Over 500 years old, Lord Narasimha temple is located at the foot of Yaanamalai Hills near Madurai .
The unique speciality of this temple is thevaishnava divya desam Perumal of Thiru Mogur “Kaalamegha Perumal” makes his annual trip to this temple on ( March ) Maasi Pournami to enact Gajendra Moksham episode .
The temple is located 8kms East of Madurai near the Melur Highway Road and 4 kms North of the Thiru Moghur Kaalamegha Perumal Divya Desam at the foot of the huge Yaanaimalai (elephant hill) is the Yoga Narasimha temple in Narasingam .
This place is referred to as the Gaja Giri Kshetram and this temple is known as ‘Kodavarai Koil’ signifying the construction of the temple by breaking the huge piece of rock.
Going by the inscriptions seen inside the main (Moolavar) Sannidhi, this temple may date back over 500 years. Legend says the great saint…
Kazhiyur village is located near Cheyyar in North Arcot district about 81 km towards east of Thiruvannamalai and about 103 KM from Chennai .
TEMPLE ENTRANCEADHIKESAVA PERUMAL UTSAVAR ” GLORIFIED AS VARADAR “
Almost 130 years ago Sri vaishnavaite Aiyyangars migrated from Mannargudi another holy place in Tanjavur and came to settle down in this village.
TEMPLE ENTRANCE
It is said that a plague like epidemic made people leave Mannargudi long long back .
YATHIRAJAVALLI THAYAR TEMPLE ENTRANCE
The srivaishnavas were disciples of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Mudaliandaan swamigal who is the first and the dearest disciples of Swami Ramanuja.
Kazhiyur temple
It is believed that the srivaishnavas , carried the deity of Lord Adhi Keshava Perumal all the way from Mannargudi on their head to Kazhiyur the present place and worshipped the LORD by constructing a temple with the locals support . Elders believe that the deity was sculpted from a meteorite that had fallen from the divine abode .
WAY TO TEMPLE KONERI ( TANK )
It is not a practice to abandon Perumal even in adverse circumstances.
TEMPLE ENTRANCE
The Lordship gives darashanam in Nindra Thirukolam ( standing posture).
After their resettlement in Kazhiyur, the village became a cradle of Vedic scholars, purohits and astrologers.
TEMPLE GARDEN
The devoted families lived in the Agraharam (first row of houses built around the temple and occupied by the temple priests)
ROUTE TO TEMPLE
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ROUTE TO TEMPLE
The Agraharam is located around the temple of ‘Sri Adhi Keshava Perumal Swamy’, which was also built and maintained with financial support from the local Mudaliars and many devotees .
Kazhiyur has been a great centre of Vedic Astrology.
They have been uniformly well versed in astrology and are keepers of the most ancient astrological knowledge in the world.
Almost all of them have been treated like the religious leaders and the astrological guides from time immemorial.
SREEMOORTHY IN TEMPLE
Many Kazhiyur families have been practicing astrology for more than seven generations in an unbroken tradition since they first arrived in 1840.
ENTERING KAZHIYUR VILLAGE
It is believed that in ancient times there was a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali near to the main temple and hence the village is called ‘Kazhiyur’ the home of Goddess Kali.
LORD ADHIKESAVA PERUMAL IN CHANDANA KAPPU
After moving to Kazhiyur the srivaishnavaites engaged themselves in agriculture apart from performing the temple services .
Due to this reason they are also called the Mannar Mudumbai families a direct connection to Lokacharyar Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar’s legacy .
They were orthodox and are considered to be an authority on Sri Vaishnavism.
THE ROUTE TO TEMPLE AT SUNSET
Unlike other South Indians who carry the name of village and the name of the father as their initials the Kazhiyur srivaishnavas use the initials K. M. meaning Kazhiyur Mannar.
It was an attempt to retain the Mannargudi identity.
The priests from Kazhiyur have been serving in some seva or other in almost all the 106 Sri Vaishnavite temples and the majority of them at Tirumala , Sholingur , and southern side vaishnava divya desams .
KAZHIYUR POND FROM WHERE WATER IS TAKEN TO TEMPLE AND HOUSES
The first Priest who served even in the Temples at United states of America are from Kazhiyur .
SRI YATHIRAJAVALLI THAYAR
Kazhiyur is also closely connected with the Sri Ramar Sannadhi and the temple of Shree Govindaraja at the foothills of the Tirupati temple.
UTSAVAR VARADAR THIRUVADEE OF KAZHIYUR TEMPLE
Srivaishnavas from Kazhiyur were also chosen to carry the offerings from the Lord of Seven Hills at Tirumalai to the temple of Govindaraja at foothills.
The priests walked bare-footed all the way down the hill carrying the offerings on their head.
Kazhiyur has been very closely linked to Kancheepuram from the very inception. Every year during the month of January, July and December, the utsavar ( processional deity ) of Lord Adi Keshava Perumal , shri Varadar is taken in a procession to the Iyengar Kulam, a lake at the outskirts of Kancheepuram.
Varthamaana His holiness Sri Sri Sri Mudali Andaan swami
About forty people start the procession and many more join them en-route to Kancheepuram. The procession travels on foot for the entire stretch of 18 km. After arriving at Iyengar Kolam, the Lord is given a ceremonial bath in the kolam and then taken back to Kazhiyur with pomp and show .
This custom has been inspired from the grand festival ( Lord Varadharaja going to ‘Padai Seevaram’ on the day of Chithirai Poornima at Tirupati) . This ritual is also known as ‘Parvettam’ (forest hunting).
KALI AMMAN
Today out of few houses in Kazhiyur Agraharaham , only six or seven houses are occupied and the remaining are kept locked.
However, every year during the month of April, on the day of Chittirai Revathi, the birth star of Lord Adi Keshava ,
Kazhiyur srivaishnavas from all over the world gather in the village to celebrate the annual festival.
ADIYENS GRUHAM AT SECUNDERABAD
Shri Kodandan swamy is the present temple priest who is serving the temple past two decades leaving his lucrative job .
Shri Kodandan swami the chief Priest and Kazhiyur varadan
Adiyen is blessed to be born in this glorious village and feel honored to be among st the illustrious and glorious elders .
n Urdhvapundram (Thiruman kappu) the thiruman symbolize the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu and the red Srisurnam symbolizes Goddess Laksmi. Lord Sriman Narayan showers His Blessings on those who surrender to him and He is the one who could give moksha to all who surrender to Him.”
Yadavaprakasha one of the great vedantee of Kancheepuram was childhood Guru for Swami Ramanuja .
After the unfortunate incident that took place on the way to kashi ( Yadava Prakasa made a plot to kill Swamy Ramanuja on a pilgrimage tour and Sri Ramanuja escaped by slipping out into the forest as per his cousin sri Embaars advise ) ,
LORD VARADAR rescued Swamy Ramanuja in reaching Kancheepuram safely .
( Refer to the below linked post about this divine pastime )
Swamy Ramanuja serving the Lordships attracted many disciples for his philosophical thoughts and beliefs Swamy Ramanujas objective was to reconcile the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Gita with the Tamil Divya Prabandha. This new school of thought attracted many of them .
Yadavaprakasha was upset with the turn of events . Once it so happened Yadava Prakasa’s mother came to have darshan of…
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The fifth kaandam in Sriramayanam known as “SUNDARA KAANDAM” is the most popular kaanda. Unlike names of other kandams which are self explanatory, this kandam is known as “Sundaram-beautiful” as everything ..
–Hanumanji’s Rama bhakti, Sitadevi’s chastity, Srirama’s plight to rescue HER, their concern for each other, torments in samsaara are so beautifully described by maharishi. The characters of the trio makes even a stone melt. That’s the reason even after so many lakhs of years, we read Sundarkandam with reverence. Also, reciting Sundarakandam is considered equivalent to reading the entire Ramayana as Hanuman and Trijata narrate all the incidents-past,present and future in the august presence of Sitadevi.
Swamy Ananthazhvan with the instructions of Jagatha Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar had taken the task of serving Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala .
His Acharyar bhakthi was well noticed .His fame spread far and wide to the southern parts of India for his Acharya bhakthi in moving to Tirumala and serving the LORDSHIPS with pure devotion during those olden days .
Many Srivaishnava disciples were keen to meet him and to get his blessings. Hence they undertook a pilgrimage to the seven Hills from Srirangam .
