Gurukkal Blogs

  Koothambai Sidhar Koothambai Sidhar Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh " Andathukappal akanta sudarine Pindathul parppayadi Kuthambai pindathul parpayadi. "           T he divine light that fills this universe is also within you. Just as we cannot see nothingness or vacuum, we are unable to sense the Brahmam within us. It is because of our ignorance. These lines are by Koothambai Siddhar, who is prominent among the 18 Siddhars. The depth of the lyrics are as impressive as the beauty of their composition. Siddhar tradition is the continuous exploration of the separation and the unity of Parabrahmam and the body or Andam and pindam.           The pursuit to understand the Siddhar tradition is futile without a spiritual angle. Koothambai Sidhar songs are pearls of pure wisdom. The name Koothambai itself is different. Koothambai is an ornament that women wear on their ears. In those times, his mother made him wear them and called him lo...

  Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh The Agasthyarkoodam Trip Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh           A nother “Agasthyayanam” has been completed. The 24th trek or pilgrimage. Every year, the mountain converses with the heart invites motherly affection. The heart leaps, excitement drums up in the mind and yet another pilgrimage begins. Even without us consciously knowing.            As usual, this time to there is a fifteen-member team accompanying from Agasthyam Kalari. 26km walking trail from Bonacaud Forest Station. First-day halt at Athirumala base camp after crossing Karamana, Vazhapindi, and Attayar rivers and the large grasslands.            It is a tougher climb on the second day. Through rocky outcrops and bamboo forests, we ascend above the clouds to witness the majestic summit, Agasthya Darshanam, towering above with an embedded history of eons. It’s a dreamy landscape of immense beauty. Sit...