Idangazhi Nayanar

2

Idangazhi Nayanar

Kodumbalur...

The royal granaries in palace are getting filled up in a fast pace. The farmers after harvesting, drying and winnowing the rice paddy pack them in sacks and transfer them to the palace granaries in carts after carts.  As the workers are stacking the sacks, news is flashed that the mannar is about to visit.  All the men who are in charge of the granaries rush to the gate to receive the mannar Idangazhiyar. As he arrives, he is received with due honour by them.

Mannar   

Granary in Charge! How is the receipt of the paddy?

Granary in Charge 1

Mannar Manna! The nature god has been very pleased with us and has granted us a bountiful harvest. We are stacking the paddy bags. It appears that we may need twice the area we have to store the arrivals. Also we need many more hands to unload and stack these arrivals. If the Mannar gives orders, we will employ more men from outside to hurry up the work as we need to store them before the rains come.

Mannar

All right! Do as you wish. First send the bags to all the temples for making Neivedyam for Easan as per their requirement. Then send the enough bags to all the madams for making food for the Adiyavars. The balance stock must be segregated and kept separately in the following sequence. First one is to meet the need of the subjects. Next comes the emergency stock to meet any future famine like situation. The next lot will be to meet the supply for our soldiers. The requirement for the palace will be the last and whatever is left as balance. Please make sure that these stocks are kept segregated and stored in distinct enclosures.

The men in charge of granaries bow to mannar on getting these orders and follow the mannar as he walks along inspecting the granaries   

     ******

The royal granary...

A lot of men from the villages are off-loading the sacks from the bullock carts. A young man among them is very active compared to all others. By the time the others are able to unload two bags, he unloads three bags. His speed of doing the work catches the eye of everyone around.

The village elder (pointing to that young man)

Who is that men buzzing around like a bumble bee?

 A villager (mischievously)

Oh! That one! Can’t you recognize him?

The village elder

No.  I don’t know who he is.

The villager (haughtily)

That fellow... He is Sivanadiyan.

The village elder

Is that? Is he the rich Sivanadiyar of the village?

The villager (in a repulsive tone)

Why do you address him respectfully as Sivanadiyar? It would have been more appropriate if he was named as Sivanandi!

The village elder (angrily)

Hey! Mind your tongue! How dare you refer him as Aandi?  I know   of their last three generations. They have enough riches to lead a life of luxury and ease for another ten more generations!  Don’t talk loose without knowing anything.

The villager

Ayyo! You don’t know anything. He has fritted away all his wealth by feeding Sivanadiyars. Now he has no money left even for his next meal. He is forced to depend on others for getting work. It is true that charity is laudable and earns a lot of Punyam.   But does that mean that one has to wreck his wealth like this to earn Punyam?

On hearing this, the elder collapses on the floor unable to carry the load any longer. Sivanadiyar seeing the elder falling down rushes and hold him and gently relieve him of the load. Overcome by emotion he starts shedding tears.

The village elder

Appa! Is that only to see you in this state, I have been holding on to my life this long?

He starts crying aloud and a small crowd gathers around them.

Sivanadiyar (calmly)

Ayya! I have seen you working in our estate.  Though I am moved to note that your sadness is due to seeing me in this state, it is quite uncalled for.  ‘Adiyavar Sevai is Aranin Sevai!’ Iraivan has graced me with physical and mental strength.  I get the wages in kind according the labour I put in and with that I have to feed the adiyavars. If I do not reach early, they will remain famished.  Therefore I am hurrying up my work. You stop worrying about me and take care of yourself.

He hurries up to resume his unloading work.  All the people around including the villager who ridiculed him bow in the direction where he is heading with tears welling up in their eyes.

      *******

The house of Sivanadiyar…

After having a sumptuous food, the adiyavars take leave blessing Sivanadiyar. The Village elder who has been standing there comes near. Sivanadiyar on being called by him is extremely happy to see the old worker of his farm again and rushes to welcome him.

 Sivanadiyar

Ayya! Please come. You have reached here at the right time. Please have food here before you go.

The Village Elder

Had your parents been alive today, they would have been extremely proud to have begotten you as their son.

Sivanadiyar takes hold of his hand and leads him inside. The plantain leaf is laid to serve food for the elder.

