ராதே கிருஷ்ணா 31-07-2015
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்-ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Acharyan plays a key role in our sampradyam. Acharya sambhandam is key for every Sri Vaishnava. Acharyan leads us to Bhagawan.
Today(Tuesday - 21/01/2014) happen to meet and take blessing from my acharyan "Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Maha Desikan (46th Azhagiyasingar)" at Ahobila Mutt Bangalore. I have visited the Sri Matam many times in the past since my Samashrayanam in 2011. But today's visit is a special visit.
This morning i had a dream and my Acharyan came in my dream. I do not remember exactly about the conversation or the place. But all i remember is that i had a dream in which my acharyan had come.
I woke up early than usual. My mind was calm and got myself busy in getting my kids ready to school. But in the back of my mind i was thinking about the dream. Then I checked Sri Narasimha Priya on the Sancharam plan of Azhagiya Singar and came to know that Azhagiya Singar was supposed to have reached Bangalore previous day(monday - 20/01/2014) and he was supposed to be in Bangalore till tomorrow(wednesday-22/01/2014). Then i was thinking about visiting Sri Matam in the evening during Panaga Aradhanam around 7 PM. But i wanted to confirm if acharyan and team have come to Bangalore as per the plan. So I tried to reach Raghavan mama who is with Ahobila mutt, and checked with him whether they all have reached Bangalore as per the plan. To my surprise came to know from him that there were some change in plans in the sancharam of Azhagiya singar and they arrived bangalore a day earlier and they planned to start from Bangalore that noon.
I just could not believe what was happening. Was the dream a message to me so that i could go and get blessings from my acharyan before they left Bangalore ? It is surely acharya anugraham and perumal anugraham.
Without any further delay, I was on my way to the Ahobila matam at Bangalore and had the bhagyam of getting blessings of Narasimhan, Kannan and my beloved Acharyan before they all started to Chennai. Luckily we were there on time for the anugraha bhashanam and the crux of the message was "One need to follow aachara anushtanams and just bhakthi will not suffice. Bhakthi along with aachara anushtanam will yield better results than just doing Bhakthi without aachara anushtanams".
I was there for more than a hour and we came back home with prasadham after a great visit. I could not believe what happened today. I wished they had the camp in Bangalore for a longer duration.
This visit to Ahobila mutt today is something which i will not forget and all i pray is to have more occasions where i could go and seek blessings from my acharyan, Narasimhan and Kannan of Ahobila Mutt.
Acharyan Thiruvadigale Saranam
Ahobilam - Sthalapuranam, Ahobila Mutt and Azhagiya Singar's
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம் - ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Note: Moolavar & some utsavar photos in this page are taken from internet and i do not own any copyright.
Divine tedious trip to Ahobilam for Nava Narasimhar darshan was just possible due to BHAGAVAD KRUPAI and ACHARYA ANUGRAHAM. Still can't believe the experience !!!! Wonderful experience trekking uphill to have Nava Narasimhar darshan @ Ahobilam ..... This ahobilam blog series contains collection of photos and information on Ahobilam.
SrI lakshmInrsimha prapatti, Composed by HH 24th paTTam SrImat Azhagiya singar
Yasyaas Bhavath Bhaktha Janaarthi Hanthuhu
Pithruthva Manyeshva Vichaarya Dhoorinam |
Sthampe Svadhaarastha Mananya Labyam
Lakshmi Nrusimham Sharanam Prapadhye ||
HH 1st pattam Srimad AdiVann Shatakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan thaniyan
Keshavaarya Krupa Paathram Dheeshamaadhi Gunaarnavam |
Sri Shatari Yatheeshaanaam Deshikendhra Maham Bhaje ||
Prapadhye Niravadhyaanaam Nishadhyaam Gunasampadhaam |
Sharanam Bhavabheethaanaam Shatakopa Muneeshwaram ||
HH 45th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Srimad Ranga Shataari Samyami Varaallabdha Aagamaantha Dhvayam
Srimad Veera Raghudhva Haadhya Shatajith Paadhaara Vindha Shrayam |
Srimad Vedha Vathaamsa Deshikayathehe Kaarunya Veeksha Spadham
Seve Ranga Dhureena Shaasana Vasham Naaraayanam Yoginam ||
Srimathe Lakshmi Nrusimha Dhivya Paadhuka Sevaka SriVann Shatakopa Sri Naaraayana Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaya Namaha ||
HH 46th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Vedhaantha Deshika Yatheendhra Kataaksha Labdha
Thraiyyantha Saara Manavadhya Gunam Bhudhaagrayam |
Naaraayanaadhya Yathi Dhurya Krupaabi Shiktham
Sri Ranganaatha Yathi Shekaram Aashrayaamaha ||
Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Ranganaatha Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaaya Namaha ||
Ahobila Kshetram Sthalapuranam
Photo:Ahobila Mutt building @ Lower Ahobilam
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Moolavar and Utsavar with HH 46th Srimad Azhagiya Singar
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's while at Lower Ahobilam with one of the Nava Narasimhar Utsavar Sri Malola Narasimhan
Photo: Ahobila Mutt office at Upper Ahobilam
Source : Ahobila Mutt Portal
Place: Kancheepuram, Time: Just before dawn of the day (1398 C.E.).
Young Srinivasacharya, hardly twenty years of age, wakes up in an exciting mood. The dream he witnessed a little while ago is the cause of it. Lord Lakshmeenarasimha of Ahobilam appeared before him, commanding him to come to Ahobilam, don the robe of a sanyasi and be instructed in his future mission of life there. Could this vision be true, he kept asking himself again and again. Ahobilam, of course he knew and worship there is not an unusual occurrence in those days of pilgrimage; but that God should have chosen HIM of all people left him amazed. He went about his morning ablutions as usual but in the same ecstatic mind. He then hurried to his Guru the well known Gatikasatham Ammal and told him of his vision. The old Master also known as Varadavishnvacharya told his disciple Srinivasacharya to obey the mandate. So he wended his way to Ahobilam. Having arrived there, he climbed the hill amidst dense forest (which Thirumangai Azhvar describes as one which none can reach except God), had a dip in the river Bhavanasini and took up abode in that wilderness. Meanwhile Mukundaraya, the local chieftain also reached the, place to receive him on divine command. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar.
This is commemorated in the following 'mangala sloka'
Photo: Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar with Sri Malola Narasimhan @ Malola Narasimha Sannidhi
This incident can be seen now in the form of images, carved on a pillar in the Ranga mandapa of the Lower Ahobilam temple (vide History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh by Dr. Madabhoosi Narasimhacharya).
Srinivasacharya, son of Kidambi Kesavacharya was born on 18th August 1379 CE at Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote), Karnataka. Being a family of great orthodox views and of high literary cultural attainments, the boy showed a remarkable mental grasp and keen perception and so, his father Kesavacharya, himself a learned man, decided to send him to Kancheepuram to study at the feet of Ghatikasatham Ammal, a very great scholar of those days. The name Ghatikasatham Ammal (grandson of the famous Nadadoor Ammal) was given to this learned preceptor in honour of the fact that he could compose a hundred verses in a Ghatika (Nazhigai). His school was the most famous and sought after during that period and no wonder Kesavacharya decided to put his son Srinivasacharya there so as to make him a brilliant scholar. Srinivasacharya acquired all the knowledge when Lord Lakshmeenarasimha ordained him into the monastic order as mentioned above and gave him the name 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. The Lord commanded him to take any one of the 'Utsava' Moorthis and said the Jeeyar's task henceforth would be, "Go from door to door taking me with you and minister to the, well being of the disciples. Be thier Guru, purify them with my (Vishnu's) emblems of the conch and the discus and instruct them in the Ashtaksharam, Dwayam, and Charama Slolka."
The Jeeyar though anxious to start on his mission right earnestly, could not decide on the 'Utsava' Moorthi he could take with him. He, therefore, went into a meditation and prayed that the most suitable Moorthi' should come and bless him. Immediately the 'Utsava Moorthi' of Malola Narasimha (Lakshmeenarasimha) came flying from the temple and seated Himself on the outstretched hands of the Jeeyar. Mukundaraya on hearing of this miracle became his disciple and offered not only arrangements for permanent daily worship but also gave a palanquin and other paraphernalia to assist the Jeeyar in his sanchara (tour) along with the 'Malola' Moorthi. He also gave control of all the temples to this Jeeyar and henceforth Ahobila Kshetram came under the direct control of Ahobila Mutt whose pontiffs are even today the hereditary trustees.
Now a look at the 'Malola' Moorthi will reveal that He wears a Paduka indicating that He is ready to proceed on tour and thus both the Jeeyar and his God fully equipped commenced their historic travel giving spiritual and material succour to all who prayed in the course of their travel.
Photo: Sri Malolan Utsava Vigraham of Malola Narasimhar who is part of Sri Ahobila Matham Sancharam with the Azhagiya Singars.
Photo: Ahobila Mutt - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's
More on 1st Azhagiya Singar Vaibhavam : http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/acharya/bio/1stjeer.asp
This cave is currently closed and there is a fence and can be seen just in front of the ahobila Narasimhar sannidhi in Upper ahobilam.
Below is the entrance to the cave in Ahobilam in which 6th Azhagiya Singar entered to perform aradhanam, sounds and vibrations are felt even today. The cave is closed and iron fence has been put and this can be seen just before entering Ahobila Narasimhar Sannidhi at Upper ahobilam.
Photo : 6th Ahobila Mutt Jeeyar cave entrance
Annamaacharya travelled to many of the tirtha skhetrams along with his wives and reached sri ahobilam, where he served malolan and his aacharyan srimad aadhivaan satagopa yatindra maha desikan, the first jeeyar of ahobila matam for many years (around 12 years). The bond between the jeeyar and annamacharya was a special one. The jeeyar performed the sacred rite of bharanyasam for annamacharya, taught him sribhashya, rahasya thraya saaram, srimad ramayanam, nithya grantam and nalaayiram divya prabhandam. This great aacharyan consecrated and presented an archa moorthy of lord venkatesa with his two divine consorts for aaradhanam of annamayya. Further, Adhi vann satakopa jeeya initiated annamayya into the nrusimha and venkatesa mantrams and nurtured the deep bhakti of bard to glorious heights. He composed many moving sankeertanams on the divyadesam of Ahobilam, the lord of ahobilam and his revered Acharyan. Of the 32,000 songs said to have been composed by Annamacharya, 500 are on Narasimha and 150 especially on Ahobilam.
Annamacharya praised his aacharyan in one of his compositions choodo dindhariki shulabudu hari. In the songs he says to him satakopa muni is the easily accessible hari, prince among ascetics, ever by our side like a shadow, the glittering pathway for moksham, the last word for enemies, an embodiment of holiness, the boat to cross the viraja river, possesses glowing erudition to protect the worlds and the effulgent lighting t both animate and inanimate. Surely, he is the vehicle to cross the ocean of samsara and significantly ends up this composition stating that sri satakopa muni is all for lord ranganatha, kaanch varadharaja, tirupati venkateswara and to ahobila nrusimha, the repository of compassion.
Annamachiar's slokam on 1st Azhagiya Singar ...
"Behold! This is our revered Satakopa Muni, who is easily accesible to all and to whom lord hari himself is the guide and refuge! He is our goldenpath for Final abode for beatitude, the last word in scriptures, the soul pure and free from sin and the boat to across the river Viraja in Vaikunta. He is the divine lamp of Wisdom illuminating all the worlds, the redeemer of sins and raft which enables us to cross this ocean called samsara he is an ardent devotee of the presiding dieties of Srirangam, Kanchipuram, tirupati and ahobilam - prince among ascetics"
http://anudinam.org/2012/05/17/annamacharya-and-his-devotion/
Further reading...
http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp
https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/ahobilam-travel-diary/
http://anudinam.org/2011/12/10/ahobilam-nava-narasimha-sthalas/
Note: Moolavar & some utsavar photos in this page are taken from internet and i do not own any copyright.
Divine tedious trip to Ahobilam for Nava Narasimhar darshan was just possible due to BHAGAVAD KRUPAI and ACHARYA ANUGRAHAM. Still can't believe the experience !!!! Wonderful experience trekking uphill to have Nava Narasimhar darshan @ Ahobilam ..... This ahobilam blog series contains collection of photos and information on Ahobilam.
SrI lakshmInrsimha prapatti, Composed by HH 24th paTTam SrImat Azhagiya singar
Yasyaas Bhavath Bhaktha Janaarthi Hanthuhu
Pithruthva Manyeshva Vichaarya Dhoorinam |
Sthampe Svadhaarastha Mananya Labyam
Lakshmi Nrusimham Sharanam Prapadhye ||
HH 1st pattam Srimad AdiVann Shatakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan thaniyan
Keshavaarya Krupa Paathram Dheeshamaadhi Gunaarnavam |
Sri Shatari Yatheeshaanaam Deshikendhra Maham Bhaje ||
Prapadhye Niravadhyaanaam Nishadhyaam Gunasampadhaam |
Sharanam Bhavabheethaanaam Shatakopa Muneeshwaram ||
HH 45th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Srimad Ranga Shataari Samyami Varaallabdha Aagamaantha Dhvayam
Srimad Veera Raghudhva Haadhya Shatajith Paadhaara Vindha Shrayam |
Srimad Vedha Vathaamsa Deshikayathehe Kaarunya Veeksha Spadham
Seve Ranga Dhureena Shaasana Vasham Naaraayanam Yoginam ||
Srimathe Lakshmi Nrusimha Dhivya Paadhuka Sevaka SriVann Shatakopa Sri Naaraayana Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaya Namaha ||
HH 46th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Vedhaantha Deshika Yatheendhra Kataaksha Labdha
Thraiyyantha Saara Manavadhya Gunam Bhudhaagrayam |
Naaraayanaadhya Yathi Dhurya Krupaabi Shiktham
Sri Ranganaatha Yathi Shekaram Aashrayaamaha ||
Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Ranganaatha Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaaya Namaha ||
Ahobila Kshetram Sthalapuranam
- Ahobilam is one of the 108 dhivya Desam known as "SingavEL Kunram" or "SingavEzh Kunram" where lord Nrusimha has self manifested in the Ahobila cave as ugra narasimhar also known as Ahobila narasimha or Upper ahobilam.
- According to Stala Purana, there are two popular legends for the derivation of the word ‘Ahobilam’. AHOBALAM :- means “great strength”. Since Lord manifested Himself here for rescuing His devotee by killing the asura, Hiranyakasapu, the devas praised Him saying “AHO BALAM” (Oh! What a strength) It is stated that the Devas (Gods), while witnessing the terrific aspect (Ugra Kala), the lord took on in order to tear to pieces Hiranyakasipu sung in His praise as ‘Ahobala’ (Lo: the strength). Hence this place has come to be known as Ahobilam. In support of this, there is a prapatthi sloka about-Ahobilam that reads:- "Aho Veryam aho sowryam aho bahu parakramaha Naarasimham param deivam Ahobalam Ahobalam". Thus, Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord
- The other version is that because of the great cave, "the Ahobila", where Garuda worshipped, did penance and realized the lord, the place itself has come to be called Ahobilam. Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam. As per Ahobilam Kaifiyat record, “On one of the mountains in the Nallamalai hills range, eight amadas from Srisaila Kshetra, Garuda commenced silent penance to obtain a vision of Lord Narasimha who destroyed Hiranyakasipu. The Lord in his grace, after long years of the tapas of Garuda, manifested Himself in the cave of a mountain”. “Ten ‘Paruvus’ to the north-east of the mountain, where Garuda was doing penance, a vision of His manifestation was then granted to Garuda, who after obtaining a sign of the location of the mountain-cave, gladly traveled thither and saw the embodiment of the Sathsvaroopa,’ Mahapurusha, Lord Jwalanarasimha – not easily accessible to common people. Garuda then worshipped the Lord and praised him that ‘Ahobilam is Mahabalam’ (Ahobilam is a great sustainer with strength). The Lord’s Divya Mangala Vigraha was worshipped by him with several sthotras- Garuda then considered himself as blessed after a vision of the Lord. This divine place thereafter obtained the deserving name of Ahobilam”. “The mountain on which Garuda performed tapas became famous as Garudachala. In the days of yore when truth and dharma prevailed, great heat was observable near the mountain- cave of Ahobila; according to legend when green grass was put in the cave, it would catch fire and smoke would be emitted. Several great Rishis lived there for a time; after sometime with the knowledge that great places would become common Janapadas in the Kali age, they left for northern lands, covering up the Narasimha cave with boulders. Traditionally therefore this place is being called the Narasimha Kshetra. There are thus nine Narasimha places, Nava-Narasimhas; Rishi- installed and worshipping areas: "Jwala Ahobila Malola Kroda Karanja Bhargava Yogananda Kshatravata Pavana Nava Moorthayaha."
