Author: Kazhiyur Varadan

Once  , Thirumisai Azhwar came to have a darsanam  of Lord  Aaraamudha perumal   near Kumbakonam at Tamilnadu.    Azhwar  was very much impressed by  Lord’s  beauty .

He instantaneously recited ..

Nadanda kalgal nondhavo nadunga gnala menamai

Idanthamei kulungavo vilangumaal varaichuram

Kadanda kaal parandha kavirikarai kudanthaiul

Kidanthava yezhundirundu pesu vazhi kesane

Meaning O lord !  your lotus  feet must be  feeling the pain walking  the worlds  covered  with  mountains,   thorns etc  .

Your lotus feet are very soft that even Mother Lakshmee  feels her  service may hurt  LORD if she touches them. 

AzhwAr then realizes that  as LORD  went to the pAtALa lOka to rescue Mother during varAha avatAra, perhaps  due to this   LORD  should be relaxing in this pose .

While Azhwar was enquiring ,  Lord casually  lifted up His head to get up and reply to  AzhwAr  as he said said ‘pESu’ in his divine verse  ( speak my LORD ) ..

  Azhwar did not  want  to disturb his yoganidra  and hence  prayed LORD   to remain in the same posture so as to bless each devotee  coming  to HIM praying  .

The Azhwar  thus requested  LORD  to remain in the reclining position as this posture of  LORD looked very attractive .

 The  divine pose of  LORD Aara Amudhan is called as Uthra Sayanam and he is thus called as Uthanasai. 

Lord Aramudhan like Sonnavanam saitha Perumaal of Thiruvekha Divya Desam  at Kancheepuram has also received credit for obeying His dear devotee Thirumisai Azhwar.

 Due to the above reason  LORD  is  glorified  as Aramudha Azhwan  and the Azhwar as Thirumahizai Piran.

The word Piran means Lord.

As Thirumahizai Azhwar asked Perumaal to get up from His  serpent bed, Azhwar was given the title of “Piran” by  LORD .

Aramudhan took the title “Azhwan” to show us HIS  love  towards  Azhwar.  Lord’s sparkling  darshanam  of his cheeks (so chubby )  pulls our soul to  just be there for ever .

 Lord’s coral lips   invites HIS devotee which has a   half-smile (“Punmuruval”) indicating  HIS mercy and  pleasure  seeing us.  Lord’s  broad forehead is adorned by a sparkling green gem, triangular in shape .

 Lord’s long thighs and then  legs, resembles  the trunk of a magnificent tusker,  encased in soft and supple silk, while the broad and beautiful chest sports several strands of gold and pearl necklaces ,  with goddess  Mahalakshmi.

Mother Sri Devi and Bhoodevi  grace us  on either side of the Lord, in postures of devotion.   As noticed in Thiruvellarai Divyadesam , similar  feature of this beautiful temple is that the sanctum sanctorum has two entrances, each with nine steps-one used during Dakshinaayanam and the other during Uttaraaayanam.

 Everything about the Lord  here is elixir .

check the videohttps://wpcomwidgets.com/render/

https://wpcomwidgets.com/render/

None  of the devotees will exclaim  “I have had enough of this Lord”, the desire to see Him and be with Him increases  with every  darshan .

Among the Azhwars seven  out of twelve have immersed there divine thoughts and glorified the boundless beauty of  Lord Aaraavamudan and devoted around 51 nectarine verses  in the DivyaPrabhandam .

This nectarine Lord is sweet not only to our external senses like the eye, ear and the nose, but provides an incomparably pleasurable sensation all over, inside and out and in the soul too-

 “Aaraavamudaai adiyen aavi agame tittippaai”. 

When we relish  something very sweet  we become sick eating the same  recipe  repeatedly . This is true for all material  and  worldly enjoyment all through in our lifestyle.  But once we engage  our senses towards the omnipotent LORD  we find that we can  relish HIM   continuously without  any hindrances and  not getting  bored.

 Once we follow the Nava Vidhi Bhakthi  as advised by Elders viz:   Shravanam  , Kirtanam  Smaranam ,  Pada sevanam , Archanam , Vandanam  Dasyam ,  Sakhyam and finally   Atma Nivedhanam  the purpose of our Life is realised . The more we  start enjoying  the nectar that is LORD HIMSELF , the more we want to continue enjoying this nectar as our desire for this nectar becomes insatiable .

 Aaramudhan means  “the pure nectar which can never produce satiety”.  NammAzhwar glorifies LORD as  “Ara Amude” and  expresses Oh Lord !! ,

‘When I  have your divine darshan !  my body melts in the love  and the separation from your divineself  means  am washed out   with a  torrent force of a  flood away .  

Oh Lord!  such  overflowing emotions……..  grace me  because of your  abundant mercy you have for me.

Lord Aramuda Perumaal compassion on HIS devotees is unlimited .  

When all of us celebrate Diwali in our houses , LORD  performed last rites for one of His  ardent devotees.

 The divine pastime goes like this .

There lived a devotee  named ” Lakshmi Narayana ”  in this holy place . Narayana spent his entire life doing  services to Lord Aramudhan. He was  the one who built the Rajagopuram  which is app  44-m tall, 11-tiered tower by collecting  small small donations from devotees and strived hard to finish the task  . 

He had surrendered all his wealth and everything in the noble service .Narayana swamy  who became old   ,passed away, on  a  Deepavali Amavasya day .

The  devotees  were worried about performing his last rites as he had no progeny and neither he adopted any one .  His entire life was serving the LORDSHIPS  with total surrender .

When the  Priest  entered the sanctum   of Lord Aramudhan he noticed that  Lord  was wearing the yagnopavithram in the direction worn while performing last rites. The Priest  thought that he had made a mistake while decorating LORD  on the previous day.

Therefore he corrected the direction of the yagnopavithram but to his utter amazement found that the yagnopavithram switched direction again. The Priest  realized that it was  Lord’s  way of saying that He was going to perform the last rite for his devotee  Narayana .

 And ever mindful of His duties, He continues to perform the annual shraaddham for this sincere  devotee , to this day.  Narayana’s  sculpture with folded hands adorns one of the pillars in the pradikshina marga .

 Lord performed the last rite for Jatayu during Rama Avataram and as  Lord Aaramudhan performed the rites for  his devotee Narayanaswamy.

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics : Credits  Google images ( Thanks to all the devotees who uploaded them )

When I  have your divine darshan !  my body melts in the love  and the separation from your divine self  means  am washed out   with a  torrent force of a  flood  far far away .

Swamy Nampillai appeared in Krithikai Month on Krithikai Nakshatra which happens to be today .

Swamy Nampillai was a disciple of Swamy Nanjeeyar who in turn was the disciple of Parasarar bhattar , son of Koorathazhwar. Swamy wrote commentaries for the great works Kanninunsirutthambu, Thiruviruttam, and Thiruvoimozhi, all belonged to and included in the collection of works “Nalayira Divya Prabandam”. His commentary on Thiruvoimozhi is glorified known as Edu.

Swamy Nampillai discoursed the lectures of Parasara Bhattar to his disciples Periyavachaan Pillai and Vadakku Thiruveedi Pillai who in turn employed them in their respective commentaries..

An interesting incident happened when Swamy Nampillai should have been 25 years old and his teacher, Nanjeeyar should have been in his early fifties. 

One sunny day Pillaiathan approached Swamy Nanjeeyar . He was about forty years old. He prostrated at the lotus feet of Swamy Nanjeeyar and requested him to teach any one padhikam (a set of eleven songs) of Thiruvaimozhi. The  Sacred hymns “Thiruvaimozhi “written by  a great Azwar Sri Nammazhwar which consists of 100 padhikams.  

Swamy Nanjeeyar was busy in some service to the Supreme Lord
He told Pillaiathan,
“I am a little busy now. The best person to teach you Thiruvaimozhi is my disciple Swamy Nampillai. Please go to him.” I will advise him to teach you . Pillaithan was not interested as he was elder to Nampillai .. He said …
“But Swami, there is a delicate problem in that.”
“What’s the problem?”

“Our sasthras dictate that a student should prostrate at the feet of his master. You see I am a forty year old man. I can fall at your feet because you are a sanyasi and you are older than me. But Nampillai is much younger to me. And he is a householder. How do you expect somebody of my stature to fall at his feet?

Swamy ”Nanjeeyar now knew where exactly the problem was .Oh !!

 “That’s not an issue.

Our sasthras allow us to waive that condition in exceptional cases.

Any way Your case appears to be quite exceptional. I will advise Nampillai not to expect the usual formality of the disciple falling at his Guru’s feet.

You may start the classes from tomorrow.

”Pillaiathan went back happily. 

Nanjeeyar called Nampillai and reported the conversation verbatim. 
“My dear boy, Nampillai, we have a moral responsibility for the long-term welfare of our disciples. I have told you what is there in his mind. It is up to you to make him realize what is right and what is wrong. I am sure you will teach him the lessons in his expectations

Swamy Nampillai replied “As you wish, Acharya.”
Next day Pillaiathan went to Nampillai’s house.

Nampillai had already made the seating arrangements for the classes.

A seat was placed two steps above the ground level. Another seat was placed at the ground level.

Pillaiathan now knew the trick. He thought: ‘This boy is offended because I won’t prostrate before him. That’s why he has made a high seat for himself.

What a pride! I should make it a point to tell this to Nanjeeyar.’

Mean time , to his surprise , Nampillai came near Pillaiathan, took his hand in his and led him to the high seat over his . He made Pillaiathan sit there and he sat at the ground level.
That was probably the only one-to-one class in the whole world where the teacher sat at a lower level than his student. 

‘What a nice boy! He has given me the proper seat respecting my age, erudition and my position in the society.’
A teacher’s role is not just to fan the ego of his student.

Nampillai remembered his Guru’s words.
I have told you what is there in his mind. It is up to you to make him realize what is right and what is wrong. I am sure you will teach him without hurting him.”

The lessons started. Nampillai had cleverly chosen the 27th prose in which Nammazhwar talks about his love for the devotees of the Supreme Lord.
In the third verse in that paasuram , Nammazhwar melts;
The heaven and the earth always sing praises about the Supreme Lord, Sriman Narayana, the one who loves Tulsi leaves. The Lord has a shining golden disc about him and he is more than a father to me. 
Many fall at the feet of that kind Lord. Even greater are those who fall at the feet of those who worship that Great Lord.

And I am a slave to those who worship the devotees of our Lord.

I am a slave to them not only in this birth, but all my births to follow.
As Nampillai was quoting from the scriptures, from Ramayana, from many religious texts and emphasizing the importance of selfless love and the total absence of pride, Pillaiathan was transported to a different world. 

He now realized his mistake of refusing to prostrate at the feet of this great man. He started crying for what he had done. 
He could not sit in the high chair any longer looking down on one of the greatest teachers of his time, of all times.

He stood up from his place.
Nampillai misunderstood the meaning of that gesture.
“I know Pillaiathan, that you are a true devotee of God.

Now come and stand here facing East.

Let me fall at your feet and get your blessings.”
As Nampillai prepared to prostrate at his feet, Pillaiathan prevented it with all his might.
“Swami, you are my Acharya.

You have made me realize the dangers of pride.

I had never known about this padhikam of Namazhwar. By deciding to teach me this, you have reformed me. Now please stand there. Let me fall at your feet. Please forgive me, Swami.”
Now it was Nampillai’s turn to block his move. 
“Pillaiathan, my Acharyar , Nanjeeyar has clearly told me that you will not prostrate at my feet. I am a householder and I am younger to you.”
“Oh, Swami, please do not kill me with my own words.”
“No, Pillaiathan I wont let you worship me. It’s against the orders of my Acharyar

.” “Ok, Swami. Then grant me a favour. Please come with me.”
Pillaiathan did not even wait for Nampillai’s answer.

He grabbed him by his hand and walked out of the house.

He virtually dragged Nampillai to Nanjeeyar’s place. 
Nanjeeyar was taking classes at that time.

There were more than fifty students in the class.

Pillaiathan begged Nanjeeyar to stop teaching for a while.

He then told him what had happened.He fell at Nanjeeyar’s feet. He stood up and amidst tears begged him,
“Swami, please instruct your disciple Nampillai to accept me as his disciple.

Please tell him that I am going to fall at his feet in your presence and that he should accept and bless me.”
Nanjeeyar was very happy with his disciple.

He then nodded to Nampillai. 

Pillaiathan then fell at Nampillai’s feet in the presence of Nanjeeyar and all the students in his class. 

Nampillai lifted him up and hugged him.

Thereafter Pillaiathan learned the entire Thiruvaimozhi from Nampillai.

At the beginning and at the end of every class he would fall at his young teacher’s feet. 

All glories to our Swamy Nampillai

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pictures/Videos : Courtesy Google images and uploaded by many devotees in social media

All Merciful “Lord Sriman Narayana” appears in five different forms as para, vyuha, vibhava, archai and antaryAmi . To uplift the fallen souls Lord advises the Nityasurees to incarnate in the mortal world and spread the message of divine love and true knowledge for a common man to come back to God head .

Thus Azhwars were the incarnations of of Lord Sriman Narayana’s divine weapons and ornaments (“Azhwar” in Tamil means ‘one who is immersed’). Since the advanced saints were always immersed in the Lord and His qualities, they were glorified as Azhwars and the places which was glorified by Azhwars are earmarked as Divya desams . Out of the 12 azhwars, 4 Azhwars appeared towards the end of Dwapara yuga and Eight Azhwars appeared during Kali yuga.

• Poigai Azhwar – Panchajanya ( Lord Krishna’s conch)
• Bhootha Azhwar – Kaumodakee (Lord Maha Vishnu’s Mace/Club)
• Pey Azhwar – Nandaka ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s sword)
• Tirumazhisai Azhwar – Sudarshanam ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s discus)
• Nammazhwar – Vishvaksena ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s commander)
• Madhurakavi Azhwar – Vainatheya ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s , Garuda)
• Kulasekara Azhwar – Kaustubha ( Lord MahaVishnu’s necklace)
• PeriyaAzhwar – Garuda ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s eagle
• Andal – Bhoodevi
• Thondaradippodi Azhwar – Vanamaalai ( Lord Maha Vishnu’s garland)
• Tiruppaan Azhwar- Srivatsa (An auspicious mark on Lord Maha Vishnu’s chest)
• TirumangaiAzhwar – Sharanga ( Lord Rama’s bow)

The Srivaishnava Divyadesams are  the temples glorified by 12 azhwars. Among the 108 Divyadesams, 105 temples are located in India and one in Nepal. The remaining two temples are in the celestial world glorified as Sri Vaikuntam and ThiruParamapadham. The 106 temples are classified into six divisions –

• Chozha Nadu divya desam – 40 temples situated in Central Tamilnadu around Trichy,Kumbakonam,Mayavaram, Srikazhi,Nagapatinam
• Pandya Nadu divya desams– 18 temples situated in southern part of Tamilnadu around Madurai,Tirunelveli, Ramnathapuram, Sivakasi
• Nadu nadu divya desams – 2 temples in the northern part of Tamilnadu located near Virudhunagar and Cuddalore
• Thondai nadu divya desams -22 temples in the northern part of Tamilnadu located in and around Chennai(4),Kanchipuram (15), Arakonam(3)
• Malai nadu divya desams – 13 temples out of which 2 are in Southern tip of tamilnadu and the rest 11 temples are in Kerala scattered around Trivandrum,Chenganoor, Ernakulam, Thrissur
• Vada nadu divya desams – 11 temples out of which 2 are in Andhra Pradesh, 1 in Gujarat, 4 in Uttar Pradesh, 3 in Uttaranchal and 1 in Muktinath.

The 4000 Divya Prabandham(Naalayira Divyaprabhandham) also known as “Dravida Vedas” are the out pouring of the Azhwars who  appeared in Southern India  few thousand year ago as per the divine commands of Lord Sriman Narayana to uplift the humankind and thus composed the divine pasurams which all the vaishnavas make it a law to recite . In Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord declares that HIS devotees would be born in Kaliyuga around the banks of Tambaraparani ,Cauvery rivers. As the recitation of vedas is restricted tto only few (women and low caste are not allowed to recite them), the compassionate Lord made azhwars appear on the earth for the upliftment of one and all and compose the pasurams in nectarian Tamil so that it could be relished by all.

Thirumangai Azhwar, the last among all the Azhwars was the only Azhwar who has glorified the maximum number of temples -86 divya desams and he alone has the credit of glorifying  47 divya desams exclusively. 

Azhwar appeared on the 397^th year after the advent of Kaliyuga as per “Guru Parampara prabhavam” composed by Sri.Pinbhagzhagiya Perumal Jeeyar a disciple of Swamy Nampillai,,,

Neelan as he was called appeared on a bright Thursday in Nala varushey(year name), Karthigai maasey (karthigai month as per tamil calender[Nov-Dec])on Krithikai star on Pournami in Kallar kulam at Thirukuraiyalur – a small village near Thirunangoor about one hour drive from Sirkazhi

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His parents –Aaliaaduudaiyaar(father) and Vallithiru (mother) named him as “Neelan” as he was Neelavarnan . He had various other names which he himself mentions in the last verse of his works (pasuram) dedicated to Sirkazhi Perumal as “Aali naadan”, “Arulmaari”, “Aratamukki”, “mangai vendhan”, “parakaalan”, “kaliyan”,”thirumangai mannan”, “Naalukavi Perumal). Lord (Perumal) addressed him as “kaliyano??” .

