FULL STORY OF DHARMA SASTHA

      

SAMATHWA SAASTHA

ஸமத்துவ சாஸ்தா

FULL STORY OF SASTHA TO AYYAPPAN
தர்ம சாஸ்தா முதல் ஐயப்பன் வரையுள்ள முழுநீள கதை

Author & Editor

Thiruvanadapuram Ayyappadasan  S. VEERAMANI IYER

 

                                                                            

Om

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa !!

                                             

 

P R E F A C E

I give below a few lines before I start my Preface.

My Father & Gurusami is Late S. Seshadri Iyer.  I hereby present the following to you all…………………………………………………………………………..

My mother’s name is Tmt. R. Rugmani ammal.  She passed away at my age of 19.  After that my father changed his life as a Sage and at last he settled his place of stay in a temple of Shiva at Thiruchendur Temple, in Tamilnadu and attained Samadhi by “Kapalamoksham” in Masi – March 1974. (It means we believe his soul left through his kapalam - head).  We were given to understand that he was called as “Swami Brammananda” in his last stage.   He was worshipping Goddess Shakthi, God Murugan.  He was a true disciple of Ayyappan too.  He was very good in the art of Srichakram (Sripadmam / Yandram) and so many approached him for this and we were given to understand that he drew Swami Murugan Srichakram also and given to so many there in Thiruchendur.  Our family was in a very bad condition in the early stage and my brothers and others have suffered a lot for even education & food.  I understand that only after my brothers have grown up my family stage has slowly developed.  My father served as a chief teacher then and after my birth he was transferred to a school in Trivandrum.

I have 5 brothers namely, S.Sankarasubraman, S.Krishnamoorthy, S.Kameshwaran, S.Ganapathy, S.Venkitachalam and 2 sisters namely R.Meenakshi Ammal & R.Krishnambal.  I was born in Adoor of Kottayam District (Kerala).  We stayed in Padmavilasam Street (Fort) of Trivandrum in my boy-hood.  I finished my basic education in Fort High School, Model High School, and S.M.V. High School of Trivandrum only.  I finished my P.U.C. there only.  After P.U.C., I came to Madras and stayed with my brother.  During then I was employed I finished my graduation.  Excepting only one sister all have gone to Sabari Hills.  My eldest brother Sri S.S. Mani Iyer is residing at Trivandrum only.  He is also a disciple of Ayyappan & Murugan and also Devi.  He is a Guruswami also.   I got married to Alamelu daughter of late T.K. Kesavan of Thiruvattar and Tmt. Nagalakshmi.  My only son Muralidhar is a C.A.   His marriage with Vatsala was conducted in Madras only and did my Graduation.  They have only one son named Sanjay.  My wife, I and my son all are going to Sabari Hills regularly.  I started going to Sabari Hills from my age of 10.  I got the nick name “Ayyappa Daasan” from Guruswami Thiru. Gopala Iyer in the year 2000    I stop my self-history with this since I do not want to bore you with the same.  Now let us go to my main Preface.  

Now I would like to bring out the following from my experience for your notice:

Some body will be having doubt about God and they will be saying God does not exist.  He/she is the Super Natural Power.   Even Doctors will usually say after any operation that I have done my duty left is left to God.  In case of Advocates and others, the same applies.  Now think how the word GOD is derived.  We know that Srushti, Sthithi & Samharam is done by God.     In other words it can be called Creation, Operation and Destruction.  Now I say that Generation, Operation and Destruction are the exact elaboration of the word G O D and Goddess is the femine gender.   Now somebody will be asking who is GOD.   To this question I would like to give my answer like the following:

To understand God, you must understand you only first.  You must understand yourself, your mind first which is very difficult.  The mind is very complex, and to understandmind it is not much easy.  But it is easy enough to sit down and go into some king of dream, have various visions, illusions, and then think that you are very near to God.  The mind can deceive itself enormously.  So, to really experience that which may becalled God, you must be completely quiet and have you not found out how extremely difficult that is?  Have you not noticed how even the older people never sit quietly.  How they fidget, how they wiggle their toes and move their hands?  It is difficult physically to sit still, and how much more difficult it is for the mind to be still!  You may follow some Guru and force your mind to be quiet; but your mind is not reallyquiet. It is still restless, like a child that is made to stand in the corner.  It is a great art for the mind to be completely silent without coercion, and only then is there a possibility of experiencing that which may be called God.  Better you may do yoga as per a guru’s instructions right in the early morning hours.  You will feel a peace of mind surely.  It can be rest assured.  Somebody will be asking to some grown up people that can be you produce God in my front if I want to believe.  To those people I am asking few questions.  Can he/she touch the wind?  Can you cash the wind?  Can you cach the sun rays?  Can you touch electric power?  They only can feel that.  Just like the above I can ask so many questions.  If the wind is not there in the earth you will be very tired and likewise the current also.  God is also just like that.  I do not want to go into detail on this.                                                  

However, I will tell about Ayyappan to the public.  For this I wanted to write and publish a book.  This was one of my ambitions.   I collected some information about Sri Ayyappan from my father & Guruswami S. Seshadri.  I gathered more information from many Guruswamis even after coming to Madras.  We call Sri Ayyappan as Manikandan, Kaliyuga Varadhan, Kankanda Daivam, Sabari Gireesan, Kaanana Vaasan, Nithya Bhrammachaari, etc.     One will never be satisfied in hearing his Story, Maahathmmyams in Life, etc. for any number of times by one’s mere would not be bored in hearing about Him or anything related to that.  His name is spread out not only in this State but also to neighboring States also.  It is spread even to some foreign Countries also.  Lots of people regularly go every year from many places to Sabarimalai. It is rather increasing year by year.  It is now counted to so many lakhs.   The devotees used to hear the Story of Ayyappan, the procedure to conduct Ayyappan Pooja, the procedure of performing Bhajans, etc. from their Gurujis.    They are also very anxious to hear the particular Gurujis’ unexpected happenings in his life regarding Lord Sri Ayyappan from his own month.    Even today many do not know much about Sri Ayyappan.  They do not know it very clearly and fully. I have included in this Book the knowledge that I have secured by way of mere hearing and advices too.

Sri Ayyappan is entirely different from Cast, Creed and Religion.  Even today some people do not go to others’ houses since they are of different Cast/Creed, or below their grade, etc.  Even if some goes they will not drink or eat anything from that house.  It exists even now!  Supposing, if one man (caste wise bottom most or below very low cadre) conducts some Poojas for Ayyappan and when the particular people are also invited, they will go to that man’s house for Pooja.  They will even drink or eat whatever is given as Prasaadam.  Supposing it is some other Pooja the said people will never go.   Ayyappan lies in the heart of everybody.  This is ultimately right.  All those who are going to Sabarimalai are Ayyappans!  The ONE who treats everybody as ONE is Lord Ayyappan.  There is no difference in the persons those are in front of Ayyappan at Sabarimalai.  He never differentiates.    Many people may be Rich or Poor, Touchable or Untouchables, Owner or Worker, Educated or Uneducated, Handsome or Vulgar, Higher Grade or Lower Grade and so on.  There is no difference in his Court.  All are equal in his eyes.  Hence I have given the title for this Book as SAMATHWA SAASTHAA and I think, I am right in that.  Madipakkam Ayyappan Temple President and Guruswami Sri S.V.S. Manian also has advised me to give this title.  A Manthram is given on the first page of this book and that manthram is known as “Sri Saastha Sooktham”

This Book contains very much important information.  Chapters like Birth of Keralam, Story of Sri Ayyappan, Rules that are to be followed by Devotees who are going to Sabarimalai, Various places & and its importance in the Peria Pathai, Procedure of Ayyappan Pooja and Annexure.  In the Annexure important hints to be remembered by every Ayyappa Devotee are given.  The importance of Navagrahas the details are given in this Book.  The names in Sanskrit for the Sumvatsaraas, Months, Weekdays, etc. are also given.  Also number of old Slokas; Various Astothara Naamaas and many others are also included in the Book.  Out of all, the Ayyappan Saranams are given well.   Many people may know Ayyappan story right from Pampa only but here I have given from Palazhimadhanam (birth of Dharma Sastha) upto Ayyappan.  As assistance to Devotees, it has been detailed out as chart namely very important places of temples that are to be noted and the various routes to go to Sabarihills with the distance, etc., both by Road & Rail, in this Book.  The Bhajan Songs of various types (in a normal procedure) are given in the Tamil Edition of this Book. 

                                                                                                                                                                                

I have received Blessings from Kanchi Sri Jagadguru Sankaracharya Swamigal.  As I told you I have already got Blessings of my Father and Guru late Sri S. Seshadri Iyer of Trivandrum.   Not only that I have secured Blessings of Madipakkam Guruswamy and Brammashri  Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer (Late) and Mylapore Guruswamy Late Sri Sankara Iyer (Late).  I feel very much grateful for that.

The ex-President and Guruswamy of Madipakkam Ayyappan Temple,    Sri   S.V.S.   Manian (Late),    President  of   the   Ayyappan Mandali and Guruswamy   Sri R. Sethuraman,   respectful  Guruswamys    Sri   M. Raman Unni Menon, Sri G.V. Sughavanam, Chintadripet Guruswamy Sri S. Gopalakrishnan (all of Chennai) and few others have encouraged me in writing this Book.  I was residing in Chintadripet in my very early stages.  I came into contact with Sri S. Gopalakrishnan and came to know later and he became my Guruswamy.    We both extended our services at the Sri Ayyappan Temple there.   I am very grateful for the advices and blessings that have been received from Villivakkam Guruswamy Sri R. Viswanathan Sarmaji who has also given me many details.  He permitted me to insert any number of Bhajan Songs in the Book SAMATHWA SAASTHA.    I am thankful very much to the above personalities.  Easana Sivaachaaryar Sri Dr. K. Chellappan & Sri Mahadevan Babu of Madipakkam, Chennai helped me by giving the details about Rudraaksham.   I extend my thanks to them also.

Originally, I have written this in English only.  As per my request, my friend Sri M. Lajapathi has translated into Tamil version and the same was published in 2004.  He has been retired as Assistant in Statistics Department, Government of Tamilnadu.  I extend my hearty thanks to him also.  He has helped me a lot in various aspects.  Further, I have written a detailed write-up in Tamil during 2007-08 and Giri Trading Agency, Madras (Sales Office Phone No.044-24953817) has published the same in November 2011.   The book is available in all their branches throughout India & abroad.

I request all the devotees to buy this book and go through the same in detail which will be of very useful.  Those who have gone through this should tell others about this Book and advise them to buy so.   I pray Lord Sri Sri Ayyappan to bless them all for a Happy & Prosperous Life. 

In case anybody finds out errors or mistakes and omissions while going through, they are requested to contact me and tell about that.  Suggestions also can be given to me at the address given below.

If any valued personnel is interested in publishing this story as a book they may do so but after getting my Rights, in writing.  Otherwise it may lead to legal proceedings.  In such a case please contact me so that I will send the concerned complete write up of the story for publishing by email.

SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA!

Let Sri Ayyappan bless us all ………………………………………………………………...

With love & affection, Author & Editor

Thiruvanandapuram Ayyappadaasan S. VEERAMANI  IYER, dated: 29-02-2016

Address:     SAROJ REGENCY – Flat No.206

        1^st Cross, M.S. Reddy Nagar

        Marathahalli, Bangalore 560 037 (Karnataka State)

        Phone:  74116 68008 / 080 2522 0971 /  99456 46734  

                        Email: vrmnseshadri@yahoo.co.in 

 

          

                            

                                                                        

              

Guru Vanakkam

GURUR BRAHMA GURUR VISHNU:  - GURUR DEVO MAHESWARA:
GURU SAKSHAAT PARAM BRAHMA – TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMA:

GURAVE SARVA LOKAANAAM - BHISHAJE BHAVAROGINAAM

NIDAYE SARVA VIDYAANAAM - SREE DAKSHINA MOORTHAYE NAMA:

SADAASIVA SAMAARAMBHAAM - SANKARAACHAARYA MADHYAMAAM

ASMATHAACHAARYA PARYANTHAAM - VANDE GURU PARAMPARAAM

 SRUTHI SMRUTHI PURAANAANAAM - AALAYAM KARUNAALAYAM

NAMAAMI BHAGAVATHPAADA - SANKARAM LOKA SANKARAM

 SANKARAM SANKARAACHAARYAM - KESAVAM PAADA RAAYANAM

 SOODRA BHAASHYA KRUTHOU VANDE - BHAGAVANTHOU PUNA: PUNA:

YASSIVO NAAMA ROOPAABHYAAM - YA DEVI SARVA MANGALA

DAYO:  SAM SMARANAATH BHUMSAAM - SARVATHO JAYAMANGALAM

DHYAANAMOOLAM GURU MOORTHI:  - POONAMOOLAM  GURU PAADAM
MANTHRAMOOLAM GURU VAKYAM  -  MOKS HAMOOLAM GURU KRIPA
POOJYAAYA RAGHAVENDRAAYA - SATHYADHARMA RATHAAYA CHA
BHAJATHAAM  KALPA VRUKSHAAYA – NAMATHAAM KAAMADHENAVE

     OM          SHAANTHI         SHAANTHI          SHAANTHI:  !!                                                                        

   

                                        

                                                                                                 

01  -  Curse of sage Dhurvaasaurse of Sage Dhurvaasa

The three Goddesses namely Paarvathi, Lakshmi & Saraswathi were assembled in the court of Bramma, one of the Thrimoorthys.  They had some discussion about something.  Later they wanted to have some entertainment, say dance.   One lady named ‘Vidyaadharai”, was getting ready for the same at Goddess’s Court and was asked to perform good dance.  She danced well and the dance was so nice.  All were so pleased.   Goddesses wanted to give her some reward.  Immediately, Goddess Sri Aadiparaasakthi (Parvathi) gave her glorious a flower garland to ‘Vidyadharai’, which she was wearing.   It was made of extraordinary flowers and it was spreading a very nice smell.   Vidyaadharai was very happy to receive such a special garland. The dance was over and the three Goddesses departed to their abode.  Vidadharai was worried as to how to maintain the garland.  She decided to give that garland to a very good one who would maintain that garland.  Hence she was walking through the Sathyalokam (abode of God Bramma & Goddess Saraswathi) and she found Sage Dhurvaasan, an incarnation of Rudran (Paramasivan) and who was welknown for his angry nature.    For each and everything he will get very angry, that too, suddenly.   The word Dhurvaasa in Sanskrit means Anger.   That is why he was called as Dhurvaasan.  Even now some people get angry for each and everything for trivial things and because of that they are getting wild. Good old people say on seeing this type of person that they are just like Dhurvasan.  Not only that, if he curses anybody his powers of penance will increase.  On the other hand, if some other sage curses he will lose his powers of penance and that it is the difference with Dhurvaasan.Vidyadharai was afraid of giving that garland to Dhurvasan since that was presented to her by Devi Paarvathi.  However, Vidyadharai humbly gave the garland to Dhurwaasan telling him clearly that Parvathi Devi ony gave the same in appreciating her dance performance. She further expressed that she would not be able to maintain that.  In turn Dhurwaasan was so pleased to receive such a garland.   He accepted the same and blessed her.  

Then the Sage started for Swarga Lokam (Amavaraavathi-Heaven) to meet Devendran (King of all Devaas).  The Deva Lokam was decorated in a grand manner and Devendran was riding on an elephant followed by many Devaas and Pancha Bhoothas {Kaattru (wind - vaayu), Aakaasam (sky), Prithvi (earth), Jalam (water) and Fire (thee)} accompanied by Rishis.  Very good smell was breezing over there and it was full of greenery.  All the Devaas and others were in a very jolly mood.  Suddenly sage Dhurvaasan appeared before Devendran.  Devendran on seeing Dhurvaasan, (just for joke) decided to cheat the sage.  He got down and bent down in front of the Maharshi (Hermit).  The sage was then pleased on seeing it and in turn, the sage gave a garland to Devendran, which Devendran also accepted.  The happy Devendran got on to the elephant again, kept the garland over the head of the elephant, started to lean its hair with an idea of playing with Dhurvaasan.  The smell of the flower in the garland attracted some honeybees which came near the elephant and started to disturb the elephant while taking honey from the flower.  Naturally, the elephant got wild, took the garland by its trunk, put the same on the ground and kept its leg over the same even when the sage was looking on to it.  It started to tare the same into pieces and smashed the same.  The Sage then thought, “I gave the garland with good intention to Devendran and Indran has done this in my presence”. The Sage got very angry and got wild.  He cursed Devendran as “let you and all your assistants become very old and very weak (not able to do any work) and Iyshwaryam also should go out from your place”.  

Immediately, Devendran pleaded to the Sage for his fault and requested him to take back his curse.  The sage told that any curse once given couldn’t be taken back.  Devendran and others requested him to suggest a remedy. Sage replied that only all the Devaas have to consume the Amrutham (nector) so that they will get back their strength and wealth, etc.  He also told them that they would get back their originals form if they consume the Amrutham.   The Amrutham can be taken out from the sea by stirring the Paalkkadal (Milk Sea) in order to get the amrutham (nector) that it contained.  He also told him that they should use the Mandara Hill as the stirrer with the Snake Vaasuki as the rope.

Devendran with all Devaas immediately went to Vaikundam (abode of Mahaavishnu).  They approached Mahaavishnu, narrated everything that has happened.  Mahaavishnu listened to everything.  He laughed himself and told Devendran to consume Amrutham (sacred medicine), which is available only in the Paalkkadal where Sriman Narayanan (Mahaavishnu) always rests.  Also he told that the Amrutham would come out only by stirring up and churning the sea (just like that Butter comes out from the curd if we churn it).    They all should consume that Amrutham.    Then only, all the Devaas including Devendran will get back to their normal form and will get out of the curse.  Thereafter, all those Devaas, normally unable to do hard work, will become very stronger & efficient.  Since the Devaas alone could not do the same at that time because of the curse, immediately went to Asuraas (Demons) who are very strong for doing such jobs.  Usually Asuraas are the enemies of Devaas and now Devaas throught that somehow the work is to be done.  Devaas told them a lie that they would give them half of the Amrutham.  Hence the Devaas told them that if they eat Amrutham they (Asuras) will be much stronger and no one could beat them.  Not only that there is no death for them if the Amrutham is consumed.  That is the special effect of Amrutham.   All the Asuraas also accepted the same.