On their way, they were taken care by of a chieftain by name Valarttan Mangalamudaiyan in a village of the same name.
He was pious and charitable and endowed with material prosperity. After serving prasada looking at their devotion to LORD the chieftain started following them to Tirumala . He begged them to allow to join them and take blessings of the mahaan Swami Anathazhwan.
This train of thoughts occurred in split of seconds before he could hit the ground and miraculously he landed gently as if by a parachute his firm grip on the pole in tact .
This incident took place 30 years ago . The Annual Brahmotsavam for Lord Varadaraja was being celebrated with piety and fanfare at the temple town of Kancheepuram.
The big day “Garuda Sevai” is conducted in Kancheepuram in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is of special significance.
The Lord of Lords was showering his abundant mercy on all the devotees assembled . A staunch devotee of Ahobila Jeeyar was fortunate to undertake the divine service to hold and carry the Royal umbrella that overspreads on the Lordships as the procession proceeds in the streets of Kancheepuram.
The festive mood is a fortune to watch . The procession was lead by the Temple Elephant , a cow , a horse and the fire crackers specialists . Few thousand thronged to witness the Lordships in escastcy .
The drummers and pipers followed behind them. Adhyapakas reciting Divyaprabhandam chants proceeded .Then followed the fortunate bearers of…
Today 19.04.2019 is the most auspicious day as is the
Apperance day of Madhurakavi Azhwar …………………..
Swamy Ananthazhwan …………………
and Acharyar Nadadoor Ammal
Let us recollect their devotion to Acharyar and the great Lordships on this wonderful day .
Acharyar Varadaguru the great Acharya had the deepest bhakti to Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram One night when he was serving ” LORD” in an ecstatic mood, the priest brought very hot milk to the Lord as offering . Acharyar Varadaguru was deeply distressed that such hot milk would burn the tender tongue of the Lord! He stopped the priest from offering the hot milk and began cooling it down until it was warms enough to be offered.
The Lord himself was moved by the Vatsalya bhava of Varadaguru and called him ‘Amma’ – my mother! From then onwards Varadaguru became Nadadoor Ammal. After this episode, in a dream one night, Lord Varadaraja commanded Ammal to erect a Mantapam for His Vasantotsavam. Accordingly Ammal fulfilled the Lord’s desire, just as a mother would fulfill the wishes of her son in spite of difficulties.
Another glorious pastime remains to be cherished .
Once Ammal and his disciples undertook a pilgrimage to Tirumalai hills. The graceful personality and humility of Acharyar attracted the people there.. A Chieftain Kandavaran was the leader of that Lada race . He was annoyed and irritated to see the crowd falling the the feet of Acharyar.
He decided to disturb them. With his mantric power he made the disciples unconscious. Ammal meditated and chanted the Sudarsana maha mantra and his own composition ‘Hetipungavastotram’ and broke the spell. The angry Kandavaran called Ammal for a debate and when defeated surrendered to the Acharya himself. The benevolent guru not only excused him but also made him a Srivaishnava by offering him Panchasamskaras.With the money offered by Kandavaran, Ammal established a beautiful village and named it ‘Ladagraharam’ and continued his journey. On the way, the Lord himself came as a young brahmachari and appeased the hunger of the pilgrims with curd and rice.
At the same time, there was a big commotion in the temple as the silver vessel with the naivedyam had suddenly disappeared. Lord Venkateswara Himself announced to the temple authorities that He Himself fed his dear Ammal and his disciples and that they should receive Ammal with all temple honours who will be arriving shortly . Swami Engalazhwan was Acharya of Nadathur Ammal , who was the direct disciple of Thirukkurukaippiran Pillan . All glories to our Acharyar
Acharya Nadadoor Thiruvadigale sharanam
The sacred TIRUMALA Hills consisting of seven peaks is considered to be seven-hooded. Blessed are the devotees who are fortunate to have his darshan .There are countless devotees who have served the LORD since ages .One such great devotee was Swamy Ananthazhwan an ardent disciple of Swamy Ramanuja .
As per Swamy Ramanuja’s directives he served the LORD few hundred years ago .There are several pastimes of Swamy Anathazhwan with Lord Srinivasa . One divine pastime is memorable as Lord himself accepts to become Swamy Anathazhwans disciple .Knowing about the initiatives taken by Swamy Anathazhwan in organising the temple rituals with religious fervor few devotees decided to trek the hills and have darshanam of Lord and seek the blessings of his dear devotee too .
The Srivaishnavites were walking from Srirangam and it was a very long journey .While ascending the Hills, coming from they were feeling tired and had to take some rest . Completely exhausted they were perplexed how could they complete their pilgrimage. All of a sudden a young lad appeared before them . The boy was appearing with divine tejas . With srivaishna Urdhva pundram he was almost looking like vamana avatara brahmachari . He offered his humble obeisances and said .
Oh swamins ! Adiyen has brought some temple prasada for all of you .Kindly honor the same and please feel comfortable .The srivaishnavites being orthodox were initially impressed with the divine boy .However one Elder person among the group wanted him to introduce his lineage and his Acharyar whom he was initiated . The divine lad he was , smiled at the simple question .
He proudly replied that his name was Madhurakavidasa and his Acharyar was Swamy Anathazhwan who is serving Lord in all ways .It was his Acharyars instructions , he had walked down the sacred hills to handover the prasada coming to know about their visit .He further expressed that the Prasada was coming directly from the temple which was handed over to him by Swamy Anathazhwan to be given to them .A bit surprised , the elders said ..
Oh swamin ……
Its nice to know about your association to Swamy Anathazhwan . But we wish to hear from you about his glories .
Can we hear your swamys Thanian ? as this a custom for the srivaishnavas to recite their Acharyars glories in the form of Thanians .The divine boy majestically recited the thanian about Swamy Anathazhwan in the seven hills which vibrated
Akhilatmagunavasam ajnanatimirpaham
Asritanam susaranam vande Anantharyadesikam”
(I bow to Acharya Ananthazhvan, who is the repository of knowledge, mercy and wisdom, the one Acharyar who removes ignorance and is eminently eligible for surrender by disciples)
They liked the divine lads confident answer . However the Srivaishnavas then questioned the youngster how his taniyan made no reference to Ananthazhvan’s relation to Swamy Ramanuja.
The divine boy smiled and replied Swamins ! Actually there are two Thaniyans in praise of adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ananthazhvan, one referring to the glory of his divine personality and another referring to his connection with Swamy Ramanuja.
And please listen to the second verse of the Thanian
‘Srimath Ramanujacharya Sripadamboruhadvayam
Sathutha manga sandaryam Anantharyamaham Bhaje..
( I prostrate before adiyens Acharyar Swamy Ananthalvan who is the lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja and who is worshipped by Srivaishnavas all over the earth )
The Srivaishnavas were convinced that the divine boy was a true disciple of Swamy Ananthalvan . They honoured the prasada with relish .They thanked the boy for his affection and love and blessed him .The divine boy took leave of them and ascended the Hills welcoming them to join him . Slowly, the Srivaishnavas ascended the Hills and walked into Swamy Anathazhwans ashram .
Swamy Anathazhwan was overjoyed to recive the guests from Srirangam . They offered their obeisances and thanked him for the kind courtesy in sending the maha prasada down to the Hills They appreciated the young boy for his kindness and hospitality .
They praised the boys intellect and kindness and expressed their gratefulness to Swamy Ananthazhvan for having sent prasada through one of his bright young disciples.Swamy Ananthalvan was bewildered. Amazed to note the divine leela , he was in total dark . He realised that it was his LORD who took the pains to walk down with the mahaprasada to his devotees .
With tears , he wished to know about the divine lad .The Srivaishnavas explained about the divine glow the boy exhibited . His majestic recitation of the Thanians was memorable ..The boy was so down to earth serving the prasada They informed that the boy introduced himself as Madhurakavidasa and had recited two slokas in his praise and as they were just trekking behind him up to the hills safely . They said that the boy went inside the temple citing some pending works.Swamy Anathazhwan pleaded them to recite the verses the boy had sung ..
