It was Namperumal’s divine plan to make Swamy Ramanujar leave Srirangam for a short time , and purify other places by placing his holy feet in Melnadu and retrieve Thirunarayanan who was worshipped by Sri Ramar and Sri Krishna during Tretha and Dwapara yugas .
Peria Perumal thus created a difficult situation by which Swamy Ramanujar had to leave Srirangam after taking Peria Perumal’s consent and thus proceeded towards north accompanied by Sri Mudaliandan Swamy.
After many days of travel and undergoing various hardships following the course of Kaveri, Swamy Ramanuja finally arrived in Karnataka where the local tribals served them.
En route he met his disciple kongu piratti and graced her
.
Check the url below for kongu piratti divine pastime with Swamy Ramanuja
The local people who were averse to Swamy Ramanujar conspired a plan to do away with him.
Swamy Ramanujar learning their evil intentions ordered Mudaliandan Swamy to place his feet in the drinking water pond in that area now called saligrama near Thondanur , which he politely obeyed.
At salagrama ,by partaking this Sripada theertham, the minds of the evildoers changed miraculously and they fell at Swamy Ramanujar lotus feet seeking forgiveness. Such was the greatness of Swamy Mudaliandan .
Ramanujar named this place as “Saligramam” which is near to Melkote.
Even today this pond is maintained by the archakar family .
There is a small temple opposite to this pond in which Swamy Ramanujar’s lotus feet are worshiped.
Swamy Ramanuja had a large number of disciples at Melnadu .
Vangipurathu Achi , Vangipurathu Nambi , Thondanur Nambi , Marudhur Nambi, Malur Nambi , Anathazhwan were some of them in the large group of disciples he had at Melnadu.
Thondanur Nambi was a great bhagavatha , a saint and most respected scholar as he was close to the Royal family .
Thondanur Nambi , during his pilgrimage to Srirangam was attracted to Swamy Ramanuja .
He loved his approach and the simple teachings which leads to self realisation that takes one to godhead. He was one among the 74 Simhadhipathees .
Thondanur was the summer capital of the Hoyasala kingdom ruled by King Vittala deva who was a staunch follower of Jainism .
They were tolerant to other religions too . The King had a daughter who was possessed with an evil spirit .
No treatment could cure her illness . She was always under the possession of the evil spirit which made her do unnatural things .
She was almost dressed like a madwoman and was a big embarrassment to the Royal family . There was another tragedy , during a war the King lost his finger.
This earned him the name Bitti deva .
The King was very upset due to the deformity and the new worry of his daughter that took shape .
No treatment either medicines or tantric rituals could cure her .
The Jain monks also tried their best but nothing seemed possible to relieve her from the evil spirit .
Thondanur Nambi, the disciple of Swamy Ramanujar suggested to the queen that his spiritual master who arrived recently and staying at Saligrama was capable of restoring the princess to normalcy.
The Jain king pleaded Nambi to invite Swamy Ramanuja to his palace .
He even promises that If his daughter is cured he will adopt Srivaishnava faith and surrender to Swamy Ramanuja..
Thondanur Nambi goes to Saligrama and surrenders to the lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja and briefs him about the Jain Kings intentions .
It was a wonderful opportunity to grace the King and his people and induct them in the great srivaishnava sampradayam .
Swamy Ramanuja and Thondanur Nambi look for an auspicious time and leave to Thondanur to the Royal palace .
The Royal couple have the divya darshan of JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanuja .
Both of them fall like uprooted trees looking at Swamy Ramanujas divine aura .
They welcome Swamy to their Royal chambers .
The whole Royal family pay their obeisance’s to Swamy Ramanuja .
The mad princess who was irritating the members few minutes back suddenly leaves into another room when Swamy enters the chambers . With some cajoling the princess who is shabbily dressed is brought before Swamy Ramanuja .
Looking at the pitiable state of the princess , Swamy gives the holy water that was offered to his Lordships and applies the holy turmeric paste offered to Lord on her forehead .
The moment she sips the holy water and makes an eye contact with the great Acharya the evil spirit vanishes and she almost faints before him .
The princess is slowly brought back to senses by sprinkling some water on her .
To everybody’s surprise she gets up , looks at herself feels shy and runs away to her chambers . She dresses herself elegantly and offers obeisances to Swamy Ramanuja amongst all the people .
The Royal couple are amazed with the sudden happenings . They accept that the great seer who is with them is a very pious soul who has incarnated to uplift them . Instantly they surrender to his lotus feet and beg to be taken into his fold .
Swamy Ramanuja asks them to offer prayers at Nambi Narayana Temple and meet him there .
At Swamy Nambi Narayana temple , Swamy Ramanuja conducts a discourse attended by many people . The King along with his Royal family too attend the discourse which speaks about the ultimate purpose of life as a srivaisnava .
. Attracted to his simple teachings the entire crowd adopt srivaishnavism . Amongst the citizens the King , Queen and all his family members are given Panchasamskara initiation .
The King is given a name a Vishnu vardhana after due initiation by Swamy Ramanuja himself . The celebration among st the citizens is multi fold .
All the citizens hail Swamy Ramanujas discourse and accept him as their Jagath Acharya .
Somewhere down the lane the Jain monks are upset with the happenings .
All of them march to the Royal Palace and argue with the king for taking such a foolish step
They convince the King that their proposed debate with Swamy Ramanuja will prove Jainism superiority and he must agree to their command .
The King knew very well that such thing can never happen .
However he along with the Jain monks in huge numbers walk up to the Yoga narasimhar temple located on a hillock as Swamy Ramanuja was staying there .
The Jain monks along with the King meet Swamy Ramanuja and invite him to a debate on the esoteric truths . All the Jain monks assemble and start posing questions .
The euphoria around makes Swamy Ramanuja to command his disciples to surround him with a curtain . Almost 1000 jain monks shoot questions on him without any break .
It is was ONE vs ONE THOUSAND
The divine incident of Swamy Ramanuja taking over one thousand Jain monks was relished by the disciples . Inside , Swamy Ramanujar was covered by a curtain and with his original form as Adisesha with 1000 hoods, he answers every question of the monk with patience and clarity .
Thus he defeats all the 1000 Jains at a time. One monk was inquisitive to find out why the curtain was put .He slowly managed to peep inside the curtain .
To his shock he could see JagathAcharyar’s viswaroopam and fainted . The Jain monks had no reply and were forced to accept defeat and adopt to srivaishnavism .This incident happened at Lord Narasimha swamy temple in Bhakta nagari (presently known as Thondanur).
Swamy MudaliAndaan who gave us the nectarian sloka DHAATI PANCHAKA in praise of Swamy Ramanujar at this place. This place is on the way to Melkote(about 16 kms) from Srirangapatinam.
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The wonderful opportunity given by Swamy Ramanuja to Mudaliandaan is remembered even today . “Dhati Panchakam” speaks of the victory of Swamy Ramanuja over other philosophies – both those that accept Vedas and those that don’t – and his establishing the Visishtadvaita philosohpy that was built by Azhvars and Purvacharyas.
As the name suggests, it comprises of five slokas The word “DHATI” means “attacking” – as this work shows the attack that Ramanuja carried over the other philosophies that were widespread at that time, it is an appropriate name for it.
Swamy out of his love composed a wonderful composition on Swamy Ramanuja called “DHATEE PANCHAKAM” which starts with the introductory sloka ..
Our Varthamana swamy descendant of Swamy MudaliAndaan was kind to recite this sloka at our residence during his recent visit , a clip presented below and the sloka
It is only he who can command and all our acharyas and we follow his command .
Swamy Ramanuja is the only acharya who was referred with 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 up liftment is to take refuge in Yathiraja Padhuka)
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures courtesy : Google images uploaded by several devotees
A true seeker of LORD will always respect the devotees of Lord .
He will never distinguish about their inheritance of birth and caste while seeking their association .
A devotees glory can be seen with that deep knowledge and practices which takes them nearer to LORD .
Elders advise us that It would be a boon serving such advanced devotees .
Sastras command that
” Even if one is born in a lower caste and still follows the Nine types of devotional services and surrenders to Lord unconditionally , he automatically becomes very close to Lordships .
Consuming such devotees Sripada Theertham ( charan theerth) is a great blessing and serving him is most pleasing to LORD .
The most advanced devotee Nampaaduvaan sang in praise of Lord Thirukkurungudi Nambi .
with abundant compassion granted the fruit of the song sung by him to LORD to a Brahmin turned BrahmaRakshasa –
SomaSharma and thus converted him back into a Brahmin.
Was it not a singer of the so referred low caste who rescued a upper caste Brahmin?
The great devotee Guhan ( boatman ) was accepted by Lord Rama as his own brother .
Lord Krishna preferred to stay with Vidhura to any other when He came as a messenger to meet the kauravas .
Though having many friends and Elders he preferred Vidhura
Hence status is no criteria to decide one’s Bhagavad Sambandham.
Lord Rama left Ayodhya – the land of the learned scholars to join with the innocent monkeys .
He embraced Hanumanji lovingly and accepted Sugriva and Vibhishana as His Brothers. The funeral of dasi putra Vidhurar was done by Yudhishtra , bird Jatayu by Lord Rama and Swamy Alavandar’s disciple Maraneri nambi ( a low caste born ) by Acharyar Periya nambi.
In the Rajasooya yaga the Agrapooja was done to Lord Krishna.
At Thirupuliyur, the Priests performed Agrapooja to Thirumazhisai Aazhwar who was brought up by a woodcutter.
Kurumbarutha Nambi was a great devotee of Lord Venkateshwara and he stayed at Tirumala. For his devotion to LORD he was respected and glorified by the revered great king a Kshatriya Thondaiman Chakravarthy.
JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanujacharya learnt true knowledge from Sri Thiru Kachhi nambi who conversed daily with Lord Varadarajar at Kanchi.
At Srirangam the temple priest Lokasarangamuni carried Thirupannazhwar on his shoulders into the temple sanctum as commanded by LORD .
During daily rituals to Lord , ( Thiruvaradhanam) , Swamy Ramanujar used to hold the hands of Sripillai Urangavilli Dasar as Kayasuddhi.
After Thiruvaradhanam, Sri Nampillai used to receive Prasadam from Pillai Eru Thiruvudaiya Dasar.
During Graha Pravesha, Sri Vadakku thiruveedi Pillai asked Sri Pillai Ramanuja Dasar to enter His house first thus proving devotion is supreme .
Once Sage Durvasa met the King Ambarisha who was observing Ekadashi Vratha .
The next day was Dwadasi and in order to honor the sage and due to constraints of time to break the fast without any iota of offense , the king sipped Sripada Theertham
The sage became furious. He pulled a hair from his matted locks ordering a fierce demon to harm the King .
The King obediently folded his hands and surrendered . At the same time Sudarshan disc destroyed the demon and started chasing the sage Durvasa .
The Sage who went to all the worlds seeking protection finally surrendered to Lord SrimanNarayana who replied …..
O Great Sage ! I am deeply attached to my devotees.
In fact , I am controlled by them …….
Therefore I am incapable of doing anything out of my own volition in such cases involving any offense to my dear devotees .
My love for my devotees is greater than that for Myself or My consort , Maha Lakshmi ……
Oh sage !!!…
Penance austerity and knowledge are fruitless without humility……
The ones who do not understand the quoted simple truth remain as decorated corpses. There is no discrimination for devotees in the eyes of the Almighty.
He is waiting for those who have devotion in their minds.
HE accepted the coarse grains offered by Vidura.
HE protected child Prahalada in the house of demons.
At Pandharpur , HE helped Rohitdas to dye clothes.
HE helped the great saint Kabir to weave clothes ….
As Vittala HE helped Sajan, the butcher selling meat.
HE helped the great devotee in Maharashtra Sawata Mali in petty agricultural operations.
HE helped the great saint Narhari in performing chores of a goldsmith.
HE helped Chokhamela by grazing his cattle.
HE drove the chariot of Arjuna.
HE accepted with great love the beaten rice offered by Sudama.
In the homes of milkmen HE undertook the task of maintaining cows.
HE acted as a doorkeeper for King Bali.
HE repayed loan of Santh Yekoba.
HE drank that glass of poison for Saint Meerabai.
HE transformed as a low breed person to pay off loan of Santh Damaji.
HE carried earth for Santh Gora Kumbhar.
HE repayed loan of Santh Narsi Mehta.
HE is Our Lord Vittal
HE who is still standing on a brick for all of us ….
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics credits : Google images
videos : Thanks todevotees who have uploaded in social media
Veraval also known as Somnath and Prabhas Theertham is located on the western coast in Gujarat and the last rail head in this route. This place is important for all Hindus . It is important because it was from this place that Lord Sri Krishna disappeared and ascended to Srivaikuntam as per the request of the devas.
This holy dhaam is one among the ” Nava Dwarakas” .(the junction point where Gomathi river joins the sea.
This “Prabhasa Kshetram” is also called ” Ban ka Theertham”
Prabhasam means well illuminating or very bright or well exposed. What was exposed? Some of the auspicious qualities of the Lord are brightly exposed here.
In Srimad Bhagavad Gita , Chapter 4, Arjuna asked the Lord, whether His birth was real ?
The term “Azhwar“ refers to the saintly souls who had immersed themselves in the exclusive devotion to Lord Sriman Narayana in unconditional surrender. The advanced saints, were the supreme devotees of Lord propagating Sri Vaishnavism among the masses through their poetical compositions glorified as Divya Prabhandams highlighting the beautiful effulgent form, auspicious attributes and divine deeds of the Supreme Lord in His various incarnations based on their personal mystic experiences.
They lived as human beings and burst out bhakti laden great works for the sake of humanity. The direct result of the Lord’s divine grace on Azhwars made their outpourings special and therefore called ‘ Divyam’. It is because of this that the works of Azhwars are called ‘ Divya Prabandham’ and are 4000 poems (pAsurams).
The Divya Prabhandams of the Azhwars are, therefore, held in as great veneration and reverence as the Vedas in Sanskrit. All the Azhwars held the view…
Vaduga Nambi was a very close disciple of Swami Ramanuja. He appeared in a place called Saligramam in Karnataka. As Kulasekhara Azhvar, who had been known for his devotion to Lord Rama ,
. Vaduga Nambi, likewise, was known for his Acharya Ramanuja bhakti,. He worshipped the Tiruvadi Nilai (sandals) of Swami Ramanuja daily. There are many instances where he was concerned about his Acharyar more than the LORD himself.
Once after reaching Thirukurungudi a srivaishnava divyadesam , Swamy Ramanuja had just finished his bath and called out, for his disciple Vaduga Nambi to get ready with Urdhwa Pundram (Thiruman and Sreechoornam) (Tilak) as a daily practice . However, Vaduga Nambi had not reached the place Kurungudi by then .
Something very rare happened . On hearing Swamy Ramanuja repeatedly calling Vaduga …Vaduga …Vaduga…Vaduga….
.. LORD Thirukurungudi Nambi, the Perumal of Thirukurungudi Divya Desam, took the form…
Over 500 years old, Lord Narasimha temple is located at the foot of Yaanamalai Hills near Madurai .
The unique speciality of this temple is thevaishnava divya desam Perumal of Thiru Mogur “Kaalamegha Perumal” makes his annual trip to this temple on ( March ) Maasi Pournami to enact Gajendra Moksham episode .
The temple is located 8kms East of Madurai near the Melur Highway Road and 4 kms North of the Thiru Moghur Kaalamegha Perumal Divya Desam at the foot of the huge Yaanaimalai (elephant hill) is the Yoga Narasimha temple in Narasingam .
This place is referred to as the Gaja Giri Kshetram and this temple is known as ‘Kodavarai Koil’ signifying the construction of the temple by breaking the huge piece of rock.
Going by the inscriptions seen inside the main (Moolavar) Sannidhi, this temple may date back over 500 years. Legend says the great saint…
Kazhiyur village is located near Cheyyar in North Arcot district about 81 km towards east of Thiruvannamalai and about 103 KM from Chennai .
TEMPLE ENTRANCEADHIKESAVA PERUMAL UTSAVAR ” GLORIFIED AS VARADAR “
Almost 130 years ago Sri vaishnavaite Aiyyangars migrated from Mannargudi another holy place in Tanjavur and came to settle down in this village.
TEMPLE ENTRANCE
It is said that a plague like epidemic made people leave Mannargudi long long back .
YATHIRAJAVALLI THAYAR TEMPLE ENTRANCE
The srivaishnavas were disciples of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Mudaliandaan swamigal who is the first and the dearest disciples of Swami Ramanuja.
Kazhiyur temple
It is believed that the srivaishnavas , carried the deity of Lord Adhi Keshava Perumal all the way from Mannargudi on their head to Kazhiyur the present place and worshipped the LORD by constructing a temple with the locals support . Elders believe that the deity was sculpted from a meteorite that had fallen from the divine abode .
WAY TO TEMPLE KONERI ( TANK )
It is not a practice to abandon Perumal even in adverse circumstances.
TEMPLE ENTRANCE
The Lordship gives darashanam in Nindra Thirukolam ( standing posture).
After their resettlement in Kazhiyur, the village became a cradle of Vedic scholars, purohits and astrologers.
TEMPLE GARDEN
The devoted families lived in the Agraharam (first row of houses built around the temple and occupied by the temple priests)
ROUTE TO TEMPLE
.
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ROUTE TO TEMPLE
The Agraharam is located around the temple of ‘Sri Adhi Keshava Perumal Swamy’, which was also built and maintained with financial support from the local Mudaliars and many devotees .
Kazhiyur has been a great centre of Vedic Astrology.
They have been uniformly well versed in astrology and are keepers of the most ancient astrological knowledge in the world.
Almost all of them have been treated like the religious leaders and the astrological guides from time immemorial.
SREEMOORTHY IN TEMPLE
Many Kazhiyur families have been practicing astrology for more than seven generations in an unbroken tradition since they first arrived in 1840.
ENTERING KAZHIYUR VILLAGE
It is believed that in ancient times there was a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali near to the main temple and hence the village is called ‘Kazhiyur’ the home of Goddess Kali.
After moving to Kazhiyur the srivaishnavaites engaged themselves in agriculture apart from performing the temple services .
Due to this reason they are also called the Mannar Mudumbai families a direct connection to Lokacharyar Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar’s legacy .
They were orthodox and are considered to be an authority on Sri Vaishnavism.
THE ROUTE TO TEMPLE AT SUNSET
Unlike other South Indians who carry the name of village and the name of the father as their initials the Kazhiyur srivaishnavas use the initials K. M. meaning Kazhiyur Mannar.
It was an attempt to retain the Mannargudi identity.
The priests from Kazhiyur have been serving in some seva or other in almost all the 106 Sri Vaishnavite temples and the majority of them at Tirumala , Sholingur , and southern side vaishnava divya desams .
KAZHIYUR POND FROM WHERE WATER IS TAKEN TO TEMPLE AND HOUSES
The first Priest who served even in the Temples at United states of America are from Kazhiyur .
SRI YATHIRAJAVALLI THAYAR
Kazhiyur is also closely connected with the Sri Ramar Sannadhi and the temple of Shree Govindaraja at the foothills of the Tirupati temple.
UTSAVAR VARADAR THIRUVADEE OF KAZHIYUR TEMPLE
Srivaishnavas from Kazhiyur were also chosen to carry the offerings from the Lord of Seven Hills at Tirumalai to the temple of Govindaraja at foothills.
The priests walked bare-footed all the way down the hill carrying the offerings on their head.
Kazhiyur has been very closely linked to Kancheepuram from the very inception. Every year during the month of January, July and December, the utsavar ( processional deity ) of Lord Adi Keshava Perumal , shri Varadar is taken in a procession to the Iyengar Kulam, a lake at the outskirts of Kancheepuram.
Varthamaana His holiness Sri Sri Sri Mudali Andaan swami
About forty people start the procession and many more join them en-route to Kancheepuram. The procession travels on foot for the entire stretch of 18 km. After arriving at Iyengar Kolam, the Lord is given a ceremonial bath in the kolam and then taken back to Kazhiyur with pomp and show .
This custom has been inspired from the grand festival ( Lord Varadharaja going to ‘Padai Seevaram’ on the day of Chithirai Poornima at Tirupati) . This ritual is also known as ‘Parvettam’ (forest hunting).
KALI AMMAN
Today out of few houses in Kazhiyur Agraharaham , only six or seven houses are occupied and the remaining are kept locked.
However, every year during the month of April, on the day of Chittirai Revathi, the birth star of Lord Adi Keshava ,
Kazhiyur srivaishnavas from all over the world gather in the village to celebrate the annual festival.
ADIYENS GRUHAM AT SECUNDERABAD
Shri Kodandan swamy is the present temple priest who is serving the temple past two decades leaving his lucrative job .
Shri Kodandan swami the chief Priest and Kazhiyur varadan
Adiyen is blessed to be born in this glorious village and feel honored to be among st the illustrious and glorious elders . Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
n Urdhvapundram (Thiruman kappu) the thiruman symbolize the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu and the red Srisurnam symbolizes Goddess Laksmi. Lord Sriman Narayan showers His Blessings on those who surrender to him and He is the one who could give moksha to all who surrender to Him.”
Yadavaprakasha one of the great vedantee of Kancheepuram was childhood Guru for Swami Ramanuja .
After the unfortunate incident that took place on the way to kashi ( Yadava Prakasa made a plot to kill Swamy Ramanuja on a pilgrimage tour and Sri Ramanuja escaped by slipping out into the forest as per his cousin sri Embaars advise ) ,
LORD VARADAR rescued Swamy Ramanuja in reaching Kancheepuram safely .
( Refer to the below linked post about this divine pastime )
Swamy Ramanuja serving the Lordships attracted many disciples for his philosophical thoughts and beliefs Swamy Ramanujas objective was to reconcile the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Gita with the Tamil Divya Prabandha. This new school of thought attracted many of them .
Yadavaprakasha was upset with the turn of events . Once it so happened Yadava Prakasa’s mother came to have darshan of…
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The fifth kaandam in Sriramayanam known as “SUNDARA KAANDAM” is the most popular kaanda. Unlike names of other kandams which are self explanatory, this kandam is known as “Sundaram-beautiful” as everything ..
–Hanumanji’s Rama bhakti, Sitadevi’s chastity, Srirama’s plight to rescue HER, their concern for each other, torments in samsaara are so beautifully described by maharishi. The characters of the trio makes even a stone melt. That’s the reason even after so many lakhs of years, we read Sundarkandam with reverence. Also, reciting Sundarakandam is considered equivalent to reading the entire Ramayana as Hanuman and Trijata narrate all the incidents-past,present and future in the august presence of Sitadevi.
Swamy Ananthazhvan with the instructions of Jagatha Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar had taken the task of serving Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala .
His Acharyar bhakthi was well noticed .His fame spread far and wide to the southern parts of India for his Acharya bhakthi in moving to Tirumala and serving the LORDSHIPS with pure devotion during those olden days .
Many Srivaishnava disciples were keen to meet him and to get his blessings. Hence they undertook a pilgrimage to the seven Hills from Srirangam .
On their way, they were taken care by of a chieftain by name Valarttan Mangalamudaiyan in a village of the same name.
He was pious and charitable and endowed with material prosperity. After serving prasada looking at their devotion to LORD the chieftain started following them to Tirumala . He begged them to allow to join them and take blessings of the mahaan Swami Anathazhwan.
This train of thoughts occurred in split of seconds before he could hit the ground and miraculously he landed gently as if by a parachute his firm grip on the pole in tact .
This incident took place 30 years ago . The Annual Brahmotsavam for Lord Varadaraja was being celebrated with piety and fanfare at the temple town of Kancheepuram.
The big day “Garuda Sevai” is conducted in Kancheepuram in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is of special significance.
The Lord of Lords was showering his abundant mercy on all the devotees assembled . A staunch devotee of Ahobila Jeeyar was fortunate to undertake the divine service to hold and carry the Royal umbrella that overspreads on the Lordships as the procession proceeds in the streets of Kancheepuram.
The festive mood is a fortune to watch . The procession was lead by the Temple Elephant , a cow , a horse and the fire crackers specialists . Few thousand thronged to witness the Lordships in escastcy .
The drummers and pipers followed behind them. Adhyapakas reciting Divyaprabhandam chants proceeded .Then followed the fortunate bearers of…
May 14.05.2022 is the most auspicious day as is the
Appearance day of Madhurakavi Azhwar …………………..
Swamy Ananthazhwan …………………
and Acharyar Nadadoor Ammal
Let us recollect their devotion to Acharyar and the great Lordships on this wonderful day .
Acharyar Varadaguru the great Acharya had the deepest bhakti to Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram One night when he was serving ” LORD” in an ecstatic mood, the priest brought very hot milk to the Lord as offering . Acharyar Varadaguru was deeply distressed that such hot milk would burn the tender tongue of the Lord! He stopped the priest from offering the hot milk and began cooling it down until it was warms enough to be offered.
The Lord himself was moved by the Vatsalya bhava of Varadaguru and called him ‘Amma’ – my mother! From then onwards Varadaguru became Nadadoor Ammal. After this episode, in a dream one night, Lord Varadaraja commanded Ammal to erect a Mantapam for His Vasantotsavam. Accordingly Ammal fulfilled the Lord’s desire, just as a mother would fulfill the wishes of her son in spite of difficulties.
Another glorious pastime remains to be cherished .
Once Ammal and his disciples undertook a pilgrimage to Tirumalai hills. The graceful personality and humility of Acharyar attracted the people there.. A Chieftain Kandavaran was the leader of that Lada race . He was annoyed and irritated to see the crowd falling the the feet of Acharyar.
He decided to disturb them. With his mantric power he made the disciples unconscious. Ammal meditated and chanted the Sudarsana maha mantra and his own composition ‘Hetipungavastotram’ and broke the spell. The angry Kandavaran called Ammal for a debate and when defeated surrendered to the Acharya himself. The benevolent guru not only excused him but also made him a Srivaishnava by offering him Panchasamskaras.With the money offered by Kandavaran, Ammal established a beautiful village and named it ‘Ladagraharam’ and continued his journey. On the way, the Lord himself came as a young brahmachari and appeased the hunger of the pilgrims with curd and rice.
At the same time, there was a big commotion in the temple as the silver vessel with the naivedyam had suddenly disappeared. Lord Venkateswara Himself announced to the temple authorities that He Himself fed his dear Ammal and his disciples and that they should receive Ammal with all temple honours who will be arriving shortly . Swami Engalazhwan was Acharya of Nadathur Ammal , who was the direct disciple of Thirukkurukaippiran Pillan . All glories to our Acharyar
Acharya Nadadoor Thiruvadigale sharanam
The sacred TIRUMALA Hills consisting of seven peaks is considered to be seven-hooded. Blessed are the devotees who are fortunate to have his darshan .There are countless devotees who have served the LORD since ages .One such great devotee was Swamy Ananthazhwan an ardent disciple of Swamy Ramanuja .
As per Swamy Ramanuja’s directives he served the LORD few hundred years ago .There are several pastimes of Swamy Anathazhwan with Lord Srinivasa . One divine pastime is memorable as Lord himself accepts to become Swamy Anathazhwans disciple .Knowing about the initiatives taken by Swamy Anathazhwan in organising the temple rituals with religious fervor few devotees decided to trek the hills and have darshanam of Lord and seek the blessings of his dear devotee too .
The Srivaishnavites were walking from Srirangam and it was a very long journey .While ascending the Hills, coming from they were feeling tired and had to take some rest . Completely exhausted they were perplexed how could they complete their pilgrimage. All of a sudden a young lad appeared before them . The boy was appearing with divine tejas . With srivaishna Urdhva pundram he was almost looking like vamana avatara brahmachari . He offered his humble obeisances and said .
Oh swamins ! Adiyen has brought some temple prasada for all of you .Kindly honor the same and please feel comfortable .The srivaishnavites being orthodox were initially impressed with the divine boy .However one Elder person among the group wanted him to introduce his lineage and his Acharyar whom he was initiated . The divine lad he was , smiled at the simple question .
