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VEDANAYAGA VEDASASTRI by Dayamani Manasseh

FOREWORD Professor K. Meenakshi Sundaram, M.A., M.Lit., Ph.D. Principal, Chikkanna Govt. Arts College, Tirupur. Tamil is a lush forest abundant with fruit bearing trees. All its old plants and trees there bear fruits all along. They do not fall nor do they dry. There are trees in this forest with deep roots and they have been bearing good fruits for more than two thousand years. As days go by, new plants and trees appear and this forest embraces them. The culture of the ‘Sangam era’ is a story that belongs only to Tamil. When foreigners and other religions entered Tamil Nadu, ‘Tamil Mother’ warmly welcomed them and nourished them. She delighted to see others flourishing like herself. The religion of ‘Samanam’ came in. Aryans came and many others like them. Next in the order, Europeans and Christianity stepped into Tamil Nadu; they lived on and still they live on.  

The arrival of Europeans brought in new values. Methods were simplified. The Tamil forest became greener and trees became pregnant with fruits that tasted new. Europeans’ Christian religion attracted the Tamilians too. Tamil Christians undertook missionary work in Tamil Nadu. For Tamilians, language is the “eye” and realising this, they propagated their religion through this eye. Tamil acquired a new taste. Tamilians enjoyed new fruits. Among the Tamil Christians who provided such delicious fruits, Vedanayaga Sastriar was one. If Vedanayagam had composed more than 80 pieces of literary works, can any one measure his poetic prowess? Does literature embody just one form? No. Several – poetry in letter form (seetu-kavi), traditional folk dance songs, lyrics, tribal dance songs, garland of prayer, story of the wise carpenter and more. However all these poetic forms serve as doors to enter into the realm of singing praises to Jesus Christ. Readers of this book will understand and enjoy the way, its author, Mrs. Dayamani Manasseh has brought home the message so beautifully, so vividly and in such an interesting way. This book depicts many lives from Sastriar’s grandfather right up to the present generation step by step, all written very clearly and sequentially:

Vedanayagar’s youth; his connection with Rev. Schwartz and the related mature godliness, faith, hope and love acquired through this relationship; the difficulties faced during his Christian service; the Pastors who were ive; his books; and other details including the names of many great people who were acquainted with him - all are mentioned throughout the book. Since this is the biography of a Christian leader, certain Tamil words and phrases generally used by Christians are found in the essay, e.g. magizh kondar (were delighted), Chennai poi thirumbugaiyil (while returning from Chennai), sabaikku purambaakinar (excommunicated from the church), Meetparaaga (Redeemer), Meetpin seidhi (message of redemption). Through this author, the real meanings of words like Sadhur, Vaanan etc. are given. The deep friendship with King Serfoji and the separation from him are so beautifully pictured that it touches one’s heart. The loyalty of each of them to his own religion shines like the light on the hillock. The statement, ‘Please do not pull any one into your way’ uttered by the King is proof of that. Also, while narrating the life story, references to Vedanayagar's humorous speech enhances the beauty of the essay. The author has eloquently expressed Vedanayagar’s love for the language. Vedanayagar’s principled attitude towards money is well explained: ‘O King if we have plenty of food, we will stop praying, “Give us this day our daily bread”. We will even forget God thinking that we do not need any one’s help. Money results in sin. Your love is more than enough for me. I do not want your gift of land.’ This age reflects the deep convictions of Vedanayagar’s heart. Indicating the fact that his belongings are still available as exhibits is a great help to scholars in history. The author has beautifully described the interesting family life of Vedanayagam, for example in her portrayal of the first wife cuddling the children as she leaves the family. Though Henry Bower has already written a biography of Vedanayagar, this book will be very useful. It is divided well into 19 sections and based on the poems of Sastriar, the author having soaked in his poetic works, travelled to places where he lived and researched his genealosy. It is no exaggeration to say that Mrs. Dayamani Manasseh has given a great gift to Christianity and to the Tamil language. While Christian Tamil writers spread the Christian principles, I think those who belong to other religions will also value the life story of Vedanayagar as Serfoji did.

I convey my greetings to Mrs. Anjala Richard, the author’s daughter and my former student, for requesting me to write the Foreword for this book.

K. Meenakshisundaram PREFACE K. T. Thirunaavukkarasu Associate Professor, World Tamil Institute From time immemorial many poetic scholars have enjoyed adorning ‘Mother Tamil’ with new and different flowers. Among the new flowers, some shine as flowers of devotion, some as flowers of enchantment touching the heart and others shine as divine flowers showing the way. The fragrance of their piety removes the soul’s dullness and the longing of humans and they have the great ability to imbue a new spirit into them. By creating several such good flowers, Thanjai Vedanayaga Sastriar worked hard to spread the good news of Jesus, the Lord. His life and ministry earned him undying fame. Having taken up his religious work as his divine service, our Sastriar earned the pride of place by serving tirelessly in every way through Tamil. Though the nation has known him well as a great Christian servant, only some of us know him as one who has contributed to the growth of Tamil language. For the first time, this book titled “Vedanayaga Vedasastri” introduces him as both a religious servant and also as a contributor to the growth of Tamil language to us. This book portrays the life of Sastriar based on his poetic work rendered in his books. On the one hand this is a research book ed with appropriate evidences. The author has brought light to the shadowy moments of Sastriar's life. This book describes also the privileged position enjoyed by the Tamil Christian people and by Christianity during the last century. It is significant that it is written in simple and beautiful language coupled with lucid and flexible style to enable both the highly educated and others to read and enjoy it. This book is divided into 19 sections. Each section presents before our mind’s eyes the life of Vedanayaga Sastriar. The person who has given us the precious book with a feeling of piety is Mrs. Dayamani Manasseh. Her keen intellect and service-mindedness touch our hearts deeply. This book indicates that her ability “to tell the story” is part of her inherent skills. We are heartened to realise that she is herself the direct descendant of Vedanayaga Sastriar. The ‘Tamil World’ is indebted to her and expresses its gratitude for this book.

K.T. Thirunaavukkarasu Chennai, 27.08.75 ______________________________________

THE STORY OF THE BOOK Professor Anjala Richard, Ph.D. Women's Christian College, Chennai The life history of a great person with encoming principles provides useful and interesting story. Likewise, the story of the book that gives such a history also provides a great and interesting story. This historical book which tells about Sastriar - born in Tamilnadu, risen to fame in Thanjavur and honoured by Tamil Christians as Sastriar - is of the same nature. This book was originally meant to be released during the three day celebration of the Bicentenary of the great poet during 6, 7 & 8 September last year [i.e. 1974]. However this delay of one year is God’s doing. First of all, the author of this book and the committee of its publication are ever indebted to Thiru K.T. Thirunavukkarasu, the Associate Professor of the World Tamil Research Institute, for rendering the full manuscript of this book and making valuable changes. Being a professor involved in going through the minute details of many a great book, he has given his preface to this book and that speaks of his brodedness. Dr. S.K.Meenakshi Sundaram, who has done significant research work on the contribution to Tamil made by Western Christians, is the Principal of Government College in Tirupur. The fact that he has given the special preface to this book in spite of many responsibilities indicates that he considers Vedanayagar as an important Tamil Christian poet. My heartfelt gratitude is always due to both these great scholars for highly encouraging the small effort of their student’s mother. Though he was popular as Thanjai court poet, Sastriar always referred to himself as a man of Nellai (Tirunelveli) for the love of his place of birth and also he considered it a special privilege for the welcome he and his book received in Chennai. Therefore, isn’t it something special that this book is released during the Chennai celebration? [footnote] A word about the name of the book. He gained this special name “Vedanayaga Sastriar” because of his great knowledge of the Bible .So, “Vedanayaga Vedasastri”(scholar in scripture) is the suitable name. Rev. Sahib D.V. Devanesan wrote a biography of Sastriar, which can be considered a research book. Sastriar himself has made references to the complicated situations in his life as well as the interesting ones. The book by

Rev. Sahib D.V. Devanesan written in 1947 in the style of that time, describes the impact on Sastriar’s life and his literary works as a result of the happenings of his age and that of the s he had with other great scholars. Since the descendants of Sastriar continue the Christian service like their forefathers, the documents in their possession and the information and testimonies gained through hearsay from generation to generation have affirmed this book’s point of view. The author herself is the granddaughter of Vedanayagar’s grandson, Jebamani Sastriar through his daughter. According to the author, the only reason for the writing of this book is her “Desire” to write, in beautiful simple Tamil, the life of Sastriar who rose to eminence all his life purely through God’s grace and through the way he wrote his books, making every breath an expression of praise to Christ Jesus,. The author did not get this ‘Desire’ today or the day before; it has been dormant in her heart for years together. The seed born out of this desire was sown by God’s grace and the way it has sprouted; grown, blossomed and yielded new fruit - with the encouragement of the Bicentenary celebration Publishing committee of this book, and the lovers of Tamil - does not display the worthiness or the scholarliness of the author herself. This is purely the unique privilege given by Christ Jesus. Anjala Richard Chennai, August 1975

Introduction THE THRESHOLD South Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli – a small township in that district. There at the foot of the hillock lies a wide vast green expanse of grass, where an eager group of people have gathered. Right there, the words of a lyric composed in ‘Senjuriti’ raga (tune) resonate in the air with a loud and bold voice borne in the air fell falling into the ears of the people - even those standing afar. All eyes looked at the person who was singing. He was Standing in front of them on an elevated wide rock, he was tall, broad and majestic in appearance. In complexion, he appeared reddish gold. Yes, the evening was disappearing and as the reddish gold rays of the setting sun fell on all those gathered there, they too shone with a reddish gold complexion. The hillside, the

crowd, the earth and the horizon turned red with red rays falling on them. In tune with the surroundings, the lyrics resounded: Poem: ‘Has heaven become earth since God has become man? What is this? Has heaven become earth since God has become man? That great man was singing with great joy the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Lord. Now and again he was explaining the meaning and the principle of the words through sadhur preaching - in a compelling way ed with Biblical references. There were different kinds of people belonging to different castes in that crowd including Brahmins who were well versed in Hindu theological books. They listened to the lyric and its meaning with great interest and praised with wonder. At that time, one among the Brahmins looked at the singer and asked him sarcastically, “What are you blabbering? Can heaven (sky) become earth or the earth become heaven ?” From the great man who did not fear another man came the response, “Sir, if the place where Ramar dwells can become Ayodhi,” then when the God of Gods who cannot be encomed by heaven takes the form of man and comes to earth, the earth can become the heaven. Why not?” The Brahmin retorted immediately, “He is Sastriar, son of Sastriar. Not an ordinary man.” His friend excitedly exclaimed, “Can the offspring of a tiger become a cat?” Who is this tiger born to a tiger? It is Gnanasigamani Sastriar. He is the eldest son of the Evangelical Court Poet Vedanayaga Sastriar who was born in Tirunelveli and flourished in Thanjavur town. With great joy in his heart for having gained him as his special son Vedanayaga Sastriar sang thus:

Poem: He took the divine holy Bible Studied about Jesus; Was generous, fasted and meditated about the One Who was born in Bethlehem forest To eradicate the darkness of superstition and To let the humans attain heaven.

He preached with wisdom to the congregation And that is how Gnanasigamani came; Yes, our Devasagaya Gnanasigamani came. Noticing his son taking the Holy Bible in his hands and explaining powerfully to the congregation, the father was thrilled and sang this song. As for his younger son, Elia (Elijah) Devasigamani, he too noticed the Biblical knowledge of his brother and praised referring to him as “Gnanasigamani who knows the Bible thoroughly.” It is no wonder that he earned the special title, ‘The Gospel Story Preacher Gnanasigamani Sastriar!’ If one were to have a conversation with Gnanasigamani Sastriar just for a little while in person, one would find in his words the inter-mingling /the combination of strictness and gentleness, firmness and kindness, and stubbornness and flexibility. You could see in his face the reflection of peace. That would not reveal any semblance of the nagging burden within his heart. It was so because he firmly believed that the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for you” given by Jesus, our Lord to St. Paul was his also. A simple woman who is the descendant of this man calls you to enter the book through this door namely Gnanasigamani Sastriar. She ponders over and over again with joy the miraculous love of the one true God who sought and found her forefather, a devout disciple of Siva and made him His own. She also praises with wonder God’s graciousness by calling her to this great task. Poem: With love you looked at me, even me; With compulsion you called me, even me; You held me, even me; Gave life to me, even me; To make me human. Can I hide myself from such a great love?

* Dayamani Manasseh 1                                                              1  She is the wife of Rev. J.D. Manasseh, G.Th., B.D. who served the Church

of South India for more than 30 years and was connected with the Christian Literature Society.

Chapter 1 FATHER ARUNACHALAM PILLAI (Generation of the Grace of Christ)

Poem: I praise the Lord, Who is Seated on the throne of Grace And Who created the whole world And sustains her every day. (Bethlehem Kuravanji – Song of Praise 6) Arunachalam Pillai , who hailed from a family of the Karazhar caste, was a great example to Saivaite religion in Tirunelveli, a town that shone like a special example to South Tamil Nadu. He thoroughly learnt the ancient epics of Hindu religion and that of the Saivaite philosophies and memorized them. He accepted all the teachings of the Brahmins and Saivite monks. To attain kaayasithi (supernatural powers over the body), he took some medicines and went once to Sadhuragiri mountain. Arunachalam Pillai was the son of Annamalai Chettiar, who arranged the marriage of his son with Sadhananda Vadivu, the granddaughter of Thalavai Mudaliar, a great rich man in Tirunelveli. 2 Therefore it is clear that Arunachalam Pillai belonged to a rich family. The family of Arunachalam Pillai along with their relatives lived in Tirunelveli on Puttarathiamman street which is still there. The female deity Puttarathiamman was the concubine of the male deity Nellaiappar. The forefathers of Arunachalam Pillai were worshipping this God. In addition to their wives, husbands had concubines. The words of concubines had greater power over that of the wives. Probably thinking that it was a common practice, the people in those days would not have minded it. One can even say that some people thought                                                                                                                                                                                             2   It is understood that since the progeny of the Chettiar caste took

brides from the progeny of Mudaliars, in those days those who were called Chettiars and Mudaliars and the Vellalars, who were generally called Pillais belonged to the same caste.  

of being proud of themselves for having concubines. This kind of behaviour and this type of worship of God was quite repulsive and shameful to Arunachalam Pillai. He started researching documents with explanatory details relating to the Saivaite religion. Being the Priest of the temple of Puttarathiamman, he had the opportunity to conduct pooja (Hindu worship ritual) at Nelliappar temple too. This opportunity helped him in his research. However none of these gave him any mental satisfaction and Arunachalam Pillai decided to undertake a pilgrimage to Kasi (Benares) thinking that if he went to Kasi he could get rid of his burden of sin and the incurable mental distress that he suffered from. When his father and his relatives came to know about this, they were greatly disturbed. Saying that he should not travel such a long distance, they stopped him; they enquired with their Brahmin priests whether he could gain the same merit that he would get by his pilgrimage to Kasi through some other means. The priests said that if he took a thousand baths in water on their ‘Ma maga peru nazh’ (very special festival day), he would gain the same merit. Listening to their advice through his father, Arunachalam Pillai accepted this advice and decided to take a bath in each and every river and pond in Tirunelveli. The next day before dawn, taking a friend with him, he went to the rivers, canals, rivulets, lakes, wells, ponds and puddles - by walking and some times even by running - and took a bath in water from the time the sun rose and until it set and he finally returned home. Yes, he got the reward of his ‘Kasi pilgrimage’ immediately in his hands. He suffered with virulent fever for six long months before he recovered. Arunachalam Pillai started thinking again. The wasteful piety that did not give health to the body and spirit intensified his hatred. He spent his time reading many books and then doing a deep research on the matter. He even became oblivious of eating and sleeping. Fearing that his son who was totally engrossed only in spiritual life without any other interest might turn out to be a philosopher, and in order to create an interest in him towards business, his father set up a ‘Kaasukkadai’ (money lending shop) for him. Money kept for trading by Arunachalam Pillai reached the hands of not only the customers but also the poor people. So when there was dearth of money in his hands, he took rice from his home and gave it to people without turning them away empty-handed. Those who noticed Arunachalam Pillai’s interesting way of conducting the money lending business wondered, saying ‘What is this? A new way?’ Gnanendra-kaniyan, a Roman Catholic Christian Catechist was one among them. In his heart, he appreciated the spirit of generosity in Pillai.

One day, the Catechist came to Arunachalam Pillai and told him, “Sir, your generous giving to the poor will earn you great reward. But you must understand ‘Aanda Poruzh’ (the Divine Ruler/God.) Poem: “The penance taken up by those who have not known the Divine Ruler Is equivalent to the sand kept at the base to a tree that is already dead.”

And this is the proverb of yore. In response, Arunachalam said that since he understood Sivam as the Divine Ruler/God, as the appropriate worship to him, he did whatever he could to the poor and needy. Then the Catechist said that the totally holy ‘only true God’ is the Governing Power and he also explained to the extent possible as to who is the ‘only true God’ and how he should be worshipped. Arunachalam Pillai wanted to know more about that holy true God. Therefore the next day, Gnanendra-kaniyan took him to Rev. Vedapodhagam, the Priest in charge of the Roman Catholic Church at Kamanayakkanpatti which is about 40 miles from his place. The Priest who came out from the monastery looked at Arunachalam Pillai with urudhiratcham (the garland of sacred beads) around his neck and with the sacred powder on his forehead and being unable to tolerate the sight, even without asking for any detail from him, he went back into the monastery. The young Arunachalam was patiently waiting at the entrance of the church. The Catechist went after the Priest and explained to him gently about the devotee of Siva who had eagerly come all the way from a long distance and was waiting patiently to listen to the holy scripture and then the Priest came out. He took Arunachalam Pillai into the church and had him sit next to him. Priest Vedapodhagam told him in detail that ‘the only true God’ is the Governing Power and how the Christian scriptures make it clear that the Holy God, being one among the triune God, revealed himself through Jesus Christ. Further, he also explained how Jesus Christ, the son of God brought about freedom from sin to humankind through his death on the cross. He also explained how any one who believes in Jesus, the Lord, would find full mental satisfaction of having been healed from the incurable disease of sin. He also talked to him about baptism by water which is the symbol for the washing away of sin. Disciple Arunachalam who came to know what truth is and the Priest Vedapodhagam who wanted to tell what it is, did not realize the ing of time and were lost in conversation for hours together.

Arunachalam listened with great intent to all that the Priest told him and researched within his heart and asked him several questions to clear his doubts. Finally he realised that ‘this is truth’ and got firm faith. He requested the Priest to give him ‘ baptism’. The Priest responded that in order to affirm that he believed all that he said and that he would change his ways accordingly, he should remove his garlands of beads etc. as a mark of his acceptance. Also, he should learn the order of the worship service of the Roman Catholic Church, prayers, creed etc., memorising them, and that he should the examination that he would conduct. And he categorically told him that he could give him baptism only after that. Just as the divine teachings of Lord Jesus kept the hearts of the disciples at Emmaus aflame, the advisory teachings of the Priest Vedapodhagam also kept Arunachalam Pillai’s heart aflame. Therefore, without any hesitation, Arunachalam Pillai said, “Ask them to bring fire”. Though the Priest’s servant understood Arunachalam Pillai’s intentions, with great disbelief, he thought that he was doing some tricks. Yet, he brought the clay pot with burning coals in it. That very moment, Arunachalam Pillai took off the sacred garland of beads that he was wearing on his head and around his neck and put them in the fire. He also removed the sacred ash from his forehead. Those gathered around there were shocked. The Priest too was shocked. At the same time he was happy too. Arunachalam Pillai stayed with Priest Vedapodhagam in Kamanayakanpatti at his monastery and studied well the Roman Catholic Christian principles, the prayers, confession and the creed. After the examination, he got baptism. At that time he was twenty years old. Arunachalam Pillai was born in 1735 and took baptism in the Roman Catholic Christian Church in 1755. Priest Vedapodhagam became the god father for Arunahcalam Pillai and gave him the name Devasagayam. Devasagayam Pillai went from Kamanayakkanpatti to Tirunelveli often and shared with his parents about the Truth that he had known. Also he got rid of all the unnecessary luxury. His relatives found great change in his words, habits and behaviour. His relatives came to him and asked him , “As an educated man, how can you lose your senses like this?” and they tried to make him change his path. Without listening to their words or without getting scared of their threats, Devasagayam Pillai spoke with strong and unchanging faith that the scripture that he had learnt and understood is the God-given scripture and that the God whom he worships is the only true God. Because of his words, his relatives kept him away from their caste. But Devasagayam Pillai stood like an unbreakable rock. Realising this, his father, Iyamperumal Pillai, believing all that his son said, repented and took baptism along with his children. Besides this, as with the

strength of Gideon (Judges 6:27-29) Devasagayam Pillai razed to the ground all the twenty-one altars built in his garden by his relatives for the worship of ghosts. Because of this, the relatives got together and tormented him and created great commotion. They even attempted to set fire to his house. In spite of this, Devasagayam Pillai’s father and his family did not back away in their faith but stood their ground. Since they were a family that was blessed by the grace of Christ, Christ himself gave him the strong faith. Wasn’t this child of God, Devasagayam Pillai, the father of Vedanayaga Sastriar, “who did not know any other song except the song of his heavenly father!” Will it not be appropriate to call Devasagayam Pillai and his father, Iyamperumal Pillai as the “Generation of the Grace of Christ” since they were staunch in their faith and piety and did not worship any other except Christ and to also call Vedanayagam Sastriar as the great son of this “Generation of the Grace of Christ”?