- The nine Narasimha Temples are positioned in a 5 Kilo Meter Circle marked by the seven hills around the PrahlAdha Varadhan Temple at the foot hills. He is in the middle of Gaaruda Sailam (AhObilE Gaaruda saila madhyE krupAvasAth kalpitha sannidhAnam). These nine temples in the middle of Gaaruda Sailam (at Upper and lower Ahobilam are those for JwaalA, Ahobila, MalOla, KrODa, Kaaranja, BhArgava, YogAnandha, KashathravaDa, Paavana. PrahlAdha Narasimhan in the lower ahobilam.
- VEDACHALAM :-Perumal restored the Vedas to Brahma by killing Somuka, an asura.
- GARUDACHALAM:-Perumal blessed Garuda who was doing penance here.
- VEERA KSHETRAM :- Lord exercised one of His gunas “VEERYAM”
- NAVA NARASIMHA KSHETRAM: There are nine temples dedicated to NarasimharPilgrim’s diary Ahobilam
- Sri Ahobila Matam, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar. This is commemorated in the following 'mangala sloka' - ""Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou , Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam ". In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine narasimha shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutt. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.
- Thirumangai Azhvaar has sung ten verses about this temple in Periya Thirumozhi. Refer - http://www.ibiblio.org/sadagopan/ahobilavalli/kaliyans_ahobila_pasurams.pdf
Ahobila Mutt
Sri Ahobila Matam, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutt, on his travels.
Further reading on Ahobila Mutt.
http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp
Ahobila Mutt @ Ahobilam
The Ahobila Mutt at Ahobilam is situated in the lower ahobilam and has the following dieties.
- Moolavar Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar
- Utsavar Ramar with Sita and lakshmanan
Photo:Ahobila Mutt building @ Lower Ahobilam
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Moolavar and Utsavar with HH 46th Srimad Azhagiya Singar
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's while at Lower Ahobilam with one of the Nava Narasimhar Utsavar Sri Malola Narasimhan
Photo: Ahobila Mutt office at Upper Ahobilam
1st Azhagiya Singar of Ahobila Mutt:
Read the below extract to know about how Ahobila Mutt was formed as per the order of the Lord, how first Azhagiya Singar Srimad Adivan Satakopa Yateendra Mahadesikan who was from melkote and was at Kanchipuram came to ahobilam, took sanyasam and started on the sancharam with Malola Narasimhan.
----------------Source : Ahobila Mutt Portal
Place: Kancheepuram, Time: Just before dawn of the day (1398 C.E.).
Young Srinivasacharya, hardly twenty years of age, wakes up in an exciting mood. The dream he witnessed a little while ago is the cause of it. Lord Lakshmeenarasimha of Ahobilam appeared before him, commanding him to come to Ahobilam, don the robe of a sanyasi and be instructed in his future mission of life there. Could this vision be true, he kept asking himself again and again. Ahobilam, of course he knew and worship there is not an unusual occurrence in those days of pilgrimage; but that God should have chosen HIM of all people left him amazed. He went about his morning ablutions as usual but in the same ecstatic mind. He then hurried to his Guru the well known Gatikasatham Ammal and told him of his vision. The old Master also known as Varadavishnvacharya told his disciple Srinivasacharya to obey the mandate. So he wended his way to Ahobilam. Having arrived there, he climbed the hill amidst dense forest (which Thirumangai Azhvar describes as one which none can reach except God), had a dip in the river Bhavanasini and took up abode in that wilderness. Meanwhile Mukundaraya, the local chieftain also reached the, place to receive him on divine command. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar.
"Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou
Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "
Note : As lord Narasimha himself came in a sanyasi roopam and advised the Nrisimha Presha Mantram to 1st Azhagiya Singar.Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "
Photo: Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar with Sri Malola Narasimhan @ Malola Narasimha Sannidhi
This incident can be seen now in the form of images, carved on a pillar in the Ranga mandapa of the Lower Ahobilam temple (vide History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh by Dr. Madabhoosi Narasimhacharya).
Srinivasacharya, son of Kidambi Kesavacharya was born on 18th August 1379 CE at Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote), Karnataka. Being a family of great orthodox views and of high literary cultural attainments, the boy showed a remarkable mental grasp and keen perception and so, his father Kesavacharya, himself a learned man, decided to send him to Kancheepuram to study at the feet of Ghatikasatham Ammal, a very great scholar of those days. The name Ghatikasatham Ammal (grandson of the famous Nadadoor Ammal) was given to this learned preceptor in honour of the fact that he could compose a hundred verses in a Ghatika (Nazhigai). His school was the most famous and sought after during that period and no wonder Kesavacharya decided to put his son Srinivasacharya there so as to make him a brilliant scholar. Srinivasacharya acquired all the knowledge when Lord Lakshmeenarasimha ordained him into the monastic order as mentioned above and gave him the name 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. The Lord commanded him to take any one of the 'Utsava' Moorthis and said the Jeeyar's task henceforth would be, "Go from door to door taking me with you and minister to the, well being of the disciples. Be thier Guru, purify them with my (Vishnu's) emblems of the conch and the discus and instruct them in the Ashtaksharam, Dwayam, and Charama Slolka."
Photo: Sri Malolan in the divine hands of Srimad Athvan Shatakopa Jeeyar
Now a look at the 'Malola' Moorthi will reveal that He wears a Paduka indicating that He is ready to proceed on tour and thus both the Jeeyar and his God fully equipped commenced their historic travel giving spiritual and material succour to all who prayed in the course of their travel.
Photo: Sri Malolan Utsava Vigraham of Malola Narasimhar who is part of Sri Ahobila Matham Sancharam with the Azhagiya Singars.
Photo: Ahobila Mutt - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's
More on 1st Azhagiya Singar Vaibhavam : http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/acharya/bio/1stjeer.asp
Ahobila Mutt's 6th Jeeyar : Shashta Parankusa Yathindra Mahadesikan
Tradition has it that this sixth Jeeyar while fervently worshipping at Ahobilam was commanded by Lakshmeenarasimha to be ever present there to do pooja to Him. In order to do that he had disappeared into the cave of Ahobilam which now remains closed. (This place is shown to pilgrims at the Upper Ahobilam Temple where it seems even now early in the morning the peeling bells and chanting can be heard by the devout). He was however never again seen afterwards though we are told, very pathetically that his Shisyas - particularly Tatachariar - stayed outside the cave for several days without meals and water, wept and cried out for him requesting him to come out - but it was all in vain.This cave is currently closed and there is a fence and can be seen just in front of the ahobila Narasimhar sannidhi in Upper ahobilam.
Below is the entrance to the cave in Ahobilam in which 6th Azhagiya Singar entered to perform aradhanam, sounds and vibrations are felt even today. The cave is closed and iron fence has been put and this can be seen just before entering Ahobila Narasimhar Sannidhi at Upper ahobilam.
Photo : 6th Ahobila Mutt Jeeyar cave entrance
Ahobila Mutt's 45th Jeeyar : Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Naaraayana Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikan
Sri Thirumangai Azhwar describes Ahobilam as a place as very hard to visit (sendru kandarkku ariya kovil, kavvu naayum kazhugum, deivamallal sella vonna), but due to the efforts of the 45th Azhagiyasingar, this place has transformed into "sendru kaandarku eliya (easy) kovil.
Photo: 45th Azhagiya Singar at Upper Ahobilam with Sri Matam sanchara Vigrahams
Ahobila Mutt's 46th Jeeyar : Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Ranganaatha Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikan
Photo: 46th Azhagiya Singar with Sri Matam sanchara Vigrahams
I seek blessings from my acharyan 46th Azhagiya SIngar, the current pontiff of Ahobila Mutt and due to his kadaksham Nava Narasimha darshan was possible.
Annamachariar and Ahobilam:
Annamachariar was the converted vaishnavaite and was a disciple of HH 1st Azhagiya Singar. Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupathi has sent Annamachariar to Earth to make Sankeerthana of 32,000 poem on Sriman Narayanan. 1st Azhagiya Singar had done Samasrenam and Bharanyasam to Annamayya.Annamaacharya travelled to many of the tirtha skhetrams along with his wives and reached sri ahobilam, where he served malolan and his aacharyan srimad aadhivaan satagopa yatindra maha desikan, the first jeeyar of ahobila matam for many years (around 12 years). The bond between the jeeyar and annamacharya was a special one. The jeeyar performed the sacred rite of bharanyasam for annamacharya, taught him sribhashya, rahasya thraya saaram, srimad ramayanam, nithya grantam and nalaayiram divya prabhandam. This great aacharyan consecrated and presented an archa moorthy of lord venkatesa with his two divine consorts for aaradhanam of annamayya. Further, Adhi vann satakopa jeeya initiated annamayya into the nrusimha and venkatesa mantrams and nurtured the deep bhakti of bard to glorious heights. He composed many moving sankeertanams on the divyadesam of Ahobilam, the lord of ahobilam and his revered Acharyan. Of the 32,000 songs said to have been composed by Annamacharya, 500 are on Narasimha and 150 especially on Ahobilam.
Annamacharya praised his aacharyan in one of his compositions choodo dindhariki shulabudu hari. In the songs he says to him satakopa muni is the easily accessible hari, prince among ascetics, ever by our side like a shadow, the glittering pathway for moksham, the last word for enemies, an embodiment of holiness, the boat to cross the viraja river, possesses glowing erudition to protect the worlds and the effulgent lighting t both animate and inanimate. Surely, he is the vehicle to cross the ocean of samsara and significantly ends up this composition stating that sri satakopa muni is all for lord ranganatha, kaanch varadharaja, tirupati venkateswara and to ahobila nrusimha, the repository of compassion.
Annamachiar's slokam on 1st Azhagiya Singar ...
"Behold! This is our revered Satakopa Muni, who is easily accesible to all and to whom lord hari himself is the guide and refuge! He is our goldenpath for Final abode for beatitude, the last word in scriptures, the soul pure and free from sin and the boat to across the river Viraja in Vaikunta. He is the divine lamp of Wisdom illuminating all the worlds, the redeemer of sins and raft which enables us to cross this ocean called samsara he is an ardent devotee of the presiding dieties of Srirangam, Kanchipuram, tirupati and ahobilam - prince among ascetics"
http://anudinam.org/2012/05/17/annamacharya-and-his-devotion/
Further reading...
http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp
https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/ahobilam-travel-diary/
http://anudinam.org/2011/12/10/ahobilam-nava-narasimha-sthalas/
Monday, 24 March 2014
Yatra Series: Acharya anugraham at Thirupathi Thirumala
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்-ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Today(24th March 2014) is another special day in my life. Our family had the bhagyam of visiting Thirupathi Thirumalai and have the darshan of Perumal along with our acharyan. We were able to join with family during the Mangalasasanam of Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Maha Desikan (46th Azhagiyasingar) at Thirumalai.
Perumal was unveiling lots of surprises one by one during this trip...
1. As we reached Thirupathi, first to our surprise we saw the seven hills as seen in the below photo.
2. Thayar Sannidhi at Keezh Thirupathi, Srinivasar Sannidhi, Balaraman Sannidhi and the beautiful Garudan - what a darshan it was. I missed to see Ramanujar inside Thayar Sannidhi, hope i have the bhagyam during my next visit.
3. Next was the close darshan of Narasimhan and Dolai Kannan darshan at Ahobila Mutt Thirupathi. What a beauty and divine feeling it is to see all the divya desa perumal along with Dolai Kannan and Narasimhan. One has to visit to experience the positive vibration. It was also special since we all met our acharyan as a family after long time.
4. We(around 2000 of us) were in the queue at mel thirupathi to have our darshan and it was mesmerizing to see Ananda vimanam.
5. Just before entering the main temple, while we were in the queue had the darshan on the Periya Thirumalai Nambhigal sannidhi. Do check link
http://saranathantg.blogspot.in/2009/06/bg-1622.html
http://anudinam.org/2012/06/02/periya-tirumalai-nambi-thirunakshatram/
6. Inside the temple as we were waiting in the queue, first one to mesmerize us was the archa murthy of Thirumalaiappan with the Ubhaya Nachimar who was on his way to Vishesa Pooja. Rombha Azhagana thirumeni and parka kan kodi vendum.
7. Next, we entered the Garbha gragam and I cannot express my feelings in words. All i pray is to retain memories of those few minutes of the darshan of Thirupathi Balaji along with my acharyan.
8. Adding to this, was the darshan at Bhasyakarar Sannidhi inside Thirumalai temple. This was the first visit to Thirupathi since I started on my study on Ramanuja Vaibhavam and hence it is more special. I happen to see some board while climbing the hill related to Ramanujar. Need to stop and check it next time.
9. We also had the darshan of Madapalli nachiyar, Yoga Narasimhar, Vimana Venkateshwarar inside Thirumalai temple.
The trip was short, hectic and worth it. All i pray is to have a frequent trip to go and visit Thirupathi and to see all the other sannidhi's which we missed this time including Desigan, Haryagrivar, Lakshmi Narasimhar and most important Varaha Swamy at the pushkarani.
Govinda Govinda Govinda !!
Today(24th March 2014) is another special day in my life. Our family had the bhagyam of visiting Thirupathi Thirumalai and have the darshan of Perumal along with our acharyan. We were able to join with family during the Mangalasasanam of Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Maha Desikan (46th Azhagiyasingar) at Thirumalai.
Perumal was unveiling lots of surprises one by one during this trip...
1. As we reached Thirupathi, first to our surprise we saw the seven hills as seen in the below photo.
2. Thayar Sannidhi at Keezh Thirupathi, Srinivasar Sannidhi, Balaraman Sannidhi and the beautiful Garudan - what a darshan it was. I missed to see Ramanujar inside Thayar Sannidhi, hope i have the bhagyam during my next visit.
3. Next was the close darshan of Narasimhan and Dolai Kannan darshan at Ahobila Mutt Thirupathi. What a beauty and divine feeling it is to see all the divya desa perumal along with Dolai Kannan and Narasimhan. One has to visit to experience the positive vibration. It was also special since we all met our acharyan as a family after long time.
5. Just before entering the main temple, while we were in the queue had the darshan on the Periya Thirumalai Nambhigal sannidhi. Do check link
http://saranathantg.blogspot.in/2009/06/bg-1622.html
http://anudinam.org/2012/06/02/periya-tirumalai-nambi-thirunakshatram/
6. Inside the temple as we were waiting in the queue, first one to mesmerize us was the archa murthy of Thirumalaiappan with the Ubhaya Nachimar who was on his way to Vishesa Pooja. Rombha Azhagana thirumeni and parka kan kodi vendum.
7. Next, we entered the Garbha gragam and I cannot express my feelings in words. All i pray is to retain memories of those few minutes of the darshan of Thirupathi Balaji along with my acharyan.
8. Adding to this, was the darshan at Bhasyakarar Sannidhi inside Thirumalai temple. This was the first visit to Thirupathi since I started on my study on Ramanuja Vaibhavam and hence it is more special. I happen to see some board while climbing the hill related to Ramanujar. Need to stop and check it next time.