The Village Elder

Thambi! You also must not have had food. Come. Let us eat together.

 Placing a leaf for himself, Sivanadiyar sits next to the elder.

 The Village Elder

I am not able to understand one thing.  I have come here to get clarification from you.

Sivanadiyar

Periyavare! Go ahead and ask me what you want to know.

The Village Elder (with tears in his eyes)

Men of your age have already got married and are leading an enjoyable life utlising their wealth. But you have fritted away all your wealth in charity and are leading a lonely and hard life.

Sivanadiyar laughs aloud hearing this.

Sivanadiyar

Ayya! I am not doing any charity!  I am feeding only the adiyavars considering it as my sacred duty. There is a reason for feeding only adiyavars. One who has relinquished everything is called a ‘Thuravi’.

 Does ‘everything’ here denote   only his family, his children and his wealth? No. By relinquishing only these he does not become a Thuravi. Keeping only a loin cloth, a cubit of cloth and a Thiruvodu as his worldly possessions and living day and night only in the thought of Easan can make one a true Thuravi. I have dedicated myself to feed them only to make sure that they need not have to beg for food when they go hungry. I did not get married because of the fear that my family life may interfere in my duty.  I also have a selfish motive in this!

 The Village Elder

You are feeding the adiyavars free of cost! How can there be a selfish motive in this?

Sivanadiyar

Someday Emperuman, Easan may also come mingled with other adiyavars and have food here! What an enormous amount of Tapas I must have performed to serve food to Easan? I will continue to do this service throughout my life without any hindrance irrespective of whatever hardship that may come in my way. I take this vow in the name of Easan.

Closing his eyes he chants aloud the Panchakshara mantram thrice. The village elder sits totally in raptures. After a few minutes…

 The Village Elder (surprised)

Sivanadiyare!  How can you be so sure that Easn will come here some day to have his food?

Sivanadiyar

About ten years ago I had gone to a Sivalayam where a Thuraviyar was narrating an episode from ‘Thiruvilayadal Puranam’ wherein Easan enacted a high drama.  Hearing that changed my mind . I will tell you that episode now. Please listen.

Sivanadiyar starts the narration.

 *****

Sivanadiyar

It happened during the reign of Vikrama Pandiyan.

A big village called Perunkarunai is situated near Madurai having more than five hundred dwellings. As most of the inhabitants are Vaishnavas, the recitation of Azhwar’s Pasuram will be heard almost all the time.  A few Aadisaivas have also taken their residence there.   Among them are Virubakkan, a learned man among the Aadisaivas and his wife Subavirathai.  One day....

 In the temple of Sokkanathar, Virubakkan with his wife is standing in the sannathi with tears flowing down his cheeks.

Virubakkan (cupping his palms in supplication and appealing to Easan)

Ayyane! You have blessed me with all kinds of wealth! But of what use they are to me if I do not have a progeny! Can’t you bless me with a son and grace my family.

Hearing his plea, the Gurukkal comes near him.

Gurukkal

Everything happens as per Easan’s wish! Having the name Virubakkan, a title of Easan, which means ‘the One whose eyes are lofty’, don’t you know that Easan is fully aware of   when to shower His grace? If you are destined to have a child, can anyone prevent it? Before leaving pray to the ‘Annai Ezhuvar’ (Sapta Matrikas) for, granting you a child. Whatever happens will be good for you.   Gurukkal blesses him and leaves. Virubakkan with his wife go for the darisanam of Annai Ezhuvar. There Subavirathai bows to Abhirami, Maheswari, Koumari, Narayani, Varahi, Indrani and Kali and prays to grant her a child like them. She is blessed by Annai Ezhuvar.

    *****

The house of Virubakkan in Perunkarunai...   A baby girl is born to Subavirathai. People hail as if Annai Gowri has herself taken birth! There is festive mood and the child is named Gowri!  Subavirathai feels sad   when she notices the Brahmins of the village who have come and blessed the child have not taken   part in the feast.

Virubakkan (consoling her)

They are all Vaishnavas. They will not even touch the food cooked by Saiva.

Subavirathai

 But we do not follow such constraints when we go to their homes!

Virubakkan

We believe in ‘Anbe Sivam’.  They will also realise this one day! That day they will also partake food in our house. So do not feel sad.

