Research essays

KOODAL MANMIYAM, RAMAYANA THIRUPPUGAZH MATRUM KATTURAIGALL: Thiru Na. Appan Iyengar - Author and Commentator; Published by T.A. Srinivasan, 22, Tamil Sangam Road, Madurai-625001. Rs. 80.

THIS BOOK contains nine gems of essays of great Tamil literary and research merit with the first essay itself forming the title of the book. The Jeeyar of Sri Vanamamalai Mutt, in his benedictory message, has aptly pointed out the great scholastic line in which the author was born as the illustrious son of an illustrious Tamil scholar, Thiru Narayana Iyengar and his great contribution as the chief professor of the fourth Tamil Sangam established by Sri Pandithurai Thevar at Madurai. The essays presented in the book were published 75 years ago, one in the Sangam's official publication Senthamizh and eight others in Harisamayadivakaram. They bring forth a good deal of research in and penetrating study of Thirukkural and other Sangam and Vaishnavite literature.

The author, in the first essay, has described the historical greatness of Madurai based on the Puranic traditions. The glory of the Pandyan kingdom, the origin of the river Vaigai, its traditional holiness, the unique religious and cultural features of Madurai are dealt with in the first part followed by an interesting account of the presiding deity of Madurai - Koodal Azhagar, the fascinating landscape with the perennial stream, Silambaru enlivening Thirumalirum Solai Malai of great antiquity and the importance of Kadambavanam. These are presented as a narration by Sage Vyasa to other sages headed by Saunaka in the holy Naimisaranyam on the banks of the river Saraswati.

The scenic location of the Elephant Hill (Yanaimalai) near Madurai, the ever-benign presence of Lord Narasimha in this hill, the unflinching devotion of Ambareesha who worshipped Lord Narayana ever present as Sundararaja in the holy Ashtanga Vimana, the like of which, sanctified by the Lord, exists only in Sri Vaikunta, the Milky Ocean, Suryamandala and Thirukkoshtiyur, worship of the Lord by Sage Kasyapa, Emperor Prithu, the celestial damsel Urvasi and King Malayadhwaja are given in an exemplary novel-like tempo. The essay concludes with two important accounts. One relates to the birth of Parvati as King Malayadhwaja's daughter as princess and heir-apparent and her marriage with Lord Siva and worshipped even today as a darling deity, Meenakshi. Another describes the Pandyan ruler Sri Vallabhadevan inviting Vishnuchitta (Periazhwar) of Srivilliputhur and realising through his exposition, by divine grace, the pre-eminence of Lord Narayana and honouring the great Vaishnavite scholar with Porkizhi and other royal honours.

The second essay is ``Ramayana Thiruppugazh'' authored by a poet, ``Bharathi Appan''. It seems that only Balakandam was secured and notes have been written thereon. This work excels in its metrical grandeur and depth of knowledge. It could not be ascertained whether this splendid poetical work preceded Arunagirinathar's ``Thiruppugazh'' or was a later work patterned after it. With the eminence of Vaishnavism as its core, this work, earlier known as ``Rama Jayam'', glorifies Rama's manysided virtues, providing both an intellectual treat and a pleasing rhythm.

Next is presented ``Kambanattazhwar'', that great Tamil poet who immortalised the epic, Ramayana, in his monumental work originally known as ``Ramavataram'' (as ably established in the succeeding essay by the author) and now popular as ``Kamba Ramayanam''. That the poet was as deeply devoted and immersed in Lord Rama as other Azhwars and five illustrative references to his work in later commentaries of Srivaishnava Acharyas suggestive of the peerless Tamil poet's eminence due to divine dispensation, not to speak of his great reverence to Nammazhwar, are well brought out.

In the next essay, the innate grace of the Lord is admirably presented in the context of Sri Rama's ``saranagati'' to Varuna at the suggestion of Vibhishana. The narration demonstrates as to how Sri Rama, seemingly angry with Varuna for not responding to His call, ultimately directs His anger towards annihilating Varuna's enemies.

``Ramavataram'' is an essay seeking to reestablish the original name of the Kamba Ramayanam on the authority of ``Purathirattu'' and endorsed by the great scholar Vaiyapuri Pillai.

The essay on ``Dharmam'' elaborates that of the four objectives to be achieved by every human viz., dharma, artha, kama and moksha, dharma alone is pre-eminent as it leads to the other three and devoid of dharma, the other three are not worthy of attainment.

In the next essay, the ``Eedu'' commentary of one Pasuram of Nammazhvar in Thiruvoimozhi which refers to the inimitable style of Parasara Bhattar's extempore response to a query by a Tamil pandit on the aptness of the wording in the Pasuram is explained. Nammazhwar's Pasuram is in the context of himself being a damsel in distress at the separation of the Lord and sending birds as messengers. The objection by the Tamil scholar is to the use of the words ``Enneermai Kandirangi'' which in his opinion should be ``Enneermai Kettirangi'' as the Lord, who is away, cannot see the sudden discolouration of His sweetheart due to separation. Parasara Bhattar queries him whether he is not familiar with similar usages highlighted in one Thirukkural stanza and another in the Sangam work Kurunthogai. The author explains the two usages and asserts the brilliance of Bhattar's rejoinder.

The penultimate essay describes a historical anecdote connected with Thirukkannapuram where Munayatharayar, an officer of the Chola king in charge of revenue collection, uses the money to alleviate the drought affected local population and to maintain the worship routine in the Sowrirajaperural temple. He is promptly imprisoned due to the king's orders. The imprisoned official's wife vows to end her life if the Lord does not ensure her husband's release in five days. The Lord obliges and appears in the dream of the king requiring him to set the official free. The king is overwhelmed by the darshan and acts quickly to free the official and honours him. On his release the wife treats him to a well prepared food but the devout official offers it to the Lord before partaking it.

No tributes will be adequate for the author's scholarly and authoratitive presentation. This book will occupy a pride of place in any library.

K. A. MANAVALAN

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