9. We also had the darshan of Madapalli nachiyar, Yoga Narasimhar, Vimana Venkateshwarar inside Thirumalai temple.
The trip was short, hectic and worth it. All i pray is to have a frequent trip to go and visit Thirupathi and to see all the other sannidhi's which we missed this time including Desigan, Haryagrivar, Lakshmi Narasimhar and most important Varaha Swamy at the pushkarani.
Govinda Govinda Govinda !!
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Acharya anugraham
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்-ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Acharyan plays a key role in our sampradyam. Acharya sambhandam is key for every Sri Vaishnava. Acharyan leads us to Bhagawan.
Today(Tuesday - 21/01/2014) happen to meet and take blessing from my acharyan "Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Maha Desikan (46th Azhagiyasingar)" at Ahobila Mutt Bangalore. I have visited the Sri Matam many times in the past since my Samashrayanam in 2011. But today's visit is a special visit.
This morning i had a dream and my Acharyan came in my dream. I do not remember exactly about the conversation or the place. But all i remember is that i had a dream in which my acharyan had come.
I woke up early than usual. My mind was calm and got myself busy in getting my kids ready to school. But in the back of my mind i was thinking about the dream. Then I checked Sri Narasimha Priya on the Sancharam plan of Azhagiya Singar and came to know that Azhagiya Singar was supposed to have reached Bangalore previous day(monday - 20/01/2014) and he was supposed to be in Bangalore till tomorrow(wednesday-22/01/2014). Then i was thinking about visiting Sri Matam in the evening during Panaga Aradhanam around 7 PM. But i wanted to confirm if acharyan and team have come to Bangalore as per the plan. So I tried to reach Raghavan mama who is with Ahobila mutt, and checked with him whether they all have reached Bangalore as per the plan. To my surprise came to know from him that there were some change in plans in the sancharam of Azhagiya singar and they arrived bangalore a day earlier and they planned to start from Bangalore that noon.
I just could not believe what was happening. Was the dream a message to me so that i could go and get blessings from my acharyan before they left Bangalore ? It is surely acharya anugraham and perumal anugraham.
Without any further delay, I was on my way to the Ahobila matam at Bangalore and had the bhagyam of getting blessings of Narasimhan, Kannan and my beloved Acharyan before they all started to Chennai. Luckily we were there on time for the anugraha bhashanam and the crux of the message was "One need to follow aachara anushtanams and just bhakthi will not suffice. Bhakthi along with aachara anushtanam will yield better results than just doing Bhakthi without aachara anushtanams".
I was there for more than a hour and we came back home with prasadham after a great visit. I could not believe what happened today. I wished they had the camp in Bangalore for a longer duration.
This visit to Ahobila mutt today is something which i will not forget and all i pray is to have more occasions where i could go and seek blessings from my acharyan, Narasimhan and Kannan of Ahobila Mutt.
Acharyan Thiruvadigale Saranam
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Vishistadvaita Series: Sri Ramanuja Vaibhavam
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்-ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha
This blog is an humble attempt to list some of the key notes i have gathered during my study on Sri Ramanuja Vaibhavam. I seek the blessings of Sri Ramanuja to write a more detailed blog on this topic soon.
1. Year : 1017
2. Day : Thursday
3. Tamil Year : Pingala
4. Tamil Month : Chitrai
5. Paksham : Sukla Paksha
6. Thithi : Panchami,
7. Star : In the constellation of Aridra (Thiruvadurai)
8. Parents : Asuri Keshavachar and Kandhimathi
9. Place of Birth : Sriperumpudur, Sriperambhoothur & was known as Bhootha Puri in Sanskrit.
10. Named as : Ilaya Perumal , Ramanujan (Raman+anujan since the child resembled Lakshmana)
11. Upanayanam : Garbathhai serthu 8 vayasula upanayanam
12. Marriage : At the ages of 16 Rakshakaambaal/Tanjammal, in Tamil and relocated to Kanchipuram
13. Guru : First guru is YAdavaprakAsar from whom he learnt Advaita VEdAnta grantAs. Later Alaavandar's 5 disciples taught him on the SriVaishnava Sampradhayam. Acharyan is Periya Nambhi.
14. Founder of : Sri Ramanuja Darisanam - Vishistaadvaita Philosophy / doctrine in line with the wishes of Alavandar.
There is a sloka in Yadhavaachala Mahatmyam which says:
Ananthah Prathamam Roopam Lakshmanascha Tathah Parah |
Balabadram Thritheeyasthu Kalou Kaschit Bhavishyathi ||
(meaning) It is the same who was Adhisesha first, Lakshmana after and Balarama in the third who is born as Sri Ramanuja in the Kali yuga. This Kaschit is taken by our Poorva Acharyas as referring to Ramanuja.
2. Pancha weapons amsam
3. Parthasarathy avatharam - Parents of Ramanujar gave birth to him after praying to Parthasarathy. Lord accepted their prayers and he himself came down as an avatar in the form of ramanujar.
2. IlayAzhvAn/Ilaya azhwar/Illaiyaazhwaar – This is his own name - eyar peyar. Name given by Periya Thirumalai Nambhi his maternal uncle.
3. RAmAnujan - Name kept by Periya Nambi Since the child resembles LakshmaNA, he named him RAmAnujan.
4. Yathiraajar - PEraruLALan(kanchi Varadhan) blessed him with the name of YatirAjar as his "Archchaka mukam" during sanyAsAshrama svIkAram.
5. Ramanuja Muni - Varadaraja perumal gave sanyasam (aashrama sweekaram) to elliya perumal with name ramanuja muni thru thirukachi nambhi
6. Emberumaanar given by Thirukottiyur nambi when emperumAnAr gave charamaslOka artham to the ones who surrendered to him in thirukkOshtiyUr
7. SriBhasyakarar - Name given by Saraswathi at Sri Bhandar Library Kashmir
8. Udaiyavar - Name given by NamPerumanal of Srirangam since both the Ubhaya vibhooti(SriVaikuntam) and Leela Vibhooti belongs to him. Rendu vibhooti udaiyavarai irukarthale named by perumal as UDAYAVAR.
9. GOthakrajan - Aandal accepted him as her brother since Ramanujar fullfilled Andal's wish of "100 gangalam vennai and 100 gangalam akkara vadisal samarpikkiren " to Thirumal irum cholai azhagar.
10. Lakshmanamuni - given by thiruvaranga peumAL arayar
11. Tiruppaavai Jeeyar
12. Koil annan - given by AndAL after emperumAnAr offered 100 plates of akkAra adisil and 100 plates of butter to thirumAlirunchOlai azhagar.
13. SatagOpan ponnadi given by thirumAlaiAndAn
14. bhUthpurIsar given by Adhi kEsava perumAL of sriperumputhUr.
15. dhEsikEndhrar given by thiruvEnkatamudayAn.
Andhaha Prapashyati Yatam Labhatecha VandhyA tam DEvamEva Varadam SharaNam GatOsmi"
This is what AlavandAr felt upon seeing RAmAnujar: "By the grace of which Lord a deaf person can reagin his sense of hearing, a lame person can start running, A dumb person start talking, a blind person start seeing and a barren woman beget a child; in His presence I sense that this man will be a great influence on expounding VishitAdvaita to the world".
Note : Further reading on Alavandar
2. The names of ParAsaran(Paraacharar) and VyAsan(Vedavyaasar) who ruled that SrIman NArAyaNA was the supreme Lord be granted to 2 VaishNavAs worthy of the name
3. Write a commentary for NammAzhvAr's divya prabandham
After returning to Kanchipuram, Sri Ramanujar asked Sri Thiru Kacchi Nambigal to find out answers from Sri Varadaraja Permual to clear his doubts on Tattvas and begged Nambi to ask Varadaraja to clarify his doubts. Ramanuja appealed to Nambi and said : " To whom but you shall I tell about the matters that agitate my mind for long?" . Kanchi Purna during the night service to the Lord passed on the confusion of Ramanuja. The Lord answered Ramanuja"s question and directed Nambi to convey His answers to Ramanuja.
1.AHAMEVA PARAM BRAHMA JAGAT KAARANAKAARANAM
(I am the Absolute Brahman,the cause of Prakriti, which is the cause of the Universe).
2. KSHETRAGYESVARAYHORBHEDA: SIDDHA YEVA MAHAMATEH
(O Bright one! The distinction between Jiva and Iswara is axiomatic).
3.MOKSHOPAAYO NYASA EVA JANAANAAM MUKTIMICCHATAAM
(Self-surrender (at my feet) is the only means for liberation for those who seek Moksham (final Beatitude).
4. MADHBHAKTAANAAM JANAANAANAAM CHA NAANTIMASMRITHIIRISHYATEH
(The liberation of My devotees ,even though they fail to remember Me during the last moment of their lives, is sure to take place).
5.DEHAAVASAANEH BHAKTHAANAAM DADHAAMI PARAMAM PADHAM
(As soon as My devotees give up their bodies , they attain residence at my supreme abode ).
6.POORNAACHAARYAM MAHAATMAANAM SAMAASRAYA GUNAASRAYAM
(Seek Refuge in the great soul Maha Purna, who is endowed with all virtues).
ITI RAMAANUJAARYAAYA MAYOKTHAM VADHA SATWARAM
(Go soon to Ramanuja and tell him , what I have told you).
More details on the above six as follows..
1. Ahameva Param Thatvam: - SrIman NArAyaNa is the supreme and only Lord, that Lord Narayana is the Paramatma.
2. Darsanam Betha Evacha. - The discrepancy between Advaitam and VishitAdvaitam. That the individual souls were different from Paramatma.
3. Upaayeshu Prabathisyath - The only way to mOkShA at the lotus feet of the Lord is by CharaNAgati. That Prapatti is the means to attain salvation
4. Dehaa Vasaane Mukthihi - Once charaNAgati is done, it is not necessary to utter/think of the Lord's name during the last moment of life. That the last remembrance of the Lord on the part of the departing soul was not necessary.
5. Anthima Smrithi Varjanam - MOkshA is not instantaneous upon charaNAgati: until the body lives, the soul lives in it. The should departs for mOkshA only when the body dies. That Moksha can be obtained only on laying off the mortal coils (Videha Mukti)
6. Periya Nambigalidam(Mahapurna) Samaashrayenam. - RAmAnujar should stay by Periya Nambi's side and gain his tutelance. That Ilaya Perumal should take refuge at the feet of Periya Nambi.
Maha Purna at that time was hurrying towards Kanchi at the command of the Lord to meet Ramanuja. They met half way at Madhuraanthakam .
In the temple of Aeri KAththa RAman's sannidi, under a Magizha tree, Periya Nambi revealed the Pancha SamskAram to RAmAnujar.Ramanuja received the five Purificatory rites (Pancha Samskaaram : Yajna, Ankana, Urdhvapundra,Mantra and Dasyanama ) from Mahapurna. Ramanujar also returned with Maha Purna and his wife to his home in Kanchipuram
"Tridandam UbavIdamsa VAsaha GoupInavEshtanam
Sikyangkavasa MityEtat PipruyAt yAvatAyusham"
According to those lines, he embraced the tridandam and the yagnyopavItam. PEraruLALan blessed him with the name of YatirAjar as his "Archchaka mukam".
Later Sri YadavaPrakasar himself became his Sishyar (student) and got the title of Sri "Govinda Jeeyar".
2. Periya Thirumalai Nambigal/Srisaila PoornA/ Maternal Uncle of Ramanujar - Ramayana artha upadesam. Srimadh RaamAyaNam is known as the SaraNAgathi Saasthram.
3. Thirukottiyur Nambigal /Gosthi Poornar - Upadesam on (Ramanujar's made 18 trips) THIRUMANTHIRA ARTHAM and charma slokam to Ramanujar
4. Thirumalai Andan / MaalAdhArA - Upadesam of Thiruvaimozhi(Bhagavadh Vishayam) artham to Ramanujar.
5. Azhwar Thiruvaranga Perumal Araiyar/AaLavandhAr AazhwAn - Upadesam of rest of the 3000 divyaprabandam (other than thiruvai mozhi) + Charma Parva Nishtai. ( Essence of CHARAMA PARVA NISHTAI - ie aacharya abhimaname uthamam)
Also Thirukachchi Nambigal(Kanchipurna) revealed the The 6 sentences of PErarulAlan, and many others to Ramanujar.
1. Sri Bhaashyam
2. GitA BhAshyam
3. VedArtha SangrahA
4. VedAntha DipA
5. Vedantha SaarA
6. SaraNAgathi Gadhyam
7. Sriranga Gadhyam
8. Sri Vaikunta Gadhyam
9. The Nithya-GranthA
Poet Arunagiri himself sang clearing all doubts in this regard saying "Ulageenra Pachai umaiyanan, Vada Venkadathil Uraibhavan, Uyar Sanga Chakra kara Thalan".
In thirupathi temple we have the sannadhi only for Sribhasyakarar. This tells that Ramanujar presence is presence of all the azhwars. Other azhwar/acharyar is not there in tirupathi because all of them are part of Ramanujar’s thirumeni as told in Ramanuja Avayavaya Prabhavam.
2. Yathiraja Vimsathi is written by Manavala mamunigal in Sanskrit with 20 sloga’s.
3. Yathirajar Sapthathi by Vedanta Desikan. In that he says "Murpattavargalukku avar thirumudi sambhanthathale vazchi, pirpattavargalale avar thiruvadi sambhanthathale vazchi"
2. Muthaliandan/DASARATHI - year 1027 - RAMANUJAR had two sisters and first sister’s (Bhoomi pirati) son is dasarathi. He is supposed to be Raman’s avatharam. Muthali yandan is Ramanujar’s paduka.
3. Govindan / Embar - Ramanujar gave him ashrama sweekaram and gave the name EMBAR which is short form of his own name(EMPERUMANAR’s short form is EMBAR). EMBAR is like a shadow of ramanujar’s feet. Ramanujarku “pada chyayai”.
Once there was a debate near kaveri as to who would be the greatest acharya on earth. there were arguments and counter arguments. Koorathzhwan could not bear this any more. He walked in to kaveri water and vowed with raised hands ” satyam satyam puna: satyam yatirAjo jagatguru: – sa eva sarva lokAnam uddharta na samsaya:” Yatiraja is the only Acharya to this world. He is the only one who can bring us out of the sufferings of this materialistic world. check: http://saranagathi.org/blogs/velukkudi/ramanuja-sambandham/
1.Sribhasyam kalakshebham panna vendum
2. Arulicheyalai(Thiruvai mozhi) othum
3. Divya desam thorum kainkaryam panna vendum
4. Thirunarayana purathule kudisai katti kondu vazha vendum
5. Dwayathai arthanusanthanam panna vendum
6. Srivaishnavan oruthan nizhalile othungi vazhavendum
(Courtesy Sri Nrishimhapriya Trust, Chennai )
Sri Ramanujar’s guideline for us to follow that would assure us the grace of Sriman NaarAyaNA
1) Learn Sri Bhashya and teach it to others
2) If that is above your level, learn Thiruvaimozhi and make others read it
3) If that is beyond your level, build a hut in any holy land and live there by doing kainkaryam (thaLigai, alankAram, chandhana/pushpa kainkaryam, etc) in archAvathAra sthalams
4) If that is impractical, do service in the temple at thirunarayanapuram(melkote) and staying there (serving emperumAn and his adiyArs)
5) If that is inconvenient, chant Dwaya Mantra
6) If that is also difficult, serve a devotee of Sriman Narayana
Month : Magha masam,
Day : 10th Day (Dasami thithi) of Sukla paksham, Dasami thithi,
Time: Noon (mathiyana velaila)
Star : Thiruvrangam
Place : Srirangam
With his head on the lap of Embar and his feet on the lap of Vaduga Nambi, Ramanuja breathed his last in 1137 AD listening to the recitation of the Divya Prabandam.
