Adhipaththa Nayanar

2

Adhipaththa Nayanar

Nagappattinam…

Seafront….. The sun was about to set..

A variety of small fishing boats and catamarans are seen nearing the shore as if competing with each other….

Awaiting the return of their men folk eagerly who have gone out to sea much before dawn are the women and children.

 A din arises and subdues as and when the anxious fisher folks   are able to identify the boats of their kin.

A bunch of children competing with each other shout and jump in the water to drag the boat as they hit the shoreline.

The young women eye their husbands coyly on their safe return from sea while the older women are more concerned to gauge the day’s catch and its worth.

The rise and fall of the din synchronises with the landing of boats one after another. There is all round merriment on seeing their men folk safely home.

Except..

Selli...

Looking out to sea as far as she can and then at the shore her wandering eyes search all around. Almost all of the folks have returned and the crowd is going home with their catch. Giving a forlorn look at the sea, she prays.    

Selli

Amma!  Kadal Thayeee! (The Goddess of the Sea) Please get my husband back safely.

The Headman of the fisher folk, Thirukkai, seeing Selli aloof, comes near.

Thirukkai

Hey! Are you worried that Chinnapayal has not yet returned?

Selli

Yes. Thatha! All others have returned. Only he is yet to be seen.  I am looking out for his boat.

Thirukkai

Your man is very active.  He is usually the first to land ahead of all others. May be today, his catch is very hefty. That is why the delay. Don’t you worry! He will return soon.

At the very moment seeing a speck far out in the sea, the children shout ‘Chinnapayal is coming.’

Selli also recognises the boat and her husband and raises her hands over her head thanking Kadal Thayee.

As his boats touches the shoreline, the children rush to drag it over the dry sands. Chinnapayal, leaving the boat runs to his wife with a broad grin.  With considerable exertion, Selli walks up to him happily and leans on him for support.

Seeing this, the women folk, laugh teasingly.

An elderly woman (to people around laughing)

Look at her! She is acting as if she is seeing her husband on their first day of marriage.

She has given birth to eight children already. The ninth is on its way any time! Look how tightly she is hugging him!

(To Selli)

 Hey! Don’t go into labour here itself and make us midwives!

The women laugh aloud hearing this tease. Chinnapayal joins in their jest.

Thirukkai

 Kadal Thayee is there to take care of us and all along Selli has been blessed with good children.   So why are you all anxious? 

By this time the day’s catch of Chinnapayal is taken and laid on the sands. People around are amazed looking at it.

 Thirukkai

 How come, only you are able to catch so many varieties of fish day after day.  And people buy it at the rate you ask!  Have you any magic up your sleeve? 

Chinnapayal

Thatha! There is nothing under my control. I pray to Kadal Thayee and cast my nets.  Pleased, she rewards me with a good catch.  Selli’s good fortune is another reason!

He looks at Selli proudly.

Thirukkai

One has to be endowed with good fortune. You have it in you in large measure.

The days catch is loaded on to two baskets. Selli and Chinnapayal carry them as head load, Selli carrying the lighter of the two. Chinnapayal keeps an eye on Selli to see that she is not distressed. All others are following envying their fondness.

Nagappattinam….

Sivan Kovil…

Selli and Chinnapayal are standing outside with their head load of fish.

Chinnapayal

 Selli! Bow and pray to Sami.

Selli

Yes! You are telling me this everyday. I am also praying and bowing.

But I have not seen the Sami inside even once.

Chinnapayal

Our clan can not enter inside. Even my father or mother had not seen. But I have heard from people that the Sami inside has no shape or for. He does not have eyes, ears or hands and legs like we have. But, you know, He is believed to be extremely powerful. His name, you know, is ‘Easan’.

Selli

Are you telling me the truth?  Can there be a ‘Sami’ without form? I can’t believe it!

Chinnapayal

I swear on you!  It is true. I am told he looks like an ‘attukkal’, like the one we have seen for grinding grains in the houses in the city.

Selli

It is all gossip!  If you say ‘Attukkal Sami’, it will not have eyes or ears! How can they accept it as ‘Sami’, then?

Chinnapayal

Hey! Look here! Don’t call this and that and confuse the issue.

The One who is inside is definitely ‘Attukkal Sami’! My parents prayed to Him. Likewise we will do. Our children will follow us later on. Whatever happens, I must see the Lord inside at least once in my life time. That is all I yearn for!