As he was like kaalan for people who refuted “paran”(perumal), he came to be known as “Parakaalan” . He was an expert in composing different types of poems in different meters as per Tamil grammar which earned him the name “Naalu Kavi Perumal”.

In thanian ( Introductory verses ) for Peria Thirumozhi, Swamy Embaar says “Engal gathiye Ramanusa muniye…..mangaiyar kon eendha marai aayiram anaithum thangumanam enaku thaa” which means Swamy Embaar submits to Swamy Ramanuja grace for remembering the 1000 pasurams sung by the famous Thirumangai Azhwar and hence the Sattaree is “Ramanuja Padhuka” who in turn is considered as “Thirumangai Azhwar’s padhuka” at Tirunagari divya desam

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Swamy Manavala Maamunigal in the ninth verse (pasuram) of the great work Upadesaratnamalai glorifies the appearance day of Thirumangai Azhwar as “VEERUDAYA KARTHIGAIYIL KAARTHIGAI NAAL”as this azhwar exhibited his veeram (valour) in getting Perumal’s anugraham. 

Its a great day as Azhwar , Acharyar Nampillai and Asmath acharyar-Sri Kumara Venkatacharyar( descendant of Swamy MudaliAndaan ) also appeared on the same dayThree important festivities are celebrated grandly in this village.(1) Thai Amavaasai for 3 days (Jan-Feb)(2)Thiruvedupari utsavam on Panguni-Pooram (March-April)(3)Thiru avataara utsavam-10 day utsavam during Karthigai month culminating on Karthigaiyil Karthigai

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Neelan was very valiant and brave which earned him a position as army chief in Chola kingdom . He was later elevated to the position of a king for a small territory named “Aalinaadu” . Thus we have “Thirumangai mannan” who had that power , fame , position which took him to material pleasures like any human . The possessions and power engulfed him . Blinded by daring heroism, Neelan was indulged in sensual pleasures

(Azhwar himself admits in his pasurams that he was behind dove-eyed beautiful women).

By Perumal’s nirukethu sankalpam, he happened to meet Kumudavalli daughter of a physician in Thiruvellakulam who played a vital role in transforming Neelan into Azhwar. Her appearance also was a divine plan to correct Neelan in the right path …

Kumudhavalli a damsel (apsaras) who was named Thirumaamagal/Sumangalai along with her friends descended on Himalayan forests mocked at a siddhar who was being imparted knowledge by Kapila maharishi. The infuriated rishi cursed her to descend to earth and get married to a human being .

When she repented for her mistake and asked for a means to go back to the heavenly planet, the sage advised her to transform Neelan(an amsam of Saarangam) and make him a great devotee and get married to him.

After accomplishing her mission, he blessed her that she would be able to get back to her heavenly abode. Thus , she appeared as a small girl on the banks of Swetha Pushkarini(Thiru vella kulam) in front of Srinivasar Kovil in Thirunangoor.

A physician who happened to pass by was attracted to the small kid. He learnt from her about the cause of her appearance and adopted her as his daughter. As he was childless for a long time, he considered to be Lord Srinivasar’s blessings .As she was seen holding Kumudha flower, he named her as Kumudavalli.

Once Neelan , the ruler of the province around Thirunangoor happened to come to Thiruvellakulam. He was mesmerized by Kumudavalli’s beauty and expressed his ardent desire to marry her. He approached her parents and expressed hos desire .

The Parents were overjoyed as the King was at their doorstep . However , Kumudavalli expressed her desire “to marry only to a person who sported Thiruman kaapu ( Tilak ) on his forehead and got pancha samskaaram ( initiation ) done”.

Immediately Neelan set out in search of an Acharya to get initiated (pancha samskaaram in srivaishnava sampradaya) done.

No one dared to initiate him considering his qualities.

The ever compassionate Lord Srinivasar of Thirunaraiyur appeared before him as a Priest and did panchasamskaaram to Neelan. Later, Thirukannapuram Lord Sowriraja Perumal imparted the intricate meanings of Ashtakshari to him. Hence, these two Lordships are considered as “Acharyar” for Azhwar.

Having fulfilled her condition, Neelan approached Kumudavalli . She replied

Oh Prince ! Am glad with your desire in entering a relationship with me .But please understand as your better half I have another condition . I wish you undertake to carry out the bhaagavatha dhadhiaaradanam to 1000 people for one year which gives me immense satisfaction.

Neelan accepts the condition with a smile as she would be his queen soon .

Now , the couple did dhadhiyaaradhanam for one year and continued with the kainkaryam later. The place where he did dhadhiyaaradhanai kainkaryam is known as “Mangai maadam”.

It was a grand feast every day . A vast area was covered with pandals .for devotees thronging daily . It became a sacred shrine with hundred of devotees gathering daily with vaishnava tilaks and glorifying Lordships with songs . Few were discussing the greatness of Neelan and kumudha .Filled with bhagavathas , the place became more vibrant with devotion.

Neelan loved the new role. He never questioned the spending even the coffers of Thirumangai was coming to a stock out position . The Ministers whispered about the coffers getting emptied , but he continued the services selling his jewellary and other precious things .

The news reached the chozha king. He summoned Neelan to return the entire money or face repercussion. As Neelan didn’t oblige, the king had to send an army . Neelan defeated the army with ease . Shocked , the king came in person to wage a war.

Knowing Neelan’s might, the king with the help of his minister, conspired a plan to trick Neelan and arrested him.

Neelan was locked up in a temple for 3 days without food and water.(very similar to bhakta Ramadasar). The ever compassionate Lord Varadarajar of Kanchipuram appeared in Neelan’s dream informing that he could use the wealth lying on the banks of Vegavati river in Kanchipuram to clear the king’s dues.

The next day , Neelan informed the king that he would return the entire money given a chance . The King sent Neelan along with his soldiers to the banks of Vegavati river.

The search could not find any wealth . The Soldiers were instructed to harm Neelan If the search was untrue.

Lord appeared in Neelan’s dream again and informed him the exact location of the wealth. Neelan , overjoyed once again marched to the river and thus found the wealth. He cleared the king’s dues and kept the balance with him for continuing the bhagavatha kainkaryam which he got infected to.

The greedy king along with few others who realized that Neelan had wealth , claimed that their dues were not fully settled and asked for more wealth.

Neelan prayed to Lordships to help him out . The Compassionate Lord asked him to measure the sand on the banks of Vegavati river using “marakkal”( a measure) and settle the dues.

Obediently , Neelan accordingly collected the sand and handed over the same in gunny bags. This infuriated the king that Neelan was giving them sand instead of wealth.

But as the soldier who was trying to put the same in treasury , it turned into gold dust. The king realized that Neelan was not an ordinary person. He begged forgivance and after rewarding him sumptuously , released him forever,

It was a home coming . Neelan resigned from the king’s service and dedicated his full time for bhaagavatha kainkaryam. To continue the kainkaryam, Neelan resorted to looting wealth from the rich peasants who were egoistic selfish and greedy .

He did that by waylaying with the help of his four friends -Neermel nadappan(one who could walk across water), nizhalil odhunguvaan(one who was an expert in following a person’s shadow), thaaaludhuvaan (one who could open any lock without key), tholavazhakkan(one who could not be defeated in any argument).

As the looting expedition was also getting a bad name to Neelan who was doing a great kainkaryam ( service ) Lordships of Thiruvaali divyadesam along with Thaayar had to intervene.

The Lordships appeared as a newly wed couple fully bedecked with costly jewels and set out on a closed palanquin to Thiruvaali .

Neelan’s friends who came to know of this, informed Neelan that if the bridal party is looted, they would have enough wealth to support lifelong bhagavatha kainkaryam. Neelan was very pleased . He immediately galloped on his horse(Aadalmaa) followed by his thief-friends and reached the place which is presently known as “Thirumanan kollai”.

On reaching the place, Neelan threatened the couple to part with their entire jewellery. Accordingly , the couple surrendered all their jewellery except the toe ring on the bride as it could not be removed.

Though Neelan had the entire loot , Lord veiled a maya on him which made him to lure for the toe ring too which was very attractive. Neelan himself bent down to remove the ring but as his efforts were futile, he tried to remove the ring with the help of his teeth by his mouth.

Unknowingly, he surrendered to Thayar’s lotus feet for the material wealth .But , by coming into contact with Goddess (Thayar’s) lotus feet, wisdom dawned on him. He was mesmerized and choked with no words . He attempted to move quickly and thus bundled the entire loot in a big cloth. Looking at the divine couple , he tried to lift the baggage but for its weight .

Shocked that the small booty could not be lifted , Neelan thought that the bridegroom must have cast a spell on the bundle . He wanted to frighten the bridegroom now . He threatened them with a dagger to reveal the secret which made that booty so heavy that he couldnt lift it .

The mischievous bridegroom smiled and agreed to share the secret with him . He advised him to purify himself in the nearby stream and wait under the banyan tree (arasa maram).

Neelan did as advised and the bride groom uttered the sacred Ashtakshari mantram on Neelan’s right ear.

Wisdom dawned on Neelan and there was an instant flash …. he repented for all his deeds. He understood his real purpose of his birth . The divine couple appeared as Lord Lakshmi-Narayanan on Garuda vahanam and blessed their child .

Lord addressed him as Thirumangai mannan as he had the blessing of Thiru (Thayar first).

Now the jeevatma “Thirumangai mannan” in ecstasy repenting for all his misdeeds outpours torrential verses instantaneously in presence of Divyadampathigal starting with the most beautiful verse ….

“vaadinen vaadi varundhinene manathaal……”

concluding each phrase glorifying “Narayana” naamam…..

The name N A R A Y A Y A N A itself can give stature and wealth. The name destroys miseries .This Holy name gives a seat in heaven a seat in Paramapadam .It will give you strength It will give you everything .This lovely name will give more that what a loving mother can give …And thus Azhwar reveals saying ..

.I have found such a good word in HIS holy name….

This wonderful incident is recapitulated every year in the holy place and is celebrated grandly as “Thiru vedupari utsavam” on the night preceding Panguni Uthiram in the month of March-April . As part of 10 day brahmotsava celebrations at Thiruvaali, on the sixth day, Lord (Perumal ) arrives to wed Goddess ( Thayar ) and set out on a “moodu pallaku”. The divine wedding (thirukalyanam) takes place in the afternoon and saatrumarai goshti gets over by 9 p.m .

Later the divine couple set out on a palanquin slowly and head toward Thirumangai maadam and rest in a mandapam. Azhwar sets out from Thirunagari temple at midnight and swiftly reaches the mantapam and goes round the couple thrice.

A screen is drawn and it is presumed that all the ornaments are removed. Lord gets ready to give darshan on Garuda vahanam along with Thayar. Meanwhile Thirumangai mannan is taken to a nearby mandapam where thousands of devotees throng to have the beautiful sight of Azhwar riding on the horse for about an hour.

Later Azhwar is taken towards Perumal who imparts the Eight syllable mantra “Ashtakshari. The bhog is offered to the Lordship. Azhwar circumblates around Lordships with benevolence.

Lord blesses Thirumangai Azhwar with prasadam, maalai, parivattam. The assembled goshti start reciting “Vaadinen vaadi….” slowly and after completing of the first 10 pasurams, mangalaaarthi is given to both Perumal and Azhwar.

This incident happens around early hours 2-3 a.m. The entire group return to Thiruvaali temple and on the way , the entire Peria Thirumozhi ( the compositions of Thirumangai Azhwar ) is recited by the goshti.

One devotee relished his experience that when the azhwar sets out from the temple to loot the Lord, his valour ,pride ,strength ,determination can be seen on Azhwar’s thirumugam and when he returns after having Perumal’s darsanam, Azhwar’s speed is reduced as he becomes submissive having shed away his pride and takes about 4 hours to reach the temple as the procession moves slowly.

Coming back to the divine incident , Neelan who becomes transformed to Thirumangai Azhwar decides to visit all the holy shrines and glorify the Lordships .

Lord captivated his attention by giving HIM beautiful darshan in all the temples. In his divine pasurams, he vividly describes the Lord, location of the holy place , surroundings and the opulence .

Azhwar , personally visits the divya desams beginning with the Northern side temples starting at Thirupiridhi ( JoshirMutt ) and submits his glorifications to the Lord . Every verse he puts before LORD moves the person with tears reciting them .

The struggle of a jiva in this material world seeking true knowledge with stiff opposition of maya draws comparision with all of us .

Thirumangai Azhwar composed six prabhandhams which are treasures .He stands second to Swamy Nammazhwar in the contributions to Divya Prabhandam.

Thirumangai Azhwar’s six prabhandhams are the six angams for Maaran’s four works (Nammazhwar’s four prabhandhams-

Thiruvaimozhi,

Thiruvirutham,

Thiruvaasiriyam ,

Peria Thiruvandhadhi)

Azhwar’s compositions are:

• Peria Thirumozhi comprising of 1084 pasurams
• Thirukurunthandakam comprising of 20 pasurams
• Thirunedunthandakam comprising of 30 pasurams
• Thiruvezhukootruirukai comprising of 1 pasuram
• Siriya Thirumadal consisting of 155 lines considered as 1 pasuram
• Peria Thirumadal consisting of 297 lines considered as 1 pasuram

Details of 86 temples glorified by Azhwar starting from Srirangam with PRABHANDHAM reference are given below:

Out of these, 70 temples are in Tamilnadu,

2 in Andhra,

4 in Kerala,

1 in Gujarat,

4 in Uttar Pradesh,

2 in Uttaranchal,

1 in Nepal and 2 out of reach.

(PT-Peria thirumozhi; TKD-thirukurundhandakam; TND-tirunedundandakam

STM-siria thirumadal; PTM-peria thirumadal; TVKT-thiruvezhukootruirukai)

1. CHOLA NADU DIVYA DESAMS (Trichy,Kumbakonam,Thanjavur,Mayavaram ,Sirkazhi)

• Srirangam                             – 73   (PT, TKD, TND, STM, PTM)
• Thirukozhi(Uraiyur) -Uraiyur near Trichy –  01   (PT)
• Thirukarambanur(Uttamar kovil) – 01    (PT)
• Thiruvellarai                                                   -13     (PT,STM, PTM)
• Thirupernagar                                -19     (PT,TKD,TND, STM,PTM)
• Thirukandiyur                                                 – 01    (TKD)
• Thirukoodalur                              -10     (PT)
• Thirupullamboothangudi                              -10     (PT)
• Thiruaadhanoor                                  -01     (PTM)
• Thirukudandhai                                 -25   (PT,TKD,TND,STM, PTM, TVKT)-only Perumal who was referred to in all the 6 prabhandams
• Thiruvinnagar                                 -34     (PT,TND,STM,PTM)
• Thirunaraiyur                               -110   (PT, TND,STM, PTM)
• Thirucherai                                 -13     (PT,STM, PTM)
• Thirukannamangai                                -14      (PT,STM,PTM)
• Thirukannapuram                           -104    (PT, TND, STM,PTM)
• Thirukannangudi                             -10      (PT)
• Tirunaagai                           – 10 (PT)
• Thiruthanjhaimaamanikovil    –  03 (PT)
• Thirunandipuravinnagaram                        –  10 (PT)
• Thiruvelliangudi                          – 10 (PT)
• Thiruvazhundur                          -45 (PT, TND,STM,PTM)
• Thirusirupuliyur                        – 10 (PT)
• Thiruthalaisanganaanmadiyam  – 02 (PT)
• Thiruindhalur                         -11 (PT,PTM)
• Thirukaavalampaadi                     – 10 (PT)
• Thirukaazhiseerama vinagaram  – 10(PT)
• Thiruarimeya vinnagaram                     – 10 (PT)
• Thiruvanpurudothamam                   – 10 (PT)
• Thirusemponseikovil                      -10 (PT)
• Thirumanimadakovil                         -12 (PT,PTM)
• Thiruvaikuntavinnagaram                      – 10 (PT)
• Thiruvaali Tirunagari                        –  41 (PT, TND,STM,PTM)
• Thirudevanaar thogai                     -10 (PT)
• Thiruthetriambalam                    -10 (PT)
• Thirumanikoodam                   -10 (PT)
• Thiruvellakulam                      -10 (PT)
• Thirupaarthanpalli                      – 10 (PT)
• Thiruchitrakoodam                      – 21(PT,PTM)

NADU NADU DIVYA DESAMS(near Cuddalore,Vizhupuram)

• Thiruvahindrapuram                         – 10(PT)
• Thirukovalur                       –  18 (PT, TND, STM,PTM)

THONDAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS(in and around Kanchi, Arakonam,Chennai)

