Few weeks back visited Vardarajar temple at Kanch puram on a week day since on weekends the temple remains closed due to Covid regulations.
This time was lucky to see the abhisekam of Utsavar --processional deity of Varadar ,and his two consorts -Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.All three are small .Slightly bigger than dolls.Varadar was taller of the three .He was wrapped in a white dhoti along his waist whilst His consorts were wrapped fully with sarees.They were placed on a table right opposite to the towering Moolavar who was several feet away.who was hidden from view by a curtain.His darshan could be had only after the abhisekam of utsavars was over .
It is poignant to see the perforated cheeks of utsavar Varadhar .It is as moving as the dented face of utsvar [-namperumal] of Sri Ranganathar at Sri Rangam temple.They both have stood the ravages of time , the perforations and dents on their faces a testimony to the long period of time they have been worshipped.
There was a sizeable crowd craning their necks to get a glimpse of the bathing of the idols.When the bhatacharya applied sandal paste lovingly to all the 3 vigrahams and placed a tulsi garland around thier necks and showed camphor arti ,the crowd went ectastic and chanted loudly Govinda! Govinda ! Govinda propelling me to do the same .Their devotion was infectious ,much more than that of that wretched Corona .There was a lot of jostling and excited noise when the priest poured the water from a pitcher sanctified by Vedic Mantras over the utsvars..
In such excited babbles and anxiety to get a good view of the abhisekham heard a melodious recital .which had a calming effect.A group of veda pandits were rendering Purusha sooktaum in a calm unhurried manner in musical tones .This was as cooling to hear as to see the sanctified water being poured over the idols.A sense of tranquility descended ,and earthly matters seemed trivial.
This abhisekam ritual has two interpretations known to me. Bhagwans essence is enshrined in all His idols.Since He is our custody he is taken care of like a child viz bathing , dressing and so on .
The second is that Bhagwan is so accesible to his devotees that he lets us see his sacred form head to foot without robes and ornaments covering it,[except for a cloth around his waist] in the pretext of taking a bath..
After this was over the curtains hiding Moolavar from view was drawn back and we were allowed to walk up the few steps carved on the hill stands and get a close view of His majestic form.Varadar is tall and hefty.He has a wonder ful smile on His face and He exudes happiness that pervades the sanctum .I smiled back and felt happy.
His unadulterated joy writ all over His face lips and eyes [which is not fully covered by thirumun unlike Srinivasar] reminded me of His avatar as Sri Krishna, who made every one happy with his mischief ,pranks and practical advises.
Though He towers over all with His fearsome weapons viz mace , chakra and conch , Varadar has a happy countenance and a engaging smile that draws one closer to him fearlessly like as if He is a close friend,who would never harm but only invigorate and infuse confidence even to those who are for the first time having a glimpse of His form/Moorthy.
Varadar's darshan is a happy moment .
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