           

02 - Palazhimadhanam  (churning of Milk Sea - Ksheer sagar)

After obtaining blessings from Thrimoorthi (Lords Bramma, Mahaavishnu & Paramasivan), Devaas & Asuraas dragged the Mandara Hill as the stirrer and the snake Vaasuki as the rope for churning the sea.  We all know that by churning yogurt, we can get butter.  Just like that they started churning the sea for obtaining the Amrutham. The lords were present to see the Paalaazhimadhanam.  While doing so, all the devaas (demigods) were on one side holding the tail side of the Vaasuki and the Asyuraas were on the other side holding the head side of Vaasuki.  Suddenly the Hill Mandara Mountain slipped free from the rope snake vaasuki and plunged into the ocean (there was no base to hold the Hill).  It killed many of the fishes & others.  The Devaas were very sure that this sort of thing would never happen.  Nobody could lift the mountain out of the ocean.  Since this has happened so the astonished Devaas along with Devendran immediately approached Mahaavishnu and narrated the happenings.  Mahaavishnu also assured them to help and took an Avataram (incarnation) of Koorma (Turtile).  That Koorma jumped into the Paalkkadal and went into the deep sea to lift the Mandaramalai.  The hill was going down into the sea.  Koorma suddenly saw that and lifted it from its bottom and kept it at His back.  Then the Koorma started rising to the level at which the Devaas & Asuraaas were doing the Madhanam (churning).  All the Devaas & Asuraas started churning the sea again for long.  It went on for so many days but nothing has happened.  Hence the tired Asuraas went out for taking rest.  They were talking amongst themselves that “this won’t serve any purpose”. 

Suddenly, one cow rose from the sea.  On seeing the cow, Devendran told that this cow is not an ordinary cow but a sacred one, named Kaamadhenu, which gives food, and anything required by its owner.  On hearing these words all the Asuraas gathered nearby and murmured that supposing this cow is taken by them it will give anything they require.  So they told everybody that they would own the cow.  Suddenly Devendran told that Asuraas could not take this cow, as this would be of very helpful to Sages who perform Poojas and others.  Leader of the Asuraas also thought that this is also good and thereby coming into some conclusion, left the desire of owing the cow.

The said Devaas & Asuraas started churning the sea again.  While doing so, four ladies named Ramba, Menaka, and Urvasi & Thilothama came out from the sea.  On seeing the alarming ladies the Asuraas immediately planned to own them.  The ladies were so young & beautiful.  The Devendran lost these ladies immediately after the curse by Dhurvasa.  Devendran was very unhappy on hearing Asuraas wish.  Devendran did not know as to what could be done then.  He prayed to Thrimoorthies (Lords Bramma, Mahaavishnu & Paramasivan).  Immediately Lord Paramasivan appeared before them and told everybody that these three Ladies were previously living only in Devalokam.  They were decorating the Devendran’s Palace and were bringing many Ishwaryams (good luck).  Hence these ladies should go only to Devalokam and asked the girls to go likewise.

Both Devaas & Asuraas got very tired.  After taking some rest, they again started churning the sea.  One very big Devathai (lady) rose from the sea and was crying like anything.  She was having an ugly appearance and all the Devaas & Asuraas were afraid of her and scared to look.  She was loudly saying that nobody wanted her to keep with them.  The Thrimoorthi appeared before her and Mahaavishnu consoled the lady not to worry further.  Any person who is doing evil to others, or people with bad intension will keep her.  All such people would be even praying her.  Thus, such people would be by her side and she would be pleased on seeing them.  Not only that she can reside on the houses where they are litting the lamp during Sandhya and at the houses where there is quarrel amongst the members.  She was very happy on hearing this.  Mahaavishnu told her that she would thereafter be known as ‘moottha Devi’ and later she is called as Moodevi (God for evils).  Immediately Mahaavishnu handed her over to one sage and after some days she went out from the custody of that sage.  .

Immediately after some time while churning the sea, a big tree named ‘Kalpakatharu’ came over the sea. Paramasivan told the Devaas that this tree is a sacred one and that it would give peace to the Universe.  On hearing these words Asuraas thought that such a tree should be with them.  But as per Devendran’s desire, Lord Bramma interrupted and said that this tree would give not only peace but also very good greenery and generates soft nature to its Lokam, which is under that.  Hence it is advisable that it should be planted in Swargam (heaven).  All the asuraas accepted to that and left their idea of taking the tree with them.

Suddenly, the snake started vomiting poison named ‘Kaalakootam’ (very strong poison) and it started falling down.  Mahaavishnu immediately told everybody that if such a poison falls on the earth the living beings would die soon.  Hence Lord Paramasivan came over there and took the poison with his hands.  He started to consume it.  His Devi (wife – Parvathi) stopped this by pressing his Kandam (throat - front side of the neck).  Then the poison started to fall down from the mouth of Paramasivan.  Hence Mahaavishnu immediately closed Paramasivan’s mouth.  There was no way for the poison to go for a while; either to the stomach of Sivan or come out of mouth.  So the poison stopped around his neck and the portion became blue in Colour.  Thereafter, He (Siva) was called ‘Neelakandan’.   Paramasivan had no sleep that night.  Also all the devaas & asuraas did’t sleep since nobody knew that what would happen to Sivan.  Even today, the same day is known as “Sivaraathri”.  This happened in the Tamil month Maasi (February-March in English).  That night went on like that.  The next day all the devaas & asuraas and all the rishis praised Paramasivan in saving all the living beings of the earth. 

All the Asuraas & Devaas started churning the sea again for several years.  While churning the sea, they got an elephant by name Iraavatham (Devandran’s car) and the saw like Sword by name Vajraayudham came up and went to devalokam.  Not only that so many other valued articles came up from the sea and all were sent back to the Palace of Devendran.  Devendran lost these immediately after the curse by sage Dhurvasan.

The said Devaas & Asuraas were churning the sea without rest.  Next to the above, one Lotus came out from the sea.  It was so beautiful.  Devendran asked the leader of the Asuraas to take home the lotus.  Leader of the Asuraaas also nodded accordingly but when the leader approached the lotus, suddenly one Devi named Sreedevi (Sri Lakshmi) came up from the sea and sat on the lotus.  The said Sri Lakshmi was the wife of Mahaavishnu which all are aware of. 

03 - Got Amrutham

After a long interval, Devaas & Asuraas started churning the sea.  Due to some important commitments, Paramasivan disappeared from that place.  Even after a long time nothing had come out of the sea.  Asuraas were not given anything that had come out of the sea.     Leader of Asuraas told them not to continue churnming and went to a far off place along with the other Asuraas.  The leader told to all his assistants that whatever that came out of the sea are owned by the Devaas saying some reason.  Even when the Amrutham comes out Devaas would take that also.   Actually, Devaas completely rely on only our strength.  Without asuraas’ help they could not do churning.  They were discussing so many matters like this.

While the discussion was going on, one handsome Devan called Dhanwandari came out from the sea holding one Golden Pot.  They later know that the Pot was full of Amrutham.  All the Asuraas ran to the particular Devan and caught hold of the Pot from him.  They ran to a far off place.  They decided to take some rest.  The Devan was only Mahaavishnu and no one else.   He knew that the Asuraas were taking rest and wanted to get back the Amrutham.  To get back this, Mahaavishnu took the Vishnu Mohini (Viswa Mohini – beautiful lady in the world) and went near to the Asuraas.  On seeing a beautiful lady coming towards them, all the Asuraas blinked and laughed at her.  All know that the Asuraas are always mad of ladies.  They all told the lady that they wanted to marry them.  The lady also told that she could not marry everybody.  The lady was not only very beautiful but also was really attracting anybody because of her charming look.  Then there was nothing to describe about Asuraas’ condition.  They also started saying something and the particular Lady told them that She herself will distribute the Amrutham to them provided they all should close their eyes.  The one who is capable of thinking/doing cruel thing only will naturally open his eyes last.  She definitely told them that she would marry only such aman only.   Also she told them that she would serve this Amrutham at any place she likes. The Asuraas also have agreed to all these terms because it was told by a lady.

Mohini along with the Pot of Amrutham went to the place where the Devaas were gathered and asked everybody to sit by one side.  She asked the Asuraas also to sit one after another in the other side.  While Mohini was about to serve, the Asuraas got a clash amongst them.  Mohini went near to them.  Then Mohini reminded Asuraas that only if they obey to the terms & conditions she has already explained she will not distribute the Amrutham to them.  She also told the Asuraas that all of them should agree to this and then only she can distribute the Amrutham.   On hearing that, all the Asuraas started closing their eyes again.  Using this chance, Mohini ran to the Devaas and served the Amrutham to them.  All the Devaas consumed the same equally.  When she came to the side of Asuraas the Pot was very empty.  Only two asuraas knew the tricky game of Mohini.  They took the form of devaas and ate the Amrutham.  Immediately, Devaas regained their old strength (ability and prosperity) and that they became much strong.   All the devaas attained the power of Amarathvam (no death).  That is why all the devaas are called ‘Amararkal’ (free from death) All the Asuraas were closing their eyes for long and nothing was given to them.  All the Devaas were dancing around the Asuraas since they have regained their power.  The wiked two asuraas who ate the Amrutham was identified by Mohini and she cut off their head.  They pardoned Mohini many times and after some time she mis-fixed their heads.  One head was fixed on snake body and the other on human body.  From that day onwards they are known as Rahu & Kethu and they also joined as Navagrahaas.

On seeing the cheat in issuing Amrutham as per the agreement, Asuraas got angry and fought with Devaas. You all know that earlieer Devaas had told Asuraas that if all churn the Paalkkadal they would get Amrutham and on cosuming that they all will get more strength and Amarathvam.  But you all know what had happened.  At last, all the Devaas won the war and only the Asuraas could not do anything at that time and immediately they all fled from the scene.

                           

04 - Bhasmaasura Vadham (Killing of Demon to Ashes)

During those days, there lived one Demon by name Vrukaasuran and he ruled one small place.  He never gave troubles to anybody.   If somebody thinks about bad to other one and if it comes to his notice he used get angry on the former.  He generally helped the latter from any troubles. He lived with his wife and parents peacefully. He was such a good man.  Even though he was good a very bad intension emerged in his mind.  He consulted so many respectable persons and later he decided to get a boon from Lord Paramasivan and for that he went to a wild forest.  He started penance on Paramasivan for many years together.  He was doing this for so many decades and atlast Lord Paramasivan was pleased on the penance and appeared before him.  He asked Vrukaasuran that he is pleased on his penance and is ready give boons.  Vrukaasuran told him that he required only one boon and got the same from Paramasivan.  The boon was “if Vrukasuran touches over anybody’s head, the other one should immediately become ashes”.  Paramasivan sanctioned him the boon and he started to go back.  Immediately Vrukaasuran called Paramasivan and told him that he was having a doubt over the power of the boon and he wanted to test it on Paramasivan himself.  Paramasivan narrated him so many stores.  Even then Vrukaasuran was not satisfied and he conveyed Paramasivan that he wanted to test.  Paramasivan asked him to clear his doubt very well since Vrukaasuran was very adament on this.  Paramasivan asked him to touch on any object and see how the object changes into ashes.  But, Vrukaasuran told him that he wanted to test it first on Paramasivan.  Paramasivan got shocked and convinced him in so many ways.    Since it was of no use He started running from the vision of that demon and take hide out somewhere.

While running so, he met the Deva Rishi Naaradar.  On hearing everything from him the Rishi agreed that he would find out a solution and asked Paramasivan to hide in some place.   After asking Paramasivan to stand in hide out place, Naaradar went to see Mahaavishnu and detailed him about the happenings.  He pleaded to save Paramasivan.  Mahaavishnu in turn agreed to the same and appeared in front of Vrukaasuran in the form of the said Vishnu Mohini.  On seeing Mohini, Vrukaasuran was shocked on seeing her beauty and ever-charming look.  He was wondered that how such a pretty girl is in the midst of a wild forest lonely.  Vrukaasuran praised on her beauty and asked her to marry him.  He also said that he would give her the Pattamahishi status.  That means that he would make her as his main wife in his Palace.

Mohini accepted this and said one thing.  Mohini told him that she is a good dancer and no one could beat her in dance. Further she continued, “I have taken a pledge that I would marry only an equal partner.  Not only that, the partner should dance with me and should show all the “Mudraas” (actions) that she expresses.  Vrukaasuran (because of greedyness to marry her) too agreed to the above terms and they both started to dance.  Mohini danced well and Vrukaasuran too danced well showing the Mudraas as per Mohini.   Vishwa Mohini at last showed one Mudra.  That was taking her hand and touched her own head.  Vrukaasuran, on thinking about Mohini, forgot about the boon he got from Paramasiva during the dance.  He also immediately danced well and placed his hand touching his own head.  Suddenly the expected one has happened.  He became to ashes because of the power of the boon.

From that day Vrukaasuran was known as Bhasmaasuran since that asura was made to ashes.  Such a much characterized Vrukaasuran had a bad intension.  Because of that he invited his own end very soon.   Though a man is good and vice, his thinking should be good.  It should not be bad to others.  Even if somebody helps him he should not play fool on the man who has helped him or cheat that man.  If does so he will also invite unwanted trouble sometimes, even he will end like this.  The Rishi Naaradar was witnessing all these and immediately approached Paramasivan.  He requested Paramasivan to come out from the hiding place and told Him about all had happened. 

05 - Birth of Lord Sree Dharna Saasta

During Paalaazhimadhanam, Paramasivan went some where due to some important purpose.  He had given a boon to Vrukaasuran, which in turn lead Paramasivan to request Naaradar to help him out from Vrikaasuran.  And since Naaradar told Mahaavishnu everything about the boon, Mahaavishnu had taken the form of a lady and killed Vrukaasuran.   All these things you must have read earlier in this book.  During killing of Vrukaasuran, Paramasivan came out of the hide out place and left for his abode and was doing some Dhyanam (meditation).  Naaradar came to Gate of Kailaasam and asked Nandhidevan (car of Sivan) that he wanted to see Sivan.  Since Naaradar was allowed to go inside, he went inside and met Paramasivan.  He asked Paramasivan not to worry about Vrukaasuran. He narrated Paramasivan the whole story.  He also told Paramasivan that Mahaavishnu has taken the form of a Mohini and that Mohini was very young and pretty.  Paramasivan was very eager to see such a girl immediately.  He asked Naaradar to take him to Mahaavishnu.  Naradar took him to Mahaavishnu.  Vaikundeswaran, also known as Lord Sriman Naarayanan, was pretending as if he was fast alsleep.  His Devi by name Sri Lakshmi was guarding her.  Rishi Naradar along with Lord Paramasivan came over there and told that they want to talk to Mahaavishnu.  His Devi told that He is fast asleep and none can wake him up.  But, Rishi Naaradar knew about waking up and started to play his Thambura.  After playing different kinds of music, the Rishi played another music, which was very much loved by Mahaavishnu.  On hearing the very melodeous song Sriman Narayanan woke him up and welcomed both Paramasivan and Rishi Naaradar.  He had some talks and then enquired about the reason for their coming over there.  Rishi told about Paramasivan’s wishes. 

Mahaavishnu, after formal talk, agreed for his wishes and appeared as Mohini before Paramasivan.  She was so beautifuland and very pretty even more than what Naaradar expressed.  She was very clever too.  On seeing her, Paramasivan was very much shocked and fell on love with her.  They both danced for hours together and atlast Paramasivan embraced her.  Suddenly, a male baby was born.  The baby was born as the son of Vishnu & Parama Sivan on Uthraphalguni (Uthram) star, Panchamai Thidhi, Vrichika Rasi Margasersha (Markazhi, December-January, Sthiravara (Saturday,) starting of Makara Sankramam.   They named the child as DHARMASAASTHA.   The child was very handsome with very different look in appearance.  This child was born to Mohini from her right thigh (lap) and not like ordinary birth. 

Mahaavishnu informed everybody that this birth has occured so only due to some reason.  He further told everybody that the reason and the other details would be announced at a later date as required.   They then took the child to heaven.  So many Devaas accompanied the child and later they did not know that this child only could put an end to Mahishi.  All the Devaas were very happy.

Sri Dharma Saastha was brought up very nicely mainly by God Bramma Devan & Goddess Saraswathi at Satya loka.  He was very clever too.  Devaguru gave him good teaching of all Saasthraas.  Paramasivan called so many great Gurudevens for giving Deeksha (teaching of other Manthraas).  Gradually Saastha grew up, Paramasivan appointed him as the Assistant Captain of Devaas Army.  Sri Dharma Saastha grew well.  He played with the sons of Shiva Vinayagan & Subramanyan.  He went with them to many other places and enjoyed.  He learned so many other things fromhis brothrs and also from Parents.  He learned much from Mahaavishnu also.  The Chief Captain of the Army was Lord Subbrahmanian, 2^nd son of Shiva and he was called as Devaasenathipathi also.   At an appropriate time, Saasta married Pushkala, the second daughter of Devendran.  The marriage was conducted in the Heaven itself.  The marriage was conducted as per usual customs only.  We know that only Daivayaanai (also known as Devaasena), the first daughter of Devendran is the wife of Lord Subbrahmanian.  Saastha also married Princes Poorna, daughter of Paligu King and Saastha got a curse from Palingu king.  He further married Prabhadevi (known as Prabha) and Sastha has a son named Sathyakan with Prabha.  Anyone can see Sastha with Poorna & Pushkala along with Sathyakan seated on Saastha’s thigh and Prabha seated by the side of  Pushkala separately.

In the previous birth of Pandala King & Queen they were living near neelimala.  They were deciples of Sabari and as her advices they prayed for Dharma Saastha.  One day, they carried some water from upper hills, came down neelimala and suddenly the pot broke into pieces and the water was flowing.  That pot of water changed as a pool of water, stream and later to a river and then it was called as Pampa.  They noticed that water flowing as a river and wondered.  One rishi nearby was going by their side and informed them that this wonder is created by gor Saastha.  Immediately they heared the story of Dharma Saastha from the sage and began to do heavy penance on Saastha.  They did not have any issues.  Saastha appeared before them and gave a boon saying that Saastha himself will come as their son in their re-birth of Pandala King & Queen.

06 - Demons Mahishan & Mahishi

Long long ago, in the forest area there lived a Sage named Gaanava.  He was called as Gaanava Munivar.  He had a big Ashram.  He lived there along with daughter named Leelavathi.  His daughter was very beautiful.  This Gaanava Munivar had many deciples too, studying in his Ashram.  Out of them, one student by name, Datthathreyan was loved by the munivar.   He was very efficient in all the lessons and was very clever.  He was very brave also.  Leelavathi somehow knew about this and fell on love with Datthathreyan.  She wanted to marry him.  Manytimes she informed about this to her father also.  Father advised her that this would not be good.  Since she was not ready to change her wish her father had to agree to this and told her that he would talk about this to Datthathreyan.   One day he met Datthathreyan alone and told him about this.  Datthathreyan had no parents alive at that time.  Munivar tried to get his acceptance for this and after long talk Gaanava Muniver got his approval for the marriage.

