Kaarthigai Deepam- A write up from Sri Ranganatha Paduka

                           

                           Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

I am giving below, a write up the forthcoming Karthigai Deepam Festival. This is an English translation of an article published in Sri Ranganatha Paduka, Kaarthigai issue.

Daasan,
R Srinivasan,

Kaarthigai Deepam- A write up

ஸ்ரீமதே ரங்கராமானுஜ மகா தேசிகாய நமஹா

ஸ்ரீ ரங்கநாத பாதுகையின் கார்த்திகை மாத பிரசுரத்தில் கார்த்திகை
தீபத்தை பற்றி  வெளி வந்த குறிப்புகளை இந்த மெயிலில் இணைத்துள்ளோம்

இதை வாசித்து அனுபவிக்கவும்.

தாசன் ,
ர . ஸ்ரீனிவாசன்

Upanayanam/Brahmopadesam-- Its significance

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: RANGARAJ RAMASWAMY <rangaraj_ramaswamy@yahoo.co.in>
To: sabha <rangaraj_ramaswamy@yahoo.co.in>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 November 2011 10:41 PM
Subject: upanayanam / brahmopadesam -it's significance

The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is made of Upa and Nayanam. (vision through knowledge). Literally, it is identified as the second vision known as Wisdom & knowledge. Also, Dwijan as we call the boy to whom the ceremony is being performed, is known to get the second birth - first being born on the earth with physical body and second being "taking one near to wisdom". through this ceremony. Essentially it has two parts. First is the investiture of the three stranded thread called Yagjnopaveetham. The second part is the Brahmmobadesam - taking one to the Brahmman - a recitation into his right ear the Gayathri mantra. This is usually performed by his father, who becomes the Teacher known as Guru to the boy..

The Youngster is thus, made eligible to be taken near the Vedas, so that he can study them and practice what is ordained upon him, in the Vedas. Here is the simplest way I explain the ritual known as Upanayanam - Brahmmobadesam. This ritual is performed with a larger gathering of friends, family relations and others to bless the boy. And from this day, he begins his routine Sandhya Vandanam - a regular prayer done thrice a day - during Morning, Noon & in the Evening. Also, from the day of Upanayanam & Brahmmobadesam, he start to perfom the Samitha Dhanam, a holy fire sacrifice, which he is supposed to perform daily.

Vedic mantra is a two liner and translate in its simplest form as: We meditate and bow before the exalted Dweller of the effulgent sun Who kindles our intellect. While uttering the mantra OM BHURBHUVAHA is always added to invoke the Supreme Lord of the three worlds.

A word of caution about the pronunciation and articulation of this mantra is needed. We strongly advise that this sacred mantra be uttered only after getting taught its pronunciation by a person well versed in the correct recitation of the Vedas.

There are various forms ceremonies, and rituals which mark the diverse stages and activities of men. Samskaaram (signifying cleansing) is the comprehensive Indian word for these forms. these are secular (like a handshake), civil (like certification by a legal authority), or religious( like birth rites) in character.

The Indian society is characterized by four broad choices (varnnyam or Varnam) of occupation, and the Upanayanam is administered to those who opt for religious education and practice, or the organized defense of a nation or community, or commercial operations according to established norms and practices. The ceremony is regarded as important as a re-awakening and creates for the functionaries the obligation to a life-long commitment of ethical principles, the ambience of Dharma. The passage through the ceremony confers the identity of Dvija (of dual birth) on these three groupings of citizens.

While every person is endowed with a autonomous ability to identify and verify objects of nature and human situations, a conscious search for knowledge is best facilitated by enrolling with an appropriate mentor (Achaarya). The expression Upanayanam indicates a preceptors leading the pupil on a spiritual quest of meaning and purpose. The Upanayam ceremony has two initial stages. THe Upaveetham involves the investiture of the sacred thread which is a three stranded loop (representing the three entities of creation, the chit or the animate, the anachit or the inanimate and the Eesvara the Lord) with a consecrated knot (Brahmagranthi), worn on the left shoulder across the midriff. The Upaveetham is the accessory in the worship of the Lord Supreme, Vishnu-Naarayana. The Upaveetham thread is known as Yagnjopaveetham in acknowledgement that the Lord is Yagna (Yagno vai Vishnu).

