Kairavini karaiyinile - திரு அல்லிக்கேணி குளக்கரையோரம்

Dr. M.A.V - 25 years of Glorious Service at Madras University

2012-03-05T21:05:00.001+05:30

It is the ‘powerhouse of Knowledge’ – anOrganisation of excellence beyond 150 years. Its pristine precincts has shaped and motivated many greatscholars. It has scores of Autonomousand Non-autonomous colleges as its constituents. Many of its ‘alumnis’ have achieved greatthings in life – it is the University of Madras – a jewel ofChennai standing on the beach as a great landmark. This age old institution is one which hasbeen conferred 5 Star status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. Madras Universitywas incorporated on 5 September 1857 by an act of the Legislative Council ofIndia.

As one enters, the portraits of its famousalumnis – Sir CV Raman, Subrahmanyam Chandrasekhar, Srinivasa Ramanujam, CVDamodhara Pillai, Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy awe-inspires. The Periyar hall has had so many meetings butthis one on Saturday, 3^rd March 2012, sure was different. It was a meeting organized by the alumnis ofone the departments for honouring completion of 25 years and the walls of thehall reverberated with divinity and there were so many of Sri Vaishnavascholars – (men and women; young and old).

He is extremely popular to all SriVaishnavaites – who have talked to him, watched him from a distance withadmiration, fortunate enough to have been shaped by him, have heard his lectures in person,heard him on television and other electronic media, have bought and heard hiscassettes and CDs; He has been a regular in the “Divya Prabandhagoshti’ of Thiruvallikkeni, Kanchipuram and many other Divyadesams. He has been active and has been managing theaffairs of Thiruvallikkeni Sri Parthasarathi Vedha Adhyapaka Goshti. He is always seen having ‘dwadasa Urthva Pundram –(12 Thiruman andSrichoornam]’ and clad in attractive neat dress (pancha kacham – thetraditional Vaishnavaite dress]

- - - it is Dr. M.A. Venkatakrishnan Swami popularly knownas ‘MAV”. He was born in 1954 to SriM.A. Krishnaswamy and Smt. Rukmini. He comes in the lineage of Mandayam Ananthanpillai family, a descendant of Anandalwan, a disciple of Sri Ramanuja.

Madras University has the unique distinction of beingthe only University in the whole Country to have a separate Department for thePhilosopy of Vaishnavism. It has theavowed principles of bringing religious harmony and social awareness; moraldiscipline among the present generation, teaching human values and in helpingstudents face fast-paced life with patience and self-satisfaction. It was a meeting organized by the ‘alumnis ofDepartment of Vaishnavism’ to honour their beloved Dr MA Venkata Krishnan onhis meritorious 25 years of service atMadras University – Department of Vaishnavism.

Those on the podium were:

Col. Dr. G.Thiruvasagam, Vice Chancellor ofMadras University – the 42nd Vice Chancellor, a person of academic and administrative eminence.

N. Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of

India

;IAS officer of 1966 batch

Dr T.S Sridhar IAS, Additional Chief Secretaryto Government, Department of Higher Education, Govt. of Tamilnadu,

Mrs. K.S. Lakshmi, principal, MeenakshiCollege for Women, wellknown administrator and researcher; and Mrs Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy(popularly known as Mrs YGP) educationist and social worker, founder & deanof the PSBB - the famous Padma Seshadri Group of Schools.

Dr Sridhar, Mr Gopalaswami, Dr Thiruvasagam, MAV and Mrs Lakshmi

Those in the audience included MrsVaijayanthimala Bali, film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer,dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian; Dr TS Ramaswami, Senior Advocate; Dr PTSrinivasan, Prof & Head, Department of Management Studies, MadrasUniversity, many scholars and studentsof Vaishnavism and those who have had their life shaped by Dr MAV.

Section of the Audience

Rich tributes were paid by Speaker afterspeaker not only on the long service butmore on his personal traits of passion, devotion and dedication to the studiesand to the service of Lord. Besides hiskainkaryam at the Temple, Dr. MAV has been delivering discourses onvarious topics of SriVaishnava philosophy throughout

India

for the past 2 decades, inthe same special style of his mentor, Sri. P. B. Annangaracharya Swami. At a very young age of 24 (in the year 1978)Dr. MAV started a SriVaishnava monthly journal called Geethacharyan which hasset very high standards amongst the ‘sampradhaya magazines’. He has written many articles and haspublished many books.

During his speech, the VC commended MAV on his updated knowledge in computers – he has been using laptop for long and now has proud possession of ‘ipad’. His exceptional attendance in taking classes without absenting even for a single day and remaining in the Premises without taking even water was admired and appreciated.

In his acceptance speech, Dr MAV spoke of thevarious aspects of life and how Vaishnavism would transform one’s life. He stated that whilst the other Departmentspreached ‘materialistic pursuance’, this Department was all about spiritualexcellence and the knowledge that would help Self in this and the otherWorld. While students would think ofcompleting studies and look out for a good placement in all Departments, manyof those who studied in this Department were the ones who had held biggerpositions in life and came for learning spiritual excellence. That way, the average group of students wasalways on the higher side and there had even been septuagenarians and even a coupleof octogenarians.

His notable students would include Sarojini Varadappan, Mrs YGP, Mrs KS Lakshmi,Dr TS Ramaswami, and many others. It wasa great day for all of us inside the hall to hear quality lectures and wordspraise heaped on Dr MAV for his yeoman service in teaching Vaishnavaitephilosophy with greatest zeal.

In a typical Srivaishnavaite fashion, whereone always humbles oneself, he called himself as a small person and jocularlysaid “
நான் சிறியன்; விவேகானந்தா கல்லூரியில் ஆசிரியன் ஆனேன்; பல்கலை கழகத்தில் பேராசிரியன் ஆனேன் - ஆக நான் என்றும் சிறியனே !”

Groups of people waited in the Queueline tohonour him with shawl and gifts, making it a memorable occasion for all ofthem.

MAV honoured by Mrs YGP

MAV honoured by VC and Mr PT Srinivasan

Mrs Vaijayanthimala honouring Smt. Bhooma Venkatakrishnan & Dr MAV

It is not his service at the Madras Universityalone – but more to the Society at large. It is 25 years at Department of Vaishnavismat Madras University; his teaching career extends to at least adecade more when you add his service earlier at the the Sanskrit Department of Vivekananda College.

At hishouse in Thiruvallikkeni, from early 1970s, he has shaped the lives of 100s ofstudents teaching ‘Sri Naalayira Divya prabandham’ – which not only made mostof them attend goshti regularly at Sri Parthasarathi temple but moreimportantly shaped their lives as good human beings. Even during those days, he used to emphasisethe need for studying well and his ‘sandhai classes’ would be holidays closerto the school examinations.

I always remember the close to 2 decades ofdaily routine of getting up in the morning and going to No. 7 South MadaStreet, Triplicane, Chennai 600 005 for the ‘sandhai’ conducted by Dr MAV. Not a single day, he had stayed away citingill-health of any other reason – so devoted was he in teaching us. It was not simply teaching – he would explainto us, the meaning of some pasurams and made us understand the greatness of ourPhilosophy and need for practicing it sincerely. He has been a great leader, a great motivatorand an inspirational person capable of lifting the spirits and taking the groupto a much elevated level.

“ஞானம் அனுட்டானம் இவை நன்றாகவே உடையன் ஆன குருவை அடைந்தக்கால்” என்பது ஸ்ரீ மணவாள மாமுனிகளின் வாக்கு. Iconsider it a great fortune in life to have been associated with him and be hisdisciple in learning ‘divyaprabandham’ from him.

With great reverrence to my beloved teacher –MAV – who was a student those days when he started ‘santhai’ and subsequentlyrose to higher echelons – of Lecturer, Professor, Doctor and Head of Department– yet remaining a simple, easily accessible person to us all.

Srinivasan Sampathkumar.

