Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Chathurakiri Mount. - Mahalingam Mount - Viruthunagar District
சாதாரண மலைகளைப் போலல்ல இது. வீரியம் நிறைந்த வினோதமான மலை. கணக்கற்ற இரகசியங்களைத் தன்னுள்ளே பொதித்துக் கொண்டு அமைதியாய்க் காணப்படும் அபூர்வ மலை.
சித்தர்களின் இராஜ்ஜியமாகவும், அபாயகரமான காட்டுவாழ் விலங்கினங்களின் புகலிடமாகவும், அபூர்வ சக்திகள் படைத்த மூலிகைகளின் வாழ்விடமாகவும் விளங்கும் இம்மலை, பரம்பொருள் சிவபரமாத்மாவின் அருட்கடாட்சம் பெற்றபடியால் சிவன்மலை என்றும் மகாலிங்க மலை என்றும் அழைக்கப்படுகிறது.
சிவனும் பார்வதி தேவியும் இங்கே நிரந்தரமாகத் தங்கியிருந்து பக்தர்களுக்கு அருள்பாலிப்பதாக சித்தர்களுக்கு வாக்குத் தந்திருப்பதால் இவ்விடம் தென்கயிலாயம் என்றும் அழைக்கப்படுகிறது.
இம்மலை அஷ்டமாசித்திகள் பெற்ற பதினெட்டு சித்தர்களின் தலைமையிடமாகவும், மற்றும் பல சித்தர்கள் கூடி தத்தம் ராய்ச்சிகளை விவாதிக்கும் இடமாகவும் அறியப்படுகிறது. இம்மலையிலுள்ள நூற்றுக்கணக்கான குகைகளில் தங்கியிருந்து சிவனை வணங்கி வழிபட்டு வந்ததுடன் மக்களின் நோய் தீர்க்கும், துன்பங்களைக் களையும் மருந்துகளைக் கண்டுபிடிக்கும் ராய்ச்சிகளிலும் சித்தர்கள் ஈடுபட்டு வந்துள்ளனர். சித்தர்பூமியாம் சதுரகிரியில் எண்ணற்ற மூலிகைகள் நிறைந்த வனம் உள்ளது. இன்றும் இம்மலையில் சித்தர் பெருமக்கள் அரூபமாக வாழ்ந்து வருவதாகக் கூறப்படுகிறது. சித்தர்களின் அதிர்வலைகள் மலையெங்கும் நிறைந்திருப்பதால் அதில் சிறிதாவது தமது உடலில் ஒட்டட்டும் என பக்தர்கள் விரும்பி இங்கு வருகின்றனர்.
அமைவிடம் சதுரகிரி, தமிழ்நாட்டில் விருதுநகர் மாவட்டத்தில் வத்றாப் என அழைக்கப்படும் வத்திறாயிருப்பு அருகில் உள்ள தாணிப்பாறையில் உள்ளது. வத்றாப்பிலிருந்து சுமார் 10 கிமீ தொலைவிலும், வத்றாப் விலக்கிலிருந்து சுமார் 7 கிமீ தொலைவிலும் தாணிப்பாறை அமைந்துள்ளது. தென்னந்தோப்புகளும், மாந்தோப்புகளும், கொய்யாத் தோப்புகளும் சூழ தாணிப்பாறை ரம்மியமாய் காட்சியளிக்கும். மலையின் அடிவாரத்திலிருந்து ஏறக்குறைய எட்டு கிமீ தூரத்தில் உச்சியில் மகாலிங்கம் சன்னதி அமைந்துள்ளது. ஒரு மலையல்ல, இரு மலையல்ல.. ஏழு மலைகளைக் கடந்துதான் கோவிலைச் சென்றடைய முடியும். மலைகள் சுற்றிலும் சதுர வடிவில் அமைந்த படியால் சதுரகிரி என்று பெயர்பெற்றதாகவும் சொல்கிறார்கள். நான்கு பெரிய மலைகள் கோவிலைச் சுற்றிலும் அரண் போல் அமைந்திருப்பதாலும் அவ்வாறு பெயர் பெற்றதாகச் சொல்வதும் உண்டு. ‘சதுர’ என்றால் நான்கு, ‘கிரி’ என்றால் மலை. சுற்றிலும் பெரிய மலைகள் இருந்தாலும் சிறு சிறு கிளை மலைகளும் உண்டு. இவற்றையெல்லாம் தாண்டித்தான் மேலே செல்ல வேண்டும். ஒரு மலைக்கும் இன்னொரு மலைக்கும் இடைப்பட்ட பகுதி காட்டாற்றின் போக்கிடமாக உள்ளது.