Just then the Gurukkal, after finishing his midday puja, comes out and closes the doors of the temple. His eyes fall on Selli.  Going pale in his face his body trembles from head to toe as if he has encountered a ghost. Seeing his discomfiture, Selli begins to laugh uncontrollably leading her into spasm. Chinnapayal quickly brings down the fish basket he and Selli are carrying.

Seeing the Gurukkal, Selli again starts to laugh.

Gurukkal

Cut out your laughter! I am thoroughly infuriated! Take these stinking wares and move away quickly. Otherwise, the Sami, unable to tolerate the stink may come out running from inside. So saying he covers his nose with his towel.  

Chinnapayal (in all innocence)

Is that so? Poosari Ayya! If Sami has to run outside, He has to come this way only. Then we shall be able to see Him. Is it not?  As it is for so long we have been waiting to see Him!

Gurukkal (inimically)

Fat chance that Sami is going to come out and give you darsanam! Even great saints who undergo severe penance in forests for thousands of years fail to get his darsanam.  Do you think that he is hurrying to appear before you and your wife because you have brought fish here?   Go away quickly. 

Chinnapayal is confused. Selli is still trying to control her laughter.

Chinnapayal

Poosari Ayya!

Gurukkal (interrupting outraged)

Hey! You must address me as ‘Sami’.

Chinnapayal

Oh! Are you the Sami?

Gurukkal

This simpleton can not understand anything.  Go away immediately.

The stink is unbearable.

Chinnapayal

Sami! Everything you said is confusing.  A while ago you said that Sami would run outside unable to tolerate the stink from the fish. When want to wait and see Him, you utter so many things and say He will not give us darsanam.  How do you now claim that you are the ‘Sami’?

Gurukkal leaves the place in disgust without answering him.

Selli and Chinnapayal proceed to sell the fish and return home in the evening happily.

      *****

A few days later..

There is heavy wind and a likely squall…

No one has ventured to go for fishing …

 Selli is feeding her hungry children with porridge. There is a bit of commotion outside.

Selli asks her husband as to what is the matter.

Chinnapayal

I have also just enquired.  It appears that a Samiyar from far North has come back here after he left this place about thirty years ago. He seated under the big banyan tree. All are going there to seek his blessings. Let the children finish their eating. We will all go and see the Samiyar.

Curious to see the Samiyar, the children get ready quickly. 

Chinnapayal with his family goes to see the Samiyar.

The Munivar is meditating with closed eyes. The head fisherman, Thirukkai, is standing reverently with folded hands. All are quiet waiting for the Munivar to come out of his meditation and open his eyes. The children of Chinnapayal create a din as they reach there. The others around, signal the children to keep quite. However, the Munivar opens his eyes due to the disturbance. His eyes are radiant due to his severe penance. Chinnapayal, feeling awkward for the disturbance created by his broods, falls on his feet in reverence.

Munivar       

Mahane! What is your name?

Chinnapayal

I am Chinnapayal. This name stuck to me since every one called me so.

Munivar

Then what is your actual name?

Chinnapayal

That name is difficult for me to even pronounce.  I am told that some Samiyar like you came here and gave me a name.

Munivar

Is that so? Are you then Adhipaththa Nayanar?

Chinnapayal

Yes. That is my name. But how come you are aware of it?

Munivar

Thirty years ago, as ordained by Easan, it is only I, who gave you that name. I have returned from far North only to have your darsanam.

Munivar stands up and bows to Adhipaththa Nayanar respectfully.

Adhipaththar (embarrassed)

Sami! There seems to be some mistake. You are bowing to me not knowing who I am. You are a highly venerated person. You do severe penance in the forests forgoing even food and water for days on end. You are also much elder to me. It is only proper that you give your blessings to us.

Adhipaththar, Selli and their children prostrate in front of the Munivar.

 

The Munivar slaps his cheeks with own hands as a mark of atonement, closes his eyes saying ‘Siva Siva’. 

Adhipaththar gets up. The Munivar opens his eyes. 

Munivar (excited)

Adhipaththare! Those who bow to Easan will bow to you as well. You are going to attain a glorious life;   you will not be separated from Easan. The day is not far off for Easan to merge you unto Him. 

Adhipaththar

You are talking things beyond my comprehension. But one thing you said.  Easan! Isn’t He the same ‘Attukkal Sami’?

Munivar nods his head in the affirmative with a smile.

