அருணகிரியார்வரலாறு

அருணகிரிநாதர் என்றாலேயே அவர் அருளிச் செய்த திருப்புகழ், கந்தரனுபூதி, கந்தரலங்காரம்முதலிய அற்புத பிரபந்தங்கள் கருத்தில் வரும். அவற்றின் வழியாகப் பிரவாகிக்கும் திருமுருகன் திருவருள் கருத்தை நிறைவிக்கும். இத்தகு அருளாளரின் வரலாறு மட்டும் மிகவும் குழப்பமானதாயும், தெளிவற்றதாயும் இருக்கிறது. இதை விட அவலம் யாதென்றால் தேவையற்றதும் வீணானதுமான இந்து தத்துவார்த்தங்களுக்கு முரணான அபவாதங்களும் அருணகிரியாரின் பெயரில் திணிக்கப் பட்டிருக்கிறமையையும் பார்க்கிறோம்.

அருணகிரிநாதரின் காலமாக எதனைத் தீர்மானிக்கலாம் என்பது குறித்தும் பல்வேறு அறிஞர்களிடையே கருத்துப் பேதமுண்டு. ஆனால் திருப்புகழில் கந்தபுராண அரங்கேற்றம் பற்றிய செய்தி இருக்கிறது.

முற்பட்ட இலக்கண நூலிடை,
தப்புற்ற கவிக்கெனவே அவை,
முற்பட்டு புதுத்துறை மாறிய புலவோனே

இதன் மூலம் அருணகிரியார் கந்தபுராணம் அருளிய கச்சியப்ப சிவாச்சார்யாருக்கு பின் வந்தவர் என்று கருதலாம். அது போலவே, அருணகிரியார் காளமேகப்புலவரையும் ஓரிரு திருப்புகழ்களில் சிறப்பித்திருப்பதால் அவருக்கு பின் வந்தவர் அல்லது அவர் காலத்தவராயிருக்க வேண்டும். ஆனாலும் இவைகளை விடச் சிறப்பாக, 15ம் நூற்றாண்டின் பிற்பகுதியில் வாழ்ந்தவனான பிரபுடதேவ மகாராஜனைப் பற்றி இவர் பேசுவதால் அவன் காலத்தவர் என்று கருதலாம்.

‘அதல சேதனாராட’ என்ற திருப்புகழில் அருணகிரிநாதர் ‘உதய தாம மார்பான பிரபுடதேவமாராஜன் உளமுமாட வாழ்தேவர் பெருமாளே’ என்று அது அமைந்திருக்கிறது. ஆக, அருணகிரியார் காலம் 15ம் நூற்றாண்டிற்குரியது. அவர் காலத்தில் இலங்கையில் முருக வழிபாடு சிறப்புற்றிருந்திருக்கிறது. அவர் இலங்கையிலுள்ள யாழ்ப்பாணம், கதிர்காமம், திருகோணமலை, கந்தவனம் முதலிய தலங்களைப் பாடியிருப்பதால் இது புலனாகும். ஆகவே அவர் போர்த்துக்கீசியர் இந்தியா- இலங்கையில் தமது ஆட்சியை நிறுவ முன் பிறந்தவர் என்பதும் தெளிவு. ஆக, அவர் காலம் 15ம் நூற்றாண்டே.

அருணகிரிநாதருக்கு முற்பிறவி என்று கூட ஒரு கதை இருக்கிறது. அதுவும் பரவலாக வழங்கி வருகிறது. அது இவ்வாறு உள்ளது. அகத்திய மாமுனிவர் வளர்த்து வந்த நாய் ஒன்று தேவேந்திரனாக மாறியதாம். அது பிறகு அர்ஜூனனாகியதாம். பின்பு அதுவே கண்ணப்ப நாயனாராக பிறவி எடுத்ததாம். பிறகும் அது நக்கீரராயும் பிறவி எடுத்து கடைசியாக அருணகிரிநாதராயும் பிறந்ததாம். இந்தக் கதையை தண்டபாணி சுவாமிகள் என்கிற முருகபக்தர் தாம் இயற்றிய அருணகிரிநாதர் புராணத்திலும் எழுதியிருப்பதாகத் தெரிகிறது.

இது மிக முரணானது. மகாபாரதத்தில் பகவான் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணனால் கீதோபதேசம் அருளப்பட்டவனான பார்த்தனாகிய அர்ஜூனன் மீண்டும் பிறந்தான் என்று கருதுவது இந்து சமய நம்பிக்கைக்கே முரண். அது போல பெரிய புராணத்திலும் ஸ்ரீ ஆதி சங்கர பகவத் பாதாச்சார்யராலும் இன்னும் மாணிக்கவாசகர் முதலிய அருளாளர்களாலும் முக்தி நிலை பெற்றவர் என்றே துணிந்து கூறப்பட்ட புனிதரான கண்ணப்பதேவர் மீண்டும் பிறந்தார் என்கிறதும் சைவ சித்தாந்த மரபிற்கும் அவர் தம் பெருமைக்கும் இழுக்காகும். நக்கீரர் என்பது பற்றிச் சொல்ல வேண்டியதே இல்லை. அது இன்னும் பெருங்குழப்பங்களுக்கே வழி செய்யும்.

ஆக, இது போலவே அருணகிரிநாதருடைய வாழ்க்கை வரலாறு கட்டமைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கிற வேதனையான நிலையைக் காண்கிறோம். இது போலத்தான் பட்டினத்தார் என்ற துறவற சீலருக்கும் உருத்திரகணிகை ஒருவருக்கும் சிவாலயம் ஒன்றில் உண்டான (கள்ள) தொடர்பால் அருணகிரியார் பிறந்தார் என்றும் இப்புராணம் சொல்கிறது. இதுவும் மேற்படி தண்டபாணியடிகள் பெற்ற கனவில் சொல்லப்பட்ட செய்தி தானாம். இது எவ்வளவு கேவலம்? வீணே இருந்த பட்டினத்தடிகள் இங்கு கொண்டு வந்து சேர்த்த விபரீதத்தை என் சொல்ல..? அது போக.. அருணகிரிநாதர் காலம் என்ன? பட்டினத்தார் காலம் என்ன?

அருணகிரியாரும் தம் திருப்புகழ் ஒன்றில்

குடி வாழ்க்கை அன்னை மனையாட்டி பிள்ளை,
குயில் போற் பிரசன்ன மொழியார்கள்,
குலம் வாய்த்த நல்ல தனம் வாய்த்ததென்ன,
குரு வார்த்தை தன்னை உணராமல்…

என்று பாடுவதனூடாக அவர் நற்குடிப்பிறப்புடையார் என்றும் அறியலாம். ஆக, மேற்கூறிய செய்தி மிக மோசமான கட்டுக்கதை எனலாம். இதற்குப் பிறகு வருகிற பிரச்சினை அவர் எந்தக் குலத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் என்பது.. இது நமக்கு அவ்வளவு அவசியமல்ல. இறையுணர்வு பெற்ற அருளாளர்கள் எக்குலத்தில் பிறந்தாலும் அவர் தம் இறையுணர்வையே போற்றிட வேண்டும். ஆனால் அவர் பிராமணர் என்றோ அல்லது தாழ்ந்த குலத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் என்றோ கருதுவதற்கும் இடமில்லை.