On a good day the marriage was performed.  Both the families were living separately but nearby.  They lived very happily.  One day, during the sleep, before sunrise, Datthathreyan had a dream.  In the dream one of the Gods has reminded about his birth and asked him to give Deeksha (teaching) to one king named Kaarthaveeryan who was staying at a far off place.  Suddenly, he woke up and came out of his hut to think about the dream.  He decided to go to that King’s place.  The same day morning itself, he started for the referred king’s palace.  After many years, he returned to his hut.  Leelavathy was very much stunned to see him liie this.  She smiled like anything and she was very happy.  With all happiness she approached him and tried to touch him.  Immediately Datthathreyan moved back and asked her not to touch.  Datthathreyan was doing tapaasa and Leelavathy, dueto much love to him disturbed his tapas manytimes.  He got wild because of this, yet he controlled this.  He told her that he wants to live as a Brammachaari (batchlor) and lead life like that for the balance of his life.  He further told that then only he would get very good blessisngs of God.  Leelavathy got wild on hearing this.   She told that she was living with him as his Pattamahishi (wife), waiting for his arrival as a Pattamahishi.  She also further told that she has all the rights on him as his Pattamahishi to advise him not to go like this.  Datthathreyan got angry on hearing the word “Mahishi” many times.  Mahishi means buffalo.  Datthathreyan cursed “since you are stressing the word Mahishi, you should take birth of a Mahishi that too with very cruel character”.  Mahishi means buffalo.  Leelavathi also could not keep quite.  She also cursed in turn “you should take birth as a very handsome human being and that you should fall on love with me”.

Thus, as per the curse, Leelavathi took birth of a Mahishi child in a forest.  That time a Rakshasa (Demon) named Karamban was worshipping Paramasivan since that Rakshasa was not having a girl child.  He had many sons; the eldest being Mahishan.   He was very much strong.  At the same time in a different place Rambo named Rakshasa was worshipping Paravasivan asking him to give a girl baby who will defeat the whole world and rule the country.  He was worshipping the God for such a brave female child to him.    He got such a boon from the God and he was returning home.  He met one buffalo shaped woman who was coming with her assistants and he fell in love with her.  But other buffalo did not like him since he was among them.  They immediately killed Rambo.  Since the buffalo shaped woman was much worried because of the death of Rambo jumped into a fire.  She was pregnant that time.   The child alone was taken out of the fire immediately.  It was a female.  Because the child was born for a buffalo she was also like the mother.  God Paramasivan appeared before Karamban advised him to bring up this child Mahishi as his own daughter.  As per advice Karamban took the child and reached home safely.   In the house, Kaaramban’s eldest son Mahishan liked her very much and he treated her as his own sister even though she had been brought from the forest.  On seeing this, Karamban was very happy. 

After the demise of Karambhan, Mahishan (normally called as Mahishasuran – Demon in the form of a Buffalo) went on penance.  He did the penance on Lord Bramma.  After very long years Lord Bramma was pleased and appeared before Mahishasuran and told him that he was very much pleased.  He also told him that he would give any boon that is asked for.  Immediately, the cruel Mahishasuran asked for two boons.  The one was “no male should kill him on any occasion” and the other one being “if at all, his death should occur only it should be by a lady” since he thought that ladies are very weak.  Bramma gave those two boons and disappeared.  Mahishasuran then started to do very worst things, injuring Devaas, damaging their properties and even caused maximum ill to all the Devaas.   He even killed many of them.  He fought with Devendran and captured his palace.  Because of the troubles given by Mahishasuran, Devendran approached Thrimoorthies and narrated the happenings.   Thrimoorthies told about their inability to kill him because of the boon given by Lord Brammha.  After deciding for a while the Thrimurthies told that they will creat a Devathai (lady) with their’s and Devendran’s powers who has already consumed Amrutham.  They told them that the particular Devathai will put an end to Mahishasuran.  Also they named the Devathai as “Chaamundi”.  She is also known as Chandika.  This Devi was initially having 4 hands each one holding “chakkram & Gadai” of Mahaavishnu, “Thrisoolam” of Paramasivan, “Sword” of Devendran and “Japamaala” of Bramma in the neck.

One day, in the palace of Mahishasuran (Devendran’s palace) his assistants told him that a Devathai has been created by the Thrimoorthis to kill him.  For this, he replied that he is not ready to fight with a young lady created by them since such fight will create a bad mark on him. Suddenly Rishi Naaradar appeared before him and told that he is facing this Devathai in the war since the boon is like that.  On hearing this, Mahishasuran got wild and went out to meet her in a war.

Mahishasuran went to Chaamundi’s place and shouted like anything.  On hearing this shouting, Chaamundi came out and Mahishasuran invited her for a war.  As I have detailed about the character of Asuraas’, this Chandikai also was very young and beautiful also charming.  Initially, Mahishasuran told her not to waste this shining body of her’s but to become his wife and sit by his side.  Also told that he owns Devalokam and he will make her the Queen.  But Chaamundi told that she has come only to kill him and not to marry.  He then put a condition that if she is defeated in the war she should marry him and she also agreed to this.  Mahishasuran was then prepared for a fight.  Chaamundi was very happy and immediately showed Viswaroopam of her with 18 hands and each hand holding different weapons.   Mahishasuran was not afraid on seeing the Viswaroopam and was ready to fight.  Hence the war broke out immediately and the fight went on very well for days together.  Mahishasuran lost his main weapon Gadha.  Chamundi asked him whether he is afraid of war and to wishes to continue further.  For this, he asked her to continue the war.  At last, on the 18^th day Chaamundi hit Mahishasuran with her Thrisoolam and his head was cut with Sri Chakram.  Chaamundi took his head in one hand and laid her foot on Mahishasura.  She hit with Thrisoolam further and thus, Mahishasuran was killed.  The same of type of posture is available now in many of the temples.  She was named as Mahishasura Mardhini.  All the Devaas showered flowers on her immediately in praise of her power.  All the Devaas were very happy on seeing this again and again since Devendran regained his noble seat in his palace. 

Mahishi and other brothers immediately knew of this news.  Mahishi got very angry on Devendran and the other Devaas.  Days passed by.  One day when she saw her brother Mahishasuran in a dream he was telling, “I fought for the Mahisha Lokam and was killed by Chaamundi because of the advice of Devendran.  Yet, you all are just keeping quite and you do not have any vengeance on him.  If your affection is still there on me, you should take revenge on Devendran and invade him in a war.  You should get power or boon from Lord Bramma for this and satisfy the Mahishan/Asura Lokam and safeguard them. I was doing anything for Asuraas.  You do not seem to have strength”.  Suddenly, Mahishi jumped out and recollected the advices given by her brother in the dream.  She decided that the Heaven should come under her control and the Devendran under her feet.  Immediately, she started to conduct many Poojas to Lord Bramma.  Next to that she went to forest and started for a penance for years together.  She was doing penance in praise of Lord Bramma.  She starved just like anything and did penance.   Due to this, the pleased Lord Brahma appeared before her and advised her to ask for anything.  She was waiting only for this chance and she started to ask the following boons such as “I should not be killed or even injured by Agni (heat), Vaayu (wind), Kallu (stone) and Holes (tunnels) or Pancha Bhoothas or even no time affected by any deceases.  She added that no living being such as any human being or animal could kill her”.  Lord Bramma advised her that any living being that is born in the earth should die one day or other and that they cannot escape from death.  He also told that such a woe could not be sanctioned. Hence Mahishi modified her boon likewise.   She also added “only a living being that too a son should be born to Hari (Mahaavishnu) and Haran (Paramasivan), and that the same son should live in the world at least for 12 years and such a son only could kill her.  Not only that number of buffalos should come out from the hair of her body and also the same should disappear whenever she thinks”.  Since a son cannot be born for two male members, Lord Bramma also gave that woe and disappeared. 

Mahishi also started to give troubles to Devaas, attacked so many Palaces in Heaven and were doing the very dirtiest things to Devaas. She captured Devendran’s Palace and sat on Devendran’s seat.  Devendran and other Devaas have fled away.  She even caught the Pancha Boothas and Devendran as slaves and made them her employees that too of very low grade.  She tampered so many things in Heaven and made the Devaas worry more about their lives.  She even disturbed Sages who were performing Yagnaas (in those days Rishis/Sages usually generate fire and do poojas to God/Goddess to please them. This is otherwise called “Homam”, ‘Yajna”, “fire sacrifice”, etc.).  Generally he killed so many Rishis.  She knew that by conducting Homams, the sages/rishis would gain more powers from the Almighty.  Devaas and the other Rishis could not tolerate this for any longer.  

Devendran was aware that Dharma Saastha is the son of Mahaavishnu & Paramasivan and he alone could kill Mahishi.  Hence one day all the Devaas gathered together and approached Lord Maha Saastha (Dharmasaastha).   Dharma Saastha was seated in one place along with cosorts talking something.  Devendran saw this and with fear went near Dharma Saastha and told everything about Mahishi.  Lord Maha Saastha also started to think about the news given by the Devaas and decided to take an Avataar.

07 - Birth of Manikandan

Finally, he said that he would do it very soon.  Due to petition given by Devaas and due to the advice given by Mahaavishnu & Siva, Maha Saastha told them that he would be taking birth in the world as His Incarnation and would be killing Mahishi (as a handsome child).  This, he will be taking because of mainly three reasons.  Boon sought from Bramma by mahishi is the first reason.  Boon given by Saastha to Pandala Mannan & Maharani in their rebirth is the second reason.  There is another story that due to curse given by Palingu raja to Saastha during after his marriage with Poorna is the third reason which is detailed out here at a later part.  As promised to Devaas, Sri Dharma Saastha took the 8^th incarnation (Avataar) as Ayyappan into the earth on Painguni (Tamil month), Meenam month of Malayalam and- English month being March-April) and on the same Uthram (Uthraphalguni) star day.  That is why even today so many people celebrate the same day as Painguni Uthram in Ayyapa temples.  Thus, Saastha as Manikandan/Ayyappan came to earth.

During the above avathar, a place called Pandalam (in Kerala State) was ruled over by a Maharaja (King) of Pandian dynasty. He worshipped Lord Parama Sivan for years together.  He had a Maharani (Queen) by name Perundevi who worshipped Lord Mahaavishnu just like the Maharaja.  They had no Issues for years together.  Maharaja one day told to his Devi that all these we were waiting for an issue.  They both wanted for a child since they were without Issues for so many years.   Till now we did not have such blessings.  Hence, the last & best idea is to go to forest as a Sanyaasi (sage).  He also thought about adapting a child to his Heir.  That day some villagers came to see him and told him that the wild animals have damaged all their crops.  Hence they requested Maharaja to go the forest for hunting and Maharaja also left for forest to save the villagers for hunting the animals.  Since Sastha has taken the Avatar as Ayyappan, Lords Mahaavishnu & Paramasivan made use of the situation and decided that this Godly child Saastha can be given to the King & the Queen taking into account Saastha’s boon to Pandalam king & queen in their previous birth.   Lords Paramasivan & Mahaavishnu wanted to give a child to them.  Hence they approached Dharmasaastha and asked him about this. They asked him to go to earth and live as the son of King & Queen and live there upto 12 years.  They further advised him he can put an end to Mahishi and disappear/settle in a Hill.

As per the requests of the villagers, one day the Maharaja started for the forest along with his army purely for hunting.  He came near the river Pampa.  After hunting when he was taking rest there, he heard a voice of a cry of a child.  He then rushed to find out and saw the child. He was very happy on seeing the baby.  The child’s face was shining just like a Jyothi (star).  There was a Golden Mani (golden bell) tied around the Kandam (neck) of the child.  The child was lying over a stone slab fully covered with flowers and so many dears were around it.  The Minister together with the Army commander was there along with the Maharaja.  The commander also was stunned but very happy on seeing the child.   Maharaja wanted to take the child home.  Then the minister told, “No Sir, please do not do so, this would be the son of some forest fellow.  They might have kept him here.  Later some problem would arise.  Don’t do so”.  He repeatedly told so.  But the Maharaja was interested to accept the child.   Then a loud noise heard from the sky “Oh Maharaj, take this child with you to your Pandalam, bring him up as your own son.  This child is not an ordinary one but a sacred one”.   Suddenly Lord Sivan appeared before the Maharaja in the form of a sage and repeated the above words.  On hearing the same, Maharaja was very glad and immediately took the child since he didn’t have a child till that date.  He took the child to Pandalam.    Hence the Raja named the child as “MANIKANDAN”.

People in Pandalam were very much aware of the child and everybody was very anxious to have a sight on him.  They were much happy that king has got a son for his thrown.  Band set and Kelikkottu accompanied Maharaja from the forest. So many young girls, women (even age-old) and gents were standing at the entrance place to Pandala Rajyam.  Maharaja was too much happy on seeing this.

A very huge crowd of people was there even to witness the arrival of the child.  There in Pandalam, he informed everybody that he got a child but never told that the child is the son of Mahaavishnu & Paramasivan.   He also added that he is lucky to have such a son.  He declared that this son is the only Heir and that he had named him as Manikandan.  All the people there celebrated the same in a very grand manner.  They celebrated for about twelve days.  People in Pandalam treated the child as if they themselves have got a baby.   They all dressed very well and some have taken even new cloths.  Mango leaves and coconut leaves were tied in front of everybody’s house.  The Pandalam was very colorful even for about 15 days.  People also danced and sung so many songs and did various bhajans in praise of God.  Ambari (decorated elephants) were arranged.  It evolved images of the gloriously lit Palace, hard fought Wrestling, Kalarippayat, Velakali, Bharatha Naatyam, Chadugudu, Exhibition, performances of classical music by famous musicians & varities of dances like Mohini Attam, Ottanthullal, Chakkiar Koothu, Kadhakali, Bhajans and many other Village Dances, etc.  Some of them conducted procession of decorated elephants, artisans, music bands, folk troupes, etc.  Pet animal show was also conducted.   From that day they celebrated the Uthram Star day in the Malayalam month Meenam (Painguni is the Tamil month) in connection with the Birthday of Manikandan.  So many of them thought that at least now God has realized the matter and gave a child to Maharaja.  Many formers even took various varieties of banana fruits, many types of jack fruits, coconuts, tender coconuts, mangos, oranges, apples, cherry fruits and various other unknown fruits, lots of flowers of various colors & kinds and of many sizes, even many garlands, etc., Bags of various kinds of Rice, Whet, various grains, and so many items to the Palace as present to the new born child and Maharaja. All the items were kept on the Palace ground.  It was very crowded with the above items.  A vast area of the Palace grounds looked like number of huge hills.

The child Manikandan was brought outside the Palace very neatly dressed with golden ornaments and shining dresses.  He was placed there in a golden plate.  There was a custom that any newborn child should be kept in a plate.  In the Palace a function was conducted and the people thought that the child is born to them only.  So many people were celebrating this even their own houses.  Some celebrated in a common place.  Some did poojas and Yagnaas at several temples. Even in temples the people decorated well and special Poojas were conducted.  At the court, the concerned employees were beating the drums and many other musical instruments, including Naadaswarams.  Generally saying, the whole of Pandalam was in a very joyous mood.  Maharaja gave many gifts to all the persons since he got such a son.

In the Palace, the Parents conducted the naming ceremony followed by a cradle ceremony. Many people were present for the same.  Even relatives of the residents of Pandalam came over there.  All blessed the child and worshipped the Almighty to shower his blessings on the child for a very good long life.  Manikandan, in his childhood itself, has done many miracles.  He even played well with others.  When Manikandan was 6 months old, Maharaja performed Annappraasanam to Manikandan [giving Paalppayasam (rice soaked & boiled in Milk added to sugar), etc.] at Sri Guruvayurappan Temple.    The temple was very crowded and the then Management was not able to control the same.  From that day onwards people started conducting Annappraasanam (Choroonu) at that temple.  People believe that if the feeding like that were conducted the children would be eating the rice, etc. well and without any trouble.  Even today so many people are going to that Temple and celebrating the Annapprasanam (first time feeding of children) only in that temple. 

At the age of four, Maharaja performed Vidhyaarambham in the Palace itself in front of Goddess Saraswathy idol as per their customs.  Actually saying Rice, wheat, coconut, fruits, Veda Books and Ithihasa Books also were kept near the Idol.  Manikandan went near the Ithihasa Books by trolling and took the Mahabharatham and Ramayanam Books first.  Everybody noticed the same and wondered.  They thought that even at this age itself; the child is interested in Ithihaasaas.  Manikandan took the same and gave it to the King & the queen.  Manikandan used to do Poojas to God daily moth morning & evening immediately after bath.  He obeyed his parents well.  He was liked and loved by everybody. 

He moved with others very nicely.  He was very affectionate to his Mother.  He even respected other elders and welcomed the Sages coming to the Palace. He asked his father to give Annadhanam to everybody whenever possible.  He played a lot of games too.  He never uttered even a single lie.   At his proper age, his Upanayanam was performed.  Maharaja gave a lot of Dhaanams (Presents - Gifts) to so many Brahmins and others.  Good feast was also served to them for about fifteen days.  Everything was performed at the right ages.

At the same time the Minister was taxing the people much.  Many of them cane to the Palace and expressed their inability because of the taxes.  Manikandan gave so many things to them and asked his father to cancel the taxes imposed by the Minister.  Hence the Minister got misunderstandings with the actions of Manikandan and from that instance he did not like Manikandan.  He also thought that an adapted son should not become the prince when Raja’s own son Raja Rajan is there.  He called on to Manikandan when Manikandan was seated along and told that he should be prepared to go back to forest since Manikandan was taken to Palace from forest only as an adapted son.  He further added that only Raja Rajan, Maharaja’s own son only would become Prince later and he only is the right heir to rule Pandalam after the Maharaja.  The reply was negative only.  Manikandan told the Minister that he does not have any idea of becoming Prince or rule Pandalam.  Let Pandalam be ruled by his own brother Raja Rajan.  He has no objection over this.

08 - Minister’s Jealousy

The minister was watching the growth of Manikandan daily.  Just like there own son, the maharaja & maharani were showing affection to Manikandan which was not at all liked by the Minister and added jealousy and anchor on Manikandan.  He also noticed spending of money lavishly by Maharaja for Manikandan, a child brought from forest whose whereabouts/birth details are not known.  That also was not liked by the minister and this made him more jealous with Manikandan.  From the beginning itself he was like that with Manikandan.  He wondered on maharaja & rani who were much affectionate to Manikandan.  And he also thought that it would be better if Manikandan was of there own son.  This jealousness slowly developed further and grown as vengeance.

One day Maharaja called for an Astrogeloger.  He gave Manikandan’s heroscope and requested him to tell the details such as the chances of Manikandan becoming a crowned Prince.  Actually, Maharaja and Rani wanted manikandan to be the prince.  The horoscope was gone through in detail by the astrologer.  He narrated that there is no chance like that.  On hearing this Maharaja decided and informed him that Manikandan is not only his son but also will crown as the next King of Pandalam.  He satisfied himself that the heroscope will change according to his growth. This news, however have gone to the ears of the minister and on hearing this he was much happy.  He finally decided to kill Manikandan somehow.  But the astrologer thoroughly informed Maharaja that one day or other Manikantan will definitely become the King of the World.

