The path of Skanda Upasana (worship) dedicated to Lord Muruga, is a journey of deep devotion, discipline, and inner transformation. Along this path, mistakes are inevitable, but the divine compassion of Lord Muruga is boundless, ever guiding the devotee towards ultimate liberation. This profound truth is beautifully encapsulated in a verse by Srimad Chidambara Swamigal:
ஏது பிழை செய்தாலும் ஏழையே னுக்கிரங்கித்
தீது புரியாத தெய்வமே - நீதி
தழைக்கின்ற போரூர்த் தனிமுதலே நாயேன்
பிழைக்கின்ற வாறுநீ பேசு.
This verse reflects the deep trust and faith that a devotee places in Lord Muruga’s compassion, knowing that even if they falter, the Lord’s grace is ever-present to uplift and guide them. An audio rendering of this verse is here
Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning:
"ஏது பிழை செய்தாலும் ஏழையே னுக்கிரங்கித்" — "Even if I commit any kind of mistake, showing compassion to this poor (helpless) person."
"தீது புரியாத தெய்வமே" — "The deity who never causes harm."
"நீதி தழைக்கின்ற போரூர்த் தனிமுதலே" — "The primordial Lord of Porur who upholds righteousness."
"நாயேன் பிழைக்கின்ற வாறுநீ பேசு" — "Speak (give upadesha) such that there is salvation to this wretched being (me who is impulsive like a dog owing to one's vasanas)."
The Verse and Its Assurance of Divine Compassion
"ஏது பிழை செய்தாலும் ஏழையே னுக்கிரங்கித்" — "Even if I commit any kind of mistake, show compassion to this poor (helpless) person." In these lines, the devotee humbly acknowledges their own imperfections, recognizing that mistakes are a natural part of the spiritual journey. Whether these mistakes occur in daily life or specifically in Skanda Upasana, the devotee appeals to Lord Muruga’s infinite compassion. The Lord is seen as a benevolent protector, who understands the struggles and weaknesses of the devotee.
"தீது புரியாத தெய்வமே" — "The deity who never causes harm." This phrase emphasizes Lord Muruga’s nature as a supremely benevolent deity, who never wishes ill upon his devotees, no matter their faults. It reassures the devotee that even in the face of errors, the Lord’s love remains unshaken, and His guidance is always aimed at helping the devotee grow spiritually.
"நீதி தழைக்கின்ற போரூர்த் தனிமுதலே" — "The primordial Lord of Porur who upholds righteousness." Here, Lord Muruga is invoked as the embodiment of righteousness, the one who nurtures and protects those who walk the path of dharma (righteousness). The devotee expresses confidence that the Lord’s sense of justice will always support the devotee’s sincere efforts, regardless of their shortcomings.
"நாயேன் பிழைக்கின்ற வாறுநீ பேசு" — "Speak (give upadesha) such that there is salvation to this wretched being (me who is impulsive like a dog owing to one's vasanas)." This line captures the essence of the devotee’s plea: despite being driven by impulsive tendencies (vasanas), they seek Lord Muruga’s compassionate guidance, asking for upadesha (spiritual instruction) that leads to liberation. It is a request for the divine to intervene and transform their imperfections into spiritual strength.
The Cry of the Impulsive Mind
The phrase "நாயேன் பிழைக்கின்ற வாறுநீ பேசு" is particularly significant. It conveys a profound cry for help—a plea for the kind of upadesha (spiritual teaching) that can lead to salvation. The seeker recognizes their own impulsiveness, comparing themselves to a dog driven by its instincts. This impulsiveness is attributed to vasanas—latent impressions and tendencies accumulated over countless lifetimes.
In this state, the mind is like a restless animal, reacting to external stimuli without discernment. For a sadhaka, this impulsive nature is one of the biggest obstacles on the path to liberation. Yet, the verse also reflects a deep trust in the Divine’s ability to guide the seeker beyond these limitations.
The Path to Liberation
Awareness of ImperfectionThe verse begins with an acknowledgment of human imperfection: "ஏது பிழை செய்தாலும்"—even if I commit mistakes. This recognition is crucial for spiritual growth. It reminds us that errors are a natural part of the journey and should be met with self-compassion rather than self-condemnation.For the sadhaka, this awareness leads to humility. By accepting one’s limitations, the seeker opens themselves to divine intervention and guidance.
Humility and SurrenderThe seeker refers to themselves as "ஏழையே னும்" and "நாயேன்"—terms that express a deep sense of humility. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing one’s position before the Divine. It is an essential attitude for a sadhaka, as it paves the way for true surrender.Surrendering to the Divine, as expressed in "தழைக்கின்ற போரூர்த் தனிமுதலே," is the key to overcoming the impulses driven by vasanas. When we surrender our will, our thoughts, and our actions to the Divine, we allow the higher power to guide us towards liberation.
Divine Compassion and GuidanceThe verse addresses the Divine as "தீது புரியாத தெய்வமே"—the deity who never causes harm. This line reflects the seeker’s trust in the inherent compassion of the Divine. It reassures us that no matter how deep our impulses run, the Divine is always ready to guide and uplift us.For the sadhaka, this trust is vital. It allows one to move forward on the spiritual path with confidence, knowing that the Divine is always there to correct and guide, even when we falter.
