Experiences with Maha Periyava: "Conduct the marriage of their daughter”
This incident happened several years ago. An aged couple was standing in the queue to have Sri Maha Periyava’s darshan. When their turn came they prostrated to Him.
"Periyava, I have retired from my service. I do not have any children. Hence I am very eager to serve in the Kanchi Mutt. You should please bless me", said the man.
There was so much humility and sincerity in his request to Him. By his side was his aged wife.
"You seem to be worried and disinterested that there is nothing to look forward to in life, is it not?” asked Periyava.
"Yes, Periyava."
"Will you accept if I give you some task?"
"Please order me Periyava, I am waiting...”
Periyava now turned to the next couple who also prostrated to Him. He enquired about their ancestry. This couple was also aged. Their daughter was also with them.
"She is our only daughter. We need to conduct her marriage. Only You should bless her..."
The Sarveshwaran lifted His hand and blessed them. The couple who had come earlier was looking at the goings-on. Now Periyava turned to the gentleman of the first couple and said,
"You said you wanted to do something meaningful in life, why don't you conduct the marriage of their daughter in a nice manner by bearing the marriage expenses?"
"I will do it... I will do it...” saying this he fell down and prostrated to Sri Maha Periyava.
Periyava looked at him showing His two fingers and then looked at the wife of the first couple. The old man understood His gesture and replied, "Yes, she is my second wife. I married her after my first wife passed away".
Now, there was a determined change in Periyava's face.
"Ok, what happened to your daughter by your first wife?"
The man felt he was though he was struck by thunder! How did Periyava know this, he wondered.
Embarrassed, he said in sorrow, "My second wife did not treat my daughter properly, and hence she had left the house when she was young. I searched for her desperately, but could not find her".
"You said you wanted to do something meaningful and useful in your life, right… Look, this is your daughter who ran away in her childhood! Take her and get her married well", said the Sarveshwaran.
The man was stunned. But it was tinged with joy.
Yes, it was true. The second couple had found this girl crying, lying abandoned in a railway station!
Both the biological and the adoptive parents took 'their' daughter away and started to prepare for her wedding!
Compiled by Jagadguru Sri Maha Periyava - Kanchi Paramacharya/Fb
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
JALRA, PURAN THAL (OR PURATHAN THAL), CYMBALS - In PANDHARIPURAM
I have been looking for some good Jalra for
some years now. I never missed to visit any shops during my visit in INDIA hunting
to catch hold of a good pair. Had informed my Father in law who is associated
with a leading Pooja Vessels Stores in Palakkad to reserve a good pair, but didn’t
get till date since marriage. Had informed lot of Bhajan enthusiasts and local
Bhagawathas and used to the standard reply “Ippo nalla Jalra onnum
kadakarthu illay” (meaning “now a days Good Jalra’s are not available”).
In 2015 had a small breakthrough when came to
know from Thyagu Bhagawathar (Kadayanallur Raja Gopal Bhagawathar) that good
Jalras are available in a shop in Pandharpur. He doesn’t remember the name of
the shop, but asked me to call him whenever we are there. This golden information
itself lightened the 1000 Wats lamp in my face and since then had been looking
for Asthikas traveling for Pandharpur.
Blessed to be in a good group and use to come
across regular visitors to Pandharpur. Had informed them, but only got the modern
type Jalra which are available in regular shops and not the Old traditional
one. Had accumulated more than 7 to 8 sets of Jalra without getting a hand on
the traditional type.
Finally one of my closest friend and Bhagwathar
Mohanur Kumar Sitaraman planned for Pandharipuram Yatra and took the set what
he had and started checking in various shops in pandharipuram. Finally he was guided
to a small house/shop in Pandharipuram saying this type of Jalra is known as
Puran Thal/Purathan Thal and is available with only one family/shop. He went
there and selected more than 8 pairs of the same, then proceeded to the temple
and by the time back after the Darshan found the shop closed. He then proceeded
to other worship places to visit the shop next day to find that the shop is closed
and it was Amawasya. He pleaded them but a very strict rule of No Sales on
Amawasya days returned him disappointed back to Dubai empty handed.
Finally with the blessings of Maha Ganapathy
after the 1008 coconuts MGH visit trip to Chelakara followed by Kalpathy Theru during
November 2016 came to know that our beloved Paramesha Anna and family along
with his BIL and family is visiting Mantralayam and Pandharipuram. Had requested
Paramesha Anna to get a pair of Jalra.
Paramesha Anna finally got hold of this shop
and sent a few pics and finally managed to have a pair of the same. The good
thing Paramesha Anna took a snap of the shop which has the address and mobile
no of the owner.
I am putting the address and mobile no of the
shop, so that everyone can take advantage of the same and order.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Experiences of Maha Periyava: The Ashta Lakshmi temple
Experiences of Maha Periyava: The Ashta Lakshmi temple
The portion where there was a shankhu (conch) carved in the Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple's Utsavar Thirumeni (holy body of the processional deity) was completely worn out. But then this came to be noticed only suddenly. Immediately, Srinivasan, the Executive officer of the temple and Seema Bhattar (a priest) immediately went for darshan of Sri Maha Periyava and apprised him of the dosha in Sri Varadhar's Utsava Thirumeni. Realising the urgency of the situation, Sri Maha Periyava ordered contacting Devasenapathi, the sthapati (sculptor) at Swamimalai over phone, told the matter himself to the sculptor and asked the man to come over to Kanchipuram immediately. Observing great acharam (religious purity), the sculptor repaired Sri Varadhar's Thirumeni and restored it back to its previous glory. Ordinarily, works of this kind cannot be completed with such ease and urgency. Realising that this was possible only because of Sri Maha Periyava's special efforts and anugraha balam (strength of grace), everyone was surprised and happy.
