Thiruneelakanta Nayanar

2

Thiruneelakanta Nayanar

Chidambaram…

Thillayampathi….

The reverberating sound of Thevaram recited by the three thousand Brahmins is echoing everywhere!

The Deeparadhanai of Easan is going on. With their eyes moist with tears of ecstasy, the devotees bow to Lokanathan, captivated by His Beauty. Accepting the thiruneeru from the deekshithar, they come out of the Sannathi one by one. Among them was an old Sivanadiyar. Smearing the thiruneeru on his forehead, he turns around only to lose his balance and stagger. A young man quickly catches him and breaks his fall and guides him outside.

The Youth 

Adiyavare!  I am thrilled to behold a wise old man with a brilliant countenance! I bow to you for you have, even at this ripe old age, taken the trouble of coming to the temple to have the darisanam of Easan!

Sivanadiyar

It is due to my insatiable appetite for knowledge. The keenness to know who I am!  To acquire an answer to that question, I visited a large number of temples of Easan and this is my last stop. My dear son! Who are you? I was enthralled when you held me  from falling down. I wish to take some rest. Can you please lead me near a pillar where I can sit and then go?

The youth supporting the Sivanadiyar takes him to the Ponnambala mandapam and gets him seated near a stone pillar where a discourse is going on at that time.

Sivanadiyar

I am not able to hear the speech… Can you please take me near the stage and make me seated there?

The youth supporting the old Adiyavar takes him near the stage and seats him near a pillar there.

The Youth 

Adiyavare! I will remain here till the lecture is over and take you to wherever you wish to go. He stands there with his hands folded to the astonishment of the old Sivanadiyar. Both of them are able to hear the discourse.

The Speaker

The Devas on one side and the Asuras on the other are churning the Parkadal, using the Mahaendramalai as the churner and Vasuki as the rope.  From the great foaming of Parkadal as a result of the churning, Airavath emerges from it, followed by Karpaga Vriksham, Kamadenu and Mahalakshmi. Ultimately the Amudham issues forth. At that very moment, the Alakalananju erupts with great force from the mouth of Vasuki. It was spreading so venomously everyone gets scared that the entire universe may be destroyed by that poison. To save the universe from certain destruction, Easan gathers the poison with his palms and pours it in his mouth. Annai, aware that Easan and  the Universe are one and the same, grips His throat with her hands so as to prevent the poison from descending from his throat, as otherwise  the Universe would be destroyed. Since the poison is retained in the throat of Easan, it takes the colour of Neelam (blue).  Easan is revered as Neelakantan.  Whosoever worships Him will be blessed with a good life on this earth. Devotees!  You have been hearing my discourse all along. If any one of you has any question, you may stand up and ask me. It is improper to leave the congregation with doubts lingering in our minds.

One of the devotees from the audience gets up and the speaker looks at him. His bright and modest outlook, the way he projected himself appeal to everyone in the congregation.  There is pin drop silence in anticipation of what that person is going to ask.

The Devotee

Ayya! Whatever narrative you have described has been told to you by your forefathers. You have only repeated them to us here. Please tell us the truth.  Is there someone known as Iraivan?

Hearing these words about ten to fifteen people rise in anger and shout at him ‘How dare you insult Iraivan standing in His very abode?’   The speaker orders them to sit quietly.      

The Speaker

It was I who urged the audience to put forth their questions. He is asking me a question. If I know the answer I will deliver the same. If not, I will get clarification from other learned people and come back here to deliver the answer as my profound duty.  There will always be day and night as long as the universe exists. Likewise there will always be people who believe and those who don’t believe in the existence of Iraivan.  Therefore let us not get carried away by our emotions. Bhaktane!  Your question is whether or not there is someone called Iraivan.  Is that right?

The Devotee

Yes!

The Speaker

Truly there is Iraivan!

The Devotee

Can you prove it?

The Speaker

After seeing the entire Universe, the sky, the earth, the sun, the moon, the wind, the fire and water does a proof is still warranted? 

The Devotee

I am unable to understand. Can you please explain in more detail?

The Speaker

The entire universe, the earth, the sky, the sun, the moon, the wind, the water and fire are all creations.

 The Devotee (interrupting)

 They can also be taken as materialisations. 

The Speaker

 If we accept them as materialisations it proves by corollary that there is someone who materialised them!

 The audience hails the speaker and appreciates his explanation as apt.  The elderly Sivanadiyar and the youth are keenly watching the goings on.

The Devotee (not losing his nerves)

If there is something that is created, there has to be someone who created them… You said He alone is Iraivan.  Can you show Him?

The speaker stalls for a moment. There is a sudden silence in the mandapam and everyone is anxiously awaiting the speaker’s reply.

 The Speaker

Bhaktane!   How could you ask such a question in His mandapam that too in His very presence?

The youth standing next to Sivanadiyar gets perturbed.    He looks at the speaker wondering whether the Speaker has recognised who He was. Observing that the speaker’s attention is elsewhere, He smiles. 

The Devotee

Instead of answering my question directly, you are posing counter questions to me.  Am I not asking you only because I do not understand any of these things?

The Speaker

Let the question itself be the answer! Are you born in Chidambaram?

