Friday, March 22, 2019

Sakhti Nayanar


2
Sakhti Nayanar

  In the city of Kasi......
 A young man standing in a corner of the sanctum in the temple of Viswanathar is watching the devotees touching the idle and bowing to Easan. He keeps standing there watching for a long time with an uncertain countenance attracting the attention of a Yogi who is sitting there.
 Yogiyar (fondly)
 Mahane! Who are you? From where do you come from? Why are you standing her all along looking hesitant? What is the matter?
The young man is in tears.
The Youngman
Thuraviyare! I hail from a village called Virinjiyur in the lands of Chozhas in the south! I am born in the clan of framers. I have no relatives. My name is Sakthi . I have come here urged by my desire to have darisanam of Kasinathan! Here everyone is touching the Easan and bowing to Him! In our place we cannot do this. We have to stand outside the Sannathi for having only Darisanam. I am not able accept the idea of all these people touching the Easan. I am hesitant to touch Easan.  You may please clarify as how should I conduct myself?
Yogiyar
 In your village, the Gurukkal touches the Easan, bathes Him, clothes Him, decorates Him with flowers and feeds Him also. When they can touch Easan, why don’t they give you that permission? 
Sakthi
In our lands, it is an unwritten law as to who should perform what tasks in the administration of the temple.  The restriction that those who sweep the area and mop the floors of the temple are not permitted to do the job Neivedyam is not due to the job being superior or menial! It is only to ensure that the allotted tasks performed with a great degree of precision and flair and without any blemish. If everyone is permitted to every work, it will only result in no one doing any work properly! Whatever be the reason, the ultimate aim is to ensure that the service to Easan is carried out without any lapse!
Yogiyar (laughingly)
It appears that there are plenty of people working in all your temples! That is why perhaps, they could earmark the tasks for individuals and restrict who can do what task! Suppose there is only one available in the temple to do the work, he has to both clean the place as well as offer food to Easan! 
Sakthi
True! Still, the devotees have to stand only outside the Sannathi for praying to Easan.  It is not acceptable to me that they can enter inside sanctum sanctorum and even touch Easan!
 Yogiyar (with a deep thought)
It appears that you hold very rigid ideas and an adamant attitude!
Sakthi
In my village people refer to me as a ruffian. Many would avoid me out of fear and only a few might greet me by name for a talk.
 As the Yogiyar looks surprised on hearing this, Sakthiyar   bends down and with his hands raised above and joined in supplication bows to Easan in great devotion. As he walks out, the Yogiyar looks at him still surprised.
    ******
 Seeing a large crowd has assembled in a mantapam on the banks of Ganga, Sakthiyar decides to join and sits along with them.   In a short while the sound of the conch shell is heard and all the people stand up. Sakthiyar also follows suit.  Five pundits of Kasi   arrive there and after returning their compliments to the public they get seated. The public resume their seats.
Pundit 1
Makkale! Today we are going to discuss some of the things which are unique to Kasi. Before that, I will pose a question to you! There is only one wonder of this world! Can anyone tell me what it is?
One from the audience
If someone returns the lone advanced before being reminded to return the same that will qualify as the greatest wonder!
 The people laugh at the joke. Another person gets up from the audience with a mischievous smile.
The Second person
Pandithargale!   They say Easan has five heads and likewise Ravanan has ten heads. If someone is born
with many heads, that will be the wonder of wonders!
He takes back his seat and the people stop their conversations and become quiet.  A loud laughter emanates breaking that silence and everyone looks in that direction. Sakthiyar is the one who is laughing aloud.
Pundit 1 (looking at Sakthiyar angrily)
Do you want to say something?
Sakthiyar gets up to reply.
Sakthiyar
When we say Easan has five faces, it is to denote the five of His acts... creating, maintaining, withholding, blessing and destroying ... These are the five acts. Similarly, the ten heads of Ravanan denotes his ten personal qualities and not the number of heads. The education that is learned, the wisdom that is acquired, the culture that is followed, the bravery that is unparalleled, the glory that is earned, the penance that has been practiced, the compassion that is exhibited, the ego that is developed, the patience that is cultivated and the anger that  explodes .... These are the ten qualities that denote the ten heads of Ravanan. I could not control my laughter when someone wanted to see a man with ten heads not knowing the actual import! If you think that my laugh was improper, I seek the pardon from all the pundits.

