2
Naminandi
Adigal
Chozha
mandalam….
The Tiger
ensign is proudly fluttering everywhere proclaiming the benign and prosperous
governance of the kingdom…
The
splendid River Goddess Cavery is meandering elegantly enthralling everyone on
her way through the kingdom…
The
harvest is bountiful all through the three seasons by Her grace and the kingdom
proudly holds the adage “Chozhanadu brims with food grains always”.
Sanctified
by the waters of the sacred Cavery is the village Emapperur...
Reverberating
with the Vedic chants all the time, the Agraharam is presenting a devout
bearing….
The house
of Swaminatha Gurukkal….
It is
midday and scorching …
Sitting
on a plank and fanning to cool himself, the Gurukkal is busy scanning palm leaf
manuscripts one by one carefully.
Hearing a
little hubbub in the front yard, he looks up.
His
surprised look turns into anger immediately on seeing his son Vanmeekanathan
rushing inside.
Gurukkal
(with a booming voice)
Why? It
is just midday. Have you completed the
midday Puja so early?
Confronted
and stunned, he stands in the front yard not taking even a step ahead.
Gurukkal
(in a stern tone)
How long
will you be standing there … Step inside.. You have come in such haste. What important work you have at home leaving
Ambal’s Puja undone?
Totally
unnerved by his father’s expression, he enters with trepidation and stands next
to his father.
Vanmeekanathan…
All of
twenty two years…
Well
built beyond his age and sporting a tuft of hair in the back..
Of a bright countenance resulting from doing puja
to Ambal daily without a let up.
Vanmeekanathan
Father!
They are all coming here…
Gurukkal
(angrily)
Who are
all coming?
Vanmeekanathan
(hesitatingly)
Charu’s mother
… father!
Gurukkal
How come
you know of it?
Vanmeekanathan
(forgetting for a moment he is answering his father)
When I
was drawing water for Abhishekam, you
know, our Kittamama came and told me “Ambi!
Your wife’s parents are on the way carrying plates containing flowers,
fruits, and tamboolam as gifts. They are coming to your home only. It is all
good news.
Mocking
me, he said further ‘You will be now in seventh heaven and no one will be able
to even spot you.’ Will it be proper if I am absent when my wife’s parents are
reaching our house? That is why I asked my friend Siva to complete the Ambal’s
puja. They are coming.. I am curious as
to what news they are bringing….
Gurukkal
is upset by his son’s narration and chides him. Before he responds, the
visitors are reaching their house.
Gurukkal leaves the palm leaves as they are
and goes outside to welcome them. Vanmeekanathan heaves a sigh of relief and
before he can decide whether to go outside to welcome them, they all reach
inside. Charumathi’s parents look extremely pleased as they enter carrying the
gifts. They bow to Gurukkal and have a look at Vanmeekanathan. They have seen
him as a small boy… They are overwhelmed to see their son-in-law looking
handsome, well built with an arresting appearance and sporting all the
paraphernalia as appropriate for a Saivite.
Charu’s
father
Salutations
to my son-in-law!
Charu’s
mother bows her head feeling shy in front of her son-in-law and the Sambandhi.
Gurukkal
bids them to be seated. Charu’s father sits on the carpet and her mother stands
hiding behind a pillar.
Gurukkal
You have
come with the gifts. It seems that the daughter-in-law has come of age.
Charu’s
father
You said
it right! I have noted the date, time and position of the stars. Here it is for
your perusal..
Gurukkal
receives the palm leaf containing the details.
Charu’s
father
The event
has been celebrated by our village womenfolk.
If Sambandhi let us know the auspicious day, we will bring our daughter
here with appropriate gifts. After she comes here she becomes the daughter of
your house. You have seen her when she was just six years old. Now, after eight years, she has come of age.
She looks beautiful like Daksha’s daughter Dakshayani. A girl’s life becomes complete only when she
reaches her in-laws’ house … Not that you are unaware of these things…
Unenthusiastic
and unimpressed by the rattling of his Sambandhi, Gurukkal again looks at the
palm leaf casually doing a mental calculation to know what it portends….
His face
brightens suddenly as if he has discovered some thing phenomenal…
He
revalidates his calculation to confirm that it is correct…
Finding
it so, his facial expression changes suddenly…
His edgy and unpleasant countenance transforms to one that is affable
and calm.
Looking
at them he stands up … and he bows to them in reverence.
Charu’s
parents are baffled not being able to make out what is happening..
Gurukkal
Respected
Sambandhi! What all you have uttered are veritably true. Your daughter came of
age at the most propitious time. Charumathi undoubtedly is Dakshayani
incarnate.
We feel blessed to have her as our
daughter-in-law. I will intimate the auspicious date and time for welcoming
into our house. You send her here on that day.
The total
transformation in Gurukkal is leaving everyone else surprised.
Obtaining
his permission, Charu’s parents prepare to leave. Vanmeekanathan, wanting to
see them off personally but yet scared as to what his father will say looks up
to him with apprehension.
Gurukkal
Vanmeeka!
Go with them and see them off!
Taken
aback by his unexpected father’s instruction, he leaves trying to hide his
unbound happiness. Seeing his son leaving, his eyes are shedding copious tears.
Wiping his tears he enters inside and starts gazing at Charu’s horoscope
totally absorbed unaware of the time that is passing..
On
hearing his son entering the house, he comes back to senses with a jerk.. Vanmeekanathan is puzzled to see his father
in that state..
Vanmeekanathan
(hesitantly)
I have got
them boarded in a cart and seen them off. I am only sad that we have not
offered them even a pitcher of water’ …
Gurukkal
(with out bothering to listen to what he is saying)
Vanmeeka!
From now on you need not perform the puja for Ambal.
Hearing
these words Vanmeekanathan is stung to his core.
Vanmeekanathan
Only to
day in my entire life I missed doing the midday puja and told Siva to do it. I
beseech you to pardon me for that. I will not be able to live for a second
without performing my daily duties of Ambal.
