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Andal enduring Love Torture

January 16, 2016, 9:05 pm
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Outpourings from a girl’s tender heart
 One needs to offer sincere prayers to the Lord and not be impatient with him for the Returns

Through the Nachiyar Thirumozhi, Andal describes her own experience when she tries to reach out to the Lord. It is a clear message to the devotees that it is not easy to attain the Lord and that one cannot get impatient with him. It is likely that the Lord is testing out the true devotion in the devotee by not acceding to his prayers instantly.

One has to continue to offer one’s prayers to the Lord irrespective of the reaction (or lack of it) from the Lord. In fact, at the end of this decad, frustrated at his lack of acceptance, Andal even goes to the extent of asking if she has to take another birth to attain him and if by doing so, whether she will be able to reach him when he has not answered her sincere prayers in this present birth.

She sought help from her relatives and friends to reach out to the Lord. But other than sympathy and a few words of advice, they were not able to assist her, further compounding her misery.

In this penultimate decad of the Nachiyar Thirmozhi, she pleads with them to at least bring some of the ornaments worn by her beloved that she hopes will bring some relief to her. She asks for his golden robe, the basil garland, the ornament on his chest, the nectar from his lips and even the left over mud created by the movement of his feet. She even seeks the spit from the hole of the flute that he plays.

Fan me with his yellow robe
Similar to the previous decad, Andal begins this one by ordering the world to stop their advice to her especially given the state of despair she has been in. If in the previous one, she retorted that any advice on her love would be like one given by deaf to a dumb, here she states that any talk of wisdom from the experts on love would amount to pouring tamarind over an already injured wound and is likely to add salt to her injury. She is not seeking pity from anyone.

‘Don’t you understand the feelings of a woman who is struck with grief?’

Instead if they truly cared for her well being, she asks them to bring the beautiful yellow silk robe from the waist of her beloved so she can be fanned with it and derive some comfort from it.

கண்ணனென்னும்கருந்தெய்வம்காட்சிபழகிக்கிடப்பேனை
புண்ணில்புளிப்பெய்தாற்போலப்புறம்நின்றுஅழகுபேசாதே

பெண்ணின்வருத்தம்அறியாதபெருமான்அறையில்பீதக
வண்ணவாடைகொண்டுஎன்னைவாட்டம்தணியவீசீரே

Please control your tongue
She praises the Lord as one seen in a sleeping posture in Thiru Kudanthai. Asking them to stop their lectures and teasing her repeatedly with their words, she says it is hurting her and the words are particularly piercing her like a spear. After seeking his robe in the first decad, she now wants them to bring the Tulasi garland worn by him at Thiru Kudanthai.

வேலால்துன்னம்பெய்தாற்போல்வேண்டிற்றெல்லாம்பேசாதே

While he has sent out a message that he protects the good and asks them to fear not, she has not been able to see him despite her sincere prayers in Margazhi that was followed in the subsequent months of Thai and Panguni. She has sent several communications to him through various sources (as seen earlier in the Nachiyar Thirumozhi).

Yellow Robe, Tulasi Garland and now Vanamala
And she wants more of him. Her bosom is longing for him. If he does not play false, and agrees to part with the Vanamala that he adorns on his chest, she wants it to be brought to her and rubbed on her bosom to enliven her spirit and to rekindle her sagging energy.

Get me the nectar from his lips
Her desperation indicates that these are her last wishes to save her life and to unite with him. She lay in despair in a state that she sees is beyond repair. She asks for nectar to be brought from his sweet lips before it dries out to help renew her spirit. This may possibly be ‘the only thing that can save my life.’

ஆராஅமுதமனையான்தன்அமுதவாயிலூறிய
நீர்தான்கொணர்ந்துபுலராமேபருக்கிஇளைப்பைநீக்கீரே

Even the Spit from the Flute hole is sacred!!!
For long, she has wept and prayed expressing a desire to be caressed and embraced by him.  And yet he has not even shown his face. He is enjoying himself by grazing cows in the forest playing the flute to the delight of the birds and the animals there when the young girl is seeking his love. Her longing for him is so deep that she wants them to bring the spittle that dribbles from the hole in the flute to wipe the tears in her eyes that are trickling down her cheeks in a hope to freshen her face.

அழிலும்தொழிலும்உருக்காட்டான்அஞ்சேலென்னான்அவன்ஒருவன்
தழுவிமுழுவிபுகுந்துஎன்னைசுற்றிசுழன்றுபோகானால்

தழையின்பொழில்வாய்நிரைப்பினேநெடுமாலூதிவருகின்ற
குழலின்தொnலைவாய்நீர்கொண்டுகுளிரமுகத்துதடவீரே

Is there justice in this world?
She refers to this world as one where there is no law. She calls her beloved as the son of Nandagopala who has shown no signs of discipline and takes law into his own hands. He has compounded her injuries by kicking her mentally and crippling her. In such a state of despair, she says that it is okay to even smear the mud and the dust created by his foot prints on her face and all over her body.  She feels that even that will be refreshing for her in her current mood.

நான்போட்கன்மிதித்தஅடிப்பாட்டில்
பொடித்தான்கொணர்ந்து
பூசிர்கள்போகாஉயிர்என்னுடம்பையே

Relief from Pangs of Separation?
She has not allowed anyone to touch her breasts as these were meant exclusively for him. However he seems to continue to be unjust. Even his mother seems to have accepted him as a wonder child beyond her control. It is time to bind him firmly by the arms and bring him to justice. She will be relieved from the pangs of separation only when his broad chest embraces her loving breasts.
குற்றமுற்றமுலைதன்னைக்
குமரன்கொலப்பனைத்தோளோடு
அற்றகுற்றம்அவைதீரஅணைய
அமுக்கிக்கட்டீரே

Extreme display of Love
Andal expresses her extreme state of frustration at the lack of attention from her beloved. She goes to the extent of calling him a highway ‘rogue’. While she is pleading for his love, he has not even enquired about her and replied to any of her many messages. He does not even care to know whether she is alive or not.

In anger, she says that when he arrives (which she expects will happen someday in her life), she will tear her breasts and fling at his handsome chest in a way to settle ‘old’ scores with him. That way the desire that has been burning in her heart will finally be extinguished and he will get a real fee of her love for him and how he has hurt her over time by not accepting the true prayers of a sincere devotee.

உள்ளேஉருகிநைவேனைஉளளோஇலளோவென்னாத
கொள்ளைக்கொள்ளிக்குறும்பனைக்கோவர்தனனைக்கண்டக்கால்

கொள்ளும்பயனொன்றில்லாதகொங்கைதன்னைக்கிழங்கோடும்
அள்ளிப்பறித்திட்டுஅவன்மார்விலெரிந்துஎன்னழலைத்தீர்வேனே

She wonders as to his ability to serve her breasts in his next life if he does not satisfy her in this present birth. Will it not be futile to have another birth. She wonders as to what penance will she be able to do in the next birth to convince him of her love.

Hug me or say I don’t accept you
She ends the decad providing two options. One is to hug her by her bosom to convey the acceptance of her love for him.

செம்மையுடைய திருமார்வில்சேரத்தானேலும்ஒருஞான்று
மெய்ம்மைசொல்லிமுகம்நோக்கி
விடைதான்தருமேல்மிகநன்றே


And if that is impossible and if he bids adieu, she will at least know ‘what his views are on her.’
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Ananth Devarajan eyes Euro TT league

January 18, 2016, 5:37 pm
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The Vidya Mandir (Mylapore) school boy is working hard towards International success and is hoping to make a long term career in Table Tennis 
Ananth Devarajan jumps to Number 4 in National TT Rankings in Junior Boys

Vidya Mandir has been known for producing some quality cricketers in the decades gone bye. However, a Mylapore boy chose a completely different sport away from this popular one. And he has made rapid strides in his sporting journey shooting up into the top four in the national Table Tennis rankings in Junior Boys. This season, he has been the top ranked player in Tamil Nadu in the Junior Boys category.
  
It was an interesting move by his father when the boy was just 7years. Devarajan was a quality Shuttle player, but he initiated his son Ananth into Table Tennis away from a sport played by his father all through his teenage years.

And soon, the father’s move seemed to be vindicated for the young boy lapped on to TT showing great interest in a game that no one in his family had previously played. He practiced three hours every day thrice a week under three different coaches - Ravi Venkatesh, Vasu and Ramachandran focusing on improving his reflexes, consistency and speed as well as on receiving and delivering the service

By the time he was 10, he started winning tournaments and was ranked third in the U12 category. He moved into the top position in U 14 and was the state Number one for two years. To date Ananth has won over 20 tournaments. This season (2015-16) alone he has won 6 out of the 9 state ranking tournaments.

In the inter school CBSE clusters tournament, Ananth won Gold representing his school in TN state clusters. He also won the Silver medal in the individual boys U19 singles in the national CBSE inter -school clusters tournament.

Beats India No. 1
In the Zonals held earlier this season in Thane, Ananth beat India No. 1, his best win to-date. He is currently ranked No. 2 in the state in Youth Boys (U 19) category.

Ananth Devarajan will soon be playing for India in an international ‘Junior Boys’ tournament based on his top four national ranking.In the last one year, Ananth Devarajan, a class XII student of Vidya Mandir

Taking up TT professionally
The good news is that Ananth is confident of taking to TT as a career now that he is confident of beating the big guns in India. His immediate aim is to finish in the Top 8 in the national rankings in U19 and to maintain his No. 1 ranking in the state. If he maintains the top four national ranking over the next couple of years, competing in the Euro League is a real possibility.

With Ananth entering college later this year, it is hoped that his shuttler father will continue to encourage him to pursue his interest in TT in his quest for higher glory.
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Sankapani VV

January 21, 2016, 1:14 am
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The dashing opener from Mylapore set city grounds ablaze in the 80s with cavalier Carribean style strokeplay at the top of the order

He incurred the wrath of many a Mylapore Paatti breaking window glasses with unwavering regularity with his pulls into the neighbourhood homes!!!
He rejected tempting job offers and ‘cricketing deals’ from other 1stdivision clubs as the lure of being Cheeka’s exclusive opening partner kept him at Alwarpet for well over a decade and thus lived his cricketing life under Cheeka's Shadow
When the U15 national tournament was conceptualised and introduced for the first time in 1979-80, a young 14 year old from Alamelumangapuram, Mylapore instantly caught the eye with his dashing stroke play. He was not from a great financial background and used to stitch his own cricket gloves as a school boy!!! His first kit bag was made of ‘gunny’ bag.

He was one of the most consistent batsmen for South Zone in the inaugural edition of this inter Zonal U15 tourney.  

Spotting his genuine potential as a swashbuckling opener, his classmate at Vidya Mandir L Sivaramakrishnan suggested that he directly get into first division. And thus VV Sankapani in a rare move for a cricketer in Madras, signed up with first division team Globe Trotters as his first league team in the TNCA league in 1979 before he had touched 15years!!!

In those early years, he would board the bus from Mylapore along with L Sivaramakrishnan for the nets sessions at Chepauk. On the way back, LS would get him groundnut and lassi. Sanku is extremely grateful to LS for the support extended to him in that phase of his life. His mates from those days include WV Raman and M Sanjay.

A couple of years later, I looked forward to watching Sankapani in the U19 city v districts match in Coimbatore only for him to disappoint as he fell to a first ball duck playing for the city team against the Districts in November 1982. However, he made it up later in the month with a typically aggressive century at the Marina in the return match.

The string of big scores that season including a belligerent 73 against Central Zone helped him get into the U19 national summer camp alongside WV Raman, Sabha Karim and Chetan Sharma. But as luck would have it that U19 tour of Sri Lanka was called off due to the ethnic problem. That was the closest Sanku came to National Selection.

Long Association with TVS Alwarpet
After playing for Prithvi for a few years, Sankapani signed up for Alwarpet in the mid 80s in what was to turn out to be a long association with the TVS team. He was at his peak playing for Alwarpet opening along with K Srikkanth.

On many occasions, he led the batting onslaught leaving Srikkanth smiling at the other end. Sankapani once hit Harvindar Singh Sodhi of MCC for 32runs in a single over at Chepauk. In another match, he hit I Rajkumar (one of the fastest bowlers in the Chennai league at that time) for 21runs in an over on a matting wicket at the Union Ground with one six landing on the tennis Court at the far end and another that thudded on to the score board at the pavilion end. Twice Sankapani hit him out of the Stadium at Chepauk. He also hit Robin Singh on to the roof at Chepauk.

In a Chemplast Pasadena match, he hit the first two balls of the match of R Prabhakar out of the ground with the third that raced to the fence. During that phase, he also hit MRF trainees Shakti Singh and Vivek Razdan for 20+ runs in a single over.

Playing against J Gokulakrishnan at his peak, Sankapani, opening alongside K Srikkanth played yet another blistering knock getting out for 99 (not for the first time in his career) at the SPIC YMCA ground. He hit Niranjan Kumar on to the Cooum.

Gokulakrishnan who is currently the Tamil Nadu U19 coach says that many a time Sanku outscored Cheeka who would then funnily and sportingly acknowledge his partner’s achievement. ‘In a MCC Dyanora match, Sanku literally walked down the pitch to play our team’s new ball bowler (TNCA Colts) that the bowler was happy to not bowl again!!!!’

Talented but did not focus enough!!!
PK Dharmalingam was the coach of Vidya Mandir during the 1970s and later for Alwarpet in the 1980s. Through that period, Dharmalingam watched Sankapani very closely. He is of the view that Sanku was a great talent but failed to fulfil his potential. ‘Sanku was a brilliant bat and an outstanding talent. He was a gifted cricketer with a penchant for attacking stroke play. But he never seemed to know his capacity and hence did not quite reach his potential. Sankapani enjoyed his cricket but at times it was far too much fun.’

With Sanku, Dharmaji's toughness did not work and he just could not be controlled. He was always bubbling with joy making others happy. Dharma believes that if Sanku was a little more serious about his game and concentrated a little more, he would have played higher level for he was a truly gifted player. ‘When I compare Srikkanth and Sankapani when they were in their mid teens, I would say Sanku had the potential to be a much better player but Sanku did not do justice to his talent.’

Dhamalingam once umpired a Hindu Trophy match at Chepauk where Srikkanth and Sankapani opening the innings. He says that they matched each other stroke for stroke. When Srikkanth hit a four, Sanku would come down and tell him that he would strike one too. And the ball then went souring over the fence. Huge crowd gathered wherever Alwarpet played just to watch the two of them bat together. And there would be discussions on who would outshine the other that day. And on many occasions, Sankapani won that battle.