He proudly replied that his name was Madhurakavidasa and his Acharyar was Swamy Anathazhwan who is serving Lord in all ways .It was his Acharyars instructions , he had walked down the sacred hills to handover the prasada coming to know about their visit .He further expressed that the Prasada was coming directly from the temple which was handed over to him by Swamy Anathazhwan to be given to them .A bit surprised , the elders said ..
Oh swamin ……
Its nice to know about your association to Swamy Anathazhwan . But we wish to hear from you about his glories .
Can we hear your swamys Thanian ? as this a custom for the srivaishnavas to recite their Acharyars glories in the form of Thanians .The divine boy majestically recited the thanian about Swamy Anathazhwan in the seven hills which vibrated
Akhilatmagunavasam ajnanatimirpaham
Asritanam susaranam vande Anantharyadesikam”
(I bow to Acharya Ananthazhvan, who is the repository of knowledge, mercy and wisdom, the one Acharyar who removes ignorance and is eminently eligible for surrender by disciples)
They liked the divine lads confident answer . However the Srivaishnavas then questioned the youngster how his taniyan made no reference to Ananthazhvan’s relation to Swamy Ramanuja.
The divine boy smiled and replied Swamins ! Actually there are two Thaniyans in praise of adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ananthazhvan, one referring to the glory of his divine personality and another referring to his connection with Swamy Ramanuja.
And please listen to the second verse of the Thanian
‘Srimath Ramanujacharya Sripadamboruhadvayam
Sathutha manga sandaryam Anantharyamaham Bhaje..
( I prostrate before adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ananthalvan who is the lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja and who is worshipped by Srivaishnavas all over the earth )
The Srivaishnavas were convinced that the divine boy was a true disciple of Swamy Ananthalvan . They honoured the prasada with relish .They thanked the boy for his affection and love and blessed him .The divine boy took leave of them and ascended the Hills welcoming them to join him . Slowly, the Srivaishnavas ascended the Hills and walked into Swamy Anathazhwans ashram .
Swamy Anathazhwan was overjoyed to recive the guests from Srirangam . They offered their obeisances and thanked him for the kind courtesy in sending the maha prasada down to the Hills They appreciated the young boy for his kindness and hospitality .
They praised the boys intellect and kindness and expressed their gratefulness to Swamy Ananthazhvan for having sent prasada through one of his bright young disciples.Swamy Ananthalvan was bewildered. Amazed to note the divine leela , he was in total dark . He realised that it was his LORD who took the pains to walk down with the mahaprasada to his devotees .
With tears , he wished to know about the divine lad .The Srivaishnavas explained about the divine glow the boy exhibited . His majestic recitation of the Thanians was memorable ..The boy was so down to earth serving the prasada They informed that the boy introduced himself as Madhurakavidasa and had recited two slokas in his praise and as they were just trekking behind him up to the hills safely . They said that the boy went inside the temple citing some pending works.Swamy Anathazhwan pleaded them to recite the verses the boy had sung ..
They recited the two verses before Swamy Ananthazhvan.The entire assembly was wonder struck. Swamy Anathazhwan was in tears . They realised that the Lord had declared himself as Ananthalvan’s disciple and had chosen the name Madhurakavidasa .Even though there were so many other Acharyas the second verse showed that it was Ananthazhvan who could be fittingly considered equal to the Lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja. Since then the paduka (sathari) at the shrine of Swamy Ramanuja sanctorium up the Hills came to be known as Ananthazhvan since then the two verses became famous as the Thaniyans in praise of Swamy Ananthazhvan….
Swamy Ananthazhvan thiruadigale sharanam
Our next great Acharyar is Madhurakavi (meaning in sanskrit the sweet poet ) who appeared at a holy place in Thirukolur, Tamilnadu
Once Madhurakavi Azhwar undertook an pilgrimage to Ayodhya. He was very moved by the beauty of deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana & Anjaneya and decided to stay in Ayodhya for sometime. During his stay, one night he saw a bright light in the sky emitting from the southern direction .
He couldn’t comprehend if it was a bright star, a forest fire or anything else. Amazed with the strange happening , he decided to follow the light and see it for himself. Unmindful walking long distances , he followed the light . After days of voyage, he finally reached Azhwarthirunagari a remote village and the light suddenly disappeared .He was surprised at the phenomenon.
He enquired from the villagers about anything strange happening in their village assuming the dazzling light could have some prophecy too . The villagers replied in negative, but expressed that a boy has been meditating under a Tamarind tree for past 16 years without even opening his eyes.
He had crawled to the tree as a baby 16 years back and remained in the tree thereafter. Madhurakavi Azhwar was amazed with the villagers expression .He decided to see the child for himself. Azhwar goes close as near to the tree and finds the divine child with tejas . Eyes closed and meditating the boy was glowing with radiance which was what he saw at Ayodhya .
The place was filled with divine aura and true the boy was looking too divine as much as Lordships themselves .. Azhwar attempts to question the divine boy about what is True knowledge and gets convinced with his instant replies .
He immediately accepts the divine boy who is none other than our great Swamy Nammazhwar as his ACHARYAN Sri Madurakavi AzhwAr becomes an ardent disciple of NammAzhwAr and serves him with utmost devotion .
With all humility he submits the 11 verses of the grand KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu glorifying his Acharyan Swamy NammAzhwAr / Sri SaTakOpar with all humility equating to Lordships . A devotee can dwell and enjoy these verses for ages on the divine works of Madhura kavi AzhwAr’s grand …..
“KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu” .
Azhwar declared in this Prabhandham
“tEvu maRRariyEn”
( I do not know of any God other than my AchAryan, Swamy NammAzhwAr).After NammAzhwAr departed from this earthly world to srivaikuntam , MadhurakaviAzhwAr was worshipping deity of Swamy NammAzhwAr with deep devotion which he consecrated and performed ThiruvarAdhanA and uthsavams in his honour.
Impressed by Swamy NammAzhwAr’s works he wanted to stage NammAzhwAr’s works in front of other scholars .Azhwar used to contemplate on the divine knowledge shared by Acharyar . Vaikaasi visaakam the appearance day of Swamy NammAzhwar was celebrated in a grand manner .
One particular year, when Swami Madhurakavi azhwar was taking azhwar’s deity in a procession during the celebrations, few poets from Madurai Thamizh Sangam objected to Swami Madhurakavi azhwar and said .
“Oh! Madhurakavi!!
You are worshiping Nammazhwar who is a just a ordinary devotee not Perumal and reciting verses glorifying him ..Are those verses “sangam” certified? and authenticated by the great Madurai Tamil Sangam as “ the original and of the highest quality”? and is he really qualified enough to translate the Vedas into tamil ”? Azhwar was completely disappointed hearing these critics .
He politely went to Azhwar’s sannidhi and pleaded “Azhweer!!These people are objecting to adiyen’s only kainkaryam which is my only purpose of life ..Please do something that will not come in the way of my service to you .
Nammazhwar pleased with his devotion appeared before Swami Madhurakavi azhwar in a disguised form. Dressed like an old man he asked Swami Madhurakavi azhwar about his reason for his grief. Swami repeated the story to the old man.
The old man replied please do not worry about these trivial issues.
Submit this pAsuram of “kaNNan kazhaliNai…” and see the miracle “saying this he disappeared.
“Kannan Kazhalinai” will support you always”.
Madhurakavi obeyed as instructed and proceeded to Madurai to meet the so called great sangam poets . All of them were debating in a boat discussing the authenticity of the literature . Madhurakavi offered the holy verse to the poets .
(Madhurakavi azhwar had offered the divine verses in a small leaf which was used during olden times and the divine verse “Kannam Kazhalinai…” from Thiruvaaimozhi was ever glowing )The poets read those verses and laughed at Swami Madhurakavi azhwar for his childishness and threw it aside . Suddenly the whole boat top sided all the poets much to their surprise .They swam hard and with great difficulty reached the shore. To their astonishment, they found that the boat retained only that palm leaf . The poets read it patiently and were of opinion that Swamy Nammazhwar was not any ordinary saint and apologised for their foolishness .
Thus their ego was shattered Azhwar further says that For a true devotee of Lord Krishna …. all is Lord Krishna the Food – eaten to satisfy the appetite,water drunk to quench the thirst, the betel leaves consumed after the food, are all Lord Krishna .
Chanting HIS holy name, speaking of HIS qualities, and thinking of HIM , HIS devotee will feel the hunger and the thirst and all other needs satisfied.
They will not eat any other food since KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS is enough food for them and always remain in that bliss forever …..
It is also Appearance day of our Paramacharyar “Sri. Sreesailachariar ” of Mudaliandan Thirumaligai – the paramacharyar of the present acharyar, Sri Kandhadai Kumara Venkatacharyar(Ramanujar) . Swamy is the 22nd descendant in Mudaliyandan’s (Swamy Ramanujar’s nephew) lineage.
Mudaliandan also known as Dasarathi-who is considered as reincarnation of Lord Rama was ordained to remain in Gruhastashrama (family life) by Swamy Ramanuja . He was the premier disciple of the 74 simhadipatis who were nominated by Ramanuja to continue Srivaishnava sampradaya, of them, few were sanyasis, others were gruhastas. Srisailacharyar’s father ,Sri Mudaliandan (the 21st descendant in the lineage) gave his son his father’s name to the child who was born on the auspicious day of Chitra Pournami in Chithra star.
Glories to the acharyar who surrendered at the feet of Manavalamamunigal, Sri Dasarathi, the acharyar who stayed at Singaperumal kovil, Kanchipuram, Yadhugiri(Melkote), the one who attained Madhurakavigal’s position due to his acharyar bhakti.
Lord Sriman Narayana’s lotus feet is glorified as Sri Satagopan (Swami Nammazhwar).
Swami Nammazhwar’s lotus feet is glorified as Madhurakavigal at all places except at Azhwaarthirunagari where it is glorified as as Sri Ramanujan. Swamy Ramanuja’s Lotus Feet is glorified as “ Mudaliandan” except in Tirumala where it is known as “Anantazhwan”
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan Pics : Credits to antaryami.net, Smt Geetavasudevan, divyadesam all the advanced devotees who captured the picsVideos : Credits 4000 Divyaprabhandam
rAmAnuja padhAmbhOjayugaLI yasya dhImatha: prApyam cha prApakam vaNdhE pranNathArththiharam gurum
Kidambi Achan was born in the village “Kidambi” located between Kooram and Thiruputkuzhi near Kanchipuram in the year 1057 A.D.in the tamil month of Chithirai on Hasta Nakshataraday in Atreya gothram.
As Hastam is considered to be the star of Varadaraja Perumal, his parents named him “PRANATHARTHIHARAM”- as glorified by Thirukachi nambigal in the first sloka of Devaraja Ashtakam. He was the nephew of Tirumala Nambi’s wife (Swamy Ramanujar’s maternal uncle’s wife) and was thus related to Swamy Ramanujar like Mudaliyandan Swamy who had both atma sambhandham and deha sambandham with Swamy Ramanujar. He was one of the prominent disciples of Swamy Ramanujar who felt that acharyar kainkaryam was of utmost importance.
Like Kooratazhwan and Mudaliandan, Achan also was a simple, devoted, highly knowledgeable person and was well versed with Thiruvaimozhi and Visishtadvaita granthas and was conferred the title “Vedantha Udhayana Acharyar” by Swamy rAmanujar. Like Vaduga Nambi, he considered serving his acharyar as the most important privilege .
Being a sanyasi, Swamy Ramanujar used to go for alms (unjha vruthi) which was his varnasrama dharma (Brahmacharis and sanyasis must erk out living by taking alms ) reciting Thirupavai which earned him the name “Thirupaavai Jeeyar”.
Few evil minded people in Srirangam who wanted to get rid of Swamy Ramanujar conspired a plan to mix poison in the biksha rice to be given to Swamy and forced a lady to offer it to Swamy Ramanujar.
Unlike her husband, this lady revered Swamy Ramanujar but as she was threatened by her husband who was watching , she was left with no other option. With tear filled eyes, she hesitatingly offered the biksha to Ramanujar by ensuring to separate the contents in the bowl by placing a leaf on it and then offered her portion indicating to jagadacharyar that it was not worth consuming.
Swamy understood her implication and threw away the bhiksha in Cauvery river. From that day onwards, Swamy abstained from unjha vruthi and hence he couldn’t take any food. Learning about this incident, Thirugoshtiyur Nambi who was one of the gurus of Swamy Ramanujar came to Srirangam.
Learning about his acharyar’s arrival, Swamy Ramanujar along with his sishyas set out quickly to Kollidam to receive him. It was noon and in the scorching heat ,Swamy Ramanujar lay prostrate at the feet of his acharyar who did not ask him to get up. It is customary to fall at the feet of our acharyar like a stick and remain in the same position until the acharyar asks us to get up. The sishyas of Nambi and Ramanujar stood dumfounded as they were perplexed at Nambi’s behaviour (who was their acharyar’s acharyar) which they had never seen before.
Unable to bear this, with tear filled eyes , Pranatharthiharan embraced Swamy Ramanujar lamenting as to how the delicate body of Swamy which is similar to a flower could be exposed to the scorching heat.
He acted as a barrier by laying down on the ground to protect Ramanujar from direct contact of the sand. Thirugoshtiyur Nambi was very pleased with his acharyar bhakti. He instructed Kidambi to take care of Swamy Ramanujar’s bestowing him the privilege of offering bikshai and madhukaram to Swamy Ramanujar. He came to be known as “Kidambi Aachan”(Achan = father).
As he had parental affection towards Ramanujar (like how Periazhwar had towards Perumal), he was fondly addressed as “Aachan”. As he was incharge of kitchen, he came to be known as “Madapalli Aachan” .
He treated Sri Parasara Bhattar who was much younger to him with the same reverence he had for his acharyar as per his guru’s instructions.
Once when Aachan visited Thirumaliruncholai, he was asked to render Alavandar’s stotra ratnam . In the 48 th slokam, Alavandar states that ” he has no other refuge than Perumal”. Aachan paused here as he wondered how it could be true” When Perumal asked him, he replied that the statement is not true now as they all have “swamy Ramanuja as their protector ” who is the sole refuge of everyone. Azhagar was pleased with his unflinching devotion towards his acharyar. As expressed by Nammazhwar in Thiruvaimozhi, Achan also relished having darshan of Emperuman in various divya desams.
When Swamy Ramanujar reincarnated as Manavala Mamunigal, he chose to learn the intricate meanings of Sribhashya from Kidambi Achan’s descendant named Kidambi Pillan. Mamunigal showed him his original Adisesha form to Pillan.
Kidambi Achan was one of the seventy four simhadipatis authorised by Swamy Ramanujar to continue Srivaishnava sampradayam. Swamy gave him Hayagriva Perumal to him for worship. After Swamy Ramanujar left this mortal world, Kidambi Achan returned to Kanchipuram and left his body in the year 1157 -20 years Swamy Ramanuja attained paramapadam.
Swamy Parasara Bhattar, the famous acharya in Srivaishnavam Sampradaya was the eldest son of Swami Koorathazhvan. . Bhattar was the chief priest at Srirangam temple and appeared out of the grace of the Lord of Srirangam.
Swami parASara bhaTTar appeared in this world through the divine aravanai prasadam (the prasadam that is offered to the Lord just before the nightly closing of the temple) of Namperumal, which was offered to Andal, the wife of swami Kurathazhvan.
Not only by birth did swami bhattar, as he is addressed by all, show his greatness, but also by his sharp intelligence, kind actions and inspiring spiritual practices throughout his life.
A toughest enemy would also adore Bhattar on listening to him. Bhattar’s skill in answering a person’s question even before the questioner has finished asking the question was marvelous, and offers food for our thoughts , thus pondering the filthy mind which …
After the Lordships Sita Rama wedding at Janakpur in Nepal , the royal family along with their guests were returning to Ayodhya . It was getting dark .The Royal family decided to retire for the night at this very holy place Punouda which is located near Sitamarhi in the state of bihar
The place where Lokamatha Sita devi’s palanquin (“doli”) alighted under a banyan tree is marked by a hound covered with red cloth. Beside this banyan tree the deities of Lordships Sita-Ramar is worshipped by the local people .
A stone inscription mentioning Lord Rama’s encounter with Parasurama and the divine incident of Lord Rama taking over the Vishnu dhanush is mentioned in the marble slab . It was revealed that the banyan tree is very sacred. The locals believe all disputes of any kind are solved at this place . A Elderly person commented , No one…
Once a disciple of the great Acharya Sri Periavachanpillai asked his Guru , Swamin ! My attempts to control the EGO is always ineffective and this EGO is not getting rid of me . Few occasions this is becoming more prominent and making me to misconduct myself repeatedly . Gurudeva , adiyen is enslaved by my nature and am scared. Is there still any scope for me to attain the Supreme Lord ?? or will this behaviour of mine throw me in the deep pit of hell .The disciple was in distress .
The revered Acharya replied , My Child !! It is wrong for the jiva to think that he is the enjoyer or that he is totally independent . Once Lord decides to save the Jiva, he makes him do good things and If HE wishes him to push him down HE makes him to do the evil…
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The fifth kaandam in Sriramayanam known as “SUNDARA KAANDAM” is the most popular kaanda. Unlike names of other kandams which are self explanatory, this kandam is known as “Sundaram-beautiful” as everything ..
–Hanumanji’s Rama bhakti, Sitadevi’s chastity, Srirama’s plight to rescue HER, their concern for each other, torments in samsaara are so beautifully described by maharishi. The characters of the trio makes even a stone melt. That’s the reason even after so many lakhs of years, we read Sundarkandam with reverence. Also, reciting Sundarakandam is considered equivalent to reading the entire Ramayana as Hanuman and Trijata narrate all the incidents-past,present and future in the august presence of Sitadevi.
After coronation of Sugreeva as the King of Vaanaras, Lord Srirama and Lakshmana spent four months during monsoon in Malyavan parvath in Prasvanagiri in Hampi, Karnataka.
Lord Srirama experienced unbearable pain due to separation from our mother Sitadevi. The Lord was worried about Sitadevi’s welfare and used to lament uncontrollably.
At the end of monsoon, Sugreeva deputed crores of vaanaras and bears in all directions in search of Sitadevi giving them one month’s time to trace the whereabouts and inform for taking up next course of action.
Sugreeva explained geographical particulars about all the places around the world in detail .
The vanaras headed by Prince Angadha and supported by senior Jambavan and Hanuman were assigned the task of searching in the southern direction. Lord Srirama handed over HIS finger ring to Hanumanji who was standing in a corner.
Our poorvacharyars give reason as to why Srirama selected Hanuman to give his finger ring . It was the time at Kishkinda when Lord Rama was in search of Mother Sita . Hanumanji was in thoughts to see Srirama lamenting for a lady.
Hanumanji a brahmachari was wondering as to why a person of high stature like Lord Srirama tutored by rishis like Sage Vasishta, Vishwamitra was so emotional .
Lord Srirama our antaryami sensed Hanumanji’s feelings . To make Hanuman realise the greatness of Sitadevi, Srirama selected Hanuman and handed over HIS finger ring with HIS holy name engraved on it.
And it was also an indication that Paramatma laments for all the jivaatma in the same lines .
It was because of the holy ring that Hanuman could cross the ocean and meet Mother Sitadevi and obtain HER blessings. When Hanumanji saw Sitadevi’s steadfast devotion towards Lord Srirama, he regretted for his thoughts initially .
Having understood HER greatness , Hanuman visualised both of them together in his heart and offered prayers.
IMAGE OF HANUMAN AT DIVURUMPOLA IN SRILANKA (SITA AGNI PRAVESHA STHAL )
Hanumanji introduced to mother Sitadevi that he was “Rama dhoothan” whereas when he returned to Lord Rama as “Sitadevi’s messenger” to convey the good news about Sitadevi’s welfare, he addressed himself as “Raama daasan”. With Mother’s grace, our ego vanishes. Our poorvacharyars comment that when Hanuman went as “rama dhootan”-, he was gifted with fire on the tail whereas when he returned as Sita dhootan, he was embraced by Lord Rama.
The vanaras who went in the southern direction explored all the places until they reached SWayamprabha caves in Kadayanallur near Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu .
Swayamprabha an advanced Sathwi was the guardian for the magical cave owned by Mayasuran. Anyone who entered could not come out. She hosted the vanaras and later transported the vanaras to the seashore( about 150 kms away from Kadayanallur) after knowing about their devotion to Lord Rama with her powers .
Having reached the seashore, the vanaras were worried because the stipulated time of one month fixed by their King Sugreeva was over and they could not trace Sitadevi. They knew for sure that Sugreeva would not spare them and decided to end their lives as they did not have the courage to face Srirama who was already suffering pangs of separation.
Angadha had lit a big pyre for them to sacrifice their lives.
He started lamenting about Sitadevi’s abduction, Jatayu sacrificing his life in Ramaseva after fighting with Ravana , their search expedition and failure in the assignment.
Sampaati-the eagle bird summoned Angadha and introduced himself as Jatayu’s elder brother , shared how he lost his wings while protecting Jatayu from the scorching heat of sun in the process loosing his wings and became immobile.
Sampaati was informed about Jatayu’s Raama kainkaryam and he too resolved to do the same. He informed the vanaras about Sitadevi’s whereabouts with his sharp vision in the far away land, Lanka. Having done this Raama kainkaryam, Sampaati regained his lost wings and flew away.
SAMPAATI CONVERSING WITH ANGADHA AND OTHER VANARAS NEAR SEASHORE
Now that the whereabouts of Sitadevi were known, the vanaras started contemplating as to who would cross the ocean which was measuring 100 yojanas (1000 miles) to meet mother Sitadevi.
Each vanara expressed their ability to cross few yojanas .
Angadha said that he could cross 100 yojanas but would not have the energy to return. The aged Jambavaan who knew Hanuman’s capabilities approached Hanuman and started enumerating his strength and skills. When Hanuman was a child, he mistook Sun to be an apple and leapt in the sky to hold it.
He was hit by Indra with vajrayudham on his chin(hanu) and hence was called Hanuman. Vayu, hanuman’s father stopped air which made the whole world breathless. To appease his anger, brahma and other devas bestowed many boons on Hanuman.
Brahma cursed him to forget his prowess but would get back his strength when someone reminded him at an apporpriate time. Jambavan reminded him of his capabilities and requested Hanuman to undertake Rama kainkaryam. (Sage Agastya extolled Hanuman’s greatness to Srirama in Uttara kaandam)
MAHENDRAGIRI MOUNTAIN IN THIRUKURUNGUDI AT TAMILNADU
He confidently proclaimed that he would finish the yeomen task of locating mother Sitadevi saying that like Sri Rama’s arrow which never failed to hit its target, he would accomplish the task.
All the vanaras vowed to observe fast until Sitadevi was found. Reposing confidence to the vaanaras, Hanuman stood on Mahendragiri parvatham in Thirukurungudi beyond Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu and after offering prayers to Suryan, Indran, Vayu, Sri Rama , He increased in size and leapt on the sky to cross the ocean.
HANUMAN LEAPING FROM MAHENDRAGIRI
Thus starts Sundarakandam,-the most beautiful kaandam as everything is beautiful in it. Every household in India has a copy of Sundarakanda . It is a normal practice in Srivaishnava wedding to present Sundarakandam to the groom as it is considered very auspicious.
Our poorvacharyars have clearly indicated that
Lord Rama is the Paramatma
MOther Sita is the Jivatma suffering in this material world for reunion with Paramatma
Lanka is the samsara(material world)
Our manas is Ravana and the ten senses are considered as the ten heads of Ravana
Hanuman is the acharya(gurudeva) who extols Paramatma’s qualities to Jivatma, gives the holy name to Jivatma, submits Jivatma’s plea to Paramatma, destroys Lanka(samsaara) with the fire of knowledge and finaly reunites Jivatma with Paramatma.
The jivatma who gets illusioned with material world, leaves Paramatma and ends up in trouble loitering in the material world until an acharya intervenes and imparts supreme knowledge about the Lord, gives us the mantra to attain HIM, submits our plea to the Lord and ensures our union with the Supreme Lord by destroying our desires (samasara)
And our journey to Sri Lanka to have the darshan of all the holy places fructified in August 2018 and an attempt is being made to reproduce the divine bliss to millions of Hari bhaktha .
Hanumanji must have entered Srilanka from the north-western part via Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar, proceeded southwards and landed on Ramboda hills. The places related to Sundarakandam are mostly located in Central Srilanka upto Sigiriya in the north and Ussangoda in the south.
Valmiki maharishi beautifully describes Hanuman’s flight. Hanumanji increased in size and stretching his hands wide leapt from Mahendragiri mountain causing its residents to leave the place. The flowers from the trees had covered Hanuman who was now resembling a flowered mountain.
Hanumanji faced the first hurdle which was a friendly gesture by Mynaaka parvatham who was a close friend of Vayu bhagavan ( Hanumanji’s father ). He offered fruits and asked Hanuman to take rest but he refused politely by embracing the mountain for its gesture saying that he intended to reach Lanka by evening and was lacking time.
Hanuman won Mynaakam with his friendly gesture. He didn’t succumb to any temptation.
The second hurdle came in the form of Surasa who was a Naagamaatha( mother of snakes). The devas prompted her to test Hanuman’s capabilities. Surasa obstructed Hanuman’s way saying that she wanted to swallow Hanuman to satiate her hunger.
Hanuman informed her about his mission promising her to return and satiate her hunger but she didn’t budge saying that as per Brahma’s words, none could pass by her without fulfilling her wish. He asked her to open her mouth wide enough for him to get into , started increasing in size. Surasa also widened her mouth to match his size. The witty Hanuman suddenly decreased in size , went inside her mouth and came back even before she closed her mouth, offered obeisances to her and having satisfied her wish continued his journey. As she was a well wisher , Hanuman won her with his intelligence and presence of mind and didn’t kill her.
Surasa was pleased with Hanuman .She blessed him assuming her true form.
The place where this incident took place is known as Nagadweepa, also known as Nayanateevu, is an island near the North-western part of Srilanka (between Mannar and Jaffna) is now identified as the place where this incident took place.
There is a big temple for Naagamaatha known as Nagapooshani temple. This is also considered as one of the eighteen shakti peetams.
To reach this place, one has to drive from Jaffna for about 38 kms upto Pungudutheevu . From Pungudutheevu drive for about 15 kms on a bridge to reach jetty.
Our journey to this wonderful place is recorded in this video
Regular boat services at an interval of one hour is available to go to Nagadeepa. The fare for the boat ride is LKR 50/- and will take about 20 minutes .
It is one way-the boat stops near the buddhist monastery and the return would be pick up from Nagapooshani temple or vice-versa . Autos ply between these two places for a nominal charge of Rs.10/- LKR.
NAGAPOOSHANI AMMAN TEMPLE NAGADWEEPA
BUDDHIST MONASTERY NAGADWEEPA
In Nagadeepa, there are two places to be visited- the first one is the Buddhist monastery as Buddha had visited this place and changed the factionist Naagas into pious people and made them follow Buddhism. Nagapooshani amman temple can be reached by auto. Devotees perform milk abhishekam to the naagas in the temple.
The third hurdle for Hanumanjee was a rakshasi named Simhika. Lying on the ocean she had the power to pull the shadow of anyone flying over her. She used her strength to reduce Hanuman’jis speed by pulling his shadow.
Hanumanji realised the gravity and the unexpected hurdle . She opened her mouth widely and with all her might, she tried to swallow Hanuman who entered into her mouth and came out swiftly piercing her stomach thus killing her. Simhika was in a pool of blood. Hanumanjee thus encountered the third hurdle who was an enemy in reality with his strength.
This place is identified as Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar on the North-western part of Srilanka (between Jaffna and Anuradhapura) about 116 kms north-west of Anuradhapura-a famous site for Buddhists.
Also, Kethu-one of the navagrahas who is Simhika’s son prayed to Shiva at this place. Hence this place is known as Thiruketeeswaram.
Mandodari’s father built this temple. Presently the Shiva temple is undergoing renovation.
Hanumanji landed on Suvela parvatham in Srilanka . This place is now known as Ramboda. Chinmaya mission have constructed a beautiful temple for 16 ft Hanumanjee . There are 3 sets of deities of Sita-Rama Lakshmana in the temple premises.
