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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/02/26/stories/2002022600300800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Devotion alone matters to the Lord

 

 

 

CHENNAI, FEB.26. The scriptural texts like the Puranas describe the glory of the

Supreme Being in His transcendental aspect and His various manifestations in the

world. But in the spiritual tradition there is the work, Periya Puranam, in

Tamil, different from others of this genre in that it describes the lives of

devotees of God who lived in this world like any of us and underwent the same

trials and tribulations of life. What sets them apart is their unalloyed

devotion which enabled them to realise God the goal described in the

scriptures.

 

The very name of the scripture, Veda, and the term "Darsana" for the

philosophical traditions, indicate that they enable man to know God. As it is

not possible for all to master the Vedas, the Puranas were composed with the

intention of making available the teachings of the Vedas for the benefit of all.

In fact, the Puranas assure mankind that the Almighty makes Himself accessible

to those who are devoted to Him. It is this truth that is affirmed in the lives

of the 63 Nayanmars portrayed in the Periya Puranam. Further these saints are a

constant source of inspiration for spiritual aspirants as it is possible for

anyone to identify with them; the Nayanmars hailed from all walks of life.

 

In his discourse, Sri E.R.Ramamurthy said the Periya Puranam was an account of

the lives of the Saiva saints who lived in the Tamil land. It is also known as

Thiruthondar Puranam as it chronicles the lives of devotees and was composed by

Sekkhizhar. Sundaramurthy Swamigal undertook the pioneering task of documenting

their lives in the Thiruthondar Thokai on which Sekkhizhar based his work.

Sekkhizhar was a minister during Chola rule and his documentation is more

elaborate than that of Sundarar's. One may wonder why only 63 saints have been

singled out as Nayanmars. Certainly the Saiva saints are many more. It is by no

means a limitation but a representation of the different ways devotion expressed

itself in human lives and how God graced them each in a unique manner.

 

If the Periya Puranam were only a hagiographical work it would not command the

status it enjoys in tradition. It is extraordinary in an important sense. It

exemplifies the profound truth that irrespective of one's background

community, sex, language, occupation or faith one can realise God and is

entitled to know the absolute truth. What matters ultimately is only true

devotion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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