Srimathey Ramanujaya namah Sri Kumudavalli sametha Thirumangai Azhwar Thiruvadigaley saranam Sri Aravindavalli Nayika sametha Sri Badri Narayanaya namah : —————————————————————— Saptha BAdri are a a group of seven temples dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu which are located in the Garhwal Himalayas. (Some consider ARdha Badri as one of the Sapta Badri and omit Narsing Badri) […]
JAI BHADRIVISHAAL…..PILIGRIMAGE TO SAPTHA BHADRI TEMPLES
Srivilliputtur beautiful village turned ” town” houses two famous temples- Lord Vatapatrasayee kovil ( sri vaishnava divyadesa kovil) and Andal kovil(Godadevi’s residence). Located in Virudhunagar District about 75 kms away from Madurai from north and about 70kms away from Tirunelveli from south ,this…
..Aandaal… the goddess who rules the Lord …. ThiruAadi Pooram festival ( July 26, 2017 Wednesday)
Swamy Mudumbai Nambee Ananthacharya was one amongst the 74 Simhadipathees nominated by Jagathacharyar Swamy Ramanuja . Swamy Ananthacharyar belonged to the illustrious family of the great srivaishnava stalwarts Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar and Vadakku Thiruvidhi pillai . . During 1360 , Swamy Ananthacharyar was blessed with a son who was named as Hasthagiri Ananthar Anna being ardent […]
“Swamy Prativadi Bhayankaram Annan” Lord Venkateshwara’s Suprabhatham glories…
Swamy Mudumbai Nambee Ananthacharya was one amongst the 74 Simhadipathees nominated by Jagathacharyar Swamy Ramanuja . Swamy Ananthacharyar belonged to the illustrious family of the great srivaishnava stalwarts Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar and Vadakku Thiruvidhi pillai . . During 1360 , Swamy Ananthacharyar was blessed with a son who was named as Hasthagiri Ananthar Anna being ardent […]
“Swamy Prativadi Bhayankaram Annan” Lord Venkateshwara’s Suprabhatham glories…
It was during 1783-84 , a time when the atrocities of the foreigners were unbearable . Their hatred for idol worship made the locals tremble, not in fear for their lives, but in fear of the possible damages that the age old holy idols in their ancient temples would suffer. Drastic measures were made to […]
ALI.PIRI…THE GATEWAY TO TIRUMALA
venkaTAdri samam sthAnam brahmANDe nAsti kincana; venkateSa samo devo na bhUto na bhaviSyati This sloka taken from the Puranas claims ………… There is no place in the entire universe that equals Venkatadri, the place where the Lord resides and there is no God, neither in the past nor in the future who equals Lord Venkateswara. Everything begins and ends […]
VenkaTAdri samam sthAnam brahmANDe nAsti kinchana; VenkateSa samo devo na bhUto na bhaviSyati
Swamy Parasara Bhattar had a new disciple . The disciple wanted to know how to identify a srivaishnava ? Swamy sent his new disciple from Srirangam to Tirumala to ascertain from the great devotee Ananthazhwan as what was the quality of a srivaishnava . The disciple though bit amused with his Gurus instructions proceeded […]
WHO IS A SRIVAISHNAVA ?
Sundare sundaro ramah …… Sundare sundari katha………. Sundare sundari sita ………… Sundare sundaram vanam, Sundare sundaram kavyam…….Sundare sundarah kapih ……… Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram……. The beautiful Sundara Kanda is the chapter of the Srimad Ramayana which speaks about the great devotee Hanuman’s selflessness, strength, and devotion to Lord Rama .. Hanuman was fondly called”Sundara” by his […]
SUNDARAKANDAM PLACES IN SRI LANKA-DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Azhwar proceeded to Thiruvali his native place .Overjoyed to see the wonderful lushy green fields and the magnetic aroma of divinity sang several verses on the Lordships of Thirunangoor. He proceeded to Thiruvindaloor . Lord mischievously disaaperaed after appearing for few seconds sending Azhwar into grief . He recited the nectarine pasuram …. Vasi vallir […]
Thirumangai Azhwar at Nagapattinam …………… A divine pastime…
Lord Sriman Narayana incarnated in different avatharas in this world, for spreading the message of the liberation for the jeevatma from this material bondage . 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 live there for […]
As per Lord’s divine command ..Adishesha who appeared as Swamy Ramanuja once again appeared as Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar…..
SriSailEsha dayA pAthram dheeibhakthyAdi guNarnavam Yetheendra pravaNam vandE ramyajA mAtharam munim ——————————————————— 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 […]
‘Let this sloka be recited at the beginning of all Divya prabhandam recitations … just as a Vedic recital begins and ends with the sacred ‘Om’ ordered LORD RANGANATHA
Few hundred years ago Gangaikonda Chozhapuram a place in Tamil Nadu , was ruled by the Cholas who were active patrons of the arts , poetry, drama, music and dance . The Chola kingdom grew into an extensive and well-knit empire, efficiently organized and administered by the King . One fine day two courtesans […]
Swamy Nathamuni and the 4000 Divya prabhandam
Millions of devotees all over the world gather at Pandharpur on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in June -July ( Aashaada Suddha Ekadasi) and in October -November ( Karthik Suddha Ekadasi ) . The lovely devotees mostly are Varkaris . Kari means one who undertakes .. Vari means periodical piligrimage .. Varkaris are […]
“Aashada Ekadasi ” darshan to Santh Kurmadasar
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 […]
Long live ….Hundreds, thousands, and crores of years..my adorable LORD …
Puri” means fullness. This holiest temple town is in the form of a conch. It is also known as Jagannath dhaam-the abode of Jaganath, Purushotama kshetra, Nilachala Nilagiri- the blue mountain, Sri kshetram-the abode of Sri(Lakshmi). The holy dham vibrates with Mahamantra and other holy names of the Lord. It is also known […]
The Chariot festival …
We know, what a dear friend Arjuna was to Krishna.
He was such a dear friend to Krishna that he used to lay down with Krishna. Krishna became his chariot driver. Krishna was so conquered by the love of Arjuna, that he became a menial servant. Being a driver, is a humbling relationship. Is it not?
And in Mahabharta, what Krishna did for Arjuna? When Arjuna had to kill Jayadrata by sunset, the whole Kuru Army was in front between Arjuna and Jayadrata. Every single man in the entire Kuru Army, tens and millions of people, their only service, that they were blocking Arjuna. Dronacharya, such great souls were there and Krishna, he was just supporting Arjuna as a chariot driver.
Those horses were going so fast, so fast, so fast and Arjuna was fighting and fighting and Krishna was empowering him to fight and He was driving.
Arjuna was getting all the glory and Krishna was just a driver. And the horses were tired, Krishna was brushing the horses, giving them water, while Arjuna was doing the heroic work of fighting. What Krishna did, for Arjuna. Krishna was the menial servant of Arjuna, why?
Because of Arjuna’s love. Krishna also spoke Bhagvad Gita. He gave all the credit of the greatest war in history to Arjuna. Because of Arjuna’s love.
So once Arjuna was asking Krishna, “I want to understand the love of Vrindavan, I want to understand the love of your Gopis, I want to understand the mercy of Radharani”.
So Krishna told Arjuna that this is an impossible subject to discuss. It’s too confidential for you to understand.
Just imagine His best friend, he cannot understand these things, who are we?
Krishna told Arjuna, “you cannot understand, what is Gopis love, what is Radha’s love, what is Vrindavan’s love? You can only understand, if you experience it.
Then, he told him to go to Mother Parvati, and appeal to her and through her He [Krishna] will give the means.So Arjuna expressed Krishna’s instruction to Parvati and she gave him mantra and told him how to do various types of tapasya.And ultimately she took him to a lake and he bathed in that lake for purification and he was met by a Gopi and that Gopi took him to a lake in Vrindavan.
And he bathed in that lake of nectar and when he came out, he was not Arjuna, he was ‘Arjunia’. He had a female body of a Gopi. And he completely forgot his previous identity. There was no trace of recollection.So this Gopi took her into the assembly of other Gopis and they were very curious to see this new Gopi.
They said “please tell us who are you, where are you coming from, why have you come”.
And Arjunia said, I don’t know who I am, and I don’t know where I am coming from and I don’t know why I am here. The only thing I remember in my whole life is that I am coming out of a lake and I am a Gopi”.So they taught her how to chant various mantras. And then brought her into a Kunja, where she was brought before goddess Srimati Radharani.And Arjunia, seeing the beauty, the mercy, the love of Sri Radharani, surrendered at Her feet, fell at Her feet in complete surrender and Sri Radharani presented her to Krishna.
And Krishna sported with Arjunia in the forest.
And then Sri Radharani said to him to go to the lake and take your bath again. He took his bath and became Arjuna. But that he did not forget.
Moral of the incident:
1) So, even Arjuna closest friend of Krishna is longing to experience the love of Vrindavan. And what is the love of Vrindavan?, the abode of Vrindavaneshwari, Sri Radharani, who is the Supreme goddess of Vrindavan.
2 ) For receiving mercy of Krishna we need blessings of another devotee as Arjuna get blessings of Paravati and the gopi.
3 ) In spiritual life nothing is cheep. One need to do tapasya and some endeavor to show Lord intention of achieving him.
4 ) Mantra is arrow and Lord is target. By power of mantra we can achieve the Lord.
When we understand our relationship with God then we all will be happy. It is an essential factor for establishing peace in the world.
Joy can only be experienced when we offer our love to Krishna.
Please accept my humble obeisances
Those were the glorious days when the most revered Acharyar Swamy Yamuna Acharyar was living . A great devotee Nambi also lived near srirangam . One day, Swamy Yamunacharya was on the way to a village . To his surprise he saw Nambi who was working in the field was drinking the mud water in […]
THE DISCIPLE WHO TOOK THE PAIN OF HIS ACHARYAR (Maran Err Nambi Vaibhavam )
“ Jagannatha? Who Jaggantha …..
Who is He?
Where is He?
What can He do for us?
Can He kill the whale with a weapon ?
Can He save the ship?” retorted the captain.
A trace of a smile came over the old man’s face. He appeared so calm and composed at that moment of crisis.
“ Lord Jagannatha is my only resort.
Any danger is dispelled if one prays to Him,” the old man said passionately.
“He makes a human response.
His mystery is inscrutable, even to the demigods, what to speak of mere human beings. Yet when we call to Him, He comes and helps us instantly .”
Few hundred years ago the King of Puri, Purusottama Deva, was to marry the princess who was the daughter of a king, Maharaja Salluva Narasingha, from the southern state .
That was the period the Annual Ratha-Yatra festival was to take place . The King of Puri invited the father of the princess for the great festival . However , the King sent his minister Chinnu bhatta Godaranga instead.
The Minister carefully observed the kingdom to give the inputs to his King . The Rath Yatra date arrived . The King of Puri along with his ministerial staff went to the temple performed pooja and with the permission of the Supreme Lord the tradition of sweeping the road in front of the carts was done by the King .
The visiting minister was shocked to see the King hold the broom , Rather , being impressed with the devotion of the King for Lord Jagannatha, he did not agree of him sweeping the road, even if it was for the Supreme Lord.
He took leave and reported this incident to King Salluva Narasingha. The king too was unhappy and objected to the idea of his daughter marrying the King of Puri as he was merely a street sweeper. He informed through his counsel about his ejection for the alliance .
Purusottama Dev was extremely angry that he, as the servant of Lord Jagannatha, would be insulted for his service to the Supreme Lord . He gathered his army troupes and went to the southern state to teach King a lesson.
Unfortunately, King Purusottama Dev was badly defeated.
Upset , with a downcast mood, he approached “Saikatacharya”, who was a great ascetic, and a householder devotee of Lord Jagannatha.
The Sadhu said , My dear King You had forgotten to ask permission from Lord Jagannatha before you went to Southern state . It was your mistake . You are King but Lord Jagganath is Emperor. Please take his permision before waging a battle
With this realization, the King returned to Puri and rushed to the temple of the Lord, crying over his defeat, asking why the Lord had let this happen. He spent the entire night in the temple, and with doors closed, before the night came to an end, the King heard a voice asking why he was so distraught over such a simple thing.
The divine voice said … my dear Purusottama Please go and gather our troupes again, and we two brothers, Jagannatha and Balarama, would go along to fight on the your behalf.
The King was astonished . He did all that as Lord commanded . As the news spread, many people, both old and young, joined the King’s forces to fight along with their Lordships. However, as they proceeded , the King was filled with some doubts whether their Lordships were really coming along with him.
While the King along with his army went onward, far ahead were two soldiers who rode , one on black horse and one white horse.
They were looking majestic from behind . They stopped to quench their thirst at a small village near Chilika Lake by buying some yogurt from a devotee named “Manika”.
Manika offered them yogurt looking at their beauty . She was awe stuck and just could not move her eyes away from them . The soldiers looked at Manika and smiled . They said they did not have any money to give her . She just kept looking without uttering any word . The dark soldier shook her and said , Manika ..we don’t have money but I have my ring that will be your payment for the sweet yoghurt . Please give this to your King and collect the gift he gives . Both of them smiled and proceeded
The King was fast approaching behind them . Curious he was , he caught up to the lady, who flagged him down to give him the ring and asked for payment for the soldiers’ drink.
The king was shocked to see the ratnamudrika ring of Lord Jagannatha and then regained his confidence that, indeed, their Lordships had certainly come along with him.
Overjoyed , In payment for the ring, the king gave her the whole village, which is still named “Manikapatna”.
The king and his troupes effortlessly won the battle and as planned he also took King Sallowo’s daughter back to Puri.
The King did not marry her after the insult her father had given him.
He instructed his minister to see that she get married to a most qualified sweeper.
Exactly after one year, Ratha-Yatra date was announced . As per traditional guidance , the King again took blessings from Supreme Lord and performed his sweeping of the ground before the Rath .
The king’s minister felt pity for the princess and announced that the king was the most qualified sweeper, since he swept for Lord Jagannatha, and that the princess, Padmavati, should marry him.
Amongst the crowds Maharaja Purusottama Dev married the princess and she later gave birth to “King Prataparudra” the great devotee of Lord Chaitanya Maha Prabhu .
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures& Videos : Courtesy from advanced devotees who uploaded in social media
Jai Jai Ramakrishna Hari Jai Jai Panduranga Hari Jai Jai Ramakrishna Hari Jai Jai Panduranga Hari Sri Rakumaayi sametha Sri Panduranga parabrahmane namah Srimathey Ramanujaya namah Jai Jai Ramakrishna Hari Pilgrimage to Pandharpur near Sholapur in Maharashtra and having darshan of Lord Vittal is incomplete without having the darshan of the great saints Sri […]
Jai Jai vittala Jai Hari Vittala
Swamy Parasara Bhattar the great successor of Jagath Acharyar Swami Ramanuja was a prolific writer of great distinction. Acharyar’s works in Sanskrit and tamil bear amazing scholarship and command . Swamy’s works in Sanskrit include Ashtasloki, BhagavadgunaDarpanam , SriGunaRatnakosam, SriRanganathaStotram, Sri Ranganatha Stavam. Swamy Parasara bhattar was officiating as the chief-priest in SriRangam temple, and […]
The In-dwellers deep love
Originally posted on kazhiyur varadan’s blog:
“tEvu maRRariyEn” …….. I do not know of any LORD other than my AchAryan, Swamy NammAzhwAr
Madhurakavi Azhwar appeared at a holy place in Thirukolur, a small village near Alwarthirunagari, Tamilnadu . Once he undertook an pilgrimage to Ayodhya. He was very moved by the beauty of deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana & Anjaneya and decided to stay in Ayodhya for sometime. During…
In Srimad Bhagavatha Mahapurana as part of a discussion between King Nimi and sage Karabhajana the advent of the Srivaishnava Azhwars appearance in the Kali age is revealed .
” In the Kali age men devoted to Lord Sriman Narayana will be born in large numbers near the Dravida territory where in the rivers Tamaraparni, Vaigai , Paalaar the most sacred Kaaveri flows
.”
True to the epic , both Swamy Namaazhwar and Madhurakavi Azhwar appeared on the banks of Tambaraparni river .
It is said that just after 40 years of the disappearance of Lord Krishna , Nammazhwar appeared . Periyazhwar and Sri Andal appeared in a place close to river Vaigai , the Mudal Azhwars and Thirumazhisai Azhwar appeared near Paalaar and Thodaradippodi Azhwar, Thiruppaanaazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar appeared near river Kaaveri.
The most holy place Thirukurugur “Alwar Tirunagari” is about 30kms east of Tirunelveli on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur highway off the Southern banks of Tamaraparani .Check this post for more details :https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/06/14/the-glory-of-thirukkolur/
Thirukurugur Vaishnava divyadesam is located on the banks of the river Tamaraparani and is one of the 108 divya desams in Pandiya Nadu. This was later known as Alwar thirunagari after the great Nammazhwar’s appearance .
Legends reveal there lived a pious devotee Kaariyaar an advanced bhaktha who was serving the devotees from his agriculture earnings .
Udaiya Nankaiyar from Thiruvanparisaram was his wife who was equally pious and served the devotees with all dedication . They had no progeny for a long time .
Their prayers were answered by the mercy of Lord of Thirukurungudi . Udaiya Nankai gave birth to a male child on Vaikasi month in Visakam star( who is considered to be the incarnation of Senai Mudaliyar the commander in chief of Lord Sriman Narayana) .
His parents named him Maran ( being different from others ) and he also had other names Parankusa and Satakopan .
The boy was not an ordinary kid nor did he have an ordinary life .
He displayed none of the usual characteristics of a baby, neither would he cry nor attempt to drink milk.
Looking at the strange behaviour of the divine child, the parents went to the temple for divine interference.
All of a sudden the child crawled and went under a tamarind tree inside the temple where he remained almost for sixteen years in yogic trance under the trunk . The divine incident became the talk of the town. 
After many years one day a elder Vaishnava who was on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya observed a shining light emanating from a far off place .He followed the light and reached Thurukurugoor. As he enquired around the place , he was directed into the temple . He was surprised looking at the divine aura being emitted from the young boy and attempted to go near him .
More details of Madhurakavi Azhwar can be read in this appended linked post
He approached the divine boy who was meditating deeply with his legs crossed and hands in chin mudrai pose. Madhurakavi thought that the boy could be deaf and dumb. To draw his attention ,he took a small stone and threw it in the lotus pond nearby.
Lo presto !
the boy opened his eyes and Madhurakavi could see the divinity in his eyes with golden hue.
Madhurakavi wanted to test the boy further whether he could reply.
Thus he asked a question
“Seththathin vayitril siru kutti pirandhaal etrai thindru enge kidakum?
A divine voice was heard with a smile
“Atrai thindru ange kidakum”.
The answer to his question made the madhurakavi ponder about the divine presence of the boy and the esoteric reply.
The peripheral meaning of the question…
“If a small one is born into a dead thing, what will it do ? and where will it be”?
The reply was “It will eat that and stay there”.
Nothing could be understood if not for our great achaaryas who had provided us with the inner meaning of this important quote
The inner meaning of the question:
“Seththadhu” – body,
“siru kutti” – soul.
“vayiru” – stomach.
The inner meaning mentions that when a soul enters a body, the body gets life and the soul forgets its true nature , thus thinks that the body is everything
The soul enjoys and suffers everything through the body.
It eats and lives on whatever the body earns as sin and virtues . Once the body is dead, the soul departs. Till the time the soul is present, it has to suffer and enjoy all the feelings of the body.
But once the soul realizes its true nature that it is the servant of Lord Sriman Narayanan and surrenders , the soul gets liberated from the cycle of births and deaths.
Swami Madhurakavi azhwar was amazed by azhwar’s knowledge and fell at his feet and pleaded him to accept him as his disciple.
Azhwar agreed and asked him to help him in composing his divine works. Thus came out the fountain of divine out pouring of Lord’s kalyanagunas .
Madurakavi Azwar wrote all of them in Palm leaves which were called ‘ pattolai. The divine out pourings were
A grand festival is celebrated for ten days marking the appearance day of Azhwar …….
at this holy place every year ending with a holy bath ( Abhishekam ) and ‘Theertha vari’ on Vaikasi Visakam day .
The Vaikasi Visakam celebrations are being held past 500 years or more
The temple at Thirukkurugoor was under the direct administration of our revered Acharyar Swamy Manavala Mamunigal.
Adiyen is recollecting the wonderful darshan we had few years back at Azhwar Thirunagari
The most important day for Srivaishnavas is Swami Nammazhwars Thirunakshatram ( Apperance day ) which happens on Monday june 9th ,2025 this year .
Nava Tirupathi is a cluster of Nine temples of Lord Sriman Narayana.
Nava Tirupathi is part of the 108 Divya Desam temples .
Located around the banks of the River Thamarap arani, the 9 temples of Nava Tirupathi are Thiruvaikundam,
Thiruvaragunamangai,
Thirupulinkudi,
North & South temples of Thirutholaivillimangalam,
Thirukkulanthai,
Thiruperai,
Thirukolur and
Thirugurukoor.
This otherwise a calm village is overcrowded with devotees for the 10 day grand festival.
Almost all the chathirams, Ramanujar koodams and houses were packed with devotees who come to witness the Nava garuda sevai from long distances .
A big mandapam in front of the main temple known as ‘PANDAL MANDAPAM” is decorated for the grand festival to happen .
This pandal was built by an ardent devotee Sri Pandala Ramaswamy Nayaakar during 1807 .
He took initiative in starting this wonderful Nava garuda Sevai utsavam and made arrangements for the mandapam and other paraphernalia .
In honour of his devotional service the mandapam is named Pandal Mandapam.
.
All the Perumals ( Lordships ) of the Nava Tirupatis come to
Thirunagari to grace our most beloved Nammazhwar .
Swamy Nammazhwar had darshanam of all the 108 Divya
desam perumal staying in Azhwar Thirunagari itself .
In the pandal “ Abhishekam for Azhwar is done with due honours by the recitation of vedic hymns being watched by a large groups of devotees .
Meanwhile ,there was an alert by the bhagavathas that the Nava Tirupathigal Perumal have already started from their temples “ Thirukolams “and after crossing the beautiful Tambaraparani River are arriving at Pandal Mandapam.
We rejoiced to see Perumals coming from different directions with a troupe of Nadaswaram goshti and the recitation of pasurams by Elders.
All Perumal started arriving to Pandal Mandapam. Every Divyadesam Perumal arrive in a well decorated palanquin with full temple honours.
Here Azhwar receives the Perumal and does Pradakshinam to Perumal thrice. Azhwar is then blessed with satari, peedambaram and prasadam which were offered to the Perumal.
After this, managala haarathi is given to Perumal and Azhwar and Perumal enter the main temple.
This procedure is followed for all the Perumals. This function takes place for about 2 to 3 hours.
All the Perumals alight inside a huge mandapam inside the temple. Parallel arrangements like decorating Peria Thiruvadi ( Garudazhwan ) for the evening function is done for the Garuda sevai.
The villagers share a wonderful hospitality inquiring about the details of stay, food etc of all the visitors . Most of the Thirumalagais are eager to serve the devotees with Prasadam.
The same evening around 5 P.M., Thirumanjanam ( Abhishekam ) would start for all the Perumals. Several groups of devotees coming from far off places assemble and chant azhwar pasurams with music. At 5 P.M the Vedic Pundits carrying silver kudams filled with holy water arrive . The water for Neeratam is brought from the river Thamparaparani with full honours (an umbrella, Nadaswaram)
The holy abhishekam “ Thirumanjanam” for all the Perumals are performed at the same time. Thirumanjanam is performed for all the Perumals inside the mandapam. It takes about 2 to 3 hours for the alankaranam to get completed.
Around 8 P.M. the much awaited garuda sevai starts
In the Nava Garuda Sevai, the lordships ( Perumals ) are seated on Garuda vaahanam. Azhwar is seated on a Hamsa vaahanam and his dearest devotee, Madurakavi Azhwar is seated on Pirangi Naarkaali (a chair)
Azhwar waits just outside the Maha dwaaram of the temple to receive the Perumals from all the Nine Divya desams .
The temple doors are closed and Azhwar along with his favourite devotee Madurakavi Alwar wait for the Garudaseva Utsavam to happen.The Mahadwaram doors are opened amidst the mangala Nadaswarams .
Azhwar is the first to have darsanam of Perumal. Perumal is given Mangala karpoora aarthi and managalasaasanam done to the particular Perumal by the Azhwar . The recitation of the Mangalaasanams with the divyadesam pasurams by Elders drives one to spiritual ecstasy. Similar to Srirangam, Araiyar sevai is followed tradition here
The sevai is a special treat to the eyes and fill LORDs grace unlimited . And being among-st our Azhwars and the advanced srivaishnavas its sheer bliss
The order in which the Perumals appear in Garuda vaahanam along with the paasuram number is mentioned for devotees sung by Azhwar is given below:
PERUMAL PASURAM NOS.
1) Sri Adinatha Perumal of Thirukurugoor 3106,3116
2) Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal of Srivaikuntam 3571,3575
3) Sri Vijayasanar Perumal of Natham (varagunamangai) 3571
4) Sri Kaichinavendan of Thirupulingudi 3473,3568-78
5) Sri Mayakoothan of Perungulam(Thiuukulandhai) 3561
6) Sri Devapiran of Irattai Tirupati }
7) Sri Aravinda Lochanan of Irattai Tirupati } 3271-3281
8) Sri Bhoomipalar of Then Thirupperai 3359-3369
9) Sri Vaithamanidhi of Thirukolur along with Madurakavi Azhwar 3293-3303,3473
After this, neivedyam is offered to Perumal, Azhwar and Madurakavi Azhwar and Perumal leaves the place . All the Perumals assemble at East Mada street and from here all the Nava tirupathi Perumal are taken in procession in the 4 mada streets of Thirunagari with the Nadaswaram troups for each perumal , Veda goshti .
The devotees burst crackers and lit the roads with dazzling light. The local residents receive Perumal by sweeping the roads and decorating the roads with kollams etc.The zeal in their offering fruits and karpooram at the time of Perumal’s oorvalam is a great blessing. Almost the entire village are well versed with Perumals arrival. This procedure of waiting near the entrance, offering karpoora aarthi and rendering mangalasaasanam on that particular Perumal is followed for all the Perumals.
By the time the ninth Perumal Sri Vaithamanidhi of Thirukolur leaves the place, Adinatha Perumal of Thirukurugoor who left first comes back to the temple. After all the nine Perumals assemble, Azhwar pays his deep respects to all the Perumals and all the Perumals get inside the mandapam. Madurakavi Azhwar who has organized this function, payshis respects to Nammazwar who is pleased with his disciple.
The function concludes around 4 A.M. The next day morning, all the Perumals leave to their respective temples gracing all the devotees and Nammazwar accompanies them till the entrance of the temple as a Royal guest . Nammazwar ‘s hamsa vaahanam is placed in such a manner that he looks at the proceedings until Perumal leaves the temple street
The Perumals leave the Mandapam around 7.00 –7.30 AM . Only after the sight of Perumal completely disappears, Nammazhwar leaves inside a bit sad due to the departure of the perumals to their respective divyadesams.
All glories to the devotees who are at Thirukurogoor seeking the grace of Azhwar and Perumal ….
Prostrating vaishnavas ,Azhwar and Lordships for their abundant grace adiyen …..
silently walk behind Azhwars Palanquin asking for forgiveness and his grace in attending many more Satsangs…
Adiyen Ramanuja dasanPics courtesy : Google images , web site ; heritagetown .orgVideos : Thanks to Sri Govindarajan
In Srimad Bhagavatha Mahapurana as part of a discussion between King Nimi and sage Karabhajana the advent of the Srivaishnava Azhwars appearance in the Kali age is revealed . ” In the Kali age men devoted to Lord Sriman Narayana will be born in large numbers near the Dravida territory where in the rivers Tamaraparni, Vaigai , Paalaar the most sacred Kaaveri flows .” True to the epic , both Swamy Namaazhwar and Madhurakavi Azhwar appeared on the banks of Tambaraparni river . It is said that just after 40 years of the disappearance of Lord Krishna , Nammazhwar appeared . Periyazhwar and Sri Andal appeared in a place close to river Vaigai , the Mudal Azhwars and Thirumazhisai Azhwar appeared near Paalaar and Thodaradippodi Azhwar, Thiruppaanaazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar appeared near river Kaaveri.The most holy place Thirukurugur “Alwar Tirunagari” is about 30kms east of Tirunelveli on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur highway off the Southern banks of Tamaraparani .
Check this post for more details :
https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2015/06/14/the-glory-of-thirukkolur/Thirukurugur Vaishnava divyadesam is located on the banks of the river Tamaraparani and is one of the 108 divya desams in Pandiya Nadu. This was later known as Alwar thirunagari after the great Nammazhwar’s appearance . Legends reveal there lived a pious devotee Kaariyaar an advanced bhaktha who was serving the devotees from his agriculture earnings . Udaiya Nankaiyar from Thiruvanparisaram was his wife who was equally pious and served the devotees with all dedication . They had no progeny for a long time .Their prayers were answered by the mercy of Lord of Thirukurungudi . Udaiya Nankai gave birth to a male child on Vaikasi month in Visakam star( who is considered to be the incarnation of Senai Mudaliyar the commander in chief of Lord Sriman Narayana) . His parents named him Maran ( being different from others ) and he also had other names Parankusa and Satakopan .
The boy was not an ordinary kid nor did he have an ordinary life . He displayed none of the usual characteristics of a baby, neither would he cry nor attempt to drink milk. Looking at the strange behaviour of the divine child, the parents went to the temple for divine interference. All of a sudden the child crawled and went under a tamarind tree inside the temple where he remained almost for sixteen years in yogic trance under the trunk . The divine incident became the talk of the town.
After many years one day a elder Vaishnava who was on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya observed a shining light emanating from a far off place .He followed the light and reached Thurukurugoor.
As he enquired around the place , he was directed into the temple . He was surprised looking at the divine aura being emitted from the young boy and attempted to go near him .
More details of Madhurakavi Azhwar can be read in this appended linked post
“tEvu maRRariyEn” …….. I do not know of any LORD other than my AchAryan, Swamy NammAzhwAr
He approached the divine boy who was meditating deeply with his legs crossed and hands in chin mudrai pose. Madhurakavi thought that the boy could be deaf and dumb. To draw his attention ,he took a small stone and threw it in the lotus pond nearby.
Lo presto ! the boy opened his eyes and Madhurakavi could see the divinity in his eyes with golden hue.
Madhurakavi wanted to test the boy further whether he could reply.
Thus he asked a question
“Seththathin vayitril siru kutti pirandhaal etrai thindru enge kidakum?
A divine voice was heard with a smile
“Atrai thindru ange kidakum”.
The answer to his question made the madhurakavi ponder about the divine presence of the boy and the esoteric reply.
The peripheral meaning of the question…
“If a small one is born into a dead thing, what will it do ? and where will it be”?
The reply was “It will eat that and stay there”.
Nothing could be understood if not for our great achaaryas who had provided us with the inner meaning of this important quote
The inner meaning of the question:
“Seththadhu” – body,
“siru kutti” – soul.
“vayiru” – stomach.
The inner meaning mentions that when a soul enters a body, the body gets life and the soul forgets its true nature , thus thinks that the body is everything The soul enjoys and suffers everything through the body.