They recited the two verses before Swamy Ananthazhvan.The entire assembly was wonder struck. Swamy Anathazhwan was in tears . They realised that the Lord had declared himself as Ananthalvan’s disciple and had chosen the name Madhurakavidasa .Even though there were so many other Acharyas the second verse showed that it was Ananthazhvan who could be fittingly considered equal to the Lotus feet of Swamy Ramanuja. Since then the paduka (sathari) at the shrine of Swamy Ramanuja sanctorium up the Hills came to be known as Ananthazhvan since then the two verses became famous as the Thaniyans in praise of Swamy Ananthazhvan….
Swamy Ananthazhvan thiruadigale sharanam
Our next great Acharyar is Madhurakavi (meaning in sanskrit the sweet poet ) who appeared at a holy place in Thirukolur, Tamilnadu
Once Madhurakavi Azhwar undertook an pilgrimage to Ayodhya. He was very moved by the beauty of deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana & Anjaneya and decided to stay in Ayodhya for sometime. During his stay, one night he saw a bright light in the sky emitting from the southern direction .
He couldn’t comprehend if it was a bright star, a forest fire or anything else. Amazed with the strange happening , he decided to follow the light and see it for himself. Unmindful walking long distances , he followed the light . After days of voyage, he finally reached Azhwarthirunagari a remote village and the light suddenly disappeared .He was surprised at the phenomenon.
He enquired from the villagers about anything strange happening in their village assuming the dazzling light could have some prophecy too . The villagers replied in negative, but expressed that a boy has been meditating under a Tamarind tree for past 16 years without even opening his eyes.
He had crawled to the tree as a baby 16 years back and remained in the tree thereafter. Madhurakavi Azhwar was amazed with the villagers expression .He decided to see the child for himself. Azhwar goes close as near to the tree and finds the divine child with tejas . Eyes closed and meditating the boy was glowing with radiance which was what he saw at Ayodhya .
The place was filled with divine aura and true the boy was looking too divine as much as Lordships themselves .. Azhwar attempts to question the divine boy about what is True knowledge and gets convinced with his instant replies .
He immediately accepts the divine boy who is none other than our great Swamy Nammazhwar as his ACHARYAN Sri Madurakavi AzhwAr becomes an ardent disciple of NammAzhwAr and serves him with utmost devotion .
With all humility he submits the 11 verses of the grand KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu glorifying his Acharyan Swamy NammAzhwAr / Sri SaTakOpar with all humility equating to Lordships . A devotee can dwell and enjoy these verses for ages on the divine works of Madhura kavi AzhwAr’s grand …..
“KaNNinunchiRuthAmbhu” .
Azhwar declared in this Prabhandham
“tEvu maRRariyEn”
( I do not know of any God other than my AchAryan, Swamy NammAzhwAr).After NammAzhwAr departed from this earthly world to srivaikuntam , MadhurakaviAzhwAr was worshipping deity of Swamy NammAzhwAr with deep devotion which he consecrated and performed ThiruvarAdhanA and uthsavams in his honour.
Impressed by Swamy NammAzhwAr’s works he wanted to stage NammAzhwAr’s works in front of other scholars .Azhwar used to contemplate on the divine knowledge shared by Acharyar . Vaikaasi visaakam the appearance day of Swamy NammAzhwar was celebrated in a grand manner .
One particular year, when Swami Madhurakavi azhwar was taking azhwar’s deity in a procession during the celebrations, few poets from Madurai Thamizh Sangam objected to Swami Madhurakavi azhwar and said .
“Oh! Madhurakavi!!
You are worshiping Nammazhwar who is a just a ordinary devotee not Perumal and reciting verses glorifying him ..Are those verses “sangam” certified? and authenticated by the great Madurai Tamil Sangam as “ the original and of the highest quality”? and is he really qualified enough to translate the Vedas into tamil ”? Azhwar was completely disappointed hearing these critics .
He politely went to Azhwar’s sannidhi and pleaded “Azhweer!!These people are objecting to adiyen’s only kainkaryam which is my only purpose of life ..Please do something that will not come in the way of my service to you .
Nammazhwar pleased with his devotion appeared before Swami Madhurakavi azhwar in a disguised form. Dressed like an old man he asked Swami Madhurakavi azhwar about his reason for his grief. Swami repeated the story to the old man.
The old man replied please do not worry about these trivial issues.
Submit this pAsuram of “kaNNan kazhaliNai…” and see the miracle “saying this he disappeared.
“Kannan Kazhalinai” will support you always”.
Madhurakavi obeyed as instructed and proceeded to Madurai to meet the so called great sangam poets . All of them were debating in a boat discussing the authenticity of the literature . Madhurakavi offered the holy verse to the poets .
(Madhurakavi azhwar had offered the divine verses in a small leaf which was used during olden times and the divine verse “Kannam Kazhalinai…” from Thiruvaaimozhi was ever glowing )The poets read those verses and laughed at Swami Madhurakavi azhwar for his childishness and threw it aside . Suddenly the whole boat top sided all the poets much to their surprise .They swam hard and with great difficulty reached the shore. To their astonishment, they found that the boat retained only that palm leaf . The poets read it patiently and were of opinion that Swamy Nammazhwar was not any ordinary saint and apologised for their foolishness .
Thus their ego was shattered Azhwar further says that For a true devotee of Lord Krishna …. all is Lord Krishna the Food – eaten to satisfy the appetite,water drunk to quench the thirst, the betel leaves consumed after the food, are all Lord Krishna .
Chanting HIS holy name, speaking of HIS qualities, and thinking of HIM , HIS devotee will feel the hunger and the thirst and all other needs satisfied.
They will not eat any other food since KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS is enough food for them and always remain in that bliss forever …..
It is also Appearance day of our Paramacharyar “Sri. Sreesailachariar ” of Mudaliandan Thirumaligai – the paramacharyar of the present acharyar, Sri Kandhadai Kumara Venkatacharyar(Ramanujar) . Swamy is the 22nd descendant in Mudaliyandan’s (Swamy Ramanujar’s nephew) lineage.
Mudaliandan also known as Dasarathi-who is considered as reincarnation of Lord Rama was ordained to remain in Gruhastashrama (family life) by Swamy Ramanuja . He was the premier disciple of the 74 simhadipatis who were nominated by Ramanuja to continue Srivaishnava sampradaya, of them, few were sanyasis, others were gruhastas. Srisailacharyar’s father ,Sri Mudaliandan (the 21st descendant in the lineage) gave his son his father’s name to the child who was born on the auspicious day of Chitra Pournami in Chithra star.
Glories to the acharyar who surrendered at the feet of Manavalamamunigal, Sri Dasarathi, the acharyar who stayed at Singaperumal kovil, Kanchipuram, Yadhugiri(Melkote), the one who attained Madhurakavigal’s position due to his acharyar bhakti.
Lord Sriman Narayana’s lotus feet is glorified as Sri Satagopan (Swami Nammazhwar).
Swami Nammazhwar’s lotus feet is glorified as Madhurakavigal at all places except at Azhwaarthirunagari where it is glorified as as Sri Ramanujan. Swamy Ramanuja’s Lotus Feet is glorified as “ Mudaliandan” except in Tirumala where it is known as “Anantazhwan”
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Credits to antaryami.net, Smt Geetavasudevan, divyadesam all the advanced devotees who captured the picsVideos : Credits 4000 Divyaprabhandam
rAmAnuja padhAmbhOjayugaLI yasya dhImatha: prApyam cha prApakam vaNdhE pranNathArththiharam gurum
Kidambi Achan was born in the village “Kidambi” located between Kooram and Thiruputkuzhi near Kanchipuram in the year 1057 A.D.in the tamil month of Chithirai on Hasta Nakshataraday in Atreya gothram. As Hastam is considered to be the star of Varadaraja Perumal, his parents named him “PRANATHARTHIHARAM”- as glorified by Thirukachi nambigal in the first sloka of Devaraja Ashtakam. He was the nephew of Tirumala Nambi’s wife (Swamy Ramanujar’s maternal uncle’s wife) and was thus related to Swamy Ramanujar like Mudaliyandan Swamy who had both atma sambhandham and deha sambandham with Swamy Ramanujar. He was one of the prominent disciples of Swamy Ramanujar who felt that acharyar kainkaryam was of utmost importance.
