ராதே கிருஷ்ணா 24-08-2015
ஸ்ரீ இராமானுஜர்
http://www.mudaliandan.com/ramanujar.php
Swami Ramanujar Thanian (rendered by Koorathazhwan):
That the name of Parasara, the author of Vishnu Purana should be perpetuated.
The name of Swami Nammazhwar should be perpetuated by writing a commentary on the Thiruvoimozhi
Legend goes that on hearing the vow, the three fingers on the corpse straightened. Ramanuja accepted Yamunacharya as his Manasika Acharya and spent 6 months being introduced to Yamunacharya's philosophy by his disciple, Periya Nambi although he did not formally join the community for another year. Ramanuja's wife followed very strict brahminical rules of the time and disparaged Periya Nambi's wife as being of lower subcaste. Periya Nambi and his wife left Srirangam.
Ramanuja realized that his life as a householder was interfering with his philosophical pursuit as he and his wife had differing views. He sent his wife to her parents house and renounced family to become sanyasin.
At the time of Sansyasin, Ramanuja renounced everything except Daasarathi as he was his Triple Staff (tridandam). Then he named Daasarathi as Mudaliandan as he was the 1st sishya of Ramanujar.
Swami Ramanuja incorporated teachings from 5 different people who he considered to be his acharyas.
Peria Nambigal: who performed his Samahsrayanam at Eri Katha Ramar Koil, Madhurandhakam
Thirukkotiyur Nambigal: who revealed the meaning of the Charama Shlokam and Ashtakshari to swami on his 18th trip
Periya Thirumalai Nambigal: who taught him Ramayana
Tirumalai Andan: who taught him Thiruvaimozhi
Azhwar Thiruvaranga Perumal Arayar: who taught remaining 3000 verses of Arulichcheyal (works of Azhwars) and Sandhai
With due respect, Kandadai Aandan carried the idol to Sriperumbudur and installed it there on the day nominated by Ramanujar. "sarva - kAlattilum sarva - chEtanarkkum sEvyamAm-paDi...".
While this was being done at Sriperumbudur, at Sri Rangam Emperumanaar felt that his strength was draining out and wondered why was it happening so.
He then recollected that it was the day he had nominated that day for his idol to be installed at Sriperumbudur. He at once sent a communication to Andan to come fast to Sri Rangam. On receipt of the communication Kandadai Aandan reached Sri Rangam very fast and prostrated before Emperumanaar. Emperumanaar told Kandadai Aandan to peform his final rites, as also to install his idol at the place where his body was laid to final rest. So Swami Ramanujar's utsavar thirumeni was installed by Kandadai Aandan at Sri Rangam.
Ramanuja may have written 9 important books. They are also referred to as the nine precious gems, the Navarathnas.
Soottuyar maadangal thondrum ayodhiyarkon pudhalvan
It is interesting to note that Daasarathi (Mudaliandan) முதலியாண்டான் is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Himself. It seems that Lord Rama was so pleased with Adiseshan's service to him as Lakshmana that he wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, he bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan and himself as Sri Krishna. Still unable to fulfill his desire, Lord Rama took the avatar of Mudaliandan inorder to pay his reverences to Swami Ramanuja.
ய: பூர்வம் பரதார்த்தித: பிரதிநிதம் ஸ்ரீபாதுகாமாத்மந: |
Sri Mudaliandan Thanian (rendered by Sri Kandadai Aandan):
Nammazhwar நம்மாழ்வார், one of the twelve Azhwars, well known for his many hymns on devotion to Vishnu. Legend gives him the date 3102 B.C. (i.e., the beginning of the kali yuga). He was born in the asterism Visakham in the month of Vaikasi, in what is now thirupathi saaram (also known as Thiruvenparisaaram), Tamil Nadu. His name means "our own azhwar (azhwar means "one immersed in God"). He is also known as mARan, sataGopan, parAngusan, vakuLAbharaNan, vakuLAbhirAman, magizhmAran, satajith, kurugUr nambi.
Swami Nammazhwar Thanian (by Alavandhar):
His contribution of 4 works which can be compared to all Vedas (numbering 1296 hymns) to the 4th thousand of the Divya Prabhandham includes the entire 4th thousand and part of the 3rd thousand, these works are
History
Swami Alavandar ஆளவந்தார் is amongst the most important acharyas of Sri Vaishnava tradition. He was the foremost to identify that Swami Ramanuja was the future of Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam and ordered all his disciples to give due respect to Swami Ramanuja.
Swami Alavandhar Thanian (rendered by Swami Ramanuja):
- Chatusloki
Koorathazhwan கூரத்தாழ்வான் was born as Kuresan in a small hamlet 'Kooram' near Kancheepuram, in the year of 1009 A.D (Sowmya year, Thai month, Hastham star), in a affluent family. He, belonged to the clan of 'Haritha', were popular landlords during those days. Koorathazhwan was married at a young age to Andalamma, a devoted and pious lady. Both of them led a happy and peaceful life. They were deeply devoted to Lord Varadaraja Perumal. The pious couple were very famous in the holy town of Kanchi, for their unstinting philanthropy and kindness azhwan came to a temporary end. Later Koorathazhwan continued his earlier philanthropic works.
Sri Koorathazhwan Thanian (by Parasara Bhattar):
Later during Chola Kings reign, there was arguments going on between who is superior of all, Shiva or Vishnu. The King sent his courtiers to Ramanuja's mutt to bring him to his court. Knowing about the danger that Ramanuja might undergo, Azhwan decided to go to the kings courtiers in disguise wearing Kashayam cloth and carried tridandam. Along with Azhwan, Peria Nambi also went to the court.
The sudden and violent act of martyrdom of Kuresan struck terror into the hearts of all assembled there!
Soottuyar maadangal thondrum ayodhiyarkon pudhalvan
It is interesting to note that Daasarathi (Mudaliandan) முதலியாண்டான் is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Himself. It seems that Lord Rama was so pleased with Adiseshan's service to him as Lakshmana that he wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, he bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan and himself as Sri Krishna. Still unable to fulfill his desire, Lord Rama took the avatar of Mudaliandan inorder to pay his reverences to Swami Ramanuja.
ய: பூர்வம் பரதார்த்தித: பிரதிநிதம் ஸ்ரீபாதுகாமாத்மந: |
Meaning: The one who was worshipped by Bharatha in the earlier yuga and had given his Paadhuka (Footwear) to Bharatha for ruling the kingdom on behalf of him, that Lord Rama himself have born again as Daasarathi (Mudaliandan Acharyan) to uplift all Jeevathmaa (Individual Soul) to attain moksha, is now ruling the Srivaishnava Samrajyam (Lord Vishnu devotees Kingdom).
Sri Mudaliandan Thanian (rendered by Sri Kandadai Aandan):
PACHAI VARANA PERUMAL - NAZARETHPETTAI
Tamil - Sri Mudaliandan Vaibhavam
Download Swami Ramanujar & Sri Mudaliandan Swami Birth History - Video (87 MB)
Dhaati Panchakam Thanian:
Pancha Narayana sthana sthapakam gurum asraye ||
Sri Mudaliandan Sripada Theertham:
Govindar who was later called as Embar was born in Mazhalaimangalam (now known asMadhuramangalam). He was born in Durmathi year (1021 AD). The birth of Swami Embar took place after 4 years of Swami Ramanuja's birth. Embar born to the Dhivya Thampathis Periyapiraati and Kamala Nayana Bhattar. Swami Ramanujar is known as the incarnation of ThiruAnanthazhvan and Sri Embar as the incarnation of Periya Thiruvaadi (Garuda). Due to some reasons, Periya Thiruvadi was cursed to born in this world and survive as a saivaite and then follow Srivaishnavam to attain the Lotus Feet ofSriman Narayana.
Sri Embar Thanian (by Parasara Bhattar):
Pillai Lokacharyar பிள்ளை லோகாச்சார்யர் (1205–1311 CE) was a prominent Vaishnavite leader and philosopher who authored several important works of Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
Sri Pillai Lokacharya Thanian (by Eieunni Padmanabhar):
Other Names: Ulagasiriyar, Lokacharyar
Both Sri Pillai Lokacharya and Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar remained asBrahmachaaris to make sure that their vyraakyam is not hindered. Because of this only, they were boldly able to advise that for a Sri Vaishnava, leading a marriage life even with his wife is not good In their youth, both brothers learned everything from their acharya Nampillai as well as from their father. They grew up like Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana.
Sri Pillai Lokacharya authored Ragasya Granthas with mercy in his heart towards the samsaaris. He has authored the following 18 Ragasya Granthas collectively known as Astaadasa Ragasya
Mumukshupadi
Tatvatrayam
Artha Panjakam
Sri Vachana Booshanam
Archiraadhi
Prameya Sekaram
Prapana Parithranam
Saara Sangraham
Samsaara Saamrajyam
Navarathnamaalai
Navavidha Sambandham
Yaadhruchikapadi
Parandhapadi
SriyaPathi Padi
Tatvasekaram
Thani Dwayam
Thani Charamam
Thani Pranavam
The year was 1311 CE and the day was jyEshtha suddha dvAdasi. At his death bed he advised his disciples such as Koorakuloththama Dasa & Vilanjsolai Pillai that Srisailesa was working for the king at Madurai and that they should bring him back into the Srivaishnava fold so that he could lead the darsanam. While Swami was about to leave this world and reach Achaaryan's Lotus feet, he started touching the ants and other such insects near him. (All such animals will get to reach Sri Vaikunta if they have get touched by a Sri Vaishnava).
Such was Sri Pillai Lokacharya's Karunya towards the living beings. Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar reached Achaaryan's lotus feet at his 65th year. Pillai Lokacharya lived 106 years.
Manavala Mamunigal மணவாள மாமுனி is one of the most well known and significant acharyas of Swami Ramanuja's Sri Vaishnava Tradition-southern sect. Followers of Sri Vaishnavism believe that Manavala Mamuni was the final acharya of a lineage that begins with the Supreme Being Sriman Narayana, passes through Acharyas such as Yamunacharya, Swami Ramanuja, Embar, Pillai Lokacharya and ends with Manavala Mamuni. It is believed that Manavala Mamuni was accepted by the Lord of Srirangam, Sri Ranganatha, as his own acharya at Srirangam.
Swami Manavala Mamuni Thanian: (rendered by Sri Namperumal)
Situated off the ever-busy NH4 is Singaperumal Koil which is home to a frequently visited ancient vishnu temple dedicated to Padaladhri Nrisimha Perumal (known asSingaperumal Koil).
It is famed as a place where Nrisimhar gave darshan to Jaabaali Maharishi.
Annavillappan was extremely devoted to his clan's deity (Kula deivam) Nrisimhar. Padaladhri Nrisimhar appeared in his dream and told him to spruce the jungle and bring out his temple drowned in sand dune at Padaladhri. This place is now known as 'Singa Perumal Koil'. Annavillappar (Kumara Venkatacharya Swami) rehabilated the Padaladhri Nrisimha Perumal Sannadhi which had drowned under sand dune, as per Perumal's directive and created the village as also brought and settled people to serve the Swami in Temple. He constructed tower, etc. and worshipped him. He remained the Sthalacharya Purusha and received special honours which are continued and accorded to Varthamana Mudaliandan Swami even now.
