Steam Loco Ride-Royapuram to Tambaram

Madhan, Sridhar Joshi and Nishant.

January 26th, 2009.

It was a different day. It started off in a dull manner. My original plan was to see the Republic Day Parade in TV. But I decided to join other members on a visit to Royapuram to see the steam engine. Frankly speaking I am not much of a steam fan. It must be due to the fact that steams were stopped during my early days of childhood. But I admit that I got interest in train only after getting impressed with chug-chug sounds and the steam whistle.

I purchased a ticket to Royapuram and walked to the MRTS platform at Kasturibai Nagar. Satya Narayanan was coming in the EMU and I was to join him in the same EMU. At Mylapore, Sriram Karthik joined us. My EMU negotiated the curve before MSB. I saw the corpse of a dog lying on the sides. It must be at least a week! Poor thing. Reminded me of my present adopted dog Damien. Then we boarded a Gummidipondi bound EMU at Beach station and got down at Royapuram.


Pic taken at Royapuram.

The platforms were empty in my opinion. We decided to walk along the tracks. In the far distance, I could see the steam locomotive. The engine was majestic and that changed my mood slightly. I also became interested in steam engines. Immediately, I called up my house and commanded my father to quit all house-hold works at once and come to Saidapet Lonely Express platform. Please note that “lonely express platform” in my house means the platform in SP where Fast EMU’s, expresses pass without stopping. I immediately called up a friend of mine who drives Auto Rickshaw and asked him to pick my father at my house. Then I called up my father and convinced him to board the auto to come to SP. My father being loyal to the Government was interested only in moving with the Government transport buses. I didn’t want my father to strain so asked him to come by auto.


WP#7200 Steam Locomotive.

Sridhar, Chechu, Madhan, Suresh Babu, Dilip and Nishant were waiting near the locomotive. This was the first time I was meeting Madhan. Sridhar led us into a coach and asked us not to move here and there. The coach was nicely decorated with balloons, color papers. It had speakers, music systems and some nice music. Chechu sir wasn’t much interested in music as he believed that it destroyed the natural ambience. He was right; the entire mood went for a toss as silly songs were played almost throughout the run. It didn’t look like a Heritage Run, but some other thing which I don’t want to mention. We whistled and moved out of Royapuram. We did only 20kph. I never believed that I was behind a steam locomotive. Credits to Perambur Loco Works for the overhauling and repair works. In my opinion, the loco performed well more than I expected.


The Hero got resurrected.

As we crossed Chennai Beach Jn, people stood in platforms to wave out to us. The entire crowd was amazed. The young ones were excited. It seems they already knew that we were coming. Few people had the national flag with them and waved out to us. We need to appreciate one thing in our country. Our country values Heritage more than anything else. Over these years, it is only the heritage and culture which has bonded us towards progress. During testing times, it’s only the heritage, culture, moral values, traditions which would save us and nuclear arms, weapons won’t really save us. Many thanks to the Government for the Heritage Run.


My steam train negotiates a curve.

As we crossed Fort, I could see Poochi taking snaps from the road. People were standing in the roads and taking snaps through camera mobile. Even the couples stopped and took photos. The MTC bus drivers also waved to us. Meanwhile, VSP was also coming parallel to us in an EMU.


A child gets interviewed.

We were greeted with warmth in all stations. As we crossed Chetpet, people from houses, flats waved to us. Chechu sir also waved to the kids, crowd standing outside. I guess Chechu sir went highly nostalgic. I noticed that a person was having his shave. After hearing the whistle, he came and stood with his family in the balcony. We had a halt at Mambalam. It was a long halt and it took nearly 40 minutes to start from there. Out of nowhere, suddenly AJJ WAP-4 entered into Mambalam with Pallavan Express in high speed. I wondered whether he would stop at Mambalam. Chechu sir got down at MBM itself.