Adhipaththar

Look Selli! Didn’t I tell you? That the one inside the temple is ‘Attukkal Sami’!

Munivar laughs gently.

Selli

How is that possible? …….Attukkal has no eyes or ears nor hands or legs; cannot see us nor hear what we ask for. How it can be called ‘Sami’.

Munivar

In the attukkal, the portion in the bottom which remains static is the ‘Yoni’.

The rotating ‘kuzhavi’ in the centre is the ‘Lingam’. Their unity is the theology of creation. We weep when some one dies. That is incorrect! We must weep only when there is no progeny. Only when there is continuum in births, there will be activity in this universe.  Only to enlighten this superb tenet, Easan has assumed this form which is at the same time formless. It is He alone who sees what we do and  hears what we speak.

Adhipaththar

Anyhow, what you speak is beyond my grasp.  Still, somehow, whatever you speak is bringing peace to my mind. I desire to do some thing for the ‘Attukkal Sami’, you speak of. Please tell me what can I do?

Munivar

But, He does not expect anything from you!

Adhipaththar

How is that, then, many others are giving flowers, fruits, sweets and other things.

Munivar

Easan does not expect anything from his devotees. He is the creator of everything around here. To offer any of these things will amount to returning of His own gifts. Still, he accepts what ever His devotee offers. It is not because that He needs them. It is to gratify the devotee who desires to offer whatever he can out of devotion to Easan. He accepts them out of pure love of his devotee.

Adhipaththar

 Sami! I don’t understand anything. I have no goods with me. Unless I catch fish and sell them everyday, I can’t feed my broods. Whatever fish I catch is my only asset. Therefore, from now onward, I will release the biggest catch of the day back into the sea as an offering to ‘Sami’.   Will ‘Sami’ accept such offering?  

 Munivar

Surely!  How can He, who is waiting to merge you unto Him, decline your loving offer?

Will you keep up your pledge?  Only that is important!

Adhipaththar

What I have pledged is final. From now on, whenever I go out to sea, I will release one fish for ‘Sami’ there itself. I swear this on the ‘Attukkal Sami’.

As he says this, the bell from the Sivan Kovil tolls loudly.

All of them turn towards the temple and cup their hands in reverence.

                ******

Adhipaththar’s hut …..

Selli is lying   on the floor … Her face exposing her intense agony!

Sitting next to her, Adhipaththar is looking intently.

Selli

Tell me! All the fishermen have gone out to sea before dawn.   Why you alone are sitting at home?  

Adhipaththar

I can make out that you are in severe pain. You will deliver the baby by today or tomorrow. If I leave you alone, my mind will not be at peace worrying about you. That is why ….

Selli

My goodness! This is not the first time I am giving birth. This will be my ninth.

 Why do you worry? Let me ask you some thing. Yesterday you took a vow before the Samiyar. Do you remember that?  You promised to offer a fish to ‘Sami’. Do you have to break that promise on the very first day itself? 

(Hiding her pain and discomfort)

Go forthwith! Go out to sea and cast your net. Catch the fish. That is our ‘Sámi’ filling our bellies! After you catch the fish release one of them.  ‘Sami’ may be waiting for you.  Do you have to let Him wait? Tell me!

Adhipaththar

Selli! It is good that you reminded me.  What will ‘Sami’ think of me if I do not fulfil the promise on the first day itself?  I will start immediately. On the way I will request some elderly woman to be with you.

Adhipaththar starts out to see enthusiastically.  

     *****

The sea…

Adhipaththar casts his net wide. The catch is good and plenty. When the boat is half full, he rolls up the net fearing any more loads might capsize the boat. He looks around his catch and selects the biggest fish. He picks it up and praying to Easan releases it in the waters. The fish which till then looked lifeless opens its eyes and jumps merrily in the water.

At that very moment…

Selli gives birth to a beautiful male child.

      *******

Adhipaththar’s hut …..

It is now six months after the baby was born.

The baby is crawling.

Adhipaththar is captivated by its beauty. 

Selli

Come on! Don’t look at the baby enchanted like this. Even parents’ look may cast an evil spell!

Adhipaththar (proudly)

 Look!  He looks as if born in a royal family.  

Selli (laughing)

Yes! It is true.  For me and our children you are the king. It is no surprise he is born in royal family.

Adhipaththar

Samiyar gave me my name. Who is there to select a name for him?