At his age of 8 He came to know that Maharani was pregnant.  Manikandan immediately told to the King & the queen that she would be delivering a male child only.  On hearing this, the King & the Queen along with others were shocked as to how Manikandan was saying that only a male child could be borne.   Manikandan also requested his parents that the child should be named as Raja Rajan.  Days passed on and on one fine day Maharani gave birth to a male child as told by Manikandan.   The child was named as Raja Rajan only as said by Manikandan.  Manikandan was very fond of the new born child.  The child also grew well and he & Manikandan were playing very well.  For each & every thing Raja Rajan sought the permission of Manikandan.  The days were very nice for everybody.

 

Some days, later the Minister saw Manikandan growing much better.  So he enquired with his close assistants about a good Maandreekan (a magician who does evils).  One of them intimated a very good Maandreekan’s address.  The minister after verification met the Maandreekan and asked the best way to kill Manikandan.  After thinking for a while the maandrekan did some thing and gave a little Bhasmam (ashes) to the Minister and told him, “this Bhasmam is a poisonous one and this should be given to Manikandan through his usual meal”.  He also told him that Maharaja should not know this.  He further told that in few hours of consuming this poison Manikandan would go to sleep and very soon his end would come.

The Minister very happily returned to Palace and threatened the servant who usually serves meal to Manikandan.  At last he asked the servant Manikandan to serve it in Manikandan’s meal somehow.   Manikandan also consumed this meal and he felt very weak.  Hence he went for sleep.  His appearance became so bluish dark because of the poison. Soon the King & the queen were informed of Manikandan’s status.  Maharaja came running and asked somebody to lay Manikandan on a bed.  Immediately the Palace Vaidyan (Doctor) was called and asked to treat Manikandan.  He, after checking Manikandan, told Maharaja his inability of treating him since Manikandan was awaiting his last minutes.  Immediately another Vaidyan was called on there and was asked to check Manikandan’s illness.  He also checked Manikandan and informed Maharaja that this was because of evil doing and could not he cured. However, he asked Maharaja to lay him on the floor.  The perturbed Maharaja went to the Pooja room and shouted something in front of the idol of Paramasivan, his beloved God.  Maharani also went to her pooja room and shouted for help.  Soon Paramasivan, took a form of Sage, came to Palace and sought permission to treat Manikandan.  All were shocked and Maharaja immediately told him to do so.  Maharaja told him that he would be ever thankful if he could cure Manikandan.  Maharaja even told that in case the sage cures Manikandan he would even offer his Kingdom.  Minister was very much shocked on hearing this since he had planned like that only.  The sage sat nearby Manikandan and kept his hand on Manikandan’s head.  Slowly, the bluish darkness disappeared and Manikandan woke up just like one wakes up.  He sat near the sage.  The King was very happy to see this.  He asked the sage about the reason for Manikandan’s illness.  The sage told that this is only because of some trap and the culprit behind this would be known at a later date.  Maharaja requested the sage to ask for anything in reward of his treating Manikandan.  The sage looked Maharaja for a while smilingly and blessed Manikandan.  He further told that Manikandan could not be killed anyhow hereafter.  The Minister was feeling well on hearing this. He was cursing the sage.  The sage then disappeared.  Maharaja saw his disappearance and immediately told everybody that this is only Paramasivan.   Thus, Minister’s trap did not work as planned.  Again the Minister saw Manikandan who was keeping good health.

One day the said Maandreekan came to the Palace in search of the Minister. At first, Minister could not recpgnise on seeing him.  Later he recognized him as the Maandreekan.  The Maandreekan was claiming some money for livelihood as he was without even a small penny due to the evil thing done by him to Manikandan.   The Maandreekan looked very dark bluish since Manikandan’s illness had comeback to him.   Originally, the Maandreekan did the same to Manikandan, but on touching Manikandan by the sage it had come back to the same man, i.e., Maandreekan because of the power of God.  Initially, the Minister objected to give money to him.  The Maandreekan threatened him that he would tell all the matters that had happened to Maharaja otherwise.  Since he was afraid of Maharaja, he immediately gave some money to the Maandreekan and he went away and thus the Minister was saved temporarily.  

09 - Gurukulavaasam  (student staying back at Guru’s house during studies)

Maharaja thought about sending Manikandan to Gurukulam for studies, etc.  Since he loved Manikandan too much Maharaja was willing to call a Guru to the palace and give all necessary Vidyaas (Deeksha) and Paadams (lessons).  Many elders advised that it wouldn’t be a good practice.  They advised Maharaja that Manikandan should be sent to a well-known Gurukulam for the same.    Then only he will learn lessons very calmly and carefully from the Guru.  At last, Maharaja whole-heartedly accepted the same and decided to send Manikandan to Paadasaala.

In olden days big people used to send their wards to Gurukulam not only for studies of lessons but also for all Vedas, Upanishads, Saastras, Astravidyas (usage of bow & arrow) including the usages of other weapons too.  Only at Gurukulam a student can concentrate well and study those things and that is why people have used to send their children to Gurukulam.  Maharaja along with Manikandan accompanied by so many important courtiers went to Guru’s house that was situated in a nearby forest which was located at present Cheerappanchira very near  Alleppy and Cherthala of Keralam.  Even ministers along with Senior/Chief Ministers went to the forest with Manikandan.  The forest was very greenish and very good smell was breezing over there.  So many planets were there with many colorful flowers.  Even birds were flying over the forest as if they are going to see Manikandan.  Big trees waved just like anything with their branches.    The King and Manikantan were going to the forest in a Chariot.  The Palace Gurus were holding many garlands for Gurukulam.  The intimation about Manikandan’s coming over there has already reached the Guruji of Gurukulam. The Guruji (Aasaan) was seated on the Paadasaala premises with Garlands made of Rudraaksha, Spadikam, Thulasi, etc., in around his neck.   Assistant Teachers and other students were standing in front of Paadasaala to welcome Manikandan. His army was carrying necessary fruits and Gurudakshina.  All of them reached the Paadasaala and the King with Manikandan came near the Senior Guru.  When Manikandan reached Paadasaala he saw so many students playing and chitchatting.  He saw no Guruji was there.  He called and assembled all of them and advised “we are come only studying and not for chitchattinga.  We should obey Guruji and get a very good name to the Guruji by good studies”.  The Guruji was hearing all these words by hiding behind.  He came near Manikandan and praised him of his first speech.  The Maharaja offered fruits, etc. to the Guru and requested him to teach Manikandan what all are possible in the he knows.  He also offered huge money to the Guruji.  He did not accept that money but he was weeping with his wife.  Manikandan asked Guruji the reason for his weeping but he told that he would inform this at a later date.  Manikandan also agreed to these words.  Then Maharaja left the place very half-heartedly; Manikandan started learning all lessons and learned all Vedas, Soothraas, Upanishads, Saastraas, and Astravidyaas including the usages of other weapons too.   He was very quick in understanding the lessons from the Guru.   He was not like other students.  He was an outstanding one.   He became very expert in everything and the Guru (teacher) praised him. 

A wicked one will always be singled on seeing a new admittant and now it is a common in collegs.  Likewise, one boy did not like Manikandan.  Some students told that Manikandan is having some magic power.  The particular student was very much angry on Manikandan.  He was also somewhat equal to the status of Manikandan.  He gathered some students to support him.  He wanted to kill Manikandan.  Hence one day he approached Guruji and told that he is expert in using all weapons and that nobody can beat him.  Also he asked Guruji “is there anybody who can fight with him, not only using weapons but also in Malyudhdham (a fight without weapons – only by body)”.  For that Guru replied, “at present Manikandan is capable of doing anything and that you can fight with him”.  If yes, the fight will be fixed on particular day.  Say yes or no”.  The particular student also gave consent for that the fight was fixed the next day. Then the particular boy was telling to his team members, “Our Guruji likes Manikandan much since he is the son of Maharaja and might have taught so many ways of fights not taught to us.  In case Manikandan wins the fight I will not be in the world the next day”.  Manikandan heard this discussion. 

The next day the fight began.  Manikandan won in so many fights.  At last, Malyudhdham started.  Manikandan was about to win but, suddenly, the said boy threw out Manikandan.  Guruji was shocked on seeing this.  The boy was very happy.  After some time, Guruji called Manikandan separately and asked the truth for his defeat in the fight.  Manikandan told the truth saying “I do not want a boy die because of this.  So I acted myself as defeated”.   The said boy heard the news about this.  He then realized Manikandan.  He realized the kindness and other characters and politeness of Manikandan.  He one day met Manikandan and requested him to forgive for the bad things to Manikandan those he has done in the past.  Manikandan generously forgot all these and agreed to forgive him so.  Also Manikandan told him that all the things he had done before were not because of any Magic.  All would come to know about Godly Power when he disappears from the world one day and that day also is not far off.  Thereafter in the Gurukulam, all the students liked Manikandan and all were with Manikandan always.  No vengeance was there amongst anybody..

During the leisure time he used to go out of the Paadasaala and visited the inner forest area. One day he went to the interior side of the forest.  It was a very thick and wild forest.  Even four or people had to chain their hands around a tree. The stems of the trees were that much big.  Honeybees were also there very well attending their work.  Not only there were very good Water falls but that also was also very charming and very nice.  Number of wild and very dangerous animals came near Manikandan but none of them did anything.  One tiger was rushing towards Manikandan and he immediately decided to kill it.  Hence he was about to shoot it with an arrow.  But to his surprise, it came very near Manikandan and bent before him.   I think even the animals knew about Manikandan’s Godly Power.  Manikandan’s friends told Guru that Manikandan has gone inside the forest.  Guru was much worried on hearing this.  Unfortunately that day he returned Gurukulam very late.  Guru showed some anger on Manikandan but Manikandan replied that nothing in the world could cause any harm to him.    He even served his Guru in so many ways.   He also helped Guru’s wife even in cooking.  He took water from the nearest river and brought it to Guru’s house.  Guru was cooled down on seeing these.

One day Guruji was murmuring some thing himself while he was asleep.  Manikandan immediately went near Guruji and asked him to wake up.  He asked Guruji why he was murmuring so and was weeping when he met Guruji first.  Now, Guruji told him that one student named Kannan is not like other students.   He is Guruji’s own son only.  Manikandan was shocked on hearing this news.  But he is not just like other students.   He is speechless and visionless.  He had nothing like that and that is why he was not speaking to other students all these days.  Guruji also told, “I am teaching so many students and giving all the advices, etc.  But my own son could not do so because of this defect.  This is my fate or my family fate, I think”.  He further told that that Kannan could not see, hear, talk or even to walk straighthly.   That was the reason of his murmur and the weeping.  Manikandan consoled that this Kannan would regain his power of speech and vision very soon.  Guruji was very happy on hearing this.   Manikandan was very friendly to Kannan right from the very beginning. Thereafter, Manikandan was much friendlier to him and Manikandan used to give him wherever he wanted. 

On those days, all students used to give a reward to their teacher after their studies and the same is called Guru Dakshina.  One day Manikandan took Guruji & Kannan for a walk.  They came to a far off place and Manikandan sat very near to Kannan touching him.  And Manikandan was under Meditation. After sometime, Manikandan worshipped His original father Paramasivan & mother Mahaavishnu and after a while, asked Kannan to see a far off place and utter loudly the words Amma (Mother), Appa (Father).  Kannan regained his power of vision and repeated the word Amma, Appa many times.   Guruji was very glad on seeing this.  Manikandan made his son talk, see and hear.    He made Kannan to walk also straightly.  Guruji expressed that none had cured this problem till date.  He expressed his very hearty thanks to Manikandan and respected him very much.  He told that Manikandan has got only a Supreme Power, say, Godly Power and Manikandan is definitely an Avatar of God alone.  On hearing this, Manikandan informed His Guruji about His birth reason (birth secret) and the need of this Avatar.  He requested him not to tell this out, say, about His Godly powers to anybody, on any occasion on any account.  Guruji also gave his consent for the same.  Even after completing the studies Manikandan was residing only in the Paadasaala since he liked the place very much.   

Since the brave Manikandan had completed all his lessons there at Gurukulam, he was advised by the Guruji to return to Pandalam. He decided to give Gurudakshnai to the Guru namely Aasan and expressed the same to Guru.  Guruji in turn, not agreed since Manikandan had given life to his son and his Parents.  Always he was praising Manikandan for that. Guru Pathni (wife of Guruji) was also thanking Manikandan for that and praising him just like anything.  They gave some many things to Manikandan and he gave all the items to Kannan onlh.  Atlast, Manikandan left Gurukulam for Pandalam Palace.  A warm & grand reception was there at the Palace to welcome Manikandan.  He was more handsome than earlier i.e., much better than he left for Gurukulam.   The replica of Guruji as idol is presently installed in a temple at Cheerappan Chira near Alleppy of Kerala state along with idols of Sri Ayyappan & Manchamaatha.

10 - Manikandan returns to Pandalam from Gurukulam

One auspisous day Guru accompanied Manikandan to Pandalam Palace.  While both of them stepped into Pandalam the concerned people, out of joy, made heavy sounds of different drums and other sound making ancient instruments.  The Devas too showered flowers on Manikandan in praise of completion of His studies.  They also made thunder.  All the above sound made Pandalam people to let them know that some untoward thing is happening.  Some saw the arrival of Manikandan and the Guruji.  All the people of Pandalam came running to the streets to have a sight on Manikandan.  They saw Manikandan as a very grown up boy.  Manikandan and Guruji slowly reached the Palace.  Manikandan enquired the Panchayat leaders about their well being.  They and others came to the palace and informed Manikandan that they are suffering from a heavy tax imposed by the minister.  Manikandan requested his father, the king, to dismiss all imposed taxes during his absence.

Thus, Manikandan reached the Palace.  Everybody asked him as to how he was at the Gurukulam.  Maharaja questioned him as to what all things he learned from the Guruji.  Manikandan went to his mother and enquired about her health.  Later, he approached the junior ministers and requested them to tell about the happenings at Pandalam during his absence.  They also narrated so many stories.  The new child also loved his brother Manikandan very much.  Raja Rajan obeyed his brother strictly first and then only his parents.  Raja Rajan also learned all types of Vedaas & Vidyaas and, days passed on very smoothly.  Pandalam flourished just like anything and Manikandan sought a good support of the people.  All were very happy.  When Manikandan attained the age of 10, Maharaja and others decided to crown Manikandan as the Prince of Pandalam.  All loved Manikandan very much.  Not only that, Manikandan was very clever enough and he was the eldest of the thrown. 

The Minister had not have forgotten his cruelness.  He wanted to kill Manikandan anyhow.  Since that old trap was a failure one to Minister decided for so may other plots.  He tried to make Manikandan manytimes suffer just like anything.  Every now and then the Palace Vaidhyan (doctor) came forward and cured Manikandan.  

One day the minister asked some of his army fellows to take Manikandan to the nearest forest and kill Manikandan by an elephant.  As per the advice of the Minister, the army told Manikandan that some good Seeveli (Seeveli means a procession by decorated elephant) is going on in the nearby temple and all of them are going there to witness the same.  Manikandan said that he is also interested to see that and hence the army took Manikandan too (as per the advice of minister) for the same. They all went for the Seeveli and as planned earlier, the army chief organized to kill Manikandan by the elephant.  When Manikandan was looking at the procession, suddenly the particular elephant came very near to Manikandan.  Manikandan pretended as he was afraid of it.  Hence he cried for help.  On seeing the elephant coming very close to Manikandan all the army fellows ran away to save their own lives.   The decorated elephant, which was a very normal animal, made a loud cry which seemed to call other elephants to come with it.  The big elephant came close to Manikandan and bowed before him, placed its trunk on his head and garlanded Him.  Manikandan mounted over the elephant and started riding on it.  When he dismounted, the animal began to chase the armymen who escaped behind the nearby trees and buildings.  When the elephant went away, the armymen surrendered to Manikandan and made apologies took him.  The Minister was frustrated and very angry.  He hatched another plan to eliminate Manikandan.  But, Manikandan was found very intellectual.  His parents watched very good obedience and good behaviour of Manikandan.  The king finally informed him that the crowning ceremony will be held in a short time.  But, Manikandan kept quite on hearing all these.  The king’s decision in finalization of the crowning ceremoney was informed to the minister by his very close assistants.

Manikandan went to the nearby Aalangaadu and Aaalappuzha (now known as Allepy).  He gathered able people there and started Sangghams (Associations/Societies).  He trained them in ‘Kalarippayatru’ (the famous art of Kerala).  He has done well to the people who lived in & around those areas.

11 - Pattu Saastrigal

O

ne day there came a Brahmin named Sankaran to Pandalam Palace.  He was a man of head weight.  He had defeated many schollers by his speeches.  He was not only an able one but also a kind hearted too.   He had helped a lot to the poor.  He has donated money to the needy for education.  He helped so many financially for their marriage occasions.  He had done very good things.  That Brahmin saluted (made pranaam) the King and Manikandan.  The prince Manikandan too welcomed him and arranged for his stay in the Palace. 

A Brahmin who studied Vedaas & pronouncing them correctly and also who used to do Vedic karmas (rights) traditionally only is called Saastrigal.  Since the Brahmin wore silk Dhotis (cloth) always he was called as Pattu Saastrigal.

After some days, Pattu Saastrigal came to see Manikandan.  He took Pattu Sastrigal in a very lonely place and informed him of His birth reason only after several requests.  On hearing that, Pattu Saastrigal immediately bowed down and informed that he wanted to mix with Manikandan since he is a God.  Manikandan told him that only due to the good things done by Sankaran (Pattu Saastrigal) in his previous birth he was given this birth, but eventhough he has lived as a very good man mainly due to headweight he will again have to undergo rebirth as a Brahmin in a very poor family.  But during the life of rebirth, he will be educated in a good way and will become a poet.  He will compose a very good song about Manikandan and at a later stage Manikandan will love that song. The same will be sung in Sabari Hills only in the night when the temple closes.  That song is known as “Harivaraasanam …….”, the famous song which we all hear in every Ayyappan Temples now while the temple closes at night. 

Manikandan warned the Brahmin that he should not leak out His Birth Reason and birth details to any one on any account and the Brahmin agreed to that.  He was much satisfied that atleast in his next birth he could mix with Ayyappan.  Manikandan also informed the Brahmin that his wife is also a mother only and hence he will come over to his house one day.  Pattu Saastrigal was very happy on hearing this.

Maharani noticed that Manikandan always feels very happy on seeing the Pattu Saastrigal.  Manikandan had not agreed to that point.  He informed Maharani that in turn Pattu Saastrigal only felt happy every time on seeing Manikandan and that too because of some reason.  Further, he told his mother (queen) that he will tell everything about Pattu Saastrigal only after his going to his house and on seeing his wife.