The Upanayanam signifies the purpose of it all, namely, the reaching for God-awareness through the study of the Upanishad. This mission of reaching or knowing (Brahna-jijnaasaa) is to be realized by means of the sacred formula (Gaayathri Mantram) imparted in the second stage which is thus named Bramopadesam. The young pupil is now known as the Brahmachaarinn, the candidate for the knowledge of Godhead.

The Gaayathri Mantram, hitched to the pranavam, is the precious acquisition of the ceremony, and yields unfailing protection to the one who recites it. The mantram and its metre is adored as the Mother of all sacred formulas and metres, Gaayathri Chhandasaam Maataa. This mantram is to be imbibed with due attention and veneration, and in privacy. There is an ongoing electronic-media commerce in singing this mantram, and this is a gross offence.

The mantram speaks of Devasya, savitu: and bharga charting the Lord (Deva:) who is in the lustre (bharga:) of the sun (savitaa). The cognomen deva: is from dyu: for lustre, and relates to the Indo-European dei and deity. Savithaa, a masculine noun, is for the Sun, but is a substitute for prasavitaa (from sou to bring forth), the maker. Bharge: is effulgence. The following texts establish the Gaayathri as a hymn for the Lord, Sri Maha Vishnu - Sriman Narayana.

The Upanishad text describe the Lord as dwelling in and radiating from the Sun. The Lord is identifies in specific descript such as Lotus-eyed (Chaandogyam), the pure animation (Suddha-sattvam) forming the core dwelling of the Lord in the Sun (Maitreyaaani), bharga signifying Vishnu (Yaajna-valkya smrti), savitr-mandala-madhya-vartree (agneya puraanam), Vishnu's supreme magnificence known as Rk, Yajur, Saama, enveloping the Sun's core (Vishnu puraanam), in Purushasooktam which speaks of the Sun's radiance transcending darkness (aaditya-varnam tamasa: parstaat), the Narayanasooktam describing how the lightning streaks out of the dark cloud (neela-toyada-madhyasthaat), in Sri Raamaayanam which is revered as Vedic redaction, Seeta identifying herself with Sri Raama even as the luminosity inheres in the Sun (bhaaskarena prabhaa yathaa).

The Udhaga Shanthi ( Uthaka Shanti) Japam recitals takes place normally the earlier day. The boy is being prepared with mentally and physically to take the Brahmmacharyam through the recitals and also with cleansing him with the Holy water. Then the Panchacavyam - a combination of Cow's Urine, Milk, Curd, and the holy water and mixed after recitals of specific Slokas & Mantras to purify the boys body & soul. Then the naandhi srardham (known as Abhvyooham to Srivaishnavas( is performed the day previous to the upanayanam and a very important requirement is stressed by the administering priest/aacharya- manasamaadheeyataam, Compose your mind! This is a pre-condition for receiving instruction, retaining and practicing it. Srimad Bhagavad-Gita Sri Krishna reiterating this discipline, samaahitamanaas srunu, Listen thou with a tranquil mind!

Normal age to perform Upanayanam: between 7 and 15 years.. generally odd running year is taken. If performed after the age of 15 years, then no need to stick to this rule. Best period for performing the ritual is during the Tamil month Maasi, which fall during Mid February to Mid March. However, during UtharayaNa period this can be performed. I.E. from Mid January till Mid July ( Tamil months from Thai to Aani). During Dakshinayana, it is advisable to avoid performing Upanayanam. Also, for Sama Veda followers must avoid performing Upanayanam during the time when Mars is set (Kuja Asthamanam), for Rg Vedis to avoid during Jupiter's setting, (Guru Asthamanam) and Yajur Vedi's to avoid during Venus setting period (Sukra Asthamanam). On the day of Muhurtham, the 8th house to the selected day's Muhurtham should be clean and without any malifics. This is a must for performing the Brahmmobadesam. Due to paucity of time and availability of halls and economical considerations, nowa-a-days, the Udhaka Shanthi, Nandhi and Upanayanam/Brahmmobadesam is performed in a single day.