After living for 120 years from 1017 - 1137 CE, Intha thirumeni neethu vittu thannoda swaroopanana adi sheshanoda roopathai adainthar. Balaramanoda koodinar, lakshmananoda koodinar, adi seshanoda koodinar Ramnujar.
His physical body is preserved even today in a sitting posture in the Sannidhi (Sanctum Sanctorum) dedicated to him on the southwest corner on the fifth round within the Srirangam temple as ordered by Lord Ranganatha himself.
vyAmOhatha: tadhitharANi thruNAya mEnE
asmath GurO:BhagavadhOsya dayaikasindhO:
Raamaanujasya CharaNou SaraNam prapdhyE
Meaning : I seek the tiruvaDi of Sree rAmAnuja who considered all the worldly things and pleasures as mere nothing (grass) because of his love towards the tiruvaDi of achchuta. He is our guru since he possesses all the auspicious qualities (guNAs) and therefore dayAsAgara (ocean of mercy).
http://sriperumbuthur.blogspot.in/p/references.html
http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/emperumanar/
http://saranagathi.org/acharyas/ramanuja/articles/life2.php
http://saranagathi.org/acharyas/ramanuja/articles/life.php
Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha
This blog is an humble attempt to list some of the key notes i have gathered during my study on Sri Ramanuja Vaibhavam. I seek the blessings of Sri Ramanuja to write a more detailed blog on this topic soon.
GuruParamparai - Lineage Tree of Preceptors
Guru Parampara is the uninterrupted lineage of Acharyas right from the Supreme Lord Sriman Narayana up to one’s own Acharya in the descending order or from one’s own Acharya up to Lord Narayana in the Ascending order. The authentic works which help us to understand our Guru Paramparai are
1.Guru Parampara Prabhavam, (6000 padi), a work in Sanskritised Tamil prose by Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeer. Ebook available at http://srivaishnava.org/rare/
2. Guru Parampara Prabhavam (3000 padi) by Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Jeer. Ebook available at http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/3000padi.asp
Guru Parampara order till Ramanujar is as follows
1) Sriman Narayanan,
2) Sri Mahalakshmi,
3) Sri Vishwaksenar (aippasi pooraadam)
4) Sri Nammazwar (SaTakOpar- Vaikaasi Visaakam)
5) Sri Nathamunigal (Year 823 – 930 ? , Aani anusham )
6) Sri Uyyakkondar / PuNdareekakshar (826- 930, Chithrai Kaarthikai)
7) Sri Manakkal Nambhi / Ramamisrar (Maasi makham)
8) Sri Yamunacharya or Alavandhaar – He is the grandson of Nathamunigal. Nathamunigal’s son Isvaramuni’s son. 916 - 1036 Alavandhaar - Aadi UtthirAdam
9) Alavandar’s five disciples are
1) Sri Periya Nambhi /
2) Thiruvaranga PerumAL Arayar /
3) ThirukkOttiyoor Nambhi /
4) Thirumalai ANdaan /
5) Periya Thirumalai Nambhi /
10) Sri Periya Nambhi /
11) Sri Ramanujacharya (Year 1017 -1137- Chitthirai Thiruvaadhirai)
12) 74 Mudhali's/ simhaasanaadhipathi appointed by Ramanujar
13) One can trace the acharya guruparamparai from our current day Acharya to Ramanujar.
12) 74 Mudhali's/ simhaasanaadhipathi appointed by Ramanujar
13) One can trace the acharya guruparamparai from our current day Acharya to Ramanujar.
Guruparampara blog - http://srikrishnarpanam.blogspot.in/2013/05/vishistadvaitha-guru-parampara-acharya.html
Ramanujar - Central Pendant of the Guru Parampara Garland
Guru Paramparai thaniyan (by kUraththAzhvAn )
lakshmI nAtha samArambhAm nAthayAmuna madhyamAm |
asmadAchArya paryantAm vande guru paramparAm ||
Meaning : I solute the guruparampara starting from lakShminAtha, with Sreeman nAthamuni in the middle and ending with my AchArya. Sreedhara is the first AchArya who taught the SAstra to lakShmi. From her to viSvaksEna and to nammAzhwAr the AchArya parampara goes down till one’s own AchArya.
Swamy Vedantha Desikan in Yathiraja Sapthathi says
"Amunaa tapanaathishaayi bhoomnaa yathiraajena nibadhdha naayakasri:
mahathi guru pankthi haara yashti: vibhudhaanaam hridyamgamaa vibhaathi:"
In the garland of our Guru Parampara, one side is decorated with the rathnaams which starts from emperumaan lakshmi nathan and other mudalaachaaryaas like Nathamuni, Sadagopan, Senai Nathan and on the other side we have the rathnams like nanjeeyar, nampillai etc. Out of all these rathnams our emperumaanaar is like a naayaka rathnam who is in the middle of these rathnams. This is the condensed meaning of the verse above.
Birth details of Ilaya Perumal(Ramanujar)
2. Day : Thursday
3. Tamil Year : Pingala
4. Tamil Month : Chitrai
5. Paksham : Sukla Paksha
6. Thithi : Panchami,
7. Star : In the constellation of Aridra (Thiruvadurai)
8. Parents : Asuri Keshavachar and Kandhimathi
9. Place of Birth : Sriperumpudur, Sriperambhoothur & was known as Bhootha Puri in Sanskrit.
10. Named as : Ilaya Perumal , Ramanujan (Raman+anujan since the child resembled Lakshmana)
11. Upanayanam : Garbathhai serthu 8 vayasula upanayanam
12. Marriage : At the ages of 16 Rakshakaambaal/Tanjammal, in Tamil and relocated to Kanchipuram
13. Guru : First guru is YAdavaprakAsar from whom he learnt Advaita VEdAnta grantAs. Later Alaavandar's 5 disciples taught him on the SriVaishnava Sampradhayam. Acharyan is Periya Nambhi.
14. Founder of : Sri Ramanuja Darisanam - Vishistaadvaita Philosophy / doctrine in line with the wishes of Alavandar.
Avathara Rahasyam of Ramanujar
1. Adi Sheshan avatharamThere is a sloka in Yadhavaachala Mahatmyam which says:
Ananthah Prathamam Roopam Lakshmanascha Tathah Parah |
Balabadram Thritheeyasthu Kalou Kaschit Bhavishyathi ||
(meaning) It is the same who was Adhisesha first, Lakshmana after and Balarama in the third who is born as Sri Ramanuja in the Kali yuga. This Kaschit is taken by our Poorva Acharyas as referring to Ramanuja.
2. Pancha weapons amsam
3. Parthasarathy avatharam - Parents of Ramanujar gave birth to him after praying to Parthasarathy. Lord accepted their prayers and he himself came down as an avatar in the form of ramanujar.
Names of Ramanujar
1. Bhavishyath Acharyar - Name revealed by Nammazhwar. Nammazhwar had given the Bhavishyath acharyar vigraham to Nathamunigal.2. IlayAzhvAn/Ilaya azhwar/Illaiyaazhwaar – This is his own name - eyar peyar. Name given by Periya Thirumalai Nambhi his maternal uncle.
3. RAmAnujan - Name kept by Periya Nambi Since the child resembles LakshmaNA, he named him RAmAnujan.
4. Yathiraajar - PEraruLALan(kanchi Varadhan) blessed him with the name of YatirAjar as his "Archchaka mukam" during sanyAsAshrama svIkAram.
5. Ramanuja Muni - Varadaraja perumal gave sanyasam (aashrama sweekaram) to elliya perumal with name ramanuja muni thru thirukachi nambhi
6. Emberumaanar given by Thirukottiyur nambi when emperumAnAr gave charamaslOka artham to the ones who surrendered to him in thirukkOshtiyUr
7. SriBhasyakarar - Name given by Saraswathi at Sri Bhandar Library Kashmir
8. Udaiyavar - Name given by NamPerumanal of Srirangam since both the Ubhaya vibhooti(SriVaikuntam) and Leela Vibhooti belongs to him. Rendu vibhooti udaiyavarai irukarthale named by perumal as UDAYAVAR.
9. GOthakrajan - Aandal accepted him as her brother since Ramanujar fullfilled Andal's wish of "100 gangalam vennai and 100 gangalam akkara vadisal samarpikkiren " to Thirumal irum cholai azhagar.
10. Lakshmanamuni - given by thiruvaranga peumAL arayar
11. Tiruppaavai Jeeyar
12. Koil annan - given by AndAL after emperumAnAr offered 100 plates of akkAra adisil and 100 plates of butter to thirumAlirunchOlai azhagar.
13. SatagOpan ponnadi given by thirumAlaiAndAn
14. bhUthpurIsar given by Adhi kEsava perumAL of sriperumputhUr.
15. dhEsikEndhrar given by thiruvEnkatamudayAn.
Nammazhwar revealing about Bhavishyath Acharya to Madurakavi Azhwar
Madhurakavi AzhwAr once requested swAmi nammAzhwAr that "once you finish the prabandhams you will leave for paramapadam. adiyEn would like to see you, and perform kainkaryams to you as long as adiyEn lives here". Then swAmi nammAzhwAr asked madhurakavi AzhwAr to bring water from thramraparni river, and boil it. From the boiling waters a divyamangaLa vigraham came out with an anjali hastham. Madhurakavi AzhwAr recognized that this is not azhWars vigraham, so he went to AzhwAr and conveyed the news. Then azhwar replied him, "this is the acharya I mentioned in the poliga poliga. Pathigam. He will be the bhavishyad achArya, who will be born to relieve the samsaris from kali's plays". "Kaliyum kedum kandu konmin" with such a confidence azhwar points happly towards the future birth of Ramanujar. AzhwAr again asked madhurakavi azhwar to continue boiling and then came a divya mangala vigraham of azhwar himself with jnana mudrai. Through the bhavishyad achArya vigraha the avathara rahasya was revealed to madhura kavi azhwar much earlier than the real avathara took place. Bhavishyath Acharyan Temple - place where Nammazhwar revealed about Bhavishyad acharya to Madhurakavi Azhwar is in Alwar Thirunagari/Thirukurugoor at Ramanuja Chathurvedi Mangalam.
Bhavishyad Acharya vigraham from Nammazhvar to Nathamunigal
Bhavishyad Acharya vigraham was given to Sri Nathamunigal by Swami Nammazhwar after teaching him the great treasure of nalayiram divya prabhandam. This was then given to Sri Uyyakkondar. This vigraham was passed to Sri Manakkal Nambi who succeeded him. Sri Yamnucharya (Nathamunikal’s grand son) got the sacred vigraham from Sri Manakkal Nambi. Sri Yamunacharya identified Ilaya Perumal as the bhavishyath aacharyan he had. Later Yamnucharya gave it to Thirukoshtiyur Nambhigal. Even today this beautiful vigraham of Ramanujar at the feet of Nammazhwar is available at Thirukoshtiyur as part of the aradhana vigraham. Bhavishyath Acharyan Vigraham that Sri Nathamunigal got from Nammazhwar is present in Thirukoshtiyur.
As an Advaita Student of Sri Yadavaprakashar @ Kanchipuram
He started his in-depth studies, as an advaita student under Sri YadavaPrakasar of Kanchipuram. Govindha Battar, his cousin, also joined Sri Ramanujar during his studies. Sri Ramanujar excelled as a student and even corrected Sri YadavaPrakasar's explanations of Upanishads. This brought about a tinge of unpleasantness in Sri YadavaPrakasar's attitude towards Sri Ramanujar. The famous incident, where Sri Ramanujar gave a superior explanation to Sri YadavaPrakasar's explanation of the word "Kapyasam" fueled this unpleasantness to the extent that the Guru plotted to kill his illustrious student.
Kanchi Theva Perumal & Thayar's Grace on Ramanujar
Ramanujar had many difference of opinion on the meanings explained by his teacher Yadhavaprakashar. Sri GovindaBattar got to know about the plot and warned Sri Ramanujar, who ran away from the group and tried to go back to Kanchipuram. On his way back, Sri Varadaraja Perumal and Sri Perundevi Thayar, the Divine Dampathis themselves, came disguised as a hunter couple and helped him reach Kanchipuram.
Thayar/Veduvecchi was very thirsty and asked for water. Ramanujar took the water from the Salai Kinaru for Theertha kaiyinkaryam and gave it to vaduvechi. They drank the water. Then they told him that the place they were in was called "PuNyakOdi VimAnam" and disappeared. RAmAnujar realized that it was none other than the Lord and Her almighty PirAtti who had been his guides and fainted at the realization. When he came to, he perfumed his daily rituals and went to the temple to have a darshan of PErarulAlan.
Every year for IyarbA SAthumOrai, it is customary for ArulAlan to come be with RAmAnujar there. Thirumanjanam is also done. The Lord is dressed as hunter with a bow and arrow on this day.
http://anudinam.org/2013/01/11/kanchi-anushtanakula-uthsavam-updated-photos/
http://anudinam.org/2013/01/05/perumal-kovil-anushtanakula-uthsavam/
Thayar/Veduvecchi was very thirsty and asked for water. Ramanujar took the water from the Salai Kinaru for Theertha kaiyinkaryam and gave it to vaduvechi. They drank the water. Then they told him that the place they were in was called "PuNyakOdi VimAnam" and disappeared. RAmAnujar realized that it was none other than the Lord and Her almighty PirAtti who had been his guides and fainted at the realization. When he came to, he perfumed his daily rituals and went to the temple to have a darshan of PErarulAlan.
Ramanujar Theertha kainkaryam - Salakinaru
From that day onwards, he carried on the task of bringing water from the very same well to the deities. R=That well was called "SAlak kinar" and to this day, water is supplied to the deities from there. There is also a sannidi for BHAshyakArar here. Thus, Sri Ramanujar started doing "Theertha Kainkaryam" (fetching water from a well for temple use) at Sri Varadaraja Perumal Koil, based on orders from Sri Varadaraja Permual himself. This was conveyed by Sri ThiruKacchiNambigal to Sri Ramanujar.Every year for IyarbA SAthumOrai, it is customary for ArulAlan to come be with RAmAnujar there. Thirumanjanam is also done. The Lord is dressed as hunter with a bow and arrow on this day.
http://anudinam.org/2013/01/11/kanchi-anushtanakula-uthsavam-updated-photos/
http://anudinam.org/2013/01/05/perumal-kovil-anushtanakula-uthsavam/
Alavandar's words when he saw Ramanujar first at Kanchipuram
In the meantime, Sri Alavandar visited Kanchipuram and felt very happy by Sri Ramanujar's radiance and prayed Sri Varadaraja Permual to make Sri Ramanuja come into the Sri Vaishnava fold.
"Yasya PrasAdakalayA BadhirashruNOti Padmuhu PradhAvati javEnachavatti mukahaAndhaha Prapashyati Yatam Labhatecha VandhyA tam DEvamEva Varadam SharaNam GatOsmi"
This is what AlavandAr felt upon seeing RAmAnujar: "By the grace of which Lord a deaf person can reagin his sense of hearing, a lame person can start running, A dumb person start talking, a blind person start seeing and a barren woman beget a child; in His presence I sense that this man will be a great influence on expounding VishitAdvaita to the world".
Note : Further reading on Alavandar
Ramanujar fighting the Brahma Rakshas @ Kanchi
At this time, the Divine Dampathis decided to bring to light, Sri Ramanujar's greatness. The king's daughter became possessed by a "Brahma Rakshasa", a formidable evil spirit. On king's request, Sri Yadava Prakasar and his main students (including Sri Ramanuja) visited the palace to cure the king's daughter. Sri Yadava Prakasar tried to cure the princess, but in vain. The evil spirit informed Sri YadavaPrakasa that it would move out, if Sri Ramanujar instructed him to do so. Sri Ramanujar instructed the evil spirit to leave and it left the princess' body. Sri Ramanujar became famous.
Ramanujar @ Alavandar's death bed
At the instruction of Sri Alavandar, Sri Peria Nambigal (one of Sri Alavandar's sishyas) visited Kanchipuram and made Sri Ramanujar come with him to visit Sri Alavanda.