தல புராணம்கைலாயத்தில் சிவபெருமானையும் பார்வதியையும் தேவாதி தேவர்களும், ரிஷிகளும், முனிவர்களும் வழிபட்டு வந்தனர். அவர்கள் அனைவரும் இருவரையும் பிரதட்சணமாகச் சுற்றி வந்து வணங்கினர். பிருங்கி மகரிஷி என அழைக்கப்படும் தவ சிரேஷ்டப் பெருமகனார் மட்டும் சிவபெருமானை மட்டுமே சுற்றி வந்து வணங்கினார், பார்வதியை தவிர்த்துவிட்டு. பார்வதி சிவனைப் பார்த்து ஏன் அவர் தன்னைச் சுற்றி வரவில்லை எனக் கேட்டார். பூலோகத்தில் அனைத்தையும் துறந்துவிட்டு மோட்சகதியைத் தேடி தன்னிடம் வருவோருக்குத் தாம் மோட்சத்தை அளிப்பதாகப் பதிலளித்தார் பரமாத்மா. உலக இன்பங்களை அனுபவிக்க விரும்பும் பக்தர்கள் அவற்றை அடையும் சக்தியை தேவியிடமிருந்து பெறுவதால், தங்கள் இருவரையும் சேர்த்து வணங்குகின்றனர். ஆனால் பிருங்கி முனிவரோ தமக்கு மோட்சகதி மட்டும் கிடைத்தால் போதும் என விரும்புவதால் அவர் தன்னை மற்றும் சுற்றி வந்து வணங்கியதாக மேலும் கூறினார் சிவன். இவ்வாறு பரம்பொருள் கூற, தன்னைத் தவிர்த்துவிட்டாரே என்று கோபம் கொண்ட பார்வதி தேவி பிருங்கி மகரிஷிக்கு சாபமிட்டார், அவருடைய சக்தியெல்லாம் இழக்கட்டும் என்று. சக்தியை இழந்த மகரிஷி தடுமாறி கீழே விழ, தன்னுடைய அடியாரைக் காக்கும் விதமாக ஓர் ஊன்றுகோலை எடுத்து சிவன் வீச, அதைப் பிடித்துக்கொண்டு தட்டுத் தடுமாறி பிருங்கி மகரிஷி வெளியேறினார். தன்னை சிவனுடன் இணைத்துக் கொண்டால் மட்டுமே தன்னுடைய விருப்பங்களை நிறைவேற்ற முடியும் என எண்ணிய பார்வதி, பரமாத்மனின் இடப்புற உடலாகத் தன்னை ஆக்கிக்கொள்ள வேண்டி தவம் செய்யப் புறப்பட்டார். பரம்பொருளை விட்டுப் பிரிந்த பார்வதி சதுரகிரி வந்தடைந்து தவம் செய்ய சரியான இடம் தேடி மலையுச்சியை அடைந்து கல்லால மரத்தின் அடியில் அமர்ந்து சிவனைக் குறித்து தியானம் செய்யலானார். இந்த மரம் சட்டநாத முனிவரின் குகைக்கருகில் இருக்கிறது. அவ்வனப் பகுதி 12 ஆண்டுகளாகத் தொடர்ந்து வறட்சியின் பிடியில் சிக்கியிருந்தது. தெய்வமகளின் வருகையால் மரங்கள் மலர்ச்சியடைந்தன. செடிகளும், கொடிகளும் பூச்சொறிந்தன. புத்துணர்வு பெற்றது வனம். தெய்வத்தின் வருகையறிந்த சட்டநாதர் அவரை வரவேற்று, வந்த காரணத்தை வினவினார். பார்வதி தேவியின் விளக்கத்தைக் கேட்டறிந்த சட்டநாதர், அவரது தவம் நிறைவேற அனைத்து உதவிகளையும் செய்தார்.பார்வதி தேவி சந்தனத்தைக் குழைத்து அதன் மூலம் லிங்கம் ஒன்றை பிரதிஷ்டானம் செய்தார். அந்த லிங்கத்தை அனுதினமும் தவறாது பூஜித்து வந்த தேவி, கடும் தவத்தை மேற்கொண்டார். மனமுருகிய சிவன் தேவியின் தவத்தினை மெச்சி, தன்னுடைய ரிஷப வாகனத்தில் காட்சி தந்து, தேவி வேண்டிய வரத்தினை அருளினார். சந்தன லிங்கத்தை தேவியே பூஜித்து வழிபட்டமையால் அதை தவத்தில் உயர்ந்த ரிஷிகளும், முனிவர்களும், சித்தர் பெருமக்களும் மட்டுமே பூஜிக்க வேண்டுமென்று ஆணையிட்டார். இவ்வுலக வாழ்க்கையை விரும்பும் பக்தர்கள் தன்னை இங்கே வந்து வழிபட்டால், இவ்வுலக வாழ்வின் இன்பத்தை அனுபவித்துக் கொண்டே அவர்கள் மோட்சகதியை அடையும் பக்குவத்திற்கு உட்படுத்தப்படுவார்கள் எனவும், இறுதியாக தன்னுடன் இணைவார்கள் என்றும் அறிவித்தார். அதன் பின் எல்லோரையும் ஆசிர்வதித்த சிவபரமாத்மா தன்னுடன் இணைந்த தேவியுடன் அர்த்தநாரியாக கைலாயம் திரும்பினார். பின்னர், சட்டநாத முனி சந்தன மகாலிங்கத்தை வழிபட, அவருக்குப் பின் அவருடைய சீடர் காணாங்கி முனி வழிபட்டு வந்தார். இதுவே தல வரலாறு.
