From the Darkness and into the Light, Thirukkoviloor, Ashta Veerattaanam - 5

तमसोमा ज्योतिर्गमय |

“Lead me from the Darkness, unto Glorious Light”

Ah! The joy of stepping out from a dark and dank room into the bright and glowing sun; the sighs of relief when the power is restored at home, flickering up that solitary 10W bulb; the sight of a glorious fire burning away in the midst of the dark forest; and the familiar comfort of the teasing words ‘பல்பு எரியுதா?’ as you try to scratch your head in search of knowledge… Radiance, brightness, luminance, glow, sparkle, or whatever else you may call it, the very thought of ‘Light’ churns up a picture of warmth and happiness in our minds. It is this ecstasy of being led from the gloom into the glow, which can only be so much explained than experienced, that is requested for in the above verse from the Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad.

Technically speaking, darkness is nothing more than the absence of light, the absence of knowledge, and the absence of direction. Fortunately or not-so-fortunately, it so happens that we often end up being smothered or misled, by these very absences of light or knowledge or direction, to the deepest lairs of gloom. Not many are known to have escaped from the all-pervading fingers of darkness, and almost every man ends up having a dark side, walking through a dark period of life, cherishing a dark secret, kindling a dark yearning, and enjoying a dark what-not! Sometimes, we remain so blind; we hardly realize that we are in our darkest hour yet.

So, from where do we derive that one glorious spark that is capable of driving away the darkness within? While some say that a loved one, like a family member or a trusted friend, is perhaps the best source of inspiration, for many others, it maybe the occurrence of a single event that eventually jolts them out of their nightmares. However, for a majority of us, the guidance has to come from within. The scriptures claim that the super-soul that resides within each of us; that spark of divinity that keeps our life-forces kindled up, is the sole provider of the light that is capable of drawing us out of the darkness. But of course, if the darkness has crept in to such an extent that there may be no return possible, then, the very same spark can simply destroy the individual - which will be the whole point of our post today! 

Long, long ago, the Goddess of spring, Vasantha, found herself to be in a very elated mood. She danced around on her toes, touching everything around her, infusing them with the same sense of joy that prevailed in her heart. Soon, the trees were sagging under the weight of their own nectar-laden flowers and big ripe fruits, the rivers ran full, making gurgling noises, with the fish jumping in and out of the flowing waters, the air was charged with the buzz of insects flying hither-thither and the contented cries of various animals that roamed the forests, and even the people of earth, the greedy and jealous human-beings, paused to enjoy the beautiful show that Vasantha was putting up for them. Everything was just too good to be true, and everyone was just too joyful to be normal.

On the slopes of Mandhara...

The gracious dance of Vasantha not only enraptured the lower souls residing on the earth, but also managed to sing its way into the hearts of the divine couple, Shiva and Parvathi, as they relaxed on the many mountains of the Himalayas. As the beauty of spring unfolded on the chilly vistas of Mount Mandhara, the divine couple roamed through the beautiful orchards and gardens that adorned the mountain slopes, dancing gently in-tune to the chirps of insects, enjoying the fresh aroma of every new blossom, and blessing every blade of grass that touched their sacred feet. The beauty of his own creation stunned Shiva, very much like a mother in awe of the prettiness of her own child, and he sat down to breathe in the ecstasy that was brimming through the three worlds. Just as charmed by the splendor of spring, Parvathi’s heart soared with happiness, and in a moment of playfulness, she crept up behind Shiva and closed his two eyes with her palms.

Darkness descended on the world like a thick veil, as the Lord of the universe, who sustained in his two eyes the sun and the moon, was momentarily blinded by the all pervasive Mother. Instinctively, Parvathi went numb with fear, unable to comprehend the reason behind the sudden cover of darkness, and she started sweating profusely from her palms – big globs of sweat that rolled down Shiva’s cheek. Almost simultaneously, Shiva opened his third-eye, which bore Agni, in an attempt to provide heat and light to the now dark world. Sweat from the Mother’s palms merged with the heat from the Father’s eye, and the thus fertilized sweat-drops rolled down to the ground. At around the same time, realization suddenly dawned on Parvathi, and she quickly withdrew her palms from Shiva’s eyes.

Sighs of relief went up as glorious light flooded through every corner of the earth, filling it up with a sense of life and happiness that was never seen before. The whole world, together with all the trees, animals, and humans, eagerly sucked in bursts of fresh air, as though they had just been born again.

While the citizens of earth celebrated their miraculous escape from near-doomsday conditions, Parvathi stood rooted to the ground; her eyes fixed on a spot near Shiva’s feet, where her sweat had fallen. There, in the place of her potent sweat, lay the ugliest baby that she had ever set her eyes upon. It was as dark as the night itself, sporting a fully-grown beard, a bushy moustache, jet-black matted hair, and humungous eyes that were totally white. The baby was as blind as a bat. A whole minute passed in absolute silence, with the exception of Parvathi’s racing heart-beats and raspy breaths, and then it happened…

The baby opened its tiny mouth and shrieked. Immediately, Parvathi’s and Shiva’s hands flew up to their ears, trying to block out the cacophony that was shredding the air around them. Somehow, the child had been born with the ‘incredible’ ability to screech like a hyena, a peacock, and a wolf, all rolled into one. Totally disgusted by the ugly looks and the horrendous cries of the baby, Parvathi fled from the scene, without even giving a second glance.