He had a quick eye and was very instinctive in his stroke play. As a cricketer, he was very well behaved. As a batsman, he had no inhibitions and would take on and hit out at the fastest of bowlers.  He always had a smiling face and was a jovial cricketer. He was a happy go lucky cricketer and was one of the big entertainers in the city league cricket in the 80s.

Taking on TA Sekar
TA Sekar, one of the fastest bowlers TN has seen, was at the top of his pace and one morning, at the Vivekananda College ground, playing for Jolly Rovers, he ran in right from the Sight Screen. It was a breathtaking sight to watch and it would have sent jitters in the opposition ranks just seeing him run in from that distance. But not Sanku. Batting fearlessly with just a cap, Sankapani took on Sekar that morning even daring to come down the pitch. 

R Madhavan’s role
During his long stint at Alwarpet, it was the advice of R Madhavan, who he rates as the best captain, that had a great impact on his game. His instinctive style and an over aggressive approach led to his string of inconsistent scores. It was Madhavan who helped him convert some of his rapid starts into centuries. Sanku scored over ten centuries for Alwarpet besides having almost a similar string of scores in the 90s .

Madhavan instilled the importance of patience and egged Sanku to take a single when the hands were itching to play the lofted shots. Madhavan would run many short singles to get Sanku off strike to allow him time to regain his composure.

I was in awe of Sanku
Murrays Auction's Hemant Srivatsa, a team mate at Alwarpet in the late 80s says that he was always in awe of Sanku's talent and his stroke play. ' We are talking about a guy who as a teenager hit a six over cover at Eden Gardens in the early 80s. Anything that Sanku did on the cricket field was extremely natural and he was one guy who most coaches would have broken their brains over. He was three years my senior at Vidya Mandir and I was always in awe of him.' 
He was a brilliant fielder at any position. I have seen him take some brilliant catches and also effect outstanding run outs. His game was ideally suited for limited overs cricket. I always felt he had the Carribean spirit about him - absolutely cavalier and enjoyed the game to the hilt. He should have certainly played for TN. Probably staying in Srikkanth's shadows ruined his chances. He was certainly a far more talented cricketer than Srikkanth.

Once I came up against him a Chemplast Pasadena match. He was finding it quite hard to pick the movement and was beaten quite a bit in the first balls of my over. I managed to peg him on to the back foot. Looking to finish off with a maiden, I bowled what according to me was a perfect left arm bowler's delivery to a right hander - short of length pitching middle and off seaming away towards the slips. This guy rushed down the wicket and pulled the ball of the front foot depositing it outside the University Union ground. This one over has always stayed in my mind. I have always been petrified bowling to him ever since. I am sure many bowlers have felt that way when Sanku walked into bat. 

One of the most dynamic openers 
Another Alwarpet team mate K Ravishankar played together for many years with Sankapani right from his Vidya Mandir school days. In fact in the final of a Buchi Babu Trophy tourney well over two decades ago, it was Ravishankar who replaced Sanku in the playing XI at the final moment after recovering from illness in the previous match (that was the closest Sankapani came to selection in the Buchi Babu Trophy).

Ravishankar has the highest words of praise for Sanku. ‘He was probably the most dynamic and aggressive openers that I have seen in the city. In an inter-zonal U 19 game dating back to the 1980s, Sanku hit the first ball of the innings bowled by Chetan Sharma with effortless ease out of Eden Gardens.
Ravi remembers another match when Sanku came down the pitch to TA Sekar and hit out at him in a way that only he could. ‘On many occasions, Sanku outscored Srikkanth in the early part of the innings much to the delight of the huge crowd that used to come to watch him bat.’ Sanku would often jump out to the fastest of bowlers with least of fears.

He played at a time when there were top class openers like Srikkanth and VB and hence he probably lost out on opportunities to play higher grade of cricket, says Ravi with a tinge of sadness for Sanku.

A bouncer from Lillee that almost knocked him down!!!
Dennis Lillee watched Sankapani score a belligerent 60+ for Alwarpet against Port Trust at Pachaiappas B hitting the fast bowlers repeatedly out of the ground on to the Pachaiappas A ground where MRF were playing their league match. Soon after the match, Dennis Lillee called on him to have a nets session at the MRF ground almost throwing up an open challenge. The Australian legend bowled six balls to Sankapani each of which was real quick. After Sanku cut one with great power to point, an angry Lillee came up to Sanku and pointed to his forehead in his typical Aussie style. The next one was a real quick bouncer that almost knocked Sanku off the ground. That was the greatness of Lillee, recounts Sankapani looking back on that day when he just about managed to save his head.

Greatness of Greg Chappell
Another Aussie played a significant role in Sankapani’s career. It was 15minutes with Greg Chappell that helped him make a slight adjustment to the position of his elbow. While he originally was a strong player on the leg side, this correction strengthened his off side play. In the two games that followed, he scored a century and a 65.

Favourite Ground – PS High School
While he has delighted many residents in the Alamelumangapuram area who had the privilege of watching him bat at the PS High School ground right from their balcony, he has also been a reason for infuriating many grandmas in the region. Innumerable pulls on to the leg side ended up with a loud breaking noise as he shattered the glass panes of their windows in the first and second floor of the nearby flats.

Irreristable Sanku 'CHAKRA' Pani
For a period in the 80s, Sanku was spoken of in the same vein as Srikkanth for his dashing style of play. At the peak of his career, he had offers from leading organisations including MRF, Indian Bank, RBI and the Income Tax. However, he rejected each of those tempting offers preferring the partnership with his long time friend and India star Srikkanth.

There are many who achieve greatness with the number of runs and centuries they score. Many remember Sankapani for the sheer joy he gave the cricket fan in the 80s and 90s with his fearless style of cricket. Big names simply did not matter to him.

Over a decade ago, long after he quit first division cricket I umpired a league match at Vivekananda College. Sankapani opened the batting that morning for a fourth division team. Immediately after play was called at 930 am, the ball went thudding into the wall way beyond Long On. By the time, the 2nd drinks was taken at 11.30am, he had reached yet another blistering century. That day he once again showed glimpses of the gifted talent leaving the opposition clueless on how to control his stroke play.

Like many an innings throughout his career, it was finally his own indiscretion that led to his downfall that day. But by then, he had made the red cherry cry for a little bit of respite.

For the true cricket fans of Madras, all that mattered was to watch Sanku in action for 30-45 minutes and their day was made. And the famous groundnut walla of the 1980s would bid good bye to the fans in the D Stand at Chepauk once Sanku was out!!!!

People have almost always got his name wrong. To many, he is Sankupani. But there may be some truth to that. Like Krishna’s Conch (Sanku), he announced his arrival with a destructive blow dealt with his bat that most times had no answer (similar to Lord’s Chakra).
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Andal Brindavan Nachiyar Thirumozhi

January 30, 2016, 7:11 pm
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The 14thDecad of Nachiyar Thirumozhi is in the form of a rare Conversational Q & A style
Lord has compassionate qualities and blesses the faithful with everything in life after testing them briefly- Andal presents a beautiful description of her beloved and his great qualities
Red face like a ‘Sun rising over the Eastern Mountain’, Glitters like Stars on a bright night, Sparkles like a 'lightening over dark clouds'


Through the first 13 decads of Nachiyar Thirumozhi, Andal addresses her grievances of not being able to catch her beloved’s attention. Starting with Kama Deva in Thai (Paushyam) she is seen making an earnest appeal as well as sending directions and instructions to different groups. She gives life to the beautiful dark clouds, addresses the different varieties of flowers seeking their help in reaching out to her Lord and praises the sweet swinging cuckoo. She is almost envious of the Conch that is always present with the Lord despite having been born in a not so pious family. She also presents her dream of uniting with the Lord and showcases the wedding formalities.

Finally, in the 14thdecad she is able to experience the Lord at Brindavan, the only time in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham when the place finds a mention.

Q and A Prabhandham
It is a rare conversational decad in the Divya Prabhandham-  the only one  in the form of a Q and A exchange between Andal and her friends with enquiries about the whereabouts of her beloved and the description of his movements in Brindavan.

Through these verses she ‘anoints’ him with many friendly negative titles – Unruly Rogue, Lord of Inconsistencies, Butter Thief, Habitual Liar and ‘The Unsociable Lad’ involved in trifling disputes. 

And then swerves to the other extreme of showcasing his great childhood qualities. After testing her out repeatedly on her true devotion, the Lord finally provides darshan at Brindavan sending out the message that those who have unflinching faith in him will be able to experience him.

The Dark Majestic Bull
She refers to him as a dark majestic bull and the younger brother of Balarama that had strayed away into the wild and asks if anyone had seen him anywhere. They delighted her with the news that they saw a young handsome boy with beautiful locks at Brindavan.

பட்டிமேய்ந்தோர்காரேறுபலதேவர்க்குஓர்கீழ்க்கன்றாய்
இட்டீறிட்டுவிளையாடிஇங்கேபோதக்கண்டீரே

இட்டமானபசுக்களைஇனிதுமறித்துநீருட்டி
விட்டுக்கொண்டுவிளையாடவிருந்தாவனத்தேகண்டோமே

She hits out at him for having left her unattended calling him a youthful butter thief who went into Ayarpadi.  Andal swings into the negative extreme referring to him as an unruly rogue. But in the same breath recovers and praises him as having curved eyebrows and wielding the Saranga bow.

அனுங்கஎன்னைப்பிரிவுசெய்துஆயர்பாடிகவர்ந்துண்ணும்
குணுங்குநாறிக்குட்டேற்றைக்கோவர்தனனைக்கண்டீரே


The Gopi friends lighten her saying that they saw a lad at Brindavan who had a dark body and a red face that looked like a ‘Sun rising over the Eastern Mountain’

He was born a lover. Was he not the lover himself born as a bridegroom? She sways from praising him as a handsome lad to calling him an inept liar. She refers to him as one with inconsistencies.
  
தருமமறியாக்குரும்பனைத்தன்கைச்சார்ங்கமதுவேபோல்
புருவவட்டமழகிய  பொருத்தமிலியைக்கண்டீரே

Praising the ornament on his chest- the Vanamala- as a ‘lightening over dark clouds’ they say there was one such lad playing with another bunch of boys in Brindavan. His eyes were as beautiful as a Lotus and one that captivates anyone who glances at him. He was like a chubby elephant calf that is decked with pearls.

Andal sings praise of her Lord as being invincible comparing him to a boar that escaped.  He is like the decorated temple bull calf that is taken around the temple prakara. The Lord too looks handsome in his yellow robe.

She says that he finds joy in helping cows drink water from the pool. He plays as equals with other cowherds. She praises Garuda as providing shelter to the Lord from the hot Sun and compares her beloved to a young elephant calf that plays around happily. He is always encircled with huge followers – boys and beautiful girls. He destroyed so many asuras with such ease – Dhenuka, Baka, Kuvalaya Tusker – the list is just endless. The Gopis tell her that they saw him in Brindavan returning after a game of hunting.

காட்டைநாடித்தேனுகனும்களிறும்புள்ளும்உடன்மடிய
வேட்டையாடிவருவானைவிருந்தாவனத்தேகண்டோமே

Ordinary mind cannot grasp him
Andal says the ordinary mind cannot grasp him quickly. She also praises the physical features as being dark like a cloud. Her friends praise the young boy whom they saw at Brindavan as one glittering like stars on a bright night.

வெளியசந்கோன்ருடையானைப்பீதகவாடையுடையானை
அலி நன்குடையதிருமாலைஆழியானைக்கண்டீரே


Through these verses, Andal presents the message to the true devotees that the Lord seen with a white conch and chakra and sporting a yellow robe has compassionate qualities and blesses the faithful with everything in life. She also finally reconfirms that this is all just a sport for the Lord and he is a pure one who takes care of the Noble. 
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Bosskey Leg Spinner Extraordinaire

February 7, 2016, 1:10 am
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Bhaskar was superior to LS by a long Mile - VV Kumar
From a cricketing high to 'landing problem' in a matter of months!!!
Once upon a time.... batsmen trembled at the sight of him being introduced into the attack

Bosskey (B Bhaskar) is turning 54 this week but does not look that. He walks an hour every evening on the beach road between the Light House and Anna Square. And looks as fit as one half his age despite the fact that he had a miraculous escape from a life threatening road accident a few years back. 
REGRETS LETTING GO A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

As he picked up the red cherry for the first time in many years, one wondered if he would have any of his magic from the 70s and early 80s. And as he let the first ball go, it seemed too wide of the off stump. But lo....... it came back a mile and knocked out the middle stump. It was a Bosskey special – the big turning googly. He also displayed the deceptive faster one that Ravi Shastri once described as a ‘Michael Holding’ style delivery!!!

Between 1978 and 1981, Bosskey seemed unstoppable in his progress towards an India cap. He exuded a confidence that seemed to indicate that he had mastery over his art. He had all the variations of a leggie in his repertoire and bagged equal number of wickets with each of these. Former Test Cricketer Col Hemu Adikari and VV Kumar rated Bhaskar highly and having the potential to play for India.  

Wickets flowed in all forms of cricket- In 1980 and 81, Bosskey took around 150 wickets spread over the TNCA league and colts, college cricket (Loyola), Inter Universities and the Vizzy Trophy. K Srikkanth was personally impressed with Bosskey’s skills and used him to get wickets for his team at crucial intervals. The buzz all around was that he would soon be inducted into the TN team for the Ranji Trophy. And then what happened? Read on

School Days @ St Bedes
Bosskey took to leg spin at the age of 8 after he found that none could take on his leg spin on the streets of Mylapore (East Mada and Nadu Street) where he played tennis ball cricket in the late 1960s. It was his family friend Rajagopal (formerly with Air India) who first taught Bosskey the grip for leg spin and the googly. And created the interest in the young boy to take to leg spin (from the then fast bowler that Bhaskar was at that time)

His team mates at school through that decade included VB Chandrasekar (who was also his classmate), MA Sriram and Sanjay Kumar (referred to in the city cricket circles as ‘Lal’). VB used to always stand at slip when Bosskey bowled and took some outstanding catches.

Bhaskar was first spotted by Colonel Hemu Adhikari (former Test Cricketer) who after seeing him in action at the nets at Chepauk as a school boy in the mid 70s indicated to everyone at the TNCA that this young boy is likely to be a big asset for India if nurtured properly. He turned the leg spin square from outside the leg stump. And his googly foxed many a batsman as it came in sharply from well outside the off stump.

