Monday, October 31, 2011

Sri Manavala Mamunigal

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From: RANGARAJ RAMASWAMY <rangaraj_ramaswamy@yahoo.co.in>
To: sabha <rangaraj_ramaswamy@yahoo.co.in>
Sent: Tuesday, 1 November 2011 6:38 AM
Subject: sri Manavala Mamunigal - aaypasi moolam 31 oct 2011



Sri Manavala Mamunigal
Sri Manavala Mamunigal is a saint from Srivaishnava Tengalai Sect, Incarnation of AADISESHA and known as Punaravatharam of SRI RAMANUJAACHARYA. He is the last acharya for Srivaishnavas in the lineage of Acharya. He was born in Alwar Thirunagari, Tamilnadu. (Not in shikkilkidaram as some authors mention) in AD 1370. His birth star in MOOLAM KAUNDINYA GOTHRAM OF GOMATAM FAMILY. His birth name was ALAGIYA MANAVALA PERUMAL NAYANAR. Other names were Ramyajamathru, Saumyajamatru, Visada-Vak-Sikhamani Yathindrapravanar, Varayogi, varavaramuni. He (godly man) was married at the age of 15 years.
He had only son by name RAMANUJAN and this Ramanujan had two sons namely 1) Jeyar Nayanar other is 2) Vedapiran Bhattar, who had no issues. Where as Jeyar Nayanar continued his family tradition through his son and present person who is now maintaining Sri ManavalaMamuni Sannidhi is Srirangam is Sri Gomatham Yatiraja Sampath Kumaracharya B/O Sri Gomatham Sadagopacharya now occupying 24th generation in family hereditary lineage.
SRI MANALAVA MAMUNI’S LIFE – IN BRIEF
1.BIRTH DETAILS
Birth Place
Alwar Thirunagari (Near Thirunelveli)
Date of Birth
(Avatharam)
Day
Thursday
Star
Moolam
Thithi
Chathurthi
Yoga
Sukarma
Month
Thula
Date
Thula 26
Year
Saadarana Naama Samavatsaram 1370 AD
2. MARRIAGE
Krodhana Samvatsaram
Makara Masam
1386 AD (February)
3. EDUCATION
Receiving Scholarly award in Sanskrit at his 31st age Vikarma Samvatsaram
4. ADMINISTRATOR
Sri Ranganatha Temple, Srirangam, TN. At his age 45 Jayanama Samvatsara
5. SANYASA
At his age 45 Vijiyanama Samvatsara
1415 ad April
In “Periya Thiru Mandapam”
From Sri Sri Sri Satakopa Mamuni Jeeyar
6. Awards & TITLES
Sri Sailesa Dayaapaathram (By Lord Sri Ranganatha) Yatheendra Pravanar
Ubhaya Vedanthaachaaryar
Periya Jeeyar
Kutti Bhashyam
2 years disclosure on subject “EADU” Ended on Sunday Morning Moolam Poornima Mithuna Maasam
Ananda Samvatsaram
At the age of 65
7. ACHARYA
Panchasamskara Deeksha from Thiruvoimoli pillai alias Sri Sailacharya
8. AARADHYA PERUMAL
Sri Rangaraja with Ubhaya Nachiar and Sri Ramanujar
9. ACHIEVEMENTS
1. He became Acharya to Sri Ranganatha Prrumal At the endof his two years disclourses.
2. Established 8 Mutts and appointed “Astadiggajas”
3. Moksha Samskara to Tamrind Tree near Dharba Sayana.
4. Establishing Visistadwaita in “Mathura” North India
5. Coming out of Burning Fire and exposing as AAdisesha
In a mutt in Thonnur.
6. Directed a rich Senior Citizen (Naasthika) in UP
Thiru a letter to live as Srivaishnava.
7. Surrendering all of his assets to Sri Ranganatha Temple
And its library.
10. NINE DICIPLES
1) Senai Mudali Yandan.
2) Kandadai Poretha Nayanar.
3) Kandadai Annappan.
4) Kandadai Thirukkoppurathi Nayanar.
5) Kandadai Naranappa.
6) Kandadai Tholapparappai.
7) Kandadai Alaitha Vaalpitha Perumal.
8) Yettur Singaracharyar.
9) Naalur Satakopa Daasar.
11. HIS WORKS
1) Commentaries onTheeraparai Yaamini Dasakam
Eadu
Sri Vachana Bhushanam
Thathvathrayam
Mumukshappadi
Aacharya Hridayam
Periyaalwar Thirumoli
Ramanuja Noothandadhi
Jnanasara
Prameyasara
2) Writings
Upadesa Rattnamale
Tiruvoimoli Noothandadhi
Tiruvaradhana Kramam
Pramana Sangraha krithi
12. AVATHRA SAMAPTHI
Saturday after sunset
Star: Sravana
Thithy: Dwadasi
Paksam: Krishna
Masam: Kumba
Samvatsaram: Ruthirodari
Feb-March of 1414 AD.
Lived for 73 Years 4 Months 22 Days
courtesy godha jeer mutt



__._,_.___

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Significance of Pavithrothsavam

Pavithrotsavam is an annual ritual at ALL Vishnu Temples. Pavithrotsava is derived from the combination of two words Pavithra (holy) and utsava (festival). This utsava is penitential as well as propitiatory and its main objective is to get rid of the evil that might have been caused due to omissions and commissions in the performance of various rituals throughout the year.That is why this utsava is referred to severally as ``Dosha Nivaarana,'' ``Sarva Yajna Phalapradha,''

'' Pavithras, the garlands made from special thread are used to decorate Lord Sri Balaji and his consorts . In the evening of the idols are taken on a procession around the four mada streets.

