Feast for the senses

Saint Vallalar, in his Deiva Manimalai, says that those who utter the name of Lord Shanmukha are people whose mouths have tasted nectar, for so sweet is His name. If a person has touched His feet with his head, then his head becomes fit to wear a crown. The eyes of those who have seen His beauty become lustrous. A person whose ears have heard His praise will continue to hear only auspicious things. If a person meditates on Him, then his hands become capable of gifting gold to others. Thus, Vallalar explains the merits of worshipping Lord Shanmukha, said M.A. Manickavelu in a discourse.

Manickavachagar says that it was Lord Siva who made his eyes see His feet; it was Siva who made it possible for him to praise Him. He further says that it was Siva who made him focus his senses on Him. The Lord entered Manickavachagar’s heart. Gnanasambandar addresses the deity of Sirkazhi as the nectar whose praises his mouth always sings. Gnanasambandar orders his heart to think of the deity of Saikkadu, for no one knows how long one will live. So the Nayanmar is pointing out here that the merits of worshipping should be sought as soon as possible.

Appar, in a verse on the deity of Tiruvarur, orders his heart to meditate on Lord Siva always. Appar says that one should serve in the temple in many ways. One should sweep the temple, sprinkle water to settle the dust, string flowers and sing gladly of the deity with bowed head.

Manickavachagar says that his five senses having feasted on the Lord of Tirupperunthurai, he no longer wishes to continue on this earth. In his verse, he says has embraced the deity’s feet, and requests Him to place them on his head.