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 15^th 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 !!