By remembering again and again, feeling deeply and ever more deeply, melting more and more, love
Fills and overflows — tears stream forth, soaking the body;
Soaked and soaked, it becomes grace-nectar, a precious treasure of wisdom,
O King who leads the path of knowledge — what right do I have, my Lord?
We bow down and worship You — come, O worldly people!
We too can live in a deathless, eternal life!
I do not fabricate, nor do I speak falsehoods — I speak the truth:
This is the very moment to enter the Golden Hall, the Little Hall!
(From Jnana Sariyai – 1)
If we constantly think of the Divine, feel Him through awareness, melt in ecstasy, and become filled with love — and if we perform such Radiant Tapas (spiritual austerity) sincerely, then tears will begin to overflow from His holy feet and start to soak our entire body.
For such spontaneous tears to flow, it is only possible through the deep love we express for the Divine during this radiant tapas. When these tears, born of spiritual fire, begin to flow through the body like a stream, the two sacred feet of the Lord merge together, and the third sacred foot begins to manifest at the Mahāra point (a deep spiritual center).
By firmly grasping this third foot, and entering into the Cave of Pranava, which holds the ultimate truth, and carrying the nectar-breath as light through the Sushumna Nadi (the subtle spiritual channel), we reach the Divine Chamber of Brahman.
There, the essence of Shiva exists — as honey, as nectar, and as sugarcane juice. Upon seeing the seeker, He begins a blissful cosmic dance.
It is this very spiritual experience that is expressed in the verses:
“Through tears, one can attain You,” and
“By grace, may this humble devotee come and unite with You.”
With these words, the saintly Manikkavacakar, who is both a guide and a seeker, records another profound and monumental document for Radiant Tapas through this hymn. It is visibly known that Manikkavacakar undertook the tapas of Brahma Jñāna (divine wisdom), attained Brahma Jñāna, became one with Shiva, and achieved the light-body (Oli Thegam).
Just as human life needs food, what nourishment does the soul need?
Just as food helps the body grow, there must also be nourishment that enhances the soul’s vitality — its life-force. Among the foods that protect the body from decay, honey is considered the finest — even medicinal.
Bees collect nectar from blossoming flowers and produce honeycombs.
In the same way, a person must collect the honey for the soul — bit by bit each day — like a bee, from the nectar breeze of the cosmos, and store it in the soul’s chamber.
Only then will the soul’s container, at some point, overflow — transforming into nectar honey, melting and streaming down the throat.
The seeker who drinks this divine honey attains deathlessness and lives on as an immortal (chiranjivi).
This is the truth that the Thiruvasagam Honey teaches us.
The honeycomb that is Thiruvasagam was built by the sacred bee Manikkavacakar, who sat only on the Divine Lotus Feet of the Lord to gather his nectar.
The honey of Thiruvasagam comes from a single divine flower. Manikkavacakar, the sacred bee, did not rest on any other flower.
The Supreme Lord — who took the form of a humble worker carrying earth in Madurai — gave this gift, not just of mud but of divine music, as this song-filled Thiruvasagam.
Thiruvasagam is indeed a scripture of Brahma Jñāna, written under the Lord’s divine direction.
How many countless births has man taken!
How many struggles and weariness have come upon him!
How much pain from difficult births!
How many endless traps and obstacles have surrounded him!
If one wishes to be freed from all this, come —
Let us recite the honeyed nectar verses of Thiruvasagam!
What is birth? What is life?
What are the joys and sorrows found within it?
What are good and evil?
How many thousands of sufferings must the soul endure, trapped in this cycle of illusion!
If these sufferings are to end,
There is only one path — the recitation of Thiruvasagam.
To Overcome Suffering and Attain Bliss — Sing Thiruvasagam! Recite Thiruvasagam! Drink the Nectar of Thiruvasagam!
Thiruvasagam is not a collection of poems composed to melt the body, heart, or mind alone. It is a set of Sāmaveda-like hymns that rise to awaken the life-force sleeping within us.
What should a true song do?