From a communication to Company Government (East India Co.) written on Nala Year July 13, by Singaperumal Koil Devasthanam Archakar Thiruvallur Bhattar, Kumastha Vathiyar, Viraperumal Iyengar Narasimhachariar, Thanthiri Nayakka Kaaramannur Archakar Ayyam Bhattar, it is known that during Manavala Mamuni's days and before July of Nala Year, Nrisimhar in the Padaladhri cave under Punyakoti Vimanam (who had aappeared before Jaabaali Maharishi), appearing in the dream of Kumara Venkatachar (alias) Kandadai Annavillappangar who was a resident of Perumal Koil (Kanchipuram).
Appachiaranna’s son was Sri Annavillappan. His Acharyan was his father Appachiaranna. He learnt Ubhaya Vedantham from Daasarathi Appai and Kandadai Appan. Thirunakshathiram – Maasi Kettai. Theertham – Mithuna Krishna Astami.
Sri Annavillappan Thanian:
Kandadai Aandan an amsam of Sathrugna was born to Mudaliandan on Kumba (Maasi) Punarvasu day for rendering faultless service to Bhaagavathaas. His birth place was Koil (Sri Rangam). Acharyan was Swami Ramanujar, Mudaliandan and Sri Atkondavalli Jeeyar. His father Mudaliandan taught him Vedas, Sastras and Divya Prabhandam. Secret (in-depth) meanings were taught to him by Atkonda Valli Jeeyar. Like Ramanujarwho had 5 Acharyans, Kandadai Andan had 3 Acharyans.
Sri Kandadai Aandan Thanian:
Universally reputed Kandadai Thozhappar was Kandadai Andan's son, born at Koil (Kancheepuram) on the day of Thiruvaadi Pooram (Kataka Poorvabhadra).
Sri Kandadai Thozhappar Thanian:
His well wisher wife spoke to him on this. "Pramaadhaath buddhi devaabhidhayaka kriyathe sadha anudhapthasthu thanevakshamayen nanyadhasamam". Bereft of his mistake, Thozhappar with deep self-pity left with his colleagues went in search of Nampillai to tender his apology and obtain his pardon at the same venue where he insulted him. Meanwhile,"ahethaarapi sakrodhamarchayan nachyuthapriyam – prabhodhya vividhairyathnaih praagnodheetha prasaadhayeeth", Nampillai had come at the external court of Thozhappar's house to please him.
ஸ்ரீ இராமானுஜர்
http://www.mudaliandan.com/ramanujar.php
Swami Ramanujar
Ramanujar இராமானுஜர் is seen by SriVaishnavam as the third most important teacher (Acharya) of their tradition (after Nathamuni and Yamunacharya), and by Hindus in general as the leading expounder of Vishishtadvaita, one of the classical interpretations of the dominant Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.
Swami Ramanujar Thanian (rendered by Koorathazhwan):
yo nithyam achyutha padhaambuja yugma rukma |
vyaamohathas thadhitharaaNi thrNaayamene |
asmadhguror bhagavathoasya dhayaikasinDHoh |
raamaanujasya charaNau sharaNam prapaDHye ||
Year: 1017 (Pingala Year) - 1137 (Pingala Year)
Birth Place: Sri Perumbudur
Other Names: Ramanujar, Yathirajar, Emperumaanar, Lakshmana Muni, Bhashyakarar, Udaiyavar, Ramanujamuni, Ilaya Perumal
Month: Chithirai
Thiru Natchathiram: Thiruvadhirai
Amsam: Adhi seshan and also Combination of Lord Vishnu's five weapons - Conch, Discus, Mace, Sword, Bow
Ramanuja was born as Ilaya Perumal in a Brahmin family in the village of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India in Pingala Year (1017 CE). His father was Asuri Kesava Somayaji Deekshithar and mother was Kanthimathi. "From a young age he is reputed to have displayed a prodigious intellect and liberal attitudes towards caste. At this time he became friendly with a local, saintly Sudra (member of the service caste) by the name of Kanchipurna (Thirukachi Nambi), whose occupation was to perform services for the local temple statue of the Hindu deity Vishnu. Ramanuja admired Kanchipurna's piety and devotion to Vishnu and sought Kanchipurna as his guru-much to the horror of Kanchipurna who regarded Ramanuja's humility before him as an affront to caste propriety."
Shortly after being married in his teenage years and after his father died, Ramanuja and his family moved to the neighboring city of Kanchipuram. There Ramanuja found his first formal teacher, Yadavaprakasha, who was an accomplished professor of the form of the Vedanta philosophy that was in vogue at the time-a form of Vedanta that has strong affinities to Shankara's Absolute Idealistic Monism (Advaita Vedanta) but was also close to the Difference-and-non-difference view (Bhedabheda Vedanta). ("Vedanta" means the 'end of the Vedas' and refers to the philosophy expressed in the end portion of the Vedas, also known as the Upanishads and encoded in the cryptic summary by Badharayana called the Vedanta Sutra or Brahma Sutra. The perennial questions of Vedanta are: what is the nature of Brahman or the Ultimate and what is the relationship between the multiplicity of individuals to this Ultimate. Vedanta comprises one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy.) "
From a young age, his intelligence and ability to comprehend highly abstract philosophical points were legendary. He took initiation from Yadavaprakasa, a renowned Advaitic scholar. Though his new guru was highly impressed with his analytical ability, he was quite concerned by how much emphasis Ramanuja placed on bhakti. After frequent clashes over interpretation is that one of Yadavaprakasa's students plotted to kill Ramanuja as a means of pleasing their teacher, but Sri Ramanuja escaped in the afore-mentioned manner. Yadavaprakasa was horrified when learnt about the conspiracy. Ramanuja returned to Yadavaprakasa's tutelage but after another disagreement, Yadavaprakasa asked him to leave. Ramanuja's childhood mentor, Kanchipurna, suggested he meet with Kanchipurna's own guru, Yamunacharya.
Ramanujar had doubts and it is believed that Thirukachi Nambi cleared with that of Lord Varadarajan's wish.
Thirukkachi Nambi obtained from Lord Varadaraja the famous 'Six Words' and passed them on to Ilayazhwar. The six words provided the guidelines for Ilayalwar to follow. They were:-
Ahameva Paramtatvam – Sriman Narayan is the Supreme-most God/ Supreme-most Being.
Darishanam Bedayevacha – Individual jeevathmas (souls) are different from Sriman Narayana – the Brahmam and the Paramatma, but are a part of the Brahmam. Sriman Nayanana and souls are different (Bheda).
Upayayeshu Prapathischaath – Prapatti (surrender) is the means to attain salvation. By faith and surrender alone shall anyone reach Sriman Naraya, their only salvation.
Antimastriti Varjanam – Last remembrance of the Sriman Narayana on the part of the departing soul is not necessary. Thought of Brahmam at the time of death is not compulsory.
Dehavasane Muktisyaath – Moksha can be obtained only on laying off the mortal body. Release from bondage (Moksha) follows immediately on death.
Poornaacharya Samashraya – One must undergo SamashrayaNam as soon as possible from a qualified SriVaishnava Acharya. Choose Mahapurna as your spiritual teacher (Acharya).
After renouncing the life of a house-holder, Ramanuja travelled to Srirangam to meet an aging Yamunacharya, a philosopher of the remergent Vishishtadvaita school of thought.Yamunacharya had died prior to Ramanuja's arrival. Followers of Ramanuja relate the legend that three fingers of Yamunacharya's corpse were curled. Ramanuja saw this and understood that Yamunacharya was concerned about three tasks. Ramanuja vowed to complete these
Write a Visishtadvaita Bhashya for the Brahma Sutras of Vyasa which had previously been taught orally to the disciples of the Visishtadvaita philosophy.
Ramanuja realized that his life as a householder was interfering with his philosophical pursuit as he and his wife had differing views. He sent his wife to her parents house and renounced family to become sanyasin.
At the time of Sansyasin, Ramanuja renounced everything except Daasarathi as he was his Triple Staff (tridandam). Then he named Daasarathi as Mudaliandan as he was the 1st sishya of Ramanujar.
Swami Ramanuja incorporated teachings from 5 different people who he considered to be his acharyas.
With due respect, Kandadai Aandan carried the idol to Sriperumbudur and installed it there on the day nominated by Ramanujar. "sarva - kAlattilum sarva - chEtanarkkum sEvyamAm-paDi...".While this was being done at Sriperumbudur, at Sri Rangam Emperumanaar felt that his strength was draining out and wondered why was it happening so.
He then recollected that it was the day he had nominated that day for his idol to be installed at Sriperumbudur. He at once sent a communication to Andan to come fast to Sri Rangam. On receipt of the communication Kandadai Aandan reached Sri Rangam very fast and prostrated before Emperumanaar. Emperumanaar told Kandadai Aandan to peform his final rites, as also to install his idol at the place where his body was laid to final rest. So Swami Ramanujar's utsavar thirumeni was installed by Kandadai Aandan at Sri Rangam.
Writings:
Ramanuja may have written 9 important books. They are also referred to as the nine precious gems, the Navarathnas.
1) His most famous work known as Sri Bhashyam. It is a commentary on the Brahma Sutras, known as the Vedanta Sutras of Badarayana.
Gadhya Thrayam (three prose hymns).
2) Vaikunta Gadyam describing Vaikuntha, the realm of Vishnu and recommending meditating on it.
3) Sriranga Gadyam, a prayer of surrender to the feet of Ranganatha.
4) Saranagati Gadyam, an imagined dialogue between Ramanuja and Shri (Lakshmi) and Narayana where he petitions Lakshmi to recommend Narayana to give him grace. Narayana and Lakshmi accept his surrender.
5) Vedartha Sangraha (a resume of Vedanta). It sets out Ramanuja's philosophy, which is theistic (it affirms a morally perfect, omniscient and omnipotent God) and realistic (it affirms the existence and reality of a plurality of qualities, persons and objects).
6) Vedanta Saara (essence of Vedanta) an appendix to Sri Bhasya. 7) Vedanta Deepa(the light of Vedanta), another commentary to Sri Bhashya.
8) Gita Bhashya (his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita).
9) Nithya Grantham (About the day to day activities to be performed by all Sri Vaishnavas).
Attained Paramapadam:
Ramanuja's service to promote our Sri Sampradaym grew day by day and he established a system at SriRangam temple which is called as "Koilozhugu" to perform the daily rituals and procedures to run the temple. This is followed even today. After this he went to Tirumala and established a system and created a mutt (religious institution) to organize the activities of the Thirumala temple. He had written various books on our Sri Sampradayam.
He established the Vishistadvaita philosophy based on the Vedas and azhwars Divya Prabandam. He appointed 74 simhasanapadhis to spread our sampradayam. He established a temple for Sriman Narayana in a place called Thirunarayanapuram (called as Melkote) in Karnataka state near Mysore. His works continued and he was taking all efforts to spread our Sri Sampradayam till his last. He lived for 120 years and attained Vaikuntapathi from SriRangam by the year Pingala (1137).
Sri Mudaliandan (Daasarathi)
Soottuyar maadangal thondrum ayodhiyarkon pudhalvan
Kaatililaiyan puripani Inbam karudhudhalal
Meetu Midaikudi pinnavanaiyinum velkilanai
Veetu kuriyan Mudaliandan ena meendadanae
It is interesting to note that Daasarathi (Mudaliandan) முதலியாண்டான் is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Himself. It seems that Lord Rama was so pleased with Adiseshan's service to him as Lakshmana that he wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, he bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan and himself as Sri Krishna. Still unable to fulfill his desire, Lord Rama took the avatar of Mudaliandan inorder to pay his reverences to Swami Ramanuja.