The Ashta Lakshmi temple at Besant Nagar, Chennai came to a stage of completion due to the efforts of Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhacharya. He came for Sri Periyava's darshan and appraised the Sage of the completion of the temple works. Sri Maha Periyava asked him, "Has the pratistha (installation) of the Perumal vigraha been done?" Mukkur Swamy replied that no Perumal vigraha was installed in the temple. Sri Periyava immediately ordered for sculpting a Perumal idol for the temple. After the Perumal idol was ready, Mukkur Swamy took it and showed it to Sri Maha Periyava. The Sage had a glance of the idol. He then pointed Justice Kailasam and his wife Saundara Kailasam who had come for his darshan to Mukkur Swamy by way of introducing them and said, "This man is going to be a Supreme Court Judge next week". Sri Periyava also asked the Judge to have a keen darshan of the idol.
The Judge and his wife took what Periyava said suddenly as his words of grace and considered it their bhagyam, without giving any more importance to it.
As foretold by Sri Maha Periyava, the very next week Justice Kailasam received orders appointing him as a Supreme Court Judge! Saundara Kailasam happily talked about Sri Maha Periyava's jnana drishti (divine foresight) to everyone she met. The Perumal idol was also installed in the Ashta Lakshmi temple.
Author: Seema Bhattar, Kanchipuram
Source: Maha Periyaval - Darisana Anubhavangal vol. 1, pages 257-263
The portion where there was a shankhu (conch) carved in the Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple's Utsavar Thirumeni (holy body of the processional deity) was completely worn out. But then this came to be noticed only suddenly. Immediately, Srinivasan, the Executive officer of the temple and Seema Bhattar (a priest) immediately went for darshan of Sri Maha Periyava and apprised him of the dosha in Sri Varadhar's Utsava Thirumeni. Realising the urgency of the situation, Sri Maha Periyava ordered contacting Devasenapathi, the sthapati (sculptor) at Swamimalai over phone, told the matter himself to the sculptor and asked the man to come over to Kanchipuram immediately. Observing great acharam (religious purity), the sculptor repaired Sri Varadhar's Thirumeni and restored it back to its previous glory. Ordinarily, works of this kind cannot be completed with such ease and urgency. Realising that this was possible only because of Sri Maha Periyava's special efforts and anugraha balam (strength of grace), everyone was surprised and happy.
The Ashta Lakshmi temple at Besant Nagar, Chennai came to a stage of completion due to the efforts of Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhacharya. He came for Sri Periyava's darshan and appraised the Sage of the completion of the temple works. Sri Maha Periyava asked him, "Has the pratistha (installation) of the Perumal vigraha been done?" Mukkur Swamy replied that no Perumal vigraha was installed in the temple. Sri Periyava immediately ordered for sculpting a Perumal idol for the temple. After the Perumal idol was ready, Mukkur Swamy took it and showed it to Sri Maha Periyava. The Sage had a glance of the idol. He then pointed Justice Kailasam and his wife Saundara Kailasam who had come for his darshan to Mukkur Swamy by way of introducing them and said, "This man is going to be a Supreme Court Judge next week". Sri Periyava also asked the Judge to have a keen darshan of the idol.
The Judge and his wife took what Periyava said suddenly as his words of grace and considered it their bhagyam, without giving any more importance to it.
As foretold by Sri Maha Periyava, the very next week Justice Kailasam received orders appointing him as a Supreme Court Judge! Saundara Kailasam happily talked about Sri Maha Periyava's jnana drishti (divine foresight) to everyone she met. The Perumal idol was also installed in the Ashta Lakshmi temple.
Author: Seema Bhattar, Kanchipuram
Source: Maha Periyaval - Darisana Anubhavangal vol. 1, pages 257-263
Experiences with Maha Periyava: Mahaswami - Architect of Architects
Experiences with Maha Periyava: Mahaswami - Architect of Architects
(The following episode was narrated by Engineer Mani concerning the renowned architect Sri R.R.Sharma - the first Indian to acquire his degree in architecture from the London School of Architecture, in those days - whom he accompanied when calling upon the Mahaswami)
The renowned architect, known for his vast knowledge in his field went to see the Mahaswami on being called on some work. The work that lay ahead was quite simple. The figures of Adi Sankara and his four disciples had to be installed in Rameshwaram at a height, in such a way that they could be seen without any obstruction when viewed from Agni Theertham. The angle of elevation for the height of the structure on which the figures had to be installed had to be decided. The architect was a little taken aback and felt slighted that he had been called for a matter as insignificant as this. Meanwhile, as he looked at Mahaswami, several thoughts passed through His mind. 'People talk so much about the Sankaracharya. But he looks so non-descript and puny, and seems nothing extraordinary. Is he at all as knowledgeable as it is generally believed?"
As for the Mahaswami, in His own leisurely manner, He began to converse with the architect. He asked Sri Sharma the names by which the various measurements were signified. The architect for his part replied with words like 'foot', 'yard', 'mile' and so on.
Some time passed. His Holiness showed the measurements from the tip of His middle finger to that of the forearm and asked the architect what it was called. The architect shot back the reply that it was called 'muzham' (or yard) in Tamil. Some time passed. Now His Holiness stretched his fingers and pointing to the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger asked the architect by what term it was described. Without a moment's hesitation, the architect replied that it was known as 'jaan' in Tamil.
