Am seeker of true knowledge , aspiring to serve and share the divine pastimes of Lord and HIS devotees . Interested in meeting devotees and love traveling to all holy places . Major interest is to interact with devotees and be of some use to the world in spreading Lord's divine play .
This blog which has crossed over 1 million hits is an attempt of knotting a garland of priceless pearls from Sri vaishnava Divya desam .....Divya leelai .. .......and Divyaanubhuthee shared by zillions of hari bhaktaas .
More than 1.3 million devotees have visited the blog and many more are visiting ...
Though Adiyen is neither competent or qualified in sharing this elixir of spiritual world , out of abundant mercy from Asmath Acharyar His Holiness Sri Sri MudaliAnddan swamigal , adiyen is attempting to reproduce the same which is done purely by the grace of AchAryar and the Lordships by hearing from various advanced devotees .
Am like a bee collecting the nectar from sacred flowers and posting the same in this honey comb blog ..
There can be few photographs which would have been uploaded from google images to practically have the feel of the holy place and be of some service to the devotees .
In case the owner of the pictures /images, videos has any objections for this adiyen shall remove the same .
If any of the images presented here violates copyright issues or infringes anyone copyright or are not under "Fair use" the same shall be removed ASAP .
Anything erroneous in adiyens post is completely my fault/ignorance and anything noteworthy goes to the spiritual masters . Any faults are solely due to my poor understanding and seek pardon for my poor expression .
All the divine pastimes shared are from the lectures and the ones shared by several advance devotees .
All the compliments and praise belong to the great Spiritual masters for their mercy on adiyen ( your servant ) to share and re share in this blog to remain that bliss always ......
Seeking your blessings in this small service of sharing the divine posts ..
Jai Sriman Narayana
Adiyen kazhiyur varadan Ramanuja dasan
IMPORTANT
1) Material posted in this blog are just for information purpose and spreading awareness. Few divine pastimes shared in discourses about the holy place is being re shared which are subject to mistakes or discrepancies with time .
Kindly , don't be offensive and don't post any aggressive or illegitimate comments on the blogs due to the differences in opinions.
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3) This blog may contain inaccurate, incorrect and clerical errors.
Adiyen do not warrant nor assure the accuracy/correctness/completeness of the materials/articles or the reliability of any advice, opinion, comment or other information displayed or distributed through this blog .
4) We are in the service of spreading the divine pastimes of LORD and HIS devotees Please correct adiyen in any shortcomings for improvements .
King Veerasikhamani was one of the disciple of Swamy Parasara bhattar . He used to personally come to Srirangam and have darshan of Lord Ranganathar and his Acharyar Swamy Parasara Bhattar . Due to preoccupation with the state matters , he arrived to Srirangam after few months . He was feeling guilty and sad for […]
Originally posted on kazhiyur varadan’s blog: Swamy Ramanuja along with his disciples proceeded on a pilgrimage to divyadesams glorified by Azhwars . He reached Thirunagari the holy place where Swamy Nammazhwar appeared .He prostrated the Lordships at Sri Aadhinathar swamin. Later proceeded towards Thirukolur with the thirst to serve the Lordships who were glorified…
Originally posted on kazhiyur varadan’s blog: THE GLORY OF THIRUKUROGOOR ( ALWAR THIRUNAGREE) The holy place Alwar Thirunagari is located in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu. Those were the days when our most respected Azhwar , Swami Nammazhwar was meditating near the southern banks of the holy Tambaraparani river . There was a yogi…
Originally posted on kazhiyur varadan’s blog: Acharyar Varadaguru the revered Acharya had the deepest bhakti to Lord Varadaraja. At Kanchipuram , one evening Varadaguru was serving ” LORD” in an ecstatic mood. As a part of the regular service , the temple priest brought very hot milk to the Lord as offering…
Swamy Mudumbai Nambee Ananthacharya was one amongst the 74 Simhadipathees nominated by Jagathacharyar Swamy Ramanuja . Swamy Ananthacharyar belonged to the illustrious family of the great srivaishnava stalwarts Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar and Vadakku Thiruvidhi pillai . . During 1360 , Swamy Ananthacharyar was blessed with a son who was named as Hasthagiri Ananthar Anna being ardent […]
In Srimad Bhagavatha Mahapurana as part of a discussion between King Nimi and sage Karabhajana the advent of the Srivaishnava Azhwars appearance in the Kali age is revealed . ” In the Kali age men devoted to Lord Sriman Narayana will be born in large numbers near the Dravida territory where in the rivers Tamaraparni, […]
Srimathey Ramanujaya namah Sri Kumudavalli sametha Thirumangai Azhwar Thiruvadigaley saranam Sri Aravindavalli Nayika sametha Sri Badri Narayanaya namah : —————————————————————— Saptha BAdri are a a group of seven temples dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu which are located in the Garhwal Himalayas. (Some consider ARdha Badri as one of the Sapta Badri and omit Narsing Badri) […]
Offering humble obeisances to the revered Acharyas born in the sacred lineage of the Nallan Chakravarthy race, one begins to realize that this is not merely a family history, but a divine spiritual heritage deeply woven into the fabric of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya.
The Nallan Chakravarthy lineage belongs to the illustrious Srivatsa Gothra, one of the most exalted among Vedic lineages. The greatness of this gothra lies in the rare distinction that it has five Gothra Pravarthakas (prominent sages who propagated the lineage) — a distinction possessed by very few lineages.
These five revered sages are: Bhargava Chyavana Apnavana Ourva Jamadagni
This sacred lineage traces itself back to the great sage Brighu Maharishi, one of the mind-born sons of Lord Brahma himself. From this divine succession came Sage Jamadagni, whose son was none other than Lord Parasurama, the powerful incarnation of Sriman Narayana who descended to restore Dharma.
Thus, the Srivatsa Gothra became eternally sanctified by the birth of an Avatar of the Lord Himself.
The story of how this sacred race received the title “Nallan” is one of compassion, dharma, and divine approval. During the time following the great Acharya Nathamuni, there lived a noble Srivaishnava named Sri Vatsya Varadacharya, belonging to the Srivatsa Gothra.
One morning, while bathing in the river Vedavathi near Kanchipuram, he saw the lifeless body of a Srivaishnava floating in the flood waters. Seeing the sacred marks of a Paramaikanti Vaishnava on the body, he compassionately brought it ashore and performed the final rites, even though he did not know the identity of the deceased. However, the orthodox society of Kanchi misunderstood his act and socially boycotted him for performing funeral rites for an unknown person.
Soon afterward came the annual shraddha ceremony of his father. None of the townspeople came to assist him. Standing alone yet unwavering in faith, Sri Varadacharya prayed sincerely to the presiding deities
Lord Devaraja of Kanchi Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam Lord Venkatesa of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Moved by his devotion, the three Lords themselves appeared disguised as Srivaishnavas and participated in the ceremony.
Later, when the priests tried to conduct worship in Kanchi temple, Lord Devaraja refused to accept the worship and declared
“He may be Pollan (bad) to you, but he is Nallan (good) to Me.” From that divine declaration onward, Sri Varadacharya became known as “Nallan”, and his descendants proudly inherited the title.
The second great title, “Chakravarthy,” arose from a miraculous defense of the supremacy of Lord Venkateshwara as Vishnu Himself.
Long ago, the emperor Thondaman was blessed by Lord Venkateswara with the divine Chakra and Sankha to defeat evil forces. These insignias remained away from the deity for centuries.
During the time of Ramanuja, a major controversy erupted in Tirumala. Certain Saivites argued that Lord Venkateswara was not Vishnu because the deity did not visibly bear the Chakra and Sankha. Sri Ramanuja defended the truth through scriptures and proposed a divine test
The symbols of Vishnu (Chakra and Sankha) and the symbols of Siva would be placed before the deity overnight. The sanctum would be sealed. Whatever insignia the Lord accepted would reveal His true identity.
The next morning, when the sanctum was opened, Lord Venkateswara was adorned with the Chakra and Sankha, establishing beyond doubt that He was Sriman Narayana.
Yet some opponents remained unconvinced and sought military help from the king of Srikalahasti. At this critical moment, Nallan Sri Vatsya Varadacharya rose to defend the sanctity of Tirumala.
He quoted extensively from the Puranas and scriptures, explaining the supreme holiness of the Tirumala hills and the glory of Swami Pushkarini.
To test the truth, the Kalahasti king placed a red-hot iron horse before the temple and declared..
“If your claim is true, ride this horse unharmed.”
None dared.
Then Nallan Varadacharya bathed in Swami Pushkarini, prayed fervently to Lord Venkatesa, and mounted the burning iron horse. By the grace of the Lord, he rode around the temple unharmed.
All stood astonished.
Lord Venkateswara Himself, through the temple archaka, conferred upon him the glorious title
“Chakravarthy”
From that day onward, his descendants became celebrated as the
Nallan Chakravarthy race.
The Nallan Chakravarthy lineage became one of the most respected lineages within the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Many agraharams across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were historically populated by members of this race for centuries.
The lineage produced numerous saints, scholars, ascetics, and Acharyas. Among the greatest personalities were
1. Sri Ranga Ramanuja Maha Desikar Popularly known as Kethanda Petti Swamy, he established a branch of the Munithraya Sampradaya and became a revered spiritual master with many ascetic disciples
2. Virakthi Raghavachariar Swamy A great saint and mantra siddha renowned for his realization of the sacred Ashtakshara mantra.
3. Lakshmipuram Srinivasacharya Swamy A distinguished Sanskrit scholar and Dharmadhikari of the Mysore palace who authored works including Nallan Chakravarthy Vaibhavam.
The lineage also held an honored place among the 74 Simhasanadhipathis established by Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja for the propagation of Sri Vaishnavism.
The greatness of the Nallan Chakravarthy race is not merely hereditary. Its true glory lies in the unwavering devotion to Sriman Narayana, fearless defense of Dharma, compassion toward devotees,strict adherence to Acharya sampradaya, and readiness to sacrifice social acceptance for righteousness.
Their history shines as an example of how divine grace descends upon those who uphold truth with humility and courage. The name “Nallan Chakravarthy” therefore stands not only for a lineage, but for a sacred legacy of bhakti, acharya nishta, and kainkaryam that continues to inspire generations of Sri Vaishnavas even today.
