Sri Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:
WHY THIRUMALIRUMCHOLAI IS THE KSHETRAM OF CHANDRAN ? part- 5
by Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan
17) Manduka and Chandran – Manduka rishi was relieved of his curse by the lord of this abode.This puranic episode is re-enacted every year by Lord azhagar on Chitra pournami day in Vaigai river.Manduka in Sanskrit is frog which lives in water of wells,ponds,rivers and sea ect.Croaking frogs signal for rain. Frogs leap fast like moon jumping from one Star to next quickly in the sky.The lord of cosmic water, Varuna assumed the form of a frog to reveal the superiority and significance of OM or Pranva, the only name and symbol of Parabrahmam. The complied text form of this is known as Manduka Upanished which is exclusively dedicated to highlight the importance of Pranava. Hence Manduka rishi idol is present here in a separate sannidhi along with idols of Lord Krishna and lord parthasarathy in northwest prakaram. Rigveda has a hymn by name manduka to the frogs that are believed to be closely associated with the advent of rain. Lord Krishna said in Bhagwad gita (8-12) ‘I am the Pranava in all Vedas,the sound in the either’. Conch (Sanghu) obtainable from the Sea water is denoted by Moon due to its source being ocean and its white color.Pranava was the first sound to emerge from Thiruparkadal at the time of creation of universe. The restless mind similar to the turbulent sea water and leaping frogs cannot think of transcendental reality without the help of a concrete symbol.The divine sound of ‘OM’ the pranvam constitutes pranic sound and light energy,the basis of every manifestation in the universe.Lord Krishnas Sanghu ‘Pancha janya’ signify this as being the source of Sound “pranavam”.All potent mantras,Vedas,upanisheds and sruthis are originated from Pranavam.The everlasting sound of this Sanghu reveals that Moolavar Sri Paramaswamy present in the pranavakara prakaram is the only Parabrahmam and paramathma.Hence all devas, kantharvas, rakshas, yakshas, nagas, pitrus and manushas assemble here to worship this Lord always. Chandran, sanghu and pranavam all emerged from Thiruparkadal.Thus Chandran is closely connected to this Kshetram by his karagathvam of Manduka (frog), sanghu, pranavam and the puranic episode of manduka rishi. Hence this hill is also called as ‘manduka parvatha’.Faint dark image on the moon is believed to be that of a Frog (toad) according to chinese faith.Native Americans call full moon in a particular month as “Frog moon”among its many names.
18) Chandran is the significator of literary and poetic expressions as thoughts in mind at liberty are converted in to poems, literatures, epics ect by using the power of mind in imagination, visualizing, intuitive power and dreaming ect. Since moon is the Karaghan for mind, expressive thoughts in the form of kavithai, ilakkiyam, Kaaviyam and pasurams are denoted by Chandran.Lyrics and hymns are created out of Mind.Hence moon denotes Poets and Lyricists.Namazhwar described in thiruvaimozhi that Lord azhagar came as a thief in the form of kavi in order to enter his mind.The following pasuram only gave the tile to the lord as ‘Kallazhagar” meaning the lord who steals the mind of his devotees. He is the prathana utsavar known as “Soundrarajar” or ‘azhagar” or “Kallazhagar’’. Namazhwar thiruvaimozhi 10-7 gives this name to the Lord as given in this pasuram-
செஞ்சொற்கவிகாள் ! உயிர்காத்தாட் செய்ம்மின் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை
வஞ்சக்கள்வன் மாமாயன் மாயக்கவியாய் வந்து என்
நெஞ்சும் உயிரும் உள்கலந்து நின்றார் அறியாவண்ணம் என்
நெஞ்சுமுயிருமவை யுண்டுதானேயாகி நிறைந்தானே !
(நம்மாழ்வார் த்ருமொழி10-7)
Namazhwar further added dravida veda thiruvaimozhi pasurams were rendered by Lord azhagar himself as “ Kavi “ by having made him compose to praise himself.
“பண்ணார் பாடலின் கவிகள் யானாய்த்தன்னைத்தான் பாடி
தென்னாவென்னும் என்னம்மான் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையானே!
