Stories from
Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam
G. Sankaranarayanan
Divisional Signal & Telecom Engineer (Retd.)(For private circulation only. Not for sale)
Printed and released by Mrs & Mr. S. Gomathinayagam
and Mrs & Mr. S. Sivanand on the occasion of the
Manivizha
(Shashtiapthapoorthy) of their parents
Shri. G. Sankaranarayanan and Smt. Nachiar
On 11th June,2010, at Madurai
1 The story of how Indiran got rid of his Sin 1
( ÖÍ]«[ Ãa yìÝ> æéD )
2 The story of how Airavatham, the white elephant
got solvation from the curse. 5
( Øk^çá BVçª ÄVÃD yìÝ> æéD )
3 The Story of the origin of the City of Madurai 6
( ]òåï«D ïõ¦ æéD )
4 The story of the holy incarnation of Goddess Umadevi
as Thadaathagai Pirattiar 8
( >¦V>çï© ¸«Vâ½BVì ]ò ¶k>V«© æéD )
5 The Marriage of Thadaathagai Pirattiar 10
( ]ò\ð© æéD )
6 Lord Sivan's dance at Velliambalam 12
( Øk^¹BDÃéÝ ]òÂíÝ>V½B æéD )
7 The story of how Gundodharan was fed 13
( zõ¼¦V>«ÐÂz ¶[ªt⦠æéD )
8 The story of appearance of pits full of rice and Vaigai River 14
( ¶[ªÂ za¥D çkçB¥D ¶çwÝ> æéD )
9 The confluence of Seven Seas at Madurai 15
( ¨¿ï¦_ ¶çwÝ> æéD )
10 Reincarnation of Malayathu raja Pandian 16
( \çéBÝmkÄçª ¶çwÝ> æéD )
11 The Holy birth of UkkiraPandian 17
( cÂþ« ÃVõ½B«m ]ò ¶k>V«D æéD )
12 The story of Ukkirapandian receiving Vel, Valai and Chendu 18
( cÂþ« ÃVõ½BòÂz ¼k_, kçá, ØÄ[| ØïV|Ý> æéD )
13 The Story of how the sea was dried up by the vel 20
( ï¦_ ·kÅ ¼k_s⦠æéD )
14 The Story of how Indiran's Crown was shattered 21
( ÖÍ]«[ x½¼\_ kçá ¨¤Í> æéD )
15 The Story of Ukkirapandiar hitting the Meru with Chendu 23
( ¼\òçkß ØÄõ¦V_ ¶½>> æéD )
16 Lord Sivan enlightens the sages on the essence of Vedhas 26
( ¼k>ÝmÂz© ØÃVò^ ¶ò¹ß ØÄF> æéD ) CONTENTS Episode SL.No. Introduction - ¶¤xïD Madurai Kaandam \mç« ïVõ¦D
17 The story of Lord Somasundarar selling rubies as a trader. 28
( \VèÂïD suŠæéD )
18 The story in which Lord depleted the Ocean set off by
Varuran on the city of Madurai 31
( kòð[ s⦠ï¦çé kuÅß ØÄF> æéD ) Koodal Kaandam
( í¦_ ïVõ¦D )
19 The story of how Madurai Came to be known as
"Naanmadakoodal) 32
( åV[\V¦Â í¦éVª æéD )
20 Lord Somasundarar comes as an Ommipotent Siddhar 33
( ¨_éVD k_é EÝ>«Vª æéD )
21 Statue of elephant chews Sugarcane 34
( ï_éVçªÂz ïòDA ¶ò]B æéD )
22 The story of how Lord Somasundarar killed a rogue elephant 35 with arrow ( BVçª ¨F> æéD )
23 Lord Manifests himself as an Old man, Youth as well as a littlebaby boy. ( sòÝ>, z\V« ÃVé«Vª æéD )
24 Lord Natarajar Changes his dancing posture 40
( ïV_ \V¤ g½ª æéD )
25 The Story of how lord helped averting injustice 42
( ÃaBÞEª æéD )
26 The Story of how the great sins were Neutralised 45
( \VÃV>ïD yìÝ> æéD )
27 The story of dismembering of limbs 47
( ¶ºïD Øk⽪ æéD)
28 The story of killing of a ferocious Serpent 49
( åVïD ¨F> æéD )
29 The death of the deceitful cow 50
( \VB© ÷çk kç>Ý> æéD )
30 Identifying men by pointing at them 51
( Ø\FÂïVâ½â¦ æéD )
31 Undepleting pouch of gold given by Lord 53
( cékÂþa ¶ò¹B æéD )
32 The story of Lord Somasundarar Selling bangles 55
( kçáB_ suŠæéD )
33. Lord teaches "Ashtamasiddhis" 56
( ¶â¦V\VEÝ] cü>EÝ> æéD ) Ý
38
34 The story of affixing His Rishabam Seal on the fortress 58
( sç¦ ÖéßEçª Ö⦠æéD )
35 Lord Somasundarar providing a water kiosk in the battle field 60
( >õ§ì© ÃÍ>_ çkÝ> æéD )
36 Lord becomes an alchemist 62
( Ö«ÄkV>D ØÄF> æéD )
37 The story of how Chola King was pushed in to a deep abyss 64 of water ( ¼ïVwçª \|s_ Tâ½B æéD )
38 Lord Somasundarar grants an undepletable granary 65
( cékV ¼ïVâç¦ ¶ò¹B æéD )
39 The story in which Lord appeared as the uncle of a boy in 66 litigation. ( \V\ªVï kÍm kwÂzç«Ý> æéD )
40. The story of Lord Varaguna Pandian was shown Sivalokam 68 at Madurai
( k«zðÐÂz Ek¼éVïD æéD )
41 Lord Somasundarar comes as a firewood seller 70
( sÅz suŠæéD )
42 Lord Somasundarar's Letter of introduction addressed to 73 Chera King ( ]òxïD ØïV|Ý> æéD )
43 Lord Somsundarar gifts a golden plank to Paanabhathran 75
( Ãéçïl⦠æéD )
44 Paanabhathrar's wife winning the musical contest 76
( ÖçÄkVm Øk[ŠæéD )
45 Lord Somasundarar nurses the piglets 79
( Ã[¤Â zâ½Âz xçé ØïV|Ý> æéD )
46 The Piglets were made ministers of Pandian King 80
( Ã[¤Â zâ½ïçá \Í]öï^ gÂþB æéD )
47 Lord Somasundarar gives enlightenment to a Black Drango 81
( ïöÂzòsÂz cü>ÄD ØÄF> æéD )
48 A stork was bestowed with Mukthi 82
( åVç«Âz xÂ] ØïV|Ý> æéD ) Thiru Alavai Kandam
49 A snake defines the boundaries of Madurai City 84
( ]ò gékVBVª æéD )
50 A war was won with the arrows of Lord Sundareswarar 85
( ·Í>«© ¼Ã«DA ¨F> æéD )
51 Lord gifts a miraculous seat to Thamizh Sangam 86
( Äºï© Ãéçï >Í> æéD )
52 Gifting Dharumi a pouch of gold 88
( >òtÂz ØÃVþa ¶¹Ý> æéD )
53 Nakkeerar gets rescued from the golden - lotus pond 90
(ÿ«çªÂ ï竼Bu¤B æéD )
54 Nakkeerar was taught Thamizh Grammar 90
( ÿ«ÐÂz ÖéÂïðD cü>EÝ> æéD )
55 Settling of the disputes among the Sangam Poets 91
( ĺïÝ>Vì ïéïD yìÝ> æéD )
56 Removing the despair of the poet Idaikkadar 92
( Öç¦ÂïV¦[ ¸ðÂzÝ yìÝ> æéD )
57 Lord Somasundarar manifests as a fisherman 93
( kçéTEª æéD )
58 Lord Sivaperuman as Teacher enlightens 95 Thiruvathavoorar Spiritually
( kV>Æ«½ïÓÂz cü>EÝ> æéD )
59 Foxes Transformed into Horses 97
( åö ÃöBVÂþB æéD )
60 Horses turned into foxes again and the flooding of Vaigai 98
( Ãö åöBVÂþ çkçB ¶çwÝ> æéD )
61 Lord Somasundarar carries soil on his head 99
( \õ ·\Í> æéD )
62 Curing the mysterious fever of Pandian King 102
( ÃVõ½B[ ·«D yìÝ> æéD )
63 The execution of Jains 106
( Ä\ðç«Â ku¤B æéD )
64 Calling Vanni Tree, well and the Lingam to appear 108 as witnesses ( k[M¥D þð®D ÖoºïxD ¶çwÝ> æéD ) Epilogue 111 u Om Namasivaya THIRUVILAIYADAL PURANAM
Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam is a magnificent work in Thamizh
language written by poet Paranjothi Munivar. It describes the sixty four e p i s o d e s i n w h i c h L o r d S i v a p e r u m a n h a d e x h i b i t e d His profound love and affection towards His devotees by donning different roles in order to alleviate their despair and grief. This He did through His limitless powers. The Original work is a treat for those who can read and enjoy the Thamizh language. Here an attempt has been made to present those sixty four stories in simple English for the benefit of the younger generation of our family. Many of this generation do not have the proficiency in Thamizh either due to non-exposure to the beauty of the language or due to a default English-medium education. The narration has been limited to only the story part of the original, leaving aside the enormous details of the literary nuances. Every effort has been made to keep the language simple.
