The Alwars: Sri Vaishnavism is one of the pre-eminent traditions of Hinduism. An unbroken lineage of teachers, (the Acharyas) and a wealth of literature in Tamil and in Sanskrit and the Vishishtadvaita philosophy form the backbone of the Sri Vaishnava religion. Twelve saint (poet) devotees - the great Alwars lived their lives dedicated to expressing their devotion to MahaVishnu - considered to be the supreme manifestation of Divinity in the Vaishnava system of beliefs.. These saints composed verses in chaste tamil, and revitalized the religious spirit of the region, sparking off a renewal of devotional worship in what is generally referred to as the Bhakti movement. The first of the twelve, Peyalwar, Bhootattalwar and Poikaialwar lived in the first half of the first millennium CE.
The Paasurams: Srivilliputtur in southern Tamilnadu, is home to Perialwar, and his foster
daughter Andal; the works of Andal are very well known to the tamil world. The Tiruppaavai hymns written by Andal (a manifestation of the mother Goddess) are chanted in congregations throughout Tamilnadu during the cold month of Margazhi, in the cool pre-dawn hours, in temples as well as in the streets that surround temples. The 30 hymns constituting Tiruppavai have been recorded by several artists, and the national radio station All India Radio (used to) broadcast(s) a hymn each day throughout the month of Margazhi. Also composed by Andal is 'Vaaranam Aayiram' (Kanaakkanden Tozhi), describing Andal's dream of her marriage to Narayanan (Vishnu). This work is chanted during Sri Vaishnava weddings. A popular version of Vaaranam Aayiram sung by S. Janaki hit the charts in 1990.
Amalanaadipiraan, a decad of 10 verses composed by Tiruppaanaalwar of Uraiyur, describing his ecstasy upon seeing the image of Ranganathar at Tiruvarangam, is held in great reverence. Tondaradippodialwar has composed several verses in praise of Ranganathar at Srirangam. The most prolific poets of the Alwars were Nammalwar and Tirumangaialwar (8th - 9thcentury CE). The collection of Nammalwar's works is referred to as Tiruvaimozhi.
(Click on these links to listen to the author Kanniks Kannikeswaran's musical arrangement/rendition of Amalanaadipiraan written by Tiruppaanalwar and Paayum Neerwritten by Tondaradippodialwar.)
The compilation of these verses is the revered Naalayira Divya Prabandam. Credit for this compilation goes to Nadamuni (923 - 1023 CE), who upon hearing Nammalwar's verse 'Araavamude' being chanted at Kumbhakonam, researched into and compiled the works of all of the Alwars. The lineage of spiritual leaders of the Sri Vaishnava way of life, held these works in the highest regard, considering them equivalent to the Vedas. The Alwar paasurams therefore have been chanted in temples for centuries together (in a manner similar to that of chanting the Vedas in sanskrit).
The tradition of Arayar Sevai involving the expressive recitation (enactment) of the paasurams originated during the period of Nadamuni, at Srirangam. This tradition exists even today at Srirangam, and at Srivilliputtur and Alwar Tirunagari (and at Melkote in Karnataka). The descendants of the family of Nadamuni are the torchbearers of this tradition.
Divya Desams: The verses of the Alwars, speak of the glory of Vishnu, of instances from the puranams. of the devotion of the Alwars and of the glory of the temples (and locales) enshrining Vishnu (which they had visited). The entire decad of verses commencing withAmalanaadipiraan praises Ranganathar at Srirangam. Some of these verses only refer to (or address) temples in which Vishnu is enshrined as in the case of Nammalwar's hymns referring to the deity enshrined in Srivaikuntham in two verses in a decad of verses dedicated to Tiruppulinkudi. Pillaipperumaal Iyengar's work Tirupati Andadi captures 108 of the shrines, mentioned in the works of the Alwars. These shrines are hailed as Divya Desams, hallowed by the hymns of the saints.
