Pondarikapuram Andavan Swami

span style="font-weight:bold;">Poundarikapuram Andavan

Srivasa Ranga Parakala Munithrayaptha
Lakshmanath Rakshana Yudutvayugamantham
Acharya Bakhthi Paribhoothamatharkaseelam
Gopala Desika Munim Gurmaachrayama:

It was in 1990- in the course of my 60th birthday –for the first time I had opportunity to meet my Acharya. My mother took me to Acharya to pay my humble respects and get the blessings. My mother enjoyed the respects and affections of all the Acharyas-who in their poorvashramam were her relatives.

I was wonderstruck and ashtonished to see the divine grace of Swami. Tall, golden colour, simple-Swami in every sense a sanyasi. After Shastanga Namaskar I started to tell Abhivadaye. Swami told me that we should not tell this to yathis and asked me whether I am doing Sandyavandanam. He adviced my mother and wife to make a practice to offer Coffee in the morning only we finish Sandyavandanam.

Till now this principle is followed and I am happy that an easy way was shown to me by Acharya.. Swamiji is strict in achara and anushtana and insists that before entering the house or ashramam we should wash our legs and head and we should do sandyavandanam at least twice-in the morning and evening.

I have attended since then many discourses of Swami and Thirunaksharams including 80th birthday and 25-years of Peeta Arohanam of theAshramam and recently his 88th birthday also. Every time I met him he used to enquire family background, whether I follow the Acharam and Anushtanam and I am fortunate that Swami initiated me to Prabathi-Baranyasam . Swamiji is the symbol of purity. – Swamiji is well described by great scholars and other Acharyas in their own words:-

In 1938, when the Swami was studying in the Siromani class in the Sanskrit College, Tirupati, we shared the same room and stayed together in the Ahobila Mutt.

So, I am an Eyewitness to his fastidious and punctilious adherence to Aachaaram and Anushtaanam, which were of a very high order and do not come by easily for others.

I have never seen in this Mahaan from then on and till now, any trace of Kaama, Krodha etc. It is indeed a marvel, how he has mastered these and kept them under perfect control.

With a imposing majestic appearance matched only by his inimitable majestic Swabhaava, a mellifluous voice matched only by an impressive delivery- he proved himself an incomparable "Poorvabaashi", a "Mithabaashi" and a "Vairaaghya Seela". In thought, word and deed, he upholds and what is more important actually practices, the high standards of Aachaara and Anushtaana with a single pointed devotion.

It is amazing to see how he conducts the Saturday Sadas every week on Sri Baashya and other Granthas in a calm and serene atmosphere. His discourses are as entertaining and enlivening as his comments and elucidation are educative and revealing his mastery of the nuances. They certainly gladdened the hearts of the listeners and chastened their minds by removing all doubts.

He delights in doing this purely as a Bhagavad Kainkaryam in the true spirit of what Swami Desika says-

"Santhoshaartham Vimsruti Muhur Adhyaathma Vidyaam"

and he performs the "Uttara Kriya" in such a way that cannot fail to steep an onlooker without wondering.

It is such Mahaans who should be our Aachaaryas. Never can one find any blemish to detract him from his high code of conduct he has laid down for himself and which he has been observing with utmost diligence and care. In short, he is a perfect Yathivara and sets the standard for other Sannyaasis.

At the same time, his administrative capacities are none the less impressive. With almost no wherewithal, he has renovated and is maintaining Swami Desikar Sannidhi at East Uttara Street, Srirangam: he has brought out admirable publications of Srimad Rahasya Traya Saaram and Chillarai Rahasyams of Swami Desikan which will be a valuable treasure for posterity.

