Sri Vedantha Desikar ThiruvadigaLae Saranam
SrImAn vEnkata nAthArya kavi thArkika kEsari
vEdAnthAcharya varyOmE sannidhathAm sadhAhrudhI
Adiyen recently visited Sri Rangam and was blessed to have the privilege of visiting the thirumALigai (residence) where Swami Desikan lived for approximately 42 years in Sri Rangam.
For those who wish to visit this place, the address is: # 116, North Uthra Veedhi, Sri Rangam, Trichy, 620006, India. This place is under Sri Parakala Matam and is excellently managed by Sri kUram SeshAdri. He may be contacted at 91-9940294908.
This is the thirumALigai where Swami Desikan lived for ~ 42 years and from where he left for Paramapadam. The beauty of this house is that it is preserved in almost the same condition as it was during the life and times of our AchAryan. Many of our Sri Vaishnava Acharyas have spent significant portions of their lives in Sri Rangam. But the houses where they lived have not been preserved in the same condition as during their lifetime. Over the centuries, their thirumALigais have been renovated or demolished. Swami Desikan's thirumALigai is, fortunately for us, an exception to this trend.
In this house, the stone structure is still intact, as are the wooden girders. This is very remarkable, considering that wood is prone to decay and attack by termites. (Nearly 750 years have passed since the lifetime of Swami Desikan). Also preserved here is the wooden pestle used by Swami Desikan's family. The stone kUrmAsanam used as a seat by Swami Desikan for his nitya-karmas is also seen here. Legend has it that, when Swami was in Satyakalam, he saw two kUrmA-s (tortoises) following him back home as he was returning from his daily prayers. Later that night, Lord Sriman Narayana appeared in his dream and revealed that the tortoises were His manifestations and instructed Swami to use them as his seat. The next day, Swami Desikan found two stone kUrmAsanas at the place where he did his prayers. One of these is now in Satyakalam, the other is in Swami Desikan's ThirumAligai in Sri Rangam.
Having been the residence of the great AchAryan, this house is a place of infinite holiness. Adiyen feels blessed to have had the opportunity to visit this house. It is easily accessible from the Sri Rangam temple. It is a a must-visit place for sishyas of Swami Desikan's sampradayam.
Currently, Sri kUram Seshadri, who manages this place, provides free boarding and lodging at this very house for pilgrims visiting Sri Rangam. Also, he coordinates donations to needy families in Sri Rangam. His regret is that, not many people (even sishyas of Sri Desika sampradayam) are not aware of this place, and do not include it in their visit to Sri Rangam.
Please visit this house and and enjoy the holiness and purity associated with Swami Desikan. The greatness of such places associated with Acharyas cannot be overemphasized. For instance, in the Ramayana, Sage Visvamitra explains to Lord Sri Rama, the holiness of the spot where Sage Gautama meditated.
Sri Vedantha Desikar ThiruvadigaLae saranam
Please click here for photos of this ThirumALigai.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
A Taste of Kamban's Ramayanam
Mummai sAl ulagukkellAm mUla mandhirathai
mutrum thammaiyE thamarkku nalgum thanipperum padhathai thAnE
immaiyE ezhumai nOikkum marundhinai
rAmA ennum semmai sEr nAmam thannai kaNgaLil theriyakkandAn
A beautiful verse from Kamban's Ramayanam that explains the
glory of Sri Rama Nama.
The scene is the fratricidal duel between Vali and Sugriva.
In support of Sugriva, Rama has discharged the arrow that
cleaves Vaali's adamantine chest. In the throes of death,
Vaali looks at the arrow that has entered his body, and sees
Rama namam inscribed on it.
Had Kamban been a mere poet, he could have just said "Vaali
saw Rama's name inscribed on the fatal arrow" or something to
that effect. But, being the great devotee that he was, Kamban
chose to use this opportunity to dwell upon the greatness of
Sri Rama Nama.
