JOURNEY TO THE FEET OF GURU

SRI SATHRU SAMHARA MOORTHY SWAMIGAL - (TAMILNADU - ) THE SIX HOMES AND THE SIX HOLY TREES OF AYYA 1. First Sacred Shrine - Vaathiripatti Kuruntha Tree 2. Second Sacred Shrine - Kudimiyanmalai Aatthi Tree 3. Third Sacred Shrine - Tandree Tree 4. Fourth Sacred Shrine -Viralimalai Vanni Tree 5. Fifth Sacred Shrine - Thiruchirappalli (District Court Campus) Mahizha Tree 6. Sixth Sacred Shrine - Thiruchendur (Panneer Tree)

SRI SATHRU SAMHARA MOORTHY SWAMIGAL PUDUKKOTTAI (TAMILNADU - INDIA)

Vaathiripatti Kudimiyanmalai (Kuruntha Tree) (Mahizha Tree) (Aathi Tree) District Court Campus This book.....

(FOREWORD) If there is a text on the holy Clairvoyants of , Certainly the sacred name of Sri Sathru Samhara Moorthy Swamigal will figure there. To that extent, both in his times and now, he remains for his disciples as guru, Siddha and as the God himself. Though in size, this is a small text describe the life history of Swami and includes many rare thoughts and historical anecdotes. Vallalar sought the boon of serving God and people. Similarly, Thirumathi. A. Dharmambal has written this work in an exemplary way, as a service to people.

(Foreword by Dr. I. Veerasakthivel, Ph.D.,) INTRODUCTION

In the Tamil land, the Clairvoyants (Gnanis) have emerged from time to time, and guided the people. Our Gurunathar who was born at Vaathiripatti, above 130 years ago, is one among them. Our Gurunathar has performed many rare deeds/miracles, thanks to his Spiritual power. Apart from an offering spiritual and medical help, he devoted himself to the cause of alleviating hunger. He volunteered to show direction- less people. Hence, Our Gurunathar had been worshipped by people. For doing meditation and worship, Guru did not opt for temples and other places. He opted for trees. Here lies a subtle message. Only till the survival of plants in this world, others can survive. In other words, our Guru realized the role of plants in preventing global warming. That is why he revived many near-dead trees and offered workship. What science says today is explained and implemented by Guru, Well-in the past.

Though our Guru has shrines all over Tamil Nadu, Six shrines at Vaathiripatti, Kudimiyanmalai, Tandreeswaram, Viralimalai, Tiruchirappalli court premises and Tiruchendur are closely linked to him. The mission of his book is to write about these shrines, about their sacred trees (Thala Vriksham) and to write about the life of Ayya (Swamigal).

I Salute those who have written on Ayya and those who are going to write about him. I thank all those who have helped in bringing out this book. Finally, I have great pleasure in placing this work before you.

A. DHARMAMBAL

This world have everything we crave for. We enjoy them through our earthly five senses and derive happiness. We conclude that only deriving pleasures is life. We totally forget that it is god who is the root/ guru behind all wordly actions. Avvai speaks of God’s tap the World as guru. Tirumoolar also equates guru with god. Hence it is clear that both god and guru are one and the same. Guru is beyond word and deed. As such, if we surrender at the feet of our guru, Sri Sathru Samhara Moorthy Swamigal, we can cross the worldly worries and reach the banks of divine bliss.

Those who don’t seek the feet of guru will wander for eternity. To save the souls of even these, god himself enters this world as guru Sri Sathru Samhara Moorthy Swamigal remains the Very Incarnation of God.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SWAMIGAL

(The terms “Ayya,” “ Swamigal” and “Gurunathar” all refer to our Swamigal only.)

Our Guru Sri Sathru Samhara Moorthy Swamigal, for the benefit of the world and to enlighten people made his Incarnation into this world, as the third son of Shiva devotees - Muthu pillai and ponnammal couple at vaathiripatti village, Pudukkottai District, Tamilnadu on Vikrama year, of Aani month (13.06.1880) Sunday under the Star of Aayilyam.

His Parents called him with the name, “ Kanakasabapathy” (one of the names of Lord Shiva). Being a prodigy, he excelled in studies. With the blessings of the elders, Kanakasabapathy was married with Sornathammal in 1901. They were blessed with a daughter in 1903. The child was given the name, “Kamalam-” in 1904, Kanakasabapathy started a primary school near Viralimalai.

