put a ‘poonool’ (sacred thread) around the upper body. Besides, they wrote mantras for several social ritual such as conducting marriage, birth of a child, naming a child, feeding the child his first solid meal. Based on this, using Vedham as the source, not only these karmas, but also karmas such as ‘Poorva Pirayogam, Apara Pirayogam’ (that is those karmas to be performed during one’s life, and those karmas that has to be performed after death, of a person) were explained, by Rishi Aapasthambar. This was called Aapasthambar soothram. “Nadhevaahaa nakantharvaahaa Napithaithii aajakshathe Ayantharmoo aayantharmethii Yanthaa aaryaa krumaanam samsanthi natharmahaa” That is… these mantra karmas, that was to be performed by all people, was called ‘Dhesaachchaaram’. This tradition shall be called as ‘Aarya Matham’… thus states Aapasthambar. One strange thing… the daily rituals of the people, living on the banks of the river Sindhu, that he codified, was not even named by him as ‘Sindhu Madham’(Sindhu religion). He named it as ‘Aarya madham’. If that was the case… why in the school certificates of our children of Tamil Nadu, living thousands of miles away from Sindhu river, they are writing his religion as Hindhu… Why?...
We have seen about the river ‘Sindhu’ and how the letter ‘sa’ was mispronounced by the Persians as ‘ha’. i.e., we have seen the ‘si’ eventually transformed to ‘hi’. Other than the Persian’s called that region around the Sindhu river as the ‘Hindhu Dhesam’, the composers of ‘Vedham’ called it only as ‘Bhaaratham’. In Rig Vedham, a ‘manthram’ (mantra) with the name of a very famous sage of that era called Vishwaamithrar... “Viswaamithrasya rakshathii Bramme itham Bhaarathanjanam…” What is the meaning of this verse? Vishwaamithrar says… “ With my bright knowledge… along with the benefit of the knowledge that I accrued by learning the religious scriptures… the mantras that I teach will shower the people of the Bhaaratha Dhesam prosperous life and will protect the people of this land” … boldly, and with confidence. Vishwaamithrar said neither “My mantra will protect Hindhu Dhesam” nor “My nantra will protect Sindhu Dhesam”. He refers it only as ‘Bhaaratha Dhesam’. Next… I have given an example, ‘Sindho aparaapaathe aasanna…’, do you remember? Before that there is a sentence, ‘Bhaarathaasi eenaa…’ meaning of these sentences “The people of the Bhaaratha Dhesam are crossing the Sindhu river…”… goes like this. Even where the river mentioned, as Sindhu river, the country was called by the composers, of the ‘Vedham’, only as Bhaaratha Dhesam. Just like this, let us look at another example. Among the Brahmins, there is a tradition called ‘Sankalpam’. ‘Sankalpam’ means… everytime a karma (ritual) is performed, they take an oath through a mantra, which goes thus… “I shall carryout this Karma to its completion, with utmost devotion and effort”. ‘Sankalpam’ means resolve. i.e., Oath… O.K… What is that ‘sankalpam’? “Vishno…aagnyaya… ........ Bhaaratha varshe bharatha kante... sakaaphe..." I am quoting this 'Sankalpa' mantra, just for the middle of the sentance. 'Bhaaratha Varshe' means 'the one living in 'Bhaaratha Dhesam' and 'Bharatha Kante' means 'that country ruled by Bharathan'. This 'sankalpam', was highlighted in various ancient devotional texts, such as 'Vishnu Puraanam' and 'Bhaagawatham'. Hence, this region of the country, has been called only as 'Bhaaratha Dhesam', even in ancient days. They have not even called their country as 'Sindhu Dhesam'. If that is so... what is the possibility of calling it as 'Hindhu...'? Yes!... what I have told you, were based on the happenings and writings, that took place thousands of years back. What I am going to talk now, has happened only few hundred years back.
Yes!... If you count, only about four hundred years back, the Europeans have set foot in India. During that period, in various parts of our country, moghul rulers were governing. That is, the muslim sulthaans were ruling the country. As they set foot in India, for the sole purpose of trading with the country, noticed that the country had abundance of natural resources, except 'unity' among the rulers was parched. As a matter of fact, those people under the rule of muslim kings, were fighting among themselves. Those princes, under muslim rule, were fighing among themselves, for securing more revenue. Kings themselves were fighting against each other. The people were divided into castes such as 'Brahmins, Sudhras and Panchamars and living in hatred. The white man observed the situation and asked the locals about such cracks in the society. The reply he got was "This is our caste philosophy. Who are you to ask us about it?"... was the voice he received.
'O.K... Among them prevails, so much of divisive energy. This country, has abundane of natural resources'... with these thoughts, he displaced his family to India, along with his wife and children. The priests from Europe were also immigrated to India. They observed the practice of 'Jaathi Thathvam' (Caste philosophy) i.e., 'Brahmin is the God', 'Nasudhraa mathinthathyaathu' (whip and kick the sudhraas. they shall not receive any form of teaching)... and the prevailing treatment of the lower caste people ... and printed propaganda materials at the cost of one anna (one sixteenth of a rupee) and two annas. They distributed it among the Sudhraas and Panchamars. They showed those books to them to make them realize about their own suppressed state in the society. Their main theme of their preachings was... 'Don't follow the religion of the Brahmins. We give you an alternative'. Thus, as many years have been passing by... they were wondering 'How should we call these people?'. That was when, he realized that these people, were originally living on the banks of river Sindhu, and decided to call them 'Sindhu'. That is, in the British documents of earlier days, the people of India were called as 'Zindoo'...
We have seen, the naming of our religion, by the composers of the 'Vedham' to that was given by the Englishmen. Because the Englishman believed that we were originally from the plains of Sindhu river, and based on that he called us 'Zindoo'. You may be urged ask "How do you know that?". I have seen that document by British and I have personally read it. In Kumbhakonam, on the banks of the Kaaveri river, just about everything can grow. There on the laps of Kaaveri, there was a place, where knowledge can grow as well as enlightenment can also grow. That was the library of my great teacher Raghunaatha Rao. Raghunaatha Rao was older than me and he served as a Dhivaan of Baroda Samasthaan. During his appointment period, he used to correspond with the British government. After his retirement from the position of Dhivaan, he returned to Kumbhakonam and opened a library on the banks of the Kaaveri river. That is where I had the opportunity to see the British documents. At first he used to write about us, in the official documents as 'Zindoo', and as time passed, he gradually changed his pronounciation to 'Hindu'. The gradual change in his pronounciation was also recorded in his documents.
Now the 'Zindoo' has evolved into 'Hindu'. Hence, now what we call ourselves and our own religion as 'Hindu' was not christened by ourselves. It was given to us by foreighners and that is what we have been cherishing all these years. If we go into it further... this name was given to our religion by Christians. Since, he did not know, how to call us using a common name, white Christian invented... not even invented. Whatever, was convenient for his tongue, to pronounce... now we have been carrying it, as our own brand! We claim that we are following, the 'Vedhams', 'Manu Smiruthi', 'Sasthiram', 'Puraanam', 'Sundaikkaay'... and such scriptures and literatures, that were composed, thousands and thousands of years back... we never distilled, a common name for ourselves, from these scriptures. That never could be accomplished! Because...
Several religions are practised in our country. As I told you before, when the Aryan Brahmins entered into India, there were close to four hundred and fifty religions were practiced. Haven't I questioned you, out of all these religions, which was Hindu religion? Now you can tell me. Which is Hindu religion? Religions such as, Vedhic religion, Aryan religion and Brahmana religion immigrated into our society. Budhdhism evolved to oppose all these religions. Madhva religion florished. Dhvaitham branched out. From there, Adhvaitham branched out. Visishtaadhvaitham grew. Saivam and Vaishnavam was the talk of the country for a while. Jainism was established. Even in Vaishnavam, splits such as Vadakalai and Thenkalai shaped up, and they went all the way upto the courts, to resolve their issues. Leaving these behind... in the wide landscape of our country, worshiping of numerous local favorite deities, are seen everywhere. Kaali Amman, Maari Amman, Dhurgai Amman, Ayyanaar, Muniappan, Karuppasaami, Thoondikkaaransaami ... one can keep on stacking the names of local favorite deities. That is, after seeing the varieties of worship practices, the whiteman was perplexed, and bundled all of them together, and called everyone livng in this country as 'Hindhu'. Upon the birth of a baby in our house, if that baby is a boy, customarily we name him with his grandfather's name. If it happened to be a girl, we name her with the name of her grandmother. If not, we name them with the name of our 'Kula Dheivam' (family god). However... If a stranger... who has no knowledge about us... and who cannot talk our language... called us with a 'blurry sound' that he can conveniently make from his tongue, can you name your child the same 'blurry sound'? That is how we have named our child a.k.a. our religion
O.K... We have seen the origin and history of the word 'Hindhu'. This is the history of the word, that you carry in your school certificates, and in your life, that serves as your own brand. The brand that was awarded to us by the whiteman, we are proudly carrying it around. Now let us talk about another matter. When there was consideration of giving independance to our country... in Tanjaavur district, in a small village near Aaduthurai...there held a secret meeting. If you ask me when... the night queen was stepping beyond 10:00 p.m. and progressing towards mid-night. This was about sixty years back and at this particular part of the night, the villages usually get into deep silence. The meeting was lit with 'ghadaa' lamps and fire torches and was presided by 'Mahaa Periyavar'. Why?... What for?... Haven't I told you previously, that in a village near Aaduthurai, 'Mahaa Periyavar' Sankaraachchaariyaar has arranged for a meeting at night?... Scattered around were small lamps, and fire torches, to provide needed light. The place where the meeting was held appeared like a house. I was seated outside on a raised area (Thinnai). I had prior knowledge of the subject of discussion and hence, I did not go inside the house. Shouldn't you also know, what I have learned over there? Didn't I explain to you the origin of the name 'Hindhu'? Hinduism is also known as 'Sanaadhana Dharmam'. The sole purpose of the meeting was to conserve 'Sanaadhana Dharmam' and to protect the 'Varnaasramam' as dictated by 'Manu Dharmam'. Why?... What kind of trouble was anticipated?... We have already looked into the 'Mana Dharmam' (wedding rules) that was dictated by 'Manu Dharmam'. Recapping it... 'A girl shall get married before the age of eight. If not, and if the wedding has not taken place even after her puberty, the father of the bride shall consume the secretion from her vagina till her wedding'... We have seen in detail this bizarre commandment of 'Manu' in the 45th and 46th chapters.
"Ashtaa varushaa paleth kanyaa..." 'Before the girl reaches eight, she shall get married'... This rule of the smiruthi, was executed in our country, till the middle of the twentieth century, with considerable hardship. As a matter of fact, during my young age, I have witnessed several child marriages, like these. Nowadays, in the marriage halls, you will see several children, running and playing around. Even in those days, the children used to play around in the 'Kalyaana Mahaal' (Wedding Hall). There is only one exception! Just like those playing, two children, will be seated on the wedding stage. Just like this, several child marriages, were taking place. During that time period, there were several protests, against the child marriages, staged by the social reformers cum independence fighters. Social reformers from our own country... were vehemently opposed to the child marriage. Because, if they get married at the young age, and if the child husband accidentally dies, the widow has to remain as a widow lifelong and in addition, she has to endure severe sanctions imposed on the widows.
After understanding the cruelty and its aftermath, the British enacted a law in 1929, which barred the child marriage, and if anyone violating this law will be subject to prison terms. Now, we will come back to, the meeting organized by 'Mahaa Periyavar'. Already there were few laws enacted by the British government that beheaded some of the 'Manu' laws and the 'Varnaashrama Dharmam' (discrimination based on caste system). At the time of awarding the independence to India, a parliamentary delegation of the British government, arrived in India. The purpose of this delegation, comprising of the Members of the British Parliament, was to explore the mode and method of awarding independence, and to have discussion with various groups in India, to get their input. The Aaduthurai meeting was convened, during the time of the visit by the parliamentary delegation. 'Mahaa Periyavar'..."Already they have barred the child marriage... I am not sure what other attacks are planned over our tradition... Hence, we need to convey to this parliamentary delegation, that no more damage should be done to our traditional 'Sanaadhana Varnaashrama Dharmam'. What do you all say?"... thus he was trying to get a consensus. However, his followers... "Swami (respectable sage)! Requesting them, for such restraint over changes in laws, does not seem to us, like a good idea. Let them go ahead and bring about some changes. Changing some of the provisions of 'Manu' is only good for our era"... gave their opinion. But, Sankaraachchaariyaar did not accept their proposal. He came outside the house.
As I was seated, he came to me and said, Swami : "Thaaththaachchaari, only you and me are remainders". I : "What Swami?"... Swami : "Nobody accepted my proposal. However, we should not let this issue go. We must safeguard our tradition. For that, we are going to give that British delegation a memorandum. I have selected you for this task." I was baffled at his proposal. Swami : "You may have to go to New Delhi. Before that, we must give a telegram, to the delegation about our concerns" That night at approximately 11:00 p.m. we have drafted the words for the telegram. Was it one or two?... One or two?... One hundred telegrams! In those days, giving a single telegram, itself was very difficult. Because, the telegraph offices were located only in big cities. If it was one telegram, we can send it easily. However, one hundred telegrams? That too, it shall not appear, that they came from one location. We have to send it from various parts of the country. The wording of the telegram went like this... "We request protection for the religious and ritualistic traditions of the Bhaaratha Dhesam. Because of the change in the government our religious liberty shall not be sacrificed". We sent telegrams to the delegation, with the same wording, from one hundred different cities. The expenses for sending the telegram was borne by 'Mahaa Periyavar' himself. I just helped him. After I have sent the telegrams, he called me again and said "We must meet with them face to face, and explain to them about our religious tradition, and ask for the liberty to practice, 'Sanaadhana Dharmam', our religion. You must carry on this task also".
That time, the members of the parliamentary delegation, were visiting with various newspaper publishers... and were gathering information, about the consensus of the country, over the independence. This was because... several newspapers, have been involved in, promoting the independence uprisings. Along these lines, the delegation came to Chennai. They were visiting, one of the most important English newspaper, of that times in India, 'The Hindu', published from Chennai. 'Mahaa Periyavar' came to know of their visit to Chennai. He immediately called me and asked me to go andmeet with the delegation. I also obliged and went to the corporate office of 'The Hindu'. I was introduced to the delegation by the chief editor of 'The Hindu' newspaper Sri K. Srinivasan. He introduced me as the representative of the 'Madhaachchaariyaars' (religious leaders). Among the delegation was Mr. Sorenson, who was a priest. He and I have exchanged mutual greetings. First, I reminded him of the one hundred telegrams that was sent to the delegation. He remembered them and said… “Oh yes! We will meet at night and go over it”. That night, I met him at the residence of a famous attorney. I have given here the gist of the conversation that happened between me and Mr. Sorenson at around 10:00 p.m. Sorenson : “Welcome! What do you want? Myself : “We live in India. However, we do not have any rights to practice our own religion. We must have freedom to follow our own ‘Dharma’. Sorenson : “Oh… It is a very serious matter… Give me a memorandum and please meet me in Delhi. I immediately traveled back to Kumbhakonam and briefed ‘Mahaa Periyavar’ about our meeting. With the help of few advocates, and religious traditionalists, we prepared a memorandum stressing the need to have full freedom to practice the ‘Varnaashrama Dharmam’ (caste system). We were prepared to travel to Delhi, and present the memorandum in person. Before that the member of the delegation, that we are supposed to meet at Delhi, has traveled to Assam to assess the condition of that state. As soon as we found out, we sent an advance copy of the memorandum to Assam. Later on, I reached Delhi. There at the residence of advocate Siva Rao, Congress party leaders Mr. Achchutha Pattavardhan and Mr. Jeyaprakash Narayan, were waiting to meet the delegation at 11:00 a.m. After they concluded their meeting, along with few advocates, I met the delegation. We presented the memorandum to the parliamentary delegation, in person, and requested that we must have our rights to practice the ‘Varnaashrama Dharmam’. They accepted it and left.
Later on, from England, a cabinet delegation arrived. We sent telegrams to that delegation also. In addition, we presented them the memorandum also. However, they said “The constitution for your country will be drafted by your own leaders. Hence, please meet with your own leaders and present your case”. We took leave from them and left to meet with leader of our country Mr. Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He read the memorandum and said “ What you have said about the Sanaadhana Dharmam and the religious ‘madams’ (mutts) is very realistic. However, the chiefs of all the mutts are enjoying ‘Raaja Bhogam’ (Kings Life) in their mutts. They live with their own disciples and never have any outside contacts and provide no service to the outside world. They never volunteered to perform any social welfare service to humanity or to serve their own religion. Importantly, in the scheme to uplift the harijan people, neither the mutts nor the chiefs of the mutts showed any interest. First of all, the religious chiefs shall realize the needs of oppressed people, and must come forward to serve them”. He was very stern and showed his dissatisfaction over the religious chiefs. “Yes sir! In old times they were like you said. In the new Bhaaratha Dhesam, they will get involved and serve the public at large. Mr. Patel was not in agreement with me. I returned back to Kumbhakonam and narrated this incidence to ‘Mahaa Periyavar’. He said “Yes! That was the truth”. Next… I met with Nehruji…
We carried the petition, to Sardar Vallbhai Patel, containing the Sankaraachchaariyar's intent, to safeguard the 'Sanaadhana Madhaanushtaanam' (Hindu religious practice) and, protect it from even the minuscule dangers, and to assure that the 'Varnaashrama' (caste system) boundaries shall not be mutilated. He was not having very high opinion of the chiefs of the Hindu religious mutts and advised us...
"You cannot change the attitude of the chiefs of the Hindu religious mutts. Don't believe them and bring any of their requests to me". With stern warning he sent us back. I have already told you that 'Sankaraachchaariyaar' agreed with Mr. Patels assertion. Later on, I went to Nehruji, with the same petition. Before meeting with him, I have consulted with several sages... and took along with me few supporters of religious conservatism.
Nehruji asked "What is the matter?". We were briefing him about the essence of the memorandum. He listened to us few minutes and he scanned through the memorandum also. Suddenly... he raised his head, looked at me and said "If you want to talk about religion, you go outside from this nation. We don't allow speciality to any religion. Here all are equal... Don't talk to me about religion... Understand?"... thus, the king of roses poured out his feelings. I was shocked! Even after the overwhelming rejection by two most powerful men of the times, Sankaraachchaariyaar was not discouraged. O.K... we have not earned any special privilege for our religion. We will atleast try to get special privileges for the mutts. He continued his mission.
"Just like what Mr. Patel said, the mutts are nothing but the representatives of the religion, and they must come forward to serve the society at large. We must squelch the notion that the chiefs of all the mutts are enjoying the royal extravagance, and floating in lavishness. Hence, we must approach all the religious mutts, and press upon the fact, that they must come forward, to serve the people. Hence, we must convene 'Bhaarathiiya Mutts Sabhai' (Hindu mission conference). Before we assemble that conference, we must visit various mutts and bring it to their attention that 'With the new constitution we will become an independent country. The upcoming situation is going to be markedly different from the present situation. Hence, we must strive to get our right to exist and operate"... thus Sankaraachchaariyaar instructed us. Based on that he instructed me to convene the 'All Bharathiya Mutts Convention' at Delhi. The hardships endured in organizing this convention was immeasurable. As an organizer, Mr. Kuliththalai Annaadhurai Ayyangaar volunteered. He was an ardent devotee of the Sankaraachchaariyaar. To meet with various mutts, we started from Thiruchchi, in a car, and visited Udupi and continued on to Sirungeri mutt, personally and briefed them about the matter. In Udupi there are eight mutts associated with Madhva sect of Vaishnava tradition. Besides these, we visited other mutts in Udupi such as, Uththaraathi Mutt, Sothana Mutt, Sumuthirththa Mutt, Manthraalaya Mutt and briefed them in person about the upcoming meeting. We also visited a mutt called 'Subramanyam', that is located at the tail end of the Western Ghats.
Here I have to bring to your attention an important matter. When we visited the Sirungeri mutt, the chief of the mutt was present, outside the building, celebrating the Navaraathri festivals. Our delegation comprising of an ex-district judge and a high court judge, met with him... and the chief 'Periyavar' was speaking to us in pure Tamil. He said that for the undertaking by the 'Periyavaal' (Sankaraachchaariyaar), we cannot provide any direct help. Later on, we visited 'Paalehi' mutt, under heavy rain and met with the chief and invited him to the conference of the mutts. Visiting the mutts located at Sakatapuram and Ariharapur... we reached Shimoga and talked with the chief of Sangameshwara mutt. From there we went to Mysore and visited Vaishnava mutt named 'Parakkaara Mutt' and briefed them about the conference. East Karnataka has few 'Veera Saiva' mutts. After visiting them we went to North Karnataka and visited 'Kothe' and 'Tumkur'. Thus, after going around in Karnataka, we reached Poori Jagannaath. There are several Vaishnava mutts in Poori and the chief of the foremost mutt in Poori was Giridhaaridhaas Ramaanujar. With his help and the help of his master Dhurbalaachchaari, we visited several mutts. From there we left for Ayodhdhi. We visited the mutts located in Ayodhdhi, and briefed them about the efforts undertaken by 'Mahaa Periyavar', to grant freedom to operate the mutts, under new constitution of the country. Later on... we reached Karachi, located in the present day Pakistan, and visited the mutt located in the town of Sindhu. Starting from Kunnakkudi Mutt located in Chetti Naadu, to Thirunelveli Senkol Mutt, all the way to Sindhu Mutt... when we visited, no one objected to our proposal. O.K... Did the convention took place in Delhi? I have explained to you about our tedious efforts, to organize a convention of Hindu religious mutts, to be held in Delhi, and our efforts to visit and personally meet, with the mutts located from Kanyaakumari to Karachi. In Delhi the convention was held at 'Indhu Mahaa Sabhai'. Who were the people took part in it? None of the representatives of those mutts that we have personally visited, with no regard to rock, forest, mountain and heat of the sun, were in attendence except the representative from Sindhu Mutt. With the efforts put in for organizing, the turn out was a disappointment. What can we do? The convention was only a name sake. Any how we passed the resolution that read... 'Freedom of relation and maintaining religious institutions...' and disbursed. Where?... Even for disbursing there were not enough people. Even after that, without any exhaustion, requeting special privileges for the mutts, we made arrangements to introduce a parlimentary bill. After the new parliament convened, nobody paid any attention to that bill.
After the independence, the country was divided into India and Pakistam. In our country, India, the government proclaimed that... 'All are equal... All religions are equal'... i.e., India was declared as a secular state in the Constitution. No matter whichever religion one follows or whichever Dharmam one adopts, this country's common dharmam was 'All are equal'. According to our religious tradition... 'dharmam'(rules) are same for everybody. The king also comes under the same 'dharmam'. Why? Even God is subjected to the same 'dharmam' and if he violates or go against it, our religious tradition teaches us how to punish God. This was called as 'Dharma Vithikkramam'. That is, the 'Dharmam' is same for everyone. Whoever violates the 'dharmam', they will be punished. I shall explain this principle of fairness through two stories. Earlier, few chapters back, I was telling a story of 'Sukabrammam' with human body and the parrot head. He was teaching 'Bhaagawatham' to king 'Pariitchiththu' within seven days. Do you remember it? During the teaching of the 'Bhaagawatham'... let us take a look at a conversation. If it is 'Bhaagawatham', then invariably Lord Krishna's story will be there. Sukabramman was explaining the story to Pariitchiththu.
"Lord Krishna was intensly in love with all the 'Gopikais' (Flirting young girls). 'Gopikais' also, in return, deeply in love with Lord Krishna. If you want to know... How much?... Pitch dark night time... Only few moments before midnight. Even at that late night... they overlooked their own houses and their husbands, forgetting all their obligations... even forgot about themselves, in an intoxicated state they were singing, dancing and flirting with Krishna. Everyone of them were young girls... Out of them, Krishna grabs one of them and ran away. Remaining 'Gopikais' were running around searching for her and Krishna. The Gopika, who was taken away by Krishna was also begging him... "Krishna!... Please let me go. Everyone will be searching for me". She was scared. Just like this, on several occasions, Krishna has abducted several Gopikais and has been playing around with them"... Thus, as soon as Sukabramman finished, Pariitchchiththu was asking "What is this Swami?... When her husband was alive, exciting a girl by singing and dancing, in an intoxicated state abducting her... Isn't it a sinful act. Is it an injustice to her husband? Can Krishna commit such crimes? How is it justified?"... Sukabramman answers... "Yes! It is wrong and not justified. Even though Krishna was a God, if he commits such acts, it is a crime. He also has to endure a punishment. Our 'Dharmam' says that". The same moral value, was emphasized in detail, in another Puraanic story. Shall we go to that scene?... This scene takes place, in the present state of Punjab, in a place that you will recognize as you read this story. You will also understand the reason for naming the town. In that town lived a couple named Jalandhar-Birunthaa. They were living like an ideal couple, except in only one matter, they were differing from each other. That was in the matter of God. What kind of difference? Birunthaa was a passionate devotee of Vishnu and she believed that there was no other God except Vishnu. On the other hand, her husband Jalandhar was an ardent devotee of Sivan. The great sage Naaradhar, heard about this strange divergence between the couple, he wanted to play around a little. One day, when Jalandhar was alone, he met with him. He said to Jalandhar… “What Jalandhar?... You are a devotee of Sivan. On the other hand, your wife is worshiping Vishnu. Through your devotion to Sivan, you may even get Sivan’s wife Paarvathi Devi… Why are you keep on struggling with this Birunthaa. Do you know how beautiful Paarvathi is compared to Birunthaa?”… Thus, Naaradhar started the fire in the mind of Jalandhar. Jalandhar was shaken and asked Naaradhar… “Can I really get Paarvathi Devi? How?” Naaradhar himself, gave him the scheme to get Paarvathi. “Sivan is very much fond of Saama Vedham. Wherever, Saama Vedham is being recited, he gets intoxicated, and he goes towards that place. You do one thing. Get hold of few people who can recite Saama Vedham, and make them recite it loudly. Sivan will appear her here and while Sivan is in a state of trance you take off to ‘Kailasam’ and take care of your thirst”. After hearing Naaradhar’s cunning idea, Jalandhar, who was frozen with the thought of getting Paarvathi… hired few people versed with Saama Vedham and asked them to recite it loudly. While Sivan was intoxicated with the music, and while Sivan was away, Jalandhar sneaked into ‘Kailasam’, and found that beautiful Paarvathi Devi was in anguish over loneliness. As per the idea of Naaradhar, he approached her and
gently embraced Her. Paarvathi realized that a stranger, not Sivan, was messing around with Her and screamed “Swaamii…” with sound waves that can cause tsunami over the seven seas. This was in ‘Kailasam’… In the mean while, at the garden of Jalandhar's home...Birundhaa was perplexed over the missing husband and felt very lonely. She was praying to her favorite deity Vishnu, to find out the whereabouts of her husband and bring him back to her. Vishnu assessed the situation and her loneliness and thought 'Why shouldn't I bring some happyness to my passionate devotee?'. She is missing her husband and struggling to find him. Vishnu thought... 'Why shouldn't I become Jalandhar and make her happy?' and he decided to take the figure of Jalandhar and He approached Birundhaa. As soon as she saw Vishnu in the form of Jalandhar, she said... 'Aahaa... I got my husband back' with extreme cheerfulness, and embraced Vishnu and celebrated. The celebration turned to lust. While both of them were making love in their garden... as they themselves were sqeezed close together, a severed head, fell to the ground with a 'bothhh' noise. That head, severed from the neck, with fresh blood oozing out, happened to be the head of Jalandhar.