Not convinced by his conciliatory words, Subavirathai leaves with tears in her eyes.

    *****

Gowri grows up with great care and affection. As she completes five years of age, special puja is organised in the Aalawai Adigalar Aalayam. After the puja is completed, thiruneeru is given to everyone. Gowri receives it with great care and piety.

 Gowri (looking up to her father)

Thanthaye! Why are we born in this world?

 Virubakkan (with a surprised look)

Mahale!  All of us take birth here in this earth to end our destined life.

 Gowri

Why must Iraivan make us to take birth?

Virubakkan (after a little thought)

Iraivan makes us to be born here so that we realise the self?

Gowri

Is it to realise one’s own self or Him?

Virubakkan (surprised by her intelligence)

It is both! It is the duty of everyone to search for the reply to the question as to why is he born!  The realisation that there is Iraivan and to attain His sacred feet alone is Mukti is the purpose of taking birth. This is what they call as attainment of Gyanam!

Gowri

What does ‘Shivasakti Sangamam’ imply for us?

Virubakkan

 By Sakti, Aanma is referenced! Sivam denotes Peraanma!  Shivasakti Sangamam is nothing but the process of returning to the Creator! 

Gowri

I am not able to understand!

Virubakkan (with a smile)

Tell me a word.

Gowri

 Tapas!

Virubakkan (smiling)

Tapas as the word is Sakti and its meaning is Sivam!

Do you now understand what Shivasakti Sangamam is?

Gowri

 You have cleared many of my doubts by this one sentence! Appa! How can we get rid of the sin of being born again and again?

Virubakkan

Only Panchakshara mantram can liberate one from being born again and again.

Gowri (excited)

 Thanthaye! Will you impart that mantram to me?

Virubakkan (excited)

“Om Namasivaya, Om Namasivaya, Om Namasivaya”

Gowri swoons out of excitement as soon as the Panchakshara mantram is imparted to her. Virubakkan quickly catches hold of her preventing her hitting the floor. Subavirathai rushes there enquiring as to what has happened.

Virubakkan

Gowri has received Sivadeekhshai.

Subavirathai (praying to Iraivan)

Perumale! Gowri is Your gift to us as prasadam!  You take her as Your own daughter and bless her with whatever she wants!

In the sannathi, Iraivan lets out a smile!

    ******

 ‘Bhavathi Bikshamdehi’….

Hearing a resounding call for alms coming from outside his house, Virubakkan rushes there and finds a young man standing there.

Virubakkan (to himself)

What an imposing personality! With a deer skin tied around the waist, a Palasa dhandam resting on the shoulder, a Kamandalam in one hand and a Thiruvodu on the other…. The sacred thread across the chest has perhaps been by Brahma Himself! From the Thiruman on your forehead, I can discern that you are a Vaishnava.

Virubakkan (continuing aloud)

Brahmachariye! The brahmacharyam you are observing in this young age is giving you a great radiance. Your very presence is stirring my mind.   Please kindly accept whatever I offer you as Bikshai.

He bows to the Brahmachari.

Brahmachari

The words ‘Bhavathi Bikshamdehi’ you heard from me in front of your house are uttered by none other than Emperuman Thirumal! I will accept whatever you offer as Gyana Bikshai.

Virubakkan

You have uttered only words of glory!

Looking inside the house, he continues.

Amma! Gowri! Bring the Panchapatram from the puja room here.

Gowri quickly goes to the puja room and rushes outside with the Panchapatram. Hearing her husband’s order and Gowri’s quick reaction, Subavirathai also comes there inquiringly. The other relatives in the house also come to the portico. They are all surprised to see a Vaishnava Brahmachari standing there. Subavirathai bows to the Brahmachari and then looks her husband questioningly.

Subavirathai

Will the food of our house be acceptable to the Vaishnava Brahmachari?

Virubakkan

Ayyane!  The time for giving Bikshai has come. Please extend your hands.

The Brahmachari extends his left hand keeping the Kamandalam in the Thiruvodu in his left hand, confused as to what is going to happen.

 Virubakkan (placing the palm of her daughter on the plum of the Brahmachari and taking water from the Panchapatram)

Ayyane! Here is my daughter. She is the sacred prasadam of Easan Sokkanathar! I am offering her as Bikshai to you.

