Kayakalpa - Mantra 80

Sri Gurubhyo namaha.

The next mantra of the Thirumandiram talks about the years Thirumular spent in the physical body through Kayakalpa siddhi.

இருந்தேன் இக்காயத்தே எண்ணிலி கோடி

இருந்தேன் இராப்பகல் அற்ற இடத்தே

இருந்தேன் இமையவர் ஏத்தும் பதத்தே

இருந்தேன் என்நந்தி இணையடிக் கீழே. 8.5.80.

Countless Years In Mortal Body

Remained thus prisoned in mortal coil for ages beyond count;

Remained in space where day nor darkness is;

Remained in places where Devas offered praise,

Remained immutably fix't at Nandi's holy Feet and true. 8.5.80.

Com – Remained thus prisoned in mortal coil for ages beyond count I lived for an extraordinary (very long) period of time in this same physical body. Remained in space where day nor darkness is I remained in a state where there is neither day nor night, namely the state of Self illumination. Remained in places where Devas offered praise I remained fixed in a place which is worthy of the praise of even the Devas. Remained immutably fix't at Nandi's holy Feet and true I remained firmly seated (under) the holy feet of my Guru, Nandi (Siva).

* The comment that the author lived for a very long period in his physical body, hints at his achieving the Kayakalpa Siddhi – i.e. the absolute state of the physical body, where it is imperishable. The space where there is neither day nor darkness refers to the state where the solar and lunar nadis are powerless to operate. Here it is to be understood that the sun represents intellect and the moon represents feelings/sensation. Thus, it is the state of self illumination where the intellect and the feelings of the self are no longer operational. [For more details refer to mantra 1528]. Hence it is clear from the above mantra that the author remained fixed for countless years in his body, in the state of self illumination, seated under the feet of his Guru Nandi.