Viranminda Nayanar

2

Viranminda Nayanar

Thirukkailayam..

Annai and Easan are seated…

Easan

Annaye! Akhilandanayakiye! What are you thinking about?

Annai

They call you ‘Nirgunan’! But I don’t see that you are one!

Easan

What is meant by ‘Nirgunan’, Devi?

Annai

As if You don’t know the meaning! ‘Nirgunan’ means the one who neither loves nor hates anything or anyone.

Easan

Don’t I look like One who neither loves nor hates?

Annai

My Iraiva! You love me. You love your children Ganesan and Murugan. You love all the creatures, your adiyars, Nandi, Naradar, the Devas and all the ganas. Will not be incorrect to call you a ‘Nirgunan’ when you are showering your love on all these people!

Easan

Why are you enacting this drama knowing very well that I am ‘Nirgunan?’

Annai

Leave aside my drama! Please answer my question!

Easan

Look! Every creature in this entire universe is one and the same for Me! I don’t discriminate that something is superior and something else is inferior.  I am ‘Ohmkar’ in the form of ‘Ohm’ and I have created all of these and made them Mine! Therefore I am everything and I am in everything! So I am beyond the concept of love or hate and remain a ‘Nirgunan’.

Annai

For example…

Easan

Take the case of Padmasuran. He is an Asuran and wild. Still he stood on a tapas praying to me. I was bound by his wild devotion to me and promised him to grant any boon he asked for. Rather thinking that he needed nothing more than seeing Iraivan in person when I appeared before him, he asked for a boon that if his palm touches anyone’s head he or she should burn to cinders! Even though it would endanger the entire universe if such boon is granted to him, I as ‘Nirgunan’ granted his wish without any hesitation…    It was I who created an idea in his mind to test the boon on Me and when he ran to put his palm on my head, I ran here and there to tire him out. Taking the avataram of Mohini, I distracted his mind and destroyed him using the very boon I granted to him.  Devi! Have you forgotten this episode? Iraivan gets bound by the love of his devotee. He does not discriminate whether he is mild or wild! 

Annai

Yes! I know very well!  During this coming month of Chiththirai, under the star of Tiruvadirai, a brute is going to be born in the Parasuramakshetram. He is going to do a lot of cruel deeds against You and Your adiyavar.  You, as ‘Nirgunan’ are going to absorb him as a Nayanar and even make him head of our Boothaganas! I am keenly waiting to witness the drama you are going to unfold! We long for your blessings.

Annai bows to Easan.

Nandi (to himself)

What is thisconfusion? Wasn’t it Thirumal who took the avataram of Mohini to distract Padmasuran? When that is so, how come Easan ….Emperuman said to Annai, ‘Taking the avataram of Mohini, I distracted his mind and destroyed him using the very boon I granted to him. Devi! Have you forgotten this episode’?

Nothing is clear to me.

He stands totally confused where upon Naradar reaches there. Nandi goes to receive him.

Naradar (loudly)

Om Namasivaya….  Om Namasivaya

Nandi (surprised)

Narada Munivare! How is that you are chanting Om Namasivaya today unlike your usual chant of Namo Narayana?

Naradar

There is a saying ‘Hariyum Haranum Onru, Ariyathavar vayil mannu.’ (Hari and Hara are one and the same! Mud in his mouth the one who is ignorant of this)

Do you know the significance of this saying? 

Nandi (laughing)

I know it very well! Those who don’t know ‘SarvamSivamayam’ (Everything is Sivan) will have to eat the earth! Am I right?

Naradar gazes at him without giving an answer for some time making Nandi to wince.

Naradar

Your explanation is incorrect. I will tell you why!   Why they say ‘mud in his mouth and not blind is he who doesn’t know that Hari and Haran are one and the same’?

Nandi (not knowing the answer)

That is what I want to know!

Naradar

I will tell you.  Ariyathavar (he who is ignorant) in this context refers to one who cannot differentiate between good and bad.   Who is incapable to differentiate between good and bad? Only a small child cannot discern! When the baby Kannan picks up a handful of mud and puts in his mouth, his mother Yasodhai, chides him to open His mouth and show what is inside. Thirukannabiran   opens his mouth.

What does she see inside? She sees the entire universe, the creator Brahma, the protector Hari and the destroyer Haran. Only then the people realise that Hari and Haran are one and the same. The saying also has been derived out of this. By the way! When did I chant ‘Om Namasivaya’? I always chant ‘Namo Narayana’ only. You hear it as ‘Om Namasivaya’! Doesn’t it prove that both are one and the same?

Nandi

Yes! You explained succinctly! Can anyone defeat you in a verbal duel? Impossible! All right. Today Annai revealed that during this coming month of Chiththirai, under the star of Tiruvadirai, a brute is going to be born in the Parasuramakshetram. She also disclosed that Easan will absorb him as a Nayanar and even make him head of our Boothaganas! Where is Parasuramakshetram? Why it is not referred as a country and why it is called as a Kshetram?

Naradar

Aaha! Is Iraivan going to enact His holy sport? I am also curious to witness the same.