Thirukachi Nambigal Sarrumurai - திருக்கச்சி நம்பிகள் சாற்றுமுறை

2012-03-05T10:26:00.002+05:30

March2^nd, 2012 was the Sarrumurai (Birth celebrations) of AcharyarThirukachi Nambigal. He was born in Poovirunthavalli, whichis now known as ‘poonamallee’ lying around 20 km away from Central Chennaienroute to Bangalore, Kanchi, Vellore, Thiruvallur and Tirupathi. His parents were Veeraghavar andKamalai.

Nambigal served KanchiPeruralalar by doing ‘aalavatta kainkaryam – (service of providing air by handfan) and was an acharyan of Swami Ramanujar. It is believed that Arulalarspoke to Nambigal in person. Through him, Devathirajar gave message of ‘Six words’ to Ramanuja.

Here is something on Thirukachi nambigal and some photos takenduring the purappadu.

வெள்ளிக்கிழமை – 2^nd March 2012 - இன்று 'மாசி மிருகசீர்ஷம்' - திருக்கச்சி நம்பிகளின் அவதார திருநாள்.

திருக்கச்சிநம்பிகள் - எம்பெருமானாருக்கு ஆச்சார்யர் ஆவார். இவர் சௌம்ய வருஷம், 1009 ஆம் ஆண்டு, வைசிய குல திலகரான வீராரகவருக்கும் கமலைக்கும் அவதரித்தார்.இவரது அவதார ஸ்தலம் : பூவிருந்தவல்லி. சென்னையில் இருந்து பெங்களூர் காஞ்சிபுரம்,ஸ்ரீபெரும்புதூர், திருவள்ளூர், திருப்பதி செல்லும் மார்க்கத்தில் இந்த ஊர் உள்ளது.

இன்று : பூனமல்லி/ பூந்த மல்லி என பலவாறு மருவி அழைக்கபடுகிறது. இங்கே திருக்கச்சிநம்பிகளுக்கு பிரதானமாக கோயில் உள்ளது. பூந்தமல்லி பேருந்து நிலையத்துக்கு அருகில்உள்ள ஸ்ரீவரதராஜ பெருமாள்- திருக்கச்சிநம்பிகள் கோயில்தான் அது. இங்கே காஞ்சி வரதராஜர்,ஸ்ரீரங்கம் ரங்கநாதர், திருப்பதி ஸ்ரீநிவாசர் என மூவரும் சந்நிதி கொண்டுள்ளனர். இங்கேஉள்ள தாயார் திருநாமம் : புஷ்பவல்லி தாயார். பூவிருந்தவல்லி என்பது தான் கால போக்கில்இப்படி மருவி விட்டதாம். திருக்கச்சி நம்பிகள் அவதரித்த ஆயிரமாவது ஆண்டு கடந்த2009ஆம் ஆண்டு கொண்டாடப்பட்டது.

திருக்கச்சி நம்பிகள் தினமும் பூக்கள் சமர்ப்பித்து திருகச்சியிலே தேவராஜபெருமாளுக்கு திரு ஆலவட்டம் (விசிறி) திருப்பணி செய்து வந்தாராம். தேவாதிராஜர்அர்ச்சாவதாரத்தை தாண்டி, இவருடன் பெருமாள் தினமும் உரையாடி வந்தாராம். இளையாழ்வார் (உடையவர்) தமது சந்தேஹங்களை நம்பிகள் மூலமாக கேட்க : பெருமாள்ஆறு வார்த்தைகள் பதில் அளித்தாராம். அவை 'அத்திகிரி அருளாளர் அருள்வித்த ஆறுவார்த்தைகள்' என கொண்டாடப்படுகின்றன. "அஹமேவ பரம் தத்வம்" - என்பதுமுதல் வார்த்தை. 'ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனே பரம் பொருள் - முழு முதற் கடவுள்' என்பதுஆகும். நாம் "இமையோர் தலைவன் மாதவன் பேர் சொல்லுவதே சிறப்பு"என்பதைஉணர வேண்டும்.

இவரது சாற்றுமுறை - (Friday) 2^nd March 2012 அன்று; - காலை நம்பிகள், ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதியுடன்தவன உத்சவ பங்களாவுக்கு எழுந்தருளி, மாலை 'இராமானுஜ நூற்றந்தாதி' கோஷ்டி செவி மடுத்துபுறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளினார். அன்று மாலை எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில புகைப்படங்கள் இங்கே:

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

Thiruvallikkeni Thavanothsavam 1

2012-02-29T20:33:00.003+05:30

Today (29th Feb 2012) is the First day of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal Thavanothsavam.

Some photos taken during the Periya Mada veedhi purappadu

Adiyen - Srinivasa dhasan

Thirumala Tirupathi : Vengadam aalum Govindha; Thirumalaivaasa Govindha ~ ~~ falling at the feet of Lord Balaji

2012-02-28T13:06:00.001+05:30

திருமலை திருப்பதி சிறப்பு : 'செடியாய வல்வினைகள் தீர்க்கும் பெருமானின் மகிமை" - பண்டெல்லாம் வேங்கடம் பாற்கடல் வைகுந்தம் - வேங்கடம் ஆளும் கோவிந்தா ! திருமலை வாசா கோவிந்தா !!!

For a Srivaishnavaite – thinking of Him, praising Him all the time, goingto temples of His, doing services to His bhakthas and associating oneself inany form with various kainkaryams to the Bhagwan Shri Maha Vishnu are the only real things. That Sri Vaishnavaites would relish doingsuch things naturally come to them. For Srivaishnavaites, visiting Divyadesams and havingdarshan of Emperumans in these places are of utmost importance. To us – “Kovil – Thirumalai – Perumal Kovil”reverberates sweetly and flows honey all the time. The word Kovil, Thirumalai, Perumal Kovilwould refer to “Sri Rangam, Thirumala Tirupathi and Kanchipuram” respectively.

Volumes have been written about Divyadesams and onecan spend one’s whole life time reading all of them – still one would only havecompleted tiny specs of His valour, His deeds, His characteristic traits, His compassion, His easy availability toBakthas and more.

Thirumala ThirupathiTemple – the sacred and most reverred temple of Sri Venkateswarais located on the seventh peak – Venkatachala hill of Tirumala. The Lordstands tall as bestower of all boons and lakhs of people reach here to have aglimpse – a few seconds darshan of the Lord. This beautiful temple in its presentform owes a lot to the works of the greatest Vaishnava Acharya – SriRamanujar. Upon the instructionsof Shri Ramanujacharya – his disciple,Thirumalai Ananthan Pillai known as Ananthazhwaar did yeomen service, creatinga garden (nandavanam) for offering floral tributes daily to the Lord. It is 959 years since he was born and soon,we would be celebrating his 960^th anniversary celebrations. 60 years is celebrated as ‘Sathabishekam’and 960 would be 16 times 60 years.

Had the great fortune of attending the958^th anniversary celebrations of Thirumalai Ananthazhwaar – a fullday rendition of Swami Nammalwar’s Thiruvaimozhi and other pasurams sung byother Azhwars on Tirupathi Perumal. Moredetails of this festivity later.

One would have visited the most sacred and reverred Thirumala many atimes in life – but our wish to have more darshan of HIM would remainunsatiated. Crowds throng Thirumala inlakhs – people travel from far off places, wait patiently hours together tohave glimpse of Lord. A few seconds ofHis darshan and chanting His name ‘Govinda, Govindha’ – makes us feel so happyand would feel extremely satisfied and blessed with His darshan. Then even as one prepares to leave the holytown, one starts the urge to come back to Tirupathi for having darshanagain. It is only 150 kilo meters fromthe metropolis of Chennai and by road would take around 4 hours to reach thefootsteps – “Alipiri – the malai adivaram” and another 45 minutes to reach atopthe Holy Hills.

You have all thefacilities, the roads are well laid, transportation is at its best as there arebuses at almost every 5 minutes from the foothill to the top – private vehiclesare allowed to be driven to the top – you can go in a two wheeler, car, van,jeep, bus and more. In olden days, people used to climb the hill afootwhich was arduous. Sri Udayavar(Ramanujacharya) used to climb the hill on his knees reverring the sacrednessof the hill itself. There are now 3550 steps and for a healthyperson would take around 4 hours to climb by foot. . The footsteps inmost places are well covered and there are shops which make available things tothe pilgrims.

