Kootruva Nayanar

2

Kootruva Nayanar 

The entire city of Thillai is in great turmoil. People are running helter- skelter not knowing what to do. With anxiety writ on their faces all the three thousand Thillaivazh Anthanars assemble in the temple of Easan.

The elder Anthanar

We don’t know what is happening. Some say that the enemies are approaching Thillai with a large army. Some say, atheists are coming in huge numbers to destroy the temple to dust... Some say that our Chozha kingdom has lost the war and the royal family has run way into hiding. No one knows what the truth is! Whatever it may be, if there is any danger to our temple we should unite and defend it from harm.

Anthanar 1

 Whatever you have said are all true! Our Chozha Empire has lost the war. The mannar has gone into hiding somewhere. The one who waged the war is neither from Pandiyan nor from Cheran dynasty. He is not even any other king. He is an ordinary man called Puranthakan. He has collected warriors of all states and created a huge army. He has won over many kingdoms. He does not belong to any royal dynasty. Not following any kind of Dharma, he challenges everyone to either surrender to him or face him in battle.  They say that following a secret strategy, he has defeated every opposing force.    Is there any king ruling Thillai? No!  Then what is the purpose of for him to come here with such a huge army?  Is it for war? It cannot be. It must be to destroy the temple to dust.   We must fight them even if all of us lose our lives.

 Anthanar 2 (sarcastically)

 How do we fight? With weapons! We have not carried anything other than dharba grass in our lives. How can we fight the savages?

Anthanar 3

 It is true that we are not born to take arms to fight! Still if we run away when there is danger to the temple is preposterous.  It will negate the very reason for having born in this land of Chozhas.

Anthanar 4

We have already talked about it! The question is how we are going to save the temple from destruction!

 Anthanar 5

You idiots! Who is residing inside? He is the Lord who is dancing in this Universe! He is the One who makes the entire universe to function! This city of Thillai is the heart of this entire Universe. Is there anyone who can defeat him?

At that very moment, the blowing of trumpet is heard. The chariot of Puranthakan  comes  blaring and stops in front of them. The cavalry that that is following creates a whirlwind of dust making the Anthanars to run for cover here and there. As the dust settles down, with blood shot eyes and his sword drawn, Purnathakan alights from the chariot.   Rattled by his very appearance, the Anthanars stand shaken and dumbfounded.

Puranthakan (in a thundering voice)

 Where is your Chidambarasan?

A few of the Anthanars swoon hearing his thundering voice itself.

Anthanar 5 (bravely)

Chidambarasar is inside!

Puranthakan lets out a boisterous and haughty laugh  making  the Anthanars even more scared.

Puranthakan  

 Anthanare! Go and tell Him that Puranthakan has come here. He has to welcome me and accept my sovereignty. Otherwise, He has to meet me in war.

Anthanar 5 (wondering what a ruffian he is, challenging even Easan to fight)

Our Lord will not come here. You have to go inside to have His darisanam!

Puranthakan (getting more furious hearing this) 

Is He so high headed? I will meet Him in His own place! Come with me.  It is enough if you just show Him to me.

He walks ahead with each of his step making a thundering impact guided by the Anthanar. Puranthakan reaches the Ambalam. There Easan is standing in His divine dancing pose with his left foot lifted above. The sword slips and falls down, the moment Puranthakan sets his eyes on Easan!

Puranthakan (stumbling)

Is He the Chidambarasan?

Anthanar 5 (proudly)

Yes! He is the one who is the creator of this very universe and to make it function He remains in this glorious pose forever! He is our Chidambarasan! He is the emperor of this world ruling over us. He is the owner of Thennadu! He is the Iraivan for the people each and every land.

Puranthakan (looking frozen)

I have come here looking for a man! You say He is Iraivan! Is He the one who created us?

Anthanar 5 (becoming a little bolder on seeing the condition of Puranthakan)

Yes! He is the one who created this entire universe and all the creatures living in it. He is the one Who does the pentagonal acts of creation, protection, suppression, endowment and destruction.  The hand holding the Udukkai signifies creation. The hand in Abhayamudra   denotes protection. The hand holding the Agni signifies destruction. The one pointing to His sacred feet indicates that it is the place one must seek to obtain his grace. Now look carefully at the foot that is planted on the spine of the Arakkan Muyalavan. That denotes suppression.  Our Easan is the Lord of the five elements namely, earath, water, fire, wind and ether.