By the late 1970s, he had already made a mark having played for the State Schools. In 1978, he helped St. Bedes win the TNCA Senior Inter Schools tournament with his consistent performances. He also impressed for the South Zone Schools in Jan 78 against the visiting English Schools, a team that comprised of future England players Derek Pringle, Paul Terry and Richard Ellison.

Class Topper at School
Bhaskar was exceptional in his studies. He was always a class topper. ‘Father’ at school expected him to secure a state rank in PUC but very surprisingly, his father at home (Balasubramanian, formerly with The Hindu - Frontline) encouraged Bhaskar to progress his sporting interest so much so that Bhaskar even skipped an exam to play a cricket match!!!!

His exceptional league performance led him into the TNCA Colts team for the prestigious annual tour to Bombay. In 1977-78, he took 10 wickets and had the best bowling average on tour. Also that year he was awarded the best proficiency prize by the TNCA for his extraordinary achievement.

Prof Ramana’s role
Former Andhra Ranji player and later Principal of Guru Nanak College Professor TV Ramana was Bosskey’s captain at BRC (league team). He knew Bosskey inside out and got the best out of Bosskey. He was a ‘Hitler’ in Bosskey’s life. In that phase, Bosskey would quietly listen to Ramana’s directions and orders and succeeded beyond anyone’s imagination. His star performances  in 78-79 helped BRC gain promotion into 1st division 

In July 1979, he picked up 5wickets against a star studded Alwarpet team. In September 1980, Bhaskar took 8 for 32 for Bharathi against KMC bowling out the opposition for just 100 and followed that with a 6 for 38 against MUC.

In the 2nd of the Colts tours captained by S Ramesh (later of RBI), he was the highest wicket taker with 33 wickets. He was literally unplayable on that tour and shot into limelight. His performance on that tour left the teams from Bombay shattered. 

S Ramesh and Bhaskar spent two months together during that phase with the first 15 days @ the colts tour in Bombay and immediately following that with the Madras University team. Ramesh wonders as to how someone with that kind of potential could quit the scene all of a sudden. 'Bhaskar had all variations in his repertoire during that period. Everyone in the team thought that he would soon play Ranji cricket and that it was only a matter a time especially as Cheeka had a special liking for him and Bhaskar sparkled under his captaincy. He had a very deceptive faster one and was a very good team man. Even at that time, he was a very jovial personality and it is no surprise he has succeeded as a comedian.'

Ravi Shastri on Bhaskar’s bowling in 1980-81

Bhaskar’s bowling for the TNCA colts and SZ Univ led Ravi Shastri to remark that ‘the Bombay players were still to overcome the nightmares of facing Bhaskar and that the entire Bombay cricketing fraternity had been shaken by his leg spin.’

On top of the world
1980 and 81 were the best years for Bosskey in cricket. He picked up over 40 wickets for Bharathi CC in league. Bowling in tandem with WV Raman, he was the highest wicket taker with 33 wickets in the 2nd of the TNCA Colts tour against Bombay Colts, teams that comprised of Lalchand Rajput, Milind Rege, Padam Shastri, Chandrakant Pandit and Shishir Hattangadi, among others. He was literally unplayable on that tour and shot into national limelight. His performance on that tour left the teams in Bombay shattered. Everyone was talking about him.

Bosskey was an outstanding fielder and took some spectacular catches. As part of his fielding regime, he would take 150 catches at practice every day. TE Srinivasan liked him so much that he used to call him ‘Darling Leggie’.

During that period, he had many remarkable performances repeatedly bowling Loyola College to victory. In 79-80, he was consistent throughout taking 5 plus wickets thrice in succession, a remarkable feat. The following year, his 5 wicket haul helped Loyola beat a strong Guru Nanak college team comprising of Ravi Mishra, PS Vijayakumar among others and his 4/28 helped bowl out Vivekananda College for just 97 in March 81.

University cricket with Srikkanth
Following his performance with the TNCA Colts and his star show for Loyola, Bosskey went on to represent the Madras University captained by K Srikkanth. It was a star studded team comprising of R Madhavan, R Venkatesh and V Prasad. He took 8 wickets for 57 in his debut match against Venkateswara University and followed this with a 5 wicket haul against a strong Karnataka team. These performances earned him a place in a star studded South Zone University team captained by Cheeka and comprised of Mohd. Azharuddin, Arshad Ayub and Saad Bin Jung.

In January 81, playing for Madas University in the Group B Final against a strong Delhi team, Bhaskar took 5 for 91 getting the wickets of Bhaskar Pillai and Gurucharan Singh  who were in prime form then.

Feb’81 - Best hours in cricket against Shastri and co.
The best cricket match of his life came in the first week of February 1981 at the Railway ground in Hyderabad when playing against a West Zone captained by Ravi Shastri, he bundled out the opposition with a mix of leggies, googlies and faster ones.

An event when he batted triggered Bhaskar’s spirit. When South Zone batted, Ravi Shastri and wicket keeper appealed for a caught behind when the ball had gone off Bosskey’s pad. Much to his dismay, the umpire lifted his finger. When he came back to the pavilion and let know his frustration to Cheeka,  the south zone captain in his typical tongue in cheek style told Bosskey ( translated into readable English......) ‘It’s okay. What’s the big deal? It is not as if you are going to tear apart Shastri and co with your batting’.

When SZ came to field, Bosskey mixed all his variations to bamboozle the WZ batsmen including Shastri. What happened in those couple of hours remains Bosskey’s finest hours in cricket. With the faster one, he bowled Ravi Shastri and the stumps went back 10 yards behind the keeper. And then shortly after came to bat the keeper who had initiated that caught behind appeal. Bosskey had been waiting for this moment.

Casatta Ice Cream
Cheeka came into short leg and promised Bosskey a 3-in-1 Casatta Ice Cream if he knocked back the stumps. And the next ball, Bosskey’s faster one shattered the stumps (Cheeka kept up his promise and later treated Bosskey to the Casatta ice cream at Hotel Siddarth). Bosskey took 5 for 25 in 12overs to bowl out West Zone for 180 triggering a collapse from 115/1 and South Zone romped home to victory with Azhar and Ranjit Khanwilkar finishing off in style. Bosskey has special memories of that outstanding all rounder Khanwilkar (who later passed away in an accident) taking brilliant catches during that phase.

Bosskey shared room with Srikkanth during that period and enjoyed many light hearted moments with his captain. It was also a season when Srikkant was in fine form as he jumped down to fast bowlers and hit them out of the ground repeatedly. ( Decades later, when Bosskey  came to Srikkanth’s house, his former captain jokingly remarked pointing out at his sons ‘tell these boys about how we co-ordinated to ruin the opposition that University season’)

Job offers from Government organisations came rolling through even while he was at college but he refused.

K Venugopal, of The Hindu Group (former Editor of Business Line) who was his first captain at Loyola remembers Bosskey and his humour in the college dressing room ‘Aruvai jokes started even then’ ( in the late 70s) hinting at the potential in him to become a comedian in the future. 

And then................He became 'Once upon a time' story!!!!!

When he bowled, the ball zipped through the air. Almost every cricketer who saw him in that phase echoed his confidence of playing soon for the state.  

And then he gained inches. Here was another case of a spinner losing his armory because of ‘natural progression’. Bhaskar suddenly lost his flight and arc. There was also the question mark about his action. There were no video analysts to sit with him and course correct.  Try as he did, the ball just did not obey his orders. There was no one to guide him in that phase. In a matter of months, to everyone’s shock he had lost his art and he went into oblivion all of a sudden. From a high of playing Vizzy Trophy and helping SZ win, Bhaskar failed to land the ball and lost the confidence. Earlier when the ball left his hand, he knew what it would do. Now, he was worried as to whether it would land and where it would be hit.

The fall of this potentially great leggie coincided with the rise of another. LS was just beginning to make a mark and shot into prominence as a teenager with the 7 wicket haul against Delhi in his debut match. And the focus shifted from Bosskey to LS ( the latter too did not live up to his true potential and faded away in the mid 80s.... to be seen in a separate story shortly).

In early 81, he had expressed an ambition to play for India after coming back with the Vizzy Trophy. And a year later he had settled down with a banking career at IOB. He was rarely picked by them for the league matches. He continued to play league cricket for different teams over the next 10 years. Once in a while in the late 80s and early 90s, he revived old ‘Bharathi’ memories taking a few seven wicket hauls. 

S Venkataraghavan ‘fired’ him after an old BRC v new BRC match (one in which Bosskey got the wicket of Venkat and R Prabhakar) for not approaching him for corrective steps. But it was too late by then.

In 1975, Bhaskar’s Maths teacher Tony Pachaco (currently in Delhi) predicted that the young boy would one day become a cricket commentator.  Bhaskar was just in class 8 and did not have a special voice. 

Four decades on, the New Gen know him only as a TV personality and Comedian but there was a time in life when batsmen trembled at the sight of Bosskey being introduced into the attack!!!!!!!!!!!

(Currently Bosskey anchors www.Bosskeytv.com, an online channel providing exclusive original humour).


Bhaskar had the potential to be my Real Successor -VV Kumar

Tamil Nadu’s all time best leg spinner VV Kumar had seen Bhaskar very closely through the 70s as a school boy cricketer and believes that he had the potential to play for India.

When Bhaskar released the ball, there was the zip and one could hear the fizz in the air. He was a top leg spinner and had a lot of variations and would consistently beat the bat with flight and turn. He was one of the most exceptional leg spinners I have seen in my life. He was truly amazing. He was a solid purveyor of the art who made the batsman’s life unhappy. He had the potential to be a world beater. He could have hit the ceiling.

He was a strict follower of practice. He would never be late for the nets. He would bowl for hours together. After him, I have not seen anyone in the last 30 years with that kind of potential.  He should have played for India for many years. When he grew tall suddenly, his stride had to be adjusted, the position of the bowling hand needed alteration and there was also an adjustment required of the front foot. And he failed to do that.

LS was nowhere near Bhaskar. He was superior to LS by a long mile. Not only would he have been my true successor but he had the potential to be greater than me.



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Bharathwajan Araiyar Srirangam

February 11, 2016, 7:55 pm
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The ‘Young Pilot’ is completing 25 years of Araiyar Sevai this year
Practicing at his terrace on East Chitra Street in the backdrop of the Vellai Gopuram

Bharathwajan Araiyar of Srirangam has a unique profile. Professionally, he dons the role of a Pilot having coming out with flying colours in the Aviation course he undertook.  And away from the aircrafts, he is seen presenting with great devotion the 1000 year old rare art form of Araiyar Sevai at the Lord Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam and creating a special devotional experience in the people’s minds with his performances.

He was just five years old in 1986 when he started learning the art from his father Lakshmi Narayana Araiyar (who was a bronze medalist at REC and was a star employee at BHEL) and his uncle Sampath Araiyar. The very first Prabhandham he learnt was Thondaradipodi Azhvaar’s Thirumalai.

Such was his interest that as a young school boy he would make his elder sister sit in front of him in the backyard of his house and present Abhinaya of the sacred verses of the Azhvaars visualising her as Lord Namperumal.

First Araiyar Sevai at the age of 10
His debut Araiyar Sevai was a presentation of Periyazhvaar’s ‘Aatrilirunthu Vilaiyaaduvongalai’ verses as a 10 year old on the 2nd day of the Pagal Pathu Utsavam at the Lord Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. His hands were shivering when he presented for the first time.

Bharathwajan when he was four years old

Later that year he was heartbroken when his uncle refused to permit him to present a solo Araiyar Sevai on the 7th day of Brahmotsavam citing his age as a reason. Unable to bear this rejection, Barathwajan Araiyar started shedding tears of devotion right there in front of the Lord. His true devotion for the Lord prompted the Archakas of the day to persuade the boy’s uncle to permit him to perform and he presented with tears of joy the verses of Periyazhvaar’s ‘Thinnar Ven Sangudaiyaai’.

In 1993, as a 12 year old he presented Araiyar Sevai, of the ‘Thodakka Paasurams’ of the Tiruvoimozhi verses, on each day of the 10 day Nam Azhvaar Utsavam, quite a significant achievement indeed.

Dull student at school!!!
He rarely liked school and would often skip classes at Ranga Matriculation School (Srirangam) to be present with the Lord on festive occasions. Every Ekadasi and Amavasya was a time for him to be with the Lord on processions.

He had been a dull student at School and it was the popular RSV (now 80 years old) teacher who took special interest in him and helped him with Maths. He would often say ‘I teach Maths but your Math is with God’. All his teachers, both in School and College, saw him only as an Araiyar and as one who performed service to God.

Persuades his father to allow him to present at other Divya Desams
Wanting to also present before the Lord in Thiru Vellarai and Woraiyur Divya Desams (two temples near Srirangam), the young boy once woke up his father at 5am (his father would leave for his work at BHEL at 6am every morning) and persuaded him to hand over the bus ticket charges that day so he too could make it after his school to join the Senior Araiyars.

Since only the senior Araiyars presented there, they did not want to incur extra expenses to take this boy along and they would often tell him that the Utsavams were all over and that he should focus on his studies. But his persuasion paid off. And he won over his father with his devotion and presented Araiyar Sevai in those temples as well even as a school boy.

In those days there was only one tube light in the temple. It was only oil and ghee lamps all around and they presented with Bhakti amidst the sacred light emanating from those lamps.

Brahmotsavam and falling sick
Every year during the annual Brahmotsavam, he would invoke Lord Namperumal’s blessings to make him sick so he could stay away from his school. And then he would quietly cycle around to find the location of the Lord (on his procession) much to the surprise of his father and uncles. Such was his devotion to the Lord.

On the 1st day when the ‘Kodi Etram’ was to take place just after 3am, his father and uncles would not wake him up as he was a small boy and did not want to disturb his sleep. When he woke up at 4.45 am to the realisation that the Kodi Etram had taken place in his absence, he would shed tears for hours leaving him swollen eyes and cheeks.

During that period, he performed a lot of Kainkaryam at the temple. He would fold the Vastrams of the Lord, would get the Dhoopam ready and performed selfless service during Thirumanjanam.

Presentation just after 3am
As a 15 year old, Barathwajan Araiyar stayed awake the whole night awaiting the knock on his door by the temple staff at 3am and went there to present 40 verses of Thiruppavai and Thirupalli Yezhuchi. His uncles would insist to be present along with him though he wanted to present this all alone. He then practiced for hours at his house with his sister playing the role of an Archaka and convinced his relatives that he was confident of presenting this on his own without their presence.