Later, he was appointed as a teacher in the government school at ponnamaravathy in 1906. In 1910, the Kanakasabapathy couple were again blessed with a daughter who was known as “Azhagu.” THILLAI DARSHANA AND THE SUDDEN CHANCES In 1915, Kanakasabapathy attended the consecration of the Chidambaram temple (the most prominent of all Shiva temples) and lost his heart to Shiva and never returned home. After a year long search, his relatives brought him home. His arrival made everyone happy at home. But he spoke little; meditated and spent his time studying sacred texts.The Kanakasabapathy couple were blessed with a boy child in 1916. The child was called, “Ponnuramu.” In 1917, Kanakasabapathy asked his wife to board the cart of his friend to attend the Ceremoney of piercing the ear- lobe at his Wife’s relative’s house. There after, no one knew the where about of Kanakasabapathy. SATHRU SAMHARA MOORTHY SWAMIGAL THE ENLIGHTENED ONE After leaving his family for twelve years, in 1928, Swamigal started performing Siva pooja and explaining God’s ways to the spiritually inclined at Naganathar swamy temple, near Ucchi pillaiyar Temple at Tiruchirappalli. On knowing this, Swamigal’s relatives forcibly took him to Vaathiripatti. Among Siddhar’s, there are many types. Many live in forests without the knowledge of others. Some other’s though living among people, never reveal them selves some have revealed them selves and have done good for people. But our guru was offering spiritual explanations without revealing his stature. He advocated the worship of light and treated the physical ailments of others. In this way, the Swamigal was serving the people. Lord Muruga who reveals himself as Soora Samhara Moorthy-(Known for his prowess with lance) at Tiruchendur gave his own to our Swamigal, Calling him as “Sri Sathru Samhara Moorthy Swamigal.” Though our guru has many shrines, Lord Muruga (as in his win case) has marked six holy shrines for our guru ; thus has given us a chance to visit/read/and worship our guru and to attain Mukthi. THE FIRST SACRED SHRINE : VAATHIRIPATTI This place is located at a distance of 21 Kilometers from pudukkottai via the historically famous Sittannavasal (Famed for its cave paintings), leading to illuppur. Even to day, We can see and worship the Yagasalai where Ashwamedha yaga was performed by our Swamigal. The Kuruntha tree under which the Swamigal sat and meditated, remains the sacred tree (Thala Vriksham) here. The Samadhi of Swamigal’s wife remains inside the temple. Only here, we get the chance of workshipping our Swamigal with his wife. This is the first of the guru-sthalams. Above all our guruji had be gotten the wisdom through yoga, by yoga he fragmented his body into many parts and bewed them back thus this was the place where he demonstrated such miracles. One Thirumathi Krishnammal from Tiruvannamalai who came here fifty years ago, built a satthiram for the devotees to stay. Now in the satthiram, food is offered freely. THE GREATNESS OF THE KURUNTHA TREE The infant in the mother’s womb keeps on asking Brahma when will you bring me to the light of the world. For every human being who come to this world, Brahma, through the avatar of Sadhasiva Moorthy reveals himself under the Kuruntha tree. Once, Manickavasakar saw a rishi, teaching his disciples under the Kuruntha tree and requested him to reveal the right kind of Knowledge. The rishi too taught him and then disappeared. Not only that he sang so many songs in “Thiruvasagam” in different ways under the Kuruntha Tree whoever is under the Kuruntha Tree with the fikine feelings of God Siva, They will get the blessings of God Siva. THE ASHWAMEDHA YAGA AND OUR GURU Mahabali, the Asura king was ruling the three worlds. To rule the three worlds forever, he makes preparations to perform Ashwamedha yaga with the guidance of his guru, Sukhracharya in the northern banks of river Narmadha. The Devas who have lost heaven lost Mahabali, appeal to Sriman Narayana to help them. To save Devas and to punish Asuras, Narayan take the “ Vaamana Avatar.” At this time, Mahabali starts his yaga. Vaamana goes to the place where the yaga is performed and seeks three feet of clay. To this, Mahabali agrees. Sukhracharya tries to prevent him. Though knowing the fact that the vaamana is none other than Vishnu-his enemy, Mahabali stood by his words. soon the short Vaamana started growing and became “Thrivikrama.” Then he scaled