Ramanujar's Three promises to Alavandar
Unfortunately, Alavandar attained Paramapadham before Ramanujar reached Srirangam. Ramanujar saw three of Alavandar's fingers folded and enquired the reason. The disciples who had heard AalavandAr's 3 desires earlier in the day explained it to him. Immediately RAmAnujar vowed that "As the selected one of the Aacharyan, PEraruLALan will carry out all these 3 tasks through me". At that very instant, the 3 fingers of the Aacharyan relaxed on his departed body! Everyone who witnessed this was astounded. They realized that RAmAnujar was indeed the chosen one.
The three wishes as follows
1. Writing a commentary for VyAsa SUtram/Brahma Sutram Composed by Vedav Vyasar2. The names of ParAsaran(Paraacharar) and VyAsan(Vedavyaasar) who ruled that SrIman NArAyaNA was the supreme Lord be granted to 2 VaishNavAs worthy of the name
3. Write a commentary for NammAzhvAr's divya prabandham
Six words revealed to Ramanujar by Kanchi Theva perumal through Thirukachi Nambhigal
Thirukachi Nambhigal (Kanchi Purna) did the Thiruvalavattu(visiri/fan) kaimkariyam to Kanchi Theva perumal and lord Theva perumal used to converse with Thirukachi Nambhigal. Further reading Thirukachi Nambhigal Vaibhavam. Sri Devarajaashtakam was composed by Thirukachi Nambhigal.After returning to Kanchipuram, Sri Ramanujar asked Sri Thiru Kacchi Nambigal to find out answers from Sri Varadaraja Permual to clear his doubts on Tattvas and begged Nambi to ask Varadaraja to clarify his doubts. Ramanuja appealed to Nambi and said : " To whom but you shall I tell about the matters that agitate my mind for long?" . Kanchi Purna during the night service to the Lord passed on the confusion of Ramanuja. The Lord answered Ramanuja"s question and directed Nambi to convey His answers to Ramanuja.
1.AHAMEVA PARAM BRAHMA JAGAT KAARANAKAARANAM
(I am the Absolute Brahman,the cause of Prakriti, which is the cause of the Universe).
2. KSHETRAGYESVARAYHORBHEDA: SIDDHA YEVA MAHAMATEH
(O Bright one! The distinction between Jiva and Iswara is axiomatic).
3.MOKSHOPAAYO NYASA EVA JANAANAAM MUKTIMICCHATAAM
(Self-surrender (at my feet) is the only means for liberation for those who seek Moksham (final Beatitude).
4. MADHBHAKTAANAAM JANAANAANAAM CHA NAANTIMASMRITHIIRISHYATEH
(The liberation of My devotees ,even though they fail to remember Me during the last moment of their lives, is sure to take place).
5.DEHAAVASAANEH BHAKTHAANAAM DADHAAMI PARAMAM PADHAM
(As soon as My devotees give up their bodies , they attain residence at my supreme abode ).
6.POORNAACHAARYAM MAHAATMAANAM SAMAASRAYA GUNAASRAYAM
(Seek Refuge in the great soul Maha Purna, who is endowed with all virtues).
ITI RAMAANUJAARYAAYA MAYOKTHAM VADHA SATWARAM
(Go soon to Ramanuja and tell him , what I have told you).
More details on the above six as follows..
1. Ahameva Param Thatvam: - SrIman NArAyaNa is the supreme and only Lord, that Lord Narayana is the Paramatma.
2. Darsanam Betha Evacha. - The discrepancy between Advaitam and VishitAdvaitam. That the individual souls were different from Paramatma.
3. Upaayeshu Prabathisyath - The only way to mOkShA at the lotus feet of the Lord is by CharaNAgati. That Prapatti is the means to attain salvation
4. Dehaa Vasaane Mukthihi - Once charaNAgati is done, it is not necessary to utter/think of the Lord's name during the last moment of life. That the last remembrance of the Lord on the part of the departing soul was not necessary.
5. Anthima Smrithi Varjanam - MOkshA is not instantaneous upon charaNAgati: until the body lives, the soul lives in it. The should departs for mOkshA only when the body dies. That Moksha can be obtained only on laying off the mortal coils (Videha Mukti)
6. Periya Nambigalidam(Mahapurna) Samaashrayenam. - RAmAnujar should stay by Periya Nambi's side and gain his tutelance. That Ilaya Perumal should take refuge at the feet of Periya Nambi.
So, Sri Varadaraja Perumal himself gave the roots of our philosophy to Sri Ramanujar. After hearing the Lord"s answers to his questions, Ramanuja went for initiation by Maha Purna at Srirangam.
Samasrayanam by Periya Nambhigal(Mahapurna)
Place : MadhurantagamMaha Purna at that time was hurrying towards Kanchi at the command of the Lord to meet Ramanuja. They met half way at Madhuraanthakam .
In the temple of Aeri KAththa RAman's sannidi, under a Magizha tree, Periya Nambi revealed the Pancha SamskAram to RAmAnujar.Ramanuja received the five Purificatory rites (Pancha Samskaaram : Yajna, Ankana, Urdhvapundra,Mantra and Dasyanama ) from Mahapurna. Ramanujar also returned with Maha Purna and his wife to his home in Kanchipuram
Ramanujar becomes Yathirajar / Ramanuja Muni in front of Kanchi Varadhan
Sri Ramanujar's wife committed three "Bhaghavata Apacharams" (sins committed against Sriman Narayana's bhaktas) and due to that, Sri Ramanujar left her and undertook "Sanyasa Ashramam" in Kanchipuram. Sri Varadaraja Permul gave him the title of "YathiRajar".
Varadaraja perumal gave sanyasam (aashrama sweekaram) to elliya perumal with name ramanuja muni thru thirukachi nambhi.."Tridandam UbavIdamsa VAsaha GoupInavEshtanam
Sikyangkavasa MityEtat PipruyAt yAvatAyusham"
According to those lines, he embraced the tridandam and the yagnyopavItam. PEraruLALan blessed him with the name of YatirAjar as his "Archchaka mukam".
Later Sri YadavaPrakasar himself became his Sishyar (student) and got the title of Sri "Govinda Jeeyar".
Ramanujar @ Srirangam - Periaperumal calling him Udayavar
When Sri Ramanujar visited Sri Rangam, Peria Permual himself asked him to attend to SriRangam Koil Kainkaryam and called him "Udayavar".
Rendu vibhooti udaiyavarai irukarthale named by perumal as UDAYAVAR. The Rendu vibhooti yevaiyavana 1. Srivaikuntam – ubhaya vibhooti, 2. Leela vibhooti
Umakkum un udayarukkum intha rendu vibhootiyum undu. ie who ever are ramanujar thiruvadi sampatham irukko avarukku vaikuntam nichayam.5 Acharyan's of Ramanujar & their Upadesam's as per Alavandar's wish
1. Periya Nambi / Maha Poornar performed Pancha samskArams for RaamAnujA- Upadesam of Moola Manthiram & Dwayam to Ramanujar. Also taught him the Brahma SoothrAs , the BhagavadgitA and the esoteric meanings (rahasyArthams) of the Sri VaishNavite rahasyams .2. Periya Thirumalai Nambigal/Srisaila PoornA/ Maternal Uncle of Ramanujar - Ramayana artha upadesam. Srimadh RaamAyaNam is known as the SaraNAgathi Saasthram.
3. Thirukottiyur Nambigal /Gosthi Poornar - Upadesam on (Ramanujar's made 18 trips) THIRUMANTHIRA ARTHAM and charma slokam to Ramanujar
4. Thirumalai Andan / MaalAdhArA - Upadesam of Thiruvaimozhi(Bhagavadh Vishayam) artham to Ramanujar.
5. Azhwar Thiruvaranga Perumal Araiyar/AaLavandhAr AazhwAn - Upadesam of rest of the 3000 divyaprabandam (other than thiruvai mozhi) + Charma Parva Nishtai. ( Essence of CHARAMA PARVA NISHTAI - ie aacharya abhimaname uthamam)
Also Thirukachchi Nambigal(Kanchipurna) revealed the The 6 sentences of PErarulAlan, and many others to Ramanujar.
Ramanujar becoming Emperumanar
Ramanujar visited Sri Thirukoshtiyur Nambi at Thirukottiyur(60 Km from srirangam) and requested him to bless him with explanations for the three important mantras of Sri Vaishnavism: Sri Moola Mantram, Dvyam and Charama Slokam. In order to let the world know about Udayavar's conviction, Sri Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal turned him down seventeen times before giving him the explanations. Sri Nambigal also got a promise from Ramanujar that the latter will not reveal the explanations to anyone. Sri Ramanujar, with lots of compassion for other Sri Vaishnavas, immediately called Sri Kooratalwan and others and gave out the "Mantraartam" (explanations for the Mantras).
Thirukottiyur nambhi heard of this act of ramanujar adn questioned him. Ramanujar replied - "yes I said. Instead of me alone going to vaikantam, let me go to narakam and let them all go to vaikuntam." Thirukottiyur nambhi was pleased with this answer and gave him the title "EMPERUMANAR ie EMPERUMANARO NEER. Are u my lord?"
Till now the siddantam was called PARAMA VAIDEEKA SIDANTAM. From now on this siddantam is called EMPERUMANAR DARISANAM.
Grantam's/ Sri Sookthi's by Ramanujar
Referred as Navarathinam – 9 granta’s by ramanujar written during various times.1. Sri Bhaashyam
2. GitA BhAshyam
3. VedArtha SangrahA
4. VedAntha DipA
5. Vedantha SaarA
6. SaraNAgathi Gadhyam
7. Sriranga Gadhyam
8. Sri Vaikunta Gadhyam
9. The Nithya-GranthA
Ramanujar becoming Bhasyakarar & full filling promises to Alavandar
- Sri Ramanuja travelled to Kashmir Saraswathi Bandaram Library to read Brahma Sutram so that he can write the commentray. With the help of Kurathazhwan he was able to complete this task inspite of hurdles and due to this, he got the title "Sri Bhasyakarar" from Saraswathi herself who was impressed on the work.
- Ramanujar asked Kuresan to name his two sons after Veda Vyasa and Parasara and thus fulfilled his SECOND PROMISE to Alavandar. It was this Parasara Bhattar who subsequently wrote the famous commentary on Vishnu Sahasra Nama as ordained by Ramanuja.
- Another disciple of Ramanuja was Pillaan. Once, when Ramanuja was alone mentally reciting a particular hymn of Tiruvoimozhi, Pillaan entered his room and inquired if he was meditating on a particular hymn. And, it was indeed the one Ramanuja was actually meditating on!. Ramanuja decided that Pillaan was the person best suited to write a commentary on Tiruvoimozhi. As ordered, he wrote the famous 'AARAAYIRAPPADI' (the commentary known as the 6000 Padi also known as Bhagavad Vishayam) and called Pillaan as 'Tirukkurugai Piraan' after the name of Nammalwar. He was also known as Kurugesar and Braathru Thozhappar. Thus, he fulfilled his THIRD PROMISE to Alavandar. He was one of the Sri Bhashya ubhaya Simhasana Adhipathis.
Ramanujar @ Thirupathi - Appanukku Sangu Aazhi Alittha Perumaal
He also traveled to Tirumalai-Tirupathi and proved that the main idol (Moolavar) of the temple is "Archa Moorthy" of Sri Vishnu himself and not that of Shiva or Parvathi Devi, as widely suspected at that time. This was because the Lord had earlier entrusted His insignia to a King called Tondamaan. (SAA p.57-58). The Lord desired to take back from Tondamaan, these insignia viz., Sankhu, Tiruvaazhi, Soolam, Damarukam etc. They were placed in the Sannidhi the previous night. And, when the doors were opened the next morning, the Lord gave Darshan adorning all his insignia (PPM). Ramanuja was hailed as " Appanukku Sangaazhi Alittha Perumaal"Poet Arunagiri himself sang clearing all doubts in this regard saying "Ulageenra Pachai umaiyanan, Vada Venkadathil Uraibhavan, Uyar Sanga Chakra kara Thalan".
In thirupathi temple we have the sannadhi only for Sribhasyakarar. This tells that Ramanujar presence is presence of all the azhwars. Other azhwar/acharyar is not there in tirupathi because all of them are part of Ramanujar’s thirumeni as told in Ramanuja Avayavaya Prabhavam.
Grantam praising Ramanujar
1. Ramanuja nooranthathi – written by Thiruvarangathu Amuthanar . Like Gayathri for brahmanan, ramanujar nootranthathi is called prapanna Gayathri/prapanna savithiri for saranagathi petra Srivaishnavan2. Yathiraja Vimsathi is written by Manavala mamunigal in Sanskrit with 20 sloga’s.
3. Yathirajar Sapthathi by Vedanta Desikan. In that he says "Murpattavargalukku avar thirumudi sambhanthathale vazchi, pirpattavargalale avar thiruvadi sambhanthathale vazchi"
Ramanujar's Dig Vijayam to Divya Desam
Ramanujar did Dig vijayam walked along the length and breadth of India till Badrikashram to spread the Sampradhayam and to visit all the Divya Desam.Ramanujar's 3 Key Disciples
1. KOORATHAZHWAR/KURESAN – year 1009 - Srivathsam yennum bhagavanin MARUvin avatharam.2. Muthaliandan/DASARATHI - year 1027 - RAMANUJAR had two sisters and first sister’s (Bhoomi pirati) son is dasarathi. He is supposed to be Raman’s avatharam. Muthali yandan is Ramanujar’s paduka.
3. Govindan / Embar - Ramanujar gave him ashrama sweekaram and gave the name EMBAR which is short form of his own name(EMPERUMANAR’s short form is EMBAR). EMBAR is like a shadow of ramanujar’s feet. Ramanujarku “pada chyayai”.
Ramanujar at Mel Nadu
Kulothunga Chola was a staunch devotee of Siva and decided to kill Ramanujar. Ramanujar managed to escape with the help of Kurathazhwar and stayed in Melkote, Thirunarayanapuram, Thondanur in Karnataka. Ramanujar happen to find the moolavar of Thirunarayanapuram and reinstalled it in the temple. The utsava idol of the temple there had been taken away by the muslim invaders and was being used at play as a doll by the muslim princess in Delhi. Ramanuja went to Delhi and when he endearingly called ' Come on! My dear child 'Selva Pillaiye Vaarum', the idol miraculously came onto his lap. Ramanuja reinstalled it in the temple. Ramanujar also did proove our sampradayam to 1000 jains during his stay in Thondanur which resulted in many Jains including the hoysala king Vishnu Vardhan joining Sri Vaishnavam.
Ramanujar at Thirumalirum cholamalai kalazhagar
Ramanujar went to Thirumalirum Cholai Azhagar kovil and fulfilled Andal's promise of giving 100 gangalam vennai and 100 gangalam akkara vadisal. After offering that Ramanujar went back to see Andal at Srivilliputhur and Andal called him "nam kovil annan" “GOthakrajan” Andal’s name is Gotha. Akrajan means annan/brother. Thus Ramanujar fulfilled Andal’s wish like a brother.
Ramanujar performing Saranagati at Srirangam
After returning to Srirangam, Ramanujar used the occasion of Panguni Uthiram on which Sita/Rama kalyanam is conducted in Srirangam. It is only on this day Srirangam perumal and Thayar have the "Serthi Sevai". Ramanujar used this occasion of perumal pirratti being together and Gadyatrayam sevithar.
1)Saranagathi gadyam – yeppadi adiyargal saranagathi panna vendum nu avare saranagathi panni kattiya gadyam.
2)Ranga Gadyam – Unnidathil(rangandathil) saranagati nu ranga gadyam saththithar
3)Vaikunta Gadyam – Vaikuntam poi yenna anubhavikka porom nu vaikunta gadyam saththithar.