Yes!... While Sivan was inebriated with the music from 'Saama Vedham', organized by Jalandhar, Jalandhar sneaked into 'Kailasam' and wasn't he embracing Paarvathi Devi and she screamed for Sivan?. The screaming was so disturbing and he came out of his music intoxication. He ran to Paarvathi Devi and found her in the arms of a stranger. He was very irritated, 'Shound another being touch my wife?'... with this question He severed the head of Jalandhar and threw it out. That head was the one fell close to Birundhaa and Vishnu who came in the form of Jalandhar, while they were making love. Birundhaa assessed the situation. She was mystified... 'The one with body resemblance is my husband? or the head that fell down is my husband?'. As her doubt inching towards a climax, the body resembled Jalandhar converted back to his original form of Vishnu. He appears and says to Birundhaa... 'Devotee! It was only me'. She was fuming... "You sinful bastard!... You cheated your own ardent devotee. How can you justify your act? Who are you to come like my husband? You have committed the worst sin of all. Eventhough you are God, crime is a crime. Hence, I am going to shed a curse upon you. 'Eventhough you are a God, you must become a stone'. According to 'puranam', Birundhaa's curse caused the Lord Vishnu to become a stone statue 'Saalakraamam'. The moral of this story is that even if the God has committed a crime by violating the 'dharmam' (rule), He shall endure punishment.
At present, in our nation, legally, the untouchability was abolished. However, based on the 'aagama' (Hindu cultural tradition) it is still living. As per the 'Brahmanyam' (Brahmanic philosophy), the Brahmin is the God. This statement is contradictory to the present laws. If you follow Brahmanism... there exists Sudhraas and Panchamaas. Hence, according to the constitution of India, Brahmanism is anti law. Hence, Brahmaniiyam that follows the 'Manu Dharmam', is against our Indian Government statutes. Please understand this fact. My statement is based on philosophical principle. Hence, if one determines to protect our religion, they must accept the fact that all are equal.
Upon delivering his speech on 'Hindhu Dharmam' at the Chicago convention, Swami Vivekananda returned to Chennai and delivered a speech. I am going to present few of them to you.
"Youths of this land... I am personally requesting you to keep this in mind. We must win over the world through our religious thoughts. When I talk about religious thoughts, I am not talking about those foolish beliefs that we are holding near and and dear to our heart, but those pathways leading to Self Realization. We must be extremely cautious over our own brain, that is ruining us through the foolish beliefs, that were introduced into the society in the name of religion. Do not chase behind these foolish beliefs. I would rather see you as a staunchest 'Naasthikar' (atheist) rather than blindly adapting to foolish beliefs. This is much better for you and is also better for your people"... Thus he spoke in the Madras presidency. This is given in the compilation of Vivekananda's Madras speeches, published by Sri Ramakrishna Mutt at Chennai, titled 'Ilaiya Bhaarathame Ezhuka' (Wake up Young Bharatham).
The rules of nature worship devised by 'Vedham' was for the welfare of the world. 'Here is the milk. Please drink this and live healthily'... says the 'Vedham'. Please pour good healthful milk (thoughts) into the goblet (religion) and drink it... Let the entire universe be peaceful!
In 'puranic' stories, these weapons were elevated to very high esteem. To destroy the evil doers, the God, was using various weapons of mass destruction. I need to tell you, at this point, one more important matter. All these primitive weapons were made of gold and gold alone. Because, in those days, gold was available without any scarcity. In 'Vedham' itself, the importance of gold, has been greatly emphasized. When I was talking about the 'women of Vedic days' I said that women arrived for festivities with their entire body covered with shining gold ornaments. Do you recollect this fact? Similarly, during the Vedic days, the gold was extensively used for another important purpose. What purpose?... 'Dhatchanai' (gift). But before that...
The most important aspect of 'Vedham' is the 'yaagam'. Only Brahmins can perform these 'yaagams'. Brahmins may be termed as 'mantra labors'. 'Vedham' encompasses six parts. The part that deals with pronunciation of the Vedic words is called 'Sikshaa' and this is the first part. The second part deals with linguistics and is called 'vyaakaranam'. That part dealing with grammer is called 'Santhasoo'. The part that deals with the origination of words is called 'Niruptham'. That part that predicts the future is called 'Jothisham'. How to conduct each of the 'yaagams', that is described in the 'Vedham' is called 'Kalpam'. All these parts shall be learned before conducting a 'yaagam'. Conducting the 'yaagam' shall be learned, standing infront of fire, and reciting the appropriate mantras. Would anyone go through this endeavor for free? Shouldn't they be compensated? Shouldn't they get a fee for services? They shall be paid a salary. Isn't it? This compensation is called 'Dhatchanai'. The salary paid to conduct 'yaagam' is called 'Dhatchanai'!
I have talked about, in the early chapters of this series, about a particular 'yaagam' called 'asuvamedha yaagam'. In that, the Brahmins conduct this 'yaagam' for the benefit of the Kings... and the Brahmins take with them, as 'Dhatchanai', the queens and pricesses of the kings household. The priests spend their nights in 'Raajasukham' (intercourse) with queens and princesses and send them back to the palace. Thus... as, an apropriate 'Dhatchanai' was established for each 'yaagam'... an exceptional 'yaagam' exists, called 'Chaththira yaagam'. What is 'Chaththira yaagam'? This 'yaagam', in which, several people assembled in a place, several days, if not, several years and is conducted for the welfare of the world. For each of the 'yaagam' they will erect an 'Agni Kundam' (fire pit) and sacrifice various substances as prescribed by the Vedic rules. Just like 'Dhatchanai', what are the articles the sponsors of the 'yaagam' (Ejamaanar), should donate?
Housing, a campus for performing the 'yaagam' including cooking and dining facility, living quarters and all other facilities needed to successfully concluding the 'yaagam'. Whatever 'Dhatchanai' to be offered to the priests, shall be devoted, to the use of 'yaagam' itself. Only those facilities dedicated to this 'yaagam' such as houses, 'ashrams' (campus) and the palaces shall be used by everyone attending and conducting the 'yaagam'. Anyone can reside in these facilities. Those facilities donated for 'yaagam' such as houses, 'ashrams' and living quarters are later on called as 'Chaththiram'. Only for the 'Chaththira yaagam', no 'Dhatchanai' will be offered to the priests, as this this 'yaagam' is conducted for everyone's welfare, including the priests.
O.K... You may wonder... he was talking about gold and why is he suddenly changed his course to 'Dhatchanai'. There is relationship. Haven't I talked about the importance of gold in 'Vedham'? The same degree of importance, is also granted in 'Vedham', for those who conducts 'yaagam'. The 'Dhatchanai' for those who conducts 'yaagam' shall be only gold. They shall not be given any other metals. 'Vedham' has drawn up the line, based on the valuableness of gold, that gold is the only suitable metal for 'Dhatchanai'. Even for that there is a reason. When Brammaa created 'Rudhran'... as soon as the baby landed in this world it cried with sound 'ingee'. It was not an ordinary crying. It was very scary howling. 'Rodhanam' means crying. Since he continued his crying, he was named 'Rudhran'. That 'Rudhran's tears ... I have told you, that ever since 'Rudhran' was born, he continued his crying. The fifth part, in the first section of 'Yajur Vedham' is where the tears of 'Rudhran' is explained in detail. We cannot isolate ourselves as if it does not affect us, whether, 'Rudhran' cries or he laughs. You talked about 'Dhatchanai'. Later on you talked about gold?... Now all of a sudden, why about the tears of 'Rudhran'?...You may ask. The crying of 'Rudhran' was in a way to make the Brahmins laugh. Why?... How?... As 'Rudhran' was crying, doesn't he sheds tear drops?... Those drops were frozen and became a metal. What metal?... It became silver. In essence, the tear drop of 'Rudhran' is the silver. We have already seen, what kind of person 'Rudhran' was. He was cruel, trouble maker and tortures people. Sum total, according to 'Vedham' he was an 'Ayogyan' (brutal individual). Silver is Rudhran's tear drops. Hence, that metal shall not be given as 'Dhatchanai' to the Brahmins who conducts the 'yaagam'. One should not accept silver as 'Dhatchanai' either. Hence, the 'Vedham' advocates that one should accept only gold as the 'Dhatchanai'. Even today, the Brahmins do not accept silver articles as 'Dhatchanai' for homam. Either money or gold only will be accepted. Probably, now you will understand... How the tears of 'Rudhran', made the Brahmins conducting 'yaagam' laughing, all the way to the bank.
The Vedic priests knew that gold is more valuable than silver, and hence, they were holding to gold as the standard for 'Dhatchanai' and let the silver go on the wayside. If they ask "Don't give me silver and give only gold for me"... will any one heed to their request? That is the reason they made 'Rudhran' cry. From his eyes they dropped silver tears. 'Dhatchanai' has yet another status... 'Bhaagavatham' gives an example. If one considers God as the 'yagnayam' (yaagam)... then 'Dhatchanai' is the God's wife Goddess. If I expound further... 'Yaagam' is taking place. Consider that 'yaagam' is the God. Then, the wife of that God is the 'Dhatchanai'. If we expand yet farther... How a God suffers without Goddess... likewise 'yaagam' without 'Dhatchanai'. Using whatever analogies necessary to absolutely get the 'Dhatchanai'... the 'Dhatchanai' was elevated to the status of 'Bhagawaan's Paththini' (God's wife). This was called by 'Bramma Sooththirar'... the fee for 'yaagam'. 'Dhatchanai' is offerred only after the 'yaagam' is performed. However, I have told you about the 'Dhatchanai' first before talking about the 'yaagam' itself.
What is the importance of 'yaagam'?... The life long task of Brahmins is nothing but performing 'yaagam'. They must be walking only within the 'yaaga saalai' (shed constructed to perform yaagam). The Brahmins used to perform 'yaagam' for all classes of people, from the king of the land to the lowest level caste person, who happened to be a day labor in the agricultural community, and receive 'Dhatchanai' for the same. During the 'yaagam' even the king himself will be humbly and politely sits infront of a Brahmin. If you ask why... "Thasmaathu somaraajaanaahaa Braammanaahaa.." What does that mean?... "You all a king and he is ruling over you. However, he is not king for us. We are not bound by this king from 'Kshathriyaa' caste. We are Brahmins. We are higher than this king. Hence, your king is only below our caste. Our king is 'Somaraajaa' only". This is the meaning of this short mantra. Thus, even if the king is put into a demeaning position by the Brahmins... just think of the fate of the other castes.
What is the expected benefit to be received by conducting 'yaagam'?... 'Yaagams' may be conducted for the general welfare of the society. Some 'yaagams' are conducted to gain sons and daughters. The most important benefit of conducting 'yaagam'... is to get rid of our 'paavam' (sin). (Really, I need to tell you so much about 'paavam' and I will talk about it next.). The 'yaagam' called 'Agnihothram' is self performed for their own welfare. 'Dhatchanai' for this 'yaagam' has to be paid to self. 'Yaagam' called 'Dharshampoornamaasam' is performed based on full moon and new moon. 'Dharsham' is new moon, 'Poornam' is full moon. Do you know the 'Dhatchanai' for this 'yaagam'?... 'Annaahaaryam'. That is, the food served after the 'yaagam' itself, is the 'Dhatchanai'. Likewise, there are many more 'yaagams' and of course, many more varieties of 'Dhatchanais'. One single person, is not able to conduct the 'yaagam', by himself. Most of the time, several priests form a group, and the group collectively conducts the 'yaagam'. Hence, the 'Dhatchanai' also given as bulk, to the entire group. Besides the gold, 'Dhatchanai' may also be gifted as one hundred cows, one thousand cows, one hundred calves or one thousand calves."Has the 'yaagam' concluded?... Give them 1000 'nishkam' ". 'Nishkam' means... 'Nishkam' means... coins. Gold coins. The gold coins under circulation during the Vedic and post-Vedic period was called 'nishkam'. After the conclusion of a 'yaagam', they Brahmins get not only the articles made of gold but also they used to get 'nishkams'. "For God, please bring 1000 'nishkam'...", such loud requests will pop up during the 'yaagam'. If the 'yaagam' was sponsored by the kings, the priests will request bountiful 'nishkam'. If it was sponsored by others, the amount of 'nishkam' demanded will be adjusted accordingly. O.K... I have told you that, the 'yaagams' are conducted, to get rid of the 'paavam' (sins) and that I will explain to you in detail about various 'paavams'. What is 'paavam'?... Just like God, who is omni present and He is all around us, the 'paavam' also surrounds all of us. That is, every act that we executes is called a sin. For example, suppose, we buy a snack and eat them. This snack could have been bought by someone else to suppress his hunger. However, we bought it ahead of him, and deprived of him the opportunity and we became the cause for his continued hunger. Hence, we have committed a 'paavam'. The very air, that we are breathing at this moment, may belong to someone else, needing it for his/her survival. We stole it from them and consumed it. Hence it is also a 'paavam'. Suppose, in this world, you are travelling in a bus. You found a seat to sit and travelling. This also constitutes a form of 'paavam'. While others are travelling standing in a bus, if you sit and travel, you have deprived their opportunity to travel comfortably. Even if you travel standing in a bus, that may also constitute a 'paavam' as you may have denied the opportunity for someone else to get into this bus and travel. Aren't you actually standing at a location, where another person, was hoping to be standing and travel?... Thus, there are several categories of 'paavam'. The energy of 'paavam' is kept on thriving around us relentlessly. Hence, to get rid of that 'paavam', we must perform 'yaagam'.
While the Brahmins are conducting it... the 'paavam' gets converted to 'agni' (fire)... During the performance of 'yaagam', all the 'paavam' gets attracted towards the Brahmins conducting the 'yaagam'. In addition, they are also getting 'Dhatchanai' for performing the 'yaagam' which also brings them additional 'paavam'. All the 'paavam' extracted from the sponsor, plus that of the Brahmin, together gets destroyed while reciting the Vedic mantras. That is why, 'Vedham' advocates that, if you want to get rid of your 'paavam', then go to a Brahmin and let him conduct, an appropriate 'yaagam' for you. Christianity advocates the same retribution. However, several thousand years before Christ, 'Vedham' has advocated the forgiveness of sin by the priests. Without knowing this fact from the 'Vedham', today's reigning head of the Kaanchi mutt, 'Periyavar' Jayendhirar asked "Christianity what Christianity?... after committing the sin, whatever nature of the sin committed... it claims, that sin can be nullified. If that is so, does it advocates committing sin?".
Can you recall that, earlier when I was talking about the duties of a Brahmin, they perform a daily ritual called 'Sandhiyaa Vandhanam'?... There is a close relationship between that and the 'yaagam'. The rule is that a Brahmin shall perform the 'Sandhiyaa Vandhanam' ritual, three times a day, during the morning, high noon and evenings. Normally, in today's schedule, they perform in the morning and then they do it only in the evenings. What happened to the high noon?... They also perform that in the morning itself. Because, during the noon they may be at the office or conducting their work. In this let us look at the mantra called 'asanam' that is recited daily in the morning : "sooryachcha maamanyuchchamanyu Padhayachcha manyukrudhepya: Paabepyo radchanthaam yathraathriyaa paapam akaarsham manasaa vaasaa Hasthaapyaam pathapyaam utharena sicnyaa Raathri sthathavalumpathu yathkinja thurithammayi Ithamaham maam amruthayonav Soorye jyothishi juhomi svaahaa..." This one, is recited in the early morning, waking up before sun rise and praying to the Sun God. What are they praying for?... "Lord Sun... Please protect me from the sins, that I have committed, by not obeying the country's laws and regulations, as well as the societal norms. The night has passed... During that time, I may have committed many sins. 'Manasaa' (mind) - Through my mind, if I have thought of harming others that is a sin; 'Vaasaa' (words) - Through my words if I have hurt others feelings, that is a sin; 'Hasthaapyaam' (hands) - If I have physically harmed any one using my hands, that is a sin; 'Pathpyaam' (feet) - If I have harmed any life by inadvertently stepping on them or kicking the elders with my feet, that is a sin; 'Utharena' (stomach) - I may have committed a sin at night, through my belly, by consuming food that has been set aside for others; 'Sicnyaa' (male organ) - I may have committed a sin at night through my male organ, by hurting or giving trouble to ladies through my male organ as well as having illegitimate body contacts. During the last night, I may have committed all these sins. You must get rid of all these sins and protect me from such sins. This is the very first plea of the day, to Sun God, from the Brahmin... in the early morning as soon as he gets up. Next... We are talking about pardoning of the sins. When he got up in the morning, what did he requested from Sun God?... “Whatever sins committed, during the night using the hand, leg, mouth, heart and male organ, shall vanish like the dew upon your presence”… thus he requested the Sun God. This is the routine for the morning. O.K… Whatever sins committed during the night, this mantra is recited in the morning, to get rid of it. During the ‘Sandhiyaa Vandhanam’ at noon, another ‘asanam’ shall be recited. This is practiced during noon, nowadays, only by very strict orthodox Brahmins. Majority of other Brahmins, recite this also in the morning, along with the ‘asanam’ of the morning, like ‘two in one’. O.K… What does this noon mantra says : “Aabha punanthu pruthiviim pruthvii Boothaa punaathumaam punanthu brahmanas
Pathi brahmabhoothaa punaadhu maam
Yathiichchishtam abhojyam yathvaa
Thussaritham mama sarvam bunanthumaam
Aabha asathaamsa prathigraham svaahaa”
What is the meaning of this verse? “Lord… Gods and Goddesses… I (Brahmin) leave my place in the morning and visit several places and houses for the purpose of performing homam. In addition, I also go to conduct ‘yaagam’ for others. During that time… I accept as donation whatever articles the strangers offer. Among them may be articles that are contaminated with others saliva. At times, the donors may not be, sacred persons and are from lower caste. I am aware, that accepting their donations is ‘baapam’ (sin)… Without my knowledge, I may have brought it home. Hence… Please protect me, from the sins that accompanies by accepting those saliva tainted articles and the donations received from non-puritans”… Thus, prays the Brahmin performing 'asanam'.
That is... he is asking forgiveness, for his sins, twice within a day. Next... Evening... Again he is reciting the same mantra that he has recited in the early morning, with little twist. "The God of Fire ... what I have requested in the morning is what I am requesting now. Since the morning till this time, if I have committed any forms of sin through the use of my hands, legs, stomach, words and my male organ, knowingly or unknowingly, I beg you to relieve me from such sins"... thus he prays. Thus, within a day he recites the mantra thrice, does 'asanam' and begs for pardon. Oh... 'asanam' is the act of taking small amount of water in his palms... sanctifying it by reciting Vedic mantras... and drinking that water while praying. In addition to begging for pardon thrice a day, for the sins committed... another prayer called 'upasthaanam' shall also be performed. The important 'upasthaanam' during 'sandhiyaa vandhanam' is for God 'Varunan' (Rain God). This is a prayer to 'Varunan', who controls the rain. What is that?...
"Imamme varuna chrudhiihavam
Adhyaasa mrudaya thvaamavasyu:
Aasage thathvaayaami brahmanaa
Vandhamaanathu thathaasaasthe
Yajamaana! havirbi: aheda
Maana: varunehabhodhi
Urusamsamaana: Aayu: bramokshii:
Yachchiththidhe visoyaadhaa pradeva varuna
Vradham miniimasi dhyavidyavi yathkinj
Setham varunadhaivye janapithroham
Manushyaa: saramaasi asiththiiyathva
Dharmaa yuyobhima maanasthasmaath
Enaso dhevariirisha: kithavaasa: yathriribhu nathiivi yadhvaakaa sathyam
Udhayan navithma sarvaathaa vishya
Sithireva dheva adhaadhes yaama
Varunap riyaasa:"
"Hey... 'Varnaa', I am suffering very much. Like ordinary people I have also committed sins. Youhave drafted certain rules to live by in this world. I have committed excesses and broke those rules. I have committed sins through my senseless acts. I have even indulged in gambling and committed sins through them. I beg you, Vrnaa, please get rid of my sins and protect me from further sins".. This is the meaning of the above mantra. All these 'Sandhiyaa vandhana' mantras are part of the Vedic mantras. During the 'yaagam' these mantras shall be recited. Since the Brahmins have curtailed the Vedic rituals considerably to conserve time... they have added it to 'sandhiyaa vandhanam' rituals. Hence, there is a belief, that by reciting these mantras, the sins that they have committed will evaporate. This is what 'Vedham' says. Since, the forgiving of sins has been mentioned in our own Vedhas, several thousand years back... and if people like Jayendhirar, criticize the Christians for their 'forgiveness of sins' ... They do not have in-depth knowledge of the 'Vedham'.
We have seen through the treatise on forgiving the sins, that only those, who do not have the knowledge of 'Vedham' will criticise other religious practices. While I was writing this, I was focussing my eyes, on the Tamil newspapers and the English newspapers. In both newspapers, in the headline with utmost importance and in bold letters, they featured one article. That message was ... 'Sri Jayendhira Saraswathi swami, to get rid of his sins, he had visited the Rameswaram temple, and returned back'. What is the big difference between 'getting rid of sins' and 'forgiving of sins'? What can you say about a person, who once, criticized the 'forgiving of sins' by the Christian faith, now for his own welfare undertook the pilgrimage to Rameswaram to 'get rid of his sins'. Yet another point... at this time comes to my memory. This is an important line, contained in 'Bramma Sooththiram', written by 'Bramma Sooththirakkaarar'. "Pahisthu Upayathaabhi spiru dhehe aachaarasa..." What does this 'Sooththiram' (gist) says? "If the 'Rishis' (self realized souls), 'Sanyaasis' (renounced individuals), 'Yathis' and 'gyanis' (learned peple) committed sin, there is no relief for them for committing the sins. There are no remedies for them. That sin stays as sin with them. That will not fade away or go away"... thus states 'Bramma Sooththiram'. Basically, the words of elders are like 'amirtham' (heavenly nector). As it is the case, , criticizing other religions, based on the principle of 'forgiveness of sins', even for 'Vedham' it was not acceptable. Let us look at these verses from 'Atharvana Vedham' : "Sametha vishvaa vachasaa Pathinthivibhu yayeha Vibhuhii adhithith jananaam sabooryahaaa noodhanam aanavaasakii Thimvarththanihi anuvaavruththe Ekaiyith poori..." What is the meaning of this verse?... "People unite together. There is only one God.
Whoever invites Him... He visits their home. He is very orthodoxy for the orthodoxes. He is very contemporary for those who are contemporarians. Even though there is only one God, the ways to worship Him in this world are many. Even though there are so many ways to worship Him, they are all right paths... Hence, in His name, no one shall criticize or condemn others..." This is the advise from 'Atharvana Vedham'. Several thousand years back, using the ways of worshipping God as example, 'Vedham' has stressed the unity among the religions. I knew, a retired female from the Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S.), now residing in Kilpauk, a part of Chennai, has etched this unifying Atharvana Vedha mantra, in the front entrance to her house. Only those who do know this mantra, or those who knew but acts as if they do not know, criticize other religions. And they accumulate sins. We have dealt in detail about the 'Paavam'. I will narrate another incidence. From that probably, you can guess the next topic, we will roll onto.
Approximately thirty to forty years back, the Hindu Religious Trust Department has arranged for a meeting at the Naachchiyaar temple located near Kumbhakonam. This was convened on an emergency basis. In those days, all the poojas, mantras and rituals in the temples were exclusively conducted only in Sanskrit language... there were voices advocating use of Tamil in the Temple and the worship services shall be conducted in Tamil also. From my recollection, at that time the commissioner of the Hindu Religious Trust was Mr.K.S. Narasimman. (Even though I have crossed my nineties, I can recall everything from Vedhas. However... those recent happenings I am not able to recall instantly). All important officers were assembled in the Naachchiyaar temple. From the Uppiliappan temple of Kumbhakonam, Sri Ramadesikaachchaar swami and other priests were also in attendance.I was also present in that meeting. The deputy commissioner was explaining the reason for convening this meeting. "We have decided that the 'Archanai' (reciting 108 names) shall also be conducted in Tamil language. Hence, we want you all to write how various 'Archanas' can be conducted in Tamil and give it to us."... thus he is requesting. As soon as they heard, from the priests side they raised their voice "How can it be... if you ask us, all of a sudden, to conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil? We have tradition to consider and the rituals to consider. We cannot conduct everything in Tamil...". At that time one of the officer in that crowd... "Why Swami... In your house when you are talking to your wife and children, are you talking in Sanskrit? Just like that, talk to God also in Tamil"... interceded. Deputy commissioner inquired me about this topic. That time, I also recommended the use of Tamil 'Archanas'... and gave him a sheet of paper. They started to read that paper.
Haven't I been talking to you about the meeting that was held in the 'Naachchiyaar' temple? I also told you that 'I will relate to you the incidence and you can from that guess the next topic we will go into'. Yes... we are going to look at the status of Tamil in worship services at the temples. Please come back again. We will get back to 'Naachchiyaar' temple to take part in the meeting. As the deputy commissioner was saying that they have decided to conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil and hence, the priests shall perform 'Archanas' in Tamil, "How?... How?... How can we perform 'Archanas' in Tamil?" thus erupted a linguistic war from the side of the priests. However, the officers... "Why? Why you cannot conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil? Has no one, to date, wrote 'Archanas' in Tamil? If that is so you can write your own 'Archanas'. We have announced this before we convened this meeting... Did you all bring your write up?". Some 'Bhattaachchariyaars' (Priests) handed over what they have brought with them. All their write up was, to prop up their belief, that it was not possible to conduct 'Archanas' in Tamil. This was satisfactory neither for the officers nor to the Tamil language. Remember that I was also in the meeting. They asked me about the Tamil 'archanai'. I handed over, what I have brought with me. It went like this...
"Uyarvuara uyar nalam udaiyavan potri
Mayarvuara mathi nalam arulinan potri
Ayarvuara amararkal athipathi potri..."