• Thirukachi athigiri                     – 04 (PT,TKD, TND)
• Thiruashtabuyakaram                         – 11(PT, PTM)
• Thiruthankaa                          -02 (PT,TND)
• Thiruvellukai                           – 01 (PTM)
• Thiruneeragam                         – 01 (TND)
• Thirupaadagam                          -02  (PT, PTM)
• Thirunilathingalthundam                    – 01 (TND)
• Thiruooragam                    –  04 (TND, STM, PTM)
• Thiruvekka                     –  06 (PT,TND,STM,PTM)
• Thirukaaragam                                             –  01 (TND)
• Thirukaarvaanam                     – 01 (TND)
• Thirukalvanoor                      – 01 (TND)
• Thirupavazhavannam                   – 01 (TND)
• Thiruparameswara vinnagaram                    -10 (PT)
• Thiruputkuzhi                      – 02 (PT, PTM)
• Thirunindravoor                     -02 (PT)
• Thiruevvul                                   – 11 (PT, PTM)
• Thiruallikeni                    -10 (PT)
• Thiruneermalai                    -19 (PT, TND,STM,PTM)
• Thiruidavendhai                        -13 (PT,STM,PTM)
• Thirukadalmallai                      -26 (PT,TKD,STM,PTM)
• Thirukadigai                     -03 (PT,STM)

VADA NADU DIVYA DESAMS(Andhra,Gujarat,Uttar Pradesh,Uttaranchal,Nepal)

• Thiruayodhi               – 01(PT)
• Thirunaimisaranyam                -10 (PT)
• Thirupiridhi                  -10 (PT)
• Thiruvadhariasramam                     -21 (PT, STM)
• Thirusalagraamam                    -10 (PT)
• Thiruvadamadurai                   -04 (PT, STM)
• Thiruvaayarpaadi                                        -07 (PT, STM)
• Thirudwaarakai                     -02 (PT)
• Thirusingavelkundram                   -10 (PT)
• Thiruvenkatam                    -61 (PT, TKD,TND,STM,PTM)

MALAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS(Kerala)

• Thirunaavai                                                        – 02(PT)
• Thirumoozhikalam                      – 03(PT,TND,PTM)
• Thiruvallavaazh                                             -11 (PT,PTM)
• Thirupuliyur                -01 (STM)

PANDYA NADU DIVYA DESAMS(near Madurai,Tirunelveli,Sivakasi,Ramnad,Trichy)

• Thirukurungudi                    -25 (PT,TND, PTM)
• Thiruthankaal            -04 (PT,TND, STM, PTM)
• Thirukoodal            – 01 (PT)
• Thirumaliruncholai             – 33(PT, TKD,STM,PTM)
• Thirumoghur                -01 (STM)
• Thirugoshtiyur               – 13 (PT,PTM)
• Thirupullani        – 21 (PT, PTM)
• Thirumeyyam            – 09 (PT, TKD,PTM)

DIVYA DESAMS NOT IN THIS WORLD

• Thirupaarkadal         – 11 (PT, TND)
• Thiruparamapadam                     – 01 (TKD)

As per the great compositions of “Peria Thirumozhi” Azhwar started from north, has sung ranging from minimum 10 pasurams to 100 pasurams .  Azhwar’s pasurams details the geographical locations . Peria Thirumozhi is divided into 10 hundreds and in each of the 10 pasurams, Ahwar glorifies only that particular divya desa Perumal.  ONly in the 10th hundred pasurams, azhwar has sung pasurams on multiple divyadesams.  IN Peria Thirumozhi, azhwar eloborates about 50 divya desams and the remaining 36 divya desams(out of 86 glorified by him) have been referred to in other prabhandhams.

While one recites them, the ambience feeling and the quench to have darshan of the Divya dampathees draws us closer and gives the soul to rejoice in bliss knowing its identity in seeking our loving Lord….

Divya desams as per Peria Thirumozhi are given below:-

VADA NADU DIVYA DESAMS

• Thirupiridhi (10) – Joshirmutt in Uttaranchal
• Thiruvadhiri (20) — Badrikasramam in Uttaranchal
• Thirusaalagramam (10) — Muktinath in Nepal
• Naimisaaranyam (10) — near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh
• Singavelkundram (10) — Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh
• Thiruvengadam (61) — Tirumala Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh

THONDAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS

• Thiruevvul (11) — Thiruvallur near Arakonam in Tamil nadu
• Thiruvellikeni (10) — Triplicane in Chennai
• Thiruneermalai (19) –Pallavaram in Chennai
• Thirukadalmallai (26) –Mahabalipuram near Chennai
• Thiruvidandhai (13) — near Mahabalipuram
• Thiruvattabuyakaran (11) — Ashtabhuja perumal in Kanchipuram
• Thiruparameswara vinnagaram (10) — In Kanchipuram

NADU NADU DIVYA DESAMS

• Thirukovalur (18) – in Vizhupuram-Thiruvannamalai route
• Thiruvahindrapuram (10) – near Cuddalore

CHOLA NADU DIVYA DESAMS

• Thillai Chitrakoodam (11) – Chidambaram Natarajar temple
• Thirukaazhi seeraama vinnagaram (10) -1 km from Sirkazhi station

THIRUNANGOOR DIVYA DESAMS TOTAL 11(About 1 hour drive from Sirkazhi)

• Thiruvaali Thirunagari (41) – 8 kms south east of Sirkazhi
• Thirumanimadakovil (12) – Thirunangoor- 8 kms from Sirkazhi
• Thiruvaikunta Vinnagaram (10) – Thirunangoor
• Thiruarimeya vinnagaram (10) – Thirunangoor
• Thirudevanaar thogai (10) – 4 kms from Thirunangoor
• Thiruvanpurudothamam (10) -8 kms from Sirkazh
• Thirusemponseikovil (10) -Thirunangoor
• Thiruthetriambalam (10) -Thirunangoor
• Thirumanikoodam (10) -1 km from Thirunangoor
• Thirukaavalampadi (10) -10 kms south of Sirkazhi
• Thiruvellakulam (10) -10 kms from Sirkazhi enroute to Nagapatinam
• Thirupaarthaanpalli (10) -3 kms from Sirkazhi Venkadu
• Thiruindhaloor (11) -in Mayavaram
• Thiruvelliangudi (10) -Kumbakonam -near Aduthurai
• Thirupullamboothangudi (10) -Kumbakonam-near Swamimalai
• Thirukoodalur (10) -Kumbakonam –tanjavur route near thiruvaiyaaru
• Thiruvellarai (13) -20 kms from Trichy near Thuraiyur
• Thiruvarangam (73) -Srirangam -12 kms from Trichy
• Thirunandhipuravinnagaram ( 10) – Nathan kovil-4 kms south of Kumbakonam
• Thiruvinnagar (34) -Oppiliappan kovil -7 kms from Kumbakonam
• Thirunaraiyur (110) – 9 kms from Kumbakonam enroute to Thiruvaarur
• Thirucherai (13) – 24 kms in Kumbakonam-Thiruvaarur route
• Therazhundhur (45) -21 kms from mayavaram enroute to Komal
• Sirupuliyur (10) -3 kms from Kollumangudi station-

in Mayavaram-thirvarur route

• Thirukannamangai (14) – 7 kms from Thiruvaarur
• Thirukannapuram (104) – 2 kms from Thirupugalur on Nagapatinam-

Nannilam route

• Thirukannangudi (10) – 1 km from Aazhiyur on Nagapatinam route
• Thirunaagai (10) – Nagapatinam

PANDYA NADU DIVYA DESAMS

• Thirupullani (21) -near Ramnathapuram
• Thirukurungudi (25) -12 kms from Nanguneri near Tirunelveli
• Tirumaliruncholai (33) -20 kms from Madurai
• Thirugoshtiyur (13) – near Karaikudi

MALAI NADU DIVYA DESAMS

• Thiruvallavaazh (11) -Tiruvalla on Ernakulam-Kollam route

In most of the pasurams , Azhwar repents starting with “vaadinen vaadi….” and claims that he has got everything now with the great Narayana thirunaamam.

He confesses to Lord Srinivasar at Tirumala for all his misdeeds and praises his mind for having resorted to the Lord’s holy feet.He says that he was under the illusion that his parents,wife etc are everything -did many mistakes when he was in  youth,later he strived hard for serving his family and now with repentance approached the Lord like a dog and prays to Lord to accept him.  (Azhwar who is an amsam of Lord couldn’t have been so but just to uplift us, he demeans himself)

In pasurams dedicated to Lord Narasimhar of Ahobilam, the place is only accessible to devas.

IN the pasurams dedicated to Naimisaranyam, he surrenders to the Lord Devarajan for upliftment. He addresses the Lord as “mother-Naimisaaranyathul enthaai…” .

He addresses all the five forms of the Lord at Thiruvellikeni-Parthasarathy, Thelliya singam, Gajendra Varadar,Ramar,Ranganathar.

During his course of enlightened journey the Divya dampathees ( Lordships in the temples ) were eager to meet their child which can be authenticated by citing a divine incident. During his journey Azhwar by oversight skipped Thirunindravoor near chennai and after doing mangalasaasanam at Thiru-evvul, he directly proceeds to Thiruvellikeni and in due course reached Mahabalipuram.

Goddess Sudhavalli Thayar-the divine consort of Lord Bhaktavatsalan persuades Lord to invite Azhwar as he had missed them by oversight. . Lord appeared at his next destination Thirukadalmallai and while glorifying the Lordships at Thirukadalmallai, Lord Bhaktavatsalan gave a vision to azhwar which made him take HIS name.

In the course of his travel, Azhwar glorified (mangalasaasanam) at 86 divya desams and finally reached Srirangam and undertook various construction and renovation activities.

However, Lord commanded to continue his services as HE wanted to relish the nectarine outpourings of Azhwar. (Very similar to Annamacharyar’s life)

Later he composed Thirukurunthandakam comprising of 20 pasurams where he begs Lord (Perumal) expressing his craving to have HIS darshan (as Perumal wanted him to reach the highest transcendental bliss)

Thirunedunthandakam comprising of 30 pasurams(in the first set of 10 pasurams, Azhwar sings with his own identity , in the 2^nd set of 10 pasurams, azhwar assumes the role of a mother expressing her daughter’s plight and in the last set of 10 pasurams , donning the role of a girl expresses her desire to attain Perumal to her friend ) .

Our most revered Acharyar Swamy Parasara bhattar used to always contemplate on this prabhandham and thus invited Nanjeeyar into Srivaishnavism by a debate based on this lovely prabhandham. During Adhyayana utsavam , this is recited on the first day and the goshti is honoured with medicated oil to be smeared on the vaishnavas neck who would recite as a honrarium.

Thiruezhukootruirukkai comprising of one pasuram glorifies Lord Aaravamudhan of Thirukudandhai.

In Siriya Thirumadal Azhwar assumes the role of a lovelorn lady who suffers pangs of separation from her lover-. She holds his picture in her hand, longing for her lover’s association. She contemplates on how to defame the various archa murthis but faith prevails upon her which makes her restrain from doing so. She waits patiently and with confidence that her Lord would come to take her. The emotional outpourings takes us to transcendental heights.He composed both the madals at Thirunaraiyur as the Lord of Thirunariayur is considered as the acharyar for him.

In Peria thirumadal, Azhwar becomes restless for poor response from the Lordships. He starts lamenting how the Lord who had taken various forms and resides in various divyadesams didn’t concede her request even after repeated pleading . Realising that the Lord cannot be confronted in commanding , he decides by just surrendering to HIM he would be pleased and respond.

Thirumangai Azhwar personally visited all the above holy shrines on his courageous horse “aadalma”.

He has done mangalasaasanam (glorified) to 86 divyadesams and has the special honor of glorifying the Lord exclusively in 47 divya desams. The 47 divyadesams which was glorified by Thirumangai Azhwar alone are as follows ….

Thirukozhi, Thirukarambanur, Thirukandiyur, Thirukoodalur, Thirupullamboothangudi, Thiruaadhanoor, Thirucherai, Thirukannamangai, Thirukannangudi, Thirunaagai, Tirunandipuravinnagaram,Thiruvelliangudi, Thiruvazhundur, Tirusirupuliyur, Thiruthalaisanganaanmadhiyam, Tiruindalur, Tirukavalampadi, Thirukazhiseerama vinnagaram, Thiruarimeya vinnagaram, Thiruvanpurudothamam, Thirusemponseikovil, Thirumanimadakovil, Thiruvaikuntavinnagaram, Tirudevanarthogai, Thiruthetriambalam, Thirumanikoodam, Thiruvellakulam, Thirupaarthanpalli, Thiruvahindrapuram, Thirukovalur, Thiruthankaa, Thiruvellukai, Thiruneeragam, Thirunilathingal thundam, Thirukaaragam, Thirukaarvaanam, Thirukalvanoor, Thirupavazhavannam, Thiruparameswara vinnagaram, Thiruputkuzhi, Thirunindravoor, Thiruvidavendhai, Thirunaimisaranyam, Thirupiridhi, Thirusingavelkundram, Thiruthankaal, Thirupullani,Thirumeyyam.

He was more inclined to have darshan of Archa Moorthy at the holy shrines on the earth rather than the Lord in Paramapadam. Azhwar’s pasurams serve as a guide for visiting various divya desams.

Azhwar continued with his divine services in various divya desams especially at Srirangam.

His ardent desire to construct vimanam, mandapam, big walls around Srirangam, gopuram, kitchen etc. for Srirangam temple needed financial support .

Azhwar priorities was service to Perumal and HIS children for which he went to any extent of getting wealth by looting, robbery etc. Coming to know about the golden Buddha vigraham at Nagapatinam from a passerby , he decided to try his skills to possess it . He was informed that the vigraham was being protected by a revolving wheel.

He managed to pick the golden Buddha idol from Nagapatinam to construct the compound walls of Srirangam temple . On follow ups from them, he issued a promissory note to the Buddhists saying he would return even the little finger unscathed and after one year, he just gave them the little finger and won them by argument.

After the completion of the projects , he did not have sufficient money to pay them . Still he assured all of them that they would be paid for their divine deed . The laborers who were travelling by a boat got drowned due to some imbalance in the middle of the river.

Unknowingly , the kith and kin of the laborers approached the Azhwar. Azhwar cooly replied everything that has happened was with Lord’s will .To reveal their state he advised them to come the next day.

Lord Ranganathar with abundant mercy appeared in Azhwar’s dream and advised him to ask the relatives of the deceased to enter into Srirangam temple after taking a dip in Kaveri. On reaching the temple, Lord Ranganathar made them have a vision of not only their deceased ones but also their great ancestors.

The muktas applauded Azhwar’s contributions and felt fortunate to be associated with him. They advised their kith and kin that they would attain the highest position by serving Azhwar who was performing devotional service which would assure them salvation.

Extremely pleased with Azhwar’s services one day Lord Ranganathar called Azhwar and asked him to choose a boon.

Azhwar expressed his deep desire to have darshan of the dasa avataarams of Lord. Lord Ranganathar fulfilled his desire immediately .

Thanking Lord , Azhwar requested Lordships to honour Swamy Nammazhwar’s Thiruvaimozhi for 10 days starting from Vaikunta Ekadasi which was immediately accepted . The grand “Thiruvadhyayana utsavam” at Srirangam was started by Thirumangai Azhwar.  Azhwar arranged to get Nammazhwar’s idol from Azhwar Thirunagari and in the presence of Namperumal in the newly constructed mandapam, Azhwar arranged for recitation of Nammazhwar’s Thiruvaimozhi for 10 days.  Initially, Adhyayana utsavam was celebrated for 10 days during azhwar’s time.  Later Nathamunigal arranged for 21 day festival by including recitation of the entire divyaprabhandam by dividing it as “Pagal pathu” and “Raa pathu ” utsavams.

As per Lord’s instructions, Thirumangai Azhwar constructed a mandapam for Namperumal to listen to Nammazhwar’s nectarian Thiruvaimozhi.

Lord also blessed Azhwar that whoever reads the six prabhandams composed by Tirumangai Azhwar considered as the six angams for Swamy Nammazhwar’s works will be blessed with salvation.

As a mark of confirmation ,Lord commands Azhwar to throw his Vel ( spear) assuring that the entire place where the spear falls, if a person’s last rites are performed , he would be liberated .

This special place is on the northern banks of Kaveri. ( “Paadiya vaalan Padithurai” where last rites are performed for the departed even today).

As days passed one day Azhwar requested Lord to liberate him from this samsara . Lord out of abundant compassion advised Azhwar to go to Thirukurungudi a holy divya desam which is known as “Siriya Veedu”to serve MalaiNambee perumal .

Azhwar overjoyed leaves Srirangam. Like a newly wedded girl who before leaving for her inlaws place bids goodbye to her relatives, Azhwar recollects Lordships at various divya desams .

Thirumangai Azhwar reaches Thirukurungudi and continues his services at this temple On a Vaikunta Ekadasi day with Lord’s mercy he attained salvation . Even today we can have darshan of this holy place which is about 3 kms from Thirukurungudi temple

Azhwar doesn’t have a spear and is seen with folded hands along with Kumudavalli Naachiyar.