History of patronage: These shrines have been held in reverence for centuries. In Tamilnadu where 84 of these shrines are situated, the Pallava rulers (as in Mahabalipuram,Nandipuravinnagaram), and the Chola emperors (10th through the 13th centuries) provided for the construction (in stone), expansion and upkeep of these shrines through generous endowments. The Pandyas who followed continued this tradition. It was under the rule of the Vijayanagar emperors that shrines such as Srirangam, Tirukkachhi and Tirupatireceived the greatest extent of royal patronage. The Nayaka rulers of Madurai continued this glorious tradition after the Vijayanagar rulers.
The shrines: 47 of the 108 Divya Desams have been addressed only by Tirumangaialwar and 18 only by Nammalwar. While 2 are addressed only by Tirumazhisaialwar, 1 by Kulasekharalwar and 1 by Perialwar, the remaining 39 are addressed by hymns composed by more than one of the saints. In combination with the other saints, Tirumangaialwar has addressed 83 of the 108 Divya Desams and Nammalwar 35. While 247 verses are addressed to Srirangam - 202 are addressed to Tirupati, 128 to Azhagar Koyil and only 7 to Kanchipuram (Tirukkachhi Attigiri). The celestial abodes Tirupparkadal (The Milky Ocean) and Paramapadam (Vaikuntham) get 51 and 36 verses each.
Geographic distribution: 40 of the shrines are located in the fertile Chola kingdom and 22 are in Tondainaadu - around Kanchipuram and Chennai. 2 are in Nadu Naadu (Tiruvahindrapuram and Tirukkovilur) and 18 are in Pandyanaadu. 13 of the shrines are in Malainaadu, of which 11 are in Kerala and 2 are in Kanyakumari district; therefore the total number of Divya Desams in Tamilnadu is 84. 11 Divyadesams are in Vada Naadu, or the northern lands - of which two,Tirupati and Ahobilam are in Andhra Pradesh. 7 of these 11 are in Uttar Pradesh (such asMathura, Ayodhya , Badrinath etc.). , 1 in Nepal and 1 in Gujarat. Two of the Divyadesams - Ksheerasaagaram and Vaikuntham are celestial abodes.
Thus, 106 temples have been addressed by the Tamil Alwars, who were pillars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition that was to evolve in Tamilnadu. The contrast in the nature of these temples is stunning, given the diversity in the Indian subcontinent. Even a virtual visit to these 106 shrines across the nation, is quite an experience, and is illustrative of this contrast, given the difference in the nature of temples in the various regions such as the Kaveri basin, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, the Tirunelveli region, the Gangetic plains and the Himalayas.
State of these temples: Some of the Divya Desam shrines are grand monuments such as the
Ranganathar Temple at Srirangam,Naachiyaar temple at Srivilliputtur, thePadmanabhaswamy temple at Tiruvanandapuram and the Varadaraja Perumaal temple at Kanchipuram, visited by thousands. Badrinath, the northernmost of the Divyadesams is a shrine venerated throughout India.Tirupati (Tirumala) is the most visited of these 108 Divya Desams, and is held in great regard by pilgrims all over the country. Tiruvallikkeni a well visited shrine and a prominent landmarks in the modern city of Chennai, attracts thousands of devotees during the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival in the month of Margazhi.
Some of the Divya Desams in Tamilnadu, stand as grand monuments gracefully located away from the beaten track (Tirukkovilur, Sri Vaikuntham for example). Three of the Divya Desams are sub shrines in the prakarams of other Divya Desams. The Tiruoorakam(Ulagalanda Perumaal Koyil) houses the Divyadesams Oorakam, Neerakam, Kaarakamand Kaarvaanam. Two of the Divyadesams are subshrines in other temples. Nilattingal Tundam is a shrine to Vishnu in the inner prakaram of the grand Ekambreswarar temple at Kanchipuram, while Kalvanoor is a shrine to Vishnu in the Kamakshiamman temple at Kanchipuram.Tiruchitrakootam, is located within the grand Nataraja temple complex atChidambaram.
Iconography: While in Saivite shrines, it is the Shivalingam or the non-anthropomorphic form that is enshrined in the innermost sanctum, it is the iconic form of Vishnu that is center of reverence in the 106 Divya Desams. Vishnu is represented usually in one of three postures - reclining (Sayanam or kidanda kolam) as in Kumbhakonam, seated posture (irunda kolam) as in Tirupperai, or standing (ninra kolam) as in Tirupati (Tirumala).
