Poompavai
Sivanesar was a merchant in Mylapore. He wanted to marry off her daughter Poompavai to Sambandar. Before this wish could be fulfilled, Poompavai died of snakebite. Sivanesar kept her bones in a pot and was waiting for Sambandar. Sambandar, after visiting Tiruvottriyur came to Mayilai. Sivanesar narrated the story to Sambandar and brought the pot of bones. Sambandar sang the 'Mattitta..' padigam. Poombavai emerged alive from the bones. Sambandar then explained that he could not marry her as Sivanesar's daughter was dead and the new Poompavai is Siva's daughter. Poompavai festival is celebrated on the 8th day of Panguni Peruvizha (the Brahmotsavam).
In the padigam, Sambandar mentions many festivals that happen at Tirumayilai and asks Poompavai how she could die without seeing them. The festivals he mentions are: Purattasi Pooratadi, Aippasi Onam, Karthikai Deepam, Margazhi Tiruvadirai, Thai Poosam, Masi Magam (bathing in sea), Panguni Uthiram, Chitirai Ashtami, Vaikasi Ponnoonjal (Swing festival), Pavitrosavam (Aani, Aadi, Aavani). That is, a festival on Pounrnami of every month. This is a moving, emotion filled padigam.
Mayilai is also the place of Vayilar Nayanar who worshipped Siva in the temple of his heart (Manakkovil), lit the lamp of knowledge (Gnana vilakku), bathed him in water of bliss (Inba neer), fed him love (anbu unavu) and thus performed Gnana Poojai. Pl do see his shrine in the southern side.
Oodhuvar
If you go to Mayilai, one experience you cannot miss is listening to the Oodhuvar singing Thevaram. Beautiful voice, moving lines, clear pronounciation, simple tunes. Amazing! He sang Nattai, Saveri, Kedara Gowlai, Yadukula Kambodhi, etc. His Navagraha Padigam was so moving that you cannot but shed tears. Please sit in front of him and close your eyes. He will bring Kapali in your manakkovil. I realised the meaning of the padigam as I was listening to him - En Ulame Pugundhadhadhanal - Avai nalla nalla Adiyar Avarkku Migave - meaning, Siva enters your heart with matted locks, Gangai and Chandran and the Navagrahas can only be benefactors.
Nayanmar Festivals
Mayilai observes the festivals of all Nayanmars on the respective dates. Not many temples do this.
2 comments:
Satgurunatha Odhuvar's music is divine.
do you know if there is a [particular time that tevaram is sung here?
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