Author: Kazhiyur Varadan

 This  Vaishnava Divya desam temple is believed to have been built during the 7th century by the Pandyas . A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered  gopuram and  the gateway tower is  located behind a fort .

Thirumeyyam is one of the eighteen Pandya nadu divya desams located near Tiruchirapally . It is about  13 miles from Pudukkottai on Pudukkottai-Karaikudi route and takes about  two  hours car drive from srirangam to reach this place.  

As the temple opens late around 7.30- 8.00 a.m., one can plan to have Viswaroopa darshan in Srirangam in the early hours and reach this place. The temple is administered by Pudukottai Endowment Department whereas the fort is under the control of Archeological Department.

This cave temple  is slightly older and dated to closing decades of seventh century. The temple has a main gateway on the east in the lowermost wall with shrines for guardian deities like Ganesa, Hanuman and Bhairava.

There is a moat around the lower wall. On the top of the rock is bastion with cannon of british origin.

The other side of the  Fort has three rock-cut temples, two of them dedicated to ParamaSivan and the third to  Sri Maha Vishnu

 Lord ( Perumal)  in this big temple is glorified as Meiyappar/Sathyamurthy  and Goddess   ( Thayar) as  Ujjevana Thayar

Lord MahaVishnu who protected Satya devathai from asuras’ atrocities- the Lord  who answered Adiseshan’s prayers in removing his tamasic qualities- the Lord who blessed Chandran and consented to prevail over Chandra mandalam,- the Lord of Lords who granted Garudan’s wish to remain as the divine vehicle for the Lord, the Lord with whose cool benevolent grace Dakshagan was redeemed from curse,  the Lord who bestowed moksha to Satyavratha rishi and King Pururuvas- the Lord who appeared to King Indradyumna ordering him to construct a temple for HIM resides at this holy place 

Divya desam Perumal gives darshan in two forms  as Meiyappar also known as Adi Ranganathar in Sayana Thirukolam (sleeping posture) and as Satyamurthy in Nindra thirukolam(standing posture) under Satyagiri vimanam on the banks of Satya theertham /Kadamba pushkarini) a satyavanam (venu vanam).

As the Lord is the personification of truth, HE is  glorified as Meiyappar/SAtyamurthy and the place came to be known as Thirumeyyam.

 The temple consists of an ardha-mandapa in front of  the rectangular sanctum Along with the LORD  , other deities like Garuda, Chitragupta, Markandeya, Brahma, the Devas, the Vasus, and the Kinnaras give darshan . There are two demons near the  lotus feet of the Lord .

Legend reveal that Lord Ksheerabhidhinathar in  sayana thirukolam ( sleeping posture )  at this temple.   Thirumeyyam is considered to be the largest and older than Sri Ranganathar at Srirangam.  Hence the Lord is also known as Adi Rangan.

While Lord was in Yoga Nidarai(yogic sleep), two demons  named Madhu, Kaitapa were creating trouble .Goddess Sridevi took asylum in Perumal’s chest while Bhudevi resorted to Perumal’s thiruvadi ( lotus feet ) .

 Adiseshan who did not want Perumal’s slumber to be disturbed, chased away the rakshasas by emitting   poisonous fumes  which is beautifully depicted on the wall behind the deity   .

The      ( demons )  rakshasas are seen fleeing away near Perumal’s feet.  

Adiseshan apologized to Lord ( Perumal)  as  he felt guilty for having done this act without Lord’s  permission.  The compassionate Lord  placed HIS right hand on Adiseshan as a mark of gesture and love   . 

A lotus stalk emerging from the navel of Perumal and on the lotus ,chatur mukha Brahma seated on along with  33 crore devatas worshiping the Lord is beautifully depicted on the walls.

Apart from the above , Chitraguptan, Markandeyar, Brahma, Madhu, Kaitapar along with devatas can be seen inside  while having darshan of Lordships . 

There are  deities  of  Sudarshanazhwar , Andal, Narthana Krishna on the left side and Sri Lakshmi Narasimhan on the right side in the Moolasthanam.

UTSAVA MURTHY-SATHYAMURTHY WITH SRIDEVI,BHUDEVI, ANDAL

 The utsava murthi-Lord Meiyappar along with ubhaya nachiyars  give darshan in the Moolasthanam.  The Moolasthanam is on a pedastal and one has to climb about 4 steps to have a closer view of the  ever compassionate gigantic Perumal.

 For devotees Lord ‘s  thirumukham(face) and Thiruvadi(feet) can be viewed from outside through two small window  openings.

Lord Satyamurthy’s sanctum is to the right side of Lord  Meiyappar sannidhi.  The utsava murthi  gives darshan along with Sridevi,Bhudevi and Andal.

LORD MEIYAPPAR ALONG WITH SRIDEVI,BHUDEVI INN STANDING POSTURE

Ujjevana Thayar has a separate shrine.  As the name depicts, the goddess gives ujjeevanam to the devotees.  The childless couple offer special prayers to this Goddess  for progeny . 

Opposite to Satyamurthy’s sanndihi is Garuda bhagavan’s sannidhi.

GARUDAZHWAR SANNIDHI OPPOSITE TO MEIYAPPAR SANNIDHI, THIRUMEYYAM

 On the right side , we can have darshan of Sita-Ramar along with Lakshmanan in a separate sannidhi opposite to which is Hanuman’s sannidhi.  Andal gives darshan on the left side in a separate shrine.

Brahmotsavam is performed for 10 days during Vaigasi(*May-June) culminating on Visagam (10th day with Theerthavari on that day).  

Garuda utsavam on 4th day of Brahmotsavam attracts huge crowds.  

The Thiru-ther utsavam on 8th day is equally important.  

Perumal appeared to Satya maharishi on Vaikasi-Pushyam day.

Thiruaadipooram, Adhyayana utsavam during Margazhi(Dec-Jan), Sri Krishnashtami are few festivals which are performed grandly. The temple follows vaikhanasa agamam .

  STHALAPURANAM

• Sathyagireeswaran( ParamaSivan) and Satyamurthy(Vishnu) temples are carved out of a single rock within the fort.

Asuras  defeated the  devas and started ruling the world inflicting troubles on  all living beings. There was no place for sathyam(truth) and dharmam(righteousness). Dharma devathai took the form of a bull and reached Azhagar koil for prayers while Satya devathai took the form of a deer and entered venu vanam(as this place was full of bamboo trees) and meditated on Lord Vishnu for help. 

Lord  Maha Vishnu appeared before Satya devathai and promised to annihilate the asuras and restore satyam and dharmam.  Satya devathai prayed to Perumal to stay at this place forever.  Hence, we see the Lord here as Truth personified. HE is known as Satyanathan and the utsavar is known as Mei-appan(Mei in tamil means truth)……

  Adisesha, the foremost servitor of the Lord assumes various forms and does kainkaryam to Perumal and Thayar eternally.

 A verse in Prabhandam  goes like ….

Sendral kudaiyam,

Irundhal sinhAsanamam,

nindral maravadiyam,

 neelkadalul endrum punaiyam

(, manivillakkAm ,

poompattAm,  

pulgum anaiyam thirumArvukku aravu).

Freely translated,

Adisesha acts as Umbrella when the Lord walks, he becomes simhasanam for the Lord to sit, he becomes padhukas to hold the tender lotus feet of the Lord when HE walks, he is the cosy bed and pillow  on which the Lord rests in Vyuha form in Thirupaarkadal , he acts as light to the Lord and as silk cloth for the Lord.  As Lakshmana , the service what he rendered to Sri Rama is remarkable.

The thousand hooded Adisesha came down from Ksheerabdhi and traversing through the bowels of earth reached this place. 

Assuming the five hooded form , Adisesha contemplated on the Lord at this place .Lord  appeared  and granted his wish to give darshan in Sayana Thriukolam as HE is in Thirupaarkadal.

Hence,we  have darshan of  the  Lord as Ksheerabdhinathan.

 Legends reveal that once , Sathyavatha Maharishi  was doing penance sitting on Chithrasilai under a banyan tree named Pathiravadam near Pushpathirai river at the foot of the Himalayas.

 He went into the woods for collecting sticks for daily  homam ( havan ) .

  He unknowingly cut his finger in the process , which he was unaware as it did not cause any pain or blood oozed. 

By the time he returned to his hermitage, the finger grew . 

Gandharvas observed this strange incident  to Indran.

Indran and his brother,Upendra  disguised as hunter and a boar  came into the vicinity of the Rishi’s ashram . 

Mahavishnu who had taken the form of boar appeared as if he was hit by the arrow reached  the ashram and sought asylum. 

Tracing the foot prints of the boar,  the hunter approached the rishi and requested him to tell him about the whereabouts of the boar so that he could save his family who were on the verge of death due to starvation. 

The rishi was in a dilemma because if he told the hunter  about the boar’s hiding place, the hunter would kill the boar and he would not be able to keep up his promise of protecting the boar. 

The rishi ,who was an embodiment of knowledge, philosophically explained the actual truth and advised the hunter to refrain from this crime.

  Lord Vishnu and Indra appeared in their true forms before the rishi and praised him for his devotion.  Lord Vishnu advised him  to go to Sathya kshetram and continue his penance and  assured him of salvation along with Pururavas Chakravarthi.

 The rishi expressed his gratitude towards the rock named Chithrasalai on which he sat, the banyan tree which gave him shelter and the river Pushpathirai in which he had bath.  Perumal replied that the rock  and the banyan tree would be transported on Iravatam, Indra’s elephant to Satya kshetram and the river would appear there as theertham.  River Pushpathirai now flows as Satya Pushkarini, the rock is now the big cave in which the temple is built and the banyan tree is the sthala vruksham.

Thirumangai azhwar has composed  several pasurams on great Lord in Peria Thirumozhi  . Azhwar  quotes LORD of Thirumeyyam in several pasurams while glorifying the LORDSHIPS in other divya desams which shows is deep affection to our LORD here . Azhwar  refers our Lord at Thirumeyyam  as  Lord Rama . 

Lord holding  the Kodandam Bow that  pierced seven sala trees  is memorable . Azhwar has a deep desire  to hug the Lord’s broad chest at least once for his valor .

In another pasuram , while glorifing Srinivasa Perumal at Thirunaraiyur who happens to be Azhwar’s acharyar,   Azhwar glorifies the Lord at Thirumeyyam as the one who in  Krishnaavataram  burnt the Kandava vanam. In  another pasuram Azhwar takes the role of a mother whose daughter is in  deep love with Perumal and  suffering from pangs of separation. 

The mother  says that her daughter is lamenting by taking the names of Lord of  Thiruvenkatam, Thiruneermalai,Thirukannapuram, Thirumeyyam and  asking the whereabouts about Thirumeyyam.

In another  pasuram  , Azhwar compares the dark complexioned  Lordships residing at Thirumeyyam to the dark sea, mountain, dark clouds ready to pour rain,  compares to Kuvali flower(dark flower) and says that the hands which do not fold in front of Thirumeyyam Perumal are not considered to be hands at all. 

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics credits : Google images /All advanced devotees who have uploaded the same .

                    The gem of a work presented to us by Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar is        ” SRI BHASHYA”.  

The illustrious Sri Vaishnava preceptor  Swamy Alavandar  wanted  Swamy Ramanujacharya to take over spiritual leadership of the Sri Vaishnava community.

Swamy Ramanuja set off to meet Alavandar as per the instructions , but before the meeting could materialize,  Swamy Alavandar departed from this world.  Swamy Ramanuja  was sad  for the sudden turn of events .

He noticed that three of  Swamy Alavandar’s fingers remained folded.  Swamy Ramanuja asked the  Elders  assembled there why  was  it  so.   They  replied that Swamy Alavandar had three unfulfilled wishes. On inquiring further it was revealed that the great Acharyar  Alavandar wanted to write a commentary for Brahmasutra, but he could not get round to doing it because of his  busy occupations .

Hence the first folded finger indicated this unfulfilled desire. Secondly, he wanted to do something to honor the contributions of the revered  sages Vyasa and Parasara and thirdly, he wanted to write a commentary on Nammazhvar’s Thiruvaimozhi.

Swamy  Ramanuja instantaneously  promised to carry out all  the three wishes unfulfilled by Swamy  Alavandar.   Miraculously , all the  fingers  restored its normal course  .

Swamy  Ramanuja’s Brahmasutras   is glorified  as Sri Bhashyam.   Ramanuja named  his disciple Kooratazhvan’s sons Parasara Bhattar and Vedavyasa Bhattar, thus  the second wish of Alavandar was fulfilled. Upon the command of  Swamy Ramanuja, his disciple Sri Kurukesa (Pillan) wrote a commentary for Thiruvaimozhi. Thus  Swamy Ramanuja ensured that all of  Acharyar Alavandar’s   three wishes were fulfilled.

 The efforts made by Swamy Ramanuja to take up the important task of his Acharyar must be cherished by every vaishnava . The comprehensive commentary of this outstanding work was given the name Srutha Prakashika. 

The legendary Acharyas after our Jagath Acharyar who explained this beautiful commentary were    Kurukeshwaran disciple of Swamy Ramanuja  , Vishnuchittar disciple of Swamy  Kurukeshwaran  , Varadacharyar disciple of  Vishnuchittar and Sudarshana bhattar disciple of  Varadacharyar ( Nadaadhoor Ammal)

 The great devotee  of Lord Varadarajar of Kancheepuram ” Swamy Nadaadhoor Ammal wrote a book with all the understandings gained from the Elders in the form of arguments answers and counter arguments about the great work Sri Bhashya.

This work was called as PRAMEYAMALA .

He continued his writing with monumental works like Tatwa sara and Prapanna Parijata.  Swamy was respected as  the most authoritative commentator on Sri Bhashya and several disciples used to approach him for learning the esoteric truths .

A great devotee and an obedient disciple Sudarshana suri was keen to meet the Acharyar for the same . He traveled to Kancheepuram after taking permission from his  aged mother . Always attentive and serving his Acharyar Ammal he was learning the rich truths from the commentaries daily.  He was always  there  to attend the class , no matter even If he  had already attended the same .That was his interest . He was always in the mood of being near to his Acharyar serving him .

One day  it so happened all the disciples were awaiting for the class to begun . Acharyar also had come . But he was waiting for Sudarshana  arrival . The disciples were upset for the special care given to Sudarshana  The disciples expressed their unhappiness for the special care given to Sudarshana  as they found him to be a dull witted person attending  the  same classes repeatedly  without any knowledge.

The next day Ammal conducted the class as usual . He paused at a verse … and looked at Sudarshana  and said ……..

My Child !  Please repeat what was explained  about  this verse  . Sudarshana bhattar obediently  got up and with folded hands  replied ..

Acharya … Please command me !!!  Which adhikarna  ? This verse was given wonderful explanations in every discourse .Please tell me which explanation are you seeking ? The first class OR the last class ?

The disciples were dumb folded . Ammal continued . My child ! Please tell me both of them ..

Sudarshana   explanations was a continuous flawless flow of words that mesmerized all the disciples .He was simply excellent in reproducing the content as explained by his Master ..

Acharyar praised him for his comprehension  diction and dedication . All the disciples rushed towards Sudarshana and requested him to elucidate all the meanings .

Sudarshana attempted to codify all the texts and bring together the various commentaries of  Elders  as the gem Sri Bhashya.. The disciples all together edited the various commentaries of the Acharyas and hence the name   …

                                                  SHRUTA PRAKASHIKA  ….…

                        THAT WHICH IS HEARD HE MOST AUTHORITATIVE

This treasure is considered as a full mail of diamonds for Sri Bhashya like a kavacham ( shield )  This great commentary has provided answers to various onslaughts made on it in the form of questions and the doubts raised by people with limited vision .Because of this lovely work Sri Bhashya withstood firmly the many arguments and counter arguments of mayavadis  .

Once this wonderful work was completed Sudarshana seeking blessings of Acharyar  returned to Srirangam . He was shocked to see the tyranny of Ulugh Khan  the Moslem rulers . There was chaos everywhere  .

The tyrants were pulling down the towers of the mandapams .The people were living in deep fear .The palm leaf manuscripts stored in the houses of advanced  srivaishnavas were being burnt .

Many elders lost their lives saving the treasures of commentaries .  Sudarshana  was sad . He carried the manuscripts to his aged mother and pleaded her to save this jewel  which was his life breath .   He approached the elders to contribute his services in protecting the LORD ..

 The young Swamy Desikar , Swamy Sudarshana  and other Acharyas assembled , and met Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar  inside the  Srirangam temple .They all  concluded it was  Ulugh Khan  the army commander sent by Tuglak who was creating this  tyranny to loot the temple   . They had to take a quick decision  .

All of them informed the  temple priests for staying beside the deities at all cost , and gave some important  tasks to be completed without any delay . 

.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 inside the temple .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 .

Sudarshana  who had just arrived  took up the task of erecting a stone wall in front of the  main sanctorum to  misguide the invaders . Thus 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  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.

There was not much time left . Sudharsana  entrusted his two  young  sons and manuscript “Sruta prakaasikA” to  Swami Desika asking him to save this treasure for future generations    Swami Desika earnestly    prayed LORD 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  sad  bloodshed of 12,000 Sri Vaishnavas at  Sri Varahaswamy Sannidhi makes it the worst day in the temple town .

Inside the Hall , Swamy Desikar  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  Desikar slowly took the frightened boys before dawn unnoticed in North-Westerly direction .

He suddenly saw some gaurds chasing them. He managed to  hide near the mud rocks at the banks of river kaveri. With caution ,  hiding the young boys beneath the mud rocks he dug one yard deep pit in the sands of the river and buried the great work  giving mother kaveri a rare tribute .

He somehow managed to lay down covering himself with the kaveri sand escaping any detection . When the gaurds moved  he regained his position  and quickly moved away to Satyamangala  with  the treasure book and the small kids . He made few copies of the manuscripts and taught the contents to all his disciples .

 Our Poorvacharyas have struggled to give us this treasure and hence It is the bounden duty of every vaishnava to proudly say….. 

                                                      Adiyen Ramanuja dasan …..    

  I am Ramanuja dasan … and thus protect /propogate the works of our Poorvacharyars and our sampradaya ..saying .

All glories to Swamy Pillai LokaAcharyar

All  glories to Swamy Sudarshan suri

All glories to Swamy Vedanta  Desikar…………

All glories to Poorvacharyas for their abundant mercy …

“shrImAn venkaTa-nAthAryaH kavitArkika-kesari |
vedAntAcharya-varyo me sannidhattAm sadA hridi |
kavithArkika simhAya kalyANa guNa Saline
Srimathe vEnkateSAya vEdhAntha guravE namaha

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan …..

Adapted from a discourse shared by an advanced devotee .

Pics Credits : Google images/sri varavara muni /All devotees of Lord 

Few hundreds year ago at Srirangam  inside  an Ashram , the  revered Srivaishnava  Acharyar Swamy Aaachaan was delivering a discourse to his disciples .

Trailokyai Ammal  happened to be there  hearing the Master speak .

Acharyar begun .. My dear children ……

The best means to salvation is LORD himself and to attain  is two fold .

One by Bhakthi or loving him with all the energy of ones own will and the other,  is Prapatti   loving him with all the force derived from the Supreme LORD himself …

When you resign from your own will and place all your hopes in the sweet will of the providence the process  of change begins  .

Many spiritual texts advises that surrender to the lotus feet of the Supreme is the best means to attain Moksha .  

The Taitriya Upanishad explores the  different paths and the effectiveness for attaining  Moksha ..

Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Kovil

Satyam     Practice of Truth

Tapas     Reducing  bodily needs

Damas   Control of one’s senses

Sama   Control of inner senses

Daanam   Giving liberally

Dharma  Practice of duties

Agneyah  tending sacred fires

Agnihotra  offering to devas through fire

Yagna    sacrifices

Maanasa   meditation

Nyaasa   surrender

Among all the above paths Surrender is the Ultimate . Bhakthi needs to be practiced for a long duration until the prarabdha karma gets exhausted .

Bhakthi needs Jnana and shakthi and its a continuous sustained attempts whereas Prapatti is total surrender  to LORD in any state .

Trailokyai Ammal liked the  discourse  .

She sincerely approached  Master and requested him to allow her to attend classes . Acharyar allowed her for the dedication .

Ammal served the disciples and the Master with care and affection simultaneously listening to the esoteric truths ..

One day,  it was informed that a revered Acharyar from Tirumala had arrived .

Ammal loved Tirumala very much .

The hymn of Nammalvar on Tirumala always made her swoon in imagination  to the holy place .

She took  permission from her Acharyar to take blessings from the Acharyar who had arrived .  With great anxiety she met the revered  master .

Offering obeisances repeatedly she seeked a favor to serve him all the while  during his stay .The Master was none other than the great Swamy AnanthAzhwan who had spontaneously agreed to leave to Tirumala to serve Lord Venkateshwara as per Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja’s  command .