Like Kooratazhwan and Mudaliandan, Achan also was a simple, devoted, highly knowledgeable person and was well versed with Thiruvaimozhi and Visishtadvaita granthas and was conferred the title “Vedantha Udhayana Acharyar” by Swamy rAmanujar. Like Vaduga Nambi, he considered serving his acharyar as the most important privilege .
Being a sanyasi, Swamy Ramanujar used to go for alms (unjha vruthi) which was his varnasrama dharma (Brahmacharis and sanyasis must erk out living by taking alms ) reciting Thirupavai which earned him the name “Thirupaavai Jeeyar”. Few evil minded people in Srirangam who wanted to get rid of Swamy Ramanujar conspired a plan to mix poison in the biksha rice to be given to Swamy and forced a lady to offer it to Swamy Ramanujar. Unlike her husband, this lady revered Swamy Ramanujar but as she was threatened by her husband who was watching , she was left with no other option. With tear filled eyes, she hesitatingly offered the biksha to Ramanujar by ensuring to separate the contents in the bowl by placing a leaf on it and then offered her portion indicating to jagadacharyar that it was not worth consuming. Swamy understood her implication and threw away the bhiksha in Cauvery river. From that day onwards, Swamy abstained from unjha vruthi and hence he couldn’t take any food. Learning about this incident, Thirugoshtiyur Nambi who was one of the gurus of Swamy Ramanujar came to Srirangam. Learning about his acharyar’s arrival, Swamy Ramanujar along with his sishyas set out quickly to Kollidam to receive him. It was noon and in the scorching heat ,Swamy Ramanujar lay prostrate at the feet of his acharyar who did not ask him to get up. It is customary to fall at the feet of our acharyar like a stick and remain in the same position until the acharyar asks us to get up. The sishyas of Nambi and Ramanujar stood dumfounded as they were perplexed at Nambi’s behaviour (who was their acharyar’s acharyar) which they had never seen before.
Unable to bear this, with tear filled eyes , Pranatharthiharan embraced Swamy Ramanujar lamenting as to how the delicate body of Swamy which is similar to a flower could be exposed to the scorching heat. He acted as a barrier by laying down on the ground to protect Ramanujar from direct contact of the sand. Thirugoshtiyur Nambi was very pleased with his acharyar bhakti. He instructed Kidambi to take care of Swamy Ramanujar’s bestowing him the privilege of offering bikshai and madhukaram to Swamy Ramanujar. He came to be known as “Kidambi Aachan”(Achan = father). As he had parental affection towards Ramanujar (like how Periazhwar had towards Perumal), he was fondly addressed as “Aachan”. As he was incharge of kitchen, he came to be known as “Madapalli Aachan” .
He treated Sri Parasara Bhattar who was much younger to him with the same reverence he had for his acharyar as per his guru’s instructions.
Once when Aachan visited Thirumaliruncholai, he was asked to render Alavandar’s stotra ratnam . In the 48 th slokam, Alavandar states that ” he has no other refuge than Perumal”. Aachan paused here as he wondered how it could be true” When Perumal asked him, he replied that the statement is not true now as they all have “swamy Ramanuja as their protector ” who is the sole refuge of everyone. Azhagar was pleased with his unflinching devotion towards his acharyar. As expressed by Nammazhwar in Thiruvaimozhi, Achan also relished having darshan of Emperuman in various divya desams.
When Swamy Ramanujar reincarnated as Manavala Mamunigal, he chose to learn the intricate meanings of Sribhashya from Kidambi Achan’s descendant named Kidambi Pillan. Mamunigal showed him his original Adisesha form to Pillan.
Kidambi Achan was one of the seventy four simhadipatis authorised by Swamy Ramanujar to continue Srivaishnava sampradayam. Swamy gave him Hayagriva Perumal to him for worship. After Swamy Ramanujar left this mortal world, Kidambi Achan returned to Kanchipuram and left his body in the year 1157 -20 years Swamy Ramanuja attained paramapadam.
Swamy Parasara Bhattar, the famous acharya in Srivaishnavam Sampradaya was the eldest son of Swami Koorathazhvan. . Bhattar was the chief priest at Srirangam temple and appeared out of the grace of the Lord of Srirangam.
Swami parASara bhaTTar appeared in this world through the divine aravanai prasadam (the prasadam that is offered to the Lord just before the nightly closing of the temple) of Namperumal, which was offered to Andal, the wife of swami Kurathazhvan.
Not only by birth did swami bhattar, as he is addressed by all, show his greatness, but also by his sharp intelligence, kind actions and inspiring spiritual practices throughout his life.
A toughest enemy would also adore Bhattar on listening to him. Bhattar’s skill in answering a person’s question even before the questioner has finished asking the question was marvelous, and offers food for our thoughts , thus pondering the filthy mind which …
After the Lordships Sita Rama wedding at Janakpur in Nepal , the royal family along with their guests were returning to Ayodhya . It was getting dark .The Royal family decided to retire for the night at this very holy place Punouda which is located near Sitamarhi in the state of bihar
The place where Lokamatha Sita devi’s palanquin (“doli”) alighted under a banyan tree is marked by a hound covered with red cloth. Beside this banyan tree the deities of Lordships Sita-Ramar is worshipped by the local people .
A stone inscription mentioning Lord Rama’s encounter with Parasurama and the divine incident of Lord Rama taking over the Vishnu dhanush is mentioned in the marble slab . It was revealed that the banyan tree is very sacred. The locals believe all disputes of any kind are solved at this place . A Elderly person commented , No one…
Once a disciple of the great Acharya Sri Periavachanpillai asked his Guru , Swamin ! My attempts to control the EGO is always ineffective and this EGO is not getting rid of me . Few occasions this is becoming more prominent and making me to misconduct myself repeatedly . Gurudeva , adiyen is enslaved by my nature and am scared. Is there still any scope for me to attain the Supreme Lord ?? or will this behaviour of mine throw me in the deep pit of hell .The disciple was in distress .
The revered Acharya replied , My Child !! It is wrong for the jiva to think that he is the enjoyer or that he is totally independent . Once Lord decides to save the Jiva, he makes him do good things and If HE wishes him to push him down HE makes him to do the evil…
Sundare sundaram mantram…….Sundare kim na sundaram…….
The fifth kaandam in Sriramayanam known as “SUNDARA KAANDAM” is the most popular kaanda. Unlike names of other kandams which are self explanatory, this kandam is known as “Sundaram-beautiful” as everything ..
–Hanumanji’s Rama bhakti, Sitadevi’s chastity, Srirama’s plight to rescue HER, their concern for each other, torments in samsaara are so beautifully described by maharishi. The characters of the trio makes even a stone melt. That’s the reason even after so many lakhs of years, we read Sundarkandam with reverence. Also, reciting Sundarakandam is considered equivalent to reading the entire Ramayana as Hanuman and Trijata narrate all the incidents-past,present and future in the august presence of Sitadevi.
After coronation of Sugreeva as the King of Vaanaras, Lord Srirama and Lakshmana spent four months during monsoon in Malyavan parvath in Prasvanagiri in Hampi, Karnataka.
Lord Srirama experienced unbearable pain due to separation from our mother Sitadevi. The Lord was worried about Sitadevi’s welfare and used to lament uncontrollably.
At the end of monsoon, Sugreeva deputed crores of vaanaras and bears in all directions in search of Sitadevi giving them one month’s time to trace the whereabouts and inform for taking up next course of action.
Sugreeva explained geographical particulars about all the places around the world in detail .
The vanaras headed by Prince Angadha and supported by senior Jambavan and Hanuman were assigned the task of searching in the southern direction. Lord Srirama handed over HIS finger ring to Hanumanji who was standing in a corner.
Our poorvacharyars give reason as to why Srirama selected Hanuman to give his finger ring . It was the time at Kishkinda when Lord Rama was in search of Mother Sita . Hanumanji was in thoughts to see Srirama lamenting for a lady.
Hanumanji a brahmachari was wondering as to why a person of high stature like Lord Srirama tutored by rishis like Sage Vasishta, Vishwamitra was so emotional .
Lord Srirama our antaryami sensed Hanumanji’s feelings . To make Hanuman realise the greatness of Sitadevi, Srirama selected Hanuman and handed over HIS finger ring with HIS holy name engraved on it.
And it was also an indication that Paramatma laments for all the jivaatma in the same lines .