the entire earth with one feet and the heaven with the other feet. At that time, Brahma washed the feet of Vishnu and the water fell on the hair-locks of Shiva and ultimately dell down to earth as the holy Ganga. Vishnu asked Bali ; “ Where shall I place my feet for the third time ?, Bali asked Vishnu to place his feet on his head and to bless him as the one who stood by his words. Lord Vishnu felt wondered by the words of Bali and asked him to rule the Under world and promissed that his divine would kill the enemies of Bali. Bali then asked a boon, enabling him to visit his subjects once in a year. Vishnu asked him to visit his people On the day of the Thiruvonam star. His annual visit would be celebrated as “ Onam” by his people Soon,Mahabali entered the Under world and became it’s king. The Vaamana Avatar, the Trivikrama Darshana and the origin of Ganga all are the results of the Ashwamedha Yaga. The greatness of this Yaga is endless. The Ashwamedha yaga which could be performed only by the divine was performed by our guru for the benefit of us at Vaathiripatti (1934). According to Bagavata purana who ever reads/listens the entire story of Vaamana/ Trivikrama would be absolved of their sins. THE SECOND SACRED SHRINE :KUDIMIYANMALAI The historically famous kudimiyanmalai which is 20 kms., away from pudukkottai is the second shrine of our guru. The fig (Aatthi tree) tree under which our guru meditated remains the sacred tree of the temple. We have seen many hills the historically and mountains. But it is rare to sight a hill like Kudimiyanmalai which is historically famous, and has level ground at the top. Many kings have offered their services to the Shiva temple here. The “Shikanata Samy” (Lord Shiva), the deity of the rock-cut temple, to save the life of his devotee,the temple priest, appeared with a tuft. Hence, this place was called “Kudimiyanan Malai” which later became “Kudimiyanmalai.” The Musical inscriptions available here are Tamil Nadu’s gift to the music world. There is no other inscription like this in the entire world.inspiteof many efforts made by musicologists and researchers from various countries, little is known about the inscriptions. The Greatness of the Aatthi (Fig) Tree Maha Vishnu & Sri Mahalakshmi -the preserver of the world, resides in this tree. This tree can offer yields without flowering. The fig leaves cure many ailments. When we stand under this tree and pray, our wishes are granted. The Glorious impact of our Guru under the Aatthi (Fig) Tree In the top of this divine hill, there lies the temple of Lord Muruga. Our guru made a small cave behind the temple as his abode; he consecrated a Sivallinga there ; performed Pooja and meditated there. Even to day, With proper guidance, we can go to the cave and worship the lingam, Which was worshipped by Ayya. When Swamigal was in meditation under the Aatthi Tree near the Muruga Temple,an atheist (to be little Swamigal) Photographed him. To his surprise, there was only the tree in the photo. Then he sought the for give ness of the Swamigal. Then, with the permission of the Swamigal, he took his photo (Which is available in our hands today). Also, Our understood the Family problems of this photo grapher and alleviated his sufferiengs. Even to day, his family members regard our Swamigal as their guru and worship him. THRID SACRED SHRINE - TANDREESWARAM The Puranically -famous place of Tandreeswaram is located at a distance of 25 Kilometers from pudukkottai to illupur ; it is five kilometers away from Vaathiripatti. The Tandri Tree under which the swamigal meditated, remains the Sacred tree (Thala Vriksham) of the temple. Even today, one can see the white rock on which the Swamigal sat and meditated. Here, a Dharma Mutt was built by Thiru. Valliappa Chettiar of poolankurichi. on Festival occasions, food is served freely to devotees. The Miracles Performed by our Guru Under the Tandree Tree When our guru was meditating under the Aatthi Tree at Kudimiyanmalai, he saw a tree which was burnt away by thunder at the distance of 7 kilometers. Soon the Swamigal got down from the hill and took some people to the now-dead tree. Realizing the tree the Swamigal sat in the big hole in the tree and meditated. Due to his greatness, the tree started sprouting. People came from many places to witness the miracle-tree ; they fell under the feet of Swami and got his blessings. The Greatness of theTandree Tree