It eats and lives on whatever the body earns as sin and virtues . Once the body is dead, the soul departs. Till the time the soul is present, it has to suffer and enjoy all the feelings of the body.
But once the soul realizes its true nature that it is the servant of Lord Sriman Narayanan and surrenders , the soul gets liberated from the cycle of births and deaths.
Swami Madhurakavi azhwar was amazed by azhwar’s knowledge and fell at his feet and pleaded him to accept him as his disciple. Azhwar agreed and asked him to help him in composing his divine works. Thus came out the fountain of divine out pouring of Lord’s kalyanagunas . Madurakavi Azwar wrote all of them in Palm leaves which were called ‘ pattolai. The divine out pourings were
A grand festival is celebrated for ten days marking the appearance day of Azhwar at this holy place every year ending with a holy bath ( Abhishekam ) and ‘Theertha vari’ on Vaikasi Visakam day .
The Vaikasi Visakam celebrations are being held past 500 years or more .
The temple at Thirukkurugoor was under the direct administration of our revered Acharyar Swamy Manavala Mamunigal.
Adiyen is recollecting the wonderful darshan we had few years back at Azhwar Thirunagari
The most important day for Srivaishnavas is Swami Nammazhwars Thirunakshatram ( Apperance day ) which happens to be on May 22nd ,2024 this year .
Nava Tirupathi is a cluster of Nine temples of Lord Sriman Narayana.
Nava Tirupathi is part of the 108 Divya Desam temples .
Located around the banks of the River Thamarap arani, the 9 temples of Nava Tirupathi are Thiruvaikundam,
Thiruvaragunamangai,
Thirupulinkudi,
North & South temples of Thirutholaivillimangalam,
Thirukkulanthai,
Thiruperai,
Thirukolur and
Thirugurukoor.
This otherwise a calm village is overcrowded with devotees for the 10 day grand festival.
Almost all the chathirams, Ramanujar koodams and houses were packed with devotees who come to witness the Nava garuda sevai from long distances .
A big mandapam in front of the main temple known as ‘PANDAL MANDAPAM” is decorated for the grand festival to happen . This pandal was built by an ardent devotee Sri Pandala Ramaswamy Nayaakar during 1807 .
He took initiative in starting this wonderful Nava garuda Sevai utsavam and made arrangements for the mandapam and other paraphernalia . In honour of his devotional service the mandapam is named Pandal Mandapam.
All the Perumals ( Lordships ) of the Nava Tirupatis come to
Thirunagari to grace our most beloved Nammazhwar .
Swamy Nammazhwar had darshanam of all the 108 Divya
desam perumal staying in Azhwar Thirunagari itself .
In the pandal “ Abhishekam for Azhwar is done with due honours by the recitation of vedic hymns being watched by a large groups of devotees .
Meanwhile ,there was an alert by the bhagavathas that the Nava Tirupathigal Perumal have already started from their temples “ Thirukolams “and after crossing the beautiful Tambaraparani River are arriving at Pandal Mandapam.
We rejoiced to see Perumals coming from different directions with a troupe of Nadaswaram goshti and the recitation of pasurams by Elders.
All Perumal started arriving to Pandal Mandapam. Every Divyadesam Perumal arrive in a well decorated palanquin with full temple honours.
Here Azhwar receives the Perumal and does Pradakshinam to Perumal thrice. Azhwar is then blessed with satari, peedambaram and prasadam which were offered to the Perumal.
After this, managala haarathi is given to Perumal and Azhwar and Perumal enter the main temple. This procedure is followed for all the Perumals. This function takes place for about 2 to 3 hours.
All the Perumals alight inside a huge mandapam inside the temple. Parallel arrangements like decorating Peria Thiruvadi ( Garudazhwan ) for the evening function is done for the Garuda sevai.
The villagers share a wonderful hospitality inquiring about the details of stay, food etc of all the visitors . Most of the Thirumalagais are eager to serve the devotees with Prasadam.
The same evening around 5 P.M., Thirumanjanam ( Abhishekam ) would start for all the Perumals. Several groups of devotees coming from far off places assemble and chant azhwar pasurams with music. At 5 P.M the Vedic Pundits carrying silver kudams filled with holy water arrive . The water for Neeratam is brought from the river Thamparaparani with full honours (an umbrella, Nadaswaram)
The holy abhishekam “ Thirumanjanam” for all the Perumals are performed at the same time. Thirumanjanam is performed for all the Perumals inside the mandapam. It takes about 2 to 3 hours for the alankaranam to get completed.
Around 8 P.M. the much awaited garuda sevai starts
In the Nava Garuda Sevai, the lordships ( Perumals ) are seated on Garuda vaahanam. Azhwar is seated on a Hamsa vaahanam and his dearest devotee, Madurakavi Azhwar is seated on Pirangi Naarkaali (a chair)
Azhwar waits just outside the Maha dwaaram of the temple to receive the Perumals from all the Nine Divya desams .
The temple doors are closed and Azhwar along with his favourite devotee Madurakavi Alwar wait for the Garudaseva Utsavam to happen.The Mahadwaram doors are opened amidst the mangala Nadaswarams .
Azhwar is the first to have darsanam of Perumal. Perumal is given Mangala karpoora aarthi and managalasaasanam done to the particular Perumal by the Azhwar . The recitation of the Mangalaasanams with the divyadesam pasurams by Elders drives one to spiritual ecstasy. Similar to Srirangam, Araiyar sevai is followed tradition here
The sevai is a special treat to the eyes and fill LORDs grace unlimited . And being among-st our Azhwars and the advanced srivaishnavas its sheer bliss
The order in which the Perumals appear in Garuda vaahanam along with the paasuram number is mentioned for devotees sung by Azhwar is given below:
PERUMAL PASURAM NOS.
1) Sri Adinatha Perumal of Thirukurugoor 3106,3116
2) Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal of Srivaikuntam 3571,3575
3) Sri Vijayasanar Perumal of Natham (varagunamangai) 3571
4) Sri Kaichinavendan of Thirupulingudi 3473,3568-78
5) Sri Mayakoothan of Perungulam(Thiuukulandhai) 3561
6) Sri Devapiran of Irattai Tirupati }
7) Sri Aravinda Lochanan of Irattai Tirupati } 3271-3281
8) Sri Bhoomipalar of Then Thirupperai 3359-3369
9) Sri Vaithamanidhi of Thirukolur along with Madurakavi Azhwar 3293-3303,3473
After this, neivedyam is offered to Perumal, Azhwar and Madurakavi Azhwar and Perumal leaves the place . All the Perumals assemble at East Mada street and from here all the Nava tirupathi Perumal are taken in procession in the 4 mada streets of Thirunagari with the Nadaswaram troups for each perumal , Veda goshti .
The devotees burst crackers and lit the roads with dazzling light. The local residents receive Perumal by sweeping the roads and decorating the roads with kollams etc.The zeal in their offering fruits and karpooram at the time of Perumal’s oorvalam is a great blessing. Almost the entire village are well versed with Perumals arrival. This procedure of waiting near the entrance, offering karpoora aarthi and rendering mangalasaasanam on that particular Perumal is followed for all the Perumals.
By the time the ninth Perumal Sri Vaithamanidhi of Thirukolur leaves the place, Adinatha Perumal of Thirukurugoor who left first comes back to the temple. After all the nine Perumals assemble, Azhwar pays his deep respects to all the Perumals and all the Perumals get inside the mandapam. Madurakavi Azhwar who has organized this function, payshis respects to Nammazwar who is pleased with his disciple.
The function concludes around 4 A.M. The next day morning, all the Perumals leave to their respective temples gracing all the devotees and Nammazwar accompanies them till the entrance of the temple as a Royal guest . Nammazwar ‘s hamsa vaahanam is placed in such a manner that he looks at the proceedings until Perumal leaves the temple street
| Temple | Perumal | Thayar | Distance from SriVaikuntam |
| Srivaikundam | Vaikundanathan Kallapiran | Vaikundanaayani Sooranathanayagi | – |
| Srivaragunamangai Natham | Vijayasanar Emmiderkadivan | Varagunamangai Varagunavalli | 2 KM |
| Thiruppuliyangudi Puthan | Boomipaalagar Kaaichinaventhar | Nilamagal Pulingudivalli | 3 KM |
| Erattai Thirupathi | Srinivasan Thevarpiran | Alamelumangai | 10 KM |
| Erattai Thirupathi | Aravinason Chenthamarai Kannan | Karunthdankanni | 10 KM |
| Thirukuzhanthai Perungulam | Venkadavannan Maayakoothar | Kamalavathi Kulanthivalli | 12 KM |
| Thenthiruperai | Maharenedun Kuzhaikaathar Niharilmukil vannan | Kuzhaikaathu valli Thiruperal Nachiyar | 10 KM |
| Thirukkolloor | Vaithananidhi Nichopavithan | Kumuthavalli Kollor Valli | 8 KM |
| Azhwarthirunagari Viyazhan | Aadinathan Polinthunintrapiran | Aadinatha Nayagi | 5 KM |
The Perumals leave the Mandapam around 7.00 –7.30 AM . Only after the sight of Perumal completely disappears, Nammazhwar leaves inside a bit sad due to the departure of the perumals to their respective divyadesams.
All glories to the devotees who are at Thirukurogoor seeking the grace of Azhwar and Perumal ….
Prostrating vaishnavas ,Azhwar and Lordships for their abundant grace adiyen silently walk behind Azhwars Palanquin asking for forgiveness and his grace in attending many more Satsangs…
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics courtesy : Google images ,
One day, during the recitation of the Srimad Ramayana by the Royal guru, King Kulasekhara heard the following passage:
There twice seven thousand giants stand
with impious heart and cruel hand.
Here Rama stands, by virtue known;
how can the hero fight alone?
On hearing the lines “How can the hero fight alone?” King Kulasekhara rose in a frenzy of devotion for Lord Rama and commanded his army to march with him to where Lord Rama was fighting alone and helpless.
To relieve Kulasekhara’s distress, the ministers silently arranged for a battalion of soldiers to meet him as he was going out and tell him that Lord Rama had been victorious thus avoiding the King’s confusion. In spiritual delirium, Kulasekhara believed their tale and returned home
The daily recital of Srimad Ramayana went on as usual andevery important event which was read, was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicings, and taking Lord Sri Rama’s deity along with all the family members in huge procession throughthe streets of his city with royal endeavours ending with the sumptuous feedings to devotees and donations to sages and with distribution of charities and whatever a King could offer in celebration of the Emperors of the celestial world .That was the great Kulashekara Alwar a great devotee of Lord Rama
Knowing the peculiar temperament of the king, and his keen spiritual susceptibility which carried him to the stigmata-stage, the reader (to the king) of Ramayana exercised utmost caution during the daily recitation of Srimad Ramayana
However, one day, the reader Royal Guru was obliged to be absent himself, as other business called him elsewhere. He deputed his son to do the recital in his place.
The son was unaware of the king’s abnormal religious fervour; and so he read and expatiated on all passages of the Srimad Ramayana alike. And the incident of Sita’s abduction by the demon Ravana, came to be read.
Instantly, it lit fire to the King’s imagination, his wrath roused, and his enthusiasm burst forth.
Come on … “Immediately, he roared
Yes !!! I must take charge and ,”across the ocean,” he raved, ‘”reduce Lanka to ashes, slay its ruler, Ravana, with all his crew of brothers, friends and relations, rescue my weeping mother Sita and join her with my Father Sri Rama.”
As he raved, he rose, armed himself, bid his army. He rushed immediately along with his armies forth to the sea-shore, looking towards Lanka, plunged into it without a thought of the dire consequences which must follow from such rash and reasonless act.
The ministers and others were shocked in anxiety and dread, and wonder staring in their faces, eagerly watched the King’s procedure. They were so staggered as not to be able even to think how to advise him against his head strong impulses, nor dare to move to prevent him from giving action to his impulses.
As they could not think anything at this critical juncture, they simply stared.
As they stared, the King had already plunged into the sea, and was neck-deep in water, resolved to swim the vast stretch of the ocean beyond, to reach the shores of Lanka.That was the deep devotion he had for the Lordships
All compassionate Lord SriRama who was being worshipped in our Saint’s Home-Shrine, was watching throughout, the course of events.
Now matters had assumed a critical aspect. There was noalternative.
I must appear now to my child said HE and lo! as the King was about to swim forward in the delirium of his frenzy, he saw before him the most enchanting sight of our Lord Sri Rama approaching him, with his dear consort sita, clinging to His powerfularm.
Addressing his devout servant, our King-Saint Kulasekhara-
Lord Sri Rama spoke, O my dear Kulasekhara ! My child
We are returning victorious from the battlefield. Our foe-men have all perished. Our illustrious Partner we have rescued. Your .venture for our aid has been forestalled, and your wish has been fulfilled.
Pray let us all return to thy city. Let me lift and carry you to the shore, even as souls are lifted and carried by us from the larger and deeper sea of Samsara, to the shores of Heaven beyond.
“So saying, Sri Rama caught hold of His king-servant, brought him safe to the shore, and accompanying him as far as the city, vanished out of sight.
The ministers and the crowd surrounding him whispered ..
“God-sick is our king; what is the remedy for this disease?
Let us diagnose. Ah, we find the cause row.
It is the association with the Godly and the Saintly -the Vaishwavas—that has brought the king to this pass
.Let us wean him then from such associations.” Such were the cogitations of the poor ministers who surrounded the king.
The king who, on the other hand,was daily sighing to go to Sri Rangam and live there forever, was now in earnest.He ordered preparations to be made for his bidding adieu to his kingdom and join the Kingdom of God.
The ministers thought: —”When the king goes there, he will never return. The association with the Godly there, is even of a worse (!) type than here.
Irresistible associations abound there; let us devise a plan to foil the king’s designs. He is so attached to Godly men—the vaishnavas that he looks upon them as God’s•own ; and being so, worthy of first worship, or worthy of worship even before God Himself.” So, whenever the king essayed to go to SrlRaniga Shrine, the ministers had a batch of Srl-Vaishnavas ready as hailing from one Holy Shrine or the other. The king would postpone his journey on their account. In course of time, the ministers found that their plan proved but a case of ‘out of the frying pan into the fire,’ for the king’s court, hispalace, his private apartments as well as public places all became swarmed with vaishnavas who came and went regularly.
The Vaishnavas were allowed free access and familiarity, and the king literally venerated and adored them according to the procedures as Sastric injunction say that ‘ a Srt vaishmiva even once worshipped’ carried the merit of worshipping the Supreme Lord himself The ministers found these Godly folks a nuisance and were in a fix as to what to do.
They felt worried as any move will upset the King . If they tried to wean the king from his Srt-Ranga journey, they had to suffer the Godly people assembling in huge numbers and to assemble and accumulate-but their crowd was becoming unmanageable-
but if they tried to eradicate this root of the king’s divine ailment,— asthey thought always by bringing about their evacuation from the country, the king would say farewell to his dominions and depart.
“Supposing we could by some means calumniate these people , in the king’s eye, “they thought, “then he would certainly awake from his delusion of believing: these are godly men.
If the godly,-as he thinks-were proved ungodly, there is a good chance of re claiming the king from his odd ways.
” They thus hit upon a method:–Out of the box ‘ containing the valuable jewellery of the king’s darling deity Lord Sri-Rama, they secreted a precious necklace, unknown to anyone. It would be missed, and reported to the king of course.
He would hold an inquiry. And who should be the culprit ?
Surely these seeming vaishnavas , who arc the warders and guarders of the jewellery, the appointed priests as they were for fulfilling the function of daily worshipping Sita Rama and therefore directly concerned in constantly using the jewellery. So, the necklace was missed and a report was made to the king that the Sri Vaishnavas who had the management in their hands of the worship-department, were culpable; and were to be subjected to trial and punishment.
The king heard it all but at last exclaimed in a loud tone
“Hear hey … ministers,
True Lovers of God are incapable of stealing.
It is impossible that even a notion of vice can enter into their thought, motto say of act. Be hold ! I can swear to what I say. To prove this truth of my conviction and prove the falsity of your accusation against my Innocents, let a vessel, with a live venomous cobra imprisoned in it, be brought to me. I shall thrust my hand into it.” As soon said as done. And the King, before his Court in solemnconclave assembled, said : “If my Innocents are straight In thought, word and deed, I cannot be bit by thiscobra ; but if they are crooked, let it bite me and kill.”
So saying, he fearlessly plunged his arm into the vessel of death, but drew it forth as clean as when he thrust in . The ministers were put to shame they hung
their heads.
It was useless, they thought, to dodge and trifle with the king, who was to’o much for them ;fell at his feet, confessed their trick, brought the necklace and placed it before him in fear and respect.
The king pardoned them even as Kama pardoned the vile culprit Kakusura, the crow,—and the King was Lord Rama’sdiscipl and bid them from that away forward to be the slaves of his Innocents.
” No more will I dwell with these vile and scheming ministers “, the king thought within himself, “l am disgusted with all of them.
Why them ? well the whole worlds weary to me.
With the world and with the worldliness feel as if I would rather allow myself to be placed in the midst of flaming fire than keep company with them.
Brutes are those who are turned away from God
” So determined, our Saint would no longer bear to remaining his kingly estate, but called his son named Dridhavrata(so called after his grand-father), and entrusted him with the charge of his government, and accompanied by his daughter,—who, it is recorded, was a divine daughter of the Amsa of devi went to the Shrine of Ranga, — his heart’s Eternal Hunger. And there he gave his daughter in marriage to Lord Ranganatha Himself and remained there for a length of time engaged in conducting manifold services to the
Majestic Lordships and his devout servants
At intervals he undertook pilgrimages to Holy Shrines as Tiruvewgadam( Tirupati ,Ayodhya, Chitrakutam, and all divine places and as an embodiment of the divine emotions and enjoyments which came to him on all these occasions, is penned to us as the Dravida Prabandha, called Perumal Tirumozhi, consistingof one hundred and five stanzas .
He undertook a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Swamy .Nammnzhvar, (Tirunagari near Tirunalvelli),
It was this Royal Saint who sang the gem of strotas MUKUNDA MALA
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Courtesy Google images and Pics shared by devotees from social media
Madhurakavi (meaning in sanskrit the sweet poet ) appeared at a holy place in Thirukolur,, Tamilnadu which happens today (chitrai nakshatram)
Once Madhurakavi Azhwar undertook an pilgrimage to Ayodhya.
He was very moved by the beauty of deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana & Anjaneya and decided to stay in Ayodhya for sometime.
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During his stay, one night he saw a bright light in the sky emitting from the southern direction .
He couldn’t comprehend if it was a bright star, a forest fire or anything else. Amazed with the strange happening , he decided to follow the light and see it for himself.
Unmindful walking long distances , he followed the light .
After days of voyage, he finally reached Azhwarthirunagari a remote village and the light suddenly disappeared .
He was surprised at the phenomenon.
He enquired from the villagers about anything strange happening in their village assuming the dazzling light could have some prophecy too .
The villagers replied in negative, but expressed that a boy has been meditating under a Tamarind tree for past 16 years without even opening his eyes.
He had crawled to the tree as a baby 16 years back and remained in the tree thereafter.
Madhurakavi Azhwar was amazed with the villagers expression .
He decided to see the child for himself. Azhwar goes close as near to the tree and finds the divine child with tejas . Eyes closed and meditating the boy was glowing with radiance which was what he saw at Ayodhya .
The place was filled with divine aura and true the boy was looking too divine as much as Lordships themselves ..
Azhwar attempts to question the divine boy about what is True knowledge and gets convinced with his instant replies .
He immediately accepts the divine boy who is none other than our great Swamy Nammazhwar as his ACHARYAN
Sri Madurakavi AzhwAr becomes an ardent disciple of NammAzhwAr and serves him with utmost devotion . With all humility he submits the 11 verses of the grand KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu glorifying his Acharyan Swamy NammAzhwAr / Sri SaTakOpar with all humility equating to Lordships .
A devotee can dwell and enjoy these verses for ages on the divine works of Madhura kavi AzhwAr’s grand
“KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu” .
Azhwar declared in this Prabhandham
“tEvu maRRariyEn”
( I do not know of any God other than my AchAryan, Swamy NammAzhwAr).
After NammAzhwAr departed from this earthly world to srivaikuntam , MadhurakaviAzhwAr was worshipping deity of Swamy NammAzhwAr with deep devotion
which he consecrated and performed ThiruvarAdhanA and uthsavams in his honour.
Impressed by Swamy NammAzhwAr’s works he wanted to stage NammAzhwAr’s works in front of other scholars .
Azhwar used to contemplate on the divine knowledge shared by Acharyar .
Vaikaasi visaakam the appearance day of Swamy NammAzhwar was celebrated in a grand manner .
One particular year, when Swami Madhurakavi azhwar was taking azhwar’s deity in a procession during the celebrations, few poets from Madurai Thamizh Sangam objected to Swami Madhurakavi azhwar and said .
“Oh! Madhurakavi!!
You are worshiping Nammazhwar who is a just a ordinary devotee not Perumal and reciting verses glorifying him ..
Are those verses “sangam” certified? and authenticated by the great Madurai Tamil Sangam as “ the original and of the highest quality”?
and is he really qualified enough to translate the Vedas into tamil ”?
Azhwar was completely disappointed hearing these critics .
He politely went to Azhwar’s sannidhi and pleaded “Azhweer!!
These people are objecting to adiyen’s only kainkaryam which is my only purpose of life ..
Please do something that will not come in the way of my service to you . Nammazhwar pleased with his devotion appeared before Swami Madhurakavi azhwar in a disguised form.
Dressed like an old man he asked Swami Madhurakavi azhwar about his reason for his grief. Swami repeated the story to the old man.
The old man replied please do not worry about these trivial issues. Submit this pAsuram of “kaNNan kazhaliNai…” and see the miracle “saying this he disappeared.
“Kannan Kazhalinai”
will support you always”.
Madhurakavi obeyed as instructed and proceeded to Madurai to meet the so called great sangam poets .
All of them were debating in a boat discussing the authenticity of the literature .
Madhurakavi offered the holy verse to the poets .
(Madhurakavi azhwar had offered the divine verses in a small leaf which was used during olden times and the divine verse “Kannam Kazhalinai…” from Thiruvaaimozhi was ever glowing )
The poets read those verses and laughed at Swami Madhurakavi azhwar for his childishness and threw it aside .
Suddenly the whole boat top sided all the poets much to their surprise .
They swam hard and with great difficulty reached the shore. To their astonishment, they found that the boat retained only that palm leaf .
The poets read it patiently and were of opinion that Swamy Nammazhwar was not any ordinary saint and apologised for their foolishness . Thus their ego was shattered
Azhwar further says that For a true devotee of Lord Krishna ….
all is Lord Krishna the Food – eaten to satisfy the appetite,
water drunk to quench the thirst,
the betel leaves consumed after the food, are all Lord Krishna .
Chanting HIS holy name, speaking of HIS qualities, and thinking of HIM , HIS devotee will feel the hunger and the thirst and all other needs satisfied.
thaanE ulagelaam
thaanE padaiththidandhu
thaanE undumizndhu
thaanE aaLvaanE
aaLvaan aazi_neer
kOLvaaya aravaNaiyaan
thaaLvaay malarittu
naaLvaay naadeerE.naadeer naaLthORum
vaadaa malar_kondu
paadeer avan_naamam
veedE peRalaamE.mEyaan vEngadam
kaayaa malarvaNNan
pEyaar mulaiyunda
vaayaan maadhavanEmaadhavan enRenRu
Odha valleerEl
theedhonRum adaiyaa
Edham saaraavE.saaraa EdhangaL
neeraar mugilvaNNan
pEr aar Othuvaar
aaraar amararEamararkku ariyaanai
thamargatku eLiyaanai
amarath thozuvaargatku
amaraa vinaikaLEvinaival iruLennum
munaigaL veruvippOm
chunai nan malarittu
ninaimin nediyaanEnediyaan aruL soodum
padiyaan sadakOpan
nodi aayiraththippaththu
adiyaarkku aruL pERE
Pics : Credits to antaryami.net, Smt Geetavasudevan, divyadesam all the advanced devotees who captured the picsVideos : Credits 4000 Divyaprabhandam
Srimathey Ramanujaya namah
Sri Kumudavalli sametha Thirumangai Azhwar Thiruvadigaley saranam
Sri Aravindavalli Nayika sametha Sri Badri Narayanaya namah :
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Saptha BAdri are a a group of seven temples dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu which are located in the Garhwal Himalayas. (Some consider ARdha Badri as one of the Sapta Badri and omit Narsing Badri) . However , the entire Garhwal Himalayas are BhadriNarayana Kshetram. The area spreading from Satopanth 24 kms above Badrinath to Nand Prayag is known as Badri Kshetram as this area was once Badri vanam and as these temples of Lord Maha Vishnu are in this area, they are popularly known as Sapta Badri Kshetram.
The Seven temples are listed as below •
Badri Vishal- the main temple which is located at 3133 mtrs.-23 kms from Yogdhyan Badri
• Yogdhyan Badri – enroute from Joshirmutt to Badri Vishal at Pandukeshwar at an atltitude of 1920 mtrs.
• Narasing Badri– also known as Thirupiridhi vaishnava divya desam.
Some consider this as one of the Sapta Badri kshetrams
. • Vridha Badri– located at Animath village between JOshirmutt and Helang. About 7 kms from Joshirmutt on the way to Urgam
• Dhyan Badri-located 1 km from Urgam village.
• Bhavishya Badri– 20 kms from Joshirmutt near Tapovan by vehicle and from there 6 kms trek up the hill at an altitude of 2744 mtrs. THE FUTURE BHADRINATH temple will be at this place .
Adi Badri is located 17 kms from Karna Prayag. The cluster of 16 temples constructed by Adi Sankaracharyar. Dhyan Badri and Narasing Badri(Joshirmutt) are not included in Pancha Badri kshetrams. Yogdhyan Badri,Vridha Badri,Dhayan Badri, Bhavishya Badri can be accessed from Joshirmutt as base.
Badrikshetram also has Theertha mahimai as the Pancha Prayags –confluence of holy rivers are located in this area. An important information is except for the main temple, Badri Vishal the other temples scattered in remote villages remain open all through the year because they are at a lesser altitude.
Badrinath is one of the eight swayam vyakta kshetrams located in Garhwal Himalyas , referred as Gandha Madhana Parvatham in our scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam.
It is also one of the 108 vaishnava divya desams glorified by Thirumangai Azhwar in his 20 pasurams .
In one of the pasuram , Azhwar advises us to seek and have a darshan of Lord Bhadri Vishaal in our youth itself , as
later the KALA (TIME) swallows our age invisibly
thus it will be too late for an old person to visit the holy bhadri
associated knee pain , joint pains and the body does not cooperate making a mockery of ones self for wasting ones precious life .
Here Lord incarnated as Narayanan and graced the sacred ashtakshara mantram upadesam to Naran. Naran and Narayanan are believed to be meditating at this place for the welfare of the world.
The temple is situated on Urvashi peetam between Nara and Narayanan mountains on the banks of River Alakananda.
The temple is open during April-October (starting from Akshaya thrithiyai and closed during Deepavali) and is closed during peak winter. Ganesh Gufa, Vyas Gufa, Mata murthi temple, Vasudhaara Falls, Satopanth,Bhim pool, origin of River Saraswathi are near Badrinath.
There are jeeps and cars plying from Badrinath temple to visit the above places which are situated in Mana village-the last village on Indo-China Border. It takes 3 hours to and fro to visit Mana village. There is a Mata Murthi temple is on the way to Mana village.
As per legend, Dharma and Murthi were the parents of Naran and Narayanan (who were the incarnations of Lord Vishnu).
They transformed themselves into mountains to avoid distraction. To fulfill the desire of HIS mother Mata Murthi, once in a year, the Lord visits this temple. Uddhavar who is considered as the utsava murthi in the temple is brought to this place with paraphernalia.
The famous Vyas Gufa is the place where Sage Vyasar compiled the four Vedas, recited Mahabharatam while Yaanai Mugathaan(Lord Ganesha) penned the same while the former dictated. Ganesh Gufa is beside Vyas Gufa. Nearby, we can find the origin of River Saraswathi who flows as Antharvahini till she reaches Triveni Sangamam. River Saraswathi darshanam can be had here only .
There is a small temple dedicated to the River Goddess. The flow with which she appears on this earth in inexplicable.
Near to Badrinath temple , Bheem Phool and Satopanth are places associated with Pandavas . Pandukeshwar,also known as Yogdhyan Badri is on the way to Badrinath is the birth place of Pandavas. Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa are related to Mahabharatam. Pandavas along with Draupadi on their way to Swargam (satopanth) reached this place and when Draupadi could not cross River Saraswathi, Bheem is belived to have thrown a boulder across the river to enable her to cross over.
This is Bheem pool. This is located on the way to Satopanth- Draupadi,Sahadeva,Nakula, Arjuna, Bheema left their bodies on the way whereas Dharmaraja Yudhistira was able to go to Swargam from Satopanth. VAsudhaara Falls is about 3-4 kms from Mana village on a higher altitude. Villagers believe that if a drop of water falls on us, we get redeemed from all our sins. It will take about 4-5 hours to go to Vasudhaara Falls and return to Mana village due to the altitude and climatic conditions.
To visit Vasudhaara Falls, we must allocate one full day.WE planned to visit Vasudhaara Falls from Badri but due to time constraint,we couldn’t visit. But the ever merciful compassionate Perumal blessed us by giving HIS darshan in the evening and to watch (Abhisheka seva) Thirumanjana seva.
Our pilgrimage lasted for about five days
First day :- Entire day driving from Haridwar to Joshirmutt-Night stay at Joshirmutt
Second day :- Entire day at BAdrinath
Third day – Visited Badri Vishal, Yogadhyan Badri, Vridha Badri,Dhyan Badri, Narasing Badri, Vishnu Prayag-Temples
Fourth day :- Visited Bhavishya Badri, Karna Prayag Temples-night stay at Karna Prayag
Fifth day – Visited Adi Badri, Nand Prayag, Dev Prayag temples and reached Haridwar –
INTRODUCTION
We had darshan of Sri Bhadri Narayana Perumal during 2003 but were not conversant with the other temples . The travel details was done in pdf format for piligrims convenience and is available in the below link
TRAVEL DETAILS
We boarded the evening flight to New Delhi and reached Delhi at 10 P.M. The flight was delayed by half an hour. From airport, we took a Metro to New Delhi railway station to board Dehradun AC train at 2355 hours. Reached Haridwar at 4 .M. Our cab driver , Narendra was waiting to pick us up at Haridwar station.
We had already booked a cab and fixed the tour plan. We drove to ISKCON, Haridwar where we had actually planned to check in and then go to Hari Ki Pauri for purification . Being a small ashram and as there was no response from ISKCON, we straightaway drove to Hari KI Pauri which was already crowded.. After purification and cow_puja, we drove to Rishikesh as we wanted to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy before proceeding further.
Wayback in 2003, only after praying to Lord Srinivasar, we could get bus tickets to go to Badrinath and on our return, we stayed at Andhra Bhavan for 2 days and participated in all the sevas. So, this time also we wanted to take the Lord’s darshan. Reached the temple at about 9 A.M., performed archanai and paid for the next day’s abhishekam to the Lord. On the way, we stopped at Lakshman Jhoola to take printouts of our accommodation and for recharging Airtel mobile as BSNL network connectivity was poor.