We pray to the Divya Dampathis that this great Mahaapurusha , Sri Parama Hamsetyaadhi Paravaakkottai Srimad Aandavan Sri Gopaala Desika Maha Desikan Swami should live long for hundreds of years more in perfect health and guide us all".
-Purasai U.V.Narasimhachariar-Editor Narasimhapriya

Srinidhi Swami has composed and dedicated the above poetic tribute to Prakritam Paravaakkottai Aandavan Swami. We offer here a few flowers from the Maalikaa:
Ajasya Thaare Bhuvane Avatheernaha
Gajasya Samrakshakam Aasrayam Thum /
Rajasya Magnah Tamasas Sudoorah
Vrajasya Naathah Kila Satva Bhaajaam //


(meaning) "Sri Paramahamsetyaadhi Paravakkottai Aandavan Swami was born in the same Rohini Nakshatra of Brahma Prajaapathi (Ajasya); He propitiates the Gajendra Varadha who saved the elephant (Gajasya); He has banished both Rajo (Rajasya) and Tamo Gunas; by his Sattva Guna, he shines as the master of all Prapannas (Vrajasya Naathah)".
Thishyasi Cha Thigma Bhaavam
Nirasya Thimiram Thiras Kurvan /
Tilakam Sri Yathiraaja Deepyathi
Saptathy Upetha tho Ayam //


(meaning) "This Swami who dispels darkness of ignorance shines like the 'Tilakam' among Yathiraajas.
Sri Rohinee Thaara Samudbhavassan
Dhrito Vichitram Vasudeva Vrinda /
Brindaavanam Saadhu Vidhraaya Nandhyam
Gopaala Thaam Vamsa Karo Vibhaathi //


(meaning) " Lord Gopalan appeared in Rohini Nakshatram and was brought up by Vasudeva, his family and friends. Living in Brindavanam, he held the bamboo flute in his hands. This Gopalan (Swami Paravakkottai Aandavan) also appeared in the same Rohini Nakshatram and is always surrounded by Sishyas; He repaired the Brindavanam and holds the "Tridandam" made of bamboo."

Sri. U.Ve. Perukkaranai Chakravarthiyaachariar Swami Aasthaana Vidwan, Ahobila Mutt

"Gopala who was born somewhere under the constellation of Rohini grew up somewhere else and fed people with the milk of Gnaana. Likewise, our Aachaarya was born somewhere under the same constellation of Rohini. Leaving behind Brahmacharyam and Grihasta Aasramams, he came elsewhere to take over Sannyasam and stands as a great preceptor. And he is also freely giving us, the milk of Gnaana.

Lord Krishna who left his place of birth and grew up elsewhere solely for giving us the celestial song. So also, this Swami also had left his near and dear ones and adopted Sannyasa Aasrama solely for the purpose of lighting the lamp of Gnaana in the minds of his Sishyas.

Even in his Poorva Aasramam, this Swami was well known for a high level of Aachaaram, Anushtaanam and Paramaikaanthitvam and righteous conduct. After assuming Sannyasa, he is adhering strictly to the disciplines enjoined for Sannyasis and stands a beacon light and a veritable "Vairaghya Nidhi"

-U.Ve.Chakravarthiyacharyar Swami-Sri Karyam Ahobila Mutt.

" Sri Swami hails from 'Paravaak kottai' - a fort that stands firm and does not fly away. He shines as a 'Paravum Kottai'- a fort that spreads our Siddhanta. Through sage advice, the Swami redeems numerous Sishyas; By publishing Granthas like Srimad Rahasya Traya Saram, he does real service to the growth of Srivaishnavam; By such silent but steady activities, he has become renowned throughout the Vaishnavite world true to Swami Desika's words- 'Disaasu Dasasu Khyaathih Subah'. He shines as a beacon light that sheds its floodlight far and wide so that everyone could see clearly and appreciate the greatness of the edifice that is Visishtaadvaitam. Indeed, 'Roopameva Asya Yetan Mahimaanam Vyachashte'

U.Ve. Thaiyar Vangipuram, Nyaya Vedanta Vidwan,
Sri Ahobila Matam Aaraadhakar Sri Rangarajachariar Swami

" This Srimad Aandavan has devised a novel method for illuminating the knowledge of Vedanta; for the last several years, he has been conducting classes for explaining one Adhikaram of Sri Bashyam and similarly one Adhikaranam of Srimad Rahasya Traya Saram every week. These sessions are not only through discourses but a critical discussion with audience participation of Vidwans attending the Sadas. This has been a real boon to people like us- a shower of milk and honey indeed.

