The paths are many - mantra 45

Sri gurubhyo namaha.

The forty fifth mantra of the Thirumandiram, describing the different paths to attain Siva depending on the inner competency of the devotee.

விதிவழி அல்லதுஇவ் வேலை உலகம்

விதிவழி இன்பம் விருத்தமும் இல்லை

துதிவழி நித்தலும் சோதிப் பிரானும்

பதிவழி காட்டும் பகலவ னாமே. 45.

Divine Path

Except by Fate He decrees this sea-girt world revolves not,

Except by Fate He decrees do joys and age arrive not,

Daily pray to the Light Effulgent;

The Divine Path He'll prove, the Sure Sun He'll be. 45.

Com - Except by Fate He decrees this sea-girt world revolves not This earth, surrounded by the oceans, cannot revolve and function as it does, independent of the wishes of Siva – but only through His command and support. Except by Fate He decrees do joys and age arrive not The joys and wealth (bogam) that we enjoy in this world are not contrary to His wish, as the world functions through His wish alone. Daily pray to the Light Effulgent Siva, who is the very embodiment of Light, is to be approached by continuous prayer. The Divine Path He'll prove, the Sure Sun He'll be When so approached, He proves to be the path to liberation (Mukti) as Sivasuryan – Siva as the sun, illuminating and witnessing all.

* By the first two lines, the doctrine of Kriya margaa (path of right action) is set forth. The third line sets out the Jnyana margaa (path of knowledge). The last line touches on the Mukti margaa (path of liberation) - Each of the above mentioned paths are intended to suit sadhakas of varying competency. The sage points out that there are different methods to reach Siva which suit people of different calibre. Though the streams and rivers that arise with the rain are many, it is but a sure thing that they all empty finally into the ocean. Siva is like that ocean, all encompassing and the only final receptacle of all.