After few years , Swamy Manavala maamunigal visited Thirunagari to have darsanam of Azhwar. He was in ecstasy and composed “Vadivazhagu Choornikai “-a beautiful poem vividly describing the beauty of Azhwar.

This deity of Azhwar was installed by Tirumangai Azhwar’s brother in law as per Lord Ranganathar’s instructions in Thirunagari temple at Tirunangoor – a small village near Sirkazhi and is being worshipped since time immemorial.

Freely translated, Swamy describes Azhwar’s beauty as the one who is holding spear(vel), with folded hands, wearing thiruman, lips slightly opened in such a way as if he is uttering “Omkaram”, having a sharp nose, cool face, broad eyes, curly hair, ears slightly bent as if to listen to Ashtakshari ( Eight word syllable )being imparted by Lordships , long ear rings, body bent at 3 places (thribangam) near neck, hip and feet , standing benevolently to obtain Lord’s grace.

He glorifies further about Thirumannankollai-the place where Perumal ( Lord) imparted ashtakshari –how he threatened Lakshmi’s husband with a knife forcing him to reveal the spell and how Lord gave the precious mantra extolled by the vedas to him and having received the mantra how realisation dawned on him and he got transformed into a devotee and humbly stood in front of the Lord with folded hands .

Swamy concludes that his eyes are blessed to see the broad chest holding the spear, one who utters the eight lettered mantra , the beautiful face and the holy feet.

VAAZHI PARAKAALAN

VAAZHI KALIKANDRI

VAAZHI KURAIYALUR

VAAZH VENDHAN

VAAZHIYARO MAAYONAI

VAAL VALIYAAL MANDHIRANKOL MANGAIYARKONE THOOYONE CHUDARMAANA VEL.

All glories Thirumangai Azhwar

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics Courtesy : Google images uploaded by several devotees

Garudalwar has been   affectionately  glorified as Peria Thiruvadi , Pakshiraja,  Vainateya, Suparna, Garuthman, Vinatasuta,  Vishnuvahana, Nagantaka and Kashyapeya by  devotees Garudalwar  is  always engaged in eternal service to Lord  Sriman Narayana .

As a result, of his SharaNagati to Lord Sriman Narayana (Narayana Sayujyam).  Garudalwar enjoys the benefit of  Sameepyam (constantly being beside the Lord), SarUpyam (Shuddha Satvam) and SalOkyam (residence in Vishnu Lokam).

Garudalwar  serves as the eternal chariot of Lord  Vishnu. Consequently, Garuda received the name Periya Tiruvadi as against the divine  role played by Hanumanjee as the Vahana for Lord Rama. Hence, Hanumanjee  received the title Siriya Tiruvadi.

Those who have  had the mercy  of the darsanam of the 11 Garuda seva at  ThirunAngUr dhivya desams  at ThirunAngUr are truly blessed . Their  fortune  is comparable to those who had  witnessed the  Garuda Sevai at Kanchi ( VaikAsi and Aadi ThiruvONam ), SrIrangam ( Thai , Maasi, Panguni and Chitthirai) , NaacchiyAr Koil , AzhwAr Thirunagari  and the famous  Nava Garuda seva ( “Nine Garuda  Sevais”) at  Thirukurungoor  with  Swamy NammAzhwAr vaibhavam enacted .

Garudaalwar  is  worshipped as Veda Moorthy . His  appearance star   is SvAthi , which is the same as for Lord Narasimhar. Garudalwar  incarnated as PeriyAzhwAr at SrI VilliputthUr and became the Father-in-Law of Lord RanganAthan and had the privilege of having his daughter and  son-in-law live at his home in SrI VilliputthUr, which is known today as NaacchiyAr ThirumALigai.

At TheruzhunDUr dhivya desam , Garudalwar  stands next to Aaamuruviyappan (GhOsakhan) awaiting His Lord’s  command .  At AhObilam, Garudalwar  performed penance for the darsanam of Lord Narasimhan as He appeared  before PrahlAdhan and the Lord responded to his tapas by giving darsanam to Garudalwart as “JwAlA Narasimhar”.  Hence one of the names for AhObilam is GarudAdhri.

At Vadanadu Divya desam ,  Badarikashramam  , Garudalwar  is blessing  the devotees  with his darsanam in the  assembly of  of Nara-NaarAyana.

At ThiruveLLiyangudi dhivya dEsam , Garudalwar  graces   in PerumAL Sannidhi with Sankham and Chakram as  a Nithya Soori.  At ThiruvallikkENi Garudalwar  gives the darsanam with  Lord  GajEndra Varadhan , in a separate Sannidhi.

 Nachiyar Koil is  a srivaishnava Divya desam is located in Tirunaraiyur en-route to Tanjavur from Kumbakonam. Since importance is given to Nachiyaar in this temple, it is called Nachiyaar Koyil.

The moola virat  Lord  Tirunaraiyur Nambi  worshipped  as Vasudevar graces us  in the Kalyana kolam with Vanchulavalli Thayar in the sanctum sanctorium . The Theertham is Manimuktha pushkarini and the Vimanam Srinivasa Hema Vimanam. Legend has it that Lakshmi appeared  as Vanchulavalli  and MahaVishnu  manifested himself in the Pancha Vyuha forms and married Vanchulavalli.

In the sanctum one finds the sculptures of the deities Sankarshana in the east, Pradyumna in the south, Anirudha in the west, Purushottaman in the north and Vasudeva in the center. There is no separate shrine for Thayar. There are shrines for Yoga Narasimhar, Ramar, Hanuman and Chakrapani.

Kal garudan  is of special significance at this temple.  The Garudalwar   gives darshan  with nine serpents and is believed to have the powers to remove the Navagraha dhosham. 

It is  understood from elders that a sculptor  was  making this  deity  of Garuda  with utmost devotion . On completion,  he suddenly found the  deity   flying after he had made  Garuda’s  wings.  

Excited and simultaneously  confused   at this sudden action, the sculptor prayed Garudalwar  for his mercy .

 Garudalwar   pleased with his dedication and  prayers  decided to settle here at this place and bless the devotees. ( Kal  in tamil means stone ).

 A huge and well built Garudalwar  gives darshan to all the devotees coming to this Srivaishnava Divya desam . During the Tamil month of Aadi,  the temple Lordships  Thiru Naraiyur Nambi makes a visit to  this Garuda’alwars Sannidhi.

A magical event happens during Garuda Sevai .  Garudalwar  increases  his  weight manifold .  Science has not been able to explain the mystery underlying the fact that when the Salagrama deity  of Garudalwan  is taken out for procession, he is  so light that he is carried  by just 4 persons.  

As the  palanquin bearers (Srimaan taangigaL) , cross the outer enclosures one by one,  Garudalwar  becomes progressively heavier and  needs 8, 16 and 32 men to carry the palanquin  after each enclosure. Finally, when the Lord is taken outside the temple, Garudalwar  increases in weight so much that 128  devotees assemble  to carry the Lordships .

Similarly, after the  outing  procession (PurappaaDu), when Garudalwan  enters the sanctum, he keeps loosing  weight so that it need progressively lesser number of men to hold it  from 32 to 16 to 8 and finally just 4 and in that order. 

Another unique feature of this grand festival  is that one can see  Garudalwar  sweating profusely as he makes his way out for the procession.

Thirumangai Azhwar, Periya Azhwar, Poigai Azhwar etc have done their Mangalasasanams to Garudalwar.

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan..

 Photos credits : google images

video credits  : ramyagiri , mighty garuda and advanced devotees

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 OUR Supreme LORD in temples .Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Kovil and Tirumala

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.

At Srirangam ,  there lived a man who was serving at temple .    His job was to light all the lamps at the huge temple of Srirangam  .

He used to  keep the lamps topped with oil  and ensure they were maintained in perfect condition . Under constant vigilance he had to ensure the lamps are lighted effectively without any flaws.

He had free access to enter the temple and light all the temple lamps being the temple servant . He had a peculiar habit of addressing the LORD  daily about how his day was and was he treated well .

It was almost routine especially during  festivals when LORD had to be amongst HIS devotees . For his behaviour he earned a title Pichan ( mad person ) . Unmindful of whatever people spoke of him he continued to  greet the LORD and converse  with utmost sincerity and faith .

Lord  Ranganathar also got used to HIS devotee’s greeting .    Days became months .Months turned to years .Lord out of abundant mercy wanted to reply to HIS dear devotee .

It so happened one day Lord spoke from his Archa thirumeni ,and this also happened regularly .Lord was answering his dear devotees queries .It was more of vatsalya bhavam inquiring the well being of each other . There was no  barrier in the divine exchange of speech .A lowly employee  of the temple speaking to the LORD who was replying too .To the devotees who were witnessing this man standing before the LORD  and apparently talking to himself appeared to be a mad person conversing with himself  and they called him  “Picchan” ( a mad man). Combining his job title and popularity  of remaining , he came to be known as “ThiruviLakku Picchan”. 

One day, while carrying out his daily  chores , Picchan  conversed  with  the Lord  about the  great people and the  huge crowd attending the festival in the temple . 

There is another pastime which installs absolute surrender to LORD in Archathirumeni . The great Acharyar Swamy  Nampillai was delivering  a lecture in the mandapam inside the temple and as usual our Thiruvilakku Picchan was standing in front of the sanctorum with a lamp in his hand. Lord  was so impressed hearing  Swamy Nampillai’s  divine discourse which made him get up and  wished to be among the august gathering hearing the divine discourse

Suddenly , Thiruvilakku Picchan saw a huge personality near him and realizing that it was LORD himself , he requested LORD to relax  and not do this and  remain  in his original Archa Swaroopam .  LORD politely obeyed his devotees concern……………

All glories to this great devotee  who had the  fortune to enjoy such intimate relationship with the Lord  himself  who listened to  Him .

Sri Venkatadri shikaralaya kalamegam

Sri Hasthisaila sikarojwala parijatham

Srisannamami sirasa Yadhusaila deepam

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Photos credits : Google

Video credits  :  Tamil gold channel

Few years ago , Meera was living a very happy married life with her family which included her husband, four sons, their wives and children. She had served the family with full devotion. Her husband was a wealthy jewel merchant and the sons had also joined the family business.

Everyone in the family was very respectful to their parents. It so happened one day Meera saw a small boil on her foot . She applied some turmeric to heal and continued with her daily house chores . However the boil eventually turned out into real shape. She had developed the germs of leprosy. There was no cure and she had to accept the reality .There was a sudden change of attitude among all the members of the family towards her. Everyone including her husband who loved her dearly tried to avoid sitting next to her. She was thus isolated and spent her days in a secluded room. Her utensils were kept separately which she washed herself.

She could understand that for the welfare of her family this was to be carried out . But one day she got a rude shock when all her sons came with their wives and wanted to say something to her. The eldest son on behalf of others came with the proposal and said

Amma ………You should go and stay in some place of pilgrimage away from all of us .

We will send money for your daily needs Amma please understand ..

.After all this is an infectious disease and even you will not like it if any of your grand child gets infected. We care for you Amma .Please accept our proposal .The choice of Old age home OR pilgrimage spot is yours .

Each son had a different proposal . Meera kept on listening and just nodded.

The sons went away leaving her to wonder if they were the same sons who would not eat before amma started eating her meal.

That night Meera skipped her dinner which, the maid servant had left for her in the room.

The whole night she was tossing and turning and could not have even a wink of sleep. She went on thinking what to do.

Should I jump in a well?

Should I leave home?

All types of thoughts came to her mind. At last in the early hours of morning she quietly packed a few clothes and took what ever meager money she had and left home without telling any one.

She had no one to share her plight.

One poor lady used to come to her previously and she used to give her many things in charity to help her. She knew her house . She landed at her doorstep and woke her up. On opening the door she saw a old slightly torn photograph of Lord Krishna hanging on the wall .

The poor lady was shocked to see her . She invited her , but she politely ignored her invitation . She expressed her inability to enter her house and shared her plight . Looking at the photograph she enquired which temple deity he was .The poor lady replied the pic is of Lord Bankey Bihaari and he is at Vrindavan.

She advised her to go to vrindavan where she could get help from one of her relative who had gone there and had become a Meera serving the Lord

The lady offered to go with her and leave her there with her relative and soon they reached vrindavan. For a few days the relative of that lady shared the food she used to get from temples as prasad . She was old and died in few months . Now Meera was again left alone to fight for her survival. She felt embarrassed to go to temples and ask for prasad in the beginning but soon got used to it. Vrindavan became her home . She started naming every temple in Vrindavan as her Uncles home , Aunts home and Parents , grand parents house . She made every temple deity as her family member and shared her daily experiences going close to them .

Immersed in Satsangh true to her name got Meera bhakthi .

One day Meera went to bathe in the yamuna river along with few devotees . It was a special day as Sri Sri Bankey biharee had arrived . Amongst the crowd , looking at the merciful eyes of the Supreme Lord , suddenly , her foot slipped and she fell in the river and was on the verge of drowning.

Suddenly , something strange happened .. The crowd gathered around She was in an unconscious state and all she could remember was that a very attractive blue eyed boy had dived into the river to save her. When she became conscious she was surrounded by some brajvasee . She looked every where to find the charming diver but he was no where to be seen. The people around her told her that she had a very lucky escape. She looked at her foot and was astonished. She found that there was not a single wound, her leprosy had disappeared.

One person from the crowd advised her to go to Sri Sri Bankey Bihariji’s temple and thank the Lordships for saving her life. She had never been here before so now that she was no longer infected by leprosy, she wanted to thank Lordships , she entered the temple and was looking at Lord Bihariji spell bound because it was this charming boy only who has dived in the Yamuna river and saved her life. With tears in her eyes and a shiver of excitement going through her entire body she vowed that she will depend only on Sri Sri Bankey Bihariji who had brought her to vrindavan. Leprosy was just a temporary excuse to detach her from her family. Now she does sewa of the Supreme Lord Bihariji in her small way by helping many devotees who are in need near the temple

Swami sri haridas ji says in one of his padas roughly translated in English …

 Oh My dear brother!If you want to love, then love only Bihariji or love his bhaktas who are always engrossed in Bihariji’s bhajans only.The worldly love is temporary made out of faded colours of flowers which is finished the moment you are of no use to your so called loved ones, but Bihariji’s love is permanent which is made out of the scent of flowers. It is Lord alone who will by your side when you are in pain or trouble, your relatives and friends will run away the moment they see approaching for help. Bihariji will wash away all your sins and take you in his arms. Such is the love of our Sri Sri Bankey bihariji.

Shri Shri Banke Bihari Mandir is located at Vrindavan. The Lordship presented themselves for the ardent devotion of Sri Haridas

Elders believe Swami Haridas was the reincarnation of Lalita ‘sakhi’ , of the close companion of Lord Krishna. Haridas left his village for Vrindavan, which was a dense forest at that time and choose a secluded spot, which is now known as Nidhivan, to practice his service to Supreme Lord with music and to enjoy eternal bliss . He constantly and continuously meditated on Nitya Ras and Nitya Bihar of Lord at Nitya Vrindavan. His way of Saadhna was to compose and sing songs in the praise of Lord. While on earth, living in a mortal state, he facilitated his regular unobstructed entry in the Nitya Bihar and always enjoyed the pleasure of closeness of Lord always in the ocean of eternal bliss.

His disciples were curious about this place and one day with permission of Swamiji, they all entered the kunj. But instead of seeing anything they were almost blinded by bright, intense light, which seemed to fill the whole place. On knowing of their plight Swamiji himself went there, and then after his requests, lord appeared in person with his divine consort, pleasantly smiling and in a playful mood and casting a spell of charm on every living being present there. Those who witnessed this, were so spell bounded by the beauty of the Lord and his consort, that they couldn’t even blink their eyes, it seemed that all of them had turned into stone statues.

The legend as handed down to the generations of Goswamis, says that the beauty of the divine couple was such that no one wanted to loose the sight and proximity of divinity, but then what kind of divinity is it, which cannot make a mere mortal swoon and charmed enough to forget and give up the world and its luxuries? The beauty of the divine couple was so much that lesser mortal would not be able to bear such a heavenly beauty. Sensing this Swami Haridas ji prayed the Lordships both of them to take a single form, as the world won’t be able to bear their image. He submitted to them to take a single form like Ghan (cloud) and Damini(lightning) thus giving a perfect metaphor to the combined beauty of dark Lord and his fair consort, Radhaji. Also he wanted his beloved lord to be in front of his eyes always. Granting him his both wishes, the couple turned itself into one single black charming deity , the same one can have darshan in the temple today. The charm and beauty of Shri Banke Bihariji is the only reason why the ‘darshan’ in the temple is never continuous but is broken by the curtain drawn on him regularly. It is also said that if one stares long enough into the merciful eyes of Shri Banke Bihariji, the person would lose his self consciousness. Thus came into existence the physical form of Lord Banke Bihari, popularly know as Bihariji.