எப்படியோ, அருணகிரிநாதர் நல்ல கட்டமைப்பு மிக்க குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவர் என்பது ஒன்றே நாம் கண்டு கொள்ளக்கூடியதாகும். இதை விட ஒரு சிலர் கன்னிகையான முத்தம்மை என்ற கன்னிகைக்கு இறையருளால் ஆண் தொடர்பின்றி (யேசு கிறிஸ்து போல ?!?) அருணகிரியார் பிறந்தார் என்றும் சொல்லுகிறார்கள். இதுவும் இங்கு ஏற்பதற்குரியதாகவில்லை.

நாம் முன் சொன்ன அருணகிரிநாதர் புராணத்தில் அருணகிரிநாதரின் ஜன்மதினமாக புரட்டாதி உத்தரமும் தனுர் லக்னமும் செவ்வாய்க்கிழமையும் கூடிய நாள் என்று கூறப்பட்டிருக்கிறது. ஆனிப் பூரணையையும் அருணகிரிநாதர் விழாவாக இலங்கையில் சில அன்பர்கள் கொண்டாடி வருகிறார்கள். உண்மை எதுவென்று தெளிய இயலாதிருக்கிறது. எது எவ்வாறாகிலும் தமிழ்ச் சந்தக் கவியாகிய அருணகிரிநாதருக்கு எல்லோரும் ஒன்றுபட்டு, ஒரு நாளில் முக்கியமாக முருக பக்தர்கள் பக்தி விழாவும் இசை ஆர்வலர்கள் தியாகராஜ சுவாமிகளுக்குச் செய்வது போல இசை விழாவும் எடுப்பது அவசியமாகும்.

இது போலவே. அருணமுனிவர் பற்றி இன்னும் பல செய்திகளும் வழங்கி வருகின்றன. அவர் தம் திருப்புகழில் நிறைய சம்ஸ்கிருதச் சொற்களைப் பயன்படுத்துவதைக் கண்டு அவர் பிராமணர் என்று சொல்பவர்களும் இருக்கிறார்கள். இது சிறிதும் ஆதாரமற்றது. அவர் எங்கும் தான் அந்தண மரபினர் என்று சொன்னதாகவே தெரியவில்லை. அது தவிர, சிலர் சம்ஸ்கிருதத்தில் பாகவதசம்பு, சாளுவாப்யுதயம் முதலிய நூல்கள் எழுதிய சோணாத்ரிநாதரும் இவரும் ஒன்று என்று கூட மயங்குகிறார்கள். இது உண்மையில் தவறு என்று ஆய்வாளர்கள் நிரூபித்திருக்கிறார்கள்.

எவ்வாறாகிலும் அருணகிரிநாதர் திருவண்ணாமலையில் பிறந்தவர் என்று சொல்வதை ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளலாம். அத்துடன் அவருக்கு திருவண்ணாமலையுடன் தன் வாழ்வில் நெருக்கமான தொடர்பு இருந்திருப்பதையும் அவதானிக்கக் கூடியதாக உள்ளது. இப்படிப்பட்ட பெருமகனார் தம் திருப்புகழில் ஓரிடத்தில் கூட கிரிவலம் பேசாமையும் ஈண்டு சிந்திக்கத் தக்கது.

எவ்வாறானாலும் அருணகிரிநாதர் தமது இளமைப்பருவத்தில் கீழான நடத்தையில் ஈடுபட்டார் என்கிற கருத்தை ஏற்காமல் இருக்க இயலாது. இதைத் திருமுருக கிருபானந்த வாரியார் சுவாமிகள் போன்ற பெருமக்களும் அங்கீகரித்திருப்பதால் அதை நாமும் ஏற்கலாம். முக்கியமாக, திருப்புகழ் பாடல்களில் பல்வேறு இடங்களிலும் பெண்கள் பற்றியும் பெண்களால் தாம் பட்ட அவலங்கள் பற்றியும் ஒழுக்கம் கெட்டவர்களாக ஆண்களை மயக்கும் பெண்களின் அவயவங்கள் மற்றும் அவர்களின் நடத்தைகள் பற்றியும் பலவாறாகப் பேசுவதால் அவர் பெண்கள் மீது தீராத காமம் கொண்டு அலைந்தார் என்று கருதுவது தவறில்லை என்றே தோன்றும். உதாரணமாக,

மானார் கனி வாய் உகந்து சிக்கெனவே அணைந்து
கைப்பொருளே இழந்து அயர்வாயே

இவ்வாறு ஏராளமான திருப்புகழ்களைப் பார்க்கலாம். அத்தோடு இவர் இக்காலத்தில் கடவுள் இல்லை என்று நாத்தீகம் பேசினார் என்பதையும், மது மாது மாமிசம் போன்ற தொடர்புகளையும் ஏற்படுத்திக் கொண்டார் என்றும் தெரிகிறது.
ஆனால், இவ்வாறான கேவலமான வாழ்வில் தனது பொருள், இளமை, அழகு, அறிவு எல்லாவற்றையும் பறி கொடுத்த நிலையில் வாழ்வில் விரக்தியுற்று தான் பிறந்து, வளர்ந்து வாழும் ஊராகிய திருவண்ணாமலைக் கோபுரத்தில் ஏறி தற்கொலைக்கு முயன்றார் என்பதையும் நம்புவதற்கு அகச்சான்றுகள் கிடைக்கின்றன. பாம்பன் சுவாமிகள் முதலிய எல்லா பெரியவர்களும் இதனை ஆமோதிப்பதாகவே தெரிகிறது.

அருணகிரிநாதர் திருமணம் செய்து இல்லற வாழ்வில் ஈடுபட்டவர் என்றும் கூறுவர். இதற்கும் திருப்புகழ்களில் ஆதாரம் காட்டுவர். இதை நம்மால் ஏற்கவும் மறுக்கவும் முடியவில்லை. ஆனால் அருணை முனிவர் துறவியாகவே இருந்திருக்க வேண்டும் என்று கருதுவதற்கு இல்லை. அவர் சுந்தரமூர்த்தி சுவாமிகள் போல, சேரமான் பெருமாள் போல, பெரியாழ்வார் போல, இன்னும் எத்தனையோ பெரியவர்கள் போல பிற்காலத்தில் சீரான- சிறந்த இல்லறம் பேணியிருக்கலாம்.

எனவே, தற்கொலைக்கு முயன்ற அருணகிரியை அருளாளனான முருகவேள் தன் திருக்கரத்தால் ஏந்தி காப்பாற்றினார். தமது திருக்கரத்தில் விளங்கும் ஞானவேலால் அவர் நாவில் எழுதி ஆசீர்வதித்தார். இந்நிகழ்வை ஏற்பதற்கும் முருகன் அருணகிரிக்கு உபதேசித்தார் என்பதற்கும் தக்க சான்றுகள் நிறையவே உண்டு.

அருணைநகர் மிசை கருணையோடருளிய மௌன வாசமும் இருபெரும் சரணமும் மறவேனே

என்றும் இன்னும் பிறவாயும் இவ்வாறு முருகன் அருளியதை அருணகிரியார் வியந்து பாடியிருக்கிறார். மேலும் கந்தரனுபூதியில்

‘சும்மா இருசொல்லற என்றலுமே அம்மா பொருளொன்றும் அறிந்திலனே’

என்று பாடுவதனூடும், திருமுருகன் அருணகிரிக்கு ஜெபமாலை அருளியதாகவும் தெரிகிறது. அதை ‘செபமாலை தந்த சற்குருநாதா’ என்ற திருப்புகழ் வரி காட்டி நிற்கிறது. இது போல அருணகிரியாருக்கு வயலூரிலும் விராலிமலையிலும் அற்புத தரிசனங்கள் கிடைத்திருக்கின்றன.