The architect was amused and wondered why His Holiness was questioning him thus, making him name the basic measurements. But more was yet to come!
A short while later, His Holiness stretched His thumb and His forefinger and looked at the architect questioningly as if to ask if there was any such measurement and if it was in use, what it was called.
The architect was taken aback and had no answer to give. Nor could he say definitely that no such measurement existed because he was not sure whether it did nor not. Minutes passed and only silence reigned. Then answering the question Himself, His Holiness said, "It is known as 'coopay', isn't it?"
In those days, the only train from Rameshwaram to Chennai was the Boat Mail. The architect boarded the train that night in a state of restlessness for he had to ascertain the matter to himself!
On reaching his place the next morning, the first thing he did was to search the Dictionary of Architect terms and lo and behold! There it was, 'coopay', which signified the space between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the forefinger!
The architect telephoned his friend Mani, the engineer, and said "Mani! That Samiyar of yours...., my salutations to him!!
Author: Shri N.Subramaniam, B.E., M.Sc., (Engg...), M.I.E., M.I.C.I - Chennai
Source: Moments of a lifetime
(The following episode was narrated by Engineer Mani concerning the renowned architect Sri R.R.Sharma - the first Indian to acquire his degree in architecture from the London School of Architecture, in those days - whom he accompanied when calling upon the Mahaswami)
The renowned architect, known for his vast knowledge in his field went to see the Mahaswami on being called on some work. The work that lay ahead was quite simple. The figures of Adi Sankara and his four disciples had to be installed in Rameshwaram at a height, in such a way that they could be seen without any obstruction when viewed from Agni Theertham. The angle of elevation for the height of the structure on which the figures had to be installed had to be decided. The architect was a little taken aback and felt slighted that he had been called for a matter as insignificant as this. Meanwhile, as he looked at Mahaswami, several thoughts passed through His mind. 'People talk so much about the Sankaracharya. But he looks so non-descript and puny, and seems nothing extraordinary. Is he at all as knowledgeable as it is generally believed?"
As for the Mahaswami, in His own leisurely manner, He began to converse with the architect. He asked Sri Sharma the names by which the various measurements were signified. The architect for his part replied with words like 'foot', 'yard', 'mile' and so on.
Some time passed. His Holiness showed the measurements from the tip of His middle finger to that of the forearm and asked the architect what it was called. The architect shot back the reply that it was called 'muzham' (or yard) in Tamil. Some time passed. Now His Holiness stretched his fingers and pointing to the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger asked the architect by what term it was described. Without a moment's hesitation, the architect replied that it was known as 'jaan' in Tamil.
The architect was amused and wondered why His Holiness was questioning him thus, making him name the basic measurements. But more was yet to come!
A short while later, His Holiness stretched His thumb and His forefinger and looked at the architect questioningly as if to ask if there was any such measurement and if it was in use, what it was called.
The architect was taken aback and had no answer to give. Nor could he say definitely that no such measurement existed because he was not sure whether it did nor not. Minutes passed and only silence reigned. Then answering the question Himself, His Holiness said, "It is known as 'coopay', isn't it?"
In those days, the only train from Rameshwaram to Chennai was the Boat Mail. The architect boarded the train that night in a state of restlessness for he had to ascertain the matter to himself!
On reaching his place the next morning, the first thing he did was to search the Dictionary of Architect terms and lo and behold! There it was, 'coopay', which signified the space between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the forefinger!
The architect telephoned his friend Mani, the engineer, and said "Mani! That Samiyar of yours...., my salutations to him!!
Author: Shri N.Subramaniam, B.E., M.Sc., (Engg...), M.I.E., M.I.C.I - Chennai
Source: Moments of a lifetime
Experiences with Maha Periyava: The Spiritual Light to whom the World Bows in reverence-K. Rajaram (former Minister Govt. of Tamil Nadu)
Experiences with Maha Periyava: The Spiritual Light to whom the World Bows in reverence-K. Rajaram (former Minister Govt. of Tamil Nadu)
Saluting Kanchi Maha Swamigal once more on this holy day of the 110th Jayanthi of Kanchi Sri Maha Swamigal, I bow to him again and write about some of the amazing experiences relating to Him so that today's younger generation can know more about Him.
Before I write about my devotion to him, I would like to share with you what Thiru.G. Parthasarathy, a respectable gentleman whom I moved with, told me after having a darshan of Sri Maha Swamigal. Thiru.G.Parthasarathy was the Indian Ambassador to the United Nations. He was the Government Advisor when Smt.Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. Whenever he visited Tamil Nadu from Delhi, he never missed going to Kanchi and having darshan of Sri Maha Periyava. Everytime he went, Sri Maha Periyava conversed with him for over half an hour. What was surprising about it was that He used to speak about events of the world that occurred till the date of their meeting. He would also advise the diplomat on how our country should conduct itself in the global scene. Thiru.G.Parthasarathy has described to me those details with surprise. I have many times heard him speak his wonder and appreciation for the nuances of knowledge displayed by the sage. We have both wondered about the innate divinity of Sri Maha Periyava.
When I went to have darshan of him one day, he was sitting in his palanquin. I went and sat before him. At that time I was having ministerial responsibilities. I had been elected to the Assembly from the PanaiMarathuPatti constituency.
There is a village named UttamaCholaPuram in my constituency. It is located on the banks of the river TiruMani Muttharu. The KaraipuraNatha Swamy temple is there in that village. That was Chera Nadu. It was in that temple that Avvaiyar conducted the marriage of the benefactor King, Paari's daughters Angavai and Sangavai. Avvaiyar has sent tidings in a palm leaf that the MooVendars some come over and attend the marriage. Bowing to her order, the Chera, Chola and Pandya kings arrived and blessed the couples. This is not a legend, but history.