Here are some interesting facts about the Poonool known as Yagnjopaveetham:

The sacred thread consists of three strands, (all common to Srivaishnavas, Smarthas & other Bachellors) joined by a knot known as Brahmagranthi or the knot of Brahma. The three strands symbolizes the Hindu trinity - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. There are various interpretations of the three strands to represent many of the other triads like Mahasarasvati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Or the three qualities known as sattva, rajas and tamas; past, present and the future; the three states - wakefulness, dream and deep sleep. Some even say that it represents the three dimensions known as heaven (swarga), earth (martyaloka) and nether regions (patala).

But the most important meaning of the three strands is ida, pingala and sukshama nadi, through which the kundalini energy manifests as prana and consciousness. Yajno-pavita means 'thread of sacrifice.' That is so called because it symbolizes the sacrifice of ego, Anger & selfishness.

According to the Manusmrti which specifies the following ages for the initiation ceremony to take place:

In the eighth year after conception, (i.e. at the age of 7 on birth) one should perform the initiation of sacred thread) of a Brahmin, in the eleventh year after conception for a Kshatriya and in the twelfth year that of a Vaisya. (Manu Smruthi II.36).

The sacred thread is a passport to obtain Vedic education. It is a prerequisite for learning Veda and also for marriage. For without it, in those days, no Brahmin man can dream of getting a bride for him. It was considered important because a person with Yajnopavitha must have undergone all the oaths associated with wearing it and should have led a celibate life and should have completed a major portion of his Vedic Sastras and education. A Brahmachari known as bachelor wears a single sacred thread that has three strands. A married person wears a pair of three bands each. A person who is married who is very orthodox, still with the family but has Sanyasa within the Grahasthasrama (does his daily routine and duties in the family, but unattached - like a drop of water lay on the lotus leaves).

courtesy www.trsiyengar.com .

 Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

Sri Vijaya Kothanda Ramar Koil is located in Kodanagar, in Cheyyar This is maitained and administerd by sri Kandadai Sampathi Ramanuja Iyengar Trust. This Trust is sponsoring a special Tirumanjanam for SriSeetha, Lakshmana,Hanumath Sampathi Sametha Sri Vijaya Kothanda Ramar on Sunday 27th November,2011, starting at 08 00 AM. Elaborate arrangemnts are being made by

Sri Ramabadran, Managing Trustee. This kshetram is an Abimaana Sthalam of Srimath Andavan Sri RangaRamanuja Mahadesikan, in whose presence Maha Samprokshanam for this Temple was held a couple of years back.

On this special occasion, on completion of Tirumanjanam, Upanyasam on Sri Seethaa Kalyaana Vaibhavam is being arranged. The well known Upanyasakar Sri Daamal Ramakrishnan will be delivering this. from 11 30 AM.

At the end of this there will Thadheeyaaraadanam for the visiting devotees.

Trustees of Sri Kandadai Sampathi Ramanuja Iyengar Trust invites all Astheekas to attend and get the blessings of Sri Vijay Kothanda Ramar.

Location of the Temple is Sampathi tank bund, Kodanagar,, near government Hospital, Cheyyar.

Daasan,

R Srinivasan.

Attachment(s) from Srinivasan Rangaswamy

1 of 1 Photo(s)

Cheyyar Sri Ramar Koil.jpg

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Andavan Ashramam- Monthly Calender- Karthigai Maasam

                               Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

Srimath Paduka Sevaka Ramanuja Mahadesikan ( Chinnandavan ) Tirunakshatram on Kaarthigai, Magam, 19/11/2011

Srirangam Srimath Andavan Ashramam Calendar for Karthigai Month

Ashramam Panchanga Sangraham—Karthigai Month

17/11/2011 Kaarthigai ( vrichiga) Month begins

19/11/2011 Chinnandavan ( Srimath Paduka Sevaka Ramanuja Mahadesikan ) Tirunakshatram

21/11/2011 Sarva Ekadasi

23/11/2011 MahaPradosham

24/11/2011 Sarva Amavasai

30/11/2011 Sravana Vratham

06/12/2011 Sarva Ekadasi-- Kaisiga Ekadasi

07/12/2011 Maha Pradosham

09/12/2011 Karthigai-- Karthigai-- Tirumangai Azhwar Tirunakshatram

10/12/2011 Pournami-- Rohini-- Paancharaatra Karthigai Deepam, Tirukkarthigai Pandigai-- Chandra Grahanam Grahana Sparsam at 06 16 PM , Moksham at 09 48 PM , Tharpanam after 08 00 PM, To finish Bhojanam by 09 15 AM on that day. In the night Bhojanam after 09 45 PM. Those who are born in Karthigai, Rohini, Mrigaseersham, Hastham and Sravanam Nakshatrams are advised to light lamp in Perumal Sannathi and do pradakshinam 12 times, as grahana parikaaram.
    