Shiva slowly looked at the bundle that lay cuddled up at his feet. Bending over, he picked up the baby cautiously, lest it screamed again, and spoke to it in cajoling tones. “You are one strong guy aren’t you, Andhaka (Andhaa – Blind)? Yes, that is your name. A-N-D-H-A-K-A. You will henceforth be called so, by one and all.”

Now, it became evident to Shiva that Andhaka would be less than welcome at his icy palaces at the top of Kailasha, given the look of repulsion on Uma’s face when she had laid her yes upon him. So where was this child to go? Who will bring him up as a person worthy of having been born from Uma’s sweat? The answer came in the form of Hiranyaksha.

Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, the sons of Diti and Kashyapa, were powerful Asura kings who terrorized the heavens and the earth alike. Hiranyakashipu, the elder brother, was wedded to Khayathu and she bore him four sons – Prahalada, Anuhrada, Samhrada and Hrada. Unfortunately, the same blessings, of being parents, were not bestowed upon Hiranyaksha and his wife Vrishadbhanu. Desiring a child, Hiranyaksha retired to the forests to invoke the blessings of the gods through intense penance and meditation. Even as he sat in the midst of a clearing, offering oblations to the Sacred Fire, Shiva appeared before him, carrying the newborn Andhaka in his arms.

“Hiranyaksha, I am pleased with your invocations, and I am also aware of the purpose of your penance. Unfortunately, you will never be a father, Hiranya. The stars foretell that and I see no reason to change what has been written. However, I am offering you a son, who is invincible, and extraordinarily powerful. Bring him up as your own and he will add glory to the Asura race.” Saying so, Shiva handed over Andhaka to an elated Hiranyaksha and vanished into the thin air. Good riddance!

The arrival of a foster son made Hiranyaksha proud and conceited. He soon increased his atrocities and tortures, and made life unbearable for the common people, the rishis and the Devas. Eventually, he picked up Mother Earth, tucked her under his muscled arms and went on to hide under the oceans. Shocked with his ruthless behavior, the Devas, headed by Brahma, appealed to MahaVishnu to save the Earth and all the others from the relentless deeds of Hiranyaksha. Thankfully, heeding to their prayers, Vishnu took the form of Varaaha, the divine boar, dived into the oceans, killed Hiranyaksha and rescued the earth.

The death of Hiranyaksha presented the Asura kingdom with a complicated situation. Tradition demanded Andhaka, the son of Hiranyaksha, to be the next in-line on the throne of the Asura clan. However, Andhaka was blind, ugly, and moreover, he lacked the charisma that is required for successful leadership. Seeing no other way, Sukracharya, the Asura-mentor, installed Hiranyakashipu on the throne.

Hiranyakashipu proved to be worse than Hiranyaksha, and redoubled his brother’s effort at terrorizing the innocent. He also nursed a growing grudge against Vishnu, whom he considered to be the murderer of his beloved brother. He destroyed all the temples dedicated to the various gods, and installed gigantic statues of himself instead. However, he met severe resistance from his young son, Prahalada, a staunch devotee of MahaVishnu who refused to stop chanting the sacred Ashtaakshara. Ignoring the fact that he was his own son, Hiranyakashipu ordered his guards to torture Prahalada until he saw sense, but only in vain. In the end, unable to see his devotee in any more pain, Vishnu emerged from a pillar as Narasimha (the man-lion) and tore apart Hiranya, killing him instantly, thus freeing the world of yet another menace. Later, Vishnu himself crowned Prahalada as the emperor of the Asura clan, and blessed him with long life, fame, and prosperity.

Now, the crowning of Prahalada was a tad too much for our Andhaka, who was already feeling down-in-the-dumps because of his lack of sight. Neither was he respected at the palace, nor was he allowed to indulge in the luxuries that were open to the others. He could neither go hunting, nor play ball, nor roam around in the gardens, nor enjoy the dances by the ravishingly beautiful royal danseuse. And now, to add more salt to the wound, he would never get an opportunity to be the king either. Life had been so ‘kind’ to him

Deeply disappointed by his own piteous state, Andhaka shunned everything that he owned, and retired to the forests to meditate upon Brahma. There, for a thousand years, he focused all his concentration on the form of the Four-Headed God, while he chopped off chunks of flesh from his body and offered it into the sacrificial fire. At long last, not being able to stand any more self-destruction of Shiva’s own son, Brahma appeared before Andhaka.

“Andhaka! Arise, Oh child! You have achieved your goal, and here I stand before you. Anything that you ask will be yours.” said Brahma, and then as an after-thought, he added, “Conditions apply though!”

Delighted with Brahma’s appearance, Andhakaasura prostrated before him and laid forward his three-part request. “Brahmadeva! I have been spurned all my life due to my blindness and my gory appearance. Pray, bestow me with vision and a beautiful body, as also a long, deathless life to make up for all that I have missed out on.”

Brahma shook all his four heads (a funny sight it must have been) and said, “Andhaka, I will grant you sight right away, as also the fine-looking body that you desire, but the final boon, I am afraid, you have to let go of it. Everything that is born must die. Everything that is created must, one day, be destroyed. This is the Cosmic Law, and I cannot play around with it. If you so desire, choose the condition under which you may die, and I will gladly grant you your wish.”

Andhaka’s brain immediately sprang into action, trying to choose between the various near-impossible death-scenarios that were running around his head. Finally, after much head-scratching and nail-biting, Andhaka looked up at Brahma. “Since you say that I must face death, let a woman be the reason for me to do so. The woman should be ravishingly beautiful, and should be like a mother unto me. Let me die when I descend to such a level of vulgarity, that I nurture lust towards her, for then I will no longer deserve to live anymore.”