This is one of the important festivals with a hoary antiquity, agamic sanction, puranic reference and high religious significance. Basically during this utsava, the presiding deity and the other deities in the temple itself are adorned with pavithras (sanctified garlands of thread). Homa is performed, vedic mantras are chanted, puranas are read.

Pavithrotsava ,as the very word indicates is derived from the combination of two words ``pavithra and utsava.'' Pavithra is a means towards purification. That is why a darba grass worn in a loose knot round the finger usually heralds the performance of any religious rite. The Jayakhya Samhita explains that pavithra protects one from evil.

The puranas also prescribe ``Pavithra Aaropana,'' i.e., adorning the deity with pavithra, as an integral part of the rituals during the worship of Lord Vishnu.

`Ankurarpanam' or the sowing of nine type of holy seeds in earthern containers is undertaken on the day preceding the festival. This ritual signifies the beginning of festival in the temple. This is followed by recital of vedas in a ritual called Mritsangrahana. The Ankurarpana and Mritsangrahana rituals are identical to those performed during Brahmotsava. Veda recitation is started after the Mritsangrahana ritual and this recitation of the Vedas concludes on the third day. Through the chanting of the vedas, Aavahana (Invoking) is done for Lord Vishnu in the Pradana Kumbha (first of the holy container).

Aavahana is done in the Pradana Kumbha for Lord Vishnu and His Consort. There will be 16 other Kumbhas surrounding this Pradana Kumbha. The various mantras which are recited are believed to infuse voice vibrations which have great religious and spiritual force. It is this Kumbha which is taken to the Moolasthana on the concluding day of the Pavitrotsava and from that Kumbha the augmented spiritual power is believed to be transmitted to the Moola Vigraha (Kumbha Aavaahanam). The sanctified pavithras are offered to the various deities on the morning of the second day of the utsava.

During the festival, no other functions like Kalyanotsavam, Thirumanjanam etc are conducted while the rituals are held.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Pavithrothsavam at Bangalore Sripuram Temple

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha Srimathe Srinivasa Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha Srimathe Vedhantha Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha
SRIRANGAM SRIMADH ANDAVAN ASHRAMAM
SRI VENKATESWARA SANNIDHI
Sripuram 1st cross, Seshadripuram, Bangalore - 560 020, Phone 23316812
WITH THE BENIGN GRACE OF THE DIVYA DHAMPATHIES AND
THE BLESSINGS OF HIS HOLINESS SRIMUSHNAM SRIMADH ANDAVAN SRI RANGA RAMANUJA MAHADESIKAN, IT IS PROPOSED TO CELEBRATE THE  13th   YEAR PAVITHROTHSAVAM AS DETAILED OVERLEAF
THIRU PAVITHROTHSAVAM - XIII YEAR
5-11-2011 Saturday   5.30 p.m.   Bhagavath Prarthana Yajamana Sankalpam - Vishvaksena Aaradhanam - Punyahavachanam Acharya Anugyai - Mrithsangrahanam - Angurarpanam - Rakshaa Bandhanam - Yagasalai Pravesam - Agni Prathishtai -
Angura Homam - Poornahuthi - Adhivasara
Thirumanjanam - Adhivasa Homam -
Adhivasa Pavithram - Poornahuthi - Sathumarai.
6-11-2011 Sunday     9.00 a.m.   Yagasalai Poojai - Thirumanjanam - Pavithra Prathishtai - Homam - Pavithra Aaroganam - Samvathsara Prayachitha Aaradhanam - Poornahuthi - Sathumarai.
6.00 p.m.   Chathusthanarchanam - Homam - Poornahuthi - Sathumarai.
7-11-2011 Monday     9.00 a.m.   Yagasalai Pooja - Homam - Poornahuthi - Sathumarai.
6.00 p.m.   Chathusthanarchanam - Homam - Poornahuthi - Sathumarai.
8-11-2011 Tuesday    9.00 a.m.   Chathusthanarchanam - Homam - Poornahuthi - Sathumarai.
3.30 p.m.   Yagasalai Aradhanam - Shanthi Homam - Maha Poornahuthi -
Pavithra Avaroganam - Thirumanjanam - Kumba Prokshanam -
Peria Sathumarai - Theertha Prasada Goshti.
10-11-2011                             Annakoodai Uthsavam -
Thursday            6.30 p.m.    (Thiruppaavaadai Uthsavam) - Thiru Aaradhanam - Sathumarai -
Theertha Prasada Goshti.

N.B.  -  On all the days of Pavithrothsavam there will be Vedha & Divya
Prabandha Parayanam at the Yaga Sala.
We appeal to all devotees/patrons to participate in this auspicious event and receive the blessings of the Lord. Kindly contribute your mite towards the expenses of the celebrations and help us.
Pavithrothsavam      -   (both sessions for a day)            Rs. 10,001/-
-do-                       (for one session only)                 Rs.   5,001/- For Homam             -   Prasadham & Bakshyam
Ubhayam (per day)                     Rs.   2,001/-
Pushpa Alankara Ubhayam (per day)                               Rs.   2,001/- Sambhavanai
to Vedha / Prabhanda Parayanam (per day)                    Rs.   2,001/- Annakoodai Uthsavam                                                     Rs.   5,001/-

TEMPLE COMMITTEE

A message from Bangalore Sripuram Sri Venkateswara Temple

Tuesday, October 25, 2011


Sreemathe Vedantha Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha
Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

Deepavali blessings message from H.H.blessings message from H.H.Sri RangaRamanuja Mahadesikan
On this happy occasion of Deepaavali, H.H. has directed me to convey His blessings from His camp at Chennai Ashramam, to all the sishyas and abhimaanees living around the world and their families be bestowed with all happiness and healthy life.
As usual, Perumal and Paduka Araadanams are being held everyday morning Devotees are attending and getting theertha prasaadams and manthradchadai from H.H.
Daasan,
R Srinivasan

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Pavithrothsavam at Velamur Temple

Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

Very soon Pavithrothsvam at Sri Sundra Varadaraja Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple at Velamur is to be performed, starting on 5th November, 2011 and finishing on 8th November,2011. This is the first Pavithrothsavam after the Mahasamprokshanam of Temple with the newly erected Rajagopuram, held a few months' back..If any of you have missed to see the Temple with the Rajagopuram, please make sure to visit Velamur Temple during this period. I am attaching the picture of the majestic Perumal Sri Sundara Varadarajar,as well as the Pathirikai with the programme printed for the 4 days.

