Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Please follow the link below to read the glories of Putrada Ekadashi:
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
63 Nayanmars - Life of Thiru Murthy Nayanar !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Nattampuri Varani Narriru Meipoochu Chindru
Muttumpari Chayinun Theikkunkai Muttathendru
Vattanthikazh Parayin Vaithu Muzhankai Theithar
Kattumpuran Tholnarambenpu Karaithu Theya
Thiru Murthy Nayanar was born in Madurai, the capital city of Pandya Kingdom. It was one of the most beautiful cities existing from the date back to Sangam period. Murthy Nayanar was born in a merchant family. He was a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva – Sri Chokkalinga Peruman/Sri Somasundareshwarar and his consort Sri Angayarkanni/Sri Meenakshy. It was his regular practice to prepare alluring sandal paste for Lord. He found ceaseless joy in preparing sandal paste of entrancing fragrance for the worship of Lord.
As years passed by, the Kings of Pandya were defeated by Hoysalas. King of Hoysala seized this glorious city and resumed their regime. The Hoysala King was fanatical about Jainisam. The first and foremost thing was done in the country was put an end to Shaivism and worship of Lord Shiva. The people of the Kingdom were deliberately forced to accept Jainism. Whoever not willing follow the rule had to undergo severe punishments. Gradually, Jainism started to predominate in the city. But Murthy Nayanar was least affected by any of the intimidation and very often had to undergo severe criticisms and humiliations. He sustained his self-less service to Lord, he continued preparing alluring sandal paste for the worship of Lord. Murthy Nayanar’s firm devotion to Lord Shiva was annoyed the King. He played several foul tricks to stop Nayanar’s worship of Lord Shiva but none of them were succeeded. Finally, the supply of Sandal wood to Nayanar has stopped completely. Nayanar could not put up with this situation; he could not even imagine staying behind from worshipping Lord Shiva. Nayanar was deeply depressed continued his search for the sandal wood throughout the city rigorously. Unfortunately, he did not find even a single piece of it. He was deeply disappointed rushed to temple and prayed to Lord with tears overflowing. He vehemently began his duty of preparing sandal paste by rubbing his elbow harshly on the floor where he used to make aromatic sandal paste. He continued for some time, blood started to gush out from the wounds, flesh were tore off and bones were propelled out. Lord Shiva was highly pleased at the self-less devotion of Nayanar. A mysterious voice demanded Nayanar to refrain from this self torture and also instructed him to take up the regime from the Hoysalas. The divine voice blessed Nayanar with eternal happiness.
Nayanar was astounded to see the sudden changes in him. There was no bleeding or torn out flesh or wrecked born on his elbow, his appearance was perfectly charismatic as ever. He was gasped for air profusely. On that night, the Hoysala King who was ruling the Pandya Kingdom was expired. As he was departed without any successor to rule his Kingdom, it was decided to search for an appropriate ruler from the ministers of assembly. According to the custom prevailed in the city, the Royal elephant was blindfolded, with a flower garland on its trunk set out in open to find a suitable ruler for the country. The royal elephant majestically walked towards the temple and approached Murthy Nayanar. It was one of the graceful moments; the elephant garlanded Nayanar and bowed him. As the whole city was witnessing the marvelous sight, Nayanar was taken to the palace on the back on Royal elephant with all due respect and honor.
Nayanar courteously refused all the stately luxuries in his life. He had chosen sacred ashes instead of holy water of precious gems for his crowning ceremony. He refused jeweled crown and wholeheartedly accepted matted hair locks on its place. He rejected all the precious jewelry and adorned beads of Rudraksha all over the body. The people and the ministers of the assembly were amazed at the humbleness of Nayanar and his pure love towards Lord. All the conditions put forward by Nayanar was accepted and he was ruled the Pandya Kingdom wisely for several years. The people of the Kingdom were happy and the great city flourished with rich natural resources. Finally, Murthy Nayanar attained the Abode of Lord Shiva with his passionate devotion towards Lord.