Maha Swamigal came to Salem from the city of Kovai (Coimbatore) on foot. UttamaCholaPuram is on the way. Opposite the road is the Shiva temple built by Uttama Chola, located on the banks of TiruMani Muttharu.
I contested for the first time in the PanaiMarathuPatti constituency in a by-election. It was my custom to pray to Shiva in that temple, who has the special name KaraiPuraNathar, before I went for canvassing votes from the public.
When Maha Swamigal arrived on the road before the temple, the Shivacharyas there received him with purna kumbham honours and invited him to visit the temple. Raising his head a little, Maha Swamigal looked at the temple. At that time the temple did not have a gopuram. He said, "You build a gopuram for the temple; I shall come later." Receiving only the purna kumbham honours he continued his yatra on foot. I had not known this news for many years. The temple Shivacharyas told me the news when I won the election for the second time and went round the place. For me, it was great disappointment that Maha Swamigal went away without visiting the holy temple in my constituency! Thinking of finding out the reason from him, I asked him a naive question: "Why did You not visit the temple in my constituency?" I had the wonderful opportunity on that day to learn about the power of His memory.
He asked, "UttamaCholaPuram is in your constituency?" I had not told Him the village name and it was many years since He passed that place. I was sitting before Him, struck with wonder. "It has no gopuram; why don't you build one?" He said.
Maha Swamigal had given the directive. I took leave of him with the firm intention of completing the task. From Kanchi, I went straight to the home of Thiru.K.S. Narayanan, whose venture was the India Cements company. He told me that he would talk to the company administrators and get me the required number of cement bags. I had to catch a person who would meet the expenses. I contacted Thiru.KailasaGounder of Erode, executive director of ArutSelvar Thiru.MahaLingam's company. He gave me his full consent for the commitment. When I was thinking of a good form for the gopuram, I knew about the NangaValli temple tower. I went and saw that gopuram with friends; it was very well built. I arranged with that sthapati (builder) to construct the UttamaCholaPuram temple tower. Somebody should do the administration of all this work? I asked Thiru.R.Jayakumar to be the head of the temple construction committee, and he agreed. At that time, Thiru.Ramasamy Udayar was constructing the Ramachandra Medical College in Porur. I came to know that he had brought teak wood from Rangoon for the construction. I went to him to inquire about the wood needed. He said, "Whatever extent of wood you need for the doors, you saw it off from my stock. I shall send it through my own lorry." A door measuring twelve feet in height was made.
It was initially planned to construct only a three-tired gopuram. On the advice of Thiru. Jayakumar, head of the Committee, it was decided to construct a five-tiered gopuram.
The traditional speciality of that Shiva temple was that on the Chitra Purnima day, the Lingam was immersed in a decoration with two bags of cooked rice, and on the next morning sambar was mixed to the rice and distributed as sambar sadam to the devotees. That was the traditional custom that existed in the temple. So I thought about holding a dinner to the devotees who attended the kuda muzhukku (kumbhabhisekam). I met the head of the Washermanpet rice vendors association and asked him to donate twenty bags of rice for the purpose, collecting it from their members. They collected the rice and sent it themselves through a lorry. My friend Thiru.Mehta was the Chairman of vegetable vendors association in Kodaikanal. I asked him to send through a lorry, vegetables that grew in those hilly regions such as cauliflower, cabbage, and brinjal, collecting them from the surrounding gardens in sufficient quantity to serve thirty thousand people. My friend Srinivasan was in Dindigul. His 'Savorite Semiya' factory was opened sometime ago under my presidentship. I asked him to provide the required semiya (vermicelli) from the factory. My Kovai friend Annur Balu sent me a sum of sixty thousand rupees to meet the wages of people who cooked, served and cleaned. The Lankan minister honourable Tondaiman came over and graced the festival. The festival that began with the nadhasvaram of NamagiriPettai Tiru. Krishnan, went on wonderfully well for three days. On the concluding day of the festival, my ministership was taken away from me.
On the day after, Sri Maha Periyava, as requested by me, sent HH Jayendra Saraswathi and HH Vijayendra Saraswathi to the temple. They arrived and started the poojas in the temple. It is going on regularly until this day. The reason I have written in such detail is to show how Maha Swamigal's Arul vaaku (words of grace) became a reality. This is something I cannot forget in my lifetime.
Afflicted by diabetes, I was under medical treatment in the hospital of Dr.M. Viswanathan. Around ten o' clock one morning some IAS officials came to my room with a garland. When I asked the reason for the garland they said, "From today you are our minister." I came to know that after dismissing twelve ministers, Puratchi Thalaivar had given me many portfolios including Agriculture. I did not go to Ramavaram to thank him. When the other ministers went there, he had inquired about me. When he came to know that I was hospitalized, he came straight to the hospital. I was upset when the police officials came running to my room and said, "The Chief Minister is coming (to meet you)." I was admitted on the third floor. I ran to Dr.Viswanathan's room. The doctor himself received Puratchi Thalaivar and brought him to my air-conditioned room. On arriving to my room Puratchi Thalaivar said, "Rajaram should be treated to get well, whatever the expenses."
It was a time of drought when the portfolio of Agriculture was given to me. There were no rains. The fields had developed cracks. I did not know what to do, except that I remembered Kanchi Maha Swamigal. After attending a function in the Kanchi region, I entered Kanchi Matham. Thiru. Neelakanta Aiyar, the Manager there, knew me from my childhood. He received me and said, "Maha Swamigal was repeatedly asking about your coming here. He stretched himself a little while ago on the stage and has gone to sleep now."