As you travel, One can also enjoy the beautiful hills of Vrushabadri,Anjanadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Seshadri, Narayanadri and finally Venkatadri. It will be rudimentary as every Bakhtha knowsthe lay out of the temple and the more than 6 foot tall Lord Srinivasa calledby innumerable names with Shri Balaji, Venkatesar, Govindhar, Ezhumalai Appar, Yedu Kondala vadu, Venkata Ramana, Srinivasarand……… more…. The Uthsavar Srinivasar isalso known as ‘Malai Appar’. In theSannadhi, beautiful vigraham of Lord Rama is present.

One should also have darshan of Lord Varadharaja, Garuda waiting in frontof the Lord Balaji, the Anandha vimana, Acharyar Ramanujar and Yoga Narasimhar. The gate which we cross for reaching the Lord,where Jaya & Vijaya stand as Gate keepers (Dwara balakas) is known as “BangaruVagili” (the golden gate). The stepbefore Perumal is known as ‘Kulasekara padi’ as sung by Azhwar ‘padiyaaikidanthu Un pavala vaai kanbene’. Kulasekara Azhwaar in his Perumal Thirumozhi describes the various formsin which he would like to be, for having darshan and here he says that he wouldremain the leading steps, as he can have His uninterrupted darshan.

So fortunate to have darshan of Lord Srinivasa on Sunday 26^th Feb2012. Here are some photos taken duringthe present trip.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

AdhiVarahar Thirukkovil

TheGopuram

AnandaVimanam ( the Sanctum Sanctorum)

Thetemple tank (Koneru)

Templefloat - theppam

Themantap where Sahasradeepaalankara uthsavam is held

UnjalSeva at the mantap

UthsavarMalaiyappar during His evening purappadu.

Thiruvallikkeni Sri Varadharajar Theppothsavam 2012

2012-02-27T21:53:00.002+05:30

Today [27^th Feb 2012] is the concluding day of Theppothsavam(Float Uthsavam). It was ShriVaradharaja Perumal in “Gajendra moksham” Thirukolam. Here are some photos taken today.

இன்று தெப்போத்சவத்தின் கடைசி நாள். இன்று 'வரதராஜருக்கு' தெப்பம். திருமங்கை மன்னன்மங்களாசாசனத்தில் "ஆனையின் துயரம் தீரப் புள்ளூர்ந்துசென்று நின்று ஆழி தொட்டானை" என்ற படியே, வரதர் தனது திருவாழியானசக்கரத்தை முதலை மேல் சீறி வந்து ஆனைக்கு அருள் தந்த பெருமாளாக அற்புதமாக சேவைசாதித்தார்.

அடியேன் ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன் (தூசி மாமண்டூர் ஸ்ரீனிவாசன்சம்பத்குமார்.)

Thiruvallikkeni Sri Azhagiya Singar Theppam

2012-02-25T07:53:00.000+05:30

Today (24^th Feb 2012) – is day 4 ofTheppothsavam (Float Festival)

Sri Azhagiya Singar with all His resplendent splendour graced the Float (theppam). Here are some photos taken on that occasion.

Adiyen – S. Sampathkumar

Thiruvallikkeni Theppothsavam 3 - 23-02-2012

2012-02-23T21:48:00.002+05:30

திருவல்லிக்கேணி ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாள் தெப்போத்சவம் 3

Today is the third dayof Theppothsavam – the first three days are dedicated to SriParthasarathi. In the oncoming days,there would the float festival, a day each for Sri Azhagiyasingar, Sri Ranganathar,Sree Ramar and Sri Varadhar. Today, akireedam called ‘Sigathadai’ adorned Him. On the Crown, reams of jasmine flower are tightly rolled and it isclosed with ‘pure white silk’. It was agreat darshan to behold for the eyes of Bakthas.

இன்றுதெப்போத்சவத்தில் மூன்றாவது நாள். முதல் மூன்று நாள்களும் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாள் எழுந்து அருள்கிறார். நாளை முதல் ஸ்ரீ அழகியசிங்கர்,ஸ்ரீ ரங்கநாதர், ஸ்ரீ ராமர், ஸ்ரீ வரதர் தெப்போத்சவம் கண்டு அருள்வர். இன்று தெப்பத்தில் இருந்து இறங்கி பெருமாள் பெரிய மாட வீதி புறப்பாடுகண்டு அருளினார்.

அற்புதமானசாற்றுப்படியில் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி மிக அழகுற மிளிர்ந்தார். "சிகத்தாடை" எனும் தலை கிரீடம், ராஜாக்கள் அணியும்கொண்டை போல அழகு மிளிர்ந்தது. கிரீடத்தின் மீது பல முழங்கள் மல்லிகை பூசாற்றி, அதன் மீது வெள்ளை பட்டு உடுத்தி தயாரான கிரீடம்அணிந்து, எங்கள் பெருமாள் சிறப்புற வீதி புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளினார்.

புறப்பாட்டின்போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில படங்கள் இங்கே:

அடியேன்ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்

******************

Thiruvallikkeni Sri Parthasarathi Theppothsavam – 2012

2012-02-21T21:51:00.001+05:30

Today 21st Feb 2012 - is “Maasi Amavasai” – the day of Float Festival (Theppam Uthsavam).

After 5 rounds in Temple Tank, SriParthasarathi had asthanam at Andal Neeratta Mantapam opposite to Periya Thiruther– and then there was the Periya Mada veedhi purappadu in Siriya Thiruther.

Here are some photos taken .

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

திருக்குளத்தில் தெப்பம் - மின்விளக்கு அலங்காரம் - பின்னணியில் கோபுரம்

தெப்பத்தில் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி

நீராட்ட மண்டபத்தில் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி - கேடயத்துடன்

நீராட்ட மண்டபத்தில் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி - கேடயம் இல்லாமல்

திருத்தேருக்கு எழுந்து அருளும் அவசரம்

சிறிய திருத்தேரில் பவனி

Ekadasi Purappadu - Thiruvallikkeni Sri Parthasarathy

2012-02-18T20:51:00.001+05:30

Dear (s)

Some photos taken during Ekadasi Periya maada veedhi purappadu of SriParthasarathi Swami at Thiruvallikkeni Divyadesam, today evening - 18th Feb 2012

Adiyen – Srinivasa dhasan.

*****************************************************************

EEkkadu Thaangal Thiruvooral Uthsavam – Evening Purappadu

2012-02-13T20:25:00.000+05:30

Sri ParthasarathiSwami upon reaching Ekkadu took rest in the place situated on the banks ofriver Adyar. Thirumanjanam to Swami wasperformed and thereafter started around 0400 pm. After mandakapadi at many a places, reachedSaidapet. The Prasanna VEnkatesa NarasimhaAalayam is under balalayam (renovation). There was very grand purappadu at Saidapet replete with fireworks. Thousandsof devotees had gathered at Saidapet to have darshan of Sri Parthasarathi. Here the purappadu was in open palanquin anddevotees were delighted to have darshan of His beauty in close quarters.

Sri Parthasarathiafter halts at several places, hundreds delighted with His darshan at eachplace, returned back to Thiruvallikkeni in the late hours of the day.

அடியேன் : ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்.

Pallakku at Eekkadu

Sri Parthasarathi and his consorts in the same pallakku

The open pallakku at Saidapet

At Saidapet

Thiruvallikkeni Ekkadu Thangal Thiruvural Uthsavam 2012

2012-02-12T20:04:00.002+05:30

“EEkkadu Thaangal Thiruvooral Uthsavamat Thiurvallikkeni Divyadesam”

At ThiruvallikkeniDivyadesam there are daily, monthly, yearly uthsavams. Most of them occur onspecific nakshathiram. Today is ‘EekkaduThangal Thiruvural Uthsavam’ – which has no connection with any nakshathiram.