No Excursions No Vacations
While all his classmates went on excursions, he would be practicing Araiyar Sevai at home. Even when his relatives went on their annual trip to Tirupathi, he would be the lone boy staying back home as he was keen to practice and master the Araiyar Sevai. Each year during the summer vacation, he would continuously practice the art throughout the two month period. At the school and college, he was seen presenting lectures to his teachers on the role of Araiyars and the significance of Araiyar Sevai. His teachers saw him as a devoted Araiyar whose mind was always on the Lord and went out of their way to help him out in his education.

Inspired by the movie Bhakta Prahalada, which he watched when he was a young boy, Bharathwajan first played the role of Prahalada when he was still not into his teens on the 7th day of Era Pathu Utsavam when the Araiyars present the entire episode of Hiranya Vatham. Since then, he has been the devotees’ favourite over the last two decades for this role. He has always wanted to be like Prahalada in the pursuit of Bhakti and devotion to the Lord.

Becomes a Pilot
As he grew up into a teenager in the 1990s, his interest for driving different vehicles increased. Every Sunday he would go to a mechanic shop in Thiruvanaikaval and help out in the repair of two wheelers and cars. When vehicles broke down in Srirangam at odd hours, people knew whose help to seek. It was also during this period that his interests expanded to aeroplanes.  One night he took his father’s car and drove it all alone around the Chitra Streets when all others were asleep. And then he displayed his driving skills to his father the next morning by driving him to the Gunaseelam temple

Once he also sat through the night next to the engine driver in the train from Srirangam to Madras.

After graduating in Computer Science from National College, he worked for a few years in a private firm in Tiruchirapalli. Bharathwajan Araiyar then joined an Aviation course and completed it in 2years. Once he landed at around 7pm with almost no light at an airport and with only the natural Moon Light to assist him (while he was in the training phase). He also did a solo cross country between Trichy and Madras in heavy rain without anyone inside the aircraft in that training phase piloting the aircraft at a height of just 250 feet above the ground as there was a thick cloud cover above that!!!!

 Over the last six years, he has been a pilot with a Chartered Airline.

Straddling between a Pilot and Araiyar Sevai
His father had struggled in his early days with limited facilities and wanted his son to enjoy life. Hence he tried to present everything that his son was interested in and did not stop him from pursuing his other interests.

While Bharathwajan loves the role of a Pilot, his main interest in life continues to be to bring the mystical experiences of the Azhvaars to the devotees through his Abhinayam especially during the 21 day Tamiil Divya Prabhandham (Adhyayana) Festival in Margazhi and to ensure that this art introduced by his fore father Natha Muni is experienced and enjoyed by the devotees.

Araiyar Sevai, he says, is not just about memorising a few verses and presenting them as a song and dance sequence. It is about Bhakti and Devotion to Lord and transforming oneself into that role and creating a Bhakti experience for the devotees much the same way the Azhvaars visualised and praised the Lord in so many different temples.

A Milestone
Bharathwajan, who this year will be completing 25 years of presenting Araiyar Sevai, calls it a great blessing to have been born as an Araiyar and to be able to present Azhvaar’s verses in front of Lord Namperumal. ‘Abhinayam has to come naturally. Self interest has to be high. Expression has to be soft because we have to remember that we are presenting in front of God.’

In recent times he has been travelling across South India to educate devotees on the significance of Araiyar Sevai. Through his Araiyar Sevai, he is hopeful that more devotees will visit and experience this rare art form of presenting the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham.

Bharathwajan Araiyar has just been engaged and will tie the wedding knot in May this year. 

(A version of this story featured today in The Hindu Friday Review)
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Kumbeswarar Temple Maha Magam

February 18, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Where Shiva appeared as a Hunter – Kiratha Moorthy

The Maha Magam is celebrated on the day when Jupiter and the Moon are in Simharasi and the Sun in Kumbharasi on the full moon day in Maasi. 

The legend
Anticipating the deluge that would destroy the world, a worried Brahmma sought the help of Lord Shiva who created a pot containing nectar and the seeds of creation (Jeeva Raasis). Brahmma decorated the pot with coconut, darbha, mango leaves, sacred thread, vastram and vilvam and placing the pot atop the Meru Hill (Chikkam) performed pooja reciting the Shristi Bheeja mantras. When the deluge struck, the pot was driven down the stream and finally came to rest in Thiru Kudanthai.

Lord Shiva appeared as a hunter and shot an arrow to break open the pot from where nectar dispersed in different directions and emerged as sacred Theertham in Potramarai Tank (Sarangapani temple) and Maha Magam tank.

The nose of the pot fell at Kudaivasal (currently about 15kms from Kumbakonam). The nectar also spread across 5 kms from here and is referred to as Pancha Krosa Sthalam.

In a thanking gesture, Brahmma renovated and decorated the Maha Magam tank, created a Theertham for himself and worshipped Kumbeswarar and treated him to a ceremonial bath. The Maha Magam tank also comprises of Theertham relating to the Lords of the eight frontiers, nine maidens of the sacred rivers and celestials such as Kinnaras and Gandharvas.

Shiva mixed sand with the nectar to create a lingam and worshipped it himself and later merged with it. This was the first creation after the deluge and hence this temple is referred to Aadhi Kumbeswarar (Oozhi Muthalvar). This Kiratha (hunter) idol is a special feature at this temple.  The Peedam contains 72000 mantras. The Magam festival is a celebratory event to honour the contribution of the presiding deity of the Kumbeswarar temple. Performing pooja on Magam star for Lord Kumbeswarar is believed to bring about husband- wife unity, help in progeny and liberate one from previous birth’s curse.

The nine sacred rivers in order to extricate themselves of the burden of sins were directed by Lord Shiva to visit the Maha Magam tank once in 12 years to take a ceremonial bath on the Maha Magam day.

Parvathi came in search of Lord Shiva and pleased with her visit, he made her sit near him and requested her to provide darshan as Mangala Peedeswari and to bless them with all Mangalam.

There is no Abhishekam for the Lord as he is not of the granite stone idol. Every Monday and on Pradosham, he is anointed with Ashta Gandham - 8 fragrant items. Lord Kumbeswarar presents himself in a soft form here unlike his normally ugra posture.

Special Number 12
Maha Magam is said to happen once in 12 years. In reality it is celebrated after 4332 days (total of these is 12). The difference between these two: 4380 days (365daysx12years) and 4332 days is 48, the total of which is also 12 (4+8)!!!

Brahmotsavam in Maasi
Rudra Abhishekam takes place a day before the flag is hoisted and the theertham is taken to Maha Magam tank and poured there. It is in the Rishaba Lagnam- the one that has no Dosham out of the 12 Lagnams- that Kumbeswarar enters the Maha Magam tank for the Theerthavari Vaibhavam.

Roles interchanged at Thiru Kudanthai
Typically Brahmma is the creator, Vishnu the protector and Shiva is the destroyer. But here in Thiru Kudanthai, the roles were interchanged as seen from the legend relating to the Magam festival. Brahmma protected the pot given by Shiva (Vishnu’s role). Following the deluge, Shiva re-created the world by breaking open the pot containing the nectar (Brahmma’s role). And Vishnu struck the Sudarshana Chakra at the Sun God (Chakrapani temple) by taking on the Samhara role (Shiva’s role).

Maha Magam Message from Periva Sri Jayendra Saraswathi


This is an occasion that happens once in 12 years when all the sacred rivers in our country visit the Maha Magam in Thiru Kudanthai. The devotees need not worry that they have not been able to visit each of those sacred rivers individually. Just bathing at the Maha Magam tank during this period will secure them Punyam which will cleanse them of their sins. Once the sins go away, difficulties will vanish and one will find happiness all around.

When happiness grows and develops, the devotees tend to get peace of mind. Only if one has peace of mind, will life have found its merit for we should realise how blessed we are to have been born as a human being. Only those who are born as humans have this privilege of bathing in the Maha Magam tank.

It is important for us to keep doing good things in this life on a daily basis to accumulate Punyam and thus make ourselves worthy.

Brahmotsavam specially for the Maha Magam
Maasi is usually the time for Theppotsavam at the Sarangapani Divya Desam. However, this month, as part of the Maha Magam festival, a special Brahmotsavam is being celebrated. The Grand 10 day festival started last week, with the Garuda Vahana procession taking place on Wednesday evening.


As part of the Maha Magam celebrations, on Monday morning, Lord Sarangapani will be joined by Lords from the four other ancient Perumal temples in Thiru Kudanthai – Ramaswamy, Chakrapani, Rajagopalan and Aathi Varaha Perumal - on a joint procession to the banks of the Cauvery for Theerthavari.

Maasi Magam and an Exclusive Chakrapani Temple
When the Sun Lord’s heat had once become unbearable due to his arrogance of being the only one to provide shining bright light, Lord Vishnu, to teach him a lesson, hurled his chakra forcing the Sun Lord to go into hiding. It was on the Maasi Magam day that the Sun God first performed pooja invoking Lord Vishnu’s blessings and requested him to provide darshan to devotees as Chakrath Azhvaar. In memory of this event, the Chariot Festival is celebrated at the Chakrapani temple on Maasi Magam every year. 

Azhvaars praising the Cauvery in Thiru Kudanthai
The Maha Magam festival is about cleansing one’s sins by bathing in the sacred theertham. Three Azhvaars have praised the sacred role of Cauvery in the lives of the people of Kumbakonam.

Thirumazhisai Azhvaar refers to Thiru Kudanthai temples reverberating with Vedic chanting by scholars who were seen with folded hands. He praises Cauvery as one with gushing waters. The presence of the Lord seen relaxing in the special slightly raised reclining posture was indeed a boon to the Vedic Seers of Thiru Kudanthai. The ever flowing water that was streaming down the Cauvery kept the town cool at all times.

Nam Azhvaar praises Lord Aravamudhan as shining amidst the fertile waters of the Cauvery. It is the water from the Cauvery that has helped the growth of huge quantity of paddy and the blooming of large Lotus flowers seen all around Thiru Kudanthai.

In his verses, Thiru Mangai Azhvaar refers to Betel that Kumbakonam is now famous for. He specifically praises Thiru Kudanthai as a place where one finds huge fragrant Betel Creepers receiving cool water from the Cauvery.


Maha Magam Celebrations
There will be a Pancha Moorthy Chariot Festival starting from the Kumbeswarar temple this Saturday and Sunday (20/21 Feb). On Monday (22 Feb), on the occasion of Maha Magam, Lord Kumbeswarar along with deities from 12 other Shiva temples will enter the Maha Magam tank for the celebration of Theerthavari Vaibhavam between 12noon and 1pm.

( A part of this story featured today in The Hindu Friday Review)
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Athalanallur Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal

March 6, 2016, 12:55 am
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Temple associated with the Gajendra Moksham episode
Special Initiatives taken 1000 years ago to maintain a beautiful Nandavanam to ensure the presentation of Flower Garlands for the Lord every day
Even Gardeners were provided for at the temple and their interests taken care of 
Located 10kms North East of Ambasamudram and about 25kms from Tirunelveli amidst green fields on the Eastern Banks of  over flowing Tamaraibarani is the ancient Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal temple in Athalanallur, one whose legend dates back to the Gajendra Moksham episode. As per inscriptions inside the temple that date back a 1000years, this place was referred to as Athaani Nallur ( Athaani = Elephant), yet another indication for the elephant episode connection to this temple. 

Lost in thoughts of Lord Vishnu a disciple of Sage Agastya ignored his Guru’s presence prompting the Sage to curse him to turn into an elephant. One day when the elephant went to the river to bring water for Abhisheka, he found the lotus flower and plucked it only to be caught in the grasp of the crocodile. Crying for help, he called out for Aathi Moolam. The Lord came on his Garuda Vahana and provided Moksham to both the animals by hurling his chakra at the Crocodile.


A rock inside the temple tank referred to as the Elephant Rock, reference to the Gajendra Moksham episode having taken place in the foot of the Pothigai hills and the presence of Sage Agastya inside the moolavar sannidhi are believed to be indications of this temple’s association with the legendary event.

Inscriptions
There are several inscriptions inside the temple that date back a 1000 years. During the rule of Kulotunga I (1100AD) a portion of fields of Athalanallur was separated and granted as a tax free Devadana land. During that period, Athalanallur was referred to as a hamlet of Cheran Maha Devi and the Gajendra Varadar temple was referred to as ‘Moymam Pooumbolil’ Azhvaar temple.

During the rule of Jatavarama Srivallabha Pandya there was a gift of land for conduct of worship on Puratadhi day at Athalanallur. The queen of the place has been mentioned as Uagamuludu Mudaiyaal.


There were five sacred offerings to the Lord each day as organised by the assembly of Cheran Maha Devi during the rule of Maravarma Pandya. One of the inscriptions refers to the land originally held by the temple for this purpose as lying waste due to petty quarrels. There is also a record of gift of one achchu by Emberumanar Ammai for providing offering to the God and providing from that prasadam to the servants and worshippers of Emberumanar in the temple. The Vaishnavas in the temple received the achchu and agreed to maintain the charity. There was a grant of prasadam to a certain Ramanuja Jeer for a quarter Annai achchu which the vaishnavas had received from him.

Flower Gardens at Athalanallur Temple
Nandanavam seems to have been given great importance during ancient times at this temple as seen from the different flower gardens referred in the inscriptions, the appointment of gardeners to maintain the garden and initiatives to take care of them.

There was a gift of tax free land for flower garden called Tambikku Nallan Thiru Nandavanam during the rule of Vira Pandyadeva Pandya.  On the north wall of the temple is an inscription dating to the rule of Jatavarma Pandya that refers to gift of land to the temple by a big army with 10 commands for maintaining the garden. There is also a record of a sale of garden lands.

Gardeners at the Nandavanam
There was a gift of prasadam to two gardeners for rearing the flower garden called Ramanuja Thiru Nandavanam during the rule of Kulasekara Pandya. They were exempted from tax and they were to grow flowers, pick them and string them together into garlands. There was a gift of Kadamai on certain lands by the temple for providing maintenance of gardeners of the Iladaraiyan flower gardens.

There was also a gift of one kalam of food by the temple for feeding the men in charge of Ramanuja flower garden.

Festivals
Garuda Sevai on Vaikasi Uthiradam, Aani Swathi, Puratasi Thiruvonam, Thai Poosam
Muthangi Sevai on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Chandra Prabha / Ssha Vahana procession
On the morning of Vaikunta Ekadasi, there will be a Special Sayana Sevai

Till 1970, festivals were celebrated round the year but since then many of the festivals have ben stopped.