Today, the tree remains a well grown one. This tree is not available anywhere in the forest areas of Tamil Nadu. on in taking the leaves falling from this tree, ailments are cured. The Tandree Tree is associated with the mythical king Nalaa, lost his kingdom, having been affected by Shaneeshwara. Later, Nalaa served as the cook and charioteer of King Utthara. one day, when Nalaa took king Utthara on the skyway, the king’s shawl fell down. In the mean time, the chariot crossed a further distance of 15 kilometers. Nalaa stopped his chariot and came in search of the King’s Shawl. Nalaa Saw the Shawl spread on a tree with four branches. He wondered at the sight of the previously -unseen tree which he now took as a divine one. He Saw four different types of fruits on the four branches. He plucked and started eating them. The fruits gave four different tastes on which Nalaa was astonished. Then, under the Tandree tree, Lord Shaneeshwara appeared before Nalaa and Said, “From to day, I leave you. Here after, there are only good times for you and you will get your kingdom back. With your Family, Worship me at Thirunallar.” Then the Lord vanished. The Tandree tree was actually created by Shaneeshwara to appear before Nalaa. On worshipping our guru who brought the dead -Tandree tree (Created by Shaneeshwara) back to life, and by coming the tree, one can get rid of life’s sufferings and the adverse effects of the planets. (on reading Nalaa Puranam, one can learn more about Nalaa and the Tandree tree.) FOURTH SACRED SHRINE : VIRALIMALAI : Form pudukkottai, by travelling through Vaathiripatti, Tandreeswaram and illupur (the distance is 40 kilometers) or by travelling in the Trichy-Madurai road (At the distance of 30 kilometers), this temple can be reached. The Vanni Tree under which the Swamigal sat and meditated remains the sacred tree (thala vriksham) of the temple. Vasista Rishi’s wife Arundathi refused to breat -feed Lord Muruga who appeared as child at the Saravana poikai. Angered by this, Vasista cursed his wife. Lord Muruga was Pained by Vasista’s act and cursed him. When the couple sought to get rid of the curse, Muruga asked them to worship him at viralimalai (a place where both Siddhi and Mukthi are available). The couple worshipped Muruga at viralimalai and got rid of thier curse. Naradha to get rid of his sin (on punishing Brahma - his father), worshipped at Viralimalai. Lord Muruga appeared in the dream of Arunagirinathar who was at Vayalur (Trichy) and asked him to visit Viralimalai and sing of him. Arunagirinathar came to Viralimalai and sang 16 wonderful Thiruppugazh songs. Pleased with this, Lord Muruga blessed Arunagiri with Ashtamaasidhi (eight kinds of divine powers). Only in this offered to Muruga during the worship. Viralimalai hosts the second biggest sancturay for peacock in india. The enchanting voice and dance of the peacocks make us happy. The Greatness of the Vanni Tree : The vanni tree is the favourite of vinayaka. By worshipping vinayaka with vanni leaves, one can get his desires fulfilled. form the union of Hari and Haran Under the Vanni tree, Came Ayyappa. When ayyappa worshiped Vinayaka to prevent possible adverse effects of the nine plants, vinayaka appeared before him in the from of vanni tree. We all know that in the Shiva temples, after Vilvam, the vanni tree remains the Sacred tree (thala Virksham). According to Gnanasampandhar, by worshipping Shiva with vanni flowers, One can please him and get boons. According to puranas (Mythology) Parvathi resides in the vanni tree. Vanni tree is worshipped as Durga. By worshipping shaneeshwara with vanni leaves, one can get rid of adverse effects (Doshmas) After coming around the vanni tree and praying, Sri Rama went to battle with Ravana and won it. Before starting their (Agyathavasam) life-in-hindling, the pandavas put their dress, Jewels and Weapons in the hole in the vanni tree ; later they took them back ; fought and won the battle of Mahabaratha. When a person think/Speak/worship the vanni tree, his sins will be absolved and will gain victory at will. The Miracles Performed by Our Guru Under the Vanni Tree : Once, after worshipping Viralimalai Muruga (who give Siddhi and Mukthi), On the north side of the shrine (Where the weekly fair takes place now), Our guru saw a dead -vanni tree. our Swamigal Starded meditating under the tree and it started sprouting. A large number of people came from many