தல புராணம்கைலாயத்தில் சிவபெருமானையும் பார்வதியையும் தேவாதி தேவர்களும், ரிஷிகளும், முனிவர்களும் வழிபட்டு வந்தனர். அவர்கள் அனைவரும் இருவரையும் பிரதட்சணமாகச் சுற்றி வந்து வணங்கினர். பிருங்கி மகரிஷி என அழைக்கப்படும் தவ சிரேஷ்டப் பெருமகனார் மட்டும் சிவபெருமானை மட்டுமே சுற்றி வந்து வணங்கினார், பார்வதியை தவிர்த்துவிட்டு. பார்வதி சிவனைப் பார்த்து ஏன் அவர் தன்னைச் சுற்றி வரவில்லை எனக் கேட்டார். பூலோகத்தில் அனைத்தையும் துறந்துவிட்டு மோட்சகதியைத் தேடி தன்னிடம் வருவோருக்குத் தாம் மோட்சத்தை அளிப்பதாகப் பதிலளித்தார் பரமாத்மா. உலக இன்பங்களை அனுபவிக்க விரும்பும் பக்தர்கள் அவற்றை அடையும் சக்தியை தேவியிடமிருந்து பெறுவதால், தங்கள் இருவரையும் சேர்த்து வணங்குகின்றனர். ஆனால் பிருங்கி முனிவரோ தமக்கு மோட்சகதி மட்டும் கிடைத்தால் போதும் என விரும்புவதால் அவர் தன்னை மற்றும் சுற்றி வந்து வணங்கியதாக மேலும் கூறினார் சிவன். இவ்வாறு பரம்பொருள் கூற, தன்னைத் தவிர்த்துவிட்டாரே என்று கோபம் கொண்ட பார்வதி தேவி பிருங்கி மகரிஷிக்கு சாபமிட்டார், அவருடைய சக்தியெல்லாம் இழக்கட்டும் என்று. சக்தியை இழந்த மகரிஷி தடுமாறி கீழே விழ, தன்னுடைய அடியாரைக் காக்கும் விதமாக ஓர் ஊன்றுகோலை எடுத்து சிவன் வீச, அதைப் பிடித்துக்கொண்டு தட்டுத் தடுமாறி பிருங்கி மகரிஷி வெளியேறினார். தன்னை சிவனுடன் இணைத்துக் கொண்டால் மட்டுமே தன்னுடைய விருப்பங்களை நிறைவேற்ற முடியும் என எண்ணிய பார்வதி, பரமாத்மனின் இடப்புற உடலாகத் தன்னை ஆக்கிக்கொள்ள வேண்டி தவம் செய்யப் புறப்பட்டார். பரம்பொருளை விட்டுப் பிரிந்த பார்வதி சதுரகிரி வந்தடைந்து தவம் செய்ய சரியான இடம் தேடி மலையுச்சியை அடைந்து கல்லால மரத்தின் அடியில் அமர்ந்து சிவனைக் குறித்து தியானம் செய்யலானார். இந்த மரம் சட்டநாத முனிவரின் குகைக்கருகில் இருக்கிறது. அவ்வனப் பகுதி 12 ஆண்டுகளாகத் தொடர்ந்து வறட்சியின் பிடியில் சிக்கியிருந்தது. தெய்வமகளின் வருகையால் மரங்கள் மலர்ச்சியடைந்தன. செடிகளும், கொடிகளும் பூச்சொறிந்தன. புத்துணர்வு பெற்றது வனம். தெய்வத்தின் வருகையறிந்த சட்டநாதர் அவரை வரவேற்று, வந்த காரணத்தை வினவினார். பார்வதி தேவியின் விளக்கத்தைக் கேட்டறிந்த சட்டநாதர், அவரது தவம் நிறைவேற அனைத்து உதவிகளையும் செய்தார்.பார்வதி தேவி சந்தனத்தைக் குழைத்து அதன் மூலம் லிங்கம் ஒன்றை பிரதிஷ்டானம் செய்தார். அந்த லிங்கத்தை அனுதினமும் தவறாது பூஜித்து வந்த தேவி, கடும் தவத்தை மேற்கொண்டார். மனமுருகிய சிவன் தேவியின் தவத்தினை மெச்சி, தன்னுடைய ரிஷப வாகனத்தில் காட்சி தந்து, தேவி வேண்டிய வரத்தினை அருளினார். சந்தன லிங்கத்தை தேவியே பூஜித்து வழிபட்டமையால் அதை தவத்தில் உயர்ந்த ரிஷிகளும், முனிவர்களும், சித்தர் பெருமக்களும் மட்டுமே பூஜிக்க வேண்டுமென்று ஆணையிட்டார். இவ்வுலக வாழ்க்கையை விரும்பும் பக்தர்கள் தன்னை இங்கே வந்து வழிபட்டால், இவ்வுலக வாழ்வின் இன்பத்தை அனுபவித்துக் கொண்டே அவர்கள் மோட்சகதியை அடையும் பக்குவத்திற்கு உட்படுத்தப்படுவார்கள் எனவும், இறுதியாக தன்னுடன் இணைவார்கள் என்றும் அறிவித்தார். அதன் பின் எல்லோரையும் ஆசிர்வதித்த சிவபரமாத்மா தன்னுடன் இணைந்த தேவியுடன் அர்த்தநாரியாக கைலாயம் திரும்பினார். பின்னர், சட்டநாத முனி சந்தன மகாலிங்கத்தை வழிபட, அவருக்குப் பின் அவருடைய சீடர் காணாங்கி முனி வழிபட்டு வந்தார். இதுவே தல வரலாறு.
