Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval, a revered saint from South India, is remembered for his profound spirituality, compassion, and belief in the unity of divine manifestations. Born in the late 17th century in Thiruvisanallur, Tamil Nadu, Ayyaval’s life was marked by deep devotion to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, reflecting his belief in Hari-Hara-aikya—the unity of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). Ayyaval’s legacy is one of miracles, humility, and a relentless pursuit of spiritual truth.
Early Life and Devotion to Hari-Hara-Aikya
Ayyaval’s devotion to both Shiva and Vishnu was unwavering, and he never distinguished between the two deities. This belief was exemplified during his time in Trichy, where he faced a test of faith. The town was ruled by a Vaishnavite king who was aware of Ayyaval’s spiritual greatness. However, some, envious of Ayyaval's growing popularity, falsely accused him of neglecting Lord Krishna in his discourses, focusing more on Shiva Bhakti.
The king, though aware of Ayyaval's holiness, decided to test him. Knowing that Ayyaval was a devout worshiper of the local deity, Sri Mathrubhooteshwara, the king ordered the deity to be taken out in procession, adorned as Lord Krishna. As the procession passed by Ayyaval’s house, he rushed out, eager to have darshan of the Lord. Overcome with devotion, Ayyaval spontaneously composed the Krishna-Dvaadasha-manjari, praising Lord Krishna with fervor, thus demonstrating his equal devotion to both Shiva and Vishnu. The king and those who doubted Ayyaval’s devotion realized that he truly embodied the unity of the divine.
Miracles and Acts of Compassion
Ayyaval’s life was filled with miraculous events that showcased his deep compassion. One such miracle occurred in Trichy, where a Brahmin couple’s only son fell gravely ill and died. Ayyaval, moved by their sorrow, meditated upon Lord Matrubhooteshwara, composed the Thaaraavali Stotram, and revived the child. This act not only consoled the grieving parents but also solidified Ayyaval’s reputation as a saint with divine powers.
Ayyaval’s tenure as the Dewan (chief minister) for King Shahaji of Tanjore further highlighted his desire to live a life of devotion. Although he served the king out of affection, Ayyaval longed for a life of contemplation and prayer. When a messenger addressed him as a Bhagavata (a devotee of the Lord), Ayyaval immediately renounced his position, stating in a letter to the king, "The Dewan is dead; only the Bhagavata remains." The king, respecting Ayyaval’s wishes, allowed him to pursue his spiritual path.
Unity of Divine Names: Shivanaama and Raamanaama
Bhagavannaama Bodhendral, one of the great proponents of Naamasankeertanam (devotional chanting of divine names), was a contemporary of Ayyaval. Bodhendral, whose ashram was at Govindapuram near Tiruvisalur, was deeply impressed by Ayyaval’s hymns and held him in high regard. After coming into contact with Ayyaval, Bodhendral moved to Tiruvidaimarudur, closer to Tiruvisalur, and the two saints often met for philosophical discussions.
Ayyaval’s composition, Aakhyaa Shashti, which describes the greatness of Shivanaama (the name of Shiva) in sixty verses, is one of his most celebrated works. Some of Bodhendral’s devotees recited these verses in his presence, and as the recitation continued, Ayyaval arrived, prostrated before Bodhendral, and silently chanted Lord Shiva’s name. Though Bodhendral treated both Vishnunaama and Shivanaama with equal reverence, he had a personal preference for Raamanaama (the name of Rama).
After listening to Ayyaval’s Aakhyaa Shashti, Bodhendral suggested that the work could have been more aptly named Shiva-Aakhyaa-Shashti, given its exclusive focus on the name of Lord Shiva. Sensing Bodhendral’s intention, Ayyaval immediately responded, "I have praised Lord Maheshwara (Shiva) in sixty verses in this hymn. However, even Maheshwara enjoys the sweet nectar of Raamanaama and chants it incessantly. Who then can describe the sweetness of Raamanaama?" Hearing this, Bodhendral was moved to tears, deeply appreciating Ayyaval's profound understanding of the unity of divine names.
The Dolotsavam Miracle and Devotion to Krishna
Ayyaval’s devotion to both Shiva and Vishnu was further demonstrated during the celebration of Gokulashtami in Tiruvisalur. When a procession carrying Lord Krishna's image passed by Ayyaval's house, he came out to offer his prayers. However, some questioned his devotion, leading to a miraculous event where the Lord’s portrait disappeared from the procession and was found in Ayyaval’s house. Ayyaval, in deep sakhya bhaava (the feeling of friendship) with the Lord, composed the Dolaa-Navaratna-maalikaa and performed Dolotsavam, further proving his equal reverence for both deities.
