2
Cheraman Perumal Nayanar
Parasuramakshetram…
Kodungolur, a town which also goes by the name
Mahodhai…
In the Sannathi of Sivan temple of that town, an
assemblage of people is seeking the blessings of Easan.
Gurukkal is conducting the Deeparadhanai.
Overcome with devotion, the devotees lose themselves in the darisanam of Easan.
Lifting both their hands above their heads in supplication, they loudly chant
the panchaksharam. Iraivan is seated there highly pleased. One of the devotees
looks very wealthy. Silken garments
covering his lower and upper body, golden necklaces around his neck the number
of gem-studded rings in his fingers proclaim his affluence. The scent he has
smeared on him makes the entire place fragrant.
Next to him stands a farmer. The single tattered cloth he is wearing
around his waist declares his acute poverty. A lean and thin stomach, tired
eyes and yet a brawny body of his makes it obvious that he is a hardworking farmer.
The farmer
(praying silently)
Iraiva! Easane! You grant your ardent devotees
whatever they seek from You! Aren’t You aware of my needs? Have I earned
anything by my hard work? Why don’t You give plenty of gold and gems to me, an
ardent devotee who thinks of You all the time?
At the same time…
The rich
man (praying silently)
Iraiva!
You have blessed me with good fortune and given me gold and gems in
plenty. I make more fortune with what I am having. I have come here to seek
more gold from You. Please grant my wish!
Iraivan hears the pleas of both devotees. He
decides to grant their wish!
When the farmer comes out of the temple he is met
by two persons.
One of them
to the farmer
Seerala! We have been looking for you quite some time.
You have to reap the paddy and bundle the hay. It will be a ten-day job. Will
you take it on?
Seeralan
Definitely! I am extremely grateful to you and to
my Easan for providing me work.
He looks back towards the temple and folds his
hands in reverence to Easan as a mark of thanksgiving. He goes along with them.
The rich man at about the same time….
He goes around the temple and returns home. Just
before he steps into his house, he stumbles on something on the ground. Looking
down, he observes that it is the rim of some vessel. Curious, he digs down and
pulls out a copper pitcher with a lid on it. Prying open the lid, he is amazed
to find that pitcher filled with golden nuggets. Profusely thanking his Easan for having
heard his plea and granting him this treasure, he enters his house and keeps
the pitcher in his treasure chest.
*******
Thirukailayam …
Iraivan is seated sporting a gentle smile…
Naradar stands in front of him with his hands
cupped in reverence.
He looks at Iraivan confused…
Easan
What is
the issue Narada? Having come here to ask Me something, but you are looking at
Me dumbfounded! What is the matter?
Naradar
I am unable to understand You!
'Who knows the will of God '( Sivan
siththam yaar arivaar?) is a popular saying.
It is very much true!
Easan
They call me Sivan as well as Piththan (madcap)!
It is but natural that my acts appear abnormal! Aren’t you implying that?
Naradar
(highly perturbed)
Siva… Siva… How dare I commit a sacrilege of Siva
in His sannidhanam? I just witnessed your grant of gifts to two of your earnest
devotees. I could not control my emotions and so I ran here.
Easan
So, you have come to seek an explanation to
justify my action! Is that right?
Naradar (a
little embarrassed)
Yes! That is true. There is not an iota of difference in the
devotion of the rich man and the poor
farmer towards You. They are well aware that it is You who is behind every
happening in this world. The poor man seeks a little gold to overcome his
poverty and hardship. The rich man asks for gold to make more fortune, not
satisfied with what he already has. He lives in luxury on others’ toil. As if
what he already has is insufficient, you gave him a pitcher of golden nuggets.
For the poor farmer, you ensured he gets only work for another ten days! Why
have you shown this partiality? You claim that you guard Your devotees as if
they are Your eyes! Would You apply
butter to one of the eyes and a burning lime paste to the other?
Easan
(still in his mild smile)
What would you have done if you were in My place?
Naradar
Though I might not have given a pitcher of gold
coins to the poor farmer, I probably would have given a few gold coins. From
the rich man, I would have taken back a lot of gold coins from him as he is
already having enough of it.
Easan
Very well! Tomorrow both of them will be coming
to My Sannathi and replenish their request for gold. You grant them the boons
as you desire!
Naradar
Aaha! I will be very much at peace if injustice
is nullified! I will reach the sannathi when they come there tomorrow.
He vanishes from there chanting ‘Sivaya Nama,
Sivaya Nama’.
Next day… the same temple …. At about the same
time…
As the Gurukkal conducts deeparadhanai, both the
farmer and the rich man pray to Easan cupping their palms above their head in
reverence and repeat their same wishes, the farmer asking for a few golden
nuggets and the rich man asking for more gold to increase his fortune.
Naradar looks at Easan and Easan nods His head in
approval.
The farmer and the rich man come out of the
temple. The farmer, seeing something glittering in the morning sun on his path
bends to find that they are gold coins. Quickly picking them up, he profusely
thanks Easan for having heard his prayer.
Naradar (to
himself)
What an irony! It is I who have given him the gold
coins but it Is Easan who is earning his gratitude!
Easan laughs!
The rich man reaches home and opens his treasure
chest only to find not only the pitcher he got the previous day but also few
more pitchers of gold coins missing from there.
The rich man
(in anger)
Has Easan cheated me by giving me one and taking
away few more pitchers?
Naradar (to
himself)
Thank heavens! He doesn’t know that it is I who
has taken away his pitchers and not Easan, otherwise he would have blown my
head off!
Easan laughs again.
*******
Feeling satisfied by his work, Naradar is about
to vanish from there. Easan stops him in his tracks…
Easan
What is this? Where are you planning to go?
Naradar
The job for which I have come is completed. I
have rectified your mistake and so I have no further work here. That is why I
am leaving.
Easan
(showing great annoyance)
What do you mean? You landed here suddenly. You
found fault with my award to my devotees. You said that you would rectify my
mistake and did whatever you wanted. Now
you say that you want to leave. What is
this?
Naradar is taken aback by Easan’s annoyance.
Naradar (to
himself)
I did what you failed to do. Is that a crime?
Easan
(still annoyed)
Narada! I know what you have been thinking. How can you leave before completing the work
you have started?
Naradar
(confused)
I have done what I wanted to do and the work has
been completed. You are telling me that I have started something. What is that
I have started?
Easan
Your
allegation is that I bestow fortune to an idle rich man rather than to a
hardworking poor man. How can you depart
without finding an answer for that?
Naradar
(still confused)
Iraiva! Please tell me what I am supposed to do!
Easan
Just observe the results of your actions. You
will then understand!
Naradar
(thinking)
Why have I got myself involved into this unwanted
work?
He comes out from the heavens.
He finds Seeralan walking enthusiastically. He
goes near him.
Seeralan is stopped by the two men who promised
him work the previous day.
One of the
two men
Seerala!
The harvesting of paddy is yet to start. Where are you going?
Seeralan
My Good
luck! I am very fortunate today. From
now on I need not have to labour in the fields. Even if I am not at works, I
have enough to take care of my needs for an year. Go and find some unfortunate
one to do your harvesting work. I take your leave now.
Both of them are surprised to see his arrogance.
One of the
two men
What has happened to him all of a sudden?
Trusting him, we have not engaged anyone else. Our paddy will go waste if we
cannot get it harvested immediately.
The Other
man (running ahead and blocking Seeralan)
Seerala! Stop! Please listen to me and then go.