Worship protocol: While in all of the Divya Desams in Tamilnadu (with the exception ofNilattingal Tundam, Kalvanoor, Tiruvaattaru and Tiruvanpatisaaram) the Vaishnava Agamic (Pancharatra or Vaikanasa) protocol of worship is followed, the Kerala Tantram is followed in the Divyadesams in Malainadu. Worship services at Badrinath follow a protocol established during the period of Adi Sankaracharya.
Festivals: Most of the Divya Desams in Tamilnadu follow an elaborate tradition of festivals. The Margazhi festival, involving the recital of the Alwar hymns - and the climax of the festival on the day of Vaikuntha Ekadasi are traditions which have sustained for several centuries, enriching the cultural life of the tamil region. The annual festival at the Kallazhagar temple in the month of Chittirai, coinciding with the Bhramotsavam at the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple imparts a festive look to the entire region, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the state.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
History of Srimath Andavan Ashramam
1. Thirukkudanthai Desikan (Sri Gopalarya Mahadesikan)
2. Sri Vazhuthur Andavan (Sri Vedantha Ramanuja Mahadesikan)
The Institution had its genesis in Sri Gopalarya Mahadesikan famously known as Thirukkudanthai Desikan. He was born about three hundred years ago, in the village of Rayampettai in the district of Thanjavur by the Grace of Lord Oppiliappan as the son of Krishnasuri. He became proficient in all scriptures at a young age. He was sent by his father to Srirangam to be a disciple of Sri Sakshat Swami who was Himself very famous from the day of His birth. In fact Lord Ranganatha instructed Sri Sakshat Swami in his dream to train Sri Gopaladesika in the philosophical tradition propagated by Sri Ramanuja and Sri Vedanta Desika.
On a command received from Lord Aravamudha of Thirukkudanthai, Sri Gopaladesikan, returned to Thirukkudanthai and started propagating the sampradayam (traditional religious doctrine) besides completing the books which were left unfinished by his Acharyas. He himself authored some books including "anhikam" and "Sarnganeeva Stotram". Lord Ranganatha directed three illustrious persons in their dreams to go to Sri Gopalarya Mahadesikan and learn the traditional literature and spread the same.
Sri Thirukkudanthai Desikan had a dream that he should teach those three persons - One of the was from Vazhuthur. He, became an ascetic and came to be known as Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Mahadesikan alias Vazhuthur Andavan. The title "Andavan" was given to him by Lord Ranganatha as He was protecting the sampradaya. Sri Vazhuthur Andavan founded the institution in 1776 AD as per the directions of Sri Thirukkudanthai Desikan at Srirangam which is known as "Periyashramam" on the banks of river Kollidam.
When He was in Vazhuthur, for more than 30 years, He did Mangalasasanam for the Temple of Sri Jagathrakshaka Perumal. It is very well known to many when the curtain was drawn in the temple, Vazhuthur Swami used to have direct dialog with the Perumal. When He shifted to Srirangam, He used to do Samaashranam and Bharanyaasam at Thayaar Sannadhi in the Temple. He is devoted to Srirangam Perumal so much, that one day, Sri Ranganathar appeared to Him in front of the Dwajasthambam in the Temple and called, "Protector of our Sampradayam, Andavanae!" and embraced Him with these words. From that day, Srimath Andavan name is attached to Periashramam at Srirangam.
3. H.H. Thiruthuraipoondi Andavan (Sri Srinivasa Ramanuja Mahadesikan)
He succeeded Sri Vazhuthur Andavan, for the Acharya Peetam, and he stayed in Srirangam and did scriptures etc., When a Young boy from Kancheepuram requested him to give Sanyasam, he advised him to go back to his parents, get married and come after the birth of a child. As advised, the Young boy came back to him, after sometime, and informed His Holiness, that he is now ready to take Sanyasam as he has married, and is now a father of a male child. H.H. Thiruthuraipoondy Andavan, made him a Sanyasi and this young man was none other than Srinivasa Mahadesikan, who later became the famous Srimath Periandavan.
4. H.H. SRIMATH PERIANDAVAN, SRI SRINIVASA MAHADESIKAN
(1830 -1886 A.D.)