Hari Naam sankirtan was continuously played in the car all through our journey. Chanting the holy names of the Lord and contemplating on the Lord while admiring the nature’s beauty-the tall peaks covered with thick trees trying to touch the sky and the gentle flowing Alakananda on the other side as if guiding us to her place of origin…. I wish I were a poet to describe the scenic beauty.
WE were happy to note the developments in this lORD’s holy land –construction of Hydel Power projects, dams etc….We learnt from our driver that only experienced and specially qualified persons to drive in the ghat region would be permitted to drive and they are strictly supposed to wear uniform and carry their permit with them always.
After driving for about 2 hours , we reached Dev Prayag about 70 kms away from Rishikesh located at an altitude of 618 m at mid-noon. As the temple would be closed, we proceeded to Rudra Prayag which is about 2 hours drive from Dev Prayag, stopping for a while at Srinagar to fuel our car. GHMVNL has guest houses at all important places.
We had to turn on the AC becoz we couldn’t withstand the sweltering heat . We thought the drive would be pleasant as we were in Himalayas but it turned out to be otherwise. Added to this, construction work was going on all through the way and so there was pollution. Enroute we halted for a while at Rudra Prayag to have lunch and then proceeded with our journey. Reached Joshirmutt and checked in at GMVNL Guest House located in Main Bazaar at about 6.30 p.m..From Rishikesh upto Rudra Prayag , the route to chardham is the same .
The route to Badrinath diverges at Rudra Prayag. Joshirmutt always has floating population of pilgrims and mostly pilgrims halt at this place. So, we can find innumerable lodges in this congested area . As we had prior booking, we checked into this guest house where we were allotted a compact deluxe room which had no ventilation and fan.
WE wanted to have a bigger and better room but as the rooms were not available, we had no option and retired for the night. Joshirmutt is basically a cold place and the rooms are constructed in such a way out of wood with limited or no ventilation so that the room is kept warm. There is no provision for ceiling fans as there is no requirement. The room rates are high during the peak season depending upon the demand.
The minimum rent is about Rs.1000/-per day. We can find the room tariffs displayed in the reception mentioning the room rents during various seasons. We practically experienced the impact of global warming. We didn’t have any choice other than having dinner in the restaurant itself. On 15th June, we started our journey to Badrinath at 7 A.M . Had to wait for sometime for the gates to open . Reached Badrinath via Pandukeshwar , Deva Darshani. The snow clad mountains were shining when the sun rays touched them which is a feast to the eyes. We went to Chinna Jeeyar Swami Mutt which is near Ambani’s guest house where we were allotted 2 rooms for Rs.450/- each.
We met Sridhar Swami who was referred by our friend and expressed our desire to go to Vasudhaara Falls after having darshan of Lord Badrinath. Sridhar Swami informed that it would take minimum 2 hours to have darshan in the temple due to heavy crowd and it would not be possible for us to go to Vasudhaara Falls which is 4 kms beyond Mana Village as the weather there was unpredictable and it would get dark by 5 P.M.
He said that it would take one full day to go to Vasudhaara Falls and return. So, we dropped the idea of going to Vasudhaara Falls with a heavy heart thinking that he was trying to demotivate us.
With a set of clothes for changeover, we left the Mutt at about 11 A.M. and went to Tapta KUnd in our vehicle to have bath. It is customary to purify ourselves in the hot springs of Tapta Kund before getting inside the temple for darshan. There are separate bathing places for ladies and gents and separate rooms but the entire place was over crowded. Seeing the crowd, we felt as if we were in Tirumala during Brahmotsavam!. We were shocked to see serpentine queue for darshan. While adiyen went to buy some seva ticket, my daughters joined the queue. WE learnt from the authorities that during day time, there is no special ticket and darshan is common for everyone and that the temple would close by 12.30 and everyone would get a chance to take darshan of the Lord. We joined the queue and finally had darshan of Lord Badrinarayanan for few minutes who was beautifully decorated with flowers. One of the pujaris looking at the tilak on adiyen’s daughter’s forehead, allowed her inside for darshan.
How fortunate!!!
While we were reciting Sahasranamam, a saintly person whose dressing resembled that of Jada Bharathan(he had jadai and was wearing soiled clothes but his face was glowing ) approached us and advised us to have the Maha Prashadam which would be distributed shortly. WE purchased 2 paper plates for Rs.2/-each and joined the queue . We realized the Lord’s ever compassionate quality when we ,the most fallen souls, were given the mahaprasadam comprising of rice, dal , curry.
With tear filled eyes, all five of us partook the prasadam. Adiyen approached the nearby counter where tickets were being issued for special sevas. Tickets for Gita Paat and Nirmalaya darshan were already sold out but only one ticket for Abhishekam for next day morning was available. We booked abhishekam ticket for next day morning seva in which 2 persons are allowed and Sahasranama Archanai Seva for children in the evening. Went back to Chinna Jeeyar Mutt at 2 p.m. and had prasadam. The reporting time for Sahasranama archanai seva was 5 p.m. and hence we didn’t visit Mana Village Instead , we Went to the temple at 5 P.M. for darshan.
There were long queues for various sevas to be conducted in the evening. While our children joined the queue, aidyongal sat in front of the utsavar sannidhi and took a sankalpam to recite Vishnu Sahasranamam atleast 11 times. The utsava murthi who is a replica of the moolavar is made of silver with chatur bhujam. The temple management has recently constructed a separate sannidhi for the utsava murthi within the temple precincts .
The new clothes given by devotees to the diety as part of their offering are hung in the sannidhi. Hardly we completed 6 rounds, a group of ISKCON devotees from Delhi entered the temple singing Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. The electrifying kirtan went on for about one hour while everyone present was dancing and chanting in ecstasy the holy names of the Lord . We profusely thanked Perumal for this association to chant the holy names at the holiest place on the holiest day,Ekadasi. After making few purchases, we retired for the night.
On 16th June, at 2 A.M. adiyongal went to Tapta Kund and entered the temple for participating in Thirumanjana seva . The reporting time for the seva is 4 a.m. and we joined the organized queue.
WE felt blessed to be in one of the eight swayam vyakta kshetrams (where the Lord’s image is not sculpted by anyone but Lord out of HIS free WILL manifested in this place) Perumal appeared in this place in Padmasanam posture with chatur bhujam- the two lower hands resting on HIS lap and the remaining 2 hands holding sankhu and chakram. And as he was in meditation, the ever inseparable Thayar (Agalagillene Irayium Endru…) appeared as a badri vruksham to protect Perumal from the harsh weather. Hence, Perumal is known as Badri Narayanan.
Lord descended from Sri Vaikuntam to the bhooloka to give mantropadesam to naran(human) at this place. Shiva who was meditating at this place moved to Kedarnath. Lord bestowed a boon upon him that a devotee visiting this place must first have darshan of Siva and then take HIS darshan. Hence , we find a small Siva lingam in front of the temple. This idol of Badri Narayanan was recovered by Adi Sankaracharyar in 8th century from Tapta Kund and was duly installed by him. Also, there is a sannidhi for Adi Sankaracharyar as he retrieved the vigraham.
Before entering the temple, we visited these shrines . Vaikuntanathan resolved to preach the sacred Ashtakshari Thirumantiram to the mortals (Naran) and appeared as Naran and Narayanan- the sons of Dharma Devathai(Yaman) and his wife (Murthi). As they didn’t want to get disturbed and distracted by anyone , they assumed the form of 2 mountains and meditated on the banks of River Alakananda. Indra tried to disturb the penance and sent apsaras from Devalokam little realizing that Perumal is beyond all such illusion. Out of Perumal’s will, a beautiful lady emerged from HIS thigh who surpassed everyone’s beauty and presented her to Indra. As the damsel appeared from Perumal’s thigh, she was known as Urvashi and the place where Perumal meditated is known as “Urvashi Peetam” on which the present day temple is existing .
AS Lord Krishna mentioned in Bhagavad Gita, Lord Narayanan imparted the sacred Tirumantram to Naran at this place. Hence this place is renowned as Ashtakshari kshetram and chanting of the mantram give thousand fold benefit. Contemplating on the Lord and reciting Tirumantram, we waited in the queue until we were ushered in by the authorities.
There are about 15 deities inside the garbagriham.
All through the day, the beauty of the Lord is hidden as HE is fully bedecked with jewellery and flowers . Only during Nirmalya darsanam and during Thirumanjanam , the Lord’s pristine beauty can be enjoyed. During Nirmalaya darsanam which is the last seva in the night, jewellery is removed and Lord is adorned with fresh chandan and flowers. During thirumanjanam, even those are removed and the dhivya mangala swaroopam of Perumal can be enjoyed. Devotees throng to have these darshans.
At the Centre we can have darshan of Lord Badri Narayanan in meditative posture. As HE is a tapasvi, Thayar is not physically present but is present as Badri Vruksham which cannot be perceived by mortal eyes On HIS right, we have darshan of Garudar- Kuberan on HIS right – the demigod incharge of wealth. Kubera’s capital is Alakapuri which is beyond Badrinath. The materialists usually place few coins in front of Kubera and bring them back for worship. He is predominant amongst others as he is decorated in silver.ON the left side in the front, we can have darisanam of Uddhavar who is treated as Utsava murthi in this temple.
He is taken in palanquin to Maata Murthi temple once in a year as Perumal’s representative. In Srimad Bhagavatam, it is mentioned that Lord Krishna instructs Uddhavar to go to Gandhana madhana parvatam (the present Badri Kshetram) and do penance.On the left side, behind Uddhavar , we have Deva rishi Naradar ‘sidol who appeared in the nearby Narada Kund. It is believed that Sage Naradar eternally lives in this place always contemplating on the Lord.Nara- Narayanan –becoz of whom this place became sacred. Lord Narayanan gives darshan with naachiyars- Sridevi, Bhudevi,Niladevi, The deva loka damsel Urvashi who appeared from Lord Narayanan’s thigh is beside Niladevi.
Rewal, the celibate Keralite Namboodri head priest is the only person who is allowed inside the garbagriham. (He is like Ekaangi in Tirumala , the bachelor who alone is allowed to touch the divine Thirumeni of Perumal). The Rewal draped in a dhoti and black long thick Kurta and with his mouth covered with a cloth is the only eligible person to touch the divine idol of the Lord.
He removed carefully the flowers from the Lord’s thirumeni and carefully removed the chandana kaapu from the Lord’s thirumeni and gave it to his assistant. We were fortunate to get some chandan from him. Thirumanjanam to the swayambhu Perumal and HIS associates started amidst chanting of Pancha Suktham by the pundits who were sitting on either sides near the entrance on an elevated seat .
The Rewal , ( priest) who was now playing the role of an affectionate mother Yasodha, gently anointed Til oil to the divya Thirumeni of Perumal and others. Later holy water was poured through sankhu followed by milk ,curd, honey . The dhivya mangala swaroopam of Perumal can be clearly seen doing milk thirumanjanam. Adiyongal recited softly Neeratam pasurams after the priests completed Pancha Suktam recitation .The REwal gently pressed a silk cloth to wipe the Lordships. During alankaram, the priests recited Vishnu Sahasranamam while the Rewal applied sandal oil to the Tirumeni of the Lord and dressed them in new silk clothes. Within no time, the Lord was beautifully bedecked with fine jewellery. The Lord was smeared with chandana kaapu and decorated with flowers. All this is done in the devotees presence .
The holy water was later distributed to the assembled devotees and a small prasadam pack comprising of few sweets, tulasi , chandan etc were given to the participants. The entire process takes about 60-90 minutes. While doing pradakshinam, we purchased a small bottle of holy water for Rs.20/- which is being sold inside the temple . We Came back to Chinna Jeeyar Mutt and after honouring prashadam, left the holy abode with an intense desire to revisit the dhaam in the near future. Sridhar Swamy was very kind to pack lunch for us. Left Badri Vishal at about 8A.M. and drove to Pandukeshwar which is 20 kms away from Badrinath on the way to Joshirmutt. Yogadhyan Badri –one of the Sapta Badri Kshetrams is located in Pandukeshwar at an altitude of 1829 mtrs. .
To reach the temple, we need to get down off the main road , and climb down the steps to reach the temple. This is the place where King Pandu along with his wives,Kunti and Madri did penance and is the birthplace of Pandavas. Pandu who was cursed attained salvation here and after Mahabharata war, the Pandavas after handing over their kingdom to Parishit ,did penance at this place to atone for their sins. This temple was constructed by Pandavas. In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Lakshmi Narayanan is in the centre with Sridevi towards HIS right and Bhudevi on the left. To the left of Bhudevi is Madri’s idol. We were told that there is a Shiva linga worshipped by Pandu beneath inside the garbagriham.
From there, we visited Vishnu Prayag- the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauli Ganga.
This is on Badrinath-Joshirmutt route in Chamoli district at an altitude of 1372 mtrs. As per legend, Sage Narada did penance and Lord appeared at this place. After having darshan of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Mahalakshmi and Kubera who is on the left side of Perumal , we went down few steep steps to the actual place of confluence to collect the holy water but in vain as the force was more.
Driving past Joshirmutt, on the Joshirmutt –Rishikesh Road, between Joshirmutt and Helang near Pipalkote , we reached Animath village which is about 7 kms from Joshirmutt to visit Vridha Badri at an altitude of 1380 mtrs.. This is on the way to Urgam, our next destination. We had to trek down few steep steps and occasionally climb and get down to reach Vridha Badri.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk down from the main road. This temple is neatly maintained surrounded by beautiful garden tended with great care by the priest family. We could see a wide range of beautiful flowers which are used for worshipping the Lord. Lord Vishnu appeared to Sage Narada as an old man and hence this place is known as Vridha Badri. We offered dry fruits to the Lord and the pujari honoured us with tulasi leaves . The serenity induces everyone to meditate on the Lord calmly without any distraction. Here Lord Badrinarayanan is alone in standing posture holding Sankhu, Chakra,Gada Padmam .
We proceeded to Helang and from there drove to Urgam village at an altitude of 2135 mtrs. The roads on the regular route from Rishikesh to Badrinath via Dev Prayag, Srinagar,Chamoli, Joshirmutt are broad, well maintained and secure but the roads on the other parts are not yet developed to that extent. This can be seen while going to Dhyan Badri. One needs to take a diversion from Joshirmutt-Rishikesh road to visit Dhyan Badri.
Here the muddy ghat roads pose threat and driving is challenging due to unleveled roads and obstructions caused due to landslides like boulders on the sides. There are no “taar roads” and a strong wind is enough to engulf the glass with dust and thus obstruct our view fully. The roads get blocked due to the debris caused by landslides which are not immediately attended to by BSFs as there is not much traffic. Occasionally, jeeps and local buses ply from this village to Joshirmutt and nearby villages .Like in Nepal, these buses are over packed with people literally sitting on the bus.
The bus tilts towards one side unable to bear the weight. From Urgam , we can visit Dhyan Badri , ARdha Badri which is about 2 kms from Dhyan Badri and beyond 5 kms is Kalpeshwar-one of the Pancha Kedar temples. The drive was really challenging . Our hearts nearly skipped a beat when our driver had to put a sudden break while turning. A chill ran through my spine when the driver pointed to a six seater white car which had a fatal end just recently claiming lives of 5 people. The Lord’s holy names were constantly on our lips which eased out our tension .
We reached Urgam at about 1 P.M. We relaxed in a nearby tea stall . The inmates made some hot rotis for us to have along with puihora prasadam given by Sridhar Swamy, At about 2 P.M., started walking down amidst green fields for about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Dhyan Badri temple which is about 1-1.5 kms from Urgam. The stony path is well laid though it is narrow.
Watching the green fields surrounded by peaked mountains, we reached the temple which was closed. There is a very small pond inside the temple compound which reminded us of the holy Saligramam pond near Melkote which was sanctified by our Acharyar.
A teenage boy who happens to be the pujari’s son opened the temple doors to enable us to have darshanam.
The garbagriham houses the main diety of Lord Narayanan in sitting posture in the centre. There are also vigrahams of Lakshmi Narayanan, Kubera and Siva lingam. Beneath we can find small idols of Lord Ranganatha with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Perumal appeared to Shiva who was meditating at this place. Perumal also did penance (dhyan) at this place before manifesting HIMSELF at Badri Vishal. Hence, this place is known as Dhyan Badri.
On enquiry, we learnt that Ardha Badri is a small temple which would be closed for darshan now and hence we returned to Urgam. As we were tired, we didn’t visit Kalpeshwar. WE came back to Urgam and drove back to Joshirmutt and reached the temple at 5 P.M. Joshirmutt is considered as one of the 108 divya desams , known as” Thirupiridhi”. Some count this as one of the sapta badri Kshetrams instead of Ardha Badri where there is only half figure ). Whatever it is , we wanted to have Lord Narasimhar’s darsanam .
Fortunately, the temple was open and the priest offered our dry fruits to Perumal. Here, Lord Narasimhar is in sitting posture and it is believed that when HIS left wrist wanes , the Badri temple would be permanently closed for darshan and Lord would manifest HIMSELF at Bhavishya Badri near Joshirmutt in near future. There are various idols in the sanctum.
From right, we can find Chamundi,Kubera,Udhavar, Badri Narayanana, Narasimhar in the centre, on the left is Garudar, Lakshmana, Rama , Sita . Lakshmana and Goddess Sita are in white whereas the thirumeni of Lord Rama is in black(shyamaa sundaran). The utsava murthi is Narasimhar Hanumar. During winter, when the main shrine at Badri Vishal remains closed for 6 months, the utsava murthi is brought down to this temple. This temple remains open all through the year. We then visited Vasudevar sannidhi who is believed to be the divya desa Perumal. Lord Vasudevar is in Nindra Thirukolam (Standing posture) holding Lotus and Gadam in HIS upper right and left hands and sankhu and chakram in HIS lower hands. There are also sannidhis for Sankarshana, Shiva, asthabhuja Ganesh, Kali and Bharivan around the temple. We were happy to note that one of the pasurams from naalayira divya prabhandham about this divya desam is written in Tamil and hung at the temple entrance.
While we were coming out, we happened to have darshan of one of the Shankaracharyars appointed by Adi Sankaracharyar to take care of these temples. WE checked into GMVNL guest house at Main Bazar and fortunately this time we were provided a better accommodation. Thanking Perumal for allowing us to have HIS darshan at 5 places in Badri kshetram, we retired for the night. ON 17th we checked out by 7 .A.M. and drove to Saldhar which is about 19 kms from Joshirmutt. The weather was pleasant and chilly and we were reminded of Tirumala ghat road.. We saw an arc mentioned as Tapovan. This is a serene place for meditation. Driving ahead, we reached the starting point of our trekking. Bhavishya Badri is located in Subhain village and one has to trek the hill for 6 kms in a lonely path . We just found a small arch mentioning Bhavishya Badri.
We five of us were in a lonely place. Initially there were few steep steps laid as a pathway for about a kilometer. Singing Annamacharyar keerthanas and chanting the Tirumantram, we prayed God for HIS darshan in this lonely place and started trekking. There are no sign boards, no indication about the route . The Lord seated as Antharyaami was guiding us..
We didn’t even know whether the route taken by us was right or not. We were enthralled to see a villager from whom we enquired about the route. Felt happy to note that we were on the correct path and as per his directions, we continued our way. Beyond the first settlement, there is no pathway at all. There was greenery everywhere and the different varieties of wild flowers which had blossomed were so colourful and pleasing to our eyes impelling the children to burst into some song. WE could see chameleons, colourful butterflies, squirrels , forest ants and humming sound of bees from far. However, we realized that the forest shrubs and plants which were growing on either sides of this so called tiny footpath was hostile. The leaves were sharp and accidentally if our hands touched the leaves, that part in our hand which came in contact with the leaf would get swollen immediately. WE had to be cautious while trodding the path so as to avoid stamping on some forest snail/snake/ant etc.
The path is slippery and my daughter who made a wrong choice of wearing heels had to remove her slippers and walk bare footed all through the way. Of course all these didn’t matter because we were focused on our destination. Once in a while, when we came across some passerby , we used to take directions from him and proceed on our adventurous trip. As we are not used to altitudes, we treaded slowly taking occasional rests . Somehow we were all energetic singing the glories of the Lord and enjoying nature’s beauty. In lighter moments, cracking jokes on each other once in a while to ease out the stress, we kept on ascending the hill. While trekking so, we suddenly got confused as the so called footpath was leading to two ways and we didn’t know which one to take. My niece found a Lays wrapper and suggested that the path would be inhabited. Children were enjoying the adventure guessing the route,pulling each other….It was a real holiday for them. We were imagining as to how Thirumangai Azhwar would have reached Badri Vishal which would have been unexplored like this at that time. There was no one to enquire and we were getting nervous as to whether the path taken by us was right or not. After walking for about half an hour, we met a lady who said that the route taken by us was wrong and she volunterred to take us to the correct path. We felt that it was God in disguise who appeared to help us out. We were once again left to ourselves and continued with our journey. After trekking for about 2 hours, we were exhausted and were searching for a place to relax. Luckily, we found a shop on the way . As we wished to remain light while trekking, we didn’t have breakfast and now the children badly needed something to re-energise themselves. The shop provided all sorts of snacks, cool drinks , medicines, water etc.
After replenishing ourselves, we continued onwards our 2 kms trek journey. This particular settlement was much better compared to other isolated places. We continued trekking and once again left with no one around. WE could not locate any path way and didn’t know which side to take-left or right!! WE took the wrong path and after some time, we saw a person down the hill and screamed for help. He informed that he is the temple priest and he was also going to Bhavishya Badri. Our joy knew no bounds. He accompanied us for some time, and as we couldn’t cope up with his lightning speed, he gave us directions and left. He said that the temple was only one km away . WE were now on a bigger plain surface. Surrounded by snow clad high mountain peaks on all sides, sun rays falling through the tall eucalyptus trees and gentle breeze full of medicinal properties accompanied by Dhauli Ganga flowing as a small stream , green vegetation in the surrounding places and the sound of cuckoos as if welcoming us , we were in ecstasy looking at the marvelous creation of the Lord. We have seen this in movies but now we are here experiencing them with our own eyes but for deers and peacocks.
Even after trekking for hours, we were still energetic and bubbling with joy as we were near to our destination. Two local women farmers were passing by us suggested us to taste the crystal clear cold water from the Dhauli Ganga stream. Pure unadultered tasty water was like nectar. They accompanied us to the temple. We reached the temple past noon.
AS the pujari met us on the way, he was waiting for us.
All of us had very good darshan of the Lord. The pujari explained to us that 10 years ago, there was only a sketch mark on the rock but now we can see the Lord’s figure emerging out of the cave.
The Lord is in the form of Narasimha bhagavan. The pujari pointed us to the various features in the half emerged idol attributing its form to that of Lord Narasimha. How fortunate and blessed we are to have Lord Narasimhar as Bhavishya Badri Narayanan. In the present Badri Vishal, the Lord is in the form of Narayanan whereas here HE is going to assume the form of Bhakthavatsalan, Lord Narasimhar whose avataram is for the sake of devotee. JAI NARASING DEV!! WE offered our dry fruits to the deities and did kirtan for about half an hour.
ADIYEN& FAMILY PERFORMING KIRTAN AT BHAVISHYA BHADRI TEMPLE
A mahamantra sticker is at the entrance which was pasted by ISKCON PAADAYATRA troup who visited this temple some time ago. WE were imagining that when Thirumangai Azhwar visited Badri Vishal few thousands of years ago, that place would have been similar to this one now.
After spending about an hour, we started our return journey which as per the locals would take half the time, but for us it took almost 3 hours to return. WE came down at about 5 P.M. and proceeded to Karna Prayag which is about 3 hours from Saldhar at an elevation of 1450 mtrs.. Checked into GMVNL guest house located near the confluence itself and retired for the night. Excellent room . This was the best guest house where we stayed in our trip. On 18th morning, after witnessing the confluence of River Alakananda with Pindar river , proceeded to Adi Badri which is about 19 kms from Karna Prayag and takes about one hour drive. Adi Badri is not on Rishikesh-Badri route , one needs to visit Adi Badri via Karna Prayag. Adi Badri is the oldest temple comprising of 16 temples . While Adi Sankaracharyar was residing in Himalayas ,somewhere near Karna Prayag, the Lord appeared in his dream and told him about HIS whereabouts and ordered him to construct a temple for him. The place where the Lord appeared to Adi Sankaracharyar is presently known as Adi Badri and is considered as one of the Sapta Badri Kshetrams.
Adi Sankaracharyar spread Hinduism from this place and built a temple. Out of the cluster of 16 temples, many were built under the guidance of Sankaracharyar and about 5 temple were built later during Gupta era. In the olden days, when approach to Badri Vishal was tough, people worshipped Lord Vishnu here. It is believed that in future when Badri Vishal becomes inaccessible and Lord manifests in Bhavishya Badri, Bhavishya Badri would be known as Badri, Badri Vishal would be known as Adi Badri and the present Adi Badri would be known as Yog Badri. The temple is on the main road itself and it is easily approachable. All the temples look similar.
From there, we drove to Dev Prayag and reached the place at about 5 P.M.
We visited Raghunathji temple at Dev Prayag which is one of the 108 divya desams. While ascending the 100+ steps, we recollected our earlier visit to this kshetram along with my father and shared the Lord’s pastimes. Had darshanam of the mantapam where the utsava murthis are placed for public darshan, the banyan tree which is considered to be the one not affected by Pralayam and after thanking Perumal for enabling us to visit Saptha Badri kshetrams , especially Bhavishya Badri , we left the place. The confluence of Alakananda with Bhagirathi at Dev Prayag is eye captivating.
Reached Haridwar at 10 P.M., and after settling the accounts with the car driver, we had our dinner in a nearby Jain hotel and were waiting for our train recollecting our trip to the holy abodes. It was like a dream come true. Boarded Dehradun-New Delhi AC train in the wee hours 0040 hours which was supposed to reach New Delhi at 5 A.M. and take the onward flight to Srinagar at 9 A.M. and return back to Delhi by 3P.M. flight and take the connecting flight to Hyderabad at 7 p.m. Due to technical snag in the train, it was delayed by almost 3.5 hours. WE landed in New Delhi railway station at 08.30 a.m. and rushed to the nearby Metro station to take the train to airport. Reached airport at 9 a.m. and by the time the formalities were completed, we missed the flight . As we availed LTC, it was mandatory to produce Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi boarding passes and hence we had to be in Srinagar at any cost. WE were left with no other option than cancelling this ticket and book in the next flight. The scheduled departure of AI flight was at 11 hours and it takes about 2 hours to reach Srinagar. As we had a breather of an extra hour, we booked the tickets. To add to our dismay, this flight got delayed by 2 hours and now we were really perplexed because if we miss the Delhi bound Srinagar flight at 1500 hours which was the last one, we would miss our connecting flight to Hyderabad!!. Tickets were not available for the next 4-5 days as it was end of LTC season..!!The authorities were surprised to note that we wished to return on the same day without visiting Srinagar. Had to inform that we had visited Kashmir earlier and as there was an emergency, we were constrained to leave on the same day. They informed that it would not be possible for us to take the 3p.m. flight as the formalities would not get completed. I literally pleaded with the top most authority to help me out . He was kind enough to issue a Delhi Boarding pass (which would be issued at Srinagar) from Delhi itself which is against rules using his power. Thanked him for his gesture. Reached Srinagar at 3 p.m. . The scheduled departure of the 3’o clock flight was delayed by half and hour because the same flight returns.
Within this 30 minutes, we had to compulsorily go through all the formalities (especially in Srinagar, there is strict security norms which cannot be skipped)-we had to come out and again get into the airport. We were stopped at the entrance because the time was up and were informed that the time for taking boarding pass was over. When we produced the Boarding Pass, the authorities were surprised and doubted us. Meanwhile,we could hear our names being announced to board the flight as it was about to depart… We were quickly frisked by the authorities and our luggages were put in a hand driven trolley . An official took me aside to enquire as to who issued the boarding pass which was against the rules and I had to request him that due to an emergency , I had to rush back while my perplexed wife was eagerly waiting to join me. The flight didn’t take off for 20 minutes until we boarded it. We safely reached Delhi by 5.30 p.m. and boarded the Hyderabad bound flight at 7 p.m. without any hurdles. Reached our home Thiruvengadam at midnight and the first thing what we did was to open the altar and fall at Divya Dampadhigal and Acharyars’feet for making this possible.
JAI JAI SHRI BADRI VISHAL
Please check all the clips for a clear darshanam of the holy dhaam
Adiyen Ramanuja Dasan
Kazhiyur village is located near Cheyyar in North Arcot district about 81 km towards east of Thiruvannamalai and about 103 KM from Chennai .
Almost 130 years ago Sri vaishnavaite Aiyyangars migrated from Mannargudi another holy place in Tanjavur and came to settle down in this village.
It is said that a plague like epidemic made people leave Mannargudi long long back .
The srivaishnavas were disciples of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Mudaliandaan swamigal who is the first and the dearest disciples of Swami Ramanuja.
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 .
It is not a practice to abandon Perumal even in adverse circumstances.
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.
The devoted families lived in the Agraharam (first row of houses built around the temple and occupied by the temple priests)
.
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. https://video.wordpress.com/embed/7UzGVxNE?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
Almost all of them have been treated like the religious leaders and the astrological guides from time immemorial.
Many Kazhiyur families have been practicing astrology for more than seven generations in an unbroken tradition since they first arrived in 1840.
It is believed that in ancient times there was a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali near to the main temple and hence the village is called ‘Kazhiyur’ the home of Goddess Kali.
After moving to Kazhiyur the srivaishnavaites engaged themselves in agriculture apart from performing the temple services .
Due to this reason they are also called the Mannar Mudumbai families a direct connection to Lokacharyar Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar’s legacy . https://video.wordpress.com/embed/ndFIr3Vi?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
They were orthodox and are considered to be an authority on Sri Vaishnavism.
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 .
The first Priest who served even in the Temples at United states of America are from Kazhiyur . https://video.wordpress.com/embed/icSZSYkd?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
Kazhiyur is also closely connected with the Sri Ramar Sannadhi and the temple of Shree Govindaraja at the foothills of the Tirupati 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.
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).
Today out of few houses in Kazhiyur Agraharaham , only few 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 which is tomorrow April 29 , 2022 ….
kEsavan thamar * kIzh mEl emar Ezh ezhu piRappum *
mA sadhir idhu peRRu * nammuDai vAzhvu vAykkinRavA! **
Isan en karumANikkam en sengkOlak kaNNan * viNNOr
nAyagan * empirAn emmAn * nArAyaNanAlE…….
Kazhiyur srivaishnavas from all over the world gather in the village to celebrate the annual festival.
Shri Kodandan swamy was serving the temple past two decades leaving his lucrative job .
Adiyen is blessed to be born in this glorious village and feel honored to be among st the illustrious and glorious elders .
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Courtesy Google images
Videos : Courtesy DD Podhigai
“Nachet Ramanujet desha, Cathurat Chathurakshari
Kamavasthan Prapadhyanthe Janthavo Hantha Madrusha:”
The above solka by our Poorvacharyas, brings out how our Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar appearance leads us to Sri vaikuntam, and he is called “Vishu Loka Mani Mandapa Marga Dhayee” (one who shows way to Sri Vainkuntum) in Dhaati Panchakam and he was the first revolutionist who called Harijan as “Thiru kulatthar”
When he discovered that certain categories of people were barred from entering the temple, he bunched them all together as Thirukulathar and admitted them into the folds of the temple for serving the supreme LORD …He charted the work flow of a temple’s administration in a holistic manner. From the priest to the man who plays the mridangam, to the flower seller, everyone’s role in the running of the temple was factored in. To this day, the Vaishnavite temples adhere to his vision.
