Manikkavachakar

2

Manikkavachakar

Madurayampathi…

The Mannar and Arasiyar enter the Sannadhi of Amman in the Aalavaai Azhagar Kovil. Sivachchariyar bows to them and accepts the flower garland handed over by the Mannar. Maharaniyar is carrying a golden plate with a silver pitcher of milk and a variety of fruits and thamboolam in golden cups. Sivachchariyar places the garland on Amman and the bell tolls indicating the Ardhajama pujai.  Sivachchariyar does the Deeparadhanai and all of them bow to Annai. Annai is wearing a green silken saree. The necklaces of diamonds and other gems are spreading the colours of rainbow. The diamond nose stud flashes brilliantly. Holding a parrot in her hand, the splendor of Annai captivates everyone.

Sivachchariyar  does the puja for the Annai’s diamond nose stud. Taking a pinch of Kunkumam Sivachchariyar applies it on the nose stud so as to cover its shine and keeps the balance of it on his left nostril. Taking the Angavastram from his waist, he wears it around the shoulder like a woman does. He takes out the garland that has been put on Annai and wears it himself. As he comes out, the curtain is drawn to cover the Sannadhi of Annai .The Mannar and Arasiyar bow to Sivachchariyar who keeps standing with his eyes closed. 

Mannar

Pandima Deviye! You have seated me in the throne from where You ruled this kingdom.  You have caused that the scepter you held for administering this kingdom is held by me today.   Please bless me to run this kingdom justly, righteously and morally. Because of Your grace, our treasury is brimming with golden nuggets from Yavanars in return for the pearls they have purchased from Korkaipattinam. 

I bow to Annai’s sacred feet hundreds of thousand times.

After he bows to Annai, Sivachchariyar opens his eyes.  Maharaniyar hands over the golden plate to him. Sivachchariyar gives Thiruneeru to Mannar, Arasiyar and others. The auspicious women who are devoted to the temple take the idol of Annai to the Palliarai (sleeping chamber). In the Palliarai Annai Umayaval is seated on a golden cot on the left side. Sivachchariyar places the golden plate with all its other contents on a platform nearby.  The Sivachchariayar clears the Kunkumam that he has earlier applied on the nose stud. The diamond stud twinkles radiantly reflecting the light of the deepam all around. He removes the garland from his neck and removes the Angavastram and ties it as before around his waist. After bowing to Annai and cupping his hands in supplication, he does Deeparadhanai. Without turning his back, he traces his steps backwards and exits from the Palliarai. He offers Kunkumam prasadam to the Mannar, Arasiyar and others. At the same time, the Deeparadhanai is done in the Sannadhi of Easan. The adiyavars assembled there chant “Hara Hara.” The temple bells are sounded to announce the rituals of Ardhajama Pujai. Gurukkal, after touching the sacred feet of Easan, keeps Easan’s Thiruvadipatham (footprints made of gold) on his head with great reverence and comes out of the sannadhi. The curtains are now drawn in Easan’s sannadhi. He places the Thiruvadipatham in a palanquin that is kept ready. The adiyavar carry the palanquin dancing their way. The palanquin reaches the Kodimaram (Flagpole) of Amman sannadhi and placed down. After doing Deeparadhanai, the Gurukkal again carries Thiruvadipatham the on his head and walks towards the Palliarai. His arrival as the emperor of Pandiya Kingdom is announced by the temple guard. The people gathered on both sides bow to Easan.  As the Gurukkal reaches the Palliarai, the Mannar and Arasiyar bow to Easan. The treasury keeper comes and there is pin drop silence. He reads the income and expenditure of the kingdom for the day. After he finishes his report, Gurukkal leaves the Thiruvadipatham inside the entrance of the Palliarai without entering inside. After bowing to he does Deeparadhanai for both Easan and Annai form outside the Palliarai and the temple bells toll. After this, the doors of the Palliarai are closed and all of them return bowing to Easan and Annai without making any noise.

   *****

As Easan enters the Palliarai, the three Devis get up and bow to Easan.  Lakshmi Devi on the right side and Sarasvati Devi on the left side  lead Annai Meenakshi  by holding her hand to Easan and after bowing to both of them disappear from there. Annai touches the feet of Easan and gets up.

Easan 

I am elated by your grand welcome. How is that both Alaimahal and Kalaimahal left You near Me today which is very unusual?  

Annai

I have expressed my desire to them. After hearing it, they stayed with Me and left after You came.

Easan

What is that You desire?

Without answering, Annai leads Esan to the cot and offers him milk that has been left there. After he rinks it, she offers thamboolam. Easan takes it and tastes it also.

Easan

Devi! You have still not told me what your desire is!

Annai

As Iraivan You are only one… You united with Sakti that is Me and took a form.

 For doing the triple tasks of creation, preservation and destruction, We took the forms of Brahma, Sarasvati, Thirumal, Thirumahal, and Sankaran, Sankari.

You are the one Who resides in the four Vedas…

You are the one Who permeates as the Panchabhoothas…

You are the one Who resides in the six  fundamentals…

You are the one Who has spread throughout the seven worlds…

You are the one Who stands in the eight cardinal directions…

You are the one Who controls the universe by assuming the functions of the nine Grahas….

You are the one Who  becomes  Aroopi (formless) by dissolving in  Sunyam (Zero or void)…

I have seen You in Your most fierce form as Sudalaiaandi.  I have seen You in Your most appealing form of Dakshinamoorthy in deep meditation. I have seen You in the form of warrior as Bharavar holding weapons of war. Here , You are having  the most enchanting  youthful form of Sundarar. Having seen all these forms, I want to see You in Aroopa (formless) state.

Iraivan laughs aloud.

Iraivan

Suppose I grant Your wish and stand Aroopi, how will You see Me?

Annai

I am Umayaval Who is Your left half! How can I not find You when I am Your Sakti?

Iraivan

All right! Find Me now.

So saying, Easan disappears. Umayaval also disappears after Him laughing!

   *******

In the meanwhile, the Asuras attack the Indiralokam and overpower Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman and imprison them. Indiran runs way fearing for his life and approaches Naradar to take him to Vaikuntam to seek the help of Thirumal. Naradar takes him along. Thirumal is in Yoganidra with his eyes closed. As Naradar prays to Thirumal, he opens His eyes.

Naradar 

Om Namo Narayana, Om Namo Narayana!

Thirumal looks at Naradar and Indiran standing  infont.

Thirumal

Indira! Why this sudden visit? Is there any problem in Indiralokam?

Indiran (shaking and shivering in fright)

You are a Knower of all.. Only You can destroy the Asuras. They have not only trespassed into Indiralokam but also imprisoned Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman. They were about to capture me also. I managed to escape and reached here. I have come here to seek refuge.

Thirumal

I have given you a most powerful weapon, Vajrayudham to protect yourself. Couldn’t you save them even then?

Indiran

As the Asuras entered all of a sudden, there was no time for me even to pick up my weapons. If I had tried, they would have recognised me and bounded me also. I ran away fearing for my life.

Thirumal

 I have given you the most powerful weapons to weapons, gave you the status of Indiran to rule over the Indiralokam and also Airavatham, so that you can protect yourself and the other Devas controlling the nature. You have failed in your duty and come here having lost all of them seeking refuge here. Why must I come to your rescue?

Indiran stands with his head down unable reply.

Naradar (bowing and pleading)

Narayanare! You are the protector of this universe. Leave aside Indiran. As they have won over Indiralokam, they have become arrogant and started to capture other places also. All the creatures will be put to extreme misery because of their deeds. Since the nature has come to a standstill, as its Adidevatas are kept captive, it will affect the functioning of the entire universe. Also, they may even enter here at any moment. You may please take mercy to save the universe from these marauders.

Thirumal

I have made a rule for Myself to intervene only when any unjust event   rises to its zenith. Binding the natural phenomena like wind, rain and bringing ruin to the world is most unjust. I will immediately …..

Before Thirumal completes his intention, there is a loud banging on the doors of Vaikuntam.  The Asuras are running inside creating a great commotion after overpowering the Dwarapalakas. Iraivan throws His Gadhayudham (mace) at the Asuras and it attacks and kills them one after another. Unable to face the onslaught, the remaining Asuras retreat and run ingreat speed. The Gadhayudham chases them. Realising that the Gadhayudham will not return without annihilating them, the Chief of the Asuras and a few others run and enter the Asramam of Brighu Munivar (hermitage).  They fall on the feet of Munipathni (wife of Munivar).

 The chieftain of Asuras (holding on to the feet of Munipathni)

Annaye!  We surrender to you! Please save us! Please save our lives!

Munipathni

You are seeking refuge here when Munivar is not at home.  What can a woman do for you?

The chieftain of Asuras

Annaye!We are running from Vaikuntam. The Gadhayudham of Perumal is chasing us. It has annihilated most of our force and we are the only few who have escaped its fury. If it comes here, it will attack and kill us. We will all die. Amma! You must somehow save us. 

Munipathni

When someone surrenders and seeks refuge, to give protection to him is the righteous duty. When my husband is away, I assume his role here. You have hailed me as mother. It is the duty of the mother to protect her children. I will protect you even if I have to give my life.

The Gadhayudham reaches the entrance of the Asramam. Seeing it, the Asuras hide themselves behind the Munipathni in great fear. Asking them to remain calm, Munipathni reaches the entrance and finding the Gadhayudham of Thirumal, she bows to it . Gadhayudham   stops seeing the Munipathni.

Munipathni(With her hands cupped in reverence)

I bow to you, who is held in the sacred hand of Thirumal, the Protector of this universe. These people have taken refuge here under me. I will not let you go near them. Therefore you may please go back.

Not knowing what to do further, Gadhayudham returns to Vaikuntam. The Asuras heave a sigh of relief. Thirumal appears there holding His Sanku and Chakram. Munipathni bows to Maha Vishnu while the Asuras hide behind her back.

Munipathni (with her palms cupped in reverence)

  Even if one undertakes severe penance for thousands of years, it will not be possible to have your darisanam. I do not know what all penance I must have undergone to have You appear in our Asramam. Please accept my Padapujai and enter the house of this poor woman.

Maha Vishnu

Annaye! I have not come here as a guest. The Asuras have destroyed the Indiralokam and bounded Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman. They trespassed into Vaikuntam creating atrocities. I have sent My Gadhayudham   to destroy them. They are hiding behind you like cowards. I have come here to annihilate them. I cannot therefor accept you Padapujai.

Munipathni

I was not aware as to who are they and what they did. They came here seeking my refuge. As my husband is not here, I have given them refuge taking the stance of my husband. As per Veda Sastras, it is incumbent on me to give protection to the life and limb of those to whom I have given refuge. I will stop any harm coming to them from You.  The Yuddha Dharmam saysthat it is not heroism to kill the enemy who is running away from the battle field. As the God of Protection, it is improper to indulge in killing. This is also not a battle field. This is the Asramam of Brighu Munivar. Therefore please leave this pale at once.

Maha Vishnu

Annaye!  To bind Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman and thereby the natural forces of the universe is an act detrimental to all the creatures of this universe. As the Vedas stipulate, I have as the Protector of this universe a duty to protect all the creatures. When Asuras bring destruction to the universe, it becomes necessary for Me to destroy them to save all other creatures. Therefore stand aside and Let Me complete My duty..

Munipathni (in a threatening voice)

I have taken a pledge that I will save them even if I have to give up my life. Therefore, you can go near them only after killing me.  Is it proper for You to kill a woman that too a Munipathni when her husband is not here? Are you not aware that if you kill me, you will be afflicted with Brahamahaththi Dhosham? So run away from here at once without any further arguments.

Iraivan takes Viswaroopam to the reverberating sound of the conch.  Annai goes into raptures seeing Maha Vishnu in His Viswaroopam covering the earth and sky. The Asuras are mortally afaraid.

Maha Vishnu

Munipathniye! Tell the Asuras who have taken refuge in you to release Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman. If they release them, I will spare all of you.

Munipathni (to Iraivan)

I bow to you for giving me a good chance.

Munipathni (Looking at the Asuras)

Asuras! If you want to be alive, release Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman as ordered by Iraivan immediately.

The chieftain of Asuras

Annaye! We know only the mantra for binding them. We do not know how to release them .

Maha Vishnu

Only their annihilation will release them. Munipathniye! Tell Me what shall I do?

Munipathni (to herself)

I have no other choice except to give mylife.

Munipathni

You can accost them only after killing me.

She bows to Iraivan. The Chakrayudham from His hand is released and it shears off the head of Munipathni first and then those of the Asuras killing them instantly. It returns to its place. A huge noise of Omkaram accompanied by an immense light in the sky reverberating between heaven and earth is heard. Agni, Vayu, Varunan and Yaman get released from their bondage. Indiran and Naradar arrive there.

Naradar

Iraiva! Iraiva! …. Peace… Peace…

All of them bow to Maha Vishnu who calms down and regains His original form. Blessing them , He returns to Vaikuntam.

   *****

Hearing the sound and seeing a blinding light in the sky, Brighu Munivar and his son Sukkiran are alarmed and rush to their Asramam. There he sees his wife lying in a pool blood with her head severed. They also see the Asuras lying dead nearby. Sukkiran starts wailing keeping the severed head of his mother on his lap. He asks his father as to who could have done such a ghastly killing of his mother. Brighu Munivar, by his Gyanadrishti, comes to know of the happenings. 

Brighu Munivar

Mahane! It is Maha Vishnu who has done this horrific act. It is His Chakrayudham which severed your mother’s head.

Sukkiran (in a fit of anger)

I will not Maha Vishnu to remain in peace. From this moment, I will assume the role of the Guru for Asuras. As Sukkirachcharyar, I will help Asuras and oppose Maha Vishnu for eternity. I take this vow in the name of my mother who is lying dead here.

Dark clouds form in the sky and engulf the sun.  Brighu Munivar,in great fury,   gives out a deafening war cry hailing Maha Vishnu. That sound echoes throughout the universe like a thunder. Iraivan appears before Brighu Munivar and bows to him.

Brighu Munivar (angrily)

I don’t care for your regards. You have come to my Asramam and severed the head of my wife when I and my son were absent. Now Listen! Because of your vile act, you will be born as a human many times. In each of those births, you will suffer by getting separated from your wife like you have caused me to suffer now.

Having cursed Iraivan , he loses all his powers accumulated due to his penance.

Maha Vishnu

Munivare!  Despite the fact that I carried out My duty as ordained by the Vedas, You have cursed Me! You have brought this curse up on me though I have not committed any crime. I can also inflict a curse on you in return. I am leaving you, because you have lost your wife and in grief. You have lost all your powers for having cursed Me. You are no more eligible to enter the heavens. This punishment is enough for you. 

Brighu Munivar bows his head  realising his folly committed in a fit of rage.

Sukkiran

Hey! Maha Vishnu! So far I have been a benign person. Now, I will become the Guru of Asuras and oppose You and the Devas forever. I will not let You live in peace.

Maha Vishnu is slightly disheartened by all these happenings. A divine voice is heard emanating from the sky.

Divine Voice

Protector of the world! You have only carried out your duty as per the Vedas! Therefore the curse of Brighu Munivar will not result in any harm for You! You will be born on earth to protect the world by taking many incarnations. Though Brighu Munivar’s curse is powerful, in only one of your incarnations, you will get separated from Your wife. Even that will happen only to enforce the effect of curse pronounced by Nandi. Because you killed a Brahmin woman you are afflicted by Brahamahaththi Dhosham. By your act of killing the Asuras, you are also affected by Virahaththi Dhosham. As You have done your duty according to the Vedas, Vedanayagan will absolve You from these Dhoshams. Go to Him!

Maha Vishnu reaches Kailayam as instructed by the Divine Voice. Finding no one there, He is perplexed. Nandi bows to Him.

Maha Vishnu

What is the matter? No one seems to be in Kailayam!

Nandi

Iraivane! Annai wished to see Easan in Aroopam. Easan took the form of Aroopam and vanished in the sky. Annai also left after Him to see his state of Aroopam.

Maha Vishnu

If He has become formless, how can I find Him?

Nandi

That is what worrying us also. I and all the Sivaganas are perplexed not knowing what to do.

Maha Vishnu returns to Vaikuntam disappointed. Devi Lakshmi on welcoming Him finds that he is looking morose. Maha Vishnu explains that He is afflicted by two Dhoshams because of his act of killing the Munipathni and the Asuras. He has to get absolved by Vedanayagan who become formless. He is worried as to how to find the Easan who has become Aroopi and gets Himself rid of these Dhoshams. Devi Lakshmi recounts the events leading to the disappearance of Easan.

Devi Lakshmi

Annai Umayaval is undertaking a penance sitting under a lotus at Sivathirtham in the Samyaaga Vanam, with the aim of seeing Easan in His Aroopam. You also go there and pray to Easan to relive You from these Dhoshams.

    *****

Samyaaga Vanam…

Sivathirtham….

In the middle is a lotus with a thousand petals. On the bank Maha Vishnu is meditating on Sivan with His eyes closed.  Following the sound of conch shell a Divine voice is heard.

Divine voice

Narayana! I appreciate Your penance.  You are now relieved of both the Brahamahaththi and Virahaththi Dhoshams from now. Kindly open Your eyes!

Maha Vishnu opens His eyes and is surprised finding no one there.

Maha Vishnu (to Himself)

Is that Vedanayagan who spoke?

Divine voice

I am the Vedas. I am Vedanayagan… Narayanare! What boon You seek?

Maha Vishnu

I have performed my duties as ordained in the Vedas.  The Vedanayagan who resides as Aroopi in the Vedas  is here to ameliorate the ill effects of the Doshams ! As You have declared that You are the Vedas, let this sacred place be named as Vedapuram. As this place relieves one of Brahamahaththi and Virahaththi Dhoshams, I pray that You bless Your devotees as a Roopi leaving your state of Aroopi here.