Chariot procession takes place during December . As Hanumanji alighted on this parvath on Pournami (Valmiki rishi mentions that Hanuman started his search operation on Pournami and the full moon helped Hanuman with his cool light to see things clearly ), special poojas are performed here. Guest house accomodation(LKR 6600/-for more than 2 PAX) and food court (AnnapurnaVeg.restaurant) are being operated by the mission. (Srirama viewed Lankapura from this placE)
After sunset, Hanumanji took a miniature form to search for Mother Sita. He marched towards Lankapura city after crossing forests. Being an island, Lanka was protected by sea on all four sides which was a natural barrier, it has many mountains ,lakes and rivers. Lankapura was situated on one such mountain known as Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya) and the surrounding places around Kandy are also considered part of this . The historical importance of Sigiriya (a world heritage site ) now is being attributed to King Kasyapa who was an unjust king very similar to Ravana and hid at this place. (Research relating to Ramayana reveal that this was Ravana’s kingdom)
It was well guarded on all sides by armed soldiers right from the foot of the hill. The beautiful city was built by Mayasuran-architect for asuras and Ravana’s father in law. Valmiki rishi has aptly described this location which can be found even today. There were tunnels connections various mountains to which only Ravana had access. Also, there were aircraft centres at various places which was used by Ravana to fly on his pushpaka vimanam.
Hanumanjee was encountered by Lankini- a rakshasi who was a personification of Lanka when he was trying to enter into Lankapura. Hanuman politely told her that he would return after viewing the beautiful city but the raksasi didn’t accede. Though she hurt Hanuman by hitting with a mace, hanuman pitied her and slightly hit her with his left fist which was unbearable for her. She accepted defeat and recollecting Brahma’s words that when she would be defeated by a vanara, Lanka’s destruction would be inevitable, she blessed Hanuman to be victorious in his mission.
Lankapura is considered as the places around Sigiriya and Kandy.
RAvana ruled from Sigiriya Fort
HANUMANJI IN RAMBODA
Hanuman defeated Lankini and started searching for Sitadevi in all the places including the Pushpaka vimanam, palaces of RAvana’s queens, Ravana’s palace, Mandodari’s palace, kitchen ,etc. Lankapura was situated on Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya rock ) making it inaccessible to intruders.
Ravana’s court, palace, his queens’ palaces were all situated around this. Right from the foot of the hills, every place was well guarded. The fort was surrounded with mouts, lakes with crocodiles is it . There are about
Inside sigiriya fort
He came across stationed armies well equipped guarding the kingdom.
The place where Pushpaka vimanam was kept is now known as Gurulopotha near Sita Kotuwa about 100 kms north east of Kandy. (There is only a name board and a buddhist temple ). Likewise Mandodari palace is now known as “Sita Kotuwa” as Sitadevi was first kept here. This is an archeological site about 3 hours drive from Kandy.
Sita Kotuwa.
A guide from the archeological survey office accompanies the visitors to the place. (Guest house facility and a small restaurant serving cool drinks,water, snacks is run by them.) We need to walk down the steep terrain for about an hour to reach Sita Kotuwa. The place where the army was stationed is known as Weragantota. Gurulopotha and Weragantota are situated near Sita Kotuwa.
Steps from Ravana palace leading to sita kotuwa (this is not the path which we take)
He found heaps of food in the kitchen but didn’t have the slightest temptation to eat. He searched every nook and corner of Lanka but could not trace mother Sitadevi. Hanuman was worried that he had to look many ladies which was against his brahmachari vow. But he convinced himself that if you have to search for a deer, you will have to search amongst deers. Likewise, a woman has to be searched amongst women. AS he respected all women as his mother and sister, his mind was very clear and was only focused on our Mother’s ( Thayar’s ) welfare.
After searching for the second time, Hanumanji was worried .He sat on a rock and decided to end his life as he knew that if he returned without seeing Sitadevi, he would be the cause for destruction of Ishvaku race and the vaanaras.
Hanuman however regained his determination and realized his mistake.
He understood that though he prayed to all the gods he forgot to offer prayers to Mother Sitadevi
Recollecting HER appearance as an ayonija,
He immediately prayed to Sitadevi guarded by Rama and Lakshmana to disclose her whereabouts similar to the way SHE chose to appear to King Janaka.
BIRTH PLACE OF SITADEVI AT SITA MARHI, BIHAR
By the grace of Sitadevi, Hanumanji spotted Ashoka vanam- a beautiful garden which he had missed to explore.
This place where Hanuman sat and contemplated on Mother Sita is identified as MANIKATUTHER located between Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
It is about 20 kms from RAmboda hill and Nuwara Eliya is about 50 kms from Manikatuther.
Manikatuther is located in Labbookelle Tea Estate in Kondakalai village on a hill bgetween Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda. WE need to take an auto to go up the hill which has a muddy path from the base.
AFter reaching a certain point, we have to trek up the hill through Labbookelle Tea Estate .
The scenic beauty is inexplicable. When we visited this place, the whole area was engulfed in fog , it was drizzling and cool breeze was soothing . ( As the muddy road was drenched with rain, we were told that it would not be possible to go there by our guide. But we insisted to be taken there and because of Hanuman’s grace, two auto drivers agreed to take us and we could visit the place.) Presently , there is only a small shiva linga under a tree.
Sri.Kanakaraj, a disciple of Chinmaya Mission who accompanied us informed that on a clear day, we can view both Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
Reaching Lanka, Ravana held Sitadevi captive in Mandodari’s palace which is now known as Sita kotuwa. Indra prayed to Sitadevi to sustain herself by partaking heavenly sweet for the world’s welfare . Ravana later shifted HER to Ashoka vanam(presently known as Hakgala Gardens in Nuwara Eliya)
presuming SHE would like the hill station and the natural beauty of his kingdom and succumb to his wish. The village is named as Kondakalai because while Ravana was forcibly taking Sitadevi to Ashoka vanam, Sitadevi’s hair got deranged.
He also informed that the food given by RAvana to Sitadevi was thrown away by HER which fell scattered in the surrounding forests. The remains became fossils known as “SITA GOOLI” have been certified by American researchers as vitaminised rice balls dating few thousands of years . These balls are considered as symbol of auspiciousness. We were fortunate to get them to be placed in our altar.
SITA GOOLI AND LEAVES OF ASHOKA TREE
Near Manikatuther, there is a temple for Sriman Narayana seated on Garuda with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Mahavishnu is bluish in complexion . But the locals address this temple as “Rama temple”.
During Margazhi,(Dec-Jan), early morning Pooja is performed and bhajans are conducted in the nights during the whole month. Few rare beautiful pics from Ramayanam are hung on the walls inside the temple.
ASHOKA VANAM (HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDENS IN NUWARA ELIYA)
When Hanumanji entered Ashoka Vanam (presently known as Hakgala Botanical Gardens in Nuwara Eliya), the flowers blossomed , birds chirped and the weather was very pleasant. Some flowers dropped on Hanuman’s body which added to his beauty.
Hanuman jumped from one tree to the other in search of Sitadevi. Finally, he found a sobbing distressed lady glowing with effulgence under a tree and looking at her appearance, the colour of her sari and the jewels which were hanging from the tree, Hanuman guessed that it was Sitadevi. His joy knew no bounds.
He was contemplating as to how he has to pick up a conversation with her. Meanwhile, RAvana arrived and started persuading Sitadevi.
Mother Sita underwent all these troubles to put an end to Ravana’s atrocities who was slave to lust thus causing harm to womanhood all over the world. (Poorvacharyars reason that as the wives of celestial persons were held captive by him, Mother Sitadevi came to Lanka to rescue them ). Just as a mother who will ensure to protect all the children,
Sitadevi who is the mother of Universe advised him to restore HER back to Lord Rama and get saved mentioning Sri Rama’s nature to forgive anyone who came for asylum even if it had committed the gravest sin. When Sitadevi rebuked him by recalling his cowardly act of stealing HER in Srirama’s absence , he became so wild that he wanted to harm her but was stopped by his wife Daanyamaalini.
The egoistic Ravana left after warning her that she would be killed and served as breakfast at the end of two months in case she doesn’t concede to his request.
The rakshasis who were threatening her were chastised by Trijata-Vibhishana’s daughter who disclosed the dream she had.
Trijata revealed her dream in which she saw victorious Lord Rama seated with Sitadevi wearing white silk clothes on Pushpaka vimanam ,Ravana’s death, anhilation of rakshasa clan, Vibhishana’s coronation and advised the rakshasis to stop torturing Sitadevi as SHE alone could protect them from SRirama’s wrath.
The rakshasis stopped harassing and slept. Sitadevi who was totally devastated, decided to end her life by hanging HERSELF from Simshuka tree with her hair.
Hanumanji who was sitting on the Simshuka tree became worried at HER approach. To save HER from this disaster, Hanuman softly sang Srirama’s story starting from HIS appearance,wedding, banishment , Ravana’s foul play in kidnapping Sitadevi, Jatayu’s death, Sugreeva’s friendship, their search operation etc. Hanuman presented himself as Rama’s messenger and sugreeva’s minister.
He described in detail about Srirama and enquired about devi’s identity. When Sitadevi got convinced that he was Rama’s messenger, Hanuman presented the holy ring given by Srirama to her and pacified HER that SRirama would kill Ravana ,resuce HER and return to Ayodhya to rule the world. Just as our acharyar gives us the holy name (Tirumantram) to us during Samasrayanam, Hanuman gave tthe holy ring with SRirama’s name engraved on it. Looking at the ring, Sitadevi wept uncontrollably remembering their separation and suffering .
Thus , the entire Ramayana was sung by Hanuman. This place is known famously known as “SITA ELIYA-SITA AMMAN TEMPLE” located about 4 kms from Nuwara Eliya on a lower altitude. Nuwara Eliya,also known as “Little England” located in the Central highlands of Srilanka is a hill station and one of the coldest regions in Srilanka .
The thought that Sitadevi sitting under the tree in the cool Ashoka gardens without any protection against the harsh weather conditions made us feel depressed.
Hanuman convinced Sitadevi that Srirama would come at the earliest and rescue HER. Unable to tolerate Sitadevi’s distress, Hanumanji offered to carry HER on his shoulders and unite HER with Srirama. He expanded his form to convince about his capabilities. So, we can see two sets of footprints in Sita Amman temple-one small and the other one huge .
Hanuman pacified Jaganmatha assuring HER of Srirama’s arrival to resue HER and consoled her thus saving HER life. When Hanuman requested Sitadevi to give some token of identification to present to Srirama, Sitadevi handed over the “choodamani ” and shared few incidents with Hanuman including Kakasuran’s episode , about how the Lord applied thilak so that HE would believe Hanuman as these incidents happened in solitude.
SPHATIK SHILA IN CHITRAKOOT-THE PLACE OF KAKASURAN EPISODE
After taking Sitadevi’s blessings, Hanuman decided to meet Ravana and convey Rama’s message. So, he uprooted the trees in Ashoka vanam . He defeated the rakshasas who came to fight, destroyed one-fourth of Ravana’s army including 80000 kinnaras, five army chiefs, Ravana’s son-Akshakumara and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastra as vayuputra wanted an audience with Ravana.
All these incidents took place at “” Hakgala Botanical Gardens”.
The deities which are considered thousands of years old were recovered from the stream in Sita Eliya two hundred years ago
Hanuman was taken to RAvana’s assembly in Sigiriya Fort.
INNER VIEW OF SIGIRIYA FORT (RAVANA PALACE)
Hanuman introduced himself as Sugreeva’s minister and Srirama’s messenger , informed the killing of Vali who had humbled RAvana earlier , advised Ravana to return Sitadevi and save his clan from Srirama’s wrath which infuriated Ravana .
Ravana ordered Hanuman to be killed but was intercepted by Vibhishana who said that a messenger should not be killed but could be punished.
RAVANA’S THRONE ON SIGIRIYA FORT
Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be burnt and taken along all the streets . Hanuman’s tail was wound with cloth dipped in oil and fire was lit. The jubilant rakshasas unaware of Hanuman’s prowess abused him and insulted him by throwing stones and took him through all the places. Hanuman unmindful of the pain thought that it was a good opportunity so that he can once again see Lanka in the day light. Few rakshasis rushed to Sitadevi to inform about the happenings. Sitadevi experienced intolerable grief for the punishment. She washed her hands in the nearby stream , lit a pyre and prayed to Agnideva to protect Hanuman by proclaiming that if she was chaste and if it is true that sirama would resuce her, Agni should not harm Hanuman.
Hanuman realised that though his tail was burning, he didn’t feel any burning sensation or pain. He realised that it was because of Sitadevi’s compassion , the fire didn’t harm him. Hanuman wanted to express his gratitude to firegod by offering the tall mansions to agni. Hanuman freed himself from rakshasas’ clutches and jumping from one building to the other including RAvana’s palace and assembly , he lit fire in all the places.
AS the golden Lankapura was on a hill where heavy winds blow, the fire spread immediately . The whole of Lanka was in flames.
Hanuman burnt the whole Lanka including Ravana’s airports at WEragantota , Ussangoda (the southern tip of Lanka).
Hanuman cooled his burning tail in the waters near Ussangoda near Hambantota- a sea coast about 83 kms from Galle.The sand here is red in colour. Usually red sand would be wet whereas here it is as hard as rock. No vegetation grows here. This is a protected site. It is advisable to visit this place in daytime .
RED SAND AT USSANGODA
USSANGODA-ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Hanuman became worried about Sitadevi’s welfare as the entire Lanka was burning. But he heard from celestial beings about Sitadevi’s safety and Vibhishana’s house not burnt. The pleased Hanuman returned to Ashoka vanam and after personally seeing Sitadevi assured her about Rama’s arrival and returned to Kishkinda after taking Mother Sita’s blessings. Assuming a huge form, Hanuman took off from “Arishta” parvatham from Lanka to cross over the ocean to reach Mahendragiri. Unable to bear his weight, Arishta parvatham got submerged into the sea with only the top visible. This is considered as “Andaman islands” (this info was shared by Andamanese during our visit-not sure about the authenticity but there is a similarity in the names-Arishta—Andaman)
Hanuman returned to the vanara camp and shared with them Sitadevi’s welfare. He informed them in detail about his entire journey. They started the return journey to Kishkinda to inform the good news to SRiram, Enroute stopped for a while at Madhuban near Hampi to satisfy their hunger. While all the vanaras were satiating their hunger by drinking honey and eating fruits, Our Hanuman was relising the nectarian names of Lord Rama which was his lifeline.
HANUMAN’S IMAGE AT MADHUVAN NEAR HAMPI
Hanuman and other vanaras headed by Angadha returned to Maalyavan parvath and informed about Sitadevi’s welfare and presented the choodamani to Srirama. A beautiful temple for the Lordships at the place where this incident took place can be seen in Hampi. Srirama praised Hanuman and embraced him for completing the mission thus emphasising that HE COULD BE ATTAINED ONLY WITH HANUMAN’S GRACE.
The place where Hanumanji conveyed Sitamata’s welfare and offered Choodamani to Srirama-Hampi,Karnataka
Our poorvacharyas say that when Hanuman submittd to Srirama without Sitadevi, his tail got burnt but when he got Sitadevi’s blessings, he was blessed with Lord Rama’s embrace .
This emphasizes Thayar’s intervention as PUrushakaaram in our Srivaishnava sampradayam. Thus ends the wonderful prose Sundarakandam.
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The fifth kaandam in Sriramayanam known as “SUNDARA KAANDAM” is the most popular kaanda. Unlike names of other kandams which are self explanatory, this kandam is known as “Sundaram-beautiful” as everything ..
–Hanumanji’s Rama bhakti, Sitadevi’s chastity, Srirama’s plight to rescue HER, their concern for each other, torments in samsaara are so beautifully described by maharishi. The characters of the trio makes even a stone melt. That’s the reason even after so many lakhs of years, we read Sundarkandam with reverence. Also, reciting Sundarakandam is considered equivalent to reading the entire Ramayana as Hanuman and Trijata narrate all the incidents-past,present and future in the august presence of Sitadevi.
After coronation of Sugreeva as the King of Vaanaras, Lord Srirama and Lakshmana spent four months during monsoon in Malyavan parvath in Prasvanagiri in Hampi, Karnataka.
Lord Srirama experienced unbearable pain due to separation from our mother Sitadevi. The Lord was worried about Sitadevi’s welfare and used to lament uncontrollably.
At the end of monsoon, Sugreeva deputed crores of vaanaras and bears in all directions in search of Sitadevi giving them one month’s time to trace the whereabouts and inform for taking up next course of action.
Sugreeva explained geographical particulars about all the places around the world in detail .
The vanaras headed by Prince Angadha and supported by senior Jambavan and Hanuman were assigned the task of searching in the southern direction. Lord Srirama handed over HIS finger ring to Hanumanji who was standing in a corner.
Our poorvacharyars give reason as to why Srirama selected Hanuman to give his finger ring . It was the time at Kishkinda when Lord Rama was in search of Mother Sita . Hanumanji was in thoughts to see Srirama lamenting for a lady.
Hanumanji a brahmachari was wondering as to why a person of high stature like Lord Srirama tutored by rishis like Sage Vasishta, Vishwamitra was so emotional .
Lord Srirama our antaryami sensed Hanumanji’s feelings . To make Hanuman realise the greatness of Sitadevi, Srirama selected Hanuman and handed over HIS finger ring with HIS holy name engraved on it.
And it was also an indication that Paramatma laments for all the jivaatma in the same lines .
It was because of the holy ring that Hanuman could cross the ocean and meet Mother Sitadevi and obtain HER blessings. When Hanumanji saw Sitadevi’s steadfast devotion towards Lord Srirama, he regretted for his thoughts initially .
Having understood HER greatness , Hanuman visualised both of them together in his heart and offered prayers.
IMAGE OF HANUMAN AT DIVURUMPOLA IN SRILANKA (SITA AGNI PRAVESHA STHAL )
Hanumanji introduced to mother Sitadevi that he was “Rama dhoothan” whereas when he returned to Lord Rama as “Sitadevi’s messenger” to convey the good news about Sitadevi’s welfare, he addressed himself as “Raama daasan”. With Mother’s grace, our ego vanishes. Our poorvacharyars comment that when Hanuman went as “rama dhootan”-, he was gifted with fire on the tail whereas when he returned as Sita dhootan, he was embraced by Lord Rama.
The vanaras who went in the southern direction explored all the places until they reached SWayamprabha caves in Kadayanallur near Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu .
Swayamprabha an advanced Sathwi was the guardian for the magical cave owned by Mayasuran. Anyone who entered could not come out. She hosted the vanaras and later transported the vanaras to the seashore( about 150 kms away from Kadayanallur) after knowing about their devotion to Lord Rama with her powers .
Having reached the seashore, the vanaras were worried because the stipulated time of one month fixed by their King Sugreeva was over and they could not trace Sitadevi. They knew for sure that Sugreeva would not spare them and decided to end their lives as they did not have the courage to face Srirama who was already suffering pangs of separation.
Angadha had lit a big pyre for them to sacrifice their lives.
He started lamenting about Sitadevi’s abduction, Jatayu sacrificing his life in Ramaseva after fighting with Ravana , their search expedition and failure in the assignment.
Sampaati-the eagle bird summoned Angadha and introduced himself as Jatayu’s elder brother , shared how he lost his wings while protecting Jatayu from the scorching heat of sun in the process loosing his wings and became immobile.
Sampaati was informed about Jatayu’s Raama kainkaryam and he too resolved to do the same. He informed the vanaras about Sitadevi’s whereabouts with his sharp vision in the far away land, Lanka. Having done this Raama kainkaryam, Sampaati regained his lost wings and flew away.
SAMPAATI CONVERSING WITH ANGADHA AND OTHER VANARAS NEAR SEASHORE
Now that the whereabouts of Sitadevi were known, the vanaras started contemplating as to who would cross the ocean which was measuring 100 yojanas (1000 miles) to meet mother Sitadevi.
Each vanara expressed their ability to cross few yojanas .
Angadha said that he could cross 100 yojanas but would not have the energy to return. The aged Jambavaan who knew Hanuman’s capabilities approached Hanuman and started enumerating his strength and skills. When Hanuman was a child, he mistook Sun to be an apple and leapt in the sky to hold it.
He was hit by Indra with vajrayudham on his chin(hanu) and hence was called Hanuman. Vayu, hanuman’s father stopped air which made the whole world breathless. To appease his anger, brahma and other devas bestowed many boons on Hanuman.
Brahma cursed him to forget his prowess but would get back his strength when someone reminded him at an apporpriate time. Jambavan reminded him of his capabilities and requested Hanuman to undertake Rama kainkaryam. (Sage Agastya extolled Hanuman’s greatness to Srirama in Uttara kaandam)
MAHENDRAGIRI MOUNTAIN IN THIRUKURUNGUDI AT TAMILNADU
He confidently proclaimed that he would finish the yeomen task of locating mother Sitadevi saying that like Sri Rama’s arrow which never failed to hit its target, he would accomplish the task.
All the vanaras vowed to observe fast until Sitadevi was found. Reposing confidence to the vaanaras, Hanuman stood on Mahendragiri parvatham in Thirukurungudi beyond Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu and after offering prayers to Suryan, Indran, Vayu, Sri Rama , He increased in size and leapt on the sky to cross the ocean.
HANUMAN LEAPING FROM MAHENDRAGIRI
Thus starts Sundarakandam,-the most beautiful kaandam as everything is beautiful in it. Every household in India has a copy of Sundarakanda . It is a normal practice in Srivaishnava wedding to present Sundarakandam to the groom as it is considered very auspicious.
Our poorvacharyars have clearly indicated that
Lord Rama is the Paramatma
MOther Sita is the Jivatma suffering in this material world for reunion with Paramatma
Lanka is the samsara(material world)
Our manas is Ravana and the ten senses are considered as the ten heads of Ravana
Hanuman is the acharya(gurudeva) who extols Paramatma’s qualities to Jivatma, gives the holy name to Jivatma, submits Jivatma’s plea to Paramatma, destroys Lanka(samsaara) with the fire of knowledge and finaly reunites Jivatma with Paramatma.
The jivatma who gets illusioned with material world, leaves Paramatma and ends up in trouble loitering in the material world until an acharya intervenes and imparts supreme knowledge about the Lord, gives us the mantra to attain HIM, submits our plea to the Lord and ensures our union with the Supreme Lord by destroying our desires (samasara)
And our journey to Sri Lanka to have the darshan of all the holy places fructified in August 2018 and an attempt is being made to reproduce the divine bliss to millions of Hari bhaktha .
Hanumanji must have entered Srilanka from the north-western part via Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar, proceeded southwards and landed on Ramboda hills. The places related to Sundarakandam are mostly located in Central Srilanka upto Sigiriya in the north and Ussangoda in the south.
Valmiki maharishi beautifully describes Hanuman’s flight. Hanumanji increased in size and stretching his hands wide leapt from Mahendragiri mountain causing its residents to leave the place. The flowers from the trees had covered Hanuman who was now resembling a flowered mountain.
Hanumanji faced the first hurdle which was a friendly gesture by Mynaaka parvatham who was a close friend of Vayu bhagavan ( Hanumanji’s father ). He offered fruits and asked Hanuman to take rest but he refused politely by embracing the mountain for its gesture saying that he intended to reach Lanka by evening and was lacking time.
Hanuman won Mynaakam with his friendly gesture. He didn’t succumb to any temptation.
The second hurdle came in the form of Surasa who was a Naagamaatha( mother of snakes). The devas prompted her to test Hanuman’s capabilities. Surasa obstructed Hanuman’s way saying that she wanted to swallow Hanuman to satiate her hunger.
Hanuman informed her about his mission promising her to return and satiate her hunger but she didn’t budge saying that as per Brahma’s words, none could pass by her without fulfilling her wish. He asked her to open her mouth wide enough for him to get into , started increasing in size. Surasa also widened her mouth to match his size. The witty Hanuman suddenly decreased in size , went inside her mouth and came back even before she closed her mouth, offered obeisances to her and having satisfied her wish continued his journey. As she was a well wisher , Hanuman won her with his intelligence and presence of mind and didn’t kill her.
Surasa was pleased with Hanuman .She blessed him assuming her true form.
The place where this incident took place is known as Nagadweepa, also known as Nayanateevu, is an island near the North-western part of Srilanka (between Mannar and Jaffna) is now identified as the place where this incident took place.
There is a big temple for Naagamaatha known as Nagapooshani temple. This is also considered as one of the eighteen shakti peetams.
To reach this place, one has to drive from Jaffna for about 38 kms upto Pungudutheevu . From Pungudutheevu drive for about 15 kms on a bridge to reach jetty.
Our journey to this wonderful place is recorded in this video
Regular boat services at an interval of one hour is available to go to Nagadeepa. The fare for the boat ride is LKR 50/- and will take about 20 minutes .
It is one way-the boat stops near the buddhist monastery and the return would be pick up from Nagapooshani temple or vice-versa . Autos ply between these two places for a nominal charge of Rs.10/- LKR.
NAGAPOOSHANI AMMAN TEMPLE NAGADWEEPA
BUDDHIST MONASTERY NAGADWEEPA
In Nagadeepa, there are two places to be visited- the first one is the Buddhist monastery as Buddha had visited this place and changed the factionist Naagas into pious people and made them follow Buddhism. Nagapooshani amman temple can be reached by auto. Devotees perform milk abhishekam to the naagas in the temple.
The third hurdle for Hanumanjee was a rakshasi named Simhika. Lying on the ocean she had the power to pull the shadow of anyone flying over her. She used her strength to reduce Hanuman’jis speed by pulling his shadow.
Hanumanji realised the gravity and the unexpected hurdle . She opened her mouth widely and with all her might, she tried to swallow Hanuman who entered into her mouth and came out swiftly piercing her stomach thus killing her. Simhika was in a pool of blood. Hanumanjee thus encountered the third hurdle who was an enemy in reality with his strength.
This place is identified as Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar on the North-western part of Srilanka (between Jaffna and Anuradhapura) about 116 kms north-west of Anuradhapura-a famous site for Buddhists.
Also, Kethu-one of the navagrahas who is Simhika’s son prayed to Shiva at this place. Hence this place is known as Thiruketeeswaram.
Mandodari’s father built this temple. Presently the Shiva temple is undergoing renovation.
Hanumanji landed on Suvela parvatham in Srilanka . This place is now known as Ramboda. Chinmaya mission have constructed a beautiful temple for 16 ft Hanumanjee . There are 3 sets of deities of Sita-Rama Lakshmana in the temple premises.
Chariot procession takes place during December . As Hanumanji alighted on this parvath on Pournami (Valmiki rishi mentions that Hanuman started his search operation on Pournami and the full moon helped Hanuman with his cool light to see things clearly ), special poojas are performed here. Guest house accomodation(LKR 6600/-for more than 2 PAX) and food court (AnnapurnaVeg.restaurant) are being operated by the mission. (Srirama viewed Lankapura from this placE)
After sunset, Hanumanji took a miniature form to search for Mother Sita. He marched towards Lankapura city after crossing forests. Being an island, Lanka was protected by sea on all four sides which was a natural barrier, it has many mountains ,lakes and rivers. Lankapura was situated on one such mountain known as Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya) and the surrounding places around Kandy are also considered part of this . The historical importance of Sigiriya (a world heritage site ) now is being attributed to King Kasyapa who was an unjust king very similar to Ravana and hid at this place. (Research relating to Ramayana reveal that this was Ravana’s kingdom)
It was well guarded on all sides by armed soldiers right from the foot of the hill. The beautiful city was built by Mayasuran-architect for asuras and Ravana’s father in law. Valmiki rishi has aptly described this location which can be found even today. There were tunnels connections various mountains to which only Ravana had access. Also, there were aircraft centres at various places which was used by Ravana to fly on his pushpaka vimanam.
Hanumanjee was encountered by Lankini- a rakshasi who was a personification of Lanka when he was trying to enter into Lankapura. Hanuman politely told her that he would return after viewing the beautiful city but the raksasi didn’t accede. Though she hurt Hanuman by hitting with a mace, hanuman pitied her and slightly hit her with his left fist which was unbearable for her. She accepted defeat and recollecting Brahma’s words that when she would be defeated by a vanara, Lanka’s destruction would be inevitable, she blessed Hanuman to be victorious in his mission.
