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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

 

Unique, ardent devotee of Divine Mother

 

CHENNAI, OCT. 31. Those who believe in God's mysterious and

unlimited powers and acknowledge the messages and utterances of

His chosen representatives, need no proof that they are

unequalled by others and their divine actions also are not

unquestionable and are not to be doubted. Unfortunately, a few

may dispute their authority and question the validity of their

statements. However, the conduct and the words of some saints may

appear paradoxical but when tested, one can find that their

behaviour is not inconsistent with what they say.

 

In recent times, there was a puzzling character who was

considered a recluse and even demented but he was unconcerned

about his surroundings as he was ever immersed in meditation.

What he said came to be true. A ruler of his place wanted to test

whether he was really a divine personality or he was insane. To a

question, the saintly person made a remark that the day was a

full moon day while actually it was a new moon day. He was asked

to substantiate his version and everyone thought he would get

caught. But to prove the correctness of his word, the Divine

Mother caused a miracle to happen. This unique devotee was

Abhirami Bhattar who lived in Thirukkadavoor in Tamil Nadu. His

work Abhirami Andadi, is extremely popular and praises the Divine

Mother's grace.

 

Hinduism emphasises that God and His consort are inseparable and

compare the former to the skeleton and the latter to the blood

and skin covering it to present a living body. Some are ardent

devotees of the Divine Mother and are known as ``Sakthi''

worshippers as they always invoke Her guidance and blessings. As

one deeply attached to Abhirami, one of the manifestations of

Sakthi, he proved his statement. Adopting a standing posture,

with flames from a pit underneath and a contrivance with 100

ropes dangling above his head, he started singing the glory of

his Goddess. But till he composed 78 verses, there was no

response from Mother Abhirami but in the next, She displayed the

dazzling ear-stud from Her person and there was bright light

everywhere spreading lustre as on a full moon day. He completed

100 verses, strictly confining to the rules of Tamil grammar and

in the style called ``Andadi'', the concluding word of one verse

appearing as the beginning of the following. In his lecture, Sri

K. P. Arivanandam explained that the concept behind Sakthi

worship hinges on the adoration of one's mother. Each verse of

Abhirami Andadi throws light on pilgrim places dedicated to

Divine Mother all over the country. Even today, visitors throng

to the holy place of his stay, Thirukkadavur.

 

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