Unique, ardent devotee of Divine Mother

CHENNAI, OCT. 31. Those who believe in God's mysterious and unlimited powers and acknowledge the messages and utterances of His chosen representatives, need no proof that they are unequalled by others and their divine actions also are not unquestionable and are not to be doubted. Unfortunately, a few may dispute their authority and question the validity of their statements. However, the conduct and the words of some saints may appear paradoxical but when tested, one can find that their behaviour is not inconsistent with what they say.

In recent times, there was a puzzling character who was considered a recluse and even demented but he was unconcerned about his surroundings as he was ever immersed in meditation. What he said came to be true. A ruler of his place wanted to test whether he was really a divine personality or he was insane. To a question, the saintly person made a remark that the day was a full moon day while actually it was a new moon day. He was asked to substantiate his version and everyone thought he would get caught. But to prove the correctness of his word, the Divine Mother caused a miracle to happen. This unique devotee was Abhirami Bhattar who lived in Thirukkadavoor in Tamil Nadu. His work Abhirami Andadi, is extremely popular and praises the Divine Mother's grace.

Hinduism emphasises that God and His consort are inseparable and compare the former to the skeleton and the latter to the blood and skin covering it to present a living body. Some are ardent devotees of the Divine Mother and are known as ``Sakthi'' worshippers as they always invoke Her guidance and blessings. As one deeply attached to Abhirami, one of the manifestations of Sakthi, he proved his statement. Adopting a standing posture, with flames from a pit underneath and a contrivance with 100 ropes dangling above his head, he started singing the glory of his Goddess. But till he composed 78 verses, there was no response from Mother Abhirami but in the next, She displayed the dazzling ear-stud from Her person and there was bright light everywhere spreading lustre as on a full moon day. He completed 100 verses, strictly confining to the rules of Tamil grammar and in the style called ``Andadi'', the concluding word of one verse appearing as the beginning of the following. In his lecture, Sri K. P. Arivanandam explained that the concept behind Sakthi worship hinges on the adoration of one's mother. Each verse of Abhirami Andadi throws light on pilgrim places dedicated to Divine Mother all over the country. Even today, visitors throng to the holy place of his stay, Thirukkadavur.

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