Lankapura is considered as the places around Sigiriya and Kandy.
RAvana ruled from Sigiriya Fort
HANUMANJI IN RAMBODA
Hanuman defeated Lankini and started searching for Sitadevi in all the places including the Pushpaka vimanam, palaces of RAvana’s queens, Ravana’s palace, Mandodari’s palace, kitchen ,etc. Lankapura was situated on Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya rock ) making it inaccessible to intruders.
Ravana’s court, palace, his queens’ palaces were all situated around this. Right from the foot of the hills, every place was well guarded. The fort was surrounded with mouts, lakes with crocodiles is it . There are about
Inside sigiriya fort
He came across stationed armies well equipped guarding the kingdom.
The place where Pushpaka vimanam was kept is now known as Gurulopotha near Sita Kotuwa about 100 kms north east of Kandy. (There is only a name board and a buddhist temple ). Likewise Mandodari palace is now known as “Sita Kotuwa” as Sitadevi was first kept here. This is an archeological site about 3 hours drive from Kandy.
Sita Kotuwa.
A guide from the archeological survey office accompanies the visitors to the place. (Guest house facility and a small restaurant serving cool drinks,water, snacks is run by them.) We need to walk down the steep terrain for about an hour to reach Sita Kotuwa. The place where the army was stationed is known as Weragantota. Gurulopotha and Weragantota are situated near Sita Kotuwa.
Steps from Ravana palace leading to sita kotuwa (this is not the path which we take)
He found heaps of food in the kitchen but didn’t have the slightest temptation to eat. He searched every nook and corner of Lanka but could not trace mother Sitadevi. Hanuman was worried that he had to look many ladies which was against his brahmachari vow. But he convinced himself that if you have to search for a deer, you will have to search amongst deers. Likewise, a woman has to be searched amongst women. AS he respected all women as his mother and sister, his mind was very clear and was only focused on our Mother’s ( Thayar’s ) welfare.
After searching for the second time, Hanumanji was worried .He sat on a rock and decided to end his life as he knew that if he returned without seeing Sitadevi, he would be the cause for destruction of Ishvaku race and the vaanaras.
Hanuman however regained his determination and realized his mistake.
He understood that though he prayed to all the gods he forgot to offer prayers to Mother Sitadevi
Recollecting HER appearance as an ayonija,
He immediately prayed to Sitadevi guarded by Rama and Lakshmana to disclose her whereabouts similar to the way SHE chose to appear to King Janaka.
BIRTH PLACE OF SITADEVI AT SITA MARHI, BIHAR
By the grace of Sitadevi, Hanumanji spotted Ashoka vanam- a beautiful garden which he had missed to explore.
This place where Hanuman sat and contemplated on Mother Sita is identified as MANIKATUTHER located between Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
It is about 20 kms from RAmboda hill and Nuwara Eliya is about 50 kms from Manikatuther.
Manikatuther is located in Labbookelle Tea Estate in Kondakalai village on a hill bgetween Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda. WE need to take an auto to go up the hill which has a muddy path from the base.
AFter reaching a certain point, we have to trek up the hill through Labbookelle Tea Estate .
The scenic beauty is inexplicable. When we visited this place, the whole area was engulfed in fog , it was drizzling and cool breeze was soothing . ( As the muddy road was drenched with rain, we were told that it would not be possible to go there by our guide. But we insisted to be taken there and because of Hanuman’s grace, two auto drivers agreed to take us and we could visit the place.) Presently , there is only a small shiva linga under a tree.
Sri.Kanakaraj, a disciple of Chinmaya Mission who accompanied us informed that on a clear day, we can view both Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
Reaching Lanka, Ravana held Sitadevi captive in Mandodari’s palace which is now known as Sita kotuwa. Indra prayed to Sitadevi to sustain herself by partaking heavenly sweet for the world’s welfare . Ravana later shifted HER to Ashoka vanam(presently known as Hakgala Gardens in Nuwara Eliya)
presuming SHE would like the hill station and the natural beauty of his kingdom and succumb to his wish. The village is named as Kondakalai because while Ravana was forcibly taking Sitadevi to Ashoka vanam, Sitadevi’s hair got deranged.
He also informed that the food given by RAvana to Sitadevi was thrown away by HER which fell scattered in the surrounding forests. The remains became fossils known as “SITA GOOLI” have been certified by American researchers as vitaminised rice balls dating few thousands of years . These balls are considered as symbol of auspiciousness. We were fortunate to get them to be placed in our altar.
SITA GOOLI AND LEAVES OF ASHOKA TREE
Near Manikatuther, there is a temple for Sriman Narayana seated on Garuda with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Mahavishnu is bluish in complexion . But the locals address this temple as “Rama temple”.
During Margazhi,(Dec-Jan), early morning Pooja is performed and bhajans are conducted in the nights during the whole month. Few rare beautiful pics from Ramayanam are hung on the walls inside the temple.
ASHOKA VANAM (HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDENS IN NUWARA ELIYA)
When Hanumanji entered Ashoka Vanam (presently known as Hakgala Botanical Gardens in Nuwara Eliya), the flowers blossomed , birds chirped and the weather was very pleasant. Some flowers dropped on Hanuman’s body which added to his beauty.
Hanuman jumped from one tree to the other in search of Sitadevi. Finally, he found a sobbing distressed lady glowing with effulgence under a tree and looking at her appearance, the colour of her sari and the jewels which were hanging from the tree, Hanuman guessed that it was Sitadevi. His joy knew no bounds.
He was contemplating as to how he has to pick up a conversation with her. Meanwhile, RAvana arrived and started persuading Sitadevi.
Mother Sita underwent all these troubles to put an end to Ravana’s atrocities who was slave to lust thus causing harm to womanhood all over the world. (Poorvacharyars reason that as the wives of celestial persons were held captive by him, Mother Sitadevi came to Lanka to rescue them ). Just as a mother who will ensure to protect all the children,
Sitadevi who is the mother of Universe advised him to restore HER back to Lord Rama and get saved mentioning Sri Rama’s nature to forgive anyone who came for asylum even if it had committed the gravest sin. When Sitadevi rebuked him by recalling his cowardly act of stealing HER in Srirama’s absence , he became so wild that he wanted to harm her but was stopped by his wife Daanyamaalini.
The egoistic Ravana left after warning her that she would be killed and served as breakfast at the end of two months in case she doesn’t concede to his request.
The rakshasis who were threatening her were chastised by Trijata-Vibhishana’s daughter who disclosed the dream she had.
Trijata revealed her dream in which she saw victorious Lord Rama seated with Sitadevi wearing white silk clothes on Pushpaka vimanam ,Ravana’s death, anhilation of rakshasa clan, Vibhishana’s coronation and advised the rakshasis to stop torturing Sitadevi as SHE alone could protect them from SRirama’s wrath.
The rakshasis stopped harassing and slept. Sitadevi who was totally devastated, decided to end her life by hanging HERSELF from Simshuka tree with her hair.
Hanumanji who was sitting on the Simshuka tree became worried at HER approach. To save HER from this disaster, Hanuman softly sang Srirama’s story starting from HIS appearance,wedding, banishment , Ravana’s foul play in kidnapping Sitadevi, Jatayu’s death, Sugreeva’s friendship, their search operation etc. Hanuman presented himself as Rama’s messenger and sugreeva’s minister.
He described in detail about Srirama and enquired about devi’s identity. When Sitadevi got convinced that he was Rama’s messenger, Hanuman presented the holy ring given by Srirama to her and pacified HER that SRirama would kill Ravana ,resuce HER and return to Ayodhya to rule the world. Just as our acharyar gives us the holy name (Tirumantram) to us during Samasrayanam, Hanuman gave tthe holy ring with SRirama’s name engraved on it. Looking at the ring, Sitadevi wept uncontrollably remembering their separation and suffering .
Thus , the entire Ramayana was sung by Hanuman. This place is known famously known as “SITA ELIYA-SITA AMMAN TEMPLE” located about 4 kms from Nuwara Eliya on a lower altitude. Nuwara Eliya,also known as “Little England” located in the Central highlands of Srilanka is a hill station and one of the coldest regions in Srilanka .
The thought that Sitadevi sitting under the tree in the cool Ashoka gardens without any protection against the harsh weather conditions made us feel depressed.
Hanuman convinced Sitadevi that Srirama would come at the earliest and rescue HER. Unable to tolerate Sitadevi’s distress, Hanumanji offered to carry HER on his shoulders and unite HER with Srirama. He expanded his form to convince about his capabilities. So, we can see two sets of footprints in Sita Amman temple-one small and the other one huge .
Hanuman pacified Jaganmatha assuring HER of Srirama’s arrival to resue HER and consoled her thus saving HER life. When Hanuman requested Sitadevi to give some token of identification to present to Srirama, Sitadevi handed over the “choodamani ” and shared few incidents with Hanuman including Kakasuran’s episode , about how the Lord applied thilak so that HE would believe Hanuman as these incidents happened in solitude.
SPHATIK SHILA IN CHITRAKOOT-THE PLACE OF KAKASURAN EPISODE
After taking Sitadevi’s blessings, Hanuman decided to meet Ravana and convey Rama’s message. So, he uprooted the trees in Ashoka vanam . He defeated the rakshasas who came to fight, destroyed one-fourth of Ravana’s army including 80000 kinnaras, five army chiefs, Ravana’s son-Akshakumara and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastra as vayuputra wanted an audience with Ravana.
All these incidents took place at “” Hakgala Botanical Gardens”.
The deities which are considered thousands of years old were recovered from the stream in Sita Eliya two hundred years ago
Hanuman was taken to RAvana’s assembly in Sigiriya Fort.
INNER VIEW OF SIGIRIYA FORT (RAVANA PALACE)
Hanuman introduced himself as Sugreeva’s minister and Srirama’s messenger , informed the killing of Vali who had humbled RAvana earlier , advised Ravana to return Sitadevi and save his clan from Srirama’s wrath which infuriated Ravana .
Ravana ordered Hanuman to be killed but was intercepted by Vibhishana who said that a messenger should not be killed but could be punished.
RAVANA’S THRONE ON SIGIRIYA FORT
Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be burnt and taken along all the streets . Hanuman’s tail was wound with cloth dipped in oil and fire was lit. The jubilant rakshasas unaware of Hanuman’s prowess abused him and insulted him by throwing stones and took him through all the places. Hanuman unmindful of the pain thought that it was a good opportunity so that he can once again see Lanka in the day light. Few rakshasis rushed to Sitadevi to inform about the happenings. Sitadevi experienced intolerable grief for the punishment. She washed her hands in the nearby stream , lit a pyre and prayed to Agnideva to protect Hanuman by proclaiming that if she was chaste and if it is true that sirama would resuce her, Agni should not harm Hanuman.
Hanuman realised that though his tail was burning, he didn’t feel any burning sensation or pain. He realised that it was because of Sitadevi’s compassion , the fire didn’t harm him. Hanuman wanted to express his gratitude to firegod by offering the tall mansions to agni. Hanuman freed himself from rakshasas’ clutches and jumping from one building to the other including RAvana’s palace and assembly , he lit fire in all the places.
AS the golden Lankapura was on a hill where heavy winds blow, the fire spread immediately . The whole of Lanka was in flames.
Hanuman burnt the whole Lanka including Ravana’s airports at WEragantota , Ussangoda (the southern tip of Lanka).
Hanuman cooled his burning tail in the waters near Ussangoda near Hambantota- a sea coast about 83 kms from Galle.The sand here is red in colour. Usually red sand would be wet whereas here it is as hard as rock. No vegetation grows here. This is a protected site. It is advisable to visit this place in daytime .
RED SAND AT USSANGODA
USSANGODA-ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Hanuman became worried about Sitadevi’s welfare as the entire Lanka was burning. But he heard from celestial beings about Sitadevi’s safety and Vibhishana’s house not burnt. The pleased Hanuman returned to Ashoka vanam and after personally seeing Sitadevi assured her about Rama’s arrival and returned to Kishkinda after taking Mother Sita’s blessings. Assuming a huge form, Hanuman took off from “Arishta” parvatham from Lanka to cross over the ocean to reach Mahendragiri. Unable to bear his weight, Arishta parvatham got submerged into the sea with only the top visible. This is considered as “Andaman islands” (this info was shared by Andamanese during our visit-not sure about the authenticity but there is a similarity in the names-Arishta—Andaman)
Hanuman returned to the vanara camp and shared with them Sitadevi’s welfare. He informed them in detail about his entire journey. They started the return journey to Kishkinda to inform the good news to SRiram, Enroute stopped for a while at Madhuban near Hampi to satisfy their hunger. While all the vanaras were satiating their hunger by drinking honey and eating fruits, Our Hanuman was relising the nectarian names of Lord Rama which was his lifeline.
HANUMAN’S IMAGE AT MADHUVAN NEAR HAMPI
Hanuman and other vanaras headed by Angadha returned to Maalyavan parvath and informed about Sitadevi’s welfare and presented the choodamani to Srirama. A beautiful temple for the Lordships at the place where this incident took place can be seen in Hampi. Srirama praised Hanuman and embraced him for completing the mission thus emphasising that HE COULD BE ATTAINED ONLY WITH HANUMAN’S GRACE.
The place where Hanumanji conveyed Sitamata’s welfare and offered Choodamani to Srirama-Hampi,Karnataka
Our poorvacharyas say that when Hanuman submittd to Srirama without Sitadevi, his tail got burnt but when he got Sitadevi’s blessings, he was blessed with Lord Rama’s embrace .
This emphasizes Thayar’s intervention as PUrushakaaram in our Srivaishnava sampradayam. Thus ends the wonderful prose Sundarakandam.
Pacurappadi Ramayanam is a great work which has not a single word of his own. With sentences , phrases and divine words recognisably found in DivyaPrabhandam , Acharyar had reconstructed the whole Ramayana in just two pages without omission of any important incident .
Lord Krishna’s appearance day (Aavani (tamil month) Rohini nakshatra ) also coincides with a very revered Acharyar Swami Periyavaachan Pillai appearance day .
Periyavaachan Pillai elucidates about a revered venerated great teacher .
We have glories to Periya perumal ( Lord Ranganathar) Peria Azhwar ( Bhattarpiran ) Periya Jeeyar ( Swamy Manavalamamuni) and Periyavaachanpillai ( our great teacher) .
Thirumangai Azhwar, the last Azhwar was affectionately called as Kaliyan . He was the valiant army chief of the then Chola King.
For his valour the king gifted him with a small territory to rule over. Hence, he was known as Thirumangai Mannan .
Thirumangai Azwar had initiated lot of services to our LORD at Srirangam. The hundred pillar mandapam for the yearly festival adhyayana uthsavam was his contribution .
He also built the north and south gopurams at Kulasekaran thiruveedhi ( streets ) the fourth compound wall ( Mathil suvar)…
Adiyen sincerely thank Smt.Malathy Kesavan, an advanced devotee who has handwritten the synopsis of Samshepa Sundarakandam in Tamil by listening to the nectarian upanyasam given by H.H.Sri.Krishnapremi Swamigal (SRI ANNA).
காண்டங்களில் மிகவும் அழகான காண்டம் இது . எனவே சுந்தரகாண்டம் எனப்படுகிறது. “சுந்தரே சுந்தரம் சர்வம்” என்றபடி இந்த காண்டத்தில் எல்லாமே அழகு. விஷயமும் மிக அழகாக இருக்கிறது. சப்தாலங்காரமும் வர்ணனைகளும் கவிதா நயத்தைக் காட்டுகிறது. எனவே காவ்ய நடையும் இந்த காண்டத்தில் அழகு. கதாநாயகனும் கதாநாயகியும் பிரிந்து கஷ்டப்படும் போது , ஹனுமான் தூது சென்று இருவரையும் சமாதானப்படுத்தி நிம்மதி அளிக்கிறான். எனவே இது அழகான காண்டம். சுந்தர மூர்த்தியான ஹனுமானின் பெருமையை கூறுவதால் இது சுந்தர காண்டம். உலகையே மோஹிக்க செய்யும் பகவானாகிய இராமபிரானையும் மோஹிக்க செய்யும் அழகுடைய பக்தனான ஹனுமானின் பெருமையைக் கூறுவதால் இது சுந்தர காண்டம். ஏனெனில் பக்தனே சுந்தரன். பக்தியே சிறந்த சௌந்தர்யம்.
ஜாம்பவான் முதலிய வானர வீரர்களின் பிரார்த்தனையால் ஹனுமான் மந்தர மலையில் ஏறி இலங்கையை நோக்கி புறப்படலானார்.
ததோ ராவண நீதாயா: ஸீதாயா: சத்ருகர்ஸந :!
இயேஷ பதமன்வேஷ்டும் சாரணசரிதே பதி!!
பிறகு சத்ருக்களை இளைக்கச் செய்யும் வீரனான ஹனுமான் ராவணனால் தூக்கிச் செல்லப்பட்ட சீதையின் இருப்பிடத்தை சாரணர்கள் போகும் பாதையான ஆகாயத்தில் தேட விரும்பினார். கட்டும் காவலுமாய்…
Amongst the several revered disciples of Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar Swami AmudhanAr earlier known as Peria Koil Nambi was transformed disciple of JagathaAcharyar .
Nambi appeared in “mungirkkudi” on Panguni Hastham day in Srirangam which coincides to be today March 22 2019.
He became the most dearest disciple of Swamy Ramanuja .
However , before becoming a disciple of Swamy Ramanuja , he was the Head Priest at Lord Sri Ranganathar Temple, Srirangam .
Filled with pride due to his position in the temple he had no respect towards Acharya Swamy Raamanuja .
He used to get upset with Swamy’s raising popularity .Out of ego he placed many obstacles in the routine of temple services while Swamy followed during the temple administration.
Swami Ramanuja was upset with his approach that obstructed the services to Lordships . Swami wished that Nambi must be relocated in any other…
Once a great Acharyar was explaining to his disciples about the King Yayati life in Sri Vishnu Purana . The discussion became more interesting .
Two of his disciples asked..
Swamin .. .
Please tell us the difference between Bhakthi and Prapatti..
which is the best ?
Acharyar replied……
My child !
Bhakthi is a slender stream of love proceeding from puny efforts a creature is capable of producing in his heart cavity and this is necessarily subject to many slips…
whereas Prapatti ( Unconditional surrender ) is the mighty flood of grace pouring down from the All compassionate SUPREME LORD the creator nothing withstanding the rush of the torrent…..
Bhakthi as it is, needs constant efforts with exertion whereas
Prapatti is mighty flood of grace pouring down from the Supreme Lord as a natural downpour …
Ananthazhvan the great devotee of LORD VENKATESHWARA was preparing to come down to the south in order to attend a festival in lower Tirumala along with his disciples there. He took leave of the Lord of the seven Hills. He was accompanied by many devotees .
Walking down the seven hills amidst the devotees was time consuming due to the forest terrains path those days .
Swamy could see his disciples were tired and feeling hungry . He looked for a rivulet en route for distributing and honouring the prasadam When the vessel was opened , much to the surprise of everyone ,. they found the prasad was swarming with ants.
Swamy Ananthazhwan recollected Sri Kulasekhara Azhwars pasuram on the sanctity of the Thiruvengadam hills . ( Azhwar pleads Lord to get association of the LORD in any animate or inanimate form in the Holy hills .
Kendubilva is a small village near to LORD Jagannatha Kshetram Puri , and 25 kms to Bhuvaneshwar . This is the holy place where the great devotee Jayadevar appeared .
The village became more prominent and famous by the presence of the great devotee Jayadevar for his devotion to the Supreme Lord .
Jayadevar learnt all the Vedic scriptures at an young age . He was complete into devotional services .
Always immersed in Lord’s divine leela , he ignored material wealth or associations. When he came of marriageable age, his parents were searching for a bride so as to bring him into family fold .
Jayadeva’s was not keen in entering family life . He remained all alone, always in thoughts of the great Lord Jagganatha divine pastimes and avoided family commitments .
His parents pleaded him to get married as they were getting old …
It was a practice of Swamy Ramanuja as a Yati to visit seven houses daily and collect biksha for the day’s offering and consume it as prasada . This act is enjoined on the divine principle that the ascetic has nothing to call or ought to own any worldly goods as belongings to him as such owning begets a series of attachments necessarily and weds him again to worldly interests .
Swamy Ramanuja’s main en devour was to establish the UNITY OF GODHEAD in the world .
It is said once when Swamy Ramanujar was so engaged in the throughfares of srirangam a few boys form mere frolic waylaid him and pointing to a figure which by their toes they drew on the dust. They said innocently !
Swamy Look Here is our Perumal . Swamy Ramanuja was delighted to hear the little boys sermon to him .He immediately prostrated…
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 .
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…
After seeing the sleeping beauty of Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam, Vibheeshna wanted to see the walking beauty of the Lord, upon which he was directed by the Lord to his “Keezh(akku) Veedu’ (Eastern Gateway of the Lord). It is believed that Lord Vishnu displayed his ‘walking beauty’ to Vibheeshana here on the new moon day. To mark this event, on every Amavasya day at 12noon, Lord SowriRajan is carried out of the Sanctum and walks to the Vibheeshna Sannidhi.
Many many years ago , a chieftain, Munayadarayan by name, was ruling this Nagapattinam region .
He used to honour his food only after praying to Lord Sowri Raja Perumal of Thirukannapuram and due to his devotion spent all his wealth in the service of the Lord . For defaulting tax payment to the king, he was arrested.
The Lord appeared in the dream of the king and ordered him to release Munayadarayan immediately. When the chieftain returned from the custody at night, his wife served him Pongal .
As usual he offered it to the Lord at the temple .But the temple doors were closed .He became sad and so he offered the prasadam through his manasika pooja and then honored the prasadam.
Next day,
when the priest opened the temple, they found the pudding on the lips of the Lord Sowri Raja Perumal.
Nampillai with all humility submitted to Thozhappar . Swamin !!! Please forgive me !! Adiyen had just come here to ascertain that any misconduct of mine should not disturb your peace of mind . Having born in a distinguished family of Swamy MudaliAndaan , adiyen requests your kindness to please let me know the misconduct to earn abuse by a revered Acharyar like you .Please forgive me for any misconduct either in words or deeds . Swamin !! If not you , who will be kind enough to forgive me ..
Those were the days when Swami Nampillai the distinguished Acharyar was delivering religious discourses at Srirangam temple attended by many devotees . As Swamys discourses were absolutely soul stirring due its sweetness in delivery devotees used to throng in thousands inside the temple . Many occasions there was a confusion about the crowds pouring inside the temple whether some festival was going on there , as the numbers used to match with the number of devotees in Utsavams .
His reputation was increasing and consequently the reputation of other Acharyas was being overlooked.
A contempory of Swamy Nampillai was Sri Kandadai Thozappar , grandson of Swamy Mudali Andaan the foremost disciple of Swamy Ramanuja . Swamy Thozhappar was very knowledgeable . Somehow he became increasingly jealous about the fame and reputation of Swamy Nampillai which was going up day by day.
One evening while he was returning from the temple shrine , by divine…
Amongst the several revered disciples of Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar Swami AmudhanAr earlier known as Peria Koil Nambi was transformed disciple of JagathaAcharyar .
Nambi appeared in “mungirkkudi” on Panguni Hastham day in Srirangam which coincides to be today March 22 2019.
He became the most dearest disciple of Swamy Ramanuja .
However , before becoming a disciple of Swamy Ramanuja , he was the Head Priest at Lord Sri Ranganathar Temple, Srirangam .
Filled with pride due to his position in the temple he had no respect towards Acharya Swamy Raamanuja .
He used to get upset with Swamy’s raising popularity .Out of ego he placed many obstacles in the routine of temple services while Swamy followed during the temple administration.
Swami Ramanuja was upset with his approach that obstructed the services to Lordships . Swami wished that Nambi must be relocated in any other service in the temple for smooth functioning . This will help in continuing the service to LORD and the smooth running of the affairs of the temple was ensured.
However , Lord Ranganathar had some other plans for Nambi . He appeared in Swami Ramanuja’s dream and commanded , that the temple priest Periya Koil Nambi was serving him past several years and is dependent on him .
Hence , he must be taken care off in all reverence .
Swami Ramanuja shared his dream with his close disciple Kuresan and concluded that the Lord did not want him to dismiss Periya Koil Nambhi from the present service , instead Lord wanted Nambi to be engaged in some other kainkaryam close to him .
Kuresan responded to Acharyars request and felt that the Lord wanted Swamy Ramanuja to correct the flaws of Nambi and instead engage him in Acharyar kaimkaryams .
Swamy Raamanuja suggested that Kuresan himself should correct Nambi’s destructive ways and bring him back to the fold of Bhagavathas. Kuresan accepted the suggestion of his Acharyan as commanded and engaged the scholarly Periya Koil Nambi in discussions daily inside the temple and slowly changed his attitude in pure devotional service .
One day , Nambi’s mother passed away and he was performing her Charama kaimkaryam in seclusion. This happened due to his arrogant behavior. Many vaishnavas avoided to officiate the ceremonies which he had invited .
This news reached Swamy Ramanuja . Swamy realized the desperate state of Nambi and suggested that Kuresan must take part in the ceremony and bring some change in him .
In this important shraddha ceremony which is performed on the eleventh day, the brahmin is considered as pretatma and fed sumptously. To ensure that the pretatma leaves without any unfulfilled desire, it is customary to ask whether he is satisfied. The kartha would be obliged to fulfill his desire so that the soul progresses without hindrance.
” I am satisfied with the offerings given by the kartha ( doer )
However , when that stage arrived, Kuresan remained silent and did not reply the expected word of ……
“ThrupthAsma :” ( meaning he was satisfied) .
Nambi was deeply disturbed and hence pleaded …..
My Master … Kuresaa
What needs to be done to satisfy you swamin ?
Kooresan replied
Swamin …. Kindly hand over the temple keys for taking up kainkaryam … and Periakovil Nambi had to oblige. Kooratazwan handed over the keys to Swamy Ramanujar.
Acharyar advised Kuresa and Mudaliandan to make the necessary corrections ensuring that all the festivals and upachaaras are conducted with pomp and show .
Nambi was glad that the responsibility was handed over to a advanced devotee like Kuresar. Nambi liked Kuresar unstinting devotion to LORD
.The daily rituals performed meticulously with utmost devotion made Nambi change his attitude towards the devotees and especially Swamy Ramanuja
Lord Ranganatha was very pleased with the turn of events. . Looking at the change in behaviour of Nambi , Kuresan requested Nambi to accompany him to Ashram and both of them went to Swamy Raamanuja’s . Nambi surrendered to the lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja with repentance .
Acharya Ramanuja was overjoyed at the transformation in Nambi and recognized that extraordinary scholarship .
He recommended that Kuresan become the Acharyan to Nambi instead of him.
The changed personality and his sweetness of speech earned him the name of “AmudhanAr” by Swamy Ramanuja himself .
From then on, Periya Koil Nambi came to be known as ” Thiruvarangatthu AmudhanAr “. He was also addressed with reverence as “PiLLai AmudhanAr”. AmudhanAr coming very close to Swamy Ramanuja and his Acharyar Sri Kooresar was moved by the dayaa of Swamy RaamAnuja and with utmost devotion composed the 108 paasurams of Sri Raamanuja Noorrandhathi and recited in front of Lord NamperumaL.
Lord Ranganatha commanded Swamy RamAnuja not to accompany Him on His Raaja Veedhis procession . He also advised not to play any Naadaswaram , and stopped all the musical instruments .He commanded the Sri Vaishnavas to recite Raamanuja Noorrandhathi.
From then on, Noorrandhathi is recited after Iyarppaa Prabhandam at Perumal and Thayar sannidhis as per the command of Lord NamperumAL. Acharya Ramanuja obeyed the wish of Lord RanganAthA and included the recital of NooRRandhAthi at the end of Iyarppaa recitation, just as KaNNinuNN SiRutthAmpu is recited at the end of Mudal Aayiram.
