Guruvayurappan - Vilwamangalam Swamy and his helper Variar

Part 7

Vilwamangalam Swamy's Visions

Sri Vilwamangalam Swamy's devotion and dedication towards the Lord was such that he could have visions of Bhagavan, independent of the image. Wherever he went, he had visions of the deities there. In Guruvayur it was Unnikrishnan.

Whenever he came to Guruvayur for darshan, Bhagavan granted him vision from the Sanctum-Sanctorum (central shrine). One day he did not get Bhagavan's vision from there. He went around the temple in search of Bhagavan. The sound of tinkling bells from the northern chuttambalam attracted his curiosity. He peeped in and saw Unnikrishnan dancing there. From that day onwards this place came to be known as Nritham (Nrithappura or dancing hall).

On another occasion also, he could not see Bhagavan's vision in the central shrine. Later he found Bhagavan sitting amidst the Marar boys (drummer's boys) and sharing a feast with them, as Guruvayurappan was fond of the feast given to the Marar boys. It later became an important offering with the devotees.

A third time also, he failed to have Guruvayurappan's vision in the central shrine. Night had fallen and the Krishnanattam was being staged in the courtyard. The saint ultimately found Him on the stage with the 'gopikas'. Since then, Krishnanattam came to be staged in the northern bahyankana (outer courtyard) instead of the eastern bahyankana. And it begins only when the central shrine is closed after the last pooja at night.

Variar's Buffalo (One Version)

Swami Vilwamangalam (Vilwamangalam Takura) was a renowned Vaishnava Spiritual Master. He had an illiterate personal helper called Variar.

One day when the Swami was worshipping Bhagavan Guruvayurappan, Variar curiously asked his master Vilwamangalam:

"Oh my Lord ! In which form do you worship Guruvayurappan?"

The great Vilwamangalam did not like this "stupid" question. Highly annoyed, he replied sarcastically:

"In the form of a Buffalo!"

Variar being a very innocent man, believed his master's words. He was convinced that Bhagavan Krishna's real form is that of a "Buffalo". Thereafter, Variar started worshipping Sri Krishna as a Buffalo.

After a few months, one day Guruvayur temple's "Seeveli" procession was in progress. As usual, Vilwangalam Swami was in attendance accompanied by Variar.

The temple's Pujari was trying to carry and bring the deity outside. However, he could not manage to get the idol out of the main door. He tried again and again but all efforts failed. All the devotees were watching this in utter bewilderment. When many cycles of repeated efforts failed, everyone started worrying. Finally, they sought the help of the great Swami Vilawamangalam who was fortunately available on the spot.

The renowned Spiritual Master thought a lot but failed to get any clue. When even Vilwamangalam stood helpless, everyone became frantic.

Variar was watching all this drama hoping that his master will solve the problem easily. But when Vilwamagalam also failed, Variar decided to intervene. He suggested aloud:

"Oh Pujari! Why don't you tilt Bhagavan's head a bit to left of right?"

Listening to this suggestion, the Pujari tilted the Deity a little and by doing so easily passed the door. Everyone was pleased, except Vilwamangalam.

Without understanding all this, the Swami started scolding Variar for the "unwanted intervention."

Variar replied politely:

"My Lord! Who doesn't know that the Buffalo can pass the door only after tilting his head a little?"

The great Saint Vilwamangalam was astonished to hear this. He meditated deeply on Guruvayurappan and then looked at the Deity...

...And had the glorious vision of a divine "Buffalo" holding Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Padmam in HIS four hands!

(Another Version of this same story is that it happened between Bhattadri and Poonthanam)

The message is loud and clear, that the Lord needs ONLY our pure and simple love and nothing else!