In the Tamil month Adi – Krithikai is widely celebrated as Guru Puja Day in Madurai.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
63 Nayanmars - Life of Thiru Anaya Nayanar !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Thisai Muzhudhun Gananathar Devarkkumun Nerungi
Misaimidainthu Varumbozhuthu Verolikkal
Viravamey Achaiezhum Kuzhalalthan Thanthezhuthal
Thamaiperavum Icchaivirumbum Koothanar Ezhuntharuli Yedhirnidrar
Anaya Nayanar was born in Thirumangalam, one of the flourishing lands in the kingdom of Men Mazanadu. Nayanar was a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva. At a young age he achieved the highest spiritual knowledge with his asceticism and strict Yoga Practices. He gained the ultimate wisdom, an unparalleled devotion to Lord is the one and only way to get relieved from all material bondages and freed from cycles of Birth and death. Nayanar’s untainted love towards Lord Shiva swamped in the form of mystic hymns through the flute he was carried all the time. Nayanar found heartfelt joy in playing ‘Panchakshara Mantra’ on his flute and felt the perpetual presence of Lord in his melody.
Anaya Nayanar was a cowherd and lived a simple life. He protected the cattle from the dangers of wild animals and given sincere attention while they are sick. He loved his work and taken good care of the cattle. His passion for flute very often made him to search for fresh bamboo canes in the forest, he artistically made beautiful flute out of it which produces miraculous sounds of music. In one of his songs in Periya Puranam describes the method of crafting a superior flute.
It was the beginning of Monsoon; as usual Anaya Nayanar arrived in the forest with his herds settled in a serene and beautiful place. His appearance was so captivating, beautifully smeared holy ashes on his forehead and all over the body, garlands of Rudraksha on his neck and attractively holding flute between the fingers arrived in a garden full of Barbados( Konrai flower – Lord Shiva also known as Konrai Vendhan). The mere appearance of this flower made Nayanar feel the presence of Lord, he took his flute and started playing in a most enthralling magical voice. The mesmerizing voice of music streamed out through the flute brought a sudden halt to the actions of all the creatures around and encircled him. The divine ambiance brought a blissful state in creature assembled. The wind started blowing gently, cows stopped grazing and started listening to the supreme melody with their ears straightened up, calves stopped consuming milk and peacocks danced around gracefully, Anaya Nayar continued to play his flute and dance in ecstasy.
The most compassionate Lord Shiva – Lord Samavedhishwarar with Goddess Lokanayaki pleased at the authentic rendering of Samaveda blessed Anaya Nayanar with ‘Salvation’.
In the Tamil month Karthikai – Hastham is widely celebrated as Gurupuja day in Thirumangalam to commemorate the above incident.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Sri Hanuman Stotra !! Khatikachala Kshetram !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jai Anjaneya !!
This is one of the rare hymn praising the glory of Lord Hanuman in Khadikachala Kshetram – Thirukkadigai situated in Sholingur near Chennai.
Shanku Chakra Dharam Devam Ghatikachala Vasinam
Yogaroodam Hranjaneyam Vayuputram Namamyaham
Bakthabhishtam Pradhatharam Chathurbahu Virajitham
Diwakara Dyuthi Nibham Vandheyham Pavanathmajam
Koupeena Mekhala Suthram Swarna Kundala Manditham
Latkhithabhtham Ramadhootham Namami Sathatham Harim
Dhaithyanam Nashanarthi Mahakaya Dharam Vibhum
Gadhadhara Karo Yastham Vandheham Maruthathmajam
Nrusimhabhimukho Bhuthva Parvathagrey Cha Samsthitham
Vacchantham Braha Padhavim Namami Kapi Nayakam
Baladhithya Vapushkam Cha Sagarothara Karakam
Sameeravegam Deveysham Vandhey Hramitha Vikramam
Pancharagaruna Mani Shobhitham Kama Roopinam
Parijatha Tharustham Cha Vandheham Vanacharinam
Ramadhootha Namasthubhyam Padha Pancharchanam Sadha
Dhehimey Vanchitha Phalam Putra Poutra Pravardhanam
Idham Stotram Padeth Nithyam Pratha: Kaley Dwijothama:
Thasyabhishtam Dhadhathyashu Rama Bhaktho Mahabala:
Jai Anjaneya !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
63 Nayanmars - Life of Thiru Arivattaya Nayanar !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Enravar Poriseyya Idappava Kanarayath Thondri
Nanruni Purintha Cheikai Nanudhal Udaney Kooda
Endrum Nam Ulakil Vazhavey Endravar Udaney Nanna
Manrule Adum Aiyar Mazhavidai Ukaththuchendrar
Kana Mangalam is situated on the river banks of Cauvery, one of the flourishing regions in the Choza Kingdom. Thayanar (Arivattaya Nayanar) was a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva lived in this village with his wife. He was one of the wealthiest men in that village; he was modest and led a righteous life. He and his chaste wife believed in self-less service to Lord. He owned vast agricultural land, he offered Lord with the most superior quality grains produced from his farmland as Bhog (Naivedhyam) along with spinach.
