Saiva Siddhantam is all about understanding Pasu, Pathi, and Paasam. Swich With utmost sincerity, Shrimathi Megalai Senthilkumar has been studying this philosophy in recent times, which I came to know only lately.
Over the past few years, Shrimathi Megalai and her husband Shri Senthilkumar have been devoted to visiting many ancient Shaivaite temples and taking detailed notes about each one.
While Megalai focused on the textual content, Senthilkumar captured a wide variety of photographs in and around the temple campuses they visited.
Megalai has not merely written the Sthala Puranam of these temples; she has also shared her reflections on the architectural beauty and grandeur of each shrine that captivated her.
It is noteworthy that those who immerse themselves in the worship of Lord Shiva often radiate 'universal love,' reflecting the core principle of Anbe Sivam. Indeed, Anbe Sivam is the cornerstone of true Shaivaite philosophy, revered as a prime mantra in daily life.
This book is structured in three sections - Sacred Sojourns, Timeless Tales, and Spiritual Nuggets each comprising several chapters, forming a substantial work on Shaivism.
Notable among them are the essays on the Polla Pillaiyaar Temple and Nambi Andaar Nambi, the unique Shiva temple in Avudayar Kovil, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata, and the Thanjavur Big Temple. These write-ups transport readers on a spiritual pilgrimage through vivid narration.
However, the one on the Belur Math of the Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal stands out, as most other chapters - except for a few on Vishnu temples focus exclusively on Shaivaite philosophy.
It is evident that Shrimathi Megalai writes with ease and engagement, perhaps inherited from her mother, who is also a skilled writer.
For instance, the story about the miracle at Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore makes for absorbing reading. Such miracles occur when devotion to Lord Shiva is deep and the relationship with the Divine is firma truth that needs no elaboration.
The story of the revival of the young girl Angam Poompavai, within the precincts of Mylapore, brought to life by the Nayanmaar Saint Gnanasambandar, is both touching and powerful.
Similarly, the account of Manickavasagar's liberation (mukthi) from the cycle of birth and death is spiritually uplifting.
The snippets on Avvai Nombu, Chokka Panai, Pancha Mukha Vaadyam, and the significance of the number thirty-three also deserve special mention in the context of Saiva Siddhantam.
Lastly, it is praiseworthy that the author chose to write this work in English, making it more accessible to the youth of today, thereby enabling them to learn about our culture and religion more easily.
This contribution of Megalai would not have been possible but for the robust support made available by her beloved husband Shri Senthilkumar, which is almost akin to the concept of Shiva Shakthi as per the Shaivaite tenets and edicts.
Vedas (1192)
Upanishads (501)
Puranas (632)
Ramayana (747)
Mahabharata (363)
Dharmasastras (167)
Goddess (502)
Bhakti (243)
Saints (1510)
Gods (1294)
Shiva (377)
Journal (184)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (365)
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