Sathala Puranam
Once at Kailash, Lord Siva and Parvathi were worshipped by several saints, ganas, siddhars and sanyasis. When everybody made pradakshinam to both one Maharishi called "Bringi" made pradakshinam to Lord Siva only, ignoring Parvathi. When Parvathi asked Lord Siva as to why Bringi Maharishi did not pay his tributes to her, Lord Siva explained that those who have left everything and think only about "Moksha House" will perform duties that way and at the end they will join me and those who wish to enjoy "Ishta Kamya Moksha" will worship her and enjoy everything in life. Since everybody wanted to enjoy "Ishta Kamya Moksha" in life they paid their tributes to both and this Bringi wanted only "Moksha", he paid tributes only to Lord Siva. On hearing this Parvathi Devi cursed Bringi Maharishi and he lost all flesh from his body since flesh is sakthi form. Bringi Maharishi was unable to stand without sakthi and fell down. On seeing this Lord Siva, to protect his devoted/realised disciple, threw a stick with which, the Maharishi walked away.
On seeing this, Parvathi decided that if only she become "Ardha Nari " on left side of Siva, she will be able to achieve her goals and thought to do a pooja/thavam/penance to appease Lord Siva to grant her the position. Parvathi Devi left Lord Siva and went to find a suitable place and on reaching the hill she sat under the shades of "Kallala Tree" and started her meditation. The tree was near to "Sattanadha Muni Siddhar" cave. There was no rain for nearly 12 years in that place and on the presence of Goddess, the entire place flowered back with greenary. On seeing the Goddess, the Muni went and received her by paying tributes and enquired about her arrival at the place. On hearing the message, the Muni arranged everything and Parvathi Devi made a Prathishtanam of Linga with Sandalwood Paste.
Goddess worshipped Lord Siva with flowers, mantras and meditation. On being appeased, Lord Siva appeared on his "Rishaba Vahana" and accepted the demand of Goddess. On their return Lord Siva proclaimed that since the Siva Lingam was worshipped by Parvathi Devi, it should be worshipped only by Maharishis only and those who wish for "Kamya Loka" should not do pooja to the lingam. And if they do so, they may stand to hate "Ishta Kamya Loka" and will become "Moksha Desired" person and ultimately join him. Lord Siva blessed everybody and went away. After that, Satta Natha Muni worshipped the "Santhana Lingam" and "Chanangi Muni" followed suit.
It is also said in Siva Puranam that the four Vedas joined together and formed this mountain and that is why it is called Chathur(ved)agiri
Other Sanctums
§ At Santhana Mahalingam Temple, separate sanctums for 18 Siddhars, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Santhana Mahadevi (Goddess) and Navagrahas, are there.
§ At Sundara Mahalingam Temple, there are two separate sanctums viz., Sundara Murthy at the entrance of the temple and Lord Sundara Mahalingam are there.
§ On the way to the hill up to Sundara Mahalingam, the following sanctums are there.
§ At Thaniparai entrance, separate sanctums for Lord Ganesha, Rajakali Amman, Pechi Amman and Karuppa Swami.
§ At Kora Kunda (Korakkar), two sanctums of Sivalingams inside two separate caves.
§ On the way up twin Lingams in a single sanctum called "Rettai Lingam". (Sankaran Narayanar Lingams).
§ Vana Durga sanctum.
§ Pilavadi Karuppaswamy sanctum.
§ From Sundara Mahalingam up to the top of the hill the following sanctums are there deep in the forest.
§ Vana Durga
§ Oonjal Karuppan Swamy
§ Korakkar Scripture Rock
§ Vella Ganapathi (White colored Lord Ganesha)
§ Nadu Kattu Ganapathi
§ Naga Kanni Kavu
§ Periya Mahalingam
§ Thavasi Cave (where it is said that Siddhars are still there and one can enter only with their permission).
Devotees are requested to climb the mountain only from Thaniparai Region. There are so many other ways from different directions to Top of the hill. But they are very dangerous. Atleast the devotee can find some other person within a gap of 5 minutes while climbing/getting down from Thaniparai direction. How to Reach Sathuragiri
Once at Kailash, Lord Siva and Parvathi were worshipped by several saints, ganas, siddhars and sanyasis. When everybody made pradakshinam to both one Maharishi called "Bringi" made pradakshinam to Lord Siva only, ignoring Parvathi. When Parvathi asked Lord Siva as to why Bringi Maharishi did not pay his tributes to her, Lord Siva explained that those who have left everything and think only about "Moksha House" will perform duties that way and at the end they will join me and those who wish to enjoy "Ishta Kamya Moksha" will worship her and enjoy everything in life. Since everybody wanted to enjoy "Ishta Kamya Moksha" in life they paid their tributes to both and this Bringi wanted only "Moksha", he paid tributes only to Lord Siva. On hearing this Parvathi Devi cursed Bringi Maharishi and he lost all flesh from his body since flesh is sakthi form. Bringi Maharishi was unable to stand without sakthi and fell down. On seeing this Lord Siva, to protect his devoted/realised disciple, threw a stick with which, the Maharishi walked away.
On seeing this, Parvathi decided that if only she become "Ardha Nari " on left side of Siva, she will be able to achieve her goals and thought to do a pooja/thavam/penance to appease Lord Siva to grant her the position. Parvathi Devi left Lord Siva and went to find a suitable place and on reaching the hill she sat under the shades of "Kallala Tree" and started her meditation. The tree was near to "Sattanadha Muni Siddhar" cave. There was no rain for nearly 12 years in that place and on the presence of Goddess, the entire place flowered back with greenary. On seeing the Goddess, the Muni went and received her by paying tributes and enquired about her arrival at the place. On hearing the message, the Muni arranged everything and Parvathi Devi made a Prathishtanam of Linga with Sandalwood Paste.
