Guardian of Thiruvasagam

Among the sacred spiritual institutions of Puducherry, the Chidambaram Sri Padapoojai Ambalathaadum Swami Thirumadam stands as one of the oldest and most revered gurupeedams. Also known as Ambalathadum Iyer Math, this institution carries a divine legacy that traces back to Lord Nataraja himself.

The Divine Origin

Chidambaram, a town known as Thillaivanam, is considered to be a paradise on earth. Its greatest feature is the Trikkoothu darshan of Lord Sri Nataraja. All four Saivasamaya Gurus have praised Lord Nataraja through their chants. The collection of hymns sung by the fourth Guru, Manikkavasagar, is called Tiruvasagam. The Saiva community reveres it as a scripture believed to be authored by the Lord himself, beautifully transcribed by Thiruchitambalamudiyaan for Manikkavasagar to recite.

The problem arose regarding who should protect the Thiruvasakam Olaichuvadi, believed to be written by the Lord. The Thillai Brahmins claimed the text, while the Sivanatis and monks argued that it belonged to them.

It was decided to entrust the matter to divine will. The precious palm leaf manuscript, along with holy ash, rudraksha garland, and the divine padukas, was placed upon a golden plate and left in Sivagangai, the sacred temple pond.

In that divine moment, Lord Nataraja himself appeared in human form. The sacred manuscript reached his hands, fulfilling the prophecy. The Thillai Brahmins and devotees reverently took him to the Thirusabai. There, Nataraja revealed himself in the form of divine light (jyoti), addressing the chosen one by name and commanding him to perform abhishekam and pooja for His sacred feet. From that moment, he became known as “Padapoojai Ambalathaadum Swamigal”—the one who performs worship at the divine feet while dancing in the cosmic hall.

Establishment of the Lineage

The devotees built a mutt for Swamigal on the north road of Chidambaram. A silver casket was crafted to house the Thiruvasagam manuscript, the holy ash bag, and rudraksha garlands retrieved from Sivagangai. Daily worship was established with these sacred items, making this mutt a monastery ordained by the Lord himself.

The Pandya king entrusted Swamigal with the Dharmaparipaalanam (righteous governance) of Thiruperundhurai. Under the blessings of successive Gurus in this lineage, the tradition flourished. Seven disciples from Eelam (Sri Lanka) received initiation from the Swami and went on to establish monasteries across sacred towns including Srisailam, Thiruvanthipuram, Kanchipuram, Karaikal, Mayiladuthurai, and many others, spreading the spiritual teachings far and wide.

The Puducherry Chapter

During the Carnatic Wars approximately 350 years ago, to protect these invaluable treasures from destruction, the Thiruvasagam manuscript, the idol of Sri Nataraja, and the sacred mortal remains of Manikkavasagar were brought to Puducherry. Since then, the Padapoojai Ambalathaadum Swami Mutt has been conducting regular worship in Puducherry.

The antiquity of this institution is well documented. Ananda Ranga Pillai, the renowned diarist of colonial Puducherry, recorded this monastery and its activities in his writings. He noted that the Vikravandi Chettiars accepted the abbot as their Guru and documented the samadhi of Ambalathadum Iyer and the succession of Kanakasabha Thambiran.

Stone inscriptions at the mutt indicate that it was revived on the 19th of the Tamil month Aippasi in 1637 (1715 CE) by the 9th generation Swami, Srilasri Ponnambal Desiga Paramacharya. For over 290 years, this sacred institution has been thriving with continuous spiritual activities.

Sacred Practices and Celebrations

The mutt maintains daily worship of Nagalingeswarar with Yogambika in its main sanctum. The silver vault containing the ancient Thiruvasagam palm leaf manuscript receives daily flower worship. On Mahashivaratri, this sacred text is wrapped in silk and worshiped with incense and deepam.

Annual celebrations include the Shri Ambalavar Gurupuja on the 7th of Ani, the Sri Manikkavasagar Festival (Thiruvembavai Utsavam), Kandar Shashti celebrations for Sri Subramanya Swamy with Valli and Deivanai, and the Anna Abhishekam ceremony followed by a community feast. Monthly worship for Sri Manikkavasagar continues on auspicious days.

The Living Tradition

The lineage continues through 33 successive title holders, beginning with Lord Nataraja himself as the first. The 32nd pontiff, Srilashri Thirunavukarasar Swami, served for 66 years, establishing the Manikkavasagar Mandram to spread the teachings of Thiruvasagam. He attained union with the Divine on April 25, 1999.

Currently, the 33rd pontiff, Srilashri Kanakasabai Swami, continues this sacred tradition with devotion and dedication. Renovation work is underway to preserve and enhance the mutt’s sanctums, ensuring that this divine institution continues to serve as a beacon of Shaiva spirituality for generations to come.

Located on Ambalathadaiyar Street in central Puducherry, between Gandhi Road and Mission Road, this sacred mutt stands as a living testament to the divine grace of Lord Nataraja and the eternal wisdom of Thiruvasagam.