Tirukkachi Nambi

The guru or acharya is central to our system of philosophy. In order to lead a principled life, one has to live as per our sastra. However, it is not an easy task to understand the scriptures. At a superficial level, it may seem that some texts are in conflict with one another. The various mantras and slokas are also inlaid with deeper meanings that are not easy to decipher. It is here that the acharyas and gurus play a great role, by deconstructing the nuanced texts and help a devotee surrender to God completely.

Even someone close to God cannot gain salvation if one does not have a guru, as exemplified by the life of Tirukkachi Nambi, said P. Swaminathan. Born in Poonamallee near Chennai in the Tamil month of Masi under the Mrugaseerisham star, he received a fair share of his father’s estate, but instead of wanting to multiply it, he bought a piece of land and grew flowers in them in order to offer them to Varadaraja Perumal in Kanchi. His principle in life was simple: money may come and go, earthly pleasures may turn into sorrow, but devotion to God is the only permanent thing in this life. People marvelled at his devotion, when he walked to Kanchi every morning, carrying fresh garlands made from fragrant flowers from his garden to the deity at the Varadaraja Perumal temple.

One day, standing near the sanctum sanctorum and gazing upon Varadaraja with total bhakti, he was startled by the beads of perspiration on the idol and was moved to tears at what he perceived as the Lord suffering from sweltering heat. Sensing His devotee’s emotions, Varadaraja invited Tirukkachi Nambi to step forward and fan him, much to the latter’s delight. This became a daily ritual. In due course, the two began to converse with each other.

Once, when Nambi was walking to the temple, he was startled when a person bent down and smeared the earth on which Nambi’s feet had touched. Where you walk is sacred ground, and I will be blessed, claimed that man. A curious Nambi asked Varadaraja if the man would attain moksha for his act. The Lord confirmed the same. When Nambi wondered if he would also get moksha for his devotion to Perumal, the Lord said, “For that, we have been conversing with you. To attain moksha, first seek a guru.”