இது போலவே சிதம்பரத்திலும் திருச்செந்தூரிலும் பெருமான் நிருத்த தரிசனம் காட்டியதாகவும் அருணகிரியார் பாடியிருக்கிறார்.

கொண்டநட னம்பதம் செந்திலிலும் என்றன்முன்
கொஞ்சிநட னங்கொளுங் கந்தவேளே
வில்லிபுத்தூரர் என்பவருடன் அருணகிரி வாதம் செய்து வென்றார் என்றும் கூறுவர். இதன் பின் வில்லிபுத்தூரர் செய்த தவறை மன்னித்து அவருக்கு மேலான கருணை செய்தார் என்றும் வரலாறு உள்ளது. இதை வைத்தே ‘கருணைக்கு அருணகிரி’ என்ற பழமொழி உருவாகியிருக்கிறது. இது போலவே பிரபுடதேவராஜனுக்காக அருணகிரிநாதர் முருகதரிசனம் காட்டினார் என்கிற வரலாறும் உண்டு. இதற்கும் திருப்புகழ்களில் நிறைவான சான்றுகள் உள்ளன.

அது போலவே, இன்றைக்கு திருவண்ணாமலைக் கோயிலுக்குள் வாயிலை ஒட்டியே‘கம்பத்து இளையனார் சந்நதி’ என்ற அழகிய சிறிய முருகன் ஆலயத்தைப் பார்க்கலாம். இவ்விடத்திலேயே அருணகிரிநாதருடைய வேண்டு கோளின் படி பிரபுடதேவமாராசனுக்கு கந்தப்பெருமான் கம்பத்தில் (தூணில்) தோன்றி காட்சி கொடுத்ததாக ஐதீகம்.

அதல சேடனாராட அகில மேரு மீதாட
அபின காளி தானாட அவளோடன்று
அதிர வீசி வாதாடும் விடையிலேறுவாராட
அறுகு பூத வேதாளம் அவையாட

மதுரவாணி தானாட மலரில் வேதனாராட
மருவு வானுளோராட மதியாட
வனசமாமியாராட நெடிய மாமனாராட
மயிலுமாடி நீயாடி வரவேணும்

கதைவிடாத தோள் வீமன் எதிர்கொள் வாளியால் நீடு
கருதலார்கள் மாசேனை பொடியாக
கதறு காலிபோய் மீள விஜயனேறு தேர் மீது
கனக வேத கோடூதி அலை மோதும்

உததி மீதிலே சாயும் உலகமூடு சீபாத
உவணமூர்தி மாமாயன் மருகோனே
உதயதாம மார்பார்பி ரபுடதேவமாராஜன்
உளமுமாட வாழ்தேவர் பெருமாளே

என்பது அப்போது அவர் பாடிய அற்புதப் பாடல். இப்பாடலைப் போலவே அவர் அருளிய அனைத்துத் திருப்புகழ்களும் சந்தம் நிறைந்து சிந்தை கவரும் சுந்தர மந்திரப் பெட்டகங்களாக விளங்குகின்றன.

இனி அருணகிரியார் கிளியுருக் கொண்டு விண்ணுலகம் சென்று கற்பக மலர் கொண்டு வந்தார் என்றும் அதன் பின் அப்படியே கிளி வடிவாக திருத்தணிகைக்குச் சென்று முருகன் தோளில் அமர்ந்து ‘கந்தரனுபூதி’ பாடினார் என்றும் சொல்லப்படும் செய்திகளுக்கெல்லாம் ஆதாரம் இருப்பதாகத் தெரியவில்லை.

ஆனாலும் கந்தரனுபூதி அவரது ஞானமுதிர்ச்சியில் பாடியது என்பது தெளிவாக அப்பாடல்களின் ஊடாகத் தெரிய வருகிறது.

அருணகிரியார் மிகுந்த தமிழ்ப் பற்றுடையவராயும் இருந்திருக்கிறார். அதற்கு அவர் ‘முந்து தமிழ் மாலை’ என்று சொல்வதே சான்று. எத்தனை மொழியிருப்பினும் அவற்றுள் முந்தி நிற்பதால் அருணகிரியார் தமிழுக்கு கொடுத்த சிறப்பு அடைமொழியோடு கூடிய பெயர் முந்து தமிழ். அருணகிரிநாதரது திருப்புகழ்களும் மற்றும் பிரபந்தங்களையும் ஆராய்ந்து கற்பது அவசியம். அவற்றில் அக்கால வழக்கங்கள் பலவும் கூட இடம்பெற்றிருக்கின்றன.

இராமாயணம் முழுவதையும் அருணகிரியார் திருப்புகழ்களில் பல இடங்களில் விரவிப் பாடியிருக்கிறார். கிருஷ்ண லீலைகளும் பாடியிருக்கிறார். சுந்தரர், திருஞானசம்பந்தர் முதலிய பெருமக்கள் பற்றியும் பாடியிருக்கிறார். அருணகிரிநாதப் பெருமான் பாடிய பிரபந்தங்கள் யாவற்றையும் இக்கட்டுரையில் அலசின் கட்டுரை மிக விரியும். ஆக, அருணகிரிநாதப் பெருமானின் சிறப்புகள் தெளிவாகப் புரிந்து கொள்ளப்பட வேண்டுமாயில் அறிஞர்கள் இவ்வரலாற்றில் ஆங்காங்கே முளைத்து விட்ட களைகள் நீக்கி, உண்மையை உலகறியச் செய்ய வேண்டிய கடப்பாடுடையவர்களாகிறார்கள்.

‘எல்லாரும் ஞானத் தெளிஞரே கேளீர் சொல்
கல்லெல்லாம் மாணிக்கக் கல்லாமோ- பொல்லாக்
கருப்புகழைக் கேட்குமோ கானமயில் வீரன்
திருப்புகழைக் கேட்கும் செவி’

(ஒரு வெண்பா) 

அருணகிரிநாதர் நூல்கள் மொத்தம் 9. அவை :

• கந்தர் அந்தாதி (Kanthar Anthathi)
• கந்தர் அலங்காரம் (Kanthar Alankaram)
• கந்தர் அனுபூதி (Kanthar Anupoothi)
• சேவல் விருத்தம் (Seval Virutham)
• திருஎழுகூற்றிருக்கை (Thiruvezhukoorrirukkai)
• திருப்புகழ் (Thiruppugazh)
• திருவகுப்பு (Thiruvaguppu)
• மயில் விருத்தம் (Mayil Virutham)
• வேல் விருத்தம் (Vel Virutham)

கிருபானந்த வாரியார்

             திருமுருக கிருபானந்த வாரியார் (ஆகஸ்ட் 25, 1906 - நவம்பர் 7, 1993) சிறந்த முருக பக்தர். தினமும் ஆன்மீக சொற்பொழிவுகளை நிகழ்த்துவதையே தவமாகக்கொண்டு வாழ்ந்தவர். சமயம், இலக்கியம், மட்டுமன்றி பேச்சுத்திறன், எழுத்துத்திறன், இசை போன்று பல துறைகளிலும் ஆழ்ந்த புலமை பெற்றவர். "அருள்மொழி அரசு", என்றும் "திருப்புகழ் ஜோதி" என்றும் அனைவராலும் பாராட்டப்பட்டவர்.