 Now, hear the answer to your question. When Iraivan takes an avataram in this earth, his place of birth is called the ‘Janmabhoomi’ (place of sacred origin). The places where all he lived are known as ‘Punayabhoomi’ (place of piety or holy). Each of these places becomes sacred where devotees come on pilgrimage and are called Kshetram. Parasuramar was born in North. But he stayed in the South. Since he is an avatarapurushar (God Incarnate), the place he stayed became a Kshetram.

Once upon a time, the divine carpenter Mayan fabricated a bow that could not be strung by anyone. Since he forgot to invoke Vinayagar before starting this work, the bow got very minute hairline crack. Upset seeing the defective bow and realising his mistake, he fabricated another similar bow after properly invoking the blessings of Vinayagar. At about the same time, Janakar, the Maharaja of Mithilai, prayed to Easan to grant him a progeny.  As ordained by Easan, the Bhoomadevi gave him her daughter Seethai. She also handed over the Sivadhanush the first one made by Mayan. An oracle from the heavens announced at that time, ‘Whoever strings this bow, only he will marry the daughter of Janakar’. Considering both as the graceful blessings of Easan, Janakar returns home with the child and the Sivadhanush. Ramar accompanying Viswamittirar reaches Mithilai, strings the Sivadhanush and marries Seethai. While He is on his way back to Ayodhya, Parasuramar confronts him. He challenges Ramar, ‘You imbecile Kshatriya! You displayed your valour by breaking an already broken bow!  I have this Vishnudhanush. Come on let me see you lift it and string it. If you are successful I will let you go… Else my axe will chop off your head …’

While the people accompanying him get highly perturbed, Ramar picks up and strings the Vishnudhanush with a smile. Tasting a defeat for the first time in his life, and having his ego punctured, Parasuramar stands with his head lowered.

‘Where to shoot the arrow?’ Ramar asks the crest fallen Parasuramar.   He asks Ramar to aim and shoot against all his thavabalan .Ramar does as requested and calls out, ‘Parasurama!  Look at Me intently! ’ Parasuramar looks at Him to find His own self in front of Him. Realising that both of them are Vishnu’s avataram, he decides to move away to South. He throws his axe to mark out the area where he decides to make his abode. That place is known as Parasuramakshetram as well as Cheravalanadu. He is a strict celibate treating every woman as his own mother. The place where Parasuramar decided to stay has therefore become a ‘Punayabhoomi’, which is a rich hill country.

 Nandi   

Is that the reason why the Nayanar who is going to take birth there will be equally ferocious as Parasuramar?

Naradar (laughing)

Not only that!  He will also be carrying an axe like him!

Both of them disperse from there.

   *******

Cheranadu…

Chengunrur is a very fertile village in that hill country … A thatched hut of palm leaves.. 
A woman is sitting there with tears streaming from her eyes.  Standing next to her is her seven year old son.

Her Son

Ammaye! I understand that father’s death is a great loss and a source of great grief. Will he come back if you remain weeping like this? We have to get on with our lives and you must return to your normal self.

Mother (in sadness)

Viranminda! This is the third day after your father’s death. Are you not sorry to have lost your father? How stone-hearted are you!

Viranmindar

Ammaye!  I am equally distressed by father’s death. At the same time I am suffering from pangs of hunger too! I have discontinued my Gurukulam life. From now on it is my duty to take care of you. I agree we have to be in mourning. But if are in mourning for ever, how we will continue our lives?

Life should go on at any cost!

Mother(weeping)

Even after living in Gurukulam, there is no change in your nature. You have no idea of kinship and affection.  All along I have been thinking that your father is everything for me. Now that he is gone, I have no feeling of thirst or hunger.

Viranmindar

Ammaye! It is impossible to live without food. You remain in your mourning. Let me cook…

Going into the kitchen, he finds only an empty clay pot. Angry at not finding any provision at home, he throws that clay pot and comes and sits outside in the porch. On seeing the thrown and broken clay pot his mother gets up and comes out. Seeing her son famished, she is heartbroken.  She is stopped by Viranmindar from going to her neighbour for borrowing some provisions.

Viranmindar

 Ammaye! I detest going to neighbours for borrowing food. I will go to our farm and see whether I can get anything from there.

Mother (in disgust)

Our field is as dried up as my heart. You will find wild thorny bushes everywhere. Take the axe with you. Unless you clear the thorny bushes you will not be able to even step into our fields.

Holding his axe on his shoulder, Viranmindar starts off to his field.  He is obstructed by some of the villagers on his way.

One of the villagers (threatening)

What is this? Where are you going with an axe on your shoulder? There are ceremonies yet to be conducted for your father. It is not in our custom to go for work when there are final ceremonies pending. You better go back home.

Viranmindar

It is not proper for you to block me quoting what should I do and what I shouldn’t do. There is not a single soul to advise me what I can do. I see only there is host of people to prevent me from doing things.

I am yet to see a person who stands with me to do what I want to do. Customs and traditions are created by us for ourselves.  My mother and I are hungry. Only if I work and earn some money, we will be able to eat. Don’t try to prevent me quoting all these mores.