Do you know how much of effort and how many people are involved for a handful
of food for a man? First and foremost, the seeds have to be accumulated. This
involves checking many bags of paddy and selecting grains which are not
damaged. These seeds are to be preserved for the next season. The selected
seeds are to be protected from attack from insects, rodents, and birds and
saved from elements of nature like earth, wind, rain and fire. On the onset of
rains, the field is to be ploughed. The nursery is to be prepared and the seeds
are sown and watered. After they grow, they have to be bundled and planted in
the main field. The field is to be watered and de-weeding has to be carried out
continuously. Once the crop is matured, it has to be safeguarded from birds and
cattle. When it ripened it must be harvested quickly. The produce is cleaned to
remove chaff and filled in bags. It is then sold to the vanikan. This is what
people buy. After pounding it and cleaning it, they cook the rice for eating.
Now do you understand how much of effort is required to give a handful of food?
If people like you stop working just because you have stumbled on a fortune,
how will the people get their food? We
owe our existence to the farmer! Out of the three agencies of creation,
preservation and destruction, the farmers carry out the first two. They are like the backbone of the
country. If you cease to work it will
only result in the last activity of destruction.
Seeralan
You speak as if the whole world will come to
stand still because of me!
The Other
man
Yes! It is true. If hundreds of you act like this
it will happen one day.
Seeralan
I don’t understand what you say. Please don’t
squabble with me unnecessarily and go away.
Sadly, both of them depart from there.
At about the same time…
The rich man is seated in his palatial house. In
front of him stand two cultivators. One
of them gives ten full and one eighth of a varahan. The rich man accepts it
with an infuriated face.
One of the
cultivators (pleading)
Ayya! As agreed to earlier we are repaying the
loan of ten varahans with an interest of an eighth of a varahan. Due to grace
of God, the harvest is plentiful. Since you gave us monetary help at the right
time, we have been able to get some profit. With that money we have purchased
some more land. To cultivate this land we need at least thirty varahans. If you
give us loan at the time of tilling season, it will be of
immense help to us.
The rich man
I am very happy. However, the interest rate of
one eighth for ten varahans is no longer applicable. If you can give half
varahan for each varahan, I give you as loan we may continue our talk.
The
Cultivator (butting in)
What? Half
a varahan as interest for one varahan! Our family will be ruined at this rate
of interest.
The rich
man
There is no other way to make up for what has
slipped away!
The
Cultivator
I don’t understand what you are implying.
The rich
man (in a strict tone)
There is no need for you to know. If you want
money, you have to abide by the rate of interest I have specified that is half
a varahan for one; then we can sit and discuss. Otherwise you may all leave.
The cultivators are baffled as they have never
heard him speak so sternly.
The
Cultivator
Is this rate of interest only for us or is it
applicable to everyone in the village?
The rich
man
Even if the Easan comes and asks for loan, the
rate of interest will be the same!
The
Cultivator (pleading)
Ayya!
There are thousands of households who are depending on you for financial
support in the form of loan. Where will they all go? How the agriculture work
will commence? The whole thing will come to a standstill!
The rich
man
So be it! The loss is not mine!
The
Cultivator
I don’t follow what you say!
They are baffled as the rich man refuses to
elaborate. Naradar is equally baffled!
*********
Thirukailayam…
Easan
What you have to say now, Narada?
Naradar
You must pardon me, your servant! Not realising that whatever is given or taken
away is only for the welfare of this universe, I have found fault with Your
judgments! Easane! Emperumane! I also
realised that everything happens as per Sivan’s will. Please permit me to
depart!
As he
tries to leave Easan Stops him.
Easan
Narada! What you have started has not yet
finished! How can you leave without witnessing the outcome of your whole drama?
Naradar
(taken aback)
I have done all wrong! What is still left over?
Easan
You come to Kodungolur sannathi tomorrow. You
will get the clarification!
Easan laughs and Naradar leaves confused.
He keeps worrying the whole night and is
anxiously waiting to see what is going to unfold the next morning.
Naradar (to
himself)
I don’t know what will happen in the sannathi!
Will Easan take back the gold coins given by me from the farmer? Or is he going
to return the vanished pitchers of gold coins to the rich man? Let both of them come to the sannathi and let
me watch what is going to happen.
It is day break now.
Naradar quickly reaches the temple and enters the
sannathi. The Gurukkal conducts the puja
as usual and does the deeparadhanai. The assembled people chant ‘Sivaya Nama’
and Easan grants them their wishes as appropriate. Afterwards all of them come
out of the sannathi. Naradar searches for the farmer and the rich man in the
crowd. And Lo! They are not to be seen anywhere.
Naradar
(aloud)
What happened to those two? Perhaps they may be
late!
Easan laughs aloud hearing these words from
Naradar and Naradar looks up to Easan puzzled.
Easan
Since you gave gold coins to a pauper, he chose
to forget Me! Since you took away the gold from a rich fellow, he too forgot
Me! This is what the end results of your action. Do you understand now?
Naradar
Now I it is clear to me. Who can fathom Sivan’s
design?
With his eyes moist, he bows to Easan and
disappears.
********
Kodungolur palace…
The Chera king is expecting the birth of his
progeny…
The palace astrologers are ready with their palm
leaf and scribe awaiting to hear the first sound from the newborn.
Everyone is curious to know whether it will be a
boy who will occupy the throne one day or will it be a girl who will be married
off into another kingdom? Some of them
are deeply engrossed discussing aloud the relative advantages of begetting a
son or a daughter. Some others are arguing whether the future king to be born
will be a devotee of Sivan or Perumal! There are endless discussions and
arguments going on everywhere.
Suddenly the maids come running enthusiastically
to announce the good news. ‘The emperor is blessed with a son’, they declare.
Noting the time of announcement, the astrologers get busy in doing calculations
and scribing their predictions in the palm leaves. The king gifts gold and gems
to the palace maids for conveying the good news. Then he looks up at the
astrologers seated there.
Astrologer
1
Long live the Emperor! The son born in Aadi month
under the star Swathi will be hailed by all his subjects and bring glory to the
Chera clan.
Astrologer
2
Manna! My greetings to you. Your son is a rare
gem! His name and fame will remain forever!
Astrologer
3
The kings of all the neighbouring countries will
be subservient to your son and pay their royalty. He will be the king of kings.
Astrologer
4
He will be an expert of all the languages humans
speak and also of the languages of the birds and the beasts.
Astrologer
5
Getting the name of Ranganathan, the Lord of the
three worlds, he will stand like a glittering jewel!
Astrologer
5
Manna! The predictions of astrologers who have
spoken so far have never been proved wrong. Still….
Your son will go to the forest forsaking the
throne! He will be a Gyani! He will possess the ten highly noble qualities and
will serve the adiyavars with great devotion. Riding his horse he will attain
sivagathi alive.
The king
gets confused on hearing the contradicting versions of his son’s future from
the astrologers. The amaichchar, who is seated a little away, looks at the
baffled king.
Amaichchar
Manna! Be aware that whatever happens is for the
good! Let us carry on with our work.
The king gets up to leave.
Amaichchar
(to himself)
Who knows what is destined by Sivan? Who can predict the will of Easan?
*********
The palace of Cheran…
Lying in the royal cradle, the baby prince smiles
at the onlookers as if he is familiar with them…
All the visitors bless the child, Perumakkodhayan
for long life.
*****
Perumakkodhayan is imparted education, martial
arts and other skills as per the royal tradition. The king passes away when he
attains twenty one years of age.
Amaichchar
Great prince! Now that your father has passed
away, you must ascend the throne and rule the kingdom.
Perumakkodhayan
Amaichchare! In my twenty one years of life I acquired
self- assurance of the ten vairagyams. First I gained the self-confidence of
birth. My mind was not perturbed by difficulties of boyhood. Then I acquired
the assurance of my body resulting in my discarding of any worry on my
physique. I acquired plenty of gold, gems and renounced any attraction for them
thereby mastering the Aiswarya vairagyam.
