18. The Union of Clouds

Though Varuna was upset about the state of affairs, Indra instigated him into thinking arrogantly that there was nothing to fear from mere humans who depended on the Gods for their very lives.

Where are prayers and penance?

This is the state we are in even today. We do not care for nature. In those days - why, even ten years ago - we would perform yagas and chant Varuna’s name if monsoons failed. But today, because there is no unity among people, all that is lost. People are content so long as their individual lives run smoothly. We think someone else will take responsibility.

When Muthuswami Deekshitar was passing by Sathanur, he was dejected to see the land struck by drought. He sang in Amrithavarshini raga and brought rains to the region. Today musicians can come together to sing. But where is the money in that?

Indra and Varuna got together to inundate Madurai overnight. While the people of Madurai were apprehensive, Abhisheka Pandya did not bother and with people representatives, went deep in meditating on Lord Siva. Yagas to protect the city from the rains were conducted in the temple.

Suddenly four large cloud bodies came together and prevented the rains from flooding Madurai further. The people thanked Lord Siva for the miracle. Because four big clouds protected the city, it is also called Naan Maada Koodal.

Inner Meaning

Varuna and Indra together trying to overwhelm Madurai signifies the water-like heart conniving with the senses to overwhelm the inner awareness.

The four clouds created by the Supreme Power represents the supreme knowledge experienced through the four factors – body, mind, intelligence and awareness  - and stands for knowledge.

When seen from far, the tall temple towers of Madurai resemble the four clouds protecting Madurai.

Om Namah Sivaya!

17. The Seas Dry Up

Who is the seller of gems?

The Lord came to Madurai to sell high quality jewels. So long as everything in the universe is a manifestation of the One, the jeweller  too is that One. But only those traders who are honest, not greedy and conduct business transactions ethically, they are all Sadasivamurthys. We should understand that one such visited Madurai.

Who is Abhisheka Pandya?

The Lord gave the boy blue sapphire for his crown. This boy will rule Madurai well and be known as Abhisheka Pandyan. The word Abhisheka has two meanings – one is washing and the other is the crown. This name indicates that he was highly spiritually evolved.

Abhisheka Pandya allowed himself to be guided by his gurus so that he may rule with heightened awareness. People came from far and wide to observe his rule. What especially drew the people were the various Abhishekams he conducted and the explanations he gave for the rituals.

The lure of camphor

He understood the significance of each libation he was performing and so benefited fully from them. He especially performed the camphor mixture libation, which has the power to overcome our weaknesses, properly. That is why Somasundar is also called Karpura Chokkar and the lady, Karpura Valli.

He had the qualities of camphor and so was worshipped by his people like a god.

Indra feels jealous

Indra felt very jealous of the deification of Abhisheka Pandya. He could not accept that instead of worshipping in the temple consecrated by him, people where worshipping a king!

He instructed Varuna to submerge in tidal wave. Abhisheka Pandya, realising the threat to his kingdom and people, worshipped Somasundara to send clouds that would dry up up the water. He also worshipped the Sun god to come to his aid. As his prayers were answered and the sea dried up, Varuna too realised his mistake and begged forgiveness.

The inner meaning

Indiran is Abhisheka Pandya’s hidden sensual desire. Will it let him off easily? It will resist a life steeped in spiritual awareness. That is why instigates the water-like mind (Varuna) to flood the city, his thoughts. The sun, which is the realisation of the truth, and the clouds – which is knowledge, come to the rescue.

All the stories so far only deal with our struggle between knowledge and awareness. How do we deal with this? Think about it.

Om Namah Sivaya!