The Devotee

For the first time you asked me a legible question! Yes! I was born in Chidambaram. From that very day I have not gone out of this town.

The Speaker

If that is so how many times you have had Arudra darisanam on Tiruvadirai day?

The Devotee

Questions again!  Umpteen number of times! In fact as far as I can remember, I have witnessed it every year without a break!

The Speaker

If that is so you must be aware of the ‘Chidambara rahasiyam’.

The devotee laughs aloud!

The Devotee

I am perplexed all these days only on what that ‘rahasiyam’ is!  If you know what it is, please be kind enough to disclose it.

The Speaker

In the Ponnambalam, on the day of Tiruvadirai, when they open the three curtains, do Deeparadhanai and declare ‘This is Chidambara rahasiyam’, that is Arudra darisanam!

The Devotee

Yes. I heard but I do not see anything! The deekshithar does the Deeparadhanai to an empty space!

The Speaker

Yes! The empty space is shown only to indicate the whole world and the entire universe! You said ‘empty space’. There is nothing known as ‘empty space’. Empty space is the entity without a form. Iraivan is in His brilliance, having that empty space as His form and at the same time having no form.  It is the same Arudran dancing merrily inside the spatika lingam that is seen in the light from the deepam. The three screens are aanavam, kanmam and mayai. When these three are removed you can see the light of wisdom!

‘Show me the Iraivan. I will start believing,’ is what you said.

Do you know why you posed that challenge?

 At least by that you can see Him and have faith in Him! It is not obligatory for Him to appear before you and declare that ‘I am Iraivan’ just to make you a believer!

The people in the mandapam loudly praise the speaker.  The devotee who has been asking the question appears dejected.

The Devotee

If that is so, is Iraivan hard hearted?

The Speaker

No! Not at all! Iraivan is not hard hearted! On the contrary He is very jovial!

The Devotee

I do not understand!

The Speaker

 The One, who has created this entire universe, the earth, the sky and all the creatures assumes the form of whatever He has created.  Isn’t it a joke that He is Himself denying His existence? He is the one who runs the BIG SHOW. That is the reason we call him as koothadi! There he plays his own games with his own rules. One is making poor as rich men  and rich men as  poor. Another is making a believer as non believer and a nonbeliever as a believer

 I will narrate a story!

Once upon a time a devout Gurukkal and an atheist like you were getting down the steps of a pond for having their bath.

At that time.. 

A devan came down from heaven towards them to their surprise.

Devan (looking at both of them)

Men of virtue! I have brought a message from Iraivan. He has asked me to inform you that He will personally appear before you both!

Gurukkal

What? Is He going to give darisanam to this lowly mortal? I am highly blessed! When will He come?

Devan

He will come when a thousand elephants pass through the eye of a needle!

Gurukkal (crest fallen)

A thousand elephants through an eye of a needle! Is it possible? It can never happen! Not in this birth of mine. How many more times I am going to be born?  All along I have surrendered myself totally to the holy feet of Easan.  It is all meaningless now. He is never going to come.  Why should I be wearing this mala or this rudraksh?

He removes them angrily and throws them into the pond in blind fury. Forgetting even to take his bath he climbs up the steps and goes out.  The atheist on the other hand rushes down to take his bath.

Devan (to the atheist)

Why are you in such a hurry?

The Atheist

He who has created this unfathomable universe and uncountable creatures will be able to pass even crores of elephants in a matter of seconds through the eye of a needle. Don’t I have to purify myself by this bath and be ready before He appears? Please don’t waste any more of my time!

 Iraivan plays this type of sporty games - making an atheist to admit His existence and a staunch believer to dismiss Him as naught every day.  How can you call such a jovial One as stone hearted?

The speaker concludes the story and the mandapam erupts in laughter!

The devotee who has been questioning all along sits down unable to ask any more questions. Another devotee gets up and all eyes are on him.

The second devotee

Ayya! I do not want to be born again. How can I reach that stage of getting ‘Mukti’?

The Sivanadiyar, who has also been keen to get an answer for this same elusive query all these days, listens intently to the conversation hoping that at least now he may get an answer.

The youth, after giving a side glance at the Sivanadiyar, looks at the speaker keenly awaiting a reply!

The speaker

The blessing of our forefathers (pithruprithi) and the support of our progeny (putrasahayam) alone will ensure Mukti; that is no rebirth!                                   

The second devotee

It will be beneficial if you can kindly elaborate!

The speaker

 Pithruprithi connotes the love and blessings of our fore fathers. We should be respectful to our parents and parents of our parents. We should care for them and stand by them at all times. When they depart, it must be ensured that they are fully satisfied. This is one aspect. The other is Putrasahayam.

The support tendered by our progeny. We should nurture our children as virtuous subjects and enable them to lead a meaningful life. When the time comes for our departure, we should get cremated by them. That is how we can attain Mukti.

Sivanadiyar (on hearing the above)

Alas! I have wasted my time observing ‘brahmacharya vratam’ (celibacy) all along thinking that I will obtain Mukti. Easane! Please grant me one more birth so that I can acquire Pithruprithi and Putrasahayam.

