THIRININRAVOOR a Sri Vaishnava divya desam is located 30 kms from Chennai on Arakonam route – and 5 kms from Thinnanoor station . As Goddess Maha Lakshmi arrived from Sri Vaikuntam and stayed here, this place came to be known as “THIRU” “NINDRA” “OOR”
(THIRU= LAKSHMI, NINDRA= STANDING, OOR=PLACE).
Lord MahaVishnu and Samudrarajan ( Goddess mahalakshmi’s father) once reached Bhoolokam in search of Thayar as without Her presence, Sri Vaikuntam was null and dull life .
Samudra rajan ,in the course of his search reached this place. He was overwhelmed to see his glorious daughter Mahalakshmi and addressed HER as “ENNAI PETRA THAI” (mother who gave birth to me emphasizing the fact that Mahalakshmi Thayar is the Divine Mother for the entire world).
Meanwhile , Varuna, the Demi God of rain who came in search of Samudrarajan (as he had to quench the sea water for forming clouds ) saw Samudrarajan at this place. Hence, Samudrarajan and Varunan can be seen in the sannidhi along with Divya dhampadhigal.
Despite Samundrarajan’s pleas to his daughter , Goddess ( Thayar ) continued to stay here. A small mantapam in front of the pushkarini was built later as remembrance. Perumal conceded to his bhaktan, Samudrarajan’s request to pacify Thayar to return to SriVaikuntam and descended on the earth as Bhaktavatsalan (one whose devotees are very dear to Him) and succeeded in the attempt.
Based on Samudrarajan’s request who had the darshan of the Divya Dhampadhigal on bhoomi for the first time in Kalyana Thirukolam, Perumal continues to reside here. There is an interesting story related with this kshetram relating to our Acharyar. The temple priest informed us that Swamy Ramanujar’s sister and brother-in-law who were without any progeny for a long time undertook piligrimage to Tirumala from Poondamalli near Chennai .
Enroute they stayed in Lord Sri Ramar temple at this place. They had a divine vision of the Lord. Lord blessed them that He would be born to them as Sri Mudaliaandan and do kainkaryam to Swamy Ramanujar who was an amsam of Adisesha and thus refrained them from going to Tirumala.
When Thirumangai Azhwar visited this place, as Perumal did not give darsanam, he left the place without doing mangalasaasanam(without singing in praise of the Lord). Thayar pointed out this lapse of Perumal and persuaded Him to request Azhwar to sing mangalasaasanam. When Perumal approached Azhwar, he was singing in praise of Sthalasayana Perumal at Thirukadalmallai (Mammalpuram(Mahabalipuram) and was having vision of Baktavatsala Perumal in his mind’s eye.
He praised that he was seeing the Perumal standing in Thirunindravoor as the one reclining at Mamallapuram. As Thayar was not satisfied with only one pasuram, She again persuaded Perumal to request Azhwar to sing another song on them. By the time Azhwar had reached Thirukannapuram and when he saw the Lord in his divine vision, he compared Thirukannapura Perumal with Thirunindravoor Perumal .
Thus azhwar sang 2 pasurams in praise of this Perumal emphasizing that Perumal is omnipresent and He is the same whether He is at Thirunindravoor or Thirukadalmallai or Thirukannamangai. During the month of Panguni, (Mar-Apr), Brahmotsavam for 10 days is performed every year with great fervor by Tirupati Peria Jeer who is in charge of this temple .
Shri Sudhavalli nayika sametha Sri Bhakthavatsalla Parabrahmaney namah:
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Soon after hearing the whereabouts of Mother Sita from Hanumanji , Lord Sri Rama marches from Kishkindha(Hampi) towards Lanka along with Vanara army and reaches the sea shore at Thirupullani in Tamilnadu. Looking at the ocean , Lord Rama decides to summon Samudrarajan ( the king of the sea ) to pave way for HIS army .
Lord Rama like any ordinary human being submits a prayer to Samudrarajan . Lord Rama further sitting on dharbam ( kusa grass ) fasts for three days to invoke Samudraraja’s attention.
However , Samudrarajan puffed up with ego does not turn up . Lord Rama decides to teach Samudrarajan a lesson and takes a sankalpam to dry up the ocean with HIS mighty kodhandam.
Samudrarajan noticing LORDs mood repents for his folly and seeks forgiveness and pleads LORD Rama to build a bridge with rocks over the sea waters. (NASA has proved the existence of a bridge from SEthukarai) The ever compassionate Lord Rama who is a “saranagatha vatsalan” forgives him but as the arrow cannot go waste, Lord Rama aims at Samudrarajan’s enemies at Durmagulayam on the North-western part of India at present day “Rajasthan” on Samudrarajan’s request and destroys them. That place got dried up immediately and is the present day can be seen as Thar desert.
Geological Survey of India during their recent excavations have proved the presence of rock salt in huge quantities. This is the evidence that water body existed at that place. It is a coincidence that nuclear scientists have chosen this place for conducting Nuclear Tests .
Jai Sree Ram
For more info on adiyens piligrimage please check the SRI RAMA ANU YATHIRAI (1) and (2) in the blog posts
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 Lord replied that just as Arjuna’s birth was real, His Avatar also was real.
Our bodies are made of Pancha Bhoota [space, air, fire, water and earth].
Then , Was His body also similar?
The Lord informed that His body was made of Aprakrytam and not of Pancha Bhoota.
His body was made of Pancha Shakti.
It is neither created nor destroyed.
The Three qualities are not in it.
Only sattva quality is there.
In Srimad Bhagavatam, Sukhacharya tells that at the end of Avatar, Lord Krishna proceeded to Sri Vaikuntam, with His body as such.
Lord Krishna after satisfying Himself that He had annihilated most of the demons in human form after Mahabharata war, decided to ascend to His eternal abode, Sri Vaikuntam.
Due to His presence, people belonging to His clan became proud and arrogant.
LORD wanted to reduce the burden of Mother Earth decided to put an end to the happenings.
As it was Lord’s will, he made Gandhari and the sapta rishis utter the curse of annihilation of Yadavas.
It so happened once few children of Lord Krishna were playing in the sea shore . One boy who was curious wanted to make fun of the Rishis. He dressed himself as a pregnant woman .They went near the holy saints and asked them to foretell as to what kind of a child would this pregnant lady bear.
The infuriated rishis cursed that the disguised lady would give an iron pestel which would destroy the entire Yadava race……… which came true.
The shocked Yadus ran to King Balarama for a solution.
Balarama was worried .He ordered them to powder the pestle into pieces and throw the powder away into the sea at Dwaarka .
The yadus acted accordingly and returned to their palace assuming all is fine now . A big iron piece which could not be powdered was thrown far away into the sea which was swallowed by a fish.
When this fish was caught and cut open by hunter, he found a big iron piece inside its abdomen . He found the piece to be very interesting .
Overjoyed he fixed the iron piece to his arrow and felt that would be useful during his hunting expedition. One day while strolling around the sea shore he happened to see something which attracted his attention . In the greenish grooves he could see pinkish shade ear lobes in the back ground .Mistaking it to be a deer’s ears he took his bow and shot the arrow which was just made with the iron piece . The arrow harmed Lord Krishna who was resting under a tree after all the catastrophe caused due the Rishis curse .
Over a period of time, the powder got deposited near the shore of the sea at Prabhasa Theertha and sharp blade type grass grew there.
When the Yadus who were fully intoxicated came to the sea shore the tamo guna in them made a twist in their behaviour .
By arguing with each other, they totally lost their mental balance and started hitting each other with the grass and got themselves killed.
Balarama , noticing that it was Lord ’s will decided to leave this earthly residence, assumed his original form as Adisesha and walked into the sea and disappeared.
The place where he disappeared can be seen even today in Dwaaraka . Over a period of time, this place has turned into mass of land due to reduction in the water level.
Lord Sri Krishna was resting under a banyan tree with right leg placed on left lap. A hunter named Jara (who was Vaali in his previous birth when Krishna incarnated as Lord Rama) , mistook ( LORD) Perumal’s thiruvadi to be a deer from a long distance and shot an arrow from a distance of 1 kilometre.
The hunter who came in search of his prey was shocked to see the Lord holy feet bleeding and begged for forgiveness. The Lord convinced that it was as per His divine plan and narrated his past birth as Vaali when Perumal hit him from behind and thus fulfilled Vali’s desire for revenge. He bestowed moksham to the hunter.
This shows Lord’s compassion to persons who try to him. In this avatar, he first killed Putana who had come to kill him and gave her moksham and at the end of the incarnation, he blessed Jara by giving him moksham.
According to the Priests version , it was said that Lord Krishna had once predicted that exactly seven days after his disappearance the Golden city of Dwarka will perish under the sea. This was what exactly happened as indeed Dwarka city is drowned in the sea due to some torrential rain. The whole incident was symbolic in nature for it paved ways to the beginning of demolitions and destruction.
Thus was the beginning of Kaliyug. Though we not yet certain of the reasons of his disappearance but few reasons can duly assigned to Lord Krishna’s leaving his spirit for the heavenThe moment Lord Krishna was preparing to ascend to Sri vaikuntam, all the three crore devatas headed by Brahma and PramaShivan arrived and were glorifying LORD by reciting Purusha Suktam, LORD disappeared from this place in the form of jyothi. (When the jyoti reached Suryamandalam, it transformed into a vigraham and descended on on Tirumala Hills .
The moment Krishna disappeared, Kali yugam started and to save His devotees from Kali, Lord decided to manifest in Tirumala and save the devotees till the end of Kaliyugam.
“While Narasimha was the Lord of Kritayuga, Rama (Raghunandana) was the Lord of Treta yuga, Krishna (Vaasudeva) of Dwaapara yuga, it is Lord Venkateshwara
(Venkata naayakah) who is the Lord of Kaliyuga.
” Again, of all the mountains where our Lord has taken his abode, Brahmaanda Puraana says
we surrender to this KALIYUGA VARADA – Lord Srinivasa.
He proclaimed that the devas as well as humans can have HIS darshan at Tirumala and allotted early morning time for the devas.
Even to this day, before closing the temple after Ekanta Seva , the priests at Tirumala temple fill the pancha paathirams with water for Brahma’s aaradhanai which is given as theertham after Suprabhatam.
Similar practice is followed in Badrinath at the time of closure of temple for 6 months during winter.
When the Badrinath temple is reopened during April, the lamp which was lit 6 months back still burns and the place would be filled with sweet fragrance of scent.)
Adiyen bows again and again to Lord Sree Rama who removes (all) obstacles and grants wealth and pleases all.
ArtAnAmArtihantAram bheetAnAm bheeti-nAshanam dvishatAm kAladanDam tam rAmchandram namAmyaham
He who annihilates the pain of the distressed, He who destroys fear in the minds of the fearful, He who is like the Weapon of Death to his enemies, that Lord Raamachandra do I worship.
Srimathey Ramanujaya namah
Sri Dasarathaya Namah
Sri Kooresaya namah
Sri Mudaliandan Swamy Thiruvadigaley Saranam
Prostrating at the lotus feet of LORD SITA RAM , Adiyen wishes to share travelogue of our second phase of our Sri Rama Anu Yatra which was a blissful experience
In the first phase of our yatra, we visited
Bittoor(the place where the sacred epic SRIMAD RAMAYANA was written),
Ayodhya-the birthplace of Lord Sri Rama ,
Buxar-the place where Sri Rama killed Tataka the demoness
Siddhasramam– where Sri Rama protected Viswamithra’s yaaga
Ahori -where the padhuka prabhavam of Lord Rama was revealed to the world by redeeming Ahalya from the curse of the saint
Sitamarhi-the appearance place of Mother Sita,
Janakpur-in NEPAL where LOKA KALYANAM took place .
Nandigramam– in Ayodhya-Allahabad route from where Bharata ruled the kingdom as Lord Srirama’s representative for 14 years.
Here, Bhaktha Hanuman saved Bharata’s life by informing him about Lord SriRama’s arrival. Also, the place where Srirama and HIS brothers laid down their attire which they wore for 14 years during HIS exile and dressed in royal robes.
Srungaberipuram-where Lord Rama spent for the first time in exile at Guha’s place
Triveni sangamam– where Sri Seetha Rama offered prayers to the holy Ganges
Chitrakoot-where Sri Ramar,Sita and Lakshmana lived during THEIR exile and where Sri Rama gave HIS padhukas to Bharata
Nasik – where Surpanaka was humbled by Lakshmana and Sri Rama defeated 14000 demons
Panchavati– Lakshmana built a beautiful hermitage for Lord SriRama to dwell and the place the demon Ravana committed the offence
Taket- the place where the valiant eagle,Jatayu fought against Ravana and lost his life for the service of the Lord. The place where Lord Rama performed last rites to the bird.
In the first phase, we visited the places mentioned in Uttara kandam, Bala kandam, Ayodhya kandam, Aranya kandam.
In the second phase, we planned to visit the remaining places mentioned in Kishkinda kandam, Sundara kandam(part), Yuddha kandam(part) in India and finish our Lord Sri Rama anu yatra at Srirangam and then proceed to Tirumala-the ultimate destination for thanking LORD for his abundant mercy in the divine journey .
The ever compassionate Lord who is eager to give HIS darshan to devotees made our journey comfortable and most memorable.
Circular journey details:- (9th oct-18th Oct 2010) Secunderabad-Hospet-Hubli-Mysore-Vanchimaniyachi-Tirunelveli-Rameswaram-Srirangam-Tirupati-Secunderabad
Eager to take up this divine pilgrimage , Adiyongal undertook Sri Sundarakandam parayanam for successful completion of the yatra. With ( home ) aathu Perumal’s anugraham, adiyongal started our yatra on 9th Oct.
We boarded Kacheguda-Yeswantpur Express at 2100 hours on 9th Oct and reached Hospet at about 0700 hours on 10th morning.
STONE CHARIOT IN HAMPI (WORLD HERITAGE SITE)
Our KISHKINDA YATRAI started from this place .
The holy place Kishkinda in Treta yugam is present day Hampi.
The greenery the hillocks and the mountains , big boulders at various places give us the feel that this was truly the VANARA KINGDOM and aptly connected to the holy epic Srimad Ramayanam . Mother Sita was abducted by the demon Ravana at Panchavati as per a divine plan for LOKA SAMRAKSHAKA .
Lord Sri Rama and Lakshmana after the unfortunate incident walked into these woods in search of Mother Sita and in due course arrived at Taket near present Nasik where they noticed the devotee bird Jatayu maharaj .
The ultimate devotee Jatayu informed the whereabouts of Mother Sita and narrated the incident of the demon Ravana abducting mother and proceeding towards south direction and his efforts to stop him was futile and caused his injuries and leave this world . (The demon Ravana cut his wings and wounded him severely) .
After informing Lord Rama about Mother Sita’s whereabouts, Jatayu breathed his last . Lord Rama performed his final rites and gave him Moksha .
Based on Jatayu’s words, Lord Rama set their search operation towards south. Lord Rama and Lakshmana were caught by Kabandhan- a cursed huge demon who tried to swallow them.
Lord Rama and Lakshmana defeated the demon who was redeemed by the touch of Sri Rama. Again by the divine will Kabandha informed that Lord Rama would be successful in HIS endeavour and suggested him to befriend Sugriva , a vanara who was in exile with whose help HE would be able to defeat the demon Ravana and rescue Mother Sita.
Enroute , Lord Rama visits Matanga muni’s ashram and graceds Sabari- a great old devotee who was waiting for Lord Sri Rama’s arrival as per her Guru’s instructions. Th devotee affectionately served Ramar with fruits and in his presence attained moksham. This place is in Hampi.
There is a beautiful pond ( saras ) full of white lotuses known as Pampa saras and a flight of steps leads us to a small temple which was Matanga muni’s ashram.
From here Lord Rama and Lakshmana set out on their journey go find out Sugriva’s whereabouts. Bhaktha Hanuman disguised as a Brahmin meets Lord Rama and Lakshmana to find out about their intentions . Satisfied that they were not sent by Vali, Hanuman carries Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders to Sugriva’s hiding place at Rishyamukha parvatham. Sri Rama and Sugriva become friends and take an oath in agni’s presence to help each other.
Sri Rama coronates Sugriva as Vanara King and Sugriva promises to help Rama in finding out Sita .
At the place where their friendship solemnized, we now have a beautiful Kodandaramar temple on the banks of River Tungabhadra. The place from where Lord Ramar killed Vaali, the place where Rama stayed for four months during monsoon, the place where Bhaktha Hanuman hands over the choodamani to Sri Ramar , the madhuvan where the vanaras satisfied their hunger and destroyed the beautiful garden are all located in and around Hampi. Added to this, we can have darshanam of the great devotee Swami Purandaradasar mandapam- the place where Swamy Purandaradasar stayed during his last days, the Vittal temple and other places of interest which should not be missed.
ON THE WAY TO HAMPI FROM HUBLI
Travelling past green lushy fields, we reached Hampi in about one hour. Purified ourselves in the holy Tungabhadra river near Kodandaramar temple.
The river is surrounded by Rishyamukha and Matanga parvathams on either sides.
RIVER TUNGABHADRA NEAR KODANDARAMAR TEMPLE, HAMPI
Sri Sita Lakshmana Hanuman Sugreeva sametha Sri Kodandaramar is carved out of a single boulder –
Lord Sri Ramar coronated Sugriva as King of Vanaras at this place even before killing Vali.
Lord Rama is seen in Chathurbhujam holding sankhu, chakram,bow and arrow. The priest narrated in detail all the incidents .Jai Jai Sree Rama
SRI KODANDA RAMAR TEMPLE ON THE BANKS OF TUNGABHADRA, HAMPI
Few yards from this temple, we have Yanthrothkari Hanuman temple. Usually we can have darshanam of Sri Sudarshana chakram and Narasimhar together. But here we have Sudarshana chakram and Hanumar together .
The diety here is very powerful and fulfills the wishes of the devotees. Our only wish was May LORD always give us satsangh and May we keep meeting LORD RAMAS devotees .
We had darshanam of ( abhishekam ) Thirumanjanam for the yantram when we visited this temple. Vanaras honoured Hanuman with holy bath after his return from Srilanka.
YANTHROTHKARI HANUMAR TEMPLE, HAMPI
Hampi , the important place of Vijayanagaram Empire was the erstwhile capital of King Krishnadevarayar is famous for stone sculptures.
On the way to Malyavanta hill which is located on the other side of Tungabhadra, we visited Virupaksha temple.
Enroute we can have darshanam of Lakshmi Narasimhar statue about 6.7 mtrs carved out of a single rock , 3 feet Linga carved out of a single rock, Bhaktha Purandaradasa mantapam surrounded by water
( The great devotee Purandaradasar spent his last days here) , Vittal temple where Lord Panduranga of Pandirpur was worshipped for sometime by King Ramarayya-the brother of Krishnadeva rayar.
SRI NARASIMHAR CARVED OUT OF A SINGLE ROCK, HAMPI
SRI PURANDARADASAR MANTAPAM IN HAMPI
Lord Sri Rama and Lakshmana stayed at Malyavanta parvatham for four months due to monsoon.
INSCRIPTION ABOUT MALYAVANTA RAGHUNATHA TEMPEL, HAMPI
Our Maryada Purushotama Lord Sri Rama used to lament thinking of Mother Sita and the troubles she would be undergoing like any human being and Lakshmana used to pacify the Lord.
Lord Rama used to swoon away recollecting the good days they spent together and the turmoils which Lokamatha was undergoing now.
Lord Srirama is seen in meditative posture. In the small cave, we can find a boulder on which Lord Rama rested. Recollecting the divine pastimes we had tears .
A beautiful sculpture of Lord Sita Rama in sitting posture, Lakshmana serving the Lord standing,and bhaktha Hanuman in kneeling posture can be seen.
CLOSER VIEW OF HANUMAN WHO IS IN KNEALING POSTURE HANDING OVER CHOODAMANI TO SRIRAMAR,RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE,HAMPI
Akhand Ramayana parayanam was being recited in a close by mantapam which had the reverbations of the HOLY DHAAM . The place bhaktha Hanuman offered “choodamani” to Lord Rama, has a beautiful temple for Sri Seeta,Ramar, Lakshmana and Hanumar.
We can have darshanam of Bhaktha Hanuman kneeling before Lord Sri Rama submissively handing over the choodamani to Lord Sri Ramar. There are beautiful pictures from Srimad Ramayanam on the temple walls. The priest was kind to narrate the incident while showing mangala haarathi.
RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE AT MALYAVAN PARVATH WHERE HANUMAN OFFERED CHOODAMANI GIVEN BY MOTHER SITA TO SRI RAMA
Later we proceeded to Madhuvan and had darshanam of the huge bhaktha Hanuman deity who was covered by sindhoor all over. While giving aarthi to Hanumar, the priest explained how the vanaras led by Hanuman and Angadhan entered Madhuvanam and after taking Angadha’s consent, they drank honey to their satisfaction and trampled the garden overjoy with the good news from Anjaneyar .
Sugriva’s uncle who was the guardian , approached Sugriva and complained about the vanaras enthusiasm and their unusual behaviour expecting Sugriva to rebuke them
SRI ANJANEYAR TEMPLE IN MADHUVAN, HAMPI
But the wise Sugriva understood that the vanaras would have found Mother Sita and were thus celebrating their joy . He was also overjoyed with the news and instructed his uncle to send the vanaras immediately to Malyavan parvath where Lord Sri Rama and Lakshmana were eagerly waiting to hear about LOKA MATHA’S welfare. There is a beautiful pic of Panchamukha Anjaneyar in this temple.
MADHUVAN IN HAMPI
We proceeded to Chintamani- for having darisanam at the place from where Lord Sri Rama aimed arrow at the Vanara king Vali who was seen on the farther side .
Sugriva who was not aware of Sri Rama’s prowess showed the Lord the mortal remains of Dundhubi who was earlier killed by Vali . Lord Rama also demonstrated his power ( as if he was a normal king ) by kicking the body which flew and fell many miles away. To once again show HIS valour and instill faith in HIM, the Lord with a single arrow destroyed the seven sala trees ( A big pillar with bow and arrow marks the event.
An interesting fact is from the place where Sri Rama stood and aimed arrow at Vali, we can see the place where Vali and Sugriva fought but the reverse is not true. It takes about one hour by road to reach the spot where Vali fought with Sugriva. Here, we can have darshan of Sri Rama padhuka as Sri Rama approached Vali while he was breathing his last and answered all his queries and justified HIS action of killing him from hiding.
CHINTAMANI- THE PLACE FROM WHERE SRI RAMA AIMED ARROW AT VALI IN HAMPI
This temple is situated on a small hillock with Tungabhadra flowing on one side. A wonderful place full of greenery . We can have darshan of Lord Sri Rama padhuka at the place where HE stood and aimed arrow at vanara king Vali.
FOOTPRINTS OF SRI RAMA AT CHINTAMANIA PILLAR ERECTED AT THE PLACE FROM WHERE SRIRAM SHOT AN ARROW AT VALI , CHINTAMANI
We then proceeded to Rishyamukha parvatham , the place where Lord Sri Rama and Sugriva met for the first time. This is the place where Sugriva shows the jewels dropped by Mother Sita enroute from the air. Bhaktha Hanuman had gathered the jewels from the hillock dropped by Mother Sita and gave it to Sugriva who preserved them.
Lord Sri Rama identified the jewels and lamented uncontrollably for Sita’s loss and to see the jewels without Sita who added beauty to them. Our poorvacharyars say that to attain Lord’s mercy, Mother’s intervention is compulsory. Here Mother Sita graced the vanaras with HER benevolence in the form of jewels. On the Rishyamukha parvatham, there is a small cave with platforms on either sides on which Sri Rama and Sugriva sat.
THE PLATFORMS WHERE SRI RAMA AND SUGRIVA SAT WHEN THEY MET FOR THE FIRST TIME
There is also a small yaga kundam ( havan spot ) at the place where Lord Sri Rama and Sugriva solemnized their friendship and mutually agreed to help each other in the presence of Agni. (Agni saakshi).
SRI RAMA AND SUGRIVA SOLEMNIZED THEIR FRIENDSHIP
From Rishyamukha parvatham, we proceeded to Matanga muni ashram on the banks of Pampa saras (a small pond filled with white lotuses). A flight of steps led us to a small temple. Lord Sri Rama accepted the fruits offered by Sabari at this place. A serene place ..could feel the fragnance of the flowers and the bhakthi of the great devotee Sabhari.
PAMPA SARAS NEAR SABARI ASHRAM, HAMPI
Having visited the important places in Kishkinda, we proceeded from Hampi to Hubli which is about 3 hours drive to take the night train to our next destination, Mysore. ( We Paid Rs.2000 for the car) . We reached Hubli at about 7 p.m. and after having dinner boarded Dharwar-Mysore express at 2115 hours which reached Mysore at 7 a.m. on 11th Oct.
On 11th Oct, we hired a cab for Rs.2000 to have darshanam of the Lakshmana Theertha which is about 120 kms from Mysore Near Nagarhole.
We drove past Rajiv Gandhi National Park where we spotted animals like deers,elephants, peacocks.
The road is excellent for a drive . Appreciating nature’s beauty accompanied by HARI NAAM kirtans, we reached Lakshmna Theertham after about 2 hrs drive from Mysore .
LAKSHMANA THEERTHAM, KOORG DIST.,
We reached Lakshmana Theertha locally called as Iruppu Falls. It was a wonderful site .
Just imagined the scene in RAMAYANA and had tears . A narrow stone laid pathway leads us to the top. The weather was chilly and pleasant.
As soon as Bhaktha Hanuman narrated the whereabouts of Mother Sita, LORD Srirama set off immediately with the vanara sainyam retinue to Sri lanka. Srirama instructed the vanaras not to pass through the villages and cause disturbance to the residents there . As per Lord Srirama’s instructions, Sugriva ordered that they take the forest route. Sri Hanuman carried Srirama and Lakshmana on his shoulders. While they were passing through Brahmagiri mountains, the vanaras felt thirsty and Srirama ordered Lakshmana to quench their thirst. Immediately Lakshmana aimed an arrow in the hill and water sprouted and thus the vanaras quenched their thirst.
This water contains medicinal properties and is capable of washing away the accumulated sins. We were delighted to have a dip at the altitude where the water was gushing like hari ki paudi ( similar to ganges falling in Haridwaar) After having bath in the fresh waters, we approached Rameswara temple for darshanam.
RAMESWARA TEMPLE AT LAKSHMANA THEERTHAM
AFter reciting the related sarga from Srimad Ramayanam, we proceeded back to Mysore to board Tirunelveli Express at 1745 hours and reached Vanchimaniachi at about 1030 hours on 12th Oct.
From Vanchimaniaachi, we hired a cab to reach Mahendragiri parvatham ( the holy hill from where Bhaktha Hanuman leapt to Srilanka ) near Tirukurungudi via Nanguneri and drop at Tirunelveli station.
Enroute, we bathed in Tambaraparani river, the river from where Swamy Nammazhwar’s vigraham appeared. After purifying ourselves, we went to Vanamamalai temple and had darshan of Lord Sri Deivanayaga Perumal and Thayar. When we went to Vanamamali mutt, saatrumarai was going on and we were fortunate to get theertha prasadam.It looked that all was arranged by HIS abundant mercy .
VAANAMAMALAI TEMPLE GOPURAM
No one could guide us to Swamayamprabha cave which is mentioned in Ramayanam. (As per Sri Velukudi Swamin’s second trip, this is situated in Ramapuram near Kadiyanallur .There is a beautiful Hanuman vigraham inside the cave along with the image of Swayamprabha.) We just offered our dandaavats to the holy place and proceeded to Tirukurungudi At this wonderful place , we took a jeep to go to malai nambi temple. Mahendra giri parvatham from where Hanuman leapt in search of Sita is located here. Here,Malai nambi Perumal-one of the five nambis of Thirukurungudi gives darshan.
Driving up the hill on unleveled roads was really challenging. This drive was similar to the drive for visiting the nava Narasimha kshetrams in Ahobilam. Chanting Sriman Narayana Kirtans we thanked LORD for his mercy . The driver pointed us to other jeeps which were numbered saying that all the jeeps were used for Sri Velukudi Swamin’s trip. Sprinkled the holy water from Nambi aaru.
NAMBI AARU AT MAHENDRA GIRI PARVATHAM, THIRUKURUNGUDI MALAI NAMBI TEMPLEVIEW OF MAHENDRA GIRI PARVATHAM FROM MALAI NAMBI PERUMAL TEMPLE, TIRUKURUNGUDICLOSER VIEW OF MAHENDRA GIRI PARVATHAM
The vanaras were spotted everywhere reminding us about bhaktha hanumans journey to Sri lanka . Yes ! SUNDARAKANDAM entry … With all humilty offered pranaams to all the living , non living things in this holy dhaam . To our surprise the main temple was open The archakar was kind to explain the glory of the place .He performed archanai to Malai nambi Perumal and shared with us about Nampaduvan’s charitram which is mentioned in Varaha puranam Kaisika Mahatmayam adding that this Perumal is fond of music. Adiyongal sang few devotional songs.
MALAI NAMBI PERUMAL TEMPLE
We returned to Tirukurungudi temple by 5 p.m.
TIRUKURUNGUDI TEMPLE GOPURAM
We had darsanam of Lord Vaishnava Nambi Perumal, the asanam on which Swamy Ramanujar relaxed and gave upadesam to Perumal which is adjacent to the garbagriham . ( Dakshina Bhadri)
We also had darisanam of Tiruparkadal Perumal and reached Tirunelveli station to board Rameswaram express
SWAMY RAMANUJAR SANNIDHI IN THIRUPAARKADAL NAMBI TEMPLE
The archakar took us to our favourite Azhwar’s Tirumangai Azhwar Thiruvarasu which is about 2 kms away from the main temple. The youngest among 12 Azhwars reached Lord’s holy feet at this place. Here Azhwar is seen in Anjali mudra and is not holding spear as he is usually seen in other places.
TIRUMANGAI AZHWAR’S THIRUVARASU IN THIRUKURUNGUDI
From Rameswaram station, we engaged a car to visit Navapaasham, Sethu samudram, Thirupullani temple,Dhanushkodi for Rs.2000/- Navapaasham is the holy place where all the Navagrahas together offer obesainces to LORD to protect them from the demon king Ravana .As per locals it was told that all the Navagrahas had offered prayers from the sea for LORDS appearance .
NAVAGRAHAS PRAYING TO PERUMAL TO SAVE THEM FROM RAVANA’S ATROCITIES AT NAVAPAASHAM
From Navapaasham, we went to Sethukarai . after having samudra snanam at Sethukarai, we visited Lord Sita,Ramar temple. It was here Vibhishana saranagathi took place. (Vibhishana along with his two rakshasa friends approached Lord Srirama seeking asylum from the Lord. Sugriva and others argued that he should not be given shelter because the person who left his brother during crisis was not trust worthy. However, Hanuman vouched for Vibhishana as he was a dharmatma. Lord Srirama declared to the world that HE would grant asylum even to Ravana,the gravest offender on the earth and it was HIS DHARMA to protect the person who has done saranagathi to HIS lotus feet.Sri Rama granted saranagathi to Vibhishana and did Pattabhishekam to Vibhishana then and there. This charama slokam is imparted by our acharyars to us at the time of initiation and everyday we recite recollecting the assurance given by the LORD. A beautiful picture of Vibhishana saranagathi along with the charama slokam attracted our attention.
VIBISHANA SARANGATHI AT SETHUKARAI RAMAR TEMPLE,RAMESWARAM
Our poorvacharyas comment that the saranagathi done by Vibhishana was successful because he left everything including his family and took shelter at Lord Sri Rama’s lotus feet. He was personification of dharma who chastised his brother Ravana for his demonic act and advised him to return Mother Sita to Sri Rama. He restrained Ravana from killing Hanuman by citing rajadharam that a messenger should not be killed and thus protected Hanuman. As Ravana didn’t heed to his repeated advise, he decided to leave his brother and continue to tread in the path of Dharma and sought shelter at Sri Rama’s lotus feet with total submissiveness. (It is stated that when a devotee does total surrender to the Lord with utmost faith, the Lord gives HIMSELF to the devotee. This has been proved in Vibhishana’s case. Vibhishana did total surrender to Srirama and the Lord not only coronated him but also gave HIMSELF to him in the form of Lord Ranganatha.)
THIRUPULLANI DARBASAYANA RAMAR TEMPLE, RAMESWARAM
WE proceeded to Thirupullani temple to have darsanam of Lord Dharbasayana Ramar which also happens to be one of the 108 divya desams and as per the sthalavaralaaru,King Dasaratha worshipped the presiding diety Sri Adi Jagannathar for progeny. The Lord graced us by giving darshan in Ekantham, even the priest had gone to prepare prasadam. So we were left to ourselves to dissolve in the beauty of the Lord in sayana thirukkolam(sleeping posture) and sang few BHAKTA RAMADASU kirtans and 108 Rama naamvalee before the Lordships. The Priest informed that installing naagams sculpted on stones) will fulfill the desire of progeny. WE can find many such naaga prathishtai in the inner courtyard. There is a separate sannidhi for Adi Jagannathar.
SRI DARBA SAYANA RAMAR SANNIDHI, THIRUPULLANI
The priest performed archanai to the Lordships and narrated as to why LORD Srirama is seen in this unique asanam and posture. Usually, we have darsanam of Sriramar in Nindra Thirukolam(standing posture) holding Kodandam whereas here , LORD gives darshan in “dharbasayanam thirukkolam”(lying posture on darbha grass.). WE can find Samudra rajan accompanied by his wife praying to Sri Darba sayana Ramar inside the garbagriham on one side and Vibishana Azhwar standing with folded hands on the other side of Perumal.
The vanara army had reached Thirupullani but didn’t know how to cross the ocean and approached Lord Srirama for guidance. Lord Srirama prayed Samudrarajan (the ocean) to pave route for them for the mission taken up . Lord Rama fasted for 3 days to invoke the Samudra king to respond and rested on darbham ( kusa grass ) . (Our poorvacharyars opine that the saranagathi done by Srirama to the ocean did not fructify because the person who surrenders must be totally incapable and in this case , the Supreme Lord who is the creator, protector and sustainer of the Universe, did not comply with this requirement. Also, the refuge from whom it is being sought must be capable to give refuge. Only the Lord can give refuge to everyone and hence the saranagathi done by Srirama was not effective.
When the ocean didn’t reciprocate, LORD was upset and was about to destroy the ocean by aiming HIS powerful arrow. Immediately out of fear , Samudrarajan appeared before the Lord seeking forgiveness and requested the Lord to purify him by constructing a bridge over the ocean. Samudrarajan suggested that the bridge could be built by throwing boulders and rocks under Nala’s supervision and he would hold them. When Srirama said that the arrow already taken out cannot go waste, Samudrarajan humbly requested the Lord to aim the arrow at his demonic enemies who were on the north western side of the ocean.(near present day Dwaraka) Srirama fulfilled the kings wish by killing the demons.This place is the famous Thar desert now . Sri Kooratazhwan wonders in Athimanushasthavam about Lord Sri Rama’s valour. He concludes that how much ever the Lord tries to conceal HIS true identity, it is difficult for him to do so. Srirama had the capability to vanquish Ravana even without physically going to Srilanka but the Lord took the help of vanaras, bears and squirrels to construct a bridge and go all the way to Srilanka to kill Ravana and rescue Mother Sita whereas HE destroyed the demons who were thousands of miles away from Sethukarai just by aiming a single arrow at them. Our poorvacharyars glorify the Lord that HE enacted this only to place HIS holy feet on the land which was to be ruled by his dear devotee, Vibhishana.
Offering repeated obesiances , we moved to go as close to Dhanushkodi which has been destroyed by recent Tsunami. There is a stretch of bridge connecting the land with the sea. It takes about 20 minutes driving. On the way, we could see clearly the stones floating on the water. This was the bridge constructed by the vanaras for crossing the sea. WE reached Lord Ramar temple on the shores. We were keen to have darshanam of the place where Lord Srirama sighted the ocean for the first time . SriRama along with the vanaras travelled from Hampi via Lakshmana theertham and landed at this place. The Lord spotted the ocean from here and then decided the future course of action-praying to Samudrarajan, deciding to construct a bridge, giving saranagathi ( shelter ) to Vibhishana .
The priest narrated all the incidents. Nearby , there is a small well surrounded by sea water. This is known as “Villundi Theertham”(the water which appeared as a result of Lord Srirama’s bow), The priest narrated that after defeating the demon Ravana, Sri Rama along with Mother Sita and other vanaras were returning .To quench Mother Sita’s thirst, Sri Rama aimed at the ground and Ganga sprang up to quench Jaganmatha’s thirst. The water from the well is sweet .There is a small pathway to the well.
VILLUNDI THEERTHAM, RAMESWARAM
The priest gave us a vessel to draw water from the well and taste it. It was potable. (This incident does not appear in Valmiki Ramayanam. As per Valmiki Ramayanam, Lord Rama along with Sitadevi,Lakshmana, Vibhishana, Sugriva and other vanaras mounted on Pushpaka vimanam from Srilanka and stopped enroute at Hampi so that the vanara wives could join them to go to Ayodhya. Srirama stopped at Hampi and at Bharadwaja muni’s ashram in Allahabad before meeting Bharata at Nandigramam.) As mentioned earlier, there are many such incidents linked to Ramayanam though not mentioned in the Adi kavyam. While returning to Rameswaram, we stopped at a small temple dedicated to Sugriva. Sugriva is supposed to have refreshed at this place. There is a small pond beside the temple and a local caretaker gave aarthi and narrated this. After paying our respects at Rameswaram temple, we reached station to board Srirangam train .
RAMESWARAM TEMPLE
Our second phase of Sri Rama Anu Yathirai culminated at Srirangam in SriKodandaramar sannidhi.
SRIRANGAM-BHOOLOKA VAIKUNTAM
Offering obesiances to Lord Sri Ranganathar, the kula-dhanam of Sri Ramar, we recited pattabhishekam sargam at Sri Kodandaramar sannidhi on the banks of Chandra Pushkarini in the temple premises.
The gigantic divya mangala swaroopam of Lord Sri Sita,Lakshmana, Hanumath sametha Sri Kodandaramar , especially the Lord’s lotus eyes, kodhandam etc is still vivid in adiyen’s memory. The entire Srimad Ramayanam in the form of Thanjavur paintings beautifully decorate the walls of the temple and it was like a quick recap for us reviving our entire tour in the sannidhi. WE then had darshanam of Sita Ramar in Pattabhisheka Thirukkolam in the nearby Pattabhiraman sannidhi.
SRI SITA RAMA PATTABHISHEKAM
Seeking forgiveness for all our shortcomings and requesting the Lord to shower HIS benevolent grace on us and thanking zillion times the vaishanava reformer of the present era , Shri Sri.Velukudi Swamin for his initiative which imbibed the desire in us to visit the various holy places, we retired for the day. Next day, we reached the holy Tirumala Hills to have darshanam of Lord Venkateswara along with our siblings. While having Moolavar’s darsanam, Sri Sita ,Lakshmana sametha Sri Kodandaramar who appeared to Swami Ramanujar once again poured THEIR benevolent glance on us and graced us during Oonjal seva .
SRI KODANDARAMAR IN TIRUMALA
After reaching Hyderabad, we offered vada malai to Bhaktha Hanumar in Kushaiguda temple. The entire trip was possible only due to the abundant grace of Sri Rama bhakth Hanuman who saved and guided us all through the journey. Swamy Hanuman is considered as “paramaguru” in Ramayanam as he plays a vital role in joining the Jivatma with Paramatma. Our poorvacharyars compare Lanka with our body, 10 headed Ravana as our 10 senses, Jivatma is Sitadevi , Srirama is Paramatma. Paramacharyar Hanuman destroys the body and the evil senses which induce us to do evil acts, uplifts our atma and offers it to Paramatma.
Likewise, Asmath acharyar ,Sri Mudaliandan Swamy graced our kudil in November performed Dhaati Panchakam homam invoking Jagadacharyar-Swami Ramanujar, initiated adiyen’s daughter, gave mantropodesam to us and allowed us to perform his Thirunakshitram at our kudil.
ASMATH ACHARYAR SRI MUDALIANDAN SWAMIGAL PERFORMING DHAATI PANCHAKAM HOMAM AT OUR RESIDENCE
Holy water which we had collected from all the sacred rivers-Sarayu,Ganga,Yamuna,Saraswati,Godavari,Tungabhadra, Kaveri, Samudram, Swami Pushkarini theertham were all used for performing Sahasradhaara abhishkem to our acharyar amidst chanting of Vedic hymns and playing of musical instruments. That was the benedictory fruit given to the Lord for our attempt. The benevolence of our Acharyar cannot be described in words.
Adiyen just can’t describe in words to share the experiences which we had in this trip. May the Lord bestow HIS cool and benevolent grace on all the jivatmas and always protect his children . May Lord Hanuman bestow us with the opportunity of visiting Sri Lanka . Though some refrain from visiting this place which caused suffering to Mother Sita, adiyen recollects the incident where Srirama after HIS victory asks Sita to cast HER benevolent glance on that land which was to be ruled by HIS dear devotee,Vibhishana. Also, this is the place where Lord Srirama placed HIS foot and killed the demonic king,Ravana. Likewise, may Lord Rama kill the demonic qualities in us and make us a better devotee and live in our hearts forever.
SRI MUDALIANDAN THIRUMALIGAI PERUMALS GIVING DARSHAN AT OUR RESIDENCE
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Kazhiyur Varadan
JAI SITARAM
Adiyen humbly thanks Srirama bhaktaas for being kind to read this travelogue . Please forgive me for any errors and mistakes which was due to adiyens poor understanding .
Please accept adiyens pranaams for kind words and may all the auspiciousness be with all. I end this travelogue with mangala slokam recited by Sri Manavala Mamunigal.
May there be well being to the people; May the kings rule the earth along the right path; May the cattle and the Brahmins have well being forever; May all the beings in all the worlds become happy; Peace, peace and peace be everywhere!
Swamy Ramanuja had to to complete the original assignment of 200 years as ordered by LORD to uplift fallen souls . With implicit obedience, Adishesha appeared to this world as Swami maNavALa mAmunikaL. AdisEsha, in his previous incarnation as SriRamanuja, was very much fascinated by Nammazhvars’s appearance and his divine outpouring (thiruvA imozhi), and hence, earned the appellation “mAran adipaNindhu Uynthavan”. In keeping with this overwhelming love for Swamy Nammazhvar, the second time around, AdisEsha selected Azhvar Thirunagari as the place most suited for his appearance (Swami Manavala Mamuni was the reincarnation of AdishEsha) This was shown in a manifest fashion to his nearest and dearest disciples. Hence we find in his Sri Rangam abode (mutt) a picture on a pillar inside the sanctum sanctorum, depicted as seated on the serpent AdishEsha with several hoods.
