The Gajendra Moksham panel at Tirukannamangai in Thanjavur district.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives
In the guts of Srirangam, amid chants and rituals, there lived an Arayar whose dedication to his kainkaryam was unparalleled. His life takes an sudden flip when he hears the haunting sound of the oppari (songs of mourning). He decides to make use of the tune to sing Azhwar pasurams. His efforts lead him to a younger oppari singer, dwelling close to Keezhacheri. Drawn to her, the Arayar chooses to reside along with her regardless of being admonished for doing so. He is even barred from coming into the temple precincts.
Heartbroken and ostracised, the Arayar pours out his grief via 13 azhwar pasurams — 5 of that are introduced in prose fashion, 5 as poetry, and three as padiettram. Most of the pasurams will probably be in reward of Rama and Krishna avataras. Known as ‘Pallupaatu’, they’re composed within the oppari fashion, beseeching the divine mercy of Azhagiya manavalan. Witnessing his anguish, Namperumal, throughout Chitra Pournami, embarks on the Thirumbukal purapaadu, the return journey.
The kainkaryapirars marvel about Namperumal’s silence over the matter. He expresses his need to reunite together with his beloved Arayar, who’s overwhelmed by guilt. Moved by his sincerity, Namperumal bestows upon him the title, ‘Varam Tharum Perumal Arayar’, signifying the granting of divine blessings for his act of contrition.
Overcome by gratitude, Varam Tharum Perumal Arayar sheds tears of pleasure as Namperumal embraces him. Thus, amidst the echoes of the Pallupaatu Pasurams, the Arayar finds redemption.
Today, through the Padiettra Sevai, the soul-stirring verses of the Pallupaatu Pasurams resonate via the temple corridors, a testomony to the enduring legacy of Varam Tharum Perumal Arayar’s devotion. During the annual Chitra Pournami, as Namperumal embarks on the Thirumbukal Purapaadu, the identify of Varam Tharum Perumal Arayar reverberates as Arulapaadu Varam Tharum Perumal Arayar. It is a tribute to his unwavering religion.
So, amidst the celestial symphony of the Pallupaatu Pasurams, a miracle unfolds. One of the Arayars, impressed by Varam Tharum Perumal Arayar’s bhakti, stroll backwards for practically two kilometers from Amma mandapam to the temple precincts. With every step, they expertise the transformative energy of devotion.