Mind-Bending Synchronicities
The reading was done but there was no relief. I felt more overwhelmed and weighed down than before. Briefly unpacking my long reading had ushered in the sunset. After a short break we reconvened to discuss the temple visits, driving plan, arrangements for the rituals and more. That settled, we had to focus on the prayer that had to be performed that night. Suddenly realizing something the reader hurried out of the room and returned with a source of reference to confirm if the prayer could be performed that night. He bent over the book in his hands, reading intently. Mentally fatigued and overwhelmed I could not consider the possibility nor the impossibility of that outcome. “Yes”, he finally exclaimed loudly, “the time between this and that time tonight is very auspicious, we must go ahead”. That was a further indication that these events were possibly the hand of something greater. The time too was auspicious. The synchronicities were mind-bending.
A Nadi Reader Worthy of his Gift
It was already a little after 5pm. The day was long and exhausting. Numerous items required for the impending prayer had to be purchased without delay to ensure it’s completion within the auspicious time period. It was too late in the evening to drive out the distance to larger stores that enabled card payments. Time was of essence hence the purchases had to be made from small traders close by, where cash was required. The demonetisation process in India at the time had resulted in much inconvenience and left us with little cash and freedom to purchase. We had no problems with card payments. Aware of this and completely sensitive to the situation the selfless Nadi reader stated that he would go out and make all the purchases. He added that he knew what was required, where to get them and would return without losing much time. He acknowledged that he too had difficulties obtaining cash however he would find a way to get it done and we should not be concerned around the issue of cash at that time. This was not acceptable to us and we did not wish to inconvenience him further. We tried to talk him away from it; unsuccessfully. He had decided. He insisted on going ahead and reminded us that time was running out. Fortunately we were able to transfer funds electronically which brought some relief to the problem.
All Obstacles Removed
We returned to our hotel, freshened up for the prayer and hurried back to the residence of the Nadi reader. He arrived shortly thereafter clutching onto several bags containing the items he had just purchased. He mentioned that there were a few obstacles but he had surmounted them to get back in time. He put down the bags and caught his breath.
Turning to me he declared, “You are very blessed, Agathiyar rishi wants you to have this prayer tonight and so it will take place tonight. All the obstacles were removed for you to have it tonight”.
That was another indication…or was it a confirmation? A huge lump took hold of my throat and tears blurred my vision.
The only appropriate response I could manage was a whisper of, “I know, and I am very grateful”.
The auspicious time beckoned. He invited me to help him prepare and set out all the items for the prayer.
To New Beginnings
With Lord Shiva and Sage Agathiyar looking on, we commenced our prayers to Lord Ganesha and then proceeded to the other deities. The Nadi reader gave me a mantra to concentrate on as I stood before Agathiyar ready to fulfill his request as described in the reading. He led me through a bathing ritual that included an ancient bundle of Nadi leaves in his possession, Agasthya’s rudrakash, his wooden sandles, the water vessel, and his wooden staff. I was guided through a process of cleansing each of them, adding a sweet fragrance, adorning them with sandal paste and other special items to enhance the beauty of each. The circumstances around how it all came to be required acknowledgment. It was a defining moment between the sage and I. Were we connecting or reconnecting?. I was guided through various mantras, prayers and specific recitals as I pledged, accepted and committed to my “palm leaf” and presented my offerings. The prayer went on for approximately 3 hours although it felt like a 10-minute dream. The Nadi reader was thoroughly pleased and satisfied that we had successfully fulfilled the siddhas first request. The reading appeared to be integrated with the rituals and activities, almost removing the concept of time. The prayer and rituals were a prerequisite and had to be fulfilled at that time before embarking on the subsequent ones. Agasthiyampalli was next. It was by that time, 12am, 31 December 2016. The noble Nadi reader walked with us to the car and said, “You ended the year with this prayer, tomorrow (1st Jan) you begin the new year with the prayer at Agastiyampalli”. That was indeed a profound summation. A new beginning and a brand new year beckoned.