The One who dances with Kali,

The One who dances at Kanaksabhai,

The One who dances with Kooli,

The One who dances at Kuvalayam,

The One who extends his leg across the entire sky,

The One who dances forever at this Ambalam – That is He, the Nathan!

 “காளியோடாடி

 கனகாசலத்திலாடி

 கூளியோடாடி

 குவலயத்தேயாடி

 நீடிய நீர் கால் நீள்வானிடையாடி

 நாளுற அம்பலத்தேயாடும் நாதன் இவன்!”

  Omnipresent in this entire universe, He is the Peruman who dances in our temple!

He raises both his hands above his head cupping them in great reverence and chants the Panchakshara mantram aloud.

Puranthakan does likewise as copious tears fall down his cheeks.

Easan, Sabhapathy, glances at His adiyavar with a smile!

    *****

 Puranthakan starts his reign keeping Chidambaram as his capital. In the beginning there are mild complaints murmured by the Anthanars. All of them assemble in front of Sabhapathy!

The Elder Anthanar

Even Easan Himself has accepted Puranthakan as the uncrowned king here.     

Anthanar 1 (intervening)

How do you say that Easan has accepted him?

The Elder Anthanar

There is no failure of rains... All our lakes, tanks and ponds are brimming with water... There is bountiful harvest... Don’t these indicate that our Chidambarasar has accepted Puranthakan?

Anthanar 2

The mannar gives the appearance of a ruffian.  It is scary even to stand in front of him. He comes and stands in front of Easan for hours together.  If we let it continue like this, half of us may die out of fear.

The Elder Anthanar

I have gathered all the information about the Mannar.  Though he looks rough and tough, he is said to have a heart of gold! Diamonds and rubies are like pebbles for him. His only aim is to take good care of his subjects. Though he had a very humble beginning, he believed that he could conquer the world by sheer bravery. He collected all likeminded people   with him and defeated all those kings who were ruling their kingdoms unfairly.  Generally when someone acquires enormous wealth and power, he would go after women. But this king reveres all women considering them as his mother.  He is gem of a man. Just think!  Has he created any problem for any of us in all these days?  Has anyone accused him of injustice? Have there been any thefts or murders in the kingdom? Has there been any atrocity committed against womenfolk?  None of them have happened. Aren’t these indicating that   the kingdom is administered well and the rule of law prevails?    We keep telling that all are as destined by Easan though many of us are not fully convinced.  But Puranthaka mannar always utters “Ellam Easan Seyal” (Everything is the work of Easan) as a mantram.  The way he utters this with conviction will convince even those who hear it. It will not be long when people begin to wonder that there no Sivanadiyar equal to him! 

He closes the discussion with no room for further arguments.

     *********

One day...

After the Ardhajama puja of Easan, thiruneeru is distributed. Mannar Puranthakar receives with great piety and smears it on his forehead.  His eyes are locked on to the sacred form of Easan in His dancing pose.  All others except the Anthanar on duty and the mannar leave. The mannar keeps standing staring at Easan for a long time. Anthanar is confused as to what to do as the mannar is standing lost in himself.

 Anthanar (to himself) 

Mannar is standing totally absorbed!  My wife will be waiting for me at home! But I am also scared to disturb the mannar to remind him to leave. Let it be!

As he is thinking like this, he is shocked to see the mannar imitating the dancing pose of Easan standing on his right foot and lifting his left leg and twisting his arms. Scared, the Anthanar moves a little way from him.

Mannar

Anthanare! Tell me!  Am I keeping the feet and arms correctly?

Anthanar mumbles something incongruent and mannar leaves the temple after bowing to Easan with a hearty laugh!

     ******

The private royal quarters of the mannar in the palace....A lot of dance masters have assembled there. The mannar makes asks them to be seated and takes his seat.

Mannar

Learned dance masters! I am totally captivated by our Easan in His dancing pose at the Ambalam. Though I have expertise in many forms of art,   I have no knowledge of Nattiyakalai! Will it be possible for me to perform dance like Easan?  You decide among yourself who is the most qualified among you to teach me Nattiyakalai!