I said, "I shall stand at a distance and have darshan without making any noise", and went to the stage where Maha Swamigal was resting and joined my palms before him. A few minutes passed. Maha Swamigal turned slightly and suddenly got up and sat. On seeing me he asked, "When did you come?" "Just now", I said. "Why did you send word that you wanted to see me?" He asked.
I said, "There are no rains in the state. At this time the Chief Minister has given me the Agriculture portfolio. The grounds have developed cracks. How can I survive as an Agricultural Minister in a state that has no rains? I will earn disgrace. I have come to pray to you to perform a yagam for the rains."
"Did you come only for this?" he said. "Yes", I replied.
He was in a meditative state for sometime, bowing his head in silence. After sometime He said, "Right tomorrow I shall arrange for a fifteen days yagam at the Kamakshi Amman temple."
I had a programme at Chengalpat in the evening. Finishing it, I sat in my car. After I had a meal, the vehicle was going towards SriPerumbudur. The vehicle started sverving on the road. I could not sleep, so I reclined on the seat. I sat up and looked out of the car window. No one will believe what I say! Blinding sheets of rain were pouring down the windshield as if someone were emptying pots and pots of water over the car! It is a torrent of rain! The word Kanchi Maha Swamigal gave me had borne fruits within hours! The grounds were green once again throughout the state. All over the State, the paddy crops became fertile. The harvest was fruitful and the State had plenty of drinking water too. Since there was plenty of water for irrigation throughout the state, my portfolio got a good name. These happenings were in fact the blessings of HH Sri Maha Swamigal upon the State and on me.
Author: Rajaram, K. (former Minister)
Book: Maha Periyaval - Darisana Anubhavangal Vol. 2, Pages 1-9
Saluting Kanchi Maha Swamigal once more on this holy day of the 110th Jayanthi of Kanchi Sri Maha Swamigal, I bow to him again and write about some of the amazing experiences relating to Him so that today's younger generation can know more about Him.
Before I write about my devotion to him, I would like to share with you what Thiru.G. Parthasarathy, a respectable gentleman whom I moved with, told me after having a darshan of Sri Maha Swamigal. Thiru.G.Parthasarathy was the Indian Ambassador to the United Nations. He was the Government Advisor when Smt.Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. Whenever he visited Tamil Nadu from Delhi, he never missed going to Kanchi and having darshan of Sri Maha Periyava. Everytime he went, Sri Maha Periyava conversed with him for over half an hour. What was surprising about it was that He used to speak about events of the world that occurred till the date of their meeting. He would also advise the diplomat on how our country should conduct itself in the global scene. Thiru.G.Parthasarathy has described to me those details with surprise. I have many times heard him speak his wonder and appreciation for the nuances of knowledge displayed by the sage. We have both wondered about the innate divinity of Sri Maha Periyava.
When I went to have darshan of him one day, he was sitting in his palanquin. I went and sat before him. At that time I was having ministerial responsibilities. I had been elected to the Assembly from the PanaiMarathuPatti constituency.
There is a village named UttamaCholaPuram in my constituency. It is located on the banks of the river TiruMani Muttharu. The KaraipuraNatha Swamy temple is there in that village. That was Chera Nadu. It was in that temple that Avvaiyar conducted the marriage of the benefactor King, Paari's daughters Angavai and Sangavai. Avvaiyar has sent tidings in a palm leaf that the MooVendars some come over and attend the marriage. Bowing to her order, the Chera, Chola and Pandya kings arrived and blessed the couples. This is not a legend, but history.
Maha Swamigal came to Salem from the city of Kovai (Coimbatore) on foot. UttamaCholaPuram is on the way. Opposite the road is the Shiva temple built by Uttama Chola, located on the banks of TiruMani Muttharu.
I contested for the first time in the PanaiMarathuPatti constituency in a by-election. It was my custom to pray to Shiva in that temple, who has the special name KaraiPuraNathar, before I went for canvassing votes from the public.
When Maha Swamigal arrived on the road before the temple, the Shivacharyas there received him with purna kumbham honours and invited him to visit the temple. Raising his head a little, Maha Swamigal looked at the temple. At that time the temple did not have a gopuram. He said, "You build a gopuram for the temple; I shall come later." Receiving only the purna kumbham honours he continued his yatra on foot. I had not known this news for many years. The temple Shivacharyas told me the news when I won the election for the second time and went round the place. For me, it was great disappointment that Maha Swamigal went away without visiting the holy temple in my constituency! Thinking of finding out the reason from him, I asked him a naive question: "Why did You not visit the temple in my constituency?" I had the wonderful opportunity on that day to learn about the power of His memory.
He asked, "UttamaCholaPuram is in your constituency?" I had not told Him the village name and it was many years since He passed that place. I was sitting before Him, struck with wonder. "It has no gopuram; why don't you build one?" He said.
Maha Swamigal had given the directive. I took leave of him with the firm intention of completing the task. From Kanchi, I went straight to the home of Thiru.K.S. Narayanan, whose venture was the India Cements company. He told me that he would talk to the company administrators and get me the required number of cement bags. I had to catch a person who would meet the expenses. I contacted Thiru.KailasaGounder of Erode, executive director of ArutSelvar Thiru.MahaLingam's company. He gave me his full consent for the commitment. When I was thinking of a good form for the gopuram, I knew about the NangaValli temple tower. I went and saw that gopuram with friends; it was very well built. I arranged with that sthapati (builder) to construct the UttamaCholaPuram temple tower. Somebody should do the administration of all this work? I asked Thiru.R.Jayakumar to be the head of the temple construction committee, and he agreed. At that time, Thiru.Ramasamy Udayar was constructing the Ramachandra Medical College in Porur. I came to know that he had brought teak wood from Rangoon for the construction. I went to him to inquire about the wood needed. He said, "Whatever extent of wood you need for the doors, you saw it off from my stock. I shall send it through my own lorry." A door measuring twelve feet in height was made.