Paranjothi Munivar, the author is considered to have lived in the later part of 16th century or early 17th century. Being a devotee of Lord Sivaperuman he had been travelling to various shrines of Lord Sivan to worship Him and during the journey he reached the city of Madurai. There he was instructed by Goddess Meenakshi to write this work for the benefit of the Thamizh literary world. He, with the unfailing support of Lord, did an excellent job of it and his work is graded as one among the three great Puranams in Thamizh.
The work is entirely of verses and of three major parts called Kaandams. They are Madurai Kaandam, Koodal Kaandam and Thiruaalavai Kaandam.
These stories were said to have been narrated by Sage Agasthiar to a group of sages. Now you are invited to read on please……
Acknowledgments
I thank the members of my family for their unflinching support in
this effort. I particularly thank my daughters-in-law who assisted me in loading the manuscript into the system.
Madurai Kaandam
Episode 1 : The story of how Indiran got rid of his sin
One day, Indiran the head of Devas was in his Royal court at Indiralokam. All Devas had assembled there including many sages. Beautiful girls like Ramba, Urvasi and Menaka were presenting a grand performance of songs and dance. The ambience was lovely and enchanting. Every one was thoroughly enjoying it including Indiran.
At that time, Brahaspathi the guru of Devas came to Indiran's court. Indiran who was totally lost in the mesmerizing performance of the beauties, failed to take notice of his guru's visit. Resenting his indifferent behavior, Brahaspathi left the place at once. From then on, the beauty and prosperity of the Indiralokam started to decline. It was due to the disrespect shown to one's guru. Realizing his blunder, Indiran went about searching his guru to tender his apology. But he could not locate his guru. Crestfallen, he approached Brahma the Creator. Knowing what was going to unfold, Brahma advised Indiran to go to a demon called Vichuva uruvan (Viswarupan in Sanskrit). Vichuvauruvan was the son of Dhuvatta, a demon priest. Vichuvauruvan always despised Devas. When Indiran approached him, he said that a particular Yaaham had to be performed to restore the past glory of the Indiralokam. Indiran readily agreed and made all arrangements.
During the course of the Yaaham, Vichuvauruvan covertly sought the welfare of the demons in his mind but pretended to seek the welfare of the Indiralokam. Realizing this foul- play, Indiran became very angry. In a fit of rage, he killed Vichuvauruvan. From that very moment, Indiran was caught by brahmahathi dhosham (the sin of killing unarmed person). Indiran was haunted by it day and night and he was restless. Meanwhile Dhuvatta got the news about the death of his son at the hands of Indiran. He was very upset and wanted to take revenge. He conducted a big yaaham and from the homagumdam rose a terrifying figure. It was Viruthirasuran a demon of huge size.
Dhuvatta ordered this demon to go and kill Indiran.
Viruthirasuran declared a war on Indiran. Indiran fought with all his might but could not withstand the onslaught of the demon. He ran to Brahma for advice. Brahma took him to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu said,"Indira! Your weapons are no match to Viruthirasuran. You go to Sage Thatheesi. At the time of churning of the Ocean of milk (Parkkadal), the Devas and Asuras were asked to deposit their weapons with Sage Thatheesi. Subsequently no one claimed them back for long. Fearing the possibility of them falling into the wrong hands, the sage swallowed them all. Those weapons merged with his spinal column. You request the sage to give his spinal column and make a Vajrayutham out of it. He is a great soul who does not turn down anybody's request".
Indiran thanked Lord Vishnu and went to Sage Thatheesi. After hearing Indiran, Thatheesi agreed to sacrifice his life for the sake of Indiran and other Devas. Through his yogic powers he separated his soul from his body. He attained moksha leaving behind his mortal remains. Indiran got a strong weapon (Vajrayutham) made out of the spine of the sage. He then challenged Viruthirasuran and fought a bitter battle. After neutralizing the demon's various weapons, Indiran took his Vajrayutham. On seeing that Viruthirasuran lost his nerves and ran for his life. He dived into the ocean and plunged to its unfathomable depths. Indiran pursued him but could not trace him. Indiran sought the help of Brahma again. Brahma advised to seek the help of Sage Agasthiar.
Agasthiar listened to Indiran's plight and promised to help him. He shrunk the ocean into a droplet of water and drank it. This exposed Viruthirasuran who was sitting atop a hill and doing penance. Without hesitation Indiran killed the demon with his Vajrayutham. Though he vanquished his enemy, Indiran was caught by the brahmahathi again. It dogged him and haunted him mercilessly. To escape from its torture Indiran hid himself inside the stem of a lotus flower in a pond. Without Indiran the Indiralokam lost its glory .
Meanwhile a king called Nakushan became eligible to the throne of Indiran by performing a number of yaahams. He was received by Devas with all festivities at Indiralokam. But the mean-minded Nakushan desired to meet first Indirani, the beautiful wife of Indiran-in exile. Lust blinded him. Being the head of Indiralokam, his palanquin was carried by Saptharishis to the palace of Indirani. Unmindful of this he ordered the rishis to go faster. His foolish behavior irked the rishis and he was cursed to become a serpent. Without a king to rule them, Devas were worried and they went to their guru and represented this. Brahaspathi, with his divine insight, understood the whereabouts of Indiran. He took the Devas to the pond where Indiran was hiding inside the lotus and called out. Indiran came out and fell on the feet of his guru, seeking apology for his mistake . Guru magnanimously forgave him and asked him to go to earth and worship Lord Sivaperuman at various shrines to get rid of his brahmahathi.
Indiran obeyed and started off on a pilgrimage. After worshipping at various places, he happened to reach Kadambavanam in south. As soon as he entered that forest, his brahmahathi left him. Pleasantly surprised, he consulted his guru and the guru said that it was the place where his brahmahathi was destined to be removed. Kadambavanam was a lovely place where Mother Nature was at her pristine glory. There was greenery everywhere and the birds were chanting Sivanamam. Thrilled by the ambience, Indiran asked his men to explore the area. They came and reported that they had sighted a naturally grown Sivalingam under a kadamba tree adjoining a beautiful pond. Indiran rushed there and was overwhelmed by the scene. He prostrated in front of the lingam and worshipped. He took bath in the pond and looked around to gather the choicest flowers to offer to Lord Sivan. Instantly there appeared numerous golden colored lotus flowers in the pond. He collected them and ordered material from the Indiralokam itself for performing a grand pooja. He asked Viswakarma the craftsman of Devalokam to construct a fabulous vimanam for the lingam. At once, a magnificent vimanam studded with numerous gems and supported by eight elephants, two in each side, descended from the heaven. Then Indiran performed a grand
pooja as per the scriptures to the lingam.