I informed my father that we are nearing SP. Lots and lots of people were standing in the platform. I couldn’t spot VSP or my father. The train was nearing the Saidapet South Cabin. Almost the entire coach waved out to Aravind’s family. I could see Vimal with handkerchief tied to the head and Aravind with his new camera. I had the plan of getting down at Guindy if the train had stopped but it didn’t. I was in touch with Harish Kumar and Poochi Venkat through mobile and updating them. The sad thing was due to some problem, I couldn’t send any messages. I didn’t even have time to troubleshoot. So all updates to concerned person was done through calls! I spent nearly Rs.50 in a span of 4 hours/Re. 1 per each call. As my train crossed Tirusoolam, I could see Poochi standing near the tracks taking snaps. As usual, I yelled out, “POOCHI!”. This is not the first time I am doing this. Later after going home, I realized that my memory card has failed and got corrupted. Some of my images taken were destroyed!



Sweet boxes, juice, water bottles were distributed to us. Sadly, I forgot to take it home and I left the box in the coach itself. We had a long halt at Pallavaram. I wondered why? It was more than half an hour. I got down from the coach and got ready to take a snap of Vaigai. I could see a lot of crowd standing on the tracks watching the steam engine. As the signal turned yellow, the station master and the support staff requested the crowd to move away from the tracks. I knew 2635 Vaigai was on its way. The train was doing only 45kph in my opinion. As the WAP-4 came into view, I waved out to the LP. The headlights were switched ON.


My train crosses Saidapet.

After Vaigai had passed, I informed Sriram Karthik and Dilip that I would be leaving. I went to the platform and saw a books stall. I purchased 5 Rajesh Kumar and Pattukottai Prabhakar Crime Novels. I boarded an EMU back home. Since the solar eclipse was about to start I didn’t want to have anything. I had some food during the early morning hours. It’s a trivial issue. I don’t know whether to follow these rituals or not, but since my parents have requested me I have decided to follow the rules. I boarded an EMU back home and got down at Saidapet. I then boarded 5E to reach home. Once the solar eclipse was over, I had a bath and immediately had food!


Vaigai Express walking through Pallavaram. Pic taken by Krishna Kumar.S

My Lord will guide me!

All my blogs are dedicated to my Lord. I am confident and sure that You will stand by me during my tougher times/hardships/confusions.

What India needs now?

Dear fellow blog readers,


As a republic we need to focus on a certain key issues. Human Rights, Forest Lands and Tribal rights, Child Rights, Women Empowerment, Food, Health, Labour rights, Peace and Animal welfare.



Generally, India is regarded as a third world country. Let it be considered so! We need not bother. Our way of life, traditions are different. We have 18 different local languages with more than 100 other languages, variety of cultures. Our way of life is receiving to share and not to compete on unimportant things. Our land belongs to us and we need to always remember that we share it with the tribes. We shouldn't forget the fact that they belong to our land and they have a right for living space. Simply by building IT parks, pubs, food courts we don't achieve progress. That type of progress isn't needed for our Republic. Let's retain our culture. Dhotis, Kurtas, Pants(Formals), Salwars, Sarees etc. Women and the present day younger girl generations should give a thought regarding their dressing style. They should take care of their own personal safety to avoid unnecessary problems.



We should take care of each other. Never mind whether we are a rich nation or not, but let's be a content nation. Let's be kind to animals. Afterall, animals are best friends to mankind. At one point of time, we all face family problems, breakup, at that time we would hate humans. During those times, animals are our best friends! They are also de-facto citizens of India. Let's share our food with fellow citizens. Let's share our clothes with them. Let's share our love with fellow Indians. Most of all Our Government would give us living space. Our Republic would protect us!

-Krishna Kumar.S

Lord Vishnu idols/photos gallery

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa was an Albanian Catholic Nun who devoted her life for the service of the poor. She was born on August 27, 1910 in Albania. Her real name was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. She was the founder of Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. She was honored by the Republic of India in 1980 which she got the Bharat Ratna title. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. At the time of her death, her Charity Home was operating 610 missions in 123 different countries. According to a biography by Joan Graff Clucas, in her early years Agnes was fascinated by stories of the lives of missionaries and their service, and by age 12 was convinced that she should commit herself to a religious life. She left home at age 18 to join the Sisters of Loreto as a missionary. She never again saw her mother or sister. We should be proud that lived a person in our country who lived her entire life for the betterment of our lives and died for the purity of cross.