The above text has been made in consultations with advanced devotees and Swamy Nallan Chakravarthy descendants.
Any errors in the text may be pardoned and any additional information may please be informed for updation .
In the service of the great Acharya Sri Nallan Chakravarthy
Srimathey Ramanujaya namah 🙏
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics and videos
Courtesy : Google images
Videos : Uploaded by several devotees in social media
30.4.2026 is the most auspicious day as is the Appearance day of Madhurakavi Azhwar …………………..
Swamy Ananthazhwan …………………
and Acharyar Nadadoor Ammal
Let us recollect their devotion to Acharyar and the great Lordships on this wonderful day .
Acharyar Varadaguru the great Acharya had the deepest bhakti to Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram One night when he was serving ” LORD” in an ecstatic mood, the priest brought very hot milk to the Lord as offering .
Acharyar Varadaguru was deeply distressed that such hot milk would burn the tender tongue of the Lord! He stopped the priest from offering the hot milk and began cooling it down until it was warms enough to be offered.
The Lord himself was moved by the Vatsalya bhava of Varadaguru and called him ‘Amma’ – my mother!
From then onwards Varadaguru became Nadadoor Ammal.
After this episode, in a dream one night, Lord Varadaraja commanded Ammal to erect a Mantapam for His Vasantotsavam.
Accordingly Ammal fulfilled the Lord’s desire, just as a mother would fulfill the wishes of her son in spite of difficulties.
Another glorious pastime remains to be cherished .
Once Ammal and his disciples undertook a pilgrimage to Tirumalai hills.
The graceful personality and humility of Acharyar attracted the people there..
A Chieftain Kandavaran was the leader of that Lada race .
He was annoyed and irritated to see the crowd falling the the feet of Acharyar.
He decided to disturb them.
With his mantric power he made the disciples unconscious.
Ammal meditated and chanted the Sudarsana maha mantra and his own composition ‘Hetipungavastotram’ and broke the spell.
The angry Kandavaran called Ammal for a debate and when defeated surrendered to the Acharya himself.
The benevolent guru not only excused him but also made him a Srivaishnava by offering him Panchasamskaras.
With the money offered by Kandavaran, Ammal established a beautiful village and named it ‘Ladagraharam’ and continued his journey.
On the way, the Lord himself came as a young brahmachari and appeased the hunger of the pilgrims with curd and rice.
At the same time, there was a big commotion in the temple as the silver vessel with the naivedyam had suddenly disappeared.
Lord Venkateswara Himself announced to the temple authorities that He Himself fed his dear Ammal and his disciples and that they should receive Ammal with all temple honours who will be arriving shortly .
Swami Engalazhwan was Acharya of Nadathur Ammal , who was the direct disciple of Thirukkurukaippiran Pillan . All glories to our Acharyar
Acharya Nadadoor Thiruvadigale sharanam
Let us cherish the great devotee and most revered disciple of Swamy Ramanuja ………………….
Ananthazhwan vaibhavam now
The sacred TIRUMALA Hills consisting of seven peaks is considered to be seven-hooded. Blessed are the devotees who are fortunate to have his darshan .
There are countless devotees who have served the LORD since ages .
One such great devotee was Swamy Ananthazhwan an ardent disciple of Swamy Ramanuja .
As per Swamy Ramanuja’s directives he served the LORD few hundred years ago .There are several pastimes of Swamy Anathazhwan with Lord Srinivasa .
One divine pastime is memorable as Lord himself accepts to become Swamy Anathazhwans disciple .
Knowing about the initiatives taken by Swamy Anathazhwan in organising the temple rituals with religious fervor few devotees decided to trek the hills and have darshanam of Lord and seek the blessings of his dear devotee too .
The Srivaishnavites were walking from Srirangam and it was a very long journey .While ascending the Hills, coming from they were feeling tired and had to take some rest .
Completely exhausted they were perplexed how could they complete their pilgrimage. All of a sudden a young lad appeared before them .
The boy was appearing with divine tejas .
With srivaishna Urdhva pundram he was almost looking like vamana avatara brahmachari .
He offered his humble obeisances and said .
Oh swamins !
Adiyen has brought some temple prasada for all of you .Kindly honor the same and please feel comfortable .
The srivaishnavites being orthodox were initially impressed with the divine boy However one Elder person among the group wanted him to introduce his lineage and his Acharyar whom he was initiated .
The divine lad he was , smiled at the simple question .
He proudly replied that his name was Madhurakavidasa and his Acharyar was Swamy Anathazhwan who is serving Lord in all ways .
It was his Acharyars instructions , he had walked down the sacred hills to handover the prasada coming to know about their visit .
He further expressed that the Prasada was coming directly from the temple which was handed over to him by Swamy Anathazhwan to be given to them .
A bit surprised , the elders said ..
Oh swamin ……
Its nice to know about your association to Swamy Anathazhwan .
But we wish to hear from you about his glories .
Can we hear your swamys Thanian ? as this a custom for the srivaishnavas to recite their Acharyars glories in the form of Thanians .
The divine boy majestically recited the thanian about Swamy Anathazhwan in the seven hills which vibrated
(I bow to Acharya Ananthazhvan, who is the repository of knowledge, mercy and wisdom, the one Acharyar who removes ignorance and is eminently eligible for surrender by disciples)
They liked the divine lads confident answer .
However the Srivaishnavas then questioned the youngster how his taniyan made no reference to Ananthazhvan’s relation to Swamy Ramanuja.
The divine boy smiled and replied Swamins !
Actually there are two Thaniyans in praise of adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ananthazhvan, one referring to the glory of his divine personality and another referring to his connection with Swamy Ramanuja.
And please listen to the second verse of the Thanian ‘Srimath Ramanujacharya Sripadamboruhadvayam Sathutha manga sandaryam Anantharyamaham Bhaje..
( I prostrate before adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ananthalvan who is the lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja and who is worshipped by Srivaishnavas all over the earth )
The Srivaishnavas were convinced that the divine boy was a true disciple of Swamy Ananthalvan . They honoured the prasada with relish .
They thanked the boy for his affection and love and blessed him .
The divine boy took leave of them and ascended the Hills welcoming them to join him . Slowly, the Srivaishnavas ascended the Hills and walked into Swamy Anathazhwans ashram .
Swamy Anathazhwan was overjoyed to receive the guests from Srirangam .
They offered their obeisances and thanked him for the kind courtesy in sending the maha prasada down to the Hills They appreciated the young boy for his kindness and hospitality .
They praised the boys intellect and kindness and expressed their gratefulness to Swamy Ananthazhvan for having sent prasada through one of his bright young disciples.
Swamy Ananthalvan was bewildered. Amazed to note the divine leela , he was in total dark .
He realised that it was his LORD who took the pains to walk down with the mahaprasada to his devotees .
With tears , he wished to know about the divine lad .The Srivaishnavas explained about the divine glow the boy exhibited .
His majestic recitation of the Thanians was memorable ..
The boy was so down to earth serving the prasada They informed that the boy introduced himself as Madhurakavidasa and had recited two slokas in his praise and as they were just trekking behind him up to the hills safely .
They said that the boy went inside the temple citing some pending works.Swamy Anathazhwan pleaded them to recite the verses the boy had sung ..
They recited the two verses before Swamy Ananthazhvan.
The entire assembly was wonder struck. Swamy Anathazhwan was in tears .
They realised that the Lord had declared himself as Ananthalvan’s disciple and had chosen the name Madhurakavidasa
.Even though there were so many other Acharyas the second verse showed that it was Ananthazhvan who could be fittingly considered equal to the Lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja.
Since then the paduka (sathari) at the shrine of Swamy Ramanuja sanctorium up the Hills came to be known as Ananthazhvan since then the two verses became famous as the Thaniyans in praise of Swamy Ananthazhvan….
Swamy Ananthazhvan thiruadigale sharanam
Our next great Acharyar is Madhurakavi (meaning in sanskrit the sweet poet ) who appeared at a holy place in Thirukolur, Tamilnadu
Once Madhurakavi Azhwar undertook an pilgrimage to Ayodhya.
He was very moved by the beauty of deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana & Anjaneya and decided to stay in Ayodhya for sometime.
During his stay, one night he saw a bright light in the sky emitting from the southern direction .
He couldn’t comprehend if it was a bright star, a forest fire or anything else.
Amazed with the strange happening , he decided to follow the light and see it for himself. Unmindful walking long distances , he followed the light .
After days of voyage, he finally reached Azhwarthirunagari a remote village and the light suddenly disappeared .
He was surprised at the phenomenon.
He enquired from the villagers about anything strange happening in their village assuming the dazzling light could have some prophecy too .
The villagers replied in negative, but expressed that a boy has been meditating under a Tamarind tree for past 16 years without even opening his eyes.
He had crawled to the tree as a baby 16 years back and remained in the tree thereafter.
Madhurakavi Azhwar was amazed with the villagers expression .He decided to see the child for himself.
Azhwar goes close as near to the tree and finds the divine child with tejas .
Eyes closed and meditating the boy was glowing with radiance which was what he saw at Ayodhya .
The place was filled with divine aura and true the boy was looking too divine as much as Lordships themselves .. Azhwar attempts to question the divine boy about what is True knowledge and gets convinced with his instant replies .
He immediately accepts the divine boy who is none other than our great Swamy Nammazhwar as his ACHARYAN Sri Madurakavi AzhwAr becomes an ardent disciple of NammAzhwAr and serves him with utmost devotion .
With all humility he submits the 11 verses of the grand KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu glorifying his Acharyan Swamy NammAzhwAr / Sri SaTakOpar with all humility equating to Lordships . A devotee can dwell and enjoy these verses for ages on the divine works of Madhura kavi AzhwAr’s grand …..
“KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu” .
Azhwar declared in this Prabhandham “tEvu maRRariyEn”
( I do not know of any God other than my AchAryan, Swamy NammAzhwAr).
After NammAzhwAr departed from this earthly world to srivaikuntam , MadhurakaviAzhwAr was worshipping deity of Swamy NammAzhwAr with deep devotion which he consecrated and performed ThiruvarAdhanA and uthsavams in his honour.
Impressed by Swamy NammAzhwAr’s works he wanted to stage NammAzhwAr’s works in front of other scholars .
Azhwar used to contemplate on the divine knowledge shared by Acharyar .