The assembled masters are stunned and scared when they realise that it is the mannar who is to be taught the art of dancing. Knowing the rough behavior of the mannar all of them barring one leave that place.

Mannar (surprised)

 What is this? How come everyone has left without any discussion? Can’t I learn dancing at this age? Anyway, I am happy to see at least you standing here. Who are you? I would like to know your expertise in Nattiyakalai.

The dance master

Mannar Manna!  My name is Arjunan. I have leant the Bharata Sastra from a very young age and I have been performing for the past ten years in various places. I am now teaching this art form. Your first question is whether you can learn this art at your age. Age is not a limiting factor to learn any art. The urge to learn is the most essential thing. If you have that urge, you can learn and master the art of Bharatha Nattiyakalai.

Mannar 

Aaha! You have spoken encouragingly! I want to know about Bharata Sastra first. Please tell me about it.

Arjunan

The movement of the limbs according to the music is Natanam. When rhythm and expressions combine with it, it becomes the art form of Nattiyam.  As Nattiyam is the combination of Bhavam (expression), Ragam (musical tone) and Thalam (rhythmic beat), it is called Bharatham combining the first syllable of each of the above. It is also said to derive its name from Bharatha Munivar, who is the author of this Sastram. Bhavam must exhibit the inherent meaning of the word by facial expressions and bodily gestures. It is also called Abhinayam.  There are nine distinct expressions encompassing human reactions to a situation. These are collectively called Navarasam. They are velour, fear, disgust, wonder, joy, compassion, love, anger and tranquility.  Some claim that the face alone can express these distinct states of mind. It is not absolutely correct. Facial expressions combined with bodily gestures will bring them out more succinctly. The eyes express the inner thoughts. But the inner thoughts also manifest in external bodily changes like going into raptures, shedding tears, trembling , sweating, being poised, being joyous, being confused, being distraught,  going dead beat ,  stammering . These are the ten external manifestation of the inner state of mind. Abhinayam is of twenty four varieties. There are 32 basic Ragas which are called Melakarata Ragas. The others are derived from these. Nattiyam is required to be conforming to as well as confining to the three schools of Nrittam, Abhinayam and Thalam. There are different varieties of Nrittam, Abhinayam and Thalam. Nrittam and Thalam have 108 distinct variations.  No one can master all of these in one’s lifetime. Only our Chidambarasar who has defined the rules for all is the Great Master of this art. He has enacted twelve different Thandavam (dance forms) to signify twelve different events.

Ananda Thandavam at Thillai signifies the functioning of this Universe under His control.

Oordhava   Thandavam at Thiruvalangadu was to convey His compassion to Karaikkal Ammayar.

Sandhya Thandavam was enacted to protect the Devas, while Gowri Thandavam was to gift the Vedas to the world.  By doing Tripura Thandavam, He burnt to ashes the Tripuram. He performed Muni Thandavam for the sake of Patanjali and Vyaghrapathar. He does the Samhara Thandavam when the universe comes to an end. When He killed Gajasuran, skinned and worn his hide as His garment, he performed Ugra Thandavam.  To wipe out the arrogance of the Munivars of Tharukavanam, he did the Bhootha Thandavam. He does the Pralaya Thandavam to raise the oceans to engulf the earth during Pralayam. For the sake of Nagars He did the ferocious Bhujanga Thandavam.     He displayed the Sudhdha Thandavam when he went around this earth.

As he concludes, Puranthakar gets up and bows to his Guru. His training on Bharatha Nattiyam starts that very day.

   ****

As the days roll by, Puranthakar becomes an expert in Nattiyakalai. At the end of his training….

Arjunan (haltingly)

Mannar Manna! You have completely mastered the Nattiyakalai.  I am harbouring a question in my mind from the day you started the training for which I could not get an answer. Only you may please give the answer to that question.

Mannar

Go ahead! Ask me whatever you want!

Arjunan (confidently)

You are reigning monarch! You need to go into battles every now and then. Your indulgence in this art of dancing all the time when your primary responsibility is the welfare of your kingdom is both a surprise and trepidation for me. Only you can dislodge my anxiety.

Mannar

 What did you tell me on the very first day?

Arjunan (unable to recall and confused)

What did I say?

Mannar

You said that the Thandavam of Easan in Thillai is Ananda Thandavam meant for the function of this world. Is that right?