The village elder

What temerity? We say that you cannot go out before the mourning period is over and you have the audacity to argue with us! You appear to be a brute! Hey! (Hailing some villagers) Block him. Let me see how he  goes.

A few villagers try to block his way.

Furious, Viranmindar lifts his axe and prepares to attack the villagers who are blocking his way. Terrified they all run away. Viranmindar looks at them with contempt and proceeds on his way to his field. On reaching there he is shocked to find the condition of his fields.

About five acres in extent…

Full of wild growth…thorny bushes and thorny trees. He makes a pathway by cutting off the undergrowth with his axe and starts his work. He cuts and gathers wood and carries it on his head and returns to the village. Selling the chopped wood and earning some money, he buys provisions and returns home. His mother isfound sleeping overcome by hunger.  Not wanting to wake her up, he cooks the food himself and wakes up his mother and offers her food. She observes blood stains all over his body.

Mother (highly perturbed)

What is this? Why are you smeared in blood?

Viranmindar

Ammaye! I had to clear the thorny bushes and cut the trees. I sold them and purchased provisions out of the money earned. I have cooked the food myself. Please eat and satiate your hunger.

She looks at her son who is not showing any sign of distress or pain holding the hot meals for her.

Mother

Easane! I am blessed to have such a dutiful son!  Viranminda! You cannot endure seeing your mother in kind of distress.  One day the people of this entire village will revere you!

She bestows her heartfelt blessings on him.

Viranmindar

Who is this Easan? Please tell me!

His mother shows him the Lingam kept on the shelf. Viranmindar looks at the Lingam. His mother is surprised to see his face becoming radiant as never seen before! 

Mother

We have kept the Lingam in that shelf all these years. How come you have never seen it so far? Have they not taught about these things in Gurukulam?

Viranmindar

 Calling me a brute, you and father neglected me right from my childhood. Nothing was noticed by me because of my rage. In the Gurukulam we were only made to work and did not learn anything. I get excited on seeing that in the shelf.  What is that? Please explain to me!

Mother (excitedly)

It is Sarveswaran in the dorm of Lingam who creates, protects and destroys the entire universe. He is our Iraivan. Still he is a servant of his servants. He runs errands for adiyavars, though neither His feet nor His tuft of hair has ever been seen!

Viranmindar

Iraivan! Does He serve the servers? Does He run errands for adiyavars? From this moment, my mind will always be devoted to Him!

He closes his eyes and prays to Easan.

     *******

Next day…

Viranmindar wakes up early and after having his bath comes and bows to the Lingam kept in the shelf. Sporting hisaxe on his shoulder, he starts for his work.

His mother is overwhelmed by her dutiful son.

Mother (proudly looking at him)

Mahane! Seeing you with the axe on your shoulder, I feel as if I am seeing the very Parasuramar himself!

Viranmindar

Who is that Parasuraman?

Mother

 Parasurama avataram is one of the ten avatarams of Hari…The place where we are living is his Kshetram. This is the country of Parasuramar. He always carried an axe on his person. Like you, He was also a brute.

 Stung by this remark Viranmindar looks at his mother disheartened.

Mother

Parasuraman was the youngest child of his parents. Once, when her mother committed an inadvertent mistake, his father asked his eldest son to behead her. When his son asked him the reason for such an order, he became furious and turned him to ashes for not heeding his command.  When he asked his next son to do the same, he started crying for killing his mother. He was also burnt to cinders. Like this he burnt to ashes his other two sons. It was finally the turn of Parasuraman, the youngest son. He said to him, ‘Hey! Parasurma! Here is your mother. Chop off her head and bring it to me’. Without thinking for a moment, Parasuraman chopped his mother’s head with his axe and brought her head to him. Pacified by his obedient act, he said, ‘Parasurama! I am pleased by your act. Ask me any boom. I will grant it to you’.

Parasuraman replied, ‘Thandhaye! Please resurrect my dead mother and brothers.’ They all regained their lives. Though Parasuraman was wild by nature, He was full of compassion and kinship also. Likewise, though you are by nature wild, the affection you have for your mother is praiseworthy. Easan will always be with you!

Blessing him thus, she sends him for his work.

In due course, the hard work of Viranmindar in his fields starts giving yield. The land becomes fertile for farming and he starts earning in plenty.  He builds a palatial house. As his wealth keeps increasing, so does his brutish nature.  He will not brook any disagreement and will raise his axe if anyone contradicts him. The villagers deal with him in mortal fear!

Viranmindar turns twenty one. At about that time….

A Sivanadiyar comes to the village.

Perhaps he has been walking for a long time over hills and dales! He is gasping for breath. Apart from that he looks famished. As he is swaying and about to fall, a young girl among the few who are carrying water holds him and lets him lie down slowly. Offering him some water, she refreshes him. The adiyavar coming out of his stupor looks at them.

The young girl who offered him water

Adiyavare! I suppose that you are new to this place. Who are you? Whom are you searching for here?

Sivanadiyar

Penne!  I feel elated by your gentle manners. I am a wanderer.  I keep going from place to place to visit the temples of Siva. I have come to Parasuramakshetram to visit the temples of Easan and pray there. I have been hungry and about to swoon. Can I get some food from anywhere nearby?