Eekkadu Thangal nearGuindy is an area known for its industries and it lies on the bank of Adyarriver. Every year, Sri Parthasarathivisits this place. This Uthsavam is heldon a Sunday in the tamil month of Maasi, when there are no other specialuthsavams. Today 12^th Feb 2012, this Uthsavam istaking place.

Sri ParthasarathiSwami started from His temple in the early hours of today at around 0100 am andafter ‘mandakapadis’ at various places visits Eekkadu Thangal. The first halt is at Thavana UthsavaBungalow, then Sri Parthasarathi Swami Sabha, then Vijay Avenue, Venkatrangam Street. Sri Parthasarathi then visited Mylai MadhavaPerumal Thirukovil. At around 02.30 am,near Chithirai kulam at Mylapore, SriPeyalwar waited for Sri Parthasarathi and took Him along to Mylai KesavaPerumal Temple. There was veedhipurappadu whence the prabandham of Sri Peyalwaar –“Moondram Thiruvanthathi” wasrecited.

Sri Parthasarathiafter Mylapore, goes via Alwarpet, T Nagar, Kodambakkam, Mahalingapuram,Saidapet and finally reaches Eekkadu Thangal where Thirumanjanam isperformed. Here are some photos takenthis morning.

திருவல்லிக்கேணி திவ்ய தேசத்தில் : நித்யப்படி, மாதந்திர, வருஷாந்திர உத்சவங்கள் பலவும் சிறப்புறநடைபெறுகின்றன. திருநக்ஷத்திரம் கணக்கு இல்லாமல் நடக்கும் ஒரு சிறப்புஉத்சவம் "ஈக்காடுத்தாங்கல் திருவூறல் உத்சவம்". கிண்டி அருகே உள்ள ஈக்காடு தொழிற்பேட்டை பிரசித்தி பெற்றது. இது அடையாறுஆற்றங்கரையில் உள்ளது. ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாள்பிரதி வருடமும் ஒரு நாள் இங்கு எழுந்து அருள்கிறார். மாசி மாதம் மற்றசிறப்பு உத்சவங்கள் ஏதுவும் இல்லாத ஒரு ஞாயிற்றுக் கிழமை இவுத்சவம் நடைபெறுகிறது.

இவ்வருடம் இவுத்சவம்இன்று 12^th Feb 2012, சிறப்புரம் நடைபெற்றுவருகிறது. ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாள் இன்று அதிகாலை, விஸ்வரூபம்,காலசந்தி முதலியவை முடிந்து அதிகாலை ஒரு மணி அளவில் பெரிய புறப்பாடுகண்டு அருளினார்.

துளசிங்க பெருமாள் கோவில் தெருவில் உள்ள தவன உத்சவ பங்களாவில் முதல்மண்டகப்படி. அடுத்து ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி சுவாமி சபை இடத்திலும், நாங்கள்வசிக்கும் விஜய் அவென்யுவிலும் எழுந்து அருளினார். மயிலை ஸ்ரீ மாதவ பெருமாள்கோவிலுக்குள் எழுந்து அருளினார். மயிலை சித்திரை குளம் அருகே பேயாழ்வார் எழுந்துஅருளி, பெருமாளை எதிர்கொண்டு அழைத்து, மூன்றாம்திருவந்தாதி கோஷ்டியுடன் திருவீதி புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளி - திருமயிலை கேசவபெருமாள் கோவிலில் மங்களாசாசனம் ஆனது. அங்கிருந்து, ஆழ்வார்பேட்,தி நகர், கோடம்பாக்கம், மகாலிங்கபுரம்என பல இடங்கள் எழுந்து அருளி ஈக்காடு சென்று அடைந்தார்.

இன்று அதிகாலை புறப்பாட்டின் போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில படங்கள் இங்கே

அடியேன் : ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்.

Pallakku starting at the temple

Sri Parthasarathi and his consorts in the same pallakku

At Vijay Avenue

Entering Mylai Madhava Perumal Temple

Sri Peyalwaar - Thirumayilai

Purappadu at a fast pace

Photo of Sri Parthasarathi and Ubayanachimaar.

Thiruvallikkeni Sri Parthasarathi Thai Poosam Purappadu [7th Feb 2012]

2012-02-08T12:58:00.003+05:30

7^th Feb 2012 isthe religiously sanctimonious ‘Thai Poosam’. In the evening there was Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal in ‘KalingaNarthana’ posture – dancing on the hood of snake Kalinga, holding its tail on Hishand. Vishwaksenar (Senai Muthalvar)also accompanied him.

This purappadu is Unique asonly on this day, the devotees at Big Street,Triplicane, have darshan of SriParthasarathi in their street. This isconsidered to be the day of harvesting paddy. Upon reaching the pandal erected near the junction of Big Street and Pycrofts Salai (BharathiSalai), a bundle of paddy crop is placedbefore the Emperuman and a small quantity is rendered at the lotus feet of theLord. The crops are distributed todevotees who believe that their wealth would prosper further upon receiving thedivine blessing.

Perhaps ages ago, the places beyond this junction would havebeen paddy fields and today’s purappadu is symbolic of the ‘rich harvest fromthe fields’ being placed before the Divine Owner – the Lord Sri Parthasarathi. Here are some photos takenon the occasion; one can see the paddy crops at the lotus feet of Lord

இன்று [7^th Feb 2012] தை பூசம். ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாள் காளிங்க நர்த்தன திருகோலத்தில் அழகாக நர்த்தனமாடும்பாங்குடன் புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளினார். ஸ்ரீபார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாளுடன், சேனை முதல்வரும் எழுந்து அருளினார்.

திருவல்லிக்கேணிதிவ்யதேசத்தில் எவ்வளோவோ புறப்பாடுகள் உண்டு. இன்று ஒரு தனி சிறப்பு உள்ளது. தை பூசம் அன்று மட்டுமே, பெருமாள் கங்கை கொண்டான் மண்டபம் தாண்டி பெரிய தெரு(வீரராகவ முதலி தெரு என்பதே இத்தெருவின் தொன்மையான பெயர்) எழுந்து அருள்கிறார். தை பூசம் என்பது 'கதிர் அறுக்கும்' திருநாளாக கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது. பெரியதெருவும் பாரதி சாலையும் சந்திக்கும் இடத்தில் அமைக்கப்பட்ட பந்தலில் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதிஎழுந்து அருளியவுடன், நெல்மணிகள் கொண்ட ஒரு கட்டு பெருமாளுக்கு சமர்ப்பிக்கப்பட்டு,பெருமாளின் திருவடிகளில் வைக்கப்பட்டு, பிறகு நெல் கதிர்கள் பக்தர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்பட்டன.

பல வருடங்களுக்குமுன், இவ்விடம் ஊர் எல்லை ஆகவும், தாண்டிய பகுதிகள் வயல் வரப்புகள் ஆகவும் இருந்துஇருக்க வேண்டும். இவ்வுத்சவம், பெருமாள் தனக்கு சொந்தமான வயல்களில் அறுக்கப்பட்டநெற்கதிர்களின் கணக்கு பார்ப்பதாக ஐதீஹம்.

புறப்பாட்டின்போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில படங்கள் இங்கே. பெருமாளின் திருவடிகளில், நெற்கதிர்களைகாணலாம்.

அடியேன் - ஸ்ரீனிவாசதாசன்.

Irapathu Sarrumurai - Nammalwar Moksham

2012-02-03T13:57:00.002+05:30

After Vaikunda Ekadasi, the IrapathuUthsavam culminates with Sarrumurai – the 10^th day of the Uthsavam. The Irapathu Uthsavam is performed for SwamiNammalwar and the 10^th day is very significant for the “ThiruvadiThozhuthal”.

On 14^th Jan 2012 (incidentallyBhogi this year)at ThiruvallikkeniDivyadesam, after Thiruveedhi purappadu, there was rendition of 10^thchapter (Patham Thiruvaimozhi) of Thiruvaimozhi in front of Lord Parthasarathi,Alwars, Acharyars and prominently Swami Nammalwar.