Selli

First we will get him tonsured in ‘Aatha koil’. Then we will request the headman Thirukkaiar to name the child.  Will that be all right?

Hearing this Adhipaththar seems worried.

Selli (alarmed)

 Pray tell me. Why are you looking worried suddenly?

Adhipaththar

I have been observing all along. I am able to get much larger catch than ever before. I am also able to sell it off and make money. But what ever I earn is just about meeting our needs. We are living day-to-day.  If we perform the tonsure of our son, we may have to invite at least a dozen people for food.  From where will I get money to meet such expenditure? 

Selli

They say Easan is the provider for all and always. Will He not take care of us?

To the surprise of both, with in the next ten days, Adhipaththar was able to earn enough money to feed the entire fisher folk of the village after the tonsure ceremony of his son.

He hands over the baby to Thirukkai. Holding the baby in his arms, Thirukkai looks at the baby. The baby laughs happily

Thirukkai

This boy is active and warm like Suriyan.  I will name him as Suriyan.

Adhipaththar, true to his vow, goes out to sea and leaves his biggest catch of the day back praying to Easan as a routine.

            *******

Adhipaththar…

Returns home with money after selling of the days catch.

Finding Selli morose,

Adhipaththar

 Selli! Why are you looking sullen? What is the reason?

Selli

Suriyan is not keeping well. He is lying down not even able to stir his limbs from morning.

Distressed on hearing this Adhipaththar rushes and looks at his bed-ridden son.

He rushes to Nagappatinam and brings along a vaidyar. After examining the child, the vaidyar takes both of them out side the hut.

Vaidyar

Look! Your son is afflicted seriously. His hands, feet and mouth are inactive. If he is given proper medical treatment, he will become alright. But it will cost you quite a bit of money. Are you capable and prepared for that?

Selli (shedding copious tears)

He always calls him as prince. Is that why he is afflicted with such a disease only a king can afford its cure?   What can I do?  I am lost totally.

Feeling miserable watching Selli crying,

Adhipaththar

What ever be the cost, start your treatment now itself.  The only important concern is my son’s life. 

The Vaidyar starts his treatment then and there.

           ******

The treatment for Suriyan continues and whatever is earned by Adhipaththar is spent on his medication leaving little to even buy provisions to feed the other children. They are all put to extreme hardship and have to bear the pangs of hunger day after day.

Suriyan however is improving slowly. He is able to move his hands and legs and smile. Adhipaththar silently bows to Easan for His mercy.

Vaidyar

The treatment I am going to give for the next ten to fifteen days is crucial. Afterwards, your son will be able to run around and play as before. Now I have to change the medicine. If I don’t do it, he may become permanently disabled. This is a specific treatment for which I need ingredients.  A lot of money is required for it. You first arrange for the money and then call me.

The Vaidyar leaves their hut…

A short time later, a sudden squall envelopes the whole of Nagappattinam.

It is the forerunner for the cyclonic storm that batters that area for days on end. Even after ten days the storm does not abate. No fisherman is able to venture into the sea. The whole village is afflicted by famine. There is no one whom they can ask for help.

The condition of Suriyan which was improving steadily starts deteriorating. Unmindful of the battering wind and rain, Adhipaththar goes to see the Vaidyar very much worried.

There is a huge crowd in front of the Vaidyar’s house. Afflicted by some or the other ailment, they have all awaiting treatment.

Adhipaththar pleads with the Vaidyar to go with him and examine his son.

 Vaidyar

Look! For you your son is important. Can’t you see for yourself, how many are waiting for medication? Moreover, you have not paid the fees for the treatment I have given so far.  Any way, I don’t mind collecting it later on. But what about the special treatment, I told you, that is crucial. First get the money for that. I will come then.    

    

Stung by the words of the Vaidyar, Adhipaththar runs towards the sea not minding the raging storm. 

Selli seeing him also follows.

Selli (pleading)

It is dangerous to go out to sea for fishing in this storm staking your life. Come on. Turn back.

Adhipaththar

If I do not venture into sea fearing the storm and sit idle, my son may die for want of treatment. Do you want me to see him die in front of my own eyes? Don’t stop me.

So saying he rushes with Selli close on his heels. Seeing them rushing towards the seafront arguing, many villagers follow them and try to dissuade Adhipaththar. Paying no heed to their advice, he jumps into his boat and lifts the oars.

