Saint Ramalinga Adigalar, who became popular as Vallalar, or the Great Munificent, was known for his boundless compassion towards all beings – which included even the paddy crop that was drying without water! Though he was able to attract a huge following, he felt that they were not paying enough attention to the teachings he wanted them to adopt in daily living. Dejected, he sang, ‘Kadai Virithen Kolvarillai’ (I opened shop but there are no takers for my goods), and ‘left’ this world on Thai Poosam day (without shedding his mortal coil).
Special arrangements are being made at Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam, Walajapet, to celebrate Thai Poosam festival which falls on Tuesday, February 7, 2012.
Arutperunjothi Vallalar’s first-of-its-kind, 4-foot, black stone idol has been installed at the peedam and abishekam, mantra japa homam, Arutpa recital, annadhanam will happen between 6 a.m. and 12 Noon. Special jothi will be lit at 6 p.m.
To encourage the poor towards education, peedam founder, Sri Muralidhara Swamigal, will be giving away study materials (notebook, pen, pencil, scale, etc.) and dress materials to the needy.
ABOUT VALLALAR
Arutperunjothi Ramalinga Adigalar may be regarded as the foremost of the saints of the 19th century, considering his realisation of the Divine in all beings.
This great saint established his Sathya Gnana Sabai (True Knowledge League) at Vadalur to spread his messages. He named Vadalur ‘Uttara Gnana Chidambaram’, meaning ‘North Chidambaram of Wisdom’. He started a ‘Samarasa Sanmargham’ for the propagation of his ideal - Universal Compassion. A charity house (Dharma Sala) was started to feed the pious and poor without any caste difference. It is said 10,000 people were fed within three days of its starting. A school (Samarasa-Dharma Padasala) was started to teach students the Arutpa. The Sathya Gnana Sabai, an auditorium, was established to preach the spiritual ideals equally to all.
‘Hail Supreme Light Divine! Hail Supreme Grace Divine!’ (Arutperun Jyoti Thaniperun Karunai) is the mantra chanted by Vallalar’s devotees.
There exists a sacred light (jothi), lit by Vallalar in the Gnana Sabai, that has been glowing till now – for over 150 years. This is proof of the saint’s belief that god is light. He has no form.
We cannot see the jothi on normal days. There are seven sacred screens which hide the jothi from view and darshan is allowed only on ‘Thai Poosam’ day. Vallalar said to see god (jothi) seven things have to be followed: Removing jealousy, lies, anger, desires, showing love to all living things, submitting ourselves to god.
Donations can be sent to the peedam DD/cheque/money order drawn in favour of Sri Muralidhara Swamigal to the address given below or funds can be transferred to S.B. Account No.10917462439 with State Bank of India, Walajapet Branch, branch code 0775.
For more details, contact:
Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam
Ananthalai Madhura, Kilpudupet,
Walajapet – 632513, Vellore District.
Phones: 91-4172-230033/292133/292433/0-94433-30203
E-mail: danvantripeedam@gmail.com
www.danvantri.org
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