She took her first religious vows as a nun on May 24, 1931. At that time she chose the name Teresa after Therese de Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. She took her solemn vows on May 14, 1937, while serving as a teacher at the Loreto convent school in Eastern Calcutta. Although Teresa enjoyed teaching at the school, she was increasingly disturbed by the poverty surrounding her in Calcutta. She began her missionary work with the poor in 1948, replacing her traditional Loreto habit with a simple white cotton sari decorated with a blue border, adopted Indian citizenship, and ventured out into the slums. Teresa wrote in her diary that her first year was fraught with difficulties. She had no income and had to resort to begging for food and supplies.

Mother Teresa wrote in her diary:-

"Our Lord wants me to be a free nun covered with the poverty of the cross. Today I learned a good lesson. The poverty of the poor must be so hard for them. While looking for a home I walked and walked till my arms and legs ached. I thought how much they must ache in body and soul, looking for a home, food and health. Then the comfort of Loreto [her former order] came to tempt me. 'You have only to say the word and all that will be yours again,' the Tempter kept on saying ... Of free choice, my God, and out of love for you, I desire to remain and does whatever be your Holy will in my regard. I did not let a single tear come."


Teresa received Vatican permission on October 7, 1950 to start the diocesan congregation that would become the Missionaries of Charity. In her own words she wrote that she cares for all, "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone". It began as a small order with 13 members in Calcutta. Today it has more than 4,000 nuns running orphanages, charity centers worldwide and cares for refugees, the blind, disabled, aged, alcoholics, the poor, the homeless and victims of floods, epidemics and famine. As the Missionaries of Charity took in increasing numbers of lost children, Mother Teresa felt the need to create a home for them. In 1955 she opened the Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, the Children's Home of the Immaculate Heart, and a haven for orphans and homeless youth.

In 1982, at the height of the Siege of Beirut, Mother Teresa rescued 37 children trapped in a front line hospital by brokering a temporary cease-fire between the Israeli army and Palestinian guerrillas. Accompanied by Red Cross workers, she traveled through the war zone to the devastated hospital to evacuate the young patients. As the USSR during its last days had a lot of openness, she expanded her efforts to Communist countries that had previously rejected the Missionaries of Charity, embarking on dozens of projects. She was undeterred by criticism about her firm stand against abortion and divorce stating, "No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do your own work".

Mother Teresa suffered a heart attack in Rome in 1983, while visiting Pope John Paul II. After a second attack in 1989, she received an artificial pacemaker. In 1991, after a battle with pneumonia while in Mexico, she suffered further heart problems. She offered to resign her position as head of the Missionaries of Charity. But the nuns of the order, in a secret ballot, voted for her to stay. Mother Teresa agreed to continue her work as head of the order.

In April 1996, Mother Teresa fell and broke her collar bone. In August she suffered from malaria and failure of the left heart ventricle. She had heart surgery, but it was clear that her health was declining. On March 13, 1997, she stepped down from the head of Missionaries of Charity and died on September 5, 1997. She was given a state funeral by the Indian Government.

Following Mother Teresa's death in 1997, the Holy See began the process of beatification, the second step towards possible canonization. This process requires the documentation of a miracle performed from the intercession of Mother Teresa. In 2002, the Vatican recognized as a miracle the healing of a tumor in the abdomen of an Indian woman, Monica Besra, following the application of a locket containing Mother Teresa's picture. Monica Besra said that a beam of light emanated from the picture, curing the cancerous tumor. Since then there is a title of "Blessed" given to Mother Teresa.

There are many true life incidents. One such was Jim's experience while meeting Mother Teresa in an airplane. Jim Castle was tired when he boarded his plane in Ohio. The 45-year-old management consultant had put on a week long series of business meetings and seminars and now he sank gratefully into his seat ready for the flight home to Kansas City, Missouri.