Brahma, fully aware of the secret behind Andhaka’s birth and the identity of his true mother, mused inwardly at the plays of fate. “Granted Andhaka! May you live a long life and attain eternal fame.”

Made nearly-invincible by the virtue of Brahma’s boon, Andhaka returned to the kingdom, which was his birthright. His once proud and haughty cousins now trembled before the sight of him. Willingly, they heaped up all their riches at his feet and offered back their individual kingdoms. Andhaka smiled within. He had finally been accorded with the respect that he had always deserved.

In an act of joyous magnanimity, he gave back the kingdoms and the acquired wealth to his kith and kin, and crowned himself as the supreme emperor of the Asura clan. Andhaka, established a magnificent city at the foot-hills of the Mandhara Mountain and ruled over his Asura brothers from the capital. Soon, armed with his power, Andhaka took to invading Amaravathi. The glorious city of Indra was stripped of all its legendary wealth, and the Devas and Gandharvas were locked up in ghastly prisons. Now, Andhaka turned his sight towards the Netherworlds, and soon the mighty inhabitants of the Pathala found themselves in the company of the imprisoned Devas. Andhaka’s hordes did not spare anyone on earth either. They tortured innocent Brahmins, killed unwary travelers, destroyed sacrificial fires, tore down temples, and assaulted harmless women. The performance of daily rituals, the observance of monthly festivals, and the offering of seasonal sacrifices to the gods were all banned in Andhaka’s kingdom. Consequentially, the lands dried up and the rains failed to arrive on time. Thousands of years passed by thus, and people suffered everywhere – frightened, hungry, and ashamed of their fates. Andhaka, however, continued to enjoy the availability of lavish food, excellently aged-wine, and voluptuous women at his bedside.

One fine day, Andhaka was suddenly overcome with a desire to go on a trek in the lush green slopes of Mount Mandhara. Together with three of his trusted ministers (and equally crooked ones too), Duryodhana, Vighasa and Hasti, he started riding up the slopes. Soon, it was noon and the overhead sun scorched down on their backs. The ministers bade Andhaka to sit down under a shady tree, whilst they busied themselves with preparations for lunch. And the fateful happened – Vighasa stumbled upon a large cave. Inside, in the very depths of the cavernous structure, sat an aged ascetic engaged in meditation. A garland of human skulls adorned his torso and his hair was arranged in a knotted pile. With a crescent moon tucked into his hair, he sat on tiger skin, oblivious of his surroundings. Regular boring forest stuff!

But wait, who was that? In the brightness of the glow that suffused from the ascetics body, Vighasa had nearly missed out the woman who sat besides the ascetic. Emitting her very own aura, the woman was captivatingly beautiful. If all of feminine beauty, grace and chastity were to take one form, then that very form was there in the cave, sitting besides the ascetic. Vighasa’s gapingly open mouth failed to close and drool dripped out copiously. “She would be the perfect wife for the emperor, and in finding her, I would become his closest aide.” Excited by future prospects, Vighasa dashed back to Andhaka.

“My lord”, he said, panting heavily from the mountain running, “I have found her… I have found her… I have found the one woman who would be the ideal bride for you. Nay! In all senses, you are the only fit groom for her… She oozes beauty, charm, and character, and… and… I think it is best you see her to judge for yourself. She sits in the cave by the summit of the mountain, by the side of an ascetic who is blatantly unconscious of the ravishing beauty sitting beside.”

Andhaka’s face burst into a wide smile at the end of Vighasa’s excited narration. Lust blinded his judgement and soon enough his mind was going places. “What are you doing here then, you insane beings? Lead me to the cave.” he bellowed.

At this open order, the Asura generals escorted Andhaka back to the cave. Standing at the mouth of the gigantic subterranean chamber, Vighasa challenged the ascetic. “Ey! Aged saint! What use do you have for such a gorgeous wife? Why do you, who have already renounced the pleasures of the flesh, still keep her by your side? Give her to our Lord, the great Andhaka. He is rich, powerful, handsome, and is the ruler of the three worlds. Your wife would be fortunate enough to be his chief queen. Give her up and continue your penance in peace. Resist and you shall live no more.”

The ascetic, who, you must have realized by now, was none other than Maheshwara himself, briefly smiled at them. “If your leader is all that you claim him to be, ask him to come and take her away.”

Provoked thus, Andhaka grabbed his sword and charged to the cave, followed closely by his three generals. Shiva jumped down from his seat, bent low, and faced the attack. Instantaneously, the Asuras fell upon him like a pack of hunting dogs, only to be flung back like a bundle of sticks. There was a blur of sudden movements, and before they could even gather their senses, the generals lay panting on the floor, moaning and bleeding, but thankfully alive. Andhaka looked up at the ascetic with a blend of shock and fear, and in a flash he scuttled out of the cave. Looking up at the back of their quickly retreating king, the Asura generals too followed his lead and ran as fast as their bruised bodies could take them.

As he watched the Asuras running away, Shiva realized that the time was ripe for Andhaka’s life to come to an end. Andhaka himself had set the ball rolling when he had come in search of Uma. Turning around to Parvathi, he said, “It is time, Shakthi. He has to die and it must happen in accordance with Brahma’s boon. Pray, continue to stay in this cave for some time. He is bound to return sooner or later.” Parvathi bowed to her husband, “Have I ever gone against your orders, my Lord?” Shiva smirked and summoned Nandi, his trusted vehicle. “Nandi, guard the cave and protect Parvathi. I will return when the instant is right.”

