GREAT AUTHOR OF THIRUPPUGAZH
Great sages have attained enlightenment after going through an elaborate process of meditation, contemplation and sacrifice. They have devised certain eternal principles to be followed. These principles which define an ideal way of life have come to be known as Sanathana Dharma. Time and again, there appeared saints to remind us of the need to adhere to these principles, the need to maintain our rich cultural heritage and the need to uphold our high spiritual values. The saints interpreted the Vedas in a lucid style and awakened the consciousness of the people. By explaining the worldly objects as material and spiritual, myths and reality, they stressed the ideals of truth and directed humanity to the correct destination. They have explained the relevance of these principles even in the changing world conditions. They continue to show us the path of perfection that leads to ultimate state of God realization and salvation.
Great saints have hailed the glory of Muruga, like Veda Vyasa (Kanda Purana), Adi Sankara (Subramanya Bhujangam), Kachiappa Sivachariyar (Kandha Puranam), Nakkeerar (Thiru Murugatru Padai), Kalidasa (Kumara Sambhavam) and the list goes on like Pamban Swamigal, Vannacharapam Dhandapani Swamigal, Chidambara Swamigal etc. Thiruppugazh, composed by saint poet Arunagirinathar is unique because it brings before us the image of Lord Muruga in full splendour and glory and bestows us the abounding grace of Muruga. Among many saints who guided humanity to the path of perfection, Arunagirinathar occupies a unique position. His songs not only kindle the flame of devotion in the minds of people but also the light of knowledge in the intellect. He showed the way to the life of virtue and righteousness. He showed the way to the Lotus Feet of Muruga.
All devotional works hail the glory (Pugazh) of the Lord and come under the category of Thiru Pugazh, but only Arunagirinathar’s works got that title because he alone described, in his own exquisite poetic style, the glory of the Lord truly, completely and magnificently. No other works portrayed the glory of the Lord so eloquently, elegantly and elaborately as did Arunagiri and therefore only Arunagirinathar’s works have acquired the name, quite appropriately, as “Thiruppugazh”. His works therefore rightly deserved the name “Thiru Pugazh”.
Arunagirinathar was born in 15th century at Thiruvannamalai. As his father expired soon after his birth, his mother, Muthamma and sister, Adhi, brought him up. They aspired to bring him up in the rich cultural and religious tradition. Arunagiri showed a receptive mind and even studied the scriptures but gradually his interests turned elsewhere. The mother and sister were there to love him but the father was not there to discipline him. Overtaken by disease and dejection, Arunagiri decided to end his life and fell from the tower of Thiruvannamalai temple. But rather than falling to the ground, he found himself in the hands of a saviour. “You are not born to die. You are born to save lives. You are not born to fall but make others rise. You are born to fulfill a divine mission. You are the chosen one to sing the glory of Lord Muruga.” said the saviour, who was none other than Lord Muruga Himself. Arunagiri, who has been rescued from the darkness of death, now found himself before a power that radiated brilliant rays of brightness. He now got the vision of Lord Muruga.
Arunagiri could not believe his eyes and ears. Lord Muruga was standing before him majestically, holding the sparkling Vel (lance), His Mayil (peacock) nearby and exuding an aura of charm and splendour. It was as if all the power, beauty and knowledge of the universe had personified and descended on earth. Overwhelmed with emotion and wondering how he became worthy of such an enormous grace, Arunagiri folded his hands and bowed in reverence. Words failed him. The Lord, full of mercy, blessed him, conferred him the saintly advice (Upadesa) and set out the sacred tasks before him. Arunagiri was delighted at being initiated to saint-hood direct by Lord. According to legend, it was Arunagirinathar, who had the fortune of belonging to the “Blessed Three” who received the saintly advice (Upadesa) direct from Muruga, the other two being Lord Shiva and Saint Agasthiyar. Having got the blessings of Muruga, Arunagiri composed and rendered extempore, his first song “Muthai Tharu...”