places to witness the miracle. They Started calling our guru as “Vanni Marathadi Swami” (Swami under the vanni tree). Swamigal consecreated a sivalingam made of sand under the vanni tree ; worshipped it and medicatated. He was blessing people and offerieng medical help to their. Mr. Thangamuthusamy and Thiru. Raman Achari assited Swamigal told he would get a male child and he should name it as “shanmugam” Swamigal words materiallized. Onece, when Swamigal and Raman Achari were sitting under the vanni tree, Swamigal told that a man suffering from stomach ailment would come. At the same time, one Thiru. Krishnamachari (who was the Diwan of pudukkottai, who was sufferieng from severe stomach ailment) prostrated before Swamigal. Swamigal said to him : “ you should not bow before me ; one who gains bribe through his wife would suffer like this, as bribe.” In other words, our guru regarded dewory as a bribe. He said to Krishnamachari, you are in a responsible Job ; from today don’t do evil deeds,” Having said this, he applied sacred ash on him and cured the stomach ache. The Diwan also pledghed to mend his ways and would do good to others. It is great on the part of our Swamigal who drove home the point that accepting down/bribes would not lead to happiness. Even to day, one can see a full grown vanni tree at viralimalai and the sand - lingam consecrated by our Swamigal (Which is now in the temple built for our Swamigal There). In entrie India, there are only two sand-lingams (one is at Rameshwaram, Made by Seetha devi (Known as Ramalingam) and the other is at viralimalai, made by our guru, known as Kanakalingam. THE FIFTH SACRED SHRINE : TIRUCHIRAPPALLI COURT PREMISES This Shrine is located with the distance of two kilometers from the Trichy Central Bus stand. In the Trichy District Court premises, in front of fire service station, one see the Mahizha tree under which our Swamigal meditated (This is the thala Vriksham here). The Gratness of the Mahizha Tree : This tree is also known as “ vakulam.” In many temples, Shiva is called as “ Vakulanathar” (named after this tree). In the bank of yamuna, Krishna played his flute under this tree. The Mahizha tree happens to be the thala vriksham in many Shiva temples. Apart from Hindus, Buddhists and Jains too regard this tree as a sacred one. Daily, by sitting under this tree for some time, our body will gain power to resist diseases. since, this tree strengthens the body and makes the mind happy, it is called as Mahizham The Miracles performed by our Guru under the mahizha tree: Our Swamigal used to sit and meditate under the Mahizha tree located in the Fire service Station. People who come to the court would tell their grievances to Swamigal and would get sacred ash from him. some speak of their court cases. After getting the blessings of Swamigal (based on the merit of their case,) they would win their cases and would meet the Swamigal gratefully. Once, the Swamigal was doing pooja to the portait of Emperor Geroge Vth we under the Mahizha tree, A poilce officer who came on that way, kiched our Swami with his boot, for no reason. One Mr. Gnanaprakasam alais Duraiyapper prevented the official. Our gurunathar Said : “It is all the leela of god. Leave it” Later the Police officer left the place. Our guru was taken by Duraiyappar to his house for medical help. Soon, the police official who kiched the swamigal suffered paralysis in his hand and leg. On learning the where abouts of the Swamigal, the poilce officer and his relatives rushed to him asking for pardon. Our guru became sympathetic and appiled sacred ash to the police officer. soon he got cured the ailment. Then on wards, the official regarded our Swamigal as his guru and would visit him daily. THE SIXTH SACRED SHRINE- TIRUCHENDUR : This Temple is located at 56 Kilometers from Tirunelveli, at 36 Kilometers from Tuticorin and at 220 kilometers from Rameshwaram. This is the second holiest shrine of Lord Muruga. Here, our guru has got the panneer tree (the thala vriksham of Lord Muruga) as his sacred tree too. The learned would say that on applying the sacred ash kept on the panneer tree leaves/ on body, diseases would be cured. The panneer leaf and veboothi prasatham are notable and exclusive here, panneer trees are treated as vedas, which worship senthil andavar, according to ethinic traces, once saint vishuvamitra visited here and worshiped muguran, then he had veboothi