Thiruppugazh is a Maha Mantra, said Seshadri Swamigal. "Oh Arunagiri! Who else can compose a word of truth as beautifully as you” said Saint Thayumanavar. "Oh Thiru Porur Kumara, as your enchanting body is adorned with garlands composed by Arunagiri, I feel the fabulous fragrance from you.” said Chidambara Swamigal. Arunachala Reddiar said the songs of Thiruppugazh are so powerful that they would reverberate all over the world.

Matchless in its appeal, Thiruppugazh, composed by Saint Arunagirinathar sometime around 15th century, is an excellent work of devotion, a set of high values and a vehicle that takes one to the Lotus Feet of Lord Muruga. It penetrates into the self, awakens the inner consciousness and enlightens the soul. The songs not only delight the heart, they enlighten the intellect, heal the disease, steady the mind, bring happiness and liberate the devotees from the myths of the world to the realization of truth.

For some strange reasons, Thiruppugazh, so well known for its spiritual value, for its poetic beauty and for its music, was lying scattered in some dark remote corner, unrecognized, unsung and unheard. For centuries, they remained confined to shelf in manuscript forms and palm leaves, yearning that some day they would see the light of the day and someone would come to retrieve them, present them to the world, regain their glory and render them into music. Almost 500 years later, the four-some (Nalvar) came to perform each of the task of reviving, compiling, popularizing and rendering them into music.

Sri V.T. Subramania Pillai (1846-1909) was serving as a Munsif in District Court at Manjakummam. Though deeply devotional at heart, he had not heard of Thiruppugazh. He was hearing a case involving the Dikshitars (priests) of Chidambaram temple. As the Dikshitars quoted certain verses from Thiruppugazh in support of their argument, Sri Pillai instantly recognized the power of those verses. "What a wonderful concept! What a wonderful composition!” he exclaimed. The beauty inherent in the verses fascinated him and he started tracing out the author and his works in detail. He learned later that they were the immortal verses of Thiruppugazh composed by saint Arunagirinathar. Thiruppugazh then became his passionate avocation. He wanted to locate the treasure, retrieve it and share it with the world. He traveled extensively, made discreet enquiries and met Annamalai Pillai of Kanchipuram, Sreenivasa Pillai of Pinnatur, Arumuga Iyer of Karunkuzhi who all together possessed over 2000 songs and convinced them to part with the composition. The songs thus acquired were compiled and printed in 1895. Sri Subramania Pillai took initiative to develop the 6th abode of Muruga, the Pazhamudir Cholai and played a major role in renovating it.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Thiruppugazh at Bangalore

Sri Sachhidhananda Swamgal (1870-1950). Ardhanari was suffering from acute stomach pain. No medicines could bring him relief. It was then somebody suggested him why not see the great Physician of All, the Palani Andavar. Standing before the idol, Dhandayuthapani, he heard a woman devotee singing "Vangara Marbil” in Sindhu Bairavi raga. The song moved him immensely and he stood motionless, attracted by its power. He then came to know that the song that appealed him so much was Thiruppugazh. Initiating him into the order of sainthood, Seshadri Swamigal advised him to pursue the path of Thiruppugazh. Now known as Sachidhananda Swamigal, he came into contact with Sri Chengalvarayan which became a lifelong association. Swamigal spent few years in Himalayan region and came to Vallimalai, a serene and peaceful location near Tiruthani. He dedicated his entire life to propagate the glory of Thiruppugazh by establishing Thiruppugazh Sabhas and organizing Thiruppugazh recitals. He introduced the novel practice of Padi Vizha, the ritual of climbing the steps to Tiruttani hill temple, singing Thiruppugazh, on the New Year Day. The practice that was started by him in January 1918, gained momentum and is vigorously being followed even now, not just at Tiruttani alone but at other hilly temples also.