Thus, I have handed over, the verses with 108 lines, in praise of Lord Naaraayanan. I did not create these myself. When I thought of Tamil 'archanai', those came to my mind, was 'Aazhwaars' (Vaishnava saints). What I have given to them was nothing but ... starting from 'Thiruvaai Mozhi' of Nammaazhwaar, taking some of the verses and rearranged in the form of a 'Sahasranaamam' suitable for 'archanai'. What is 'Sahasranaamam'?... Even today, in several houses of the Brahmins, as well as Viashnava devotees, the tape recorders plays the 'Sahasranaamam'. Several Brahmins are convinced, that by reciting 'Sahasranaamam', whenever they get time, it adds to their goodwill with God. 'Sahasranaamam' is nothing but reciting the God's name and praising Him in thousand different ways. Thousand names in Sanskrit. That is 'Sahasranaamam'. "Suklaam bharathanum vishnum... Visvam vishnum vashatkaaro Bhootha Bhavya Bhavath prabhuhoo..." Starting thus, it ends with 'Pala sruthi', which are the praises on 'Vishnu Sahasranaamam' by other scriptures. This is what is used in 'Vishnu' temples for performing 'archanai'. For this occasion, for the sole purpose of performing 'archanai' and also 'poojas' in Tamil, I have taken verses from 'Nammaazhwaar', the famous and chief of all the 'Aazhwaars', who was called as 'Kaarimaaran' by literary devotees, and converted it so that it was suitable for performing 'archanai'. The officers, who read the Tamil 'archanai' were so thrilled. They commented, "while we have such sweet, meaningful devotional songs, why would we hang ourselves onto the Sanskrit verses that noone understands." They suggested, that we can perform all our 'poojas' and 'archanas' using the pure Tamil language compositions from 'Naalaayira Dhivya Pirabhandham'. Everyone agreed and accepted their suggestions. Based on that meeting... the 108 Tamil 'archanai' that I have extracted from the Aazhwaar's work and modified for 'archanai'... immediately, of course, with the opposition from the priests... was introduced, thirty to forty years back, in the 'Saarangapaani' temple in Kumbhakonam. 'Saarangapaani Perumaal' who was getting tired of listening to the 'Sahasranaamam' in Sanskrit for generations... only on that day, happened to hear and enjoy His 108 names in sweet Tamil language. One of the officer asked me "Thaaththaachaariyaar, are you happy now?". I replied to him " Please ask the Perumal (God) Himself, He will tell you that He is doubly happy". He enjoyed my reply and smiled in return. I was not bringing this incidence for fun. Only to bring it to your attention, how the language has been down played into the worship of God. The Tamil 'archanai', that was debuted at the 'Saarangapaani' temple on that, did that simultaneously adopted in other temples? Even today, if you request the priests to perform 'archanai' in Tamil they start to sizing you up. Even though there are so many sweet and meaningful devotional tunes in Tamil... we see in the temples a board announcing 'We perform archanai in Tamil'... Where did this board came from?...
‘Naalaayira Dhivya Prabhandham’. From these words themselves, you can understand how the Tamil language, was suppressed in those days. The ‘Naalaayiram irai paattu’ (Four thousam devotional songs), that was composed by Tamil ‘Aazhwaars’, praised as ‘Aandra Tamil Marai’, Fifth ‘Vedham’, ‘Diraavida Vedham’, containing four thousand devotional songs in Tamil… were even today called ‘Naalaayira Dhivya Prabhandham’… ‘Dhivyam’ (Pure), ‘Prabhandham’ (collections) with two Sanskrit words. ’Aazhwaarkalin Naalaayira Arulich Cheyal’ is the Tamil name for this sacred book. At least from now on… would everyone call this book by its pure Tamil name? You may understand with this simple example, how Tamil was tied down with Sanskrit rope. In those days… ‘Vedham’ occupied the Tamil country. Wherever you see was ‘Vedham’… In everything was ‘Vedham’. When the Brahmins saw the statues in Tamil Nadu and very intricate sculptures in the temples… they said “Why are you simply putting flowers on these statues?... We can bring into these statues, those angels that are mentioned in the ‘Vedham’. These angels are not visible to the naked eyes. They are residing in these statues only in the form of spirit. If we recite the Vedic mantras loudly so that they can hear it, we can bring within these statues those Vedic angels.” As I have mentioned to you in earlier chapters, the Tamil people worshiped in the beginning, only with flowers. I want you to read this verse 2940, from ‘Thiruvaaimozhi’ of Nammaazhwaar: “Naadaatha malar naadu naalthorum Naaranan…Than Vaadaatha malar… adikkiizh vaikkave vakukkinru… Viidaadi Viittruththal vinai atrathu en seivatho?... Oodaathu pani vaadaai…! Uraiththu iraai enathu udale…” That is… Aazhwaar, to convey his wishes to God… he is requesting various kinds of birds such as storks, swans, coocoo, seagulls, cranes, lined beetles, parakeets, ‘naaganavaai’, one by one to be his messenger… Next, he selects autumn wind (‘Vaadaai’) as his messenger. When the storm blows, he requests the storm to be his messenger. Only the verses are composed by Aazhwaar. The real person sending messages through the birds, beetles and the autumn wind was the heroine (lover of God), who was separated from God. “’Pani Vaadaai’ (autumn wind)… ‘pani vaadaai’… please come near me. You go to my God, and on my behalf, please convey a message to Him. The way we are at present, Him estranged from me and me separated from Him are not in our best interest. Please communicate this to Him… He only has created all the lives, creatures and human beings in this world. His intensions for creating so many lives, was only to daily pick the several varieties of fresh flowers, that are grown in this world, and bestow them gently, on the fresh lotus feet of Lord Narayanan, and worship Him. How can He justify His aloofness, and leave me all alone here, that I am not able to worship like others?”… You go and tell Him my plight. If He does not accept me… you come back and tear my flesh apart, and break my bones into pieces… ‘Pani Vaadai’, you cut my body into pieces”… thus, ‘Aazhwaar’ writes, as if the devotee, in deep love for God, was sending the ‘Pani Vaadai’ as the messenger. As you can see, what a beautiful piece of literature?...
The same Tamil ‘Pani Vaadai’, is still blowing, even today. Through this verse, what message this ‘Pani Vaadai’, is bringing to us?... “It is telling us that pluck fresh flowers daily and offer it to God (‘Poo’ (flower) + ‘Sei’ (do) = ‘Poosei’). Worshipping tradition of Tamil has been ‘Poosei’”. The Brahmins crossed their path with this ancient tradition. At first, they said, “You keep on showering the God with flowers… I will be reciting the ‘Vedham’ simultaneously”… and they stood outside the temple. The reason?... “If you stand close to the God and whatever you say, there is a possibility you may be spitting, unknowingly, on God. Hence, you shower the flowers on God staying close to the idol and I will recite loudly the mantras staying outside.” This was called ‘Adhyayana Bhattar’. After few days, the ‘Adhyayana Bhattar’ slowly stepped inside. Inside means, inside of the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha graham)! “From now on I will take care of the inside. You go outside and take care of the outside maintenance”… with these words, he put the native worshippers, outside the sanctum. Next… The ruling of the ‘aagamakkaararkal’ (Ritual performers)! Since, they were the first and foremost Sanskrit language descendents… the Tamil people were kept outside the sanctum. Sanskrit people entered inside. They showered Tamil flowers and recited Sanskrit ‘archanai’(recital of 108 names of God in Sanskrit).
Thus, as the ‘Sanskrit Government’ was going on in full force… to bring to the forefront, our Tamil devotional literatures, then and there ‘Aazhwaars’ emerged between the periods of fifth and tenth centuries… These ‘Aazhwaars’, with their extreme devotion, in addition to their affinity for Tamil language, with their mastery of the same, praised God Narayanan. At the same time, they grasped the essence of Vedic philosophy, breathed in the puranic stories and created Tamil poems and lyrics in praise of God Vishnu.. These twelve ‘Aazhwaars’, with their songs in praise of very specific God presiding in a particular temple, sanctified these temples through their songs. That is they become purified. In spite of it… We have seen that the 'Aazhwaars', through their praising of God, using Tamil language, sanctified various temples. However... today, the pity is that even in those temples sanctified with Tamil language, what is resonating in the early mornings, is the 'Subrapaatham' in Sanskrit! What is the meaning of 'Subrapaatham'?... This itself is a anskrit name. The meaning is, 'let this time become an auspicious time'. If I want to tell this in modern mode it is 'Good Morning'. Praying God in the early morning and waking Him up is 'Subrapaatham'. Can God go to sleep? If a person sleeps, is he qualified to be a God?... These are to be dealt in a different forum! In essence it is "Good Morning to God and wake Him up...". Today in various temples... during early mornings, in gorgeous crack of dawn... they play 'Subrapaatham' in loud speakers. Its music is very intoxicating. But, do you know the meaning of those verses?... Without knowing what they are singing... we repeat those verses silently. We put the recording in a tape recorder and let it paly. M.S. Subbulatsumi in her own melodious fertile voice... "Kowsalyaa suprajaa raamaa Poorvaa santhyaa pravaththadhu..." With these words she starts. You keep on listening to it, till the day break. Who wrote this?... What is the meaning of it?... In Tamil Nadu, even in the residences of non-Brahmins, this 'Subrapaatham' is played and intoxicates the listeners... Why this 'Subrapaatham' is not available in Tamil language?... The 'Subrapaatham' that was intended to wake up God Venkatesa of Thiruppathi, why is it played even in tiny villages of Tamil Nadu?... You may be wondering with these questions. Many of may not know the reason for it. This 'Subrapaatham', which is a wish of good morning to God, in Sanskrit, was composed by 'Prathivaathi Bhayankaram Annaa'. (If anyone came to argue with Annaa in religious matters... through his intimidating defense tactics, he will defeat them. That was why Annaa earned the reputation as 'Prathivaathi' (defender) 'Bhayankaram' (terrifying)). He was a disciple of 'Manavaala Maamunikal'. This was the same 'Manavaala Maamunikal' who blessed with the words 'Aazhwaarkal Vaazhi Arulich Cheyal Vaazhi'.
The first lines of this 'Subrapaatham'..."Kowsalyaa suprajaa raamaa Poorvaa santhyaa pravaththadhu..." were extracted from 'Vaalmiiki Raamaayanam'. Sage Viswaamithrarn was waking up Lord Raaman. "Raamaa... the one born through Kowsalyaa's good deeds... there, in the forest those uncivilized cruel people ('Arakkar') through their rough behavior giving trouble to the learned saints (Meditating Yogi). Please come and get rid of them..." ... thus he was waking Raamaa up. Keeping these as the very first lines, 'Prathivaathi Bhayankaram Anna' has composed this 'Subrapaatham', said to be during the fourteenth century. But... just like the 'Subrapaatham' composition that we hear today in Sanskrit, along the same pattern, approximately six hundred years before 'Annaa', 'Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar' has magnificently composed in sweet Tamil. I am going to brief you few verses of this sweet Tamil composition titled 'Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi' (Sacred Wakeup Call) verses 917 through 926, extrated from the book 'Aazhwaarkal Arulic Cheyal'.
'Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar' has composed these verses, to wake up Aranganaathan, the presiding deity of Thiruvarangam, located on banks of the river Kaaveri. "Kathiravan gunadhisaich chikaram vanthu Anainthaan; Kanai irul akandrathu Kaalai am pozhuthaai Madhu virinthu ozhukina maamalar ellaam Vaanavar arasarkal vanthu vanthu eendi Ethirdhisai nirainthanar. ivarodum pukuntha irun kalitru eettamum pidiyodu murasum Athirthalil alai kadal pondruvithu engum Arangaththammaa. palli ezhuntharulaaye..." This is the very first verse of the 'Thirupalliezhuchchi' in Tamil. The meaning... "The sun has cracked open the Eastern sky. The darkness of the night has vanished... Those morning flowers have bloomed and their nector is oozing out. The angels from the heaven, the kings and princesses of the earth and your very own devotees are assembled on the Southside plaza to get a glimpse of you. The howling of the herd of elephants they rode on, and the noise from the drums of the elephant army are echoing in every direction! Arangaa... please kindly wake up from your sleep. Let them have a glimpse of your image...", thus 'Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar' is tapping the Deity of Thiruarangam in sweet Tamil and begging Him to wake up. Here, in this line 'Arangaththamma Palli Ezhuntharulaaye...', Aazhwaar addresses his God as 'ammaa' (mother). Is there no 'Bhakthi' (devotion) in this verse?... Isn't there any sweetness?... How about literary brilliance?... or You did not understand the meaning?...
Please listen to yet another Tamil 'Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi' :
"Kadi malark kamalangal malarnthana, ivaiyo
Kathiravan kanai kadal
Mulaiththanan, ivano
Thudiidaiyaar suri kuzhal pizhinthu udhari
Thukil eduththu eerinar.
Soozhpunal Arangaa
Thodai oththa thulavamum koodaiyum pozhinthu
Thondriya thol
Thondaradip Podi ennum
Adiyanai aliyan endru aruli un
Adiyaarkku aadpaduththaay!
Palli ezhuntharulaaye! "Arangaa... encircled by the river Kaaveri all around you, the sun has risen over the sea... in the ponds, the lotus flowers are smilingly bloomed and their fragrance spread around you. The girls with tiny hips, had their bath in the river Kaaveri... are twisting, shaking and drying their wet hair, to rid of the moisture... wearing their dresses, they are climbing on the banks. Such an early morning, I, known as 'Thondaradip Podi', am waiting with garlands of 'Thulasi' and basket full of loose flowers for your grace. Please, take this devotee's offering, bless me and shape me to be an useful person"... What is lacking in this Tamil verse? Of the ten verses of Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar’s Tamil ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’, I have selected the very first and the last verses and explained its beauty to you. What a beautiful, detailed, and colorful descriptions?... What a rhyming words?... How much sweetness is spilling over? Second verse starting with ‘Kozhunkodi mullaiyin kozhumalar’… Third verse starting with ‘Chudar oli paranthana soozhthisai ellaam’… Fourth verse starting with ‘Mettu ila methikal’… Fifth verse starting with ‘Pulambina putkalum poompozhilkalin vaai’… Sixth verse starting with ‘Iraviyar mani nedun therodum’…Seventh verse starting with ‘Antharaththu amararkal koottangal’… Eighth verse starting with ‘Vambavizh vaanavar vaayurai vazhanga’… Ninth verse starting with ‘Eedham il thannumai eekkum maththali’… Thus, Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar’s all these pure sweet Tamil ten verses to wake up Thiruvaranganaathar were composed approximately six hundred years before the Sanskrit composition that is heard everyday in our speaker systems.
There is also another logic in the ‘Subrapaatham’ of Sanskrit and the ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’ of Tamil language. Even in that, only Tamil is triumphant. Thiruppathi Venkataachalapathi for whom the ‘Subrapaatham’ was composed is in standing position. Does it sound reasonable to wake up a person who is standing on his feet? On the otherhand, Thiruvaranganaathar of Thiruvarangam is laying in a flat position. Does it make logical sense, to wake up a person, who is laying on a bed? Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar had composed, ten verses to wake up a deity, who is laying on a bed of snake while Annaa, had composed the Sanskrit verses, to wake up a deity who is standing. However, we are listening every morning, the Sanskrit ‘Subrapaatham’ that is illogical and that does not make any sense.
Let me again emphatically state, that ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’, composed with the same meaning as the Sanskrit ‘Subrapaatham’, written in sweet Tamil, six hundred years back was sidelined. Today, in the temples during the daily worship services, Thondaradip Podi Aazhwaar’s ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchci’ is broadcast through the speaker system. However, just like the Sanskrit ‘Subrapaatham’, for the Tamil ‘Thirup Palli Ezhuchchi’, at least now, would someone come forward and set melodious music to the lyrics, and must be proudly broadcasted, through the speaker system every morning, so the sweetness of Tamil will hit the ear drums, of every Tamil citizen?... Some of the Sanskrit criminals have classified Tamil as a low class language and distanced themselves. From the life history of another 'Aazgwaar', you will find that tamil not only for us, but also for the Thiruaranganaathan, it is the friendly and preferred language.
He was Thiruppaanaazhwaar... He was born in fertile city of Uraiyur located in the Chola country into 'Paanar' caste. 'Paanars' normally play the musical instrument called 'paan', in the court of the kings and earn a livelihood from the gifts they receive from the kings. However... our 'paanar'... was singing his praises only on the presiding God at Thiruvarangam. Through his musical instrument 'paan', he used to create 'dingu dingu ding ding...' reverberation, and continuously sing praises on the presiding deity of Thiruvarangam, which is encircled by the Kaaveri river. But... those higher caste looked at hi and said "Look! You are from a lower caste. How can you enter into Thiruvarangam?... Run away"... with these words, they chased him away. In spite of it, Paanar... "I am determined sing praises on God and noone can stop me"... thus, he was relentlessly and with utmost devotion, singing praises on Arangan in pure tamil language. Not paying any attention to his tamil devotional songs... the higher caste devotees drove him away from the town...
While he was carrying on his praises, for the Lord, standing on the banks of river Kaaveri, a extraordinary incidence happened. As Paanar was standing lonely on the Kaaveri river bank, and singing praises on the God Arangan, in front of him appeared, a very orthodoxy learned priest. He said "Paanar! Please forgive us... We have committed sin, to this date, by not allowing you inside Thiruvarangam... and not allowing you to worship Arangan. We have been showing disrespect for your Tamil 'Kiirthanai' (songs). However... 'Bhagawaan' (God) Aranganaathar is praying for your Tamil music. Arangan is enjoying your melodious Tamil music. He summoned me and commanded thus...'You go and bring me that abandoned Paan Perumaal (Great Person) by carrying him on your back. Do not try to isolate him from Me. Hurry back'. Please come with me. Climb on my shoulder. I will carry you and take you to Arangan and leave you with Him"... thus, Loka Saarangar, the messenger sent by Arangan, told Paanar, very humbly. Paanar, a.k.a. 'Thiruppaanaazhwaar' climbed on the shoulders of Loka Saarangar and as he reached Thiruvarangam... There, as Arangan saw Thiruppaanaazhwaar... He appeared in front of him and requests "Paanaazhwaare, now you stay right next to me and sing for me in Tamil". After, witnessing this scene, overwhelmed with joy, Thiruppaanaazhwaar composed 'Amalanaadhipiraan' consisting of ten verses (927-936)... Now you tell me whether tamil is a low level language?... or Is it the language preferred by Gods?... Based on the life history of Thiruppaanaazhwaar, we have seen whether Tamil language is very much liked or hated by God. Just to listen to the Tamil Kiirthanais of Thiruppaanaazhwaar, the presiding deity of Thiruvarangam, Aranga Perumaal, sent a person to carry him with proper respect and bring him to His abode. However… in that very Sri Rangam, in front of the Ranganaathan, who is laying on Aadhiseshan, do they recite those four thousand sacred verses? Every ‘Thirumaal’ (Vaishnava God) temples, in each year, ten days before and ten days after the ‘Vaikunta Ekaadhasi’ day, sum total twenty days, they conduct Tamil festival, during which period, they recite all four thousand sacred verses of the Aazhwaars. This festival takes place every year. If you want to know how this is conducted in Sri Rangam… as the consecrated deity (‘Moolavar’) is laying down on the bed of ‘Aadhiseshan’, eagerly waiting to hear all four thousand sacred verses of the Aazhwaars… the priests will carry the small replica of the ‘Moolavar’ called ‘Urchavar’, i.e., ‘Urchava Moorthy’ from the chamber of the ‘Moolavar’(Garbhagraham) to an open hall. They place him on a pedestal, and recite all four thousand verses with melodious music. This is called ‘Arayar Sevai’. After this event, i.e., after the recital of Tamil verses the ‘Urchavar’ is returned back to the chamber of the ‘Moolavar’. So… Just to prevent the Tamil getting inside the Garbhagraham, they carry the alter ego of the ‘Moolavar’ (God) outside. That too… the same Aranganaathan, who has sent a priest for carry and bring Aazhwaar to His Garbhagraham so He can listen to the sweet Tamil music… according to the man devised worship rules, God is forbidden to hear His favorite Tamil music. Even though I have stressed this point several times before… some of the ‘Vaishnava sect’ people kept on opposing to it. Yet, in my position on this issue or in the status of Tamil language, is there absolutely any change?
O.K… We have seen the treatment to the Tamil language, by the ‘Vashnava sect’. How about in ‘Saivaite sect’? "Thennaadudaiya Sivane Potri Ennaattavarkkum Iraivaa Potri" Through this poem, 'the God Sivan is from the Southern part of India i.e., He is a Tamil God... However, He blesses people from every part of the world'... assures that Sivan is a Tamil God. If someone does not melt away to the music of 'Thiru Vaachakam' they cannot be melted by any other word. Thus, a tight relationship was drawn up between the Tamil language and Sivan by the devotees of Sivan and the saints of Saivaite sect ('Naayanmaar'). For example... todays Vedhaaranyam that was called earlier as Thirumaraikkaadu... The door of the 'manivaasal' (bell plaza), of the Sivan temple at this town, was shut through Vedic chants and prayer. The Siva devotees were troubled by this shut down, and they were claiming, that they have done everything they could, and it will not open. The great Saivaite Naayanmaars Thirugnyaanasambhandhar and Thirunaavukkarasar decided to open the doors by the request of the devotees. Thirunaavukkarasar was standing at the entrance to the temple...
"Pannineer mozhiyaal umaipangaro
Manninaar valam seimaraik kaadaro
Kanninaal umaik kaanak kadhavinai
Thinnamaaka thirantharul seimminee..." Thus he sang in Tamil. The results were delayed. Again he continued...
"Arakkanai viralaal adarththittaniir
Irakkam ondriliir emperumaanaree
Surakkum punnaikal soozhmaraik kaadaree
Sarakka ikkadhavam thirambimbinoo..." As soon as the second Tamil song was heard, the belled door of the Sivan temple, that was shut down, during the past several years by Vedic chanting, slowly opened. They worshipped Sivan through several Tamil devotional songs. Everywhere, happyness was overflowing! O.K... It is getting dark. We must shut the door and open it tomorrow moning. Again, as Thirugnyaanasambhandhar was singing the Tamil verse, 'Chathuramaraithaan...' the door closed. Only from that time on, that belled door was, altered so that it can be opened and closed. Even though we may not believe this story... the thought that 'the door that was closed for several years, by Vedic priests, shall be opend through Tamil songs' is enough to convince us that Tamil language has all the powers just like any other language... To establish the principle that 'What Vedham can shut the Tamil can open', this story of the door was crafted. Thus, giving importance to Tamil, Saivam (Saivaite Sect) has created, thousands of devotional verses, in pure basic Tamil language, that can be understood by the masses. In ancient days, when the river Kaaveri dried out and famine ruled over Chola Naadu... it was said, that the God Himself gave money and requested that everyone be fed, because He was so anxious to listen to the Tamil music through His Naayanmaars. These verses... "Irunthu niir Thamizhodu isaiketkum Ichchaiyaal kaasuniththal nalkiriir" are by Saint Sundharar. In addition... "Paadalangaara parisil kaasaruni Pazhuththa senthamizh malat soodi..." thus says Senthanaar in his composition 'Thiruvisaippaa'. That is... using the Sivan in the forefront, the Saivaite are sending the message that 'even if there was a famine for food, for Tamil language... as well as for Tamil passion, there shall be no famine'. Thus, as Sivan and Tamil are twisted and roped together... what is the status, today, of Tamil language, in the poojas and rituals conducted, in Sivan temples?... Sivaachchaariyaars wear 'thiruniitruppattai' (three horizontal lines on their forehead using ashes) and will go near the 'Sivalingam'. He will conduct poojas. There won't be any Tamil in his mouth and only Sanskrit. At the same time staying outside the Garbhagraham, away from the Lingam and the Sivaachchaariyaar, few persons will recite Tamil verses. They usually recite few verses of devotional songs from 'Thevaaram', 'Thiruvaachakam', 'Thiruvisaippaa', 'Periya puraanam' and 'Thiruppallaandu'. They are called 'Odhuvaarkal' (Reciters). In essence... whatever they are reciting, will not reach the ears of either Sivaachchaariyaar or the Sivalingam. In Sivan temples, Sivan hears the recited Tamil songs so barely, just like, while we are travelling in a bus, the song which we like most, sometime faintly pops up from nowhere, and then fades away from our ears. In Saivam (Saivaite Sect) as well as in Vaishnavam (Vaishnava Sect), why Tamil was derailed into oblivion? We get the answer to this question only from 'Vedham'. Let us look at one of the mantra from 'Suklayajur Vedham': "Thasmaathu brammanena Namlechchitha vai Namaababhashitha vai..." Stagnant in these few lines are mammoth philosophy. I have already told you that there was a war between the dwellers of the heaven (Dhevar) and uncivilized souls (Asuran). The 'Vedham' calls the good person as 'Dhevan' and the bad souls as 'Asuran'. According to 'Vedham', the Dhevars who spoke Sanskrit language were victorious. Those who spoke other languages (non-Sanskrit, 'Milechcha') were defeated. Hence... sanctified Brahmins shall not speak any other language except Sanskrit. 'Milechcha' means nonAryan. Except Sanskrit, all other languages are flawed language belonging to awful people. It is 'Milechcha Bhaashai' i.e., it does not have sanctity... as per Vedham. To simplify the contents of the Vedhams, Manu was composed and for its share it states : " ... Dhayo reva anthadham kiriyohaa Dheva nadhiyohaa yadhantharam Thamdheva nirmitham dhesam Aariya varththam vithur puthaahaa..." That is... the region between the Vindhyan mountain and the Himalayan mountain... the region that contains the rivers Gangai and Yamunai and lies in between the rivers is called 'Aariya Varththam'. Only here the sanctity and the Sanskrit language are permanently stationed. Hence...except this region... all other regions of the world do not possess sanctity. At the same time, Manu is also giving another statement. Manu also categorizes the suitable areas for the Brahmins to live... he notes, certain regions of the Himalayan foothills called 'Brummaa Varththam' and 'Brummarishi Varththam'. All these regions are now called Afghanistan. According to Vedhas and Manu, Brahmins shall not talk in any other language than Sanskrit. If they do it is a sin. In addition, they shall live only in Himalayan mountain ranges, Vindhyan mountain ranges, along rives Gangai and Yamunai and they shall not live in any other parts of the country. If orthodox Brahmins strictly want to adhere to the Vedhas and the Manu, let them discard Tamil language. However... Blindly following the mantras, that was written by someone, several centuries back, who knew no more than the land in which he was living, and trying to live within its bounds, isn't it an irrational act in itself?
Let me give you an interesting example to show the incongruity. In the performance of various rituals and ‘yaagams’ they always recite a Vedic mantra : “Namo Gangaa Yamunai yohe Madhyeye vasanthii… Theme prasaninaath maanaahaa…” Sitting on the banks of our own rivers such as Kaaveri, Vaigai or Thaamirabharani, the Brahmin recites this Vedic mantra. He joins his palms together and asks those sitting in front of him also to join their palms together to salute God. If you ask me the meaning of this mantra, here it is… “Hey! ‘Rishi’s! I bow to those living in the land that lay between the rivers of Gangai and Yamunai”. If you challenge him, “What a thievery… You are sitting on the banks of river Kaaveri. The person who is paying for your services also belongs to the plains of Kaaveri. Why are you bowing to those ‘Rishi’s living in the land between Gangai and Yaminai?”… thus, he replies simply “It is in the ‘Vedham’ and I am simply reciting it”. ‘Vedham’ also declares that Tamil is a bad language and you should not speak that language. ‘Vedham’ says that your mother is a bad woman. It tells you whom you should worship. Based on that, would you obey to everything that the ‘Vedham’ dictates?