So saying
he catches his father’s feet for sympathy and pardon.
Gurukkal
looks at him with pride.
Gurukkal
Vanmeeka! Get up….
You lose
the sanctity to carry out the puja, the moment you yearn to lead a married
life. Only a staunch Brahmachari is eligible to bathe, clothe, and dress up and
to offer Neivedyam. Easan has ordained every one to perform distinct duties. As
per His direction, you had the good fortune to carry out the puja of Ambal till
now. You are now ordained for a bigger responsibility. You will come to know of
it on your own in due course. Till that time, engage yourself totally in
learning and teaching the Vedas. I will have to search for a suitable
Brahmachari to carry out the daily duties for Ambal’s puja immediately.
So saying
he goes out…
Vanmeekanathan
finds his father’s speech and action totally strange and new.
He looks
at the horoscope of his wife seeing which his father’s behavior changed
totally.
Vanmeekanathan
(to himself)
I can see
names of Navagrahams marked in various squares. But I can not make out what
they mean. However, it appears certain that I and my wife are going to be the
cause of some thing big happening. Whatever it is, let me carry out father’s
orders.
H starts
reading aloud the lessons from Vedas. Hearing his metallic recitation of Vedas
is pure ecstasy.
*****
Swaminatha
Gurukkal’s house…
The
Agraharam ladies are busy in cooking a variety of dishes…
Vanmeekanathan
is restless…
The girl
he married eight years ago is coming home as a grown up, in a short while…
Being
impatient to see her he is treading up and down…
The
womenfolk are discussing as to what articles of dowry the bride is likely to
bring along and are eagerly looking forward to catch a glimpse of them.
Swaminatha
Gurukkal is seated in the front porch. The other assembled elders are cracking
jokes in a subdued voice and giggling silently so as not to invite the wrath of
Gurukkal. The children who are running around playing and shouting not
realizing the presence of Gurukkal, freeze for a moment but continue with their
merriment. The whole Agraharam is perplexed to observe that the Gurukkal is
calm and composed unlike his usual self.
When they
see the covered carts approaching the village there is excitement all around.
The young girls rush competing among themselves to perform Aarathi.
The carts
come to stop one behind the other. Charumathi’s
father, then her mother and then Charumathi alight from the cart. People are
spell bound by her gorgeousness.
Though
giving a subdued composure, there was a briskness in her movements..
Her very
first glance conveys respect as well as affection on everyone around.
Everyone
becomes fond of her.
Charumathi’s
parents are relieved to observe that her daughter will be living happily
lacking nothing in her in-law’s house.
Charumathi
enters the house putting her right foot first to the welcoming Aarathi.
Gurukkal
welcomes every one and enters inside the hall.
The erstwhile noisy hall becomes quiet on his entry.
Vanmeekanathan
tries his best to catch his wife’s eye. Discerning the same, Charumathi
deliberately avoids looking in his direction to tease him. Observing his
discomfiture, she gives a mischievous smile..
Understanding
her playful game, Vanmeekanathan is angry and happy at the same time but still
not stopping his effort to catch her eyes..
Charu’s
father!
Mahale! First Prostrate before your father-in-law and
then before your husband..
Swaminatha
Gurukkal
Asking her to wait, he stops her from doing
so.
Charumathi
feels perturbed thinking that her father-in-law is refusing to accept her
respects. Observing her emotions, he continues:
Swaminatha
Gurukkal
Let my
daughter-in-law first light the lamp in the Puja room. For long this house has
been devoid of a female. Let this girl of ours start her happy married life
after lighting the lamp.
He leads
her to the Puja room. People heave a sigh of relief on hearing his words and there
is commotion when everyone tries to enter the small puja room. Forcing the
children out to make room, the elders give a smile of great achievement. The
ladies chide the men folk, ‘The new bride is going to light the lamp in the
puja. What business you men have here?’ Embarrassed they all come out to the
hearty laugh of the children who were just a few moments were driven out by
them.
While Vanmeekanathan is languishing whether
any one will ask him to go stand next to his wife, no one appears to be aware
of even his presence!
Charumathi
lights two standing lamps placed in front of the deities and then does a
namaskaram.
A voice from rear prompts her to do a
namaskaram to her father-in-law. To
indicate that he is not in approval of that, he raises his hand clears his
throat. The place becomes quiet to listen to him
Gurukkal
Sambandhi!
I need to talk to my daughter-in-law in privacy. Please take all these people
outside. What we are going to talk is not be heard by anyone else. This is a
divine mission. Leave here without
troubling me to explain what it is or why it is so.
This
strange order puzzles everyone and they are all wondering as to what the matter
could be. Every one is thinking aloud murmuring an imagined cause and at the
same time careful not to let they be heard by Gurukkal.
Charumathi’s
parents stand outside wondering what is in store for their daughter.
Gurukkal
is looking up at Charumathi standing in front. He is enthralled to see the
bright young girl looking at him with no tinge of fear.
Gurukkal
Daughter-in-law
listen carefully to what I am going to
say..
Charumathi
Appa!
Gurukkal
is pleased to observe that she addressed him as ‘Appa’ rather than as ‘Mama’.
I notice
that ever since I came here, you are dissuading me from doing a ‘namaskaram’ to
you. I will speak to you only if you accept me as your daughter and acknowledge
my namaskaram.
So saying she quickly falls on her feet and
does a namaskaram.
Tears
start rolling from Gurukkal’s eyes. Charumathi is highly perturbed.
Charumathi
Have I
committed any unpardonable act?
Gurukkal
We are
absolutely proud of your presence here! Generally girls of your age will be
childish in nature. But you are totally different. I see Devi ‘Gnanambal’ in
you. My mind did not permit me to let you, whom I consider my mother, therefore
do a namaskaram to me. I have analysed your horoscope. Its conjunctions are
divine. When something is ordained by the heavens, it augurs that there will be
trying times ahead leading however to victory and bliss ultimately. Therefore I
am going to predict good as well as bad news about your future. I am a little
baffled which should I tell you first.