The gem of a work presented to us by Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar is ” SRI BHASHYA”.
The illustrious Sri Vaishnava preceptor Swamy Alavandar wanted Swamy Ramanujacharya to take over spiritual leadership of the Sri Vaishnava community.
Swamy Ramanuja set off to meet Alavandar as per the instructions , but before the meeting could materialize, Swamy Alavandar departed from this world. Swamy Ramanuja was sad for the sudden turn of events .
He noticed that three of Swamy Alavandar’s fingers remained folded. Swamy Ramanuja asked the Elders assembled there why was it so. They replied that Swamy Alavandar had three unfulfilled wishes. On inquiring further it was revealed that the great Acharyar Alavandar wanted to write a commentary for Brahmasutra, but he could not get round to doing it because of his busy occupations .
Hence the first folded finger indicated this unfulfilled desire. Secondly, he wanted to do something to honor the contributions of the revered sages Vyasa and Parasara and thirdly, he wanted to write a commentary on Nammazhvar’s Thiruvaimozhi.
Swamy Ramanuja instantaneously promised to carry out all the three wishes unfulfilled by Swamy Alavandar. Miraculously , all the fingers restored its normal course .
Swamy Ramanuja’s Brahmasutras is glorified as Sri Bhashyam. Ramanuja named his disciple Kooratazhvan’s sons Parasara Bhattar and Vedavyasa Bhattar, thus the second wish of Alavandar was fulfilled. Upon the command of Swamy Ramanuja, his disciple Sri Kurukesa (Pillan) wrote a commentary for Thiruvaimozhi. Thus Swamy Ramanuja ensured that all of Acharyar Alavandar’s three wishes were fulfilled.
The efforts made by Swamy Ramanuja to take up the important task of his Acharyar must be cherished by every vaishnava . The comprehensive commentary of this outstanding work was given the name Srutha Prakashika.
The legendary Acharyas after our Jagath Acharyar who explained this beautiful commentary were Kurukeshwaran disciple of Swamy Ramanuja , Vishnuchittar disciple of Swamy Kurukeshwaran , Varadacharyar disciple of Vishnuchittar and Sudarshana bhattar disciple of Varadacharyar ( Nadaadhoor Ammal)
The great devotee of Lord Varadarajar of Kancheepuram ” Swamy Nadaadhoor Ammal wrote a book with all the understandings gained from the Elders in the form of arguments answers and counter arguments about the great work Sri Bhashya.
This work was called as PRAMEYAMALA .
He continued his writing with monumental works like Tatwa sara and Prapanna Parijata. Swamy was respected as the most authoritative commentator on Sri Bhashya and several disciples used to approach him for learning the esoteric truths .
A great devotee and an obedient disciple Sudarshana suri was keen to meet the Acharyar for the same . He traveled to Kancheepuram after taking permission from his aged mother . Always attentive and serving his Acharyar Ammal he was learning the rich truths from the commentaries daily. He was always there to attend the class , no matter even If he had already attended the same .That was his interest . He was always in the mood of being near to his Acharyar serving him .
One day it so happened all the disciples were awaiting for the class to begun . Acharyar also had come . But he was waiting for Sudarshana arrival . The disciples were upset for the special care given to Sudarshana The disciples expressed their unhappiness for the special care given to Sudarshana as they found him to be a dull witted person attending the same classes repeatedly without any knowledge.
The next day Ammal conducted the class as usual . He paused at a verse … and looked at Sudarshana and said ……..
My Child ! Please repeat what was explained about this verse . Sudarshana bhattar obediently got up and with folded hands replied ..
Acharya … Please command me !!! Which adhikarna ? This verse was given wonderful explanations in every discourse .Please tell me which explanation are you seeking ? The first class OR the last class ?
The disciples were dumb folded . Ammal continued . My child ! Please tell me both of them ..
Sudarshana explanations was a continuous flawless flow of words that mesmerized all the disciples .He was simply excellent in reproducing the content as explained by his Master ..
Acharyar praised him for his comprehension diction and dedication . All the disciples rushed towards Sudarshana and requested him to elucidate all the meanings .
Sudarshana attempted to codify all the texts and bring together the various commentaries of Elders as the gem Sri Bhashya.. The disciples all together edited the various commentaries of the Acharyas and hence the name …
SHRUTA PRAKASHIKA ….…
THAT WHICH IS HEARD HE MOST AUTHORITATIVE
This treasure is considered as a full mail of diamonds for Sri Bhashya like a kavacham ( shield ) This great commentary has provided answers to various onslaughts made on it in the form of questions and the doubts raised by people with limited vision .Because of this lovely work Sri Bhashya withstood firmly the many arguments and counter arguments of mayavadis .
Once this wonderful work was completed Sudarshana seeking blessings of Acharyar returned to Srirangam . He was shocked to see the tyranny of Ulugh Khan the Moslem rulers . There was chaos everywhere .
The tyrants were pulling down the towers of the mandapams .The people were living in deep fear .The palm leaf manuscripts stored in the houses of advanced srivaishnavas were being burnt .
Many elders lost their lives saving the treasures of commentaries . Sudarshana was sad . He carried the manuscripts to his aged mother and pleaded her to save this jewel which was his life breath . He approached the elders to contribute his services in protecting the LORD ..
The young Swamy Desikar , Swamy Sudarshana and other Acharyas assembled , and met Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar inside the Srirangam temple .They all concluded it was Ulugh Khan the army commander sent by Tuglak who was creating this tyranny to loot the temple . They had to take a quick decision .
All of them informed the temple priests for staying beside the deities at all cost , and gave some important tasks to be completed without any delay .
.Swamy Lokacharyar called the Chieftain and the Elders of the temple and advised them what could be the steps that may have to take facing the invader inside the temple .The objective was not to confront the enemy but to focus their efforts to ensure that the moola virat was not desecrated.
All of them decided that they shall form three groups . One group shall be headed by the eldest Swamy Pillai Lokachariya, who shall carry the deities of Lord Ranganatha and His concerts in a covered palanquin and proceed southward with few disciples .
Sudarshana who had just arrived took up the task of erecting a stone wall in front of the main sanctorum to misguide the invaders . Thus a stone wall was constructed with support of many disciples in a short time .
The third team was to provide cover for the team lead by Swamy Pillai Lokachariya [the team with the deities of our lord and his consorts so that swami had enough time to maintain safe distance from the enemy.
Swami Desika who was the youngest among the Acharyas was requested by Shri Sudarsana to go with the third party and somehow save himself so that he at least might be left to propound Sri Vaishnavism and the teachings of Jagatha Acharya Shri Ramanuja.
There was not much time left . Sudharsana entrusted his two young sons and manuscript “Sruta prakaasikA” to Swami Desika asking him to save this treasure for future generations Swami Desika earnestly prayed LORD that this great work must at any cost be saved . Swami as instructed immediately took up the directions from Sudharsana Suri and was about to leave towards northward with the little boys .
At the temple town , all of them decided in one voice that they will not oppose the army , but behave as if nothing is so serious .. There was a regular update about the Invaders who were approaching . The people were in two moods whether they should remain in town or flee.
Who was to decide and advise them? The people were utterly confused .They decided to take counsel from Lord Ranganatha himself then decided to appeal to the LORD Himself . They all dropped chits (Tiru Ulla seettu) expressing their opinion and with devotion they drew up one chit which said that all could remain at Srirangam itself.
They decided in was the Lord’s order and remained facing the situation bravely.The same evening, the invaders marched inside the Srirangam town from Samayavaram . Thousands of the town’s citizens were harassed and injured .The terror in which the enemy looted the prosperous town speaks about the bravery of the srivaishnavas there .
It was a very sad plight and the bloodbath that followed who resisted will make one cry for our great forefathers who sacrificed their lives . This had been recorded in the History of Srirangam Temple known as Koil-Ozhugu . The sad bloodshed of 12,000 Sri Vaishnavas at Sri Varahaswamy Sannidhi makes it the worst day in the temple town .
Inside the Hall , Swamy Desikar saw heaps of corpses lying around . He somehow braved the boys to lie down unnoticed to give an impression that no one survived . The little boys stretched underneath along with some of them and our dear Swami also lay down next to them along with the holy book.
Swamy Desikar thus concealed the two boys and himself amidst a heap of corpses and passed the night with caution . The enemy troops assumed that they were corpses and did not bother to probe. Observing the enemy troops moving away , Swamy Desikar slowly took the frightened boys before dawn unnoticed in North-Westerly direction .
He suddenly saw some gaurds chasing them. He managed to hide near the mud rocks at the banks of river kaveri. With caution , hiding the young boys beneath the mud rocks he dug one yard deep pit in the sands of the river and buried the great work giving mother kaveri a rare tribute .
He somehow managed to lay down covering himself with the kaveri sand escaping any detection . When the gaurds moved he regained his position and quickly moved away to Satyamangala with the treasure book and the small kids . He made few copies of the manuscripts and taught the contents to all his disciples .
Our Poorvacharyas have struggled to give us this treasure and hence It is the bounden duty of every vaishnava to proudly say…..
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan ….. https://video.wordpress.com/embed/pHcG4AIA?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
I am Ramanuja dasan … and thus protect /propogate the works of our Poorvacharyars and our sampradaya ..saying .
All glories to Swamy Pillai LokaAcharyar
All glories to Swamy Sudarshan suri
All glories to Swamy Vedanta Desikar…………
All glories to Poorvacharyas for their abundant mercy …
“shrImAn venkaTa-nAthAryaH kavitArkika-kesari |
vedAntAcharya-varyo me sannidhattAm sadA hridi |
kavithArkika simhAya kalyANa guNa Saline
Srimathe vEnkateSAya vEdhAntha guravE namaha
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan …..
Adapted from a discourse shared by an advanced devotee .
Pics Credits : Google images/sri varavara muni /All devotees of Lordships
Once , Thirumisai Azhwar came to have a darsanam of Lord Aaraamudha perumal near Kumbakonam at Tamilnadu. Azhwar was very much impressed by Lord’s beauty .
He instantaneously recited ..
Nadanda kalgal nondhavo nadunga gnala menamai
Idanthamei kulungavo vilangumaal varaichuram
Kadanda kaal parandha kavirikarai kudanthaiul
Kidanthava yezhundirundu pesu vazhi kesane
Meaning O lord ! your lotus feet must be feeling the pain walking the worlds covered with mountains, thorns etc .
Your lotus feet are very soft that even Mother Lakshmee feels her service may hurt LORD if she touches them.
AzhwAr then realizes that as LORD went to the pAtALa lOka to rescue Mother during varAha avatAra, perhaps due to this LORD should be relaxing in this pose .
While Azhwar was enquiring , Lord casually lifted up His head to get up and reply to AzhwAr as he said said ‘pESu’ in his divine verse ( speak my LORD ) ..
Azhwar did not want to disturb his yoganidra and hence prayed LORD to remain in the same posture so as to bless each devotee coming to HIM praying .
The Azhwar thus requested LORD to remain in the reclining position as this posture of LORD looked very attractive .
The divine pose of LORD Aara Amudhan is called as Uthra Sayanam and he is thus called as Uthanasai.
Lord Aramudhan like Sonnavanam saitha Perumaal of Thiruvekha Divya Desam at Kancheepuram has also received credit for obeying His dear devotee Thirumisai Azhwar.
Due to the above reason LORD is glorified as Aramudha Azhwan and the Azhwar as Thirumahizai Piran.
The word Piran means Lord.
As Thirumahizai Azhwar asked Perumaal to get up from His serpent bed, Azhwar was given the title of “Piran” by LORD .
Aramudhan took the title “Azhwan” to show us HIS love towards Azhwar. Lord’s sparkling darshanam of his cheeks (so chubby ) pulls our soul to just be there for ever .
Lord’s coral lips invites HIS devotee which has a half-smile (“Punmuruval”) indicating HIS mercy and pleasure seeing us. Lord’s broad forehead is adorned by a sparkling green gem, triangular in shape .
Lord’s long thighs and then legs, resembles the trunk of a magnificent tusker, encased in soft and supple silk, while the broad and beautiful chest sports several strands of gold and pearl necklaces , with goddess Mahalakshmi.
Mother Sri Devi and Bhoodevi grace us on either side of the Lord, in postures of devotion. As noticed in Thiruvellarai Divyadesam , similar feature of this beautiful temple is that the sanctum sanctorum has two entrances, each with nine steps-one used during Dakshinaayanam and the other during Uttaraaayanam.
Everything about the Lord here is elixir .
check the videohttps://wpcomwidgets.com/render/
https://wpcomwidgets.com/render/
None of the devotees will exclaim “I have had enough of this Lord”, the desire to see Him and be with Him increases with every darshan .
Among the Azhwars seven out of twelve have immersed there divine thoughts and glorified the boundless beauty of Lord Aaraavamudan and devoted around 51 nectarine verses in the DivyaPrabhandam .
This nectarine Lord is sweet not only to our external senses like the eye, ear and the nose, but provides an incomparably pleasurable sensation all over, inside and out and in the soul too-
“Aaraavamudaai adiyen aavi agame tittippaai”.
When we relish something very sweet we become sick eating the same recipe repeatedly . This is true for all material and worldly enjoyment all through in our lifestyle. But once we engage our senses towards the omnipotent LORD we find that we can relish HIM continuously without any hindrances and not getting bored.
Once we follow the Nava Vidhi Bhakthi as advised by Elders viz: Shravanam , Kirtanam Smaranam , Pada sevanam , Archanam , Vandanam Dasyam , Sakhyam and finally Atma Nivedhanam the purpose of our Life is realised . The more we start enjoying the nectar that is LORD HIMSELF , the more we want to continue enjoying this nectar as our desire for this nectar becomes insatiable .
Aaramudhan means “the pure nectar which can never produce satiety”. NammAzhwar glorifies LORD as “Ara Amude” and expresses Oh Lord !! ,
‘When I have your divine darshan ! my body melts in the love and the separation from your divineself means am washed out with a torrent force of a flood away .
Oh Lord! such overflowing emotions…….. grace me because of your abundant mercy you have for me.
Lord Aramuda Perumaal compassion on HIS devotees is unlimited .
When all of us celebrate Diwali in our houses , LORD performed last rites for one of His ardent devotees.
The divine pastime goes like this .
There lived a devotee named ” Lakshmi Narayana ” in this holy place . Narayana spent his entire life doing services to Lord Aramudhan. He was the one who built the Rajagopuram which is app 44-m tall, 11-tiered tower by collecting small small donations from devotees and strived hard to finish the task .
He had surrendered all his wealth and everything in the noble service .Narayana swamy who became old ,passed away, on a Deepavali Amavasya day .
The devotees were worried about performing his last rites as he had no progeny and neither he adopted any one . His entire life was serving the LORDSHIPS with total surrender .
When the Priest entered the sanctum of Lord Aramudhan he noticed that Lord was wearing the yagnopavithram in the direction worn while performing last rites. The Priest thought that he had made a mistake while decorating LORD on the previous day.
Therefore he corrected the direction of the yagnopavithram but to his utter amazement found that the yagnopavithram switched direction again. The Priest realized that it was Lord’s way of saying that He was going to perform the last rite for his devotee Narayana .
And ever mindful of His duties, He continues to perform the annual shraaddham for this sincere devotee , to this day. Narayana’s sculpture with folded hands adorns one of the pillars in the pradikshina marga .
Lord performed the last rite for Jatayu during Rama Avataram and as Lord Aaramudhan performed the rites for his devotee Narayanaswamy.
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Credits Google images ( Thanks to all the devotees who uploaded them )
When I have your divine darshan ! my body melts in the love and the separation from your divine self means am washed out with a torrent force of a flood far far away .
Sundare sundaro ramah …… Sundare sundari katha……….
Sundare sundari sita ………… Sundare sundaram vanam,
Sundare sundaram kavyam…….Sundare sundarah kapih ………
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The fifth kaandam in Sriramayanam known as “SUNDARA KAANDAM” is the most popular kaanda. Unlike names of other kandams which are self explanatory, this kandam is known as “Sundaram-beautiful” as everything ..
–Hanumanji’s Rama bhakti, Sitadevi’s chastity, Srirama’s plight to rescue HER, their concern for each other, torments in samsaara are so beautifully described by maharishi. The characters of the trio makes even a stone melt. That’s the reason even after so many lakhs of years, we read Sundarkandam with reverence. Also, reciting Sundarakandam is considered equivalent to reading the entire Ramayana as Hanuman and Trijata narrate all the incidents-past,present and future in the august presence of Sitadevi.
After coronation of Sugreeva as the King of Vaanaras, Lord Srirama and Lakshmana spent four months during monsoon in Malyavan parvath in Prasvanagiri in Hampi, Karnataka.
Lord Srirama experienced unbearable pain due to separation from our mother Sitadevi. The Lord was worried about Sitadevi’s welfare and used to lament uncontrollably.
At the end of monsoon, Sugreeva deputed crores of vaanaras and bears in all directions in search of Sitadevi giving them one month’s time to trace the whereabouts and inform for taking up next course of action.
Sugreeva explained geographical particulars about all the places around the world in detail .
The vanaras headed by Prince Angadha and supported by senior Jambavan and Hanuman were assigned the task of searching in the southern direction. Lord Srirama handed over HIS finger ring to Hanumanji who was standing in a corner.
Our poorvacharyars give reason as to why Srirama selected Hanuman to give his finger ring . It was the time at Kishkinda when Lord Rama was in search of Mother Sita . Hanumanji was in thoughts to see Srirama lamenting for a lady.
Hanumanji a brahmachari was wondering as to why a person of high stature like Lord Srirama tutored by rishis like Sage Vasishta, Vishwamitra was so emotional .
Lord Srirama our antaryami sensed Hanumanji’s feelings . To make Hanuman realise the greatness of Sitadevi, Srirama selected Hanuman and handed over HIS finger ring with HIS holy name engraved on it.
And it was also an indication that Paramatma laments for all the jivaatma in the same lines .
It was because of the holy ring that Hanuman could cross the ocean and meet Mother Sitadevi and obtain HER blessings. When Hanumanji saw Sitadevi’s steadfast devotion towards Lord Srirama, he regretted for his thoughts initially .
Having understood HER greatness , Hanuman visualised both of them together in his heart and offered prayers.
Hanumanji introduced to mother Sitadevi that he was “Rama dhoothan” whereas when he returned to Lord Rama as “Sitadevi’s messenger” to convey the good news about Sitadevi’s welfare, he addressed himself as “Raama daasan”. With Mother’s grace, our ego vanishes. Our poorvacharyars comment that when Hanuman went as “rama dhootan”-, he was gifted with fire on the tail whereas when he returned as Sita dhootan, he was embraced by Lord Rama.
The vanaras who went in the southern direction explored all the places until they reached SWayamprabha caves in Kadayanallur near Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu .
Swayamprabha an advanced Sathwi was the guardian for the magical cave owned by Mayasuran. Anyone who entered could not come out. She hosted the vanaras and later transported the vanaras to the seashore( about 150 kms away from Kadayanallur) after knowing about their devotion to Lord Rama with her powers .
Having reached the seashore, the vanaras were worried because the stipulated time of one month fixed by their King Sugreeva was over and they could not trace Sitadevi. They knew for sure that Sugreeva would not spare them and decided to end their lives as they did not have the courage to face Srirama who was already suffering pangs of separation.
Angadha had lit a big pyre for them to sacrifice their lives.
He started lamenting about Sitadevi’s abduction, Jatayu sacrificing his life in Ramaseva after fighting with Ravana , their search expedition and failure in the assignment.
Sampaati-the eagle bird summoned Angadha and introduced himself as Jatayu’s elder brother , shared how he lost his wings while protecting Jatayu from the scorching heat of sun in the process loosing his wings and became immobile.
Sampaati was informed about Jatayu’s Raama kainkaryam and he too resolved to do the same. He informed the vanaras about Sitadevi’s whereabouts with his sharp vision in the far away land, Lanka. Having done this Raama kainkaryam, Sampaati regained his lost wings and flew away.
Now that the whereabouts of Sitadevi were known, the vanaras started contemplating as to who would cross the ocean which was measuring 100 yojanas (1000 miles) to meet mother Sitadevi.
Each vanara expressed their ability to cross few yojanas .
Angadha said that he could cross 100 yojanas but would not have the energy to return. The aged Jambavaan who knew Hanuman’s capabilities approached Hanuman and started enumerating his strength and skills. When Hanuman was a child, he mistook Sun to be an apple and leapt in the sky to hold it.
He was hit by Indra with vajrayudham on his chin(hanu) and hence was called Hanuman. Vayu, hanuman’s father stopped air which made the whole world breathless. To appease his anger, brahma and other devas bestowed many boons on Hanuman.
Brahma cursed him to forget his prowess but would get back his strength when someone reminded him at an apporpriate time. Jambavan reminded him of his capabilities and requested Hanuman to undertake Rama kainkaryam. (Sage Agastya extolled Hanuman’s greatness to Srirama in Uttara kaandam)
He confidently proclaimed that he would finish the yeomen task of locating mother Sitadevi saying that like Sri Rama’s arrow which never failed to hit its target, he would accomplish the task.
All the vanaras vowed to observe fast until Sitadevi was found. Reposing confidence to the vaanaras, Hanuman stood on Mahendragiri parvatham in Thirukurungudi beyond Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu and after offering prayers to Suryan, Indran, Vayu, Sri Rama , He increased in size and leapt on the sky to cross the ocean.
Thus starts Sundarakandam,-the most beautiful kaandam as everything is beautiful in it. Every household in India has a copy of Sundarakanda . It is a normal practice in Srivaishnava wedding to present Sundarakandam to the groom as it is considered very auspicious.
Our poorvacharyars have clearly indicated that
Lord Rama is the Paramatma
MOther Sita is the Jivatma suffering in this material world for reunion with Paramatma
Lanka is the samsara(material world)
Our manas is Ravana and the ten senses are considered as the ten heads of Ravana
Hanuman is the acharya(gurudeva) who extols Paramatma’s qualities to Jivatma, gives the holy name to Jivatma, submits Jivatma’s plea to Paramatma, destroys Lanka(samsaara) with the fire of knowledge and finaly reunites Jivatma with Paramatma.
The jivatma who gets illusioned with material world, leaves Paramatma and ends up in trouble loitering in the material world until an acharya intervenes and imparts supreme knowledge about the Lord, gives us the mantra to attain HIM, submits our plea to the Lord and ensures our union with the Supreme Lord by destroying our desires (samasara)
And our journey to Sri Lanka to have the darshan of all the holy places fructified in August 2018 and an attempt is being made to reproduce the divine bliss to millions of Hari bhaktha .
Hanumanji must have entered Srilanka from the north-western part via Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar, proceeded southwards and landed on Ramboda hills. The places related to Sundarakandam are mostly located in Central Srilanka upto Sigiriya in the north and Ussangoda in the south.
Valmiki maharishi beautifully describes Hanuman’s flight. Hanumanji increased in size and stretching his hands wide leapt from Mahendragiri mountain causing its residents to leave the place. The flowers from the trees had covered Hanuman who was now resembling a flowered mountain.
Hanumanji faced the first hurdle which was a friendly gesture by Mynaaka parvatham who was a close friend of Vayu bhagavan ( Hanumanji’s father ). He offered fruits and asked Hanuman to take rest but he refused politely by embracing the mountain for its gesture saying that he intended to reach Lanka by evening and was lacking time.
Hanuman won Mynaakam with his friendly gesture. He didn’t succumb to any temptation.
The second hurdle came in the form of Surasa who was a Naagamaatha( mother of snakes). The devas prompted her to test Hanuman’s capabilities. Surasa obstructed Hanuman’s way saying that she wanted to swallow Hanuman to satiate her hunger.
Hanuman informed her about his mission promising her to return and satiate her hunger but she didn’t budge saying that as per Brahma’s words, none could pass by her without fulfilling her wish. He asked her to open her mouth wide enough for him to get into , started increasing in size. Surasa also widened her mouth to match his size. The witty Hanuman suddenly decreased in size , went inside her mouth and came back even before she closed her mouth, offered obeisances to her and having satisfied her wish continued his journey. As she was a well wisher , Hanuman won her with his intelligence and presence of mind and didn’t kill her.
Surasa was pleased with Hanuman .She blessed him assuming her true form.
The place where this incident took place is known as Nagadweepa, also known as Nayanateevu, is an island near the North-western part of Srilanka (between Mannar and Jaffna) is now identified as the place where this incident took place.
There is a big temple for Naagamaatha known as Nagapooshani temple. This is also considered as one of the eighteen shakti peetams.
To reach this place, one has to drive from Jaffna for about 38 kms upto Pungudutheevu . From Pungudutheevu drive for about 15 kms on a bridge to reach jetty.
Our journey to this wonderful place is recorded in this video
Regular boat services at an interval of one hour is available to go to Nagadeepa. The fare for the boat ride is LKR 50/- and will take about 20 minutes .
It is one way-the boat stops near the buddhist monastery and the return would be pick up from Nagapooshani temple or vice-versa . Autos ply between these two places for a nominal charge of Rs.10/- LKR.
In Nagadeepa, there are two places to be visited- the first one is the Buddhist monastery as Buddha had visited this place and changed the factionist Naagas into pious people and made them follow Buddhism. Nagapooshani amman temple can be reached by auto. Devotees perform milk abhishekam to the naagas in the temple.
The third hurdle for Hanumanjee was a rakshasi named Simhika. Lying on the ocean she had the power to pull the shadow of anyone flying over her. She used her strength to reduce Hanuman’jis speed by pulling his shadow.
Hanumanji realised the gravity and the unexpected hurdle . She opened her mouth widely and with all her might, she tried to swallow Hanuman who entered into her mouth and came out swiftly piercing her stomach thus killing her. Simhika was in a pool of blood. Hanumanjee thus encountered the third hurdle who was an enemy in reality with his strength.
This place is identified as Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar on the North-western part of Srilanka (between Jaffna and Anuradhapura) about 116 kms north-west of Anuradhapura-a famous site for Buddhists.
Also, Kethu-one of the navagrahas who is Simhika’s son prayed to Shiva at this place. Hence this place is known as Thiruketeeswaram.
Mandodari’s father built this temple. Presently the Shiva temple is undergoing renovation.
Hanumanji landed on Suvela parvatham in Srilanka . This place is now known as Ramboda. Chinmaya mission have constructed a beautiful temple for 16 ft Hanumanjee . There are 3 sets of deities of Sita-Rama Lakshmana in the temple premises.
Chariot procession takes place during December . As Hanumanji alighted on this parvath on Pournami (Valmiki rishi mentions that Hanuman started his search operation on Pournami and the full moon helped Hanuman with his cool light to see things clearly ), special poojas are performed here. Guest house accomodation(LKR 6600/-for more than 2 PAX) and food court (AnnapurnaVeg.restaurant) are being operated by the mission. (Srirama viewed Lankapura from this placE)
After sunset, Hanumanji took a miniature form to search for Mother Sita. He marched towards Lankapura city after crossing forests. Being an island, Lanka was protected by sea on all four sides which was a natural barrier, it has many mountains ,lakes and rivers. Lankapura was situated on one such mountain known as Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya) and the surrounding places around Kandy are also considered part of this . The historical importance of Sigiriya (a world heritage site ) now is being attributed to King Kasyapa who was an unjust king very similar to Ravana and hid at this place. (Research relating to Ramayana reveal that this was Ravana’s kingdom)
It was well guarded on all sides by armed soldiers right from the foot of the hill. The beautiful city was built by Mayasuran-architect for asuras and Ravana’s father in law. Valmiki rishi has aptly described this location which can be found even today. There were tunnels connections various mountains to which only Ravana had access. Also, there were aircraft centres at various places which was used by Ravana to fly on his pushpaka vimanam.
Hanumanjee was encountered by Lankini- a rakshasi who was a personification of Lanka when he was trying to enter into Lankapura. Hanuman politely told her that he would return after viewing the beautiful city but the raksasi didn’t accede. Though she hurt Hanuman by hitting with a mace, hanuman pitied her and slightly hit her with his left fist which was unbearable for her. She accepted defeat and recollecting Brahma’s words that when she would be defeated by a vanara, Lanka’s destruction would be inevitable, she blessed Hanuman to be victorious in his mission.
Lankapura is considered as the places around Sigiriya and Kandy.
RAvana ruled from Sigiriya Fort
Hanuman defeated Lankini and started searching for Sitadevi in all the places including the Pushpaka vimanam, palaces of RAvana’s queens, Ravana’s palace, Mandodari’s palace, kitchen ,etc. Lankapura was situated on Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya rock ) making it inaccessible to intruders.
Ravana’s court, palace, his queens’ palaces were all situated around this. Right from the foot of the hills, every place was well guarded. The fort was surrounded with mouts, lakes with crocodiles is it . There are about
He came across stationed armies well equipped guarding the kingdom.
The place where Pushpaka vimanam was kept is now known as Gurulopotha near Sita Kotuwa about 100 kms north east of Kandy. (There is only a name board and a buddhist temple ). Likewise Mandodari palace is now known as “Sita Kotuwa” as Sitadevi was first kept here. This is an archeological site about 3 hours drive from Kandy.
A guide from the archeological survey office accompanies the visitors to the place. (Guest house facility and a small restaurant serving cool drinks,water, snacks is run by them.) We need to walk down the steep terrain for about an hour to reach Sita Kotuwa. The place where the army was stationed is known as Weragantota. Gurulopotha and Weragantota are situated near Sita Kotuwa.
He found heaps of food in the kitchen but didn’t have the slightest temptation to eat. He searched every nook and corner of Lanka but could not trace mother Sitadevi. Hanuman was worried that he had to look many ladies which was against his brahmachari vow. But he convinced himself that if you have to search for a deer, you will have to search amongst deers. Likewise, a woman has to be searched amongst women. AS he respected all women as his mother and sister, his mind was very clear and was only focused on our Mother’s ( Thayar’s ) welfare.
After searching for the second time, Hanumanji was worried .He sat on a rock and decided to end his life as he knew that if he returned without seeing Sitadevi, he would be the cause for destruction of Ishvaku race and the vaanaras.
Hanuman however regained his determination and realized his mistake.
He understood that though he prayed to all the gods he forgot to offer prayers to Mother Sitadevi
Recollecting HER appearance as an ayonija,
He immediately prayed to Sitadevi guarded by Rama and Lakshmana to disclose her whereabouts similar to the way SHE chose to appear to King Janaka.
By the grace of Sitadevi, Hanumanji spotted Ashoka vanam- a beautiful garden which he had missed to explore.
This place where Hanuman sat and contemplated on Mother Sita is identified as MANIKATUTHER located between Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
It is about 20 kms from RAmboda hill and Nuwara Eliya is about 50 kms from Manikatuther.
Manikatuther is located in Labbookelle Tea Estate in Kondakalai village on a hill bgetween Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda. WE need to take an auto to go up the hill which has a muddy path from the base.
AFter reaching a certain point, we have to trek up the hill through Labbookelle Tea Estate .
