Samayantasta, Samayachara Tatpara by Maha Periyava

Samayantasta, Samayachara Tatpara

We ascribe a name, Samayam (in tamizh) to religion.  We keep reading words like, Hindu Samayam (Hindu religion), Samana Samayam (Religion of Jains), Samaya Kuravar (Religious preceptors) etc.  The word, ‘Samayam’ which has become a common name for religion, actually has its origin to the equality of Shiva and Shakti.

In Sakta, Saiva Sastras, observance to conventional or established religious practices is one of the ways of worship.  It is a very high form of worship done within the heart, in a contemplative form without an outwardly performed Puja.  The reason why it is called Samayam is, Ambal and Eswara should be contemplated in five ways as equals.

They call as ‘Pancha Samayam’ (Five equalities).  One, their names are equal.  If He is Shivan, She is ShivA.  When He is with the name, Hamsan, her name is Hamsi.  If He is with the name, Bhairavar, then She is Bhairavi.  He even has a name as Samayan itself.  That time, her name is also SamayA.

Two, they are similar even in appearance.  As Kameswara-Kameswari, both have reddish color, four hands, three eyes, moon as a head ornament, the same arms in the four hands: Bow, Arrow, Cord, and Goad.

Three, the place where they are, is also one.  The same, centre of the Meru Peak; Middle of Mani Dweepa Island in the ocean of nectar;  Middle point of Sri Chakra.

Four- the task done by both is also same.  The five-fold task called, Pancha KRtya.

Five-The grace received by mankind also happens to be the same.

Citing equality in these ways, is one part.  In the deep recesses of our hearts, we should only have that feeling.  When it is prescribed that we should only have equanimity even when looking at living beings, there should not be any talk of superior and inferior among Gods.  That too, when they are as husband and wife, as our mother and father, it is not proper at all to discriminate.  Therefore, we should only have the thought in the depths of our heart that (both of them) are only one and the same.

In Lalitha Sahasranama, Ambal has been described as “Samayantasta” (Being innermost in piety) and Samayachara Tatpara (who is dear to the way of worship of observance to conventional or established practices).

Periavaa Charanam