16/12/2011 Karthigai 30, Dhanur Maasa Pirappu Tharpanam only.

17/12/2011 Dhanur ( Maargazhi) Maasam 1, Dhanur Maasa pooja begins

20/12/2011 Smaartha Ekadasi

21/12/2011 Vaishnava Ekadasi

22/12/2011 Maha Pradosham

A view of the Nithya Aaraadanam at Chennai Ashramam

Sreemathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

 

This message is for those, who would like to see and hear the Nithya Aaraadana events at Chennai Ashramam, as recent as possible. On all days, these are routine events, including Sahasranama Archanai for Sri Venugopalan. This is the Archanai Prasaadam, which several of you are getting by post, as part of your lump sum one time contribution for Nithya Aaraadanai. You may view the same in the movie clip attached. This was taken on 13th November,2011 morning. ( Kindly bear with external noice at some p-laces, due to a marriage function going on at the adjacent Hall )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTJtwBB8AV4

Daasan,

R Srinivasan.

Velamur Pavithrothsavam

Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

Any information from Velamur temple is very imporatant to us, as it is very much attached to Srimth Andavan Ashramam and more particularly to H.H. I already posted a report on the Pavithrothsavam taken in the middle of the event on a particular day. Here I am attaching more pictures from Ankurarpanam, followed by poornaahuti. Please enjoy waching . In one of the clips, you may see the Upanishad Bhashyakarar, along with other Acharyas.

https://picasaweb.google.com/113272891841483968193/VelamurPavithrothsavam511To7112011

Please make sure to visit Velamur at any time convenient to you, and this is a distance of a 2 hours drive from Chennai. Very soon a Saama Veda paatasaalai will start functioning at this place, with the blessings of our Acharyan. A new building is under construction and will be ready in about 3 months time. I will be posting more updates on Velamur.

I am at the point updating the list of donors to the Rajagopura Kainkayam, completed early this year. Members looking at this mail, if you have joined in that noble cause, could you please let me know the details of your contribution, so that we make our records complete? My e mail id is R_SV@yahoo.com

Daasan,

R Srinivasan

Report from Coimbatore Andavan Ashramam

You are invited to view VijayaRaghavan R's photo album: Utsavars at Andavan Ashram Coimbatore

Utsavars at Andavan Ashram Coimbatore Andavan Ashram Coimbatore - Nov 12, 2011 by VijayaRaghavan R Utsavar Lord Aravamudhan with consorts. from Kumbakonam to be installed at Sundapalayam Temple Coimbatore on 16th Nov.2011. During the vijay yatra, at Andavan ashram on 13.11.2011

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=110055108138591344223&target=ALBUM&id=5674726711763698353&authkey=Gv1sRgCMbkn9iinOPBIg&feat=email

Daasan,

SrI:

SrimathE Gopaladesika Mahadesikaya nama:

Dearest all,

A very sad and shocking news...

Just heard from Chennai and Srirangam that asmadhacharyan His Holiness Srimad

Paravakkottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan Swami attained Paramapadham.

adiyEn had the bhAgyam of sevicchufying Swami last wednesday evening during the recent visit.

Swami was quite abled, though was quite tired visibly. When asked, Srimad Andavan replied:

Asakthidhaan vayasaanadhaal. maRRapadi oru ubaathaiyum illai..

(Just feeling tired and exhausted due to old age; no other diseases)

When leaving- adiyEn mentioned to Swami: I would come to Srirangam on March 28 for next Panguni Rohini for

Swami's Thirunkashthram. Swami smiled and said: Paarkkalaam (Let us see). I didn't know the inner meaning of

that response on that day. It appears Swami had fever yesterday and was okay in the evening. Today morning

was on drips and oxygen- as mentioned by my father. He left for his permanent abode - Srivaikuntam at 10 30 am

local time.

Swami's 91st Thirunaksthram celebrations were held in a grand manner in Srirangam last April 8, 2011.

We have been orphaned.