Sri V.S. Chengalvarayan (1883-1971), the second son of Subramaniam Pillai inherited his father’s legacy. M.A. in Tamil literature, he served the erstwhile British Government in Madras and retired as P.A. to the Inspector General of Registration. He then continued the mission of locating Thiruppugazh from all available sources and to present them to the world. Undoubtedly, the credit of publishing the works of Thiruppugazh for the first time in printed format goes to Sri V.T. Subramaniam Pillai and his son Sri Sengalvarayan. Apart from other works, his major contribution relates to the publication of Murugavel Panniru Tirumurai, modeled after the Shaiva Tirumurais. He also authored the book "Arunagirinathar Varalarum Nool Araichiyum” which elucidated the underlying concepts conveyed by saint Arunagirinathar. In recognition of his literary achievements, University of Madurai honoured him with the degree of Doctorate.

Sri A.S. Raghavan, an ardent devotee of Senthil Andavar, became well versed in Carnatic music. His devotional fervour and the innate talent in music combined to bring out the best in him. He selected certain songs and set them to music in different Raagas. Thiruppugazh, already a powerful form of prayer, has now been blended with the brilliance of classical music. Sri Raaghavan has set each song to a set Thala in accordance with the Chandam formula. As he started performing at different places, it became a powerful movement that penetrated all over India and abroad. Known as Guruji, Sri Raghavan established classes in different cities, suburbs, towns and country side. Thiruppugazh reached his zenith of glory when Anbargal performed at temples, auditorium, at music Sabhas, at halls, at houses. Wherever they performed, people came in large number to immerse themselves in the divine grace of Thiruppugazh.

A Milestone in Thiruppugazh: 19th July 2008. Almost all roads in Bangalore led to one single location. Almost all the vehicles stopped at Gangamma Thimmaya Convention Centre. The auditorium was beautifully decorated with colourful flowers and festoons. The auditorium, already quite spacious, was packed to capacity and every inch of the space in the main hall, the adjoining room, verandah, staircase, the first floor were occupied. The occasion was the Golden Jubilee celebration of Thiruppugazh movement started by Guruji and Anbargal in the year 1958. It was milestone in the glorious journey of Thiruppugazh. Perhaps, never before so many Anbargal congregated under one roof to witness such a grand spectacle. Perhaps, never before a Thiruppugazh event, as magnificent as this, was held.

As the prayer and Nadaswaram music marked the opening of festivities, Sri K.N. Krishnamurthy welcomed the audience; Sri Senthil Thurvavi rendered his special address and conferred his blessings to all. Guruji Sri Raghavan addressed the gathering and said that this is indeed a momentous and proud event for all Muruga devotees. "Let us follow the path shown by Sri Arunagirinatha Swamigal” he exhorted the audience. Sri R. Nagesh rendered the vote of thanks. The afternoon session became very lovely with speakers like Sri M. Ramakrishnan, Dr Sudha Seshayyan, Dr Saraswathi Ramanathan airing their thoughts on the subject of "Spiritual Concepts of Saint Aruinagirinathar”.

As the sun rose on the eastern horizon on 19th July, a steady stream of devotees started flowing towards the venue. Thiruppugazh singers have come from different locations in India to take part in this rare event. As the devotees joined the chorus of recital under the leadership of Guruji, the whole atmosphere was charged with devotion. Guruji sang in his characteristic style of clarity and sublimity. In a voice chocked with emotion, he rendered the verses from Kandhar Alamgaram: ("Naal En Seyyum”)

"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)

The whole audience was elevated to a new world of devotion and music. His voice still in tact, it was clear that Senthil Andavan was gracing him, leading him and giving him power and strength to carry on his mission. Later, young children aged between 9 and 12 took the stage and performed Thiruppugazh recital. It was so captivating that the audience remained spell bound throughout. Perhaps, Guruji would have felt satisfied that the movement of Thiruppugazh he assiduously built over the years is being carried over to the new generation who would take it forward with dedication, devotion and enthusiasm.