As more passengers entered, the place hummed with conversation, mixed with the sound of bags being stowed. Then, suddenly, people fell silent. Jim craned his head to see what was happening and his mouth dropped open.

Walking up the aisle were two nuns clad in simple white habits bordered in blue. He recognized the familiar face of one at once, the wrinkled skin and the eyes warmly intent. This was a face he has often seen in newscasts and on the cover of TIME Magazine.

The two nuns halted, and Jim realized that his seat companion was going to be Mother Teresa! As the last few passengers settled in, Mother Teresa and her companion pulled out rosaries. Each decade of the beads was a different color, Jim noticed.

The decades represented various areas of the world, Mother Teresa told him later, and added, “I pray for the poor and dying on each continent.”

The airplane taxied to the runway and the two women began to pray, their voices a low murmur. Though Jim considered himself not a very religious Catholic who went to church mostly out of habit, inexplicably he found himself joining in. By the time they murmured the final prayer, the plane had reached cruising altitude. Mother Teresa turned toward him. For the first time in his life, Jim understood what people meant when they spoke of a person possessing an “aura”.

As she gazed at him, a sense of peace filled him; he could no more see it than he could see the wind but he felt it, just as surely as he felt a warm summer breeze.

“Young man,” she inquired, “do you say the rosary often?”

“No, not really,” he admitted. She took his hand, while her eyes probed his. Then she smiled. “Well, you will now.” And she dropped her rosary into his palm.
An hour later Jim entered the Kansas City airport where he was met by his wife, Ruth. “What in the world?” Ruth asked when she noticed the rosary in his hand. They kissed and Jim described his encounter. Driving home, he said. “I feel as if I met a true sister of God.”

Nine months later Jim and Ruth visited Connie, a friend of theirs for several years.

Connie confessed that she’d been told she had ovarian cancer. “The doctor says it’s a tough case,” said Connie, “but I’m going to fight it. I won’t give up.” Jim clasped her hand. Then, after reaching into his pocket, he gently twined Mother Teresa’s rosary around her fingers. He told her the story and said, “Keep it with you Connie. It may help.”

Although Connie wasn’t Catholic, her hand closed willingly around the small plastic beads. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I hope I can return it.”

More than a year passed before Jim saw Connie again. This time her face was glowing, she hurried toward him and handed him the rosary. “I carried it with me all year,” she said. “I’ve had surgery and have been on chemotherapy, too. Last month, the doctors did second-look surgery, and the tumor’s gone. Completely!” Her eyes met Jim’s. “I knew it was time to give the rosary back.”

In the fall of 1987, Ruth’s sister, Liz, fell into a deep depression after her divorce. She asked Jim if she could borrow the rosary, and when he sent it, she hung it over her bedpost in a small velvet bag. “At night I held on to it, just physically held on. I was so lonely and afraid,” she says,”yet when I gripped that rosary, I felt as if I held a loving hand.”

Gradually, Liz pulled her life together, and she mailed the rosary back. “Someone else may need it,” she said.

Then one night in 1988, a stranger telephoned Ruth. She’d heard about the rosary from a neighbor and asked if she could borrow it to take to the hospital where her mother lay in a coma. The family hoped the rosary might help their mother die peacefully.

A few days later, the woman returned the beads. “The nurses told me a coma patient can still hear,” she said, “so I explained to my mother that I had Mother Teresa’s rosary and that when I gave it to her she could let go; it would be all rosary in her hand.

Right away, we saw her face relax. The lines smoothed out until she looked so peaceful, so young.” The woman’s voice caught. “A few minutes later she was gone.”

Fervently, she gripped Ruth’s hands. “Thank you.”

Is there special power in those humble beads? Or is the power of the human spirit simply renewed in each person who borrows the rosary? Jim only knows that requests continue to come, often unexpectedly. He always responds though, whenever he lends the rosary, “When you’re through needing it, send it back. Someone else may need it.”