Days passed , Ammal was taking care of all the needs of Acharyar and had to take leave when Swamy proceeded back to Tirumala. 

Aaachan looked at Ammal and asked her ,

My Child ….

Tell me ….whether Swamy taught you  lessons which was not covered by me  past so many years.  Ammal responded ..

Yes ! Master …

I learn t the most important lesson from Swamy Anantha Azhwan. Seeking  refuge from the lotus feet of Acharyan. is ultimate , whereas your  honor  said we need to seek lotus feet of Supreme Lord .

She continued … trust at the lotus feet of the savior my Acharyar will give sure protection and hence decided to seek the lotus feet of Acharyar who she could directly see .

She elaborated …Master !!! Should I let go the water in my palm looking at the clouds for the water ? Achaan agreed with her innocent talk  and praised her devotion …

Another incident took place  in Srirangam ….

It so happened a dumb and deaf person approached Swamy Ramanujar and appealed in a moving manner unable to utter a single word .

The ever merciful Acharyar was moved .

He  clasped his hand with the person and both proceeded inside the Ashram. He closed the doors of his personal room. All the disciples were wondering who could  be the new person  ? There was  silence ….

Swamy Kooresa arrived to find out who was the person Acharyar clasped his hands with Noticing he has gone inside the private chambers of Acharyar he felt he was a great Mahaan . It took some time .

Very inquisitively he peeped inside the chambers from the key hole.

Inside Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja in sign language was asking the dumb person what was his desire . It looked the person was holding swamy’s feet tightly with tears seeking refuge and pleading Acharyar to place his feet on his head and bless him . Acharyar with compassion placed his lotus feet on his head and blessed him .

Koorath Azhwan observed this . He bemoaned that he was not as fortunate as the deaf dumb person to get that total grace of Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja…

There is a beautiful saying in tamil ……………………………….                              

 ‘Uyiya oreyy vazhi Udayavar thiruvadi’

meaning …..

..‘To achieve salvation the surrender at the  lotus feet of  Swamy Ramanuja is the only way’.

Swamy  Pillai Lokachariar  says in his wonderful work…..

” Sri Vachana Bhushanam ……….. ‘Acharya Abimaname Uththaragam’ –

meaning … 

“Acharyan feeling happy about his disciple  and  showering  his grace can be the Saviour of the highest kind”.

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics credits : Google images/  Sri varavaramuni group 

Swamy Parasara Bhattar the great successor of Jagath Acharyar Swami Ramanuja was a prolific writer of great distinction.

Acharyar’s works in Sanskrit and tamil bear amazing scholarship and command . Swamy’s works in Sanskrit include Ashtasloki, BhagavadgunaDarpanam , SriGunaRatnakosam, SriRanganathaStotram, Sri Ranganatha Stavam.

Swamy Parasara bhattar was officiating as the chief-priest in SriRangam temple, and hence was known as Purohita of Lord Ranganatha, SriRangesa Purohitah.

Swamy’s transcendental life was full of divine incidents and anecdotes, which are cherished by all .

The below mentioned incident happened a few hundred years ago at Srirangam the capital of Srivaishnavas .

The Sastras proclaim that whenever there is a transit of a planet from one sign to another sign of the zodiac , it is necessary to perform holy bath ( Abhishek ) to the Lordships .

Accordingly all arrangements were being made inside the temple .

A vedantin who had several doubts on srivaishnava mode of worship happened to enter the temple to offer respects to the Lordships to have darshan of Lord Ranganatha .

Inside the temple , Swamy Parasara bhattar was in ecstatic mood .

While having darshan he noticed the revered Acharyar Swamy Parasara bhattar was reciting a verse which kept all the devotees spellbound . The verse was new to his disciples . They were very eager to learn about the meaning of the divine verse .

The curtains were drawn . The Lordships were being dressed with royal garments amidst divine fragrance. The disciples approached Acharyar and submitted .

Acharya …

The sloka which was recited was very new to us .

Kindly explain us the content for us to recite .The vedantin also was keen to hear the commentary .

Acharyar replied ,

My dear children ……..

that was an emotional outpour having darshan of our LORD .

Tvamme , ahamme kutastat tadapikutah….

yetachanaadi siddaaanubhava vibhavaat tarhi saakrosha yeva

kvaakrosah kasya gitaadishu mama viditah kotrasaakshi sudheeh syat hanta

tvat pakshapaateesah iti nrukalahe mrigyamadhyastavattam…….

The divine verse interpretation attracted the vedantin closer .

He had several doubts to be cleared and by the discourse he could understand the esoteric truths from the legend himself.

Acharyar words were crystal clear .

Swamy began …………

My children ..

There is always a tussle going on time to time immemorial between the Jiva and Paramatma .

Though the absolute truth is “LORD is independent ” and ” we jivas are beholden in him and dependent” , ,……..

this jiva ……………….is infatuated with material pursuits which makes him ignore the subtle truth .

Due to sheer ignorance and blinded by the three gunas he oversees the truth .

And, due to his arrogance, boasts about his independence , thus suffers succession of sorrows.

The all compassionate Lord feels sad for him ( jiva ) and says

Tvamme..

YOU ARE MINE … and YOU ARE MY FAVORITE…

If you recognise this truth …I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU …

The arrogant Jiva replies …

How can I be yours ?

I cannot be yours and

I cannot be dependent on you and……………………….

at NO TIME ..I can be your servant ..

I AM TOTALLY INDEPENDENT ……………………

Lord out of abundant love smiles and asks ………. Kutastat ?

How is that ?

and ...how did you arrive at that conclusion ?

The Jiva due to his unlimited arrogance replies ..

OK…………………….. Fine ..then ……

Now how would you answer the same question if it was from me ?

that you are my Lord and I am yours ..???

The Ocean of Mercy LORD smiles and replies

...Yes ………..My child …

For my statement the vedas are the authority ..

pathim visvasyaa…daasa bhootah svaiah sarve…

The Jiva argues again  without understanding the subtle truth …

From Time immemorial I lived as an INDEPENDENT PERSON …

and I continue to live and thus quoting vedas written in old palm leaves manuscripts are no longer valid for me to be convinced ….

Tarhi saakroshayeva …

Once again LORD out of abundant compassion replies …….

My dear child …..

Are you advancing with false arguments , though you do not have proper knowledge ?

I have always taken care of you ….

I have always been there ……..and objected independence for your own good …..

my dear ……

kvaa krosah kasya ..

The jiva with no remorse once again out of pride replies

NO ONE HAS RAISED ANY OBJECTION AT ANY PLACE ABOUT MY FREE WILL AND INDEPENDENCE

..(including the court) ..

Gitaadishu mama viditah ..

Lord smiles at the ignorant jiva and …replies patiently ..

My dear child ..

In this world there are two kinds of sentient beings ..

Atma quality-less and attribute-less gets combined with this prakruti, and forms different senses (both subtle and gross) and thus gets different material natures.

This combination of atma and qualities arising from prakruti is you the jivatma…..

apareyam itas tv anyāṁ prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām
jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat BG – 7.5

mamaivāṁśo jīva-loke jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ
manaḥ-ṣaṣṭhānīndriyāṇi prakṛti-sthāni karṣati BG – 15.7
and all the living entities in this conditioned world are my eternal fragmentation parts.

Due to conditioned life, the struggle is felt .

Besides the (insentient matter), O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature.

Unperturbed , with a casual approach the jiva demands proof and objects the statements of LORD ….

The jiva seeks for witness to claim his argument ..

Sudheeh syaat …

Paramatma once again replies stating everyone who read Srimad Bhagavad Gita are his witness

Hasta tvatpakshapaate sah ….

The Jiva replies that

It cannot accept the witness as the so called readers of Srimad Bhagavad Gita ,would just go around seeking livelihood by mentioning your name only ?

The argument goes to no end due to the jiva’s arrogance and false illusion …

The all compassionate LORD thinks that there can be only one alternative left for him …

Generally in this material world .. when arguments and counter arguments go on between two persons , one of the person to prove his statements , indicates he would wear a wet cloth and stand before a tree and take an oath stating that he was speaking ONLY truth

Lord thought that as there was no other alternative to convince his children …

.takes the ultimate step to be in wet clothes ….

Mrugyamadyasthharat tvam ….

Acharyars in his deep musings with tears looking at LORD in wet clothes submits ..

Oh ! Supreme Lord !! Not able to convince obstinate people with your explanations …

My LORD ..Are you adoring yourself with wet clothes to convince this fallen jiva ….

Mruya madhyastha ……..

and thus Acharyar shares his emotional musings …..

which enlighten their opinion ..

The vedantin approaches the Acharyar and humbly submits ….

Swamin ..Just give me a gist of the summary ….

Acharyar replies ……

Swamin ….It is not really essential for a person to take a dip in the Holy rivers like ganges and visiting pilgrim centers .. …

It is enough if one doesn’t doubt the LORD who is the in dweller in the heart and functions in a manner of being beholden to him ..

When knowledge of self arises in one , like the rising sun , the arguments which one advances due to ignorance would abrade..

The innumerable references to the interpretations Swamy Parasara Bhattar to azhwar’s hymns and his wonderful repartee to his disciple Nanjiyar’s questions are source of immense delight to all devotees ……

Another divine musings about his pangs of separation with LORD is appended in the below mentioned url post …where he mentions …

He was explaining the three stages of love to LORD …

Recollection , Trance and Rallying …

Recollection is recollection of all the past ravishments of soul ..vouchsafed by LORD

Trance or Fainting is consequent on desolation at this recollection not yielding to the present enjoyment

Rallying is the sudden lucidity whilst in this state of trance which is considered as a extreme advanced state in devotion which our Azhwar’s possessed..

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2016/08/30/day-and-night-she-doesnt-sleep-in-floods-of-tears-her-eyes-swim/

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics : Credits Google images

Adapted from a discourse from an advanced devotee

Swami Thiru-kachchi Nambi occupies a very unique position, both as an Acharyar, and as an advanced devotee in srivaishnava guru parampara .
Swamy Nambi is one of the very few devotees with whom the Lord Himself conversed regularly.
Swami Thirukkachchi nambi appeared in a place called poo irunda valli (currently called poonamallee, near Chennai ) which falls on 19th Feb 2024 Maasi Mrigasira Nakshatra this year .
Swamy moved to kAnchIpuram, and started performing devotional service to LORD Varadaraja at Kancheepuram templ.
His unique service was to fan the Lord of Kanchi, Swami Varadaraja, everyday in the late morning-early afternoon, and in the night before Lord takes rest .
While doing the fanning service (called thiru-Ala-vatta Kainkaryam in tamil), Lord Varadaraja used to converse with Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi about the happenings around the world.
The topics used to be anything from how the temple was being run, to the happenings in the city of Kanchipuram and esoteric topics about philosophy.
The Lord considered swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi as His closest friend, and talked to him just like any friend would.
All this was due to the great qualities of swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi – his supreme devotion to Lord Varadaraja, his being devoid of any ego, and his being a true servant of the Lord, wanting no other thing but service to the Lord.
One incident in his life is used to show how much Lord cared for him.
One morning, after the morning holy rituals were completed in the temple, everyone left as usual. Lord Varadaraja and Swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi were discussing , with Swami thiru-k-kachhci nambi performing the usual Kainkaryam of fanning the Lord. They were immersed on some interesting topic, and time passed without both of them noticing. Suddenly , It began to rain very heavily.
The time for thiru-k- kachchi nambi to go home for his afternoon prasadam arrived, and Lord seemed to be resting.
So, swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi took leave from Lord, and went outside the covered Mantapam.
It was raining very heavily, and hence he could not move out . He was getting concerned that if he is delayed now, then he will be delayed coming back to the temple for evening services.
Suddenly, an aged Sri Vaishnava person appeared with an umbrella, and told swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi that Lord Varadaraja had instructed him to accompany swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi to his home with the umbrella, and bring him back.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was very moved with this kindness, and thanked the Sri Vaishnava and the Lord for the great help …
Evening came, and swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was delayed a little bit in starting for the temple.
The Sri Vaishnava who accompanied him to his house was still there, waiting for him, so that he could accompany him back to the temple.
Meanwhile, in the temple, the priests arrived to start performing the evening rituals.
When they entered the sanctum sanctum, they were shocked and taken aback.
The Lord was not there in the temple!
They looked everywhere, and the Lord was not there!
They were much worried, and were waiting for swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi to come back so that they can ask him if he knew where the Lord went, or if the Lord was upset with some mistake that might have happened.
After sometime, Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi came along with the SriVaishnava.
The priests immediately went to him, and explained the situation, and asked him with great concern if he knew anything. Swamithiru-k-kachchi nambi told them he had no idea about what might have happened, and immediately started shedding tears .
After all, Lord Varadaraja was not just the Supreme Being to him…
He was also his closest friend.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was anxious about the sudden happenings .
Offering prayers silently he attempted to check all the places he was familiar inside the temple ,like how a father would search for his lovable child so as to get any clues from there.
He went to the usual place of the Lord, and lo and behold, the Lord was there,smiling and with a very satisfied look on His lotus face!

Immediately, swami thiru-k-kachci nambi rushed to the priests and conveyed the happy news about the great Lord arrving …
Everyone wanted to celebrate, and looked for the Sri Vaishnava who had accompanied swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi so that they could invite him to join the celebrations too.
They could not find him.
He had vanished.
When the priests went near the Lord to start performing the services ,they saw water droplets on Him!
Everyone now realized what had happened.
The Lord Himself, unable to bear the thought of swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi getting wet by the rain, had accompanied him to his home.
Not only that, He waited there so that He could accompany swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi back to the temple!
Such was the greatness of the revered Acharyar Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi…
Later during his last days , once Swamy Thirukachi nambhigal while continuing his fanning service to Lord Sri Varadaraja Perumal his aalavattam (fan) slipped and fell down….
Very disturbed he realized his body was not supporting his most blessed kainkaryam ….
Thirukachi Nambh was sad ..
He realized that the time for him to leave this materialistic world had come as the body was not serving its purpose of serving the Supreme Lord
Nambhi offers obeisances and submits to LORD and requests Perumal to grant him liberation as he is not able to be of any use to Lord with his physical body .
Lord Varadaraja Perumal smiles and replies
My dear Nambee !!…
granting Moksham needs
“Bhaagavatha Sambhandham”.
Your fanning made me speak to you ..
“Neer Veesiner, Naan Pessinen”.
Thirukachi Nambhigal understands that devotees association is paramount in the process of Moksha.
He decides to “earn” some Bhaagavatha Abhimaanam by serving the pure devotees .
He takes permission from Lord Varadaraja and proceeds to the home of the great Acharya Thirukostiyur Nambhi at Thirukoshtiyur a place near to Madurai
He realises that Thirukostiyur Nambhi (Swami Ramanuja’s acharya) would not accept as a domestic help someone whom Lord Varadaraja himself had conversed with.
So Thirukachi Nambhigal under the guise of a common peasant meets some of his disciples and introduces himself as Gajendra Dasan (his Birth name) and requests for some small work at their ashram …
Unaware that he was the great devotee , Thirukostiyur Nambhigal asks his disciples to engage him to take care of his cows and bullocks in the Goshala .
Always in the mood of serving Lord Varadaraja he takes up the new service of go seva
Thirukachi Nambhigal was relieved and happy that he has had got an opportunity to serve a great Acharya.
Days pass …

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Thirukoshtiyur Nambi is shocked to see Nambigal real identity .
He honours him and discuss esoteric truths.
He reveals his identity and narrates the sequence of incidents that led him to coming as Gajandra dasan to Thirukostiyur Nambhigal.
Thanking his Acharyar for the association he takes leave to Kancheepuram.
Lord Varadaraja is happy to see his dear devotee friend .
Like an eager mother expecting her child back, Lord Varadaraja with open arms welcomes Nambhigal right at the steps and praises Thirukachi Nambhigal’s steadfast devotion and affection.
The emotional outpour “Devaraja Ashtakam”, glorifying the Lord’s boundless love for His Bakthas is revealed ……and the pains of this materialistic world!

Swamy Nambhigal attains moksham to serve Sriman Narayana in Sri Vaikuntam permanently .
19-2-24 is
Swamy Thirukachi Nambi 1015 th appearance day ( Thirunakshatram) ….
lets pray for steadfast devotion from our revered Acharyar …
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Courtesy Google images and several advanced devotees
Videos : Sri Devanathan & Sri Padmanabhan..

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 .

 Acharyar Varadaguru was deeply distressed  looking at the boiling milk . He  was  disturbed  as he felt  , offering the hot milk would burn the tender tongue of the Lord!

He stopped the priest from offering the hot milk. He pleaded him to wait .He  began cooling it down until it was warm enough to be offered to the Lordships.

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 conducting  Vasantotsavam.

Accordingly Ammal fulfilled the Lord’s desire, just as a mother would fulfill the wishes of her son in spite of  unexpected 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 .

Acharya Nadadoor Thiruvadigale sharanam
Srimathey Ramanujaya namah

Pics credits : Google images uploaded by several devotees

The month of  ( March – April )   in tamil (Panguni )  is sacred  as it is the appearance month of –  Lord Ranganatha  on Panguni Revathi and Goddess  Sri Ranganayaki Thayar on Panguni Uthiram both occur during this month.

 This is the only day on which the Divya  Dampatis of Srirangam are seen together in Utsavam.

The Utsavam  takes place at the royal court located at the western entrance of  the great Temple of Lord Ranganatha.

Interestingly, this is the only  entrance which does not have a Rajagopuram.

Incredibly Swamy Ramanuja  chose this blessed day for reciting the wonderful hymns  the Gadya  Trayam- Saranagathi gadyam, Sriranga gadyam and Vaikunta gadyam, unambiguously outlining the doctrine of  Surrender .

(SharaNagati-which is  atma Vivaham) wedding of the jivAtma to the paramAtma.

On this day Panguni Uttaram , Swamy  Ramanuja gathered  all his  disciples and  approached  the great Temple of Lord Ranganatha.

Our Paramacharya was greatly moved by the majestic sight of the Divya Dampatis beautifully decorated in Utsavam at the Royal Court .

As a result of this Anubhavam, Swamy  Ramanuja  poured out his heart in an extremely soulful, highly intimate, and deeply intense SharaNagati  ( TOTAL SURRENDER ) in the Sharanagati Gadyam and the Sri Ranganatha Gadyam.

.

The most important and the oldest Brahmotsavam called as “Adi Brahmotsavam” is performed during this month for 10 days and culminates on the next day of Panguni Uthiram.

 During this brahmotsavam, Lord Ranganatha marries Kamalavalli Nachiyar of Uraiyur  divyadesam.

Many devotees make it a point to have darshanam of Lordships on this day specially to have kataksham by Divine Parents .

3 

Few days before Panguni Uthram(when Asilesha star is in ascendant),  Lord Namperumal visits  Goddess Kamalavalli Nachiyar at Uraiyur and marries the princess..

And , only on this day, Perumal gives darshan with Kamalavalli Thayar  at Uraiyur for one full day.  

 Incidentally this is the place where our  great  Thiruppan Azhwar appeared .

On the 9th day of Brahmotsavam, the serthi (divine union) takes place at Srirangam.  

On this day alone, Namperumal gives darshan along with Ranganayaki Thayar.  

An  interesting event cherished as  ” Pranaya Kalagam Uthsavam ”  takes  place on Panguni Uthiram  day morning and in the night , Gadyathrayam  (threee gadyams) are recited in presence  of the Supreme  Lordships which is followed by Thirumanjanam (Holy abhishekam) to Namperumal and Ranganayaki Thayar .  

Thirumanjanam is performed for 18 times reminding us of Swamy  Ramanujar’s visits to Thirugoshtiyur.  which  are sequel to this  sweet visit.

Our Mother Sr Ranganayaki comes to know of  LORDs  visit to  Uraiyur  nachiyar and gets upset. ( a vatsalya bhava )

The dramatic events on the Panguni Uthiram day unfold as Sri Ranganachiyar vents her Pranaya  Kobam  on Lord  Namperumal and how Lord  pacifies her and how in the end the divya dampathis join together to bless the devotees makes this festival a feast to the soul  .

 In the morning hours  , Lord aware of Goddess mood goes around the four mada streets without any  musical instrument being played ( Nadaswaram )  to collect  kanikai ( gifts )  from devotees and  thus gives darsanam to everyone   .

 The devotees are given an opportunity to serve Rajadhirajan (Lord of the Universe) with offerings . He stops at every house asking His  devotees  to support Him when He faces the queen   Goddess Sri Ranga Nachiyar.

With the temple elephant (Andal) leading the way followed by the vedic pundits reciting  dhivya prabhandha goshti  LORD  enters the temple and walks towards the  sanctorium (sannidhi)  of Goddess (Thayar)  after literally moving around  for  three hours  around the prakarams.