Thiruppugazh Anbargal would preserve those enchanting moments as a treasure in their memory. Among the distinguished gathering, I could spot my friend, Sri Madhvanath, son in law of Thanigaimani Va Su Sengalvaraya Pillai, sitting unobtrusively in a corner and immersing himself in the shower of Thiruppugazh. Later, I called at their residence and offered my obeisance to Smt. Gnanapurani, the daughter of Sri V.S. Sengalvaraya Pillai, the doyen of Thiruppugazh.

Thiruppugazh and Muruga worship go hand in hand. It is believed that Muruga worship is never complete without a Thiruppugazh rendering. When a description is given about a Muruga temple, quite often the temple is referred as one visited by saint Arunagirinthar. Muruga devotees and Thiruppugazh have become synonymous and the two are inseparable. Guruji Raghavan and Thiruppugazh are so inalienably linked; their chemistry seems to work so perfectly that it is impossible to think of one without the other. The growth of Thiruppugazh into a new powerful movement and the growth of Sri Raghavan into an enlightened Guru happened almost simultaneously. While Sri Raghavan helped to highlight the glory of Thiruppugazh all over, it was Thiruppugazh that was lending him the voice that was leading him and guiding him to the grace of Muruga. As the curtains for the Golden Jubilee came down on 19th July 2008, another stage is being set for the Sadhabishekam of Guruji Sri A.S. Raghavan.

One can be a guest quite too often but the honour of being a host comes very rarely in life. That too, the honour of hosting a grand spectacle of Thiruppugazh Golden Jubilee comes once in a life time. Bangalore Anbargal are really a blessed lot for being able to host and organize such an event so successfully and so magnificently. They have left no stone unturned. They have left nothing to be desired. They have taken every care to see that every devotee who stepped into the hall went back with supreme satisfaction. The spirit of service they exhibited was laudable and worth emulating.

Well, not to be outdone, Chennai Anbargal are gearing up for the Sadhabhishekam celebrations of Guruji, around 2009. Sadhabhishekam is the most auspicious day in one’s life. It is the day when you recall the years of happiness gone by and prepare yourself to welcome the future with hope and confidence. Looking back, it has been a glorious life for Guruji, every moment devoted to the worship of Senthil Andavar, the eyes always centering around the image of Muruga, the ears always listening the songs and the voice always rendering Thiruppugazh. Thiruppugazh Anbargal consider themselves blessed to be able to live in the same age Guruji Sri A.S. Raghavan lives. May the blessings of Muruga be with Guruji always so that he can continue to guide us to the path of Muruga.

The four-some (Nalvar) have pioneered the Thiruppugazh movement and helped to regain its glory. The recent fifty years in which Thiruppugazh became a powerful movement is however a short period compared to 500 years of its hoary past. The history of Thiruppugazh dates back to several centuries. It came through different generations and would march through many generations here after. From the day Lord Muruga graced Arunagirinathar to sing, the Lord has been gracing many. The Lord has been lending voice to many. Now, having witnessed history being made at Bangalore and awaiting the unfoldment of new history at Chennai, let us pay our homage and obeisance to all those luminaries who highlighted the glory of Muruga and Thiruppugazh with great spirit, fervour and enthusiasm. In fact, it was the legacy built by them that we are able to cherish and pursue the way shown by Arunagirinathar. Saint Pamban Swamigal, Vaidyanatha Desikar, Poet Veera Raghava Mudaliar, Poet Sahaya Devar, Chidambara Munivar, Kandappa Desikar, Sri T.M. Krishnaswamy Iyer, Calcutta Thiruppugazh Mani Iyer, Sri Murugadas, Sri Krupananda Variyar etc. have propounded the doctrine of Thiruppugazh through various means like recitals, discourses, works etc. There were many others, who were no less devoted, no less enlightened, no less dedicated in championing the cause of Thiruppugazh. This page records the gratitude and reverence of all Muruga devotees to these saints and stalwarts. May the voice of Thiruppugazh be heard all over. May the Thiruppugazh culture spread the devotion to Muruga all over.