Charumathi
Appa!
There is nothing like good news or bad news. Whether it is good or bad depends
on the mental disposition of the person who gives it and of the person who
receives it. This is what my ‘Aasan’ told me.
Gurukkal
is startled to note the maturity in her reasoning prowess.
Gurukkal
Mahale! To ensure that a person is not shocked
out of his wits, it a practice to forewarn him first indicating that the news
is good or bad. A bad news indicates
that some one has passed away.
Charumathi
Birth and death are destined by Easan.
Everyone who is born has to die someday.
The death
is only for the mortal body… For the one who realizes that there is no death
for the ‘Aanma’, even the news of some one’s death will not be taken as a bad
news.
Gurukkal
A
fantastic clarification! Till date I have not heard of such an elucidation.
I cannot refrain
from acclaiming your wisdom. Mahale! Your strong heart is making me bolder to
let me tell you what I wanted to convey. Alas! Your life is gong to be very
short!
Hearing
this she is taken aback and her eyes become moist with tears. Gurukkal looks at
her in surprise.
Gurukkal
How come
your eyes which only a moment ago were shining brightly with all the wisdom are
in tears now?
(Wiping
her eyes Charumathi tries to regain her composure and smiles)
Charumathi
Though
only the body is perishable but the ‘Aanma’ is imperishable, my eyes display a
token of gratitude for having resided in the flesh on behalf of ‘Aanma’.
Having
regained her poise, she appears totally unperturbed by the thought of her
impending demise.
Gurukkal
is again astonished!
Charumathi
There is
none who can predict death accurately. May Easan grant you the boon that your
prediction does not fail!
Gurukkal
sees Charumathi as Devi Gnanambal personified and present there , when she says
this! He folds his hands in stupefied
reverence.
Charumathi
(highly disturbed)
Appa! I
am much younger to you. Also I am wife of your son. You should not revere me.
It is sacrilege without doubt.
So saying she slaps her own cheeks with her
palms seeking pardon.
Gurukkal
wonders what penance he might have done for his son to get such a wife and he
such a daughter-in-law. Controlling his sadness because of her impending death,
he speaks up as it is ordained by destiny.
Gurukkal
Mahale!
In the coming month of Vaikasi under the star of Pusam, a noble son will be
born to you. He will be equal to Gods in status. Those who revere Easan will
bow to him as well. His feats will be
unparalleled. His name will remain as long as earth remains in this universe.
His parents are none other than Easan and Gnanambal Themselves. You and
Vanmeekanathan will earn name and fame in the annals of history being his
parents.
Charumathi
is thrilled to hear his words.
Gurukkal
Mahale!
The secrets of birth are not to be revealed. I have no authority to reveal this
information. But since this is of a very
great significance, I was compelled to reveal it to you. What I have disclosed
should remain with us only. Even Vanmeekanathan must not come to know of it. To
day is an auspicious day for conceiving such a noble son. Eason’s blessings are
always with you and your husband.
Charumathi
I am
highly elated by what you have revealed. Still I have one question. You said
that the parents of my child are none other than Easan and Ambal. If that is
so…
Gurukkal (acknowledging
her inhibition, with tears in his eyes)
Yes, it
is usual that heavenly ordained tasks begin in distress like this.
Charumathi
Appa!
Bless me to remain a ‘Dheerga Sumangali’
So saying
she falls to his feet to pay her respects despite his protests.
Gurukkal
Mahale!
You are for ever a ‘Dheerga Sumangali’. There is no doubt on that. He will be
popularly identified as ‘Charumathi’s son.’
During your pregnancy read all Sivapuranas. You and your husband read
the Vedas aloud. He will master them
hearing them in your womb even when he is yet to be born.
Hail to
Easan who is the Lord of the South …
Charumathi
Hail to Him who is Iraivan for everyone.
Both of them bow in reverence. The lighted
lamp in front of the Ambal brightens manifold…
****
Swaminatha
Gurukkal’s house…
In the
hall Charumathi’s parents are seated.
Gurukkal is seated on a plank.
Charumathi
is standing a few feet away out of regard.
Charumathi’s
father
Sambandhi!
Tomorrow is an auspicious day..
We intend
to take home Charumathi with us. She is in her eighth month. We have to
celebrate functions like ‘Valaikappu’ inviting all our near and dear.
We are
eagerly waiting for your approval.
Charumathi
Appa…
Amma… I have already spoken to you on this issue a number of times. I intend
delivering the baby in this house only. Don’t compel me. I will not go with
you.
Charumathi’s
mother (wiping her tears)
As an
elder, there is nothing you are unaware of. Delivering the first baby is to be
done in mother’s house. These are young people and do not know the ways of the
world. Only you can explain all the implications and send her with us.
Gurukkal
It is
customary that the first time delivery of the child is to be done in mother’s
house. At the same time I can not agree to send her away against her wish.
Charumathi’s
mother
It is
absolutely essential that a mother is present when her daughter is in labour.
If her mother-in-law were alive and present I would not be worried. Only
another woman can understand what the needs of a woman are when she is due for
giving birth. Whatever happens, we will take Charu with us.
Charumathi
Appa…
Amma…Let this dispute end now. I am due in Vaikasi. If you come here a few days before the
beginning of that month, your help will be available to me. I will also
satisfaction of staying here with my husband.
Vanmeekanathan
affection for his wife increases manifold on hearing this.
Gurukkal
What my
daughter-law says is to be accepted. You come here well before the due date of
delivery. Let the first child birth take place under your supervision.
Though
convinced, Charu’s mother is not fully appeased by this arrangement.
****
As Gurukkal desired, Charumathi devotes her time
in reading and hearing Sivapuranas.
She gets
know about Vedas from her husband and father-in-law.
Days
pass.
Charu’s
parents arrive in time and house is lively with various activities.
****
Swaminatha
Gurukkal…
Though
eagerly awaiting the birth of his grand son, being well aware of impending
events, he spends all his time in praying to Easan in the temple.