Even today 11.30 PM on Panguni utthiram saranagathi gadyatrayam ghosti sevikkalam. Thirumanchanam is performed 18 times because of Ramanujar 18 times visit to Thirukottiyur nambhi’s place.
Ramanuja Sambhandam is the only way to lead us to Moksham
Manavala Mamunigal in his arathipradhandam’s last slogam explains this great deed of ramanujar where he got moksham for all his descendant.Like how a father is earning all the money and a son/grandson can spend that. For spending he just need to accept that he is son or grandson nothing else. Like that all we need to do is accept we are ramanujar sambhandhi then we get whatever he has got it for us.Once there was a debate near kaveri as to who would be the greatest acharya on earth. there were arguments and counter arguments. Koorathzhwan could not bear this any more. He walked in to kaveri water and vowed with raised hands ” satyam satyam puna: satyam yatirAjo jagatguru: – sa eva sarva lokAnam uddharta na samsaya:” Yatiraja is the only Acharya to this world. He is the only one who can bring us out of the sufferings of this materialistic world. check: http://saranagathi.org/blogs/velukkudi/ramanuja-sambandham/
Emperumanar Darisanam : Ramanujar and his 74 Mudhali's / simhaasanaadhipathi's
Lakshminathan is the huge ocean. Azhwar is the black cloud. This black cloud drank the water of compassion from the ocean and showered it as rain on the hills called Nathamuni. This water thundered down the mountain as huge waterfalls called Uyyakondar and Manakal Nambi and reached the great river Yamunachar. This river then merged into the huge lake Emberumanar. From this lake, 74 acharyas chosen by Emberumanar act as sluices and spread the compassion of Sriman Narayana to the chetanas. Swami Ramanuja made sure that Sarveswaran’s mercy reaches all the chetanas. He established the sidhantham firmly. That is why Namperumal named our sidhantham as ‘Emberumanar Darisanam’.
6 Guidelines by Ramanujar - Aaru kattalai
After 120 years in this earth, Ramanujar decided to start his journey back to SriVaikuntam. On the last day – 6 kattalai veli ittar Ramanujar1.Sribhasyam kalakshebham panna vendum
2. Arulicheyalai(Thiruvai mozhi) othum
3. Divya desam thorum kainkaryam panna vendum
4. Thirunarayana purathule kudisai katti kondu vazha vendum
5. Dwayathai arthanusanthanam panna vendum
6. Srivaishnavan oruthan nizhalile othungi vazhavendum
(Courtesy Sri Nrishimhapriya Trust, Chennai )
Sri Ramanujar’s guideline for us to follow that would assure us the grace of Sriman NaarAyaNA
1) Learn Sri Bhashya and teach it to others
2) If that is above your level, learn Thiruvaimozhi and make others read it
3) If that is beyond your level, build a hut in any holy land and live there by doing kainkaryam (thaLigai, alankAram, chandhana/pushpa kainkaryam, etc) in archAvathAra sthalams
4) If that is impractical, do service in the temple at thirunarayanapuram(melkote) and staying there (serving emperumAn and his adiyArs)
5) If that is inconvenient, chant Dwaya Mantra
6) If that is also difficult, serve a devotee of Sriman Narayana
Ramanujar's Ascent to Paramapadam
Year: PingalaMonth : Magha masam,
Day : 10th Day (Dasami thithi) of Sukla paksham, Dasami thithi,
Time: Noon (mathiyana velaila)
Star : Thiruvrangam
Place : Srirangam
With his head on the lap of Embar and his feet on the lap of Vaduga Nambi, Ramanuja breathed his last in 1137 AD listening to the recitation of the Divya Prabandam.
After living for 120 years from 1017 - 1137 CE, Intha thirumeni neethu vittu thannoda swaroopanana adi sheshanoda roopathai adainthar. Balaramanoda koodinar, lakshmananoda koodinar, adi seshanoda koodinar Ramnujar.
His physical body is preserved even today in a sitting posture in the Sannidhi (Sanctum Sanctorum) dedicated to him on the southwest corner on the fifth round within the Srirangam temple as ordered by Lord Ranganatha himself.
Dolai Kannan of Ramanujar @ Ahobila Mutt
Nartana Krishna is in aradhanam by the holy hands of our acharyas of Ahobila Mutt to this date. It is said that this image of Krishna was found by Sri Adivan Satakopa Swami from the Thondanur Lake (close to Melkote in Karnataka) - and that this image was in aradhanam by the very hands of Swami Sri Ramanuja. The Guruparampara literature, which incidentally is the authoritative account of the lives of our acharyas, talks of several images of the Lord which were in aradhanam by Swami Sri Ramanuja at several different times and it includes mention of an image of Krishna. This particular image is unique due to its unparalleled beauty reflected in the eyes of the Lord and the entire tirumeni covered in Bijaksharas (or propitiatory mantras) of Sri Krishna. This image of Krishna is in our Sri Ahobila Math.
Ramanujar is with us guiding us
- Abhimana roopam @ Melkote in Thamarugandha Thirumeni ( தமர் உகந்த திருமேனி)
- Sthoola roopam (Athma form) @ Sriperumbudur in Thanugandha Thirumeni (தான் உகந்த திருமேனி)
- Shareeram roopam @ Srirangam in Thanana thirumeni (தானான திருமேனி)
- Sookshma roopam @ Thondanur in Sesha roopam
- Bhavishyad Acharyan vigraham that Sri Nathamunigal got from Nammazhwar is at Sri Emperumanar Thirumaligai @ Thirukoshtiyur
- Bhavishyad Acharyan vigraham that Madhurakavi azhwar got from Nammazhwar is at Bhavishyat acharyan temple, Ramanuja Chaturvedhi Mangalam @ Alwar Thirunagari, Thirukurugur
3 Key Thirumeni's of Ramanujar
Ramanujar Thaniyan (by kUraththAzhvAn )
yO nithyam Achyutha PadhAmbhujayugmarugmavyAmOhatha: tadhitharANi thruNAya mEnE
asmath GurO:BhagavadhOsya dayaikasindhO:
Raamaanujasya CharaNou SaraNam prapdhyE
Meaning : I seek the tiruvaDi of Sree rAmAnuja who considered all the worldly things and pleasures as mere nothing (grass) because of his love towards the tiruvaDi of achchuta. He is our guru since he possesses all the auspicious qualities (guNAs) and therefore dayAsAgara (ocean of mercy).
Further Reading on Ramanujar
http://saranagathi.org/acharyas/ramanuja/http://sriperumbuthur.blogspot.in/p/references.html
http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/emperumanar/
http://saranagathi.org/acharyas/ramanuja/articles/life2.php
http://saranagathi.org/acharyas/ramanuja/articles/life.php
http://anudinam.org/2012/01/10/cholonology-of-bahagavath-ramanujacharyas-service-to-
srivaishnavam/
https://www.trsiyengar.com/id290.shtml
Further Reading on Ramnujar's Thirumeni
http://anudinam.org/2013/10/08/sri-yoga-narasmihar-thondanur/
http://www.melnadu.ramanujartemples.net/
http://www.ramanujartemples.net/Vyabhavam.htm
http://etemples.net/ramanuja/tirumala.htm
http://www.thirukoshtiyur.ramanujartemples.net/
Yatra Series: Ahobilam - Nava Narasimhar Darshan, Places to Visit, Location & Route
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம் - ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Note: Moolavar & some utsavar photos in this page are taken from internet and i do not own any copyright.
Divine tedious trip to Ahobilam for Nava Narasimhar darshan was just possible due to BHAGAVAD KRUPAI and ACHARYA ANUGRAHAM. Still can't believe the experience !!!! Wonderful experience trekking uphill to have Nava Narasimhar darshan @ Ahobilam ..... This ahobilam blog series contains collection of photos and information on Ahobilam.
"ksheero dharnava sayenam Nrukesari
Vigraham param padam Samjaneeyath"
Meaning - "If one knows the royal formula of one, who is lying on the milk of ocean and whose form is Narasimha, he attains immortality".
Manthra Raja Pada stotra supposed to be composed by Lord Shiva himself is from the Ahirbudhnya Samhita, a Paancharaatra text. It is supposed to be the best remedy for aches and mental depression.
Ugram, veeram, Maha Vishnum, jwalantham , sarvathomukham,
Nrusimham bheeshanam bhadram mrutyor mrutyum namamyaham
Meaning : I salure the God who is
Urgra - angry
Vira - Fighting, valorous
Maha-Vishnu ( Lakshmi Narasimha)
Jwalanta - Emitting flames of fire
Sarvotomukham - with a number of faces, shining with faces in all directions
Nrisimha - Ordinary Narasimha
Bisanam - Fightful
Bhadram - adorable
Mrityor-mrityu - the killer of death i.e death to death
Sri LakshmiNrisimhasthothram
simha mukhe roudra roopinyAm|
abhya hasthAngitha karunAmUrtim|
pApavimochanam thuridha nivAranam |
LakshmikatAkshm sarvAbeeshtam |
anekham dehi LakshmiNrsimho |
"Jwala Ahobila Malola Kroda Karanja Bhargava
Yogananda Kshatravata Pavana Nava Moorthayaha."
Prapatthi sloka about-Ahobilam:
All the gods who gathered to see Narasimhar killing Hiranyakashipu exclaimed - What strength! What great strength or Ahobila,.
“Aho Veryam aho sowryam aho bahu parakramaha
Naarasimham param deivam Ahobalam Ahobalam”
Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar. This is commemorated in the below 'mangala sloka'.
"Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou ,
Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "
Important locations in Ahobilam are as follows
Ahobilam to Bangalore: 7 Hours via Allagadda, Kadapa, Rayachoty, Madanapalle, Devanahalli, Bangalore
Above : photos of Nava Narasimhar, Adivan Satakopan, PRahalada Varadhan.
( Note: Missing either Bhargava or Karanja Narasimhar..)
Below : 1. Sri Jwala Narasimhar
Below : 1. Sri Jwala Narasimhar
Below : 4 SrI varAha nrusimhan / Kroda Narasimhan
Below: Note sure : 5 SrI kArancha nrusimhan or 6 Sri Bhargava Narasimhan
Below: 7 SrI yOgAnanda nrusimhan
Sri ChakarathAzhwAr
SrI chakarathAzwAr
Note: Moolavar & some utsavar photos in this page are taken from internet and i do not own any copyright.
Divine tedious trip to Ahobilam for Nava Narasimhar darshan was just possible due to BHAGAVAD KRUPAI and ACHARYA ANUGRAHAM. Still can't believe the experience !!!! Wonderful experience trekking uphill to have Nava Narasimhar darshan @ Ahobilam ..... This ahobilam blog series contains collection of photos and information on Ahobilam.
Stotras on Narasimhan
When gods approached Brahma, he told them"ksheero dharnava sayenam Nrukesari
Vigraham param padam Samjaneeyath"
Meaning - "If one knows the royal formula of one, who is lying on the milk of ocean and whose form is Narasimha, he attains immortality".
Manthra Raja Pada stotra supposed to be composed by Lord Shiva himself is from the Ahirbudhnya Samhita, a Paancharaatra text. It is supposed to be the best remedy for aches and mental depression.
Ugram, veeram, Maha Vishnum, jwalantham , sarvathomukham,
Nrusimham bheeshanam bhadram mrutyor mrutyum namamyaham
Meaning : I salure the God who is
Urgra - angry
Vira - Fighting, valorous
Maha-Vishnu ( Lakshmi Narasimha)
Jwalanta - Emitting flames of fire
Sarvotomukham - with a number of faces, shining with faces in all directions
Nrisimha - Ordinary Narasimha
Bisanam - Fightful
Bhadram - adorable
Mrityor-mrityu - the killer of death i.e death to death
Sri LakshmiNrisimhasthothram
simha mukhe roudra roopinyAm|
abhya hasthAngitha karunAmUrtim|
pApavimochanam thuridha nivAranam |
LakshmikatAkshm sarvAbeeshtam |
anekham dehi LakshmiNrsimho |
Stotras on Ahobilam
Ahobila Nava Narasimhar Sloka:"Jwala Ahobila Malola Kroda Karanja Bhargava
Yogananda Kshatravata Pavana Nava Moorthayaha."
Prapatthi sloka about-Ahobilam:
All the gods who gathered to see Narasimhar killing Hiranyakashipu exclaimed - What strength! What great strength or Ahobila,.
“Aho Veryam aho sowryam aho bahu parakramaha
Naarasimham param deivam Ahobalam Ahobalam”
Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar. This is commemorated in the below 'mangala sloka'.
"Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou ,
Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "
Ahobilam Location :
- Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats in the Nallamala Forest range.
- 68kms from Nandyal Railway Station
- 24 Kms from Allagadda
- Situated on a Plateau 2800ft above sea level
Ahobilam - Sthalapuranam, Ahobila Mutt and Azhagiya Singar's
Check the blog post at http://srikrishnarpanam.blogspot.com/2015/03/AhobilamSthalaPuranam.html
Places to visit in Ahobilam
The whole complex is in two parts – one called Eguvu Ahobilam (Upper Ahobilam) with Nava Narasimha shrines and the other called Diguvu Ahobilam (Lower Ahobilam) with a single shrine for Lakshmee Narasimha connected by a road, stretching a distance of about 12.8 Kms. from Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam.Important locations in Ahobilam are as follows
- Ahobila Nava Narasimhar Temples
- JwaalA Narasimhar - ~4 kms Reachable by walk from Upper Ahobilam on a hill called "Achalachchaya Meru". This place is said to be the actual spot, where teh fierece anger of the lord reached its culmination when he tore Hiranyakasipu.
- Moolavar Jwala Narasimhar
- Sthambha Ugra Narasimhar with Prahaladan and HIranyan
- Veera Narasimhar chasing Hiranyakashipu
- Sukachariar
- Mahavishnu
- Utsavar Jwaala Naraasimhar - for security reasons is at Upper Ahobilam or Lower ahobilam
- Ahobila Narasimhar or Ugra Narasimhar - Main temple at Upper Ahobilam, 8 kms from lower ahobilam, reachable by road.
- Ramanujar Sannidhi
- Narasimhar Sannidhi with Sivalingam. Note: Shiva, Ramar and Pandavas have done aradhanam at Ahobilam in their respective yugas
- Cave into which 6th pattam Azhagiya Singar went in to do aradhanam closed and covered by a fence just in front of moolavar sannidhi.
- Swayambhu (self manifested) Moolavar Ugra Narasimhar/ Ahobila Narasimhar
- Utsavar - Ahobila Narasimar killing hiranyan along with Ubhaya Nachimar, Prahaladan and Garudan
- Shree Chakram pratisha done by Adi Sankara Bhagavadpada
- Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thayar Sannidhi - Moolavar
- Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thayar - Utsavar
- Malola Narasimhar - 2 Kms by walk reachable from upper Ahobilam
- Swayambhu Moolavar of Malola Narasimhan
- Prathistai Moolavar of Malola Narasimhan. Malola - "ma-lo-lakshmi" meaning beloved to lakshmi.
- Utsavar Malola Narasimhan is part of Ahobila Mata Sancharam with Azhagiya Singar as per the divine order by the lord when he appeared in the dreams of Srimat Adivan Satakopa jeeyar.
- Malolan Serthi - Grand rare event when one can have darshan of Utsavar Malolan who is in sancharam with Ahobila Mutt Azhagiya singar along with Moolavar Malolan. Check - http://anudinam.org/2014/09/16/hh-46th-srimath-azhagiyasingar-mangalasasanam-and-sri-malolan-serthi-utsavam-at-upper-ahobilam/
- KrODa (Varaha) Narasimhar - 1 Km by walk reachable from Upper Ahobilam
- Varahan with Bhoomi Piratti in her rare form like a lady.. Lord seeing Piratti and bhoomi Piratti facing the devotees.