At the start of the penultimate pathu‘Soozh vizhum pani mugil thooriyam muzakkina’ [Thiruvaimozhi 10-9] – SwamiNammalwar was taken in the palms of Archagas, around the asthanam of LordParthasarathi and then was placed on the lotus feet of Lord, then covered fullywith ‘Thulasi’. This marks the enteringof Mokshapuri after a great life on this earth by Swami Nammalwar – as he himself sung ‘vaikuntham puguvathu mannavarvithiye’

Symbolically, this represents Lordgracing Paramapadam along with His consorts, holding all divine weapons,wearing divine ornaments, served by Periya Thiruvadi (Garuda)- there isVishvaksenar, Dwarapalakars and all Nithyasuris, who are closer to God andserve Him daily. The opening of the Gatethese ten days is symbolic of the gate to Mokshapuri and reaching the Lotusfeet of Sriman Narayana after crossingthe 7 logas and cleaning the feet in the divine Vraja river. That Swami Nammalwar reaches the divineculmination is Nammazhar Moksham or Nammalwar Thiruvadi Thozhudhal.

Nammazhwar a typical Jeevathma,leaves the physical World, his atma takes new dress, crosses the logas, getscleansed in Viraja nathi to attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana. The atma which is not destroyed by fire or byanything else, eventually attains the eternal bliss of serving the Lordalongside Mukthas and Nithyasooris. Thisis called Vaikunta Prapti.

Then as it happened, those in theWorld appeal to Lord to give back Nammalwar and God grants Azhwar back to us to show us the way of leading lifedevoted to Sriman Narayana and the process of nearing Lord and reaching Him,seeking the Moksha.

Needless to add that the holythiruthuzhai [thulasi] and Perumal theertham distributed to all those presentare immensely valuable and would make human beings blessed in leading the lifein the righteous way.

Sri Nammazhwar thiruvadigale saranam.

AdiyenSrinivasa dhasan

Thiruvallikkeni Ratha Sapthami - Surya Prabai Purappadu 30-01-2012

2012-01-30T16:46:00.001+05:30

Today – 30^th Jan 2012 (16^th day of Thai masam in Tamil calendar) is a very auspicious day – RathaSapthami. Ratha means chariot.Sapthami is a thithi in a lunar month falling on the 7^th day of both sukla and Krishnapaksha. Ratha Sapthami also Surya Jayanthiis celebrated on 7^th day - Shukla paksha (waxing phase of moon) dedicated to God Surya. popularbelief is that earth’s inclination towards the sun is the steepest on the day.Special bathing rituals are observed in some regions today. Surya (Sun) worship is deep rooted in theVedas and other Hindu scriptures. Today celebrated as the birth ofSurya to Sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi and celebrated as Surya Jayanthi inmany parts. Legend has it that the greatest warrior Bhishma breathed last theday after the Ratha Sapthami day. The Pithamaha is one the greatestcharacters in the Epic Mahabaratha and the asthami is revered as“Bhishmaashtami”.

The charioteer of Suryais Aruna, who is also personified as the redness that accompanies thesunlight in dawn and dusk. The sun god is driven by a seven-horsed Chariotdepicting the seven days of the week. Going by Upanishad, their names are : Gayatri, Brhati, Usnik, Jagati,Tristup, Anustup and Pankti.

Uttarayana is the six month period between Makara sankranti (Jan 14) and July14 when Sun travels towards North in the celestial sphere. Ratha saptami marksthe seventh day following the Sun’s northerly movement of vernal equinoxstarting from Capricorn (Makara). A journey from makara rekai to kadaka rekai –Capricorn to Cancer. Today symbolically represents the Sun God Surya turninghis Ratha (chariot) drawn by seven horses towards northern hemisphere in anorth-easterly direction.

Traditionally in villages, Rangoli kolam is drawn with coloured rice powderdepicting Chariot drawn by horses. From today, the days would get warmer,especially in South India. This is an important annual festival at Vaishnavaitetemples. Today, it was celebratedgrandly in Thiruvallikkeni also. Early morning, Sri Parthasarathi Emperuman had purappadu on Surya prabhai with 7 horsesdrawing it. .

In Greek mythology, Helios is thepersonification of Sun, imagined to be handsome god crowned with the shiningaureole of the Sun.

Here are some photos of today morning purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal in Thiruvallikkeni.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

Dancing Nataraja at Rijks Museum - is full bronze.......

2012-01-20T11:46:00.001+05:30

Sure you would not haveheard of : Vereniging van vrienden der aziatische kunst – honestly I was not –but it has some connection with our heritage !

There is hot news about the resultof X ray of a rare statue at Amsterdam Museum which hassurprised everybody. The website of theMuseum has the following entry : - http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nieuwsenagenda/dansende-shiva-doorgelicht?lang=en

Research recently revealedthat the Rijksmuseum’s monumental bronze statue of Shiva was cast in solidbronze. The thousand year-old temple statue was X-rayed, along with the lorrytransporting it, in the most powerful X-ray tunnel for containers of the Rotterdam customsauthority. It is the first research of its kind on a museological masterpiece.

At 153 cm x 114.5 cm, the Rijksmuseum’sShiva is the largest known bronze statue from the Chola Dynasty (9th to 12thcentury) kept in a museological collection outside of India. Givenits weight (300 kg), the statue has always been suspected of not being hollow,as has been common practice in Europe sincethe Greek Antiquity. As part of an earlier investigation, an X-ray was taken ofthe statue in a Rijksmuseum gallery in 1999 while visitors were evacuated as aprecaution against radiation. Unfortunately, the equipment used at the time(280 KeV) was not powerful enough to determine anything definitively. TheRotterdam X-ray tunnel of the Rotterdamcustoms authority offered a solution.

Complete surprise : TheRijksmuseum renovation project has provided conservators and curators the opportunityto carry out in-depth research on special pieces from the Rijksmuseumcollection, including this masterpiece from the Asian Art Collection. Thestatue was created ca. 1100 in South India.Each temple had its own set of bronze statues which were carried through thecity during major temple festivals. This gives the statues their name: Utsavamurti,which is Sanskrit for ‘festival images’. Chola bronzes were consideredmasterpieces of Indian bronze casting.

Anna Ślączka, curator of SouthAsian Art, comments, ‘We had expected that the statue itself would prove to besolid, but it was a complete surprise to discover that the aureole and thedemon under Shiva’s feet are also solid.’

The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum in Amsterdam,located on the Museumplein. The museum is dedicated to arts, crafts, andhistory. It has a large collection of paintings from the Dutch GoldenAgeand a substantial collection of Asian art. It also displays the stern of theHMS Royal Charles which was captured in the Raid on the Medway, and the Hartogplate. The museum was founded in 1800 inThe Hague toexhibit the collections of the Dutch stadtholders. The Museumplein is a square in Amsterdam,the Netherlands.The square is called "Museum Square" because four museums are locatedaround the square: the Rijksmuseum, the Van GoghMuseum, the StedelijkMuseum, and the Diamond Museum.

The12th-century Shiva Nataraja is on loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden derAziatische Kunst(Association of Friends of Asian Art). This association was founded in 1918 with theaim of increasing awareness of Asian Art, the interest in it and to promote thescience in this field. The collectionhas approximately 1730 objects and is internationally known. Through purchasesand donations and bequests expands the collection still further. The collectionof the Society consists of "scattered highlights, good representatives ofthe major art forms in Asia.

That is factual News : is there anything to celebrate on this… infact one should be worrying ! Thisstatue of dancing Nataraja is not unique – there have been reports of idolsstolen from Temples. In some cases, the idols of some temple arekept elsewhere without appropriate Pooja & rituals as there is noprotection. What is the action taken bythe administrating HR & CE in protecting these temples ? Have they ever taken any action in protectingor any action in trying to recover the idols ? There is a dedicated Idol wing of Tamilnadu Police Force ? Does the Department closely liaise with thisand other authorities for protecting and recovering lost idols ?