Thus AmudhanAr is to AchArya RaamAnujA just as Madhura Kavi is to Swamy NammAzhwAr. The two prabhandhams by Madhura kavi and Thiruvarangatthu AmudhanAr are like Naayaka rathnams adorning the gem necklace.
In Sri In VaishNava sampradhAyam, AchAryan is recognized as the avathAra visesham of Sriman NaarAyaNan.Therefore, one worships one’s AchAryan in form of Perumal .
In every one of his NooRRandhAthi paasurams, AmudhanAr placed the ThirunAmAm of Swamy RaamAnusar for our benefit.
(meaning We have nothing missing in our lives , now that we have the prapanna Gavathree — the 108 pasurams of RaamAnuja nooRRandhAthi celebrating our AchAryan’s sacred name in andhAthi, blessed by puNya moorthi , ThiruvarangatthamudanAr .
Meditating on the deep meanings of this Prabhandham , we do not have any more wants in this world . We do not lack any thing.
This prabhandham is otherwise called as Prapanna Gayathri, i.e it is the gayathri manthra to all Prapannaas the ones who have surrendered . (Prapanna is a sanskrit word that means complete surrender/dedication.) to LORD lotus feet..
A prapanna is one who has totally surrendered at the lotus feet of Lord Sriman Narayana. Our most revered Acharyar Swamy Pillai Lokacharya lists the qualities of a prapanna in his works .
A Prapanna must not wish that harm should befall the one who has caused him anguish. He must feel sorry for the tormentor, for even if he forgives the tormentor, the Lord will not forgive one who has tormented His devotee.
The prapanna must laugh at the one who hurts him, because the tormentor has not realised that no hindrance can be caused to the prapanna’s attainment of moksha. The prapanna also laughs at such people, because of their ignorance.
They think that a prapanna cares about worldly problems, when actually such things do not bother him. Pillai Lokacharya further says that we should actually be grateful to those who harm our bodies and our material possessions.
A prapanna thinks of the body and of material wealth as enemies. So if a person harms any of these, he is actually harming the prapanna’s enemies! The prapanna is also grateful to those who harm him in this world, because they make him aware of his faults.
A Prapanna woul be feeling Look … “At a time when I have forgotten my flaws, here is someone who has reminded me of them. So I must be grateful to him ” . .
Naalooraan was the one, at whose instigation, a Chola king blinded Kooratazhvan. But Kooratazhvan prayed to Lord Varadaraja that Naalooran too should be granted moksha. Kooratazhvan is an example of one who wanted someone who had harmed him also to be blessed. Such is the attitude of a prapanna.
It is said , Once amudanAr while penning this prabandha Swamy rAmAnuja came along with his disciples .
The lovely pASura ‘sezhundirai pArkaDal’ was written and he was about to write the next one……. ‘iruppiDam vaihundam’.
With great love seeing Acharyar , swamy wrote the next three pASuras in presence of Swamy rAmAnujar and others.
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His AchArya AzhwAn said these three pASuras would be chanted as SATTru pASuras (whereas in other prabandhas only the last two are SATTru pASuras).
This practice is still followed.
Elders advise to meditate on Swamy Ramanujas thirumeni mentally as all the Poorvacharyas are his personification .The comparisions is made as follows .All the holy thirumeni is equated with revered Acharyas …..
Eyes : Uyyakondar
Forehead Thiruman Kaapu : Sri Vishvakshsenar
Head : Nammalawar
Face : Nathamuni
Cheeks : Mannakal Nambee
Abdomen : Thiruvarangaperumal Araiyar
Hands : Thirugoshtiyur nambee
Heart : Allavandar
Neck : Perianambee
Lower back : Embaar
Chest : Thirumala nambee
Back : Thirumalai Andaan
Waist : Thirukachhi nambee
Tridandam : Sri Mudali Andaan
Tulasee mani malai : Thirukurugai Piran pillan
Shawdow : Pillai Urungavilliidasar
Holy Yagnopaveetham : Swamy Koorathazhwan
The Safron dress : Vaduganambee
The thighs : Nampillai
The Holy feet : Swamy Pillai LokaAcharyar
Padukas : Swamy Manavala maamuni
Feet Elbows : Parasara bhattar and Namjeeyar
Knees : Vadakku thiruvedi pillai
Feet marks : Thiruvazhmozhi pillai
Fragnance : Swamy Desikar
RAAMAANUJASYA CHARANAU SHARANAM PRAPADYE.
SRIMATHE RAAMAANUJAAYA NAMA
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Photos : Courtesy Google images
Videos : Vijay TV, Social media clips and Thanks to the devotees who uploaded .
Swami Thirukkachchi nambi appeared in a place called poo irunda valli (currently called poonamallee, near Chennai) happens to be on Feb 19 2024 Maasi Mrigasira Nakshatra.
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) happens to be today Maasi Mrigasira Nakshatra.
Swamy moved to kAnchIpuram, and started performing devotional service to LORD Varadaraja at Kancheepuram temple.
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 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…
To enable the assembled devotees who stand far away from the tree, the temple authorities have tied a red flag as an indication. When the breeze gently blows, the red flag moves which can be witnessed by everyone. The assembled devotees continuously sing the abhangs and as noon approaches, the fervor and intensity of the bhajans increases. Words cannot describe the sight. One has to personally witness this incident. We were there … to receive Our Bhaktha Tukaram’s blessings …What a journey it was ..
When one thinks of the holy place Pandharpur , mind races to have darshan of Lord Vittala and when the quest to know about his devotees begin , the biography of the great saint Santh Tukaram brings tears .
Santh Tukaram appeared during the year 1608 A.D in a small village Dehu in Poone district which is about 41 kms from Ahobila Mutt, Pune . and seven miles from another important place Alandi—the place honored by the Samadhi of another great saint Jnaneshwar.
Tukaram from his childhood worshiped Lord Vittala of Pandharpur.
His Elders constructed a small temple of their own and dedicated it to Lord Vittala . His family members, since many generations, had participated in the ‘Wari’ of Pandharpur, i.e., the annual pilgrimages to Pandharpur on the eleventh day of the month of Ashadh (June-July) and again on the eleventh day of the month…
Please know that caste is of no importance..
It is the virtue that is most important and prized .
This is why I say ….
Even River Cauvery cannot clean me completely.
But this man’s touch can purify me.
That’s why I lean on him when I return from the river.
Villi, my child ….. please teach these people how to love.”
Pillai Uranga Villidasan was a favorite disciple to Swamy Ramanuja .He became very close to his Master so rare that was his piety though belonged to a lower caste he had privileges conferred upon him .
Very often Swamy Ramanuja was seen returning from Kaveri leaning on the shoulders of Swamy MudaliAndaan and Villidasan .
A brahmana is unclean before bath and clean after a bath and the disciples watching were curious with their Masters way why they had not changed places while accompanying Swamy Ramanuja .
They took courage to question their Master for an explanation.
Swamy condescended to them saying , my children !
Have you not heard that learning , riches and high birth swell a fool with pride , but adorn the wise man ?
This man our villidasan is utterly destitute of this three fold vice but we are not .
Kendubilva is a small village near to LORD Jagannatha Kshetram Puri , and 25 kms to Bhuvaneshwar . This is the holy place where the great devotee Jayadevar appeared .
The village became more prominent and famous by the presence of the great devotee Jayadevar for his devotion to the Supreme Lord .
Jayadevar learnt all the Vedic scriptures at an young age . He was complete into devotional services .
Always immersed in Lord’s divine leela , he ignored material wealth or associations. When he came of marriageable age, his parents were searching for a bride so as to bring him into family fold .
Jayadeva’s was not keen in entering family life . He remained all alone, always in thoughts of the great Lord Jagganatha divine pastimes and avoided family commitments .
His parents pleaded him to get married as they were getting old .
Jayadevar did not agree as he felt that it would hinder his dedication to Lord Jagganatha
Days rolled by.
Jayadevar continued his devotional services going places , His parents were getting old and passed away.
Jayadevar was now all alone.
He moved away and resided near to the temple and was performing srimad bhagavath parayanam.
He lived on Unchavrutti accepting what Lord Jaggantha sends him through his devotees He was with niyama performing his karmanustams and was steadfast in his activities.
But Lord Jagganatha had other ideas.
Near to the village , there was another devotee by name Devasharma.
Devasharma prayed Lord that if he had a son he would offer him to Lord to perform devotional services in the temple of Lord Jagannatha at Puri..
Lord , however graced him a with girl child.
The bubbly child was named Padmavathi. She was trained in all household chores and devotional service from her childhood.
Padmavathi came of marriageable age.
He proceeded to Sri Jagannathar temple and prayed LORD as to what he could do to fulfill the promise he made as he had a daughter who will not be allowed inside the temple for HIS service .
He prayed Lord !!! I dont know the way, how will you take this girl, he asked with tearful eyes.
Being tired he slept that night near the temple.
Lord appeared in his dream and said, “Oh Devasharma ..
We appreciate your bhakthi, and will definitely take your daughter for our services and will tell you the way how.
Me and my devotee are no different.
As you only wanted to perform the service , well………., you can do the same to my devotee for a long long time.
Our adorable devotee is Jayadevar who is living very near to you .
Please approach him and accept him as your bridegroom.
Give Padmavathi in marriage to Jayadevar”.
Having heard this Devasharma was quite pleased that his prayers are fulfilled.
He returned to his village.
Looking at his daughter he said …. my dear child .. padma …
LORD has given his blessings and mentioned the name of her husband.
He proceeded to the ashram of Jayadevar and introduced himself . He requested Jayadevar to accept his daughter as his wife .
Jayadevar a sincere devotee did not argue or answer him . He just left looking walking towards temple .
Devasharma however did not feel bad as he had faith in LORD’s instructions .
He went home called Padmavathi and told
My dear child “Padma……Please come with me now …. He went towards Jayadevar’s ashram and showed the ashram of Jayadevar and said …
Look there , the effulgent face with divine look who is walking towards the temple ..
..Yes he is your husband henceforth .
Its Lord Jagganthar’s sankalpam that you be married to him for a divine cause .
Serve him as you are serving the LORD himself . Its my final wish my child …
Padmavathi obeyed her father’s instructions implicitly.
Normally Jayadevar would rise early everyday, have his bath from the nearby stream . He would perform japa and walk back to his Ashram .
Padma would come to his ashram sweep the surroundings , water the plants , pluck flowers, clean the pooja vessels , clean the altar and leave the ashram before Jayadevar returns
Jayadevar after finishing his japa would return and see everything in the ashram transformed .
Very much surprised , he believed some devotee is serving Lord .
The services continued and a month passed by. Jayadevar liked his ashram being kept clean and neat and being a brahmachari he appreciated this very much.
He felt the need to inquire and find out all about this and once identified who it was he wanted to do something in return for the favor and if she had any desires he wanted to bless her with that.
Thinking thus one day he arrived a bit early to his ashram and saw Padmavathi
Jayadevar hardly had looked at her He now inquired about her name and where she was from and what she wanted and the reason why she was serving this ashram.
His questions were without any preamble just like Dasaratha had asked Vishwamitra.
Padmavathi replied that she always wanted to do some service to Lord Jaggantahar for a long long time and serving his devotee will make her LORD more happy.
He then understood why such a question had been asked by him and why such an answer was received as probably the bhagawan‘s wish. He understood the divine motive of the Supreme Lord . Jayadevar went to Padmavathi’s father and requested his daughter to be given in marriage to him. Jayadevar’s coming was known to the brahmanan as he was sure that it was bhagawan’s sankalpam and it will definitely happen one day.
Marriage happened between Padmavathi and Jayadevar. They both performed LORD JAGGANATHA service ( Krishna seva) together. The ashram now became a Griham.
Sadhu seva, Bhagavath kainkaryam was being done as this is the main activity of a Grihasta.
Jayadevar started to understand what Bhakthi fully was.
Now as the Bhakthi became more like a rasam, Jayadevar started to like it very much and he started to appreciate Padmavathis kainkaryam, he also started to like the various rasams described by padmavathi and his bhakthi started to blossom tenfold.
While performing abhishekam, Jayadevar would pour all of the abhishekam ingredients at once on top of the deity of Lord Krishna .
Watching this Padmavathi would say …
Swami …..“Why dont you offer the milk , water slowly as Sri Krishna would become breathless with your action.
Jayadevar would think, “Oh! Why did I not know this. He corrected himself and became more connected with deity worship…
While performing archanas with flowers, padmavathi would tell him not to put the flowers all over the LORD and cover instead spread the fragrant flowers all around so that while doing the archana we could have the grace of the beauty of our krishna and be able to see the lotus feet (thiruvadi )of the Supreme Lord
Thus, Jayadevar started to like and understand the suggestions made by Padmavathi very much as he started learning the loving ways of performing kainkaryam to the bhagawan.
While adorning the dresses to the Lordships ( Vasthrams ) , Padmavathi would give some suggestions on how to tie the vastrams differently as she now said, ‘instead of the same blue black vastram, you can put the yellow one and the red one here on the top and see how nice it looks’.
. Jayadevar started to think, ‘oh thats a good idea, why did I not think of that before’.
He felt that Padmavathi was showing the way to him to bhakthi rasam and as Padmavathi started singing, Jayadevar, himself being a poet, his poetic instincts started to flower. Because of his poetic instincts, Krishna bhakthi and the support from Padmavathi his heart started to pour kavyams.
This Kayvam in the form of Gita slokas started flowing and he started to teach Padmavathi how to dance.
The young couple were more of Prema Bhakthas.
Jayadevar considered Padmavathi not as his better half but as a Krishna dasi.
Padmavathi in turn feels herself as Jaya and Jayadevar as padma and they were like two sakhis for Sri Krishna.
Both of them dancing in front of Sri Krishna, their shringaram was like Bhakthi shringaram. Not like the worldly shringaram.
In all his Krishna leelas, Brindavanam prasidha leela, Kandithaa Varnanam leela is most prominent
Jayadevar thinks in his mind that Sri Krishna in order to pacify Radha rani would request to place her lotus feet on his head.
Jayadevar suddenly doubts ….
He thinks this is not correct as ‘Radhai (jeevatma) keeping her feet on the head of the paramatma’ is incorrect .
Jayadevar is perplexed at this.
This poem is not Jayadevar’s, its just coming on its own from his divine thoughts .
Thus LORD Krishna has put the seed in his thoughts
Jayadevar decides to write this, but then he puts the pen down confused . Thus he does many times not getting courage enough to write it.
He never thought of Radha as a separate but rather as a Bhaktha, Gopikai and thats Bhaktars anyway.
For all the devotees , Lord Sri Krishna’s respect for their Bhakthi is also true .
But Jayadevar had a little hesitation.
Jayadevar thinking so decided that in this part, ‘I need to modify with some other phrase’. Thinking thus, he went to perform his usual Thaila Snanam (oil bath).
Padmavathi who was alone in the house , heard her name being called “Padma” and as she turned to see, she saw that he has already come back.
She said …Swami you just left ..How is that you returned so quickly …
Jayadevar who was looking so effulgent said,
I suddenly remembered a sentence, and hence wanted to write in the poem otherwise I would forget it. That’s why i came so early.
Please bring that palm leaf’. He took the leaf and then in his beautiful handwriting started to write the verse he did not want to write initially.
smara-garala-khandanam
mama sirasi mandanam
dehi pada-pallavam udaram
roughly translated means
The beautiful flower blossoms of Your feet counteract the deadly poison of amorous love. They extinguish the terrifying fire of the pain of that love, which rages within My heart. Therefore, please be kind and allow Your feet to decorate My head.”
Then returning the palm leaf to padma and asking her to keep it back, he left.
Jayadevar went back and after completing his shower and japa came to see that what he had not wanted to write had already been written by some one already …
He was shocked and amazed to see the palm leaf which had the verse he did not want to write …
He asked Padmavathi, my dear please tell me ‘Who wrote this verse ?
She expressed ignorance and asked
Swami ….Why?
He replied …dear ……What I did not want to write, somebody has already written that …
Padmavathi asked,
Swami ‘Did you tell your feelings to anyone else or me anytime’.
Jayadevar said, ‘No! this should not be said, its a divine secret .
So I had kept it in my heart only.’
Padma replied,
Swami ‘Whoever was in your heart only would have written this then’.
The moment he realized what Padma was saying, tears flowed like torrent
Oh Krishna …. he wept like a child …
He saw the palm leaf repeatedly ..the handwriting and the words written were like pearls and he touched them with his eyes.
Lord had accepted his words for that sentence.
Not only that, the entire Gita Govindam was accepted.
He then looked at Padmavathi and said,
My dear “Padmavathi, you are blessed one! With tears he said ….
Am blessed to have a devotee as my life partner …
Your devotion is flawless and that’s the reason LORD appeared .
Recollecting the divine incident tears flowed down her face.
LORD blessed the couple
Gita Govinda is centered around 24 Ashtapadis (songs with 8 couplets).
saturated with the flavour of the divine love of Krsna and Radha…
The Ashtapadis are about different moods of love between Lord Krishna and Radha….
Some are almost in form of hymns, listing Lord Krishna’s achievements in his various incarnations ……..
Some are glimpses into Krishna’s and Radha’s minds at times of separation, anger or reconciliation and
Some others are the words of messengers sent to each other, urging mercy and to swallow pride.
GLORIES TO JAYADEVAR for giving us KRISHNA BHAKTHI …
May my mind surrender to all the great devotees of the Supreme LORD
JAI JAI JAI JAGANNATHA
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics & Video : Courtesy shared by devotees in social media
The final (74) verse was an addition by Erumbiappa disciple of Swamy Mamuni that the fortunates heads who seek the holy feet (Sandals) of Sri Manavala Mamunigal are certain to be touched by Amanava at Srivaikuntam . This contact would cleanse the emancipated soul of the last traces of karma and render it pure to enter the land of Bliss.
The most revered Acharyar in Srivaishnava sampradayam was Swamy Srisailesar . Srisailer was disciple of the legendary revered saint Swamy Pillai Loka Acharyar.
( The most respected and adored saint who played a very important role in Lord Ranganathar’s safety during the Turks invasion few hundred years back )
Swami Srisailesar appeared in a illustrious village kunthinagaram near Madurai. His parents named him as “Thirumalai azhwaar”.
A very intelligent and highly talented young lad who assimilated all types of knowledge including administration with dedication was loved by one and all . He had samashrayanam (initiation ) done from his Acharyar Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar and was given a name as Satagopa dasar.
Those were the times when the illustrious Pandyan Kings were ruling Madurai. King Kulasekhara Pandyan had two sons Sundara Pandyan and Veera Pandyan. Contrary to tradition, the king proclaimed…
The Lord of the seven hills is the Lord of the universe. The special significance of Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala lies in the fact that it is the oldest religious institutions in the world where unbroken religious worship is being carried on for over 1,500 years by revered Acharyas and millions of pilgrims reach the holy abode more than any other temple in the world .The temple is held in high veneration by many devotees.
The average number of pilgrims who seek Lord’s darshan ranges from 50,000 to 1,00,000 and more daily and on festivals double this .The emotional outpourings of the great Azhwars makes one rush to this sacred hills to have HIS darshan . Mere listening to the emotional compositions of his noblest and humblest devotees, like Annamacharya Tyagaraja and Purandara Dasa suffices. They combine the quintessence of the Vedas and the Upanishads.
Everything begins and ends or is reduced to sunyam (nothingness) before him, while the infinite world pens to the sincere seeker with an infinitesimal offering. This is because spiritual wealth through devotion is the basis of life .
VenkaTAdri samam sthAnam brahmANDe nAsti kinchana
venkateSa samo devo na bhUto na bhaviSyati!
There is no place in the entire universe that equals Venkatadri ,
the place where …
Lord resides ……..
.and there is no Lord,
either in the past nor in the future…….
who shall equal our Lord Venkateswara.
Tirumala is one of the seven Swayam Vyaktha Kshetrams .
Tradition has it, that hands of man did not work for the dhruva bera ( Main deity ) of Lord Venkateswara .
Lord out of His own will, and abundant mercy had appeared at TIRUMALA and continues to stay here for this age Kaliyuga
This ageless temple of Lord Venkateswara is located a top the Tirumala Hill at an elevation of 3,000 feet .
The abode of Lord Venkateshwara stands unique as an embodiment of man’s eternal quest for the divine and seeking His infinite grace.
A pilgrimage to the sacred Hills is a soul-stirring experience cherished by every devotee. Even atheists and rationalists admit a sense of humility and the presence of the Lord here .
As one approaches the inner sanctum , a strong pull towards LORD is experienced.
The soul identifies its existence in this body and regrets its foolishness in remaining in several bodies for several births and ignoring HIS love for us.
Lord Venkateswara is glorified as Pratyaksha Daivam (manifest divinity) who helps all his devotees in distress .
The great saint Swamy Nammazhwar categorically relives his musings in a verse…
pOkinRa kaalangaL pOya kaalangaL* pOku kaalangaL,
* thaay thandhai uyi-raaginRaay*
unnai _naan adaindhEn viduvEnO,?
paaginRa tholpugaz moovulakukkum*
naathanE! paramaa,*
thaNvENGkadam mEkinRaay*
thaNdhuzaay virai_ naaRukaNNiyanE.
At all times past, present and future ……..
Oh Lord!!!
You are my mother, my father my very life itself
…and …
your holiness having reached you,
Oh Lord!!
Will I ever let you go?
Oh lord of the three worlds …
Oh Supreme One!
With your eternal fame,
so far-reaching, with the fragrant cool garland of tulasi leaves …….
You grace the cool Venkata hill.
Few come out with rain of tears and a few feeling relived, and a few want more to just be there looking at HIM.. ….
doing nothing more ……like an infant cuddling in the arms of his mother asking nothing ……………………………
All men irrespective of religion, status, caste, and creed make several trips in their lives to worship the LORD, as they are our divine parents for ever.
At Tirumala apart from having sarva darshanam , devotees participate in daily Arjitha sevas such as Suprabatha seva , Thomala seva, Archana Seva , Kalyanaotsavam, Arjitha brahmotsavam, dolotsavam, Sahasradeepalankarana seva , vasanthothsavam, Ekantha seva conducted at different times in a day .
Apart from the daily seva , weekly sevas that comprises of Vishesha pooja on Monday , Ashtadalapada padmaaradhana on Tuesday , Sahsrakalshabhishekam on Wednesday, Thiruppavada sevai on Thursday and Abhishekam ( Vastralankarana sevai ) on Friday conducted in a grand manner .
Among all the above darshanams ,the Vastralankara seva ( Abhishekam )/(Thirumanjanam) on Friday early hours is most cherished darshan for any devotee , as one has the great fortune to be in the temple inner sanctum for more than two hours having continuous uninteruppted darshan of the Supreme Lord amongst vedic chants and azhwars’s divya prabhanda sevakalam
For this wonderful darshan the devotee is supposed to report one day in advance on Thursday.
We had the great fortune to attend this wonderful darshan few years ago by Lord’s abundant mercy …
Appended below is a brief submission for being selected few in having the darshan………
On Friday early hours around 2 AM, the ubhaydhaare reports at Vaikuntam queue complex for Arjitha seva ticket verification.
Hearing suprabhatam being recited inside the temple and silently chanting the same………
we walk in the queue………….
. ( the origin of the suprabhatam or wishing of an auspicious dawn was penned by His holiness sri P.B.Annan 600 years ago * the divine pastime is shared in the below appended post )
The reclusive Uttang Rishi stayed in the forests for most of his life and had little contact with the rest of the world.
It was during one such long stay away from civilization that the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas ripened to enmity and ended in the calamitous war at Kurukshetra which resulted in the decimation of all the Kauravas.
Always in penance the Rishi moved places .
Pleased with his sincere devotion , LORD appeared and said,
My dear ….
“I wish to grant you a boon,
O most righteous sage!
What would you ask of me?”
Uttang Rishi replied , Oh Lord
“I need nothing !
The only thing that I, perhaps, may seek is that I may not lack for water wherever I am, since I travel in wild and inaccessible places.”…
Lord replied ..“Granted!”
Later , once , Uttang Rishi was traveling through…
The absolute sense of surrender echoes the feeling that we have none other to protect us other than our divine parents and seek their lotus feet .Our karmic parents , husband , wife friends even the demi gods will not be able to rescue us and it is LORD SRIMAN NARAYANA alone who can take care of us all the time .The divine feet constitute the ultimate solace for all sorrows.
Peria Azwar expresses his musings about Lord Krishna’s stay at Gokulam , Mathura and Vrindavan in his divine out pourings Naalayira Divya Prabhandam ( Appended link below about the divine pastimes )
ree Vishnu sahasranama Sthothra, is a garland of the thousand divine names of Lord Vishnu, strung into a beautiful sthothra by the legendary Rishi “Veda Vyasa” , acknowledged as one of the greatest exponents of the Vedic wisdom. The first 13 stanzas are the dialog between Yudhisthira and Bhishmacharya . The next three stanzas are the customary Dhyana verses…. It is said that in Veda Vyasa’s 149th chapter Anushasanika Parvam of the Great Epic Mahabharatha, the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, the 1000 names of the Lord Vishnu are written..
….Sri Vishnusahsranama ..………a divine gift from Bhishmacharya ………………..
After the great Mahabharata war, as per destiny , Bhismacharya was lying on the bed of arrows . He was letting the world know that he was waiting for the auspicious time [punya kala] for the sun orienting its direction northwards [Uttarayan] for leaving his mortal body.
Deep inside his heart he was praying Lord Krishna to bless him with his darshan during his last moments of his life . Bhismacharya was patiently bearing the pain and being a nice devotee had the firmness not to ask the lord for relief and instead waited for the Lord to grace him .
The lord also acted in the same way as his devotee. Since Bhismacharya did not directly call upon Lord , the Lord also decided that he will not use that as a direct reason for giving him his darshan.
Few hundred years ago at Srirangam the capital of SriVaishnavam , the King of Ascetics , Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja showered his mercy on several citizens . Far away from the Srirangam temple there was a poor peasant named Pattini Perumal born in the fourth varna . An ardent devotee of LORD Ranganathar he used to sing the Azhwars pasurams with devotion and was always immersed in the depth of his emotions .
Swamy Ramanuja used to take the route to the kaveri river bank daily along the side of his hut . One day listening to the divine outpourings from the poor man , he stopped and went inside the hut to see the great devotee . Pattini perumal was shocked to see Jagath Acharyar entering his hut .
He offered his obeisances and seeked blessings .Both of them were immersed in the sweet ecstasy of Azhwar hymns not…
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 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 04-02-2019 to 05-02-2019 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.
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 .
Out of the innumerable avatars , Lord Maha Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama…
Lord appeared to establish dharma in the world by following the rules and regulations laid down as per the Shastras.
The purpose of his appearance was to annihilate the evil forces torturing the world in the form of Rakshasas headed by Ravana and establish dharma .
Dasaratha Chakravarthy who ruled the world from Ayodhya performed Putrakameshti yagam and was blessed with NECTAR which was distributed amongst his three wives- Kousalya who was given half the share, then to Sumitra with one-fourth share , and then to Kaikeyi who was given one-eighth share and the balance of one-eighth was again given to Sumitra. Kousalya consumed first, followed by Kaikeyi and then Sumitra who had two shares consumed the one-fourth share and then one-eighth share. Based on this sequence, four lovely sons were born to Dasaratha during Chaitra month in Sukla paksham starting from Navami thithi.
Sri Rama was born to Dasaratha Chakravarthy and Kousalya Devi in the star Punarvasu , Bharata to Kaikeyi in Poosam star,
Lakshmana and Shatruguna were born to Sumitra in Asilesha star.
Right from birth, Ram –Lakshmana and Bharata-Shatruguna were inseparable.
Our poorvacharyars say that
Rama demonstrated how youngsters have to respect and abide by elders’ wishes,
Lakshmana was born to do service to the Lord,
Bharata was born to obey Sri Rama’s orders and
Shatruguna was born to serve devotee-Bharata.
Lakshmana did all services to Srirama as per his own will
whereas Bharata always obeyed his brother, Srirama.
In Kamba Ramayana it is briefed , Lord Rama is asked by his father Dasaratha to fulfill mother Kaikeyis wish . Rama comes to tell this news to kousalya.