He pours the water on their palms. All those around are shocked. The Brahmachari looks bewildered. Acceding to the wish of her father as a divine order, Gowri goes and stands behind him accepting him as her husband.

Subavirathai goes dumb seeing this happening in the fleet of a second. Composing herself, she looks up to her husband with tears welling up in her eyes.

Subavirathai

There is nothing which you are unaware of! I am also aware that whatever you do, it is as ordained by Easan Sokkanathar Himself! Still, without knowing the background of the person you have given away our only daughter to a total stranger… She is our only daughter… She has lived a luxurious life. I have been planning to conduct her wedding with great pomp and show. How can you do a thing like this? Is our daughter a commodity to be given away as alms?

 Only then, Virubakkan realises as to what he has done.

 Virubakkan

Oh! I recall only seeing this Brahmachari and his radiant face. I do not remember whatever has happened thereafter… All these are ordained by Easan Sokkanathar alone!

Subavirathai

He looks quite eligible and acceptable to us. I am only perturbed that he is a Vaishnava.  How can we back down once our daughter has been given away as an offering properly? Let bygone be bygone. I will now dress up our daughter in bridal finery. We will conduct the wedding rites right now.

Virubakkan

 Marumahanare!    May I know your name?

Brahmachari (bowing to all the elders around)

 I am Kasiputtiran....

Arrangements are immediately made to conduct the marriage. Gowri is decked up in all bridal finery. Kasiputtiran casts off his rig of Brahmacharyam and is dressed up as a bridegroom in silken clothes. The wedding ceremonies are conducted in front of all the relatives assembled there as per Vedic rites.

      ********

As Kasiputtiran reaches home along with his wife, his parents are shocked to see  her sporting Saivite  symbols.

Kasiputtiran (introducing his wife)

Annaye! Thanthaye! This is my wife. Only today we got married.

 Thai (His Mother) (angrily)

How dare you come here after marrying her like an orphan when your wedding should have been solominised in our presence? 

Unable to withstand the furious look of her mother-in-law, Gowri hides herself behind her husband.

 Thanthai (His father)

Who is this girl? To which caste she belongs to?

 As he angrily pounces on his son, Kasiputtiran raises his hand and signals his father to compose himself.

His steadfast countenance makes his parents to restrain themselves.

 Kasiputtiran (in a firm tone)

Annaye! Thanthaye!  Please don’t denounce anyone in haste.  As ordained by upanayanam, I undertook Brahmacharyam. Accordingly I also took the vow of living off by taking Bikshai. When I was asking for alms in front of her house, her parents offered her as Gyana Bikshai to me.  I accepted her as it is against the edict of Vedas to decline what is offered as Bikshai. I married her following the rituals enshrined in the Vedas and took the seven steps confirming that I would forever be her sole keeper and I have given the promise to protect her for life while circumambulating around Agni. She belongs to the family of Aadi Saiva. Her name is Gowri. Good or bad, my future is going to be with her alone.

His father after giving a deep thought to what he has heard..

 Thanthai

 To reject the wedding conducted as per Vedic rites will amount to showing disrespect to Vedas. To accept Bikshai is the duty of a Brahmachari. Therefore, you have not committed any misdeed.  You can take your bride inside.

Getting the acceptance of his father Kasiputtiran and his wife heave a sigh of relief. But his mother blocks the way of Gowri.

Thai (in a strict tone)

 Penne! I can’t even call you by your name. You may be the wife of my son. But for us, you are an outsider. We cannot eat any food cooked by you as you are a Saivite. So you are debarred from entering our kitchen and you will not enter it for whatever reason. You have to lead your life in seclusion. You cannot behave like a daughter-in-law of this house. If you agree to these conditions, you may step-in  or else  you go back to your home forthwith.

Gowri’s eyes go teary on hearing these words.

Kasiputtiran (murmuring to Gowri to give her confidence) 

She belongs to the old world customs. Everything will turn out all right   in due course. Don’t worry. I am there with you.

With her right foot, Gowri steps in.

   *****

The next day....

Gowri wakes up much before sunrise and after taking bath sweeps the portico and draws kolams. She goes around the Tulasi pot and ties a flower garland around it. As she was bowing to Tulasi, her mother in law comes there. There is uncontrolled rage in her eyes.