Pleased with his worship, Lord Sivaperuman appeared in front of him and asked Indiran what he wanted. Gratitude filling his heart, Indiran requested that he be granted the boon of worshipping Lord at kadambavanam forever. Lord said," Worshipping me here on the full moon day of Chitrai month every year (Chitra Pournami day) is equivalent to worshipping me through- out the year. So you come here on that day every year to worship and now you return to your Indiralokam." Then He disappeared. Indiran worshipped again the Golden- lotus pond (Potramaraikkulam) and the vimanam sheltering the lingam. Then he returned to Indiralokam.
Episode 2: The story of how Airavatham, the white elephant got salvation from the curse
Sage Dhurvasar was rewarded with a golden lotus flower by Lord Sivan one day. The sage was very happy and carried that flower to Devalokam. At that time, Devalokam was celebrating the victory of Indiran over Asuras. Indiran was sitting atop his royal elephant, the Airavatham, coming as part of a huge procession. Music, dance and other festivities were on. Devas and rishis were there to greet Indiran. Dhurvasar also thought it fit to greet Indiran with the golden lotus flower he got from Lord Sivan. But when he offered the invaluable flower, Indiran received it with one hand, still sitting atop his elephant. As if this was not enough, he placed the flower on the head of the elephant. When Indiran himself did not realize the value of that flower, how elephant could? It took the flower with its trunk, threw it on the ground and trampled over it.
Sage Dhurvasar became very angry and he exploded,“ Indira! How dare you showed such a disrespect. That was the flower worn by none other than Lord Parameswaran. He gave it to me and I gave it to you. Your elephant further insulted by trampling over it. You recklessly forgot that the position you enjoy was the boon given to you by Lord Sivan. Let your head be shattered by a Pandian king and your white elephant be turned into a wild elephant!” That curse made everybody to tremble. All Devas pacified the sage and pleaded for mercy. Dhurvasar relented and modified his curse thus: “The danger to Indiran 's head will pass off shattering his crown only and the elephant will regain its status after a hundred years.”
Airavatham was turned into a black wild elephant. It wandered here and there for a long time and by chance reached the periphery of Kadambavanam. By then hundred years had passed. At kadambavanam it saw the golden-lotus pond and the magnificent vimanam . Its good senses returned and it took bath in the pond. When it got out of the water, it regained its colour and status. It had turned into Airavatham again. Joy and humility filling its mind, it started to worship Lord Sivan inside the Vimanam. Lord appeared and asked the
elephant what boon it wanted. Airavatham knelt down and pleaded, “ Oh Lord! You have been so much merciful to me. Please permit me to support your vimanam along with the other eight elephants”. Lord smiled and said,” You are the Royal elephant of Indiran. Go and serve him”
Airavatham was reluctant to leave the place. But then obeying the orders, it went back to Indiralokam after creating a pond called “Airavatha theertham” at kadambavanam.
Episode 3 : The story of the origin of the city of Madurai
The king Kulasekhara Pandian was ruling the Pandian kingdom with Manavoor (situated east to kadambavanam) as his capital. At Manavoor there lived a trader by name Dhananjayan. He was very noble at heart. He was also a devotee of Lord Siva. By virtue of his trade he used to travel a lot. One day at dusk he was returning home. When he reached the fringes of the kadambavanam it had become dark and he was sure that it would not be possible to cross the forest in darkness. At that very moment, he sighted the beautiful vimanam and the golden- lotus pond nearby. He rushed there and to his immense joy, found Lord Sivalingam under the fabulous vimanam. After worshipping the Lord, he decided to spend the night there itself. That was a Monday. At midnight, what unfolded in front of his eyes was stunning. All devas descended at the spot and started performing elaborate sivapooja to Lord Somasundarar. Dhananjayan was so lucky that apart from witnessing that pooja, he was assisting the devas too. It was a great privilege bestowed on him because of his devotion. The pooja went on throughout the night and the devas disappeared at dawn. Dhananjayan returned home and he was desperate to narrate the incident to someone.
He decided to share his experience with the king himself. The king Kulasekhara Pandian was astonished and decided to visit the kadambavanam on the following day. But that night itself he had a wonderful dream in which Lord Somasundarar appeared as a siddhar and ordered the king to construct a new city at the site where Dhananjayan witnessed the rare sight.
Next morning the king along with his men went to kadambavanam and worshipped Lord Somasundarar. He ordered to clear the forest, level the ground and to prepare the area for the construction of the new city. One day when the king was discussing how to go about establishing the city, Lord Sivan himself came to the king's court as the siddhar. As the king was already familiar with the appearance of the siddhar, he welcomed him and paid tributes. The siddhar then advised the king and others in-detail about planning the city. Then he disappeared. The king followed the siddhar's instructions meticulously. First, a beautiful temple was constructed around the glittering vimanam, with separate sanctum sanctorum for goddess and other deities as per Aagama sastras. Then, around the temple wide streets and lanes were provided to house mandapams, choultries, parks and ponds. There was a beautiful palace for the king also.
When all the works were completed, the king prayed Lord Somasundarar to bless the city. The Lord was amused and made a few drops of the nectar (Amudham) be sprinkled from the crescent on His head, over the city. The city was instantly purified and came to be known as “Madhuranagar” (later became Madurai)
The king arranged to get Adhisaiva Brahmins from the city of Kaasi, provided them with homes at Maduranagar and directed them to perform daily pooja and rituals at the temple of Somasundarar. The city flourished well and became a symbol of prosperity and divinity.
After Kulasekhara pandian, his son Malayathuvaja pandian took the reins of the Pandian kingdom.
Episode 4 : The story of the holy incarnation of Goddess Umadevi as Thadaathagai Piraattiar
Pandian Malayathuvajan was a great scholar, noble at heart, compassionate towards his subjects and above all a true devotee of Lord Somasundarar of Madurai. His wife, Kaanchanamaalai was the daughter of the Chola king. The Royal couple was happily married. But there was an undercurrent of sorrow in their lives, as they were not blessed with a child. Not having a successor to the throne worried the king very much. So he decided to perform a number of Aswamedhayaahams. He completed ninety nine of them. In the event of him completing one more, that would have made him eligible to become Indiran, the king of Indiralokam. This fact was not palatable to the then incumbent Indiran. He did not want a competitor to his position. So, he appeared in front of Pandian and said, ”Oh King! If you perform Puthrakameshti yaaham you will be blessed with a child.” The king accepted his advice. He abandoned the 100th Aswamedha yaaham and started Puthrakameshti yaaham instead.
As the yaaham was in progress, one day there appeared suddenly a very brilliant light in the middle of the fire (agni) in the homagundam. Everyone around including the king and the queen watched in awe. To their utter surprise a beautiful girl of three years stepped out of the flames. She went and sat on the lap of the queen. The royal couple was overwhelmed by emotion. Their prayers had been answered. Goddess Umadevi herself had willingly appeared as a child to alleviate their sorrow. But, then there was a discomfort. The girl child was having three breasts on her bosom instead of two. The king and queen were upset over that. At that time, there arose a divine voice from the sky. It said “ Oh King ! Do not worry. Bring her up and teach her everything befitting an heiress. At the appropriate age, when she meets her husband-to-be, the extra breast will disappear”. The King heaved a sigh of relief and ordered to celebrate the arrival of the child.
He went to the temple with the queen and the child to worship Lord Somasundarar. He showered gifts lavishly on everybody. He ordered release of prisoners and abolished several taxes levied on
his subjects. People were extremely happy.
The baby girl was named Thadaathagai and as she grew, she became more and more beautiful. She quickly learnt whatever taught to her. She attained proficiency in Vedhas and other sastras. She could learn all the sixty four art forms very easily. The King arranged to train her in warfare too. She mastered the handling of weapons, horse ride, elephant ride and chariot ride. Thadaathagai's matchless beauty, excellent wisdom, fine character and immense courage were the talk of the Pandian Kingdom and beyond. People were very proud of their princess.
Malayathuvaja Pandian was very much pleased by Thadaathagai's achievements and decided to handover the throne to her. All arrangements were underway. The city of Madurai was bedecked so nicely that it resembled Devalokam. Invitees poured in from all directions. On the auspicious day chosen, the princess Thadaathagai was crowned as the Queen of Pandian Kingdom. She ruled the Kingdom admirably. All of the people were very happy. After some time, Malayathuvaja Pandian passed away.