The sewa of the Bihariji is unique in its own way. Three parts of Seva is done every day ie Shringar, Rajbhog and Shayan. While shringar (which includes bath, dressing and adornment with jewellery like crown and necklaces) and Rajbhog(feast) is offered in the forenoon, Shayan Sewa (shayan means sleep) is offered in the evening. The temple doesn’t have a tradition of Mangala (early morning) sewa. Swami Haridas did not favour Mangla Sewa as he wanted his child like Lord to take complete rest and did not want to disturb him out of deep slumber so early in the morning.

So, the temple today stands with its full glory, inside which the Lord himself resides. It is thronged by thousands of visitors everyday.

This real incident was shared by a Goswamee in the temple

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pic & Videos : Courtesy ..Uploaded in social media by several advanced devotees

  Santh Narsingh Mehta was very much engrossed always in singing Lord Holy names . The neighborhood did not like his behavior . His own siblings avoided him . Narsingh Mehta was very simple and did not take their criticisms seriously , instead prayed Lord for their upliftment .

As a customary ritual to perform the shraaddha ceremony of his father , he used to go to his brothers house as he did not have anything to perform the same . 

Once ,when Narsingh Mehta’s wife and his brother’s wife one day came together, his elder brother’s wife cursed her, “You don’t have anything. Your husband just goes on singing kirtans and every year we have to spend money for shraaddha.”

Narsingh Mehta’s wife felt sad .

She replied ..Sister , “This year we shall perform the shraaddha, ceremony ….. much to her surprise .

..Oh really . replied her sister in law …… let me see how you perform”. 

Santh Narsingh Mehta’s wife told her husband about her determination to perform shraaddha ceremony .

Santh Narsingh Mehta was very pleased as he wanted to serve the devotees who attend the ceremony .

Mehta did not have anything to eat . But as soon as he imagined they are going to perform the shraaddha ceremony he was elated.

He started inviting the whole village for the shraaddha ceremony as Hari Naam along with Hari Bhaktaas was the only motto in this life …

The Shraaddha ceremony date was approaching and his wife was worried.

She said . ….

My dear …. It was my strong feeling to perform the Annual rites this time at our place as your Sister in law insulted us . But dear ……

Am afraid as “You have invited the whole village little knowing we do not have anything to eat for the evening …

Santh Narsi Mehta smiled and replied

Did we ever plan for the next minute ,,, …

.Lord knows …. “Don’t worry, Just relaxxx .. It is HIS plan .something will come out.” 
His wife was worried as the entire village folk was eagerly waiting for the ceremony date .

The date arrived .. It was gloomy … She overheard her neighbors discussing about the big feast at Nasi Mehtas house and there participation …

His wife rushed to Santh Narsi Mehta and said I can know understand .. We must do something ..She said ..

My dear

You do one thing. I have golden bangles given by my father during marriage which I kept in safe custody . . Please sell them and bring all the groceries so that we can cook for everyone. Forget about dakshina, as they must have at least some plate of prasad offered.

She prepared the list of the groceries to purchase and requested him to bring the same soon..

Santh Narsingh Mehta went to the market, sold the bangles, and bought all the groceries . But he forgot to buy ghee.

Santh Narsi Mehta’s wife started to cook , however was searching for the ghee which was the main ingredient for the dishes .

She immediately asked her husband to please buy ghee as the preparations cannot be started without ghee.

 
Narsingh Mehta did not have any money left with him to buy ghee . He once again went to market. Approaching the ghee shops he pleaded to give him ghee for his immediate sevas to bhagavathas . He assured he would repay once he had some money . The merchants ignored his pleas by giving false reasons . Being a simple man , he was prepared for any service in lieu of the ghee ….

As many of the shop keepers avoided his entry .. slightly upset he walked down towards Lord Dwarakadeesh temple side . He was taken back when he saw a lustrous boy in the shop with blinking eyes . Rushing to the shop he said ..Jai Dwarakadeesh

My son … Can you please give me some quantity of ghee for my fathers ceremony … I do not have any money to pay you but believe me …On name of Dwarakadeesh I promise to repay you …

The boy was smiling and said . Who ? … Dwarakadeesh …..Will he pay ?

Santh replied …. Yes !!! He will pay ..and please be assured ….HE only can pay

The boy mischievously said I dont know who will pay but on one condition I can spare the ghee to you …. I am told you sing wonderful kirtans …. If you can sing Kirtans I will give this ghee ..free of cost ….

Santh was overjoyed …. Looking at the temple gopuram … Praying the Supreme Lord …. he began …. his soothing and heart melting kirtans ….Fully immersed in the satsangh and kirtan he completely forgot his wife and the feast at home and his wife who was waiting for his arrival to begin cooking …..

In the mean time, Lord Krishna went to Narsing Mehtas home exactly like Narsingh Mehta
His wife asked …so late …. Where is the ghee ? Krishna replied ..why do you need ghee ?

She said, Are you mad ? “We have to cook, as you have called many people …

Krishna said ..Don’t worry . Come with me …..

He took her to the kitchen .. To her surprise all the bhogas was already cooked and was ready to serve. 

She couldn’t believe …
He said, “Today, everybody will come and eat in golden plates.” 

She asked, “How many golden plates you have got?” He replied, “As many as you want!” 

So the golden plates were there. She was completely elated and surprised, “I gave you only 2 bangles, from where have you brought all these gold?” 

He said, “Don’t talk now, let them eat.” 

Then He said, My dear Can we honor “those who come for eating, they eat in the golden plate and take away the golden plate as a dakshina.”

. 

The whole village was very happy. Immediately the word went out that Narsingh Mehta is giving out golden plates. Everybody in the village came over

And then He said My dear for “Ladies who come, they get new sarees.” 

So all the ladies came with torn sarees and got new sarees. 

Whole village was very happy. Narsingh Mehta (Krishna) finished the whole thing and went away.

And after the kirtan , Narsingh Mehta came home a bit scared.

Looking at the crowd coming out from his hut , he was shy and feeling low for not attending them …

Each guest thanked him profusely for the hospitality and blessed him .. en route …

All of a sudden the pawn broker rushed to Mehta returned the gold bangles and fell at his feet asking forgiveness for taking the those golden bangles in exchange of cash not knowing his devotion and sath sanghat

As he stepped in his wife offered obeisance’s and said, My dear “This time you proved it ..

By the by tell me from where did you buy the gold plates ? I just gave you two golden bangles

He was surprised to know what all happened .. With tears he submitted

Hey Dwarakaseesh .. I have really troubled you ..Please forgive me …

True … Lord answers ..

Those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form–to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pictures& Videos Courtesy : Thanking all the advanced devotees who had shared in the social media

No one can be able to know about Life of Eknath without receiving an inspiration for a higher and better life that delivers us from this repeated births in samsara as per a scholars words ….

Few hundreds years ago , Pandharpur was plagued in gloom when neighboring countrymen carried away the deity of Lord Vithoba to Vijayanagar and Bhanudasa the great devotee risked back his very life to bring back to Pandharpur . Lord pleased with his devotion , assured to appear in his family lineage.

Accordingly Lord appeared as Eknath great grand son of Bhanudasa . Maha Santh Eknath’s grandparents went to Sri Janardhan Swamy and requested to shower his mercy on the lad . We are glad Lord has bestowed abundant mercy on him . We are getting old and anytime we may leave this world. We are worried that our lineage will not continue if he remains single. We request you to kindly advise him to get married .” As per his Guru’s advice, Eknath got married. His wife Girija Bai also a nice dvotee . The couple spent almost 40 years serving Lord Vittala Bhajans.

Eknath had a nice disciple named Udhava . Eknath wanted to celebrate a grand Hari Naam sankirtana on Janmashtami which was approaching . He wished to invite all the village members and celebrate the festival with HARI NAAM SANKIRTAN and later serve prasad sumptuously to every devotee . However, as usual he did not have money for the same . He expressed his desire to his disciple. Uddhava wanted to fullfill his Masters wish .He also did not have money .He decided to go and raise the required money for celebrating Janmashtami and feed the devotees . Uddhava approached a pawn-broker who used to lend money to people with interest.

He approached him and said … Maharaj ..Kindly lend us some money for the feast to be conducted at Eknath Maharajs place . Initially , he refuses .However as he referred Santh Eknaths name he agrees to hand over cash but with a condition the amount must be returned in a weeks time with interest .

The Janmaashtami feast went off very grandly . All the devotees who attended felt so elated .Few villagers who could not attend requested Santh Eknath to re do one more HARI NAAM SANKIRTAN as they were not blessed to attend the first event .

Eknath was overwhelmed . The next day he arranged for a AKHANDA HARI NAAM SANKIRTAN The villagers came in large numbers .The HARI name reached every corner of the village ..It was VITTAL …VITTAL …VITTAL … everywhere …

Meanwile , the pawn broker waited for one week and finally went to Eknath’s house. The VITTAL NAMA SHOWER was repeated by all .The mood of the devotees was in elixir as LORD VITTAL had already reached them

The hari bhaktas were asked to partake the prasad and they were enjoying the feast Eknath and his wife personally were serving the food items to them and as usual, they planned to eat the left overs after feeding the devotees .

The pawn broker entered the house and looked at Uddhava and started abusing him in presence of all the devotees for not returning the money .

Uddhava requested him to wait till the function was over and not to disturb Eknath but the pawn broker approached Eknath.

Eknath was unaware of all the happenings . Assuming that the pawn broker too was a devotee, he gives him prasad . After finishing eating his food, the pawn broker meets Eknath with folded hands and says “Swamiji ! You look like a very pious and honest person. Since you have not returned money on time, I have suffered a loss. I also have to survive.

And If you are a true devotee of LORD VITTALA , without returning my money, you should not eat”.

Eknath was confused but he agreed to check what was the matter with Udhdhav and promised ” Sure! My dear ..I will not partake any thing without repaying the loan ….

I give you my word on Vittal. I will do as you say. I shall eat only after returning your money”. From then on Eknath fasting started.

Where would he go for money. He surrendered to Vittal and said LORD this is your divine leela .

You decide what is in store …May all my senses surrender to your HOLY NAME ….. Will hunger , thirst scare a HARI BHAKTA ..

.When VITTAL the real treasure for me .. Why must I be worried …More HARI NAAM ..is my motto now …

Meanwhile ,all efforts to raise money failed.

Eknath did not have water or food till then. It was just HARI VITTALA …HARI VITTALA …HARI VITTALA …

Lord couldn’t see his devotee starving . It was raining heavily and in midnight someone knocked at the front door of the pawn brokers house. The pawn broker was sleeping . He suddenly woke up and shocked as at this dark night who was disturbing him . He opened the door with a lamp in his hand. He saw Uddhava standing in the front yard. But there was something special in Uddhava . He had a benevolent smile and his voice could make any one fall.. His eyes was glowing with compassion … Any one would have been drawn into those eyes …He couldn’t move his eyes

Am sorry Sir !!! Couldn’t wait seeing my Master starving hence had to disturb you in this night .Please take this money with cumulative interest and kindly give me a receipt that you have received the money for my master to partake food .Please make it fast before I get drenched completely .

The Pawn broker was spell bound . He continued , My master is fasting since the day you asked them not to partake food till money is returned . I had to collect the same for this

The pawn broker completely forgot what he said momentarily and regretted. He quickly ran in and brought the receipt book and gave a receipt saying that the debt had been settled.

Uddhava returned thanking him … The pawn broker was in trance watching him ….

The pawn broker felt very bad that he was the cause for the elderly couple to starve . He felt offended that the ones who fed him nicely that day were still starving .

He wanted to appreciate Eknath for his honesty and apologise for the inconvenience. He also wanted to know whether Uddhava was a realised soul .

He quickly got up the next day and rushed to Eknath’s house and fell at his feet.

He said Maharaj ….“Please forgive me. I was very rude to you “.

Ekanath replied …Hey “Vittal! What is this? Sir! You have not done anything wrong. I told you I would return the money but have not done so. So I am the one who did not keep up my promise to you. I shall try my best to settle the debt as soon as possible. I assure you that I will not eat until then as you instructed sir.”

” Maharaj What are you saying? Your disciple Uddhava came to my house last night and returned the money. He took a receipt also. Didn’t he tell you? Have you not eaten yet?”

Udhdhava who was there with his guru Eknath was startled.

He pleaded immediately that he doesnt know any thing .

He replied “Sir! I did not come to your house. I am still trying to get money”

The money lender raised his voice in emotion

Maharaj …. this man Udhdhava is lying before you.

He came to my house last night at midnight and handed me the money due with huge interest and took my written receipt for same in full settlement of the dues”

He took the receipt and said he will show it to you as you were not partaking food.

Eknath silently prayed to Vittal and went in to check his account note book where all receipts and bills were usually preserved.

There he saw the receipt given by the moneylender on the previous night.

”Is this the receipt you gave Udhdava? last night asked Eknath to the money lender

“Yes Sir”. Yes …the same receipt

Eknath was in tears. He said “Who else can do such a thing other than my Vittala”.

The money lender and Udhdhava too were shocked.

The money lender cursed himself for scolding VITTALA the previous night for disturbing his sleep. He begged Santh Eknath to forgive him.

Jai Jai Ramakrishna hari

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pictures & videos : Courtesy From devotees who uploaded in social media

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Few hundred years ago the King of Puri, Purusottama Deva, was to marry the princess who was the daughter of a king, Maharaja Salluva Narasingha, from the southern state .

That was the period the Annual Ratha-Yatra festival was to take place . The King of Puri invited the father of the princess for the great festival . However , the King sent his minister Chinnu bhatta Godaranga instead.

The Minister carefully observed the kingdom to give the inputs to his King . The Rath Yatra date arrived . The King of Puri along with his ministerial staff went to the temple performed pooja and with the permission of the Supreme Lord the tradition of sweeping the road in front of the carts was done by the King .

The visiting minister was shocked to see the King hold the broom , Rather , being impressed with the devotion of the King for Lord Jagannatha, he did not agree of him sweeping the road, even if it was for the Supreme Lord.

He took leave and reported this incident to King Salluva Narasingha. The king too was unhappy and objected to the idea of his daughter marrying the King of Puri as he was merely a street sweeper. He informed through his counsel about his ejection for the alliance .

Purusottama Dev was extremely angry that he, as the servant of Lord Jagannatha, would be insulted for his service to the Supreme Lord . He gathered his army troupes and went to the southern state to teach King a lesson.

Unfortunately, King Purusottama Dev was badly defeated.

Upset , with a downcast mood, he approached “Saikatacharya”, who was a great ascetic, and a householder devotee of Lord Jagannatha.

The Sadhu said , My dear King You had forgotten to ask permission from Lord Jagannatha before you went to Southern state . It was your mistake . You are King but Lord Jagganath is Emperor. Please take his permision before waging a battle

With this realization, the King returned to Puri and rushed to the temple of the Lord, crying over his defeat, asking why the Lord had let this happen. He spent the entire night in the temple, and with doors closed, before the night came to an end, the King heard a voice asking why he was so distraught over such a simple thing.

The divine voice said … my dear Purusottama Please go and gather our troupes again, and we two brothers, Jagannatha and Balarama, would go along to fight on the your behalf.

The King was astonished . He did all that as Lord commanded . As the news spread, many people, both old and young, joined the King’s forces to fight along with their Lordships. However, as they proceeded , the King was filled with some doubts whether their Lordships were really coming along with him.

While the King along with his army went onward, far ahead were two soldiers who rode , one on black horse and one white horse.

They were looking majestic from behind . They stopped to quench their thirst at a small village near Chilika Lake by buying some yogurt from a devotee named “Manika”.

Manika offered them yogurt looking at their beauty . She was awe stuck and just could not move her eyes away from them . The soldiers looked at Manika and smiled . They said they did not have any money to give her . She just kept looking without uttering any word . The dark soldier shook her and said , Manika ..we don’t have money but I have my ring that will be your payment for the sweet yoghurt . Please give this to your King and collect the gift he gives . Both of them smiled and proceeded

The King was fast approaching behind them . Curious he was , he caught up to the lady, who flagged him down to give him the ring and asked for payment for the soldiers’ drink.

The king was shocked to see the ratnamudrika ring of Lord Jagannatha and then regained his confidence that, indeed, their Lordships had certainly come along with him.

Overjoyed , In payment for the ring, the king gave her the whole village, which is still named “Manikapatna”.

The king and his troupes effortlessly won the battle and as planned he also took King Sallowo’s daughter back to Puri.

The King did not marry her after the insult her father had given him.

He instructed his minister to see that she get married to a most qualified sweeper.

Exactly after one year, Ratha-Yatra date was announced . As per traditional guidance , the King again took blessings from Supreme Lord and performed his sweeping of the ground before the Rath .

The king’s minister felt pity for the princess and announced that the king was the most qualified sweeper, since he swept for Lord Jagannatha, and that the princess, Padmavati, should marry him.

Amongst the crowds Maharaja Purusottama Dev married the princess and she later gave birth to “King Prataparudra” the great devotee of Lord Chaitanya Maha Prabhu .

