RamarpaNam-82

File 82.

Dated: July 23^rd, 2012.

Jai Sri Ram.

Story of Ahalya.

India is a divine land as She is cress-crossed by Rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, Godavari in the North and Cauveri, Vaigai, TambrabaraNi etc. in the South. Pennar or Pinaagini flows through Hosur, Thirukovalur, Cuddalur and reaches Bay of Bengal close to Kollidam, Cauveri basin. This River is named south Pinaagini, as it is said to have caused from the bow of Lord Shiva, which goes by the name Pinaagam. This is divine because, it flows touching the sanctum sanctorum of Thirukovalur DegaLeesan temple, said to be the frontal portion of Mirugandu Maharishi Ashram.

River Ganga had the connection of VishNu, briefly when He incarnated as Thiruvikrama. This Pennar however has His connection all the more with Thirukovalur Aayan perpetually. So Her divinity is real and continuing.

The legend of Ahalya, as told by Kambar, venerates Rama, as maryaada Purushotam, more.

Inspired by foolish love, Indra who came in the guise of Gautama, desired a union with Ahalya, and she too obliged thinking Him to be Gautama, Her husband. When She realized He is King of Gods, yet continued the affair to satisfy His passion. Gautama came back from His morning oblations and the two, Caught unaware were cursed by the Sage that Indra to become a 1000 eyed one and Ahalya to turn a piece of rock.

Theevinai ninaindu seiya, kal Anaya Avaai

When prayed for remedy She was advised to wait for Rama’s arrival there.

Now as Rama approached the Ashram and by the touch of the Dust from His feet, She turned to her earlier original form

Kanda kal misai kazhal thugaL kaduva

PaNdaya vaNNamaai niRpaaL

Valmiki says Rama’s feet touched the stone. Kambar says, only the dust from the feet of Rama touched the Stone. Reason is that Rama practiced monogamy and that touching by His feet will belittle His vow in this respect.

Thondaradip podi Azhwar desires to be the paada reNu of devotees of VishNu, to have changed Vipra NarayaNa to Azhwar. So much so, Rama-paada-reNu turning the stone to Ahalya is no surprise.

This is the effect of pithalai => aadaka Gulikai.  Our material indulgent life will turn spiritual intended life, by the touch of the paada reNu of Bhagavat Bhaktaas. Only thing is we should keep up our acquaintances with them as regularly as possible so that induction to magnatise works early and effectively.