As he resumes his seat, there is a loud applause appreciating his explanation. The Pundit looks at Sakthiyar with great respect.
Pundit 2
Ayya! Your explanation reveals your great wisdom. Can you indicate which one is the one and only wonder of the world?
 Sakthiyar gets up and looks around first at the pundits and then all the audience. All are curious to know what he is going to say.
Sakthiyar
We get injury in our body at times. If the injury is trivial, it gets cured in a few days and new skin develops to signify that the injury is healed. If the injury is deep, it may take a few months or even a yar to heal completely. At the same time, a mother who grows her child from the day of conception as speck to a full grown baby at the time of delivery ... all the happenings that take place in between for the three hundred days are nothing but the great wonder of the world!
The conception and subsequent birth in this world take place in four ways..
The first one ... a little chic coming out of an egg! It breaks the shell to make a tiny hole and then enlarges it to break out of it. It immediately recognises its mother! Isn’t that a great wonder? This kind of birth is called ‘Andasam’.
The Second...
 From the seed that falls on the earth, a sapling comes out and then grows to become a huge tree. It is a great wonder that huge tree could be hidden in a tiny seed!  They call this as ‘Urpisam’.
The Third...
To nurture a baby in the womb and deliver it at appropriate time is indeed a great wonder. This is called ‘Sarayusam’.   Humans and animals are included in this.
The fourth way...
It is that which are produced from sweat.  All tiny insects and germs are created this way. They name it as ‘Swedasam’.
The process of creation in any of the above ways is the only great wonder of the world!
As he takes his seat, the audience gives a thundering applause.
Pundit 1 (looking at Sakthiyar)
This entire universe, the sun, the moon, the stars, the world we live, the five elements of water, air, fire, earth and ether that enable the creatures to live are all great wonders of creation... It is rather more appropriate to label them as mysteries than wonders! Why refer them as mysteries? It is because mysteries are not discernable by everyone! Our query is what you would call as the wonder of this world!
Sakthiyar   (requesting)
Pandithargale!  It will be very nice if you give the answer yourself!
Pundit 1
It is said that “Merely by being born in Thiruvarur one will get Mukti,
Likewise a mere thought of Thiruvannamalai or
Stepping on the soil of Kanchi or
Breathing ones last at Kasi ... Any of these will give one salvation”.
 “பிறந்தோர்க்கு ஆரூரில் முக்தி!
 நினைத்தோர்க்கு மலையில் முக்தி!
 மிதித்தோர்க்கு காஞ்சியில் முக்தி!
 இறந்தோர்க்கு காசியில் முக்தி!”

  Kasi is always flooded with people with great expectation! What are they anticipating? They all hope for death!    That too is for what? Just to conquer death! How to conquer death?  By not being born again!
What happens after someone dies? His body is taken to the cremation ground and after it is burnt, the ash is immersed in the Gangai! Then ... We wait for the next death.... Nobody thinks that he will also leave this world like that! This is the wonder of this world! What is born has to die one day!   Garuda Puranam says that the great wonder is that, men in spite of seeing death all around him still assumes that it is not for him and leads an immoral life amassing wealth for his own and his family’s sake ignoring the existence of Iraivan!  You may ask what one has to learn from those who have died?  We came to earth holding only our breath. When we die we are leaving even that here!  While we cannot even that take with us, we run around seeking and accumulating wealth all the time and die not knowing the reason for our birth! This is the wonder of this world!
Sakthiyar (after a deep thought)
You said that one will get Mukti if he dies in Kasi! Suppose someone after committing any and every type of sin   takes a dip in Gangai and then dies!  Will that result in Mukti for him and he will never be born again?
Pundit 1
Only with the concurrence of Easan, Gangai will absolve them of their sins! Only they breathe their last here!  There are many who after awaiting  their death  for years together ,leave this place frustrated only to die elsewhere soon after! Mere bathing in Gangai will not absolve the sins. One is bound to suffer for the sins he commits.  Leading a life of sin throughout one’s life and expecting to escape from its consequences by taking a dip in Gangai is ridiculous!  