According to Kamban, Rama namam has the following greatnesses:
- It is the fundamental, primordial mantra for all the worlds
- It is a unique word that grants everything to the chanter
- It assures freedom from all sins and evils in this birth and
whatever follows
- It is a glorious, auspicious name.
mutrum thammaiyE thamarkku nalgum thanipperum padhathai thAnE
immaiyE ezhumai nOikkum marundhinai
rAmA ennum semmai sEr nAmam thannai kaNgaLil theriyakkandAn
A beautiful verse from Kamban's Ramayanam that explains the
glory of Sri Rama Nama.
The scene is the fratricidal duel between Vali and Sugriva.
In support of Sugriva, Rama has discharged the arrow that
cleaves Vaali's adamantine chest. In the throes of death,
Vaali looks at the arrow that has entered his body, and sees
Rama namam inscribed on it.
Had Kamban been a mere poet, he could have just said "Vaali
saw Rama's name inscribed on the fatal arrow" or something to
that effect. But, being the great devotee that he was, Kamban
chose to use this opportunity to dwell upon the greatness of
Sri Rama Nama.
According to Kamban, Rama namam has the following greatnesses:
- It is the fundamental, primordial mantra for all the worlds
- It is a unique word that grants everything to the chanter
- It assures freedom from all sins and evils in this birth and
whatever follows
- It is a glorious, auspicious name.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Paesathaan Aavathundo
The Thirumaalai is a set of 45 paasurams composed by Sri Tondaradippodi Azhwar.
It is said (quite aptly) that "Thirumaalai ariyaar, Thirumaalai ariyaar" i.e those who do not know the Thirumaalai, do not know the Lord Sriman Narayana.
In this set of paasurams, Azhwar says, "Maasatraar manathuLLaanai vaNangi naam iruppathallaal paesathaan avathundo pedhai nenjae nee sollaai".
Azhwar says that the Lord can never be comprehended by those who try to understand Him through their intellect. You can analyse and discuss about the nature of the Lord endlessly, and yet you will come nowhere near understanding Him. Only those who understand the futility of comprehending Him through their intellect and surrender unto Him, actually comprehend His nature and glories to a certain extent. The Lord cannot be grasped by the intellect, rather we can only align ourselves with Him through surrender, and in the process, get some understanding of His glories and His nature.
It is said (quite aptly) that "Thirumaalai ariyaar, Thirumaalai ariyaar" i.e those who do not know the Thirumaalai, do not know the Lord Sriman Narayana.
In this set of paasurams, Azhwar says, "Maasatraar manathuLLaanai vaNangi naam iruppathallaal paesathaan avathundo pedhai nenjae nee sollaai".
Azhwar says that the Lord can never be comprehended by those who try to understand Him through their intellect. You can analyse and discuss about the nature of the Lord endlessly, and yet you will come nowhere near understanding Him. Only those who understand the futility of comprehending Him through their intellect and surrender unto Him, actually comprehend His nature and glories to a certain extent. The Lord cannot be grasped by the intellect, rather we can only align ourselves with Him through surrender, and in the process, get some understanding of His glories and His nature.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thirukkandaen Pon Maeni Kandaen
Familiar people will at once recognize the phrase in the title - there are the opening words of Sri Peyazhwar's 100 pasurams.
The avathara sthalam (birthplace) of this Azhwar is tucked away in Mylapore, one of the oldest parts of Chennai city in southern India. Like so many great things in life, it is easy to miss. This Azhwar was not born of human parents - he incarnated in a well by himself. This well is located in in Arundale street (off Kutchery Road).
There is a small stone mantapam near this well. There are also a couple of small houses next to the well itself. I wonder if the inhabitants are aware of the monumental significance of their abode.
This great Azhwar starts his pasurams with a powerful assertion - his vision of Lord Sriman Narayana.
The avathara sthalam (birthplace) of this Azhwar is tucked away in Mylapore, one of the oldest parts of Chennai city in southern India. Like so many great things in life, it is easy to miss. This Azhwar was not born of human parents - he incarnated in a well by himself. This well is located in in Arundale street (off Kutchery Road).