Srimad Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Maha Deshikan ThiruvadigaLE SaraNam

Regards

namo narayana

dAsan
Madhavakkannan

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: CHENNAI IYENGARS <chennaiiyengars@gmail.com>
To: chennaiiyengars@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, 8 November 2011 3:23 PM
Subject: Vishnu Aarti @ Chennai

Vishnu Aarti @ Chennai

Despite manifestations in various Avatars, Lord Maha Vishnu in Thiruparkadal on Adisesha is the ultimate source of divinity for the mankind. Performing Shri Vishnu Aarti brings peace and harmony to the world! In Chennai, Vishnu Aarti was performed with religious rituals and spiritual hymns at the beach in Foreshore Estate on November 07, 2011. The pooja was organized by Smt Deepa Venkat, the Managing Director of Vishnu Cars Private Limited. People from all walks of life participated in the inspirational pooja and prayed for the peace and harmony of the world. Deepa Venkat, who is also the managing trustee of Swarna Bharat Trust, said that the 'Vishnu Aarti' had been organized to promote happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people. As a leading campaigner of social values, Deepa Venkat believes that the aim of educating the youth is not just accumulation of facts but to imbibe values, culture and heritage.

https://sites.google.com/site/chennaiiyengars

 

Attachment(s) from Srinivasan Rangaswamy

1 of 1 Photo(s)

Vishnu

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Report on Velamur Temple Pavithrothsavam and photo links

Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

 

Currently Pavithrothsavam is under way in many of Temples under our Andavan Ashramam management. To name them, they are Velamur, Bangalore-Sripuram and Mumbai-Dombivili etc.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Velamur Sri Sundara Varadaraja- Sri LakshmiNarayana Perumal Koil. All of you will be aware that this is the temple very much nurtured by H.H., during His Poorvaasharam period, in parallel to working as a School teacher there.

This is the same village, where Saama Vedam flourished under the leadership of Acharyan Upanishd Bhashyakaarar Sri Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikan in those days. Due to British colonial problems, many of those Veda vidwans abandoned this village and settled in safer places.

But it is fortune that our Acharyan had the opportunity to recide in this place for many years and at the same time the Temple is also taken care of.

After taking over Acharya Peedam in our Ashramam, with the blessings of H H , many improvements to the Temple has taken place. As per His wishes the Temple was fully renovated, a new Sannathi with Vimanam for Upanishad Bhashyakaarar has come up, a beutiful 3Tier Rajagopuram was erected. We have already reported about the Maha Samprokshnam was performed on 13th May 2011, in the immediate presence oh H H, who incidentally shares the same Tirunaamam as Upanishad Bhashyakaarar,as , Srimath RangaRamanuja Mahadesikan.

After the last Mahasamprokshanam, the first Pavithrothsavam is now under way at Velamur. Tomoroow 8th Nov., 2011,is the final day.

I have taken snaps of Velamur Temple, views its Rajagopuram , Uthsava Perumal with Ubhaya Naachimaars during this Pavithrothsavam. You can see the Pavithrams adorning the dieties ,very much pleasing different colours.. We enjoyed seeing Moolavar also having those gorgeous colours along with garlands of flowers. To enjoy all thes, you must visit this temple, if possible, tomorrow itself, as it is the final day. The functions will be stretching upto midnight, with Perumal Veedhi Purappadu.

In case you miss to be there tomorrow, you may make it on Thursday, 10th November, when Annakkoodai uthsavam, takes place.

You may all enjoy viewing the limited pictures, taken on the evening of 6th November,2011, by clicking on the Picasa web link given below.

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/113272891841483968193/VelamurTemplePavithrothsavam61111

Velamur is located on Melmaruvathur to Vandavasi Road, about 12 Kms. from MelMaruvathur, near another village Ramapuram.

Daasan,

R Srinivasan.