It was because of the holy ring that Hanuman could cross the ocean and meet Mother Sitadevi and obtain HER blessings. When Hanumanji saw Sitadevi’s steadfast devotion towards Lord Srirama, he regretted for his thoughts initially .
Having understood HER greatness , Hanuman visualised both of them together in his heart and offered prayers.
IMAGE OF HANUMAN AT DIVURUMPOLA IN SRILANKA (SITA AGNI PRAVESHA STHAL )
Hanumanji introduced to mother Sitadevi that he was “Rama dhoothan” whereas when he returned to Lord Rama as “Sitadevi’s messenger” to convey the good news about Sitadevi’s welfare, he addressed himself as “Raama daasan”. With Mother’s grace, our ego vanishes. Our poorvacharyars comment that when Hanuman went as “rama dhootan”-, he was gifted with fire on the tail whereas when he returned as Sita dhootan, he was embraced by Lord Rama.
The vanaras who went in the southern direction explored all the places until they reached SWayamprabha caves in Kadayanallur near Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu .
Swayamprabha an advanced Sathwi was the guardian for the magical cave owned by Mayasuran. Anyone who entered could not come out. She hosted the vanaras and later transported the vanaras to the seashore( about 150 kms away from Kadayanallur) after knowing about their devotion to Lord Rama with her powers .
Having reached the seashore, the vanaras were worried because the stipulated time of one month fixed by their King Sugreeva was over and they could not trace Sitadevi. They knew for sure that Sugreeva would not spare them and decided to end their lives as they did not have the courage to face Srirama who was already suffering pangs of separation.
Angadha had lit a big pyre for them to sacrifice their lives.
He started lamenting about Sitadevi’s abduction, Jatayu sacrificing his life in Ramaseva after fighting with Ravana , their search expedition and failure in the assignment.
Sampaati-the eagle bird summoned Angadha and introduced himself as Jatayu’s elder brother , shared how he lost his wings while protecting Jatayu from the scorching heat of sun in the process loosing his wings and became immobile.
Sampaati was informed about Jatayu’s Raama kainkaryam and he too resolved to do the same. He informed the vanaras about Sitadevi’s whereabouts with his sharp vision in the far away land, Lanka. Having done this Raama kainkaryam, Sampaati regained his lost wings and flew away.
SAMPAATI CONVERSING WITH ANGADHA AND OTHER VANARAS NEAR SEASHORE
Now that the whereabouts of Sitadevi were known, the vanaras started contemplating as to who would cross the ocean which was measuring 100 yojanas (1000 miles) to meet mother Sitadevi.
Each vanara expressed their ability to cross few yojanas .
Angadha said that he could cross 100 yojanas but would not have the energy to return. The aged Jambavaan who knew Hanuman’s capabilities approached Hanuman and started enumerating his strength and skills. When Hanuman was a child, he mistook Sun to be an apple and leapt in the sky to hold it.
He was hit by Indra with vajrayudham on his chin(hanu) and hence was called Hanuman. Vayu, hanuman’s father stopped air which made the whole world breathless. To appease his anger, brahma and other devas bestowed many boons on Hanuman.
Brahma cursed him to forget his prowess but would get back his strength when someone reminded him at an apporpriate time. Jambavan reminded him of his capabilities and requested Hanuman to undertake Rama kainkaryam. (Sage Agastya extolled Hanuman’s greatness to Srirama in Uttara kaandam)
MAHENDRAGIRI MOUNTAIN IN THIRUKURUNGUDI AT TAMILNADU
He confidently proclaimed that he would finish the yeomen task of locating mother Sitadevi saying that like Sri Rama’s arrow which never failed to hit its target, he would accomplish the task.
All the vanaras vowed to observe fast until Sitadevi was found. Reposing confidence to the vaanaras, Hanuman stood on Mahendragiri parvatham in Thirukurungudi beyond Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu and after offering prayers to Suryan, Indran, Vayu, Sri Rama , He increased in size and leapt on the sky to cross the ocean.
HANUMAN LEAPING FROM MAHENDRAGIRI
Thus starts Sundarakandam,-the most beautiful kaandam as everything is beautiful in it. Every household in India has a copy of Sundarakanda . It is a normal practice in Srivaishnava wedding to present Sundarakandam to the groom as it is considered very auspicious.
Our poorvacharyars have clearly indicated that
Lord Rama is the Paramatma
MOther Sita is the Jivatma suffering in this material world for reunion with Paramatma
Lanka is the samsara(material world)
Our manas is Ravana and the ten senses are considered as the ten heads of Ravana
Hanuman is the acharya(gurudeva) who extols Paramatma’s qualities to Jivatma, gives the holy name to Jivatma, submits Jivatma’s plea to Paramatma, destroys Lanka(samsaara) with the fire of knowledge and finaly reunites Jivatma with Paramatma.
The jivatma who gets illusioned with material world, leaves Paramatma and ends up in trouble loitering in the material world until an acharya intervenes and imparts supreme knowledge about the Lord, gives us the mantra to attain HIM, submits our plea to the Lord and ensures our union with the Supreme Lord by destroying our desires (samasara)
And our journey to Sri Lanka to have the darshan of all the holy places fructified in August 2018 and an attempt is being made to reproduce the divine bliss to millions of Hari bhaktha .
Hanumanji must have entered Srilanka from the north-western part via Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar, proceeded southwards and landed on Ramboda hills. The places related to Sundarakandam are mostly located in Central Srilanka upto Sigiriya in the north and Ussangoda in the south.
Valmiki maharishi beautifully describes Hanuman’s flight. Hanumanji increased in size and stretching his hands wide leapt from Mahendragiri mountain causing its residents to leave the place. The flowers from the trees had covered Hanuman who was now resembling a flowered mountain.
Hanumanji faced the first hurdle which was a friendly gesture by Mynaaka parvatham who was a close friend of Vayu bhagavan ( Hanumanji’s father ). He offered fruits and asked Hanuman to take rest but he refused politely by embracing the mountain for its gesture saying that he intended to reach Lanka by evening and was lacking time.
Hanuman won Mynaakam with his friendly gesture. He didn’t succumb to any temptation.
The second hurdle came in the form of Surasa who was a Naagamaatha( mother of snakes). The devas prompted her to test Hanuman’s capabilities. Surasa obstructed Hanuman’s way saying that she wanted to swallow Hanuman to satiate her hunger.
Hanuman informed her about his mission promising her to return and satiate her hunger but she didn’t budge saying that as per Brahma’s words, none could pass by her without fulfilling her wish. He asked her to open her mouth wide enough for him to get into , started increasing in size. Surasa also widened her mouth to match his size. The witty Hanuman suddenly decreased in size , went inside her mouth and came back even before she closed her mouth, offered obeisances to her and having satisfied her wish continued his journey. As she was a well wisher , Hanuman won her with his intelligence and presence of mind and didn’t kill her.
Surasa was pleased with Hanuman .She blessed him assuming her true form.
The place where this incident took place is known as Nagadweepa, also known as Nayanateevu, is an island near the North-western part of Srilanka (between Mannar and Jaffna) is now identified as the place where this incident took place.
There is a big temple for Naagamaatha known as Nagapooshani temple. This is also considered as one of the eighteen shakti peetams.
To reach this place, one has to drive from Jaffna for about 38 kms upto Pungudutheevu . From Pungudutheevu drive for about 15 kms on a bridge to reach jetty.
Our journey to this wonderful place is recorded in this video
Regular boat services at an interval of one hour is available to go to Nagadeepa. The fare for the boat ride is LKR 50/- and will take about 20 minutes .
It is one way-the boat stops near the buddhist monastery and the return would be pick up from Nagapooshani temple or vice-versa . Autos ply between these two places for a nominal charge of Rs.10/- LKR.
NAGAPOOSHANI AMMAN TEMPLE NAGADWEEPA
BUDDHIST MONASTERY NAGADWEEPA
In Nagadeepa, there are two places to be visited- the first one is the Buddhist monastery as Buddha had visited this place and changed the factionist Naagas into pious people and made them follow Buddhism. Nagapooshani amman temple can be reached by auto. Devotees perform milk abhishekam to the naagas in the temple.
The third hurdle for Hanumanjee was a rakshasi named Simhika. Lying on the ocean she had the power to pull the shadow of anyone flying over her. She used her strength to reduce Hanuman’jis speed by pulling his shadow.