Vaikaasi visaakam the appearance day of Swamy NammAzhwar was celebrated in a grand manner .
One particular year, when Swami Madhurakavi azhwar was taking azhwar’s deity in a procession during the celebrations, few poets from Madurai Thamizh Sangam objected to Swami Madhurakavi azhwar and said .
“Oh! Madhurakavi!!
You are worshiping Nammazhwar who is a just a ordinary devotee not Perumal and reciting verses glorifying him
..Are those verses “sangam” certified? and authenticated by the great Madurai Tamil Sangam as “ the original and of the highest quality”? …
and is he really qualified enough to translate the Vedas into tamil ”?
Azhwar was completely disappointed hearing these critics .
He politely went to Azhwar’s sannidhi and pleaded “Azhweer!!
These people are objecting to adiyen’s only kainkaryam which is my only purpose of life ..Please do something that will not come in the way of my service to you .
Nammazhwar pleased with his devotion appeared before Swami Madhurakavi azhwar in a disguised form.
Dressed like an old man he asked Swami Madhurakavi azhwar about his reason for his grief.
Swami repeated the story to the old man.
The old man replied please do not worry about these trivial issues.
Submit this pAsuram of “kaNNan kazhaliNai…” and see the miracle “saying this he disappeared.
“Kannan Kazhalinai” will support you always”.
Madhurakavi obeyed as instructed and proceeded to Madurai to meet the so called great sangam poets .
All of them were debating in a boat discussing the authenticity of the literature . Madhurakavi offered the holy verse to the poets .
(Madhurakavi azhwar had offered the divine verses in a small leaf which was used during olden times and the divine verse “Kannam Kazhalinai…” from Thiruvaaimozhi was ever glowing )
The poets read those verses and laughed at Swami Madhurakavi azhwar for his childishness and threw it aside .
Suddenly the whole boat top sided all the poets much to their surprise .
They swam hard and with great difficulty reached the shore. To their astonishment, they found that the boat retained only that palm leaf .
The poets read it patiently and were of opinion that Swamy Nammazhwar was not any ordinary saint and apologized for their foolishness .
Thus their ego was shattered Azhwar further says that For a true devotee of Lord Krishna …. all is Lord Krishna the Food – eaten to satisfy the appetite,water drunk to quench the thirst, the betel leaves consumed after the food, are all Lord Krishna .
Chanting HIS holy name,
speaking of HIS qualities,
and thinking of HIM ,
HIS devotee will feel the hunger and the thirst
and all other needs satisfied.
They will not eat any other food since
KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS is enough food for them and always remain in that bliss forever …..
It is also Appearance day of our Paramacharyar “Sri. Sreesailachariar ” of Mudaliandan Thirumaligai – the paramacharyar of the present acharyar, Sri Kandhadai Kumara Venkatacharyar(Ramanujar) . Swamy is the 22nd descendant in Mudaliyandan’s (Swamy Ramanujar’s nephew) lineage.
Mudaliandan also known as Dasarathi-who is considered as reincarnation of Lord Rama was ordained to remain in Gruhastashrama (family life) by Swamy Ramanuja . He was the premier disciple of the 74 simhadipatis who were nominated by Ramanuja to continue Srivaishnava sampradaya, of them, few were sanyasis, others were gruhastas.
Srisailacharyar’s father ,Sri Mudaliandan (the 21st descendant in the lineage) gave his son his father’s name to the child who was born on the auspicious day of Chitra Pournami in Chithra star.
Glories to the acharyar who surrendered at the feet of Manavalamamunigal,Sri Dasarathi, the acharyar who stayed at Singaperumal kovil, Kanchipuram, Yadhugiri(Melkote), the one who attained Madhurakavigal’s position due to his acharyar bhakti.
Elders reveal that LORD Rama incarnated HIMSELF as Dasarathi, nephew of Swamy Ramanujar at Purusha mangalam (presently known as Nazrath Pettai in Chennai).
The foremost disciple. of JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanuja was MUDALIANDAN.
It is believed that Lord Rama was very impressed by Thiruvananthazvan’s kainkaryam as Lakshmana to him (Lord Rama) in Sree Ramavatharam and thus wanted to serve him in future Avatharas.
Thus, when he was born as Krishna in Krishnavataram he performed kainkaryam to Balarama
(Who in turn is Thiruvananthazvan’s amsam).
Not fully satisfied with this, when Thiruvananthazvan appeared as Swami Ramanuja in Kaliyuga, Lord incarnated as Mudaliandan and did kainkaryam to Swamy Ramanuja as the foremost disciple
Thus Mudaliandan is an amsam of Lord Rama himself
Vaadhoola Kula Thilaka Sri Anantha Naarayana Dikshithar and Nachiyarammal (Swami Ramanuja’s sister) didn’t have child for a long time and in order to get blessed with a child they prepare to go to Tirumala to pray and seek blessings with perumal for a devoted child.
In the pilgrimage, when they were resting one night, Lord Rama who was their Thiruvaradhana Perumal appeared in their dream and said “You don’t have to go to Tirumala.
I will myself be born as your son. Name him as “Daasarathi””. Daasarathi refers to the sons of King Dasaratha like how Lord Rama was also called.
Later Swamy Ramanujar appointed a 74 simhadipatis (disciples) to propagate Srivaishnavam and our Dasarathi was their leader.
Hence Dasarathi came to be known as
“Mudali “”Andan”. ( The foremost)
Sri Mudaliandan Swamy was entrusted with the job of managing Srirangam temple affairs.
Swami Mudaliandan is also glorified as the “paaduka” and “Tridandi” of Swamy Ramanujar. When Swamy Ramanujar embraced Sanyasasramam, he did not leave Mudaliandan and Kooratazhwan whom he considered as his Tridandam and Pavitram respectively.
When Thirugoshtiyur nambi instructed Swamy Ramanujar to come alone to learn about Tirumantra rahasyam, Swamy Ramanujar took Mudaliandan along with him. When questioned, Swamy replied that a Sanyasi should always carry Tridandam with him .Such was the intimacy between Swamy Ramanujar and Mudaliandan.
Kooratazhwan expresses his thoughts that he has only “Atma sambandham”with Swamy Ramanujar whereas Mudaliandan has both “deha sambandham” and “atma sambandham”.
Swami Mudaliandan was born in Prabhava Year, Chithirai Month, Punarpoosam Natchathiram (1027) at Pachai Varana Puram (referred to as “NazarethPettai” which happens to be today) in Thondai mandalam, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India.
Daasarathi, as he was named, was Ramanuja’s Priya Bhagineya in the parlance of the age.
Born to his service, and known as “Yathiraaja Paaduka”, he enjoyed a special relationship with Swami Ramanujar all his life.
Mudaliandan’s. impeccable service to his mentor secured for him the status of being Ramanuja’s Padukas (lotus feet), Tridandam & also the position of the administrator of the Srirangam Temple.
Hence Mudaliandan is called as Sri Ramanuja’s Bhagineyar (sister’s son). Anantha Narayana Dheekshidar named the child as Daasarathi appeared in Vadamal Kulam, Vadhoola Gothram, Yajus sakhaai, Apasthamba Soothram in Prabava varusham, Chithira masam, Punarvasu natchathiram, an amsam of Lord Sri Rama.
Having begun his learning with his father, Daasarathi became a pillar of support to Swami Ramanujar,
Dasarathi acclaimed by him as being identical to his Tridandam – his staff office as a sanyasi. However, Swami Ramanujar kept him busy in many ways, as he was a capable executive and administrator.
Sri Ramanuja, later started to depend on Daasarathi a lot. While going to kaveri for his daily bath, he used to lean on Daasarathi for support.
One day, when Ramanuja sacrificed everything at the time of taking Sannyaasam (ascetic) he did not give up Daasarathi, as that order demanded that all kith and kin should be renounced.
To this Sri Ramanuja replied that Daasarathi was an exception as he was his triplestaff (tridandam) (the same reason he gave to Tirukkottiyur Nambi) and added “If it is possible for me an ascetic to give up my staff only then can Daasarathi leave me. He, though a bodily relation, is yet a kin to my soul.
Because Swami Ramanuja knows he is Lord Rama’s avatar or amsam.”
(Roughly translated as: Mudaliandan administered the following, according to Swami Ramanuja’s orders, the many works of the temple, the services to the Lord, and the works of the Shrine.)
Swami Desikan on Mudaliandan’s sayings: Mudaliandaan is most well known for his lapidary saying, here given in transliterated maNipraavaaLam:
“oru malaiyil ninru, oru malaiyil thaavum simha shareeraththil janthukkaL pole bhaashyakaarar samsaaralanganam paNNa avarOdundaana kudalthudakkaale naam udhdheerdaraavuthomenru muthaliyaandaruLi-ch-cheytha paasuram”.
This is roughly translatable as follows: When a lion leaps from one mountain to another, all the creatures that live on his body go with him. Even so, when Udayavar transcended this world, all of us who are associated with him benefit from this as well.
On udayavar’s instructions Swami Mudaliandan went to Belur and converted all peoples toSrivaishnavism and installed Pancha Narayana temples at various locations.
Sri Ramancha samavistam pancha janyamcha sambhavam |
Pancha Narayana sthana sthapakam gurum asraye || Meaning: I take the solace under Acharya Mudaliandan, in whom Lord Rama’s partial influence and a part of panchajanya’s influenece exists is the one who installed the Pancha Narayana temples.
The final moments of Swamy Mudaliandan shine not as a departure, but as a flood of grace-filled instruction—a last gift to his disciples, soaked in ananya-bhakti to Swami Ramanuja.
As his body grew weak, his voice remained steady with compassion. Gathering his disciples close, with eyes filled not with fear but with karuṇā and firmness, he delivered his final upadeśa
👉 Your protection is not in your effort, but in your Acharya’s grace alone.
Having thus instructed, Swamy Mudaliandan slowly closed his eyes, meditating upon the divine feet of Ramanuja, as if returning to the very source from which his life drew meaning.
There was no agitation, no fear—only a deep stillness of fulfilled kainkaryam.