It must melt our soul and cause the nectar of divine bliss to flow. That is precisely the great and noble work that Thiruvasagam performs.
Those who recite Thiruvasagam with true awareness know this well.
If we not only recite it but also cling firmly to the path of Brahma Jnana Tapas (divine wisdom austerity) that Thiruvasagam teaches, we can easily cross the vast ocean of birth and death.
The proof — the living example — is this:
Manikkavasagar, having completed his recitation of Thiruvasagam, attained a light-body (Oli Thegam) and merged with the Divine.
Saint Sundarar once said:
“I fattened the flesh and lost the soul.”
This teaches us that the body must remain under the control of the soul (the ātman), not the other way around.
It is good — both for the body and the soul — if the body is light in weight. Likewise, the body’s desires must be minimal.
Only then can the soul’s aspirations grow and flourish.
Therefore, using the primordial sound vibrations (Paranāda Shaktis) within our body, we must reduce the dominance of the physical form.
Then, we can attach ourselves to the light of the soul’s knowledge.
Yes — light is the symbol of wisdom.
The Prophet Muhammad prayed to the Almighty, saying:
“O Lord, fill my body with light.”
Because the soul is filled with the light of knowledge, a unique kind of bliss arises in the body —
Not ordinary pleasure, but an infinite, boundless bliss!
A bliss made of pure joy, without interruptions, without obstacles.
It is because we do not understand the preciousness of this soul-born bliss that we continue to lose many valuable things in life so casually.
As long as ignorance of the soul exists within us,
We will never be able to approach or realize the soul.
It is this ignorance that fills every chapter of world history.
Therefore, if we are to conquer our karmas and cut off the cycle of rebirth,
There is no other path than to urgently call upon Lord Shiva to come to us.
This is the only way that seems certain to us.
In the undying flood of bliss, He presses deep within,
Showing compassion in what decays, removing fierce karmic sins,
He who cut off ancient defilements — the Lord of great Pandya’s realm,
His gift is for the whole wide world — go forth, receive it first!
(Thirupandip Pathigam – Verse 8)
Thus, Manikkavacakar earnestly calls upon the Divine.
As a result of his Brahma Jnana Tapas (austerity for supreme wisdom), the three impurities (anava, karma, maya) were removed, and Manikkavacakar shone with perfect knowledge rooted in divine realization. Immersed and overflowing in the flood of Shivananda (bliss of Shiva), he composed and offered this nectar-like scripture, Thiruvasagam, which begins by praising the Lord with the sacred mantra “Namashivaya.”
It concludes with the expression of the supreme bliss he attained, saying:
“Who can describe the grace You have shown me, O Mother — oh, such wonder!”
This divine poetic work comprises 51 hymns (pathigams) and 658 verses (pasurams).
Within it, one can witness and savor the countless supreme blissful experiences of Manikkavacakar. It beautifully explains how we too may attain such experiences.
Its sweet and simple words take residence in our minds and immerse our ears in the nectar of divine sound.
Like the rhythmic jingling of the glorious anklets of the sacred feet, the divine words of this scripture awaken deep devotion and pour forth the sweet nectar of Shiva Jnana — a blend of honey, milk, and sugarcane — filled with exquisite flavor.
These gem-like words have the power to:
- reveal the subtle truths of Brahma Jnana to those who have undertaken the spiritual path,
- clarify the divine wisdom hidden in its mystery,
- direct seekers toward that wisdom through the sacred feet, and
- ultimately unite them with the Supreme Truth — the essence of Shiva.
Because of these profound spiritual gifts, Thiruvasagam remains an eternal classic, untouched by time.
Indeed, it is composed of the pure, grace-filled words of the saint whose mind was fully merged with Shiva.
It is Thiruvasagam, the scripture that flows like divine honey —
Even before the mind grasps its meaning, the words themselves begin to bestow grace upon the reader.
A Pact with Shiva
How should one truly love the Lord?
How does one reach Him?
To know this, we must ask Manikkavacakar, who lived in a human body yet attained the radiant light-body.