It was initially planned to construct only a three-tired gopuram. On the advice of Thiru. Jayakumar, head of the Committee, it was decided to construct a five-tiered gopuram.
The traditional speciality of that Shiva temple was that on the Chitra Purnima day, the Lingam was immersed in a decoration with two bags of cooked rice, and on the next morning sambar was mixed to the rice and distributed as sambar sadam to the devotees. That was the traditional custom that existed in the temple. So I thought about holding a dinner to the devotees who attended the kuda muzhukku (kumbhabhisekam). I met the head of the Washermanpet rice vendors association and asked him to donate twenty bags of rice for the purpose, collecting it from their members. They collected the rice and sent it themselves through a lorry. My friend Thiru.Mehta was the Chairman of vegetable vendors association in Kodaikanal. I asked him to send through a lorry, vegetables that grew in those hilly regions such as cauliflower, cabbage, and brinjal, collecting them from the surrounding gardens in sufficient quantity to serve thirty thousand people. My friend Srinivasan was in Dindigul. His 'Savorite Semiya' factory was opened sometime ago under my presidentship. I asked him to provide the required semiya (vermicelli) from the factory. My Kovai friend Annur Balu sent me a sum of sixty thousand rupees to meet the wages of people who cooked, served and cleaned. The Lankan minister honourable Tondaiman came over and graced the festival. The festival that began with the nadhasvaram of NamagiriPettai Tiru. Krishnan, went on wonderfully well for three days. On the concluding day of the festival, my ministership was taken away from me.
On the day after, Sri Maha Periyava, as requested by me, sent HH Jayendra Saraswathi and HH Vijayendra Saraswathi to the temple. They arrived and started the poojas in the temple. It is going on regularly until this day. The reason I have written in such detail is to show how Maha Swamigal's Arul vaaku (words of grace) became a reality. This is something I cannot forget in my lifetime.
Afflicted by diabetes, I was under medical treatment in the hospital of Dr.M. Viswanathan. Around ten o' clock one morning some IAS officials came to my room with a garland. When I asked the reason for the garland they said, "From today you are our minister." I came to know that after dismissing twelve ministers, Puratchi Thalaivar had given me many portfolios including Agriculture. I did not go to Ramavaram to thank him. When the other ministers went there, he had inquired about me. When he came to know that I was hospitalized, he came straight to the hospital. I was upset when the police officials came running to my room and said, "The Chief Minister is coming (to meet you)." I was admitted on the third floor. I ran to Dr.Viswanathan's room. The doctor himself received Puratchi Thalaivar and brought him to my air-conditioned room. On arriving to my room Puratchi Thalaivar said, "Rajaram should be treated to get well, whatever the expenses."
It was a time of drought when the portfolio of Agriculture was given to me. There were no rains. The fields had developed cracks. I did not know what to do, except that I remembered Kanchi Maha Swamigal. After attending a function in the Kanchi region, I entered Kanchi Matham. Thiru. Neelakanta Aiyar, the Manager there, knew me from my childhood. He received me and said, "Maha Swamigal was repeatedly asking about your coming here. He stretched himself a little while ago on the stage and has gone to sleep now."
I said, "I shall stand at a distance and have darshan without making any noise", and went to the stage where Maha Swamigal was resting and joined my palms before him. A few minutes passed. Maha Swamigal turned slightly and suddenly got up and sat. On seeing me he asked, "When did you come?" "Just now", I said. "Why did you send word that you wanted to see me?" He asked.
I said, "There are no rains in the state. At this time the Chief Minister has given me the Agriculture portfolio. The grounds have developed cracks. How can I survive as an Agricultural Minister in a state that has no rains? I will earn disgrace. I have come to pray to you to perform a yagam for the rains."
"Did you come only for this?" he said. "Yes", I replied.
He was in a meditative state for sometime, bowing his head in silence. After sometime He said, "Right tomorrow I shall arrange for a fifteen days yagam at the Kamakshi Amman temple."
I had a programme at Chengalpat in the evening. Finishing it, I sat in my car. After I had a meal, the vehicle was going towards SriPerumbudur. The vehicle started sverving on the road. I could not sleep, so I reclined on the seat. I sat up and looked out of the car window. No one will believe what I say! Blinding sheets of rain were pouring down the windshield as if someone were emptying pots and pots of water over the car! It is a torrent of rain! The word Kanchi Maha Swamigal gave me had borne fruits within hours! The grounds were green once again throughout the state. All over the State, the paddy crops became fertile. The harvest was fruitful and the State had plenty of drinking water too. Since there was plenty of water for irrigation throughout the state, my portfolio got a good name. These happenings were in fact the blessings of HH Sri Maha Swamigal upon the State and on me.
Author: Rajaram, K. (former Minister)
Book: Maha Periyaval - Darisana Anubhavangal Vol. 2, Pages 1-9
Experiences with Maha Periyava: "The very thought of changing Gurus itself is wrong!"
Experiences with Maha Periyava: "The very thought of changing Gurus itself is wrong!"