( நம்மாழ்வார் த்ருமொழி 10-7)
Namazhwar described that azhagar himself got dissolved in the life of entire universe for praying himself in thiruvaimozhi pasurams composed through him.
“தானேயாகி நிறைந்து எல்லாவுலகும் உயிரும்தானேயாய்
தானேயானென்பானாகித் தன்னைத்தானே துதித்து”……
(நம்மாழ்வார் த்ருமொழி 10-7)
Sri Andal described that cuckoos,sparrows, parrots,peacocks,mynahs and other birds are fond of singing for azhagar in azhagarhills from the early morning itself.
காலையெழுந்திருந்து கரிய குருவிக்கணங்கள்
மாலின்வரவு சொல்லி மருல்பாடுதல் மெய்மை கொலோ?
சோலைமலைப் பெருமான் துவராபதி யெம்பெருமான்
ஆலினிலைப் பெருமான் அவன் வார்த்தையுரைக்கின்றதே.
(நாச்சியார் திருமொழி9)
Sri Andal meant the name of ‘Solaimalai perumal” to ‘aparanji’ made utsavar idol which was the presiding deity in this temple during the period of azhwars. There were many attempts made to steal this rare high purity golden idol even before azhwar period.Now this idol is said to be kept in high security treasury.Azhagarkoil is the only temple which was served by seven English collectors as executive officers continuously for a period during 18th to early 19th century.This ‘Aparanji’ idol of azhagar is called in Sanskrit as ‘Rishabhadhri nathar’.Present kallazhagar idol is made up of panchaloka metals while other three utsavar idols are in silver.
Moon and Flowers -Flowers are associated with Moon as it aesthetically please our eyes and its appeal to the sense of smell by imparting pleasant fragrance that will gladden our mind.There are many night blooming flowers that give exquisite fragrance as they may need to attract moths in order to be pollinated for reproduction.Jasmine, parijat, Kumud (white water lily) and Sambangi (tuberose) are few fragrant flowers that bloom in the night after the moon light for giving stronger scented smell.So Sri Andal rendered many pasurams on the beauty of flowers in azhagarhills-
"துங்கமலர்ப் பொழில்சூழ் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை நின்ற
செங்கண் கருமுகிலின் திருவுப்போல் மலர்மேல்"
தொங்கிய வண்டினங்காள் ! தொகுபூஞ்சுனைகாள் ! சுனையில்
தங்குசெந்தாமரைகாள் ! எனக்கு ஒர் சரண் சாற்றுமினே !
( நாச்சியார் திருமொழி 9 )
“கருவிளையொண்மலர்காள்! காயாமலர்காள்! திருமால்
உருவொளி காட்டுகின்றீர் எனக்கு உய்வழக்கொன்று உரையீர்
திருவிளையாடு திண்தோள் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை நம்பி !
(நாச்சியார் திருமொழி- 9)
Sri Andal described in nachiyar thirumozhi pasuram-9, the ultimate objective of Lord in Samudra manthan and its connection with thirumaliurmcholai which is considered as ‘thiruparkadal”as given by Sri Namazhwar in his pasuram.
“சிந்துரச் செம்பொடிப்போல் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை
யெங்கும் இந்திரகோபங்களே எழுந்தும் பரந்திட்டனவால்
மந்தரம் நாட்டி அன்று மதுரக்கொழுஞ்சாறு கொண்ட
சுந்தரத்தோளுடையான் சுழலையில் நின்று உய்துங்கொலோ!