Chapter 2 FATHER DEVASAGAYAM PILLAI (Tirunelveli’s Tamil Poet)

Poem: Thou art Praise, River of mercy, Treasure, Lord, God Refuge, Eternal Lord, Destiny Art, Eternity Wisdom, Gift, Channel of Heavenly Bliss, Husband, Remain in my heart, At your feet, my heavenly God. (Parabaran Malai – Section 2 – Invocation 5) Devasagayam Pillai was learning the Latin language with his God-father, Priest Vedapodhagam’s , to be ordained as a Priest. There was a rule that only a third generation Christian could be ordained as a priest. In

Devasagayam Pillai’s family, he was the very first person who got converted to Christianity. Therefore, since he could not be ordained as a priest, the Chief Priest appointed him as Dominican Catechist. Ten years ed by in this service. In those days, one Savarirayan Chettiar from Avaikulam of Ramanathapuram, Kumari district used to visit Priest Vedapodhagam to make his ‘confession’. During one of his visits, Priest Vedapodhagam talked to Chettiar about his godson, Devasagayam. Savarirayan happily agreed to have his daughter, Gnanappoo married to Devasagayam Pillai. Priest Vedapodhagam married them both in the year 1770. At that time Devasagayam was 35 years old. A male child was born to these two in the year 1774 A.D. Devasagayam Pillai arranged that his God-father should baptise this child and he was named Vedapodhagam. Since Vedapodhagam was the name of his guru (mentor), Devasagayam used to call his son Vedanayagam. That name remained and continues till this day. Gnanappoo bore three children. In the year 1781, when she went to her parents’ home, she fell ill and died. Devasagayam who lost his beloved wife, after having spent 10 years with full/total contentment, was in great grief. He came to Anaikulam from Tirunelveli and finished all the final rites. After some days, Devasagayam left his seven year old son, Vedanayagam and his other two children, Soosaiammal and Packianaathan, in Anaikulam to be brought up in the home of their grandfather and returned to his home town to continue his service/ministry. After two years, Devasagayam Pillai returned to Anaikulam, where he married Mariamuthu, the relative of his first wife there. He returned to Tirunelveli with his second wife taking along with him his son, Vedanayagam. At that time his god-father Priest Vedapodhagam was not there. He was transferred to Devarthandhar Nellai Church as Superintendent. Devasagayam Pillai once again served with great interest as Dominican Catechist. Nellai Roman Catholic Church congregation and the people of the town respected him very much. Seeing this, a member of the Roman Catholic Church named Arulananda Mudali became very jealous of him. He tried to gain the friendship of Priest Devarthanathar, a Westerner. When Arulananda Mudali went to meet the Priest once, he complained about Catechist Devasagayam. He said that the Catechist’s friend, a lame sanyasin (ascetic) who had a beard (as did Priest Devarthanadhar) and who had learnt about the doctrines of the Scriptures, was going about talking like a great wise man and that the Catechist was encouraging him with great

respect for him. One day, the Priest happened to see the sanyasin ing by the street. The thought that he was pretending to be like him came to his mind. He was raging with great anger. Calling the sanyasin to come to him, he pulled his beard and burst out saying, “Do you dare to have a beard as I do?” He teased the lame wise man, humiliated him and chased him away. When Devasagayam Pillai came to know what happened to his friend, he was shocked. He comforted his friend saying, “Even “Padhidaara” (Protestants) 3 will not do such a thing.” When Priest Devarthanadhar heard about Devasagayam Pillai’s words, he was enraged that he had humiliated him by comparing him to Protestants and he made an announcement in the church that Devasagayam Pillai had become a Protestant; he cursed him and excommunicated him from the Roman Catholic Church. In the great ancient town of Palayamkottai in the district of Tirunelveli, which was famous for its Tamil language, the first church of the Protestant Christians was taking shape in 1785. Lady Clorinda, a Brahmin, was one who paved the way for this. This lady had gained the love and of Colonel Littleton, an English man who was in Palayamkottai. After the death of the Colonel, she began to love Jesus Christ more and completely surrendered herself to him. Therefore, in 1778, Rev. Christian Frederick Schwartz, a Lutheran missionary, gave her baptism. Then she extended her service of love to all. She told about the good news of Jesus to all. She was like a magnet that attracted many to Jesus, the Redeemer. Devasagayam Pillai having heard about her, took his friend, the lame Sanyasin (who later was taught by Rev. Schwartz and served as Catechist with him) to Palayamkottai and shared with Lady Clorinda the information that he had been excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church Priest as a Protestant. Then the Lady told him, “You can stay here and preach to me. I shall give remuneration for your service.” Devasagayam Pillai agreed to this, and the Lady looked after him with love and care. Then, having noticed Devasagayam Pillai’s eagerness to learn the hidden meaning of the Bible, the Lady sent him to Rev. Schwartz in Thanjavur. Devasagayam Pillai stayed there for four months learning about the detailed preaching of the Bible and the life experiences of the Pastor. Happy and praising God, he returned to Palayamkottai. The church construction started by Lady Clorinda was completed and stood erect with pride. In order to dedicate it (keeping it separate for God to keep                                                              3   Roman Catholic Church used to refer to Protestant

Christians as “padhidar” i.e. ‘Bible Twisters’.    

the place holy), Rev. Schwartz came to Palayamkottai. The Dedication Celebration was indeed grand. Rev. Schwartz used to meet and talk with Devasagayam Pillai often. One such time, when the Pastor noticed Vedanayagam, the beloved son of Pillai, he was attracted by his bright intelligent look, talk and behaviour. Rev. Schwartz believed that if he were given proper education he would become a great scholar. Therefore Rev. Schwartz talked with Devasagayam Pillai and with his consent took his son, Vedanayagam to Thanjavur. After some time, he also took the family of Devasagayam Pillai making him the Catechist for the Protestant Church to teach the Bible to the people clearly and he made him stay with him. As long as Catechist Devasagayam was in Thanjai he spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the surrounding areas and was a great tool to make many people accept Christ as their Redeemer. The Bible Catechist Devasagayam was also a great Tamil Poet. Hoping that more people would read the holy Bible with interest if it were in poetical form, Devasagayam Pillai worked day and night and composed many songs. 4 Father Devasagayam Pillai had unshakeable faith and strong love towards Jesus Christ. Therefore he enjoyed and delighted in the Grace of Christ more and more. Pillai found one printed copy of the New Testament. It was a very old book and was not even in readable condition, but Pillai esteemed it as gold and bought it with gold coins. In order that it should be useful to his progeny, he divided the book into four or five sections and re-wrote it on olai (palmyrah leaves). He spent all his leisure in this special task. Having sacrificed all his properties, such as his house and farm and even his own family and friends, Devasagayam who came as a servant of Christ was a gospel worker and since he was working as a Catechist with very meagre salary, there were times when he suffered due to poverty. But God led him in wondrous ways. Devasagayam Pillai spent his last days in Jaffna, in the Southern island Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where the people who spoke pure Tamil live. There he spread the good news of Jesus Christ. He was often writing to his son, Vedanayagam and his family about his ministry and giving advice to each                                                              4   Having come to know this, Mr. Paul Appasamy, M.A., Ll.B. in his

book, The Centenary History of the C.M.S. in Tinnevelly referred to him as Poet Devasagayam Pillai. He also mentioned that his son, Vedanayagam Sastriar was more famous than he was as a Christian Poet.  

of them according to their needs. While Devasagayam Pillai was staying in the house of Michael Muhendran, a well-to-do Tamilian, he came down with rheumatic fever and was in bed. Their family took very good care of the servant of God. Yet, he was deteriorating in health. On 2nd January 1799, he took the holy gospel in his frail hands, read it with a feeble voice and kept the book under his pillow. After a few minutes, he said, ‘Jesus save me’ and breathed his last. He was then 65 years old. All the friends got together and buried the body of the Nellai (Tirunelveli) Tamil Poet Devasagayam Pillai in the Protestant cemetery and paid their homage to him. Mourning the death of his dear father, Vedanayaga Sastriar composed fifty verses.

-----Chapter 3 VEDAPODHAGA VEDANAYAGAM (The playful child lost in wonder!) On 7th Sep. 1774, Vedapodhagam known as Vedanayagar was born to the Tirunelveli Tamil poet who was the Catechist in the Thanjavur Protestant church and to Gnanappoo. Father Devasagayam sent his young son to study with a Tamil German teacher soon after he completed five years of age. He also gave the Teacher proper fees for his tuition. But his wife, Gnanappoo died the very next year and Vedanayagam became a motherless child. Consequently his education was affected. The motherless seven year old Vedanayagam and his siblings lived in their grandfather’s home with all comforts for two years. In those days, since grandfather Savarirayan was a wealthy man with farms and fields, he was not much concerned about Vedanayagam’s education. So the boy was wandering in the fields like a playful child. He went along with the men who were taking care of the cattle and enjoyed himself in their company going round the forest. The future ‘Poet-King” was roaming the forest taking care of the herd of cows! Did not David, the King of Israel, the expert harp player and also a musicking tend his father Jesse’s sheep when he was a boy? (1 Samuel 16:11) In 1783, father Devasagayam made Vedanayagam study the writing on palm leaves and the numbers (mathematics) under a teacher in Puliangudi. (Many students were studying under that teacher, who was also in charge of

Sokkapatti police department). Vedanayagam was nine years old at that time. While he was studying like this, one day in the evening around 5 p.m., the boys were sitting out in the open. All of a sudden, the boy Vedanayagam was staring at something in front of him. The boy sitting next to him patted Vedanayagam on his shoulder and exclaimed, ‘What happened? Instead of studying, are you daydreaming?’ Since that boy belonged to the Roman Catholic Church, in their customary language Vedanayagam excitedly pointed at something and replied saying, “Look, our God is going there; look!” A cross as tall as a man’s height was slowly moving in front of the eyes of Vedanayagam from the right side to the left. This was not a sign seen up in the clouds. It was a scene, lucid and clear right in front of the eyes. It was a cross made of wood. That cross was seen by Vedanayagam for about 12 minutes. Then it vanished. Usually, Vedanayagam would be playing with the boys after studying with his teacher and then return home later. But that day, he ran home in leaps and bounds. Even as he entered home, he was shouting, “Grandma, Grandma!” Grandma asked him, “Hey boy, why do you come running like this?” Instantaneously, he said without taking a breath, “Grandma, I saw our God going in front of me. I saw it moving slowly in front of my eyes. Grandma, see, it’s like the one that is hanging on the chain around your neck. But it was big, very big! I was just looking at it. Then it moved and disappeared." Stunned with surprise, Grandma was tongue-tied for almost a minute and then touching the cross that was hanging from her neck, she told him with great excitement, with goosebumps on her skin, “ This is God’s sign. Dear Vedanayagam, something – maybe a great miracle shall happen in your lifetime.” The playful child, Vedanayagam was lost in wonder! Thinking of the ‘cross scene’, he stood in reverence folding his hands: Poem: Waking up in the morning Stood before my eyes And also etched a sketch In my heart; others’ Principles, besides this, Will not be equal

In front of the great Lord My dear God. (Jebamalai: 1:28 - Meditation on the cross 3) ------Chapter 4 VEDANAYAGAM (The one who hid himself, found the path of Love) Vedanayagam came to Tirunelveli with his father and step-mother. His father itted him in a school there. At one time, Vedanayagam, along with his school boys, went to the cucumber garden that had been devastated by floods. As he was moving along into the maze of cucumber vines searching and plucking the cucumbers, he suddenly fell into an open well that was hidden from his sight. Overcome with fear, the boys who had taken him along, ran away and hid themselves. Falling into the well, Vedanayagam submerged twice and when he surfaced the third time, by the sheer grace of God, he grabbed the ridge of the well and jumped up to safe ground and escaped death. He was scared to tell his father about this accident immediately and so only after many days he told him about it. His father was shocked to hear this. And then he thanked and praised God with joy for saving his son miraculously. Again, Vedanayagam turned to be being a playful child. He used to play truant from school and hide himself over and over again and the teacher really got tired of finding him and bringing him back to school. He said with a heart filled with sadness: “I can teach anybody except this boy. Even if ‘yemen’ (the God of death) is able to learn, this boy will never be able to learn. The ‘future’ revealed what a hasty evaluation the teacher had made! Having learnt about the teacher‘s criticism, father Devasagayam Pillai, with great sorrow, thought deeply and wondered. “This boy is motherless; What to do?” That evening, with tears in his eyes, he talked to God and prayed intensely for Vedanayagam. When Vedanayagam came there, he was surprised and approached his father, asking in an anxious tone, “Father, you are looking and talking sadly. Why?” The father replied, “My son, I am praying only for you. I have preserved all the material in the palm leaves, written with much hard work, only for your sake. You are my son, and yet, like a fool, you are going astray without getting educated.” He said this with great remorse. Vedanayagam thought of the way he was running away from school and hiding himself despite the efforts of the teacher and contrary to the wishes of his father. The feeling of guilt pierced his heart. He looked

at the face of his father who prayed with tears to God for the one who was hurting his father’s heart. His words, “I am praying only for you” kept ringing in his ears. He found the mark of love in his father’s face and words. Vedanayagam’s heart melted. He asked his father, “Father, will I be able to study?” His father said, “If you take care and study, God will open your eyes. He will make things clear to you. You will study well and become a great person.” The tearful prayers of God’s servant Devasagayam reached the ears of the loving Heavenly Father, the embodiment of grace. The loving father’s copious tears touched the heart of young Vedanayagam. He changed. He said with a resolute heart, “Father, write the lessons for me. Hereafter I shall learn with great care.” Noticing his son’s firmness, father Devasagayam taught Vedanayagam by writing lessons and mathematical sums on palm leaves. He also taught him to write on palm leaves by using the stylus. He further encouraged him by using the method of giving him coins and snacks whenever he memorized the lessons and recited them without any mistakes. The boy who had run away from school and hid himself and wasted his time found the path of love, followed it and grew in wisdom thanks to the tireless efforts of his father. Wasted my time – Was blinking without any thought Oh, Thou who carried the lost sheep Change me - I long for this, my King.

Doesn’t this song written much later, reveal the deep rooted truth in his young heart?

Chapter 5 THE LOVING DISCIPLE OF THE REVERED FATHER (The call of love)

The year 1785 saw three major events. In this year, in Palayamkottai of Tirunelveli, the first Christian church built by Lady Clorinda was dedicated by Rev. Father Schwartz. It was in this year that Prince Serfoji of Thanjavur came under the guardianship of the ‘Bible King’ Rev. Schwartz. It was in this same year, the Tirunelveli boy Vedanayagam became the student of Rev. Schwartz. During that time, whenever Rev. Schwartz came to Tirunelveli, he often met his friend Devasagayam Pillai in his home. Once at night, he watched Vedanayagam praying on his knees before going to bed. When he had first come to Devasagayam Pillai, the Pastor had seen the intelligent face of Vedanayagam and foreknew that he would become a great scholar. And now, he saw the pious heart of Vedanayagam and he fully believed that he would become a worthy servant of God. Both these great expectations of the Pastor were fulfilled during his own lifetime. The Pastor spoke to Vedanayagam. Pastor: What is your name? Vedanayagam: (with a brightened face) Vedanayagam. Pastor: (pleased) Oh! Vedanayagam would dance and would sing! (The lad Vedanayagam laughed) Pastor: If you come with me, I will make you a man. (The intelligent boy heard the call of love) Vedanayagam: Alright Sir, I will come with you. The Pastor was rejoiced and praised God. Meanwhile, there was a request from Thanjavur to the Pastor asking him to come immediately since King Thulasi was on his death bed. As the Pastor was getting ready to leave immediately, Devasagayam Pillai came along with Vedenagayam to see him before he left. As a person who lived up to his divine call in his day-to-day life, the Pastor did not forget Vedanayagam even in his hurry. He talked to Devasagayam Pillai. Pastor: Please send your son with me. I will educate him and make him come up in his life. Devasagayam: Sir, he is a small fellow. He will not come that far. (He was not aware of the fact that Vedanayagam had already expressed his interest to him) Pastor: If he is willing to come with me, will you object to that?

Devasagayam: No I will not do that. Pastor: (calling Vedanayagam and asking him) Vedanayagam, would you like to come with me? Vedanayagam: Sure Sir, I will come. Pastor (to Devasagayam Pillai): Your son says that he will come with me. What do you say? Devasagayam: Since he wishes, you can take him with you. Immediately Devasagayam bought cloth for him and got it stitched into pants and long coat. He blessed his dear son and sent him with the Pastor. At that time, Vedanayagam was a young boy of 12 years. As soon as Rev. Schwartz returned to Thanjavur, he went and saw King Thulasi. The King requested him to take care of and educate his adopted son Prince Serfoji and also to save his kingdom by arranging for a Peace Treaty between him and the English. (He was anxious because of the invasion by Hyder Ali). Rev. Schwartz who had taken up the responsibility of Tirunelveli Vedanayagam also took charge of Thanjavur Serfoji. Within a few days, King Thulasi ed away. Serfoji was a 10 year old Prince then. As a youth, training with the young Prince: The young boy Vedanayagam was in the custody of Rev. Schwartz and was also his student. He and Prince Serfoji were under the tutelage of the Pastor, like elder brother and younger brother. They studied all the books of literature and knowledge and excelled in them. Prince Serfoji very lovingly called the intellectual Vedanayagam ‘elder brother’ (Anna?). At the very outset, after his arrival in Thanjavur with the Pastor, Vedanayagam asked his Master Rev. Schwartz, “Sir, please give me a book to read which you would wish to give me.’ Immediately, he gave his student, with all his wishes, the Book of Psalms which is in the Bible.

Poem: First he gave me Psalms – Also The knowledge of the Bible Made me an expert In Psalms and the Bible, Oh my wise Lady.

‘Sasthirakummi’ Just because Rev. Schwartz the “Teacher Father” blessed his “Student Son” Vedanayagam by giving him first the book of Psalms, he said, “Vedanayagan does not have any job and that is why he will sing till dawn” (Aranadhintham – Bridegroom pacifies the Bride – 4th lyric – Why are you angry, young woman? – 3) Praising his Lord Jesus all the time, he was flourishing as a poet and a great Tamil scholar. Vedanayagam did not lack anything in his Master’s house. Nor was there any dearth in his father’s house. The Pastor brought up Vedanayagam as his own dear son by giving him necessary food and clothing. School Training: In those days, high-caste people were very much in favour of caste distinctions and the related restrictions. They had no connection with the low-caste people. Therefore Rev. Schwartz had employed only high-caste cooks and servants for him. So the non-Christian high-caste people freely visited Rev. Schwartz without any barrier and listened to his wise counsel for their spiritual growth and having come to know the true God, they took baptism. Also they brought their children to be educated by him. Man is invaluable having been “bought at a price.” (I Cor. 6:20) Therefore, Rev. Fr. Schwartz knew that man’s body and soul must be kept holy. So, he was cautious not to utter any word or do anything that might discourage his students and then he conveyed the message of salvation in a very simple and interesting way. That they should be fully involved in their spiritual life while they are young, was his only main concern. To that end, he taught them the relevant portions from the scriptures. Also, he took care of them with great kindness and became a Godfather for them. The students saw the Saviour’s great love reflected in their Master’s love. Rev. Fr. Schwartz thought that Vedanayagam who was with him, should not only be satisfied with the value of education but should also understand the need to exercise. So he trained Vedanayagam to do some kind of jobs like the school children who were involved in different activities during the time they were not studying, such as watering the plants in the garden. After four o’clock in the evening, it was a practice for the Pastor to sleep for a little while. Vedanayagam would read portions from the Bible till he went to sleep. Since Vedanayagam’s reading was clear, he would always ask him to stand in front of him and read. At times, the boy would massage his master’s legs. He would pour water for him to wash his hands. To do such small errands for his master was a great delight to the disciple,

Vedanayagam. One day, when he was massaging the Pastor’s legs, the Pastor was telling Vedanayagam about eternal life in a very interesting manner. Then Vedanayagam told him with all excitement, ”Sir, I would like to come with you to heaven and keep massaging your legs always.” Was not this a spontaneous sound that emanated from the heart of the student who was like a son to him! Rev. Father laughed and said to his beloved student, “My son, Vedanayagam, will there be pain in the leg in heaven? There will not be any weakness or grief there. You have to know a lot about these things. (If one reads all the songs under the heading ‘Divine Vision, four lives’ in the book Aranadhintham, one would come to know that Vedanayagam later learnt well about life in heaven from his master.) The Teacher Pastor Schwartz brought together the students like Vedanayagam, who ‘reflected their inner beauty in their faces’ and were eager to study. He explained to them daily the words of wisdom from the Bible. He lit up the lamp of their spiritual life in such a way that it shone brightly. This was his first and foremost job. The number of school students thus chosen by Rev. Father was ten. In one of his letters, he has written about them thus: “We are sending the youth whom we think will be useful to the Bible Catechists in their ministry along with them to the villages.” Though the names are not mentioned, it is certain that Vedanayagam was one among them. 5 The great three-fold opportunity: Rev. Father used to talk with all the school students about the sayings from the Bible during the morning and evening prayer time and whenever he had free time from his work. He tirelessly endeavoured to on the true wisdom by explaining the good news of the one true God, divine love, divine worship and the path of love of Christian life. Wasn’t this a rare opportunity to get trained with different kinds of students in Rev. Schwartz’s school in studies and in hostel duties from the beginning of 1786? (In his book Dharma Nootrevu (Charitable hundred) Sastriar refers to following Rev. Schwartz after he came to Tirunelveli and studying while he was 17 with hundred and eighty-six children.) Also, to get trained individually with Rev. Fr. Schwartz for two years till the end of 1788 was indeed a privilege.                                                              5   As mentioned in the letter, Rev. Schwartz sent Vedanayagam even while

he was seventeen years old with Catechist Gnanamuthu and others to villages as an assistant. See the book Thanjavur Schwartz written by Mr. Jessy Page – Pages 170, 171.  