One from the audience (getting up)
What is Papam (sinful act) and what is Punyam (virtuous act)?
People laugh aloud on hearing this question and the Pundit answers after the commotion ends.
Pundit 1
Acts which are done according to the laws of Dharma are Punyam! Those which are done in contravention of these laws are Papam! For example   to take care of an old destitute is Punyam. To ill treat and torture an animal is Papam!
Another person from the audience (intervening)
I am   ploughing the fields and only if I plough deep, I will get a good yield. If I leave the bullocks on their own, they will only scrap the surface! Only if I beat them and drive them hard, I can plough my fields properly. Pandithargale!   Please tell me whether it is Papam or Punyam to drive my bullocks hard?

There is a little commotion among the audience on hearing this question. Quite a few of them try to raise their questions and the pundits try hard to bring some order and make all of them to resume their seats and keep quiet.
Pundit 5
Only to answer all your queries, five of us have come here!  We can hear each other’s speech only if you maintain silence. Now I will give the answer to your query.
 Pundit 1 
The cattle wealth indicates the prosperity of a nation! A king who wages a war against a country starts it by first stealing their cattle! The other king will retaliate to recover the cattle thus lost! This is how fight between two countries started. So long as we act with the belief that the cattle we have is meant to increase our wealth, it is within the laws of Dharma. If we do not feed it properly, starve it and torture it by over working it, it is Papam. If we take good care of it, feed it and make it work in the fields is not Papam though one may even goad it with stick when needed. Torture of animal is different from making use of it! If you can distinguish between these two, you will be able to understand the difference between   Papam and Punyam! To ill treat an animal is Papam while making use of it properly is not papam!
The audience agrees to his explanation by exclaiming aloud!
 One person from the public 
People die every day in front of our eyes. We also realise that our life may end any time. But can we keep on living with the fear of death that it may strike now or the next day?
 Pundit 1
Let us suppose that we are travelling to a neighbouring town. We carry with them packed food so that we can consume it when we feel hungry. The very thought that we have food to eat if we go hungry gives us a sense of confidence. Suppose we undertake such a journey without food. We may be constantly worried throughout the journey as to what to do if we get hungry! Our life is also like journey. The good deeds we do accumulate Punyam and accompany us like the packed food and allow us to live without the fear of death. Those who are inimical to doing good will be living constantly in fear of death.
One person from the public 
They say that Iraivan will blind you if you tell a lie. Don’t they also claim Iraivan is repository of mercy?  How will He then make us go blind?
Pundit 1
When can one expect the grace of Easan? When one feels genuinely sorry for having committed a mistake and seeks His forgiveness, he can expect his mercy. Instead of that if someone argues, “What can Iraivan do if I tell lies? Will He poke my eyes and make me blind?” what is the answer.... The saying is only to emphasise that telling lies is a sin and the one who indulges in it will be punished. 
Sakthiyar (standing up)
Is it true that there are well defined punishments for every type of Papam? 
Pundit 1 (looking straight at him)
Yes! It is true.
Sakthiyar takes his seat with a surprised look.
Pundit 1
When the Sanakadhi Munivars ask Soodhama Munivar as to the reasons for the birth and death of creatures   in this earth and which acts of theirs decide their destiny to Swargam (heaven) and Naragam (hell), he narrates the Garuda Puranam that was told to Garudaazhwar by Thirumal as reply.
Sri Garuda Puranam...
Aanmas take many births and deaths as different types of creatures before they are born finally as human beings. Therefore being born as human alone enables Aanma to each the Swargam.  That is why people hail that being born as human is rarest of rare! (Pointing at Sakthiyar) That young man asked whether   it is true that there are well defined punishments for every type of Papam. The answer to this is detailed in the Garuda Puranam itself.
Before offering Pindam to the dead man, they will take a small piece of brick and shape it to the size of a thumb and keep it as a representation of the dead person. Many of you may not know the reason for that. I will tell you the reason. As per Kata Upanishad, Aanma resides inside everyone and its size is that of the thumb of that person.  That piece is called “Nadukal” as it is the Aanma that is planted just outside the residence.
Every day for ten days a Pindam is offered to the Aanma through this Nadukal.