(நாச்சியார் திருமொழி- 9—8 )
Mandhara mountain was used to churn Thiruparkadal.The word ‘Mandhara’ is derived from Sanskrit words – ‘Mana’ means mind and ‘dhara’means holding or single line which means mind is focussed on a single line with sole objective.This is possible only by holding concentration in mind.Mount mandhara was supported by Lord Vishnu as Kurma.The turtle symbolizes the removal of senses in to oneself as turtle withdraws its head in to its domed shell.Vasuki,the snake used as a rope portrays the desire to churn the milkyocean.Hence Lords ultimate objective of getting back Sri mahalakshmi from milky ocean was achieved by his sole concentration.Sri andal described that thirumaliumchoolai is filled with swarms of butterflies (indra gopangals ) to give an appearance to the hill as red carpet by spreading its color like fallen red powder (kunkum-red sandoor).”Soundrathooludiyan’ is one of the four utsavars known as “yagnabera ‘described for his beautiful shoulders Similar to the lord of Kurma avatar in turtle form.True to the pasuram of Sri andal, around the foothills of azhagarkoil , Hawa valley is identified in a study recently by a biological group under Madurai university as a best site suitable for butterflies garden due to the presence of butterflies swarms of 23 rare species belonging to Six families.Butterflies in generations stay in this hills even after about 2500 years since sri andals period to follow their tradition of worshipping lord azhagar whenever he goes out of koil or head towards Noopuraganga on top of the hills for Thalai aruvi utsavam.Butterflies suck only flower nectar which dew is generated in the nectaring plants by the rays of chandran.Periazhwar in his thirumozhi.
"பாண்தகு வண்டிணங்கள் பண்கள்பாடி மதுப்பருகத்
தோண்டலுடையமலை தொல்லைதிருமாலிருஞ்சோலையதே!
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி4-2)
periazhwar pasurams described the beauty of azhagarhill and noopura ganga-
"அறுகால் வரிவண்டுகள் ஆயிரநாமம் சொல்லிச்
சிறுகாலைப்பாடும் தென்திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையே!
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-2 -8 )
“அலம்பா வெருட்டாக்கொன்று திரியும் அரக்கரை
குலம்பாழ்படுத்துக் குலவிளக்காய் நின்ற கோன்மலை
"சிலம்பார்க்கவந்து தெய்வமகளிர்களாடும் சீர்,
சிலம்பாறுபாயும்தென் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையே!
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி4-2 )
Moon and Subtle bodies -Moons gravitational forces during the phases closer to new and full moon days make an impact on earth by creating tide waves in ocean water and also on the nonstatic watery mind/body of human beings besides on animals. Paranormal activities are believed to be increased due to moons gravitational forces on subtle/astral bodies like ghosts and spirits floating in subtle forms in the night during the phases advent to full and new moon.Logically they are fond of darkness on amavasya but more due to the attraction towards amrit kiranas from Chandran on full moon days.So full moon is portrayed to be associated with haunting incidents.Native Americans call full moons of different seasons with various names like ‘Blood moon, “wolf moon”ect which could be due to the reasons cited as above.Periazhwar caution that bhootas are living in azhagarkoil as ‘Kaaval bhootaganas’.They will attack and suck the blood of adversaries of Lord azhagar if they are sighted here.So he mentioned as
"சிந்தப்புடைத்துச் செங்குருதி கொண்டு பூதங்கள்
அந்திப்பலிகொடுத்து ஆவத்தனம்செய் அப்பன்மலை!
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி4-2-8 )
Sri Krishna as azhagar -Periazhwar mind was totally immersed in Sri Krishna avatar and was very much attached to this Kshetram till he breathed his last here.He rendered many pasurams as below mentioning the names of this hill with Sri Krishna avatar lilas.