- Narasimhar
- Kaaranja Narasimhar - Few kms just before reaching upper ahobilam en route from Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam
- Kaaranja Narasimhar under Pungai maram, prathyaksham to Hanuman with Bow on one hand, one hand showing thiruvadi and another abhaya hastam
- Hanuman
- Kaaranga vrksam i.e Pungai maram
- BhArgava Narasimhar - 2 Kms from Lower Ahobilam reachable by special Jeep
- Askhaya Theertham or Bhargava Theertham where Parasuram/Bhagavaram did thapas to have darshan of Narasimhar.
- Bharagava Narasimhar Moolavar killing Hiranyan and blessing Prahalad
- YogAnandha Narasimhar - 2 Kms from Lower Ahobilam by Car
- Swayambhu moolavar of Yogananda Narasimhar
- Prathistai moolavar of Yogananda Narasimhar- Lord in yogic posture after killing Hiranyakasipu, Lord Narasimha taught Prahlada several yogic postures
- KashathravaDa Narasimhar - 2 Kms from Lower Ahobilam by Car
- Chatravata Narasimhar - tapping to the music by two gandharvas under banyan/peepal tree with similing face
- Paavana Narasimhar - 20 KMs from lower ahobilam by special Jeep or 6kms from upper ahobilam by trek
- Pavana Narasimhar
- Chenculakshmi Thayar in a cave up hill
- Pavana River
- Upper Ahobilam other places
- Ugra Sthambam or Ukku Sthambam - Sthambam from where Narasimha incarnated for his dear devotee Prahalada.
- Pillar itself is considered Narasimha
- Thiruvadi on top of the ugra sthambham
- Kodi on top of the ugra sthambham
- Prahalada Padi or Prahalada Mettu - place where Prahalada had his vidyabhyaasam from Sukracharya’s sons. Small cave with Prahalada vigraham, Prahalada Narasimhar, Chakaratazhwar vigraham and Vishnu Vigraham
- Bhashyakarar Kalakshepa Mandapam -
- Bhashyakarar cave - Cave in which Ramanujar did Tapas. This is just next to Kroda Narasimhar.
- Ahobila Pushkarani
- Bhavanashini river - near Ahobila Narasimhar
- Raktha Kundam near Jwala Narasimhar. Lord Narasimha after killing the demon HIranyakasipu washed his hands in this thirtham and hence the water is reddish in appearance.
- Garudadiri - 3 mountains.. middle mountain in the shape of Garudan's face and two mountains on its sides like wings of the divine bird Garuda. These mountains can be seen from jwala Narasimha temple.
- Narasimhar behind Upper Ahobilam main temple just before the steps leading to Pawana Narasimhar.
- Lower Ahobilam
- PrahlAdha Varadhan Narasimhar Temple
- Sri Kalyana Venkateshwar Swamy Sannidhi
- Prahalada Varadha Narasimhar Moolavar Sannidhi
- Prahalada varadhan Narasimhar Utsavar
- Utsava Murthy's of Nava Narasimhar except Malola Narasimhan. Jwala Narasimha utsavar with ten hands and with his two consorts Sridevi, Bhudevi.
- Azhwar Sannidhi
- Adivan Satakopan Founder of Ahobila Mutt with Lakshmi Narasimhan
- Ramanujar Sannidhi with Swami Desikan on his right and Alavandar on his left. Ramanujar at Lower ahobilam does not have thirithandam since Narasimhar had taken Ramanujar's thirithandam and given it to Adivan Satakopa Jeer the 1st Azhagiya Singar of Ahobila Mutt
- Amruthavalli Thayar Sannidhi
- Andal Sannidhi
- Ramar Sannidhi
- 1000 Pillars unjal mandapam
- Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam
- Moolavar Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar
- Utsavar Ramar, Sita and Lakshmanan
- Nava Narasimhar and Nava Graham Temple
Route for Nava Narasimha Darshan
The trip chart during our Nava Narasimha Darshan is as follows
- Day 1 - 7 AM to 1.30 PM
- Pushkarani at upper ahobilam
- Upper Ahobilam temple - Ahobila Narasimhar/Ugra Narasimhar
- Bhavanasini theertham
- Bhasyakarar Kalakshepa Mandapam
- Bhasyakarar Cave
- Kroda (Varaha) Narasimhar
- View of Ugra Sthambham ( It takes another 3 hours if we plan to climb Ugra Sthambham)
- Jwala Narasimhan
- Raktha Kundam
- View of Garudadiri mountain
- Prahalada Mettu ( We didn't cover this.. it takes another 2 hrs)
- Malola Narasimhan
- Kroda (Varaha) Narasimhar
- Bhasyakarar Cave
- Bhasyakarar Kalakshepa Mandapam
- Back to Upper ahobilam Temple entrance
- Kaaranja Narasimhan
- Day 1 - 4 PM to 7 PM
- Chatravata Narasimhar
- Yogananda Narasimhar
- Nava Narasimhar and Nava Graha Temple
- Lower Ahobilam Prahalada Varadha Narasimha Temple
- Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam
- Day 2 - 7 AM to 11 AM
- Pawana Narasimhar
- Bhargava Narasimhar
Ahobilam route from and to Bangalore:
Bangalore to Ahobilam - 8.5 hours via Kolar, Mulbagal, Palamaner, Madanapalle,Rayachoty,Kadapa, Allagadda,AhobilamAhobilam to Bangalore: 7 Hours via Allagadda, Kadapa, Rayachoty, Madanapalle, Devanahalli, Bangalore
Photos of Nava Narasimha Darshan @ Ahobilam
Do not miss to check the snaps of Ahobila Nava Narasimhar Kshetram at the below link
Ahobila Nava Narasimhar Photos
Moolavar Photos of Ahobila Nava Narasimhar
Utsavar photos of Ahobila Nava Narasimhar
( Note: Missing either Bhargava or Karanja Narasimhar..)
Below : 1. Sri Jwala Narasimhar
Below : 1. Sri Jwala Narasimhar
Below : 1_jwalaNarasimhan_Ahobilam
Below : 2 SrI ahObila nrusimhan
Below : 3 Malola Narasimhan
Below : 3 Malola Narasimhan
Below : 4 SrI varAha nrusimhan / Kroda Narasimhan
Below: Note sure : 5 SrI kArancha nrusimhan or 6 Sri Bhargava Narasimhan
Below: 7 SrI yOgAnanda nrusimhan
Below: 8 SrI chathravada nrusimhan
Below : 9. SrI pAvana nrusimhan
Sri ChakarathAzhwAr
SrI chakarathAzwAr
Monday, 23 March 2015
Ahobilam - Sthalapuranam, Ahobila Mutt and Azhagiya Singar's
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம் - ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Note: Moolavar & some utsavar photos in this page are taken from internet and i do not own any copyright.
Divine tedious trip to Ahobilam for Nava Narasimhar darshan was just possible due to BHAGAVAD KRUPAI and ACHARYA ANUGRAHAM. Still can't believe the experience !!!! Wonderful experience trekking uphill to have Nava Narasimhar darshan @ Ahobilam ..... This ahobilam blog series contains collection of photos and information on Ahobilam.
SrI lakshmInrsimha prapatti, Composed by HH 24th paTTam SrImat Azhagiya singar
Yasyaas Bhavath Bhaktha Janaarthi Hanthuhu
Pithruthva Manyeshva Vichaarya Dhoorinam |
Sthampe Svadhaarastha Mananya Labyam
Lakshmi Nrusimham Sharanam Prapadhye ||
HH 1st pattam Srimad AdiVann Shatakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan thaniyan
Keshavaarya Krupa Paathram Dheeshamaadhi Gunaarnavam |
Sri Shatari Yatheeshaanaam Deshikendhra Maham Bhaje ||
Prapadhye Niravadhyaanaam Nishadhyaam Gunasampadhaam |
Sharanam Bhavabheethaanaam Shatakopa Muneeshwaram ||
HH 45th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Srimad Ranga Shataari Samyami Varaallabdha Aagamaantha Dhvayam
Srimad Veera Raghudhva Haadhya Shatajith Paadhaara Vindha Shrayam |
Srimad Vedha Vathaamsa Deshikayathehe Kaarunya Veeksha Spadham
Seve Ranga Dhureena Shaasana Vasham Naaraayanam Yoginam ||
Srimathe Lakshmi Nrusimha Dhivya Paadhuka Sevaka SriVann Shatakopa Sri Naaraayana Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaya Namaha ||
HH 46th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Vedhaantha Deshika Yatheendhra Kataaksha Labdha
Thraiyyantha Saara Manavadhya Gunam Bhudhaagrayam |
Naaraayanaadhya Yathi Dhurya Krupaabi Shiktham
Sri Ranganaatha Yathi Shekaram Aashrayaamaha ||
Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Ranganaatha Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaaya Namaha ||
Ahobila Kshetram Sthalapuranam
Photo:Ahobila Mutt building @ Lower Ahobilam
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Moolavar and Utsavar with HH 46th Srimad Azhagiya Singar
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's while at Lower Ahobilam with one of the Nava Narasimhar Utsavar Sri Malola Narasimhan
Photo: Ahobila Mutt office at Upper Ahobilam
Source : Ahobila Mutt Portal
Place: Kancheepuram, Time: Just before dawn of the day (1398 C.E.).
Young Srinivasacharya, hardly twenty years of age, wakes up in an exciting mood. The dream he witnessed a little while ago is the cause of it. Lord Lakshmeenarasimha of Ahobilam appeared before him, commanding him to come to Ahobilam, don the robe of a sanyasi and be instructed in his future mission of life there. Could this vision be true, he kept asking himself again and again. Ahobilam, of course he knew and worship there is not an unusual occurrence in those days of pilgrimage; but that God should have chosen HIM of all people left him amazed. He went about his morning ablutions as usual but in the same ecstatic mind. He then hurried to his Guru the well known Gatikasatham Ammal and told him of his vision. The old Master also known as Varadavishnvacharya told his disciple Srinivasacharya to obey the mandate. So he wended his way to Ahobilam. Having arrived there, he climbed the hill amidst dense forest (which Thirumangai Azhvar describes as one which none can reach except God), had a dip in the river Bhavanasini and took up abode in that wilderness. Meanwhile Mukundaraya, the local chieftain also reached the, place to receive him on divine command. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar.
This is commemorated in the following 'mangala sloka'
Photo: Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar with Sri Malola Narasimhan @ Malola Narasimha Sannidhi
This incident can be seen now in the form of images, carved on a pillar in the Ranga mandapa of the Lower Ahobilam temple (vide History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh by Dr. Madabhoosi Narasimhacharya).
Srinivasacharya, son of Kidambi Kesavacharya was born on 18th August 1379 CE at Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote), Karnataka. Being a family of great orthodox views and of high literary cultural attainments, the boy showed a remarkable mental grasp and keen perception and so, his father Kesavacharya, himself a learned man, decided to send him to Kancheepuram to study at the feet of Ghatikasatham Ammal, a very great scholar of those days. The name Ghatikasatham Ammal (grandson of the famous Nadadoor Ammal) was given to this learned preceptor in honour of the fact that he could compose a hundred verses in a Ghatika (Nazhigai). His school was the most famous and sought after during that period and no wonder Kesavacharya decided to put his son Srinivasacharya there so as to make him a brilliant scholar. Srinivasacharya acquired all the knowledge when Lord Lakshmeenarasimha ordained him into the monastic order as mentioned above and gave him the name 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. The Lord commanded him to take any one of the 'Utsava' Moorthis and said the Jeeyar's task henceforth would be, "Go from door to door taking me with you and minister to the, well being of the disciples. Be thier Guru, purify them with my (Vishnu's) emblems of the conch and the discus and instruct them in the Ashtaksharam, Dwayam, and Charama Slolka."
The Jeeyar though anxious to start on his mission right earnestly, could not decide on the 'Utsava' Moorthi he could take with him. He, therefore, went into a meditation and prayed that the most suitable Moorthi' should come and bless him. Immediately the 'Utsava Moorthi' of Malola Narasimha (Lakshmeenarasimha) came flying from the temple and seated Himself on the outstretched hands of the Jeeyar. Mukundaraya on hearing of this miracle became his disciple and offered not only arrangements for permanent daily worship but also gave a palanquin and other paraphernalia to assist the Jeeyar in his sanchara (tour) along with the 'Malola' Moorthi. He also gave control of all the temples to this Jeeyar and henceforth Ahobila Kshetram came under the direct control of Ahobila Mutt whose pontiffs are even today the hereditary trustees.
Now a look at the 'Malola' Moorthi will reveal that He wears a Paduka indicating that He is ready to proceed on tour and thus both the Jeeyar and his God fully equipped commenced their historic travel giving spiritual and material succour to all who prayed in the course of their travel.
Photo: Sri Malolan Utsava Vigraham of Malola Narasimhar who is part of Sri Ahobila Matham Sancharam with the Azhagiya Singars.
Photo: Ahobila Mutt - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's
More on 1st Azhagiya Singar Vaibhavam : http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/acharya/bio/1stjeer.asp
This cave is currently closed and there is a fence and can be seen just in front of the ahobila Narasimhar sannidhi in Upper ahobilam.
Below is the entrance to the cave in Ahobilam in which 6th Azhagiya Singar entered to perform aradhanam, sounds and vibrations are felt even today. The cave is closed and iron fence has been put and this can be seen just before entering Ahobila Narasimhar Sannidhi at Upper ahobilam.
Photo : 6th Ahobila Mutt Jeeyar cave entrance
Annamaacharya travelled to many of the tirtha skhetrams along with his wives and reached sri ahobilam, where he served malolan and his aacharyan srimad aadhivaan satagopa yatindra maha desikan, the first jeeyar of ahobila matam for many years (around 12 years). The bond between the jeeyar and annamacharya was a special one. The jeeyar performed the sacred rite of bharanyasam for annamacharya, taught him sribhashya, rahasya thraya saaram, srimad ramayanam, nithya grantam and nalaayiram divya prabhandam. This great aacharyan consecrated and presented an archa moorthy of lord venkatesa with his two divine consorts for aaradhanam of annamayya. Further, Adhi vann satakopa jeeya initiated annamayya into the nrusimha and venkatesa mantrams and nurtured the deep bhakti of bard to glorious heights. He composed many moving sankeertanams on the divyadesam of Ahobilam, the lord of ahobilam and his revered Acharyan. Of the 32,000 songs said to have been composed by Annamacharya, 500 are on Narasimha and 150 especially on Ahobilam.
Annamacharya praised his aacharyan in one of his compositions choodo dindhariki shulabudu hari. In the songs he says to him satakopa muni is the easily accessible hari, prince among ascetics, ever by our side like a shadow, the glittering pathway for moksham, the last word for enemies, an embodiment of holiness, the boat to cross the viraja river, possesses glowing erudition to protect the worlds and the effulgent lighting t both animate and inanimate. Surely, he is the vehicle to cross the ocean of samsara and significantly ends up this composition stating that sri satakopa muni is all for lord ranganatha, kaanch varadharaja, tirupati venkateswara and to ahobila nrusimha, the repository of compassion.
Annamachiar's slokam on 1st Azhagiya Singar ...
"Behold! This is our revered Satakopa Muni, who is easily accesible to all and to whom lord hari himself is the guide and refuge! He is our goldenpath for Final abode for beatitude, the last word in scriptures, the soul pure and free from sin and the boat to across the river Viraja in Vaikunta. He is the divine lamp of Wisdom illuminating all the worlds, the redeemer of sins and raft which enables us to cross this ocean called samsara he is an ardent devotee of the presiding dieties of Srirangam, Kanchipuram, tirupati and ahobilam - prince among ascetics"
http://anudinam.org/2012/05/17/annamacharya-and-his-devotion/
Further reading...
http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp
https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/ahobilam-travel-diary/
http://anudinam.org/2011/12/10/ahobilam-nava-narasimha-sthalas/
Note: Moolavar & some utsavar photos in this page are taken from internet and i do not own any copyright.