Episode 5: The marriage of Thadaathagai Pirattiar
Under the rule of Queen Thadaathagai, the kingdom flourished very well. Meanwhile she attained marriageable age. Her mother Kaanchanamaalai, as every mother would, became concerned about finding a suitable bridegroom for her daughter. But Queen Thadaathagai had different plans. She wanted to conquer all other kingdoms in the world. She led a huge army along with her trusted ministers like Sumathi. Unable to withstand the power of her army, the kings of other kingdoms either surrendered voluntarily or conceded defeat after the battle. After defeating the kings on earth, she set her eyes on Indiralokam. But Indiran ran away deserting his kingdom even before the battle. Piratti grabed his riches.
Finally her majestic army reached Mount Kailash. Nandhidevar, the chief of boothganam who guarded Kailash learnt about the arrival of the queen. He ordered boothaganam to engage her army. But the boothaganam could not stand for long against the valour of the queen and her forces. This was conveyed to Lord Sivaperuman. He smiled and said that He Himself would come to the battle field. A little later, he stood there in the peak of his charm, facing Thadaathagai Pirattiar. They looked at each other. Mother Goddess could not take her eyes off Lord Sivan. At that very moment, Piratti's extra breast disappeared. That sensation brought about a sea-change in her attitude. The brave warrior in her gave way to wonderful feminine personality, making her to blush. She blissfully surrendered to romantic feelings. The elderly minister Sumathi who accompanied her, recollected the message of the divine voice that arose at the time of manifestation of Piratti from the homagundam. He informed her that Lord Sivan who was standing in front of her was indeed her would-be –husband. Those sweet words further melted her heart. Lord Sivaperuman addressed her," Thadaathagai, I was closely watching your victories ever since you left Madurai. I will come to Madurai on Monday next, to marry you." Pirattiar reluctantly left His company and returned to Madurai with her forces. Knowing what had happened, Kaanchanamaalai was overjoyed.
Arrangements were underway for the marriage. Invitations were sent out to various kings and dignitaries in all directions. They were too happy to participate in the wedding and arrived in large numbers. People of Madurai decorated the city in every conceivable manner. They felt as if it was a marriage in their own household. It was the most luxurious wedding arrangements ever made, befitting the divine couple.
On the day of marriage, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudran alongwith other devas arrived at Kailash. Nandhidevar announced their arrival to Lord Sivan who was kind enough to welcome them. Kuberan started the work of putting on the 'wedding make-up' for Lord. Afterwards the bridegroom mounted the rishabam. Surrounded by all devas, rishis and boothaganam, He reached the city of Madurai. He was received with much fanfare and taken to the Royal palace. At the door Kaanchanamaalai welcomed Him with a posse of maids carrying auspicious things. Bowing at His feet, she expressed her great desire of offering the hand of Thadaathagai Piratti to Him and requested Him to take over the reins of Pandian kingdom as well.Lord Sivan acknowledged and accompanied the royal staff to the beautifully and tastefully decorated venue of the wedding.
Inside the palace, maids were busy putting on the bridal make –up for Thadaathagai Pirattiar. Exquisite silk garments and fabulous jewellary adorned her. Then she was escorted to the venue by Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswathi. On the wedding dais she sat beside Lord Sivan. The scene of God and Goddess sitting together as bridegroom and bride was a feast to the eyes of all. Words could hardly describe the splendor and grandeur of it.
As Brahma conducted the marriage proceedings, Lord Vishnu offered the hand of Thadaathagai pirattiar to Lord Sivan. Then Lord Sivan tied the knot and the divine wedding was over, bringing great glory to the city of Madurai, the Pandian kingdom and the people. Lord Sivan took over the charge of Pandian kingdom as Sundarapandiar.
Episode 6: Lord Siva's dance at Velliambalam (Dais of silver) As soon as his marriage with Thadaathagai Pirattiar was over, Sundara Pandiar invited all those assembled for a grand feast. Everyone took bath in the golden- lotus pond and returned. Among them were the sages Pathanjali and Vyakrapathar. They bowed to Lord and submitted that they were of the habit of taking food only after worshipping Lord Siva's cosmic dance at Chidambaram. Pleased with their devotion, Lord said, that he would perform the dance at Madurai itself for their sake.
Everyone reached the temple. There appeared a beautiful elevated dais of silver with a platform made of Rubies. On that platform arose the dazzling figure of Lord Sivan. Setting his right leg on the back of Muyalagan and lifting his left leg in air, He performed the divine cosmic dance. People couldn't take their eyes off that wonderful event as they watched.
Both the sages, on whose behalf the great dance was performed, were deeply moved by the boundless mercy of the Lord. They worshipped him singing hymns. The Lord asked them what they wanted. They requested that the divine dance be there forever. Further they pleaded that those witnessed the dance that day be granted the boon of “no rebirth” in the world. The Lord conceded. Everyone was immensly pleased and showered praises on the sages for their matchless love and concern for others.
Episode 7: The story of how Gundodharan was fed
Thadaathagai Pirattiar had made elaborate arrangements for the wedding feast. All those who assembled for the marriage were fed to their satisfaction and they departed after greeting the divine couple. However there remained a problem. There was a lot of food- stuff left over even after feeding everybody. The cooks and the attendants brought this to the notice of Thadaathagai Pirattiar. She reassured them and went to her husband SundaraPandiar. She explained to Him the strange incident of mounds of food left unconsumed.
Sundarapandiar smiled and decided to enact a divine drama. He turned back and glnced at Gundodharan, a bootham who was holding the royal umbrella. From that very moment Gundodharan started feeling great hunger. There was virtually a flame inside his stomach. Unable to bear its intensity, he fell on the feet of Sundarapandiar and prayed to save him from the hunger. Lord addressed Thadaathagai Pirattiar, "Thadaathagai, you may give a handful of the left-over food to this starving Gundodharan." Pirattiar ordered her attendants to take Gundodharan to the kitchen. On the very sight of the food, Gundodharan ran towards it and started to swallow a variety of food items. In no time the cooked items vanished into his stomach. But his hunger did not subside. He then started to eat raw vegetables, fruits, spices, milk, curds and ghee. Every one was astonished. Some of the maids even felt a deep fear inside. They ran to Pirattiar and reported what they witnessed. Pirattiar felt a little uncomfortable and came to Sundarapandiar. He mockingly asked her whether He could order some more boothaganam to consume the food. Pirattiar said,” Sir, even after eating
every thing, Gundodharan's hunger is not subsided. There is nothing left for anybody else.” At that time Gundodharan came there and said that hunger was killing him indeed and pleaded for mercy. The poor bootham was exhausted and spent up with his strange predicament.
Episode 8: The Story of appearance of Pits- ful of rice and Vaigai River Taking pity on the plight of Gundodharan, Sundarapandiar thought of Annapoorani in his mind for a moment. In no time several pits appeared on the ground in all directions. Each pit started to overflow with cooked rice mixed with curds. Sundarapandiar affectionately directed Gundodharan to eat the curds- rice as much as he desired. Gundodharan dipped his huge hands into the pits of rice and ate to his satisfaction. Soon his hunger disappeared but a great thirst for water took over. He ran here and there and drank water from wells, ponds and lakes till they dried out. His thirst was not subsided. He ran back to Sundarapandiar and reported his new problem. Sundarapandiar directed the river Ganges worn by him in his matted hair to come as a new river to Madurai. Obeying him, Ganges immediately started to flow as a great river towards Madurai. She rolled forcefully bringing all wealths alongwith. As the flood reached Madurai, Sundarapandiar asked Gundodharan to quench his thirst. He immediately entered into the river and squated, stretching his hands bothsides to block the flow of the floods. He then opened his huge mouth and drank the water till his thirst was subsided. He, then returned to Sundarapandiar and prayed paying rich tributes to him. Sundarapandiar was pleased and made Gundodharan the chief of boothganam.