Daasan,
R Srinivasan



Velamur village is located on Melmaruvathur to Vandavasi road, very near to Ramapuram village, some 12 to 14 Kms from Melmaruvathur.

Monday, October 17, 2011

A beautiful report on Swamy Desikan and Satyaagaalam Kshetram by Sri Sadagopan Iyengar

Srimate SrivanSatakopa Sri Vedanta Desika Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:



Karnataka Divyadesam

I can almost see your eyebrows going up in surprise—“Divyadesam in Karnataka? Since when?” I hear you ask. By definition, Divyadesams are those abodes of the Lord which have been sanctified by eulogies of Azhwars. The tribute Azhwars have paid to a particular sannidhi might consist of a hundred or more verses (as in the case of Tirukkannapuram and Tirunarayur) or a mere phrase (like the cryptic Aatrankarai kidakkum Kannan in the case of Kapisthalam): still, even if Azhwars have sung just a word about a particular temple, it becomes a Divyadesam. And conversely, any other abode of Emperuman, however popular and however significant it may be spiritually, is not entitled to the epithet “Divyadesam” (for instance Tirunarayanapuram, Mannargudi, Madhurantakam, etc.). And all the 108 Divyadesams are identified and well-documented by Sri Pillai Perumal Iyengar, (in his Nootrettu Tirupati Andaadi) with none being able to add or subtract from the number or substitute one temple with another—there are 40 Divyadesams in the Chozha Naadu, 18 in Pandya Naadu, 2 in Nadu naadu, 22 in Tondai Mandalam, 13 in Kerala, 11 north of Tamilnadu, with two more located beyond this mundane universe. There is thus no question of a Divyadesam cropping up anew in Karnataka.

“Why then the caption?”, you may ask. For us samsaris, the Lord is pretty much beyond reach. Though it was the Azhwars who sung His glory in magnificent verses dripping with devotion, travelling over hill and dale to His abodes located in the nooks and crannies of Bhaarata varsham, the fact remains that they lived in the distant centuries past: we learn of the Lord and His auspiciousness only through our current Acharyas, who in turn have inherited the priceless heirloom of wisdom and devotion from their own preceptors. By this reasoning, Acharyas (and their entire lineage) are much dearer to us than even Azhwars and Emperuman—Achaaryaat iha devataam samadhikaam anyaam na manyaamahe says Swami Desikan, placing our preceptors on an extraordinarily lofty pedestal. Going by this, the temples frequented by our Acharyas, present and past, would be as venerable to us as any sung by Azhwars and while we may not call them Divyadesam in popular parlance, any abode of the Lord which was the favourite of our Acharyas would definitely qualify for the description, if not in word , at least in spirit. I may hence be excused for terming Satyaagaalam a Divyadesam.

Karnataka boasts of several Abhimaana Sthalas-- magnificent abodes of the Lord consecrated with love and devotion by maharshis and monarchs and patronized by our Acharyas for several generations. It is a land of unalloyed devotion and unadulterated veneration, which has provided a willing refuge for successive Sri Vaishnava Acharyas facing persecution in their own Tamil homeland. Be it Sri Ramanuja or Swami Desikan, it is to Karnataka Desam that they repaired, when they encountered hostility in Srirangam. And to the further credit of Karnataka, it has given birth to several Acharyas of repute like Sri Anantaazhwan, Sri Nanjeeyar, Sri AdivanSatakopa Swami, et al. A small indication of the immeasurable Acharya bhakti that the land has for Acharyas is this--if you interact with Sri Vaishnavas from Karnataka, you would find that they refer to Nigamaanta Guru invariably as “Desikar”, deeming it more respectful and appropriate than the “Desikan” we of Tamilnadu casually use.

Satyaagaalam, the subject of the present piece, is rather off the beaten track, as far as the average pilgrim to Karnataka is concerned—people normally visit Sriranga Patnam, Tirunarayanapuram, etc. near Mysore and the more adventurous tour the interior districts of Karnataka, filled with Hoysala temples dedicated to Sri Nrisimha and Chenna Kesava. Nonetheless, Satyaagaalam is definitely equal to the other kshetras, whether it is in spiritual significance, on account of Preceptor’s patronage or the invigorating presence of Kaveri.

Any narration of Swami Desikan’s life and times would be woefully incomplete without a mention of Satyaagaalam, for, so close is its association with the Acharya. It would be no exaggeration to say that apart from Srirangam and Kanchi, and perhaps Tiruvaheendrapuram, Satyaagaalam is the only kshetram where Swami Desikan spent a significant portion of his extremely productive spiritual life—various accounts place the total length of the Acharya’s sojourn at this place between 12 and 40 years. And according to most versions of his history, Swami Desikan dwelt here for two fairly long spells, making Satyaagaalam a definite place of pilgrimage for Desika bhaktas.