Srimath Tiruthuraipoondi Andavan Tirunakshatram today 7th Nov.,2011

                                      Sreemathe RangaRamanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

Thiruthuraipoondy Andavan (vilakkudi Andavan)
Birth Star- Aippasi Uthirattadhi

Thanian
Srimath gOpAla soorEr niravadhi karuNAvAptha sathsampradAyam
Srimath vEdhAntha rAmAnuja yathinrupathis sarvatha: sTHApayithvA
Yasmin sathsampradAyam sakalamupadhishan amsathO nupravishTa:
Srimath sreevasa raamAnuja munimanagham tham BHajE dEsikEndhram

Meaning: I pay my profound respects, to the blemish less Srimad Srinivasa� Ramanuja Muni, who was the recipient of the limitless mercy of Srimad Gopaala suri (Gopalarya maha Desikan , Thirukkudanhai Desikan )and who was nominated by the King among Yathis� Sri Vedhantha Ramanuja� muni� who established the sat sampradhaayaa all around and who taught him all that one should know about our satsampradayam , and who appeared to have reincarnated in him.

He was born in the month of Aippasi with Uthirattadhi as his birth
star and was named srinivasachar..He belonged to Eyunni vamsam and
Bharadwaja gothram. He learnt sampradhaya granthas fromVazhuthur
Andavan and . became an erudite scholar and authentic exponent of
Srivaishnava philosophy. ,, .He had prapatti done at the feet of
almighty and was initiated into Dureeyasraman by Vazhuthur Andavan
and was named ", Srinivasa ramanuja Maha Desikan, one of the
illustrious Acharyas of Srirangam Srimath Andavan PeriAsramam. .
Thirutthuraippoondi Andavan was also known as vilakkudi andavan as
he hailed from vilakkudi, a small hamlet near Rajamannargudi .

Daasan,
R Srinivasan

mudhal Aazhwargal

 ஸ்ரீ:
ஸ்ரீமதே ராமானுஜாய நமஹா

ஸ்ரீமதே ரங்கராமானுஜாய நமஹா

  

                                      
 Mudhal Azhwars -- முதல் ஆழ்வார்கள்

PoigaiAzhwar, BhoothatthAzhwar & Peiyaazhwar

பொய்கை ஆழ்வார், பூதத்ஆழ்வார், பேயாழ்வார்    

PoigaiAzhwAr, BhoothatthAzhwAr and PEyAzhwAr are the three mudal (first) AzhwArs who were not only contemporary azhwArs; but were born on three consecutive days in SiddhArti year, Aiyppasi month on TiruvONam, Avittam and sadhayam nakshathrams respectively ;and the babies appeared on flowers of different kind (and not were born like us actually!- They are ayOnijars). Their period was estimated as 7th century A.D. (Though we are not attaching any significant importance to it, it is better to have a datum). poigaiAzhwAr, was born (made to appear by the Lord) in kancheepuram, while bhoodaththAr in mahabalipuram and pEyAzhwAr in thirumylai (present Mylapore). 

1. PoigaiAr, an incarnation of MahAvishNu's paanchjanyam (Divine conch, sanghu in Tamil) is also called Adhi kavi. poigaiAr appeared on the ThAmarai mottu (lotus bud) in a pond in tiruve:ka near kancheepuram. 

2. BhoodhaththAr appeared in a flower called "kurukkaththi"(?) in a garden at kadalmallai port of pallava rajyam (kingdom) in mahAbalipuram (south of madras). He was an incarnation of Divine mace (called kaumOdaki) of our Lord mahAvishNu. 

3. PEyazhwAr, (called pEyar later by people due to being crazy, mad, piththan, pEyar after the Lord and even used to roll down with ecstasy and bhakti- He even says" others look crazy to him for their being crazy after material pursuits; and sensual pleasures), as an incarnation of the sword of mahAvishNu (called nandaki), appeared in sevvalli (Red alli-lily) flower in a well of AdhikEsava perumAL koil at mylapore (in madras). 

(now, some of us may not be able to digest fully these births (or appearances) on flowers due to the Lord's grace; However, it may please be noticed that whatever you and I can understand and perceive is all transient and not permanent; The very fact that these creations of our Lord in such unique fashion and in such incarnations only goes to prove His ineffable qualities and attributes; They are BEYOND one's comprehension. Do not do research on why the sweet tasty mango is of this shape, this colour, and this contour, etc., Let us not waste time anymore and let us go right ahead and taste it for we are blessed with an accessibility to reach the mangoes) 

NammazhwAr, (our azhwAr), the greatest azwAr about whom we will see later, has addressed these three azhwArs as "innkavi pAdum parama kavigaL" meaning the greatest poets who sang the loveliest songs or the sweetest songs; All three azhwArs were blessed with tamizh gnAnam(knowledge) and bhakti uLLam; All of them, though were not known to each other, were singing the glories of sriman nArAyaNan, and were going from place to place visiting the PerumAL temples to get blessed with Lord's Darshan. They had no other thoughts but for nArAyanan and lived like sanyAsis (recluses); The Lord, may be, wanted them to get together (like what He has done now through maNi) and liked to listen to their discussion about Him and His kalyANa guNAs. 