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pictures& Videos : Courtesy from advanced devotees who uploaded in social media

Few hundred years ago at Sri Rangam , One day, Swamy  Nampillai  along with his disciples were walking on the shores of Cauvery river . They saw some boys playing on the banks of the river .The boys were building houses of sand. They divided their sand houses into different portions and said one was the living room, one was the dining room, one was the kitchen and so on. One of the boys pretended to be a mother. Another acted as a father, and a few others were as children. 

Swamy Nampillai watched them while they played. After some time, the boys demolished the houses of sand, which they had built, and began to play some other game.

Swamy Nampillai  walked towards them, and said My children …

“You were so long playing the roles of father, mother, children etc. But now, suddenly, you have forgotten those roles.”

The children innocently said, Swamy We are bored with that game hence “Now we are playing a new game, and so our roles have changed.”

Swamy  Nampillai used this simple game and explained his disciples to explain how, in life, we merely play roles. A person is daughter to someone, wife to someone, mother to someone. But when life ends, all this comes to an end, in the same way that all the role playing of the children ended. That being the case, is attachment to people or things in life justified? Our attachment must be only to Lord Narayana, for there is none equal to or superior to Him. This is what the Upanishadic statement,

Ekam eva adviteeyam, stresses. LORD remains the only constant, and we must focus on Him

 Ekam= The One; Eva= only; Advitiyam= without a Second

One disciple said “Swamin, all vaishnavas say in one voice that all celestial beings other than Lord Sriman Narayana are not to be worshipped.  But are they not worshiping them in their daily rituals during Sandhyavandana and Amavasya tharpanam , Grahana (eclipse) tarpana as prescribed in sastras.  What is wrong in worshiping these deities in their respective temples dedicated to them?”

Swamy Nampillai answered, My dear child ……

“Though the fire in Agnihotra (the daily fire worship ritual) and the fire used for cremating the corpse in the crematorium are one and the same, the former one is considered to be holy and the latter one unholy. 

Same is the case with the worship of the deities prescribed in the veda sastras and divinities consecrated in their respective temples. The underline is upaya and upeya in performing the act .

Having absolute faith in Acharya and Supreme Lord Narayana is a very strong appetite for the covetable virtues of the Lord are the most requisite essential qualities of a Sri Vaishnava which would ensure him liberation from worldly bondage at the end of his life. 

As they were walking on the shores one disciple requested Swamy to brief about the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya on which all could repose their confidence.  Swamy looked at the shores and imagined the sea shores and told them My children Please remember always “The magnificent sea shore”.

  Surprised at this answer, the disciples exclaimed, Swamy “Are we expected to remember the sandy hillocks and huge regions on this sandy seashore?” Swamy Nampillai smiled and said , My child Lord Rama accompanied by a huge host of monkey army encamped on the sea shore before crossing it.

The night came.  As all the monkeys were very much attached to HIM , they kept a close watch over securing his safety even at the cost of their lives.  Lord Rama slept while the monkeys were keeping awake and guarding him.  As the night darkened , Lord woke up and saw the little monkeys had gone to sleep in their own position .Lord along with his brother, Lakshmana fastened the quiver at the back of their shoulders, strung the bow and holding the sharp arrow in their hands, went round the entire army of vanaras throughout the night in order to ward off any catastrophe that may befall on them.  This proves that there is no other protector except Lord Sri Rama.  This is what you have to remember always.”

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Videos & Pics : Courtesy Uploaded in social web sites by advance devotees

https://wp.me/pNaL5-Pc

Srimad Bhagavatam reveals that ParamaShiva is the foremost of all the Vaishnavas. (SB – 12.13.16) Vaishnavanam yatha sambhuh purananam idam tatha……

Lord Sriman Narayana (Lord Vishnu)- the Supreme Personality of Godhead  is glorified  as Parabhrahmam as everything has emanated from HIM .

All the ancient scriptures like Puranas, Vedas, divya prabhandham clearly mention that Sriman Narayana (Vishnu) alone is the Supreme Lord.  The invocatory verse (thanian) of Naanmugan Thiruvandhadhi starts with “Narayanan padaithaan naanmuganai, naan muganaku eraar sivan pirandhaan…..” ..

meaning that Lord Sriman Narayanan created four faced Brahma who in turn created Siva implying that everything emanates from Mahavishnu.  Lord Krishna says “Vaishnavanam yatha samubhuh:’ meaning ParamaShiva is the best of all Vaishnavas and is very dear to the Lord.    Parama Shiva adorns Ganges-the holy water from Lord Vishnu’s feet in his matted locks on the head and is known as Gangadhara.  He shares with Parvathi devi that he always contemplates on Lord Vishnu while meditating.  He declares to Parvathi devi that uttering Rama naama thrice is equal to recitation of 1000 names of Lord Vishnu.  Lord Shiva tells Parvathi “Aaradhananaam sarvesaam vishnor aaraadhanam param” meaning that the most exalted system of worship is the worship of Vishnu. It is believed that in Varanasi (Kashi),  ParamaShiva whispers Lord Rama naamam in the ear of a person who leaves his body

A true Vaishnava doesn’t seek any material benefit from Lord but always prays for more services and bhaagavatha sambandham.   Azhwars have clearly expressed in their pasurams that we should not waste time worshipping demigods and do offence who worship them.

(Nammazhwar in one pasuram reveals :”matrore dheivam padi adi panindhu…..-instead of worshipping demigods, come to Thirukurugoor and fall at the feet of our Adhipiraan( Lord Narayana ) thus wasting our limited time and should resort to the lotus feet of Lord Narayana 

Andal says “Narayananey namakke parai tharuvan..

”At the same time, Azhwar has emphasised that we must cling to the feet of the devotees to attain the Supreme Lord thus avoiding any sort of offences to any devotees .

There are few Vaishnava divyadesams and Abhimana sthalams with shrines for ParamaShiva with an some incident related in the respective sthala puranam.

Few temples are briefed below

Badrikasramam (Badrinath), Thirupiridhi, Thirusaalagraamam ( Muktinath), Thirukandiyur, Nilathingalthundathan (Ekambareswara temple in Kanchi), Thirukannapuram, Thirukovalur, Thiruchitrakoodam, Thirukoodal, Thirumeyyam, Vrindavan, MUkti Dwaraka near Somnath, Nageshwar near Dwaraka,   Thiruvananthapuram, Mammiyur in Guruvayoor and many many more

• BAdrikasramam (Badrinath):- is one of the 11 vada naadu divyadesams (divyadesams in the north). The entire range of Garhwal Himalayas popularly known a “Chaar dhaam-4 imp. Temples) is considered as ParamaShiva kshetram. It is believed that ParamaShiva was meditating at Badrinath before Lord Narayana manifested here .  Lord Narayana appeared in answer to the prayers of Nara and Narayan parvatham and continued to stay here in between the two mountains on Urvashi peetam.  So, it is believed ParamaShiva moved from this place to Kedarnath.  The Lord blessed that pilgrimage to Badrinath would be deemed to be complete only after visiting Kedarnath.  As it may not be possible for everyone to visit Kedarnath which is comparatively on a higher altitude and considering the strenuous journey one has to undertake.
• Adisankaracharya installed a Shiva lingam right in front of Badrinarayanan temple.  This lingam is known as “Adi  Kedareshwar Mahadev” .  This shrine is located towards our left while going inside the Sri Badrinarayana temple.  Devotees have darshan of Adi Kedareshwar temple before having Badrinarayanan’s darshan.
• Thirupiridhi(Jyotirmutt):- One of the 11 vada nadu divya desams located enroute to Badrinath.  The presiding Perumal is Lord Narasimhar. The Lord’s right wrist is waning and it is believed that when the hand falls down, the way to Badrinath would become inaccessible.  Adisankaracharyar established four mutts in the four corners of our country- in the north at Joshirmutt, in the east at Puri, In the west at Dwaraka and in the south Rameshwaram. He installed a lingam in the prakaram of Lord Narasimhar temple.  Shiva is worshipped here as “Kalpeshwar Mahadev”
• Thirusaalagramam(Muktinath): Only divya desam which is located outside India in Nepal.  MUktinath is situated on the Annapurna ranges in Nepal.  Lord Pashupathinath (ParamaShiva) is the guardian diety for this kshetram.  This famous temple is located in Kathmandu .  It is believed that one must have prior darshan of Pashupathinath before going to Muktinath.  Many skip this as they take alternative route from Gorakhpur to Pokhra or fly from Kathmandu to Muktinath/Jomsom. 
• Thiruchitrakoodam(Chidambaram): Thillai Thiruchitrakootam, . one of the 40 chola nadu divya desams located about 150 kms south of  Chennai  . The temple comprises of Vaishnava divyadesam Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple  and also Nataraja temple.  The divya desa Perumal is known  as Govindaraja Perumal lying in bhujana sayanam facing east.  In Mount Kailash-the abode of Lord Shiva, Shiva out of ecstasy for Lord Vishnu’s qualities started performing Anandha thaandavam   Nataraja remained close to Govindaraja Perumal.
• Thirukandiyur: One of the 40 chola nadu divya desams located about 4 miles north of Tanjavur. This place is famous as there are temples for Trinity-Vishnu,Shiva and Brahma.  After pralayam, when Mahavishnu started creation, Brahma emerged from the lotus navel of Vishnu.  He had five faces at that time signifying pancha bhoothas and was seated on a 14 petalled lotus signifying creation of 14 worlds. Lord is glorified as “Hara saapa vimochana Perumal”.
• Thirukarambanur (Uttamar Kovil):- The chola nadu divya desam is about 3 kms from Srirangam.   The Lord Purushotaman in bhujanga sayanam pose facing east is praised by Thirumangai Azhwar as “Karambanur Uttaman”.  Uttamar means one who is blemishless and has matchless good qualities.  Here ParamaShiva is glorified as “Bhikshender” .    ParamaShiva is along with Perumal   Also, there are separate shrines for Brahma, Shiva, Saraswati in the temple precincts.
• Nilathingal thundathan temple:– One of the 22 divya desams in Thonda Naadu and is one of the thirteen divyadesams in Kanchipuram. This is part of the Ekambareswarar temple in Shivakanchi.  Perumal is known as “Nilathingal thundathaan/ Chandrachooda Perumal.  Elders reveal the divine wedding of Ekambareswar(Shiva) with Kamakshi(Parvathi) took place here.
• Thirukannapuram:- This chola nadu divya desam located in Tanjavur district between Nagapatinam and Nannilam is an important divya desam. It is one of the Pancha Krishna kshetrams.  Lord is considered as the personification of Ashtakshaari.  Nammazhwar has glorified this Perumal as “Maranamadaindhaal vaikuntham kodukkum piraan” meaning the one who bestows Vaikuntam when leaving the physical body..  Perumal is acharyar for Thirumangai Azhwar.    On the seventh day during Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, the utsava murthi Lord Sourirajan is dressed in white clothes, wears rudraksha maala and vibhuthi is applied all over the thirumeni(body) of the Lord . Perumal sports this on one day for a muhurtham.(48 minutes).  As per the sthalapurana, Perumal has given  a place on HIS chest to Shiva.  As he is the Lord of the Universe including Shiva , he dresses like Shiva.  Another reason is during Mughal invasion, to prevent massacre, this Lord was transported to Thiruvaanaikaaval (siva temple) and was kept in safe custody.  As a token of remembrance of this incident, at the behest of the devotees, Lord agreed to give darshan as Shiva for a muhurtham.  .
• Thirumeyyam:- This Pandya nadu divya desam famously known  as Satya kshetram is close to Pudukottai.  Two identical temples for Lord Satyagirinathan (Vishnu) and Lord Satyagiriswaran( Shiva) are carved out from a single rock within a distance of 50 feet.  Both the dieties are facing east.  Earlier, both the shrines could be seen together from a distance until a wall was constructed to curtail disputes .  There is no sthala puranam for the existence of Shiva temple, may be the Pallava kings built these two identical temples . The entire cave is an archeological site.
• Thirukoodal (Madurai):- This Pandya nadu divya desam is situated in Madurai. As the trinities assembled here to discuss annihilation of demons in Kritya yuga, it is known as “koodal”. Everything about this place is sundaram (beautiful).  The Lord is Sundararajan, Shiva is known as Sundareswaran.  Lord Sundararaja Perumal along with Maduravalli Thayar is residing in this sacred town since the first yuga.   Meenakshi-Sundareswara swamy temple is nearby. Every year, Azhagar perumal from Thirumaliruncholai visits this place and performs Meenakshi-Sundareswara kalyanam grandly.
• THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:- Trivandrum:- In this famous Malai nadu divya desam located in the capital city of Kerala, the Lord Ananta Padmanabha swamy is in reclining posture and THIS huge form can be had darshan through 3 dwarams. Through the first dwaram, Lord’s thirumukham, through the centre –Lord’s middle part-nabhi kamalam etc, and through the last dwaram. Lords’ thiruvadi(holy feet) can be seen. Lord Shiva is seen near Perumal’s thriumudi (head).

• THIRUVAATARU :- This malai nadu divya desam situated between Nagercoil and Trivandrum is the temple of Adikesava Perumal.  Lord is worshipped as the elder brother of Lord Anantapadmanabha Swamy who is in bhujanga sayanam.  ParamaShiva is at the lotus feet of Perumal.

• MUKTI DWARAKA (PRABHASA THEERTHAM):- Located in Veravel near Sourashtra , Mukti Dwaraka is the place from where Lord Krishna ascended to Srivaikuntam.    Somnath kshetra, one of the  jyotir lingam is close by .

All glories to Spiritual Masters

Pics : Courtesy Google images uploaded by several devotees

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Swamy Embaar ( Govinda bhattar ) appeared during the year 1026 in the month of Makara ( Tamil Month of Thai ) under the the constellation of Punarvasu (  and swamy  is said he was the amsam of  Vaiynatheyan/Garudazhwar ) .

Embaars maternal uncle Thirumalai nambhi named him as Govinda Bhattar. Govinda was the first cousin of  JagathAcharyar Swami Ramanuja .Both of them attended the Academy of Yadhava Prakasha ( Yadhava Prakasha a  Advaitin ) at Thiruputkuzzi near Kancheepuram .

The  unfortunate  design planned  that need  not be discussed by their Guru Yadavaprakasha to eliminate  Swamy Ramanuja was foiled by  young Govinda by seeing an early opportunity .

More details of this divine pastime can be read  from the below url blog post

https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/lord-arrives-in-the-guise-of-hunter-couple-to-save-his-ardent-devotee-swamy-ramanuja/

Govinda bhattar  advises  Swamy Ramanujar  about the evil intentions of the troupe.   As advised by Govinda bhattar  , Ramanujar leaves them and by LORD’s will reaches  Kanchi ( We  cherish  how our  Swamy Ramanujar was saved by Lord Varadar  and his consort from getting lost in jungles and had safe passage to Kanchipuram) { Even to this day the same event is celebrated as Salai Kinaru Usthavam .

Yadhava Prakasha noticed Ramanujar missing and asked all the disciples to search for him ,and even our Govinda pretended to search so that he should not be doubted. Then unable to locate him ,  all concluded that Ramanuja must have lost his way in the wild jungle and must have been devoured by wild animals.

Inwardly happy they all continued the sojourn to Kashi.  On reaching Kashi , Govinda took  a dip in Ganges  and rose his palms .To his amazement , he notices  a Shiva Lingam in his hand . He immediately proceeds to  show the divinity it to his master .

His Guru  Yadavaprakashar commands  Govinda that as Paramasivan  was  pleased with Govinda he had the fortune to have his divinity and as it was  his direct blessings , he must worship the Siva Lingam.

Govinda  accepts his Master’s command.  He starts worshipping  the  Siva Lingam in Madhuramangalam ( even to this day we  can  have darshan of the Siva Lingam) .

Later , he  dreams  Paramasivan of Kalahasthi  advising  him to come to his divine abode .With directions from his Guru , he proceeds  to Kalahasthi . He joins in temple service  and remains there .

Years rolled on . Swami Ramanuja becomes the disciple of Thirukachi Nambhigal ,

Periya Nambhi, Thirukoshtiyur nambhi and had takes  sanyasa .

 Swamy Ramanuja  now remembers  Govinda , whose timely advice saved his life.

Knowing Govinda bhattar is at Kalahastee  he requests  his maternal uncle  Swamy Thirumalai Nambhi to explore the possibilities of bringing Govinda back to srivaishnava fold . Thirumalai Nambhi  proceeds  to Kalahasthi and  meets  Govinda bhattar  and quotes few verses of His Acharyar Alawandar’s Shostra Ratna Malai  elucidating the importance of the Supreme personality Lord Sriman Narayana .

He impresses  upon Govinda that worshipping Lord Sriman Narayana is the only way for path to salvation . Govinda bhattar gets all his questions answered and proceeds to the sanctum .

He  takes  permission from Paramasivan  for joining Swamy Ramanuja in his mission . Paramasivan pleased with his service advises him to remain with Swamy Ramanujar .Govinda bhatar now proceeds  along with his uncle to Thirumala to learn Divyaprabhandam under him.