The first day Pindam for this representative body is for the head. The second day Pindam is for the neck and shoulders. The third day is for the chest... The fourth day is for the stomach. The fifth day is for the genitals. The six day is for the buttocks. The seventh day is for the anus. The eighth day is for the thighs. The ninth day is for the feet. The tenth and final day, the Pindam is for the whole body. The Aanma in the form of Nadukal that keeps crying for its near and dear till the eleventh and twelfth day is taken away by the Yamadhoodhars bound by a lasso. They will take those who led a righteous   life to Swargaloham by a chariot. Those who led a sinful life are beaten up thoroughly and dragged as they are taken away.
Now I will list the punishments that will be meted out to those for having committed different kinds of sins.
 As he looks at the crowd, many go pale out of fear. But Sakthiyar looks unmoved and looks straight into the eyes of the Pandithar.
Pundit 1 (continuing)
Though there are many types of punishments of Naragam, twenty eight of them are considered to be the most cruel and vicious.
The first one is ‘Thamisram’.   This is the place where the Yamakinkarars,   with their gadhas and thick wooden sticks beat those who have stolen other’s wives, children and property without a break for even a second.
The next is ‘Andhadhamisram’. Andha means darkness. Those who have lived cheating their spouses are kept in darkness till they faint...
The next is ‘Rowravam’. This is where the vultures will chase and pick on the flesh without relent, of those who have destroyed other’s family and looted their wealth.
Maha Rowravam’. Those who have kept relishing their acts of sins repeatedly will be surrounded by a breed of deer called ‘Ruru’ and torn off by their antlers and they will undergo extreme pain and cry for mercy.
 Kumbibhaham.’ This is the place where those who have tortured others for their own luxuries life are fried in hot oil.
‘Kalasooththiram.’  This is akin to spider’s web. This is the place where spiders attack and bite those who have ill treated their parents and other elderly people.
Asipaththiram.’ This is the place surrounded by thorny bushes. Those who have abused their Gods are made to walk nonstop so that they are pierced by the thorn and suffer extreme pain.
‘Panrimuham.’  Here, those who have punished others unjustly and illegally are made to lie down and beaten black and blue with sticks. Fierce animals are also let in to bite them in this place.
Andhagoopam.’ Those who have involved in torturing and murdering are made to run without rest   by letting wild animals to keep chasing them.
‘Kirumi Bhojanam.’ This is the place where insects are made to bite and eat way those who have lived selfishly by cheating others and robbing partners.
‘Agnikundam.’  Here, those who usurp the liberty and wealth of others by misusing their power are burnt on the stakes after tying their hands and feet.
 ‘Vajrakandakam.’ This is the place where those who indulge in only carnal pleasure by associating with unworthy people are made to wander surrounded by burning fire.
‘Saanmali.’ This is the place where those who   spend their entire life seeking only physical pleasure unmindful of their status and propriety are beaten on their anus with stick embedded with nails.
‘Vaitharani.’ Those who impersonate, cheat and indulge in such other dubious ways to deceive others are submerged in a water body infested with crocodiles.  The howling from them as the crocodiles chase them can be heard all the time.
Bhuyodham.’ Those who are always spending their time seeking carnal pleasure in the company of prostitutes are thrown in a pond full of crabs.
‘Pranarodham.’  Those who seek sadistic pleasure in torturing animals are let off and hunted like animals here.
‘Vichasanam.’ Those who kill cow and seek pardon by conducting yagam and donating cows without real feelings are whipped here.
‘Lalapaksham.’  Here, those who coerce their spouse to indulge perverted sexual acts are thrown in an abandoned well.
Saarameyadhanam.’  Those who do mass killing by starting a fire, poisoning the water source or raiding are tortured here by devilish looking animals chasing them relentlessly.
‘Aveesi.’  In this part, those who give false evidence in courts, those are egoists are made to walk surrounded by Yamakinkarars who throw boulders at them.
‘Paripadhanam.’ Those who initiate others into the habit of drinking liquor and ruin their lives are forced to consume fire in this place.
‘Ksharardhamam.’ Those who belittle elders and the people around them because of their haughtiness are thrown in dark cells along with Arakkars.
‘Rakshoganam.’ Those who indulge in human sacrifice, eat human flesh or the flesh of their pets after killing them are tortured here by those very beings killed by them.