The scenic beauty is inexplicable. When we visited this place, the whole area was engulfed in fog , it was drizzling and cool breeze was soothing . ( As the muddy road was drenched with rain, we were told that it would not be possible to go there by our guide. But we insisted to be taken there and because of Hanuman’s grace, two auto drivers agreed to take us and we could visit the place.) Presently , there is only a small shiva linga under a tree.
Sri.Kanakaraj, a disciple of Chinmaya Mission who accompanied us informed that on a clear day, we can view both Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
Reaching Lanka, Ravana held Sitadevi captive in Mandodari’s palace which is now known as Sita kotuwa. Indra prayed to Sitadevi to sustain herself by partaking heavenly sweet for the world’s welfare . Ravana later shifted HER to Ashoka vanam(presently known as Hakgala Gardens in Nuwara Eliya)
presuming SHE would like the hill station and the natural beauty of his kingdom and succumb to his wish. The village is named as Kondakalai because while Ravana was forcibly taking Sitadevi to Ashoka vanam, Sitadevi’s hair got deranged.
He also informed that the food given by RAvana to Sitadevi was thrown away by HER which fell scattered in the surrounding forests. The remains became fossils known as “SITA GOOLI” have been certified by American researchers as vitaminised rice balls dating few thousands of years . These balls are considered as symbol of auspiciousness. We were fortunate to get them to be placed in our altar.
Near Manikatuther, there is a temple for Sriman Narayana seated on Garuda with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Mahavishnu is bluish in complexion . But the locals address this temple as “Rama temple”.
During Margazhi,(Dec-Jan), early morning Pooja is performed and bhajans are conducted in the nights during the whole month. Few rare beautiful pics from Ramayanam are hung on the walls inside the temple.
When Hanumanji entered Ashoka Vanam (presently known as Hakgala Botanical Gardens in Nuwara Eliya), the flowers blossomed , birds chirped and the weather was very pleasant. Some flowers dropped on Hanuman’s body which added to his beauty.
Hanuman jumped from one tree to the other in search of Sitadevi. Finally, he found a sobbing distressed lady glowing with effulgence under a tree and looking at her appearance, the colour of her sari and the jewels which were hanging from the tree, Hanuman guessed that it was Sitadevi. His joy knew no bounds.
He was contemplating as to how he has to pick up a conversation with her. Meanwhile, RAvana arrived and started persuading Sitadevi.
Mother Sita underwent all these troubles to put an end to Ravana’s atrocities who was slave to lust thus causing harm to womanhood all over the world. (Poorvacharyars reason that as the wives of celestial persons were held captive by him, Mother Sitadevi came to Lanka to rescue them ). Just as a mother who will ensure to protect all the children,
Sitadevi who is the mother of Universe advised him to restore HER back to Lord Rama and get saved mentioning Sri Rama’s nature to forgive anyone who came for asylum even if it had committed the gravest sin. When Sitadevi rebuked him by recalling his cowardly act of stealing HER in Srirama’s absence , he became so wild that he wanted to harm her but was stopped by his wife Daanyamaalini.
The egoistic Ravana left after warning her that she would be killed and served as breakfast at the end of two months in case she doesn’t concede to his request.
The rakshasis who were threatening her were chastised by Trijata-Vibhishana’s daughter who disclosed the dream she had.
Trijata revealed her dream in which she saw victorious Lord Rama seated with Sitadevi wearing white silk clothes on Pushpaka vimanam ,Ravana’s death, anhilation of rakshasa clan, Vibhishana’s coronation and advised the rakshasis to stop torturing Sitadevi as SHE alone could protect them from SRirama’s wrath.
The rakshasis stopped harassing and slept. Sitadevi who was totally devastated, decided to end her life by hanging HERSELF from Simshuka tree with her hair.
Hanumanji who was sitting on the Simshuka tree became worried at HER approach. To save HER from this disaster, Hanuman softly sang Srirama’s story starting from HIS appearance,wedding, banishment , Ravana’s foul play in kidnapping Sitadevi, Jatayu’s death, Sugreeva’s friendship, their search operation etc. Hanuman presented himself as Rama’s messenger and sugreeva’s minister.
He described in detail about Srirama and enquired about devi’s identity. When Sitadevi got convinced that he was Rama’s messenger, Hanuman presented the holy ring given by Srirama to her and pacified HER that SRirama would kill Ravana ,resuce HER and return to Ayodhya to rule the world. Just as our acharyar gives us the holy name (Tirumantram) to us during Samasrayanam, Hanuman gave tthe holy ring with SRirama’s name engraved on it. Looking at the ring, Sitadevi wept uncontrollably remembering their separation and suffering .
Thus , the entire Ramayana was sung by Hanuman. This place is known famously known as “SITA ELIYA-SITA AMMAN TEMPLE” located about 4 kms from Nuwara Eliya on a lower altitude. Nuwara Eliya,also known as “Little England” located in the Central highlands of Srilanka is a hill station and one of the coldest regions in Srilanka .
The thought that Sitadevi sitting under the tree in the cool Ashoka gardens without any protection against the harsh weather conditions made us feel depressed.
Hanuman convinced Sitadevi that Srirama would come at the earliest and rescue HER. Unable to tolerate Sitadevi’s distress, Hanumanji offered to carry HER on his shoulders and unite HER with Srirama. He expanded his form to convince about his capabilities. So, we can see two sets of footprints in Sita Amman temple-one small and the other one huge .
Hanuman pacified Jaganmatha assuring HER of Srirama’s arrival to resue HER and consoled her thus saving HER life. When Hanuman requested Sitadevi to give some token of identification to present to Srirama, Sitadevi handed over the “choodamani ” and shared few incidents with Hanuman including Kakasuran’s episode , about how the Lord applied thilak so that HE would believe Hanuman as these incidents happened in solitude.
After taking Sitadevi’s blessings, Hanuman decided to meet Ravana and convey Rama’s message. So, he uprooted the trees in Ashoka vanam . He defeated the rakshasas who came to fight, destroyed one-fourth of Ravana’s army including 80000 kinnaras, five army chiefs, Ravana’s son-Akshakumara and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastra as vayuputra wanted an audience with Ravana.
All these incidents took place at “” Hakgala Botanical Gardens”.
Hanuman was taken to RAvana’s assembly in Sigiriya Fort.
Hanuman introduced himself as Sugreeva’s minister and Srirama’s messenger , informed the killing of Vali who had humbled RAvana earlier , advised Ravana to return Sitadevi and save his clan from Srirama’s wrath which infuriated Ravana .
Ravana ordered Hanuman to be killed but was intercepted by Vibhishana who said that a messenger should not be killed but could be punished.
Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be burnt and taken along all the streets . Hanuman’s tail was wound with cloth dipped in oil and fire was lit. The jubilant rakshasas unaware of Hanuman’s prowess abused him and insulted him by throwing stones and took him through all the places. Hanuman unmindful of the pain thought that it was a good opportunity so that he can once again see Lanka in the day light. Few rakshasis rushed to Sitadevi to inform about the happenings. Sitadevi experienced intolerable grief for the punishment. She washed her hands in the nearby stream , lit a pyre and prayed to Agnideva to protect Hanuman by proclaiming that if she was chaste and if it is true that sirama would resuce her, Agni should not harm Hanuman.
Hanuman realised that though his tail was burning, he didn’t feel any burning sensation or pain. He realised that it was because of Sitadevi’s compassion , the fire didn’t harm him. Hanuman wanted to express his gratitude to firegod by offering the tall mansions to agni. Hanuman freed himself from rakshasas’ clutches and jumping from one building to the other including RAvana’s palace and assembly , he lit fire in all the places.
AS the golden Lankapura was on a hill where heavy winds blow, the fire spread immediately . The whole of Lanka was in flames.
Hanuman burnt the whole Lanka including Ravana’s airports at WEragantota , Ussangoda (the southern tip of Lanka).
Hanuman cooled his burning tail in the waters near Ussangoda near Hambantota- a sea coast about 83 kms from Galle.The sand here is red in colour. Usually red sand would be wet whereas here it is as hard as rock. No vegetation grows here. This is a protected site. It is advisable to visit this place in daytime .
Hanuman became worried about Sitadevi’s welfare as the entire Lanka was burning. But he heard from celestial beings about Sitadevi’s safety and Vibhishana’s house not burnt. The pleased Hanuman returned to Ashoka vanam and after personally seeing Sitadevi assured her about Rama’s arrival and returned to Kishkinda after taking Mother Sita’s blessings. Assuming a huge form, Hanuman took off from “Arishta” parvatham from Lanka to cross over the ocean to reach Mahendragiri. Unable to bear his weight, Arishta parvatham got submerged into the sea with only the top visible. This is considered as “Andaman islands” (this info was shared by Andamanese during our visit-not sure about the authenticity but there is a similarity in the names-Arishta—Andaman)
Hanuman returned to the vanara camp and shared with them Sitadevi’s welfare. He informed them in detail about his entire journey. They started the return journey to Kishkinda to inform the good news to SRiram, Enroute stopped for a while at Madhuban near Hampi to satisfy their hunger. While all the vanaras were satiating their hunger by drinking honey and eating fruits, Our Hanuman was relising the nectarian names of Lord Rama which was his lifeline.
Hanuman and other vanaras headed by Angadha returned to Maalyavan parvath and informed about Sitadevi’s welfare and presented the choodamani to Srirama. A beautiful temple for the Lordships at the place where this incident took place can be seen in Hampi. Srirama praised Hanuman and embraced him for completing the mission thus emphasising that HE COULD BE ATTAINED ONLY WITH HANUMAN’S GRACE.
Our poorvacharyas say that when Hanuman submittd to Srirama without Sitadevi, his tail got burnt but when he got Sitadevi’s blessings, he was blessed with Lord Rama’s embrace .
This emphasizes Thayar’s intervention as PUrushakaaram in our Srivaishnava sampradayam. Thus ends the wonderful prose Sundarakandam.
Pics credits : Few from Social media
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Out of the innumerable avatars , Lord Maha Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama…
Lord appeared to establish dharma in the world by following the rules and regulations laid down as per the Shastras.
The purpose of his appearance was to annihilate the evil forces torturing the world in the form of Rakshasas headed by Ravana and establish dharma .
Dasaratha Chakravarthy who ruled the world from Ayodhya performed Putrakameshti yagam and was blessed with NECTAR which was distributed amongst his three wives- Kousalya who was given half the share, then to Sumitra with one-fourth share , and then to Kaikeyi who was given one-eighth share and the balance of one-eighth was again given to Sumitra. Kousalya consumed first, followed by Kaikeyi and then Sumitra who had two shares consumed the one-fourth share and then one-eighth share. Based on this sequence, four lovely sons were born to Dasaratha during Chaitra month in Sukla paksham starting from Navami thithi.
Sri Rama was born to Dasaratha Chakravarthy and Kousalya Devi in the star Punarvasu , Bharata to Kaikeyi in Poosam star,
Lakshmana and Shatruguna were born to Sumitra in Asilesha star.
Right from birth, Ram –Lakshmana and Bharata-Shatruguna were inseparable.
Our poorvacharyars say that
Rama demonstrated how youngsters have to respect and abide by elders’ wishes,
Lakshmana was born to do service to the Lord,
Bharata was born to obey Sri Rama’s orders and
Shatruguna was born to serve devotee-Bharata.
Lakshmana did all services to Srirama as per his own will
whereas Bharata always obeyed his brother, Srirama.
In Kamba Ramayana it is briefed , Lord Rama is asked by his father Dasaratha to fulfill mother Kaikeyis wish . Rama comes to tell this news to kousalya.
She asks him “Who will be the king then?”.
Ram replies “It will be my brother Bharatha“.
Kousalya replies, My son !! “except for the small problem that he is younger to you,
I don’t see anything wrong in it.
He is three times better than you to rule this kingdom”.
Kousalya saw Bharatha as three times better than Rama even when her only son was about to go to forest.
Kambar next describes the scene of Bharatha going to forest to meet Rama.
He meets Guha on the way.
When Guha knows why Bharatha has come to forest,he is overjoyed.
He hugs Bharatha and says “Even thousand Rama’s are not equal to you.
” Kambar elevates Bharatha to 1000 times than Rama.
Earlier it was three times,now its 1000 times..
Ram doesn’t return after 14 year period.
Bharatha as per his vow to Lord Rama is about to jump into fire.
Whole ayodhya is weeping.
Kousalya runs to stop Bharatha.
She says “Don’t do it my son.
I can live without Rama but not without you.
Not even multi million Rama’s are equal to you”.
Bharathas status is elevated to multi million times than Rama,the hero of kamba Ramayanam.
Bharata is considered to be the foremost bhagavata who never exercised his free will and always obeyed Lords’ instructions.
He is the embodiment of saranagathi.
Shatruguna is praised by our acharyars as the one who served the Bhagavata (devotee) than the Lord.
For him, devotee was everything.
One can understand the true character of Bharata in Ayodhya kaandam and Yudha Kaandam.
By just contemplating on Bharata, the embodiment of virtue , our minds get purified.
Such is his character.
It is well known that Kaikeyi exercised her boons and demanded that the kingdom to be given to her son, Bharata and banish Srirama for fourteen years to forest which Dasaratha had to accept without any option.
Though Srirama was the rightful heir, he happily agreed the kingdom to be ruled by his dear brother, Bharata and left for forest with Mother Sita and the inseparable Lakshmana. During this incident, Bharata and Shatruguna were in their uncle’s place.
Soon after Srirama left for forest, Dasaratha left his mortal body and Bharata was summoned to return to kingdom . He was aghast to know the happenings and accused his own mother,Kaikeyi for banishing Srirama and being the cause of death of his dear father. Kaikieyi came back to senses only after Bharata shouted at her and blamed her. The whole world accused Bharata that he is part of his mother’s conspiracy in usurping the throne and for banishing Srirama.
Bharata , the embodiment of dharma had to face so much humiliation from the world for his mother’s foolish act.
When Bharata learnt from Sage Vasishta that he was not allowed to do the final rites for his father and when he was proposed by the elders to occupy the throne for which his mother fought, he was totally shattered and devastated.
He pleaded innocence in front of everyone and declared that he is not part of the foul play and makes various promises to convince everyone that he is not prepared to upsurge the throne. This incident in Ramayanam will make even a stone hearten person weep. He proposed to go personally in search of Srirama and bring him back.
The funeral rites were performed by Shatruguna and immediately after completing the necessary formalities , Bharata set out with Sage Vasishta and other rishis, ministers, his mother and step mothers and entire army and came to the banks of Ganges where he meets Guhan. Guhan, the hunter chief initially suspected him to be a traitor was ready to fight with the mighty Ayodhya army and kill Bharata whom he felt was the cause for Srirama’s exile. But when he saw Bharata from close quarters with swollen eyes caused due to crying inconsolably, he realized that he was misguided .
Bharata lamented about his innocence and with tear filled eyes, convinced Guha that he is not interested in the throne and that Lord Rama’s lotus feet is the only refuge for him.
They proceeded to Chitrakoot. Seeing the dust filled in the air and hearing various sounds in that serene place, Lakshmana climbed on top of a tree and saw an army approaching them.
He saw their flag and concluded that Bharata has come in search of Srirama to kill him. He furiously took his weapons to challenge Bharata. Srirama pacified him and ordered him to remain cool.
Leaving the citizens ,army and queens behind, Bharata along with Shatruguna walked bare footed along with Sage Vasista and elderly ministers towards Sri rama’s hermitage. Bharata fell like a stick at Rama’s lotus feet and wept inconsolably.
Srirama pacified him, cajoled him, made him sit on his lap and enquired him about the kingdom and instructed him of how to manage the kingdom and take care of citizens. Bharata was confused as to why these instructions were given to him. He said that he is not eligible to rule the kingdom and it is Srirama’s birth right to rule over the world and protect everyone including him.
Srirama comes to know about Dasaratha’s demise and is shattered. The four brothers lamented over their father’s demise and as per Sage Vasishta’s instructions performed tharpanam to the departed soul on the banks of Mandagini in Chitrakoot. It is customary to give oblations to the departed souls at this place even today.
Bharata placed the crown in front of Srirama and requested the sages and priests to coronate Srirama with the sacred water brought from various punya theerthams amidst chanting of vedic mantras. He pleaded with Srirama to return to Ayodhya but Srirama refused that it was HIS Responsibility to keep up his father’s promise.
Despite repeated persuasions by Bharata to return to Ayodhya, Srirama was firm in keeping up his father’s promise. So, finally Bharata requested him to promise that the Lord would return after fourteen years and rule the kingdom for which Srirama accepts. Meanwhile, Bharata proposed Srirama to give his paadhukas (wooden sandals) to him which would rule Ayodhya during his absence.
He submitted that he would act as HIS representative and take care of the citizens till Srirama’s return. He made Srirama promise that he would return after completion of his exile and even if he delayed by a single day, Bharata would commit suicide.
This incident makes even the rock on which Srirama sat to melt. This can be seen in Chitrakoot.
As his attempts in cornating Srirama became futile, Bharata poured all the punya theerthams brought for the coronation in a nearby well. We can see this well even today at Chitrakoot. The uniqueness about this well is the taste of water is different. During our Sri Rama Anu Yatra done few years back , we are asked to draw water from four sides of the well and much to our amazement, we find that the taste differs.
Bharata returned with Srirama padhukas to Ayodhya and after placing the padhukas on the throne, he represented Lord Rama in ruling.
Bharata opted to stay outside the city in Nandigramam which is about 20 kms from Ayodhya , disrobed the royal costumes and adorned deer cloth like Srirama and knotted his hair like jadai. Shatruguna followed suit.
A beautiful temple is constructed at the place where Bharata had his ashram.
It is known as Bharat Mandir.
There are two temples-old and the new one wherein we can see Bharata in tapasvi attire and Srirama padhukas placed on the altar.
Bharata used to feel ashamed of himself to such an extent that he used to have bath in cold waters of River Sarayu even before dawn so as to avoid abuses from the citizens. This pond is known as Bharat kund in Nandigramam.
At the end of fourteen years after exile, Bharata was eagerly waiting for Srirama’s arrival. As the time was ticking away, he became restless and lit the fire to sacrifice his life while others were perplexed and didn’t know what to do. Such was his devotion to Srirama.
He did only those acts which pleased Srirama and obeyed HIS instructions
He started circumbulating the fire when Hanuman, the prana dhaata, appeared on the sky singing the praises of Srirama. Hanuman approached Bharata with the good news of Srirama’s arrival and saved his life. Bharata overwhelmed with the news hugged Hanuman tightly to his chest.
This can be seen at Bharat Milap Mandir in Nandigramam.
He praised Hanuman for bringing such nectarian news about his brother’s arrival.
As soon as Srirama’s Pushpaka vimanam halted, he entered into the vimanam prostrated at the lotus feet of his brother and handed over the kingdom.
Shatruguna arranged for shaving their jadais and having bath. There is a temple on the banks of Bharat kund at Nandigram where this incident took place. Later the princes returned to Ayodhya and Srirama ruled the kingdom.
When Srirama proposed Lakshmana to be the Yuvaraja and assist him in ruling the kingdom, Lakshmana refused as his free will of serving Srirama all the time prevailed over everything. But when Srirama proposed Bharata to be the Yuvaraja , he accepted it as Rama kainkaryam. He did everything as per his brother’s wish.
In the holy epic Srimad Ramayana we come across many people who had served LORD with supreme love and devotion.
A doubt arises as to who among st all these people was the supreme devotee ?
Few consider it was Lakshmana ,
few say it was Hanuman ,
few Vibhishana ,
and few Guha
while some Sugriva , sabaari , Jataayu so on .
However Swamy Desikar in his magnum opus Paduka Sahasra expresses
Bharataaya param namostu tasmai
pradhamodaaharanaaya bhakthibhaajam
it was Bharata to be praised as the most supreme devotee among the devotees of Lord Ramachandra .The reasons quoted are enlightening .
Though Bharata and Lakshmana were both immensely devoted to Lord Rama and wished to serve him , the one who obeyed was Bharata .
He submitted to Lord Rama by ruling Ayodhya for 14 years patiently bore the sorrow of separation and ruled the kingdom to the joy of the people .
Even though he was the King , he wore matted locks and the bark of a tree , denied himself the prosperity of the Kingdom , slept on the floor and led a harsh life .
He demonstrated how a great a Tapasvi he was .
When lord returned from exile after 14 years he was himself overcome by the harsh penance observed by his dear brother and praised him.
Lord Rama concluded by saying that Bharata observed the vow of separation by virtually standing on the edge of a sword .
The subject decides on the immense love and devotion Bharata had for his brother , he was not mentally inclines to enjoy any of the kingly pleasures and observed the vow of awaiting the return of his brother in a most unwavering manner .
When Bharatha arrived in search of Lord Rama and Lakshmana to this holy place Chitrakoot , he offered his obeisances and requested for them to return and prayed to come along with his retinue .
Lakshmana doubted Bharata’s approach and threatened to kill him . https://video.wordpress.com/embed/B6nk3awX?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
Lord Rama prevented him and said Bharata has no desire or eagerness to rule the kingdom .He neither entertains any deceitful thoughts about me .
If on the other way you have such desire to rule over the kingdom , please tell me .
I shall speak to Bharata and convince him to handover the kingdom to you so that bharata will remain with me
..On hearing these words Lakshmana felt ashamed and bowed down his head in remorse .
Though Bharata was given the kingdom to rule and had access to all sorts of enjoyment, he rejected and abstained from all sorts of comfort and undertook a vow for Srirama’s reunion with him. Such is the character of blemish less Bharata.
Let us prostrate to the lotus feet of Bharata and pray for Sri Rama bhakti.
JAI SRI RAM
Pictures/Videos Thanks to all the great devotees who shared the pics in social media
venkaTAdri samam sthAnam brahmANDe nAsti kincana;
venkateSa samo devo na bhUto na bhaviSyati
This sloka taken from the Puranas claims …………
There is no place in the entire universe that equals Venkatadri, the place where the Lord resides and there is no God, neither in the past nor in the future who equals Lord Venkateswara.
Everything begins and ends or is reduced to sunyam (nothingness) before him, while the infinite world pens to the sincere seeker with an infinitesimal offering.
This is because spiritual wealth through devotion is the basis of life .
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 Lord of the seven hills is the Lord of the universe. The special significance of Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala lies in the fact that it is the oldest religious institutions in the world where unbroken religious worship is being carried on for over 1,500 years by revered Acharyas and millions of pilgrims reach the holy abode more than any other temple in the world. A pilgrimage to the sacred Hills is a soul-stirring experience cherished by every devotee. Even atheists and rationalists admit a sense of humility and the presence of the Lord here .
It was during 1781. the British army was camping at a station called Thakkolam, a place close to Vellore in Tamilnadu. The Nawabs of Arcot, ruled the Carnatic region of South India. They had their capital at Arcot near Vellore region in Tamil Nadu .
The French army were advancing in the areas around Madras with the Muslem kings . The British were responding to the French onslaught during the Carnatic wars .. Defending them , there was several days of battle going on . A British soldier by name Vellian, was lying down almost dead in his bed, for many days, after he was brutally injured by a bullet…
With no more hopes left Vellian was left to his fate by the British army doctor.
There was a temple nearby and the locals ardent devotees of Lord Venkateshwara used to visit the temple regularly .
Villian used to watch them going up the hills with some cloth bags over their head with reverberating chants
Govinda Govinda Govinda …
Invariably his mind got entangled to the holy name Govinda listening the chants frequently … and it became a routine for his mind to chant the holy name all the day when the pilgrims trekked the hills chanting the holy name GOVINDA ...
The craving to see the temple and the deity
G O V I N D A on the temple became more intense .
He prayed silently for curing his pain due to bullet injury ..
It was early morning … A twelve year old mystic Hindu boy came to serve tea in that army camp..
After serving tea to all the major officials in the camp, the boy then went straight to Vellian’s bunker and greeted him saying..
“..Good morning sir..”..
Vellian, who at that moment was still in great pain was in no mood to talk to any one..However, taking the soldier by surprise this was what the 12 year old mystic Hindu tea boy told Vellian..
Vellian said “Good morning” but with a little disinterest in his voice..
Transferring tea into a cup, the boy smiled and said,”Sir, with your kind permission may I tell you something..? ? ..”
“Sir, I know you are in pain for several days.. I also know that you lost all your hopes of any recovery..But sir..Please listen to me and offer your prayers to Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala temple..Tirumala is a Temple very near to this place and Lord Sri Venkateswara is the most merciful God in this world…
Am sure He will save you from death..Trust me sir..”
With a little curiosity in his voice and a little dazzle in his eyes this time, Vellian then slowly turned towards the tea boy and said “..
Thanks my dear, but what do you want me to do for that..’..
With a smile,the boy replied”..Thanks for taking my words sir..
All that you have to do is to just offer your prayers to Lord Sri Venkateswara and request Him to heal you fully.. ”
And now with more hope in his voice,
Vellian asked the boy..”Okay my dear..I would certainly do.
.But how to offer my prayers ….
I have never done that before..You need to help me do that..
And this time Without seeking any permission from Vellian, the mystic boy walked with all the divine command in this world to the bedside of Vellian; held both his hands first; brought them close to each other…
And later bringing them together, by creating a traditional Hindu NAMASTE posture, raised Vellian’s hands and turned them towards the direction wherein the Tirumala temple was located and surprising Vellian further,very loudly chanted
GOVINDA
Amazingly , the boy holding a much surprised Vellian’s hands, closed his eyes for a few moments and silently offered his personal prayers to Lord Sri Venkateswara. .
“.. Vinaa Venkatesam Nanatho Nanathah..
Sadaa Venkatesam Smaraami Smaraami.
Hare Venkatesa Praseeda Praseedah..
Priyam Venkatesa Prayachcha Prayachchah. .”
“.. Aham Doora Tasthe Padaam Bhoja Yugmah.
. Pranamechcha Ya Gachcha Sevaam Karomi..
Sakrut Sevayaa Nitya Sevaa Phalantvam..
Prayachcha Prayachcha Prabho Venkatesaa..”
Furthermore amazed at the command with which the Hindu boy held both his hands and also at the ease with which he had chanted the intricate Sanskrit sloka, Vellian slowly got up in his bed; turned both his hands that were still held in a NAMASTE posture towards the smiling mystic boy and offered him his salutations.
Vellian who had lost all his hopes of any recovery from that near dead situation had quite miraculously regained a complete normalcy in just about a few days time..
This miraculous recovery of Vellian shocked the British Army Doctors who have by then had literally written him off as a medical ‘case of complete hopelessness beyond recovery’..
Much later,as he could not personally visit the Tirumala temple due to his job constraints, Vellian requested his friend,an Indian soldier by name Ramachandra Ganesh, to visit the Tirumala hill Shrine on his behalf and offer the holy Lord Sri Venkateswara what he promised to offer…EPILOGUE
“Vinaa Venkatesam” sloka although is an integral part of Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham, was however written and recited first by Sri Markandeya Maharshi,when He visited the Tirumala hills and offered this sloka to Lord Sri Venkateswara. .
In the later period, the story of Vellian’s miraculous recovery reached the governing authorities of the British Kingdom.
.In 1801, after having known the sanctity of Lord Sri Venkateswara temple, the British took over the administration of the Temple from the hands of the Nawabs of Arcot for lack of discipline and misappropriation of funds in the Temple..
Later in 1821, strictly in accordance with the norms of the Tirumala Temple,the British introduced what is called the Bruce Code..
This code has 42 provisions formulated in it with well defined customs and duties meant both for the Tirumala Temple as well as for the Hindu officials working there..
Quite surprisingly, the British, known for their iconoclastic nature, never interfered with the day to day affairs and rituals of the Tirumala Temple except taking care of it’s administration.
.After that divine incident, renowned British personalities like Sir Thomas Monroe and Colonel Geo Stratten went on to become great devotees of Lord Sri Venkateswara. .
During their tenure of office in India, they have never allowed the British army to camp anywhere close to the Tirumala Hill Shrine and also never allowed any British national enter the Tirumala Hills with footwear..
After that incident in the army camp, Vellian and the whole of British army had made a frantic search for that 12 year old mystic boy but they couldn’t find Him anywhere..
Who was HE..?? ..And where did He come from..??“.
.Sarva Avayava Soundaryaa Sampada Sarva Chetasam
Sada Sammohanayastu Sri Venkatesaya Mangalam..” .
The great saint poet Annamaya of Tirumala in one of his sweet composition sings about the glory of LORD VENKATESHWARA which is truly divine …..
Oh Lord! Your devotees visualize You in many ways…
They want to see You in different forms and ways. However, the deeper one’s heart envisions You, the more shallower is Your grace felt!
Vaishnavites assume and believe You profoundly to be Lord Vishnu;
Vedantis envisage You as the ‘Supreme Lord’ or ‘Parambrahma’;
ShAivites and some others deem You as Lord Shiva;
Kaumalikas pray and revere You as Adi Bhairava;
Shaaktheyas presume You to be the incarnation of Shakthi;
You bless all of them in the form they desire You to be in !!
In this way, Your devotees revere and prostrate before You, giving you the form and shape they wish to see You in.
To those devotees who see You in the tiniest form, You are the tiniest to them;
Likewise, those who revere you with high esteem, You are the greatest and all-in-all for them.
There is no dearth of anything in this world if only YOU are beside me!
Just as a lotus plant creeps all over the span of water (in a pond/lake/river or wherever it is) leaving no space for anything else,
Just as the wells around the great Bhagirathi river never dry up (because the wells are always fed with water from this river beside)
( I pray to You, Oh Lord! Please be beside me! )
If YOU are the Lord incarnated on the Venkatadri mount, YOU are bound to be by my side!
It is You, Oh Lord, who have made me to become Your devotee;
It is You, Oh Lord, who have knocked my doors ~ only to grant me the Protective asylum under Your Lotus Feet;
You are the ONE who enlightened me;
This is the eternal bliss for me!
This is the Para-Tattvam for me!
This is my moksha-marga (and salvation)!
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics credits : Google images
Source : Inspired from a post shared by ardent devotee of Lord Venkateshwara
Few hundred years ago the King of Puri, Purusottama Deva, was to marry the princess who was the daughter of a king, Maharaja Salluva Narasingha, from the southern state .
That was the period the Annual Ratha-Yatra festival was to take place . The King of Puri invited the father of the princess for the great festival . However , the King sent his minister Chinnu bhatta Godaranga instead.
The Minister carefully observed the kingdom to give the inputs to his King . The Rath Yatra date arrived . The King of Puri along with his ministerial staff went to the temple performed pooja and with the permission of the Supreme Lord the tradition of sweeping the road in front of the carts was done by the King .
The visiting minister was shocked to see the King hold the broom , Rather , being impressed with the devotion of the King for Lord Jagannatha, he did not agree of him sweeping the road, even if it was for the Supreme Lord.
He took leave and reported this incident to King Salluva Narasingha. The king too was unhappy and objected to the idea of his daughter marrying the King of Puri as he was merely a street sweeper. He informed through his counsel about his ejection for the alliance .
Purusottama Dev was extremely angry that he, as the servant of Lord Jagannatha, would be insulted for his service to the Supreme Lord . He gathered his army troupes and went to the southern state to teach King a lesson.
Unfortunately, King Purusottama Dev was badly defeated.