To show how to love God, Manikkavacakar humbly proposes a small pact with Shiva:
O Father! The Mother resides in the center of Your heart, and You reside within Her heart.
My only yearning is to have both of You dwell within my heart.
If You could grant me just one small favor —
place me in the midst of Your devoted servants —
that alone will be enough.
O Lord of the golden Chidambaram, the One beyond reach, the source of all!
The Lady (Shakti) resides at the center of Your being, and You dwell within Her heart.
If both of You would dwell within the center of this humble devotee,
Then, grant me the grace to live among Your true devotees.
O Lord, who stands before me, fulfilling even the deepest thoughts of my heart!
(Kovil Mootha Thirupathigam – Verse 1)
Why doesn’t liberation come even after reciting it fully?
In many Shiva temples across our country, the practice of “Thiruvasagam Muttrothuthal” (complete chanting of Thiruvasagam) is widely performed by devotees of Lord Shiva. Since childhood, we have taken part in several such events. Each time we witness these ceremonies, a recurring thought stirs within: rather than seeing the chanting and emotional immersion in Thiruvasagam as a profound spiritual experience born of inner realization, it often appears more like a religious ritual rooted in the belief that “chanting Thiruvasagam brings benefit.”
This thought would flash through me like lightning — again and again — and leave my mind restless.
It’s true that an ancient Tamil proverb says,
“Those who are not moved by the Thiruvasagam will not be moved by any scripture.”
Yet, the lingering question that deeply troubled me was this:
Why is it that the essence of Brahma Jnana (Supreme Wisdom) expressed in Thiruvasagam fails to truly settle into the hearts of those who recite it?
When I asked myself where to seek an answer, the thought of our first Guru, the grace-filled Vallalar, instantly arose in my heart. I turned to his words on Thiruvasagam, especially the line:
“O Manikkavacakar, whose word is mingled with the heavens, I too blend my being while singing your verses.”
That’s when I truly realized:
Is mere recitation of Thiruvasagam enough to drink its nectar?
Only when “I” am blended with the verses, can the Divine truly be grasped.
What happens when this “I” is merged with the song?
Let’s listen to the poetic insight of Vallalar:
“Mix the juice of fine sugarcane with honey, mix it with milk, and blend in the sweet essence of ripe fruit…”
If all this is mixed together, won’t the taste overwhelm us? Will it be too much?
When asked whether that would be pleasant, Vallalar replied:
“Now mix your flesh and soul with that sweetness — and you will discover a nectar that never overwhelms but instead becomes a lasting, balanced delight. That nectar of divine sweetness will never tire the heart — ever.”
This is the subtle teaching:
Not merely chanting — but merging one’s being with the sacred words of Thiruvasagam is what opens the gateway to divine grace and liberation.
Verse 1
“O Manikkavacakar, whose words are blended with the heavens,
When I sing your verses with my own self merged into them —
Just like mixing rich sugarcane juice with honey, with milk,
And with the sweet essence of ripe fruit —
So too, when my flesh and soul are mixed into your words,
The result is a sweetness that never cloys, never fades.”
Verse 2
“O flawless gem-like Manikkavacakar!
When your sacred verses are heard —
Even the lowliest birds nearby, and the most brutal wild beasts,**
Abandon their cruel instincts and grow eager for true wisdom.**
If such a transformation is possible in them,
Is it any wonder, then, that I, too, have found the path to Truth?”
Do We Still Need More Commentary, Proof, or Explanation for Thiruvasagam?
Vallalar Peruman, who declared, “We are born into the noble lineage of devotees who came stepping on golden plantain leaves,” lived relatively recently compared to our present time. After completing the composition of Jñāna Sāriyāi, he attained the light-body and merged with the Divine as pure light. Even now, he continues to dwell among us, bestowing the light of grace and wisdom.
If we follow the path of truth revealed by him, and recite Thiruvasagam in the state described as “flesh and soul intertwined”, then wouldn’t even Shiva, who may not come otherwise, rush forth to sit in our heart? Tell me, wouldn’t He?