Of the many occasions I had visited this great Mahan, I used to stand in awe by the side and watch for a few hours many mortals come and go. On one occasion, He noticed me standing in a corner and wondering and allowing all others to come and go. He asked His sincere devotee, Balu Mama:
"Why is he standing there? Does he want anything? Ask him."
Balu Mama came and asked me,
"Periyava wants to know if there anything you want. Why are you just looking at Him and not coming to have the prasadams?"
I told Balu Mama (most of the time tears of joy used to roll down my eyes), "Every time I come here, I have witnessed a rare incident between Periyava and His staunchest devotee. So today also I am just waiting in the side lines for one!"
Periyava overheard this and He said smilingly, "Let him wait for a few more minutes and one such incident is about to happen!"
Many men and women passed by.
Soon a lady, Saroja, came to see Periyava.
She hesitated a bit to go near Him.
Periyava asked Balu Mama to ask her 'what she wants'.
She replied to Balu Mama,"I am coming here for the first time. I have heard from my neighbours in Hyderabad talking so much about this Mahan. So I came to have His darshan"
Periyava smiled and asked her,
"There is something more than the darshan you are trying to seek from me!"
She started weeping like a small child. She might hve been around 55 years old!
"Yes Swamiji. I am really unable to bear the agony."
"You must be a Dwaithin...” Swamiji said. Dvaithins are Maadhwas, followers of Guru Shri Madhwacharya. Vishishtaadhvaithins are Iyengars, followers of Guru Shri Ramanuja.
She was startled to know that: "Yes Swamiji... Indeed Yes." and her weeping power overtook her much more to the dismay of everyone around!
Swamiji asked her: "What is that which is worrying you inside?"
She started narrating in-between her weeps:
"I have been sincerely following one saint for more than 25 years now. I never found anything wrong with him and I have gone to Sanmarga only through this Guru. But of late I have found my Guru is not a real Guru. He has some behavioural problems and I stopped going to him altogether. But I am unable to stand this happening as I trusted this Guru so much and suddenly I find a vacuum in my life, in my spiritual life. That's why when my friends recommended me I came all the way to have darshan of You and be a devotee of You for ever in my life!"
Periyava started smiling...
"So you think by just switching over to another Guru like Me all your problems will get solved?"
"That is what I feel."
Periyava said: "You are wrong. Krishna says "Yathathohyapi kauntheya, Purushasya Vipaschithaha..."
"The moment you are born as a human, you are bound to make mistakes. There is no escape for anyone in this world. Just because you switch over to another Guru like me, what is the surety that I am more pure? The very thought itself is wrong, as every human being has his own limitations."
"No doubt I can understand your agony. What you should do is to start praying silently within yourself to a God of your choice.Try to get that inner "Anandha" instead of searching for another Guru who according to Krishna "May be much worse than the one you have experienced."
There was spellbound silence everywhere...
I went to get His Blessings. He said smilingly, "For you I will ever be the Guru, Don't worry."
Silence was broken with laughter everywhere...
I came out wiping my tears of joy..."
Source: As narrated by a devotee in Sulekha
Of the many occasions I had visited this great Mahan, I used to stand in awe by the side and watch for a few hours many mortals come and go. On one occasion, He noticed me standing in a corner and wondering and allowing all others to come and go. He asked His sincere devotee, Balu Mama:
"Why is he standing there? Does he want anything? Ask him."
Balu Mama came and asked me,
"Periyava wants to know if there anything you want. Why are you just looking at Him and not coming to have the prasadams?"
I told Balu Mama (most of the time tears of joy used to roll down my eyes), "Every time I come here, I have witnessed a rare incident between Periyava and His staunchest devotee. So today also I am just waiting in the side lines for one!"
Periyava overheard this and He said smilingly, "Let him wait for a few more minutes and one such incident is about to happen!"
Many men and women passed by.
Soon a lady, Saroja, came to see Periyava.
She hesitated a bit to go near Him.
Periyava asked Balu Mama to ask her 'what she wants'.
She replied to Balu Mama,"I am coming here for the first time. I have heard from my neighbours in Hyderabad talking so much about this Mahan. So I came to have His darshan"
Periyava smiled and asked her,
"There is something more than the darshan you are trying to seek from me!"
She started weeping like a small child. She might hve been around 55 years old!
"Yes Swamiji. I am really unable to bear the agony."
"You must be a Dwaithin...” Swamiji said. Dvaithins are Maadhwas, followers of Guru Shri Madhwacharya. Vishishtaadhvaithins are Iyengars, followers of Guru Shri Ramanuja.
She was startled to know that: "Yes Swamiji... Indeed Yes." and her weeping power overtook her much more to the dismay of everyone around!
Swamiji asked her: "What is that which is worrying you inside?"
She started narrating in-between her weeps:
"I have been sincerely following one saint for more than 25 years now. I never found anything wrong with him and I have gone to Sanmarga only through this Guru. But of late I have found my Guru is not a real Guru. He has some behavioural problems and I stopped going to him altogether. But I am unable to stand this happening as I trusted this Guru so much and suddenly I find a vacuum in my life, in my spiritual life. That's why when my friends recommended me I came all the way to have darshan of You and be a devotee of You for ever in my life!"
Periyava started smiling...
"So you think by just switching over to another Guru like Me all your problems will get solved?"
"That is what I feel."
Periyava said: "You are wrong. Krishna says "Yathathohyapi kauntheya, Purushasya Vipaschithaha..."
"The moment you are born as a human, you are bound to make mistakes. There is no escape for anyone in this world. Just because you switch over to another Guru like me, what is the surety that I am more pure? The very thought itself is wrong, as every human being has his own limitations."