Mudaliandan Vaibhavam in English (Illustrated Online book)
Mudaliandan Vaibhavam in Tamil (Illustrated Online book)
Download Swami Ramanujar & Sri Mudaliandan Swami Birth History - Video (87 MB)
Swami Manavala Mamunigal sloka on Sri Mudaliandan:
ய: பூர்வம் பரதார்த்தித: பிரதிநிதம் ஸ்ரீபாதுகாமாத்மந: |
ராஜ்யாய ப்ரததௌ ஸ ஏவ ஹி குரு: ஸ்ரீதாஸரத்யாஹவய: ||
பூத்வா லக்ஷ்மண பாதுகாந்திமயு கேஸர்வாத்மநாம் ஸ்ரேயஸே |
ஸாம்ராஜ்யம் ஸவயமத்ர நிர்வஹதி நோ தைவம் குலஸ்யோத்தமம் ||||
Ya: Poorvam Bharathaarthitha: Prathinithim Sripaadhukaathmana: |
Raajyaya Prathathou Sa Yeva he Guru: Sridasarathyahavaya: ||
Boothva Lakshmana padukanthimayu Kesarvaathmanaam Sreyase |
Saamrajyam Swayamathra Nirvahathi No Thaivam Kulasyothamam ||||
Meaning: The one who was worshipped by Bharatha in the earlier yuga and had given his Paadhuka (Footwear) to Bharatha for ruling the kingdom on behalf of him, that Lord Rama himself have born again as Daasarathi (Mudaliandan Acharyan) to uplift all Jeevathmaa (Individual Soul) to attain moksha, is now ruling the Srivaishnava Samrajyam (Lord Vishnu devotees Kingdom).
Sri Mudaliandan Thanian (rendered by Sri Kandadai Aandan):
padhuke yathi rajasya kathayanthi yadhakh yaya |
thasya daasarathe: paadav Sirasa dhaarayaam yaham ||
Meaning: Yathiraja paduka (Swami Ramanuja's Lotus feet) is what he is known as. Hence we pay our respect to Daasarathi's lotus feet (Mudaliandan)
Year: 1027 (Prabhava year) - 1132 (Virodhikruthi Year) Birth Place: Pachai Varana Puram (now Nazareth Pettai, near Poonamalle)
Other Names: Daasarathi (given by parents), Yathiraja paduka, Nam Vadhoola Desikan(given by Sri Ranganthar), Vaishnav Siro Bushaa, Aandan (given by Swami Ramanujar), Tridandam (given by Swami Ramanujar), Sri Vaishnava dasar (given by Sishya's)
Month: ChithiraiThiru Natchathiram: PunarpoosamAmsam: Lord Rama
Thiru Natchathira Thanian:
mesha Punarvasudhinae daasarathi hamsa sambhavam |
yatheendra paadhukaapikyam vandhe daasarathim gurum ||
Meaning: Chithirai Month (mesha month), day of Punarpoosam with Lord Rama's amsam also known as Yathiraja's paduka is our guru Daasarathi (Mudaliandan).
12 Azhwar's
Bhutam sarasya mahadahvaya bhatta natha
srIbhaktisara kulashekhara yogivahan |
bhaktanghrirenu parakala yatIndramishran
srimat parangkusha munim pranatossmi nityam || ... Read More
Swami Nammazhwar
Year: Beginning of Kaliyuga
Birth Place: Thirukurugoor
Other Names: Sadagopan, Sadaari, Paraankusun, Maaran, Vakulaa Baranan, Kurugaiyar-kone
Month: Vaikaasi
Thiru Natchathiram: Visakham
Amsam: Senai Mudhaliyaar (Viswaksenar) ... Read More
Swami Alavandhaar
Year: 917 - 1042
Birth Place: Kaattumannargudi
Other Names: Yamunacharyar, Yamunamuni, Periya Mudhaliar, Paramacharyar, vAdhimathEbha simhEndrar
Month: Aadi
Thiru Natchathiram: Utthiradam ... Read More
Swami Ramanujar
Year: 1017 (Pingala Year) - 1137 (Pingala Year)
Birth Place: Sri Perumbudur
Other Names : Ilayazhwar, Ramanuja, Yathirajar, Emperumannar, Lakshmana Muni, Bhashyakarar, Udaiyavar, Ramanujamuni.
Month: Chithirai
Thiru Natchathiram: Thiruvadhirai
Amsam: Adhi seshan and also Combination of Lord Vishnu's five weapons - Conch, Discus, Mace, Sword, Bow ... Read More
Sri Koorathazhwaan
Year: 1009 (Saumya Year) - 1132 (Virodhikruthi Year)
Birth Place: Kooram (Near Kancheepuram)
Other Names: Kuresan, Azhwan, Pavithram of Swami Ramanuja
Month: Thai
Thiru Natchathiram: Hastham
Amsam: Sri Vatsam (Mole on Lord Vishnu's Chest) ... Read More
Pachai Varana Perumal Koil (Pettai)
Perumal: Pachai Varana Perumal (Lord Krishna as Green Elephant)
Thayar: Amrithavalli Thayar, Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi
Location: Nazarethpettai (Near Poonamallee) View Map
Utsavar's: Perumal, Thayar, Sri Ramar, Ananthan, Garudan, Viswaksenar, Nammazhwar, Andal, Thirumangai Azhwar, Ramanujar, Mudaliandan, Pillai Lokacharya, Manavala Mamunigal.
Utsavam: Brahmotsavam (Uthiram Month), Pavithrotsavam (Ippasi), Chithirai (Mudaliandan Thirunatchathiram - Punarpoosam)
Agama: Vaikhanasa
Vimanam: Dharma Koti
Pushkarani: Dharma Pushkarani ... Read More
Sri Pillai Lokachaarya
Year: 1205 - 1311
Birth Place: Srirangam
Month: Aippasi
Other Names: Ulagasiriyar, Lokacharyar
Thiru Natchathiram: Thiruvonam
Amsam: Kanchi Devaraja (Varadaraja) Perumal ... Read More
Swami Manavala Mamunigal
Year: 1370 - 1443
Birth Place: Alwarthirunagiri (Near Thirunelveli)
Other Names: Periya jeeyar, Varavara Muni, Sowmyajamatrumuni, Sowmyopayanthrumuni, Sundarajamatrumuni, Yathendra Pravanar, Ramyajamatrumuni
Month: Aippasi
Thiru Natchathiram: Moolam
Amsam: Adi Seshan ... Read More
Singaperumal Koil
Perumal: Padaladhri Narasimhar
Thayar: Ahobilavalli Thayar, Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi
Location: Singaperumal Koil (Near Chengelpet) View Map
Utsavar's: Prahladha Varadhan, Ahobila Valli Thayar, Viswaksenar, Nammazhwar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Periyazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Thirukachi Nambigal, Ramanujar, Koorathazhwaan, Mudaliandan, Pillai Lokacharya, Manavala Mamunigal.
Utsavam: Brahmotsavam (Vaikasi Month), Pavithrotsavam (Avani), Thoppam Davana Utsavam (Maasi)
Agama: Vaikhanasa
Vimanam: Pranava Koti
Pushkarani: Suddha Pushkarani ... Read More
Sri Annavillappan
Year: Not Sure
Birth Place: Kancheepuram
Other Names: Venkatachaar
Month: Maasi
Thiru Natchathiram: Kettai ... Read More
vaadhoolavaradhaachaarya krpa poorna manoratham |
shree vengkata gurum vandhe sheelaadhi guna saagaram ||
History
- 12 Azhwar's
- Swami Nammazhwar
- Swami Alavandhar
- Swami Ramanujar
- Sri Koorathazhwaan
- Swami Mudaliandan
- Pachai Varana Perumal
- Sri Embar
- Kandadai Aandan
- Kandadai Thozhappar
- Pillai Lokacharya
- Swami Manavala Mamuni
- Singaperumal Koil
- Sri Annavillappan
Azhwar's
Swami Nammazhwar
Nammazhwar நம்மாழ்வார், one of the twelve Azhwars, well known for his many hymns on devotion to Vishnu. Legend gives him the date 3102 B.C. (i.e., the beginning of the kali yuga). He was born in the asterism Visakham in the month of Vaikasi, in what is now thirupathi saaram (also known as Thiruvenparisaaram), Tamil Nadu. His name means "our own azhwar (azhwar means "one immersed in God"). He is also known as mARan, sataGopan, parAngusan, vakuLAbharaNan, vakuLAbhirAman, magizhmAran, satajith, kurugUr nambi.
Swami Nammazhwar Thanian (by Alavandhar):
mAthA pithA yuvadhayas thanyA vibhoothi: |
sarvam yadhEva niyamEna madhanvayAnAm ||
Aatyasya na: kulapathEr vagulAbhirAmam |
Srimath thathangri yugalam pranamAmi moordhnA ||||
Year: Beginning of Kaliyuga
Birth Place: Thirukurugoor
Other Names: mARan, sataGopan, parAngusan, vakuLAbharaNan, vakuLAbhirAman, magizhmAran, satajith, kurgUr nambi,
Month : Vaikasi
Thiru Natchathiram: Visakam
Amsam : Senai Mudhaliar (Viswaksenar)
He was born in a small town called Thiruvenparisaaram in the southernmost region of the Tamil country Nagerkoil.
His father, Kari was a petty prince who paid tribute to the Pandian King of Madurai. He must have been born fully enlightened because as a baby he never cried or suckled and never opened his eyes. According to legend, as a child he responded to no external stimuli and his parents left him at the feet of the deity of Lord Sri Adhinathar in Azhwarthirunagari. The child then got up and climbed into a hole in a tamarind, sat in the lotus position, and began to meditate.
It appears he was in this state for as long as sixteen years when a Tamil poet and scholar in North India named Madhurakavi Azhwar saw a bright light shining to the south, and followed it until he reached Nammazhwar's tree.
Unable to elicit any reaction from the child, he asked him a riddle:
"If the small is born in a dead's body (or stomach), what will it eat and where will it stay?" meaning, if the subtle soul is embodied in the gross body, what are its actions and thoughts? Nammazhwar broke his lifelong silence and responded that "It will eat that and it will rest there!" meaning that if the soul identifies with the body, it will be the body but if it serves the divine, it will stay in vaikunta and eat (think) of God. Madhurakavi Azhwar realized the divinity of this child.
Writings:
His contribution of 4 works which can be compared to all Vedas (numbering 1296 hymns) to the 4th thousand of the Divya Prabhandham includes the entire 4th thousand and part of the 3rd thousand, these works are
Thiruviruththam (100 verses) - Rig Vedha Saaram,
ThiruvAsiriam (7 verses) - Yajur Vedha Saaram,
Thiruvaimozhi (1102 verses) - Sama Vedha Saaram,
Periya Thiruvandhadhi (87 verses) - Atharvana Vedha Saaram.
Thiruvaimozhi describes Ranganatha as a metaphor to discussing the philosophical details in the nature of the paramathma (divine soul), the nature of the jeevathma (living soul), the means for the jeevathma (living soul) to attain the goal of Paramathma (divine soul). The blocks and hurdles on the way and the goal is towards Moksha (Salvation).