Our Nation was rich – stillpossesses rich heritage. Over the yearsby systematic exploitation and plundering, Hindu artefacts have been smuggled out of theCountry to famous museums in Europe, America and elsewhere. Many prestigious museums display Statues, Hindu religioussculptures and artefacts as owned /acquired by them. Hindu sculptures andother artefacts and many were planning to acquire. To any devout person these are not meresculptures or statues – they are GOD in themselves… what should have been in aTemple whether famous or not so famous and be the subject of reverence anddaily Pujas, had been looted / burgled and smuggled out by unscrupulous thievesand are now attracting Tourists elsewhere.

All temples attract huge crowdsand devotees are contributing lakhs of Rupees to Temples…….. but does the moneygo to God or to the Templeor for any activity connected with religious purpose ? In Tamil Nadu, we have had Temples administered by atheists andnon-believers who have looted money and property of the temple systematically. The management and control of the temples andthe administration of their endowments is one of the primary responsibilitiesof the State . Way back in 1925 anentity called Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments was created purportedlyfor efficient control and supervision of the administration of the Temples. The Department is headed by IAS Officer andhas Commissioners of various ranks. Depending upon the earnings (!) from the temples, the rank of theAdministrator and the no. and salariesof staff would vary. The collection fromthe Templesbecome the property of the State Govt and are utilized for various schemes ofthe Govt which includes non-religious and sometimes activities against the verypurpose of such offering to temples. Many a temples are not properly maintained; people have encroached templelands and those who have acquired lands on lease do not pay rent properly, evenwhere such amounts are measly. Thus anyrepair / renovation work at a temple does not occur immediately and not muchspent on the Lord – but the cash flows elsewhere.

Is it not a great irony that a secular Government should deeplyembroil itself in the administration and running of Hindu temples andinstitutions in the guise of supervising the secular aspects of templeadministration. There are thousands of temples, mutts and others controlled bybureaucracy whereas the place of worship of other religions are managed ontheir own.

Some of the most important templesare under complete control, many century old traditions and religious practiceshave been stopped or altered by Administrators who have knowledge or concernfor the worship and conduct of rituals. Our anguish is not directed at any particular Executive Officer or anyother high official, but there have been unscrupulous some who have interferedwith the time-honoured rituals and some corrupt bureaucrats which is alwaysdetrimental to the bakthas and the Temple. The EO or other Official have no powers tointroduce innovations concerning the time, place or mode of worship in the templeor stop or discontinue any religious practice followed in the temple.

Another matter of great concern is‘the increased charges for darshan’ – why should a devotee pay to worship orcome near the God and how can there by a system which discriminates anddistinguishes devotee on the paying capacity. It only enriches the coffers or some. There can only be voluntary offering of bakthas and that should be spentonly for improving / maintaining / preserving and renovating temple and templerelated activities. Temples in Tamil Nadu own thousands of acres of agricultural and commercial landsdonated by believers to the Temple. There should be enactment that such landsshould never be allowed to be sold to any individuals and individualssubletting / sub-leasing the property, paying a small amount to the Temple and gaining hugeshould be declared illegal and strong action initiated against suchpersons. Jewellery and other property of the templeshould be properly recorded and kept under public audit to ensure that there ismisappropriation.

In a Secular State,where the Govt has no religion, the Govt. should not be managing the affairs ofthe Temples,more so when the same Govt exerts no control from other places of worship. The Shivaidol being solid bronze at best can make one-time reading but a sacred idollying in a foreign country without any rituals or offerings should make one’sheart bleed

With concern – S. Sampathkumar.

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 10 - 14th Jan 2012

2012-01-15T06:32:00.001+05:30

Dear(s)

The concluding day ‘Sarrumurai Purappadu”i.e., 10^th day of theIraapathu Uthsavam [14^th Jan2012], coincided with “Bhogi”Festival. There was grand ThiruveedhiPurappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal.

Today is the day whenSwami Nammalwar reached heavenly abode and was given back to the Earthly Worldfor the benefit of humanity.

Here are some photos duringthe thiruveedhi purappadu.

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 9 - Govardhana Giri

2012-01-14T15:25:00.000+05:30

Dear(s)

On the 9^th day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [13^th Jan 2012], there was ThiruveedhiPurappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal.

The Govardhana GiriThirukolam – the posture of Emperumanholding the mountain with his small finger symbolizing the act of saving the cowherds from the stony rain caused by Indirawas the greatest treat to eyes of all Bakthas.

Here are some photostaken on that occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Andal Neeratta Uthsavam - 9th day - Thiruther

2012-01-14T15:22:00.000+05:30

Today [14^th Jan 2012] –the day of Bhogi is the ninth day of Andal Neeratta Uthsavam grandly celebrated at the Thiruvallikkeni Divyadesam.

Today was the Thiruther and here are and some photos of Andal purappadu to Thiruther and on theThiruther taken this morning.

Adiyen – Srinivasa dhasan

Thiruppavai Goshti and

Thiru Ther below.

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 8

2012-01-12T20:43:00.003+05:30

Dear(s)

On the 8^th day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [12^th Jan 2012], there was ThiruveedhiPurappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal beautifully decorated as “RajaMannar” – the King of Cowherds. The cow and small calf at the lotus feetof Lord Parthasarathi added to hisglory, displaying his compassion.

Here are some photos taken on the occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 7

2012-01-11T19:19:00.003+05:30

Dear(s)

On the 7^th day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [11^th Jan 2012], there was ThiruveedhiPurappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal adorning and adding beauty to Muthangi [dressmade of pearls]. Swami Nammalwar was in ‘Nachiyar Thirukolam’ – ParankusaNayaki bhavam.

It rained brieflyinterruption to the Purappadu. Perumal had another porvai and came throughPeyalwar Kovil Street [chinna maada veedhi]

Here are some photos taken on that occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Swami Nammalwar - Parankusa Nayaki bhavam

Nachiyaar thirukolam

பெருமாள் மழைக்காக போர்வை சாற்றிய பிறகு

Koodarai Vellum Seer Govindha - Today's significance

2012-01-11T11:43:00.003+05:30

Dear (s)

Today 11th Jan 2012 is a very significant day, 27th day of the tamil month of Margazhi. Colloquially known as “Kudarai Valli” – this is a day, when the sweet pongal [made of jaggery with ghee flowing] is offered to God and then shared with all near and dear.. This day assumes significance from the pasuram of Chudi Kudutha Nachiyar – Andal. In the month of Margazhi starting from day one, one verse of Thiruppavai is ascribed to a day and today is the 27th verse “Koodarai vellum Seer Govinda”

கூடாரை வெல்லும்சீர்க் கோவிந்தா உன்றன்னைப்
பாடிப் பறைகொண்டு யாம்பெறு சம்மானம்
நாடு புகழும் பரிசினால் நன்றாகச்
சூடகமே தோள்வளையே தோடே செவிப்பூவே
பாடகமே என்றனைய பல்கலனும் யாமணிவோம்
ஆடை உடுப்போ மதன்பின்னே பாற்சோறு
மூடநெய் பெய்து முழங்கை வழிவாரக்
கூடி யிருந்து குளிர்ந்தேலோ ரெம்பாவாய்.

The true quality of Sri Vaishnavaite is to renounce everything, fall at the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana and feel happy of the fact of being his disciple. The best of wealth that one can get is the chance to do kainkaryam (service) to the God Himself and to Bhagavathas (His followers)

In this pasuram, Kothai Piratti expresses her great joy over the acquirement of the boons that she and her friends entreated Lord Krishna to grant them. Now She is in the eternal state of bless having been fully blessed by the Lord and is in a celebratory mood. This pasuram ascribes the benign supremacy of Lord conquering all His opponents with His anantha kalyana gunams like Souryam, souseelyam, soundharyam. To celebrate, She calls beating the drum, wearing new clothes describing all the ornate ornaments that are to be worn and eating sweet rice prepared in milk with ghee overflowing. In the early pasurams of Thiruppavai, it is the Paavai Nonbu – now it is nearing completeion and is the time for sanmanam from the Lord for those who observed the vratham.