The youth is stunned to hear this strange prayer of Sivanadiyar. He looks very desolate!

The Sivanadiyar breathes his last. The youth carries him from the mandapam to the cremation ground and performs his last rites. 

The Youth (Blessing the pyre)

Neelakanta!  Let your wish be fulfilled.

And slowly…

The youth disappears into thin air.

      *******

Chidambaram…

It is going to be daybreak…

There is thatched hut and Maranar is standing anxiously.

The cries of a new born are emanating from inside.

Maranar, with folded hands in supplication, looks up and thanks the Lord by crying aloud ‘Easane! Emperumane!’

The midwife comes out of the hut and informs him that a male child is born and he can go inside after some time to have a look.  She goes back.

Maranar (to himself in great worry) 

 How is my wife? The midwife did not utter anything about her. This is the month of Thai! Harvesting is going on. People have money to splurge in a large number of auspicious events.  So the demand for new clay pots shoots up at this time. I must be in the market at this time. Once she went on labour, I had no time to think on these things.

Maranar runs to call the midwife for overseeing the delivery.  He is waiting outside worried about the outcome.

The midwife comes out again.

The midwife

Go Ayya! Go and see your son. Do you know how much your wife loves you?  Women in labour pain would generally shout as amma , appa  but your wife was uttering en raja…en raja…and calling you  only. She is eagerly waiting to see you. Go! Go man!

The midwife goes away happily. Maranar goes inside.

Ponni 

Mama! I have given birth to male child as you wished. Aren’t you happy?

Maranar in great delight sits next to her and gently holds her hand and massages them.

 Maranar

He is born under the star of Visakam. He will ever shine!. How are you?  I am only  worried about your well being.

 Ponni

I am fine but extremely tired as if I have been beaten up. Put the baby next to me. I have to feed him if he cries.

Maranar

First we must offer the milk to mother goddess Earth.  She is the one responsible for our well being.

Maranar hands over a small container.

Asking him to look away, Ponni looks at the newborn and gets excited. Milk segregates and all her pain seem to vanish!

   *****

Visakan is now seven years old.

Ponni is arranging the wet clay pots for baking.  Maranar is splitting the wooden logs for the kiln.

Ponni

Mama! There is some news. Yesterday after you left for the weekly market, my brother had come.  I am itching to tell you the proposal he made.

Maranar

Have I ever chided you for anything?  Tell me about it without any qualms.

Ponni (addressing her son)

Visaka!  Go and get us some drinking water.

Visakan runs towards their hut.

Ponni

I must have done a lot of penance to beget a son like Visakan. He is true to his words and respects all his elders. May God let him lead a good and contended life! The other night I dreamt that he and my brother’s daughter Shenbagam were getting married. The very next morning my brother came with a proposal for the same.

Maranar looks at her intently and Ponni is embarrassed.

Maranar (showing a bit of irritation)

What are you blabbering? Visakan’s age is only seven and that girl would be hardly four years. How come you are talking of their marriage now?

Ponni

That is why I was hesitant and scared to inform you. My brother says that the relationship should not be broken. On top of it the dream that I had.  I am confused as to what to do. 

Maranar

There are a few who promote child marriages while there are others who vehemently oppose the same. We married only eight years ago after due deliberations as grownups. Let Visakan grow older and we will then decide about his marriage as per his choice.

 Ponni

Neither you nor I had parents. Had they been alive we also would have got married long ago. Since I had that dream, my mind has become firm on this proposal. On top of it the family relationship should also be not disrupted.  Let that be! You did not ask me where in my dream, the wedding took place!  

Maranar (laughing aloud)

Tell me…Where did it take place?

Ponni

In the Sannathi of Natarasan! 

Maranar (highly excited)  

Is that so? I am surprised!  We will accept that this is what Easan has ordained and conduct the marriage.

Ponni is delighted.

       ******

Thillayampathi ….

The wedding of seven year old Visakan with four your old Shenbagam is taking place!

Both of them are seated on their respective fathers’ laps!

 The Deekshithar keeps the ‘Thali’ at the feet of Natarajar to get His blessing and then hands it over to Visakan who ties it around Shenbagam’s neck. The elders bless both of them.

An elderly man

Hey! Visaka! Catch hold of your wife’s hand firmly, otherwise she will run away for playing!

All assembled laugh aloud on this joke.  Visakan grasps her hand tightly.

Who knows except Easan that after this Visakan will never be able to hold her hands?

    *******

Visakan is twelve years now.

He has already mastered the skill of proper pot making.  Selection of proper clay for the type of pot, kneading it and making of pots, baking them after arranging them correctly have all become literally a child’s play for him. If his father is indisposed, he takes on the task of taking the wares to the market for sale as well. In spite of such a heavy workload, he is always cheerful giving due respect to everyone. He becomes quite popular and everyone loves him.