The people of the Vedic period… based on the geography and environment, in which they were living, worshipped their land mass, rivers and the mountains. They worshipped the nature in which they were living. Similarly, you also worship the land mass, rivers and mountains near which you are living. That is the nature worship.
Rather than that... What is the logic in standing on the banks of Kaaveri river and worshipping the Gangai river? That mantra was written in ancient days when they were living on the banks of Gangai and it must be adapted to our new surroundings. For example those Brahmins living in Chennai shall say : "Namo Adaiyaaru Koovamyohe Madhyeye vasanthii..." Meaning : " I pray to those Rishi's who are living between the Adaiyaaru and Koovam rivers". Don't say this in Sanskrit. Rather say it in Tamil language thus... "Adaiyaarukkum Koovam aatrukkum idaippatta rishikalai vanangukiren". O.K... If it is Southern districts such as Madhurai and Nellai, then "Thaamirabharanikkum Vaikaiyaatrukkum idaiye ullavarkalai vanangukiren"... If you start with this statement in Tamil language itself, everything that you start will be enormously success. People living in the Kaaveri delta may pray by joining their palms and acknowledging the rivers Kaaveri and Kollidam before starting their project. "Gangaiyir punithamaaya Kaaviri naduvuppaattu..." thus, Thondaradippodi Aazhwaar says in his composition 'Thirumaalai'. He says that the sacred place, Thiruvarangam is encircled by Kaaveri river that is more purer and more sacred than river Gangai. In spite of it... If you are stubborn to worship only Gangai as per the Vedham and refuse to worship Kaaveri... you can judge your own ignorance!
In the last chapter, we have seen the ignorance in most of us, as we sat cross legged on the banks of the river Kaaveri and worshipping the river Gangai. In addition, we have also seen the claim that except Sankrit all other languages are 'Milechcha Bhaashai' (non-Aryan) and the Vedham prohibits their usage by priests. Those who are stubborn and standing on one leg, about praising only Sanskrit and listen only if spoken in Sanskrit, I would like to recite one 'slokam' (verse). This is also in Sanskrit, and as it is in Sanskrit, would they obey per the contents of this slokam? "Vedha praamaanyam kasya mithu Karthru vaadhahaa snaane Dharmechchaa jaathivaatha avalebaha Santhaa paarampahaa paabhahaanaa yasaithii Sadhvastha prakgnyaanaam sanjalingaanii jaamye..."
Let me explain the meaning of this Sanskrit poem, please listen. Humans have life. They have soul. They are obligated to think. Thus, born to be a thinker, he became an inanimate matter. That is, he became a lifeless matter, like a disintegrated wall and those stones laying on the roadside. How did he became a matter? How did he loose his ability to think? This slokam stacks reasons for the degradation of the human ability. I will describe one by one! 1. Vedha Praamaanyam : Whatever issue at hand, rather than thinking and taking a rational decision based on what is good and bad... blindly beliving in Vedham and following it to the letter, as if Vedham has all the answers to the problems confronted. 2. kasya mithu karthru vaadhahaa : He becomes an inanimate matter, by baselessly believing that 'We were all created by one person. He is our creator and our nucleus. He will protect us' and not using his brain cells and acting accordingly. 3. Snaane : This is a very important word. Taking a bath in early mornings of everyday, is for the sole purpose of cleansing the body, so we are healthy, revitalize our body and mind. However... this bathing was given a religious twist. Assembling a crowd, and taking a bath in the river or a pond, was called 'Punitha Niiraadal' or 'Thiirththavaari', by giving a coat or religious paint. If you paint an object, you can wash it, probably with water or a solvent. However if you paint the solvent itself... Then what? New moon days of 'Aadi', 'Thai', 'Mahaalaya' and on 'Mahaamaham' were considered to be religiously auspicious days and on these days crowds of people gather at the river or pond and take bath. In the name of washing their sins, they are polluting the rivers and ponds. Thus, by introducing religion into everyday routine and making bath an ablution, he becomes a lifeless matter. 4. Jaathivaatha avalebaha : The one who argues 'He is from a higher caste... He is from lower caste... He was born from shoulder... He was from thigh... Hence, they cannot be equal. Where he prays another person of lowercaste shall not pray... Where he dwells another person of lowercaste shall not live'. Thus, the one who sets rules and the one who follows those rules based on caste discriminations are not human beings and they are matter... useless matter! 5. Santhaa paarampahaa... : For converting from human to a 'Jatam'(matter), this is most important qualification. What is that?... We witness everyday in the roads and streets the following scene. A strong man... with his family, portraying himself as a devotee of a God, visits every house or shops and flogs himself with a whip and endures the pain. All over his back and chest there are lines of blood and blood oozing from the wounds. If you ask him the reason... he claims that he has pledged to the almighty God. Someone else, pokes a needle through his tongue, and comes in a procession and collects money. Thus, in the name of God... if you hurt yourself physically, you are not a human being but a inert 'Jatam'.
This the gist of that Sanskrit slokam. If you go to those priests, who insists on having Sanskrit in everything, everywhere... give this Sanskrit slokam and tell him 'Please perform an 'archanai' (reciting) for the God Vishnu, using this slokam', he will readily agree to perform using this very slokam. Why?.. Because, the depth of their Sanskrit language is at a level, they do not even know the meaning of the slokam. Those who claims, that they will accept anything, only if it is written in Sanskrit language, would they accept the content of the above Sanskrit slokam, contained in the book 'Piramaana Vaarththikam', written by Dharmabaalar? They will definitely say 'NO'. Why not? Sanskrit is the God's language! If anything was written in that language, was it not the commandment of God? Everyone must understand one thing. Language is a tool. It is a communication tool. It shall be used only to communicate between each other and not to be used to degrade others by establishing a hierarchy. If we establish adjectives to languages such as, low class language, higher class, God's language... Asuraa's language then the language itself will curse us. Just to bring out this point, I have explained the slokam of Dharmabaalar.
We have explored the slokam by Dharmabaalar about 'Jatam' (lifeless matter). Hasn't he given five different pathways for a human beings to become a 'Jatam'? We will look into one of them in more detail. We have seen Just to get God's blessing, we torture our own body and endure sufferages hoping that God will show sympathy. One type of such sufferage is 'Viratham'(Austerity). What is 'Viratham'? 'God! Keeping you in my thoughts, I am not going to eat any food today. You must recognize my resolve and hardship, and bless me with what I ask of you'... thus demanding God for a favor in return for the sufferage endured. In essence it is a barter system. In modern days, several people are observing Viratham. The Viratham also observed for various purposes and hence several varieties. A virgin unmarried girl prays for her future husband to be handsome, courteous, kind to her and earn good income, and observes 'Varalatsumi Viratham'. On that day, they do not consume any food, and requests plenty of food for her future life. The married ladies, request that they must remain married, till their death (Thiirkkasumangali) and that their 'Thaali and Kungumam', shall stay with them, during the entire duration of their life. For that purpose they also observe 'Varalatsumi Viratham', and they donate a piece of cloth as bribe, to married ladies just like them.
This is 'Varalatsumi Viratham'. Of all 'Virathams' the most important 'Viratham' is 'Ekaadhasi Viratham'. On this particular day, they believe that if they do not eat rice and sleep, then they directly go to heaven ('Moksham'). Just to go to heaven several people are observing this 'Viratham'. On the day of 'Ekaadhasi' one is restricted from eating a meal or drink even a drop of water. Another bizarre tradition of that day is... On the day of ‘Ekaadhasi’, those who observe the ‘Viratham’, pray to Perumaal (God Vishnu) and then start their ‘Viratham’. Our tradition has been, that since the observers are fasting all day long, Perumaal also shall not be fed during that period. Yes… Only on the day of ‘Ekaadhasi’, they do not offer cooked rice to Perumaal. They offer, on that day only ‘uppuma’ (cream of rice or cream of wheat) is offered to Perumaal. Just like that, on the new moon day, people observe ‘Viratham’ to get blessings from their departed beloved fathers and ancesters. To get blessed with children, Vaishnava devotees observe ‘Viratham’ on the ‘thiruvonam’ star days, and Saivaite devotees observe ‘Viratham’ on ‘Sashti’ (sixth day after full moon). Another famous ‘Viratham’ is on ‘Piradhosham’ day. Most of the people, not knowing what is ‘Piradhosham’, they worship Sivan and observe their ‘Viratham’. ‘Piradhosham’ means early part of the night i.e., beginning of night. ‘Viratham’ observed on trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is called ‘Piradhosha Viratham’. It comes once in fifteen moon days. This period is most auspicious for Sivan. Worshipping Sivan at this prescribed time and harvesting the benefit is ‘Piradhosha’ worship.
O.K... We have seen various types of 'Virathams'. How did they evolved to present state? In the ancient days, as per Vedic rules there were various rituals and 'yaagams' that can be performed, at considerable expense... without any poojas, rituals, showoff, elaborate arrangements and expense a personal contract between the observer and the God is this 'Viratham'. i.e., There is nothing about this in the books, to conduct this one does not require a priest, and no requirement to conduct a 'homam'. 'Viratham' was unprescribed by 'Vedham' and was uncommitted to the Vedic traditdion. If you strictly follow the Vedic tradition, then you cannot deny food and go onto fasting. Why? "Thasmaadhu aahaara Manushyaa achanamichchanthe praayathascha chaayanchcha..." These Vedic verses, are indirectly talking about the 'Viratham'. For a man, food is very important. Only if you consume food regularly you will be able to live like a man. The animals only can eat of fast any time they choose to. However... as a man, you must eat morning breakfast, noon lunch and night dinner at set schedule and regularly. You must follow this faithfully. Thus, 'Vedham' advises to eat regularly three meals a day. Another mantra : "Asnaathi Chapraanaeva Aathitho bhavathii..." 'Hey!... That which gives you life is the food. You must be capable of conducting huge 'yaagams'. To conduct such 'yaagams' you need strength and stamina. Hence, you must eat good. Do not stay without food' ... thus 'Vedham' is very plain about the necessity of food for the body. Now, the 'Viratham' that was not encouraged by 'Vedham', let us look at 'Manusmiruthi' to find out what it says. For the fasting it is prescribing a fasting. "Naasthi sthriinaam Barath yagnyahaa Na vratham Naaba ubhoshanam" "One can observe 'Viratham'. However, since all the females are considered as 'Sudhraas', they as well as all 'Sudhraa' men shall not observe 'Viratham' "... thus, Manu establishes its rule on 'Viratham'. (T.C.: Probably, since these groups are supposed to carryout all the manual labor, Manu probably considers that they require strength and thus forbids 'Viratham'). The married people raising a family, have needs, and they may request blessings from God, to grant them various treasures. However, the religious monks, who have renounced the world, what is the need for them to observe 'Viratham'? A monk was in his 'aashram' (abode), sitting and in deep meditation. Outside heavy rain was pouring... When enquired his disciple about the monk's whereabouts, he replies that the monk is observing 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. If the sesame is thrown in the sun for drying out, should the mouse excreted balls also be dried? The sesame seed is dried in the sun, to extract the oil from it. Along with it, the excreted balls of the mouse, that is mixed in the sesame also gets dried up. However, what is the benefit derived by drying up the mouse excretion? Just like that... those attached to the life in this world, family men or women, request for personal welfares such as jewelry, happy married life, or profitable business and public welfare such as rain etc. and they observe 'Viratham' to get what they are longing for. But... the saints, monks, 'rishis' and 'yathis' have relinquished this worldly life, and they have crossed over the river of 'Sukham' (comfort) and 'Dhukkam' (sorrow). As far as they are concerned, their needs were died. In English, they call it civil death. What is the need for such renounced souls, to observe 'Viratham'? What is the background for observing the 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'? Today, some monks claim that they are observing 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham' and decline to appear in the courtroom. If that is so, is that 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham' a very important 'Viratham'? To get answers to these questions we need to turn some pages of various monk's lives.
Before that we look into a slokam in 'Baghawath Githa', that was given by Sri Krishna. "Yathaha pravarththini Bhoothaanaam enasarvam Idhamthadham sokarmanaahaa Dhamabyarchcha chiththim vinthathii maanavahaa..." The meaning : "If you want to go to heaven, do not sit and meditate closing your eyes. Run... be active... move within the society. Get involved in the society and contribute to its welfare. Be part of the society and discharge your faithful duty. You must give back to the society to your maximum capacity. Only by fulfilling your obligations to your family and to the society, you can attain 'Moksha'. This is told by Sri Krishna, in 'Baghawath Githa' as an advise to everyone. Out of which some items, may be applicable to the sages also. One such item is 'Run... Run... Keep on running...'. The sages are supposed to thrive by begging and eating whatever was offered to them. If they stay in one village, begged and ate the outcome, they shall not stay in that village next day and beg for food. The sun rises in the East next morning and his rays slowly engulfs the village. The sage, who stayed in that village last night, rolls up his belongings and takes his stick he starts his journey in a hurry. This was what happened, in the life of a sage, in the ancient days.
Why?... Because a sage, shall not stay in a village, no more than one night. He must keep on moving. That is, he must travel relentlessly everyday. That too... Do you know how?... "Vaaganastham pathin thirushtvaa chasera snanamaasye..." If he encounters, any vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, such as vehicles powered by bulls or horses, or palanquin carrying royal family members, chariots... he must take a bath, to get rid of the sin. acquired by witnessing them and then continue his journey. So what is the gist of all these? They must roam around only on foot. That too they must travel, not staying in any village no more than one night. Thus, those sages, who has the discipline and adhering to the principle 'one night, one village', are called 'Parahamsa parivraasakar'. The sages or saints are graduated into four stages... Kutsan, bahudhahan, hamsan and paramahamsan. Classified such as First stage, second stage, third stage and in all these stages those who attained the final and highest stage are called 'Paramahamsar'.
O.K... Let us set aside all these classifications. We were talking about the 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. What happened to it? Those sages, who are supposed to be moving everyday, can they afford to move throughout the year? On hot summer day, one can rest under the shade of a tree and continue their journey. They can cross several villages before halting into one. However... on rainey days...? The rainy season of today is different... and the rainy of ancient days were different. During the rainy season of Vedic days, the rain used to pour, pour and continue to pour. The total number of trees in the Vedic days can be equated to those of the human count of today. Again, the human count during Vedic days can be equated to the tree count of today. Should we ask further?... Pure unpolluted earth... philanthropic sky. During the rainy season you cannot stick your head outside. The sages looked at the environment. In this pouring down rain, going house to house, village to village, and begging for food is not feasible. Let us pitch the tent and camp! Hence, they stayed, the entire four months of the rainy season, in one place. Just for this they established the rule 'They have to stay in one place during all four months of the rainy season'. 'Chaathu maashyam' means four months. This evolved later on to be 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. That is four months 'Viratham'. If they go outside during the rainy season, they will get infected with multitude of germs, die and smell. Hence, what they imposed on themselves, to safeguard their health, they eventually made it a 'Viratham'. Even today, there is a place called 'Aandi Kaadu' in Thanjaavur district. Here during the rainy season, the sages, saints, 'rishis' and renounced souls stay. Afraid of rain and staying in a shelter for four months was 'Chaathurmaashyam'. Even in this modern age, when there is not that much rain, because they are afraid to present themselves in the courtroom, some sages claim that they are observing 'Chaathurmaashya Viratham'. O.K... The truth about ‘Viratham’ has climbed the mountain. Next... The truth about climbing on the mountain... We have seen about various ‘Virathams’. Performing continuous meditation, without eating, is against the preachings of ‘Vedham’ and ‘Baghawath Githa’. Another important aspect of ‘Viratham’… Nowadays, crowds and crowds of devotees, observing ‘Viratham’ for a prescribed number of days, either one of two ‘mandalams’ (In religious concepts the ‘Mandalam’ is forty one days. The thirty days from the ‘prathipada’, after the full moon to the next full moon day and eleven days to the ‘Ekadasi’ is the period of ‘Mandalam’) and they start their pilgrimage to their favorite temple, with strong determination, and promise to God that they will reach His/Her temple by foot. They walk several miles, with leg pain, and they invariably climb the mountain, where the temple is located. Upon reaching the temple, at the top of the mountain, they finish their fasting. Haven’t I, in the previous chapter, told you that the truth about ‘Viratham’ has climbed the mountain?... Now, we will explore certain truths about climbing the mountain after observing the ‘Viratham’.
“Dhayo reva anthadham kiriyohaa
Dheva nadhiyohaa yadhantharam
Thamdheva nirmitham dhesam
Aariyavarththam vithurpudhaahaa…” That is, the region between Himalayam mountain and Vindhyan mountain was the devine region according to Manu. Rest of the areas of India was considered as ‘Milechcha’ (Asura) region. Yet… people living in the mountainous regions in various parts of the world, considered that their mountains are equally devine and made them sacred. One among those mountains is the mountain in South India. Since there are seven hills in this mountain, it is called ‘Eezhumalai’. Think about the status of the mountain, long long times back, how it would have been? Wherever you look it was forest. Very thick forest infested with herds of various wild animals. Within this thick forest and among the dangerous wild animals was also living the native mountain people… that is hill tribes people were also living in this wild forest. They knew nothing more than the mountain. Coming down from the mountain was an ardent task and if not was impossible. Living and dying happened… only on the mountain. They ate only the fruits that were grown in the forest. Whatever, wild animals that was caught by them or hunted was the only meat they ate. Yet… for these people of the hill tribe, the fear about their security, from the animals or other tribe people, never vanished. “What is this… Everywhere the wild animals are wandering and commit atrocities. Eventhough we are on top of the world, why are we haunted constantly by fear? Should the fear and life be always intertwined?... Noone knows, when the children of the hill tribe, would be going to be torn apart, by the wild animals. The ever changing darkness of the thick forest itself was scary enough for these primitive people.
I have already said that, fear was the greatest motivation, and the foremost key to discover God. Because of the fear over their life… those people of the hill tribe, decided to install a security God for their protection. At first, they used to worship the sun, who drove away the darkness, and later on, started to worship wild beasts, to fend off the fear of the animals. Now they drifted to idol worship and they installed their deity. What kind of shape their deity took? Of course, it had to look something like them. In those days, the people of hill tribe, was having scarcity only for God. But, they never had any scarcity for granite stone. They took the stone from their own mountain… and they carved out an idol similar to themselves, in black granite. That was ‘Kaali’. Yes!... ‘Kaali’ means black. We have already seen about the female deities, and in particular when we talked about the rural Gods, they were installed at the village boundaries for the protection against the intruders. Male, deities cannot be depended for staying in one place and they keep on wandering. Females, just like they take care of the home, staying inside the home, the primitive people believed that the female deities were more suited to protect their villages, by staying at their temple and constantly guarding against their enemies.
Along the same logic… to protect their own mountain, their people… for the first time they created ‘Mountain Kaali’ and began to worship that deity. The males, worshiped ‘Kaali’ as they go for hunting and after they finished their hunting, bestow their hunted animals under the feet of the ‘Kaali’, before they take it to their home, became their tradition. May be because of it or not… to conform to this routine habit, they have carved out the idol. The ‘Kaali’ had two hands. Her right hand wass pointing downwards, to her feet, and the left hand was pointing upwards, showing her palm to her devotees. It was as if telling in sign language, ‘If you offer all your huntings under my feet, I will protect you’. This may even be the meaning in the hill tribesmen’s dictionary. Thus, whatever they have hunted was offered under the feet of ‘Kaali’, and protecting themselves from the darkness and the wild beasts… they never forgot to celebrate their testivities, with ‘Kaali’ as their centerpiece. Just for ‘Kaali’ they wandered all over the hills and plucked fresh flowers… offered to the deity… and enthusiastically sang their stimulating songs and danced around. All these celebrations… are a form of entertainment, just to get rid of their fear over the darkness and wild animals. In the same manner, this ‘Kaali’ worship continued, for several centuries. Till the mountain was not encroached by the outside people, the only form of worship that was carried on the mountain was ‘Kaali’. Let us set aside this mountain ‘Kaali’ for a while. In the modern scientific era… whatever God has created, the humanity challenged and tried to change. That is, by performing various sex change surgeries, the medical profession claims that it is possible to convert the males to females and change females to males. Is it possible to convert males to females and females to males?... During those days of ‘Kaali’ worship, when the science was in its primitive state, such an operation for sex change, was carried out very successfully… What?... What?... Where?... Wasn’t I talking about the surgery to convert a female to a male?... What is wrong with him?... As he was talking, in a series, about the God and religion, don’t ger confused and ask, ‘why he is carrying on about sex change operations?’. Yes… We are talking about a sanctified surgery. I was talking about the worshiping of ancient deity of the hill tribe, mountain ‘Kaali’. For over several centuries, till the people of plains invaded the mountain, ‘Kaali’ was their security God. If that is so… that mountain ‘Kaali’… the one carved in Thiruppathi… established and worshiped by the hill tribe on the seven hills… Where is it now?... The answer this question is the commencement of the sanctified surgery. Several centuries later… The plains people began to migrate to the mountain. Plains people means?... You can consider them as Brahmins. Those climbed on the mountain… they saw the statue of mountain ‘Kaali’. They also saw the way the people of the hill tribe performing ‘Poojai’ to the deity. As the Brahmins saw, the hill tribesmen were picking and offering the fresh forest flowers, and placing the flesh of the hunted animals under the feet of the deity, and performing the ‘Poo Sei’… they questioned the tribesman “Is this how to perform ‘poosai’?... We know the ‘aagamam’ (pooja rituals). We know how to perform the poosai the right way. The way you are performing the ‘poosai’, ‘Kaali’ will not get energized. In addition, you will not get the blessings of ‘Kaali’ either. Hence, you must leave the responsibility for performing the ‘pooja’ rituals to us”. Thus the Brahmins urged the hill tribesmen to handover the responsibility.
The hill tribesmen were surprised. Whereever, they were from, came up the hill… now, they are asking us to hand over the responsibility to perform the ‘pooja’ rituals. They all assembled together. We have been worshiping this deity for several centuries. Now… why they are asking us to handover the pooja responsibility to them?... Should we handover or not? … This is the centerpiece of discussion. Some of them said “Let us handover… Let our ‘Kaali’ acquire more powers”. However, others said “No… We will worship our ‘Kaali’, the way we have been for centuries”. The handing over of the ‘pooja’ responsibilities to Brahmins did not happen immediately. As the time passed on, gradually, the idol of mountain ‘Kaali’ fell into the hands of the Brahmins. They told the tribesmen “You may have worshiped, and offered ‘Poosai’ to ‘Kaali’, till this time with flowers and meat. From now on you are not allowed to offer flowers and meat to God”. After the Brahmins brought under control the ‘Kaali’ of the tribesmen, they began to offer rituals according to ‘aagama’ rules. They also built a small temple to enclose the deity.
As the Brahmins brought the ‘Kaali’ worship completely under their control, they enclosed the deity within the ‘Vimaanam’ (chamber). According to the ‘aagama’ rules, wherever there are female deities, a lion shall be installed as the vehicle for the deity to ride on. Where a male deity is installed, in those temples, a bull shall be installed as the vehicle. As per this rule… they installed a lion next to ‘Kaali’. As the ‘Kaali’ was brought under control of the Brahmins, over few generations, they told the hill tribe… “From now on you shall not enter the temple. We will perform all the worship rituals. You stay outside of the chamber, worship the deity, and return to your home. This ‘Kaali’ is now bound by the ‘aagama’ rules. She is not your old mountain ‘Kaali’, to worship any way you want. If you are not abiding by our ‘aagama’ worship rules ‘Kaali’ will loose Her power. Hence, whatever you have brought to mountain ‘Kaali’, during festivals, celebrations and offerings, give everything to us. We will take care of everything”… The hill tribesmen, never expected, such sweeping handover of the control. There was another change brewing, that can swallow, the changes brought out by the ‘aagama’ tragedy…
This is what I called as the operation or surgery. When the people of the hill tribe came to worship, one day, they were shocked at the sight of ‘Kaali’. The reason?... The ‘Kaali’ who stayed as a female till yesterday… suddenly, she changed Her sex and became a male God. Cobra snakes were coiled around the arms of ‘Kaali’. The snakes were outfitted around the arms. Cobra snakes… What is this?... “We are going to make this deity famous. This is a ‘Saivaite’ deity named ‘Siva Peruman’. This is not ‘Kaali’… Only now, the hill tribesmen realised, that the Brahmins are out to make profit, out of their native deity. They started to fight back. They started to bear weapons. However, the Brahmin’s keen tactical knowledge and sharp mind defeated the weapons. They said to the hill dwellers “Please wait! Be patient! Because of this deity you must be benefitted and we also must be benefitted. Tell us about your ancestral trade and we can find a way that will be beneficial for both parties”… The tribesmen answered “hunting, collecting honey and shaving the heads”. Brahmins “What?... What was the last one you mentioned?”... Tribesmen said “Among us one part shaves heads of others!”. Brahmins clinched a compromise. “Great! From now on, whoever visits the temple… comes to pray the God… they must sit with you, and get their head shaved, before they enter inside the temple premises. This is the condition of entry from now on. You must collect the appropriate fee, for shaving the head, and keep it for yourself. What we collect inside the temple belongs to us. You are benefitting from this arrangement, and we also benefit, out of this agreement. You are getting ‘dhatchanai’ and we are also getting ‘dhatchanai’. It will bring good things to you as well as for us”… Thus, the Brahmins, convinced the hill tribesmen, to shave the heads of the pilgrims. The people of hill tribe, lost their right to their ‘Kaali’, and became barbers staying outside the temple, and shave the heads of the religious pilgrims, who came to worship the God. The Brahmins, on the other hand, entered and went inside the temple, and robbed the tribesmen of their right to the idol. At this situation ... What situation...? The situation, under which the mountain 'Kaali' of Thiruppathi, was sex transformed by the Saivaites, into Paramasivan and Subramanyan... the news of this change reaches the ears of the Vaishnavas. Their blood boiled. They were under the leadership of Vaishnava elder of all time, Sri Ramaanujar, who has been acclaimed as 'Vainavaththilakam' and 'Em Perumaanaar', determined to fight this occupation. The 'Vainava' ('Vaishnava') army marched up the mountain to fend off the intruders. Sri Ramaanujar lived in the eleventh century. That is approximately one thousand years back. He went to Thiruppathi, to listen to the Raamaayana (Story of Lord Raamaa) from his uncle, Thirumalainambi. While he was learning the Raamaayana, in the lower Thiruppathi... the news of Saivaite takeover, of the mountain 'Kaali', and subsequent conversion to Siva worship, at the upper Thiruppathi, must have reached his ears. He took along with him, several Vainavaas and climbed up the hill. There he found a temple, in which the mountain 'Kaali' was converted to Sivan, and the Saivaites were ruling over, the native hill tribe. This Saivaite-Vaishnavaite confrontation and the part Sri Raamaanujar played is well documented in the sacred text 'Guruparambarai'. 'Guruparambarai' means?... I have already told you that Guru are the 'aachchaariyars' (The elders of the Vaishnava sect). That is... the book of compilation of the life history of the teachers of the 'tradition of the Vaishnava sect' is called 'Guruparambarai'.
