Introduction

Sitting on its sandy shore, like a child, I marveled at the vastness and depth of the ocean of “Thiruppugazh”. Beneath the vast layer of this ocean, lay precious and priceless treasure of value. I took few steps ahead and remained under the spell of Thiruppugazh for a while. However, like a child not daring to venture deep, I managed to procure whatever little stones and gems I could lay my hands on and returned to share my inestimable wealth with my friends. My book, “Thiruppugazh: Glory to Lord Muruga” is an humble attempt at sharing the knowledge that I gathered from the shores of the ocean of Thiruppugazh. I would be happy if the book prompts others to go deeper and obtain more wealth.

The book deals with the life and times of saint Arunagirinathar, his immortal works, Thiruppugazh; its significance as a set of prayer, its power as panacea for all ills, its importance as an expression of devotion, its value as a philosophy of life, its doctrine as a means of God realization and its eminence as an outstanding work of literature. Part II of the book contains translation of Kandhar Anuboothi which is considered as the quintessence of all Arunagirinathar’s works and Kandhar Alamgaram that vividly describes the infinite divine qualities of Muruga, his enormous powers, his weapon, Vel (lance), his transport, Mayil (peacock) and his banner, Seval (rooster).

“Thiruppugazh is a musical mantra, powerful enough to transform a life into one of enlightenment and bliss.”, said Sri Seshadri Swamigal. “Oh Arunagiri, who else can compose a word of truth as beautifully as you”, said saint Thayumanavar. “Oh Thiru Perur Kumara, as your enchanting body is adorned with garlands weaved by Arunagiri, I feel the aroma of fragrance from you”, said Chidambara Swamigal. “The songs of Thiruppugazh are so powerful that they would reverberate all over the world and kindle the light of devotion in one‘s heart”, said Arunachala Reddiyar. It is a great privilege and blessings to be able to author book on a subject such as Thiruppugazh which has been hailed by great saints and seers, which, as a prayer is believed to have the divine sanction of Lord Muruga Himself and described by pundits as an outstanding work of devotion. But for the grace of Muruga, the task such as this would never have been possible. The first thousand copies of the book, “Thiruppugazh, Glory to Lord Muruga”having already sold out, the book is now under revision and the second improved edition would reach the book stand soon. .

This website, first created to introduce the book, has changed its character and colour over the years. Arunagirinathar has prayed: “Bless me with the bliss of true knowledge” (“Arul Jnana Inbam Athu Purivaye”). The book heralded the beginning of a journey in quest of knowledge that took me to different school of thoughts, that of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi towards self-realisation and that of Arut Prakasa Vallalar towards the vast grace of light; the journey that gave me new direction in life, inspired me to know the unknown and got me the acquaintance of legends like Swami Sakshathkarananda of Divine Live Society, Uttaranchal, Arut Selvar,‘Padma Bhushan’ Dr N. Mahalingam, Guruji Sri A.S. Raghavan, Smt. Gnanapurani, daughter of Thanigaimani Sri V. Chengalvarayan and the list goes on.

The journey reached a milestone on 27th September 2009 when my second book, ‘Arut Prakasa Vallalar, the Saint of Universal Vision’ was released by the legendary personality, Padma Bushan, Dr N. Mahalingam at a function organized for the purpose at Coimbatore. To receive recognition and even appreciation from a towering personality like Arul Selvar, Padma Bushan, Dr N. Mahalingam is an honour. Apart from being a true Vallalar devotee, his eminence in spiritual and literary fields is too well-known. It was a rare privilege hearing some good words from Sanmargis who had dedicated themselves to the philosophy of Vallalar. It was heartening to note that the hard work done and sleepless nights spent were all worth.

Having launched two books, one on the works of Arunaginathar and the other on Arut Prakasa Vallalar, I am reminded of the lines: “Arunagirinatharum Arul Jyothi Vallalum, Karunai Kadal Perugi Kadhalinal Urugi, Kanni Thamizh Sollinal Inithunai Anudhinam, Eppa Padinaro” (Oh Lord, overwhelmed by love and compassion, Appar and Sundarar, Arunagirinathar and Arul Jyothi Vallal rendered songs with devotion in beautiful Tamil verses in praise of you. Oh Lord Siva, pray, bless me too the grace of singing your glory with equal fervour. I hope that the grace of Lord Muruga which remained as the moving force behind me in these two ventures would continue to guide me in my third venture, “Reflections on Ramana Maharshi”.*

The spiritual journey goes on, deriving knowledge from texts and scriptures, learning new concepts and doctrines, from saints and Sathsanghs, aiming at its ultimate destination of liberation or Ishwara Sakshatkaram. This website which includes my other publications, events connected with Thiruppugazh, thoughts on spiritual matters and even some lighter moments of life invites you to share the divine experience of this writer and come along in his journey towards the path of knowledge, the path that leads to the destination of liberation.

Welcome to the Sathsangh , the sacred invisible assembly of saints. Come, spare few moments, step into the world of devotion and experience the bliss of Arul Jnana from the sacred verses of Thiruppugazh. Come, come out from the shades of darkness, experience the abounding grace of Vallalar, the Vast Grace of Light and enlighten your vision. “Oh Lord, lead me from unreal to real,from darkness to light, om death to immortality.May there be peace,peace and perfect peace. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
V.S. Krishnan.

E.mail: vsk_tiruppugazh@yahoo.com
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