Those were the days where Swamy Parasarabhattar was delivering discourses at his ashram in Srirangam . Many devotees used to attend in large numbers . Amongst them a highly learned pundit and a srivaishnava used to attend the discourses daily . The learned pundit was received with scant respect and the srivaishnava was received with great […]
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It was Namperumal’s divine plan to make Swamy Ramanujar leave Srirangam for a short time , and purify other places by placing his holy feet in Melnadu and retrieve Thirunarayanan who was worshipped by Sri Ramar and Sri Krishna during Tretha and Dwapara yugas . Peria Perumal thus created a difficult situation by which Swamy […]
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Azhwars were the incarnations of of Lord Sriman Narayana’s divine weapons and ornaments (“Azhwar” in Tamil means ‘one who is immersed’). Since the advanced saints were always immersed in the Lord and His qualities, they were glorified as Azhwars and the places which was glorified by Azhwars are earmarked as Divya desams . Out of […]
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All Merciful “Lord Sriman Narayana” appears in five different forms as para, vyuha, vibhava, archai and antaryAmi . To uplift the fallen souls Lord advises the Nityasurees to incarnate in the mortal world and spread the message of divine love and true knowledge for a common man to come back to God head .
Thus Azhwars were the incarnations of of Lord Sriman Narayana’s divine weapons and ornaments (“Azhwar” in Tamil means ‘one who is immersed’). Since the advanced saints were always immersed in the Lord and His qualities, they were glorified as Azhwars and the places which was glorified by Azhwars are earmarked as Divya desams . Out of the 12 azhwars, 4 Azhwars appeared towards the end of Dwapara yuga and Eight Azhwars appeared during Kali yuga.
Poigai Azhwar – Panchajanya ( Lord Krishna’s conch)
Bhootha Azhwar – Kaumodakee (Lord Maha Vishnu’s Mace/Club)
Pey Azhwar – Nandaka ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s sword)
Tirumazhisai Azhwar – Sudarshanam ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s discus)
Nammazhwar – Vishvaksena ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s commander)
Madhurakavi Azhwar – Vainatheya ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s , Garuda)
Kulasekara Azhwar – Kaustubha ( Lord MahaVishnu’s necklace)
PeriyaAzhwar – Garuda ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s eagle
Andal – Bhoodevi
Thondaradippodi Azhwar – Vanamaalai ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s garland)
Tiruppaan Azhwar- Srivatsa (An auspicious mark on Lord Maha Vishnu’s chest)
TirumangaiAzhwar – Sharanga ( Lord Rama’s bow)
The Srivaishnava Divyadesams are the temples glorified by 12 azhwars. Among the 108 Divyadesams, 105 temples are located in India and one in Nepal. The remaining two temples are in the celestial world glorified as Sri Vaikuntam and ThiruParamapadham.The 106 temples are classified into six divisions –
Chozha Nadu divya desam – 40 temples situated in Central Tamilnadu around Trichy,Kumbakonam,Mayavaram, Srikazhi,Nagapatinam
Pandya Nadu divya desams– 18 temples situated in southern part of Tamilnadu around Madurai,Tirunelveli, Ramnathapuram, Sivakasi
Nadu nadu divya desams – 2 temples in the northern part of Tamilnadu located near Virudhunagar and Cuddalore
Thondai nadu divya desams -22 temples in the northern part of Tamilnadu located in and around Chennai(4),Kanchipuram (15), Arakonam(3)
Malai nadu divya desams – 13 temples out of which 2 are in Southern tip of tamilnadu and the rest 11 temples are in Kerala scattered around Trivandrum,Chenganoor, Ernakulam, Thrissur
Vada nadu divya desams – 11 temples out of which 2 are in Andhra Pradesh, 1 in Gujarat, 4 in Uttar Pradesh, 3 in Uttaranchal and 1 in Muktinath.
The 4000 Divya Prabandham(Naalayira Divyaprabhandham) also known as “Dravida Vedas” are the out pouring of the Azhwars who appeared in Southern India few thousand year ago as per the divine commands of Lord Sriman Narayana to uplift the humankind and thus composed the divine pasurams which all the vaishnavas make it a law to recite . In Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord declares that HIS devotees would be born in Kaliyuga around the banks of Tambaraparani ,Cauvery rivers. As the recitation of vedas is restricted tto only few (women and low caste are not allowed to recite them), the compassionate Lord made azhwars appear on the earth for the upliftment of one and all and compose the pasurams in nectarian Tamil so that it could be relished by all.
Thirumangai Azhwar, the last among all the Azhwars was the only Azhwar who has glorified the maximum number of temples -86 divya desams and he alone has the credit of glorifying 47 divya desams exclusively.
Azhwar appeared on the 397th year after the advent of Kaliyuga as per “Guru Parampara prabhavam” composed by Sri.Pinbhagzhagiya Perumal Jeeyar a disciple of Swamy Nampillai,
Neelan as he was called appeared on a bright Thursday in Nala varushey(year name), Karthigai maasey (karthigai month as per tamil calender[Nov-Dec])on Krithikai star on Pournami in Kallar kulam at Thirukuraiyalur – a small village near Thirunangoor about one hour drive from Sirkazhi
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His parents –Aaliaaduudaiyaar(father) and Vallithiru (mother) named him as “Neelan” as he was Neelavarnan . He had various other names which he himself mentions in the last verse of his works (pasuram) dedicated to Sirkazhi Perumal as “Aali naadan”, “Arulmaari”, “Aratamukki”, “mangai vendhan”, “parakaalan”, “kaliyan”,”thirumangai mannan”, “Naalukavi Perumal). Lord (Perumal) addressed him as “kaliyano??” .
As he was like kaalan for people who refuted “paran”(perumal), he came to be known as “Parakaalan”. He was an expert in composing different types of poems in different meters as per Tamil grammar which earned him the name “Naalu Kavi Perumal”.
In thanian ( Introductory verses ) for Peria Thirumozhi, Swamy Embaar says “Engal gathiye Ramanusa muniye…..mangaiyar kon eendha marai aayiram anaithum thangumanam enaku thaa” which means Swamy Embaar submits to Swamy Ramanuja grace for remembering the 1000 pasurams sung by the famous Thirumangai Azhwar and hence the Sattaree is “Ramanuja Padhuka” who in turn is considered as “Thirumangai Azhwar’s padhuka” at Tirunagari divya desam
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Swamy Manavala Maamunigal in the ninth verse (pasuram) of the great work Upadesaratnamalai glorifies the appearance day of Thirumangai Azhwar as “VEERUDAYA KARTHIGAIYIL KAARTHIGAI NAAL”as this azhwar exhibited his veeram (valour) in getting Perumal’s anugraham.
Its a great day as Azhwar , Acharyar Nampillai and Asmath acharyar-Sri Kumara Venkatacharyar( descendant of Swamy MudaliAndaan ) also appeared on the same day
Three important festivities are celebrated grandly in this village.
(1) Thai Amavaasai for 3 days (Jan-Feb)
(2)Thiruvedupari utsavam on Panguni-Pooram (March-April)
(3)Thiru avataara utsavam-10 day utsavam during Karthigai month culminating on Karthigaiyil Karthigai
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Neelan was very valiant and brave which earned him a position as army chief in Chola kingdom . He was later elevated to the position of a king for a small territory named “Aalinaadu” . Thus we have “Thirumangai mannan” who had that power , fame , position which took him to material pleasures like any human . The possessions and power engulfed him . Blinded by daring heroism, Neelan was indulged in sensual pleasures
(Azhwar himself admits in his pasurams that he was behind dove-eyed beautiful women).
By Perumal’s nirukethu sankalpam, he happened to meet Kumudavalli daughter of a physician in Thiruvellakulam who played a vital role in transforming Neelan into Azhwar. Her appearance also was a divine plan to correct Neelan in the right path …
Kumudhavalli a damsel (apsaras) who was named Thirumaamagal/Sumangalai along with her friends descended on Himalayan forests mocked at a siddhar who was being imparted knowledge by Kapila maharishi. The infuriated rishi cursed her to descend to earth and get married to a human being .
When she repented for her mistake and asked for a means to go back to the heavenly planet, the sage advised her to transform Neelan(an amsam of Saarangam) and make him a great devotee and get married to him.
After accomplishing her mission, he blessed her that she would be able to get back to her heavenly abode. Thus , she appeared as a small girl on the banks of Swetha Pushkarini(Thiru vella kulam) in front of Srinivasar Kovil in Thirunangoor.
A physician who happened to pass by was attracted to the small kid. He learnt from her about the cause of her appearance and adopted her as his daughter. As he was childless for a long time, he considered to be Lord Srinivasar’s blessings .As she was seen holding Kumudha flower, he named her as Kumudavalli.
Once Neelan , the ruler of the province around Thirunangoor happened to come to Thiruvellakulam. He was mesmerized by Kumudavalli’s beauty and expressed his ardent desire to marry her. He approached her parents and expressed hos desire .
The Parents were overjoyed as the King was at their doorstep . However , Kumudavalli expressed her desire “to marry only to a person who sported Thiruman kaapu ( Tilak ) on his forehead and got pancha samskaaram ( initiation ) done”.
Immediately Neelan set out in search of an Acharya to get initiated (pancha samskaaram in srivaishnava sampradaya) done.
No one dared to initiate him considering his qualities.
The ever compassionate Lord Srinivasar of Thirunaraiyur appeared before him as a Priest and did panchasamskaaram to Neelan. Later, Thirukannapuram Lord Sowriraja Perumal imparted the intricate meanings of Ashtakshari to him. Hence, these two Lordships are considered as “Acharyar” for Azhwar.
Having fulfilled her condition, Neelan approached Kumudavalli . She replied
Oh Prince ! Am glad with your desire in entering a relationship with me .But please understand as your better half I have another condition . I wish you undertake to carry out the bhaagavatha dhadhiaaradanam to 1000 people for one year which gives me immense satisfaction.
Neelan accepts the condition with a smile as she would be his queen soon .
Now , the couple did dhadhiyaaradhanam for one year and continued with the kainkaryam later. The place where he did dhadhiyaaradhanai kainkaryam is known as “Mangai maadam”.
It was a grand feast every day . A vast area was covered with pandals .for devotees thronging daily . It became a sacred shrine with hundred of devotees gathering daily with vaishnava tilaks and glorifying Lordships with songs . Few were discussing the greatness of Neelan and kumudha .Filled with bhagavathas , the place became more vibrant with devotion.