Goddess worshipped Lord Siva with flowers, mantras and meditation. On being appeased, Lord Siva appeared on his "Rishaba Vahana" and accepted the demand of Goddess. On their return Lord Siva proclaimed that since the Siva Lingam was worshipped by Parvathi Devi, it should be worshipped only by Maharishis only and those who wish for "Kamya Loka" should not do pooja to the lingam. And if they do so, they may stand to hate "Ishta Kamya Loka" and will become "Moksha Desired" person and ultimately join him. Lord Siva blessed everybody and went away. After that, Satta Natha Muni worshipped the "Santhana Lingam" and "Chanangi Muni" followed suit.
It is also said in Siva Puranam that the four Vedas joined together and formed this mountain and that is why it is called Chathur(ved)agiri
Other Sanctums
§ At Santhana Mahalingam Temple, separate sanctums for 18 Siddhars, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Santhana Mahadevi (Goddess) and Navagrahas, are there.
§ At Sundara Mahalingam Temple, there are two separate sanctums viz., Sundara Murthy at the entrance of the temple and Lord Sundara Mahalingam are there.
§ On the way to the hill up to Sundara Mahalingam, the following sanctums are there.
§ At Thaniparai entrance, separate sanctums for Lord Ganesha, Rajakali Amman, Pechi Amman and Karuppa Swami.
§ At Kora Kunda (Korakkar), two sanctums of Sivalingams inside two separate caves.
§ On the way up twin Lingams in a single sanctum called "Rettai Lingam". (Sankaran Narayanar Lingams).
§ Vana Durga sanctum.
§ Pilavadi Karuppaswamy sanctum.
§ From Sundara Mahalingam up to the top of the hill the following sanctums are there deep in the forest.
§ Vana Durga
§ Oonjal Karuppan Swamy
§ Korakkar Scripture Rock
§ Vella Ganapathi (White colored Lord Ganesha)
§ Nadu Kattu Ganapathi
§ Naga Kanni Kavu
§ Periya Mahalingam
§ Thavasi Cave (where it is said that Siddhars are still there and one can enter only with their permission).
Devotees are requested to climb the mountain only from Thaniparai Region. There are so many other ways from different directions to Top of the hill. But they are very dangerous. Atleast the devotee can find some other person within a gap of 5 minutes while climbing/getting down from Thaniparai direction. How to Reach Sathuragiri
§ This place is situated in Virudhunagar District in Tamilnadu (Southern India). The nearest Airport is Madurai and the nearest Railway Station is Srivilliputhur.
§ Pilgrims coming from Chennai direction has to come to Madurai and get down at Krishnan Koil Bus Stop before Srivilliputhur and then go to Watrap (Vatthirairuppu). From Watrap to Thaniparai, the base of the hill. Buses are available even from Srivilliputhur itself to Watrap and Taniparai.
§ Pilgrims travelling from South has to pass Nagerkoil > Tirunelveli > Rajapalayam > Srivilliputhur > Watrap > Thaniparai.
Do's and Dont's
§ Sathuragiri is not a place for research. Avoid it.
§ The forest section starts from Thaniparai.
§ For the first timer, it takes 6 to 7 hours to climb up to Top. Rest, can reach the top within 4 to 5 hours.
§ Do not take heavy luggage. It will be very tough to climb.
§ Have drinking water, torch light, blanket and small snacks. Have medicines at hand. The diabetics, have to keep some sweets, in case. People having heart problem are strongly advised not to climb.
§ Head load carriers are available. Up to 35 Kg an amount of Rs.110/- is charged as coolie. Beyond 35 Kg it is Rs.160/- per head.
§ Do not pluck flowers, leaves etc on the way or break any branch of the tree. Everything belong to the Lord. Each and every thing in the hill has got power.
§ Please avoid bringing in plastic bags, even it is inevitable, do not dispose in the hill or dump among bushes.
§ Do not climb alone or get down unless you are sure about the pathway. All animals except Lion is there in the mountain.
§ Chanting (manasa) mantras will bring in strength and guidance to Top.
§ If you are hungry, some body will give you food. So is for thirst.
§ On top of the hill there is no electricity, no range for cell phone, no landline phone connection, shop, hotel, nor lodge.
§ Annadhana is going on from morning to evening near both the temples and stay in the shelter provided there before night falls.
§ Do not walk in the dark without proper torch light.
§ If you happen to see any animal, stay quiet and wait for it to move away and then move. Especially elephants are more dangerous.
§ Do not go in to the jungle alone or climb up the hill without proper guide.
§ Excellent guides who knows nook and corner of the entire forest are available. Take their assistance to climb further and follow strictly their instructions.
Nobody knows when, where, how, why something happens but if you have been thinking of doing something for quite a long time, it happens! jus like that!
so we received his aaseervadams and kept moving..there was a sharp right and there was pechiamman and karupasami temple to the right..
almost did all sorts of tricks to save us from falling off. i had a feeling "climb a hill is almost like meditation..infact the best mediation eyes open! " you allow your mind to wander for a second..lo ! you ll get free transportation service to some distant land!!
we would have walked a few more steps..watching the tall mountains, dense trees, naughty monkeys..chitchatting! we would not have crossed 2 kms i felt damn hungry. unfortunately we didnt carry any eatables with us. Jus then we found a seperate pathway leading to the "gorakkar" cave.
