Sampooranathevan is a mythical figure found in
Ayyavazhi mythology
Ayyavazhi mythology is the mythology of the South Indian Hindu denomination religious faith known as Ayyavazhi, which is officially considered a Hindu sect. The main source of Ayyavazhi mythology is the Ayyavazhi scripture, Akilathirattu Am ...
. He was considered a powerful
Deva of
Deiva Loga. In Kali Yuga, He was born, and became known in history as Mudisoodum Perumal or Muthukutty.
The exact date of birth of Mudisoodum Perumal or Muthukutty is unknown. It is mostly placed in either 1810 or 1809, while others follow the view of
Akilam
Akilathirattu Ammanai ( ta, அகிலத்திரட்டு அம்மானை; ''akilam'' ("world"), ''thirattu'' ("collection"), ''ammanai'' ("ballad")), also called Thiru Edu ("venerable book"), is the main religious text of the T ...
.
Para Devathai
Sampooranathevan of
Deiva Loga and
Paradevathai of
Yama Loga had fallen in love. So, when Sampooranathevan asked
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
to be granted birth into the world, he requested the same be given to his lover.
Paradevathai earlier had been married to a man of Yama Loga, but since had left him.
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
refused, asserting that Para Devathai was already a wife, and that Sampooranathevan was from Deiva loga and she was from Yama Loga (a class difference).
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
stated that Sampooranathevan's physical birth would be great but hers would not, so Sampooranathevan's was wrong, encouraging Sampooranathevan to drop the matter. However Sampooranathevan replied, ''"Your Highness, only at the most lovable place does the Ultimate love (love towards God) begin and not at a random place.
mplying that his love was of divine origin. Isn't that true? So, please fulfill my desire. Also, I promise to you, I will be most affectionate to her."''
racket added by editorsSo
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
allowed them to perform austrity, to take birth united and sublime.
Failure of Tavam
Sampooranathevan and Para Devathai began performing austrity. When their
tavam
Tapas (Sanskrit: तपस्) is a variety of austere spiritual meditation practices in Indian religions. In Jainism, it means asceticism (austerities, body mortification); in Buddhism, it denotes spiritual practices including meditation and se ...
was close to an end, they saw
Indra going that way. Until then their
tapas
A tapa () is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal, and can be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as ''chopitos'', which are battered, fried baby squid, or patatas bravas). In some ...
had not met with any problem. But on seeing Indra a desire originated in the mind of Sampooranathevan. He asked Paradevathai, ''" My dear, it will be fine if you and I, with the crown of
Indra, rule the world."'' Paradevathai replied: ''"Fine dear, but even if
Brahma
Brahma ( sa, ब्रह्मा, Brahmā) is a Hindu god, referred to as "the Creator" within the Trimurti, the trinity of supreme divinity that includes Vishnu, and Shiva.Jan Gonda (1969)The Hindu Trinity Anthropos, Bd 63/64, H 1/2, pp ...
created us like that, may it be eternal."'' She was pointing out to him his libidinious enjoyment.
Meanwhile, in
Kailai,
Sivan
''Sivan'' (Hebrew: סִיוָן, Standard ''Sīvan'', Tiberian ''Sīwān''; from Akkadian ''simānu'', meaning "Season; time") is the ninth month of the civil year and the third month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. It is a ...
and Thirumal were discussing how to destroy
Kali
Kali (; sa, काली, ), also referred to as Mahakali, Bhadrakali, and Kalika ( sa, कालिका), is a Hindu goddess who is considered to be the goddess of ultimate power, time, destruction and change in Shaktism. In this trad ...
, after sending
Lakshmi
Lakshmi (; , sometimes spelled Laxmi, ), also known as Shri (, ), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity, and associated with ''Maya'' ("Illusion"). Alo ...
to grow as
magaram in the sea, to give birth to a child for destroying
Kali
Kali (; sa, काली, ), also referred to as Mahakali, Bhadrakali, and Kalika ( sa, कालिका), is a Hindu goddess who is considered to be the goddess of ultimate power, time, destruction and change in Shaktism. In this trad ...
(She was also asked to perform austrity in the sea). Thirumal told him about Sampooranathevan and Paradevathai and about their
tavam
Tapas (Sanskrit: तपस्) is a variety of austere spiritual meditation practices in Indian religions. In Jainism, it means asceticism (austerities, body mortification); in Buddhism, it denotes spiritual practices including meditation and se ...
. He also said that it was time for the closure of their tavam and time to offer birth to them, and he suggested that they all go together to them.