Here is an "Aadarsha Aachaarya" (Preceptor Perfect) who exemplifies 'Achaarya Lakshanam' in its entirety and truly represents what Swami Desika says- 'Kaakkum Karuthudai Desikar Kanru Yena Nammai Yenni Surakkum Suravigal Pol Soriginranar Sollamudhe'- (meaning) Like the mother cow that feeds her calves with abundant love, our Aachaarya in his infinite grace deems us as his very calves and feed us with his nectar- like words of wisdom.

If one needs to see what is the ideal and blemishless Anushtaanam of a Sannyasi - Come, See it in its pristine glory in our Swami, Srimad Paravakkottai Aandavan. Swami.

Observing Ahimsa and avoiding jeevahimsa are among his top priorities. Even while lifting water from the well, one has to be careful in this regard. Such is his strict emphasis on Ahimsa.

A Sannyasi is expected to beg alms (Biksha) from a Grihasta and then only, he can perform the 'Antharyaami Nivedanam'. The Grihasta should be equally an impeccable Anushtaatha. At least a Grihasta can expiate sins of himsa accruing during his routine chores by performing Vaisvadevam. But, since a Sannyasi has no 'Agni Kaaryam', he has to be doubly careful to ensure that the Grihasta who offers him biksha scrupulously observes the Saastraic injunctions in this regard. Otherwise, he would have to starve!

Even if it is a poisonous snake or scorpion, he would not allow anyone to even harm it , let alone kill it. He would say-' Leave it alone; it would not harm anybody'. Though on many occasions such poisonous creatures were sighted in the Asramam premises, never have they hurt anyone. This is an example of his compassion and adherence to the principles prescribed for yathis in Yathi Dharma Sastras.

The very presence of such Yathiswaras alone contributes to the greatness of this Koil. That is why the Koil becomes "Aaraatha Arul Amudham Podhindha Koil"

-U.Ve. Vangipuram Navaneetham Gopaladesikachariar Swami.

Adiyen is fortunate to be blessed by this great Acharya and I prostrate at the feet of the great mahan.

Subam
Dasan
Madapusi Jagannathan.

Swami in Tirunarayanapuram

Swami in Thirunarayanapuram

While Swami was in Srirangam, Muslims invaded South India under the leadership of Malik Kafur.When they were near Samayapuram the Executives of Srirangam Temple hurriedly erected wall before Peria Perumal and shifted Utsava Moorthy and Ubaya Nachiars and sent to Tirumalai. Sri Vaishnavas were torchered by the invading People and looted all the jwelleries. Sudharsana Battar handed over the notes he wrote on Sri Bhashya- called Shruta Prakasika and requested Swami to take care of the manuscripts and his two children.

Sudharsana Battar was killed by the Muslims-Swami escaped from Srirangam to Sathyamangalam. There he performed Upanayanam to Battar children, preserved the notes of Sri Bhashya.

Swami left to Tirunarayanapuram in Mysore and stayed there. Swami was sad that the nithya rituals at Srirangam was completely stopped and wrote the famous work-abeethistvam-requesting to remove the fear and restore the Daily rituals at Srirangam.Swamiji requested Gaopanna Rayan-the ruler of chenchi to conquer with his large army and he defeated the Muslim invaders.

Arangan returned to Srirangam and normalcy returned to this Temple City with rituals started again.

Manipravala was the style of writing in those days. Both Tamil and Sanskrit were blended to compose the verses. Swami was an expert in this style. He composed thirty granthas in this style.

Swami Desikan lived for more than 100-years-carried out fruitful service to Lord and His Devotees. He lived a simple life inspite of the fame-becme the embodiment of all noble qualities.He showed the simple form of Saranagadhi to the People to attain the eternal bliss.