When Sri Ranga Nachiyar understands that  Lord Ranganatha coming towards Her, the temple  doors  are  shut.

For the next couple of hours, Pranaya Kalagam Uthsavam (household quarrel between the Lord and His consort) takes place that is wonderfully enacted by Arayar swamy..

The conversations  between Namperumal and Ranganayaki Thayar are  communicated through Arayar swami (for Namperumal) and through Pandari swami (for Ranganayaki Thayar) and they never face each other during this  kalagam Utsavam .  

The Lord pleads innocence  and tries to appease  the goddess  in many ways but all his submission is out rightly rejected .   

Few questions asked by Goddess  make this  utsavam very interesting …

Goddess questions  Lord  about  his scratch marks on His Thirukkazuthu (neck) and  reason for  His Thirukkangal (eyes) becoming  so red.

She also asks why His Thiruman kappu  ( Tilak ) and His Thirukkuzal (hair) are all messed up.

She also goes on to ask Him why His Thiruvadharam (lips) are white and  ……

why He has kungumappoo (Saffron powder) all over his Thirumeni (body),

His ThiruvadigaL (lotus feet) are red.

Hence,  She was very unhappy because of HIS indifference to her .

The Lord  out of divine love  responds back to each question.

 My dear …. Listen …

Being   the protector of the universe (Jagadhrakshakan),   riding the horse  in the night   and fighting against all evil  forces to protect my  devotees I had to be awake  and  thus the  eyes  have become  red.

These Hair locks are messed up because of the fierce winds  which faced me while I was  galloping on the horse.

And listen dear  ….

This  Thiruman kappu had dissolved because of the harsh sun rays during my horse ride

And my  lips are  white because  i was   fighting  against the asuras (demons)  with single pointed concentration

My  neck was   scratched by  those thorns while  I  was riding through thick forests to fight the same  Asuras.

Lord further continues .. my .dear Listen   , these  legs were red because I  had to ride the horse with  the  feet tightly hooked  in the stirrup and finally this  kungumappoo  is all over my  body because the Devathas  were happy and praised us  after the victorious campaign by showering me  with flowers.

Thus,  Lord   submits to Goddess  that He was late because of all the battles he  had to wage with the Asuras and due to this calamity  he had   lost the ring in the river Kollidam while   returning.

And  had to get a new ring and some flowers before he  meets  Her.

This caused Him to be late.

Goddess    is still not convinced and   refuses all His gifts and flowers and  commands  him to never come inside and return back to Uraiyur  where HE had been  a couple of days ago.

Lord Namperumal with a very innocent look replies saying that He doesn’t know  the place called Uraiyur and has never been there. Ranganayaki Thayaar asks the Lord to prove His statements.

To prove his innocence  Lord offers to put His hands in a vessel full of snakes ,

cross any ocean  of Goddess choice ,

and offered to promise on His devotees that He has never seen Uraiyur.

Sri Ranga Nachiyar rebukes HIS explanations.   She replies /.

He, the one who sleeps on a bed of Adhi Sesha  ( Serpent bed ) would never be harmed by any snakes. He, the one who lies in the great milk ocean (ThiruppArkadal) and for whom the river Yamuna parted to let Him through as baby Krishna will have no problem crossing any ocean. Also, HE, whose lotus feet are sought after by all His devotees would never be betrayed by them. Unmindful , she exhibits her  annoyance of Pranayakalpa by  throwing  milk, curd, butter and flowers on Him .

Lord Ranganatha now pleads  innocently then says that He has come to meet Her after going through such difficulties and She is not letting Him in. He says He feels very depressed and embarrassed as She shut the door in His face. The Lord says – “andha avamanam umakku andri yamakku illai” meaning “this embarrassment is not for me but for you.”

Seeing the Lord is feeling very sad,  our  great  Nammazwaar, acts as the mediator and approaches  mother Sri Ranganayaki and says that if the supreme Lord and Goddess  are upset against each other, then that would be the end of all known universe (Pralayam).

He requests  Mother and  prays that  the Lord is for all and She has to understand that He is sought after by all and so She should be able to let Her Azhagiya MaNavalan go to His devotees too  as well for granting their prayers  and uplift them finally  So, He humbly requests that Sriranganachiyar forgive the Lord and allow Him to enter Her premises.

Goddess Ranganayaki   understands Nammazwars reasoning and commands Her assistants to let Her Lord  enter inside.  Lord Ranganatha and Ranganayaki come together and exchange garlands, Kasturi Thilakam, turmeric and necklaces  making a benchmark of a  divine couple .

As soon as the door is opened, Lord  Azhagiya Manavalan is delighted and rushes  in to be with His consort. A beautiful scene transpires here.

The Lord does not go immediately to our Sri Ranganayaki  sannidhi . But rather goes to the mudhal mandapam and stands there, as if to ascertain whether our Thayar has really accepted and forgiven him.

 Lord sends his vastram  across to Thayar, which is accepted  by the Thayar. After this the Lord then directly heads towards and Thayar Sannidhi and then he seats directly across Sri Ranganayaki Thayar.

Now our Aranganathan looks at our Lokamatha  Thayar’s eyes directly as if to ask “why did you make me go through this struggle” and Thayar in turn asks him “Why did you go away without telling me”.

At this point of time other than the Sri Ranganayaki’s Archakas and our Sriranganathan’s Archakas, no one is allowed to be present. 

Thus sweet conversation takes place between our  Lord Aranganthan and Ranganyaki Thayar as it would take place between any husband and wife.

After they have talked for a long time, our Azagiya manavalan asks Thayars permission to go and complete the Panguni uthram thirunal as several devotees are waiting.  Thayar replies that how can she let him without having performed any upacharam. She then gets delicious and sumptuous “Akkara adasil” ( Sweet pudding )   prepared for him, with copious amount of milk, rice, dhal ( lentils ) , jaggery and lots pure ghee.

Both our  Lordships now grace  together and have the delicious “Akara adisil” ! The happiness of the Lord and   Thayar can be seen in the eyes of lord who cannot take his eyes away from the Thayar! After this beautiful sight, the lord then decides to head towards the beautifully renovated Panguni Uthram mandapam. As soon as our Azagiya manavalan reaches the mandapam in the afternoon, our Thayar immediately, but silently and surreptitiously enters the mandapam as if she doesnt want anybody to talk about or ask her about what  had happened .

After this the Lord and Ranganayaki Thayar  give darsanam to several devotees who have thronged to see them. It has to be mentioned that here only the Thayar is adorned with a garland and not then Lord himself!

Also, Namperumal doesn’t face the audience but looks uninterruptedly at Thayar.

The  recitation of the Gadhya Thrayam begins at about 11 P.M. . Those heavenly chants fill the air with beatitude and immense happiness. At this time the whole srirangam is very festive and people make sweets and savories as if there is a marriage in their own house.After all, it is a happy and beautiful unification between the Royal couple! The Gadhya Thrayam starts with the chant of “Vaikunta Gadhyam” and then proceeds with the “Sri RangaGadhyam” and at last ends with the beautiful chant of the “Sarangadhi gadhyam”!

Lord Namperumal (Sri Ranganathar) and Peria pirattlar (Sriranga nachiar) are seated together. Lord (naMperumAL) is standing majestically as usual and more beautiful and graceful today due to the compassionate looking pirAtti and is enjoying the beauty of Her Lord without taking Her eyes off Him even for a second This was the right opportunity for LokaAcharyar Swami Ramanuja to ask for favors from our DIVINE PARENTS.

He submits to the LOTUS FEET through his divine outpourings Gadyatrayam. Swamy Ramanuja worshipping them, submits his deep fear of samsara (association with the body in a cycle of births) and begs the Lord to save him. Swamy Ramanuja surrendered his all to the Lord and begged Him to be his sole savior. In the Three Gadyaas, Swamy Ramanuja’s prayed swamies innermost feelings of deep devotion to the Lord break all restrictions and flow freely towards the Lord and His consort.

https://wn.com/vaikunta_gadyam

These are prima facie a spontaneous outburst of devotional experience and not coldly labored compositions. The inner voice of the devotee addresses Sri and the Lord and they do reply clearly through the same inner voice.

In the Saranagati gadya, Swamy Ramanuja first addresses Sri as the mother of the Universe, as his own mother, and as the loving consort of his Lord, and seeks her intercession on his behalf. This is itself a saranagati addressed to the mother.

Happy at being addressed this, Sri replies ‘So be it’; “let your prapathi bear the proper fruit of being accepted as a devoted servant” The commentators have it that this assurance is not only for the Acharya but for all his spiritual progeny. The boon that Lord granted to Swamy Ramanuja applies to his spiritual heirs. It is worth noting that once he gets the assurance from Sri of her sure mediation, he addresses himself directly to the Lord seeking Him as the sole savior.

The LokAcharya then addresses the Lord speaking of His incomparable glory, “His immense wealth, His power, His retinue, His divine weapons, His beautiful ornaments, His loving consorts, of His infinite compassion and other admirable qualities words which are a rhapsody of devout fervor which can come only from the very depth of a realized soul. Swamy Ramanuja holds out prapathi as the highest message he had for his followers.

The Sriranga gadyam is a shorter piece and is essentially the same as the Saranagati gadyam.

It is addressed directly to Sriranganatha.

” Sriranganatha!

mama natha!

namostu te”

are the words of the acharya.

To the seeker of salvation who has taken to the path of Prapathi, it is essential that he should spend his time in devoted service of the lord; in serving his devotees; by meditating on Him and singing His praise; by repeatedly uttering the Dvaya mantra (this is an enjoyable and sweet pastime).

The acharya gives expression to all these, briefly, in confidence to the lord at Srirangam. His intention is that this short text may be repeated easily in the presence of the Lord by devotees intent on the fruit prayed for.  

 Immensely pleased , Lord assures Swamy Ramanuja that  He and all his disciples will be surely uplifted for attaining the paramaporul Moksha for sure . Later, Thirumanjanam to Namperumal and Thayar are performed for 18 times.  This signifies Sri Ramanujar’s visit to Thirugoshtiyur to learn the dwayam mantra artham.  All the upacharams are performed for 18 times.

 Later, saatrumarai goshti is done at Udayavar (Ramanujar’s )sannidhi in the early hours.  At about 7 A.M. the next day, Perumal reluctantly leaves thayar and goes back on Goratham.

After all this, the Lord then requests Thayar’s permission to go and complete the remaining procession. At this request, our Ranganayaki thayar’s face drops and looks downcast, which indicates her reluctance to part with  the Lord at this point of time. But ,  thayar then mentions that First she will leave and return back to her Moolasthanam after which the Lord can start.

This shows the patience, forbearance and the humility of our beloved Thayar. The Lord then starts to leave towards the “Goratham (Chariot), before which  he peeps into Sri Ranganyaki Thayrs sannidhi, as if to take a glimpse of his beloved wife and say “Bye” before proceeding . After this the Lord starts for the procession.  Anywhere in the world a woman has to undergo lot of troubles and hardships and still put  up a smile to make everyone in her family happy.

 On Panguni Uthiram day, only Thayar sannidhi is kept open and it is not possible to have Sri Ranganathar(moolavar) darsanam on that day.

All adiyars know that the Lord and Thayar are above all such domestic quarrels taking place in our lives all the time. We also know that He is the fountainhead of all things in the universe and there is nothing like He  should  be going after several  women  etc. when He himself is paramporul ( The ultimate )  . Secondly  the big question  will Thayar ever quarrel with the Lord? So what is the significance ??

Elders clarify that  the significance of all this drama is that Namperumal and Thayar are doing a play act to demonstrate to ordinary mortals like us how to run the household with harmony in the face of upsets. They also show the deep love ,  mercy  and  compassion  true ladies have and why we have to give the ladies great respect and exalted position in our society. Azhwar describes Srirangam as the abode of the supreme Lord who had sixteen thousand devi’s (as he married all of them in His Krishnavataram by their  deep devotion and request ). When he has already taken sixteen thousand consorts which Sri Rukmini Devi whole heartedly accepted, where is the question of getting upset about one Kamalavalli nachiyar? of Uraiyur . Our   Perumal is Paramatma and the jivatmas represented by Thayar are all wedded to Paramatma with Thayar doing the purushakaaram(bridge between Perumal and the fallen souls)

Andal nachiyar explains:-
“Peyyu ma mukil pol vanna, un pechum seikaium engalai
Maiyal erri mayakka un mukam maya mandiram than kolo”

Hey, dark skinned Lord, your words, acts and your innocent looking face are all designed to cast a spell over us. The Lord will always cast his spell over His devotees to protect them. And Maya Jagan Mohini Thayar always  assists Him in his spell!

When the Lord knows that Nachityar is upset with him, He is planning to pacify her indicating thereby that all of us should try earnestly to take care of the ladies’ concerns.

In this entire drama, what stands out is the “Paraspara Anyonyam” of the Divya Dampathis.

When Thayar is angry Lord understands and adopts a seemingly submissive posture. And Thayar relents when overlooking the fact that it is the only day in a year she is with Him and He has been to another nachiyar. She sets an example of kindness and  forgiveness  for all the womenfolk.

When Thayar allows Lord  to enter Her Sannadhi, He at first stops at first mantapam and sends His Vastram to her. He does not rush in all the way. Thayar also understands His intention and accepts the vastram.

She knows He will be hungry and gets a sumptuous Akkara Adisil  ( sweet pudding) prepared for Him. In these days of hurried life when both the partners sometime go to work, can you imagine such understandings  . Later She silently follows Him so that the devotees do not smell any difference between them! It is truly amazing that Divya Dhampathis had set examples which are relevant even today………

Arangan Vazhga,     Arangamaanagar Vazhga

Let Lord Ranganatha protect us    Let Shri Ranganachiyar bless us always …

Sri Ranga MangaLa nidhim karuna nivAsam
Sri Venkatadhri SikharAlaya KaaLamegham
Sri Hastigiri Siksrojvala Paarijatham
Sreesam namAmi Sirasa yadhusaila dheepam
Seeking the Lotus feet of Narayana

Kaveri Viraja Seyam Vaikuntam Rangamandiram,
Sri Vasudevo Rangesaha, Prathyaksham paramam patham
Vimanam Pranavakaram, Vedasrungam mahadbhutham
SriRangasayi bhagavan pranavaartha prakasakaha!

May the Lord and Thayar bless all devotees with such anyonyam. Let the  eyes which had darshan of the Supreme Lord who ate plenty of butter and who has conquered my heart view nothing else.

All glories to devotees who are having darshan on the auspicious day 30.03.2018 in several divya desams

Adiyen must have committed apacharas in expressing this wonderful utsavam which is due to adiyens mandha budhee and seeks forgivance to all the bhagavathas who are reading this ..

Vachaka Dhosham Kashamikkavaum………….

Pics : Courtesy Google images /and all the great devotees who shared in social media

Adapted from Sriman Narasimha bhattar article ..
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Thirumazhisai is a holy place located equidistant to Kancheepuram , Mahabalipuram and Mylapur in the present  chengelpet district ( Tamilnadu) . This place is very famous for  Lord Jagganatha Perumal temple . 

The holy place  has  cool streams  fruit and flower grooves yielding abundant fruits.  The  blossoming flowers all through makes it  a  perfect place for a  nature  lover .

Several seers , sages , nomadic saints , bhikshukas relax and perform penance at  this place for eternal peace .

In such an wonderful place , Thirumazhisai Azhwar appeared  much earlier than the advent of Kaliyuga .( The appearance day being  ( Thai  Magam ) 

 It is believed , Azhwar lived for almost 400 years glorifying the Lordships .

Thirumazhisai Azhwar was a junior contemporary of the foremost Azhwars Pogai , Pey and Bhudath Azhwar  who laid a solid foundation for vishistadvaita long long ago .

Azhwar was brought up by his foster parents at Thirumazhisai . It is believed Azhwar left them at a very young age  and practiced Ashtanga Yoga .

With the main aim of seeking absolute truth  he performed severe austerities and penances . 

He studied and practiced  all religious ideas  existed during those days  Jainism , Buddhism , Carvaka etc one by one until he got disillusioned with each of them . Slowly he came into the fold of saivism through a siddar and  started practicing their faith .  He was given a name Sivavakyar . However his search to the absolute truth was not finished . It so happened  by divine will he happened to see the effulgence of  Pey Azhwar  at Kanchipuram.

Peyazhwar was maintaining a garden and  Siva Vakyar used to pass that way. Keen to know the secrets of the divine knowledge , both used to discuss about the faith they followed and wanted to conclude  about the ultimate truth . Peyazhwar decided to practically demonstrate the absolute truth to his friend .

One day Peyazhwar took a weak rope with knots and a pot with holes .He drew water from the well through this pot  and poured it to the  plants that he planted upside down.

Siva Vakyar  saw this  strange act and was surprised to see PeyAzhwar’s behaviour  . Peyazhwar asked him why  was he disturbed  . 

Thirumazhisai  replied   Holy Sire ! I am surprised with your strange act!  being so learned  ,  How will the purpose of watering the plants serve in this method , as the plant is planted upside down and the pot that contained  holes will water the plants?

 Peyazhwar  was glad  that he had started pondering over the truth   .Peyazwar told him that the rope was the example for his Atma which is searching through different faiths  to find the Absolute truth ,  but  has not succeeded in its search for the truth and still going on searching wasting precious time .

  Peyazhwar further explained , My dear young man , Our ancestors had explained in the following verse“ Thirumaal is like the root of the plant and is  the only ParamporuL.

From the root only , the  leaves, branches, flowers and fruits appear . Similarly all the demigods  took forms only from the root and so they might wither away at some time or other.

Hence it is poor understanding  to think that the other parts of the plant are superior to the root, meaning without the root the plant cannot survive.  “Persons engaged in the worship of demigods are not  clear , although such worship is indirectly offered to Me.” For example, when water is poured  on the leaves and branches of a tree instead  on the root, he does so without sufficient knowledge or without observing regulative principles. 

The process of watering a tree is to pour water on the root. Similarly, the process of rendering service to different parts of the body is to supply food to the stomach. The demigods are, so to speak, different directors in the government of the Supreme Lord. One has to follow the laws made by the government only , not by the others . Similarly, everyone is to offer his worship to the Supreme Lord only. That will automatically satisfy the different  demigods who are working under the  the Lord.

Peyazwar’s explanation put Siva Vakyar in deep thought. He realized that he was still searching for the true knowledge , but couldn’t find it. He requested Peyazhwar to accept him as his disciple.  Peyazhwar  named  him Bhaktisaara .

He started following vaishnavism and serving Peyazhwar  for more lessons  .

Later he took leave of Peyazhwar and went on divya desa yathra. After visiting few divya desams he went  back to Thiruvekka ( Kancheepuram) and stayed there. Kanikannan  a devotee , requested  Bhaktisarar  to accept him as his disciple. Azhwar accepted him as his disciple.

 It so happened  at Thiruvekka in his ashram an old lady used to come and clean his place, and perform small service to him. One day she prayed him that being old she felt that she may not be able to serve him longer and regretted for joining this pious service after becoming old.

Azhwar was touched with her devotion and sincerity and blessed her regain her youth .

One day the king of  Kanchi happened to see this lady who was so beautiful after Azhwars blessings. He instantly fell in love with her.

He married her and took her to his palace.

As years rolled by the king was becoming old, but his wife was as young as she was when he got her married. He asked her what was the secret and she  revealed about Azhwar’s blessings.

.She suggested the King to ask  the disciple KaNaikaNNan to request Azhwar  to be invited to the palace. . The king sent for KaNIkaNNan and told him to summon  Azhwar and compose a verse in his praise and to restore his youth.

KaNikaNNan  replied .. Oh  King …. Azhwar would never  compose verses praising mortals. Azhwar will only glorify the   Lordships and no one else ..and cannot  accept his request ..

 The King  orders both of   them  to leave the kingdom immediately. KaNikaNNan informs  Azhwar all that had happened.  Azhwar decides to leave the kingdom with his disciple . He submits to   Lord  to join along with them . He prays with the verse ….

kanikannan pogindran kamuru punkachi

Manivanna Ni kidaka Vendi Thunivudaya

Chennapulaven naanum Poogindren Neeyum

Undan Pinaga payeyi Churuttikoll…..

meaning … Kanikannan is going out of Kanchi O! Manivanna, You don’t have to lie here anymore. Since, as the fluent poet that I am also leaving with him, you also roll your serpent bed and follow me” And, accordingly all of them left Kanchipuram and  stayed at Orikai for one night.

Lo presto! What a surprise! The Lord obeyed his true devotee’s order, He got up and followed his devotees out of the city, folding His snake-bed and sticking it under arm.

The next moment the whole city  is plunged into darkness .. The king is  frightened  with the calamities about to happen . He quickly summons  his ministers for immediate remedy. The ministers explain his blunder in committing a grave offense on an advanced  devotee  and said  it was a grave sin expelling the saint .  