Thus, for the boy Vedanayagam to have been trained in education and knowledge, not only along with Prince Serfoji and Rev. Schwartz’s school students but also in the individual training with the Pastor in his home was a three-fold opportunity to be specifically mentioned. To get trained in different fields of education with a Prince is not an opportunity that everyone gets. The opportunities gained by Vedanayagam did not stop with this! In 1785, when he came from Tirunelveli to Thanjavur which is about 25 kadham (250 miles), he was 12 years old, whereas Rev. Fr. Schwartz who brought him was 59 years old. Therefore, Rev. Father’s mature love for God, his holy exemplary life filled with faith, hope and love took deep roots in the young innocent mind of Vedanayagam; it helped that boy grow in incomparable love for God, firm faith and measureless love. Also, it made a boy a servant of God at a very young age when he could have gone astray. It made him blossom into Vedanayaga Sastriar and be a role-model to all Christians who knew Tamil. But, in fact, whose work was this? Was not this the word of God Jesus Christ who searched and found the Tirunelveli Siva devotee and made him his own disciple? Poem: God himself rose up, and The person living in Tirunelveli God himself brought, and preached, And made him Sastriar, Oh wise lady. (Sastrakkummi)

If the Tirunelveli boy Vedanayagam had clung on to Hindu religion after his forefathers, he could have become a great Tamil Poet like the ‘famous Kamban’ who wrote Rama’s epic. Maybe, Vedanayagam’s religious songs would have gained fame like Thiruvasagam of whom it is written “those whose hearts were not moved by the songs of Thiruvasagam would not be moved by any other song.” Or maybe, like Thiagayya who became a famous Telugu maestro because of his poetic prowess, Vedanayagam too could have become a famous Tamil scholar in music. But, Vedanayagam who hailed from the family of Siva devotees, was born and brought up in the ancient Roman Catholic church and heard the holy gospel through the Protestant Church and accepted Jesus Christ and became a servant of Lord Jesus. And today he stands as the Evangelical Poet who composed many a song telling the news of the redemption through Christ and which were

written in lovely Tamil and sung as songs of praise throughout the world. Whose work is this? Is not this the work of the Triune God who made him the disciple of Jesus by making him the disciple of Rev. Fr. Schwartz!? Rev. Schwartz founded several churches in Thanjavur. Whose will is this? Has not the Tirunelveli Siva devotee sung the Jebamalai as the disciple of Jesus? Have not the meaningful scriptures been given to all castes? The life of false Gods has diminished. Is it Your act or not? Is it hard for You to show the way through your grace To a heart filled with doubt? Lord, Triune God that governs the heavens Merciful, Joy Incarnate! Jebamalai 26 – Thirucheyal 11

Chapter 6 TRAINING AND SERVICE (Tranquebar Training)

Source of scripture, Praise you, praise you Shepherd of the disciple, Praise you, praise you Wisdom of the learned preacher, Praise you, praise you King of the heavenly beings, Song of the wise people,

Praise you, praise you

Praise you, praise you

Lord of the famous philosophers, Praise you, praise you Jebamalai

(Divine greatness 1:8)

In 1789, young Vedanayagam’s parents came to Thanjavur. Thinking that their coming should not become a hindrance to their son’s education, Rev.

Comment [B1]: either Tamil  or English 

Father Schwartz sent Vedanayagam to Tranquebar along with Rev. Dr. John, a German missionary. Dr. John was a scholar. Totally involved in school work, from 1771 for 42 years, he strove for the progress of the students in Tranquebar. With great satisfaction in his service, he ed away from this earth. Many of those who were trained by him later turned out to be missionaries preaching the good news. (One among them was Teacher, Rev. John Devasagayam who was famous in Tirunelveli District.) The first book that Dr. John gave to Vedanayagam was a book on Theology – Principles of the scriptures. Receiving this book Vedanayagam studied it thoroughly. Vedanayagam who was capable of understanding any book easily, and ing what he learnt, became a scholar in theology very soon. It is no wonder that he got the title Vedasastri (Doctorate in Theology) by writing the books and the poems that he wrote according to theological doctrines. In those days, the ministry of the Protestant Evangelical Church was under the supervision of Germans. The preaching that the early evangelical Christians received was based on the principles and worship services of the Great Father Martin Luther. Therefore the theological doctrines that Vedanayagam learnt at Tranquebar were the theological doctrines of Dr. Luther. During the four years (1789-1792) that Vedanayagam spent in Tranquebar, he learnt astronomy, geology, physiology and several other facets of science through books and the teachings of his teachers. Every day in the evening, it was a practice for Vedanayagam to go for a walk with Rev. Dr. John. At that time, the Pastor even as he was walking, would tell him stories of his country and that of other countries. Vedanayagam listened to them heartily. He also used to give him good advice which Vedanayagam willingly received. Rev. Dr. Comeror, Rev. Rotler and others used to move freely with Vedanayagam with love and kindness and took care of his needs. Though Vedanayagam learnt to read the gospels in German, he could not master the language. In the beginning of 1793 after his studies in Tranquebar, Sastriar returned to Rev. Schwartz in Thanjavur having grown mature in the knowledge of the Bible and in his spiritual life. Vedanayagam was just 18 years old when he returned as a scholar. When Rev. Fr. Schwartz saw the young adult standing in front of him, he hugged his dear son with love and great delight in his heart. Ministry of spreading the good news: Filled with great joy, Father told Vedanayagam, “Vedanayagam, you have gained enough knowledge and also you have grown older by years. So, you need not study any more.” Then, in order to get him trained in evangelical

work, he sent his loving disciple as an Assistant with Catechist Gnanamuthu and others who had gone out to work in the church. Travelling with them to villages like Vallam, Pudupatti, Poodhalur, Chithirakudi etc. in Thanjavur and to other places such as Ramanathapuram, Uthirakosamangai in the South, he was of great help to them in their ministry. In his book, ‘Charitable hundred books’ (Dharma nootrerivu) while narrating his own story in a poem, he says, ‘From thousand seven hundred and ninety for 64 years, he had composed 100 evangelical books’ - i.e. from the year 1790 for a period of 64 years he had written 100 books in the form of evangelical poetry. So we can say that Vedanayagam started composing poems from his sixteenth year. Therefore when he went to different towns as an evangelist he might have preached the good news by singing the songs from some of the books which had composed (Parabaran malai - garland of the Lord, Gnanakummi - wisdom folklore etc.) (,). People would have listened to these songs with joy. Heaster’s Job: When Vedanayagam had completed 19 years of age, Rev. Fr. Schwartz appointed his student-son, as Heaster of the school which he had founded for the local children in Thanjavur. Teacher Vedanayagam taught his students doctrines of the scripture, mathematics etc. with great interest. Having noticed his ability and the discipline with which he took care of the children, Rev. Schwartz decided that the children need not go to Tranquebar any more. The children of the Indian and European pastors studied under the Heaster Vedanayagam with much enthusiasm. He had some knowledge of English too. Children called him, ‘Annaviar’ (Elder brother) with much respect. Only during this period, as already referred, he composed besides the ‘garland of prayer’ (Jebamalai), other books such as ‘Song that venerates wisdom’ (Gnana yetha pattu), ‘Wisdom’s way’ (Gnana Vazhi), ‘First Joy’ (Adhiyanandam), ‘Joy of knowledge’ (Arivanandam), ‘Epic of Divine Justice’ (Parama Needhi Puranam), ‘Garland of change of time’ (Kaala vithyasa maalai) and many other books for the use of Pastors, Catechists and others. The following poem exemplifies the way that these were written in conversational language for the school children to easily read and understand: Poem: Teacher means father and mother are teachers; Those who bring up children like fathers are also teachers. Those who govern the world are teachers; Those who powerfully guide you are also teachers

Teacher means the One who said the word, he is also a teacher My heart worships Christ, the King, the Redeemer of mankind. (Parama Needhi Puranam 3:59) The two sections of the ‘Garland of the Lord’ (Parabaran maalai) usurped the place of ‘Kadhir Kaama maalai and ‘Ambigai maalai’ taught in schools. Even the elders respected Vedanayagam and referred to him as Annaviar (elder brother).

Poem: Teachers with understanding The learned doctors Scholars of scriptural ancient history – May they all live long (Perinba-k-kadhal – Thiruchabai Vazhi 466)

Thus the learned Vedanayagam praised the great men who had trained him to carry out his Heaster’s post efficiently. As he likewise shone as Heaster, Vedanayagam was eulogised by his younger son Elia Devasigamani in the following verse: You came into the world As son of the Tirunelveli scholar Devasagayam The great Dr. Schwartz took you to Thanjavur And gave you rigorous teaching Also you had great education From Dr. John in nearby Tranquebar Later, you were the heaster In Thanjavur school………. Oh! Vedanayagam.

Chapter 7 THOUGH LEFT ALONE, THE TIRUNELVELIAN STOOD FIRM PRAISING GOD Heaster Vedanayagam married his paternal aunt’s daughter, Vyagammal in 1795. Vedanayagam’s father, Devasagayam together with Rev. Fr. Schwartz chose the girl and Rev. Janik conducted the wedding service. Vedanayagam was very happy when his dear wife became pregnant in due course. But the next year in 1796, the mother died even before the child was born. Lost in grief Vedanayagam felt that his married life had come to an end just as it was beginning. His heart melting like a candle, he lamented saying, ‘Don’t you know my grief?’ and he cried out to his God, his permanent Companion who upheld him all the time thus: Poem: Won’t you tell me the truth about Your heart that has not known My heart and the grief that I am enduring? Is your heart hardened? Or Is it a stone that does not melt? My Master, the Lord of Mercy. Parabaran Maalai Pangu 1:26 Then, within two years, Vedanayagam went through another unbearable grief. Rev. Schwartz, the Head Pastor of the Thanjavur church left the earthly abode in Thanjavur and went to heaven on 18th Feb. 1798. Could anyone describe the pitiable condition of Vedanayagam in losing Rev. Father Schwartz who brought him up more than a father would, in the love of Christ, the Redeemer and made him a great poet to to the skies the glory of the son of God? Losing the father who had given him refuge in Thanjavur, the Tirunelvelian sought refuge in the loving heart of Jesus and touching his feet and crying prayed:

Poem:

Comment [B2]: English/Tamil  issue 

Comment [B3]: spelling? 

My heart has grown dry: I’ve become lean with great grief Can find no refuge but by surrendering to you Have mercy on me, the betrayer And comfort me by embracing me And protecting me within the five wounds of your son. (Jebamalai 1:25) The very next year, another great tragedy struck like a roaring thunder from the sky. In 1799, father Devasagayam Pillai who had gone to Ceylon alone died in Jaffna. Almost speechless with grief, Vedanayagam cried out in this poem: Poem: You are my father, you are my mother You are my life, you are my Lord Grant me grace, my Lord So my heart is not weighed down with unbearable grief. (Jebamalai12:8) Having lost the three persons whom he could call his own, one by one, he lamented saying, ‘I have lost my wife, my great Guru and my revered father. I am left alone and I grieve. Hold me and comfort me, my Lord!’ So saying, he became strong. Possessing unchangeable love and unshakeable faith in Christ, the lonely disciple, Vedanayagam, after his grief, with a broken heart, raised his voice of faith and praised God even in his aloneness. Poem: You and the Bible path are there, And my heart is related to you I have given my mind to be at your feet The love of your dear son is with me; Oh, when the mother is there Why should the child fret, my heavenly Lord?

Parabaran Maalai 1:29 Comment [B4]: Tamil?  English? 

Chapter 8 CERTIFICATES, DONATIONS AND TITLES In 1800, the great poet, Vedanayagam wrote the famous play Bethlehem Kuravanji (Bethlehem Gypsy girl) modelled on the Tamil drama, Kutrala Kuravanji. In Vedanayagam’s drama, Bethelehem Kuravanji is a Prophetess born in Bethlehem. The church Pastors and those who spread the Good News of Christ are the fishers of men. Kuravan, husband of Kuravanji and his friend, Noovan, (based on the life of Kuravan and Kurathi) explain the Christian truth through this Tamil play ‘Bethlehem Kuravanji’. Eagerly hoping that all those who sing ‘Kutrala Kuravanji’ should sing ‘Bethlehem Kuravanji’, Vedanayagam put much effort in writing this incomparable book, ‘Kuravanji’. This book is like Cruden’s Concordance, a dictionary with synonyms. It is clear that all the instances and teachings from the Bible are taken from sindh poems (a kind of musical composition) like ‘Birds get together, see and wake up’ and are mentioned in this literary piece, Bethlehem Kuravanji. Before this book was completed, poet Vedanayagam came down with a serious fever. Then, when he prayed to God to grant him 15 more years as God did to King Hezekiah, his prayer was answered and not just 15 years! God gave him much longer life and also this extraordinary book was completed. Vedanayagam praised and worshipped God: Poem: Light that gives hope in despair, Light that grants many good things; Light that is worshipped by saints Light of wisdom, Light of miracle Light of mercy, I surrender

Myself at your feet and worship. Jebamalai, Kaandam 1, Muthothira Devaram, Seyyuzh 1)

Just before his death, Rev. Father Schwartz, gave the custody of Vedanayagam to his friend and colleague, Rev. John Casper Kohloff. In 1801, he arranged the marriage of Teacher Vedanayagam with the daughter of his maternal uncle, Michael Muthu. She was called Michael Muthammal. This lady also belonged to Tirunelveli. Vedanayagam spent a lot of effort in teaching Tamil language to his wife and she in turn read many Tamil books and became an expert in Tamil language.

The church congregations in Thanjavur were happy and thrilled to listen often to the devotional songs of the great poet, Vedanayagam. They appreciated and praised his poetic ability and preaching capability very much giving him the title, ‘Vedasiromani Mahagnana Kavichakravarthi’ (Bible Scholar and Great Wise Poet King) 6 on 20th February 1808. Vedanayagam referred to this special honour given to him in his book ‘Aranadhintham – Avaiyadakkam 15, 13; in Bethlehem Kuravanji Payiram (7); and in ‘Sastra-k-kummi’. The Thanjavur congregation understood clearly the incomparable ability of Sastriar in composing beautifully the whole of the Bible in 52 books – and later in 80 books. They appreciated him and prayed to God that his songs should benefit all the church congregations in the country and their descendants. They presented him with these traditional honours: first seat in the church, thaamboolam (betel leaves, arecanut), mudhal vanakkam (first greetings) and mudhal madhippu (the first respect). They mentioned all these in a citation saying that they believed that other great people in other places too would honour him in a similar manner. This citation was signed by the Head of the Church Mission and by elders and was read in the presence of all and handed over to the Poet King Vedanayagam. Usually, great people are not respected in their own place. But, as for the Poet King Vedanayagam, he was given great respect by the people of

                                                             6   In those days there were no universities that would give recognition to

such capabilities. Madurai Tamil Sangam (assembly) should have realised this and taken steps. Therefore, it was in order that the people in the city took up this responsibility.  

Thanjavur where he had stayed from his childhood and had his education along with the local children and also became a learned person. In the same year on March 15, 1808, the Tranquebar Church congregation was happy to hear that the play, Gnana Nondi (Wise Cripple) written by the Poet King Vedanayagam was staged. In the play ‘Gnana Nondi’, Man becomes a cripple because of increased sin. Redeemed by the bloodshed on the cross by Christ, empowered by the one who died and rose again, he receives new life and his leg is restored. ‘He jumped and shouted with joy and danced’ seeing the church in Nellai (Tirunelveli) Thus he sang and danced and praised the grace of God. It is notable that the good news of the redeeming power of Jesus Christ was portrayed in the Tamil dramatic style known as ‘Nondi Naadagam’ (‘cripple Drama.’) Having noticed the poetic talent of Vedanayagam in spreading the good news of redemption, using the three styles of Tamil language (prose, poetry and drama) that can be identified by Tamil Scholars, the Tranquebar congregation gave him the title, “Evangelical Poet King” and also gave him a certificate authenticated with signature. One should note that Vedanayagar himself has made a reference to “The beautiful repetitive prayer recital by the Evangelical Poet every day (Jebamaalai - Kaandam – 2-5– Ubathira Vimochanam –11 – Seyyuzh. Sastira-k-kummi 437). Just like the Thanjavur congregation, the Tranquebar congregation also mentioned in their citation about the Evangelical Poet King Vedanayagar’s divine piety, ability to expound the Bible, the efforts he had taken to spread the good news by composing songs in different styles and tradition, his physical exertion and also the different principles in his books. According to the custom of those days, in order to honour great poets, the church took Vedanayagar by palanquin in a procession and had a great celebration. Becoming aware of the appreciation gained in Thanjavur and Tranquebar, the Evangelical Poet King desired that the people living in Madras (now Chennai), the capital of South India should also know the value of the meaning of his books. Therefore in 1809, he went to Madras and met the Vepery Tamil church . It is almost impossible to describe the welcome that he received in Madras. The influential respectable leader in the church was Mr. Muthusamia Pillai. He entertained the Evangelical Poet and his companions for two months by giving good and tasty food and costly gifts. He made one new palanquin at the cost of sixty Varaagan (approximately Rs.400/-) for the Poet-King. With the permission of the Church Head, Rev. Peazold, he kept the palanquin in the Vepery church porch.

This church was in the premises of the present St. Mathias’ church where there used to be worship services in four languages namely Tamil, English, Portuguese and Dutch conducted by Rev. J.P. Febricius and Rev. W.F. Gerike. Earlier in the year 1788, there were 17,716 Christians (Dr. Henry Bower’s book). When Vedanayagam came to Chennai there would have been 20,000 Christians. Rev. Peazold granted permission to Vedanayagar to release his book, ‘Bethlehem Kuravanji’ in the church porch on 19th Sep. 1809. Under the leadership of the Pastor and in the presence of the church and the general public who had gathered in the church porch and in the open space, Vedanayagar expounded his book, ’Bethlehem Kuravanji’ and its wealth of meaning and the use of the choice words. He sang the songs with deep expression so that people could understand them and then he released his book. The Madras church gave him the title, “Gnana Deepa Kavirayar’ (Poet King of the Light of Wisdom). That is how he introduced himself in ‘Aranaadhintham’s Vedanayagar’s Appearance’, ‘as the one who as the evangelical poet-master – Light of Wisdom gave the great book on the incarnation of Emmanuel and came in.’ Also, just like the citation presented by the Churches in Thanjavur and Tranquebar, a citation was presented at Chennai signed by the church leaders and along with it, a palanquin was given. Then, Vedanayaga Vedasiromani Gnana Suviseda Kavi Chakravarthi was clothed in grand garments, further adorned with green shawl and seated in the palanquin. Without any class differences, people crowded in the front and at the back of the palanquin. Several instruments were played and hymns rent the air and while the gracious generous church delighted, Gnana Deepa Kavi Rayar was taken around Vepery in a procession. Having witnessed such a grand reception, Vedanayagam expressed his gratitude, by composing a song in praise of Muthusamia Pillai as if written by his student, Vaman in the style of ‘Cripple’s song’ (Nondi tharu paattu). That song was named ‘Entrance to Chenna Pattanam’ (The city of Madras) or ‘Pattinam Nondi’ (The City Cripple). Having come to know through newspapers, about the titles and citations given by the three cities of Thanjavur, Tranquebar and Madras to the wonder poet, Vedanayagam, the Tiruchirapalli church invited ‘Gnana Deepa Kavi Rayar’ (Light of Wisdom Poet King) to Tiruchi. They erected a stage made of wooden planks in the big street in the city with a temporary roof for the release of the songs of the Poet. All the church without any ‘class distinctions, high or low’ had assembled there. At that time, Vedanayaga Kavi Rayar released the book composed in 1813 entitled “Perinba-k-kadhal” (Divine Love) on the sufferings of the Saviour Lord Jesus – a book that would melt one’s heart - he also released the book,

‘Sasthira-k-kummi’ (folk music on superstition) composed in 1814 by singing the songs from this book which condemn the blind superstitions still observed by Christians. When Vedanayagar explained in detail the meaning of Biblical teachings through his heart-rending songs, people came continuously for forty five days with great enthusiasm and listened to him happily. At specific times, Sastriar’s children and grand children used to participate by singing and dancing, while giving the good news of Christ through song and music as a story namely ‘Kaalachebam’. Therefore the first three and four generations of Sastriar referred to ‘Kaalachebam’ as ‘Sadhur’. When Sadhur/Kaalachebam was completed on 18th June 1815, the Chief Priest, Rev. Christian Phole put a robe over Vedanayagar and gave him the title, ‘Veda Sastriar’ (The title, ‘Veda Sastriar’ is equivalent to the degree, ‘Doctor of Divinity’). While all stood up, the Chief Catechist Gnanaprakasam read loudly the certificate written in this regard and gave it to Vedanayagar. From that day, the Heaster of the Theological College, the Poet King was called ‘Vedanayaga Sastriar’! Besides the certificates given by the church , Rev. Phole too gave a certificate to Sastriar. Thereby, Sastriar wrote about the accolade that he received from the crowds of people in Trichy through those forty five days by acclaiming him with great applause and also about the graciousness and goodness of Rev. Phole. Veda Siromani Gnana Deepa Suvisesha Kavi Rayar Vedanayaga Veda Sastri sang with joy that all the greatness that he received was only because of Jesus.

Poem: ‘Because of Jesus, we received greatness; received grace Received the Holy Spirit with happiness Because of Jesus we received sonship Received many many blessings Because of Jesus we received eternal life And received life to live forever. Is there anything lacking for pious people? So, swing along, You are the children of the Lord of Lords, Swing along.

(Jebamaalai 2 – Maalai 10, Seyyul 9, 10) Comment [B5]: format? 

Chapter 9 THE DISCIPLE’S POETIC ABILITY (The Master’s unique pride)

We noted that Vedanayagar Vedasastri would have started composing right from his sixteenth year, as Rev. Schwartz expressed pride in his disciple by reading his short poems. He was gratified to note that his disciple’s poetic ability had helped him make a decision to appoint him as the Heaster of his own school and was happy that his capability flourished after that. We find from the books that Vedanayagam wrote during this period that he had composed some beautiful songs for school children which Rev. Schwartz was happy to hear; Parabaran Maalai – 1794 (see Introduction), ‘Wisdom Dance’ – 1796 (Introduction/End – Poetry), Gnana Andhaathi – 1796 (Poetry 4). The year of Rev. Schwartz’s death was 1798. (Poem) “The song of beautiful wise ‘Kummi’ (the beautiful wisdom kummi) Composed by Nellai Vedanayaga Sastri Has grace, has meaning, has knowledge And has an end that will lead To the bliss of Heaven’. (Gnana-k-kummi – Class 5 – Poetry 21) Thus the school children sang and danced the ‘Wisdom kummi’ which made Rev. Schwartz happy.

‘Gnana Andhadhi’ is a version of the ‘Song of Solomon’ in the Bible. A few lines pregnant with profound meaning are given below: Wise wife referring to the wise husband: “He is everywhere, knowing all He is in the heart of poor me, He is here too as a gracious miracle of love He is in the heart of every living thing, He, the king of David’s throne is beside me.” (Gnana Andhadhi – Poetry 20)

Wise husband’s words: “Daughters of Jerusalem, Women are tender-hearted Keeping awake, foregoing their sleep And I shall not wake you. That is the Bible’s hero’s command.” (Gnana Andhadhi – Poetry 89) The joy of wise husband’s wife: The command of my husband’s truthful word is pleasant And so is my husband The Lord of Lords was happy With his bride, uncommon to obtain. (Gnana Andhadhi – Poetry 90) These lovely poems delighted the students. Understanding their joy, Rev. Schwartz thanked God for the disciple’s poetic ability. The young and the old sang ‘Parabaran Maalai’ (The Garland of the Lord) with much enthusiasm. The song titled “Parabaran Sondham’ (The Lord’s close relationship) in that book depicts Sastriar’s attitude of his special privilege with his God as his own.