Jim’s own life has changed, too, since his unexpected meeting on the airplane. When he realized Mother Teresa carries everything she owns in a small bag, he made an effort to simplify his own life. “I try to remember what really counts - not money or titles or possessions, but the way we love others,” he says.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY, MAY MOTHER MARY ASK HER SON JESUS TO SHOWER YOU WITH GRACES.

MAY GOD BLESS OUR REPUBLIC OF INDIA.

Every sacrifice has a fruitful reward. Every failure has a second chance. We only have to be strong through God’s grace and persevere in life’s many tests!

May GOD bless you always.

Always your friend,

-Krishna Kumar.S

Sadhuragiri Trip

Hai Friends, just visit these links to read about my recent trekking adventure.

Main Website:-

http://www.exploringmotherindia.blogspot.com/

Sadhuragiri Information:-

http://exploringmotherindia.blogspot.com/2008/11/sadhuragiri-part-1.html

Regards,

Krishna Kumar.S

Shirdi Sai Baba

The world is slowly moving away from God. Principles of religions are being ignored. Poverty, hunger has showed its gruesome form in many parts of the world. There are many people who don’t get a plate of meal in a day. Lots of people are killed in the name of fight for religion, caste superiority. Women are raped during intercaste, inter-religious clashes and there is child abuse everywhere. People take immense pleasure in hurting others, not understanding other’s feelings. Money, luxury, wealth has become a priority putting human values aside. But there is something much beyond these three. That is satisfaction and content. Every human needs these qualities in the world. It can be achieved through humbleness alone. There is something common in everything i.e principles. The Bible, Bhagvad Gita and Quran have got many similar points. God is present in books. Every principles stated in books equals God. Hurting a fellow human being by words, physically, by thoughts is a sin. Hurting animals is also a sin. We all are going to live in this world for a short time, let’s not hurt each other. Our existence in this world is temporary and God has sent us for a special task which you would know soon!





There are a few common things, which could be asked by readers. Where is God? Can you show me God? How does He look? If He is there, then why He isn’t protecting us or blessing everyone? These questions have answers within you, as you are more intelligent than me. I am not God to find what’s in your mind. You can get answers for everything by being humble.

As lots of evil things happen, some enlightened forms do take birth time to time to restructure the human society. One such soul was Sai Baba of Shirdi. Shirdi is a small town in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, India. His birth origins, early life details are not known or clear. He was believed to be an Indian guru, yogi, and fakir. He was respected by both Hindu and Muslim followers. Hindus revered him as a saint with rituals and Muslim considered him as an enlightened soul. Sai Baba was believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. According to Muslims, he was the reincarnation of Kabir, a mystic poet who was the disciple of Hindu saint Ramananda. It was believed that Saibaba was born to an Hindu couple but brought up by a fakir. During his lifetime, Sai Baba didn’t show interest in answering questions related to his birth and he said that it was unimportant and unneeded.




He was believed to be born in the year 1838 or 1835 in a village slightly away from Shirdi. Sai Baba taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, devotion to God and Guru. He resided in an old, dilapidated mosque and lived a solitary life, surviving by begging for alms. Baba delivered spiritual teachings to his visitors, recommending the reading of sacred Hindu texts along with the Quran. He often expressed himself in a cryptic manner with the use of parables, symbols, and proverbs.

Sai Baba observed worship procedures belonging to Hinduism and Islam. He also wore clothing reminiscent of a Sufi fakir resembling a Muslim. He opposed all sorts of persecutions on religious or caste background. Although, Baba himself led the life of an ascetic, he advised his followers to lead an ordinary family life. Sai Baba encouraged his devotees to pray, chant God's name and read Holy Scriptures. He advised Muslims to study the Qur'an and told the Hindus texts like the Ramayana, Vishnu Sahasranam, Bhagavad Gita. He advised his devotees and followers to lead a moral life. He also criticized atheism. In his teachings, Sai Baba emphasized the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to earthly matters and being content regardless of the situation.