****
Gurukkal’s
house…
The hall…
Charumathi
is lying on the mat.
Her face
is betraying immense pain.
Her
mother is on her side comforting her.
Gurukkal
enters…
Both of
them try to get up…
Gurukkal
signals them to remain as they are..
He stands
near Charumathi..
Charumathi’s
mother
It
appears that Charu may go into labour either today or by tomorrow. It is better
to call the midwife Thayamma for any exigency.
Gurukkal
As you
say.
He leaves
home swiftly.
*******
Gurukkal’s
house…
Thayamma
is examining Charumathi.
Seeing a
sudden change in Thayamma’s expression
her mother is perturbed.
Charumathi’s
mother
Have you
examined? I hope everything turns out good.
Thayamma
The Child has turned over. I feel that she
will give birth by tonight itself. But when asked how she felt, she replied
‘Don’t be alarmed! The child will be born only after two days at run rise in
Pusa Nakshatram.’ I have never seen such a brave woman in my life. The child
also appears to be of big size. She is also young. I am a little apprehensive
because of all these.
Charumathi’s
mother
What ever
it be. You remain by her side. You can go only after the baby is delivered
safely.
Thayamma
This is a
very orthodox place. People will ridicule if I stay here overnight.
Gurukkal
Thayamma! You stay put here only. You may go only after she delivers.
Everyone
is surprised to hear this from Gurukkal.
*****
Vaikasi..
The sun
is rising in Puss Nakshatram.
Charumathi
gives birth to a son who shines as bright as the morning sun.
When
permission is granted to men folk to see the mother and child, Gurukkal,
Vanmeekanathan and Charu’s father enter the labour room. Charumathi’s face is
extraordinarily radiant.
On seeing
Gurukkal she tries to stir out of respect … Gurukkal restrains her.
Charumathi
Appa!
Thinking
she is calling him, Charu’s father goes near but seeing her eyes are falling on
Gurukkal quickly steps aside. Gurukkal goes near her.
Charumathi
Appa! As
you have predicted, I have brought forth your grand son. It is now your
responsibility to nurture him and hand him over to Easan.
So saying she looks at her husband with a
heartrending smile. The thought that she will be soon parting
such a righteous husband, is bringing her tears.
Charumathi (looking
at Vanmeekanathan)
Dear! Did you see your offspring? Your recitation
of Vedas, when he was growing inside me, makes him shine like a glowing ember.
He will make you and me proud. Stammering, she continues ‘Please, put Kumkum on
my forehead with your hand.’
Vanmeekanathan
is devastated hearing this.
Vanmeekanathan
Why are
you saying all this? I am very much scared…
When
Gurukkal indicates to him to do as she wanted, she goes to the Puja room and
brings a small container of Kumkum. With trembling hands he lifts a little
Kumkum by his finger and puts it on her forehead. Charumathi with a smiling
face catches hold of his legs with her right hand. The smile remains but her
life departs.
Finding her
daughter lifeless, Charu’s mother wails loudly. Hearing the wail and realising
that his dear Charu is dead, Vanmeekanathan falls down shocked and he too dies.
Though
Gurukkal very well knew that his son and daughter-in-law would die the moment
his grandson is born, seeing them dying in front of his eyes wrecks him. His
loud wailing agitates the entire Agraharam.
******
Sivan
Kovil… Midday..
A
Sivanadiyar…
Very
elderly …
Staggering,
he is crossing the Raja Gopuram and reaches inside.
Appearing
totally famished, he looks pale.
He
reaches the flag mast and leans on it. Steadying on his own, he reaches edge of
the Nandi mandapam. Not able to take a step more, he totters and leans against
a pillar. Slowly he slides to the ground and sits there. His eyes close on
their own.
A gentle
breeze sweeping the mandapam is somewhat relaxing even at this time of midday.
The
midday puja is going on…
Hearing
the temple bell tolls to announce the Neivedyam and Deeparadhanai, he tries to
get up. Failing in his effort he leans against the pillar sitting.
Sivanadiyar
(to himself)
Ayyane!
Easane!
Why I am
in this agony?
In my
youth I disregarded you. In the evening
of my life I am thinking of you.
I
renounced family life and took up sanyasam. I even wanted to abandon food.But
my senses are overpowering me.
Hunger…Hunger..
Hunger..
Should I
stoop for food to stay alive?
I don’t
want this life.
Ayyane!
Show me the way to relinquish this body.
Show me, please, the way!
So
saying, filled with tears in his eyes he lifts his hands and prays to Easan in
reverence.
Balagan
Ayya!
Hearing
this voice, Sivanadiyar opens his eyes.
‘Ayya!
Ayya! Please take this dhonnai. It is hot and I am not able to bear it.’
Sivanadiyar
takes the dhonnai quickly. His hand touches the Balagan.
The
Balagan starts crying ‘Oh! You have touched me. My sanctity is lost and now I
have to take a bath again’
Sivanadiyar
When I
was wondering where I will get food, Easan Himself, through you has given me
this food to eat. How can you, who
appear exceedingly wise, say that a mere human touch is unsanctified? This is
absolutely wrong and hurting.
Pray,
tell me who are you?
Balagan
Sivanadiyar! My name is Naminandi. My mother
is Charumathi. My father is Vanmeekanathan. I lost both of them the day I was
born. My grandfather is Swaminatha Gurukkal. He is entitled for looking after
this temple. He is the teacher of Vedas
and teaches Vedas to me and others in this village. As per his orders, I carry
out the entire daily rituals of Easan with commitment and devotion. Before I
started the midday puja, I saw you. Seeing you famished, I brought the offering
of Easan. Afraid that I may drop it, I told you to grab it. That is how your
hand touched my body. As I have to perform Abhishekam and Alankaram of Easan
and then perform Neivedyam, I have to observe utmost sanctity. I feel that it is no way wrong to ensure my
body is not polluted to perform the puja.