Penn

Adiyavare! Here all of us eat only tubers for food. If it is agreeable to you, please come to our house. You can appease your hunger and take rest.

Sivanadiyar

Penne! What is your name?

Penn

Gunavathi is my name.

Sivanadiyar

Aaha! You are having all noble qualities and your name is very apt. I am used to eat food cooked in rice only. The tubers do not suit me. Where can I get cooked rice here?

Gunavathi

There is farmer called Viranmindar in this village. One can get cooked rice only in his house.

The friends of Gunavathi

Alas! Whom are you suggesting? Adiyavare! Listen to us!  Viranmindar, the person suggested by her, is a brute. Under the slightest annoyance, he will brandish his axe. The whole village is scared of him. Eating in his house is like going for a meal at Yaman’s house! Please don’t go there.

Gunavathi

He may be wild and short tempered. But he is a good man by nature. He will not bear any one suffering.   You are very hungry and you will get good food in his home only.  Come with me. I will take you there.

She takes the Sivanadiyar to Viranmindar’s house.

    ******

Viranmindar’s house…

Seeing an adiyavar approaching, his mother rushes to receive him.

Mother

Darisanam of a Sivanadiyar amounts to the darisanam of Easan Himself!

She bends down and prostrates at his feet. She offers him a seat. Informed by Gunavathi that he has come there to appease his hunger, she feels highly elated.

Mother

Adiyavare! How blessed are we? Please wait for a moment. I will prepare and serve you hot food.

She quickly goes to the kitchen and Gunavathi joins her in preparing the food. The food is getting ready.

Meanwhile Viranmindar returns home and is surprised to find the Sivanadiyar sitting in the porch.

Viranmindar

Hey! Elderly man! Who are you? What is this costume?

Sivanadiyar

Young man! I am an adiyavar of Sivan. What I am wearing is not to be called a costume. These are the identifying symbols of Easan! As a servant of Easan I visit various temples of Easan and carryout maintenance works and recite the praise of Easan! We have vowed to keep the thought of Iraivan in our hearts all the time for the welfare and happiness of the humanity. To propagate to the world that this body is transitory, we apply the ash on our forehead, chest and arms. The Rudrakshams, we sport promulgate that ‘Love alone is Sivam’ and He alone is the medicine that will destroy the malady of births and rebirths! Going from place to place, we lecture on noble thoughts and deeds. After visiting a large number of Easan’s temples and still not fulfilled of my thirst to see more, I have come to Parasuramakshetram.  The mother who begot you will be hailed by this world. That virtuous girl Gunavathi, who will betroth you, will remain with you as long as this world remains. 

Viranmindar

Adiyavare! You have blessed me to my heart’s content! I am little rough by nature. The people of this village are a bit scared of me taking me to be a brute. No one iswillingto give his daughter to wed me. I have no hope of getting married in this birth! When the circumstances are such, how have you proclaimed that the girl who has come here will be my wife?

He looks at Gunavathi, a little embarrassed.

Mother

Viranminda! What an adiyavar utters   never fails! This virtuous girl, who volunteered to help me without my asking will be your wife.

Viranmindar looks at Gunavathi again who expresses her acceptance through a coy smile!

Viranmindar calls her to come closer and both of them fall at the feet of the Adiyavar in reverence. The Adiyavar is then served food.  After resting for some time, the adiyavar is seen off by them very warmly. After leaving the house of Viranmindar with a gracious smile, the Adiyavar vanishes into thin air!

    *****

Thirukailayam….

Annai

Easane! It appears that you scouted for a girl for Viranmindar, conducted their wedding and returned here after partaking a sumptuous wedding feast!

Easan

The time has come to reveal to Viranmindar as to who he is! I have gone there in the garb of an adiyar to ensure that Gunavathi, who have been praying to us to get him as her husband, has her wish fulfilled.    The joy I get when I serve my adiyavar is immeasurable! 

Annai

I hope you equally enjoyed the food that was served to you. You appear as happy as having taken Amudham!

Easan

Whatever is served with love is nothing but Amudham! That too if it is served by an adiyar of mine, my joy knows no bounds! What a fabulous treat! I am ecstatic!     

Annai

Hold on! Hold on!... Don’t be so delighted!  The one who served you food happily will be the one who is going to hound you without relent!

Easan (laughing)

Not only me! He is going to chase our Sundarar as well!

Both of Them laugh aloud!

********

Viranmindar marries Gunavathi and becomes a householder. Her mother is satisfied that he has a wonderful companion for life. It becomes the norm for any adiyar coming to Chengunrur to be a guest of Viranmindar and enjoy the hospitality extended to them. Viranmindar feels extremely happy to be of service to adiyavars. 

Viranmindar (to himself)

How much of peace one gets in showing hospitality! Alas! How have I missed such bliss all these years!

Pure thoughts like this make him lead a virtuous life.

One day….

Mother

Viranminda! I am not feeling well.

She falls down. Viranmindar rushes and puts her head on his lap.

While she looks up at him with a broad grin, her life ends.