‘Soolaprodham.’ Those who commit suicide, those who murder others by deception and those because of their deceit cause the death of others are chased and pecked by carrion eating vultures relentlessly and tortured here.
Dantasoogam.’ Those who indulge in nothing but vile deeds during their lifetime are stung by black scorpions without relent.
‘Vatarodham.’ Those who torture animals in the most vicious manner are thrown here with their hands tied at the back. Dogs are let out to chase and bite them.
‘Paryavardhanakam.’  Those miserly people who insult the guests and ill treat them and those selfish people who do not share their food with others are made to pass through whirlwinds blinding their eyes with mud.
‘Soochimukham.’ Those who tormented others due to their wealth and power are made to wander in this darkened tunnel not knowing where they are going. 
I have narrated a variety of punishments for various types of misdeeds. There are   more severe punishments for the ‘Panchamapadahkam’   (five most lowly sins) which include ingratitude, incestuous relationship with mother, to have union with the wife of the Guru, to chop the teats of a lactating cow, to take way the food of a hungry person. 
As you sow, so shall you reap! Likewise, those who commit Papam will undergo the punishment without exception.   Sambho Mahadeva! 
 As he concludes his speech many of them get up and try to pose questions at the same time. With great effort they are calmed down and made to sit.
Pandit 1
You may now ask questions one by one...
One person from the public 
I understood the types of sins and their punishments when you spoke of them.  But I can’t recollect any of them. How can one keep these details in mind?
Pundit 1 (after a deep thought)
What I have listed as punishments for various sins is meant for those who commit sins! Those who are leading a life of virtuousness need not have to worry even a bit either about these sins or about the punishments. The aim is to impress on you to not deviate from the righteous path and not to forecast what punishment you will get in Naragam for this or that sin.   Why virtuous people need to know about Soochimukham or Kumbibhaham?
People give a hearty laugh. The discussions are declared closed and all of them start to leave the mantapam. Many of them are staggering with pale and disturbed looks to the amusement of the Pundits.
 The pundits get up to leave thinking all of them have left but resume their seats after seeing Sakthiyar still remaining seated.
Sakthiyar
Pandithargale! Your oration may have impressed all those who were here. I noticed many of them leaving in mortal fear in which part of Naragam they will be heading because of the sins they have committed. Tell me the truth! Are there really a Sorgam and a Naragam?
 Pundit 1 (with a pause)
Why do you have this doubt?
Sakthiyar
We believe and say “Anbe Sivam”. All are of the makeup of Sivan only! Those who are good or bad, those who are sinners or virtuous... All are Sivam! Sri Rudram says the same thing.
 Easan,   dancing eternally making the whole universe as His stage is the One who has given us different roles to play. We enact the drama as per His direction speaking the dialogue He has penned every day. At the end of His drama for this birth we undo the costume and get ready to enact His next drama as per the role assigned by Him.
We are aware of only two things that can happen after death.  One is union with His scared feet that is Mukti. The other is taking the rebirth.   Where does the question of Sorgam and Naragam arise?
The pundits smile hearing his clear and logical argument.
Pundit 1
The elders warn young people thus, ‘You must not tell lies. If you do Sami will poke your eyes and make you go blind.”  We talked about this earlier also. When children grow with the impression that they are liable to be punished if the err, they grow up without deviating from the right path.  A mother while trying feed the adamant child which refuses to eat threatens thus, “If you do not eat I will hand you over to the weird beggar over there.” The child will look in that direction and swallow the morsel of food in fear. The mother knows very well that there is no such person there. The reason for scaring the child is only to ensure that for a good thing to happen, some harsh method has to be followed. It may be likely that the child may grow up in fear. But later on because of his education and widening of his horizon due to association with elders, his doubts and fears get removed. It may be likely that a few who might remain in fear throughout their lives also.  These imaginary threats become necessary as they are not going to create any serious harm. Now recollect the punishments one is supposed to get in Naragam as I have narrated-the boiling oil cauldron, the dark tunnels, the carrion eating vultures, the wild animals, the crocodiles and others. Where all these are present? All these are in this earth only.  We hold the same belief as yours.   It is more appropriate to say that Vedas say the same thing rather than saying that it is our belief... To reach the sacred feet of Iraivan alone is Mukti. That is what gives the highest eternal bliss. Those who do not attain it are born again in this earth. So bliss refers to Sorgam and misery to Naragam.  Both are in this earth only. The highest eternal bliss denotes the state of not being born again.  Often we hear people berating, “What sin have I committed to undergo this hardship?”  We also see good people put into a lot of difficulties for no reason.  It is all due to their actions committed in their previous birth.   Only when people realise and act that they are required to live according to set laws and rules and will be punished appropriately if they break them, the functioning of this world will be smooth. Everyone who takes birth has an earmarked obligation or Piravikkadan.  Our Piravikkadan is to guide the people in the righteous path.  You also have your own Piravikkadan. You will realise it before long! Our blessings are with you.