"Sree Gorakkar actually resided mostly in Kollimalai. (Kollimalai placed in Namakkal district ofTamilnadu) He holds an outstanding place among the Sidhas. He prepared live medicines having longevity of several thousands of years to His credit. He possessed eight mystic powers in full shape. With opium (GAanja) as the basic herb, He was able to prepare medicines capable of curing diseases. Thus, the herb opium specially called as Gorakkar herb (mooli). He used His medicines for four kinds of human need namely Vaithyam (curing diseases), Vaatham(alchemistry), yogam (Divine physical practice) and gnaanam (spiritual knowledge) and imparted its full secrets to the world. "There in the gorakkar cave i saw a saintly lady in safron robe. She was having a vessel full of kooozhu(porridge). i peeped into the vessel and asked if she would give me some porridge..she immediately answered.."well this is to eat only..wait! be patient ! "..she immediately took some glasses...washed them in the nearby brook..and porridge was served!! heaven on earth!! :)I had around 2 glasses! but later realised that i should not have drank so much. it makes the climb more harder. It was infact tedious from then. we were also surprised to see sivasangu uncle join us at that time..Fortunately Mr sun was missing..it was a very pleasant weather..!
"Sree Gorakkar actually resided mostly in Kollimalai. (Kollimalai placed in Namakkal district ofTamilnadu) He holds an outstanding place among the Sidhas. He prepared live medicines having longevity of several thousands of years to His credit. He possessed eight mystic powers in full shape. With opium (GAanja) as the basic herb, He was able to prepare medicines capable of curing diseases. Thus, the herb opium specially called as Gorakkar herb (mooli). He used His medicines for four kinds of human need namely Vaithyam (curing diseases), Vaatham(alchemistry), yogam (Divine physical practice) and gnaanam (spiritual knowledge) and imparted its full secrets to the world. "There in the gorakkar cave i saw a saintly lady in safron robe. She was having a vessel full of kooozhu(porridge). i peeped into the vessel and asked if she would give me some porridge..she immediately answered.."well this is to eat only..wait! be patient ! "..she immediately took some glasses...washed them in the nearby brook..and porridge was served!! heaven on earth!! :)I had around 2 glasses! but later realised that i should not have drank so much. it makes the climb more harder. It was infact tedious from then. we were also surprised to see sivasangu uncle join us at that time..Fortunately Mr sun was missing..it was a very pleasant weather..!
vanadurga one of them kept asking (defly not me!) "இன்னும் எவ்ளோ தூரம்? இன்னும் எவ்ளோ தூரம்?"we heard one of them cry " hey thats it! we have reached pilavadi karuppu!"This is the famous "eNNai kinaru" (oil well, beneath the stone ) - supposed to have magical oil which can convert anything into gold!!) guarded by dieties headed by karupu samii thought we have reached but then later came to know the final summit is still 2 more kms from that place. There was a pond like thing with water flowing from one end. we decided to refresh by a nourishing bath and then continue ... we took a refreshing for almost an hour..got karupaswami's blessings..and then proceeded..
we were eager to reach the summit. Sooner i saw a something on a board hung on a tree "சதுரகிரி" (chaduragiri)..Alt ~ 4000ftvoila! we reached the sundaramahalingam temple !as we entered the arc..to the left there is "sundaramoorthy " shrine, Lord Shiva installed by the great sage Agasthiyar. (due to the strict poosari i could not take pictures. :))Later further ahead its sundaramahalingam shrine. A very divine place surrounded by the seven serene hills of chaturagiri. The lingam of sundaramahalingam is inlied to 40 degrees to the left. It is said that some king kicked the lingam and he got inclined like that. Also some cow seems to have done abhishekam to the "swayambu" lingam those days. The next was sandana mahalingam. We took a deviation and proceeded towards sandana mahalingam shrine.On our way we came across many annadaana chathrams, of which one was of our sivasangu uncles. i raaaaaaaaaaan inside and landed in safe place! I told myself "sandana mahalingam is not going to go anywhere..let me meet him in the evening !" Others followed..we ate hearts content in the annadaana chathram and what next! we all slept beneath 2 gigantic cotton trees.. i heard a distant roar..i thought may be a bear is approaching..nah! someone was snoring !
There is this stalapuranam which i would like to share here .."Once at Kailash, Lord Siva and Parvathi were worshipped by several saints, ganas, siddhars and sanyasis. When everybody made pradakshinam to both one Maharishi called "Bringi" made pradakshinam to Lord Siva only, ignoring Parvathi. When Parvathi asked Lord Siva as to why Bringi Maharishi did not pay his tributes to her, Lord Siva explained that those who have left everything and think only about "Moksha House" will perform duties that way and at the end they will join me and those who wish to enjoy "Ishta Kamya Moksha" will worship her and enjoy everything in life. Since everybody wanted to enjoy "Ishta Kamya Moksha" in life they paid their tributes to both and this Bringi wanted only "Moksha", he paid tributes only to Lord Siva. On hearing this Parvathi Devi cursed Bringi Maharishi and he lost all flesh from his body since flesh is sakthi form. Bringi Maharishi was unable to stand without sakthi and fell down. On seeing this Lord Siva, to protect his devoted/realised disciple, threw a stick with which, the Maharishi walked away.