Mamiyar 

Ayyo! Ayyo! What a great harm you have done. We revere Tulasi as our goddess. You have polluted it by your touch. She picks up a stick and dislodges the garland that Gowri has placed. Taking a bucket of water she obliterates the kolams drawn by Gowri in the portico.

As Gowri looks shocked seeing her actions...

Mamiyar (irritatingly)

I say! Look here. Don’t do anything to spoil our sanctity. Confine yourself in some corner and do not cross our path. Only that will be good for you.  You will be fed adequately and you just eat and do nothing.  Only if you agree to these conditions, you can stay here or else you can go back to your house.  

Saddened, Gowri looks down with tears rolling down and wetting the earth.

     ******

 Kailayam....

Easan

Devi!  I can understand! Aren’t you perturbed by the hardship of Gowri?

Annai

 Yes! Ayyane! Days and months have rolled by. There is no change in her life. Gowri is undergoing tremendous distress caused by her in-laws. But for the kindness and love shown to her by her husband, she would have given up her life long ago.  She is tolerating the insulting words of her Mamiyar and the indifferent attitude of her Mamanar with the fond hope that one day or the other they will change their attitude towards her.  I don’t know how long she is going to undergo this torture!

Easan

 The time has to relieve her of her distress. I am leaving for that just now!

Annai (surprised)

You always used say that you will be back when you leave. Now you are saying that you are leaving and not saying anything about your return! What is your plan?

Easan (laughing)

Wait and see! 

 Easan disappears into the sky.

        *******

Kasiputtiran calls his wife early that morning...

Kasiputtiran (with concern)

Gowri! I am going to the neighbouring village along with my parents to attend a wedding. We will be back by midday. I am not able to take you along as those people are Vaishnavas. You have to stay here alone till we are back.  Will you remain safe?

Gowri nods her head in agreement. Shortly after they leave, she looks at the locked kitchen of the house. She returns to her room and concentrates her mind on Easan. Her mind however is agitated.

Gowri (to herself)

Not seeing any Sivanadiyars for long, my eyes have become worthless.  One who is unkind to Adiyavars is hard hearted.  The body that does not serve adiyavars is wooden!  I have become a lifeless statue for not serving Sivanadiyars.   To whom can I tell that Sivaneri will lead to Mukti! I am unable to even recite Panchakshara mantram, the eternal source of happiness, here!  My mind, speech and acts are filled with Bhakti as I keep thinking of Easan! They say one can see Him   in the guise of Adiyars! Seeing an Adiyavar will remove all the difficulties!

 She cries aloud, “Iraiva! Iraiva!”  That very moment she hears someone calling ‘Bhavathi Bikshamdehi’ seeking alms. She rushes outside to find an elderly Anthanar with radiant eyes standing there. With a profuse crop of grey hair and wrinkled face, sporting Rudrakshams around his neck, arms, with thiruneeru smeared around his chest coating the sacred thread,  with a lean stomach due to hunger, having an umbrella in one hand and a stick on the other hand , he appears  to be staggering. Gowri falls on his feet and prostrates in great reverence. She rushes inside and brings a Tambalam, water in a pitcher and flowers.  Requesting to stand in the Tambalam, she washes his feet with water and does the Padapujai.

Gowri (bowing to Adiyavar)

 Adiyavare! I must have done a great penance to have you here.

Anthanar (clearing his throat)

 Mahale! I have come from a far off place. I am very hungry. Please give me food.

Gowri is devastated as if lashed by a whip.

Gowri   (to herself)

I am permitted to enter the kitchen! How can I cook food and feed him? He is an old man seeking food as he is hungry. If I enter the kitchen, they will throw me out of this house! Whatever may happen to me, I will not let the old Anthanar go back hungry. I am prepared to undergo whatever punishment I may have to suffer!

She takes the old man inside and makes him seated.  With pestle, she knocks off the lock of the kitchen and enters inside. Quickly she prepares a variety of mouthwatering items. She serves the Anthanar who relishes the food to his heart’s content.  She keeps conversing with him and at the same time intently observing the items he relishes more and serves those dishes more and more. She observes him getting satiated like a mother would do to his child. As the old Anthanar consumes the food morsel by morsel,  his body starts changing bit by bit. The graying hair becomes black, the loin cloth changes to tiger skin, the garlands of Rudrakshams change to bejeweled ornaments. The thiruneeru in the forehead becomes the Third eye between the brows!  It is Easan who is seated there in all His splendour!