“Spotless One, the Everlasting Teacher of True Wisdom, Thou, beyond boundaries, Holy One, Heavenly Son If you are my Father Who can ever say that I am not your son, my Lord? Parabaran Maalai – Poetry 28 Thus, the Master rejoiced to see Vedanayagar delighting in adorning Jesus, the son of God with the ‘Garland of the Lord’. He praised God, the Spotless One, for having fulfilled his vision that Vedanayagar would become a world renowned Scholar and a proper servant of God because of his disciple’s poetic ability and piety. It seems that Rev. Schwartz, after he left this earth and standing in the presence of Jesus Christ, the Messiah would have touched his feet and laughed with pride and said, “My son, Vedanayagam has not only attracted the students with his poetic ability, but also, you, the Messiah.” The Son of God too would have laughed with pride and said, “This naughty boy is asking me, “Is Vedanayagam’s song enough celebration for you?” Rev. Dr. John, who trained Vedanayagam in different fields and brought him to manhood and was in cordial relationship with him for more than 24 years, would have also greatly delighted with joy to hear and see the great poetic talent of Vedanayagar. When Rev. Schwartz handed over the church responsibility to Rev. J.C. Kohloff, who succeeded him in Thanjavur church, he told him about his disciple, Vedanayagam. “I have brought him up as my child. He is a pious person. He will be a light to the church - a gifted poet. You have to take care of him.” But, in the beginning, Rev. Kohloff did not take good care of Head Master Vedanayagam. He did not understand his poetic ability. Nor did he realise his love for God. It seemed as though Rev. Kohloff avoided him. Vedanayagam was very sad; but remained patient. When people started praising him by understanding his poetic ability, he became famous. Those who had called Teacher Vedanayagam ‘Elder Brother’ (Annaviar) started calling him ‘Vedanayaga Sastriar’ and revered him. In 1809, when returning from Madras, Sastriar and his companions entered the city of Thanjavur singing praises to God with shouts of joy. The next day, as was customary, when Vedanayagam went to see the Pastor to pay his respect , he said, ‘I knew about your arrival yesterday, itself’. When Sastriar asked with surprise, “How did you know?” the Pastor said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, “I could hear your shouting even up to Vandikkaran Street.” Instantly, Sastriar said with a smile, “Was my shouting heard only up to Vandikkaran Street? I thought I shouted so loud that it could reach up to the sky.”

Thinking that at any cost, Rev. Kohloff should understand his love for him and begin to love him, Vedanayagam composed a letter written in verse form (Seetu-k-kavi) as though God Jesus, the Lord himself wrote that letter (in 1810) to Rev. John Kohloff and he sent it to him. Here is the letter he wrote: The King wearing the Crown, King of Heaven and Earth Son of Jerusalem Lord of Israel from Nazareth Boldly imagined The disciple of Casper John Kohloff Who also came from the great Rev. Schwartz We have sent him to you because We are happy to know That he is gentle, humble, patient And a person who will befriend And understand everyone Vedanayagan who came to serve Has composed many a great song in my name It is but your duty to take care of him with love Who has worshipped me with true love. Son of God who went around The New Jerusalem like Jesus, the son. Lord Jesus, the Saviour of sinners And the son of the Lord of Lords. 7 As soon as Rev. Kohloff read this, he was moved to tears. He realised that Vedanayagam was longing to receive his love by expressing his true love. His heart was touched. He                                                              7  The last line in the manuscript could not be seen and read [deciphered?] . This is the

Author’s addition.  

thought of the great love that Vedanayagam had for Jesus. His heart melted. From that day on, disciple Vedanayagam became the son of Rev. Kohloff and Vedanayagam sang with joy. Poem: When Rev. John Kohloff with a heart, filled with love Stood firm as a great Pastor Vedanayagam, son of the famous Devasagayam Tirunelveli Poet King gifted with words profound Composed Kuravanji in 1800 (Kuravanji Paayiram – Poetry 7) Rev. Kohloff took care of Sastriar with much love and concern for 34 years, revering him till his death in 1844. Thus, the loving Rev. Father Schwartz, the intellectual Rev. Dr. John and the gracious Rev. Kohloff were proud of Vedanayagam’s poetic capability. Just because these three found a place not only in the heart of Vedanayagam but also in his poetry, will they not find a unique place of pride along with Vedanayagam, the Poet Emperor as long as Tamil lives in the annals of the Tamil Poets? ---------

Chapter 10 MY LORD WHO DOES GREAT THINGS Arulayee, sister of Sastriar had six daughters and finally had another daughter as her seventh child. When Arulayee and her husband, Vygappa realised that the seventh child too was a girl, they were thinking of giving that child to someone. Since Sastriar did not have children of his own, he adopted the 30 days old child himself. He and his wife, Mikkel Muthammal became the God-father and God-mother of the child naming her ‘Gnanadeepam’ (light of wisdom)and bringing her up with great care. Gnanadeepam was born on 22nd May 1811 at 2 p.m. In that same year, Sastriar left with his family for Jaffna in Ceylon, where many Tamils lived. On their way, there was no wind from the North and the boat could not proceed, so they had to stay near the shore. The money in their hands was spent. The boatman said that only after making some special pooja to his God, and acting like a clown and checking with

soothsayers,and then when the North wind blows, he would take the boat and start the journey. Sastriar told him, ‘What your God would do after many days, my God will do immediately’ and looking toward the North, he prayed and sang:

Poem: Moved with anxiety to spread the word Crossing the sea and proceeding to Jaffna Because of the direction of the wind, We had to spend a week here Thou, Triune God, my companion Please send the wind from the North. Even as he was singing, the Northern wind started blowing. Stunned by this, the boatman immediately took Sastriar and his family and landed them safe across on the shore. Sastriar showed to God the single coin that he had and asked him not to let him down. He took a palanquin and landed in the house of his friend, Rev. Christian David. As soon as the Pastor saw Sastriar, he welcomed him warmly, paid the money to the palanquin bearers and dismissed them. Sastriar praised God who took care of him always without letting him down. After staying in the Pastor’s home for some days, he rented a house for a few months and spread the good news by singing his songs to the people there. One day, the dhobi (laundry man) came to Sastriar with great agitation and told him how all the clothes he had given to him for washing had been stolen. When Sastriar ascertained that what he had said was true, with hands closed in prayerful gesture, he prayed and pleaded with the God of grace and sang a few lyrics. At that time, a Hindu merchant who was standing outside, heard him singing, entered the house and asked him whether he could listen to his songs. While the merchant whom Sastriar had never seen before sat and listened, he sang his songs melodiously. The inner sentiments of Sastriar’s heart poured out at that very moment in the form of a new song: “My heart, don’t you get distressed, Do not forget the Saviour of Mount Zion My heart don’t you get distressed, As to what you will do. Even if problem after problem besets Or if a friend turns into a foe

Or even if the whole house is plundered Or even if the heaven breaks open and falls My heart don’t you get distressed as to what you will do.

Hearing this heart-rending song, the Hindu merchant realised that there was a great burden in Sastriar’s heart and after a while he asked him what that problem was. When Sastriar told him about the theft of his clothes, immediately that man gave a cheque to Sastriar for fifty riyal, and asked him to buy necessary clothes for all. He also said that if it was not enough he could ask him and that he would be responsible for that expense. It was famine time in Jaffna. For one pooviragan (money) three measures of rice were sold. However God took care of Sastriar’s family in such a way that there was nothing lacking for them. Tamil speakers who lived in the surrounding villages came and stayed there and enjoyed listening to the good news of redemption by the one true God through the songs of Sastriar and then returned with new enthusiasm to lead a life with the goal of attaining eternal heavenly bliss. On returning to Thanjavur, Vedanayagam was happy to see his daughter Gnanadeepam growing day by day. He was greatly involved in singing for his God Jesus. He had written 52 books by the year 1808 (before he was 34 years old). (Pattanam Nondi/City cripple – Poem 41) Later he continued to compose the Garland of Prayer (Jebamaalai) that he had started in 1810. He was totally engrossed in completing this till 1855.

In 1813, he was granted biological parenthood on 6th Oct. when a handsome son, Gnanasigamony was born. Sastriar was immensely happy. Rev. Packianaathan baptised the child and gave him the name, Gnanasigamani. The Pastor and his wife were God-father and God-Mother respectively. Mikkel Muthammaiar and other women relatives brought up the child, Gnanasigamony with much care. By 1814, Sastriar (40 years old) had written 80 books (Sastra-k-kummi 768).

In the life of Sastriar, certain years need special mention. It is to be noted that the incidents that took place during these years had an impact not only on the life of Sastriar but also on the Tamil Christian churches.

In 1814, Rt.Rev. Thomas Middleton was consecrated as the First Bishop in the city of Calcutta. Between 1815 and 1825, after the Head of the Early Protestant Missionaries had handed over the responsibility to the Head of the Newly Established English Church in India,

no definite decision was taken about the Leader of these Churches. Therefore it can be assumed there was no special change that took place in these churches during this period.

In 1816, the Calcutta Bishop Rt. Rev. Middleton completed the Order of Worship for services at St. George’s Church in Chennai. In these days, Sastriar used to spend some time with his children every day. The three year old Gnanasigamony delighted his father with his lisping words. Sastriar called him ‘Appavoo’ with endearment. In Gnanasigamony’s lisping language, it changed to ‘Appali’. Then older people too started calling him ‘Appali’ lovingly chellamaaha (loving son). The father was heartened to see the little girl, Gnanadheepam whom he called ‘Ammavu’, caressing her little brother, cuddling him and talking to him childishly. The time spent with his children gave him new vigour. He threw himself into correcting his composition, “Bethlehem Kuravanji”. In 1820, he completed his corrections and sent it to Tamil Churches. In 1823, Rt. Rev. Reginald Heber was consecrated as the second Bishop in Calcutta. In 1826, Bishop Heber came to Thanjavur. He was delighted to see a host of 1300 people gathered in the Church in the month of March. Speaking to Sastriar at that time, he bought his book ‘Garland of Prayer; (Jebamaalai) and the book containing the Tamil Christian Lyrics so that they could be kept in the British Museum. On 1st April – Easter day – he preached the sermon in the church and then on 3rd April, he went into his bathroom and never came out alive. All those who heard about his sudden death, were shocked. It is not known whether or not those two books reached the British Museum.

In 1827, Rt. Rev. L.P. Hawbroe was appointed as the Missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. During his period, there were many caste clashes among the Thanjavur church . In those days, there were separate places and seating mats for high caste and low caste people. For those who were sitting in the front, communion was given first and it was given next to those at the back. Rev. Hawbroe ordered that such distinction should not be continued and that all should sit together on one mat spread over the whole area. The high caste people opposed this order. Rev. Hawbroe and another pastor called Sastriar who was the head of the high caste Vellalas and asked him to make his people agree to the change. For that, Sastriar advised saying, ‘The congregation is still in the stage of “drinking milk”. They will soon start eating rice. As they gain understanding and grow in Christ’s love, step-by-step, this distinction will automatically disappear. Coercion will not bear good results.’ The Pastors did not accept his advice. Dissension grew in 1829 and the next year Rev. Hawbroe excommunicated many Vellalas. Sastriar was one among them. Sastriar’s group wrote about this to the Home Board. While waiting for an answer, those excommunicated from the church gathered together in Sastriar’s house, praying and singing and worshipping God. It was adjudged that there was no place for them in the cemetery even

for burial. It was during those days that Sastriar composed ‘The song of the Lent’ (Jebamaalai).

After some time, Rev. Pope met Sastriar and asked him, “Sastriar, are you doing fine?” In response, he gave the answer from ‘The Song of Lent’ itself: “We are the of the famous Rev. Schwartz’s church; We are weighed down with sorrow And there is no mercy. People think of themselves Their house and their children There is no one to think of us Please govern us, Jesus, my Lord.” Since Sastriar was explaining the Biblical teachings through his poems and was spreading the good news, the Head of the Church Mission, had been giving him a monthly salary in recognition of his services. Rev. Hawbroe stopped it. Sastriar felt insulted. Coming to know of this, King Serfoji was willing to his Elder Brother Poet (Annakaviyar). Sastriar sang in praise of the Lord Jesus who does good things when things go bad: Poem: I worship Him who surprises me I worship Him, the truthful light of eternal bliss I worship Him who gave me salvation and embraced me I worship Him who gave me the treasure of wisdom I worship Him who gives me vision I worship Him who, as an eye, is more precious than my own eyes I worship Him who showed me the narrow way I worship Him who said the word and revealed my mentor I worship Him and I worship Him I worship the feet of our Lord and Teacher Jesus.

(Jebamaalai – 1, Garland 2, Poetry 7) (Garland of Prayer – Maalai 2, Seyyuzh 7 Further, Sastriar received other great things from God. The reason for Sastriar to include David’s name in every book and in several songs that he had composed was to indicate his own life experiences. Just like David, Sastriar too had the feeling of guilt for the sins he had committed against God. Similarly, he also had the assurance of the forgiveness of sin. Is there any greater gain for him than this? ----Chapter 11

THE KING OF POETRY AND THE KING OF THE LAND (The love, appreciation and gifts bestowed by the King of the Land) /

Vedanayagam and Serfoji, who, as the students of Teacher Rev. Schwartz, grew up as elder and younger brother for two years, later became the King of Poetry and the King of the Land respectively! Poet Vedanayagam used to meet King Serfoji now and again. He also received many gifts from the King including a piece of land where he could stay, known as “Inaam Kaasa Vargam (free gift). Sastriar built a small house on this land. King also gave him fifty varagans (more than Rupees 330/-) every year. The King who had been calling him ‘Anna’ (Elder Brother) started calling him 'Annakavi ' (Elder Brother Poet), and the Poet happily praised the King: Poem: ‘Giving just judgements As a king with a sceptre May you live long Ruling your country with justice.’ The King was happy to learn about the different titles of fame obtained by Annakavi and he greatly revered him. Years rolled by. When the King heard about the caste-clashes in 1829 and then about the humiliation suffered by Sastriar in 1830, the King summoned him. Sastriar met him and sang a song of praise.

After getting all the details from him, the King appointed Annakavi as Samasthana Vidvan (court poet). Twice in a month, when their scripture could not be said on days such as Ashtami, Pradhamai, Navami, Thuvaathasi, and Ammavasai (New Moon), the King would send for Sastriar to come to his palace and ask him, “Anna Kavi! Tell me about your scripture” and then he would have him sing ‘Bhajans’ (worship songs) on those days. He made arrangements to give him a monthly salary of Rs.35/-. The Court Poet sang heartily, saying that the king, though young in age, was a person great in character: Poem: In the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty When the trouble came Because of Rev. Hawbroe And I was in great grief, More than a mother You gave love in the heart Of Serfoji, King of Thanjavur And made him give a salary. God of Heaven may the heavenly life And earthly life abound For the eminent son of King Sivaji May he live long eternally. May the love in King Serfoji Grow more and uphold me, My family and my song. To that end, grant me grace.” (Lyric: ‘Aarunthunai Illaiye………) Anna (Sastriar, after he became the Court Poet started calling the King, Maha Raaja, (Great King). Yet, during the conversation with the king, he would talk to him freely. There were often opportunities for argument between the two in which Sastriar would justify his points without any fear. The King always felt in his heart that his explanations were correct; and he was very happy.

One day, the king told Sastriar, “Annakavi, the way you talk to me, it seems as though you will floor me.” Does not this remind us of what King Agrippa told Apostle Paul! (Acts of the Apostles 25: 25, 26; Ch.26) Agrippa tells Paul, “Do you think in such a short time, you can persuade me to be a Christian?” In fact, just like St. Paul, Sastriar too had only one goal: that all - right from the great King to himself, the poor servant – should accept Christ Jesus as their Saviour and Redeemer. In such a way, Sastriar wished that the Kings and his own caste people who boasted themselves to belong to the high caste and people of all castes should worship the Saviour together. That was why he thought day and night and wrote songs condemning with firmness, clarity and boldness the customs, practices and the way of Hindu worship (Gnanathatcha Nadagam –Vaguppu 4 – Ore Sadhi). He sang those before the King and emphasised the truth: “Where do you find caste? And where do you find ‘Saivam’ in it? You read over and over again the scriptures – The doctrines of scriptures; Don’t you know that Sathiar Was born of a sinful woman to Vadhishtar? Where is caste? You have worshipped the wicked Fallen angels Is it right on your part to denounce The ‘Bible people’ as breakers of caste? (Song – Where is caste? – Poetry 4, 32)

What are castes? And what are their benefits? The Brahmin crowd which knew the scriptures and the Saivaite monks The priests for high caste – And woods cut for sinful purpose were the same for all. And the priest for the Pallahs,

Pariahs (low caste) and the Vellalas Was the same - What are castes? (Song: ‘What are castes?’ Poetry 10)

What is the difference between The high class and the low class At the time of death? It is the children, who pray, And for all it is the common cemetery Towards which people sing and go. - What are castes? (Song: What are the castes? Poetry 15)

When the people in the court became aware of the King’s great love for Sastriar, their hearts were burning with jealousy. To tease and insult Sastriar in front of the King, they asked him, “Our Gods have many vehicles. Does your God have one?” Sastriar replied “I will ask you one thing. Will you answer me?” They enquired, “What is it?” Sastriar replied: Poem: “If a single Brahmin comes along That is not a good omen Whereas if a donkey brays Your wish will be fulfilled - thus you said, wise lady. (Sastra-k-kummi: Poetry 154) He asked, “When you go out for a good purpose, if a Brahmin comes in front of you, is it a good omen or bad?” They said, “It is a bad omen”, Then he asked, “If the donkey brays, is it a good omen?” They said, “It is a good omen.” Then Sastriar said with pride.

“Worse than the dhobi’s donkey

Is your teacher who cheated And taught you superstitions And has become an object of bad omen. Why this? Wise lady. (Sastra-k-kummi:; Poetry 155)

Sastriar said, “My God has definitely chosen as his vehicle only a good animal that is regarded as a better omen than a Brahmin. The King burst out laughing. The people in the court were embarrassed. They tried to find ways to wreak vengeance. Once, a courtesan in the King’s court sang a song and also danced as she sang.. The King was happy with the song and he asked Sastriar, “Annakavi, you have written so many songs, can you write one like this?” Sastriar said, “Yes, I will do so, ” and then he asked the dancer to sing. As she was dancing and singing, Sastriar, even while sitting in the King’s court, started writing, “King Emmanuel took the form of man’ and went on and on completing 200 lines at one stretch. And he sang this very great song. (Cripple Presentation – Nondi Tharuvannam – Punnaga Varali (tune-raaga) Amazed by Sastriar’s great ability, the earthly King Serfoji was proud of him. One day, the King said, “You always bless me in the name of Jesus. Why don’t you bless me without mentioning his name?” At once Sastriar blessed him singing: “May the King live long May King Serfoji live By the grace of the heavenly being born in a manger. The King, son of Thulasi, is still the King of Thanjavur He cannot be compared with Pandian, the King of Madurai As he has gained greater fame, And with his fame, he is Addressed as ‘His Highness’ And he is the one seated on the throne And rules the kingdom with the sceptre of justice.” In the song in Sastra-k-kummi, Sastriar says of himself :

“He does not know any song without the Lord And he cannot sing any song without mentioning the Lord He will sing praising his Lord only Every day and always, Wise Lady. He will sing only of Jesus He will pray only according to His will He will not say anything without Jesus And that is our Poet King, Wise Lady.”

This, he proved in deed also. The great poet, Vedanayagam kept his word and sang the song without giving up his practice of invoking the grace of God. This he did without mentioning his name but with the description, “By the grace of the Heavenly Being born in a manger." The King appreciated this very much. Seating him at his side, he honoured him with a shawl and also gave him a robe equivalent to that which Rev. Pohle had given. After composing ‘Wise Carpenter Play (Gnana thatcha naadagam)’,Vedanayaga Vedasastri sang before the King the song of KappalTamil (Ship Tamil) from that play. He completed it with a song of praise for the King. The song imagined King Serfoji himself being present when the journey of Noah’s Ark commenced and the ship was about to move. When it was sung by Annakavi, this kindled the spirit in the King’s heart. Poem: This is the right time to gather And erect the flag of Christ on each post And in the best part of the city. Blowing the trumpet up to the skies, With Vedanayagan singing a song While King Serfoji listens; Reciting the creed of faith And the Lord’s Prayer one hundred times; Driving Noah’s ship swiftly

And firing a thousand gun shots. (Gnana thatcha naadagam – Vaguppu 2, Novaavin Bezhai – Vari 23-32) -

Wise Carpenter’s Play – Class 2, Noah’s Ark 10 – Lines 23-32)

Finally, the Ark lands on Mount Araraat. It went around New Zealand and the continent of Australia And miraculously landed on Mount Araraat. In the traditional Tamil style Let me wish long life to King Serfoji of Thanjavur Let us praise the Lord of Lords Let there be lakhs of praises for him. (Noah’s ark 17 – Line 31-36) King Serfoji’s heart was roused and bubbled with joy to hear that Vedanayagam thought of him and greeted him while narrating the miracle. Beaming with pride Serfoji gave a special gift of hundred ‘varaagan’ (approximately Rs.700/-). Sastriar was also delighted. The King continued saying, “You get a salary. You have to be careful. Please don’t pull anyone into your way.” Annakavi said, “I am not the one who baptises the King; Priests are there for that purpose. I will just give advice.” Then he went home. Sastriar was restless in his heart. The King might have talked with a smile and the Poet also might have responded with humility. However, the King’s words disturbed the heart of the servant of Jesus. With tears he groaned in his heart. “The Lord gave me the talent to sing for him. But he has distanced me. For this cheap material gift, if I do not sing and preach about my God, what is the use of my living on this earth? If I die tonight what will I gain with the King’s money?” Immediately he took the money and went to return it to the King. When entered the King’s Palace, only Pawab Pandit, the King’s Minister was there. iring in his heart Sastriar’s zeal for his religion, he said, ‘The King did not say that you should not preach about your God. He only said, “Do not pull anyone into your way.” You can as well preach about your God. There is no ban against it.” The Minister gave the money to a student of Sastriar and ordered him to go with Sastriar and take it to his house. The deep friendship between the King and Annakavi did not diminish. King Serfoji built a community hall for free lodging and established a school to teach five languages. He asked Sastriar to come and see it. Sastriar looked at the Community Hall and sang this song:

King Serfoji built a Community Hall with love, For people from all directions to praise

And the devotees to get fed and relax To excel Sethu court - a Community Hall Halls with terraces And palaces with towers And with a lush pond And surrounded by upper storey – a Community Hall For children to learn the eloquentTamil, Telugu, English, Parsi and Maharashtrean Schools are established - a Community Hall

After the song was sung, the King was confused and asked Sastriar, “Why is it that you mentioned your language Tamil first while keeping the King’s language Maharashtrean in the last place?” The Poet King immediately said, “I have kept you in a high position in this also. When you come in a procession, you let your armies and others go in front and you come last. Similarly we mentioned our language first and yours last. Greatness is only to your language.” The King’s face brightened. The great poet, Vedanayagam had the wondrous gift of rendering suitable answers with appropriate words instantaneously to any question asked by anyone.