The auspicious music pervades everywhere as Easan emerges from under the lotus along with Umayaval as Roopi in the form of a Swayambu Lingam. The Sivathirtham transforms to a temple. Seeing Easan resuming His form, the Sivaganas are rejoiced and create a shower of flowers.

Maha Vishnu

I yearn to keep having Your sacred darisanam forever!

Easan

You will remain always near Me as Kalamega Perumal near here at Thirumohur and bless Your devotees with abundant compassion.

 Thirumal emerges as Kalamega Perumal in Thirumohur adjoining Vedapuram to the tumultuous chanting of Vedas which reaches the heavens.

      *******

In the Satyalokam, Sarasvati prods Brahma, her consort whether He has seen the marvelous event!

Brahma

Yes! I saw! Vedanayagan in unison with Annai Parvati has manifested in the form of Siva lingam at Samyaaga Vanam as prayed by Maha Vishnu. Come! Let Us also go and have darisanam of both of Them.

Wearing Rudraksham and sporting Thiruneeru on His forehead, Brahma bows to Easan along with his consort atSamyaaga Vanam.

Easan (blessing Brahma)

As You have come here to worship Me wearing the insignia of Sivan, this sacred place will also be known as Brahmapuram. The Thirtham that You will create will be called Brahma Thirtham. The task for which You have come here will be successful.

Brahma closes His eyes and chants mantras and the Brahma Thirtham is created. Brahma and Sarasvati take their bath in the Thirtham and carry out a yagam on its banks. As they conclude the yagam, Annai Parvati who is united with Easan in Lingaroopam rise from the fire of the Yagakundam as Aranavalli Thaayaar! Both of them bow to Aranavalli Thaayaar.

Brahma

We conducted the yagam so that You rise taking a form as Aranavalli Thaayaar in order to bless the devotees here. You have acceded to our prayer and therefore please reside here in a separate sannadhi.

Annai Umayaval

Let that be so!

She comes out and stands ahead of the Ardhamandapam. A new sanctum gets created where Annai enters to bless Her devotees.

Brahma 

Thaaye! Kindly accept our pujai on the new moon and full moon days and bless Us to do Our task of creation as ordained in the Vedas without any hindrance.

Annai (blessing both of them)

So it will be!

From that time onwards, it becomes a regular practice for Brahma   to come to Brahmapuram along with Sarasvati to conduct puja and pray to Vedanayagan and Aranavalli Thaayaar.

   *******

Kailayam ….

As Naradar enters, he is welcomed by Nandi.

Nandi

I rushed here knowing that Bhagawan Narayanar is going to incarnate as Sri Rama in order that your curse gets fulfilled. But you are generally very calm and composed. What happened that you have to pronounce a curse?

Nandi elaborates.

Ravanan after subduing the three worlds is flying on his chariot in the sky with great conceit. As he approaches the Kailayangiri, he wants to overfly it and raises his flying chariot higher. But Kailayangiri also increases its height to prevent him from flying over it. Looking here and there angrily, he is stopped by Nandi.

Nandi 

Hey! Arakkane!  This is the place where Kailasapati resides with Annai Parvati. Leave this place at once.

Ravanan (angrily)

Shut up! You monkey face!  Do you know who I am? How dare you stop me? Your Kailayangiri is like a speck of dust for me. Stand aside. Otherwise I will take your life!

Nandi

By calling me as monkey-face you have humiliated me. You and your entire clan of Asuras will meet your end because of a monkey. This is my curse.

The chariot loses its power to fly further and comes down. Ravanan becomes even more infuriated and tries to lift the Kailayangiri above his head. The entire Kailayam shakes by his effort. Easan watching the events presses the mountain with his big toe and Kailayam presses down and rests on the shoulders of Ravanan.  Trapped between the earth and the mountain Ravanan realises that he cannot bear the weight of Kailayam.

Ravanan (to himself)

Am I trying to prove my power against Easan, my creator?

Repenting his foolhardiness, he tears of his intestine.  Using his body as Veena and the intestine as strings, he sings seeking mercy of Easan. Moved by his devotion, Easan then releases him.

    *****

Nandi (after the narration to Naradar)

This is what happened.  But tell me… You are in the know of everything past present and future … How come you are unaware of this?

Naradar (smiling)

I know! Still I wanted to hear it from you! I also have good news for you. In fact I came here only to tell you that!

Nandi (eagerly)

Please tell me! What is the good news specifically for me?

Naradar

That monkey-face is about to take birth!

Nandi

Where?

Naradar

Look there…

He indicates a place on the earth… Nandi looks there.

   *****

Vayu Bhagawan along with his wife Anjana Devi, the princess of the monkey kingdom enters the temple of Veda Nathan at Samyaaga Vanam.

The couples (with their eyes closed)

Iraiva! We have come to Your sannadhi! Aren’t You aware what we are seeking desperately?

Kindly bless us Easane!

Iraivan

Vayudevane! Mahale Anjana Devi! I have listened to your prayer! For you, a bright boy will be born who is none other than a part of Me! He will be called Anjaneyar. Thirumal has incarnated as Rama at Ayodhya. He will be a great support for Thirumal and the killing of Ravanan is going to happen as per the curse of Nandi. The epic Ramayanam will be  scribed and your son will be hailed and worshipped as long as this earth remains. Because you have worshipped Me, I will be called as Vaadavooran by the people from now onwards. This place will also be called as Vaadavoor. There will be many episodes enacted by Me here! It will become sacred and named as Thiruvaadavoor!

The Devas shower flowers to bless the couple.

   ******

Kailyam…

Naradar arrives there while Nandi as usual is guarding the entrance. Seeing Naradar , he rushes to welcome him with great reverence.

Naradar

What is the matter? Your welcome is very grand today!

Nandi keeps quiet.

Naradar

Your curse proved correct! Because of your “monkey-face”   , the kingdom of Ravanan has been burnt down and Ravanan also has been killed. What next?

Nandi

What is there to happen yet! Everything got over auspiciously!

Naradar 

Nothing has been got over! Something is going to begin now!

Nandi (surprised)

What is this riddle? I do not understand!

Naradar

Because you cursed Ravanan, you have lost a portion of your power! Due to that , you will have to remain separated from Easan for a short while!

Nandi (in tears)

What are you talking? As the Vahanam of Easan, how can be separated from Him? It is impossible!

Naradar

 It will be a possibility soon!

Nandi stands frozen at the thought of leaving Easan.

    ******

After a few days in Kailayam…

Naradar is coming in great haste and Nandi rushes to welcome him worrying as to why Naradar looks alarmed.

Nandi

Please calm down! Why are you a in such a haste as if someone is chasing you for your life!

Naradar

No one is chasing me. I have come here to save you rather!

Nandi 

From whom, you are going to save me? This is Kailayam where Easan resides. I am guarding the entrance and no one dare enter here without my permission. Who can harm me?

Naradar

Calm down! Durvasa Munivar is coming here with his disciples. He is well known for his short temper and with the slightest provocation he will give a thousand curses! I have come to warn you that you do not stand in his way and get cursed! When he comes let us stand aside and bow to him and he will be pleased.

Durvasa Munivar along with his disciples enters chanting “Hara Hara Mahadeva”. He is pleased looking at Naradar and n welcoming him with their heads bowed. He enters inside after blessing both of them. He glances at the heaps and heaps of gold particles lying there. He stares and thinks for a while on seeing those heaps before entering inside.

Nandi wants to follow him, but Naradar stops him saying that he may feel offended and curse him if he follows him.

Naradar

Let us remain here as he may feel offended if we are not here to see him off when he returns. But did you notice what he was observing before he entered?

Nandi

 Yes, I did observe. These are heaps of golden dust. Devas and Asuras do golden shower on Easan from time to time. I gather the gold particles and keep them in heaps here. But Munivar has withdrawn himself from holding all material possessions! Why should he see those heaps of gold?

Naradar

For you and me, they are like dust and have no value in Kailayam. But, on earth where he resides, it is precious! Even though as a saint, he has desire material possessions, what is lying here is enormous wealth!

Nandi

In case, he wants to take the gold particles, should I allow him or deter him?

Naradar

Why do you ask me? Do you want to retain that gold or get cursed by him?

Nandi

Anyway, the heaps which are lying here are enormous. Even if he and his disciples carry them by their hands full or sack full , it will not matter much. Why should I intervene to infuriate him and get cursed?

Naradar who knows the past a, present and future laughs aloud knowing what is going to happen. Nandi is confused not knowing the reason for his laughter!

Munivar returns after having darisanam of Easan. Naradar catches the hand of Nandi and stands aside. Both of them bow to the Munivar in great piety.

Nandi 

Maha Munivare! Did you have a good darisanam of Easan?

Munivar

Aaha! I am very satisfied by the great darisanam of Easan. My blessings to you and Naradar for showing me great respects. Can take this gold lying here like dirt?

Nandi

It’s all yours! You and your disciples can take as much as you want to!

Munivar (elated)

Nandiyare! These golden heaps have been saved and stored by you. Let them be of use to you alone!

Closing his eyes and praying to Easan shouting “Samba Mahadeva”,Maha Munivar places his Dhandam (wooden hand rest) on the golden heap. The golden particles from the entire heaps are drawn inside the Dhandam and it returns to his hand as he again shouts “Samba Mahadeva”.  He leaves Kailayam along with his disciples chanting “Hara Hara Mahadeva”. 

Nandi is shocked  to find that the entire lot of golden heaps has disappeared without a trace!

Naradar

You said that it would not matter much even if they carry it in sack full! Now he has taken the entire lot! What are you going to do now?

Nandi

You were aware of what was to happen! That is why you laughed. But, Durvasa Munivar has discarded all material possessions. Then, why he has carried the entire lot of gold?

Naradar

Didn’t you hear what he said while leaving?  He said, “These golden heaps have been saved and stored by you. Let them be of use to you alone”.

Nandi

I do not understand. If it is to be for my use, why has he taken it along with him?

Naradar

Maha Munivars never lied nor will they ever lie! What he said is bound to happen! He has only done his part for the enactment of Easan’s sacred game!

   ******

Durvasa Munivar reaches the temple of Sokkanathar at Madurai in the early morning. Standing at the entrance of the temple he shouts aloud “Sambo Mahadeva” and praying to Easan, he keeps his Dhandam on the ground. Immediately, the entire gold dust he gathered at Kailayam comes out and forms heaps at the entire frontage of the temple. Bowing to Easan, Durvasa Munivar disappears in the sky. The Pandiya King comes there just before dawn to have darisanam of Easan. Seeing heaps and heaps of gold particles lying in front of the entrance, he is greatly surprised. A voice is heard from the sky.

The Voice

I am Durvasa Munivar speaking! I have only kept these heaps of gold here. Keep them safely in your treasury. At the appointed time, it will reach the person to whom it is intended!

The Pandiya king bows to the Munivar and fills them up in sacks and carts them off to his treasury personally. By the time he finishes the job, it is dawn 1

   *****

The Himalayas ….

The country of Amaththiya … the Anthanars of that land are called Amaththiyar. Vaadhanath Amaththiyar is climbing the snow clad mountain with his son and daughter in law. It is terribly cold and the path is highly strenuous and treacherous. At many places, his son has to carry his wife on his back.

Son

Appa… if Iraivan is claimed to be everywhere, why must we undergo this tortuous climb to have His darisanam? Can’t we pray to Him from wherever we are and obtain from Him whatever we seek? 

Father

Mahane! We can smell the fragrance of a flower from a distance. But if we want to enjoy its scent, we must go more and more near to it. And if we want to get the flower, we have to go where it is.  A rock which is easily available and in plenty is nothing in value compared to a diamond which has to be dug up from under the bowels of this earth. Only the fruit which is difficult to get plucked tastes sweeter. Even the nature hides all rare and valuable things and makes sure that the man who is seeking them has to labour hard to get it. When that is the case, you can well imagine how hard it must be to seek the grace of Iraivan who controls the nature!

We are going to the cave of Amarnath where Easan has manifested as Swayambu! He is not sculpted by human. That is why he is attracting His devotees from far and wide though seated in a most inhospitable place! Mere chanting of His name will give you strength to reach Him!

Son

We are males! We can endure much more physical hardship than women. Can they climb such a difficult mountain? Does Iraivan expect them to undergo this hardship?

Father

For Iraivan, there is no distinction of gender or age! Only the will power reinforced by faith is important. While many able bodied men return halfway, even old and  infirm women climb the mountain with determination and reach the cave. It is an experience you will have to feel yourself. He is attracting us and we are drawn to Him.  

Son

What will be gained by undertaking this strenuous trip to have His darisanam?

Father

Devotion to Iraivan is not for any gain! We must believe that Iraivan is there and we must get His blessings even by suffering severe strain. We bow to our mother without seeking anything as the mother knows what we want! Likewise Iraivan as the creator of all the creatures is aware of their wants! We are bowing to Him as a mark of thanksgiving for created this universe and running it! When we do it disregarding our discomfort, it gains prominence!

Son

A mother knows instinctively what her child needs. You say that Iraivan is mother –like. Can’t He fulfill our needs without us asking for it?

Father

Mahane! What are your needs?

Son

Thanthaye! How can you ask such a question? I and my wife are coming with you to Amarnath only because you wanted us to go with you! Aren’t you aware what we are in need of?

Father (pretending to be thinking for a few moments)

Yes! You need to have a piece of land and a house in it to live. Then you need some cultivable land to produce things for your consumption. That land must be fertile and give produce without fail. Then you must get adequate income from the sale of the produce. Next, you need to have a safe and secure living. Then you have to have children. Then you need to lead a life devoid of diseases.  You must have a painless death and lastly a place in heaven afterwards.  Out of these ten things I have listed, which one you want?

Son

I want all of them of course!

Father

All these things are attainable by your own efforts! Why must you then seek the help of Iraivan?

Unable to answer the question, the son keeps quiet.

Father

To attain all these ten needs, one must have the grace of Iraivan. Especially to beget a son and to attain Mukti after death can be attained only by praying to Iraivan. We are going to Amarnath cavbe to worship the Lingam of Ice is only for attaining Mukti!

Son

How do you say that Iraivan here grants Mukti?

Father

Only in this Amarnath cave, Easan explained the secrets of birth, death and the path to attain Mukti. Only who are seeking Mukti come to Amarnath!

Son 

Thanthaye!  You are well aware that we are praying to beget a son. I and my wife have undertaken this strenuous trip mainly for that reason . If He grants only Mukti, then who will bless us with a child? If Amarnath is Iraivan , why can’t He grant us this wish also?

Father

Mahane! You posed a question earlier that if Iraivan is present everywhere, why must we undertake this tortuous trip! I will reply to that now. Listen carefully.

In this earth, water, fire, soil and wind are prevalent everywhere. Is it not/

Son

Yes! It is true.

Father

But are they alike everywhere? The water in the sea is salty. In the river it is sweet. In wells it is somewhere potable and somewhere brackish. Whichever type of water   one wants, he has to go to that source to get it. Likewise, the fire of a volcano, the fire in a stove and that in a Yagakundam are same. But its use and quality depend on where it is!  Similarly wind and soil. Somewhere it is sandy, somewhere it is clay. At some places it is black and in a few other places it is red.  We have to search for to seek the soil we need for our use. While even the elements that are created by Easan Himself take both one and many forms, where is the doubt that Iraivan who is One cannot take many forms?

He blesses His devotees and grants their different wishes at different places. He grants Mukti here at Amarnath.  He may rid you of your sins in another place. He may grant the wish of marriage in one place and bless them with a progeny in another place! Only we need to go to that particular place and pray to him for our specific wish!

Son

Thanthaye! You have cleared my doubt very lucidly. We will first go to Amarnath and have the darisanam of ice Lingam. Then we will go to wherever you direct us for begetting a son.

Father

After the Darisanam at Amarnath, I will stay back and spend the rest of my life here. You and your wife have a long life. You go south with the blessing of Amarnath! In the South East of river Veedavathy, in a place called Samyaaga Vanam there is a temple at Vaadavoor. In that temple Easan in the name of Vedanathan has emerged as Swayambu from water as He has in Amaranth. Our ancestors Vayudevan and Anjana Devi begot Anjaneyar by praying to Him. Both of you go there and have darisanam of Vedanathan and beget a son who will be greatly acclaimed  throughout the universe!

Their journey continues…

    *****

Kailayam…

Naradar

Nandiyare! Please look!  Devas headed by Indiran and the Munivars headed by Vasishtar are coming to have darisanam of Easan.

Nandi welcomes them and tell them to keep salience as Easan and Annai are in meditation. All of them go inside and bow to Easan and Annai. Easan and Parvati Annai open their eyes ending their meditation.  As Vasishtar hails “Nama Parvati Pathaye”  others call back “Hara Hara Mahadeva” and bow to Easan and Annai.

Easan

What is the matter?   That you have come with your retinue indicates that there is something important!

While others are quiet, Naradar intervenes.

Naradar

Not even atom can stir without the know of Easan! Easan is very well aware why we have come here. The world must return to its original glory by Your grace!

Easan (laughingly)

Why should it return to its original state?

Vasishtar

You are residing in Vedas! You are Vedanathar!  The world came to be aware of You through following the path of the Vedas that You have defined! Justice and fair play flourished. Whenever Arakkars and evil doers came up, they were destroyed by many incarnations of Easan to destroy Adharmam and establish Dharmam.  Arakkars are no more there. But over time, the people have forgotten their own creator and the Vedas have been relegated. The path of dharma is forgotten and people are following wrong paths.  Earlier there were learned people who used to ascertain that “ There is a Creator and   thinking  of Him will give immense happiness”. Now there are more people who deny His existence itself. They argue that there is no God and therefore that the Vedas which are claimed to be His creation are also untrue. The teachings of individuals have made the common men to lose their power of logical analysis. Those who propagated that Jivakaarunyam alone is the path for salvation have created internal strife and wars among neighbouring countries to promote their own power. They are prepared to go to any extent to establish their supremacy.   Even the kings are swayed by their intrigues and follow their teachings. The subjects in turn blindly follow their kings.