The Ganga Aavahanam: Ayyaval’s Compassion for the Marginalized
The Ganga Avahanam episode is one of the most revered and miraculous events in the life of Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval. On the day of a Shraddha ceremony, a sacred ritual to honor one's ancestors, Ayyaval followed tradition by going to the river Cauvery for a ritual bath. On his way back home, he encountered a chandaala, a member of a marginalized community, who was on the brink of death due to severe hunger. Deeply moved by the man's suffering, Ayyaval, without a second thought, offered him the food that had been prepared for the Shraddha ceremony. The chandaala gratefully accepted the offering, ate to his heart's content, and left, his life spared by Ayyaval's kindness.
After this compassionate act, Ayyaval returned home. Understanding the importance of ritual purity, he cleaned his house again, took another bath, and prepared a fresh meal for the Brahmins who had been invited to perform the ceremony.
The Challenge of Tradition
When the Brahmins arrived and learned that Ayyaval had earlier offered food meant for the Shraddha to a chandaala, they refused to participate in the ceremony. They cited scriptural rules, arguing that feeding a chandaala with food intended for ancestors was a serious transgression, making Ayyaval an outcaste in their eyes.
Ayyaval, well-versed in the scriptures, tried to explain that compassion is a virtue that surpasses ritualistic purity, and that the true essence of all religious practices is to cultivate such virtues. He emphasized that feeding the hungry and helping those in need were actions that pleased the divine far more than mere adherence to ritual. Despite his deep understanding and eloquent reasoning, the Brahmins remained unconvinced and departed, leaving Ayyaval to perform the ceremony alone.
The Divine Intervention
Faced with the dilemma of performing the Shraddha without the Brahmins, Ayyaval’s faith in the divine did not waver. The Brahmins had suggested that the only way to atone for his "sin" was to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges. However, given his age and health, a journey to the Ganges in North India was not feasible for Ayyaval.
Determined to honor his ancestors and complete the ceremony, Ayyaval resolved to invoke the sacred river Ganga herself to Tiruvisanallur. With unwavering faith, he composed a hymn in praise of the Ganges, known as the Gangaashtakam. Standing by the well in his courtyard, Ayyaval prayed with intense devotion, reciting the hymn with a heart full of humility and reverence.
In response to his heartfelt prayers, a miraculous event occurred. The waters of the Ganges began to flow into the well, rising rapidly until they overflowed and flooded the streets of Tiruvisanallur. The well, once ordinary, was now brimming with the sacred waters of the Ganges, transforming the village into a holy site.
The Community’s Realization
The villagers, including the Brahmins who had refused to participate in the Shraddha, were astounded by this miracle. Realizing the divine grace that Ayyaval had invoked, they were filled with awe and fear. The Brahmins, recognizing their mistake, rushed to Ayyaval, seeking his forgiveness and pleading with him to stop the flooding.
Ayyaval, ever compassionate, did not hold any grudges against the Brahmins. He prayed to the goddess Ganga once more, asking her to contain her waters within the well while allowing a portion of her sacred presence to remain for the benefit of the village. The floods receded, and the Ganges confined herself to the well, which became a permanent source of sacred water for the people of Tiruvisanallur.
This miraculous event is commemorated every year on the Amavasya (new moon) day of the month of Karthikai (November-December) as the Gangasnanotsavam. Thousands of devotees gather at Ayyaval’s well to take a dip in the sacred waters, believing that a bath in this holy water is as meritorious as a pilgrimage to the Ganges itself.
Conclusion
The Ganga Avahanam episode stands as a powerful testament to Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval’s deep compassion, spiritual power, and unwavering faith. His ability to invoke the Ganges to his village reflects his extraordinary connection with the divine and his commitment to the welfare of all. Ayyaval’s act of bringing the Ganges to Tiruvisanallur earned him the title of Kaliyuga Bhageeratha—a reference to the ancient king Bhageeratha, who brought the Ganges from the heavens to the earth.
Today, the well in Ayyaval’s courtyard is revered, and the story of the Ganga Avahanam continues to inspire devotees, reminding them of the boundless grace that flows from sincere devotion and compassionate actions. His legacy is one of compassion, devotion, and unwavering faith in the unity and redemptive power of the divine. At Anaadi Foundation, we have a digital publication of Doshapariharashtakam composed by Ayyaval. The Doshapariharashtakam is more than just a prayer; it is a spiritual guide that leads devotees on a path of self-purification. Delve it the text here: https://www.anaadi.org/mini-e-books
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