Once, during his stay at Srirangam, Swami Desikan was perusing the Sri Bhashyam, as was his wont, seated in the forecourt of his house. Sri Kandaadai Lakshmanacharya, an AcharyaPurusha, passed by in his palanquin, in the street
where Swami Desikan had his humble residence. Immersed in
the delightful lines of Sri Bhashyam, Swami did not
notice the Acharya's procession, till some of Sri
Lakshman
acharya's disciples barged into Swami Desikan's
house and berated him for not having paid his respects
to the passing Ach
arya. Immediately, Swami Desikan
rushed to the Achary
a's residence, apologized to him
for the unintended omission and returned with regret for having
occasioned such a response on the part of Sri
Lakshmanacharya's disciples.
The episode however was the final straw on the proverbial camel’s back, for it added one more instance to a series of insults that Swami Desikan had to face from jealous opponents unable to tolerate his erudition and growing fame as an unparalleled exponent of the Sampradayam. The Acharya’s pain at being repeatedly persecuted is very much evident in the lines of his prayer to Sri Ranganatha, seeking the company of well-wishers—paraspara hitaishinaam parisareshu maam vartayasva.

Rather than remain at Srirangam and face further impediments to his spiritual quest, Swami Desikan decided to move away to a far off place, where he would find peace and solace. And being a true disciple of Sri Bhashyakara, Swami Desikan too chose Karnataka as his second home and set off from Srirangam, passing through Coimbatore, Sathyamangalam and Kollegala. A little distance beyond Kollegala, he was received by a party of villagers, along with their chieftain. Their village had been affected by severe drought for the previous couple of years, but all of a sudden there were copious rains within the space of a couple of days, reviving prospects of agriculture and animal husbandry. When they wondered as to the cause of the sudden precipitation, a village elder told them that it must have been due to the presence of a mahatma in the neighbourhood. Anxious to find and invite the sage to their village, they set out and came across Swami Desikan, shining with the halo of wisdom, and his disciples. Learning about the Acharya’s self-imposed exile from Srirangam, the village chieftain fell at the Acharya’s feet along with his acolytes and prayed to the former to stay at their village, known as Satyaagaalam, for as long as he liked.

Though our Swami did not accede immediately to the request, when he found that the village had a beautiful shrine of Sri Varadaraja and Sri Perundevi Tayar, (his mentors from his favourite Kanchi) along with Sri LakshmiNrisimha and that Mother Kaveri too flowed nearby, he decided to spend some time at Satyaagaalam.

The idyllic ambience, the atmosphere of peace and quiet reigning at the village in contrast to the strife and hurt rampant elsewhere, the suitability of the place for pursuing his faultless anushttaanam as well as spiritual studies and dissemination, etc., tempted Swami Desikan into spending quite a few years at Satyaagaalam. His days at the village were spent in performing his morning ablutions and Sandhyavandanam at the Kaveri, seated on a naturally-formed Koormaasanam on its banks, returning to the Kote Varadaraja Swami temple for worship, study of the scriptures and dissemination of Sri Bhashyam to the ardent disciples who had accompanied him from Srirangam. Twelve years were spent thus, which also included occasional visits to Tirunarayanapuram. So enamoured was Swami Desikan of Satyaagaalam that every time he went to Melukote for worshipping his icon Sri Bhashyakara and Selvanaaranan, he stayed there but for a few days, returning to Satyaagalam and his spiritual routine. The grand old Peepal tree under the shade of which Swami Desikan performed his anushttaanam on the banks of the Kaveri, known as the Gnaana Asvattha, survived for several centuries as a mute witness to the glorious times past (despite the impermanence of river-bank trees as brought out by Sri Kalian—aatrankarai vaazh maram pol), till it was struck down recently due to natural forces.

And what was happening at Srirangam in the interregnum? Sri Lakshmanacharya, whose disciples had offended Swami Desikan, developed several health problems, apparently apropos of nothing. His
health began to deteriorate day by day. Suspecting
this to be the outcome of some major sin, he enquired
of his sishyas whether any of them had indulged in
unbecoming conduct. Two of them confessed to having
abused Swami Desikan verbally and physically, for
reasons indicated above. Overcome by
remorse at the bhaagavata apachaaram committed by his disciples, Sri Lakshmanacharya immediately rushed to Satyaagaalam and
prostrated before Swami Desikan, seeking his pardon. Sri Lakshmanacharya resided for a whole year at Satyaagaalam, imbibing Sri Vedantacharya's
Sripaada teerttham and regained his
health. As an additional and beneficial fallout of imbibing the Sri Pada Teerttham, he was also blessed with a son. To remind him eternally of this episode,
he named his newborn son, "Teerttha Pillai".
After a sojourn of several years at Satyaagaalam, Swami Desikan developed a longing to see Namperumal and set off to Srirangam, bidding a tearful farewell from the villagers of Satyaagaalam, who sought his early return. The Moovaayirappadi Guruparampara Prabhavam tells us that the Acharya left his family at Satyaagaalam, which would indicate his intention to return there early. Reunited with the favourite deity of Azhwars and Acharyas alike, Swami Desikan stood before Sri Ranganatha with tears of joy in his eyes and continued the kainkaryams he had been performing earlier.
Then occurred the Muslim invasion of Srirangam, causing the loss of more than 12000 lives of Sri Vaishnavas. In the melee, to save Namperumal, Sri Pillailokacharya and others hid Him in a palanquin and spirited Him away to Madurai. Swami Desikan was entrusted by elders with the task of safeguarding the two sons of Sri Sudarsana Bhattar and also Bhattar’s commentary on Sri Bhashyam, the Shrutaprakasika. To escape the murderous muslim army, Swami Desikan hid in the fields, lying on the ground with the other dead bodies. After dark fell, he set off once again with his new wards. And when he wondered where he could go, immediately Satyaagaalam came to his thoughts and there he went with all expedition. Having reached the safety of Satyaagaalam, Swami Desikan resumed his spiritual routine, to which was added the exposition of the Shrutaprakaasika. The sons of Sri Sudarsana Bhattar underwent upanayanam and other qualifying ceremonies at Satyaagaalam and learnt Sampradaayic lore from Swami Desikan along with his other disciples.
Though Satyaagaalam did afford Swami Desikan security, solace and peace, the sufferings Sri Vaishnavas underwent at the hands of the invading army of infidels remained green in his memory and concerns for the safety of Namperumal constantly plagued his thoughts. He was forever awaiting news of the utsavamurthy and of the bhagavatas who accompanied Him. It is thus that we find Swami Desikan’s vigraham at Satyaagaalam in a standing posture, not to be seen at any other of the hundreds of temples boasting of the Acharya’s icons-- the stance symbolic of his constant thoughts of Srirangam and the eagerness with which he awaited news of restoration of Sri Namperumal to Srirangam. (There is indeed one more idol of the Acharya in a standing posture, at Srirangapatnam, but this is reported to be of subsequent origin).