In the Srivaishnava canon, these four represent (in Tamil language) the four Sanskrit vedas, respectively Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda.
According to tradition "He poured the cream of these vedas" into his songs and poetry that were the result of deep mystic experience. Though Nammazhwar did not visit any of the 108 divyadesam temples talked about in the Vaishnava religion it appears from his works he must have had the vision of all the archa forms in the temples he had glorified in his hymns.
History
Varthamana Acharyan
shreemath vadhola kulavarathi poorna chandhram |
vAdhOla vengkata gurothhama puthra rathnam |
sreesaila desika kripAptha samastha bodham |
raamaanujarya guruvarya maham prapadhye ||
shree vengkatArya thanayam thath pAdha kamalAshrayam |
vAdhOlAnvaya pOrnendhum raamaanuja gurum bhaje ||
vAdhOla vengkata gurothhama puthra rathnam |
sreesaila desika kripAptha samastha bodham |
raamaanujarya guruvarya maham prapadhye ||
shree vengkatArya thanayam thath pAdha kamalAshrayam |
vAdhOlAnvaya pOrnendhum raamaanuja gurum bhaje ||
Kumara Bakthisarachaar
Shreemadh vadhoola kula vengatasoori pouthram |
vaaDHoola raamaanuja deshika puthra rathnam |
thath paadha yukma raNam thadhupaasithaaram |
sreebakthisaara guruvarya maham prapaDHye ||
vaaDHoola raamaanuja deshika puthra rathnam |
thath paadha yukma raNam thadhupaasithaaram |
sreebakthisaara guruvarya maham prapaDHye ||
Swami Alavandhar
Swami Alavandar ஆளவந்தார் is amongst the most important acharyas of Sri Vaishnava tradition. He was the foremost to identify that Swami Ramanuja was the future of Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam and ordered all his disciples to give due respect to Swami Ramanuja.
Swami Alavandhar Thanian (rendered by Swami Ramanuja):
yathpaadhaamboruha Dhyaana vidhvasthaasheShkalmaShah |
vasthuthaamupayaatho aham yaamuneeyam namaami tham ||
Year : 916 AD to 1042 AD
Birth Place : Kaattumannargudi
Other Names : Yamunacharyar, Yamunamuni
Month : Aadi
Thiru Natchathiram: Utthiradam
Yamunacharya, also popularly known as Alavandar, was the son of Ishwara Muni and grandson of the great acharya Nathamuni. He was born in 916 A.D at Viranarayanapuram (present day Kattu Mannargudi) in Tamil Nadu. Yamunacharya was a genius – a child prodigy. He was instructed in all Sastras. He had the gift of eka-santha – graha (remembering forever by learning only once).
Alavandar pronounced Swami Ramanuja as his successor. He ordered that all his disciples should give due respect to him and the act of surrendering to him was the only way for salvation.
na dharma nishtOsmi na chaatma vEdi
na bhaktimaan tvaccharaNAravindE
akinchanOananyagatih saraNya!
tvat paadamoolam saranam prapadye. (Sthothra Rathnam- 22nd sloka)
Oh you worthy of being sought as refuge! I am not one established in Dharma, nor am i a knower of the self. I have no fervent devotion to your lotus-feet. Utterly destitute as I am and having none else for resort, I take refuge under your feet. (Translation by Swamy Adidevananda)
During that time, AkkiAzhwAn, the rAja purOhithar sends his representatives to all pandits and asks them to pay taxes to him (since he is the chief pandit). mahAbhAshya bhattar becomes worried and seeing that yamunaithuraivar says that he will handle the issue. He sends a slOkam which says “he will destory the poets who look for cheap publicity”. Seeing this AkkiAzhwAn gets angry and sends his soldiers to bring yamunaithuraivar to the king’s court. Yamunaithuraivar tells them that he will come only if he was offered proper respects. So, king sends him a palanquin and yamunaithuraivar visits the court.
While the debate is about to start, rAja mahishi tells the king that she is sure that yamunaithuraivar will win and if he loses, she will become a servant of the king. And the king is confident that AkkiAzhwAn will win and he says if yamunaithurairvar, he will give half the kingdom to him.
Yamuna asked (or stated) three statements. He asked Akkialwan to counter.
- 1) AkkiAzhwAn’s mother is childless.
- 2) The King was just a ruler.
- 3) The Queen was chaste.
The scholar had to deny all the above three statements. They were all very tricky.
How can one say that his mother is barren, when he is her child!
How can anyone say in front of the King that he was unjust!
Punishment could be severe. Worst is, who can dare say that the Queen was not chaste!
The scholar was caught in terrible embarrassment. To get over this, the scholar challenged Yamunacharya to answer by denying the statements. Unfazed, Yamunacharya replied to all the 3 statements:
- 1) According to shastras, bearing only one child is equivalent to infertility. So, saying Scholar's mother was barren is acceptable, as he was her only child. It is like plaintain trees give only one bunch and mothers having only one child are called kathali vandhya in Sanskrit.
- 2) According to Shastras, all crimes committed by his people affects the King. So no King could call himself just.
- 3) According to Shastras, again, a woman is considered chaste only if she followed her husband implicitly or absolutely. In this debate, the King was supporting the scholar, while the Queen was supporting Yamunacharya. Therfore, the Queen was not following the King implicitly and so she could not be termed chaste.
(This is only to drive home a point that logic can not be the solution fully. One needs to fall back on Saasthras and Sruthi/Smrthis for praMANams.)
The King sent Akkialwan out of his kingdom and gave Yamuna half his kingdom. The queen hailed the boy as "Alavandhaar" ஆளவந்தீரோ - One who came to save me.
During Swami Nathamuni's final days, he had entrusted the task of establishing the siddhanta by his grandson Yamunacharya, to his disciple Swami Uyyakondar[உய்யக் கொண்டார்]. In his lifetime he could not achieve and so, Uyyakondar passed on the responsibility to his disciple Swami Manakkal Nambi [மணக்கால் நம்பி]. Swami Manakkal Nambi found it was difficult to meet Alavandar, as he was a ruler and had little time for religious matters. He devised a plan and offered daily thoodhuvalai keerai[தூதுவளை கீரை], a type of lettuce, to the Royal cook and requested him to serve the King daily. The cook prepared the lettuce and the King Alavandar relished the preparation. This continued for several months.
Suddenly Swami Manakkal Nambi stopped supplying the lettuce and so the cook could not serve the King. Noticing that lettuce was not in the plate, Alavandar called the cook and asked why lettuce was not served. The cook replied that one brahmin was supplying regularly and suddenly the supply was stopped. King Alavandar asked the cook to send the brahmin to him, if he reported again. Swami Manakkal Nambi appeared again and the cook promptly took him to the King Alavandar. Alavandar asked Swami Manakkal Nambi, what was he expecting to get, by supplying all these days lettuce. Swami Manakkal Nambi denied anything he expected from the King; but wanted to hand over a treasure, Alavandar's grand father had given to him. Thus the opportunity came and Swami Manakkal Nambi taught Bhagavad Gita to Alavandar as taught to him by Swami Nathamuni.
Realizing the greatness of Gita, Alavandar wanted to learn more about the Lord. Swami Manakkal Nambi took him to Srirangam and with the grace of Sri Ranganatha, Alavandar was instantly captivated by the beauty of the Lord. Renunciating all wealth and Kingdom, Swami Alavandar devoted himself to our philosophy and established his mutt to preach others. One of Swami Alavandar's disciple was Peria Nambi, whose disciple was Swami Ramanuja. Just like Ekalavya did not get tutored directly from Drona, Swami Ramanuja was not fortunate to be the direct disciple of Swami Alavandar.
ALavandhAr comes back to srirangam and is worried about appointing the successor to lead the sampradhAyam. He finds out about iLayAzhwAr (Sri rAmAnujar) who is studying under yAdhavaprakAsan in kAnchipuram. He visits kAnchipuram and in the dhEvaperumAl kOil, in front of kariyamAnikka perumAl sannidhi, he gives his divine katAksham towardsiLayAzhwAr who passes by at that time. ALavandhAr goes to dhEva perumAl and does a sharaNagathi to emperumAn to make iLayAzhwAr the next leader of the sampradhAyam. Thus ALavandhAr plants the seed to what is going to be a mahA vriskham (great tree) i.e.,emperumAnAr dharisanam. ALavandhAr asks thirukkachi nambi to help iLayAzhwAr in his spiritual development.
Finally he requests all his disciples and other srivaishnavas to assemble in front of him. He asks for their pardon for any mistakes he committed, accepts sripAdha thIrtham from them, does thadhiArAdhanam to them and leaves his charama thirumEni to paramapadham. All his disciples were plunged into sorrow and finally they start planning for the grand celebration. When srivaishnavas leave their body to go to paramapadham it is actually celebrated in a grand manner considering the great benediction they get when they go to paramapadham. All the charama kainkaryams like thirumanjanam, srichUrNa paripAlanam, alankArams, brahma ratham, etc are all explained in a detailed manner in ALavandhAr’s charithram and other AchAryas lives also.
In the mean time, periya nambi had gone to kAnchipuram to bring iLayAzhwAr with him to srirangam. When iLayAzhwAr goes to sAlai kiNaru for his kainkaryam of bringing water for dhEvaperumAL, periya nambi recites ALavandhAr’s sthOthra rathnam loudly. Hearing that and understanding the deep meanings, iLayAzhwAr enquires periya nambi about the author of the slOkams. periya nambi explaining about ALavandhAr’s greatness, requests iLayAzhwAr to visit him at srirangam. iLayAzhwAr accepting the proposal, goes to dhEva perumAL and thirukkachi nambi and takes permission from them to go to srirangam. While reaching srirangam, they see the procession of ALavandhAr’s thirumEni and periya nambi falls down crying. iLayAzhwAr also being very upset enquires from the local srivaishnavas and understand what has happened.
At that time, when the final kainkaryams for ALavandhAr starts, everyone observes that 3 fingers are folded in one of his hands. When iLayAzhwAr asks if anyone knew the reason, the srivaishnavas mention that ALavandhAr had 3 unfulfilled desires, viz:
We should show our gratitude towards vyAsa and parAsara rishi.
We should show our love towards nammAzhwAr.
We should have a bhAshyam written for vyAsa’s brahma sUtram as per visishtAdhvaitha sidhantham.
Hearing this, iLayAzhwAr immediately takes an oath that he will satisfy all the 3 desires and immediately ALavandhAr’s fingers unfolded. The assembled srivaishnavas become ecstatic looking at this and they say that ALavandhAr’s krupai and shakthi is fully showering on him and hail him to become our dharisan nirvAhakar. Once all the kainkaryams are over, iLayAzhwAr returns to kAnchipuram without even worshipping namperumAL since he was overwhelmed by the loss of ALavandhAr.
Works:
- Chatusloki
- Sthotra Ratnam
- Sidhi trayam (Atma trayam, Samvit trayam, Eeswara trayam) - These helped Swami Ramanuja to formulate his philosophy in Sri Bashyam)
- Geethartha Sangraham (base for the Gita Bashyam of Swami Ramanuja)
- Agama Pramanam (enabled Ramanuja to expound Pancharatra)
- Maha Purusha Nirnayam (This establishes the supremacy of Sriman-Narayana)
Based on this, Swami Ramanuja expounded Vedic Truths in Vedartha Sangraham and in other work like Stotra Ratnam Chatus Sloki.
