| Thaaymaanavar Temple (Image Credit: Sriram) |
This morning, as I set off for work, I had no inkling that I was about to be engulfed in a touching story that would upend my assumptions and leave a lasting impression on my soul.
As I settled into my seat on the 7:30 electric multiple unit (EMU), I found myself captivated by the presence of a Kinner, a member of the transgender community, elegantly navigating through the train carriage. She was delicately tying rakhis to the wrists of travelers. At first, doubt took hold, making me question if this was merely a ploy to obtain money. Yet, when she reached my seat, I felt compelled to express my worries.
I hesitated, trying to articulate my concerns, but before I could voice them, she had already adorned my forehead with a sacred tikka. She met my gaze with steadfast sincerity and assured me, “No need to worry, I won’t ask for anything in return.” In that moment, her reassurances dissolved my doubts, and a sincere smile naturally spread across my face. Thus began our dialogue.
We explored various subjects, ranging from films and web series to the remarkable journey of Gauri Sawant. During our conversation, Ragahav sent me a picture from a temple in Tiruchirappalli. It was at this moment that my newfound companion, Lakshmi, identified the temple of Thaaymaanavar.
Lakshmi explained its significance, stating, “Thaaymaanavar translates to ‘He who became Mother,’ a title attributed to Lord Shiva.”
As our EMU journey continued on Indian Railway Time, she began sharing the tale of Thaaymaanavar. She cleared her throat and adjusted her floral sari.
Long ago, in a village beside the beautiful river Kaveri, there resided a devoted mother and her daughter, Rathnavathi. Both were passionate worshippers of Lord Shiva, their devotion unwavering. Rathnavathi ultimately married and relocated across the river to her husband’s household, yet the connection between them remained strong. They regularly visited one another, traversing the river by boat
One fateful day, Rathnavathi joyfully announced that she was expecting her first child. The family buzzed with excitement as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the little one.
“Amma,” Rathnavathi said with heartfelt gratitude, “I’m so grateful you will be here to support my delivery!”
As time progressed, Rathnavathi’s pregnancy advanced, and the weather turned tumultuous. Then, the moment arrived. Labor pains began to consume Rathnavathi, and she urgently called for someone to bring her mother. She desperately wished for Amma’s timely arrival to assist.
Outdoors, the skies opened up, showering the town with torrential rain. Rathnavathi’s cries pierced through the storm. Her contractions escalated, yet her mother was nowhere to be seen.
In desperation, Rathnavathi shouted, “I need my mother now!” Before long, she whispered a frantic prayer.
Suddenly, a calming voice caressed her ear, saying, “Your mother has arrived.”
A wave of relief washed over her. Rathnavathi felt as if her mother had braved the storm just to be by her side. The soothing presence of her mother eased her pain.
“I have arrived, my dear. Everything will be okay now,” her mother comforted her.
In the throes of the storm, Rathnavathi welcomed a healthy baby, the room echoing with the cries of the infant. Both mother and child were well and safe.
Filled with gratitude, Rathnavathi turned to her mother, tears of joy streaming down her face, “Thank you, Amma, for arriving just in time. I could not have done this without you!”
Soon after, a knock resonated at the door, and someone stepped inside. Rathnavathi found it hard to believe her eyes. It was her real mother!
Overwhelmed by confusion, Rathnavathi turned toward the woman who had helped her deliver, but she had mysteriously vanished.
“I regret not being here sooner,” her mother spoke, her tone laced with sadness. “The river was raging, preventing any boats from crossing. I made my way as soon as it was safe.”
Stunned, Rathnavathi was at a loss, her mind grappling with the enigmatic events that had transpired.
“If you’ve only just arrived, who was here before you?” she asked, stuttering.
The town buzzed with the mystery of the extraordinary woman, but no one could identify her. She had disappeared, leaving behind only her divine essence.
Then, an epiphany struck like a lightning bolt.Lord Shiva himself had taken the form of Rathnavathi’s mother to facilitate the delivery.
Lakshmi concluded, “From that moment forth, he was revered as ‘Thaaymaanavar.’ He who became Mother.
On my journey back in the evening, I could not spot Lakshmi anywhere, yet her narrative of Thaaymaanavar lingered in my thoughts. It served as a reminder that divinity transcends all barriers, including those of gender. Many people turn to a male deity to pray for the safe delivery of their daughters.