The Almighty wanted to test the devotion of Thayanar. Thayanar continued his humble and modest life in serving Lord and his devotees. Gradually Thayanar’s riches vanished but his status as a faithful devotee to Lord remained intact. He worked in others farm field and earned his wages in the form of grains. He served the Lord with the best grains available and fed the family with the lowest quality grains received as wage. He was contented and remained composed as usual at this stage of sheer poverty too. Time passed by, the village was struck by severe famine and drought. Thayanar and his wife find it difficult to find the minimum necessities of life. Sometimes, they had to starve for many days without anything to consume. Thayanar’s wife who was equally devoted like her husband most willingly handed all their belongings, ornaments, vessels and valuables for sale. They continued their sincere service to Lord with that money.
One day, Thayanar and his wife carried a basket full of cooked rice, spinach, mango pickle along with ghee, butter, milk, curd and holy ashes as Bhog to Lord Shiva, they resumed their journey to the temple of Lord Shiva in Kannathangudi (one of the villages in Thanjavur district and birth place of Thayanar). The couples were weak and tired of incessant starving. They were completely worn out of hunger and thirst. On their half way, Thayanar abruptly stumbled and fell on the ground in a huge thud with the basket and other materials. They both withered all the offerings on the ground they were carried. Thayanar was alarmed at this terrible sight and wept bitterly. He was totally uncontrollable with the mounting pain and guilt. He considered this act as a severe sin due to his carelessness. He felt ashamed at this treacherous act and decided to kill himself. He furiously took out his dagger and thrust it on his neck. Suddenly, two hands stretched out from the ground and caught Thayanar’s, with an intention to bring him to a halt. The most compassionate Lord Shiva appeared on his celestial vehicle with Goddess Parvati and blessed Arivattaya Nayanar and his wife for their selfless-devotion. The couple attained Salvation for their unparalleled devotion to Lord.
In the Tamil month Thai – Thiruvadhirai is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day to commemorate the above incident.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Amavasya on 24th December, 2011 !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
In Skanda Puranam, Lord Brahma narrates to Maharishi Narada about the Significance of Chathurmasya Vrutham.
The 'Chathur Masya' denotes Four months - During this period Lord Vishnu undergo Yoganidra (Cosmic sleep) in Ksheera Sagara (Milky Ocean). Hence it is believed that Lord Vishnu dwells in all the rivers, ponds and ocean. Whoever takes holy dip in the sacred rivers attains piousness and this is also one of the reasons pilgrim chooses to visit holy places during Chathurmasya. During the time of Chathurmasya Vrutham this is an usual practice amongst the devotees to visit holy places and take a dip in the sacred theerthas. It is believed that this pious deed would bring abundance of merits and washes off ones sin.
During the Chathurmasya - performance of Tarpan (homage to dead souls), undergo severe austirities and keep away from sensual pleasures brings commendable virutes. One who perfrom charities, especially food-grains and giving alms to Brahmins are treated as highly auspicious. As a part of the austerities abandoning favorite things from consumption would provide the merits of things in abundant in the next world, avoid usage of chilly brings great fortune, avoid wearing silk clothes provides continuous joy etc.. As a part of austerities one should avoid wearing black clothes and shaving and cutting of hair. Whoever worships Lord Vishnu with utmost devotion and faith during the time of Chathurmasya with strict austerities followed attains 'Salvation', freed from cyles of Birth and Death.
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiruvannamalai Sri Arunachaleshwara Temple !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Thiruvannamalai is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva also known as Mukthisthal, situated 180km away from Chennai and 80km from Katpadi. Lord Arunachaleshwara symbolizes in the form of a huge fire in the hills of Thiruvannamalai. This is one of the ‘Thevara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam’. The ‘Nalvar’ – Appar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar and Thiru Gnana Sambadhar sung praising the glories of Lord Arunachaleshwara in their great lyrical works known as Thevaram and Thiruvasakam. This is one of the ‘Mukthistal’ is capable to provide ‘Salvation’ from the cycles of birth and death.