Sri Koorathazhwan
Koorathazhwan கூரத்தாழ்வான் was born as Kuresan in a small hamlet 'Kooram' near Kancheepuram, in the year of 1009 A.D (Sowmya year, Thai month, Hastham star), in a affluent family. He, belonged to the clan of 'Haritha', were popular landlords during those days. Koorathazhwan was married at a young age to Andalamma, a devoted and pious lady. Both of them led a happy and peaceful life. They were deeply devoted to Lord Varadaraja Perumal. The pious couple were very famous in the holy town of Kanchi, for their unstinting philanthropy and kindness azhwan came to a temporary end. Later Koorathazhwan continued his earlier philanthropic works.
Sri Koorathazhwan Thanian (by Parasara Bhattar):
Shrivathsa chinha mishrebhyo nama uktheem adheemahe |
yadhukthasyas thrayee kante yaanthi manggala soothrathaam ||
Meaning: I salute the great mahaan Srivathsa Chinha Misra (Swamy Koorathazhwan) whose Sri Sookthis became the thirumangalyam of the mother Veda (The 4 Vedas also named as Thrayee as mentioned in the above thanian).
Year: 1010 (Saumya Year) - 1132 (Virodhikruthi Year)
Birth Place: Kooram (Near Kancheepuram)
Other Names : Kuresan, Azhwan, Pavithram of Swami RamanujaMonth: Thai
Thiru Natchathiram: Hastham
Amsam: Sri Vathsam (Mole on Lord Vishnu's Chest)
Kuresan was heavily influenced by the teachings of Swami Ramanuja, who was staying in Kanchipuram at that time. It was the time when Swami Ramanuja's teachings were growing popular and His fame was slowly spreading. Kuresan quickly approached Swami Ramanuja and became his disciple.
A bond was established between them and under the effective guidance of Swami Ramanuja, Kuresan was initiated into rigorous study of Vedic scriptures and other holy works. Meanwhile, due to other plans of the Lord, Swami Ramanuja moved to Srirangam and the frinedship between Swami Ramanuja and Koorathazhwan came to a temporary end.
Once it happened that Lord Varadaraja Perumal and his Consort Perundevi Piraati heard a heavy sound of a door being closed. The actual reason was that, Kuresan had closed the brass doors of his home, after completing his daily routine of feeding the poor. By the order of the Lord, who appeared in the dream, the chief priest arrived at the door step of Kuresan to bring him to the Lord. On hearing this news, rather than feeling happy, Kuresan was extremely saddened, as he thought that it was a sin on his part to disturb the Lord and his Consort at the night time, by 'renouncing' his charity activities. This incident created a turmoil in the mind of Kuresan, which was a turning point in his life. He and his wife moved to Srirangam, where Ramanuja was staying. On reaching Srirangam, the couple were given a warm welcome and Ramanuja was very happy to have his old friend again. Kuresan became a disciple of Ramanuja and assisted him in all his works such as spiritual study, management of the temple, philosophical compositions and many others. Soon Koorathazhwan became the hand and eye of Swami Ramanuja.
Later during Chola Kings reign, there was arguments going on between who is superior of all, Shiva or Vishnu. The King sent his courtiers to Ramanuja's mutt to bring him to his court. Knowing about the danger that Ramanuja might undergo, Azhwan decided to go to the kings courtiers in disguise wearing Kashayam cloth and carried tridandam. Along with Azhwan, Peria Nambi also went to the court.
The King instructed a written declaration which should read "Nothing higher than Shiva exists", and commanded them both to affix their signatures to it without protest.
Kuresan refused. He launched into a long and magnificent recital of authoritative texts and sources from the Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis and Puranas that proved that Narayana was the Supreme Principle and none was higher than Vishnu and hence he was the only object fit for worship and contemplation.
The Chola King was incensed. Thrusting a writing-quill into Kuresan's hands he commanded Kuresan again to forthwith sign the declaration swearing allegiance to Shiva. "If you refuse we shall have your eyes pulled out here and now!".
On hearing this Kuresan flew into a greater rage.
He grabbed the quill from the King's hands and said, "But let me save you from the trouble, you tyrant, I shall pluck out my eyes by my own hand! These eyes that have set sights on a sinner such as thee have no further use for me!".
So saying Kuresan plunged the sharp writing-quill into his own eyes,and extracting ball from socket threw his eyes on the floor at the King's feet!
Swami Ramanuja, Azhwan, Aandan @ Sri Mudaliandan Swami Thirumaligai
The sudden and violent act of martyrdom of Kuresan struck terror into the hearts of all assembled there!
The cruel King remained unfazed! He turned next to Mahapurna and commanded him to sign the declaration of apostasy. The elderly Sire too flatly refused, upon which the vengeful King ordered his courtiers to overpower Mahapurna and gouge out the old 'AchAryA's' eyes without further ado!
He leaves srIrangam to go to thirumAlirunchOlai (after emperumAnAr leaves to thirunArAyaNapuram/mElkOte) where he stays for 12 years.
He sings sundhara bAhu sthavam (one of pancha sthavam sung by him) to kaLLazhagar (thirumAlirunchOlai emperumAn). He returns back to srIrangam after hearing about emperumAnAr's return to Sri Rangam.
Under the instructions of emperumAnAr, he sings varadharAja sthavam to dhEva perumAL, and in the end asks for mOksham to all his sambhandhis – especially nAlurAn (who was one of the main causes for him losing his eyes).
In total he sings pancha sthavams – srI vaikuntha sthavam, athimAnusha sthavam, sundhara bAhu sthavam, varadaraja sthavam and srI sthavam – all of them contains the juice of vedantha meanings.
He gets assigned the pourANika kainkaryam in srIrangam temple by emperumAnAr and he also remains the grantha nirvAhi for our sampradayam during his times.
He and his wife receives the prasAdham from Sri Ranganathan and from that prasAdham two beautiful children were born to them. They were named parAsara bhattar and vEdha Vyasa bhattar.
He is so immersed in arulicheyal anubhavam (4000 divya prabhandham) that whenever he starts saying an upanyasam either he keeps crying after being overwhelmed by anubhavam or he faints. periya perumAL converses with him directly.
Finally, he requests mOksham from periya perumAL and periya perumAL grants it. When emperumAnAr asks "how can you leave before me?", he says "According to sUzh visumbaNi mugil… padhigam in ThiruvAimozhi, when one goes to paramapadam, nityas and muktas come and wash the feet of the newly arriving mukta atma. How can I allow you to come and do that for me? That is why I am leaving before you.".
It was at that moment that a most excellent and poignant prayer ("Thanian") in euphonious Sanskrit sprang spontaneously to Kuresan's lips and which even to this day all devout followers of Sri Ramanuja recite in their homes daily and at all times:
"yO nityamachutha padAmbhuja yugmarugma
vyAmOhatas-tadi-tarANi trNAya mEnE
asmath gurOr bhagavatOsya daiyaiyaka sindOhO
rAmAnujasya charanow sharanam prapadyE !".
"The Holy Feet of My Master, Swami Ramanuja, are my sole refuge! For He is an Ocean of Mercy! And for Him all else is dross other than the supreme wealth that is the Feet of God!"
Kuresan passed away peacefully after a few hours in the presence of his loving family, Andaalamma and their two young sons Vyasa and Parasara Bhattar.
All of Srirangam gathered and performed all the due obsequies and honours that one so great a soul as Kuresan richly deserved.
Attained Paramapadam:
Sri Koorathazhwaan ascended to Sri Vaikuntam which is believed to be by the year 1132, 6 months before Sri Mudaliandan attained Vaikuntam, in service of Lord Ranganatha &Swami Ramanuja. With his head on Pillai azhwaan's lap, lotus feet on Andal's lap (Azhwan's wife) and hand on Parasara Bhattar's lap, thinking about Swami Ramanuja'slotus feet, azhwaan attained Sri Vaikuntam.
Swami Ramanuja has so many Sishyas but not one like Sri Koorathazhwaan.
Sri Mudaliandan (Daasarathi)
Soottuyar maadangal thondrum ayodhiyarkon pudhalvan
Kaatililaiyan puripani Inbam karudhudhalal
Meetu Midaikudi pinnavanaiyinum velkilanai
Veetu kuriyan Mudaliandan ena meendadanae
It is interesting to note that Daasarathi (Mudaliandan) முதலியாண்டான் is considered as being an Avathara of the Lord Himself. It seems that Lord Rama was so pleased with Adiseshan's service to him as Lakshmana that he wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. As a result, he bestowed the Avathara of Balarama to Adiseshan and himself as Sri Krishna. Still unable to fulfill his desire, Lord Rama took the avatar of Mudaliandan inorder to pay his reverences to Swami Ramanuja.
Mudaliandan Vaibhavam in English (Illustrated Online book)
Mudaliandan Vaibhavam in Tamil (Illustrated Online book)
Swami Manavala Mamunigal sloka on Sri Mudaliandan:
ய: பூர்வம் பரதார்த்தித: பிரதிநிதம் ஸ்ரீபாதுகாமாத்மந: |
ராஜ்யாய ப்ரததௌ ஸ ஏவ ஹி குரு: ஸ்ரீதாஸரத்யாஹவய: ||
பூத்வா லக்ஷ்மண பாதுகாந்திமயு கேஸர்வாத்மநாம் ஸ்ரேயஸே |
ஸாம்ராஜ்யம் ஸவயமத்ர நிர்வஹதி நோ தைவம் குலஸ்யோத்தமம் ||||
Ya: Poorvam Bharathaarthitha: Prathinithim Sripaadhukaathmana: |
Raajyaya Prathathou Sa Yeva he Guru: Sridasarathyahavaya: ||
Boothva Lakshmana padukanthimayu Kesarvaathmanaam Sreyase |
Saamrajyam Swayamathra Nirvahathi No Thaivam Kulasyothamam ||||
Meaning: The one who was worshipped by Bharatha in the earlier yuga and had given his Paadhuka (Footwear) to Bharatha for ruling the kingdom on behalf of him, that Lord Rama himself have born again as Daasarathi (Mudaliandan Acharyan) to uplift all Jeevathmaa (Individual Soul) to attain moksha, is now ruling the Srivaishnava Samrajyam (Lord Vishnu devotees Kingdom).