Having great love and iration for Sastriar, the King told him that he was planning to give him a gift of land so that he could live a prosperous life in the future and also carry on his preaching ministry for his God without any barrier. Sastriar thanked him and said, “O King, if we have too much food, we will stop praying, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We will even forget God saying that we don’t need anyone’s help. Children will fight among themselves in later years and later there will be divisions. Money will produce sin. We will lose our physical and spiritual health and betray God. Please forgive me but your loving care is enough. Land is not necessary.' Thus he denied the King’s offer. Then, he said, “If you desire, you may give a violin to my son and an English dictionary to my daughter.” The King laughed at this. But then he was lost in deep thoughts, wondering about the clear thinking of Annakavi. He sent not only the musical instrument and the dictionary requested by Sastriar but also many other gifts. The King had given a beautiful palanquin to Sastriar to help him come to the Palace and return. This palanquin is still kept safely by the descendants of Sastriar as a special and rare item. Today people are not able to tell specifically up to what distance from the Palace, Sastriar would have gone in the palanquin and where the herald would have stood and made the announcement. When Sastriar travelled in this palanquin, even the shadow of the ‘lower

caste’ people should not fall on the shadow of the palanquin bearers. Otherwise, permission was not granted to enter the palace. From the gate of the Fort till the Palace, one person would be carrying the flag. On nearing the Palace, the Herald would make this announcement in praise of the poet:

Poem:

Kattiyam (Announcement)

Having known and studied the scriptures thoroughly, The Sea of wisdom; Having known all the principles of Poetry, The strong Mountain; Having known the principles of the Earth pregnant with meaning, The cloud with showers; Having known the use of hidden truths and understood the same, The chief Devotee; For those who did not worship the whole Triune God, Thunder in their hearts; Breaking the arguments of the false religion and creating smoke, The Fire; Preaching the teachings of Master enlightening the mind, The rising Moon; In the presence of the famous evangelical Church, Growing light of wisdom; Wise people’s famous arguments, attractive and pragmatic, The Deluge; Surprising poetic balance for the wise people, The Crown of the head; For the words of mercy, in the body of the Poet

Life of life - Gem of life; For those who analytically study and become mathematical kings Overcoming their power, Cannon from the sea The one true God, Jesus, Son of God who delighted in him, The Disciple; The great Rev. Schwartz – who was not forgotten by him, The disciple of the teacher The prosperous Tirunelveli’s agriculturists’ Lord, Great in knowledge and prowess High in wisdom and preaching Growing in fame - The Poet King Lion Vedanayagam!”

Just like King David, Sastriar had two singers who composed tunes. Their names were Thunganandham and Sorubanandam. While those two beautifully sang the songs composed by Annakavi in the court, Sastriar would explain the meaning of the songs. Listening the King would greatly rejoice. In front of Sastriar’s house, a flag would be flying from the post. When the King heard about this, he asked Sastriar one day, “I have a flag. Do you also have a flag?” Sastriar smiled and replied, “Yes, you are the king of the land. I am the king of poetry." (When the King had heard the Ark song, Bethlehem Kuravanji and others when they were released, he had made note of the accurate choice of words, meaning, rhythm, rhyme etc. and had told Sastriar praising him, “I am the king of the land. You are the king of poetry.” Sastriar reminded the King of this when he wisely made that statement.) Then the King asked with a smile, “What is your flag?” Sastriar replied with pride, “My flag is the flag of the Cross.” That which attracted Sastriar and governed his heart was the cross, the symbol of God’s love. Is not the cross the symbol of the sufferings of Lord Jesus? “The mark of the Cross is the mark of God’s suffering in you.” (Saastra-k-kummi 143) The consequence of man’s sin in physical and mental pain is the suffering of Jesus, the Redeemer. Isn’t death the end-result? In order to redeem man from the wages of sin, the sinless God took the form of man and came into the world as Lord Jesus and faced the gory death. Isn’t this God’s grace? Isn’t this the limitless love of the God of grace?

Sastriar sang: “Dear Gracious Lord Precious son of the Father With mercy, you came to redeem the world From above.” (Jebamaalai – Ubavaasa Nazhin Devaram)

In the ‘Garland of the Lord’ (Paraabaran Maalai), he sang with joy, “I saw your love and the benign look filled with grace.” The Cross was not only the symbol of love but also the symbol of victory. Lord Jesus did not hang on the cross and die an eternal death. He came victorious over death and rose again. ‘The Lord Jesus gave his life and rose gloriously.’ This is victory. Victory of love. Victory that saved people from death and made them rise again. The flag that was flying on the post of Sastriar’s house was the one that was the symbol of love and the symbol of victorious love. Yes, it is the Cross, the symbol of God’s great love that makes the people lead a victorious life! Referring to this victory, Sastriar sang: “The mark of Cross is total victory Victory, Wise Lady, “ The poet will praise the earthly King, but he will worship only the Heavenly King. Since Poet Vedanayagam was the Court Poet, he sang the historical genealogy of King Serfoji, speaking of the greatness of the royal dynasty. He had sung in accordance with these verses. Comment [B6]: ? 

Your Lord has asked me to praise The fathers, priests, elders, Earthly Kings, great people and It was done – Wise Lady However it was not sin to mention that Because they wished it You are the only one and cannot be equalled with others, Wise Lady! (Saastra-k-kummi 409, 410)

When King Serfoji used to sit in State in the Great Hall, those who came to see would fall prostrate before him and greet him. But following his own composition, “I would not bow to anyone except at your feet”, Sastriar never did that. The Brahmins in the King’s Court, the Pandits and others were very angry about this. Accusing Sastriar, they indirectly told the King that he did not respect him. The King replied, “Since Sastriar blesses me, he does not have to greet me in that manner." Once the King asked Sastriar, using a pun in the Tamil words “Are you listeners (Kaettavargal) of the Bible or are you the betrayers (kettavargal) of the Bible? Sastriar cleverly answered saying, “It is a fact that we listened to the Bible. We can also say that we are Bible betrayers because instead of following the Bible and totally trusting our Saviour Jesus, we still depend on the world." Serfoji laughed. Thus the way Sastriar moved with the King on equal “sitting together in conversation” and “laughing together” and also the way he received the same kind of respect as the King, irritated the peers in the King’s court. They got together and lobbied against him. One day, the court peers asked the King, “O King, you are so much attracted to Sastriar. Will he obey your word without faltering?” The King believed that Sastriar would not go against his word at any cost. As soon as he came to the court, he asked Sastriar to sing, ‘Pillaiyar Kurvanji’ as he had sung, “Bethlehem Kuravanji”. Shocked and trembling, Sastriar said, “I cannot sing for anyone else except for the Lord of Lords.” The King was stunned. He said that since he was giving him salary, he expected him to listen to his word. Sastriar was not moved despite the King insulting him like that. The King said that even if he did not sing the Kuravanji, he could at least sing poetry in the name of Pillaiyar (the Hindu deity Ganesh). The Bible Poet refused to do that also. Without giving up, the King asked him again whether he would sing a short poem on Pillaiyar if the other poets in the court sang a great song on Lord Jesus. With great pain in his heart but with firmness, Sastriar refused to do that too. Weighed down, Sastriar finally said that hereafter all would become his enemies and would change the King’s heart and that it was the King’s choice whether to him or send him away. As for the King, he was very angry thinking that the court poet whom he had revered so much had disrespected him in front of the court peers and that he had broken the trust that he had in him. He was lost in grief thinking that Annakavi, whom he loved so much, had treated him like a stranger. So, filled with emotions, he said, “Hey, Vedanayagam Pillai! You do not have to be afraid of any one. You do not have to sing about our God. You keep singing on your Lord Jesus and be happy.” Having said this, he went upstairs. The Poet King and the King of the Land had been arguing for one and a half hours. The heavenly King strengthened Sastriar in his inner most self and made him stand firm by reassuring himself, “Even if I gain the whole world as a gift if I ignore the heavenly King who governs the earth and himself, would my soul gain anything?” With tears in his eyes, Sastriar praised God singing: ‘I worship the God who created the earth I worship Him who governs me and redeems me.’

Whenever Sastriar departed from the King’s court, King Serfoji and Sastriar would bless each other and part with smiles on their faces and even in their hearts! Only on this day, for the first time, they parted with sadness. Sastriar returned home with a heavy heart. His heart longed for the King’s love! Even after this, the King treated Sastriar with his usual love without any change. But rumour has it that there was no further opportunity for both of them to meet and enjoy each other’s company lost in conversations. However, who can separate two loving hearts?! 8 Thanjavur Philanthropist King Serfoji, the adopted son of King Tulsi ed away in 1832. Sastriar was struck with inconsolable grief on having lost a true friend who had pulled him out from a very lowly state. The King of the Land and the King of the Poetry moved closely with each other only for a period of three years. But for the Poet Annakavi who had lost his good friend, the time when both of them enjoyed sharing their feelings about the love of Christ, without any difference between them seemed like many years. Before his death, the King had requested that his body should be removed from the Palace only after Annakavi came and sang. Accordingly Sastriar dressed in appropriate clothes and stood beside the King’s body, and the song that he sang with such emotion brought tears into the eyes of those who had gathered there: “My Mother, my Father and you, O King, Who is great, I do not know; You took care of me With such great concern. You, who are kind to others, As if it were your own life, King and Noble Lord, Leaving Thanjavur, Forgetting me and not listening to my song, How did you go, my Master? When will I see your handsome face? Who will make me happy as you do?                                                              8

 Among latter generations of Sastriar there is a rumour that the King gave an order that Sastriar should be given double salary from then on. 

How will I live without you? I will be in great sorrow. Serfoji, son of the great Tulsi The great mighty King How will I console myself in my grief? How will I comfort my heart, O God?” Has there ever been such a great friendship? Love between great people does not end with death. The very grand celebration of the Bi-Centenary of Sastriar that took place in Thanjavur itself was a great testimony to the continued love that the descendants of King Serfoji expressed to the family of Sastriar!

Chapter 12 WORK AND WAGES In 1794, Vedanayaga Veda Sastriar was appointed as Heaster of Thanjavur Theological School. Sastriar was a very active man. We already noticed that he was composing poems from the time he started working as the Heaster. He made a lot of efforts and worked all day in the school. Even after coming back home, he would be engrossed in writing poems. All through the time of Rev. Schwartz, he was working as Heaster. Besides the time that he was spending with his two children, Gnanadeepam and Gnanasigamony in conversation during meals and in teaching them values of life, he spent all the rest of the time in “worshipping Emmanuel as his very profession” since he considered his singing and praising the Lord as his very profession. Poem: I worship him who came as a Teacher I worship him, our God I worship him, our dear Saviour And I worship him, the lover of my soul. (Jebamaalai II – Devathothiram 3)

I worship the King of Priests I worship the great King of Jerusalem I worship Him singing blessings I worship Emmanuel as my profession. 9 (Jebamaalai II – Devatahothiram 5) I worship Him, Yes, I worship Him And I worship the feet of the Teacher Lord Jesus. There was some thought that Sasthriar’s wife, Mikkel Muthammal, in spite of being an expert in Tamil language herself, did not understand the value and the greatness of her husband’s poetic ability and was tired of family life. She would often go to her mother’s home in Tirunelveli and stay there for long periods of time. Therefore the Poet King, who was mostly spending his time as a single person, was all the time thinking of God and was concentrating only on writing poems day and night. He was capable of writing with a stylus on palm leaves. It was indeed very rare to see a person working as hard as he did. He had appointed Annammal, a woman who was his relative , to light the lamp at night time by striking the ‘flint stone’ to create fire. He used to spend the nights meditating on Jesus, the Redeemer. 10 Whenever he was led by the Holy Spirit, whatever time it might be, Annammal would come and light the lamp and the writer would write as Sastriar was dictating. Sastriar would send his books to friends and churches free of cost. Those who received the books would enjoy them and send gifts of love to Sastriar. In 1830, after Sastriar was excommunicated from the Church, he left the school also. He taught Tamil language to Rev. George Sperchneider and others. They revered Sastriar greatly addressing him as Munshi (Teacher) 11 and even giving him the special fees called Guru Datchinai (offering to a guru). Then for some time, he was working as an official to Surveyor-General MacKenzie collecting notes on the history of the country. Just like Paul, Sastriar too had the great principle that everyone should earn and meet his own needs.

                                                             9

 There is a pun in the word Emmanuel (Immanuvelai which includes the word for profession velai). So worshipping Emmanuel is his very profession. (Translator’s note)  10   History says that the great blind English Poet King, Milton too while writing the epic, ‘Paradise Lost’, would be empowered by the Holy Spirit at night and would wake up his daughters and would dictate to them.  11

 In North India, a teacher is known as ‘Munshi’ even today.

 

Finally when King Serfoji appointed him as the Court Poet, Sastriar had the opportunity of being involved simultaneously in the work relating to Tamil language and in the service of God. During this period, his poetic prowess shone among great scholars like Brahmins, Pandits and others who were non-Christians; his name and fame flourished. He thrived well thanks to the of the King who gave first place to scholarship* 12 . Only during this golden period, Sastriar overcame the severe challenge to his faith, when the King asked him to sing on Vinayagan, singing thus: (Poem) Don’t you praise men who die Without knowing the son of God? Having won the victory, as a brave Poet, Sastriar sang praises to his heavenly Lord,

“Wise living Lord who granted me grace Not to sing the praise of men. My Master, heavenly Lord, without giving up, “I” trusted your lovely feet Christ Jesus, you pitied and showered Your gracious mercy on me.” (Lyric) Mikkel Muthammal, who went to her mother’s house frequently, finally left for Tirunelveli, having decided not to come back to Thanjavur and she died there in Tirunelveli. After living as a single person for several years, Sastriar realised that he needed a person close to him whom he could consider as his own to take care of his children who had reached a stage where they required special care and attention and also to help him in his work since his responsibilities had increased,. Therefore with the blessing of Rev. Thomas Brotherton, he married Thanjavur Santhappa Pillai’s daughter, Varodayammal whom he had taught as a student to read and write the gospel when she was a young girl. His children who were

                                                             12

 The credit of building a Big Library by collecting all the ancient broken palmyrah leafbooks so that all others can enjoy reading the same goes to this King who used his wisdom to accomplish the same. The wondrous world-renowned library known as ‘Saraswathi Mahal’ was founded by him. 

concerned that they could not properly take care of the father were happy when they received a mother in their home. Everything then went well in Sastriar’s home. In 1832, when King Serfoji ed away, poverty crept into Sastriar’s life. King Sivaji13 who succeeded Serfoji, considered Christians as his enemies, and did not allow Sastriar to come to the Palace. But God was with him and helped him. The Educational Fort’s Registrar ‘loved Vedanayam’s song’ and he sent Rs.60/- to Sastriar every year. After the Registrar’s death, realising the usefulness of Tamil lyrics, the Education Fort’s Church Pastors and other leaders mobilised money and continued giving financial help every month. Also a loving German friend regularly sent money through Mr. Akterloni, a Lutheran Church Missionary. On 1st Jan. 1845, Thanjavur church gave Sastriar a ‘covenant document’ called ‘Document of Charity Deed’ (Dharuma Chathana Pattayam). In that, they expressed appreciation for the beautiful verses composed by Sastriar in enchanting Tamil with poetic fervour giving the details of the whole Bible which everyone would enjoy reading and which had not been done by anyone else in this fashion. They also appreciated the way he had composed so many songs taking great efforts without minding his physical strain and shone like the church’s Divine Gem (Chinthamani). They thanked him for teaching many church and their children with care and singing with enthusiasm his songs which were a source of bubbling joy and happiness in their hearts. They also thanked him for celebrating all the festivals of the Lord and especially ing their ‘happy days’. At the end of the document, it was mentioned that they would like to give him a gift of love for all the good things that he was doing for them. They also asserted that without any compulsion each one of those who had signed at the bottom would wholeheartedly mention his contribution in money and would send the total amount through the person whom Sastriar would send every month. Also, it was stated that no one would differ from this covenant document signed by the majority of the people and if any one were to do so, the Lord Jesus Christ of the Mighty Army who is the Lord of Sastriar’s songs would also disapprove him. Further, it was mentioned in the document: “As per this unchanging covenant, until the resurrection of the saints, you can enjoy the privileges from generation to generation. You may sing praises to the Triune God, Jesus the King that he may bless us and our future generations and may you live in peace.” The document ended thus. Following this, the Thanjavur church gave offertory to Sastriar all through his life. Staying right in Thanjavur and blessing the Thanjavur church on auspicious occasions and meeting them in their homes and praying and making them happy by ministering to them, the latter generations of Sastriar are also greeted with respect by the Thanjavur church till this very day. The joyous celebration of the Bi-Centenary of Sastriar on 6th, 7th and 8th September 1974 in Thanjavur turned out to be the crown jewel for the great work of the Thanjavur congregation.                                                              13  He was the last King of Thanjavur and died in 1855.  

Sastriar did not know what laziness was. When invited for all the special functions of the of Thanjavur church, he would set aside some time for these functions. He would go along with the singers and bless and greet the newly married couple. At that time, people would honour him with betel leaves and arecanut (thaamboolam) and offertory. During such functions, if any traditional customs contrary to the Christian principles were to take place, he would openly condemn them and leave behind all the gifts given by the people and return home with great conviction. Just like his guru, Rev. Schwartz had done, Sastriar too chose students and gave them different types of training. Along with theological training, the students received training in music too. Sastriar’s house’s inner yard and the veranda became the training centres. Several of his students wrote his songs down. The handwritten palmyrah leaves were given for sale and he did not have the financial means to print the books. On the recommendation of the Head of the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel, the S.P.C.K. Trust Society and others printed and published his books. Sastriar got some income through this. During the festival days at Christmas time and during the forty days of Lent, when he preached the word of God with singing, people would give him offering of money. Only then there would be financial comfort at home. But since Sastriar spent generously on others and wholeheartedly gave to the poor, people at home were strict in spending. When he received donations, he would pay the salary due to the singers and writers and would settle the grocery store debts and would give his wife money for food expenses only for two or three days. Since Varodayammal had the big responsibility of feeding a crowd of more than thirty people that included the family and the students, she would ask him, “There are children; why don’t you give something more to help me buy rice and grains (nel) to store.” He would respond, “If there is rice in the granary, your confidence in the Lord will reduce. We need not worry now. He is there tomorrow also. He will guide us. He will not let us starve”. Poem: “What shall we eat, drink or wear? Saying so, even if we worry about crores of things, Who are you to increase even one foot to your height by your thought? Has God who came from the mother’s womb, died? Don’t you think my heart? The son of God that saved you is alive.” The Poet who sang this was an unshakeable believer. Wasn’t he? When the older grandchildren grew older, Sastriar blessed them and sent them also along with his children and students to sing and preach. All of them came back in good health and with gifts of money. Sastriar desired that he and his children should work hard and earn their

living. Sometimes there would be difficulties. He had to incur debts to take care of the group of people with him. Sometimes, even those who used to lend money refused to give. On such days, without any worry, he would pray to God saying, “We are thirty of us including our children, students and ourselves. Oh mighty God, who led thirty lakh people in the wilderness, please look down graciously upon this little flock forgiving our sins; for the sake of our Saviour, give us our daily bread." Immediately God would somehow grant the necessary things from somewhere. One day, while he was talking to a priest, who was earning more than Rs.200/- per month about the maintenance of his household, he told him, “Sir, when you say the Lord’s prayer, asking, 'Give us this day our daily bread' it is a routine prayer, whereas when we say, 'Give us this day our daily bread' we pray that God should grant us food for that day." Therefore though the wages that Sastriar earned for his work were low, he considered his singing to Emmanuel as his own profession and so Vedanayaga Veda Sastriar found fullness even in his want and lived with great fame!