Back at the foot hills of Mount Mandhara, Andhaka writhed with shame, disgust, anger, and most of all - uncontrollable lust. His very body felt like it was on flames. He could neither sleep, nor lie awake. He could neither eat nor drink. He felt weak and cheated. He had to lay his hands on her. The ascetic (if he really was one) had never allowed for even a fleeting glimpse at the woman. “Shame on you Andhaka!” he thought to himself.

Soon enough, his desire got the better of him, and just like Shiva had told Parvathi, Andhaka made a beeline for the cave. Only this time, he was accompanied by the entire strength of his military, complete with cavalry, infantry, and chariots. Andhaka marched on confidently, until he found himself facing Nandi. “Move!” he yelled, waving his hands sideways.

Nandi did move, only that he moved forward, knocking down Andhaka. Andhaka howled with fury, and war immediately broke out between Nandi and Andhaka’s generals. Time and again, Nandi drove back the vast Asura forces, only to be attacked yet again. Andhaka was not the one to give up easily. He repeatedly attacked the cave from different strategic positions and egged on his army to give their best fight. The war continued for over 500 years.

Inside the cave, as Parvathi anxiously awaited the arrival of her spouse, the feminine powers of Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara, Indra, Kumara, Varaaha, and Chandamunda manifested as Braahmi, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Aindri, Kaumari, Vaaraahi, and Chamunda (the Sapthamatrkas or Seven little Mothers) to offer protection to Uma. Together they waited in the cave, anticipating Shiva’s involvement in the battle.

Nandi was still valiantly battling with the Asura forces outside the cave, when help came in the form of Vishnu, Brahma, Agni, Indra and the other Devas. Sensing that the battle may soon end up in favor of the enemies, Vighasa, used his magical skills to turn himself into a gigantic mountain python, and in one large gulp he swallowed all of the enemy soldiers. Startled by this ploy, Nandi stood rooted to the ground, too numb to raise his weapons. And that was all that the Asuras needed. Making use of Nandi’s momentary loss of senses, the Asura forces managed to force themselves into the cave, only to be driven back by a powerful arrow that came whizzing at them. Like a perfectly launched missile, the arrow found its target and rammed into the head of the python that was Vighasa. SMACK!!! Blood-Shower!!!

Vighasa crashed into the ground, and his body split open. The ingested gods and Devas tore themselves out of Vighasa’s viscera and looked around for signs of their timely savior. With a blinding flash of light, Shiva rode out of the cave, His hands wielding the magnificent Pinaka bow and the resplendent trident, while across his back was strapped a quiver full of arrows. With sacred ash sparkling on His spotlessly white torso, and his throat shimmering like a brilliant sapphire, he rode majestically astride Nandi’s back. And besides Him, competing with Him in all aspects of charm, beauty, and grace, sat Parvathi. Clad in glistening shades of silk and gold, she appeared like the noon day sun, shining amidst the pearly white clouds. Instantly, the Devas prostrated before the divine couple, singing their praises.

नमः शिवाभ्यां वृषवाहनाभ्यां विरिंञ्चिविष्णिवन्द्रसुपूजिताभ्याम् | 

विभूतिपाटीरविलेपनाभ्यां नमोनमः शंकरपार्वतीभ्याम् || - उमामहेश्वरस्तोत्रं 

"Salutations to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shivaa, who ride the divine bull

Who are worshipped by Vishnu, Brahma, and Indra,

And whose bodies are anointed with sandal and holy ash,

Salutations to that Lord Shankara and that Goddess Parvathi "

- Umaamaheshwara Stotram

However, it was not just the Devas who were overcome with the appearance of the divine couple. Andhaka too, stood transfixed at the sight - for a different reason altogether. He just couldn’t take his eyes off the ravishingly beautiful woman riding alongside Shiva. “She must be the one.” he thought. “Vighasa was not wrong. She alone is worthy of being my queen. If she is to be mine, I would fight many thousands of battles like this one.” As his carnal desires invaded his senses, so did death begin to invade him - by the very power of his own boon from Brahma, for he had indeed lusted on a woman who was his very creator, his very own mother, and the mother of every other life on this earth.

“Soldiers!” bellowed Andhaka. “CHARGE!!!”

The Devas and the Asuras fell on each other once again. With the Lord in their midst, the Devas fought with a new found zest and decapitated many of the gory Asuras, but by some magic, not understood by the Devas, the dead Asuras woke up, as though from a deep slumber, and continued their fight. It was then that a few Devas discovered the source of the Asuras’ apparent immortality. The Asura preceptor and the Kula Guru of Andhaka, Sukracharya, an unequalled scholar and a great saint, was hovering around the battle field breathing life into the dead Asura soldiers, utilizing his mastery in the Mritha Sanjeevini Mantra (A secret chant capable of revoking the dead). The enraged Devas captured Sukra and turned him into a fruit. They then offered the fruit to Neelakantha, and requested him to ingest it. Shiva too consumed the fruit, thus bringing an end to the continuous revival of the dead Asuras.