This proves beyond doubt that swamy is the reincarnation of Adishesha.SrisailEsha erected a temple at Azhvar-thirunagari for Swamy Ramanuja and installed Swamys idol, which had been presented to Sri Madhurakavi Azhvar and laid buried at the foot of the famous Tamarind tree Lord realized that this was His opportunity to capitalize and complete his long cherished desire. Lord seized the golden opportunity of Mamunikal’s arrival to the city of Sri Rangam & ordered him as follows,“You shall come to our temple & give a public discourse on the Eedu (36000 padi), the super-commentary of Sri Nampillai on Thiruvaimozhi along with other commentaries, in your alluring style. You are the most qualified person for this task, as you have the good fortune of being trained by the esteemed acharya Sri SailEsha (Thiruvaimozhip pillai).
In order to accommodate unhindered conduct for your kAlakshEpam (discourse), I have instructed that all festivities of the temple be held in abeyance during this period. I will be present to partake of your glorious upanyasam(lecture), in tandem with my nAcchiyArs & all Srivaishnavas”. Thus ordered by the Lord Himself, Swami mAmunikaL,with implicit obedience, accepted this clarion call to perform service to the Lord. On the concluding day of Swami mAmunikaL’s wonderful lectures onthiruvAimozhi and Eedu, the Lord appeared amidst the august assembly of mAmunikaL and sri vaishnavas, in the guise of an archakar’ son by the name Aranga Naayakam and brushing aside the opposition (after all, how is it possible for a little boy to cut through the large, gathered, assembly if He were not the Lord Himself?) preventing Him from getting proximate presence to Swami mAmunikaL’s seat, recited the following stanza in His inimitable, majestic voice resembling the thunder of a rumbling cloud,
“SriSailEsha dayA pAthram dheeibhakthyAdi guNarnavam
Yetheendra pravaNam vandE ramyajA mAtharam munim”
He kept a palm leaf containing the aforementioned sloka on a goldenplate full of flowers, fruits, coconuts and other sacred components of gurudakshiNa (token of appreciation) and after offering it at the holy feet of Swami mAmunikaL, ran towards the sanctum sanctorum & disappeared. To add to this magnificent miracle, Periya Perumal, the Lord Ranganatha Himself, immediately ordered through the archaka – ‘let this slOka be recited at the beginning of all divya prabhandarecitations; just as a Vedic recital begins and ends with the sacred ‘Om’,so also all recitals of the tamil veda, the divya prabhandam, shall commence and end with ‘srI SailESa dayA pAtram’
Tomorrow , Maasi Krishna paksha dwadasee 16th February 2015 – Swami disappeared from this material world and importantly the day on which Acharya leaves the samsara (sorrow filled material world) and reaches paramapadam (spiritual world of Sriman Narayana ) is celebrated as Thiruvadhyayanam or Theertham.
Once the ardent devotee of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Hills , Swamy Ananthazhwan was engrossed in making garlands for Perumal . Lord sent for him through asuri voice and ordered him to come to the sanctum sanctorum at once.
Ananthazhwan waited for sometime, completed the garland and entered the sanctum sanctorum.
The Lord was unhappy at the delay and asked ….Azhwan ..
what would he do if he were to banish him from the Hills.
This was out of what is known in Sanskrit as “Pranayakopa” (anger in love)
Ananthazhwan submitted before the Lord Oh Lord !!!
Adiyen had come to the Hills not to obey the Lord’s commandments, but in obedience to the orders of adiyen’s Acharyar Swami Ramanuja .
Oh Lord !!! the flowers would lose their fragrance in case of adiyen’s delay as they had to be strung in to a a garland before they bloomed.
This was the order of adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja and Am just fulfilling his Acharyars command and doing service to the Lord.
In this regard he was only emulating the ancient sage Madhurakavi who knew of no other Lord except Nammazhvar and worshiped the Lord because that would please his Acharya Nammalvar.
It is only to please my Acharya, Swamy Ramanuja, “said Ananthazhwan Adiyen is engaged in making garlands and serving at your shrine. I know of no other Lord except Acharya from Srirangam.
I always chant Madhurakavi’s kanninunchiruthambu and think constantly of my Acharya .
You may consider me a dasa of Madhurakavi.
Oh Lord !!!!our Nammalvar recited “paran sendru ser thiruvenkatamamalai (Thiru Venkata Hills where the Lord arrived from Sri Vaikuntha)
Lord !!! After all you are as much a descendent on the Hills as I am. You came little earlier and adiyen came a little later.
Adiyen is here to obey the orders of Swami Ramanuja and will refuse to move out.
Adiyen will continue with my service to you ”The lotus eyed Lord was immensely pleased and applauded Azhwans in describing himself as Madhurakavidasa.
Since then the descendants and the disciples of Azhwan chose to add the term ‘Madhurakavidasa’ to themselves. Like Madhurakavi, Ananthazhwan was also an Acharya dasa.
Ananthazhwan stood to SwamiRamanuja in the same term as Madhurakavi azhwar stood to Nammazhvar.
When Ananthalvan went to Srirangam and prostrated before the Acharya Swamy Ramanuja, he directed him to Sri Arulalapperumal Emberumanar.
In implict obedience, Ananthalvan offered himself as a disciple before Arulalapperumal
Emberumanar.
It is noteworthy that at Tirupathi in the Temple of Lord Govindaraja, there is single shrine for both Madhurakavi and Ananthalvan establishing the latter’s Madhurakavidasatva.
Legend says that Lord Venkateshwara introduced Himself as a disciple of Ananthazhvan to the Srivaishnava pilgrims on their way up the Hills and to have called Himself as Madhurakavidasa.
Further he chanted the two Thaniyans and distributed holy prasada to pilgrims ostensibly at the behest of Ananthazhwan. This was the affection LORD had for the Azhwan .
The Guruparampara prabhava and other works make it clear that Swami Ramanuja first sent Ananthazhwan and then only he himself came up the Hills for worship of Lord Venkateshwara .
As Swami Ramanuja was returning to Srirangam after worshipping at the Hills and after patting his disciple for the excellent garden he has created, Ananthalzhwan was unable to bear the separation from his Acharya.
Swami Ramanuja made one Acharyavigraha of himself and after embracing the same, presented to Azhwan.
It is this deity that Azhwan consecrated at the left side of the main shrine on the Hills after swami Ramanujar left for his heavenly abode. According to scholars, this is the earliest deity of Swamy Ramanuja.
The deity’s at Sriperumbudur, Srirangam and Melkote arrived and glorified later during the last days of Swamy Ramanuja. But the deity at Tirumalai Hills was presented to Azhwan by Swami Ramanuja himself in his middle age during his first visit to the shrine.
The service that Azhwan rendered by getting the deity of Swamy Ramanuja from swamy Ramanuja himself and installing it to the chanting of the Ramanuja Nutrantaati known as ‘Prapanna Gayatri’ has ensured a permanent place for Azhwan in the history of Srivaishnavism.
Out of absolute surrender to Swami Ramanujar Azhwan himself had composed the Ramanuja Chatusloki singing the glory of Swami Ramanuja.
Even this day all the Nithya Thiruvaaradhanai begins from our Bhashyakarar sannithee inside the Main temple
There is an Ananthazhwan Vrindavanam on the Hills in the Ananthalvan garden. There is also a Makila tree (vakula) in the garden. According to tradition, it was on the Tiru Adi puram day that Azhwan left to heavenly abode…
Even today Lord Venkateshwara with his Consorts comes in procession to the garden on the evening of Tiruvadi Puram and prasada is offered on that occasion.
At the time of His return, the sacred Makila tree is offered flowers from the Lord and also Sri Sathakopa.
Outside the Azhwan Thiru Maligai (the house wherein Ananthalvan resided), the Sri Sathakopa is bathed in holy water (Tirumanjana) and Lagu Samproksanam takes place.
The Archaka goes to the Svami Puskarini for bath.This tradition is carried on .
It shows that the Makila (Vakula) tree is probably Ananthalvan himself reborn on the Hills. Kulasekara Alvar had wished to be born on the golden Hills in some form or the other.
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The below two glorification of Swami Ananthawan was done by Lord Venkateshwara in disguise of a small boy to few devotees while giving them prasadam when they wanted to know about his Acharyar ( shared in a separate post )
“akhila bhuvana janma sthema bhangAdi LIle vinata vividha bhuta vrAta rakshaika dikshe | Sruti Sirasi vidIpte brahmaNi SrInivAse bhavatu mama parasmin Semushi bhakti rUpA ||”
May my mind & intellect meditate the form of Bhakti in Srinivasa, the highest Reality, revealed in the Vedanta as the Lord who creates, protects and destroys the whole universe with sportive ease and who has taken a vow to protects all creatures who seek him.
All glories to Swamy Anathazhwan All glories to Swamy Ramanujar All glories to Lord Venkateshwara
Jagathacharyar Swami Ramanuja was explaining to his disciples about the glory of Tirumala . All of a sudden he remembered his dear disciple Ananthazhwan and felt like seeing him who was at Tirumala and have darshinam of Lord Venkatateshwara.
Ananthazvan obediently followed Acharyars instructions and was successful in laying a garden with all kinds of beautiful and pleasant fragrant flowers which he offered as soon as it started blooming to ensure the fragrance remains with LORD daily .
He also dug a small pond for gardening the plants .Swami Ramanuja was very glad to know about his disciple Ananthazvan dedication in serving the LORDSHIPS .
Swamy Ramanuja proceeded his journey towards Tirumala with few of his disciples from Srirangam . In those days Tirumalai was very hard to reach and there was dense forest on the way. The climate was also not suitable as it was too cold on the hill. Two of his disciples were staying near to Tirupathy .
He sent word through two of his disciples to one Yaghyesar who was a rich man to make arrangements for his stay. Yaghyesar was thrilled to hear the news and started making elaborate arrangements, but failed to look after the disciples who had come all the way who gave him the message.
They were not given proper attention .When Swamy Ramanuja came to know about this he felt sad and decided to avoid going to his house .Instead he preferred to visit his other disciple Varadachari. Varadachari was a poor man and was living with daily biksha as per gruhasta ashrama .
His wife Lakshmi was at home when Swami Ramanuja along with his disciples went to their house. Varadacharis wife was very happy to have darisanam of their Acharayar and disciples. She requested them to have food at her house, but told them to take rest at the nearby temple tank garden until she finished cooking.
Sadly she had no groceries to cook for the guests and she was in a predicament. She prayed LORD for HIS mercy . As time was also moving fast , and her husband did not return an idea struck her. In the same village there was a merchant who used to show interest in her and wanted to have relationship with her .
All along Lakshmi being a chaste woman, never yielded to his advances. As a difficult situation arose , she thought that she could submit to the merchant’s advances and get money to buy things for her Acharyar and the bhagavathas. After all it was a wonderful occassion to serve Acharyar who has come directly to their small hut .She prayed Acharyar from her heart and seeked his mercy to help her
.
She went to the merchant’s shop and pleaded him to give her groceries for serving their Acharyar and the bhagavathas and was willing to submit to his advances in exchange .
The merchant, though surprised to hear this, sent all the groceries that she wanted. Lakshmi went home and cooked food and after offering it to Lord, she served Acharyar and the bhagavathas .
It was suprising for her husband Varadachari to suddenly see the bhagavathas and his Acharyar right in their small hut . He offered repeated obeisances to Acharyar .He thanked all of them for being so merciful.He silently praised his wife for the wonderful satsangh and ThadiAaradhanai she was carrying in no time .
Yet , he was confused how Lakshmee could manage the Prasadam to so many bhagavathas as he knew they had no stock in their home . He took her aside and asked her how she was able to manage .
Lakshmee with tears told him all that had happened and expressed helplessness in taking that decision . Varadachari was as cool as as a cucumber . He praised her for her timely decision and submitted to the will of Acharyar .
He took her hand and went in front of Acharyar and both prostrated to Swami Ramanuja . With tears rolling both the disciples expressed whatever had happened .
Swamy Ramanuja was wonderstruck to hear this. He advised them to have their prasad and take the remaining food to the merchant’s house.Varadachari and Lakshmi went to the merchant’s house together carrying Swamy Ramanuja’s sreepada tirtham (holy water) and the prasad that was honoured by Swamy Ramanuja . Varadachari requested the merchant to accept the prasad and the holy theertham ( Charanamruth) ..
After honouring the prasadam that was leftovers from the Acharyar , the merchant behaviour changed . The merchant was overcome by feelings of disgust with himself.
He walked around the couple and prostrated on the ground in front of them, saying — “you are like my parents —
please forgive my ignorance and stupidity and take me to your guru so that I may take refuge in him”…..
They all went back to their house and Swami Ramanuja’s grace made all three of them to progress further in the spiritual bliss .
Swamy Ramanuja accepted the merchant as his disciple. The merchant had offered all his wealth to Swamy Ramanuja and Swamy in turn offered it to his disciple Varadachari. But , Varadachari refused to accept it saying that his guru kataksham was his most cherished wealth.
Thus Swamy Ramanuja proved that guruvaruL would create miracles!
The merchant wept with joy saying —
“you are not a human woman but a goddess you have sacrificed everything, you wanted to sacrifice your honour too .
He immediately told Swamy Ramanuja who was overwhelmed by their devotion to him and blessed them again and again.
All glories to our JagataAcharyar
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Photos and videos : Courtesy Google and SVBC channel
As per the order of JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanuja Anathazhwan served LORD VENKATESHWARA at Tirumala hills . He maintained a garden and was offering fragrant flowers to LORD .The garden was planted with vakula , patala , punnaga , shenbaga and other flower bearing fragrant trees , the bunches of flowers hanging from the branches , entertaining the ears of pilgrims with strains of music poured forth by bees and all kinds of plumaged birds , humming bees , cuckoos and the chirping of birds made the garden a perfect place for divinity .
Nammazwar’s hymns referring to the Lord as residing in flower bedecked ThiruVenkata Hills( Sindhupoo maghizhum Thiruvengadam) was aptly reverberating .
One day , on routine checks Azhwan became upset .He found that the garden had been defiled.
The flower plants were somehow looking tramped by a foreigner . The fruits were plucked and strewn hither and thither. He guessed someone had visited the garden and were running around freely . Nobody around could tell him how this had happened. The gate man was clueless. Ananthazhvan with his disciples kept a watch for intruders. It was the beautiful Spring season ( Vasantha ruthuvu).
Ananthazhvan was hiding underneath a bush. At dead end of the night, he could see a divine princely couple with wonderful ornaments moving inside the garden. For a moment he was overjoyed with the divinity in their appearance , however he was also overtaken by their play that caused withering of the plants and the fragrant flowers .
He decided to catch them and hence made attempt by slowly following the couple. He was surprised to see both of them smiling and allowing themselves to be under his control . Azhwan decided to tie them to a tree and wait for the next day to arrive for handing over them to the security .
However the charming prince who was very handsome escaped from Anathazhwan’s clutches. The princess however could not escape as she was moved by our Azhwans pure bhakthi. Azhwan out of sheer love to LORD questioned the divine lady underneath a Champaka tree .
Why were you two inside this garden that was exclusively being maintained for serving LORD VENKATESHWARA .
How can one commit such offence of meddling with the garden flowers that were being grown only for the service of LORD . Azhwan asked about their living and what way they were connected to the Holy hills not knowing she was JAGANMATHA herself .
The divine lady answered, Swamin “I am like your daughter. I did no wrong. I and my husband who just left me out of your fear ( smilingly ) are the rulers of these Hills. My Lord wanders all over the Hills as he pleases. He must have entered your garden and enjoyed the beauty and was moved with the bhakthi of yours to LORD . I am not responsible for whatever has happened. Please allow me to leave . Being proficient in sastras you must accept as a wife I cannot mention the name of my Lord ….
Please leave me free. Azhvan out of respect and moved by the divine lady’s words replies .. Amma … You look like Mahalakshmi. Verily, you are like a daughter to me. Your husband is sure to come searching for you. Let him come in the morning. I will take a ransom from him and then release you. Till then, I am sorry you will have to be under this Champaka tree ,” and our Ananthazhvan was holding vigil the whole night to meet the Supreme LORD …..
little did he realize that LORD was enacting a divine leela to be cherished by all of us .
The next morning the Archakas opened the temple gate and went into the sanctum sanctorum for the morning rituals. They were surprised to note that the golden locket covering Alarmelmangai on the chest of the Lord was missing. The temple officials of the temple grew suspicious.
At this point of time, an aasurees voice was heard by one of the Archakas pointing out that none of them are guilty and that when the Lord and Alarmelmanga were strolling in the Swamy Ramanuja garden maintained by the devotee Ananthzhvan, out of abundant mercy Goddess Mahalakshmee has submitted to Azhwan .
She was under the Champaka tree under the watchful eye of Azhvan. The Lord commanded the Archakas of the temple to go to the garden and honor the azhvan and with respects invite Azhwan to the temple.
Promptly, the Archakas went to the garden with the temple honours and were bewildered to see Alarmelmanga who was in the disguise of princess and Azhwan under the Champaka tree. In the Dvaparayuga, the Lord was tied to the mortar by Yasoda. The same way, in this Kaliyuga, Alarmelmanga was tieddown to the Champaka tree by Anathazhwan.
They conveyed to him the Lord’s command. Ananthazhvan with full remorse begged pardon and was crest-fallen that he has done bhagavath apachara. With all humility he seeked forgivance for the unexpected error . He immediately released Alarmelmanga and prostrated before her repeatedly praying for forgiveness.
Alarmelmanga smilingly advised that Anathazhwan that he should consider her as his daughter as agreed . Immediately, she transformed herself into a princess . Anathazhwan finishing his morning oblations took his daughter with flowers and garlands in procession to the temple. He bowed before the Lord repeatedly and humbly praying for his mercy said LORD please forgive me for the foolish act .
Here Adiyen has come with the Jaganmatha .Please forgive me and accept heras she was so kind to bless me in being her father . The divine princess immediately transformed herself and adorned the chest of Lord Srinivasa.
This was the origin of the tradition considering Alarmelmanga as the daughter of Anathazhwan and the Lord of the Seven Hills as Anathazhwan’s son in-law. In the Tamil month of Purattasi, during the Rathotsavam, on the eigth day of Srivari Brahmotsava, it is customary even today to adorn the Lord with Pitamabara and silken cloth as Sambhavana of Anathazhwan,the father-in-law. There is a benediction to Anathazhwan…
Malaiyil vengadavarkku mamanar valiye
Alarmelmangai tiruvukku appanar valiye
(Glory to Ananthazhvan who is the father-in-law of Lord Srinivasa!
Glory to Ananthazhvan who is the father of Alarmenmangai!)
Swamy Ananthalwan joined eternity with Lord Venkateshwara on the sacred Thiru Adi Pooram day ( July- August) .
Even today , Lord Venkateswara visits this garden and bestows honours on the Magizha Tree.
The satari at the main sanctum sanctorum is glorified as Sadagopa in remembrance of Nammazhwar.
The Satari in the Swamy Ramanuja shrine is glorified as Ananthalwan.
The Vaishnava community always held religious beliefs as filling too vital a function in sustaining individual morality and morale and social order and control.
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics courtesy : Google images uploaded by several devotees
Swamy Koorathalvan was staying at Thirumalirumcholai during his exile from Swamy Ramanuja under divine intervention . Swamy was carrying out pushpa kainkaryam ( Flower service ) for Lordships every day.
Once , during the month of December ( Margazhi maasam) Koorathazhwan walked the hills and reached the temple . He recited the verses of Andals glorification of LORD from her Thiruppavai . Later with all the due respects he offered a garland to the LORD .The priest in turn honored Koorthazhwan with sathari ( Srisatakopam) .
On returning from the temple en route the hills , Koorathazhwan was feeling sad for some reason . He looked around the majestic hills . He passed the rivulets and reached his house . He sat outside his house and was in a trance .
Suddenly a young well built man emerged from no where and politely stood before Azhwan . He asked ..Swamin What is making you dull today ?
Swamin !!! I assure you whatsover the problem, I would solve the same . Azhwan was silent ..
Despite repeated such assurances, Koorathazhwan, insisted that there was no way his problem could be solved. At his casual reply , the charming man got surprised.
He went near Azhwan and said …Swamin Do you know who I am ?
Swamy Koorathazhwan replied with all humility,
Swamin ! ”Adiyen can recognize you very well.
You are the Lord himself”.
Amazed at how azhwan could recognize him, Lord was keen to know ..
Azhwan replied that he could smell the Lord fragrance from the garland that he had offered for the day.
Coming back to the question of what was troubling azhwan, azhwan still insisted that though he was the Lord himself, his trouble could not be resolved even by him.
Lord insisted for Azhwans explanation …
“What is the problem – you have to tell me?”
Azhwan replied,
“ The Thiruppavai pasuram mentions your anubhavam with the yadava kulam.
Adiyen am sad that I was not fortunate to be born in the yadava kulam. Now that I have Swamy Ramanuja association ,
Adiyen is eligible for moksham. However adiyen cannot be associated with the yadu kulam where devareer ( LORD) was there with each one of them to their joy …Can adiyen experience that big joy of being part of your kulam?”now ……………………….
It was during Twelfth Century AD. Kulothunga Chozhan II was ruling over a major part of Tamilnadu.
He had adopted Saivism as his religion.
He also proclaimed as the religion of the State. Though not a big deal whatsoever religion the King followed became the religion of the state.
But the King wanted to destroy Sree Vaishnavism. Love, whatever may be its form and manifestation, can never be divisive.
The Chozha King had a diabolic minister by name Naalooran .
The King first started a signature campaign against Vaishnavism.
All the lords and land owners in the kingdom professed allegiance to the religion of the state out of fear of the King .
The King proudly displayed the signature scroll to his minister, Naalooran.
The Minister let out a derisive smile.
“Your Majesty, he said .. you have got the signature of sheep and rabbits leaving out the real lions and tigers of SriVaishnavism.
If Swamy Ramanujacharya and Koorathazhwan, his main disciple were to sign this scroll then it would be something worth ”..
The King was furious.
“Let those two be brought before the court”, thundered the cruel king. The King’s men went in search of Swami Ramanuja and Koorathalwan.
Swamy Ramanuja had gone to Cauvery for his morning bath. Koorathazhwan was in the mutt. “We want to take your guru Ramanuja to the King’s court.” Kurathazhwan saw the mini army assembled before him.
He saw the hatred in the Chief’s voice. He knew their mission. Within seconds he went into the mutt, put on Swami Ramanuja’s dress and took Sri Ramanujar’s thridandam (a holy stick carried by Vaishnava Sanyasis) and was ready to go with them.
“We also want your disciple, Koorathazhwan.” Now he was in a fix. If he revealed his identity those rascals would go in search of Swami Ramanuja and would soon find him out.
He was thinking of a strategy, when Perianambi, another disciple of Sri Ramanuja, jumped into the fray. “Yes, He said , I am Koorathazhwan.
What do you want to do with me?
Koorathazhwan had to take enormous efforts to hide his tears.
Perianambi was an aged man, a devout Vaishnavite and a great scholar.
And he was risking his life. The two great vaishnavas were produced before the King’s court.
The King ordered them to renounce their religion and sign the scroll professing their allegiance for the kings order .
Both refused giving Vedic explanations .
Sad was the situation where a devotee had to prove LORDS supremacy .
Naalloran, the evil minister, again smiled derisively.
The King was furious. “Take them away and gorge out their eyes.” He thundered in fury. Perianambi was the first to be taken out. Within minutes Koorathazhwan heard Perianambil’s wail. The cruel soldiers had plucked out his eyes.
“Is the Vaishnavite worm dead or alive?” The King asked his men with a wicked smile. Koorathazhwan roared in anger. “You called Perianambi a worm, right? Oh, Cruel King, you will soon know more about worms. May my curse be upon you.” His voice echoed against the four walls of the court.He then ran to Perianambi.
The devout Vaishnavite was uttering the Lord’s name and Swamy Ramanuja’s name. Life was slowly ebbing out of him. Koorathazhwan placed Perianambi’s head on his lap and let him leave his body and move to Acharyans lotus feet .
The King’s men then approached Koorathazhwan to pluck out his eyes. “Having seen Perianambi in this state, it will be a sin, if I continue to have my eyesight. “spoke the great devotee .
With these words the great disciple of Swami Ramanujar , Koorathazhwan took the spear from a soldier and plucked out his eyes himself.
The story did not end there. The King went on a camp to Tanjore. As he was sleeping in the night, he had an unusual feeling in his neck. There was a small infection. He thought of summoning the doctor in the morning.
But by morning the infection had become so great, that hundreds of worms were wriggling on his neck. He died the next day earning for him the epithet Kirumi Kanda Chozhan. The Chozha king with worms on his neck. The worms had to do what was destined to him . Apachara on vaishnava is instant …
The story did not even end there. It was only several years after the death of the Cruel King that Swami Ramanuja could meet the blind Koorathazhwan. Ramanuja hugged his disciple and cried.“Koorthazhwan, I am your Guru.
I have not asked anything from you so far. I am going to ask you something now. You should not refuse.”
“My life, my body and my soul belong to you, Gurudeva.
Your word would be my command.”he said to our Acharyar Swami Ramanuja .
Please “Go to Kancheepuram.
Pray to our Sri Varadaraja Perumal. For your Bhakthi He’s sure to appear before you. Please ask Him to restore your eyesight.”
Adiyen “I will, Acharya said Azhwan.” With the help of few other disciples azhwan travelled to Kancheepuram from Srirangam. It was a two weeks’ journey.
They reached Kancheepuram in the night. The next morning Koorathazhwar had his bath, finished his morning prayers, prayed to his Acharyar and appeared before Lord Varadharaja.the deity of supreme love.
Koorathazhwan had been to the sanctom and sanctorum of the temple and had worshipped the Lord’s form many times, when he had his eyes.
Remembering that form, remembering the words of his Acharyar , with eternal love flowing in his heart, Koorathazhwan composed and sang Varadarajasthawam, a beautiful poem glorifying the Lord’s grace.
Perarulaalan, his beloved, Lord Varadharaja was immensely pleased and appeared before his blind devotee in a vision.
Lord said , “Koorathazhwan, tell me, what do you want?” Had the devotee asked for the seven worlds, the good Lord would have placed them at his feet.
Seeing the Lord, hearing His voice, now Koorathazhwan’s heart was so full of love, that he forgot his mission. He even forgot his Gurudeva’s words.
He forgot the fact that he was blind. What bliss was he enjoying at that moment!
If people could enjoy that kind of a bliss, there would be no hatred in this world.
Why should people hate each other, and that too in the name of God?
He felt sad why at all he cursed the Chozha King.
Then he remembered the evil Minister, Naalooran.
Naaloran was still alive.
Koorathazhwan folded his hands before the graceful Lord and told him in a shivering voice,
“Naalooran, the minister should enjoy the same kind of bliss which I am enjoying now in your presence.
I want no more than this, my Lord.”he said with tears..
That was koorathazhwan a true vaishnava ..
Koorathazhwan had done the unthinkable.
Forgetting his eyes, forgetting the previous enmity, forgetting the hatred Naalooran had for Vaishnavites, he had blessed him and had given him eternal bliss.
By asking this boon he had grown in love at par with the God Himself. Later when Ramanujar heard of Koorathazhwan’s act even he could not muffle his sobs.
Religion and God are all about love, the highest kind of love, which does not hold anything for itself, the highest love which does not have a place for hatred or evil.
The Lord granted the boon, blessed Koorathazhwan and disappeared with a mischievous smile on his beautiful lips.
May Koorathazhwan who was kind enough to give benediction to his enemy teach us how to love.
May he make us love more and love deeper.
Azhwans 1013 appearance day (THAI HASTHAM) is celebrated on Feb 2023 .
I worship Koorathazhwan, whose pancha stavam are like mangala sutra (Thirumaangalyam) for the vedas – i.e., without which there is no clarity in who is paradEvathai.
The 1013 th Appearance day celebrations on Feb 10 th are conducted grandly at the holy place Kooram very near to Kancheepuram the place where Azhwar had appeared ,
Inspired from Shri Varalotee Rangaswamy article All glories to Swamy KoorathAzhwan All glories to Swami Ramanuja Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Swamy Koorath Azhwan the great sri vaishnava acharya , earned his daily bread by the traditional means prescribed for a Vedic “grahasta” (householder) viz. “unchavratti” ( the practice of going around one’s neighborhood for daily alms and sustaining oneself solely by such means)
Nothing was accumulated… be it food or clothes…nothing more was collected than what Kuresan considered as sufficient to satisfy the wants of his family in the space of a single day… that was kuresa the most advanced srivaishnava …
One day it rained heavily and the time for going around on his “unchavratti” came and passed. Kuresan and Andalamma his dear wife went without any food that day except for a sip of the holy water offered to the household deity.
They skipped supper too. Kuresan was unmindful of his hunger since he kept reciting the hymns “tiruvoimozhi” ( Nammazhwars hymns on LORD ) throughout the rainy day, but AndAlamma deeply felt the pangs of pain… pain, not of her own hunger, but the pain of watching her husband starve. It was evening then and just at that moment the temple bells of the Srirangam temple tolled. It was the signal to indicate that Lord Ranganatha was being offered his evening “naivEdyam” or worshipful food. When his wife AndAlamma heard the temple gong she bit her lips in tears. She couldn’t help silently muttering, “O Ranga, my Rangaa when your devotee Kuresan goes starving on a day like this, how are you able to enjoy your feast?”.
The piercing cry of Andalamma’s pain was obviously heard by LORD and for LORD that same night appeared in the dream of one of His temple-officials, one Sri. Uttama-nambi whom He commanded: “Go forth immediately with my food-offerings to the house of my devotee Kuresan for he has eaten nothing this day! Tell him that We send him our meal and our blessings!”. Uttama-nambi woke up startled and drenched in cold sweat. Gathering himself up and summoning all temple staff including pipers, drummers, stewards and ceremonial carriers, he marched in a great procession in the middle of the night to Kuresan’s house, carrying trays of food that had previously been offered as “naivEdyam” to Lord Ranganatha. When the procession reached Kuresan’s home Uttama-nambi recounted to him Lord Ranga’s commandment in his dream and begged Kuresan to accept the Lord’s offering of food. .Kuresan was too dumbfounded to react! AndAlamma however gently advised her husband to accept the temple offerings.
“This food has been sent by our Lord Ranga Himself, and we must accept it and rejoice!”, she said. His job accomplished, Uttama-nambi returned to his abode, utterly relieved that he had carried out Lord Ranga’s express orders without further
ado.
Back home Kuresa however suspected that the midnight offer of food by Lord Ranga had something to do with his wife. So Kuresa queried AndAlamma who after much persuasion confessed to what had happened, of how she had shared her anguish with Ranga over the plight of Kuresan going without a morsel of food on that rainy day.
“My dear !!”, chided Kuresan gently, “what have you done! What have you done! You have tested Divinity’s compassion for a mere morsel of food to fill this sinner’s belly!”. All the same that night, Kuresan and AndAlamma ate the temple food-offerings of Lord Ranganatha and went to bed happily.
That same night, LORD Ranganathar appeared again in a dream, but this time in Kuresan’s sleep and announced, “Kuresa, my dear ….We trust that our offering of food has pleased you. Our offering was not merely to satisfy your pangs of physical hunger but to meet your desire or greater hunger for the love of children! What you and AndAlamma have just eaten are the seeds of two little children to be born to you! They will be Our own children! They are blessed indeed! Rejoice in them as you would rejoice in Our Presence amongst you!”. Lord Ranganatha the all compassionate LORD smiled and vanished.Kuresan excitedly woke up Andalamma to tell her all about the dream. A few years later, two beautiful boy babies were born to Kuresan and Andalamma! Their hearts burst with joy. The news of the birth of Kuresan’s boys reached Swamy Ramanuja too and he was transported with joy!
The grand old “AchAryA” himself performed the “nAma-karanam” (christening) for Kuresan’s both the boys naming them “VyAsa-bhattar” and “Parashara-Bhattar”!
The latter boy became later in life one of the tallest “AchAryA-s” in the SriVaishnava pantheon of post-Ramanuja stalwarts! Parashara Bhattar came to be acknowledged by posterity as the natural heir to all of Ramanuja’s spiritual kingdom!
Thus indeed, had Kuresan, through his offspring, Parashara Bhatta, performed yet another great service or “kainkaryam” to his beloved guru
Few more divine pastimes are shared below in the appended posts
He gave unto the venerable RamanujachArya’s arms his fledgling spiritual heir… one who would carry on unbroken the grand tradition of “sri-sampradAyam” for all times to come!
All glories to Swami Koorathazhwan
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics and videos courtesy : Shared by several devotees in social media
Saalagramam ( Mukthinath ) is the only vaishnava divya dEsam located outside of India. … Muktinath describes a region on the banks of the Gandaki River .It is revealed in scriptures
Gandakyamcha uttare teere Girirajasya dakshine
Dasayojana vistheernaam Mahakshetra Vasundharaa
Salagramo Mahadevo devi Dwaravati bhaved
Ubhayossangamo yatra Muktisttattra na samsaya.”
Literally means ……
“To the north of the river, Gandaki and south of the Himalayas, there is the holy region of Salagrama, which is ten yojanas extent, and here Dwaravati merges into Salagrama. Undoubtedly such a place is capable of vouchsafing Moksha.”
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Muktinath Divya desam located in Nepal is an important pilgrimage site for Sri Vaishnavites and Buddhists.
It is one of the eight swayam vyakta kshetrams
(-out of this 4 are in southern India and 4 in Northern India).
In Northern India, LORD has manifested Himself in the form of forest at Naimisaranyam, as divine water in Pushkar, as mountain in Badrinath and as Fossils in Saalagramam kshetram whereas in rest of India Lord is glorified in Archa form (Tirumala, Srirangam) .
The best season to visit this holy place ( Mukthinaath) “saalagramam” is during March-April OR during September to 1s week of October.
May to August is rainy season and is not advisable as per locals .
As a visit to this place bestows liberation, this kshetram is known as Mukthi kshetram and LORD here is glorified as MUKTHI NARAYANAN.
This piligrimage was undertaken during 2006 and was posted in www.srivaishnavam.com Adiyen was keen to share the pictures and video clips as requested by few devotee friends in the blog which happened recently . The present situation as per the experiences of piligrims is roads are good and transport arrangements are available right from Jomson to Mukthinath .
Also the road to Pokara to Mukthinath is approachable and made motor able with some excellent reviews as seen from their good experiences .
Before continuing with my travel diary done during 2006 , Adiyen offer my sincere obeisance’s to Sri Rangasri group members , ISCKON Maharajs and several great devotees of LORD who played a pivotal role in making this trip possible with whatever information they could give me when Internet was not really at reach of a common man .
This divya desam darshan was very special to all of us . My family joined me in having darshan of all the 105 Divya desams since 2002 .
And Mukthinath darshan was the last temple we all wished to have darshan .
The excitement and the thirst to be there was to the peaks as it was very special . Elders encouraged us to proceed but were worried as we were taking our two kids who were too young and in case they fell sick etc ……
Whatsoever…. ,
we decided to proceed with total surrender to the Supreme Lord
There are different modes of transport to reach Muktinath from Jomsom.
By walk
By pony ride
By motor cycle (charge 2200 NR with 2 hours stay in Muktinath)
By tractor (depends upon the no. of passengers)
The package for Rs.5,500/- INR which included hotel stay at Jomsom and Muktinath, 2 ponies, overnight stay allowance to pony rider and trekking permits was considered good enough during the year 2006 as we did not have any alternative though we later learnt it was exorbitant.
The climate in Pokhara valley is unpredictable. To add to our tension, there was a heavy downpour in the evening and we had our apprehensions regarding next day’s flight to Jomsom.
We lost our confidence due to the changing weather as flights would be cancelled in case of storms .
We chanted Sri Vishnu sahsranamam and surrendered to Perumal for mercy …
We knew that it was “NOW or NEVER” . We had to go to Muktinath at any cost and reach Gorakpur as planned ,because there was only one train to Secunderabad from Gorakpur and had to leave for Tirupati as planned . More over all the tickets were confirmed .
We realized there was NOTHING and only HIS ABUNDANT GRACE could make us visit MUKTINATH. The day finally arrived .
It was Pournami ( Full moon day ) , the auspicious month of Purattasi. Submitting to the divine grace LORD and finishing our morning prayers, we left to Pokhara airport which is a 10 minute drive from the hotel.
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 8.30 A.M. (fifth flight).
Gorkha Airlines and Royal Nepal Air lines operates service for POKHARA-JOMSOM-POKHARA sector presently .
For the record, Royal Nepal Airlines, have only 1 or 2 flights operating ( Depending on the r conditions ) is known to be the most unreliable airline in Nepal.
There are many other airlines flying to Pokhara and Jomsom, such as Nikon Air, Buddha Air and Cosmic Air, but presently not been operating . The private airlines are more reliable in Nepal.
Out of their 2 flights, only one was operational and this has to make atleast 5 trips every day to clear the traffic. As mentioned earlier, the services resumed only 2 days earlier after a gap of 10 days.
To our dismay, we learn t that though it was nearly 9 A.M., the first trip itself did not take off due to fog. Boarding pass were not issued to us because our names were in the 5th trip. The officials were doubtful because after 11 AM , flights cannot reach Jomsom due to heavy winds and if the wind doesn’t subside the flight will be cancelled .
This was a shocking news to us ……..
Our hearts beat fast… chanting Dwayam and mahamantra … My mind races to all the corners of the small airport . My body shivers …. I look around ….pleading LORD …
There’s a light breeze, which is chilly.
The sky is now gone blue and the tops of the mountains are slowly becoming clear.
We started reciting Sri Vishnu Sahasranaamam in the airport and prayed ardently to Periya Thiruvadi ( Garuda bhagavan )and Siriya Thiruvadi ( Bhaktha hanuman ) for their intervention in reaching Lords abode .
The children were excited when the sky became more clear and the flights were being resumed.
Chanting Vishnu Sahasranaamam was mandatory for all of us .
Our turn to board the flight came at 11 A.M.
Thanking the Lord, with tears rolling , we boarded the 20 seater propeller flight with window seats for everyone at 11 A.M .
We’re now on the plane. The air hostess was kind . Making us feel comfortable , we looked at the abundant mountains all over as she asked us to see through the windows ..
Just 18 passengers plus the flight attendant squeezed into these little seats.
No overhead baggage compartment.
A different feeling all together …..The flight attendant once again came and passed out some sweets and cotton for people to plug their ears.
The captain was still checking out the RPMs of the propeller .
We are about to take off and we all chanted the juicy name loudly
GOVINDA …….GOVINDA ….REMEMBERING OUR LORD GOVINDA
We’re in the air now.
It’s a smooth flight.
On the right of the aircraft Adiyen could see the white Himalayas, which stand like a great wall between Nepal and China.
On the left were high mountains, but no snow.
Below us are valleys and the holy Gandaki river.
The weather is good and clear . The plane flies between the Himalayas, not over them!
We are in this little Dornier aircraft, skims craggy ridge tops and often buffeted by mountain winds.
Chanting Lords name continuously we dare to see the propellers from the window panes ..When an airplane flies to Jomsom they are very close to the mountains on either side of the valley.
Strong winds come off the mountains at times, making it difficult or impossible to fly.
We were told , a few years ago a flight crashed into the side of one of the mountains and it took them several days to find it. There were no survivors.
The recent news of a helicopter crashing added to further fear though my wife and kids were relaxed and surrendered to Lords wish.
Just 20 mins from Pokhara flying up the highest-deepest valley in the world, sometimes battling winds of 120 Mph (200 km+) as the clouds lift causing a kind of vacuum effect propelling winds.
The flight is moving amidst big mountains, taking sharp turns and is sure to instill fear in everyone but the Lord’s names on our lips drove out the fear in us.
We are now flying between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, two immense glacier covered peaks towering well above the airplane as we flew up the Gandaki river valley.
We were longing for our lifetime mission to be completed and were enthusiastic and prepared to face the worst situation, if any.
We landed at Jomsom airport in about 20 mins .
We look around the small airport surrounded by mountains .
Quickly coming out we see plenty of foreigners accompanying us .
Jomsom is so modern that there’s even an Internet Cafe here. This is apple country. Apples like cold weather, We took 3 kgs of apples for just 30 rupees.
Thanking Lord very much we briskly moved and located the hotel . As assured the incharge who co ordinated from Pokhra , had made all arrangements for our trip to Muktinath.
Annapurna trekking permit is a must and we had taken our pass port photographs with Nepalee Rupee as fees for the same .
2 ponies with a guide were provided.
Baggages were tied to children’s ponies and myself accompanied by my wife started the holy trek to Muktinath at 12 noon
While my wife and children were chanting I quickly procured the Conversation Permit to go trekking in the area surrounding Annapurna Mountain and understood the ponies were booked no doubt but are awaiting at the banks of gandaki river which is 20 mins trek .
After clearing the town of Jomsom which is modern , we headed out over the stony riverbed. .
I was enthusiastic in revealing the legendary stories about this punya stala to my kids who are distinguished as they also joined in the 106 Divya desam yathirai effortlessly.
“To the north of the river, Gandaki (also called Narayani), and south of the Himalayas, there is the holy region of Salagrama, which is ten yojanas extent, where Dwaravati merges into Salagrama. Undoubtedly such a place is capable of vouchsafing Moksha.”
Actually, about 140 miles from Khatmandu is situated Muktimati or Muktikshetra, also called “Salagrama-kshetra.
Legend has it that once Bramha was exasperated at the rate of increase of the sinners among his creation. Then drops of sweat rolled down his cheeks (Ganda), ultimately collecting themselves into the form of a female child called “Gandaki.”
She took it into her head to do a severe penance which became so overwhelming that the Devas started trembling before her. As usual they offered her the bait of a boon on return for her stopping her penance, but they met a Tartar in her, for she wanted to mother all the Devas. Not having the power to grant such a boon, the Devas pleaded their inability, at which Gandaki became furious and cursed all the devas to be born as worms on the earth below.
The Devas in their turn placed a countercurse on her head that she should become “Jada” or inert matter. Naturally Bramha was concerned with this unexpected development. Unable to find a way out, he consulted Indra and Rudra. With them also he drew a blank. Finally, all the three turned to Vishnu, who said: “In as much as the curses have been already pronounced, they cannot be revoked, and both parties affected must suffer them. The problem is how to make them work to their mutual and ultimately universal benefit.” After consideration, Lord said: ” I shall take up my abode in the Chakra Teertha near Salagramakshetra. You, Devas, shall migrate to this hallowed region as “Vajrakitas” eating into the pebbles. Gandaki shall in the form of a river fill the universe enveloping the shilas hallowed by me.”
Salagrama shilas are obtained only from the river Gandaki, which is a Himalayan stream, celebrated since antiquity as Narayani, Saligrami, Hiranvati and Hiranyavati.
The epic Mahabharata speaks of its sanctity (Bhishma-parva) . The puranas also describe it as a sacred stream in which all the gods and titans abide . By merely looking at it, one would eliminate all his mental defilement’s, by touching it his bodily sins are burnt up, and by sipping its water the verbal demerits are thrown out.