"No doubt I can understand your agony. What you should do is to start praying silently within yourself to a God of your choice.Try to get that inner "Anandha" instead of searching for another Guru who according to Krishna "May be much worse than the one you have experienced."
There was spellbound silence everywhere...
I went to get His Blessings. He said smilingly, "For you I will ever be the Guru, Don't worry."
Silence was broken with laughter everywhere...
I came out wiping my tears of joy..."
Source: As narrated by a devotee in Sulekha
Experiences with Maha Periyava: Ottiya Pazhamum Ottadha Pazhamum (The fruit that sticks and the fruit that does not)
Experiences with Maha Periyava: Ottiya Pazhamum Ottadha Pazhamum (The fruit that sticks and the fruit that does not)
Many years have passed since this happened. Still it remains unfading green in my heart and guides me until today.
My marriage was held in the year 1958. My husband was serving as a Captain in the Army. Since, even after some years there was no putra bhagyam (fortune of a child) for me, my mother took me to have darshan of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Pithadhipati Shri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Maha Swamigal.
It was evening time. Shri Kanchi Maha Swamigal was doing japam (litany) sitting in his mena (palanquin). Some time passed by, and then Sri Maha Periyava looked at us with boundless compassion. My mother conveyed my grievance to Sri Maha Periyava. Taking an orange fruit from a plate nearby, Sri Maha Periyava kept meditating, closing His two eyes that were in blossom like lotus flowers, and rolling that fruit over those two eyes.
After sometime, He blossomed his eyes, gave that fruit to me and said, "You take this."
With great happiness I took that fruit and went home.
Years rolled by. My husband was serving as a Major in charge of guarding the borders. When he came home during his vacation, we both went to Shri Kanchi Matham to have darshan of Shri Maha Swamigal.
It was evening time. Coming out of his room, the God of Compassion welcomed us with vatsalyam (paternal love), looked at me with limitless kindness and said, "Vaama Kuzhandhe! (Come, child! Come inside!)” He took us inside and told us to sit down.
Looking at my husband he asked, "You are serving in the Army, right?” and my husband replied, "Yes, I am in Siliguri." Periyava asked him, "Can you get oranges there? Can you send me a basket of them?" “Yes”, replied my husband.
Sri Kanchi Maha Periyava looked at me and said, "There are two varieties of the orange fruit. Do you know?"
"I don't know", I said.
Periyava explained, "There are two kinds of oranges, one where the fruit sticks to the inner rind, the other, (he gestured with his hand as if He held a fruit and shook it near his ear), like this, rattles, with the fruit not touching the rind. It is this fruit that is tastier and sweeter than the kind that sticks to the rind. Always keep this in mind."
He had given me a fruit earlier. Years later, He spoke to me about ‘the fruit that does not stick’ to its rind and gave me an insight into a very great truth. He taught me that one must live like ‘the fruit that does not stick’, unattached and unaffected by life. By calling me with the words, “Come, my child”, He made me His child. After I have myself become His child, where is the need of a child for me?
Author: Smt.Lalitha Raman, Sainikpuri
Source: Maha Periyaval - Darisana Anubhavangal Vol.2, Pages 120-122
Many years have passed since this happened. Still it remains unfading green in my heart and guides me until today.
My marriage was held in the year 1958. My husband was serving as a Captain in the Army. Since, even after some years there was no putra bhagyam (fortune of a child) for me, my mother took me to have darshan of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Pithadhipati Shri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Maha Swamigal.
It was evening time. Shri Kanchi Maha Swamigal was doing japam (litany) sitting in his mena (palanquin). Some time passed by, and then Sri Maha Periyava looked at us with boundless compassion. My mother conveyed my grievance to Sri Maha Periyava. Taking an orange fruit from a plate nearby, Sri Maha Periyava kept meditating, closing His two eyes that were in blossom like lotus flowers, and rolling that fruit over those two eyes.
After sometime, He blossomed his eyes, gave that fruit to me and said, "You take this."
With great happiness I took that fruit and went home.
Years rolled by. My husband was serving as a Major in charge of guarding the borders. When he came home during his vacation, we both went to Shri Kanchi Matham to have darshan of Shri Maha Swamigal.
It was evening time. Coming out of his room, the God of Compassion welcomed us with vatsalyam (paternal love), looked at me with limitless kindness and said, "Vaama Kuzhandhe! (Come, child! Come inside!)” He took us inside and told us to sit down.
Looking at my husband he asked, "You are serving in the Army, right?” and my husband replied, "Yes, I am in Siliguri." Periyava asked him, "Can you get oranges there? Can you send me a basket of them?" “Yes”, replied my husband.
Sri Kanchi Maha Periyava looked at me and said, "There are two varieties of the orange fruit. Do you know?"
"I don't know", I said.
Periyava explained, "There are two kinds of oranges, one where the fruit sticks to the inner rind, the other, (he gestured with his hand as if He held a fruit and shook it near his ear), like this, rattles, with the fruit not touching the rind. It is this fruit that is tastier and sweeter than the kind that sticks to the rind. Always keep this in mind."
He had given me a fruit earlier. Years later, He spoke to me about ‘the fruit that does not stick’ to its rind and gave me an insight into a very great truth. He taught me that one must live like ‘the fruit that does not stick’, unattached and unaffected by life. By calling me with the words, “Come, my child”, He made me His child. After I have myself become His child, where is the need of a child for me?
Author: Smt.Lalitha Raman, Sainikpuri
Source: Maha Periyaval - Darisana Anubhavangal Vol.2, Pages 120-122
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