One day…

There is an auspicious occasion of consecration in the Thillayampathi. As ordered by the temple priests, Maranar makes a variety of clay pots for the occasion and Visakan is tasked to take them to the temple. Visakan goes to the place where the ‘Yagams’ are being held and hands over the pots. While returning through Ponnambala mandapam, he stops near a particular pillar and looks around. The pillar, the stage and the temple vimanam all look as if he has been there before. He tries to recollect, when, where and how he has been there. Confused he closes his eyes and hears a voice, ‘Easanin kantam Neelamanathu!  Easanai Neelakantan ena azhaipathum athanale!’  (Easan’s throat is bluish. He is called Neelakantan because of that). Opening his eyes he finds no one around.  He returns home even more confused.

Maranar (observing the puzzled expression in Visakan’s face)

Visaka! Why are you looking puzzled?

Visakan

I encountered something mysterious in the temple!  It was as if someone was reciting into my ears ‘Easanin kantam Neelamanathu!  Easanai Neelakantan ena azhaipathum athanale!’  Is Easan’s throat really bluish?    

Maranar

Yes!  When the Devas and the Asuras were churning the Parkadal, the Amudham and the Alakalananju erupted.  To save the universe from certain destruction, Easan gathered the poison with his palms and tried to swallow it. Annai gripped His throat with her hands so as to prevent the poison from descending from his throat, as otherwise  the Universe would be destroyed since Him and Universe are one and the same. Since the poison remained in the throat of Easan, the throat took a bluish hue.   Easan is therefore revered as Neelakantan.

To demonstrate to the entire universe that the welfare of the people is His supreme concern and the protection of the subjects is Annai Parvathi’s supreme duty, Easan became ‘Neelakantan.’  It is the saying of the learned people that whosoever   reflects on His name and chants the same will be blessed with all good things in life.

Visakan

I am thrilled to hear all these! He who saved this earth will always be hailed by me as ‘Thiruneelkantam’.

From that very instance Visakan starts addressing every male he comes across as ‘Thiruneelkantam’ and he in turn called ‘Thiruneelakantan’ by everyone.

     ******

Thiruneelakantan is now sixteen years of age.

Maranar and Ponni are now taking care of household chores leaving all the pottery work to their son.

One of those days, in the early morning..

The lump of clay in the potter’s wheel turns into exquisite pieces of beauty through the skilled hands of Thiruneelakantan.  His constant chanting of the name of Easan as ‘Thiruneelakanta’ makes everyone excited. A Sivanadiyar reaches his work place at that time. On seeing him, he gets up and bows to him calling the name of Easan ‘Thiruneelkantam’. The Sivanadiyar blesses him.

Adiyar

My dear son! My ‘thiruvodu’ (bowl for seeking alms) is broken.  Will you please make a new one for me? 

Thiruneelakantan

I will make it. How much you can pay me for that?

Adiyar (forlorn)

To buy it I have no money or material. Appane! I have given up everything in life. I have taken up this attire shunning gold and other material possessions. We are happy to live on whatever food is offered by devotees. We do not even hoard any offerings for the next meal and taken up the ‘thiruvodu’ for seeking alms.  Do I have in my possession apart from the cloth I am wearing?

The desperate words of the adiyar bring tears to Thiruneelakanatan’s eyes. 

Thiruneelakantan

 Forgive me as I am but a lad! I have hurt your feelings by irresponsible talk.  I will fabricate the ‘thiruvodu’ for you. As I have not seen it before, can you please tell me how it looks like? I will make it as exactly as you want.

Adiyar

 I will describe to you the glory of thiruvodu! Listen to me! You will come to know of its shape on your own!  Long time ago when the Devas and the Asuras were churning the Parkadal along with the Amudham, Alakalananju also erupted.  To save the universe from certain destruction, Easan gathered the poison cupping both his palms so that not a drop of poison spills or leaks out. His cupped palms became ‘thiruvodu’.   Annai gripped His throat with her hands to prevent the poison from descending from his throat.  Since the poison remained in the throat of Easan, the throat took a bluish hue.   Easan is therefore revered as Neelakantan. You know this episode very well. Now I will cup my palms. You make the thiruvodu of the shape you see.

The Sivanadiyar cups his palms and Thiruneelakantan   takes a look. He sees the entire universe inside the cupped palms!   He wipes his eyes to verify what he sees is real or imaginary. When he opens his eyes he sees only the palms. Dismissing the sighting of the entire universe in the cupped palms of the adiyar as delirium due to his hunger, he proceeds to make the thiruvodu.

Thiruneelakantan (continuing with his work diligently)

Adiyavare! Is the thiruvodu as fabulous as you say?

Adiyar

It is a sacred sign! Listen to me to know what it signifies! Assume the mind as the mud and remove from it the impurities like lust, anger and enmity then add compassion as water and knead it.  Dry the wet thiruvodu made of it in the shade of normality and then burn it in the fire of existential life. The resultant unblemished and unbroken Aanma is the ‘thiruvodu’ in the holy hands of Easan.

Thiruneelakantan

How wonderful your explanation is! As long as I live, I will never forget what you have said. From now on I will revere any Sivanadiyar who comes here and give him thiruvodu without taking any money or material in exchange. This I swear in the name of my Easan Thiruneelakantan!

Adiyar

You fabricate the thiruvodu. I will come again to pick that up.

Adiyavar takes leave and comes out of the place and looks at Thiruneelakantan with extreme compassion. Slowly his figure dissolves into thin air.