I accepted the Prapancha vairagyam after studying
the changes in the physical universe. Not wanting to accumulate wealth, not
willing to mingle with relatives, not wanting to have company of woman and not
particular about the type of food to eat and not wanting to beg for a living I
have cultivated Draviya, Sanga, Penn, Bhojana and Prathikrita vairagyams. The
Uttama vairagyam I have decided is to think only of work relating to Sivan and
of nothing else. I am therefore not willing to ascend the throne and rule this
country. From this very moment, I will leave this country and join a sivalayam.
Please let me go!
He leaves the palace making the amaichchar wonder
as to what is destined by Sivan!
*****
Perumakkodhayan, after leaving the country
reaches Thiruvanjaikalam. There he routinely wakes up very early in the morning
and after completing his morning ablutions he reaches the Sivan temple. He
sweeps and cleans the floor and tidies up the temple premises. Plucking the
flowers from the temple garden, he strings them into a garland for the Easan.
He spends his time singing the praise of Iraivan.
Sengolporayan, who is in the line of succession,
is crowned as the king.
Amaichchar
(murmuring)
As per the predictions of the court astrologers,
Perumakkodhayan must be ruling the kingdom. But it didn’t happen. However who
knows what the plan of Sivan is?
*****
One day….
Sengolporayan is seated on the throne. A sivanadiyar
is seated in front.
Sengolporayan
Adiyavare!
By and by, I am getting unattached to everything. This throne belongs to my revered
Perumakkodhayan, who should have been the reigning. He has discarded everything
saying the life of a mendicant in the forest is supreme. Please tell me the
truth. Is the life of a mendicant better than that of a king?
Sivanadiyar
Iraivan is the creator of all beings. It is said
that nothing happens without a purpose. There is a reason behind the creation
of every being. He who can discern that reason is hailed as a Gyani. The five
elements of nature are governed and constrained to work in harmony. If one
observes closely, it can be seen that they work independent of each other
though dependant on one another. Man is also like that. Though he has to follow
the ways of the world, he is still an independent entity. Whatever he does
depends on his own conviction. If he is blessed with the grace of Iraivan, he
will be lead by Him. There is no
distinction between a palace and a forest to the one who has surrendered to the
Iraivan totally.
Sengolporayan
What will I gain by thinking of Iraivan all the
time?
Sivanadiyar laughs aloud…
Sengolporayan
(confused)
May I know the reason for your laugh?
Sivanadiyar
Do you
think that thinking of God is only for rewards?
Sengolporayan
If our aim is to reach His feet and merge unto
Him, it is essential we contemplate on Him all the time. Isn’t reaching Him
itself a great reward for us?
Sivanadiyar
A Gyani surrenders his whole to Iraivan without
expecting anything in return from Him.
An
ordinary man expects something in return
for every act of his. This is the difference in the thinking of a common man
and a Gyani.
Sengolporayan
Aaha! You have opened my eyes! I have realised
that there is no distinction between a palace and a forest to the one who has
surrendered to the Iraivan totally. I
will relinquish everything and go to the forest today itself.
He prostrates before the Sivanadiyar chanting
‘Sivaya Nama’. Sivanadiyar blesses the king and leaves. The king discards his
royal paraphernalia and sports the icons of Sivanadiyar and enters the forest.
*******
Thiruvanjaikalam….
The ministers stand in front of Perumakkodhayan
in supplication.
Amaichchar
(pleading)
Perumakkodhayare! Though you relinquished the
royal throne and went away, it has come back seeking you! Since Cheraman
Sengolporayan has gone to the forest forsaking the throne, the kingdom is now
without a king. It can be attacked by the enemies of the kingdom at any time.. That
is the prevailing situation…You must take the responsibility of assuming your
duty and protect your subjects. It is equal to serving the Easan Himself! Therefore please get crowned and assume your
responsibility of running the kingdom without giving any excuse.
Perumakkodhayan contemplates for a while….
Perumakkodhayan
I believe
everything is destined only by Easan. Therefore I will submit your request to
Him and then only I will give my
decision.
He goes to the temple and enters the Easan sannathi.
Perumakkodhayan
(sings)
They urge me to relinquish the delightful service
I am rendering,
To reign
the kingdom without renouncing the love for the people,
If I am
blessed by Your grace, please announce your verdict!
The sound
of ‘Om’ emanates there!
And from
the sky …
Asariri
(Voice from divine)
Perumakkodhayane!
The noble one who has surrendered to Easan with the conviction that
everything happens as per His wish! The palace and the forest are same for you.
You have a duty to safeguard your country from the enemies. Therefore ascend
the throne and give your subjects good governance. I grant you the ability to
understand the language of the gandarvas, the different languages spoken by
humans and also the languages of the birds and beasts. You will be intelligent
enough to understand whatever is spoken and earn the famed title of
‘Kazhatrirarivar’. Your fame will remain forever. My blessings are with you!
After hearing the divine voice, Perumakkodhayan
agrees to ascend the throne. The people
of the kingdom celebrate the day he is crowned as a great festival. As part of the festivities he goes around the
capital mounted on the royal elephant.
He observes a man walking with a load on his back. He is a washer man
and the load is a bag of salt. As there has been a mild shower, some of the
salt has dissolved resulting in white patches covering his body.
Perumakkodhayan
The one who is coming is none other than a
sivanadiyar. I will prostrate before him.
He dismounts from the elephant quickly and falls
on his feet.
The washer
man (to himself greatly perturbed)
The king has prostrated mistaking me to be an
adiyar.
The washer
man (prostrating and touching the feet of the king)
Who you
have thought I am? I am a lowly washer man. (Adiyen adivannaan!)
Perumakkodhayan
I am a
servant of adiyars!( Adiyen Adicheran) Your greatness! You reminded me of
adiyavar sporting thiruneeru. Therefore
please proceed without any concern!
He bows to
the washer man once again.
Seeing his
noble gesture, the people hail the king. The heavens open up with a shower of
flowers.
*******
After taking over the kingdom, Kodhayar
captivates every one because of his wisdom and expertise. The devotion people
have for him is increasing day by day. One day in the assembly when the king is
seated in his throne…..
Amaichchar
(addressing the people of the assembly)
The whole world praises the benign and
compassionate nature of the king. Fortune smiles wherever he goes. The
neighbouring kings have accepted the suzerainty of our king and pay their
royalty. They give the just rule of our
king to their subjects as well. They consider our king as none other than
‘Thirumal’, the One who protects every life in this Universe. So from now on our king will be hailed
only as ‘Cheraman Perumal.’
The
assembled people (shouting aloud)
‘Long Live Cheraman Perumal’
They hail their king repeatedly.
*******
Under the benevolent rule of Cheraman Perumal,
learned and wise elders guide him correctly. There is recitation of Vedas all
around. He conducts daily prayers to
Thillai Ambalaththan. (Thillai Natarajar)
One day…
Cheraman Perumal is singing the devotional song
as usual. The rhythm and melody of the song makes Easan himself tapping his
feet in symphony! As Easan taps his feet, the sound emanating from the Silambu
(anklet made of tiny bells He is wearing) is heard there. Overcome with
devotion, Cheraman Perumal continues his singing of his own composition of
first pathigam.
Cheraman
Perumal
Lustrous as that of gold His body radiates
brilliance,
Brilliance as that of silver His hair reflects (vellikundram
means Meru snow mounted)
Illustrious as that of His bull mount ventures
(At the time of distruction of Thiripuram Thirumal served Easan as his bull
mount)
Thoughts of mine will stay with Easan only!
His silvery rock like tresses are lightening the sky,
As for me, I perceive Him as none but Thirumal,
My entire thoughts are with Easan alone!