They advised there  was no other alternative, but to go and ask for his pardon and beseech him to come back.

The king along with his courtiers reached the place Orikai  where Azhwar and KaNikaNNan were staying for the night.  The King  fell at their feet and begged them to return to the city.

Azhwar forgiving the king accepts to return back . He once  again requests  the Lord to return….

Kannikannan pokoindan kamaru punkachi

Manivanna Ni kidaka Vendi Thunivudaya

Chennapulavan Nanuum pokoindan Neeyum

Undan Pinaga Payeyi Virithu Koll…..

Meaning …. ” Kanikannan has changed his mind and rescind his decision to leave Kanchi. Since, as the fluent poet that I am also returning with him, You may also return and lie down on your serpent bed as before.

All of them return accordingly and Kanchipuram regains its lost glory.

Since the Lord obeyed  as he was told by the Azhwar, he  is glorified as  ‘Yatotkari’ and ‘Sonna vannam Seitha Perumal’-meaning ‘the Lord who acted as told’

 From then onwards the Lord got the name Sonna VaNNAm Seytha Perumal and in Sanskrit Yathokthakari.  This divine incident had been glorified by Arunagirinatar and Kumaragurupanar both devotees of Paramasivan and Skandar in their works  .

The place they stayed for the night got the name…(Orikkai ) Oriravu Irukkai and at present is known as Orikkai where a Mani Mandapam is erected. 

Poigai Azhwar, Peyazhwar,Thirumzhisai Azhwar, Nammazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar have sung in praise of the Lord here. KOMALAVALLI thayar is the consort. Sri Vedantha Desikar had composed his VEHHA SETHU STOTRAM glorified the Lord here.

 It is said , Swami Manavala Mamunigal gave discourses on Sri Bhashyam in this beautiful  temple for one  year.  Swamy  in  preaching posture graces the devotees .

 A special feature of Thirumazhisai Azhwar at the Jagannatha Perumal temple in Kancheepuram is that he is seen with a third eye.

Thirumazhisai Azhwar  later  moved to Thiru Kudanthai ( Kumbakonam ) and glorified the Lord there .

 Thirumazhisai Azhwar’s contribution to the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham includes over 200 verses (Naanmugan Thiruvanthaathi and Thiruchandha Viruththam) of praise. 

It is construed , Azhwar expresses after thoroughly convincing himself about the futility of all the other faiths of his first hand experience and affirms LORD  SRIMAN NARAYANA is the supreme and absolute reality .

The second composition “Thiruchandha Viruththam” has 120 pasurams which is included in the first thousand of the DivyaPrabhandam . 

The composition is so charming that the chanter is tempted to swoon himself to the lilting chants coming out naturally in the divine composition .

The rhythm goes like  tana tana tana tana tana tana Tanana…

Makhayam makare mase     Chakramsam bhargavodbhavam

Mahisara puradhisam     bhakthisara maham bhaje

Azhwar Thiru adigale sharanam
Sonna VaNNam Seytha PerumaL ThiruvadikaLe SaraNam!

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics : Credits Google images

Thiru Adhyayana Utsavam  is  an enlightening  festival  for all  vaishnavas   and is  an assembly of devotees   reciting of Vedic Verses.  This  divine incident is celebrated as the  Thiru Adhyayana Utsavam in all the  Sri Vaishnava temples  starting on Margazhi Amavasai  ( Dec-Jan ) with the Divya Prabhandam pasurams of  Thirunedunthandakam (10 days before Vaikunta Ekadashi).

The 4000 Divya Prabandham  are the out pouring of the Azhwars who appeared in various divyadesams   few  thousand  year ago as per the divine command  of Lord Sriman Narayana  and composed the divine pasurams which all srivaishnavas make it a law  to recite .

The  Divya Prabhandham has 4000 divine verses (Pasurams) and is  the Dravida Vedam   popularly glorified  as “Nalaayiram Divya Prabhandam “  in Tamil.  It is also  glorified as  Dravida Tamil Veda.

 Once at Srirangam the capital of Srivaishnavas , the last of twelve    Azhwars ,  Thirumangai Azhwar sang one of his divine prabhanda       (Thiru-Nedun-Thaandakam ) glorifying Lord Ranganathar .

 Lord  was pleased by  Azhwar’s recitation and thus  granted two boons to Thirumangai Azhwar.

The Azhwar  overjoyed ,  prayed Lord Ranganatha for his  grace  in giving equal status  to the 4000 Divya Prabhandams in terms of authority as Vedas.  He also pleaded audience in listening to the divine pasurams of   Swami NammAzhwar  which was granted .

 Azhwar  overjoyed  with Lord Ranganathar’s command proceeded to Azhwar Thirunagari from Srirangam with his followers  on Thirukarthigai in Karthika month(Nov-Dec) to Azhwar Thirunagari    to invite Swamy Nammazhwar to srirangam. 

It was almost 350 kms travelling from Azhwar Thirunagari (which is in Tirunelveli) to Srirangam  .

The day  when Thirumangai Azhwar along with Swami Nammazhwar arrived  at Sri Rangam was  Vaikunta Ekadasi.

 Swamy Nammazhwar was received with due honors   and  was  adorned with Muthangi seva and  Namperumal with Rathnangi.  Thus this divine festival was conducted with pomp and show  singing  Lord’s kalyana gunas .

Starting from  Vaikunta Ekadasi  succeeding   next nine days, Azhwar along with the devotees  recited Swami Nammazhwar’s  Thiruvamozhi  in  the royal presence  of  Lord Ranganathar. This was followed for several years…

However after Thirumangai Azhwar disappearance , the practice was slowly  overlooked  .

It was  JagathAcharyar Swami Ramanujar, who started the practice  once again.  And as the practice of welcoming  Swami Nammazhwar’s Thirumeni from Azhwar Thirunagari was cumbersome ,

Swamy Nammazhwar Thirumeni  ( deity ) was installed  with all the purificatory rites  at Srirangam itself  .

Swamy Ramanujar  further   advised  to glorify Lord’s Kalyana gunas by reciting the entire Naalayirum Divya Prabhandam  and hence added ten days before the Ira Paththu and called them Pagal Paththu.    These ten days, the divya sukthees  of other Azhwars  are  recited.

As a mark of recognition to Thirumangai Azhwar’s divine service , the day before the Pagal Paththu Uthsavam first day, Namperumal listens to Thirumangai Azhwar’s  ThiruNedunthandagam pasurams .

 It is also said that  Swamy Parasara Bhattar in the process of  bringing  the great Vedanti Madhavacharyar  in  srivaishnava fold won a debate and  thus convinced him  joining  our sampradaya by   the  esoteric truths contained in the thirty verses of Azhvar’s “thirunedundhaaNdhakam”.

Upon Bhattar’ triumphant return to Srirangam, Lord Ranganatha asked Bhattar how he was able to defeat the great  scholar . Bhattar explained that it was through the Thirunedundhaandakam.  

It happened to be one day before the pagal patthu arambham,  and hence  in Srirangam, there is a special recitation of the Thirunedundhaandakam before the regular Adhyayana utsavam begins, because of Bhattar’s great service in  bringing  “Nanjeeyar” to our sampradaya .

The great festival started as ten days festival by Azhwar and was later  celebrated  as Twenty one day festival  (+one day for ThiruNedunthandagam) by  Swami Ramanuja.

Unlike other Divyadesams Thiru Adhyayana Utsavam is celebrated for  23 days in Tirumala. This is  usually held from the night of AmAvAsya preceding Vaikunta Ekadasi in Dhanurmasa.  

In the absence of  Swamy Nammalwar’s deity  at Tirumala, the vigraha of Nammalwar’s Acharya Sri Senapathi Alwar  along with Swamy Ramanuja conduct this festival . 

Lord  Venkateshwara  exclusively listens to Ramanuja Nootrandhadhi on the last day as a mark of respect to the great acharyar who offered Thiru sankhu chakram to the Lord of the Universe and thus re-established  sri vaishnavism.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Lord thus fulfilled Anantazhwan’s, (the dearest disciple of Swamy Ramanuja) desire to have sannidhi for Ramanujar and honour our JagathAcharyar .

To  equate the Divya Prabhandams with the Vedas Adhyayana and Anadhyayana kalams are issued as in the Vedas and   during a specific period (during a year) they are not chanted  and this period is  called Anadhyayana kalam .

Also another reason cited by elders is that during  Swami Nammazhwar  journey from Azhwar Thirunagari to Sri Rangam most of the devotees were in the process of welcoming  Nammazhwar and the troupe carrying the Lordships and the euphoria was focused at one place .

The devotees of  Azhwar Thirunagari  waited for Swamy Nammazhwar to  return from Srirangam before they resumed the chanting of  the divya prabhandam  which happened to take some time and when they arrived it was almost  one month Thai Hasta Nakshatra  the appearance day of the most advanced srivaishnava Acharya Sri Koorathazhwan.

The Anadhyayana kaalam (period of non-recital of prabhandham) is observed from Karthigaiyil Karthikai(from Karthika Pournami) to Thai Hastam(which happens to be Sri Kooratazhwan’s appearance day).  

This is observed   in houses of  all Sri vaishnavas . During the 21 days around Vaikunta Ekadasi, prabhandham is recited in temples only.

 During this time, srivaishnavas at home glorify acharyars works like Naalayira Thanians, Desikar prabhandam , upadesarathinamalai , thiruvamozhi nootrandadi, Aarthi prabhandham etc.

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Photos  credits : Sri Vakulabharan ,  Sri kesava bhasyam and other advanced devotees

video  credits :   with humble  obeisances to sri kesavabhashyam

To reaffirm the faith of HIS devotees,  LORD conversed with  HIS devotees  time to time . There are three incidents which our Elders keep saying about the compassion of the LORD in temples .

At  Tirumala – Tirupathi,  Lord Venkateshwara  used to converse with the King Thondaman Chakravarthy .  In Kancheepuram, Lord Vardarajar used to converse with his  dear devotee  Swamy Tirukachi Nambigal who used to fan him daily .

Similarly at Srirangam  Lord Ranganathar used to converse with  “Tiruvilakku pichan”the temple servant who used to light the lamps in the temple . It is a general practice all the devotees surrender to LORD and express their gratitude pain and love for the LORD in this material world.   Few devotees develop extremely intimate relationship with the Lord conversing   freely  and interact almost daily  treating him as a  human friend.

Few decades ago , in the holy shrine of Tirumala there lived a devotee by the Chinnaya .He was a favorite devotee of Lord Srinivasa .He  used to enter the temple sanctum and sing  songs  with devotional fervor which was liked by Lord .

He wished LORD would dance to his tunes as done in Krishna avatara  and the  songs had that depth to invite LORD to dance .

His prayers were sincere .

He wished to have darshan of Lord Krishna dancing .

Lord out of abundant compassion appeared and granted him his desire .HE  danced to the tunes of the singer . Chinnaya was overwhelmed with Lord’s  kindness .He continued to  sing hymns and enjoy the divine time with Lord  .

Swamy Ramanuja came to know about this ardent devotee through his disciples  .Once it so happened ,he  met him  near the temple .He inquired about his welfare and  asked  Chinnaya  to kindly ascertain from the Lord whether he ( Swamy Ramanuja) may hope for Moksha ( Liberation ) .

Channaya agreed .

The next day Chinnaya  walked inside the temple and sang  a wonderful composition ..and Lord arrived , and  reverently  submitted  Swamy Ramanuja’s petition.

Lord  answered

Certainly !! he shall be saved …

There was a another question …

And I …Lord ?asked Chinnaya …….with more confidence ……..

NO!………………… My child replied the LORD

But ..Lord !!! Have I not sung to Thee all these days ?

Lord smiled and replied ……………………………………

True !! and so I danced to the tunes too ..as often as you sang ..

Lord ! Then I am undone … Pray …Show me the way of salvation …

By no means I can imagine to miss salvation ..

The Lord answered …….

My child …………………

Submit to  the Acharya who made you ask  me this question ..

Our Ramanuja and seek HIS holy feet for your salvation …………………….

He is the  Acharyar who can grant you salvation .

Chinnaya rushed to the Ashram and seeked  Swamy  Ramanuja’s lotus feet …

This incident illustrates that Salvation is won not by bargain but by grace alone ..

Our daily chant is ” RamanujArya divyAgya vardhatAm abhi vardhatAm. ”

It is only HE who can command and all our acharyas and we follow his command .

Swamy Ramanuja is the only acharya who is referred with utmost  respect  and followed by  all other schools in vaishnavism like chaitanya, vallabhacharya, Swamy narayan as the margadayee .

 Uyya Ore Vazhi Udayavar Thiurvadi!

(only way for spiritual upliftment is to take refuge in Yathiraja Padhuka

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics : Courtesy Google images uploaded by deveral devotees

videos : Sriman Uday kiran 

Out Of the 108 Divya desams, 13 divya desams are categorised as Malai Naatu divyadesams. (Kerala Divya desams), even though 2 of those 13 divyadesams are in Tamil Nadu today.

Malai nadu divya desams are  classified due to its location   mostly located in Kerala that  are scattered from North to South Kerala.

Introduction to the Kerala Divya desams are appended in the below post 

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2017/01/31/an-introduction-to-kerala-divyadesams-malai-nadu-divyadesams/

A brief note about the nearest town /city from where these  holy temples can be accessed is given below

North Kerala:– Thiruvithuvakodu near  Pattambi  and Thirunaavai   near Kuttipuram can be accessed along with Guruvayur. 

1) Thiruvithuvacode:– popularly known as “Anjhu murthy kovil” on Shoranur-Kallikatai rail route. Bus from Pattambi to Kootupatha ( app one hour bus drive) and from there to take an auto to go to temple.

2) Thirunaavai :– Shoranur -Kuttipuram bus route.  Bus from Guruvayoor to Kuttipuram and from there another bus to Thirunaavai  (app. travel time 2.5 hours by bus)

The travel time from Thiruvithuvakodu to Thirunaavai is about one hour by car. Guruvayur is about 40 minutes drive from Thirunaavai and as the temple closes at 1 P.M., we can  visit this temple a bit late

Central Kerala:– Thirumoozhikalam,Thirukatkarai near Ernakulam; Aranmula, Thiruvanvandoor, Thirukodithanam, Thirupuliyur, Thiruchenkundroor (popularly known as Pancha Pandava prathista temples) and Thiruvallavaazh can be accessed from Chenganoor. 

These temples are located in different directions from Chenganoor and can be covered within 7 hours(to start very early)

3) Thirumoozhikalam:– In Alwaye-Ernakulam bus route- 7 kms from Kaladi road and 12 kms from Alwaye. Take bus from Ernakulam to Alwaye-Change bus to Edapally at Alwaye .  From Edapally take an auto to go to the temple. Total travel time app. 1.5 hours

4) Thirukaatkarai:- Take bus from Alwaye-Thirukatkarai and from there auto to go to temple which is about 3 kms away.(travel time app 1 hour)

Ernakulam-Chenganoor travel time is app. 2.5 hours.  Six divya desams can be accessed from Chenganoor

5) Thiruchitraaru(Dharman temple)- 2 kms from Chenganoor station

6) Thirupuliyur (Bhiman temple)- 6 kms west of Chenganoor/ 16 kms from Aaranmula

7) Thiruvaranvilai/Aaranmula(Arjunan temple)-10 kms from Chenganoor

8) Thiruvanvandoor (Nakulan temple) -4 kms north of Chenganoor

9) Thirukodithanam(Sahadevan temple) – 2 miles east of Chenganachery  on Thiruvalla-Kottayam road

10) Thiruvallavaazh- one hour by bus from Chenganoor

 South Kerala:- Thiruvananthapuram and the 2 malai nadu temples in Tamilandu namely, Thiruvataaru and Thiruvanparisaaram can be visited together.

11) Thiruvananthapuram:– 1 km from Trivandrum railway station

12) Thiruvaataru:- Trivandrum to Nagercoil bus , change at Thakalai / by car 40 kms short cut

13) Thiruvanparisaaram– 4 kms from Nagercoil/ 40 kms from Thirukurungudi

The Lord who graced  Sri sooktham (Thiru mozhi) to  Sri Haritha maharishi and who is fondly addressed as “Appan” by  Swamy Nammazhwar and as “lord of devas” by Tirumangai Azhwar gives darshan on the banks of Bharatapuzha river as Sri Sookthinathar/ Thirumoozhikalathan in this Kerala divya desam which is 12 kms from Alwaye in Ernakulam-Thrissur route.

This divya desam is located about 12 kms from Aluvai/Alwaye  near Ernakulam(40 kms)  and can be reached either by bus or by car.  This place can also be accessed from Karikutti railway station which is about 5 kms and also from Angamaali.  We visited this temple on 15^th December morning after having darshan at Thirukaatkarai. (It may take about 4-5 days to cover Kerala divya desams if  travelling by public mode of transport and about 2 days by car. )

Lord Srisuktinathar (also glorified  as Thirumozhikalathaan) gives darshan in standing posture facing east under Soundarya vimanam.  Lord  holds sankhu in HIS upper  left hand and Prayoga chakram in upper  right hand, HIS lower left hand placed on HIS hip and holds gada with HIS lower right hand.  The Lord  adorned with a silver kavacham, attracts all of us with HIS smiling face and benevolent glance .

The Goddess   Maduraveni Thayar adorns Perumal’s thirumaarbhu(chest).There is no separate sanctum   for Thayar .  The theertham is known as Sankhu theertham named after  Bharata who is an amsam of Shankhu and also as Perunkulam as Lakshmana who is considered as Adiseshan had bath and as Chitraaru as it is a small stream.

This temple was constructed by Lakshmana swamy  to atone for the sin of suspecting his brother Bharatha . As  he committed this unknowingly under a saints advise he constructed this temple  and hence the temple is more popularly known as “Lakshmana Swamy temple”.

Likewise, the divyadesams around Chenganoor are popularly known by the names of Pandavas as they were instrumental  for constructing them.

 For ex., Imayavarappan temple at Thiruchenkundroor is known as “Dharmar/Yudhistira temple,

Mayappiran temple at Kuttanadu Tirupuliyur is known as “Bhiman temple”,

Parthasarathy temple at Aaranmula as Arjunan temple,

Pambanaippan temple at Tiruvanvandoor as Nakulan temple,

Athputha Narayanan temple at  Thirukodithanam as Sahadeva temple..

On the left side of the sanctum while circumbulating, we see a small door with no  deities inside it. It is believed that  Lord SitaRamar are being worshiped  there by Lakshmana Swamy  for whom  Lord SitaRamar was everything.   For Lakshmanaswamy  , Lord Srirama was “Unnum sorum, parugu neerum, thinnum vetrilaiy “.

The priest  accepted our plate of offerings and carefully adorned the Lord with the vastram and performed archana to the Lordships along with our yatra deities- Guruvayurappan, Sri Sitaramar and Swamy ramanujar.  While distributing chandanam and tulasi prasadam, the priest informed that during Karkataka maasam (Aadi in Tamil-July-Aug), utsavam is performed in a grand scale.  Makara masam utsavam is also performed in a grand scale.

 The deities  of Lord  Srirama, Lakshmana,Bharata and Shatruguna which were worshipped by Lord Krishna during Dwapara yuga got lost during deluge after Lord  Srikrishna’s descent to Vaikuntam.  These idols were later found by fishermen who approached the Namboodris for advise.  As per the astrological calculations, these idols were installed at the above four places- Srirrama at Thriprayar, Bharatan at Inranjalakudi, Lakshmana at Thirumoozhikalam and Shatruguna at Payammal.

It is usual practice for devotees to recite entire  Srimad Ramayanam during Karkataka maasam and do “Naalambalam”(circumbulation of four temples) – most  prevalent practice in Kerala where parikrama around all the four temples dedicated to  Lord Sriramar at Thriprayar, Bharatan at Iranjalakudi (Koodalmanikyam temple)  Lakshmanar at Thirumoozhikalam (Sri sukitnathar), and Shatruguna at Payyammal in a single day starting from Thriprayar  Ramar temple is done.

As per the sthalapuranam, Haritha maharishi(Sage Viswamitra’s son) contemplated on the Lord  at this place and Lord HIMSELF taught him the sri sookthis(thiru mozhi in tamil).  Hence, the Lord is known as Srisookthinathar /Thirumozhikalathan which later got corrupted as Thirumoozhikalathan

Lakshmana swamy   as per the instructions of Lord Rama , while travelling in incognito to find out the welfare of the citizens  reached this place and met  the great Haritha maharishi. The rishi reminded him of suspecting Bharata’s motives while he was serving Sita-Ramar in Chitrakoot.

He advised Lakshmana to continue to stay in this place and offer worship to the Lord for atoning his sins. Thus ,  Lakshmana constructed the temple and made all arrangements for worship of the Lord.  Meanwhile, Bharata who had also set out for the same purpose of knowing the citizen’s opinion reached this place.  The repentant Lakshmana sought forgiveness from his elder brother,Bharata.  Bharata who is an embodiment of all virtues embraced Lakshmanaswamy  saying that he had the good fortune to serve their elder brother,Sri Ramar in exile.