One who comes into contact with this sacred stream will be liberated from the cycle of birth and deaths, even if he be a sinner.
And for the reason, the river Gandaki became among all the rivers extraordinarily sacred Being a mystic river, looking at it, touching it, bathing in it and sipping its waters will be conductive to eliminate all sins, even the greatest of sins pertaining to the body, speech and mind. Adiyen recollected them there are many aspects of this pilgrimage right from going to the Holy Tirtha of Shalagram high in the Himalayas; the challenge of one’s faith, to be there and to find one’s worshippful Lord; the material elements, and other various hardships – walking many miles/kilometres, high altitude, no food, the weather, the constant wind, wild animals, dacoits and theives, mundane trekkers, so many things.
We are now trekking near the banks of Gandaki river. Which rises beyond the Himalayan ranges, probably in Tibet, and flows (in the north-south direction) into Nepal, There is a lake at the source of the Kali-Gandaki , called Damodar-kunda on the Nepal .
The lower Gandaki is well known as Mukti-natha-kshetra, also called Saligrama-kshetra. The sacred stones are largely found on the banks of Kali-gandaki near Tukche, between the two mountains Dhavala-giri and Annapurana.
Damodara-Kunda is considered as Saivite place of pilgrimage by Nepalis. This is the punya kshetram where saligrama deities are found within the Nepal territory to the fortunate souls . As advised by my father the children learnt the sloka by heart supposed to be chanted while we trek the route .The sloka goes like this with meaning explained below..
dheya sada savitra mandala madhya-varti—
naryanah sarasijasana
sannivistah keyuravan makara kundalavan kiriti
–hari hiranmaya vapuh dhrita sankha cakrah
Narayana is the Supreme Personality of Godhead to be meditated upon in the center of the sun globe. He is situated on a lotus flower and seated in the lotus posture. He is adorned with beautiful golden bracelets, amulets, earrings, necklace and a crown. He has the golden effulgence and is seen holding the pure white conch and Sudarshana cakra in His lotus hands. Oh wielder of the conch, disc, club, and other natural weapons, You are the Lord and resident of the spiritual realm. Oh indestructible one, protector of the worlds, oh lotus eyed Lord, please save all of us who have taken shelter of you and appear before us .
We found there was a path that skirted the riverbed, but we preferred to walk along the riverbed. The children were delighted to see the horseman and the horses at the river bank. As we walked along we started to notice the wind was picking up and the clouds were closing in from the mountains on either side of us.
My children happily rode the horses chanting the Dhyana sloka as I advised them to sincerely pray and look in the river for holy salagrama silas .
En route after offering oblations and sincere obeisancesto the holy gandaki river I requested the horse man to help the children in looking for the salagrama which he readily obliged. The river Gandaki is a very ancient river; and the geologists say that it existed even before the formation of the Himalayan ranges. It rises beyond the Himalayan ranges, probably in Tibet, and flows (in the north-south direction) into Nepal.
And for the reason, the river Gandaki became among all the rivers extraordinarily sacred Being a mystic river, looking at it, touching it, bathing in it and sipping its waters will be conductive to eliminate all sins, even the greatest of sins pertaining to the body, speech and mind. My soul danced with joy looking at the nature and being in Gods own world. We are now in the Lower Mustang belt as per the Map . Mustang is an Anglicization of the Tibetan Lo Manthang, which is an autonomous region in north-central Nepal that borders on Tibet. The destination of our trek today was to reach Mukthinath by evening .
En route there is the village of Kagbeni (“Crow Confluence” in Nepali).
The rocky highland stretching from Jomsom to Kagbeni–through which the Gandaki flows–is called Lower Mustang. Upper Mustang is where Damodar Kund is located, a lake that is the root source of all salagram silas.
It was told that from here one treks to Damodar kund the source of all the saligrama silas ( Sree Moorthy ).
According to one version, the Salagramam Divya Desam is just the bank/bed of River Gandaki and not the Mukthinath temple. Few also claim Its Damodar kund .River Kaligandaki has its source in Damodar Kund and throughout its flow to south right up to Indian border carries a manifestation of lying lord Vishnu with Damodarkund jeweled as His auspicious Head and with Muktinath as the mouth, Shaligram Chakra as chest Kuru Kshetra as the waist, Devaghatam as the Knee and lastly the auspicious feet of lord Vishnu goes to the credit of Gajendra Moksha devadham,.
Such a beautiful elaboration of the lord, one may find starting from the auspicious lakes of Damodar Kund. The Damodar Kunda (lake) is situated rain shadow of High Himalayas north of Annapurna range.
The elevation of the Damodar Kunda is 4890 meters and it is a cold and windy place. According to another version, the Mukthinath temple is very much the Divya Desam of Salagramam. It is difficult to establish which of the two versions is right. Either way, there is no question that our great saint Thirumangai Azhwar visited at least the banks of the Gandaki River, as did Swamy Ramanuja.
And no matter which version is accurate, there is no taking away from the beauty of this Divya Desam and its surroundings. and one of the pAsuram, Tirumangai AzhwAr exhorts his mind to attain the Lord of Salagrama.
It was this Lord who, armed with bow and arrow, crossed forests inhabited by wild deer, elephants and horses, and then built a bridge of boulders to reach the high-walled fortress of Lanka and severed the ten heads of Ravana- the king of the RakshasAs glorifying LORD RAMAs avataram . The route to Damodar lake is three days walk north east from the main Mustang trekking route & very close to Tibetan border.
We had to drop the idea of going into Upper Mustang as expensive permits are required from the Nepali authorities . Formerly the Gandaki River Valley was the most important trade route between India and Tibet. It was controlled by the Buddhist kingdom of Lo Manthang, which was of Tibetan culture.
But more than 200 years ago the Buddhist Raja of Lo Manthang allied with the Hindu Raja of Kathmandu in a war against Tibet.
This is why the present region of Mustang (Lo Manthang), which is populated mostly by Buddhist people with Mongolian features, is part of Nepal and not Tibet (now fully controlled by Communist China).
Now the trekking trail takes us away from the bank of the Gandaki for a while. I along with my wife started chanting Shri Vishnu sahasranaamam , while my eyes were immersed in the beauty of Lords own little world far away from material and karmic vasanas. .
Few foreigners along with their guide walk briskly before us cheering NAMASTE …
I feel their enthusiasm in trekking the mountains and truly with the protective wind shields, woolen socks, rock boots and body packs they were perfect mountaineers, I avoided the trekking kit to tax my body in reaching Lords abode with a sincere vow as I did for Ahobilam and Tirumala.
Muktinath is situated at a height of 3,800 metres whereas jomsom is at 2713 metres. The distance to Muktinath from Jomsom by walk is 21 kms (via Kagbeni) whereas now there is another short-cut which involves climbing of a steep mountain but would save about 3-4 kms. To reach Muktinath, we need to cross 3 settlements- Eklabhatti, Khinga, Jharkot (Earlier, piligrims used to go toMuktinath via Eklabhatti, Kagbeni, Jharkot). One can find maps displayed on boards with the name of settlement, no. of hotels,lodges , distance to the next settlement and approximate time-only in these places, one can get drinks/ food etc) I could see my children moving away from us quickly .
I wonder whether we can make it today . En route we see the skull of a yak. This classic symbol of desolation accentuates the atmosphere of loneliness that hangs over the Gandaki River Valley. Between Jomsom and Kagbeni one sees evidence of human habitation only rarely. We could see an isolated stone hut of a herdsman. Nobody was home when we passed it .
A metal suspension bridge en route spans the Gandaki River Valley. What adds a cultural mystique to the mountain paths and the flat areas of the Kali Gandaki are the teams of yaks and mules that would traverse the steep slopes carrying supplies back and forth from each area.
The owner would be behind a team of 6 or more animals that methodically climb and descend (they could probably have done it blindfolded), stepping out of the way of persons who would approach from the opposite way.
Each would wear an enchanting bell (like one of those wind chimes) which would create a sattvic atmosphere, especially needed when you round a sharp corner on a narrow path and if without the bell… without a warning…well you tell me…you are quietly rounding a blind corner bend over a 500 meter canyon and suddenly you come nose to nose with a large personality with long horns…how would you react?
So the bells do provide tranquility and safe travels. On the pan of the Gandaki you will note on the bottom right-hand side of the picture a tiny line of such a team sauntering along. This gives you an appreciation for the vastness of the area.
Incredibly strong winds often blow through the valley, and if you are crossing this bridge when such a wind comes up, you truly fear you’ll be blown off into the valley below . My wife pauses for rest on the east end of the bridge. Where I quickly take few pictures and shoot from my camcorder .
As we continued our trek, we moved away from Kali Gandaki river ,we could view her only from a distance. Initially, the way was broad enough but it was a stony path. Though one doesn’t feel thirsty due to the chillness , it is advisable to carry a bottle of water, some glucose, few apples etc on the way . Some foreign tourists were cycling on the steep mountains. They are fortunate to be there as It was sure Its HIS blessings they were there and who knows destined to get emancipation too.
Now , we were surrounded by Annapurna mountains on one side and Dhaulagiri mountains on the other sides. With mountains all around, a pleasant chilly breeze and Kali Gandaki flowing below, the picturesque beauty was feast to the body mind and soul. Visualizing the Viraata Purusha in our mind’s eye moving upwards, the path was narrowing and in some places, we came to the edge of the cliff. We had to slowly walk forward by holding hands. This was becoming more adventurous. Crossing many mountains on the way and the connecting path is usually narrow.
It took about 2 hours for us to reach the first settlement EKLABHATTI. At this point we are thankfully within sight of the town of Kagbeni. The trek through the valley involves is mostly flat and level. But the valley itself is some 2000 meters above sea level! Thus catching your breath is a problem, since there is less oxygen in the air than normal.
As we descend from the bridge to the valley floor we meet a herd of incredibly nimble mountain goats. At the upper edgey we can see Ekla Bhatti, the southern “suburb” of Kagbeni. Behind , the holy Gandaki flows on her way from Kagbeni, visible in the distance As the sun shines over the Himalayan horizon, we see the blackish waters of the Gandaki from a higher altitude.
I finally locate the sign board of Eklabatti where my children and the horseman are awaiting. The pony rider told us that from this place, there are 2 routes – one towards Kagbeni and the other towards Khinga. Kagbeni is a small developing village with staying facilities and people with sufficient time stay at kagbeni. But as we were running short of time, we decided to go via Khinga.
Further trail to Muktinath carries us out of the Gandaki River Valley into the soaring mountain heights. This is not easy going. The air was thin to begin with, but now as we trudge ever-higher in the hot sun and the decreasing oxygen becomes more and more of a problem. In less than half and hour, we look down upon Kagbeni as if from an airplane. We met a good number of trekkers along the Jomsom-Kagbeni-Muktinath path. Americans, Australians, Britishers, Europeans, and local Nepalese were moving in scattered numbers. The trail winds along the side of a steep valley formed by a white-water tributary that rushes down to meet the Gandaki at Kagbeni. In the cliffside opposite are many caves.
The local Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns sometimes retire to these caves for meditation and austerity. Chanting loudly Lords names and the mahamantra , We climb the steep slippery mountain for about half an hour . The pony rider advised us not to look up or look down as it would instill fear in us we trek like sheeps.. There is a very narrow path where one can put only one foot carefully . Children were frightened to sit on the pony but having come half the way, they had no other choice but to keep their eyes tightly closed and pray to Lord. We were passing thru a deserted place where there was no vegetation but only few mountain shrubs. WE were literally gasping for breath.
Added to this, wind started blowing and it was becoming even more difficult to trek. After climbing the steep mountain, we kept on walking on the narrow way for nearly an hour . Suddenly the weather changed and it started drizzling. We were unable to put a step further because it was slippery and the rains would make the road worse. Added to that, there was no one in sight to help us in any adverse condition. Once again, our prayers to Lord did not go in vain. It stopped drizzling and there was only cool soft breeze.
Prayed to Bhaktha Hanuman for His intervention and all of a sudden It stopped drizzling. Soft cool breeze was blowing . WE felt as if Vayu Bhagavan was being kind to us as we are on the way to have darshan of Lord Vishnu. It was 4 PM in the evening. Rested for a while at one of the way side restaurants and with the ingredients like milk powder, sugar, which we had taken with us, prepared some hot drink and we are charged up once again. It may be mentioned that enroute at the settlements, the hotels provide limited variety of fast food like rotis/ noodles and hot water.
The pony rider asked us to walk fast as it was getting dark at 5 PM itself ,but as we are not used to walking, we could not do so. The trek from Khinga was not very difficult. In and around Khinga, we came across rich vegetation, and the dwellers in these places, polite by nature, were seen knitting mufflers and other woolen products. Apples were available in plenty , though a bit costly compared to Jomsom, we could get them for Rs.10/- per kg. On the way, we had to cross few mountain streams while trekking which was refreshing. It was becoming dark at 5 itself and by 6 P.M., we could not see anything.
Exhausted, we decided to stay overnight in the nearest settlement. The inn-keeper charged Rs.300/- INR for 4 beds. After finishing our dinner, we retired for the night. It was very very cold. Although short of breath, and having to stop every few hundred feet and rest, and although it took me 6 hours to get up there, we made it. Practically it was a miracle. Although sore tonight, I am not at all sorry that I went there and I’d gladly go again in the future Next day morning, we woke up at 430 AM and could see the sun rise at 5.30AM . It was calm and serene throughout. We checked out of the inn and continued our journey. It took about an hour for us to approach the village of Jarkot. Looking carefully we can see the dark red Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop at the edge of this village. It is 500 years old. The Muktinath temple is about an hour’s walk beyond Jarkot. On the top of the mountain is the white lip of a glacier that feeds the Gandaki with its icy waters. Having left Jarkot behind, we are approaching the Dreamland Hotel, which is the first building visible as one enters the village clustered at the foot of the hill of Muktinath. The trek is really tough as the altitude is beginning to increase steadily.
This is the last settlement enroute to Muktinath. The temperature was almost 3 degree and due to the numbness in our feet and hands, we could not walk further. (Usually, trekking shoes are worn by piligrims which was overseen by us as a part of our vow ). Jharkot has many lodges with staying facilities etc and usually pilgrims/trekkers who visit Muktinath stay in Jharkot. Though a room was booked in Hotel Muktinath at Jharkot, we could not make it the previous day as we could not proceed further. We could have a clear glimpse of Muktinath from Jharkot itself. After walking few yards, we started climbing few stone steps (may be 700 or so) laid in an improper way with no proper finishing etc. The pony drive, motor drive is only upto Jharkot. From Jharkot , everyone invariably has to climb these steps.
It took about half an hour or so for us to reach the temple.
Total trekking time taken by us is 9 hours.
Usually, people who are used to regular walks, jogging, trekking etc can finish within 6 hours. The dark red structure behind is the entrance gate. As one ascends you reach plateau after plateau where you think that you have reached the summit, but it just keeps on going. Because of the altitude and our physical state you are forced to rest on the way up (sometimes after every 100 steps) The large stone stairs at the closing intervals (almost like a malicious test) takes you to the final test of patience in seeing GOD .
Well! Soul stirring experiences at the cost of trimming the body ..and that is what is LIFE ….Realizations streaming ….This body ..mind and spirit in equilibrium is what is good quality of self realisation …The MIND understands and the body too ..as the soul is going to meet the supersoul ( PARAMATMAN) Finally you do reach the town of Muktinath and above the town (another 45 minutes) is the temple built in a glacier (from where the mountain pan is taken).. En route we happened to see helipads. Helicopters from Pokhara/Jomsom upto Muktinath and back fly daily.
During peak season, the copter flies many times . Also, we were told that the weather conditions do not affect the copters much. We happened to meet few South Indians who had come in package tours organized by travel agents in Chennai . It takes about 40 minutes to reach Muktinath from Pokara and half an hour’s stay at Muktinath. The package would cost 21000 INR . They however miss the thrill of trekking the holiest mountains.
This is safe for physically unfit and aged people. We are entering the entrance of the temple now. A few Buddhist prayer wheels at the entrance to the Muktinath complex is visible These rotatable cylinders are a common sight in Nepal. They are inscribed with the Tibetan Buddhist mahamantra Om Mani Padme Hum–“Aum! The jewel in the lotus! Hail!” The jewel is the pure spirit soul and the lotus is the purified body of the true follower of Buddha’s way. Tibetan Buddhist turn these prayer wheels to earn merit. Simply pushing on them to get them revolving is supposed to be as good as chanting the mantra as many times as the wheel then revolves. Having passed through the entrance gate, we proceed to the complex’s first shrine. Muktinath is sacred to both Vaisnavas and Buddhists. My dream comes true. Adiyen along with my family members are very much in the 106th Divyadesam …….
This is the Muktinath Temple proper. Lord Muktinath is, for Vaisnavas, Sri Padmapani (the form of Lord Visnu from whose lotus feet sacred waters flow). Tibetan Buddhists worship Him as Adi-Buddha. Lord Muktinath’s form is manifest in brass. In bodily shape and posture He resembles the Yoga Narayana Deity Atop the hill behind the Muktinath Temple is a Buddhist shrine. Its 9 A.M.
A huge bell is hung in front of the gate. There are 108 shower spouts coming from the glacier on the back wall of the shrine with the best water that makes the journey a complete success. Since the water is ice cold and due to limited time allowed for darshan, most of them sprinkled water from the 108 gomukhis behind the temple .Thanking Lord profusely tears rolling I brave to take a bath under the gomukhs. My children run under the gomukhs reciting Dwayam. Atop the hill behind the Muktinath Temple is a Buddhist shrine. Incredibly, some Buddhist nuns who serve at Muktinath daily climb this hill to also perform worship up there Jutting from the stone wall that encloses Muktinath Temple on three sides are 108 gomukhs or cows’ mouths. From each mouth icy glacial water flows. The water is considered as pure as the Ganges, which flows from Gomukh in the Indian Himalayas. ! The tremendous Nilgiri peak overlooking Jomsom. The Water from Gandaki is routed through these man-made gomukhis which are closely built ,the distance between the gomukhis may be hardly a foot . WE felt as if a hammer had struck our heads after passing thru these gomukhis. Added to this, we were asked to have a dip in 2 small tanks situated in front of the temple. The temperature for the day was recorded at 3 degrees and the chilly water was almost in a frozen condition . Unlike in Vishaal Badri in Bhadrinath , where we are greeted with steaming hot water, here it was icy cold . After changing into dry clothes in separate rooms provided for ladies and gents, we went inside the temple. The garbagriham was closed and we were asked to wait for few mintues.
Meanwhile, we did pradakshinam around the temple chanting Harinaam . The temple is very small. In front of the garbagriham, towards our right, there is a deity of our Jagatha Acharyar, Swamy Ramanujar. . After taking acharyar’s blessings, we approached the Thiruma mani mantapam to have darshan of Perumal. The moment we had darshan of the divya mangala swaroopam of the Lord, Sri Srimoorthi, we forgot the cold and the body pains. The enchanting beauty of the Lord cannot be described in words. The deity at Muktinath has a large brass kavach ( armour) with a very transcendental smile . On His left and right are Bhu and Sri, two divine energies of the Lord manifested in their female forms Though in the divya desa naamavali, Perumal is known as “SRIDEVI NAYIKA SAMETHA SRI SRIMOORTHI”, we found ubhaya naachiyaars, Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar on either sides of Perumal flanking Him.
Perumal is seen in sitting posture while Ubhaya Naachiyars are in Nindra Thirukolam. As it is often mentioned that Adisesha always performs various kainkaryams to Perumal, here Adisesha is seen spreading hoods like an umbrella.
Garudazhwar and other saaligramams are also worshipped. Inside the garbagriham, near the entrance on the right side, there is a small deity of Buddha. Muktinath is holy place both for Hindus and Buddhists. Even foreigners enter the temple and have a darshan of the Lord even though they do not know the significance of the place, they offer their respects to the Lord. It must be only due to their poorva janma sukrutam.
I could relate the darshan exactly with THIRUVENGADAMUDAIYANS darshanam.
A Buddhist lady accepted our offerings to Perumal- vastrams for Perumal and Thayar, dry fruits, honey, sandal paste, rose water etc. which we had carried with us for offering it to Lord. This lady gives theertha prasadam and offers neivedyam and is restrained from doing Thirumanjanam to the Lord. Unfortunately, the male priest was not available in the temple and hence we could not perform Thirumanjanam. However, the lady offered us to take one saaligramam outside the garbagriham and perform Thirumanjanam but Adiyen felt that Adiyen was incompetent, hence did not accept the offer. There was no rush and we were able to have darshan to our heart’s content.
Perumal’s smiling Thirumugam is very enchanting and we could not take our eyes off . We recited 108 divya desa naamavali in front of Perumal and recited Thirumangai Azhwar’s pasurams on this divya desam. In ecstasy, I remembered Thirumangai mannan’s pasurams on Naimisaaranyam which is full of repentance and started reciting the same in the temple. My children braved to sing Annamaya Kirtans amidst the few piligrims. Adiyen thought of everyone associated with me and prayed the Lord to bestow moksham and best devotional service on them .
Adiyen prayed to the Lord to give me another chance to visit this shrine again and give another opportunity to visit all the divya desams . The Nepali security emphasized that the temple was 500 years old and it would be closed during severe winter (i.e. from October to February) every year. Due to time constraint, we left the temple reluctantly after taking few photographs. I had heard that Westerners aren’t allowed in the temple of Muktinath, but that’s not true. It is said that Badrinath sent Muktinath to this place, high up in the mountains. I overhear a foreigner saying that anyone who takes the trouble to visit that place will get liberation. Adiyen , however, did not pray for liberation. Rather, Adiyen prayed for pure devotional service. A five minute walk down the temple towards left led us to a place where we can see 2 wonders :- First, fire coming from water and fire coming from stone. This fire is emitted continuously and has to peep into a small opening to see the same.
A natural blue fire can be clearly seen from water which is unbelievable. This is a representation of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu as it was here Brahma and Shiva did penance to obtain Lord Vishnu’s grace. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and as per their desire, continued to reside in this place. This is also considered to be a Buddhist shrine because one Buddhist monk got enlightenment here. As a proof of this, we could find various stupas of Buddhist monks and their dwarapaalakas. After thanking Perumal, we left the place at 1100 hours. On the way back, we happened to visit a small thirumaligai run by a Srivaishnava, a disciple of Chinna Jeeyarswamy.
He greeted us warmly and offered us some herbal drink which would act as an anecdote against the biting cold weather. Infact, despite our bath in icy cold water, none of us fell sick . When Adiyen was expressing my desire to collect saaligramams silas for worshipping , swamy was kind , he immediately gave me 5 saaligramams murthys worshipped by the mutt , out of which 2 were collected from Damodar Kund and one moorthi was receiving his upacharams daily reciting Acharyar dhaniyan and Thirupallandu. Was blessed indeed .
LORD was very kind to come along with us to our home to be with us .
Tears rolling chanting dwayam adiyen offered humble pranaams to all .Felt my purpose of birth was fulfilled.
In a period of 10 years many more Sree moorthy ( saigrama silas ) arrived at adiyens residence ( Thiruvengadam ) and are being worshipped and adiyen never attempted to count the lordships …. After settling down , we started our return journey to Jomsom. We were told that it would take 4 hours for us to reach Jomsom as it is easier to walk down the mountains. My children had already left on the ponies with the horse man along with our luggage and PERUMAL ( Lordships ) . We were lagging behind. Added to this, we missed our route. Though we were doubtful about the route, we could not get clarification as there was no one around us. Guessing our way, we climbed down the hill and reached a cliff which was the dead end. Below the cliff, as we saw Gandaki river flowing, we guessed that it should be the route and while trying to get down, we nearly had almost a fall. Clinging to each other both of us were totally perplexed, frightened and chanted loudly Hanuman Chalisa.
Luckily we spotted few farmers who were working in a far away field and waived a cloth towards them . Immediately a young lad of about 15 years came to our rescue. After saving us from this fall, he accompanied us for half an hour or so and led us to the correct path. He told that we had come near Kagbeni village and that particular place was the route to Domodar kund where the origin of saaligramam begins and that Eklabhatti was far off. Silently prayed LORD for a darshan at Daamodar kund soon. Added to this, due to heavy winds, we were finding it very difficult to put even a step further.. By straying on the wrong path, we had to walk for another 2 hours. Finally, we reached Eklabhatti at 1700 hours.
Meanwhile, children were worried and were enquiring about our whereabouts. As we had gone on the wrong side, they only got negative reply which added to their worry. Meanwhile, they went to the banks of Kali Gandaki river and while reciting the sloka told by my father , they were able to collect some saaligramama moorthies right from the holy river. Out of these, one murthi was that of Lord Sri Rama, one Sri Srinivasar, Varahar, Matsya murthi and few Hiranya garbhams. They also collected 2 big saaligramams which we wanted to worship at our Kushaiguda Sri Venkateshwara temple. But maybe it was Perumal’s will to stay back in Jomsom itself as the airport authorities did not allow us to take the bigger silas. It was already dark when we reached Eklabhatti and as we had another 1 hour trekking, the pony rider advised my wife to ride on pony.
My younger daughter trekked with me for more than one and half hour amidst chanting bhajans and maha mantra We reached Jomsom at 19 hours. We were pleased to hear about our ticket confirmation from the hotel owner. Our flight was scheduled to leave Jomsom at 9 A.M. the following morning. Thanked LORD for all His grace and retired for the night. We called home from the satellite telephone and informed Lords grace in giving us a darshan .After all any SriVaishnavaite desires he vist all the Divya desams and take to spirituality .Our Elders were very pleased for our children braving to reach the holy dhaam..It was a pleasant experience. Next day, the hotel manager approached us and informed that the flight to Pokhara was cancelled due to technical failure of the aircraft. On hearing this, we were totally shattered . He advised us to either take a helicopter (a private one) which he would be arranging for others by paying for the tickets in dollars (INR 30,000) or either go by jeep upto 20 kms, walk for about 15 hours to reach Thathopani, take a bus to Pokhra which would take about 20 hours. As the second option was impossible, we decided to opt for the first one and gave our consent. Arrangements were made to get a helicopter from Katmandu . Though the scheduled departure was at 12 noon as promised by the hotel manager, the helicopter arrived at Jomsom at 1600 hours only. All of us boarded it and reached Pokhara at 1700 hours. The 20 minute journey by helicopter was very inconvenient and fearful. Worst with noise and full of congestion. The very rare privelage of travelling in a helicopter was being fullfilled may be I felt. Adiyen was continuously chanting Maha mantra and the moment we left the copter, 2 devotees who hail from England approached me and offered Prasad saying that they had done Pournami pooja at Muktinath, a day before we reached the holy shrine. I was happy to learn that they have migrated to Kashi and having undertaken penance, they are simultaneously doing research on Vedas. It is only due to the abundant grace of Perumal on this sinner that Adiyen could visit all the divya desams with my wife and children and attribute this to my previous janma wherein adiyen would have been associated with Srivaishnavas by touching the dust of their feet or must have done some petty kainkaryam which yielded this fruit of visiting the divya desams in this janma. May the divine forms of Perumal of all divya desams remain fresh in our memories and may our lips continuously chant the holy myriad names of the Lord. May our visit to the divya desams remain fresh in our minds so that when we leave this human body, we would be qualified to get moksha. The cab driver whom we got used to address as “kaka” was waiting for us at the airport. We rushed to the hotel where we had left our baggages and without losing any time, we left the place to go to Janakpur. We thanked the Hotel manager and his brother-in-law for all his intervention and help. But for him, it would have been impossible for us to go to Muktinath.
We decided that we offer our prayers to Sita Piratti .Taking clue from the fellow Nepalis we dashed into the cab with the available 24 hrs left . We traveled whole night and at 01.00 hrs we alighted at a thickly populated area and rested. At 5AM we resumed our journey to Janakpur which is located near Bihar border in Nepal is one of the most attractive tourist spots. This is the place where Goddess Sita was born and the place where the famous “SITA RAAMA KALYANAM “ took place. So, we didn’t want to miss this. It takes about 8 hours to reach from Pokhara and we had to cross Chitwan jungle. We reached Janakpur at 0800 hours in the morning . The driver informed us that it would take another 10 hours for us to reach Gorakhpur provided there was no traffic jam. We had to hasten ourselves as we had to be in Gorakpur at any cost that night. We quickly went inside the palace –converted into temple. Prayers on Goddess sita was written in Hindi on display boards. Morning abhishekam was just over and we had to wait for few minutes to have darshan of Thayar. In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Rama, Sita Devi and King Janaka are seen. During aarthi, prayers on Sita Devi were sung. Apart from this, the palace houses other shrines too. In one of the shrines, we could find full family of Janaka – Lord Rama –Sita, Lakshmana-Urmila, Bharata, Shatruguna –Srutikeerthi, King Janaka, his brother, his queen . Apart from this, this shrine houses 3,000 saaligramama silas which were covered by a satin cloth. We proceeded to Sita Rama Kalyana Mantapam which is situated just outside the palace on the left side. Rs.5/- is charged as entrance fee . A big mantapam in the centre with life –size images . Lord Rama, and Sita in Kalyana Thirukolam in sitting posture,Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatruguna also in Kalyana Thirukolam, King Janaka and his brother in standing posture, Dasaratha,his queens, Sage Vasishta and other rishi in sitting postures, Brahma, Shiva and other devas blessing. The sight was a real feast to the eyes. Around the mantapam, on 4 sides, there are 4 sannidhis for all the 4 brothers with their wives. We left Janakpur at 0930 hours and having visited all the places as per our schedule, we continued to reach our final destination, Gorakhpur. We crossed Nepal border at 1500 hours (that was the last day of our permit) in bihar. The highway roads in Bihar is the most horrible one with full of bumps and it took more than an hour to cross the border on the Indian side. There is absolutely no cleanliness, no hygiene, no traffic rule, no proper roads. Uttar Pradesh which we entered around 6 P.M. was more horrible with traffic jams. We were stuck in traffic jam for more than 5 hours. No police to regularize the traffic. We learnt that it was very common and most of the truck drivers had left their trucks on the road itself and were loitering. Once again , our sincere prayers to Lord Hanuman was answered. After hours of pleading the truck drivers, we somehow got way to move . But the way was not sufficient for a car to pass through. the the driver literally tilted the car because of muddy road on his left and drove only on 2 wheels carefully . With great difficulty, the impossible task was made possible by the grace of Lord. We reached Gorakhpur at 2300 hours in the night. We checked into one of the hotels near the station, and retired for the night. Thanked God profusely for the successful, though was seeming impossible adventurous trip to Nepal. We boarded Secunderabad-Gorakhpur Express at 0600 hours on the following morning and reached Secunderabad at 1830 hours the following day. Thus ended our trip to Saaligramam ( MUKTHINAATH KSHETRAM) After a short break of 2 days, we went to Tirumala with our parents and thanked God for His abundant Grace on us all over . As part of our VIMSATI DARSHANAM scheme, we participated in Suprabhata seva, Unjal seva, Archana Anantara seva for 2 days and also performed Thirukalyana utsavam to Malayappa swamy ( our parents performed the same).
WE also visited Thiruvellikeni and thanked Sri Parthasarathy Perumal for successful completion of divya desa yaatrai as way back in 1998, we had prayed to this Perumal for visiting all the srivaishnava divya desams.
. During this trip, Adiyen’s faith was put to test several times and Adiyen passed this only due to the grace of Lord and His devotees. Adiyen may be contacted for any guidance while planning for this yathirai.
The HOLY DHAAM “Damodar Kund” (lake) is situated under a rain shadow of High Himalayas north of Annapurna range. The elevation of the Damodar Kund is approximately 4890 meters . Being at a great altitude the area is too cold and windy place.
The Damodar lakes are located three days walk north east of the main Mustang trekking route & very close to Tibetan border and Mukthinath .
However nowadays as per the locals there is a mote able road also .
En route we can have darshanam of Saligrama kshetra (Muktinath) which is situated at a height of 3,800 metres .
Jomsom airport is at 2713 metres.
The distance to Muktinath from Jomsom by walk is 21 kms (via Kagbeni)
Another short-cut which involves climbing of a steep mountain that would save about 3-4 kms.
Presently Jeeps and motorbikes are operated for easy travel of the piligrims .
To reach Muktinath, we need to cross 3 settlements
– Eklabhatti,
Khinga,
Jharkot
(Earlier, piligrims used to go to Muktinath via Eklabhatti, Kagbeni, Jharkot).
According to one version, the Salagramam Divya Desam is just the bank/bed of River
Gandaki and not the Mukthinath temple.
Few also claim Its Damodar kund .
River Kaligandaki has its source in Damodar Kund and throughout its flow to south right up to Indian border carries a manifestation of lying lord Vishnu with Damodarkund jeweled as His auspicious Head and with Muktinath as the mouth, Shaligram Chakra as chest Kuru Kshetra as the waist, Devaghatam as the Knee and lastly the auspicious feet of lord Vishnu goes to the credit of Gajendra Moksha devadham,
Such a beautiful elaboration of the lord, one may find starting from the auspicious lakes of Damodar Kund.
The Damodar Kunda (lake) is situated rain shadow of High Himalayas north of Annapurna range.
According to another version, the Mukthinath temple is very much the Divya Desam of Salagramam.
It is difficult to establish which of the two versions is right. Either way, there is no question that our Thirumangai Azhwar visited atleast the banks of the Gandaki River, as did Swamy Ramanuja.
And no matter which version is accurate, there is no taking away from the beauty of this Divya Desam and its surroundings where the soul rejoices in being with our own super soul
Thirumangai AzhwAr and PeriyAzhwAr had glorified this divya desam with 12 Paasurams.
Thirumanagai AzhwAr visualizes the Great Lord here as RaamAvathAran and KrishNAvathAran.
PeriyAzhwAr’s experiences Lord as Baala KrishNan and His play among the Gopikas.
In one of Azhwar’s P asurams , Thirumangai Azhwar counsels His mind to hurry up and reach this divine SaaLigrama KashEthram to worship the Lord there as Lord Raama- and Lord KrishNa avathAra Moorthy.
Azhwar’s description of the beauty of nature at this dhivya dEsam are so attractive that one will crave to have HIS darshan .
AzhwAr appeals to His mind politely..
“KaayAmalar VaNNan SaaLagrAmamadia nenjE”
(Oh My mind! Please travel to the SaaLigrAma KshEthram of the Lord with the dark-bluish hue of KaayAmpoo! “
Manam kamazhum tadam soozhnthu yengum azhahAya SaaLagramamadai nenjE!”
Oh My mind! Please hurry up and get to the SaaLagrama KshEthram of the Lord known for its pretty groves filled with fragrant flowers !…………………..
AzhwAr exhorts his mind to attain the Lord of Salagrama who, armed with bow and arrow, crossed forests inhabited by wild deer, elephants and horses, and then built a bridge of boulders to reach the high-walled fortress of Lanka and severed the ten heads of Ravana- the king of the RakshasAs glorifying LORD RAMAs avataram .
Adiyens very close devotee brother Sri Thiruvenkada ramanujadasan ( Mouni baba) had been to Damodar kund twice . He was kind enough to share the pics .
Swamy Embaar ( Govinda bhattar ) appeared during the year 1026 in the month of Makara ( Tamil Month of Thai ) under the the constellation of Punarvasu ( and swamy is said he was the amsam of Vaiynatheyan/Garudazhwar ) .
Embaars maternal uncle Thirumalai nambhi named him as Govinda Bhattar. Govinda was the first cousin of JagathAcharyar Swami Ramanuja .Both of them attended the Academy of Yadhava Prakasha ( Yadhava Prakasha a Advaitin ) at Thiruputkuzzi near Kancheepuram .
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The unfortunate design planned that need not be discussed by their Guru Yadavaprakasha to eliminate Swamy Ramanuja was foiled by young Govinda by seeing an early opportunity .
More details of this divine pastime can be read from the below url blog post
Govinda bhattar advises Swamy Ramanujar about the evil intentions of the troupe. As advised by Govinda bhattar , Ramanujar leaves them and by LORD’s will reaches Kanchi ( We cherish how our Swamy Ramanujar was saved by Lord Varadar and his consort from getting lost in jungles and had safe passage to Kanchipuram) { Even to this day the same event is celebrated as Salai Kinaru Usthavam .
Yadhava Prakasha noticed Ramanujar missing and asked all the disciples to search for him ,and even our Govinda pretended to search so that he should not be doubted. Then unable to locate him , all concluded that Ramanuja must have lost his way in the wild jungle and must have been devoured by wild animals.
Inwardly happy they all continued the sojourn to Kashi. On reaching Kashi , Govinda took a dip in Ganges and rose his palms .To his amazement , he notices a Shiva Lingam in his hand . He immediately proceeds to show the divinity it to his master .
His Guru Yadavaprakashar commands Govinda that as Paramasivan was pleased with Govinda he had the fortune to have his divinity and as it was his direct blessings , he must worship the Siva Lingam.
Govinda accepts his Master’s command. He starts worshipping the Siva Lingam in Madhuramangalam ( even to this day we can have darshan of the Siva Lingam) .
Later , he dreams Paramasivan of Kalahasthi advising him to come to his divine abode .With directions from his Guru , he proceeds to Kalahasthi . He joins in temple service and remains there .
Years rolled on . Swami Ramanuja becomes the disciple of Thirukachi Nambhigal ,Periya Nambhi, Thirukoshtiyur nambhi and had takes sanyasa .
Swamy Ramanuja now remembers Govinda , whose timely advice saved his life.
Knowing Govinda bhattar is at Kalahastee he requests his maternal uncle Swamy Thirumalai Nambhi to explore the possibilities of bringing Govinda back to srivaishnava fold . Thirumalai Nambhi proceeds to Kalahasthi and meets Govinda bhattar and quotes few verses of His Acharyar Alawandar’s Shostra Ratna Malai elucidating the importance of the Supreme personality Lord Sriman Narayana .
He impresses upon Govinda that worshipping Lord Sriman Narayana is the only way for path to salvation . Govinda bhattar gets all his questions answered and proceeds to the sanctum .
He takes permission from Paramasivan for joining Swamy Ramanuja in his mission . Paramasivan pleased with his service advises him to remain with Swamy Ramanujar .Govinda bhatar now proceeds along with his uncle to Thirumala to learn Divyaprabhandam under him.
Meanwhile Swamy Ramanuja proceeds to Tirumala for learning the inner secrets of Srimad Ramayana from his uncle Thirumalai Nambhi at Tirumala.
After learning the inner secrets of the geat epic Srimad Ramayana from Swamy Tirumalai Nambhi , Acharyar wanted to gift something to his student and felt sad that he did not have anything to give.
Seizing the wonderful opportunity Swamy Ramanuja requests Acharyar to gift him with Govinda bhattar who was very obedient and a true seeker of knowledge. Swamy Thirumala Nambhi understood Swamy Ramanujar’s future plan in spreading the Sri Vaishnava doctrine and hence readily agrees .
Swami Ramanuja and Govinda return back to Srirangam via Kanchipuram. Though he joins swamy Ramanujar , Govinda was always sad that he was missing his Acharyar and Uncle .
Seeing the sad plight, Swamy Ramanuja immediately asks him to go back to Acharyar Thirumalai Nambhigals place . Overjoyed Govindar returns to Tirumala .
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On reaching he understands his Acharyar is unhappy with his decision After staying for a week ,. Acharyar advises Govindar and tells “Cow once sold or gifted in dhana cannot be taken back .
Govinda with humility seeks forgivance and returns back to Swamy Ramanuja , more refined, wiser and chastened.
Now Swamy Ramanuja is pleased with his move .With affection he 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 bhattar was married, he never lived a householders life, and he remained like a Brahmachari . He wanted to take Sanyasa like his master Swamy Ramanuja.
Much against his mothers wishes Swami Ramanuja agrees to give him Sanyasa after testing his sincerity to accept the sanyasa ashram He presents Govinda a Arch robe of an ascetic and gives his initiated name as “Emperumanar” .
Govindar bhattar feels humble and informs his master whether he did deserve this honor.
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 Swamy Ramanuja , Embaar taught his disciple Parasara Bhatta all that he learnt from his Acharyar . He succeeded in making the Parasara Bhattar the worthy successor of Swamy Ramanuja to carry on the great 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 Embaars lap .
Swamy Embaar composed the great work called “VIJNAASTHUTHI”.
A Brahman, whose profession was singing the glories of the Lord, was once reciting Srimad Bhagavatham in the house of a patron. A thief broke into the house where the recital was going on and hid himself in the deep corner .
Perforce, he had to listen to Srimad Bhagavatham. The singer was now describing the ornaments worn by little Krishna which was adorned by Yashoda . He described the various ornaments Yasodha decorated on little Krishna before sending Him out with the cows.
The thief was excited and thought that he should meet that lad and rob all the ornaments at one stroke instead of struggling every day with petty stealing. He waited till the entire chapter of Srimadbhagavatam was recited and left the place. The thief wanted to know where this boy was. He, therefore, followed the Brahmin and waylaid him. The Brahmin was frightened and feared that he would lose even the small amount collected as dakshina and told the thief, “I do not have anything with me”.
The thief replied that he was not keen to have any of his belongings but wanted some information about that lad he was claiming to have the best ornaments adorned who used to go out for grazing the cows. He checked him to take him to that place where the lad was grazing those cows . The Brahmin was in a fix now .
He replied the thief, that all particulars of the the cute lad was in a book which is at his old house . He accompanied the the thief to his house, and looked in some book and told, “In Brindavana, on the banks of Yamuna, in a green meadow, two boys come in the morning. One is dark like the cloud with a flute, and the other fair clad in white silk. The dark one will have all the ornaments I had described.” The thief believed the brahmin and set out to Brindavana immediately. He located the beautiful place , climbed up a tree and waited for the boys to arrive.
The sun rose. Faint melody of the flute wafted along the morning breeze. The enchanting music could then be heard closer and the thief spotted two boys coming. He got down from the tree and went near them. The moment he saw the most beautiful appearance of the little Krishna , he forgot himself for a moment, folded his hands and shed tears of joy. The tears were from his heart and it was chilling . He wondered which wretched mother had sent these radiant boys, chiseled to perfection, loaded with ornaments to the riverbank. He couldnt take his eyes off from the divinity .The transformation started .Tears were rolling . Since the thief had carefully listened to the story of Krishna as told by the Brahmin, he noticed that Krishna was not wearing one particular piece of ornament described by the Brahmin. His love to the little lad was so engulfing that he even wanted to adorn Krishna with that missing ornament, which he was prepared to steal from any jeweller and enjoy the sight to his heart’s content. Just as the clouds cover the bright sun, wicked thoughts developed in his mind again.
He approached the boys …..shouting, “Stop,” he held Krishna’s hand. The moment he touched Lord Krishna all his previous karma was wiped like a cotton getting burnt in a fire …. and with all humility he inquired lovingly, “Who are you?”
Krishna looks at him, innocently and tells I am frightened by your looks.Please leave my hands ..” The thief with remorse tells Krishna, “It is my evil mind which is reflected in my face. If you are frightened I shall go away.” Please dont say I must leave you …
The Natkat Krishna reminds the thief, the purpose of his coming before he forgets .He cooly mocks at him .