The followers of Vedas are unable to do anything to prevent this onslaught.

Only with the blessing of Easan , it will be now possible to re-establish the truth that Iraivan is there and the paths of Dharma  defined by the Vedas cannot be obliterated ever and to revive the forces of nature which have lost their power. Ayyane! Please make everyone realise that the correct and noble path is the path to follow Iraivan alone!

Easan
Vedas say that I am prevalent everywhere. Whatever is happening is because of Me alone!

Indiran

I firmly believe that not even atom can stir without the approval of Iraivan. Still I am unable accept that the cause for Adharmam which is engulfing the world now is also of His making!

Easan

The value of shade is realised only if one walks in the hot sun. When Adharmam pervades with its venomous head everywhere, people will realise the value of Dharmam. Only then they will realise that there is Iraivan. The time has come to declare what is the righteous path. Nandi is going to be born as Vaadavooran at the sacred place where I declared that I am the Vedas! Nandeswarare! My blessings are with you!

All of them bow to Easan.

  *******

Vaadavoor …..

The sannadhi of Veda Nathan Kovil…

Sambupaadha Asrudar and his wife Sivagyanaradha are seated with their eyes closed and meditating ion Easan. The local devotees who are coming to the temple are curious to see he couple from North mediating there. Days pass. The news that a couple is seated there without food or water for days on end spreads around. The people from surrounding villages come in droves to see this extraordinary couple in deep meditation without a stir. Amazed by their determination, the Gurukkal pleads to Easan to grant them their wish every day.

On the eleventh day,,,,

The Gurukkal after completing the Ardhajama pujai closes the doors of the sannadhi after bowing to the meditating couple and leaves. As he exits, the closed doors open on their own with bells attached to them making an auspicious sound. Easan seen the couple seated in front with their eyes closed…

Easan   

Sambupaadha!

Sambupaadhar and his wife open their eyes to see as to who has called him. In the Swami Sannadhi, they see is a radiant Jyothi that has risen. Both of them raised their cupped hands above their head and chant “Sambo Mahadeva” aloud.

Divine Voice (from the sannadhi)

Sambupaadha… Sivagyanaradha… I am pleased with the will power of both of you! Once upon a time, seeing the audacious behaviour of Ravanan, Nandi cursed him in anger. Because of that Nandi also lost his powers.   To regain it, it is necessary for him to incarnate as a human in this earth. Nandi will be born as a son for you both and regain his lost powers and unite with Me in the end. Give him the name of Vaadavooran! His fame will remain as long as this earth exists. Whosoever worships Me will worship your son as well!

Easan blesses both of them and the Jyothi disappears. The doors of the Sannadhi close on their own without making any sound!

   *****

In the Month of Margazhi under Thiruvaadhirai Nakshatram, which is the most auspicious day for Sivan, Sivagyanaradha gives birth to a male child. Sambupaadhar looks at the glowing baby lying next to his wife.

Sambupaadhar

Dear! Look at your son. The one who as the guardian of Kailayam never winks is born to us winking his beautiful eyes. Though he will not remember the events of his previous birth, the grace of Easan that he has got and the wisdom he has garnered in his previous birth will continue in this birth also. He is going to be a great Gyani in the days to come!

His wife is unable to answer him. Seeing her condition, Sambupaadhar turns aropund to call for help. His wife signals him to come near. She pulls out her Mangalyaan and touches her eyes with it. Giving a last glance at her child pouring all her love and compassion with her eyes, she breathes her last.

Sambupaadhar (with tears streaming from his eyes)

Iraiva! Did You take her way thinking that she might come in the way of Vaadavooran becoming a saint?

In the temple, Easan is seated with His eyes closed!

   ****

Vaadavoorar attains the age of twelve.  Having his father as his guru, he gains great proficiency in the languages of North and South.  One day while he is walking with his father in the praharam of the temple, he tells him the history as o how he is born to him.

Son 

Does Easan grant the wish of devotees?

Father

Yes! He has kicked Yaman to save His adiyavar. This is the place where he explained the significance chanting “Siva Siva” to Yaman. Even Sani Bhagawan did penance here to absolve himself from a curse he incurred.  

Sambupaadhar tells him the story of Siva Sarma who was great sinner. Still when he realised his folly and chanted “Siva Siva”, his sins were pardoned.  Yama sent his dhoothas to take him to hell as he was a great sinner.  Before they couldlay their hands on him the Sivaganas took him away to Sivalokam as he was absolved of his sins because of his chanting of “Siva Siva”. As directed by Naradar Yaman reaches Vaadavoor and prays to Vedanathan to explain the significance of “Siva Siva”.

Easan explains

I will tell you the meaning of the mantram “Siva Siva”. Whosoever chants with his heart “Siva Siva’ is absolved of all his sins and his Aanma which has been engulfed in sins becomes pure. When that Aanma is released as an offering to Me, it attains Sivagathi. 

Sambupaadhar

Sani Baghavan has the status of an Easwaran… He is the one who remains seated with his eyes tied with a cloth… He along with other planets decides the destiny of everyone depending on their relative position. Sani transits from one Raasi to another (zodiac position) every two and half years and returns to one’s own Raasi after thirty years. He is the one who defines the life time of every one. When he is malevolent he will cause unbearable misery to the individual. Mandalya Munivar was once afflicted by the malevolent phase of Sani.

Sambupaadhar then narrates the story of how Easan showed His compassion to Sani Baghavan.

   ******

In the middle of a forest on the boundary of Magadha kingdom, Mandalya Munivar is undertaking a severe penance. Without food or water and not caring whether it is day or night, whether it is raining or shining, he continues his meditation concentrating his mind only on Easan for years on end.

One day during a severe winter …..

In the middle of the night when the palace guards were fast asleep,  a group of thieves gain entry into the royal treasury . Seeing the heaps of gold jewelry, gems and other valuables, they bundle them in sacks in a hurry. Carrying it on their shoulders, they leave the palace treasury quietly one by one. After they come out, they mount the horses they have tied at the edge of the palace and gallop in order to cross the forest so that they are out of the kingdom before day break. As they have not tied their sacks securely, some of the gems and nuggets fall out as they gallop. A diamond necklace from one of the sacs is flung out from a sack while the thief was negotiating a curve at high speed and falls on the neck of   Mandalya Munivar because of the malevolent phase of Sani! As it is dark, neither the thief nor any one following him on horseback notices this. After a short while, as they realise that no one is following them, they dismount and tie their sacks securely and resume their escape.

Next morning, when the grads wake up and realise that the treasury has been looted, the king is informed. Enraged by the theft in his treasury, the king orders his Senapati to catch the thieves and punish them with death by putting them on stakes. The Senapati with a force of soldiers starts immediately. Finding the gems and gold fallen off the sacks of thieves on the ground, he traces the path till the force reaches a patch in the middle of the forest  where he can no more find any gem or diamond. He orders his troops to search around thinking that the thieves may be nearby. As they search for the thieves in the thick forest, they see a bright and thin ray of light coming from a thicket. Tracing it, they find Mandalya  Munivar seated with his eyes closed and a diamond necklace around his neck which has reflected the sunlight!  Recognizing that the necklace is the same one which the king wears on festive occasions, the Senapati is immediately informed by the soldiers.

Senapati (angrily at the Munivar who is seated with his eyes closed in deep meditation)

Ayya! Munivare! Stop your drama of meditation! Open your eyes.

Mandalya Munivar keeps sitting without hearing anything. Infuriated, the Senapati threatens him to open his eyes. Munivar stays unmoved. Losing his patience, the Senapati draws his sword and scuffs his body. The blood spurts out but the Munivar is still in his deep penance. The Senapati takes out the necklace from the Munivar’s neck and orders his soldiers to take him to the palace. The soldiers lift the Munivar in his seating pose and bring to the palace. As per the orders of the king, he is put on the stake. The sharp nose of the stake pierces his anus and enters his body. The Munivar opens his eyes in excruciating pain. The next moment, the stake burns out disappears. The Senapati realises that he has committed a crime of not only disturbing his penance but also has wrongly punished a powerful Munivar. He prostrates in front of the Munivar and gets up.

Senapati (bowing to Munivar with folded hands)

Maha Munivare! This diamond necklace belongs to our king. It was stolen last night. Seeing this in your neck, we mistakenly took you as the thief and put you on stake as per the orders of the king. You must kindly forgive us for this sinful act of mine.

Mandalya Munivar sees the happenings through his Gyanadrishti and realises that the necklace has fallen on his neck due to the malefic influence of Sani Baghavan.

He calls out Sani in great fury. Sani Baghavan appears before him.

Mandalya Munivar

I have been in deep penance for years keeping Easan in my heart! As you have disturbed my penance, you will suffer by becoming lame! 

Sani Begawan slumps on the floor unable to get up and walk. Suriyan, seeing his son falling down rushes and lifts him in his hands.

Suriyan (pleading)

Mandalya Munivare! A thousand salutations to you!  Look at my son here… He is just and impartial and attained the stature of Easwaran because of that. He has carried out his duty strictly as per the tenets of Vedas. The planetary position in your horoscope alone is the reason for your suffering. Is that proper for you to curse him for having done his assigned duty? The planetary effects are ordained only for the proper functioning of this universe. If Sani becomes lane, his duties on this earth will come to a stop and the functioning of the universe will be adversely affected. If you analyse and   judge things impartially, you will realise the truth. You must therefore nullify your curse.

 Mandalya Munivar

Is it  still  a just act to torture an Adiyavar mediating  on Easan  for years in deep penance  by putting him on stake?

Suriyan

Though his act is malefic, please look at him. He has covered his eyes with a block cloth only to indicate that for him all are equal and  he does not distinguish whom he affects  is a prince or a pauper , male or female, young or old. As per destiny everyone has to pass through good and adverse times. The duties of the Navagrahas are ordained in the Vedas. Their planetary motion is as ordered by Easan. Please therefore cure him of his immobility so that he can continue his action. Maha Munivar may please accede to my prayer.

Mandalya Munivar

Surya Baghavane! Whatever you have said is completely true. Though he got me put on stake , he has by this act make the whole world to remember both of us forever. However, I cannot take back the curse I have inflicted on him. Vedanathan alone can cure him of his disability. Take him to Samyaaga Vanam and pray in the sannadhi of Vedanathan and seek His blessings.

Surya Baghavan carries his son Sani to Samyaaga Vanam and both of them seek the grace of Easan.

Easan emerges from the lingam as Vedanathan.

Vedanathan 

Suriyane! Sani Baghavane! I am pleased that both of you have come here and prayed to Me! I am ridding him of his disability as he acted as defined in the Vedas just now!  As he e became disabled because of the curse of the Sivanadiyar, he will however take the name of “Bangu Sani” (Sani who is disabled) . Whosoever is afflicted by Bangu Sani will get rid of their misfortune by coming to this kshetram and praying to him here. I will grant him a separate sannadhi for him here. Let Sani be seated here and bless his devotees.

Sani Baghavan gets cured of his disability and stands up.

Sani Baghavan

Iraivane! You ae the knower of all! You are the one who activates everything. You are the archer. I am only the arrow shot by you. Since You have ordained that those who come here will not be afflicted by the planetary position of Sani, I will not bestow any malefic effect on those who come to this temple and have your darisanam.

He enters into the separate sannadhi earmarked for him. Suriyan bows to Easan and all the nine planets resume their duties as before. Iraivan resumes His form of Lingam!

 Sambupaadhar concludes the story saying that all these puranas are handed over to us by Agastiyar Peruman. ,

    *****

The entire Madurai is in festive mood as the coronation of Arimardhana Pandiyan is about to be celebrated. The kings and princes from the adjoining kingdoms have arrived to witness the grand ceremony. The Rajaguru conducts the proceedings with great pomp and show. After the king takes the throne, he along with the queen go to the temple to seek the blessings of Easan Sokkanathar and AnnaiMeenakshi. The Rajaguru narrates the stories of his ancestors Mahasena Pandiyan and Rajasekara Pandiyan to impress upon the new king that the Easan who has manifested at Vaadavoor as Vedanathan is same as the one at Madurai as Sokkanathar  and also impress upon him  as to how devoted they were to Easan.

Rajaguru narrates….

  *****

In the private chamber of Mahasena Pandiyan ….

He is seated along with the queen Vasumathi.  A group of Anthanars are seated in front.

Mannar

 Learned men! We are told by the famous astrologers after analyzing our horoscopes that we will beget a progeny. But even after a number of years after we are married, we have not been blessed with a child. Please tell me what should I do to beget a son?

One of the Pundits 

Though there is no contrary indication in your horoscopes, it is ultimately Easan who can bless you with a heir. Luckily for us, the sage Agastiyar is at Samyaaga Vanam. Please go and seek his blessings. He will be able to give you a solution.

As per their advice, he goes to the Asramam of Agastiyar at Samyaaga Vanam along with his wife and bow to the Munivar.

Agastiyar (blessing them)

Your father Ugrasena Pandiyan was a staunch devotee of Sivan. You and your wife do Siva puja with devotion. When you realise that the Swayambu murthies at Thiruaalvaai and Vedapuram are one and the same, you will be blessed to beget a child. You must put a garland of Konrai flowers when you pray. Your desire will be fulfilled!

From the next day onwards, he along with the queen go to Thiruvaadavoor and after putting the Konrai garland on Vedanathar pray to Easan. From there they come straight to Madurai and do likewise in the temple of Sokkanathar. He attends to his other duties only after completing this routine every day. Days pass but still there is no indication that the queen has conceived. Going restless one night, the king and the queen come to a decision. The next morning, both of them after taking their bath wear clothes like common pilgrims and walk to Vaadavoor barefoot without any paraphernalia. As they are unused to walking a long distance that too barefoot after undertaking a fast, they find the going very tough and slow. Seeing the king and queen walking to the temple, many of his subjects also walk along behind them. By the time he reaches Vaadavoor it is already midday. After putting the Konrai garland on Easan, they pray and return to Madurai at once. By the time they reach the Madurai temple it is almost midnight. The people are greatly moved by the plight of the king and the queen who have not taken even a sip of water throughout the day. As he reaches the temple of Sokkanathar, the king realises that he is not carrying the Konrai garland for Easan.

Mannar (to himself)

Iraiva! Sokkanatha! I carry the Konrai garland every day without fail! Why this lapse today? Why I am tested today? Where will I go for a Konrai garland at this midnight hour?

Tears flow from his eyes.

Seeing the king and the queen entering, the Gurukkal rushes out from the Sannadhi to receive them.

Gurukkal (in great excitement) 

Mannar Manna! A miracle has happened today. Tonight after completing the Ardhajama pujai , a garland of Konrai appeared from nowhere and landed on the Easan!

Mahasena Pandiyan becomes ecstatic hearing this and raising his cupped hands above his head and chanting “Hara Hara Mahadeva” aloud, he rushes to the sannadhi. Maharaniyar follows him. There in the Sannadhi, they see Sokkanathar sporting the same garland that they offered to Vedanathar at Thiruvaadavoor during the day.

Mannar

 Sokkanatha! Mahaprabhu! Today, I realise that You and Vedanathar are one and the same. I am greatly and truly blessed!

With teras in their eyes the Mannar and the maharani have darisanam of Easan. A divine voice is heard from the sanctum.

The Divine Voice

Mahasena! By observing a fast and walking up to Vaadavoor, you worshipped Me as a common man discarding your vanity as king! You walked back here without breaking your vow! Rather asking Me a boon for begetting a child, you felt miserable for forgetting to carry the Konrai garland. I greatly appreciate your devotion. You will beget a son, Shatrunjaya Pandiyan who cannot be vanquished by any one! He will make your eminence known throughout the world!

The temple bells toll. The queen gives birth to a male child in due course.  

  *****

The Rajaguru then narrates the story of Rajasekara Pandiyan…

 In the Sannadhi of Sokkanathar temple, guru is narrating the glorious episodes enacted by Easan to the king Arimardhana Pandiyan and his queen.

Rajaguru

Manna! Look at the Nataraja in His dancing pose in this sannadhi. Do you notice any thing peculiar/

Mannar

I see nothing peculiar.

Rajaguru

 In Thillai, Easan poses with His right foot on the ground and His left foot is lifted up in the front. But here, He has kept His left foot down with his right foot lifted up! Are you aware that this change of his posture was caused due to one of your ancestors Rajasekara Pandiyan?

Mannar

No! I am very eager hear about that story. Please tell me.

Rajaguru narrates the story of Rajasekara Pandiyan.

   *****

 When Rajasekara Pandiyan is seated on his throne, Sadananda Munivar enters the assembly. Seeing the Munivar, he quickly gets up and rushes ahead to receive him. Bowing to the Munivar, he welcomes him and gets him seated respectfully.

Munivar

Your hospitality is praise worthy! I have come here urgently only to give you a news.  During the time of your father Vikrama Pandiyan, the Vedanathar temple at Thiruvaadavoor flourished with very good upkeep. It is in a state of neglect now and has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. It is Sokkanathar who resides at Madurai who resides at Vaadavoor as Vedanathar! He has graced Thirumal Brahma, Vayu, Agni and all deities. You must renovate  that sacred temple and resume the sacred routines as it was before.

Rajasekara Pandiyan

Alas! I was not aware that Sokkanathar resides as Vedanathar at Vaadavoor all these days. I will renovate and reconstruct the temple at Thiruvaadavoor exactly like the temple here at Madurai with a fort and a moat surrounding it.

Sadananda Munivar leaves the assembly happily.

   ****

Rajasekara Pandiyan renovates the temple at Thiruvaadavoor as he has promised by constructing praharam, a hundred- pillared hall, forts and a moat surrounding it. He appoints learned Anthanars to do daily pujas and arranges materials and money for their regular conduct.  He establishes trusts for the upkeep of the temple. As he stands in the Sannadhi waiting for the Darisanam, there is resounding sound of blowing of conch shells and Dhundhubhi! Iraivan emerges from the Lingam at the sanctum. Seeing Iraivan, the king goes ecstatic   and prostrates fully and hails the glory of Easan.