Swami Desikan wrote: 28-Stotras, 4- Kavyas, Nataka Grantha-1, Vakyana Granthas-8, Anushtana Granthas-2, Rahasya Granthas-32, Tamil Prabhandam-24 ( Vedantha Granthas-14,Tamil Prabandams-10 )

Subam

Swami in Srirangam

Swamiji in Srirangam


Srirangam is always associated with Sri Vaishnava and the Temple is the first of 108- Divya desams. Here everything is big- Perumal is big, Garuda is big, Temple is big-sprawling on 700 acres, 7- Praharas. Apart from the bigness the sacredness of the temple is unique. All Alwars have sung in praise of Arangan.

For long time Swami Desikan wanted to visit this temple but Perarulalan wanted Desikan to wait for an appropriate time. That time came when Swami got invitation from Sudharsana Bhattar- who was heading the Ramanuja mission at Srirangam.. Through out the history-there were fights between Advaida and Dwaidha and Dwaidha and Rationalists.

Great Scholars of Vaishnava Siddhantha fought these obstacles successfully and it goes to the credit of Ramanuja who did yeoman services to protect and brought order to the Vishistadwaitha Siddantha and laid out rules and regulations to conduct the Temple Poojas, emancipation of all souls irrespective of caste or creed.

Being jealous of the popularity of Ramanuja Siddhantha some Atheists and Advaida followers gathered at Srirangam and raised several questions and wanted immediate replies failing which they wanted to obstruct the rituals at Srirangam Temple.

Sudharsana Battar and other Scholars felt that they being very old - they decided that Swami Desikan is the right person to conquer these people and invited him to visit Srirangam.

Swami got the blessings of Vardhan reached Srirangam .

Swami was received with great honours. Swami had the dharshan of Arangan and Nachiyar and obtained the blessings of Thayar and Azagiya Manavalan and sat for the debate. The debate went on for 7-days and finally Swami conqured the Advaidins. His disciples- Veeravalli Perumaliyan wrote at the end of each day the full details of the debate and later it was released as Sadha Dhushani.

The greatest and the master piece of Swami work is the Paduka Sahasram at Srirangam. Facing the Challenge of his opponents Swami composed Padukasahasram in one night- 1008 Poems on Sri Ranganatha Paduka. Swami at the outset says that this Padhuka and Nammalwar are one. Nammalwar composed-Thiruvai Mozhi in 1000 verses with 10 cantos. Swamiji composed 1008 verses in 32 steps ( Padhatis ).

In his various discourses Swami revealed that Thiruvai Mozhi and Upanishads are at par-the inner meaning of Thiruvai Mozhi is the essence of Upanishads.


In Thirumandira Churuku-Swami expands the meaning of Ashtakhara Mantira- Om Namo Narayana-word by word. Swami explains the significance of each word and the sanctity of the Mantra should be preserved as Rahasya thryam-this being the first one.

In the second one Narayana is always associated with His Consort-Sri- It is Godess Laxmi requested the Lord to provide easy way to achieve salvation for Her people-the Lord gave-Sriman Narayan Charanau Charanam Prapthyae, Srimathae Narayanaya Namaha-called Dwayam.

The mantra is called-Dwayam- it has got 2-parts- first part-gives the mode of worship and the second part-if done the fruits resulting from first part. The meaning of Dwaya is -1. Sri- the sound.2. The predicate-Madhup-that lie over it 3. Narayana-the sound of. 4. – Charanau-the sound. 5. Sharanam-the sound. 6. Pra- the verbal path in the sound Pra. 7. Its character as part of the word. 8. Narayana- the sound 9. the forth prop[osition that lie over it. 10. Namaha-the sound..

Lord gives us the third part of the Rahasra Thraya- from Geetha:

Sarva Dharaman Prithiyajya Mam Ekam Saranam Vrajha
Aham Thwa Sarva Papeyaha Mokshaishyami Maschchaha

Renounce all the Dharamams ( religions ) and surrender unto me- I will remove all your sins and take you to Eternal Bliss.