Chapter 13 THE UNIQUE DISCIPLE WHO WORSHIPPED GOD BY BLESSING HIS GURU

I worship Him who gives me vision I worship Him who is more precious than the two eyes I worship Him who showed me the exact way I worship Him, the First Person who told me about my Guru (I Jebamaalai 2- Kavi 7) Vedanayagam Sastriar, the unique disciple who blesses his Guru, in the Garland of Prayer –in the Divine Praise Introductory verse itself blessed his guru and worshipped his God saying, “The First Person who told me about my Guru.” Doesn’t this ring in our ears like the bell sound of praise and happiness? In the fourth poem of the introduction section, (Avaiadakkam) to Aaranaadhintham’s (Bible – the beginning and the end) Sastriar invites us to worship the One Person saying, "The church of Christ which worships one God" and identifies himself as the one who resides at the door of Rev. Schwartz, the Master of King who is first to me. ‘Rev. Schwartz, the King’s

master at whose door I dwell’. Look at this Vedanayagam, the son of Devasagayam who, being a unique disciple commences his life story with humility coupled with pride. He continues to say in the same poem that he grew up in Thanjavur where Rev. Schwartz, knowing the teachings given by the true God, enlightened the people there. He also describes himself saying, ‘I am the Wise Poet King Vedanayagam who gives the whole theology with its meaning as a colourful ocean.’ The disciple Vedanayagam says with joy that his having heard the true God’s scripture in Thanjavur where he grew up, it was all because of his Guru, Rev. Schwartz, that he acquired the ability to compose poems, having studied all the theological doctrines, and gained a good name and fame. Also in the same book, in verse 11 of “Blessing philanthropists” listen to the words of Vedanayagam: “I am the kaavalan (door keeper) of Master Schwartz." The word kaavalan in Tamil can be interpreted as ‘Door Keeper’ as well as ‘King’. Similarly, the word vaanan (resident) in Tamil means ‘one who lives’ and also ‘one who prospers’. Just notice the words of Sastriar pregnant with meaning. He says, “I am a poor person having lived and grown at the Guru’s door step; at the same time, I am the Poet King who has got all the benefits as from a king from my Guru and has grown to be a great poet. The great poet, Vedanayagam was all the time thinking of his Guru and by blessing him, he praised God. In Sastriar’s valuable book, Epic of Heavenly Justice (Parama Needhi Puranam) written in simple style Sastriar says in Section 3, under the title ‘Teacher’s Way’ “Vaddhi”(Teacher) also means Guru" and then he depicts the character of a Teacher: “Guide to heaven; one who has known wisdom; one who tells about the way of the Bible; one who imparts total education; one who thoroughly knows the Bible; Disciple of Christ; Identifying the disciple’s character, he leads without hiding anything and teaches all that he has learnt; one who searches the indestructible Book and gives the word with eagerness; and one who gets up early in the morning and recites the Bible in the hearing of his student." Finally he says, “Teacher Vedanayagam is the special disciple of the great Rev. Schwartz in the Chola Kingdom.’ Since he has seen all the above qualities in his Guru, Rev. Schwartz, Sastriar has categorically referred to them in his poems. We noticed that while reciting ‘Divine Praise’ (Deva thothiram) early in the morning, Sastriar ed his Guru. Also while telling his life story to the Church , he started it with reference to his Guru at the very beginning. So far from the songs of Sastriar, we have understood that the great respect he had for his Guru, Rev. Schwartz was mainly because he found in him the great divine love he had for his God and his meditation on the word of God – the Bible. That is why, in the word of the Herald/Announcer in ‘Vedanayagan’s Fame’ (Vedanayagan Pirathabam), he took pride in saying about himself, “The disciple who does not forget the words of his Guru, the great Rev. Schwartz. " The fact that Sastriar mentioned his Guru’s name in the first place in every one of his books proves that he led his life all along as a disciple who did not forget his Guru’s words. From some of his poems, we can find that he fully enjoyed the love of his Guru and that he respected his purity.

(Poem) In the presence of the dear and good Rev. Schwartz Long live Veda Siromani of Tirunelveli

(Aaranaadhintham – Dharumavaangal Vaazhthu 13) Preacher Schwartz, the holy man of Thanjavur – long live! (Kalyana vazhthu) The unique disciple says, “Thanjavur’s holy man!” In the mind of the disciple, how uniquely the ‘holiness’ of his Guru shines! Not only that, while praising God in ‘History of Kuravanji’ (Kuravanji paayiram), he blesses his Guru as one who speaks the truth and refers to himself as one who abides by his words: (Poem) The crown of eternal life which is placed on men like gold For that King Messiah was born in Bethlehem About him the play, “Evangelical Kuravanji” is happily told For which I will first of all give the meaning of the triune God. (Kuravanji story -

Paayiram)

He goes on to say: (Poem) “When coming to Thanjavur on a permanent basis, He was the disciple of not only the ‘truthful man’ but also the ‘good man’." (Bethlehem Kuravanji – Paayiram) (Poem) “The good Rev. Schwartz’s disciple The famous Tirunelveli’s Vedanayaga Sastriara sang’ (Wise Carpenter’s play – class VII, Verse 33 – Gnanathatcha Naadagam – Vaguppu 7, Kavi 33) Thus while blessing the people; the unique Disciple gave the first place only to his Guru.

“Long live Thanjavur Rev. Schwartz Long live Vedanayaga Sastri Long live the learned Pastors, The Evangelical Bible-based churches” (Gnana-k-kummi – Wise dance with singing and clapping) The disciple takes pride in placing himself next to his loving Guru/Master and blessing himself. Listen further: “The Thanjvaur Evangelical Church’s Pastor is only Rev. Schwartz!” (Dharuma Nootrerivu – Thanjai Sabai Vazham/Charitable knowledgeThe abundant Thanjai Church) What does the disciple say? If there is a truthful pastor, it is only Rev. Schwartz; there is none other. What kind of possessiveness is this? "Truthful Pastor is only one and that is the great sage, Rev. Dr. Schwartz”, says the disciple Vedanayagam! What greatness! But to whom is the greatness attributed? Is it to the great Rev. Schwartz who understood that Jesus, the Saviour is his guide and tried to live like him? Or, is it to the disciple Vedanayagam who holding those values of his Guru firmly in his heart, decided that the truthful teacher is only Rev. Schwartz? Listen to what Vedanayagam says: (Poem) “Because I am the disciple of the famous Thanjavur’s Rev. Schwartz You, almighty God have done great things for me.” That is, since you know I am the disciple of your servant, Schwartz, you have done greater things for me than for others, you, my God! He addressed him as ‘my God’ with a song of gratitude. He says that it is Jesus Christ who has done great things. Therefore all greatness is not to the Guru Rev. Schwartz nor to his disciple, Vedanayagam, but to the Guru of Vedanayagam’s Guru, even Jesus, the great Lord. Note how Sastriar beautifully brings out in his song the depth of his love towards Jesus, his Lord and the immeasurable love and goodwill Jesus, his God had towards his Guru, Rev. Schwartz because of which He did so much for him. At special functions, Disciple Vedanayagam after praising God would give his first greetings only to his Guru, Rev. Schwartz: Poem:

“Blessing, may there be eternal joyful blessing Victorious and let there be eternal joyful blessing Blessing to you, beautiful heavenly being Who is worshipped by devotees And who is true happiness. Long live the sage, Rev. Schwartz Long live those in heaven and on earth Poets, scholars, priests, nobles And elders day by day Long live Vedanayaga Sastriar Long live those who fast and pray And friends and relatives Let there be blessing………. (Marriage blessing) (Kalyana Vazhthu) When Sastriar sang this ‘blessing song’, while mentioning “Long live Sage Rev. Schwartz”, he used to bless all the Pastors present in the audience by showering flowers on them. Then for each utterance of blessing, he would bless the respective people with flowers. While singing, “Let Vedanayaga Sastriar be blessed”, he would bless himself and the descendants of Sastriar among the audience with flowers. Thus he would bless everyone in the congregation with flowers. What is the shining factor in this practice? To the life of our forefathers and to bless all wholeheartedly! Even today, Chennai-based B.V. Sastriar III when invited for wedding functions blesses all the people in the above manner after blessing the couple. Among the descendants of Sastriar, the majority of the people, while celebrating their birthdays and wedding anniversaries follow this tradition with joy and reverence. But, the young folk tend to look down upon this practice. Even if they do not understand the value, they could use it as a means to have a joyous celebration. On the other hand, they call it, ‘boring’. For humans in general everything can be seen as ‘boring’ – joy and sorrow, prosperity and poverty, success and failure, temporary pleasures and above all even the enlivening values and traditions and customs. Therefore, parents should strive hard so that they and their children grow in knowledge and in their emotions in a very deep way rather than superficially. If we would make use of the many hours we spend in idle conversation, for thought and for gainful deeds, we would be useful to many people, to the nation and to the whole world!

The disciple sees through his mind’s eyes, his ‘truthful Guru’, not only during the times of celebration but also during times when he is disturbed in his heart. In particular, in 1829, when Rev. L.P. Hawbroe excommunicated Sastriar and many Tamil Christians from the church, causing them to suffer without properly understanding them, he immediately referred to his Guru’s priesthood and pleaded with his Lord “Are we not the of this great person’s congregation?” ‘We are the of the famous Rev. Schwartz’s church We are weighed down with sorrow We are worn out And there is no mercy …………….. We do not have a cemetery and We are sent to the forest Is there no mercy? Govern us, Jesus, my Lord (Jebamaalai 17:10, 6) Above all, that which attracts our hearts is the fact that the loving Guru Rev. Schwartz had instilled in the heart of Sastriar, the great divine faith in God Jesus Christ which manifested in front of the disciple’s eyes as a miraculous vision beautifully described thus: The wise virgins while carrying the beautiful lamps Expecting the Bridegroom Dancing gently and singing lovely songs Coming along with Guru Rev. Schwartz Thanjavur churches in harmony Coming along with Veda Sastri In the famous Bridal house That which I get is only the Lamb! Is not the final statement, "All that I get in the Bridal house is only the Lamb” both humorous and beautiful?

In such a way from the time he started composing, Sastriar had been singing about his Guru till the end – till the age of 90 - and without forgetting he had greeted him all the time. In Kummi of Wisdom (Gnana-k-kummi) composed in 1796, he had blessed himself along with his Guru. Guru Rev. Schwartz must have heard and felt happy. Historians have written that King Serfoji went to the death bed of Guru Rev. Schwartz, paid respect and received his blessings. But one Jesse Page wrote about the mourning of the Thanjavur congregation stating that during the final procession of Guru Rev. Schwartz though a hymn was proposed to be sung, it could not be done because of the "large poor native crowd" that created great weeping and loud lamentation. Also Page wrote that when the Europeans left after the service, the "natives" stayed behind and were praying and singing. but he did not mention anything about Sastriar. It is very certain that Guru Rev. Schwartz who gave his final blessing to King Serfoji would have his students and his disciple Vedanayagam whom he had loved and cared for as his own son and whom he made as the Head of the School that he founded and the head of the big church. It is also certain that among the ‘natives’ who stayed back in the church and were singing, praying and mourning, Sastriar would have been there as the Head. The reason for the Historians of the Kings of Thanjavur not to have mentioned this about Sastriar may be construed as the undying jealousy of the of the King’s court and as a result of King Sivaji’s long enmity for Christians. But, for author Jesse Page (in his book Schwartz of Tanjore) to refer with derision to the church of Thanjavur that was founded because of Father Schwartz’s strong faith and hard work and which shone as the crown for all his efforts and which was considered with pride uniquely as ‘an Evangelical church' as a “poor native crowd” and for him not to write a single line about his great disciple, Vedanayaga Sastriar can only be taken as a sign of disrespect for Rev. Schwartz himself and no one can deny that. Also one can say that it showed the author’s deficiency in research. Be that as it may, there is one truth – as long as Tamil lives, the loving relationship between Rev. Schwartz and Vedanayagam will remain forever through Sastriar’s songs! --------

Chapter 14 THE GREAT WARRIOR WHO FOUGHT AND WON (Poraadi vendra peru veeran) In 1817, Sastriar sang in Tranquebar a song (letter in verse form), titled ‘Vedanayagam, the clever (man)’. This song describes Sastriar’s cleverness whereby he found out the flaws in the poetry of all the poets right from Agasthiar (a revered Vedic sage):

The first verse: In Agasthiar’s world We found fifty-six mistakes In Avvai’s 14 ‘Aathi-chudi’ and ‘Konrai Vendan’ We found thirty-five mistakes. Some of the Hindus, who heard these words, were enraged and gathered together the people of the town. Seizing Sastriar, they put him in a godown and tortured him. The leaders of the town met and discussed what he had said. They insisted that he should substantiate the mistakes of the poets. Singing in his heart, “This is the time, please grant me your mercy,” he prayed to his Lord, and blessed with talent while the opponents were standing with shock, he gave an alternative meaning to every verse. In ‘We found fifty-six mistakes’ in what Agasthiar said, he spelt the Tamil word ‘Fifty-six’ (Aimbatharu) differently (Ambatharu) and split it into two words as ‘Anbu’ and ‘Atrar’ to mean ‘people without love’ and thus he changed the whole meaning. In such a way, while his enemies were working against him, with his clever answers he was delaying things. At that time, Dholk Daniel Pillai, son of Local Pastor Royappa, who was then working as the Chief Interpreter for the King of Denmark, came with 100 soldiers and rescued Sastriar from his enemies. He makes reference to this in his song. Poem: “Our gracious father who is in heaven Please listen to the one humble petition

You are my God who removes all the Barriers and accomplishes my desires Have mercy on the future generations Of Daniel who pleaded for me at Tranquebar. Jebamaalai 21: Verse 17

                                                             14  A renowned ancient Tamil poetess. (translator’s note)  

When Thanjavur Rev. Schwartz’s godson Rev. Kohloff got married in the year 1816, didn’t Sastriar strive to acquire his friendship? When his friend and his wife bowed their heads, Sastriar eagerly garlanded them and blessed them with his song thus: “With the strong willed Rev. John Kohloff May the suitable wife, Christina live a long life.” When Sastriar was singing and presenting Bethlehem Kuravanji in Trichy, the Roman Catholic Church were so much taken up with the loveliness of the words and the power of meaning in Kuravanji that they became friendly with Sastriar in the beginning. But, when he continued to sing from Kuravanji condemning “those who preached religion and were fraudulent and saying that it would be this hand that would take care of such people”, the Catholic fundamentalists thought that he was insulting their church leader; calling him “Protestant” and with an intent to kill him, they continued to attend his meetings. As for Sastriar, without fearing anyone, he boldly proclaimed the Biblical truths and shouted aloud his message. When Kuravanji’s Singan asked her, “Who gave the Biblical precepts in a novel way?” the Singi replied, “Singa, it is Vedanayagar who got the name, the skilful preacher, Sastri.” All the people who heard this understood it as the total truth. God changed the hearts of his enemies. Sitting and listening to God’s word, the elders who had gathered were surprised and appreciated him saying, “He is a great Pandit”. Vedanayagam returned to Thanjavur as a triumphant man. He praised God and sang: Even if you give me a crore of tongues to speak And even if I live one crore days On this earth worshipping and adoring you, What can I say about your great fame…………..my Great Joy! (Procession of Wisdom – Gnana Ula 158, 159) On 13th Feb. 1830, Sastriar’s second son was born. He was given the name Noah Gnanadhickam and flourished. On 27th October 1832, his daughter, Manonmani was born to grow up with great character. On 26th Nov. 1834, his last son, Elea (Elijah) Devasigamani was born with the gracious gift of composing poems. The year 1835 was a special year. Rev. Daniel Carrie was appointed as the first Bishop of Madras. In 1837, Rev. G.U. Pope came to India and served as the Wesleyan Missionary. In 1843, he ed the Anglican Church and served in Madras Presidency till 1882. The caste clashes that started in 1829 intensified. Anna Kavi cried out to God.

Poem: There is word; there is song There is the tongue that praises But I shall not be the one A guilty man with a stony heart Since those who were excommunicated from the church along with Sastriar stayed in Sastriar’s house and prayed, they were successful. Though they were physically weak because of poverty, no one died of any disease. During this sad period, grandchildren were born in his house. When you look at a baby’s face, any amount of grief even as great as a crore (great grief described in number i.e. equivalent to 10 million) will disappear. Isn’t this true? The guileless innocent children gave great joy. Caste distinctions began to fade and the clashes finally subsided. In 1841, Sastriar got a great opportunity. Bishop Spencer and Rev. Robert Caldwell (who later became Bishop Robert Caldwell) had come to Thanjavur where both of them met Sastriar and talked to him. Bishop Spencer wrote about Sastriar thus. "Thanjavur Poet Vedanayagam who is famous in this part of India is a great gifted man and there is no doubt about it. His song was melodious and not at all monotonous. According to the interpretation given to me, the meaning was also was very good. He must be around 70 years old. His face surely exhibits his intelligence. The correct formation of his head is noteworthy. His countrymen give a lot of value to his poems asserting that some of his poems deserve great appreciation and adulation. He is a Christian." He praised him to this extent but towards the end, he finished his statement saying, "I think he has the ambition to form a church that would adopt his principles.” Let us research this. Devotees of the Hindu religion used to compose songs of praise in melodious tunes pregnant with lovely words and worship all the known Gods by dancing and singing. Also they would compose songs with heart-rending words and delicate tunes worshipping the God of their community with total surrender. Devotion to God and piety are naturally inherent in man. However, the expression of piety by Hindu devotees and their worship is unique. That is why Sastriar held on to this kind of worship. If any Hindu devotional song were to sound in his ear, listening to it intently over and over again, a song would take shape in his mind in the same tune and in the same poetic style. But the main theme was only Jesus, the Lord who is seated in his heart. A simple example. The Siva devotees sang, “Ara gara Lord God, Husband of Parvathi, Eternal Siva.” Sastriar immediately composed, “Specially formed, one God, Lord God took human form, Eternal Life, Heavenly Being, Lord Jehovah, listener to sinners, Lord of Mercies.” He devoted his song of worship to the one who owned his heart. Through these songs, many people from Sastriar’s community understood that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of sinners and became His servants. These people loved Sastriar’s songs, memorised them and gathered together to sing them with rejoicing. When the Bishop saw all this, he misunderstood! Because Sastriar spent day and night keeping awake all the time

composing songs and preaching with the sole intent that the Church- especially the Thanjavur church - should increase, it pained his heart to learn that Bishop Spencer suspected him of intending to form his own church. He sang thus emotionally: The song of lamentation of Vedanayagam was heart-rending Let the church grow, let there be victory The Son of God graciously suffered for us. The Church continued to get together and sing; he struggled, prayed, stood by his faith and gained victory! The Tamil scholar Caldwell came to Thanjavur in 1841. In his writing in 1887, he stated, “The famous, ‘Thanjavur poet’ is a great person with the skill of writing beautiful poems. He has written numberless lyrics and has made a large collection. We can imagine that Tamil Christians have sung many of them in their homes and in public places from generation to generation. The good use of Sastriar’s songs is growing till today .” Aren’t we enjoying that goodness till this day?! Under the leadership of the loving Guru Rev. Kohloff, Sastriar’s children Gnanasigamony and Gnanadeepam completed their education and were working as Teachers in Vediarpuram School and in English school for Girls respectively and his younger son Noah Gnanadhickam was the student leader in his school. When Rev. Kohloff ed away in 1844, all were in deep despair. It was a great loss to Sastriar and to the church. After Rev. Kohloff, Dr. Henry Bower took over the responsibility of Vediarpuram Theological College from 18441858) He and Sastriar became good friends and Dr. Bower was the first person to write Sastriar’s biography. As Bower mentioned later, Sastriar did have a kind of "pride and stubbornness!" That is, he had the pride that he belonged only to Jesus, his Lord; he was subservient only to him, no one can tell him anything, no one can command him and no one can harm him. Knowing this fully well, Dr. Bower revered Sastriar lovingly. But since he was not very familiar with Tamil language and was totally ignorant of the Hindu traditions of Sastriar’s ancestors, he would not have been able to understand the meaning and content of Sastriar’s books. Therefore in the biography that he wrote on Sastriar he did not mention anything about his books though he said much about his great life. In 1845, Bishop Spencer (as an Executive member of the church) came to Thanjavur and gave ‘confirmation’ to 145 people and also ordained Dr. Bower as a Pastor. The congregation took part in the service without any distinction. In spite of this, the Bishop commented and wrote about the church in Thanjavur, “These people are proud and stubborn. It is very difficult to lead them. The reason for this evil is that the Missionaries had allowed them to live according to their wish. The famous Thanjavur resident Vedanayaga Sastri is one among those who insisted on caste distinction.” These words of Bishop were hurtful. This statement condemning the church and Sastriar who underwent torture during the period of

Rev. Hawbroe and came out successfully because of their staunch faith, literally wounded their hearts. In 1847, Bishop Spencer became ill and went to England writing a letter to state that he was reg from the service as a missionary. Rev. Thomas Dealtry was appointed as Madras Bishop but he arrived in Madras only in the year 1850. During the interim period (18471850) 82 pastors met together in Madras and made a resolution. The gist of the Resolution was: “A high-caste Hindu who wants to adopt Christian religion should declare in front of the public that he does not practise any caste-distinction and that he does not want any caste. As a proof of that statement he should eat the food cooked by an Adhi Dravida (Dalit). If he does not conform to this rule, Pastors should not baptise him and take him into the church.” The consequence of implementing this turned out to be disastrous. A goldsmith who had been preparing for two years with a wish to be baptised, was coerced by a pastor to eat the food cooked by a Dalit. The goldsmith became sick and died without taking baptism in a few days. Was it perhaps because of his unfulfilled desire? There were other tortures. Those Christians, who had almost got over the caste-distinction, were confused once again. Sastriar’s peace of mind was also affected. On behalf of the Thanjavur church, he wrote a petition to the Church Leaders. Rev. Guest, Pastor of the church who very well knew about Sastriar’s indescribable piety and the limitless eagerness to preach about Jesus, his God, loved him very much. In 1848, Sastriar became very sick and appeared to be on his death bed. For the first time in his life, Sastriar could not go to church on the day of the festival of Christmas. 15 The usual joyous celebration of Thanajavur church was lifeless without Sastriar’s song. Being aware of this, the Pastors were also dull. Rev. Guest visited Sastriar frequently. In order to complete his books for the sake of the people, Sastriar prayed that just as King Hezekiah was granted 15 years to his life by God, he might also be granted another 15 years to his life according to God’s will. He also told Rev. Guest about this. God who is merciful listened to the prayer of His servants and granted him grace. Sastriar recovered, regaining strength, and on the festival of New Year’s Day in1849, he got ready early in the morning with joy in his heart. As was his usual custom, he walked to the church along with all his singers, singing with majesty and with a lyric on his lips. There was a new joy on the faces of Thanjavur people. Pastors also praised God and blessed Sastriar. Finding great joy among the people, his heart brimmed with gratitude, which he expressed in the form of a song and praised God thus: “My heart sing praises; Celebrate God praising Him everyday”. Just as He had granted to Hezekiah, God added exactly another fifteen years to Sastriar’s life. The very next year, Rev. Guest and Rev. Bower, who loved him very much, made arrangements for an expert artist to draw a life size portrait of his attractive appearance. Then Sastriar was 75 years old. Let us bless the great people for ‘the full size portrait which is the gift of love to us from the two Pastors.’ It’s only because of them that we are able to see the Poet’s face today.                                                              15  The distance between Sastriar’s house and St. Peter’s church was only half a

furlong.  

