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Value of true devotion

CHENNAI: The Nayanmars have spread the Bhakti Bhava through their way of life and also through the hymns they sang in praise of Lord Siva. The spirit of total surrender to the Lord is the highlight of their devotional fervour. This Bhakti Bhava of loving devotion to the Lord is the basis of a never ending relationship with the Supreme Being, said Sri M. Sivachandran in a lecture on the Periyapuranam. This is reinforced in Sekkizhar’s account of each of their lives wherein the blend of the culture, morals and ethics of the times and the milieus is also predominant.

Sekkizhar, a minister in the Chozha court and also a staunch devotee of Lord Siva and His devotees, painstakingly gathered information on all the Nayanmars with the aim of establishing the superiority of the Saiva philosophy over Jainism. He has recorded the biographical sketches of the saints and described their social background and habits in a straightforward manner in a simple and moving style. The book is also known as Thondar Puranam, a work about the servants of God.

Sekkizhar refers to the sacredness and culture prevailing in the south Indian kingdoms and cities of the times. It is believed that the sanctity of the city of Kanchi is derived from it being the site chosen by Goddess Parvati for performing penance and worship of Lord Siva.

As in the case of the Nayanmars who were tested and blessed with the infinite grace of the Lord, the Goddess also was tested when the Lord caused the river waters to obstruct her penance. When the Goddess saw this torrential flow, she spontaneously embraced the Sivalinga that she was worshipping to prevent any harm to the Lord. She instructs humanity through the example of Her austere penance the value of true devotion and worship that transcends the bounds of reason and intellect.

Similarly Seerkazhi is eulogised in the context of Saint Gnanasambandhar. When this saint as a mere child cried out to the Lord, he was blessed with the divine grace of Siva and Parvati. The cry is symbolic of the devotee’s plea for salvation.

The Lord desires and accepts the sincere prayer and worship of the devout. The quality of the prayer is what matters.

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