Hanumanji realised the gravity and the unexpected hurdle . She opened her mouth widely and with all her might, she tried to swallow Hanuman who entered into her mouth and came out swiftly piercing her stomach thus killing her. Simhika was in a pool of blood. Hanumanjee thus encountered the third hurdle who was an enemy in reality with his strength.
This place is identified as Thiruketeeswaram near Mannar on the North-western part of Srilanka (between Jaffna and Anuradhapura) about 116 kms north-west of Anuradhapura-a famous site for Buddhists.
Also, Kethu-one of the navagrahas who is Simhika’s son prayed to Shiva at this place. Hence this place is known as Thiruketeeswaram.
Mandodari’s father built this temple. Presently the Shiva temple is undergoing renovation.
Hanumanji landed on Suvela parvatham in Srilanka . This place is now known as Ramboda. Chinmaya mission have constructed a beautiful temple for 16 ft Hanumanjee . There are 3 sets of deities of Sita-Rama Lakshmana in the temple premises.
Chariot procession takes place during December . As Hanumanji alighted on this parvath on Pournami (Valmiki rishi mentions that Hanuman started his search operation on Pournami and the full moon helped Hanuman with his cool light to see things clearly ), special poojas are performed here. Guest house accomodation(LKR 6600/-for more than 2 PAX) and food court (AnnapurnaVeg.restaurant) are being operated by the mission. (Srirama viewed Lankapura from this placE)
After sunset, Hanumanji took a miniature form to search for Mother Sita. He marched towards Lankapura city after crossing forests. Being an island, Lanka was protected by sea on all four sides which was a natural barrier, it has many mountains ,lakes and rivers. Lankapura was situated on one such mountain known as Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya) and the surrounding places around Kandy are also considered part of this . The historical importance of Sigiriya (a world heritage site ) now is being attributed to King Kasyapa who was an unjust king very similar to Ravana and hid at this place. (Research relating to Ramayana reveal that this was Ravana’s kingdom)
It was well guarded on all sides by armed soldiers right from the foot of the hill. The beautiful city was built by Mayasuran-architect for asuras and Ravana’s father in law. Valmiki rishi has aptly described this location which can be found even today. There were tunnels connections various mountains to which only Ravana had access. Also, there were aircraft centres at various places which was used by Ravana to fly on his pushpaka vimanam.
Hanumanjee was encountered by Lankini- a rakshasi who was a personification of Lanka when he was trying to enter into Lankapura. Hanuman politely told her that he would return after viewing the beautiful city but the raksasi didn’t accede. Though she hurt Hanuman by hitting with a mace, hanuman pitied her and slightly hit her with his left fist which was unbearable for her. She accepted defeat and recollecting Brahma’s words that when she would be defeated by a vanara, Lanka’s destruction would be inevitable, she blessed Hanuman to be victorious in his mission.
Lankapura is considered as the places around Sigiriya and Kandy.
RAvana ruled from Sigiriya Fort
HANUMANJI IN RAMBODA
Hanuman defeated Lankini and started searching for Sitadevi in all the places including the Pushpaka vimanam, palaces of RAvana’s queens, Ravana’s palace, Mandodari’s palace, kitchen ,etc. Lankapura was situated on Trikuta parvatham(Sigiriya rock ) making it inaccessible to intruders.
Ravana’s court, palace, his queens’ palaces were all situated around this. Right from the foot of the hills, every place was well guarded. The fort was surrounded with mouts, lakes with crocodiles is it . There are about
Inside sigiriya fort
He came across stationed armies well equipped guarding the kingdom.
The place where Pushpaka vimanam was kept is now known as Gurulopotha near Sita Kotuwa about 100 kms north east of Kandy. (There is only a name board and a buddhist temple ). Likewise Mandodari palace is now known as “Sita Kotuwa” as Sitadevi was first kept here. This is an archeological site about 3 hours drive from Kandy.
Sita Kotuwa.
A guide from the archeological survey office accompanies the visitors to the place. (Guest house facility and a small restaurant serving cool drinks,water, snacks is run by them.) We need to walk down the steep terrain for about an hour to reach Sita Kotuwa. The place where the army was stationed is known as Weragantota. Gurulopotha and Weragantota are situated near Sita Kotuwa.
Steps from Ravana palace leading to sita kotuwa (this is not the path which we take)
He found heaps of food in the kitchen but didn’t have the slightest temptation to eat. He searched every nook and corner of Lanka but could not trace mother Sitadevi. Hanuman was worried that he had to look many ladies which was against his brahmachari vow. But he convinced himself that if you have to search for a deer, you will have to search amongst deers. Likewise, a woman has to be searched amongst women. AS he respected all women as his mother and sister, his mind was very clear and was only focused on our Mother’s ( Thayar’s ) welfare.
After searching for the second time, Hanumanji was worried .He sat on a rock and decided to end his life as he knew that if he returned without seeing Sitadevi, he would be the cause for destruction of Ishvaku race and the vaanaras.
Hanuman however regained his determination and realized his mistake.
He understood that though he prayed to all the gods he forgot to offer prayers to Mother Sitadevi
Recollecting HER appearance as an ayonija,
He immediately prayed to Sitadevi guarded by Rama and Lakshmana to disclose her whereabouts similar to the way SHE chose to appear to King Janaka.
BIRTH PLACE OF SITADEVI AT SITA MARHI, BIHAR
By the grace of Sitadevi, Hanumanji spotted Ashoka vanam- a beautiful garden which he had missed to explore.
This place where Hanuman sat and contemplated on Mother Sita is identified as MANIKATUTHER located between Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
It is about 20 kms from RAmboda hill and Nuwara Eliya is about 50 kms from Manikatuther.
Manikatuther is located in Labbookelle Tea Estate in Kondakalai village on a hill bgetween Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda. WE need to take an auto to go up the hill which has a muddy path from the base.
AFter reaching a certain point, we have to trek up the hill through Labbookelle Tea Estate .
The scenic beauty is inexplicable. When we visited this place, the whole area was engulfed in fog , it was drizzling and cool breeze was soothing . ( As the muddy road was drenched with rain, we were told that it would not be possible to go there by our guide. But we insisted to be taken there and because of Hanuman’s grace, two auto drivers agreed to take us and we could visit the place.) Presently , there is only a small shiva linga under a tree.
Sri.Kanakaraj, a disciple of Chinmaya Mission who accompanied us informed that on a clear day, we can view both Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
Reaching Lanka, Ravana held Sitadevi captive in Mandodari’s palace which is now known as Sita kotuwa. Indra prayed to Sitadevi to sustain herself by partaking heavenly sweet for the world’s welfare . Ravana later shifted HER to Ashoka vanam(presently known as Hakgala Gardens in Nuwara Eliya)
presuming SHE would like the hill station and the natural beauty of his kingdom and succumb to his wish. The village is named as Kondakalai because while Ravana was forcibly taking Sitadevi to Ashoka vanam, Sitadevi’s hair got deranged.
He also informed that the food given by RAvana to Sitadevi was thrown away by HER which fell scattered in the surrounding forests. The remains became fossils known as “SITA GOOLI” have been certified by American researchers as vitaminised rice balls dating few thousands of years . These balls are considered as symbol of auspiciousness. We were fortunate to get them to be placed in our altar.
SITA GOOLI AND LEAVES OF ASHOKA TREE
Near Manikatuther, there is a temple for Sriman Narayana seated on Garuda with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Mahavishnu is bluish in complexion . But the locals address this temple as “Rama temple”.
During Margazhi,(Dec-Jan), early morning Pooja is performed and bhajans are conducted in the nights during the whole month. Few rare beautiful pics from Ramayanam are hung on the walls inside the temple.
ASHOKA VANAM (HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDENS IN NUWARA ELIYA)
When Hanumanji entered Ashoka Vanam (presently known as Hakgala Botanical Gardens in Nuwara Eliya), the flowers blossomed , birds chirped and the weather was very pleasant. Some flowers dropped on Hanuman’s body which added to his beauty.
Hanuman jumped from one tree to the other in search of Sitadevi. Finally, he found a sobbing distressed lady glowing with effulgence under a tree and looking at her appearance, the colour of her sari and the jewels which were hanging from the tree, Hanuman guessed that it was Sitadevi. His joy knew no bounds.