Sivanadiyar
The
realisation that ‘Everyone is equal before Easan’ dawned on me only at this
late stage of my life. You are a child. You will also realise it as you grow up. However, the
beauty of your narration and the devotion for your duties pleases my mind. May
Easan grant you unmatched wisdom!
Sivanadiyar
then takes a bit of the prasadam in hand and raises it to his head and prays to
Easan and
then puts it in his mouth.
*****
Emapperur..
Sivan
Kovil…
Deeparadhanai
of Easan …
A Gurukkal
of about twenty seven years of age is emerging from the sanctum sanctorum.
He is
distributing thruneeru to all the devotees.
An
elderly villager
Naminandi! What is the news of Swaminatha Gurukkal? I
hear he is not keeping well.
Naminandi
is distraught.
Naminandi
My
grandfather’s health is deteriorating day by day.
An
elderly villager
Don’t you
think that you must get married now? It
may perhaps ease his discomfort.
Naminandi
I am
contended with what ever Easan bestows on me. Whatever he ordains, I will
follow.
****
Emapperur…
Agraharam..
Sundaramurthy
Iyer gets down from the front porch on seeing a bullock cart stopping in front
of his house.
An
elderly male followed by a young woman get down from the cart.
The
Visitor
What Athimbare! Don’t you recognize me?
Sundaramurthy
Oh! Aren’t you Sankaran? Come.. Come.. Isn’t
she your daughter Manonmani? I have seen her long ago in her childhood. Come..
Come.. I am very happy that you have come.
Hearing
the commotion outside, Sunadarmurthy’s wife comes and looks out.
She is
Sankaran’s Akka.
Akka
Hey
Sankara! You have remembered your sister only now after a long time. Is
this Manonmani? She has taken after her mother in her looks.
But then where is your wife? Has she not come with you?
Pleased
by the welcome, the guests enter the house.
Sundaramurthy
In fact I
wanted to question you first. Where have been all these years? What have
you been doing? There was no news from you or about you from any one. We could
not communicate any happenings, good or bad, from here.
Sankaran
Let me explain. I was working in Kasi matam.
Her mother died after a brief illness.. Now I am burdened with the
responsibility of this girl. If I can find a suitable alliance for the girl and
get her married off, I will be relieved of the burden and return to Kasi.
His eyes
turn moist.
Akka
What is
this? Don’t you call your own daughter as a burden? She is good looking and
fair. Any way you should have married
her off at a much younger age. If we seek alliance people will ask a thousand
questions for the delay. What have you been dong all these years keeping a girl
who had come of age long ago? Aren’t we supposed to carry out our duty at
appropriate time as per norms?
Sankaran
What can
I do? Her Guru Dasa has started only now. That apart who can I approach in
Kasi? If the boy is from our villages, he will look after her well. Of course a
few of our folks do visit Kasi on pilgrimage. They all talk very sweetly as
long as they are there indicating there are alliances a plenty. But the moment
they reach home, they forget the whole thing. They fail to even communicate. I
have come here with the confidence that you being here will help me out. Now it
is your responsibility to find a suitable groom and finalise the marriage. I
will be relieved of my anxiety.
Sundaramurthy
There is
a suitable groom. So put off your worries.
Akka
Whom are
you referring to?
Sundaramurthy
It is none other than our Swaminatha
Gurukkal’s grand son Naminandi. He has exceeded even his grand father in
wisdom. His scholarship of Vedas is commendable. He is very austere. If we can
conclude this alliance, we should consider our girl very lucky.
Sankaran
Are you
referring to Charumathi’s son? Is he still not married?
Sundaramurthy
He has
taken up severe vow of Brahmacharyam. His life is devoted to Easan. Even his
grandfather, Swaminatha Gurukkal has not been able to convince him to get
married.
Sankaran
Is he
highly high headed?
Akka
Don’t be
silly. You can not find a person comparable to Nami. He is highly virtuous!
No one
calls him by his name. We refer him only as ‘Charumathi’s son’. During any sacred occasion, we apply Kumkum
on our forehead invoking her name. If our girl enters their house as a bride,
it can only be due to all our past good deeds in our previous birth.
Sankaran
I feel
urged to immediately go and meet them
Akka
Don’t try
anything foolish in a hurry. You have asked me for a solution. So leave it to me.
Manonmani!
Come. Do what I say and see the result!
Don’t be surprised if Nami turns
adamant to marry only you.
Akka
takes her inside.
****
Early
morning…
Sivan
Kovil…
The
entrance has been cleaned and a nice kolam is decorating it..
Appreciating
its beauty, Naminandi is wondering as to who could have made such an attractive
kolam as he opens the doors at the entrance.
He finds
no one around…
Naminandi
pays his respects to the flag staff, does namaskaram to Nandi and enters the
Sannathi of Easan. He looks at the tamboolam that was offered the previous
night. It remains where it was left. He is depressed that Easan has not
accepted the tamboolam.
He takes
the pitchers and hurries up for bringing water for Abhishekam from the temple
pond.
From the
sacred pond Manonmani emerges with wet clothes carrying water in a kudam in her
waist and in another one in her hand. Her divine appearance stuns him.
Naminandi
Penne!
Stop. Where are you taking these kudams?
Manonmani
(with her head bowed)
For the
sacred Abhishekam of Easan!
Naminandi
Well,
that is my job. You need not interfere.
By the way, who are you? I have not seen you in this Kovil before?
Manonmani
Gurukkale!
I am a native of this place only. My father’s name is Sankara Iyer. He left for
Kasi after marrying off his sister Meenakshi to Sundaramurthy. We have come
here for the sake of my marriage. My aunt Meenakshi asked me to provide water
for Easan’s Abhishekam early morning for one mandalam so that I may get a good
life partner.
Today is
the first day of my vratham.
Naminandi (to himself)
Aha! What a beauty and a character to match! A
compliant attitude of not looking up to male folk. What devotion for Easan! I
will be fortunate if she becomes my wife.
Suddenly
remembering his vow of Brahmacharyam…
Alas!