The necessary ceremonies take place.

Viranmindar feels as if he is left alone. He remembers how rudely he behaved with his mother after his father’s death. He keeps recollecting the memories of his mother and gets perturbed. He calls his wife.

Viranmindar

Gunavathi! My mother could have lived for some more time. I am troubled by her absence. This house and the places around keep reminding me of her and increase my agony. Should one live for his own sake?  I have been thinking that the purpose of my birth is only to take care of my mother. Now that she is gone, I am obliged to take care of you. Then we will have children. Am I born only to take care of kith and kin? Not likely.  Like the Sivanadiyar who asked me to marry you, Iwill also tour the places and be of service to the sivalayams and the adiyavars there. This will be my future duty.

Gunavathi(in tears)

Wherever you go, I will follow you and be of service to adiyars by cooking food for them. Please take me along with you. How can I ever live alone?

Overcome by her virtuous outpouring Viranmindar hugs her.

Both of them leave Parasuramakshetram and tour various places. They visit many temples of Easan on their tour.

In one such town….

He leaves Gunavathi in a choultry and goes out looking for a Sivalayam. He sees a pond on the way and stops and stands on it bank. Hailed by an elderly person lying on the bank, he goes near him only to find that he is on the verge of dying. He gets highly distressed seeing his condition.

Easan and Annai are observing both of them from Thirukailayam…..

Easan

Annaye! Look at my servitor here! You will appreciate his compassionate nature! Though he is a brute, his empathy for others is praiseworthy. This very nature of him makes Me a servant of that servant! Look what is going to unfold!

Annai looks there.

At the same time….

Viranmindar (distressed)

Periyavare! … Periyavare! What has happened? You are on the verge of dying. What can I do for you?

Periyavar

Mahane! My life is coming to an end. Will you be able to fulfill my last wish? 

Viranmindar (holding the hands of the elderly person)

Tell me. I will carry it out.

Periyavar (pleading)

Let me get Sivadheekshai, Ayya!

Viranmindar

I have no clue as to what is Sivadheekshai! What will I do? Iraiva! Easane! I believe You come running when called out by adiyavar.

Viranmindar (in a commanding tone)

Now, I, Viranmindan, am calling You. You reach here immediately to give Sivadheekshai to this old man who is about to die.

Annai Parvati is surprised at Viranmindar’s courage of conviction!

Easan runs there on hearing the orders of his servitor!

Seeing a sivayogi emerging from the pond, Viranmindar runs and grabs him by his arm and bring him near the dying man.

Viranmindar (in a commanding tone)

Sivayogiyare! This old man, who is on the verge of dying, is asking for Sivadheekshai. You must grant him the dheekshai at once.

Sivayogi

What baloney is this? Some unknown person is about to die and I am supposed to administer Sivadheekshai. I will not perform these things.

Viranmindar gets furious on hearing this.

Viranmindar (raising his axe in anger)

Sivayogiyare! What is the use of your life if you cannot come to the help of a dying man?

Sivayogi (acting as if scared)

 You!  Youngster! Why do you lift your axe and get angry for nothing. You do not know what the custom demands?

Viranmindar (shouting)

What stupid custom you are talking about? What is use of that custom if it does not help a dying man?

Sivayogi

The one who is getting dheekshai has to take bath and wearing wet clothes must prostrate fully at the feet of the administrator. He has to perform padhapooja and request the guru to accept him as Sishya and administer dheekshai. Is this old man capable of doing all these?

Hearing this reply Viranmindar calms down.

Viranmindar

Sivayogiyare! Pardon my insolence! If I carry out the padhapooja on his behalf, will you accept it and administer the dheekshai?

Sivayogi

In an emergency, this is acceptable. Go ahead and carryout what you said.

Viranmindar immediately takes a dip in the pond and picking up a pot from there, he fills it with water and does padhapooja of Sivayogi with it. Viranmindar then prostrates Easan and pleads for administering Dheekshai to the old man as per accepted norms. Easan is highly pleased and chants the Tarakamantram in the old man’s ears. Having blessed for receiving the dheekshai from Easan Himself, the old man attains Mukti. Satisfied by the completion of his task, Viranmindar falls on the feet of Sivayogi in reverence. As he gets up he is shocked to find the sivayogi vanishing into the clouds.

Viranmindar (to himself praying to Easan)

All these are nothing but acts of Easan! From now on my duty will be only to serve Sivanadiyars.

He picks up the body of the dead man and proceeds to the cremation ground.

     *******

Having darisanam of Lord Viswanathar everyday without fail and undertaking any kind of work for the temple, he stays there for three years. As ordained by Easan, one day he decides to go to Kamalalayam, hearing about the glory of Thiruvarur Thyagesan. He and his wife reach there and Viranmindar is delighted at the splendor of the town.  Having found a house for stay, he settles down there with his wife.

