You have swallowed the false “I” in me (Yaan) and as a result, I am elevated to a supreme state of awareness where the Self consciousness alone remained.” In another song Thenundu Mukkanigal, Arunagiri Swamigal expresses similar concept: “Having transcended from the false notion of “I” and the world of Maya, I became enlightened and conscious of my Self.”Īccording to Sri Pamban Swamigal, one who chants Anubhuti would find himself liberated from all worldly attachments.
Here, Arunagirinathar says: “Oh Muruga, the source of all knowledge, what a grace! The ego that characterised my individuality has been thoroughly overpowered by you. His liberation lies in realizing his true nature which is beyond the body and mind. The Self which shines as the ‘I’ ‘I’ within is real and ever-existing, but the individual labours under a false notion of ‘I’, the ego which makes him other than what he really is. It is the Self which gives the consciousness of existence. This is the state of Siva Jnana where all differences subside and he becomes one with Lord Siva. This is the ideal state where the individuality ceases to exist and one remains conscious of his true Self. ‘Summa Iru’ means remaining without any mental or physical activity in the waking state. Seldom does he remain still and quiet, in his natural state, as during sleep.
One either keeps thinking something or doing something. After paying obeisance to Lord Ganesa, Arunagirinathar prays “Oh! God, give me such an avocation in life that I always sing your glory” (Padum Paniye Paniyai Arulvai.”) The essence of the advice which the Lord gave to his chosen disciple was ‘Summa Iru’ (remain quiet). The very opening lines of Kandhar Anubhuti which is a work of Jnana, underline the importance of devotion. As the narration of all the 51 verses of Kandhar Anubhuti would run into several pages, we confine within three verses and attempt to understand their meaning. It is the crest jewel, the gate-way to Jnana the way to the path of liberation. Kandhar Anubhuti, consisting of 52 verses is the quintessence of all the works of Arunagirinathar. (“Aridhakiya Mei Porulukku Adiyen Urida Upadesam Unarthiyava”). In another verse, he thanks the Lord for considering him fit enough to impart this rare advice. “Oh Muruga, by your grace, I could go through a new experience of speechlessness.” (Nesa Muruga Ninathu Anbu Arulal… Pesa Anubhuti Piranthathuve (28). Arunagirinathar says that as a result of this advice, he was elevated to a new state of consciousness where silence alone prevailed. Lord Muruga appeared before Arunagirinathar as Guru and gave the advice on the eternal truth. While other songs of Arunagirinathar which loud the glory of Muruga, his abode, his weapon (Vel), transport (Mayil) and rooster (ensign) are objective in nature, Kandar Anubhuti, which speaks of Arunagiri’s own experience is subjective. Kandhar Anubhuti is significant in another respect.
(Adaikkala Porulam Ena Enai Azhaithu Muthiyadham Anuboothi Ena Arut Thiruppugazh Othuka). In his song on Arumuga temple of Kuthalam, the saint-poet said that the Lord had invited him and blessed him to sing the Anubhuti so that devotees can draw inspiration from it and lead a life of truth and righteousness. However, the devotees are blessed that Arunagirinathar could share with them some of his divine experience in the form of Kandhar Anubhuti. What one experiences cannot be explained to another. Kandhar Anubhuti: Experience is something personal. Here, we make a bird’s eye view of these works: While the hymn Kandhar Alamgaram described the infinite qualities of Muruga, the Vakuppu described the Lotus Feet of Lord Muruga as the ultimate refuge of all devotees. While the garland of songs hailed the Lord and sought His grace, the garland of hymns like Kandhar Anubhuti revealed his own experience of having received the grace. Apart from the garland of songs which Arunagirinathar has weaved and offered as Thiruppugazh, he has also made beautiful garland of hymns to adore Muruga.