“பொன்வண்ணம் எவ்வண்ணம் அவ்வண்ணம்
மேனி போலிந்திலங்கும்
மின்வண்ணம் எவ்வண்ணம் அவ்வண்ணம்
வீழ்ச்சடை வெள்ளிக்குன்றம்
தன்வண்ணம் எவ்வண்ணம் அவ்வண்ணம்
மால்விடை தன்னைக்கண்ட
என் வண்ணம் எவ்வண்ணம் அவ்வண்ணம்
ஆகிய ஈசனுக்கே”
He goes into raptures after singing His praise.
From then on, he believes that his only refuge is
the sacred feet of Easan and nothing else. He feels happy to distribute gold
and gems to the poor and adiyavars who seek his support.
*******
At about
this time….
One day in
Pandiyanadu….
In the temple of Chokkanathar in Madurai…
Standing in the sannathi of Easan,
Bhanapaththirar (Bhanar means a sect who takes singing as profession) enthralls
Easan and the assembled devotees by singing the praise of Easan in his
melodious voice. After he finishes singing, the deeparadhanai is performed. All
of them bow to Easan and come out of the sannathi.
Bhanapaththirar looks famished as he has not
taken any food in the past two days. He
finds all those who he has been planning to approach for help bowing and
touching his feet in reverence outside the temple.
Bhanapaththirar
(to himself hesitating to ask for help)
How can I seek alms from those who are revering
me as a noble one by touching my feet?
He walks along and reaches his house. The thought
that his wife is also starved troubles him no end.
His wife as usual washes and dries his feet and
takes him inside. Unable to look at his famished wife’s face, he turns his head
away. Observing his reluctance to see her face to face, his wife speaks…
His wife
My dear husband! Why are you looking troubled as
I have seen never before? How can you turn your head away in distress?
Bhanapaththirar
The people
who saw me prostrated at my feet and went away. How can I seek money or
material help from them? I have not been able to find a solution to my poverty.
Not being able to satiate the hunger of my wife, I have failed as a husband.
What can I do now?
Agonised
thus, he sheds tears.
His wife
Knowing full well that everything is destined by
Easan, how can you get rattled for what to do?
We will observe fast today also accepting that
this is also destined by Easan.
Overcome with grief on hearing this,
Bhanapaththirar sings.
‘I know that You are the creator, Paramesa,
That You
are the protector as well, I know,
The One
who keeps alive a toad inside a rock,
The One
who keeps alive the fetus in the womb,
Why have
you left out Bhanapaththiran in Your list?
I know
only songs and singing,
That too about You alone, Paramesa,
You have
done nothing to alleviate my suffering, Paramesa,
Is this
also part of Your divine games?’
His wife takes her lamenting husband to the
bed.
While Bhanapaththirar is sound asleep, scenes as
under unfold in his dream.
In the temple of Chokkanathar, he is standing and
singing in praise of Easan. Deeparadhanai takes place. As he gets enthralled on
seeing the beauty of Easan, the divine hand of Easan is raised as if He is
signaling Bhanapaththirar to come closer. With deep devotion he goes near
Easan.
Easan
My dear
Paththira! To alleviate your poverty you carry a message from me in the form of
palm leaf to my servitor Cheraman Perumal and give it to him. Tell him that it
is I, who has sent the message. He will give you whatever you need.
Saying this he inserts a palm leaf in his hand.
Waking up from his sleep with a jolt,
Bhanapaththirar finds a real palm leaf in his hand!
*****
Next morning…
Bhanapaththirar
My dear wife! Last night Iraivan appeared in my
dream!
His wife
(prostrates and gets up)
Aaha! How blessed am I to have you as my husband!
What did He say?
She asks him this question with great joy. But
finding him looking worried she is shocked.
His wife
What is this? You are so fortunate to have
dharshan of Easan but still how can you look so sad and worried?
Bhanapaththirar
He appeared in my dream. To alleviate our poverty, He asked me to go
to Chera Nadu and see Cheraman Perumal. He also handed over a palm leaf with a
message to Cheraman Perumal in the dream. When I wake up I literally see the
sacred palm leaf handed over by Easan in my hand. This is that sacred leaf.
He shows the palm leaf to his wife. She accepts
it and after touching her eyes with it with great reverence, she returns the
palm leaf.
His wife
Iraivan has come in your dream and given you
instructions, He has also handed over the palm leaf to you.
You have been greatly blessed. How come you are
still looking forlorn?
Bhanapaththirar
(worried)
Easan could have come in the dream of Cheraman
Perumal and given instructions to him to help us. Why give this palm leaf to
me? I know that this leaf is handed over to me by Easan Himself. How will the
Chera king know that it is so? What will I do if he punishes me saying that I have
brought just a palm leaf to cheat him?
His wife
Easan has done this only to ensure that you,
being His adiyavar, don’t have to demean yourself by narrating your poverty and
seek alms from the king. I am surprised how you have not discerned this noble
gesture of Easan!
Bhanapaththirar
To alleviate our poverty he could have placed
some gold coins in my hand rather than this palm leaf! He is omnipotent and can
do what He likes. Couldn’t He have done this instead?
His wife
As ordered by Easan, take this palm leaf and hand
it over to the Chera King. Leave the rest to Him. You will then know what is in
store for you. Easan is supreme and no one can question His action. Who can predict the Will of Easan?
So saying, she bows to Easan.
******
The palace of Chera king….
After finishing his bath prior to sun rise,
seated in the puja room Cheraman Perumal is singing the praise of Easan. As it dawns, the birds leave their nests
sounding the arrival of the new day. A few dives land in the window sill of the
puja room and create a lot of noise. As the king understands the language of
the doves he looks at them.
Dove 1
Oh! Dear king! We have brought good news for you.
The King
Sivaya Nama! Dear Doves! What news you have
brought for me?
Dove 1
Bhanapaththirar is on his way to meet you.
The King
Who? Is he the one who sings in the Chokkanathar
temple of Madurai?
Dove 2
Yes! The same one! Do you know the reason why he
is coming to meet you?
The King
(with a mild laugh)
How will I know the reason? If you are aware of
it, please tell me.
Dove 3
Haven’t you told by Easan?
The King
(again with a mild laugh)
About what?
Dove 4
Easan has sent a message in the form of a palm
leaf through Bhanapaththirar.
On hearing this, king gets up with a start.
Dove 5
This is something great! Iraivan has for the
first time has sent a message to a human that is you, through a palm leaf.
The King
Is that so? I am truly blessed! Where is
Bhanapaththirar now?
Dove 1
He has reached the frontier of your kingdom. Not
wanting to insert the leaf in his waist band, he is walking with great devotion
carrying the leaf on his head.
The King
Aaha! How blessed are we that Bhanapaththirar is
setting his foot on our soil, carrying the palm leaf on his head , the
very palm leaf handed over to him by Easan!
He rings the bell to call his attendant, who
comes running.
The King
Guard! Ask the amaichchar to come forthwith.
Confused on seeing the king and the doves around
him the guard runs to call the amaichchar.
The king bows to the doves that brought the good
news and they fly away happily.
The amaichchar comes rushing and bows to the
king.
The King
Amaichchare! Adiyavar Bhanapaththirar is now
reaching our frontiers. I have to go and welcome him with full devotional
paraphernalia. Please do the needful.
Amaichchar
Manna! I will do the needful.
The amaichchar goes out as fast as he came.
The boundary of Chera Nadu…
Carrying the palm leaf on his head
Bhanapaththirar is walking slowly.
Physically tired due to his long walk coupled with hunger, he looks ahead
worried as to how far he is yet to walk.
At that
very moment…
In front
of him, he sees a large gathering waiting to welcome him with full devotion.
The horns are sounded and there is Nadaswaram being played accompanied by
melam. The king who is on the elephant dismounts on seeing Bhanapaththirar and
stands in front of him.
The King
Servitor I
am of adiyars! I am Cheraman Perumakkodhayan. Blessed I have been for many
births to have your dharisanam!
