What prompts a person to tread the spiritual path? Does it happen after a series of disappointments in life? Or does it happen after reaching the pinnacle of materialistic achievements? These things are difficult to say.
By striking a balance between his duties as a king and as a devotee of Lord Rama, Kulasekara Alwar reminds us that we can strike a balance that works for us.
Perumal Thirumozhi – The Tenth set of Ten
741. In the beautiful Ayodhya which is surrounded by high walls, Rama – the descendant of the solar dynasty spreads his light to dispel the sorrow of the celestials as well as the mortals. With red colored eyes and unsurpassed bravery, he looks like the majestic rain bearing cloud! He has manifested in Thillai (Chidambaram) Chitrakootam. When will I get to see him?
742. Sending an arrow that felled Tadaka, he saved the yagna being performed by the Rishi (Viswamitra). Know that he resides in Thillai Chitrakootam on a throne decorated by dainty bells where 3000 pandits recite his praises!
743. To wed the doe-eyed Sita, Rama broke the bow of Siva (in Janaka’s court) and then broke the bow of Vishnu held by Rama of the axe (Parasurama). He vanquished the kings who wielded spears in battle. The Lord with his bow & arrow, resides behind the high walls of the Thillai Chitrakootam. I bow my head in respect to those who worship with folded hands the Lord in Chitrakootam.
744. Listening to the words of the flower bedecked Kaikeyi, leaving behind his kingdome, Rama crossed Ganga with the help of Guha and reached Chitrakootam. There, he gave his padukas to his brother Bharata. Those who feast their eyes on Thillai Chitrakootam will find even the heavens to be a disappointment!
745. Rama killed the wide shouldered Virata, he received the bow gifted by the Tamil rishi Agasthya, and he cut off the nose of Surpanakha and caused the death of Mareecha who had disguised himself as a golden deer. Blessed is this land of Chitrakootam, where people walk around the temple, singing the praises of the Lord. (It is sage Agasthya who advises Rama to establish his cottage in Panchavati.)
746. The Lord who was desolate on parting from Vaidehi, who completed the last rites of Jatayu, who extended the hand of friendship to Sugreeva & killed Vali, who sent Maruti across the ocean to set Lanka on fire, resides in Chitrakootam. I praise those who sing about the Lord of Chitrakootam.
747. Building a bridge of arrows and reaching the shores of Lanka, killing Ravana & his band of Rakshasas, giving the crown of Lanka to Vibhishana, sitting along with Sita, he graces Chitrakootam with his presence. Placing the feet of Rama on my head, I know of no other kingdom than this!
748. Establishing his kingdom once again in Ayodhya, Rama listened to the story of Ravana from Agasthya, heard his own story as a song from his sons (Lava and Kusha) and chose to reside in Thillai Chitrakootam. Listening to the story of Rama, we will not take medicine even to escape death! (It is in a version of Ramayana called Adhyatma Ramayana that the back story of Ravana is told to Rama by Agasthya! This ‘forest of stories’ reveals that there are no true heroes or villains in our epics. All are just reacting to circumstances.)
749. By killing Shambuka, getting Shatrughna to destroy Lavanasura and losing Lakshmana to a Rishi’s curse, Rama resides in Thillai Chitrakootam. Those of us who don’t forget Rama will never have to face sorrow in this world. (Both Ramayana and Mahabharata end tragically. All things, even Avataras, have to come to an end.)
750. Helping all mortals to reach Vaikuntam, riding the enemy of snakes – Garuda, he destroyed all enemies, all celestials wait with bated breath for his arrival. The Lord of Vaikunta is none other our Rama of Chitrakootam. We are his servants!
751. The ruler of Uraiyur, the wielder of the royal umbrella – Kulasekara has composed this garland of Tamil verses in praise of Lord Rama, who resides along with Maruti (Hanuman) in Chitrakootam. Those who recite these verses are sure to find sanctuary in the feet of the Lord.
Thus ends Perumal Thirumozhi, the set of verses composed by Kulasekara Alwar. Will you hold my hand as we dive into the poetry of Thirumazhisai Alwar next? 🙂