Forgetting my vow, what all I have been thinking! Is Easan testing my resolve?
Manonmani
is able to discern what has been running in his mind and smiles
gently….observing his facial expression changing from one of delight at first
to one of distress later.
Naminandi
Penne!
Your talk, demeanor and your vratham are all praise worthy. But I can not
accept the water you have brought.
Manonmani
is saddened hearing these words. Naminandi blames himself for her distress.
Manonmani
With
devotion and dedication in full measure, I have brought the water. Please
accept the same.
Naminandi
I perform puja of Easan uncontaminated. I want
to use only the water that is brought by my own hands. So kindly pardon me.
Manonmani
looks up and gazes him for the first time now.
Manonmani
What is there to contaminate between one human
to another? Gurukkale! I have brought this water thinking only of Easan all the
time. When I saw you, my mind was
delighted as if I have seen Easan Himself! You have refused to accept the water
I brought for Abhishekam saying that it is not sanctified. If my action has hurt your feelings in any
way, I seek your pardon.
So saying
she turns back carrying the kudams with water. Her moistened eyes reveal that
she is deeply hurt. Suddenly an elder’s voice stops her on her track.
Swaminatha
Gurukkal
Penne!
Hold on! The water that has been brought for Easan must reach Him only..
He takes
hold of the kudams and performs Abhishekam with the water.
How come,
the man who has been bedridden, unable even to utter a word, could reach the
temple?
How he
could speak without a stammer in his ringing voice?
How he is
able to lift the kudam above his head in a swing and perform the Abhishekam the
same way he has done when he was fit and fine?
Naminandi
is spellbound by all these miraculous happenings.
The
tamboolam that was offered the previous night gets washed away.
Swaminatha Gurukkal (hails him)
Naminandi!
His
grandfather has never summoned him by his name.
Naminandi
(to himself)
He always
used to hail me as ‘Peraa’. Unusually,
he is addressing me by my name
‘Naminandi’!
Wonder struck he looks up his grandfather.
Swaminatha Gurukkal
Naminandi! I know that you look at the tamboolam every
day and feel distressed too see that Easan has not accepted it. Easan is not
taking the tamboolam only because of your strict Brahmacharyam. You get
married. He will accept the same without fail. This girl who is standing here
has been selected by none other than Easan for you. You must marry her and
continue your service to God.
So saying, he blesses both of them. Both of
them bow to him in reverence extremely happy to have obtained such diktat from
him. Manonmani overcome with shyness
scampers home.
Swaminatha
Gurukkal goes out grinning…
Naminandi,
with unbound enthusiasm carries out all work, finishes the midday puja and
returns home.
Rushing
to see his grandfather he is bewildered.
He is
bedridden unable to even stir.
Naminandi
(to himself)
How come
thatha got up, came to the temple and spoke with verve? It is totally baffling!
If he is
lying here unable even to move, who came inside the temple as thatha? Did the
diktat to get married come from Easan Himself?
He
prostrates on the floor and says feeling profoundly engrossed:
Appane!
My Easane! Was that you who appeared before me, your adiyen?
As
ordained by Easan, Naminandi is pleased to accept Manonmani as his wife.
The
moment his grandson has agreed for his marriage, Swaminatha Gurukkal starts
getting better. The marriage of Naminandi and Manonmani is solemnized in front
of Easan in the temple in a befitting manner.
The nuptials
after their wedding…
Next day,
Naminandi, as usual goes for his puja to the temple.
The
tamboolam is missing…
Naminandi,
understanding the implication, bows in reverence in front of Easan.
******
The time
has come…
Swaminatha
Gurukkal breathes his last in the lap of his grandson.
Naminandi
can not go to the temple till all the ceremonial functions for the departed
soul are completed. Easan is waiting eagerly for resumption of puja by
Naminandi. The tamboolam is lying dried up where it was left. After completing
all the ceremonies in a grand manner, Naminandi resumes his holy duties in the
temple. From that day
on
wards…the tamboolam offered to Easan goes missing…
*****
The days
pass …
Whenever
he gets time Naminandi visits other temples which are left uncared for. As his
bounden duty, he undertakes maintenance work of these temples and provisions
for lighting of lamps in these temples.
His
sacred service is lauded by everyone around. He gains great admiration and
esteem. Even people who are much elder to him stand up and bow to him in
reverence when he passes through.
Thiruvaroor..
The
Vanmeekanathan Kovil…
People
are getting ready for the midday puja. Naminandi is speeding up his stride.
Hurrying up to ensure he reaches there before the start of midday puja. Even in
that haste he ensures his sanctity is not disturbed. People bow to him and give
him way. Crossing the Raja Gopuram
swiftly he reaches near the flag post. He is welcomed by the Gurukkal of that
Kovil.
Kovil
Gurukkal
Naminandiyare!
Welcome! Welcome! I was just about thinking of you and good heavens you have
come in front of me! I hope everyone is safe and sound at home!
Naminandi
is surprised.
Naminandi
How is
that you are surprised to see me! Only
yesterday evening we met and you asked me to help you today for the midday
puja. I have come here for that. Have you forgotten?
Kovil
Gurukkal (disturbed)
Is that
so? You see I am getting old and
forgetting things.
Naminandi
I am
equally taken aback! You unusual welcome
is also putting me off as you are generally averse to my presence.
Kovil
Gurukkal
Only
those who do not know you will behave as such. Who you are? Do you know what is meant by the name
Naminandi? It is ‘Namo Nandi’! Have you
read the Thirumandiram of Thirumoolar? He repeats ‘Nandi’ without a respite
referring to Easan always. So when we say ‘Namo Nandi’ it implies ‘Namo
Easwara’. Your mother Charumathi cried out to Easan chanting ‘Namo Nandi’ when
she breathed her last. That is why you were named Naminandi.
Naminandi
Is that
so? No one has told me this till now. Do
you mean that my mother gave me this name?