Hence, He brought them to Thirukkovilur separately (at the same time) and what happened there; how they met and recognised each other's bhakti; what all they talked. How ecstatic each one became, what were their outpourings? 

So, they had come to Thirukkovilur and each of them had a separate Darshan of Trivikraman (the Lord who appeared as vAmanan, a small brahmachari boy, took viswaroopam and measured the entire universe in one step in vAmanAvatAram) called "UlagaLandha perumAL" and obtained His katAksham. 

Due to heavy rain, poigaiAr had to take shelter in a small narrow koodam( hall/veranda) of a house nearby, and being exerted himself so much due to walking, lied down in that place; After some time, BhoodhaththAr knocked the house and requested if he can be accommodated due to heavy rain outside. 

Being a bhakta, (a) bhaktA does not see who asks for; (b) He offers help as long and as much as he can even if it amounts to more inconvenience to him- (a lesson we all have to learn) he welcomed bhoodhaththAr lovingly saying "Inside, there is place for one man to lie down; but two can sit; please come in "(oruvar padukkalAm; iruvar amaralAm). After formal introduction, it took little time to realise that they are birds of the same feather; and they talked and discussed about emberumAn's leelA's and guNAs. There is yet another knock and there stands our pEyar asking for a favour to accommodate him due to heavy downpour. Not surprisingly, both bhaktAs said in chorus "Please come in; We can stand and accommodate you also" (oruvar padukkalAm; iruvar amaralAm; moover niRkalAm). It is in Giving that we receive; 

All three joined themselves in discussing Glorious attributes of Trivikraman Sriman nArAyaNan and were deeply excited to describe what each one of them felt and feel towards their (our) Lord. They felt happy exchanging information of various sthalam(temples) visited by them and were getting more and more excited to know from one another their great anubhavangaL. 

While they were standing all the time (in a space that is just sufficient for only three people to stand) discussing namperumAls' nityakalyANa guNas, suddenly they found themselves cramped; and they could not even move about; It was real squeezing against each other; They were perplexed as to why all of a sudden, there is less space as if there are more than three persons; And there appeared (with the help of their Divine vision blessed by the Lord Sriman nArAyaNan), sakshAth sriman nArAyaNan (chathur bhujam, chandra roopam, sanghu, chakram, Bright ThirumaN and srichoorNam on His beautiful forehead; pattu peethAmbharam, karpoora vasam, etc..... )

Three AzhwArs were literally crying, tears rolling down their cheeks, Goose pimples all over their bodies; Chests expanded as if they are going to burst with full of happiness; Their palms were glued to each other; and they were feeling highly elated; 

Each one of them (one by one) sang 100 poems(pasurams) flowing from their mouths as if they are clear "neerOdai", stream of river; BhagavAn listened to them with His full concentration and satisfaction all their pasurams and after blessing them, disappeared. 

They always went together to other temples, and On their way, the three azhwArs also were blessed with 

1. a darshan of sitapiratti, lakshmana, bharatha, sathrukna, hanumathsametha Sri    Ramachandra at Ayodhdhi, 

2. a darshan of Lord ThiruvEnkadamudaiyAn down the hill (not at tirumala, but at tirupathi), when they hesitated to step on the Hill and turned back; such a place is called "AzhwAr theertham" even today. 

