Secrets of the Siththars – Theetchai: An Introduction - Agathiyar

*Theetchai - initiation of a person by a guru into a religious customs

           This word theetchai or theekkai has got a great importance in the guru disciple tradition. The word theetchai means to purify and increase the quality. Anyone beyond six years is eligible to attain theetchai. We can find evidences of this theetchai in the Vedas also. In this post we shall see about the theetchai in the tradition of the Siththars.

            The Siththars believed that by protecting their body from getting spoiled they can do many special acts. In our life with search and clarifications, in every stage we need the guidance of the guru. The guidance and advice of the guru in each of these stages is considered as theetchai.

          Agathiyar in his 'Agathiyar Panniru Kaandam' and 'Agathiyar Kaaviyam' has written about these theetchai. He introduces the theetchai in the following way.

"தயவான தீட்சைவிதிக் காதிகாப்பு

thayavaana theetchaivithik kaathikaappu

தான்பாட வாராய்ந்து தெளிந்துபார்த்து

thaanpaada vaaraainthu thelinthupaarththu

செயலான முப்பதி ரெண்டுதீட்சை

seyalaana muppathi rendutheetchai

சித்தி செய்த பேர்க்கெல்லாம் ஞானம்சித்தி

 siththi seytha paerkkellaam gnanamsiththi

சுகமான பாவவினை அற்றுப்போகும்

sugamaana paavavinai atruppoagum

சோதிசிவ பாதமதைக் காணலாகும்

soathisiva paathamathaik kaanalaagum

நயமாக எந்தனுக்கு உபதேசித்த

nayamaaga enthanukku ubathaesiththa

நற்குமரன் திருவருளே தீட்ட்சைக்காப்பு

narkumaran thiruvarulae theetchaikkaappu."

- அகத்தியர் (Agathiyar)

           He says that he is going to tell about the 32 theetchais after a research and clarification. He also says that those who realize this and achieves success will attain wisdom and get rid of sins.  Also they will get the a chance to see the feet of Lord Siva. He says that these were told to him by Lord Muruga.