Chennai: The entire universe is powered by two great forces: Shiva and Shakti. Lord Muruga embodies the complete union of these two immense energies. The wondrous Maha Mantra of this divine form is "Om Saravana Bhava." In an exclusive interview with Aanmeegaglitz, renowned spiritual speaker Vijayakumar extensively shared the glory of this six-syllable mantra and the secrets of performing the associated Shatkona Yantra Pooja.
"Om Saravana Bhava" – The Embodiment of Shiva-Shakti: As the lines "Vel undu vinaiyillai, Mayil undu bayamillai, Gugan undu kuraivillai, Kandhan undu kavalaiyillai" proclaim, Lord Muruga's grace is boundless. Muruga is the combined form of Shiva and Shakti, the fundamental energies behind cosmic existence. The wondrous Maha Mantra of this form is "Om Saravana Bhava." Vijayakumar Ayya mentioned that the greatness of this mantra is detailed by Pamban Swamigal in his work "Aar Ezhuthu Unmai" (The Truth of the Six Syllables). He emphasized that this mantra protects those who chant it and that Lord Muruga himself initiated many devotees, including Arunagirinathar, into this mantra. Just as Arunagirinathar says, "Mukthikkoru Vithu Gurupara" (the seed for liberation, O Guru), the Saravana Bhava mantra is the sole seed for attaining liberation in life. The six syllables "Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va" correspond to Muruga's six divine faces.
The Glory and Method of Drawing the Shatkona Yantra: An 'Yantra' is a tool that activates divine energy. Lord Muruga's Shatkona Yantra is composed of six points formed by an upward-pointing triangle (representing Lord Shiva) and a downward-pointing triangle (representing Goddess Adhiparasakthi). This is a magnificent representation of the Shiva-Shakti union.
Method for drawing the Yantra:
Select a Plank: Choose a small wooden plank made of high-quality wood like sandalwood or jackfruit.
Purification: Cleanse the plank by applying turmeric paste and place it in your puja area.
Drawing the Kolam: Using rice flour, precisely draw the Shatkona (six-pointed star) with an upward-pointing triangle and a downward-pointing triangle. Use a ruler to ensure the lines are straight and of the correct proportions.
Filling: Fill the six sections (triangles) of the Yantra completely with turmeric powder, leaving no gaps.
Inscribing Syllables: Inscribe the syllables "Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va" within each of the six corners of the Yantra.
Energizing the Yantra (Infusing Life Force): To activate the drawn Yantra, it needs to be infused with living energy. This energy can be channeled from within ourselves:
Mantra Chanting: With single-minded devotion to Muruga, chant the "Om Saravana Bhava" mantra 108 times mentally, matching the rhythm of your breath.
Flower Offering: Offer flowers onto the Yantra with each repetition of the mantra.
Thiruppugazh Recitation: To fully activate the Yantra, recite the Thiruppugazh starting with "Saravana Bhava Nidhi Arumuga Gurupara..." composed by Arunagirinathar at Thiruvengadam. By reciting this Thiruppugazh, just as Arunagirinathar experienced, Lord Muruga will personally manifest and reside within the center of the Shatkona Yantra.
Yantra Pooja and Its Benefits: Once Lord Muruga manifests within the Yantra, the puja should be performed:
Mantra Chanting: Chant "Om Shatkonapathaye Namo Namah" (a mantra given by Pamban Swamigal) while offering six flowers.
Dhoopam & Deepam: Light lamps, offer incense (dhoopam), and camphor (deepam), and with heartfelt devotion, offer Naivedyam (food offering).
Recitations: Recite Thiruppugazh, Kandar Alangaram, and Kandar Anubhuti.
Benefits of Each Syllable of "Om Saravana Bhava" Mantra:
Sa: Grants Lakshmi Kataksham (blessings of wealth).
Ra: Bestows Vaak Vammai (eloquence) and Saraswati Kataksham (blessings of knowledge).
Va: Brings Yogam (spiritual attainment) and Bhogam (worldly enjoyments).
Na: Ensures Vetri (victory).
Ba: Leads to Mukti (liberation).
Va: Confers a Noyatra Vazhvai (disease-free life). As Arunagirinathar states, this mantra grants Iha Para Soubhagyam (happiness in this world and the next).
Purity and Faith Are Essential: For this puja, inner purity, physical purity, and the cleanliness of the space are paramount. God does not manifest in unclean places. If you perform this puja with unwavering faith, focusing solely on Muruga and not on your worries, Lord Muruga will undoubtedly resolve your concerns and deliver immediate results.
Auspicious Days for Pooja:
Shashti Tithis (both waxing and waning moon phases).
Fridays (Narada Maharishi and Musukunda Chakravarthi highlighted this as significant).
The monthly Krithigai Nakshatram.
Vijayakumar Ayya emphatically stated that these wondrous practices were revealed by Arunagirinathar in the 15th century, who was personally embraced by Lord Muruga. Performing these rituals with heartfelt devotion will undoubtedly transform our lives.