The river Ganges which flowed to Madurai was named as Vaigai and was known by various other names such as Sivagangai, Vegavathi, Sivagnana theertham and Kiruthamaalai
Episode 9: The confluence of seven seas at Madurai
Lord Siva himself was thus ruling Pandian Kingdom as Sundarapandiar. Everyday many sages, learned scholars and people of wisdom kept visiting the palace to worship Sundarapandiar. One day, sage Gouthamar visited Madurai. After paying tributes to Sundarapandiar, he went to meet Kanchanamalai the elderly queen. She welcomed him with all devotion and during their conversation, enquired the sage about ways and means to get rid of the cycle of birth and rebirth in this world. The sage replied, “Oh queen, you are so fortunate and you must have performed great penance in your previous births. As a result you have got Mother Goddess herself as your daughter and Lord Sivan, as your son-in-law, in this birth. However I will answer your question. Scriptures speak about of three types of penance (Thavam). The Thavam performed by mind is called “Maanatham”. It involves thinking of doing charity, speaking truth alone, tolerating the wrong doings done to oneself by others, always in union with Lord Sivan mentally and controlling the five senses. The next Thavam is performed by mouth that is using mouth, called “Vaasikam”. It involves chanting Panchaatcharam (Namasivaya), mantras from Vedhas, upanishads and singing hymns and devotional songs. The third is the Thavam done by one's limbs that is physically done. It is called “Kaayikam' which includes performing pooja, going to temples, punya shetrams, taking physical exertion in doing temple renovation and construction. Finally, taking holy dip in Holy rivers. It is much more special to take bath in seas because all rivers finally join the seas”.
On hearing such elaborate explanation from sage Gouthamar, Kanchanamalai became very much interested to take bath in the sea. She conveyed her desire to her daughter, Thadathagai Pirattiar. She inturn requested Sundarapandiar to help fulfilling her mother's desire. The most benevolent Lord said, “Why one sea? All the seven seas will be here at Madurai”. When God himself desires, can anything be held back? The very next moment water of all the seven seas confluenced in a big pond at Madurai. It was a great sight to behold. The multicolored water rising and falling in waves made everyone to be astonished.
Episode 10 : Reincarnation of Malayathuvaja Pandian
Sundarapandiar and Thadathagai Pirattiar came to the pond in which all the seven seas had joined. The environment was so much enchanting. The Lord turned to Pirattiar and said, “As per my order all the seven seas have arrived to this place. You may invite your mother to take bath”. She obliged and brought her mother.
Kanchanamalai consulted exponents regarding the rules of taking bath in seas. They replied that rules demanded that a woman should take bath in sea holding the hand of either her husband or son. If it was not possible, she must take a dip holding the tail of a calf of cow. On hearing those words, Kanchanamalai's heart sank. She was so sad that she was left with no alternative except holding the calf's tail. She didn't have a son and her husband was already dead.
Thadathagai Pirattiar became concerned at her mother's despair. She went and conveyed it to Sundarapandiar. At once Sundarapandiar thought of Malayathuvaja Pandian who was in swargalokam. The moment he understood the Lord's desire, he came down to earth in a divine Ratham. He was extremly happy to meet his son-in-law and daughter. Unable to believe her eyes Kanchanamalai also came nearby. Sundarapandiar advised his father-il-law to take bath in the pond along with his beloved wife. Malayathuvajan and Kanchanamalai took bath together happily. As soon as they took bath, their wordly links were broken and they attained heavenly form with the grace of Lord Sivan. At that moment, a glittering Ratham descended from heavens and landed. Sundarapandiar directed Malayathuvaja Pandian and Kanchanamalai to board the Ratham. As they did so, the Ratham ascended to heavens. Who can match their luck?
Thadathagai Pirattiar was very happy at the turn of events. She said with great adoration, “Swami, my mother wanted to take bath in the sea. You have arranged all the seven seas to come to this place. You have fulfilled her desire by bringing back my father to take bath together. Above all, with your grace, you have granted my parents the matchless gift of viewing your Sivasoroopam and finally the moksham.”
Lord acknowledged and smiled.
Episode 11: The holy birth of Ukkirapandian
Sundarapandiar's governance of the kingdom was a great boon to all. The graceful Lord took the human form to marry Thadaathagai Pirattiar and remained so to rule the Pandian Kingdom and brought about a great legacy to the dynasty. With abundant benevolence he wished that the dynasty should flourish further. His divine will made Lord Murugan himself to manifest as an embryo within Thadaathagai Pirattiar. Like anyother woman, Mother Goddess also experienced changes in her body as the preganancy advanced. As per Royol customs, everymonth various ceremonies were held. On an auspicious Monday, combined with Thiruvathirai star, a baby boy was born, accompanied by heavenly music and shower of flowers. Thadaathagai Pirattiar embraced her son with great love and handed him to Sundarapandiar.
Vishnu, Brahma and other Devas arrived with their consorts. Kings of various other kingdoms also reached Madurai to have a look at the child. Everyone was stunned at the looks of the beautiful child. They talked among themselves and concluded that it was Murugaperuman himself taken birth as the royal infant. The joy of people of Madurai was boundless. On an auspicious occasion, Sundarapandiar named the child as “Ukkiravarman”.
The baby grew and at the age of five, Sundarapandiar performed “Upanayanam” for the child. As per his order, the Devaguru Brahapathi himself performed the role of the Teacher. He taught the Prince all sastras. He also trained him in handling of weapons, horse ride, Elephant ride and riding of chariots. At the age of eight, Ukkirapandian mastered whatever taught to him. His parents watched happily his progress. As he turned sixteen, he was the most handsome and brave prince, with unblemished character. There was enough indications that one day he would be the greatest emperor, famous for his bravery, benevolence, wisdom and virtues. Sundarapandiar noticed all these with satisfaction. He decided to perform marriage to Ukkirapandian first and then to crown him as the King. He started consultations with his ministers and learned elite.
Episode 12: The story of Ukkirapandiar receiving Vel, Valai and Chendu
Sundarapandiar's ministers and statesmen went into a huddle to choose a suitable bride. Their efforts were rewarded when they unanimously concluded that the daughter of King Somasekharan was the right choice. He ruled from Manavoor and his daughter Kanthimathi was known to be very beautiful and a perfect match for Ukkirapandiar in every count.
That night Somasekharan had a dream in which Lord Sivan appeared and advised him to get his daughter married to the son of Sundarapandiar. King Somasekharan was extremely happy. After due consultations with his ministers on the following day, he started off to Madurai along with his beloved daughter. He was accompanied by his ministers and Royal staff. At the same time, Sundarapandiar's ministers, men and the representatives of the Pandian family started towards Manavoor. Both the parties met midway. Sundarapandiar's ministers proposed the hand of Princess Kanthimathi to Prince Ukkiravarman. Somasekharan readily agreed stating that he had been instructed by Lord Sivan to do so. His consent was carried by messengers fast to Madurai. Subsequently, Somasekharan and Kanthimathi reached Madurai. Sundarapandiar welcomed them and arranged for their stay in another palace. Scholars worked out the most auspicious day for the marriage. Invitations were sent out to various other kings. People of Madurai started decorating the city enthusiastically.
As the day of marriage approached, kings from all directions were reaching Madurai. Sages, scholars, poets and other exponents arrived. Brahma, Vishnu ,Indiran and other devas came to witness the marriage. Princess Kanthimathi's beauty was further enhanced. Though her beauty was beyond words, Brahaspathi the Devaguru described her beauty from her head to toes. Those who heard him were mesmerised. Meanwhile Ukkirapandiar and Kanthimathi were being adorned by a variety of ornaments, jewellery and clothings. They were then escorted to the marriage dais. King Somasekharan with his wife
washed the feet of Ukkirapandiar, showered flower petals and offered his daughtr's hand in marriage to Ukkirapandiar. Then with the chanting of manthras homam was performed. Ukkirapandiar tied the thirumangalyam around the neck of Kanthimathi. Afterwards there was a grand procession of the couple through the streets of the city, to facilitate the public to have a glimpse of the prince and the princess. The couple went to the temple to worship Lord Somasundarar and Goddess Angayarkanni. Sundarapandiar was gracefully present to bid farewell to all the invitees later.