This constant concern for the wellbeing of Sri Ranganatha and His devoted acolytes led Swami Desikan to compose at Satyaagaalam a beautiful stotram seeking the banishment of fear generated by external causes—turushka yavanaadibhi: jrumbhamaanam bhayam and the return of Namperumal to His original abode. Aptly named Abheetistavam, this stotram contains some of the most poignant verses that ever originated from Swami Desikan’s prolific pen.

When one of His dearest devotees seeks something, how can the Lord remain silent? He immediately arranged for the re-capture of Srirangam from alien forces and the re-establishment of Himself under the holiest of holies, the Ranga Vimaanam. With normalcy in religious routine having been restored, word was sent to Swami Desikan about the restoration of Srivaishnavite supremacy in Srirangam. Even before the emissary could reach the Acharya, Namperumal appeared in Swami Desikan’s dreams and announced that He was back in Srirangam, ordering the Acharya to resume his kainkaryams at the holiest of holies.
Swami Desikan worshipped Sri Varadaraja and Perundevi Tayar at Satyaagaalam for a lost time, his eyes brimming at the thought of parting with the Perumal who had afforded him refuge not once but twice. Perumal too, though loathe to part with Tooppul Pillai, gave him a reluctant farewell (piriyaa vidai) along with the residents of Satyaagaalam, whose grief knew no bounds. Compelling himself to leave, Sri Nigamaanta Guru bid adieu to all his admirers at the village and set off to Srirangam. Thus ended Swami Desikan’s second sojourn at Satyaagaalam.

During his enforced but enjoyable exile at Satyaagalam, Swami Desikan found his separation from his beloved Periya Perumal compensated to a great extent by the invigorating presence of a beautiful Sri Ranganatha at Madhyarangam, a mere 7 km from Satyaagaalam, where he used to go frequently. Also situated on the banks of the Kaveri, this is a small but wonderful temple housing the idols of Sri Ranganatha, Sri Ranganayaki and Swami Desikan, perhaps in memory of his mangalasasanam. And there are those who say that the following slokam of Abheetistavam is addressed to the Emperuman Jagan Mohana Rangan of Madhyarangam and not to the Lord of Srirangam as is popularly attributed—

Rama dayita! Rangabhooramana! Krishna! Vishno! Hare!

Trivikrama! Janaardana! Triyuganaatha! Narayana!

Itiva subhadaani ya: patati naamadheyaani te

Na tasya yama vasyataa naraka paata bheeti: kuta:?

Local historians recount an episode which occurred in the life of Swami Desikan during his sojourn at Satyaagaalam. One night, Swami Desikan had a dream, in which a sagacious person sought the opportunity to do kainkaryam to Swami Desikan. Pondering over the dream and its possible purport, Swami Desikan was returning from his morning bath in the Kaveri, when a tortoise followed him to the temple and raced past him. The same night, Sri Varadaraja appeared in the Acharya’s dream and instructed him to bless the stranger by affording him an opportunity for service. The next morning when he went to the Kaveri, Swami Desikan found a stone peetham in the form of a tortoise (known as a koormaasanam and an ideal seat for performance of penance), under a Peepal tree. Till he left Satyaagaalam, Swami used this koormaasanam for the performance of anushttaanam. This unique koormaasanam remained on the banks of the Kaveri till 1924, till Sri Abhinava Ranganatha Mahadesikan of Sri Parakala Mutt, concerned at the possibility of its being washed away in river floods, had it removed and reinstalled at Swami Desikan’s sannidhi at the Varadaraja Swamy temple. This Acharya also arranged for a partial renovation of the temple.

Coming back to Satyaagaalam, the village appears to have been quite famous even prior to Swami Desikan’s visit. Folklore handed down from generation to generation speaks of Sri Rama’s stay at the village. Adding credence to these accounts is the presence of a hill nearby known as Gavi Rama Male, where Raghunandana is reported to have slain an asura hidden in a cave, on his way to Lanka. It was at the Kaveri at Satyaagaalam that Sri Rama performed obsequies for Dasaratha Maharaja with pinda pradaanam , say the local bhagavatas, proudly proclaiming that the kshetram is also known as Dakshina Gaya, a place to propitiate forefathers.

After Swami Desikan’s times, his son and heir to the spiritual throne, Sri Kumara Varadacharya, is reported to have visited Satyaagaalam and consecrated the idol of his illustrious father at the Varadaraja Perumal sannidhi. Even prior to Swami Desikan’s visit, Satyaagaalam appears to have been a flourishing centre of spirituality, with the temple of Sri Varadaraja quite well known. This is borne out by a 11th century royal edict recording the donation of lands to the temple, for its maintenance. And it is quite possible too that Sri Ramanuja had visited the temple, for Talakkadu, where the Bhashyakara had established the Kirtinarayana Temple, is but a short distance from Satyaagaalam.