3. Offering a charkAyudhA to Vishnuvarthanan, a king at kanchipuram for winning a battle. and 

4. later, joining with another azhwAr, by name Thirumazhisai azhwAr (on their way) 

A Glance at their marvellous compositions: 

1. poigaiAzhwAr composed the first 100 pAsurams "mudhal thiruvandhAdhi" (andhAdhi means the first word of one verse will be last word of the previous verse )starting with the first one: vaiyam thagaliyA, vArkadlE neyyAga/ veyyakkadirOn viLakkAga/ sudarAzhiyAn adikkE soottinEn son mAlai/ Idar neenghugavE enRu/ 

Meaning:Lord nArAyaNa, who holds the Divine chakrAyudha, is the cause of this wonderful universe and the seas. I am singing these mAlai(Garland) of verses(pAsurams) and dedicating to Him, whose vision I had is the light of the lamp of the earth, and oil being the seas, the sun being the source of the light; 

2. BhoodaththAzhwAr composed the second 100 pAsurams "irandAm thiruvandhAdhi" starting with the first one: anbE thagaliyA, ArvamE neyyAga/ inburugu sindhai idu thiriyA/ naNpurugi GnAna chudar viLakku EtrinEn/Gnana thamizh purindha nAn/ 

meaning:Here, it is the love as the lamp and involvement as the oil and azhwAr says" I dedicate myself to the service of the lord, by singing this song that blesses wisdom(GnAna), with love as the lamp, endearing involvement as the oil(Ghee), and knowledge as the wick of the torch". 

3. PEyAzhwAr composed the third 100s called "moonRAm thiruvandhAdhi", with the first one as follows: thirukkaNdEn, ponmEni kaNdEn- thigazhum/arukkan Ani niRamum kaNdEn-seruk kiLaRum/ ponAzhi kaNdEn puri sangham kai kaNdEn/ en Azhi vaNNan pAl inRu/ What a song! AzhwAr just says:" I found the Glorious, GOLDEN form of the Lord. I have seen the Glory of Sri and nArAyaNa and His beauty and His Sea colour, His brightness and brilliance like the Sun and His sanghu (Divine Conch) on one hand and chakrA (Discuss) on the other;" 

Article from Sri Rangaraj Ramaswamy

Sri Vishwaksenar temple in Tirumala- from TTD web site

Sri Vishwaksenar at Tirumala Temple.
Sri Vishwaksenar Jayanthi today, Aippasi Poorvaashaada (Pooraadam )
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Sri Vishwaksena Temple
	Sri Vishvaksena Temple is located at the northern side of the main temple, in the Mukkoti Pradakshinam. Sri Vishwaksena occupies an important place in the Vaikhanasa Agama. In Vaishnavite functions and temple rituals, Sri Vishwaksena is worshipped first. Vishwaksena is said to be the chief of the army (of the Lord) and is believed to protect the function or ritual from evil. The idol has four hands - the upper two holding a sankha and chakra, the right lower in Avgana hastam, and the left lower on the hip i.e. Gada hastam. The idol of Vishwaksena and its worship are strictly in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama. During the daily worship of Lord Venkateswara, the garlands and flowers (called nirmalya) from the Lord's idol are removed and Vishwaksena is worshipped with them. Before commencement of the annual Brahmotsavam, the Senadhipathi or Vishvaksena Utsava is performed followed by Ankurarpana. According to popular belief, Vishvaksena provides clearance for the function to start and looks after the arrangements for the festival. His idol is also taken out in a procession during the Adhyayanotsavam. Daasan, R Srinivasan

Sri Vishwaksenar (Senai Mudaliar) Jayanthi today- Aippasi Pooraadam

OM NAMO BHAGAVATHE VISHVAKSENAYA NAMAH:

Sri Vishvaksenar Dyana Slokam.

Vishvaksenam hareH senaanaaTham soothravatheepathim

mudhraa chakre Sankha gaddaa dhaDhaanam neela sannibham

Srivathsam brahmasoothram chav inaa vishNum iva sThitham

mahaadhyuthim peethavasthram sarvaabharaNa bhooshitham

bhrngaketham pushpraTham poorvaashaadodhbhavam vidim

vidhyaadhyaksharabeejam cha Dhyaathvaa seneparam archayeth

One should meditate on and worship Vishvaksena , who is the commander of the army of Vishnu, the husband of Soothravathi, wears the mudra of chakra, Shankha and gadhaa and of blue hue, appears as Vishnu Himself without the srivatsa and yajnopaveetha, of great splendour, wearing yellow garment and adorned with all ornaments, with his chariot of flowers having bees as the flag, and who was born in the star poorvashaada and who is the aksharabeeja , the moo;amanthra of learning etc.

Courtesy Sri Parthasarathy Srinivasan

Daasan,

R Srinivasan