Upset , with a downcast mood, he approached “Saikatacharya”, who was a great ascetic, and a householder devotee of Lord Jagannatha.
The Sadhu said , My dear King You had forgotten to ask permission from Lord Jagannatha before you went to Southern state . It was your mistake . You are King but Lord Jagganath is Emperor. Please take his permision before waging a battle
With this realization, the King returned to Puri and rushed to the temple of the Lord, crying over his defeat, asking why the Lord had let this happen. He spent the entire night in the temple, and with doors closed, before the night came to an end, the King heard a voice asking why he was so distraught over such a simple thing.
The divine voice said … my dear Purusottama Please go and gather our troupes again, and we two brothers, Jagannatha and Balarama, would go along to fight on the your behalf.
The King was astonished . He did all that as Lord commanded . As the news spread, many people, both old and young, joined the King’s forces to fight along with their Lordships. However, as they proceeded , the King was filled with some doubts whether their Lordships were really coming along with him.
While the King along with his army went onward, far ahead were two soldiers who rode , one on black horse and one white horse.
They were looking majestic from behind . They stopped to quench their thirst at a small village near Chilika Lake by buying some yogurt from a devotee named “Manika”.
Manika offered them yogurt looking at their beauty . She was awe stuck and just could not move her eyes away from them . The soldiers looked at Manika and smiled . They said they did not have any money to give her . She just kept looking without uttering any word . The dark soldier shook her and said , Manika ..we don’t have money but I have my ring that will be your payment for the sweet yoghurt . Please give this to your King and collect the gift he gives . Both of them smiled and proceeded
The King was fast approaching behind them . Curious he was , he caught up to the lady, who flagged him down to give him the ring and asked for payment for the soldiers’ drink.
The king was shocked to see the ratnamudrika ring of Lord Jagannatha and then regained his confidence that, indeed, their Lordships had certainly come along with him.
Overjoyed , In payment for the ring, the king gave her the whole village, which is still named “Manikapatna”.
The king and his troupes effortlessly won the battle and as planned he also took King Sallowo’s daughter back to Puri.
The King did not marry her after the insult her father had given him.
He instructed his minister to see that she get married to a most qualified sweeper.
Exactly after one year, Ratha-Yatra date was announced . As per traditional guidance , the King again took blessings from Supreme Lord and performed his sweeping of the ground before the Rath .
The king’s minister felt pity for the princess and announced that the king was the most qualified sweeper, since he swept for Lord Jagannatha, and that the princess, Padmavati, should marry him.
Amongst the crowds Maharaja Purusottama Dev married the princess and she later gave birth to “King Prataparudra” the great devotee of Lord Chaitanya Maha Prabhu .
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures& Videos : Courtesy from advanced devotees who uploaded in social media
The term “Azhwar“ refers to those saintly souls who immerse themselves in the exclusive devotion of Lord Sriman Narayana in total and unconditional surrender. The saints, as the supreme devotees of Lord Vishnu propagated Sri Vaishnavism among the masses through their poetical compositions in the vernacular highlighting the beautiful effulgent form, auspicious attributes and divine deeds of the Supreme Lord in His various incarnations based on their personal mystic experiences in 108 Divya desams .
The Divya Prabhandams of the Azhwars are, therefore, held in as great veneration and reverence as the Vedas in Sanskrit.
The Azhwars have together rendered 195 verses in praise of the Lord of the Seven Hills Sri Venkateshwara. The largest number of compositions i.e. 63 have been compiled by the last among the twelve Azhwars named Tirumangai Azhwar
while Tiruppan Azhwar makes a passing reference to Tirumala in two of his eleven verses in praise of the Lord of Tiruvarangam.
The first three Azhwars are collectively known as the Mudal Azhwars. The first among them named Poigai Azhwar is the author of the Mudal Tiruvanthathi or the first hundred psalms and he has sung ten verses in praise of Lord Balaji. He calls Venkatam as MAL UGANDA VUR i.e. the Abode most preferred by the Supreme Lord.
The second Azhwar known as Bhutatazhwar has given us the Irandam Tiruvanthathi or the second hundred verses. He has rendered nine verses on Tirmalaiappan and he refers to Lord Venkatesa as VENKADATHAN VINNOR MUDI THOYUM PADHATHAN meaning thereby that the prostrating Devas or the demi-gods with bowed head worship the Lotus Feet of the Lord of the Seven Hills who is the Parama Purusha of the Vedas in Archa form in Tirumalai.
The third Azhwar called Peyazhwar is the author of Munram Tiruvanthathi or the third hundred verses and he has composed as many as 19 verses in praise of Lord Govinda.
Peyazhwar refers to Venkadathan as VEDATHAN indicating that Lord Venkatesa is the one Supreme Lord without a second and the Ultimate Truth and Reality of the Vedas. The fourth Azhwar by name Tirumalisai Azhwar who is the author of Nanmugan Tiruvanthathi has recorded 12 verses in praise of Tiruvenkadathan more or less on the lines of his three illustrious predecessors
Nammazhwar who is the crest jewel and the most prominent of all the Azhwars in one of his 44 verses in praise of Lord Venkatesa says that the entire life time should be spent in ceaseless loving service of the Supreme Lord in Tirumalai. In his most popular verse beginning with the words AKALAHILLEN the saint abjectly surrenders himself to the Lotus Feet of the Lord declaring that His Consort Shree resides for ever in the bosom of the Lord inseparably united and indistinguishable from Him as fragrance from Lotus flower.
The two are in fact One conceptually but different functionally. The ethical idea of justice and the rule of law and the religious idea of redemption from sins by Grace are reconciled in Saint Nammazhwar`s Prapatti to the Divya Dhampathi.
The inner purport is that Lord Venkateshwara rules strictly by the moral law of Karma whereas Mother Shree in His bosom entices Him by love to pardon the sinning souls. Mother’s love is indispensable for gaining the Lord’s Grace. Knowledge is inspired by devotion and Bhakti is illumined by Jnana and the two together constitute Bhakti utpanna Jnana or knowledge inspired by devotion.
The whole attitude of devotion is consummated in Prapatti or Saranagathi ( surrender ) in the case of Nammazhwar when he says PUGALONDRILLA ADIYEN UN ADIKKEEZH AMARNDU PUKUNDENE.
His Lotus Feet are the sole refuge for all sinful souls.
In the eleven most poignant and moving verses composed by Kulaseharazhvar, the saint fervently prays to the Lord of the Seven Hills that he should always reside with the Tirumal in His Tirumala hills either as an insect or a bird or a fish or a vessel or a flower or a tree or a passing stream or a foot-step or any other object to see the coral lips of the Supreme Lord in ceaseless remembrance.
In fact, the psalms of all the ten Azhwars on the Lord of the Seven Hills are full of piety and love that can move even the most stone hearted people into tears.
These verses describe vividly the natural beauty of Tiruvengadam as also the glory and greatness of the Supreme Lord in lyrically brilliant Tamil verses, which cannot be recaptured in English translation
Name of the Azhwar His work Number of Verses
Periazhwar Tiruppallandu 1
Periazhwar ,, Periazhwar Tirumozhi 7
Poigai Azhwar Mudal Tiruvanthathi 10
Bhutatazhwar Irandam Tiruvanthathi 9
Peyazhwar Mundram Tiruvanthathi 19
Trimalisaiazhwar Nanmugan Tiruvanthathi 12
,, Tirucchandaviruttam 2
Nammazhwar Tiruviruttam 8
,, Peria Tiruvanthathi 1
,, Tiruvaimozhi 35
Andal Nacchiar Tirumozhi 16
Kulasekharazhwar Perumal Tirumozhi 11
Tiruppanazhwar Amalanadipiran 2
Tirumangaiazhwar Peria Tirumozhi 55
,, Tirukkurundandakam 1
,, Tirunedunthandakam 3
,, Siriya Tirumadal 1
,, Peria Tirumadal 2
Total 195 verses
Sri Ramanujacharya has not composed any devotional hymn in praise of the Lord of the Seven Hills. However, at the very start of his monumental Magnum Opus called the Sri Bhasya which is his detailed commentary on the Vedanta Sutras, in the Invocatory verse he begins the work praying to the Lord in Tirumala with the words SRUTI SIRASSI VIDEEPTE BRAHMANI SRINIVASE. In this introductory verse he seeks the blessings of Lord Venkatesa with the words -“ May my mind be filled with devotion towards the Highest Brahman the Abode of Goddess Shree who is luminously revealed in the Upanishads.
Swamy Yamunacharya (also glorified as as Alavandar who was Acharyar to Swamy Ramanuja ) who in his poetical work called the STOTRA RATNA (the Hymn Jewel) asks the question KAHA SRIHI SRIYAHA? His question is who is the Lord of Shree? This question is an obvious reference to the passage in the Purusha Sukhta HRISCHA TE LAKSMISCHA PATNYOU i.e. Hari and Shree are Lord Srinivasa`s consorts
Among the subsequent Sri Vaishnava Acharyas Swamy Vedanta Desika and Pillai Perumal Iyengar have rendered detailed poetical works in praise of Lord Venkateswara.
In his hymnal work called DAYA SATAKAM Swamy Vedanta Desika has composed a hundred and odd verses exclusively in praise of the Daya /Abundant mercy of the Lord of the Seven Hills. The prolific poet begins his work with the words
PRAPDYE TAM GIRIM PRAYAHA SRINIVASANUKAMPAYA
by surrendering himself like Swamy Nammalwar in AGALAHILLEN to Lord Venkateshwara before taking up the task of describing the Lord’s profound mercy. According to scholarly Acharyas, this work of hundred verses can be grouped into ten verses each and each decade refers to an auspicious attribute of Lord Venkateshwara
“Venkatadri Samasthanam Brahmande Nasti Kinchana,
Venkatesha Samo Devo Na Bhuto Na Bhavishyati”
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures/Videos : Courtesy Google images
The month of ( March – April ) in tamil (Panguni ) is sacred as it is the appearance month of – Lord Ranganatha on Panguni Revathi and Goddess Sri Ranganayaki Thayar on Panguni Uthiram both occur during this month.
This is the only day on which the Divya Dampatis of Srirangam are seen together in Utsavam.
The Utsavam takes place at the royal court located at the western entrance of the great Temple of Lord Ranganatha.
Interestingly, this is the only entrance which does not have a Rajagopuram.
Incredibly Swamy Ramanuja chose this blessed day for reciting the wonderful hymns the Gadya Trayam- Saranagathi gadyam, Sriranga gadyam and Vaikunta gadyam, unambiguously outlining the doctrine of Surrender .
(SharaNagati-which is atma Vivaham) wedding of the jivAtma to the paramAtma.
On this day Panguni Uttaram , Swamy Ramanuja gathered all his disciples and approached the great Temple of Lord Ranganatha.
Our Paramacharya was greatly moved by the majestic sight of the Divya Dampatis beautifully decorated in Utsavam at the Royal Court .
As a result of this Anubhavam, Swamy Ramanuja poured out his heart in an extremely soulful, highly intimate, and deeply intense SharaNagati ( TOTAL SURRENDER ) in the Sharanagati Gadyam and the Sri Ranganatha Gadyam.
The most important and the oldest Brahmotsavam called as “Adi Brahmotsavam” is performed during this month for 10 days and culminates on the next day of Panguni Uthiram.
During this brahmotsavam, Lord Ranganatha marries Kamalavalli Nachiyar of Uraiyur divyadesam.
Many devotees make it a point to have darshanam of Lordships on this day specially to have kataksham by Divine Parents .
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Few days before Panguni Uthram(when Asilesha star is in ascendant), Lord Namperumal visits Goddess Kamalavalli Nachiyar at Uraiyur and marries the princess..
And , only on this day, Perumal gives darshan with Kamalavalli Thayar at Uraiyur for one full day.
Incidentally this is the place where our great Thiruppan Azhwar appeared .
On the 9th day of Brahmotsavam, the serthi (divine union) takes place at Srirangam.
On this day alone, Namperumal gives darshan along with Ranganayaki Thayar.
An interesting event cherished as ” Pranaya Kalagam Uthsavam ” takes place on Panguni Uthiram day morning and in the night , Gadyathrayam (threee gadyams) are recited in presence of the Supreme Lordships which is followed by Thirumanjanam (Holy abhishekam) to Namperumal and Ranganayaki Thayar .
Thirumanjanam is performed for 18 times reminding us of Swamy Ramanujar’s visits to Thirugoshtiyur. which are sequel to this sweet visit.
Our Mother Sr Ranganayaki comes to know of LORDs visit to Uraiyur nachiyar and gets upset. ( a vatsalya bhava )
The dramatic events on the Panguni Uthiram day unfold as Sri Ranganachiyar vents her Pranaya Kobam on Lord Namperumal and how Lord pacifies her and how in the end the divya dampathis join together to bless the devotees makes this festival a feast to the soul .
In the morning hours , Lord aware of Goddess mood goes around the four mada streets without any musical instrument being played ( Nadaswaram ) to collect kanikai ( gifts ) from devotees and thus gives darsanam to everyone .
The devotees are given an opportunity to serve Rajadhirajan (Lord of the Universe) with offerings . He stops at every house asking His devotees to support Him when He faces the queen Goddess Sri Ranga Nachiyar.
With the temple elephant (Andal) leading the way followed by the vedic pundits reciting dhivya prabhandha goshti LORD enters the temple and walks towards the sanctorium (sannidhi) of Goddess (Thayar) after literally moving around for three hours around the prakarams.
When Sri Ranga Nachiyar understands that Lord Ranganatha coming towards Her, the temple doors are shut.
For the next couple of hours, Pranaya Kalagam Uthsavam (household quarrel between the Lord and His consort) takes place that is wonderfully enacted by Arayar swamy..
The conversations between Namperumal and Ranganayaki Thayar are communicated through Arayar swami (for Namperumal) and through Pandari swami (for Ranganayaki Thayar) and they never face each other during this kalagam Utsavam .
The Lord pleads innocence and tries to appease the goddess in many ways but all his submission is out rightly rejected .
Few questions asked by Goddess make this utsavam very interesting …
Goddess questions Lord about his scratch marks on His Thirukkazuthu (neck) and reason for His Thirukkangal (eyes) becoming so red.
She also asks why His Thiruman kappu ( Tilak ) and His Thirukkuzal (hair) are all messed up.
She also goes on to ask Him why His Thiruvadharam (lips) are white and ……
why He has kungumappoo (Saffron powder) all over his Thirumeni (body),
His ThiruvadigaL (lotus feet) are red.
Hence, She was very unhappy because of HIS indifference to her .
The Lord out of divine love responds back to each question.
My dear …. Listen …
Being the protector of the universe (Jagadhrakshakan), riding the horse in the night and fighting against all evil forces to protect my devotees I had to be awake and thus the eyes have become red.
These Hair locks are messed up because of the fierce winds which faced me while I was galloping on the horse.
And listen dear ….
This Thiruman kappu had dissolved because of the harsh sun rays during my horse ride
And my lips are white because i was fighting against the asuras (demons) with single pointed concentration
My neck was scratched by those thorns while I was riding through thick forests to fight the same Asuras.
Lord further continues .. my .dear Listen , these legs were red because I had to ride the horse with the feet tightly hooked in the stirrup and finally this kungumappoo is all over my body because the Devathas were happy and praised us after the victorious campaign by showering me with flowers.
Thus, Lord submits to Goddess that He was late because of all the battles he had to wage with the Asuras and due to this calamity he had lost the ring in the river Kollidam while returning.
And had to get a new ring and some flowers before he meets Her.
This caused Him to be late.
Goddess is still not convinced and refuses all His gifts and flowers and commands him to never come inside and return back to Uraiyur where HE had been a couple of days ago.
Lord Namperumal with a very innocent look replies saying that He doesn’t know the place called Uraiyur and has never been there. Ranganayaki Thayaar asks the Lord to prove His statements.
To prove his innocence Lord offers to put His hands in a vessel full of snakes ,
cross any ocean of Goddess choice ,
and offered to promise on His devotees that He has never seen Uraiyur.
Sri Ranga Nachiyar rebukes HIS explanations. She replies /.
He, the one who sleeps on a bed of Adhi Sesha ( Serpent bed ) would never be harmed by any snakes. He, the one who lies in the great milk ocean (ThiruppArkadal) and for whom the river Yamuna parted to let Him through as baby Krishna will have no problem crossing any ocean.
Also, HE, whose lotus feet are sought after by all His devotees would never be betrayed by them. Unmindful , she exhibits her annoyance of Pranayakalpa by throwing milk, curd, butter and flowers on Him .
Lord Ranganatha now pleads innocently then says that He has come to meet Her after going through such difficulties and She is not letting Him in. He says He feels very depressed and embarrassed as She shut the door in His face. The Lord says – “andha avamanam umakku andri yamakku illai” meaning “this embarrassment is not for me but for you.”
Seeing the Lord is feeling very sad, our great Nammazwaar, acts as the mediator and approaches mother Sri Ranganayaki and says that if the supreme Lord and Goddess are upset against each other, then that would be the end of all known universe (Pralayam).
He requests Mother and prays that the Lord is for all and She has to understand that He is sought after by all and so She should be able to let Her Azhagiya MaNavalan go to His devotees too as well for granting their prayers and uplift them finally So, He humbly requests that Sriranganachiyar forgive the Lord and allow Him to enter Her premises.
Goddess Ranganayaki understands Nammazwars reasoning and commands Her assistants to let Her Lord enter inside. Lord Ranganatha and Ranganayaki come together and exchange garlands, Kasturi Thilakam, turmeric and necklaces making a benchmark of a divine couple .
As soon as the door is opened, Lord Azhagiya Manavalan is delighted and rushes in to be with His consort. A beautiful scene transpires here.
The Lord does not go immediately to our Sri Ranganayaki sannidhi . But rather goes to the mudhal mandapam and stands there, as if to ascertain whether our Thayar has really accepted and forgiven him.
Lord sends his vastram across to Thayar, which is accepted by the Thayar. After this the Lord then directly heads towards and Thayar Sannidhi and then he seats directly across Sri Ranganayaki Thayar.
Now our Aranganathan looks at our Lokamatha Thayar’s eyes directly as if to ask “why did you make me go through this struggle” and Thayar in turn asks him “Why did you go away without telling me”.
At this point of time other than the Sri Ranganayaki’s Archakas and our Sriranganathan’s Archakas, no one is allowed to be present.
Thus sweet conversation takes place between our Lord Aranganthan and Ranganyaki Thayar as it would take place between any husband and wife.
After they have talked for a long time, our Azagiya manavalan asks Thayars permission to go and complete the Panguni uthram thirunal as several devotees are waiting.
Thayar replies that how can she let him without having performed any upacharam. She then gets delicious and sumptuous “Akkara adasil” ( Sweet pudding ) prepared for him, with copious amount of milk, rice, dhal ( lentils ) , jaggery and lots pure ghee.
Both our Lordships now grace together and have the delicious “Akara adisil” ! The happiness of the Lord and Thayar can be seen in the eyes of lord who cannot take his eyes away from the Thayar! After this beautiful sight, the lord then decides to head towards the beautifully renovated Panguni Uthram mandapam. As soon as our Azagiya manavalan reaches the mandapam in the afternoon, our Thayar immediately, but silently and surreptitiously enters the mandapam as if she doesnt want anybody to talk about or ask her about what had happened .
After this the Lord and Ranganayaki Thayar give darsanam to several devotees who have thronged to see them. It has to be mentioned that here only the Thayar is adorned with a garland and not then Lord himself!
Also, Namperumal doesn’t face the audience but looks uninterruptedly at Thayar.
The recitation of the Gadhya Thrayam begins at about 11 P.M. . Those heavenly chants fill the air with beatitude and immense happiness.
At this time the whole srirangam is very festive and people make sweets and savories as if there is a marriage in their own house.After all, it is a happy and beautiful unification between the Royal couple! The Gadhya Thrayam starts with the chant of “Vaikunta Gadhyam” and then proceeds with the “Sri RangaGadhyam” and at last ends with the beautiful chant of the “Sarangadhi gadhyam”!
Lord Namperumal (Sri Ranganathar) and Peria pirattlar (Sriranga nachiar) are seated together. Lord (naMperumAL) is standing majestically as usual and more beautiful and graceful today due to the compassionate looking pirAtti and is enjoying the beauty of Her Lord without taking Her eyes off Him even for a second This was the right opportunity for LokaAcharyar Swami Ramanuja to ask for favors from our DIVINE PARENTS.
He submits to the LOTUS FEET through his divine outpourings Gadyatrayam. Swamy Ramanuja worshipping them, submits his deep fear of samsara (association with the body in a cycle of births) and begs the Lord to save him. Swamy Ramanuja surrendered his all to the Lord and begged Him to be his sole savior. In the Three Gadyaas, Swamy Ramanuja’s prayed swamies innermost feelings of deep devotion to the Lord break all restrictions and flow freely towards the Lord and His consort.
https://wn.com/vaikunta_gadyam
These are prima facie a spontaneous outburst of devotional experience and not coldly labored compositions. The inner voice of the devotee addresses Sri and the Lord and they do reply clearly through the same inner voice.
In the Saranagati gadya, Swamy Ramanuja first addresses Sri as the mother of the Universe, as his own mother, and as the loving consort of his Lord, and seeks her intercession on his behalf. This is itself a saranagati addressed to the mother.
Happy at being addressed this, Sri replies ‘So be it’; “let your prapathi bear the proper fruit of being accepted as a devoted servant” The commentators have it that this assurance is not only for the Acharya but for all his spiritual progeny. The boon that Lord granted to Swamy Ramanuja applies to his spiritual heirs. It is worth noting that once he gets the assurance from Sri of her sure mediation, he addresses himself directly to the Lord seeking Him as the sole savior.
The LokAcharya then addresses the Lord speaking of His incomparable glory, “His immense wealth, His power, His retinue, His divine weapons, His beautiful ornaments, His loving consorts, of His infinite compassion and other admirable qualities words which are a rhapsody of devout fervor which can come only from the very depth of a realized soul. Swamy Ramanuja holds out prapathi as the highest message he had for his followers.
The Sriranga gadyam is a shorter piece and is essentially the same as the Saranagati gadyam.
It is addressed directly to Sriranganatha.
” Sriranganatha!
mama natha!
namostu te”
are the words of the acharya.
To the seeker of salvation who has taken to the path of Prapathi, it is essential that he should spend his time in devoted service of the lord; in serving his devotees; by meditating on Him and singing His praise; by repeatedly uttering the Dvaya mantra (this is an enjoyable and sweet pastime).
The acharya gives expression to all these, briefly, in confidence to the lord at Srirangam. His intention is that this short text may be repeated easily in the presence of the Lord by devotees intent on the fruit prayed for.
Immensely pleased , Lord assures Swamy Ramanuja that He and all his disciples will be surely uplifted for attaining the paramaporul Moksha for sure .
Later, Thirumanjanam to Namperumal and Thayar are performed for 18 times. This signifies Sri Ramanujar’s visit to Thirugoshtiyur to learn the dwayam mantra artham. All the upacharams are performed for 18 times.
Later, saatrumarai goshti is done at Udayavar (Ramanujar’s )sannidhi in the early hours. At about 7 A.M. the next day, Perumal reluctantly leaves thayar and goes back on Goratham.
After all this, the Lord then requests Thayar’s permission to go and complete the remaining procession.
At this request, our Ranganayaki thayar’s face drops and looks downcast, which indicates her reluctance to part with the Lord at this point of time.
But , thayar then mentions that First she will leave and return back to her Moolasthanam after which the Lord can start.
This shows the patience, forbearance and the humility of our beloved Thayar.
The Lord then starts to leave towards the “Goratham (Chariot), before which he peeps into Sri Ranganyaki Thayrs sannidhi, as if to take a glimpse of his beloved wife and say “Bye” before proceeding . After this the Lord starts for the procession.
Anywhere in the world a woman has to undergo lot of troubles and hardships and still put up a smile to make everyone in her family happy.
On Panguni Uthiram day, only Thayar sannidhi is kept open and it is not possible to have Sri Ranganathar(moolavar) darsanam on that day.
All adiyars know that the Lord and Thayar are above all such domestic quarrels taking place in our lives all the time.
We also know that He is the fountainhead of all things in the universe and there is nothing like He should be going after several women etc. when He himself is paramporul ( The ultimate ) .
Secondly the big question will Thayar ever quarrel with the Lord? So what is the significance ??
Elders clarify that the significance of all this drama is that Namperumal and Thayar are doing a play act to demonstrate to ordinary mortals like us how to run the household with harmony in the face of upsets. They also show the deep love , mercy and compassion true ladies have and why we have to give the ladies great respect and exalted position in our society.
Azhwar describes Srirangam as the abode of the supreme Lord who had sixteen thousand devi’s (as he married all of them in His Krishnavataram by their deep devotion and request ).
When he has already taken sixteen thousand consorts which Sri Rukmini Devi whole heartedly accepted, where is the question of getting upset about one Kamalavalli nachiyar of Uraiyur .
Our Perumal is Paramatma and the jivatmas represented by Thayar are all wedded to Paramatma with Thayar doing the purushakaaram(bridge between Perumal and the fallen souls)
Andal nachiyar explains:-
“Peyyu ma mukil pol vanna, un pechum seikaium engalai
Maiyal erri mayakka un mukam maya mandiram than kolo”
Hey, dark skinned Lord, your words, acts and your innocent looking face are all designed to cast a spell over us. The Lord will always cast his spell over His devotees to protect them. And Maya Jagan Mohini Thayar always assists Him in his spell!
When the Lord knows that Nachityar is upset with him, He is planning to pacify her indicating thereby that all of us should try earnestly to take care of the ladies’ concerns.
In this entire drama, what stands out is the “Paraspara Anyonyam” of the Divya Dampathis.
When Thayar is angry Lord understands and adopts a seemingly submissive posture. And Thayar relents when overlooking the fact that it is the only day in a year she is with Him and He has been to another nachiyar.
She sets an example of kindness and forgiveness for all the womenfolk.
When Thayar allows Lord to enter Her Sannadhi, He at first stops at first mantapam and sends His Vastram to her. He does not rush in all the way. Thayar also understands His intention and accepts the vastram.
She knows He will be hungry and gets a sumptuous Akkara Adisil ( sweet pudding) prepared for Him. In these days of hurried life when both the partners sometime go to work, can you imagine such understandings .
Later…….
She silently follows Him so that the devotees do not smell any difference between them! It is truly amazing that Divya Dhampathis had set examples which are relevant even today………
Let Lord Ranganatha protect us
Let Shri Ranganachiyar bless us always …
Sri Ranga MangaLa nidhim karuna nivAsam
Sri Venkatadhri SikharAlaya KaaLamegham
Sri Hastigiri Siksrojvala Paarijatham
Sreesam namAmi Sirasa yadhusaila dheepam
Seeking the Lotus feet of Narayana
Kaveri Viraja Seyam Vaikuntam Rangamandiram,
Sri Vasudevo Rangesaha, Prathyaksham paramam patham
Vimanam Pranavakaram, Vedasrungam mahadbhutham
SriRangasayi bhagavan pranavaartha prakasakaha!
May the Lord and Thayar bless all devotees with such anyonyam. Let the eyes which had darshan of the Supreme Lord who ate plenty of butter and who has conquered my heart view nothing else.
All glories to devotees who are having darshan on the auspicious day 30.03.2018 in several divya desams
Adiyen must have committed apacharas in expressing this wonderful utsavam which is due to adiyens mandha budhee and seeks forgivance to all the bhagavathas who are reading this ..
Arangan Vazhga, Arangamaanagar Vazhga
Vachaka Dhosham Kashamikkavaum………….
Pics : Courtesy Google images /and all the great devotees who shared in social media
Adapted from Sriman Narasimha bhattar article ..
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
More sweet than all other sweet things; more auspicious than all other auspicious things;
the greatest purifier of all purifying things—————-
———————-The holy name of Sri Hari alone is everything…………..
There was a temple of Lord Krishna in a village . The temple was always flooded with several devotees. The mood in the temple used to be festive always . Continuous Hari naama sankirtan made the place vibrating with devotion .The devotional Hari nama tunes took one into a serene mood asking for more . It was a continuous flow of elixir .
The continuous chants made the mind swoon into devotional fervor and nothing else was remembered .There was no hunger or thirst .
No desire except for just being there and feeding the soul through these ears the elixir that was abundantly poured . It was sheer bliss .
A young man lived near the temple who had no belief in God . He considered devotion to be waste of time and felt that they were mere superstitions and the ones going to temples were in false illusions . He used to object them during their extended stays and condemn the non stop hari naam sankirtan program in the temple .
One day , one elderly person among the devotees in a composed mood advised the youth to realize the importance of ” Namasankeertanam” and explained the enormous power of chanting the Holy names .
The youth a rationalist asked ! OK old man does chanting your gods name fetch me food ? Does the Holy Name take care of my well being ?? He was rude with his questions …
Yes !!! said the old man confidently !!!The youth being an atheist demanded proofs but finally ended up in a challenge.
The old man said ,
Look Young man ..
You chant the Holy name for at least 12 hrs and see for yourself the change . Be assured …. You would be getting food served . And in case this does not happen I am prepared to stop this practice of devotional service in the temple. It was a bold statement among several devotees assembled there ….
Looking at the confidence of the elderly person the youth confided with the agreement and said ..Ok … ..
Just 12 hours I will chant sunrise to sunset ….
and thus he started chanting Lord Krishna’s Nama as advised .He was not very keen to see the old man winning the bet .He knew He will anyway win the bet and make them understand it was a waste of time .
Time was ticking ….
He thought if he had stayed along with them or at home or at his friends place or within the limits of the village he would have been coaxed and fed saying please have prasad etc .
He decided to go to such a place where he would not be noticed by anyone thus ensuring no habitat can see him and provide him with any food .
He went into a forest and thus settled himself on one of the branches of a huge tree confident of not being noticed by any one . He was no doubt chanting mentally the Holy name but without faith . The time swiftly passed .He had almost engaged the mind in the Holy name synchronized to the temple tunes. Used to always hear the devotional tunes residing near the temple and thinking of the bet continously his mind was fixed and started relishing it unknowingly .
The sun was about to set . He was not at all feeling hungry .Suddenly he happened to see few men with weapons under the tree . They were looking ferocious.They were carrying some booty along with them .
One thief happened to look above and found a man relaxing He cautioned his friends . They dragged him down from the treetop much to his resistance ..
The thieves who had dragged the youth from the treetop roughed him up and asked him … So you are so smart and think we will foolishly fulfill your plan ?
The young man was shocked . He took courage and asked .Who ..? Me … Plan ? What plan ??? The thieves dragged him to the nearby tree and said .. What made you leave that delicious food there ?
The young man was blank when he was questioned .He stammered … What Food ….Which food / where …. I am unaware ..I just came here to avoid the villagers ..please …please believe me. He revealed his purpose of entering the outskirts and the bet with the old man . The thieves refused to accept the young mans version.
One Elderly Thief intervened and said ..
Friends !!
This food which looks to be too delicious seems to contain poison and this young man wants to see we are dead so that he can run away with our looted jewellery .
I suspect his moves .
Let us teach him a lesson ..
Come on !!! Please get me that food kept over there …. Saying this two of the thieves held the youth’s hands, one of them opened his mouth and the other one dumped the food inside his mouth by force . The youth was helpless and was forced to eat the food.His repeated pleas were ignored and they laughed seeing his reluctance in having the food ….