Iraivan (pleased)

Rajasekara! I am pleased by your devotion! Ask Me anything you wish to have!

Rajasekara Pandiyan

Easane! Please pardon the sins of any devotee who comes here and repents. You must make them do good deeds so that the world at large is benefited by them.

Easan

As you are seeking only the welfare of the world , I will make sure that this world will remember you always!

Easan disappears happily. Highly elated by his good fortune of seeing and conversing with Easan, Rajasekara Pandiyan reaches the palace. That night while asleep, he sees Easan Natarajar   of Thillai in his dream. Enjoying the sacred dance of Easan, he makes an appeal at the end.

Pandiyan

Iraiva! You are forever dancing to ensure the movement and functioning of this universe. Will your right leg not ache as you are always keeping it on the ground as support? To give some ease, can’t You change to the other leg and dance?

He gets up suddenly and realising that it is after all a dream, goes back to sleep laughing!

Next morning, he goes to the temple as usual for darisanam. There Easan has changed his pose by keeping His left foot down! Euphoric that Easan has acceded to his request in his dream, he sings many songs praising the grace and compassion of Easan!

   *****

After the Raja Guru completes the story, Arimardhana Pandiyan takes a vow that he will first pray to Sokkanathar at Madurai and then the Vedanathar at Thiruvaadavoor every day before taking up his royal duties. He starts off to Thiruvaadavoor along with the queen immediately.

   ****

The Mannar and Maharaniyar reach Thiruvaadavoor along with the Raja guru. He is received with full temple honours by the elders of the village, Veda pundits and others. They are lead to the temple. The Mannar appears highly pleased and tells Raja guru that he has felt refreshed as never before as soon as he set foot in Thiruvaadavoor. He also notices that the pathway to the moat, the bridge over it, the forts and its embellishments are spic and span and lauds the upkeep of the area openly.

Gurukkal (who is following the Mannar on hearing the compliments)

This is all due the capable administration of Brahmmarayar who is the Puravalar (care taker/ in charge of administration) of the temple.

Mannar

Who is he? Is he present here? Why has not come to receive me and introduced to me as the Puravalar of the temple?

The Gurukkal is taken aback and noticing his discomfiture, the Mannar asks the Gurukkal not to feel inhibited and tell him whatever the reason.

Gurukkal

He is conducting a class for the students in the temple Mandapam. He does not like to be disturbed by any one when he is teaching.

The Mannar is surprised to hear this.

Mannar 

We have come here without prior notice. Let us first have darisanam of Easan and then go to the Mandapam to meet the Puravalar there.

All of them reach the sannadhi. The Gurukkal conducts the Deeparadhanai and distributes Thiruneeru. They come out of the Sannadhi.

Mannar

Raja Guruve! Generally, whenever I visit any temple, the Puravalar is the first one to offer the temple honours to me and tie the parivattam to honour me! Discarding that as trivial and showing primacy to teaching his students is very odd! I am therefore very eager to meet him. Let us go there.

The Mannar and the Rajaguru reach the Mandapam assuming that the teacher will be an old and infirm person and the students will be boys. Finding a youth of about sixteen years of age conducting the classes for students who are youth and middle aged, the Mannar is even more surprised. The Mannar and the Rajaguru stand there and listen to the teacher.  Unaware of the presence of the Mannar and the Rajaguru, Brahmmarayar carries on with his teaching. The students listen to him as if they are bound by some magical force.

Brahmmarayar (to students)

I have spoken about the administration of the kingdom. I will narrate now a sequence of events. You must listen carefully and answer my questions at the end.

On the day the king takes a tour of his capital city as his routine, he goes on his chariot followed by his appointed retinue for the trip. Next to the palace and surrounding it are the streets where Anthanars are quartered. Appreciating the pleasant smell emanating from the Yagakundam in their houses, he drives to the area where the Vaisyars reside. Seeing the king and his retinue, the people who have come to buy goods, give way for them to proceed. The Vaisyars come out and praise and hail the king. Accepting their greetings with a pleasing face, the king proceeds further to the locale where Kshatriyas are housed. As his chariot reaches there, the soldiers who are engaged in training stop their fight and bow to the Mannar. The king then goes around the areas where farmers, metal smiths, potters, washer men , medics and other working classes who reside in their respective allotted areas. After crossing these areas, he reaches the outer limit of the city where the forest areas start where people of hunter class live. As the Mannar reaches there, the youths among them rush to greet the Mannar as he alights from his chariot. Their Chief of hunter clan restrains them and tells the elders among them to receive the king first.  Two of the elders hand over two mud pots to the kings which are filled three fourths. The Mannar accepts them happily and looks inside to see their contents. One contains with ghee and the other honey. He hands over the pots to his personal guard and asks him to bring to the palace securely. He walks around conversing with the elders. As he nears their Chief who is bowing to him, he enquires about the welfare of his people. He then enters the forest and looks at the number of neem trees grown there. Recollecting his playful childhood days there, he sees a vine plant creeping around a tree and enquires about it. The chief replies that it is a sturdy wine which is used as a rope to pull even the heavy chariots of the temples. He goes near that plant and examines it and walks back speaking to them. He then returns to the palace in his chariot. His routine tour of the city comes to an end.

Brahmmarayar concludes his narrative and looks at the students. There is absolute silence. The king and the Rajaguru are standing there curious to know what he is going to say next.

Brahmmarayar

What I have narrated now is the information derived from the Dharmasastram.  Can you tell me what do you learn about Dharmasastramfrom this narrative?

Youth 1

People are leading their lives based on their castes.

Youth2 (angrily)

Is acceptable to segregate the people based on their castes and make them live in separate areas? Does the Dharmasastram promote divisive tendencies among the people and discourage their unity?

Youth3

The say that the future of the kingdom is in the hands of the youth! How is justified to relegate the youth and promote the old people to receive and interact with the king?

Youth 4 (mockingly)

The Mannar has enormous wealth at his disposal. Still he not only accepts the ghee and honey from the poor hunters but also asks his personal guard to take it carefully to the palace! This shows that the king is greedy to accept whatever is offered to him!

The other students laugh at this comment.

Brahmmarayar does not react to any of the comments and asks whether there are any more views from any of the students. Getting no reply, he continues…

Brahmmarayar

If you take the narrative superficially, these questions are likely to arise. But I will explain how Dharmasastram justifiesall the actions of the narrative.

A king must not remain confined to his palace all the time to run his kingdom. He must go around the city and have personal interaction with people and see things on the ground for himself. Next, to segregate the living areas of the people based on their castes is not to promote division based on Varnasramam. It is only to ensure that there are no complications caused   because of the routine and life style of one group of people to other groups of people. The Anthanars are learned people whose advice, guidance and intelligence will be available to the kingdom’s administrators and others. That is why they are located close to the palace. The Vaisyars are located between of the Palace staff and Anthanars on one side and Kshatriyas on the other side centrally for the sake of convenience as they are dealing with goods and services for everyone. The Kshatriyas who are physically strong are the soldiers and their residence is on the outer side as any intruder will have to overcome them before they hope to reach the weaklings of Vaisyars and Anthanars. Also they will be engaged most of the time in training for war which will disturb others if they are residing among them. The others are located on the periphery as they have to gather the waste and dispose them off in the forest area. More importantly, the agricultural fields will not be in the centre of the city. They will be around the periphery only. It is more convenient for them if they stay nearby. The shepherds and cowherds are located near the forest area as they have to take the cattle and goats to the jungle are for foraging their food. The hunters are located in the forest so that they can ensure that the wild animals do not enter the populated areas of the city. They also double up as intelligence gatherers to report any suspect movement of outsiders or enemy spies who cannot enter the city bypassing the forest areas.  So they also do a very crucial job for the security of the kingdom. You also note that the king has gone around the areas not in a hurry but slowly so that he can observe things for himself. The youth in their exuberance may commit some blunder while receiving the king and incur his displeasure. The elderly people because of their experience are less likely to commit such mistakes. Even if they do, the king is likely to brush aside such mistakes considering their age. It is a custom to offer to a visitor some kind of a gift. The hunters offered ghee and honey as these are easily available with them and in plenty.  Still they gave only partly filled pot! Why? If the pots are filled to the brim, the contents will spill out when carried in the fast moving chariot of the king! Why the king received these gifts happily is only to acknowledge the welcome he received from his subjects and not because of the intrinsic value of the gift. To show that he cares for the gifts and their usefulness, he orders that they be taken carefully to the palace. He walked along with the people in the forest area only to impress upon his subjects that he is also one among them so that they can freely interact with him without any inhibition. By enquiring about a creeper, he exhibits that he has no false pretense that as a king he knows about everything.

So every incidence narrated here only reinforces the rules of Dharmasastram. This is what is definedas Dharmaparipalanam (just administration )!

Not only his students but also the king, the queen and the Rajaguru are impressed beyond words by his erudite explanation.

As Brahmmarayar announces the closure of the session, the students leave bowing to him in silence. The Gurukkal informs him about the arrival of the king. Brahmmarayar rushes there and bows to him.

Mannar

Brahmmarayare! I gauged you expertise in administration from observing the way the temple and its surroundings are kept. Your proficiency in knowledge, I have come to know from the way you discussed about Dharmaparipalanam with your students. If you become a minister for me, our kingdom will progress in all fields and be benefited greatly. Do you agree to come with us?

Vaadavoorar accedes to his request. Easan Vedanathan is all smiles with the happenings!

    ******

Madurai…

Arimardhana Pandiyan is seated on the throne in the assembly. The ministers and learned men have assembled and are seated in front. The chief Minister Sargunan gets up and bows to the king.

Sargunan

Salutations to the King! My respectful welcome to all my colleagues and the learned men who have assembled here for this meeting and discussions! Today, we are compelled to take some important decisions. We are going to discuss about the state of our treasury, the expenditures that are imminent, ways to improve the revenue and ways for enforcing thrift. I seek the concurrence and await the orders of the Mannar.

Mannar

You may start the discussion.

Sargunan

The financial health of a state depends on its overall state of its resources only. When the resources are plenty, the tax due to the kingdom are paid in full and in due time. At this moment, the people are suffering due to failure of rains and there has been no production of grains. The taxes are not paid as the people themselves are in financial distress. There is no use in forcing the people as they have no capacity to pay. The financial status is precarious as there is no revenue. This meeting is called to discuss as to what actions we must initiate to tackle the present situation. The learned people assembled here may kindly give their views.

Learned man 1

You are the Chief Minister. You give your suggestions first. It will be better that we base our discussion on those points. So you please start first!

As if expecting that opportunity, Sargunan gets up enthusiastically and starts speaking.

Sargunan

Generally such failure of monsoon happens once in about fourteen years and famine becomes prevalent. In about two to three years, the situation becomes normal once again. Therefore, if we cut down on our expenditure and be thrifty, we can meet the challenges posed by nature!

Learned man 1

A good suggestion! Let reduction of expenditure be the first and foremost action.

Learned man 2

Rather than taking this as a general decision, it is better we discuss as to which are the heads we must select and how much in each of them we must enforce reduction. We can come to a conclusion only after analyzing the pros and cons of each.

Sargunan

Firstly, one of the main head on expenditure is on security. The kingdom is compelled to decrease the strength of its forces. Secondly, though we can reduce the forces, what can we do with our holding of horses and elephants? We are spending a large amount of gold for meeting the expenditure for their fodder! So we can keep the in the forest area in pounds where they can foray for their food. This will reduce a lot of expenditure we otherwise incur.  Thirdly, we can conduct all the festivals like Meenakshi Kalyanam, Azhagar crossing the river in a very modest scale. Fourthly, we must stop all the charities totally. If we enforce these four suggestions, we can to a great extent overcome the present situation of famine!

Learned man 3

I do not concur with the suggestion of reducing our forces. If our enemies come to know of it, will it not be a great danger to the kingdom itself?

Learned man 4

Our king is having amiable relationship with our neighbouring kingdoms. To sustain a very large army fearing attack by enemies in times of famine is not right.

Learned man 5

Reducing the strength of our forces is a good suggestion. I also support the idea of sending the horse and elephants to the forest to save on the expenditure for their feeding.

Learned man 1

We may conduct the festivals very modestly. Let us take care of our subjects first. We can look after our temples later!

Learned man 3

Though it is acceptable to conduct the festivals in a low key, it is not proper to put an end to all charities. Dharmam is supreme and it saves the one who does it. How can we stop charitable activities?

Learned man 1

Elders have also said that you can indulge in charity only when you have enough to spare. These charities have made many men lazy who do not want to work. Whether we reduce our expenditure on other items or not, I firmly believe that we must put a stop on expenditures on charities.

Sargunan look up to the King confidently as his ideas are more are less accepted by almost everyone in the assembly. The Mannar looks at Brahmmarayar.

Mannar

Brahmmarayare! You have not been participating in the discussions going on in the assembly. Before I give my final orders, I am eager to know your opinion.

 Seeing a sixteen year old youth   getting up to speak in the assembly for the first time, the entire assembly is excited. Sargunan has axe to grind against Brahmmarayar as the king appointed him as a minister without consulting him. He is now unhappy, as the king asked for his opinion even after many elders in the assembly approved his suggestions.  He hopes that Brahmmarayar will be shown his place in this assembly of learned men.

Brahmmarayar bows to king, Sargunan and all the assembled elders.

Brahmmarayar

I have been observing the administration of the kingdom in the last six months with a keen eye.  Four important items have been taken up and discussed in this assembly now. Dharmasastram says, “Yatho Dharma Thatho Jayaha’. It means if one undertakes any task as per Dharma, it will always lead to victory. The suggestions given by the Chief Minister will definitely result in reduction of expenditure.

But implementing them will not yield success. As they are against the rules of Dharma! 

 Finishing his speech, Brahmmarayar is about to resume his seat. Sargunan glares s at him in great anger. The Mannar and others assembled are dumbstruck by the frank opinion given by Brahmmarayar.

Learned man 1 (angrily)

Hey! Brahmmaraya! In this great assembly very important decisions have been taken after discussion. We do not even know from where you have come from. You just get up and recite a slokam from Sanskrit and conclude that our suggestions will only fail. You do not even know ow to conduct yourself in an assembly of elders.  Your talk is like that of a toddler who has no experience of worldly affairs.

  Sargunan is happy that someone else has taken Brahmmarayar to task in his place!

Mannar

Assembled elders! Let us not judge someone by his age and experience. Let us here what he has to say first. Ultimately, it will be I , who will take a decision.

He calls for Brahmmarayar and asks him as to how Dharmaneri comes in the way of implementing the four suggestions put forth for reducing expenditure. The assembled elders laugh thinking that the Mannar has cornered Brahmmarayar by his poser. A stern look from the Mannar stops their glee.

Brahmmarayar

Whatever we do, we must do it without wavering from the path of dharma. Only that can bring success for our actions. These are not my postulates but of Vedas. 

Sargunan (quickly intervening)

Do you mean to say that even a thief has to follow the Dharma in his profession? Do you mean to say that he will not be successful otherwise?

Everyone in the assembly except the Mannar laughs to ridicule Brahmmarayar.

Brahmmarayar

To commit theft is a job. Your doubt is when stealing itself is a crime and is against Dharma, how anyone doing that act can follow the tenets of Dharma to be a successful thief! Should such a successful theft be hailed because it followed the tenets of Dharma?

I will give answers to all your doubts. When a thief goes to steal it is an act of his. What are rules of Dharma he has to follow for doing this act? Firstly, he must do it without anyone noticing it. He will be successful only if he follows this rule. The second rule states not to take a partner for this act. Because he will get caught for any lapse on the part of his partner though he may execute the task of stealing without any flaw!   Another unwritten law they all have to abide is not stealing from the poor. The next rule of dharma is if one has to steal, it must be only for his bare living and not for leading a luxurious life! If anyone does not abide by the above rules, he does breach the Dharmaneri for staling!

Sargunan

Without diverting the attention of the assembly on the main topic of discussion on the four suggestions I have proposed, explain how they are against Dharmaneri and why they will not be successful.

Brahmmarayar

The first proposal is to reduce the strength of the force.  You say that since the Mannar is having good relationship with the neighbouring kingdoms, if we reduce the strength of the force , we can save a considerable expenditure on their account. Is that right?

Sargunan (mockingly)

Yes! Where does your Dharmaneri interfere in this?

Brahmmarayar  

If you reduce the strength of the force, what will you do with the soldiers who become surplus?

Sargunan

They have to be sent home. Where is the doubt?

Brahmmarayar (looking at the assembly)

Already a lot of people are without work as agriculture has failed due to draught. Do you want our unemployed soldiers also to join them?

Sargunan

When there is unemployment in the kingdom, the soldiers also have to join them. It is inevitable. This is no time for showing compassion!

Brahmmarayar

When unemployed soldiers also join the other people who are devoid of any work, will it lead to unrest in the country?

Sargunan (getting up)

We can suppress any unrest with the balance force available with us.

 Observing that there is an open opposition to his outburst …

Sargunan

We can tackle it if and when it happens. If we worry about ifs and buts we cannot come to any decision.

Learned man 1

We must accept the point raised by Brahmmarayar. There have been instances in the past of revolts by the famished public and many kings have lost their crown! If we have to act only after such situation arises, there is no need to call this assembly for discussion.

Brahmmarayar

When there is abundant rain, there is abundant produce. It is only when the nature fails, poverty strikes. When the rains are plenty, a lot of water goes to the sea and is wasted.  Due to floods, there is large destruction of lives and property. If we save the rain water, we will be able to use it when we need in the future.  For that we have to build lakes, ponds and other small water bodies. These cannot be built during the rainy season. The ideal time is now, when the rains are nowhere in sight in the near future. Therefore, if we employ our soldiers in the building of these water bodies now, we will not only be using them gainfully but also be ready to save water by the time the next rainy season arrive. We also do not have to worry about any likely attack from others. The Dharmaneri approves gainfully employing the soldiers for progressive works for the welfare of the people and disapproves terminating their employment.