One day Sundarapandiar called Ukkirapandian and said, “Dear son, in future, Indiran and sea god will become your enemies. The great Mount Meru also will exhibit arrogance out of pride. At those instances, use this, Valai (a kind of curved ring like weapon) to shatter the crown of Indiran, use this vel(spear) to tease the sea and use this chendu(club like weapon) to hit on the peak of Meru”. He handed over the three weapons and blessed Ukkirapandian.
Subsequently, on an auspicious day, He crowned Ukkirapandian as the King of Pandian Kingdom. He instructed the ministers and others to safeguard Ukkirapandian at all times. He also advised his son to follow the advice of his ministers and great persons while ruling his Kingdom.
Then he renounced the Royal attire and went into the Temple along with Thadaathagai Pirattiar. Truly following his father's advice, Ukkirapandian was ruling the Kingdom in an exemplary manner.
Episode 13: The story of how the sea was dried up by the Vel King Ukkirapandiar's rule was a golden period. He performed many yaahams for the benefit of his subjects. He completed ninety six Aswamwdhayahams. Indiran was upset over this feat out of jealousy. He surmised that it was the prosperity of the Pandian kingdom that facilitated Ukkirapandiar's achievements. He summoned Varunan, the sea-god and ordered him to rise as a deluge to destroy Madurai.
Varunan, without thinking of the consequences, rose as a great tsunami and approached Madurai. It was midnight. People of Madurai were fast asleep. Ukkirapandiar was also sleeping in his palace. Lord Somasundarar appeared as a Siddhamoorthy in his dream and said,”Pandia! The sea water is rising as a mountain and approaching your capital city to destroy it. You go and throw your Vel on it and defeat it.”
Ukkirapandiar woke up and thanked Lord. He immediately summoned his ministers and proceeded to face the oncoming flood of sea water. Siddhamoorthy appeared in person there and advised Ukkirapandiar to use his Vel (given by Sundarapandiar) without delay. Ukkirapandiar took his Vel and threw it on the waves. The moment the tip of the Vel touched the water, the water started to recede, shrunk and dried up. The sea lost its power. Indiran's plan met with defeat.
At that moment, the Siddhar disappeared. Instead, Lord Siva appeared with Umadeviyar.Ukkirapandian worshipped with great reverence. Lord then entered the temple. Ukkirapandian returned to his palace. He offered a lot of fertile lands as donation to the temple.
Episode 14: The story of how Indiran's crown was shattered During the rule of Ukkirapandian, once there was severe drought. There was no rain. Not only the Pandian Kingdom but also the Chola and Chera Kingdoms were facing the famine. People suffered a lot. All the three kings decided among themselves to seek the advice of sage Agasthiar. They went to his abode, the Pothigai hills and met him. They explained the conditions prevailing in their Kingdoms due to failure of monsoons. Agasthiar analysed the planetary position obtaining at that period and then said, "Oh Kings, the present position of planets is the root cause for the drought. There will not be any rains for twelve more years. So, the best course for you will be to approach Indiran who controls rains ".
The Kings asked the Sage how to go to Indiralokam. The Sage advised them to perform “Somavaara vratham” through which they could get the benevolence of Lord Sivan to help them reach Indiralokam. He also explained in detail the method of performing Somavara vratham. The Kings listened carefully and returned to Madurai duly thanking the Sage for his guidance.
They took bath in the Golden- Lotus pond and worshipped Lord Somasundarar and Angayarkanni ammai. Then, with great reverence observed the Somavara vratham and reaped the benefits. It em-powered them to travel in space on their way to meet Indiran. Knowing their intentions, Indiran arranged three seats at a lower level than his own in his court. He showed the seats and asked the Kings to be seated. While Cheran and Cholan occupied those seats, Ukkirapandiar climbed the steps and sat by the side of Indiran himself on his throne. Though irked by that action, Indiran covered up his indignation and asked the Kings their purpose of visit. Cheran and Cholan appealed to Indiran for rains, explaining the despair of their subjects due to severe drought. Indiran was quite pleased and promised them copious rains in their Kingdoms. Cheran and Cholan happily returned.
After they left Indiran was surprised to note Ukkirapandiar still sitting with pride and not requesting rains in his Kingdom. Indiran
wanted to hurt the pride of Pandian. He ordered a huge garland of pearls. The garland was so heavy that it had to be carried by several musclemen. Indiran asked Ukkirapandian to wear the garland specially made for him. To everybody's surprise, Ukkirapandiar effortlessly took the garland and wore it on his neck. Ignoring the perplexed Indiran, Ukkirapandiar returned to Madurai.
As promised, Indiran blessed Chera and Chola Kingdoms with rains. Pandian Kingdom continued to suffer from drought. One day during the course of hunting wild animals on the slopes of Pothigai hills, Ukkirapandian noticed four huge clouds namely Putkalaavartham, Sankaaritham, Dronam and Kalamuki hovering over the hills. They belonged to Indiran. Ukkirapandiar immediately caught hold of them, chained them and brought to Madurai. There he imprisoned them.
Learning what happened to his clouds, Indiran became very angry. He was already fuming at the behaviour of Ukkirapandian who sat equally with him, and the way he blunted the Indiran's plot to submerge Madurai in sea water. Further, his mean attempt to cowdown Ukkirapandian with the huge garland of pearls also failed. As if these were not enough, Ukkirapandian had imprisoned the heavenly clouds. Infuriated at these,Indiran decided to wage a war with Ukkirapandian, and ordered his forces to surround Madurai. Spies carried that information to the Pandian king.
Ukkirapandian roared like a teased lion. He led his men of valour against Indiran. A fierce battle followed. There was heavy casualty on either side. Indiran's forces could not face the onslaught of Ukkirapandian and his army. They were forced to retreat. Indiran decided to use divine weapons from his armoury against Pandian. But Ukkirapandian easily neutralised them with his own divine weapons. Finally Indiran threw his Vajrayutham. Pandian took out the Valai given by his father and threw it forcefully on Indiran. The Valai blocked Vajrayutham and went further to shatter the crown of Indiran. Indiran was put to shame and embarrassed. He ran away from the battle field, thanking Lord Sivan for saving his head from
Pandian's Valai.
Later, Indiran sent a messenger to Pandian to convey his willingness to provide copious rains to Pandian Kingdom but demanded in turn the release of the four clouds. Pandian suspected the genuineness of the offer and declined to release the clouds. At that time, a good samaritan who was also a close friend of Indiran offered himself as a hostage until Indiran provided rains. On that Ukkirapandian agreed to set free the clouds. Indiran also kept his word and sent in rains to fill every pool, pond, lake and river in the Pandian kingdom.Prosperity returned and the people of the kingdom were the happiest lot again.
Episode 15:The story of Ukkirapandiar hitting the Meru with Chendu (club like weapon)
Ukkirapandiar continued to observe the Somavara vratham as directed by sage Agasthiar. As a result, Queen Kanthimathi became pregnant and in due course delivered a baby boy. Ukkirapandiar was very happy and named the child, as Veerapandiyan. He arranged to teach his son in proper age, all sasthras including weapon handling, warfare etc. befitting a prince. Veerapandian was very adept in learning everything and Ukkirapandiar was glad to note his son's progress.
Once again due to unfavourable planetary position, the Pandian kingdom faced drought. The rains failed. All water bodies were dried up. All forms of life were tormented by hunger. Ukkirapandiar consulted the astrologers. They said that rains could
not be expected for another year. The king became so sad and went to the temple to request Lord Somasundarar for his benevolence. He made a tearful appeal to Lord to save his subjects. But Lord remained silent. Crerstfallen, Pandian returned to his palace.
That night, he slept on the floor rejecting the comforts of the cot and cushions. In his dream, Lord Sivan appeared as Siddha Moorthy. He addressed the King, “Do not keep worrying about the drought. Rains will not favour in near future. To mitigate the despair and poverty of your citizens, you proceed to the great Mount Meru. A voluminous treasure has been kept hidden in a cave there. Win over Meru by striking at its peaks with your Chendu and ask to show the treasure. Take the treasure as much as you want, close the cave and seal it. Return to Madurai with the treasure”.
