vallalar sabai vadalur

vallalar sabai  Vallalar, also known as Arutprakasa Vallalar Chidambaram Ramalingam (1823-1874), was a highly revered Tamil saint, poet, philosopher, and social reformer of the 19th century. He is considered one of the greatest Tamil saints and belongs to the lineage of “gnana siddhars” – saints possessing profound wisdom.

Here’s a summary of his life and significance:

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination:

• Born on October 5, 1823, in Marudur village near Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.
• Displayed a strong spiritual inclination from a young age.
• Had a profound spiritual experience at the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple as a five-month-old infant.
• Lost his father at a young age and moved with his family to Chennai (then Madras).
• Showed little interest in formal education but spent much time in the Kandha Kottam Kandha Swami temple, where he began his spiritual journey and composed his first devotional poems.
• It is believed he renounced worldly life around the age of 13.

Spiritual Journey and Teachings:

• Vallalar emphasized universal love and compassion towards all living beings (Jeeva Karunyam) as the primary path to spiritual liberation. He believed that service to humanity is service to God.
• He advocated for a casteless society and condemned discrimination based on birth, religion, or any other differences. He saw all beings as children of one God.
• He was against killing animals for food and strongly promoted vegetarianism as a moral and spiritual imperative.
• He condemned idol worship and rituals, advocating for the worship of the formless, universal Divine conceived as Arut Perum Jothi – the Vast Grace-Light and Knowledge.
• His teachings emphasized the importance of inner purity, self-inquiry (vichara), and devotion to attain spiritual enlightenment.
• He founded the Samarasa Vedha Sanmarga Sangam (1865), later renamed Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga Sathya Sangam (1872), meaning “Society for pure truth in universal self-hood,” to propagate his teachings.

Establishments in Vadalur:

• In 1867, he established the Sathya Dharma Salai in Vadalur, a free kitchen that continues to serve food to all without discrimination. On the inaugural day, he declared that the fire in the kitchen should remain ever-burning, and the needy should be fed forever.
• In 1872, he founded the Sathya Gnana Sabha in Vadalur, a unique temple where God is worshipped as the Arut Perum Jothi (Vast Grace-Light). The temple has no idols and is open to all, except non-vegetarians. An oil lamp lit by him is kept perpetually burning there.

Literary Works:

• Vallalar was a prolific poet and composed around 5818 poems filled with devotion and wisdom, compiled into “Thiruvarutpa” (Sacred Utterances of Grace) in six volumes.
• His other notable works include “Manumurai Kanda Vasagam,” which describes the life of Manu Needhi Cholan, and “Jeeva Karunya Ozhukkam,” which elaborates on the principles of compassion towards living beings.

Disappearance:

• On January 30, 1874, Vallalar entered his room called Siddhi Valagam and asked his followers not to open it. He stated that he would not be found there afterward, implying a spiritual merging with the Divine.
• When the room was opened by the government authorities in May of the same year, it was found empty, and Vallalar was never seen again. His disappearance is considered by his followers as his ultimate spiritual attainment – merging with the Arut Perum Jothi.

Legacy:

• Vallalar’s teachings continue to inspire millions with his emphasis on universal love, compassion, equality, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through inner devotion.
• His establishment of the Sathya Dharma Salai stands as a testament to his practical approach to compassion and service to humanity.
• He is remembered as a great saint who transcended religious and social barriers, advocating for a life of kindness and spiritual growth.

In essence, Vadalur Vallalar was a remarkable figure who championed a spiritual path centered on love and compassion for all life, social equality, and a direct experience of the Divine Light. His teachings and institutions continue to have a profound impact on Tamil society and beyond.