As there was sweet exchange of words between brothers, the place came to be known as “Thiru mozhi kalam”.

 Nammazhwar has composed 10 pasurams on this Lord in Thiruvaimozhi 9-7. 

He  takes the role of   Parankusa nayaki(the female mood of a devotee) and exhibits his  suffering from pangs of separation and sends clouds/ cuckoos, swans, storks, herons as messengers . Parankusa nayaki sends bees as messengers and requests the bee to utter her name in Perumal’s ears who always wears  Tulasi garland and remind HIM of her while HE is enjoying with HIS consorts at Thirumoozhikalam.

 Nammazhwar emphasises acharyar sambandham (messengers in this case) who recommends us to Perumal in Thayar’s presence. By referring to Tulasi, azhwar emphasises bhagavatha(Devotees) sambandham too. In other words, to attain Perumal, we need devotees’ association, acharyar’s intervention and Thayar’s anugraham.  Nammazhwar opines that acharyars are non-different from Perumal. Perumal exhibited HIS quality of menmai, soulabhyam(one who is very soft and compassionate to the devotees)/ by making azhwar recollect of the happy days they had together. Nammazhwar states that all jivatmas are part of Emperuman’s thirumeni whereas my atma is antharangam for this Perumal who has resolved to stay at Thirumoozhikalam to take  the atmas back to Godhead.

Tirumangai Azhwar has glorified  Lord in Peria Thirumozhi, Siriya Thirumadal and Thirunedunthandakam.  He addresses the Lord as the one who is as sweet as a nectar and a ripened fruit/ who is as beautiful as a coral necklace and who is ever ready to confer grace on HIS devotees. He addresses the Lord as the” light of Thirumoozhikalam “ in Peria Thirumozhi and Siriya Thirumadal. He compares the Lord to a light which dispels darkness.  Similarly, this Lord dispels the darkness of ignorance . He refers to this Lord along with the Lord at Thirupiridhi(Joshirmutt) and his acharyar,Thirunaraiyur nambi.  Another interesting fact is Tirumangai Azhwar has taken this Lord’s name while addressing his acharyar,Thirunaraiyur Srinivasa Perumal thus endorsing Nammazhwar’s view of Acharyar sambandham.

In Thirunedundhandakam, ( pasuram no. 2061 -10^th pasuram)  Tirumangai Azhwar  addresses the Lord as the protector of the Universe , devas and mortals like us, the Lord who saved the Universe from destruction and as the Lord who protects us like a mighty elephant from all four sides in the form of Srinivasar at Tirumala in the north, as Azhagar in the South, as Aramaudhan in the east and as Ranganathar in the west.

In Siriya Thirumadal, pasuram 129, Tirumangai Azhwar declares   he will fall at the feet of the Lord who is the head of devas and who is the light of Thirumoozhikalam.

Divyakavi Pillai Iyengar who has composed one song on each of the 108 divyadesams in his work”108 Tirupati Andadi” glorifies this Lord as the Creator of the entire Universe, Sun,Moon, Shiva, Brahma, Indra and other devas.

There is a small shrine for Paramasivan  and while circumambulating  the temple, we come across a very small shrine for little Krishna .  Kannan wears  a small peacock feather on HIS head and is seen holding flute in right hand.

Important festivals are (1)   Nalambalam darsanam and Ramayana parayanam in Karkataka maasam (Aadi masam in Tamil) -July16th -Aug 15th)

(2) Prathistai festival  in Makara maasam(14th Jan-14th Feb) on Anusham star(Anuradha star) (Tamil month Thai -Anusham

(3) 10 day festival during April-May starting on Hastam star and culminating on Thiruvonam day..

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Out Of the 108 Divya desams, 13 divya desams are categorised as Malai Naatu divyadesams. (Kerala Divya desams), even though 2 of those 13 divyadesams are in Tamil Nadu today.

Malai nadu divya desams are  classified due to its location   mostly located in Kerala that  are scattered from North to South Kerala.

Introduction to the Kerala Divya desams are appended in the below post 

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2017/01/31/an-introduction-to-kerala-divyadesams-malai-nadu-divyadesams/

A brief note about the nearest town /city from where these  holy temples can be accessed is given below

North Kerala:– Thiruvithuvakodu near  Pattambi  and Thirunaavai   near Kuttipuram can be accessed along with Guruvayur. 

1) Thiruvithuvacode:– popularly known as “Anjhu murthy kovil” on Shoranur-Kallikatai rail route. Bus from Pattambi to Kootupatha ( app one hour bus drive) and from there to take an auto to go to temple.

2) Thirunaavai :– Shoranur -Kuttipuram bus route.  Bus from Guruvayoor to Kuttipuram and from there another bus to Thirunaavai  (app. travel time 2.5 hours by bus)

The travel time from Thiruvithuvakodu to Thirunaavai is about one hour by car. Guruvayur is about 40 minutes drive from Thirunaavai and as the temple closes at 1 P.M., we can  visit this temple a bit late

Central Kerala:– Thirumoozhikalam,Thirukatkarai near Ernakulam; Aranmula, Thiruvanvandoor, Thirukodithanam, Thirupuliyur, Thiruchenkundroor (popularly known as Pancha Pandava prathista temples) and Thiruvallavaazh can be accessed from Chenganoor. 

These temples are located in different directions from Chenganoor and can be covered within 7 hours(to start very early)

3) Thirumoozhikalam:– In Alwaye-Ernakulam bus route- 7 kms from Kaladi road and 12 kms from Alwaye. Take bus from Ernakulam to Alwaye-Change bus to Edapally at Alwaye .  From Edapally take an auto to go to the temple. Total travel time app. 1.5 hours

4) Thirukaatkarai:- Take bus from Alwaye-Thirukatkarai and from there auto to go to temple which is about 3 kms away.(travel time app 1 hour)

Ernakulam-Chenganoor travel time is app. 2.5 hours.  Six divya desams can be accessed from Chenganoor

5) Thiruchitraaru(Dharman temple)- 2 kms from Chenganoor station

6) Thirupuliyur (Bhiman temple)- 6 kms west of Chenganoor/ 16 kms from Aaranmula

7) Thiruvaranvilai/Aaranmula(Arjunan temple)-10 kms from Chenganoor

8) Thiruvanvandoor (Nakulan temple) -4 kms north of Chenganoor

9) Thirukodithanam(Sahadevan temple) – 2 miles east of Chenganachery  on Thiruvalla-Kottayam road

10) Thiruvallavaazh- one hour by bus from Chenganoor

 South Kerala:- Thiruvananthapuram and the 2 malai nadu temples in Tamilandu namely, Thiruvataaru and Thiruvanparisaaram can be visited together.

11) Thiruvananthapuram:– 1 km from Trivandrum railway station

12) Thiruvaataru:- Trivandrum to Nagercoil bus , change at Thakalai / by car 40 kms short cut

13) Thiruvanparisaaram– 4 kms from Nagercoil/ 40 kms from Thirukurungudi

The Lord who graced  Sri sooktham (Thiru mozhi) to  Sri Haritha maharishi and who is fondly addressed as “Appan” by  Swamy Nammazhwar and as “lord of devas” by Tirumangai Azhwar gives darshan on the banks of Bharatapuzha river as Sri Sookthinathar/ Thirumoozhikalathan in this Kerala divya desam which is 12 kms from Alwaye in Ernakulam-Thrissur route.

This divya desam is located about 12 kms from Aluvai/Alwaye  near Ernakulam(40 kms)  and can be reached either by bus or by car.  This place can also be accessed from Karikutti railway station which is about 5 kms and also from Angamaali.  We visited this temple on 15^th December morning after having darshan at Thirukaatkarai. (It may take about 4-5 days to cover Kerala divya desams if  travelling by public mode of transport and about 2 days by car. )

Lord Srisuktinathar (also glorified  as Thirumozhikalathaan) gives darshan in standing posture facing east under Soundarya vimanam.  Lord  holds sankhu in HIS upper  left hand and Prayoga chakram in upper  right hand, HIS lower left hand placed on HIS hip and holds gada with HIS lower right hand.  The Lord  adorned with a silver kavacham, attracts all of us with HIS smiling face and benevolent glance .

The Goddess   Maduraveni Thayar adorns Perumal’s thirumaarbhu(chest).There is no separate sanctum   for Thayar .  The theertham is known as Sankhu theertham named after  Bharata who is an amsam of Shankhu and also as Perunkulam as Lakshmana who is considered as Adiseshan had bath and as Chitraaru as it is a small stream.

This temple was constructed by Lakshmana swamy  to atone for the sin of suspecting his brother Bharatha . As  he committed this unknowingly under a saints advise he constructed this temple  and hence the temple is more popularly known as “Lakshmana Swamy temple”.

Likewise, the divyadesams around Chenganoor are popularly known by the names of Pandavas as they were instrumental  for constructing them.

 For ex., Imayavarappan temple at Thiruchenkundroor is known as “Dharmar/Yudhistira temple,

Mayappiran temple at Kuttanadu Tirupuliyur is known as “Bhiman temple”,

Parthasarathy temple at Aaranmula as Arjunan temple,

Pambanaippan temple at Tiruvanvandoor as Nakulan temple,

Athputha Narayanan temple at  Thirukodithanam as Sahadeva temple..

On the left side of the sanctum while circumbulating, we see a small door with no  deities inside it. It is believed that  Lord SitaRamar are being worshiped  there by Lakshmana Swamy  for whom  Lord SitaRamar was everything.   For Lakshmanaswamy  , Lord Srirama was “Unnum sorum, parugu neerum, thinnum vetrilaiy “.

The priest  accepted our plate of offerings and carefully adorned the Lord with the vastram and performed archana to the Lordships along with our yatra deities- Guruvayurappan, Sri Sitaramar and Swamy ramanujar.  While distributing chandanam and tulasi prasadam, the priest informed that during Karkataka maasam (Aadi in Tamil-July-Aug), utsavam is performed in a grand scale.  Makara masam utsavam is also performed in a grand scale.

 The deities  of Lord  Srirama, Lakshmana,Bharata and Shatruguna which were worshipped by Lord Krishna during Dwapara yuga got lost during deluge after Lord  Srikrishna’s descent to Vaikuntam.  These idols were later found by fishermen who approached the Namboodris for advise.  As per the astrological calculations, these idols were installed at the above four places- Srirrama at Thriprayar, Bharatan at Inranjalakudi, Lakshmana at Thirumoozhikalam and Shatruguna at Payammal.

It is usual practice for devotees to recite entire  Srimad Ramayanam during Karkataka maasam and do “Naalambalam”(circumbulation of four temples) – most  prevalent practice in Kerala where parikrama around all the four temples dedicated to  Lord Sriramar at Thriprayar, Bharatan at Iranjalakudi (Koodalmanikyam temple)  Lakshmanar at Thirumoozhikalam (Sri sukitnathar), and Shatruguna at Payyammal in a single day starting from Thriprayar  Ramar temple is done.

As per the sthalapuranam, Haritha maharishi(Sage Viswamitra’s son) contemplated on the Lord  at this place and Lord HIMSELF taught him the sri sookthis(thiru mozhi in tamil).  Hence, the Lord is known as Srisookthinathar /Thirumozhikalathan which later got corrupted as Thirumoozhikalathan

Lakshmana swamy   as per the instructions of Lord Rama , while travelling in incognito to find out the welfare of the citizens  reached this place and met  the great Haritha maharishi. The rishi reminded him of suspecting Bharata’s motives while he was serving Sita-Ramar in Chitrakoot.

He advised Lakshmana to continue to stay in this place and offer worship to the Lord for atoning his sins. Thus ,  Lakshmana constructed the temple and made all arrangements for worship of the Lord.  Meanwhile, Bharata who had also set out for the same purpose of knowing the citizen’s opinion reached this place.  The repentant Lakshmana sought forgiveness from his elder brother,Bharata.  Bharata who is an embodiment of all virtues embraced Lakshmanaswamy  saying that he had the good fortune to serve their elder brother,Sri Ramar in exile.

As there was sweet exchange of words between brothers, the place came to be known as “Thiru mozhi kalam”.

 Nammazhwar has composed 10 pasurams on this Lord in Thiruvaimozhi 9-7. 

He  takes the role of   Parankusa nayaki(the female mood of a devotee) and exhibits his  suffering from pangs of separation and sends clouds/ cuckoos, swans, storks, herons as messengers . Parankusa nayaki sends bees as messengers and requests the bee to utter her name in Perumal’s ears who always wears  Tulasi garland and remind HIM of her while HE is enjoying with HIS consorts at Thirumoozhikalam.

 Nammazhwar emphasises acharyar sambandham (messengers in this case) who recommends us to Perumal in Thayar’s presence. By referring to Tulasi, azhwar emphasises bhagavatha(Devotees) sambandham too. In other words, to attain Perumal, we need devotees’ association, acharyar’s intervention and Thayar’s anugraham.  Nammazhwar opines that acharyars are non-different from Perumal. Perumal exhibited HIS quality of menmai, soulabhyam(one who is very soft and compassionate to the devotees)/ by making azhwar recollect of the happy days they had together. Nammazhwar states that all jivatmas are part of Emperuman’s thirumeni whereas my atma is antharangam for this Perumal who has resolved to stay at Thirumoozhikalam to take  the atmas back to Godhead.

Tirumangai Azhwar has glorified  Lord in Peria Thirumozhi, Siriya Thirumadal and Thirunedunthandakam.  He addresses the Lord as the one who is as sweet as a nectar and a ripened fruit/ who is as beautiful as a coral necklace and who is ever ready to confer grace on HIS devotees. He addresses the Lord as the” light of Thirumoozhikalam “ in Peria Thirumozhi and Siriya Thirumadal. He compares the Lord to a light which dispels darkness.  Similarly, this Lord dispels the darkness of ignorance . He refers to this Lord along with the Lord at Thirupiridhi(Joshirmutt) and his acharyar,Thirunaraiyur nambi.  Another interesting fact is Tirumangai Azhwar has taken this Lord’s name while addressing his acharyar,Thirunaraiyur Srinivasa Perumal thus endorsing Nammazhwar’s view of Acharyar sambandham.

In Thirunedundhandakam, ( pasuram no. 2061 -10^th pasuram)  Tirumangai Azhwar  addresses the Lord as the protector of the Universe , devas and mortals like us, the Lord who saved the Universe from destruction and as the Lord who protects us like a mighty elephant from all four sides in the form of Srinivasar at Tirumala in the north, as Azhagar in the South, as Aramaudhan in the east and as Ranganathar in the west.

In Siriya Thirumadal, pasuram 129, Tirumangai Azhwar declares   he will fall at the feet of the Lord who is the head of devas and who is the light of Thirumoozhikalam.

Divyakavi Pillai Iyengar who has composed one song on each of the 108 divyadesams in his work”108 Tirupati Andadi” glorifies this Lord as the Creator of the entire Universe, Sun,Moon, Shiva, Brahma, Indra and other devas.

There is a small shrine for Paramasivan  and while circumambulating  the temple, we come across a very small shrine for little Krishna .  Kannan wears  a small peacock feather on HIS head and is seen holding flute in right hand.

Important festivals are (1)   Nalambalam darsanam and Ramayana parayanam in Karkataka maasam (Aadi masam in Tamil) -July16th -Aug 15th)

(2) Prathistai festival  in Makara maasam(14th Jan-14th Feb) on Anusham star(Anuradha star) (Tamil month Thai -Anusham

(3) 10 day festival during April-May starting on Hastam star and culminating on Thiruvonam day..

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Swami Nammazhvar  the most celebrated   amongst all the Azhwars  quotes in one of  his  paasuram  6.9.5 ( 3435)

“vinmeediruppAi, malaimElnirppAi, kadal sErppAi

manmeeduyalvAi evattrul engum maraindhuraivAi

enmeedhiyandra puravandaththAi enadAvi

vunmeedhAdi vurukkAttAdhE olippAyO?”

The above  pasuram reveals that LORD existence at

paravatam .. vin meediruppAi .. (staying in the sky/heavens)..

malaimEl nirppAi ….to archai (staying in divya desams like Tirumala , thirumAlirunchOlai , Sholinghur , Bhadri , Saalagramam …

(Standing on hills/mountains) kadal sErppAi refers to vyuha moorthi, (Residing in sea)

…..man meedhuyalvAi ….refers to vibhavams (HE …came down  due to causeless mercy as Lord  Rama and Krishna) (Walking  on earth)….

evattrul engum maraindhu vuraivAi ……refers to antaryami who stays inside each one of us , being invisible to all ,  beyond comprehension and beyond one’s understanding and  stay in the entire vast universe and protect  us.

Merciful “Lord Sriman Narayana” appears in  five different forms  as

para,

vyuha,

vibhava, 

archai     and

antaryAmi .

 Lord Sriman Narayanan appears in the above five forms. 

 LORD  in response to the ardent prayers of revered saints and  various advanced  devotees appeared to them and conceded  their request of continuing to grace with  darshan in the same form for the benefit of the future generations .  The deities  were duly consecrated with various hymns and temples were constructed by various generous kings.

Archai Murthies are the Lordships who grace us inside the  temples and the temples  which have been glorified by revered   Azhwars  through their emotional out pours  are called Divya Prabhanda pasurams.

 Azhwars   were  the incarnations of  of Lord Sriman Narayana’s divine weapons .(“Azhwar” in Tamil means ‘one who is immersed’. Since these advanced  saints were always immersed in the Lord and His qualities, they were called 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.

The Srivaishnava  Divyadesams are a group of 108  SriVaishnava  Temples. 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.

These temples  are very old and have been  renovated by pious kings and advanced  devotees  periodically .

These 106 temples are classified into six  zones-

• Chola 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 Vizhupuram and Cuddalore
• Thondai nadu divya desams -22 temples in the northern part of Tamilnadu located in and around  Chennai(4),Kanchipuram (15), Arakonam(3)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

• 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.

MALAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS

Malai nadu divya desams are  classified due to its location   mostly located in Kerala that  are scattered from Central ,  North to South Kerala. 

Devotees keen to have darshan can start  from Thrissur which is in the North Kerala , come downwards to visit Chenganoor, Ernakulam  and go further south to visit Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvataaru,Thiruvanparisaram else  start from South  and complete the yatra  in the reverse direction.

Kerala as we  believe is God’s own country aptly deserves the name.  The pristine nature with plenty of water resources with  lush greenery and calm surroundings add beauty to the divya desams in this serene location .

Kerala experiences tropical climate and as nature is still preserved, it enjoys beautiful weather  with frequent rains.  

Hence, the houses and temples are constructed in such a way that the conical roofs do not retain the rain water. Another interesting feature  of the temples are the beautiful murals made of teak wood . 

A brief note about the nearest town /city from where these temples can be accessed is given below:-

North Kerala:– Thiruvithuvakodu near  Pattambi  and Thirunaavai   near Kuttipuram can be accessed along with Guruvayur. 

1) Thiruvithuvacode:– popularly known as “Anjhu murthy kovil” on Shoranur-Kallikatai rail route. Bus from Pattambi to Kootupatha ( app one hour bus drive) and from there to take an auto to go to temple.

2) Thirunaavai :– Shoranur -Kuttipuram bus route.  Bus from Guruvayoor to Kuttipuram and from there another bus to Thirunaavai  (app. travel time 2.5 hours by bus)

The travel time from Thiruvithuvakodu to Thirunaavai is about one hour by car. Guruvayur is about 40 minutes drive from Thirunaavai and as the temple closes at 1 P.M., we can  visit this temple a bit late

Central Kerala:– Thirumoozhikalam,Thirukatkarai near Ernakulam; Aranmula, Thiruvanvandoor, Thirukodithanam, Thirupuliyur, Thiruchenkundroor (popularly known as Pancha Pandava prathista temples) and Thiruvallavaazh can be accessed from Chenganoor. 

These temples are located in different directions from Chenganoor and can be covered within 7 hours(to start very early)

3) Thirumoozhikalam:– In Alwaye-Ernakulam bus route- 7 kms from Kaladi road and 12 kms from Alwaye. Take bus from Ernakulam to Alwaye-Change bus to Edapally at Alwaye .  From Edapally take an auto to go to the temple. Total travel time app. 1.5 hours

4) Thirukaatkarai:- Take bus from Alwaye-Thirukatkarai and from there auto to go to temple which is about 3 kms away.(travel time app 1 hour)

Ernakulam-Chenganoor travel time is app. 2.5 hours.  Six divya desams can be accessed from Chenganoor

5) Thiruchitraaru(Dharman temple)- 2 kms from Chenganoor station

6) Thirupuliyur (Bhiman temple)- 6 kms west of Chenganoor/ 16 kms from Aaranmula

7) Thiruvaranvilai/Aaranmula(Arjunan temple)-10 kms from Chenganoor

8) Thiruvanvandoor (Nakulan temple) -4 kms north of Chenganoor

9) Thirukodithanam(Sahadevan temple) – 2 miles east of Chenganachery  on Thiruvalla-Kottayam road

10) Thiruvallavaazh- one hour by bus from Chenganoor

 South Kerala:- Thiruvananthapuram and the 2 malai nadu temples in Tamilandu namely, Thiruvataaru and Thiruvanparisaaram can be visited together.