.Here, take my ornaments.” Confused the thief replies , “Will not your mother scold you, if you gift away all your ornaments to me?” Krishna with a smile says , “Do not worry about that. I have plenty of them. I am a bigger thief than you. But there is a difference between you and me – however much I steal, the owners do not complain. I am lovingly called “Chitha Chora”. Though you are not aware of it, you have a previous ornament in your possession, the “Chitha”. I shall steal it now and take the same with Me.” So saying both the boys vanished.
To his surprise the thief found a bag full of ornaments on his shoulder. He brought it to the Brahmin’s house and told him what had all happened. The Brahmin was now frightened and took the thief inside and opened the bag. To his utter amazement he saw all the ornaments described by him as being worn by Krishna in the Bhagavatha, in the thief’s bag. Shedding tears of joy, the Brahmin asked the thief to take him to the place where he saw the dark boy.
The thief obliged and both of them waited in the same place where the thief accosted the boy the previous day. Suddenly the thief exclaimed, “Look, here they come!” However, the Brahmin could not see any one. Stricken with remorse, he said, “Swami, when You decided to give darasinam to a thief, why not me?
Lord Krishna out of abundant compassion reply was soothing … “You are reading Srimad Bhagavatha just as another story whereas the thief on the other hand, believed what you had told him. I manifest only for those who surrender to Me.”
Glories to the thief who saw LORD ….
Lets leave our chittha to Chittha chora .
Hare Krishna
Lord Sriman Narayana incarnated in several avatharas in this world, for spreading the message of the liberation for the jeevatma from this material bondage .
Anathya swaroopam
Unsatisfied , LORD summoned His serpent couch, the nitya-soori (eternally free soul) .
Adisesha, and instructed,
My dear Adishesha !
“Go down to the mortal world and spend there for 200 years, and through your exhortations, empower the people with knowledge about their true nature and make them come to..
My world, so that they enjoy eternal bliss”.
Accordingly, Adishesha appeared as “Swamy Ramanuja” in the age of Kali, where adharma was in the forefront due to the karmic vasanas .
Swamy Ramanuja followed LORDs directives by spreading the divine message of Azhwars …..
and the true knowledge to seek Lord’s mercy and disappeared at the age of 120.
The Lord was not satisfied with the developments and felt the mission was not complete .
Hence he once again advised Swamy Ramanuja to complete the original assignment of remaining in this material world for complete 200 years and uplift the jivaatmaas .
With implicit obedience, Adishesha who appeared as Swamy Ramanuja once again appeared as Swami maNavALa mAmunikaL.
AdisEsha, in his previous incarnation as Swamy Ramanuja, was very much attracted to Nammazhvars’s appearance and his divine outpouring (thiruvAimozhi), and hence, earned the appellation “mAran adipaNindhu Uynthavan”.
In keeping with this overwhelming love for Nammazhvar, the second time around, AdisEsha selected Azhvar Thirunagari as the place most suited for his birth. He appeared in the month of Aipassi and star Moola falling on Nov 11th 2018 this year and was named “Azhakiya maNavALapperumAL nAyanAr .
It should be noted that Swami MamunikaL excelled as the disciple of none other than the famous SriSailesha (Tiruvaimozhi pillai), SrisailEsha erected a temple at Azhvar-thirunagari for Swami Ramanuja and installed Sri Ramanuja’s idol, which had been presented to Sri Madhurakavi Azhvar and lay buried at the foot of the famous Tamarind tree.
Sri Sailesha after clearing the wild vegetation at Azhvar-thirunagari took all initiatives in bringing back the sacred deity which was lost during invasions .
Sri SailEsha also brought out the buried deities of Swamy Ramanuja’s Bhavishyad Acharaya vigraha .
Sri Ramanuja’s temple at Azhvar thirunagari was handed over to Swami Manavala Mamunikal in due course of time, and daily thiruArAdhanam (ritual worship) was performed by Swami mAmunikaL.SriSailEsha ordered his ardent disciple Swami Manavala Mamuni, who had learnt all sastras from him to study and propagate the divya prabandham ( azhvar’s 4000 hymns and their commentaries).
He wished that living in Sri Rangam and propagating the true tenets of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya as given in the hoary aruLiccheyal (divya prabandham) was the need of the hour.
The devoted disciple that he was, Swami Mamuni did act according to the commandments of his teacher. So Sri Rangam, the citizens of Srirangam & the Lord of Sri Rangam – all of them begot the good fortune of counting Swami Mamuni as one amongst themselves.
Swami Manavala Mamunikal came to Sri Rangam as a gruhastha (householder). Swami Manavala Mamuni accepted asceticism (sanyAsa Ashrama) later for a total involvement in the spreading of his Acharyars desire .
Lord Ranganathar ( Peria Perumal ) had a desire which he wanted Swami Mamuni to accomplish in Srirangam.
He seized the golden opportunity of Mamunikal’s arrival to the city of Sri Rangam & ordered him to give a public discourse on the Eedu (36000 padi), the super-commentary of Swami Nampillai on Thiruvaimozhi along with other commentaries, in alluring style for having the good fortune of being trained by the esteemedAcharya Sri SailEsha (Thiruvaimozhip pillai).
In order to accommodate unhindered conduct for the kAlakshEpam (discourse) all festivities of the temple was kept in abeyance . History tells us that for a whole year, Namperumalhad enjoined cessation of all festivals at Srirangam, world renowned by the name kOil, a temple that is considered to be the foremost amongst the 106-Divya desams.
The above-mentioned, spiritually uplifting event occurred on the final kalakshEpa (discourse)-day, the day adorned, interestingly, by the Ani thiru-moola star. So, SriVaishnava-world attaches equal importance to this Ani moola auspicious day also, in a manner akin to the day of Sri Mamunikal’s appearance, SriAippasi Thirumoola day. Swami mAmunikaL, with implicit obedience, accepted LORDS directives to perform service to the Lord.
On the concluding day of Swami mAmunikaL’s wonderful lectures on thiruvAimozhi and Eedu, Lord appeared amidst the august assembly of mAmunikaL and sri vaishnavas, in the guise of an archakar’s (priest) a small boy from getting proximate presence to Swami mAmunikaL’s seat, recited the following stanza in His inimitable, majestic voice resembling the thunder of a rumbling cloud,
He kept a palm leaf containing the above sloka on a golden plate full of flowers, fruits, coconuts and other sacred components of guru dakshiNa (token of appreciation) and after offering it at the holy feet of Swami mAmunikaL, ran towards the sanctum sanctorum & disappeared.
To add to this magnificent miracle, Periya Perumal, the Lord Ranganatha Himself, immediately ordered through the archaka –‘let this slOka be recited at the beginning of all divya prabhanda recitations; just as a Vedic recital begins and ends with the sacred ‘Om’, so also all recitals of the tamil veda, the divya prabhandam, shall commence and end with ‘srI SailESa dayA pAtram’.
These holy lines extols Swamys contributions to continued existence and prosperity of Sri Vaishnavaism, the followers, their holy temples, scriptures, traditions, and the well being of the whole world, and concludes with the prayer, that the great Manavalamaamuni live for another hundred years for that purpose.
The apparent conflict between 100 years and perpetuity is resolved, when one understands the key link of devoted Sri Vaishnava devotees, their ongoing practice of the prayer and traditions as a “Vaazhaydi Vaazhai”, for the perpetuation of the faith. So 100 and more years down the line there will be faithful chanting the same for the future.
At an advanced age Swamy Mamunigal hearing the Divya prabandam from his disciples left his eternal body and became the Nitya Asuri.
He attained Thirunadu on Ruddothkari year (1444), Masi Month, Krishna Paksha Dwadeshi on Thiruvona Nakshtram, Saturday. His ardent disciples carried the eternal body in Pushpa Pallaku and keeping in Padmasana posture and brought it a place in Cauvery River they did the Addakam on the banks of river Cauvery .The place was known as Dwarasan Porpadukai.
Prostrating at the feet of Asmath acharyar His Holiness Sri Sri MudaliAndaan swamigal , adiyen wishes to briefly mention about the holy places connected with Lord Sri Rama who appeared as the eldest son of King Dasaratha and lived for 11000 years.
Our poorvacharyas reveal that Lord Rama chose to appear in Ishvaku dynasty of Surya vamsam because Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam who appeared from paarkadal answering Brahma’s prayers was presently being worshipped by Ishvaku dynasty . Lord who desired to taste the “nectar of worshipping” appeared in this Raghu vamsam and worshipped HIS own Narayana swaroopam.
Nammazhwar aptly points out “Karpaar Ramapiraanai Matrum Karpaaro”, we need to know about Lord Sri Rama and HIS qualities and follow HIS footsteps for our upliftment. Lord Sri Rama purified the holy Bharata bhoomi by placing HIS holy feet covering the length and breadth of our country. Sri Rama set out on HIS journey twice.
In HIS first yatra, Srirama covered the north and north-eastern part of our country covering Ayodhya, Buxar, Ahroli, Chapra, Hajipur, Sitamarhi, Janakpur. In HIS second yatra which was the longest and extended for 14 years, HE purified Srungaberipuram, Allahabad, Chitrakut, Satna, Nagpur, Nasik,Panchavati, Hampi,Mysore, Thirupullani (near Rameswaram) and now gives darsanam to us in Srirangam as Lord Ranganathar.
Thirumazhisai Azhwar questions Lord Aravamudhan at Thirukudandhai as to whether the Lord is resting because of the long trek undertaken as Rama ? ) “Nadandha kaal nondhanavo???” Lakshmana accompanied Srirama in both the journeys. Our poorvacharyars say that Lakshmana who was Adisesha amsam didn’t live even for a second without Sri rama. Lakshmana appeared in this world 2 days after Sri Rama’s appearance and disappeared from this mortal world before Sri Rama’s descent to Sri Vaikuntam. Lakshmana is known as “Kainkarya Lakshmi sampanna”-the one who is born for performing kainkaryam to Perumal. While conversing with Hanuman, Mother Sita glorifies Lakshmana as the one who is more dearer to Srirama than anyone in the world and regards him as Dasaratha because he used to take care of THEIR welfare like a father.t
All the places connected to Sri Ramayanam are still existing and can be visited. Adiyen is greatly indebted to my manasika guru, Sri Velukudi Krishnan Swami for the extensive research in identifying the places and enabling us to visit them.
Due to official constraints, adiyen couldn’t join his yatra but later due to acharyar’s krupai, undertook this journey of visiting the holy places in two phases with family so that the sparsham of these places would purify us and charge Rama bhakti in us. We continuously prayed to Hanumanji, the embodiment of Rama Bhakti all through this journey by reciting Sundara kandam daily.
WE also read the respective sargam connected to the respective places given by Sri Velukudi Krishnan swamy and sang “Naama Ramayanam”everywhere.
We had booked circular tickets with more of night journeys and day time to visit the holy places.
We accommodated ourselves mostly in ISKCON guest houses and other ashrams wherever present .
Adiyen is briefly mentioning the details of places so that it would be useful to others who wish to undertake this yatra on own. Please forgive me for the shortcomings.
Sage Valmiki at the behest of Brahma wrote the famous epic Sri Ramayanam at Bittoor located about 60 kms near Kanpur. Places to be visited in Bittoor are:
Valmiki muni ashram:- about 2 kms from Brahmavrath theertham. In this temple complex, we find Lava,Kusha sannidhi with Sitadevi, their birth place , the valiant sons of Sri rAma and Sita, bandhey Hanuman sannidhi where he was bound.
In the same ashram, we find the tree where the Aswamedha horse was bound, Sita rasoi, Sita paatal pravesh from where Sitadevi disappeared into the earth.
Lava Kusha jansmasthaan-Sita,Ramar,Lava,Kusha sannidhi at Valmiki ashram,Bittoor
The sacrificial horse of Sri Rama’s Aswamedham captured by Lava and Kusha
Other places of interest:-
Brahmavrath Theertham:-Brahma placed his foot for the first time in bhoomi at this place. Ganges here is known as Brahmavrath theertham. There is a small temple in which Brahma’s foot is worshipped
Brahma’s toe at Bittoor on the banks of Brahmavrath theertham,Bittoor
Dhruva Tila:- the place where the child devotee,Dhruva did meditation on the Lord by chanting Dwadasa mantram . This is in Bittoor.
ISKCON, Kanpur:- This is on the way to Bittoor
Sri Ramacharitram written by Sage Valmiki divided into 7 parts and the present location with the places to be visited is briefly given below:-
Bala Kaandam about Sri Rama’s life upto 12 years starting from HIS appearance upto the divine marriage with Mother Sita.
Places covered : Ayodhya, Buxar, Sidhasramam, Chapra, Hajipur, Ahroli, Madhuban,Sitamarhi, Janakpur and Dhanusha in Nepal
Base:- Ayodhya
Temples to be visited in Ayodhya:- Time required :- 1 full day
Ram Janma bhoomi-Sri Rama’s birth place
Magouda:- Putrakameshti yagam was performed here
Dasaratha palace-. After marriage, Srirama along with Mother Sita first arrived here
Kanak bhavan(Sita Rama’s palace ) –made of gold. 3 sets of Sita,Ramar are decked in gold and are placed in golden throne. The utsava murthis are also of gold. We can have darsanam of Sri Rama padhukai-when Sita Ramar left for forest, Sri Rama climbed the chariot at this place.
Hanuman gaddi- where Hanuman used to rest-beautiful temple on a hillock
Raj Darbhar:- When Sita and Rama came to Ayodhya for the first time, as per the local authorities, Sitadevi honoured Kaikeyi,Sumitra,Kousalya and Dasaratha with food. In return, Kaikeyi presented kanak bhavan, Sumitra with nethi chutti, Kousalya with haaram and Dasaratha blessed Sita that Sri Rama would attain fame only because of HER and would be addressed as “SitaRam”
Sarayu river also known as Nethraja, Vasishti:- As she appeared from Perumal’s thirukangal(eyes), she is known as Nethraja, as she rested in Brahma’s manasu (heart) as water , she is known as Sarayu and as she was brought down to earth by Sage Vasishtar, she is known as Vaasishti.-Go dhaanam(cow dhaanam) on the banks of Saruyu is very auspicious
Valmiki Bhavanam : where the entire Valmiki Ramayanam is inscribed on the walls. Valmiki maharishi along with Lava and Kushan gives darshanam,
Ammaji mandir-a South Indian temple which is considered as the divyadesa Perumal temple built by Yogi Parthasarathy couple from Tiruvellikeni
Barat bhavan-where Bharata lived
Vasishta bhavan- where Sage Vasishta taught the royal princes. The level of water in the Vasishta kund here is the same as that of SArayu rivier
Outskirts of Ayodhya :-
Gupthar ghat and Lakshmana ghat:- about 15 kms from Ayodhya near Faizabad from where Sri Rama and Lakshmana ascended to Vaikuntam respectively-Lakshmana was forced to be separated from Rama and had to leave him. Lakshmana came to Sarayu river and walked into the river and disappeared to reach Vaikuntam. Lakshmana, the Adisesha swaroopam left first so as to welcome Sri Ramar at Vaikuntam. SriRama who couldn’t bear Lakshmana’s separation shed all the royal robes and ornaments and clad in a white dhoti holding darbha grass walked from HIS palace to the present Guptar ghat and taking everyone including innate things walked into the river and disappeared. very auspicious to bathe here
Hanumar sannidhi,Gupthar Ghat,Ayodhya
Nandigramam :-about 35 kms on the outskirts of Ayodhya enroute to Allahabad where Bharata stayed and ruled the kingdom on Sri Rama’s behalf for14 years- the pond where Bharata used to bathe, Bharatha mandir in the ground floor, Lagey Hanumar sannidhi, Rama padhukas in both the floors, meeting of Bharath and Hanumar,Bharath Milap mandir (old and new) , Sri Ramar temple near the pond where Sri Ramar and HIS brothers shed their mara-vuri and adorned royal dresses.(Ayodhya kaandam, Yuddha Kaandam)
Bharat Milap Mandir,Nandigramam-Hanumar and Bharathan hugging each other
Srimurthis at Bharat Mandir,Nandigramam
rama paduka at new Bharat temple,Nandigram
Tamasa river:- the residents of Ayodhya who followed Sri rAma’s chariot were misled here. Srirama asked Sumantara to drive the empty chariot towards ayodhya so that the residents would think that the Lord returned to Ayodhya
FIRST JOURNEY:-
Lord Rama’s first journey towards north-east was at the age of 12 when HE along with Lakshmana accompanied Sage Viswamitra to protect the latter’s yaagam. Places covered :Srungi ashram, Kamasram, Sidhasram, Ahroli,Madhuban, Janakpur,Dhanusha, Punouda and return to Ayodhya
Srungi asramam near Sarayu river on the outskirts of Ayodhya- Sri Rama Lakshmana during THEIR first journey walked about 25 kms and spent HIS first night with Viswamitra rishi (this place was visited by Velukudi swami by bus, as we went by train , we missed this. Viswamitra taught Bala,Athibala mantras here
Base: Buxar- about 5 hours from Ayodhya via Azamgarh(south-east of Ayodhya)
Time required : 1 full day
Places to be visited in Buxar :- Kamasramam, Sidhasramam, Tataka vanam,Vaikuntanathar kovil
KamasramamSri Rama,Lakshmana,Viswamitra stayed at this place where Manmathan was burnt to ashes by Shiva
Kamasramam-The trio reached this place on the second day. Earlier this place was the sangamam of Sarayu and Ganges river. Now due to geographical dislocation, the confluence is at Chapra now. Here Manmathan was burnt to ashes- Sri Rama along with Viswamitra stayed here for a night. This was earlier known as Punyasramam. 26 kms from Buxar via Chitapada gaon in Balliya taluk. As Manamathan(Kamadevan) was burnt to ashes by Siva., the place came to be known as Kamasramam/Kameshwar Dhaam. Thre tree which also got burnt by Shiva’s fury can be seen. There is a temple for Shiva and a kulam on the left side. We can overcome Kaamam and krodham by clingling to Sri Rama’s holy feet.
pic of Rama Lakshmana serving Viswamitrar at Kamasramam
Bhrigu rishi ashram- on the way to Kamasramam with a slight deviation-While going in search of Kamasramam, the driver took us to this place . Happy to note from the local people that this place also was visited by Sriramar.
Tatakavanam:- Tataka the demonness who had the strength of 1000 elephants was killed by Rama- a huge figure of the demoness can be seen here. This is in present Buxar. The trio spent the third night here
Ram Rekha ghat –Sri Rama crossed Ganges here in Buxar- beautiful temples for Rama and Shiva on the banks of Ganges, evening aarthi performed to ganges daily. We can have darshan of Sri Rama charan padhuka here. Akhand Ramayana parayanam goes on here.
Siddhasramam-where Viswamitra rishi performed yagam (this is in Buxar Central Jail premises), –Rama Lakshmanar guarded this place for 6 days (from 4th to 9th day) while Viswamitrar was performing yagam. Sri Ramar killed Subahu and drove away Marrechan. Killing Subahu is like Perumal absolving us from our past karmas and driving away of Mareechan is like driving away the sins which we would be committing in future. Also this is the appearance place of Vamana murthi-the 5th avataram of Mahavishnu- we can find a small temple housing shiva lingam
Siddhasramam(Vamanasramam) located within Central Jail Premises,Buxar
Vaikintanathar temple-locally known as Navalakh mandir- in south Indian style following Thenacharya sampradayam with separate sannidhis for Perumal, Thayar,Andal(Azhwars and Acharyars vigrahams are kept in Andal sannidhi)
Chapra(near Rewalgunj):- where Sarayu mingles with Ganges. While in Balliya , Rama hears a huge sound and asks Viswamitrar . Viswamitrar says that this is the confluence of Sarayu with Ganges. But due to geographical changes, it is now presently found near Chapra. This is on the way to Ahroli.
Ahroli- This is Goutama muni’s ashram . Local residents say that Ahalya who was cursed to turn into a stone was redeemed by Lord’s holy feet. We can have darshan of Sita-Ram,Lakshmanar in one sannidhi. In another sannidhi, we can find Goutama muni with his wife Ahalya and son Sadananda rishi who was King Janaka’s kulaguru, Hanuman. Also, Rama padhukai beneath a tree and small vigraham of Ahalya being touched by Srirama’s holy feet can be worshipped. Behind is the confluence of rivers . As per Valmiki Ramayanam, Ahalya was redeemed from curse at Kamtaul near Mithalapuri.
Sronepur:-confluence of River Srona with Ganges near Dhorigunj. Gajendran was granted moksham here- beautiful temple of Gajendravaradar. While staying here on 11th night, Viswamitrar told about his story, Ganges story and Kumara urpathi(Subramanya swami’s birth)
Ram Chouda at Hajipur: about 12 kms from Patna. King Sumathi hosted the royal princes and the rishi here. The overwhelmed king questions Sage Viswamitra as to why the delicate princes had to walk all the way without taking a chariot. Beautiful mandapam on a hillock where we can find Thiruvadi chuvadugal of SriRama. Confluence of Ganges with gandaki.
Madhuban:- Sri Rama and Sita saw each other in this beautiful garden. (This is mentioned by Ramanand SAgar but as Velukudi swami didn’t mention about this, we skipped it
Sitamarhi:- the last town on India-Nepal border-the birth place of Mother Sita. King Janaka who was childless intended to do a yagam and taking his acharyar’s permission, started to plough the yaaga bhumi when he heard a sound. He found a beautiful baby in a casket whom he named Sita as she was found at the edge of the plough. The place where Mother Sita who was an ayonija appeared is Sita Kund which is now filled with water.
Sita Kund,Sitamarhi-Mother Sita appeared at this place which is now filled with water
Sita’s birth place temple, Sitamarhi
Old and new temples of Mother Sita along with Rama,Lakshmanar,Hanumar can be seen. Beautiful vigraham of Janaka ploughing and Mother Sita appearing from the earth. The temple also displays a beautiful photograph of the divine wedding.
Mother Sita appearing from earth while ploughing
Janakpur:- where the divine wedding of Sita-Ramar along with the Urmila-Lakshmana, Mandavi-Bharata, Shrutakeerthi-Shatruguna took place- beautiful Janakpur palace turned temple and nearby kalyana mandapam known as “Sheesh mahal”to be visited. WE can find Sita,Ramar in Kalyana Thirukolam along with THEIR parents, Vasishtar,Sadanandar and others. Around the mandapam , we can have darshan of all the four couples-Sita-Ramar.Urmila-Lakshmanan, Mandavi-Bharatan, Shrutakeerthi-Shatrugunan.
Janakpur temple-King Janaka’s palace where Mother Sita was brought up
Kanak mahal temple:- Sita’s jewellery were heaped like a mountain here. Very near to palace. There is another temple beside this where dieites are carved out of a single stone.
Dhanusha dham:-about 20 kms from Janakpur where a piece of the bow broken by Srirama can be seen. As per the pujari, when Sri Rama lifted the bow,it broke into three pieces-first piece fell at Dahnushkodi near Rameswaram, the second went into pathala in Janakpuri where we can now find a small kund, the centre piece fell at Dhanusha dhaam and this piece attached to a banyan tree is growing along with the roots by 2 inches every year.
Dhanushadham,Nepal- A piece of Sivadhanush broken by Srirama fell here which is about 30 kms from Janakpu
Punouda:-after wedding, the retinue while returning to Ayodhya camped here- Parasurama was humbled by SitaRam here. The banyan tree under which the palanquin was kept is worshipped with reverence. The local people believe that only truth has to be spoken here else it would be disastrous. They assemble here for any dispute.
Pant Pakar-The place where the newly wed couple with their retinue rested for a night. Parasurama was humbled by Srirama at this place
From Punouda, the retinue reached Ayodhya and Sri Ramachandran spent 12 years happily in the company of Mother Sita serving all the elders . Dasaratha with the consent of everyone including the citizens decides to crown Rama as the prince and arrangements are made. Lord Rama prays to Lord Narayanan(Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam) to fulfill the purpose of HIS avataaram.
After wedding, Sita and Rama stayed at Kanak bhavan in Ayodhya
Ayodhya Kaandam – the pastimes at Ayodhya including HIS exile upto the age of 24.
Ayodhya:- As mentioned earlier , places in Ayodhya and nandigramam can be visited in a day.
Allahabad and Chitrakut can be covered in one and a half days.
Srungaberipuram- about 30 kms from Allahabad where Guha helped Rama cross the Ganges. Lord Rama accepts Guha as HIS brother. Sri Rama and Lakshmana applied thick gum from tree to his jadai mudai which was later followed by Barata and Shatruguna. Sumantara came upto this place and after waiting for 2 days returned to Ayodhya
Ram Sayya: The place where Sita-Ramar laid down to rest on the bare floor, Guha and Lakshmana stood guard the whole night. This area is fenced and worshipped by the devotees.
Ram sayya,Srungaberipuram near Allahabad-Sita Ramar spent one night at guha’s place
Guha temple, Rsihyasrunga temple on a small hillock. Guha Temple:- Sita,Ramar,Lakshmanr, Guhan and the boat rower seated on a boat.
The archeological survey has proved Rama’s visit to this place.Beautiful temple of Sita,Rama,Lakshmanar.
Archeological survey at Srungaberipuram
Rishyasrunga temple:- this rishi played vital role in performing putrakameshti yagam for Dasaratha. The rishi along with Shanta devi, his consort gives darsanam. Shanta devi happens to be Dasaratha’s daughter.
Ganges:- The trio with the help of Guha crossed Ganges here. Kavet is a beautiful temple near the shore where we can find the trio with Guhan and the boatman on a boat.
Triveni Sangamam-Prayag-Sita,Rama,Lakshmana offered oblations to the holy rivers here while crossing .Hanuman temple and Ramar temple( need to take permission to visit this temple which is now used by military )
Bharadwaja ashram, Allahabad: –Sri Rama visited this ashram twice – at the beginning and while returning to Ayodhya after exile
Bharadwaja Muni ashram, Allahabad
Akshaya Vat:- near Das Aswamedha ghat. Sri Rama performed pinta pradhaanam for HIS departed father while returning to Ayodhya. SriRama has done pinta pradhanam at Akshayavat, Varanasi and Gaya. It is customary to have bath in Triveni Sangamam, perform panda pradhanam at Akshaya vat. The two branches represent pithrus from mother’s and father’s side.
Veni Madhavan sannidhi:- the presiding diety of this city. on the north of Sangamam,western side of Ganges
ISKCON, Allahabad
Yamuna river:-Sita Ramar,Lakshmana took a boat to cross Yamuna river. Now this place can be reached by travelling over a bridge and reach via busy market place(We didn’t visit this place. Sri Velukudi Swami visited this during his second trip in 2014) The place where the trio crossed Yamuna and Sitadevi offered prayers is known as “Prabhu ghat”. Nearby there is Tulsidas temple-the house where Tulsidas was born. Flight of steps leads us to this place. Here the dieites worshipped by Tulsidas including Salagrama murthis, and the vigraham of Tulsidas which was found in nYamuna at Prabhu ghat after his demise are worshipped,his padhukas, original palmleaf manuscript of bala kandam. (we didn’t visit this place but on the way to Chitrakut at Rajapur, there is another temple for Tulsidas which we visited)
Rajapur:- on the way to Chitrakut- birth place of Tulsidas- Here the original manuscript of Ramcharitra manas is preserved.
Valmiki ashram on the way to Chitrakut, Valmiki river can be seen
Chitrakut:- the place where Sita, Rama Lakshmana stayed for some time. Bharata along with his retinue fell at Rama’s feet here and requested him to return to Ayodhya. When Sri Rama declined, he persuaded Srirama to part with his padhukas to rule over the kingdom .
Kamadgiri mountain:- Sita,Rama,Lakshmana stayed in a beautiful hermitage here as per Baradwaja muni’s advise. Devotees have bath in Mandagini Ganga and do parikrama around Kamadgiri mountain. This mountain is considered sacred as Sri rAma stayed here. The incidents of Lakshmana spotting Bharata and his retinue by climbing a tree, Bharata surrendering to Rama , Sri Rama hugging Barata, giving padhukas to Baratha , the brothers performing oblations to their departed father ,Sri Rama offering roots and twigs to the departed soul, etc will bring tears to our eyes. (Our hearts melt when the vendors sell the roots and twigs saying that this was Sri Rama’s food for 14 years)
Ram Ghat:- Sri Rama performed last rites for Dasaratha along with his brothers .Vanvaas Mandir where Rama Lakshmanar are adorned in mara vuri dress whereas Sita is dressed in silk as the local devotees treat Mother Sita as royal princess.
Brahma Theertham: Braham performed 108 yagas here
Parna Kutiram:-Sita Ramar stayed near Brahma theertham and purified the place.
Janaki kund-the place where Mother Sita used to bathe
Sita Rasoi:- the kitchen where Mother Sita used to cook the roots and figs to offer to Rama.
Hanuman Dhaara:- Beautiful and famous temple dedicated to Hanuman on a hill where Hanuman is bathed continuously with water from a waterfall , the source of which is not known to cool him from the heat caused during Lanka dahanam.(this incident appears in Ramcharitramanas) .There are about 250-300 steps to reach the temple. Virat swaroopam Panch mukha Hanuman at Hanuman dhaara is very powerful. Hanuman controls the nava gruhangal. Oil to keep his body cool, sindhoora podi, flags (Because he is Vijaya anjaneyar). Another temple on the top.
Sita Rasoi:- 100 steps above Hanuman dhaara-Mother Sita used to cook food for Sri Rama here .She followed Sanatana dharma of feeding guests even in forests. She has offered food to sages like Atri,Agasyar,Suteekshanar,Sarabhangar, Valmiki. Their idols can be seen here. Sitadevi in sitting posture while cooking ,Ram and Lakshmanan standing on either sides of HER.
Spatik shila:- While Sita and Rama were resting, Indra’s son, Kakasuran injured Mother Sita. Sri Rama got infuriated and aimed Brahamstram at Kakasuran. Kakasuran who couldn’t get asylum anywhere finally surrendered at Sita Rama’s holy feet and was rescued. Sri Rama plucked only one eye of the crow. , Spatik shila-where Kakasuran who injured Mother Sita was granted asylum by the all compassionate Lord Rama are other places of interest.
Our poorvacharyars opine that if Mother Sita is beside Rama, even Kakasuran who physically injured was saved but RAvana who didn’t even touch Mother Sita was killed because he didn’t have Thayar’s kataksham. On the rock , we can find Sri Rama’s holy feet and Kakasuran’s imprints.
Das Hanumar temple: on the way to Atri-Anasuya ashram-beautiful images of Hanuman and pictures of Swamy RTamanujar, Desikar and others can be seen.
Sati Anasuya Ashram- on the banks of Mandagini river, few kilometers away from Chitrakut on the way to Sarabhanga ashram. Sita,Ram,Lakshmana visited Athri muni ashram and spent few months there. Mother Sita described in detail about THEIR divine wedding to Sati Anasuya who gifted Sita with divine robes and ornaments which wouldn’t get spoilt. Anasuya is known for her chastity . Trinity were born to her-Shiva as Durvasar, Brahma as Chandran and Vishnu as Dattatareyar. Beautiful vigrahams of various gods can be seen here. It is customary to offer bangles and bindhis to Anasuya and take her prasadam. We can also find beautiful pictures from Sri Ramayanam here.
Gupt Godavari:- River Godavari secretly worshipped Sri rAma here. This is located in a cave. WE cannot find any water body around the cave but only inside the cave we can find Godavari upto our knee level. Godavari came secretely and prayed to Rama to bless her. That’s why Sri Rama went to Nasik –the birth place of Godavari and spent few years there. Beautiful vigrahams of Rama,Sita,Lakshmana, Godavari, few demigods, Dhanush kund, Sita kund etc can be seen here.
Aaranya kaandam:- the pastimes of the Lord in Dhandakaranyam for 13 long years upto the age of 38. This area is known as” Ashrama mandalam”. Even the rishis who have conquered everything and who were always meditating on the Supreme Lord were also mesmerized looking at Sri Ramachandran’s beauty. These rishis were born as gopikas in Krishna avataram to relish the Supreme beauty.
Places covered Virata kundam, Sarabhanga ashram, Suteekshana ashram, Agastya ashram, Nasik, Panchavati, Taket,Kishkinda(Hampi) Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana traversed through Dandakaranya forest covering present day Uttar Pradesh border, Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra, part of Jharkhand, disfiguring Surpanaka at Nasik, giving moksham to Jatayu at Taket,
Viratha kundam:- on the way to SArabhanga ashram but deviation to be taken and we have to trek 10 kms in wild animals infested forest. Very risky and hence not approachable.
Sarabhanga muni ashram:-17 kms from Anasuya ashram- located on the outskirts of Chitrakut on the way to Satna. Sita,Ramar,Lakshmanar on the advise of Atri muni visited this place. When the trio were approaching the ashram, Indra had come with a divine chariot and was conversing with Sarabhanga muni . Indra disappeared from the spot. Sarbhanga muni greeted the Lord and did all the upachaarams. He requested the Lord to permit him to leave this mortal body and in the Lord’s presence, he lit a pyre and sacrificed his body. The rishi immediately took Narayana swaroopam and with folded hands left for Vaikuntam. This ashram can be approached only after 8 a.m. .In this ashram, we find Sarabhanga muni in Narayana swaroopam holding conch and disc along with the vigrahams of Sita,Rama Lakshmanar. A branch of Mandagini river known as Sarabhangi river flows nearby. This ashram is situated in the midst of a forest.
Suteekshana muni ashram:- beyond Sarabhanga muni ashram. These ashrams can be approached by road only and it is advisable to take a local guide with us as these are situated in remote places . Velukudi Swami ahs visited this place. Amidst natural scenic beauty, the ashram is situated which now houses the vigrahas of Sita,Ram,Lakshmanar and Suteekshana muni near THEIR thiruvadi in sitting meditative posture. Suteekshana muni gave directions to various ashrams to SRiramar.
Agastya muni ashram:- 5 kms from Salega(near Satna) is Patna Thamoli in Panna district. To take a jeep/ track and travel for about 5 kms. U reach a river which has to be crossed by either walking or lay a bridge and then climb a small hillock to reach Agastya muni ashram. Agastya muni presented a divine bow and arrow to Sriramar. Beautiful vigraham of Sri Ramar aiming an arrow. Here Sri Rama takes an oath to destroy the rakshasas who were causing trouble to the rishis in Dhandakaranyam.
Pl. note:- Initially we planned to go to Sarabhanga muni and Suteekshana muni’s ashram after visiting the important temples in Chitrakut. But after knowing the importance of Kamadgiri parikrama, we decided to join the other devotees in doing parikrama and hence we didn’t have enough time to go the ashrams. So we skipped it by offering our manaseeka prayers .
We need one full day to visit Sarabhanga muni and Suteekshana muni’s ashram for which there is no proper transport and the temples would be closed. However, Velukudi Swami visited these places and infact has renovated Sarabhanga muni temple.
Ramtek (Agastya muni ashram):- 60 kms from Nagpur known as” Ramtek”. As per the priest’s description, Agastya muni gave divine weapons to Sri Rama here and Srirama vowed to destroy the rakshasas . Hence this place is known as “Ram-Tek”. But as per Valmiki Ramayanam and Sri.Velukudi Swamy, this incident occurred in Uttara kandam .Srirama killed Sambakasuran here.
Enroute, there is a museum depicting entire Ramayanam which is a feast to the eyes. Separate sannidhis for Ramar, Lakshmanar, Mahalakshmi, Agastyar,Ram talab-a beautiful pond where Srirama had bath , nearby mandapam where Rama padhukas can be seen here.
Triyambakeswar- about 35 kms from Nasik- one of the 12 jyotirlingas and is also connected with Jnaneswar’s brother.
Godavari Udgam:-Godavari originates from Brahmagiri mountain- Ganges on Siva’s jadamudi appeared at this place to redeem Gowthama muni from Go-hathya dosham. Hence, she is know as Godavari. Sita requests Godavari to inform about HER abduction by Ravana to Srirama but fearing Ravana, Godavari didn’t oblige. When Srirama enquired from the river, it remained silent. Our poorvacharyars opine that Godavari out of fear for Ravana who was thousands of miles away from her did not do Rama kaikaryam whereas Yamuna who was flowing right in front of Kamsa’s palace in Mathura fearlessly participated in Krishna kainkaryam. So drinking Yamuna water will bestow dhairyam in us. But Vedanta Desikar opines that despite not doing Rama kainkaryam, Godavari is still considered to be punya nadhi because she has name “Godha” meaning Andal in her.So all her mistakes are wiped off. Godavari appears in a small kund and nearby we can find Goutamar and Ahalya.
Nasik, Panchavati:- Nasik and Panchavati are on either sides of Godavari.
Ram ghat, Gore Ram mandir, Kaaley Ram mandir, Ram kundam where Srirama used to bathe,
Mother Sita was abducted by RAvana from this place. The place from where Mother Sita was abducted by Ravana, the place where Sita was asked to Lakshmana disfigured Surpanaka and this place is known as Nasik.
Tapovan-Lakshmana was doing tapas of protecting Rama. Hence, it is Tapovan. Beautiful small vigraham of Lakshmana under adiseshan can be seen here. Lakshmana cut Surpanaka’s nose and threwl on the other side of Godavari which is presently known as Nasik. AS many rishis and munis did tapas in this serene place, it is known as Tapovan.
Brahma Kund, Vishnu kund, Shiva kund, Kapila theertham, Sita kund are all nearby.
Panchavati:- Lakshmana constructed a hermitage for Sita,Rama to live amongst 5 banyan trees . hence known as “ pancha vati”-Banyan tree grows from a small seed but gives shade to a vast area Pancha vati represents truth, patience, tolerance, speak sweetly, easy accessability. Then, we also become a banyan tree. Krishna states in Bhagavad Gita that amongst trees,” I AM THE BANYAN”
Parnasalai:- The beautiful hut constructed by Lakshmana for Sri Rama’s dwelling. Srirama appreciates Lakshmana for his craftsmanship adding that he never misses DAsaratha because like a father , Lakshmana caters to all the needs of Srirama.
Sita gufa- in Panchavati- there are 2 versions. While Rama was fighting with 14000 rakshasas headed by Kara,Dhooshana, Sitadevi was requested to be in a cave which was protected by Lakshmana from outside. Another version is at the time of abduction, the devas requested Mother Sita to hide inside the cave and Ravana carried tha Maya Sita who was Vedavati with him to Lanka. During Mother Sita’ agni pravesham , the original and maya Sita were flipped. Mother Sita requests Rama to accept Vedavati but Perumal refuses that it is not possible in this avataaram and when HE appears as Lord Srinivasa, SHE would appear as Padmavathi and marry HIM. (this incident of Vedavati doesn’t appear in Valmiki Ramayanam but is mentioned in Ramcharitra manas , Thiruvengada varallaru)
WE can find beautiful lively images of Mother Sita’s abduction by Ravana ,Mareechan appearing as deer, Sita cooking, and other incidents in this beautiful place.
Sundara Narayana temple: -one of the oldest temples in Nasik. This is bit away from Panchavati. Lord gives darshan to rishis as Narayanan along with Lakshmi devi and Tulasi devi.Beneath we find Garuda with folded hands.
Ram mandir:- about 32 kms -While chasing the maya maan(deer), Srirama felt thirsty and for drinking water, aimed an arrow on the ground, Ganga emerged from the ground
Baneswar:- 39 kms from where Rama let loose arrow
Madhyeswar -41 39-seeing arrow mareechan started running
Mruga vaadhyeswar-the place where the arrow hit Mareechan. Mareechan fell near Aurangabad
Taket: 65 kms from Nasik on Nasik-Igatpuri Highway.Drive for about 35 kms on the highway,take left turn, reach Gothi and proceed to Taket. It was here that Jatayu, the aged eagle fought valiantly with Ravana while he was carrying away Sita and in the process laid its life for a divine cause. Sri Rama who was searching for Sita everywhere learns about Mother Sita’s abduction from Jatayu. Srirama sent Jatayu to moksham and performed the last rites just like as a son would do to his father. Even Dasaratha was deprived of this opportunity. Kooratazhwan wonders in Athimanushasthavam that the Lord who knew to send Jatayu to Vaikuntam pretended to search for Sita and was enquiring about her whereabouts from Godavari, trees, birds etc.
SArva theertham: Rama aimed an arrow at the ground for water with which HE performed last rites.
Ram Mandir:-Sita,Ram,Lakshmana mandir
Jatayu moksha mandir”-Lord Rama seen with Jatayu on HIS lap with Lakshmana beside. An eagle made of cotton is hung on the roof.
Kishkindha kaandam- for about 10 months – redemption of Kabandhan, giving moksham to Sabari, the meeting of the Lord with Sugriva, vanara army setting out in search of Mother Sita. Places covered: Hampi, Lakshmana theertham near Mysore, Mahendra giri parvatham , Swayamprabha cave
Anjanadri: Birth place of Anjaneyar- Hanuman’s parents were Anjana and Kesari . Anjana performed tapas for 7000 years.
Pampa saras:- This is one of the four sarovars created by Brahma-the others being Manasa sarovaram, Bindu sarovaram, Narayana sarovaram . We can find Rama Lakshmana foot prints near it and visit Sabari asramam by ascending few steps. Sabari, the devout disciple of Matanga muni was awaiting Srirama’s arrival as per her guru’s instructions and discharged her duty. Srirama accepted fruits given by her and in HIS presence she ascended to higher lokam.
Lakshmi Temple: located near Sabari ashram
Madhuvan: After Hanuman returned from Lanka, the vanaras on their way to Kishkinda halted at this place and after taking permission from Angadan satisfied their hunger and destroyed the beautiful garden which was close to Sugriva’s heart. Sugriva’s uncle Dhadhimugan went to Rishyamukha parvatham and complained about the vanaras atrocities to Sugriva who concluded that the vanaras have returned victoriously by finding out Mother Sita’s whereabouts. Beautiful tall vigraham of Hanuman about 9 feet smeared with sindhoor can be seen here. This temple is situated in a beautiful garden.
Malyavan Hill:- Here Lord Rama stayed here for four months. Srirama used to lament uncontrollably thinking of Mother Sita and Lakshmana used to console HIM. These incidents in Kishkinda kaandam will definitely bring tears to the readers. Such was the inexplicable love for Mother Sita. Hanuman used to wonder at the Lord’s behaviour . Lord Rama who is Sarvantaryami sensed Hanuman’s views and chose Hanuman to accomplish the task by giving HIS finger ring to him. The Lord wanted Hanuman to know Mother Sita’s greatness . When Hanuman introduced himself to Mother Sita in Ashoka vanam, he said “Rama dhoothan” whereas when he returned to Malyavan parvatham to convey Mother Sita’s news, he used “Rama dhaasan”. Such is the greatness of Sita, the Universal Mother who does Purushaakaram for our sake.