Gowri looks flabbergasted!

 Gowri (wondering whether this is really Easan)

 Is He the   father of Murugan who also came disguised as an old man once?   Is He the one who burnt Manmathan to ashes?  Is He the captivating   Perumal sporting the garb of a Saivite?

At that moment, her husband, Mamanar and Mamiyar return home. Gowri is bewildered on seeing them.

Gowri

 Just because I sport the symbols of a Saivite, they treat me as an untouchable.  They will abuse Emperuman harshly on seeing him here and drive him out. They will get into unfathomable misery due for abusing Easan. Emperumane! Please save me!

She rushes to the door greatly puzzled.  Giving a derisive look at her, they enter inside. Easan who has came there as an old man and then changes to a youth now transforms into an infant. Sporting thiruneeru all over the forehead, with a black lining shading the captivating eyes, the infant lies on the wooden seat with its left leg bent at the knee sucking its right thumb. Gowri and others are dumbfounded on seeing the baby.

Mamiyar   (with a furious look at Gowri)

Whose child is this?

Gowri (praying to Easan)

Devadattan has come here with his wife and has asked me to take care of his child.

 Mamiyar

 Isn’t he the one who is a servitor of Sivan who wears the garland of bones and smears the ashes from the cremation ground? Pick it up.

 Scared, Gowri picks up the infant and keeps it close to her chest.

Mamiyar

There is no place for you here anymore. Now get out and go away.

 Gowri walks out without uttering a word. Fearing his mother’s fury, Kasiputtiran keeps mum and walks out along with his wife. Her Mamanar and Mamiyar also come out to ensure that Gowri is driven out. The infant Iraivan goes to sleep lulled by the food and the motherly embrace of Gowri! As Iraivan goes to sleep, the entire universe comes to a standstill.  Brahma reaches there in great hurry deeply perturbed. Thirumal reaches there in His Garuda vahanam. Annai Parvathi with Alaimgal and Kalaimgal reach there in great anxiety.    The Sivaganas crowd around the infant Easan not knowing what to do.  Naradar and Nandi appear there and bow to Easan. Being the two eyes of Easan, the Sun and the Moon, having lost their luster arrive there. Not only Kasiputtiran and his parents but also all people of the entire village are bewildered not knowing as to what is happening.

Annai Parvati (requesting)

 Mahale! Gowri!   Easan, the Creator, the Caretaker and the Destroyer, is in slumber in your arms as an infant.  The sumptuous food and the motherly caress of yours have made Him to sleep. The entire universe has come to a standstill.  Please wake Him up and hand Him over   as Emperuman as before so that the universe can function again as before.

Gowri wakes up the infant by tapping its face gently with her palm while singing His praise! The baby opens its eyes and the Universe resumes its function.

Gowri (in raptures)

 Emperumane! You enacted this drama of coming down to earth taking the forms of an old man, a youth and an infant, just to have food from me! I bow to You!

She bends down and chants Panchakshara mantram thrice in its ears. Iraivan regains His original form holding the Trisoolam in His hand with snakes coiling around His body.

The conch shells are blown. Gowri bows to Easan. Annai Parvathi also bows to Easn and goes and stands next to Him. Nandi quickly jumps and stands behind them. Brahma, Thirumal, Naradar and all others bow to Easan and Annai.

Easan (looking at Gowri in great compassion)

Though fully aware that your future will be ruined, you decided to feed a hungry adiyavar without caring for the consequences.  With this lofty thought, you have fed me with loving care as a mother would to her own child. I grant you Mukti and you will have no further birth. Annaye! Please join Me!

Iraivan rises as a great Jyothi and Gowri with her hands joined over her head merges unto the Jyothi chanting aloud the Panchakshara mantram.

A shower of flowers from the heavens greets them to the sound of trumpets.

     *****

As the Sivanadiyar concludes the story, the village elder goes ecstatic.

 Periyavar-The village Elder

 Thambi! Your faith will not go in vain. People feed the others for the sake of earning Punyam. But believing that Easan in the guise of an adiyavar will also take food along with other adiyavars, you are   feeding the adiyavars and relieving them of their hunger. Your act is fit to be engraved in golden letters. Please let me also join you in your sacred duty. I will spend the rest of my life like this.

