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

 

God is aware of the needs of His devotees

 

CHENNAI, NOV. 29. One of the remarkable features of Hindu

religion is the absence of any regimentation or rigidity in the

matter of worship. Each devotee can choose to be at the service

of any one of the numerous deities in the galaxy of gods and

remain loyal and surrender to Him. But on that score no one

should decry other gods. Thus full freedom is given to

individuals to worship their ``personal gods'' without showing

any hatred or uttering disparaging remarks. This option is

compared to a person who can have any one of the items of food

placed at his disposal, according to his taste. Should he visit

other temples, he must show reverence, retaining the form of his

own deity in his mind.

 

Saints of India have sung in praise of all Divine creations in

their outpourings. The ultimate goal is one and there is only one

Supreme Being. Their teachings point out that God is aware of the

feelings of His devotees, will grant their prayers and bless them

with prosperity. The devotees' duty is to place their pleas at

His feet and urge Him to give them the moral strength to face

problems. There is no need to be ashamed or to be afraid of

wearing the caste marks or religious symbols. That will indeed

create a sense of admiration and fervour amongst others and they

too will be tempted to resort to religious practices.

 

One of our greatest saints, Arunagirinathar, who was totally

dedicated to Lord Subramania (or Muruga) had adored other gods in

his work, Thiruppugazh, but mentions about his personal deity at

the end of each song. The glory of Vinayaka (Ganesa or Pillaiyar)

has been described in many hymns, giving details of what

offerings are to be made and how He should be honoured. The

saint's hymns are set to extremely pleasing rhythmic patterns.

Arunagirinathar has never claimed any distinction or achievement

or credit for his works but says that they have been rendered by

him by the grace of God (Subramania) who, seated within, had

encouraged him to sing them. These verses are ``fragrant'' for

their language, for poetic excellence and for the devotional

content, said Sri Mathivannan in a lecture. The saint's

Thiruppugazh thus spread the concept of unity in diversity. Of

the nine major works of his, three commence with the word

``Thiru'', three with ``Kandar'' and three with ``Vel''. The

poems contain Sanskrit words also. Hinduism does not want the

devotee to knock at His doors or beg, but it will be given. God

knows what transpires in everyone's mind.

 

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