In that sacred book, the incidence that happened on the Thiruppathi mountain, between the Saivaites and the Vaishnaaites, is explained in detail. As Raamaanujar, under his leadership, reached the mountain top, along with his Vaishnava accompanies... the anger of the Saivaites, who have already occupied the mountain, reached its pinnacle. They shouted at the Vaishnavas... "Why did you all come here? This is our temple, and this is our God. Politely, go back to where you came from". Neither Raamaanujar nor his associates were not shaken by these demands. The Vaishnavas claimed that "This is where 'Bhagawaan Narayanan' has materialized naturally. This temple is very sacred for the Vaishnavas. All these preceeding years, that you have profitted out of our temple, is more than enough. At least now, you must vacate this place, without any skirmishes". "Impossible! We want you to look at the cobras that are spiraled around the deities arms. Hence, He is Sivan"... with these arguments, they showed the cobras that they coiled around the arms of the deity, a while back, as the proof that the deity was indeed Sivan.
Both sides were engaged in explosive arguments and counter arguments. They brought a king, from somewhere, named 'Thondaimaan Chakkaravarthy' to mediate the dispute. In the presence of the king, the 'Bhaghawath Panchaayath' (God mediation) continued. (I myself was wondering about this. In those days, was there a king, on the top of the mountain? Why did he came here?... T.C.: King Thondaimaan was ruling the northern part of Tamil Nadu during this era and probably he was invited to mediate this dispute). Sri Raamaanujar, opened his mouth and said... "O.K... Among us, both sides are explosively, continuously, engaged in heated arguments. As far as we are concerned, we claim that this God, on this hill, is none other than 'Perumaal', and we can conclusively prove this fact. However, you Saivaites claim that this hill is Sivagiri (Siva's mountain). Since, we were unable to conclude this dispute, by arguments and counter arguments... I propose that the God Himself put an end to this dispute. Who am I? Am I Sivan? Or am I Perumaal?... Let Him tell us His decision". One of the disciple of Raamaanujar, wondered about this jurisprudence, and asked... "My great master... How is He going to relate His decision to us?". At this time, a little turbulance, in the gathering! While heated arguments was going on among the two sects of Hinduism, and after winessing the entire proceedings, the native people of the hill tribe, were baffled over, to either laugh at it or cry over it. After all, it was the 'Kaali', they installed to protect their tribe!
Let us, again, travel back to 'Guruparambarai'. Sri Raamaanujar was answering to the question "How 'Bhaghawaan' is going to relate His decision to us?". "Please bring here the most important weapons of Perumaal (Naaraayanan) such as 'Sangu' (Shell) and 'Chakkaram' (Wheel) and the weapons of Sivan such as 'Maan' (Deer) and 'Mazhu' (Mallet)"... thus he commanded. Believing that 'under favorable circumstances, we can take our sets of weapons and we can adorn the deity', both sects brought the weapons of their choice belonging to their deities. Sri Raamaanujar continued ... "Now we will place the weapons from both parties, in the God's 'sannidhi' (chamber), under the feet of the deity. Night we will lock the chamber with weapons inside. We all go home and will assemble back sharply at sunrise. We will open the chamber and witness the deity together. If He is wearing 'Sangu' and the 'Chakkaram' then the deity is 'Perumaal'. If He is wearing 'Maan' and 'Mazhu' then He will be declared to be Sivan. Is this condition acceptable to everyone?" Each group had a caucus of their own and delibrated on that proposal. They felt it was a fair proposal. 'Everything is an act of God. O.K... This is fair' ... everyone agreed. They placed the 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram' on one side and the 'Maan' and 'Mazhu' on the other side of the idol. Night time! Pitch dark! Every one was suspicious that 'at night time someone may hide inside the 'Garbhagraham', and fit the deity with the weapons, of their choice' and hence, everyone looked around very carefully, and exited the chamber, leaving behind only te weapons. With everyone witnessing, they locked the door to the 'sannidhi'.
Inside noone but the 'Bhaghawaan'. From here on everything is in His hand. Justice is His! Everyone left th place. The night time, to everyone's expectations, slowly disintegrated... the sun raised his eyelids slowly... The sky and the earth gradually flooded with light. Who is 'Bhaghawaan'? What is His verdict? With considerable anxiety, they opened the door. Inside... As per the compromise proposal advocated by Sri Raamaanujar, the select favorite weapons of both Sivan and Naaraayanan were placed inside the 'sannidhi' and it was locked. Next morning, even before the sunrise, everyone started to assemble and were eagerly waiting to see the results. Their hearts were pounding in elevated rhythm and curious to know the God's justice. After the sunrise... the 'sannidhi' was unlocked... the door was opened. Inside...
On His shoulder, with 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram', the deity was standing with grace. The reason? The four hands that are characteristic of the 'Perumaal' was not there. Only two hands to that idol. As soon as they saw the 'Chakkaram' worn on the idol, the face of al the Vaishnavas were bloomed and filled with smiles. The faces of the Saivaites had no life in them. There was also another reason. The Perumaal did not stop at just wearing the 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram'. Last night, along with 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram', weren't there also other favorite weapons of Sivan such as 'Maan' and 'Mazhuvu' placed in the 'sannidhi'? They were all crushed up and tore into pieces and they were all spread everywhere on the floor. As if a rowdy person invaded the 'sannidhi'... the Sivan's weapons were torn into pieces and were spread all over the floor. When the Vaishnavaites saw this scene, their excitement sky rocketed. The Saivaites, were ashamed and silently vacated the place. Because of this event… Sri Raamaanujar earned the title ‘Appanukku Sangaazhi Aliththavar’. ‘Appan’ means the the presiding deity Thiruppathi Perumaal. Expanding further, for the ‘Appan’ itself, that is, for the Thiruppathi Perumaal, Sri Raamaanujar has presented the ‘sangu’ (shell) and ‘Aazhi’ (‘Chakkaram’, wheel). All these facts are noted in the book titled ‘Guru Parambharai’. Just like this… Sri Raamaanujar has defended and saved the Vainava sect from other religious denominations and to commemorate these heroic deeds ‘Thiruvarangaththu Amudhanaar’ has composed series of one hundred poems called ‘Raamaanuja Nootranthaathi’. I want you to listen to one such ‘Anthaathi’ : “Dharkka samanamum saakkiya peykalum… Thaazhsadaiyon Sorkatra sombarum sooniya vaathamum Nirka kurumbu sei niisarum maandanar nii nilaththe Porkarpakam em Raamaanusa Muni pontha pinne…” Meaning of this Tamil verse : “The ‘Samanars’ (Jains), who constantly engaged in arguments; the so called ‘Budhdha’ religion that has been haunting the people of Tamil Nadu like a ghost; the Saivaites, who have been following ‘Thaazh Sadaiyon’ (one with matted hair) a.k.a. Siva; those who were engaged in empty banal arguments; and those ‘Adhvaithis’ who claims that everything is unreal (mirage) … everyone noted above died and uprooted”.
When?... After the birth of our Raamaanujar… thus states this ‘Anthaathi’.
If you have the feeling that we may be descending from the Thiruppathi hills abruptly. I have some more messages to add to it. The 'Bhaghawaan' on the top of the mountain has selected the weapons of His choice and wore it on him. That is O.K. But why did He destroyed all the weapons of Sivan and tore it into pieces and spread it across the floor?... Just by wearing the 'Sangu' and the 'Chakkaram' alone everyone will be convinced that He is Perumaal. Why then... 'Bhaghawaan' Narayanan had to destroy the weapons of Sivan into pieces?... Breaking the materials thus, is this expected of a God?... Only when this question was raised, along the medium of 'sevi vazhi seythi' (the news through ears only), based on 'Guru Parambharai', a news has been circulating among the religious elites. That is... the night before, all the weapons were placed within the 'Garbhagraham', and it was locked. Everyone was convinced, that no other human beings were hiding behind, inside and they went to their bed. Later on... at night, Raamaanujar returned to the temple. How?... He assumed the figure of a snake. Snake?... Yes. According to the religious notes, God Vishnu appeared in front of Nammaazhwaar (most respected of 'Aazhwaars'), who lived several years before the birth of Sri Raamaanujar, and told him that would be Raamaanujar, is none other than Aadhiseshan, the snake on which Aranganaathar is laying. Accordingly... Nammaazhwaar has written a song, based on this encounter, about the one going to be born, Sri Raamaanujar, titled 'Kaliyum Kedum Kenmin'. This type of writing is called 'Pavishyadhaasaaryar'. That is... knowing about someone, who is going to be born in the future, and praising them. Thus... there is a belief that Perumaal Himself communicated to Nammaazhwaar... "Raamaanujar will come to this world as the incarnation of Aadhiseshan".
With these characteristics... Again at night, Raamaanujar with the skills of snake Aadhiseshan, came to the temple. The 'sannidhi' is locked. Inside, the weapons of both sides are laying on the floor. As he decided that, in the morning, the idol shall wear the 'sangu' and 'chakkaram', and He must portray the image of God Vishnu, he goes around and around the temple to find a solution. Only one pathway is open to get inside the temple... only 'Gomukai'. What is that?... During celebrations, when the idol inside was given a bath, using sacred turmeric water, the drainage hole to get the water outside is called 'Gomukai'. Except that hole there was no other way to get inside the temple. Since, he was born with the characteristics of Aadhiseshan, he immediately changed his form to that of a snake, and through that hole, he entered into the 'sannidhi'. In a hurry, he fixes the 'sangu' and 'chakkaram' on the shoulders of the idol. The task was accomplished! He again, converts back to the form of snake, exits through the same hole and disappears into the darkness of the night. Later on... in the morning, he was accompanied by everyone and as they opened the door, the idol was wearing the 'sangu' and 'chakkaram' and was appeared as Lord Vishnu... and found some of the weapons of the opposition party was crushed into pieces. This was the 'Sevi Vazhi Seythi'... If that was so with 'Guru Parambharai' as the nucleus, you have heard the 'sevi vazhi seythi', that provided an insight into the process, by which the idol has selected its weapon of choice. Since it was only a 'sevi vazhi seythi', you may accept this explanation or decline it. If this message, sprang up without a basis, you may refuse to accept. However... since it was an auxiliary to the incidences contained in the 'Guru
Parambharai', you cannot reject this explanation, in its totality. On the other hand... original copy of 'Guru Parambharai', contains references to Raamaanujar assuming the shape of Aadhiseshan, and entering the temple through the 'Gomukam'. If that message was left intact, whatever Raamaanujar undertook to prove, will become a question mark. Hence, it was strongly believed that, the elders decided to leave that portion of the message out and carried it on as a 'sevi vazhi seythi'. Under these conditions... a question may arise... "Who are you to talk about the Thiruppathi Hills? What rights do you have?". Some people have directly posed these questions to me! To answer this question, I am going to relate another interesting incidence to you.
Do you recall that I told you that Raamaanujar's uncle was Thirumalainambi? He stayed on the hills and was performing necessary services ('Kainkaryam') for the Perumaal. The major 'Kainkaryam' that was needed on the top of the hill was to bring water for Perumaal according to the Vedic rules. The main hurdle was, that the water may be logged, in small ponds, between the hills. He has to search for these ponds, and carry it to the temple in a pot. It was strenuous and an ardent task. Thus, Thirumalainambi used to find and carry the water, and thereby rendering his services to Perumaal. On one day... nowhere water to be found, all around the temple. Alas... with the thought 'somehow I have to serve the God', Thirumalainambi was wandering up and down, through far away places on the hill. Nowhere, water to be found! After considerable roaming, and with much difficulty, he collected one pot full of water. (When they described his dedication, they used to tell that he went to 'Aakaasa Gangai', high region of Himalaya where Gangai originates, and brought the water). With a feeling of accomplishment, he returned happily, back to the temple with water. On the way back... from other side of a small hill... he heard someone calling him 'Thaaththaa'. Thirumalainambi turned towards the caller. There was a person standing with utter thirst. He was begging "I am very very thirsty. Even my saliva is dried up. If only you give me little bit of water I will always be grateful to you". His eyes as well as his hands were anxiously expecting for a positive reply from Thirumalainambi.
Thirumalainambi turned towards the requester. His look was stern, just like the look of a person, when asked for a liter of water, either living in the village area, who have wandered all over the village, from well to well, to fetch a pail of water, or look of a city dweller, who was waiting all day long, and struggled to get a pot full of water, from the municipality lorry. He told the parched man... "Sorry sir... I am taking this to service the God Himself. I have fetched this pot of water with considerable difficulty. I cannot spare this for you". The dehydrated man continued... "A man is struggling to survive. Without giving water to me... you are giving Perumaal as the excuse? Does it seems as justice to you? If you give me water, you will accrue 'Punniyam' (good karmic point) for saving a life. What are you going to get by pouring water over a stone?". Thirumalainambi resolutely refused to his request and continued his journey. Again, he heard, "Thaaththaa" in a bolder voice. He turned towards the man. That was, to his surprise, Perumaal, who was testing the dedication of Thirumalainambi, and appeared before him as a thirsty man.
Why am I telling you this encounter now?... 'Thaatha' also in Sanskrit means father. Perumaal was considered as father of 'Brammaa', the creator. Such a great father Himself was calling, Thirumalainambi as 'Thaatha...'. i.e., since Perumaal called him as 'appaa' (father)... Thirumalainambi became 'Thaaththaa' (grand father) to this writer. His descendants became 'thaathaachaariyaars'. That is ... "Pithaamakasya abhi pithaamahaaya piraasethu Aadhesa palapradhaaya sribhashyakaara Uththama dhesikaaya srisaila poornaaya Namo namasthe..." ..."Since, the father of Brammaa, Perumaal Himself, has called Thirumalainambi as 'Thaatha...' (father), we pay our respect to him" ... thus states this slokam. Hence... the successors of Thirumalainambi became 'Thaaththaachchaariyaars'. My family has told me that I was descendant of this clan. Since I also was born in the 'Thaaththaachchaari' dynasty, I claim to have roots to the Thiruppathi temple. Hence... I also claim rights to talk and write about the Thiruppathi temple. I was not relating this story, just to establish my rights to talk about the temple. I just wanted to bring this justice to the forefront ... "Help the humanity. Take care of the God later on"... the very message of God given to Thirumalainambi. Next... When we talk about the Thiruppathi Hills, an important personality of this temple was Haththiyaraam Baabaaji. Who was this gentleman?...
The original natives of a place normally termed as 'Kallin Kadavul' or otherwise son of the soil. Like wise... we have seen, that of the native deity of the Thiruppathi hill was none other than 'Kaali', and how she was transsexualized into other deities by low land invaders. In addition, at the end of the last chapter, I have noted about Mr. Haththiyaraam Baabaaji and said that he was an important personality of the Thiruppathi temple. Who was this person? What was he doing in Thiruppathi? As soon as you heared his name, you may have guessed, what kind of person he could have been. As you may have guessed, he was a North Indian. He was wandering all over India, looking for peace, and landed in Thiruppathi. In those days, in the Thiruppathi temple, all the worship services were conducted in a natural and peaceful manner. Baabaaji was intensely devoted to Venkataachalapathi, the presiding deity of Thiruppathi, and he used to stay close to the alter of the temple. He will take over various responsibilities of the temple and complete it with utmost devotion. Within few days... because of his enthusiasm and devotion to the temple, he became the administrator of the temple itself.
O.K... Are you having urge to ask me 'what great things he did to earn a name for himself?'... I have already talked to you, about the origin of that tradition, of shaving the head of people, who climbed up the hill and came to visit the temple. Do you remember that? As per the compromise, worked out by the Brahmins and one sect of the hill tribesmen who were barbers, everyone agreed with the common good of 'you need to earn an income, and we need to get some income' and accordingly, the barbers got the right to shave the head of the devotees, visiting the temple and earned their income. That tradition of shaving the head of the visitors, was popularized and made it a foremost signature event, of Thiruppathi temple by Baabaaji. He realized, that to propagate the name of the temple, amongst the masses, a trade mark was essential, and he actively promoted the shaving of the head. During his period, more people resolved to offer their hair, if their request to this God was realized, and as aconsequence, people started to pour in bunches. Now... during the Tamil month of 'Purattaasi' (Sep-Oct)... the surge of crowd is so vast that the Thiruppathi mountain itself appears to be shaking. Eventhough the crowd in those days was not as much as it is today, based on the economic condition of the people and transportation facilities available in those days, the crowd started to pour in by popularizing the hair offering.
Under these prevailing conditions... some of the Brahmins went to Baabaaji and said "In the hands of the idol, the snakes are carved in and if we remove it it would be better. Similarly, if we also get rid of the braided hair at the rear of the 'Vigraham' (statue) it would be ...". Baabaa rejected their request and said "Everything will be just like it has been. Nothing will be changed". Wait! What is that braiding?... Behind this, there is an interesting story. I should not be telling this to you. I was firmly resolved not to reveal this story to you. However... I am relating this very reluctantly and a bit nervously. Several years back... You know more about Israel and Palestine. They are countries where there are lots of blood shed due to clashes between the muslims and the jews. The Israelis and the Palestinians were breathing only the war. In that war dusted sacred land is the city of Jerusalem. What is this?... You may wonder 'While talking about Thiruppathi, why is he meandering into Jerusalem?'... A lady who was born in that city, was very much interested in exploring the temples of India and in particular she was very excited to learn more about the Thiruppathi temple, visit and get the blessings of God. She was a jew and she knew our own queen of music M.S. Subbulakshmi. With M.S.S.'s introduction, she came to the temple. From time to time when she has a doubt or needed clarifications about 'Sanaadhana Samayam', she was looking for someone, who is well versed the 'Vedham', to bounce her questions to get a reliable answer. Someone gave my name to her and she contacted me. I accepted her invitation, and accompanied her to the Thiruppathi temple. She belongs to 'Milechcha' (lower level) religion per Vedic interpretation, and how did they let her in?
It was very difficult! After considerable song and dance, pulling some power ropes, they let her in. After she was admitted into the temple, she became anxious to go around the 'Vigraham' (idol), and examine it. After some heavy hitting, she got permission to go inside the 'Garbhagraham'. That is when... I have also witnessed, the braided hair of the Thiruppathi Perumaal, that was combed and well decorated. Now, are you convinced, that she was indeed mountain 'Kaali', as per my earlier claims? I was afraid, that someone is going to ask me, one of these days, 'Have gone there in person and checked it yourself?'. Just for that reason, with very, very much reservation and half heartedly, I have revealed the entire truth to you.
Even today, crowds and crowds of people with considerable hope, climb up the hill and worship Venkataachalapathi Perumaan. It is everyone hail and praise, that all their wishes are fulfilled by going to Thiruppathi and they hope that 'If you go to Thiruppathi and return back, there will be change in your life'.
Yet, what is happening in Thiruppathi? If a person is rich, they take him close to the deity and let him worship as long as he wishes. From all others, they collect 50 rupees and 100 rupees, just to see the God and worship, and drive them out as fast as they enter. If one do not have even that much money to pay, they have to stand anywhere from 5 hours to 24 hours, depending on the season and occasion, just to get the glimpse of the 'Vigraham'. That too, fifteen to twenty feet before the God, they block the devotees and force them to 'Keep on moving'. Thus, I was talking only about, the past history of the Venkataachalapathy, who eventually, became a commercialized God. What a pity... The sons of the moutain, who originally worshiped 'Kaali', today they sit outside the temple, and shave devotees heads. Even, shaving the heads was made into a big business... Just because of this commercialization, I have to relate to everyone, about the twists and turns, that happened in the past life of 'Kaali'!. Next... So... What did we see so far?... We have seen what I have witnessed in Thiruppathi temple. We have explored the various issues over the 'Vigraham'. In addition, we can also accumulate more evidences to justify the claim. Generally, Perumaal has four arms with two hands holding 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram' and the other two hands are extra. However... for Thiruppathi Perumaal has only two hands. He is not holding the 'Sangu' and 'Chakkaram' in His hands. They are hanging onto His shoulder. The counting of the hands also throws the weight on our side. Next, another important evidence... Have you seen, near the Thiruppathi Perumaan, His consort 'Piraattiyaar'? You will not see Her? Why not?... After descending from the mountain, when you travel in the plains for a while, you will find 'Padhmaavathith Thaayaar', in a place called Thiruchchaanoor. Why was she not installed on the top of the mountain? How can you place the 'Vigraham' of a female deity, next to the 'Vigraham' of another female deity? Yes... After all, the 'Vigraham' that was installed on the mountain, was it not, but the original 'Thaayaar' ('Kaali') of the hill tribesmen? That was the reason, there was no consort on the mountain, for the one who became Venkataachalapathi. Later on, to camouflage this deficiency, the concept of Piraatti living in Thiruchchaanoor, was propagated. These are further evidences to suport our contention.
Now... for us, it is not important whether Venkataachalapathi is a male or female idol. Yet... today, how the foreign cool drinks are profitting, using our own water, by crushing the local competitions such as 'Maappillai Vinaayakar', and 'Goli Soda'... just like that, the local hill tribesmen's deity 'Kaali', was crushed by the invaders from the plains and they continue to profit. I am only bringing this fact to the forefront, to demonstrate how the rights of the downtrodden hill tribesmen were defrauded. Please do not misconstrue my intentions, and I beg pardon from all the devotees of Thiruppathi, if I have caused any anguish. Devotion is same for everyone, for you as well as for me. O.K... What next?... “Yappappaa”, what a speed… Did these horses eat horse gram? Or were they eating horse meat? Why they are chasing them, with such speed and coarseness, what a wonder, galloping and riding at the speed of hurricane? Who are these people?... The people of the village, on the hill, were trembling. Sitting on the horse, holding the horse rope on one hand and the whip on the other hand, those burgler soldiers were thrashing the horses to speed them further. The women were fleeing in every direction… Small children were thrown out of the pathways… Some men were facing the riders and they were ready to resist them. However… they could not bear the force of the whip and they fell to the ground. Who were those soldiers?... Where was this village located?... Why are they whipping the village folks?... The village was located in the Western ghats, in present day Malaiyaala (Kerala) country. Those who came to rob the villagers were low class soldiers. The Malaiyaala country, one time was ruled by ‘Paandiya’ king, was very fertile, during and after the rule. After plundering all around the village, the tired soldiers, were straitened themselves up a bit. All around the village, there were five hillocks, appeared very beautiful. The natural panorama was a spectacular view. “Would they have any treasures up the hill?”… one of the soldier questioned. “Mmmm… May be” another answered. Everyone, with considerable effort, climbed up the hill.
There are two versions of the scenery they witnessed, are floating around. As they climbed up the hill named 'Kaantha Malai', the soldier's eyes were blinded by a powerful reflection. As they were getting closer and closer, all their body parts were getting illuminated. What was there to emit such brightness? Golden statue. Yes!... Bright shiney golden statue was proclaiming the prosperity of the people living in that mountain region. The soldiers robbed everything. This is one of the rumor ('sevi vazhi seythi') circulating. The other version of this story is that the soldiers wrecked the statue and broke it into pieces. After loosing the idol that they worshipped, to the soldier bandits, the people of the hill tribe descended down from the top a bit. In the valley between the five hillocks they carved out and installed a new deity. Starting with worshiping the nature, then switched to worship the wild beasts and eventually settled on human form, this deity called Ayyanaar, was that village dwellers prime God. Just like, they used to install female deities as their security God, this idol was a male security God. Just in this manner, the hill tribes people have installed Ayyanaar, as their security God, and have been worshiping that deity for centuries.
This idol was also robbed, by low class soldiers, few centuries back. The first place, where the golden statue was installed, called 'Ponnambalam'. 'Pon' means gold and 'ambalam' means 'temple'. After the golden idol was robbed... they were hoping to istall an idol safely in between the hills... that was also robbed. Here another contradicting message... During the second raid by the bandits, the statue was not robbed but it was disfigured and broken into pieces. Thus... the idol of the hill tribesmen was said to be stolen and/or broken into pieces, by the enemies, today, it is a very distinguished and a very sacred God. Keeping the deity, for which everyday, the pooja was performed with flowers... and religious celebrations are performed by the hill tribesmen... as the center piece... today few people, keep that temple open only for few days in a year, and holding onto the steering wheel of worship. That statue?... Disfigured and stolen by the low class soldier bandits, the statue that was neglected for a while, was recarved by the hill tribe and was re-installed for worship. Bringing the pure and chilled water, that flowing in the mountain streams, the hill dwellers bathed their deity 'Ayyanaar', and adorned it with fresh plucked flowers, that bloomed, that very same day and thus they were worshiping daily on gentler manner. On another side, they also offered under the feet of the deity, the fresh meat of the wild animals, that was killed by pointed sharp tools, and worshiped in primitive sadistic manner. As the gentler worship, and the primitive sadistic worship, continued simultaneously... to that hill country, a crowd of people, exodus from present state of Andhrapradesh, arrived by foot, looking for a livelyhood. Upon arrival, they witnessed the deity Ayyanaar, and the people of the hill tribe. That was night time. They were carrying, on one hand fat fueled fire torch, and on the other wild animal meat. They lighted the torch, and set it in front of the deity, and they started to offer the deity, the bodies of all the animals they have hunted. Those 'Namboodhries' emigrated from the present state of Andhrapradesh, as they were twisting their 'poonool' were witnessing their prayer ritual. The 'Namboodhries' who were staunch followers of Vedic tradition... watching this 'Ayyanaar' worship ritual for few days... suddenly, one day they put forth a new dilemma in front of the tribesmen... "Yappappaa (unbearable cruelty)... What a disservice to the deity? Instead of offering ghee (clarified butter) and coconut to the deity, you are offering the meat dripping with fat...? Do you really know who this deity is?"...
The hill tribesmen were shaken up. When they saw the 'Namboodhries', who were built majestically, the tribesmen paid very much respect for them. "Swami, what are you saying?"... they asked. "Listen... This is not your 'Ayyanaar'. He is our 'Ayyappan'. Do you know the story, how he got to this place?" ... the 'Namboodhries' were fishing for an entry. Tribesmen..."We knew! It was disfigured two or three times by bandits. Later on, we ourselves, with considerable hardship, carved out this statue. We kept it for our security"... thus they answered. The Namboodhri Brahmins retorted "Wrong... Wrong...There is a long unwritten story, behind the arrival of this deity, to this place". With these words they shared the story. "You know God Siva... Whoever meditates, thinking of Him, He appreciates and gets intoxicated with their praises, and he awards them whatever boon they request. Like that one time a 'asuran' (cruel person) named 'Padhmaasuran' was observing severe meditation on Siva. He was not concerned about the heat, rain, 'pari', snake and tiger, and without any motion, he was reciting the names of Siva. Siva appeared in front of him and asked him... "what boon are you longing for?". "Devaa (my God)... If I keep my hand over anybody's head, they must be in flames, and become ashes"... the boon he requested. Without giving deep thought over the boon he requested, Siva..."I award you Padhmaasuraa"... thus He sanctioned the boon.