Sri Mudaliandan Thanian (rendered by Sri Kandadai Aandan):
padhuke yathi rajasya kathayanthi yadhakh yaya |
thasya daasarathe: paadav Sirasa dhaarayaam yaham ||
Meaning: Yathiraja paduka (Swami Ramanuja's Lotus feet) is what he is known as. Hence we pay our respect to Daasarathi's lotus feet (Mudaliandan)
Year: 1027 (Prabhava year) - 1132 (Virodhikruthi Year) Birth Place: Pachai Varana Puram (now Nazareth Pettai, near Poonamalle)
Other Names: Daasarathi (given by parents), Yathiraja paduka, Nam Vadhoola Desikan(given by Sri Ranganthar), Vaishnav Siro Bushaa, Aandan (given by Swami Ramanujar), Tridandam (given by Swami Ramanujar), Sri Vaishnava dasar (given by Sishya's)
Month: ChithiraiThiru Natchathiram: PunarpoosamAmsam: Lord Rama
PACHAI VARANA PERUMAL - NAZARETHPETTAI
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Tamil - Sri Mudaliandan Vaibhavam 
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Thiru Natchathira Thanian:
mesha Punarvasudhinae daasarathi hamsa sambhavam |
yatheendra paadhukaapikyam vandhe daasarathim gurum ||
Meaning: Chithirai Month (mesha month), day of Punarpoosam with Lord Rama's amsam also known as Yathiraja paduka is our guru Daasarathi (Mudaliandan)
Download Swami Ramanujar & Sri Mudaliandan Swami Birth History - Video (87 MB)
Krita Yuga - Lord Vishnu --- Adi Seshan
Treta Yuga - Lord Vishnu as Sri Rama --- Adi Seshan as Sri Lakshmana
Dwapara Yuga - Lord Vishnu as Sri Krishna --- Adi Seshan as Sri Balarama
Kali Yuga - Sri Rama (Lord Vishnu) as Mudaliandan --- Adi Seshan as Swami Ramanuja.
Dhaati Panchakam Thanian:
Yach chakre Baktha nagarey dhaatti panchaka mutthamam |
Ramanujaarya sachh aartham vandhe daasarathi gurum ||
Meaning: At Baktha nagar (Thondanur), who had rendered Dhaati Panchakam sloka is none other than Ramanuja's close disciple, Sri Daasarathi (Mudaliandan).
Sloka Guruparambarai Dhyanam (rendered by Mudaliandan):
asmath desikam asmadheeya Paramaacharyan aseshaangurum |
Sriman Lakshmana Yogipungava mahapoornav Munim Yaamunam ||
Ramam Padhmavilochanaam Munivaram Naadham Satath veshinam |
Senesam Sriya Mindhira Sagasaram Narayanam Samaasrayae ||
Another Mudaliandan Thanian (rendered by Koorathazhwaan):
ajahadh bhaagineyathvam paadhukaathvam thridhandathaam |
sampraaptham yathiraajasya vandhe daasharathim gurum ||
Meaning:
Ajahadh bhaagineyathvam - Eldest of Swami Ramanuja's sisters son is Mudaliandan. One day, when Ramanujar sacrificed everything at the time of taking Sannyaasam (ascetic) he did not give up Daasarathi, as that order demanded that all kith and kin should be renounced. To this Ramanujar replied that Daasarathi was an exception as if he leave Mudaliandan, means he leaves Lord Rama and said he don't want to be ascetic without Mudaliandan and added "If it is possible for me an ascetic to give up my staff, only then can Daasarathi leave me. He, though a bodily relation, is yet a kin to my soul. Because Swami Ramanuja knows that Mudaliandan is Lord Rama's avatar or amsam."
paadhukaathvam - Swami Mudaliandan is called as Swami Ramanuja's Lotus Feet or thiruvadi nilai. Sriman Narayana's thiruvadi is Sri Satagopan (Swami Nammazhwar). Swami Nammazhwar's thiruvadi is Madhurakavigal at all places except at Azhwaarthirunagari where it is called Sri Ramanujan. Swami Ramanuja's thiruvadi nilai isSri Mudaliandan at all places except at thirumala where it is called Ananthaazhwaan.
thridhandathaam - When Thirukoshtiyur Nambi asked Swami Ramanuja to come to him to learn the "Rahasya Granthas" with his Pavithram (flag which is tied up on the top of Tridandam) and Tridandam (triple staff) he took with him Koorathazhwaan andMudaliandan saying that they were his Pavithram and Tridandam. Mudaliandan'simpeccable service to his mentor secured for him the status of being Ramanuja's Padukas (lotus feet), Tridandam & also the position of the administrator of the Srirangam Temple.
In our Srivaishanava Sampradayam, Pontiffs carry triple staff (tridandam) made out of three small wooden sticks. This is to signify the three components of our philosophy - chit, achit and easwara. It is mandatory for our Pontiffs to carry tridanda always with them. It is also said that "Vishnuroopam Tridandagyam" i.e., Tridandam is Vishnu's roopam. As Andaan is Mahavishnu's amsam, it is said "Paki Neyas Tridandaga". Thus it is appropriate that he is called as Sri Ramanuja's triplestaff (Tridandam).
sampraaptham yathiraajasya vandhe dhaasharathim gurum - so much attached withSwami Ramanuja is Mudaliandan who is our acharya (guru).
Another Thanian: (by Sishya's)
shri vaishnavAnAm dhAsathvam svAmithvam prabuthAm svayam |
vaadhoola kuladhaureyam vandhe daasarathim gurum ||
Meaning: This thanian was rendered by Mudaliandan sishyas at the time when he served Periya Nambi's Daughter Athuzhai as seedhanai vellaati (like bride servant) for 6 months.
The first sishya of Swami Ramanuja and that is why he is called as MUDALIANDAN.
Vishwaksenar or Sena Mudaliyaar is said to be the chief of the army of Lord Sriman Narayana. As Daasarathi ruled the Srirangam Temple Administration like Senai Muthaliyaar (Sri Vishvaksena), Daasarathi was given the name Mudaliandan by Swami Ramanujar.
Daasarathi (given by parents), Yathiraja's paduka, Nam Vadhoola Desikan (given by Sri Ranganthar), Vaishnav Siro Bushaa, Aandan (given by Swami Ramanujar), Tridandam(given by Swami Ramanujar), Sri Vaishnava dasar (given by Sishya's) was a relative, disciple and associate of Swami Ramanuja, the codifier of the philosophy of Srivaishnavism.
Birth History:
Click here to View Pachai Varana Perumal Temple, Nazarethpettai history
It is believed that Lord Rama was very impressed by Thiruvananthazvan's kainkaryam as Lakshmana to him (Lord Rama) in Ramavatharam and wanted to wanted to serve him in future Avatharas. Thus, when he was born as Krishna in Krishnavataram he performed kainkaryam to Balarama (Who in turn is Thiruvananthazvan's amsam). Not fully satisfied with this, when Thiruvananthazvan appeared as Swami Ramanuja in Kaliyuga, lord incarnated as Mudaliandan and did kainkaryam to Sri Ramanuja and felt satisfied. Thus Mudaliandan is an amsam of Lord Rama.
Vaadhoola Kula Thilaka Sri Anantha Naarayana Dikshithar and Nachiyarammal (Swami Ramanuja's sister) didn't have child for a long time and wish to have one and in order to get blessed with a child they prepare to go to Tirumala to pray and plead with perumal for a child. In the pilgrimage, when they were resting on one night, Lord Rama who was their Thiruvaradhana Perumal appeared in their dream and said "You don't have to go Thirumala. I will myself be born as your son. Name him as "Daasarathi"". Daasarathi refers to the sons of King Dasaratha like how Lord Rama was also called.
Daasarathi (Mudaliandan) is an amsam or avatar of Lord Sri Rama.
Swami Mudaliandan was born in Prabhava Year, Chithirai Month, Punarpoosam Natchathiram (1027) at Pachai Varana Puram (referred to as "NazarethPettai" today) in Thondai mandalam, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. His parents were Vaadhoola Kula Thilaka Sri Anantha Naarayana Dikshithar and Nachiyarammal (Sri Ramanuja'ssister). Daasarathi, as he was named, was Ramanuja's Priya Bhagineya in the parlance of the age. Born to his service, and known as "Yathiraaja Paaduka", he enjoyed a special relationship with Swami Ramanujar all his life.
Nachiyarammal was the eldest of Swami Ramanuja's two sisters. Hence Mudaliandan is called as Sri Ramanuja's Bhagineyar (sister's son). Anantha Narayana Dheekshidar named the child as Daasarathi. He was born in Vadamal Kulam, Vadhoola Gothram, Yajus sakhaai, Apasthamba Soothram in Prabava varusham, Chithira masam, Punarvasu natchathiram, an amsam of Lord Sri Rama.
Early Life:
Having begun his learning with his father, Daasarathi became a pillar of support to Swami Ramanujar, acclaimed by him as being identical to his Tridandam - his staff office as a sanyasi. However, Swami Ramanujar kept him busy in many ways, as he was a capable executive and administrator.
Sri Ramanuja, later started to depend on Daasarathi a lot. While going to kaveri for his daily bath, he used to lean on Daasarathi for support.
One day, when Sri Ramanuja sacrificed everything at the time of taking Sannyaasam (ascetic) he did not give up Daasarathi, as that order demanded that all kith and kin should be renounced. To this Sri Ramanuja replied that Daasarathi was an exception as he was his triplestaff (tridandam) (the same reason he gave to Tirukkottiyur Nambi) and added "If it is possible for me an ascetic to give up my staff only then can Daasarathi leave me. He, though a bodily relation, is yet a kin to my soul. Because Swami Ramanuja knows he is Lord Rama's avatar or amsam."
Thus Daasarathi became the first and Foremost disciple and thus how he was named as Mudali Andan by Swami Ramanuja He was later to be known as "Sriranganaatha Divyaalaya Nirvahana Dhurandhara" - the genius who organized, under Ramanuja'stutelage, the administration of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
He is mentioned in the Koyil Ozhugu, the chronicle of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, in glowing terms,
"muthaliyaandaanum kurattilirunthu koyil kariyaththaiyum uLLe karuvulaka vaasalileyirunthu thirumeni upachaaraththayum, sannathiyile irunthu thiruppavaLa upchaarangaLayum udayavar niyamanappadi aaraaynthu kondu anaiththazhagum kaNdarula paNNIk-kondirunthaar".
(Roughly translated as: Mudaliandan administered the following, according to Swami Ramanuja's orders, the many works of the temple, the services to the Lord, and the works of the Shrine.)
Swami Desikan on Mudaliandan's sayings: Mudaliandaan is most well known for his lapidary saying, here given in transliterated maNipraavaaLam:
"oru malaiyil ninru, oru malaiyil thaavum simha shareeraththil janthukkaL pole bhaashyakaarar samsaaralanganam paNNa avarOdundaana kudalthudakkaale naam udhdheerdaraavuthomenru muthaliyaandaruLi-ch-cheytha paasuram".
This is roughly translatable as follows: When a lion leaps from a mountain to another, all the creatures that live on his body go with him. Even so, when Udayavar transcended this world, all of us who are associated with him benefit from this as well.
On udayavar's instructions Swami Mudaliandan went to Belur and converted all peoples to Srivaishnavism and installed Pancha Narayana temples at various locations.
Sloka on Swami Mudaliandan's Installation of Pancha Narayanan Temples:
Sri Ramancha samavistam pancha janyamcha sambhavam |
Pancha Narayana sthana sthapakam gurum asraye ||
Meaning: I take the solace under Acharya Mudaliandan, in whom Lord Rama's partial influence and a part of panchajanya's influenece exists is the one who installed the Pancha Narayana temples.
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Sri Mudaliandan Sripada Theertham:
Before reaching Melkote, Udayavar and Aandan halted at a place known as Thondanur.