16. Selling Rubies The Pandyan who lost his SAL energy

Veerapandyan was an insignificant king. But he desired pleasures, especially the company of women. Indulging in sex lowers our SAL energy considerably. One of the reasons for our country’s poverty is the indulgence of kings and leaders in excessive sex. When we see the youth today propagating living in and free sex, the future of our country seems very dark indeed. Veerapandyan had many children through many women. Despite that he had no heirs from his chief queen. The king and the queen followed several rites to somehow get a child and finally succeeded. The crown goes missing Modern research shows that children born of illicit relationship do not have a healthy mind. When Veerapandyan died unexpectedly, his illegitimate children looted the treasury and went away to different kingdoms. He had been attacked and killed by a tiger in the jungle. In all this, the crown embellished by the nine gems was also lost. What is a crown? The crown worn on the head stands for awareness. Only those who think they and their people are the same are eligible to wear the crown. The Nine Precious Stones Each of the nine precious stones stands for a human quality. By wearing them, we can increase our life force to some extent, say the scriptures. But just wearing jewels engraved with these stones is of no use. The nine stones are: 1. Ruby 2. Pearl 3. Coral 4. Emerald 5. Yellow sapphire 6. Diamond 7. Blue sapphire 8. Hessonite 9. Cat’s eye The nine stones are available on earth. Earth represents the physical body. The nine stones have nine properties associated with the body. Deities in temples are decorated with the different precious stones because they have the ability to increase the life force. Every spiritually significant place be it Madurai, Srirangam, Srivilliputtur or Tirupathy bedecks the idols of the deities with jewels for this reason. The ritual of using specific jewels at specific times is also related to this. The diamond nose stud of Madurai Meenakshi, the snake diamond of Kanyakumari and the golden tower of Srirangam all have been used to rejuvenate the natural power of the earth. This was why Meenakshi and Uttara Kosa Mangai have been carved from emerald. The temple tower in Thiruvalangadu was decorated with gemstones, which is why it was called Rathanmbalam. The king would wear a crown with all nine stones so that his life force may increase. And now the crown of the Pandya dynasty was missing. More importantly, the precious stones had been stolen. Where to buy similar stones? Even if they had the money, they should be able to source it in the first place. What is the significance of losing the crown? It shows that the Pandyas had lost all the life force they had collected through spiritual practices. Indulging in sensual pleasures had negated all the spiritual energy they had built up. Now the king must realise and his awareness increase. Young Pandya Veerapandya’s five year old son through the chief queen had to be crowned the king and there was no crown for coronation. The minister, not knowing what to do, surrendered to god. When the highest knowledge is lost, only with divine guidance can it be retrieved. The Lord too came to Madurai as a seller of gems and explained to the royal family the significance of the gems. The young boy listened with heightened awareness and ruled with great after the coronation. He did not want to lose the gems, that is, the knowledge, again. This is the change of heart the gems achieved. Om Namah Sivaya!

15. Explaining the Vedas

The greatest wealth our ancestors have preserved for us is the Vedas.

What is Veda?

It addresses the question, ‘What is the purpose of human life’ in the most spiritually scientific ways.

It explains the natural laws right from the time the world was to the evolution of man.

They propound that the root cause of this world is the Truth or Brahmam. The disturbance within Brahmam is creation. In the universe, the supreme power became the five elements, which finally led to the creation of man.

We must have the realisation that the Universe is nothing other than Brahmam.

To realise that, we have to cross the stages of body, mind, intelligence and awareness.

When we are one with the Divine, we can realise that the entire universe is within us and we are in the universe, the two are not separate. This is the Truth.

So that we may realise this Truth, Vedas created means for us to worship the Divine and gave it many forms.

By meditating on the different deities, we internalise their qualities and become that deity ourselves.

Vedas have laid down several rituals so that we may realise this and achieve that state.

By realising this truth, man can overcome all fears and doubts.

Salvation is freedom from all worries and attaining happiness.

For that we must give up arrogance and ego through knowledge.

For that we need proper spiritual training and practice.

We need a proper guru to train us correctly. Through that guru we must become aware of the guru within us.

Once the soul becomes one with the Divine, the birth cycle ends. We are eternally happy. Joys and sorrows, good and evil also merge with the supreme being.

Vedas train us for this.