Apart from various works on Divine-Swami come down to our level and advices us as to how to keep our body pure-since pure body is essential to cultivate Bakthi Yoga-
Ahara Niyamam:

In Geetha Lord Krishna explained the significance of human characterstics. The three Gunas that encircle humans are Satwa, Rajo and Thamasa. Among the three Satva is the higest one should adhere and the other two should be discarded if he wants to get pure mind for spiritual concentration. The food plays very important part in developing the Satva Guna.

Swamiji undertook research on Ahara Niyamam Satvika food is essential to develop Bhakti and he wrote-Ahara Niyamam- in which he clearly analysed the food that are prohibited and the food that are essential to cultivate pure mind- I will deal this subject separately for the benefit of folloers in my next Blog.

Swami’s fame spread all over the country.. Swami rendered Bhoostuti prasing Yagna Varaha Mahishi-the Bhoomi Piratti, Dasavathara Stotram-praising the Ten incarnations of Lord Narayana. Swami was praised as Kavitharkika Simham, Sarvatantra Swantrar etc

( To be cont )
R.Jagannathan

Swami Desikan in Kanchi

Swami Desikan in Kanchi

From Tiruvaheendrapuram Swami came to Kanchi to spend his time with :Lord Varadan.. After praying at the sannadhi of Jaganmatha Perundevi Thayar and with Her blessing Swami went to Perarulalan and submitted himself to the feet of Varadan ( Athma Samarpanam and Sarira samarpanam) –called Para Samarpanam and took permission from Lord to settle at Toopul. Swami’s literary genius flowed during this period.

Nayaya Dasakam, Adaikalappathu, Varadaraja Panchasat, Asthagiri Mahathmiyam, Vekasethu Stotram, Ashtabhujashtakam, Kamasikashtakam, Sri Vaishnava Dinasari, Artha Panchakam were all rendered during this period. Each work brings forth the total Bakthi of Swami Desikan and his cry to the Lord to free him from this earthly bondage. These works bring to us the greatness of Swami consider himself the poorest of poor for the Lord, accept that during his grahsthasrama period he has committed many sins-knowingly or unknowingly and ask the Lord to pardon him because he has done Saranagadi at Lord Feet.

The greatest contribution of Swami Desikan is the path he showed to attain the eternal Bliss of Sri Vaikundam – easiest and simple one in Nyasa Dasakam . Swami narrates the method of submitting the Prabathi- its five parts and finally the Sathveeka Thyagam.

Five Parts of Prabathi:

1. Submission of one’s soul with the body to the Lord.
2. Leaving the protection of Chethanan to the responsibility to the Lord.
3. Such act-result-the fruits- submit these all to the Lord – the first part-Swarupa Samarpanam, the second-Bara Samarpanam and the third- Bala Samarpanam

Five Angas of Prabathi.

1. To do such things that pleases the Lord-called Anukulya Sangalpam.
2. Not to do such things that is against the will of God-Prathikulya varjanam.
3. To realize that we are helpless with out the Lord and no other mode except surrendering to the Lord and renounce the Ego.-Karpanyam.
4. To have complete faith in the Lord that he alone can protect us-Maha Viswasam.
5. To request God to protect him-Gopthruva Varanam.

The concept of Prabathi is -One should understand that Narayana is the only Supreme God and the ultimate Benefactor and Master and we are all His servants. Such realization is expressed in Sathvika Thyagam. It has three essentials: 1) One should not feel that he has done a particular job successfully and the credit goes to him- Instead one should realize that it is God who has done and he is only a tool to get the work completed. 2) Any benefit achieved from the work entirely goes to God 3) and for the sake of God..
The first one is Karthruva Thyagam, second-Mamata Thyagam and the third one is Bhala Thyagam

Swami Desikan practiced the above and showed us that Saranagadhi is the only way left to us to reach the Abode of God when our soul depart from this body. Once we did this we should desist from the temptations of wordly pleasures. should not do such acts prohibited by the scriptures and do such acts that pleases the Lord. We are at the mercy of the Lord and our acts like food habit, movement, spiritual environment etc in consonance with the teachings of our Acharya- who initiated us the Baranyasa.