Next day, before sunrise, he goes to the temple pond for his bath. When he takes a dip in the pond, he feels as if someone is embracing him. Coming out of water he observes that it is the same sivayogi he has met before. Wanting to pay his respects by prostrating to him, he bows down. As he looks up, he is surprised to find him missing. Looking further, he sees that  the sivanadiyar is walking at a distance. He runs after him and soon both of them are entering the Sannathi of Easan. Having run behind the sivayogi, Viranmindar stops to catch his breath. Sivayogi looks back at Viranmindar. Before Viranmindar opens his mouth to speak to him, the sivayogi enters the sanctum sanctorum and merges with the lingam!

Viranmindar (highly ecstatic with tears in his eyes)

Is this my Easan, who argued with me as a sivayogi and made me do padhapooja and embraced me in the holy pond of the temple?

He bows and stands before Easan in the Sannathi. Coming out he sees a large number of Sivanadiyars, sporting thiruneeru and Rudrakshams reciting Rudram in a mandapam. In between he hears the Panchakshara mantram also being recited.  Everything appears to him as Sivam! Overcome with devotion he goes and appeals to them.

Viranmindar (folding his hands in supplication)

Adiyavarhale! Please permit me to be your slave and guard so that the purpose of my birth gets redeemed!

 Seeing Viranmindar with his eyes filled in tears of devotion and standing with his axe on his shoulder, the adiyavars grant him permission.

     *******

Twelve years roll by…

Except for serving the adiyavar and doing work for the temple, Viranmindar lives without attachments to anything. He makes it a habit to pay his reverence to adiyavars first and then only goes for the darisanam of Easan. As his life is going like this, one day….

The news that Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is expected to arrive at the Thyagesan Sannathi, turns the entire temple brimming with activities. There are welcome arches and buntings made of mango leaves. Freshly cut plantain trees line up the entrances. The Brahmins conduct yagam and reverently await his arrival for  giving him a traditional and honourable welcome. The adiyars are singing Easan’s praise in the mandapam. Viranmindar, sporting his axe on his shoulder is standing behind the Vedic chanting Brahmins at the entrance to the temple to have the darisanam of the expected adiyavar.  Crowds of   womenfolk holding plates of flowers are seen everywhere. All of them are keenly waiting for having a glimpse of Sundarar.    Dhundhubhi and other auspicious music instruments make merry music.  Suddenly shouts of his arrival emanate everywhere. The Brahmins welcome him with due respects chanting Vedic mantras. The surging womenfolk shower flowers on his path and body and compete with one another to have glimpse of his face. There is tremendous excitement! Witnessing all these, Viranmindar however is aghast.

Viranmindar (to himself, getting annoyed)

 Contrary to what I have been hoping to see a devout Sivanadiyar sporting thiruneeru and Rudrakshams, he looks as if he has just come from his wedding mandapam! He looks up at Sundaramoorthiyar! Wearing silken clothes, sporting an ornamental headgear, wearing a garland from head to toe, having a kasturi tilakam on his forehead, smearing his body with chandanam and other aromatic items he seems to be enjoying the company of the womenfolk who walk along with him! Looking handsome, how can he pass off as a Sivanadiyar? How come everyone is praising him as an adiyavar?

He follows the crowd in half a mind. They reach the mandapam where adiyars stay. All the adiyars get up and bow to Sundarar. While Viranmindar is looking at all these, Sundarar enters the Sannathi without caring to acknowledge the salutations of the adiyars.

Viranmindar cannot bear the insult to the adiyar any longer.

Viranmindar (shouting furiously)

Hey! You imposter! Halt now.

He raises his axe and rushes towards Sundarar.

Hearing his shout, there is pin drop silence. Sundarar is taken a back to see Viranmindar running towards him with his axe raised.

Viranmindar

 How can you, wearing silken clothes, sporting aromatic scents like a bridegroom and attracting the women folk with enticing eyes, be a devotee of Sivan? I cannot understand. Leave aside this…

They say that darisanam of Sivanadiyar is as blissful as the darisanam of Sivan Himself! You have forgotten this saying.   You rogue!  You proudly walked off without greeting the adiyars in reply instead enjoyed the beauty of the accompanying women. I will not allow you to live any further  as you have not shown due regards to adiyavars.

With his axe lifted above, he runs towards Sundarar. Scared of Viranmindar who is coming to attack him, Sundarar runs inside the sanctum sanctorum and locks himself inside.

Viranmindar (highly agitated)

It is a great sacrilege to lock yourself inside the Sannathi! Not only you hide like a coward, but also you are preventing others from having Easan’s darisanam. It is against the tenets of adiyavars!  I will not leave this place without killing you.

He starts banging the doors loudly. Seeing his anger the gathered people run away from there.  

The banging of the doors is heard loudly inside.  Inside the Sannathi, Sundarar hugs the Sivalaingam in great fear. From the closed sanctum sanctorum Easan’s voice is heard.

 The Voice

‘I am … Arooran… Sundaran is now in my refuge. Your anger is unjustified. ’

Viranmindar is not pacified even after hearing Easan’s voice.

Viranmindar

Your Sundaran needs to be punished for not repaying the respects to adiyavars. You! Arooran!  For having given refuge to a culprit and for failing to uphold the honour of adiyars, You also need to be punished. From now on it will be my duty to safeguard the honour of adiyavars.