He bows and touches the feet of Bhanapaththirar
in reverence. The others who have accompanied the king also pay their respects
and welcome him in the highest tradition of the land.
Bhanapaththirar
(delighted on getting the royal welcome and a grand reception)
Oh! King of Kings! I am Bhanapaththiran. I have
brought the divine message from the Lord of Madurai Chokkanathar. Kindly accept
the same.
He hands over the sacred palm leaf given by Easan
to the king. The king accepts it with great reverence and touches it with his
eyes. Shouting ‘Sivaya Nama’, he makes Bhanapaththirar to mount the elephant.
Carrying the palm leaf on his head, the king walks behind the elephant. The
procession reaches the king’s palace. Bhanapaththirar is made to refresh and
fed. In the puja room of the palace, the king prostrates before Easan and opens
the palm leaf handed over by Bhanapaththirar.
Many have gathered there curious to know the
contents of Easan’s message.
The king
(after reading the contents)
Aaha! What a rare gem of a pasuram I have ever
read!
‘Sporting the crescent moon on his locks, Sivan,
the resident of Aalawai where the water bodies in plenty are teeming with white swans, conveys the
following in this palm leaf to Cheran, who supports all pavalars (Bhanar) : ‘Bhanapaththiran, who plays the Yazh and who is as attached to
Me like you, is coming to meet you. I urge you to hand over to him a large
amount of his needs and send him back’.
The king again prostrates in front of
Bhanapaththirar saying that he is honoured by his visit having come with the
orders of Easan.
The King
Amaichchare!
Load whatever gold, gems and other articles are held in our treasury on
to carts immediately and hand them over to this adiyavar.
The amaichchar and others carry out the order of
the king immediately. Finding a huge
pile of articles placed in front of Bhanapaththirar, he is rendered speechless.
The King
(bowing to Bhanapaththirar)
Bhanapaththirare! These are only a part of my
offerings. Kindly accept all the elephants, horses, my subjects as well as my
kingdom.
Bhanapaththirar
Aaha! I have now understood what has been in the
mind of Easan. Only to demonstrate to the whole world, the magnanimity of
Cheran Perumal, He has given me the palm leaf rather than gold directly. As
ordained by Sivan, I will accept only that much quantity which is sufficient to
feed me twice daily. Glorious Cheran
Perumale! Retain all other things with you so that you can support all other
adiyavars in need.
Arrangements are made immediately and Paththirar
accepts only that much of things as needed by him.
Amaichchar
If that is what is ordered by Easan, I dare not
over rule it.
He bows to Bhanapaththirar and gets the needed
articles loaded on to an elephant. After getting Bhanapaththirar also to mount,
he sees him off to Madurai.
********
One day in the palace of Cheraman Perumal…
The mannar and the amaichchar are in
conversation.
Amaichchar
Mannar Perumane! Under your noble reign, the
subjects are enjoying bountiful crops and leading a peaceful life without fear
of any danger from the enemies. Though
there is nothing wanting for any one…
The King
From what you are saying, it appears there is
something lacking in my regime!
Amaichchar
Yes! Mannar Perumane! That Easan, because of His love towards you,
had sent you His message through Bhanapaththirar will be an event of your glory
forever! Still, when you forget your status of being our king and stoop to
revere at the mere mention of Easan, is not acceptable to us. You are the king. You are equivalent to
Mahesan Himself! Is it appropriate for a king to prostrate in front of others?
The King
To be a servitor of adiyavars and to be lower too
even the lowest is suitable for me. As otherwise, will the sound of Thillai
Ambalavanan’s anklet be heard here?
Amaichchar
What? Are
you hearing the sound of the anklet of the sacred feet of Thillai Ambalavanan
here?
The King
Every day, the sound from the anklet of Easan is
heard to indicate His appreciation of my songs.
The Amaichchar on hearing this is overwhelmed and
bows to the king.
******
Days pass….
One day in his palace….
Cheraman Perumal after concluding the puja of
Iraivan completes his singing and awaits to hear the sound from the anklets of
Easan. Even after a considerable time, no sound is heard.
The King
Where is emperuman Easan? Why is He delaying to
bless poor me?
He again starts singing in praise of Easan. Again
there is no acknowledgement. The king keeps waiting. Time passes. He keeps a
watch with a sharp ear. However, there is no sound of Easan’s anklet that day.
The King
(deeply perturbed and in tears)
Iraiva! What crime I have committed? Have I lost
the blessing of hearing the sound of your anklet forever?
Even after his tearful pleading there is no sound
of Easan’s anklet.
The King
What is the use of this body if it cannot hear
the sound from Your anklets?
He draws his sword and raises it to plunge it in
his heart. Just then the sound of Easan’s anklets is heard in quick
succession. Mollified, Cheraman Perumal
lowers his sword.
The King
(in tears of joy)
Easane! You have appeased me by the sound of Your
anklets and saved my life. Why haven’t done this earlier? If I have committed
any offense, please tell me. I will redeem it!
Easan
(standing formless)
The fault is mine! Today, I got lost listening to
the singing of my servitor Sundaran at Thillai. So I forgot to sound my
anklets. In that brief period, you decided to end your life for not being able
to hear it. My dear friend! Since you are able to understand whatever is
spoken, you will henceforth be called by everyone as ‘Kazhatrarivar Nayanar’
and to glorify your clan for ever you will also be called as ‘Cheraman Perumal
Nayanar’. Your name will remain
glorified as long as this earth remains. Whosoever worships me will worship you
as well! My blessings are with you.
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar (folding his hands in supplication and bowing)
Iraivane! I am alive because of You! I am
delighted beyond measure hearing Your voice!
I am a servant of all your servitors. You addressed me as a dear friend!
Am I blessed that much?
Easan
Sundaran is my friend. When you are a friend of
his, don’t you become a friend of Mine too?
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
Aaha! How blessed am I! But I have not met
Sundarar so far!
Easan
(laughing)
Won’t you see him now?
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
Who can predict the will of Easan?
He bows to Easan… the laughter of Easan
permeates!
******
Days pass by…
The palace of Cheraman…
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
Amaichchare! I need to go to Chidambaram and have
the darisanam of Thillai to my heart’s content. There I have to see
Sundaramoorthiyar also! Please make the necessary arrangements.
Amaichchar
What to do if there is danger from the enemies
when you are away from the kingdom?
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
Easan will take care!
Amaichchar hurries to carry out his orders without
any dissent.
********
Chidambaram…
Cheraman Nayanar is engrossed in Siva darisanam.
He starts singing the hundred songs of ‘Ponvannaththandhadhi’.As’. As he
finishes his singing, Easan rattles his anklets as a token of appreciation…
There is a shower of flowers from the heavens.
Cheraman Nayanar folds his palms in reverence.
The accompanying army of Cheraman Nayanar is
eagerly waiting for him for their return journey. But he is nowhere to be seen.
Every day, he sings in the sannathi of Thillai Natarajan and hears the sound
from the anklets of Easan. His devotion grows unrestrained like a wild forest
fire and he remains there taking Easan as his only refuge.
One day…
Easan
Cheraman Nayanare! Go forth to Thiruvarur. I am
eager to hear your songs as Aarooran! Sundaran is also waiting for you there….
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
To see You, a thousand eyes are needed,
To praise You, a thousand tongues are needed,
Your glory cannot be constrained even in
countless parchments,
I leave for Kamalalayam to feast my eyes on You
again.
Cheraman Nayanar leaves for Thiruvarur with his
retinue.
*******
Thiruvarur…
Cheraman Perumal is delighted as he is welcomed
by Sundaramoorthiyar attired as a bridegroom.
Cheraman
Nayanar (bowing and touching the feet of Sundarar)
I am
Adicheran, a servant of servitors of Easan.
Sundaramoorthiyar
(agitated)
What is
this? How can you, who have bestowed the name of Cheraman Perumal Nayanar by
Easan Himself, touch my feet?