From 1850 to 1858, Sastriar had to struggle with the Pastor of the church. Rev. G.U. Pope who was serving as a Missionary in Madras Presidency was appointed as the Pastor of Thanjavur church. He was a skilful person having read many books in Tamil. However, it was a great loss to the church when he and Sastriar could not cooperate with each other. As soon as Rev. Pope came, he had his eye on Sastriar. Maybe, it was the after effect of Bishop Spencer’s writings! He promulgated two ‘bans’ on Sastriar: (1) Sastriar need not sing songs in the church, (2) In his songs, he should remove the verses in which his own name was mentioned. Also, he adjudged that Sastriar believed in caste distinction. Rev. Schwartz, Master Rev. Dr. John and friend Rev. Kohloff very well knew that Thanjavur Church which had been founded and nurtured by Father Rev. Schwartz grew well and became fully active because of Sastriar's sermons through his songs. But the great Rev. Pope did not make any attempt to find this out himself. Sastriar struggled to make sure that those who received Christ should not give up traditional community practices which were not against the Christian faith and worship and were not barriers. He never ed caste distinction. The practice of inserting his name was like a child asking for a favour ‘I want’ and not out of pride. (Poetic form) “Even if I use a crore of Tamil words to sing of your fame, my King, I would not have said one millionth (croreth) of it. I do not know how to sing and tell about you; however I just babbled.” - “If there were pride, would he babble?” He says, “The sparrow sings and the Tirunelveli man (referring to himself) also sings.” Importantly, when we note the meaning which results from combining the word ‘Vedanayagam’ along with other words in the last verse, we will know the greatness of its shining significance. In certain verses, if that word is removed, the verse will not have any meaning at all. Sastriar explains the reason for following this poetic tradition in detail in the introduction to his book, ‘Garland of Prayer’ – ‘Jebamalai’. Whether the scholar Pope understood this or not, as soon as he stepped into Thanjavur, he removed Sastriar’s three children from their jobs. But rather than being disturbed, Sastriar rejoiced. That day, he gave food to the poor people and celebrated happily saying, “Hereafter my children are free to preach God on their own. By singing my songs and praising him, they can preach the good news of my God anywhere under any circumstance. In spite of arguing about his songs as much as he could with Rev. Pope, there was no use. Rev. Pope was strict in his ways not only with Sastriar but also with church . 16 However, though they differed in their views, both the Tamil poets got an opportunity to respect and love one another. Sastriar’s friend, Catechist Vedanayagam suddenly took ill with vomiting and diarrhoea which worsened and his hands and feet became cold. In response to the Catechist’s request, the church Pastor, Rev. Pope gave him the final preaching and prepared him to reach God . Then the Catechist told him, “Call the Father”. When Rev. Pope asked him, “Who is the Father?” the Catechist said, "Vedanayaga Sastriar" and the                                                              16   Some mischievous youth changed Sastriar’s beautiful song, “Ah, this good thing

(Nantru) is the one that I know not” by playfully changing it to, “Ah this crab (Nandu), is the crab from Rev. Pope’s pond.”  

Pastor immediately called for Sastriar. Sastriar took the Catechist’s hand, checked it and said that the pulse had gone down. Then realising God’s servant’s wish and understanding his faith, Sastriar prayed with firm belief pleading with God. Then, again, he checked his hand and said with excitement, “Pulse has increased. There is no fear. God has granted you another chance (span of life). Remain in your service for God.” Gifted with singing, he also had received the gift of praying fervently and gaining victory. When Rev. Pope witnessed the immense piety of Sastriar his heart melted. Sastriar too understood the nobility of Rev. Pope when he called for him and honoured him. Overwhelmed with love and gratitude, both of them greeted each other and parted. Weren’t they servants of God who truly held Jesus in their hearts? Rev. Pope had once proudly mentioned in his sermon that "Sastriar had the head of the great Greek Poet Homer." However, in 1858 Bishop Dealtry came and made a study of the clash between Rev. Pope and Sastriar. He also realised that there were people who had instigated the misunderstandings between them. He decided to transfer the pastors who were hindrances to unity and he also transferred Rev. Pope to the Nilgiris. In 1858, Rev. Pope left Thanjavur for the Nilgiris. There is good evidence that Rev. Pope would have said a reluctant farewell to Sastriar. At a later date, when Gnanasigamani and his sons, Thabomani and Jebamani went to the Nilgiris on an evangelical mission, Rev. Pope welcomed them warmly and made arrangements to let them present musical discourses to bring happiness to the labourers of the tea gardens. He also gave them certificates and gifts. In 1856, Sastriar wanted to go to Tranquebar to attend the Festival of Jubilee but he did not have enough money in his hands, so he sent his wife and children in the cart and he walked. Travel by cart was not good for Sastriar’s health, so he usually went by palanquin. Because of financial difficulty, he could not do that; and so before reaching Iyampettai which was eight miles away, he became tired and stopped in between and sat down five or six times on the way. Those who went with him gave him physical and he somehow reached the house of Siresudhar Christian Pillai at Kumbakonam, who gave his ‘Chair-Palanquin’ to Sastriar; he put him on it, gave the wages to the bearers and sent him to Tranquebar. The Tranquebar church were very happy to see Sastriar; they welcomed him warmly and celebrated his visit. Sastriar had new vigour to sing the song of praise. When he returned to Thanjavur with his heart full of thanksgiving for singing praises to God, Tranquebar church thanked him and gave a lot of offering (money). Having gained the gift of singing praises to God, he returned home as a warrior having won the hearts of the people! As there was a turning point in the Thanjavur church in 1858, there was a turning point in the governance of India too. Following the ‘sepoy’ mutiny of the first Independence Struggle of our countrymen in 1857, the very next year the East India Company was closed and our country (Bharatha Nadu) came under the rule of Queen Victoria, the queen of England. Since she was pious and believed in ruling the country based on love, we can say that there was dawn of goodness for the country.

Chapter 15 Comment [B7]: format? 

HOUSE OF FAITH’S VICTORIOUS LIFE

On one mount, Transfiguration On the beautiful mount, Prayer Personified And I bless God who gave His life on the mount of Grace (Bethlehem Kuravanji – Blessing 8) Though Sastriar read many books analytically, he always read only the Bible with extreme interest. He read it meaningfully numberless times from the beginning till the end. While reading the miraculous incidents that exhibited the power of God and the guidance of God, he would laugh and enjoy some of the time and at other times he would shed tears and go into deep meditation. No good event that happened in his life gave him such great joy; nor did any bad event give him such deep sorrow. Isn’t the Bible the fount of grace? He would be engrossed in Bible reading without any time limit and would indulge in prayer whenever he liked. He would sit alone in his room and keep praising God in his heart. Bubbling with emotions in his heart, he would pour them out into a song. He would pray as though he was conversing with a bosom friend. While he was lost deep in prayer, he would become totally oblivious of what was happening around him and would not know even if a person were to stand in front of him for half an hour. Whenever he woke up during the night, he would pray. He would memorise the hymns translated by the great scholar, Rev. Fabricius – while doing so, he would doze off and then would wake up early in the morning. He would praise God by composing new songs over and over again in simple Tamil. That was his job:, wasn’t it? He would become restless saying to himself, “Lord of Lords, you have etched in my heart the responsibility of composing songs.” Sastriar adopted a very good system of having ‘family prayer’ every day early in the morning. As soon as the sound of bell calling for family prayer was heard, all the family would gather together. (The next generations after Sastriar also followed this practice regularly. Jebamani Sastriar, the grandson of Sastriar would get up every day even before 5 a.m. and wake up the family by singing his grandfather’s songs.) The worship would start with a song followed by reading of ’Gnanabarana Petti’ (Box of the necklace of wisdom) 17 containing words from the Bible, expositions and prayers and ‘Ettu thikku                                                              17

 Gnanabarana Petti’ is the translation of Golden Treasury, a book with verses on a daily calendar basis. A German by name Bogatsky wrote this book and it was translated by Christian Daniel Pillai who was appointed by the King of Denmark as Chief Interpreter in Thanjavur.  

mantram’ (Mantra (advice) from eight directions) 18 and the worship would go on till 7.30 a.m. The family rule was that beside the family , the disciples who were staying in their home i.e. writers, singers and guests, should also participate in the family prayer. All of them willingly obeyed this rule. The copy of ‘Gnanabarana Petti’ that was handled and read by Sastriar for 64 years and the ‘Gnanabarana Petti’ that was read by his grandson, Jebamani Sastriar’s wife, Arunodhayam Ammal for 44 years and by the children of latter generations for 20 years, are preserved in the Thanjavur home and in my home respectively as precious ‘treasures’. On Sundays too, there would be family prayer at home before going to church. During that prayer time, Sastriar would fervently pray that God would grant grace to the Pastors so that they might be empowered to preach the true Good News appropriately in order to pave the way for the Hindu leaders who studied the ‘vedas’ (the scriptures) to search and find that ‘Jesus is the only true God’ and that they will accept Him and worship Him as the God of power. When he went to other homes and returned late after 10 p.m. after praying with them, he would call for the family prayer saying, “God will be waiting to hear our family prayer”. All would wake up from sleep and in the family prayer. After Sastriar built a house in Thanjavur and started living there, no one died in that house for sixty years. In his daily prayer, just as he was asking God as though it was his right, the shadow of God abided in that home and protected them. (The first one to die in that home was Sastriar himself!) Sastriar’s home shone like a house of prayer. May Jesus, our Lord be praised. “Praise Jesus, my heart, praise Jesus alone.” The prayer life that was rooted in Sastriar’s family continued with the future generations also. Arunodhayam Ammal, wife of Sastriar’s grandson, Jebamani Sastriar committed her whole life to prayer. She would spend three-fourths of each day going on her knees and resting on her elbows praying to God sincerely and at times even ‘fighting’ with Him. She would pray for each group of people including family , relatives, strangers, neighbours, evangelists involved in spreading the gospel etc. Every day she would call the children in the family three times for prayer saying, ‘Come to worship Jesus’ while calling them avoiding the word ‘jebam’(prayer). (Her husband’s name was Jebamani – ‘Prayer bell’.) 19 She would say that Grandfather had sung like this: “Whether it would be from day to night or from night to day, I stand at Jerusalem melting within me, my God.” She was thoroughgoing with Sastriar’s songs, having at her fingertips a knowledge of every single one. For every gathering of family prayer, she would sing some verses from ‘Jebamalai’ (garland of prayer), ‘Parabaran malai’ (garland of the Lord) etc. and say the prayers. The latter generations of the family of Sastriar who live throughout Tamil Nadu, in other parts of India and in foreign countries have the ambition of following Sastriar’s good way of life. Let there be praise for the God of grace.                                                              18

 ‘Ettu thikku manthram’ (message from eight directions) is a verse from the Bible (Psalm 18:2) This verse got its name because it means that God is our fortress who has eight names from the ‘rock’ to ‘great refuge’.  19  According to tradition, a married woman was not supposed to mention her husband’s name at any cost. (Translator's note) 

“We praise you, O God of grace, We praise you, Jesus, O God of grace.” Is it possible to describe the uniqueness of Sastriar’s life? Those who understood his strong devotion to Jesus, his Lord and his firm trust, found themselves being melted by divine love and becoming strong. The faith of all family grew more and more. Faith gave power and victory. Sastriar would struggle with God as he prayed for others. Once when a nine year old boy In his house had an attack of epilepsy Sastriar called the people in his home together. While all of them were standing around the boy, with tears rolling down from his eyes, he sang the heart-rending song, “O God don’t you have mercy?” and the boy was healed. God’s deed was indeed miraculous ! Sastriar’s family were living on faith. Lord Jesus took care of their lives day by day. Sometimes it would happen that children had to go to bed without food for their dinner. But when there was no food, tasty meals would arrive from the King’s palace or from the homes of officials. When there were no tea leaves to make tea, tea packets would arrive by post that very day. It was Lord Jesus who motivated the loving servants of God to lend a helping hand in times of trouble. One day there was not a single paisa (equivalent to a cent) with anyone in the home. Sastriar, lost in his thoughts of composing songs, took his snuff box and finding no snuff in that box, complained to God himself unhappily, ‘I have sung praises to you saying, “There is none equal to you” and yet you have not found a way to give me snuff.’ At that time, his daughter, Gnanadeepam ammal who was in his room asked him, “What have you done to the God who called you from worshipping *base Gods and lifeless beings without breath and speech, to worship the true God and to the great ministry of preaching and singing about Lord Jesus, the son of God?” Sastriar realised his mistake instantly and rolled on the ground in his courtyard crying aloud saying, “I am a sinner; I am a sinner.” He confessed his sin to the family who came rushing to see what was happening as he was praying to God, asking for forgiveness and strengthening himself in the inner man. The heavenly help reached him in time. The postman arrived and delivered Rs.200/. This amount was the gift of gratitude sent by Kallikottai Siresudar Devasagayam Pillai to whom Sastriar had written a song of blessings and sent it in celebration of his ‘house warming’ ceremony. (In those days, since there was no railroad, it took a long time for the gift to reach through post) Wasn’t that a deed of the son of God, Jesus Christ as a sign of victory to faith, for the money to reach there at the appropriate time?!

Another time, there was no food, coffee powder or jaggery (palm sugar in solid form) for breakfast. When his wife, Varodayammal came and explained the situation, Sastriar held out his hand with a piece of jaggery. While she was standing hesitantly, he said, “Make coffee, the Lord will give breakfast.” When she broke the piece of jaggery, there was a silver coin inside! It was more than enough to buy food for the breakfast!

Comment [B8]: ? 

Life in the house of faith was prosperous. Yes, wealth in the form of children abounded. Sastriar arranged the marriage of his eldest son, Gnanasigamony Sastriar with a woman called Sadhanandi Ammal. They had nine children, namely Vedasiromani, Thabamani, Dayamani, Jebamani, Subamani, Navamani, Jeyamani, Vedamani and Jeevamani known as ‘Navamanigal’ (Nine bells). The first son, Vedasiromani did not get married nor did he choose to do evangelistic ministry. He learnt three languages and excelled in them and he took up a good Government job. However, he died young. The other sons and daughters took part with pride in preaching the good news through singing ministry. The parents arranged the marriage of their eldest daughter, Dayamani with Michel Pillai who was the overseer in the Public Works Department. Sastriar arranged the marriage of his eldest daughter, Gnanadeepam Ammal with Mangalam Pillai from his own community who was a scholar in English language. These parents arranged the marriage of their only daughter, Gnanagaram with Thabamani, the son of her maternal uncle, Gnanasigamony Sastriar. Sastriar’s younger son, Noah Gnanadhika Sastriar married the Peermettu woman, Arulammal. They had seven daughters namely Pamani, Arulmani, Rahel (Rachel), Sigamani, Gnanasasthiram, Manonmani and Ammani. Their only son was Vedanandam Devasagayam. Sastriar arranged the marriage of his younger daughter, Manonmani Ammal with Masilamani Pillai who was brought by his eldest son, Gnanasigamony Sastri from South Tamil Nadu. These parents arranged the marriage of their only daughter, Vedasastram Ammal with Samuel Pillai. Sastriar’s youngest son, Elia Devasigamony Sastriar married Adhibagyathammal, daughter of Mayavaram Savarimuthu Pillai as arranged by his sister’s husband. Their children are Vedamaniammal, Vedanayagam, Thayammal, Varodhayam Esther, Vedapodhagam, Devadas, Gnanendram, Manonmani, Gnanamani and Nagomi Gnanadeepam. Sastriar was very close to his grandchildren. He had the privilege of cuddling and caressing many of them. Once little Jeyamani eagerly took one handful of food from her grandfather and ate it happily. This incident was one among several interesting ones written down and given to the author by Jeyamani ammal’s son, J. Savarirayan Vedanayagam, a retired Ranger from the Forest Department who now lives in Salem. Among the descendants of Sastriar, he is the oldest. He is 83. But even today, he enthusiastically teaches Sastriar’s songs to the Church youth and through their beautiful singing, he spreads the good news. At the wedding receptions of his grandchildren Sastriar sang in his own style and blessed the couple by garlanding them and singing the songs. Those who got this privilege were: Thabomani-Gnanagaram and Dayamani-Michel. Gnanasigamani Sastriar’s older children had the special privilege of serving him and had special concession to eat and sleep next to him. Both the older grandsons, Siromani and Thabomani wrote down the verses which the grandfather told them then and there. Granddaughter, Dayamani Ammal had the opportunity to do odd jobs in the kitchen with her aunt Manonmani Ammal. Grandsons Jebamani and Subamani had the privilege of seating Sastriar in the four-wheeled cart that was made and

Comment [B9]: was one  among several interesting ones  written....     (Is this the  meaning?) 

gifted to him by two of his friends and pulling him in the cart to and from the church. During the night, younger brother Subamani would sleep next to Sastriar in his bed. (At other times, Sastriar would lie down and would be lost in deep thought.) Elder brother Jebamani would sleep in the next cot. So, it is no wonder, the younger brother Subamani got the gift of composing verses from grandfather who was singing to his Lord and shone like a Poet King. Jebamani also got the gift of his grandfather’s preaching the good news that lured the listeners’ attention with awe! Poem: “We have the ability to lead a proper life We also have the crowd of relatives We received more and more grace and flourished Is there anything lacking to those with piety? Swing along…” (Jebamaalai 2 – The Church’s Swing – Thiruchabai oonjal) Sastriar’s descendants take great pleasure in singing this. This kind of prosperous life is nothing but the victorious life of the Father of Faith!

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Chapter 16 THE SONG OF ‘NELLAIAN’ THAT RESOUNDED IN ALL THE FOUR DIRCTIONS

Grant me grace to keep in my mind your praiseworthy red feet And praise you in all the four directions; I surrender myself to praise you, to worship you Be merciful to me to bow before you - my Master. Gnana Ula – Kadavuzh Vazhthu It is not enough just to preach in all the four directions; but one should also live by walking in His way of love. Jesus Christ gave two golden rules: ‘Love God with deep divine love and love your neighbour with great love.’ The very doctrine of Christianity is based on these two great rules of conduct. We have seen in detail that Sastriar had the first rule in his heart and lived by it. There are proofs to show that he lived by practising the second rule too. He gave generously to the poor and to those who came to him for help. If any one came to his

doorstep famished, with empty stomach, to whatever community he might belong, Sastriar would have him sit in front of him and share his food with him and only after that he would eat. If he found someone without clothes, he would remove the towel from his upper body and cover him with that. Besides, he would remove his own bed cover and put it on him. If someone were to ask him “Why are you doing this? You are poor enough”, he would say, “If I don’t show kindness to a person like me and harden my heart like a stone, I would be like a tree that does not bear fruit.” In his final days, he asked his son, Noah Gnanadhickam Sastriar to write the verse from the Bible, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,” in big letters and paste in a place right in front of his eyes. Those who personally knew the children of Sastriar gave witness to the fact that these two values of life that are to be practised by Christians were found in them and that they followed them just as Sastriar did. Even today we can hear about them by word of mouth and by reading their biographies. Let’s look at one or two instances. Jebamani Sastriar, on returning from his tours, would happily give away half of the money that he had in his hand to the poor. He used to give the first portion of the fruits and snacks that he brought from other towns to Kamatchi of the ‘Konaar’ (shepherd clan) community who supplied milk to his children from generation to generation and to ‘Oorudaiyan’ (native of the town) of that place who used to cut hair for the male of the family. Considering Sastriar as their father, many people without any caste or religious differences used to come to his home when they were in poverty or were facing life’s difficulties to get help or words of solace. To such people and to other individuals whom he met personally, Sastriar used to tell in crystal clear that ‘Jesus Christ is the saviour of this world’ through his books and songs. To crowds on the streets, with a loud voice that could be heard a distance, he would call out saying, ‘Run and come, O ye people’ (Odi vaa janamay). From 1814 to 1863, he erected a ‘pandal’ (a temporary roof made of palmyrah/coconut leaves ed by poles) in the porch of his house where he would sing would sing and preach a sermon with emotional fervour on the suffering of Christ and his death on the cross every day during Lent for three hours at night. People must have listened with tears in their eyes.

While Sastriar was delivering such sermons, he would wear his white cloak with a red cap on his head and tie a band around his waist. His voice was melodious. The English pastors too benefited by coming together and listening with interest. His disciples, singers and writers who stayed in his house would also wear white clothes and they too were pure in their outward and inner personalities serving with sincerity. Those who were getting trained in theology to be ordained as Pastors came from South Tamil Nadu to Sastriar’s house, stayed there, listened to his Biblical expositions and the doctrines of theology and returned. It is understood that those who were trained by Sastriar would the ‘degree examinations’ meant for pastors in Nellai. Sastriar’s house turned out to be a training centre even for Pastors. Some of those who got the degree thus to be ordained as Pastors were Nellai Rev. Muthusamy, Rev. Devaprasad and Rev. Kohloff. Rev. Arulappan David who served for 43

years in Nellai district was the best among the disciples of Sastriar who were ordained as Pastors. His father on his death bed had given him into Sastriar’s custody when he was a nine-year-old boy. Another Pastor was Rev. Paranjothi who served in Secunderabad. Disciples like Peranandam, Pitchanandam, Devasahayam and Devnesan served as catechists in different places till the very end and shone like warriors of Christ.

Sastriar along with his children, disciples and singers went as a team to different towns. When they travelled like this, there were many incidents wherein they were saved from wild animals and robbers. There were proofs to show that those who welcomed Sastriar’s team were given God’s grace and those who rejected them were met with trouble. One time in a small village, when they asked the people in a house for water to quench their thirst, the head of the house refused to give them water since they were Christians; after the group left the place in great despair, the stable where the cows and bullocks were kept went up in flames. Another time when Sastriar went to see the King of Pudukkottai, for two days in a row, the King said, “There is no time. Come tomorrow.” When he heard the same answer for the third time, Sastriar was sad and he explained the reason for his coming. Even at that time, the King said, “I am going out in a hurry. Come tomorrow.” After the king got into the palanquin, within a short distance, the palanquin broke, which had never happened before and the King fell to the ground to worship the mother-earth! In the King’s heart, the guilt of avoiding the Poet King came to the forefront. Immediately, the King called Sastriar, listened to his songs; he became clear in his mind because of God’s grace and he also gave donations to him.