11) Thiruvananthapuram:– 1 km from Trivandrum railway station

12) Thiruvaataru:- Trivandrum to Nagercoil bus , change at Thakalai / by car 40 kms short cut

13) Thiruvanparisaaram– 4 kms from Nagercoil/ 40 kms from Thirukurungudi

Most of the Kerala divyadesam temples have  divine connection with the two great epics-

Srimad Ramayanam and Mahabharatam .

The divyadesams around Chenganoor are popularly known by the  great heroes  of Pandavas as they were responsible for constructing them.

 For example  ..

Imayavarappan temple at Thiruchenkundroor is known as “Dharmar/Yudhistira temple, Mayappiran temple at Kuttanadu Tirupuliyur is known as “Bhiman temple”,

Parthasarathy temple at Aaranmula as Arjunan temple,

Pambanaippan temple at Tiruvanvandoor as Nakulan temple,

Athputha Narayanan temple at Thirukodithanam as Sahadeva temple

Likewise, there are temples related to Ramayanam too.

(There may be a slight  variation in the distances as mentioned in the write up which was shared by the  locals .)

The four temples around Ernakulam popularly known as “Nalambalam” meaning Naalu(four) ambalam(temples) are known by the name of Srirama at Thriprayar,, Lakshmana at Thirumoozhikalam, Bharata at Iranjalkudi and Shatruguna at Payammal.

 It is usual practice in kerala  for devotees to recite entire Srimad Ramayanam during Karkataka maasam and do “Naalambalam”(circumbulation of four temples) – most  prevalent practice in Kerala where parikrama around all the four temples dedicated to  Lord Sriramar at Thriprayar, Bharatan at Iranjalakudi (Koodalmanikyam temple)  Lakshmanar at Thirumoozhikalam (Sri sukitnathar), and Shatruguna at Payyammal in a single day starting from Thriprayar  Lord Ramar temple is accessed .

The temple at Thiruvaataru is glorified as the place associated with Brahma Samhita. As told by a devotee inside the temple ,

 the Acharyar of Gaudiya sampradaya His holiness Sri Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed to have  accessed one part of this Brahma Samhita which forms the basis of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Utsavam  ( Festivals) is performed in almost all the temples for about 10 days and  during that time, Srimad Bhagavatam would be recited .  

The inaugural day is known as “Kodi Etram” and the final day is known as “Aaratu”. Only during sevali (Sri veli) which is performed after bhog is offered to Lord, when the processional diety goes around the temple to supervise the food offerings to the guarding deities, musical instruments are played except in one divya desam .

In Thiruvananthapuram, Thirukatkarai excellent stay facilities are available.  In Tirupuliyur, pilgrims amenities are provided taking into consideration the influx of pilgrims.  

 All the temples in Kerala open by 4 A.M. and close by 11 A.M. and in the evenings, the temples are opened for a shorter duration from about 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

The timings are strictly followed without any deviation.  Also, out of the 13 temples, in 11 temples Lord gives darshan as as  Sri Vishnu murthy adorning  Sankhu, Chakram, Gada,Padmam in standing posture.  Only in Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvaataru,  Lord gives darshan in reclining posture.  Another common feature is there is no separate sannidhi for Thayar in all these temples except Thirunaavai.  

Kerala is located on a hilly location and hence the travel time taken is more compared to the plains.  Also, there are state run buses available which are quite cheap but the only drawback is the name boards will be in   Malayalam and we may not be able to understand !!!!

In our first trip during 2001 we traveled from North to South and covered these divya desams in five days as we commuted through public transport.

A recap of the journey done is reproduced in the below url..

http://www.srivaishnavam.com/divyadesam108/malai_trip.htm

However, in   our recent trip ,  our merciful Lord  blessed with  a very comfortable trip.  We could cover temples starting from South towards north from

Thiruvanparisaaram-Thiruvaataru-Thiruvananthapuram-Chenganoor divya desams-Thirukodithanam-Thirukatkarai-Thirumoozhikalam-Thiruvithuvadoe-Thirunaavai-Guruvayoor…

  By Acharyar’s blessings we decided to club  Pandya nadu and  Malai nadu  divya desams darshan hiring a vehicle  from Srirangam..  

A distance of about 900 kms to and from Srirangam covering around  32 temples within a span of 4.5 days  could be possible  by sheer mercy of  Acharyar  and the Divyadesam Perumals ..

 Prostrating at the lotus feet of asmath acharyar,H.G.Sri Sri  Mudaliandan Swami and JagathaAcharyar   Swamy Ramanujar, adiyen wishes to share the recent travel details of the  18 Pandya nadu divya desams, 13 Malai nadu divya desams,Guruvayur(abhimana sthalam) commemorating the Sahasrabhdhi celebrations of Swamy Ramanujar  within a span of five days(4.5 days precisely) .

We commenced our yatra on the auspicious  Kaisika Ekadasi with blessings of our Acharyar and Elders -10 th Dec 2016 with prayers to our Thirumaligai  Perumal.  

After obtaining Asmatha acharyar’s anugraham at Mylapore, we proceeded to srirangam  by car . We reached midnight and were fortunate to have darshan of Lord Namperumal adorned with 365 silk clothes .( Kaisika Ekadashi special)  Namperumal blessed us with theertha,prasadam . 

We carried our  yatra deities (Sri Sita ,Lakshmana, Hanumath sametha Sri Ramachandran, Swamy Ramanujar )along  with Lord Guruvayurappan-the aradhana deity of our advanced  devotee friend to all the temples and puja was performed to them along with the divyadesam Perumals.

Our yatra commenced from Srirangam at 5 A.M on Dwadasi day immediately  . . We were joined by a  advance devotee couple Smt &  Sri Thiruvengada ramanuja dasan who resides  in Srirangam serving  Acharyar, His holiness Sri Sri Rangaramanuja Jeeyar.

THE DIVINE  JOURNEY BEGINS …..

The approximate distance from Srirangam to visit Pandya nadu and Malai nadu divya desams and drop at Srirangam is about 900 kms. …..

We opted to visit these divya desams by   engaging a nice devotee   cab driver  sri .Ramu-(a devotee  from Kumbakonam who is very familiar with the location of the temples and the priests ).

 He can be contacted on 94866 56052.

Our route details ……………

(1) Srirangam      -Thirumeyyam ( 85 kms via Pudukkottai)

(2)  Thirumeyyam-Thirugoshtiyur    – (40 kms)

(3)Thirugoshtiyur-Thirupullani ( 130 kms via Manamadurai, Paramakudi,Ramnad);

(4) Thirupullani-Thirumoghur ( 165 kms via Ramnad, Madurai)

(5) Thirumoghur-azhagar kovil tirumaliruncholai(15 kms)

(6)Thirumaliruncholai- Thirukoodal  (15 kms)

(7)Thirukoodal-Thiruthankaal(75 kms via Virudhunagar)

(8) Thiruthankaal-Srivilliputtur(25 kms via Sivakasi),

(9) Srivilliputtur-Varaguna-mangai (Alwar Tirunagari) (140 kms via Tirunelveli),

(10) nava tirupati divya desams in and around Azhwar Tirunagari(total 35 kms); (11)srivaikuntam(navatirupati)-Vaanamamalai(70 kms via Tirunelveli/Palayankotai);

(12) Vaanamamalai-Tirukurunkudi (18 kms)

(13) Tirukurunkudi-Thiruvanparisaaram(40 kms short route);

(14) Tiruvanparisaaram-Thiruvaataru(60 kms via Padmanabhapuram);

(15) Thiruvaataru-Thiruvananthapuram(40 kms via Maarthandam);

(16) Thiruvananthapuram-Chenganoor (150 kms via Athur/Kottarkadai)

(17) six divya desams in and around Chenganoor upto Chenganachery (60 kms);

(18) Chenganachery Thirukodithanam-Thirukaatkarai(70 kms);

(19) Thirukaatkarai-Thirumoozhikalam(25 kms)

(20)Thirumoozhikalam-Thiruvithuvacodu(150 kms via Angamaali/Thrissur) 

(21) Thiruvithuvacodu-Thirunaavai(30 kms short route)

(22)Thirunaavai-Guruvayoor(55 kms)

(23) Guruvayoor-Coimbatore domestic  airport(150 kms)

The complete  details of  all the  13 temples  would be shared in the upcoming posts soon .

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

This Divyadesam is located at about 20 km north of Trichirappalli, enroute to Thuraiyur  and situated in a  14 acre  site and resembles like an Old fort with strong compound walls  The temple  is older than Srirangam  and  built   ahead of LORD  Rama’s  avataram . Hence the name Aadhi Vellarai.   Tiruvellarai  in tamil means white rock and this  grand temple is situated on a white granite hill which is almost 90 to  100 feet high .

Lord   Pundareekaksha Perumal. ( LORD with Lotus Shaped eyes) graces the devotees with abundant mercy .   This temple is surrounded by a 36 feet high wall and resembles almost like a  fort .

The second tower entrance  leads us inside the temple  which has  huge sculptures on the wall  painted . The Bali peetam here is a huge one  which has special significance . The third tower leads us into the inner sanctum  of the temple.

There are two  entrances dwaras (doors) leading to this sanctum sanatorium  . One is called as Dakshinayana dwaram and the other is Uttarayana dwaram. The dakshinaya dwaram remains open from Aadi to Marghazi ( August to Jan Mid)  and the other door remains open from ( Mid January- July) Thai -Aani.

This is in accordance with the movement of the Sun’s path.

Apart from Utharayana and Dakshinayana Gates, the sanctum sanctorum has one more entrance called ‘Naazhi Ketta Vaayil’ where it is believed that the Lord was intercepted and questioned by  goddess , Mahalakshmi  upon his returning home later, after his sojourn.

The main deity  LORD PUNDARIKAKSHA  has Sun and Moon on either side   offering their services . Garuda and Adisesha ( The serpent God in a human form, as the main deity is in a standing posture) are also near the main deity. Markendeya Maharshi and Boodevi are seated  near  LORD’S lotus  feet and is believed to have prayed here at this place.

The temple maintains beautiful garden outside the prakaram  and it is famous for its Swastika shaped tank on the Northern side of the temple.The  shape  seems is to give privacy for people, while having bath. 

There are many inscriptions in the temple and it also mentions about this unique pond which was built by one feudal Lord under Pallava kings.

  The temple precincts are kept neat and clean.Outside  the prakaram  we can have darshan of  Thayar Senkamala Valli , and Chakra Thazhwar .

 During the festivals, after gracing the devotees  around the town , Perumal has to account for his time to his consort by informing the time he started, the places he visited etc., at this gate in order to gain entry into the temple. 

To seek LORDS darshan one has to climb 18 Steps at the entrance .

At the very entrance of this temple  there  are  18 steps reminding us  of the 18 chapters of  Srimad Bhagvat Gita given to us by   LORD Pundareekakshan.

Proceeding further  we  come  across 4 steps that are  4 Vedas and later one reaches the Bali Peetam.

It is believed that one’s wishes submitted to the Perumal at the Balipeetam with the turmeric kappu  are automatically taken care by Him. Abhishekam is done to the Bali Peetam only . 

  From here, we  enter  the Perumal sannidhi by ascending 5 steps  further  representing the PanchaBhoothams (Fire, Water, Space, Air and Earth) and  slowly crossing the Naazhi Kettaan Vasal. Now we see   2  entrances  Dakshinaayana Gate and Utharaayana Gate which are alternately opened for devotees  during the Dakshinayana/ Utharayana  six month periods. 

As One climbs further 8 steps  we are reminded   of Ashtaakshara mantra   and  further   we move ahead  another  24 steps reminding  us  of Gayathri Mantram to arrive at the sanctum sanctorum,where  we have divya darishnam of our LORD  Senthaamarai Kannan (Pundareekaakshan)  along  with His consort Pankajacchelvi Naacchiyaar.

 Uyakkondar was foremost disciple to  ” Swami Nathamuni ” .

It is believed that  Swamy Pundarikakshar  parents had migrated from Madhyapradesh, and settled at Tiru vellarai, performing  devotional services  to Lord  Sri Pundareekaaksha Perumal at this divyadesam. 

Swamy Uyakkondar had five prominent  disciples , of whom Manarkal nambi (also known as Rama mishra) was the most popular and important to our  Srivaishnava  school .  Swamy Uyyakondar taught the  disciples  Azhwars’  Naalayiram Divya Prabandam’ .This rock is called as ‘Uyyakkondaan Malai’ where Swamy taught his disciples .

  After the  demise of  Swamy Uyakkondar’s wife,  the humble disciple swami Ramamishra took charge of the household chores at  his  Acharyars Uyakkondar’s house. He also took care of Uyakkondar’s young daughters like a dutiful mother . One day, when the children  were returing from daily bath at a nearby pond, the girls had to walk past a muddy stream and were hesitating to cross it.

Lord  Rama mishra seeing their  confusion fell across the stream and asked the girls to use his back as a bridge. Seeing the foot marks on his disciples back, after their return, Uyakkondar  understood the humility of his disciple .

Pleased , Swamy  Uyakkondar titled him Manarkal Nambi and renamed his birth place as Manarkal.

Swamy Nathamuni, while  collecting  the Nalayiram  Divya Prabhantham from  our Nammalvar after the recitation of Kanninum siruthambu pasuram , was also presented with  a deity  of  Swamy Ramanujar                    ( Bhavishya Acharyar ) instructing him to handover the deity  to  the arriving Acharya who will be appearing shortly.

When Nathamuni was about to depart ,  he passed on the deity  to Uyakkondar  for worship and  then  Uyyakondar handed over the deity to  Swamy Manarkal nambi which finally was handed over to  Sri Yamanucharya and worshipped .

Once as per the directions of his Acharyar Swamy  Natha Muni,  Pundarikakshar  escorted  his  mother (Acharyars wife ) to her parent’s home.

  The womenfolk known as Vangipurathu Aachis made him sit in an corridor  and  fed him  with  stale remnants of food left over.

Pundarikakshar partook the same with relish as it was food offered to him by the Parijanas ( those dear to) of his Acharya.  On his return, on  he felt greatly elated and  narrated the incident to his Acharya.

The Acharya was overwhelmed and exclaimed ” Nammai Uyyak Kondeero?”

-Oh  You came to redeem me?”. From then on, he came to be known as Uyyak Kondaar.

It is  believed that  all  of us must visit this temple at least once in  our lifetime in order to be eligible  for  Moksham .

Hence, there is  a  tradition at the temple to call ‘Thiruvellarai Kandeero- Thiruvellarai Kanden Aiyya’ (the devotees informing the Lord that they have seen Thiruvellarai Perumal  and that they are now ready/eligible for Moksham), a voice that is said to echo to the Lord up there. 

Swamy Ramanujar spent a few months  in this divyadesam   after the unfortunate incident   at Srirangam , where some person wanted to poison him..

Another  most respected Acharyar  was Swamy   Vishnuchithar’s   who appeared in this divya desam  He  served Swamy Ramanuja at this place . A tank called Udayavar kulam  was dug for the use of  Jagathacharyar Swamy  Ramanuja during his stay . 

Vishnuchithar’s was about  80 years younger than  Swami Ramanuja.  Swami Ramanuja  embarked upon the task of writing Sribhashya, a commentary on the Brahmasutras of Sage VedaVyasa. He engaged  Swami Kooratthazhwan to write down the commentary as he dictated. Unfortunately for him, Swami Koortthazhwan  services could not be extended by the divine will  Swamy was looking for a scholar who could help him finish the text.

He decided Swami Vishnuchithar’s would be the apt person to write down sribashya .

He was very pleased with Vishnuchithar’s  deep knowledge and  compared  him with Swami Kooratthazhwan and embraced him calling him ‘Engal Azhwano!’ (Your knowledge equals that of our Azhwan (Kooratthazhwan)..

 Vishnuchithar  was henceforth  called  as Engalazhwan.

Swami Ramanuja made Swami Engalazhwan a disciple of Thirukkurukaippiran Pillan. Swami Engalazhwan was also called Ammal  Acharyar since he was the  Acharya of Nadathur Ammal .

Adiyen had the bhagyam of having darisanam of  the present His Holiness Engalazhwan at Thiruvellarai 

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan.

Video credits : Thiruvellarai Swamy , Sri Soundhararajan Padmanabhan

Pictures : Google images

Shrivathsa chinha mishrebhyo nama uktheem adheemahe!

Yadhukthasyas thrayee kante yaanthi manggala soothrathaam!!

Salutations to  the great mahaan Srivathsa Chinha Misra (Swamy Koorathazhwan) whose Sri Sookthis became the thirumangaalyam  ( mangalasoothram ) of Veda Maatha.

Swamy  Koorathazhwan appeared during the year 1010 AD at the  Kooram village about 16 kms from Kanchipuram, the temple town of Tamilnadu (Sowmya varusham  on Thai –Hastham star during  Jan-Feb as per English calendar ) to Sri Ananthan and Perundevi . Swamy is considered to be the amsam of “Srivatsam” which adorns  Lord’s chest.  As this mark is very close to where Thayar resides, he invariably inculcated Thayar’s  abundant compassion.

Swamy  Koorathazhwan is  glorified as the “pavithram” of Swamy Ramanujar  thus proving his closeness to Swamy Ramanujar.

  Swamy Ramanujar felt incomplete without Mudaliandan Swamy and Koorath azwan. MudaliAndaan  is considered as “Yathiraja Padhuka and Dhandam( tridandam which a sanyasi hold in his hand) .

Swamy  Kooratathazhwan  is considered as Pavithram worn by Swamy Ramanujar. This has been revealed by Acharyar when he meets Swamy Thirughostiyur Nambi at Thirughostiyur .

Swamy was also glorified as “Haaritha kula thilakar “(the best among born in Haritha kulam ) and belonged to an affluent wealthy family.  He was the chieftain of the entire village  of Kooram.

He was an extremely intelligent who could grasp knowledge by  hearing once only .  He was a human  personification of compassion, generosity  and humility.

Compassion, humanity, tolerance, shedding ego, detachment from material things, being faithful, being truthful,  feeding the needy, not harming anyone either by word,deed, thought , pardoning people who inflict harm on us, respecting elders , unflinching devotion at the lotus feet of  Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar with the firm faith contemplating only on Lord  Sriman Narayanan and not resorting to worship  of any demi god  were  the qualities of Swamy Koorathazhwan

Koorathazhwan had a close association with Swamy Ramanujar at Kanchipuram even before  Swamy Ramanujar embraced Sanyasam and became the pontiff of Srivaishnavism. He lived with his family in Kooram  and continued with  dhadhiaaradhana kainkaryam.

 Later after Swamy Ramanujar took up sanyasam and went to Srirangam, as per Lord’s sankalpam an incident took place which changed the life of Kooratazhwan from a wealthy person to “Ramanuja dasan”

It so happened that one night after dhadhiaaradhana kainkaryam was over, the doors of Kooratazhwan’s thirumaligai were closed with a big bang and the sound emanated from the bells of the door could be heard by Perundevi Thayar at Kanchipuram .

Thayar enquired from Perumal about it for which Perumal replied that it was from the wealthy Kooratazhwan’s thirumaligai and extolled his kainkaryam to Thayar.  It was divine will to bless him with more kainkaryam and the divya dampathigal ordered Thirukachi nambigal who was fanning them to bring Azhwan to their presence.

Thirukachi nambigal reached Kooram and informed Azhwan about the discussion Perumal and Thayar had regarding his wealth. Had any person been in his place, he would have jumped with joy to hear about Perumal’s description.  Kooratazhwan repented for his mistake that the noise emanated from the door disturbed the divya dampathigal and without a second thought distributed the entire wealth to the needy and set out to Srirangam to take asrayanam at Swami Ramanujar’s holy feet.

While traversing through the forest, he observed that his wife was worried about something and on enquiry learnt that she was carrying a golden bowl for him to have food.  Kooratazhwan threw away the golden bowl saying that they were going to surrender to Ramanujar which was  very precious compared to this gold. Such was his vairaagyam.

Koorathazhwan excelled in study of Vedas and scriptures and put them into practice.  He considered the entire Universe to be Perumal’s children and  ensured that everyone was properly taken care of by giving food which is required for sustenance. 

He used to relentlessly  do “dhadhiyaaradhanai”(anna dhaana kainkaryam) every day from morning to night  as he believed that the wealth bestowed on him by the kind grace of the Lord should be utilised in a proper way.