Sivanadiyar

You have spoken very aptly! In the forthcoming festival of Panguni Uththiram, a large number of adiyavars will be assembling here. Your help will be very valuable in feeding them.

    *****

As the day for the Panguni Uththiram comes nearer and nearer, the crowd of Adiyavars congregating is becoming colossal. Sivanadiyar is deeply distressed to note that his stock of paddy is depleting fast. Seeing him look worried...

Periyavar

Sivanadiyare! You look worried for the last two days. May I know what is causing you worry?

Sivanadiyar

I have kept stock of paddy keeping in mind the number of sivanadiyars who had come last year and the total stock I kept last year. But this year, the stock is almost depleted much before the day of the festival itself. There is no stock to meet the need of even tomorrow. If I go for work to earn it as wages, I am afraid that the crowd here will go hungry. I do not know what to do!

Periyavar

 Easan is there to guide everyone! Will He not show us a way out? Leave your troubles with Easan and remain calm.

Adiyavar listens to him but he is unable to sleep. Turning from side to side in the bed for a long time, he gets up remembering something. He runs out in the middle of the night to carry out his plan. He reaches the Royal granary. He walks around the compound wall and locates the place where the paddy is stocked for sending to matams for feeding adiyavars and jumps in side. Soon he is surrounded by the sentries and gets caught. The whole palace wakes by the commotion and the mannar Idangazhiyar also wakes up and comes there. He sees a young man is held captive by the sentries and others are beating him.

Mannar (in a commanding tone)

Who is there? What is happening?

The commotion ceases and seeing the mannar there the sentries stand aside. As he looks at the young man beaten and bleeding, he is surprised. The thiruneeru on his forehead amazes him even more.

The Chief Sentry (bowing to mannar)

Mannar manna! This man jumped inside our granary to steal the paddy. You must punish him accordingly!

 Idangazhiyar looks at the youth.

 Mannar

 Young man!   You appear to be a Sivanadiyar...  and not to have come here for stealing.. Tell me the truth.

 Sivanadiyar (shedding copious tears)

Mannar Manna! My name is Sivanadiyan.

Mannar (intervening)

Sivanadiyar!  I know you very well. You have spent all your wealth in feeding hungry Adiyavars and when have got exhausted, you toiled to earn paddy as wages to feed them. You are a great soul! What have you come here for?

Sivanadiyar

 My stock of paddy for feeding the adiyavar for the Panguni Uththiram got exhausted due to unprecedented crowd this year. You have kept aside separate stocks for sending to matams for feeding adiyavars. I wanted to take away a portion of that so that I can feed the adiyavars tomorrow.  That is why I entered the granary.

He bends his head down.

Mannar

Though ware of severe punishment and even loss of own life on getting caught, your taking this great risk of stealing from the royal granary for feeding adiyavars is highly laudable by the entire world. Not only the bags of paddy here, but also whatever commodities, gold and gems which are in our Royal granary is all yours. You take all of them and continue your sacred duty of feeding adiyavars.

The mannar bows to Adiyavar to accept his offer. The words of the mannar surprise everyone.

There....

To the reverberating sound of trumpets Easan appears along with Annai mounted on Nandi vahanam.

Iraivan

Idangazhiyare! Born in the dynasty of Adityan who covered the roof of Thillai in gold! Once you realised that the person who came for the theft was an Adiyavar, you offered not only his need but also the entire wealth of your kingdom. Your act of bowing to him is of exceptional eminence!

 You will continue to live and complete your obligations of this birth.   When your time comes, you will merge unto Me and be retained on to my right side. Your name and fame will remain as long as this earth remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well!

 He then looks at Sivanadiyar with great compassion. Sivanadiyar is in raptures for having the darisanam of Easan.

Iraivan (with a laugh)

Sivanadiyare!  I have enjoyed taking food in your home nay number of times and therefore your wish has been already fulfilled.

Whosoever remembers and prays to Idangazhiyar will remember you as well. Whosoever worships him will worship you as well.  May your service to Adiyavars here continue in all its glory!

As Easan blesses Adiyavar, there is a shower of flowers from the heavens and the resounding “Om” permeates everywhere!

Thiruchchitrambalam