The structure of the universe and every living thing is the same. Therefore the Vedas conclude that the divine is in everything.

Guru Dakshinamurthy inspires us to write the briefest and easiest to learn Vedas. This is what he told the sages Kanva, Sandilya and Karkka when he was in Madurai for a year, doing Siva Puja.

During Kali Yuga, people are confused and ignorant about the Vedas. Only when man removes this ignorance can he realise the truth. That is why these sages learnt the meaning of the Vedas in a simple manner from Lord Chokkar of Madurai.

Om Namah Sivaya!

14. Creating Self-Awareness in Meru Mountain

Veera Pandya succeeded Ugra Pandya. And like his forefathers, he to sincerely conducted spiritual practices. He was keen to ensure the comfort of his subjects.

He would immediately approve any initiative meant for the betterment of the people. He would sanction all resources needed to achieve this goal.

During his time, the monsoons failed and many were forced to migrate. Only those who were determined to till the land remained.

Veera Pandya decided to conducted all the Vedic rituals needed to bring rains and improve the SAL energy of Madurai. But for this he had to invite sages who had not strayed from the path from across boundaries because many of the learned populace had left Madurai putting their life before everything else. But this would involve a great expense, what to do?

Veera Pandya prayed to Lord Meenakshi Sundareshwarar to show him a way out. The Lord too appeared in his dream to answer his query.

He instructed Veera Pandya on how to bring the rich resources of the Himalayas to Madurai. He also advised the king to invite the sages living in the holy mountain.

The king too immediately left for Himalayas as instructed. But he did not get what he sought easily.

He then closed his eyes in prayer and hit the hill with the mace that the Lord had given Veera Pandya’s father. This revealed to him the wealth hidden in the northern part of the mountain, and he carried them back to Madurai, where he conducted appropriate sacrifices to bring rain to his kingdom.

The Himalayas too realised its error in not bowing before the lord and standing tall and proud. Being hit by the mace reminded it of its limitations.

What this signifies is that the very rich should contribute from time to time for the growth of their country and society. This way they will reduce the impact of their sins and increase the SAL energy of the country. The initial pride of Himalayas stands for the indifference of the rich in thinking, ‘Why should I bother? I am happy the way I am.’

Himalayas stands for the wealth of a nation. Hitting it with the mace signifies awakening the awareness of the people in authority. The mace was given by the Lord, and so it can only bestow wisdom.

So everybody should come together as one to fight any difficulties that may arise. But if the society does not arise, then the leader should awaken them.

Om Namah Sivaya!

13. Overcoming Indra’s Arrogance

There was constant conflict between Pandyas and Indra, especially since Indra was envious of the Pandyas.

Indra’s Fears

Our arrogance tells us to always let our five senses be focused on self-awareness. This also indicates our fear that in the pursuit of higher principals, we may lose our ability to enjoy sensual pleasures.

Pandya kingdom suffered a drought. People and other living things died of hunger and thirst. Chera and Chola kingdoms also faced the same situation. So the kings of the three kingdoms bowed before Sage Agastya who resided in Pothigai hills.

The significance of the drought in Pandya kingdom is that the people in that kingdom also lack material interest. Through that they want to realise the Supreme Truth. Imitating others is a common trait among people. Cheras and Cholas too aspired for spirituality like Pandyas. But their senses do not accept this. So all three suffer from the same malaise. At such a time, they need a guru to guide them without faltering.

Agastya’s advice

Agastya understood the plight of the three kings. He guided them on the path of Siva, the highest path to overcome the senses. He especially told them to undertake fasting on Mondays.

The three followed the Guru’s advice and then went to meet Agastya again. He told them that all those who can control their heart will have a smooth life, and blessed them with the ability to see Indra. That is, they were able to understand the root cause of their desires.

Indra welcomed them but did not give them due respect. Chera and Chola kings again lost themselves in sensual pleasures. So they worshipped Indra and obtained many boons. They also asked for rains for their lands. That is, they again desired a life of pleasure.