Learned man 2

 Aaha! It is a very good suggestion. To foresee the future and act is the correct approach. We must thank Brahmmarayar for reminding us.

Brahmmarayar

The next is to leave the elephants and horses in the forest for their food. This is most unacceptable. Because, when there has been a drought, it is more essential to safeguard the resources of the forest. It is the tress and other plants which induce rains to fall when the clouds collect in the sky. If they are destroyed, rains will fail even in the next season. Like the soldiers, we can make use of these animals for constructive works. Their feed can be purchased from neighbouring kingdoms and we can make use of these animals to transport them here. The Dharmaneri here is that we must safeguard our assets of nature! We will not incur any additional expenditure but rather we will reduce it.

Learned man2

A very good proposal!  This needs to be accepted.

The assembly approves this suggestion also to the discomfort of Sargunan.

Brahmmarayar

The third is about conduct of festivals in a modest scale. Though it may look that this is well within the norms of Dharmaneri, actually it is not so.

Sargunan (intervening)

I have not proposed that these festivals to be stopped. I only said that they be conducted in a low key. These festivals and the grants which are given to various temples for their upkeep, and other monthly rituals eat away a major chunk of our revenue. Let no one put the kingdom in financial straits quoting Dharmaneri or this and that!

Learned man 1

Sargunare! It will be the assembly which will decide what to accept and what to reject based on the arguments that are put forward. Let us hear what Brahmmarayar has to say.

Brahmmarayar

I want to ask a question to the assembled people here? How to transfer the wealth from those who have to those who don’t have?

Learned man 2

The only way is to force him to part with it and giver to the needy. No one will give on his own/

Brahmmarayar

But that is not according to Dharmaneri and as I have said that it will not lead to success. To force one to part with his wealth is like plunder. The royal celebrations and temple festivals are celebrated to facilitate transferring of the means from the haves to the have-nots!

Learned man3

I do not get it!

Brahmmarayar

Suppose a person has a thousand gold coins. He is a rich man. If this wealth is kept in his locker, it is of no use to anyone. Only if it changes hands it gets its utility. For that he has to spend it. Take for example the Chittirai festival. It is customary to buy new clothes to celebrate that festival. For that he has to buy clothes for his entire family and other members in his household. If some relatives come from outside for that festival, he must buy new clothes for them also. When there are additional guests at home, he has to ensure all his guests are well fed. Suppose he spends that thousand coins for meeting all these expenses. To whom all that thousand coins get distributed?  It goes to the weavers, the tailors, the shop keepers, the farmers and others. Will they keep that locked up? No! They will also spend buying what they need from others. So the wealth keeps changing hands and in the process meets the needs of everyone. Though the wealthy person spends only a small part of his wealth, it reaches many people as chain. Our ancestors started these royal celebrations and temple festivals only to ensure that the wealth gets spent and circulated and reaches the have-nots. So the Dharmaneri does not debar celebration of festivals in the name of simplicity.

Learned man4

This is non-controversial explanation. It also gives us a new insight as to why the festivals are organized. We have been under the impression that it is only to continue a tradition set up by our ancestors all along! Now the rationale behind it is very clear! I feel that we must continue to celebrate all the festivals as before.

Assembly

We are also of the same opinion.

Brahmmarayar

Next is closing down of all charities. The Charities run by the Royal government includes the following. Running schools, providing free food to needy, providing aid to aged and invalids, conducting marriages for the poor are included in this. The learned people here may please indicate as to what are the items to be done away with among these.   We can then discuss and come to a decision.

Learned man 1

Alas! We hastily concurred to do away with all he charities without going into details. None of these Royal charities can ever be stopped.

Mannar

The assembly rejects all the proposals put forward by the Chief Minister.

Sargunan (with a grimace)

As it is decided not to curtail any expenditure, let Brahmmarayar himself tell us how to increase our revenue also!

Brahmmarayar gets up calmly.  The assembly is curious to hear what he is going to propose.

Brahmmarayar

We have to see from where all we can get revenue during this time of drought. The first thing that comes to my mind is the Goddess of Ocean. The seas give us precious commodities in abundance. We must garner them for selling it to neighbouring kingdoms and also across the seas. In return we may get gold or other produce that we need in exchange. Secondly, though the rains have been scanty, the soil continues to be fertile. We must encourage the farmers to sow millets, corn and such other varieties which are draught resistant and which need   much less water. We can send these produce to the other places that need them and get rice paddy in exchange. We can utilize the surplus produce to pay to the labour force engaged in development of lakes, ponds and other constructive works for the kingdom. This way, we can meet the demand of food during the times of famine. What we need now is neither goods nor gold!   What we need is a firm and stubborn belief in ourselves!

Assembly (hailing his speech)

Aaha! Aaha!

Learned man 1

We have not heard such meaningful discourse till today! We have realised how the adage “Yatho Dharma Thatho Jayaha” of our elders is so true and apt! It is very fitting that Brahmmarayar is appointed as a minister by the king. If the administration of the kingdom is run under him as the Chief Minister, I have no doubt that our Pandiya Nadu will prosper manifold!

The assembly hails Brahmmarayar and the king looks at him beaming with pride. 

Due to the sustained efforts of Vaadavoorar, the kingdom recovers from the clutches of famine quickly and once again becomes prosperous. The people are leading a happy and contended life without facing any difficulties. The relationships with the neighbouring kingdoms also improve to a large extent.

    *******

On the day, Arimardhana Pandiyan completes five years of his reign; the royal assembly is convened to celebrate the occasion.

Rajaguru  

Mannar Manna! Today is a very important day! Five years have passed after you have taken over the reins of the kingdom. When you began your rule, the kingdom was afflicted with famine and poverty. Brahmmarayar took over as the Chief Minister and due to actions undertaken during that time under his guidance, we have become prosperous now. The lakes, ponds and other water bloodies are brimming with water. Our overseas trade has grown many folds. The pearls from our seas have a pride of place in the world market. Our trade has expanded manifold giving us precious wealth in return. It is all due to the relentless efforts of Brahmmarayar.  It is the most appropriate time to acknowledge his services to our kingdom and honour him. I pray that he be honoured with the title of “Thennavan” by the Mannar and called as “Thennava Brahmmarayan”!

The Mannar accedes to the request and people hail Thennava Brahmmarayar in chorus!

Vaadavoorar accompanies the king to the temple of Vedanathan where he explains the significance various Thirthams from Agastiyar Puranam.   All these years Vaadavoorar has been busy in the administration of the kingdom. After returning from the temple of Vedanathar, his mind is filled with thoughts of service to Easan. He also yearns to know the answers to the many conflicting questions pertaining to Aanma, Sivan and Seevan arising in his mind.  He wants to seek a Guru who can dispel his doubts. He is in deep thoughts as to where he can find a Guru.

At the same time…

In Kailayam….

Easan opens His eyes on completing His meditation and looks at Vaadavoorar in great compassion.

Easan  

You have started a search for a Gyana guru!  Vaadavoora!  The day for Our meeting to take place is not far!

He resumes His meditation!

  *******

The assembly of Arimardhana Pandiyan….

The chief of the Cavalry force, Arunodhayan comes and bows to the king and the ministers.

Sargunan

What is the matter? You have come to the assembly without any prior notice!

Arunodhayan

Yes! Firstly my salutations to the Mannar and the Amaichchars! In the last few days many of our horses have died. The remaining horses are old and they may also die very soon. The situation is such that we may have to face the prospect our entire lot of Cavalry forces getting wiped out. It is imminent that we buy horses to make our cavalry strong.

Sargunan (angrily)

How come all the horses have died in a short span of time?

Arunodhayan

It is a surprise to me also. I know that if a viral disease affects one horse, it will spread to others also very fast. But for the horses to die overnight is something very strange.   Normally, if we a horse gets afflicted by a disease, we will segregate it and keep it in quarantine to stop the spread of disease.  We could not save the horses even by doing this. It is even more amazing when the horses in   four different paddocks located in different locations also got afflicted and died more or less at the same time. In all about thirty thousand horses have died.

Mannar

Such a calamity has happened and why have you not informed us before?

Arunodhayan

I had to gather the report from all the four paddocks by visiting them personally and I have reached here directly after my visits.

Mannar

This is something very abnormal! Can it be the handiwork of our enemies?

Arunodhayan

Due to the political acumen of Brahmmarayar, we have no enemies. Moreover, it is not only our horses but also the horses owned by the people around all the four paddocks have also died. It must only be due to some contagious disease that has afflicted all the horses.

Mannar   

The situation is indeed very grim. How many horses we need to buy now?

Arunodhayan

We need sixty thousand horses.

The public in the assembly are aghast hearing the enormity of the situation. There is a lot of commotion. No one is able to hear what Sargunan is speaking

Sargunan (getting up quickly and addressing the people)

A very critical event is being discussed in the assembly. So do not indulge in cross talking and maintain quiet.

Sargunan (turning to the Cavalry Chief)

Chief! A few moments ago you said thirty thousand horses have died.  How you are asking for sixty thousand horses now?

Sargunan

You are well aware of everything! Our cavalry was superior to all others both in numbers and in warfare.  We had sixty thousand horses before the attack of famine. We had to economise on our expenses to tide over that period.  In the past years we have more or less stopped procurement of horses to replace those which have died or became infirm. During that time, they were also not fed fully and utilised as draught animals. Their numbers came to half   their original count.

Sargunan (to himself seething with anger)

Are you hinting that as a Minister, I should be aware of these facts? I will not spare you easily!

Mannar

Chief! To procure and bring sixty thousand horses is an immense task. Secondly, how can we ensure that they do not get afflicted by disease?

Arunodhayan

The  best horses are from Persia. They are called Panchakalyani horses. They are sturdy and very fast. They are afflicted by diseases easily and have long disease free life. They are hailed as the most superior variety.  I have heard that thousands of them are arriving in our eastern coast from Persia through ships.  If we have those horses, our enemies will be scared of our Cavalry force as no one can overcome us. I await the concurrence of the Mannar.

Mannar

I am aware that the horses from Persia are superior. If they are with us, it will be great. Brahmmarayare! What is your opinion?

Sargunan is unhappy that the Mannar seeks the opinion of Brahmmarayar when he is present and it shows in his face!

Vaadavoorar

The might of a kingdom depends on the might of its forces. The chariot forces, the elephant forces, the cavalry and the foot soldiers are the four divisions. It is very difficult to defeat any kingdom which has superior cavalry. The might of our kingdom is the sum total of all the four divisions of the forces. Our kingdom extends far and wide reaching up to the southern tip. We definitely need a strong cavalry. Only the Mannar can decide whether we need sixty thousand horses or less for that!

Vaadavoorar takes his seat.

Mannar

It is impossible for us to go to Persia to buy the horses. They are arriving in our eastern coast which is easily reachable from here. It is therefore prudent that we do not lose this opportunity to buy them when they are available more or less at our door step.  How many gold coins we will need to buy sixty thousand Persian horses/

Vaadavoorar (getting up)

Each horse will cost at least ten thousand coins. We need sixty crores of coins to buy sixty thousand horses. But if we are buying in bulk we may bargain for fifty crores of coins.

The whole assembly goes aghast once again hearing the enormity of the cost. Sargunan is equally stunned. Somehow he gets up and the assembly becomes quiet to hear him.

Sargunan

The kingdom has just recovered from the clutches of famine and steadily progressing towards prosperity. Is it necessary to spend so much of wealth for buying the horses now? Fifty crores of gold coins is an unimaginable amount! It is even doubtful whether our treasury  is holding such an amount! I feel that it is not proper to waste the wealth acquired by taxing our people for this purpose. I hope the people will also agree to my opinion.

The people in the Assembly

We endorse the views of Amaichchar Sargunan. Let our tax money not be used for buying the horse.

Arunodhayan is peeved hearing this.

Mannar

We must buy the horses. At the same time we should not touch the amount collected through tax from the people. There is only one solution for this. There is considerable amount of wealth saved and kept by our ancestors by way gold, diamond and other gems. We must make use of the. Brahmmarayare! Amaichchare!  Let us go to our treasury and see what is available there immediately.

The assembly concludes and is dissolved.

     *******

As they reach the treasury, the treasury keeper rushes to receive them. The Mannar looks at the heaps of items kept in jars. He asks the keeper to bring the ledger and examines it. The keeper explains the contents of each and the head of expenditure for which it is earmarked. The Mannar is disappointed that there is nothing in the treasury to spare for the purchase of horses.

Mannar (in anguish)

Seeing the financial status, it appears impossible to procure horses. Our ancestors have not left much wealth behind.

Sargunan is apparently happy while Vaadavoorar is looking askance elsewhere. He looks at the treasury keeper with some thought running in his mind.

Vaadavoorar (pointing to a wall at the far end)

Kappalare! What is behind that wall?

Kappalar

There is nothing behind it.  It is the boundary all of the treasury of that side.

Vaadavoorar

Are you sure?

Kappalar

Yes! I am here since my childhood! I am very sure that is the boundary wall of the treasury!

There is nothing behind it!

(In a tone as if asking how do you know since you have come here only today on a first visit?)

Vaadavoorar

I am here for the first time. But I observed the construction of this treasury as I walked in. If we see the length and breadth of the treasury, there has to be a room behind that wall1 I am certain about it.

The treasury keeper is spellbound.

Mannar

The calculation of Thennavar can never go wrong!

He calls for the guards and asks them to break that wall. The wall is broken and there a room engulfed in darkness. The torches are lit. Vaadavoorar enters first followed by the Mannar and Sargunan. They find sacks after sacks kept one over the other in the entire room touching the ceiling in neat row after row. As they open one of the sacks, they are blinded by the lights of the torches reflected by the gold dust in them.  The whole room glows in golden colour and all of them go speechless!

At the same time…

Easan is all smiles in Kailayam as He looks at Nandi who is standing there as Vaadavoorar.

Easan

Vaadavoora! These are the same golden dust which was taken from Kailayam by Durvasa Munivar with your permission and dropped in front of My temple at Aalavaai. It was Me who asked the Pandiyan King to keep them safely in the treasury and it would reach its assigned recipient in due course. It is again Me who cause it to be seen by you today. The time for our meeting is closing in, My disciple!

Vaadavoorar is startled. It appears that he heard someone speaking to him.

Vaadavoorar (to himself)

He said that the time for our meeting is approaching! “Our meeting” means what?   He hailed me as disciple!  Does it imply that he is my Gyana guru? 

Soon  he regains his composure …

Mannar

From observing the sacks, it appears that these have been stocked many hundreds of years ago. It appears that Easan has shown the way to procure the horses through Brahmmarayar!

Sargunare! I hope there will be no objection any more for procuring the horses. Get the goldsmiths and arrange to convert the golden dust into coins immediately. Let Brahmmarayar carry the gold coins and buy the Persian horses.

Vaadavoorar is still relishing the divine voice that he heard while Sargunan is flummoxed by the happenings.

After a few days, the Mannar is informed that the coins have been stamped out of the entire lot of gold dust and there are forty nine crores of coins all properly secured in sacks and Vaadavoorar is waiting for the orders of the king to proceed to buy the horses. The Mannar rushes and sends off the party made of a small force headed by Arunodhayan under Vaadavoorar. Vaadavoorar wishes to have the darisanam of Sundereswarar and goes to the Aalavaai temple. When he is standing there an Adiyavar comes out of the Sannadhi. The radiant face of the Adiyavar startles Vaadavoorar and he cups his raised palms above his head in great piety and bows to the Adiyavar. The Adiyavar gives Thiruneeru to Vaadavoorar which he receives and smears on his forehead.

Adiyavar

Let the gold coins obtained virtuously be utilised for the sake of Easan and His adiyavars alone!

He blesses Vaadavoorar who does not realise that it is Easan who has come in the garb of Adiyavar to bless him!

He comes out of the temple and climbs on his palanquin. The party starts on its way to the Eastern coast.  But it is heading south with Arunodhayan leading it without even realising it! All due to the grandiose plan of Easan!

    ******

All through their route, Vaadavoorar stops the convoy whenever he sees any temple of Easan. He resumes the journey only after praying to the Easan there and paying his regards to the adiyavars present. He is all the time thinking about the Sivanadiyar , he has met in the Aalavaai temple totally forgetting his task of buying horses for the kingdom.

Vaadavoorar (to himself)

I am unable to find answers for many questions troubling my mind. When ill I meet with my Gyana guru?

The convoy reaches Thirupperundurai. On the outskirts itself, Vaadavoorar hears a pleasant sound coming from the village. Hearing it Vaadavoorar goes into raptures and halts the palanquin. He climbs down and tries to find from where the sound is coming from intently. Seeing this Arunodhyan rushes to him.

Vaadavoorar

Thalapthiyare!  I am hearing a beautiful sound which is making me euphoric. I can make out that direction from where it is coming. Quickly go there and find out the details and let me know.

Arunodhayan hurries in the direction pointed by Vaadavoorar and returns after a  few minutes.

Arunodhayan

Amaichchar Perumane! There is a pond at a short distance from here. On its bank is a huge banyan tree spread very wide with hundreds of its aerial roots. Under that tree is seated a Sivanadiyar. In front of him a large number of adiyavars, probably about a thousand,  are seated. He has a palm leaf from which he reads aloud at the end of which the adiyavars chant “Hara Hara Mahadeva” in a loud chorus. What you have heard is that auspicious sound!

Hearing “Hara Hara Mahadeva” Vaadavoorar goes into raptures. He starts running in the direction of the banyan tree with his palms cupped and hands raised above his head and shouting “Hara Hara Mahadeva” as if possessed! Unable to stop the Amaichchar, Arunodhayan also follows him to the banyan tree.