He lifts him up and hugs him fondly.
Sundaramoorthiyar
You are my friend. You are much superior to me.
You have earned great fame because Easan has written a message to you to help
Bhanapaththirar. You offered your entire holdings to Bhanapaththirar on reading
the message from Easan that he should be given a lot of wealth and
released. Cheraman Nayanare! You are a
great soul! Aarooran is waiting to hear your song. He made me sing by giving the first syllable
of ‘Piththa.’ I, adiyen,
Adisundaran, beseech you to compose and
sing the ‘Thiruvarur Mummanikkovai’ with the starting syllable of ‘virikadal.’
Cheraman Perumal hugs his friend highly pleased
and both of them walk to reach the sannathi of Easan.
There is huge crowd in the sannathi. Isn’t it a
rarest of rare sight to see two of the most favorite adiyars of Easan together?
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
He starts his song with the words ‘virikadal
parugi alarupattanna’ and ends with the same word ‘virikadale’.
All who have assembled and heard his singing go
into raptures! Easan and Sundarar are totally engrossed.
The assembled crowd chants ‘Sivaya Nama, Sivaya
Nama.’
********
The days roll by…
Visiting many villages and towns having Sivan
temples, they compose and sing many songs in praise of Easan. The whole country
is in contemplation of Sivan. There are many followers who accompany them
during their journeys. Chanting ‘Hara
Hara Siva Siva’, the name of Easan, Sundaramoorthiyar and Cheran Perumal reach
Thirukkandiyur. Keen to reach Thiruvaiyaru on the other North bank of Cauvery
they walk up to the river front. Cauvery
is flooded and in spates. The elders prevent them from crossing the flooded
river.
One of the
Adiyavars
Perumangale!
It is impossible to cross the river with a boat or coracle as the speed
is very high. It is impossible to reach the other bank now!
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar
If that is so, I have to get down and swim across
the river.
While he enters the water, Sundaramoorthiyar
catches hold of his hand and stops him from going further.
Sundaramoorthiyar
Considering the speed of current, not only we,
but also the accompanying adiyavars will be drowned! So let us visit the
temples on this side of the river. If by
that time the fury of the flood abates, we will go to Thiruvaiyaru.
Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar (looking forlorn)
How can I live without seeing Iyyarappar, who
presented the scene of Thirukailayam to Thrunavukkarasar?
Sundaramoorthiyar sings:
Sundaramoorthiyar
Is that the Easan at Ayyaru, who has said that I
would never leave you? I am, by nature, ignorant of the way of praising You! Therefore I have not come earlier to revere
You. But I keep thinking of You day and night without a break! Please drive away our difficulty. You are
used to keep me out of any trouble wherever I have gone. Easan of Ayyaru! From the day You have taken
me as Your slave till now, You alone have occupied my heart! Will you not rise
up today to mitigate my difficulty?
Never will I leave You annoyed! I will stay with You in thick and thin
and will never change my disposition. Why is this silence? Pardon me if I have
committed any error as I am unaware of any such I have committed. Please see the spate in the river
Cauvery. Ayyaru Adigalare! Are You able
to hear me? My father and my grandfather too worship You! I am eager to witness
Your grace! I cannot swim across the flooded river.
You dispel
the miseries of adiyars on Your own without even their appeal! But today, You seem to ignore our
predicament. Perhaps You are angry with me! Ayyaru adigale! I am not aware of
You! Still I am now thinking of Thiruvarooran, who I have seen. Please chase
way the distress of your adiyars.
On his commending Easan thus, the Cauvery splits in the middle to enable the adiyavars
to walk across to the other bank. Seeing
this miracle the adiyavars blow their conches and the sound of ‘Ohm’ emanating
from them guide them across.
Sundaramoorthiyar and Cheran Perumal, with their hands joined in
reverence walk across and climb the far bank hailing the Iyyarappar. Easan of Ayyaru is waiting for them. After having the divine
darisanam of Iraivan, they return the same way. The Cauvery which split in to
two rejoins and continues on its journey with gusto!
********
Sundaramoorthiyar and Cheran Perumal along with
their retinue reach Kodungolur ultimately.
The town sports a festive look to welcome the adiyars dear to Easan. On
the frontier, a decorated elephant is waiting.
Sundaramoorthiyar climbs up and is seated on it. With sacred and
ceremonial musical instruments in full flow, the elephant walks ahead. The
people lined up on both sides of the path are bowing to them witnessing a rare
sight of their king fanning Sundaramoorthiyar with a white samara in his hand.
The elephant reaches the palace. Sundaramoorthiyar and Cheraman Perumal alight
from the elephant. When Cheraman Perumal
tries to conduct the pada puja of Sundaramoorthiyar, he is dissuaded from doing
it. However Cheraman Perumal persists and conducts the puja. Thereafter he is
lead in to the palace. Cheraman Perumal makes him seated in his throne and
stands with his hands folded as a servitor. Overwhelmed by the affection shown
to him, Sundaramoorthiyar is sitting on the throne with a pleasing countenance.
The artists of the palace capture the scene in paintings. The king takes him
for a sumptuous six course meal and serves him by his own hands.
Sundaramoorthiyar sheds tears of joy on receiving such hospitality.
After staying in the palace enjoying the warmth
and kindness of the king for some time, one day….
Sundaramoorthiyar
Mannar Mannane! My bosom friend! Reminded of
Aarooran, I intend returning to Thiruvarur.
Please grant my wish and let me go.
Cheran
Perumal (shedding tears)
Can there be life after relinquishing the body?
Sundaramoorthiyar
It is the responsibility of the king to
administer his kingdom. It is unjustified
if you keep company with a roaming pandaram like me all the time instead!
Sundaramoorthiyar bids a teary farewell and
leaves Kodungolur. After he leaves, the king calls for his amaichchar who comes
running.
Cheran
Perumal
How can I accept that my Sundaran calls himself a
pandaram? Please take enough gold and gems and hand them over to him before he
reaches Thiruvarur.
A long caravan of gold, gems and other articles
rush towards Thiruvarur as per the king’s order.
*******
The caravan of the king reaches Thirumurugan
poondi. It is the edge of the forest and time for a break. Sundaramoorthiyar
also arrives there with his retinue. The king’s men bow to Sundaramoorthiyar
and inform him that they are carrying the gold and gems to Thiruvarur for handing
over to him as per the orders of the king. Sundaramoorthiyar, extolling the
virtues of his friend continues his journey through the thick jungle along with
the king’s caravan. They are surrounded by dacoits in the middle of the forest.
While the king’s men guard Sundaramoorthiyar and his retinue of adiyars from
physical harm by the dacoits, all the gifts given by the king are stolen.
The
adiyars are baffled by the turn of events which happens in front of their eyes
in a moment. Chanting the ‘Panchakshara mantram’ they reach a temple and enter
the sannathi of Easan. Easan is seated in the sannathi with a mischievous look.
Easan (to
Himself)
Sundara! It is I who brought you here by sending
my attendants to steal all the wealth given by Cheraman knowing well that you
are impatient to reach Thiruvarur! Usually you crib exaggerating your
woes. Now I am eagerly waiting to know
what abusive verses you are going to compose on Me?
Not
knowing what is running in the mind of Easan, Sundaramoorthiyar stands in front
of Easan with his hand folded in supplication.
Sundaramoorthiyar
Why are you staying here with your consort, if
you cannot safeguard the people from hunter dacoits, who harass the passersby
by threatening them with their bows, abusing them with inappropriate words,
hitting them with stones and even disrobing them to take away their clothes!
Annai laughs aloud.