          இவரது இயற்பெயர் கிருபானந்த வாரி. தமிழ் நாட்டின் வேலூர் மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள காட்பாடிக்கு அருகில் பாலாற்றங்கரையில் அமைந்துள்ளகாங்கேயநல்லூர் என்னும் சிற்றூரில் மல்லையதாசருக்கும், மாதுஸ்ரீ கனகவல்லி அம்மையாருக்கும் பிறந்த பதினொரு பிள்ளைகளில் நான்காவது மகவாக அவதரித்தவர். செங்குந்த வீர சைவ மரபினர். ஐந்தாவது வயதில் திருவண்ணாமலையில் வீர சைவ குல முறைப்படி பாணிபாத்திர தேவர் மடத்தில் சிவலிங்க தாரணம் செய்விக்கப்பெற்றார். வாரியார் சுவாமிகள் அமிர்தலட்சுமியை தனது 19ஆவது வயதில் கல்யாணம் புரிந்தார்.

        இவரது தந்தையார் இசையிலும் இயலிலும் வல்லவர், மாபெரும் புராண வல்லுநர். தந்தையாரே வாரியாருக்கு கல்வி, இசை, இலக்கிய, இலக்கணங்களைக் கற்றுத் தந்தார். எட்டுவயதிலேயே கவிபாடும் ஆற்றலைப் பெற்றவர். 12 வயதிலேயே பதினாயிரம் பண்களை மனப்பாடம் செய்தவர். பதினெட்டு வயதிலேயே சிறப்பாகச் சொற்பொழிவாற்றும் ஆற்றலுடையவராய் விளங்கினார். இவர் இயற்றியுள்ள வெண்பாக்கள் ஆயிரத்துக்கும் மேல் இருக்கும்.

வாரியாருக்கு 23 வயதானபோது, சென்னை ஆனைகவுனி தென்மடம் பிரம்மஸ்ரீ வரதாசாரியாரிடம் ஏறத்தாழ நான்கு ஆண்டுகள் வீணைப் பயிற்சி பெற்றார்.

        தனது சங்கீத ஞானத்தால் அவர் கதாகாலட்சேபம் செய்யும் பொழுது திருப்புகழ், தேவாரம், திருவாசகம் முதலான தோத்திரப்பாக்களை இன்னிசையுடன் பாடினார்.

        தன் தந்தையின் வழியில் வாரியார் சுவாமிகள் தமது 15-ஆம் வயதிலிருந்தே சொற்பொழிவு செய்யும் திறம் உடையவரானார். 19-ஆம் வயதிலிருந்தே தனியாகப் புராணப் பிரசங்கங்கள் செய்யத் தொடங்கினார். அவருடைய பிரசங்கங்கள் பெரும்பாலும் பேச்சு வழக்கை ஒட்டியே அமைந்திருந்த காரணத்தால், பாமர மக்களது உள்ளம் கவர்ந்தவரானார். அவரது "ஆன்மிக மொழி" பாமரர்களுக்கும் புரியும் விதமாக வேதாந்த உண்மைகளையும் சிந்தாந்தக் கருத்துகளையும் கூறியது. சுவாமிகள் தமிழோடு சைவ சித்தாந்தத்திலும் பெரும் புலமை பெற்றவர்.

          அவருடைய சொற்பொழிவுகள் அநேகமாக நாடக பாணியில் இருக்கும். இடையிடையே குட்டிக் கதைகள் வரும். நகைச்சுவையும் நடைமுறைச் செய்திகளையும் நயம்படச் சொல்வதும் இவருக்குரிய சிறப்பியல்புகளாகும்.

    சுவாமிகள் 1936-ஆம் ஆண்டு தைப்பூச விழாவுக்கு வடலூர் சென்றிருந்த சமயம், சத்திய ஞான சபையில் அமர்ந்து "திருப்புகழ் அமிர்தம்' என்ற மாதப் பத்திரிகையை வெளியிடக் கருதி "கைத்தல நிறைகனி' என்று தொடங்கும் திருப்புகழ் பாவுக்கு உரை எழுதினார். அது முதல் திருப்புகழ் அமிர்தம் திங்கள் இதழாகப் பிரசுரமாகத் தொடங்கியது.

     சுவாமிகள் அந்தப் பத்திரிகையை முப்பத்தேழு ஆண்டுகள் தொடர்ந்து நடத்தினார். அந்தப் பத்திரிகையில் ஒவ்வொரு மாதமும் ஒவ்வொரு திருப்புகழ் பாடலுக்கு விளக்கவுரையும், கந்தர் அலங்கார உரையும், கற்பு நெறிக்கதையும், வேறு பல கட்டுரைகளும் எழுதப்பட்டன. அந்தப் பத்திரிகையில் வெளிவந்த கட்டுரைகள் பின்னர் தொகுக்கப்பட்டு தனித்தனி நூல்களாகப் பிரசுரமாயின.

Śri Sathya Sai Baba

“I am God. And you too are God. The only difference between you and Me is that while I am aware of it, you are completely unaware.” This is the answer Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives to people who query Him about His identity and divinity. This fundamental truth of man’s divine nature is at the heart of His message and mission. Indeed, in His discourses to devotees, He addresses them as “Embodiments of the Divine Atma”. All who experience His pure and selfless love, and benefit from His illuminating counsel, and witness His miraculous nature get a glimpse of the glory and majesty of God, and therefore of what one potentially and inherently is.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born as Sathyanarayana Raju on November 23, 1926 in the village of Puttaparthi, in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Even as a child, His spiritual inclination and contemplative nature set Him apart from other children of His age, and He was known as ‘Guru’ and “Brahmajnani’ (knower of Brahman or Godhead) among His peers and others in the village. However, it was not until October 20, 1940, the day He made the historic declaration of His Avatarhood, (Avatar - Divinity Incarnate) that the world at large learnt of this divine phenomenon. Today, millions of devotees from all over the world, professing various faiths, and hailing from various walks of life worship Him as an ‘Avatar’, and an incarnation of the Sai Baba of Shirdi. Thousands gather every day at Prasanthi Nilayam, His ashram established beside the village of Puttaparthi, for His Darshan, when He moves among devotees blessing them and providing spiritual succour and solace.

Revealing the purpose of His Advent, Sai Baba has said that He has come to re-establish the rhythm of righteousness in the world and repair the ancient highway to God, which over the years has systematically deteriorated. In His own words, “This Sai has come in order to achieve the supreme task of uniting the entire mankind as one family through the bond of brotherhood, of affirming and illuminating the Atmic Reality (Atma – The Self) of each being, to reveal the Divine which is the basis on which the entire cosmos rests, and of instructing all to recognise the common Divine Heritage that binds man to man, so that man can rid himself of the animal and rise up to the Divine, which is the goal.”

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is an integral manifestation who combines two very significant roles. Firstly, He is a great spiritual Master, famed for His simple and sweet exposition of the greatest and most intricate of spiritual truths which form the fundamental teachings of all the religions of the world. Elucidating on His mission, Bhagawan declares “I have come not to disturb or destroy any faith, but to confirm each in his own faith, so that the Christian becomes a better Christian, the Muslim a better Muslim and the Hindu a better Hindu.” His formula for man to lead a meaningful life is the five-fold path of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanthi (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Love for God, fear of sin and morality in society – these are His prescriptions for our ailing world.