After the thieves had left the place, the youth started memorizing the whole incident that had taken place in his life for the past 12 hrs . He started remembering the words of that elderly person.
It was at this point of time the youth realized that while he was doing Namasankeerthanam even thirst, hunger and other things did not affect or disturb him .
The youth had neither any sincerity, dedication, devotion nor any desire to do Namasankeerthanam. Inspite of this Namasankeerthanam proved its result.
Even on doing Namasankeerthanam in the outskirts of a village comfortably seated on the top of the tree without any fear, tension, and disturbance had provided him with food without any personal efforts…
This entire event made the youth realize the power and greatness of Namasankeerthanam and the truth in the words of that elderly person. This developed within him a strong belief that Lord provides a helping hand to all those who seek HIM.
He understood that although he had lost his bet to the elderly person who arrived in the form of Sathguru,he had made him victorious in his spiritual life. He rushed to meet the elderly person and with tears revealed what all had happened in the 12 hours time .
The old man pleased with the youth , addressed the gathering ,
my dear children,
It is said in Srimath Bhaagavatham 12-3-52
“KruthE yadh vishnum ththrEthaayaam yajathO makai:
dhvaaparE paricharyaayaam kalau thath harikeethanaath”
The result that one yields in kritha yugam by doing dhyanam (meditation),
the result that one yields in thretha yugam by doing yagnam,
the result that one yields in Dwapara yugam by doing archanai (pooja) ,
the same result is derived in this kaliyugam just by chanting Lord’s Holy Name.
Everyone here is leading a very busy life.
One does not find time to progress in spiritual life .
The only way out is chanting the Holy name wherever you are will take you near HIM …
He continued to quote Azhwars pasurams from Divya Prabhandam ,thus making them aware the glory of Holy name
‘Aadi aadi agam karaindu isai paadi paadi kanneer malgi’…………………..
‘Naadum nagaramum nangu ariya namo narayana yenru paadu’………………..
‘Harer namaiva namaiva namaiva mama jeevanam … na gatir anyata’……………..
madhuraḿ madhurebhyo ‘pi |
mańgalebhyo ‘pi mańgalam |
pāvanaḿ pāvanebhyo ‘pi |
harer nāmaiva kevalam ||
More sweet than all other sweet things; more auspicious than all other auspicious things; the greatest purifier of all purifying things—
The holy name of Sri Hari alone is everything…….
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Adapted from a discourse from a advanced devotee
Pics credits : Google images and pictures shared by advanced devotees..
The most revered disciple Swami Rama Misra (Manakkal Nambi) appeared at maNakkAl (a village on the banks of river cauvery, near srirangam).
He lived with his Acharyan UyyakkondAr and served him for 12 years at the holy place Thiruvellarai. . UyyakkondAr pleased with Swami Rama Mishrar appoints him as his successor while leaving to paramapadham ( srivaikuntam) .
He advises his disciple Rama mishrar ( Nambi) to train Ishvara muni’s son Swamy Yamunacharya such that he takes over the duty of spreading the sri vaishnava dharisanam.
Meanwhile at Srirangam , Swamy Yamunar joins the school of Sri Mahabhashya Bhatta who is well versed in all the vaishnava sampradayas . During this period all the Vidwans (scholars) in the Chola Kingdom had to pay annual tribute (prescribed fee) to Aakkialwan, the royal purohit who was close to the King .
As it is the case ,one day on receiving the notice for payment , Mahabhashya Bhatta became very sad, as he was penny less.
Observing his Acharyars sad face, and coming to know the difficult situation, Swamy Yamunacharya took it upon Himself to put an end to the audacity and the atrocity of Royal purohit Aakkialwan . In presence of the gaurds ,Yamauna tears the notice to pieces and sends the messenger back.
On hearing the happenings there , Aakkialwan send backs the messenger to check whether Yamuna was a poet or a scholar well versed in Shastras. The guards come to know about Yamuna’s proficiency from the neighbors and informs the Purohit about his strong hating to the opponents .
Aakkialwan , astonished at the scholarship of Yamuna informs the Chola King.
The King orders this young Scholar to come to his court immediately.
Yamuna bluntly refuses……..
The King realizing that he wasn¡¯t dealing with an ordinary person, sends a palanquin along with bearers to bring Swamy Yamuna.
As Yamuna reaches the courts, he passes a sloka to show his scholarship which stuns the gathering ..
The sloka meaning goes like this ….
¨ Though you strive hard to find an equal to me , mastered both the Meemamsas starting from the slope of the Himalaya mountain (in the north) which is lucky enough to possess the tender foot prints of the mountain girl Parvathi up to the bridge (in the south) which caused the blooming of the Lotus like face of Sita, abducted by the demon Ravana and also beginning from the rising mountain (in the east) of both the luminaries Sun and Moon and ending with the setting mountain (in the west).
The Purohit face turned red and he shouted aloud that he would debate with this young imposter.
Looking at Yamuna, the king orders him ..
Young man …
You please start the debate with our court pundit, Aakkialwan to prove your scholarship
Yamuna replied, ¡
Well, your Majesty it is hard for you to decide who is 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, the King occupying the royal throne along with his queen at the debating hall looks at the young man .
The queen, being very much impressed by the handsome appearance of the young man, drew the attention of the King towards him and exclaimed that he would never sustain defeat in the wordy quarrel.
If at all Yamuna 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 Yamuna.
The debate started much to the eagerness of the Royal couple . Aakkialwan said to 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, Swamy Yamuna uttered three sentences to Aakkialwan expecting him to counter the statements ..
1) Your mother is a barren woman.
2) The King is righteous one
3) The Queen is a very chaste woman.
Fearing severe punishment at the hands of the king by the denial of the three statements, Aakkialwan simply blinked and winged his hands.
Yamuna came out with his denial of these three statements and explained from sastras .
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 some divine personalities like Indra etc. after her marriage. Hence, the husband is not allowed to share her bed immediately after the marriage. 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 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 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!).
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 Aalavandar. Enjoying all the royal pleasures in the company of his wife, the young prince ruled over the kingdom happily and peacefully.
Manakkal Nambi got this news that the future Acharyar of Srivaishnavism has become the King .
Watching silently the eminence which Alavandar had reached so rapidly and Aakkialwan ’s ignominious defeat and Alavandar becoming a king, his joy knew no bounds He wanted to fulfill his promise to his revered Guru Uyyakkondar in bringing him back to the Sampradaya .
He thought of his Acharyar’s instructions in making Alavandar the future Apostle of the Faith. So, he went to the palace, but the guards obstructed his entrance.
He found his way however into the kitchen where contracting friendship with the cooks, had ascertained from them the potherbs that pleased Alavandar most.
He took that herb Thoodhuvalai, a kind of spinach, daily to the kitchen for a period of six months and yet no notice was taken of it.
Wearied, he stopped away for a few days. Alavandar finding his favourite dish missing from his dinner so suddenly enquired of the cooks the reason.
They informed him of an old Brahmana having, for six months uninterruptedly, brought the green herb and having stopped the supply for a few days.
“If he should return again,” commanded the king, after chiding them, “inform me at once.” Rama Misra thought he would try again, and so put in his appearance with the favourite vegetable, after some interval.
The king was immediately informed; and he ordered the venerable man being conducted into his presence.
When he duly arrived, the king rose, and making obeisance, seated him with every mark of respect; and asked how he may reward him for his services, -by money or by lands.
Our Misra said: “Good king, these riches I do not need from thee; for I have precious riches, amassed by your ancestors, to give thee; and I shall show thee where they lie treasured up. Till I put thee in possession of these, let me be admitted to thy presence without hindrance by the guards at thy gates.”
Alavandar was taken out of himself by this unexpected revelation, and placed his men under instructions to admit the worthy visitant freely without caring for ceremony.
Swamy Rama Misra now began to teach Alavandar the Bhagavad Gita, the essence of all the Upanishads.
As Alavandar listened attentively through the eighteen books of this Sublime Poem, his spiritual sense was awakened, and a craving caused in his heart to realize God, as is spoken therein.
“How shall I realize Him?” asked he of his Acharya.
“That is taught in the Great Charama Sloka”, promptly responded the teacher and taught its significant Mysteries.
The more Alavandar meditated on these, the more they entered deep into his heart.
The saving grace taught therein made him more and more inclined to surrender himself to God, and more and more to cultivate the sense of resignation to His will.
His soul bent more and more to Him with the nourishment the teachings gave, just as the ripening grain-stalks bend as they receive more milk.
As days passed, his love for the Merciful grew warmer and warmer; and as this love increased, his attachment to other things; became weaker and weaker.
The Teacher watched the spiritual progress of his disciple, and thought the time was ripe for leading him to where his promised patrimonial wealth lay hidden.
He led him therefore to the Holy Shrine of Srirangam, where, pointing to God reposing therein in the serene glory of His presence, to all worshippers accessible, he said: “Who will not worship Rangam, the most Holy, – if he be wise?
For doth not wisdom blossom here and keep Yama (death) out of sight?”
This is your trove, your heritage, and my trust, which I here discharge on this auspicious day.
”Alavandar, with the spiritual vision which was endowed to him by God’s Grace, saw in the Holy Image of Ranga the Treasure of the Universe enshrined; and exclaimed, with a feelings of remorse in his heart for past days, which had been spent without this Blessed Vision, and feelings of bliss overflowing in streams of loving tears, at the fascinating sight he enjoyed
“O Blissful God”, he exclaimed,
“Many days have I lost in the vain pursuits of the world. I mourn for this. Now I have seen Thee reclining on Thy Sesha.
I serve Thee for evermore.
I find myself reclaimed from the death of worldly enjoyments, and initiated into the life of Thy service.”
Lord! lands and friends and riches,
Sons and wives, cattle and houses,-
To him who has thy service tasted,
Hateful objects become they.
After this, a determination came to him to renounce the world, and don the robes of the Sanyasin, in as much as the love of the world and of God were incompatible with each other.
Hence forward he devoted himself to divine contemplation and service.
Swami Manakkal Nambee was binding force for srivaishnavam to progress.
All glories to Swami Manakkal Nambee
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Google images
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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. 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 was just 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 Srirangam 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. 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 Swamy 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.
So Villidasan was excited .He came running to see Acharya 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 mission within that time.
He asked Villidasan in a sarcastic tone,“Aren’t you shy , Villidasan ! to be seeing your wife’s eyes, when Lord’s festival is on?” Villidasans ’s reply was a correct blend of humility and the force of truth.
Acharya … But ……“Is there anything more beautiful than my wife’s eyes?” Swamy 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 his words came with confidence.
Then …… “Then I will fall in love with those eyes.
Ponnachi and I will be your slaves for the rest of our lives.”
“Deal. Come with me.”
Swamy Ramanujar took Villidasan to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
The Lord of Love, Sri Ranganathar, Thiruvarangan, was sleeping in his comfortable snake-bed .
Then the great Acharya took hold of Villidasan’s hands. The Acharya’s touch sent waves of electric shock in his body. Swamy Ramanujar closed his eyes and prayed to the Lord.
“Oh, Lord, here’s is an example of perfect love. And the whole 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!
Lord 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 awayall his possessions, erects a small hut near Swamy Ramanuja’s Ashram and starts living there along with Ponnachi serving Swamy Ramanuja the entire life ….
.Let us seek our Acharyar to bestow devotion to Lord always ..
Another divine pastime is appended in the below link ..
Sri.Pillai Uranga Villidasar thiruvadigale sharanam.
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures : Courtesy Google Images shared by several devotees
Thanks to Shri V. Rengasamy for the inspiration given from the book Oh My God ..
The revered Azhwars and Acharyars take up upon themselves the burden of saving men who LORD gives up hopelessly for the reluctance in seeking HIM .
Do Acharyars really possess these virtue ?
An example is quoted from scriptures
By a Rishi’s curse a saint was consigned to the nether region , the hellish planets . The saint he was continued to follow his devotional practices with all sincerity .
The demons noting that the person could be a faction from devas , harassed him with their weapons . But as he was a devotee of LORD Sriman Narayana he proved invulnerable to them .
The worried demons approached their guru Shukra for a suggestion to wound the arrived devotee .
Shukra suggested ,
My dears !!
Begin by abstracting his love for Sri Hari and rest is assured for him to be in your grip …
The demons put on the disguise of devotees and making friendship with the saint practically explained that Sri Hari had neglected him so far even down to his confinement in the nether regions and hellish planets , and thus could certainly not be worthy of worship .
They spoke ill about Sri Hari relating to his deep misfortune .
All the efforts to rob his love to Sri Hari proved futile , but parallel y the saint exhibited a great compassion in his heart for the demons at sight of the profundity of their sinfulness.
The saint supplicated LORD to exhibit his abundant mercy on these sinful men for their offenses . The saints prayers had instant effect .
The demons turned into friends and were anon taken to Lord’s abode of bliss .
Thus the power of salvation vested in LORD manifests itself with redoubled vigor in the members of HIS holy abode …
Kulasekshara Azhwar wonders at the propensity of people to live lives steeped in sin, when there is any number of the Lord’s names, which one could chant and think about, capable of instantly cleansing of them of all sins.
Why could one not say
“Ananta”,
“Vaikunta”,
“Mukunda”,
“Krishna”,
”Govinda”,
“Damodara”,
“Madhava” and several holy names ……
which are incredibly sweet on the tongue and also act as purifiers, wonders Azhwar in the verses of ” Mukunda mala”
“ananta Vaikuntta Mukunda Krishna GOvinda DAmOdara MAdhava iti
vaktum samartthOpi na vakti kaschit ahO! JanAnAm vyasana abhimukhyam!”
We have seen how terrifying hell and the demons were in the episode ..
Azhwars speak of an occasion when the entire hell was transformed into a heavenly abode.
How could this be possible ?
Azhwar elaborates in the following “TirumAlai ” pAsuram—
“namanum Murkalanum pEsa, narakil nindrArgaL kEtpa
narakamE Svargam Agum nAmangaL udaya nambi
In a glowing tribute to the glory of the Lord’s holy names, Sri Tondarappodi Azhwar recounts the episode of a conversation between Mudgala and Yamadharma raja. Mudgala was a wicked person, guilty of several sins.
On one occasion, unknowingly , he gifted a cow to a brahmin , accompanying it with the words,
“Let this be for Krishna” (“KrishNAya nama:”) as he heard this verse many times from others .
When he left his mortal coils , and reached YamalOka, Yamadharmaraja received him with all respects and honour .
Mudgala was surprised and sought the reason for the unusual reception given to him .
Yamadharmaraja replied , the single word “Krishna” uttered by you during the “GodAnam” , had got rid him of all the evil.
The beneficial effects of the single utterance of the Krishna nAma did not stop with Mudgala.
Those residing in the hell who listened to the conversation between Yama and Mudgala, and heard Krishna nAmA, were instantly absolved of their sins. What is more, the entire hell was immediately transformed into heaven, lock, stock and barrel.
Such indeed is the efficacy of the holy name of the Lord, which is capable of benefiting even those who utter or listen to it, by sheer accident, without any instinct of devotion or adulation.
For those who are unable even to utter the short and sweet names of the Lord, Azhwar has another prescription for saving them from the fires of hell.
A mere mention of the hallowed abodes of Emperuman would, by itself, ensure that none goes to Hell , indeed, if everyone were to just say the name of a divyadesam once, it would render the hellish worlds uninhabited and desolate, says Azhwar in the following pasuram—
“arivilA manisar ellAm arangam endru azhaippar Agil
poriyil vAzh narakam ellAm pullezhundu ozhiyum andrE”
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Credits Google images
Video Credits : manumithra and singer sri Udayalur kalyanaraman
Swami Thiru-kachchi Nambi occupies a very unique position, both as an Acharyar, and as an advanced devotee in srivaishnava guru parampara .
Swamy Nambi is one of the very few devotees with whom the Lord Himself conversed regularly.
Swami Thirukkachchi nambi appeared in a place called poo irunda valli (currently called poonamallee, near Chennai ) which falls on 7th March 2025 Maasi Mrigasira Nakshatra this year .
Swamy moved to kAnchIpuram, and started performing devotional service to LORD Varadaraja at Kancheepuram temple
His unique service was to fan the Lord of Kanchi, Swami Varadaraja, everyday in the late morning-early afternoon, and in the night before Lord takes rest .
While doing the fanning service (called thiru-Ala-vatta Kainkaryam in tamil), Lord Varadaraja used to converse with Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi about the happenings around the world.
The topics used to be anything from how the temple was being run, to the happenings in the city of Kanchipuram and esoteric topics about philosophy.
The Lord considered swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi as His closest friend, and talked to him just like any friend would.
All this was due to the great qualities of swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi – his supreme devotion to Lord Varadaraja, his being devoid of any ego, and his being a true servant of the Lord, wanting no other thing but service to the Lord.
One incident in his life is used to show how much Lord cared for him.
One morning, after the morning holy rituals were completed in the temple, everyone left as usual. Lord Varadaraja and Swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi were discussing , with Swami thiru-k-kachhci nambi performing the usual Kainkaryam of fanning the Lord. They were immersed on some interesting topic, and time passed without both of them noticing. Suddenly , It began to rain very heavily.
The time for thiru-k- kachchi nambi to go home for his afternoon prasadam arrived, and Lord seemed to be resting.
So, swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi took leave from Lord, and went outside the covered Mantapam.
It was raining very heavily, and hence he could not move out . He was getting concerned that if he is delayed now, then he will be delayed coming back to the temple for evening services.
Suddenly, an aged Sri Vaishnava person appeared with an umbrella, and told swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi that Lord Varadaraja had instructed him to accompany swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi to his home with the umbrella, and bring him back.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was very moved with this kindness, and thanked the Sri Vaishnava and the Lord for the great help …
Evening came, and swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was delayed a little bit in starting for the temple.
The Sri Vaishnava who accompanied him to his house was still there, waiting for him, so that he could accompany him back to the temple.
Meanwhile, in the temple, the priests arrived to start performing the evening rituals.
When they entered the sanctum sanctum, they were shocked and taken aback.
The Lord was not there in the temple!
They looked everywhere, and the Lord was not there!
They were much worried, and were waiting for swami thiru-k- kachchi nambi to come back so that they can ask him if he knew where the Lord went, or if the Lord was upset with some mistake that might have happened.
After sometime, Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi came along with the SriVaishnava.
The priests immediately went to him, and explained the situation, and asked him with great concern if he knew anything. Swamithiru-k-kachchi nambi told them he had no idea about what might have happened, and immediately started shedding tears .
After all, Lord Varadaraja was not just the Supreme Being to him…
He was also his closest friend.
Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi was anxious about the sudden happenings .
Offering prayers silently he attempted to check all the places he was familiar inside the temple ,like how a father would search for his lovable child so as to get any clues from there.
He went to the usual place of the Lord, and lo and behold, the Lord was there,smiling and with a very satisfied look on His lotus face!
Immediately, swami thiru-k-kachci nambi rushed to the priests and conveyed the happy news about the great Lord arrving …
Everyone wanted to celebrate, and looked for the Sri Vaishnava who had accompanied swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi so that they could invite him to join the celebrations too.
They could not find him.
He had vanished.
When the priests went near the Lord to start performing the services ,they saw water droplets on Him!
Everyone now realized what had happened.
The Lord Himself, unable to bear the thought of swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi getting wet by the rain, had accompanied him to his home.
Not only that, He waited there so that He could accompany swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi back to the temple!
Such was the greatness of the revered Acharyar Swami thiru-k-kachchi nambi…
Later during his last days , once Swamy Thirukachi nambhigal while continuing his fanning service to Lord Sri Varadaraja Perumal his aalavattam (fan) slipped and fell down….
Very disturbed he realized his body was not supporting his most blessed kainkaryam ….
Thirukachi Nambh was sad ..
He realized that the time for him to leave this materialistic world had come as the body was not serving its purpose of serving the Supreme Lord
Nambhi offers obeisances and submits to LORD and requests Perumal to grant him liberation as he is not able to be of any use to Lord with his physical body .
Lord Varadaraja Perumal smiles and replies
My dear Nambee !!…
granting Moksham needs
“Bhaagavatha Sambhandham”.
Your fanning made me speak to you ..
“Neer Veesiner, Naan Pessinen”.
Thirukachi Nambhigal understands that devotees association is paramount in the process of Moksha.
He decides to “earn” some Bhaagavatha Abhimaanam by serving the pure devotees .
He takes permission from Lord Varadaraja and proceeds to the home of the great Acharya Thirukostiyur Nambhi at Thirukoshtiyur a place near to Madurai
One rainy day the Goshala boys report to Thirukostiyur Nambhigal about few cows missing from the cow shed due to thunder and unexpected rain .
Acharyar asks for Thirukachinambi as he doesn’t want the boys to get drenched in the heavy rains and blowing winds.
Thirukostiyur Nambhi decides to look for the cows by himself .
Thirukachi Nambhigal very eager to serve Acharyar , instantly replies ..
“Adiyen”…
your servant is awaiting for your instructions ….
Thirukoshtiyur Nambi is shocked to see Nambigal real identity .
He honours him and discuss esoteric truths
He reveals his identity and narrates the sequence of incidents that led him to coming as Gajandra dasan to Thirukostiyur Nambhigal.
Thanking his Acharyar for the association he takes leave to Kancheepuram.
Lord Varadaraja is happy to see his dear devotee friend .
Like an eager mother expecting her child back, Lord Varadaraja with open arms welcomes Nambhigal right at the steps and praises Thirukachi Nambhigal’s steadfast devotion and affection.
The emotional outpour “Devaraja Ashtakam”, glorifying the Lord’s boundless love for His Bakthas is revealed ……and the pains of this materialistic world!
Swamy Nambhigal attains moksham to serve Sriman Narayana in Sri Vaikuntam permanently .
7-3-25 is
Swamy Thirukachi Nambi 1016 th appearance day ( Thirunakshatram) ….
lets pray for steadfast devotion from our revered Acharyar …
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Courtesy Google images and several advanced devotees
Videos : Sri Devanathan & Sri Padmanabhan..
Srimad Bhagavatam reveals that ParamaShiva is the foremost of all the Vaishnavas. (SB – 12.13.16) Vaishnavanam yatha sambhuh purananam idam tatha……
Lord Sriman Narayana (Lord Vishnu)- the Supreme Personality of Godhead is glorified as Parabhrahmam as everything has emanated from HIM .
All the ancient scriptures like Puranas, Vedas, divya prabhandham clearly mention that Sriman Narayana (Vishnu) alone is the Supreme Lord. The invocatory verse (thanian) of Naanmugan Thiruvandhadhi starts with “Narayanan padaithaan naanmuganai, naan muganaku eraar sivan pirandhaan…..” ..
meaning that Lord Sriman Narayanan created four faced Brahma who in turn created Siva implying that everything emanates from Mahavishnu. Lord Krishna says “Vaishnavanam yatha samubhuh:’ meaning ParamaShiva is the best of all Vaishnavas and is very dear to the Lord. Parama Shiva adorns Ganges-the holy water from Lord Vishnu’s feet in his matted locks on the head and is known as Gangadhara. He shares with Parvathi devi that he always contemplates on Lord Vishnu while meditating.
He declares to Parvathi devi that uttering Rama naama thrice is equal to recitation of 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva tells Parvathi “Aaradhananaam sarvesaam vishnor aaraadhanam param” meaning that the most exalted system of worship is the worship of Vishnu. It is believed that in Varanasi (Kashi), ParamaShiva whispers Lord Rama naamam in the ear of a person who leaves his body
A true Vaishnava doesn’t seek any material benefit from Lord but always prays for more services and bhaagavatha sambandham. Azhwars have clearly expressed in their pasurams that we should not waste time worshipping demigods and do offence who worship them.
(Nammazhwar in one pasuram reveals :”matrore dheivam padi adi panindhu…..-instead of worshipping demigods, come to Thirukurugoor and fall at the feet of our Adhipiraan( Lord Narayana ) thus wasting our limited time and should resort to the lotus feet of Lord Narayana
Andal says “Narayananey namakke parai tharuvan..
”At the same time, Azhwar has emphasised that we must cling to the feet of the devotees to attain the Supreme Lord thus avoiding any sort of offences to any devotees .
There are few Vaishnava divyadesams and Abhimana sthalams with shrines for ParamaShiva with an some incident related in the respective sthala puranam.
Few temples are briefed below
Badrikasramam (Badrinath), Thirupiridhi, Thirusaalagraamam ( Muktinath), Thirukandiyur, Nilathingalthundathan (Ekambareswara temple in Kanchi), Thirukannapuram, Thirukovalur, Thiruchitrakoodam, Thirukoodal, Thirumeyyam, Vrindavan, MUkti Dwaraka near Somnath, Nageshwar near Dwaraka, Thiruvananthapuram, Mammiyur in Guruvayoor and many many more
All glories to Spiritual Masters
Pics : Courtesy Google images uploaded by several devotees
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
It was Namperumal’s divine plan to make Swamy Ramanujar leave Srirangam for a short time , and purify other places by placing his holy feet in Melnadu and retrieve Thirunarayanan who was worshipped by Sri Ramar and Sri Krishna during Tretha and Dwapara yugas .
Peria Perumal thus created a difficult situation by which Swamy Ramanujar had to leave Srirangam after taking Peria Perumal’s consent and thus proceeded towards north accompanied by Sri Mudaliandan Swamy.
After many days of travel and undergoing various hardships following the course of Kaveri, Swamy Ramanuja finally arrived in Karnataka where the local tribals served them.
En route he met his disciple kongu piratti and graced her
.
Check the url below for kongu piratti divine pastime with Swamy Ramanuja
Kongil Piratti worships Swamy Ramanuja padukas……
Later he moved near Srirangapatinam. https://video.wordpress.com/embed/iUgKlN3R?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=1&loop=0&preloadContent=metadata&muted=0&playsinline=0&controls=1&cover=1
The local people who were averse to Swamy Ramanujar conspired a plan to do away with him.
Swamy Ramanujar learning their evil intentions ordered Mudaliandan Swamy to place his feet in the drinking water pond in that area now called saligrama near Thondanur , which he politely obeyed.
At salagrama ,by partaking this Sripada theertham, the minds of the evildoers changed miraculously and they fell at Swamy Ramanujar lotus feet seeking forgiveness. Such was the greatness of Swamy Mudaliandan .
Ramanujar named this place as “Saligramam” which is near to Melkote.
Even today this pond is maintained by the archakar family .
There is a small temple opposite to this pond in which Swamy Ramanujar’s lotus feet are worshiped.
Swamy Ramanuja had a large number of disciples at Melnadu .
Vangipurathu Achi , Vangipurathu Nambi , Thondanur Nambi , Marudhur Nambi, Malur Nambi , Anathazhwan were some of them in the large group of disciples he had at Melnadu.
Thondanur Nambi was a great bhagavatha , a saint and most respected scholar as he was close to the Royal family .
Thondanur Nambi , during his pilgrimage to Srirangam was attracted to Swamy Ramanuja .
He loved his approach and the simple teachings which leads to self realisation that takes one to godhead. He was one among the 74 Simhadhipathees .
Thondanur was the summer capital of the Hoyasala kingdom ruled by King Vittala deva who was a staunch follower of Jainism .
They were tolerant to other religions too . The King had a daughter who was possessed with an evil spirit .
No treatment could cure her illness . She was always under the possession of the evil spirit which made her do unnatural things .
She was almost dressed like a madwoman and was a big embarrassment to the Royal family . There was another tragedy , during a war the King lost his finger.
This earned him the name Bitti deva .
The King was very upset due to the deformity and the new worry of his daughter that took shape .
No treatment either medicines or tantric rituals could cure her .
The Jain monks also tried their best but nothing seemed possible to relieve her from the evil spirit .
Thondanur Nambi, the disciple of Swamy Ramanujar suggested to the queen that his spiritual master who arrived recently and staying at Saligrama was capable of restoring the princess to normalcy.
The Jain king pleaded Nambi to invite Swamy Ramanuja to his palace .
He even promises that If his daughter is cured he will adopt Srivaishnava faith and surrender to Swamy Ramanuja..
Thondanur Nambi goes to Saligrama and surrenders to the lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja and briefs him about the Jain Kings intentions .
It was a wonderful opportunity to grace the King and his people and induct them in the great srivaishnava sampradayam .
Swamy Ramanuja and Thondanur Nambi look for an auspicious time and leave to Thondanur to the Royal palace .
The Royal couple have the divya darshan of JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanuja .
Both of them fall like uprooted trees looking at Swamy Ramanujas divine aura .
They welcome Swamy to their Royal chambers .
The whole Royal family pay their obeisance’s to Swamy Ramanuja .
The mad princess who was irritating the members few minutes back suddenly leaves into another room when Swamy enters the chambers . With some cajoling the princess who is shabbily dressed is brought before Swamy Ramanuja .
Looking at the pitiable state of the princess , Swamy gives the holy water that was offered to his Lordships and applies the holy turmeric paste offered to Lord on her forehead .
The moment she sips the holy water and makes an eye contact with the great Acharya the evil spirit vanishes and she almost faints before him .
The princess is slowly brought back to senses by sprinkling some water on her .
To everybody’s surprise she gets up , looks at herself feels shy and runs away to her chambers . She dresses herself elegantly and offers obeisances to Swamy Ramanuja amongst all the people .
The Royal couple are amazed with the sudden happenings . They accept that the great seer who is with them is a very pious soul who has incarnated to uplift them . Instantly they surrender to his lotus feet and beg to be taken into his fold .
Swamy Ramanuja asks them to offer prayers at Nambi Narayana Temple and meet him there .
At Swamy Nambi Narayana temple , Swamy Ramanuja conducts a discourse attended by many people . The King along with his Royal family too attend the discourse which speaks about the ultimate purpose of life as a srivaisnava .
. Attracted to his simple teachings the entire crowd adopt srivaishnavism . Amongst the citizens the King , Queen and all his family members are given Panchasamskara initiation .
The King is given a name a Vishnu vardhana after due initiation by Swamy Ramanuja himself . The celebration among st the citizens is multi fold .
All the citizens hail Swamy Ramanujas discourse and accept him as their Jagath Acharya .
Somewhere down the lane the Jain monks are upset with the happenings .
All of them march to the Royal Palace and argue with the king for taking such a foolish step
They convince the King that their proposed debate with Swamy Ramanuja will prove Jainism superiority and he must agree to their command .
The King knew very well that such thing can never happen .
However he along with the Jain monks in huge numbers walk up to the Yoga narasimhar temple located on a hillock as Swamy Ramanuja was staying there .
The Jain monks along with the King meet Swamy Ramanuja and invite him to a debate on the esoteric truths . All the Jain monks assemble and start posing questions .
The euphoria around makes Swamy Ramanuja to command his disciples to surround him with a curtain . Almost 1000 jain monks shoot questions on him without any break .
It is was ONE vs ONE THOUSAND
The divine incident of Swamy Ramanuja taking over one thousand Jain monks was relished by the disciples . Inside , Swamy Ramanujar was covered by a curtain and with his original form as Adisesha with 1000 hoods, he answers every question of the monk with patience and clarity .
Thus he defeats all the 1000 Jains at a time. One monk was inquisitive to find out why the curtain was put .He slowly managed to peep inside the curtain .