The Pasuram starts with “Koodarai Vellum Seer” – which speaks of His greatest Quality of winning the hearts of even those who want to fight against Him. In Sri Ramayana, an angry Parasurama bent upon killing all Kshatriyas (Kings set to rule) was prevailed upon; then the asura Ravana, who fought distraughtly, was given a second chance when he was bared of all weaponry.

It is not only of getting that much sought benevolence of God but more of sharing them with all bhakthas ‘koodi irunthu kulirnthu’. Thiruppavai is also about Govindha Naama Sankeerthanam which reaches its peak in the concluding verses where She ponders ‘kurai ondrum illatha Govinda’. The myriad meanings of Thiruppavai are detailed in many many discourses of Sri Vaishnavaite Periyavars, especially during this month.

Let us all get the great éclat and glory of all the Worlds by adorning ourselves eating rice food prepared using milk with sumptuous ghee and who eats this ksheerannam will stand ever united and remain cool in heart and joyous by the blessings of the Lord.

I offer my obeisance again and again to Goddess Godhadevi – to her alone – who awakened Lord Krishna and binded him with flower wreaths that were already worn by her.

Sri Andal thiruvadigale saranam.

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 6

2012-01-10T21:17:00.000+05:30

Dear(s)

On the 6^th day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [10^th Jan 2012] at Thiruvallikkeni Divyadesam, there was Thiruveedhi Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal beautifully decorated as “Thiruvenkadam Udaiyan” – lookalike Thirupathi Srinivasa Perumal..

Here are some photos taken on that occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 4

2012-01-09T20:07:00.000+05:30

Dear (s)

On the 4^th day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [8th Jan 2012], there was Thiruveedhi Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal with Sri Nammalwaar and Sri Aanjaneyar, as today was celebrated as ‘Hanumath Jayanthi’ in the temple.

Here are some photos taken on that occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Sri Parthasarathi.

Sri Aanjaneyar (above) and

Sri Sadagopar (below)

Sri Parthasarathi.

Thiruvallikkeni Andal Neeratta Uthsavam 3

2012-01-08T21:53:00.002+05:30

Today [8^th Jan 2012] is the third day of Andal Neeratta Uthsavam and some photos taken this morning are posted here

Adiyen – Srinivasa dhasan

Thiruvallikkeni Iraapathu Uthsavam 3

2012-01-08T07:37:00.000+05:30

Dear (s)

On the 3rd day of the Iraapathu Uthsavam [7th Jan 2012], there was Thiruveedhi Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal with Sri Nammalwaar.

Here are some photos taken on that occasion

Adiyen - Srinivasan Sampathkumar

Andal Neeratta Uthsvam - Thiruvallikkeni 2012

2012-01-07T20:49:00.000+05:30

Andal’s Thiruppavai contains ocean of values including significance of Naama sankeerthanam to Sriman Narayanar. The Saint Poetess observed Paavai Nonbu (vratham) to attain Lord Krishna. The month chosen for the vratham was Margazhi also known as Dhanur Masam. She was on vratham throughout the month and the month of Margazhi got lot of significance because of Andal.

In the month of Margazhi, there is the Nine day festival for Andal known as Neeratta Uthsavam. Daily morning there will be veedhi purappadu of Andal signifying her preparation for the neerattam. After the purappadu, Andal will have ‘Thirumanjanam’ at the Neeratta mandapam which is just opposite to the Thiruther.

Today [7^th Jan 2012] is the second day of Andal Neeratta Uthsavam and some photos taken this morning are posted here

Adiyen – Srinivasa dhasan

Thiruvallikkeni - Iraapathu Uthsavam 2 - 06.01.2012

2012-01-06T21:20:00.001+05:30

The auspicious Vaikunda Ekadasi heralds the start of ‘Irapathu’ Uthsavam. As the name suggests, there will be celebrations for 10 nights.

In the evening, the Sorga vasal [Paramapada vasal] will be opened, as Nammazhwar would wait infront of the gate to receive Perumal as He comes through the door. There will be procession [veedhi purappadu] of Lord Sri Parthasarathi along with Sri Nammazhwaar. All the 10 days, ‘Upadesa Rathinamalai’ of Acharyar Sri Manavala Maamunigal will be recited.

After the conclusion of the Purappadu, inside the temple, every day 100 songs from the Thiruvoimozhi of Nammazhwaar will be recited. Today, being the second day of Irapathu, ‘Irandam pathu’ is recited.

Today, Sri Parthasarathy shone in opulent brilliance as ‘Sri Venugopalar ‘ – the cowherd - One with the Flute and Cows. Here are some photos of Perumal and Azhwaar taken during today’s evening purappadu.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

Sri Nammazhwaar

Sri Parthasarathi - Venugopalan Thirukolam

Sri Parthasarathi (Pinnazhagu – see the cow)

Vaikunda Ekadasi 2012 at Thiruvallikkeni

2012-01-05T07:35:00.001+05:30

Today is the most auspicious day . This year the holy Vaikunda Ekadasi is on the 20^th day of Margazhi ie Thursday, 5^th Jan 2012. (today). Margazhi month is significant for Srivaishnavaites. The shukla paksha Ekadasi i.e., 11th day (the ascending one after Amasvaya or the New moon) is hailed as “Vaikunda Ekadasi”.

At the Bhooloka Vaikundam of Srirangam Divyadesam, it begins from Suklapaksha Ekadasi and celebrated for 23 days whence Namperumal listens to the vedas and Nammazhvar's Thiruvaimozhi as rendered by the Araiyars. The festival is divided into two parts, ten days before Vaikunda Ekadasi known as Pagalpathu and 10 days from today, known as Raapathu.

The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is an occasion when the Paramapada vaasal is opened for devotees. Paramapada Vasal also known as Sorga vaasal is the Gateway to Heaven. During the Vaikunta Ekadasi day and the subsequent nine days, Lord Namperumal enters the Thirumamani mandapam (Paramapatham) through this door known as Paramapatha Vaasal.(sorga vaasal). This is celebrated in most Srivaishanva Divyadesams. 10 days from today are celebrated as “Iraapathu uthsavam” in which the hymns of Sri Nammazhwar (Thiruvoimozhi) are chanted. This religious system is believed to have been started by Thirumangai Azhwar. Later Acharyan Nathamuni introduced festival of 10 days preceding the Vaikunda Ekadasi, known as Pagal pathu when Nalayira divyaprabandham (pasurams of Muthalayiram and Thirumangai mannanin Thirumozhi) are recited.

At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, today the temple rituals started early morning. Moolavar Sri Venkata Krishnan in his resplendent splendor adorning Muthangi (dress made of pearls) blessed the devotees. Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Swami beautifully adorned with jewels and wearing Vajrangi took place inside the temple. With Swami Nammazhwar welcoming him, Sri Parthasarathi came through the Paramapada vassal. Thousands of devotees had the fortune of having the wonderful darshan on this holy day. Devotees can have darshan of Sri Parthasarathi perumal in Punyakoti vimanam at Thiruvoimozhi mantapam.

Here are some photos taken today.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan

Paramapada vasal

Nammazhwaar welcoming Perumal through the vaasal

Devotees coming out through the sorga vasal

Sri Parthasarathi asthanam

Close-up of Perumal

Cyclone Thane brings water to Kairavini Pushkarini - Sri Parthasarathi Swami Temple tank

2011-12-30T12:19:00.000+05:30

This place has significant attachment with the birth of the greatest Acharyar ‘Shri Bhagawad Ramanujar” – the reincarnation of Adi Seshan. The great scholar Asuri Sarvakruthu Keshava Dikshithar better known as Keshava Somayajiaar performed yagnam at the temple tank of Thiruvallikkeni and Sri Ramanujar was born to him and Kanthimathi.

In most traditional temples, one would find temple tanks in front of the temple. Bathing in sacred waters of these tanks is believed to cure diseases and get rid of sins. Temple tanks are wells or reservoirs built as part of the temple complex in Indian temples. In Hindu way of life, water is considered sacred and pureficatory. Protection and management of water supplies helped the Society at large. The underlining the importance of temple tanks is not their sanctity alone, they serve a very practical purpose - that of maintaining ground water tables and replenishing community water supplies.