Vaadavoorar is totally enthralled seeing the Sivanadiyar seated under the tree, sporting a Rudrakshamalai tied around his head as a crown and beads of Rudraksham dangling from his ears. His entire body is radiating a golden hue. He looks as if He is the very Easan Dakshinamoorthy personified! Vaadavoorar prostrates in front of him and gets up.

Vaadavoorar (overcome by emotion with tears flowing from his eyes)

Guru Mahane! Please accept this insignificant poor soul as your disciple to drive away my ignorance and to lead me to follow virtuous path!

Easan looks at Nandiyam Perumal who is standing in front of Him with tears in his eyes with great compassion. As Easan’s eyes fall on him, Vaadavoorar feels as if something is choking his throat and he goes into raptures.  He falls down and clutches the feet of Sivanadiyar. Easan  who is seated there as Gyanaguru touches him gently and Vaadavoorar feels as if  a  blaze  of wisdom has engulfed him. He gets up and bows to Sivanadiyar.

Gyanaguru (smiling)

I know who you are! But do you know Who I am?

Vaadavoorar

I am aware! You alone is my Gyanaguru! From now on, my entire thought will be towards your sacred feet only! Perumanare! I am curious to know about the contents of the palm leaf in your hand. What is about?

Gyanaguru

It is Sivagyanabodam!

Vaadavoorar

Peruman may kindly tell me about Sivagyanabodam.

Gyanaguru

The highest embodiment of Meipporul is Sivam..

To know that it is, is gyanam…

To comprehend it fully and follow it steadfast is bodam!

A thousand bells toll and Vaadavoorar stands there in raptures as if each and every atom of his body is touched by true wisdom.  He sings..

Vaadavoorar (sings0

“மின்னினும்நலமையில்லாவிழுப்பொருள்

யாவும்வேண்டேன்

உன்னடிஅடைந்துநாயேன், உறுபாவம்

ஒழித்தல்வேண்டும்

என்னைஇங்குஅடிமைகொள்வாய்

எம்உயிர்க்குஇறைவா!”

In this world everything is transient, though they glitter! I will not seek them. I must seek the sacred feet of Yours to get my sins destroyed. I am a like a mongrel.  Take me as Your slave here. Iraiva! My life is Yours!

Singing this, he faints and falls down. The other Adiyavars get up alarmed.

One of the adiyavars (looking at Gyanaguru)

Gyana Guruve! We are nine hundred and ninety nine. If You include him as an adiyavar, we will total up to a thousand. Please give him Deekshai on an auspicious day. This is our earnest prayer.

Gyanaguru

When there is blessings of Easan, all times are auspicious times! Neither the stars nor the planets can affect anyone who has the grace of Easan. I will take him as my disciple today and now itself!

He looks at Vaadavoorar from his head to toe and Vaadavoorar attains “Nayana Deekshai” which is the rarest of rare gifts! Brahma recites the Vedas while Annai Sarasvati plays on the Veena. The inner wisdom of Vaadavoorar erupts as he opens his eyes. He sees Easan, Namachchivaayan   seated under the banyan tree radiating the brilliance o a million suns. He runs and touches the sacred feet of Easan and places them on his head like a crown! Vaadavoorar gains the grace of Easan and attains liberation from worldly attachments! Losing himself in ecstasy, he again regains consciousness by the grace of Easan. Seeing Easan Dakshinamoorthy seated under the banyan tree, songs flow from him. Losing himself, he runs here and there to bring flowers to offer to Easan. Gyanaguru calls him near to impart Mantropadesam. Vaadavoorar knells with his hand folded and mouth covered. Gyanaguru murmurs the mantras in his ear while Vaadavoorar hears it with his eyes closed.

Gyanaguru

You have come to Me to understand about (Iraivan) Irainilay, (the living) Vuyirnilay and (the world) Ulaganilay. 

Irainilay is Pathi.  Vuyirnilay is Pasu. Ulaganilay is Paasam. Iraivan becomes Pasupathi when Pasu relinquishes Paasam and unites with Pathi! He has the form of Lingam!

He tells him the great postulates given in Vedas and their inner significance. In the end he says that many of the things have to be experienced as they are not amenable for deliberations. Observing (reticence) Mounam will make one to understand even things which are unclear! The teachings of Gyanaguru get deeply imprinted in the mind of Vaadavoorar.

Vaadavoorar (sings in a baritone voice)

நமச்சிவாயாவாழ்க! நாதன்தாள்வாழ்க!

இமைப்பொழுதும்என்நெஞ்சில்நீங்காதான்தாள்வாழ்க!

கோகழிஆண்டகுருமணிதன்தாள்வாழ்க!

Hail to Easan Namasivayan! Hail to His sacred feet!

Hail to Him whose sacred feet do not leave my heart even for the time of a wink!

As he continues singing in praise of Easan , his compositions are coming out as gems from his mouth.

Easan 

Dear! I am greatly delighted by your songs. Every word of yours glitters like a gem. Let your name therefore be “Manikkavachgam” (whose speechis gemlike). Your name will remain as long as this earth remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well!

As He blesses his adiyavar, the heavens open up with a shower of flowers. The assembled adiyavars chant “Hara Harahara” .

Days pass by …

Arunodhayan is waiting with his troops on the boundary of the village for Brahmmarayar to return

    ******

 Thirupperundurai ….

Manikkavachakar is totally immersed in the Sivagyanabodam.  With his head fully shaven, sporting Thiruneeru  covering his entire forehead, wearing Rudraksham on his head, around his neck and wrists he is all the time immersed in the thought of Easan. He constructs a temple for Easan in that village with the gold coins he has brought along. He establishes a chatram to feed the poor and hungry and does service for adiyavars who arrive there. Spending his time in singing devotional songs, he has totally forgotten the task for which he has left Aalavaai!  Not knowing what to do with the minister Arunodhayan is perplexed.

Arunodhayan (to himself)

The one, who is hailed as Thennava Brahmmarayar by the king and the people,has forgotten his duty.

Abandoning his role as a minister for the king, he has embraced saintly hood! He is also frittering away the gold coins for temples, chatram and other things. He is now constructing roads and ponds and spending the gold coins for them. If this continues there will be nothing left for buying horses.   I must immediately inform the Mannar.

He rushes to Madurai.

   ****

Madurai…

Arimardhana Pandiyan is seated in his throne… The Chief Minister Sargunan hurries up to meet the Mannar on hearing that Arunodhayan has reached there. Mannar sees Arunodhayan looking worried. Seeing Sargunan, Arunodhayan bows to him. The Mannar asks them to take their seats.

Mannar

What is the news, Chief? How is the work for which you have gone is  progressing?   Hs Brahmmarayar has given any message to me?

Arunodhayan (hesitatingly)

We reached a place called Thirupperundurai on our way. On seeing an Adiyavar there, he has started behaving like one who is possessed.  He has taken him as his Gyanaguru and has started spending the gold coins meant for buying horses in building temples, chatram, ponds and roads. He has no intent to purchase the horses .He has totally forgotten about himself and also about us. Discarding the dress of Amaichchar, he has taken the form of mendicant wearing only a loin cloth and smearing ash all over his body. He looks as if he is in a trance.  I got deeply perturbed as I could not leave him without his orders and at the same time not inform you of the happenings.  I have come here without seeking his permission as I fear that any further delay will result in exhausting the entire amount of gold coins on these wasteful expenditures.

Mannar may kindly take action on this regard.

The information from Arunodhayan gives a shck to the Mannar but Sargunan seems mighty pleased!

Sargunan (angrily)

In the guise of buying horses, he has left here but instead of going east, he has gone south and like a spendthrift he has fritted away the wealth meant for buying horses for the forces. If he is arrested and brought here, we will come to know the whole truth.

Without responding to his outburst, the Mannar keeps thinking for a few minutes.

Mannar

 I am not able to accept that Brahmmarayar will do such things which seems improper to him. At the same time, I cannot disbelief what the Thalapathiyar is saying. Let us send a summon  to Brahmmarayar to report here. After enquiry, we will take suitable action as necessary.

He gives a Royal Notice for handing over Brahmmarayar and Arunodhayan takes it with him with a heavy heart. He reaches Thirupperundurai and hands over the same to Manikkavachakar.

Manikkavachakar (not recognizing Arunodhayan)

Who are you? Why are you handing over this leaf to me?

Arunodhayan (feeling sorry that he is not even recognised)

The Mannar of Madurai has sent a note to you. Please read it and take action accordingly.

Manikkavachakar

I will not like to read any note if not sent by Easan! So, you please read it to me.

Arunodhayan (reads aloud)

“For the eyes of Amaichchar Thennavan Brahmmarayan,

You have taken to wearing a loin cloth instead of buying horses with the wealth that has been given to you and taken to fritting away the wealth,

You have displayed your audacity to disobey the orders of the king,

If you do realise that to disobey the orders of the king is like living with the company of king cobra,

Reach here henceforth on seeing this order.

This is given under the seal of Maran, the King!”

Manikkavachakar

By saying ‘disobey’, this note implies that I am a servitor of Mannar! I am slave of Easan alone! Even the Yamadhoothas will be scared to bring the notice of Yaman to those who have attained the sacred feet of Easan! Why this king is unaware that Adiyavars are not afraid of anything?   I am accused of wearing loin cloth instead of buying horses!

He then looks at himself and the Chief Arunodhayan who is standing in front. Only now, he recollects his journey to buy horses for the king.

Manikkavachakar (looking at Arunodhayan)

Is that you, Thalapathiyar Arunodhayan?

Finding that the Amaichchar has regained his memory, he runs and falls on his feet.

Arunodhayan (overcome with emotion and anxiety)

Brahmmarayare! I am very happy that you have regained your memory. At the same time I am sacred of the present situation. The king has expressed his anger that to disobey him will invite danger for your life. He has ordered you to return forthwith. What are you going to do now?

Manikkavachakar looks for his Gyanaguru and reaches the banyan tree where he is seated with his eyes closed. The adiyavars are also seated in front with their eyes closed. Manikkavachakar rushes and catches the feet of Gyanaguru who opens his eyes.

Manikkavachakar ( with tears in his eyes)

I have come with bags of gold coins for buying horses on the orders of the king. Either I must return with the horses or I the gold that I carried here. I am unable to do either of them. What must I do now? Gyana Guruve! Only you can show me the way! 

Easan, who has come to enact one of His glorious plays, looks at Manikkavachakar with great love.he then looks at Arunodhayan.

Gyanaguru

Thalapathiyare! There in the pond there are plenty of smooth pebbles lying there. Please bring one of them.

Arunodhayan runs there and picks up a huge pebble filling both his palms. He hands it over to Iraivan in the garb of Gyanaguru!

Gyanaguru

Manikkavachaka! Get up. Change over your dress of a minister and discarding the loin cloth. Go to the king as Amaichchar Brahmmarayar. Give this as My gift to the Mannar.

Manikkavachakar receives the pebble handed over by Arunodhayan from Gyanaguru in great piety.

Gyanaguru

Tell the king that on the Pournami (full moon day) of Aavani month, the horses from Persia will arrive and tell him to make the stables ready in time to house them.

Gyanaguru blesses him. Manikkavachakar in the palanquin as Amaichchar and Arunodhayan on horseback start their journey back to Madurai with their retinue.

   *****

Madurai…

The arrival of Thennava Brahmmarayar is announced and the Mannar rushes to receive his Amaichchar. Manikkavachakar takes out the pebble he has tied to his waist and hands it over to the king. It has turned into a radiant ruby shining like lightening flash! The Mannar is amazed by the size of the precious gem in his hands.

Mannar

Aaha! What a huge gem this is? I have never seen one of such size and radiance! The value of this will be many times more than the value of the gold you have taken along. Who has given you tis?

Manikkavachakar 

 It is the same one, who also said that the Persian horses will arrive here on the day of Pournami in the month of Aavani. He is the one who also told to create proper stables for housing them.

Mannar

Brahmmarayare! I know that you will be true to your word. I have sent you a harshly worded summon based on the wrong information given to me about you. Let the horses come when they are due. You go to Vaadavoor and take rest till they arrive.

Manikkavachakar leaves for Thiruvaadavoor.

After he leaves, the Mannar speaks to Sargunan

Mannar

Sargunare!  I feel sorry that I doubted Brahmmarayar in haste and sent him a summon. He has not only given the information that the horses are arriving on the Aavani Pournami but also has given this invaluable ruby. I am thrilled by his loyalty. Prepare the stables and get them ready to house the horses.

As the Mannar leaves after giving this order, Sargunan looks at him flummoxed!

   *****

A few days before the Pournami of Aavani….

In the mansion of Sargunan …

Sargunan (to himself)

My mind is not at peace ever since Brahmmarayan has returned. Why it is disturbed, I am unable to understand! There is a lot of difference in what Arunodhayan has narrated and what Brahmmarayan has told us. I wonder why the Mannar has not noticed it. That huge stone of gem has fascinated him to divert his attention. Is that invaluable stone really given by the horse trader? How can give such an invaluable stone and sixty thousand horses in exchange for the gold coins taken from here? The value of that gem stone itself is far higher than the coins we have sent! How any sensible trader will be prepared to sell sixty thousand horses and also this gem stone? It all appears to be big hoax! I cannot depend on Arunodhayan to know the facts as he is close to Brahmmarayan. Let me send soldier who went along with them. He calls for a soldier who has been there at Thirupperundurai and a soldier by name Sivanandi is brought before him.

Sargunan

Tell me whatever you saw at Thirupperundurai truthfully.

Sivanandi  

After we reached Thirupperundurai, Amaichchar Peruman saw a great saint sitting under a tree on the banks of a pond. He lost his senses on seeing him. Discarding the clothes of minister, he started wearing a loin cloth like a tramp. He spent all the gold coins for works connected to Easan. He regained his senses only on getting the summon of the Mannar. He wore his original clothes of Amaichchar and came here.

 Sargunan

While he was in Thirupperundurai, did he go to see any horses? Did any trader of horses come to meet him?

Sivanandi

I do not think that any such thing happened as the Amaichchar was out of his mind! May be he met someone. But I am not aware of it.

Sargunan dismisses him and rushes to Mannar. He informs what he has heard from Sivanandi.

Mannar

I do believe that Brahmmarayar is not a liar. Still, a doubt has risen! We can sendan agent to Thirupperundurai to obtain the facts. Let this remain confidential with us. If what Brahmmarayar has said turns out to be true, he will be upset that we suspected him.

Sargunan (not showing his glee)

I will send someone immediately. We will know whether the horses will reach here in a couple of days.

Mannar is deeply concerned.

   *****

Just two days prior to Pournami of Aavani…

The agent sent by Sargunan returns and presented before the Mannar by Sargunan.

Sargunan

Tell us what information you have gathered at Thirupperundurai.

Agent

Thennava Brahmmarayar became a Sivanadiyar and spent the entire lot of gold coins taken from here in construction of Aavudayar temple, ponds, chatram, roads and other charities there. He has not met any trader from Persia there and no horses have arrived in the eastern coast.  There is no semblance to believe that there will be sixty thousand horses around Thirupperundurai or elsewhere!

Mannar is furious.

Sargunan

It is now proved beyond doubt that whatever lies Brahmmarayar has said is to save himself. Mannar alone may decide what is to be done further!

Mannar (in fit of rage)

 I order to send our prison guards to Thiruvaadavoor immediately and recover the forty nine thousand gold coins from him by whatever means they can employ.

Sargunan leaves highly elated by the turn of events.

The prison guards reach the mansion of Manikkavachakar at Thiruvaadavoor and see him seated sporting Thiruneeru and wearing only a loin cloth. He is informed of the orders of the Mannar.  Manikkavachakar does not reply and with his eyes closed keeps mum. The guards tie his hands in chains and put him in prison. Next morning, they take him out of the prison cell and make him stand in the sun.  As the day progresses, the tender feet of adiyavar get burnt by the hot sun. Songs emanate from him pleading Easan to save him from agony.

Manikkavachakar

”ஒன்றும்போதாநாயேனை

உய்யக்கொண்டநின்கருணை

இன்றேஇன்றிபோய்த்தோ!”

Has Your compassion disappeared to save this worthless soul today?

You are Omnipresent!

There is none else to support me except You!

So, if You do not sustain me, to whom shall I complain?

Only You can take me in Your fold as I cannot live here any longer!

I have no refuge barring Your sacred feet!

You have taken me under Your care on your own!

With You alone I can squabble!

With You alone I can be joyful!
To You alone, I can convey my problems!

I will not live in this world as I am miserable!

I will not also live without Your company!

I have surrendered all my five senses to You!

I will not live on this earth any longer!

Paranasal ! (He who destroys one’s sins)

I will not latch on to anything except Your sacred feet!

I will not praise anyone other than You!

There is no one I can call for help!

Please bless Me to come to You!

I surrender unto You and seek refuge in You!

Kindly  show me mercy!

Songs come from him one after another ina torrent. Hearing his songs of melancholy, Easan taps His feet and His anklets in rhythm.  Easan’s tears on seeing the misery of Manikkavachakar turn into Rudrakshams. Iraivan calls Sivaganas. They turn to horsemen. He looks at the wild foxes in the forest and they all turn into handsome horses. Iraivan starts off with them and reaches Thiruvaadavoor on His way to Madurai. He taps feet so that His anklets make tinkling sound to be heard by Manikkavachakar who is standing in the hot sun in great agony. That sound dispels the agony of adiyavar. The dust erupted by the hooves of the sixty thousand horses covers the sky as the people are thrilled by the graceful sight of Easan leading them. The news of the imminent arrival of the horses reaches the palace. The Mannar, Arunodhayan and Sargunan come rushing.