As promised to Pattu Saastrigal, Manikandan visited his house ony day.  His house was situated in a far off place from the Palace.  On seeing Manikandan standing in front of his house Pattu Saastrigal immediately rushed to the Main gate and received him and requested him to sit.  His wife also came to the place where Manikandan was seated.  Manikandan noticed that she had lost her vision.  Pattu Saastrigal informed that his wife was suffering a big fever so many years back and during that time she lost her sight.  He had done more medical treatment and that had never brought back her vision.  Manikandan went near his wife and asked her to close the eyes.  Manikandan meditated on Lord Mahadevan & Sri Mahavishnu for a while for a while.  

After some time Manikandan asked her to open the eyes and see.  It was Pattu Saastrigal’s luck only; his wife was able to see everything.  Pattu Saastrigal was much glad on noticing this.   His

wife wept a lot due to happiness and worshipped Manikandan.  She was about to bend down before Manikandan.  But Manikandan immediately requested her not to do that since he respects her as his own mother.  He accepted some fruits given by that mother and left for the palace.

                                   

12 - Kadutthan

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he days passed on very peacefully.  But, the situation of the people lived therein was worst.   They were traveling and transporting their luggage through the nearby forest.   All of them were lost in the forest.  The reason was, the items were taken by burglers who came to that forest recently.  All the so called burglers were hiding in the forest named Inchippara Kottai & Thalappara Kottai.   

The leaders of Pandalam including municipality ones immediately went to the Palace and informed the same to the King.  They also informed that too many people are losing their profits and even principal amount and taxes due to Pandalam will go low because of this burglary.  Manikandan also was with the King at that time.  He replied to them that he will do some thing to drive away the burglars.  He gathered some soldiers and started to the forest for the same.

There lived a very dear one of Manikandan in that forest but he was very aged then.  The so called dear one was not only a Guru of Manikandan but also a welknown & famous strong man.  It is understood that the said Guru was bed ridden but had decided to see Manikandan before his death.  Manikandan knew this and went to his house to see him.  He reached the house and took a seat near to the Guru and has gone to meditation.  What a surprise!  The Guru immediately got up just like a young man and said Pranam to Manikandan.  He even started to chit chat with Manikandan.  The Guru took a pledge that he will go to the referred Burglars’ place along with his sons and kill them.

The burglars had formed one army and that was called Maravar Padai.  Manikandan knew everything about them in his meditation.  As per the Meditation, one fellow came to Manikandan and talked freely to him.  He was such a brave man also.  Alas!  The captian of the Maravar Padai did not know that this brave man will drive away them at once.  

Captian of the Maravar Padai was Pandya Naicker and his brother was Velu Naicker. They mistook that Manikandan is afraid of fighting with them and that was why he was seeking the help of the forest people.  They were going on to cheat people and continued their burglary. 

Manikandan along with the army started their journey to the actual spot.  The brave man too accompanied Manikandan.  Our Manikandan said to Pandya Naicker that he will forgive him if he puts an end to burglary immediately.  He further informed him that otherwise he will start his fighting and will kill him.  Since Pandya Naicker has not agreed to this they started fighting. 

Pandya Naicker was caught by the brave man and he was about to kill him.  On seeing this Manikandan requested him not to kill but to leave him and asked Pandya Naicker to run away with his army.  Manikandan further informed Pandya Naicker about his birth secret.  On hearing this Pandya Naicker replied Manikandan that he will never do this kind of job hereafter and also promised him so.  He and his brother ran away from that place along with his padai.

The brave man saw all these things and informed Manikandan that he wants to live with him always.  Manikandan was very happy on hearing this.  Manikandan asked the brave man to be in and around Thalapparai Kottai and Inchipparai Kottai.  He asked him to be Incharge of the same. 

That brave man was sent to Manikandan by Lord Paramasivan only and this brave man only is known as Kochu Kadutha Swamy and Valiya Kadutha Swami.

13 - Honesty only will win

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ay to expenses should be maintained in a house otherwise it won’t be good.   If it is one organization the management will allocate one department for Accounts.  If it is so think about one state.  They will allocate even one big organization for that.  The same had been done by the king of Pandalam.  He employed a honest man for that and he also was also working well.  There should be one head for all these.  For that also one honest man was appointed by the king of Pandalam.  His name was Ramabhandran. He was the treasury In-charge too.   Since he was very honest and loyal all the people there respected him much.  His honesty lead him to get very good name amongst people.  This made the minister and his close assistant Chakrapaani (Secretary of the Palace) were jeleous on Ramabhadran.  Due to this Chakrapaani slowly created some doubts on Ramabhadran’s accounts.  For the sake of this work Chakrapaani sought the help of Food Grain Godown In-charge named Raman.  He made very close friendship with him.  So many members approached the King and complained on Ramabhanran’s accounts due to the compulsion of Chakrapaani.  They told the king that Ramabhadran had taken money from many people and written bogus accounts.  They complained this to Manikandan and said that Ramabhdran had given even government land in exchange of extra money from many people.  Hence Manikandan instructed the Secretary of the Palace to check the accounts maintained by Ramabhadran. 

Chakrapani waited for this occasion only and he along with Raman immediately approached Ramabhadran.  He took the accounts from Ramabhadran and gave it to Raman asking him to rewrite the same making some false accounts.  He accordingly gave such wrong accounts to Chakrapaani and destroyed the original accounts.  Chakrapaani submitted the same to Manikandan.  In turn Manikandan handed over the same to Library In-charge of the Palace to check the accounts thoroughly.  He also told Manikandan that some false accounts are there in the Accounts Book given by him.  As per Manikandan’s instructions Chakrapaani went to Ramabhadran and informed him of the wrong accounts maintained by him.  He immediately took the Treasury Key from him.  The king knew of all these and wondered.  He also thought that such a good & honest Ramabhadran has maintained accounts till date and cheated the Government.  He got wild.

Hence the king ordered the soldiers to arrest Ramabhadran and to bring him to the Palace.  The order was obyed immediately by the soldiers.  The king made a judgement.  Ramabhadran has to dip both his fingers into boiling oil kept in a temple sourrounded by many members and the same should be conducted in the presence of God.  If no boils are found, the king will take that Ramabhadran is an honest one.  But if it is a negative one, the complaint will be confirmed and Ramabhadran should be sent out of the state.  This was the judgement.  The oil was boiled in a temple and so many people were gathered there.  Chakrapaani and Raman were present.  Manikandan suddenly came there.  Ramabhadran repeatedly informed Manikandan who was also present there which was in vain.  Manikandan told Ramabhadran not to worry about the judgement.  He also told that the boiling oil will not hamper his hands if has done good accounts and Ramabhadran was very happy on hearing this.  On particular time Ramabhadran dipped his fingers into the billing oil for quite some time and took out.  Alas!  His fingers were not at all burned and nothing had happened to him.  Hence as per king’s judgement, Ramabhadran was proved as innocent.

At the same time the hands of Raman, Food Grain Godown In-charge, was completely burned even without dipping his fingers into Oil since he only had prepared wrong accounts in the place of correct accounts.  Raman accepted the fault and surrendered to Manikandan.  He told him the actual happening and begged Manikandan to forgive and relieve him off from the pain.  But Manikandan told him that he has to bear the pain since he has done ill to an Honest Man.  He further sent him out of the state.  Raman requested Manikandan not to do so and to forgive him.  Hence he was forgiven by Manikandan.

Hence an honest man is saved.  He told the people gathered there that one should do, tell and write only truth.  Honesty only will win always.  If one commits mistakes in his official/personal duties he/she should admit the same to his/her higher authorities and he/she will be forgiven definitely and freed from his/her sins.  He asked his father to give promotion to Ramabhadran and good increment in his salary.

                                                  

14 - Bhagavathy

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here was an old temple.  Bhagavathy was main deity of that temple.  She was worshipped by many.  Its chief priest (Melshanthi) named Venkatanathar had done very good and attentive pooja.  That was the famous one in that temple.  The temple was yielding very poor income before the melshanthi’s arrival to that temple.  But due to his pooja and pious character many started coming to the temple and because of that the temple was fetching very good income.  This place was within the boundary of Pandalam and the king was well aware of the temple’s progress.  He decided to develop that temple and to do more conveniences to the people who visited there.  He sent Manikandan to that temple for getting an idea of the progress.  Manikandan visited the temple and met the Melshanthi.  He informed him that the king has decided to develop the temple further and authorized the melshanthi to look into the day to day improvements and developments to be done by the king.  He asked him to do spend any amount for the same from the temple funds.  Even though the melshanthi refused the same initially, later accepted only becasue of Manikandan’s pressure.  Somehow this came to the ears of the temple Trusteee who lived nereby.  Immediately this was conveyed to Chakrapaani, Secretary of Pandalam.  Chakrapaani too along with his assistants visited the temple and met melshanthi.  Actually, Chakrapaani was very happy since the temple was receiving very good income than earlier.  He also came to know that Manikandan had come to that temple and informed that the king has authorized him to supervise the developments.  He was not happy with the character of the melshanthi only due to this.  Hence he informed the melshanthi not to interfere in the developments of the temple.  He also ordered and reminded him that he should no way come to the picture and if it was understood later that melshanthi had done against his order, he will be punished well.  Not only had that Chakrpaani made many visits there.  He also threatened the melshanthi in many ways.  But the melshanthi was not at all afraid of that since he was very honest and also had the support of Manikandan.

Melshanthi’s daughter used to arrange Poomaala (flower garland) for the Bhagavathy.  She was offering such garland daily.   Chakrapaani saw her many times and fell in love with her.  Even then he had anger on Melshanthi.   Slowly she attained the age and was ready for marriage.  Melshanthi’s wife Alamelu was much worried as to who they will perform the marriage within the poor income of her husband.  That particular day also arrived because of the good poojas performed by melshanthi.  One good boy approached their family for marriage.  Melshanthi and his wife liked him and his family well.   He fixed the betrothal day immediately.  Just like other days, that night too Melshanthi performed the poojas and closed the temple door.  He was worrying as to how he will save enough money to buy ornaments for the marriage and make up the expenses relating to the same.  He sat on the nearby Mandapam and slept away while thing about the marriage.  Since Bhagavathy was accepting garland daily made by melshanthi’s daughter, Bhagavathi took the form of one young woman and approached melshanti carrying a box containing enough golden ornaments for the marriage.  She awakened melshanti and gave the box to him telling that it is for the marriage only.  She immediately disappeared from the place.  Melshanti received the box half-heartedly and was very much shocked on this.  He covered the same with a cloth and carried the same on his back.  After some time melshanti’s senior assistant (keezh shanthi) came over there and met him.  Melshanti invited him for the betrothal the next day and told him that he will not come to the temple for the next day.  He locked the main door of the temple and handed over the keys to his assistant.  He then walked out his house.

The next day, the senior assistant went to the temple as usual.  He was surprised to see that the main door and the bhagavathy temple door were opened.  He went inside the Bhagavathy temple to check whether all the ornaments were in tact.  He was shocked.  The particularly ornaments were not found there.  He came out and called the temple authorities there and informed them that all the ornaments were missing.  Slowly many people started coming there and they also know about this.  This news was conveyed to the King immediately.  Chakrapaani rushed to the temple, contacted the senior assistant of the temple and knew all happenings.  Suddenly, Chakrapaani had a doubt on Melshanthi since he also knew about the betrothal of his daughter.  He decided that melshanti only had taken all the ornaments for his daughter.  He then informed the same to the King and sought his order.  He then immediately went to Melshanti’s house along with Sr. assistant followed by some soldiers. 

At melshanti’s house the betrothal function was going on well and chakrapaani saw melshanthi’s daughter wearing some ornaments.  The senior assistant went inside and said that melshanti’s daughter wore nothing but only the missing ornaments.  On hearing the same Chakrapaani confirmed that only melshanti has taken all the ornaments for his daughter.  He then asked melshanti to return all the ornaments that belonged to Bhagavathy.  Melthanti informed Chakrapaani many times that those were not of the temple.  Immediately he ordered the soldiers to arrest him.  He then took melshanti to Pandalam Palace.  Hence the betrothal was stopped immediately and all of the bridgroom’s party went away along with bridegroom.  In Pandalam, after some court formalities the melshanti was jailed.  Manikandan knew of all these and informed his father (king) to release him since melshanti is innocent.  He further informed that some thing ill had happened and he himself will find it out.  He then set out for melshanti’s house.  No body in melshanti’s house expected Manikandan’s arrival there.  Mankandan consoled melshanti’s wife and her daughter.  He advised them that melshanti is innocent in this matter and it will be proved very soon.  He further informed that all the missing ornaments would be recovered and that the real culprit would be caught soon.

Manikandan went out of the house and took a ride around the particular place.  Then one aged man who was a scholar approached Manikandan and informed him that his daughter was missing for quite sometime.  Manikandan consoled him and went up a nearby hill.  He was under meditation there.  In the meditation he realized the following news.  “The particular aged man and his wife were residing in a nearest place known as Champapuri along with his daughter Vedavathi.  She was very beautiful too and she had attained the age of marriage.  A male magician (man doing only evil things with the power of evil diety) named Karambakan had stayed in top of a hill at Champapuri along with his assistants.   His diety of evils had ordered him to bring & give all the ornaments of the Bhagavathy temple with a silver plate of yanthram to that diety with the help of an unmarried young girl; and that then only his magic power will increase.  Not only should that he offer that girl’s blood too to that diety.  He had a strong belief on that.  Hence he was searching such a girl in that place.  He found through his magic mirror that girl named Vedavathy as a very suitable one.  Hence he commanded his best assistant Jambukan to bring the girl somehow.  Jambukan too caught that girl and brought her before that Magician.  Immediately the magician made some magics and asked her to obey only his words.  He then took her to the Bhagavathy temple and gave her one kumbham (pot containing water or some grains with mango leaves over it and a coconut over that).  He asked heer to keep the same behind the Bhagavathy temple. 

The magician had done many poojas to the kumbham.  After that he asked her to enter into the Bhagavathy temple and take the silver yanthram and all the ornaments of the Bhagavathy diety along with the yanthram.  Since the yanthram and others were taken all the manthram of melshanti became very weak.  Not only that the melshanti was absent to the temple that particular day.”

Manikandan decided to kill that magician and free that innocent girl.  He immediately started for the magician’s fort (magician’s house). The magician saw through his magic mirror that Manikandan was approaching this fort.  He ordered his assistants to kill Manikandan as soon as he entered the fort.  But Manikandan fought with all the magician’s assistants and killed all of them.  He approached the said Magician.  Manikandan advised the magician not to do any evil things.  He advised him repeatedly.  Since the magician was not hearing to that he started to fight with him.  But the magician created so many evils and ordered them to kill Manikandan.   But, Manikandan killed all of them.  He worshipped Devi Parvathi (wife of Shivan).  Immediately Devi Parvathi appeared in front of him and blessed.  She killed the magician and made him into ashes.  The young girl was sitting in his fort crying since the magician was killed.  Manikandan told the whole story and normalized her.  He took her and restored to her father.

He went to the Bhagavathy temple along with some soldiers.  He asked the soldiers to remove the Kumbham and throw it into a river.  Thereafter he brought all the ornaments and the yanthram.  He asked the temple assistants to decorate the Bhagavathy with all the ornaments as done previously.   He asked them to keep the yanthram to its original place after necessary pooja.  He sent news to his father (king) and asked him to release the melshanthi immediately.  The melshanthi also reached his house and at a later date his daughter’s marriage was performed in the presence of Manikandan.  He gave all the ornaments which were taken by Chakrapaani and also gave so many funds to the melshanti. 

The people of that place came to know about the culprit and they started to donate more cash & kinds to the temple.  Since the melshanti was proved as innocent from the said theft all the people praised him.  The temple trustee also praised him.  That Bhagavathy is the same famous Bhagavathy situated at Kodungallur near Guruvayoor of Kerala.  

                                        

15 - Muhammed Vaavar

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t went on well in Pandalam and its surroundance just like this. Manikandan had done well to all the people.   Such was the case, there came a messenger to Pandalam Palace and informed the king that some burglary was going on in the nearby forests by some unwanted elements.  They are burglars only and they cheated the passersby and even killed them for want of golden ornaments and their belongings.  Day by day this was going on and increasing.   Because of this the people were suffering much.  This went to the ears of Manikandan also.  He decided to go the forest.  He, after so many objections from his father & mother, saught the permission of the king and started for the exact place of forest.

Manikandan was walking through that particular place.  That time, some marriage party, after marriage, was passing by through that way to Pandalam.  The burglars came running suddently to the marriage party, took the ornaments and belongings from them.  They drived the marriage party away from that place.  Manikandan was watching all these things from a nearby point.  Manikandan caught hold of all the burglars, asked them to return all the things taken from the marriage party and advised them not to do so.  He introduced himself as the prince of Pandalam and also told that if they do not hear to his words all of them will be put in jail.  All the burglars got shocked on hearing this and the leader informed Manikandan that all the burglaries were happening so only as per the command of their captain.  Manikandan got a promise from the burglars that they will not do anything like that further. 

He further asked them to tell the truth.  He asked them who had ordered them to do so.  For that, the leader requested Manikandan to follow them to the inner forest.  Accordingly, Manikandan went with them to inner forest.  In the inner forest, Manikandan saw many tents and a big tent with many soldiers.  He went inside the big tent along with the leader.  The so called Vavar was seated on a big seat.  He was a Muslim by religion.

Really, that Muslim was a stout and tall man only.  He was seen very rough & tough.  He saw Manikandan and asked the leader as to what mischief that young fellow has done.  He further asked him what the cause of bringing such handsome young fellow was.  Also he asked the leader about the burglary done that day.  The leader, with much fear, replied that that the young boy was not an ordinary one but the prince of Pandalam and he only caught hold of everybody single handed while taking belongings from the passers by that day.  The leader again replied that that the boy was advising them not to do that type of things any further.  The Muslim captian laughed on hearing these.  Manikandan asked him to rectify his mistakes and not to continue the burglary.  Vavar replied that he would not adhere to the advices given by the boy.  He also informed that if the boy wanted his life he has to run away from the place.  But, Manikandan repeated his advices.  He exampled so many stories.  Even after hearing all that Vavar was laughing just like anything.  He told Manikandan at last that he will give away the burglaries if Manikandan can beat him in a war.  Since that Vavar insisting Manikandan for a war Manikandan too was ready for the same.  Both Vavar and Manikandan fought well for hours together.  Manikandan made many injuries on Vavar and even then the fight continued.    Vavar fought with vigour.  Manikandan showed to Vavar only as to what he was.  Vavar saw Gods Narayanan, Paramasivan and Allah.  Manikandan informed Vavar about his birth and told him that he will be arriving that place again to kill demon Mahishi.  Vavar stopped fighting with Manikandan, pitied himself for all the thefts done and surrendered to Manikandan for forgiveness.  He promised Manikandan that he will never cheat or kill anybodyon any account.  Manikandan took him to a place and made friendship with him.  Manikandan advised Vavar to leave this job and go to Erumeli.  He further told him to do some good business and help the people nearby.  He again told him that he (Vavar) has to be in the world for some more years and after that only Vavar will be joining Manikandan.  He also told Vavar that after killing the mahishi he would be settling down himself at Sabarimala and so many Bhakthas would be coming over there.  Those bhakthas will come to Erumeli to have a Dharsan of Vavar first and then only they will be proceding over to Sabarimala.