Soon, in a short span of time, much of the Asura army lay wounded or dead. Andhaka stood on the field, a lonely warrior. And nothing seemed to deter him from fighting further. He singlehandedly battled against the large sea of Devas, but surprisingly, none of their weapons had any effect on Andhaka whatsoever. Vishnu’s Sudarshana, Indra’s Vajrayudha, the Agneyaastra of Agni, and even Shiva’s Pashupataastra failed to deliver their highly extolled results. On the contrary, to the utter dismay of the Devas, every little drop of blood that oozed out from Andhaka’s body gave rise to a new Andhaka the moment it hit the ground. Before long, the battlefield was overrun with thousands of Andhaka-clones, each as powerful and as talented as the original. Andhaka’s fallen blood also ran in tiny rivulets in all directions, crisscrossing the battlefield, forming 64 squares, in a chessboard like pattern. The Devas stood stunned, not knowing what to do and where to run. Pandemonium reigned on the battle-field.

Shiva was determined to bring the situation under control and with his powers he created a goddess, Bhairavi, from his right shoulder. She had several heads, each endowed with a long tongue hanging out of the mouth, and in her arms she held an enormous bowl. “Devi, do not let his blood spill onto the ground. Either drink it up or collect it in the Kapaala.” ordered Shiva. He also created 64 Bhairavas and stationed them in each of the 64 blood-etched squares to drink any stray blood. With Bhairavi efficiently running around the battle field, drinking up any blood that happened to fall, and the Bhairavas doing their work equally well, Shiva soon managed to destroy all the shadow-Andhakas who had populated the battleground. The real Andhaka once again stood alone on the field, his eyes still mesmerized with Parvathi’s extraordinary beauty. Lust, anger, and shame roiling within him, Andhaka charged forward with a blood-curdling howl.

Andhakaasura Samhaaram

In the blink of an eye, with an earth shattering roar, Shiva jumped from Nandi’s back, thrust his Trishula into Andhaka’s chest and lifted him high up. The Devas leaped in delight, their shouts of glee shaking the very heavens. Andhaka was finished!!!

Gangaala Moorthi

Amidst loud shouts of relief and elation, Shiva handed the trident with the impaled Andhaka to Rudra, one of his very many manifestations. Rudra gladly accepted the trident, and bearing it on his right shoulder, he danced around the world to the rhythm of his ‘Kodukotti’ (a small hand held drum) – a dance of joy and victory. One of Shiva’s Bhootha Ganas followed Rudra everywhere and drank up every drop of blood that trickled out of Andhaka’s corpse. Later, he was blessed with the fortune of being one of the Navagrahas – Angaaraka (Mars). (This form of Shiva, carrying an impaled Andhaka over his shoulders is widely worshipped as Gangaala Moorthi and is one of the 64 Maheshwara Moorthams. He is often depicted with all his paraphernalia including the drum, the following Bhootha Gana, and a deer which is shown to be eating Durva grass from one of Gangaalar’s hands. He is swathed in tiger skins and wears many serpents as his body ornaments.)

Shiva, the untainted and the benevolent, however, revived Andhaka and appointed him as one of his Bhootha Ganas. He was christened Bhringireeda by Parameshwara and was given a place amongst the ranks of the fortunate few who serve the Lord at Kailasha. (Bhringireeda is usually represented as a skeletal figure, to emphasize the lack of blood and other body fluids which were drained by Gangaala.) Shiva also freed Sukracharya, who was imprisoned in his stomach, and warned him about the possible catastrophic consequences of the Mritha Sanjeevini Mantra. With everything now back in order, and the world being a more peaceful place yet again, Shiva retreated back into the cave with Parvathi to continue his penance and meditation.

Spiritually, Andhaka’s story bluntly reminds us of our incapacity to recognize and make use of the boons that we have been blessed with. So often, we overlook our gifts and blessings in the quest for objects of far lesser worth. It also teaches us to make our choices after considerable contemplation, for some boons could be curses in disguise. Most of the time, it is far simpler to look up to God and leave everything unto him, rather than subjecting ourselves to disastrous consequences.

   

The story of Andhaka’s birth, his rise to power, and his ultimate death at the hands of Shiva is narrated in words and phrases in the Shiva MahaPurana and the Shivaparakrama texts. However, at the ancient shrine of Shiva at Thirukkoviloor, the legend of Andhakaasura is preserved and celebrated in stone and colour. The temple at Thirukkoviloor is steeped in ages and has been glorified in the Thevaram and other Shaiva Thirumurais. It is the oldest of the Ashta Veerattaanas and is categorized as the second Veerattaana Sthala. It has been sanctified by the visits of several notable saints and yogis of the past and recent times, including Avvaiyar, ThirugnanaSambandhar, Arunagirinathar and Ramana Maharishi. I too was blessed with the fortune of visiting the temple during my recent trip to India, and I was truly spellbound by its antiquity and cultural richness.

The presiding deity at Thirukkoviloor is Veeratteshwarar and the goddess goes by the names of Periya Nayagi and Sivaananda Valli. They are enshrined in separate temple compounds, each with its own Rajagopuram, Vimana, and Mandapas. Once upon a time, during its hay day, the temple premises were spread over several acres of land. Sadly, owing to lack of funds for upkeep and maintenance, it has now shrunk to a fraction of its past size. Nevertheless, it still stands tall by the southern banks of the Pennai river, housing a number of sub-shrines, each with its own  fascinating story to tell or an appealing trivia to know about.