 The village headman Thirukkai calls out to Kattayan, a fisherman and orders.

Thirukkai

Hey! Kattayya!   Go along with Adhipaththar and help him.

Reluctantly Kattayan also jumps into the boat and the boat leaves the shore; both of them deftly manoeuvring it around the high tides. Soon the boat reaches a very deep point in the sea.

Kattayan is pumping out the rain water with all his might but still the water level keeps increasing inside rapidly.

Adhipaththar casts the net. Not a single fish is trapped. The fish have probably gone deep down to escape the churning surface waves.  Disheartened, Adhipaththar leans on the boat.

Exhausted   to his limits by pumping water, Kattayan is also giving up. 

Kattayan

Anney!  There is no further use. We will not net any fish. Let us go back. If we remain for some more time we may also go down the sea. 

Thirukkai

 Let me cast the net once more and for the last time!

 He casts the net. When he pulls he feels it heavy.

 Happy he has netted some fish, Adhipaththar shouts out to Kattayan.

Both of them haul the net into the boat vigorously.

What they see in the net make them astounded!

 A fish of such a huge size they have not seen in their lifetime, with its body sparkling in a variety of hues struggles in the net. On a closer look, they find that its body is encrusted in diamonds.

 Kattayan (excitedly)

Anney! An exquisite and rare fish, with diamonds on its body is entangled in the net. If we sell it … we need not come near the sea for our lifetime.  You have suffered in your life so far.  Come on. Let us return to the shore.

Adhipaththar however is serene.

Adhipaththar

Kattayya! You know my pledge. Don’t you? I will release the biggest catch back into the sea. Now that there is only one fish, I am releasing it for the ‘Attukkal Sami’. 

He nears the net.

Kattayan

Do you mean that you are going to release this fish in to the sea?

 Saying ‘Yes’ and nodding head in the affirmative, Adhipaththar tries to untie the net.

Kattayan

Anney! Have you gone mad? For the last ten days our whole village is starving. Your own broods are crying for in hunger. You have to get your ailing son treated.  Only for all these the Sami you worship has given this gift.  And you say that you will put it back in the sea. Come on. Let us go ashore.

So saying, he prevents Adhipaththar from untying the net.

Adhipaththar

Kattayya! For a human being, being true to his word is foremost! I have taken a vow.

Only returning this fish to the sea is righteous. So do not prevent me.

Saying so, he shoves Kattayan aside. This makes Kattayan furious.

Kattayan

Your wife and children, my mother; all these are famished and dying of hunger! You are concerned about your vow! Whatever happens, I will not let you touch that fish.

He lands a blow on Adhipaththar’s head with the oar. The skull cracks and blood spurts out. Adhipaththar loses his balance and collapses on one side of the boat. Kattayan also loses his balance and falls overboard. The oar slips away and floats away in the sea.

The rain is still not abated;   Due to heavy loss of blood, Adhipaththar realises he is starting to lose his consciousness.  Staggering, he manages to get up and untie the net. Without hurting the fish, he slowly lifts it and praying to Easan, releases it outside. The fish jumps out and vanishes.

By now, Kattayan manages to climb back into the boat.

The heavy squall and rain stop and a shimmering light appears in the sky in an instant. That very moment, in Adhipaththar’s hut, Suriyan gets up and moves around with no trace of his affliction. Selli, unable to believe her eyes, lifts him up and rushes to the sea shore. The villagers astounded by the shimmering light in the sky also run towards the seashore and gather there.

Feeling as if his boat is being pulled by some unseen power, Adhipaththar reaches the shore.

 He climbs down and joins Selli who seems enthralled by the happenings.

Suddenly the sea appears to boil. There is loud chanting of Veda mantras. A Sivalingam emerges from the sea touching the sky. Easan is seated with Annai on His Nandi vahanam. 

Having Easan’s darsanam, Adhipaththar raises his hands above his head in reverence. There is a shower flowers by the Devas from the heavens on Adhipaththar.

Easan

Adhipaththare! We are pleased with your devotion. Your name and fame will remain forever. Who so ever worships Me will worship you as well. After completing your ordained life on earth, you will merge unto Me.  Me and Umayaval  will be waiting for you. Be Blessed!

Adhipaththar, with his eyes moist with emotion, bows to Easan and Annai. Selli, Kattayan and all the villagers bow to Iraivan, the waves rise with tumultuous sound of ‘Om’.

Tiruchchitrambalam