He pushes the doors with all his might and the doors open. At the same time Easan, grabbing the hand of Sundarar runs out making an exit on the southern side.  

Viranmindar (threatening)

If anyone comes and bows to Arooran, who has belittled the adiyavars, I will chop him off.

Hearing his threat, people run out of the temple fearing for their lives. 

Viranmindar

Aroora! From now on I will not step inside Thiruvarur.

He comes out of the temple after taking the vow and immediately vacates his house and leaves Thiruvarur with his wife. In the next town, he builds a hut and starts serving the adiyavar who come there . If he sees any Sivanadiyar, immediately he prostrates and brings him to his hut and performs padhapooja. After feeding him and giving him items he needs as gifts, he sends off the fully pleased Sivanadiyar. His hospitality to Sivanadiyars spreads far and wide and Sivanadiyars start coming to his hut almost every day. Viranmindar carries out padhapooja to all of them one by one.

 While life is going on like this….

One day while he is doing padhapooja to an adiyavar he asks casually from where he is coming from.

Adiyavar (proudly)

I have been to Thiruvarur and coming here after having darisanam at Kamalalayam.

Viranmindar stops the padhapooja there itself and gets up with his eyes glowing red in anger. Before anyone can imagine, he picks up his axe and severs the legs of the adiyavar. Adiyavar falls and writhes in great agony.  The other adiyavars who are around are in shock.

Viranmindar

I will punish anyone who comes from Thiruvarur, the abode of Aaruran who has failed to protect the dignity of adiyavars with my axe like this.

Hearing this all the others run away from there. Seeing all these Gunavathi is very much distressed. Knowing the adamant nature of her husband she keeps quiet. But from that day, she makes it a point to forewarn any adiyavar coming to their cottage not to tell her husband that he is coming from Thiruvarur.

                                *******

Thirukailayam…

Annai and Easan are seated…

Annai

Iraiva! Is it a must that you go?

There is a lot of apprehension in her tone.

Easan

The time has come to absorb My Viranmindar unto Us! Isn’t it necessary for the whole world to know his glory? I will have to go.

Annai

Though I am aware that he will merge unto You ultimately, I cannot help foreseeing the troubles you will be undergoing!

Easan

Forget about Me! I have to save Sundarar also from him. How long he can go into hiding fearing Viranmindar?

Annai (with tears welling up in Her eyes)

Who can know the grand plans of Easan? Whatever happens is as per His will! Please comeback safely! He is a brute and so please take care!

Easan

We are everything! We run this entire universe. Though You are well aware of this, you get perturbed and display wifely concern for Your husband! Isn’t that the reason that I have given half of Mine to You!

He hugs Annai to clear Her anxiety as a typical husband would do!

    *******

Thiruvarur…

Kamalalayam….

Easan comes out from the southern exit hugging Sundaramoorthiyar.

Easan

Sundara! I am going to meet Viranmindar. I can control him only for a short while. Afterwards, it is between you and him.

Sundaramoorthiyar (in anxiety)

Why this imposition on me not to show my face to the outside world? Now, You, my Iraivan, are also washing off your hands and leaving me! I am get scared when I think of his axe!

 Easan

 Annai also said the same thing.

Sundaramoorthiyar (still more scared)

Did Annai also say the same thing? Though everything happens as ordained by Easan, I will need my feet  to walk around!

He looks down to see his feet to the merry laughter of Easan!

Sundaramoorthiyar

My throat has gone dry due to fear. … Words fail me.. You have ordered me to sing as well! What can I compose in this state?

Easan

Is there any need for me to teach you compose and sing in Tamizh?

Sundaramoorthiyar

There is no hold up to sing Your praise in front of You! But I will be singing in front of that brute. About whom should I sing?

Easan

You compose your songs on My adiyavars.

Sundaramoorthiyar (worried)

I am not aware of any one.

Easan elaborates the history of adiyars.

Sundaramoorthiyar (excited)

When you merged me unto You in Vennainallur, you prompted me with the word ‘Piththan’ and I composed and sang the song starting ‘Piththa Piraisoodi. ’ But today… I am not confident and do not know as to how to start to glorify the adiyavars. Only You can help me again.

Easan

You start with the words ‘Thillai vaazh andhanar’.  Thus Easan gives the first words for the ‘Thiruthondarthogai’ which will be composed in due course!

Sundaramoorthiyar

Now what?

Easan

What now? You have to get up and go! 

Easan vanishes into sky laughing. Sundaramoorthiyar walks off praying to Easan.

     ********

Viranmindar’s cottage…

Easan stands outside in the garb of a Sivanadiyar.

Gunavathi prostrates at his feet and gets up on seeing him.

Easan

Virtuous woman! I travel around this country.  Knowing about the fame of your husband, I have come here. I intend taking a little rest before I proceed further. Where is your husband?

 Gunavathi (bowing to Easan)

Ayyane!   My mind is in bliss on seeing you.  There is a brilliant halo flooding at the place where you stand. You cannot be an ordinary human. Please tellme. Who are you? Where are you coming from?

Easan

They call me as Thyagesan. I hail from Thiruvarur.  I stay at Kamalalayam!

