The Embrace of Grace on Mahashivratri

Grace humbles one utterly. This poem is a simple and a humble narration of the immensity of the Grace of Lord Siva as Panchavarneshwara abiding in an ancient temple in Uraiyur, near Trichy on Mahashivratri.

In Shiva’s sacred night,

Thousands thronged at His Feet,

Into the massive temple that night,

The timeless in time stood; to the eyes, an utter treat!

I walked my way in the precincts,

Of sculpted splendour of magnificence!

In the ancient abode of Uraiyur distinct,

Where Siva abides as Panchavarneswara, the significant!

A form so small, yet with immeasurable might-

I stood almost mute to address,

With eyes fixed on Him in sheer delight,

“Appa”, “Appa” were all that I could express!

The priest waved the lamp to the light of all lights,

For the earthly eyes to behold,

Lost in the fanciful world of ethereal heights,

To merge with Him within in bliss untold.

I took a few steps turning around,

To make my way out, at the ritual’s end,

While some received flowers that the Lord adorned,

The wish seized me, and my arm I extended.

Just then, the flowers were done,

With nothing more to offer,

The priest with an expression of having none,

Looked at me helpless in that hour.

Swiftly he looked about to secure one-

And tried to pluck a rose,

From the garland that hung in the arm of another one (priest),

To appease my wish that arose.

The latter turned around,

Sensing the little pull,

The former requested for me a fair flower, round,

As I stood still.

No second thought, the latter handed it to me,

A long garland that adorned the Lord!

Dazed, I reached out for the one for me to be,

As the former smiled with an affirming nod.

He raised his hands in the air,

And said, by grace “all will be well!”

The latter smiled too assuming care,

I smiled back with gratitude in swell.

As they turned to the crowd to attend,

I gazed at the Lord amazed,

With such unfathomable Grace He tends,

Only to leave one dazed.

I reflected alone in leisure,

That insignificant are my wants,

As He gives beyond measure,

Humbled I am against any further haunts.

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