As per the advices of Manikandan Vavar sent out all his assistants away and proceeded to Erumeli to do some business.  Manikandan too built one bungalow for Vavar at Erumeli.  Vavar stayed there.  Vavar was too affectionate to Manikandan and he had very good attachment with Pandalam.  Vavar was physically helping Manikandan on many occasions.    

                                       

16 - Udayanan

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hen it was very peaceful for days together at Pandalam there reached the news again to the King that some burglars are there in the Pandalam forest and that they were even killing the business people of Pandalam who passed through the forest.   The burglary was done by Udayanan along with his brothers Ugrasenan and Bhadrasenan assistated by many others.  Udayanan had the idea of capturing Pandalam since Pandalam was flourishing day by day.    He was waiting for a best time to finish of the king of Pandalam and to have Pandalam under his control.  Somehow the king knew of this also.  Daily many persons came to the Palace and complained about this.  Hence the king decided to go to the forest himself and kill that Udayanan.

Slowly this came to the ears of Manikandan.  He decided to put an end to Udayanan and free the people from this incident.  He knew that Udayanan was not an ordinary man.  He had a very good army.  He approached the king and sought his permission for this.  Since the king had not given permission he immediately approached his mother.  Since the parents had decided Manikandan as the real thrown to the kingdom, she too had not given permission.  Manikandan replied to his mother in many ways.  He also told that Rajarajan was too small and the king cannot be sent to the forest for this purpose he only had to go for the same.  At last, the parents accepted for the same and took a promise from Manikandan that he would not on any account take weapon for fight.  He sent a message to Vavar and he had written very clearly about his situation.  In that message he had asked Vavar as the head of the war against Udayanan.  Vavar came to Pandalam and informed Manikandan that he was doing very peaceful life and he had never disturbed or killed anyone immediately he himself corrected his life.  He asked Manikandan as to how he will fight in lieu of the promise given to Manikandan.

Manikandan exampled the Maha Bharatham and Sri Krishna’s Geetha in detail many times.  Vavar had agreed to fight at last only as per the request of Manikandan.  Manikandan informed him that Pandalam army will back him up.  As per king’s advice, Manikandan set out for the war along with Vavar followed by a great warrior Kaimon, Library Incharge who was a strong batalion, Pandalam Army Incharge, Kalari experts backed by a very strong army.   Manikandan and others went near Udayanan and Manikandan advised him to surrender.  If surrendered he would be let free and sent away or otherwise all would be killed completely.  Since the great Udayanan was not ready for any of these things, Manikandan declared a war with him.  Just like God Sri Krishna in Kurukshethra war, Manikandan also did not take any weapon but took only the Panchajanyam (Shanku).

The next day morning immediately after sunrise, Manikandan whistled the Panchajanyam and the war started amongst the two parties.  Many of Udayanan’s army was killed.  The first day war was mainly between Bhadrasenan, brother of Udayanan and Varar.  In that, finally, Vavar killed him.  By the time the Sun was about to disappear and Manikandan made a sound of Panchajanyam.  Udayanan knew about this.  He took a pleadge that he would kill Vavar in the war since he killed his brother.  That day night, Vavar repented much for many killings in the war.  Manikandan once again advised him not to worry and repeated the story of Kurukshethra war and reminded about Geetha.  Vavar was put to think and made happy on hearing all these.  He stabilized his mind and promised that he will fight for Manikandan.

The second day morning Manikandan whistled the Panchajanyam and the war started.  That day too many of Udayanan’s army was destroyed.  In the battle, Kaiman killed Ugrasenan, the brother of Udayanan.  A very great battle was going on between Vavar and the famous Udayanan.  Finally, Vavar defeated Udayanan and all the rest of the army of Udayanan ran away.  Udayanan was told of Manikandan’s birth and he was nothing but the son of Gods Narayanan & Sivan.  This was told by Manikandan only.   Udayanan realized his mistakes and asked Manikandan to forgive him.  He was forgiven and sent out.  Udayanan also left from that place.  After that Manikandan along with everybody of his army reached Pandalam Palace.   A warm welcome was given to the victorious Manikandan and his party.

17 - God’s Judgement

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ays were passing on very nicely.  Manikandan thought of performing one Gurupooja (pooja for teachers).  He consulted the same with his parents and sent one message to the Palace Astrologer Harinarayana Saastrigal.  The king waited for his arrival to the palace.  He was a good scholar and very honest.  He was a kind hearted and very wealthy too.  Since the messenger did not know the correct address of Harinarayana Saastrigal he went to another house and enquired.  That was the house of one Thrivikraman.  This Thrivikraman was nothing but the brother-in-law of that Astroleger.      From there the messenger got the correct address of Astrologer, found out the house and handed over the message to Harinarayana Saastrigal.  The Astrologer received the message and gone through the same in detail.  He was very happy to read that message but immediately went in deep sorrow since he was not a position to accept the king’s order to come over to Pandalam since he was not well.  The messenger also informed the king that the Astrologer was not keeping well that time.  The king also pitied much.  He immediately called his son Manikandan and asked him to go to the Astrologer’s house to enquire further.

The Astrologer’s Brother-in-law Thrivikraman was not a good one.  He was waiting for his chance of taking over the possession of the wealth of Harinarayana Saastrigal.  Since it was not possible by him alone he got a friendship of one cruel man named Kaalimuthu.  Manikandan arrived Saastrigal’s house.  He received the welcome formalities of Saastrigal and was seated in a chair.  Saastrigal informed Manikandan that he wanted to see Manikandan and the King at least once.   He also told him that he was having some disease and suffering much because of that.  He also told that because of this disease he would not live for long.  He informed Manikandan that he is having a mentally retarded son named Krishnan. He further informed him that some of his relatives are planning to take over only his wealth and that nobody was there to take care of his wife and son after his death.  But Manikandan consoled him saying that some good will happen to them.  Manikandan stayed for some time and left for Pandalam.

After some time, Thrivikraman saw Krishnan in Astrologer’s garden.  Thrivikraman wanted to catch hold of Krishnan.  But, Krishnan got wild on seeing his Uncle Thrivikraman and went to his house.  Krishnan caught hold of his father because of his fear.  Thrivikraman also reached Saastrigal’s house and met him.  Saastrigal advised Thrivikraman well.  He also asked Thrivikraman to correct Krishnan from his doing unwanted things instead of leading good life.   On hearing this Thrivikraman got wild and pushed Saastrigal aside.  Saastrigal was dashed on the head by a pillar and was dead.  He immediately called Savithri (his sister) there and informed that only Krishnan pushed Saastrigal and killed him.  Thrivikraman consold his sister for the death and conducted the formal rights of Saastrigal.  Krishnan went away from the house beause he was much afraid of Thrivikraman.  The news of the death of Saastrigal reached the ears of the King and Manikandan.  Immediately, Manikandan came rushing to Saastrigal’s house and consoled his wife.  On the way to his house Manikandan saw Krishnan running driven by Thrivikraman.  He came near to Thrivikraman and advised him much.  He advised that Krishna and his mother should not suffer of anything.  Manikandan said that Thrivikraman only should take care of their welfare hereafter.  He pressed that if he is found guilty he would be put in jail.

But Thrivikraman did not adhere to these advices. He along with the help of Kaalimuthu was waiting for a chance to kill Krishnan, the only big heir of the wealth.  He thought that his sister Savathri could be killed anyhow.  One day Krishnan was playing when Thrivikraman and Kaalimuthu caught hold of Krishnan and put him Dunchen River.   Manikandan away from this place and he was doing some thing in his Palace.  He knew this suddenly because of his spiritual power and appeared in front of the river.  He saved Krishnan from river and blessed him.  He was given good sense and strong intellectual power.  Krishnan then turned himself as a very good boy.  Thrivikraman was witnessing all those things.  He immediately rushed towards Manikandan and asked to forgive him.  He admitted all his mistakes and repented for that.  Thrivikraman informed him thereafter he would be a good person only and that he would take care of his widow sister and nephew Krishnan.

Manikandan was happy on seeing Thrivikraman saying these.  He was forgiven and blessed.  From this, we understand that if one realizes his/her mistakes and repents he will be forgiven by Lord.  The one should lead a good life thereafter and then only he/she would be freed from all his/her sins. 

Just like this there are so many instances in Manikandan’s life in earth.  I, the Author, have given only a few of them.

                                                        

18 - Gurupooja

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s per the King’s order, Manikandan arranged for Gurupooja (pooja to teachers).   The same was fixed on a very auspicious day.   It was a Pournami (full moon day).

The king asked Manikandan to invite his Guruji Vishnu Sankara Sarma who lived away from Pandalam.  Manikandan took much pain and went to Vishnu Sankara Sarma’s house.  He was given very good welcome by the said Guruji.  Manikandan immediately bowed down before the said Guruji and introduced Himself.  He informed him about the reason of His birth but requested him not to reavel the same to anybody, even to his parents, on any account.  The Guruji and Manikandan had a very long chit chat (discussion) on various subjects.  He then formally invited him for the Gurupooja.

He then went his Paadasaala to invite his Guruji.  He met Guruji’s son and played with him.   He enquired about his health and studies.  Later he saw Guruji’s wife.  She was not wearing Kumkum on her forehead.  He, with much difficulty, asked her the reason for the same.   He was then given to understand that the Guruji was no more.  She also told that this news was not sent to the Pandalam Palace due to some personal reasons at that time.  He condoned much for the demise of the Guruji.  He then invited Guruji’s wife and son for the Gurupooja.

He then went to Pattu Saastrigal’s house and Manikandan was welcomed in a grand manner there.  He had enquired about their health and other matters.   He then invited both the Saasthrigal and his wife for the Gurupooja.

Vyaasar (guru of all gurus - and also a God) was invited for this Pooja.  He only has narrated the story of Mahabhaaratha and written by Lord Ganesa.  The Palace guruji was also invited for this pooja.

The whole Pandalam was decorated with flowers and lights on the Gurupooja day.   The famous Naadaswaram was performed at the gate of Palace.   Drums were also beaten at so many places.   All the gurujis have been welcomed in a traditional manner.  All the Gurujis were brought to the main hall of the palace.   

Manikandan gave a good reception to each and everyone of them.  All of them were given very good seat.  He made his parents also seated among the Gurujis.  He & Rajarajan washed the legs of the entire Gurujis well and performed Pooja.  The first pooja was given to His Parents.  He had performed poojas to the Gurujis individually.  They all were given new cloths and good feast.  All the Gurujis were given Dakshina at last.  All the Gurus blessed Manikandan & Rajarajan.  They blessed the King & the queen also.  They stayed in the Palace for a while and later left for their houses.  Manikandan performed this pooja as a very big festivel.

We are also doing this Pooja now-a-days.  This first pooja was started by Manikandan only.  Even now Vyaasar Pooja and Poojas for other Gurus – Parama guru, Paramaartha guru, Parameshti guru, Paraatppara guru and so on are performed at Sreemadom of Kanchi by Sankaraachaarya Swamigal.  Not only that the same type of poojas are performed in various places.  This is called as Guru Poornima Day.

Please note that respecting parents is a must.   The next worship goes only to Guruji.  God can be ipped next to that. 

19 - The last trial of Minister to kill Manikandan

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he Minister was waiting for the chance to meet the Queen alone.  He thought that he could tell about Manikandan then.  One day he got the chance and with courage entered the Queen’s Palace.   He started talking about the Queen’s health and slowly entered in to Manikandan’s matter.   He recollected Manikandan’s arrival to the Pandalam Palace by the king without knowing his birth details and his brought up by the King and the Queen.  He also pointed out the kindness showed to the boy Manikandan who had no real father & mother.  He slowly opened the subject of crowning such a boy Manikandan when her own Rajarajan was there.  He repeatedly told this matter to the Queen.  It is known fact that if any body used to repeat one message to some body he/she will think of that in gradually.   That has happened here also.  He narrated so many other stories in this regard.  The Queen also started to think of the past and nodding her head for whatever the minister said.  She also thought that the Minister’s advice is correct.  The Minister was happy since the Queen had accepted his words at least then.  The Minister requested the Queen to think about the thrown if the same was given to Rarajaran instead of Manikandan.  Slowly the minister requested the Queen to act as she was suffering from stomach ache and she should not interfere in any other thing whatever it may be.  He has a plan to send Manikandan to forest.  The Minister told her about that and he assured her that he will take care of the balance.

The next day morning itself the Queen acted well as if she was suffering heavy stomach ache.  She further told that the ache was tarnishing her stomach.  All her assistants made her to lie down on a bed immediately.  She even requested everybody to kill herself since she was suffering too much because of the ache.  She was turning all sides.  This news spread like anything and it reached the King and others.  The King, Manikandan, Rajarajan and the Minister along with some others reached Queen’s Palace immediately.  The Palace Vaidyan (Doctor) was called on immediately. 

The Palace doctor came rushing and checked her.  But he could not find out anything.  On seeing this, the Minister requested the King to call a famous Doctor.  As per the King’s order he sent for the Doctor.  The Minister had already arranged for a doctor to adhere to hise words only.   The said doctor came to the Palace with some of his assistants and as already advised by the Minister, he went near the Maharani.  He started checking her as if he was doing some possible efforts.  Later, the Vadhyan pretended, and, requested the Maharaja that someone should bring a Tiger’s milk there (to the palace) and that the milk too should be a hot one only which means a Tiger itself should be brought to Palace.  The doctor further told the King that he has to mix a choornam (medicinal powder) in that and the same should be given to the Queen.  Then only the stomach ache would go away and he emphasized that that was the only treatment.  The sorrowed King started to the forest in search of a Tiger.    Manikandan also was standing by the side of the mother (Maharani).  The beloved Manikandan stopped the King and said that he would go along to the forest to bring the Tiger.   Maharaja advised Manikandan several times that it is very difficult to bring such milk by such a young boy like Manikandan.  Not only Maharaja but the said Minister too wantenly advised Manikandan not to do so.  Other elders gathered there advised Manikandan so.  The Maharaja, due the utmost love to Manikandan, never wanted to lose his son Manikandan.  The King advised Manikandan that fetching a Tiger is not that much easy and that too by a little boy like Manikandan.  While trying so, the Tiger would kill Manikandan.  After great diddiculty, the King very strictly told Manikandan to take necessary assistants along with him while go does to forest for want of tiger.  He told this not with wholeheartedly but only because of adamancy of Manikandan.  While telling so the King was falling down unconscious. The palace doctor checked him and found that he was unconscious.  The wicked Minister was thinking and praying that Manikandan should go to the forest in searth of tiger and while catching the same he should definitely be killed and thus Manikandan’s end will come.  But what has happened.   Manikandan decided that it was the best time and set out for the forest alone.

Actually, we know that Saastha has taken the Avataar as Manikandan only to kill the Mahishi.  Manikandan knew that the time has come to kill Mahishi if he could go to such the forest or some where else.  He knew that the Minister’s plan through the Queen and the Doctor’s advice were purely a reason only and that too was created only by His real Parents Sriman Narayanan and Paramasivan.

20 - Killing of Demoness Mahishi

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anikandan instead of going to the forest passed through several places.   So many days before the sage Narada for meeting Mahishi with sage Dhurvaasa, requested Mahishi to come to one place in the earth.  At once place so many sages made Dhurvaasa as their leader and in his presence conducted one Yakjam (Yaaga).  Narada pointed out these Sages to Mahishi and said that they were doing those Yaagaas only to kill her.  Mahishi got wild and asked her assistants to stop the Yaagaas.   She caught hold of a Senior Sage and asked him to utter her name repeatedly.  But he never uttered her name even once.  Hence she got very angry on him.  She asked her assistants to destroy every thing there.  She even asked his assistant to cut the sage’s hair.  They gathered all the sages who were seated in several places.  They brought everyone before Mahishi.  Mahishi asked them also to chant her name but they did not.  Hence she ordered her assistants to cut off the heads of each sage.  The senior sage who was caught first ran to sage Dhurvaasa in a very good speed and told him everything.  The Mahishi also ran behind him and came in front of Dhurvaasa.    Sage Dhurvaasa asked Mahishi to repent and request all the sages to forgive for what all things she had done to them.  But she had not agreed to that.  Hence sage Dhurvaasa with of this spiritual power made Mahishi very weak and without any weapon for a while.  After that he informed Mahishi that very soon one would be coming over to put an end to her.  He also told her that the days were not far off and he released her from the weak stand.   Mahishi got astonished and went to Swargaloka and disturbed many sages there also.

Manikandan went to Erumeli in searth of Mahishi.  During that the Saptha Rishes (7 important sages) came before him and requested that they were given many obstructions for the Yaagaas by Mahishi and her people.  They created one Mandapam (Temple) there itself and requested Manikandan to sit on that.  Manikandan too occupied that as per their reauest.  The same place is known as the Kiraatha Saastha Temple or Vetta (Petta) Saastha Temple of Erumeli.  That was very near the samaadhi of Vavar.  Mahishi knew from Dhurvaasa that her Days were counted, he ordered Saneeswaran (God of Saturn) to caught hold of Manikandan for a while.  Saneeswaran also obliged and waited some where for Manikandan’s arrival.  God Ganapathy knew of this and appeared before Saneeswaran.  Ganapathy reminded him of the story while he was about to catch hold of Ganapathy & Hanuman.  If he obeys Mahishi’s order to catch hold Manikandan the same story only will occur to him again.  Ganapathy further threatened Saneeswaran that if he wanted to escape he should not even approach Manikandan to catch hold.   Saneeswaran agreed to that.  In turn he appeared before Manikandan and informed that he will on no account approach Manikandan on nobody’s request.  Manikandan revealed his birth reason to Saneeswaran and got a promise from him that he would not even touch his Bhakthas in future.  He further told Saneeswaran that his Bhakthaas will wear only blue/black colour cloths while they come to Sabari Hills.  Not only had that he also informed him that the bhakthaas would be offering Coconut for lighting with Saneeswara’s grain namely, black “Till” (Thila in Sanskrit and Ellu in Tamil & Malayalam) tied on a piece of blue/black cloth and with Ghee into the coconut.  Some people used to put bunch of cotton threads instead of Till packed in a piece of cloth and pour Gingilee Oil instead of Ghee.  This is wrong.   The former one is called “Neeranjanam” which we used to do in all Ayyappa Temples.  On hearing these Saneeswaran was very happy and disappeared.   Even now we see people offer this Neeranjanam in Ayyappan Temples.