Gunavathi (agitated)

Iraiva! What a predicament? Adiyavare! Please leave this place before my husband arrives.

Easan

Penne! The whole country is praising the hospitality you and your husband bestow on the sivanadiyars. I have also heard that the food you serve here is delicious and unique .Please do not drive me away.

Gunavathi (pleading)

Ayya! Would I ever drive away a Sivanadiyar? You have uttered very harsh words. You do not understand my predicament and I am unable to explain it as well. Please remember only one thing.

If my husband asks you from where you are coming, give the name of any other town. Don’t ever mention the name Thiruvarur.

Easan (in a firm tone)

Do I have to tell a lie for the sake of food? It does not befit the garb I am wearing.  I am not leaving this place without having food.

Gunavathi

Adiyavare! You do not know the frightful consequences.  What is of importance to you? The food or your legs!

Easan

Annaye! It is not my practice to tell lies.  Let whatever is to happen, happen! Everything is ordained by Easan.

He starts chanting panchaksharam in a loud voice without break.

Hearing his loud voice, Viranmindar comes outside and on seeing the adiyavar requests for conduct of padhapooja to him. Gunavathi brings a large plate from inside for the pooja, places it in front of adiyavar. Adiyavar stands on the plate. Viranmindar does the padhapooja once again to Easan and stands bowing to Him.

Viranmindar

 I am enchanted by the darisanam of adiyavar. May I know your past?

Gunavathi is in tumult as to what adiyavar is going to reply.

Easan (in a proud tone)

Thiruvarur is my town. My house is called Kamalalayam. I am known as Thyagesan.

Viranmindar (getting up furiously)

What did you say?

He looks around for his axe and is surprised in not finding there. He does not know that Gunavathi has hidden it to save the adiyavar from getting hurt. He stars searching for the axe here and there in his house. Taking this opportunity, Easan escapes and takes to His heels. In the meanwhile, Viranmindar finds his axe and starts chasing Easan with the axe in his hand. 

The three consorts of Brahma, Vishnu and Easan, Brahma, Vishnu, Naradar and all the Devas, the ganas and Gandharvas watch Viranmindar chasing Easan who appears to be running for His dear life!

Both of them reach the boundary of Thiruvarur.  Easan crosses the boundary without stopping. Viranmindar, having taken a vow that he would not step inside Thiruvarur, stops there. He throws the axe at the escaping Easan. The axe after touching Easan returns at the same speed to his hand.  Sivanadiyar also vanishes in front of his eyes. Confused by these events, he starts back home. As he is nearing his hut, he hears a melodious song. The composition and the tune of the song captivate his mind. Trying to find out who is singing he quickens his pace and he finds a large crowd in front of his hut listening to the singing totally absorbed and in raptures. Joining the crowd and he stands as one among them. 

Sundaramoorthiyar

 Is it feasible for anyone to narrate glory of adiyavars fully? Easane! I will accept happily even if You give me innumerable births so long it for serving the adiyavars.

Hearing the pious rendering of the song, Viranmindar’s eyes well up. Trying to see who is singing by parting the people ahead, he finds Sundaramoorthiyar decked up as a bridegroom.

Viranmindar (to himself)

Have I misjudged this virtuous man who is singing in praise of adiyavars?

Sundaramoorthiyar (as prompted by Easan sings)

‘Thillai vaazh andhanar tham adiyorkum adiyen

Thiruneelkandakuyavanarkum adiyean’               

(I am a servitor of the servants of the andhanars of Thillai;equally I am servitor of the potter Thiruneelakantar)

He sings Thiruthondarthogai with great compassion. Viranmindar again looks at Sundarar while he is singing. His heart melts hearing the songs of Sundaranar. The scene of Easan merging Sundaranar unto Him unfolds before him.

Viranmindar

Have I harassed an adiyavar of Easan all along?

Feeling sorry for his fault he runs and catches hold of the feet of Sundarar.

Viranmindar

I am a sinner… a brute…  an idiot not knowing your greatness… Please forgive me…

He cries profusely wetting his feet with his tears.

Sundaramoorthiyar

Viranmindare! You have demonstrated to the whole universe that the glory of an adiyavar is supreme by chasing not only me for not honouring the adiyavar but also even Easan for coming to my rescue! Look there.  All the Devas and Devis have assembled to extol your virtues after witnessing your deeds.

He directs him to look up at the sky.

At the time, there is a sound of dhundhubhi. To the accompaniment of Veda mantras, Easan appears along with Annai in His Nandi vahanam. The heavens open up with a shower of flowers.

Easan

Viranmindare! I am amazed by your devotion towards My adiyavars!  Tour unrelenting stance that devotion to adiyavar is even superior to devotion to Easan has moved Me! There is none who can equal you! Your fame will remain as long as this universe exists. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well. Those whose feet were severed by you will regain them. Along with your virtuous wife you will merge unto Us!

Viranminda Nayanare! My cherished friend! You will head my entire attendant Ganas.

A brilliant light arises and Viranmindar along with his wife merges in that jothi. The people raise their   folded hands above their heads in great reverence. Sundaranar bows to Easan.

Tiruchchitrambalam