Sai Baba said that the world and all that the humans may give is transient and only God and his gifts are eternal. He also talked about the need of faith and devotion to one's teacher or Guru. He advised his disciples and followers to overcome the negative features of character and develop the good ones. Sai Baba left no written works. His teachings were oral, typically short, rather than elaborate discourses. He would ask his followers for money, which he would give away to the poor and other devotees the same day.




Sai Baba encouraged charity and the importance of sharing goodness with others. He said, "Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody progresses in life. If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect. Shri Hari will be certainly pleased if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked”. Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on October 15, 1918 at 2.30pm. He died on the lap of one of his devotees with hardly any belongings.

-Krishna Kumar.S

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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.

Chapter#19: Thiruppaan Azhwar

Thiruppaan Azhwar is one of the 12 Azhwars. He was born in an untouchable community, but as a result of his devotion towards Sriman Narayanan, he was listed among the great twelve Azhwars. It is said that Azhwar is an hamsam of the small mole, called as "Sri Vatsam" which is found in the chest of Sriman Narayanan. Having a veena in his hand, he always sang on Sri Vishnu. Since he belonged to the backward class, he wasn't allowed inside the temple. Also he wasn't allowed to wash his legs in the banks of Kauvery. One day Lord Aranganathar appeared in the dreams of Sarangamuni, another devotee of Vishnu and asked him to carry Thiruppaan Azhwar into Sri Rangam temple complex. Sarangamuni being a staunch Vishnu devotee went to Thiruppaan and asked him to climb on his shoulders. Thiruppaan refused at first. The reason was that he belonged to the caste of untouchable. Sarangamuni belonged to a higher caste. But at last Sarangamuni convinced Thiruppaan to climb on his shoulders. As Sarangamuni walked towards the temple, everyone was shocked. Surprisingly, Thiruppaan was able to see Perumal. He couldn’t believe his eyes.






He then started to see the whole thirumeni (body) of Emperumaan and he sung a total of ten paasurams which explain the beauty of Sri Ranganathar from his thiruvadi (foot) to thirumudi(head). He explains in his ten paasuram about the clean saffron cloth which is worn on the body of Ranganathar, his jewels the thiru vayiru(stomach) from where Lord Brahma originated, the broad chest, the red lips and finally on explaining the beauty of the two broad eyes, he fell down. After some time, Thiruppaan Azhwar was not found and he is believed to have merged into the body of Thiruvaranganathan. Like Andal, whose thought was always on Aranganathan, who was captured by the love of the Perumal, Thiruppaan Azhwar was also captured by the love and he went towards the Aranganathan.Thiruppaan Azhwar has sung only ten paasurams, where he has explained about how a human should be in his/her life.

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Thanks,

-Krishna Kumar. S

Chapter#18: Andal

Andal is an 10th century Tamil saint and one of the twelve Azhwars and the only woman Azhwar. She is credited with the great Tamil works of Thirupavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi that are still recited by devotees during the season of Margazhi. The Sri Villiputhoor Temple is dedicated to her. Andal avoided earthly marriage. She wanted to marry the Lord. In many places in India, particularly in Tamilnadu, Andal is treated more than a saint and as a form of God. She is believed to be an Amsam of Bhoomadevi, consort of Vishnu.

Andal is believed to have been discovered under a Tulsi plant in the temple garden of Sri Villiputtur by Peri Azhwar. The child was named Kodhai meaning a beautiful garland. As Kodhai grew into a beautiful maiden, her love and devotion for the Lord grew to an enormouse extent that she decided to marry the Lord.

Periazhwar had the responsibility of delivering flower garlands to the Lord's temple everyday. Kodhai made these garlands and sent it to her beloved Lord through her father. She started wearing the flower garland which was meant to be offered to the Lord. This is generally considered wrong in any religion. The devotees should not offer anything to the Lord that has already been used by a human being.