Swami brought out in Tamil Adaikalapathu –Tamil version of Nyaya Dasakam. In this Swami elaborates about Swanishtai, Uktinishtai, Acharya Nishtai, Bhagavathanishtai.

Swanishtai-about persons having full knowledge required for performing Prabathi.

Ugtinishtai- about persons who can not do Swanishtai take the guidance of Acharya about the ways of performing Prabathi.

Acharyanishtai-intended for persons who cannot do both the above surrender the Acharya and request him to perform the Prabathi on their behalf.

Bhagavathanishtai: To request the Lord to pardon a devotee to get rid of any Bhagavatha Apachara committed after undergoing Prabathi.

Nowadays Swanishtai is practiced by very few.
Ukti Nishtai and Acharya Nishtai are followed by Ahobila Mutt , Swanishtai and Bhagavatha Nishtain are followed by Munithraya Sampradaya.

Pundarikaksha was living in Vijayanagar as guide to the king. His wife is Appullar,s daughter. He was performing Aradhana to Lord Hayagriva. One day the Lord appeared in his dream and asked to hand over the idol to Swami Desikan accordingly the Swami received the idol and worshipped the Lord with Nithya Aradhana.

The above idol is now with Parakala Mutt as the Presiding Deity.

( to be cont )

R.Jagannathan.

Swami Desikan Occupying Sri Bhashaya seat

Swami Desikan-On ascending the Seat Sri Bhashya Throne

Swami spent his life by giving discourses and lectures to his disciples on Sri Vaishnava Sidhantha for some time. Appular taught the Vainadeya Mantra to Desikan. Swami felt that a time has come to invoke this mantra and started intense meditation so as to attain the spiritual powers.

He chose the place-Thiruvaheendrapuram – on the bank of Holy river-Garuda. A small hillock – called- Oushadagiri is also located near this place. There is a temple-dedicated to Lord-Devanatha and Lord Nrisimha is also there. Swami took a holy bath in the river and prepared himself for meditation.

After obtaining the blessings of Jaganmatha-Chengamala Nachiar and Devathidevan Swami climbed the hillock Oushadagiri and selected a place under the Achvatta Tree in the garden of Somavana. There he prayed Lord Narasimha and with His Blessings sat under the tree and recited the Vainadeya mantra several times with great devotion and bhakthi. Pleased with the devotion of Desikan Sri Garuda appeared before him and gifted the idol of Lord Hayagriva and revealed the powerful Hayagriva Mantra and asked Swami to recite the same

Swami recited the Mantra several times and pleased with the total devotion of Desikan Lord Hayagriva appeared before him and bestowed him the super and extraordinary possession of knowledge, oration and versification power

With Hayagriva sthothra Swami began his literary career. Followed by this he paid homage to Lord Garuda with Garuda Panchasat. From then on Swami Desikan’s journey to the literary world is unstoppable. DDevanatha Panchasat, Achutha saytakam, Mumanikovai, Navamanimalai and scores of other poems flowed

Swami stayed in Thiruvaheendrapuram for sometime worshipping Lord Devanathan, composed Raghuveera Gadyam, Gopala Vimsathi.

In 15-years stay at this place Swami conquered all his opponents by his debates and produced the work Para mata Bhangam in which he brought out the deficiencies of other religions.

With Lord Devanatha’s blessings Swami returned to Kanchi to be with Varadan.

Swami Desikan-continuation

VENKATANATHA-BOYHOOD AND MARRIAGE

Very few people are blessed with learned Fore Fathers. Those who are benefited with .such Parampara are not able to utilize such opportunities to learn the Vedas, granthas and Sri Bhashyam etc. Adiyen also one such unfortunate person. My Grand Father Allundu Srinivasa Ramanujachar in his days was well versed in all the above and wanted to us to learn those things-but the attraction of Anglo culture closed our eyes and we missed great opportunity.