Neelan loved the new role. He never questioned the spending even the coffers of Thirumangai was coming to a stock out position . The Ministers whispered about the coffers getting emptied , but he continued the services selling his jewellary and other precious things .
The news reached the chozha king. He summoned Neelan to return the entire money or face repercussion. As Neelan didn’t oblige, the king had to send an army . Neelan defeated the army with ease . Shocked , the king came in person to wage a war.
Knowing Neelan’s might, the king with the help of his minister, conspired a plan to trick Neelan and arrested him.
Neelan was locked up in a temple for 3 days without food and water.(very similar to bhakta Ramadasar). The ever compassionate Lord Varadarajar of Kanchipuram appeared in Neelan’s dream informing that he could use the wealth lying on the banks of Vegavati river in Kanchipuram to clear the king’s dues.
The next day , Neelan informed the king that he would return the entire money given a chance . The King sent Neelan along with his soldiers to the banks of Vegavati river.
The search could not find any wealth . The Soldiers were instructed to harm Neelan If the search was untrue.
Lord appeared in Neelan’s dream again and informed him the exact location of the wealth. Neelan , overjoyed once again marched to the river and thus found the wealth. He cleared the king’s dues and kept the balance with him for continuing the bhagavatha kainkaryam which he got infected to.
The greedy king along with few others who realized that Neelan had wealth , claimed that their dues were not fully settled and asked for more wealth.
Neelan prayed to Lordships to help him out . The Compassionate Lord asked him to measure the sand on the banks of Vegavati river using “marakkal”( a measure) and settle the dues.
Obediently , Neelan accordingly collected the sand and handed over the same in gunny bags. This infuriated the king that Neelan was giving them sand instead of wealth.
But as the soldier who was trying to put the same in treasury , it turned into gold dust. The king realized that Neelan was not an ordinary person. He begged forgivance and after rewarding him sumptuously , released him forever,
It was a home coming . Neelan resigned from the king’s service and dedicated his full time for bhaagavatha kainkaryam. To continue the kainkaryam, Neelan resorted to looting wealth from the rich peasants who were egoistic selfish and greedy .
He did that by waylaying with the help of his four friends -Neermel nadappan(one who could walk across water), nizhalil odhunguvaan(one who was an expert in following a person’s shadow), thaaaludhuvaan (one who could open any lock without key), tholavazhakkan(one who could not be defeated in any argument).
As the looting expedition was also getting a bad name to Neelan who was doing a great kainkaryam ( service ) Lordships of Thiruvaali divyadesam along with Thaayar had to intervene.
The Lordships appeared as a newly wed couple fully bedecked with costly jewels and set out on a closed palanquin to Thiruvaali .
Neelan’s friends who came to know of this, informed Neelan that if the bridal party is looted, they would have enough wealth to support lifelong bhagavatha kainkaryam. Neelan was very pleased . He immediately galloped on his horse(Aadalmaa) followed by his thief-friends and reached the place which is presently known as “Thirumanan kollai”.
On reaching the place, Neelan threatened the couple to part with their entire jewellery. Accordingly , the couple surrendered all their jewellery except the toe ring on the bride as it could not be removed.
Though Neelan had the entire loot , Lord veiled a maya on him which made him to lure for the toe ring too which was very attractive. Neelan himself bent down to remove the ring but as his efforts were futile, he tried to remove the ring with the help of his teeth by his mouth.
Unknowingly, he surrendered to Thayar’s lotus feet for the material wealth .But , by coming into contact with Goddess (Thayar’s) lotus feet, wisdom dawned on him. He was mesmerized and choked with no words . He attempted to move quickly and thus bundled the entire loot in a big cloth. Looking at the divine couple , he tried to lift the baggage but for its weight .
Shocked that the small booty could not be lifted , Neelan thought that the bridegroom must have cast a spell on the bundle . He wanted to frighten the bridegroom now . He threatened them with a dagger to reveal the secret which made that booty so heavy that he couldnt lift it .
The mischievous bridegroom smiled and agreed to share the secret with him . He advised him to purify himself in the nearby stream and wait under the banyan tree (arasa maram).
Neelan did as advised and the bride groom uttered the sacred Ashtakshari mantram on Neelan’s right ear.
Wisdom dawned on Neelan and there was an instant flash …. he repented for all his deeds. He understood his real purpose of his birth . The divine couple appeared as Lord Lakshmi-Narayanan on Garuda vahanam and blessed their child .
Lord addressed him as Thirumangai mannan as he had the blessing of Thiru (Thayar first).
Now the jeevatma “Thirumangai mannan” in ecstasy repenting for all his misdeeds outpours torrential verses instantaneously in presence of Divyadampathigal starting with the most beautiful verse ….
“vaadinen vaadi varundhinene manathaal……”
concluding each phrase glorifying “Narayana” naamam…..
The name N A R A Y A Y A N A itself can give stature and wealth. The name destroys miseries .This Holy name gives a seat in heaven a seat in Paramapadam .It will give you strength It will give you everything .This lovely name will give more that what a loving mother can give …And thus Azhwar reveals saying ..
.I have found such a good word in HIS holy name….
This wonderful incident is recapitulated every year in the holy place and is celebrated grandly as “Thiru vedupari utsavam” on the night preceding Panguni Uthiram in the month of March-April . As part of 10 day brahmotsava celebrations at Thiruvaali, on the sixth day, Lord (Perumal ) arrives to wed Goddess ( Thayar ) and set out on a “moodu pallaku”. The divine wedding (thirukalyanam) takes place in the afternoon and saatrumarai goshti gets over by 9 p.m .
Later the divine couple set out on a palanquin slowly and head toward Thirumangai maadam and rest in a mandapam. Azhwar sets out from Thirunagari temple at midnight and swiftly reaches the mantapam and goes round the couple thrice.
A screen is drawn and it is presumed that all the ornaments are removed. Lord gets ready to give darshan on Garuda vahanam along with Thayar. Meanwhile Thirumangai mannan is taken to a nearby mandapam where thousands of devotees throng to have the beautiful sight of Azhwar riding on the horse for about an hour.
Later Azhwar is taken towards Perumal who imparts the Eight syllable mantra “Ashtakshari. The bhog is offered to the Lordship. Azhwar circumblates around Lordships with benevolence.
Lord blesses Thirumangai Azhwar with prasadam, maalai, parivattam. The assembled goshti start reciting “Vaadinen vaadi….” slowly and after completing of the first 10 pasurams, mangalaaarthi is given to both Perumal and Azhwar.
This incident happens around early hours 2-3 a.m. The entire group return to Thiruvaali temple and on the way , the entire Peria Thirumozhi ( the compositions of Thirumangai Azhwar ) is recited by the goshti.
One devotee relished his experience that when the azhwar sets out from the temple to loot the Lord, his valour ,pride ,strength ,determination can be seen on Azhwar’s thirumugam and when he returns after having Perumal’s darsanam, Azhwar’s speed is reduced as he becomes submissive having shed away his pride and takes about 4 hours to reach the temple as the procession moves slowly.
Coming back to the divine incident , Neelan who becomes transformed to Thirumangai Azhwar decides to visit all the holy shrines and glorify the Lordships .
Lord captivated his attention by giving HIM beautiful darshan in all the temples. In his divine pasurams, he vividly describes the Lord, location of the holy place , surroundings and the opulence .
Azhwar , personally visits the divya desams beginning with the Northern side temples starting at Thirupiridhi ( JoshirMutt ) and submits his glorifications to the Lord . Every verse he puts before LORD moves the person with tears reciting them .
The struggle of a jiva in this material world seeking true knowledge with stiff opposition of maya draws comparision with all of us .
Thirumangai Azhwar composed six prabhandhams which are treasures .He stands second to Swamy Nammazhwar in the contributions to Divya Prabhandam.
