Lord Subramania's graceful qualities

CHENNAI, AUG. 2. While scriptural literature refers to the need to observe at least a few austerities and follow minimum discipline when devotees intend engaging themselves in doing service to God (like worship), there may be occasions when they may lack time or the means to resort to the exercises but even then God will respond to their prayers. There is no fixed time or place to think of God or to invoke His grace. There is no restriction for chanting His names. Even formalities can be given up, particularly in times of expediency, to make the Almighty to come to one's rescue. What is necessary is the deep and firm faith that He will never fail to extend His protection.

The ``Kumara Sthavam'', which Sri Pamban Swamigal, a saint who was in our midst not long ago wrote, contains 44 mantras each of which extols Lord Subramania's graceful qualities and projects the philosophy of Saivism. The last three among them praise His mercy. Also known as ``Muruga'', ``Guhan'' and ``Kumaran'', He reveals His readiness to give succour to those who appeal to Him. Normally, devotees fix certain auspicious days and hours to carry out religious duties and to offer worship. But ``Kumaran'' does not wait for time and tide to go to His devotees to wipe out their tears. In the matter of saving devotees from peril, both ``Kumaran'' who came to the help of Poet Nakkeerar, when he was about to be led to a place only to be devoured by a demon, and the instantaneous rescue given by Lord Narayana to the elephant king, whose leg was seized and being knawed by a crocodile, by severing the latter's head are classic examples of how God does not wait for an opportunity and then proceed. All Gods lavish their sympathy on those who depend on them.

In a lecture, Prof. V. Rathinasabapathi referred to another superb annotation of the word ``Kumaran'' in the Kumara Sthavam. The chief characteristic of Gods of both the philosophic systems is to remove the ignorance of devotees and provide them with knowledge. A devotee's practical experience of worldly events not backed by knowledge will be of no avail. In Kamba Ramayanam, Rama accosts Guha and embraces him out of His own volition instead of the latter approaching Him. He did not look into formalities or prestige. Hearing this, Bharata too decided to meet Guha and seek his guidance. Such knowledge will make a devotee feel that all that he enjoys in the world are due to His kindness. Knowledge will enable one to enjoy peace here and Bliss in God's empire.

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