Such a glorious and magnificent sannidhi appears to have fallen into disrepair in the recent centuries and the utsavams performed for the Lord gradually stopped due to the emigration of the Sri Vaishnavite population from the village and its vicinities. In fact, even the identity of the village, as the place of choice for Swami Desikan’s prolonged sojourn, appears to have been almost lost, for the Guruparampara and subsequent works indicate the name of the village variously as Satyamangalam, Saktimangalam, etc. However, since there is no Kaveri or Swami Desikan’s sannidhi at Satyamangalam, the fame and name of Satyaagaalam have been reestablished and its credibility reinforced by the visit of various Acharyas. Sri Parakala Matham has a close association with the temple, as is borne out by a branch of the Mutt adjoining the temple. For quite a long time, Acharyas of the Mutt performed regular worship at the temple periodically, the frequency of which appears to have reduced with time.

Srimad Akkur Andavan performed mangalasasanam at Satyaagalam in 1934 and is reported to have expressed his distress at the state of the temple, overgrown with bushes and offering refuge to hundreds of bats, with the Lord’s idol not being offered due worship. Srimad Tirukkudandai Andavan visited the temple twice during the sixties and arranged for building a room for the archaka. The idols of Sri Varadaraja, Sri Perundevi and Swami Desikan were removed for some time and installed at Madhyarangam for security reasons, since the doors and windows had been eaten away by moth. Just to keep the tradition alive, a one-day utsavam was performed for Swami Desikan, between1964 and 1995. In 1995, prakritam Srimad Azhagiasingar, SrivanSatakopa Sri Narayana Yatindra Mahadesikan, performed mangalasasanam at the sannidhi and, concerned with the serious dilapidation that had occurred, constituted a committee of committed servitors for bringing the temple back to its original glory, kick-starting the effort with his own munificent contribution . Around ten years ago, Sri Rangapriya Swami visited the temple and contributed for the building of a bathing ghat at Kaveri, near the haloed spot where Swami Desikan is reported to have performed his anushttanam. This elderly Yati’s association with Satyaagaalam is very close, as his ancestors are reported to have arrived at Satyaagaalam along with Swami Desikan from Srirangam. Swami’s own tirunaamam in his poorvaashramam was Satyaagaalam Varada Desikacharya.

The power of mangalasasanam by numerous Yativaras did have its effect and soon things started moving, with the committee cleaning up the temple premises, building a compound and a madaippalli, renovating the well, arranging for beautiful flooring for the entire temple and making it a worthwhile abode for its divine dwellers. The trustees then took up an ambitious project of building a Rajagopuram and finished it in record time. Funds for all these kainkaryams came from enthusiastic devotees from India and abroad. The temple now presents a majestic, spruce and magnificent appearance, well-maintained and managed. From its looks, you really wouldn’t believe that this is a temple situated in a small village. An annexe has been built with facilities for pilgrims to stay overnight, with modern toilet facilities including WC. Realizing the importance of the place to Desika bhaktas, the secretary and committee members have tried their best to provide intending pilgrims with all facilities not only for a glorious spiritual experience, but also a comfortable stay. There is perhaps none who has visited the temple and gone away hungry—the hospitality of the archaka swami and other temple staff is to be experienced to be believed. The committed members of the managing committee are extremely helpful (Mr. Selvanarayanan, Secretary, is available to all Desika Bhaktas any time over his phone no 09880417514). And all this is done solely in the spirit of bhaagavata kainkaryam, with no expectations of a quid pro quo. Though the utsavams are yet to recommence in all their erstwhile glory, for the present, an annual event is held in Nov. in the month of Iyppasi (this year it falls on 13th Nov., a Sunday) with Sri Parakala Swami gracing the occasion, when a grand tirumanjanam is performed on the banks of the Kaveri for Swami Desikan and his mentor Sri Hayagrivan. This is indeed an event not to be missed, for such is its grandeur and the spiritual rejuvenation that the participants experience and for the opportunity of having a sacred dip in Kaveri in the month of Thula.

Having gone to Satyaagaalam recently and returned with rich memories, I would request all devotees of Swami Desikan to make a pilgrimage to this village, which is no less significant than divya desams like Srirangam, for it was the favoured abode of the Acharya for quite a long time. The temple has its own well-designed website with a wealth of information—www.sathyagalamtemple.info, which may be accessed for further details.

Srimate Sri LakshmiNrisimha divya paduka sevaka SrivanSatakopa Sri Narayana Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:

dasan, sadagopan

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Aippasi month Andavan Ashramam Panchanga Sangraham


Ashramam Panchanga Sangraham—Aippasi Month
18/10/2011  Aippasi ( Thulaa ) month begins  Maasa Pirappu Tharpanam
23/10/2011  Sarva Ekadasi
24/10/2011  Mahaa Pradosham
25/10/2011  Late midnight--  Naraka Chathurthi Snaanam
26/10/2011   Deepavali Pandigai, Sarva Amavasai
02/11/2011   Sravana Vratham
03/11/2011   Sravanam—Poigai Azhwar Tirunakshtram
04/11/2011    Avittam--- Bhothathazhwar Tirunakshtarm
05/11/2011   Sathayam--- Peiazhwar Tirunakshtram
06/11/2011   Sarva Ekaadasi
07/11/2011   Tiruthuraipoondi Andavan Tirunakshtram
08/11/2011   Mahapradosham
10/11/2011   Pournami
17/11/2011   Kaarthigai ( vrichiga) Month begins

Daasan,
R.Srinnivasan

Monday, October 10, 2011

Srimath Aakkoor Andavan Tirunakshatram-- 11th October,2011


Sri Srinivasa Mahadesikan (Srimath Akkur Andavan)
Thirunakshatram: PurattAsi-UtthirattAdi


Thanian
Srimath vEdhaantha Raamaanuja yathi nrupathEr labdha vEdhaantha yugmum
Srimath dEvaadhinEthu ChCharana sarasijE thEna daththaathma Baaram
Srimath Srivaasa yogeeshwara mahitha mahaa sampradaayaika nishtam
VandhE Srivaasa yogeeshwara gurumanagam vathsalam Bhavyasheelam
 