Arjunan replies in the affirmative nodding his head.

Mannar

You said that Thandavam of Easan is for the functioning of this entire world. He is the one Who does the pentagonal acts of creation, protection, suppression, endowment and destruction.  The same thing is happening in our kingdom also. Like the Thandavam of Iraivan in the Ambalam is for the welfare of the world, mine is only for the welfare of people of this kingdom!

 The Aacharyan stands dumbfounded hearing this.

    *****

 That night….

As Puranthakar is going to sleep…

Mannar (to himself)

There is nothing else left for me now to surmount. Whatever has been conquered are all external victories. I have not achieved any victory over my inner self till now! Though I have tasted a thousand victories, my mind is yearning for only one thing. That is to reach the sacred feet of Easan! Will this greed of mine ever be fulfilled?

He then goes to sleep. In the middle of the night, he feels as if someone is calling him while asleep. He wakes up to find a great radiant Jyothi in front of him. Agitated, he gets up quickly and bows to the Jyothi. A divine voice is heard.

The Divine Voice

Kootruva!  By pronouncing that My Koothu   in the Ambalam is for the welfare of this world and your Koothu is for the welfare of your subjects, has earned you the title of Kootruvan. You have now become eligible to be crowned. I am eager to see getting crowned.

Mannar Kootruvan lowers his head to the floor in great reverence to the Jyothi. As he rises up, the Jyothi disappears.

    *****

 Next day…

All the three thousand Anthanars are hurrying up to the Sannadhi of Ambalavanan.

The Elder Anthanar

I wonder why the manner has asked all of us to assemble here! Has anyone committed any crime?

They all reach the Sannadhi and wait for the arrival of the Mannar. As he arrives, all of them bow to him. He calls for the elder Anthanar who comes near him.

Mannar

Anthanare! I have been ruling this kingdom without being crowned. I wish to get myself crowned! You must tell me when and how to conduct it and also carry it out by being in the fore front.

All the Anthanars go dumbfounded. They look here and there not knowing what to response.  Not getting any reply from any of them the Mannar asks them as to what is the matter.

The Elder Anthanar (haltingly, clearing his throat)

Mannar Manna!  We can crown only the kings of Royal lineage. You know very well of your ancestry. We are unable to crown you as you do not have royal parentage. You must allow us to follow our beliefs.

Mannar is shocked to hear this. That night…

Mannar (to himself)

You said that you wished to see me getting crowned… But the Anthanars refused to crown me as it is against their custom. Please pardon me for not being able to organize the crowning ceremony.

He goes to sleep with a heavy heart. As wakes up he is surprised to find a double crown on his head. At that very moment, the bells of temple toll and all the three thousand Anthanars rush to the temple. As they reach the Sannadhi, the Mannar also arrives wearing the double crown.  Seeing the radiant and magnificent double crown covering his head, they are greatly amazed. At that moment to the resounding ‘Onkaram’ in the temple precincts, Ayyan and Annai appear there in their Nandi Vahanam. Seeing Easan, the Mannar stands in great ecstasy. His hands are joined in great reverence and his eyes are shedding copious joyous tears.

Annai Parvati (Seeing the Adiyavar standing in raptures totally lost in himself)

 Kootruva Nayanare! That day before going to sleep you said, “There is nothing else left for me now to surmount. Whatever has been conquered are all external victories. I have not achieved any victory over my inner self till now! Though I have tasted a thousand victories, my mind is yearning for only one thing. That is to reach the sacred feet of Easan! Will this greed of mine ever be fulfilled?”

Will Our Easan ever decline the request of His adiyavar?  He has crowned you by placing His sacred feet on your head! What has been declined by the Anthanars has been fulfilled by Him by crowning you with not a single but a double crown. This is only to demonstrate to the world the glory of the adiyavar and the esteem he enjoys.  Your name and fame will remain as long as this world remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well. After completing your time in this earth, you will reach Us and remain seated on to Our right forever.

As Annai blesses him, there is a shower of flowers from the heavens. The Anthanars hang their heads in shame for their act. Mannar Kootruva Nayanar and others raise their hands above their heads in supplication and chant the Panchakshara mantram aloud.   The ringing sound of “Om Namasivaya” permeates everywhere.

Thiruchchitrambalam