Thirumangai Azhwar’s six prabhandhams are the six angams for Maaran’s four works (Nammazhwar’s four prabhandhams-
Thiruvaimozhi,
Thiruvirutham,
Thiruvaasiriyam ,
Peria Thiruvandhadhi)
Azhwar’s compositions are:
Peria Thirumozhi comprising of 1084 pasurams
Thirukurunthandakam comprising of 20 pasurams
Thirunedunthandakam comprising of 30 pasurams
Thiruvezhukootruirukai comprising of 1 pasuram
Siriya Thirumadal consisting of 155 lines considered as 1 pasuram
Peria Thirumadal consisting of 297 lines considered as 1 pasuram
Details of 86 temples glorified by Azhwar starting from Srirangam with PRABHANDHAM reference are given below:
CHOLA NADU DIVYA DESAMS (Trichy,Kumbakonam,Thanjavur,Mayavaram ,Sirkazhi)
Srirangam – 73 (PT, TKD, TND, STM, PTM)
Thirukozhi(Uraiyur) -Uraiyur near Trichy – 01 (PT)
Thirukarambanur(Uttamar kovil) – 01 (PT)
Thiruvellarai -13 (PT,STM, PTM)
Thirupernagar -19 (PT,TKD,TND, STM,PTM)
Thirukandiyur – 01 (TKD)
Thirukoodalur -10 (PT)
Thirupullamboothangudi -10 (PT)
Thiruaadhanoor -01 (PTM)
Thirukudandhai -25 (PT,TKD,TND,STM, PTM, TVKT)-only Perumal who was referred to in all the 6 prabhandams
Thiruvinnagar -34 (PT,TND,STM,PTM)
Thirunaraiyur -110 (PT, TND,STM, PTM)
Thirucherai -13 (PT,STM, PTM)
Thirukannamangai -14 (PT,STM,PTM)
Thirukannapuram -104 (PT, TND, STM,PTM)
Thirukannangudi -10 (PT)
Tirunaagai – 10 (PT)
Thiruthanjhaimaamanikovil – 03 (PT)
Thirunandipuravinnagaram – 10 (PT)
Thiruvelliangudi – 10 (PT)
Thiruvazhundur -45 (PT, TND,STM,PTM)
Thirusirupuliyur – 10 (PT)
Thiruthalaisanganaanmadiyam – 02 (PT)
Thiruindhalur -11 (PT,PTM)
Thirukaavalampaadi – 10 (PT)
Thirukaazhiseerama vinagaram – 10(PT)
Thiruarimeya vinnagaram – 10 (PT)
Thiruvanpurudothamam – 10 (PT)
Thirusemponseikovil -10 (PT)
Thirumanimadakovil -12 (PT,PTM)
Thiruvaikuntavinnagaram – 10 (PT)
Thiruvaali Tirunagari – 41 (PT, TND,STM,PTM)
Thirudevanaar thogai -10 (PT)
Thiruthetriambalam -10 (PT)
Thirumanikoodam -10 (PT)
Thiruvellakulam -10 (PT)
Thirupaarthanpalli – 10 (PT)
Thiruchitrakoodam – 21(PT,PTM)
NADU NADU DIVYA DESAMS(near Cuddalore,Vizhupuram)
Thiruvahindrapuram – 10(PT)
Thirukovalur – 18 (PT, TND, STM,PTM)
THONDAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS(in and around Kanchi, Arakonam,Chennai)
Thirukachi athigiri – 04 (PT,TKD, TND)
Thiruashtabuyakaram – 11(PT, PTM)
Thiruthankaa -02 (PT,TND)
Thiruvellukai – 01 (PTM)
Thiruneeragam – 01 (TND)
Thirupaadagam -02 (PT, PTM)
Thirunilathingalthundam – 01 (TND)
Thiruooragam – 04 (TND, STM, PTM)
Thiruvekka – 06 (PT,TND,STM,PTM)
Thirukaaragam – 01 (TND)
Thirukaarvaanam – 01 (TND)
Thirukalvanoor – 01 (TND)
Thirupavazhavannam – 01 (TND)
Thiruparameswara vinnagaram -10 (PT)
Thiruputkuzhi – 02 (PT, PTM)
Thirunindravoor -02 (PT)
Thiruevvul – 11 (PT, PTM)
Thiruallikeni -10 (PT)
Thiruneermalai -19 (PT, TND,STM,PTM)
Thiruidavendhai -13 (PT,STM,PTM)
Thirukadalmallai -26 (PT,TKD,STM,PTM)
Thirukadigai -03 (PT,STM)
VADA NADU DIVYA DESAMS(Andhra,Gujarat,Uttar Pradesh,Uttaranchal,Nepal)
Thiruayodhi – 01(PT)
Thirunaimisaranyam -10 (PT)
Thirupiridhi -10 (PT)
Thiruvadhariasramam -21 (PT, STM)
Thirusalagraamam -10 (PT)
Thiruvadamadurai -04 (PT, STM)
Thiruvaayarpaadi -07 (PT, STM)
Thirudwaarakai -02 (PT)
Thirusingavelkundram -10 (PT)
Thiruvenkatam -61 (PT, TKD,TND,STM,PTM)
MALAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS(Kerala)
Thirunaavai – 02(PT)
Thirumoozhikalam – 03(PT,TND,PTM)
Thiruvallavaazh -11 (PT,PTM)
Thirupuliyur -01 (STM)
PANDYA NADU DIVYA DESAMS(near Madurai,Tirunelveli,Sivakasi,Ramnad,Trichy)
Thirukurungudi -25 (PT,TND, PTM)
Thiruthankaal -04 (PT,TND, STM, PTM)
Thirukoodal – 01 (PT)
Thirumaliruncholai – 33(PT, TKD,STM,PTM)
Thirumoghur -01 (STM)
Thirugoshtiyur – 13 (PT,PTM)
Thirupullani – 21 (PT, PTM)
Thirumeyyam – 09 (PT, TKD,PTM)
DIVYA DESAMS NOT IN THIS WORLD
Thirupaarkadal – 11 (PT, TND)
Thiruparamapadam – 01 (TKD)
As per the great compositions of “Peria Thirumozhi” Azhwar started from north, has sung ranging from minimum 10 pasurams to 100 pasurams . Azhwar’s pasurams details the geographical locations . Peria Thirumozhi is divided into 10 hundreds and in each of the 10 pasurams, Ahwar glorifies only that particular divya desa Perumal. ONly in the 10th hundred pasurams, azhwar has sung pasurams on multiple divyadesams. IN Peria Thirumozhi, azhwar eloborates about 50 divya desams and the remaining 36 divya desams(out of 86 glorified by him) have been referred to in other prabhandhams.
While one recites them, the ambience feeling and the quench to have darshan of the Divya dampathees draws us closer and gives the soul to rejoice in bliss knowing its identity in seeking our loving Lord….
Divya desams as per Peria Thirumozhi are given below:-
VADA NADU DIVYA DESAMS
Thirupiridhi (10) – Joshirmutt in Uttaranchal
Thiruvadhiri (20) — Badrikasramam in Uttaranchal
Thirusaalagramam (10) — Muktinath in Nepal
Naimisaaranyam (10) — near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh
Singavelkundram (10) — Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh
Thiruvengadam (61) — Tirumala Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh
THONDAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS
Thiruevvul (11) — Thiruvallur near Arakonam in Tamil nadu
Thiruvellikeni (10) — Triplicane in Chennai
Thiruneermalai (19) –Pallavaram in Chennai
Thirukadalmallai (26) –Mahabalipuram near Chennai
Thiruvidandhai (13) — near Mahabalipuram
Thiruvattabuyakaran (11) — Ashtabhuja perumal in Kanchipuram
Thiruparameswara vinnagaram (10) — In Kanchipuram
NADU NADU DIVYA DESAMS
Thirukovalur (18) – in Vizhupuram-Thiruvannamalai route
Thirukoodalur (10) -Kumbakonam –tanjavur route near thiruvaiyaaru
Thiruvellarai (13) -20 kms from Trichy near Thuraiyur
Thiruvarangam (73) -Srirangam -12 kms from Trichy
Thirunandhipuravinnagaram ( 10) – Nathan kovil-4 kms south of Kumbakonam
Thiruvinnagar (34) -Oppiliappan kovil -7 kms from Kumbakonam
Thirunaraiyur (110) – 9 kms from Kumbakonam enroute to Thiruvaarur
Thirucherai (13) – 24 kms in Kumbakonam-Thiruvaarur route
Therazhundhur (45) -21 kms from mayavaram enroute to Komal
Sirupuliyur (10) -3 kms from Kollumangudi station-
in Mayavaram-thirvarur route
Thirukannamangai (14) – 7 kms from Thiruvaarur
Thirukannapuram (104) – 2 kms from Thirupugalur on Nagapatinam-
Nannilam route
Thirukannangudi (10) – 1 km from Aazhiyur on Nagapatinam route
Thirunaagai (10) – Nagapatinam
PANDYA NADU DIVYA DESAMS
Thirupullani (21) -near Ramnathapuram
Thirukurungudi (25) -12 kms from Nanguneri near Tirunelveli
Tirumaliruncholai (33) -20 kms from Madurai
Thirugoshtiyur (13) – near Karaikudi
MALAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS
Thiruvallavaazh (11) -Tiruvalla on Ernakulam-Kollam route
In most of the pasurams , Azhwar repents starting with “vaadinen vaadi….” and claims that he has got everything now with the great Narayana thirunaamam.
He confesses to Lord Srinivasar at Tirumala for all his misdeeds and praises his mind for having resorted to the Lord’s holy feet.He says that he was under the illusion that his parents,wife etc are everything -did many mistakes when he was in youth,later he strived hard for serving his family and now with repentance approached the Lord like a dog and prays to Lord to accept him. (Azhwar who is an amsam of Lord couldn’t have been so but just to uplift us, he demeans himself)
In pasurams dedicated to Lord Narasimhar of Ahobilam, the place is only accessible to devas.
IN the pasurams dedicated to Naimisaranyam, he surrenders to the Lord Devarajan for upliftment. He addresses the Lord as “mother-Naimisaaranyathul enthaai…” .
He addresses all the five forms of the Lord at Thiruvellikeni-Parthasarathy, Thelliya singam, Gajendra Varadar,Ramar,Ranganathar.
During his course of enlightened journey the Divya dampathees ( Lordships in the temples ) were eager to meet their child which can be authenticated by citing a divine incident. During his journey Azhwar by oversight skipped Thirunindravoor near chennai and after doing mangalasaasanam at Thiru-evvul, he directly proceeds to Thiruvellikeni and in due course reached Mahabalipuram.
Goddess Sudhavalli Thayar-the divine consort of Lord Bhaktavatsalan persuades Lord to invite Azhwar as he had missed them by oversight. . Lord appeared at his next destination Thirukadalmallai and while glorifying the Lordships at Thirukadalmallai, Lord Bhaktavatsalan gave a vision to azhwar which made him take HIS name.
In the course of his travel, Azhwar glorified (mangalasaasanam) at 86 divya desams and finally reached Srirangam and undertook various construction and renovation activities.
However, Lord commanded to continue his services as HE wanted to relish the nectarine outpourings of Azhwar. (Very similar to Annamacharyar’s life)
Later he composed Thirukurunthandakam comprising of 20 pasurams where he begs Lord (Perumal) expressing his craving to have HIS darshan (as Perumal wanted him to reach the highest transcendental bliss)
Thirunedunthandakam comprising of 30 pasurams(in the first set of 10 pasurams, Azhwar sings with his own identity , in the 2nd set of 10 pasurams, azhwar assumes the role of a mother expressing her daughter’s plight and in the last set of 10 pasurams , donning the role of a girl expresses her desire to attain Perumal to her friend ) .
Our most revered Acharyar Swamy Parasara bhattar used to always contemplate on this prabhandham and thus invited Nanjeeyar into Srivaishnavism by a debate based on this lovely prabhandham. During Adhyayana utsavam , this is recited on the first day and the goshti is honoured with medicated oil to be smeared on the vaishnavas neck who would recite as a honrarium.
Thiruezhukootruirukkai comprising of one pasuram glorifies Lord Aaravamudhan of Thirukudandhai.
In Siriya Thirumadal Azhwar assumes the role of a lovelorn lady who suffers pangs of separation from her lover-. She holds his picture in her hand, longing for her lover’s association. She contemplates on how to defame the various archa murthis but faith prevails upon her which makes her restrain from doing so. She waits patiently and with confidence that her Lord would come to take her. The emotional outpourings takes us to transcendental heights.He composed both the madals at Thirunaraiyur as the Lord of Thirunariayur is considered as the acharyar for him.