Contrary to this Venkatanatha got the best knowledge in all the above. When he attained the age of 5 his father decided to teach the alphabets. Sri Appular- maternal uncle one day took him to Kanchi Varadan temple. At that time the seat of Sri Bhashya was occupied by Nadathur Ammal- a renowned Scholar. Nadathur Ammal used to give discourses about our Scriptures

Appular wanted to attend the discourse and along with Venkatanathan visited Nadathur Ammal.. On seeing this divine boy-Ammal stopped the lecture and asked about this boy. On being told that he was the nephew of Appullar- Nadathur Ammal got up and embraced the boy –when he wanted to continue the lecture he could not proceed further-he forgot the line-when Venkatanathan told the stage at which he stopped. Ammal marveled at the intelligence of Venkatanathan and asked Appullar to teach all the sastras and granthas. To this boy-whom he forecasted to lead the Ramanauja Paramparai.

At the age of 7-upanayanam was performed and the panchasamskara was initiated. Venkatanatha was taught Jatai, Vyakaranam, Tarkam, Meemamsam, Vedangas Sri Bhashyam, Geetha Bhashyam and other Achareya Suktees. By the age of 20 Venkatanatha mastered all other scriptures including Ithihas, Puranas, philosophies like advaitha, Dvaitha, Bheda Abedha shruthi, Pasupada, Saktha, Charvahana, Jaina and Budhism

Ananthasoori wanted to perform marriage for Venkatanatha. A chaste, sober, spiritual and traditional girl-Thirumangai was chosen and Venkatanatha married her. Though married Vankatanatha was much interested in enriching and propagating Ramanuja Dharsana

Later Appular who occupied the seat of Sri Bhashya after Nadathur Ammal became old and felt that his last days were nearing –called Venkatanathan and acquainted him the sacred Vainadeya Mantra to get well protected from all evil designs against him.. Appullar presented to Venkatanathan the Sandals of Ramanuja and his own, the cast die of Chakra and Sangu used to perform Pancha Samskaras.

When Appullar attained Acharyan thiruvadi, Venkatanathan took over the seat.

Swami Desikan in his Achutha sathakam firmly affirms that those who totally surrendered at the feet of Narayana- need not fear about Yama Loka or Hell. Sometimes some persons who undergone Prabathi might have forced to do some sins. In such cases Bhagavan punishes them lightly according to the intensity of the sins-but in all cases he takes them along with Him to His Abode.

Some of us however got entangled ourselves in this world in its pleasures. We try our best to come out of this shackles but due to attachment or bondage could not reach to Him though he is very nearer to us-just like the sky looks nearer to us but could not reach it.

Those who underwent Prabathi are not afraid of Death – they think it is a welcome guest since they are very sure that after death they will reach Narayana’s abode.

Those people who think that their body is itself Athma-not under the feet of Narayana-are independent- face innumerable obstacles. All bad qualities enter in their bodies. Egoism, no body equals to them, jealousy, cheating, Anger, miser etc

Swami Desikan further says in his Daya Sathakam:

1. Lord Narayana alone can give you Moksham.
2. He knows every thing, He can do and undo.
3. He destroys those who give troubles to his Bakthas.
4. He is the karana for every thing.
5. He can be reached by total surrender unto Him.
6. He moves among all –rich and poor alike
7. He stands as the Supreme God.
8. He gives Moksha in this janma itself to those who surrendered at his feet.


(To be continued in next Blog)

Dasan Jagannathan.

Swami Vedantha Desikan

LET US KNOW OUR ACHARYAS

SWAMI DESIKAN

1. BIRTH :

Our Swami Desikan was born to Sri Ananthasoori and Sow Thotharamba.. Desikan’s forefathers were Anantha Somayaji and Pundarikaksha Dikshathar, They were all well versed in Vedas and sastras particularly Ramanuja’s Vaishnava Texts and scriptures.

Desikan’s mother-Thotharamba was the daughter of the great Sri Vaishnava savant-Kidambi Rangarajachariyar and sister of the famous Kidambi Appular-a great scholar.