Presiding Deities - Veeratteshwarar & Sivaananda Valli

On entering the Swami temple and crossing the outer Prakaara, we enter into a Mandapa leading into the sanctum. The Swami temple is filled with interesting frescoes and paintings from the Pallava period, which are badly in need of a restoration. Straight ahead, housed in a large sanctum, is the Swayambhu Linga of Veeratteshwara. The Lord is believed to be present in his Bhairava manifestation, and hence is known to liberate devotees from the clutches of black magic and voodooists. In the dark sanctum, lit by a few twinkling lamps, the Linga Swaroopa stands out clearly, reinforcing the guaranteed destruction of darkness in the devotee’s heart once it has been offered to Eeshwara. Since Sukracharya was forgiven by the Lord at Thirukkoviloor, the shrine of Veeratteshwarar is also believed to grant relief to people who suffer from Sukra Dosha.

Samhaara Moorthi and Bhairavi - Marvels in Bronze

Samhaara Moorthi - older idols

Immediately to the left of the sanctum is the shrine of Andhakaasura Samhaara Moorthi. The older bronze idol, which has been receiving worship for several centuries, was recently replaced with a shining new bronze masterpiece (The older idols were quite different from the new ones and I believe that they are still being offered worship in the inner sanctum.) Shiva is shown to be holding Andhakaasura high up, impaled in his Trishula. He has several arms, each bearing a different weapon, and stands aloft, with one foot placed on the head of a Bhootha Gana. No amount of words can describe the flawless depiction of the angry face and the perfect poise. Also present are individual idols of the Goddess Tripura Bhairavi, who holds a dagger and a large basin for collecting Andhaka’s blood, Sukracharya, paying his obeisance to the mighty Lord, Daakini Pakshi, and of Parvathi. Each of the bronze idols is an excellent example of Dravidian workmanship and dedication. The bronze garlands of human skulls which adorn the torsos of Samhaara Moorthi and Tripura Bhairavi, are masterpieces by themselves.

Ashtabhuja Durga - the goddess comes alive!

Facing the Samhaara Moorthi shrine is the small wall-shrine dedicated to Ashtabhuja Durga. Devotees throng to her during the Rahu-Kaala poojas on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and light hundreds of lamps fashioned from the rinds of freshly squeezed lemons. When the priest waves the lamps before her serene face, her eyes come alive, and one can see the whites of her eyes as well as the pacifying black pupils. For a few moments it feels like she is right there, like a mother, assuring us with her gaze full of love.

Further down the Prakaara corridor is the Bhairavar shrine. Thirukkoviloor was where Shiva created 64 Bhairavas and their consorts, the 64 Bhairavis. Hence, the Bhairavar shrine is as equally exalted as the main deity’s. Regular Yagnas and Homas are conducted before Bhairavar on Ashtami days to rid the world of evil forces and to offer protection to the vast cosmos.

If one was look up at the ceiling diagonally opposite from the Bhairavar shrine, one would be surprised to see a bas-relief sculpture of Vaasthu Purusha. Usually, temples do not have any idols or pictures of the Vaasthu Purusha. However, Thirukkoviloor is an exception, for this was the very place where the concept of Vaasthu was first perceived. The 64 Bhairavas, who manifested from Shiva to occupy the 64 squares of Andhaka’s blood, are worshipped together with the squares as the traditional Vaasthu Mandala. During a Vaasthu Shanthi/Vaasthu Dosha Nivarthi poojas, these 64 Bhairavas are invoked to protect the house or building from all the 8 different directions. For this reason, Thirukkoviloor is a favorite destination for people who plan to build houses or office buildings. Often, after the Vaasthu pooja, the devotees take one or two stones from within the temple precincts and use it as the foundation stone for their constructions.

Periya Aanai Ganapathi

On completing the circumambulation of the sanctum, we come across twin shrines on either side of the main door, facing the sanctum. Both these shrines are of enormous importance in Tamizh devotional literature. At the south west corner of the temple is the shrine devoted to Periya Aanai Ganapathi. Avvaiyar, the grand-old lady of Tamizh literature, is said to have visited the shrine during her pilgrimage to Thirukkoviloor. When Avvai was blissfully worshipping Ganesha, she suddenly looked skywards to see Cheramaan Perumaan riding on a while horse and Sundarar riding on a white elephant (Sundarar and Cheramaan Perumaan are two of the Arupatthimoovars - the 63 Shaiva devotees from all walks of society who excelled in their devotion towards Maheshwara). They were heading towards Kailasha to offer their customary prayers to Shiva. Overcome with a desire to join them in their journey, she rushed forward with her worship in haste. Disturbed by Avvai’s change, Ganesha appeared before her and demanded, “Avvai, why are you in such a hurry?” When Avvai told him the reason, Ganesha laughed. “My dear Avvai! Continue your worship at your own pace. I promise you, that at the end of it, I will take you to Kailasha before the other two even reach there.” True to his words, at the end of Avvai’s pooja, Ganesha lifted her up in his trunk and placed her right besides Shiva and Parvathi at Kailasha (Since Ganesha had assumed a gigantic form to carry Avvaiyar to Kailasha, he came to be known as Periya Aanai Ganapathi). Overcome with his grace, Avvai burst forth into a beautiful Tamizh hymn glorifying the greatness of Ganesha. These verses are today sung across the length and breadth of Tamil Nadu as the famous Vinayagar Agaval.