In the Divya Prabhandam ,  Ramanuja Nootrandhadhi, the great disciple of Swamy Ramanuja , Swamy  Thiruvarangathu amudanaar  praises Koorathazhwan in the 7^th pasuram as

“Mozhiyai kadakkum Perum Pugazhaan* Vanjha Mukkurumbaam

Kuzhiyaik kadakkum* nam Koorathaazhwaan charan koodiya pin**

Pazhiyaik kadaththum Iraamanusan*pugazh paadi allaa

Vazhiyaik kadaththal*enakkiniyaadhum varththamanrey

In the above pasuram, Thiruvarangathu Amudanaar praises his Acharyan  Swamy Koorathazhwan with whose grace he got Ramanuja sambandham. 

Before becoming disciple of Swamy Ramanujar,  he was known as “Peria kovil nambi” and was in charge of temple administration, reading puranams, doing prohitam etc .in both Perumal and Thayar sannidhi.

  However, initially he was not comfortable with Swamy Ramanujar  directions whom Namperumal made incharge for ubhaya vibhutis(in charge of material and spiritual world) .He didn’t part with the rights of temple administration and hence Swamy Ramanujar could not proceed with  much reforms.

Kooratazhwan as per Ramanujar’s advise undertook the task of slowly molding  Peria kovil nambi and was  thus successful.  Swamy Ramanujar could make  the necessary reforms in Srirangam temple which is being followed till date.

Later, Peria kovil nambi realised Ramanujar’s greatness and approached him to be accepted as his disciple.  As Swamy felt that Kooratathazhwan was responsible for his transformation, he directed him to accept Koorathazhwan as his acharyar. Azhwan named him Thiruvarangathu amudanaar.  Amudanar cites this as “Koorathazhwan charan koodiya pin…”in Ramanuja Nootrandhadhi.

Another interesting fact is that this is the only pasuram which praises Ramanujar’s thiruvadi sambandham and thus establishes koorathazhwan’s greatness.

Koorathazhwan though  very intelligent, handsome, was very wealthy , had all the good qualities. Despite  all these  , he didn’t have slightest iota of ego.  Amudanar refers to these qualities as “Vanjha mukkurumbaam…”.

Normally, a person even if he has anyone of the above quality would be puffed up by ego  .Koorathazhwan was an embodiment of all virtues and was very humble and poised.

He had compassion  not only to humans but also to animals and plants. 

As mentioned earlier, he felt that all are God’s children and ensured that no one remains hungry. Hence he used to always feed the needy.

Many incidents in his life speak about Azhwan’s compassion to the world he lived .

Once ,   when a frog was caught by a snake and was wailing, Koorathazhwan who was tender hearted fainted hearing the frog’s plight. 

In another instance, when he went into the banana plantation for cutting leaves to be used for serving food, he fainted when he saw milk oozing out of the banana stem .

  Such was his compassion and humanity.

His ego never propped up when Udayavar asked him to go for 11^th day ceremony at Periakovil nambi’s place.

When Periakovil nambi’s mother passed away, he approached Ramanujar to help him by sending someone for being part of the 11^th day ceremony when the person himself is treated as the departed soul and offerings are made.  Only when the person is satisfied, the ritual is deemed  to be complete.

The person who goes in that form would be abstained from participating in any religious ceremonies for a period of one year.

  So it was difficult to find a person who would budge into his request.

Kovil peria nambi requested Ramanujar to send one of his disciples for the purpose. Ramanujar felt that Kooratathazhwan alone could complete his task and advised him. 

Kooratathazhwan who could read Swamy Ramanujar’s desire participated in the 11^th day ceremony and  when he was asked as to whether he was satisfied he replied in negative.  When Periakovil nambi offered him to give anything for appeasement, Koorathazhwan asked him to hand over his temple responsibilities.

 Periakovil nambi had to budge in.  Koorathazhwan submitted the same to Ramanujar’s lotus feet.

  Swamy Ramanujar took incharge of the temple activities and assigned the job of purana patanam(reading puranam) and prohitam(main priest) to Koorathazhwan. 

These activities are till date being followed by Koorathazhwan’s descendants.

Once while returning from Kaveri after having holy bath, he helped a pregnant woman by helping her to lift the water pitcher   unmindful of to which caste she belonged to.  In those days, orthodox people would be hesitant to do such activities but for our Azhwan , humanity was equal to Godliness.

To fulfill Yamunacharyar’s desire of writing a commentary for Brahma sutras,  Swamy Ramanujar along with Koorathazhwan undertook the arduous task of going to Kashmir for referring to   Bodhyana vritti .  Having procured the literature, while  returning, they were suddenly waylaid by the people sent by  Kashmiri pundits to return the manuscript Ramanujar had to reluctantly part with the grantham and was depressed as he could not fulfil his acharyar’s desire.

At that time, Koorathazhwan humbly submitted that he could reproduce the entire grantham which he happened to read after Ramanujar retired for the day.  As he had a highly grasping ability , he reproduced the entire commentary at the  lotus feet of  Swamy Ramanujar and played a vital role in composing SriBhashyam-the authentic commentary on Brahma Sutras.  Saraswathi-goddess of learning herself declared to Ramanujar that this was the most authentic commentary and gave  Swamy Ramanujar the title “Bhasyakaarar”.

Once when Srirangam was about to be waylaid, by the invaders , Acharyar  Peria Nambigal – acharyar of Swamy Ramanujar took some soil  and uttered some mantras to evade intruders.  Having done so, he gave the  same  to Swamy Ramanujar ordering him to give to a person who was blemish-less without any ego  so as to sprinkle it on all four sides of Srirangam border.  Immediately Swamy Ramanujar assigned the task  to Koorathazhwan who accomplished it successfully.

Once  it so happened , Koorathazhwan happened to see through a key hole of a door , how  Swamy Ramanujar graced a deaf and dumb person by placing his holy feet on that person’s head.  Koorathazhwan lamented and regretted that he was not so fortunate as that person and was feeling ashamed of his intellect as Ramanujar had assigned him various tasks which acted as an obstruction for  obtaining similar grace as that person.

To save  Swamy Ramanujar from the atrocities of Krimikanta Cholan the tyrant king , Koorathazhwan pleaded  Sway Ramanujar to accept his white robes and leave Srirangam along with Mudaliandan  to a safer place along the banks of Kaveri river. Swamy  Ramanujar and Mudaliandan left incognito to Melnadu and was thus protected from  the terror Krimikanta cholan.

 Swamy Koorathazhwan donned the orange robes of Swamy Ramnujar and appeared before the king along with aged Peria Nambigal.  Peria Nambigal succumbed to the king’s punishment loosing  his eyes.  Koorathazhwan  who regretted for having seen this sad episode , voluntarily plucked his eyes and left the place.  The perplexed king’s attention was thus diverted.  The blind Koorathazhwan  managed to serve  Peria Nambigal who due to advanced age could not tolerate the pain and attained acharyar’s feet. This incident is remembered at Kooram on the 5^th day of Azhwan thirunatchitira utsavam.  Koorathazhwan  is  adorned with orange robes and Swamy Ramanujar in white robes to remember the divine pastime .

On returning to Srirangam from Melnadu after a long period of 12 years, Swamy Ramanujar met his dear disciple and embraced  Koorathazhwan tightly who had just returned from Thirumaliruncholai after knowing about his Acharyars arrival.

Swamy Ramanuja advised him to go to Kanchipuram and pray to  Lord Varadarajar for restoring his eyes. Koorathazhwan with the help of few disciplies reached Kanchipuram and composed Varadaraja sthavam as per his acharyar’s instructions. 

  Lord  pleased with his devotion, appeared before him to bestow boon, Koorathazhwan requested the Lord to give  him eyesight which he could see HIM and Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja .

He also pleaded to  bestow moksham to Naaluran (the person who was responsible for instigating cruel thoughts to Krimikanta cholan) and all those associated with him.

Lord Varadarajan bestowed both the boons. 

When Swamy Ramanujar who was in Srirangam came to know of this, he felt so joyful that he was confident of getting moksha as he had” Koorathazhwan sambhandham”.

Azhwan always used to glorify Mudaliandan  who was Swamy  Ramanujar’s nephew that he was very fortunate to have deha sambandham too whereas  he had only atma sambandham.

Koorathazhwan and his wife Andal were blessed by  Peria Perumal HIMSELF with children.  Once due to heavy rains, the wealthiest person Koorathazhwan who was now living on Uncha vrutti   in Srirangam could not go out and starved the whole day.  His wife Andal who could not see his plight prayed to Lord Ranganatha who was being offered the night prasadam known as “Aravanai prasadam”.

With a heavy heart, she thought that while Lord Ranganatha was  being offered with  varieties of  dishes , her husband was allowed to starve. Lord Ranganatha immediately answered her prayers by appearing in a  priest’s dream ordering him to take temple prasadam with full temple paraphernalia to Koorathazhwan’s house.  Koorathazhwan was surprised to see a visitor at that odd time with prasadam.

  He guessed that it must be his wife’s act which made the priests arrive at that time.  As he felt that the temple prasadam had to be sold to get income for the temple, he simply honoured by taking two servings of the prasadam .  The Lord appeared in his dream and said that he would be blessed with two sons who would be considered and brought up as the Lord’s own children.  Swamy Ramanujar fulfilled his acharyar,Yamunacharyar’s desire to name two befitting persons after Parasara rishi and Veda Vyasar.   Swamy Ramanujar named them Parasara bhattar and Vedavyasa bhattar(Srirama pillai)..

Koorathazhwan who was always in the mood of serving his Acharyar, approached Peria Perumal with a prayer to leave this material body before his acharyar so that he could receive him with poorna kumbham when Swamy Ramanujar would decorate Thirunaadu.

  When  Swamy Ramanujar questioned him about this  strange act, Azhwan  quoted   the beautiful verse

“Soozh visumpanimugil…. from Thiruvaimozhi …that means

“ when the muktatma enters Vaikuntam, he is received by the inmates with due honours…..

he submissively replied that  he wished to be in continuous service to his Acharyar and wanted to welcome him in  Srivaikuntam .

Contemplating on Swamy Ramanujar, Koorathazhwan left his body by  uttering a sloka on his acharyar(thanian on Ramanujar)  which every Srivaishnava recites daily

yO nityam achyuta pAdAmbuja yugma rukma   

   vyAmOhatastaditarANi tRuNAya mEnE |
asmad gurOr bhagavatO asya dayaikasindhOh 

   rAmAnujasya charaNou SaraNam prapadyE |

May Koorathazhwan   who pardoned  his enemy and prayed for him , teach us how to love.

Azhwans appearance day (THAI HASTHAM)   February 2nd  2021 is celebrated all over the world in Vaishnava temples and all vaishnavas praise the glories of Azhwans bhakthi towards Acharyar

Few pastimes are shared in the below posts

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2015/02/06/lords-very-dear-devotee-kooresa/

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2016/01/29/swami-kurathazhwan-atmagunas/

Watch the following clips in which the vaibhavam of Kooram and Azhwan is explained by the temple Bhattar

Swamy Koorath azhwan thiruvadigaley sharanam

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Photographs : Courtesy Google images

The Sri vaishnava Divya desam  of “Thirivikarama Perumal Temple”  is located near  Seerkazhi in Tanjore district ( Tamil Nadu). It’s about half mile away from the Seerkazhi Railway station. Lord Srirama Vinnakara Thadalan  graces the devotees  as  Lord Thiruvikrama as he did in Thiruvekka and Thiru uragam divya desams  of Kanchipuram.

Offering  countless obeisances to Asmath Acharyar, Sri Sri  Mudaliandan Swamy and all spiritual masters ,  Adiyen wishes to share our  travel and darisanam experiences  at Thirunangoor done few years back . We had  attended this  great festival twice  few years back and  wish to share the divine experiences to all the devotees .

It will be a great fortune and mercy for the ones who will be attending this year festival  on Thai Amavasai  which is being celebrated from 24-01-2020 to 26-02-2020 at Thirunangoor and get the blessings of our Thirumanga Azhwar .Watch the clip and get in that mood of devotion ….

.

The remote  village of Thirunangoor near Sirkazhi reverberates with satsangh   every year Thai Amavasya and the succeeding 2  days are celebrated in a  very grand manner. And the  great devotee who started  was this Sri Srinivasachaar

On Thai Amavasya, Thirumangai Azhwar  the great saint of  Vaishnava sampradaya is given Manjal Kuliyal  (holy bath with turmeric water) which is being celebrated in this remote village past  12 centuries .

The next day, 11 Garuda Seva of LORD  is celebrated which is being done since past  100 years .The third day marks the return of Azhwar to Tiruvali-Thirunagari temple. Srivaishnavas make it a point to participate in these festivities.

.

MANJAL NEERATAM AND ELEVEN GARUDA SEVAS   HELD AT THIRUNANGOOR EVERY YEAR ON THAI AMAVASAI  AND PRADHAMAI DAY respectively.

May the Supreme Lord bestow me the knowledge to describe about the Garuda Seva. Adiyen seeks the blessings of all the   devotees  , Acharyas and  Azhwars   for  describing the great event .

.

Thirumangai Azhwar  affectionately  called as Kaliyan, was the valiant army chief of the then Chola King that the king gifted him with a small territory to rule over.

Hence, he was known as Thirumangai Mannan .

He was attracted to an apsara Kumudavalli , daughter of a physician and expressed his desire to marry her.

Kumudavalli who appeared on this earth to transform this valiant king to a  devotee , laid the condition that he should  serve  1000 Srivaishnavas every day  by offering Prasadam for one year .

Thirumangai Mannan fulfilled her condition and continued to do so even after his marriage as he got habituated in this wonderful kainkaryam of feeding  the srivaishnavas.

In due course, his wealth diminished and as Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, when HE decides to bless HIS devotee, HE takes away wealth and enacted a divya leela.

Due to his love for vaishnavas , our Azhwar resorted to stealing and plundering wealth from the rich and the egoistic  but  used the wealth for feeding Vaishnavas and renovating temples.

One day ,  Tirumangai Mannan comes to know through his friends that a newly wedded couple bedecked with precious  jewellery  were  passing through a forest in a palanquin and if they could plunder their wealth, they could continue with their cause of serving Srivaishnavas forever.

Overjoyed , Thirumangai Mannan along with his four friends  rush to the  place in the midnight ,  galloping  fast on his horse, who he calls as Aadalmaa. He  waylays the divine couple who are resting  near a mandapam at “Thirumanankollai” and plunders their wealth. This precious booty is carefully put  over a cloth and ties it .

Not being satisfied with the loot, he  advances towards them and tries to remove the Thirumetti of Thayar with all his might but  is unsuccessful.

By coming in contact with Thayar’s thiruvadi, realisation dawns on him.  He is amazed .Something draws him towards them for a second look . However  he manages and when he tries to lift the loot, he is unable to do so. He  suspects  the bridegroom for having put some charm on the loot  .  He threatens Perumal who is disguised as the bridegroom with a sword to disclose the secret which is not allowing him to lift the loot .

Perumal  smiles at him . He advises him to purify himself by having a dip at the  Kavery tributary  and return so that he can impart the secret to him.

Thirumangai mannan  politely obeys the advise . He returns to  Perumal. Lord  gives him the most sacred mantram,Thirumantram . The moment Perumal whispers the sacred Ashtakshari Thirumantram , wisdom dawns on Kaliyan and he surrenders at the Lotus feet of the Divya Dampadhigal.

He repents for all his earlier deeds and outbursts his  divine pourings starting with  the wonderful pasuram

“Vaadinene Vaadi….” and decides to glorify Perumal by visiting holy places in India..

He is transformed as Thirumangai Azhwar and riding on his Aadalma horse glorified Perumal in about 86 divya desams.

Check the appended post appended below for more details of Azhwar’s appearance vaibhavam…

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2017/12/02/today-is-the-appearance-day-of-thirumangai-azhwar-our-parakaalan-kaalan-for-people-who-refuted-paran/

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2017/12/02/today-is-the-appearance-day-of-thirumangai-azhwar-our-parakaalan-kaalan-for-people-who-refuted-paran/

                                         OUR PILIGRIMAGE EXPERIENCES

With the directions given by senior devotees we reached Thirunangoor in the evening and  discussing about the divine pastimes of Azhwars with elders .

Though we did not have a proper resting place all of us relaxed lying down at the temple entrance awaiting Azhwars arrival  as it was  almost midnight when we reached Thirunangoor.

The  village of Thirunangoor  is fully crowded with many devotees . We all relaxed in front of a house near Thirunagari temple. Suddenly around 1.30 A.M. in the  early morning, we were awakened by sounds of  crackers and trumpets .

The drums and Nadaswaram  were being played to welcome our Azhwar  .

On enquiry, we were told that Azhwar’s purapaadu ( procession )  was about to start and Azhwar was being dressed as the chief .

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=NtXbiYGBi08&index=31&list=PL28444E81CFBBC177

Adiyen was keen to join the procession amongst many many senior devotees and the excitement in following Azhwar . Un mindful adiyen took a shower near a bore well and quickly changed my clothes and applying  Urdhvapundram ran behind the crowd to be as close  to Azhwar and the devoted priests .  

It was totally dark with  few  street lights  which were going ON and Off  and sad that  there were no proper roads. Unmindful of the thorns and stones, all the bhagavathas were  literally running behind the Azhwar as some one is waiting for us .

True !……

The all compassionate LORD is so keen to meet the Azhwar for his upliftment . Adiyen  had the same feeling .

As it was too difficult to carry children in the crowd  my family followed us by hiring a  motor car amongst other devotees .

This unique devotion  of the villagers and the devotees coming from far off places has to be seen in person to taste the bliss .  

The  holy intention of the procession ( purapaadu)  is Azhwar personally goes to each  of the 11 temples, glorifies the respective Perumals while going for Manjal Neeratam and personally invites  the LORDSHIPS  to  grace them to come to Thirumanimaada kovil for the Garuda utsava darshanam  which will be held the next day. 

The tradition of glorifying the LORD at the respective divyadesams  by the pasurams sung by Azhwar is done with all humility

. Let me attempt to narrate the happenings in the chilly night of Amavasai . Our Azhwar (Thirumangai Azhwar) was seated majestically  in a well-decorated palanquin and the procession  started from the temple  Azhwar proceeds  to Thirukuraiyalur, his birth place.

The crowd braves the chilly weather to somehow occupy the temple corridor to  have the closest darshan of Azhwar and Perumal . It was 2.30 AM when we reached this temple .  We could see hundreds  of devotees following the procession .

The Azhwar literally runs and the bhagavathas also run behind the azhwar. Adiyen participated in the procession and literally was in bliss being with advanced devotees . It was a memorable trek for spiritual quest .

The zeal cannot be explained.

We are in THIRUKURAIYALUR, the appearance place of Thirumangai Alwar.

The Temple Priest along with the senior devotees receive  Azhwar  with due temple honours and mangalasaasanams. The first pasuram  starting with “VAADINEN VAADI” was  recited .

It was as if Azhwar was almost there guiding us .

The pasuram literally brought chilled tears in my eyes .  Adiyen was able to feel the soul literally craving for HIS grace and the nectar was directly being fed .

Was able to meet  bhagavathaas who were carrying out  “PUSHPA KAINKARYAM FOR THE AZHWAR ON THESE TWO DAYS”.  

Ahead of this recitation we were offered hot prasadam ( Kesaree) .This prasadam became a benchmark for me to offer it LORD later .

After honouring the prasadam adiyen moved near to the temple premises where the devotees were thinning away .

Offered humble obesiances to LORD NARASINGA PERUMAL and prayed LORD to bestow his abundant mercy in having satsangh always .

The special feature in this big festival is that without any discretion, all the residents of  the 11 villages participate in this function and the hospitality  extended by the local residents cannot be described in words.

All the bhagavathas who attend this function are sumptuously fed . We can see the village residents  voluntarily offering us buttermilk,  hot milk and food etc en route

They all consider it as their own family function. Now our  Azhwar proceeds  to THIRUMANGAIMAADAM , the birth place of Kumudavalli Thayar., who was solely responsible for transforming  our Azhwar into a Srivaishnavite.

It’s a  very old temple and  the darshan of Azhwar specifically at this place reveals his liking to this place and his consort .

After recitation of the respective pasurams and mangalashashanams , we were offered  Chakrapongal prasadam  which was honoured . The sweet prasad , the sweet pasurams , the sweet crowd  and our SWEET AZHWAR was indeed most memorable night .

On looking at the watch , Adiyen was amazed ,It was  already  3.30 AM  and was looking as fresh .

Never was Adiyen awake except for the Suprabatha seva at Tirumala Hills .

We must have  around  4 Kms .

