Lotus eye.

This entry was surprising as I was hearing it for the first time in the Siva Mahimai Stotra. When researched came across this story which was even more surprising.. May be more so from the annals of Devi bhaktas and their literature. Interesting though so sharing it here. 

 This incident, steeped in devotion and symbolic richness, is an episode from the lore surrounding Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, specifically highlighting His steadfast bhakti (devotion) toward the Divine Mother. Let us explore its deeper meaning and narrative in detail.

The Story in Context

Lord Vishnu, the preserver among the Trimurti, embodies supreme devotion, not just to His duties but also to the cosmic forces that sustain creation. Goddess Lakshmi, the personification of prosperity, beauty, and divine grace, is worshiped as His consort and the ultimate source of spiritual and material abundance.

Once, Lord Vishnu resolved to offer a grand puja to Devi Lakshmi, His beloved consort, to express His reverence. As part of His offering, He decided to worship her with 1,000 lotuses, symbolic of purity and spiritual awakening. Vishnu meticulously gathered 1,000 lotuses, ensuring that no imperfection marred His devotion.

The Missing Lotus

During the course of the puja, Vishnu discovered that one lotus flower was missing from the meticulously counted collection. This small imperfection, seemingly accidental, is often interpreted as a divine test of His devotion by the Goddess Herself.

Rather than allowing the ritual to remain incomplete, Vishnu immediately decided to remedy the situation. He contemplated that His eyes, often described in scriptures as "lotus-like" (kamala-netra), could substitute for the missing lotus. Without hesitation, He plucked one of His eyes and offered it to the feet of the Goddess to complete the puja.

The Award of Sudarshana Chakra

Pleased beyond measure with Vishnu's unwavering devotion and sacrifice, Goddess Lakshmi appeared before Him in Her resplendent form. She praised His readiness to endure pain for the sake of devotion and awarded Him the Sudarshana Chakra, a powerful discus imbued with Her divine energy. The Sudarshana Chakra became Vishnu's ultimate weapon, representing both His role as the protector of dharma and the Goddess's enduring grace.

With the Chakra, Vishnu safeguards the three worlds (heaven, earth, and the netherworld), symbolizing that divine grace, when earned through pure devotion, enables one to overcome all obstacles and maintain cosmic harmony.

Symbolic Interpretations

1. Devotion Beyond Comfort

Vishnu's act of offering His eye illustrates the principle that true devotion transcends physical or material sacrifices. It highlights the idea that a devotee should be willing to give up even what is dearest to them for the sake of divine love.

2. The Eye as the Lotus

The lotus is not merely a flower in Hindu symbolism; it represents spiritual awakening and detachment. By offering His lotus-like eye, Vishnu shows the importance of seeing the world through a lens of divine consciousness and purity.

3. The Sudarshana Chakra as Divine Grace

The Sudarshana Chakra represents the divine power bestowed upon those who dedicate themselves entirely to the service of the Divine. It also signifies that true devotion is always reciprocated by divine protection and blessings.

4. Testing Devotion

The missing flower can be seen as a metaphorical challenge, a reminder that the path of devotion is fraught with obstacles. Only those who persevere with unwavering faith can transcend these hurdles.

The tale is not merely a mythological account but a profound teaching for aspirants on the spiritual path. It emphasizes:

The importance of sincerity and selflessness in worship.

The value of sacrifice as an expression of devotion.

The assurance that divine grace will always reward true bhakti.

This narrative also illustrates the intimate bond between the devotee and the Divine. It assures devotees that their efforts, no matter how small, are cherished by the Divine when offered with love and purity.

The story of Vishnu's offering of His lotus-eye is a timeless reminder of the transformative power of devotion. Through this act, Vishnu not only set a precedent for perfect bhakti but also demonstrated that devotion and grace are intertwined, each nourishing the other. The Sudarshana Chakra, born from this episode, remains a powerful symbol of divine justice and protection, ensuring that dharma prevails in the cosmic order.

Sculpture.

 https://youtube.com/shorts/RNfOG5339_Y?si=wMvp2yg1iA-o_hvX

Unique sculpture. 

Why Govinda.

Srivilliputtur in Tamil Nadu is a hallowed ground since two Vaishnavite azhwars, Periazhwar and Andal, lived there, experienced God and guided devotees on how to attain His feet. The only female Azhwar, Andal in particular, made God more accessible to everyone, from all walks of life, made Govinda a household name that one could reach out to in good times and bad, and reinforced the concept of bhakti as a community goal, said Damal Perundevi.

