Samadhi or Nishta is the state of transcendence when intuitive awareness of Brahman alone prevails. In this state, the soul experiences its own self, which is of the essence of the eternally blissful, pure consciousness, unaffected by all that is physical, pointed out Srimati Uma Bala Subramaniam in a discourse. It is held that Arunagirinathar remained in Nishta for nearly 12 years after being initiated and enlightened by Muruga, the embodiment of jnana. It is remarkable that through the Thirupughazh hymns Arunagirinathar is able to communicate this ineffable, ‘alaukika’ or ‘other-worldly’ experience that even the Upanishads find it hard to describe. He mentions it as Mona nilai, a state of silence, stillness and tranquility. There is no sense of day and night; one is insulated from all kinds of hectic activities and all inner and outer forces that normally affect human beings. In that state one is led to taste the nectar of Siva, ‘Siva Amudhu’ and get immersed in the Lord. How to reach this blissful state? Only Muruga can give the jnanopadesa and lead one to this ecstatic realisation where all thoughts cease. Though Arunagirinathar is a realised soul, in many instances in his hymns he speaks from the stance of a novice to kindle the devotional spark in all. He shows how right from birth each individual comes under the association and attachment with all that is worldly and related to the body, mind and intellect, with hardly any awareness or thought for the welfare and future of the immortal atma. The human mind is most uncooperative, always vacillating and it is difficult to keep it under check. The five senses are powerful forces pulling one in all directions. Realised souls have been able to rise to this state through austerity, meditation and by God’s grace for He alone can cut the worldly ties with the axe of jnana.