From here we proceeded along with Azhwar to

THIRUKAVALAMPADI    THIRUMANIKOODAM  and  THIRUPAARTHANPALLI 

  scattered around  for about 10 kms and as done in the temples our Azhwar requests Perumal to grace the garuda Utsavam the nest day after reciting the prescribed pasurams of the Divya desams .

Few temples the time taken is more as per the number of Pasurams .Adiyen was fortunate to be around the learned bhagavathas and advanced devotees who were literally up to date with the history of temple and Azhwars pastimes .

All these temples are scattered in a radius of 10 to 12 kms .Unmindful of the darkness , poor roads and route followed each of us were moving in a brisk pace to match the speed of the Procession .

We must congratualate the palaquin bearers of Azhwar who are so energetic and infuse the spirit to just keep moving seeking his mercy . 

The whole place is  charged with religious fervour and was eye- captivating. One must not miss to see bhagavatha’s bhakti for the Azhwar. Due to Azhwar’s sheer grace, Adiyen  was able to participate in the procession.

The procession was more or less like a running race.

It shows the Azhwar’s anxiety to have darshan of Perumal at different divya desams .

In each of the temples, we could see  the utsavar anxiety  to receive the Azhwar by  waiting outside the garbagriham to welcome our Azhwar. 

Adiyen was overwhelmed with joy and at the same time  was stunned to see an ocean of Srivaishnavas running behind the Azhwar. True ! If a bhaktha makes a small attempt to seek him

…LORD moves few miles to reach him  .All through the way, Perumal’s naamasmaranam was done and Azhwar’s vaibhavam was recapitulated.

Even the thorns and stones on the road  become flowers to the devotees now .Enjoying the company of a senior devotee adiyen suddenly noticed Azhwars procession moving inside a field lushy and so green . 

For a moment,  was totally confused . Adiyen didn’t know what was happening.

The senior devotee explained  that it was Azhwar’s practice to go across fields, muddy lands and canals  during his times and as a mark of respect the procession goes in the similar fashion and that practice is followed even today.

It was a very thrilling experience. Around 8-10  bhagavathas  were shouldering the palanquin and by seeing the speed in which the procession was taken, Adiyen thought they may  drop the palanquin.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

But  was corrected about my misconception by other bhagavathas that such incidents do not happen and Azhwar enjoys the procession to be taken in this way.  Adiyen decided to accompany the procession in the damp fields along with the  bhagavathas   though was bit apprehensive about slipping in the  green fields .

Adiyen never ever felt that we were in the fields  .

We along with  Azhwar cross the agricultural fields, (keni kattu), canals etc.  One young devotee was sharing his experience that the local people request the procession to be taken across their fields because they strongly believe that  Azhwars mercy on them will  have a good yield if the procession goes from their fields.

It takes about half a day for our  Azhwar to cover these 5 temples. After  inviting the Perumals in these five divyadesams  it is almost the next day afternoon .

Now our  Azhwar proceeds  to the banks of Manikarnikarai  

  ( tributary of the river cauvery )

On the banks of the canal, Azhwar does mangalasaasanam to his  Acharyar , Sri Naraiyur Nambi Perumal (Naachiyar kovil, Kumbakonam) who personally  initiated him into Vaishnavism and mangalasaasanam to his favourite Perumal, Sri Ranganathar .  The Divyaprabhanda pasurams takes you literally to the divyadesam along with Azhwar .

An interesting happening takes place .The Priests along with bhgavathas  stood in knee deep water reciting  pasurams on LORD Thirunaraiyur Nambi and Sri Ranganathar. Our  Azhwar takes  a quick dip in the canal . Along with the Azhwar,  all the devotees also had a holy dip.

One devotee informed that  Azhwar, when he  was the chief ,he  used to have bath in these waters for refreshing himself after he returned from his looting expedition. Hence, the  old practice of having holy dip in the Manikarnikai waters is still followed even today. 

Azhwar is now honoured with garlands and peethambarams which were adorned by the two Perumals of the divya desams previously. These gifts are  specially brought from Kumbakonam and Srirangam with due temple honours. Now our Azhwar proceeds to  a nearby old mandapam well decorated  for Manjal Neeratam..

..Thirumanjanam ( Abhiskekam)  was performed to  SINDANAIKU INIYAN ( one who is sweet for contemplating ) who accompanies Azhwar during the entire procession ( deities worshipped by Thirumangai Azhwar himself),

Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudavalli Thayar. It is very interesting to note that Azwar is never separated from Thayar except on one occasion i.e. during THIRUVEDUPURI UTSAVAM celebrated  during  Panguni Uthiram day every year in April. Only during this occasion, Azhwar leaves Kumudavalli Thayar alone for a span of 3-4 hours as he goes to rob  Perumal’s properties and eventually transforms to become HIS only property .

We are now in the Mandapam premises . A sahsradhaara plate where the Azhwar deities are honoured with a holy bath .

The beauty is during Abhishekam ( Thiurmanjanam)   to Lord Sindanaiku Iniyan the remnants holy water / milk/ honey /curd  flows through the Sahasradhaaram on Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudavalli’s  who are underneath LORDS LOTUS FEET

.

Its a great bhagyam to have darisanam of Azhwar when the holy water of his deities is allowed to bathe the divine couple who have showed us the path of surrender to our only LORD SRIMAN NARAYANA.

Adiyen was fully charged amongst the bhagavathas .

Few  senior bhagavathas sang Azhwars Pasurams with some dancing to the tunes .

Overall the festive atmosphere infused more and more bhakthi and adiyen found there was some special attraction in our Azhwars bewitching smile .

Reflecting on Azhwars pastimes adiyen reclined at the mandapam premises sometimes with tearful eyes thanking Azhwar and Asmath Acharyar for blessing me to be among this wonderful devotees who are in  the trance of HARINAAM all the while  .

At about 6 P.M., Azhwar reaches Thirumanimada kovil popularly known as Narayana Perumal kovil. It is here that 11 Garuda sevai is performed. The garuda vahanams of all Perumals are kept here in designated mandapams.

Azhwar is greeted as usual and pasurams comprising of Thirupallandu, Kanninunsiruthambhu, respective pasuram from Peria Thirumozhi are recited followed by neivedyam, saatrumarai and vaazhi thirunaamam. Azhwar then visits Thiruvanpurushothaman kovil where professional musicians entertain Azhwar by exhibiting their talent in playing nadaswaram and mrudangam . After mangalasaasanam, Azhwar visits Manavaala maamunigal sannidhi in the temple precincts. Azhwar was one of the favourites for Manavala mamunigal mamunigal organizes the 11 garuda seva on the following day. We were offered prasadam  , panchaamrutham, chakarai pongal etc  sumptously .

The Manjal Neeratam is still fresh in our minds. May Azhwar bless us by giving us  many many more oppurtunities to be amongst his devotees  It was almost  3 P.M now . As per the plan , the procession  re started. Azhwar now marches to THIRUMANIMADAKOVIL , THIRUNAGARI  and glorifies the Perumals to grace the function the next day .

Prasadam is offered at every Divyadesam to the devotees .

Now our  Azhwar proceeds to 

THIRUVANPURUSHOTHAM KOVIL ,

THIRUVAIKUNTAVINNAGRAM

 THIRUSEM PON SEI KOVIL

THIRUTHETRIAMBALAM

THIRUARIMEYAVINNAGARAM

and finally awaits for all Perumals to grace him at THIRUMANIMADA KOVIL

  and following the same custom of reciting the divyaprabhanda pasurams  glorified by  Azhwar at the respective divya desams.

We were overjoyed to be among  a sea of devotees and managed to take rest in open area and  moved to the premises of  Srinivasa Perumal kovil more popularly known as “Annan Kovil “ and  passed the night at temple along with devotees .

The next day morning, all of us assembled at Thirumanimada kovil for participating in  the most awaited  11 GARUDA SEVA.

Adiyen took this small oppurtunity to have darisanam of  Anann kovil,, Thirupaarthanpalli, Thiruvaali-Thirunagari before proceeding to attend the Eleven Garuda sevai  . Offering repeated obesiances to our Azhwar in  Thirunagari temple. The temple itself is very big. The  deity of Thirumangai Azhwar along with Kumudavalli Thayar is eye captivating.

It makes one recollect   Acharyar Manavala mamuni’s thaniyan . 

Azhwar’s lips are slightly opened as if they are uttering THIRUMANTRAM.

Azhwar is seen holding THIRUMADAL in one hand and has  a spear with him.

Azhwar is seen wearing anklet.

This anklet and Vel were given as gifts to the Azhwar when he won in a contest about Vaishnavism with a advanced saiva devotee Thirugyanasambandhar .

THE PREPARATION FOR ELEVEN GARUDA SEVAI BEGINS

From 10 A.M. onwards we can have darhanam of  divya desa Perumals from each temple who accept the Invitation of Azhwar  We are able to observe  a  big pandal  erected for the Perumals.

The Perumals  arrive  in their respective palanquins with mangalashanams . Now we race towards  Thirumanimadakovil at 14 hours.  We take darshanam of  almost  Seven Perumals who  had arrived

.

Almost by  4 P.M. all Perumals from 11 divya desams arrive and take the  gaurd of honour from our Azhwar  as our  Azhwar arrives to recieve our most reverred guest of the wonderful seva  from Thirumanimada kovil for receiving the Perumals.

Our  Azhwar  awaits  near the entrance of the temple.  Acharyar Manavala maamuni  awaits facing  our Azhwar.

, Swamy Manavalamaamuni was very fond of Thirumangai Azhwar and he , as a disciple supervises this grand Garuda  Utsavam . The place was over crowded but fortunately we could have a clear view of the proceedings and were able to have good darisanam . To enable the crowd to know about the proceedings, a big board was hung depicting the particular Perumal’s Thirunaamam, and Divya desam.

Mangalasaasanam on the particular Perumal rendered by Thirumangai Alwar was recited and our  Azhwar does pradakshinam to Perumal.  Azhwar is  honoured  with parivattam and garlands previously worn by the Perumal as a blessing .

Our  Azhwar humbly bows down to  accept the  gifts given by respective Perumals from the divyadesams . Azhwar wears the garland given by Perumal and  adorns the parivattam .  Fruits etc are offered as neivedyam to  Perumal and then to Azhwar and later to  Swamy Manavala Mamumuni followed by  karpoora aarthi

. Now the honoured Perumal  gets inside the Thirumani mada kovil. An interesting feature noted was there was a separate troop of musicians who played naadaswaram, mela and thalam for each Divyadesam  Perumal.

Finally Karpoora  mangala  haarthi with Poorna  khumbham is given. The sequence in which the mangalasaasanam  done to the Perumal  is as follows

1) THIRUNARAYANA PERUMAL OF THIRU MANIMADA KOVIL-   adorned  in white colour dress .

2) KUDAMAADU KOOTHAR PERUMAL OF THIRU ARIMEYA VINNAGARAM-  adorned in blue colour dress

3) SRI LAKSHMI RANGANATHAR OF SEM PON SEI KOVIL

4) SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL OF ANNAN KOVIL (palanquin covered with blue and meron velvette cloth)

5) SRI PURUSHOTHAMAN OF THIRUVANPURUSHOTHAM (dressed in white and grey)- palanquin covered with green cloth (Note: All the palanquins were covered with cloth with sankhu, chakram and Thiruman embedded on it)

6) SRI VARADARAJA PERUMAL OF THIRUMANIKOODAM (silver crown, holding mace, dressed in blue and red –palanquin covered with white cloth)

7) SRI VAIKUNTANATHAR OF THIRUVAIKUNTAM ( Adiseshan seen as umbrella for Perumal, blue and red colour cloth covered over the palanquin) (The alankaranam for all the Perumals are  fantastic)

8) SRI MADHAVA PERUMAL OF THIRUDEVANARTHOGAI (meron colour kreetam-dressed in yellow and red )

9) SRI PARTHASARATHY PERUMAL OF THIRUPAARTHANPALLI (dressed in printed silk cloth-silver umbrella –Maragadham visible on Perumal’s Thirumaarbhu-red colour palanquin

10) SRI RAJAGOPALAN of THIRUKAVALAMPAADI (dressed in pink and blue coloured silk cloth-red coloured palanquin)

During circumbulation  to  LORD Sri Rajagopalan  Azhwar  majestically circumbalates   amidsts  the  enchanting Nadaswaram  ( Nagin music) . After all the Perumals take leave ,  Swami Manavala mamuni does pradakshinam to Azhwar amidst the background nadaswaram playing  style and the Azhwar along with  swami Manavala mamuni enter the temple. The reception  function takes place for about 2 hours. Around 5PM  inside the temple,  we can have darshanam of each Perumal  who have a separate  chamber  and  ( Abhishekam ) Thirumanjanam to all the Perumals and Azhwar is performed in Ekantam ( private) . After the Maha Abhisheskam ,  all the Perumals are adorned with wonderful ornaments and flowers .The Garuda vahanam is also adorned with flowers and other paranphalia . We had darishnam of all the Perumals and seeked their grace in  having satsangh always

. Around  11 P.M. , the Garuda seva starts.  We quickly come out of the temple and eagerly await to have the Garuda seva darshanam of all the Perumals . We observe the moment the main door opens our  Acharyar Swamy  Manavala mamuni  followed by Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudavalli Thayar seated on hamsa vahanam  arrive much to the joy of the devotees .    Swamy Manavaala mamunigal in his parangi naarkali vahanam  comes out first and receives Azhwar seated on Hamsa vahanam. One by one all the  Divya desam Perumals arrive in Garuda vaahanams. Mangalasaasanam sung by Azhwar is recited and after due honours, the Perumal goes round the 4 mada streets..

 Its a divine feeling to be amongst  a sea of srivaishnavas assembeled reciting the  Divya Prabhandam pasurams . Few devotees were distributing the pasurams books for others to follow and recite .  Now the Perumals on Garuda vahanam grace  Azhwar and the devotees who are eagerly waiting for his  darshan . and All the divya desa Perumals follow them. The procession winds its way through the four mada streets of Thirumanikoodam. It takes about 3 hours for all the Perumals to complete the oorvalam. All the Perumals assemble in front of Thiurumanimaada kovil. Azhwar thanks all the Perumals for having blessed all the sinners like us with their Divine Grace.  Swamy Manavala mamuni’s saatrumarai takes place later and  all the Perumals enter into the temple.  On the way to Thirunagari, Azhwar  proceeds to Sri  Annan Kovil, Madhava Perumal kovil (Thirudevanarthogai), Thiruvaali and Thirunagari divya desams

.

On the third day, after all the divyadesa Perumals leave to their respective divyadesams, Azhwar also leaves Manimada kovil.. On the way he visits Annan Kovil where he is received grandly as he is considered as their “Maapillai”(son-in-law”). Finally Azhwar reaches Thirunagari where Vayalaali Manavalan-the presiding diety of Thiruvali-Thirunagari temple waits near the entrance on Garuda Vaahanam to welcome Azhwar . Perumal and Azhwar then enter into the temple together. This marks the end of the three day festivities at Thirunangoor which is celebrated for more than 140 years. Adiyen with tears submit to the  divine will of  Azhwar and Almighty who graced us tohave the darishna bhagyam amongst several devotees .

What else does a soul needs except HIS cool benovalent grace always to be among Haribhaktaas………..

Nadu nagaramum NAMO NARAYANA enru ..

Thats the final prayer LORD ..

Adiyen seeks his mercy to be HIS always …

Please forgive adiyen for any slips in glorifying and describing the great festival .

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

 This  whole world is moving according to the plan of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  There is a specific plan being carried out in this material world. What is this plan? The cosmic manifestation is a chance for the elevated souls to go back to Godhead. . 

As they overcome the  material nature, they  slowly get  conditioned. One who  can understand the plan of the Supreme Lord and cultivate Krsna consciousness   gradually becomes intelligent.

 He slowly realises the creation and destruction of the cosmic manifestation are under the superior guidance of Lord .

 The Battle of Kuruksetra was fought according to the plan of LORD . Arjuna was refusing to fight, but he was told that he should fight and at the same time  desire the Supreme Lord 

Lord Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, the Song Celestial, tells his dearest friend and disciple, Arjuna, “Nimitta matram Bhava Savyasachi”.

You just become an instrument.

So the man of God feels in the inmost recesses of his heart that he is a mere instrument. He works for God, he lives for God.

He feels that God Realisation is not enough.

He feels that God Manifestation here on earth is of paramount importance.

One divine pastime  chronicled as  Azhwar’s musings is being shared for a vivid description of a jiva seeking Lord’s lotus feet ….

…

The youngest Azhwar among the illustrious revered twelve Srivaishnava  Azhwars was Thirumangai Azhwar He was also glorified with the names  Kalivarimuni ,

Parakalamuni and had a title “Kaviloka divaakarah” .. ( the sun of the world of poets ) as glorified below …

kalayaami kalidhvamsam

kaviloka divakaram

yasyagobhih prakaasaabhih

aavidyam nihatam tamah …

The magnum opus “Periya Thirumozhi” consisting of 1080 pasurams in the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam speaks about Azhwar’s deep love to Lord .

The below post describes about Azhwars past and his attraction to LORD in his later life ..Please click the link below and relish your souls thirst with Azhwar’s divine experiences ..

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2015/03/23/the-divine-loot-by-azhwar-at-seerkazhee-in-tamilnadu/

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2014/04/16/the-grand-day-when-azhwar-got-thirumantra-upadesam/

https://atomic-temporary-2692795.wpcomstaging.com/2014/04/13/vedipuri-utsavam-thirumanthra-upadesam-to-azhwar/

The supremely devoted Azhwar after having darshan of the  Sri vaishnava divyadesams  by glorifying the Lordships in every divya desam  was pondering about his position ..

Though his mission was accomplished in uplifting the fallen souls in seeking Lord’s lotus feet unconditionally thus surrendering  to the only HIM the Supreme Lord Sriman Narayana ,

Azhwar had some musings for not able to obtain immediate results.

Azhwar became anxious and perplexed as how much longer he would have to bear his karma and when would he attain the bliss of emancipation.

He had a unexplained  fear whether LORD would continue to keep him in the material world all together .In this perplexed mood he entered into a casual discussion with Lord of the Lords Sriman Narayana ..

Looking at the Lord !! he laments ,

Oh My Master !!      you had pushed me away ..far far away ..by throwing me long long long ago in a  bottomless pit  full of material and mire in this world …

 Oh Lord !!! Am I not yours like the Nitya muktas .

Am I stranger to your highness ?

Devareer could have kept me amongst the Nitya surees for serving your highness …

Azhwar submits …

It is  described in Srimad Bhagavatham

Na me dveshyosti na priyah

You declared no one in particular is beloved to you and neither you hate any one .

It is  also declared Samoham Sarva bhuteshu and look upon everyone equally ….and announced the supremely pure Jiva is like a kausthubha jewel that is effulgent with knowledge bliss …

Oh ! Lord does this give you any happiness seeing your children suffering in this infected material world ?

You have thrown me in this muddy samsara …a bottomless pit …

Lord  with compassion replies !! with a bewitching smile …

Oh Parakala muni ……………….

Am I cause for your difficulties ? which……

you invited due to various sins committed by you in different lives you have taken since immemorial..

My child …   Yes!

I appeared several times and taken various incarnations to punish the evil doers  and reward the one who did virtuous deeds .

I took all the pain in seeing that people like you are uplifted ..

But am sad ..you never ever sought me and preferred to be Independent .

Never you showed inclination towards me ..

You evaded and avoided me and slowly moved  away from me  as if you had taken a vow that you would not see , hear , speak and seek me at all.

You were always seeking material pleasures and thus enjoyed the ephemeral worldly pleasures and indulged in sinful  deeds.  entertaining  hatred every moment towards my devotees ,

My Child ….

You are therefore ..

cause for the succession of sorrows which have chased  you for the gross misdeeds.

Kaliyan … Now don’t  impute me for your misdeeds .

Azhwar humbly responded …..

Oh Lord !!

The Mind is the cause for a person to entertain a desire or wish in favor of a particular object and this crazy mind is under YOUR control ..

as you declared in SBG……

Sarvasya chaaham hridi samnishtah.”

As HRISHIKESHA you are the cause of the good and bad thoughts …

Azhwars have proclaimed

Ennaitheemanam Keduthathaai

and YOU alone have ensured that my mind is diverted from the evil thoughts which forces me to commit these sins

..Maruvithozhum maname thandhaai…

Oh ! Lord !!

This mind you gave me which with love seeks your refugee ……………………….

and you gave this sinful mind ..

and then threw me in this ocean of samsara

..Lord !! Please show compassion and uplift me ..

Lord once again smiles and replies…………..

Oh Parakaala muni …My child …

From time immemorial ….

You never sought me .

To attain specific fruits and get rid of difficulties you had performed certain yagas and yagynas and seeked fruits .

You overlooked me.

With that faith you had overlooked me and thus you had several succession of lives doing good and bad deeds thus falling in the unending cycle of karmas in this samsara .

Now tell me ..

How can I be a part of your sins ?