prasatham and got cured of his kunma disease, a paneer leaf consists of twelve veins and also murugan has twelve hands, hence it is belived that Murugan gives prasatham by his hands. Tirucheeralaivai (Tiruchendur) which is on the sea shore, is a famous shrine. Here, to gain victory over Sooran, Muruga consecreated the Panchalingam. To perform Abishekam, he created the water source called “ Skandha Pushkarani.” Now this is called as “Naazhi kinaru.” when Muruga hurled his lance at Soora, it plerced the latter’s chest into two pieces. Muruga transformed them into cock and peacock ; initiated them into divine service; thus, offered Mohksham even to Soora-the-enemy. The victorious Muruga was worshipped by the Devas here. on regaining his lost power and prestige, Devendra married his daughter Deyvayanai to Muruga. only here, Viyazha Bhagavan (Brahaspathi -the guru of the Devas) learnt the life history of soora padhman from Muruga, Suhabrahma Rishi and Iravatham -the-White,celestial elephant worshipped Muruga here ; Kumaragurupara who remained mute till the age of five, found his voice only in this shrine. Our Guru at Tiruchendur : Our swamigal was well aware of his impending Mukthi. He reached Tiruchendur on the divine orders of Muruga. There he sat and meditated on Muruga. He was offered all kinds of help by one Mr. Paramasivam pillai. Our understood that his earthly mission was over and time was ripe to reach Muruga. He wrote to his close associates and relatives to come to Tiruchendur to full fill the rituals. All of them went to Tiruchendur and met our guru. Swamigal welcomed them and asked them to worship the Muruga there. They did the worship and offered the sacred ash and other holy things to Swamigal. That day, Without speaking to other’s Swamigal concentrated his mind on Muruga. The next day, as per the Tamil Calendar - Kali 5040- Vekuthanya year, Purattaci month 25th, on Tuesday, Sacred day for Muruga, With the star Bharani, at chevvaai orai, in the early hours of morning, it about 6.15 A.M., (On 11th October, 1938), there emerged a rayof light from the face of Swamigal. Sornathammal and others, with melting eyes prayed to him, with the emergence of the sun in the East, Sri Sathru Samhara Moorthy Swamigal attained Samadhi and merged with Tiruchendur Murugan. The darshan (sight) offered to devotees was an everlasting one, full of divine bliss. on the south of the Muruga Temple, a Sivalingam was consecrated and a “ Temple of peace” Swamigal was built. GURUNATHAR : Our gurunathar is omnipresent throughout the globe ; he resided in many shrines and used his divine powers to alleviate the sufferings of the people and to take them to divine level. He appears in the same from at the same time to many people at many places. Depending on the spiritual level of devotees, directly and indirectly and through dreams, Swamigal performs. Especially, he performs miracles with his photos and has firmy enshrined in the hearts of his devotees. THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE DARSHAN OF GURUNATHAR: The spiritual benefits one could get by taking bath in the holy rivers, by doing poojas and by the could get easily by one, by having the darshan of Swamigal. Can everything be attained through guru ? Then what about God ? Only through a begin Guru, things materialize. With out guru’s blessings, divinity does-n’t operate. This is the saying of Tirumoolar. As Tirumoolar points out, the temples which have the samadhis of Yogis and Savants gain in spiritual Status the temples where there are no Samadhis, but still retaining their poppularity is due to the Spiritual haunt of Gnanis/yogis there. Our Guru Sri Sathru Samhara Swamigal’s meditating under trees and his reviving the near-dead trees explain the fact that humans can survice of trees. In other words, the Swamigal insisted humans to live in harmony with Nature. What the scientists find and tell after experimenting, are told well-ahead by the Gnanis. NOTE : In all the temples of Guru, every Thursday/full moon day/and on other Sacred days/on the days on which the stars Aayilyam and Bharani fall special Pooja are done and free food is offered. The annual Gurupoojai of our Swamigal is observed with favour on the Mahabharani day (the Bharani Which figure during the Purattaci month). ÔVB›ˆ \Õ]´D : {D p ƒ›Ú ƒD«V´VB s›\º« p Ek ƒıxÔVB y\N >[º™V ƒD«V´ JÏ›] ©´ºƒV>BV›. 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