Ukkirapandiar woke up and recollected the dream. Early in the morning he went to the temple to thank the Lord for his guidance. Then he ordered his forces and set off on his long journey towards Mount Meru. A huge army accompanied him. Enroute, he crossed Chola kingdom, Thondai Naadu, Karunada Naadu, Telugu Naadu etc. and reached Malava Naadu, then Virada Naadu. Going further he reached the city of Kasi, took holy dip in Ganga river and worhsipped Lord Viswanathar. From there he continued his journey and went past Baratha Khandam to reach Himalayas. Travelling past Kimburada Khandam, Yema Koodam, and Arivaruda Khandam, he reached Ilaviruda khandam. Finally, there arose the glorious mountain of Meru in front of him. There the river Sambu was flowing.
Ukkirapandiar went alone towards the Meru and called out, “Oh Meru, the King of Mountains! You were the formidable bow in the hands of my father Siva peruman. So great and tall you are, that planets and stars go round your peaks. You are also the abode of devas. Please come”. But Meru did not respond out of its pride and arrogance. Pandian felt embarrassed and angered. He took out his Chendu given by Sundara pandiar and dealt a severe blow with it on the peak of Meru. It made the great mountain to tremble. Its peaks were blown off and golden specs and gems flew in all directions. After receiving such
a blow, Meru appeared before Ukkirapandiar as a figure with eight hands, four heads and with a white umbrella above its heads. Its pride and vanity were gone.
Ukkirapandiar calmed down and asked why he (Meru) did not respond to his call immediately. The Meru replied, “Oh King, I used to worship Lord Soma sundarar and Angayarkanni ammai everyday. But today, caught in the whirlpool of lust in the company of a woman, I forgot my holy routine. As a punishment, I got beaten by you. Is there anything I can do for you? Please tell”.
Pandiar said that his purpose was to get the treasure. Mount Meru pointed to a place where the cave containing the treasure was kept closed by a huge rock. Ukkirapandiar pushed the rock away and collected as much of gold as he desired. He then closed the cave with the rock and inscribed his name and the symbol of fish (royal symbol of Pandian Dynasty) over the rock.
He then started his journey back. On the way he was welcomed and greeted by the Kings of other kingdoms, congratulating him for his great achievement. As he approached Madurai, he saw the temple of Somasundarar. Immediately he climbed down from his Chariot and prostrated on the ground.
Then he worshipped the Lord thanking Him for His grace. He then distributed the mounds of gold he brought from Meru to his subjects. Everyone was happy. Subsequently, due to re-alignment of planets favourably, there was abundant rainfall restoring the prosperity and glory to Pandian Kingdom.
After a few years, Ukkirapandiar crowned his son Veerapandiar as King and then reached the lotus feet of Lord Soma Sundarar.
Episode 16: Lord Sivan enlightens the sages on the essence of Vedhas
Once upon a time, there occurred the 'great deluge'. Everything in the world was destroyed. Whatever lifeform that existed before, merged and unified into the Supreme Power.Afterwards, through the divine will of Lord Sivaperuman, the 'creation' started all over again. At that time the mystic sound of 'Om', the Pranavam' took birth from the Lord's mouth. Then, from the pranavam were born the four vedhas. The great Rishis like Kanvar chanted those vedhas religiously but were unable to understand the subtle meaning and the essence of vedhas. That made them sad. One day the Sage Arabathar visited them. He, with his intuition enquired them about the cause of their worried looks. They said, “Oh Sage, we have been chanting the vedhas given by Lord Sivaperuman for quite a long time. But till now we could not find a Guru who would enlighten us on the inner meaning of vedhas”.
The Sage comforted them by saying that the Lord who gave the vedhas would certainly be graceful enough to teach them the meaning also. He further said that it would materialise only after doing relentless penance, that too at a very sacred place. He pointed out that such a sacred a place was Madurai only. He guided Kanvar and other Rishis to proceed to the fabulous temple of Somasundarar at Madurai and to sit in penance in front of Lord Dhakshinamoorthy there. He concluded by assuring them that Dhakshinamoorthy himself would enlighten them on the essence of Vedhas.
The rishis proceeded to Madurai, took bath in the Golden- Lotus pond and worshipped Lord Somasundarar and Angayarkanni ammai. Then they went to the sannidhi of Lord Dhakshinamoorthy. The Lord was sitting under a cool banyan tree. His appearance was stunning with white marble- like body with pink coral- like feet, lotus coloured lips,and three eyes. He was holding Amudhakumbam (pitcher of nectar), and Rudraksha maalai in his upper hands. With palm leaves containing vedhas in lower left hand, He was displaying the “chinmudra”by His lower right hand. Sitting in front of Him, the rishis started chanting the Medhamanthram taught by Arabathar for
almost an year starting from a Karthigai Poornima to next Karthigai poornima, following all rituals.
Afterwards, one day the Lord appeared as a boy of sixteen in front of them. No words could describe the handsome Youth. He radiated wisdom and grace. With unbound happiness the Rishis worshipped the young Guru. He, with great affection asked them as to what they wanted. They submitted, “ Oh Lord, please enlighten us as well as others on the essence of vedaas”. The exemplary Guru took them to the sanctum santorum of the Sivalingam, the Somasundarar. He addressed them thus, “Oh Sages, the meaning of the vedhaas is very subtle and secret. Trying hard to understand and disseminate it paves the way to get immense benefits to one in this birth as well as the next stage that is Moksham. This Sivalingam appeared on its own and remaining as the symbol of all Thathvas, is by itself the meaning of vedaas. Infact, it represents the vedaas as well as their meaning or essence. It is He who manifests as Brahma, Vishnu and Rudhran. He creates by becoming Brahma; He sustains whatever created in his role as Vishnu and destroys in his form as Rudhran. Again, He is supreme to all the three of them. In this shape of Sivalingam, its bottom portion represents Brahma the Aanma thathvam, middle portion Vishnu, the vidya thathvam and the top portion the Baanam represents the Rudhran, the Sivathathvam. From among the three, Ahaaram is born from Aanma Thathavam, Uggaram from Vidya Thathavam and Magaaram is born from Siva Thathavam.The confluence of Ahaaram, Ugaaram and Magaaram is the sound of Aum (Om) the Pranavam. The Gaayathri Manthram takes birth from the Pranavam. Gaayathri itself is of two parts, the Samatti and Viyatti. These two parts gave birth to all the four Vedaas. Again, the alphabets of the script was born out of Pranavam. Sivan the Lord has five faces. All the Sivaagamaas appeared from his top face; His eastern face was the source of Rig Vedaa; the southern face was the source of Yajur Vedaa and the Sama Vedaa was born from His northern face.The western face was the source of Adharvana Veda. Since the Vedhas are
four, the Varunams and Aasramams are also four. The Vedaas are the source of Dharmaas and Karmaas. Further, the Vedaas branch into two Kaandams, the Karmakaandam and Gnana Kaandam. The former elaborately deals with the methods of doing puja to this Chokkalingam and the latter the Gnanakaandam elucidates the Sachidhanantha swaroopam of Him.
By Sivapooja, Gnanam is achieved. It leads to purity of mind which again gives shanthi. By shanthi one achieves Ashtaanga yogam. The religions which follow the path of Vedhas have Vedhas as their mainstay. I have explained you the essence of Vedhas to remove the misgivings in your minds. Let your minds be clear “.
Lord, who came as a young brahmin, thus enlightened the Sages and then disappeared.
Episode 17: The story of Lord Soma Sundarar selling rubies as a trader
King Veerapandiyan happily ruled Pandian Kingdom. Apart from the Queen, he had many other wives. Though many childern were born to his other wives, the Queen was not blessed with one. This was a source of sadness for the royal couple. They worshipped Lord Soma Sundarar and performed several rituals and vrathams. As a result, they were blessed with a son. The King was pleased and he brought up his son with great love and care. One day, during a hunting session in the forest, Veerapandian was attacked by a fierce tiger and was killed.
