November 12, 2006

Last night, I dreamt that I was in the Thiruchendur Murugan temple seated amongst a group of devotees facing a black vigraham of Lord Murugan. He had his beautiful gold Vel in his right hand and was waiting for the priest to give him an abishekam. The devotees and I started to sing Kanthar Anubhuthi. While we were singing the first few verses, the priest beckoned me to come forth. He said [in Tamil],”I need you to help me do this abishekam.”

I replied [in Tamil],”But I need to sing with the devotees to Lord Murugan.”

The priest said [in Tamil],”You sing and help me at the same time. You can do both.”

“What do you want me to do?” I asked.

“Stand behind Murugan and hold him and his Vel tightly so that it doesn’t fall when I start the abishekam.” He replied.

As I stood (a bit taller than the statue) holding Murugan and His Vel, the priest started to do the abishekam. Instead of starting the abishekam by pouring the water on Murugan, He first poured it on my head and then proceeded down to pour it on Murugan. I remember looking at my veshti which became all soaked in yellow (manjal thani) water. My veshti turned dark orange color. I just kept singing in my mind within myself Kanthar Anubhuthi and holding Murugan and His Vel tightly while the priest continued to pour — on Murugan and Me — lots and lots of water and other herbs and fragrances during the abishekam. As I was holding Murugan around his waist close to my body, though it was a statue that I was holding, it didn’t feel like one. I felt its warmth and softness just like a real person’s body! It was an amazing experience that I am not able to fully describe it in words. I then awoke.