Aiming at God realization, many saints followed the path of knowledge (Gjnana). They went through the hard path of struggle and sacrifice. They denied themselves the basic necessities for the achievement of their aim. But the case of Arunagirinathar was different. He did not undergo any penance or meditation. He did not undergo any path of struggle. Yet, for some strange reasons, he qualified himself to the grace of the Lord. While other saints, having led a life of virtue, realized God at the end, Arunagiri, having pursued the path of pleasure, realized God at the very beginning. Strange indeed are the ways of God. There was something in him, beyond all his weaknesses that made Lord to choose Arunagiri as His ideal disciple. Perhaps, it was the devotional bend of mind that remained dormant in Arunagiri’s heart. Perhaps, it was his genuine sense of guilt or eagerness to atone for his sin. Perhaps, it was his inherent strength to rise up to the high task expected of him. Whatever that be, Arunagiri proved himself worthy of Lord’s finest Messenger. Arunagiri rose up to the occasion, came out of his world of illusion, lived up to the high demands of his new role and admirably fulfilled the divine task expected of him.
Arunagiri then proceeded to Vayalur and prayed before Lord Muruga. It is believed that the Lord again appeared before him in the form of a person and ordained him: “Sing about Me, about My Vel (lance), about peacock (Mayil) about Seval (rooster) about Vayalur and about my various other abodes”. “It is indeed a rare honour to be able to sing Thy glory”, Arunagiri said and prostrated before Vayalur Muruga in total submission and surrender. After worshiping the shrine of Poyya Ganapathy nearby, he set out his historic journey; the journey that took him many holy places and gave him an illuminating experience.
Many saints derived inspiration from temples like Saint Sri Ramadas from Bhadrachalam, Sri Ramana Maharshi from Tiruvannamalai and Bhattathiri from Guruvayoor. Arunagirinathar received enlightenment from Tiruvannamalai and Vayalur. While Tiruvannamalai transformed Arunagirinathar into an enlightened sage, Vayalur made him an erudite scholar. Arunagiriathar composed number of songs on Muruga in his inimitable style. What provided stimulus for his songs was his 'temple experience'. It was an enlightening experience for him to visit the six abodes of Muruga, Tiruchendur, Tirupparamkundram, Tiru Avinangudi, Swami Malai, Tiruthani and Pazhamudhir Solai, where Lord Muruga performed various acts of bravery, marriage, renunciation, enlightenment and redemption.
Arunagirinathar visited over 300 temples of Shiva, Muruga, Vishnu and other deities. Every temple had a unique history of its own. Impressed by the sanctity, the power and importance of the temple, Arunagirinathar composed songs on the Lord, bringing forth all the unique characteristics. While referring to the history of a temple, we often find special mention being made about Arunagiri's visit there, as if his mere visit has brought sanctity and sacredness to the temple. After an extensive of visit of temples, Arunagiri returned to Tiruvannamalai to lead a quiet life of devotion. The King Prabhuda Devaraja honoured him and granted him the privileged status of a 'Poet of the Royal Court'.
It is believed that Arunagirinathar composed over 16,000 songs but only 1365 songs have been traced. Having had the vision of Muruga and the experience of realizing Him, Arunagiri extolled the various divine qualities of the Lord, His benevolence, His knowledge, His valour and courage, His exquisite beauty and brought all His magnificence into full focus in his Thiruppugazh. In the song: “Thandayani Vendayum, Kinkini Sadhangayum” he likened the beautiful face of Muruga to that of an effulgent and exuberant moon. He did not differentiate between Shivite and Vaishnavite thoughts and ended his song addressing Muruga as “Perumale”, the term normally used by Vaishnavites to address Lord Maha Vishnu. He referred Muruga as “Malon Marugane” (Son-in-law of Maha Vishnu - Thirumal), as, according to legend, Muruga's consorts, Valli and Deivayanai were daughters of Thirumal in their previous births. Arunagirinathar conveyed messages of truth and Dharma by citing instances from Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Villiputhoorar, a rival poet of his time, challenged Arunagirinathar for a show of talent and skill. Arunagirinathar then composed Kandhar Andhathi and Villiputhoorar conceded defect for not being able to comprehend the 54th stanza.