On seeing this, Parvathi decided that if only she become "Ardha Nari " on left side of Siva, she will be able to achieve her goals and thought to do a pooja/thavam/penance to appease Lord Siva to grant her the position. Parvathi Devi left Lord Siva and went to find a suitable place and on reaching the hill she sat under the shades of "Kallala Tree" and started her meditation. The tree was near to "Sattanadha Muni Siddhar" cave. There was no rain for nearly 12 years in that place and on the presence of Goddess, the entire place flowered back with greenary. On seeing the Goddess, the Muni went and received her by paying tributes and enquired about her arrival at the place. On hearing the message, the Muni arranged everything and Parvathi Devi made a Prathishtanam of Linga with Sandalwood Paste. Goddess worshipped Lord Siva with flowers, mantras and meditation. On being appeased, Lord Siva appeared on his "Rishaba Vahana" and accepted the demand of Goddess. On their return Lord Siva proclaimed that since the Siva Lingam was worshipped by Parvathi Devi, it should be worshipped only by Maharishis only and those who wish for "Kamya Loka" should not do pooja to the lingam. And if they do so, they may stand to hate "Ishta Kamya Loka" and will become "Moksha Desired" person and ultimately join him. Lord Siva blessed everybody and went away. After that, Satta Natha Muni worshipped the "Santhana Lingam" and "Chanangi Muni" followed suit.It is also said in Siva Puranam that the four Vedas joined together and formed this mountain and that is why it is called Chathur(ved)agiri.In the evening, we went to the sandanamahalingam shrine!
There was a sattanada muni cave .. 18 sidhars, sandanamahalingam and lord muraga, vinayagar, sandanamahadevi, navagrahas..! All devotees were awaiting for the abhishekam. I settled for a tall place(not a tree!) so that i get a good view. It was a pleasant evening. Best time for meditation !Some devotees were singing! some were sitting eyes closed..i was moved to a different world of tranquility. The abhishekam was divine. The moon lit up the skies and posed as if it too were enjoying His grace. The Poornima moon was a delight to see. The Moon nodded "hey stop staring at me and look at the Lord!"
Some of us wanted to go to the thavasi paarai(further top, considered to a be good place for meditators) while others were tired. So this time we were not able to venture out thavasi paarai.Nallathanbi entertained us with stories of chaturagiri, his 14 yrs experiences acquaintance with the holy place, many encounters and lot more. sans TV, net, cell phone rings, buses, cars, noise, smoke, pollution !!!! How far have come from our usual habitats and environment..To my amaze whenever i sat for meditation there I could bring that silence and tranquil almost immediately!It was night again but pilglrims kept coming, the food kept steamingAlready other pilgrims in the hall started packing their things..we started becoming ready! we had our ஸ்டீமிங். The trek downhill was a bit tedious as it was very steep at certain points. One really needs to be careful if you are a beginner. I again felt hungry. Luckily some passerby gave me mangoes.. somehow managed to eat it all alone saving the mango from the monkeys..mango in one hand..camera in the other!! imagine!!We were almost close to thaaniparai..while we spotted a nice place for bath..Others rejoiced while i went clicking these naughty monkeys..
I can think of many reasons why I was in Gandhigram for a year. One other reason was, otherwise i would have never enjoyed the beauty, the innocence, the art and the freshness that dwells in the southern districts of tamilnadu. Especially temples. I have always wondered at the art and architecture of almost all south-indian temples..for their extraordinary brilliance in sculptures, their fabulous architecture, vastness and something more special which im not able to describe.When I first visited the thenkasi temple i was simply awestruck!(i might have to write a seperate article on the thenkasi temple) but for now let me write about another such marvelous temple i recently visited - Sri vadabathrasayanar temple in srivilliputur(srivi in short).It was a long time plan for me to go to the Andal temple..not because of its glorious emblem that it makes..not because it has the tallest tower..not even because some close friend of mine kept telling me to visit the temple :P ..!! But almost every time i cross the srivi station while travelling in the chengotai madurai passenger, the temple have tried to offer me a spectacular view with its tall tower standing sky high and give me a feeling as though asking "tell me.. am i tall? or the podigai hills behind me?! " :) Im sure if any artist would have been in my place would have definitely taken a pen and paper within reach and would have tried to retain that scene.. with sillver clouds rubbing against the majestic podigai as the backdrop and the temple tower attracting every passerby.well!! that day the same thing happened. Actually srivi temple was not in our itinerary. we were on a plan to go on a trek to the chaturagiri hills, near vatraayirupu ( a small town 20 kms west of srivi) .we took the chengotai - madurai passenger at 1600 hrs from chengottai and it was almost 1745 hrs when we reached srivi station. srivi station is a bit away from the actual town. (That we knew only later !!) Bewitched by the beauty of the sunset, the hills, the countryside and a silent breeze carassed us ..so we decided to enjoy the evening by walking till the srivi busstand. the walk made us fresh. i could take a few longshots of the srivi temple (though not the one what i used to see in my train trips). We some what guessed that the busstand should be some where near the temple so the temple was our compass. As we were nearing the temple, we were almost 100% sure