Easan
(mockingly)
Devi! There is more to come…
Sundaramoorthiyar
(continues)
These hunters are sinners who kill and eat the
cows. They do not even realise what they are doing is a crime and they kill and
torture the travelers and rob them off their belongings. Unaware of what is
happening around, You are seeking alms with a begging bowl! That too along
with Ammai Aavudai Nayaki! What for You are staying here?
On hearing this ….
Annai
(looking at Easan and in anger)
Enough of Your games! Please stop with this. I
cannot tolerate Sundaran singing abuses any longer.
Easan
It is no one but ME who is making him sing! Let
him sing! Shall We ever get such happiness?
Easan again laughs aloud.
Sundaramoorthiyar
(continues)
You are unable to protect the travelers from the
hunter dacoits in this dreadful forest,. Can’t You at least try to escape from
these villains? Has Your bull broken its leg? Why are You staying here? When You are capable of going anywhere You
want to, why are You staying here? Emperumane! You are not alone. You have kept
Umayal on one half of Your body. You are not lame. Why are you staying in this
place which is full of thieves? Run away from here with your consort
immediately!
Easan (as
if hurt)
Look! He is ridiculing by questioning whether I am lame.
Annai (pacifying)
Though he appears to be condemning Us, he uses
words in praise of You in his songs.
Easan
If we do not disclose Ourselves now, he may even
abuse us for being blind and deaf not to see and hear him!
So saying
He raises His hand. A huge glow of light appears in the sannathi.
The Divine
Voice
Wanting to hear your songs, We have tasked our
attendants to rob your valuables. All stolen articles have already reached
Thiruvarur! Continue your sacred journey without any further worry.
Sundaramoorthiyar is moved to tears by the
compassion shown by Easan. Witnessing the glory of Easan in the form of huge
light in the sannathi, his retinue of adiyars chants the Panchakshara mantram
in such a loud voice that it reverberates in the heavens.
********
Sundaramoorthiyar returns to Thiruvarur and is
welcomed by Paravayar.
Paravayar
(bowing to Sundaramoorthiyar)
Before your arrival, the bundles of gold, gems
and other items have reached here. There will be no worries in future for ever
to feed the adiyavars.
Sundaramoorthiyar mentally conveys his gratitude
to Aarooran.
*******
At about the same time, in Chera Nadu….
The king’s palace…
The king mounts his royal steed to take a round
of the city with the amaichchar as per routine. After covering a short distance
they stop under a tree and dismount from their horses as it starts raining.
The royal steed hails the king as ‘manna’.
The King
(replies to the steed)
What is the matter, my dear friend?
The amaichchar is bewildered hearing the horse
and the king converse.
The royal
steed
Till now the king has never addressed me as
friend! Manna! The amaichchar is confused. You may be the greatest devotee of
Easan. Does that mean you can do anything as you wish?
The King
(laughing)
Friend! What have I done to warrant this rebuke?
The royal
steed
After you ascended the throne, you fell on the
feet of a washer man forgetting your royal status. Is this not a blot on the
king’s crown?
As the
steed stops abruptly, the king prods it.
The King
Why have you stopped? Go ahead and tell me more.
The royal
steed
Due to my
fear that I may not exceed my limits, I stopped.
The King
You are my friend. You always think of my well
being. How can I ever get angry with you?
Tell me without any hesitation whatever you want
to say.
The amaichchar is still confused what the king
and his steed are talking about.
The royal
steed
When Bhanapaththirar came with the palm leaf, you
donated your entire treasury to him.
Trusting you, the people have given you the responsibility to administer
the kingdom. But you were prepared to empty the entire treasury. It is a good
fortune that Bhanapaththirar took only what he needed. As a king you are
required to accumulate wealth and ensure good administration of the kingdom.
How can you forget your responsibility? How can you brush aside your duties?
Cheraman
Nayanar
Now I answer your questions. I have taken a vow
to prostrate before any adiyavar when I see him. Can’t a washer man become an adiyar? As an
adiyavar of adiyavars, I bowed to only an adiyavar. For you, he appeared as a
washer man. We are all actors wearing different costumes; I as a king and you
as a steed. That is the only difference. Otherwise we are all one and that is
the great Easan. Next let us take up the episode of Bhanapaththirar.
Iraivan
has written a message to me and gave it toBhanapaththirar. He has ordered that
he be given enormous wealth and sent back. Who is Iraivan? He is the one who
has created this entire universe. The five elements of earth, sky, water, fire
and wind are all His creations. He is the creator of all the living creatures
in this earth. The gold, the gems and everything else are all given by Him
alone. He is the owner of all these things.
Who am I? I am the king of this soil. I am a
guard of what He has bestowed. He is my owner. I only carry out the orders of
my owner…. Just think for a while…
The one
who creates the gold and the gems could have given these to his devotee himself
directly. Why should he send a palm leaf message to me to do it? When the real
owner of the property asks it to be returned, is it not proper to return
everything? The steed neighs as if in agreement.
The amaichchar looks at the horse and the king
repeatedly. He is dumbfounded listening to their conversation.
Cheraman
Nayanar
I am thankful for agreeing to my view.
The royal
steed
Manna! I have one more question.
Cheraman
Nayanar
Yes! Go ahead, my friend!
The royal
steed
When Sundaramoorthiyar bade farewell, he did not
ask anything from you. Still, you sent
bundles after bundles of gold and gems and wanted them to be delivered at
Thiruvarur before he reached there. Is that right?
Cheraman Nayanar
Why it can’t be right?
The royal
steed
For him, neither gold nor wealth is of any
significance. What will he do with that gold and wealth?
Cheraman
Nayanar
How can you say that neither gold nor wealth is
of any significance to him?
The royal
steed
He is a Gyani!
The king laughs.
The royal
steed
I am unable to understand the reason for your
laugh.
Cheraman
Nayanar (again laughing)
If Sundaramoorthiyar is a Gyani, then what am I?
The royal
steed (surprised)
Manna! Your replies have cleared my mind. I have realised that as a Gyani, gold and
wealth are of no significance to you as well.
I am blessed for carrying you and attain greatness due to that. My
salutations to you.
The rain stops. The king mounts the horse and
continues his round of the city.
*******
A considerable time elapses…..
Cheraman Perumal is languishing due to his
separation from Sundarar. Perturbed by
his state, Iraivan arises in Thiruvarur sannathi where Sundaramoorthiyar is
standing and praying. A divine voice emanates.
Divine
Voice
Cheraman is suffering due to separation from you.
Proceed to Kodungolur to mitigate his suffering. .. This time go alone leaving
your retinue of adiyars here.
Sundaramoorthiyar starts from there to fulfill
the order of Easan. Paravayar gives him a
teary farewell as usual… The adiyavar retinue accompanies him till the city
limits and bids him farewell. Sundaramoorthiyar starts walking towards Chera
Nadu.
A lot of thoughts cross his mind while he walks….
Sundaramoorthiyar
(to himself)
Is being alone so much exhilarating? There is no
disturbance between me and Iraivan… How the mind becomes peaceful when
concentrating on Easan without any hindrance!
Surrounded by people and enjoying their attention, how have I not
realised this bliss and lived all these days!
I was born in a wealthy family.. I took the name
of Nambi Aarooran… I was adopted by the king and imparted education. When I
attained the age of marriage, I asked my parents to get me married without any
hesitation. When I was about to get
married I was absorbed by Easan and became a slave of Vennai Nallooraan. When Iraivan gave me the first syllable of
‘Piththa’, I gained the dexterity to compose songs in praise of Easan in
Tamizh. Iraivan then called me over to Thiruvarur asking the people to give me
a grand welcome. He addressed me as ‘nanba’ so that everyone becomes aware of
my status. Alas! Not realising the exemplary grace of Iraivan, how foolish and
unrefined I have been? On seeing
Paravai, I fell for her in lust… When I pleaded with Iraivan, he got her
married to me… After my marriage I forgot Easan totally… After a long gap, when
I came to my senses I went to Thiruppugalur to feast my eyes on Easan….There I
was crowned by Easan and His divine feet became the tiara. Will any human being get this kind of
blessing? In Thruvotriyur, I saw Sangili and fell for her… Iraivan agreed to my
request there also and got me married to her…
I lost my eye sight for not adhering to the promise I had made, and regained it by pleading to Him… Not realising
that I have been extraordinarily blessed… alas… I have even asked the Iraivan
in the middle of the night to pacify Paravai who was annoyed with me.. He
carried it out even that without any rancour.