Quick Facts
Moolavar         : Aathi Moolam standing posture
Thaayar           : Andal
Utsavar            : Gajendra Varadar
Time                : 7am-1030am and 430pm-730pm
(On last Sat of every month, temple will be open between 530am -1pm and 4pm-8pm)
Contact            : Raman Bhattar @ 04634 287295 / 99659 20369


How to reach
The temple is 4 kms from Veeravanallur. An auto from Veeravanallur will cost Rs. 70. Contact auto@ 94427 14547

Buses infrequent between Veeravanallur and Athlanallur


From Athalanallur, one can cross the Tamaraibarani by foot to reach Ranga Samudram Venkatachalapathy temple. 
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Kulasekara Azhvaar

March 7, 2016, 2:53 am
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The 'King of Madurai' who quit his kingdom to offer selfless service to the Lord of Srirangam
Provides a specific methodology for prayer in his Perumal Thirumozhi

Born in Thiru Vanjikalam in Kerala on Maasi Punarvasu, Kulasekara Azhvaar married a Pandya princess and ruled the Chera kingdom from Vanji and later won over Madurai. In his verses he refers to himself as the King of Madurai and a Chieftain of Koodal. He also refers to himself as the head of Kozhi and hence may have expanded his kingdom to his favourite city of Srirangam (Uraiyur) as well.

Later he passed on his kingdom to his son and chose a path of service to the Lord.  He moved to Srirangam and began his work (referred to as Perumal Thirumozhi in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham) with praise of Lord Ranganatha who seemed to be his favourite. In all he contributed to 105 verses in the Divya Prabhandham.

In his 3 decads of praise of the Lord of Srirangam, he has showcased the way to invoke the blessings of the Lord.

 He says one should immerse oneself in prayers while seeking the Lord and also provides a methodology for a prayer with interesting specifics such as ‘bow down with humility’, ‘simply melt in devotion’ in front of the Lord, ‘pray sincerely with folded hands’, stand in front of the Lord and try to experience him with tears in your eyes, mingle with like-minded devotees at the temple and repent for every wrong deed of yours.

He has dedicated a couple of entire decads showcasing the merits of devotees of Srirangam much in the way Periyazhvaar praised the devotees of Thirukoshtiyur. He says that it is important to pay reverence to the devotees of the Lord and that is integral to worship to the Lord. Probably the most interesting insight in the first three decads of his unflinching praise on Ranganatha is a lesson that is quite relevant for the devotees even now.

‘The fact that he relinquished his kingdom and dedicated his entire time in devotion to the Lord did not go well with many who considered him as having taken an action in haste and went to the extent of branding him as Mad. However he hits back at them pointing out to them that it is they who are mad for they do not realise as to how blessed he is having been taken away from the world of materialistic desires to one of true life time devotion.’

Contrary to the normal thought process of not wanting another life, he says that he is okay to be born again even as a fish or a bird or an ant or any other creature if it provides him an opportunity to be close to the Lord ( of Tirumala).

His verses of praise on the Lord of Vittuvakodu are addressed to provide motivation to a devotee in trouble and showcasing the importance of total Surrender to the Lord. 

In the 2nd half of Perumal Thirumozhi, he brings out the emotions of a parent – first taking one to the childhood of Krishna and to Devaki’s feelings. And then in two successive decads, he brings out the outbursts of Dasaratha and Kausalya and their love for their son.

While Devaki gave birth to Krishna, she had to let him go soon after his birth and rarely had the fortune of seeing him grow. However Kausalya was lot more fortunate and her son Rama grew into a young handsome boy right in her presence and she sings lullabies to Rama.

The verses relating to Dasaratha and his laments are sorrowful and apologetic as he presents his state of having to send his son out of the kingdom based on an old promise handed to his wife right on the eve of his coronation.

Kulasekara Azhvaar presents the entire story of the Ramayana in the final decad praising the Lord of Chidambaram ( Thillai Nagar).

He spent his final days in Brahmmadesam ( Mannar Koil) where he has a temple named after him and a separate Sannidhi with Dwajasthambam, the only one of its kind (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/11/kulasekara-perumal-koil-in-mannar-koil.html)

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A series on Perumal Thirumozhi follows....
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Veeravanallur Sundararaja Perumal Temple

March 10, 2016, 1:08 am
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Located 5kms West of Cheran Maha Devi is the centuries old Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Veeravanallur where the Lord is seen in a grand standing posture along with Sri and Bhoo Devi. The presence of an agraharam is a pleasant sight in the village.

There is a separate Sannidhi for Vedanta Desikar, whose Avathara utsavam used to be celebrated in a grand manner over 10 days. 

Pandya King Veeramaran came here on a hunting expedition and was stunned to see a Muyal standing its ground and taking on a wild dog in this forest region. Pleased at this sight, he built the temple dedicated to Shiva in a grand style. In recognition of his efforts this place came to be referred to as Veeravanallur.

The Perumal temple came much later after the construction of the Shiva Temple. The temple has a Maha Mandapa, Artha Mandapa and Mani Mandapa. There is a big tank with a Mandapa behind the temple that is now brimming with water after the recent rains.  There is also a canal that runs through the village.

Till the first half of the last century, a 10 day Poosam Festival was celebrated in Thai with the Chariot Festival on the 9th day. There was also a 10 day Sri Jayanthi festival, a 7 day Pavitrotsavam and an Oonjal Utsavam in Aippasi. The 21 day festival in Margazhi was also a popular festival at this temple including the recital of Divya Prabhandham. The presence of all the vahanas including Garuda Vahana and Hanumantha Vahana also indicate to the conduct of the annual Brahmotsavam with the Lord going out on street processions providing darshan to the devotees on different vahanas. And the place had been abuzz with devotional activity through the year. 

However, over the last few decades, the temple had remained in an unattended condition with no permanent priest to take care of the daily pooja. In recent times, a priest has been roped in from Central India along with a Parijarakar to take care of the sacred offering to the Lord.

The temple also wears a new look now and it is hoped that the festivals that were once an integral part of this village would be revived again in its old grandeur.

The temple is open between 630am and 11am and 430pm-830pm. Contact: Rangaraja Bhattar @ 94601 79551 / 97892 70435 or Venkatachari @ 98848 30141.


When here also visit Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal temple Athalanallur, 4 kms north west. http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2016/03/athalanallur-gajendra-varadaraja-perumal.html


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Cheran Maha Devi Ramaswamy Temple Renovation

March 15, 2016, 10:29 am
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Lighting the Darkness
 
The ancient over 1000year old Ramaswamy temple at Cheran Maha Devi that had been in a completely dilapidated condition (read the story written in Sept 2011 http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2011/09/cheran-maha-devi-ramaswamy-temple.html) has received a fresh lease of life with the recent Samprokshanam in mid January. There had been no renovation in the last 100 years at this temple.

(It is quite a dramatic change from the the state of the idols and the vimana as seen in 2001 in the story link above. It is particularly significant because this is one of the few temples in the country with the Ashtanga Vimana similar to the ones at Thiru Koshtiyur, Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram) and Koodal Azhagar Divya Desam. And the Ashtanga Vimana has been save for yet another generation).

A 5km Underground Tunnel
 In the past, there was a 5km long secret underground tunnel from Tier 1 of the Ramaswamy temple that led one to the Perumal temple at Karisulnda Mangalam on the banks of Tamaraibarani, North of Pathamadai. Though this route has remained shut, one can still find the entrance to the tunnel from Tier 1 of the Ramaswamy temple.During the rule of Raja Raja I, the temple was referred to as Nigaril Chola Vinnagar Azhwar temple and the deity as Raghava Chakravarti. This place was referred to as Cheran Maha Devi Chaturvedi Mangalam with the hilly terrain of Papanasam being the short cut from Cheran Maha Devi to Trivandrum. 

Description of the Lord in earlier centuries
In centuries gone by, the Lord was described as ‘top tier’ Azhwar idol (Thiru Parkadalnathan in a Sayana posture atop Adhisesha), the ‘mid tier’ Azhwar idol (Veetriruntha Perumal) and ‘lower tier’ Azhwar idol (Aadhi Narayanan standing posture).
The temple that had celebrated festivals in a grand manner had been in the dark of late, literally with no oil even to light lamps and bats being the main occupants, quite a contrast from earlier periods. 

Lighting the Lamp in the 11th Century
An 11th Century AD inscription records a specific praise for Vaikanasas for taking care of the lamps as they would of their own body. So committed were they that they pledged themselves to maintain a perpetual lamp at the temple. And they were to be levied a penalty of double the quantity of ghee if they failed in their duty. Also, there was a deposit made in the hands of the Vaikanasas for burning a half lamp during the rule of Rajendra I. There were several more gifts for lighting the lamp clearly indicating that the daily burning of lamps was well taken care of.  

Not just the lamps, the overall security of the temple too was provided for. There was a gift of pieces of land in the 11th Century AD by the Merchant Guild for maintenance of a watchman (Thiru Meiykaappu) at the temple. The gifting by the Merchant Guild is also an indication that the business and economy at this place was robust at that point of time.

Rose Water for the Lord
Deposits were also made for conducting worship of the God during festivals. In the early 13thCentury AD, during the rule of Kulasekhara I, a gift of money was made for providing rose water to the God for the famous Chitrai Festival.

Grand Festivals in Centuries gone by
As late as the first half of the last century, there were several festivals conducted in a Grand manner at the temple. A 10day Oonjal Utsavam in Aipasi, Garuda Sevai on the last Saturday in Puratasi, the Big Festival (Brahmotsavam) in Chitrai with Garuda Sevai on the 5thday, Chariot Festival (indicating the temple had a Chariot) on the 10thday and Theerthavari on the 11th day were very popular. There was also a 10 day festival for Anjaneya and a Theppotsavam in Margazhi.  

The temple had however lost its grandeur in recent decades with the Vimana in a dilapidated state surrounded all around by shrubs and bushes. The outer walls were in poor condition and even the mooligai painting on the Moolavar idol in each of the three tiers had withered. There was no oil to light lamps and the Lord was left to guard himself without even a Vastram. And most of the festivals including the Brahmotsavam were off.

New Facelift
The temple that had been in such a forlorn state has received a big facelift recently. The entire temple complex has had a fresh coat of paint. It is refreshing to find each of the Moolavar idols anointed with a bright colourful Mooligai painting. The lamps are glowing bright in all the Sannidhis bringing back a great feeling of devotion and positive vibration inside the temple.

While earlier the entrance to the 1stand 2nd Tier was through the maha mandapa from the inside, a new external stair case has been laid for the devotees to visit the top tiers from the outer prakara. The outer walls too are sporting a new look. All the ancient inscriptions have been left intact. Other additions include a new lighting system for the temple, new flooring and a security gate leading up to the sanctum.

It is hoped that Garuda Sevai (Garuda Vahana has been painted new and looks in good shape) in Puratasi, Rama Navami, Theppotsavam in Margazhi and the grand Chitrai Brahomotsavam will once again be celebrated in a grand manner.
The temple is open from 8am-1030am and 530pm-8pm.Contact Bhattar @ 90435 48173

( A part of this story featured in The Hindu Friday Review on 11 March)
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Ninra Narayana Perumal Tirupattur

March 15, 2016, 8:15 pm
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Ancient 800 years old temple where the Lord is seen in a Grand Standing Posture
Veera Anjaneya is seen plucking out a tree in a posture of destroying the enemy forces

There is a striking similarity between the Moolavar idol found in the Divya Desam West of the Pandya Kingdom and the one here in the East, in Tiruppatur (Sivaganga District) - not to be confused with the other Tirupattur known for the Brahmapureeswar temple ( near Trichy).

The idol of Ninra Narayana Perumal in Tirupattur (Pandya Kingdom) reminds one of another such Lord – the one at Thiruthangal Divya Desam near Srivilliputhur (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/12/thiru-thangal-ninra-narayanan-temple.html).  While this one at Tiruppatur was the Eastern gateway into the Pandya kingdom, the Divya Desam is at the Western end.

Ninra Narayana Perumal is seen in a handsome and a grand standing posture as the name indicates, flanked by Sri and Bhoo Devi Thaayar. There is a separate sannidhi for Thiru Maa Magal Thaayar.

The temple dates back at least a 800 years as seen from the inscription at the Thiru Thali Nathar temples.

Anjaneya’s Posture
A speciality of the temple is the posture of Anjaneya who is seen in a posture similar to the one during the Ramayana war. He does not have his mace. Neither does he have the crown on his head. His hair is unkempt. He is seen plucking the tree with this hand in an act of destroying the opposition forces. 
Anjaneya is now seen in a separate small temple a few hundred yards away from Ninra Narayana perumal (opposite the bus stand). This was surrounded by a huge fort and hence he is referred to as Melakottai Anjaneya.

The Bhattars of both these temples come from a village called Kongarathy about 10 kms from Tiruppatur near Kandira Manickam. Kongarathy has a beautiful ancient temple for Vanpugazh Narayana Perumal (to be seen shortly). The current Bhattar family are the 9thgeneration in their clan to be taking care of the temple. During the rule of the Pandyas, lands had been allocated for the maintenance of Ninra Narayana Perumal and Melakottai Anjaneya that continues to exist to this day.

Tiruppatur was Pandya Kingdom’s second capital. It was the entry from the East to the Pandya Kingdom. The first battle with the Pandyas always took place at Tiruppatur be it with Chozhas or the Hoysalas or the Mohammadens. During the invasion by the Lankan ruler Lankapura Thanda Nayakaavin, the temple activities were disrupted. And then in the 14thcentury during the Muslim invasion, Ninra Narayana temple was damaged.

It was only after the rule of Sadaya Varma Pandya, when Visalaya Thevan undertook some renovation at this temple that this temple regained some of its grandeur. Subsequent to the renovation by Vaisalya Thevan, a renovation took place in 1921 and again in 1961 under the rule of CM Dr. Bhaktavatsalam.
Loss of the Agraharam
Decades ago there was a beautiful agraharam leading to the Chariot at the farther end with the original residents living happily on either side of road in their row houses. However as they moved away seeking greener Pasteur, new occupants took over leading to new high rise buildings. During this process, the flooring on the road and the new buildings was raised with the temple structure as well as the chariot being pushed to a lower base. This led to constant flooding inside the temple during the rainy season.

With the view to raise the temple to a higher base, the temple was brought down completely after 2002 and a new structure was created leaving us with no remnants of the old temple except for the idols of Ninra Narayana Perumal and Veera Anjaneya.
Festivals
There is a Garuda Vahana, Anna Pakshi Vahana and Horse Vahana at the temple.