There is a beautiful Raghunath mandir here. The divine serpent, Adisesha has assumed the form of a single rock and the temple along with SriRama’s idol is carved out of this single rock. In another sannidhi, we can have darshan of Sita,Rama,Lakshmana and Hanuman. Here Lord Rama is in meditative posture holding japa maala without HIS kodhandam, Lakshmana is seen standing with folded hands, Mother Sita is beside Srirama and Hanuman is in kneeling posture offering the choodamani to Sriramar. When Srirama came to know about Mother Sita’s welfare, with tear filled eyes full of gratitude, the Lord of the Universe hugged Hanuman, vanara for saving THEIR lives. Such is the Lord’s compassion,gratitude and love for HIS bhaktas. This beautiful incident which brings to tears to whoever reads Sundarakandam took place here. We can have darshan of 2 ponds from which Rama and Lakshmana drank water during THEIR stay at this place. All around the temple, we can find huge boulders . .WE can have darshan of Lakshmi devi sannidhi. Opposite to this hill, we can find Hanuman sculpted on a rock. During Srirama’s stay in Malyavan parvatham, Hanuman used to stay here to have darshan of HIS Lord staying here. Mother Sita with chathurbhujam gives darshan.
Chintamani:- Near Rishyamukha parvatham. Vali wanted to test Srirama’s prowess and asked him to shoot at a sala tree on the other side of Tungabhadra. With a single row, Lord Ramachandran pierced not one but 7 saala trees in a single shot and instilled confidence in Vali. It was from here that Lord Rama aimed arrow at Vali and killed him. The place where Vali and Sugriva fought can be seen only through binoculars from here. We need to drive around to reach the place. Rama padhukai at this spot and a bow on a pillar can be seen . In the nearby cave, we can find a stone on which Lord Rama used to sit and converse with Vali. They entered into friendship in presence of fire at this place.
The place where Vali and Sugriva fought is about 45 minutes trek. From this side, we can see the fighting ground but this place is not visible f rom where they spot. On the ground where Vali and Sugriva fought, we can have darsanam of Srirama’s paduka. While Vali was dying, Srirama came in his presence, justified HIS act of killing by hiding and sent Vali to heavenly abode. This place is worshipped even today.
Kodandaramar sannidhi:-Sita,Rama,Lakshmana,Hanuman ,Sugrivar are sculpted from a single rock –Srirama performed Sugriva pattabhishekam here
Yanthrothkari sannidhi- this sannidhi is beside Kodandaramar temple . Here we find Hanumar and Sudarshana chakram on either sides of Yantram. Vanaras honoured Hanuman after he returned from Lanka.
Swayamprabha cave:- Krishnapuram near Kadayanallur (Rajapalayam)- vanaras who lost their way while going towards south were fed by Swamyamprabha and were transported to the sea shore. There is a sannidhi for Hanumar and a small vigraham of Swayamprabha inside the cave along with the theertham can be seen.
Sundara kandam:- After hearing the whereabouts of Mother Sita from Sampaathi, the eagle , brother of Jatayu, Hanuman assumes a big form and leaps into the air towards Lanka crossing 100 yojanas of sea after winning over all the hurdles, converses and pacifies Mother Sita who was about to end her life, Ravana sambashanam, setting Lanka to flames and victoriously returning to Mahendragiri to convey the news to his friends, return to Kishkinda on the way destroying Madhuvan near Hampi and offering the choodamani given by Mother Sita to Sri Rama and thus saved the lives of Sita,Rama and the entire world.
Places covered:- Mahendragiri mountain(Podhigai hill), Indian ocean, Lanka,Madhuvan and Malyavan hill in Kishkinda
Hanuman’s search in Lanka and return to Kishkinda to convey the news
Mahendra giri parvatham:- located in Thirukurungudi near Tirunelveli on the hill where the Divyadesa Perumal Malai Nambi resides. Hanuman leapt from here to cross the vast ocean and reached Lanka.
Yuddha Kandam:-
Places covered:-
Lakshmana theertham, Thirupullani and Sethukarai near Rameswaram, Lanka
Sri Rama sets out to Lanka to defeat Ravana and rescue Sita. Returns to Ayodhya via Hampi, stops at Allahabad, meets HIS brothers, sheds THEIR maravuri and jadai (robes similar to that of rishi’s), adorns royal robes at Nandigramam and return to Ayodhya where Pattabhishekam is performed.
Lakshmana theertham :- 60 kms from Mysore –also known as Irruppu Falls- Lakshmana quenched Vanara’s thirst by aiming an arrow on the mountain from which water sprung. This water has lots of medicinal properties. To visit Rameswara temple at the foot of the hillock.
Thirupullani:- Lord Rama did saranagathi to Samudrarajan for 3 days starving and lying on darbhai. This is one of the 108 divya desams. . Here Vibhishanan, Samdura rajan with this wife are seen standing with folded hands in Perumal sanndihi . There is also sannidhi for Adi Jagannathar whom Dasaratha worshipped for progeny.
Sethukarai:- Vibhishana did saranagathi to Sriramar at this place. SEthu snanam at any time is considered auspicious
Kodandaramar sannidhi:- near Sethukarai. Beautiful picture of Vibhishana saranagathi can be seen. Srirama orders Lakshmana to perform pattabhishekam to Vibhishanan. Srirama proclaims here that it is HIS dharma to protect whoever surrenders to HIM. On Aani maasam Sukla paksham dasami thithti , every year vibhishana pattabhishekam is performed here. Sita,Rama,Lakshmanr, Hanumarwith Vibhishanar gives darshan
Gandhamadhana mountain:-Srirama padhukai to be worshipped here. It was from here that Srirama surveyed the entire area and it was here that all the vanaras assembled for taking further instructions.
Nepali Ramar temple: 200 years old temple constructed by Nepali king. The vigraham is made of salagramams brought from Muktinath
Dhanushkodi:- Driving on the Pamban bridge, we reach this place which was badly affected by Tsunami. There is a Ramar temple here.
Villundi Theertham:- This well is surrounded by sea water.
Srirama aimed an arrow at the ground to quench Mother Sita’s thirst. The water in the well is sweet whereas the surrounding sea water is salty. The priest hands over a small vessel for us to draw water from the well and drink it.
Navapaasham:- Srirama is believed to have done puja to navagruhas by installing them here before going to Lanka. Very famous for navagraha dosha parihaaram.
Rameswaram:- In almost all the temples, we find “Ram paththar”(boulders and big stones used by Vanara army for constructing the bridge) which float in water.
Sugriva temple:- where Sugriva stayed. A very small sannidhi for Sugriva beside a pond can be seen here.
Incidents like Srirama quenching Mother Sita’s thirst at Villundi theertham, Srirama performing puja to Siva for victory ,Srirama performing navagruha puja etc are mentioned here as part of the sthala varalaaru even though it is not mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana .
Uttara kandam:- Sri Rama was crowned as Chakravarthi at the age of 38 and ruled over the earth till 11000 years. The Lord ascended to Srivaikuntam from Gupthar Ghat at Ayodhya taking even the innate things with him. Kulasekara Azhwar in Peria Thirumozhi beautifully describes the entire Ramayana and mentions about HIS ascent “ Andru Sarasarangal Vaikundhathukku yethi….)
Places covered:-Ramtek near Nagpur, Ayodhya, Valmiki rishi’s ashram in Bittoor
Ramtek:- Srirama killed Jambakasuran and rescued a brahmin’s child.
Lava Kusha Janmasthaan:- Situated in Valmiki ashram at Bittoor.
Sita Paathal Pravesh:- Mother Sita who was an ayonija (not born to human- she appeared as a small baby at Sitamarhi while Janaka was ploughing the yaaga bhoomi) finished HER role in Bhoolokam and disappeared into the bowels of earth after entrusting Lava and Kusha to Sriramar. This is located in Valmiki ashram at Bittoor.
Gupthar ghat and Lakshman ghat: Sri Rama and Lakshmana ascended to Srivaikuntam from this place. This is situated about 15 kms away from Ayodhya near Faizabad. There are separate temples for Ramar and Lakshmanar
This sloka taken from the Puranas claims …………There is no place in the entire universe that equals Venkatadri, the place where the Lord resides and there is no God, neither in the past nor in the future who equals Lord Venkateswara.
TIRUMALA, the abode of Lord Srinivasar stands unique as an embodiment of man’s eternal quest for the divine and His infinite grace. A piligrimage to the sacred Hills is a soul-stirring experience cherished by every devotee.
The puranas say that soon after Dwaparayugam ended and Kaliyugam started, Lord Krishna, decided to stay back to protect one and all and chose TIRUMALA. The appearance of the Lord would be mentioned in detail later as a piligrim’s diary .
Lord Thiruvengadamudaiyan is acknowledged as the most glorious and auspicious avatar of Lord MahaVishnu in this Kali Yuga. Even atheists and rationalists admit a sense of humility and the presence of the Lord can be felt by one and all as soon as one approaches the sanctum sanctorum..
May be , this made Kulasekhara Azhwar in his Perumal Thirumozhi to burst into the pasuram “PADIYAAYI KIDANDHU UNN PAVAZHA VAAI KAANBENEY”.
The piligrims who seek his darshan enter the serpentile queue chanting the holy name and with deep devotion wait patiently to have the LORDs darshan . And as one joins the queue along with several devotees chanting LORDs names GOVINDA GOVINDA ..the feeling is very special .
Once we understand we are reaching the temple main door . we can have darshan on our right side Lord playing dice with a baba .(near the old Sreevari Sahsra Deepalankara seva stage) .
This huge models of LORD playing dice with a babaji makes one wonder what divine leela that would this have been . It may be noted , among several devotees , Few hundred years ago Bahavaji from Northern India an advanced devotee of Lord Sri Ram joined a group of sants in having darshanam of LORD VENKATESHWARA in Tirumala . Incidentally the day when Bhavaji entered temple for darshanam was Puratasi Saturday ( the entire month of Purattasee ( September -October ) commemorating LORDs Appearance month .
Bhavajee after having LORDs darshan was in complete bliss . The divine place it was and the HARI NAAM attracted him a lot . He could experience inner peace multifold at this place .He decided that the search for his LORDRAM has ended and hence decided to remain there .He was so fascinated by the majestic appearance of the Lord that he decided to be there permanently having darshan of the Lord all the time.
With the devotees and mahants support he constructed a small Ashram (a place where the saints live near the temples) and settled near the temple permanently .
Bhavaji paid his obeisances to LORD as often as possible and he was slowly dissolving LORD in himself Few occasions , He used to swoon and fall and sometimes with tears used to have darshanam of the lord unmoved for a long time .
This continued for a few weeks and months in the temple . The Temple authorities being ordinary onlookers could not understand the devotion of him . They became suspicious about his long waiting and hence reported the matter to the Temple Chief .
With the instructions received from the higher ups , Bhavaji was not allowed the next day . He was given a strict warning not to come to the vicinities of the temple . They demonstrated their anger by pushing him out . Our Bhavajee pleaded the staff not to separate him from his Lord Ram . But all this went to deaf ears . A sad and dejected Bhavaji returned to his Ashram with tears .
Bhavajee expressed his grief to LORD with tears praying for HIS mercy in having HIS darshan . Whenever he used to make an attempt to enter the temple he was mercilessly pushed out . Bhavajee was not sure how to pass his time without having the Lord’s darshanam.
He took up a dice board and started playing the dice himself assuming that he was playing with the Lord on the other side. He switched the roles of LORD and himself while throwing the dice and suddenly dozed of to sleep unknowingly
Bhavajee was in deep sleep . Suddenly he heard a pleasant voice calling, Bhavaji! Bhavajee .. Please Wake up! It’s me, Your Rama! Bhavaji opened his eyes and was amazed to have darisanam of LORD standing in front of him. He just couldn’t believe his eyes. He pinched himself to cross check was it a normal dream ?? Amazed Bhavaji fell at LORDS feet with tears . LORD lifted him and said HE was keen to play dice with him . Bhavajee a bit shy , expressed joy like a small child . A jubilant Bhavaji laid a mat on the floor and offered an asanam to LORD . Was it true ?? LORD playing dice with his devotee ….
It was something strange . The game begun…and LORD lost the game by making HIS devotee win .The innocent Bhavajee was feeling so elated .
LORD kept loosing many games and was feeling pleased with HIS devotees win . Our compassionate Lord wanted to gift HIS devotee VICTORY always …. and hence asked Bhavaji to seek any boon .
Bhavaji politely said, Lord ..!! I am the most fortunate person to have YOUR darisanam and also play with you . My humble prayer to you ..Oh LORD please grace me with an audience on daily basis as the temple staff are not allowing him inside . To this LORD just smiled expressing his love to Bhavaje.
Next day our Bhavaji was eagerly waiting for LORDs arrival .He was feeling a strange excitement . He literally prayed the sun to leave the horizon as soon as possible . He was very excited recollecting LORDs bewitching smile and the fatherly love soothing him . Finally the wait was over. The Temple staff closed the huge doors of the temple Even our Lord also was keen to meet HIS devotee . Lord made his move by coming out of the “Ananda Nilayam” and went to Bhavajees ashram .
Bhavajee profusely fell at LORDs feet and offered asanam .
It became a regular practice for the Lord to visit the Mutt and spend time playing dice with Bhavaji at night when the temple doors were closed. One day Lord was playing dice with Bhavaji. Bhavaji heard some noise in the ashram .He had to go out to check what could be that noise , but there was nothing special .
It was a gentle breeze which disturbed the utensils to fall . When he returned to inform the same to Lord, he found that the Lord had already left the place .
Disappointed he looked down but was surprised to see a diamond studded necklace of the Lord lying at the board. He picked up the necklace and kept it safe thinking that the Lord might have forgotten it and he would return when He comes back to play next time. The next morning the Chief Priest attending LORD noticed a missing necklace which he promptly reported to the Temple Authorities. The Temple Authority were worried about the theft of Lord’s necklace. The search for the necklace began All the employees were called up on and inquired about the missing necklace. The Chief Priest informed the management about Bhavaji and raised suspicion over him. The Temple Authorities ordered to summon Bhavaji for enquiry.
Bhavaji as usual was awaiting for Lord’s arrival to play the game of dice. Sadly that day LORD did not join him . but he could heard someone calling his name . By the time he reached , the soldiers got in and started searching all over the place. Bhavaji was surprised to see them searching the ashram all over.
He understood from them about the missing necklace . Bhavaji immediately got the missing necklace he held it safely to return the Lord when he visits again. He innocently submitted to the guards… Was this the necklace you were looking for?
The soldiers without any concession arrest Bhavaji for his theft . Bhavaji pleads his innocence to the security staff , but it goes to deaf ears Bhavajee expresses LORDS compassion and mercy over him .He tells them about the DICE game played with LORD daily and that particular day he saw LORD has forgotten the necklace and he was preparing to return the same the next time LORD comes . This innocent explanation make all of them laugh and fun of him .
The next morning Bhavaji is reprimanded in the courtyard of the Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya . Sri Krishnadevaraya listens to Bhavaji’s explanation and feels it would be unjust to punish him without sufficient proof and proper investigation. He therefore, decides to put Bhavaji on test. Sri Krishnadevaraya informs the devotee Bhavaji that he will be given an opportunity to prove his innocence provided he succeeds in consuming the entire heaps of sugarcane kept in his jail cell by the next day else he will be punished severely..
Bhavaji surrenders to the will of LORD . Without any choice he accepts the Emperor’s decision. In the prison cell , tons of sugarcane heaps are dumped before him and the cell doors are locked .
Bhavaje sits in a corner looking at the heaps of sugarcane .With tears he submits to LORD for his mercy .Our all compassionate LORD never fails to rescue HIS devotee .
A little later, he finds a giant Elephant appearing from no where in the cell and by the wake of the dawn all the heaps of sugarcane dumped there for Bhavaji is consumed by the divine elephant . When Bhavajee saw the entire heaps of sugarcane being finished, he realizes that his Lord Ram has arrived for his rescue and immediately with tears cries …
Oh Ram…! Oh Ram..! My Ram…!……..
You have come up for my rescue. How lucky am I? The Elephant blesses Bhavaji and disappears On hearing the Elephant’s noise , the guards are suprised to see both the sugarcane and the elephant have disappeared .
The Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya understands the devotion of the saint after being briefed by his soldiers and relieves him of all charges and appoints Bhavaji as the Chief Priest of the temple of Tirumala.
Since this Baba Bhavaji’s beloved Lord “Sri Ram” had personally come to his rescue in the form of a Hathi (an Elephant) he is affectionately called as Hathiram Baba.
As the Chief Priest of the Temple, Bhavaji served the Lord for many years. He later entered into a Jeeva Samadhi.
His last years were spent near Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple on the way to Papavinasam on the hills of Tirumala.
A Samadhi of Hathiram Baba had been constructed there and daily pooja is being performed even today.
People visiting Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple pay their homage to this great devotee of Lord Venkateswara.
The Hathiram Baba Mutt had been built on the top of southern side of the temple in his remembrance. LORD announces to the world that HIS devotee is always special and always gives him the place over his Thirumudi .
Even one archanai thirunaamam and Govinda namam has
Hathi Raamapriya Govinda ……..…………………..
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Google videos courtesy : Thanks to devotees who uploaded them in You Tube and Daily motion web sites
Among the 108 SriVaishnava Divya desam , Aranmula (Tiruvaaranvilai) is located in Kerala state (counted in Malai nadu divyadesams near 6 kms from chenganoor ) Aranmula is a beautiful village located further inland from Chengannur, (9 km west) on the Ernakulam Quilon railroad.
The temple is located on the left bank of the Pampa river, it is from here that the sacred jewels of Ayyappan are taken in procession to Sabarimalai each year. Aranmula is also known for the watersports festival involving a spectacular procession of snake boats.
Among the Lord Krishna temples in Kerala, the most important ones are at Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu, Ambalappuzha and Aranmula.
Aranmula is one of the great five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the epic Mahabharatam.
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Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning Pariksit left on a pilgrimage of India, and reached Kerala .
Each of the brothers installed Lord Maha Vishnu deities on the banks of the Pampa river and nearby places and offered worship.
Chengannur – Yuddhishtra,
Tiruppuliyur – Bheema,
Aranmula – Arjuna,
Tiruvamundur – Nakula and
Tirukkadittaanam – Sahadeva
It is said that Arjuna built this Aranmula temple at Nilackal near to Sabarimalai, and the deity was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo). Legend has it that Arjuna built this temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu (here) revealed the knowledge of creation to Brahma, from whom the Madhu kaitapa demons stole the Vedas.
There is yet another legend associated with Lord Parthasarathy here. On the ninth day of the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when Lord Krishna motivated Arjuna to take initiative and vanquish his foe. Arjuna hesitated to do so and in the process was about to be defeated .
Lord Krishna jumped down in rage and took up his sudarshana chakra ; seeing this sight Bhishma surrendered to him and Arjuna pleads LORD not to kill Bheeshma, as it would have been against Krishna’s vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that Lord Krishna gives darshinam , with a discus.
The Moolavar in this temple is glorified as
THIRUKURULAPPAN/ PARTHASARATHI and Thayar ( Goddess) Sri Padmasini Nachiyar .
The pampa river is the holy theertham for this divya desam . Nammazhwar has sung 10 pasurams on LORD .During November maka Nakshatra for 10 days a great festival is celebrated for the LORD .Kodietram on Hastham, Aaratu on Sravanam Meenam (mar-Apr) Onam ..THIRU ONAM ..
Uyakkondar was foremost disciple to ” Swami Nathamuni ” . Uyyakkondar was called as Pundareekaakshar by his parents . Swamy Uyyakondar appeared in Tiru vellarai the famous Srivaishnava Divya desam .
This Divyadesam is located at about 20 km north of Trichirappalli, enroute to Thuraiyur and situated in a 14 acre site and resembles like an Old fort with strong compound walls The temple is older than Srirangam and built ahead of LORD Rama’s avataram . Hence the name Aadhi Vellarai.
The sanctum sanctorum has two entrances namely Utharayana Entrance and the Dakshinayana Entrance .
Utharayana Entrance is opened during the Tamil month of Thai , January upto June Aadi (Cancer), i.e., from Jan 15 to June 15 approximately and from then on, the Dakshinayana Entrance is opened . Apart from Utharayana and Dakshinayana Gates, the sanctum sanctorum has one more entrance called ‘Naazhi Ketta Vaayil’ where it is believed that the Lord was intercepted and questioned by goddess , Mahalakshmi upon his returning home later, after his sojourn.
During the festivals, after gracing the devotees around the town , Perumal has to account for his time to his consort by informing the time he started, the places he visited etc., at this gate in order to gain entry into the temple. To seek LORDS darshan one has to climb 18 Steps at the entrance .
At the very entrance of this temple there are 18 steps reminding us of the 18 chapters of Srimad Bhagvat Gita given to us by LORD Pundareekakshan.
Proceeding further we come across 4 steps that are 4 Vedas and later one reaches the Bali Peetam. It is believed that one’s wishes submitted to the Perumal at the Balipeetam with the turmeric kappu are automatically taken care by Him. Abhishekam is done to the Bali Peetam only . From here, we enter the Perumal sannidhi by ascending 5 steps further representing the PanchaBhoothams (Fire, Water, Space, Air and Earth) and slowly crossing the Naazhi Kettaan Vasal. Now we see 2 entrances Dakshinaayana Gate and Utharaayana Gate which are alternately opened for devotees during the Dakshinayana/ Utharayana six month periods.
As One climbs further 8 steps we are reminded of Ashtaakshara mantra and further we move ahead another 24 steps reminding us of Gayathri Mantram to arrive at the sanctum sanctorum,where we have divya darishnam of our LORD Senthaamarai Kannan (Pundareekaakshan) along with His consort Pankajacchelvi Naacchiyaar.
It is believed that Swamy Pundarikakshar parents had migrated from Madhyapradesh, and settled at Tiru vellarai, performing devotional services to Lord Sri Pundareekaaksha Perumal at this divyadesam. Swamy Uyakkondar had five prominent disciples , of whom Manarkal nambi (also known as Rama mishra) was the most popular and important to our Srivaishnava school . Swamy Uyyakondar taught the disciples Azhwars’ Naalayiram Divya Prabandam’ .This rock is called as ‘Uyyakkondaan Malai’ where Swamy taught his disciples .
After the demise of Swamy Uyakkondar’s wife, the humble disciple swami Ramamishra took charge of the household chores at his Acharyars Uyakkondar’s house. He also took care of Uyakkondar’s young daughters like a dutiful mother . One day, when the children were returing from daily bath at a nearby pond, the girls had to walk past a muddy stream and were hesitating to cross it. Rama mishra seeing their confusion fell across the stream and asked the girls to use his back as a bridge. Seeing the foot marks on his disciples back, after their return, Uyakkondar understood the humility of his disciple . Pleased , Swamy Uyakkondar titled him Manarkal Nambi and renamed his birth place as Manarkal.
Swamy Nathamuni, while collecting the Nalayiram Divya Prabhantham from our Nammalvar after the recitation of Kanninum siruthambu pasuram , was also presented with a deity of Swamy Ramanujar ( Bhavishya Acharyar ) instructing him to handover the deity to the arriving Acharya who will be appearing shortly.
When Nathamuni was about to depart , he passed on the deity to Uyakkondar for worship and then Uyyakondar handed over the deity to Swamy Manarkal nambi which finally was handed over to Sri Yamanucharya and worshipped .
Once as per the directions of his Acharyar Swamy Natha Muni, Pundarikakshar escorted his mother (Acharyars wife ) to her parent’s home. The womenfolk known as Vangipurathu Aachis made him sit in an corridor and fed him with stale remnants of food left over. Pundarikakshar partook the same with relish as it was food offered to him by the Parijanas ( those dear to) of his Acharya. On his return, on he felt greatly elated and narrated the incident to his Acharya. The Acharya was overwhelmed and exclaimed ” Nammai Uyyak Kondeero?”-Oh You came to redeem me?”. From then on, he came to be known as Uyyak Kondaar.
It is believed that all of us must visit this temple at least once in our lifetime in order to be eligible for Moksham .
Hence, there is a tradition at the temple to call ‘Thiruvellarai Kandeero- Thiruvellarai Kanden Aiyya’ (the devotees informing the Lord that they have seen Thiruvellarai Perumal and that they are now ready/eligible for Moksham), a voice that is said to echo to the Lord up there.
Swamy Ramanujar spent a few months in this divyadesam after the unfortunate incident where some person wanted to poison him..
Another most respected Acharyar was Swamy Vishnuchithar’s who appeared in this divya desam He served Swamy Ramanuja at this place . A tank called Udayavar kulam was dug for the use of Jagathacharyar Swamy Ramanuja during his stay . Vishnuchithar’s was about 80 years younger than Swami Ramanuja. Swami Ramanuja embarked upon the task of writing Sribhashya, a commentary on the Brahmasutras of Sage VedaVyasa. He engaged Swami Kooratthazhwan to write down the commentary as he dictated. Unfortunately for him, Swami Koortthazhwan services could not be extended by the divine will Swamy was looking for a scholar who could help him finish the text. He decided Swami Vishnuchithar’s would be the apt person to write down sribashya .
He was very pleased with Vishnuchithar’s deep knowledge and compared him with Swami Kooratthazhwan and embraced him calling him ‘Engal Azhwano!‘ (Your knowledge equals that of our Azhwan (Kooratthazhwan)..
Vishnuchithar was henceforth called as Engalazhwan. Swami Ramanuja made Swami Engalazhwan a disciple of Thirukkurukaippiran Pillan. Swami Engalazhwan was also called Ammal Acharyar since he was the Acharya of Nadathur Ammal .
Adiyen had the bhagyam of having darisanam of the present His Holiness Engalazhwan at Thiruvellarai
Kazhiyur village is located near Cheyyar in North Arcot district about 81 km towards east of Thiruvannamalai and about 103 KM from Chennai .
TEMPLE ENTRANCE
ADHIKESAVA 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.
LORD ADHIKESAVA PERUMAL IN CHANDANA KAPPU
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 .
Swamy Thirukachi nambhigal while continuing his fanning service to Lord Sri Varadaraja Perumal his aalavattam (fan) slipped and fell on Lord.
Thirukachi Nambhigal immediately realized that the time for him to leave this materialistic world had come.
Nambhigal requests Perumal to grant him Moksham. Lord Varadaraja Perumal says that granting Moksham to Thirukachi Nambhigal is not possible as he doesn’t yet have “Bhaagavatha Sambhandham”. Thirukachi Nambhigal then replies that he had been under the tutelage of Sri Alavandaar Himslef, to which Lord says that He was the one who had sent Nambhigal to Alavandar and that would not be counted as “Bagavatha Sambandam”. And interestingly Perumal adds “Neer Veesiner, Naan Pessinen”. This incident highlights the regard Perumal has for Bhagavathas and also shows how we should respect our fellow Bhagavathas.
Thirukachi Nambhigal now decides to “earn” some Bhaagavatha Abhimaanam. He takes leave from Lord Varadaraja and then proceeds to the home of the great Acharya Thirukostiyur Nambhi. He was well aware that Thirukostiyur Nambhi (Swami Ramanuja’s acharya) would not accept as a domestic help someone whom Lord Varadaraja himself had conversed with. So Thirukachi Nambhigal under the guise of a common peasant introduces himself as Gajendra Dasan (his Birth name) and requests for some work from Thirukostiyur Nambhigal. Unaware that it was Thirukachi Nambhigal himself seeking work, Thirukostiyur Nambhigal asks him to take care of his cows and bullock cart.
Thirukachi Nambhigal too is relieved and happy that he has had an opportunity to serve a great acharya. One rainy day Thirukostiyur Nambhigal finds his cows missing and asks his shishyas to find the cows. But the shishyas are reluctant to go in the heavy rains & winds. So Thirukostiyur Nambhi decides to look for the cows by himslef and calls for Thirukachi Nambhigal for help. Thirukachi Nambhigal instantly replies “Adiyen” and Thirukostiyur Nambhi looks in the direction of the voice.
To his wonder, Thirukachi Nambhigal had bought the cows home and also covered them with his own cloths too. Nambhi is instantly pleased at Thirukachi nambhigal’s devotion and then instantly calls his wife and says “Give food to our man”. Since Nambhi had called him as Nam Mattukaran, which signifies a relationship and hence Bhagavatha Sambandham. The next day Nambhi changes to his original attire as when fanning The Lord Varadaraja Perumal and reveals his identity and narrates the sequence of incidents that led him to coming as Gajandra dasan to Thirukostiyur Nambhigal.
Finally, after being blessed with Baagavatha Sambandham, Nambhigal returns to Lord Varadaraja Perumal’s sanctum sancatorium. Like an eager mother expecting her child back, Lord Varadaraja with open arms welcomes Nambhigal right at the steps and praises Thirukachi Nambhigal’s steadfast devotion and affection. At this moment Thirukachi Nambhigal sings the mesmerising “Devaraja Ashtakam”, glorifying the Lord’s boundless love for His Bakthas and the pains of this materialistic world!
And then, Nambhigal attains moksham to serve Sriman Narayana in Sri Vaikuntam permanently .
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.
The king also was surprised to see the Lord accepting the Pongal offered by the chieftain. Now, Pongal is offered to the Lord during the night puja and this is called Munayadarayan Pongal.
The custom of offering Pongal as done by the chieftan continues still.
Thirukannapuram” is the abode of Sri Sowri Raja Perumal.
Once a year, on the occasion of Maasi Magam, the Lord is taken on a procession to the sea shore near Karaikal, about 20 kms from here.
Lord Sowriraja perumal is seen with prayoga chakkra in his hands. The place is considered as Bhoolokha vaikundam.
This Vaishnava Divya desam temple is located on the Kumbakonam / Mayavaram-Nannilam-Nagapattinam route.
One has to get down at Thiru Pugalur and take auto (2kms).
The temple can also be reached directly from Thiruvarur.
The temple has a 7-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex.
The Nithya pushkarini just in front of the Temple is so vast that it looks more like a large lake..
This is the temple where the Lord showed Vibheeshana, brother of Demon king Ravana, his walking beauty.
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.
Acharyar Varadaguru the great Acharya had the deepest bhakti to Lord Varadaraja. 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 warm 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 .
Peyazhwar the senior most Azhwar was maintaining a garden and another devotee Parama Siva Vakyar used to walk that way. They both used to discuss about the religion they followed and wanted to establish about the religion followed was superior. One day Peyazhwar took a weak rope with knots and a pot with holes and drew water from the well and poured it to plants that he planted upside down. Siva Vakyar who came along saw this and laughed loudly. Peyazhwar asked him why he was laughing. He replied that he was behaving like a foolish person man as the plant , that was planted upside down and the pot that contained no water as it had holes , what purpose would it serve. In giving you the fruit ? Peyazhwar turned around and told him that he was the one who was being misguided .Peyazwar told him that the rope was the example for his Athma which is searching through different religions to find the Paramathma, but not succeeded in its search for the truth and still going on searching. He told him that our ancestors had explained in the following verse“ Thirumaal is like the root of the plant and the only ParamporuL. ( LORD ) From the root only leaves, branches, flowers and fruits appear . Similarly all the deities took forms only from the root and so they might wither away at some time or other. Hence it is foolishness to think that the other parts of the plant are superior to the root, meaning without the root the plant cannot survive. Peyazwar’s explanation put Siva Vakyar in deep thought.
He realized that he was still searching for the true knowledge , but couldn’t find it. He requested Peyazhwar to accept him as his disciple. And slowly understanding the greatness of the Vaishnava sampradaya became Thirumazisaiyazwar and started following sri vaishnavism and serving Peyazhwar .
Later he took leave of Peyazhwar and went on divya desa yathra. After visiting few divya desams he went to Kancheepuram and served LORD VARADARAJA there.
KaNiKaNNan a devotee , requested Thirumazisaiyazwar to accept him as his disciple. Azhwar accepted him as his disciple. At his ashram an old lady used to come and clean his place, and perform small service to him. One day she prayed him that being old she felt that she may not be able to serve him longer and regretted for joining this pious service after becoming old. Azhwar was touched with her devotion and sincerity and blessed her regain her youth .
One day the king who ruled over Kanchi happened to see this lady who was so beautiful after Azhwars blessings , and instantly fell in love with her. He married her and took her to his palace. As years rolled by the king was becoming old, but his wife was as young as she was when he got her married. He asked her what was the secret and she told him what had happened with her after serving Azhwar .She suggested the King to ask KaNaikaNNan to request Azhwar to the palace and pray for the same. . The king sent for KaNIkaNNan and told him to bring Azhwar and compose a verse in his praise and to change him young. KaNikaNNan told him that Azhwar would not compose verse praising mortals, but only in praise of Thirumaal. The king told KaNikaNNan, in that case being a true devotee of the Azhwar, he should compose a verse . But KaNIkaNNan refused his request and the king got very angry with him. He ordered him to leave the city immediately. KaNikaNNan went and told Azhwar all that had happened, and also told him that he was leaving the city as for the king’s order. Azhwar got very upset and told that when his disciple was not allowed to stay, he also would leave the city. He prayed to the Lord and requested Him also to join along with them folding His AravaNai. ( THE FOLDING MAT WHERE HE WAS RECLINING )
Lo presto! What a surprise! The Lord obeyed his true devotee’s order, He got up and followed his devotees out of the city, folding His snake-bed and sticking it under arm.
The next moment the whole city plunged into darkness and ill omens occurred. The king got frightened and called his ministers for quick remedy. They told him that he had committed a big blunder by expelling a true devotee of the Lord and so no other alternative, but to go and ask for his pardon and beseech him to come back. The king along with his courtiers reached the place where Azhwar and KaNikaNNan were staying for the night. He fell at their feet and begged them to return to the city. Azhwar again requested the Lord to return to his abode with His snake-bed and the Lord also was happy to return. From then onwards the Lord got the name Sonna VaNNAm Seytha Perumal and in Sanskrit Yathokthakari. The place they stayed for the night got the name Oriravu Irukkai and at present is known as Orikkai where a Mani Mandapam is erected.A special feature of Thirumazhisai Azhwar at the Jagannatha Perumal temple in Kancheepuram is that he is seen with a third eye. Thirumazhisai Azhwar’s contribution to the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham includes over 200 verses (Naanmugan Thiruvanthaathi and Thiruchandha Viruththam) of praise. Thirumazhisai Azhwar spent his final years at Thiru Kudanthai and attained moksham there.
During his short exile from Srirangam , Swamy Ramanujar was staying at Thondanur in Karnataka . Once , Swami Ramanuja found that there was no Thiruman ( Tilak) to apply . He was sad and thus submitted his prayers to Lord to show him the place where he could get the white clay ( Thiruman ) .
The Lord who always comes to the aid of His true devotee, appeared in his dream. LORD told him to go to Yadhavadri where there was a tank called Kalyani Pushkarani where he could locate the ThirumaN.
He also expressed that there was a Thulasi vanam nearby. Under the Thulasi plant he could find the Lordships buried underneath. LORD advises Swamy Ramanuja to bring the deity and after all the purification rites , construct a temple for Him. Swami Ramanuja was very happy and at once started walking towarsd the place to find LORD and Thiruman. With the able guidance and love for Swami Ramanuja , King Vishnuvardan sent his men to make a path for Swami Ramanuja as he had to travel through the forest. Swami Ramanuja reached Kalyani pushkarani.
To his surprise , He found lot of white clay near Kalyani pushkaraNi. On further trekking , He found the Lord’s Moola Murthi in Thulasi vanam under the mole. Lord was carefully taken out reciting vedic chants .The King was excited and immediately ordered that a temple for LORD has to be built .
Accordingly necessary consecration was conducted. The King and people were very happy and honored Swamy Ramanuja very much. Swami Ramanuja made all arrangements for Nithya puja according to agama sasthras. But being in a far location , the people had to come to the temple to have darshan of the Lord. But those who were old and sick could not have His darshan. This was a cause of concern as Utsavar deity of LORD was not there .
Once again the Lord appeared in his dream pleased with Swamy Ramanuja for building a temple and installing him, and declared the Uthsava murthi Sri Ramapriyar was at the custody of Badasha devotee daughter at Delhi .
Swami Ramanuja immediately left to Delhi with his disciples. He reached Delhi after nearly two months. He met the Delhi Badshah ( Emperor) in his palace. The Badshah was very much impressed with Swami Ramanuja’s knowledge and his thejas.
Swami informed him that he came to know that the king had the Idol of Sri Ramapriyar and he wanted to take him back to Yadavadri as per Lord’s command . The king requested Swamy Ramanuja to be escorted with his men to the museum where he had kept all his collections of deities and was free to take .
Sadly , Swami Ramanuja was not able to find Sri Ramapriyar diety in the museum . Swami was disappointed and worried. He returned to the place where he was staying. Again that night Swami Ramanuja prayed and beseeched the Lord to show him the place where He was being worshipped .
That night the Lord appeared in his dream and revealed that Badshah’s daughter was worshiping Him in her palace .
The next morning Swami Ramanuja informed the king that his daughter was having the deity of Sri Ramapriyar.The king was surprised to hear this. He said,” Oh! Is the Idol my daughter dotes on is your Ramapriyar? She is very fond of the idol and I do not think she would agree to part with it.
She does every thing with so much love to him .
But I am sure that she would vehemently oppose to part with it. But being a King , I do not want to go back on my words also. I’ll take you to the entrance of her room.
You call out your LORDs name and if he comes to you on His own then you can take Him.” They went to the Badsha’s daughter’s palace and the Badsha told his daughter about Swami Ramanuja’s wish. The princess was quite upset to hear it.
Swami closed his eyes and prayed, “My beloved Lord! All along you only showed me the place where you were staying and brought me this far. I came here to take you to the place where you belong. You have to come back to your place to give darshan to your devotees !
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Kindly grace me with this dictum given by the King . Now , Swami Ramanuja with folded hands and bent head lovingly calls , “Oh! My Lord! My Chella piLLaay! Please come and sit on my lap!”
And Lo! to everybody’s surprise ,
The most spectacular scene was witnessed by people who were there………..
Lord got down from the Prince’s decorated bed and walked slowly while his anklets made sweet sound and his crown dazzled. He sat on Swami Ramanuja’s lap and with tears , Swami Ramanuja embraced and fondled the LORD as a father would dote on his child.
Filled with emotion he called him, “You are my Chella Pillai! You are my treasure (Sampath)”…..
The Delhi Badsha was spell bound to see the scene. He cried, “Achcha! Achcha! You are really the great guru! Even the Lord loves you and I can understand He came and sat on your lap when you called Him! It shows your greatness! Now who am I to stop you to take Him to His abode?”.
The King with great respect gave presents to the Lord and Sri Ramanuja . The King provided a palanquin to the Lord.
Swamy Ramanuja was very happy and started his return journey.
With the sudden developments , happening around the Kings daughter started crying and pleaded with him to go along with her lover Sriramapriyar . No amount of cajoling explaining that their religion is quite different and people would call her mad with her behaviour does appeal her . The princess remarks that she would die if she parted with her lover Ramapriyar. The King with no other option left makes arrangements to send her with escorts. Enroute , some robbers surround Swami Ramanuja and others and attempt to rob the gifts given by the King . But ,the local harijans give them a tough fight and send them away and escort Swami Ramanuja upto to Melkote. Swamy Ramanuja out of love to their devotion to LORD christened them as ‘Thirukulathar’ .
They were allowed inside the temple to have darisanam of Lord . The kings daughter in pangs of separation , enters the temple and merges with the Lord, like Andal and ThirupaNazwar.
Swami Ramanuja is stunned and impressed with her devotion he makes arrangement for an idol of the princess and installed it in the temple and she is affectionately called Bibi Nachiyar.
Religion and caste is no bar for a true devotee. The Lord accepts a true devotee without any inhibition. There is a separate sannadi for Bibi Nachiar in the Srirangam temple also.
Lord Ramapriyar loved Swami Ramanuja, his true devotee and revealed the places where he was staying. When Swamy Ramanuja called out to HIM , He came dancing and sat on his lap. He did not discard Bibi Nachiyar who also loved him dearly and followed as per his devotees choice .
Swami Thiru-kachchi Nambi occupies a very unique position, both as an Acharyar, and as an advanced devotee of Lord Varadaraja . Swamy Nambi is one of the very few devotees with whom the Lord Himself conversed regularly.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi appeared at a place called poo irunda valli (currently called poonamallee, near Chennai). He moved to kAnchIpuram, and started performing devotional service to LORD Varadaraja at Kancheepuram temple.
His 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 carrying out the service (called thiru-Ala-vatta Kainkaryam in tamil), Lord Varadaraja used to talk to Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi about the happenings of the world. The topics used to be anything from how the temple was being run, to the happenings in the city of Kanchipuram and esoteric topics about philosophy.
The Lord considered swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi as His closest friend, and talked to him just like any friend would.
All this was due to the great qualities of swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi – his supreme devotion to Lord Varadaraja, his being devoid of any ego, and his being a true servant of the Lord, wanting no other thing but service to the Lord.
One incident in his life is used to show how much Lord cared for him.
One morning, after the rituals were completed in the temple , Swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi was performing the usual Kainkaryam of fanning the Lord. They were immersed on some interesting topic, and time passed without both of them noticing.
Suddenly , It began to rain very heavily.
The time for thiru-k- kachchi nambi to go home for his afternoon prasadam arrived, and the Lord seemed to be resting.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi took leave from the Lord, and went outside the covered Mantapam. It was raining very heavily, and hence he could not go.
Nambi was concerned that if he is delayed, coming back to the temple for evening services would be a problem .He was restless as at no point the evening service can be delayed .
Suddenly, an aged Sri Vaishnava person appeared with an umbrella, and told swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi that Lord Varadaraja had instructed him to accompany to his home with the umbrella, and bring him back. for the evening service .
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was very moved with his kindness. He thanked the Sri Vaishnava and the Lord for this trouble.
Evening came, and swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was delayed a little bit in starting for the temple.
The Sri Vaishnava who accompanied him to his house was still there, waiting for him, so that he could accompany him back to the temple. Meanwhile, in the temple, the priests arrived to start performing the evening rituals. When they entered the sanctum , they were shocked and taken aback.
The Lord was not there in the temple! They looked everywhere, and the Lord was not there! They were very much worried . Awaiting for swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi arrival to ask him if he knew where the Lord went, or if the Lord was upset with some mistake that might have happened.
After sometime, Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi accompanied by the SriVaishnava entered the temple .
The priests immediately went to him, and explained the situation, and asked him with great concern if he knew anything. Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi told them he had no idea about what might have happened, and immediately started sobbing .
After all, Lord Varadaraja was not just the Supreme Being to him but was also his closest friend.
After a few minutes, swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi wanted to go to the Lord’s usual place and see if he can get any clues from there.
He went and lo and behold, the Lord was there as usual smiling and with a very satisfied look on His lotus face! Immediately, swami thiru-k-kachci nambi ran to the priests and conveyed the happy news. Everyone wanted to celebrate, and looked for the Sri Vaishnava who had accompanied swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi so that they could invite him to join the celebrations too.
They could not find him. He had vanished. When the priests went near the Lord to start performing the services ,they saw water droplets on Him!