There were lot of Jainist People living there. Swami Ramanujar tried to explain them about Vishistadvaita Philosophy, but in vain. Then Swami Ramanujar instructed Mudaliandan to just step into the waters to wash his feet of the local pool and come out. As ordained by Ramanuja, Mudaliandan interred his feet in the water at the shore from where people of the village draw water. Next day, Jainist villagers who came to take water from the lake are said to have unknowingly been converted to gentle ways (Sattva Guna - Sattva Guna is a force favourable for the attainment of Moksha) by imbibing the pool-water sanctified as the washing of Mudaliandan's feet (Sripadha - Theertham).
On the other side of the shore where the sanctified water was flowing, Vaduga Nambi collected that water in his hands where Ramanuja and Andan were standing and told Ramanuja "Is it not that Andan himself is your feet (padhuka)? Therefore his Sripadha Theertham is your Sripadha Theertham. Adiyen is re-offering the theertham at your lotus feet."
Then Swami Ramanuja said "Oh ! Is this a dual Saligramam? If so, let daily Thiruvaradhana be performed to Mudaliandan's Sripadha Theertham at this very place."
So it is firmly believed that even today who ever takes Sri Mudaliandan Sripadha Theertham will be changed to Sattva guna leaving Rajo Guna and Tamo Guna.
That is why even today, Sri Padha Theertham at Swami Mudaliandan Thirumaligai is given to anyone without considering the Caste or Religion as it has the power to change anyone to good and noble person.
Guna - Quality or Attribute
Sattva - Is the light, the purity, the kindness charity and compassion (It will develop clarity, Briskness, Understanding capability, Develop Knowledge)
Rajo - is ego, bravery, jealousy, wars, struggles and helping with a motive (It will create anger and desire)
Tamo - is inertia, selfishness, shrewdness troubling others and keeping everything without progress. (It will make you feel sleepy, lazy, ignorant)
Dhaati Panchakam Thanian:
Yach chakre Baktha nagarey dhaatti panchaka mutthamam l
Ramanujaarya sachh aartham vandhe daasarathi gurum ||
Meaning: At Baktha nagar (Thondanur), who had rendered Dhaati Panchakam sloka is none other than Ramanuja's close disciple, Sri Daasarathi (Mudaliandan).
Attained Paramapadam:
Swami Mudaliandan ascended to Sri Vaikuntam which is believed to be by Virodhikruthi year (1132) after living for 105 years in service of Lord Ranganatha & Swami Ramanuja.
Sri Embar
Govindar who was later called as Embar was born in Mazhalaimangalam (now known asMadhuramangalam). He was born in Durmathi year (1021 AD). The birth of Swami Embar took place after 4 years of Swami Ramanuja's birth. Embar born to the Dhivya Thampathis Periyapiraati and Kamala Nayana Bhattar. Swami Ramanujar is known as the incarnation of ThiruAnanthazhvan and Sri Embar as the incarnation of Periya Thiruvaadi (Garuda). Due to some reasons, Periya Thiruvadi was cursed to born in this world and survive as a saivaite and then follow Srivaishnavam to attain the Lotus Feet ofSriman Narayana.
Sri Embar Thanian (by Parasara Bhattar):
raamaanuja padhachCHaaya govindhaahvaanipaayanee |
thadhaayaththa svaroopaa saa jeeyaanmadhvishramasTHalee ||
Period : 1021 (Durmathi Year)- 1141 (Durmathi Year)
Avatharasthalam : MadhuramangalamOther Names : Ramanuja Padha saayai (Ramanujar Lotus Feet's Shadow), Sri Govinda Bhattar
Month : Thai
Thiru Natchathiram: Punarpoosam
Amsam : Vainatheya (Garuda)
In the year Durmathi which is 1021 CE this pious couple were blessed with a son, he was born in the month of Makara (Tamil Month of Thai) under the constellation of Punarvasu (it is said he was the amsam of Vaiynatheyan), his maternal uncle Thirumalai nambhi named him as Govinda Bhattar. Govinda was the first cousin of Ilai Azhwar (Swami Ramanujar). Then both were co-students at academy of Yadhava Prakasha (Yadhava Prakasha was an Advaithi) at Thiruputkuzhi. Ilai Azhwar was a very bright student and sometimes he had difference of opinion with his master in interpretation of Vedas, sutras etc. Yadhava Prakasha misinterpreted the scriptures to suit convenience and Ilai Azhwar did not like it. The climax of this dispute came when Master Yadhava Prakasha gave a wrong interpretation to word Kapyaasam as appeared in in Chandadya Upanishad to describe our supreme Lords eyes. (TASYA KAPYAASAM PUNDAREEKAM EVAM ASKHINEE).
Yadhava used some derogatory words and Ilai Azhwar corrected and interpreted the meaning as eyes of Lord was like a Fully blossomed Lotus. He did it this correction in front of all co-students, because of this incident Yadhava Prakashar became angry and asked Ilai Azhwan to discontinue the studies and leave the academy. Then Yadhava Prakasha thought if Ilai Azhwan was alive, he and his academy cannot survive. Then he along with some senior students hatched a plan to eliminate Ilai Azhwar. Then he went and pacified Ilai Azhwar and invited him to join for a Ganga Yatra up to the north. Ilai Azhwar agreed and all of them left for pilgrimage and his cousin Govinda also was there. Then, once they reached across Vindhayas they wanted to put their plan into action i.e. Kill Ilai Azhwar. Some how his cousin Govinda came to know of this sinister plan. So seeing an early opportunity Govinda advised Ilai Azhwar to leave in opposite direction at the night. As advised by Govinda, Ilai Azhwan did the same and reached Kanchi (We know how our Ilai Azhwar was saved by Lord Perarulalan and his consort from getting lost in jungles and had safe passage to Kanchipuram) {Even today, the same event is celebrated as Salai Kinaru Usthavam, the same is enacted in the Utsavam. Later, while taking bath in Ganges with Yadavaprakasar and ashram mates, Sri Govinda Battar gets a lingam in his hand. Sri Govinda Battar shows the same to his guru. The advaitic scholar replied that it is the anugruham of Lord Siva and names him as Ullankai Konarntha Naayanaar. From that day, Govindan becomes a pure advaitee and starts practising the same.
Swami Ramanuja decides to correct his cousin and requests Thirumalai Nambi to do so. Thirumalai Nambi too had been thinking of correcting Govinda Bhattar and hence immedietely leaves to Kalahasti with few of his disciples. He crosses Ullankai Konarntha Naayanaar’s path and makes Alavandhar’s slokam fall on his ears: “SvAbhAvikA anavatikAtishaya Ishitrutvam”. Something in Nayanar’s mind gets stirred when he hears the words and becomes disturbed. On another occasion, Nambigal went and sits under the tree from which Nayanar used to pluck flowers everyday and starts teaching the meaning of ThiruvAimozhi to his disciples. Nayanar forgets his task of gathering the flowers and stands there mesmerized. Nambigal explains the meaning of 3 pAsurams. The fourth one contained the following lines: “EmperumAnukkallAmal Poovum Poosanaiyum Thagumey”. On hearing those words, Nayanar throws the flower basket as he realised the folly he had been committing. He falls at Nambigal’s feet and asks for forgiveness and asks for his blessings and protection. He sobs loudly and laments his wasted years. Nambi consoles NAyanAr. The local Saivaites on hearing this news surrounded Nambigal, and fight with him while questioning if this behavior was okay. Nambigal redirects them to Nayanar, who promptly disowns them and gives them back the key and the ring that had been given to him. Nambigal takes him to Tirumalai and performs pancha samskAram for Govindan. He then starts teaching him all the prabandams starting with “tirup pallANdu”. Later Govindan (Embar) also becomes the Acharya of Sri Parasara Bhattar.
As commanded by Ramanuja, Embar taught Parasara Bhattar all that he learnt fromUdayavar. He succeeded in making Parasara Bhattar the worthy successor of Ramanujato carry on the Ramanuja Sidhantha to the future generation.
Then in the year 1137 our beloved Udayavar shed his mortal coil, at that time his head was resting on Embar's lap.
After the departure of Ramanuja, Embar had no interest in life. In the year 1141 Embar shed his mortal coil. Embar composed the work called "VIJNAASTHUTHI".
Sri Pillai Lokacharya
Pillai Lokacharyar பிள்ளை லோகாச்சார்யர் (1205–1311 CE) was a prominent Vaishnavite leader and philosopher who authored several important works of Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
The name Ulag-Ariya (or Lokacharya) first became associated with Sri Nampillai when Sri Kanthadai Thozhappar celebrated him as the acharya for the world ("Kanthadai Thozhappar tham ugappal enna ulagariyano enru uraikka"). Nampillai's disciple was Sri Vadakku Thiruveethippillai. Out of great affection for his acharya, Vadakku Thiruveethippillai named his first son as Pillai Lokacharya ("anbal anna thiru nAmaththai Athariththu mannu pugazh maintharkku sarrukaiyal").
Sri Pillai Lokacharya Thanian (by Eieunni Padmanabhar):
lokaachaarya gurave krSHNapaadhasya soonave |
samsaarabhogi sandhaSHta jeeva jeevathave namaha ||
Year : 1205 - 1311
Birth Place : Srirangam
Other Names: Ulagasiriyar, Lokacharyar
Month : Aippasi
Thiru Natchathiram: Thiruvonam
Amsam : Kanchi Devaraja (Varadaraja) Perumal
Lord commanded Sri Nampillai to bless Sri Vadakku Thiruveethippillai to have another son like Lord himself. The second son was named Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar, after Lord Renganatha. Sri Pillai Lokacharya was born as the amsam of Kanchi Devaraja (Varadaraja) Perumal in the month of Aippasi under the star Thiruvonam, in the year 1205 CE.
Both Sri Pillai Lokacharya and Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar remained asBrahmachaaris to make sure that their vyraakyam is not hindered. Because of this only, they were boldly able to advise that for a Sri Vaishnava, leading a marriage life even with his wife is not good In their youth, both brothers learned everything from their acharya Nampillai as well as from their father. They grew up like Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana.
Vilanjsolai Pillai has praised Pillai Lokacharya's work Sri Vachana Booshanam by singing "Saptha Kaathai" and Sri Vedanta Desikan sung "Lokacharya Panchaasat"
in praise of Sri Pillai Lokacharya.
In foreword to his vyakhyanam of Sri Vachana Bhushanam, Sri Manavala Mamuni tells of the following event. Once upon a time Kanchi Devaraja Perumal out of his nirhEduka krupa selected one Manarpakkam Nambi, and appearing in his dream taught him some special rahasya meanings; He also advised him to go and live in Srirangam and wait for him there where he will teach him in further detail those meanings. Manarpakkam Nambi moved to Srirangam, built a small temple and quietly lived there worshipping him and keeping the meanings revealed by him to himself.
One day Pillai Lokacharya came to that temple with his close disciples and seeing the quiet nature of the place began teaching them the meanings of rahasyas. Nambi listening from inside noted that these meanings were the same as taught by Lord Varadaraja to him. He then came out and bowing at Pillai Lokacharya's feet, asked him "AvarO neer?" - Are you the one (the same as Devaraja)?. Pillai Lokacharya replied "Yes, and why do you ask?". Manarpakkam Nambi explained his dream to him. This is the avatara rahasyam of Pillai Lokacharya.
Pillai Lokacharya then took him as his disciple and taught him the meanings of the rahasyas. Nambi then told him that Lord Varadaraja had asked him to request Pillai Lokacharya to collect these meanings as a book. The book thus written is Sri Vachana Bhushanam. Sri Manavala Mamuni speaks of the greatness of this work in several pasurams in his UpadesaratthinamAlai. Mamunigal also says that this is the greatest of Pilla Lokacharya's works ("innaruLAl seytha kalai yAvaiyilum").
