Kandar Anubhūti – Mantra Prayoga – 03
For Excelling in Education and Attaining All Forms of Knowledge
The Siddha Guru of Tiyāgarāja Mudaliyār titled the third hymn of Kandar Anubhūti as “Kalviyin Meccha” – excelling in education. By understanding the meaning of this hymn and practicing with the given mūlamantra and yantra, the sādhaka can become proficient in all branches of learning. This hymn itself explains the principle behind it.
Tamil Verse (3rd Hymn):
வானோ புனல்பார் கனல்மா ருதமோ
ஞானோ தயமோ நவில்நான் மறையோ
யானோ மனமோ எனையாண்ட இடம்
தானோ பொருளா வதுசண் முகனே.
Explanation
Arunagirināthar here places the pañca-bhūtas (five elements) in a very special order:
Ākāśa (Space) – Ap (Water) – Pṛthvī (Earth) – Agni (Fire) – Vāyu (Air).
This sequence differs from the usual pañcīkaraṇa order (Space → Air → Fire → Water → Earth). The Siddha’s teaching reveals that this subtle arrangement of the five elements is a yogic key: when the mind is harmonized in this sequence, it becomes the perfect instrument for knowledge.
- Ākāśa predominance → The mind gains vastness and penetrating power, the ability to absorb knowledge deeply.
- Ap (Water) predominance → The mind flows smoothly, flexible and unobstructed, able to think clearly.
- Pṛthvī predominance → Provides memory and retention; without Earth element, there can be no lasting recollection.
- Agni predominance → Sharpens inquiry, questioning, and the investigative intellect.
- Vāyu controlled and minimal → Brings stability and focus; if excessive, it causes restlessness, distraction, even imbalance.
If these elements are unbalanced, true learning cannot take place:
- Excess Vāyu → restlessness, instability.
- Excess Agni → only endless questioning without depth.
- Excess Pṛthvī → dullness and tamas.
- Proper balance, with ākāśa giving space and ap making thought-flow smooth, produces clarity and insight.
Thus, Arunagirināthar, as a Yogīśvara, has given in the phrase “Vāno punalpār kanalmā rutamo” a subtle yogic instruction on aligning the mind’s elemental state to excel in learning.
He confirms this in the third line: “Yāno manamō enaiyāṇḍa idam” –
It is the mind, when harmonized with these elemental principles, that becomes the seat of all knowledge.
When such a state is reached, wisdom arises naturally, the meaning of the four Vedas becomes clear, and the sādhaka shines in education and learning.
But how to bring the mind into this elemental harmony?
Arunagirināthar answers: “Tānō poruḷāvadu Ṣaṇmuganē” – it is Muruga Himself who is this Reality. By worshipping Him, the mind is aligned to the elemental balance, knowledge arises, and the essence of the Vedas is grasped.
Practical Mantra Prayoga
The Siddha Guru who taught Tiyāgarāja Mudaliyār gave a mūlamantra and yantra for this hymn. By meditating on the meaning of the verse, and applying the mantra and yantra correctly, the sādhaka can direct the power of mantra-śakti into the mind, bringing it into elemental harmony. Through this, learning becomes effortless, memory strengthens, clarity arises, and higher knowledge unfolds.
Note to Practitioners
This is a subtle and sacred Mantra Prayoga. It must be learned directly from the Guru’s mouth. Anyone desiring to practice should approach a true Guru for initiation. Only then will the practice bear fruit.
For guidance on learning the mantra and yantra prayoga connected to this hymn, you may contact via WhatsApp.