From that very day Thiruneelakantan, makes it his top priority to fabricate and distribute thiruvodus for the Sivanadiyars.  Life goes on. The people of the neighbouring villages laud his noble service and his fame spreads around the country side.

    ********

One day, as usual, loading his bullock cart with pottery, he starts for the market before daybreak. Reaching his chosen spot, he spreads his ware. As the day breaks, people start coming to the market for purchase of goods. Thiruneelakantan busy in selling his wares suddenly realises that it is nearing sun set. Because of the high quality of his wares and of his pleasing manners, he has been able to sell off the entire stock. He yokes the bulls to the cart and gets ready to return home. Suddenly a large number of men creating a great commotion are running past almost pushing him down. Thiruneelakantan is flummoxed.   He has never been witness to such uncouth behavior of men in general and young men of his age in particular.  He looks at the old woman sitting next to his place giving an amazed look. She is gathering the unsold items of her ware in a basket and is getting ready to go home.

Thiruneelakantan

Patti!  What has happened to the youth of our village? Why there are running in gay abandon?

Patti (mockingly)

It is all to get a glance of that paraththai (lowly woman)! Look!  Even an old haggard is running after her!

Thiruneelakantan

Paraththayar! I have heard of Brahmanar, Vaisiyar, Ksahatriyar and Sooththirar. I have not heard of Paraththayar kulam.

Patti

 From your doubt itself, I can make out that you are a virtuous man. Your mother deserves to be complimented! Paraththayar means Kanikayars.

Thiruneelakantan

I still don’t get it!

 Patti

 Kanikayars means ‘Devadasis’.  They dedicate themselves to worship and service of Easan and sell their bodies to make their living.     Easan who is responsible to make a woman to lead such a contemptible life is worthy of condemnation.

Thiruneelakantan (cupping his ears with his palms so as not to hear)

‘Thiruneelkantam, Thiruneelkantam…   Please do not abuse Easan!

To his astonishment, the crowd that ran away returns in equal haste following a palanquin which stops just in front of him. A heavenly looking damsel alights from it and walks up to him. The crowd surrounds both of them.

The Girl

Ayya! Aren’t you Thiruneelakantar?

Thiruneelakantan (surprised)

Yes! I am.

The Girl

Aren’t you the one who undertakes the sacred job of fabricating thiruvodu for Sivanadiyar?

Thiruneelakantan is attracted by the girl who is looking at him wide eyed in great excitement.

Thiruneelakantan

Penne! Who are you? What brings you here looking for me?

The Girl (bowing to him)

Oh! The virtuous man! I am not surprised that you do not know me.  My name is Chitrangi. I am a dancer in the King’s court. I am born in the clan of Kanikayar. I became a Devadasi against my wishes. I do not think of anything other than God.  Having heard of your praiseworthy deeds and eager to have your darisanam, I have come here. Please bless this unworthy soul to attain salvation. 

Overcome with emotion she sheds copious tears.

Thiruneelakantan

Penne! I am a potter…. I do not understand high flown language. I am already a married to a noble woman called Shenbagam. Let my Easan guard me from infatuation just as I see it in your eyes.

He closes his eyes…

Chitrangi (sorrowfully)

In this world where men run after Devadasis, I have come looking for you.  You have misconstrued the purpose of my visit just because I belong to the clan of Devadasis.

Shedding tears, she runs to the palanquin and sits inside.  The palanquin starts off immediately. Only then Thiruneelakantan realises his folly and sorrowfully stands transfixed looking at the palanquin going away.

        *****

From that day onwards….

When he returns from the market, on the way….

 He notices that the palanquin stops, the curtains are set aside and Chitrangi looking at him.

 He feels powerless to look at her eyes which seem to question him for branding her of a lowly clan.

This more or less becomes a daily routine.

       ******

Good news is received!

Shenbagam has come of age. To bring her home, Maranar and Ponni go to in- laws house.  The news that his wife is going to join him soon makes Thiruneelakantan extremely happy.

Shenbagam reaches home. The elders fix the next Friday for nuptials.

From the time their daughter-in-law has come home, his parents are highly pleased. 

. . . . .

It is the chosen Friday.  

As usual, Thiruneelakantan loads his ware on the bullock cart and starts for the market before sunrise. The thought of Shenbagam keeps haunting him throughout. He thinks ‘I am the only son of my father. But I must get at least ten children.’  As he keeps imagining his future his face brightens up. Soon it is evening. All his pots have been sold out.  He says to himself ‘If I start now, I can reach home in time for the dinner. Shenbagam must be waiting for me!’

 He quickly yokes the bulls to the cart and starts his trip home.

On the way…

He sees the palanquin stopped and there are a few youths standing nearby engaged in verbal confrontation. He stops his cart and observes as to what is going on. Finding that Chitrangi is in some trouble, he dismounts and furiously goes near the palanquin. He pushes out the youth with force and the youths get scared on seeing the angry young man. Chitrangi gets down from the palanquin weeping aloud. Frightened as to what will happen next the palanquin bearers move aside.