The sudden demise of the king made the royal family and people of the kingdom to plunge into great despair. The king had died and the prince was a young boy. Seizing this opportunity, the sons born to the mistresses of the King plundered the wealth of the palace including the King's crown and invaluable gems. Meanwhile the
ministers decided to crown the prince as the successor to the throne. But alas! When they opened the treasury they found to their dismay the disappearance of the crown and other treasures. There were not enough gems to make a new crown either. Disheartened, the ministers and the young prince went to the temple to plead to God for advice as what to do next. Even as they approached the temple, they found a jewel trader coming in the opposite direction who was none other than Lord Himself in disguise. He was carrying a bundle of precious gems and came towards the prince and the ministers. As if He had read their thoughts, He enquired them of their worries. After hearing them, He volunteered that He had a very precious collection of gems and said He was willing to display them.
He then spread a black carpet on the ground and went on to display big rubies, pearls, sapphires, emaralds, cat's eye, diamonds, coral etc. He added that those gems were the body parts of an Asuran called Valan.
To the bewildered ministers, the trader told the story of Valan thus:Valan was a demon but an ardent devotee of Lord Sivan. Pleased with his Bhakthi, Lord Sivan appreared in front of him and asked what boon he wanted. The demon requested that he should not be killed in wars; but if happened to die by destiny, his body should turn into various navaratnas (gems). Lord Sivan granted his wish. Immediately, the demon decalred a war against Indiran, the King of devas. Indiran was defeated. Knowing the boon Valan got from Siva Peruman, Indiran hatched a conspiracy in his mind and addressed Valan, “O mighty demon! I congratulate you on your victory. Now ask what you want.” Valan ignored Indiran's compliments and said, “Indira, I received boons from Lord Siva Perman Himself. I do not want anything from you. Instead, I will grant you whatever you want”.
Indiran was very happy to note that his trick had worked. He said, “Valan, I'm planning to perform a big Yaaham at Mount Meru. I want you to come there as the sacrificial cow”.Though stunned for a moment, Valan agreed. He even thanked Indiran for giving him a chance to die as the sacrificial cow in the yaaham.
Then Valan crowned his son and turned himself into a beautiful cow to be offered in the yaaham. Indiran and other devas were astonished at Valan's sincerity. Subsequently, that cow was strangulated and offered to yaahagni (the fire of homagundam). Because of the boon he desired, the cow's blood turned into rubies, teeth into pearls, hair into vaidooryams, bones into diamonds, bile juice into emaralds, fat into komedhagam (cat's eye), muscles into corals, eye balls into sapphires and finally the mucus into pushparagam.
Lord Soma Sundarar who came as the gems trader concluded the story of Valan.
He further enriched the knowledge of his listeners by describing in detail about the nine kinds of gems (Nava rathnams) as to their places of origin, different types among them, their properties and the benefits they bring to the wearer. His listeners were spellbound at the voluminous information they acquired form the trader. The trader then sat facing north, worshipped the gems he had spread out and then gave them to the prince with His blessings. He said, “Make a new crown for the prince using these gems and name him as 'Abhisheka Pandian'”. The ministers agreed and offered to give whatever gold they had as the price. But the trader disappeared and at the same time Lord Siva Peruman appeared on the sky with Goddes Umadevi. Everyone realised that it was Lord who came as the gems trader. The prince and others went inside the temple and worshipped. They were overhelmed by the grace of Lord.
Subsequently the prince was crowned as Abhisheka Pandian. He vanquished his enemies and ruled his kindgom to the happiness of his subjects. He traced the childern of the mistresses of his father and got back the treasures looted by them.
Episode 18 : The story in which Lord depleted the Ocean set off by Varunan on the city of Madurai
It was customary for Abishekapandian to perform poojai in large scale to Somasundarar. On the day of Chithrai nakshatram in Chithrai month every year. All types of abishegams were conducted that day. On the very same day, Indiran also used to visit Madurai temple to worship Lord Somasundarar. He took his turn after Pandian's poojai was finished.
On one suchday, Varunan went to Indiralokam where he found Indiran in not-so-cheerful mood. When enquired, Indiran lamented that his poojai was delayed due to Pandian's poojai to Lord Somasundarar. Varunan wondered why the lingam at Madurai happened to be superior to lingams elsewhere. Indiran clarified, “It was the Chokkalingam at Madurai salvaged me and my Iravatham from the curses. I got rid of my Brahmahathi by the grace of that Lingam “. Varunan questioned whether his own chronic pain in stomach could be cured by the Chokkalingam. Indiran admonished Varunan for doubting the power of Lord Chokkalingam and advised him to understand it by himself.
Varunan, driven by his ill-fate, desired to verify the power of Lord. He ordered the sea to destroy the city of Madurai. Varunan being the deity of waters, the sea obeyed him and rose as a great deluge to submerge Madurai. The people of the city were gripped by great fear. The King Abhisheka Pandiyan was also stunned and he decided to seek the mercy of Lord Soma Sundarar. He rushed to the temple and prayed. The Lord appeared and ordered the four clouds worn by Him on his locks of hair, to go and suck the sea water approaching Madurai. They did so immediately. The sea was dried up. The people heaved a sigh of relief and thanked Lord.
Koodal Kaandam
Episode 19: The story of how Madurai came to be known as “Naanmaadakoodal”.
Varunan, who was defeated in his attempt to destroy Madurai with sea-water, thought of another way. He called the seven clouds under his control and asked them to suck sea –water and then pour as heavy rains over the city of Madurai to submerge it. They immediately sucked the sea-water and hovered over the city as dark thunder clouds. Heavy lightning flashed across the sky and thunders rolled. Heavy down pour lashed the city. People were frightenend. Abhishekapandian, with his unfailing faith in Lord Somasundarar, worshipped Him along with his subjects. Lord as before asked the four clouds worn on his locks of hair to settle over the city in all four directions as a mega roof. They did so descending over the city as a great roof with the tall buildings of the city supporting them as pillars. The torrential rains unleashed by Varunan became ineffective. Varunan was embarrassed and put to shame. He realised the powers of Lord Chokkalingar and he was gripped by fear. He cursed himself for trying to test His powers.
Varunan repented and rushed to the Golden-lotus pond to take bath before worshipping Lord. Good Heavens! Even as he was approaching the pond, his stomach pain vanished. He took bath, wore rudhraksham and vibhoothi and entered the temple. He worshipped Lord several times and performed a grand poojai as per the methods laid down in the Scriptures. Lord was pleased and asked Varunan what was his wish.
Varunan was moved to tears. He said,”Oh God, I dared to test your powers as a good-for –nothing fool. But you have showered mercy on me. My severe stomach pain vanished in no time even before I took bath in the golden-lotus pond. Please forgive me; please bear with my audacity”. Lord blessed him. After worshipping again, Varunan left for his place.
Madurai came to be known form then on as Naanmaadakoodal because it was protected by the collective efforts of the four clouds in all four directions.
Episode 20: Lord Somasundarar comes as an omnipotent Siddhar In order to shower the benefits in this birth as well as the next birth on Abhishekapandian and his subjects, Lord Somasundarar manifested himself as a Siddhar. His appearance was captivating. He wore his long hair into a 'jadamudi'. White sacred vibhoothi and vermilion thilakam adorned his fore head. 'Yagnobaveedham' (poonool), and rudhraakhams were on his chest. He carried a staff similar to a magic wand on his hand. He wore the hide of a tiger on his waist.
Wherever he went, people gathered around him. He played unbelievable tricks to amuse people. He made a distant hill to move closer and again made it to move far away. He playfully converted young people to old and then back to young. He cured the disabilities of the disabled. He converted ordinary metals into pure gold. He made Vaigai River to be flooded and then made it to dry up. He threw his magic wand in air, made it to stand still unsupported, put a needle on top of it and then stood on the tip of the needle with one of his big toes. Then, suddenly he would change his position, standing on his head. People watched him, with open mouth and dropped jaws. They were wonderstruck. The news about the magical activities of Siddhamurthy reached the King. Abhishekapandian asked his men to go and escort the Siddhar to Palace. They went but failed to return. They lost themselves watching the activities of Siddhar.
Then Pandian sent his Ministers. They begged the Siddhar to grace the palace of the King. But the great Siddhar declined their request stating that he had nothing to gain from the King. The Ministers reported back to the King. The King conceded that great Yogis like Siddhar might not care even Devas and no wonder that he did not honour King's invitation.
