Full Circle

October 2006

Hilton's Story

Chapter 19 Kumbakonen

Everyone was much more subdued than they had been the previous morning. As they boarded the bus Hilton learned that the meditation session had gone very well with great sex but some people had used their energy more aggressively than middle-aged pilgrims should. Even the ladies were bleary eyed and conversation was muted.

Kumbakonam is said to be one of the holiest places in Tamilnadu, home to many temples and theerthams. (Reflective pools where pilgrims purify themselves.) Four main temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu while another temple is dedicated to Brahma. The history of the city is eerily similar to the Noah story in the Judaic Christian Bible. Apparently, many years ago Brahma, the creator, foresaw the deluge that was to engulf the whole world and approached Lord Shiva about saving the seed of creation. Lord Shiva advised him to, “ Obtain a pot and put the seeds of creation in it. Cover it with the ‘nectar’ of life. Arrange a circle of mango leaves on the rim of the pot, seal it with coconut and grass, then place the pot on the top of Mount Meru.”

Brahma did and when Mount Meru was submerged the pot floated with the current from the north to the south of India. Eventually the water dried and the pot settled near Kumbakonen. Lord Shiva broke opened it letting the nectar inside flow out to form many theerthams. He mixed the nectar in the soil and with Goddess Parvati, ensured the fertility of Southern India.

People believe a swim in the largest theertham absolves them of all sins. Every twelve years there is a great festival but this was not the year as Bob continued the story of Kambukonam over the bus sound system. Not many of his people actually heard much and remembered even less when they arrived at their hotel. The bus trip had taken most of the day and by the time everyone was settled the sun had set. No one suggested another group meditation and people went to their own beds.

Of the many temples are the ‘planetaries’ dedicated to Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn or their Hindi names of Ketu, Guru, Sukra and so on. The temple at Chidambaram is where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Sky god. That temple, considered to be one of the most beautiful and important in India, includes many smaller temples within the larger temple complex. Bob found a priest to explain the objects and carvings within the temple. It was a wonderful but tiring day and after the long trip back to the hotel no one suggested practicing tantra that night.

The days in Kambukonam passed quickly and the travellers were soon on the bus to the last site they would visit together. Their destination was the city of Kanchipuran located about 45 miles from Madras, the most important city on the south east coast of India.

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