Arunodhayan

Mannar Manna! What Brahmmarayar said are not lies. The Persian horses are coming here through Vaadavoor. There is a sea of horses. One cannot make out where they start and where they end! I have arranged for new stables to keep them and sent orders to keep them ready. I have also made arrangements for a stage decorated with pearls for the Mannar and Amaichchars s to be seated.

I am waiting for any further orders from the Mannar in this regard.

Mannar 

Sargunare! See! The information given by the agents we sent are lies. What my Thennava Brahmmarayar has said is true! As per his word, the horses have started arriving today which is the day of full moon of Aavani! He should suffer no more in the hands of our prison guards. Send our people immediately to Vaadavoor and arrange to bring him here with royal honours.

Sargunan rushes to send the party deeply demoralized by the turn of events!

    *****

Madurai..

Sokkanathar temple…

Manikkavachakar arrives in his palanquin wearing new clothes befitting an Amaichchar. He goes to sannadhi and prays to Easan. As he is coming out of the temple, he sees a Panchakalyani horse standing. Seated on its back is Iraivan with a smiling face, wearing colourful clothes with a whip in his hand.  He raises his cupped hands above his head in great piety.

Manikkavachakar (in ecstasy)

Iraivane! By sounding Your anklets as assurance of giving me refuge, have You  come here with countless horses  to save this poor soul ?

Easan

Manikkavachaka! Come1 let us go…

Manikkavachakar mounts his palanquin and with Iraivan on horseback they proceed to the arena where the sale of horses is to be concluded.  The Devas from the heavens also assemble there to see the gorgeous sight of Easan, the Supreme Commander of the entire universe, decked up and riding the horse in the streets of Madurai!

Seeing the Horse Trader and Manikkavachakar arriving at the arena, the Mannar stands up to receive them. Mannar tries to cover the foreign trader with a silken shawl as a mark of goodwill. Iraivan stops him and lifts that with his whip. The Mannar and everyone assembled are shocked by this impertinence.

Manikkavachakar (quickly to save the face of the king)

Mannar Manna.. He is from a foreign land. He is not aware of our customs and traditions. So take it that he accepted your gift as their custom. So do not mind his behaviour and let us inmspect the horses he has brought.

Mannar resumes his seat.

Easan

The horses I have brought are all of the Panchakalyani variety. If you have experts who can examine the features of the horses, let them inspect each one of them and accept them. If I hand over the rein of the horse, the deal will be considered closed. I have to return quickly.

Mannar looks at Arunodhayan, the Chief of Cavalry forces.

Arunodhayan

The horses are all of superior quality. Still our experts are examining each one of them and then only they are taken to our stables.

Mannar is happy to learn this and he looks at Manikkavachakar.

Mannar

Brahmmarayare! Ask the trader to explain and demonstrate the various aspects for their upkeep and riding.

Manikkavachakar is embarrassed as to how he can ask Iraivan to explain these things; Easan comes near them to his rescue and laughs aloud.

Iraivan

All these horses are of the most superior variety. Look at them closely. They have long and sturdy shoulders. The legs are lean but of very strong bones. Their body is long. The rear legs are bent so that they can gallop quickly. If they are properly groomed and fed, they live for long years giving excellent service. Now I will show you how to ride them.

Iraivan rides the horse around the ground in various ways and styles fascinating all the assembled public.

Mannar

Brahmmarayare! The entire lot gold coins you had taken is not enough to buy even this one horse.

Sargunan is quiet though burning with jealousy as the Mannar praises Brahmmarayar.

Horse trader

My responsibility is over now. From now onwards, all these horses are under your charge. 

He hands over the rein as a token that the deal is concluded. He trots on his horse towards the temple of Sokkanathar followed by Manikkavachakar in his palanquin. As they reach entrance of the temple, Easan laughs and shakes his anklet for only the Manikkavachakar to hear their tinkle and disappears inside without anyone noticing it.

   ******

In the mansion of Manikkavachakar….

It is night time

Manikkavachakar is seated meditating not inclining to sleep.

Manikkavachakar

How can I praise the compassion of Iraivan! He wanted me to spend all the wealth that I carried for the works connected to Easan. When I was scared on receiving the royal summon, he assuaged my fears. When I was tortured by the Mannar thinking that the horses would not come, he tapped His anklets to pacify me. He has brought the horses true to His words on the Pournami of Aavani. I have no anxiety now! How compassionate He is!

He goes into deep meditation losing himself totally.  Time passes and it is almost midnight. The full moon is spreading its silvery light all through the town. There is a tremendous howling coming from the stables where the Persian horses are kept in waves after waves. The entire city wakes up that horrible noise and people rush out of their houses in mortal fear. There are wild foxes roaming the streets and howling eerily. The people also start whooping out of fear. The Mannar wakes up by the terrible commotion.  Sargunan also wakes up. But Manikkavachakar is in deep meditation unaware of the happenings. Not a single Persian horse stabled is to be seen anywhere and instead only the foxes. In the moonlight, people see the vicious looking foxes howling and fighting with each other and also biting the other horses.   There is blood spilled everywhere. While a few try to drive away the foxes, many hide inside their bolted houses out of fear.  Before the people realise what is happening, all the Persian horses turn into foxes and disappear into the forest after creating chaos. When it is dawn, the people rush to the palace and create a great commotion. The Mannar is sitting in a shock. Sargunan, Arunodhayan and others are standing in front of him with consternation writ in their faces.

Sargunan

Mannar Perumane! There is a large crowd of people in front of the palace.

Mannar

You tell me what they want to convey!

Sargunan
They are questioning as to why this calamity has happened! Is it because of the unjust rule of the king? Or is it due to our bad deeds? Has someone committed any unpardonable sin? Mannar The foxes were howling through the entire city. Why was it? Arunodhayan
All the Persian horses we purchased have turned to foxes and escaped from the stables. They have disappeared into the forest. They also killed the horses of the palace and ran amuck in the city streets scaring the people. The people got sacred and they also shouted out of fear.  It is revealed from my enquiry that the foxes have not harmed any of the people. Sargunan

Mannar Manna! I am anguished even to tell you what I have seen.  The horses that have come are actually foxes. Foxes live in forest. Brahmmarayan has tricked us by giving these wild foxes as horses to us. He has brought along some unknown fellow as the trader of the horse and has fooled us. No one knows where he and all the horsemen who have brought the horses have disappeared without a trace! The foxes have inflicted untold misery on the people. It is all due to Brahmmarayan alone!

Unable to bear the fact that he has incurred a great loss of face…

Mannar (angrily)

Where is Brahmmarayan?

The guards bring Brahmmarayar to the king. Unaware of the happenings of the previous night, Brahmmarayar comes in front of him with a smiling face which makes the king even more furious.

Mannar 

Vaadavoora! You cheat! Cut out your smile!   I have given you a boundless wealth to buy horses. You fritted away that entire elsewhere and brought foxes and made them as horses by some magic. You have made me and the people of the city to look like fools. I do not want to see your face any more.

He calls for the prison guards, who come running.

Mannar (to the guards)

Bind this scoundrel in iron chains and roll him in the scorching sands of the Vaigai River. Torture him, till he returns all our wealth.

The guards bind his hands with chains in his back and bundle him to the river and roll him in the hot sands of Vaigai.

Adigalar (unable to bear the scorching heat)

சீருருவாயசிவபெருமானே!

செங்கமலமலர்போலும்

ஆருருஆயஎன்ஆரமுதே!

உரியேன்அல்லேன்உனக்கடிமை!

உனைப்பிரிந்திங்குஒருபொழுதும்

தரியேன்!நாயேன்இன்னதெள்று

அறியேன்!சங்கரா! கருணையினால்

பெரியோன்ஒருவன்கண்டுகொள்என்றுன்

பெய்கழல்அடிகாட்டிப்

பிரியேன்என்றருளியஅருளும்

பொய்யோ!எங்கள்பெருமானே!

Siva Perumane! Your body is flushed like a red lotus! Iraiva!

I may be ineligible to be become even a slave to You!

But I can never live even for a second separated from You!

I cannot even comprehend the reason for this!

One Great soul shoed me His sacred feet!

Will His promise of never to leave me prove untrue?

As he contemplates on Easan, the sun reaches its zenith and the heat is unbearable. In great agony

Manikkavachakar lets out a cry, “Amma” unable to bear his suffering. Ganga Devi, seated on the matted hair on Easan’s head, climbs down in great fury and falls on Vaigai River. Mountainous waves rise in Vaigai with a thundering noise and the river is flooded as never before. The people who are standing on the banks run way in great fear that  they are going to be engulfed in the fury of the floods. The news reaches the palace.

Royal Messengers

Mannar Manna! Vaigai is flooded. Gauging the fury of the floods, it appears that it will enter the city and there is danger that the city may be submerged in the flood waters. You must take immediate action to save the city and the people.

 Flabbergasted by getting one bad news after another, the Mannar sits down deeply anguished.

The Rajaguru reaches there along with Arunodhayan. The Mannar receives him  with regards and gets him seated.

Mannar

Raja Guruve! You have come at the correct time. I am perturbed by the happenings. We have not defaulted in our puja to Easan Sokkanathar. We have not done any wrong to noble people in our kingdom! Why I am tested like this?

Rajaguru

I have come to know all the details of the events. Is it possible for a human to convert foxes into horses and horses into foxes? Why you people have not understood that this is nothing but a drama Easan has enacted for the sake of our Thennavar Brahmmarayar?  You asked the prison guards to recover the gold coins from him by torturing him if needed! Does that wealth accumulated by you? Even your ancestors were not aware of its existence.  It has not been seen or heard of for hundreds of years. Why it came to be discovered only by Brahmmarayar? It is the will of the Easan that the wealth must be sent only for purposes meant for Him! Still, He was gracious enough to give you a magnificent gem which is a hundred times more valuable than all the gold in your treasury through Adiyavar! Are you aware that magnificent gem is what has been picked by Arunodhayan from the pond as a normal pebble? Brahmmarayar has song many songs in praise of Easan .As a servitor of adiyavars, he has taken care of them. Captivated by his compositions, Easan has hailed him as “Manikkavachakar”.   You have no knowledge of his fame. You got him bounded in chains, treated him like a thief and made him suffer in the scorching sands of Vaigai. Unable to bear the torture the Adiyavar is put to, Ganga Devi has come to deluge Madurai to destroy it with great fury. Go now without wasting even a second to the Perumanar and fall on his feet and beg for his pardon. He alone will be able to pardon you and save the city from certain destruction. Hurry!

Mannar, Rajaguru, Sargunan and others reach Vaigai with their arms folded in supplication . Manikkavachakar is lifted upo and brought to the banks and the chains are removed.

Arimardhana Pandiyan

Vaadavoorare! I have realised your greatness before! By building temples, constructing lakes, ponds, chatrams and roads, you have made me realise that these the tasks that are to be done by me which I have failed to do. Hearing your appeal,  Easan Himself has set his foot on the soil of this city to make it sacred for generations to worship here! He transformed the foxes to horses to foxes only to demonstrate your eminence which I foolishly failed to recognise. I have committed a great sin by torturing you by throwing you in the hot sands of Vaigai. Ganga Devi has descended on Vaigai in great fury to retaliate for the agony you have been put to. You alone can subdue the floods and save the people and the city from deluge. Please save us.

Manikkavachakar mediates on Easan who has come to earth on horseback to save His adiyavar. At that very moment, the fury of the flood reduces a bit. Still, that the only recourse to prevent the flood waters from entering the city is to raise its banks ..

Manikkavachakar (in his erstwhile role of a minister)

From each household, let one man come and raise the bank at the allotted area by tomorrow evening. The floods will be contained and the water will not enter the city.

The Mannar proclaims the order accordingly. It is announced throughout the city by the town criers that every hold must detail one person who will raise the bank of Vaigai with earth and plug any breaches at the earmarked area to prevent flood waters entering the city by the next evening and defaulters will be punished according to royal orders.  These orders spread like wild fire and from each household one person with shovel and basket rush to the river bank to find their earmarked area. As they see the Vaigai flowing in great spates, they are sacred that it might breach the bank anywhere anytime. There throughout the night, the Mannar and Manikkavachakar direct the men o their appointed areas. Throughout night people are engaged in various activities to raise the banks, plug possible breach by reinforcing with tree branches and sand bags.  The fear of flooding is pervading throughout the night.

The next morning…

An eighty year old woman with a basket on her head is standing at the entranceof the Sokkanathar temple and keeps looking inside as if she is searching for someone.

Old woman (to herself)

Sokka! When will I have your darisanam?

At she starts to walk off a pair of royal guards stop her.

Guard 1

Hey! Grandma! Isn’t your name Vandhi?

Vandhi is perturbed why the palace guards are looking for her as she has not committed any crime.

Guard 2

 Don’t get worried! Aren’t you one who sells Pittu (a rice dish steamed in bamboo stem)?

Vandhi (still worried)

Yes!

Guard 1

Why have you not sent any one to Vaigai to work on your behalf for raising its bank as your share? Looking for you, we have come here.

Vandhi

I do not understand what you are talking about.

Guard 2

The orders of the Mannar were announced yesterday through town criers throughout the city . Aren’t you aware of it?

Vandhi

I lost my hearing and eyesight considerably a long time ago. What are the orders of the Mannar?

The guard explains about the floods and the orders. When Vandhi says that she is too old to do any work and she has no one else at home, the guard says that she has to employ someone to do the work in the allotted area as her share. The guard also says that any one fails to complete his work by the evening will be given a thousand lashes as punishment. Feeling pity on her, the guard says that they will inform that she are hiring someone to do the job but asks her to find someone quickly.

Vandhi (to herself)

Who can I get at this time? Sokkanatha! Only You can come to my rescue!

She puts her basket down and sings towards the sannadhi of Easan

Vandhi

I have neither mother nor father!

There is none for me in this world!

 My troubles are very severe!

 If You do not come to my rescue and save me,

 I have no other option but to give up my life!

Aalavaai Azhaga!  Come and take me with You!

As she prays to Easan earnestly with her eyes closed, she feels someone is calling her “Patti”!

As she opens her eyes, he sees a smiling youth standing with a spade on his shoulder and a basket on his head.

Youth

Patti! Is there anyone who can hire me for wages?

Vandhi

Aaha! It appears that Easan Sokkan himself has come here hearing my plea as you! Will you work for me? I will give you cooli!

Youth (laughing)

I have come here seeking work! What cooli you will give me?

Vandhi

I will give whatever others give!

Hearing this Sokkanathar again laughs aloud.

Vandhi

Why are you laughing? Don’t you believe me? I sell Pittu. I cannot give you cooli right now but after I sell the Pittu by evening and I will pay your coolie out of that. Please believe my words.

Youth

Normally, I will start my work without getting an advance. But you look pitiable. As adavance, please give me some Pittu. I will put it in my mouth and start the work. By the way, you have not told me what the job is and where I have to work?

Vandhi 

Wait! If I give you the Pittu, what will be left to sell?

Youth

I am not asking for the whole of it. Whatever has fallen out is enough for me. You can reduce vits cost from my cooli. I am hungry and unless I am full how can I work vigorously?

Vandhi

Look! There is flood in Vaigai. Every household is required to raise the bank at appointed place. You came when I was looking for someone to work on my behalf. You look carefree and casual ! Will you work properly?

Youth 

You doubt me from the very start! Look for someone else then!       

Vandhi (troubled)

Please! Please! Don’t go away! You are like my grandson! I will not tell anything anymore. Please complete my share of work. You said that you were hungry. Put my basket down. I will give you all the fallen off Pittu to you. But you must start soon after eating it. I will come with you and introduce you to the palace guards that you are working on my behalf. Then I will come back to sell the Pittu. After completing the work, come to this same place to get your cooli.  First give your hand and bring the basket down from my head!

Iraivan lifts the basket from her head and puts down. Vandhi opens the cloth cover and lets out a surprised yell.

Vandhi

What is this surprise? The Pittu I cook would never crumble and fall. But today they have crumbled and fallen!

Youth  

Well! Whatever has been agreed is to be honoured! All that has crumbles and fallen are mine.

He spreads out his towel and Vandhi half-heartedly puts all the crumbled Pittu in it. That itself becomes a fairly large bundle. He takes a handful and puts it in his mouth.

Iraivan

Aaha! Nothing can equal the taste of this Pittu! Let Me have some more. He eats almost a quarter of the bundle then itself!

Vandhi

You have eaten enough. Let us hurry. Otherwise, the palace guards will get angry that no one has come to work for me.

Both of them reach the bank of Vaigai and she introduces the youth to the palace accountants.  They mark his attendance and show him the area where he has to work to raise the bank.  Vandhi sits under a tree to take a little rest and the youth also does so.

Vandhi

Why are you sitting? Start the work.

Youth

Having walked all the way here, I am again hungry. Let me eat a little Pittu.

He opens his cloth murmuring some song happily and eats a handful of Pittu praising its taste.

Vandhi (frustrated) 

Look around. The portions allotted to all others are more or complete. Only what is to be done by me is not even started yet. Now please start your work quickly. Pick up the mud in the basket and start filling up the area. Aren’t you are my darling!

He deliberately fills up a lot of mud and acts as if he is not able to hold the load and staggers. Vandhi is alarmed that he may fall down and cautions him to carry only a small amount lest he loses balance and falls down. On hearing this, he throws the mud down. Picking up the mud both his hands, he runs to the portion allotted to Vandhi but throws the mud in the adjacent portion. People around are laughing by this comic interlude. Vandhi gets even more frustrated as the youth says that he is again hungry. Assuring Vandhi that he will complete his work, he asks her to go away so that she can sell the Pittu and pay him his cooli!

As Vandhi leaves, Iraivan looks at her compassionately! After she goes out of sight, he again runs to the tree and opening his cloth, eats a mouthful of Pittu relishing its taste. The others are diligently doing their work to meet their target in time. He puts a little bit of Pittu into the mouth of all others who are carrying headloads of earth.   Seeing an elderly man struggling to carry his load, the youth rushes to his help and takes the basket from him. Holding the elderly man with his hand, he lets him sit down.  Then carrying the mud filled basket to the portion of the elderly man in a trot , he returns after emptying it there correctly.

