Thirumoolar, the mystic yogi originally from the Himalayas is the author of the Tamizh work, the Thirumandiram. He himself says that he came to the south to meet with Agastiyar at the Podiyil mountain. He settled in Tiruvaduthurai in the 4-5th CenturyAD. His disciples compiled his utterances into the Thirumandiram of 3000 vachanas. These cover a variety of disciplines such as Vedas, Agamas, Sivapuranas, Siddhanta,Yoga, Siddoushada and Tantras. A contemporary of Patanjali he has more to say on Yoga than the latter. In his work one can get a glimpse of a time when Buddhism was not a separate discipline. We also see a time when Divinity was not compartmentalized. He says there is only one clan and indeed only one god.- Onrey Kulam, oruvaney deyvanumm. Anbe Sivam- Siva indeed is Love. His concept of Siva covers Saguna, Nirguna and in between where the individual or jeeva is. Siva, Paratparan and Nandi respectively therefore are all Siva depending on one's emphasis.

His thoughts on the panchakshara mantra are scattered throughout, however Chapters 3, 4 and 9 have sections specially devoted to this mantram in its mystical, symbolic, ritualistic as well as therapeutic aspects.

Ondravann thaaney irandavann ninnarul
Nindravann moondrinul naankunarnthaan aindu
Vendranann aaru virindanann yezhum
Purchendranann thaanirundaan unarndittey
V.1 of Thirumandiram

Indeed he is the One, known as the Two(Siva, Sakti). Stationed in the 3( Trimurtis, avasthatreya, jnanatreya etc). Awakened as the 4 (Vedas). Known as the 5 (panchabhutas, panchakshara). Blossoming as the 6 (shatchakras, shatdarshanas, shatmargas). Above the 7 (lokas), thus the awakening takes place of Him.

Aadiyumaai aranaai udallnindre
Vediyumai virindaarndirindaan
Aruljyothiyumaai surangaathathor thanmayull
Neethiyumaai nitthamaagi nindraaney.V.15

The remover of paasas that bind the pasu to himself and the world -Haran lives within us, in the most subtle form, in the core of our being. He is the Beginning. He opened himself up for our illumination through the Vedas. He is the Gracious Light that will awaken the truth in us. This truth or reality is one that will not change from time to time. He dispenses the justice that is unfathomable by us. Eternally he is.

Vaarey sivaaya namah sivaaya namah
Vaarey seybikill varumm peyr pirappillai
Vaarey arulaal valarr koothu kaanalaam
Vaarey seybikill varumm chembu ponney. V.905

The constant chanting of sivaaya namah will ensure the snapping of the birth- death cycle. The chanter can then see the world for what it is- the evermoving, growing exhuberant and ecstatic Divine dance. An alchemic change will happen to our personalities then, like copper turning to gold.

This is possible because our malas or intrinsic defilements such as karma and maayaa will be removed and finally his grace will distance even aanava that occurs with birth. This thought is further corroborated in the following. *Maayaa in Saiva siddhanta is not the illusion of Vedanta.

Aalayamaaga amarnda panchaakkaramm
Aalayamaaga amarnda vithoolamm poi
Aalayamaaga varihindre shookumumm
Aalayamaaga amarndirundaaney.V.919

Indeed the panchakshara is the abode for refuge. We shall move from the world of the gross, more and more into the subtle. We shall get closer and closer to his residence, when we chant constantly om namah sivaaya.

Aahindre sakkarathuley ezhuthaindep-
Paahondri nindre padangalil varthikkumm
Aahindre aimpathorezhuthul nindrakapp-
Paakondri nirkkum paraaparannthaaney. V.945

AH- with this began the Manifest. This is the chakra that unfolds as the 5 letters of the panchaksharam. Using this as the foundation all formations took place. All the Vedas and the Aagamas are here(V.965). Thus in the 51 letters consequentially formed, stands after all the One, Paraatparann, beyond the beyond.

Marayavanaaga madittha piravi
Marayavanaaga maditthida kaanpaar
Marayavann anjeyuthunneerkapetre
Marayavann anjeyuthaamuduvaagumey.V.940

This covetable birth was given to us, by the Lord of the Vedas. He gave it to us so that we too may become the Lord of the Vedas. He is intrinsic to the 5 letters. This is the mantra body of the Lord of the Vedas.

Kooriya sakkarthullezhumandiramm
Maariyalpaaga amainduvirindidumm
Theyriya anjudann seyrdezhumaarana
Maariyalpaaga maditthukolvaarkey.V.1285

Within the moolaadhaara chakra arises omkara. As it rises it expand into the 5 thus becoming the 6 lettered Om namah sivaaya. The chakra indicates movement (lack of stagnation) like a wheel as well as unfoldment, moving into expansive areas of wisdom. This is available to those who honour this mantram by using it well.

Atthisaikkullindre analai ezhuppiye
Atthisaikullindre navvayezhuthodinaal
Atthisaikullindre andamaraiyanai
Atthisaikullura vaakkinanthaaney.V.936

The mere repetition and listening to the drumming of the letter Na even by itself as positioned mentally on the muladhara can stir the fire of creation. That is where the Lord of the Vedas resides in the jeeva.

When the effort is made towards raising one by oneself then Sivasakti automatically notices or rather naturally takes notice. She facilitates the rising to the sahasrara. She initiates the Great Delight. Having done that the sadhak begins to naturally shine like a well -cut- gem.

Unnum marundum ulipili kaalamumm
Paanurukelviyumm paadalumai nirkumm
Vininndremarar virimbi adithozha
Yennindrezhutthanjumaahi nindraney V.968

The 5 letters serve as food as well as medicine. It stands for a time that never ends. This is the Melody to be heard. It is the Song that is to be sung. The celestials bend to his feet yearning fervently where he is, in the form of the 5 letters.

By repeating this mantram it is the Paratparan who will fill your being. You will not be cheated neither will you get soiled (v.980). This is the dhyaanam to be done. Nandi, the Siva that connects you from Siva- with- attributes to the Siva that is absolute is to be sought within your own frame. You need not follow any formalities for this is your all-consuming sadhana (v.978)

Kiranangall yezhumkilarndeyri pongi
Karanangalvittuyir thaanezhumbodu
Maranamkaivaithuyir matridummbodu
Maranamm kai kootuvadu anjeyutthamey. V.2702

When the senses fold and the pranaa is about to exit from the limbs, when Death places his hands on you as you leave, then it is said that all that is available to the dying entity are the 5 letters to which namaskar is done.

Namavenna naamatthai naavilodukki
Sivavenna naamatthai sinthayuleetru
Pavamadu theerum parishumatheytraal
Avamadi theerumm aarumm pirappendro. V.2717

The chant of Namah is to be enclosed within the tongue. The chant of Siva must be channeled to the region of thoughts. Purification takes place so Sansaar will cease to be. Defilements will be exhausted. There will be no more participation in the cycle of births.

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