Secondly, He is an inexhaustible reservoir of pure love. His numerous service projects, be it free hospitals, free schools and colleges, free drinking water supply or free housing projects, all stand testimony to His selfless love and compassion for the needy and less privileged. True to His declaration - “My Life is My Message”, He has inspired and continues to inspire millions of His devotees worldwide by His personal example to live the ideal that service to man is service to God. The Sri Sathya Sai Organization today has a presence in over 167 countries in the world and members undertake group service activities that benefit their immediate community.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is thus a beacon of hope in a world that is desperately seeking an end to the unrest and sorrow prevalent today. His message of “Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God” is a spiritual salve that will lead mankind from the darkness of ignorance to the light of immortality. Indeed, very rarely does such a divine power walk the earth. As one devotee said, “Bhagawan Baba is nothing but Love walking on two feet”. Mankind must use this golden opportunity to follow in His footsteps. That is the way to its redemption and its salvation.

The Concept of AvatarhoodWho is an ‘Avatar’ and why does He incarnate?

Who is an Avatar?

An ‘Avatar’ is defined as an incarnation (physical manifestation) of the Supreme Being. The word ‘Avatar’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Avataranam’ which means ‘descent’, and usually implies a deliberate descent of the Divine into the mortal realms to reveal the Absolute Truth to humanity and remind them of their true divine nature. Though Avatars may appear in different forms at different times, places and circumstances, yet they are all the manifestations of the One Supreme Lord.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Avatar of the Age, has succinctly explained the meaning and the reason for the descent of the Avatar in the following Telugu verse:

“Avatarinchuta yanutalo Arthamemi?
Janulapai Preethi Vaatsalya Paratha thoda
Vaari Sthaayaiki Daivambu Vachchu Bhuviki
Jeeva Prajnatho baatuga Daiva prajna”

He says that Formless God takes a form and descends upon the Earth as an expression of His boundless love and affection towards humanity. The Avatar is an enigmatic, yet delightful blend of individual consciousness and the Divine Consciousness. The Avatar behaves in a human way so that mankind can feel kinship with Him, but rises to His super-human heights so that mankind can aspire to reach those heights.

In Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Sri Krishna, the Avatar of the Dwapara Age, declares thus:

"Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavathi Bharatha
Abhyukthanam adharmasya Thadathmanam Srujamyaham.”
“Parithranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya cha Dhushkrutham
Dharma samsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge"

Whenever there is a decline of Righteousness and rise of evil, the Lord incarnates from time to time to uphold Righteousness, to protect the Virtuous and to uproot the evil.

The Avatar appears whenever the world is passing through a spiritual and moral crisis. The Avatar comes in order to uphold Dharma (Righteousness) and raise the universal consciousness.

Why does He incarnate?

One may ask - why should the Lord Himself incarnate? Why should He not set about the task of restoring Dharma through the many minor gods and angels that He has at His command? The Mughal Emperor Akbar once posed the same question before the courtiers, for he scoffed at the Hindu idea of the Formless adopting a Form and descending into the world as an Avatar to save Dharma. Birbal (the celebrated courtier in Akbar’s court, known for his wit and wisdom) asked for a week's time to answer the question. A few days later, when he was in the pleasure boat of the emperor, sailing across the lake with his family, Birbal threw overboard a doll made to look like the emperor's little son, crying at the same time, "O, the prince has fallen into the water!" Hearing this, immediately the emperor jumped into the lake to rescue his son. Birbal then disclosed that it was only a doll and that the prince was safe. He allayed the anger of Akbar by explaining that he had to perforce enact this drama in order to demonstrate the truth of the Hindu belief that God takes human form to save Dharma without commissioning some other entity to carry out that task. Akbar could have ordered one among the many personnel he had on board to jump in and rescue his son. But his affection was so great and the urgency so acute that the emperor himself plunged into the lake to save his son from drowning. The decline in Dharma is so acute a tragedy and the intensity of affection that the Lord has for good men is so great that He Himself comes to the rescue.

The Triune Sai Avatar

The Divine mysteries cannot be fathomed by the human mind, unless God himself chooses to unlock them out of His immense love and compassion. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in a landmark discourse on 6th July, 1963, the Guru Poornima Day, declared the secret behind His advent. He revealed that the Sai Avatar is a triple incarnation of the Shiva-Shakthi Principle – Shiva as Shirdi Sai Baba, Shiva and Parvathi embodied as Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Shakthi Principle that will incarnate as Prema Sai in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka. Click here for the complete text of the Guru Poornima Discourse of 6th July 1963.

Even in His childhood days, Swami used to refer to ‘The Saint of Shirdi’ in the songs that He taught His companions. Very few in that region had ever seen or heard about Shirdi or Sai Baba. Little did they realize that the child in their midst, singing and dancing so captivatingly would, in a few years, make their village another Shirdi to which hundreds and thousands would come seeking the same Baba!

Sai Baba of Shirdi was born in a remote village called Pathri in Maharashtra on September 28, 1835 to the couple, Gangabhavadiya and Devagiriamma. Gangabhavadiya, overcome with a feeling of intense renunciation immediately after the child’s birth, decided to retire into a forest. With Devagiriamma religiously following her husband, the newborn was left in nature’s care. A pious Muslim and his wife took care of the abandoned child till He was four years of age. Then they handed Him over to a spiritual master by name Gopalrao Deshmukh (also known as Venkusa). For 12 years, till 1851, Baba stayed in Sri Venkusa's ashram. One night in 1851, for the first time, Baba came to Shirdi. However, He left after a two month stay. He returned to Shirdi again in 1858 and stayed there for 60 long years. Just prior to His shedding the mortal coil in 1918, Shirdi Baba told some of His devotees that He would reappear in the Madras Presidency in 8 years time. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, born in 1926, declared that He was Shirdi Baba come again.

Sathya Sai Baba invariably refers to Shirdi Baba as 'my previous body' whenever He speaks about Him. He often describes to His devotees, how He in His previous body dealt with people and situations, what illustrations He gave to clarify certain points, what questions were asked, etc. Many devotees of Shirdi Baba have had experiences confirming the unity of the two Sais. Click here to read some of these instances

BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA - INTRODUCTION

Who is Sri Sathya Sai Baba?

The Ratnakaram Raju Family

The Raju family of Puttaparthi was noted for its piety since the days of the renowned sage, Venkavadhootha, a saintly ancestor who was looked upon as a Guru in hundreds of villages around. Not only did the family build and endow the Gopalaswami Temple (dedicated to Lord Krishna), but Sri Ratnakaram Kondama Raju, the grandfather of Bhagawan's physical frame, dedicated a temple to Sathyabhama, consort of Lord Krishna, a deity to whom this type of homage is seldom offered in any part of India. Peasants by vocation, they were known for their musical and dramatic talent and were much involved in the propagation of the sacred scriptures through village plays and musicals. Consequently, the family was given the name ‘Bhat Raju’ (Bhat – priest).

Sri Kondama Raju was a pious soul who lived out his hundred and ten years of earthly existence in the unceasing contemplation of the Lord. His wife Srilakshmamma predeceased him by twenty years. They had two sons who were both named after Sage Venkavadhootha - Pedda Venkama Raju and Chinna Venkama Raju. Pedda Venkama Raju, the elder son, was married to Easwaramma, daughter of Sri Meesaraganda Subba Raju of Kolimigundla of Kurnool district. Pedda Venkama Raju and Easwaramma were blessed with a son and two daughters in that order, Seshama Raju, Venkamma, and Parvathamma.