From that day on, the hands of 'Padhmaasuran' becme restless. He put his hands on the heads of, his enemies, those humans whom he do not care for. The minute his hand, touched their heads, they were burnt and became ashes. For him, a very strange thougt cropped up. I have kept my hand on everyone's head, and the only one left over, is the one who granted me this boon. That was Siva... He went to Him.
Siva asked..."What is the matter?". "I would like to test the strength of the boon you have granted to me. Hence, I would like place my hand over your head..." ... said 'Padhmaasuran'. Sivan understood. He is trying to destroy me with the same boon I have granted to him. He got scared and ran towards 'Thirumaal' (Vishnu). 'Perumaal' understood the plight of Sivan. If we have change the direction of this 'asuran', it can only happen by 'Dhasai' (flesh), and 'Perumaal' immediately changed into 'Mohini'. 'Mohini'?... Yes! With lust at its zenith, inviting to taste the forbidden fruit, the one with most beautiful body was the 'Mohini'. Well built body... Very fertile soft body... Small hip... Colorful jewelries... Her beauty was such that it intoxicates, and elicits everyone's lust, when they see her. She was standing like a beautiful sex figure.
‘Padhmaasuran’ looked at her beauty. As he intensely surveyed her body, each part, one by one, from toe to the top of her hair, he was impaired with intoxication of sexual lust. When he was in the impaired state… how is he going to remember, Sivan, ‘Dhasai’, and the boon? As he was immersed into the lustful pool of Mohini’s sexy figure… everything about his past was nothing but a blur. ‘Perumaal’ i.e., ‘Mohini’ gaged at his toxic level. She wanted to take him to a higher level of ecstasy and started her dancing. What a beauty? Even if ‘Mohini’ was standing still, her beauty cannot be described in words. As is, if she shakes her body and moving her body parts… how can one describe the dynamic energy, passing through everyone’s nerves? “If only you can dance like me, ‘Padhmaasuraa’ you can have me. Are you ready?”… she enticed him. Her words was so soothing, he was floating in the heaven. He forgot about the rogue activities of his past, and he stood in front of her and started to imitate her dance postures. As ‘Mohini’ bent her hip, he followed her and bent his hip. ‘Mohini’ using her bangled arms, performing various dance postures and ‘mudhraas’ (seals) and he copied and followed it exactly. She bent down, raised up and smiled and he imitated the same. ‘Mohini’ raised her leg way up and showed her silky feet. He tried to raise his leg. She swirled around. Her braided, beautiful hair, was floating in the air. Again, she put her hand on the hip. Placed, her hand, on the chest. Later on, she closed her face with both palms and smiled. ‘Asuran’, in the intoxicated state, followed her every movement. Finally… ‘Mohini’, drifted upwards her palms slowly, to top of the head. Without any hesitation, ‘Padhmaasuran’ also drifted his palms, to top of his head… Intoxicated over the shape of the ‘Perumaal’, who came as ‘Mohini’, Just like her, he also placed his palms over his head. That was it!... The boon, that he obtained, dictated his own fate. Based on the boon that he obtained… ‘whoever heads I place my hands on, they must burn to death’, he was burnt to death by his own actions. After burning him to death, Sivan became peaceful. ‘Mohini’ face also relaxed and bloomed, by the fact the ‘avathaaram’ (incarnation) she took was very successful. Sivan, who thought that he buried the troubles from ‘Padhmaasuran’, He was haunted with ‘Mohini’ trouble. Yes!... The beauty of ‘Mohini’, especially after burning the ‘Asuran’… stoked the love lust in Sivan. Gently, he approached ‘Mohini’. “You have destroyed that ‘asuran’. However… within me there is another ‘Asuran’ named ‘Premam’ has sprouted and he is taking a ‘Vishwaroopam’ (monumental shape). I need your help in suppressing this ‘Asuran’ also and destroy him”… thus he pleaded. Sivan and ‘Mohini’ thought for a while. They both made love. With their affair, ‘Mohini’ gave birth to a devine baby… that baby… that devine baby was… Ayyappan. The one born by the union of Sivan and ‘Mohini’, was born with a bell around His neck and hence, He was also called as ‘Manikantan’.
When this story of the birth of Ayyappan was told by the Namboodhries to the hill tribesmen, they were in a shock. Here, with this brief narration of this story, if it was so interesting, in those days, when it was related to the hill traibesmen, in detail, day by day, like a soap opera, one can imagine the excitement, that was elicited among the people. “Is that so?... Did our Ayyanaar was born in this manner?”... in great surpise, the hill people asked them. “Yes… He has performed, many more wonders. Since Ayyappan was a creation of two different Gods, you should not be worshiping in this primitive manner… You must delegate this worshiping rituals in our hands”… said the Namboodhries. The hill tribesmen, gradually, started to believe the story of the origin of Ayyappan as related by the Namboodhries. In the steep hill range, to reach the plateau, where the Ayyappan idol was installed, and offer the flowers, the hill tribesmen have built some steps. When the Namboodhries saw the steps and they asked… “Aah haa… do you have any idea about these steps?...”. The hill dwellers… “Why wouldn’t we know? Just to make it easy, to climb up the steep slope,and to worship the God, we built these steps”. “What a sin?... What an ignorance?... These were not ordinary steps… Each step has the characteristic of a particular deity. Six steps have the characteristics of Sivan. Six more steps have the characteristics of God Murugan. The last six steps have characteristics of Ayyappan a.k.a. ‘Manikantan’. You cannot climb up these steps in ordinary manner. You must observe strict ‘Viratham’… Not ordinary ‘Viratham’… One ‘Mandalam’ period of ‘Viratham’… in addition, you must avoid meat eating during this period… stay clean… then only you may be eligible to climb up these steps. Do you all understand?...” with high commanding voice, Namboodhries took away the rights of the hill people, and put a stop to their freedom, in worshiping Ayyappan. Thus, gradually, little by little… as the years were passing by, the Ayyanaar of the hill inhabitants… was converted to Manikantan and eventually, Ayyappan by the Namboodhries.
The inhabitants of the hill were left standing at the bottom of the steps, and the Namboodhri Brahmins climbed up the steps and reached the top. When they were on the top, their eyes witnessed, a flickering colossal beam of glow with a ‘Dhigu Dhigu’ oscillation.”What is that?”… the Brahmins asked. The hill dwellers were laughing at that question. “We are wondering. We are very much frightened over this huge flame in the middle of the forest. However, your faces are not even showing any signs of fear or concern”… the Namboodhri Brahmins asked again. “Oh… that!... Remember, when you have met us for the first time, at night… we had lit our fat fueled fire torch… haven’t you noticed us?...” asked the hill tribesmen. “Yes…” the Brahmins replied. “Today, is our celebration day. We have lit our fire torch and we are celebrating in the light of the torch. That is the fire, shining on top of the ‘Kaantha Malai”… thus replied the tribesmen.
Few days passed… The Brahmins decided, to take advantage of the celebration of the hill people, and claim it as their own celebration. “You stupid people… That not only has been your festival… there was a ardent devotee of Ayyappan from the forest dwellers called ‘Sabhari’. Ayyappan delivered ‘Moksham’ for her. As the flowering trees showering their flowers… and the angels came and showering praises… a huge bright light appeared on the earth. ‘Sabhari’ entered into that light and reached the state of ‘Moksham’. That is ‘Moksha Jyothi’ (Light of Liberation). You have started celebrating this event afterwards. Do you understand now the significance of this ‘Jyothi’ (illumination). This region of the Western ghat is called ‘Sabhari Malai’. That was how this hill was named. Now you understand the sourse of ‘Sabhari Malai’?... The Brahmins have delivered a new light on the ‘lighting festival of fire torch by the hill dwellers’. Even to this day, on the reighning star of ‘Makaram’, during the Tamil month of ‘Thai’… on the top of the ‘Kaantha Malai’, one can witness a ‘Jyothi’. All of a sudden, it disappears. Even now, are the hill tribes people lighting their fire torch and celebrate their festival?... It is not?... Then how one witnesses the ‘Makara Jyothi’? This is a secret arrangement of the Namboodhries! They go to the top of the hill and set fire and return back. This fact, has been claimed among the top circles, of the famous Kerala leaders. ‘Makara Jyothi’ was the lighting festival of hill tribesmen. Now, the Namboodhries adapted it as their own and celebrating it with ‘puranic’ (fabricated stories) claims. We have explored much about the worship of God. Now we will go into exploring the philosophy of ‘Who is God?’ and the various philosophers who explored the concept of God. When I say philosophy, do not get all psyched up about it. To look into this… we need to go backward little bit. We have seen so much about the ‘Vedham’ and the ‘karmaas’ devised by the ‘Vedham’. What came after the ‘Vedham’ was called ‘Upanishadhs’ written by several scholars and practitioners who have given their impressions… “Nakarmanaa naprajaa thanenaa Thiyaakena eegee Amirthathvam aanaso…” “Sacrifice the ‘karmaas’ themselves. i.e., let it go of your past deeds. That is the ‘Moksham’…” according to this slokam. Thus… the Vedic and the Upanishadh authors thoughts about God differing wildly… six different major philosophers were born… they have learnt these ‘Vedhams’ and ‘Upanishadhs’ and based on these, they have established their own philosophy. Who were they? What did they say?... But before that …
The luckiest part of the ‘Vedha sanaadhana religion’ (Hindu religion) was its recognition for giving importance to knowledge and absorb whatever makes sense. The reason for survival of ‘Vedham’ and those treatises based on ‘Vedham’, to this date, were those books that explained and expounded on the Vedic knowledge. I need to tell you, at this juncture, about another matter. Brahmins never go to war. Their sole profession was only to think. That was how, they kept on writing books, on various subjects. Since, they were on the driver seat of religion, they were leading and kept the religion under their control.
Holding on to the orthodoxy, they showed special interest for learning new ideas and concepts and adapting to them to their advantage. The reason was, in several of the Vedic prayers, they begged God, thus… “Please give me wisdom”. So much for that digression. Shall we look at the life history of those six persons? They were : 1.) Kanaadhar; 2.) Akshapaathar; 3.) Vyaasar; 4.) Kabilar; 5.) Pathanjali; & 6.) Jeymini. Their teachings were called as ‘Dharshanams’ (Philosophies). Of these six people, Kanaadhar and Akshapaathar preached respectively ‘Vaisheshikam’ and ‘Nyaayam’. ‘Nyaayam’ means debating. Debating over God and it was also called ‘Dharkkikam’. Kabilar practiced ‘Saankyam’. Basically he practiced in-depth questioning about God. Pathanjali wrote about the principles of ‘Yogam’. Here we will explore in detail about Vyaasar and Jeymini. But before that…
The banks of the river Gangai… ancient banks of Gangai… dense forest… In those days, several ‘Munis’ (sages) used to roaming around these banks. They were usually, in deep meditation, most of the time. Along with them, living in the forest were, those ladies living in the forest i.e., those cot the trees and gather firewoods… those women collecting herbs and spices… and since, it was river banks those women belonging to the fishermen caste. Among these ladies, were the ‘Munis’ carrying on with their meditation. “Puthrene… paaryene…” conforming to these words “Do not need a wife and do not need a son”… thus the ‘Munis’ shall carry on with their life without worldly attachments. But… life in those days was such that, while carrying on with meditation, numerous girls can be seen around them. The beauty of those women, entice sexual lust, in the meditator. ‘Munis’ must reject such urges and control their desires. However, if the build of the ladies body, was troubling and hinderence to their meditation, immediately they must approach that woman and touch her and put an end to his sexual urge. Those ladies were also not in a position to deny the sages sexual propositions and ready to satisfy the sages.
In such cultured banks of Gangai, a ‘Muni’ called ‘Paraacharar’ was carrying on his meditation. One romantic, beautiful day, as he was strolling on the banks of the river Gangai… he saw a girl with well built curvy body, wrapped with wet clothing that accentuated her beautiful body. All of a sudden, his mind was hanging on to her body. He approached her. “Girl, Who are you?”… He asked her. She replied…”Maharishi (Great sage)… my good name is ‘Machchakanthi’ a.k.a. ‘Sathyawathi’. I am a girl belonging to fishermen caste. My father casts his net and he catches fish. I collect those catches and carry it home”. As she was introducing herself… ‘Paraacharar’ approached her still closer. From the body of ‘Machchakanthi’ emanated terrible, intense stink of fish. That stinking odor, did not bother him at all. He was deeply immersed in the smell of woman. ‘Munivar’(sage) gently touched the shoulder of ‘Machchakanthi’. “Maharishi…” (Great sage) as hair raised with energy passing through her body, ‘Machchakanthi’ gently moved away from him. “Girl!... would you help me to cross the river Gangai?”… asked the sage and she accepted to help him to cross the river. Though, the ‘Muni’ crossed the river, he could not cross over his overwhelming lust. He embraced 'Machchakanthi' and held her tight. "This is 'Bhaghawath Muhurtham' (godly auspicious time). At this auspicious time, you agree with me, and become one with me. You give birth to a great 'Muni' for me. Nobody will know anything about this... What do you say"... he begged her. 'Machchaknthi' yielded to his request. As the fish odor faded away from her body, the men odor prevailed.
'Paraacharar' leaped, over the body of 'Machchakanthi', the fishermen girl, on the banks of Gangai. In
that forest region, at that auspicious time, an event to create a very special creation has taken place. Among the thorny bushes, 'Paraacharar', has performed his miracles, for blooming of a flower. "Machchakanthi... you have helped to fulfill my lust. I thank you for that. Now you can give birth to my son, and you can go back to your father. He will never know about our affair... You will remain as a virgin"... thus 'Paraacharar' said to her. 'Machchaanthi', within few hours of gestation, gave birth to a male child. You may be wondering 'What is this...? It looks like, the tree sprouted and stood up as soon as the rain stopped". The girl, who had sexual relationship with 'Paraacharar', gives birth to a child instantly? In spite of giving birth, to a child, she remains a virgin?... Yes! There is a saying 'Rishi garppam raath thangaathu' (i.e., the gestation period of a rishi's child wouldn't last overnight). That is, the Rishis channel their sexual urge, only if it is, extremely essential. i.e., only to increase their knowledge, of other areas.
After the union of 'Paraacharar' and 'Machchakanthi', a baby was born. He grew. Wasn't 'Paraacharar' telling that noone will know of the birth of the child? But... everyone in the forest came to know that this child was born to a 'Valayachchi' (fisher woman). 'Machchakanthi' gave the baby to 'Muni' and she left.
However, all other 'Rishis' in that forest were Brahmins. They said "chii.. chii... we cannot accept a baby born to a 'miinavaththi' (fisher women). Take him back to her". They decreed, that no one should teach him, the sacred scriptures and no one should teach him, our tradition. More or less, the Brahmins of that day, discarded him. i.e., they sidelined him. In spite of their indifference, that boy grew up. He learned the sacred scriptures. He learned the tradition and culture. Whatever the Brahmins refused to teach him, he learned them all. He grew... His knowledge expanded... Beard grew... He became a great 'Rishi'. The 'Vedhams', that are celebrated by the Brahmins, even today, were compiled by him. He also compiled the eighteen 'Puranic' stories that is the root and origination of thousands and thousands of stories over various deities. He also wrote 'Bramma Soothram', that is considered as the most ancient and sacred book by the Brahmins.
He was the great 'Vyaasar' a.k.a. 'Vedha Vyaasar'. We may consider, that the incidences leading to the birth of ‘Vyaasar’, may be an imaginative story. Yet… look at the message conveyed in that story. He was discarded by the Brahmins of yesterdays, Just because he was born to a ‘miinavaththi’, later on he was considered as a boon to their caste. At this point, another minor incidence comes to my mind. I want to take you from the forests on the banks of Gangai to Kaaraikudi located in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu. In Kaaraikudi, we have convened a meeting of the Hindu religion. I was addressing the participants. The crowd was huge. I was talking about ‘Vyaasar’ also. At that time, E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, came to the meeting. As he heard me, addressing the crowd about ‘Vyaasar’, he asked me “Sir… was ‘Vyaasar’ born to a ‘miinavaththi’?”. I replied… “Yes”. Naicker again…”When he was born, did the Brahmins outcaste him?”. I said… “Yes”. Naicker continued… “In that case, can’t you also throw away his creations?”. The crowd turned towards the direction of Naicker. O.K… Now we will return back to the forest region on the banks of the Gangai river.
'Vyaasar' on the subject of God, in his 'Bramma soothram', has criticized the four philosophers, I have mentioned earlier. O.K... What is the reservation of 'Vyaasar'? "You are all approaching at the 'Brammam', i.e., God, on the basis of reasoning. But, He is beyond knowledge and He is crossed over the debate. The world was created by Him. He is the protector of this world. Do not approach Him through knowledge, reasoning or debate. God is beyond human's logic"... thus he concludes. This is Vyaasar's concept of God, in a nutshell. He compiled all four 'Vedhams'. He also, compiled the puranic stories, that simplifies the basic of Vedic philosophy, for average human beings. Hence, approached God through Vedic teachings using poetic means. i.e., stories told through poetic form. O.K... 'Vyaasar' had a disciple. One may call him as a naturalist. His name was Jeymini. The arguments between Vyaasar and his disciple Jeymini are very interesting. They provoke everyone's thinking power.
One time... in the forest, when Vyaasar was instructing to Jeymini, he was delivering his usual advise. "...'Sishyaa' (Disciple)! God has created this forest, plants, trees, this soil, you and me. He not only created us, but also He is protecting and maintaining us"... as 'Vyaasar was continuing with his discourse... Jeymini was holding onto a plant and said "Swami, please call Him". "Calling who?"... asked Vyaasar. "That is the one! The God you were talking about"... said Jeymini. Jeymini's curiosity was to Vyaasar... "Swami, please bring Him here"... Jeymini "Bring who?"... Vyaasar "The one you were talking about. The very same person, that you said, has created this world with ease. Only that God" ... Jeymini The request of Jeymini pierced through Vyaasar. Vyaasar, slightly closed his eyes and opened wide and said... "He is dwelling in 'paralokam' (beyond this world)... You cannot see Him from here...". Jeymini smiles and asks "How does that place looks like?". "Here when we conduct 'Yaagam' how we get so much of smoke. That 'paralokam' will look like very dense and intense smoke"... thus describes Vyaasar. "Have you seen this place? Do you know this 'paralokam'?... If you know please show it to me. If not, you can call someone who knows the 'paralokam'. I will be excited to meet them, and enjoy his company"... said Jeymini. As Vyaasar was silenced, without an answer... Jeymini continued... "Kohi thasvedha yathya mushpin loke Asthii vaaravethii..." This mantra is from Yajur Vedham. Meaning... "Who knows about 'paralokam'?... Who has seen this place?... If there is one, please bring him/her here... How does it looks like?"... Thus, Yajur Vedham stacks
question over questions. Jeymini was asking "Do you have any answers for this Vedic questions?". Vyaasar... "He is living in 'paralokam'... He was the one gave life to you, me, this plant and for this vine and he also gave a body for every one"... After hearing this Jeymini, immediately got hold of a vine and said... "This vine also has a soul. It grows, moves, flowers, yields and bears fruits. Everything was possible because of the water it took in. That water itself, its food. Now, if you claim that this vine is surviving because of God, then is the water, indeed God? On the other hand, is that God, indeed water? That vine has an inner energy. It possesses adequate energy to grow. That energy is derived from water. Why are you calling that God?"... These are Jeymini's questions and his exploration of the existence of God. Jeymini, thus by using the plants and vines as example, to demonstrate that they also have a life, of their own. Only after several centuries after his death, the scientists confirmed that 'plants also have life'. When Jeymini talks about food it was not merely eating stomach full and after consuming paan (Betal leaves, nut,calcium combination) and burping... "Eetho vaanasya mahimaa yadhaannenu Adhilogathii..." "The food that delivers 'praana shakthi' a.k.a.'praanic energy' or life energy is the God". We eat in the morning. Little past noon, we are hungry again. Why?... That energy delivered by the morning food is exhausted. For further survival... for the function of our body and life no more energy was available. We need more food to keep us going. Food that delivers the vital 'energy' is the God. Hence, 'The Food is God'. Thus, Jeymini was placing the nature, in the forefront of the debates, over God. If we carry on the rituals such as 'yaagams', poojas, 'homams' and 'vrathams' to alter our karmas... what is the necessity for God?... That was question, Jeymini has raised. This was the essence of the argument between Vyaasar and Jeymini.
We have seen that, Vyaasar has created the sacred book, called 'Bramma Soothram' (Soothram means notes or sketches). It was called 'Uththara miimaamsa'. Saints such as Sri Raamaanujar, Sankarar have written 'Bhaashyam' (Treatise). That is, they have elaborated it, so an average person can understand. However, Jeymini has created a 'Chiththaantham' (offerings after considerable research or thought) called 'Poorva Miimaamsa'. We have already seen that 'Miimaamsa' means enquiry. Those who have touched 'Viyaasar's Miimaamsa', they never paid any attention to, 'Jeymini's Miimaamsa'. Because, in those days, Jeymini was considered by some, as 'Naasthikar' (Atheist). Here, a bizarre observation! That too it is a troublesome joke... Some Brahmins claim, that they are engaged in the enquiry over God, based on Jeymini, and they declare that they belongs to 'Jeymini Gothram' (Jeymini clans). However... their belief and concepts are directly opposite to what Jeymini has been advocating.
O.K... We have seen Vyaasar and we have also seen Jeymini. Now we will slip into another 'Dharisanam' (vision). The whole head resembles a parrot. The whole body was built like a human being. Who was this unique person?... How was he born like this?... What kind of conversation he is carrying on with that king?... Shall we listen to it?... There is a relationship between him and Vyaasar. Who was that?... The head resembling that of parrot, and the body was built like a man. Besides, was he having relationship, to the Vyaasar, that we have seen earlier? We have seen the manner in which Vyaasar was born. It was different from the normal birth of a human being. That is, Muni Paraacharar was having a bodily relationship with a girl of fisherman caste... conceived and Vyaasar born instantly. O.K... Then Vyaasar was instrumental for birth of a baby. How was he born?... This was also a puranic story. Don't get alarmed saying... 'What is this man, a very old man, kept on telling stories'. If you flip the pages of the 'puranams' (sacred stories to religion close to commoner), and do a bit of research, you will find such stories are very common. O.K... Let us come to the subject. Vyaasar was the source for birth of a baby. How was he born?... I have already told you, that the 'Rishis' were engaged in sexual pleasures, only when it was very essential. Thus when they were not engaged in sexual pleasures for very long time, isn't it a natural phenomenon for their semen to eject, during the periods of non-engagement?
Under such circumstances, one time Vyaasar's semen was ejected through natural causes. What did a parrot do, to that semen, that was spilled over the floor? It picked on it, and swallowed the same. Some claim that, he was having relationship, with a woman, who came in the form of a parrot. Aahaa... A Rishi's semen... that was considered to have intense intuitive knowledge... That parrot, which ate the semen, would she get by without any effect? She became pregnant. What normally happens, if a parrot became pregnant? She lays eggs... have baby parrots... and they eventually become beautiful parrots. However, this parrot was not going through that cycle. After all, wasn't she became pregnant with, a great Rishi Vyaasar's, semen? So this pregnant parrot gave birth to a little baby. What?... A parrot gave birth to a baby?... That is what the 'puraanam' says. How did that parrot baby looked like?... The entire head was like a parrot and the body was that of a human being. What is this? Are you saying, that it looks like, a new bizarre embellishment?... Yes! it is an ancient bizarre disgust. Wait... The story continues... The fact that this 'parrot baby', was born to the great sage Vyaasar and a parrot, came to the knowledge of Vyaasar. As Vyaasar came out of his hut, and called for the 'parrot baby'... before that the 'parrot baby' flew away. Any how... what was the name of that 'parrot baby'?... 'Sukahaa'... in Sanskrit means 'parrot'. Hence, he was named 'Sukar'. He was also called as 'Sukabrammam'.
Even though Vyaasar has digested all of the Vedhic verses... classified it and compiled it into four 'Vedhams'... wrote 'Bramma Sooththiram' to expound on all the 'Upanishadhs', and assembled all eighteen 'puraanams', he was not satisfied with his accomplishments. Hence, he also created the great epic 'Bhaagawatham'. 'Bhaagawatham' gives the details about the life history of God Krishna, and various devine messages associated with His accomplishments during His lifetime. There is a belief, that if one hears this story, or if they were tutored on 'Bhaagawatham', their soul gets liberated from reincarnation, and they would reach 'Sri Vaikuntam', the abode of God Narayana. This story of the parrot... "Emprav vishantham Anubetham upadhe hiruthyam Dhanava paayahai Viraka kaatharaha aahijaa Kaadhethii thanmayedhaya tharavo..." thus, is given in the 'Bhaagawatha paaraayana' slokam. O.K... This 'Bhaagawatham' wrote by Vyaasar, was narrated to king 'Pariitchiththu' by Sukar, who was considered as more intelligent than Vyaasar and excelled in knowledge. That too, the critical condition was, that the king shall receive the entire teachings of 'Bhaagawatham', within a week, if he has to attain 'Moksham'. How today's teachers rush, chase, threaten, slapping, flipping complete that portion of the subject necessary for the upcoming examination, likewise, Sukar completed his lectures on 'Bhaagawatham' to king 'Pariitchiththu'. By listening to the 'Bhaagawatham', the curse on 'Pariitchiththu was annulled and he attained 'Moksham'.
At this point, we are going to search, for the answers of the question, raised by Jeymini. That is the reason I narrated this story of Sukar. When they say that he attained 'Moksham' and reached 'Vaikuntam'... What is 'Moksham'?... How does the 'Vaikunta Lokam' (Vaikunta world) looks like? The answers to this can be found in the 'Upanishadhs'. Just like in this earth, 'Vaikuntam' also has all the amenities and pleasures. If that is so... Do they have houses in 'Vaikuntam'?... Those in 'Vaikuntam', are they living with their wives? Just like in this world, are the inhabitants, enjoying sexual pleasures?... Do they also bear children?... Do they have thieves over there?... How about sages? Do they entertain extra-marital affairs?... I am not asking these questions! Moving on... Virajaa is a small stream that is flowing uniformly, making the sound 'jala... jala...', in a very narrow path. Acroos the river there is a town called Aparaajithai. Town is so good and happy… and wherever you see the men and women are very happy… assemble in crowds, and enjoying themselves. Lined up with huge mansions with terraces and elaborate temples there is also a hall with one thousand pillars. Inside that hall also there is entertainment and happyness is overflowing. In that thousand pillared hall, there is a very high cot named 'Dhivyaparyangam'. On that cot, using snake as the matress Perumaal is resting on it. Nearby, another dweller, has created as per his own desire 'Pithru Lokam' (Ancestral world) and 'Sthrii Lokam' (Ladies world). He is also enjoying life like everyone else. What a hooplaa!... This is called 'Moksham'. In the Moksha world... Are there families?... Are there kids?... Are there sages?... Does one person takes away another person's wife? ... questions such as these were raised in the last chapter. These questions were not raised by me... Chakkaravarththi Aachchaaryaar in his book titled 'Mummadhasaaram' has raised these questions. He himself, later on, gives the answers to these questions. "The Moksham, that these people are associated with, is praised by everyone. Divisions based on caste, class, religion, color does not exists here. Everyone belongs to only one caste. Even in the enjoyment, there is no difference between them... Enjoyment is equal for everyone. This is called 'Saayujyam'. Every variety of enjoyment is equally divided among the individuals and distributed to all dwellers is 'Saayujyam'. Other living beings such as, nightingale, parrot, eagle, elephant, plant, vine, and tree also found in Vaikunta world. Since they are also living beings, some of you may wonder... based on their size and the intellectual level, wouldn't there be any discrimination?