 Thiruneelakantan (in a threatening voice)

Young men! What are you up to?  To harass a woman is unlawful. You all look to be from respectable families. Go away now.

A young man

Ayya! You appear to be a great devotee of Siva! You give the judgement in this case! From the time I set my eyes on Chitrangi in the King’s court, I am unable to forget her. As you said I belong to a noble family! No one has told me that it is improper to have the company of any Kanikayar. It is also a traditional norm that they accept men like me for company.  Chitrangi’s mother has agreed for it and received a lot of money from me many times. However, Chitrangi refuses to accept my company. I am prepared to give up myself and all my wealth at her feet. It is highly unjustified while her mother accepts my offers on one hand and she rejects me on the other. Today I am not going to leave without taking her with me to my place. You have no   right to interfere in this affair. If you say that you have a right over her as her keeper, we will apologise, seek your pardon and go way from here this very moment!

 Thiruneelakantan

From the way you are putting across your point, I can make out that you have high qualities. I am in no way related to this girl. Still, I will not acquiesce if a girl is compelled against her wish.  It is only proper for the men folk to refrain from compelling an unwilling female even if she is a kanigai.

The young man (threatening in anger)

Enough of your blabber!  Once you have admitted that you are in no way related to her, you have no business to talk about just or unjust conduct!  You stand aside without any argument. Otherwise you may have to answer my Silambam!

Thiruneelakantan

You are out of your mind!  I am also ready to set it right!

Before Thiruneelakantan take up his Silambam from the cart, the other youths surround him with their sticks raised to hit him.  Chitrangi, to prevent any injury to the great man whom she regards as God personified, rushes and covers him. The sticks hit her head instead and there is a gush of blood. Chitrangi swoons and falls on Thiruneelakantan.  His clothes get soaked in blood. Scared to see the blood gushing out, the youth run away from there. Thiruneelakantan, not knowing what to next, lifts the injured Chitrangi and places her carefully in the cart and with the guidance of the palanquin bearers reaches her house. Placing her in her bed while narrating the events quickly to her mother, he arranges a Vaidyar to attend to her injuries.   Chitrangi’s wounds are dressed and the bleeding stops.

 Realising that he has to return home, he quickly reaches there in his cart. However it is already past mid night. Maranar and Ponni are already asleep. Shenbagam is waiting for her husband to return home. Seeing his clothes soaked in blood Shenbagam questions him  with great anxiety as to what has happened. He narrates the whole incidence to Shenbagam. On hearing the episode, Shenbagam’s eyes glow in anger.

Thiruneelakantan

My dearest! I see a lot of anger in your eyes. Don’t hesitate to tell me whatever it is.

Shenbagam 

Let the hands of yours which touched a Paraththayar not touch my ilk! Thiruneelakantam!

Thiruneelakantan stands agitated hearing the pronouncement of his wife as if a thunder has fallen! Dumbfounded he looks at his wife.  He controls his immediate response as they are harsh and biting even for him. Shenbagam also stands unable to speak any further.

 Thiruneelakantan

You have uttered ‘Thiruneelakantam!’ there by swearing in the name of God. Since you have said ‘my ilk’, from now on I will not touch you or any other woman!

 The righteous Thiruneelakanatan’s vow makes the eight cardinal guardians of the earth lose their potency. The great pralayam emerges with enormous roar to flood the earth. The Ashtadigpalas regain their composure and pray to Easan to save the world from the deluge. The deluge subsides.

Time passes and both of them regain their composure.

Shenbagam is desolate for her mistake….

Thiruneelakantan

What I have sworn is final! If our parents come to know of this they will become distressed. Therefore, we will act as happy couple in front of them but will refrain from physical intimacy and lead celibate lives.

Shenbagam (with her head bowed)

Let that be so!

Tears swell and flow from both their eyes….

        *****

The days pass by….

The parents of Thiruneelakantan, pleased with their son’s and daughter-in-law’s care, bless them and leave this world one by one.

Thiruneelakantar, true to his vow, carries on with his life giving thiruvodu to the visiting Sivanadiyars and receiving their blessings.

Many decades later…

He is quite old and infirmity sets in.

Even then his service to Sivanadiyar and his trips to the market to sell pottery continue.

One day…

The palanquin which routinely comes is absent. Realising that Chitrangi is no more, he returns home. On the way all the past instances come back in his mind and taunt him. To ease his mental tension, he goes for the darisanam of Thillayampathi. On his way out, overcome with tiredness he leans against a pillar in the Ponnambala mandapam and closes his eyes.  The instances of his previous birth come back like a dream.

“Alas! Alas! I have wasted my time observing ‘brahmacharya vratam’ all along thinking that I will obtain Mukti. Easane! Please grant me one more birth so that I can acquire Pithruprithi and Putrasahayam.”

Hearing this voice he opens his eyes.

 Thiruneelakantan (to himself)

Have I been given this life due to my prayer to Easan?

 If nurturing own children as virtuous subjects to  enable them to lead a meaningful life and getting  cremated by them on  our departure is how one can attain Mukti!

Now I am old  and have no children  means that I wouldn’t get Mukti! Should I be reborn again to get Mukti? Easane! Emperumane!  Please answer me?

