Vallalar’s message – The Hindu

Smt. Desa Mangayarkarasi highlighted the spiritual greatness of the 19th-century Tamil saint Ramalinga Swamigal in a discourse. He is widely revered as Vallalar, meaning “the great giver”. Unlike ancient rulers such as Pari, who were celebrated for their generosity in donating material wealth such as gold, land, and resources, Vallalar is honoured for bestowing arul — divine grace. This form of giving is considered far superior. It neither diminishes with sharing nor perishes over time. It represents an eternal gift that uplifts the soul rather than merely satisfying temporary worldly needs.

The sacred hymnal Thiruvarutpa, composed by Vallalar, serves as a profound guide to spiritual transformation through devotion. It teaches that the first step on the spiritual path is to deeply reflect on the insignificance of the individual self. This reflection compares the self to the Divine’s infinite, boundless nature. Such contemplation gradually dissolves the ego and fosters humility. As this awareness deepens, it evolves into an intense emotional connection with the Divine. The devotee’s heart melts in pure devotion. This inner transformation is often expressed outwardly through “tears of bliss”. Such tears are a sacred emotional experience that symbolises the soul’s longing and union with God.

When a devotee establishes an intimate and heartfelt relationship with the Divine, tears naturally flow as an expression of spiritual love and surrender.

Vallalar’s teachings, particularly in the Gnana Sariya section, are not merely philosophical concepts but rather a practical, experiential spiritual path. He emphasises that worldly pleasures, such as the enjoyment derived from food and sensory experiences, are temporary and impermanent (anithya). Seekers are encouraged to transcend these fleeting pleasures. Instead, they should pursue the eternal bliss of divine grace. By cultivating devotion, humility, and detachment, one can progress toward true spiritual fulfilment. Ultimately, this leads to union with the Divine.