Chapter#16: Kulasekara Azhwar

Kulasekara was an Indian King from modern day Kerala. From historical estimates it is believed he lived in or around the 8th century. After ruling for a few years, he gave up his throne and became a celibate. He wrote bhakti songs dedicated to God. As an great devotee of Rama, he considered the painful experiences of Lord Rama to be his own experiences. He is therefore also known as ‘Perum-al’, meaning ‘The Great’ – which is usually the epithet for the Lord. His devotion was so intense that he worshipped the devotees of the Lord as the Lord Himself. He lived in Srirangam and was serving the deity Ranganatha in the temple there.

Much of the details of Kulashekhara's personal life have been lost. He was an exceptional poet of devotional hymns and songs (including the famous Mukundamala-stotra). He wrote a set of ten exquisite poems in Tamil, and the work is called "Perumal Tirumoli". His poems are devotional in nature, being dedicated to the most prominent avatar's of Vishnu (Rama and Krishna).

Month: Masi
Nakshatram: Punar Poosam
Sign: Kaustabha

Chapter#15: Madhurakavi Azhwar

Madhurakavi literally means "Poet of sweet words". Madhura Kavi Azhwar was born in Thirukkolur near Azhwar Thirunagari. The Perumal in this Divya Desam is called Vaitha Maanidhi. Madhura Kavi Azhwar learnt the Vedas and was well versed in both Tamil and Sanskrit. He composed poems in praise of Bhagavan Vishnu. At one stage in his life, he decided to abandon all the chains of samsara and strive towards moksham. In this pursuit he undertook a pilgrimage to the Vada naattu divya desams like Ayodhya, Mathura etc.

When Madhura Kavi Azhwar finished his prayers at Ayodhya, he noticed a glowing ball of fire in the sky. He could not understand the reason for this phenomenon. He also noticed that the ball of fire started to move southwards. He decided to follow the light, which ultimately led him to Azhwar Thirunagari and finally disappeared. Madhura Kavigal had already heard about a sixteen year old youth Nammalvar who had spent his life since birth under a tree without eating anything and emitting a divine glow. Madhura kavi azhwar proceeded straight to the and found Swami in a trance.

In order to test Nammazhwar, Madhura kavigal dropped a stone on hearing which Swami opened his eyes and smiled at Madhura Kavi aazhwar. Now Madhura Kavi aazhwar wanted to test Swami.

Seththathin vayitril siriyadu pirandaal Eththai thindru enge kidakkum?
(literal translation - If the small one is born inside the dead one, what will it eat and where will it lie?)

Swami Nammzhwar's reply was: Aththai thindru ange kidakkum
(literal translation - It will eat that and lie there)

Madhura kavi aazhwar instantly recognized the greatness of Swami Nammazhwar and fell at his feet and resolved to become Swami Nammazhwar's disciple. Madhura Kavi aazhwar remained with Swami Nammazhwar for the rest of Swami Nammazhwar's life.

Month: Chithirai
Nakshatram: Chithra
Sign: Garuda

Rameswaram Trip

Dear readers,

I had an opportunity of visiting Rameswaram on December 22nd, 2008. It was an refreshing trip. I had the blessings of the Divine to give me an easy trouble free opportunity of taking bath in 22 wells to cleanse my sins in this materialistic world. As a result of my trip, my posting for the previous week was delayed by a week.

-Krishna