He was contemplating as to how he has to pick up a conversation with her. Meanwhile, RAvana arrived and started persuading Sitadevi.
Mother Sita underwent all these troubles to put an end to Ravana’s atrocities who was slave to lust thus causing harm to womanhood all over the world. (Poorvacharyars reason that as the wives of celestial persons were held captive by him, Mother Sitadevi came to Lanka to rescue them ). Just as a mother who will ensure to protect all the children,
Sitadevi who is the mother of Universe advised him to restore HER back to Lord Rama and get saved mentioning Sri Rama’s nature to forgive anyone who came for asylum even if it had committed the gravest sin. When Sitadevi rebuked him by recalling his cowardly act of stealing HER in Srirama’s absence , he became so wild that he wanted to harm her but was stopped by his wife Daanyamaalini.
The egoistic Ravana left after warning her that she would be killed and served as breakfast at the end of two months in case she doesn’t concede to his request.
The rakshasis who were threatening her were chastised by Trijata-Vibhishana’s daughter who disclosed the dream she had.
Trijata revealed her dream in which she saw victorious Lord Rama seated with Sitadevi wearing white silk clothes on Pushpaka vimanam ,Ravana’s death, anhilation of rakshasa clan, Vibhishana’s coronation and advised the rakshasis to stop torturing Sitadevi as SHE alone could protect them from SRirama’s wrath.
The rakshasis stopped harassing and slept. Sitadevi who was totally devastated, decided to end her life by hanging HERSELF from Simshuka tree with her hair.
Hanumanji who was sitting on the Simshuka tree became worried at HER approach. To save HER from this disaster, Hanuman softly sang Srirama’s story starting from HIS appearance,wedding, banishment , Ravana’s foul play in kidnapping Sitadevi, Jatayu’s death, Sugreeva’s friendship, their search operation etc. Hanuman presented himself as Rama’s messenger and sugreeva’s minister.
He described in detail about Srirama and enquired about devi’s identity. When Sitadevi got convinced that he was Rama’s messenger, Hanuman presented the holy ring given by Srirama to her and pacified HER that SRirama would kill Ravana ,resuce HER and return to Ayodhya to rule the world. Just as our acharyar gives us the holy name (Tirumantram) to us during Samasrayanam, Hanuman gave tthe holy ring with SRirama’s name engraved on it. Looking at the ring, Sitadevi wept uncontrollably remembering their separation and suffering .
Thus , the entire Ramayana was sung by Hanuman. This place is known famously known as “SITA ELIYA-SITA AMMAN TEMPLE” located about 4 kms from Nuwara Eliya on a lower altitude. Nuwara Eliya,also known as “Little England” located in the Central highlands of Srilanka is a hill station and one of the coldest regions in Srilanka .
The thought that Sitadevi sitting under the tree in the cool Ashoka gardens without any protection against the harsh weather conditions made us feel depressed.
Hanuman convinced Sitadevi that Srirama would come at the earliest and rescue HER. Unable to tolerate Sitadevi’s distress, Hanumanji offered to carry HER on his shoulders and unite HER with Srirama. He expanded his form to convince about his capabilities. So, we can see two sets of footprints in Sita Amman temple-one small and the other one huge .
Hanuman pacified Jaganmatha assuring HER of Srirama’s arrival to resue HER and consoled her thus saving HER life. When Hanuman requested Sitadevi to give some token of identification to present to Srirama, Sitadevi handed over the “choodamani ” and shared few incidents with Hanuman including Kakasuran’s episode , about how the Lord applied thilak so that HE would believe Hanuman as these incidents happened in solitude.
SPHATIK SHILA IN CHITRAKOOT-THE PLACE OF KAKASURAN EPISODE
After taking Sitadevi’s blessings, Hanuman decided to meet Ravana and convey Rama’s message. So, he uprooted the trees in Ashoka vanam . He defeated the rakshasas who came to fight, destroyed one-fourth of Ravana’s army including 80000 kinnaras, five army chiefs, Ravana’s son-Akshakumara and finally voluntarily got bound by Indrajit’s brahmastra as vayuputra wanted an audience with Ravana.
All these incidents took place at “” Hakgala Botanical Gardens”.
The deities which are considered thousands of years old were recovered from the stream in Sita Eliya two hundred years ago
Hanuman was taken to RAvana’s assembly in Sigiriya Fort.
INNER VIEW OF SIGIRIYA FORT (RAVANA PALACE)
Hanuman introduced himself as Sugreeva’s minister and Srirama’s messenger , informed the killing of Vali who had humbled RAvana earlier , advised Ravana to return Sitadevi and save his clan from Srirama’s wrath which infuriated Ravana .
Ravana ordered Hanuman to be killed but was intercepted by Vibhishana who said that a messenger should not be killed but could be punished.
RAVANA’S THRONE ON SIGIRIYA FORT
Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be burnt and taken along all the streets . Hanuman’s tail was wound with cloth dipped in oil and fire was lit. The jubilant rakshasas unaware of Hanuman’s prowess abused him and insulted him by throwing stones and took him through all the places. Hanuman unmindful of the pain thought that it was a good opportunity so that he can once again see Lanka in the day light. Few rakshasis rushed to Sitadevi to inform about the happenings. Sitadevi experienced intolerable grief for the punishment. She washed her hands in the nearby stream , lit a pyre and prayed to Agnideva to protect Hanuman by proclaiming that if she was chaste and if it is true that sirama would resuce her, Agni should not harm Hanuman.
Hanuman realised that though his tail was burning, he didn’t feel any burning sensation or pain. He realised that it was because of Sitadevi’s compassion , the fire didn’t harm him. Hanuman wanted to express his gratitude to firegod by offering the tall mansions to agni. Hanuman freed himself from rakshasas’ clutches and jumping from one building to the other including RAvana’s palace and assembly , he lit fire in all the places.
AS the golden Lankapura was on a hill where heavy winds blow, the fire spread immediately . The whole of Lanka was in flames.
Hanuman burnt the whole Lanka including Ravana’s airports at WEragantota , Ussangoda (the southern tip of Lanka).
Hanuman cooled his burning tail in the waters near Ussangoda near Hambantota- a sea coast about 83 kms from Galle.The sand here is red in colour. Usually red sand would be wet whereas here it is as hard as rock. No vegetation grows here. This is a protected site. It is advisable to visit this place in daytime .
RED SAND AT USSANGODA
USSANGODA-ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Hanuman became worried about Sitadevi’s welfare as the entire Lanka was burning. But he heard from celestial beings about Sitadevi’s safety and Vibhishana’s house not burnt. The pleased Hanuman returned to Ashoka vanam and after personally seeing Sitadevi assured her about Rama’s arrival and returned to Kishkinda after taking Mother Sita’s blessings. Assuming a huge form, Hanuman took off from “Arishta” parvatham from Lanka to cross over the ocean to reach Mahendragiri. Unable to bear his weight, Arishta parvatham got submerged into the sea with only the top visible. This is considered as “Andaman islands” (this info was shared by Andamanese during our visit-not sure about the authenticity but there is a similarity in the names-Arishta—Andaman)
Hanuman returned to the vanara camp and shared with them Sitadevi’s welfare. He informed them in detail about his entire journey. They started the return journey to Kishkinda to inform the good news to SRiram, Enroute stopped for a while at Madhuban near Hampi to satisfy their hunger. While all the vanaras were satiating their hunger by drinking honey and eating fruits, Our Hanuman was relising the nectarian names of Lord Rama which was his lifeline.
HANUMAN’S IMAGE AT MADHUVAN NEAR HAMPI
Hanuman and other vanaras headed by Angadha returned to Maalyavan parvath and informed about Sitadevi’s welfare and presented the choodamani to Srirama. A beautiful temple for the Lordships at the place where this incident took place can be seen in Hampi. Srirama praised Hanuman and embraced him for completing the mission thus emphasising that HE COULD BE ATTAINED ONLY WITH HANUMAN’S GRACE.
The place where Hanumanji conveyed Sitamata’s welfare and offered Choodamani to Srirama-Hampi,Karnataka
Our poorvacharyas say that when Hanuman submittd to Srirama without Sitadevi, his tail got burnt but when he got Sitadevi’s blessings, he was blessed with Lord Rama’s embrace .
This emphasizes Thayar’s intervention as PUrushakaaram in our Srivaishnava sampradayam. Thus ends the wonderful prose Sundarakandam.