But the Pandya king lost in Siva consciousness did not forget himself. His kingdom suffered from many difficulties. Finally Ugra Pandya used against Indra the ring weapon  given by his father. The ring is the circle that encircles the heart in knowledge. Overcome by that weapon, Indra gave rains to Pandya kingdom.

Our scriptures do not stop those pursuing spirituality from enjoying sensual pleasures. But for that too you must spend your life force. That will deplete all spiritual energy which has to be regained through penance.

Om Namah Sivaya!

12. Taming the Seas

Like his parents, Ugra Pandya and his wife Kanthimathi too followed their royal duties properly. The subjects too followed their king in leading a principled life.

Like all kings, Ugra Pandya too had a desire – to become Indra. Becoming Indra does not mean becoming the king of some heavenly kingdom in a fairy tale!

Become Indra refers to wanting to enjoy excessive sensual pleasures. For that one must undertake extreme steps. If one journeying on the spiritual path does not consider all pleasures as become one with the Supreme then it can lead them astray.

He wanted his people in Madurai also to enjoy the worldly pleasures more. This desire blinded his self-awareness and wisdom.

The Sea of Desire-Pleasure

At such a time, he felt an uncontrolled desire for physical pleasures. As he struggles, he realises the state he is in. He can hear the alarm bells ringing as through his wisdom he realises he is about to stray into the world of sensual pleasures. He surrenders to the divine in himself, becoming conscious of the fact that his people will also suffer as he does. He also prays in a temple for release from such desires.

Wanting his people to enjoy material comforts due to economic and social progress can be considered as attaining Indra’s status. This can pose hurdles in spiritual progress.

Spear of Knowledge

At such a time, the Lord through his heightened awareness reminded him of the spear of knowledge that he possessed. Using the spear of knowledge, he threw it at the sea of desires and pleasures and protected his people from being overwhelmed by it. Thus saved, Ugra Pandya resolves never to be misled by desires and establishes a Sivalinga in the temple in his heart.

Satsanga or Tamil Sangam

He realises that only through service he can ensure not falling into the trap of sensual pleasures again. At that time he decides to hold the third Tamil Sangam in Madurai. Tamil Sangam is being in the company of highly evolved people. It is that noble company he received in the form of learned men in Tamil Sangam.

Om Namah Sivaya!

11. Ugra Pandyan Acquires Weapons

When Ugra Pandya attained suitable age, the Lord and Devi prepare to hand over the reins of the kingdom to him. When they realised he had attained the maturity and the capability, they coronate him.

Next, they finalised his marriage with Kanthimathi, daughter of king of Manavur, so that he may become a householder and through that seek spiritual knowledge. That king was a descendent of the dynasty of the sun.

Ugra Pandya and Kanthimathi coming together in wedlock united the two dynasties. This helped turned enmity to friendship. The Lord could have got his son married to some powerful dynasty. But this alliance shows his foresight. Material gains are all temporary, it is spiritual gain that lasts. The Lord realises that the Manavur king was spiritually evolved.

The Sun and the Moon dynasties. The Sun is the symbol of pure enlightenment and moon represents the mind. Their union signifies that the mind is now immersed in spiritual enlightenment. There is no doubt that their son followed the path his parents followed and lived a fulfilling life.

In this episode, the Samudrika aspects (the physical symbols) are discussed in detail. The characteristics of the parts of the body represent some psychological trait. But regardless of that, through awareness, anyone can attain spiritual knowledge.

Soon after the wedding, the Lord bestows on his son three weapons needed to protect his kingdom – the shield (or is it hoop?), the spear and the mace.

Then the Lord and the Devi proceeded to vanaprastham – seeking spiritual knowledge through severe penance in the forest, and then like the sages, attained salvation and unity with the Divine by discarding the body.

It is believed that the Lord carved the image of the Devi in emerald with his own hands.

The shield/hoop represents the influence of the mind on thinking.

The spear stands for knowledge gained through long experience.