“ஏவிற்றுச் செய்வான் ஏன்றெதிர்த்து வந்தமல்லரைச்
சாவத்தகர்த்த சாந்தணிதோள் சதுரன்மலை”
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-2)
“கஞ்சனும் காளியனும் களிறும் மருதும்எருதும்
வஞ்சனையில் மடிய வளர்ந்த மணிவண்ணன்மலை”
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-3)
“பலபலநாழும் சொல்லிப்பழித்த சிசுபாலன் தன்னை
அலவலைமை தவிர்த்த அழகன் அலங்காரன்மலை”
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-3)
Pandiya kings devotion to Lord Vishnu- Pandiyas are the clans of Chandran, devoted to Lord Vishnu and were holding the flag with the symbol of ‘Fish”reminding us the first avatar ‘Matsaya’.They were believed to have participated in Mahabharatha war fighting for Pandavas. Pandiyas were active in Sea trade by ships/boats, “Muthu kulithal” and ’Sanghu kulithal” ect (harnessing of pearls culture and Sanghus in Sea water for trading ).Also they set up Tamizh Sangam at Madurai and Patronized poets for rendering kavithais,kaaviyams,illakiyams and pasurams ect.Only because of pandiya king Vallaba devan, Periazhwar was able to render pasuram of ‘pallandu,pallandu’. Pandiyas also ruled from azhagapuri which was their capital ( azhagarkoil) once upon a time.The Kings of pandiyas names were like ‘Vaanathirayan,Mahabali,Thirumal-iurmsolai Ninran,Urangavilli dasan” ect which proved that they were pious devotees of Lord Vishnu.Bull fighting was very famous during their rule.This shows the influence of Chandran in azhagar-koil as all karaghathvams are reflected as above.Periazhwar showed his gratitude to the kings of pandiya by mentioning “Pandiyan kondada,pattar piran” in his periya thirumozhi pasuram.
“மன்னர்மறுக மைத்துனன்மார்க்குஒரு தேரின்மேல்
முன்னங்கு நின்று மோழை யெழுவித்தவன் மலை
கொன்னவில் கூர்வேற்கோன் நெடுமாறன் தென்கூடற்கோன்
தென்னன்கொண்டாடும் தென் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையே !.
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-3 )
“எல்லாவிடத்திலும் எங்கும் பரந்து பல்லாண்டொலி
செல்லா நிற்கும் சீர்த் தென் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலையே !
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி4-2 )
Periazhwar had mentioned the glory of a Pandiya king in above pasuram and had given Salutation to them for having rendered many kainkariums to Lord azhagar.
Six azhwars rendered 128 pasurams on azhagar and azhagarhills picturesque beauty with its exotic fauna and flora.Azhagarhills,21 kms away from madurai is in the reserved forest range of eastern ghats under Natham taluk of Dindigul district.Azahgarhills is the tropical dense forest which extend from azhagarkoil in south to Natham in the north.It has three valleys known as Silambaru valley,Periyaruvi valley and Bison valley which all meet at the highest point of plateau known as “Thalaianiparai “at a height of 879 M above sea level (2800 ft ).There are three routes to this highest peak by trekking via silambaru valley the shortest route of 6 kms,through bison valley about 8 kms from noopura ganga,from Periyaruvi valley 12kms the longest trek..On top of the hills,there are good places for birds watching.Flying fox bats,bees and butterfly swarms can be seen besides some animals like Bisons,monkeys and reptiles like snakes ect.Holy bath in noopuraganga(1405 ft) and in periaruvi are worth as this water is exclusively used for azhagar and his parivara devathas.On the south of lower hills,there are dangerous rocky caves known as“Pandava kugai” used by Siddhas and munis for meditation.Upper plateau of azhagarhills is less habitated and unknown to many due to its thick forest. Hence biodiversity is still maintained. -
“கனம்கொழி தெள்ளருவிவந்து சூழ்ந்து அகல்ஞாலமெல்லாம்
இனம்குழுவாடும் மலைஎழில்மாலிருஞ்சோலையதே.”
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-3 )
“மன்னுநரகன் தன்னைச் சூழ்போகி வளைத்தெறிந்து
கன்னிமகளிர் தம்மைக் கவர்ந்த கடல்வண்ணன்மலை
புன்னைசெருந்தியொடு புனவேங்கையும் கோங்கும்நின்று
பொன்னரிமாலைகள் சூழ் பொழில் மாலிருஞ்சோலையதே!