Some years passed and Easwaramma longed for another son. She prayed to the village gods, performed Sathyanarayana Puja and observed a number of rigorous vows. One day, an extraordinary incident occurred that heralded the descent of the divine into her womb. Easwaramma had gone to the village well to draw water. There, she noticed a strange bluish glow that transformed itself into a luminous orb. The ball of light then glided towards her and entered her being. Shortly thereafter, to the joy of her family, Easwaramma found herself in the family way.

Divine Portents

After a while, mysterious indications of the impending incarnation occurred in Pedda Venkama's house. For example, there was the twang of the tambura! Since the brothers and the father were all interested in the village operas, there was a big tambura (a string instrument) and a maddala (drum). As the birth of the son for whom Mother Easwaramma prayed, announced itself as imminent, the house was awakened at midnight, and sometimes even later, by the tambura twanging automatically, and the maddala beating rhythmically as if an expert Hand was playing on it! One Shastri (Vedic scholar), whom Pedda Venkama Raju approached for an explanation, said that it was an auspicious occurrence: it meant the presence of a Shakthi, a beneficent Power, conferring harmony, spiritual elevation and joy.

The Advent

23rd of November, 1926, the Hindu year of Akshaya, meaning, the Never-declining, the Ever-full. It was the time of sunrise and the villagers were chanting the names of Lord Shiva, remembering that the day was still Karthika Somavara, a Monday of the Holy Month of Karthika, devoted to the puja (worship) of Shiva. That day was made even more auspicious for Shiva worship, because the ascendant star was Ardra (the star of Shiva). On this day, when these rare and propitious signs came together, the people thronged the temples of the Lord to offer special pujas and pray for His benediction.

The Mother had also just finished her Sathyanarayana Puja in accordance with her vows, for, even while she was going through the final rituals, the pangs forewarned her. When Easwaramma announced the pangs, word was sent to the mother-in-law, Lakshmamma, the pious lady of the house; but, it became known that she had gone to the house of the priest to perform the Puja of Sathya Narayana; the messenger discovered her there and urged her to return; but she was so confident of the Grace of Lord Sathyanarayana, so steadfast in her devotion, so disciplined in her religious adherence, that she refused to be hustled!

She sent word that she would bring with her the sacred offerings after the Puja and that on no account would she allow her prayers to be interrupted! She finished the entire ritual with full concentration, came home and gave her daughter-in-law the flowers and the sacred water. Easwaramma partook of the blessings of the Lord. Next moment, the Lord was born and the Sun rose above the horizon!

The Divine Child

A very significant event occurred soon after the birth of the child, which revealed the divinity of the baby. One day, it was noticed that the bed of clothes on which the baby was lying was being moved up and down in a peculiar way by something underneath. They watched with bated breath and when they looked under the bed they found a cobra underneath! The snake was playing the role of Sesha to the Seshasai! [Sesha, according to Hindu belief, is the serpent on whose bed of coil Lord Vishnu rests.]

The baby was named Sathyanarayana because there seemed to be a significant relationship between the worship to that God and the realisation of the mother's cherished desire. When the Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) was performed and the name was whispered in the ear; it seems the baby smiled, for the suggestion to give that name must have emanated unobtrusively from Itself! The embodiment and exponent of Truth could not give Himself a more appropriate name.

The little “Brahmajnani”

Little Sathya soon became the pet of the entire village of Puttaparthi and the farmers and cowherds vied with each other in fondling it and feeding it and playing with its lovely silken curls. Its charming smile attracted every one. Like a lighted lamp, Sathya moved about the house and laughter tinkled in the street when He lisped His sweet vocabulary of sounds.

The villagers soon started referring to Him as “Brahmajnani”, the knower and proponent of Brahman or Godhood. Even at a young age, Sathya was known for His extraordinary love and compassion towards creation and aversion towards harming any creature. His heart melted at human suffering. Whenever a beggar appeared at the door and raised his cry, Sathya abandoned His play and rushed in, to force His sisters to dole out grain or food. The elders in the house tried to dissuade Him saying, "Look here! You may give him food; but, mind you, you will have to starve." That did not daunt the child; He used to run inside and bring food to the hungry man at the door; and stay away from dinner or lunch, himself. Nothing and nobody could persuade Him to come to His plate, which was left untouched!

While others in the family relished non-vegetarian food, little Sathya would advise them to desist from such cruel habits. Whenever such food was cooked in the household, the boy used to run to the Karnam's (village chief) house, and partake of the food offered by Subbamma, the aged lady residing there, for they were Brahmins and vegetarians.

So distinct was His behaviour that a wag once nicknamed Him "the Brahmin child"! Yes, it was a fitting description. Little did that wag know that, while in the previous body, this child, so laughed at now, had declared at Shirdi, "This Brahmin can bring lakhs of men on the White path and take them to their destination!"

The early school days

At the age of eight, Sathya was declared fit to proceed to the Higher Elementary School at Bukkapatnam, about two and a half miles from Puttaparthi. He had to start early, after a meal of cold rice and curds or cooked ragi (maize), rice and chutney, carry the afternoon meal in a bag, and with His companions make the arduous trek daily to Bukkapatnam.

Sathyanarayana was a precocious child, learning more things than anyone could teach Him and much quicker than most; He could sing all the songs and Stotras (prayers) that were recited at the village operas. He even composed at the tender age of seven or eight, some touching songs for the cast, which were gladly accepted by them for public presentation!

The Pandhari Bhajan group

When He was about ten years of age, Sathya formed a 'Pandhari Bhajan' group in the village of Puttaparthi. The group consisted of about sixteen to eighteen boys dressed uniformly in ochre clothes, holding each a flag in the hand and wearing jingling anklets. They all danced to the tune of folk-songs and ballads, describing the yearning of pilgrims for Lord Panduranga's Darshan. He also added some Bhagavatha songs of His own. It was noticed that He added to these traditional themes, songs on a pilgrimage to a new shrine of which no one had heard, and the majesty of a new Deity of whom they had not even the faintest idea, Shirdi and Sai!

Moreover, it was observed that when an infection of cholera swept like a poisonous miasma over the area and wiped out entire families in the surrounding villages, Puttaparthi did not feel the blast of death. Wise men told one another that the Divine Atmosphere generated by the Bhajan group was responsible for saving their lives.

At Kamalapuram

Sathya had to move to Kamalapuram, a small town about 200 kilometres from Puttaparthi, with His brother Seshama Raju. His parents planned to give Sathya a college education, so that He may become an officer! And hence, they were prepared to part with their beloved son and send Him to Kamalapuram to the Board Middle School there, so that His studies could be continued.

Sathya was a quiet, well-behaved boy and the favourite of His teachers. Once, He sang the prayer song before the curtains went up on a drama in the town and those who heard His sweet voice spread the news that a 'fine musician' had come to town. Prayer songs at functions like public meetings became His monopoly thereafter.

A merchant by name Kote Subbanna who sold medicines, tonics, glassware, umbrellas, etc. came to know of Sathya’s talents and approached Him for a ditty to market his new product. He gave Him the necessary information and by evening, Sathya was ready with an attractive Telugu song, which was sung in chorus by His friends and Him. They used to march along the streets, with placards in their hands, singing Sathya’s slogan-filled jingle and evidently enjoying their task!

A word may be said about Sathya and His involvement in the theatrical activities at school. Sri Thammi Raju, the teacher in-charge, once asked Sathya, who was only twelve years old then, to produce a play in Telugu. Sathya plunged into the work very enthusiastically. The drama was a great success, not only because the hero of the play was a little boy, a role enacted by Sathya himself, but, chiefly because it had as its theme the eternal sin of man – hypocrisy. The title of the play was "Cheppinattu Chesthara?" meaning "Do we practise what we preach?"