Everyone now realized what had happened. The Lord Himself, unable to bear the thought of swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi getting wet by the rain, had accompanied him to his home.
Not only that, He waited there so that He could accompany swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi back to the temple!
Such is the greatness of swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi…
Pillai Uranga Villidasan was a powerful wrestler. Not just any ordinary wrestler but one of very high standing. Almost all the wrestlers in the Chola Kingdom used to pay him a ‘protection fee’.
A Famous Wrestler was majestic in his looks and a terror to his rivals naturally .There was a beautiful lady in the village Ponnachi. (Pon in Tamil means gold.) Every one who saw her swore that she richly deserved her name. Her complexion, came closest to the yellow metal. She was slightly on the plumpy side. Her dance-like walk, her height and her dimpled cheeks made her the much-acclaimed beauty in her village. But the most prominent feature of her face was her eyes , very large, round and from which you cannot take your eyes off.
Ponnachi’s beauty was at least as well known as Villi’dasan s prowess. Villidasan was a very good man and had never abused his strength or position. And yes, he was the most eligible, most sought after bachelor in his town. As it would happen in love stories, he heard of Ponnachi’s beauty and set out to see her, more out of curiousity than anything else. Once he saw her eyes, he could not think of anything else. As if possessed he sought her hand in marriage, something which Ponnachi was only too eager to give. Villidasan was virtually consumed by his love for the damsel.
He stopped fighting and was thinking of nothing else other than his lady love. Villidasan and Ponnachi got married on an auspicious day. Their married life was most blissful in karmic world , which never ended. They had been married for years. Still to Villidasan Ponnachi was the most beautiful woman in the world with the most beautiful eyes. It was spring time. Festival time at Capital town of Srivaishnavisim , Srirangam. Vasanthotsavam. Ponnachi wanted to see the festival.
To Villidasan her slightest whim was a Royal Command. He made elaborate arrangements to ensure a comfortable travel for Ponnachi. She was borne in a palanquin till the main street of Srirengam where she had to get down and walk. Ponnachi got down from the palanquin. Villidasan who was standing nearby was stunned by her beauty. She was dressed up in an exquisite silk saree. What captivated his attention even after years of marriage was her eyes. Villidasan could not take his eyes away from hers. As she started to walk towards the temple, Villidasan did the unthinkable. He was walking backwards facing her, unable to see anything else but her large eyes. Those who saw this amusing sight giggled. Some even laughed out aloud. Villidasan gave a damn to what others thought. After all Ponnachi was his lawfully wedded wife and what was wrong in seeing her eyes? Ponnachi was half consumed by shyness and half by pride. She too loved her husband so much that she did not have the mind to object to his act, though she knew that it made people laugh behind their backs.
This strange procession – Ponnachi walking forward, Villidasan walking backwards, and the palanquin bearers and the retinue following Ponnachi – was nearing the temple gate. On the other side of the street, a very great saint was walking away from the temple followed by 1000 of his disciples. The name of the great saint was Swamy Ramanujacharya. Swamy Ramanujacharya was amused by the strange sight..
Ponnachi walking towards the temple followed by her retinue and Villidasan walking backwards unable to take off his eyes from those of his beautiful wife! The great saint was moved on seeing this wonderful sight. He inquired about the couple and then sent word to Villidasan asking him to come and meet him in his Ashram alone.Swamy Ramanuja had decided to do something about that. Now why should Swamy Ramanuja do something about Villi’dasans love? As a spiritual Master of people he instinctively knew that Villi’s love was quite unique.
If only Swamy Ramanujacharya could make people love something as intensely as Villidasan did, yes, he would have made a difference in their lives.At the same time if he showed Villi’s love as an example to be followed,then ignorant people might mistakenly think that they also should love Ponnachi. In other words at the present level Villidasan’s love is not a copyable, replicable model. So Sri Ramanuja wanted to first shift Villi’dasans love to something else and then make people understand the greatness of love. And in order to make so many people understand the meaning of love, there is no harm in shifting one person’s object of love. Ramanuja was a highly respected Acharya. So Villidasan was excited came running to see him in his Ashram as soon as he got his call.It was late in the night. The Srirangam temple would be closed for the day in another half an hour. Swamy Ramanuja wanted to accomplish his missionwithin that time.
He asked Villidasan in a sarcastic tone,“Aren’t you ashamed , Villidasan , to be seeing your wife’s eyes, when God’sfestival is on?” Villidasans ’s reply was a correct blend of humility and the force of truth.“Is there anything more beautiful than my wife’s eyes?”Ramanujacharya was waiting for this question. “What will you do if I show something more beautiful than that?”Now Villi knew for sure that there was nothing like that and so hiswords came with confidence. “Then I will fall in love with those eyes. Ponnachi and I will be yourslaves for the rest of our lives.” “Deal. Come with me.” Swamy Ramanujar took Villidasan to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
The God of Love,Sri Ranganathar, Thiruvarangan, was sleeping in his comfortable snake-bed attended by his Devis. Then the great Acharyatook hold of Villidasan’s hands. The Acharya’s touch sent waves of electric shock in his body. Ramanujar closed his eyes and prayed to the Lord. “Oh, Lord, here’s is an example of perfect love. And thewhole world is steeped in misery unaware of this kind of love. I want the people to know that there is something like this love and that every one of us is capable of it. For that you need to give these two people to me. “I know that these two people are as precious to you as your Devis and are holier than the holiest scriptures ever written on you. I promise you my Lord, I’ll give them the reverence they deserve. Now please, LORD Ranganatha show the beauty of your eyes to this man of love.”
A selfless prayer!
Two loving souls standing before Him! Ranganathar was helpless!
He had to grant the Acharya’s wish. And the great Lord, whose eyes are not to be seen even by the highest of Devas and the wisest of Rishis, whose Feet cannot even be touched by Vedas and all the knowledge in the world, opened his most beautiful eyes for Villidasan to see. Villidasan was awe-struck; no he was love-struck. The sight lasted for a fraction of a second. Villidasan instantly fell in love with those large, beautiful eyes, for which nothing in the world is even a pale comparison. Villi prostrated at Sri Ramanujar’s feet proclaiming his slavery to the saint.
Swamy Ramanuja lifted him as a loving father would lift his loving son. Swamy Ramanujar’s eyes were so full with tears, his heart so full with love that for a few seconds he could not talk.
Villidasan continued to be in a state of ecstasy. If God decides to show His eyes even for a nanosecond, the effect will last for centuries, extending into millions of life –times, for ever, for eternity and even thereafter. When he went back to Ponnachi that night and told about his experience, she was also transformed. She did not whine that her husband had found out another object of love.
She was ecstatic because she was the loving wife of a man to whom even the Great God had shown His eyes. The next morning Pillai Uranga Villidasan gives away his possessions, erects a small hut near Swamy Ramanuja’s Ashram and starts living there along with Ponnachi serving Swamy Ramanuja the entire life ….
Tirumala Temple is a famous Srivaishnava Temple of Lord Venkateswara located in the hill town Tirumala of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is built on the Venkatadri hill, one of the seven hills of Tirumala, and hence is also known as the Temple of Seven Hills .
The temple is the richest and the most visited place of worship in the world.The temple is visited by almost 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily .
The Tirumala temple was not the salubrious and convenient place we know as it is today. Tirumala was a forest laden ,rough and rocky terrain and the upkeep of the temple in those days must have been a terribly daunting and unwelcome task. During those hard days there lived a great devotee Swami Tirumala Nambi in Tirumala Hills at Tirupathi .
Swamy Tirumala Nambi was a great religious scholar in his own right but out of own choice decided to devote his entire life to “theertha-kainkarya” ( service of bringing water from Papanasanam for worship of Lord of Seven Hills) at the Tirumala .
He dedicated his entire life to the services of the Lord and in LORDS devotional service . His entire lifetime was spent living in a small hut on the hills and worked out of it while tending to, maintaining and administering the temple of his beloved LORD ‘Tiruvengadamudaiyan’ ( Lord Venkateshwara ) .
Swami Tirumala Nambi used to bring water from Papanasam situated at a distance of about 8 kilometers from Tirumala for the daily puja. He was old but never allowed his age to interfere in his services .
Lord out of his abundant compassion , wanted to grace his devotee for the great service (kainkaryam ) taken up by him.
One day when Tirumalai Nambee was walking towards the temple sanctorium from Papanashanam water falls with a pot of water ,Lord appeared before Tirumalai Nambi in the attire of a fowler and addressed Swami Tirumala Nambi as Thatha ( Grandpa) . Nambi was surprised with the address by the fowler.
On turning he found an attractive and handsome fowler who demanded him for water to quench his thirst .
Nambee was taken aback and refused to give water intended for the Holy bath (Abhishekum) of the Lord and politely marched ahead .
The mischievous fowler he was followed Tirumala Nambi , slowly pierced the pot with a stone , and drank the water which oozed out of the pot.
Swami Tirumala Nambee was very sad that he could not fulfill the daily service to LORD .
He said to the fowler about his old age and hardship in once again bringing the water that would make HIS LORD wait and as such delay in the service .
The fowler said …
Grandpa ,
Don’t worry !
I will show a place nearby for you to collect water for the services .
Saying this ,he discharged an arrow at the hillock near by in the sky , and lo torrents of water came gushing from the place hit by the arrow..
The fowler commanded that the water for the Lord’s puja should thenceforth be brought from Akasaganga and disappeared. The new fountain is now called Akasaganga .
Thirumala Nambee was convinced that the fowler was none other than Lord Srinivasa himself . Swamy Tirumala Nambee performed various kainkaryams such as Akasaganga Theertha Kainkaryam, Thomalaseva, Mantrapushpa Kainkaryam, Saathumurai, Thirumanjanam and Vedaparayanam. Hence he was called as “Acharya Purusha” of Tirumala Temple.
In honour of this humble but most noble ‘teertha-kainkaryam’ that Nambi institutionalized in his times, his heirs and progeny until this very day have been allowed to perform the same service in the temple as matter of hereditary right.
The descendants of Swamy Tirumalai Nambi are known today as “Tirumala kumara-s” or “thOzhappachAri-s”.
There is a historical evidence that Tirumala Nambi lived in Tirumaaliga, South Mada Street, Tirumala.
The temple shrine of Sri Tirumala Nambi that stands today in the south-eastern corner just below the overhead pedestrian walkaway that leads from the Q-complex to the main temple.
Now the descendents of Tirumala Nambi are managing the temple at this place where the Utsavar and Moolavar deities of Acharya Tirumala Nambi is housed.
Tirumala Nambi, was one of the five Acharyars of Swamy Ramanuja. He was his maternal Uncle who taught the essence of Srimad Ramayanam.
Photos : Courtesy : Google Pics uploaded by several advanced devotees
It is said that Swamy Ramanujar visited the temple during his Orissa visit. Swamy was delighted to have darshanam of chaturbhuja ( four armed) Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, with conch, discus, mace and lotus flower. It is also believed by the locals that he glorified the deity as ‘Sri Alwarnath’ or the ‘lord of the alwars’ giving the message of Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya. The place which housed Lord Alwarnath hence also came to be known as Alwarpur. And today the words have been shortened with passing time, the temple known as Sri ‘Alarnath’ or ‘Alalanath’ and the place called ‘Alarpur’ .Sri Ramanujar established the Embar Mutt at Puri.
On reaching Puri, Swamy Ramanujar began to interact with the local priests and scholars. His divya tejas attracted people and soon he found many devotees submitting to the legendary sampradaya . Swamy decided to establish a monastery to be headed by Sri Govinda . Govinda was also fondly called Embar , hence the mutt came to be known as ‘Embar mutt’.. This Embar mutt is located right outside the Puri Jagannath temple.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to stay at Alarnath during anavasara period of Lord Jagannath.
Anavasara is the two weeks period when Lord Jagannatha take rest in isolation from the rest of the world , post the annual bathing festival (Snana Yatra).( another divine leela ) .
After Snana Poornima, ritualistic bathing of the idols of Jagannath, there is a popular belief that the deities get fever. For a period of 15 day the deities do not appear before public. The deities remain in the Anasar house and appear a day before Puri Rath Yatra ……
day and post Snana Purnima in Jyeshta month (May – June), there is no darshan of Lord Jagannath and other deities at the Puri JagannathTemple for 15 days.
This 15-day period of Anavasara (no darshan) at Puri JagannathTemple happens before the Rath Yatra.
There is a popular belief that Lord Jagannath during this period manifests as Alarnath Dev at AlarnathTemple in Brahmagiri, which is about 23 km from Puri. During these 15 days, devotees visit the Alarnath temple at Brahmagiri in large numbers.
Legend has it that Lord Jagannath manifests into the Alarnath Dev during the fortnight.
Sri Chaitanya maha prabhu visualised the appearance of Lord Jagannath in Alarnath and spent a long period in worshipping the lordships here.
It is believed that those who cannot worship Lord Jagannath during his stay in the sick chamber can get the blessings of Lord Alarnathjee if they visit this temple. During this period the temple servitors offered holy rice porridge, known as ‘Kheer’ ( Akkaraadisil ) in local language, to the lord. During the present anavasara period of every year thousands of devotees visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Alarnath and to taste the mahaprasad ( famous holy ‘Kheer’).
Here one can have darshan of LORD with chaturbhuja .Lord holds chakra in his upper right hand, Lotus in his lower right hand, Conch in his upper left hand and club in his lower left hand. Garudazhwan , kneels at the feet of the deity with his hands folded in prayer position.
Lord Krishna’s queens Rukmini and Satyabhama also give darshan inside the temple. The Deity of Sri Chaitanya mahaprabhu also gives darshan to the devotees .
There is a stone slab before the LORD which bears impressions from Sri Chaitanya’s body.
When Sri Chaitanya mahaprabhu first lay in full respect in front of Lord Alarnath, the stone below Sri Chaitanya maha prabhu melted from His blissful touch.
Photos : Courtesy : Google Srimathey Ramanujaya namah JAI JAI JAI JAGGANATHA
Please check the travel details of Jagganath Puri dhaam in this link
Kulasekhara Azhwar the ardent devotee of Lord Ranganatha appeared in the royal family of the kingdom of Travancore near a place called thiruvanjiikalam .
The Majesty was undoubtedly our LORD who was worshipped by the King and the people LORD “Ananta-Padmanabha Swami “. All the royal family were servants
The Kings of Travancore would offer obeisance’s to the Lord twice a day and be there inside the temple of LORD serving HIM . The King would present his reports to the Lord on daily basis and communicate about the daily administration .
He was but just a trustee. (This tradition of the Maharaja of Travancore visiting Lord Ananta-Padmanabha Swami goes on to the present day.) Such was the pious and saintly quality of the ancient line of Vedic kings among whom Maharaja Kulasekhara appeared.
King Kulasekara ruled his kingdom in the most vedic manner. It is said that his rule was so good , that people compared it to the rule of Lord Rama in Ayodhya. In due course, King Kulasekara invited learned people from all over the world. Slowly by mercy of LORD understood Lord Sriman Narayana is everything, and the highest purpose in life is to perform service to HIM and HIS devotees. The Lord also blessed Kulasekara with the knowledge and mindset of being a true devotee.
Kulasekara visited many holy places, and spent his time listening to the great opulence qualities of the Lord as told in the great epics SrimadRamayana, Mahabharatha and Srimad bhagavatham. He took special liking to Lord Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, and the Lord of thiru-viththuva-k-kOdu (in present day Kerala).
One day, when he was listening to a lecture on Ramayana by a vedic pandit, he became very involved (it was his normal habit for the king to be so moved by the Lord, as to worry about His well-being, just like another Azhvar like Periyazhvar had done).
The pandit was emotionally narrating the part where the army of demons, on the command of the demoness Surpanaka , assembled to fight Lord Rama. There were 14000 demons of the biggest variety, and on the other side there was just Lord Rama and Lakshmana.
On hearing this, King Kulasekara immediately got up, and commanded his commander in chief to get his army to help Lord Rama in fighting the 14000 demons!
On seeing the King so involved , the pundit immediately said “the great Rama, single-handedly defeated the 14000 strong demon army and retired safely to the cottage where mother sita was composed and relaxed ”.
This continuity made king Kulasekara calm. This single incident was a lesson to all the pundits to speak always about the safety of Lord . As he was learning and listening to these holy scriptures and concepts, Kulasekara came to understand the special place that the holy town of SriRangam holds for devotees. He yearned to go there, live there, and perform service the Lord of Srirangam – Lord Ranganatha.
It is said that every morning, Kulasekara would proceed to SriRangam, abandoning all his duties as the king. On seeing this, his ministers, and prominent people in his kingdom would bring some vaishnavas enroute . On seeing them , the king would pay obeisance’s and invite them to his palace, and serve them all day .
At his palace, all the srivaishnavas had free reign. They could go from any room, and could be present everywhere. On seeing such free reign , some of his ministers became jealous, and hatched a plot to change the king’s opinion on them .
They decided to execute a plan on the appearance day of Lord Rama (Sri Rama Navami). The ministers stole a very valuable necklace adorned to the deity of Lord Rama and pointed it was the devotees who were worshipping and they may be held responsible for the theft .
King Kulasekara asserted that there was no way that the devotees would do such a thing. To rebuke that, he had his ministers bring him a pot containing a poisonous snake and declared that he will put his hand into the pot to prove their innocence. Miraculously, the serpent did not harm the king, and thus everyone was convinced that the devotees had not stolen the necklace.
On seeing the miracle , the ministers apologized for their mistake and returned the necklace to the king. Kulasekhar understood that his position came in the way of his desire to serve the Lord and His devotees.
He politely handed over the kingdom to his son and left on a pilgrimage to holy places and settled in Srirangam. Having the LORD’S darshanam he composed a divine poem compilation called “ PerumaL thirumozhi ”. At Srirangam he built the corridor around the temple that to this day called as “kulasEkaran thiru-suRRu” (the Kulasekara passage).
Kulashekara Azhwar submits to LORD VENKATESHWARA in his pasurams regarding having association in some form at Tirumala .
He begins with Oh Lord !!! may he become a bird near to the pond at Seven Hills ( TIRUMALAI ) for association … but realises being a FISH is better as the bird may fly away due to any disturbances .
Proceeding his divine out pours he prays LORD may be, becoming that person who holds that golden vessel which is being used for LORDS service as the fish in the pond may swim away and miss that divine chance to come near to the LORD..
Now , Azhwar realises holding the golden utensil may create ego in his mind and that may drive him out away from HIS service. With more introspection , Azhwar prays May he become a flower on a tree that will be offered to HIS holy feet ,but understands that after the flower fades up , the same is thrown out and so the tree too ..
He goes to next state and pleads to become a river on thiruvekata hill so that it remains permanent . But doubts with the law of nature If the river dries up ??
Now Azhwar submits unconditionally Oh ..Lord ….may adiyen become that slab of stone where the stairs leading up to your sannidhi since the river may dry up some day.The stepping stone in front of the sannidhi shall always remain watching uninterruptedly LORDS lotus feet ..
with sheer bliss as any other object has an end BUT being just a stepping stone before HIM will always ensure HIS cool grace always ( as a mark of Azhwars love the temple first entry slab is referred as kulasEkaran padi).
chediyAyavalvinaigaLthIrkkumthirumAlE NediyAnE vEnGkatavA! Nin kOyilin vAchal adiyArum vAnavarum arambaiyarum kidaNthiyanGgum padiyAyk kidaNthu un pavaLa vAyk kAnNbEnE
Oh LORD SRI VENKATESHA! YOU are the only one who can eradicate my karmas. Adiyen want to be like the stepping stone at the entrance of your sannidhi where your great devotees, dhevas , gandharvas and humans long to seek your darshan.
Adiyen wish to remain as your door step where devotees,celestials and heavenly dancers wait in order to see your coral lips constantly..
Kulasekara Azhwar a ardent devotee of Lord SriRama, sang a beautiful decade In Naalayira Divya Prabhandam “ Perumal tirumozhi “ in Gopika bhaavam and Devaki bhaavam . Azhwars Mukundamaala has so much poignant cries surrendering at Krishna’s lotus feet (KrishnO rakshatu jagat guruh!.).
Kulasekhara Azhwar knotted out the priceless pearls of wisdom and strung them into a garland (mala) of poems in the Mukundamala, where he surrenders
krsna tvadiya-pada-pankaja-panjarantam
adyaiva me visatu manasa-raja-hamsah
prana-prayana-samaye kapha-vata-pittaih
kanthavarodhana-vidhau smaranam kutas te
“O Lord Krsna, at this moment let the royal swan of my mind enter the tangled stems of the lotus of Your feet. How will it be possible for me to remember You at the time of death, when my throat will be choked up with mucus bile and air?
“Azhwar prays the Lord to keep him in the company of bhaktas, who relish the constant thought of the Lord’s lotus feet.
Such devotees are characterised by palms folded in supplication, heads bowed in devotion, hair ends of the body standing upright in joy, tones shaky with emotion, and eyes filled with tears- all tell tale signs of their boundless bhakti brimming over.
Here is the beautiful sloka from Sri Mukunda MalA:
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.
An hardcore enemy would adore bhattar on listening to him. Bhattars skill in answering a person’s question even before the questioner has finished asking the question is marvelous, and offers food for our thoughts can be seen from the below two divine pastimes
Once Bhattar went to a temple with his disciples to worship his beloved Lord Ranganatha . Unfortunately, the shrine was closed to the general public. In those times, the closing of the shrine to the public was usually expressed through a divine servant shouting out the words “netrapaani, netrapaani”.
While this was happening, swami Bhattar was inside the enclosure created by the screen that separates namperumAL’s shrine and the outside. One of the close servants in the temple , without knowing the divine closeness of Bhattar with Lord Namperumal, shouted at Bhattar and uttered inappropriate words much to the surprise of the crowd . Bhattar simply smiled at him. but , the disciples of Bhattar couldnt accept and hence started to shout back at the person .
Bhattar looked at his disciples and politely asked them “Why are you taking revenge at me?”
The disciples were shocked and taken aback,. They were confused on hearing these unusual words from their guru Bhattar. One of the disciples, with a bit of courage, asked Bhattar “Swami, we are not taking revenge at you, but only at the person who inappropriately, misbehaved at you”.
Bhattar explained to them “The person at whom you are shouting has done a great favour to me . And by shouting at him, you are showing ungratefulness and are becoming a nuisance to him by shouting at him”. All the disciples were stunned; Bhattar simply continued – “It is the duty of every Sri Vaishnava, while worshipping the Lord, to speak out his own bad qualities and the Lord’s kalyana guNas.
Our Namperumal is very busy with so many utsavams and does not find enough time to listen to my bad qualities which are innumerable to be told completely. Given that this is the case, this swami serving the LORD has indirectly helped me and has taken up my task in his shoulder and put forth the bad qualities of me before the Lord and the Lord is also very pleased to hear. Why are you disturbing him from doing a favor to me?”
Swami Parasara bhattar, simply smiled at that person who committed the slip , took one valuable necklaces from his neck, and offered it to that swami and told him “Swami – Even though this will not equal the favor done by you for me, it is my humble offering to you”.Please keep it with you …
Once Swamy was proceeding to attend a festival in nearby temple away from Srirangam . He had to walk into deep bushes .En route he met a hunter. The hunter was spellbound looking at Bhattars composure and tejas . He immediately surrendered to Swamys lotus feet . The hunter offered him a seat to Swamin . Srivaishnava acharyas have the unique trait of looking at everyone with the same eyes and hence Bhattar also made him sit along with him .
A srivaishnava is a person who never cast anyone as low or high by how he looks or where he lives. The instinctive prejudice that has diseased the society was never in their midst.
Having taken his seat, Swamy, with his usual inquisitiveness, asked the hunter of the daily routine in and around the forest. The hunter was excited to have the audience of the distinguished seer and sharing dais with his holiness .He mentally rehersed what he can reveal and decided to tell a strange incident that he came across . He humbly said “Swamy, a few days back, I did not get food throughout the day. Due to pangs of hunger , I decided to find food at any cost and headed towards a rabbit habitat. I was overjoyed when I found a little baby rabbit .
Holding it by the ears, I started walking home. Having walked a few steps, I sensed something nibbling at my feet. To my surprise, I found the mother of this rabbit was at my feet. Its behavior was very strange. It kept nibbling at my toes and quickly ran around my feet and came back to the toes. This kept on happening for some time and I couldn’t put a foot forward.
A strange feeling entered in my heart. Feeling pity at the behaviour of the Mother rabbit I suppose , my heart felt for the little one and her mother My mind stubbornly directed me to make my supper with the rabbit BUT my heart overruled the mind and demanded the release of the little rabbit. I was overcome with compassion and remorse that I put down the child rabbit. Both the rabbits went around me a couple of times and merrily jumped may be blessing me for letting them go safely .And to my surprise, this feeling overpowered my hunger and I was feeling my stomach seemed full.
The Acharya listened to the entire narration with eyes wide open and exclaimed “Oh Lord Ranga! How can we narrow down the concept of Surrender to a certain set of rules? This small incident where a man devoid of any sastric learning melts down to the surrender of a rabbit and forgoes his hunger.
A rabbit, absolutely devoid of any sort of tatva gnyanam instinctively surrenders at the feet of the hunter and seeks the release of its child! How can unconditional surrender have stringent rules? It is a simple yet highly effective concept for mankind to surrender from the rabbit seeking Lords Lotus Feet unconditionally .
The above sloka …. reverberates in all srivaishnava temples and homes glorifying the rich sampradaya we have inherited from our poorvacharyas ….Swamy Nathamunigal and Swamy Alavandar, the two great acharyas have been pillars to Srivaishnava sampradayam, took their avatara at the holy place Kattumannar koil, which is 25 kms from Chidambaram in Cuddalore district of Tamil nadu, South India.
Kattumannarkoil (situated on the banks of the vast Veeranam Lake) hallowed by the birth of these Acharyas is the only place with magnificent temples dedicated to Swamy Nathamunigal and Swamy Alavandar.
Swamy Nathamunigal was the foremost Acharya of Srivaishnava sampradaya .
Nathamuni mastered himself in Vedas at a very young age,.He was devoted to Lord Veera Narayana Perumal and spent most of his time performing daily ( aaradhanai) poojas for the Lord here.
One day, during his pilgrimage to Thirukudanthai ( present day Kumbakonam ) Temple he was attracted to the Archakas chanting the….. Aaravamuthey song….
The devotees ended the song with the words… “ these 10 out of the 1000”.
“ Aaraavamudhe Adiyen Udalam,
Ninbaal Anbaaye
Neeraal Alainthu Karaiya Urukinra Nedumaale
Seeraar Sennel Cauvery Veesum,
SezhuNeerth ThiruKudanthai
EraarKolam Thigazhak Kidanthaai, Kanden Emmaane”
Swami Nathamuni was drawn to these songs and pleaded them to sing the rest of the 990 verses. However, they expressed ignorance and said they knew only these 10 songs which they were reciting daily .
Seeking to find the remaining of these divine songs, Swamy Nathamuni proceeded from Kattu Mannar Koil and went to Kumbakonam, where Lord Aaravamudhan appeared before him and asked him to go to Thiru Kurugur for more…
. Unable to get his answers at Thiru Kurugur, Swamy proceeded to Thiru Kolur, where he got initiated with the great Acharyar Madura Kavi Azhvaar’s verses of Kannin Siruthambinaal.
He came back to Thiru Kurugur and sitting under the Tamarind tree, he recited these verses 12000 times.
On completion of which the all compassionate NammAzhvaar is said to have appeared before him and shared the entire 4000 songs the “Divyaprabhandam” —Naalaayira Divya Prabandham which we are able to relish glorifying the LORDSHIPS.
Lord Veera Narayana Perumal is then said to have called Swami Nathamuni back to Kattu Mannar Koil where the Vaishnavite Saint chanted and shared the “Naalayira Divya Prabandham”.
Thus, Nathamuni of Kattu Mannar Koil, was instrumental in bringing back to the world the 4000 verses of the Azhvaars.
He also initiated the Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam from here.
As Lord Narayana came here as ‘Mannan’ to take the hand of Mahalakshmi and later asked Nathamuni to share the Divya Prabandham and the Vaishnava Sampradayam to the world at large, he was referred to as ‘ Kattum’ ‘Mannan- Aanaar’ (the Lord who came as a king and later presented the entire prabandham through Nathamuni).
In course of time, Kattum Mannan-Aanaar
became Kattu Mannar.
Nathamuni’s grandson was named as ‘Yamunai Thuraivan’(Alavandar) as per his wishes. Born in Kattu Mannar Koil, Aalavanthan would travel to Srirangam often and spread the message of SriVaishnavism.
He is also said to have nominated Swamy Ramanuja as the ’to be’ acharya after his disappearance .
Alavandar’s disciples include Periya Nambi, ThiruKoshtiyur Nambi, Thiru Kachi Nambi and Srirangam Araiyar.
A clip was taken during our in which Bhattar elaborately explains in tamil about the glorious Srivaishnava Sampradayam.
Swamy Natha Munigals appearance day is being celebrated on Aaani Anusham in all Srivaishnava temples .
All glories to the devotees participating in all the temples
Pics credits : All advanced devotees who uploaded the pics in social media
Swami Mudaliandan was the foremost disciple of Swami Ramanuja. Mudaliandaan is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Rama Himself. Lord Rama was so pleased with Adiseshan’s service to him as Lakshmana that he wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, He bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan and himself as Krishna. Adiseshan incarnated as Swami Ramanuja , and LORD Rama became his daasan. ( Daasarathe his original thirunamam) .
Once, while serving Swami Ramanuja inside a temple Andaan expressed his anxiety about blessing him with a progeny to continue services to Asmath Acharyar and his mission . During the conversation , Swamy Ramanuja received maha prasadam from the temple which was covered with a garment (Kandadai – Gandam + aadai – a piece of cloth with fragrance) worn by Lord’s thirumeni (Lord’s archamurthy).
Swami Ramanuja indicated to MudaliAndaan about the auspicious happening and told him he would be blessed with a progeny soon. In due course , a son was born to Andaan. Thus, Andaan vamsam (family) were called Kandadayar family. It is said that a whole street [north mADa street] in Srivilliputthur bears the name ‘kandadaiyar vithi’, to signify the importance of the illustrious family.
Kandadai Aandan appeared during Kumba (Maasi) Punarpoosam day for rendering faultless service to bhaagavathaas. He appeared at Sri Rangam and under the care of Swami Ramanuja. His father was his Shiksha guru who taught him Vedas, Sastras and Divya Prabhandam.
Swami Kandadai Andan pleased his Acharyar Swamy Ramanuja and sought his permission to install an idol replica of him at his appearance place (Sriperumbudur) for the benefit of all the future generation.
Swamy Ramanujar granted his disciple request. At once Andan summoned a sculptor and advised him to make a replica of his Acharyar “Swamy Ramanujar” in his then advanced age. He invited Acharyar to grace the thirumeni of Swamy Ramanujar . Swamy Ramanujar was pleased with his devotion and embraced the deity . Placing all his grace and all the mercy in that idol, he told Andan to install it on the day of Guru Pushyam.
With due respect, Andan carried the deity to Sriperumbudur with all the paraphernalia and installed on the day nominated by Swamy Ramanujar. While this was being done at Sriperumbudur at Sri Rangam , Swamy Ramanujar felt that his strength was draining out and wondered why was it happening . He then recollected and understood the reason .He sent out a message to invite Andan to report to him at Sri Rangam.
On receipt of the communication Kandadai Andan reached Sri Rangam and prostrated before Swamy Ramanujar. Swamy Ramanujar advised Kandadai Andan to peform his final rites and also to install his idol at the place where his body was laid to final rest.
As ordered ,Swami Ramanujar’s utsavar thirumeni was installed by Kandadai Aandan at Sri Rangam. He also commanded “ Swamy Ramanujar Mahotsavam “ to be performed on his appearance day “Thiruvadhirai day” forever, by succeeding generations.
Swami Kandadai Andan was also glorified as Ramanuja Dasar.
Few hundred years ago , King Vallaba Deva the Pandyan king was going around his kingdom in a disguise . Somewhere near a temple he saw an old man sleeping on a pial (thinnai) in front of a house..
The King out of curiosity , woke him up and asked him who he was and why he was sleeping there in the open. The man answered that he was a temple priest and was supposed to leave in the early hours of the day to Sethu to complete his Thirtha yathra . Being new to the place , he took shelter near to the temple .
Out of devotion the king requested him to chant a good sloka. The Priest chanted a sanskrit sloka . Delighted , the King asked the priest to explain the meaning of the chants .
The Priest replied ,
1) a person must save for the rainy season in summer,
2) should save for old age when he is young
and
3) should save punya for the next birth during the present birth itself .
The king reflected on the verses . He assumed that he had already accomplished saving for the first two verses mentioned by the priest, but he never thought about the next birth.
Curious to know what the third verse inner meaning really meant , he summoned his Chief advisor Selvanambikal , a learned man in religious and philosophical matters .
The King asked him to enlighten him on
what was the saving one has to do for the next birth ??
Selvanambikal submitted to the King that there were several paths that lead to salvation but he was also not sure about the exact path to be followed aqnd what needs to be saved for gaining it .
He requested the King to allow him to call all the religious heads for a conference and prove which path could show the jeevatama to attain salvation .
The King was glad that such an assembly will enlighten him with deeper knowledge on the subject . The King also advised him to honour that Vedic priest who will give them a convincing reply .
Accordingly , the minister orders the assembly to tie a cloth bag that shall contain gold coins which is hung on to a pole . It is also informed to the Priests that the most convincing answer and the belief which shows the true path to salvation , would be honored .
The Royal announcement was made throughout the kingdom . Heads of different religions tried to prove that their faith was the one that could show the true path for salvation . However the outcome was incomplete . The King was keen to meet the great personality who would be able to show him the right path for salvation .
Far away in the same Kingdom there was a great devotee of Lord who was offering Pushpa kainkaryam ( Flower garland services ) to the Lordships . His name was Vishnuchittar ( Periazhwar) . His devotion to the LORD was ultimate .
The compassionate Lord Vadaperum Koil Udaiyan wanted the world to know about his sincere devotee . Lord appeared in Periyazhwar’s dream and advised him to participate in the mammoth conference . Periyazhwar was nervous and pleaded Lord that he was not capable to undertake such a difficult task amongst the Royal family . Lord convinces Azhwar to proceed with confidence , as other things would be taken care . Azhwar wakes up the next day .
Praying LORD mentally , he proceeds to Naanmadakudal obeying Lordships order. Looking at the huge gathering ,Azhwar decides this is the best place to glorify LORDSHIPS . The Vedic pundits and vidwans looking at the simple looking Azhwar ignore him .However the minister Selvanambikal observing the radiance of our Azhwar request him to go ahead and put forth his knowledge to test as he had already knew about Azhwar’s greatness.
Periyazwar humbly takes the discussions to the inner truths and presents examples from Vedas, Granthas and Srimad Bhagavad Gita to prove that Lord Sriman Narayan is the Supreme Lord who created all the worlds and living beings and everything came from HIM and would merge with HIM only. He further takes Srimad Bhagavatam texts and quotes several truths much to the astonishment of the gathering . Azhwars lucid answers make the pole containing the bag with gold coins tied already bends towards him thus proving the Azhwars words of wisdom.
King Vallaba Deva along with the royal family are surprised to see the miracle happening The king extremely pleased with Azhwar confirms him the title “ Bhatter Piran” . With respect , he orders his men to bring his Royal elephant . The King requests Azhwar to alight on his elephant as he wanted the great devotee to be honored . With much pomp and show and paraphernalia , the Elephant takes him in the huge procession.
The all compassionate LORD is so pleased that He along with HIS consorts come to give darshan to Azhwar on His Garuda Vahanam . Periyazhwar is overwhelmed to see the Lord in the sky.
( It was Lord Koodal Azhagar Perumal , along with the Goddess Mahalakshmee . who had arrived to witness their dear devotee on Garuda Vahanam.)
On having darshan of LORD ,
Periyazhwar worried that such a beautiful thirumeni ( form ) of Lord may attract ( evil eye ) Drushti , he immediately takes the bell from the elephant’s neck as symbol and starts his mangala shashanam to the Lord instantly , by chanting the introductory verses of Divya Prabhandam
“Thirup PallaNdu”.
Pallandu,pallandu pallayirath aandu*
Pala koti noor ayiram*Mallanda thin tholl manivanna*
Padai por pukku muzhangum ap panchasanniyamum Pallande.
Roughly translated in English
May for many hundreds, thousands and crores of years ,the Gem -Hued LORD with mighty wrestling shoulders, HIS bright red lotus feet be protected. This inseparable bond between us ,may it last many thousand years .To the GODDESS who ever adorns the Lord’s right chest many thousand years. To the fiery luminous sudharshan chakra on the right hand, many thousand years. To the Panchajanya ,the famous conch which stikes terror in the battle field ,many many thousand years………….
Periyazhwar composed hundreds of verses of praise including those that feature as the first 12 songs of the Divya Prabhandham called Thiru Pallaandu. As Garuda served Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam to reach Srivilliputhur for the marriage festivities faster than was expected, he was accorded a special status here and is seen alongside Lord Rangamannar and Andal.
The Lord himself conferred on him the title “Periyazwar.” Azhwar returned to Srivillipuththur with the prize he got and surrendered it to the Lord at the temple. He continued the pushpa kaimkaryam to the Lord and becomes a guiding force and father to Andal .
Apart from “ThiruppallaNdu containing 12 pasurams Azhwar gave us Periyazwar Thirumozi containing 461 pasurams .
Azhwars pasurams on LORD KRISHNA in matrubhavam is a must listen .
Azhwar has glorified LORD KRISHNAs pastimes in detail and the same is recited in all vaishnava temples particularly during Janmashtami
Our great vaihnava saint Lokacharyar Sri Pillai Lokachariar, about 118 years old then, saved our dharisanam by getting Namperumal safely out of Srirangam . This sad episode was because of Malik Kafur the tyrant who ransacked Srirangam during the year 1323. Lokacharyar along with many disciples went through the rough terrains, forests, and so on, carrying our LORD .
When they reached Jyothiskudi, near Madurai ,Sri Pillai Lokachariar realized that he cannot carry on any more, so he decided to stay in Jyothishkudi itself.
He directed his sishyas to reach out to one Thiruvoimozhi Pillai, and explain him various rahasyams of srivaishnavam.
From Jyothishkudi, Swami Pillai Lokachariar reached sri vaikuntam.Without his noble sacrifice of life, we probably would not be having darshanam of Namperumal in Srirangam (peruman came back to Srirangam after more than 40 years.)
This great acharyar’s thirunakshathiram ( Appearance day ) is celebrated during October ( Aippasi Thiruvonam,) very grandly in all the SRI VAISHNAVA DIVYA DESAMS
Sri Vaishnavam is replete with practical applications of the glorious precept of equality for all sentient-beings. • Lord Sri Rama performing funeral rites for Jatayu • Lord Sri Krishna preferring to dine with Sri Vidura even though he had the option of dining with exalted elders such as Drona or Bheeshma. • The episode of ThiruppAN azhvar and LOkasAranga Muni • Our Sri Nammazhvar who belonged to the panchama jathi (fifth caste) • Sri Periya Nambi and his attachment to Sri MaranEri Nambi • Swami Ramanuja and his deep devotion to Sri Thirukachchi Nambi
However, it was Swami Pillai Lokacharyar who went to considerable lengths to explicitly expand on this concept and establish its relevance within the Indian social and philosophical framework about the glorious sampradaya of Srivaishnavisim .
Swamy Sri Manavala Mamunigal in his celebrated UpadEsarattinamalai, commemorates the lives and works of Azhvars and Acharyas. In this wondrous composition, he has singled out LOKACHARYAR more than any one else and devoted several pasurams.
Lokaacharyan was rightly glorified as ulagAriyan – ( teacher of the universe).
Sri Lokacharyars vaibhavam, his contribution to SriVaishnavism and efforts taken by Sri Velukudi Swamin, Chinna Jeeyar swami and other revered saints in identifying this place and constructing a temple for lokaguru is a blessing to all the srivaishnavas .
While Swamy was about to leave this world and reach Achaaryan’s Lotus feet, he started touching the ants and other such insects near him with compassion (All such animals will get to reach Sri Vaikunta if they have get touched by a Sri Vaishnava). Such was Sri Pillai Lokacharya’s Karunya towards the living beings.
Sri Kumudavalli sametha Thirumangai Azhwar Saranam Prapathey
Srimathe Ramanujayah namah
Sri Dasarathaya namah
Sri Vara Vara Muniye namah
Offering repeated obeisances to Asmath Acharyar, Sri Sri Mudaliandan Swamy, Adiyen wishes to share our travel and darisanam experience at Thirunangoor done few years back . We had attended this Utsavam twice and we 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 on Thai Amavasai which is being celebrated from 08-02-2016 to 10-02-2016.
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 in Vaishnava sampradaya is given Manjal Kuliyal(holy bath with turmeric water) which is being celebrated for more than 12 centuries .
The next day, 11 Garuda Seva of LORD is celebrated which is being done since past 100 years .The third day marks the return of Azhwar to Tiruvali-Thirunagari temple. Srivaishnavas make it a point to participate in these festivities.
. MANJAL NEERATAM AND ELEVEN GARUDA SEVAS HELD AT THIRUNANGOOR EVERY YEAR ON THAI AMAVASAI AND PRADHAMAI DAY respectively. May the Supreme Lord bestow me the knowledge to describe about the Garuda Seva. Adiyen seeks the blessings of all the devotees , Acharyas and Azhwars for describing the great event .
.
Thirumangai Azhwar affectionately called as Kaliyan, was the valiant army chief of the then Chola King that the king gifted him with a small territory to rule over. Hence, he was known as Thirumangai Mannan .
He was attracted to an apsara Kumudavalli , daughter of a physician and expressed his desire to marry her. Kumudavalli who appeared on this earth to transform this valiant king to a devotee , laid the condition that he should serve 1000 Srivaishnavas every day by offering Prasadam for one year .
Thirumangai Mannan fulfilled her condition and continued to do so even after his marriage as he got habituated in this wonderful kainkaryam of feeding the srivaishnavas. In due course, his wealth diminished and as Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, when HE decides to bless HIS devotee, HE takes away wealth and enacted a divya leela.
Due to his love for vaishnavas , our Azhwar resorted to stealing and plundering wealth from the rich and the egoistic but used the wealth for feeding Vaishnavas and renovating temples.
One day , Tirumangai Mannan comes to know through his friends that a newly wedded couple bedecked with precious jewellery were passing through a forest in a palanquin and if they could plunder their wealth, they could continue with their cause of serving Srivaishnavas forever.
Overjoyed , Thirumangai Mannan along with his four friends rush to the place in the midnight , galloping fast on his horse, who he calls as Aadalmaa. He waylays the divine couple who are resting near a mandapam at “Thirumanankollai” and plunders their wealth. This precious booty is carefully put over a cloth and ties it . Not being satisfied with the loot, he advances towards them and tries to remove the Thirumetti of Thayar with all his might but is unsuccessful.