The Presiding deity – Thiru Annamalayar/Sri Arunachaleshwarar - Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of Linga – Lord Arunachaleshwara represents the form of ‘Fire’ in the hills of Thiru Annamalai – One of the Pancha Bootha Sthalangal. Goddess Parvati – Apitha Kuchalambal/Unnamulai Ammai
Theertham – Brahma Theertham and Siva Gangai Theertham
Mangalasasanam – Appar, Sundarar, Manicka Vasakar and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
Worshipped by - Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Ashta Vasukkal.
Sannidhis – Pathala Lingam, Shiva Gangai Vinayakar, Saint Arunagirinathar, Lord Subramanya, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kalyana Sundareshwarar, Kala Bhairavar, Lord Nandikeshwara, Brahma Lingam, Vidhyadhareshwarar Lingam, Naleshwara Lingam,
Festivals – Chaitra Pournami, Vaikasi Utsavam, Adi Pooram, Navaratri Utsavam, Karthikai Deepam, Annabhishekam, Kantha Shashti, Vaikundha Ekadashi, Arudara Darisanam, Utharayana Punyakalam, Thiruvoodal Utsavam, Manalurpettai Theerthavari Utsavam, Ratha Sapathami, Masi Makam, Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Uthiram – Thirukalyanam. Karthikai Deepam is one of the spectacular events in the Tamil month Karthikai. A huge fire is lit on the hill top of Thiru Annamalai witnessed by massive crowd.
Girivalam is performed on all Pournami days and Karthikai Deepam Day. Girivalam (Giri – Mountain, Valam – go round) is a marvelous practice of walking nearly 13 kms through the rough path ways at the bottom of the hill, the place where Yogis and Siddhars lived. It brings a harmonious relationship between mind, body and soul. It is believed that whoever circumambulates the hill and Lord Arunachaleshwara (Girivalam/Giripradakshina) during the full moon days and Thiru Annamalai Deepam day treated as one of the most propitious act in order to acquire the perpetual positive vibes in them.
This is one of the oldest temples built by the Kings of Chola and Pandya dynasties during the period of 750 A.D. The 217 ft. height of magnificent Rajagopuram situated on the east side was built by the King Krishnadevarayar in 15th century. King of Hoysalas was also made abundance of contributions to the temple in the form of Praharams and Sannidhis. This temple is situated on the massive land of 25 acres consists of seven Praharams and nine Gopurams. Out of seven Praharams the first two of them were erected by the Kings of Pandya and the remaining was built by the Kings of Chola and others. The splendid thousand pillared hall is one of the major attractions of this temple with a basement chamber enshrines Pathala Lingam. During Ani – Thiruvathirai (Star) Thirumanjanam, the sacred bath for the Lord is performed here.
The sixth Praharam is the outer wall consists of majestic Rajagopuram built by King Krishnadevarayar, Thirumanjana Gopuram, Pei Gopuram and Ammani Ammal Gopuram.
The Presiding deity of this temple Lord Shiva – Annamalayar/ Arunachaleshwarar worshipped in the form of a Lingam with his consort Goddess Parvati – Apithakuchalambal. This is one of the most promising places where saints and holy men were lived in this hill and worshipped Lord Shiva. This holy hill has long been associated with the Yogis and Siddhars like Sri Arunagirinathar, Sri Sheshadri Swamigal and Ramsurat Kumar etc.. During 20th century Sri Ramana Maharshi – who lived in this Mount Arunachala made this holy place as one of the ultimate spiritual destination. Sri Ramana Maharshi lived here for fifty three years and attained ‘Samadhi’ in the year 1950.
This temple is closely associated with many mythologies. Shiva Puranam describes the disagreement between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. At the divine command of Lord Shiva to prove the superiority among the two deities, they set off in search for the beginning and end of a huge Phallaum appeared before them. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and continued his search in the Sky and Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and plunged into Earth. They continued their search for several years. Finally, Lord Brahma took the false witness of ‘Thamzham Poo’ that was falling from the crown of the Phallum and Lord Vishnu returned with true statement. Lord Shiva disliked the false statement of Lord Brahma and cursed him. Lord Shiva transformed himself into a huge fire and appeared in the hills of Thiruvannamalai. Soon after at the request of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Lingam at the foot hills.