Srimath Periandavan was an ascetic for more than 50 years. For quite a long time, he was in continuous meditation in Srirangam. He used to get grains from the houses of a few devotees of Lord Ranganatha, by Unchavrithi, only for 7 or 8 days a month, wash the same in Kaveri water, cook the same, and eat it alongwith Thulasi leaves without salt, ghee, milk or curd. On other days, he used to powder the dry leaves fallen from the Holy Fig tree, consume the same and drink water. Such was his Vairaagyam.
By such severe penance, he became lean, and emaciated and came to be known as "Vathal Swami". As he was for long indulging in Meditation, Lord Ranganatha issued a command to him, to take disciples, and disseminate and propagate the Religion and Philosophy. Thereafter, several persons became His Disciples, and turned out to be great men of Learning and preceptors. Some of them who were famous were
1) Thirupputkuzhi Appa 2) Mannargudi Gopalanna 3) Vyakaranam Rangachariar 4) Meemisal
Narasimhachariar 5) Chinnamu Rangachariar 6) Thirunelveli Gopalasamudram Narayanachariar
7) Shamala Chakravarthi and 8) Purisai Nadathur Rangachariar.
One of His disciples purchased a land on the Southern bank of Coleroon river and offerred it to H.H. Periandavan. His Holiness accepted it and had a hermitage constructed, where he stayed and rendered Kalakshepams. Sri Periandavan was a strict disciplinarian and insisted on adherence to absolute discipline among his disciples, both during the time of Kalakshepams and at other times. It used to be said, in the morning, when he took the texts in Cadjan Leaves for Kalakshepam, whatever may be the number of pages, whatever may be the time span, He would not rise from His seat, without finishing all the pages. He travelled widely in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, by foot, and performed Samasrayanam and Baranyasam to devotees. He used to render Kalakshepam of Grantha-Chatushtayam, that is Sri Bashyam, Geetha Bashyam, Srimath Rahasyathrayasaaram and Sri Bhagavath Vishayam in a year and in that way he had completed them THIRTY times. Such an illustrious Acharya was succeeded by one of His Disciples, who was tested in several ways by His Holiness, before he was given Sanyasam. As He became an ascetic, even during the life of Sri Periandavan, and both Swamis were together for about Six months, He came to be known as Chinnandavan. His official name was Sri Paduka Sevaka Ramanuja Mahadesikan.
5. Sri Paduka Sevaka Ramanuja Mahadesikan alias Chinnandavan
(1886 -1895 A.D.)
He was a great scholar in Dharmasastras such as Manusmrithi, Yagnavalkya Smrithi, etc., He was often consulted by the British Government in matters of Hindu Law etc., He authored as many as nine books
1) Ahnikartha prakasika
2) Sri Jayanthi Nirnayam
3) Ukthyacharyanishtaa Vicharam
4) Satpadarakasha
5) Janmashtami Nirnayam
6) Tatkratunyaya Vicharam
7) Acharya Sambavanakramam
8) Yatidharmasamuchayam and
9) Asoucha Sangraham.
He had several disciples two of whom became heads of the Ashramam later, namely Therazhundur Andavan and Thenbarai Andavan. When He left this mortal world ,at that time, there was none to take charge of the Ashramam for 10 years. Then some disciples persuaded Sri Varada Vedantachariar to adorn the Acharyapeetam. He became Sri Srinivasa Ramanuja Mahadesikan alias Kadanthethi Andavan.
6. Sri Srinivasaramanuja Mahadesikan alias Kadanthethi Andavan.
(1905 -1910 A.D.)
He had mastered several Manthras with the aid of which He used to perform some miracles. In His poorvashramam when He went by Palanquin, the front sides were carried by men and the rear side were carried by Mantras without any man. He pleased the authorities of Thiruppathi Devasthanam with His miracles and the Devasthanam presented an ivory Palanquin which He presented to Sri Desikan Sannidhi in Thiruchanur. He authored some stotras. He was a Satavadani. He gifted the benefits acquired by Him by reciting Thiru Ashtaksharam seven crore times to Eyunni Varadachariar Swami and also made him a Sanyasi. That was Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Mahadesikan.
7. Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Mahadesikan alias Therazhundur Andavan or Nammandavan.
(1910 -1931 A.D.)
He had Panchasamskaram under H.H. Sri Periandavan. His versatility even in his childhood was unrivalled. His erudition and scholarship had no bounds. He earned several honours in Seminars of Vidwans. He was rewarded by the Maharaja of Pudukkottai. He had Baranyasam under H.H. Sri Chinnandavan. When the later was thinking of nominating a successor, Sri Varadhachariar offerred to become a Sanyasi but other people prevented him as he had elderly parents and young wife. After getting progeny, he obtained Sanyasam from H.H. Sri Kadanthethi Andavan.
During His period, the number of disciples increased. Everyone was attracted by His sweet qualities. He was an expert in music. He wrote a commentary in Tamil on Sri Paduka Sahasram for 860 slokas but was prevented by illness from completing it. He caused the publication of several books through Sri V.K. Ramanujachariar Swami. He made valuable contributions to several temples and arranged for continuous performance of festivals an other rituals in some temples. He travelled widely. He was a rare personality respected even by atheists. His disciple and successor was H.H. Sri Srinivasa Maha Desikan alias Akkur Andavan or Engal Andavan.
8. H.H. Srinivasa Mahadesikan @ Akkur Andavan or Engal Andavan
(1931 -1947 A.D.)
Sri Akkur Andavan was a disciple of H.H. Nammandavan. Having studied the scriptures under Him, Sri Akkur Andavan proved to be an expert in rendering discourses on Srimad Bhagavatham, Srimad Ramayanam etc., He completed the Tamil Commentary of Sri Paduka Sahasra and published it. He travelled all over South India and caused renovation and repairs to several temples. He gave sanyasam to Thenbarai Ramabadra Chariar who was a disciple of H.H.Chinnandavan.
9. H.H. Sri Ranganatha Mahadesikan @ Thenbarai Andavan
(1947 -1963 A.D.)
His Holiness was an embodiment of Vairagyam (detachment) and Shantham (quietism). His calm and unperturbed temperament overpowered anyone who approached him with a disturbed mind. He performed fifteen Chaturmasyams . On account of indifferent health, He did not move out of the Ashramam. He caused the performance of Ashtakshara Mahayagyam in the Periashramam premises at Srirangam. He chose such a successor who could take the institution to dizzy heights and that was Thirukkudanthai Andavan.
10. H.H. Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Maha Desikan @ Thirukkudanthai Andavan.
(1963 -1989 A.D.)
Named as Srinivasaraghavan by his parents he earned a popular name "Kannan Swami". By his discourses in a mellifluous voice he was very well known throughout the country. It is no wonder that on his entering the fourth Ashrmam, the institution Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashramam got expanded beyond recognition. His Holiness travelled on foot the length and breadth of the country and attracted thousands of disciples.
Being a scholar in Nyaya and Vyakarana, He specialised in Alwars' songs compendiously known as Nalayira Divya Prabandham. The mastery which he had over the subjects on which he rendered discourses namely, Srimad Ramayanam, Srimad Bhagavatham, Mahabharatham etc., was simply amazing. The way in which He used to quote from Divyaprabhandhams used to remind the listener the grandeur of the flow of a perennial holy river. Whether it was a Kalashepam or upanyasam, he used to intersperse them with witticism and simple similies which made even an uneducated listener understand easily the mose abstract philosophical tenets. He carried out repairs and renovations in several temples and donated several articles and jewellery to various temples.
He established an Ashramam Branch at Keezhnattham Village in Tirunelveli District and also Sri Vedanta Desikan Sannathi at Thirukkurungudi village
He had constructed two temples in Bangalore,at Jayanagar &Sripuram and one in Delhi. He established branches of the Ashramam in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh States besides several important towns in Tamil Nadu including the city of Madras (Chennai). He performed 26 Chathurmasyams.
He rejuvenated the monthly journal "Sri Ranganatha Paduka". He created several charitable and educational trusts such as Sri Paduka Charities in Madras and Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Trust in Srirangam. The latter trust established an educational institution and started courses in Vedas, Divya Prabandanis, Sastras, Kavyas etc.,
When he realised that the Lord wanted him back in His abode, he gave sanyasam to Mysore Gopalachariar Swami who was a Srikaryam in the Ashramam and a year later left this mortal world.