By coming in contact with Thayar’s thiruvadi, realisation dawns on him. He is amazed .Something draws him towards them for a second look . However he manages and when he tries to lift the loot, he is unable to do so. He suspects the bridegroom for having put some charm on the loot . He threatens Perumal who is disguised as the bridegroom with a sword to disclose the secret which is not allowing him to lift the loot .
Perumal smiles at him . He advises him to purify himself by having a dip at the Kavery tributary and return so that he can impart the secret to him.
Thirumangai mannan politely obeys the advise . He returns to Perumal. Lord gives him the most sacred mantram,Thirumantram . The moment Perumal whispers the sacred Ashtakshari Thirumantram , wisdom dawns on Kaliyan and he surrenders at the Lotus feet of the Divya Dampadhigal.
He repents for all his earlier deeds and outbursts his divine pourings starting with the wonderful pasuram
“Vaadinene Vaadi….” and decides to glorify Perumal by visiting holy places in India..
He is transformed as Thirumangai Azhwar and riding on his Aadalma horse glorified Perumal in about 86 divya desams.
OUR PILIGRIMAGE EXPERIENCES:
With the directions given by senior devotees we reached Thirunangoor in the evening and discussing about the divine pastimes of Azhwars with elders .
Though we did not have a proper resting place all of us relaxed lying down at the temple entrance awaiting Azhwars arrival as it was almost midnight when we reached Thirunangoor. The village of Thirunangoor is fully crowded with many devotees . We all relaxed in front of a house near Thirunagari temple. Suddenly around 1.30 A.M. in the early morning, we were awakened by sounds of crackers and trumpets .
The drums and Nadaswaram were being played to welcome our Azhwar .
On enquiry, we were told that Azhwar’s purapaadu ( procession ) was about to start and Azhwar was being dressed as the chief .
Adiyen was keen to join the procession amongst many many senior devotees and the excitement in following Azhwar . Un mindful adiyen took a shower near a bore well and quickly changed my clothes and applying Urdhvapundram ran behind the crowd to be as close to Azhwar and the devoted priests . It was totally dark with few street lights which were going ON and Off and sad that there were no proper roads. Unmindful of the thorns and stones, all the bhagavathas were literally running behind the Azhwar as some one is waiting for us .
True ! The all compassionate LORD is so keen to meet the Azhwar for his upliftment . Adiyen had the same feeling .As it was too difficult to carry children in the crowd my family followed us by hiring a motor car amongst other devotees .
This unique devotion of the villagers and the devotees coming from far off places has to be seen in person to taste the bliss . The holy intention of the procession ( purapaadu) is Azhwar personally goes to each of the 11 temples, glorifies the respective Perumals while going for Manjal Neeratam and personally invites the LORDSHIPS to grace them to come to Thirumanimaada kovil for the Garuda utsava darshanam which will be held the next day. The tradition of glorifying the LORD at the respective divyadesams by the pasurams sung by Azhwar is done with all humility
. Let me attempt to narrate the happenings in the chilly night of Amavasai . Our Azhwar (Thirumangai Azhwar) was seated majestically in a well-decorated palanquin and the procession started from the temple Azhwar proceeds to Thirukuraiyalur, his birth place.
The crowd braves the chilly weather to somehow occupy the temple corridor to have the closest darshan of Azhwar and Perumal . It was 2.30 AM when we reached this temple . We could see hundreds of devotees following the procession . The Azhwar literally runs and the bhagavathas also run behind the azhwar. Adiyen participated in the procession and literally was in bliss being with advanced devotees . It was a memorable trek for spiritual quest .The zeal cannot be explained.
We are in THIRUKURAIYALUR, the appearance place of Thirumangai Alwar.
The Temple Priest along with the senior devotees receive Azhwar with due temple honours and mangalasaasanams. The first pasuram starting with “VAADINEN VAADI” was recited .
It was as if Azhwar was almost there guiding us .The pasuram literally brought chilled tears in my eyes . Adiyen was able to feel the soul literally craving for HIS grace and the nectar was directly being fed .
Was able to meet bhagavathaas who were carrying out “PUSHPA KAINKARYAM FOR THE AZHWAR ON THESE TWO DAYS”. Ahead of this recitation we were offered hot prasadam ( Kesaree) .This prasadam became a benchmark for me to offer it LORD later . After honouring the prasadam adiyen moved near to the temple premises where the devotees were thinning away .Offered humble obesiances to LORD NARASINGA PERUMAL and prayed LORD to bestow his abundant mercy in having satsangh always .
The special feature in this big festival is that without any discretion, all the residents of the 11 villages participate in this function and the hospitality extended by the local residents cannot be described in words.
All the bhagavathas who attend this function are sumptuously fed . We can see the village residents voluntarily offering us buttermilk, hot milk and food etc enroute
They all consider it as their own family function. Now our Azhwar proceeds to THIRUMANGAIMAADAM , the birth place of Kumudavalli Thayar., who was solely responsible for transforming our Azhwar into a Srivaishnavite.
It’s a very old temple and the darshan of Azhwar specifically at this place reveals his liking to this place and his consort . After recitation of the respective pasurams and mangalashashanams , we were offered Chakrapongal prasadam which was honoured . The sweet prasad , the sweet pasurams , the sweet crowd and our SWEET AZHWAR was indeed most memorable night .
On looking at the watch , Adiyen was amazed ,It was already 3.30 AM and was looking as fresh . Never was Adiyen awake except for the Suprabatha seva at Tirumala Hills . We must have around 4 Kms .
From here we proceeded along with Azhwar to
THIRUKAVALAMPADI THIRUMANIKOODAM and THIRUPAARTHANPALLI
scattered around for about 10 kms and as done in the temples our Azhwar requests Perumal to grace the garuda Utsavam the nest day after reciting the prescribed pasurams of the Divya desams . Few temples the time taken is more as per the number of Pasurams .Adiyen was fortunate to be around the learned bhagavathas and advanced devotees who were literally up to date with the history of temple and Azhwars pastimes .
All these temples are scattered in a radius of 10 to 12 kms .Unmindful of the darkness , poor roads and route followed each of us were moving in a brisk pace to match the speed of the Procession .We must congratualate the palaquin bearers of Azhwar who are so energetic and infuse the spirit to just keep moving seeking his mercy . The whole place is charged with religious fervour and was eye- captivating. One must not miss to see bhagavatha’s bhakti for the Azhwar. Due to Azhwar’s sheer grace, Adiyen was able to participate in the procession.
The procession was more or less like a running race. It shows the Azhwar’s anxiety to have darshan of Perumal at different divya desams . In each of the temples, we could see the utsavar anxiety to receive the Azhwar by waiting outside the garbagriham to welcome our Azhwar. Adiyen was overwhelmed with joy and at the same time was stunned to see an ocean of Srivaishnavas running behind the Azhwar. True ! If a bhaktha makes a small attempt to seek him
…LORD moves few miles to reach him .All through the way, Perumal’s naamasmaranam was done and Azhwar’s vaibhavam was recapitulated. Even the thorns and stones on the road become flowers to the devotees now .Enjoying the company of a senior devotee adiyen suddenly noticed Azhwars procession moving inside a field lushy and so green . For a moment, was totally confused . Adiyen didn’t know what was happening. The senior devotee explained that it was Azhwar’s practice to go across fields, muddy lands and canals during his times and as a mark of respect the procession goes in the similar fashion and that practice is followed even today. It was a very thrilling experience. Around 8-10 bhagavathas were shouldering the palanquin and by seeing the speed in which the procession was taken, Adiyen thought they may drop the palanquin. But was corrected about my misconception by other bhagavathas that such incidents do not happen and Azhwar enjoys the procession to be taken in this way. Adiyen decided to accompany the procession in the damp fields along with the bhagavathas though was bit apprehensive about slipping in the green fields . Adiyen never ever felt that we were in the fields . We along with Azhwar cross the agricultural fields, (keni kattu), canals etc. One young devotee was sharing his experience that the local people request the procession to be taken across their fields because they strongly believe that Azhwars mercy on them will have a good yield if the procession goes from their fields.
It takes about half a day for our Azhwar to cover these 5 temples. After inviting the Perumals in these five divyadesams it is almost the next day afternoon .
Now our Azhwar proceeds to the banks of Manikarnikarai ( tributary of the river cauvery )
On the banks of the canal, Azhwar does mangalasaasanam to his Acharyar , Sri Naraiyur Nambi Perumal (Naachiyar kovil, Kumbakonam) who personally initiated him into Vaishnavism and mangalasaasanam to his favourite Perumal, Sri Ranganathar . The Divyaprabhanda pasurams takes you literally to the divyadesam along with Azhwar .
An interesting happening takes place .The Priests along with bhgavathas stood in knee deep water reciting pasurams on LORD Thirunaraiyur Nambi and Sri Ranganathar. Our Azhwar takes a quick dip in the canal . Along with the Azhwar, all the devotees also had a holy dip.
One devotee informed that Azhwar, when he was the chief ,he used to have bath in these waters for refreshing himself after he returned from his looting expedition. Hence, the old practice of having holy dip in the Manikarnikai waters is still followed even today. Azhwar is now honoured with garlands and peethambarams which were adorned by the two Perumals of the divya desams previously. These gifts are specially brought from Kumbakonam and Srirangam with due temple honours. Now our Azhwar proceeds to a nearby old mandapam well decorated for Manjal Neeratam..
..Thirumanjanam ( Abhiskekam) was performed to SINDANAIKU INIYAN ( one who is sweet for contemplating ) who accompanies Azhwar during the entire procession ( deities worshipped by Thirumangai Azhwar himself),
Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudavalli Thayar. It is very interesting to note that Azwar is never separated from Thayar except on one occasion i.e. during THIRUVEDUPURI UTSAVAM celebrated during Panguni Uthiram day every year in April. Only during this occasion, Azhwar leaves Kumudavalli Thayar alone for a span of 3-4 hours as he goes to rob Perumal’s properties and eventually transforms to become HIS only property .
We are now in the Mandapam premises . A sahsradhaara plate where the Azhwar deities are honoured with a holy bath . The beauty is during Abhishekam ( Thiurmanjanam) to Lord Sindanaiku Iniyan the remnants holy water / milk/ honey /curd flows through the Sahasradhaaram on Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudavalli’s who are underneath LORDS LOTUS FEET
. Its a great bhagyam to have darisanam of Azhwar when the holy water of his deities is allowed to bathe the divine couple who have showed us the path of surrender to our only LORD SRIMAN NARAYANA.
Adiyen was fully charged amongst the bhagavathas . Few senior bhagavathas sang Azhwars Pasurams with some dancing to the tunes .
Overall the festive atmosphere infused more and more bhakthi and adiyen found there was some special attraction in our Azhwars bewitching smile . Reflecting on Azhwars pastimes adiyen reclined at the mandapam premises sometimes with tearful eyes thanking Azhwar and Asmath Acharyar for blessing me to be among this wonderful devotees who are in the trance of HARINAAM all the while .
At about 6 P.M., Azhwar reaches Thirumanimada kovil popularly known as Narayana Perumal kovil. It is here that 11 Garuda sevai is performed. The garuda vahanams of all Perumals are kept here in designated mandapams. Azhwar is greeted as usual and pasurams comprising of Thirupallandu, Kanninunsiruthambhu, respective pasuram from Peria Thirumozhi are recited followed by neivedyam, saatrumarai and vaazhi thirunaamam. Azhwar then visits Thiruvanpurushothaman kovil where professional musicians entertain Azhwar by exhibiting their talent in playing nadaswaram and mrudangam . After mangalasaasanam, Azhwar visits Manavaala maamunigal sannidhi in the temple precincts. Azhwar was one of the favourites for Manavala mamunigal mamunigal organizes the 11 garuda seva on the following day. We were offered prasadam , panchaamrutham, chakarai pongal etc sumptously . The Manjal Neeratam is still fresh in our minds. May Azhwar bless us by giving us many many more oppurtunities to be amongst his devotees It was almost 3 P.M now . As per the plan , the procession re started. Azhwar now marches to THIRUMANIMADAKOVIL , THIRUNAGARI and glorifies the Perumals to grace the function the next day .
Prasadam is offered at every Divyadesam to the devotees . Now our Azhwar proceeds to THIRUVANPURUSHOTHAM KOVIL , THIRUVAIKUNTAVINNAGRAM THIRUSEM PON SEI KOVIL THIRUTHETRIAMBALAM THIRUARIMEYAVINNAGARAM and finally awaits for all Perumals to grace him at THIRUMANIMADA KOVIL and following the same custom of reciting the divyaprabhanda pasurams glorified by Azhwar at the respective divya desams.
We were overjoyed to be among a sea of devotees and managed to take rest in open area and moved to the premises of Srinivasa Perumal kovil more popularly known as “Annan Kovil “ and passed the night at temple along with devotees .
The next day morning, all of us assembled at Thirumanimada kovil for participating in the most awaited 11 GARUDA SEVA.
Adiyen took this small oppurtunity to have darisanam of Anann kovil,, Thirupaarthanpalli, Thiruvaali-Thirunagari before proceeding to attend the Eleven Garuda sevai . Offering repeated obesiances to our Azhwar in Thirunagari temple. The temple itself is very big. The deity of Thirumangai Azhwar along with Kumudavalli Thayar is eye captivating. It makes one recollect Acharyar Manavala mamuni’s thaniyan . Azhwar’s lips are slightly opened as if they are uttering THIRUMANTRAM. Azhwar is seen holding THIRUMADAL in one hand and has a spear with him. Azhwar is seen wearing anklet. This anklet and Vel were given as gifts to the Azhwar when he won in a contest about Vaishnavism with a advanced saiva devotee Thirugyanasambandhar .
THE PREPARATION FOR ELEVEN GARUDA SEVAI BEGINS
From 10 A.M. onwards we can have darhanam of divya desa Perumals from each temple who accept the Invitation of Azhwar We are able to observe a big pandal erected for the Perumals. The Perumals arrive in their respective palanquins with mangalashanams . Now we race towards Thirumanimadakovil at 14 hours. We take darshanam of almost Seven Perumals who had arrived . Almost by 4 P.M. all Perumals from 11 divya desams arrive and take the gaurd of honour from our Azhwar as our Azhwar arrives to recieve our most reverred guest of the wonderful seva from Thirumanimada kovil for receiving the Perumals.
Our Azhwar awaits near the entrance of the temple. Acharyar Manavala maamuni awaits facing our Azhwar.
, Swamy Manavalamaamuni was very fond of Thirumangai Azhwar and he , as a disciple supervises this grand Garuda Utsavam . The place was over crowded but fortunately we could have a clear view of the proceedings and were able to have good darisanam . To enable the crowd to know about the proceedings, a big board was hung depicting the particular Perumal’s Thirunaamam, and Divya desam.
Mangalasaasanam on the particular Perumal rendered by Thirumangai Alwar was recited and our Azhwar does pradakshinam to Perumal. Azhwar is honoured with parivattam and garlands previously worn by the Perumal as a blessing . Our Azhwar humbly bows down to accept the gifts given by respective Perumals from the divyadesams . Azhwar wears the garland given by Perumal and adorns the parivattam . Fruits etc are offered as neivedyam to Perumal and then to Azhwar and later to Swamy Manavala Mamumuni followed by karpoora aarthi
. Now the honoured Perumal gets inside the Thirumani mada kovil. An interesting feature noted was there was a separate troop of musicians who played naadaswaram, mela and thalam for each Divyadesam Perumal.
Finally Karpoora mangala haarthi with Poorna khumbham is given. The sequence in which the mangalasaasanam done to the Perumal is as follows
1) THIRUNARAYANA PERUMAL OF THIRU MANIMADA KOVIL- adorned in white colour dress .
2) KUDAMAADU KOOTHAR PERUMAL OF THIRU ARIMEYA VINNAGARAM- adorned in blue colour dress
3) SRI LAKSHMI RANGANATHAR OF SEM PON SEI KOVIL
4) SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL OF ANNAN KOVIL (palanquin covered with blue and meron velvette cloth)
5) SRI PURUSHOTHAMAN OF THIRUVANPURUSHOTHAM (dressed in white and grey)- palanquin covered with green cloth (Note: All the palanquins were covered with cloth with sankhu, chakram and Thiruman embedded on it)
6) SRI VARADARAJA PERUMAL OF THIRUMANIKOODAM (silver crown, holding mace, dressed in blue and red –palanquin covered with white cloth)
7) SRI VAIKUNTANATHAR OF THIRUVAIKUNTAM ( Adiseshan seen as umbrella for Perumal, blue and red colour cloth covered over the palanquin) (The alankaranam for all the Perumals are fantastic)
8) SRI MADHAVA PERUMAL OF THIRUDEVANARTHOGAI (meron colour kreetam-dressed in yellow and red )
9) SRI PARTHASARATHY PERUMAL OF THIRUPAARTHANPALLI (dressed in printed silk cloth-silver umbrella –Maragadham visible on Perumal’s Thirumaarbhu-red colour palanquin
10) SRI RAJAGOPALAN of THIRUKAVALAMPAADI (dressed in pink and blue coloured silk cloth-red coloured palanquin)
During circumbulation to LORD Sri Rajagopalan Azhwar majestically circumbalates amidsts the enchanting Nadaswaram ( Nagin music) . After all the Perumals take leave , Swami Manavala mamuni does pradakshinam to Azhwar amidst the background nadaswaram playing style and the Azhwar along with swami Manavala mamuni enter the temple. The reception function takes place for about 2 hours. Around 5PM inside the temple, we can have darshanam of each Perumal who have a separate chamber and ( Abhishekam ) Thirumanjanam to all the Perumals and Azhwar is performed in Ekantam ( private) . After the Maha Abhisheskam , all the Perumals are adorned with wonderful ornaments and flowers .The Garuda vahanam is also adorned with flowers and other paranphalia . We had darishnam of all the Perumals and seeked their grace in having satsangh always
. Around 11 P.M. , the Garuda seva starts. We quickly come out of the temple and eagerly await to have the Garuda seva darshanam of all the Perumals . We observe the moment the main door opens our Acharyar Swamy Manavala mamuni followed by Thirumangai Azhwar and Kumudavalli Thayar seated on hamsa vahanam arrive much to the joy of the devotees . Swamy Manavaala mamunigal in his parangi naarkali vahanam comes out first and receives Azhwar seated on Hamsa vahanam. One by one all the Divya desam Perumals arrive in Garuda vaahanams. Mangalasaasanam sung by Azhwar is recited and after due honours, the Perumal goes round the 4 mada streets..
Its a divine feeling to be amongst a sea of srivaishnavas assembeled reciting the Divya Prabhandam pasurams . Few devotees were distributing the pasurams books for others to follow and recite . Now the Perumals on Garuda vahanam grace Azhwar and the devotees who are eagerly waiting for his darshan . and All the divya desa Perumals follow them. The procession winds its way through the four mada streets of Thirumanikoodam. It takes about 3 hours for all the Perumals to complete the oorvalam. All the Perumals assemble in front of Thiurumanimaada kovil. Azhwar thanks all the Perumals for having blessed all the sinners like us with their Divine Grace. Swamy Manavala mamuni’s saatrumarai takes place later and all the Perumals enter into the temple. On the way to Thirunagari, Azhwar proceeds to Sri Annan Kovil, Madhava Perumal kovil (Thirudevanarthogai), Thiruvaali and Thirunagari divya desams
. On the third day, after all the divyadesa Perumals leave to their respective divyadesams, Azhwar also leaves Manimada kovil.. On the way he visits Annan Kovil where he is received grandly as he is considered as their “Maapillai”(son-in-law”). Finally Azhwar reaches Thirunagari where Vayalaali Manavalan-the presiding diety of Thiruvali-Thirunagari temple waits near the entrance on Garuda Vaahanam to welcome Azhwar . Perumal and Azhwar then enter into the temple together. This marks the end of the three day festivities at Thirunangoor which is celebrated for more than 140 years. Adiyen with tears submit to the divine will of Azhwar and Almighty who graced us tohave the darishna bhagyam amongst several devotees .
What else does a soul needs except HIS cool benovalent grace always to be among Haribhaktaas………..
Nadu nagaramum NAMO NARAYANA enru ..Thats the final prayer LORD ..Adiyen seeks his mercy to be HIS always … Please forgive adiyen for any slips in glorifying and describing the great festival .
The foremost devotee of LORD RANGANATHAR of Srirangam was Swamy Vipra Narayanan who later called himself Thondaradi podi Azhwar ( dust of the devotees of Lord Ranganathar) . He appeared in a holy dhaam “Thirumandangudi” in Tamilnadu.
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He cultivated a beautiful garden and offered the best variety of flowers to LORD RANGANATHA daily .
This service was well liked by him and hence he wanted to live in Brahmacharyam ashram throughout his life and thus always be in service of LORD by offering pushpa kainkaryams .
However ,a divine play was enacted .
Vipranaryana was known for his sincere devotion ….
In the same village a beautiful dancer lived who was very popular for her beauty .
One day she came into the garden where Vipranaryana was growing flowers that was to be offered to Lord daily. (Nandavanam in tamil) .
While everyone around was attracted by her beauty, Vipra Narayanan remained engrossed in looking for the fresh and best flowers that can be offered to the LORD , though she was standing next to him and passerby’s eagerly looking at her beauty ..
She was surprised to see a man living in the same village ,who would not even turn to look at a beautiful lady within his sight.
Her friends informed her that he was committed in his devotional service and that she will not be able to attract him.
Taking it as a challenge, the beautiful lady Deva devi decided to be with him and help him in his service and later win the bet placed with her friends .
One evening, the area where Vipranarayana lived was struck by lightening and thunder and thus heavy rains followed .
The lady who was helping him daily with some service decided this was the right opportunity to enslave the devotee .
She innocently walked into the garden and asked for permitting her to stay in his place as it was unsafe to travel in the dark.
As a devotee , he felt sorry for her and allowed her to stay in his ashram . That night, she wins over him with her innocent talk and looks. She feels delighted to have finally enslaved him.
Having won the challenge, she decides to leave him and claim her supremacy in attracting anyone including an ardent devotee .
As time passes , Vipra Narayanan is unable to live without her and offers his karmic prayers to Lord Ranganatha to get her back.
All compassionate Lord Ranganatha goes to Deva devis place (incognito) as a small boy and hands over Golden Vattil ( vessel) and informs her that Vipra Narayanan asked him to hand it over to her.
The next day, in the temple the Priests are worried about the missing vessel in the temple .
The news reaches the King through his temple attendants . The search for the golden vessel inside the temple begins . A maid working at Deva Devi’s place informs the king that she saw the vessel (Vattil) in her place.
Suspecting Vipra Narayanan’s role in this, the king locks him up in a Jail.
It is here that Vipra Narayanan realises his folly of having fallen prey to the beauty of a woman.
He regrets the fact that he had lost thought of the Lord for a while and that what he is suffering now was the result of this weakness and giving over importance to his carnal temptations .
The divine play of LORD makes him realise the material influences that takes away from LORDs service . Later with Elders intervention Vipranarayana is released and remains in thought of the Lord .
He composes 2 of the best known Paasurams of the Divya Prabhandham – 45 verses of Thiru Maalai (872-916) as well as 10 verses of ThiruPalli Yezhuchi (917-926).
Having gone through a traumatic experience with devadevi, he decides to remain a staunch bhakta serving LORD every breath .
He calls himself the dust at the feet of devotees bhaktas
(ThoNdar adi ppodi AzhwAr).
Azhwar emotional outburst laments in one pasuram
“OorilEn kANiyillai; uRavu maRRu oruvar illai;/
pAril nin pAtha moolam paRRilEn parama moorthee;/
kAroLi vaNNanE (en) kaNNanE! kadharuginREn;/
AruLar kaLaikaN ammA! arngamA nagaruLAnE!/”
Meaning:
I have no place
no properties;
no relatives;
none other than you;
I know only your Lotus feet;
O Supreme Lord of Blue hued sky colour!
You only are my refuge.
Can you not hear my cries?
Is there any one else to save me except you?”……………………..
19-12-2025 is the appearance day of Azhwar
All Glories to our ThoNdar adi podi AzhwAr
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics Credits : Google images uploaded by several advanced devotees in social media
Thirukkannamangai temple is one amongst the srivaishnava divya desam in Kumbakonam. This divine place is located in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. Around 8 kms from Tiruvarur amidst a huge tank Darsha Pushkarini this temple is located near Western banks .
Azhwar keeps comparing the Lordships here to the sugarcane and also refers to the village as the place where blue lotuses bloom. While those flowers may not be so visible now, the sweetness of the shrine cannot be denied.
About 25 miles from Kumbakonam, the temple is among the Pancha Krishnaraya kshetrams– the others being Therazhandur, Thirukannapuram, Thirukanankudi, Thirukannamangai and Thiru kapisthalam.
This holy place is also called as “Sapthamirtha Kshetram”.An unique darshanam for the devotees at this temple is of Mahalakshmi thayar. This sannidhi where Abhishekavalli thayar is in a resident posture . ( Erundha thirukolam ).
The sanctum has an artha mandapam and maha mandapam too. In this artha mandapam, there are beehives in the rectangular windows on the south and north walls.
The gopuram has four levels and the sub-shrines to the Goddess Abhisheka Valli and Andal have wagon-vaulted roofs to the pavilions fronting them.
Peria Thiruvadi ( Garudalvar ) gives darshanam in standing posture and is considered to be a very powerful giver of boons.
He is not clad in the standard red bordered white dhoti but in a multi-coloured silk sari! And on his neck is placed a sweetmeat offering that is unique to Tirukkannamangai.
It goes by the name of Amrita Kalasam and resembles a laddu. Maha Abishekams are performed for Garudalwar every Sunday.
It is believed that the four Vedas took the form of four pillars and the pavilion goes by the name of Veda Sagara.
The Goddess is in a shrine to the left of the outer corridor.
Abhisheka Valli derives her name from the legend that she was ceremonially bathed with the holy waters of the tank before her marriage to Maha Vishnu.
A beehive is seen inside the temple that waxes and wanes with the seasons .
The bees shift home every six months, residing to the left of the Goddess during the Dakshinayanam (July to December) and to her right during Uttarayanam.( January to June).
The 33 crore devas took on the form of these divine insects to witness the heavenly wedding of the Lord and goddess as per the legend.
The same was sung in one of the hymns of Thirumangai Azhwar”Kalivandaraiyum pozhilsoozh Kannamangaiyal kandhu kondene”
It is believed that the bees are the demi gods who came to attend the wedding and decided to stay on, being enchanted with the holy place Tirukkannamangai .
On other side of a bigger mandapam , there are eight pillars .Each pillar features a painting of one each of the asthalakshmis.
The presiding deity of this temple is Bhaktavatsala perumal who gives us darshanam in standing posture and thayar is glorified as Abhisekhavalli thayar .
A very important divine pastime must be cherished .
In this Srivaishnava Divya desam there lived a great devotee by the name Thirukkanna mangai AndAn who was a disciple and nephew of a great srivaishnava Acharyar Swamy Nathamunigal and the foremost disciple to learn Naalayira Divya Prabhandam from his Acharyar .
He was performing daily services in the temple unconditionally without any desires .He used to pluck the grown grass and make the pathway clean for the devotees .He used to be always ready to do any menial service that was fit for the temple .
One day, he saw two dogs fighting with each other.
The sight of this fight drew the attention of the owners of these dogs to quarrel and beat each other to the extent they both got badly injured and one almost lost his life .
Thirukkanna mangai AndAn witnessed this. He thought to himself, “if the owners of the dogs have so much affection and sense of ownership for their loyal dogs that they are ready to give up their lives, then why would not our LORD who owns this dog-“Thirukkannamangai AndAn,” if dedicated to Him, not come to his protection?”
Thinking this way, he served the LORD and entered the kOvil and rested on the floor in a small room near the entrance. Deeply engrossed in his realization to serve the LORD , the very next second, he attained the lotus feet of LORD .
Renouncing the intent of protecting himself, he subjected himself to the mercy and protection of LORD .The Priests in the temple could see some unusual object gushing inside the temple sanatorium confirming the great devotees love to the LORD .
As per legend it is told one who spends a night in the vicinity of the temple attains Moksha .( Also glorified as Dakshina Pushkarani .)
Aani Sravanam is the appearance day of the great devotee Thirukkanna mangai AndAn..
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.
They did not respond to him immediately. However out of affection they allowed him to join them . The vaishnava disciples called him as Srivaishnava dasar due to his pure devotion to the bhagavathas. All of them went up the Hills and prostrated before Swami Ananthalvan .
The chieftain also followed praying for the Acharyars katakshaam. And when he was looking at the Tejas of swamin sincerely prayed to LORD , May I become his disciple and serve him to be blessed by the LORD .
He requested his vaishnava disciples to request swami to accept him as disciple .
They pleaded swami to accept the chieftain for doing some service as pleaded by him .
Pleased with his devotion ,and the keen desire to be his disciple, Ananthalvan told him that he could not be given upadesa (the teaching from the Acharya to the disciple) because that was given only to those who had conquered the five senses and one who had controlled the mind.
The Srivaishnavas who brought him to Swami Ananthalvan pleaded with him to take him as a disciple pointing out how he did service to the Vaishnavite community.
There was none else who was fit enough to be the acharya for such dedicated person . They explained that they did not respond to his entreaties all the time because they felt Swamy Ananthalvan alone could decide on the matter. Ananthalvan relented and took the chieftain aside.
He told him that if he wanted to be his disciple and take upadesa, he should forego all his materials wealth in favour of the servants of God and ensure that the income and wealth were utilised only for such pious purposes.
If he were to do that, he would accept . The disciple left home and sold all the property by himself and gave one part to his mother and one part to his father.
He considered the rest as his own and returned to Thirumala Hills with the same . He surrendered the wealth at the lotus feet of Ananthalvan.
Swami Ananthalvan blessed and appreciated him for keeping up his word remembering the promise made at the time of becoming a disciple.
But then Srivaishnavadasa reminded Ananthalvan that his part of the bargain alone had been completed and that that Ananthalvan should bless him to get the grace of the Lord as he himself had received in abundance from the Lord. This was the second part of the deal.
Ananthalvan agreed and took him to sanctum sanctorum of Lord Srinivasa.
He surrendered all the wealth , gold and silver brought by Srivaishnavadasa at the Lotus Feet of the Lord and told the Lord how, on his advice, Srivaishnavadasa had agreed to spend his wealth in the service of God and the devotees.
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He also explained that Srivaishnavadasa was to get in return the Grace of God. Ananthalvan reminded the Lord about the Charama Sloka in the Gita.
Sarva dharman parityajya Mam ekam saranam vraja Aham tva sarva papebhyo Moksayisyami ma sucah” (Surrender all your Dharmas unto me. Come to me with utter faith. I am here to take care of you) Ananthalvan prayed that the Lord should bless Srivaishnavadasa as per the promise “ma sucah” ..
The Lord obliged to Ananthalvan. After honouring him with Thirtha and Srisathakopa the Lord promised that , Srivaishnavadasa would reach Paramapada. Both were thrilled at the benediction of the Lord Srivaishnava dasa returned with Ananthalvan to his abode immediately pleased at the turn of events. Ananthalvan taught him all the had come for him to ascend paramapada.
Supremely happy, he prostrated before the Lord saying that he desired to be the sole of His sacred Feet and heard the Lord declaring
‘Nayami Paramam Gatim’(I take you to the Highest State)
Thus Srivaishnavadasa came to receive the Grace of the Lord because of his being a disciple of Swami Ananthalvan. A few days later, the Lord’s grace was to be bestowed on Srivaishnavadasar. The time was propitious Srivaishnavadasa had attained all the qualities necessary for Mukthi.
At a festival time, the Lord was in procession along the Four Mada Streets. From his abode, Swami Ananthalvan along with Srivaishnavadasa emerged to worship the Lord .
Deeply immersed in LORDS holy feet he left his mortal coils .
Swamy Ananthalvan was wondering at the extreme Daya (Audaryam) of the Lord and
……………………..TRUE !!
Dayasatakam by Swami Desikar on LORD VENKATESHWARA expounds this truth . He performed the Caramakainkarya for Srivaishnavadasa.
This is one of a real incident happened in the life of His Holiness the 33rd Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt .
One day , His Holiness Jeeyar was passing through the dense forest from Ahobilam to Mysore accompanied by his disciples, journeying to the next destination .
It was a very tough task traveling those old days .
Enroute , His Holiness Jeeyar decided to halt at a spot near a small rivulet to perform his evening puja to Lord Narasimha .
As he was settling down to offer prayers, there was a commotion.
His disciples rushed to him informing about the bandits who had come to loot the baggage they were carrying which had Lords Jewelry and paraphernalia offered by several kings and devotees .
The unperturbed Jeeyar went boldly to meet the bandit leader of the gang, and told him that they had nothing which belonged to them , and everything they possessed belonged to Lord Narasimha .
He requested him to take it without any inhibitions , after he finished his evening puja . He politely returned and offered prayers .
The dacoit leader followed His holiness and was waiting for his turn to loot the jewelry.
The jeeyar commenced his puja.
He offered “Chakkarai Pongal (Sweet) prepared out of rice and jaggery” to the lord.
AMangala Haarati to Lord Narasinga thrice and prayed LORD humbly to accept his offerings .
At the end of third round of the mangala Haarathee all the dacoits who were hiding near the bushes came out and suddenly fell at the lotus feet of Jeeyar and asked him to protect them .
They were shivering with fear and pleaded His holiness to save them as large number of lions were attacking them.
The Jeeyar could not see the lions but he realized that his Lord had come to rescue him. He requested the lions to disappear.
The dacoits who had come to rob fell at his lotus feet repeatedly , begging forgiveness and then escorted the jeeyar safely out of the forest till Mysore .
Lets glorify our LORD by singing HIS holy names .
MAATHA NARASIMHA,
PITHA NARASIMHA
BRATHA NARASIMHA,
SAKHA NARASIMHA
VIDYAA NARASIMHA,
DRAVINAM NARASIMHA
SWAMI NARASIMHA,
SAKALAM NARASIMHA………..
ITHO NARASIMHA,
PARATHO NARASIMHA
YATHO YATHO YAHIHI,
TATHO NARASIMHA…
NARASIMHA DEVAATH PARO NA KASCHIT TASMAAN NARASIMHA SHARANAM PRAPADYE
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics credits : Google images and uploaded pics from social media shared by several advanced devotees
Swamy Yamunacharya, was the son of Isvara Bhatta and grandson of the great acharya Swamy Nathamunigal. He appeared near Viranarayanapuram (present day Kattu Mannargudi) in Tamil Nadu.
Yamunacharya was a child prodigy. Yamunacharyar went to Sri Mahabhashya Bhatta a learned scholar as a student . During those period all the Vidwans (scholars) in the Chola Kingdom had to pay annual tribute (prescribed fee) to Aakkialwan, the royal purohit and court pundit. One day on receiving the notice for the tribute, Mahabhashya Bhatta, became very sad, as he was penny less.
Observing his sad face, and coming to know the difficult situation, Sri Yamuna took it upon Himself to put an end to the audacity and the atrocity of Aakkialwan.
He tore the notice to pieces and sent the messenger back. On hearing this, Aakkialwan sent the messenger back to ask young Yamuna, whether he was a poet or a scholar well versed in Shastras who can take on him . Yamuna replied We are not just poets nor mere scholars who have seen the other shore of the Shastras.
But , we have the strength and ability to tear open the opponents who indulge only in cheap publicity. Seeing the reply, Aakkialwan was astonished at the scholarship of Sri Yamuna and expressed the same to the Chola King. The King ordered Yamuna to attend to his court immediately, which was refused bluntly by Sri Yamuna.
The King realizing that he wasn’t dealing with an ordinary person sent a palanquin along with its bearers to bring Sri Yamuna. Looking at Sri Yamuna, the king ordered him to start the debate with court pundit, Aakkialwan as per the conversation . Sri Yamuna replied, Well, your Majesty it is hard for you to decide the winner and the loser when we debate and we both may not accept defeat. Therefore it would be appropriate if we argue in the midst of learned scholars who are assembled here .
Having invited all learned men, he occupied the royal throne along with his queen at the debating hall. The queen, being very much impressed by the handsome appearance and tejas of the young man, drew the attention of the King towards him and exclaimed that the lad would never sustain defeat in the wordy quarrel. If at all he is defeated, she said that she would become a maid and cook the food for the dogs in the palace. The King too retorted saying that in case Aakkialwan was the loser, he would part with half of his kingdom by presenting it to Sri Yamuna.
The debate started.
Aakkialwan said to Sri Yamuna, Let us start with ordinary worldly affairs. I will negate all your affirmatives and your negative statements will be made affirmatives by me.
Agreeing to this proposal, Sri Yamuna uttered three sentences to Aakkialwan. 1) Your mother is a barren woman. 2) The King is righteous one 3) The Queen is a very chaste woman.
Fearing corporeal punishment at the hands of the king by the denial of the three statements, Aakkialwan simply blinked and wronged his hands. But Sri Yamuna came out with his denial of these three statements with confidence .
1) A single tree cannot become a garden. Similarly one child is not enough to make a mother. As Aakkialwan is the only son of his mother, she is still a barren woman. 2) The sins committed by the subjects will go to the King, as he has not prevented them from doing so. Thus the king loses his righteousness. 3) Normally a girl becomes the wife of divine personalities like Indra etc prior to marriage as per shastras . Thus the queen has forfeited her claim for chastity.
These negations earned the approval of all scholars and thus Aakkialwan was put to shame. The same fate overtook Aakkialwan in the Shastra debate that followed. Now Sri Yamuna had acquired the right to strike on the head of Aakkialwan. But he politely declared his decent decision, Oh gentleman! I will not strike you on your head as per our agreement before the debate. It is because, I give due respect to your age and the exalted position that you occupy in the royal court .
This proclamation earned the appreciation and approval of all the scholars. The queen rushing towards Sri Yamuna embraced him and observed with a slippery tone full of affection . You have come to my rescue. Hence you are my ruler
(Ennai …. Aalavandeero )
. From that day onwards he came to be called Aalavandar. Having said so, she took him to the palace accompanied by the King. His Majesty also kept up his promise by offering half of his kingdom to Sri Aalavandar.
yathpaadhaamboruha Dhyaana vidhvasthaasheShkalmaShah | vasthuthaamupayaatho aham yaamuneeyam namaami tham ||
Millions of devotees throng the Tirumala Hills practically round the clock throughout the year for having darshanam of Lord Venkateshwara .
It is always the darshan what he gives us than what we seek .
Many will share their experiences having darshanam with moist eyes . However , Very few are aware that when we walk inside the temple , to the right side of the Main entrance we can see a crowbar tied to the wall which has a glorious past .
As we move towards the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Venkateswara , how many will remember that there was a time , just a thousand years back, when the Hills were deserted with not much of human habitation in sight .
Swamy Ramanuja had visited the Hills thrice.
His maternal uncle , Peria Thirumalai Nambi gave him discourses on Srimad Ramayana for several months at the Hills.
The temple and the surroundings were in bad shape and worship was not organized regularly.
Swami Ramanuja was inspired by the Holy Hymns of the Alwars singing the glory of the Lord of the Seven Hills.
At Srirangam the capital of Vaishnavism , during a discourse amongst 74 Acharyars on Nammalvar’s Thiruvaymozhee
While commenting on the hymn recited by Swami Nammalwar ,
”cindhu pu magilum Thiruvenkatam (3.3.2)
(on Thiruvenkatam Hills, spilled flowers blossom.)
Swami Ramanuja put it to the concourse of disciples hearing him on Bhagavad Vishayam. ”Srirangam is known as Bhoga mantapam, the place where Lord enjoys Himself at the sight of the devotees on the banks of the river Cauvery.
Kanchi is known as Tyaga mantapam, where the Lord sacrifices for the sake of his devotees. The Thirumalai Hill is known as Pushpa Mantapam where the Lord is bedecked with flowers all the time.
We should lay a garden for the service of the Lord and see that flowers are arranged for daily worship .
My dear children ….
Is there anyone……………… he posed them the question ……………whether any one of them will take up the task of serving the Lord on the Hills on a day to day basis.
Everyone was hesitating , fearing the hard life up the Hills what with wild animals and the insects in the forests.
Suddenly …, Anantharya , a strong and silent devotee in the gathering rose to his feet and prayed ,
Beloved Acharya ! Bestow the blessing of serving the Lord of the Seven Hills on this humble self.
With your grace , I will be happy to undertake this service.”
Swamy Ramanuja was mightily pleased and embracing Anantharya, declared before the congregation ,Anantharya ,
You are truly the man ( Aanpillai).”
Anatharya chose to settle down on the Hills in fulfillment of the command of the Guru As per command, he climbed up the sacred Tiruvenkata Hills, laid a garden and dug a tank and a lake for the service of the Lord to ensure perennial supply of flowers.
This was at a time when nobody dared to go up the Hills because the risk involved of difficulties associated with life on the Hills. Admiring his dedication , Swamy Ramanuja gave him the title ”Aanpillai “(the great man) He therefore came to be known as Anantanpillai.
One day Ananthalvan and his wife were digging the earth for creating a small pond for the new garden.
The only thought in their minds was that that was a service dear to the Acharya Ramanuja. This time, Ananthalvan’s wife was in the family way and still, despite her physical frailty, was helping her husband with all dedication..
She was carrying basketloads of mud as per the instructions of Ananthalvan and throwing them at a far distance.
Lord Srinivasa was unable to bear the pain being undertaken by the lady and was moved by her devotion to the cause.
He took the form of a beautiful young Brhamachari and came before Ananthalvan and ……
told him
“Oh Acharya, you have grown old……………………………..
You are not in a fit condition to dig earth up. Your wife is also in full period of pregnancy and she will not be able to carry basket-loads of mud.
Please give me the spade.
Let me help you in this task.
I will dig the earth up and carry the basket-loads on my head.
I will drop them at your desired place. The old couple that you both are may watch me and guide in this task”.
Ananthalvan heard the youngster and replied to him,” My dear young man, you are looking handsome and soft.
You are full of ornaments and you are not able to carry even the weight of the ornaments on you .
People like you are born delicate and will not be able to undertake arduous task of digging the earth and carrying the mud.
You will be put to physical strain.
This is a task which you cannot do.
On the other hand, I am fit for this rough and tumble earth work. I will be put to strain if I do not do this job. Please do not interfere.
If you want to render service to the Lord, you may do it separately elsewhere .
If you come in my way, let me warn you,
I will drive you out you with this tool .
The Youngman was taken aback at the wrath of Ananthalvan, and for a moment stayed aloof.
However, after sometime, he saw the lady carrying the basket full of mud and walking slowly with infirm steps.
He accosted her on the way and spoke to her sweetly taking away the basket of mud on his head.
Thus the lady was able to hand over the basket of mud to the Youngman who in turn left it at the particular place.
Ananthalvan found the work being done in half the time hence questioned his wife whether she was throwing the mud at nearer place instead of the appointed place.