Kandhar Alamgaram, an ornament of verses Arunagirinathar made for adoring Muruga vividly portrays the splendour of the Lord from His sacred head to His Lotus feet. It is believed that just as Thiruvachagam would please Lord Shiva, Kandhar Alamgaram would please Lord Muruga. Kandhar Anuboothi, containing 51 stanzas, depicts Arunagirinathar’s experience of having received the saintly advice (Upadesa) and having experienced the presence of Lord Muruga. It is said that Anuboothi which means divine experience is the quintessence of all Arunagiri’s works. Arunagirinathar also composed hymns (Virutham) on Vel (lance), Mayil (peacock), Seval (rooster), Thiru Ezhu Kootrirukkai, Thiruvakuppu and Velaikkaran Vakuppu. All these songs are ideal for daily prayer and one who renders them with devotion is sure to overcome the hovering storm and sail through the ocean of life smoothly.
Arunagirinathar says, so long one has the grace of Lord Muruga, the mighty Lord of Death, Yama Raja, cannot come near. There is a general impression that death is something untoward, something ‘unfortunate’, and something to fear about. One who has the actual knowledge of death fears not. Death is not an end in itself. Death occurs only to the body and not to the soul. Death means transition of the soul from a temporal world to an immortal world, from material to spiritual and from Maya (illusion) to real. This view is expressed in the dialogue between God of Death (Yamaraja) and Naciketas, the nine year old inquisitive boy as revealed in Kathopanishad and one finds almost similar views in Arunagirinathar’s works.
Arunagiri had not received any formal learning. He had no opportunity to study scriptures in depth. In fact, he spent time seeking pleasure. It defies reason how such a person could compose a magnum opus like Thiruppugazh that equals the knowledge of the Vedas? Arunagirinathar himself answers this question: "This knowledge, this talent, this eloquence and this skill do not belong to me. They are the gift of Lord Muruga". (Yam Odhiya Kalviyum Em Arivum). It was the enormous grace of Muruga that helped him to compose a work of such magnitude and find answers to various human problems.
Arunagirinathar used the pleasing medium of music and the sweet language of Tamil to commune with God. He composed Thiruppugazh in the Chandam style which means setting the verses in metre, conforming to beats or rhythm. Varying rhythms were in-built into the songs in a way that every song has a distinct Thala or time measure. Tamil language has acquired a unique dimension and sanctity in the hands of Arunagirinathar who blended it with the divine language of Sanskrit. Going through his songs, it would seem that Tamil has rarely been handled so beautifully in poetic verses before. According to Tamil scholars, the poetic expression of Arunagiri, his language and style, the metaphors and similes he used, all went into making his works an outstanding literary masterpiece. “Villukku Vijayan, Vakkukku Arunagiri” so goes a Tamil saying. “If Arjuna is known for his archery power, Arunagiri is known for his vocabulary power”.
As Arunagirinathar composed Thiruppugazh after receiving the enlightened Advice (Upadesa) from the Lord, his songs acquired an inherent strength and power and those who render these prayers would find fulfillment in life.
The seventh and ninth centuries witnessed a phenomenal rise in Shiva worship. The 63 Nayanmars hailed the glory of Lord Shiva in magnificent verses. They brought a new impetus to Bhakthi movement. It heralded a new era of Shaiva Sidhanta. Shaiva Sidhanta is a formalized doctrine on Shiva worship and is ranked as one of the highest systems of human thought. Though originated in Kashmir region around 250 BC, it prospered in Tamil Nadu. It postulated the theory of Shiva Yoga, the path of enlightenment leading to ultimate integration of the soul with the Supreme Power. Panniru Thirumurai is an excellent collection of devotion that forms the basis of Shaiva Sidhantham. Composed independently and in combination by 27 saints, these twelve works extend to 18,000 songs and are considered as inexhaustible source of knowledge and devotion. The four saints, popularly known as “Nalvar” took the glory of Shiva to all time high. Shaiva Sidhantam has taken deep root in Tamil soils
The advent of Arunagirinathar gave another direction and brought Muruga at the centre stage of worship. Though Muruga worship was prevalent even from the period of Tholkappiyam, it was Shaiva Sidhantam that prevailed all over. Great many Shiva temples leaped towards the sky like Thiru Annamalai, Brahadeeswarar, Jalakandeswar, Sundareswar, Chidambaranar, Sanghameswarar, Ardhanareeswarar, Nellayappar, Thayumanavar, Vaitheeswarar, Kapaleeswarar, Patteeswarar etc. Though Arunagirinathar himself worshipped at Shiva temples and drew inspiration from saints like Gjana Sambhandar, he highlighted the glory of Muruga, as never before. The songs of Arunagiri have brought the glory of Muruga to an all time high. Muruga, already known as Thamizh Kadavul, became the Lord most loved, adored admired and worshiped.