Chapter 17 THE SONG OF ‘NELLAIYAN’ THAT STEALS THE HEART

The simple songs of Vedanayaga Vedasastriar fill the heart and remain there permanently. That is why, we have come to know of many who have given their hearts to his songs and have lived a life of piety and faith. The descendants of Sastriar themselves would attest to this fact: Poem: To remove the evil from me, the sinner Whose heart is tormented, my Master, give me grace. This sinner has faith in you

Your beautiful feet That keep me company are my dwelling place You are my life, You Lord my beloved My light, lead me to walk according to your will ! One morning, this song resounded from the next room with poignant emotion. My father was singing that song. Usually my father would sing very well. But I had never before heard him sing with such expression and emotions. Whose song? Simple words; anyone can understand the words! I listened intently. He continued to sing: “The covenant of wisdom accuses me My actions get entangled in trouble The vain world tempts me, Pulls me on to the sinful path, my God….” My eyes became moist with tears. I was burning to ask him immediately, “Whose song?” But I did not want to spoil his worship. When I asked him at night, he said, “This is our Sastriar’s song. When I was young, I listened to Rev. Walker’s sermons every day; one day I realised my mistake. After that I expressed all the feelings of my heart through Sastriar’s songs. I found comfort.” I asked with surprise. “Is it Sastriar’s song?” My father replied, ‘Why not? I know many of his songs by heart. His songs are very powerful, my child.’ He added that when I was four years old, I was suffering from diarrhea for days together. I became leaner day by day and the doctors said, ‘This child will not survive.’ Then my father took me in his hands and with trembling voice cried aloud, “Divine Lion please have mercy, listening to the heart-rending song of Vedanayagam”; overwhelmed with gratitude, he then said that I who was lying in his hands lifeless like a log, made a little movement and opened my eyes slightly. On another day, my father sang in a new lovely tune thus: “Your father is a carpenter, your mother, a simple virgin, your disciples are fishermen who were fishing near the sea…….” and continued, “The bad man who became Chinnappan (St. Paul) was your servant whose eyes you spoiled. Under such circumstances, how will you bear me, my Master? Bridegroom of the daughter of beautiful Zion, my God, Jesus, my Lord!” (Ah, what an expression of Nindhasthudhi (praising in the guise of abusing)! ) This is the song that my mother used to sing tenderly while playing the violin: “For a long time, I have many temptations; I stand with fear – let the song of Nellai melt. You are my heart’s desire, your mercy – your grace is my refuge. Be my company.” My father was an official in the Forest Department. He was carrying out a very responsible job. That my father should escape from sudden troubles such as fire, bandits, forest flash floods, slipping and tumbling down while the horse climbs the mountains etc. and return home safe was the prayer which my mother sang daily with much anxiety.

This is the song that my immediate younger sister, Chesalon (who now lives in the presence of God) would sing with joy: “Even while the sparrows that are sold as five for two farthings do not fall without His knowledge; why do you fret as a person without any shelter and whine with great doubt? – My heart, do not worry; the son of God who saved you is alive.” My younger brother, John Vedanayagam Thambidorai, who has gone to be with the Lord, was gifted with the talent of singing Tamil songs in different tunes without making any mistake in the beats (thaalam); he used to compose ‘Jathis’ (beats with utterance of specific letters) for Sastriar’s songs and sing them. When my other younger sister, Agilamani, who had formally learnt Bharata Natyam, would dance to those songs and Sastriar’s songs would resound with good news from the stage in all the four directions, they would steal away the hearts of people. One of these songs is “My Lord, don’t you have mercy? (Dheva irakkamillaiyo)” My husband, Rev. J.D. Manasseh used to preach with his thunderous voice from the pulpit quoting Sastriar thus, “Because of Jesus, we obtained greatness; we got grace; we also got Holy Spirit to make us happy. Because of Jesus, we got eternal life, to live eternally forever and ever.” Sastriar sang, “He was born as the ‘song of Vedanayagam from Tirunelveli’. He removed the consequences of crores (10 million) of sins and gave us heavenly food. That is the character of the immortal God – Light from heaven has come, in human form.” In this song, doesn’t he say that ‘Jesus-God was born as his song?’ Therefore, the song that comes out of his mouth is Jesus himself. Isn’t this true? The song that my only maternal uncle (Late Rev. J.G. Vedanayagam) sang, which would melt the heart of the listeners, is Sastriar’s Lamentation (scene of the cross): “God of love, ocean of grace You are the depth of mercy; You went through gruesome pain that was Immeasurable, immeasurable, immeasurable.

You Lord who bore all the three worlds Hung on three nails Gracious God, is it for us, humans, to live across the span of times Endlessly, endlessly, endlessly. You are the son of the Father For the sake of wicked sinners, My God, you chose to give up your life On the cross, on the cross, and on the cross.

Whenever there was a Confirmation ceremony, the songs of Sastriar that were sung along with my children with hearts full of praise: “Lord of Lords, with love you brought me into my mother’s womb And made me like gold. Lord of Lords, from the day you created me in my mother’s womb You protected me till this day without any disturbance. Lord of Lords, you have done good things beyond my thinking And you will do great things for me that I may not think of. Lord of Lords, is there any fear for the devotees Who have committed their way to God’s leading? Because of you, I was formed Because of you, I came into this world Because of you, I have flourished like this, Lord of Lords. As long as there is life in me I desire to praise you tirelessly, Lord of Lords Palm leaves cannot enfold, heart cannot embrace, Song too cannot envelop your loving kindness – Lord of Lords. Thus even within our family, many have sung Sastriar’s songs in the course of their experiences expressing the feelings of their hearts and their joys and sorrows by submitting them to God. If so, is it possible to say in words how much the larger family of all the different branches of Sastriar who have spread like the roots of the banyan tree, would have gained spiritual wealth! In fact, isn’t it true that all the Tamil Christians have gained great Christian life experiences by praising God through Sastriar’s songs? It is no wonder that from the time of Sastriar until today, the descendants of Sastriar and others have gone in all the four directions and have spread the gospel of Christ through his songs by singing with the fragrance of Tamil language and praising him with joy!

 

Chapter 18

DEPARTED TO THE LAND OF GREAT HAPPINESS WITH GREAT JOY

In 1862 Sastriar was beginning to feel weak physically. Since Winter affected his health, he became sick now and again. Like other men of faith who had gone before him, he too wanted to bless his children while he was healthy. One Sunday - his eldest son, Gnanasigamani Sastriar’s birthday - the relatives had come from Tirunelveli. He called all of them close to his side. Taking the ‘palmyrah leaf book’ (olaichuvadi) in which the sermons of Rev. Schwartz were written, he gave it to his son, Noah Gnanadhickam Sastriar and said, “Every day you should read one sermon from this and say the prayers.” Then he asked all of them to go on their knees. Putting his hands on the head of his son, Noah Gnanadhickam, who helped him whenever he preached ‘Sadur (four/skilful) sermons’ and during the family worship, he blessed him saying, “I am appointing you as a preacher from today. May God bless you according to his will.” Then, he placed his hands on his younger son, Elia Devasigamani who was kneeling next and blessed him saying, “God has given you some gift of composing songs for Him ’singing to Him. May God give you this gift in totality. May you continue my ministry.” Then he called his eldest son, Gnanasigamani, put his hand on his head and blessed him saying, “Since you sing and preach the history of Good News, you have to be a preacher telling God’s name everywhere and live as an example to others; may He grant you long healthy life. May all your children be helpful to you.” His eldest daughter, Gnanadeepam Ammal was ready to go to the South for evangelical work. Giving a letter of introduction to the Churches, he put his hand on her head and blessed her saying, “May you glorify God by singing the songs of the Lord and explaining the history to the churches wherever you go. You will have great rewards. May God be gracious to you and to your daughter.” His sons also went forth for evangelical ministry. But just as the forefathers of Israel did, he stopped only one - Noah Gnanadhickam Sastriar from going along with them. Therefore only Gnanasigamani Sastriar and Elia Devasigamani Sastriar went with the team to all parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala to preach the good news. In the same way, they went again the following year. As for Sastriar, his strength was diminishing as time ed by. He lost his appetite altogether. During these days, his wife looked after him day and night, keeping awake all the time. One day, he blessed his wife also saying, “You helped me in my 'singing service’. Your children will serve you and take care of you. Many women servants will also be helpful to you.” His younger daughter, Manonmani ammal, her husband, daughter-in-law, Arulammal and Gnanasigamani Sastriar’s son, Jebamani were all serving Sastriar by doing various errands. And he in turn with a content heart, blessed all of them saying, “For all the help you have rendered me during my old age, God will also bless you abundantly during your old age." Many of the church thinking that his end was near, brought different types of food and got Sastriar’s blessings and went back. But Sastriar was averse to food. Though Rev.

Percival was prepared to come to Sastriar’s home and give him Holy Communion, Sastriar walked to the church slowly and took part in the communion. Since many people forced him, he took a little wine every day. In a few days he became strong enough to sit up. He spent the money that he received from his three children by generously giving it away to the poor people with great joy. For two months, he ate double the portion of all that he liked. Grandson, Jebamani bought everything willingly, hoping that his grandfather would get well. When Sastriar developed some swelling in his leg, his son Noah Gnanadhickam was disturbed. Then Sastriar encouraged him quoting his own song, “Why do you fret my mind, why do you fret? There is Vedanayagam’s song; there is Messiah’s prayer.” On Sunday, the 24th Jan. in 1864, there was morning worship as usual at home. At the end, Sastriar gave his blessings to all the family in the name of God. No one thought that he was going to leave them on that day. As Sastriar was tired and lay down in bed, he started breathing heavily. Hearing that his condition was deteriorating, the Thanjavur church came in haste. That day’s verse from the Bible was: “Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit.” It was four in the evening. His son Gnanadhickam did not allow anyone to weep and said in a loud voice, “When my breath slows down and am in trouble, show me your appearance dying on the cross for me………let me embrace you and sleep, my Jesus” and he also said the prayer, “As my Redeemer who redeemed me, take care of me and with love take me there.” After that Sastriar went to the land of great happiness with great joy. Along with Masilamani Pillai and Devasagayam Pillai, grandson, Jebamani performed the final loving rites and also sang and prayed praising God for Sastriar’s great life. Bells sounded in the Lutheran and SPG Churches. Candles were lit on the streets and houses. Pastors, Missionaries, school students, dignitaries in town and church came in crowds and paid their last respects standing there respectfully. The family and others kept singing, taking turns and the singing went on and on. Many people sang Sastriar’s songs packed with emotions. People were mourning while singing and they continued singing throughout the night. Sastriar was clothed in a robe and a shawl and cap and was laid in state so that people could pay their last respect to him. Those who saw him lying in state thought he was sleeping with a smile on his lips, all well dressed. That so touched their hearts that they cried aloud, overwhelmed with grief. As Sastriar had noted down in his book of verse, his son Gnanadhickam wrote down the three songs on a sheet of paper and kept in his hands these three songs: “King Jesus, reign me, my love…” (Yesu raja, enai aalum nesa), “Jesus, my Lord, look at me with grace…..” (Yesu naadha kadaikkan paar) and “Lord of mercy, worship you, my Master…” (Kirubakarane, sthothramaiya..) The body of Sastriar was kept in a coffin that was decorated inside and outside. With drums, violin and other instruments resounding, the last procession of Sastriar started. There were garlands of flowers and also flowers strewn on the streets, thrown from so many baskets. Pastors Rev. Nelar and Rev. Aubert led the funeral service and Sastriar’s body was buried with the firm hope of resurrection. As for Sastriar, while Jesus, his Lord and His angels were

at the door of heaven warmly welcoming him, he entered the land of great happiness singing into indestructible eternal life with great joy!  

 

Chapter 19 Comment [B10]: format? 

WILL FOLLOW THE PATH OF OUR FOREFATHERS BY SINGING TO OUR LORD

Though Sastriar’s eldest son, Gnanasigamony Sastriar felt great sorrow for his own situation whereby he could not see even the deceased body of his father, he understood the greatness of his father, who completed his duty meticulously and entered into the land of happiness to gain eternal life. Bearing his unbearable loss, he mentioned in his final tribute thus: “Ah, son of the Lord of Lords, Father Rev. Schwartz’s disciple, who was like thousands of thousands to the church, the one who portrayed the whole Bible in song, the one who derided those who were ignorant and impious and the one who in Tamil Evangelical Church had the divine gift without any predecessor or successor. When you came with new songs, hymns and psalms, your arrival was like the glory of a King! In times of trouble, through your prayers, you were like the city of refuge to us; you started your final procession even before your dear daughter, your eldest son for whom you suffered a lot and your dear youngest son, all of whom you had sent for God’s ministry, could return. When will this poor family man and his children see your beautiful face, my Master? You lived under the care of Christ’s church of Thanjavur town and so did you die on the Lord’s Day to go and live with Him?” His youngest son, Elia Devasigamony too while bemoaning his situation that he could not be present with his father during his last stage, found a special reason even for that and sang thus: Poem: That your great servant going to the Lord at a distance, far away Who knows here, my Master? Have they put your entire body in the box with folded hands, Which wrote boxes and boxes of books? If your eldest son and youngest son had been here they would not have given you Farewell to go to the heavenly abode; Maybe, that is why you retained your ‘middle son’ with you Thinking that he may not be a hindrance And would send you on this journey well.

We also thought we could stand at the door and have a glimpse of you, our father Who sang the praises of the Holy God who reigned the heaven. But, have they kept you underneath the earth without telling all of us Before we could come and see you? Chennai Stephen Samuel Pillai sang and explained to all the churches about Sastriar’s proficiency in all the three types of Tamil language (prose, poetry and drama) and his evangelical fervour. Poem: From the great Tamil land Tirunelveli to Thanjavur came the Poet Who proclaimed the gospel In prose, poetry and drama forms of Tamil – Please understand this……..you, the Bride of God, the church At the feet of the Bridegroom, Christ. Thanjavur Pastor’s son, Devasagayam Pillai mourned thus in a song: Poem: You loved the people of earth, like your own self You spoke of the fame of the incomparable one Your lofty spirit of generosity grew You left this land and rose into the city of gold We pity ourselves, O Master Wondering when we will listen to your exposition on the word of God Beautiful bell, Oh, Vedanayagan! Thanjavur David Pillai’s son, Sathyanatha Pillai, the Evangelist sang the song of praise thus: Poem: Beautiful life that has learnt the great language, Lush plant that has spread through the country, Bright star that has appeared in Thanjavur, Inherently flawless gold that is fresh and new. Having given their hearts to the song of Nellaian, remaining steady in their faith in Christ, serving Nellaian Sastriar and taking delight in singing his songs were not only his children and grandchildren but also those who came into his family – the sons and daughters-in-law. Among these, was Arulammal, daughter-in-law of Noah Gnanadhickam Sastriar. She did various jobs for Sastriar like sitting close to his table, arranging his books on the table, noting down whatever points he mentioned, writing his songs, etc. She considered this as a great privilege. Another person was Dr. Yesudasan Savarirayan, husband of V. Gnanasigamony Sastriar’s daughter, Jeyamani ammal. He would willingly memorise Sastriar’s song and sing melodiously with joy. Jebamani Sastriar who noticed that his

brother-in-law sang his grandfather’s songs with much interest, used to introduce him proudly as “Mappillai (Bridegroom) Sastriar. Once when he asked his brother-in-law, “You have got seven daughters, how are you going to settle them?”, his brother-in-law sang a verse from one of Sastriar’s lyrics brimming with enthusiasm thus:

Poem: The whole omnipresence leans on me Patience will not suit anger Your grace abounds, my Father God Reign me who is troubled, eternal Lord. Was it only the sons-in-law and daughters-in-law? Even their parents (sambandhigazh) appreciated and enjoyed Sastriar’s songs. Let us listen to the words of Arulappa Pillai, Catechist who gives the reason for giving his daughter in marriage to the son of Gnanasigamony Sastriar: ‘Sastriar in his song says, “On the day of Bethlehem’s son’s marriage, his sons, he and all his people will sing the blessings” (Bethlehem Kuravanji – conversation of Singan & Singhi) Therefore if I give my daughter to Jebamani Sastriar, son of Gnanasigamony Sastriar, my family and I will get that blessing.’ Stating this with great joy to his relatives, he gave his daughter to Jebamani Sastriar in marriage. Vedanayaga Sastriar’s son, Gnanasigamony and his sons, Thabomani Sastriar and Jebamani Sastriar had the gift of singing. Also they had the gift of playing the violin along with other instruments which they made themselves, besides the gift of preaching the word of God through Sastriar’s song. And their music was a feast to the ears of those who heard them. Because of this, these three Sastriars in their respective periods of time were the warriors who preached the good news with firm faith by meeting the Kings of Thanjavur, Mysore, Trivandrum and the Nizam of Hyderabad and telling them through Sastriar’s song in crystal clear , “Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world.” The women in their families too sat on the platform along with their fathers and brothers and sang melodiously, taking part in their ministry from generation to generation. Among Sastriar’s descendants, his youngest son, Elia Devasigamani Satriar and Suba Mani, son of the eldest son, Gnanasigamony Sastriar - having been blessed with the gift of singing acquired the title ‘Poet King’ (Kavi Rayar). They were even able to impress the college students through their songs. Vedamani Sastriar, another son of Gnanasigamony Sastriar, was able to sing more melodiously than others. Sastriar’s eldest daughter, Gnanadeepam ammal shone like a famous warrior, spreading the good news in all the four directions. She was a poet in multi-languages including Tamil, English, Telugu, Malayalam and Sanskrit. She shouted aloud the good news in Jaffna and argued with Father Sammanasu, the Head of the Roman Catholic Church; he stood against her, but she won him over and earned his appreciation. She served there for many years, and when she died there, the person who did the last rites for her was Father Sammanasu!

Sastriar’s ‘middle’ son, Noah Gnanadhickam Sastriar also went to certain important places in South Tamil Nadu and preached the good news through songs. Most of the time each year, he would preach at the functions in the church and in the homes of the church by singing his father’s songs and expounding the word of God. At special functions, through Sastriar’s songs, he would bless people in the name of God and make them happy. Also, he used to go from house to house, talk to people about their welfare; visit the sick and pray with them and console them and help the poor people; and thus he gained the love and respect of the people of Thanjavur. Sastriar’s grandson, Jebamani Sastriar gave the title, ‘Sastriar’ that was given from generation to generation in the family, to Vedanandham Devasagayam, the only son of Noah Gnanadhickam Sastriar. Though working as a school teacher, Vedanandham Sastriar took great part in his father’s ministry during holidays and leisure and continued the ministry till the very end. It is his first son, Shem Vedanayaga Sastriar who has taken up the ministry of the forefathers and is serving in Thanjavur with much zeal. Vedanandha Sastriar’s second son was ordained as a Pastor and is serving the church as Rev. V. Gnanadhickam. Chennai’s first Bagavathar Vedanayaga Sastriar married Gnanagaram Ammal, the daughter of Gnanasigamony’s son, Vedamani Sastriar. He composed new lovely tunes for Sastriar’s songs and sang them with a team of people who were well versed in the art of music and impressed the people of all religions. He was totally involved in spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ right from his youth and travelled not only throughout India but also Burma (now Myanmar), Singapore and Malaysia, continuing his forefathers’ service of love. The Madras church congregation gave him the title, ‘Bagavathar’ and his maternal uncle, Jebamani Sastriar gave him the title, ‘Sastriar’ that comes from generation to generation, Therefore, it is indeed the gracious act of God that Vedanyaga Sastriar’s grandson, Jebamani Sastriar, knowing that his son who had been ordained as a Pastor could not take up his grandfather’s ministry, gave the ancestral title Sastriar to Bagavathar Vedanayagam, the son of his own sister, Navamaniammal. Though Jebamani Sastriar’s children and their descendants serve in their own way, it is the descendants of Bagavathar Vedanayaga Sastriar, who are spreading the ‘good news’ in the traditional Sastriar style and are doing this ministry meticulously as their vocation to Emmanuel (Immanuvelai velaiyaaga kumbittu) till this day. Bagavathar Vedanayaga Sastriar’s son, Jeyaseelan is the second Bagavathar Vedanayaga Sastriar. Just like his father, he preached the good news of Jesus Christ by preaching through songs throughout the country. Now his son is the third Bagavathar Vedanayaga Sastriar. On 15.12.1956, at the CSI Missionary Church in Purasawalkam, Chennai amidst a great crowd, he received the ancestral title, Sastriar and also the title and crown. This was given to him by Rev. J.G. Vedanayagam, son of Jebamani Sastriar, grandson of Vedanayaga Sastriar. For the past twenty years, he has been travelling not only in all parts of Tamil Nadu but also in Kerala, Karnataka and in North India and preaching that Jesus Christ, the Saviour is the true living God. He is an expert violinist and also sings beautifully along with other musicians. Just like his grandfather, he will sing Sastriar’s songs to the current tunes which people like nowadays and thus spreads the good news of the Bible in all the four directions through the

fragrant Tamil music. Recently, for eight months he served very powerfully in Malaysia and Singapore. He has the ability to clearly explain the uniqueness of Christ to non-Christians. The only goal of Vedanayaga Sastriar, who lived a great life, was to tell out the good news of Christ Jesus to the Tamil speaking world. It is indeed amazing that Vedanayaga Sastriar who was famous as one ‘who did not know any other song except that of the Lord of Lords (Paraparanaiyandri veru paatariyen) was, by God’s grace, able to use his own songs and explain the great truths of Christ’s death on the cross to redeem humankind. It’s a greater wonder that the descendants of Sastriar continue this ministry from generation to generation with the same goal in the traditional style. Today those who are following the way of the ancestors in proclaiming their Master call out to the people of the world, “Run and come, O People, run and come to Christ, O People” (Odi vaa janamay Christuvandai odi vaa janamay). They also tell them, “Sing and praise my heart; celebrate and praise the Lord every day” (Paadi thudhi manamay, paranai kondaadi thudhi manamay). They exclaim, “Won’t you hear this sound of the call to take part in the great festival of great Joy?!” Poem: Blessing of victory to the great Lord Jesus, Blessing of goodness to the triune God, the Alpha. (Seer yesu naadhanukku jeya mangalam Aadhi thiriyega naadhanukku suba mangalam)

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