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-3 )
Pournami days are important when some groups head for Siddhar (Rama devar) Samadhi on top of the hill above Noopura ganga. Further distance in thick forest in densely sky closing big trees on the top of the hill is “Thenn paarai”, “Thenn aruvi” and some small rivulets.In the plateau ,from ‘Erattai kal”at the Peak,further on top of the hills, there is place called “koombai”where some people go during karthigai period to lit the fire.It is believed that all around azhagarhills, there exist 27 small water springs coming out from hills.Aadi pournami and Aadi amavasya are important days for 18TH padi karuppanaswamy and hence some people on this day trek for above places after worshipping Lord azhagar.Forest department permission is required from natham office to trek the peaks of hills.There is a herbal garden (muligaivanam) foremost of 11 such centers maintained by forest division with entry restricted only to researchers.Chandran is“‘Soma Oushadhinaam Adhipathi”( lord of medicinal herbs) and has influence in herbal (Oushadh) growth here.There were many siddhars who lived in ahagar hills for long time. Boga siddhar who lived here had written a siddha literature known as ‘Janana Saakaram’ in which he mentioned the glory of Lord azhagar,his abode azhagarhills and about Patthinettam padi Karrupanswamy in the form of a beautiful Poem. This poem also mentions about jothis vruksham (jothi tree) in this hill. Similarly Sri Ramadevar, another Siddhar lived here and attained Jeeva mukthi on top of azhagarhills.Also Idaikaddu Siddhar had established a medicinal institute at azhagarkoil even before Sangam period.Becouse of many rare medicinal herbs are still available here due to the influence of Chandran,the karaghan of herbs and medicines,the presence of those among known 18 siddhars is understood.Once upon a time, this hill was considered to be having magical power.Hence many sects claimed for this hill. Periazhwar described the beauty of fauna and flora of this hills in many pasurams.Lord Azhagar accepts everyone in this hill without any discrimination.
“ஒருவாரணம் பணிகொண்டவன் பொய்கையில் கஞ்சன்தன்
ஒருவாரணம் உயிருண்டவன் சென்றுறையும்மலை
கருவாரணம் தன்பிடி துறந்தோடக் கடல்வண்ணன்
திருவாணை கூறத்திரியும் தண்மாலிருஞ்சோலையே !
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 4-2 )
Thirumangai azhwar rendered pasurams to indicate this Kshetram is thiruparkadal and Lord azhagar is the one who went deep inside the ocean to perform Samudra manthan to help devas get amrita.So all devathas assemble here to worship azhagar.
“முவரில் முன்முதல்வன் முழங்கார் கடலுள்கிடந்து
பூவலருந்திதன்னுள் புவனம் படைத்துண்டுமிழந்த
தேவர்கள் நாயகனைத் திருமாலிருஞ்சோலைநின்ற
கோவலர் கோவிந்தனைக் கொடியேரிடைகூடுங்கொலோ !
( பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி 9-9)
Namazhwar mentioned that azhagarkoil is thiruparkadal in his thiruvaimozhi -(10-7)
“திருமாலிருஞ்சோலைமலையே திருப்பாற்கடலே என் தலையே
திருமால் வைகுந்தமே தன்திருவேங்கடமே எனதுடலே”
The nearby divya desam ‘Thirumoghur’ which is in the vicinity around azhagarkoil got its name due to mohini avatar of Sri Vishnu who ensured that only devas alone were given amrut.Hence this kshetram is also called as “mohanapuri”.Theertham in this koil is called as‘Amrut theertham”due to the legend,when devas and asuras were churning the thiruparkadal, a small drop of amrut was believed to have fallen here.Since Lord Vishnu used chakra to cut the head of chitrabhanu an asura, charathazhwar got his importance here.So azhagarkoil, considered as “Thiruparkadal” as per azhwar pasuram located in proximity to ‘Thirumoghur” is understood from above legend.
Full Moon and its names- Native Americans call full moons appearing in different seasons with many names like–Harvest moon,grain moon, planters moon, snow moon, cold moon, Frog moon,flower moon, blood moon,wolf moon, Strawbery moon, Buds Opening moon,Sturgeon moon(also called as fish moon)ect every month in a year.This matches well with the contents of 18 points and pasurams given till now in our issues.
Six azhwars glorified this lord in different names as Mudhalvan, Thennaan, azhagan in many pasurams.Devotees call him as “Kallazhagar” and his abode as “azhagar malai”.
!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!
No comments:
Post a Comment