The answer to this... they are all permanent 'Nithyasoorikal'.('Nithyasoorikal' they are perpetual residents of the Vaikuntam and exist to serve the 'Bhagawaan' himself.) Even though there are two different sexes... in no means one is deprived of the other. Even, the parrot and nightingale can assume other forms, at their will, and serve the God. A 'Mukthaathmaa' (a soul that has been liberated Mukthi+Aathmaa) can assume multiple forms at the same time. 'Mukthaathmaa' can assume the multiple forms, it can assume the forms of male, female and children and serve as a family. Or... one 'Mukthaathmaa' can associate with another 'Mukthaathmaa' and serve together, by both 'Mukthaas' assuming several forms that are suitable for the service mission and carry on joint family service (Kudumbha Dhaasyam). Thus, while performing the 'Kudumbha Dhaasyam'... as the male forms of one 'Mukthaathmaa' and female forms of different 'Mukthaathmaa' associate together and play around or amuse themselves, there is a potential for developing sexual urge between them. Because of those feelings, do not suspect that it is acting against the image of the Moksham. All the 'Ramanam' (naughtiness) among each form is only the mischief of the 'Bhagawaan'.
Why Sri Krishna shall enjoy the company of Gopi women and have bodily relationship with them?... How come Paraasara Bhattar in his book ‘Sri Gunarathna Kosam’ established that Sri Ranganaathan enjoyed His bodily relationship with His consort Sri Ranganaayaki using His male body part?... If we think based on all these writings… just like in this world, in the Moksham also every sort of enjoyment exists. Even if the dwellers of Moksham are puritans, they were flirting around and enjoying the company of opposite sex. Every happenings is the act of ‘Bhagawaan’…” … Thus, Chakkaravarththi Aachchaariyaar gives a detailed accout of the Moksham and the life in the Moksha world. Now, shall we look into the lines of Upanishadhs to find out what is going on in the Moksham?... “Saha yathii pithur loka Kaamo bhavathii… Sankalpaa dhevaasya Pithara upathishta nthe…” “What do you want?... You want to see your deceased mother? You create her yourself. You want to see your father? Create yourself. O.K… You are hateful your wife and relatives… Now, you need an outside women (parasthrii)?... That is, whichever woman you have been longing for, in this world… or in that world, whichever woman you are longing for… If you wish, she will appear in front of you. She will smile at you. Approach closer to you. She will gently embrace you and give the pleasures you are expecting from her. In this world, the enjoyment you derive from bodily contact with women, is considered as little pleasures. Where as, in the Moksham, the same will be great joy. The pleasures in this world are irrelevant. There it is ‘Bhagawath Aanandham’ (Godly pleasure). This is nature and that is super nature. “Yashananne kriidanne Ramamaanaahaa sthriipirvaa Yaanirvaa…” … Thus says upanishadh. “Just like the way, you are roaming around in a car in this world, there also you can roam around freely. That too, you can spend your time, with any ladies you choose. You will have the power to create her yourself”… thus goes the upanishadh. If that is so… What is Bhagawaan’s responsibility in moksham?… In this world, the one who gave birth to you, is your mother... where as in Moksham, you can create your own mother. Here, the source of your birth, is your father... and in Moksham, if you wish, you can create him. Thus, we have seen more about Moksham, that is being operated under the supernatural laws. It for real?... How to get to this world, in which there is no hunger or famine, if one desires?... For guiding a person who wants to reach this world, several lessions are given, in 'Sandhokya Upanishadh'. That is, starting from the third chapter... 'Madhu Vidhyai', 'Gaayathrii Bramma Vidhyai', 'Saandilya Vidhyai', 'Samvarga Vidhyai', 'Shoda Sakala Bramma Vidhyai', 'Upakosala Vidhyai', 'Praana Vidhyai', 'Panchaakni Vidhyai'... thus several 'Vidhyai' (learned art) and the list keeps on going. These 'Vidhyais' were taught by Bramman to Prajaapathi and from Prajaapathi to Manu and finally from Manu to common citizens. What is the content of these 'Vidhyais'?... 'The one who realizes his soul... he attains Moksham'... this is the gist of this Upanishadh.
The angels in heaven ('Dhevar') and those cruel people in this world ('Asuran') are children of Prajaapathi. He spread, all over the world, the word, 'The one who realizes 'Aadhmaa' (soul) along with its eight characteristics only can attain Moksham'. At once... the leader of the 'Dhevars', Indhiran and the as representative of 'Asurans', Virosanan, approached their father Prajaapathi and asked him 'How to attain Moksham'?... and upon his instructions, they were observing thirty two years of celibacy. At that time their father told them "Fill a pail with water and intensely look through the water. Decorate yourself with jewelries and costumes and look deep into the pail. If nothing is visible you come and ask me". The leader of 'Asuran' clan, Virosanan looked into the water. He can see only his own image. He concluded that this is 'Aadhmaa' and returned back and taught every 'Asuran' his perception of 'Aadhmaa'. Because of his wrong teachings the 'Asura' dynasty became 'Dhehaadhmawaadhi' (Dheham=Body; Aadhmaa=Soul; Waadhi=Believer, petitioner). That is, they wrongly believed, that the body itself is the soul. However, the leader of Indhiran, realized that the reflection resembles his own face, and returned to Prajaapathi. He instructed Indhiran to continue his penance to one hundred and one years during which he instructed various 'Vidhyai' and sent him to Moksham.
Based on this... the Asurans have no privilege to Moksham, and is reserved only for Dhevars. If the purpose of this story, is to relate, the differentiation between the Asurans and the Dhevars... then and there, couldn't Prajaapathi have instructed, correctly about the Aadhmaa, to the Asurars also?... Only thing is, that the Rishis, who wrote these Upanishadhs, did not think about this point. From the same Upanishadh another 'Vidhyai'... Son of Arunamaharishi was Uththaalakar. His son was Svethakethu. He had no interest in learnng Vedham, tradition or any other arts. He roamed around as a free bird. After seeing his behavior, his father Uththaalakar told him... "Hey!... What is the use, being a Brahmin, and if you cannot recite Vedhams?... You get out from here, go to a 'gurukulam' (In-residence with a guru and learn) and return back"... with these words, he sent him out. These words of 'Uththaalakar' toched his nerves and he left the house. He learned every Vedham, without any flaw... and returned back after convincing himself that nothing more to learn. His father Uththaalakar asked him... "What happened... You have returned back so soon?". That twenty four year old lad replied..."I have learned twelve years. There is nothing more to learn". His father... "Did you ask your guru, 'If I meditate by requesting on which one thing, that I will get the benefits of meditating, requesting for everything in this world'?"... asked. Son... " What are you talking about? This world is so big? How can you know a single thing, and through that know the entire world?...There is no such matter exists in this world"... Later on the father 'Uththaalakar', continued teaching him, on various subjects.
Another scene... Svethakethu went to a 'Sathas' (academy) in Paanchaala Dhesam. 'Sathas' is an academy, where intellectuals get together, and debate over various topics. Ther he met with a Raajarishi (Elder Rishi) named Pravaahanan. Raajarishi asked... "Son... Has you father been teaching you various subjects?"... Svethakethu... "Yes Sir"... Raaja : "If that so... Do you know where everybody goes after their death?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "Do you at least know their return pathway?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "O.K... Do you at least know, of some lives, that has reached the upper world (Moksham)?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "O.K... Do you know the difference between 'Dhevayaana Maarkkam' and 'Pithruyaana Maarkkam'?"... Sveth : "I do not know..." Raaja : "If that is so... What kind of teachings did you had?... If you do not know answers to all these questions, how can you claim that you had any teachings?"...
Svethakethu ran back to where his father was... and told him of the humiliation that he was going though in front of the Raajarishi. After sobbing for a while, he asked "Dad... What are the answers to all those questions?". His father Uththaalakar..."Son... If I only knew the answers wouldn't I have told you about it?"... Thus his father replies. This is how it goes, all enquiries over the Moksham...
We have explored in detail all enquiries about Moksham. We have also seen various examples of enquiries such as, the discussions between Vyaasar and Jeymini, and discussions of UththaalakarSvethaethu-Pravaahanan. What did we understood from this treatise? That is, You must live in this very world, as a good person. If you do, there is another world, which even better than this world, is waiting for you. Thus Moksham is nothing but an entity created to stoke your gluttony. We have already seen that women cannot go to Moksham. If they desire, they have to go through an incarnation as man and work towards their goal. If that is so, we have also seen, that there won't be very many ladies, in Moksham and those men who goes there, they have the ability, to create one or several women, to their likings. If everyone can create, without any effort, whatever they desre, then what is the task of God in Moksham? His only work is to hang around Mahaalatsumi and enjoy Her company. If you go further, Mokshalokam (Moksha World), is nothing but another world, similar to ours, but much happier, sweeter, plentiful and everything is there to pleasurize you. However, to reach that place there are very strict conduct and conditions have to be met... thus, Moksham was created just to force us live in this world per established moral, societal rules and regulations. Nothing more!
O.K... We have swirled around from... "Baby! Here is the milk, and you drink this, and grow to be a good person"... thus starting with the newborn baby, sending them Vedic education, till after life in Moksham as described in Upanishadh. While going through all these topics, have we used the word 'Hindu' at any place? Only at the end of the first chapter... When Brahmins, set foot on Indian soil, there were 450 religions prevailing in this land. I raised the question, out of these, which was Hindu religion? After the usage at that location, have we used the word 'Indhu' or 'Hindhu' in any other locations? Think about it! The title of this book itself is 'Indhu Matham Enge Poogirathu?'. Yet... to this point, I have not introduced this word 'Indhu' to you? We have looked into various details about our religion, our traditions, cultural and religious highlights, incidences, and stories. Yet?... We have not used the term 'Indhu' or 'Hindhu'? Only when this question is raised, we need to tell how this word 'Hindhu' has originated. Before that...
The human race in this world is divided, by the anthropologists, into five groups. What are they? Semetic - Jews and Arabs Hemetic - At present they are considered to be non-existent Negroes - People of African origin Mangolis - China and surrounding countries Aryans - Europeans and Indian Brahmins After looking at this classification, of the human race, come to Babylonia. Babylonia?... Yes! I am going to quote a sentence, by the world historians, after they have conducted considerable research. Then you will understand about the Babylonia. "In the dark past of ancient countries... Babylonia and Egypt are only lights with fine culture...". If we go back to the dark days, of the ancient world, and turn it around, there, only at two places, the light of civilization blinds the eyes.One was Babylonia and the other was Egypt. Here, we are going to look among them, one of those bright spots called Babylonia. The inhabitants of this place, several thousand years back, went through a revolution in civilization. They have ruled by establishing a country as well as cities. Their religion and culture were matched and compatible. We get evidences for this from the book 'The Encyclopedia of World Religions and Ethics'.
How did the people of Babylonia look? What kind of deities they worshiped? In ancient Babylonia, the people practiced, 'Totomism Worship'. That is, they were worshiping deities shaped like animals. How?... They were, for their animal deities, conducted functions. That too, just like we take palanquin and carry our 'utsavamoorthies' (uninstalled movable deities), they used to make palanquin out of wood, and decorated it with live flowers, kept their deity inside, and carried it around the town and thus conducted their festivals. They even went farther... they assigned duties (Dharma) for each class of people, and established principles of justice such as what one can do and not do. They used to wear a short skirt, over their strong rugged body, and wear a sharp machete at their hip, and looked very scary. However, their life style was bloomed out of matured civilization. O.K... Let the cultural flood of Babylonia, over flow the banks. I know that you would like to ask... "How was that culture connected with the word 'Indhu'?"... Wait!... We need to look at little more details about Babylonia.
We have been looking into the civilization of the Babylonians. Before we get back to our subject… we need to look little bit more about their civilized culture. What culture… The wonder about their civilization is burst open and flowing all over Babylonia. The people of Babylonia have been living such a civilized life. Borrowing few of the books of civilization from Sumerians, Babylonians established for themselves, a much superior civilization, and lived a very happy life and thereby left a mark in this world. To find out more about the life they lived thousands of years back… let us get back to the Babylonian soil.
The flowering trees, with greenest of green leaves… In that area, sweet music was flowing through and fills the tree groves. What type of music was it? How can one describe in words, about the song that was played, several thousand years back? If we move towards the spot, where the music was originating, we find a small gathering. In the middle of the crowd, was standing a person, with shaven head, and wearing full length red dress. Who was that person? He was the religious Guru of the Babylonians. What was the religion of the Babylonians? They worshiped nature such as the sun and the moon. Later on, they worshiped various animals and finally, they created their own deities and named them in their own language. In that crowd… the drums were there and flutes were also there. As some people were playing instruments, others were singing together. “In the assembly of the elders May my speech be heard Oh God… Daily walk with me Thy praise I would sing…” Babylonians, various types of devotional songs, this was a small drop. In the book titled ‘Encyclopedia of World Religions and Ethics’ under the heading ‘Babylonian’s Prayer’, we can read this song. (T.C.: There is no need to translate these verses.) Babylonians were requesting from God, more mental acumen and knowledge.
There are lot more information about the religious Gurus. There were several hierarchy in the religious Gurus. A common religious Guru was called 'Sangu' and it means leader. He was at the bottom of the rung of religious Gurus. The next higher in the pecking order was called 'Sangu Rapu' which means a high priest. Next in the hierarchy was called 'Sangu Danu' which means thathe was a mighty priest. The highest level of priesthood was called 'Sangu Mahoo' meaning supreme priest. Though there were such hierarchy existed among the religious Gurus, during the public prayers everyone from the kings to ordinary laborers were admitted to pray without class distinction. Why just ordinary laborers? They even allowed slaves to pray together in the congregational worship practices. However, to participate in the worship services, one has to meet certain conditions. One must pay as tax, one tenth of their income, to be eligible to participate in the worship services. Even those, who do not own a piece of land, are eligible to participate in the worship services. Rather than money, they must contribute sweat labor, and attend to temple related activities.
How about ladies in the worship services?... Why not?... Just like for men, they must also contribute taxes, to be eligible to participate. The chief reason for this inclusion was, that they respected women to be equal, and were also worshiping female deities. Here a scene!... There was a common prayer session in progress. At that time a woman walks in to participate. The temple officers refused to admit her into the prayer hall. Female : "Hey! Do you know who I am?" Officer : "How does it matters, who you are?" Female : "My name is Ninqaya. I am the servant of this country's King's mother. I come directly, from the royal palace, and even for me no permission?" Officer : "Lady!... You pay your dues... Till that time, I am not bothered, even if you are the King's mother." What happened after that?... The servant woman paid her share of the tax and she was admitted to enter the prayer hall. The reason for brineing this to your attention, was to show that the religious Gurus were not only dedicated to devotion, religious discourses and activities, and worship services, but also they were taking active part in the financial management of the temple. Thus, in the religious matters as well as administrative matters, they practiced strict regulations... collecting appropriate dues and through that carrying out social services... from kings to common laborers same kind of treatment including common worship for everyone... thus they were living in a very civilized and disciplined society. Naturally, such peaceful urban civilized society has tendency to elicit jealousy from the kings of the neighboring land. The king of the neighboring land 'Antha' was itching to takeover Babylonia. We have looked into the highly civilized life of the people of Babylonia. Who wouldn't be delighted to rule over such a paradise? That desire overwhelmed one king! Which one? History predicts that happened approximately 2600 years back... The adjacent land next to Babylonia, was Paarasiikam (Persia), ruled by king Cambysis I. He had a son named Cyrus, who was very aggressive, even during his birth. Everybody was thinking... 'For a kid born in a vassal country, he is too aggressive... he is going to be a roughneck when he grows up'. Indeed... at that time the people of Paarasiikam were vassals to the king of Midiiya named Astyages. Even though the country of Paarasiikam was vassel to Midiiya, it was run as a self autonomous country. According to ancient historian, Heradatus, 'Persian nation contains a number of tribes'. Basically, then, it had people of several tribes, brought under one umbrella. What are they?... 'Paasaragate', 'Maraahbi', 'Maasbi' were few of the many tribes that were living in that country. Out of these tribes, 'Paasaragate' tribe was considered to be a very respectable one, beacuse of the family ties, that they have established. Just like them, there were several nomadic tribes, such as 'Paanthiyaale', 'Derusiyaaye', 'Taay', 'Drobiki', 'Sakarti', also living in Persian nation. The king of Midiiya was ruling over such tribes who were living in bunches.
At that period in time, Cyrus (He was also called as Curus) was an young lad. Under his fathers upbringing, Cyrus learned all the arts... and in his youthful days... roughened age he became the king of his country. During those days, Persia was called as Anson. As soon as Cyrus became the king of Anson, he brought the nomadic tribesmen who were dodging around his father, completely under his control. Cyrus was putting more restrictions, and controls over these nomads than his father. He himself was under the rule of the king of Midiiya. However, if he goes and beats up the nomadic tribesmen and collects royalties... what would those people do? They took every weapon, they can get hold of, including machete and stones, and revolted against his administration. The king of Midiiya was sizing up the situation. "This Cyrus himself, is under my rule. How can he exercise, more authority, over the tribal nomads?"... he became very angry and decided to send an army to suppress Cyrus's power. He sent his army under the leadership of his general Harpogus, to conquer over Cyrus.
However, Cyrus, himseld was waiting for an opportunity to confront the king of Midiiya. "Come you damn it... come on... Were you thinking, that I am an older gentleman, just like my father?... I was pondering over the issue 'whom should I attack?'... that too, I was waiting for an opportunity, to trounce you, for keeping us, as vassals for all these years"... thus Cyrus was beating his thighs. He defeated and chased the army of the Midiiya country as they were fleeing. After, Cyrus crushed the army of the general Harpogus, as a next step he marched on Midiiya country, and brought it under his rule. From that time on, he not only became the king of Midiiya and Persia, by his own actions, but also those who made the country of Persia, as a vassal during his father's ruling, he made them as vassals and made them pay tribute to him. At this juncture, there was a 'Raaja Ragasyam' (king's secret) concealed by the historians. This secret was brought to light by great historian Herodotus.
What secret?...
You see… Cyrus’s father, somehow chased around and got married to Mandane, the daughter of the king of Midiiya, the one who has kept him as a vassal king. That is, he added her also to his stable of numerous wives he already had in his haram. “O.K… What kind of ‘Raaja Ragasyam’ was it? This happens every day in the royal families”… you may ask. The secret is yet to come! As you know, Cyrus’s father was married to a daughter of the king of Midiiya. Ctesias of Cnidus, a prominent Greek historian, gives further account of the happenings in the Kingdom of Midiiya. “Another daughter of the king of Midiiya, was married to Cyrus himself”… wrote the Greek Historian. What is this? One daughter was married to father and her sister was married to the son. That too, the son gets married after the wedding of the father! That means he married his step-mother’s sister. Because of this marriage, Cyrus officially became the owner of the kingdom of Midiiya. Hence, Cyrus was elevated to king of dual kingdom, one, of his father-in-law’s, and if we go still further, his grandfather’s kingdom of Midiiya, and the other, of his own kingdom of Persia. This Cyrus was the one, who wanted to takeover Babylonia. However?… In order to face the mighty Babylonian army,
Cyrus needed more reinforcement for his army. What did he do to overcome this handicap? Whom did he approach for that help?... What have we seen so far?... We have seen the Persian king Cyrus’s love for Babylonia and his determination to take it over. When he found out that he cannot accomplish the task with his own army… few people were giving him advice ‘how to reinforce the army’? “Go little bit farther… There you will find the king of Sindhu Desh. You ask his help for conquering Babylone. He will definitely assist you”… they advised. Cyrus or his messengers reached the Sindhu Dhesam. Sindhu Dhesam means… Huge country that was laying on the banks of the present Sindhu river. Sindhu river originates in the Lake Manosarovar located in present Tibetan region meanders along the Himalayan platea, descends into Pakistan and at Karachi, it confluences into Arabian sea. Sindhu Dhesam, probably was located, on the banks of the river and extended beyond into the plains. Cyrus was requesting military help only from this very powerful kingdom of Sindhu Dhesam. Historian Arrian, in his sketch, confirms that Cyrus had visited the Sindhu river region. However, he concludes that there was no evidence, or stone tablets, to prove that he had conquered this region. The king of Sindhu Dhesam, helped Cyrus with a strong contingent of elephant and horse brigades. With the reinforcement of these contingents, Cyrus, was victorious and he took control of Babylone. This is given in the writings of historian Taalmii. A book publisher, I believe it was P.T. Paani, located in Thiruvallikeni published the book called ‘Age of Shankara’. In this book, Taalmii’s statements are explained in detail.
O.K… Are you saying, ‘Let the king of Sindhu Dhesam help Cyrus’?...’ What about it now?... Only now we are getting back to the point. I have asked earlier, ‘How the name ‘Hindhu’ was given?’ Now you listen to me. This Cyrus… being friendly, with the king of Sindhu Desham, wouldn’t he had few conversations with him? The reason is… based on the conclusions of the philology experts of the world… there are some similarity and differences between the Sanskrit and the Persian language. What is ‘Sa’ in Sanskrit is ‘Ha’ in Persian language. Example, What is ‘Saraswathi’ for us was ‘Harahwathi in Persian. We say ‘Asurahaa…’ and while Persian’s worshiped a God ‘Ahuramasthaa’. Along these lines, ‘Sindhu’ was called as ‘Hindhu’ by Persian people. The Persians pronounced it incorrectly. However… in our books, and in ‘Vedhams’, approximately in one thousand locations, it was referred only as ‘Sindhu’, and nowhere it was referred as ‘Hindhu’ or ‘Indhu’. Absolutely not! O.K… How was the word ‘Sindhu’ was used in our Vedhas?... “Sindhohaa… apara paathe aasanna…” The words that follow this sentence, are flowing like a river on the mountain slope with roaring noise of ‘Sala…Sala…’. What is the meaning of these words? ‘Sindhu’ river, several times wider than the present width, is flowing like a ‘Jiiva’ (perennial) river. The surface waves are moving very beautifully. In that perennial river Sindhu… few people are crossing the river starting from the other bank and coming towards this bank, by a boat… this is the meaning of this Vedic lines.On the banks of this river only, various karmas were devised by the ‘Vedham’. One such karma was, the people who were living in this valley, used send their children to learn various arts and ‘Vedham’. This karma was called ‘upanayanam’. That is, this karma, what was originally performed, to send off a child to his school (Gurukulam), now it is used to put a ‘poonool’ (sacred thread) around the upper body. Besides, they wrote mantras for several social ritual such as conducting marriage, birth of a child, naming a child, feeding the child his first solid meal. Based on this, using Vedham as the source, not only these karmas, but also karmas such as ‘Poorva Pirayogam, Apara Pirayogam’ (that is those karmas to be performed during one’s life, and those karmas that has to be performed after death, of a person) were explained, by Rishi Aapasthambar. This was called Aapasthambar soothram. “Nadhevaahaa nakantharvaahaa Napithaithii aajakshathe Ayantharmoo aayantharmethii Yanthaa aaryaa krumaanam samsanthi natharmahaa” That is… these mantra karmas, that was to be performed by all people, was called ‘Dhesaachchaaram’. This tradition shall be called as ‘Aarya Matham’… thus states Aapasthambar. One strange thing… the daily rituals of the people, living on the banks of the river Sindhu, that he codified, was not even named by him as ‘Sindhu Madham’(Sindhu religion). He named it as ‘Aarya madham’. If that was the case… why in the school certificates of our children of Tamil Nadu, living thousands of miles away from Sindhu river, they are writing his religion as Hindhu… Why?...
We have seen about the river ‘Sindhu’ and how the letter ‘sa’ was mispronounced by the Persians as ‘ha’. i.e., we have seen the ‘si’ eventually transformed to ‘hi’. Other than the Persian’s called that region around the Sindhu river as the ‘Hindhu Dhesam’, the composers of ‘Vedham’ called it only as ‘Bhaaratham’. In Rig Vedham, a ‘manthram’ (mantra) with the name of a very famous sage of that era called Vishwaamithrar... “Viswaamithrasya rakshathii Bramme itham Bhaarathanjanam…” What is the meaning of this verse? Vishwaamithrar says… “ With my bright knowledge… along with the benefit of the knowledge that I accrued by learning the religious scriptures… the mantras that I teach will shower the people of the Bhaaratha Dhesam prosperous life and will protect the people of this land” … boldly, and with confidence. Vishwaamithrar said neither “My mantra will protect Hindhu Dhesam” nor “My nantra will protect Sindhu Dhesam”. He refers it only as ‘Bhaaratha Dhesam’. Next… I have given an example, ‘Sindho aparaapaathe aasanna…’, do you remember? Before that there is a sentence, ‘Bhaarathaasi eenaa…’ meaning of these sentences “The people of the Bhaaratha Dhesam are crossing the Sindhu river…”… goes like this. Even where the river mentioned, as Sindhu river, the country was called by the composers, of the ‘Vedham’, only as Bhaaratha Dhesam. Just like this, let us look at another example. Among the Brahmins, there is a tradition called ‘Sankalpam’. ‘Sankalpam’ means… everytime a karma (ritual) is performed, they take an oath through a mantra, which goes thus… “I shall carryout this Karma to its completion, with utmost devotion and effort”. ‘Sankalpam’ means resolve. i.e., Oath… O.K… What is that ‘sankalpam’? “Vishno…aagnyaya… ........ Bhaaratha varshe bharatha kante... sakaaphe..." I am quoting this 'Sankalpa' mantra, just for the middle of the sentance. 'Bhaaratha Varshe' means 'the one living in 'Bhaaratha Dhesam' and 'Bharatha Kante' means 'that country ruled by Bharathan'. This 'sankalpam', was highlighted in various ancient devotional texts, such as 'Vishnu Puraanam' and 'Bhaagawatham'. Hence, this region of the country, has been called only as 'Bhaaratha Dhesam', even in ancient days. They have not even called their country as 'Sindhu Dhesam'. If that is so... what is the possibility of calling it as 'Hindhu...'? Yes!... what I have told you, were based on the happenings and writings, that took place thousands of years back. What I am going to talk now, has happened only few hundred years back.
