Nayanmars, Azhvars and other saints have expressed their desire to be with God always. Their outpourings in verse are moving expressions of their love for God, said M.A. Manickavelu, in a discourse. Manickavachagar sings that he wants nothing anymore. He does not seek relatives, fame, or even the company of scholars. How does any of this matter to a devotee whose only attachment is to Lord Siva’s feet? And Manickavachagar is interested only in seeking refuge at Siva’s feet, which are adorned with anklets. Kulasekara Azhvar says that he would rather be a fish in one of the streams in Tirumala, than be ruler either on this earth or in the celestial world.
Vallalar, in his Deivamanimalai says that placing his trust in other gods, instead of in Muruga of Kanda Kottam, is like eating the bitter neem fruit, when sweet fruits are available. If he does not worship Muruga, but turns his attention to others, then he will be like a man who waters weeds instead of paddy crops. Abhirami Bhattar, in his Abhirami Andadi, says, “Oh beautiful Mother Abhirami! It is praise of You alone, which will always occupy my thoughts. I will always be with Your devotees. Every day I will recite Your praises as given in the Agamas.”
It is hard to judge people. They may speak kind words to us, but in their hearts, they may nurse hatred against us. The didactic Tamil work Pazhamozhi Nanuru says that if a man speaks ill of his friend, we should not trust him, for how long will it take for him to betray us? Pazhamozhi Nanuru is right to caution us about the nature of people. But there is no need for second thoughts, when it comes to placing our trust in God. He will never let down those who are devoted to Him. That is why jnanis ache for His merciful glances.