Akkur Andavan was born in the year 1880 in the month of Purattasi with Uthirattadhi as his birth star.His poorvasrama name was Rangachariar. He was the immediate successor to Srimad Nammandavan and 7th Peetadhipathy of Srirangam Srimad Andavan Asramam. He had studied sampradhaya granthas at the holy feet of sri Nammandavan along with Sri U.Ve.Thembarai Venkata Raghavachar swami (who became Tembarai Andavan later) Dimmakudi sri U.Ve .Srinivasachar Thirukkudanthai Vairakya Nidhi Sri U.Ve. Rajagopalachar, Rayampettai GanapAdi Vidwan Seemachar and many others

In 1931,When Nammandavan's health was very much affcted, HH wanted to appoint a successor for the Asramam. His Holiness NammAndavan wanted Sri Akkur Rangachar Swami to be his successor. But having influenced by gnanam, vairaghyam, anushtAnam, spiritual powers, and great capabilities of Srimath NamAndavan, Sri Rangachar swami thought that he may not be a fit person to be the successor of Srimath NamAndavan and adorn this great Acharya lineage of Srimath Andavan Ashramam. Sri Rangachar swami hesitated and respectfully declined to take up thureeyashramam at that time. Srimath Andavan was very upset that Sri Rangachar could not be appointed immediately as His Holiness realized His dehAvasanam (end) was nearing. His Holiness offered prayers to the PAdukAs of PoorvAchAryas, and with tears rolling in his eyes, reciting slokas like "Sriman Abeeshta Varadha Thvaam asmi charanam Gatha:" and with Goddess Thayaar as Purusha kAram, His Holiness offered pranams many times at the lotus feet of Lord Varadharaja of Kanchi, and appealed to HIM ,

"Hey Prabho! you have fulfilled the prayers, of Sri Alavandar by making Sri Ramanuja as the Sampradhaya pravarthakar. Now fulfil my prayer also by making Akkur Rangachar swami, as the sampradhya pravarthakar & my successor, in our Asramam. The responsibility is yours."
Saying so, He surrendered his burden at the lotus feet of the Lord Varadhan of Kanchi. His holiness adorned thirunAdu. 

Like AlavandAr's prayer, Srimath NammAndavan's prayer too was granted by Lord Varadha later. Srimath Aakur Rangachar swamy consented to take up sanyasam immediately after Srimath Nammandavan adorned ThirunAdu. Exactly 3 weeks after NammAndavan adorning Thirunadu, Sri Narayana Yatheeswarar, a Disciple of NammAndavan, who had already received Sanyasam from NammAndavan, gave the ochre ascetic robes of sanyasam to Sri Rangachar swami.  
SriRangachar swami became the successor of NammAndavan in Andavan asramam as Srimath Akkur Andavan Sri Srinivasa Maha Desikan, the same name as PeriAndavan and very much like PeriAndavan in Gnaana, vairagya, anushtaanam etc.. His sancharam in the 15 year period from 1931 was all on foot (paadha yathrA). His holiness Srimad Akkur Andavan covered Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Thirupathi through His paadha yatra and spread Munithraya ashrama sampradyaa.
Srimad thembarai Andavan and Srimath Thirukkudanthai Andavan attended the Kalakshebam of various granthams in their poorvasramam at the holy feet of Srimath Aakkur Andavan. Srimath Akkur Andavan had the blessings of Srimath Nammandavan in Completing the Vyakyanam for the remaining 208 slokas of Padhuka sahasram (Srimath Nammandavan had already completed vYAkyanam for about 800 slokas of paduka sahasram, but before completing the balance, he adorned ThirunAdu)
Once Akkur Andavan had to undergo a surgery to remove a cyst from his chest. He never took any pain killing medicine or anesthesia for the procedure. Instead, he was deeply immersed, in reciting ramayana slokas mentally for getting himself relieved from the pain. He was one of the greatest exponents of Ramayana discourses at his time. People had a very high regard for him for his simplicity, lucid and profound knowledge in sampradhaya and sastras, humourous discourses, etc, and called him as ""ENGAL ANDAVAN" 
Thembarai Venkata Raghavachar Swamy was doing kainkaryam to Srimath Akkur Andavan, continuing to undertake kAlakshEpams under His Holiness. Srimath Akkur Andavan. His Holiness was immensely pleased with Thembarai swAmis GnAna, vairAghyA and AnushtAnams and felt that Thembarai Swamy was the right person to be adorned as sampradAya pravarthakA of periAsramam after His time. His Holiness Srimad Akkur Andavan informed Thembarai Swamy about his decision. Thembarai Swamy after long thoughts, decided to take up sanyAsam and gave his consent to his Holiness. Srimath Andavan was extremely pleased byThembarai swAmis decision and ordained His sishyAs to make arrangements for the Holy ceremony.
 