Kovil
Gurukkal
(with a twinkle in his eyes)
Yes! Very much! I am a witness to all these things
in close proximity.
Any way, now
that you have come, there are enough people to help me out for the midday puja.
You go to the ‘Araneri Aalayam’ which is located close by. That Kovil is deserted and therefore is in a
very derelict state. You go and tidy up that temple and perform Abhishekam and
Aaradhanai. Easan is waiting for you there.
Naminandi
Wiping
his tears that swelled up remembering his mother…
Aha! How
fortunate I am! I will start the work immediately.
He rushes
out of the temple.
The Kovil
Gurukkal fondly seeing him leaving the premises vanishes in the air!
At the
same time another Gurukkal emerges angrily from the Easan Sannathi. Seeing Naminandi leaving the temple makes him
even more furious.
Gurukkal
What nonsense? I asked Naminandi to come and
help me for midday puja. Having come here that fellow is running away not even
bothering to see me. Where that vagrant is running away?
Abusing
him thus he goes back into Sannathi.
*****
Araneri
Aalayam…
By the
time Naminandi reaches there it is already past midday..
Naminandi
is appalled to see the condition of the temple.
He gets
to work in earnest singing the praise of Easan.
He clears
the shrubs around the temple and sets right the pathway..
Clearing
the cobwebs and dust in the front mandapam, he opens the doors of the sanctum
sanctorum.
Enthralled at the sight of the imposing
Sivalingam almost touching the roof, he stands bowing, in stupor for a long
time.
Coming to
his senses from the noise of birds fluttering around, he realises that it is
already evening and the sun is setting down in the west. He hurries up to the
temple pond and brings water from there and cleans the Sannathi.
Wanting
to perform Abhishekam, he looks around for a suitable prop to climb up to pour
water…
Not
finding any thing inside, he comes out in search of it. Finding a bamboo ladder leaning against the
wall, he brings it in.
He pours
water on the imposing Sivalingam from each of the steps of the ladder so that
the accumulated dirt is washed out thoroughly.
At the
same time in Kailayam, the sound of ‘Om ’
emanates. The Abhishekam of Easan is
performed simultaneously there. Easan enjoying the limitless devotion of
Naminandi,
in
Thiruvaroor, is lost in Himself. The
Devas and Ganas of Siva are playing on a variety of musical instruments. Devi
Parvati and their mount
Nandi
At the
Araneri Aalayam….
Naminandi
has lost count of how many pitchers of water and for how long he has been
pouring water…
It is
getting dark all around.
Naminandi
(to himself)
I have to
light the lamp in the Sannathi. There is no oil here. If I get some oil from
somewhere I will light up the lamps here. Where will I get oil from?
He comes
out of the temple and looks around. There is no movement of any one as far as
his eyes can see. Looking back, the Sannathi is totally dark and nothing is
visible.
Looking
ahead he makes out some houses at a distance and starts walking towards them.
He
reaches the street and stops at the first house there. The people there laugh
at him ridiculing his appearance.
Naminandi
(respectfully)
I am an
outsider. I have come here to request for some oil for lighting the lamp in the
temple. If you please give it, I will be able to light the lamp and complete
the puja.
Please
help me.
People
start laughing loudly hearing his words. All others in the street gather there
hearing the loud laughter and surround Naminandi.
Naminandi
(respectfully)
Elders of
the village! I am Naminandi. I belong to Emapperur. I am a servant of Easan.
I came to
Thiruvaroor. On the orders of the Gurukkal there, I came here to maintain the
neglected Sivalayam here. I have cleaned up the Aalalyam. Though there are
plenty of lamps there row after row, I am not able to light them up as there is
no oil. If you can give oil it will be a great favour.
On
hearing this, all those present again give a hearty laugh.
Not able
to decipher the reason for their laughter, Naminandi takes a look at them.
Finding that they are all clothed queerly, he is confused as to what to do
next. All the males are wrapped in a single piece of cloth and have clean
shaven heads.
An
Elderly male (in a threatening voice)
Hey! You
Naminandi! Why do you pretend innocence and enact a drama here. Stop your
mischief! Leave this place at once
Naminandi (unable
to comprehend)
Till
today, I am only aware of Emapperur and my Easan. I come to Thiruvaroor only on
a few important occasions. As I devote my entire time in my service to my
Easan, I am not familiar with happenings around the world. May I know who are
you all? You said I am enacting a drama. Please clarify.
The
Elderly male
(rebuking)
We are
Samanas. We do not believe in your Easan.
Aren’t you foolish to ask for oil from us for your temple?
Hearing
this rebuke, there is again a round of loud laughter.
Naminandi
What? Are
there people in this world who do not believe in Easan? Elders! I do not know
your ways. However, if you give me some oil, you will be blessed by my Easan.
The
people get furious hearing this from Naminandi.
The
Elderly male
Don’t you
understand, you wretched Brahmin?
Is not
your Easan holding Agni in his hand? Where is then a need to light a lamp?
Can’t He
see without light?
Hearing
this mocking, people give out a big laugh again.
Naminandi
(in a warning tone)
Ayya!
Please do not denigrate Easan… You are unaware of His power. Don’t arouse His
anger.
The
Elderly male
Is that so? How powerful is your Easan?
Naminandi
(in a firm tone)
My
Eason’s powers are infinite. He is the
creator of this earth and the universe. He is also the keeper and sustainer of
the same. He is so large hearted that He will carry out the bidding of any one who
bows to His feet. Without His grace not even an atom can stir in this
universe..
The
Elderly male
Hey!
Brahmin! You have blabbered enough about your Easan. Go and tell Him to
demonstrate His power by taking this challenge. Go and fill up the lamps in
your temple with water from the pond and light the lamps. Let us see the power
of your Easan to light those lamps with water!
A stunned
and still Naminandi is pushed around. They keep harassing him by mocking and
teasing him and all of them reach the
temple pond. Naminandi, with prayer in his lips, takes a dip in the pond to
cleanse his body. He takes a pitcher of water from the pond and goes inside the
Sannathi. With utmost reverence he fills the lamps inside with the water and
lights them up. Lo and behold! They all burn with a bright hue. At the same
time, the temple bell tolls on its own proclaiming the power of Easan.