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
and Sivan came to see the tavam. On seeing them Sampooranathevan and Paradevathai welcomed and praised them.
At the very first moment of seeing them, Sivan told
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
that their tavam met with failure, as they had desired the crown of
Indra. On hearing this Thirumal asked Sampooranathevan to illustrate. But he wondered : ''"I only speak of my thought with my lady with my eyes. We only communicate from mind to mind. Your greatness, How were you able to sense that."'' In saying this he fell on the feet of Sivan and Thirumal and asked them to excuse the misdeed. Paradevathai too cried for their rescue. They still implored Sivan and Thirumal to unite them.
Birth of Paradevathai
On seeing this Thirumal told Paradevathai that since your austrity met with failure, and because of your previous husband's sufferings due to your separation, you will be born in the world in
Yamakulam and will be married to your husband of
Yama Lokam. You will suffer there. You will fall ill and live without any happiness. You will not have any bodily relations with him. But still you will do all your duties to him as per the
karma
Karma (; sa, कर्म}, ; pi, kamma, italic=yes) in Sanskrit means an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences. In Indian religions, the term more specifically refers to a principle of cause and effect, often descriptively ...
. At that time Sampooranathevan will be born in the world in
Devakulam and will lead a joyful life in the world. Due to your previous intimacy you two will meet each other and will fall in love with each other. You will not take care of God, your father, mother, or relations, and you will consider Sampooranathevan as your husband. You will suffer due to your defamation by others. Then you will seek supreme bliss and will realise (the Ultimate real truth) God and you will be granted
moksha
''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriologica ...
. By saying this she was born in the world.
Acceptance of Sampooranathevan
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
told Sampooranathevan that his request for Paradevathai's birth had been granted. Sampooranathevan praised them and also requested that they pardon his sin (desiring the crown of Indra).
Mayon
Mayon ( bcl, Bulkan Mayon; tl, Bulkang Mayon, ), also known as Mount Mayon and Mayon Volcano ( es, Monte Mayón, Volcán Mayón), is an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay in Bicol, Philippines. A popular tourist spot, it is renown ...
replied that, she, Paradevathai, fell in love with you even though her husband was alive. That is a sin. You performed tavam to purify her. It too failed. So you too must be born in the world and suffer like her. There, due to your deep love for her, your mind will tend to commit suicide without unifying with her. You and
Paradevathai will live as husband and wife. At that time I will come and take you and transform you and give you birth as my son. And by you, I will wipe out my sorrows due to the sufferings of
The Santror
The Santror are the seven boys who were brought to life by using the seven seeds from seven upper worlds, by Thirumal, to the Seven Virgins through their instrumentality, according to Ayyavazhi mythology. It also represents their descendants. A ...
.
Sampooranathevan replied: "Your greatness, I was asked to be born in the world which is full of evil and sorrows. I request that you create me in the primitive Santror race. I also request that you save not only me but also the santror makkal among whom I am going to be born. And he asked Thirumal to say when he would go into the world to rescue him.
Thirumal
Perumal ( ta, பெருமாள் , translit=Perumāl) or Tirumal ( ta, திருமால், translit=Tirumāl) is a Hindu deity. Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamil Hindus in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Tamil diaspora, who ...
replied that he would be created in the world in the Santror race in Devakulam, and he pointed out some events which would take place in the world at the time of his arrival. Then Sampooranathevan praised Sivan and Thirumal and was born."
Birth of Sampooranathevan
The year as well as the exact date of birth of Sampooranathevan is a matter of conflict. Various historians place the year of birth as 1809 C.E while as few other sources placed his birth in 1808 C.E. The soul of Sampooranathevan was to be given birth in the world in a human body. Historians predict various dates from 12 March to 19 April. He has born as the second son to Ponnumadan - Kakaachi (also known as Veyilai) couple. The child was given birth by
Kakachi, wife of
Ponnu Nadar. This child grew and became known in history as Muthukutty.
Life of Sampooranathevan
Sampooranathevan also known as ''Muthukutty'' was born in 1809 to Ponnu Nadar and Veyilal Amma at
Poovandanthope in the
Kanyakumari District
Kanniyakumari district is one of the 38 districts in Tamil Nadu state and the southernmost district in mainland India. It stands second in terms of population density among the districts of Tamil Nadu. It is also the richest district in Tamil Nad ...