In Peria thirumadal, Azhwar becomes restless for poor response from the Lordships. He starts lamenting how the Lord who had taken various forms and resides in various divyadesams didn’t concede her request even after repeated pleading . Realising that the Lord cannot be confronted in commanding , he decides by just surrendering to HIM he would be pleased and respond.
Thirumangai Azhwar personally visited all the above holy shrines on his courageous horse “aadalma”.
He has done mangalasaasanam (glorified) to 86 divyadesams and has the special honor of glorifying the Lord exclusively in 47 divya desams. The 47 divyadesams which was glorified by Thirumangai Azhwar alone are as follows ….
He was more inclined to have darshan of Archa Moorthy at the holy shrines on the earth rather than the Lord in Paramapadam. Azhwar’s pasurams serve as a guide for visiting various divya desams.
Azhwar continued with his divine services in various divya desams especially at Srirangam.
His ardent desire to construct vimanam, mandapam, big walls around Srirangam, gopuram, kitchen etc. for Srirangam temple needed financial support .
Azhwar priorities was service to Perumal and HIS children for which he went to any extent of getting wealth by looting, robbery etc. Coming to know about the golden Buddha vigraham at Nagapatinam from a passerby , he decided to try his skills to possess it . He was informed that the vigraham was being protected by a revolving wheel.
He managed to pick the golden Buddha idol from Nagapatinam to construct the compound walls of Srirangam temple . On follow ups from them, he issued a promissory note to the Buddhists saying he would return even the little finger unscathed and after one year, he just gave them the little finger and won them by argument.
After the completion of the projects , he did not have sufficient money to pay them . Still he assured all of them that they would be paid for their divine deed . The laborers who were travelling by a boat got drowned due to some imbalance in the middle of the river.
Unknowingly , the kith and kin of the laborers approached the Azhwar. Azhwar cooly replied everything that has happened was with Lord’s will .To reveal their state he advised them to come the next day.
Lord Ranganathar with abundant mercy appeared in Azhwar’s dream and advised him to ask the relatives of the deceased to enter into Srirangam temple after taking a dip in Kaveri. On reaching the temple, Lord Ranganathar made them have a vision of not only their deceased ones but also their great ancestors.
The muktas applauded Azhwar’s contributions and felt fortunate to be associated with him. They advised their kith and kin that they would attain the highest position by serving Azhwar who was performing devotional service which would assure them salvation.
Extremely pleased with Azhwar’s services one day Lord Ranganathar called Azhwar and asked him to choose a boon.
Azhwar expressed his deep desire to have darshan of the dasa avataarams of Lord. Lord Ranganathar fulfilled his desire immediately .
Thanking Lord , Azhwar requested Lordships to honour Swamy Nammazhwar’s Thiruvaimozhi for 10 days starting from Vaikunta Ekadasi which was immediately accepted . The grand “Thiruvadhyayana utsavam” at Srirangam was started by Thirumangai Azhwar. Azhwar arranged to get Nammazhwar’s idol from Azhwar Thirunagari and in the presence of Namperumal in the newly constructed mandapam, Azhwar arranged for recitation of Nammazhwar’s Thiruvaimozhi for 10 days. Initially, Adhyayana utsavam was celebrated for 10 days during azhwar’s time. Later Nathamunigal arranged for 21 day festival by including recitation of the entire divyaprabhandam by dividing it as “Pagal pathu” and “Raa pathu ” utsavams.
As per Lord’s instructions, Thirumangai Azhwar constructed a mandapam for Namperumal to listen to Nammazhwar’s nectarian Thiruvaimozhi.
Lord also blessed Azhwar that whoever reads the six prabhandams composed by Tirumangai Azhwar considered as the six angams for Swamy Nammazhwar’s works will be blessed with salvation.
As a mark of confirmation ,Lord commands Azhwar to throw his Vel ( spear) assuring that the entire place where the spear falls, if a person’s last rites are performed , he would be liberated .
This special place is on the northern banks of Kaveri. ( “Paadiya vaalan Padithurai” where last rites are performed for the departed even today).
As days passed one day Azhwar requested Lord to liberate him from this samsara . Lord out of abundant compassion advised Azhwar to go to Thirukurungudi a holy divya desam which is known as “Siriya Veedu”to serve MalaiNambee perumal .
Azhwar overjoyed leaves Srirangam. Like a newly wedded girl who before leaving for her inlaws place bids goodbye to her relatives, Azhwar recollects Lordships at various divya desams .
Thirumangai Azhwar reaches Thirukurungudi and continues his services at this temple On a Vaikunta Ekadasi day with Lord’s mercy he attained salvation . Even today we can have darshan of this holy place which is about 3 kms from Thirukurungudi temple
Azhwar doesn’t have a spear and is seen with folded hands along with Kumudavalli Naachiyar.
After few years , Swamy Manavala maamunigal visited Thirunagari to have darsanam of Azhwar. He was in ecstasy and composed “Vadivazhagu Choornikai “-a beautiful poem vividly describing the beauty of Azhwar.
This deity of Azhwar was installed by Tirumangai Azhwar’s brother in law as per Lord Ranganathar’s instructions in Thirunagari temple at Tirunangoor – a small village near Sirkazhi and is being worshipped since time immemorial.
Freely translated, Swamy describes Azhwar’s beauty as the one who is holding spear(vel), with folded hands, wearing thiruman, lips slightly opened in such a way as if he is uttering “Omkaram”, having a sharp nose, cool face, broad eyes, curly hair, ears slightly bent as if to listen to Ashtakshari ( Eight word syllable )being imparted by Lordships , long ear rings, body bent at 3 places (thribangam) near neck, hip and feet , standing benevolently to obtain Lord’s grace.https://video.wordpress.com/embed/yDg9rggm?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
He glorifies further about Thirumannankollai-the place where Perumal ( Lord) imparted ashtakshari –how he threatened Lakshmi’s husband with a knife forcing him to reveal the spell and how Lord gave the precious mantra extolled by the vedas to him and having received the mantra how realisation dawned on him and he got transformed into a devotee and humbly stood in front of the Lord with folded hands .
Swamy concludes that his eyes are blessed to see the broad chest holding the spear, one who utters the eight lettered mantra , the beautiful face and the holy feet.
A true seeker of LORD will always respect the devotees of Lord . He never distinguishes about their birth and caste in seeking their associationA devotees glory can be seen with that deep knowledge and practices which takes them nearer to LORD . It will be a boon serving such advanced devotees . The most […]
A true seeker of LORD will always respect the devotees of Lord . He never distinguishes about their birth and caste in seeking their associationA devotees glory can be seen with that deep knowledge and practices which takes them nearer to LORD . It will be a boon serving such advanced devotees . The most […]
All Merciful “Lord Sriman Narayana” appears in five different forms as para, vyuha, vibhava, archai and antaryAmi . To uplift the fallen souls Lord advises the Nityasurees to incarnate in the mortal world and spread the message of divine love and true knowledge for a common man to come back to God head . Thus […]
venkaTAdri samam sthAnam brahmANDe nAsti kincana; venkateSa samo devo na bhUto na bhaviSyati This sloka taken from the Puranas claims ………… There is no place in the entire universe that equals Venkatadri, the place where the Lord resides and there is no God, neither in the past nor in the future who equals Lord Venkateswara. Everything begins and ends […]
Let us glorify our LORD before we enter AHOBILAM … Ugram Viram Maha Vishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham Nirisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrutyur Mrutyum Namamy Aham.. Ugram – the ferocious one Viram – The most courageous Mahavishnum – The all-pervasive one (Lord Maha Vishnu) Jvalantam – the effulgence […]
The month of ( March – April ) in tamil (Panguni ) is sacred as it is the appearance month of – Lord Ranganatha on Revathi star and Goddess Sri Ranganayaki Thayar on Uthiram star both occur during the same month.
The most important and the oldest festival called as “Adi Brahmotsavam” is performed during this month for 10 days and culminates on the day of Panguni Uthiram .
About 800 years ago ……………………………………………
an unusual incident occurred which has remained as one of the most cherished brave effort by our Acharyas for protecting and leaving us the legacy of our great srivaishnava sampradaya and our Lordships…
Almost 800 years ago , the festive mood was vibrating with splendor. At the banks of Kollidam river preparations were being made for Lord’s arrival with pomp and show . The stage was decorated with wonderful flowers and the best decorative lamps .
A huge golden throne decked with diamonds and costly jewels, attracted the venue. The devotees were discussing.. Who else except Lord of the Lords is going to preside now.
Devotees from far off arrived in large numbers to attend the great festival .It was a darshanam not to be missed .It was customary for the Lord to alight and have Abhishekam done amongst the huge gathering of devotees
. The entire stage was decorated. Milk , Curd , Honey, Coconut water , Rose water , sandal oil , various types of perfumes , flowers , holy basil leaves garlands was set in order for the Lords ceremonial bath .The feast for the eyes was about to begin …Finally the time arrived …amongst the mangala Nadaswaram and the priests chanting Azhwars prabhandams Lord of Lords arrived in majestic style . The great Acharya Swamy Desikan , Swamy Sudarshana suri along with several disciples accompanied the Lordships and were guiding the priests in conducting the rituals . Mangala haarathee was offered amongst the huge crowd .
All the devotees in one voice chanted loudly clasping their hands on their heads …..G O V I N D A ….. G O V I N D A G O V I N D A ….G O V I N D A…… R A N G AAmong the most revered Acharyas , Priests and devotees , a distinguished very old devotee aging around 85 years or more ,was contemplating on the various divine pastimes of the great devotees who had served Lord in all aspects , even sacrificing their lives for the Lordships .
Silently glorifying the great Jatayu who served Lord Rama , and Lord Rama performing funeral rites for Jatayu , Lord Krishna preferring to dine with Sri Vidura even though he had the option of dining with exalted elders such as Drona or Bheeshma the episode of ThiruppAN azhvar, LOkasAranga Munithe the great kulasekhara azhwar attachment to Lord , Sri Periya Nambi and his attachment to Sri MaranEri Nambi, Swami Ramanuja and his deep devotion to Sri Thirukachchi Nambi he was silently cherishing …
His thoughts were with pure devotion overflowing ….What have I done for the Lord ??? for his mercy in being among this august gathering . His face exuded serenity and was in total peace. Caught up in these devotional thoughts and having darshanam of Lord Ranganatha he was lost in a different world full of bliss …
He had slowly forgotten the world around him.
