திருப்புகழ் தொண்டர்கள்

                                                 திருப்புகழ் தொண்டர்கள்    (தொடர்ச்சி)

 அருளாளர் V.S.கிருஷ்ணன் படைத்துள்ள "Thiruppugazh  Glory to Lord 

Muruga"என்ற நூலுக்கு நம் குருஜி  15.July 2005 அன்று வழங்கியுள்ள 

மதிப்புரை 

Oh Muruga, the Supreme Chief of all   Who presides over the temple ofChendil,       The son of Lord Siva,   The nephew of Lord Vishnu,   brother of elephant-faced Ganesa                                                 I ever remain worshipping you, Your feet adorned by Thandai anklets               (Murugane Chendil Muthalvane…)

The challenge to our progress comes not from any outside sources but from within.  We have advanced in many fields.  We have acquired knowledge about the earth, space and ocean but we have not known about our own self.    We try to bring perfection in our environment but we do not try to bring the perfection within.  We make all out efforts towards material progress but we stagnate when it comes to spiritual progress.  What is preventing us to realize the innate divinity within, the Atman?   What is preventing us to reach God who reveals himself as the Atman within?  Whenever we seek to reach God, we do not go the path prescribed by great Rishies but we go the path prompted by mind.  It is our false sense of pride, the ego, which prevents us from realizing God.  All the sorrows and miseries that we find in life are caused by one single enemy called Ahamkara or ego. 

Since mind is the source of ego, we need to discipline our mind.  The only way we can overcome the mind is by directing it towards God.  Arunagirinathar shows the path of God realisation through his songs.  “Oh Lord, grace me a heart that melts in devotion.  Give me such a bend of mind that always seeks your Lotus Feet by singing the verses of Thiruppugazh. (Unakkamala Padhanadi Urugiyulathamuthoora Unathu Thiruppugazhotha Arulvaye…Song No.227).  In another song, the saint says:  “Oh Lord, bless me a mind that is overwhelmed in devotion; a devotion that is unstinted and unshaken; the mind that is ever engrossed in your thoughts.  May your grace be bestowed on me so that it helps to strengthen my devotion towards you (Ethirillatha Bathi Thanai Mevi Iniya Thal Ninaippai Irupothum No.126). 

Devotees sought God through different paths in different ages.  In Kruta Yuga they went through a hard path of penance and meditation, in Treda Yuga, the path of Dyana was followed and in Dwapara Yuga the path of Upasana was adhered to.  For the devotees of this age, our scriptures have prescribed the simple practice of Nama Smarana (remembering Lord’s name) and Nama Sangeerthana (reciting Lord’s name).  The devotees sit together in group and worship.  When all noble minds converge, it becomes the Satsangh.  A Satsangh creates a positive vibration in the air.  A Satsangh is an ideal ground for expression of devotion.  As the mind gets absorbed in the thoughts of Muruga, the self-centered thoughts subside and noble thoughts like service, love, Avirodha (free from hatred) surface.  Thiruppugazh singers, known as Adiyars and Anbars, transcend themselves to spiritual perfection.   Adi Sankara extols the virtues of Sat Sangh in his immortal works Bhaja Govindam.  When devotees assemble in group and do their worship, it reverberates all over the world.  The 19^th century poet, Sri Arunachala Reddiar has eloquently expressed this concept in his Kavadichindu composition: (Arunagiri Navir Pazhakkam Tharu Chanda Thiruppugazh Muzhakkam Pala Adiyar Kana Mozhi Yodhinil Amariapathi Imayor sevi Adaikkum Andam Udaikkum, Muruganai Arulpada Mozhipavar Arainthu Vananguvar Devendra Sanghame). 