Divine tedious trip to Ahobilam for Nava Narasimhar darshan was just possible due to BHAGAVAD KRUPAI and ACHARYA ANUGRAHAM. Still can't believe the experience !!!! Wonderful experience trekking uphill to have Nava Narasimhar darshan @ Ahobilam ..... This ahobilam blog series contains collection of photos and information on Ahobilam.
SrI lakshmInrsimha prapatti, Composed by HH 24th paTTam SrImat Azhagiya singar
Yasyaas Bhavath Bhaktha Janaarthi Hanthuhu
Pithruthva Manyeshva Vichaarya Dhoorinam |
Sthampe Svadhaarastha Mananya Labyam
Lakshmi Nrusimham Sharanam Prapadhye ||
HH 1st pattam Srimad AdiVann Shatakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan thaniyan
Keshavaarya Krupa Paathram Dheeshamaadhi Gunaarnavam |
Sri Shatari Yatheeshaanaam Deshikendhra Maham Bhaje ||
Prapadhye Niravadhyaanaam Nishadhyaam Gunasampadhaam |
Sharanam Bhavabheethaanaam Shatakopa Muneeshwaram ||
HH 45th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Srimad Ranga Shataari Samyami Varaallabdha Aagamaantha Dhvayam
Srimad Veera Raghudhva Haadhya Shatajith Paadhaara Vindha Shrayam |
Srimad Vedha Vathaamsa Deshikayathehe Kaarunya Veeksha Spadham
Seve Ranga Dhureena Shaasana Vasham Naaraayanam Yoginam ||
Srimathe Lakshmi Nrusimha Dhivya Paadhuka Sevaka SriVann Shatakopa Sri Naaraayana Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaya Namaha ||
HH 46th pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar thaniyan
Vedhaantha Deshika Yatheendhra Kataaksha Labdha
Thraiyyantha Saara Manavadhya Gunam Bhudhaagrayam |
Naaraayanaadhya Yathi Dhurya Krupaabi Shiktham
Sri Ranganaatha Yathi Shekaram Aashrayaamaha ||
Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Ranganaatha Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikaaya Namaha ||
Ahobila Kshetram Sthalapuranam
- Ahobilam is one of the 108 dhivya Desam known as "SingavEL Kunram" or "SingavEzh Kunram" where lord Nrusimha has self manifested in the Ahobila cave as ugra narasimhar also known as Ahobila narasimha or Upper ahobilam.
- According to Stala Purana, there are two popular legends for the derivation of the word ‘Ahobilam’. AHOBALAM :- means “great strength”. Since Lord manifested Himself here for rescuing His devotee by killing the asura, Hiranyakasapu, the devas praised Him saying “AHO BALAM” (Oh! What a strength) It is stated that the Devas (Gods), while witnessing the terrific aspect (Ugra Kala), the lord took on in order to tear to pieces Hiranyakasipu sung in His praise as ‘Ahobala’ (Lo: the strength). Hence this place has come to be known as Ahobilam. In support of this, there is a prapatthi sloka about-Ahobilam that reads:- "Aho Veryam aho sowryam aho bahu parakramaha Naarasimham param deivam Ahobalam Ahobalam". Thus, Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord
- The other version is that because of the great cave, "the Ahobila", where Garuda worshipped, did penance and realized the lord, the place itself has come to be called Ahobilam. Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam. As per Ahobilam Kaifiyat record, “On one of the mountains in the Nallamalai hills range, eight amadas from Srisaila Kshetra, Garuda commenced silent penance to obtain a vision of Lord Narasimha who destroyed Hiranyakasipu. The Lord in his grace, after long years of the tapas of Garuda, manifested Himself in the cave of a mountain”. “Ten ‘Paruvus’ to the north-east of the mountain, where Garuda was doing penance, a vision of His manifestation was then granted to Garuda, who after obtaining a sign of the location of the mountain-cave, gladly traveled thither and saw the embodiment of the Sathsvaroopa,’ Mahapurusha, Lord Jwalanarasimha – not easily accessible to common people. Garuda then worshipped the Lord and praised him that ‘Ahobilam is Mahabalam’ (Ahobilam is a great sustainer with strength). The Lord’s Divya Mangala Vigraha was worshipped by him with several sthotras- Garuda then considered himself as blessed after a vision of the Lord. This divine place thereafter obtained the deserving name of Ahobilam”. “The mountain on which Garuda performed tapas became famous as Garudachala. In the days of yore when truth and dharma prevailed, great heat was observable near the mountain- cave of Ahobila; according to legend when green grass was put in the cave, it would catch fire and smoke would be emitted. Several great Rishis lived there for a time; after sometime with the knowledge that great places would become common Janapadas in the Kali age, they left for northern lands, covering up the Narasimha cave with boulders. Traditionally therefore this place is being called the Narasimha Kshetra. There are thus nine Narasimha places, Nava-Narasimhas; Rishi- installed and worshipping areas: "Jwala Ahobila Malola Kroda Karanja Bhargava Yogananda Kshatravata Pavana Nava Moorthayaha."
- The nine Narasimha Temples are positioned in a 5 Kilo Meter Circle marked by the seven hills around the PrahlAdha Varadhan Temple at the foot hills. He is in the middle of Gaaruda Sailam (AhObilE Gaaruda saila madhyE krupAvasAth kalpitha sannidhAnam). These nine temples in the middle of Gaaruda Sailam (at Upper and lower Ahobilam are those for JwaalA, Ahobila, MalOla, KrODa, Kaaranja, BhArgava, YogAnandha, KashathravaDa, Paavana. PrahlAdha Narasimhan in the lower ahobilam.
- VEDACHALAM :-Perumal restored the Vedas to Brahma by killing Somuka, an asura.
- GARUDACHALAM:-Perumal blessed Garuda who was doing penance here.
- VEERA KSHETRAM :- Lord exercised one of His gunas “VEERYAM”
- NAVA NARASIMHA KSHETRAM: There are nine temples dedicated to NarasimharPilgrim’s diary Ahobilam
- Sri Ahobila Matam, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar. This is commemorated in the following 'mangala sloka' - ""Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou , Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam ". In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine narasimha shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutt. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.
- Thirumangai Azhvaar has sung ten verses about this temple in Periya Thirumozhi. Refer - http://www.ibiblio.org/sadagopan/ahobilavalli/kaliyans_ahobila_pasurams.pdf
Ahobila Mutt
Sri Ahobila Matam, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutt, on his travels.
Further reading on Ahobila Mutt.
http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp
Ahobila Mutt @ Ahobilam
The Ahobila Mutt at Ahobilam is situated in the lower ahobilam and has the following dieties.
- Moolavar Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar
- Utsavar Ramar with Sita and lakshmanan
Photo:Ahobila Mutt building @ Lower Ahobilam
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Moolavar and Utsavar with HH 46th Srimad Azhagiya Singar
Photo: Ahobila Mutt @ Lower Ahobilam - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's while at Lower Ahobilam with one of the Nava Narasimhar Utsavar Sri Malola Narasimhan
Photo: Ahobila Mutt office at Upper Ahobilam
1st Azhagiya Singar of Ahobila Mutt:
Read the below extract to know about how Ahobila Mutt was formed as per the order of the Lord, how first Azhagiya Singar Srimad Adivan Satakopa Yateendra Mahadesikan who was from melkote and was at Kanchipuram came to ahobilam, took sanyasam and started on the sancharam with Malola Narasimhan.
----------------Source : Ahobila Mutt Portal
Place: Kancheepuram, Time: Just before dawn of the day (1398 C.E.).
Young Srinivasacharya, hardly twenty years of age, wakes up in an exciting mood. The dream he witnessed a little while ago is the cause of it. Lord Lakshmeenarasimha of Ahobilam appeared before him, commanding him to come to Ahobilam, don the robe of a sanyasi and be instructed in his future mission of life there. Could this vision be true, he kept asking himself again and again. Ahobilam, of course he knew and worship there is not an unusual occurrence in those days of pilgrimage; but that God should have chosen HIM of all people left him amazed. He went about his morning ablutions as usual but in the same ecstatic mind. He then hurried to his Guru the well known Gatikasatham Ammal and told him of his vision. The old Master also known as Varadavishnvacharya told his disciple Srinivasacharya to obey the mandate. So he wended his way to Ahobilam. Having arrived there, he climbed the hill amidst dense forest (which Thirumangai Azhvar describes as one which none can reach except God), had a dip in the river Bhavanasini and took up abode in that wilderness. Meanwhile Mukundaraya, the local chieftain also reached the, place to receive him on divine command. Lord Narasimha appeared before Srinivasacharya in the form of a sanyasi and initiated him with the "Preshmantra", gave him 'Sanyasa asrama''' and named him 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. Thus was born Sri Ahobila Mutt and its First Jeeyar.
"Abobile Sri Nrisimhah Prekshamantram swayam dadou
Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "
Note : As lord Narasimha himself came in a sanyasi roopam and advised the Nrisimha Presha Mantram to 1st Azhagiya Singar.Yogiroopena yasyasmai Satakopaya mangalam "
Photo: Adivan Satakopa Jeeyar with Sri Malola Narasimhan @ Malola Narasimha Sannidhi
This incident can be seen now in the form of images, carved on a pillar in the Ranga mandapa of the Lower Ahobilam temple (vide History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh by Dr. Madabhoosi Narasimhacharya).
Srinivasacharya, son of Kidambi Kesavacharya was born on 18th August 1379 CE at Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote), Karnataka. Being a family of great orthodox views and of high literary cultural attainments, the boy showed a remarkable mental grasp and keen perception and so, his father Kesavacharya, himself a learned man, decided to send him to Kancheepuram to study at the feet of Ghatikasatham Ammal, a very great scholar of those days. The name Ghatikasatham Ammal (grandson of the famous Nadadoor Ammal) was given to this learned preceptor in honour of the fact that he could compose a hundred verses in a Ghatika (Nazhigai). His school was the most famous and sought after during that period and no wonder Kesavacharya decided to put his son Srinivasacharya there so as to make him a brilliant scholar. Srinivasacharya acquired all the knowledge when Lord Lakshmeenarasimha ordained him into the monastic order as mentioned above and gave him the name 'Satakopa Jeeyar'. The Lord commanded him to take any one of the 'Utsava' Moorthis and said the Jeeyar's task henceforth would be, "Go from door to door taking me with you and minister to the, well being of the disciples. Be thier Guru, purify them with my (Vishnu's) emblems of the conch and the discus and instruct them in the Ashtaksharam, Dwayam, and Charama Slolka."
Photo: Sri Malolan in the divine hands of Srimad Athvan Shatakopa Jeeyar
Now a look at the 'Malola' Moorthi will reveal that He wears a Paduka indicating that He is ready to proceed on tour and thus both the Jeeyar and his God fully equipped commenced their historic travel giving spiritual and material succour to all who prayed in the course of their travel.
Photo: Sri Malolan Utsava Vigraham of Malola Narasimhar who is part of Sri Ahobila Matham Sancharam with the Azhagiya Singars.
Photo: Ahobila Mutt - Sri Matam Sanchara Vigraham's
More on 1st Azhagiya Singar Vaibhavam : http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/acharya/bio/1stjeer.asp
Ahobila Mutt's 6th Jeeyar : Shashta Parankusa Yathindra Mahadesikan
Tradition has it that this sixth Jeeyar while fervently worshipping at Ahobilam was commanded by Lakshmeenarasimha to be ever present there to do pooja to Him. In order to do that he had disappeared into the cave of Ahobilam which now remains closed. (This place is shown to pilgrims at the Upper Ahobilam Temple where it seems even now early in the morning the peeling bells and chanting can be heard by the devout). He was however never again seen afterwards though we are told, very pathetically that his Shisyas - particularly Tatachariar - stayed outside the cave for several days without meals and water, wept and cried out for him requesting him to come out - but it was all in vain.This cave is currently closed and there is a fence and can be seen just in front of the ahobila Narasimhar sannidhi in Upper ahobilam.
Below is the entrance to the cave in Ahobilam in which 6th Azhagiya Singar entered to perform aradhanam, sounds and vibrations are felt even today. The cave is closed and iron fence has been put and this can be seen just before entering Ahobila Narasimhar Sannidhi at Upper ahobilam.
Photo : 6th Ahobila Mutt Jeeyar cave entrance
Ahobila Mutt's 45th Jeeyar : Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Naaraayana Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikan
Sri Thirumangai Azhwar describes Ahobilam as a place as very hard to visit (sendru kandarkku ariya kovil, kavvu naayum kazhugum, deivamallal sella vonna), but due to the efforts of the 45th Azhagiyasingar, this place has transformed into "sendru kaandarku eliya (easy) kovil.
Photo: 45th Azhagiya Singar at Upper Ahobilam with Sri Matam sanchara Vigrahams
Ahobila Mutt's 46th Jeeyar : Srimathe SriVann Shatakopa Sri Ranganaatha Yatheendhra Mahaa Deshikan
Photo: 46th Azhagiya Singar with Sri Matam sanchara Vigrahams
I seek blessings from my acharyan 46th Azhagiya SIngar, the current pontiff of Ahobila Mutt and due to his kadaksham Nava Narasimha darshan was possible.
Annamachariar and Ahobilam:
Annamachariar was the converted vaishnavaite and was a disciple of HH 1st Azhagiya Singar. Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupathi has sent Annamachariar to Earth to make Sankeerthana of 32,000 poem on Sriman Narayanan. 1st Azhagiya Singar had done Samasrenam and Bharanyasam to Annamayya.Annamaacharya travelled to many of the tirtha skhetrams along with his wives and reached sri ahobilam, where he served malolan and his aacharyan srimad aadhivaan satagopa yatindra maha desikan, the first jeeyar of ahobila matam for many years (around 12 years). The bond between the jeeyar and annamacharya was a special one. The jeeyar performed the sacred rite of bharanyasam for annamacharya, taught him sribhashya, rahasya thraya saaram, srimad ramayanam, nithya grantam and nalaayiram divya prabhandam. This great aacharyan consecrated and presented an archa moorthy of lord venkatesa with his two divine consorts for aaradhanam of annamayya. Further, Adhi vann satakopa jeeya initiated annamayya into the nrusimha and venkatesa mantrams and nurtured the deep bhakti of bard to glorious heights. He composed many moving sankeertanams on the divyadesam of Ahobilam, the lord of ahobilam and his revered Acharyan. Of the 32,000 songs said to have been composed by Annamacharya, 500 are on Narasimha and 150 especially on Ahobilam.
Annamacharya praised his aacharyan in one of his compositions choodo dindhariki shulabudu hari. In the songs he says to him satakopa muni is the easily accessible hari, prince among ascetics, ever by our side like a shadow, the glittering pathway for moksham, the last word for enemies, an embodiment of holiness, the boat to cross the viraja river, possesses glowing erudition to protect the worlds and the effulgent lighting t both animate and inanimate. Surely, he is the vehicle to cross the ocean of samsara and significantly ends up this composition stating that sri satakopa muni is all for lord ranganatha, kaanch varadharaja, tirupati venkateswara and to ahobila nrusimha, the repository of compassion.
Annamachiar's slokam on 1st Azhagiya Singar ...
"Behold! This is our revered Satakopa Muni, who is easily accesible to all and to whom lord hari himself is the guide and refuge! He is our goldenpath for Final abode for beatitude, the last word in scriptures, the soul pure and free from sin and the boat to across the river Viraja in Vaikunta. He is the divine lamp of Wisdom illuminating all the worlds, the redeemer of sins and raft which enables us to cross this ocean called samsara he is an ardent devotee of the presiding dieties of Srirangam, Kanchipuram, tirupati and ahobilam - prince among ascetics"
http://anudinam.org/2012/05/17/annamacharya-and-his-devotion/
Further reading...
http://www.ahobilamutt.org/us/information/visitingahobilam.asp
https://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/ahobilam-travel-diary/
http://anudinam.org/2011/12/10/ahobilam-nava-narasimha-sthalas/
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