God, man's constant companion

CHENNAI, JAN. 20. The Saiva religious tradition has been blessed with a galaxy of saints who have bequethed a rich legacy in the form of their works and hymns. While the philosophy of Saiva Siddhanta was systematised in the 13th century A.D. by Meykanda Devar in his pioneering work Sivajnana Bodham, the Tamil Saiva canonical literature has been codified in the Tirumurai. The 12 sections embody nearly 20,000 verses of 26 mystic saints and the 63 Nayanmars.

The 11th Tirumurai is a collection of the hymns of a motley group of saints and among them Pattinathar's name stands out as his songs have become popular because of their literary merit and simplicity which appeals to even the laity and above all they have the stamp of a God-intoxicated mystic.

According to Saiva hagiological tradition there are three saints with the name of Pattinathar, far removed from one another in time. The five works included in the Tirumurai belongs to the saint who lived in Kaveripoom Pattinam in the 10th century A.D. He belonged to the prosperous Nagarattar community and followed his family occupation of trading and was held in esteem by the then ruler.

In his discourse Sri Kanaga Subramaniam said, the turning point in his life was when the Lord Himself deigned to point out the transitory nature of worldly life to him. He was childless for a long time and had adopted a child from a poor man who had found the child. He doted on him and one day in his youth he disappeared from home leaving behind a cryptic note in verse form with his wife. It became clear to him that the presiding deity of Tiruvidaimarudur, Marudavanar, had only interceded by living with him as his child to make him take to spiritual life by pointing out that nothing belonging to him would accompany him when death beckoned him.

The very same day he renounced worldy life after distributing all his wealth to the poor and went on pilgrimage singing the praise of Lord Siva. Five of his works have been included in the Tirumurai - the Koil Nanmanikovai, Tirukazhumalai Mummanikovai, Tiruvidaimarudur Mummanikovai, Tiruvegambamudaiyar Tiruvandadi and Tiruvorriyur Orupa Orupathu.

To stress the unity of the diverse forms of the Supreme Being, he adduces the analogy of gold taking on different shapes when made into ornaments in his songs. Another constant refrain in his teachings is his advice to remain detached in life without becoming dejected when beset with problems and elated when blessed with worldly attainments. He also points out that all worldly relationships are temporary and that only the Lord remains one's permanent friend.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Miscellaneous
Previous : Solution to puzzle 6646
Next     : dated January 20, 1950: India and Pakistan