According to Hindu mythology, there are six forms of worship, based on different forms of God; Siva, Vishnu, Devi, Ganapati, Kumara and Surya.  Ramayana, Maha Bharata, Devi Purana and Vinayaka Purana all emphasise the value of devotion.  By relating incidents from these scriptures, Thiruppugazh underlines the unity of all these worships (“Sivan Arulum Muruga Sempor Kazhalone Paradevadhayal Tharu Seye Vinayakappiriyan Raghuraman Sinthai Makizh Marukone). In fact, we find a synthesis of all Vedic teachings in Thiruppugazh.  Arunagirinathar describes Muruga as an embodiment of spiritual doctrines (Aru Samaya Sasthira Porulone).  He further describes Muruga as the confluence of all sacred scriptures (Veda Mantra Swaroopa) and as the flame that would remove darkness (Yuga Mudivin Irulakala Jyothi).

Arunagirinathar has described Thiruppugazh as the Great Sacred Verses (Maha Vakyam).  Those who recite Thiruppugazh and follow its ideals are assured of a life of happiness and prosperity.  (Neel Saukkiya Sakala Selva Yoga Mikka Peruvazhvu…. Saranakamalalayathai..88).  Every person is brought up in different surroundings.  One may aspire for knowledge, one may aspire for prosperity and one may aspire for good health.   (Ninaitha Kariyam Anukoolame Puri Perumale).  

Arunagirinathar says:  “Whatever the devotee considers appropriate for his development may be blessed to him”.   (Adiyar Ichayil Evai Evai Uttrana Avai Tharuvitharul Perumale).  Arunagirinathar seeks happiness and prosperity not only in this world but also in the eternal world to which one ultimately reaches.    (Isai Payil Sadaksharam Athale, Ika Para Sowbhagyam Arulvaye….Vachanamika Vetri No. 76). As one proceeds in his spiritual journey, the devotee finds many obstacles in his path and Arunagirinathar seeks the grace of Muruga so that he gets strength to overcome these obstacles.   (Mathavam Peruthalinaye Dhina Maravathe Vazhtharu Sivabhoga Nanooneridiye Virumbi Vidinavudane Thozha Vazh Varam Tharuvai Adiyen Idar Kalaivaye (Prarthanai Madal 157).

A devotee may seek material progress in sailing through the ocean of life but ‘sailing through the ocean of life’ is not his only aim.  He has to reach the shore, ever rest at the Lotus Feet of Chendil Andavar and never thrown back to the ocean of life again (Punarabhi Jananam) for which he should seek spiritual progress.  He comes back to the ocean of life again and suffers because of his past actions (Theevinai). Arunagirinathar says:  “Oh Murugua, you have helped a person like me who has not done any Tapas to cross the ocean of sufferings”.   (Petrai Thavam Chattum Illatha Enai Prapanjam Enum Setrai ….Alamgaram 1).  He thanks Muruga for having uplifted him from the ocean of Samsara to the refuge of his Lotus Feet.    (Mudiyai Piravi Kadalil Pukar Muzhuthum Kedukku (Alamgaram 33).    Arunagirinathar seeks the blessings of Muruga for upliftment from the consequences of Karma (Neesarkada Modenathu Theevinayellamadiya …..Arumugam No.50).  In another song, ‘Piraviyana’, Arunagirinathar says”  “Do not ruin yourself by adding up to your Vinais (Karmas) (“Peruku Theeya Vinayi Nondhu Gadhikadoru8 Malai Prunthi Pidipadatha Janana Nambi  Azhiyathe”),  

The Institution of Teacher-Disciple relation (Guru-Sishya Parambara) is the unique feature of Hindu tradition.  Learning means learning at the feet of the Guru.  An aspiring devotee is like one who is in the thick of a jungle unable to know which way to go.  It is the guru who leads  him and takes him to the right destination.  In order to emphasize the importance of Guru, Lord Siva himself manifested as the Supreme Guru, Shri Dhakshinamurthy.  Right from Sri Dhakshinamurthi through Adi Sankara to the present time, the Guru has been guiding the community. The opening lines of Sankara’s Guru Strotam say:  “To Guru, who is the manifestation of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the protector and Siva, the destroyer, I offer my obeisance.”(Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Deva Maheshwara. Guru Sakshath Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.) This means that Guru combines the qualities of all the three great powers.    Veda Vyasa Maharshi said that even Lord Krishna came as Guru (Krishnam Vande Jagat Guru).  It should be noted that Muruga presented Himself before Arunagirinathar not as a God who fulfills worldly aspirations but as a Guru who fulfills spiritual aspiration. (Mukamarudai Gurunathan Sonna Karuthai Manathil Irunthum Kandeer Muthi Kai Kandathe).  Most of the Thiruppugazh songs end with the term ‘Gurunatha”.  