Pacurappadi Ramayanam is a great work which has not a single word of his own. With sentences , phrases and divine words recognisably found in DivyaPrabhandam , Acharyar had reconstructed the whole Ramayana in just two pages without omission of any important incident .
Lord Krishna’s appearance day (Aavani (tamil month) Rohini nakshatra ) also coincides with a very revered Acharyar Swami Periyavaachan Pillai appearance day .
Periyavaachan Pillai elucidates about a revered venerated great teacher .
We have glories to Periya perumal ( Lord Ranganathar) Peria Azhwar ( Bhattarpiran ) Periya Jeeyar ( Swamy Manavalamamuni) and Periyavaachanpillai ( our great teacher) .
Thirumangai Azhwar, the last Azhwar was affectionately called as Kaliyan . He was the valiant army chief of the then Chola King.
For his valour the king gifted him with a small territory to rule over. Hence, he was known as Thirumangai Mannan .
Thirumangai Azwar had initiated lot of services to our LORD at Srirangam. The hundred pillar mandapam for the yearly festival adhyayana uthsavam was his contribution .
He also built the north and south gopurams at Kulasekaran thiruveedhi ( streets ) the fourth compound wall ( Mathil suvar)…
Adiyen sincerely thank Smt.Malathy Kesavan, an advanced devotee who has handwritten the synopsis of Samshepa Sundarakandam in Tamil by listening to the nectarian upanyasam given by H.H.Sri.Krishnapremi Swamigal (SRI ANNA).
காண்டங்களில் மிகவும் அழகான காண்டம் இது . எனவே சுந்தரகாண்டம் எனப்படுகிறது. “சுந்தரே சுந்தரம் சர்வம்” என்றபடி இந்த காண்டத்தில் எல்லாமே அழகு. விஷயமும் மிக அழகாக இருக்கிறது. சப்தாலங்காரமும் வர்ணனைகளும் கவிதா நயத்தைக் காட்டுகிறது. எனவே காவ்ய நடையும் இந்த காண்டத்தில் அழகு. கதாநாயகனும் கதாநாயகியும் பிரிந்து கஷ்டப்படும் போது , ஹனுமான் தூது சென்று இருவரையும் சமாதானப்படுத்தி நிம்மதி அளிக்கிறான். எனவே இது அழகான காண்டம். சுந்தர மூர்த்தியான ஹனுமானின் பெருமையை கூறுவதால் இது சுந்தர காண்டம். உலகையே மோஹிக்க செய்யும் பகவானாகிய இராமபிரானையும் மோஹிக்க செய்யும் அழகுடைய பக்தனான ஹனுமானின் பெருமையைக் கூறுவதால் இது சுந்தர காண்டம். ஏனெனில் பக்தனே சுந்தரன். பக்தியே சிறந்த சௌந்தர்யம்.
ஜாம்பவான் முதலிய வானர வீரர்களின் பிரார்த்தனையால் ஹனுமான் மந்தர மலையில் ஏறி இலங்கையை நோக்கி புறப்படலானார்.
ததோ ராவண நீதாயா: ஸீதாயா: சத்ருகர்ஸந :!
இயேஷ பதமன்வேஷ்டும் சாரணசரிதே பதி!!
பிறகு சத்ருக்களை இளைக்கச் செய்யும் வீரனான ஹனுமான் ராவணனால் தூக்கிச் செல்லப்பட்ட சீதையின் இருப்பிடத்தை சாரணர்கள் போகும் பாதையான ஆகாயத்தில் தேட விரும்பினார். கட்டும் காவலுமாய்…
Amongst the several revered disciples of Jagath Acharyar Swamy Ramanujar Swami AmudhanAr earlier known as Peria Koil Nambi was transformed disciple of JagathaAcharyar .
Nambi appeared in “mungirkkudi” on Panguni Hastham day in Srirangam which coincides to be today March 22 2019.
He became the most dearest disciple of Swamy Ramanuja .
However , before becoming a disciple of Swamy Ramanuja , he was the Head Priest at Lord Sri Ranganathar Temple, Srirangam .
Filled with pride due to his position in the temple he had no respect towards Acharya Swamy Raamanuja .
He used to get upset with Swamy’s raising popularity .Out of ego he placed many obstacles in the routine of temple services while Swamy followed during the temple administration.
Swami Ramanuja was upset with his approach that obstructed the services to Lordships . Swami wished that Nambi must be relocated in any other…
Once a great Acharyar was explaining to his disciples about the King Yayati life in Sri Vishnu Purana . The discussion became more interesting .
Two of his disciples asked..
Swamin .. .
Please tell us the difference between Bhakthi and Prapatti..
which is the best ?
Acharyar replied……
My child !
Bhakthi is a slender stream of love proceeding from puny efforts a creature is capable of producing in his heart cavity and this is necessarily subject to many slips…
whereas Prapatti ( Unconditional surrender ) is the mighty flood of grace pouring down from the All compassionate SUPREME LORD the creator nothing withstanding the rush of the torrent…..
Bhakthi as it is, needs constant efforts with exertion whereas
Prapatti is mighty flood of grace pouring down from the Supreme Lord as a natural downpour …
Ananthazhvan the great devotee of LORD VENKATESHWARA was preparing to come down to the south in order to attend a festival in lower Tirumala along with his disciples there. He took leave of the Lord of the seven Hills. He was accompanied by many devotees .
Walking down the seven hills amidst the devotees was time consuming due to the forest terrains path those days .
Swamy could see his disciples were tired and feeling hungry . He looked for a rivulet en route for distributing and honouring the prasadam When the vessel was opened , much to the surprise of everyone ,. they found the prasad was swarming with ants.
Swamy Ananthazhwan recollected Sri Kulasekhara Azhwars pasuram on the sanctity of the Thiruvengadam hills . ( Azhwar pleads Lord to get association of the LORD in any animate or inanimate form in the Holy hills .
Kendubilva is a small village near to LORD Jagannatha Kshetram Puri , and 25 kms to Bhuvaneshwar . This is the holy place where the great devotee Jayadevar appeared .
The village became more prominent and famous by the presence of the great devotee Jayadevar for his devotion to the Supreme Lord .
Jayadevar learnt all the Vedic scriptures at an young age . He was complete into devotional services .
Always immersed in Lord’s divine leela , he ignored material wealth or associations. When he came of marriageable age, his parents were searching for a bride so as to bring him into family fold .
Jayadeva’s was not keen in entering family life . He remained all alone, always in thoughts of the great Lord Jagganatha divine pastimes and avoided family commitments .
His parents pleaded him to get married as they were getting old …
It was a practice of Swamy Ramanuja as a Yati to visit seven houses daily and collect biksha for the day’s offering and consume it as prasada . This act is enjoined on the divine principle that the ascetic has nothing to call or ought to own any worldly goods as belongings to him as such owning begets a series of attachments necessarily and weds him again to worldly interests .
Swamy Ramanuja’s main en devour was to establish the UNITY OF GODHEAD in the world .
It is said once when Swamy Ramanujar was so engaged in the throughfares of srirangam a few boys form mere frolic waylaid him and pointing to a figure which by their toes they drew on the dust. They said innocently !
Swamy Look Here is our Perumal . Swamy Ramanuja was delighted to hear the little boys sermon to him .He immediately prostrated…
To reaffirm the faith of HIS devotees, LORD conversed with HIS devotees time to time . There are three incidents which our Elders keep saying about the compassion of the LORD in temples .
To reaffirm the faith of HIS devotees, LORD conversed with HIS devotees time to time . There are three incidents which our Elders keep saying about the compassion of the LORD in temples .
At Tirumala – Tirupathi, Lord Venkateshwara used to converse with the King Thondaman Chakravarthy . In Kancheepuram, Lord Vardarajar used to converse with his dear devotee Swamy Tirukachi Nambigal who used to fan him daily .
Similarly at Srirangam Lord Ranganathar used to converse with “Tiruvilakku pichan”the temple servant who used to light the lamps in the temple . It is a general practice all the devotees surrender to LORD and express their gratitude pain and love for the LORD in this material world. Few devotees develop extremely intimate relationship with the Lord conversing freely and interact almost daily treating him as a human friend.
Few decades ago , in the holy shrine of Tirumala there…