She asks him “Who will be the king then?”.
Ram replies “It will be my brother Bharatha“.
Kousalya replies, My son !! “except for the small problem that he is younger to you,
I don’t see anything wrong in it.
He is three times better than you to rule this kingdom”.
Kousalya saw Bharatha as three times better than Rama even when her only son was about to go to forest.
Kambar next describes the scene of Bharatha going to forest to meet Rama.
He meets Guha on the way.
When Guha knows why Bharatha has come to forest,he is overjoyed.
He hugs Bharatha and says “Even thousand Rama’s are not equal to you.
” Kambar elevates Bharatha to 1000 times than Rama.
Earlier it was three times,now its 1000 times..
Ram doesn’t return after 14 year period.
Bharatha as per his vow to Lord Rama is about to jump into fire.
Whole ayodhya is weeping.
Kousalya runs to stop Bharatha.
She says “Don’t do it my son.
I can live without Rama but not without you.
Not even multi million Rama’s are equal to you”.
Bharathas status is elevated to multi million times than Rama,the hero of kamba Ramayanam.
Bharata is considered to be the foremost bhagavata who never exercised his free will and always obeyed Lords’ instructions.
He is the embodiment of saranagathi.
Shatruguna is praised by our acharyars as the one who served the Bhagavata (devotee) than the Lord.
For him, devotee was everything.
One can understand the true character of Bharata in Ayodhya kaandam and Yudha Kaandam.
By just contemplating on Bharata, the embodiment of virtue , our minds get purified.
Such is his character.
It is well known that Kaikeyi exercised her boons and demanded that the kingdom to be given to her son, Bharata and banish Srirama for fourteen years to forest which Dasaratha had to accept without any option.
Though Srirama was the rightful heir, he happily agreed the kingdom to be ruled by his dear brother, Bharata and left for forest with Mother Sita and the inseparable Lakshmana. During this incident, Bharata and Shatruguna were in their uncle’s place.
Soon after Srirama left for forest, Dasaratha left his mortal body and Bharata was summoned to return to kingdom . He was aghast to know the happenings and accused his own mother,Kaikeyi for banishing Srirama and being the cause of death of his dear father. Kaikieyi came back to senses only after Bharata shouted at her and blamed her. The whole world accused Bharata that he is part of his mother’s conspiracy in usurping the throne and for banishing Srirama.
Bharata , the embodiment of dharma had to face so much humiliation from the world for his mother’s foolish act.
When Bharata learnt from Sage Vasishta that he was not allowed to do the final rites for his father and when he was proposed by the elders to occupy the throne for which his mother fought, he was totally shattered and devastated.
He pleaded innocence in front of everyone and declared that he is not part of the foul play and makes various promises to convince everyone that he is not prepared to upsurge the throne. This incident in Ramayanam will make even a stone hearten person weep. He proposed to go personally in search of Srirama and bring him back.
The funeral rites were performed by Shatruguna and immediately after completing the necessary formalities , Bharata set out with Sage Vasishta and other rishis, ministers, his mother and step mothers and entire army and came to the banks of Ganges where he meets Guhan. Guhan, the hunter chief initially suspected him to be a traitor was ready to fight with the mighty Ayodhya army and kill Bharata whom he felt was the cause for Srirama’s exile. But when he saw Bharata from close quarters with swollen eyes caused due to crying inconsolably, he realized that he was misguided .
Bharata lamented about his innocence and with tear filled eyes, convinced Guha that he is not interested in the throne and that Lord Rama’s lotus feet is the only refuge for him.
They proceeded to Chitrakoot. Seeing the dust filled in the air and hearing various sounds in that serene place, Lakshmana climbed on top of a tree and saw an army approaching them.
He saw their flag and concluded that Bharata has come in search of Srirama to kill him. He furiously took his weapons to challenge Bharata. Srirama pacified him and ordered him to remain cool.
Leaving the citizens ,army and queens behind, Bharata along with Shatruguna walked bare footed along with Sage Vasista and elderly ministers towards Sri rama’s hermitage. Bharata fell like a stick at Rama’s lotus feet and wept inconsolably.
Srirama pacified him, cajoled him, made him sit on his lap and enquired him about the kingdom and instructed him of how to manage the kingdom and take care of citizens. Bharata was confused as to why these instructions were given to him. He said that he is not eligible to rule the kingdom and it is Srirama’s birth right to rule over the world and protect everyone including him.
Srirama comes to know about Dasaratha’s demise and is shattered. The four brothers lamented over their father’s demise and as per Sage Vasishta’s instructions performed tharpanam to the departed soul on the banks of Mandagini in Chitrakoot. It is customary to give oblations to the departed souls at this place even today.
Bharata placed the crown in front of Srirama and requested the sages and priests to coronate Srirama with the sacred water brought from various punya theerthams amidst chanting of vedic mantras. He pleaded with Srirama to return to Ayodhya but Srirama refused that it was HIS Responsibility to keep up his father’s promise.
Despite repeated persuasions by Bharata to return to Ayodhya, Srirama was firm in keeping up his father’s promise. So, finally Bharata requested him to promise that the Lord would return after fourteen years and rule the kingdom for which Srirama accepts. Meanwhile, Bharata proposed Srirama to give his paadhukas (wooden sandals) to him which would rule Ayodhya during his absence.
He submitted that he would act as HIS representative and take care of the citizens till Srirama’s return. He made Srirama promise that he would return after completion of his exile and even if he delayed by a single day, Bharata would commit suicide.
This incident makes even the rock on which Srirama sat to melt. This can be seen in Chitrakoot.
As his attempts in cornating Srirama became futile, Bharata poured all the punya theerthams brought for the coronation in a nearby well. We can see this well even today at Chitrakoot. The uniqueness about this well is the taste of water is different. During our Sri Rama Anu Yatra done few years back , we are asked to draw water from four sides of the well and much to our amazement, we find that the taste differs.
Bharata returned with Srirama padhukas to Ayodhya and after placing the padhukas on the throne, he represented Lord Rama in ruling.
Bharata opted to stay outside the city in Nandigramam which is about 20 kms from Ayodhya , disrobed the royal costumes and adorned deer cloth like Srirama and knotted his hair like jadai. Shatruguna followed suit.
SRI RAMA PADHUKAS WORSHIPPED BY BHARAT, NANDIGRAM
A beautiful temple is constructed at the place where Bharata had his ashram.
It is known as Bharat Mandir.
There are two temples-old and the new one wherein we can see Bharata in tapasvi attire and Srirama padhukas placed on the altar.
IMAGE OF BHARAT IN BHARAT MANDIR,NANDIGRAM
Bharata used to feel ashamed of himself to such an extent that he used to have bath in cold waters of River Sarayu even before dawn so as to avoid abuses from the citizens. This pond is known as Bharat kund in Nandigramam.
BHARAT KUND AT NANDIGRAM NEAR AYODHYA
At the end of fourteen years after exile, Bharata was eagerly waiting for Srirama’s arrival. As the time was ticking away, he became restless and lit the fire to sacrifice his life while others were perplexed and didn’t know what to do. Such was his devotion to Srirama.
He did only those acts which pleased Srirama and obeyed HIS instructions
He started circumbulating the fire when Hanuman, the prana dhaata, appeared on the sky singing the praises of Srirama. Hanuman approached Bharata with the good news of Srirama’s arrival and saved his life. Bharata overwhelmed with the news hugged Hanuman tightly to his chest.
BHARATA HUGGING HANUMAN CLOSELY TO HIS HEART, NANDIGRAM
This can be seen at Bharat Milap Mandir in Nandigramam.
He praised Hanuman for bringing such nectarian news about his brother’s arrival.
As soon as Srirama’s Pushpaka vimanam halted, he entered into the vimanam prostrated at the lotus feet of his brother and handed over the kingdom.
Shatruguna arranged for shaving their jadais and having bath. There is a temple on the banks of Bharat kund at Nandigram where this incident took place. Later the princes returned to Ayodhya and Srirama ruled the kingdom.
When Srirama proposed Lakshmana to be the Yuvaraja and assist him in ruling the kingdom, Lakshmana refused as his free will of serving Srirama all the time prevailed over everything. But when Srirama proposed Bharata to be the Yuvaraja , he accepted it as Rama kainkaryam. He did everything as per his brother’s wish.
In the holy epic Srimad Ramayana we come across many people who had served LORD with supreme love and devotion.
A doubt arises as to who among st all these people was the supreme devotee ?
Few consider it was Lakshmana ,
few say it was Hanuman ,
few Vibhishana ,
and few Guha
while some Sugriva , sabaari , Jataayu so on .
However Swamy Desikar in his magnum opus Paduka Sahasra expresses
Bharataaya param namostu tasmai
pradhamodaaharanaaya bhakthibhaajam
it was Bharata to be praised as the most supreme devotee among the devotees of Lord Ramachandra .The reasons quoted are enlightening .
Though Bharata and Lakshmana were both immensely devoted to Lord Rama and wished to serve him , the one who obeyed was Bharata .
He submitted to Lord Rama by ruling Ayodhya for 14 years patiently bore the sorrow of separation and ruled the kingdom to the joy of the people .
Even though he was the King , he wore matted locks and the bark of a tree , denied himself the prosperity of the Kingdom , slept on the floor and led a harsh life .
He demonstrated how a great a Tapasvi he was .
When lord returned from exile after 14 years he was himself overcome by the harsh penance observed by his dear brother and praised him.
Lord Rama concluded by saying that Bharata observed the vow of separation by virtually standing on the edge of a sword .
The subject decides on the immense love and devotion Bharata had for his brother , he was not mentally inclines to enjoy any of the kingly pleasures and observed the vow of awaiting the return of his brother in a most unwavering manner .
When Bharatha arrived in search of Lord Rama and Lakshmana to this holy place Chitrakoot , he offered his obeisances and requested for them to return and prayed to come along with his retinue .
Lakshmana doubted Bharata’s approach and threatened to kill him .
Lord Rama prevented him and said Bharata has no desire or eagerness to rule the kingdom .He neither entertains any deceitful thoughts about me .
If on the other way you have such desire to rule over the kingdom , please tell me .
I shall speak to Bharata and convince him to handover the kingdom to you so that bharata will remain with me
..On hearing these words Lakshmana felt ashamed and bowed down his head in remorse .
Though Bharata was given the kingdom to rule and had access to all sorts of enjoyment, he rejected and abstained from all sorts of comfort and undertook a vow for Srirama’s reunion with him. Such is the character of blemish less Bharata.
Let us prostrate to the lotus feet of Bharata and pray for Sri Rama bhakti.
JAI SRI RAM
Pictures/Videos Thanks to all the great devotees who shared the pics in social media
Yadhava Prakasha noticed Ramanujar missing and asked all the disciples to search for him. Govinda pretended to search for Ramanuja so that he should not be doubted.
All concluded that Ramanuja must have lost his way in the wild jungle and have been devoured by wild animals. Yadavaprakasha continued the sojourn to Kashi along with his disciples .
Then on reaching Kashi , Govinda took dip and rose his palms , he saw a Shiva Lingam in his hand surprised , he showed it to his master .
His Guru commanded that as Paramasivan is pleased with Govinda and it is his direct blessings , he must worship him.
Govinda worshipped the Lingam in Madhuramangalam ( even to this day you can see this Lingam) .
Later ,he dreamt Paramasivan of Kalahasthi beckoned him so he went to Kalahasthi and continued to worship in the temple .
Years rolled on .
Swami Ramanuja became the disciple of Thirukachi Nambhigal , Periya Nambhi, Thirukoshtiyur nambhi and had taken sanyasa .
Ramanuja needed some trusted lieutenant to assist him . He then remembered Govinda , whose timely advice saved his life.
Now the real problem was how to bring Govinda back into Vaishnava fold .
He requested his Maternal uncle Thirumalai Nambhi to explore the possibilities of bringing Govinda back to vaishnava fold .
Thirumalai Nambhi went to Kalahasthi and met Govinda and quoted few verses of His Acharyar Alawandar’s Shostra Ratna Mala .
He impressed upon Govinda that worshipping Lord Sriman Narayana is the only way for path to salvation .
Govinda got convinced took permission from Paramasivan and proceeded along with his uncle to Thirumalai to learn Divyaprabhandam under him.
Meanwhile Swamy Ramanuja for learning the inner secrets of Srimad Ramayana from his uncle Thirumalai Nambhi proceeded to Tirumala.
Once he finished his Srimad Ramayana studies under Thirumalai Nambhi , Acharyar and his own uncle wanted to gift something to his student and lamented he did not have anything to give.
Seizing the wonderful opportunity Swamy Ramanuja requested Govinda to be allowed to join him, which Acharyar Nambhigal readily agreed .
Swami Ramanuja and Govinda returned back to Srirangam via Kanchi.
He gifted him with a necklace as per elders version which is seen in the temple
Though he joined Swamy Ramanuja , Govinda was always sad that he was missing his Acharyar and Uncle .
Seeing the sad plight Swamy Ramanuja immediately asked Govindar to go back to Acharyar Thirumalai Nambhigals place.
Overjoyed Govindar returns to Tirumala .
On reaching he understands even his Acharyar is unhappy with his decision as Nambhigal ignores him .
He advises Govindar to return back and quotes
“Cow once sold or gifted in dhana cannot be taken back .
Govinda with humility returns back to Swamy Ramanuja , more refined, wiser and chastened.
Swamy Ramanuja pleased with his move and affection advises him to attend all lectures, discourse, debates expositions and dispositions.
Govindar gradually becomes a shadow of Swamy Ramanuja and serve his master day and night.
Though Govinda was married, he never lived a householders life, and remained like a Brahmachari . He wanted to take Sanyasa like his master Ramanuja. But his Mother was unhappy about this and she wanted the linage to grow. She approached Ramanuja and expressed her deep desire . Ramanuja asked Govinda to spend some time with his wife in privacy .
Govinda respected his master’s word and spent time with his wife, but whole night he explained his wife about Lord’s divya leelai and experiences becoming transcendental by absorbing the esoteric truths .
The next day his wife narrated to her mother in law how advanced devotee his son was and she was blessed to be in his company hearing the Lord’s divine pastimes .
Mother was shocked ..
She summoned her son and asked was there anything he had to say about his loneliness last night …
Govinda replied …Mother .!!!
When SUPREME LORD is in my heart and present everywhere , ever watching me , how can i feel lonely enough to be able to do any other work other than that of contemplating on HIM ..
Swamy Ramanuja tested Govindas Celibacy in different ways and found latter was firm like a mountain and his aim was to become an ascetic.
He presents Govinda a Arch robe of an ascetic and gives his initiated name as “Emperumanar”
Govindar informs his master whether he did deserve this honor at all
Swamy Ramanuja joins the first and last syllables of his name and gives the name “EMBAR”and thus Govinda got his name “EMBAR” our most revered Acharyar
As commanded by Ramanuja , Embar taught Parasara Bhatta all that he learnt from his Acharyar .
He succeeded in making the Parasara Bhatta the worthy successor of Swamy Ramanuja to carry on the Ramanuja Sidhantha to the future generation.
During the year 1137 when our beloved Swamy Ramanujar shed his mortal coil and proceeded to Srivaikuntam , Swamy rested himself keeping his head in Embars lap .
e holy hill Goverdhanagiri , more popularly addressed as “GIRIRAJ GOVERDHAN” is located in the middle of the town Goverdhan which is 24 kms from Vrindavan and approximately 26 kms west of Mathura..
The holy hill Goverdhanagiri , more popularly addressed as “GIRIRAJ GOVERDHAN” is located in the middle of the town Goverdhan which is 24 kms from Vrindavan and approximately 26 kms west of Mathura. The routes to Vrindavan and Goverdhan from Mathura are different . Many buses and share autos ply to Goverdhanagiri from Mathura and Vrindavan round the clock. Radha Kund, Shyam Kund and Manasi Ganga are in the precints of the hill.
This HOLY DHAAM is considered as the most sacred place in Vrindavan and performing Pradhikshana is most auspicious .Few lacs number of devotees perform Pradhakshina during Karthik maas and few thousands every day ….
Goverdhana hill is formed in the shape of a peacock. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the eyes. Dan Ghati is its long neck. Mukharavinda is the mouth and punchari is its back and tail feathers. As the hill is very sacred…
his temple Lordships is glorified by our Nammazhwar .The temple is one of the 108 srivaishnava divya desams .
The King was stunned to see Kaaladhooshakan .
The bewitching smile and the magnetic aura he carried made the entire court spellbound .The eyes carried a special effect.
The King was just watching his glowing face .Meanwhile , the minister questioned him for the reason his stealing .
The thief ( LORD ) said I have stole that part of the wealth which is as per dharma. Your majesty has not protected the dharma as a King and hence we had to interfere The temple is also classified as a Navatirupathy , the nine temples revered by Nammazhwar located in the banks of Tambaraparani river.
Near Tirunelveli -Thiruchendur route at the northern banks of the holy river Tambaraparani river , there is a glorious temple of Lord Vaikuntanathar .
Lord rests on Aadhishesha facing the east holding a wonderful mace in his divine lotus hand .
In this small village few hundred years ago there was a thief ,kaladhooshakan .
He was a nice devotee of the Lord .
He used to visit the temple in the day and pray Lord for a good booty in the night .
It was a one to one conversation. He made it a practice to offer fifty percent of his loot for some service to the Lord. Though it was always petty thefts , he wished he somehow looted the royal chambers .
He ardently prayed LORD for his mission to be accomplished .He meanwhile worked with a plan to navigate the royal chambers for the d-day in…
Hanumanji traversed through the country three times. First time,from southern tip of India to central srilanka when he came in search of Sitadevi. He flew from Mahendragiri –the southern tip of India and landed on Suvela parvatham (Ramboda) after encountering Surasa at Nagadeepa(presently this is near the north-western part of Srilanka). Further, came down and killed Simhika-the rakshasi –the place now identified as Thiruketeeswaramnear Anuradhapura and then landed on Suvela parvatham (Ramboda). Encountered Lankini-the guardian rakshasa on the western side and then entered Ravana kingdom (Sigiriya-central part), searched for Sita in Mandodari palace too (now known as Sita Kotuwa), worried and prayed to HER sitting on a rock known as Manikatuther( near Ramboda), spotted AshokaVanam(Hakgala Botanical garden-a hill station in the Central highlands) ,found Jaganmatha in a distressed position under Simshukavruksham (Sita Eliya Sita amman temple), consoled her, conveyed Srirama’s message. Hanumanji conversed with Mother Sita assuming a tiny form. As he wanted to get Sitadevi’s grace , he assumed a giant form in her presence thus convincing her about his capabilities to assume any form and obtain HER cool grace on the huge form. WE can find Hanuman Footprints(huge and small) near Sita Eliya After accepting “choodamani” from her, he destroyed Ashokavanam and challenged the asuras , vanquished one-fourth of the army killing many rakshasas including 80000 kinnaras, 5 army commanders and a vast army, Jambumaali, Akshakumaran-ravana’s son,and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastram with the intention to meet and advise Ravana to return Sitadevi. As Srirama’s messenger, he enumerated Srirama’s valour citing Vali’s death and advised him to return Sitadevi else face dire consequences. The furious Ravana ordered his tail to be burnt and accordingly Hanumanji’s tail was wrapped with cotton and dipped in oil and fire was lit to his tail. Due to Sitadevi’s prayers, the fire didn’t burn him. He set the whole Lanka into flames except the Simshuka tree which sheltered Sitadevi and dipped his burning tail at the southern most part of the country known as Ussangoda which was one of the aircraft centres of Ravana. Hanuman ensured that the safety precautions like moots etc. were damaged, hiding places for the Ravana’s army for attacking enemies were destroyed, RAvana’s aircraft centres were destroyed thus curtailing his movement out of Lanka.
Srimad Ramayana, the great Indian scripture (Ithihasam) composed by Sage Valmiki, narrates the incidents in the lives of Lord Rama and Mother Sita who were the incarnations of Sriman Narayana (Perumal) and Mahalakshmi (Thayar) elaborately. This epic comprising of 24000 slokas has been divided into seven kaandams-Balakandam, Ayodhya Kaandam, Aaranya kaandam, Kishkindha kaandam, Sundara kaandam, Yuddha kaandam and Uttara kaandam.
The purpose of Lord Sriman Narayana incarnating as a human being was to annihilate RAvana- and Kumbakarna –the fierce demons who had acquired invincible powers from Brahma that they would not be killed by any God/demon etc., neglecting humans and monkeys (vanaras) as the egoistic Ravana felt that human beings and vanaras were too insignificant for him.Having thus obtained boons, RAvana became so powerful and invincible that he started tormenting the sages (rishis), misbehaved with women and killed innumerable beings and finally committed the gravest sin of…
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The beautiful Sundara Kanda is the chapter of the Srimad Ramayana which speaks about the great devotee Hanuman’s selflessness, strength, and devotion to Lord Rama ..
Hanuman was fondly called”Sundara” by his mother Anjani and Sage Valmiki chose this name over others as this kanda deals mainly with Hanuman’jis journey to Lanka…………..
Everything in this kanda is sunder ( beautiful) .
Rama is beautiful, Sita is beautiful and the story is beautiful.
After coronation of Sugreeva as the King of Vaanaras, Lord Srirama and Lakshmana spent four months during monsoon in Malyavan parvath in Prasvanagiri in Hampi, Karnataka.
Lord Srirama experienced unbearable pain due to separation from our mother Sitadevi. The Lord was worried about Sitadevi’s welfare and used to lament uncontrollably.
At the end of monsoon, Sugreeva deputed crores of vaanaras and bears in all directions in search of Sitadevi giving them one month’s time to trace the whereabouts and inform for taking up next course of action.
Sugreeva explained geographical particulars about all the places around the world in detail .
The vanaras headed by Prince Angadha and supported by senior Jambavan and Hanuman were assigned the task of searching in the southern direction. Lord Srirama handed over HIS finger ring to Hanumanji who was standing in a corner.
Our poorvacharyars give reason as to why Srirama selected Hanuman to give his finger ring . It was the time at Kishkinda when Lord Rama was in search of Mother Sita . Hanumanji was in thoughts to see Srirama lamenting for a lady.
Hanumanji a brahmachari was wondering as to why a person of high stature like Lord Srirama tutored by rishis like Sage Vasishta, Vishwamitra was so emotional .
Lord Srirama our antaryami sensed Hanumanji’s feelings . To make Hanuman realise the greatness of Sitadevi, Srirama selected Hanuman and handed over HIS finger ring with HIS holy name engraved on it.
And it was also an indication that Paramatma laments for all the jivaatma in the same lines .
It was because of the holy ring that Hanuman could cross the ocean and meet Mother Sitadevi and obtain HER blessings. When Hanumanji saw Sitadevi’s steadfast devotion towards Lord Srirama, he regretted for his thoughts initially .
Having understood HER greatness , Hanuman visualised both of them together in his heart and offered prayers.
IMAGE OF HANUMAN AT DIVURUMPOLA IN SRILANKA (SITA AGNI PRAVESHA STHAL )
Hanumanji introduced to mother Sitadevi that he was “Rama dhoothan” whereas when he returned to Lord Rama as “Sitadevi’s messenger” to convey the good news about Sitadevi’s welfare, he addressed himself as “Raama daasan”. With Mother’s grace, our ego vanishes. Our poorvacharyars comment that when Hanuman went as “rama dhootan”-, he was gifted with fire on the tail whereas when he returned as Sita dhootan, he was embraced by Lord Rama.
The vanaras who went in the southern direction explored all the places until they reached SWayamprabha caves in Kadayanallur near Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu .
Swayamprabha an advanced Sathwi was the guardian for the magical cave owned by Mayasuran. Anyone who entered could not come out. She hosted the vanaras and later transported the vanaras to the seashore(about 150 kms away from Kadayanallur) after knowing about their devotion to Lord Rama with her powers . Having reached the seashore, the vanaras were worried because the stipulated time of one month fixed by their King Sugreeva was over and they could not trace Sitadevi. They knew for sure that Sugreeva would not spare them and decided to end their lives as they did not have the courage to face Srirama who was already suffering pangs of separation.
Angadha had lit a big pyre for them to sacrifice their lives.
He started lamenting about Sitadevi’s abduction, Jatayu sacrificing his life in Ramaseva after fighting with Ravana , their search expedition and failure in the assignment.
Sampaati-the eagle bird summoned Angadha and introduced himself as Jatayu’s elder brother , shared how he lost his wings while protecting Jatayu from the scorching heat of sun in the process loosing his wings and became immobile.
Sampaati was informed about Jatayu’s Raama kainkaryam and he too resolved to do the same. He informed the vanaras about Sitadevi’s whereabouts with his sharp vision in the far away land, Lanka. Having done this Raama kainkaryam, Sampaati regained his lost wings and flew away.
SAMPAATI CONVERSING WITH ANGADHA AND OTHER VANARAS NEAR SEASHORE
Now that the whereabouts of Sitadevi were known, the vanaras started contemplating as to who would cross the ocean which was measuring 100 yojanas (1000 miles) to meet mother Sitadevi. Each vanara expressed their ability to cross few yojanas .
Angadha said that he could cross 100 yojanas but would not have the energy to return.
The aged Jambavaan who knew Hanuman’s capabilities approached Hanuman and started enumerating his strength and skills. When Hanuman was a child,he mistook Sun to be an apple and leapt in the sky to hold it. He was hit by Indra with vajrayudham on his chin(hanu) and hence was called Hanuman. Vayu, hanuman’s father stopped air which made the whole world breathless. To appease his anger, brahma and other devas bestowed many boons on Hanuman. Brahma cursed him to forget his prowess but would get back his strength when someone reminded him at an apporpriate time. Jambavan reminded him of his capabilities and requested Hanuman to undertake Rama kainkaryam. (Sage Agastya extolled Hanuman’s greatness to Srirama in Uttara kaandam)
MAHENDRAGIRI MOUNTAIN IN THIRUKURUNGUDI
He confidently proclaimed that he would finish the yeomen task of locating mother Sitadevi saying that like Rama’s arrow which never failed to hit its target, he would accomplish the task.
All the vanaras vowed to observe fast until Sitadevi was found. Reposing confidence to the vaanaras, Hanuman stood on Mahendragiri parvatham near Thirukurungudi in Tamilnadu and after offering prayers to Suryan, Indran, Vayu, Rama , He increased in size and leapt on the sky to cross the ocean.
HANUMAN LEAPING FROM MAHENDRAGIRI
Thus starts Sundarakandam,-the most beautiful kaandam as everything is beautiful in it. Every household in India has a copy of Sundarakanda . It is a normal practice in Srivaishnava wedding to present Sundarakandam to the groom as it is considered very auspicious.
Our poorvacharyars have clearly indicated that
Lord Rama is the Paramatma
MOther Sita is the Jivatma suffering in this material world for reunion with Paramatma
Lanka is the samsara(material world)
Our manas is Ravana and the ten senses are considered as the ten heads of Ravana
Hanuman is the acharya(gurudeva) who extols Paramatma’s qualities to Jivatma, gives the holy name to Jivatma,
submits Jivatma’s plea to Paramatma,
destroys Lanka(samsaara) with the fire of knowledge
reunites Jivatma with Paramatma.
The jivatma who gets illusioned with material world leaves Paramatma and ends up in trouble loitering in the material world until an acharya intervenes and imparts supreme knowledge about the Lord, gives us the mantra to attain HIM, submits our plea to the Lord and ensures our union with the Supreme Lord by destroying our desires (samasara)
And our journey to SriLanka to have the darshan of all the holy places fructified in August 2018 and an attempt is being made to reproduce the divine bliss to millions of Hari bhaktha .
Hanumanji must have entered Srilanka from the north-western part via Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar, proceeded southwards and landed on Ramboda hills. The places related to Sundarakandam are mostly located in Central Srilanka upto Sigiriya in the north and Ussangoda in the south.
Valmiki maharishi beautifully describes Hanuman’s flight. Hanumanji increased in size and stretching his hands wide leapt ffrom Mahendragiri mountain causing its residents to leave the place. The flowers from the trees had covered Hanuman who was now resembling a flowered mountain.