As they get up, the sound of blowing of conch shells emanates. Sakthiyar closes his eyes and in deep meditation realise his self and what is the duty assigned to him in this birth. As he opens his eyes, he is surprised to find that the Pundits have all gone. He prostrates in their direction.   Realising that he has no further work in Kasi, he starts off to his native Virinjiyur.
    ****
Virinjiyur...
Two youths are walking and conversing with each other...
 Youth 1   (in a frightened tone) 
Hey! Do you that that ruffian has returned to that village yesterday?
Youth 2 (not understanding)
Who are you referring to?
Youth 1  
 I am referring to Sakthi.
Youth 2 (sarcastically)
 I heard that he had gone to Kasi. Have you heard of anyone returning from Kasi?
Youth 1 (irritatingly)
I am telling you that he has come back. Not only that, he is even more brutish than before.
 Youth 2     
What can you do? We were sacred of him earlier but not anymore.  In case he does something, I will chop off his nose.
Youth 1 (laughing)
I know how brave you are! Don’t mess up with him. He will cut off your tongue! Be warned!
Youth 2   (rattled)
 What do you mean?
Youth 1 (in a terrified whisper)
  I am telling you the truth. There is a dagger dangling at his waist with blood stain on its blade. I asked him what it is. I was shaken when he told me what it was.
Youth 2   
Come on. Tell me quickly.  I am very nervous.
Youth 1
 We have heard that all those who go to Kasi forsake something after taking a dip in the Gangai.  But this fellow has taken a daring vow instead.  He says that he will cut off the tongue if anyone is irreverent of Sivan.  He said that he did this to many on his way from Kasi. He has left the blood stains on the blade to remain to think twice before saying anything derisive about Easan.    
Youth 2   
Ayyo! If tongue is gone one cannot speak.  Not only that, he cannot relish the taste of the food also. I will not even dare to dream anything insulting of Sivan.
At the same time, Sakthiyar reaches there hearing their conversation. Seeing him, both of them hurry away from there.
Sakthiyar (to himself)   
It appears that the onion stain in the dagger must remain as it is to ensure good things to happen!
Chanting the Panchakshara mantram he hastens to the temple.
     ******
People in and around Virinjiyur refrain from talking anything inappropriate against Easan out of fear of Sakthiyar and as the days pass by they become staunch devotees of Easan.  Pujas are conducted six times a day properly. The whole village is totally transformed. Sakthiyar continues to do service in the temple.
The time for him to depart this world arrives. His Aanma rises from his heart as a radiant light of the size of his thumb. Arriving from the sky, the Sivaganas welcome him take him in a chariot to Kailayam. Iraivan along with Annai on their Nandi vahanam look at the Aanma of Sakthiyar standing in front of them.
Iraivan (hailing passionately)
Sakthi Nayanare!
Sakthi Nayanar regains his intrinsic body and has the darisanam of Easan and Annai to his heart’s content.    Prostrating   in front of Easan making his whole body in contact with Kailayam, he goes into raptures. As he stands up tears flow from his eyes copiously. Raising both his hands above his head and joining them in great piety, he bows to Easan.
Iraivan (blessing the Nayanar) 
 You will remain seated on My right side to propagate to the world your fame of living to the true spirit of ‘Anbe Sivam’. You fame will remain as long as this world remains. Whosoever worships Me will worship you as well.
The Panchakshara mantram reverberates all around.
Thiruchchitrambalam

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