Meanwhile, Seshama Raju was transferred to Uravakonda. He decided to take Sathya along with him with the intention of admitting Him at the Sri Karibasavaswami District Board High School there. Accordingly, Sathya accompanied His elder brother to continue His studies at Uravakonda. The town of Uravakonda would be witness to the grand and mysterious events that would mark the momentous transformation of the young child into a great spiritual master who would change the very destiny of mankind.

Mysterious Turn of events at Uravakonda

Sathya was sought after by people who had lost articles of value, for He had brought with Him to Uravakonda the reputation for intuitive perception, which revealed to Him the place where anything was! Baba says that in those days, He used to give His friends only the first and last letters of the names of the persons with whom the lost articles could be found. He left them with their own resources to recover the goods.

On March 8, 1940, the whole town was shocked to hear that a big black scorpion had stung Sathya in the twilight hours of the evening. However, Sathya slept that night without any sign of pain! Every one felt relieved, only to become anxious once again when the next evening, Sathya fell unconscious and became stiff; He would not speak and breathing appeared faint. Seshama Raju brought in a doctor, who gave an injection and left behind a mixture. Sathya was apparently unconscious throughout the night. The doctor came again in the morning and declared that the boy was out of danger!

An incident happened in the night which showed that Sathya was not 'unconscious' but, that He was actually supraconscious! Some one suggested that the local deity be propitiated, because the condition of the boy may be due to some evil spirit that possessed Him. So, volunteers hurried to the temple and offered worship, placed flowers and incense, and broke a coconut at the altar. At that very moment, Sathya, who was to all intents 'unconscious', said, "The coconut has broken into three pieces," and when the volunteers came home with the offerings, they had with them three pieces and not the usual two!

Sathya got up in a day or two and began to behave in an extraordinary way. Baba has said that He Himself initiated the process of manifestation, for He could not wait any longer, playing about as a mere boy, with 'brother' and 'sister' and 'classmates' and other secular bonds. He wanted to demonstrate that He was beyond both ‘Visha’ and ‘Vishaya', that neither the poison of the scorpion nor worldly attractions could ever affect Him.

Meanwhile, Sri Seshama Raju had informed his parents at Puttaparthi about the state of affairs at Uravakonda. He had written that Sathya was not answering anyone who spoke to Him, that it was a herculean task to make Him accept food, that He was spending the time mostly in silence but, sometimes bursting into song and poetry or reciting long Sanskrit slokas (hymns) and at times, expounding the highest Vedantic philosophy. The parents took about a week to reach the place, because of unforeseen and inexplicable difficulties.

Seshama Raju got nervous as to why the parents had not arrived. He decided to send someone to Puttaparthi to find out the reason for the delay. But, Sathya interposed and said, "You need not send for them now, they will be here in half an hour," and true to His words, they came in exactly thirty minutes later.

Divine Fortitude

The parents were beside themselves with worry at the condition of Sathya; He sang and spoke and behaved in such a queer manner. It was all so mysterious. At that time, someone gave information to the worried parents that there was an expert exorcist before whom no evil spirit dare wag its poison tail! He will cure Sathya perfectly and make Him fit to go to school, they assured.

The exorcist was a gigantic figure, terrible to behold, with blood-red eyes and untamed manners. He tried all his craft which he dared not experiment even with strong adult patients! For example, he shaved the head of the boy and, with a sharp instrument scored three ‘X’ marks on the scalp, from the top towards the forehead. Sathya sat through the pain without wilting. With the scalp injured and bleeding with those markings, the witch doctor poured on the open wound the juice of lime, garlic, and other acidic fruits.

The parents who were watching the proceedings in utter despair were surprised, for there was not even a tear, or a gasp of pain from the boy! But the exorcist was unrelenting and put the boy through even more terrifying trials until the parents could bear to see it no more. They wanted to save the boy from the jaws of that Yama (God of Death) in human form; they had seen and suffered enough. They paid him full fees and also gave some unasked gifts, and thanked him for all the 'learning' he had utilised.

When asked later as to why He chose to go through this diabolical adventure, Bhagawan remarked, "Even after seeing all that fortitude and the miracle of a little boy passing unscathed through all that terror, even now, you are not convinced that I am Baba; how then would you have reacted if I just made the announcement one fine day? I wanted to make known that I am Divine Stuff, impervious to human suffering, pain or joy."

Meanwhile, Sri Krishnamachari, a lawyer-friend from Penukonda, heard of these occurrences in the Raju household and came to the village to study the situation and offer what help he could. He had a good look and told Venkama Raju, “It is really more serious than I thought; take Him immediately to the Narasimha Temple (Lord Narasimha – the Man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu) at Ghatikachalam; that is the last chance". On hearing these words, Sathya said, "Funny, is it not? I am already there at Ghatikachalam and you want to take Me to Myself!" The lawyer had no further inclination to cross-examine.

I am Sai Baba

On 23rd May 1940, Sathya rose from bed as usual, but after some time, He called the members of the household around Him, gave them sugar candy and flowers taken from nowhere. At this, the neighbours too rushed in. He gave them each a ball of rice cooked in milk, flowers and sugar candy concretised by a mere wave of the hand. Meanwhile, Sri Venkama Raju came and he was incensed by what he thought was a trick, hiding things somewhere and producing them by sleight of hand. He wanted the chapter to be closed before it lengthened into a tragedy.

So, arming himself with a stick, he accosted Sathya and asked, "Are you a God, a ghost or a madcap? Tell me!" Prompt came the answer, the Announcement, that had been held back so long, “I am Sai Baba."

At this, Venkama Raju was stunned into silence; the stick slid from his hands. He stood staring at Sathya trying to grasp the implications of that announcement - “I am Sai Baba." But, Sathya continued, “I belong to Apasthamba Sutra; I am of the Bharadwaja Gothra; I am Sai Baba; I have come to ward off all your troubles; keep your houses clean and pure."

The elder brother, Seshama Raju went near Him, and asked, "What do you mean by 'Sai Baba'?" He did not reply, but only said this much - "Your Venkavadhootha prayed that I be born in your family. So, I came." The father felt that Sai Baba was a Muslim spirit speaking through the boy and so, he asked, "What are we to do with you?” Prompt came the answer;"Worship Me!" "When?" "Every Thursday! Keep your minds and houses pure."

One Thursday, someone challenged Sathyanarayana and asked Him, “If you are Sai Baba show us some proof, now!" Baba replied, “Yes, I shall" and asked for some jasmine flowers. With a quick gesture, He threw them on the floor and said "Look." They saw that the flowers had formed, while falling, the Telugu letters, ‘Sai Baba’!

Divine Omnipresence

On an invitation from some townsmen in Hospet, Seshama Raju decided to take Sathya on a picnic to see if it might improve the mental health of the boy. Hospet is a few miles away from the ruins of Hampi, the capital city of the Emperors of ancient Vijayanagara Kingdom in what is now the state of Karnataka.

There, they visited the temple of Lord Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagara royal family. While the others in the party went into the temple to offer worship at the sanctum sanctorum, Sathya stood outside admiring the height and majesty of the Gopuram (tall pyramid-shaped roof of a temple). When the priest waved the flame of camphor before the Lingam (ellipsoid structure worshipped as Lord Shiva), they saw to their utter amazement, Sathya there inside the shrine! He was standing in place of the Lingam, smiling and accepting their salutations.