By that time itself Manikandan had finished his 12^th year in the earth as per the Boon given to Mahishi.  Manikandan, because of his Godly power knew that Mahishi would not be in the earth and would be only in Swargaloka.  Hence he went to Swargaloka and saw Mahishi there.  He met Mahishi and called her for a war individually.  Mahishi saw Manikandan.  He was very handsome and was too young.  Mahishi told him that she would not call for a war with him since she would not fight and kill such a small boy.  It is not good for a brave lady like her, she added.  Also she told that by killing him she will add sins only and she would not give way for that.  Hence she asked Manikandan to leave the weapons and run away from there.  The reason of Manikandan’s birth was to kill Mahishi.  Hence he challenged and invited her for fight.  Mahishi got wild at last and fought with him.  The fight went on for hours together.  She created many number of Buffalos to fight.  Manikandan’s weapons were of no use and all of them were destroyed by Mahishi.  Manikandan then decided to attack her without any weapon.  He went near her and caught hold of the horns and made her so many rounds.  He then took her upside down and threw to a very long distance.  She was pained much.  Mahishi made a very heavy sound because of pain.  It was said that it was like a thunder.   He immediately came down to the spot.  The Mahishi stood again even though she was having very good pain since she had fallen from a height i.e., Swargaloka to the earth.   Manikandan caught her horns again and tried to break them.  She then fell down because of pain.  Manikandan placed his leg on her stomach and bowed an arrow on her chest.  Immediately she was killed.  Thus, Manikandan put an end to Mahishi.  The actual place where the Mahishi fell down from the Swargaloka is known as Azhutha Medu, very near to Erumeli of Kerala.  Everybody can see this place even today if they go to Sabari Hills through the original route.  This route is also known as Long Route.

Just to witness the killing of Mahishi, Lord Paramasivan along with His Devi Parvathi traveled over Nandi and came to that place.  Paramasivan had tied the Nandi on a tree near that place.  That place only is now known as Kaalaketti Aasramam.  Like that Lord Narayanan along wth His Lakshmi also came to that place. Many can see these places during their journey to Sabari Hills through the long route.  Not only were these Lords waiting there but also sage Narada along with Paramasiva’s sons Maha Ganapathy & Subramanya.  Paramasivan & Naarayanan had already given their powers to Manikandan.

A Lady named Leelavathy rose from the the dead body of Mahishi.  That Leelavathy was no one else but the wife of Daththathreyan whose story was given earlier.  That lady informed Manikandan that Dhatratreyan was no more then since he had attained the feet of Paramasivan during the cursed life.  He also requested that she was without husband; hence Manikandan only should accept him as his wife.  Manikandan replied her that he was the Avathaar of Dharma Saastha and during that Avathaar he would be a batchlor only.  Hence he was not in a position to marry any one.  In this avathaar, he had come to the forest to fetch a tiger for its milk to cure His eartherly mother’s stomach ache and after giving the milk to the doctor he would be settling down at Sabarimala.  He also told her that if she wishes, she could sit by the left side in a temple far from Him.  Number of bhakthaas would be coming over there to Sabarimala every year to see him and all those bhakthaas would be visiting her temple also.  Those bhathaas would be calling her as “Malikappurathu Manchamaatha”.  He also told her that in any year a Kanni Ayyappan (who is coming to Sabarimala for the first time) is not found in that place he will marry her.  Leelavathy accepted to those words and then disappeared.  He knew that kanni ayyappans will be more year after year.

All the Devas including Devendan and Pancha Bhoothas were witnessing the killing of Mahishi.  All of them showered flowers on Manikandan.  Naradar conveyed of Loka Kshemam and started to leave that place saying that he was feeling head ache.  Immediately on hearing the word ‘head ache’ Manikandan throught His mother’s stomach ache

He told Devendran that he has come to catch hold of Tiger for its Milk to cure His mother’s stomach ache.  Devendran was waiting for a chance to thank Manikandan for the killing of Mahishi and returning his Deva Lokam for his rule as before.  Hence when Manikandan told about Tiger he informed Him that he himself will become a female tiger and that He can sit on it and ride to Pandalam.  He also added that his assistants too would become Tigers and follow Him.  Manikandan agreed to this idea and returned to Pandalam Palace.               

    

21 - Tiger’s Milk

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he sipoys of Pandalam from the Pandalam Fort saw a bunch of Tigers coming towards Pandalam.  They saw Manikandan also seated on a big tiger which was coming first.  Immediately they rushed and informed to the King, Minister and all the other important persons.  The Minister had never expected this.  He came to the Fort and saw the same and was shocked at once.  All the tigers entered Pandalam giving heavy sound but not disturbing any body or damaging anything.  People ran away out of its path seeking for safety.   The King also reached on top of his Fort and saw Manikandan coming seated on a big Tiger followed by many tigers and he was so astonished to see that.  By the time the Sage Agasthyar appeared before him and told of Manikandan’s birth reason.  He said Manikandan was the son of Gods Narayanan & Paramasivan and only because of his & his wife’s prayers he kept Manikandan in the forest asking the king to bring him up in his Pandalam.  He added that only after the arrival of Manikandan to Pandalam, it flourished like anything and that he & his wife should be thankful to God for leaving Manikandan with him as their son at least for these 12 years.  He recollected so many and expressed his thanks to Paramasivan & Narayanan.  By the time the sage got disappeared.  Manikandan along with His tiger came near the bed of the Queen and asked the Doctor to take any quantity of milk from the tiger. 

The Queen came near the King and both the King & Queen were about to bow down before Manikandan and He interrupted and asked them not to do so since they were His parents.  The doctor was shivering well since he was asked to take milk from tiger.  Both the Queen and the Doctor repented for their drama which was only as pere the words of Minister.  The crooked Minister then realized who was Manikandan and came running to Manikandan.  He requested Him to forgive for all the mistakes that were committed by him.  Then the King recollected the Sage who came long ago to his Palace to cure Manikandan after consuming Poison and his words.  The King got very angry on the Minister and asked his soldiers to arrest the minister.  He also ordered them to send him out of Pandalam.  Manikandan told everybody that all these had happened only as per God’s wishes.  The Minister was only a reason.  Manikandan requested his father, the king, not to arrest the Minister or to send him out of Pandalam but to forgive him and retain him as the Minister.  He advised the King that Minister has corrected himself and asked for forgiveness and even after that he should not be punished or penalized.  In spite of Manikandan’s repeated advices, the King forgave the Minister.  Manikandan tried His best to the King.  However his angry was brought down.  He also got promise from the King that he will not punish anybody because of Him.

He further told about his birth reason and expressed idea of  his settling down in midst of forests Azhutha Hills, Karimala, Neelimala & Kanthamala named Sabari Hills.  He requested the Kind to crown His brother Rajarajan as the next King of Pandalam in due course and He told the King that He wanted to leave Pandalam and settle down in Sabarihills.  On hearing that the Queen fell down unconscious and later stood by the side of the King.  He told the King that his Life in the Earth has come to en end and He was ready to set out for a shelter place as said earlier.  He also told that he will be with everyone especially with the King & the Queen in guiding them to rule Pandalam.  The parents requested Him not to do so but Manikandan did not go back from his decision.  Manikandan told the King that He will send an arrow to Sabarihills and that arrow would strike in one place.  He would give Godly power to the King to watch that and also asked him to construct an 18 stepped temple near that place and install Him there in the form of a Tapa Yogi (the form of sage doing penance).  From there he would rule the whole world.  He then bowed an arrow and that arrow struck on one tree and that tree only is called Saramkuttri Al (Banyan tree) now.  He further added that he would be appearing on the top of Kaanthamala in the form of a Jyothi followed by Uthram Star only on the Makara Sankranthi Day (Makaram month, the 1^st of Malayalam Calendar and 14/15^th January of English Calendar).  This can be seen only in a particular part of the very thickest hilly forest Kanthamala named ‘Ponnambalamedu’.  The parents were not able to control their affection to Manikandan.  They requested Manikandan atleast to wear the Ornaments prepared for his crowning ceremony.  He requested the King to send the same to Sabarimala every year on Sankranthi day in the evening when He will wear all the ornaments and would look like a King as per the wishes of both the King & the Queen.

Immediately after His advices & requests, Manikandan disappeared from there.  The parents and all the people of Pandalam wept too much because of the disappearance of Manikandan.  The word AYYAN come since Narayan is the mother of Manikandan and the word APPAN has come since Paramasivan is the father of Manikandan, i.,e., HARI + HARAN otherwise., AYYAN + APPAN, if both put together He is known as AYYAPPAN, the only son of Both Narayanan & Paramasivan (Saiva Vaishnava Daivam).  In other words He is the only God of both Vaishnvaits and Saivaaas.

Now coming to the story, as advised by Manikadan to his father, years together Ayyappan is giving Dharsan to all the devotees in the form of a Jyothi (sacred light) on the first day of Malayalam month Makaram (Thai in Tamil months and 14/15^th of January) on a particular time also.  There is a connection between the King of Travancore and Sabarimala temple.  Even today, Travancore king is sending heavy quantity of ghee to Sabarimala and this is used for the Abhishekam (bath) of Ayyappan.  This Abhishekam is done when Sun changes his place of stay from Dhanur Raasi to Makara Rasi. The golden Ornaments i.e., Thanga Anghi (weighing about 420 Sovereigns to 52.5 kgs.) which will be placed on Ayyappan Idol on the last day of Mandala Pooja, were donated to the temple by the late King Chiththirai Thirunaal of Travancore.   

Everyone started running for life on seeing this.  Rajasekara realized that Manikandan was not an ordinary child. As told by the sage in the forest that Manikandan’s intent of birth would be known  at his age of 12, Manikandan had reached the age of 12 by then. The queen and diwan fell at Manikandan’s feet for His pardon. But Manikandan said it’s not their mistake and everything happened for a cause, with God’s blessings.

22 - A temple at Sabarimala

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n olden days there lived a sage named Mathanga in the midst hills of Azhuthamala, Karimala, Neelimala, and Kanthamala (mala means Hill).  He was living there in his house (Aasramam) with many assistamts.  He taught Vadas and many other Upanishads to others.  One lady named Sabari was also among the assistants.  Once the sage Mathanga was describing and singing about God Sri Ramachandra.  Sabari was deeply involved in that.  After that she did penance just to see Lord Bramma and the Lord appeared before her.  He asked sage Mathanga to come to His abode and stay with Him.  Sabari was worshipping Sri Ramachandran and she wanted to see him at least once in her life.  She replied Lord Bramma that sage Mathanga would be coming to His abode immediately and only she could not come immediately she wanted to see Sri Ramachandran and do Paada Pooja (doing pooja of His feet).  She added that she would be coming to Bramma Loka only after that and upto that time she would continue to stay only in the house of sage Mathanga.  She then did penance for Sri Ramachandran.  God Bramma along with sage Mathanga blessed her and they went to Sathya Loka, His abode.

Sabari was there in that Aasramam and one day she met Sri Ramachandran.  She did the Paada Pooja to Sri Ramachandran and got His blessings.  Manikandan was returning the point where the arrow was pierced and He also met Sabari on His way in the Aasram.  She became very old by the time Manikandan reached the Aasram.  She did Paada Pooja to Manikandan also.  As per wish, Manikandan told her that the hill where he had decided to stay would thereafter be known as Sabari Hill since that Sabari’s stay was in that hill only.  As already told, that Sabarihill was located in the midst of 4 Huge Hills namely Azhuthamala, Karimala, Neelimala and Kanthamalai.  Manikandan is known as Pancha Malaikku Aarasan (King of Pancha Giri), Bhooloka Nathan (leader of earth), Bhoomi Prapanjan (the one who is spread out in the earth), Villali Veeran (the one who won all), and Veeramani Kandan (the courageous Manikandan).  Author himself is named as Veeramani.  All these are very meaning full. There are so many other names and the author has given here only a few. 

As already told the King and all others were very sad because of the disappearance of Manikandan.  After some days as per the advices of some elderly people, the King called for very efficient famous people for constructing a temple as Manikandan’s advice.  The King constructed a very good temple and the base stone was 18 stepped made out of one stone.  The temple was built up on the supervision of Viswakarma, Devas Archeologist.  He made an idol in the form of Yogi, the one doing penance. 

The right hand pointing finger and the thumb was touching together.   All the other three fingers were pointing the sky and the left hand fingers were shoinwg the earth.  This is called as Chin Mudra.  Both the legs looked like a Yogi sitting and a Yoga Bhatta was tied around the idol’s Legs (knee side) and the body.  As a whole it was looking like a Tapayogi and the idol looked like 12 years of age.  It was made of a very good stone.  On a very auspicious day, in the presence of many other sages and King along with his Official Troup, the Idol was installed by Parasuraman (incarnation of Mahavishnu).  The King employed many thanthries for the day to day Pooja.  Just like that as already advised by Manikandan another temple was built and Leelavathi’s idol was installed therein, now known as Mancha Maathatha.  The King ordered his assistants to open the Temple for all the 41 days every year i.e., from Kaarthigai 1^st to Markazhi midst (16^th/17^th November and 25^th/26^th December) and asked them to conduct Pooja well. 

Those days were called as Mandala Kaalam.  In front of the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple Ponnambalamedu in Kanthamala situates at a very high place.  Even now, each & every Sankranthi day by about 6.20/6.30 P.M., the ornaments are reaching Sabarimala and decorated to Manikandan and after that only the doors of the temple are opened for Deeparaadhana.  These ornaments are kept at Pandalam Palace securely.  For giving the same to Ayyappan, these are kept in tact in three different boxes, named as Thiruvaabharanam and are taken to Sabarimala temple every year during January for the Makara Sankramam with Police escort followed by number of devotees. 

Only after the Garudan, king of birds (Eagle in white colour), the said Thiruvaabharanam will be lifted out by the authorized people from Pandalam.  The Garudan will be flying around the Thiruvaabharanam through out its journey.  That scene will be a very exciting one.  The said Thiruvaabharanam will enter the Sabarimala temple after two days only through the Holy 18 steps.   The temple Saanthies (priests) will open the boxes and decorate Ayyappan Idol immediately and very correctly.  The Haarathi by Camphor i.e., Karppoora Deepa Aaraadhana will be performed.  Only During that time the sacred Jyothi can be seen in the sky and the only sound “SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA” can be heard all over Sabarimala.  Nobody can witness both the Jyothi and ayyappan idol.

There is belief that if the Ayyappan’s father (any body from his family as his representative) is coming to his Temple and stands in front of Him, Manikandan has to rise from the Yoga form.  Hence Manikandan had requested his father not to come in His front since He (Ayyappan) would be dressed like a King i.e., only on the Sankranthi Time/Day.  This is followed even now.   Currently, the Father’s thrown (believed to be Manikandan’s father’s successor) is Thiru Revathy Naal Ravi Varma.  He is also much aged.   

Later, i.e., from 1^st January the temple was opened and poojas conducted.  On the 14^th/15^th day the Sankranthi was celebrated and that day only the Jyothi was seen.  On 20^th of January the temple was closed.  These days were called as Makaravilakku kaalam.  After some days, one Committee was formed and they thrown open the temple for Vishu.  On those olden days the temple was opened only for these three festivals.  After so many years, after the demise of the King one Devassthwom was formed and they started opening the temple on beginning days of all the Malayalam months.  Later they opened the temple for Onam also.  But, for all these they had performed Deva Prassnam. Only as per its result they had ordered the temple authorities to open the temple.  Till date the same system is followed up.

Due to our ill-fate, one day the temple caught fire and the original idol was missing from its place long ago.  Hence the temple seemed without Deity.  Suddenly another Panchaloha Idol (made of Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass and Bronze) was installed in the place of the the original one.  This jeernodharanam was performed on Friday, Kadaka Raasi, Hastha Star in month of Tamil Vaikaasi, the 21^st day of May 1951.  This was headed by the late Sri Kandararu Sankararu, the uncle of late Sri Kandararu Neeelakandararu (eldest brother of the present thanthri).  The same idol only is seen in Sabarimalai at present.

The original 18 steps were damaged because of striking coconuts by many Bhakthaas.  Hence to safe guard that, the Deveswom, as usual, conducted the Deva prassnam and as per that they arranged to cover the same and also the Flag Hoisting Pillar by Panchaloham.   The temple top was covered by Gold by a sponsor named Mr. Vijay Mallaya, who hails from Andhra and these are seen at present.  They used to conduct Padi pooja to such Holy 18 steps in Mandala Vilkku and Makara Vilakku Kaalam.  But this was postponed to some other dates only due to heavy rush to Sabarimala during these days. 

At present they are performing the same only after January every year.  In all the days, the authroties of the temple used the close the temple gate only after Hariharasutha Astakam.   The slokam contains 8 stances and starts with “Harivaraasanam….”, the famous song which Manikandan liked very much and it was created by Pattu Saastrigal’s next birth, as already detailed earlier.  This is sung by Mr. K.J. Jesudass and this is followed all the Ayyappan Templs all over the world. After singing this, no other Hindu religious song should be sung and that is why, this song, namely Harihara Sutha Astakam is sung only at last in the night.  A cassette is played at Sabarimala Temple everyday (sung by the very famous singer Dr. K.J. Yesudoss).  M/s. Jayan & Vijayan have also sung the Ayyappan Suprabhatham and is played there. 

All should make a note that while conducting Ayyappan Poojas by individuals (in houses or anywhere); the said Hariharasutha Astakam should not be sung generally.  In case the slokam is sung, the concerned poojari or the house owner should recite Ayyappan Suprabhatham the next day morning and do Punarpooja.

23 - UPADESAM (ADVICE) GIVEN BY MANIKANDAN

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ahaaraaja had doubts about Universe, Creation of living beings and Yugams.  He had so many other doubts also.  Hence he requested Manikandan to clear his doubts.  Manikandan called Agasthiar to the court and requested him to happenings of the Universe which he heard from Maharshi (Saint) Sineekar.  Maharaaja called other prominent personalities also to hear to Manikandan’s advices.

The God of Creation, Bramma has created the earth and others in the Universe.  While creating He has created 7 Dweepus with seven seas apart from various Upadweepus.  The Dweepus are called nowadays as Continents and the Upa-dweepus are called as Islands.  All the continents and islands are surrounded by water i.e., sea.  He further created all types of plants and other living beings.     Lord Bramma has created human beings into four categories such as Brammanaas, Kshatriyaas, Vaisyaas and Soodraas.  The Brammanaas are created from Bramma’s head, Kshatriyaas from chest, Vaisyaas from stomach and Soodraas from foot.  Later, the human beings have named the four categories as castes and so they have made many sub-divisions in the castes.  Some good human beings have been promoted as Devaas.  He has created Pancha Bhoothas also.   There is no wind or any other activitiy far away from the earth.   He has created Grahaas and all the Grahaas are in one line and rotating the Sun.  Now it is called solar system but the Grahaas are not in one line as before.  