To his shock he could see JagathAcharyar’s viswaroopam and fainted . The Jain monks had no reply and were forced to accept defeat and adopt to srivaishnavism .This incident happened at Lord Narasimha swamy temple in Bhakta nagari (presently known as Thondanur).
Swamy MudaliAndaan who gave us the nectarian sloka DHAATI PANCHAKA in praise of Swamy Ramanujar at this place. This place is on the way to Melkote(about 16 kms) from Srirangapatinam.
The wonderful opportunity given by Swamy Ramanuja to Mudaliandaan is remembered even today . “Dhati Panchakam” speaks of the victory of Swamy Ramanuja over other philosophies – both those that accept Vedas and those that don’t – and his establishing the Visishtadvaita philosohpy that was built by Azhvars and Purvacharyas.
As the name suggests, it comprises of five slokas The word “DHATI” means “attacking” – as this work shows the attack that Ramanuja carried over the other philosophies that were widespread at that time, it is an appropriate name for it.
Swamy out of his love composed a wonderful composition on Swamy Ramanuja called “DHATEE PANCHAKAM” which starts with the introductory sloka ..
Our Varthamana swamy descendant of Swamy MudaliAndaan was kind to recite this sloka at our residence during his recent visit , a clip presented below and the sloka
Click to access SreeMudhaliandanThirumaligai-DhattiPanchakam%20-%20English.pdf
Our moksham is not guaranteed only with the sambandham of any other acharya – but Ramanuja”.
Our daily chant is ” RamanujArya divyAgya vardhatAm abhi vardhatAm. ”
It is only he who can command and all our acharyas and we follow his command .
Swamy Ramanuja is the only acharya who was referred with respect and followed by all other schools in vaishnavism like chaitanya, vallabhacharya, Swamy narayan as the margadayee .
Uyya Ore Vazhi Udayavar Thiurvadi!
(only way for spiritual up liftment is to take refuge in Yathiraja Padhuka)
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures courtesy : Google images uploaded by several devotees
Lord SrimanNarayana out of abundant mercy sent Azhwars who appeared at different parts of South India during kaliyuga to spread Srivaishanvism and steadfast faith and devotion to Lord for their own up liftment .
They expressed their divine experience of Lord and His glorious kalyanagunas in their mystic outpourings in chaste Tamil language which are collectively known as “Nalayira Divya Prabandham”.
The divine pasurams (songs) contain rich philosophical and religious thoughts drawn from the Upanishads and Ithihasa Puranas. They cover all the essential teachings of Sri Vaishnavism and thus made a very great contribution for further development by our Poorvacharyas like Sriman Nathamunigal, Sri Yamunacharya, Swami Ramanuja and other revered acharyas who came after the Azhwars.
Swami Appachiaranna was the direct descendant of Swami Mudaliyandan and occupies the nineth (9) position in the order. Swami Appachiaranna was addressed by Swami Manavala Mamunigal as “Nam Appachiarannao” .
The present “Singaperumal Koil” was built during 8th century by the kings, Mahendra Varman and Narasimha Varman.
It was known as “Narasimha Vinnagaram” in those days, and belonged to Chengundram Village. Later the temple was eroded by sand.
Swami Annavilappan renovated this temple in later 15th century and established it to be the most visited temple by devotees .
The appearance day of this great Acharyar Swami Anavillapan is celebrated in a grand way at Singaperumal koil at chennai
The great acharya Swami Annavilappan’s Thirumasikettai Thirunakshatra Mahotsavam is celebrated in a grand way at Singaperumal Koil at Chennai during the tamil month of Maasi , Feb- March . Today March 14th 2023 is the appearance day of our Swamy .
Singaperumal Koil is about 25 kms from Tambaram and the temple is just 100 meters off the GST Road.
Jai Jai Narasimha
Sri Annavillappan Swami Thiru Avathara Mahotsavam (Maasi Kettai) is celebrated at Sri Mudaliandan Swami Thirumaligai (Singaperumal Koil) in a grand way.
Thiru Maasi kettai Satrumurai will be celebrated on March 4th 2024
Swamy Annavillappan Swami Thanian ( Glorification )
Vaadhoola Varadhacharya krupaapoorna manoratham |
Shri venkata gurum vandhe sheelathi guna saagaram ||
Devotees interested in participating in the seva may
Contribute by M.O/D.D/Cheque to the below address
In favor of “Sri Dasarathy Trust”,
Sri Mudaliandan Swami Thirumaligai,
4/345, Sannadhi Street,
Singaperumal Koil (near Chengalpet),
Kancheepuram District,
Pin Code – 603 204
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Courtesy Mudaliandan.com
Azhwar proceeded to Thiruvali his native place .Overjoyed to see the wonderful lushy green fields and the magnetic aroma of divinity sang several verses on the Lordships of Thirunangoor. He proceeded to Thiruvindaloor . Lord mischievously disaaperaed after appearing for few seconds sending Azhwar into grief . He recited the nectarine pasuram …. Vasi vallir Indaloor Vazhude pom Nire … and Lords heart melted .He reappeared and gave a graceful darshan relishing the nectarine pasuram. Proceeding further worshipping the Lordships he finally reached Srirangam. With the deep gratitude for the Supreme Lord Azhwar recited several glorification verses . The Supreme Lord was pleased and appeared . Lord with abundant mercy spoke , My dear son you have glorified us by going all along the borders and we bless you and the verses with effulgence in awakening pure love towards us . It is too tiring too for you travelling so long . We advise you to stay with us and take part in strengthening our temple by providing means for the bhagavathas to be taken care with ramparts corridors, splendid towers aisles and other structures for the benefit of the devotees and recesses to our holy premises
Azhwar was overjoyed for the kainkaryam ( services ) Lord bestowed on him . He invited all his friends to discuss the means to achieve this gigantic task in re modeling the temple . One relative who was his own brother in law Yatirasan suggested for visiting Nagapatnam for he heard that there was a priceless golden idol of Buddha . The information was welcomed with absolute joy and all accepted in one tone to proceed to Nagapatinam . Arriving at Nagapatinam Azhwar set about to enquire about the place . Fortunately a goodly woman made him understand it was a secret and she was told by her moher in law the whereabouts of the place but it had such secret passages and mechanical contrivances which was difficult for strangers to reach. However the architect lived out in the sea in a small island . Azhwar along with his men took a boat and proceeded to the shores of the island and discovered the Architects residence . Azhwar planned something different to extract more about that dwelling . Azhwar along with his men would loiter near his house as if way farers met and exchanged intelligence of other countries and ensured the architect was listening . They would wait for him to dine and stroll for a walk . Looking at him , they started …Oh my friends !! what afate has has fallen on Nagapatinam. What a fall of gloom over the temple… You know the temple has been reduced to dust by the invading mighty Turks. And that golden Buddha has been stolen by those ruffians . How sad …. And am afraid what is more to come ..
This information was heard by the Archiect . The Archiect was shell shocked .He never expected this calamity . He shed tears and came running and said ..It cannot be possible ..Is it that easy to move that whirling wheel at the main entrance … and that secret chain hanging from that top of the tower and invisible where a pin is hidden under the stone pavement under which that Go mukhee waters drop ? Impossible ..It was my design …How can that be possible to enter the temple which has zig zaw entrances bringing the person to confusion except for the one who takes the path which is circular and has a underground entrance seeming to look like a pavement ..and he went On… even If he enters how will he walk into those invisible stairs looking like a painting …he lamented …. The Azhwars detectives learnt all the clues looking at each other secretly and laughing in their sleeves as their project was opening up with more information . They thanked internally for his lamentation and approached him . Take heart Oh good soul they consoled him ..Why must you cry over the spoilt milk .. Be cool ..Go home and relax .. We bid good bye to you ..Thank you and take care said the detectives of Azhwar ….
Azhwar was briefed and they chalked a strategy . They arrived at the sea shore and saw a huge ship laden with areca nuts about to be displaced to Nagapatinam . A merchant was busy weighing the loads . Dressed as mendicants they approached him , blessed him and asked to give them a passage without any fare . He gladly accepted . En route on their travelling , Azhwar who was seated near the loads of Areca nut . Azhwar took a full nut , cut into two halves and dropping one half said to the merchant who was watching .. Sir .. Will you let me have my half the nut on arrival of destination ? Certainly said the Merchant .Azhwar smiled and said .. Please give me a written chit what you said . The chit HALF the nut is yours … was handed over to Azhwar .
On arrivingat the harbor at Nagapatinam , Azhwar claimed half the load of areca nuts. The merchant remonstrated but Azhwar challenged .An appeal was put .But the elders seeing the chit as promised by the merchant to Azhwar favoured Azhwar was right . Very puzzled the merchant had to give half the ship load to Azhwar as agreed on the paper . The merchant presumed it was some pre natal debt with them . He consoled himself and proceeded . Azhwar blessed the merchant and entered Nagapatinam ,
They all hid themselves inside the temple enclosure . At midnight they slowly came out for conducting the plan . The heavy pavement stone was located .Slowly they lifted and found the secret pin and walked towards the zig zag raods and reached that invisible steps . They slowly looked down and released the chain . As they mounted over the tower the cap of which to which the chain was fastened was now freee . Slowly they opened and looking down could see the dazzling gold idol of Buddha almost shining like the sun .. Azhwar seeing the idol exclaimed .. Will Buddha who renunciated everything will be happy to be made in Gold ? Foolish fellows … saying he watched closely . There was a teethed whirling wheel which was preventing in approaching the golden idol
Foolish fellows … saying he watched closely . There was a teethed whirling wheel which was preventing in approaching the golden idol.They brought a number of plantain trunks and cast one after another at the wheel. The bark sticking to the teeth of the wheel got tangled and stopped the movement . Azhwar was looking for a person who can dare to go in and complete the formalities but must be quick . His brotherin law volunteered to get in . Yatiraja got down and when he put his hands on the idol it escaped and ran in circular motion . Yatirasan was sweating and he some how managed to drop his sweat on the idol thus polluting the idols mantra siddhee. The mantra power that gave the idol this motion vanished with Yatirajan throwing his sweat over the idol.
He clutched the idol and hoisted it up in the aperture for Azhwar to pick it up easily from the gopuram tower. Azhar lifted the idol and next pulled up Yathirajan ..But low… he couldn’t pass through that hole as it was too small . But in the process , put his head and the rest part of the body was hooked into the aperture as the hole was too small.
Azhwar was confused . Oh Rangaaaaaa
He said.. my dear what Am I supposed to do know …you are stuck inthis hole ..Though mission is accomplished cant leave you like his … And how will I go without you?
But I must go and must serve Lord Ranga as per HIS command … but at what cost?
Rangaaa.. What is this litmus test ??
Yatiraja saw his brother in law. And said. Please don’t forget the divine command …Have you forgotten your mission on earth And is not our life in earth for lightining duration Is not the divine service our only purpose of life … Is not this body perishable , subject to hunger disease and a series of calamities ? Is it not but a stinking mixture of flesh and nerve and blood and bones. My time has come to pass out of this dismal prison of urine and feces and pass in with a spiritual body to serve the eternal .. Please don’t worry ..My savior over there will take care . Please don’t feel pity . Please make me HIS victim in this mission . Am I not worth HIS service .. Please ..In this norrow pass please cut this head of mine once for all and let the mission be accomplished and escape the discovery of this event .
Azhwar with heavy heart says ..Oh Yathiraja …What will I tell my sister …This is a big test for me …
Holy saint …Please extend your vision beyong matter and all temporal interests … Please cut my head off once for all ..It is dawning already ..We may be noticed … Let me be off to HIS eternal world …
Ehirajan began to cry with a sense of love to Saint ….The litmus test was being watched by all the great souls …and that moment was nearing …. Repeatedly praying Lord Ranganatha to forgive him … took superhuman courage and with tears said … Oh My yathiraajaa if any one deserves heaven Its You and you only and Invoking Rangaa…with his humble heart to come out of this divine ordeal …he said …Oh Rangaa in thy name I do this ….he flashed his sword and in one stroke took Yathiraajas head off..
Merciful heaven …This scenean unparalled martyrdom for the cause of LORD…. All the above was being watched by the gods of blue celestium . Azhwar quickly came down with yathirajans head and the golden budha. The party now laid yathirajans head on stretcher covered it as a corpse and ranging themselves into funeral procession with a fire pot wood and sobblings sliiped into he Nagapatinam town as if nothing was noticed . Going far away beyond human sight they deposited yathirajans head safely in a thicket and carrying the gold idol proceeded their journey
Our Divine mother mercy Incarnate who stands as light to sun and scent to flower .. Our Sri Ranganayakee the mercy unlimited was embittered in her heart that one of her brave son should meet such a horrible death .. She marched to the chamber of Lord Ranganatha and expostulated with concern… Swamy How can you be so cruel watching silently such things happening ? Have your omniscience and omnipotence taken leave of you ? Swamy Should I remind your valour bringing back all the vanaras of Sugriva camp after they were dead in the war due to Indrajits high handedness
And did you not bring back your Guru Sandipanis sons from the ocean? Like our Gajendra and Vibhishina my Yathirajan had no selfish motto except your glory and hence sacrificed his life . Strange indeed are your ways ..Am heartbroken seeing all this …And I cannot accept this and I can accept my child Andal to be made a widow …. I plead I pray grant his life Oh Lord …
The Lord became affected on hearing the pleadings of his tender hearted consort and summoning Garuda bid him to go to the tower of Budhas temple at once and rescue the trunk of Yathirajans body join it with his head and breathe life into it and review their journey .
Garuda was overjoyed to take up the service as he was going to see a martyr for LORDS cause . He atonce flew to the tower reverently lifted the trunk lying there and carrying it to where the head lay ..united them and breathed life …
Yathirajaa opened his eyes out of a shock and seing the feathered GarudaAzhwar promptly fell at his feet and learning from him all the events which led to his rebirth …
With tears filed eyes … He said what a sinful creature I am … I have been denied heaven now …. Sobbing uncontrollable he thanked LORD for his abundant mercy … Gardaazhwar simply lifted him and took him near Azhwar and safely dropped him and returned to Srirangam to give a full account to the Supreme Lord
Azhwars joy knew no bounds seing his brother in law . He and his men embraced him . They kissed him , wept with tears of joy and danced with him …
Our Azhwar said …. What is celestial joy after all joy of serving the Supreme Lord right here in this land of darkness … Our Royalty is here ..Our life is for HIM and HIM only ..No force can sop us from our service to HIM …Maddened with outflush of divine enthusiasm they minded for the night and rose for the next day chanting Rangaaaaa…..
To be continued....
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures credits: Google images
Uploaded by advanced devotees
mesha Punarvasudhinae daasarathi hamsa sambhavam |
yatheendra paadhukaapikyam vandhe daasarathim gurum ||
Kumbhey Punarvasou jaadham Ramanuja gurum bhaje |
Agaroth yathiraajaarchaam Range boothapurae saya: ||
….Sri Vishnusahsranama ..………a divine gift from Bhishmacharya ………………..
After the great Mahabharata war, as per destiny , Bhismacharya was lying on the bed of arrows . He was letting the world know that he was waiting for the auspicious time [punya kala] for the sun orienting its direction northwards [Uttarayan] for leaving his mortal body.
Deep inside his heart he was praying Lord Krishna to bless him with his darshan during his last moments of his life .
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Bhismacharya was patiently bearing the pain and being a nice devotee had the firmness not to ask the lord for relief and instead waited for the Lord to grace him .The lord also acted in the same way as his devotee. Since Bhismacharya did not directly call upon Lord , the Lord also decided that he will not use that as a direct reason for giving him his darshan.
It is also revealed , before the onset of the war, Arjuna was perplexed and hence Lord Sri Krishna gave the Holy epic Srimad Bhagavat Gita to clarify all the doubts of Arjuna and indirectly to the humankind.
Meanwhile after the war , the whole of Dwaraka was eagerly waiting for the Lord’s arrival Lord Krishna was getting ready to depart to Dwaraka
. 
Yudishtira somehow wanted to delay the lord’s departure for some reason. He submits to Lord humbly and pleads , Oh Lord Krishna! I cannot sit on the throne which is stained by the blood of all my relatives and all my grandsir’s.
I am not sure about the righteous path and am confused over the path of dharma.” Please help me ..
Lord thought that probably he had to bestow Yudhistira with another sermon of Bhagavat Gita but decided not to do so. 
He thought of a better option. He told Yudistira that the best person to seek knowledge on dharma was none other than Bhismacharya . The lord said “When Arjuna was confused; I thought that my discourse would make his mind light and devoid of any doubts. But I later realized that he was all the more confused and worried.”
He advised , Yudishtira that he was going to lead him to a satsang which was a divine communion with a great devotee Bhismacharya. So the entire retinue now proceeded towards Bhismacharya in the war field .Bhishma was lying on a bed of arrows with no food, water and was sustaining his life only by uttering the Lords holy names silently and living with sheer divine grace.
The moment Bhisma looks at Lord Krishna along with Yudhistira, his face brightens up with a smile. He is overjoyed with Lord Krishna darshan. Lord walks near him and with a bewitching smile requests Bhisma to clarify Yudhishtira’s doubt’s . Lord thus created a situation and used this as a pretext to grace Bhisma.
(He wanted to show the greatness of Bhisma).
Lord looks at Yudishtira and says , Yudhishtra !!! when people are about to depart this world, they would disclose the supreme of all secrets which they have been guarding all their lives. This is akin to the father giving all his wealth to his son only during his last moments. The lord advises him to clarify all his questions related to the highest dharma from Bhisma who was considered the man for his strength, honesty , values and benevolence .
All the Pandavas and Draupathi arrive at the Kurukshetra battle field where Bhisma was lying on the bed of arrows. Bhisma looks at the them and becomes very emotional..
Bhisma recollects all the misfortune that happened one by one
. 
He concludes with tears even for wise people some things are apprehensive ..“Sarvam kala krutham manyae” It is all the play of time [kala] and none other than Lord Krishna can comprehend this.
Time is no different from Krishna as the lord appears as time outside. Yudishtira moves close to Bhishma to voice his concerns on dharma and requests to expound on Dharma.
Hearing his question, Bhisma replies ..
My child listen ….
Dharma can be classified as follows
Raja dharma – The dharma for politics
Moksha dharma – The dharma for different stages of one’s life as a student, as a house-holder
Varma Dharma – The dharma that one needs to adhere by someone who is ready for renunciation
Ashrama dharma – The dharma for a renunciant
Look here, your own mind, senses, will, discrimination, ability, brilliance, valour, courage, your own abode and the dweller of the above are all pervaded by the living Lord. Synthesis, wisdom, understanding, learning, formulating and executing of the various activities of the creation are included in the one wisdom which comes out as the breath of the Supreme Lord.
Bhisma elucidates on the prayachitha dharma [pavana dharma ) set of guidelines that one needs to follow if one commits a mistake.
After patiently listening to the discourse on dharma , Yudishtira pleads Bhisma to expound on the supreme of all dharmas.
Bhishma smiles and says My child !!! Can any one compare between dharmas. Every dharma is unique in its own way.
However ..listen the supreme of all dharmas is verily chanting the divine names of Lord Vishnu.
It is superior to any other dharma. It is indeed greatest of all dharma, jnana and bhakti yogas. The chanting of divine names of the lord exists independently of other dharmas.
Bhishma blessed us all by revealing Sri Vishnu Sahasranama which has the powers to cure any disease in samsara and liberate us from this prison of samsara and ensure we are united with Lord Sriman Narayana.
All the great commentators of Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Sahasarnama gracefully point out the fact that chanting the divine names of the lord is indeed the greatest of all dharmas in the age of Kali.
Human mind thinks that if a path has lot of intricacies then it is a supreme. Human mind also thinks that if a path is rare then it is great.
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The same mind also thinks that a simple path cannot be a great path. The great Azhwars , Acharyas and advanced devotees from all the vaishnava schools justifiy why the path of nama sankirtan is indeed supreme. There are six reasons to substantiate the greatness of this path.
Firstly there is no violence involved. It is easy to perform, for it has no expectations on six fronts – himsa [violence], purushantara [irrespective of caste/creed], desha [place], kala [time], dravyantara [no material cost], niyama [no rules]. There are absolutely no rules.
Namasankirtan will unite everybody. It will unite countries, people, cultures and races. People will unite and come together irrespective of their religion, tradition and philosophies they follow and everyone will be united by the bond of love which will be further strengthened by the chanting of the divine names of the lord.
The battle of Kurukshertra took only twenty years before the start of the Kali Yuga which is about 5200 years ago.
So Bhismacharya gave a fitting dharma which logically, philosophically fulfills the principles of Bhagavad Gita. Srimad Bhagavatam fulfills Bhagavad Gita and it explains Gita with lot of relish by quoting examples and anecdotes.
At the end of Mahabharatha war, Yudhistira was bestowed with the thousand names of the lord, the Vishnu Sahasarnama.
Sree Vishnu sahasranama Sthothra, is a garland of the thousand divine names of Lord Vishnu, strung into a beautiful sthothra by the legendary Rishi “Veda Vyasa” , acknowledged as one of the greatest exponents of the Vedic wisdom. The first 13 stanzas are the dialog between Yudhisthira and Bhishmacharya . The next three stanzas are the customary Dhyana verses…. It is said that in Veda Vyasa’s 149th chapter Anushasanika Parvam of the Great Epic Mahabharatha, the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, the 1000 names of the Lord Vishnu are written..
The person who requested for it is the Dharma Putra and the person who gave it is Dharma Swaroopa, the very embodiment of dharma, Bhismacharya.
The witness to this wonderful episode was none other than the end of all dharma, Lord Sri Krishna.
It was in such a beautiful way that the chanting of the divine names of the lord was introduced to the world in such an auspicious setting and amidst a holy group. After hearing this, Yudhistira was completely satiated and relieved.
It is saids by Elders , that One who learns these holy names by mind, heart and soul meets with nothing undesirable. He is free from the conditioning of the worlds, mundane and spiritual.
One who wants wisdom, will know all the philosophy. The ruler meets with success, and the businessman finds the culmination and significance of his wealth. The labourer attains happiness. The seeker of Law realises what is Law. He who is desirous of wealth will attain the real wealth.
He who wants accomplishment will be accomplished. One who wants a child realises what a child is. One who chants these thousand names without any desire, becomes prominent in society and is known as inevitable. His Wealth lies in stability and his prosperity lies in his virtue. Ability and brilliance keep him fearless. His divine aura keeps him in strength, beauty and virtue and protects him from any indisposition.
The unhealthy one finds himself healthy, the imprisoned realises freedom. The frightened one is freed from fear and the one who is in peril, will be out of peril.
Everyone stands above and beyond his own hurdles by chanting the prayer of the Supreme Person.
One lives beyond these fears, by chanting the thousand names of the Lord with devotion.
This is because a devotee of the Lord bears no malice, no anger, no hatred and no coveted expectation of anything. Remember that the vault of heavens decorated with the sun, moon and the sparkling myriads is kept in poise by the Lord of all Lords, who lives in everyone of them.
Since He pervades all, you remember that the whole creation which includes the gods and demons and the beings astral, etheric, etherial and meteorological, exists in obedience to Him.
Why?
Sage Veda Vyasa very joyfully included the divine name chanting in Mahabharatha.Satsang brings in the aura of peace, ushers into clarity and keeps our intellect intact so that we can enjoy happiness and love of the lord.
HARI NAAM SANKIRTAN KI JAI…
By Asmath Acharyar’s and Elders blessings we were able to conduct 108 times recitation of
SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM recitation in our temple that takes almost 30 hours non stop attended by a large group of devotees . Today 1st Feb 2023 is Bhishma Ekadasee and this is the Seventh year and Adiyen seeks readers good wishes and blessings for continuous gathering . Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics Credits : Google images
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 .
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
LORD ARRIVES IN THE GUISE OF HUNTER COUPLE TO SAVE HIS ARDENT DEVOTEE SWAMY RAMANUJA
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.
https://video.wordpress.com/embed/MPhgt2Z9?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0
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 .
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.
https://video.wordpress.com/embed/fzSByjzr?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0
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. https://video.wordpress.com/embed/r9HtBq9k?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0
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”.
rAmanuja padhachchAya gOvindAhvAna pAyini |
thadAyattha svarUpAssA jeeyAnmadviSramasthali: ||
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Photos and videos :
Courtesy great devotees of LORD who uploaded in social media .
The term “Azhwar“ refers to those saintly souls who immerse themselves in the exclusive devotion of Lord Sriman Narayana in total and unconditional surrender. The saints, as the supreme devotees of Lord Vishnu propagated Sri Vaishnavism among the masses through their poetical compositions in the vernacular highlighting the beautiful effulgent form, auspicious attributes and divine deeds of the Supreme Lord in His various incarnations based on their personal mystic experiences in 108 Divya desams .
The Divya Prabhandams of the Azhwars are, therefore, held in as great veneration and reverence as the Vedas in Sanskrit.
The Azhwars have together rendered 195 verses in praise of the Lord of the Seven Hills Sri Venkateshwara. The largest number of compositions i.e. 63 have been compiled by the last among the twelve Azhwars named Tirumangai Azhwar
while Tiruppan Azhwar makes a passing reference to Tirumala in two of his eleven verses in praise of the Lord of Tiruvarangam.
The first three Azhwars are collectively known as the Mudal Azhwars. The first among them named Poigai Azhwar is the author of the Mudal Tiruvanthathi or the first hundred psalms and he has sung ten verses in praise of Lord Balaji. He calls Venkatam as MAL UGANDA VUR i.e. the Abode most preferred by the Supreme Lord.
The second Azhwar known as Bhutatazhwar has given us the Irandam Tiruvanthathi or the second hundred verses. He has rendered nine verses on Tirmalaiappan and he refers to Lord Venkatesa as VENKADATHAN VINNOR MUDI THOYUM PADHATHAN meaning thereby that the prostrating Devas or the demi-gods with bowed head worship the Lotus Feet of the Lord of the Seven Hills who is the Parama Purusha of the Vedas in Archa form in Tirumalai.
The third Azhwar called Peyazhwar is the author of Munram Tiruvanthathi or the third hundred verses and he has composed as many as 19 verses in praise of Lord Govinda.
Peyazhwar refers to Venkadathan as VEDATHAN indicating that Lord Venkatesa is the one Supreme Lord without a second and the Ultimate Truth and Reality of the Vedas. The fourth Azhwar by name Tirumalisai Azhwar who is the author of Nanmugan Tiruvanthathi has recorded 12 verses in praise of Tiruvenkadathan more or less on the lines of his three illustrious predecessors
Nammazhwar who is the crest jewel and the most prominent of all the Azhwars in one of his 44 verses in praise of Lord Venkatesa says that the entire life time should be spent in ceaseless loving service of the Supreme Lord in Tirumalai. In his most popular verse beginning with the words AKALAHILLEN the saint abjectly surrenders himself to the Lotus Feet of the Lord declaring that His Consort Shree resides for ever in the bosom of the Lord inseparably united and indistinguishable from Him as fragrance from Lotus flower.
The two are in fact One conceptually but different functionally. The ethical idea of justice and the rule of law and the religious idea of redemption from sins by Grace are reconciled in Saint Nammazhwar`s Prapatti to the Divya Dhampathi.
The inner purport is that Lord Venkateshwara rules strictly by the moral law of Karma whereas Mother Shree in His bosom entices Him by love to pardon the sinning souls. Mother’s love is indispensable for gaining the Lord’s Grace. Knowledge is inspired by devotion and Bhakti is illumined by Jnana and the two together constitute Bhakti utpanna Jnana or knowledge inspired by devotion.
The whole attitude of devotion is consummated in Prapatti or Saranagathi ( surrender ) in the case of Nammazhwar when he says PUGALONDRILLA ADIYEN UN ADIKKEEZH AMARNDU PUKUNDENE.
His Lotus Feet are the sole refuge for all sinful souls.
In the eleven most poignant and moving verses composed by Kulaseharazhvar, the saint fervently prays to the Lord of the Seven Hills that he should always reside with the Tirumal in His Tirumala hills either as an insect or a bird or a fish or a vessel or a flower or a tree or a passing stream or a foot-step or any other object to see the coral lips of the Supreme Lord in ceaseless remembrance.
In fact, the psalms of all the ten Azhwars on the Lord of the Seven Hills are full of piety and love that can move even the most stone hearted people into tears.
These verses describe vividly the natural beauty of Tiruvengadam as also the glory and greatness of the Supreme Lord in lyrically brilliant Tamil verses, which cannot be recaptured in English translation
Name of the Azhwar His work Number of Verses
Periazhwar Tiruppallandu 1
Periazhwar ,, Periazhwar Tirumozhi 7
Poigai Azhwar Mudal Tiruvanthathi 10
Bhutatazhwar Irandam Tiruvanthathi 9
Peyazhwar Mundram Tiruvanthathi 19
Trimalisaiazhwar Nanmugan Tiruvanthathi 12
,, Tirucchandaviruttam 2
Nammazhwar Tiruviruttam 8
,, Peria Tiruvanthathi 1
,, Tiruvaimozhi 35
Andal Nacchiar Tirumozhi 16
Kulasekharazhwar Perumal Tirumozhi 11
Tiruppanazhwar Amalanadipiran 2
Tirumangaiazhwar Peria Tirumozhi 55
,, Tirukkurundandakam 1
,, Tirunedunthandakam 3
,, Siriya Tirumadal 1
,, Peria Tirumadal 2
Total 195 verses
Sri Ramanujacharya has not composed any devotional hymn in praise of the Lord of the Seven Hills. However, at the very start of his monumental Magnum Opus called the Sri Bhasya which is his detailed commentary on the Vedanta Sutras, in the Invocatory verse he begins the work praying to the Lord in Tirumala with the words SRUTI SIRASSI VIDEEPTE BRAHMANI SRINIVASE. In this introductory verse he seeks the blessings of Lord Venkatesa with the words -“ May my mind be filled with devotion towards the Highest Brahman the Abode of Goddess Shree who is luminously revealed in the Upanishads.
Swamy Yamunacharya (also glorified as as Alavandar who was Acharyar to Swamy Ramanuja ) who in his poetical work called the STOTRA RATNA (the Hymn Jewel) asks the question KAHA SRIHI SRIYAHA? His question is who is the Lord of Shree? This question is an obvious reference to the passage in the Purusha Sukhta HRISCHA TE LAKSMISCHA PATNYOU i.e. Hari and Shree are Lord Srinivasa`s consorts
Among the subsequent Sri Vaishnava Acharyas Swamy Vedanta Desika and Pillai Perumal Iyengar have rendered detailed poetical works in praise of Lord Venkateswara.
In his hymnal work called DAYA SATAKAM Swamy Vedanta Desika has composed a hundred and odd verses exclusively in praise of the Daya /Abundant mercy of the Lord of the Seven Hills. The prolific poet begins his work with the words
PRAPDYE TAM GIRIM PRAYAHA SRINIVASANUKAMPAYA
by surrendering himself like Swamy Nammalwar in AGALAHILLEN to Lord Venkateshwara before taking up the task of describing the Lord’s profound mercy. According to scholarly Acharyas, this work of hundred verses can be grouped into ten verses each and each decade refers to an auspicious attribute of Lord Venkateshwara
“Venkatadri Samasthanam Brahmande Nasti Kinchana,
Venkatesha Samo Devo Na Bhuto Na Bhavishyati”
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures/Videos : Courtesy Google images
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