Yes!... If you count, only about four hundred years back, the Europeans have set foot in India. During that period, in various parts of our country, moghul rulers were governing. That is, the muslim sulthaans were ruling the country. As they set foot in India, for the sole purpose of trading with the country, noticed that the country had abundance of natural resources, except 'unity' among the rulers was parched. As a matter of fact, those people under the rule of muslim kings, were fighting among themselves. Those princes, under muslim rule, were fighing among themselves, for securing more revenue. Kings themselves were fighting against each other. The people were divided into castes such as 'Brahmins, Sudhras and Panchamars and living in hatred. The white man observed the situation and asked the locals about such cracks in the society. The reply he got was "This is our caste philosophy. Who are you to ask us about it?"... was the voice he received.
'O.K... Among them prevails, so much of divisive energy. This country, has abundane of natural resources'... with these thoughts, he displaced his family to India, along with his wife and children. The priests from Europe were also immigrated to India. They observed the practice of 'Jaathi Thathvam' (Caste philosophy) i.e., 'Brahmin is the God', 'Nasudhraa mathinthathyaathu' (whip and kick the sudhraas. they shall not receive any form of teaching)... and the prevailing treatment of the lower caste people ... and printed propaganda materials at the cost of one anna (one sixteenth of a rupee) and two annas. They distributed it among the Sudhraas and Panchamars. They showed those books to them to make them realize about their own suppressed state in the society. Their main theme of their preachings was... 'Don't follow the religion of the Brahmins. We give you an alternative'. Thus, as many years have been passing by... they were wondering 'How should we call these people?'. That was when, he realized that these people, were originally living on the banks of river Sindhu, and decided to call them 'Sindhu'. That is, in the British documents of earlier days, the people of India were called as 'Zindoo'...
We have seen, the naming of our religion, by the composers of the 'Vedham' to that was given by the Englishmen. Because the Englishman believed that we were originally from the plains of Sindhu river, and based on that he called us 'Zindoo'. You may be urged ask "How do you know that?". I have seen that document by British and I have personally read it. In Kumbhakonam, on the banks of the Kaaveri river, just about everything can grow. There on the laps of Kaaveri, there was a place, where knowledge can grow as well as enlightenment can also grow. That was the library of my great teacher Raghunaatha Rao. Raghunaatha Rao was older than me and he served as a Dhivaan of Baroda Samasthaan. During his appointment period, he used to correspond with the British government. After his retirement from the position of Dhivaan, he returned to Kumbhakonam and opened a library on the banks of the Kaaveri river. That is where I had the opportunity to see the British documents. At first he used to write about us, in the official documents as 'Zindoo', and as time passed, he gradually changed his pronounciation to 'Hindu'. The gradual change in his pronounciation was also recorded in his documents.
Now the 'Zindoo' has evolved into 'Hindu'. Hence, now what we call ourselves and our own religion as 'Hindu' was not christened by ourselves. It was given to us by foreighners and that is what we have been cherishing all these years. If we go into it further... this name was given to our religion by Christians. Since, he did not know, how to call us using a common name, white Christian invented... not even invented. Whatever, was convenient for his tongue, to pronounce... now we have been carrying it, as our own brand! We claim that we are following, the 'Vedhams', 'Manu Smiruthi', 'Sasthiram', 'Puraanam', 'Sundaikkaay'... and such scriptures and literatures, that were composed, thousands and thousands of years back... we never distilled, a common name for ourselves, from these scriptures. That never could be accomplished! Because...
Several religions are practised in our country. As I told you before, when the Aryan Brahmins entered into India, there were close to four hundred and fifty religions were practiced. Haven't I questioned you, out of all these religions, which was Hindu religion? Now you can tell me. Which is Hindu religion? Religions such as, Vedhic religion, Aryan religion and Brahmana religion immigrated into our society. Budhdhism evolved to oppose all these religions. Madhva religion florished. Dhvaitham branched out. From there, Adhvaitham branched out. Visishtaadhvaitham grew. Saivam and Vaishnavam was the talk of the country for a while. Jainism was established. Even in Vaishnavam, splits such as Vadakalai and Thenkalai shaped up, and they went all the way upto the courts, to resolve their issues. Leaving these behind... in the wide landscape of our country, worshiping of numerous local favorite deities, are seen everywhere. Kaali Amman, Maari Amman, Dhurgai Amman, Ayyanaar, Muniappan, Karuppasaami, Thoondikkaaransaami ... one can keep on stacking the names of local favorite deities. That is, after seeing the varieties of worship practices, the whiteman was perplexed, and bundled all of them together, and called everyone livng in this country as 'Hindhu'. Upon the birth of a baby in our house, if that baby is a boy, customarily we name him with his grandfather's name. If it happened to be a girl, we name her with the name of her grandmother. If not, we name them with the name of our 'Kula Dheivam' (family god). However... If a stranger... who has no knowledge about us... and who cannot talk our language... called us with a 'blurry sound' that he can conveniently make from his tongue, can you name your child the same 'blurry sound'? That is how we have named our child a.k.a. our religion
O.K... We have seen the origin and history of the word 'Hindhu'. This is the history of the word, that you carry in your school certificates, and in your life, that serves as your own brand. The brand that was awarded to us by the whiteman, we are proudly carrying it around. Now let us talk about another matter. When there was consideration of giving independance to our country... in Tanjaavur district, in a small village near Aaduthurai...there held a secret meeting. If you ask me when... the night queen was stepping beyond 10:00 p.m. and progressing towards mid-night. This was about sixty years back and at this particular part of the night, the villages usually get into deep silence. The meeting was lit with 'ghadaa' lamps and fire torches and was presided by 'Mahaa Periyavar'. Why?... What for?... Haven't I told you previously, that in a village near Aaduthurai, 'Mahaa Periyavar' Sankaraachchaariyaar has arranged for a meeting at night?... Scattered around were small lamps, and fire torches, to provide needed light. The place where the meeting was held appeared like a house. I was seated outside on a raised area (Thinnai). I had prior knowledge of the subject of discussion and hence, I did not go inside the house. Shouldn't you also know, what I have learned over there? Didn't I explain to you the origin of the name 'Hindhu'? Hinduism is also known as 'Sanaadhana Dharmam'. The sole purpose of the meeting was to conserve 'Sanaadhana Dharmam' and to protect the 'Varnaasramam' as dictated by 'Manu Dharmam'. Why?... What kind of trouble was anticipated?... We have already looked into the 'Mana Dharmam' (wedding rules) that was dictated by 'Manu Dharmam'. Recapping it... 'A girl shall get married before the age of eight. If not, and if the wedding has not taken place even after her puberty, the father of the bride shall consume the secretion from her vagina till her wedding'... We have seen in detail this bizarre commandment of 'Manu' in the 45th and 46th chapters.
"Ashtaa varushaa paleth kanyaa..." 'Before the girl reaches eight, she shall get married'... This rule of the smiruthi, was executed in our country, till the middle of the twentieth century, with considerable hardship. As a matter of fact, during my young age, I have witnessed several child marriages, like these. Nowadays, in the marriage halls, you will see several children, running and playing around. Even in those days, the children used to play around in the 'Kalyaana Mahaal' (Wedding Hall). There is only one exception! Just like those playing, two children, will be seated on the wedding stage. Just like this, several child marriages, were taking place. During that time period, there were several protests, against the child marriages, staged by the social reformers cum independence fighters. Social reformers from our own country... were vehemently opposed to the child marriage. Because, if they get married at the young age, and if the child husband accidentally dies, the widow has to remain as a widow lifelong and in addition, she has to endure severe sanctions imposed on the widows.
After understanding the cruelty and its aftermath, the British enacted a law in 1929, which barred the child marriage, and if anyone violating this law will be subject to prison terms. Now, we will come back to, the meeting organized by 'Mahaa Periyavar'. Already there were few laws enacted by the British government that beheaded some of the 'Manu' laws and the 'Varnaashrama Dharmam' (discrimination based on caste system). At the time of awarding the independence to India, a parliamentary delegation of the British government, arrived in India. The purpose of this delegation, comprising of the Members of the British Parliament, was to explore the mode and method of awarding independence, and to have discussion with various groups in India, to get their input. The Aaduthurai meeting was convened, during the time of the visit by the parliamentary delegation. 'Mahaa Periyavar'..."Already they have barred the child marriage... I am not sure what other attacks are planned over our tradition... Hence, we need to convey to this parliamentary delegation, that no more damage should be done to our traditional 'Sanaadhana Varnaashrama Dharmam'. What do you all say?"... thus he was trying to get a consensus. However, his followers... "Swami (respectable sage)! Requesting them, for such restraint over changes in laws, does not seem to us, like a good idea. Let them go ahead and bring about some changes. Changing some of the provisions of 'Manu' is only good for our era"... gave their opinion. But, Sankaraachchaariyaar did not accept their proposal. He came outside the house.
As I was seated, he came to me and said, Swami : "Thaaththaachchaari, only you and me are remainders". I : "What Swami?"... Swami : "Nobody accepted my proposal. However, we should not let this issue go. We must safeguard our tradition. For that, we are going to give that British delegation a memorandum. I have selected you for this task." I was baffled at his proposal. Swami : "You may have to go to New Delhi. Before that, we must give a telegram, to the delegation about our concerns" That night at approximately 11:00 p.m. we have drafted the words for the telegram. Was it one or two?... One or two?... One hundred telegrams! In those days, giving a single telegram, itself was very difficult. Because, the telegraph offices were located only in big cities. If it was one telegram, we can send it easily. However, one hundred telegrams? That too, it shall not appear, that they came from one location. We have to send it from various parts of the country. The wording of the telegram went like this... "We request protection for the religious and ritualistic traditions of the Bhaaratha Dhesam. Because of the change in the government our religious liberty shall not be sacrificed". We sent telegrams to the delegation, with the same wording, from one hundred different cities. The expenses for sending the telegram was borne by 'Mahaa Periyavar' himself. I just helped him. After I have sent the telegrams, he called me again and said "We must meet with them face to face, and explain to them about our religious tradition, and ask for the liberty to practice, 'Sanaadhana Dharmam', our religion. You must carry on this task also".
That time, the members of the parliamentary delegation, were visiting with various newspaper publishers... and were gathering information, about the consensus of the country, over the independence. This was because... several newspapers, have been involved in, promoting the independence uprisings. Along these lines, the delegation came to Chennai. They were visiting, one of the most important English newspaper, of that times in India, 'The Hindu', published from Chennai. 'Mahaa Periyavar' came to know of their visit to Chennai. He immediately called me and asked me to go andmeet with the delegation. I also obliged and went to the corporate office of 'The Hindu'. I was introduced to the delegation by the chief editor of 'The Hindu' newspaper Sri K. Srinivasan. He introduced me as the representative of the 'Madhaachchaariyaars' (religious leaders). Among the delegation was Mr. Sorenson, who was a priest. He and I have exchanged mutual greetings. First, I reminded him of the one hundred telegrams that was sent to the delegation. He remembered them and said… “Oh yes! We will meet at night and go over it”. That night, I met him at the residence of a famous attorney. I have given here the gist of the conversation that happened between me and Mr. Sorenson at around 10:00 p.m. Sorenson : “Welcome! What do you want? Myself : “We live in India. However, we do not have any rights to practice our own religion. We must have freedom to follow our own ‘Dharma’. Sorenson : “Oh… It is a very serious matter… Give me a memorandum and please meet me in Delhi. I immediately traveled back to Kumbhakonam and briefed ‘Mahaa Periyavar’ about our meeting. With the help of few advocates, and religious traditionalists, we prepared a memorandum stressing the need to have full freedom to practice the ‘Varnaashrama Dharmam’ (caste system). We were prepared to travel to Delhi, and present the memorandum in person. Before that the member of the delegation, that we are supposed to meet at Delhi, has traveled to Assam to assess the condition of that state. As soon as we found out, we sent an advance copy of the memorandum to Assam. Later on, I reached Delhi. There at the residence of advocate Siva Rao, Congress party leaders Mr. Achchutha Pattavardhan and Mr. Jeyaprakash Narayan, were waiting to meet the delegation at 11:00 a.m. After they concluded their meeting, along with few advocates, I met the delegation. We presented the memorandum to the parliamentary delegation, in person, and requested that we must have our rights to practice the ‘Varnaashrama Dharmam’. They accepted it and left.
Later on, from England, a cabinet delegation arrived. We sent telegrams to that delegation also. In addition, we presented them the memorandum also. However, they said “The constitution for your country will be drafted by your own leaders. Hence, please meet with your own leaders and present your case”. We took leave from them and left to meet with leader of our country Mr. Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He read the memorandum and said “ What you have said about the Sanaadhana Dharmam and the religious ‘madams’ (mutts) is very realistic. However, the chiefs of all the mutts are enjoying ‘Raaja Bhogam’ (Kings Life) in their mutts. They live with their own disciples and never have any outside contacts and provide no service to the outside world. They never volunteered to perform any social welfare service to humanity or to serve their own religion. Importantly, in the scheme to uplift the harijan people, neither the mutts nor the chiefs of the mutts showed any interest. First of all, the religious chiefs shall realize the needs of oppressed people, and must come forward to serve them”. He was very stern and showed his dissatisfaction over the religious chiefs. “Yes sir! In old times they were like you said. In the new Bhaaratha Dhesam, they will get involved and serve the public at large. Mr. Patel was not in agreement with me. I returned back to Kumbhakonam and narrated this incidence to ‘Mahaa Periyavar’. He said “Yes! That was the truth”. Next… I met with Nehruji…
We carried the petition, to Sardar Vallbhai Patel, containing the Sankaraachchaariyar's intent, to safeguard the 'Sanaadhana Madhaanushtaanam' (Hindu religious practice) and, protect it from even the minuscule dangers, and to assure that the 'Varnaashrama' (caste system) boundaries shall not be mutilated. He was not having very high opinion of the chiefs of the Hindu religious mutts and advised us...
"You cannot change the attitude of the chiefs of the Hindu religious mutts. Don't believe them and bring any of their requests to me". With stern warning he sent us back. I have already told you that 'Sankaraachchaariyaar' agreed with Mr. Patels assertion. Later on, I went to Nehruji, with the same petition. Before meeting with him, I have consulted with several sages... and took along with me few supporters of religious conservatism.
Nehruji asked "What is the matter?". We were briefing him about the essence of the memorandum. He listened to us few minutes and he scanned through the memorandum also. Suddenly... he raised his head, looked at me and said "If you want to talk about religion, you go outside from this nation. We don't allow speciality to any religion. Here all are equal... Don't talk to me about religion... Understand?"... thus, the king of roses poured out his feelings. I was shocked! Even after the overwhelming rejection by two most powerful men of the times, Sankaraachchaariyaar was not discouraged. O.K... we have not earned any special privilege for our religion. We will atleast try to get special privileges for the mutts. He continued his mission.
"Just like what Mr. Patel said, the mutts are nothing but the representatives of the religion, and they must come forward to serve the society at large. We must squelch the notion that the chiefs of all the mutts are enjoying the royal extravagance, and floating in lavishness. Hence, we must approach all the religious mutts, and press upon the fact, that they must come forward, to serve the people. Hence, we must convene 'Bhaarathiiya Mutts Sabhai' (Hindu mission conference). Before we assemble that conference, we must visit various mutts and bring it to their attention that 'With the new constitution we will become an independent country. The upcoming situation is going to be markedly different from the present situation. Hence, we must strive to get our right to exist and operate"... thus Sankaraachchaariyaar instructed us. Based on that he instructed me to convene the 'All Bharathiya Mutts Convention' at Delhi. The hardships endured in organizing this convention was immeasurable. As an organizer, Mr. Kuliththalai Annaadhurai Ayyangaar volunteered. He was an ardent devotee of the Sankaraachchaariyaar. To meet with various mutts, we started from Thiruchchi, in a car, and visited Udupi and continued on to Sirungeri mutt, personally and briefed them about the matter. In Udupi there are eight mutts associated with Madhva sect of Vaishnava tradition. Besides these, we visited other mutts in Udupi such as, Uththaraathi Mutt, Sothana Mutt, Sumuthirththa Mutt, Manthraalaya Mutt and briefed them in person about the upcoming meeting. We also visited a mutt called 'Subramanyam', that is located at the tail end of the Western Ghats.
Here I have to bring to your attention an important matter. When we visited the Sirungeri mutt, the chief of the mutt was present, outside the building, celebrating the Navaraathri festivals. Our delegation comprising of an ex-district judge and a high court judge, met with him... and the chief 'Periyavar' was speaking to us in pure Tamil. He said that for the undertaking by the 'Periyavaal' (Sankaraachchaariyaar), we cannot provide any direct help. Later on, we visited 'Paalehi' mutt, under heavy rain and met with the chief and invited him to the conference of the mutts. Visiting the mutts located at Sakatapuram and Ariharapur... we reached Shimoga and talked with the chief of Sangameshwara mutt. From there we went to Mysore and visited Vaishnava mutt named 'Parakkaara Mutt' and briefed them about the conference. East Karnataka has few 'Veera Saiva' mutts. After visiting them we went to North Karnataka and visited 'Kothe' and 'Tumkur'. Thus, after going around in Karnataka, we reached Poori Jagannaath. There are several Vaishnava mutts in Poori and the chief of the foremost mutt in Poori was Giridhaaridhaas Ramaanujar. With his help and the help of his master Dhurbalaachchaari, we visited several mutts. From there we left for Ayodhdhi. We visited the mutts located in Ayodhdhi, and briefed them about the efforts undertaken by 'Mahaa Periyavar', to grant freedom to operate the mutts, under new constitution of the country. Later on... we reached Karachi, located in the present day Pakistan, and visited the mutt located in the town of Sindhu. Starting from Kunnakkudi Mutt located in Chetti Naadu, to Thirunelveli Senkol Mutt, all the way to Sindhu Mutt... when we visited, no one objected to our proposal. O.K... Did the convention took place in Delhi? I have explained to you about our tedious efforts, to organize a convention of Hindu religious mutts, to be held in Delhi, and our efforts to visit and personally meet, with the mutts located from Kanyaakumari to Karachi. In Delhi the convention was held at 'Indhu Mahaa Sabhai'. Who were the people took part in it? None of the representatives of those mutts that we have personally visited, with no regard to rock, forest, mountain and heat of the sun, were in attendence except the representative from Sindhu Mutt. With the efforts put in for organizing, the turn out was a disappointment. What can we do? The convention was only a name sake. Any how we passed the resolution that read... 'Freedom of relation and maintaining religious institutions...' and disbursed. Where?... Even for disbursing there were not enough people. Even after that, without any exhaustion, requeting special privileges for the mutts, we made arrangements to introduce a parlimentary bill. After the new parliament convened, nobody paid any attention to that bill.
After the independence, the country was divided into India and Pakistam. In our country, India, the government proclaimed that... 'All are equal... All religions are equal'... i.e., India was declared as a secular state in the Constitution. No matter whichever religion one follows or whichever Dharmam one adopts, this country's common dharmam was 'All are equal'. According to our religious tradition... 'dharmam'(rules) are same for everybody. The king also comes under the same 'dharmam'. Why? Even God is subjected to the same 'dharmam' and if he violates or go against it, our religious tradition teaches us how to punish God. This was called as 'Dharma Vithikkramam'. That is, the 'Dharmam' is same for everyone. Whoever violates the 'dharmam', they will be punished. I shall explain this principle of fairness through two stories. Earlier, few chapters back, I was telling a story of 'Sukabrammam' with human body and the parrot head. He was teaching 'Bhaagawatham' to king 'Pariitchiththu' within seven days. Do you remember it? During the teaching of the 'Bhaagawatham'... let us take a look at a conversation. If it is 'Bhaagawatham', then invariably Lord Krishna's story will be there. Sukabramman was explaining the story to Pariitchiththu.
"Lord Krishna was intensly in love with all the 'Gopikais' (Flirting young girls). 'Gopikais' also, in return, deeply in love with Lord Krishna. If you want to know... How much?... Pitch dark night time... Only few moments before midnight. Even at that late night... they overlooked their own houses and their husbands, forgetting all their obligations... even forgot about themselves, in an intoxicated state they were singing, dancing and flirting with Krishna. Everyone of them were young girls... Out of them, Krishna grabs one of them and ran away. Remaining 'Gopikais' were running around searching for her and Krishna. The Gopika, who was taken away by Krishna was also begging him... "Krishna!... Please let me go. Everyone will be searching for me". She was scared. Just like this, on several occasions, Krishna has abducted several Gopikais and has been playing around with them"... Thus, as soon as Sukabramman finished, Pariitchchiththu was asking "What is this Swami?... When her husband was alive, exciting a girl by singing and dancing, in an intoxicated state abducting her... Isn't it a sinful act. Is it an injustice to her husband? Can Krishna commit such crimes? How is it justified?"... Sukabramman answers... "Yes! It is wrong and not justified. Even though Krishna was a God, if he commits such acts, it is a crime. He also has to endure a punishment. Our 'Dharmam' says that". The same moral value, was emphasized in detail, in another Puraanic story. Shall we go to that scene?... This scene takes place, in the present state of Punjab, in a place that you will recognize as you read this story. You will also understand the reason for naming the town. In that town lived a couple named Jalandhar-Birunthaa. They were living like an ideal couple, except in only one matter, they were differing from each other. That was in the matter of God. What kind of difference? Birunthaa was a passionate devotee of Vishnu and she believed that there was no other God except Vishnu. On the other hand, her husband Jalandhar was an ardent devotee of Sivan. The great sage Naaradhar, heard about this strange divergence between the couple, he wanted to play around a little. One day, when Jalandhar was alone, he met with him. He said to Jalandhar… “What Jalandhar?... You are a devotee of Sivan. On the other hand, your wife is worshiping Vishnu. Through your devotion to Sivan, you may even get Sivan’s wife Paarvathi Devi… Why are you keep on struggling with this Birunthaa. Do you know how beautiful Paarvathi is compared to Birunthaa?”… Thus, Naaradhar started the fire in the mind of Jalandhar. Jalandhar was shaken and asked Naaradhar… “Can I really get Paarvathi Devi? How?” Naaradhar himself, gave him the scheme to get Paarvathi. “Sivan is very much fond of Saama Vedham. Wherever, Saama Vedham is being recited, he gets intoxicated, and he goes towards that place. You do one thing. Get hold of few people who can recite Saama Vedham, and make them recite it loudly. Sivan will appear her here and while Sivan is in a state of trance you take off to ‘Kailasam’ and take care of your thirst”. After hearing Naaradhar’s cunning idea, Jalandhar, who was frozen with the thought of getting Paarvathi… hired few people versed with Saama Vedham and asked them to recite it loudly. While Sivan was intoxicated with the music, and while Sivan was away, Jalandhar sneaked into ‘Kailasam’, and found that beautiful Paarvathi Devi was in anguish over loneliness. As per the idea of Naaradhar, he approached her and
gently embraced Her. Paarvathi realized that a stranger, not Sivan, was messing around with Her and screamed “Swaamii…” with sound waves that can cause tsunami over the seven seas. This was in ‘Kailasam’… In the mean while, at the garden of Jalandhar's home...Birundhaa was perplexed over the missing husband and felt very lonely. She was praying to her favorite deity Vishnu, to find out the whereabouts of her husband and bring him back to her. Vishnu assessed the situation and her loneliness and thought 'Why shouldn't I bring some happyness to my passionate devotee?'. She is missing her husband and struggling to find him. Vishnu thought... 'Why shouldn't I become Jalandhar and make her happy?' and he decided to take the figure of Jalandhar and He approached Birundhaa. As soon as she saw Vishnu in the form of Jalandhar, she said... 'Aahaa... I got my husband back' with extreme cheerfulness, and embraced Vishnu and celebrated. The celebration turned to lust. While both of them were making love in their garden... as they themselves were sqeezed close together, a severed head, fell to the ground with a 'bothhh' noise. That head, severed from the neck, with fresh blood oozing out, happened to be the head of Jalandhar.
Yes!... While Sivan was inebriated with the music from 'Saama Vedham', organized by Jalandhar, Jalandhar sneaked into 'Kailasam' and wasn't he embracing Paarvathi Devi and she screamed for Sivan?. The screaming was so disturbing and he came out of his music intoxication. He ran to Paarvathi Devi and found her in the arms of a stranger. He was very irritated, 'Shound another being touch my wife?'... with this question He severed the head of Jalandhar and threw it out. That head was the one fell close to Birundhaa and Vishnu who came in the form of Jalandhar, while they were making love. Birundhaa assessed the situation. She was mystified... 'The one with body resemblance is my husband? or the head that fell down is my husband?'. As her doubt inching towards a climax, the body resembled Jalandhar converted back to his original form of Vishnu. He appears and says to Birundhaa... 'Devotee! It was only me'. She was fuming... "You sinful bastard!... You cheated your own ardent devotee. How can you justify your act? Who are you to come like my husband? You have committed the worst sin of all. Eventhough you are God, crime is a crime. Hence, I am going to shed a curse upon you. 'Eventhough you are a God, you must become a stone'. According to 'puranam', Birundhaa's curse caused the Lord Vishnu to become a stone statue 'Saalakraamam'. The moral of this story is that even if the God has committed a crime by violating the 'dharmam' (rule), He shall endure punishment.
At present, in our nation, legally, the untouchability was abolished. However, based on the 'aagama' (Hindu cultural tradition) it is still living. As per the 'Brahmanyam' (Brahmanic philosophy), the Brahmin is the God. This statement is contradictory to the present laws. If you follow Brahmanism... there exists Sudhraas and Panchamaas. Hence, according to the constitution of India, Brahmanism is anti law. Hence, Brahmaniiyam that follows the 'Manu Dharmam', is against our Indian Government statutes. Please understand this fact. My statement is based on philosophical principle. Hence, if one determines to protect our religion, they must accept the fact that all are equal.
Upon delivering his speech on 'Hindhu Dharmam' at the Chicago convention, Swami Vivekananda returned to Chennai and delivered a speech. I am going to present few of them to you.
"Youths of this land... I am personally requesting you to keep this in mind. We must win over the world through our religious thoughts. When I talk about religious thoughts, I am not talking about those foolish beliefs that we are holding near and and dear to our heart, but those pathways leading to Self Realization. We must be extremely cautious over our own brain, that is ruining us through the foolish beliefs, that were introduced into the society in the name of religion. Do not chase behind these foolish beliefs. I would rather see you as a staunchest 'Naasthikar' (atheist) rather than blindly adapting to foolish beliefs. This is much better for you and is also better for your people"... Thus he spoke in the Madras presidency. This is given in the compilation of Vivekananda's Madras speeches, published by Sri Ramakrishna Mutt at Chennai, titled 'Ilaiya Bhaarathame Ezhuka' (Wake up Young Bharatham).
The rules of nature worship devised by 'Vedham' was for the welfare of the world. 'Here is the milk. Please drink this and live healthily'... says the 'Vedham'. Please pour good healthful milk (thoughts) into the goblet (religion) and drink it... Let the entire universe be peaceful!