There is a flood of tears rolling from his eyes on his cheeks.

 And there…

In the Sannathi of Easan …..

The Deekshithar stands stupefied   find copious tears falling from the eyes of Easan while he is removing the garlands of the Easan and dab his eyes. 

      *****

The next morning…

While Thiruneelakantar is about to rotate the potter’s wheel after putting the wet clay in the centre, he sees a Sivanadiyar reaching him and tries to get up in a hurry…

Due to his old age he staggers and is held by the Sivanadiyar just in time stopping him from falling down.

Thiruneelakantan (with his arms folded in supplication)

Sivanadiyare! Sironmaniye!  My salutations to you!

Sivanadiyar

I am going to a far off country in the North. I want to take some rest here My son!

Thiruneelakantan

That will be my good fortune!

He calls his wife Shenbagam. 

Thiruneelakantan

Please place a mat for the Adiyar to be seated.

Shenbagam brings and unfolds the mat. She brings a pitcher of buttermilk for the Adiyar and stands bowing to Him.

Easan, having come in the garb of Sivanadiyar looks at the old couple with compassion.

Easan (to himself)

The time has come for the whole world to recognise the eminence of this pious follower!

He opens a bundle he is carrying and hands over a thiruvodu to Thiruneelakantar.

 Sivanadiyar

Mahane! This was given to me by my Gurunathar. It has been handed over in succession by each of the earlier Gurus to their respective disciples. Till such time I get a disciple, I am obliged to take care of it. Since I have embarked on a long journey to the North, I may not be able to ensure its safety. Let this be with you till I return. Mahane! It warrants more safety than even gold and gems. If this thiruvodu is lost I will be blameworthy for disobeying my Guru’s edict and hence for ‘Gurudroham’.   For My sake do this bidding of mine…

The Couple (accepting the thiruvodu handed over by Easan)

Your wish is our command.

Sivanadiyar soon leaves the place.  In great reverence, Thiruneelakantar keeps that thiruvodu in a safe corner of his house on which he can set eyes on. He makes it a routine to have a glimpse of it every time he passes by that place considering that it is his bounden duty to safeguard it.

Days pass by…

      ****

Sivanadiyar returns to the town. The couple welcomes the Sivanadiyar and attends to his needs.

Thiruneelakantan

Ayyane! I suppose your trip was successful. Have been able to locate an able disciple?

Sivanadiyar (looking at Thiruneelakantan full of compassion)

I am aware who my disciple is! But he stands not recognising me!  Let the time come! I have left it at that. Bring the Thiruvodu I have given. I have to continue my journey.

Thiruneelakantar quickly goes inside and finds that it is missing from the place where he has kept it. Taken aback he calls his wife and enquires. Shenbagam replies that she does not know about it. Both of them search the entire nooks and corners of house in vain. Getting annoyed by the delay, Sivanadiyar calls forth. Not knowing how to face the Sivanadiyar, he comes out and faces the Sivanadiyar in great trepidation.

‘The One who gave and the same One who hid the thiruvodu’ looks at the nervous Thiruneelakantar.

Sivanadiyar (showing anger)

Why so much delay? Where is my thiruvodu?

 Thiruneelakantan

I do not know what illusion is this? I am perplexed that the thing that has been in my sight always disappeared now.   The delay is due to searching for it. Please pardon me…

 Sivanadiyar (angrily)

I correctly guessed that you will enact a drama like this when you took time to come back. Enough! Please bring the thiruvodu which you have hidden.

Thiruneelakantan (agonised hearing Sivanadiyar’s harsh words)

Adiyavare! Don’t be angry. I have lost the item that was to be guarded safely by me due to negligence. I will make amends by fabricating a new thiruvodu which will be much more glamorous. You must please pardon this lowly man.

Sivanadiyar

I will not be able to accept anything except what I have given you even if it were made of gold.  As I have told you, this was handed over to me by my guru. I, in turn, have to hand it over to my disciple. This is ordained by my Guru.  Hand it over to me without wasting any more time.

Thiruneelakantan

Ayyane! Making a thiruvodu is nothing new to me. I am a potter by profession. There is no reason for me to hide your thiruvodu. I am not a thief. Nor I am of a lowly character to tell a lie. The only truth is that the thiruvodu is missing.

Sivanadiyar

A good story! If you are not able to return what I have given to you, doesn’t it mean that the item has become your property? If you do not return my thiruvodu, I will gather the entire town’s people and ask for justice. I will return only after I get back my thiruvodu.

 Distressed on hearing his words, Thiruneelakantar with tears in his eyes falls on his feet and gets up. Shenbagam is watching all these silently shedding tears.

Thiruneelakantan (on the verge of collapsing)

Ayyane! The thought of stealing never crossed my mind. That the Thiruvodu is not traceable is the only truth. What do you want me to do to accept my words as true?

Sivanadiyar

You have come to the point!   If you declare in public that the ‘Thiruvodu is not traceable is the only truth’ after   taking a dip in the Thillayampathi sacred pond holding the hand of your son, I will accept the same and go away.

Thiruneelakantan

Adiyavare! I have no son to carry out the condition you have imposed. What can I do?