The works of Pillai Lokachariyar:
Sri Pillai Lokacharya authored Ragasya Granthas with mercy in his heart towards the samsaaris. He has authored the following 18 Ragasya Granthas collectively known as Astaadasa Ragasya
The year was 1311 CE and the day was jyEshtha suddha dvAdasi. At his death bed he advised his disciples such as Koorakuloththama Dasa & Vilanjsolai Pillai that Srisailesa was working for the king at Madurai and that they should bring him back into the Srivaishnava fold so that he could lead the darsanam. While Swami was about to leave this world and reach Achaaryan's Lotus feet, he started touching the ants and other such insects near him. (All such animals will get to reach Sri Vaikunta if they have get touched by a Sri Vaishnava).
Such was Sri Pillai Lokacharya's Karunya towards the living beings. Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar reached Achaaryan's lotus feet at his 65th year. Pillai Lokacharya lived 106 years.
Swami Manavala Mamuni
Manavala Mamunigal மணவாள மாமுனி is one of the most well known and significant acharyas of Swami Ramanuja's Sri Vaishnava Tradition-southern sect. Followers of Sri Vaishnavism believe that Manavala Mamuni was the final acharya of a lineage that begins with the Supreme Being Sriman Narayana, passes through Acharyas such as Yamunacharya, Swami Ramanuja, Embar, Pillai Lokacharya and ends with Manavala Mamuni. It is believed that Manavala Mamuni was accepted by the Lord of Srirangam, Sri Ranganatha, as his own acharya at Srirangam.
Swami Manavala Mamuni Thanian: (rendered by Sri Namperumal)
Srisailesa dhaya paathram dheebhakthyaadhi gunaarnavam |
Yatheendra pravanam vandhe Ramyajaamataram munim ||
Meaning: I offer my respects to Sri Manavalamamuni, the receptacle of Srisailesa's (Thiruvaimozhipillai) grace. He is the abode of jnana, bhakti and all other good qualities and is forever lost in meditation on Swami Ramanuja.
Year: 1370 - 1443
Birth Place: Azhwarthirunagiri (Near Thirunelveli)
Other Names: Periya jeeyar, Varavara Muni, Sowmyajamatru muni, Sowmyopayanthru muni, Sundarajamatru muni, Yathendra Pravanar, Ramyajamatrumuni
Month: Aippasi
Thiru Natchathiram: Moolam
Amsam: Adi Seshan
Srirangam in southern India is a celebrated pilgrimage centre. It is the only dhivyakshetram sung by ten azhwars and Andal. It is called Bhuloka Vaikunta. It is the root of all 108 dhivya kshetras. But over these and several other distinctions, the most outstanding is that theLord showed here the ideal Acharya in the person of Swami Manavala Mamuni.
Swami Manavala Mamunigal was born in 1370, under the asterism of moolam, in the month of aippasi at Azhwarthirunagiri in Tamil Nadu to 'Tigazhaakkidanthan Tirunaveerudaiya piran dasar annar' and 'Sriranga Nacchiyar'. Swami Manavala Mamunigal's father was the son-in-law and also a disciple of Kollikavala dasar, a junior disciple of Pillai Lokacharya. His parents named him Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar (beautiful groom) after Lord Ranganathan of Srirangam.
Manavala Mamuni, Pillai Lokacharya, Appachiaranna @ Sri Mudaliandan Swami Thirumaligai
The young manavalan had his basic education under his father and maternal grandfather. He learnt the Vedas, Vedanta and the Divya Prabandam from his father. He entered grihasthashrama (married life) at the age of 16 years and soon after his father reached the lotus feet of Lord Narayana. He shifted his residence from Sikkil Kidaaram to Azhwar Thirunagari to become the disciple of the illustrious acharya Thiruvaimozhipillai. In a very short while, the young, brilliant manavalan mastered everything that could be known of shastras and Divya Prabhandham. He also developed, expectedly, a very deep devotion towards his Acharya Thiruvaimozhipillai and Swami Ramanuja.
Sri Thiruvaimozhipillai was instrumental in reviving the archa thirumeni (Idol) of Swami Ramanuja at Azhvar thirunagari and in building a temple for Swami Ramanuja. Appropriately, he put the young Azhagiya Manavalan in charge of the temple. Manavalan's earnest devotion towards Swami Ramanuja made him write a beautiful composition called "Yathiraja Vimsati", considered to epitomize the very essence of the exalted 'ramanusa nootrranthAdhi'. The sincerity, commitment and devotion displayed by young Azhagiya Manavalan so pleased, his acharya Thiruvaimozhipillai, that he gave the title "Yatheendra Pravana" to the young Manavalan.
Around 1430, the discourse was done over a period of one year, over which all the festivities of the temple was put on hold as ordered by Lord Ranganatha. On the last day of discourse, Lord Ranganatha impressed by Swami Mamunigal's exposition, took the form of a priest child and presented himself in front of the gathering and rendered a benedictory verse or Thanian, honoring Swami Mamunigal and disappeared into the sanctum sanctorum.
The benedictory verse given below, is recited in almost all the divyakshetrams, before the commencement of Divya prabhandham as ordered by lord Ranganatha.
srIsailesa dhayaapaathram dheebhaktyAdi gunArnavam |
Yatheendrapravanam vande ramyajAmAtram munim ||
This was interpreted by the audience as a proclamation by the Lord Ranganathar himself as the same verse was revealed through the archakas at Tirupati and Azhagar koil. After this incident, Manavala mamuni started writing commentaries on the works of earlier acharyas, composed independent works and compiled source documentation and cross-referencing on some important works.
adiyArgaL vAzha arangka nagar vAzha
sadakOpan thaNdamizh nUl vAzha * - kadal sUzhndha
mannulagam vAzha * maNavALa mAmuniyE *
innum oru nURRANdirum *
These four lines extols his contributions to continued existence and prosperity of Sri Vaishnavaism, the followers, their holy temples, scriptures, traditions, and the well being of the whole world, and concludes with the prayer, that the great Manavala Mamuni live for another hundred years for that purpose.
The apparent conflict between 100 years and perpetuity is resolved, when one understands the key link of devoted Sri Vaishnava devotees, their ongoing practice of the prayer and traditions as a "Vaazhaydi Vaazhai", for the perpetuation of the faith. So 100 years down the line there will be faithful chanting the same for the future.
Vaazhi thirunaamam for Manavala Mamunigalas in Acharyarkal Vaazhthu
ippuviyil arangkEsarkku IdaLiththAn vAzhiyE
ezhil thiruvAymozhip piLLai iNai adiyOn vAzhiyE
aippasiyil thirumUlaththu avathariththAn vAzhiyE
aravarasap perunjsOdhi ananthan enRum vAzhiyE
eppuviyum srIsailam Eththa vandhOn vAzhiyE
ErArum ethirAsar ena udhiththAn vAzhiyE
muppuri nUl maNivadamum mukkOl thariththAn vAzhiyE
mUdhariya maNavALa mAmunivan vAzhiyE
As in Everyday Sattru Murai.
seyya thAmaraith thALiNai vAzhiyE *
sElai vAzhi thirunAbi vAzhiyE *
thuyya mArbum purinUlum vAzhiyE *
sundharath thiruththOLiNai vAzhiyE *
kaiyum Endhiya mukkOlum vAzhiyE *
karuNai pongkiya kaNNiNai vAzhiyE *
poy ilAdha maNavALa mAmuni *
pundhi vAzhi pugazh vAzhi vAzhiyE * adiyArgaL vAzha arangka nagar vAzha *
sadakOpan thaNdamizh nUl vAzha * - kadal sUzhndha
mannulagam vAzha * maNavALa mAmuniyE *
innum oru nURRANdirum *
Swami Manavala Mamuni attained Sri Vaikuntam by the year 1443.
Padaladhri Nrisimhar - Singaperumal Koil
Situated off the ever-busy NH4 is Singaperumal Koil which is home to a frequently visited ancient vishnu temple dedicated to Padaladhri Nrisimha Perumal (known asSingaperumal Koil).
Temple History:
It is famed as a place where Nrisimhar gave darshan to Jaabaali Maharishi.
According to temple sources, this temple has been referred in Brahmaanda Puraanam. Lord Vishnu took the form (Avatar) of Sri Narasimha and killed the demon king Hiranyakashipu. At the time of Narasimha Avatar, this place was surrounded by dense forests. A sage called 'Jaapaali' was performing Thapas, praying Lord Vishnu. As wished by him, the lord gave dharshan to him in the form of Ugra (fierce) Nrisimhar.
Appachiaranna's son was Annavillappan and his father Appachiaranna. He learnt Ubhaya Vedantham from Daasarathi Appai and Kandadai Appan. Thirunakshathiram: Maasi Kettai. Theertham – Mithuna Krishna Astami.
Annavillappan - @ Singaperumal Koil (Sri Mudaliandan Swami Thirumaligai)
Annavillappan was extremely devoted to his clan's deity (Kula deivam) Nrisimhar. Padaladhri Nrisimhar appeared in his dream and told him to spruce the jungle and bring out his temple drowned in sand dune at Padaladhri. This place is now known as 'Singa Perumal Koil'. Annavillappar (Kumara Venkatacharya Swami) rehabilated the Padaladhri Nrisimha Perumal Sannadhi which had drowned under sand dune, as per Perumal's directive and created the village as also brought and settled people to serve the Swami in Temple. He constructed tower, etc. and worshipped him. He remained the Sthalacharya Purusha and received special honours which are continued and accorded to Varthamana Mudaliandan Swami even now.
PADALADHRI NRISIMHAR - SINGA PERUMAL KOIL View Map
The main shrine of this east-facing vishnu temple in Singaperumal Koil enshrines the four-armed Padaladhri Nrisimha Perumal, the presiding deity of this temple.
Sri Moolavar is in sitting pose, with right leg folded and left leg stretched. Right hand is showing abhaya and left arm is inahvahana [welcoming] mudra under the PRANAVAKOTI VIMANAA. Prahladha Varadhan Utsavar is in standing pose.
The Lord graces with Four arms, the right ones are holding the discus and showing abhaya, while the left arms are holding conch and holding Mace. He graces along with Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhudevi.
The handsome utsava vigraha Of perumal and ubhaya nachiyar are seen in front of their Sannidhi's.
At the Entrance of the temple has Idols of Vishvakshenar, Swami Ramanuja and many of the Azhwars & Acharyas. In front of this shrine is a large mandapa.
Below are Prahladha Varadhan, Viswaksenar, Nammazhwar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Periyazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Thirukachi Nambigal, Swami Ramanuja,Koorathazhwaan, Mudaliandan, Pillai Lokacharya, Manavala Mamuni
The shrine for Goddess Lakshmi worshipped here as AHOBILAVALLI THAYAR is situated to the right of the main sannidhi and ANDAL sannidhi on the left.
Annavillappan Pushpa Pallakku (Thiru Maasi Kettai)
There is a mandapa at the Sannidhi entrance supported by very slender, beautiful pillars which reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of the master-artisans of the ancient tamil.
Annavillappan - Singaperumal Koil Mariyadhai (Maasi Kettai)
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