Desikan’s parents were living in Thoopul- also called Thiru Thanga- a small village near Kanchi. Here Brahmins from Viswamithra Kula sect were living and our Desikan belongs to this sect. This place is surrounded by Pure Grass ( Holy Grass ), hence Thoopul was derived.

The couple- Desikan’s parents were living in this village for long time worshipping the Lord of the village DEEPA PRAKASA and performing all the daily rituals and practices. They were very pious and humble but not blessed with child for longtime. They prayed their family deity Thiruvenkadanathan to bestow them with a child.

day the Lord appeared in their dream and asked them to visit Venkadam to accomplish their wishes. Accordingly they went on a pilgrimage to Tirupathi. They stayed in a camp. First they had a holy dip in the pushkarini. Our Ananthasoori performed all the Nithyakarmanushtanas and later visited the temple-had full dharshan of Lord and returned to the camp. That night Lord appeared in their dream as a divine boy- bringing along with Him a bell and with that sanctified him-saying that he soon will have a son who will be famous a scholar and Acharya-well versed in Vedas and Vishistathvaida propounded by Ramamnuaja

They have to wait for another 12-years to realize their dream. On Vibhava Tamil NewYear, in the month of Purattasi, on the day of Shravana Star Thotharamba got a hadsome son ( 27^th Sept 1268 AD ) Incidentally this day happened to be the birthday of Lord Venkataramana and the concluding day of Brahmotsavam at Tirumalai Hills. As the son was born on this day by the Grace of Lord Venkatesa the couple named the child as Venkatanatha.

The child grew in perfect environment and by custom Annaprachanam, apthapoorthy were performed at appropriate periods. On the first birthday the couple took the child to Kanchi and Lord Varadaraja- the great Boon Benefactor and Thayar-Perundevi Thayar.

On seeing the child the temple priest was astounded by the brilliant countenance of the child, admired the radiance and predicted that the boy would become a great master like Yathi Rajar and further consolidate and promote the Sri Sampradaya.

the couple were very pleased and returned home to continue their journey.

Thus Lord’s bell was born in this earth as an incarnation to enlighten the people

Vishitatwaida propounded by Bhagavat Ramanuja followed by Swami Desikan is the only true philosophy to understand this Supreme Lord, His Power and Stature.

Sriman Narayana alone is the Supreme Almighty.

Swami Desikan showed us the easy path of reaching to Lord and His Abode.

Even the Most Sinner among the Sinners will be relieved of his sins and will be taken to heaven if an unconditional surrender at His Lotus Feet

Swami Desikan in his Sarnagathi Deepika writes:

To attain Moksha there are two paths: Bakthi Yoga and Prabathi Yoga.

Bakthi yoga is very difficult to practice and any small mistake can make this path ineffctive.

In Prbathi Yoga there are 4-divisions- Swanishtai, Ugni Nishtai, Acharya Nishtai and Baghavatha Nishtai.

Swanishtai: Those who have special Gyana ( intellect ) approach God directly and do Prabathi.

Ugni Nishtai: Utter the words of Acharya- on Prabathi and repeat the same.

Acharya Nishtai: Included in the words of Acharya

Bhagavatha Nishtai: those who cannot get acharya approach Bhagavathas and included the Prabathi in their word.

( to be continued in next Blog )

Dasan Jagannathan

Lavishness beyond Par

Lavishness beyond Par

Recently in Bellary Elite marriage was celebrated in which the State Minister celebrated his relative's marriage- Normally this will not attract any attention. But this marriage did.
For What for ??.

I was writing about our marriages in my blog. How these marriages are getting expensive day by day. But this MLA's marriage has crossed the limits.

Four Choppers used to ferry VIPs from all over the state.
500 Airconditiones in the wedding spread out on 8-acres
20-Generators to backup.
200-Chefs dished out for culinary extravaganza
10,000 quintals of white rice
1000- quintals of Pulav
10-varieties of Sweets and Deserts

Who Said India is a Poor Country?

We must put an end for such shows. Then only we will realise the true meaning of democracy

Awake now. Make marriages as simple as possible. Give importance to religious aspects.

Jagannathan