Ninra Narayana Perumal goes on a Vahana procession around the now commercialised streets of Tirupattur on the Saturdays in Puratasi. There is an abhishekam for Mahalakshmi Thaayar on Sundays. Lord also goes out on a street procession during Sri Jayanthi utsavam.

Ninra Narayana Perumal temple is open between 8am-11am and 5pm-8pm. Contact V Rajagopalan Bhattar @ 94874 55910

For Veera Anjaneya temple, Contact Srinivasan Bhattar/ Sundara Gopala Bhattar/ Narayana Swami Bhattar @ 95972 45455 / 96885 76509 / 96555 25494

How to reach
Take Chennai Egmore - Rameswaram Express and get down at Karaikudi. Tiruppattur is about 20kms from there. Buses ply every 10minutes between Karaikudi and Tirupattur.

Thiru Koshtiyur Divya Desam (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2011/09/thiru-koshtiyur-sowmya-narayana-perumal.html) is 7kms from Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple.

Thiru Meiyam Satihya Moorthy Perumal Divya Desam (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/05/108-divya-desam-thiru-meiyam.html) is 20kms from Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple   
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Kulasekara Azhvaar Srirangam Ranganatha

March 16, 2016, 8:35 pm
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Sing Praise of Lord till your tongue becomes Numb
Pray with ‘Folded Hands' held above your head
Lower your head, Fall at his feet with total reverence
Care for others and their well being
Experience the Lord with eyes filled with tears

Kulasekara Azhvaar was at the peak of his powers ruling as the King of Madurai and yet he renounced his power, the large army at his command, put down his victorious sword and came here to Srirangam. On seeing the handsome reclining Lord of Srirangam and taken over completely by his initial experience here, he composed the first 10 verses in praise of Lord Ranganatha providing insights into the methodology of invoking the Lord’s blessings.  In the very first verse of Perumal Thirumozhi, Kulasekara Azhvaar describes the personality of the reclining Ranganatha, the Serpent Adisesha, the river Cauvery and the town Srirangam.

Lord Ranganatha is Ruby Dark in complexion, possessed with special virtues (of providing Moksham) and is seen in a sleeping posture atop Ananthan, the fiery serpent king with a 1000 beautiful hoods and being in a separate class providing the Lord with a beautiful couch to relax on. His presence, Kulasekara Azhvaar says, dispels darkness everywhere.

The sands of Cauvery are shining in lights of silver and it is with the pure water from the Cauvery that the Lord’s feet are washed.

With happy and noble people all around, Kulasekara Azhvaar says that he is waiting for the time when he will be able to stand in front of Lord Ranganatha and keep watching forever the Lord’s handsome features.

Hold on to your devotion with the strength of pillar
Kulasekara Azhvaar suggests that it is a great feeling to hold on to those fragrant pillars and one is transformed into positivity while invoking the blessings of Lord Ranganatha.

மாயோனைமனத்தூனேபற்றிநின்று
என்வாயாரஎன்றுகொலோவாழ்த்தும்நாளே

Present flowers every day
Even Brahmma with 4 tongues and 8 eyes prays devotedly to the Lord of Srirangam whose navel is shining in Golden light and from where the beautiful red lotus emanates. Those who knot and offer flowers at the Lord’s feet are truly blessed souls. Kulasekara Azhvaar is hoping that he too would be blessed to serve the Lord’s feet with flowers every day.

Tongue should become Numb
He praises Srirangam as a place for those who relinquish the worldly pleasures to listen to the great sacred recitals in Tamil and Sanskirt. Learned scholars are chanting the sacred Vedas through the day. Kulasekara Azhvaar wants to recite such verses in praise of Lord Ranganatha till such time his tongue swells and becomes numb.
 He says that when in front of Lord Ranganatha, one should pray with folded hands that are raised well above the head.

அந்தமிழினின்பப்பாவினைஅவ்வடமொழியைப்பற்றற்றார்கள்
பயிலரங்கத்தரவணையில்பள்ளிகொள்ளும்

கோவினைநாவுரவழுத்திஎந்தன்கைகள்
கொய்ம்மலர்தூய்என்றுகொலோகூப்பும்நாளே

Fall at his feet with total reverence
He is delighted at the sweet devotional music emanating from renowned musicians such as Thumburu and Narada.  As he goes around the town of Srirangam, Kulasekara Azhvaar finds the temple protected by big fortified walls. Around the streets, he finds huge mansions and largely wealthy people. Suggesting another mode of prayer, Kulasekara Azhvaar wants to deck his head with flowers and offer his sincere prayers by lowering his head and falling at his feet with total reverence.

மணிமாடமாளிகைகள்மல்குசெல்வ
மதிளரங்கத்தரவணையில்பள்ளிகொள்ளும்
மணிவன்னனம்மானைக்கண்டுகொண்டு
என்மலர்ச்சென்னிஎன்றுகொலோவணங்கும்நாளே

He finds bees buzzing all around the huge groves. Shiva, Indra, the Celestials and the great sages are all looking for space here to offer their everlasting prayers to the Lord. Kulasekara Azhvaar hopes that he too would be able to find his own little space here to offer his prayers with his heart and soul immersed in the Lord’s thoughts. While one offers such prayers, he says that a devotee should melt down experiencing the handsome features of the Lord in his full form.

ஒளிமதிசேர்திருமுகம்கண்டுகொண்டு
என்உள்ளம்மிகஎன்றுகொலோஉருகும்நாளே

Nobility of the People
Kulasekara Azhvaar presents a beautiful picture of the noble residents of Srirangam.

Keeping away the issue relating to an unstable mind, controlling their senses and ridding themselves of the pains arising from the worldly life, the residents of Srirangam worship the Lord 5 times a day trying to pursue the sacred path of righteousness to free themselves from bad thoughts and to live a life of welfare without any war of words.

These people are always seen caring for others as required of noble people and are adopting a path to seek refuge in the Lord freeing themselves from the troubled path of cyclical births and away from a life they see as being filled with deception.Kulasekara Azhvaar too wants to be able to stand in front of the Lord offering prayers with devotion till such time his eyes are filled with tears that stroll down like a stream.

மறம்திகழும்மனமொழித்துவஞ்சமாற்றி
ஐம்புலன்களடக்கிஇடர்ப்பாரத்துன்பம்
துறந்துஇருமுப்பொழுதேத்திஎல்லைஇல்லாத்
தொன்னெறிக்கண்நிலைநின்றதொண்டரான

அறம்திகழும்மனத்தவர்தம்கதியைப்பொன்னி
அணியரங்கத்தரவணையில்பள்ளிகொள்ளும்
நிறம்திகழும்மாயோனைக்கண்டு
என்கண்கள்நீர்மல்கஎன்றுகொலோநிற்கும்நாளே

Personality of the Lord
Kulasekara Azhvaar praises the physical personality of the Lord as one with the famous Saranga Bow, the Sudarshana Chakra, the White Conch, the Mace that instantly kills opponents by knocking at their foreheads, the Sword that shines and Garuda renowned for his speed. In each of these verses of the 1st decad he praises the Lord as one seen in a sleeping posture atop the Serpent King Anantha. With all these in his hold here at Srirangam, Kulasekara Azhvaar says that the people of Srirangam have nothing to fear.

Kulasekara Azhvaar wants to experience the Lord by embracing him so he could enjoy the bliss forever.

How do they pray in Srirangam
Kulasekara Azhvaar describes the prayers offered by the people of Srirangam. The residents are seen clapping their hands and singing the Lord’s praise as a group. He finds the loud beating of the drum, a scene probably during a festival.

Describing another methodology to invoke the Lord’s blessings, he wants to roll on the ground and dance around in joy praising the Lord.

தூராத மனக் காதல் தொண்டர் தங்கள்
குழாம் குழுமித் திருப்புகழ்கள் பலவும் பாடி
ஆராத மனக் களிப்போடு அழுது கண்ணீர்
மழை சோர நினைந்துருகியேத்தி........
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Kulasekara Azhvaar Srirangam Residents

March 19, 2016, 9:23 pm
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Being in the midst of the people of Srirangam elevates any new entrant to a mood of true devotion
They are always trying to help others including those going in the wrong direction

Much like Periyazhvaar (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2015/09/thiru-koshtiyur-periyazhvar-thirumozhi.html) who praised the noble qualities of the people of Thiru Koshtiyur), Kulasekara Azhvaar has dedicated an entire decad praising the people of Srirangam.

So moved was he with their devotion when he visited here after relinquishing his kingdom that he says that just meeting them is a blessing for us. They sing and dance in devotion completely forgetting themselves and are constantly uttering his names. When our eyes come in contact with such people we become possessed with such sublime devotion gripped with good thoughts that we are likely to be stuck in their midst like a glue.

Just one look at them is enough for our eyes to have served the purpose of this life such is their purity!!!

தேட்டருந்திறல்தேனினைத்தென்னரங்கனை
திருமாதுவாழ்வாட்டமில்வனமாலைமார்வனை
வாழ்த்திமால்கொள்சிந்தையராய்

ஆட்டமேவியலந்தழைத்துஅயர்வெய்தும்மெய்யடியார்கள்
தம்ஈட்டம்கண்டிடக்கூடுமேல்அதுகாணும்பயனாவதே

No more the dream of bathing in Ganga
Devotees of Srirangam shout out the name of Ranga in great devotion as they mingle in such devoted groups. Just anointing and bathing ourselves with the dust from the feet of such pious devotees is enough to fulfil one’s long cherished dreams of wanting to bathe in the Ganges – Such is the purity of the people of Srirangam.

ஆடிபாடிஅரங்கவோஎன்றழைக்கும்தொண்டரடிப்பொடி
ஆடநாம்பெறில்கங்கைநீர்
குடைந்தாடும்வேட்கைஎன்னாவதே

Dust from devotees’ feet equivalent to sacred ash
The devotees sing historical episodes inside the Ranganatha temple ones such as those relating to Vamana seeking alms, Hiranyaksha being rolled down the earth, Rama destroying the enemies in the forest and Krishna taking on the task of subduing the bulls in order to seek the hands of the beautiful Nappinnai.

When one hears such historical recitals at this temple from the devotees and as streams of tears roll down the eyes like the gushing Cauvery, even the dust from such devotees’ feet turns sacred. As one adorns it on the forehead, it is likely to serve as a sacred ash such is their bhakti.

வண்  பொன்னிபேர்ஆறுபோல்வரும்கண்ணீர்கொண்டு
அரங்கன்கோயில்திருமுற்றம்
சேறுசெய்தொண்டர்சேவடி
செழுஞ்ச்சேறு  என்சென்னிக்கணிவனே 

Bound with Bhakti
Kulasekara Azhvaar compares the devotees being tightly bound in devotion to an episode relating to Krishna. Similar to child Krishna who stole the freshly curled curd and butter and milk and swallowed all in one gulp was caught and bound tight with a churning rope, the devotees of Srirangam seem to be engulfed in devotion to Lord Ranga. They all praise him as Lord Narayana till the time their tongues become numb and they prostrate again and again in full length till the time their body gets scars of devotion. Much to his surprise, Kulasekaara Azhvaar finds them revelling in such delight and seem to be enjoying the process day in day out.

And when one sees people with such devotion one is instantly elevated. Standing in their midst we too sense a feeling of a never before experienced devotion.

அடியார்களாய்நாத்தழும்பெழநாரணாஎன்றுஅழைத்து
மெய்தழம்பத்தொழுது
ஏத்திஇன்புறும்தொண்டர்சேவடிஏத்தி
வாழ்த்தும்என்நெஞ்சமே

Their Bhakti draws others to them
He finds it astonishing that the residents of Srirangam have so firmly held Lord Ranganatha in their thoughts and compares their devotion to thick black clouds that has formed ahead of the rains. But what amazes him even more is the ability and strength of their devotion to pull others instantly towards them.

When these pious devotees of Srirangam find a few of them going around without devotion, a few committing sins and a few others for whom thoughts are going in the wrong direction these noble residents do everything in their might to redeem these people and to get them back in the right direction. These devotees serve as a guiding light to others. For them the only thoughts are of complete surrender to Lord.

To such noble souls of Srirangam, Kulasekara Azhvaar says that his mind for this birth and all future births is filled with love for them.

பத்தியிலாதபாவிகள்உய்ந்திட
தீதில்நன்னெறிகாட்டி
எங்கும்திரிந்துஅரங்கனெம்மானுக்கே

காதல்செய்தொண்டர்க்கு
எப்பிறப்பிலும்காதல்செய்யும்என்நெஞ்சமே

The devotees of Srirangam have printed the Lord in their thoughts as they display such irrefutable devotion. When they pray with folded hands before the Lord with tears rolling down their eyes like flood in times of heavy rains, one knows that they are truly experiencing the Lord. One cannot but adore such truly sincere devotees and their way of devotion will forever remain in our minds. When they shed tears one is able to see their true love for the Lord.

காண்ணீர்களால்வாரநிற்பவர்
தாளிணைக்குஒருவாரமாகும்என்நெஞ்சமே

The devotees of Srirangam sing and dance, they seem to love their Lord Ranga as seen from the reverence in their devotion. When others arrive at Srirangam and find such devotees one cannot but help feeling happy for them and our own minds too yearn to live such a joyful and peaceful life amidst such devotees at Srirangam.

WHO IS MAD?
And in his final verse of decad two, Kulasekara Azhvaar defines the true devotee - a host of them he finds at Srirangam.

மொய்த்துக்கண்பனிசோரமெய்கள்சிலிர்ப்பஏங்கியிளைத்துநின்று
எய்த்துக்கும்பிடுநட்டமிட்டெழுந்துஆடிபாடிஇறைஞ்சி
என்அத்தனச்சனரங்கனுக்குஅடியார்களாகிஅவனுக்கே
பித்தராமவர்பித்தரல்லர்கள்மற்றையார்முற்றும்பித்தரே

The eyes of such devotees are steaming down with tears of joy of having experienced the Lord. Body is seen shaking with unflinching Bhakti and their hairs stand raised. They just seem an emancipated lot. They are all the time seeking the Lord and are making gestures to him to accept their devotion.

However, there are those who are seen rebuking him for renouncing his kingdom even suggesting that he had taken a decision in haste and in an insane moment almost indicating that he has reached a state of madness.

To such people Kulasekara Azhvaar clarifies in no uncertain language that based on what he has seen and experienced with the people of Srirangam, it is only those who are away from his services and devotion to Lord who are actually mad and insane.