On 06.10.1946, Srimath Akkur Andavan gave the holy sanyAsam to Sri. U.Ve. Brahmaniddhi Thembarai VenkatarAghavAchAriar swami in presence of several Andavan thiruvadis and named him as Sri RanganAtha mahA dEsikan and asrama disciples fondly called him as Thembarai Andavan. Both Acharyas, namely Akkur Andavan and his successor Srimath Thembarai Andavan were together in the Asramam for a period of 5-1/2months till Srimath Akkur Andavan adorned ThirunAdu on 19-3-1947 on a krishna paksha dwAdasi day (in the month of Panguni, viya year).
Srimath Andavan Thiruvadi
Perungadambanur Parthasarathy Sreenivasan
(of Besant Nagar
,Chennai)

Monday, October 3, 2011

Tirukkudanthai Desikan-- Purattasi Pooraadam-- 4th October 2011


4th October,2011, Purattasi Pooraadam-
GOPALARYA MAHA DESIKAN—MUNITHRAYA SAMPRADHAYA PRAVARTHAKAR
Purattasi-Pooradam is the thirunakshatram of Srimath Thirukkudanthai Desikan (1700 - 1781) also known as GopAlArya MahAdEsikan. He is an important Acharya in the Munithraya sampradayam. His thanian reads as  
Sri Krishna dEsika PadAmbuja Brunga rAjam  
VEdAntha lakshmana muneeindra kripatha bOtham  
Thraiantha dEesika yatheendra satAri moorthim  
Gopala dEsika sikAmanim Aasrayamaha

Srimathe Gopalarya Mahadesikaya Namaha  
Sri Gopala Desikan was born in Aathreya gothram in Sri Appullar's Vamsam (Swami Desikan's maternal uncle). The kootasthar of this Vamsam Sri Kidambi Aachaan (also known as madaippalli Aachaan) was doing the Madaippalli kainkaryam to Sri Ramanuja. Thirukkudanthai Gopala Desikan was the direct and fifteenth descendant of Appullar. Swami's Avatharam took place in Vikrama Varusham (1700) purattasi madham, pooradam star, sukla paksham, navami thithi in dhanur lagnam. Swami received his pancha samaskaram and veda adhyanam from his father Sri Krishna Suri. From his father, he also learnt tharkam, vyakaranam, meemamsam, Divya Prabhandham, Desika Prabhandham & Sthothra paatams of Sri NigamAntha MahA dEsikan and became an erudite scholar.
Sri Gopala Desikan requested Saakshaath swami to bless him and take him as a sishya. Saakshath swami, after testing his gnanam, anushtanam and bhakthi was immensely pleased and blessed him and accepted him as his sishya. Sri Gopala Desikan studied Srimath Rahasyathraya Saaram, Sri Bhaashyam, Geethaa Bhaashyam, Sri Paancharaathra Prabruthi, Anushtaana Granthas, Sruthaprakaasikaa, Thaathparya Chandrikaa, Sathadooshani, Thathva mukthaa kalaabaa, Nyasavidyaa Darpana and Sri Thathva Sidhanjanam under the holy feet of Saakshaath swami. Saakshath swami instructed Sri Gopala Desikan to learn Bhagavath Vishayam from his Satheerthar and disciple Sri Paduka Sevaka Ramanuja muni, who had learnt 24 Ayirappadi earlier from Sri Saakshath swami. As instructed, Sri Gopala dEsikan studied Bhagavath Vishayam from Padhuka Sevaka Ramanuja muni and became a scholar in that too, and requested Sri Saakshaath swami for Bharasamarpanam. Saakshaath swami was very much pleased at his request and perfromed Prapatti for Sri Gopala Desikan at the sacred feet of Lord Sri Ranganatha through Acharya nishtai.  
When he offered prayers with AparyabdhAmritha Dhyana slokam to Lord at Thirukkudanthai. Lord Aravamudhan appeared through archakar and granted the name Thirukkudanthai Desikan
Other works of swami are Ahniga Grantham, Sri Desika sahasranamam, Nikshepa Chinthamani also known as Saranaagathi Saasthra Vivaranam, Sangraha Vyaakyaanams for Kanninun Siruththambu, Thiruppallandu, Sri Jayanthi Nirnayam, Aparyabdhamritha Dhyana sopanam on Araavamudhan (similar to Bhagavath Dhyana sopanam of Swami Desikan on Lord Ranganatha) One day Lord Aparyabdhamudhan appeared in the dream of Thirukudanthai Desikan and told him that three yatheeswas, the Amsa avatharams of Sri Nathamuni, Sri Alavanthar, and Sri Bashyakarar will come and request him to take them as his sishyas and instructed him to accept them as his sishyas and teach them the Munithraya sath-sampradayam, the sampradayam passed down by three munis namely Nathamuni, Yamunamuni and Ramanuja Muni. Similarly Lord appeared in the dream of the three swamis also, and told them to take up Thureeyasramam and become sishyas of Thirukkudanthai Desikan swami. The three swamis were:
Sri Srinivasa Maha Desikan of Cheyyanam on the banks of Tamirabarani river Sri Ranganatha Maha Desikan of Vathiraairuppu, Thirumaliruncholai near Madurai Sri Vedantha Ramanuja Maha Desikan of Vazhuthur, a small village near Thirukkudanthai. Thirukkudanthai Desikan swami took all three of them as his sishyas and taught them all the granthas through upadesams and kalakshebams. One day during Adhyayanothsavam Sarrumurai time when swami, along with the three sishyas did mangalasaasanam at Amudhan sannidhi, Lord Amudhan through Archamukam, awarded the thirunamam "MUNITHRAYA SAMPRADHAYA PRAVARTHAKAR" to Srimath Thirukkudanthai Desikan. Swami accepted it with humility saying, "Naayindhen, DhanyOsmi". Swami instructed the yatheeswaras to do sampradhaya pravachanam from their respective places. The yatheeswaras returned back to their villages. Of these yatheeswaras,
Srimath Thirukkudanthai Desikan led a life of Acharya in gruhasthashrama for almost all of his life like Swami Desikan. He took up sanyasam at the age of 81 years (In Plava year 1781, Karthigai month on Pushya star-Krishna panchami) with the name Aparyabdhaamridha Maha Desikan. The very next day, in Plava varusham Karthigai month- Krishna sashti (1781 Nov/Dec) Srimath Thirukkudanthai Desikan breathed his last at Thirukkudanthai and adorned Thirunadu
Srimath Andavan Thiruvadi
Perungadambanur Parthasarathy Sreenivasa
(of  Besant Nagar,Chennai)