 Thiruppugazh hymns constitute the Divine Voice of Lord Muruga (Uruthi Guru Vakkiya Porul).  When we learn Thiruppugazh through Guru, we in fact learn from Muruga manifesting as Guru.  Rightly, therefore, Arunagirinathar has composed the verses in Anubhuti: “Come to me as a Guru and grace me” (Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhane). The most distinguishing feature of Thiruppugazh is the emphasis it gives to the Guru-Sishya tradition.   Arunagirinathar expresses his wish that Muruga should manifest as his Guru and guide him to the path of Siva Jnana, the knowledge of the ultimate reality, Siva.  (Thakamai Siva Jnana Mukti Para Gadhi Nee Koduthu Uthavi Puriya Venu Neitha Vadivela….Sarana Kamalalayathai…88).  Those who render Thiruppugazh with devotion would acquire Siva Jnana, the eternal knowledge of reality; the knowledge that would liberate them from the life of Samsara.

The Vel (lance) held by Muruga radiates its brilliant rays of knowledge (Jnana) and power (Sakthi).  The enormous power of Vel is revealed by Arunagirinathar in Vel Virutham and Vel Vakuppu.  Devotees who recite these verses get the protection of Vel.  Our Sadguru Arunagirinathar invites everyone to remain thinking about Muruga’s Vel, His peacock, about His compassionate eyes, about His helping hands and receive His grace.  (Mayilayum Avan Thirukkai Ayilayum Avan Kadaikan Iyalayum Ninaithirukka Varume…….(Kadai Kaniyal Vakuppu 9).  His Vel would help us wash our sins and karmas, give us vision, show us the path and guide us to our destination.  (Vizhikku Thunai).          

With the grace of advice received from Gurunatha (Upadesa Manthira Porulale), we get over all negative qualities.  As we progress through the path of Thiruppugazh, we come out of our ignorance and see the light of knowledge that radiates from Muruga.   We now hear the divine voice within us; the voice of Muruga.  We realise that Muruga resides very much within us.  Our inner Self becomes a temple of harmony, peace and love.  Saint Arunagirinathar describes the state of supreme happiness in the following words:  Pokkum Varavu Iravum Pakalum Purambu Mullum Vakkum Vadivu Mudivumilla thonru Vanthu (Alamgaram 73).  As we immerse ourselves in the ocean of compassion we realise the presence of Muruga within.  (Uyar Karunai Puriyum Inba Kadal Moozhgi Unai Enathul Ariyum Anbai Tharuvaye 16). 

As the Anbar renders Thiruppugazh with full knowledge of its underlying truth, he introspects within; he is elevated to a supreme state of truth, consciousness and bliss.  (Sath Chith Ananda)  This is the highest state where the mind subsides (Manolayam) in the heart, the individual (Aham) ceases to exist and one remains in pure consciousness of Self (Atman).  (Manna Kadambin Malar Malai Marpa Mounathai utru Ninnai Unarnthu Unarnthu Ellamorungiya Nirgunam Poondu Ennai Maranthu Irunthe Vitta Thivudambe (Sonna..Alamgaram 19) Arunagirinathar says that he was able to free himself from the mind and body identifications, reach the blissful state of silence and realise the God within.  (Nesa Muruga Ninathu Anbu Arulal Asa Nikalam Thukalayina pin, Pesa Anuboodhi Piranthathuve (Thoosamani…Kandar Anubhuti  43).   In another song he says:  Oh Muruga, elevate me to the state of awareness, free from mind, ego, anger and avarice, liberate me from this world so that I reach the state of immortality.   (Kopa Matru Matru Mantha Moka Matrunai Paninthu Koodutharkku Muthi Enru Tharuvaye (Olamittiraithe…238)