Thinking that Sathya may have slipped into the shrine evading everybody's notice, Seshama Raju went outside to verify whether He was still there. Yes, indeed Sathya was there, leaning on a wall and staring at the horizon! He rushed inside the sanctum sanctorum and, yet again, he found Sathya standing there and blessing everybody.

This incident confirmed their faith in Sathya as a Divine Manifestation. They offered special Puja (worship) to Him that day. Hospet was on its toes with expectation and excitement. The story that He was seen as Virupaksha had spread to that town long before they reached it. The next day He cured a chronic tuberculosis patient by His touch and made him get up and walk a mile; He materialized a variety of articles for the devotees and the enthusiasm of the people knew no bounds. Bhajan and Namasankirtan (singing the name of God) continued far into the night.

The Mission Begins

On the 20th day of October, 1940, the day after they all returned from Hampi, Sathyanarayana started for school as usual. However, within a few minutes, He returned to the house. Standing on the outer doorstep, He cast aside the books He was carrying and called out, “I am no longer your Sathya. I am Sai". The sister-in-law came from the kitchen, only to be blinded by the splendour of the halo around Baba's head! He addressed her, “I am going; I don't belong to you; Maya (delusion) has gone; My Bhaktas (devotees) are calling Me; I have My Work; I can't stay here any longer."

When the brother hurried home on hearing all this, Baba only told him, "Give up all your efforts to 'cure' Me. I am Sai; I do not consider Myself related to you".

In spite of repeated pleas, Sathya would not step into that building again. He moved in into the garden of the Excise Inspector Sri Anjaneyulu's bungalow, and sat on a rock in the midst of the trees. People came into the garden from all directions bringing flowers, fruits, incense and camphor to worship Him. The garden resonated with the voices of hundreds singing bhajans (devotional singing) and following the lines of the first prayer that Sri Sathya Sai taught them.

“Manasa Bhajare Gurucharanam Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam “

(O Mind! Meditate on the Feet of the Guru, which will take you across the wearisome sea of Samsara or worldly existence.)

A photographer came with a camera to capture a beautiful picture of the young Swami. He wanted to remove a crude stone that was right in front of Him, but Baba did not heed to the prayer. He clicked nevertheless and lo! When the photo was developed, the stone had become an image of Shirdi Sai Baba!

A few days later, Baba left Uravakonda for Puttaparthi. There, He shifted to the house of Karnam (the village headman) whose aged and devout wife Subbamma attended on Him with love and affection and welcomed all devotees into her spacious house; she spared no effort to make their stay happy and comfortable. Baba often speaks about her dedicated service, working incessantly from dawn to dusk, cooking and making other arrangements for the hordes of devotees who began to land in Puttaparthi every day. As the number of devotees swelled, a mandir (temple) was constructed in February 1947, where He began to reside and grant darshan. On 23rd November 1950, Prasanthi Nilayam (The Abode of Supreme Peace) was inaugurated, which remains till today the central venue for Bhagawan’s darshan and the festival celebrations that take place in His Divine Presence.

Sri Sathya Sai Avatar

This was the story of the Advent of the Avatar and the early years of His life and mission, a mission that would bring millions to His Lotus Feet to taste the bliss of Divine Love and thus transform their lives. In a letter He wrote to His brother Sri Seshama Raju way back in 1947, Bhagawan emphatically declared the grand purpose for which He has come.

He said:

I have a Task: To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of Ananda (Bliss).

I have a Vow: To lead all who stray away from the straight path, again into goodness and save them.

I am attached to a Work that I love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack.

I have a reason to be proud, for I rescue all who worship and adore Me.

The decades that have rolled by since that epochal letter was written have been witness to the grand manner in which His vision has taken shape. The world class super-speciality hospitals that offer tertiary level medical care free of charge, schools and colleges that impart values-based education, the mammoth drinking water supply projects and the numerous other service projects undertaken by Him stand as a testimony to His selfless Love and His compassion for humanity. However, even more significant than these activities have been His tireless efforts towards spreading the message of spirituality and inculcating love and brotherhood throughout the world. Through the Sri Sathya Sai Centers and the Education in Human Values (EHV) programmes, thousands all over the world have sanctified their lives by putting into practice His precepts, and by participating in service programmes such as Narayana Seva (feeding of the poor) and free medical camps. Truly, the Sathya Sai Avatar has heralded a Golden era in the history of mankind.

BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA - LIFE HISTORY

Nine Point Code of Conduct

1. Daily meditation and prayer.

2. Group devotional singing or prayer with family members once a week.

3. Participation in Sai Spiritual Education by children of the family.

4. Participation in community service work and other programs of the organization.

5. Regular attendance at the Center's devotional meetings.

6. Regular study of Sathya Sai Baba literature.

7. The use of soft, loving speech with everyone.

8. Not speaking ill of others, especially in their absence.

9. Practice placing a ceiling on desires - consciously and continuously strive to eliminate the tendency to waste time, money, food and energy - and utilize the savings for service to mankind.

  Ten Guiding Principles from Sathya Sai Baba

1. Love and serve your country. Do not be critical of other countries.

Have a sense of pride in your motherland. Just as your mother has given birth to you, so too the land has given birth to you. Whatever country you belong to, you should have a sense of patriotism. You should not indulge in criticizing other countries or people belonging to other nations. Having trust and faith in your own country, you won't try to put down any other country. Never bring grief or sorrow to your country. To have pride in your own motherland is important.

2. Honor and respect all religions as pathways to God.

Never have hatred toward any religion. Honor and respect all religions equally. Even as you are a citizen of your motherland but respect all countries, also respect all religions equally. [See also: 'the universal declaration of human rights'i.e. article 18]

3. Love all humanity as part of your family.

Develop a sense of the brotherhood of man. Look upon each person as your own brother or sister. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. All of us belong to the human race, so everyone is equal. Therefore, love each one equally.

4. Keep home and surroundings clean.

Keep your own house and its surroundings pure and clean. This hygiene will keep you healthy and benefit your worldly life.

5. Help the needy with food, clothing and shelter. Help them become self-reliant when possible.

Be discriminating when dispensing charity. In the name of charity or philanthropy, we tend to do injustice to one's country. Charity does not mean that the land should be full of beggars. We can provide some support and means for the beggars, but provide food, clothing and other conveniences in such a way that you are not encouraging laziness and begging.

6. Be examples of honesty. Do not participate in any corruption such as bribery.

Never give or take a bribe. Giving bribes, or accepting bribes, is contrary to the very name of the Sri Sathya Sai Organizations. Bear this in mind continuously.

7. Curb jealousy, hatred and envy.

We must seek ways to solve difficulties such as hatred, envy and jealousy. To curb this sense of envy and jealousy, we must develop a broader outlook. Do not differentiate on the basis of race, caste, creed, or country. Follow your cultural and religious customs in your own home, but do not attempt to impose them on society. Rather than this, love each person as your own brother or sister, not seeing him or her as belonging to another creed, religion, or country.

8. Develop self-reliance.

Members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organizations should do things by themselves; they should not depend on others. You may be very wealthy and have servants and assistants to help in a few tasks, but your own work you must do yourself. If you wish to be of service to society, serve yourself first. One who will not serve society has no right to belong to a Sri Sathya Sai Organization.

9. Observe your country's laws and be exemplary citizens.

You should never go against the law of the land. We must follow the letter of the law. The members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organizations should follow the law in spirit also and be models for the government.

10. Adore God, abhor sin.

You must love God and avoid sin. Love God incessantly. As long as you keep committing sins, God will never be yours.