How debased am I to have acted frivolous many times without realising
the depth of His friendship? So many times I have used abusive words against
him in anger… Like a father forgives his son, He has pardoned me! Whenever I
asked for anything, He gave them to me. When I was famished, He gave me food…
When I was in dire straits, he gave me gold… I have gone through anger,
compassion, and sadness. I have realised that what I considered as blissful are
prone to change their status. How many years it has taken for me to distinguish
between what is permanent and what is not!
There is nothing of permanence except the sacred feet of Easan! To think
of Him is bliss! To bow to Him is the
duty of the body He has bestowed! To chant His name is the use for our tongue!
He is the light of our lives… Without Him not even
atom can stir. Lastly, I must meet Cheraman and dispel his sorrow and then take
refuge in Easan’s sacred feet.
He walks along and Easan, knowing his intention
fully walks along.
Easan
Sundara!
You have realised what is the true path! You have also realised what is of
permanence!
Before long you will reach Kailayam… I am also
ready to receive you there and welcome you with both my hands.
Not
hearing any of the words spoken by Easan, Sundarar quickens his pace to reach
Kodungolur….
*******
Kodungolur….
The palace
of Cheraman Perumal…
There is celebration all around on the reunion of
separated friends…
Where ever
they go, they go together… Finding a
temple of Easan, they sing His praise alternatively.. As the time is passing
pleasantly like this… One day…
As usual they wake up before day break and
prepare themselves to go for their bath.
Sundaranar
Cheran Perumale! You please have your bath here itself, complete your puja and
attend to your daily chores. I like to go to Thiruvanchaikalam and take my bath
in the pond there. I want to have the darisanam of Easan there.
Cheraman
Perumal
How can you go to Thiruvanchaikalam leaving me
here alone?
Sundaranar
Cherane! Whenever I am with you, you are
neglecting your official work and this is disturbing me no end! It is improper
for a king to abandon his duties. I feel
the time has come for me to go away from you.
Please allow me to go …
Cheraman
Perumal
Adiyavare! What is this? Will a man who plants a tree fail to water
it? The official works will carry on automatically. If you leave me, will my
life remain in this body?
Sundaranar
(taken aback)
Cherane! Don’t utter such words. I will return
after having darisanam of Easan at Thiruvanchaikalam.
He walks
away thinking ‘who can predict the will of Easan’?
*******
The temple pond of Thiruvanchaikalam…
Sundaramoorthiyar takes a dip in the pond and
hears the voice ‘nanba’.
Looking around as to who has called him, he finds
no one around. Thinking that he is imagining things he takes another dip only
to hear the same voice hailing him as ‘nanba’. He comes out of the water and
looks around. He is surprised to see no one around. Only then he realises that
it is Easan who has been calling him…
Sundaranar
Emperumane! Is that You who hailed me?
Easan
Yes! My friend! How long I can wait for reunion.
I have sent Iravatham. Mount on it and reach Me!
Acceding to Easan’s order Sundaramoorthiyar comes
out of the pond. Iravatham is waiting for him outside. Folding hands in
reverence, Sundaramoorthiyar mounts the elephant. Iravatham starts flying
towards Kailayam. On the way he recollects that he has promised Cheraman that
he would return. He becomes morose …..
At the same time in Kodungolur….
The royal steed goes to the king ….
The royal
steed
Manna! The adiyavar Sundaramoorthiyar, whom you
worship, is flying somewhere mounted on a white elephant.
Not even hesitating for a second Cheran Perumal
mounts his steed and murmurs on its ear the Panchakshara mantram ‘Sivaya Nama, Sivaya Nama’. The steed
is now endowed with two wings and takes off with Cheran Perumal. Seeing
Iravatham ahead of him, Cheran Perumal gallops his steed faster and overtakes
Sundaramoorthiyar. He goes around him bowing with his hands folded. Iravatham
is surprised to see the horse going around him. Soon they reach the entrance to
Kailayam. The guards of the entry gate stop both of them. Both of them alight
from their respective mounts.
The gate
guard (bowing)
I am the servant of adiyars. Countless crores of
Salutations to both of you. Permission has been given only for
Sundaramoorthiyar to enter inside. There is no permit for Cheraman Perumal…
Sundaramoorthiyar
(extremely distressed)
My dear friend! Let me go inside and bow to the
sacred feet of Easan and obtain permission for you to enter inside Kailayam.
With unbound joy on seeing Easan, he falls on His
feet and calls Cheraman Perumal to come in. He runs inside and falls on the
feet of Easan.
Easan (giving
a kind look at Cheraman)
Cheraman Nayanare! Why have you come without me
inviting you?
He asks as if He knows nothing!
Cheraman
Perumal (highly perturbed as if he has committed a crime and clasping Easan’s
feet)
Emperumane!
You must please pardon this small fry! I was not aware that I had been
coming towards Kailayam. As my body,
life and soul were all bowing to Sundaranar all the way, I am blessed to come
and stand in front of You!
He prays to Easan. He realises that this drama
has been enacted by Easan, to illustrate that it is Sundaramoorthiyar who has
enabled the blessings of Easan to his friend Cheraman Perumal!
Easan
Cherane!
The one who attends to all my adiyars! My friend! From now on you will
be the head of all my attendants and remain so forever!
Cheraman
Perumal (bowing to Easan)
Emperumane! Please grant me permission to sing
‘Thirukkayilay Thiruvula’ in Your divine presence.
On getting permission from Easn, Cheraman Perumal
composes and sings the Thiruvula. Everyone assemble there to hear his songs.
Next day in Kailayam…
Iraivan is
in meditating in silence…
Naradar arrives there and bows to Easan.
Easan
Naradare! What is the matter? You are looking
anxious! Have you come here in search of something?
Naradar
I witnessed Your divine game! You have granted
salvation to Cheraman Perumal! I, Your servitor, have a doubt in Your act! I have come here to seek a clarification from
You!
Easan
(laughing)
Narada! Go ahead!
Naradar
You have sent Iravatham to Sundaramoorthiyar and
let him enter Kailayam. There is nothing wrong in it. But, you did not send any
vahanam for Cheraman Perumal. He himself chanted the Panchakshara mantram in
the ear of his royal horse, made it fly and followed Sundaramoorthiyar to reach
Thirukailayam. Why such differentiation you have shown between adiyars? Why
this partiality? You will send Iravatham for one of them and leave the other
one in lurch!
Easan
Come on! You get a horse here and chant the
Panchakshara mantram in its ear! Let us see what happens then!
Naradar bows to Easan and a horse arrives there…
Naradar rushes to it and chants the Panchakshara
mantram in its ear.
The horse remains as it is without any change in
its body. Naradar goes around the horse and finds to his dismay that there are
no wings originated on its body!
Naradar
(realising his folly raises both his hands above his head and joins them in
reverence)
Emperumane! Please pardon me! I have realised
that ‘Without the will of Sivan, even an atom cannot stir in this universe’.
Bowing to Easan Naradar departs from Kailayam.
Though his hands are raised and he is bowing in
supplication as he goes away, he still murmurs ‘Who can predict the will of
Sivan.’
Sivan chittam yaar arivaar?
சிவன் சித்தம் யாரறிவார்?
Tiruchchitrambalam
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