Volumes have been written about Paramacharya’s divine qualities and his philosophy. Many, who were fortunate to be associated with him and rendered service to him, have recorded their experiences. Legion are instances that have transformed devotees’ lives. But the book, a work in progress, by Thevara Dr. R. Subramaniam is different.
Dr. Subramaniam, who hails from Tiruveezhimizhalai, benefited from the sage’s wisdom as he learnt literally at his feet, the meaning and significance of the hymns of the Saivite saints Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manickavachagar.
Periyava informs that Sambandar was Lord Subramanya incarnate and hence the intricate way in which Tamil is used in his hymns. Periyava elucidates with examples.
Visiting the Math with the intention of staying with Paramacharya for an extended period, Dr. Subramaniam is dismayed when Mahaswami says he could leave after two days. A crestfallen Subramaniam is found by Dunlop Krishna Iyer, who suggests that the doctor joins him in the recitation of Tirumurai in the presence of Periyava. Already in the habit of chanting Tirumurai verses and Tiruppugazh, the doctor thinks it is a boon. Indeed it turns out to be a blessing with every recital hour becoming a class in Tirumurai with Periyava explaining the meanings and dwelling at length on certain shrines and locations praised by the Saivite saints.
“Every Brahmin must chant Thevara hymns,” asserts Periyava to the doctor. “It is sad that it has been left to the Oduvars to preserve and propagate this great treasure. Vedas may be difficult to master but not so Tirumurai. The Tamil songs can be learnt and sung at home and public gatherings,” he says.
The sage urged the doctor to take it upon himself to sing and teach Tirumurai. His advice is being faithfully followed so much so that the doctor has taken Thevaram as the prefix to his name. What is more, his daughter Kanaka, again blessed by Paramacharya, uses the art of music and dance to propagate Tirumurai. She has rendered ‘Panchakshara Sahasranamam,’ unique to Lord Veezhinathaswamy of Tiruveezhimizhalai and ‘Sundaragujambigai Ashtotram.’
“I never got down to the task of documenting the lecture sessions although I meticulously noted down every word that Periyava uttered,” says Dr. Subramaniam. “I was prompted several times by other devotees to do it but perhaps the right moment had not come. When finally Gurunatha blessed me with inspiration, I couldn’t stop writing. I marvelled, not for the first time, Periyava’s knowledge and his kindness to come down to the level of an ordinary mortal to make him understand.”
The first volume is ready. “There is material for one more or two,” says the doctor. With incidents woven in and asides, the book grips the reader’s attention. When will it hit the stands? “I don’t know,” hesitates Dr. Subramaniam. “Publishing is expensive and I am waiting for a like-minded soul to fund it. All I want is the satisfaction that Periyava has used me as a tool in this divine mission. I’m sure he won’t let me down,” he concludes.
Thevara Dr. R. Subramaniam can be contacted at 9443908612. His daughter Kanaka teaches Thevaaram vocal and Bharatanatyam and conducts thevaaram seminars at Sankaranatyalaya, Adambakkam, Chennai. Her email is kanaka.sankaranatyalaya @gmail.com and phone number 9442173709. website: wwwsankaranatyalaya.com