Kulasekaran is described in this decad as the Protector of Kolli Nagar, the King of Madurai and the leader of Uraiyur (கொல்லிகாவலன்கூடல்நாயகன்கோழிக்கோன்குலசேகரன் )
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Vedapureeswarar Therezhendur

March 30, 2016, 10:59 pm
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Thevaram Saivite Temple and Azhvaar praised Vishnu temple face each other at Therezhendur

Even Thiru Gnana Sambandhar was locked in doubt as to which was the Saivite temple
Lord Shiva meets Vishnu here on Maasi Punarpoosam day every year

It is a unique occurrence at Therezhendur, a town just over 10kms from Mayiladuthurai off the Kumbakonam Highway.

As one enters the town and looks around in the East and Western corner, one is surprised at two Raja Gopurams on either side of the town exactly facing each other. This is said to have ‘stumped’ even Thiru Gnana Sambandhar who on his arrival here did not know whether to turn East or West to the Vedapureeswarar temple.  It is believed that it was Lord Vinayaka at the junction of the two temples who directed him East to the 5 Tier Raja Gopuram and the Saivite temple where he then composed 10 verses in praise of the Lord.This is a West facing temple with Murugan in a East Facing Sannidhi and Durga in a South facing Sannidhi.

Saint Poets Appar, Thiru Gnana Sambandharar and Sundarar have sung praise of Lord Vedapureeswarar at this temple in 40 verses.
                                                 

எச்சிலிளமரேமநல்லூரிலம்பையங்
கோட்டூரிறையாஞ்சேரியசிருபாக்கமனப்பூரம்பராவுடு
தண்டுரை  யழுந்தூராரைகச்சினங்கற்குடிகச்சூரா
லக்கோயில்கரவீரங்காட்டுப்பள்ளி
கச்சிபலதளியுமேகம்பத்துங்
கயிலாயநாதணையேகாணலாமே  - Appar’s Thiruthandagam
 
 Thiru Gnana Sambandhar




The Legend
Once when Shiva and Vishnu were involved in a game of dice, there arose a point of dispute and the two looked to Parvathi for the solution. She pointed to Vishnu as the winner evoking an angry response from her husband. Believing that she favoured her ‘Poranthu Veedu’ and her brother Vishnu and that her mind was still inclined towards her house of birth, Shiva cursed her to turn to a cow. In anger, Shiva moved from a family life to a Sanyasin.

To try to liberate herself from the curse, she went around on a Giri Valam driving by cow herd Krishna to the nearby villages of Tholluthozhangudi, Moraiyur, Asukadu, Vazhuvur, Komal, Maanthai, Ilangarangdui, Mekshakaal Mangalam, Thiruvavuduthurai, Thiruthuruthi and Thiruverkudi.  Unable to walk any longer, she sits down here in meditation. Pleased with her sincerity, Shiva provides darshan to her and liberates her from the curse and she regains her original form again. She embraces him and asks him never to ignore her again.

She reminded him of his wedding promise never to leave her and to take care of her through their lives. He retorted that he and her brother were only playing a game but she seemed to be biased towards her brother and made it seem that he had lost everything even though he had only lost a simple game.Later justifying his decision, Shiva says that there were a few Kshetrams in the neighbourhood where sins were committed. It was through her presence there as Kamadhenu that liberated those sacred Kshetrams from the sins.

He also reminds Parvathi that unlike Lakshmi, who only finds a small place in the Lord’s chest, she is blessed to have an equal share in him and provides the Artha nareeswarar darshan to her at Thiru Manancheri where the Thiru Kalyana Vaibhavam was enacted.

This event happened on Maasi Punarpoosam day.  It was on that day that the separated couple meet once again along with Vishnu. To this day this event is enacted at Therezhendur with Amaruviappan of Therezhendur Divya Desam making his way to road junction with Shiva and Parvathi too arriving at that place for a unique meeting of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Sun's rays on the Lord at three different positions
On the 23rd, 24thand 25th day in Maasi, in a prayer invoking Vedapureeswarar’s blessings, the Sun God casts his rays on the Lord. On the first day through the gap on the 4th tier of the Rajagopuram, on the second day through the 3rd tier and on the third day through the 2nd Tier of the 5 Tiered Raja Gopuram on Lord’s feet. This unique occurrence is yet another feature at this temple.

Sage Agastya’s Brahmma Hathi Dosham is said to have been liberated here at this place. In a separate Sannidhi in the south of the temple, Mesha Dakshinamurthy is seen in a grand sitting posture flanked by Ganga Devi (seen Standing) and Sage Agasthya on the right.

This is a parikara sthalam for unmarried people. If they perform Palliyarai pooja on their star day, it is believed that their wedding bells will ring. This is also a parikara sthalam for separated couples. Belief is that those who present Goddess Soundarya Nayaki with mahilam and Pavala Malli flowers after sunset and have a Palliyarai Sevai will re-unite within 90 days.

Dilapidated state - No Salary for the Gurukal
For a temple with such rich history and with several inscriptions dating back to the 9th century AD, there is only one Gurukal to manage the entire temple including the Madaipalli. There isn’t enough oil to light the lamp and not even soodam for the Aarati display. The walls of the temple are in dilapidated state with ancient brick construction peeling off. There is a huge space for Nandavanam in the outer prakara but there aren’t people to take care.


The redeeming news is that the Gurukal is committed to performing his services at the temple at a ridiculous monthly salary in low three digits which too has been pending for several months.  The message to him from his acharya was to keep continuing his service irrespective of the financial condition. His family is not too bullish on him given the meagre income and the lack of prospects but he seems to have unflinching faith in God and believes that he is blessed to be able to offer his services in the sanctum every day of his life. He believes that no amount of financial benefits can substitute this blessed state inside the sanctum.


Sundarar refers to the Lord as the ‘Ruler of Azhundur’.
காட்டூர்கடலேகடம்பூர்மலையேகாணப்பேரூராய்கோட்டூர்கொழுந்தேஅழுந்தூர்அரசே


The temple is open between 6am-12noon and 430pm-830pm Contact: Raja Mona Shivam Gurukal  @  94864 57103 / 98421 53947












Festivals
10 day Brahmotsavam ending on Chitrai Pournami
Sangha Abhishekam on Mondays in Krithigai
Ambal Thirumanjanam on Aadi Pooram day with a special alankaram following that

Krithigai, Shashti, Sivarathri, Pradosham are celebrated here.

How to reach
Uzhavan Express stops at Kuttalam station (Mayavaram- Kumbakonam route) at 530am. Auto from Kuttalam to Therezhendur will cost Rs. 150 ( about 5kms).Auto from the Mayavaram- Kumbakonam highway (Komal Road Junction) will cost Rs. 40.Town buses ply every hour from Mayavaram to Kumbakonam to Therezhendur.
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Vedu Pari Thiruvali Thirunagari

March 31, 2016, 8:10 pm
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The entire sequence of Thiru Mangai Mannan's Vedu Pari was enacted at Veda Raja Puram on the night of March 22

It was a devotional night at Thiruvali – Thirunagari, an ancient Divya Desam about 10kms from Sirkazhi, with over 5000 devotees witnessing the unfolding of a dramatic set of events relating to Vedu Pari episode on the streets of Veda Raja Puram, a remote village near Thiru Kuraiyalur, the birth place of Thiru Mangai Azhwar.  While versions of Vedu Pari are enacted, in parts, in different Divya Desams, the one at Veda Raja Puram was truly special and original with the entire sequence of events being played out in full in the most traditional way last Tuesday giving the devotees a unique experience of that dramatic night well over a thousand years ago at this very location. It was this episode relating to the late night robbery act that brought about the transformation in Mangai Mannan and was instrumental in him being crowned as Thiru Mangai Azhwar.

‘Pandha Kaatchi’ – Over a 100 Ghee Lit hand held Lamps
The newly married couple (Vayalali Manavala and Amruthavalli Thayar), sporting glittering jewellery had arrived at Veda Raja Puram at 10pm after their Thiru Kalyanam earlier in the day at Thiruvali. A couple of kms away at Thirunagari, Mangai Mannan was alerted by his ministers about this ‘Golden’ opportunity to loot. 

At the strike of mid night, he came galloping on his horse back with 100s of young boys leading the way with ghee lit lamps held aloft to light up the dark streets for their King’s trip. This ‘Pandha Kaatchi’ through the streets of Thirunagari and Veda Raja Puram was one of the big highlights of the Utsavam for it provided the devotees with a nostalgic feel of night trips in centuries gone by.

Just after 1am, the entire village was abuzz as the thief made a rapid entry into Veda Raja Puram with his retinue. For the next couple of hours, the entire episode of Vedu Pari was enacted with Mangai Mannan trying to make do his loot, the police inspector verifying the correctness and safety of the jewels and finally the newly married couple displaying their real identity providing a Garuda Sevai darshan to Mangai Mannan. The entire place reverberated with sacred chanting, by Prabhandham experts, of the first set of verses of Thiru Mangai Azhwar’s Periya Thirumozhi where he recommends chanting the Narayana Mantra to free oneself from wrong thoughts.  Following this, Vayalali Manavala, Amruthavalli Thayar and Thiru Mangai Azhwar made their way back to Thirunagari on a joint two hour procession amidst recital of over 200 verses of Periya Thirumozhi.

As the clock ticked towards 5am, a delighted Thiru Mangai Azhwar having just been initiated with the Ashtakshara Mantra showcased his joy by performing a 30 minute Vaiyali (special fast paced dance run) in the Agraharam opposite the Tirunagari temple that proved to be a fitting finale to the Vedu Pari Utsavam.

Vedu Pari - The Legend
Mangai Mannan fell in love with the beautiful Kumudavalli of Annan Koil. Wanting to get him initiated into the devotional path, Kumudavalli laid tough ‘wedding’ conditions, one of which was to feed 1008 Vaishnavites every day. Mangai Mannan, in this attempt, lost a lot of his wealth. But determined to fulfil her conditions, he turned a thief and resorted to ‘stealing’.

One night, Mangai Mannan way laid a newly married couple at Veda Raja Puram and threatened to lash out his spear even going to the extent of trying to bite and remove the expensive anklets. Having packed the jewellery into a sack, he was unable to lift the bag and wondered if the person in front of him wielded a magic mantra. It was then that the couple displayed their real character. The thief of a few minutes ago received enlightenment and transformed into a Saint Poet. It was after this episode that he went on to contribute over a 1000 verses in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham.

Ministers’ ‘Dhoothu’ 
 
Historically, the story goes that the ministers of Mangai Mannan who heard of a rich newly married couple coming the way of Veda Raja Puram informed their chieftain of an opportunity to bolster their treasury that would help him feed the Vaishnavites. As a first step, the ministers requested the couple to hand over a part of their wealth but they refused. It is only after the Ministers’ ‘Dhoothu’ that Mangai Mannan rushed from Thirunagari (at midnight) to Veda Raja Puram on his Horse Vahana to try to loot their belongings.


This legendary event was enacted at the Thirunagari Divya Desam by two members of a family that has been presenting the ‘Dhoothu’ for several centuries based on a historical document relating to the Vedu Pari episode. At Veda Raja Puram, the cousins also presented the mediation episode between the Thirumangai Azhwar and the Lord immediately after the initiation of the Ashtakshara Mantra asking the Lord for forgiveness of the robbery act of that night. At the end of the Vedu Pari Utsavam, they presented ‘Mangalam’ at Thirunagari after the Vaiyali enactment as a thanking gesture to the Lord and Thayar.

Police Inspection after the Robbery Act
Minutes after Vedu Pari, K Govindarajan of Veda Raja Puram, donning the role of a Police Inspector, followed the foot marks made by the horse to track down Mangai Mannan and conducted a thorough check to ensure that he had not whisked away any of the expensive jewellery. He came back to inform the couple that their jewellery was indeed safe. His family has been performing this ‘jewellery inspection’ for over 5 generations on the night of the Vedu Pari as a service to the Lord without any remuneration. Govindarajan feels blessed to play this sacred role, one that his fore fathers, who were all farmers, were assigned centuries ago. 

The first verses after the Enlightenment -Vadinen Vaadi....
Thiru Mangai Azhwar in his first set of sacred verses ‘Vaadinen Vaadi Varunthinen..’ composed after he was initiated with the Narayana mantra looks back at his life that had until then been one of distress and provides a realistic solution to devotees with a troubled mind based on his own experience.

He says that in the first part of his life, he went about seeking worldly pleasures and wastefully spent time down the wrong path. He bemoans that those days spent in pursuit of physical pleasures were distasteful. He had found it difficult to stop his wavering thoughts and control his unstable mind. Frustrated at his own constant craving for physical pleasures and realising that seeking such pleasures was a futile and endless exercise, he probed his mind, seeking redemption. And thankfully before it was too late, he was directed into a new life with God’s grace.

Having been initiated with the Narayana Mantra, his life turned around for the good and softened him as a person. He concludes that chanting Narayana’s name is the perfect mantra for redemption from the past misdeeds and is sure to give purity of thought, love and strength to face all challenges in life.

Thiruvali / Thirunagari in ancient times
Thiru Mangai Azhwar refers to Thiruvali as a ‘radiant’ town where the sounds of conches and the Vedic chants never seem to cease. He praises the Vedic Seers as those living for generations in Thiruvali learning and teaching the sacred verses and performing the rituals with great devotion amidst the beautiful Ashoka, Punnai and Serundi trees. Peacocks are seen dancing in big numbers. The fish caught in the paddy fields are seen jumping out on to the face of the farmers and moving into the sugarcane fields.  Cool lakes are filled with swans and blue water lilies. Male crabs are resting on lotuses while the bees are heard humming sweet tunes and are seen sipping nectar from the Jasmine and Shenbagam flowers. 
  
( A part of this story featured today in The Hindu Friday Review)
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TNCA League Match Fixing from the 1980s

April 4, 2016, 2:33 am
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How the fate of a cricket match was turned around during a Luncheon Discussion at Chepauk

If you thought match fixing in cricket was a phenomenon of the Azhar and Hansie Cronje era, here’s a glimpse into what took place in the decade prior to that in the renowned first division TNCA league here in Madras.

It was a match in the mid 1980s at Chepauk between two several decades old clubs, both supported by leading, large corporate groups.

The first team were in the top half of the table but had no intention of going after the coveted title. The team scored 250+ in their first innings. The team batting 2nd (one of the most popular teams in the first division league with a long list of India stars in its fold during its period of existence) had been promised an all inclusive all paid trip to Singapore and Hongkong if they won the Palayampatti shield that year.