There are four Yugams (60 Tamil names are there for each year which make several cycles in one yugam) namely, Krithayugam, Thredaayugam, Dwaaparayugam and Kaliyugam in the world.    In the other Yugams, God/Goddess has taken so many incarnations on various times.  Kaliyugam is about 4,32,000 years and the Dwaaparayugam is two times of Kaliyugam i.e., 8,64,000 years.  The Thredaayugam is three times of Kaliyugam i.e., 12,96,000 years and the Krithayugam is four times of Kaliyugam i.e., 17,28,000 years.  If all these four yugams are joined together the same is called a Chathuryugam or Mahaayugam i.e., 43,20,000 years.  Such 1000 Chathuryugams are the day time of Chathurmuga Bramma (four faced Bramma) which is called a Kalpam.  There are 864 Kalpams in the yugams.     If the 432 crores of years is doubled i.e. 864 crores of years is one full day for Bramma.   Bramma’s age is 100 such years.  With demise of Bramma the earth also will come to an end. All are aware that Bramma is one of the Thrimoorthies.    When Sri Krishna was born in the earth, Kali (the moorthy of Kaliyugam also took birth).

Krithayugam                           17,28,000 years 

Dwaaparayugam                    12,96,000 years

Thredayugam                          8,64,000 years         

Kaliyugam                                 4,32,000 years

                                                            ------------------------43,20,000 years (human years)

Chathuryugam or Mahaayugam        Kritha + Dwaapara +Threda + Kali yugam

                                                                        i.e., 43,20,000 years (10 times of Kaliyugam)

Chathuryugam                                    43,20,000 x 1000 years = 432 crores of years

One full day of Chathuryugam           864 crores of years

                                                                        i.e., 1 day for Lord Bramma

Life span of Bramma                          100 years i.e., 864 crores of years x 365 x 100 =      3,15,36,000 crores of years

Inn                   nthat   I                      

In that 50 such years are called Paraartham.  One Paraartham is over and the second is under process.  This is half of the life span of Lord Bramma.  Now we are in Swethavaraaha Kalpam.    This is the first kalpam.  Even that too is nearing to an end.  As we say in Sankalpam, now ½ the life span of Bramma is completed. 

The Manus’ life span is 71 chathuryugaas i.e., 71 x 43,20,000  i.e., 30,67,20,000 years. This is otherwise called Vaivaswatha Manwantharam.    Actually, 14 Manus’ dynasty has ruled the world till now.  Some other Astronomers say that at present, the 28^th chathuryugam is going on and that too in Kaliyugam.  Just like the names of days there are 7 names of Kalpam.  In the rites, poojas, etc., we are telling the the age of Bramma  in our Sankalppam His age such as  name of kalpam, manwantharam, yugam, paadam, dweepu, khanda varsham, khandam the country we are staying, Thidhi, Samvatsaram, paarswam, ayanam, paksham, rithu, month, star,  etc. of Bramma in the sankalpam.    The sankalppa manthra is given below:

“Mamopaatha Samastha Dhuritha Kshayadwaara  - Sri Parameswara Sreeman/Naaraayana Preethyartham - Thadeva Lagnam Sudinam Thadeva - Thaaraabalam Chandrabalam Thadeva – Lakshmeepathe:  Anghriyukam Smaraami – Subhe Sobhane Muhoorthe – Aadya Brammana: Dwitheeya Paraarthe Swetha Varaaha Kalpe – Vaiwaswatha Manvanthare – Ashtavikum Sathithame – Kaliyuge Pradhame Pathe – Jamboo Dweepe – Bhaaratha Varshe – Bharatha Khandhe – Mero: Dakshine Paarswe Sakabthe  - Asmin Varthamaane – Vyavahaarike Prabhavaathi Shashtya: Samvathsaraanaam Madhye ……………………… Then, the name of our gothram, birth star, birth raasi and name (as the case may be).

There are 7 Lokaas (types of world) in the Universe which are Bhoo lokam, Bhuvar lokam, Suvar lokam, Mahar lokam, Jana lokam, Thapo lokam, Sathya lokam.   The names ofNow only the Avaanthira Pralayam (biggest) will occur.  After that for so many billion or trillion of years the Universe will be under water only.  Thus, the destruction of Universe will happen.  But, the sun will be there in the Universe.  After some cores of years the new Bramma will be come and the Pralaya water will go away.  Then Bramma will start creation of living beings and others in the Universe as detailed above.

Agasthiar further told that the good activities, especially, human beings will become very bad in the end of Kaliyugam.  No God or Devaas wil appear before them.  Because of this the others may say that the old puraanaas are lies and all are created only.   The human beings will believe ones who give more wealth and others will be disrespected.

At the beginning these were told in detail by Sriman Narayanan, and then a sage named Narayanan told to Kamaloppavar, and then he told the same to Rupu.  This was later told to Priyaviraadar by Rupu.  Priyaviraadar exlained this to Paakuri and then Paakuri told the same to Sthambamithirar.  Just like this the same was told to one and all and lastly to Pulasthiya Maharshi (Saint).  This was told by Pulasthiya Maharshi to Parasara Maharshi and then Parasa Maharshi to Mythreya Maharshi.  This was told again to Sineekar.  He in turn had told to Agasthiyar.

Agasthiar has told about the formation of the World & Universe and other activities elaborately.   All are not given here.  I, the author has listened and learned from various Books written by eminent Writers.  I am giving below the characteristics of Kaliyugam and the activities of people not only I know but also as advised by very learned  personalities from the fields of Theosophical, Journalists, Religious, learned Gurujis, God believers, etc.

In the other yugams, those people used to go to go to Devalokam and meet so many.  But in Kaliyugam it is not possible since Kali makes most human beings not to belive anything.   In the Kali Yugam, the Devan named Kali would work very hard.   At the end of Kaliyugam, the people used to talk lies without any fear.  Human will not care anybody.   They will not give respect to elders or their parents.  Many internal problems would arise even in family or in a group.  Those who are smart in burglary, etc., would definitely be doing the same very freely.  Even many murders would occur for want of Money.  Maandreeka (doing evil to others) would be spread like anything.  Some people do the Maandreeka through the experts to their enemy and the affected also return that Maandreeka through some other experts to the sender.  This will continue like this. 

The Vedic experts would make money by teaching vedaas.  Those people will demand money for any Vedic chanting.  Even farmers would sell their lands to others for more money.  Because of this, the cost of all grains would go very high including vegetables.   Also cultivation of grains & others will slowly come down.  Only money will have more value than good quality of eatable products or even living facility.  The farmers will cultivate grains and vegetables and others using only medicated manure and due to this the users of the products will fall sick.   They may have to approach Veidyaas (Doctors) paying more money for curing the same.   In some cases they may fall in serious ills (sometimes unknown deceases) and they may die even.  People will have no time even to devote God.  There will be no devotion even to duty.  There only devotion will be to making MONEY, MONEY, and MONEY only.  They all will think money only is everything in life.  Politics will arise and its situation will go very worse.  Cheating would become very common.    Cows & Goats would start eating even papers and because of this, the quality of milk would become very bad. 

Day by day, the bhakthaas would be very less.  Such people will spoil the minds of those people who believe God.  They would even hamper good things done by good people.  They would say that God has nothing to do with day to day activities or else.   Even then, in some areas Poojas and other functions will go smoothly.  They would advise others not to do so who believe God and from doing offerings to God.  They would say that God has no eyes.  People will die in younger ages.   New types of births such as two headed or more eyed/eared/legged/handed/bodied babies and animals with different shapes will take birth.  However, the celebrations to God will be very rare.  Some girls will like to marry only huge moneyed boys than good habit.  Married men and women will divorce the counterpart due to causes which are unreasonable and unreliable, sometimes unbelievable.  Many men & women will have more than one counterparts, and if asked he/she may say so many reasons.

People who have no belief on God would tease those people who have good belief.  God had appeared on Tapaas before many people other than Kaliyugam.  God will never appear before anybody.  Of course, to some personalities, He would be doing well only that too indirectly.  Those who live in a good way and doing well to others would face some difficulties and because of this their belief on God also would come down and may join with others.  But only some people who never leave belief on God would achieve success at last.  More Grahaas have no self light.  Most of the stars have their own light.   Some are having reflected lights only and it would be flickering.  I think, on seeing this only the rhyme ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Liter Star’ is written.

Day by day the weakening situation increases like this and the world also would come to an end.  So many untoward accidents will occur and everybody would die one day.  Just like the last word of the above paragraph, the one would succeed if he never leaves the belief on God, doing good to everybody or a few even though there are so many objections.  Since the science is increasing in the world day by day, the life of living beings especially, human beings are also developing.  So many floods and Tsunamis will occur in the world in addition to serious bulk accidents, big storm, heavy cyclones, Volcano bursts, etc., in between yugams and also chathur yugams.   There are three types of Pralayam (dissolution).  But, anyhow, all the lokaas (Universe) will come to an end by Mahaapralayam (Pralayam means the world ends by any of the above natural happenings). 

Lokaas we say in Praanaayaamam.  All the devaas are there only in the above lokaas.  In that the first three lokaas are of one group.  In Hindu regional rites “Om Bhoorbhuva suvaha” is told only because of this.  There are so many mandalams and others above these.  All the other four lokaas are somewhat superior to these.  There are few other lokaas above all these lokams & mandalams, etc. which are much superior to these.  Totally, there are 14 lokaas in the Universe.  While Bramma is going to bed in the night one type of “Deluge”, Dissolution, i.e.,Pralayam (Tsunami, Cyclone, and damages because of hills/mountains, etc.) will happen.  There are three types of Pralayam namely Naimithika, Aadyanthika & Avaanthira Pralayam.  At the end of each chathuryugam, some Pralayam will happen.  That time Bramma will put an end to only the above three lokaas.     All the lokaas will come to an end at the end of Bramma’s life span. 

I can advise a few which are given in the next few paragraphs.  This is not new.  Very regional gurus have already advised the same.   I am only repeating that.  I have given the names of the Samvathsaraas and many other details in this book under the head “Navagraha sthothram”.

Various Mahaans/Gurujis have told us that there are Paramaathma & Jeevaathma i.e., the Gods & the living beings.  The Jeevaathma are taking births just like a small creature first (sometimes not even visible) and lastly he takes birth as human that has all the six types of knowledge i.e., powers of seeing (Eye), smelling (Nose), touching (Skin), tasting (Tung), hearing (Ear) and the additional power of talking (Speech).   Human beings are having all the above six powers and that is why human birth is best & great.   Above human beings there is nothing in the world.  He should think of God and do some good things to others who are needy.  By doing good things to poor a human will definitely get more blessings and he may join with Paramaathma after death.  Otherwise he has to take rebirth even from the beginning.   Vedaas also are telling the same thing.  Hence he advised others to help others.  Just like these he had given many advices to others in so many occasions.

Please note that if some Ups are there, some Downs will be there afterwards.  If some Hot is there some Cold also will be there on the other side.  If some well in finance the balance will be in poverty.    Those people should not blame God for their sufferings or money shortage.   The poor people may get money later.    On any account, those people should not stop worshipping God.   Please note that Life is like a coin.  It has two sides – the one is Pleasure and the other is Pain (sufferings).  Only one side can be seen at one time.  The other side is waiting for its turn.    Pleasure or Pain along will not be stable.    When suffering comes in one’s life he/she will think of God.  That is not nice.  All the people should have brotherly relations.  They should love animals, at least kindness to them.  If you do not disturb others (whether human beings or animals or creatures) the others will not disturb you.  This is applicable to reptiles’ especially, snakes.  If good ones only are happening in one’s life there will not be any interest in his life.  If poverty comes in one’s life the one will think of God.  The God will test the one whether the one is having strong belief on God even in poverty.  Because of sufferings above and above, the one should not be tired and leave belief on God. 

I would like to bring here abovt one occurance which one Guruji has told me.  One educated and wealthy man was doing lot of evils to others and saying so many lies through out his.  He met one Swamijee and asked me make him good to others.  The Swamijee told him that you are going to die in 7 days from day.  Hence nothing is necessary now.  The frustrated man was shocked and he never showed interest in doing evil things and never told any lie.  He went to so many temples and prayed God.  At the end of the 7^th day he again met that Swamijee accidentally and that Swamijee recognized him.  Hence he enquired what can be done to him.  But the man told him that I want God’s blessings only since I am going to die in few hours as you told.  At least at this time I want go to His (God’s) feet.  Then the Swamijee told that I told you that you will die within 7 days that day.  That was only a joke.  Because of that you had avoided doing evils to others and telling lies only because of the fear that you are going to die soon.  Anyhow all the born ones have to die one day.  At least when he/she is alive, he/she has to lead only a good & clean life without doing ill to others.   The one should not even think of doing ill to others and he should never do so.  The thought itself should be very good. 

He/she should do his/her duties and others besides thinking of God at least 10 minutes a day.    The one should lead only a moral life.  You should be a model to others.  (The Swamijee has advised many other things whch I am not repeating here).  The referred wealthy man realized his mistakes in his life and led a very good life thereafter.   He attained the feet of God one day and so many wept for his death and praised him much.  And that is the way a man/woman should live in the world.

Ultimately, I say the following:

Now-a-days yaagaas are very less in the world and that is why the poverty is dancing in the place.  There is no timely rain and timely season.    Only in yaagas one will put into fire some valued items.  To my knowledge, I say that some are putting valued items into the sacrificial fire.  Why so?  Please note that all the valued items that are put into that are called Aahoothi and that all of them will be changed into ashes by the fire (God of Agni).  Anything that is put into fire will completely be changed only to ashes.  The concerned God/Goddess will receive the Aahoothi in the form of ashes and the people conducting the yaaga will definitely be rewarded.  Since whatever valuable items are used in a pooja, the same will be taken by the people thereafter.  Not only that the One should perform the yaaga purely wholeheartedly and then only the One will be rewarded.   He replied so many to clear his doubts.

If one is taking birth the one has to die another day.  During the life time one is telling that this is “mine”, that is my “mine”, etc.  Nothing is “mine” and nothing is permanent.  Even life and the earth are not stable.  Only doing well in one’s life is important and that only is permanent.  He has to chant manthraas also besides life.  Some will be having very good voice and some do not.

If good voice is not there the one can at least do ‘Naama sankeerthana’ i.e., chanting one God’s name along many times whenever free time is there.  If the one does not know chant even, he/she should take part wherever the ‘Naama sankeerthana’ is there.   At least, he/she should listen to it.  This should be done at least daily.  The one should go to a nearest temple.  The last incarnation in this chathuryuga is Manikandan i.e., Ayyappan.

24 - OTHER PROMINENT TEMPLES OF SRI AYYAPPAN

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here is a temple in Madipakkam of Chennai just like the Sabarimala temple.  The pooja followed here is Thantric styles only.  This temple was consecrated in the year 1978.  The Kumbhabishekam was performed in this temple during the Kaalayukthi year (Tamil year), 24^th day of Vaikaasi month, i.e., on Wednesday the 7^th June 1978.  The time they performed is between morning 6.20 and 7.15 the Lagnam being Midhunam.  Praana prasthishta and the Ashta bhandhana Mahakumbhabishekam followed by all other poojas were conducted here only in Thandrik styles.  This was presided by the famous Thanthri of Kerala and the then Thanthri of Sabarimala Temple by name Brammasri K. Neelakantararu Thanthri only (he passed away about 2 years’ back).  There are so many Deities in this temple such as:

in the first floor            - Sri Kannimoola Kamala Ganapathi

- Sri Nagaraja (you can see Sivalingam just near the neck of

                        Naaga Raja i.e., snake)

- Sri Ayyappan

in the ground floor      - Sri Bala Ganapathy

                                    - Sri Bala Murugan     

                                    - Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini

                                    - Navagraham and Hanuman in one of the pillars

We call Ayyappan of this temple as Uththara Sabari Gireesan and also as Madippakkam Manikandan.

The same Thanthri along with Sri Sreenarayanan performed the Second Ashta Bhandhana Maha Kumbhabishekam in May of 1990.  The same Thanthri conducted the Ashta Bhandhana Maha Kumbhabishekam once again in the month of May 2002.   From the consecration of the temple, during Brahmmotsavam every year, the Padipooja for the Holy 18 steps is also conducted by Sri Srinarayanan by 9.00 P.M. (on all the ten days).   Nowadays, the same are celebrated even for more than 25 days.  At the backside of the Sreekoil for Sri Ayyappan, there is an Idol of a Sage also. As far as I know, his name is Bringi Munivar (Saint - Sage).  The Founders of the Temple said that this sage was doing penance only at this spot and hence this Idol. Just like this, there is a temple for Ayyappan in Raaja Annaamalaipuram near Foreshore Estate of Chennai with Holy 18 Steps.  This is very similar one to that of Sabarimla.    This temple itself is facing to Bay of Bengal that too very near the shore.  Recently Sri Guruvayurappan temple consecration was conducted in this temple premises near Annadhana Mandapam. The pooja style followed here is not only Vaideekam but also Thanthreekam.

Apart from the above two Temples which are having the Holy 18 steps there are so many temples in Chennai and also in its outskirts.  The following are very important ones.  One is in Mahalingapuram at Kodambakkam of Chennai.  Here there are separate temples for Sri Ayyappan as well as Sri Guruvaayoorappan and they are built in Kerala styles only. 

Trustees govern the temple and lots of Malayalis are members of the particular temple.  Here the poojas are performed in Thsanthrik styles by Nambudiris only.  Sapthaaham (Pooja for 7 days) and regular Bhajans along with other poojas are conducted here.

There is one temple at Anna Nagar.  Here also the poojas are performed in Thanthrik styles by famous Nambudiris only.  This temple situates very near Anna Nagar Tower (Sir Visweswarayya Tower).  Seeveli is conducted regularly and other functions are performed very well.  There is a temple for Sri Dharma Saastha in between the Sannadhies of Aaadikesava Perumal & Aaadi Pureeswarar. 

During my bachelor life I was staying very near this temple and was rendering service to Lord Ayyappan and became Sishyan of Guruji Sri Gopalakrishnan.   Here, the deity is giving dharshan along with his wives (Davis) named Poorna & Pushkala.  This temple is the oldest of all.  Here, expert Archakaas performs the poojas in Vedic styles.

There is another Temple in K K Nagar.  There are so many temples in Nanganallur, Avadi, Ambattur, Villivakkam, and the main deity being Sri Ayyappan.  During the recent years many new temples for Ayyappan are coming up in Chennai.  In most of other big temples also a separate Sannidhanam is given for Lord Ayyappan.  In most of the above temples, they follow pooja only in thaanthrik style.  Due to old age or other reasons, so many devotees used to go to these temples, particularly to Madippakkam Ayyappan Temple after their 41 days of Nonbu.  There are so many other temples for Ayyappan in Madras and throughout India and in other Countries too.

-          Subham   -