However, Kodhai felt that she should test to see how the garland suited her and only if it did, she should offer it to the Lord. One day she was caught red-handed by her father in this strange act and as an orthodox devotee he was extremely upset. That night the Lord appeared to Periazhwvar in his dream and asked him why he had discarded Kodhai’s garland instead of offering it to Him. The Lord is believed to have told Periazhwar that He had whole-heartedly accepted Kodhai’s offering all these days. Kodhai came to be known as "Andal", meaning the girl who "ruled" over the Lord. She is also known by a phrase "Soodi kodutha Sudarkodi" which means "The bright creeper-like woman who gave her garlands after wearing them".

As Andal turned into a fifteen year old young woman, her father started to search for a suitable groom for her. Andal, however, was stubborn and insisted that she would marry only the Lord at Sri Rangam. This perplexed and worried her father. Legends say that Lord appeared in his dream once again and instructed him to send Andal to Srirangam.

Andal who was anxious to reach Srirangam and she was unable to control herself in her urgency to meet her beloved Lord. She ran into the sanctum sanctorum and is believed to have merged with Him completely at that point.

Month: Aadi
Nakshatram: Pooram
Month: Bhoodevi

Server down!

My Internet connection is down. The signal strength to my PC is low. As a result of which, I couldn't post frequently. Please do visit my other blogs.

Regards,
Krishna

Chapter#17: Periazhwar

Periazhwar was born in a brahmin family in Sri Villiputhur, near Madurai. He was also known as Vishnuchittar meaning "one who has Vishnu in his mind". Vishnuchittar composed some pasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham called periazhwar thirumozhi where he explores a devotee's love for God through the metaphor of Yasoda's motherly love for Krishna. He was the adopted father of Kodhai or Andal, the only woman azhwar.

Month: Aani
Nakshatram: Swathi
Sign: Garuda

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

Chapter#14: Nammazhwar

Nammazhwar was one of the Azhwars who was a staunch devotee of Vishnu. As a child he responded to no external stimuli. His parents were worried and prayed to all gods for their son. Sadly, there was no change. His parents left him at the feet of the statue of Vishnu. Then the child then got up and sat in lotus position and began to meditate. It appears he was in this state for as long as sixteen years when a Tamil poet and scholar in North India named Madurakavi(also an Azhwar) saw a bright light shining to the south and followed it until he reached Nammazhwar tree's.

He was stunned on seeing this sight. He asked him a riddle: "If the small is born in a dead's body, what will it eat and where will it stay?" meaning, if the subtle soul is embodied in the gross body, what are its actions and thoughts? Nammazhwar broke his lifelong silence and responded, "It will eat and it will rest there itself!" meaning that if the soul identifies with the body, it will be with the body but if it merges with the divine, it will stay in Vaikuntam and serve God. Madhurakavi was himself in a state of high spiritual evolution as he had made him speak at last. Madhurakavi accepted Nammazhwar has his guru. Azhwar means a person who is immersed with God. As per the meaning, they both served Lord Vishnu and spread Vishnu's fame in earth.

Month: Vaikasi
Nakshatram: Visakam
Sign: Vishwasenan

Chapter#13: Boothath Azhwar

Bhoothathazhwar was one of the twelve Azhwars. Bhoothath Azhwar appeared in a flower called kurukkaththi in a garden at Kadalmallai port of Pallava Rajyam in Mahabalipuram in the seventh century. Bhoothathalvar's 100 hymns form the second part of the Naalayira Divyap Prabhandham.

"Anbe Thagliyaa Aarvame NeyyaagaInburugu Chintai Idu ThiriyaaNanpurugi Gnaana Chudar Vilakku EtrinenNaaranarku Gnaana Thamizh Purindha Naan".

Here, it is the love as the lamp and involvement as the oil and Azhwar says "I dedicate myself to the service of the lord, by singing this song that blesses wisdom, with love as the lamp, endearing involvement as the oil (Ghee), and knowledge as the wick of the torch".


Month: Aiypassee
Nakshatram: Avittam
Sign: Kaudomuki, mace of Vishnu.