Shenbagam looks down crying.

Sivanadiyar

If that is so you catch hold of your wife’s hand and take a dip in the pond and swear in the name of Easan.

I will accept the same and go away. 

Thiruneelakantan gets agitated hearing Adiyavar’s condition.

Thiruneelakantan

Adiyavare! I cannot make out why you are so adamant. Because of a vow I have made, I am unable to hold the hand of my wife. It is I who has lost your thiruvodu. I will take a dip in the sacred pond and swear in the name of Easan that it is missing.  Please accept my declaration.

Sivanadiyar

No! Either you get me my thiruvodu or swear in the name of Easan after taking a dip in the pond catching the hand of your wife as I have asked for. Since you are not prepared to accept my condition, I doubt that the thiruvodu may be with you only. I am not prepared to discuss this matter with you any further.

He starts hailing the Brahmins of Thillai all through his way to Thillayampathi. Thiruneelakantar also follows him. Easan though knowing full well that he is staggering to keep pace with Him doesn’t care to look back and continues his brisk stride.

Sivanadiyar (calling repeatedly and loudly)

The Three thousand Brahmins! Those who wear the sacred threads! Those who establish the rule of law and dispense justice! Where are you all? Where have you all gone?

The loud hailing of the Sivanadiyar reverberates all around the compound walls of the temple. Leaving whatever work they were engaged in, the three thousand Brahmins rush to the temple pond deeply anguished as what has happened.  Seeing the Sivanadiyar standing there seething in anger, they all bow to him and pray to him to take his seat.  

Sivanadiyar

Forget offering me seat… Oh! Brahmins!  Neelakantan, who is here, is holding the item I have given him for safe keep,  he says now that it is missing.  To prove his innocence, I asked him to take a dip in this pond catching the hand of his wife and swear in the name of Easan. Since he is not prepared to accept that condition, I have called you all to seek justice. Either he must return my thiruvodu or swear in the name of Easan as per my stipulation. This only is my case!

The Brahmins

 Oh! The virtuous follower of Sivanadiyars! Thiruneelakantare!  Is there a truth in what the Sivanadiyar says?

Thiruneelakantan (bowing his head)

Yes! The item he gave me for safe custody has gone missing.

The Brahmins (giving their verdict)

If that is so, you have to take a dip in the pond and then swear as stipulated by him.

Thiruneelakantar making a mental resolve looks up at the Brahmins.

Thiruneelakantan

I will abide. I will return with my wife and take a dip in the sacred pond and swear as appropriate!

He rushes home and returns with his wife carrying a staff. Having heard of this peculiar case, the town’s people also gather at the sacred pond in large numbers. The three thousand Brahmins and the Sivanadiyar are waiting on the steps of the pond for his return.

With his wife in tow, Thiruneelakantar climbs down the steps and enters into the water. One end of the staff is held by his wife and the other end by him. When they were about to take a dip in the water, they are stopped by the booming voice of the Sivanadiyar.

Sivanadiyar

What a farce! I have said that you must catch hold of the hand of your wife and take a dip. You both are catching a stick and trying to take the dip in the water. I cannot accept this.  Isn’t this travesty?

He looks up at the Brahmins….

 The Brahmins (ordering)

Thiruneelakantare! Do take a dip in the pond catching your wife’s hand and then make the swearing as asked for by the Sivanadiyar.

In great predicament, Thiruneelakantar looks down forlorn. Both he and his wife are shedding copious tears. 

Then suddenly….

Thiruneelakantan (looking up with his head straight and steady)

Adiyavare! Anthanarhale! The gathered people of the town and also of this earth!  Because of unforeseen circumstances when I had to touch the body of a paraththayar, my virtuous wife ordered me ‘Let the hands of yours which touched a Paraththayar not touch my ilk! Thiruneelakantam!’ Since she said my ilk, I took a vow never to touch her or any other woman. Please permit me and my wife to take the dip holding the stick in our hands so that my vow is not broken.

Catching one end of the stick each, they submerge in the water to take a dip.

There to the sound of conch shells with the Devas reciting the Veda mantras, Easan with His consort Sivakami appears mounted on His Nandi vahanam.  To the sound of gettimelam, both of them come out holding each other’s hands.  Both of them appear to have regained their youth!

The assembled Brahmins of Thillai and the town’s people stand wonder struck.

Easan

Thiruneelakantare!  I enacted this drama so that the whole world comes to know of your greatness! You will be praised as long as the earth exists.  Your keeping of the vow taken in my name by controlling your five senses all along cannot be described in words. I have given both of you different and new physical bodies so that your vow is not broken.  As per your wish, be blessed with progeny and when the time comes you will reach Me and obtain Mukti after getting cremated by their hands. You have pleased all the adiyars by giving thiruvodus.  The Great Potter that I am, you fabricated one for Me as well! You are very dear to Me!    Your name and fame will remain forever. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well.

As Easan blesses them, the Devas shower the place with flowers.

The assembled people of the town and the Brahmins of Thillai stand bowing to Easan and Annai. The Thiruneelakantar couple joins their hands and raises them above their heads and pray to Ammayappar in reverence. 

Tiruchchitrambalam