Meanwhile Swamy Ramanuja  proceeds to Tirumala  for learning the inner secrets of Srimad Ramayana from his uncle Thirumalai Nambhi  at  Tirumala.

After learning the  inner secrets of the geat epic Srimad Ramayana from Swamy  Tirumalai Nambhi , Acharyar  wanted to gift something to his student and  felt sad  that he did not have anything to give.

https://video.wordpress.com/embed/MPhgt2Z9?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0

Seizing the wonderful  opportunity  Swamy Ramanuja   requests Acharyar to gift him with Govinda bhattar  who was  very obedient and a  true seeker of knowledge. Swamy Thirumala Nambhi understood Swamy Ramanujar’s future plan in spreading the Sri Vaishnava doctrine and hence  readily agrees .

Swami Ramanuja and Govinda return  back to Srirangam via Kanchipuram. Though he joins swamy Ramanujar , Govinda was always sad that he was missing his Acharyar and Uncle .

Seeing the sad plight,  Swamy Ramanuja immediately asks  him to go back to  Acharyar Thirumalai Nambhigals place . Overjoyed Govindar returns to Tirumala .

On reaching he understands  his  Acharyar is unhappy with his decision  After staying for a week ,. Acharyar  advises Govindar and tells  “Cow once sold or gifted in dhana cannot be taken back .

Govinda with humility seeks forgivance and  returns back to  Swamy Ramanuja , more refined, wiser and chastened.

https://video.wordpress.com/embed/fzSByjzr?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0

Now Swamy Ramanuja is   pleased with  his move .With  affection  he advises him to attend  all lectures, discourse, debates expositions and dispositions.  

Govindar gradually  becomes  a shadow of  Swamy Ramanuja and serve his master day and night.

Though Govinda bhattar  was married, he never lived a householders life,  and he remained like a Brahmachari . He wanted to take Sanyasa like his master Swamy  Ramanuja.

Much against his mothers wishes Swami Ramanuja agrees to give him Sanyasa after testing his sincerity to accept the sanyasa ashram He presents Govinda a Arch robe of an ascetic and  gives  his initiated  name  as “Emperumanar” .

Govindar bhattar feels humble and    informs  his master whether he  did  deserve this honor.   https://video.wordpress.com/embed/r9HtBq9k?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0

Swamy Ramanuja  joins  the first and last syllables of his name and gives the name   “EMBAR”and thus  Govinda got his name “EMBAR” our most revered Acharyar

As commanded by  Swamy Ramanuja , Embaar taught  his disciple Parasara Bhatta all that he learnt from his Acharyar   . He succeeded in making the Parasara Bhattar the worthy successor of  Swamy Ramanuja to carry on the  great Ramanuja Sidhantha to the future generation.

During the year 1137  when our beloved Swamy Ramanujar shed his mortal coil and proceeded to Srivaikuntam , Swamy rested himself  keeping his head in Embaars lap .

  Swamy Embaar composed the  great work called “VIJNAASTHUTHI”.

rAmanuja padhachchAya gOvindAhvAna pAyini |
thadAyattha svarUpAssA jeeyAnmadviSramasthali: ||

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Photos and videos : 

Courtesy great devotees of LORD who uploaded in  social media . 

Lord Sriman Narayana  incarnated in  different  avatharas in this world, for spreading the message of the liberation for the jeevatma  from this material bondage .

Unsatisfied ,  LORD summoned His serpent couch, the nitya-soori (eternally free soul) .

 Adisesha, and instructed,

My dear Adishesha !  

“Go down to the mortal world and live there for 200 years, and through your exhortations, empower the people with knowledge about their true nature and make them come to..

My world, so that they enjoy “eternal bliss” forever …….

Accordingly,  Adishesha appeared as “Swamy Ramanuja” in the age of Kali, where Adharma  was in the forefront due to the karmic vasanas .

Swamy Ramanuja followed LORD;s directives by spreading the divine message of  Azhwars  and the true knowledge to seek Lord’s mercy  and disappeared at the age of 120.

 The Lord was not satisfied  with the developments and felt the mission was incomplete Hence he once again advised  Swamy  Ramanuja  to complete the original assignment of remaining in this material world for complete  200 years and uplift the jivatmaas .

With implicit obedience, Adishesha  who appeared as Swamy Ramanuja once again appeared as Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar at Sikkil Kidaaram . 

In his early years he  was  trained by  his  father Tigazhaakkidanthan  on Vedas and the Divya Prabhandam .

He  moved from Sikkil Kidaaram to Azhvar Thirunagari to become the disciple of the revered  Acharyar  Thiruvaimozhipillai who was the disciple of Loka Acharyar Swamy Pillai Lokacharyar .

Thus our Saint Vara Vara Muni was the last of the poorvacharyas  amongst  the  grand galaxy of  preceptors of Srivaishnavam.

Check the appended blog post for more details

https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2017/09/23/thiruvaaimozhi-pillai-vaibhavam-parama-guru-of-lord-ranganathar-swamy-manavala-mamuni-attributing-everything-to-the-lotus-feet-of-his-legendary-acharyar/

It is believed , AdisEsha, in his previous incarnation as Swamy Ramanuja, was very much attracted to Nammazhvars’ s appearance and his divine outpouring (thiruvAimozhi), and hence, earned the appellation “mAran adipaNindhu Uynthavan”.

In keeping with this overwhelming love for Swamy  Nammazhvar, the second time AdisEsha selected Azhvar Thirunagari as the place most suited for his  appearance  and thus Swamy  appeared   in the month of Aipassi  under the  star Moola  which falls on November 1st 2019 ,  and was named “Azhakiya maNavALapperumAL nAyanAr by his parents  .

This was an year after Swami Desikar ascended to Srivaikuntam 

  Swami Azhakiya maNavALapperumAL nAyanAr   excelled as the disciple of Swamy Tiruvaimozhi pillai . 

One day  Swamy Tiruvaimozhi pillai  while meditating on the great qualities  of saint Ramanuja, pondered over those stanzas of Thiruvarangath-amudanar………….
depicting Swamy  Ramanuja as a staunch devotee of Saint  Nammazhvar  proclaiming to the inhabitants of this wide world, end to  end, the great glory of the Azhvar’s hymns.

Swamy Tiruvaimozhi pillai ( Srisailesar)  decided  for  raising a fitting memorial  for Swamy Ramanuja, right at  the  appearance  place  of Swamy  Nammazhvar (Azhvar Thirunagari).  This took concrete shape soon thereafter.

Tiruvaimozhi pillai  with the support of the villagers after clearing the wild vegetation at Azhvar-thirunagari  took all initiatives in bringing back the sacred deity which was lost during invasions . 

Swamy  thus  had  erected a temple at Azhvar-thirunagari for Swami Ramanuja and installed Sri Ramanuja’s deity ( Swamy Ramanuja’s Bhavishyad Acharaya vigraha ) which had been presented to Sri Madhurakavi Azhvar that  lay buried at the foot of the famous Tamarind tree few hundred years back .

The surrounding streets were  named  as Sri Ramanuja Chaturvedi Mangalam   and  were permanently inhabited, exclusively  by the ardent worshippers of  Swamy Ramanuja.

The zealous disciple, Azhakiya Manavala Nayanar, was called upon by Srisailesar  to stay in this new colony and look after the daily routine of the temple.

  Nayanar s extra-ordinary devotion to this great cause earned the unstinting  approbation of  his Acharyar 

Srisailesar, who started calling him a  Yateendra Pravanar  signifying the enormous love and devotion borne by him for Swamy  Ramanuja, the  Prince of ascetics  a name which became immortal .

Over a period of time , Swamy Tiruvaimozhi pillai  ordered his ardent disciple Azhakiya maNavALapperumAL nAyanAr who had learnt all sastras , to  propagate the divya prabandham ( azhvar’s 4000 hymns and their commentaries) to the world.

   He wished that living in Sri Rangam and propagating the true tenets of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya as given in the hoary aruLiccheyal (divya prabandham) was the need of the hour. Hence advised him to proceed .

The devoted disciple that he was, Azhakiya maNavALapperumAL nAyanAr   did act according to the commandments of his  Acharyar    Thus Azhakiya maNavALapperumAL nAyanAr  spent  his time in  giving divine discourses at Srirangam  .

Once during this period , few relatives passed a message about  some asowcham            ( impurity ) which was  coming in the way of service to the Lordships .

Not being able to be kept out of  service  even for few days,  Nayanar decided to take up sanyasam and requested  LORD’S  permission. 

After accepting sanyasa, Nayanar  offered benedictions   to namperumal for uninterrupted services forever . Pleased with nAyanar, NamperumAl blessed him with theertham, thirumAlai,   thiruparivattam, and Sri sadagopam and  gave him a  honorable name 

                                     AZHAGIYA    MANAVALA   JEEYER.

Thus the bonding between LORD and his disciple became  closer and closer .

Lord Ranganathar ( Peria Perumal ) had a desire to be accomplished through Azhagiya Manavala Jeeyer  in Srirangam.

He seized the golden opportunity  and  ordered him to give a public discourse on the Eedu (36000 padi), the super-commentary of Swami Nampillai on Thiruvaimozhi along with other commentaries, in  alluring style for having the good fortune of being trained by the esteemed  Acharyar  Thiruvaimozhip pillai .( Srisailer )

 In order to accommodate unhindered conduct for the  divine  discourses all festivities of the temple  was kept in abeyance . History  reveals   that for a whole year,  Namperumal had enjoined cessation of all festivals  which proves the  dedication of the disciple and the Acharyar .

On the final day of the discourse , and  uplifting event occurred ,  which was interestingly, by the “Ani thiru-moola”  star. 

And hence the  Sri Vaishnava-world attaches equal importance to this Ani moola star  auspicious day also, in a manner akin to the day of  Acharyar’s  “Aippasi Thirumoola” appearance  day.

 Lord appeared amidst the august assembly of Acharyar  and  galaxy of sri vaishnavas, in the guise of an archakar’s (priest) son by the name Aranga Naayakam and brushing aside the opposition getting  into proximate presence to Swami mAmunikaL’s seat

recited the following stanza in

His inimitable, majestic voice resembling the thunder of a rumbling cloud……………

“SriSailEsha dayA pAthram dheeibhakthyAdi guNarnavam
Yetheendra pravaNam vandE ramyajA mAtharam munim”

  LORD in the guise of an archakar’s (priest) a small boy   ( kept a palm leaf containing the above sloka on a golden plate full of flowers, fruits, coconuts and other sacred paraphernalia   of guru dakshiNa (token of appreciation) and after offering it at the holy feet of Swami mAmunikaL, walked towards the sanctum  & disappeared.

To add to this magnificent miracle, Periya Perumal, the Lord Ranganatha Himself, immediately ordered through the archaka……….

let this slOka be recited at the beginning of all divya prabhanda recitations  just as a Vedic recital begins and ends with the sacred

‘Om’

so also all recitals of the tamil veda, the divya prabhandam, shall commence and end with

‘srI SailESa dayA pAtram’.

adiyArgaL vAzha arangka nagar vAzha
sadakOpan thaNdamizh nUl vAzha * –

kadal sUzhndha mannulagam vAzha *

maNavALa mAmuniyE * innum oru nURRANdirum *

These holy verses extols Swamys contributions to continued existence and prosperity of Sri Vaishnavaism, the followers, their holy temples, scriptures, traditions, and the well being of the whole world, and concludes with the prayer, that the great  saint  Swamy Manavalamaamuni live for another hundred years for fulfilling  that purpose.

Swami mAmunikaL’s life was punctuated by many events that demonstrated that he was no ordinary person. In fact, authentic accounts of Sri Vaishnava literature and lineage, position Swami maNavALa mAmunikaL at the very pinnacle of the orthodox lineage of Sri Vaishnava AchAryas (called `OrAn vazhi’) and  with the above divine incident , identify him as the Acharya (guru) for Lord RanganAtha himself!!

The apparent conflict between 100 years and perpetuity is resolved, when one understands the key link of devoted Sri Vaishnava devotees, their ongoing practice of the prayer and traditions as a “Vaazhaydi Vaazhai”, for the perpetuation of the faith.

Thus the  100 and more number of years down the line there will be faithful chanting  of the divine  prayers  for the same for the  infinite future.

 Among several disciples  the foremost eight disciples  were very special . They are glorified as  as “Ashta Dhig Gajams”  or the mighty elephants guarding the eight directions of earth who are as below

(1) VaanamAmalai Jeeyar

(2) BhattarpirAn Jeeyar

(3) ThiruvEnkata RaamAnuja Jeeyar

(4) Koil aNNan

(5) PrathivAdhi Bhayankaram aNNan

(6) ErumpiappA

(7) aAppiLLai  and

(8) AppiLLAr .

 Swamy Erumbiappa, one of the astadiggajas  glorified   100  verses  adorning the divine qualities of  Swamy Manavalamamuni  .

In  Srivaishnava  sampradayam,  Azhvar it indicates to only nammAzhvar, the term swamy refers only to  Swamy Ramanuja  and Jeeyer is a special term indicating Periya Jeeyer, our  Sri Vara Vara Muni.

The  verses  of  Swamy erumbiappa are called as Vara Vara Muni sathakam .

Swamy   prathivAdi bayankaram annan  had  also  glorified the divine qualities of  his Acharyar .

 Swamy Maamuni had the highest regard for Swami Desikan and used to refer him  with great affection as ” ABHIYUKTHAR ” OR THE REVERED ONE  likewise Swami Desikar  had the highest regard for the Achaarya of  Swamy Maamuni’s own Achaarya, Swamy  Pillai LokAcharyar.

 Swamy has been glorified with several names  like  Varavaramuni,     Periya Jeer,   Vichatavak Shikhamani ,  Sowmyajamatrumuni,  ramyajamatra muni,   Sowmyopayanthrumuni, Sundarajamatrumuni, , YatheendraPravanar .

“Upadesa Ratinamala” is  a  wonderful work composed by   Swamy Mamunigal which  has 73 verses that  gives  the details of Azhwars  and  Acharyas appearance  & their  divine works.

Swamy  Erumbiappa composed the 74 th  verse and pleaded  Lord Ranganathar requesting  LORD  to accept them and hence as a result of Lord’s command, the following verse  was included in Upadesa Ratinamala.

The verse goes like

“mannuyir_kAL ingE maNavALa mAmunivan *  

senkamalappOthukaLai * –

unnis siraththAlE  theeNdil

 amAnavanum nammai *

karaththAlE  theeNdal kadan “

The   Meaning  of the above verse ………….

“Oh  my dear  devotees  who desire  for Moksha seeking Swamy  Mamunigal’s lotus Feet

listen …. taking refugee   at  the Lotus  feet of Swamy  Mamunigal will definitely lead us to the  blessings of “Amanavan” who allows us at the  entrance into  Sri Vaikuntam” as we are Swamy Manavala mamuni’s disciples …

Swami Manavala Mamunikal  is compared favorably with the kind of divinity exuded by Swami Ramanuja. After all, they were both the incarnation  of our Lord’s dear serpent servant Adi sEsha.

. Fortunate are the devotees who are at Srirangam and Azhwar Thirunagari celebrating  the grand  festival of Aani Thirumoolam

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Swamy Manavala maamunigaley thiruadigaley  sharanam

Pictures credits : Advanced devotees  serving Lord

videos : At Sri MudaliAndaans swamy Thirumaligai

Swamy Periyavaachan Pillai appeared in the same asterism as Lord Krishna namely Rohini star in tamil month of Aavani which happens today 10-09-2020

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. https://video.wordpress.com/embed/gmUye6fk?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0

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 .

https://video.wordpress.com/embed/g35qfFcW?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0

He also built the north and south gopurams at Kulasekaran thiruveedhi ( streets ) the fourth compound wall ( Mathil suvar) which is called Maharlokam .

The outburst 1253 of HIS EMOTIONAL OUTPOURING BLISS was shared through the divine pasurams sung instantly during his sojourn to almost about 86 divyadesam temples.

His compositions were Periya thirumozhi ,Periya thirumadal , SiRiya thirumadal ,Thiru nedunthANdakam , Thiru KurunthANdakam , Thiru vezhuk kurrirukkai.

During his piligrimage to Divyadesams , one day Azhwar majestically marches to Thirukkanamangai a divine place located in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu which is around 8 kms from Tiruvarur amidst a huge tank Darsha Pushkarini near Western banks.

This temple is 25 miles from Kumbakonam and is among the Pancha Krishnaraya kshetram. The others being Therazhandur, Thirukannapuram, Thirukanankudi, Thirukannamangai and Thiru kapisthalam. Few include Thirukolur.

https://video.wordpress.com/embed/3FNaChdJ?preloadContent=metadata&hd=1

This holy place is also called as “Sapthamirtha Kshetram”

Azhwar offers poetic glorifications to Lord Bhakthavatsala perumal .Azhwar keeps comparing the Lordships here to the sugarcane and also refers to the village as the place where blue lotuses bloom.