Hanumanji faced the first hurdle which was a friendly gesture by Mynaaka parvatham who was a close friend of Vayu bhagavan ( Hanumanji’s father ). He offered fruits and asked Hanuman to take rest but he refused politely by embracing the mountain for its gesture saying that he intended to reach Lanka by evening and was lacking time.
Hanuman won Mynaakam with his friendly gesture. He didn’t succumb to any temptation.
The second hurdle came in the form of Surasa who was a Naagamaatha( mother of snakes). The devas prompted her to test Hanuman’s capabilities. Surasa obstructed Hanuman’s way saying that she wanted to swallow Hanuman to satiate her hunger.
Hanuman informed her about his mission promising her to return and satiate her hunger but she didn’t budge saying that as per Brahma’s words, noone could pass by her without fulfilling her wish. Hanuman asked her to open her mouth wide enough for him to get into , started increasing in size. Surasa also widened her mouth to match his size. The witty Hanuman suddenly decreased in size , went inside her mouth and came back even before she closed her mouth, offered obeisances to her and having satisfied her wish continued his journey.
Surasa was pleased with Hanuman .She blessed him assuming her true form.
The place where this incident took place is known as Nagadweepa, also known as Nayanateevu, is an island near the North-western part of Srilanka (between Mannar and Jaffna) is now identified as the place where this incident took place.
There is a big temple for Naagamaatha known as Nagapooshani temple. This is also considered as one of the eighteen shakti peetams.
To reach this place, one has to drive from Jaffna for about 38 kms upto Pungudutheevu . From Pungudutheevu drive for about 15 kms on a bridge to reach jetty.
Our journey to this wonderful place is recorded in this video
Regular boat services at an interval of one hour is available to go to Nagadeepa. The fare for the boat ride is LKR 50/- and will take about 20 minutes .
It is one way-the boat stops near the buddhist monastery and the return would be pick up from Nagapooshani temple or vice-versa . Autos ply between these two places for a nominal charge of Rs.10/- LKR.
In Nagadeepa, there are two places to be visited- the first one is the Buddhist monastery as Buddha had visited this place and changed the factionist Naagas into pious people and made them follow Buddhism. Nagapooshani amman temple can be reached by auto. Devotees perform milk abhishekam to the naagas in the temple.
The third hurdle for Hanumanjee was a rakshasi named Simhika. Lying on the ocean she had the power to pull the shadow of anyone flying over her. She used her strength to deaccelerate Hanuman’jis speed by pulling his shadow.
Hanumanji realised the gravity and the unexpected hurdle .Breathing Lord Rama’s name he waited for the right opportunity. The moment she opened her mouth wide to swallow him, Hanumanjee entered into her mouth like a bee and piercing her stomach came out of her thus killing her. Simhika was in a pool of blood. Hanumanjee thus encountered the third hurdle with his strength.
This place is identified as Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar on the North-western part of Srilanka (between Jaffna and Anuradhapura) about 116 kms north-west of Anuradhapura-a famous site for Buddhists.
Also, Kethu-one of the navagrahas who is Simhika’s son prayed to Shiva at this place. Hence this place is known as Thiruketeeswaram.
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Mandodari’s father built this temple. Presently the Shiva temple is undergoing renovation.
Hanumanji landed on Suvela parvatham in Srilanka . This place is now known as Ramboda. Chinmaya mission have constructed a beautiful temple for 16 ft Hanuman . There are 3 sets of Sita-Rama Lakshmana idols in the temple premises. Chariot procession takes place in December . As Hanumanji alighted on this parvath on Pournami (In sudarakandam, it is mentioned that Hanuman started his search operation on Pournami and the full moon helped Hanuman with his cool light ), special poojas are performed here. Guest house accomodation(LKR 6600/-for more than 2 PAX) and food court (AnnapurnaVeg.restaurant) are being operated by the mission. (Srirama viewed Lankapura from this placE)
After sunset, Hanumanji took a miniature form to search for Mother Sita. He marched towards Lankapura city after crossing forests. Being an island, Lanka was protected by sea on all four sides which was a natural barrier, it has many mountains ,lakes and rivers. Lankapura was situated on one such mountain known as Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya) and the surrounding places around Kandy are also considered part of this . It was well guarded on all sides by armed soldiers right from the foot of the hill. The beautiful city was built by Mayasuran-architect for asuras and Ravana’s father in law. Valmiki rishi has aptly described this location which can be found even today. There were tunnels connections various mountains to which only Ravana had access. Also, there were aircraft centres at various places which was used by Ravana to fly on his pushpaka vimanam.
He was encountered by Lankini- a rakshasi when he was trying to enter into Lankapura. Hanuman politely told her that he would return after viewing the beautiful city but the raksasi didn’t accede. Though she hurt by hitting Hanuman with a mace, hanuman pitied her and slightly hit her with his left fist which was unbearable for her. She accepted defeat and recollecting Brahma’s words that when she would be defeated by a vanara, Lanka’s destruction would be inevitable, she blessed Hanuman to be victorious in his mission.
Lankapura is considered as the places around Sigiriya and Kandy. RAvana ruled from Sigiriya Fort
HANUMANJI IN RAMBODA
Hanuman defeated Lankini and started searching for Sitadevi in all the places including the Pushpaka vimanam, palaces of RAvana’s queens, Ravana’s palace, Mandodari’s palace, kitchen ,etc. Lankapura was situated on Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya rock ) making it inaccessible to intruders.
Ravana’s court, palace, his queens’ palaces were all situated around this. Right from the foot of the hills, every place was well guarded. The fort was surrounded with mouts, lakes with crocodiles is it .
inside sigiriya fort
He came across stationed armies well equipped guarding the kingdom.
The place where Pushpaka vimanam was kept is now known as Gurulopotha near Sita Kotuwa about 100 kms north east of Kandy. (There is only a name board and a buddhist temple ). Likewise Mandodari palace is now known as “Sita Kotuwa” as Sitadevi was first kept here. This is an archeological site about 3 hours drive from Kandy.
A guide from the archeological survey office accompanies the visitors to the place. (Guest house facility and a small restaurant serving cool drinks,water, snacks is run by them.) We need to walk down the steep terrain for about an hour to reach Sita Kotuwa. The place where the army was stationed is known as WEragantota. Gurulopotha and Weragantota are situated near Sita Kotuwa.
steps from Ravana palace leading to sita kotuwa (this is not the path which we take)
He found heaps of food in the kitchen but didn’t have the slightest temptation to eat. He searched every nook and corner of Lanka but could not trace mother Sitadevi. Hanuman was worried that he had to look many ladies which was against his brahmachari vow. But he convinced himself that if you have to search for a deer, you will have to search amongst deers. Likewise, a woman has to be searched amongst women. AS he respected all women as his mother and sister, his mind was very clear and was only focused on our Mother’s ( Thayar’s ) welfare.
After searching for the second time, Hanumanji was worried .He sat on a rock and decided to end his life as he knew that if he returned without seeing Sitadevi, he would be the cause for destruction of Ishvaku race and the vaanaras.
Hanuman however regained his determination and realized his mistake.
He understood that though he prayed to all the gods he forgot to offer prayers to Mother Sitadevi
Recollecting HER appearance as an ayonija,
He immediately prayed to Sitadevi guarded by Rama and Lakshmana to disclose her whereabouts similar to the way SHE chose to appear to King Janaka.
BIRTH PLACE OF SITADEVI AT SITA MARHI, BIHAR
By the grace of Sitadevi, Hanumanji spotted Ashoka vanam- a beautiful garden which he had missed to explore.
This place where Hanuman sat and contemplated on Mother Sita is identified as MANIKATUTHER located between Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
It is about 20 kms from RAmboda hill and Nuwara Eliya is about 50 kms from Manikatuther.
Manikatuther is located in Labbookelle Tea Estate in Kondakalai village on a hill bgetween Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda. WE need to take an auto to go up the hill which has a muddy path from the base.
AFter reaching a certain point, we have to trek up the hill through Labbookelle Tea Estate .
The scenic beauty is inexplicable. When we visited this place, the whole area was engulfed in fog , it was drizzling and cool breeze was soothing . ( As the muddy road was drenched with rain, we were told that it would not be possible to go there by our guide. But we insisted to be taken there and because of Hanuman’s grace, two auto drivers agreed to take us and we could visit the place.) Presently , there is only a small shiva linga under a tree.
Sri.Kanakaraj, a disciple of Chinmaya Mission who accompanied us informed that on a clear day, we can view both Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
Reaching Lanka, Ravana held Sitadevi captive in Mandodari’s palace which is now known as Sita kotuwa. Indra prayed to Sitadevi to sustain herself by partaking heavenly sweet for the world’s welfare . Ravana later shifted HER to Ashoka vanam(presently known as Hakgala Gardens in Nuwara Eliya) presuming SHE would like the hill station and the natural beauty of his kingdom and succumb to his wish. The village is named as Kondakalai because while Ravana was forcibly taking Sitadevi to Ashoka vanam, Sitadevi’s hair got deranged.
He also informed that the food given by RAvana to Sitadevi was thrown away by HER which fell scattered in the surrounding forests. The remains became fossils known as “SITA GOOLI” have been certified by American researchers as vitaminised rice balls dating few thousands of years . These balls are considered as symbol of auspiciousness. We were fortunate to get them to be placed in our altar.
SITA GOOLI AND LEAVES OF ASHOKA TREE
Near Manikatuther, there is a temple for Sriman Narayana seated on Garuda with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Mahavishnu is bluish in complexion . But the locals address this temple as “Rama temple”.
During Margazhi,(Dec-Jan), early morning Pooja is performed and bhajans are conducted in the nights during the whole month. Few rare beautiful pics from Ramayanam are hung on the walls inside the temple.
ASHOKA VANAM (HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDENS IN NUWARA ELIYA)
When Hanumanji entered Ashoka Vanam (presently known as Hakgala Botanical Gardens in Nuwara Eliya), the flowers blossomed , birds chirped and the weather was very pleasant. Some flowers dropped on Hanuman’s body which added to his beauty.
Hanuman jumped from one tree to the other in search of Sitadevi. Finally, he found a sobbing lady under a tree and looking at her appearance, the colour of her sari and the jewels which were hanging from the tree, Hanuman guessed that it was Sitadevi. His joy knew no bounds.
He was contemplating as to how he has to pick up a conversation with her. Meanwhile, RAvana arrived and started persuading Sitadevi. When Sitadevi rebuked him, he became so wild that he wanted to strangle her but was stopped by his wife Daanyamaalini.
Mother Sita underwent all these troubles for our upliftment.!
He left after warning her that she would be killed and served as breakfast at the end of two months in case she doesn’t concede to his request.
The rakshasis who were threatening her were chastised by Trijata-Vibhishana’s daughter who disclosed the dream she had.
She dreamt about Rama’s victory, Sitadevi’s reunion with Srirama, Ravana’s death, anhilation of rakshasa clan, Vibhishana’s coronation and advised the rakshasis to stop torturing Sitadevi as SHE alone could protect them from SRirama’s wrath.
The rakshasis stopped harassing and slept. Sitadevi who was totally devastated, decided to end her life by hanging HERSELF from Simshuka tree with her hair.
Hanumanji who was sitting on the Simshuka tree became worried at HER approach. To save HER from this disaster, Hanuman softly sang Srirama’s story starting from HIS appearance,wedding, banishment , Ravana’s foul play in kidnapping Sitadevi, Jatayu’s death, Sugreeva’s friendship, their search operation etc. Hanuman presented himself as Rama’s messenger and sugreeva’s minister. He described in detail about Srirama and enquired about devi’s identity. When Sitadevi got convinced that he was Rama’s messenger, Hanuman presented the holy ring given by Srirama to her and pacified HER that SRirama would kill Ravana ,resuce HER and return to Ayodhya to rule the world. Looking at the ring, Sitadevi wept uncontrollably remembering their separation and suffering .
Thus , the entire Ramayana was sung by Hanuman. This place is known famously known as “SITA ELIYA-SITA AMMAN TEMPLE” located about 4 kms from Nuwara Eliya on a lower altitude. Nuwara Eliya,also known as “Little England” located in the Central highlands of Srilanka is one of the coldest regions in Srilanka .
The thought that Sitadevi sitting under the tree in the cool Ashoka gardens without any protection against the harsh weather conditions made us feel depressed.
Hanuman convinced Sitadevi that Srirama would come at the earliest and rescue HER. Unable to tolerate Sitadevi’s distress, Hanumanji offered to carry HER on his shoulders and unite HER with Srirama.
He expanded his form to convince about his capabilities. So, we can see two sets of footprints in Sita Amman temple-one small and the other one huge . Sitadevi shared few incidents with Hanuman including Kakasuran’s episode , about how the Lord applied thilak so that HE would believe Hanuman and also gave HER choodamani to be handed over to Srirama.
SPHATIK SHILA IN CHITRAKOOT-THE PLACE OF KAKASURAN EPISODE
After taking Sitadevi’s blessings, Hanuman decided to meet Ravana and convey Rama’s message. So, he uprooted the trees in Ashoka vanam . He defeated the rakshasas who came to fight, destroyed one-fourth of Ravana’s army including 80000 kinnaras, five army chiefs, Ravana’s son-Akshakumara and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastra as Hanuman wanted an audience with Ravana.
All these incidents took place at Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
these idols which are considered thousands of years old were recovered from the stream in Sita Eliya two hundred years ago
Hanuman was taken to RAvana’s assembly in Sigiriya Fort.
INNER VIEW OF SIGIRIYA FORT (rAVANA PALACE)
Hanuman introduced himself as Sugreeva’s minister and Srirama’s messenger , informed the killing of Vali who had humbled RAvana earlier , advised Ravana to return Sitadevi and save his clan from Srirama’s wrath.
Ravana ordered Hanuman to be killed but was intercepted by Vibhishana who said that a messenger should not be killed but could be punished.
RAVANA’S THRONE ON SIGIRIYA FORT
Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be burnt. Hanuman’s tail was wound with cloth dipped in oil and fire was lit. When Sitadevi learnt about this, having faith in HER CHASTITY, SHE prayed to Agnideva to protect Hanuman from burning.
Hanuman realised that though his tail was burning, he didn’t feel any burning sensation or pain. Hanuman wanted to express his gratitude to firegod by offering the tall mansions to agni. Hanuman freed himself from rakshasas’ clutches and jumping from one building to the other including RAvana’s palace and assembly , he lit fire in all the places.
AS Lankapura was furnished with gold, the fire spread immediately . Fire spread within no time to Ravana’s assembly on Sigiriya fort due to the strong winds that blow there.
Hanuman burnt the whole Lanka including Ravana’s airports at WEragantota , Ussangoda (the southern tip of Lanka). Hanuman cooled his burning tail in the waters near Ussangoda.
The sand in Ussangoda is red in colour. Usually red sand would be wet whereas here it is as hard as rock. No vegetation grows here. This is a protected site. It is advisable to visit this place in daytime .
Ussangoda near Hambantota, 83 kms east of Galle, is a sea coast on the southern part of Srilanka.
RED SAND AT USSANGODA
USSANGODA-ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Hanuman became worried about Sitadevi’s welfare as the entire Lanka was burning. But he heard from celestial beings about Sitadevi’s safety and Vibhishana’s house not burnt. The pleased Hanuman returned to Ashoka vanam and after personally seeing Sitadevi assured her about Rama’s arrival and returned to Kishkinda after taking Mother Sita’s blessings.
Hanuman returned to the vanara camp and shared with them Sitadevi’s welfare. He informed them in detail about his entire journey. They started the return journey to Kishkinda to inform the good news to SRiram, Enroute stopped for a while at Madhuban near Hampi to satisfy their hunger. While all the vanaras were satiating their hunger by drinking honey and eating fruits, Our Hanuman was engrossed in Rama kirtana which was his food.
HANUMAN’S IMAGE AT MADHUVAN NEAR HAMPI
Hanuman and other vanaras headed by Angadha returned to Maalyavan parvath and informed about Sitadevi’s welfare and presented the choodamani to Srirama. A beautiful temple for the Lordships at the place where this incident took place can be seen in Hampi. Srirama praised Hanuman and embraced him for completing the mission thus emphasising that HE COULD BE ATTAINED ONLY WITH HANUMAN’S GRACE.
The place where Hanumanji conveyed Sitamata’s welfare and offered Choodamani to Srirama-Hampi,Karnataka
Our poorvacharyas say that when Hanuman submittd to Srirama without Sitadevi, his tail got burnt but when he got Sitadevi’s blessings, he was blessed with Rama’s hug.
This emphasizes Thayar’s intervention as PUrushakaaram in our Srivaishnava sampradayam. Thus ends Sundarakandam.
Pics credits : Few from Social media
The Yudhakanda post to follow which will cover all the places in Srilanka
With the blessings of Asmath Acharyar and Elders we could have darshan of all the holy places related to Srimad Ramayana , in India during 2010 which is briefed as “SriRama Anu yatra” travelogue
The inert desire of visiting the holy places in Srilanka fructified this August 2018. Our Thirumaligai deities accompanied us all through ..
After obtaining Asmath acharyar’s blessings ,and with the grace of our Kula deivam-Kazhiyur Adikesava Perumal and Lord Srinivasa, we undertook this yatra overseas ..
Srimad Ramayana sites in Srilanka can be classified as
Places where Lord Rama purified Sri Lanka located in the Northern,North-Western and Central Srilanka-namely, Thalaimannar ,Ramasethu, Nilavarai Bottomless well , Ramboda, Rattota, Dunvuila, Divurumpola
Places where Mother Sita was held captive . Seetha Kotuwa, Sita Eliya, Divurumpola and RAvana Caves .
Places visited by Hanumanji -almost the whole of Lanka especially Sigiriya, Ramboda, Manikatuther, Hakgala Botanical gardens, Sita Eliya, Ussangoda, sanjeevini drops at Rumasalla, Ritigala, Thalladi, Kacchiteevu, Dolukonda.
Lord Srirama along with Sitadevi and Lakshmana were living in the paransaala (hermitage) constructed by Lakshmana in Panchavati near Nasik.
SRI SITA RAMA LAKSHMANA RESIDING IN KAMADGIRI MOUNTAIN IN CHITRAKOOT
As the hermitage was surrounded by five banyan trees, it is known as Panchavati about 12 kms from Nashik. The demon Ravana deceitfully kidnapped Mother Sita in the absence of Lord Rama and Lakshmana at the end of thirteenth year of exile and flew towards Lanka in Pushpaka Vimanam.
SRIRAMA EMBRACING JATAY WHILE LAKSHMANA LOOKS ON -AT TAKET NEAR NASIK
Jatayu-the eagle bird fought valiantly with the demon RAvana sacrificing his life for Lord Rama and attained salvation. This place is known as Taket located about 60 kms from Nashik.
SRIRAMA EMBRACING WOUNDED JATAYU
Jaganmatha Sita became inconsolable over the death of the aged Jatayu whom Srirama addressed as “FATHER” . When the pushpaka vimana was flying over Kishkinda , Sitadevi bundled her jewels and dropped it in the midst 5 vanaras at Kishkinda (Hampi) which is located in Karnataka . These jewels were presented to Srirama by the vanara Sugreeva while Lord was searching for Sitadevi.
RIVER TUNGABHADRA IN KISHKINDHA (HAMPI)
Our poorvacharyas expressed in their teachings that Mother Sita an incarnation of Mahalakshmi Thayar could not be kidnapped by an insignificant asura named RAvana. Ravana after acquiring invincible powers by performing severe tapas was tormenting the whole universe. Puffed with arrogance , pride and lust he had kidnapped and imprisoned many celestial girls. To free the innocent girls from the clutches of the cruel RAvana , the divine mother Sita allowed RAvana to kidnap HER so that SHE could free all of them from Ravana’s captive .
WAY TO SEETHA KOTUWA
This act of Mahalakshmi can be compared to a parent’s attempt whose child had fallen into the river. Instead of standing at the shore and lamenting, the parent would immediately dive into the river to rescue the child. The parent and child are related only in this life whereas we Jivatmas have relationship with Paramatma from time immemorial.
From the day we took this human body due to our desires , Paramatma anxious and worried makes all attempts in seeing that we recognize our original nature and initiates all plans to make us understand our true identity .
HE sends Acharyar for our upliftment. Lord Sri Rama the Paramatma sent Hanumanji -the acharyar who glorified Paramatma and gave the holy name (ring ) to Sitadevi.
As Srirama had pledged to annihilate the entire asura clan, Mother Sita out of compassion wanted to save RAvana by advising him . Such was Mother’s compassion. Whenever Sitadevi encountered RAvana, SHE advised him to extend friendship gesture as both of them were kings and Lord would be pleased to accept Ravana as his friend even though he had committed the gravest sin of separating HER from the Lord. She enumerated Lord Srirama’s qualities and advised him to surrender and thus protect his wealth and clan.
Our acharyar’s ancestor- Sri Mudaliandan swamy also glorified as “Dasarathy” who is considered as the reincarnation of Lord Rama HIMSELF ,and the foremost disciple of Swamy RAmanujar used to compare our lives with Srimad Ramayana ….
Sita is the suffering Jivatma,
Lanka surrounded by sea on all sides can be compared to our body entangled in this samsara saagaram,
RAvana is the mind,
the ten heads of Ravana can be compared to the ten senses ,
Lord Rama is the Paramatma..
Hanumanjee is the Acharya who unites Jivatma and Paramatma by conveying Paramatma’s intentions to Jivatma and doing samasrayanam. Acharya conveys our plea to Paramatma and ensures that the Jivatma rejoins Paramatma.
In Lankapura, RAvana’s palace along with many palaces for his many queens made of pure gold once stood here majestically until Hanumanjee burnt it down.
Mother Sitadevi was first brought to Mandodari Palace after alighting from Pushpaka Vimanam at Weragantota.
Sitadevi resolved not to drink even water in Ravana’s palace until she was rescued by Lord Srirama.
RAvana alighted from Pushpaka vimana at Weragantota near Mandodari’s palace in Lanka now known as “Seetha Kotuwa” meaning Sita’s Fort and house arrested mother sita.
Seetha Kotuwa in SriLanka is about 10 kms from Weragantota located 70 kms east of Kandy near Mahiyangana-( a famous Buddhist site and would take about 1hr 45 minutes to reach).
Weragantota was the runway for Ravana’s aircraft popularly known as “Pushpaka Vimanam”
SEETHA KOTUWA
SEETHA KOTUWA
The devas prompted Indra to offer payasam to Sitadevi for HER sustenance as it was very important for Ravana’s defeat and for the welfare of the world . Only if Sitadevi was alive, Lord Rama would come to Lanka and kill RAvana. So , Indra submitted their plea to Sitadevi requesting to have the heavenly food . After making offering to Lord Rama , Sitadevi just took a morsel of it .
It may be noted that Sitadevi discarded the food given by RAvana which was scattered around the hilly regions . These morsels known as “SITA GOOLI” can be traced in the forests even now to the lucky ones around Ramboda in Kandy district.
SITA GOOLI AND ASHOKA LEAVES
We were fortunate to get SITA GOOLI we visited Manikatuther.
STEPS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF SEETHA KOTUWA
steps leading to sita kotuwa
The archeological site is maintained by Srilankan Government. They have guest house facility and a restaurant . From this office , one needs to walk downwards in the terrains to approach this place.The thick vegetation and forest like atmosphere with wild shrubs on either sides makes one wonder how tough it was for mother facing this demon .
Due to rains, the path we walked was bit slippery. At some places, some small rocks have been placed to easily step down. Though the distance from the archeological office to the actual site is only 800 metres, it would take roughly one hour to and fro to traverse the area. We were accompanied by a guide from the archeological department. Our cab driver and guide helped us in all ways. There is no temple. Only 2 platforms on either sides which are marked as the place occupied by Mother Sita can be seen . On the other side ,we can find steep steps going further down which must have been used by the residents to reach other palaces!!
Fearing Lord Rama’s reaction , RAvana escalated the security and sent spies to Dhandakaranyam to inform him about Srirama’s moves. He persuaded Mother Sita to fulfill his wish.
As Sitadevi was reluctant, the egoistic Ravana who had the habit of always boasting about his achievements and wealth wanted to win Sitadevi by showing the wealth and beauty of his kingdom.
He relocated her from Seetha Kotuwa to Ashoka vanam on his chariot. Sitadevi was crying inconsolably while being taken in the chariot. This route taken by RAvana is now known as Chariot Path . Presently this place is located between RAmboda and Nuwara Eliya.
At the junction near Blue Field Tea Factory, we have to take an auto and drive for about 10 kms and then start trekking the hilly are for about 10 kms to reach Chariot Path. There is no vegetation in this path . We have short trees on either sides. There is a small pond known as “sita Tear Pond”. As the name implies, Sita’s tears got collected in this pond and this never dries up even during famine as per locals .
Sita Flowers in the form of Rama’s bow grow only in this place. It would take one full day to visit this place.
Mother was relocated to Ashoka vanam now known as Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Hanumanjee met mother sita under Simshuka tree now known as Sita Eliya after crossing the ocean while winning the rakshasas
Ashoka vanam was a pleasure garden on a hill station . RAvana thought that Sitadevi who was used to live in forests would feel pleased being in Ashoka vanam . As RAvana had a curse that he could not touch any woman without her consent, he was very careful in approaching Sitadevi. Due to his tamasic nature ,he used to think Lord Srirama as an inferior person who was exiled and hence tried to allure mother Sitadevi with all the worldly comforts and riches. Mother Sitadevi considered RAvana and his wealth as mere grass and chastised Ravana for his action. Angered by mothers words , He ordered the rakshasis who were guarding her to convince her in succumbing to his wishes or else die in their hands.
In Srimad Ramayanam, it is mentioned that RAvana gave one year time to Sitadevi to succumb to his wishes. But our poorvacharyas opine that it was the other way as Mother Sitadevi extended his life span by one year with the hope that he would change for the better and patiently bore all the afflictions on HER. Such is the compassion of Mother Sita.
In Valmiki Ramayanam, it is mentioned that RAvana moved Sitadevi from Mandodari’s palace to Ashoka vanam where 700 rakshasis were deputed to take care of her. It doesn’t mention about Sitadevi staying in some other place .
But in Srilanka, few places like RAvana caves, Istreepura etc. have been identified as places where Sitadevi used to be re located by Ravana . As per the locals , after Hanumanjis adventure and attack, Ravana ensured that Sitadevi was shifted from Ashokavanam to various other places so that HER whereabouts were not known to anyone.
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ASHOKA VANAM
Presently, Hakgala Botanical Gardensin Nuwara Eliya is identified as Ashoka Vanam.
The Simshuka tree under which Hanuman happened to meet Sitadevi, converse with HER is known as Sita Eliya.
This is about 4 kms down the hill from Nuwara Eliya. There is a beautiful temple known as “SITA AMMAN TEMPLE” which houses 2 sets of Sita,Rama,Lakshmana and Hanuman idols.
In and around the temple precints we can find the altars, Sita stream, Hanuman’s foot prints and the rock on which Sitadevi used to contemplate on Sriram.
Nuwara Eliya being a hill station is a very cool place and it rains almost every day.
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We can find many vanaras at this place minding their own business and not troubling the devotees. We felt that the lucky vanaras continue to relish the divine pastimes of Hanumanji here .
The temple administration provides a carved picture of Sita Rama Lakshmana and Hanuman in gold plated frames for LKR 2000 (INR 1000). Devotees place these in the altar and take it to their homes as remembrance.
THIS BOARD IS DISPLAYED IN SITA AMMAN TEMPLE
The temple priest informed that one set of deities in the temple was installed by the devotees for which regular worship is being done. ON the right side of this sannidhi , we can find another set of Lord Sita,Ramar deities along with Lakshmana and Hanuman.
These deities reappeared in the nearby stream known as “SITA STREAM” two hundred years back. The deities of Lord Rama and Sita are almost of the same size whereas Lakshmana is smaller.