The
villagers stop their ridicule and look at Naminandi in reverence.
Naminandi
extolling the virtues of Easan by singing his praise, performs Aaradhanai to
Lingeswaran in the glittering Sannathi. Applying thiruneeru and admiring His
grace, he comes out.
He fills
up all the lamps with the water from the pond and lights them up. The whole
temple is lit brightly. He keeps refilling the lamps with water through out
night. The villagers are so startled that they can neither speak nor move
about.
It is now
dawn and the sun rises in all glory….
*****
Days
pass..
Forgetting
himself, forgetting his home, Naminandi is joyfully going about maintaining the
Araneri Aalayam. The news of filling of
the lamps with the water from the temple pond and keeping them alight through
night after night, spreads like wild fire. The Samanas get scared of his
prowess and run away from their village in fear. People flock from far and near
to get the blessings of Araneriyan.
When the
news reaches the Chozha King, he with his paraphernalia reaches Araneri
Aalayam. After completing his prayers in the temple, the king pays his respects
to Naminandi.
When the King requests Naminandi to take over
the administration of Vanmeekanathan Kovil at Thiruvaroor, he recollects his
original mission. He accedes to the King’s request thanking him for the royal
support given to various temples in the kingdom.
He
returns to his native place where he is welcomed with due honours.
From then
on….
It
becomes his routine to return to Emapperur daily to be with his wife after
completing all the work at Thiruvaroor.
Naminandi…
Respectfully
referred to as Naminandi Adigalar, he is glorified by one and all.
*****
Thiruvaroor…
The Easan, Vanmeekanathan, mounted on his
Nandi vahanam, is taken in procession around the streets. The old, the infirm
and such others who cannot go inside the temple are delighted to see Him and to
receive His blessings.
Naminandi Adigalar …
After
completing his duties connected with the Lord’s procession returns home quite
late at night.
Seeing
him sitting outside in the front porch instead of entering the house …
Manonmani
(troubled)
It is
already late for your dinner. Come in and have food. You appear very tired
already.
You can
retire to bed sooner.
Adigalar
My
dear! To day the procession has taken
place along the streets. I have been touched by outsiders while on duty. Therefore
I need to bathe to regain the sanctity that is lost. Please ready some hot
water. I will eat after I finish my bath.
Manonmani
(saddened and taken aback)
There is
no sastram unknown to you. For us touching or coming in contact with an
outsider can be no cause for alarm or purification. These fears are due to our
own flawed thinking. Hearing from you that you will enter home only after a
bath is most disquieting. If I have offended you by speaking thus, please
pardon me.
Adigalar
I can not change my way. I have been sticking
to these norms ever since my childhood. Leave me alone on these issues.
Go! Ready some hot water.
Manonmani
(to herself with a heavy heart)
Easane! Though endowed with all noble traits,
why this single warped obsession is left in him? He refuses to accept my
reasoning. Can’t You reveal what is correct to him?
Praying
to Easan she goes inside to prepare hot water for bath.
In a few
moment…
Adigalar,
overcome with tiredness falls asleep.
His Easan
appears in his dream mounted on his Nandi vahanam.
Easan
Naminandi!
All those who are born in Aroor are but my part.
Hearing
this, Adigalar is taken aback. At that very instant Manonmani, having readied
his bath, touches him gently to wake him up.
Naminandi
Was that
a dream?
Manonmani
What
dream? What are you asking me?
Naminandi
Nothing
that matters!Now that you have touched me, you also need to take a bath.
Manonmani
follows her husband with a forlorn look.
*****
Next day…
Having
woken up much earlier than usual, he reaches Thiruvaroor before sunrise.
What he
sees at the crack of dawn when things become visible?
Easwaran
is walking with a plough on His shoulder towards him!
Naminandi
Adigalar runs and falls on his feet.
Getting
up…
At a
short distance, he sees Annai Parvati walking carrying a flower basket on Her
hip!
He runs
and prostrates in front of Her.
Getting
up….
What he
sees makes him dumbfounded.
In front
of him, all men appear as Easan holding a Tirisulam and all women as Annai
Meenakshi holding a parrot!
Adigalar
falls on the feet of each one of them on his way to the temple.
All along
every male appears as Easan.. Whether an ironsmith or his helper..or a shopkeeper or his customer.
Like wise
every female appears as Meenakshi.. Whether she is selling fish.. or she is
working as a helper.
Wherever
he looks he sees nothing but the form of Easan and Annai!
Realising his misdemeanor at that very moment he
hurriedly enters the temple and prostrates in front of Easan in the Sannathi.
Naminandi
Adigalar
Easane! I realise that every one who is born in this
earth is a part of You. There is no discrimination and there is no purity or
impurity among people. Pardon my ignorance!
Iraiva!
Emperumane! Please restore all of them
to their original state and restart the functioning of the world as before.
The very
next moment all the people come back to their original state.
At that
moment..
The sound
from the blowing of conch reverberates everywhere and there is a shower of
flowers from the heavens in the Sannathi.
Easan and
Annai on Nandi vahanam appear to bestow benevolence.
Easan (calls
out)
‘Naminandi!
The one who is dear to me!
Overcome
with veneration, Naminandi Adigalar stands bowing speechless.
Easan
Thou art
my cherished! I enacted this drama only
to exemplify that all my creatures are equal.
I am overwhelmed by your fondness for Me. You will stay near Me forever!
Your name
and fame will remain forever. Who so ever worships Me will worship you as well.
He
blesses Naminandi Adigalar.
Naminandi
Adigalar raises both hands above his head in veneration and merges with the
Iraivan in a blaze of blinding light.
All the
people of the village bow in reverence and the Vedic chants are loud enough to
reach the heavens.
The Devas
shower the place with flowers.
Tiruchchitrambalam
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