Azhwar swooned in the beauty of Lord and both exchange words …

Lord speaks … My dear Azhwar !!

How is that you instantly pour the nectarine pasurams …?

For which Azhwar humbly submits ..Lord !!

ven cengamon erndiya kanna

nin tanakkum kurippakil

karkalam kaviyin porul taaney… ( 7-10-10 )

meaning ..

Kanna ..the bearer of the white conch ..should you be so inclined …

You can also do that ….

This offer by Azhwar could not be accepted by Lord for the protocol of Archavatara ..

Thus after few years ,

Swamy Periyavaachan Pillai appeared in the same asterism as Lord Krishna namely Rohini star in tamil month of Aavani

and the illustrious Acharyar Swamy Nampillai appeared in the same asterism of Thirumangai Azhwar namely Krittika asterism in the tamil month karthikai.

Periyavaachan Pillai appeared at Chenganoor near Thiruvelliyangudi divyadesam. At a very young age he went to Tirumala on piligrimage .He was blessed by Lord by giving him a deity of Lord himself which he carried and worshiped all through out his life.

Later he moved to Srirangam and became a direct disciple of the illustrious Acharyar Swamy Nampillai . Under his Acharyars care , he learnt several commentaries of Srimad Ramayana and sastras. He thus inherited the widest and richest legacy of srivaishnava sampradayam from his Acharyar . The desire was thus fullfilled by Perumal himself.

Swamy Periya vachan pillai is the only Acharyar who had written commentaries of all the 24 compositions of Naalayiram DivyaPrabhandam.

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 .

The legacy was carried further to his disciple named varadarajan who was very ordinary person serving Acharyar in all means . Once few disciples of the celebrated poet “Appaya Deekshittar” an advaitik scholar reached Swamy’s Ashram .

https://video.wordpress.com/embed/G2nyuNjT?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0

They started discussing about the incidents of Srimad Ramayanam . The discussions attracted Varadarajan to come out of the kitchen and find out what was the discussion about .

He approached a vedantin and requested him to share the content of the topic being discussed . The Vedantin looking at ignorant cook , with arrogance replied .

https://video.wordpress.com/embed/pQneg1JC?preloadContent=metadata&hd=1

Oh !! yeah … Its your content of work we are discussing …

Yes about Musalakisalayam…. ( The wooden pestle used for dehusking the grains )

The group left after meeting Acharyar .

Varadarajan was eager to know about the vedantin words .

He approached Acharyar and begged to know about the Musalakisalayam..

The Acharyar replied there was no book about Musalakisalayam .The group just made fun out of him . Varadarajan was deeply hurt. He wept and holding Acharyar’s feet seeked mercy to make him of some worth in understanding scriptures.

In course of time Acharyar with merciful attention taught him several topics and thus he became a revered scholar .

He was glorified as Vadikesari Azhagiyamanavalla Jeeyar .

Azhagiya Manavalla Jeeyar wrote commentaries on Thiruvamozhee called Pannirayarappadee which is an authority giving word by word meaning to the treasure given to us by Poorvacharyas ....

Swami also wrote a book naming it MUSALAKISALAYAM …

All glories to Acharyar Swami Periyavaachan Pillai

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics credits : Advanced devotees who have uploaded in Facebook, Google pics

Few hundred years ago   Gangaikonda Chozhapuram a place  in Tamil Nadu ,  was ruled by the Cholas  who  were active patrons of the arts , poetry, drama, music and  dance .  The Chola kingdom grew  into an extensive and well-knit empire, efficiently organized and administered by the King .

One fine day  two courtesans from other kingdom  came  to meet the King for his generosity in encouraging their talents . One of them  could sing according to a  pattern  called deva‐gana (celestial mode) and  the other  could sing in the normal method   manushya gana (human mode). Each thought their music was the best  and   excelled the other. Their objective of having an audience with  the King was to settle the dispute  between them  as the King was well versed in those forms of art .

The king  summoned his  royal artists and ordered  the  council to meet, for them to  perform .  In the process ,  the council of royal artists agreed that the courtesan who sung with manushya gana was better than the deva gana  . Thus   the dispute was decided in favor of  the manushya gana .  Rich presents  was  bestowed on that performer with all the honours  while the other was considered to have failed.

The lady of the deva‐gana thought thus  “My method of singing, cannot be appreciated by normal  humans and hence  I shall  submit  the same to the Devas (celestial beings)” in all the temples . So with  deep concern ,  she went to the temples  from one Holy Shrine to another  displaying her art to the deity and seeking their blessings

 In due course  she reached Viranarayanapuram a place near to Kattumannar koil .  She went to the Shrine of  Lord Veeranarayana Perumal  and  sang her song  among  the  opulence audience of our great  Sage Nathamuni  the torch bearer of Srivaishnavam . Nathamuni  was pleased with her recitation  and as a mark of his appreciation  blessed  her   with the tirtha and prasada of  Perumal and encouraged her  with blessings .

The lady thanked  Swami Nathamuni for his  patience and accepting her song  and blessing  on her . Overjoyed ,  she then went to king Chola and said    Oh Highness !! Atlast  “there is one soul, at least in your kingdom , who can understand the inner truth  of my devaganam .  Swamy Nathamuni,  who is the blessed devotee of Lord Mannanar at Viranarayanapuram is the reason for your country’s prosperity .

The king was curious to know about the sage . He sent  his messengers to  Swamy Nathamuni, begging him to visit his  royal palace .  Swamy  Nathamuni ,  on receiving the invitation, thought  “We have set the blessed Divya  Prabhandhas to exquisite music. Let us visit the king’s court, and take this opportunity of making these holy hymns  known to the world. Thus he went to the king’s court taking it as Lord’s command .

On his arrival, the king rose and welcomed  the Sage with every mark of honor,  and offered him a suitable seat. Whereon the Sage blessed the king, and inquired as to his object in inviting him. The king  submitted  “Holy sage can you distinguish between the  two patterns of ragas sung by these courtesans  ? Can we be enlightened about this inner secret ?

Swamy Nathamuni  requested that the performance be given  once again before the audience .  When this was done, he addressed the king  and said  “You all have ears  to receive the flow of  the manushya‐gana only. 

The other one can be understood by  the Devas  only .

 “But”, the king respectfully asked, how can we be made to hear it? There upon  Swamy Nathamuni  directed that the 400 kinds of tala (rhythm) be marked, and explained to the king the rate of each. The king understood from this explanation the  harmonical progression and symphony  in which this  is composed  to the deva‐gana music, which produced in him a bliss never  experienced before  .

 A small demonstration was also shown among the elated arts lovers .A  pair of cymbals was placed near a consecrated post while  the deva‐ gana was sung. Over a period of time , it was found that the post began to melt. The singing was stopped  , and when an attempt was made to lift the cymbals, they stuck to the post  and when the music was once again played they came off.  

It is said that Nathamuni directed a number of bronze cymbals of different weights to be sounded together and forthwith described correctly their different weights from a perception of the acute differences in the pitches of the notes. The king went into raptures over this, and falling at the feet of the Sage proposed to reward him abundantly.

But the Sage, to whom even the offer of Lordship over worlds was no temptation, politely declined the presents offered and blessing the king, returned to Viranarayanapuram. Thus with this incident the King  became a disciple of Swamy Nathamuni and spent his time at Kattumannar learning the esoteric truths regularly .

Swamy  Nathamuni set the 4000  Divya prabhandam to tune and music and taught to his dear disciples  Melai agatthazhwAn and Keezhai agatthazhwAn (his nephews) and propagated the divine nectar  in various divya desams. Nathamuni re arranged 4000 into four parts and introduced the same as part of recitation in Divya Desams, as part of worship.  

Once , the King  got down  along with his wives to Viranarayanapuram temple . Looking at the Royal couple  in such great ornaments, crown, and silk cloth,  Nathamuni for a moment lost himself and thought  Lord Krishna with His devis have come from Dwarakai. He fell at the feet of the king to prostrate. The king was shocked and immediately sprung to lift  Nathamuni . The King realised the deep devotion of the Sage and submitted himself .

During  another occasion, the king had  just completed discussing with the Sage about Lordships and  took Acharya’s permission to leave. He started walking towards the chariot. When he was about to board, (as usual, the king used to call the chariot driver on whose shoulder he  used to set  his foot to jump into the chariot), the driver was there for the king to jump in.

After he jumped in, he saw below and it was  Nathamuni’s shoulder. The king was shocked . He got down to apologize  for his grave offence . He felt ashamed and said ! Swamin ….  “What have I done! Stepped on your shoulders! I have committed  a great apacharam!”

Nathamuni thought it  was Lord  Rama who had come by the chariot along with Sumanthrar. Hence, he offered his shoulders for Lord  to step into the chariot. That was  Nathamuni’s unalloyed devotion who was always in transcendental bliss always seeing LORDSHIPS everywhere .

One day  Nathamuni was in Samadhi Yoga. The  Chola  king  passed near Veeranarayanpura with his soldiers   after a hunting exercise.  The sage,  interrupted in his meditations by the attendant bustle, opened his eyes and, construing the party to be the divine Lord  Rama and his brother, on whom  his thoughts were wholly bent in meditation, followed the track of the party and walked with weary steps till the very gates of the Chola capital Gangaikondapuram  from Kattumannar Koil  and went searching ..

Nathamuni  already in that bliss  imagined that Lord Rama with his brother Lakshmana and  Mother  Sita is have come to  grace him .

He  fainted  at a place in a divine bliss  and  reached Lord’s abode  on an Ekadasi day.

More details about this great saint can be seen in the appended  linked post below

https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/lakshmi-natha-samarambham-nathayamuna-madhyamam/

All glories to Swamy Nathamunigal

Adiyen Ramanuja dasan

Pics : Google images

Lord Sriman Narayana the Supreme lord created this universe starting from Brahma (who emerged from HIS navel ) along with innumerable species of birds,animals, humans etc. Appearing as kapila rishi, he gave Saankya yoga , practicing by which one would attain the final beatitude like Devahuti. As Lord Sri Rama, HE demonstrated to the world on living a righteous life and as Lord Sri Krishna , imparted the Bhagavad Gita.   The jivatmas who followed the lord and attained salvation were few. Also, the study of scriptures and Vedas which were in Sanskrit were limited to  only few people  who were authorized to read .  

So Perumal decided to depute HIS (weapons )ayudhams to the world for preaching the Vedas to all irrespective of caste,gender etc.. The various ayudhams of Perumal appeared as 12 azhwars during the end of Dwapara yuga and beginning of kali yuga.   The azhwars who were immersed in bhakti composed various  emotional outpourings known as pasurams which is glorified as “naalayira divya prabhandham”. The Azhwars were so much engrossed in LORDs thoughts that they could not impart knowledge to jivatmas and hence   these divine pasurams were lost to oblivion. 

 The compassionate LORD decided to instruct the nityasuris to appear as Acharyars to this world who would give the divine knowledge about the Supreme Lord and bring the jivatmas back to Godhead.Nityasuris do not descend from Vaikuntam but bestow their yogic powers to the jivatmas who were to be born in this material world.  Accordingly, Vishwaksenar (Senainayakar)-the chief Commander of Lord Sriman Narayana bestowed his mercy to Nammazhwar.  Vishwaksenar along with wife Sutravathi  had 8 attendants who guard the entrance of Sri Vaikuntam on either sides and the chief among them is known as “Gajanan” . The chief attendant of Vishwaksenar , “Gajanan” appeared as Nathamuni.After about 3500 years, With the blessings of Lord Sri Veera Narayanan perumal , Sri Nathamuni, the first acharyar in Srivaishnava Guruparamparai was born to Sri.Iswara bhattar at Veeranarayana puram (Kaatumannarugudi near Chidambaram)  in the Tamil year “Shobhakruth varusham” on pournami thithi ,Anusham star in the tamil month of Aani (june-july) in 823 A.D.  His parents named him”Ranganathan” but was fondly addressed as “Nathamuni”.  He instructed his son,Iswara muni to name his child as “Yamunai Thuraivan” who was famously known as Yamunacharyar.

srIshailEsha dayApAtram dhIbhaktyAdi guNArNavam |
yatIndra pravaNam vandE ramya jAmAtaram munim ||

lakshmI nAtha samArambhAm nAthayAmuna madhyamAm |
asmadAchArya paryantAm vandE guru paramparAm ||

The above sloka …. reverberates in all srivaishnava temples and homes glorifying the rich sampradaya we have inherited from our poorvacharyas …

Swamy  Nathamunigal and Swamy  Alavandar, the two great acharyas  have been pillars to Srivaishnava sampradayam, took their avatara at  the holy place Kattumannar koil, which is 25 kms from Chidambaram in Cuddalore district of Tamil nadu, South India.

Kattumannarkoil (situated on the banks of the vast Veeranam Lake) hallowed by the birth of these Acharyas is the only place with magnificent temples dedicated to Swamy Nathamunigal and Swamy  Alavandar.

Swamy Nathamunigal  was the  foremost Acharya  of Srivaishnava sampradaya .

Nathamuni mastered himself in Vedas at a  very young age.

He was devoted to Lord  Veera Narayana Perumal and spent most of his time performing daily   ( aaradhanai) poojas for the Lord here.

One day, during his pilgrimage to Thirukudanthai ( present day Kumbakonam ) Temple  he was attracted to the Archakas chanting the divine nectarine verse …. Aaravamuthey song….

The  devotees ended  the song with the words… “ these 10 out of the 1000” verses .

“ Aaraavamudhe Adiyen Udalam,

Ninbaal Anbaaye

Neeraal Alainthu Karaiya Urukinra Nedumaale

Seeraar Sennel Cauvery Veesum,

SezhuNeerth ThiruKudanthai

EraarKolam Thigazhak Kidanthaai, Kanden Emmaane”

Swami Nathamuni was drawn to these songs and  pleaded them to sing the rest of the 990 verses.

However, they expressed ignorance and said they  knew only these 10 songs which they were reciting daily following their ancestors  .

Seeking to find  the remaining  of these  divine songs,  Swamy Nathamuni proceeded  from Kattu Mannar Koil and went to Kumbakonam, where Lord Aaravamudhan appeared before him and asked him to go to Thirukolur for  knowing more ..

Swamy proceeded to Thiru Kolur, where he got initiated with the great Acharyar  Madhura Kavi Azhvaar’s  holy verses of Kannin Siruthambinaal.

Madhurakavi Azhwar was a direct disciple of Swamy Nammazhwar .The divine pastime of Azhwar can be read in the below  appended post

https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2015/08/04/tevu-marrariyen-i-do-not-know-of-any-lord-other-than-my-acharyan-swamy-nammazhwar/

He came back to Thiru Kurugur and meditating  under the Tamarind tree,  recited these  divine verses 12000 times.  

On completion of which the all compassionate NammAzhvaar is said to have appeared before him and shared the entire 4000 songs the  “Divyaprabhandam” —Naalaayira Divya Prabandham which we are able to relish glorifying the LORDSHIPS .

Lord Veera Narayana Perumal is then said to have called Swami Nathamuni back to Kattu Mannar Koil where the Vaishnavite Saint  chanted and shared the “Naalayira Divya Prabandham”.

Thus, Nathamuni of Kattu Mannar Koil, was instrumental in bringing back to the world the 4000 verses of the Azhvaars.

He also initiated the Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam from here.

As Lord Narayana came here as ‘Mannan’ to wed  Mahalakshmi and  asked Nathamuni to share the Divya Prabandham and the Vaishnava Sampradayam to the world at large, he was referred to as ‘ Kattum’ ‘Mannan- Aanaar’ (the Lord who came aa kings and later presented the entire prabandham through Nathamuni).

Poorvacharyars glorify this place as “divya prabhandham vilaindha oor”-the place where Divya prabhandham came into existence.  the Lord KAatu Mannar(another thirunaamam of Veeranarayanan) came to be known as “KAatum mannar”

In course of time, Kattum Mannan-Aanaar became Kattu Mannar.

Nathamuni’s grandson was named as ‘Yamunai Thuraivan’(Alavandar) .

Born in Kattu Mannar Koil, Aalavanthar would travel to Srirangam and spread the message of SriVaishnavism. Swamy Ramanuja was nominated by him  as the ’to be’  next Acharyar of the great sampradhayam  after his disappearance .

Alavandar’s  disciples include Periya Nambi, ThiruKoshtiyur Nambi, Thiru Kachi Nambi and Srirangam Araiyar.

A clip was taken during our in which Bhattar elaborately explains in tamil about the glorious Srivaishnava Sampradayam.

Swamy  Nathamuni set the 4000  Divya prabhandam to tune and music and taught to his dear disciples  Melai agatthazhwAn and Keezhai agatthazhwAn (his nephews) and propagated the divine nectar  in various divya desams.

Nathamuni re arranged 4000  nectarine verses equivalent to Vedas  into four parts and introduced the same as part of recitation in Divya Desams, as part of worship in all temples

During the period ,once , the  Chozha  King  got down  along with his wives to  have darshan of Lord at Viranarayanapuram temple at Kattumannar  .