11. H.H. Sri Srinivasa Ramanuja Mahadesikan @ Mysore Andavan
He was a great scholar in Sanskrit. Unfortunately, the Lord took him away within a month after the departure of Thirukkudanthai Andavan.He was earlier Srikaryam in the Ashramam at the time of Sri Thirukkudanthai Andavan Swamigal.
12. H.H. Sri Rangaramanuja Mahadesikan @ SriMushnam Andavan (Prakirtham Andavan)
Fortunately for the Ashramam, H.H. Sri Thirukkudanthai Andavan had mentioned the name of Srimushnam Sri Varadhachariar Swami as a successor, probably knowing in advance that H.H. Mysore Andavan may not live for long. When the Disciples of the Ashramam approached Swami, He had no hesitation in accepting the call to reiligious order though he had a large family to support.
Following the footsteps of the great saint Emberumanar, he placed "service to society" above his personal family. He took Kashayam (saffron robe) from Periyandavan sannidhi. Being a scholar of unfathomable depth in any subject under the sky, His Holiness lost no time in convincing the disciples of the Ashramam that he can not only carry aloft the banner of the Ashramam but also take it to further heights.
His expertise in Sastras, Vedas, Music, Dance, Medicine, Sculpture, literature (both Tamil and Sanskrit) and Paka Sastra baffles everyone. He has constructed a Temple in Sripuram, Bangalore. He has founded a college in Arts and Science at Srirangam under the auspices of Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Trust.
He is not only continuing what had commenced during the time of Poorvacharyas but also adding to the same and expanding the activities which are useful to the society. His witticism in conversations is remarkable. The disciples of the Ashramam are greatful to the Lord for installing H.H. SriRangaramanuja Mahadesikan as the head of the Institution. We pray to the Lord and the Poorvacharyas to bless H.H. with Long life and sturdy health.
Thirukkudanthai Andavan's services hailed :
TIRUCHI: Hundreds of devotees took part in the sadhamana thirunakashathra mahothsavam of Srirangam Srimad Andavan Sri Vedantha Ramanuja Mahadesikan Sri Thirukkudanthai Andavan, the ninth `Peetathipathi' of Srirangam Srimad Andavan Asramam, which was celebrated, amid the Veda and Prabandha parayanam, here on Wednesday.
The Brindavanam of Srimad Thirukkudanthai Andavan was adorned with temple honours from 90 `divya desams.' Delivering his benedictory address to mark the end of the nine-day celebrations, Srimad Andavan Sri Rangaramanuja Mahadesikan, head of the Asramam, said Srimad Thirukkudanthai Andavan had expanded the Asramam in the length and breadth of the country, setting up branches in 15 places, besides building and consecrating a number of temples. Furthermore, he had launched the Veda, Sastra, Prabandha patasalas at Srirangam.
Srimad Srimushnam Andavan released a souvenir and handed over a cheque for Rs.2.20 lakh to Sankara Netralaya for distribution of free spectacles to 2,000 beneficiaries. Ophthalmologist S. S. Badrinath received the cheque. Sri Sarvatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt jeer; Sri Thirukurunkudi jeer; Sri Azhwar Tirunagiri Azhwar Emberumanar jeer; and Sri Rangapriya Mahadesikan from Bangalore took part in the function.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Acharya and myself ( this is an untitled document taken from internet )
The Avathar of Sri Venugopalan Sri Gopalarya Mahadesikan who later came to be known as Thirukkudanhai Desikan and Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Mahadesikan who came to be known as Thirukkudanthai Andavan were both born ina village called Rayampettai, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery near Thiruvaiyaru. As the two Acharyas took their residence in Thirukkudanthai(Kumbakonam), they were called as Thirukkudanthai Desikan and Thirukkudanthai Andavan.