Just as the celestial sky opened up for Manikkavacakar, the nectarous divine sky will open up within us too.
If we recite Thiruvasagam and yet the nectarous divine sky does not arise within us, then how can liberation (mukti), spiritual powers (siddhi), pure body, pranava body, wisdom body, or body of grace ever manifest?
This is why we must reflect deeply, and take up as our daily prayer the practice of reciting Thiruvasagam with our entire being — flesh and soul combined. When Thiruvasagam is recited in that manner, Shiva Jñāna (supreme knowledge of Shiva) will be realized, and even the grace-body will become attainable.
To See Shiva, One Needs the Heart of a Cow That Has Birthed a Calf
If we desire to behold the golden sacred feet of the Lord within our very life-force (soul), we must melt like the heart of a cow that has given birth to a calf.
The heart of the mother cow, seeing her calf grow, melts in love without any expectation — not because the calf will do this or that, but simply because of the pure love she has for her calf. That love alone makes her heart soften and overflow.
I seek not kin, nor town, nor fame,
I seek not scholars, nor imagined desires anymore.
O Lord, the Dancer who dwells in Kuttralam,
Grant me a heart that melts and overflows
like that of a cow for its calf —
for Your anklet-adorned, resounding sacred feet.
(Thiruvasagam : 39-3)
Because the Lord said, “Manikkavasagar, live here a few more days and then come to Thillai to see Me,” He temporarily parted from him. That parting caused Manikkavasagar’s heart to melt like that of a cow for its calf. And from that melting love and longing, we received the wondrous spiritual scripture known as Thiruvasagam. What else can we call this other than a divine gift granted to the living beings of the world by the grace of the Lord?
If even one person aligns themselves truthfully with the path of Brahma Jnana Tapas (austerity for supreme wisdom) that Thiruvasagam speaks of, and dissolves like Manikkavasagar himself, then attaining the Lord becomes truly easy for them. That is precisely why Vallalar said, “If I merge and sing it…” and why Tirumular declared, “It is a mantra realized through the deep experience of embodiment.”
Manikkavasagar endured countless intense hardships and personal struggles that swept over him like floods. Taking on the burdens and faults of countless ignorant people as his own, he rained divine wisdom upon the world. Out of this deep compassion, love, and tears, Thiruvasagam bloomed — each verse a flower born from the soul of a being who had become one with all.
The Nectar Is Already Within Us
According to the divine command of the Lord, Manikkavasagar visited many sacred Shiva temples before arriving at Chidambaram. There, many devoted Shaivites (servants of Shiva) received him with reverence and honor. They approached him and said, “We are Shiva’s devotees and know some of His glories. Yet, we have not been blessed to see Him with our own eyes. You, who have seen in Tirupperunthurai what Brahma and Vishnu could not — please share that spiritual realization with us.”
Moved by their sincere plea, Manikkavasagar entered into deep Brahma Jnana Tapas. As he sank into that state, he forgot the devotees surrounding him, forgot himself, forgot his body, forgot his life force, forgot his senses and perceptions — and completely dissolved in divine bliss.
His heart, speech, body, and soul all melted and merged into the Tiru — the sacred — and from this union emerged the ten hymns of the Koil Thirupathigam. Each verse was not merely sung to the Lord, but with Him — as if the Lord stood before him — and the divine flood of grace began to overflow, melting the flesh and bones of all who heard it.
To Truly See the Lord…
“O Paramashiva! You are the crystal-clear sweetness of nectar like honey, dwelling gloriously in Tirupperunthurai — the vast Pranava lotus, the beautiful ultimate path. You are the blissful One who transcends all states, my own beloved form! You are the One who blocks the deceptive sensory powers — the five senses — that seek to delude my mind and distract me. Because You blocked them, You now pour divine nectar into my sacred feet. Arising from within me is the supreme divine radiance — a pure light of transcendent connection. O Lord, rise within me as that light and let me see You in Your true luminous form!”
May all beings live in bliss!
Thiruchitrambalam! 🌸
