Chapter#20: Thirumangai Azhwar

Thirumangai Azhwar was the last of the 12 Azhwars. His name was actually Neelar, but later he came to be known as “Thirumangai Azhwar” as he ruled Aali Naadu from the capital city of Thirumangai. From childhood, Thirumangai Azhwar was given proper education. Since, he was born in the generation of brave persons, he learnt the art of fighting. He learnt to use sword, bow and arrow. Neelar fought and led the forces on behalf of Chozha Empire and defeated its enemy invaders. For his braveness, the Chozha king made him as the king of Aali Nadu, having its capital as "Thirumangai". His fighting nature made all of the enemy kings to think him as "Kaalan" (time which takes all of our lives) and because of this, Neelar was also given the name "Parakaalan".

In that time, in Deva lokam (Heaven), a deva kanni by the name "Sumangali" lived and she is the head of the deva mangais. Once she wanted to visit the bhoolokam (earth). So Sumangali along with other deva kanniyars came down to the bhoolokam and first visited the Himalayan Mountains. At that time, kapila munivar was explaining about the beauty and greatness of Sriman Narayanan. Lots of sages and people were found around Kapila Munivar. One among the munis was looking ugly. Sumangali commented on him and laughed at him. On seeing the bad character of all the kanniyars and specifically of Sumangali, Kapila munivar got angry on them and gave Sumangali a curse saying that she would be born as a normal human being.

Sumangali realized her mistake and regretted. But no curse could be taken back. Kapila muni explained that the curse given to her was due to the fate that's written and she will be got married to a great warrior and an intelligent person, who is said to be the Hamsam of Sriman Narayanan's bow. He also added that his (Thirumangai mannan's) mind is concentrated fully on war and fight and it has to be turned towards her and his mind should be diverted towards the bhakti of Sriman Narayanan. If it is done like that, she will be free of her curse and she can return back to Heaven.

Sumangali took birth in earth as a baby. Years passed away and one fine day, her father started to find a proper man for her. At that time, she explained her birth secret and explained him that she will be getting married to the Thirumangai Mannan. That's her fate and he will approach her in getting married.

As the day passed, Thirumangai Mannan heard about the beauty of Kumudhavalli and thought of meeting her and getting married to her. There were two conditions. Thirumangai Mannan should change his life towards Lord Vishnu and avoid fighting wars. Secondly, he should give food to 1008 Vishnu Bhaktas everyday.

He agreed to the conditions and married her. As days passed, his wealth started to decrease as he was doing good things for many people. As a result of this, he could not pay the Kappam (money that has to be paid by the small kings to the king of the Empire). The Chozha king got angry on him and sent some of his soldiers to ask for it. But, since Parakaalan (Thirumangai mannan) spent lots of money for the Vishnu bhaktaas, he could pay the money to the Chozha Empire. The Chozha king was very upset. He was the person who encouraged Thirumangai Mannan. He was the person who made him as the king. Chozha king felt humiliated.

Thirumangai Mannan also felt bad. But he needed to feed Vishnu bhaktas. At the same time, he also needed to be faithful to the King. So he thought of stealing gold and ornaments from wealthy people.

Sriman Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi came to earth in the form of newly married couples. As their caravan was passing through the forest, Thirumangai mannan and his soldiers stopped them. Thirumangai Mannan ordered to give their ornaments and money.

Hearing this, all the people in the caravan including the Maappillai (Sri Vishnu) and Manamagal (Sri Lakshmi) gave their ornaments. Thirumangai mannan checked whether all of their ornaments are removed but found a Kanaiyaazhi (an ornament are that is worn on the legs) on the right hand of the Maappillai. Parakaalan ordered that it should also be removed for which the Maappillai said that he could not remove that. Instead he asked Thirumangai Mannnan to remove it himself. Neelan tried to remove it but he could not do it.

Since he could not remove the Kanaiyaazhi from his legs, he left that and ordered his main soldier "Thoalavazhakkan" to tie up all the ornaments and money in a sack. But, he could not lift the sack full of various precious products. Then Thirumangai mannan also tried and he too failed.

He finally identified that the maappillai and the Manamagan are none other than the Emperumaan and Sri Lakshmi piratti. He apologized for the mistakes. For the rest of his life, he visited many Divya Desams and did a lot of good things to people.