Valli was aspiring to reach Muruga.  She had no other thoughts in her mind except that of Muruga.  When she had come away from her world of attachments and desires and yearned to reach out to Muruga, the Lord Himself descended down, reached her and united with her.  Similarly, when a devotee, his heart full of devotion, surrenders himself before Muruga and loses his individuality, the Lord rescues him, liberates him and unites with him.  Valli Kalyanam gives out the message that one who comes out of his body-mind complexities and realises the Atman within can unite with Paramatman and attain immortality.  Muruga is the Nayakan (the central character) of the great works, Thiruppugazh.  Let us surrender unto Him in all humility.  Let us worship and seek to reach His Lotus Feet.  Let us accept Him as our Guru and seek his guidance and blessing. 


                                           Uruvai ArulvaiUlathai Ilathai
                                           Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai
                                           Karuvai Uyirai Gathiyai Vithiyai
                                           Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhane 

                                                                                                                          There is a growing interest to study Thiruppugazh.  The eternal truth contained in Thiruppugazh should be spread all over.  The message it carries should reach all.  The songs should reach the ears of all.  Let us all carry the philosophy of Thiruppugazh in our daily life.  I appreciate the efforts made by Sri V.S. Krishnan to highlight the ideals of Thiruppugazh and I bless his venture all success.  
. MayChendilAndavargracealldevoteesandbringhappinessandprosperity. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Guruji
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       A.S,Raghavan                                                                                                                                                                                                                         15.7 .2005                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

குருஜியின் மதிப்புரையைப்  பெற்ற திரு .கிருஷ்ணன் உணர்ச்சி மிகுதியால் தான் அடைந்த ஆனந்த களிப்பை எப்படி விவரிக்கிறார் .பாருங்கள்.

குருஜியின் ஜெயந்தி வைபவம் அடுத்த வாரம் நிகழும் தருவாயில் இதை வெளியிடுவதில்மிக்க  மகிழ்ச்சி அடைகிறோம்.

                                    Guruji " blessings   

When I was almost ready with my book, 'Thiruppugazh, Glory to Lord Muruga", i.e. on 22^nd November 2004, I wrote to Guruji requesting him to send me a 'Foreword'.  Days passed into months but I never received a response.  I felt a little dis-heartened.  I could not visualise my book on Thiruppugazh without a 'foreword' by Guruji who symbolised Thiruppugazh.   It was Guruji who gave music to Thiruppugazh and elevated its glory to greater heights.  How can I proceed with the publication of my book without a word from Guruji?  I was in a delimna.  Then, after almost two months, one day, when I was having my siesta, my telephone bill rang.  When I picked up the receiver, I just could not believe my ears.   I am "A.S. Raghavan speaking"; the voice at the other end said.  I was stunned for a while.  Was I dreaming?  "No" I told myself because the voice at the other end was very strong, clear and familiar.     Before I could steady myself, he continued:  "Your 'Foreword' is ready.  I am staying at Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Sala.  Can you come and collect it?"  My joy knew no bounds.  Apparantly, he had come there for some Ayurvedic treatment.  Two hours later, when we stood in front of his room, he and his wife warmly received us.   He gave us coffee, love, affection and of course, the long awaited 'Foreword' which ran to 6 pages.  He said he took great care in preparing it and that too in the midst of his engagements and hence the dealy.  He told me to edit it suitably and publish it.  It was the moment that I can never forget in my life; the moment I was so close to Guruji, chatting freely.   When, after our Namaskarams, we were departing, he placed his hand over my head as mark of blessing. 

 As if that blessing was not enough, later on, after the publication of the book, he asked Smt Padma Venkataraman, Chennai, to buy 25 copies of the book for distribution to Thiruppugazh Anbars at Chennai during Isai Vazhipadu.   I would cherish those wonderful moments with Guruji for ever in my life. 

I am certain that eventhough Guruji has physically disappeared from us, his unseen presence is experienced by all of us during Thiruppugazh Isai Vazhipadu.  He is eternally present, guiding us, directing and blessing us. I am certain that it is only Guruji's blessings that made a revised edition of this book possible.  Vazhga Seer Adiyargal Ellam. 

முருகா சரணம் .