Elderly Man

You ran to help me in time. From the bright face of yours, it appears as if Easan Sokkanathar Himself has come to help me! When you held me in your hands and made me sit, I felt totally refreshed and my tiredness vanished! Appane! Who are you?

The youth simply laughs without answering and again goes to the tree and sits there.  Suddenly, he opens his cloth and eats the remainder of Pittu and drinks water. Quickly filling the basket with mud with his shovel, he throws the shovel and lies down under the tree and sleeps. Time flies and all others are completing their work while the portion allotted to Vandhi remains as it is. Vandhi returns after selling the Pittu and looks around to locate the youth. She sees the youth fast asleep under the tree. At the same time, the king arrives there with his retinue to inspect the work. Finding a portion of the bank left unattended, he gets angry.

Mannar

Whose share is this?

Officer

It is of Vandhi standing there. That youth, whom she has employed for doing this work, is sleeping under the tree without a care.

Mannar gets furious and goes near the tree. Vandhi bows to the Mannar.

Mannar

Vandhiye!  Because your portion is not filled up, the flood waters will wash way the work of others also and the water will enter the city. Where is your man?

Vandhi points to the youth sleeping under the tree. The Mannar dismounts from the horse and goes near him. Taking a cane from a guard nearby, he whips it on the back of the sleeping youth with full force.

Instantly, everyone around including the king give an agonized cry as if they are hit by the cane. Even Vandhi let out a cry. The Mannar realises that his beating of the youth is felt by everyone. At the same time, the queen, the Amaichchars and everyone feel the beating and shout in agony.  The strike of the cane given by Arimardhana Pandiyan on the back of Iraivan is felt by everyone and every creature in all of the seven worlds of the universe. In Kailayam, Annai Parvati, Vinayagar, Murugan and all the Siva Ganas get the feel of the caning. So do Mahavishnu and Annai Mahalakshmi in Vaikuntam, Sri Brahma and Annai Sarasvati in Satyalokam. The Devas in Indiralokam, the Saptarishis, the Panchabhoothas, the Navagrahas all get the beating. Realising that it is the sacred play enacted by Easan, they all assemble on the banks of Vaigai.

At the same time, the youth who has been sound asleep, wakes up. Throwing the mud filled basket in the direction of Vandhi’s portion of the bank, he disappears in the sky. The mud from the basket not only fills up the entire portion allotted to Vandhi but also stands much higher than all others. Vandhi looks up the sky searching for the youth. A divine voice is heard from the sky.

The Divine Voice

Vandhi Ammaye! I am pleased by your coming to My temple every day to offer Pittu to Me and My adiyavars first in the morning before selling the balance to others.  Only to grant you Mukti, I came down to work for you in exchange for your Pittu! The Pittu you have given Me is sweeter than even Amritham! Your name will remain as long as this earth remains! Vandhi Ammai! You will merge unto Me!

Vandhi (crying ecstasy)

Sokkanatha! Is that You who have come to this earth to liberate this poor soul? 

With folded hands she merges unto Easan as a radiant Jyothi in the sky!

Arimardhana Pandiyan

Is this our Sokkanatha Peruman who enacted this act? Did I hit my Easan, the Akhilaloka Nayakan with the cane?

With a heavy heart and flowing tears he sings many songs regretting his acts

அடையாளம்படஒருவன்

அடித்தகொடும்சிலைத்தழும்பும்,

தொடையாகஒருதொண்டன்

தொடுத்துஎறிந்தகல்லும்போல்,

கடையோன்வெகுண்டுஅடித்த

கைப்பிரம்பும்,உலகம்எல்லாம்!

உடையோனே! பொறுத்ததோ?

உன்அருமைத்திருமேனி!

The One who owns the entire Universe! Did your immaculate body tolerate the beating by cane by this insignificant soul like it did before when an adiyavar hit You  to make a scar for identification and another one threw a brick at You  earlier?

 Even gods Mahavishnu and Brahma could not find Your beginning or end! You carried mud to grant Mukti to an adiyavar! You got beaten by the cane. So did I!  But does that make my body equal to Yours?

 Because of my ignorance, I despised the Anthanar and discarded him whom You have sent to this earth as a minister for me through whom I could attain glory while living and salvation after death!

He prays to Easan through many such songs to pardon his arrogant acts. A divine voice is heard from the sky.

The Divine Voice

Arimardhana Pandiya! Do not despair! Vaadavoorar is My adiyavar. To bring out his glory for the world to recognise and to demonstrate that I will rush to the aid of My adiyavar in distress I enacted the drams of transforming the foxes to horses and horses to foxes! To give salvation for Vandhi Ammai, I carried mud in exchange for Pittu. To illustrate that I am not different from any of Mycreations and I as Sivan reside in all Jeevans, I enacted the drama of getting caned! Release Vaadavoorar from his duties as minister and assist him in his acts of service to adiyavars. The world came to realise Me because of you and you will attain Sivagathi!

Manikkavachakar, who also got the cane strike, reaches there at that time. Mannar raises both his arms above his head respectfully and welcomes him. He goes to the place where Iraivan has filled mud and prostrates there. He sings many songs in praise of Easan and regrets that he could not see Iraivan in His form of a Youth working there. Arimardhana Pandiyan bows to him and tells him to

Relinquish the duties of minister and undertake service to Iraivan. Manikkavachakar declares that he will undertake yatra of all sacred temples. He reaches Thiruvaadavoor first. There he constructs a grand Mandapam to commemorate the event of Easan tapping his anklets as a mark of assurance that He is there for his help! The Mandapam becomes as famous as the Chariot of Thiruvaroor in grandeur!

    ******

Manikkavachakar returns to Thirupperunthurai after having darisanam of Easan Madurai. There his Gyanaguru is seated on the bank of the pond under the banyan tree. In front of him are his nine hundred ninety nine adiyavars. Manikkavachakar with his hand above his head and palms cupped rushes to the guru and falls on his feet. Catching his sacred feet he cries overcome with ecstasy. He praises Easan seated as Gyanaguru there and vows never to leave His presence! Easn looks at His adiyavar with great compassion.

Easan

Anbare! I have been waiting for you only! I have finished all My work for which I have come here! It is time to return to Kailayam! You stay here and do your assigned tasks.

Hearing that Easan is leaving them and returning to Kailayam, all the Adiyavars are in tears. They pray to Easan not to leave them! 

Easan

 Under the banyan tree raise a platform and erect My “Thiruppadams” (replica of sacred feet) and worship Them!  When the time comes, there will erupt from the waters of this pond a giant Jyothi and you will all merge unto Me at that time! Till such time, instruct Manikkavachakar on Sivagyanabodam!

All adiyavars are bow to Easan as He leaves. Manikkavachakar remains standing speechless.

Iraivan

Why are you looking shocked? The Jyothi will engulf them only! You will leave this town on that day and go to various towns and villages and compose and sings songs in the temples there.  When You reach Chidambaram you will attain Mukti!

Manikkavachakar

Gyana Guruve! You ordained that I will attain Mukti not here but in Chidambaram! Please tell me about the Chidambara Rahasiyam!

Easan!

Anbare!  I am the five elements and I have taken abode in five places, one for each of these five elements where I grant Mukti.  For the element Earth, it is Kanchi! For Water it is Amarnath! For Wind it is Kalahasti! For Fire It is Annamalai! For Aakasam it is Chidambaram! Where I have stamped My foot and standing in Chidambaram is the centre of this entire universe! That is where I dance eternally to make this universe to function. That is the place where Patanjali, Vyagrapathar, the three thousand Thillai Anthanars, the thirty crores of Devas, the eighty Munivars, the eight Vasus, Kinnar, Kimburuvar, Gandarvar, Yakshar, Rakshasar, Chityar, Vidyadarar and all pray to Me! It became Aakasam as it grants Mukti! The place where I stand dancing is Ambalam! The Aakasam is “Chit”!  Since Chit is the Ambalam it becomes Chitramabalam or Chidambaram! This is what Chidambara Rahasiyam is!

Easn disappears blessing Manikkavachakar!

   *****

Manikkavachakar establishes a Peetam for Thiruppadams of Easan. The adiyavars worship there and also impart Sivagyanabodam to Manikkavachakar as ordained by Easan.

It is the appointed day …

The Adiyavars, seated with their eyes closed, are in deep contemplation on Sivagyanabodam. A strange sound erupts from the pond in front.  They all rush there and see bubbles emerging from the otherwise calm surface of the water. Hearing a pleasing sound they start chanting “Hara Hara”. In a few moments a huge fire ball erupts from the water and becomes a great Jyothi touching the sky! Easn and Annai emerge from that radiant Jyothi! The adiyavars enter into the Jyothi chanting Panchaksharam and merge unto Easan one by one. The radiant Jyothi disappears into the pond! Manikkavachakar starts composing Thiruvachakam praising Easan for His compassion shown to the Adiyavars. He composes many songs on all the events connected with the adiyavars at Thirupperunthurai!  Overcome with emotion he swoons there. Iraivan cures him of his condition and takes him to Uttarakosamangai through air and makes him stand in the Sannadhi. He disappears into the lingam in the Sannadhi smiling at Manikkavachakar!

He composes many pathigams seeing in praise of Easan. From there he goes to Thiruvidaimaruthur and then to Thiruvarur. Composing many songs in each of the above temples, he reaches Seerkaazhi. He reaches Thiruvannamalai after visiting Thiruvaraththurai and Thruvennainallur. He composes and sings Thiruvembavai. He then reaches Kanchi and goes to Thirukkazhugukunram. Everywhere he composes pathigams and prabandams praising Easan residing there. He reaches Chidambaram after visiting many shrines in the North when he turns thirty two.  In Chidambaram, the Rajagopuram appears to him like a Lingam and he prostrates in front of it before entering the Ponnambalam.

He sings a pathigam “Adikkalappaththu” and stands there totally mesmerised without realising the passage of time. As the closing time of the temple approaches, the temple guards want to send him out.

Guard 1

Ayya! Adiyavare! It is now time to close the temple. Please go out!

Manikkavachakar keeps standing intently looking at Easan without giving any reply.

Guard 2

It appears that he is of unsound mind.  He has not understood your order.

Coming near and looking at his face, they are spellbound seeing the most radiant face in their lifetime! They bow to him. At the same time Manikkavachakar, going ecstatic composes and sings many pathigams like “Kandapaththu” and “Thiruvvunthiyar”. The people of Thillai and the three thousand Anthanars reach the temple and hear his singing in raptures.  As he completes his singing, they chant “Siva Siva “and the temple bells toll resoundingly on their own.  He keeps singing throughout the night in praise of Easan. Later he makes a small hut on the outskirts of Thillai and resides there chanting “Panchaksharam”.

  *****

 In the mean while, an adiyavar visits Eezham. Sporting Thiruneeru, Rudraksham and other signs of Saivam, he goes around chanting Thiruchchitrambalam wherever he goes. He is bound by some Buddhists and produced before the king of Eezham charging him for disturbing peace. Seated next to the king is a seven year old daughter of the king who is voiceless. On enquiry, the king realises that the visitor has not caused any harm to anyone.  The adiyavar introduces himself as a servitor of Sivan and chants Thiruchchitrambalam to invoke His mercy. The Mahaguru of the Buddhists imputes that the adiyavar has come only to decry Buddhism and needs to be punished and returned to his own country.  Their conversation leads to challenge by the Mahaguru that they will come to Chidambaram and disprove that there is no one superior to Buddha, their religious head. He challenges that he will defeat them in a debate at Chidambaram and establish Buddhism there after destroying all their religious relics. The king orders that the adiyavar is sent back to his country without any harm as he has not caused any harm to them.

The news that the Mahaguru along with all the monks in their Sangam is arriving at Chidambaram reaches the Mannar of Eezham. He hands over the charge of his kingdom to his Chief Minister and departs for Thillai along with his daughter to ensure that there is no disorder created during the visit of his Mahaguru leading to strained relationship developing between them and the Chozha kingdom.

The Mahaguru along with his party of monks enter the temple of Nataraja and refuse to vacate the premises unless they agree for a debate to prove which among Saivam and Buddhism religions is true. The three thousand Anthanars of Thillai also reach there. The Chief Anthanar accepts the challenge that whosoever gets defeated will relinquish their religion and embrace the other one. The message is sent to Chozha mannar and he reaches there with his retinue by that very night. He is received by the Anthanar at the entrance of the temple. Seeing the worried look in their faces, the mannar gives them confidence that they need not worry when Easan, Sabhapathi is there to guide them. In the middle of the night, the Chozha mannar and all the Anthanars see a bright Jyothi in their dream. A divine voice exhorts them not to be afraid and call Manikkavachakar staying on the outskirts of Thillai to debate against their Mahaguru.  The mannar and others reach his hut the next morning and the mannar requests Manikkavachakar to take up the challenge for the debate. Manikkavachakar agrees and as the debate is about to start in the Maha mantapam, the Eezha mannar and his mute daughter also arrive there. They are received by the Chozha mannar with due courtesy and seated. In the ensuing debate not only Manikkavaachakar wins resoundingly but the Mahaguru and his monks lose their speech. The mute daughter of the Mannar of Eezham regains her speech but also answers many of the intricate questions posed by the Mahaguru.  Manikkavachakar prays to Easan to restore their speech out of compassion and all of them convert to Saivam by chanting Thiruchchittrambalam.

After his victory over the Buddhists, Manikkavachakar returns to his hut. As he is meditating on Easan, an Anthanar comes to his hut. Seeing him standing outside, Manikkavachakar takes him inside. His bright and pleasing countenance charms Manikkavachakar.

Manikkavachakar

May I know, from where you are from?

Anthanar

I am from the city of Madurai! Sundaran is My name!

Manikkavachakar 

It appears, my Easan, Sokkanathan Himself has come here to grace this place! What can I do for you?

Anthanar

You have made Easan to mount a horse which even Brahma, Vishnu or other Devas can ever attempt even! You consecrated His Thiruvadi at Thirupperunthurai to tell the world that those sacred feet alone will grant mukti! You have composed songs in all temples you have visited in praise of Easan. You defeated the Buddhists who ridiculed the Easan at Thillai and made them chant Thiruchchittrambalam.  I have come running here only to see you, who have done such rare feats.  I have come here with an avid desire to scribe all your songs so that they remain for ever. Ayyare! You start singing and I will scribe them in palm leaves side by side!

 Manikkavachakar realise that it Easan who has come there in the garb of an Anthanar. Iraivan sits with a scriber and a bundle of palm leaves.  Manikkavachakar starts singing and the songs come out in a steady flow. Iraivan scribes them nonstop. This goes on throughout that night. Thiruvachakam is now scribed fully!

Anthanar  

Ayyare! You have composed such exquisite Thiruvachakam that they will melt even the hardest of the hearts!  You now sing “Kovai” on Thillai Ambalavanan.

Manikkavachakar continues singing without even opening his eyes. As he completes the Thirukkovai and opens his eyes, the Anthanar who has been scribing his songs disappears along with the palm leaves and the scriber. Manikkavachakar prostrates in front of the seat where Iraivan has taken His seat for scribing the songs.

It is dawn…..

In the threshold of the Sannathi of Thillai Ambalavanan, the palm leaves scribed by Easan appear! The Gurukkal rushes and informs the miracle to the Thillaivaazh Anthanars and all of them rush there. Looking at the palm leaves they realise that it is titled “Sivagyanabodham”   and handed over by Easan himself! It contains six hundred songs of Thiruvachakam and four hundred songs of Kovai.

The last leaf contains the following “This work is composed by Manikkavachakar and Scribed by Thiruchchitrambalamudayar.”  They all run to the hut of Manikkavachakar and pay their respects by raising their hands above their hands with the palms cupped in great reverence.

Chief Anthanar

Perumanare! We have seen a miracle which has never been seen or heard of before! The songs ou have sung have been scribed by Iraivan Himself with His own hand and handed over to us. We want to know the true import of your work.

Manikkavachakar takes them to the Sannadhi of Easan.  There as he raises his hands above his head praying to Easan, the Deepaaradhanai is conducted.

Chief Anthanar

Oh! Great soul!  You have had the Darisanam of Easan with your own eyes! We also wish to see Him! How do we see Him?

Manikkavachakar (sings)

“எங்கும் உள்ளானை இங்குளான் என்பதுவும்

 எல்லா உருவாய் இருப்பானை இவனே என்பதுவும்

 புகலவும் இயலுமோ? இயலாதே ஆயினும்

 உளம் கவர் வேளை உருக்காட்டி மறைத்தானை

கள்வனைப்போல் தேடிக்காண்பீர்!”

Is it possible to locate and say that He is here while He is everywhere (omnipresent)?

Is it possible to identify and say that it is He while He is in everything (omniscient)?

Still, when He comes to steal our hearts and disappears, you must search for Him like you search for a thief who has stolen your goods and catch Him!

Chief Anthanar

Ayyare! Iraivan has tilled this compendium as Sivagyanabodham.  What is its meaning?

Manikkavachakar (looking at the three thousand Anthanars)

Are you all keen to know the meaning of Sivagyanabodham?

Anthanars

Yes!

Manikkavachakar (pointing to the Anandha Thandava Natarajar)

 Here! He is the denotation of it!

Chanting aloud ‘Thiruchchittrambalam, Thiruchchittrambalam, Thiruchchittrambalam’, he rushes inside the Sannadhi with his hands raised above his head and palms cupped in reverence. Iraivan erupts there as a radiant Jyothi and welcomes the Perumanar in His fold. Manikkavachakar unites unto the Jyothi.

The Onkaram resounds everywhere. The three thousand Anthanars bow to Easan who has merged the adiyavar unto him! To the sound of Dhundhubhi, the heavens open up with a shower of flowers.

Thiruchchitrambalam