Chapter#12: Thirumezhisai Azhwar

The legend of this saint devotee say that he was the incarnation of Vishnu's disc, Sudarshana. There are only 216 of his paasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham.
A munivar by the name Bargava muni didn't have a child. He prayed to Perumal and did a Yaagam. As a result of the Yaagam, his wife gave birth to a baby, which is said to be an Hamsam of Sudharsana Chakkaram of Sriman Narayanan.

The baby was found in an incomplete manner (i.e.) it did not have hands, legs etc. On seeing the baby, both of his parents, Bargava muni and his wife were worried and felt bad for the baby and left it under a tree. After they left, Perumal along with Lakshmi Devi came and blessed the baby. As a result, the baby got hands and legs. After this, Perumal and Lakshmi Devi disappeared from that place.

A person by the name of Thiruvaalan was coming along that side and heard the baby crying. He was also childless, so he thought that God has gifted him. He took the baby and went to his house. On seeing the child, Thiruvaalan’s wife tried to feed the baby with milk. But the baby didn't drink it and it didn't even sleep. But the baby's health didn't seem to be losing. This miracle news spread all over the place. An old man came to see this child. When he saw the child, he noted the shine on his face and thought that Perumal blessed the child. Since, the Emperumaan blessed the child, it was named as "Thirumazhisai piraan".

He gave a cup of cow's pure milk to the child. The child accepted it and drank the milk. On seeing this, both Tiruvaalan and his wife were happy and asked the old man to come daily to feed the milk. Likewise, the old man came daily and gave milk to the child and told the couple that the remaining milk should be taken by his wife, so that she might give birth to a child. As days she gave birth to a male child and they named him as "Kani kannan". Kani Kannan was taught vedic philosophies and spiritual books. He became the close friend of Thirumazhisai piraan and kani kannan started to treat Thirumazhisai piraan as his Guru. He learnt lots of spiritual knowledge from his Guru and followed him.

Once Thirumazhisaipiraan went to the avathara sthalam of Poigai Alwar. He wanted to stay there for sometime and started to meditate. At that time, an old lady was working for Thirumazhisai piran. On seeing the help rendered by her, granted her a boom. She asked him that she is feeling bad about her old age and as a result she asked him to change her into a youth. Thirumezhisaipiraan changed her to a beautiful young woman.

The king passing by the side of the young lady, found her and was stunned to see her beauty. After going to his palace, he sent his soldiers and sent a message that he wanted to marry her. She accepted his wish and they both got married and led life happily. The days passed on and the king became old, but his wife seems to be young and beautiful. He asked her about the secret of her beauty. She told about her story and how she became young and beautiful.

On hearing the secret, the king sent some of soldiers to Thirumizhisai azhwars place to ask his disciple, Kani Kannan to come to his palace. Kani Kannan went to the palace and met the king. The king said that his Guru Thirumazhisai Azhwar should sing a poem on praising him. But Kani Kannan told that his guru is said to be blessed by the Emperumaan and his mouth will praise only the God, but not the king. The king asked if atleast he could praise him through his poem. But Kani Kannan refused to do so and said that he is not an ordinary person who praises for the need of ornaments and food.

The king was angry on hearing the words from Kani Kannan and ordered him to leave his kingdom as he has failed to obey the king. Kani Kannan went straight to meet Thirumazhisai Azhwar and explained all that had happened to him in the palace. As ordered by the king, Kani Kannan started to leave kingdom. Hearing this, Thirumazhisai Azhwar stopped Kani Kannan and said that he is also coming along with him, since they were together since childhood. It is believed that Perumal and Adhi Seshan also left the temple along with Kani Kannan and Thirumezhisaipiraan. The empire became dull and lost its charm.

The king realized his fault. The king felt for his mistake and asked Kani Kannan to return back to his kindom. As requested by the king, they returned to the kingdom. The kingdom also regained it's charm.

Month: Thai
Nakshatram: Magam
Sign: Chakra

-Details were collected from various Internet websites.