Swami Mudaliandan was the foremost disciple of Swami Ramanuja. Mudaliandaan is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Rama Himself. Lord Rama was so pleased with Adiseshan’s service to him as Lakshmana that he wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, He bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan and himself as Krishna. Adiseshan incarnated as Swami Ramanuja , and LORD Rama became his daasan. ( Daasarathe his original thirunamam) .
Once, while serving Swami Ramanuja inside a temple Andaan expressed his anxiety about blessing him with a progeny to continue services to Asmath Acharyar and his mission . During the conversation , Swamy Ramanuja received maha prasadam from the temple which was covered with a garment (Kandadai – Gandam + aadai – a piece of cloth with fragrance) worn by Lord’s thirumeni (Lord’s archamurthy).
Swami Ramanuja indicated to MudaliAndaan about the auspicious happening and told him he would be blessed with a progeny soon. In due course , a son was born to Andaan. Thus, Andaan vamsam (family) were called Kandadayar family. It is said that a whole street [north mADa street] in Srivilliputthur bears the name ‘kandadaiyar vithi’, to signify the importance of the illustrious family.
Kandadai Aandan appeared during Kumba (Maasi) Punarpoosam day for rendering faultless service to bhaagavathaas. He appeared at Sri Rangam and under the care of Swami Ramanuja. His father was his Shiksha guru who taught him Vedas, Sastras and Divya Prabhandam.
Swami Kandadai Andan pleased his Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja and sought his permission to install an idol replica of him at his appearance place (Sriperumbudur) for the benefit of all the future generation.
Swamy Ramanujar granted his disciple request. At once Andan summoned a sculptor and advised him to make a replica of his Acharyar “Swamy Ramanujar” in his then advanced age. He invited Acharyar to grace the thirumeni of Swamy Ramanujar . Swamy Ramanujar was pleased with his devotion and embraced the deity . Placing all his grace and all the mercy in that idol, he told Andan to install it on the day of Guru Pushyam.
With due respect, Andan carried the deity to Sriperumbudur with all the paraphernalia and installed on the day nominated by Swamy Ramanujar. While this was being done at Sriperumbudur at Sri Rangam , Swamy Ramanujar felt that his strength was draining out and wondered why was it happening . He then recollected and understood the reason .He sent out a message to invite Andan to report to him at Sri Rangam.
On receipt of the communication Kandadai Andan reached Sri Rangam and prostrated before Swamy Ramanujar. Swamy Ramanujar advised Kandadai Andan to peform his final rites and also to install his idol at the place where his body was laid to final rest.
As ordered ,Swami Ramanujar’s utsavar thirumeni was installed by Kandadai Aandan at Sri Rangam. He also commanded “ Swamy Ramanujar Mahotsavam “ to be performed on his appearance day “Thiruvadhirai day” forever, by succeeding generations.
Swami Kandadai Andan was also glorified as Ramanuja Dasar.
vaadhoolaanvaya vaartheendhum shreemad dhaasharathe sutham |
vedhaan thadhvaya nishnaandham vandhe raamaanujam gurum ||
mesha Punarvasudhinae daasarathi hamsa sambhavam |
yatheendra paadhukaapikyam vandhe daasarathim gurum ||
Kumbhey Punarvasou jaadham Ramanuja gurum bhaje |
Agaroth yathiraajaarchaam Range boothapurae saya: ||
kazhiyur varadan's blog 
Hare krishna!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Please accept my humble obeisances!
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful articles on kazhiyurvaradanblog.in. Your work is truly a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and historical insights, and I deeply appreciate the effort you put into preserving and sharing these invaluable teachings.
Most recently, I had the fortune of reading “Swamy Kandadai Andaan’s Service to Jagadacharya Swami Ramanuja,” and I was immensely inspired by the profound dedication and service exemplified in the article. It stirred within me a deep desire to serve my Guru with greater sincerity and devotion. Thank you for bringing such enriching narratives to light.
With all humility, I would like to share a small feedback regarding the font style used in the articles. I found that the all-caps format made it a bit challenging to read. If possible, a diacritic-friendly font might enhance readability while preserving the beauty of the script. This is just a humble suggestion, and I completely respect your choice of presentation.
Once again, I extend my sincere appreciation for your service in sharing the glorious history of our Acharyas. May Lord Sriman Narayana continue to bless you with the strength and inspiration to keep illuminating the path for many seekers.
Dasosmi,
Harikirtan
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