சீதக் களபச் செந்தா மரைப்பூம்

பாதச் சிலம்பு பல இசைப் பாடப்

பொன் அரை ஞாணும் பூந்துகில் ஆடையும்

வன்ன மருங்கில் வளர்ந்து அழகு எறிப்பப்

பேழை வயிறும், பொரும்பாரக் கோடும்

வேழ முகமும் விளங்கு சிந்தூரமும்

அஞ்சு கரமும் அங்குச பாசமும்

நெஞ்சிற் குடிகொண்ட நீல மேனியும்

நான்ற வாயும் நாலிரு புயமும்

மூன்று கண்ணும் மும்மதச் சுவடும்

இரண்டு செவியும் இலங்குபொன் முடியும்

திரண்ட முப்புரிநூல் திகழொளி மார்பும்

சொற்பதம் கடந்த தூய மெய்ஞ்ஞான

அற்புதம் நிறைந்த கற்பகக் களிறே! - விநாயகர் அகவல் 
“With the anklets on your red hibiscus-like sandal anointed feet, 
merrily singing lilting tunes,
the golden girdle, and the flower-soft clothes, 
shining in the beautiful colors of the rainbow,
and your large paunch, weighty tusks, 
Elephantine face with saffron smeared on the forehead,
the five hands, bearing the goad and the noose, 
and your blue-hued body attracting our minds,
your pendulous jaws,  four mighty shoulders, 
the three eyes, and the required three holy marks,
fan like ears, your gleaming golden crown, 
and the breast aglow with the sacred triple-thread.
O Being, we contemplate on thee! Bright and beautiful!
 The wish-yielding elephant
born of the Master of Mystery at Kailasha” – Vinayagar Agaval

Avvai's journey to Kailasha - a bas-relief

The second of the twin shrines is dedicated to Shanmugar, the second son of Shiva and Parvathi. It is believed that it was indeed Karthikeya who was responsible for the name of the town. When Karthikeya was looking around for a suitable place to perform Shiva pooja to absolve himself of the sin of vanquishing SooraPadma, Parvathi is said to have come to his help. She took Karthikeya’s weapon, the Vel (lance), and threw it earthwards. The place where the Vel fell came to be known as ‘Thiru-Kai-Vel-oor’ (The city of the holy Vel from Her hand), which got perverted into its present day form of Thirukkoviloor. The monolithic idol of Shanmugar is stunning to behold, complete with six heads, twelve hands bearing various weapons, Valli and Devayanai, all housed beneath an intricately carved Thiruvaachi (Decorative Arch). Both Avvaiyar and Arunagirinathar (Thiruppugazh verses) are said to have sung verses in praise of the Shanmugar shrine at Thirukkoviloor.

There are also several smaller shrines dedicated to Somaskandar, Varadaraaja Perumal, Natarajar, Gajalakshmi, Ardhanaareswarar, Vishwanathar, Surya, Arupatthimoovar, Naalvar (Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnanasambandhar and Maanikka Vaasagar), Ayyanaar, Sapthamaatrkas, Veerabhadra, and the Navagrahas. Since it is a Maha Bhairava Kshetra, the temple is a potent Sani, Raahu and Kethu Dosha Nivarthi Sthala. Also, since Brihaspati is said to have obtained favours from Shiva at Thirukkoviloor, it also serves as a Guru Prarthana Sthala. 

The goddess, Periya Nayagi, is housed in a separate temple complex. Many years ago, there was a passage connecting the Swami temple with the goddess' shrine, which no longer exists. The goddess is shown to be standing, with four hands, two of them holding lotus buds and the other two in the Abhaya and Varada Mudras. Her ears are adorned with ear-rings that have the Sri-Chakra inscribed onto them. She is believed to be eternally meditating on the blissful form of Shiva, in repentance for having closed his eyes, and hence she is also known as Sivaananda Valli.

Meiporul Nayanar's deception!

The temple also houses the samadhi of Meiporul Nayanar, another one of the Arupatthimoovar. Meiporul Nayanar was the king of Thirukkoviloor and a devotee par excellence. He was also a just ruler and fine administrator. Envious at the prosperity of the kingdom, a neighboring king, Muthanathan, launched an attack on the city. However, he lost heavily at Nayanar’s hands. Maddened by the vast defeat, he resorted to unfair means to kill the Nayanar. Well aware of Nayanar’s staunch devotion, he disguised himself as a Shiva Bhaktha and walked into the palace with an armful of palm leaves. Nayanar had issued standing orders that no Shiva Bhaktha should be stopped from meeting him. Taking advantage of this open hospitality, Muthanathan walked right up to the king’s bed chambers where he was stopped by a guard named Dhathan. Muthanathan showed him the bunch of palm leaves and told him that he had to immediately teach the king a great Shaiva philosophy that was contained therein. On his disclosure, Muthanathan was granted entry into the chambers at once. On seeing the Shiva yogi, the king immediately sent his queen away and bowed before the visitor. On knowing the reason for his visit, he offered the yogi a seat and sat down at his feet, ever ready for the lessons. With the positional advantage, Muthanathan grabbed his dagger and thrust it into the king’s neck, thus avenging his defeat. Hearing the king’s stifled cries, the guard Dhathan came running into the room and drew his sword to kill the traitor. However, Nayanar forbade him from harming Muthanathan. With great pain, he managed to speak out two words, "தத்தா, நமர்" (Dhathaa, he is one of us), and he ordered Dhathan to lead the traitor in the guise of a Shiva Bhaktha to the boundaries of the kingdom without harming him. Nayanar then, painfully struggled to keep himself alive until Dhathan came back with news of the traitor’s safe journey. Only upon hearing that the enemy had been able to cross his borders unharmed did he breathe his last. Such was the depth of his devotion. He did not wish even his enemy to be harmed just because he was in the guise of a Shiva Bhaktha. Pleased with his heartfelt and untainted devotion, Maheshwara is said to have appeared before him during his last moments and is said to have blessed the Nayanar with a permanent abode at Kailasha in His eternal service. 