In January
That insight drew my attention back to Swamiji’s somewhat reluctance to do a reading for me in Coimbatore days earlier. When reminded that he had promised me a reading before my departure, he did not commit, instead he smiled disarmingly and said “In January”. While that left me confounded at the time, it began to make sense. A reading was to definitely unfold in January, and not in a conventional manner. It was clearly evident from Swamiji’s short response, facial expression and subsequent silence that he was fully aware of the mission ahead.
The Gift of Trust
We left the hotel for Agasthiyampalli around 4am, after approximately 2 hours of restless sleep. The long silent drive gave me time to think, process and put some thoughts into perspective. I had heard much about Agathiyar at Agasthiyampalli and my excitement grew as we drew closer. At the entrance of the temple we were greeted by a strikingly, beautiful yellow butterfly. Except for three temple priests, no other people were around. The priests showed us to Agathiyar shrine and went off on their way, leaving us to meditate without any disturbance. I was elated at being there but had to be mindful to simply sit in silence, as was instructed in the reading. I prepared, lit the ghee lamp, offered it with infinite gratitude and took my place at his feet. I immersed myself in his energy and surrendered completely to the request. When it was time to leave, I resisted the urge to communicate. I maintained a gaze as I wondered if he would know that I had been there. After a visit to the main temple we headed towards the exit when we heard a call from behind. I turned around to find an elderly person calling out to us. He was standing outside the Agathiyar shrine. He was small in stature, very thin, a little bent over and had seen many years. He had in his hands a garland of yellow flowers. When I got close enough to him he handed me the garland and said “Here, Agathiyar gave this for you”, in Tamil. I was astonished, bewildered. I accepted it graciously and thanked him profusely. Was that confirmation that siddha Agathiyar, the revered sage knew I had been there? Literally caught up in the moment I became weak in the knees and mesmerised by the transcendent energy before me. His response to my awestruck reaction was “Okay, go now, go now”, as he motioned me warmly towards the gate (in Tamil).
Human Perception of Possible and Impossible
With that incredible blessing we made our way onward to the remaining temples. The Nadi reader called several times to ensure that we were on track and would accomplish all the visits before the closing times of the temples. We inexplicably managed to achieve that, as well as the specified rituals. We returned to the hotel well after 12am, amazed and relieved at having accomplished what appeared as categorically impossible.
Being Alert, Ready and Receptive to the Unplanned
Our time in India closed a chapter in my life. Much had transpired in just a few weeks. The trip was structured around an event at the ashram in Coimbatore. I intended to visit some temples and places of interest, however, I discovered that there were other priorities that had to be fulfilled, which was a part of a greater plan. I introspected around the necessity for me to experience the unspoiled Nilgiris’s both externally and from within. A brief illness while in the arms of the sacred Nilgiris’s took me to the border of a mysterious domain only to bring me back safely and to perfect health. Quality time at the ashram with Swamiji was as always priceless, insightful and illuminating. Additionally, I was fortunate and grateful for the numerous meaningful and miraculous experiences shown and given to me. Each experience appeared to outdo the one before. Each time I thought it could not get any better, I was shown otherwise. I was afforded the opportunity to meet and cross paths with some of the most extraordinary souls, beyond my imagination. From the doctor at the hospital, nurses, drivers, strangers, hotel staff, highly evolved souls, the homeless, friends, acquaintances and more.
Awaiting my Arrival
A thumbprint Nadi reading was the furthest thing from my mind when I had left home for India but became a valued highpoint of my trip. I had no idea that the time was right and fated for such a reading. On the face of it, my Nadi leaf appeared to be awaiting my arrival. Winds of change carefully moved things around which ensured that the preordained message was received by me. Challenging obstacles were removed, necessary support was provided to assist in fulfilling the requests prescribed by the leaf, within a ridiculously short time and miraculous experiences and encounters were arranged to illumine, reignite and restore crucial realisations by my soul. On the whole, it signalled the end of a very long chapter and the beginning of a new one. Although I did not go seeking the reading, the leaf drew me to it, a remarkable play of the divine for which I am infinitely grateful for.