In this temple, Lord Muruga saved the life of his zealous devotee Saint Arunagirinathar while he was trying to commit suicide jumping from the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram. After that with the blessings of Lord Muruga, Saint Arunagirinathar became a renowned Tamil poet who composed and sung praising the glories of Lord in his sacred hymns ‘Thirupukazh’.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Shani Peyarchi on 21st December, 2011 !! Thirunallar Sri Shaneeshwaran Temple !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Nilanjana Sambasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
Chaya Marthanda Sambootham Tham Namami Shanishcharam
The planet Saturn (Shani) changes its position from one zodiac sign to another on 21st December, 2011. It’s believed that the changes in planets position and their motion influence the behavior of human beings to a large extent. In other sense, Saturn starts its movement from Kanni Rasi (Chitra Nakshtram 2nd Padam to 3rd Padam) to Tula Rasi. During this transition period it may cause some sudden changes in the lifestyle of the people. Worship of Lord Shani during this day brings abundance of pieties. Lord Shani is the son of Lord Surya and Chaya Devi, he undertakes the responsibility of distributing Karmas (Good and Evil) of human being.
Thirunallar Shaneeshwaran Temple is one of the oldest temples situated in Karaikal. This shrine is located in the temple premises of Lord Dharbharanyeshwar, one of the thevara padal Petra Shivasthalam. Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarmurthy Nayanar sung praising the glories of Lord Shiva in this temple. Saint Arunagirinathar also visited this temple and sang praising the glories of Lord Muruga in his divine composition ‘Thirupukazh’.
The legend has that King Nala of Kingdom Nishadha was afflicted with the curse of Lord Shani; he arrived at Thirunallar and prayed to Lord Shaneeshwara. King Nala was while preparing himself for oblations, his back portion of the knee remained unwashed. Lord Shani was waiting for an opportunity to overrule him, utilized the chance aptly. Due to the affliction of the curse of Lord Shani, Lord Nala lost his fame and glories, Kingdom and his family. His chaste wife Damayanti regained her righteous husband back in her life with her virtues and intelligence. He arrived in Thirunallar at the holy instruction of Sage Bharadwaja and prayed to Lord Shani. He took holy dip in the Brahma Theertha situated in the temple and got relived from the curse and recuperate his glories. The holy tank – Nala Theertham in this temple is capable to relieve all the curse of Lord Shani.
Lord Shani is black in color and clad in black cloth. His celestial vehicle is Crow. Seasme seeds and gingly oil are used to make offering to Lord Shani. Commanly used flower for worship is Kuvalam. The precious gem Blue sapphire represents Lord Shani.
There are many holy tanks situated in this temple and they are Brahma Theertham, Vani Theertham, Hamsa Theertham, Agasthya Theertham and Nala Theertham etc.. The Sthalavruksham of the temple is ‘Kusha Grass’ / Dharba.
This temple remains open from 6.00 A.M to 1 P.M in the mornings and 4.00 P.M to 9.00 P.M. in the evenings. As Saturdays are the most auspicious days to worship Lord Shani, the temple remains open from 6.00 A.M to 2.00P.M in the morning.
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Saphala Ekadashi on 21st December, 2011 !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Please follow the link to read the glories of Saphala Ekadashi:
http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/12/saphala-ekadashi-on-31st-december-2010.html
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Please follow the link to read the glories of Saphala Ekadashi:
http://indiatempletour.blogspot.com/2010/12/saphala-ekadashi-on-31st-december-2010.html
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
A Tribute to Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Sri Shankara Narayanan was born in 13th March 1969, in a village called Thandalam, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. At the age of thirteen he was chosen by his predecessor Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal on 29th May 1983 as his successor and honored him with the title Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi. Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi is the 70th Shankaracharya/pontiff of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam, Sri Sankara Mutt, Kanchipuram.
He started his schooling in his native village – Thandalam. While attending school, he also learned Sanskrit and attained knowledge in Veda Sastras from his father Sri Krishnamurthy Sastri who was a renowned Vedic Scholar. His father was teaching Rig Veda in Sri Sankara Kainkarya Sabha Padasala in Polur. Shankaran also joined as a student at the Veda Padasala while he was studying in sixth standard. Before long, Shankaran became proficient in Veda Sastras and mastered various sastras.
Shankaran had his first Darshan of 69th Pontiff of Sri Shankara Mutt, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal at the age of eight. Subsequently, he often visited Mutt, especially during the days of Navaratri Pujas. When Shankaran was elevan years he had the first Dharshan of Mahaswamigal Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal while Mahaswamigal was on a camp at Satara. After one year of interval Shankaran had the Dharshan of Mahaswamigal once again. This time Mahaswamigal engaged in a long conversation with him. His proficiency in Veda Sastras and pious nature attracted Mahaswamigal.