 Waking up the neighbourhood with her verses in the month of Margazhi, she begins with the concept of observing vrat (fasting), she says, “nei unnom, pal unnom” (forsaking ghee and milk), giving up rich clothes, all in the quest to attain Govinda’s feet. The structured approach fetches result as they all experience Krishna. Towards the end of the month, she sings, “Koodarai vellum seer Govinda.” She references Krishna’s fete in saving the people by holding aloft the Govardhan hill, brining an egoistic Indra to his knees who then showers Krishna with the waters of the holy Ganga, an occurrence celebrated as Govinda Pattabhishekam. The vrat is over and they are ready to partake together, as a community, of sweet Pongal (akkaravadisal), prepared with milk and copious quantities of ghee that runs down a devotee’s elbow while eating, along with Govinda. They who gave up everything in the beginning of the month are now ready to bedeck themselves, but to their joy when they look in the mirror to adorn the head piece, the arm band, the bracelet, the waist belt and anklets, they see only Govinda reflected in the mirror; they experience His presence. Andal says He is capable of defeating those who are not virtuous and equally captivated by the faith reposed in Him by devotees and invites everyone to come together and find lasting happiness in Govinda namam.

C Rahasyam

 The image of Lord Siva, dancing His eternal cosmic dance, with one foot lifted and a swinging arm, as depicted in the Chidambaram temple, has been one of the most mesmerising visions over centuries, captivating devotees. In fact, in Saivism, the word temple refers to Chidambaram, which is celebrated as the topmost shrine, the Kailash on earth, said P. Swaminathan in a discourse.

When Manikkavachakar saw the idol at Chidambaram, the image came to life before his eyes and he could hear the anklets tinkle as the Lord performed a unique dance movement on the floor. Espying the idol, Tirunavukkarasar said: “If one could but be privileged to see the arched eyebrows…the wet matted locks…and the sweet lifted foot, even human birth is desirable on this vast earth.”

Chidambaram, a seat of true knowledge, has the intriguing reputation of holding a secret. This is derived from the special worship conducted around 7.30 p.m. every day at a small gate adjacent to the Siddha Sabha. However, there is no idol here, but only a garland made of vilva leaves, with the niche itself covered with a curtain. One may ask what is the significance of this. This service is said to lead one from ignorance to true knowledge. This is to reinforce the fact that the Supreme Being, who is everywhere, is also here – in the ‘empty space’. One cannot see God directly, but can only feel Him. The Chidambara Rahasyam (secret) is to make one realise God through one’s inner eye; that knowledge drives out ignorance. One sees the divine form of the Lord (visible to the eyes as Nataraja) and also his formlessness (all-pervading but not visible to the outer eye).

Chidambaram numbers among the five Siva temples dedicated to the five elements, and symbolises the sky. Siva is in the form of empty space, ever ready to bless His devotees.

Importance of spouse

 Lord Narayana takes many avataras, and the purpose of every avatara is to save sadhus. Ramanujacharya, in his Gita Bhashya, defines the word sadhu. He says that only those who want to be always with the Lord can be referred to as sadhus. To these sadhus, Lord Narayana gives Himself. That is what is meant by protecting them and establishing dharma, said M.A. Venkatakrishnan in a discourse. Rama is the embodiment of dharma — RAmO vigrahavAn dharmah. So when He comes to the world for the sake of the sadhus, it is as if dharma itself is being established in the world. This is what is meant by dharma samsthapana, which is spoken of in the Bhagavad Gita. When the Lord took the Rama avatara, He married Sita, and there is a tattva behind this. Of the four ashramas, only in the Brahmacharya ashrama and the sanyasa ashrama a man is without a wife. When he leaves grihastha ashrama and retires for vanaprastha ashrama, he has to take his wife with him. He cannot proceed alone.

In temples, during the flag hoisting ceremony of utsavas, there is a rule about which priest can hoist the flag. An unmarried man, a widower or a man separated from his wife cannot perform the dwajarohana. Sastras forbid a man from performing certain rites without his wife. He cannot do agnihotra without his wife. We see the importance of a wife in the Ramayana. When Lord Rama wants to perform asvamedha yaga, the sages tell Him that since Sita is not with Him, He cannot perform the yaga. They suggest a way out. They tell Him that to make amends for Her absence, He should make a statue of Sita, which is as tall as Sita and has the same build as Sita. Lord Rama is to see the statue as Sita Herself. Rama makes such a statue, and only then He is allowed to perform the asvamedha yaga.

Blessing indeed

 Kannu Parvetai Paleya Seervaram: A Divine Tradition of Blessings

The Tamil expression “Kannu Parvetai Paleya Seervaram” is a deeply poetic and spiritual phrase that encapsulates the essence of receiving divine blessings. It speaks of the sacredness of the "glance" or darshan (Kannu Parvetai) of the divine, which brings forth timeless blessings or boons (Paleya Seervaram). This concept is not just rooted in ritualistic practices but is also steeped in the rich spiritual traditions of Tamil culture.