There is a small stone mantapam near this well. There are also a couple of small houses next to the well itself. I wonder if the inhabitants are aware of the monumental significance of their abode.
This great Azhwar starts his pasurams with a powerful assertion - his vision of Lord Sriman Narayana.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sri Ramanuja
We can talk of this great Sri Vaishnavite Acharya only in terms of superlatives of the highest order.
Not many people are aware of the fact that, in the 4000 Divya Prabandham, not all verses are in praise of Lord Sriman Narayana. 11 pasurams are in praise of Sri Nammazhwar (composed by his disciple -Sri Madhura Kavi Azhwar). Another 108 pasurams are in praise of Sri Ramanuja. These 108 are called the "Ramanuja Nootrandhaadhi", composed by Sri Thiruvarangathu Amudhanaar. Such is the greatness of Sri Ramanuja.
Sri Ramanuja was a revolutionary - a gentle one at that. Not to be confused with extremists. He firmly established the philosophy of Sri Sampradaya, gently overwhelming other systems with his penetrating intellect, complete devotion to the Divya Dampati and Sri Vaishnavite Acharyas before him, and infinite Daya for mankind at large. Whoever opposed him was not beaten into submission, rather they were melted down by his sweetness and Saatvika nature. His spiritual power was unmatched in its greatness.
There are a lot of things remarkable and unique about this Acharya, who was at once venerable and lovable. His works are only in Sanskrit, though he was completely proficient in Tamil (perhaps, he did not want his work to be restricted by geographical boundaries). His works are all in prose form - but it is not boring, verbose prose. His prose is sweet and moving. The Saranagathi Gadya is one of the most eloquent praises of Lord Sriman Narayana ever composed.
Through his work - The Sri Bashya, he established the correctness and truth of the doctrine of Vishistadvaita, in the process systematically refuting other doctrines like Advaita. In fact his analysis is so comprehensive that, even Advaitins acknowledge that the most scientific analysis of Advaita is found in the Sri Bashya.
Adiyen Sri Ramanuja Dasan
Not many people are aware of the fact that, in the 4000 Divya Prabandham, not all verses are in praise of Lord Sriman Narayana. 11 pasurams are in praise of Sri Nammazhwar (composed by his disciple -Sri Madhura Kavi Azhwar). Another 108 pasurams are in praise of Sri Ramanuja. These 108 are called the "Ramanuja Nootrandhaadhi", composed by Sri Thiruvarangathu Amudhanaar. Such is the greatness of Sri Ramanuja.
Sri Ramanuja was a revolutionary - a gentle one at that. Not to be confused with extremists. He firmly established the philosophy of Sri Sampradaya, gently overwhelming other systems with his penetrating intellect, complete devotion to the Divya Dampati and Sri Vaishnavite Acharyas before him, and infinite Daya for mankind at large. Whoever opposed him was not beaten into submission, rather they were melted down by his sweetness and Saatvika nature. His spiritual power was unmatched in its greatness.
There are a lot of things remarkable and unique about this Acharya, who was at once venerable and lovable. His works are only in Sanskrit, though he was completely proficient in Tamil (perhaps, he did not want his work to be restricted by geographical boundaries). His works are all in prose form - but it is not boring, verbose prose. His prose is sweet and moving. The Saranagathi Gadya is one of the most eloquent praises of Lord Sriman Narayana ever composed.
Through his work - The Sri Bashya, he established the correctness and truth of the doctrine of Vishistadvaita, in the process systematically refuting other doctrines like Advaita. In fact his analysis is so comprehensive that, even Advaitins acknowledge that the most scientific analysis of Advaita is found in the Sri Bashya.
Adiyen Sri Ramanuja Dasan
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Simhapuri
Singapore is a beautiful place.
The Perumal Temple in Little India is wonderful - with Sri Srinivasa Perumal
as Moolavar and separate Sannidhis for Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Andal.