When I took a job in 1954 in Delhi,Sri Kanan Swamigal (later Thirukkudanthai Andavan) used to give lectures at Bashyakarar Utsava mand Desikan Utsavam conducted by Delhi Sri Vaishnava Siddhantha Sabha. At that time, I came into contact with him. Sri Kannan Swamigal who enquired about me told me the following: Sri Venugopalan who was worshipped bt Thirukkudanthai Desikan was later worshipped by Allundu Krishnamachariar (my grandfather) who also belonged to the same family as Sri Desikan in the house of Sri Desikan at Rayampettai. People without issues had worshipped Sri Venugopalan and got their progeny. After your grandather”s time, there was no Thiruvaradanam for this Perumal. So, you hand him over to the Ashramam and I will look after His Worship.
There was no Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya temple in Delhi and no one had taken efforts in this direction. I took the initiative a nd tried to fix a place for a temple of Sri Thiruvenkatamudayan. I failed. I had a dream in which I was told to arrange for Aradanam of the Perumal in my house.who had no Aradhanam for a long time. Later I went on a month's leave to my place in 1963. At that time Sri Kannan Swamigal had become Srimad Andavan. I handed over Rukamani Sathyabhama samda Sri Venugopalan to him on 20-7-1963 at Vaduvur where his first Chathurmasya Sankalpam was performed. My request to Srimad Andavan that I send a monthly remittance to cover expnses was rejected by him.
In a few months thereafter, I succeded in my efforts to get a place for constructing Sri Thiruvenkada mudayan temple. Later, a place was secured for building our Ashramam. Srivaikundaperumal sannadhi was also built. Both the sannadhis are doing well.As per the wish of Srimad Andavan, the road by the side of our Ashramam was named “Sri VedantaDesika Marg” on the recommendation of Sri A.B.Vajapayee.
Sri Venugopalan has toured the entire country along with Thirukkudanthai Andavan and Srimushnam Andavan. In Rishikesh, He had daily Thirunjanam with the waters of Ganga during Chathurmasya period. Srimushnam Andavan has purchased a site for Sri Venugoplan at Brindavan(Mathura) I am happy to learn that Srimad Andavan (Srimushnam) took Sri Veugopalan to Sri Sandipini Ashramam (Ujjain) Srimad Srimushnam Andavan has given a Mahamandapam to Srivenugopalan and the festivities conducted for Him bring pleasure to the devotees. R.V.R.
(This article which appeared in “The Kalki”18 years ago and reproduced in “Sri Ranganatha Paduka in its December 2005 issue is wonderful in that the more you read it, it gives you more pleasure)
As mentioned in this article,Paduka Aradhanam is very important in Srimad Andavan Sampradaya.After completing his daily Padukaradhanam, it is the practice ofThirukkudanthai Andavan to recite one or two Paththadhis (chapters) from “SriPaduka Sahasram”of Swami Desikan. Srimad Andavan used to recite slokas from “Sri Paduka Sahasram” with admirable ease during his lectures. Srimad Andavan used to frquently recite the following“Sri Paduka Sahasram slokam:
Ajanishi sramadhow hantha dehendriyathihi
Thathanu thathathikaha sanniswaroham babhuva
Atha Bhaghavatha Evaabhoovam Arthathidhanim
Thava Punarahamasam Paduke Dhanyajanma(997)
For a long time, I was under the impression that the body itself was Atma.Later, I understood that the two are different.But I presumed that I was the Iswara of my body.
As I acquired more and more knowledge, the thought that I was a free person had left me and I realised that I belong to God only. Not only that, Oh God's Padukas! I now belong to you. Only now, my birth has acquired some meaning. This, in short, is the meaning of this sloka. Our duty is to do service to others, not only God but to His followers also.
This sloka explains this supreme Vaishnava Philosophy.
Srimad Andavan used to say that this sloka alone will do to highlight Sri Paduka's importance. However much one talks of Srimad Andavan's glory, one will not be satisfied. We have experienced only some.
Etri manathezil Gnanavilakkai irulanaithum
Matrinavrkkoru kaimaru Mayanum kanagillan
Potriugappadum punthiyil kolvathum pongupugazh
Satri valararppadum satrallavo munnam petrathrke
Thirukkudanthai Srima Andavan Sri Vedantha Ramanuja Maha Desikaya Namaha
Srimad Andavan Sri Rengaramanuja maha desikaya namaha