Thirukkoviloor is also the birth place of Narasingha Munaiyaraiyar, another renowned Shaiva, who was the foster-father of Sundaramoorthi Nayanar of Thevaram fame.

The temple hosts its annual festival in the month of Maasi (mid February to mid March) for 13 days. Special poojas are offered to the presiding deity and the Goddess throughout the 13 days and on the 6th day of the festival, the idol of Andhakasuravadha Moorthi is taken out in procession along the Maada streets. Apart from the Maasi Brahmotsavam, Kaarthikai Somavaaram, Aani Thirumanjanam, Aarudra Darisanam, Pradosham and Shivarathri are some of the other major festivals at the Thirukkoviloor temple. The Pennai river, which runs by the temple, is the Sthala Theertha, and the Sthala Vriksha happens to be the Sarakkondrai tree (Cassia Fistula). The temple has been sung by Appar and Sundarar, and is the 11^th Paadal Petra Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.

The town of Thirukkoviloor also occupies an important place in the history of Tamil Nadu. It was a flourishing vassal kingdom under the Chozhas. One of its kings, Thirukkoviloor Malayamaan, was the maternal grand-father of Raja Raja Chozha. It is said that Raja Raja Chozhan was born, and spent much of his early years at the Thirukkoviloor palace. Malayamaan’s son, Deiveegan is said to have entered into wedlock with Angavai and Sangavai, the daughters of Paari Vallal (a great patron king of poets and scholars) at Thirukkoviloor. The wedding was graced with the presence of Avvaiyar and Kabilar (A scholar from the Madurai Tamizh Sangam, and a great fried of Paari Vallal). In fact, many towns surrounding Thirukkoviloor owe their names to this famous marriage – such as Kabilar Kundru (the hill where Kabilar gave up his life in memory of Paari) and Manam Poondi (where the wedlock was solemnized). The town was a thriving centre for Shaivas, Vaishnavas and Jains alike. Thirukkoviloor is also one amongst the 108 Sri Vaishnava Divyadesams. The Trivikrama Perumal/ Ulagalantha Perumal temple (more to come in later posts), located in the western part of the town, is as equally steeped in antiquity as the Veeratteshwarar temple and is also one of the Pancha Krishnaaranya Kshetras. The town was also home to some beautiful Jaina viharas, which fell into ruins over time.

A visit to Thirukkoviloor is bound to bring double blessings from these two great temples of yore. The temple town is about 30km south of Thiruvannamalai which serves as an excellent travel base. It is one of the two Veerattaana Sthalas in Nadu Naadu and needs to be popularized among the people, so that some of our precious arts like the wall frescoes and the bronze idols do not get lost way down into our future generations.

கருத்துறை அந்தகன் தன்போல் அசுரன்

வரத்தின் உலகத் துயிர்க்களை எல்லாம் 

வருத்தஞ்செய் தானென்று வானவர் வேண்டக் 

குருத்துயர் சூலங்கைக் கொண்டுகொன் றானே - திருமூலர்
“Andhaka, frightening unto the god of death, whose name he bore,
armed with boons divine, harassed all the worlds.
Thus the Celestial Beings moaned to the Lord;
Who, lifting high his trident sharp, pierced him straight to certain death”
- Thirumoolar

Notes: 

1.     Thirukkoviloor was the capital of Nadu Naadu (Nadu in Tamizh means centre), which got its name owing to its central location between the Chera, Chozha and Pandya kingdoms. Back in time, when it was at the peak of its glory, the region was also known as Sethi Naadu and Malaada Naadu.

2.      It is believed that during the war with Andhaka, several beings emerged from Shiva’s body. They include the 36 Maathru Ganas (Women Bhootha Ganas), the celestial bird-headed beings - Dakini and Yogini, 64 Bhairavas and their consorts, the 64 Bhairavis, Tripura Bhairavi and Vaasthu Purusha. Some believe that Vaasthu Purusha was born as a manifestation of the earth when it was fertilized by Shiva’s sweat.

3.    The Pennai river is often known as Dakshina Pinaakini, since it is said to have originated from Pinaaka, the bow of Shiva. During the wedding ceremony of Angavai and Sangavai, on Avvai’s prayers, the river is said to have run full of ghee, milk, and curds. Since the river abided by the requests of Avvaiyar, it is also known as Bhaarathi Neya Tharangini (Bhaarathi Neya – She who was blessed by Saraswathi, i.e. Avvaiyar)

4.   The local people believe that the mighty Malayamaan rulers, who ruled over Nadu Naadu, were direct descendents of Kuzhagar, who was a manifestation of the Lord himself.

5.   A lot of Tamizh history is associated with Thirukkoviloor. Details of its links with Raja Raja Chozhan, Malayamaan, Paari Vallal, Kabilar, Avvaiyar, Dheiveegan, Meiporul Nayanar, and Narasingha Munaiyaraiyar can be provided on request.

P.S. 

Sorry about the long hiatus. The last two months have been packed. But I am hoping to get back onto a regular writing schedule.