Purification and GrowthThe plea for upadesha—"நாயேன் பிழைக்கின்ற வாறுநீ பேசு"—is a call for divine teaching that not only forgives but also purifies. Spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, and selfless service help in the purification of the mind, reducing the influence of vasanas and calming the impulsive nature.Regular practice of these disciplines creates a reflective mind, one that can pause before reacting, and instead, respond with wisdom.
Self-Compassion and Patience: Understand that this journey is gradual. Just as it took time for these vasanas to accumulate, it will take time to transcend them. Be patient with yourself. Whenever you falter, return to your practice with renewed vigor, without self-condemnation.Treat yourself with the same compassion you seek from the Divine. Forgive yourself as you would ask the Divine to forgive you. This self-compassion is not indulgence but a recognition that you are a work in progress, under the care of the Divine sculptor.
The Essence of Upadesha of Lord Skanda:
Bhagavan Skanda’s upadesha echoes “Beloved soul, the path to salvation lies not in denying your impulses but in transcending them through awareness, surrender, and divine grace. The Divine is ever ready to lift you from the depths of your vasanas and lead you to the light of liberation. Trust in this process, surrender your struggles, and walk the path with faith and perseverance.
Remember, you are not the wretched being you think you are. You are a divine soul on a journey back to your true nature. With every step of surrender, awareness, and devotion, you move closer to realizing this truth. The Divine, in its infinite mercy, is always with you, guiding you towards the ultimate freedom—salvation.”
A Roadmap for Sadhakas
The following key steps offer sadhakas a profound roadmap for our spiritual journey:
Recognize and Accept Imperfection: Understand that making mistakes is part of the process. Use these mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than sources of guilt.
Cultivate Humility and Surrender: Embrace humility and surrender to the Divine, knowing that this surrender is the key to transcending vasanas.
Trust in Divine Compassion: Have unwavering faith in the compassionate nature of the Divine, trusting that guidance and correction will always be available.
Engage in Purifying Practices: Regularly practice meditation, chanting, and selfless service to purify the mind and reduce the influence of impulses.
Maintain Faith in Divine Justice: Believe in the righteousness of the Divine, knowing that the path laid before you is one of growth and ultimate liberation.
Srimad Chidambara Swamigal: A Life of Divine Grace and Spiritual Dedication
The life of Srimad Chidambara Swamigal, the author of this verse, is itself a manifestation of the divine grace he so eloquently invoked. A direct descendant of a Tamil Sangam poet from Madurai, Swamigal was an ardent devotee of Goddess Madurai Meenakshi. His spiritual journey is marked by intense penance and an unwavering quest for divine vision.
Driven by a deep longing to see Mother Meenakshi, Swamigal renounced all worldly comforts, including food, as part of his rigorous penance. His devotion bore fruit when Goddess Meenakshi appeared before him, responding to his sincere prayer. As he opened his eyes, he first saw her divine feet, accompanied by the melodious sound of her anklets. In an extraordinary act of divine compassion, she raised him to his feet, and upon her touch, his skin turned golden. This miraculous transformation was accompanied by a divine command: to build a temple for Lord Murugan in Thiruporur.
The Divine Mission of Thiruporur
Following the divine instructions, Srimad Chidambara Swamigal set out to fulfill his mission. Upon arriving in Thiruporur, he found nothing but a dense forest of palm trees, with no signs of any prior attempts to build a temple. Undeterred, he sought divine guidance, and it was at this moment that Lord Murugan himself appeared before Swamigal as a small boy.
The boy led Swamigal to a spot where the Swayambhu (self-manifested) murtis of Lord Muruga, along with his consorts Valli and Devayani, lay concealed beneath an anthill under a palm tree. The divine boy also granted Swamigal a vision of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, guiding him in the construction of the temple.
With divine inspiration and unwavering faith, Srimad Chidambara Swamigal established the Thiruporur Murugan Temple, a site that has since become a powerful spiritual center. The murtis, being Swayambhu, are considered too sacred for the traditional abhishekam (ritual bathing), which is instead performed on the Utsava (processional) deities installed in the temple. To further sanctify the temple, Swamigal also installed a powerful yantra within the premises, amplifying the spiritual energy of the site.
Conclusion
The life of Srimad Chidambara Swamigal, coupled with the teachings encapsulated in his verse, provides a profound roadmap for sadhakas. His verse reflects the journey from human imperfection to divine grace, a journey that he himself undertook with great success. Srimad Chidambara Swamigal’s life illustrates that the path of devotion is not without its challenges, but with unwavering faith and divine grace, it is possible to overcome even the most ingrained impulses and tendencies. His legacy continues to inspire countless devotees who visit the Thiruporur Murugan Temple, a living testament to his divine mission and spiritual accomplishment.
For sadhakas, the verse "நாயேன் பிழைக்கின்ற வாறுநீ பேசு" serves as a reminder of the transformative power of divine upadesha. It encourages seekers to recognize their own limitations and to turn towards the Divine with humility and sincerity, trusting that divine guidance will lead them to liberation.
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