With every word selectively chosen like a flower, the song that Arunagiri composed brightened up as a colourful garland. While saints appreciated the depth, range, and message, scholars appreciated the diction, poetic excellence and the literary richness, devotees found in Thiruppugazh a novel, easy and pleasant form of worship. Literary critics hailed Arunagiri as the master craftsman of letters. Never before, there was a poet of such distinction and erudition. Never before, literature and devotion blended so harmoniously. It is difficult to judge who is greater, the poet Arunagirinathar who composed the verses with remarkable skill or the saint Arunagirinathar, who propounded the doctrine of devotion (Bhakti) in a convincing manner. Needless to say, it is his devotion towards Muruga that helped the poet in Arunagiri to bloom in full colours. The immortal works of Arunagirinathar would continue to inspire the spiritual aspirants for many more years to come.
Sri Sachidhananda Swamigal dedicated his entire life to highlight the glory of Thiruppugazh. Seshadri Swamigal described Thiruppugazh as the Maha Mantra that would transform the life of devotees Thayumanavar said: “Oh Arunagiri! Who else can compose a word of truth as beautifully like you” (‘Ayya Arunagiri’). Chidambara Swamigal said: “Oh Thiru Porur Kumara, as your enchanting body is adorned with garlands composed by Arunagiri and Nakkeerar, I feel the fabulous fragrance from you.”. Arunachala Reddiar said the songs of Thiruppugazh are so powerful that they would reverberate all over the world. Many saints hailed the glory of Arunagiri in the form of Pillai Thamizh and Sannidhi Murai. There were many saints like Pamban Swamigal, Vaidyanatha Desikar, Poet Veera Raghava Mudaliar, Poet Sahaya Devar, Chidambara Munivar, Kandappa Desikar, Krupananda Variyar, Sengalvaraya Pillai, Calcutta Thiruppugazh Mani Iyer, T.M. Krishnaswamy Iyer, Pithukuli Murugadas etc. who took the glory of Thiruppagazh to great height. Sri A.S. Raghavan, affectionately known as Guruji rendered every verse of Thiruppugazh a distinct Raaga and Thala. Having given the verses of Thiruppugazh the sweet sound of music, “Guruji” has been leading a powerful Thiruppugazh movement across the country and abroad for over 3 decades now. “As mother bird trains its fledglings to jump, fly from lower to higher branches of a tree and takes off skyward, Arunagiri trains us to go from the relatively simple to the complex in spirituality by linking up charity, control of anger and meditation”. Said Guruji.
Matchless in its appeal to the intellect and heart, Thiruppugazh stresses the importance of knowledge and devotion. Thiruppugazh penetrates into the self, awakens the inner consciousness and enlightens the soul. It synthesizes the different concepts enunciated by saints and aims at reaching the Lotus Feet of Muruga. The songs not only delight the heart, they enlighten the intellect, heal the disease, console the mind, ensure happiness and take the devotees to the right destination in life.
“Oh Lord Kumara, it is delightful to watch your
enchanting six sacred faces.
As I get your delightful vision, your Lotus feet
adorned by the ornaments of Sadhangai and Thandai,
your ankles adorned by Silambu
and your twelve shoulders adorned by the Kadappa garlands,
what can the planetary or other influence do to me?
So long you are beside me, how an inauspicious day harm me?
What can the ill-fate arising from past karmas do to me?
How can disaster fall on me?
What can the Lord of Death do to me?
(Nal En Seyum……Kandhar Alamgaram 38)