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal initiated Shankaran to the holy order of Sanyasa on 29th May 1983 with the title Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi. His ardent devotees known him in the divine name ‘Bala Periyaval’/’Young Holy One’.
Please visit : http://www.kamakoti.org/ for more information.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
The Significance of Markazhi Month !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
The holy month
Dhanur/Markazhi is an propitious month to worship Lord Sriman Narayana at the
early hours of dawn. Sri Andal sung praising the glories of Lord in her
sacred nectar like composition ‘Thiruppavai’ consists of thirty Verses.
Sri Andal was born in Srivilliputhur was the daughter of Periyalwar a staunch
devotee of Lord Vadapatra Sayee. She was found in a Tulsi garden,
Periyalwar brought up her with great affection and divine love for Lord
Vadapatra Sayee. Her divine love for the Lord turned into
greatest liking towards Him to attain Him as her husband. Sri Andal
emphasizes the importance of Markazhi Nombu in the holy month of Markazhi and
the importance of austerities one has to follow to attain the Lotus feet of
Sriman Narayana in her beautiful composition ‘Thiruppavai’.
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
63 Nayanmars - Life of Thiru Manakkanychara Nayanar !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Arul Cheytha Mozhikela Adarchurikai Thani Uruvi
Porulcheydham Yenappern Yenakkondu Pookodithen
Irul Seitha Karunkoonthal Adiyil Arindherininra
Marulseitha Pirapparuppar Malarkarathi Nidainitta
Manakkanychara Nayanar lived in Kanycharur/Kancharur, one of the prosperous lands in Chola Kingdom. He was a chief of King’s army. He was highly respected and admired by the people of the Kingdom. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He served the devotees of Lord with utmost respect and honor.
Manakkanychara Nayanar had no offspring for a long time. He and his wife lived a pious life, they prayed to Lord Shiva for a virtuous child. In due course of time, his wife delivered a beautiful baby girl with the grace of Lord. Their happiness had no bounds; celebrated the birth of their child in a grand manner. They brought up her with lot of care and affection. Years passed by, the girl child grown into a stunning beautiful young lady. Her mesmerizing beauty captivated the eyes of everyone. She was grown into a most beautiful young lady who always presented herself in royal attire, her alluring thick and dark cloud like curly hair locks with dazzling precious jewels on her body all these mounted her beauty.
Manakkanychara Nayanar’s daughter attained suitable age for marriage, so her parents decided to search for a suitable bridegroom for their one and only daughter. With the grace of Lord, Eyarkona Kalikkama Nayar – an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva was chosen as bridegroom, his astonishing physical appearance were resembling the brilliance of Lord Surya, he was the perfect match for Manakkanychara Nayanar’s daughter and the couple engaged in their marriage vow. The families were extremely happy at the union of the striking couple.
The festive atmosphere remained for long time with the happy faces all around. Suddenly, there appeared a devotee of Lord with smeared ash marks, matted hair locks, Rudraksha etc.. The Shiva Yogi captivated all the attentions of the crowd instantly with his divine appearance. Manakkanycharar enthusiastically hurried to receive the Shiva Yogi with utmost reverence. The devotee was pleased at the humbleness of the Nayanar and enquired about the reason for the joyful atmosphere. Manakkanycharar called out his daughter and instructed her to get the blessings from the devotee of Lord. Manakkanycharar earnestly replied to Shiva Yogi about the marriage of their one and only daughter. While his daughter paying obeisance to the devotee, her beautiful curly hair locks grabbed the attention of him. Shiva Yogi revealed his desire to have the curly hair locks of her daughter for making Panychavadi (used for decorating the chest of a Shiva Yogi). Manakkanychara Nayanar without any hesitation, without even considering about disfiguring the beauty of his daughter, cut a bunch of curly hair locks (In olden times, it was treated as bad omen to cut the hair of a woman in an auspicious occasion) from the splendidly adorned bride’s hair and delightfully handed to Shiva Yogi.
Instantaneously, the Shiva Yogi disappeared from the sight. A brilliant illuminating blue light appeared on the sky. Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati appeared on their celestial vehicle. The deities showered flowers on the divine couple and the witnessed were astonished at the unparalleled devotion of Nayanar. This event amplified the respect and honor of Eyarkona Kalikkamar’s reverence towards Manakkanychara Nayanar.
In the Tamil month Markazhi – Swathi is widely celebrated as Guru Puja day to commemorate the above incident.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)