There are also individual sannidhis for Sri Sudarsana Azhwar and Sri Hanuman,
with smaller sannidhis for Sri Nammazhwar, Sri Periazhwar and Sri Thirumangai Azhwar (with Kumudhavalli Nachiyar).
The serenity and peace in this temple is to be seen to be believed. It can get crowded at times, but never uncomfortably crowded.
The Perumal Temple in Little India is wonderful - with Sri Srinivasa Perumal
as Moolavar and separate Sannidhis for Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Andal.
There are also individual sannidhis for Sri Sudarsana Azhwar and Sri Hanuman,
with smaller sannidhis for Sri Nammazhwar, Sri Periazhwar and Sri Thirumangai Azhwar (with Kumudhavalli Nachiyar).
The serenity and peace in this temple is to be seen to be believed. It can get crowded at times, but never uncomfortably crowded.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sowkya Rasaayanam
This is a phrase from one of Sri Vedantha Desika's works.
Rasaayanam, which many people think to mean a chemical, actually means "means to attain". So Sowkya Rasaayanam literally translates to "means to attain sowkyam".
Sowkyam is one of those numerous words that simply cannot be translated into English or, for that matter any other language. It is a word that describes a state of mind. A state in which, one is content, happy, and at peace with himself and with the world outside.
According to Sri Vedantha Desika - the Sri Vaishnavite saint of peerless intellect, the surest means to attain sowkyam is meditation on the Divya Dampati. Money, things, people, and all the external trappings of prosperity cannot bring about certain happiness. It is only mediation on the Divya Dampati (and consequently Their grace) that can ensure sustainable and true happiness.
Great and benevolent Acharyas like the Azhwars, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Desika have provided us with the means to sowkyam. Sri Tondaradippodi Azhwars declares "Narakame swargam aakkum naamangal udaiya nambi". (The Lord with blessed Names that are capable of transforming hell into heaven)
Consequently, this means that, should we fall into a hellish situation, the surest way to redeem and extricate ourself is to meditate on the Hallowed Names of Lord Sriman Narayana. The Names that are greater than the Lord Himself.
When we meditate on the Divya Dampati with faith, their unfailing Grace attends on us and dissolves our troubles, relieves us of our suffering. The Divya Dampati, the Supreme Protectors, rush to our succour, and ensure our sowkyam. Our sins, sorrows, guilt, negative thoughts etc. are washed away in a flood of Grace and Daya.
Sri Vedantha Desikar Thiruvadigale Saranam
Rasaayanam, which many people think to mean a chemical, actually means "means to attain". So Sowkya Rasaayanam literally translates to "means to attain sowkyam".
Sowkyam is one of those numerous words that simply cannot be translated into English or, for that matter any other language. It is a word that describes a state of mind. A state in which, one is content, happy, and at peace with himself and with the world outside.
According to Sri Vedantha Desika - the Sri Vaishnavite saint of peerless intellect, the surest means to attain sowkyam is meditation on the Divya Dampati. Money, things, people, and all the external trappings of prosperity cannot bring about certain happiness. It is only mediation on the Divya Dampati (and consequently Their grace) that can ensure sustainable and true happiness.
Great and benevolent Acharyas like the Azhwars, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Desika have provided us with the means to sowkyam. Sri Tondaradippodi Azhwars declares "Narakame swargam aakkum naamangal udaiya nambi". (The Lord with blessed Names that are capable of transforming hell into heaven)
Consequently, this means that, should we fall into a hellish situation, the surest way to redeem and extricate ourself is to meditate on the Hallowed Names of Lord Sriman Narayana. The Names that are greater than the Lord Himself.
When we meditate on the Divya Dampati with faith, their unfailing Grace attends on us and dissolves our troubles, relieves us of our suffering. The Divya Dampati, the Supreme Protectors, rush to our succour, and ensure our sowkyam. Our sins, sorrows, guilt, negative thoughts etc. are washed away in a flood of Grace and Daya.
Sri Vedantha Desikar Thiruvadigale Saranam
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