The mace stands for unbending integrity.

He established the Kochadai Dharmashastha in the west.  The mother has worshipped him there too, and that is why is said, ‘Thatataka manapreethyayai namaha’.

Om Namah Sivaya

10. Kanchanamala senses her late husband’s presence

In an age where mothers and daughters assess a prospective groom by his assets, Thatatakai and her mother are exceptions.

Firstly, does any mother have the maturity to accept a son-in-law who had realised the divine?

Parents only fear for the life of their daughters if she marries a man who is spiritually evolved.

Knowing her son-in-law is Siva himself, Kanchanamala could have asked for many material boons. But instead she also asked for the same spiritual awareness as her daughter.

The darling of mother-in-law

Having brought the seven holy seas into the city of Madurai, the Lord also explains to his mother-in-law the proper way to take a dip. The spirits naturally found on the banks of such holy waters attain the status of the forefathers and should be worshipped as such, and he explains to her the correct method of worship.

Of the five elements, water has the quality of the mind. It can change its character in a flash. Waters purify externally and internally. So worshipping the forefathers on the banks of holy waters is auspicious.

Kanchanamala performed the appropriate rights for her late husband on the banks of the holy pond. She realised the presence of her husband’s spirit within her. She realised through the grace of the god that however many births she may take, and even if she begot the Divine Mother Herself as her daughter, there were certain limitations to human life.

She also realised the ultimate truth that though her husband and she gave birth to the Divine Mother as their daughter, they were not separate from Her. Realising that she was not separate from her husband either, she also realised that she had no desire left for rebirth. Through that realisation, she and her husband attained salvation.

She, her husband, her daughter, her people, her city – everybody was one. Can a son-in-law give his mother-in-law a greater gift that this knowledge?

Om Namah Shivaya 

9. Seven Seas in Madurai

Henceforth we will refer to the king as God, since he is one to his people whom he protects. Internalising the qualities of Siva, the king himself becomes Siva.

Thatatakai’s mother, through the urging of her guru, wishes to visit the seven holy seas, take a dip in them and make religious offerings. She expresses her desire to her daughter and requests her to arrange for a pilgrimage.

Devi in turn told her husband of her mother’s desire. Scriptures say that keeping in mind her age and the difficulty to travel alone in that age, Somasundarar decides to bring the seven seas in a small pond in Madurai.

Let’s examine the inner meaning of this episode. We see today people running to temples, performing rituals and believing in superstition for everything these days. ­But they are not aware of the reasons for this.

By visiting temples, bathing in holy waters, performing Vedic rituals, charity and service can all bring down the impact of our negative karmas, the mind will calm down and we will become spiritually more aware. SAL energy will go up. In India especially, we consider water as an important tool for spirituality.

Water makes one understand the concept of the mind. Through the holy dip, the mind should attempt to clean dirt in the body and mind. Especially water found in elevated places and consecrated has the ability to awaken spiritual thoughts in one’s mind. It is important to realise this while taking a dip. The water should create in one’s mind a generosity to help others selflessly. That is why our ancestors stressed on the importance of bathing in Rameshwaram, Varanasi and Thalakaveri. In some places, the water is worshipped as God.

Son-in-law’s word is law

The Lord explained the concept of holy waters clearly to his mother-in-law. She understood his explanation well and thought of Vaigai river and the Golden Lotus Pond in Madurai as the holy waters. Isn’t it a fact? After all, every water body on earth has its roots in the sea. It is the sea that forms the different water bodies. That is why all the water bodies associated with Siva temples has Ganga as part of its name. There is only one Ganges, but its properties are shared by the other waters too. Why is that? Because of true faith.

By making the elderly lady realise that everything is one, the Lord then created a pond through his divine powers where all the seven seas were contained. The mother also took a holy dip in that pond.

Be it Ganga, Kaveri or Vaigai, it is our heart that should change. Piety has to be born in our hearts after all.

Om Namah Shivaya!