THE HOLY SITA STREAM BEHIND SITA AMMAN TEMPLE
200 YEARS OLD VIGRAHAMS WHICH WERE FOUND IN SITA STREAM
HANUMAN’S FOOTPRINTS
SITA STREAM AND HANUMAN FOOT PRINTS
As per Srirama’s orders, Sitadevi had purificatory bath in the nearby stream which is right behind the altar. Also, when Sitadevi heard about the punishment vented on Hanumanjee by the demon Ravana , she purified HERSELF with the water from the stream and invoked Agni by saying that if she was chaste, the fire lit on Hanumanji’s tail should not harm him. So, this stream is considered very sacred . Next to the stream, we can find a small rock where a sculpted figure of Sitadevi sitting under Simshuka vruksham is seen accepting Srirama’s ring from Hanuman . Hanuman is greenish in colour and Sitadevi is of golden complexion. In front of this, we can find two foot prints of Hanumanji- one is very small and the other one very big. As Hanuman introduced himself to Sitadevi in a miniature form and later convinced her about his capabilities by taking a huge form, we can find here the two different footprints of Hanuman. The rain water gets collected in these footprints.
SITADEVI GIVING CHOODAMANI TO HANUMAN IN SITA AMMAN TEMPLE
IN Balakandam, it is mentioned that Sitadevi was such a delicate personality that even if someone stared at her for few minutes, her complexion would become reddish. She was so tender. The thought that such a tender princess who was affectionately brought up by King Janaka and taken care by Dasaratha Chakravarthy and Lord Srirama had to withstand the harsh weather conditions along with the pungent words of the demon RAvana is heart piercing.
During the war between Lord RAma and RAvana, Ravana had cast a Nagastram which made SRirama and Lakshmana unconscious. RAvana who thought that he had killed SRirama, summoned the rakshasis in Ashoka vanam to take Sitadevi to the battlefield on Pushpaka vimanam and show Srirama to Sitadevi. The cruel minded RAvana thought that if he produced an evidence that Srirama was killed, Sitadevi would succumb to his wishes. RAvana’s cruel selfish nature can be assessed by this. He was not bothered about Sitadevi’s plight. Sitadevi was totally shattered when SHE saw Srirama lying on the battlefield. SHE cried inconsolably until Vibhishana’s wife consoled HER pointing to Srirama’s face which was lively adding that only a sumangali can get into Pushpaka vimanam. in another instance, she advised Sitadevi to offer prayers to SunGod who was their kula deivam. It may be noted that AGastya rishi advised Srirama to invoke Sun God and taught him “ADITYA HRUDAYAM”.
Mother Sita had all the powers to protect HERSELF and curse Ravana. But the only reason that SHE had surrendered to Srirama and it was HIS duty to protect HER, she endured everything silently .Hanumanjee lamented when he saw Sitadevi in the most pitiable condition –having become lean due to lack of food and wearing soiled clothes (he recognised it because Sitadevi had torn a piece of her sari and bundled the jewels in it before throwing.
RAMAYANA SITES IN SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL SRILANKA
DIVURUMPOLA
The place where Sitadevi underwent the ordeal of proving HER chastity to the world is located about 15 kms from Sita Eliya on the way to Ella.
After winning the battle, Lord Srirama advised brother Lakshmana to coronate Vibhishana .
LAKSHMANA PERFORMING VIBHISHANA PATABHISHEKAM AT KELANIYA
Srirama ordered Vibhishana to inform Sitadevi about his arrival . Accordingly, King Vibhishana submitted Lord Rama’s wish to Sitadevi for which she replied that she was anxiously waiting to see HER Lord immediately without wasting time. Mother Sita devi after having a purificatory bath , adorning new clothes and jewels was taken in a palanquin. As the assembled vanaras wanted to have darshan of Sitadevi for whom they had defeated the asuras , our compassionate mother got down from the palanquin and walked amidst the vanaras so that HER cool grace fell on them. Lord Rama was pleased with the gesture .
SITADEVI’S AGNI PARIKSHA AT DIVURUMPOLA
Lord Rama as people’s representative , being an emperor it was HIS duty to establish dharma and not set a bad example to the subjects as she was in enemy’s place for a year for no fault . Though the Lord was the Emperor of the entire land, He considered HIMSELF to be “people’s representative” and acted accordingly.
SITADEVI’S AGNI PRAVESAM WHILE SRIRAMA AND OTHERS SEEN LAMENTING
Sitadevi ordered Lakshmana to lit a pyre as she decided to end her life for the happenings . As the fire was lit, Mother Sitadevi offered obeisances to Fire God-Agni bhagavan and always meditating on Lord Rama, walked on the pyre. The moment Sitadevi walked into fire, all the 33 crore devas appeared on the scene along with Agnideva and offered their obeisances to the divine Lordships.
King DAsaratha also appeared and thanked Srirama for fulfilling his vanavasa wish. Dasaratha requested Sitadevi to forgive Srirama for HIS act and asked Rama to seek any boon. Srirama requested that Dasaratha should accept back Kaikeyi and Bharata.
When Indra bestowed a boon, Srirama requested that all the vanaras who lost their lives in the war should be alive. After granting Rama’s wishes, DAsaratha and all the devas disappeared from the place. All these incidents took place at Divurumpola.
Our acharyas have commented on this incident that Agni-the firegod wanted to purify himself as Ravana had polluted agni by offering flesh and other abominable things. Agnideva wanted to get purified with Sitadevi’s contact and hence this incident took place. Agnideva who was controlled by Ravana didn’t have the guts to burn Lanka. It was Sitadevi’s chastity which was used as fire for burning Lanka.
Sitadevi’s life incident can be compared to prapannas. The jivatma who is loitering in the material world gets to know about Paramatma through Acharya who glorifies the Paramatma and gets samasrayanam done for Jivatma.
The Acharya submits the Jivatma’s plea for reunion with Paramatma .
For having a darshan entrance fee is charged. There is a Buddhist pagoda at this place. WE can find 28 buddha statues which is of significance. The caretaker showed us paintings from RamayAna.
A small shrine for Sita,Rama,Lakshmana brought from India by a great Sri Rama bhaktha is beside the Hanuman statue.
A diety of a confident Sitadevi measuring about 7 feet entering into flames is kept in the room and a painting of Rama,Lakshmana,Vibhishana, Hanuman and all the assembled vanaras lamenting over this ordeal will definitely make a person cry.
At the actual place of Agnipariksha which is behind the shrine, a Bodhi tree (Banyan tree) from Gaya has been planted here.
Devotees do parikrama around this with reverence. We can also find a small Ashoka tree planted in the temple premises.
RAVANA CAVES:- Ravana cave is located in Ella between Nuwara Eliya and Kataragama. It is about 60 kms from Nuwara Eliya and about 90 kms before Kataragama.
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It takes about one hour to reach the caves on top of a hillock ascending through steep narrow steps. There are three caves which have been identified as Sitadevi’s captivity.
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Istreepura is a tunnel network that connects to several places and we didn’t visit this place due to lack of time.
Shall be updating about the places Lord Rama and Hanumanjee purified Sri lanka .
Azhwars often express their love as a mother OR of a daughter OR a lover meaning their own Souls longing for union with the Supreme Lord . Most of his 473 verses in Divya Prabandham, collectively known as “Periazhwar Tirumozhi” speak of the early years of Krishna. Azhwar became the father- in- law of Lord Narayana when his daughter Andal marries the Lord. – – an honor none else could claim.
Amongst the 12 Azhwars , Vishnuchittar was glorified as ” Peria Azhwar” .
Our poorvacharyars comment that though he appeared after Mudal azhwar, Nammazhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, he was honoured with the title “Peria Azhwar because while all other azhwars glorified Lord as Supreme Personality, Azhwar had “pongum parivu”( vatsalyabhava).
Swamy Manavala Mamunigal in ” Upadesa Ratnamala ” says “Pongum parivaale petraan Periazhwar ennum peyar” meaning that because of the vatsalya bhaavam like a mother towards the Lord, he was conferred with this title. Periyazhwar was overwhelmed to have darshanam of the Lord after winning the debate called by the Pandyan King at Madurai few hundred years back .
Having darshan of Lord Koodal Azhagar Perumal , along with the Goddess who had come to witness the marathon procession honours done by the King to the Azhwar , on Garuda Vahanam , Periyazhwar was worried…
Srimad Ramayana, the great Indian scripture (Ithihasam) composed by Sage Valmiki, narrates the incidents in the lives of Lord Rama and Mother Sita who were the incarnations of Sriman Narayana (Perumal) and Mahalakshmi (Thayar) elaborately.
This epic comprising of 24000 slokas has been divided into seven kaandams-Balakandam, Ayodhya Kaandam, Aaranya kaandam, Kishkindha kaandam, Sundara kaandam, Yuddha kaandam and Uttara kaandam.
The purpose of Lord Sriman Narayana incarnating as a human being was to annihilate RAvana- and Kumbakarna –the fierce demons who had acquired invincible powers from Brahma that they would not be killed by any God/demon etc., neglecting humans and monkeys (vanaras) as the egoistic Ravana felt that human beings and vanaras were too insignificant for him.
Having thus obtained boons, RAvana became so powerful and invincible that he started tormenting the sages (rishis), misbehaved with women and killed innumerable beings and finally committed the gravest sin of abducting Mother Sita, the personification of chastity.
RAvana recollects all the misdeeds he committed in Yuddha kandam but doesn’t repent for his deeds. The demigods (devas) appeared as monkeys (vanaras) in large numbers to assist the Lord in this great mission..
To quickly recap Ramayana, Lord Sriman Narayana appeared as the eldest son of King Dasaratha in Ishvaaku dynasty in Surya kulam along with Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatruguna .
Mahavishnu appeared as Lord Rama, Adisesha as Lakshmana,panchajanyam(Vishnu’s conch) as Bharata, and Sudarshana Chakram as Shatruguna. Protected Vishwamitra’s yaga and married Sitadevi-an ayonija, an incarnation of Mahalakshmi –the foster daughter of King Janaka who appeared from the bowels of earth in Chandra vamsam. Srirama was 12 years old and Sitadevi was 6 years old at the time of wedding.
They spent 12 years happily in Ayodhya until Srirama left for forest to spend 14 years in exile to keep up HIS father’s word. Lakshmana and Sitadevi accompanied Srirama. After pacifying and assuring Bharata HIS return after 14 years and giving HIS padhukas to Bharata to rule as HIS representative, Lord moved out of Chitrakoot and went into Dhandakaranya forest. Lord Rama promised the rishis in Dhandakaranyam that he would kill the asuras and resolved to kill Ravana who was terrorising the entire Universe. Surpanaka-Ravana’s sister who was captivated by Rama’s beauty was disfigured by Lakshmana when she tried to harm Sitadevi .
Srirama single handedly killed 14000 rakshasas including Kara,Dooshana who came to fight Srirama. The humiliated Surpanaka influenced Ravana by describing about them emphasising more on Sitadevi’s beauty kindling lustful desire saying that she was fit for Ravana. Having heard about Rama’s valour, RAvana deceitfully planned to abduct Sitadevi in Rama’s absence and with the help of Mareecha who was disguised as golden deer separated Rama and Lakshmana from Sitadevi thus paving way for the shameful ghastly deed. RAvana disguised as sanyasi approached Sitadevi for alms and enquired about her presence in the forest. Sitadevi replied to him enumerating all the incidents adding that they have completed 13 years and were undergoing the last year of vanavaasam after which they would return to Ayodhya.
When she queried about him, Ravana revealed his true form ,boasted about his achievements and expressed his desire of making her as his queen. When Sitadevi rebuked him, he got angry and abducted her in Pushpaka vimanam and proceeded southwards towards his country, Lanka
(Our poorvacharyars opine that Mother Sita underwent all these troubles for our sake as SHE being Jaganmatha wanted to protect Ravana. Whenever Mother Sita encountered RAvana, SHE chastised him for his ghastly act, advised him to return HER back and not get punished. She enumerated Srirama’s qualities and advised him to surrender to the lotus feet of the Lord. That is Jaganmatha’s compassion. Though she could protect HERSELF, she waited patiently for Srirama’s arrival as SHE had surrendered to HIM.)
Jatayu –the eagle bird fought valiantly to rescue Sitadevi from his clutches and in the battle that pursued, he sacrificed his life after informing Rama about Sitadevi’s abduction. Srirama performed last rites to the eagle-the privilege which even his own father Dasaratha didn’t get. Later, after killing Kabandhan and granting moksha to Sabari, Rama and Lakshmana met Hanuman and Sugreeva who presented the jewels thrown by a distraught lady while travelling on an aerial car southwards. Lord Rama recognized Sitadevi’s jewels and became inconsolable. Rama accepted Sugreeva as his friend, killed Vali and made Sugreeva the vanara king.
In turn, Sugreeva deputed the entire vanara army to search for Sita throughout the universe giving them 2 months’ time. The vanaras headed by Angadha, supported by Hanuman and Jambavan went southwards until they reached the ocean. Unable to trace Sitadevi, the distressed vanaras decided to end up their lives by jumping into fire. Sampaathi- the eagle bird who was in an immovable condition heard Angadha lamenting about Sitadevi’s abduction , Jatayu’s death and their unsuccessful attempt in tracing her and being unable to face their king , decided to end up their lives. Sampaathi with his sharp eyesight spotted Sitadevi in Lanka and informed them that she was in Lanka but was unable to mention the correct location.
Having helped in Rama kainkaryam, Sampaathi got its wings and flew away. All the vanaras became joyful and started contemplating as to who would go to Lanka. Each vanara expressed his capability to cross the ocean while Hanuman sat silently. The aged Jambavan approached Hanuman-Vayus’ son , praised him about his capabilities and strength and influenced Hanuman to take up the yeomen task of finding Sitadevi. Hanuman had a curse because of which he would know his capabilities only when he is reminded of.
Thus starts Sundarakandam-the most beautiful heart rendering acts of Hanuman who saved Sita Devi and Rama’s lives . In Srivaishnava sampradayam,Lord Hanuman is depicted as Acharya who goes in search of Jivatma-Mother Sita, gives her the holy ring containing the Lord’s name (samasrayanam) , consoles the Jivatma , advises the mind which is the controller of senses to surrender to Lord, burns Lanka which is considered as the human body and cause for all troubles , submits the Jivatma’s plea to Paramatma(Sri Rama) and ensures unification of Jivatma with Paramathma.
FULL RAMAYANAM IN PICTORIAL FORM
It is normal practice in Srivaishnava wedding to present a copy of Sundarakandam to the bridegroom as the mere presence in the house would bring all auspiciousness and the couple would live happily.
Reading Sundarakandam is considered as reading the entire Ramayanam because (1) Hanuman narrates to Sitadevi by singing the praise of Srirama. He describes in detail Lord’s appearance, HIS marriage, happy life in Ayodhya, exile, killing of rakshasas in Dhandakaranyam, Ravana’s foul play, Sugreeva’s friendship, search for Sitadevi. When Sitadevi queried about their friendship, Hanuman submits that because of HER anugraham by throwing HER jewels, Rama trusted them and entered into friendship with Sugriva.
He further informed about Vali’s death, Jatayu’s death, search expedition undertaken by them. For consoling HER, Hanuman assured HER that Rama would kill Ravana, rescue HER, would go back to Ayodhya and rule over the entire world. Thus, all the incidents pertaining to Ramayana are covered in Sundarakandam.
Sundarakandam is of the shortest tenure but the most important incidents took place. Hanuman is the main character. Starting from his flight from Mahendragiri, his encounters with Mynaaka parvatham , Surasa,Simhika, Lankini, search for Sitadevi, rescuing Sitadevi by singing Lord Rama’s praise when she attempted to commit suicide, updating her with the developments in HER absence, assuring her of Lord Rama’s arrival to rescue HER, handing over the ring given by Lord Rama , accepting Choodamani to be handed over to Srirama as identification, destroying Ravana’s one-fourth army, representing as Rama’s messenger, He advised RAvana to return Mother Sita or face dire consequences and finally burning Lanka with the fire lit on his tail by Ravana, and after ensuring Mother Sita’s safety returns to Lord Rama to convey the good news about Mother Sita’s welfare and Lord Rama embracing Hanuman as a token of gratitude. All these incidents except meeting Lord Rama took place in and around Srilanka and these places have been identified which is mentioned in the later part of the post.
Likewise, most of the incidents mentioned in Yuddha kaandam except Rama’s return to Ayodhya via Kishkinda, Bharadwaja ashram, Nandigramam took place in Srilanka. Most of the places have been identified and an attempt was made by Divyadampathigal’s grace to visit the Ramayana sites in Srilanka.
In Srilanka, Buddhism is widely followed and we can find stupas in almost all the places. Likewise there are many temples for Murugan and Shiva and these places are identified with Ramayanam. People of this beautiful country respect all religions. There are few places identified with Ramayana but which does not bear any reference in Valmiki Ramayana. Few incidents not mentioned in Valmiki Ramayanam which is considered as the “moolam-source” are identified with these places. To mention a few, Muneeswaram,Manawari, Koneswaram,Sanjeevini drops which fell at 5 places, Ravana caves , Istreepura are not mentioned in Valmiki Ramayanam.
The Ramayanam sites in Srilanka can be classified as
Holy places associated with Mother Sita –Weragantota,Sitakotuwa,Ashokavanam,SitaEliya, Divurumpola, Sitawaka.
(All these locations can be found near Central Srilanka and NuwaraEliya-the hill station towards south ).
Holy Places visited by Lord Rama from north-west- . Lord started from Thirupullani near Rameswaram on the south-western part of India, built the Ramsethu bridge from Pamban island to Thalaimannar near Mannar located on the north-western part of Srilanka..Other places are : Nilavarai near Jaffna, place near Keerimalai Varadarajar temple, Ramboda,Dunuvila, Rattota (all these are located around Kandy)Divurumpola , Muneeswaram, Manawari. Lord entered Srilanka from the north-western part moved along the west coast and finally reached the central highlands around Kandy .These places are located around Kandy and one has to drive through hilly roads
Holy places visited by Hanumanji :- Hanumanji traversed through the country three times. First time,from southern tip of India to central srilanka when he came in search of Sitadevi. He flew from Mahendragiri –the southern tip of India and landed on Suvela parvatham (Ramboda) after encountering Surasa at Nagadeepa(presently this is near the north-western part of Srilanka). Further, came down and killed Simhika-the rakshasi –the place now identified as Thiruketeeswaramnear Anuradhapura and then landed on Suvela parvatham (Ramboda). Encountered Lankini-the guardian rakshasa on the western side and then entered Ravana kingdom …
(Sigiriya-central part), searched for Sita in Mandodari palace too (now known as Sita Kotuwa), worried and prayed to HER sitting on a rock known as Manikatuther( near Ramboda), spotted AshokaVanam(Hakgala Botanical garden-a hill station in the Central highlands) ,found Jaganmatha in a distressed position under Simshukavruksham (Sita Eliya Sita amman temple), consoled her, conveyed Srirama’s message. Hanumanji conversed with Mother Sita assuming a tiny form. As he wanted to get Sitadevi’s grace , he assumed a giant form in her presence thus convincing her about his capabilities to assume any form and obtain HER cool grace on the huge form. WE can find Hanuman Footprints(huge and small) near Sita Eliya After accepting “choodamani” from her, he destroyed Ashokavanam and challenged the asuras , vanquished one-fourth of the army killing many rakshasas including 80000 kinnaras, 5 army commanders and a vast army, Jambumaali, Akshakumaran-ravana’s son,and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastram with the intention to meet and advise Ravana to return Sitadevi. As Srirama’s messenger, he enumerated Srirama’s valour citing Vali’s death and advised him to return Sitadevi else face dire consequences. The furious Ravana ordered his tail to be burnt and accordingly Hanumanji’s tail was wrapped with cotton and dipped in oil and fire was lit to his tail. Due to Sitadevi’s prayers, the fire didn’t burn him. He set the whole Lanka into flames except the Simshuka tree which sheltered Sitadevi and dipped his burning tail at the southern most part of the country known as Ussangoda which was one of the aircraft centres of Ravana. Hanuman ensured that the safety precautions like moots etc. were damaged, hiding places for the Ravana’s army for attacking enemies were destroyed, RAvana’s aircraft centres were destroyed thus curtailing his movement out of Lanka.
During his second visit to Lanka, Hanumanji was part of Rama’s army. Hanuman carried Rama on his shoulders while crossing the ocean and also during the war. Likewise, Angadha carried Lakshmana on his shoulders while crossing the sea.
Hanumanji played a vital role in the war that ensued between Rama and RAvana. Hanuman traversed through Lanka for the third time when he flew twice to fetch Mruthasanjeevini herbs to revive Lakshmana and Rama. AT that time he must have flown from the north and reached Himalayasenroute stopping at the Himalayan ranges near the present KuluManali in Himachal Pradesh which is slightly located on the north-eastern part of Ayodhya. He was advised by a rishi meditating there that sanjeeviniparvath which lies between Mount Kailash and Mount Rishaba was far away from that place and requested Hanuman to accept his services. As Hanuman was running short of time, he explained the situation to the rishi assuring him to visit again. Hanumanji later appeared as a small swayambhu idol to the rishi meditating on the hill near Kullu. This incident is displayed in the famous Hanuman temple in Kullu. A huge statue of Hanuman greets the visitors.
Dronagiriparvath-another mountain range in the northern India volunteered to do Rama kainkaryam. Hanuman pleased with the mountain’s gesture blessed it saying that it would get rewarded by the Lord Himself in future.(This hill is the famous Goverdhanagiri parvath located near Vrindavan and Lord Krishna blessed it by placing it on his little finger for seven days and blessed that the Lord and Goverdhan were synonymous. Goverdhanagiri is very close to Lord Krishna’s heart.!! We considered ourselves very fortunate to carry a part of Goverdhan being worshipped as “Giriraj” in our altar to Srilanka. )
While returning to Lanka carrying the Sanjeeviniparvath, as it was getting late, Hanuman flew through Ayodhya, Nandigramam(there is a shrine in Nandigramam for Hanuman known as “Lagey Hanuman” as he got injured by Bharata’s arrow. Due to lack of time, Hanuman didn’t retaliate at Bharata and proceeded southwards ), crossing over Arakonda near Chittoor and reached Lanka as he had to be there before sunrise. (Arakonda located about 3 hours drive from Tirupati has been identified as Sanjeevini drop place in India .)
As per the research done in Srilanka, they have identified 5 mountains as Sanjeevini drops . The medicinal plants which grow in the cool hilly regions of Himalayas grow on these mountains situated in the tropical regions of Srilanka. They are (1) Thalladi near Mannar, (2) Kachiteevu island near Jafffna, (3) Ritigala mountain 84 kms from Anurdadhapura towards Central part of Northern Srilanka on Anuradhapura-Habarana road near Sigiriya, (4) Dolukonda near Kurunegala, (5) Rumasalla in Unawatuna near Galle in the southern most tip of Srilanka. IN Valmiki Ramayana, it is mentioned that when Hanuman flew across the sky carrying Sanjeevini , the injured and dead vanaras were revived due to the medicinal power. Hanumanji flew back to replace the Sanjeevini parvath at the same place in Himalayas. So, we can assess that Hanumanji flew to and fro through Lanka atleast 3 times.
With the blessings of Asmath Acharyar and Elders we could have darshan of all the holy places during 2010 which is briefed as SriRama Anu yatra travelogue
The inert desire of visiting the holy places in Srilanka fructified this August 2018 After obtaining Asmathacharyar’s blessings ,and with the grace of our Kula deivam-KazhiyurAdikesava Perumal and Lord Srinivasa, we undertook this yatra.
A detailed plan was chalked out which would normally take 14 days. But due to official constraints, we had to cut short the trip to 9 days .
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Initially, we had decided to book the accommodation on our own and arrange for transportation by contacting service providers in Srilanka . But the hanuman logo of Ramayan Tours attracted us and we decided to go with them for our tour. Later, during our visit, we learnt that all tour operators in Srilanka have to get themselves registered with the government by which they can get concessional rates in hotel accommodation. If we book through online hotel accommodation sites like booking.com/agoda etc., the rates quoted by them are higher. If we go directly , we are considered as “foreigners” and the rates are different. Also, few bookings online were cancelled by the hoteliers citing some reason. So, it is better to plan through reliable tour operators like “Ramayana Tours” for a hassle-free trip. They had offerd us 10 seater A/c Luxury model High end vehicle for our trip, Family A/c room at all places, Jain breakfast and dinner. Coffee addicts may have to make their own arrangements as we don’t get south Indian coffee there especially in the southern and central parts. Cost of living is on the higher side compared to us. You get fresh vegetables,fresh fruits and curd everywhere.
Our customized itinerary covering Ramayana places on daily basis was shared with M/s Ramayan Tours ,srilanka (also known as Flywing Tours) who ensured that we have a comfortable trip. Mr.Kingsly-the chairman of the company with whom we were negotiating assured us excellent service and stood by his word. In Srilanka, there is a restriction on speed limit and night driving–the vehicles cannot exceed 50 KMPH . In our case, the travel agent risked the two restrictions. Usually the guide and chauffeur don’t provide service after 7 P.M. So, he deputed his son who is the Managing Director of 3 travel companies to guide us and also arranged for a young reliable person who drove beyond the stipulated time. We used to travel for about 10-12 hours daily at 80-100 KMPH and usually reach the hotel for night stay after 9 p.m. only. WE visited two sanjeevini drops but could not view Ramasethu due to government restrictions .
After taking leave of our Aathu Perumal, myself along with my wife and 2 daughters carrying our yatradieties-(Sita Lakshmana hanumathsametha Sri Ramachandran, laddugopal, giriraj, srimurthis, dwarakasalagramam, swamyramanujar and our acharyars pic ) left Thiruvengadam and took the night flight to Colombo via Chennai on 10th august ,2018 reached Colombo at 3 A.M.on 11 th August, 2018. The flight was delayed by an hour . WE were warmly welcomed by Mr.Kingsly and his son,Mr.Ishaara whose Office address and phone numbers are mentioned for devotees to take up similar yatra .
Drove us to Hotel Crown Plaza in Katunayake which is about 5 kms from the airport and retired for the night.
In this article, a brief account about the location ,actual distance etc. is given for quick reference. WE started from west (Colombo) and proceeded down south, moved towards central srilanka, north-east, north and ended along the west coast.
WE traveled for about 2300 kms in 8 days but didn’t get strained at all due to the smooth drive on the lovely well maintained roads(no bumps/speed breakers) surrounding greenery was a feast to the eyes, the weather was cool with average max.temperature around 22 degrees , no noise pollution. The places around Kandy are on the hilly region and the driving time would be more compared to other places. The travel operator provided a brand new Nissan High Roof A/c vehicle .
The details and importance of the above holy places would be shared soon in the coming blog posts
It was during this time the great King Prataapa Rudrudu was ruling Andhra pradesh. Once while returning from Srisailam after his worship to Paramasivan , Prataparudra stopped and camped at Ahobilam .
The most sacred shrine of Lord Narasimhar at Ahobilam is located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghat.
The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Narisimha located around a 5 KM circle. The shtala Purana states that PakshiRajar Garuda prayed for a vision of Lord Narisimha . Garuda commended his penance near to Srisaila Kshetra .
After long years of penance Lord manifested Himself in the cave of a mountain.
Few miles to the north east of the holy mountains where Garuda was performing penance a vision of HIS manifestation was granted to Garuda………………..
who after obtaining as sign of location of the mountain cave gladly traveled to the holy spot and was blessed to be graced by Satswaroopa , Mahapurusha , Lord Jwala Narasimhar not easy accessible to common people those days
Garuda worshipped the Lord and glorified LORD as Ahobilam is…
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Swami Ramanuja shared his dream with his close disciple Kuresan and concluded that the Lord did not want him to dismiss Periya Koil Nambhi from the present service , instead Lord wanted Nambi to be engaged in some other kainkaryam close to him .
Swamy Raamanuja suggested that Kuresan himself should correct Nambi’s destructive ways and bring him back to the fold of Bhagavathas. Kuresan accepted the suggestion of his Acharyan as commanded and engaged the scholarly Periya Koil Nambi in discussions daily inside the temple and slowly changed his attitude in pure devotional service .
One day , Nambi’s mother passed away and he was performing her Charama kaimkaryam in seclusion. This happened due to his arrogant behavior. Many vaishnavas avoided to officiate the ceremonies which he had invited .
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