She told her husband how the young brahmachari was helping her by preventing her from reaching the destination and taking away the basket from her thus doing the job himself.
Ananthalvan grew red in the face.
He, overtaken by rage, ran after the youngman with the crowbar.
He cried out to him” oh unknown youngster, you continue to interfere with my service in spite of my warning.
You will pay for it”.
The young Brahmachari ran for his life as Ananthalvan was chasing him ( a divine play indeed )
The young man climbed up a big banyan tree and hid himself among the leaves.
He beseeched,
” My dear Ananthalvan, spare me.
Do not hit me.
I have rich diamond and golden ear-rings.
My garment is of golden tissue.
I will give you all these things if you spare me”.
Ananthalvan thought for a moment and kept quite,
“Let him climb down and start running as soon as he believes me. I will catch him then…….
”So he told the lad,” All right I will leave you alone. You may come down.
“The boy jumped down from the tree and started walking briskly even while turning his head backwards to see if any body was following him.
A few minutes later he found that Ananthalvan was chasing behind in order to catch him. The young lad started running …….
Being unable to catch him, Ananthalvan unknowingly threw the tool which he had used to excavate the soil …..( crowbar) at him.
The tool hit the divine lad on his chin and he was profusely bleeding.
However, with the bruise , he vanished into the temple, closing the door behind him. Ananthalvan waited for the boy to emerge from the temple.
There was no trace of the temple door opening.
The priests came to the temple for the evening Puja.
Ananthalvan told them how the young lad had entered the temple and closed the door from inside.
The priests shouted at the boy to come out of the sanctum sanctorum and open the door since it was time for the evening Puja.
The door opened.
Ananthalvan, the priests and other devotees entered the sanctum sanctorum.
There was no trace of the boy.
As they neared the Lord in the garbhagriha, they found that even as
He was all smiles, from His beauteous chin blood was oozing out.
Shocked at the spectacle of blood oozing out of the Lord’s chin, Ananthalvan wondered how this could happen and prayed to the Lord for an explanation.
The Lord answered his prayers and told him,”My dear Ananthalvan, I wanted to partake of the service you were doing for me and for the devotees.
You would not allow me to join you in the service.
You were after me in rage and threw the crowbar at me which hit me on the chin.
How can you forget it so soon?”
Ananthalvan was awe-struck and in fear begged of the Lord for forgiveness for what he did.
He applied herbs and stopped the flow of blood.
The Lord was supremely happy and told him”
I am delighted at your complete dedication to my service.
You will have the Sesavastra ( adorned clothes ) , the diamond studded ring and the golden ear-ring as honours from me”.
Even to this date, the crowbar with which Ananthalvan injured the Lord is hung at right side of the entrance to the main gate of the templeand the Lord is adorned with Pacchaikarpura on the chin.
This is distributed to the devotees as Sripadaremu.
Swamy Ananthalvan served LORD and breathed his last at an age of 84 years .
There is an Ananthalvan Vrindavanam on the Hills in the Ananthalvan garden.
There is also a Makila tree (vakula) in the garden.
According to tradition, it was on the Tiru Adi puram day (July-August ) that Swamy Ananthalvan reached Acharyar’s lotus feet ..
Even today Lord Srinivasa with his Consorts comes in procession to the garden on the evening of Tiruvadi Puram and maha prasada is offered on that occasion.
At the time of His return, the Makila tree is offered with flowers from the Lord and also Sri Sathakopa.
Outside the Swamy Ananthalvan ThiruMaligai (the house wherein Ananthalvan resided), the Sri Sathakopa is bathed in holy water (Tirumanjana) and Lagu Samproksanam takes place. The Archaka goes to the Svami Puskarini for bath.
This tradition which is carried on even today shows that the Makila (Vakula) tree is probably Swamy Ananthalvan himself reborn on the Hills.
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Photos : Courtesy Google pics and social media shared by several devotees
Thirumangai Azwar had done lot of services to LORD at Srirangam. Azhwar built the hundred pillar mandapam for the yearly festival adhyayana uthsavam. He built the north and south gopurms at Kulasekaran thiruveedhi and also the fourth compound wall ( Mathil suvar) which is called Maharlokam . This compound wall’s inner praharam is called “Aalinaadan veethi” that was the name of the place ruled by Azwar. There is a big Garudazwar sannathi in this praharam. The entrance is called Karthikai Vaasal to remember the birth star of Azwar He built the Thirunadai malikai that joins the Chandra Pushkarani and Velli Azakiyan vasal. On total he completed eight major construcion works in Srirangam. The big question is Where from he got this money for all these construction work? There are interesting stories. Lets cherish them ..
Azhwan sent his disciples to find out where from they could get money for this noble cause. One of the disciples came and told him that there was a gold Buddha statue in a Buddha Vihar at Nagapattinam near Kanyakumari and if they could get it, they could sell the statue and get money for the construction work. But the statue was installed on top of the Vimanam and if the statue was removed the Vimanam would get damaged. Hence they had to find out a way to remove it without damaging the vimanam. But for that they had to find out the sculptor who constructed it. Azhwar sent his disciples to find out where the sculptor lived . Later locating the place , he went in person with his disciples and stayed with a person living opposite to the sculptor. He told that person that he was going on Yathra visiting places and just waiting for the arrival of a ship to continue his yathra to Nagapattinam. One day he was talking to his disciples in a raised voice and was telling them that he came to know that the golden Buddha statue was stolen. The sculptor who heard this was shocked and started cursing the helper who worked with him and knew the secret of the construction of the Statue. Thirumangai Azwar asked the sculptor where the helper lived and that he would go and search for him and punish him for his misdeed. He told Azwar that he did not know his where about but he was from Choza Nadu. Azhwar spoke to him pleasingly and requested him to tell him about the ( Vimana Makuta suthram)construction secret. He assured him that he would find the sculptor and recover the statue from him. The same day a ship arrived and the Azhwar boarded the ship with his disciples. Azhwar went to the Buddha Vihar with one of his disciples and was hiding there till night fall. As he had already took clues from the sculpture to remove the golden statue without damaging the Vimanam, with his disciple’s help he removed the statue. The statue was glittering in the moonlight and Azhwar was just thinking, Buddha who renounced his princely home and kingdom did not deserve a golden statue. On reciting a pasurem the gold from the statue melted and dropped into Azwar’s lap.
Immediately he told his disiple that he did not want both of them to be seen together and told him to go back to Srirangam and he would follow suit. He decided to walk back to Srirangam. When he was approaching Thirukkannangkudi it was getting dark. He was also feeling tired and so wanted to take rest. Seeing a big tamarind tree, he sat underneath the tree. Beside the tree he saw a wet ploughed field. He digged the muddy field and buried the gold. Then he took rest under the tamarind tree. He was afraid that he might fall asleep and some one might take the gold. He told the tree, even if he fell asleep, the tree should be awake and take care of the gold. Next morning the tamarind tree woke him up by shedding its leaves upon him. He thanked the tamarind tree and blessed the tree as URangaa puLI. It is believed that the leaves of the tree never closed after this incident. The owner of the field came to plough the field in the morning. Thirumangai Azhwar stopped him by saying that it was his land and he would not allow him to plough. The farmer told him that for generations the land belonged to his family and how Azhwar was telling that it belonged to him. Azhwar told him that he was also asking the same question to him. The owner took him to panchayath and when they asked for proof the farmer showed his patta. When they asked Azhwar that if the land belonged to him where was the patta. He told them that it was at Srirangam and if they gave him twenty four hours time he would bring it and show it to them. The panchayath gave him time. Azhwar just wanted to take out the gold and leave the place, and for that only he asked for time. People say that from that time the law suits of that place keeps on dragging.
So the law suits are described as Thola Vazakku. (means never ending)While he was staying there Azhwar felt very thirsty and he saw a woman drawing water from a well. He went and asked for some water, but the woman refused to give water thinking that Azhwar would claim the well also as his property. Azhwar got angry and cursed that the bore well would become dry and water would never flow from underneath. The well was called UUraa KiNaRu and always remained dry since then. Azhwar felt very tired and slept under a Makiza tree. The Lord took pity on him and came as a traveler and gave him food and water. As Azhwar was in a dazed condition due to thirst and hunger he ate the food and consumed the water. Then he looked up to see the person, but there was no one there. He blessed the Makiza tree to be Kaayaa maram, never to dry and always to remain green and since then the tree is green .That night he went to the field and took out the buried gold and started back his journey to Srirangam. On his way the Lord took the form of the traveler again and blocked Azhwar from walking further. When Azhwar asked him who he was, he appeared with His Sangu- Chakram and azwar was delighted to have darshan of the Lord of KannaNgkudi. He then understood that the previous night Lord of KaNNangudi only blessed him by giving him Thirtham and prasadam.. When Thirumangai Azhwar prayed to Lord Sri Ranganatha in Srirangam, the Lord directed him to visit Thirukurungudi for salvation where the Azhawar sung his last Mangalasasanam.
One day, Paramasivan along with Parvathi , were passing by on their vahanam . When their shadow was about to touch Thirumazhisai AzhwAr, (AzhwAr an advanced sidha purusha) who was on some work notices , moves away. Noticing this PArvathi requests Paramasivanar that they should go and meet him.
Paramasivan hesitates .
He informs Paravathi that Azhwar is a great soul and devotee of SrimanNarayana and he will simply ignore them.
However , Parvathi insists, and hesitatingly , Paramasivan obliges.
AzhwAr is in trance with Hari vibhuthee and thus not in loukik mood.
Paramasivan , understands the transcendental state of Azhwar and asks AzhwAr
“How can he ignore them , when they are right next to him ?”.
AzhwAr offers his Pranaams and replies
“ Adiyen has nothing to ask you” except Haribhakthi .
Parameshwaran replies That is always there but still “We want to give you some benediction”. AzhwAr replies
Swamy “I dont want anything from you”.
But Paramasivan insists and advises You may ask for whatever you desire”.
AzhwAr with a smile replies , In that case … “Can you give me mOksham?”.
Paramasivan replies “I have no authority to give that.
Only srIman nArAyaNan can give that”.
AzhwAr then asks “Can you postpone the death of some one?” for which Parama Siva replies “That is based on the individual’s karmA.
I have no control over that”.
AzhwAr then shows a needle and thread and asks Paramasivan “Can you send this thread into the needle?”.
Paramasivan wants the world to know about this great devotee of Sriman Narayana and thus he pretends being angry and declares that he will burn him down like he burnt kAma dhEvan.
AzhwAr retaliates meditating on SrimanNarayana . A great fire flows from both the directions . Parama Sivan unable to bear the heat of that fire from AzhwAr , at once surrenders to Lord srIman nArAyaNan, and all the dhEvas, rishis, etc also approach Perumal and request him to stop the chaos.
LORD , immediately orders the praLaya clouds to bring a great rain and when they ask if they have the power to subside AzhwAr’s fire, emperumAn says he will give them the power.
A great flood gets formed after subsiding the fire, and AzhwAr being fixed on LORD continues his meditation without any disturbance.
Paramasivan being amazed at AzhwAr’s nishtai gives him the title “bhakthisArar”, glorifies him and explains to parvathi that “dhurvAsar was punished for his apachAram to ambarIshan. So, bhAgavathas cannot be defeated” and leaves to his place. Its always a pure devotee who wins by his bhakthee and Lord always proves this repeatedly that HIS bhaktha is dearest to HIM .
Thiruvattar Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Srivaishnava Divya desam is located 6 km north-east of Marthandam and 30 km north-west of Nagercoil (in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu). The temple is surrounded on three sides by rivers (Kothai,Parali and Thamirabarani).
Paraliyar river takes a turn in this place and it is called vattaru , and as the LORD resides here the place came to be known as Thiruvattaru.
This Temple is older than Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram. The temple structure is similar to that of Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
An interesting divinepastime of LORD is remembered by the locals here during Lords darshan. In the later half of 17th century ,kanyakumari and trivandrum( Venadu) was ruled by a queen . Due to some domestic disturbances ( kalippan kulam incident) all her five sons died due to some calamity .
The queen who was shattered left to Trivandrum and paid no attention to the kingdom. Looking at the capital without a ruler , the army chieftan under the Moghul emperor was keen to annexue the kingdom.
He reached Manakadu near to Trivandrum and camped along with his army .Realising the danger, the queen approached Raja Kerala Verma for assistance being her relative . The King out of his rajadharma commanded his army to proceed to drive away the invaders . This made them approach Thiruvattar which was on a higher platform that had many hills and shrubs .The enemy camp were hiding there and killing many of the locals .A fierce battle took place amongst them . The enemy camp were very aggressive . The King was about to loose the battle .
Disappointed with his valour , looking at the huge temple above him , he went walking up towards the temple and surrendered to Lord Adhi Kesava Perumal with tears and prayed LORD to take control of the situation .
Out of his deep love he sang a self composed song known as Pada Sankirthana /Adhikesavasthavam .
Suddenly from the temple sanatorium a swarm of wasps started coming continuously and went straight to the battle field . They started stinging all the enemy soldiers and the chieftan. Looking at the huge number of wasps , the army was taken back .
The frightened horses ran helter shelter throwing the chief and the soldiers from their backs killing them on the rocks .
The rudderless army lost the battle .Many were imprisoned .All the 300 horses were captured and a cavalary unit was made .
The kings glorification “Adhikesvasthavam” is recited even today during Deepa aradhanai.
The style and the architechture of this temple is taken as the sample to construct the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
The deities of Lord Adikesava Perumal and Lord Padmanabha are consecrated in such a way that they face each other. Lord is lying on his snake couch and one has to have darshan through three doors.
There is another Thiru Allah mandapam within the temple and is linked with another wonderful episode. It is told that a Muslim chieftans wife was suffering from a unknown disease . The Chieftan prayed Lord to save her from the chronic disease . As she was recovered miraculously , he decided to honor the Lord with a 21 day feast .
The unique tradition is still followed .
A 21-day Thiru Allah puja takes place even today.
It is believed Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited this place and found the ancient scripture of Brahma-Samhita here.
The lord relaxes on his snake couch and has to be viewed through three doors. Parama Shivan also gives darshan near the Lord Adikesava Perumal inside the sannidhi.
The moolavar or Main deity God here is Lord Adi kesava perumal and goddess is Sri Maragathavalli.The theertham is vattaru river . The thirumeni or body of the Lord is so huge that He gives darshan through three doors in the sannidhi. The thirumeni of the Lord is said to be made up of almost 16008 salagraama silas .
Due to this, there is no abhishekam (ritual bathing) for the Lord at this Temple. The main deity here has a very serene expression on his divine face, which gets accentuated in the light of the ghee lamps. The right hand of the Lord is held is a yoga mudra, while the left hangs down freely.
There is a huge stone platform (18 feet by 18 feet by 3 feet) in front of the sanctum sanctorum. There are no electric lights inside the sanctum, and it is an out-of-the-world experience to behold the Lord in the light of ghee and oil lamps. There is a Siva Linga at the feet of the Lord. Sri devi and bhu devi thayars are seated in the centre in front of Perumal
.
A sage by the name of kataleya maharishi is seen near to Perumal. The sanctum is constructed in such a manner that, on few auspicious days, the sun rays fall directly on the lotus feet (thirumeni) of the Lord.
The darashanam differences in both the temples are as follows
AT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Perumal ( Lord ) in Bhujanga sayanam Facing east Parama Shiva Seen near Perumal’s Thirumugam ( face) Lord Brahma Emerging from Lord’s Thirunaabhi Dwajasthambams Golden in front of Padmanabha swamy silver in front of Krishna’s sannidhi Ootakal mandapam measurement of stone in front of garbagriham wherepiligrims stand for darshan 20 X 20-31/2 “ thick sculptures Garuda Hanuman Dwarapalakas Aaratu festival accompanied by Maharaja of Travancore on Thiruvonam day
AT THIRUVATTARU DARASHINAM :
Perumal in Bhujanga sayanam Facing west ParamaShiva Seen Near Perumal’s Thiruvadi ( lotus feet ) Lord Brahma Not seen Dwajasthambams Only one in front of Kesava Perumal Ootakal mandapam measurement of stone in front of garbagriham wherepiligrims stand for darshan 18 X 25- 3 feetthick sculptures Lakshmana Indrajit Pathanjalietc Aaratu festival accompanied by King’s representatives carrying royal insignia the sword Thiruvonam day Carpenter makes a bow leaves it in front of the sannidhi without looking back and next day it is presented to the king.
On this auspicious eve of “JAGANNATH RATH YAATRA” held all over the world , Adiyen wishes to share some info which was gathered during my visit to the holy dham, Jagannath Puri during May 2007. Adiyen visited Mayapur dham-the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Puri, Srikoormam and Simhachalam in this trip.
Adiyen stayed for 2 days in Puri at ISKCON, Puri located in Swarg Dwaar .An ISKCON brahmachari who accompanied us briefed about the important places in Puri. This was our second visit to this place, the earlier one was during 2000.The photographs posted are from the local RATH YATRA done during 2013 at ECIL ,Hyderabad
DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE HOLY PLACE
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The greatness about the holiest shrine Puri is mentioned by Lord SrimaNNarayana HIMSELF in Narada Purana as:
Swami Alavandar is universally considered to be the Acharyar of Sri Ramanujacharya, though he had never spoken once to Swami Ramanuja till he lived. Whatever he taught Ramanuja he did it only through his disciples. Alavandar’s disciples were priceless gems. Perianambi, Thirukoshtiyur Nambi, Thirumaalaiyaandan and Peria Thirumalai Nambi were the chief disciples.
Of these Perianambi personally taught swami Ramanuja and it was Thirukoshtiyur Nambi who made swamy Ramanuja walk to his place 18 times to learn the meaning of LORD’S name.
Alavandar had another disciple by name Maraneri Nambi. The other disciples were all high-caste Brahmans whereas Maraneri Nambi belonged to a caste which was in the lowest rung of the social ladder during those period.Alavandar did not discriminate between his disciples and he loved Maraneri Nambi more than the other disciples.
Peria Nambi and Maraneri Nambi were of the same age. They became close friends. They would discuss their teacher’s words and each friend would contribute to the other’s learning. Once Alavandar was suffering from a painful disease called the carbuncle. Carbuncle, known as the King of Boils, Rajapilavai, in Tamil, is caused due to inflammation of tissues in the back and neck.
The shooting pain emanating from the fast-spreading boil would be unbearable. Antibiotics and painkillers were unknown in those days and it is difficult for us even to imagine the kind of pain the disease inflicted on its victims.
Swamy Alavandar was suffering silently. He did not even let his disciples know about the disease lest they should be worried. Perianambi and Thirukoshtiyur Nambi alone knew.
One day Maraneri Nambi went to Alavandar’s house. He insisted that he should see his Guru. Alavandar was hesitant. But Maraneri was adamant. So he was let in. Alavandar tried to cover his pain and welcomed him with a smile.
He thought that Maraneri had come there to clear his doubts in his lessons. The best way out was to dispose Maraneri as early as possible without letting him find out his disease. Maraneri came into the room and prostrated at his Acharya’s feet.
“May you be blessed, Maraneri Nambi.
Please get up. You see I have a lot of things to do today.
Please tell me your doubts fast. We don’t have much time.” “Gurudeva, I have been your disciple for decades. Have I asked anything from you?”
“No.” “Today I have come to you with a desire. I have set my mind on that object.
And I can’t live without that. You have that with you. Can you give that to me?”
“It’s yours Maraneri. Whatever it is.”
“Thanks, Gurudeva.”
Maraneri ran out to fetch a silver vessel containing the holy water.
Alavandar was puzzled.
“Please Gurudeva show me your hands.”
“What for, Maraneri?”
“When you gift a piece of land you need to solemnize the gift with the holy water, right?”
“Yes, you are right. You want the mutt’s land near the river kaveri .Well, it’s yours.
Take it………………….
“No, Acharya.
”“Then..’
“Please repeat whatever I am going to say..
“I, Yamunaithuraivar alias Alavandar, do hereby gift to my disciple Maraneri Nambi, the Rajapilavai disease which I have now, along with the pain, the suffering and all the after-effects.”
“What the hell you are doing Nambee ? This is not a game.
This water is holy. And if I repeat whatever you said, then you will have the disease, you moron. Don’t ever say the words again.
“You are one of the greatest Acharyas, the world has ever seen.
You have promised to give whatever I want…….
How can you go back on your word, Gurudeva?”
“But that’s ridiculous, Nambi.”“What is ridiculous, Acharya?
You are our Guru. You have a hundred disciples.
A thousand people come to you every day to listen to your words.
Even the Lord who sleeps forever in the temple is looking forward to see you every day.“How can you afford to be confined to your bed? And by your kind, wise words you are removing our pains. Pains which have been following us for millions of births. How can you suffer in pain, Acharya?
“I am a low-born worm, Gurudeva. By accepting me as your disciple you made a gift to me which is worth more than the whole universe.
“Now, Gurudeva, please.. I beg of you.. please allow me to do my part.
If you refuse to give your disease then I will have no option than to die at your feet. It’s your call.” Alavandar melted. He poured the water on his hand and chanted the appropriate mantra.
“Please bear with me, Gurudeva. I have one more request.”
Alavandar looked at his disciple through a screen of tears.
“Let this transaction be not known to anybody else in the world.”
Alavandar was happy and sad at the same time.
Happy that he had such a loving disciple and sad because he was forced to give so much of pain and suffering to such a nice man.
Maraneri Nambi went out as a happy man.
Peria Nambi met him outside the room.
“Why are you so happy, my friend?”
“After many decades of discipleship it was only today that our Guru was kind enough to give me a precious prasadam.
And that too only after I compelled him to do so.”
Perianambi did not understand a word of what his friend said. Alavandar’s recovery was quite dramatic after that day.
A week later Maraneri Nambi was down with carbuncle. It is said that he suffered for three months from shooting pain. Whenever he was in pain he would only chant the name of his Gurudeva.
Because his Guru’s blessings were fully on him and because the Lord was moved by his selfless love Maraneri Nambi recovered from the disease sooner than the usual time.
Years flew.
Swamy Alavandar was more than a hundred years old.
One day he passed away.
Maraneri Nambi and Perianambi, who were in their eighties, cried a lot over the death of their loving Guru.
Swamy Ramanujacharya then came to Srirangam and took over the reins of the Ashram. Maraneri Nambi was now in his death bed.
He called his friend Perianambi one day and insisted that he should be left alone with his dear friend.
“Perianambi, my dear friend, I have a fear.
When I leave this body they would give this body to my relatives.
I have quite a lot of them, no doubt.
But most of them are drunkards and cheats.
They would drink arrack, dance around my dead body and utter all profanities.
“I am Swamy Alavandar’s disciple and I have been thinking only of my Guru and God all these years.
“Giving my body to my relatives would be like giving the sacred ghee offered in the yagas to a street dog.
My body in which my Guru and my Lord reside should not be humiliated by those crooks.
”Perianambi held his friend’s hands and assured him.
“I will take care of that. Our Lord, our Guru and the new head, the loving Swamy Ramanuja will never let that happen.
Believe me, Maraneri. “
Maraneri Nambi was relieved.
He died peacefully in his sleep that very night.
When Perianambi heard of his friend’s death he came running to the Ashram. He supervised all the funeral arrangements himself.
And then he did the unthinkable.
Perianambi who was born in the highest caste of Brahmans did the last rites himself and lit the funeral pyre.
It was nothing short of a revolution in those days.
How could somebody born in the highest of castes, somebody like Perianambi, do the last rites for someone born in the lowest of castes?
It created a great furore.Many disciples of the mutt opposed Perianambi’s action.
Perianambi was banned from the temple. He was not allowed to mingle with the people.And somebody took up the matter with Swamy Ramanuja.
Now Perianambi was Ramanuja’s teacher.
Ramanuja knew all about Perianambi’s love. He also knew about Maraneri Nambi’s devotion.
After all Ramanuja was the man who stood on the top of the temple wall and revealed the most sacred secret to those born in the lowest of castes, in spite of his Guru’s warnings.
Yet he wanted the other disciples to know about Peria Nambi and Maraneri Nambi.
He summoned Perianambi to his presence and held a court martial.
“Oh Worshipful Acharya, you have been charged with a very grave offense.
That you did the last rites for a man born in the lowest of castes. You are a learned Brahman.
“You know it is forbidden by the sasthras. And the punishment prescribed for such an act is total ex-communication.
That is you can’t enter the temple, this mutt or any other Brahman’s house.
What’s your answer, Acharya?”
Perianambi knew his disciple like the palm of his hand.
He knew that the show was only for the gallery.
He saw the disciples jeering at him.
Normally a soft-spoken person that eighty year old man now roared like a lion, no like the lion-faced Lord Narasimha.
“Ramanuja, I have not done anything wrong.
Do I have to remind you that in the great epic Ramayana our Lord Rama did the last rites for a bird, Jadayu?
“Neither am I superior to Rama nor my dear friend Maraneri Nambi inferior to that bird.”
Measured words.
Not a single word wasted.
Pointed arguments.
The arrow hit the bull’s eye.
The lion-faced Lord had killed the demon called bigotry.
Or at least that was what he thought……
Ramanuja clapped his hands like a child.
He then turned to the other disciples.
“Are you clear now?
Do you have any counter arguments?”
Nobody spoke.
But very few understood.
Well, they exactly did not have an argument against Perianambi’s powerful example.
At the same time they were not large-hearted enough to condone Perianambi’s excesses. They started avoiding Perianambi.
If he went to the temple the priests would leave the place.
If any Brahman saw him on the road he would turn his face the other side and walk away…..
Swamy Ramanuja came to know of the ill-treatment meted out to Perianambi.
He was very sad.
After teaching love for years and years, these people still acted like fanatics.
‘What’s the big deal? Why should I waste my life teaching these bigots?’
Ramanuja ran to the temple. It was late in the night.
They were about to close the doors.
They were waiting for the Acharya to finish his darshan.
Ramanuja was sobbing before the sleeping Lord.
“I tried my best to make them understand Perianambi’s love.
I have failed in my mission.
Please, Lord, you will have to do something about it.
“Please don’t let Perianambi suffer for his greatest act of love.
Please my, Lord. Please…
”The Lord who is nothing but Love, the Lord who even while sleeping on the banks of Cauvery is constantly thinking about his devotees, the Lord who cannot tolerate any kind of bigotry, just smiled.
He had already made up his mind to teach a lesson to those fanatics.
It was festival time in Srirangam. The very next day was the famous car festival.
The huge Ther (car) of Srirangam was to pass through the house of Perianambi.
When the Lord’s Ther came into the street Perianambi was sitting in his pooja room with all the sadness in his face.
He had never missed the car festival in the past. Because he was a well-learned Brahman and one of Alavandar’s disciples, the car would stop at the gate of his house so that he could have dharshan.
But this time it was different. He was not allowed in the temple.
And nobody talked to him. He also knew that the Lord’s car would not stop in front of his house, this time.
His eyes were shedding tears of love…..
“My Lord, do you also think that what I did was wrong?
Maraneri Nambi is a much better person than I. And I am really proud that I had the blessing to light his funeral pyre.
“If you have also decided to let me down, Oh My, dear, dear Lord, so be it. If you let me down, I don’t want anybody else to save me.
Do whatever you wish, my Lord.” The Car had just approached the house of Perianambi.
When Azhagia Manavala Perumal seated in the car was right in front of Perianambi’s house-entrance the huge car suddenly came to a grinding halt.Actually the administrators had cunningly planned to make the car run at double the usual speed when they were crossing Perianambi’s house.
But those petty minds were but small pieces of cotton in that large fire of love whose name was AzhagiaManavala Perumal. He had his say.
And He always had his way.The gigantic Ther stopped before Perianambi’s house. It looked as if their roles had been reversed. For years and years Perianambi used to wait outside his house for the Lord.
Today the Lord was waiting for him. The administrators thought it was a mechanical problem and could be corrected only if they applied more oil on the axis. Pots of oil were poured on the humongous axis.
Yet the car would not move.They sent word to the nearby villages. Hundreds of people came to pull the car. The Lord did not even move a milli-metre.They sent word to the stable and six elephants were brought to pull the car. The Lord was adamant. They then went in search of mantrikas and astrologers.The Lord was waiting patiently at the gate of Perianambi’s house.
Four hours had passed. Perianambi was crying in the pooja room. Nothing moved.The best of mantrikas was summoned. He came there, closed his eyes and went into a state of trance.
After thirty minutes he woke up. “Idiots, you have hurt a good man, a noble soul. Unless you give Lord’s prasadam to him with due respects the Lord will not move an inch from this place. And fools, do remember this.
If he thinks ill of you even for a second you’ll all be burnt to ashes in no time. You can even play with this God. He won’t mind. But never try to play with his devotees.
You will be annihilated.Emboldened by their silence the mantrika delivered his punchline with aplomb.“You fools, if you have any sense still left in you, fall at Perianambi’s feet and beg his pardon.
Unless he forgives you even this loving Lord will not forgive you. Mind it.”He refused to accept any fees from them.
“I have a strong policy not to accept anything from sinners like you.” He ran away from the place. Then and only then they realized their mistake.
The Chief Priest went into Perianambi’s house and fell at his feet. “Perianambi, our Lord, Azhakia Manavalar is waiting to see you.
At your gate. Looks like He won’t move any further unless you come out and see him. ‘Please come with me and accept the Lord’s prasadam. And please forgive all of us. We are all petty-minded people.
“We now know for sure that you are on our Lord’s side. No, no, our Lord is on your side. Please come, Peria Nambi. The Lord has been waiting for you for the past four hours.” Perianambi ran out of the house.
It was a sight to see almost the entire town falling at his feet.He ignored them all and fell before the huge car.
The Chief Priest lifted him up and honoured him with the Lord’s cloth and his sadari. A garland was taken from the Lord and was placed on Perianambi’s neck.
Azhagia Manavala Perumal was affectionately smiling at his devotee. Perianambi was respected like a King amongst his peers.
For did not the Lord Himself stop at his place? Seeing the bewitching smile on Azhakia Manavalar’s most beautiful face Peria Nambi folded his hands.
He did not even attempt to control his sobs. “Any day your love is a million times better than mine, my Lord. Give me a billion births to be born as a worm to be crushed by the feet of your loving devotees. I can’t even repay a small fraction of your love.
Oh My Lord, you stopped at my place! You stopped at the house of this worm! You waited for me! My Lord! My Lord!”
The Chief Priest came near Perianambi and gently reminded him.“Please let the Lord go, Perianambi. It’s getting late, you see. Please..”
Perianambi moved away.
The Lord took leave of his devotee and resumed his onward journey. The huge car now moved as if its wheels were on air.
The gigantic Chariot started moving when less than fifty people gently pulled its ropes.
Credits : HG Shri Varalotti Rengasamy
All glories to Peria nambee All glories to Alavandar Srimathey Ramanujaya namah:
Pics : Thanks to Google images /and other websites shared by advance devotees
ThirupAan azhwar appeared during the month of Karthikai in the Rohini thirunakshatram at Uraiyur near Srirangam
Azhwar was a ardent devotee of Lord Ranganatha and used to sing songs in praise of the Lord with the accompaniment of his veenai . Azhwar used to walk from Uraiyur to Srirangam which was almost 20 miles , but did not attempt to go inside the temple due to the practices followed by the temple those days .
He used to stand at the southern bank of river Kaveri facing the temple and used to glorify the Supreme Lord singing on his veenai . This was going on for a long time.
One day early in the morning hours , he was singing song in praise of the Lord with deep devotion and was in a absolute trance.
LokaSarangar, the chief priest of Lord Ranganatha’s temple came to river Kaveri as a routine , to collect kaveri water for ( abhishekam ) thirumanjanam to the Lordships . As he found ThirupaNazwar who was in a trance , obstructing his path, he told him to leave the place .
ThirupaNazwar who was in a different mood , did not hear anything as he was totally immersed in Lord Ranganatha’s glory and oblivious to his surroundings.
Lokasarangar got very angry . He picked up a stone and threw it at ThirupaNan to disurb him from the mood.
It struck ThirupaNa’s forehead and thus he suddenly came out of his trance.
A true devotee , he pleaded with the Priest Lokasarangar to forgive him for his mistake and left the place hurriedly .
Lokasarangar reached the temple with the kaveri water . He was panicked to find Lord was unhappy with his arrogance and was worried.
That night Lord Ranganatha appeared in his dream and told him that by hurting His true devotee he had committed a grave mistake. He ordered him to bring ThirupaN to the temple, carrying him on his shoulders.
Next morning Lokasarangar went in search of he great devotee ThirupaN with other devotees .
He located the devotee at the bank of Kaveri singing in deep devotion . Running towards him , he fell at his feet and pleaded him to forgive him for the act . He requested Azhwar, that the Lord had ordered him to bring him to the temple.
ThirupaN was aghast and told Lokasrangar,
“Swami, I come from a low caste and I am not allowed even to set foot in Srirangam.
How can I go into the temple and have Lord’s darshan?”
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The Priest Lokasarngar replied …
Swamin !!! “You do not have to set foot, but
…. Please allow me to carry you on my shoulders as per the Lord’s order.”
As ThirupaN was still hesitating, Lokasarangar had to convince him to accede to his request as it was from Supreme Lord ……
When Lokasarangar carried Thirupan on his shoulders surrounded by vedic pundits , the people of Srirangam watched with astonishment.
It was a celebration …
The devotee was being carried by the Chief Priest .
The group reached the temple and Lokasarangar took him to the sanctum .
ThirupaN was in total bliss to get darshan of the Lord’s Sayana Thirukolam.
He was so bewitched to see the Lord’s beauty. He immediately started singing describing the Lord’s beauty from
( Lotus feet to his blossoming divine face )Thiruvadi to Thirumudi in ten wonderful pasurams.
This outpouring during his very first darshanam of LORD glorified as “Amalan Aathipiraan.” which is among the 4000 Divya prabhanda pasurams .
As ThirupaNazwar finished singing he merged with Lord Ranganatha while the onlookers were looking dumb-founded. Thus he was also blessed like Andal to merge with the Lord.
* koNdal vaNNanaik *
kOvalanAy veNNey uNda vAyan *
en uLLam kavarndhAnai **
aNdar kOn aNi arangkan *
en amudhinaik kaNda kaNgaL *
maRRonRinaik kANAvE
Having seen the One whose color dark like rain clouds and the one with the mouth that swallowed the butter of cowherds, He is the Lord of the devas, He is Lord Ranganatha, He is my nectar, my life ! My eyes that have seen my Supreme Lord and will not see anything else!
In Amalanaathipiraan ThirupaN Azwar describes Lord’s beauty from His Kamala Thiruptham to His thirumudi part by part and also sangu, chakram .
The Lord once again reconfirms that caste, colour or creed is no bar for a true devotee to reach his lotus feet . Lord’s grace and benevolence is showered on his true bhakthas without any discrimination.
Azhwars Appearance day is celebrated in all Srivaishnava temples in grand scale.
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Photos Courtesy : Google images uploaded by advance devotees
It was during the period 1795 to 1799 a British officer called Colonel Lionel Blazehe was Collector of Chengalpattu District . Colonel Lionel on his routine survey had witnessed two cracks to the huge tank in Madurantakam taluk.
The enormity of the problem can be appreciated only when we know of the massive size of the tank. Having an area of 13 square miles and a depth of 21 feet, the breaching of the tank following torrential downpour was any official’s nightmare. Wanting to take preemptive action in the year 1798 the Collector camped at Madurantakam.
During his sojourn the Collector was exploring ways and means to undertake urgent repairs of the breaches if and when they happened. During the course of his inspections, he happened to see a large collection of granite and other stones in the precincts of the LOrd Sri Rama temple near to the tank .
The Collector mentioned to his subordinates that these granite stones could be put to use in restoration of the bunds. Hearing this the temple priests submitted that the stones were meant for constructing a separate shrine for Mother Janakavalli Thayar and since there was paucity of funds, the construction could not commence.
Noticing this the Collector is said to have remarked that where was the need for a separate shrine when more urgent work like repairing the bunds were crying for resources and asked the priests jestingly as to why the Lord was not able to save the tank each year? The priests replied saying that the Lord was always known to answer a sincere prayer from the heart.
Meanwhile , during his stay , the rains came and it poured and in a few days the tank was full to the brim and a rupture seemed imminent. That night a worried Collector camped near the tank hoping against hope that the bunds would hold. The water level had risen alarmingly .In another hour or so of the rain and the lake would breach submerging the whole villages and since rain was still coming down in sheets accompanied by a storms , there seemed little hope of averting the inevitable.
He imagined whether it was the will of the Jesus that he should die in a heathen land,forsaking his beautiful wife and affectionate children in distant England? The moment these thoughts occurred to him, he banished them with guilt-he was the District Collector, responsible for the lives and safety of thousands. They looked up to him with child-like faith, hoping against hope that the fair-skinned “Durai” would somehow work a miracle and save them all from certain death.
But what could he do in the face of Nature’s unrelenting fury? The swirling waters of the lake were looking more menacing by the minute, and the wind had snatched away the umbrella held over his head by a lackey, apparently angered at the Collector’s efforts at protecting his head while thousands innocent villagers were drenched to the skin stretched tightly over their skeletal bodies. He was desperate and could think of no way to prevent the waters rushing out on their terrible mission of destruction.
The pious old priest of the temple, who had spoken of the temple deities reached the Collector’s side and, picking up courage, told the Official that only Lord Rama could save them now, as the situation seemed beyond human intervention. He explained to the skeptical Englishman the immense power of the Lord and His matchless beauty.
In the drenching downpour, despite the shivering , swallowing away many of his words, his broken English, he gave the foreigner an account of the exploits of Lord Sri Rama and of His bridging the vast ocean with the aid of mere monkeys. He narrated about Lord Rama who from a royal family had spent fourteen hard years in the jungle, just to obey an unjust command supposedly from His father and conveyed to Him by a step-mother who was intent on making her own son the heir to the throne.The old Priest said , when we are drowning, we tend to clutch at straws in desperation, especially when nothing else is available to hold on to. The British man was in a similar situation.
Though his strict Christian upbringing and military training prompted only disbelief at the Priest tales, still an image began to form in his mind of a tall, handsome Prince, with a long bow held aloft in His powerful hands, the personification of mercy and righteous conduct, the symbol of sacrifice.
His lotus-like eyes brimming with mercy for all mortals, and accompanied by an equally impressive figure, obviously a younger brother and ever ready to rush to the rescue of those in distress, at a mere call for safety, be it from whichever quarter. And once the image of the bewitching Lord entered his mind, the britisher found it was difficult to shake it off and experienced an extremely pleasurable sensation, even amidst the desperate situation he found himself trapped in.
Still , his mind reluctantly he posed round to the possibility of appealing to this mythological hero for aid, which seemed the only thing left, especially since all other efforts had failed. And once his mind accepted what was hitherto unthinkable for him, he felt unreasonably accepted and prayed in his heart of hearts to Lord Sri Rama to somehow, somehow, lead him and thousands of villagers out of this apparently inescapable end.
“Oh Sri Rama!” prayed the Britisher ,” Please do this, if not for my sake, then for the sake of the thousands who believe in You with all their spiritual might and conviction.
I was listening to the stories of Your impossible feats with only half an ear.
However, if it was possible for You to conquer that vast body of waters (lying between You and Lanka) with the mere threat of retribution, it should be no difficult task for You to control the menacing waters of this MadhurAntakam lake and to keep them confined to the inner bunds.
I know understand well that these are the words of an ignorant fool who lacks absolute faith in You.He inwardly prayed LORD SREE RAMA .
Do this for me and for the sake of the hundreds of men, women and children who are in danger , and I shall surely build a temple for Your Consort, whom You appear to love dearly. Lord, please do help me!” The Britisher saw a miraculous sight. He saw two warriors bearing bow and quiver guarding the bunds.
He went on his knees and prayed, for he knew it was none other than Lord Rama and his divine brother Lakshmana in his heart inwardly . It was indeed strange that nobody else who was a part of the Collector’s team saw the Lord. The awe-struck foreigner, overjoyed by the unbelievable fainted and fell on the sandy silty tank bund with a thud, slipping into unconsciousness, obviously incapable of absorbing the full delight of the divine spectacle.
When he emerged from his trance, Colonel found himself in his comfortable bed in his own quarters . The impossible situation in which he had fainted, the Collector sat up with a jerk and demanded from his subordinates the latest position on the flooding threat, and felt immense relief wash over him when told that the rains had stopped with miraculous suddenness during the night and the lake waters too, poised on the brink, had receded to fairly safe levels.
Through a planned opening of the sluices, the water level was brought back to near normal and the threat had blown-over. After a while the vision evanesced the rain stopped.
The Transcendental image of the Lord and His infinite mercy in answering the insincere prayers of an unbelieving foreigner continued to occupy the Britisher thoughts forever, and he used to recount the tale with devotion to skeptical audiences even after his return to England.
The grateful Collector undertook the building of the shrine for Mother Janakavalli thayar and the Sri Rama in the temple came to be known as the Erikatha Ramar (Rama who saved the tank). The edict with the Collector’s name citing him as a benefactor can be seen even today in the Madurantakam temple.
The temple of Madurantakam is situated 50 km from Chennai on the Grand Southern Trunk road leading to Trichy. There is a separate shrine for Sri Periya Nambigal and Sri Ramanujar here in this temple.
This is said to be the only temple where Swamy Ramanujar is seen as a Grahastha (married person) and is seen with white clothing instead of saffron, as seen in other temples.The great event of Swamy Ramanujars Panchasamaskara Vybhavam is celebrated during August month .
All glories to LORD SREE RAMA All glories to the Britisher who surrendered to LORD Jai Jai Sree Rama Adiyen Ramanuja dasan Pics : Courtesy Google
They conveyed to him the Lord’s command. Ananthazhvan with full remorse begged pardon and was crest-fallen that he has done bhagavath apachara. With all humility he seeked forgivance for the unexpected error . He immediately released Alarmelmanga and prostrated before her repeatedly praying for forgiveness. 
Thirukachi Nambhigal too is relieved and happy that he has had an opportunity to serve a great acharya. One rainy day Thirukostiyur Nambhigal finds his cows missing and asks his shishyas to find the cows. But the shishyas are reluctant to go in the heavy rains & winds. So Thirukostiyur Nambhi decides to look for the cows by himslef and calls for Thirukachi Nambhigal for help. Thirukachi Nambhigal instantly replies “Adiyen” and Thirukostiyur Nambhi looks in the direction of the voice.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi took leave from the Lord, and went outside the covered Mantapam. It was raining very heavily, and hence he could not go. 
He was but just a trustee. (This tradition of the Maharaja of Travancore visiting Lord Ananta-Padmanabha Swami goes on to the present day.) Such was the pious and saintly quality of the ancient line of Vedic kings among whom Maharaja Kulasekhara appeared.
The King out of curiosity , woke him up and asked him who he was and why he was sleeping there in the open. The man answered that he was a temple priest and was supposed to leave in the early hours of the day to Sethu to complete his Thirtha yathra . Being new to the place , he took shelter near to the temple .
The King asked him to enlighten him on 
The Lord was supremely happy and told him”
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