That great personality was none other than our Jagath Acharyar Swami Pillai Lokacharya .The proceedings were being conducted smoothly .All of a sudden among the august gathering a person rushed to the old Acharyar . He was sweating . He took courage and said … Acharya , I was washing clothes on the banks of Cauvery river when my donkeys ran away suddenly hearing some unusual noise .
I attempted to find what was the reason . Slowly I climbed a small hillock to see what was that frightening my donkeys . Much to my surprise I noticed a large battalion of men on horses with ammunition marching towards our direction .With their attire I guess they should be the moslem invaders . I am told by my relatives that many temples around us were being looted and desecrated by these invaders. Acharya , I am scared .. What would happen to our temple and our Lord Ranganatha . I am afraid for our families .Please do something . Swamy Lokacharya was taken aback . He closed his eyes and said ..Don’t worry ..Our Lord will take care ..
He got up majestically and walked towards the deities . Prostrating to Lord seeking his grace He looked at that man and said … Just go and continue with your routine work . But ! Just keep watching the invaders movements and inform as soon as possibleSwamy Desikar , Swamy Sudarshana suri and other Acharyas assembled and met Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar and concluded it was Ulugh Khan the army commander sent by Tuglak . They had to take a quick decision . All of them informed the priests for staying beside the deities at all cost , and gave some important tasks to be completed without any delay . They briefed them about the unexpected calamity that may take place any time and hence instructed the priests to secretly carry the Lordships to the temple without the regular Abhisheka .The devotees who had assembled were slowly coming to know about the sudden change in the programme as the news spread like fire .All the assembled devotees silently marched back to their respective homes cursing the enemies who created this unholy trouble. The Lordships were silently taken back inside the temple . Swamy Lokacharyar called the Chieftain and the Elders of the temple and advised them what could be the steps that may have to take facing the invader.The objective was not to confront the enemy but to focus their efforts to ensure that the moola virat was not desecrated. All of them decided that they shall form three groups . One group shall be headed by the eldest Swamy Pillai Lokachariya, who shall carry the deities of Lord Ranganatha and His concerts in a covered palanquin and proceed southward with few disciples .Swamy Sudarshana suri took up the task of erecting a stone wall in front of the main sanctorum to misguide the invaders . A stone wall was constructed with support of many disciples in a short time ..
The third team was to provide cover for the team lead by Swamy Pillai Lokachariya [the team with the deities of our lord and his consorts so that swami had enough time to maintain safe distance from the enemy.Swami Desika who was the youngest among the Acharyas was requested by Shri Sudarsana suri to go with the third party and somehow save himself so that he at least might be left to propound Sri Vaishnavism and the teachings of Jagatha Acharya Shri Ramanuja. Shrutaprakashika was the work that was made out of generations of learning’s from Acharyas and an elaborate commentary on JagathaAcharyar Swamy Ramanuja’s Sri Bhasyam .Sudharsana Suri entrusted his two young sons and manuscript “SrutaprakaasikA” to Swami Desika Swami Desika had an earnest desire that this great work must at any cost be saved . Swami as instructed immediately took up the directions from Sudharsana Suri and was about to leave towards northward with the little boys . At the temple town , all of them decided in one voice that they will not oppose the army , but behave as if nothing is so serious .. There was a regular update about the Invaders who were approaching . The people were in two moods whether they should remain in town or flee. Who was to decide and advise them? The people were utterly confused .They decided to take counsel from Lord Ranganatha himself then decided to appeal to the LORD Himself . They all dropped chits (Tiru Ulla seettu) expressing their opinion and with devotion they drew up one chit which said that all could remain at Srirangam itself. They decided in was the Lord’s order and remained facing the situation bravely.The same evening, the invaders marched inside the Srirangam town from Samayavaram . Thousands of the town’s citizens were harassed and injured .The terror in which the enemy looted the prosperous town speaks about the bravery of the srivaishnavas there .It was a very sad plight and the bloodbath that followed who resisted will make one cry for our great forefathers who sacrificed their lives . This had been recorded in the History of Srirangam Temple known as Koil-Ozhugu . The great bloodshed of 12,000 Sri Vaishnavas at Sri Varahaswamy Sannidhi makes it the worst day in the temple town .Inside the Hall , Swamy saw heaps of corpses lying around . He somehow braved the boys to lie down unnoticed to give an impression that no one survived . The little boys stretched underneath along with some of them and our dear Swami also lay down next to them along with the holy book. Swamy Desikar thus concealed the two boys and himself amidst a heap of corpses and passed the night with caution . The enemy troops assumed that they were corpses and did not bother to probe. Observing the enemy troops moving away , Swamy slowly took the frightened boys before dawn unnoticed in North-Westerly direction towards Satyamangalam . He was completely exhausted and was worried with LORD and the other revered Acharyas .At the other side of the temple , while the enemy was invading the town, the old Acharyar dutifully carried the Lord’s deity with a small group of disciples with utmost caution braving the worst scenarios of terror with fear .
Leaving Srirangam, he had to suffer many hardships during the journey. He had to be wary of the enemy attack while he also had to protect himself and his party from robbers.He was constantly praying LORD for his mercy and keeping his disciples motivated with LORD’s divya charitam . All of them decided that whatever sufferings may befall them, Lord Ranganatha’s should not face any danger or desecration. After an arduous trek, they reached Jyothishkudi near Madurai. Lokacharya was a man strictly adhering to religious modes of conduct and manners. He was finding it difficult to secure accommodation and catering facilities on the way. These troubles were common to people in those days but the Acharya had to face more severe hardships as he had to carry Lord Ranganatha without any hardships to the Lord . All through the journey, they had to pass through possible attacks from invaders and thieves. They had to trek hundreds of miles on foot. In spite of all kinds of hardships, the Acharya carefully kept the Lord Ranganatha in his personal possession.He was particular that the traditional daily worship of Lord Ranganatha should not be missed and therefore carried the deity himself with greatest care and devotion and proceeded towards the south. Trekking several miles with constant fear of the enemy lack of food and rest had adversely affected the Acharya’s health. Also enroute , he had to face the enemies wrath some occasions injuring him too .Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar accepted all the sufferings for our LORD .He was mentally distressed about the future . His mind refused to continue living on this earth seeing the tragic state in which Ranganatha had to be kept often hiding here and there . He wept several times with the unexpected turn of events . It was like Jatayu the great devotee of Lord Rama injured by Ravana while the latter was carrying away mother Sita, he wept helplessly.
He proceeded to a village called jyothishkudi, which was surrounded by the Anamalai mountains adjoining thick, dense forests. They found a dilapidated mandapam (ceremonial hall), and decided to retire for the night.He was exhausted and came to know it was time for him to leave his body. He was surrounded by his great disciples . Looking at LORD sweating , he said to his disciples , Please fan the Lord as he is also tired coming along with us .
The disciples were sad to see their Acharyar completely exhausted and had tears watching the scene when he was fanning the Lord with those injuries in his body ..There was a pin drop silence ..With tears He meditated on his Acharyar and father, Swami vadakku thiruveedhip piLLai , pleaded them to forgive him as He could not able to protect Lord Ranganatha .
He could see numerous ants in the small place . He touched all of them, for the reason they also would be in srivaikuntam along with him , as it is believed that any living being touched by the hands of a Sri vaishnavA is assured mOksha .He was always pining, ‘Let this body and soul of mine be sacrificed for Lords sake!’ and had his wish fulfilled. He sought nothing for himself, amassed no earthly riches, and laid down his life for a Noble cause and became Lokacharyar .
He once again justified his name as the universal guru, for he delivered even ants and insects until his last moment!!
The most amazing incident was when we can observe millions of ants in that region even this day who could be the descendants of the ants that Swami delivered by his touch.
Lokacharya was one of our esteemed teachers and philosophers who preached equality of men irrespective of caste, place of residence, etc. After the disappearance of Pillailokacharya the disciples performed the last rites and continued their journey along with Lord Ranganatha towards south passing through a very long route covering Thirukoshtiyur ,Jyotishkudi .Srivalliputhur ,Calicut , Gundulpet , Chittoor Melkote , Sathyamangalam and finally Tirumala in the present Sriranganatha Mandapam where LORD stayed for 60 years .Click the appended blog post below for details of LORD meeting our Nammazhwar and the divine pastime of Swamy Srisailer with Azhwar and Lordships https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2017/09/23/thiruvaaimozhi-pillai-vaibhavam-parama-guru-of-lord-ranganathar-swamy-manavala-mamuni-attributing-everything-to-the-lotus-feet-of-his-legendary-acharyar/ The great Iyppasi sravana ( October –November ) festival is celebrated as a mark of respect for Acharyar Pillailokacharya’s sacrifice even today .He attained the lotus feet of his Acharyar in the tamil month of Adi, on the dwAdasi day. On reading this wonderful divine pastime we need to believe that…May be our LORD wanted to see himself being protected by his devotees and glorify our respectful Acharyas who had done everything as HIS kainkaryam ..Who or How else can we explain the need to “save” our Lord!!! who is beyond every thing .All glories to Swamy Pillai LokaAcharyarlOkAchAryAya guravE krushNapAdaSya SUnavE |SamSArabhOgiSandashta jIvajIvAtavE nama: ||All glories to Swamy Sudarshan suriAll glories to Swamy Desikar…………“shrImAn venkaTa-nAthAryaH kavitArkika-kesari | vedAntAcharya-varyo me sannidhattAm sadA hridi | kavithArkika simhAya kalyANa guNa Saline Srimathe vEnkateSAya vEdhAntha guravE namahaaththigiri aruLALar anumathiyOn vAzhiyE aippasiyil thiruvONaththavathariththAn vAzhiyE muththi neRi maRaith thamizhAl mozhintharuLvOn vAzhiyE niththiyam nampiLLai patham nenjchil vaippOn vAzhiyE nIL vachana bUdaNaththil niyamiththAn vAzhiyE uththamamAm mudumbai nagar uthiththa vaLLal vAzhiyE ulagAriyan pathangkaL UzhithoRum vAzhiyEAdiyen Ramanuja dasanPics : Courtesy Google imagesvideo / Pictures credits : Google images shared by several devoteesSriranga yatra , Perumal pictures ( CDs available in 2 volumes Must watch )
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