At lunch on day two, the team batting second were struggling at 160/7 when the captain of their team, a former India player and a well known ‘deal maker’ walked into the opposition dressing room at Chepauk. Prior to the lunch break, two seasoned spinners, both of whom narrowly missed playing for the country, were turning the ball square, had tied the opposition down and bagged wickets in pairs.

Post this ‘secretive’ luncheon discussion, things changed dramatically as the two star bowlers gave way and did not bowl. Two part time bowlers (one of whom also bowled part time for India and took wickets for the country!!!) bowled 'ordinary stuff' to give away the first innings lead. Both the teams comprised of international players as well as top Ranji stars of that decade.

The 2ndteam went on to win the Palayampatti shield that year and the entire squad went on that promised fully all paid for overseas trip (the flight ticket itself would have cost around Rs. 80000 in those days).

When the sponsor of the first team, one from a renowned traditional corporate family of Tamil Nadu came to know of this much later, he was utterly shocked and expressed his unhappiness to the team management and was disappointed till the very end of his life that this kind of a ‘deal’ had happened with his team.

The youngsters in the 1st team who saw this were totally disillusioned by the happenings inside the dressing room and the subsequent turn of events that it disturbed them mentally in that phase of life - the fact that something like this could happen in cricket, a game that they had taken up as a passion and to exhibit their talent.

(also read: http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2014/03/league-cricket-in-madras.html) 
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India Cements Cricket Players

April 4, 2016, 3:41 am
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Are they on the way out to more 'Neutral' Clubs?

It is heard from reliable sources that a couple of the leading cricketers from India Cements cricket team playing first division cricket are looking for more ‘safe - neutral’ clubs. Given the developments over the last 6months and the shifting of cricketing powers, players may be looking for clubs that are politically and administratively neutral that would place them with better zonal and national prospects if they get back into form in the new season with the bat and ball.

A third player, who has been a key player with the state team is also said to be exploring opportunities. There are a few more players in the large pool of IC players who are also said to be  'in talks'. The said players have been with the IC clubs for many years.

A senior official of the club stated that it is the choice of the players to stay or leave and that they will not ‘go out of the way’ to prevent any such moves, though they have not heard anything officially from any player so far.

Another senior official said that the club has been nurturing players for two decades well before the emergence of this so called power-play and that it is likely that the club will take this in stride and life will move on.  Also, the official claimed that these kinds of talks are a normal occurrence at the end of the season. While there may be truth to this theory, it assumes increased significance this year. Historically, over the last two decades and more, there has been a movement of players in local club cricket towards the ‘powers that be’. And hence if this does happen, it should not be a big surprise.

On another front, it is also reliably learnt that one of the senior players of the club has on behalf of the state players communicated to the official(s) about the manner of running the affairs of the TN state team and the consequent impact on the players.  

A senior official of the TNCA stated that they had not received any such information in ‘writing’ and that they would understand the situation if any such communication reaches them.

While the league season has concluded for the Elite group, there are a couple of shorter version tournaments over the next couple of months as part of the 2015-16 calendar.
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Kulasekara Azhvaar Srirangam

April 9, 2016, 5:37 am
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From his initial lavish praise of the residents of Srirangam, he now presents a decad as an Enlightened One  
He is now able to spot a few who are still after 'Material Pursuits' and throws an open offer to them to join him in his devotional journey
In the first two decads, Kulasekara Azhvaar presented his praise of the Lord and the people of Srirangam almost as a new entrant to the place.

In the third decad, he showers praise from a position of one who is well entrenched in the town and who now knows the Lord and the people very well.

In the 2nd decad, he praised the people as being beyond compare and as those who were benchmark in devotion. He himself glossed over their devotion and wanted to be one among them.

(http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2016/03/kulasekara-azhvaar-srirangam-residents.html)

As days passed by and he began to settle down in Srirangam, he has come to be taken over completely by Lord Ranganatha. He hits out at others who are seen enjoying a worldly life full of pleasures and says that he is not going down that route for he has received the enlightenment and experienced the Lord. He has now become crazy of the Lord.

மெய்யில்வாழ்க்கையைமெய்யெனக்கொல்லும்
இவ்வையந்தன்னொடும்கூடுவதில்லையான்

ஐய்யனேஅரங்காஎன்றுஅழைக்கின்றேன்
மையல்கொண்டொழிந்தேன்எந்தன்மாலுக்கே

There are those who are going after women with slim waists but his mind is on singing and dancing in praise of the Lord of Srirangam. No more can he mix with people who see only the material pleasures and the physical pleasures as the real world.

நூலினேரிடையார்திறத்தேநிற்கும்
ஞாலந்தன்னொடும்கூடுவதில்லையான் 
He finds people running around for food and clothes but his CRAVING is only for the Lord. In this pursuit, he has let go the usual importance that one gives to clothes and such material aspects in life. He says that he cannot be with those whose thoughts are all the time on food and clothes. 

உண்டியேஉடையேஉகந்தோடும்
இம்மண்டலத்தொடும்கூடுவதில்லையான்

Usually, the mind has a tendency to be unstable but he has gained control over it. He has come under the influence of Lord Ranganatha and that has brought forth a clarity that had previously been missing in his life. he simply cannot ignore the virtuous path. Hence he says that he cannot mix with ‘anyone just for anything’. He cannot mix with non devotees.

எத்திறத்திலும்யாரொடும்கூடும்
அச்சித்தந்தன்னைத்தவிர்த்தனன்செங்கண்மால்

அத்தனேஅரங்காஎன்றுஅழைக்கின்றேன்
பித்தனாயோழிந்தேன்எம்பிரானுக்கே

Who is MAD - The Devoted Soul or the MATERIALIST?
The world finds him mad with the new decision he has taken to let go everything and to be with the Lord but he says that it is they who are mad. He has found a new life of happiness being in the Lord’s company. He turns to those who are accusing him and points out to them that it is they who continuing to go after worldly pleasures who are insane.

It may be true that a lot of the people would find his new way of life quite a boring one. He asks as to what is the point of getting into a discussion with such people.

பேயரேஎனக்குயாவரும்யானும்
ஓர்பேயனேஎவர்க்கும்இதுபேசியென்

ஆயனேஅரங்கஎன்றுஅழைக்கின்றேன்
பேயனேயொழிந்தென்எம்பிரானுக்கே

Don't Succumb to Worldly Pleasures
He throws an open offer to the residents of Srirangam to join him in experiencing the Lord and asks them not fall a prey to Kama’s lure even though they may find beautiful people around that may lure them down the tempting path.

மாரனார்வரிவெஞ்சிலைக்குஆட்செய்யும்
பாரினாரொடும்கூடுவதில்லையான்

He says he cannot any more mingle with those people who are not different like him. Neither does he want to reach the level of a Celestial being.

எம்பரத்தர்அல்லாரொடும்கூடலன்

உம்பர்வாழ்வைஒன்றாகக்கருதிலன்

He has begun to love the Lord of Srirangam. And he has now got a feeling that the Lord too has taken a special liking for him.

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Mayuranathar Temple Mayiladuthurai

April 11, 2016, 10:23 am
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164 feet tall Raja Gopuram - 30 day Theerthavari in Aipasi
The temple finds reference in various Puranic Scriptures

Located 5kms South West of the railway station is the over 1000 years old Mayuranathar temple in Mayiladuthurai, a temple praised by Thiru Gnana Sambanthar and Appar in 30verses as ‘Vallal Mayiladuthurai’ and the Lord as one providing relief from Navagriha Dosham.

Lord Mayuranathar is a Swayambu idol while Abhayambigai Ambal is seen in a peacock form, the one in which she undertook a penance here.  The 7 tiered Raja Gopuram at 164 feet high is among the tallest in the state and is taller than the Sarangapani Perumal temple tower in Kumbakonam. 
Puranic References
Puranas such as Skantha Purana, Shiva Purana, Brahmmanda Purana, Chidambara Purana refer to the greatness of Mayiladuthurai and glorify the presence of Cauvery. There is also a reference of Lord Muruga making his way here to invoke Lord Mayuranathar’s blessings and then moving on from here to Thiru Vidaikkazhi (near Thiru Kadaiyur).

Thiruvaduthurai Aatheenam
While the temple was under the control of the Chozhas from the 11th Century AD when this was separately referred to as the Swami temple and the Ambal temple of Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvaduthurai Aatheenam took over the management once it was established. Originally the temple was of brick construction and was renovated to big Granite construction only in the early 20th century AD.  Ancient inscriptions indicate significant contributions by Rajendra I, Kulothunga III, Raja Raja and Sadaya Varma Sundara Pandya.

The Legend
Seeking re-union with the Lord after being cursed in anger, Ambal performed pooja through the entire month of Aipasi with Nandi Theertham. While she was thus undertaking penance here, Kanvar Rishi was undertaking penance in Kasi. He noticed that Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi were quite dirty having gathered the sins of the people. He asked them to go to the place where Ambal was undertaking penance and to do pooja there to cleanse their sins.

Lord provided darshan to all four, liberating Ambal from the curse and the sacred rivers from the sins that they had collected.  The Lord saw Ambal in the form of a peacock. Pleased with her prayers, the Lord took the form of a male peacock and the two of them presented a dance here referred to as Gowri Thaandagam on the 25th day of Aipasi.  Thiru Kalyanam took place on the 27thday of Aippasi. Hence he is also referred to here as Gowri Mayura Nathar. In memory of the above event, Theerthavari is performed on all the 30 days in Aippasi, quite a unique feature. 

Another story goes that Lord Shiva with a slight push of his little toe sent Idaba crushing down to the nether world. Once when Shiva decided to come here on a trip along with Vishnu and Brahmma, Idaba (Rishaba Vahana) in an arrogant display of high speed rushed a long way ahead leaving behind Garuda and Anna Vahana. Later, he was brought back to Mayiladuthurai to the middle of Cauvery where Lord provided darshan facing west.

Darshan to the Handicapped Couple
A physically handicapped couple from Vriddachalam – Natha Sarma and Ana Vidya went to Thiruvayaru to have darshan of the Theerthavari Utsavam. From there, they came here to the Mayuranathar temple to witness the last day of the Theerthavari. But as they reached, it seemed that the utsavam had just concluded.

Saddened by this, they slept on the banks of the Cauvery. Pleased with their devotion, the Lord appeared in their dream and indicated to them that the new month had still not begun and that they should bathe early in the morning and promised to give them both an early morning darshan before the start of the new month.

When they wanted to head back to Thiruvaryaru, Lord Airaappar indicated that he himself will come there and provide darshan to them at Mayliduthurai. Thus one finds an Airaarappar temple in Mayiladuthurai as well. It is now a sub temple here.

In memory of this event, there is a separate sannidhi for both at this temple. To the right of Ambal is Ana Vidya seen in a linga form. A special feature at this temple is the draping of a red saree for the linga idol.

There are 16 lingams at this temple. Going around the temple 16 times is equivalent to undertaking a Giri Valam.
Distance to Mayiladuthurai in ancient times
In ancient times, the distance to this temple was indicated as being one yojana from Gaja Samhara Kshetram of Vazhuvur in the South, Kaala Samhara Kshetram of Thiru Kadavur in the East, Dakshaya Kshetram of Pariyalur in the South East and Kamakathagan (Manmadan) of Korukkai in the West.

Praised by Saint Poets
Thiru Gnana Sambanthar has praised the Lord in the 1st and 3rd Thirumurai while Appar has sung praise in the 5th and 6th Thirumurai. Arunagirinathar has praised Lord Muruga of this temple in his Thirupugazh while Sekkizhaar in his Periya Puranam refers to Sundarar coming here and having bath in the Cauvery. Muthuswamy Deekshithar has composed 9 Keerthanais on the Ambal of the temple as per an inscription at the temple.

In these ancient scriptures, this town finds reference as Mayiladuthurai and was changed to Mayavaram only a couple of centuries ago. In 1982, the town got back its original name.

Boundaries of Mayiladuthurai
After having darshan at Thiru Vilanagar on the northern banks of Cauvery, Thiru Gnana Sambanthar wanted to visit Mayura Nathar here in Mayiladuthurai but floods in the Cauvery meant he could not cross over to the Southern side. Seeking darshan of Mayuranathar, he sung a verse in praise of Vilanagar Lord. And pleased with this, Goddess Cauvery gave way to the great poet. It was after this special event that he came to Mayiladuthurai and sang praise of the Lord here. Hence the Vilanagar Lord is referred to as Thurai Kaattum Vallal.

From Mayiladuthurai, when Devas lost their way to other sacred places, it was the Lord in the West at Moovalur who showed them the direction. Hence he is referred to as Maarga Sahayar.  Mayura Nathar stands here in the middle as the Vallal Nayaka. 

Famouos Sapthasthaana Festival here too
On the day of Chitra Pournami, Airaappar and Aram Valantha Nayaki, the deities of the sub temple go to 7 other temples around Mayiladuthurai before finally congregating here at Mayuranathar temple to invoke the Lord’s blessings. They go back to their respective temples from here.

Festivals
There is a big sacred tank on the Eastern side of the temple referred to as the Brahmma Theertham with a huge mandapa in the middle.  Theerthavari is celebrated here on Chitra Pournami, Vaikasi Visakam and Margazhi Thiruvathirai day in the presence of both Mayuranathar and Ambal.

The Theppotsavam follows soon after the 10 day Vasanthotsavam in Vaikasi.

In centuries gone by, Ambal from 7 different places around Mayliduthurai - Thanthoneeswarar
(Indhalur), Karunapuri, Kanjaru (Anantha Thaandava Puram), Pasupatheeswavaram (Pasupathi Agraharam), Sakthipuram, Tharumapuram and Vallalar temple (Senthankudi)  congregated here to seek Mayura Nathar’s blessings.

A 30 day theerthavari festival is celebrated during each day of Aippasi. On the first day, Amavasya and on the 30thday, pancha moorthy from Mayiladuthurai temple, Vallalar Koil, Kasi Viswanathar (both southern and northern banks) and Ayaarappar arrive here and the 25 Lords provide darshan to the devotees.

During the festival in Aippasi, Ambal in a peacock form goes around the four streets and to the banks of the Cauvery and all the prakaras dancing around as a peacock and finally merges with the Lord. This is indeed a special festival.

The temple is open from 6am-12noon and from 430pm-9pm. Contact: Balamani Gurukal @ 94422 12270 or 91505 80699.
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