The Significance of Kannu Parvetai (Divine Glance)

In Hinduism and Tamil spirituality, the divine glance is considered a powerful medium of grace. The very act of beholding the deity (darshan) is believed to purify the devotee, remove obstacles, and bestow prosperity. This belief originates from the idea that divinity is not limited to words or actions but is transmitted through presence and vision.

Divine Eyes in Iconography:

In many South Indian temples, the eyes of the deity are painted with extraordinary detail. The netra darshanam (viewing the divine eyes) is considered the pinnacle of spiritual connection. It is believed that when the deity "looks" at the devotee, it cleanses the soul of past karma and fills it with divine energy.

Philosophical Perspective:

The glance is a metaphor for the omniscience and omnipresence of the divine. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, "With a mere glance, I set the universe into motion." Similarly, in Tamil devotional poetry, saints like Appar and Manickavasagar have written about the transformative power of seeing or being seen by the Lord.

Paleya Seervaram: The Eternal Blessings

The term Paleya Seervaram signifies the ancient and timeless nature of these blessings. Unlike material wealth that fades with time, divine blessings are eternal and passed down through generations. This aspect resonates with Tamil culture's emphasis on tradition, continuity, and preservation of spiritual heritage.

Connection to Heritage:

In Tamil Nadu, temples are not just places of worship but centers of cultural and spiritual legacy. The blessings received during rituals, festivals, and darshans are seen as links to this ancient heritage. For instance, receiving the prasad (sacred offering) or participating in a temple procession is considered a continuation of divine grace that has flowed through the ages.

Examples from Mythology:

Thiruvilaiyadal of Lord Shiva: In Madurai, the darshan of Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) is believed to bring blessings that have been bestowed on devotees for millennia, as recounted in the sacred text Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam.

Lord Vishnu’s Vision at Srirangam: The darshan of Lord Ranganatha is considered an ancient boon that devotees have cherished for generations. The very sight of the reclining Lord is said to liberate one from the cycle of birth and death.

A Living Tradition

Even today, the phrase Kannu Parvetai Paleya Seervaram finds relevance in daily spiritual practices. For example:

1. Temple Visits:

Devotees often say, “We must have the darshan of the deity to receive Paleya Seervaram,” recognizing that the blessings extend beyond the individual to their family and future generations.

2. Festivals and Processions:

During temple festivals like Ther Thiruvizha (Car Festival), devotees eagerly await the moment when the deity's idol is brought out for public darshan. The very sight is considered a renewal of timeless blessings.

3. Blessings from Elders:

In Tamil households, seeking the blessings of elders is akin to receiving a divine glance. This act is also described as Paleya Seervaram, symbolizing the continuity of goodwill and grace within the family.

A Mythological Anecdote

One of the most profound stories illustrating this concept comes from the Ramayana. When Rama and Sita visited Sage Agastya’s ashram during their exile, the sage offered them blessings and advice. While the words of wisdom carried their own significance, it was Sage Agastya’s gaze—filled with divine insight and compassion—that is said to have imparted a timeless boon to Lord Rama and Sita. This act of Kannu Parvetai was described as a transfer of ancient wisdom and grace that would guide them in their trials ahead.

Similarly, in the Mahabharata, the moment Krishna revealed his Vishvarupa (universal form) to Arjuna, it was not merely a vision but a timeless blessing. The darshan was transformative, offering Arjuna the clarity and courage to fulfill his dharma.

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of Kannu Parvetai Paleya Seervaram reminds us to pause and seek blessings—not just from deities but also from the elders, the land, and traditions that have nurtured us. Whether it is standing before a temple deity, touching the feet of an elder, or even reflecting on the beauty of nature, each moment can be a gateway to receiving timeless blessings.

The phrase Kannu Parvetai Paleya Seervaram beautifully captures the essence of Tamil spirituality—a harmonious blend of devotion, heritage, and eternal grace. It reminds us that the sacred glance of the divine, coupled with the continuity of blessings from the past, can transform our lives in profound and enduring ways. By cherishing these moments of connection, we not only receive grace but also become carriers of this tradition for future gererations.

Oil.

 The metaphor "There is very little oil in the vessel of life and the night is long" reflects the fragility of human existence and the challenges of life’s journey. The “oil in the vessel” symbolizes the limited time, energy, or spiritual resources available to sustain us. The “night” represents the trials, uncertainties, and darkness of life’s struggles, implying that endurance is required to navigate through it.

This metaphor urges mindfulness about how we spend the little "oil" we have, emphasizing the need for careful, meaningful actions and preparation for the eventual challenges we face. It is a reminder to conserve, nurture, and wisely utilize our resources—physical, emotional, and spiritual—while we still can, as the journey is arduous and the path ahead uncertain.

Philosophically, this imagery aligns with spiritual teachings that advocate self-awareness, discipline, and the cultivation of virtues like patience and perseverance to sustain ourselves in the long night of life.