Whenever I visit a Jeeva Samadhi/Temple, I am comfortable in the having the Prasad (food) offered to God and Vibuthi, Kumkum etc. However I feel awkward in the wearing the garland that the God has worn. The same goes with the dress of the god. Can I wear the dhothi which God has worn? If I wear it, will I not become his equal? which definitely I am not!
I have always been asking this question to myself..It was in the shoulders of the God a minute ago and now it is in my shoulders..A minute before and a minute after – His and my shoulders? – So am I qualified to have it? He was wearing the Dhothi..Now I am wearing his?!! So am I his equal?
Some how till date I feel that the garland should be had in the hands and that the devotee must hold it in Bhakthi. In the Dhothi front, I feel that it has to be kept in the pooja room in front of god and should be worshiped and not worn! I use to have a mixed feeling i.e an Awkward Bhakthi (both together)!!
I was going through Thiruppalandu sung by the great Saint Periyazhwar..I am quoting the verse here which changed my thought process completely herewith:
உடுத்துக் களைந்தநின் பீதக வாடை யுடுத்துக் கலத்ததுண்டு
தொடுத்த துழாய்மலர் சூடிக் களைந்தன சூடும்இத் தொண்டர்களோம்
English Translation:
O Lord, we wear the yellow vestments you wear and discard. We eat the food offered to you. We wear the woven Tulasi flowers you wear and discard, and rejoice.
Oh..Oh..My understanding is partially right..Saint Periyazhwar is talking about a higher quality of Bhakthi here. He says that you can wear what he has worn provided you are his “Thondar”. The person who has surrendered himself totally to him. While wearing it, we should be conscious (throughout if possible) that we are wearing the garments worn by God. Thus lifting our stature in spirituality.
Henceforth I can peacefully wear the garland and wear the dress worn by the god..with Awareness and Bhakthi that god has worn it before!
What about wearing it before? Like Andal? Hmmm…