The Ramalinga Adigal Mantra is associated with the 19th-century Tamil saint Ramalinga Adigal, also known as Vallalar, who propagated the path of compassion (arul) and the realization of the Supreme Light (Arut Perum Jothi). The primary mantra is "Arut Perum Jothi Arut Perum Jothi," which is a direct invocation of the divine light. According to the Tiruvarutpa, the collection of Vallalar's hymns, this mantra is considered a means to attain liberation (mukti) and divine grace.
The mantra does not derive from Vedic or classical Tantric texts but is revealed through Vallalar's own spiritual experience, as recorded in the Arut Perum Jothi texts. The beej-akshara (seed syllable) is not explicitly present, but the repetition of "Arut Perum Jothi" functions as a potent name-mantra, emphasizing compassion (arul) and light (jothi). Phonetically, the mantra's rhythm and resonance are designed to calm the mind and align the practitioner with the universal light.
Traditional purposes include cultivating compassion, dissolving ego, and experiencing the divine light within. Chanting is recommended daily, preferably at dawn or dusk, with a minimum of 108 repetitions using a rudraksha or sphatika mala. The ritual setting is simple: facing east, lighting a lamp, and meditating on the flame as a symbol of Arut Perum Jothi.
No strict cautions are given, but the practitioner should approach with sincerity and a compassionate heart. The mantra is central to the Vallalar tradition, which emphasizes love for all beings and the direct experience of light as the ultimate reality.
The Supreme Light of Grace, the Supreme Light of Grace.