that we could see the temple and then catch the bus to vatraayirupu. Lo! we were before the tower that spoke to me :).. I could feel the same gust of wind that one can feel while entering the tenkasi temple..i wonder what kind of a mystery it is ! How wonderful artisans we have had!!I was really amazed to see the neatness of the temple..after all temples are places of worship..but not all temples are maintained properly and kept neat which is a very sad thing. The first sanctorum was that of Shri Lakshmi Nrasimhar. A very calm and a good vibration i could feel, though i might not have felt the same feeling a staunch follower of vasihnavism would have felt. I have somehow never had a strong religious / spiritual /devotional feeling in temple santorums..funnily i do become very much moved in places of natural beauty or when im deeply involved in music..ok back to vadabathrasaynar..we next went to the chaktrathaazhvar sannidhi..with nice paintings decorating the walls..The next was the vadabathrasayanar sannidhi.. the perumal known as Vatapathrasayee is in Bhujanga Sayanam..his shrine was in the mezanine floor..im not joking..! :) On the both sides of the steps to the shrine beautifully sculpted yaali and an elephant receieved us. The pillars had picturesque designs..imagine carving them on a stone !! wow! Mom quipped "probably this is were they take the designs for silk sarees from ! "I asked the kurukkal about the noble king who built the temple and in what century he lived..Actually the story goes like this......Hundreds of years ago, the area from Shrivilliputtur to the Western Ghats was covered by denseforest and there was a forest of Shenbaga trees here. A Rakshasa 'Shenbagasura.'performed severe penance for many years and got many boons. Since his penance wasone here, this place is called 'Shenbagavanam' even today. Emboldened by the powerof the boons, he harmed all the sadhus and rishis.They took refuge in ShrimanNarayana and he sent hisSudarshanazhvar tokill Shenbagasuran. Chakrathazhvar did as he was bid, but since Shenbagasuran haddone a lot of penance, Chakrathazhvar was afflicted by brhamahathi. So, he was rendered powerless - he protested to his Lord and Shri MahaVishnu called upon Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi to come to this area and help remove Sudarshanazhvar's brahmahathi. The Three holy rivers descended to the Earth and removed Chakrathazhvar's brahmahathi and filled the tank in Shrivilliputtur. This tank is still known as 'Mukkulam' since the three holy rivers filled it.Mahavishnu resided to the east of this tank, thereby fulfilling the wish of the holy rivers as Vatapatrashayee and took the same form as in Shreevaikuntam. But, no one new of His presence, since the whole area was covered with dense forest.Then one day, two hunters Villi and Kantan came hunting.And .....Kantan was killed by a tiger and Villi was looking for him. He was very tired and slept under a tree and the Lord appeared in his dreamsand showed him where he was and bade him to build a temple for him. He also showed Villi the treasure that was buried under the tree under which he was sleeping.Villi woke up and found the Lord. He built the temple and the little town around it.This town was known as Villiputtur after Villi and Shrivilliputtur since the Lord resided here. Hundreds of years later, Periyazhvar incarnated here and Kodai appeared as his daughter.And the rest is, of course, is well known by all devotees.
The temple seems to have been built in 9 century AD.We had a delightful darshan of shri vadabathrasayi perumal with bhoomadevi and sridevi.image courtesy : internetUnfortunately we could see only the utsavar. however the moolavar is supposed to be as in srirangam i guess. The other side of the santorum had a huge hall with beautiful wooden carvings decorating the hall.
The temple seems to have been built in 9 century AD.We had a delightful darshan of shri vadabathrasayi perumal with bhoomadevi and sridevi.image courtesy : internetUnfortunately we could see only the utsavar. however the moolavar is supposed to be as in srirangam i guess. The other side of the santorum had a huge hall with beautiful wooden carvings decorating the hall.
The next a colourful nandavanam(garden) which had a shrine for Andal, considered to be the her birthplace. Finally we came to the main shrine of Andal.. im still not so sure if my order of the shrines are correct! ;) i tend to forget such details easily!! anyways ...The life size statues of great men and warriors stood receiving us to the main shrine..the sculpture there had many similarities like ... style of sculpture, the expertise, the jewels worn by the statues, the weapons they had, the beauty of women and a marvellous spirit of bravery in those of warriors with many south bound temples like tenkasi viswanathar temple, nellai temple..to my little brain it does ring a bell..probably all these were built by the same artisan/same reign/same king!! god knows!!We were already tired by then! we were even wondering if there would be any energy left within us for the hard trek early tomorrow! Cause the temple was that huge and vast..but our souls were already overflowing with an unexplicable delight like a monsoon freshness. i still have a doubt if we explored the temple fully.. the 90 mins we spent in the temple is not at all enough.. one needs atleast a day to relish its beauty and to sink our souls in the divine ocean. we just had a preview. the main ocean im yet to explore! :)
" அன்பே தகளியாக ஆர்வமே நெய்யாக இன்புருகு சிந்தை இடுதிரியாக நன்புருகி ஞான சுடர் விளக்கேற்றினேன் நாரணர்க்கு ஞான தமிழ் புரிந்த நான் ! "
- ஸ்ரீ பூதத்தாழ்வார்
" சொற்றுணை வேதியன் சோதி வானவன்பொற்றுணை திருந்தடி பொருந்தக் கைதொழக்கற்றுணை பூட்டியோர் கடலிற் பாய்ச்சினும்நற்றுணை ஆவது நமச்சிவாயவே "- திருநாவுக்கரசர்"
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