(part of
Travancore
The Kingdom of Travancore ( /ˈtrævənkɔːr/), also known as the Kingdom of Thiruvithamkoor, was an Indian kingdom from c. 1729 until 1949. It was ruled by the Travancore Royal Family from Padmanabhapuram, and later Thiruvananthapuram. A ...
then). They initially named the child Mudisoodum Perumal, meaning "Lord with a crown". But the people complained to authorities about the name and they forced the parents to change his name to ''Muthukutty''.
The boy was initially named Mudisoodum perumal, but due to the pressure from higher
caste
Caste is a form of social stratification characterised by endogamy, hereditary transmission of a style of life which often includes an occupation, ritual status in a hierarchy, and customary social interaction and exclusion based on cultural ...
s the name was changed to Muthukutty. He started his life as a palm climber. He met
Paradevathi and lived like a husband with his wife. Paradevathi soon gave birth to a son, but it was claimed that her first husband was the father. Akilam does not say anything about any birth.
Muthukutty was a religious boy who had special interest in
Lord Vishnu
Vishnu ( ; , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism.
Vishnu is known as "The Prese ...
. The holy book
Akilathirattu mentions that he set a pedestal for
Lord Vishnu
Vishnu ( ; , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism.
Vishnu is known as "The Prese ...
in his house. At age of seventeen, Muthukutty started to live with Thirumalammal from the nearby village of
Puviyur and she lived with him only to serve him during his public activities. Thirumalammal had been married, but left her former husband to marry Muthukutty. According to quotes found in ''
Akilathirattu'', they had a male child, who was sired by her first husband. Muthukutty earned his living as a
Palmyra palm
''Borassus'' (palmyra palm) is a genus of five species of fan palms, native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Papua New Guinea.
Description
These massive palms can grow up to high and have robust trunks with distinct leaf scars; in so ...
climber and as an agricultural laborer.
At the age of 17 he married
0a woman Thirumalammal of Puviyoor, Agastheeswaram, who was left alone by her husband. There is also a view that they never get married and that the women only came to serve him in his activities. He continued his early life as a Palmyra Climber and as an Agricultural labourer. At the age of 22 he fall ill.
There is another narrative that at his age of 16, the upper classes, being irritated by the inclusionary views and activities of Vaikundar and his popularity, made several attempts to eliminate him and all of them failed. So they eventually conspired to kill him in by clandestine means. They pretend to be get convinced to his view and pretend to celebrate him and his preachings. They invited him for a banquet at Marunthuvazh Malai. He was served with poison through food.
Muthukutty in his twenty-fourth year, he was struck by illness and suffered for a year. At this time, and in a dream of his mother
Lord Narayana asked her to take her son to
Thiruchendur
Tiruchendur is a municipality located in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is home to the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, which is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan.
Etymology
Tiruchendur, a temple town like many towns in the st ...
temple. His mother took her sick son to the temple at
Thiruchendur
Tiruchendur is a municipality located in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is home to the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, which is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan.
Etymology
Tiruchendur, a temple town like many towns in the st ...
, during a festival there. He went into the sea and disappeared. The parents searched for his body for one day. According to the legend, the day itself inside the sea Muthukutty also known as Sampooranathevan was granted
moksha
''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriologica ...
by
Lord Narayana.
See also
*
Ayyavazhi mythology
Ayyavazhi mythology is the mythology of the South Indian Hindu denomination religious faith known as Ayyavazhi, which is officially considered a Hindu sect. The main source of Ayyavazhi mythology is the Ayyavazhi scripture, Akilathirattu Am ...
*
Akilathirattu Ammanai
Akilathirattu Ammanai ( ta, அகிலத்திரட்டு அம்மானை; ''akilam'' ("world"), ''thirattu'' ("collection"), ''ammanai'' ("ballad")), also called Thiru Edu ("venerable book"), is the main religious text of the T ...
References
* N. Elango and Vijaya Shanthi Elango 1997, ''Ayya Vaikuntar - The Light of the World''.
* G. Patrick, Religion and Subaltern Agency, 2003, University of Madras.
* Akilathirattu Ammanai published by P. Thangaiyah Nadar, 1989.
*"Holy Akilathirattu", R. Hari Gopalan Citar, Thenthamarikualam, 10 December 1841, First Publication 1939
*"Holy Akilathirattu Scripture", R. Gopalakrishnan, Chennai, First Publication 2019, Published by Akilathirattu India Mission
External links
Dawn of Lord VaikuntarLife History of Lord Vaikundar
{{Ayyavazhi large
Ayyavazhi mythical figures