The Legacy of (Devanga) Veeraboga Vasantharayar's Palm Manuscripts

 

The history of the Devanga community is rich and rooted in the fabric of Tamil Nadu, with their primary occupation being handloom weaving. As the centuries passed, many Devangas settled across Tamil Nadu, including the well-known Ondipudur, a region close to Coimbatore. Despite the strong cultural and occupational bonds, unity within the community has sometimes been a challenge. Narasimha Chettiar, a weaver who transcended his humble roots and became a spiritual guide, poignantly addressed this issue. His writings, preserved in the palm leaf manuscript Veeraboga Vasantharayar Patthirikkai, provide profound insights into the reasons for this lack of unity and much more.

The Story of Narasimha Chettiar

About 144 years ago, Nagu Chettiar lived in Ondipudur with his two sons—Narasimha and Govinda Chettiar. Like most of his peers, Narasimha followed his hereditary profession of handloom weaving. However, a transformative experience was waiting for him. On the 27th day of the Tamil month of Aippasi, an impoverished woman dressed in a humble saree handed him a palm leaf (olai) and disappeared. From the moment Narasimha received this olai, he felt spiritually awakened. He began composing poems and recording his mystical insights on palm leaves.

The Mystical Palm Leaf Manuscripts

Narasimha Chettiar’s poems were not ordinary. They addressed future societal issues and provided guidance on how individuals should live for the welfare of all. Over time, he compiled his writings into what became known as the Veeraboga Vasantharayar Patthirikkai. His magnum opus, titled Brahmanda Purana, contained almost 400 palm leaf manuscripts that included prophetic visions of the future and a roadmap for how people, particularly in the Devanga community, should act to preserve harmony.

One of the key messages in these writings was the revelation that there would be divisions within the Devanga community due to a curse from Brahma, the creator. This curse, he explained, was the root cause of the disunity, foretelling the challenges that would plague the community. Narasimha Chettiar further predicted a future where weaving without looms would become common—a message symbolizing technological changes and shifts in traditional occupations.

The Spiritual Legacy Continues

The community around Narasimha Chettiar was deeply touched by his spiritual revelations. Devangas from Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, and surrounding areas sought his wisdom. Upon request, he created additional palm-leaf manuscripts, all signed under the banner of Veeraboga Vasantharayar Patthirikkai. After receiving widespread acclaim, Narasimha Chettiar achieved a spiritual union, and his final resting place is now revered as Samiyar Maedai. Devanga community members continue to visit this sacred site, particularly on two significant days every year—on Aippasi 27th and the day before the new moon in the month of Margazhi.

On these days, the sacred poems recorded by Narasimha Chettiar are read aloud from 10 AM to 1 PM, followed by a community feast (prasadam). Even today, Devangas from Tirupur, Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, and Coimbatore gather for these events, honoring the legacy of Narasimha Chettiar’s teachings.

The Timeless Teachings

One of Narasimha Chettiar’s most famous compositions begins with:

"Unmai ennum aathivadchai
Yaavarum panindu poatraar
Unmaiyaik kaanaar
Innum ulagalandhaathi vasthu
Nanmaiyaam pakkuvaththai
Naadiye manathul
Aindhai onnumaai nirka naadhan
Uru thiyai kaatuvaar."

This profound verse speaks about truth being an eternal principle few people truly revere or understand. It also reflects on the journey of seeking higher virtues and how, through devotion, a person can witness divine intervention. The philosophical depth in these poems reflects Narasimha Chettiar’s wisdom, transcending the everyday challenges of the community to provide timeless spiritual guidance.

Conclusion: A Call for Unity

The lessons passed down through the Veeraboga Vasantharayar Patthirikkai manuscripts are not just relics of the past but serve as a roadmap for addressing the present-day disunity within the Devanga community. Narasimha Chettiar’s writings, though grounded in the specifics of his time, speak to broader themes of unity, virtue, and the pursuit of truth. His teachings remind the community that the key to overcoming divisions lies within, through embracing truth and walking the path of righteousness as a united whole.