The divyadesam of Thiruvallikkeni derives its name from the holy pond known as “kairavini pushkarini’ – the pond of lily flowers. Sri Parthasarathi is Kairavani nathar.

The holy tank of Lord Sri Parthasarathi – the ‘kairavini pushkarini’ was laid with cement in the mid 1970s. In the recent years, SYMA was instrumental in implementing rain water harvesting. There existed channels which brought the water from the temple – now there are more channels bringing in rain water to be preserved and raising the water table.

Cyclone Thane did cause damage to parts of Tamil Nadu but copious water is flowing into the tank and the water level has risen well. Here are a couple of photos of the Temple tank taken this morning

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

The avoidable controversy elsewhere on ‘Srimad Bhagwad Gita’

2011-12-20T17:36:00.000+05:30

I have no competence to write on the revered text ‘Bhagwad Gita’ - I know not Sanskrit nor do I recite Bhagwad Gita. Some thoughts of mine and those of you well versed, may please pardon me, for any wrong committed

Even for a lay man, it is amply clear - Bhagwad Gita was the message of Lord Sri Krishna on a battle field – the context was not War nor was it war-mongering but advice to his disciple on the ground zero – the battlefield. It quintessentially is words of advice of eternal principles to live by as well as contextual guidance for any period of time. The battle had been thrust upon the Pandavas after all options for peace extinguished – now the simple advice for the valiant Arjuna is ‘you have a duty to fight’ – that is the dharma of that hour – War was never the first option or the most sought after one but when there is no option, One cannot duck away and run away from one’s responsibility.

After posting that one, read reports of Russia expressing sadness over the “Bhagwad Gita” controversy. In the wake of an uproar over a move to ban Bhagwad Gita in Siberia, Russia expressed sadness over the development, saying it is "inadmissible" that a holy scripture is taken to court.

"It is strange that such events are unfolding in the beautiful university city in Siberia, as Tomsk which is famous for its secularism and religious tolerance," Alexander M Kadakin, Russian Ambassador in India said in a statement. "Well, it seems that even the lovely city of Tomsk has its own neighborhood madmen. It is sad indeed." "I consider it categorically inadmissible when any holy scripture is taken to the courts. For all believers these texts are sacred," the Ambassador said. "It is not normal either when religious books are sent for examination to ignorant people. Their academic scrutiny should be done at scientists' fora, congresses, seminars, etc but not in courts," he said.

Meanwhile, a Russian court today suspended its verdict till December 28 on the demand for banning Bhagavad Gita, which a group linked to the Christian Orthodox Church has described as 'extremist'.

The move triggered strong protests by Members of Parliament earlier in day. They wanted the Indian Government to take up the matter strongly with Russia. "Russia, as it is known to anyone, is a secular and democratic country where all religions enjoy equal respect. Even more applicable it is to the holy scriptures of various faiths - whether it is the Bible, the Holy Quran, Torah, Avesta and, of course, Bhagavad-Gita -- the great source of wisdom for the people of

India

and the world," the Ambassador said.

One hopes that wisdom and sanity prevails……….. sarve jana sukhino bavanthu..

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.

the subliminal BHAGWAD GITA ----- and the attempt against it in Russia

2011-12-19T17:06:00.001+05:30

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच :

धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः

मामकाः पाण्डवाश चैव किम अकुर्वत संजय

Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjaya, after my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the place of pilgrimage at Kurukshetra, desiring to fight, what did they do?"

I really feel for my ignorance of Sanskrit and not knowing the “ Bhagwad Gita” – the holiest of scriptures. How sinned are such people !

It is supreme knowledge – the words of Lord Krishna Himself !! – Srimad Bhagwad Gita contains 700 slokas and occurs in *BhishmaParva* of *Mahabharata*. Bhagvad Gita "is the manifest quintessence of all the teachings of Vedic scriptures." It is the only knowledge that can take mankind to real freedom and real success. Gita stipulates that real freedom is freedom from attachment, aversion, ego, greed, anger and fear. For Gita, real worship consists of doing one's duty with perfection without being distracted by thoughts of its outcome. Bhagwad Gita is the magic that can liberate us from all bondages, doubts, self-imposed limitations, anxieties and fears to lead happier, fuller, contented, peaceful and supremely successful lives. Detachment does not mean inaction or renunciation of action. Detachment means renunciation of expectation of reward of action.

If one be devoted to the constant practice of the Gita, even though he be restrained by Prârabdha Karma, yet is he Mukta, happy, in this very world. life is not tainted by Karma. The knowledge as ascertained from Bhagwad Gita is the absolute knowledge, imperishable, eternal, of the essence of My inexpressible State, the Knowledge comprising the whole of the three Vedas, supremely blissful and consisting of the realisation of the true nature of the Self,—declared by the All-knowing and Blessed Krishna, through his own lips, to Arjuna.

Bhagwad Gita is the journey of a despondent Arjuna who faced with the prospect of fighting his near and dear ones in the battle, has thrown away his weapons in the battlefield – to a self-assured Arjuna ready to fight. Lord inspired Arjuna to complete his goal is well known but we fail to understand the simple fact that we also can raise ourselves to nobler levels by reading and following Bhagwad Gita.

The most profound spiritual preaching in the form of discourse of Supreme Lord Krishna Himself is the most popular and well known of all the sacred scriptures from ancient India. Always being revered as a true source of spiritual knowledge it reveals the purpose and goal of human existence. The eternal knowledge of Bhagawad Gita is freely available to everyone all over the Earth, to all those who seek… The direct audience to Lord Krishna’s discourse of the Bhagavad Gita included Arjuna (addressee), Sanjaya (using Divya Drishti (or divine vision) gifted by the sage Veda Vyasa to watch the war and narrate the events to Dhritarashtra), spirit of Lord Hanuman (perched atop Arjuna’s chariot) in his flag and Barbarika, son of Ghatotkacha, who also witnessed the complete 18 days of action at Kurukshetra. The Bhagavad Gita is also called Gītopaniṣad, implying its having the status of an Upanishad, i.e. a Vedantic scripture.

The Gita consists of eighteen chapters[49] in total: the first is Visada Yoga – where Arjuna requests Krishna to move his chariot between the two armies. When Arjuna sees his relatives on the opposing army side of the Kurus, he loses morale and decides not to fight. The last is the Moksa-Upadesa Yoga: In conclusion, Krishna asks Arjuna to abandon all forms of dharma and simply surrender unto him. He describes this as the ultimate perfection of life.

You might have heard of Duma – of the various representative assemblies in modern Russia. Tomsk is governed by a mayor and a 33-member city Duma. ………… and Tomsk is in news for wrong reasons…..

Tomsk located on Tom river is one of the oldest towns in Siberia. A court in Siberia’s Tomsk city is set to deliver its final verdict, in a case filed by state prosecutors. The final pronouncement in the case will come two days after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his December 15-17 official visit for a bilateral summit with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, consolidated bilateral trade and strategic ties and personal friendship.The case, which has been going on in Tomsk court since June, seeks a ban on a Russian translation of the “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” written by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon).

It also wants the Hindu religious text banned in Russia and declared a literature spreading “social discord”, its distribution on Russian soil rendered illegal. In view of the case, Indians settled in Moscow, numbering about 15,000, and followers of the Iskcon religious movement have appealed to Manmohan Singh and his government to intervene diplomatically to resolve the issue in favour of the scripture, an important part of Indian epic “Mahabharata” written by sage Ved Vyas.

Iskcon followers in Russia fear that the religious freedom of Hindus living there would be compromised. The court, which took up the case filed by the state prosecutors, had referred the book to the Tomsk State University for "an expert" examination Oct 25. Hindu groups in Russia, particularly followers of ISKCON, say the university was not qualified as it lacked Indologists who study the history and cultures, languages, and literature of the Indian subcontinent. The Hindus pleaded with the court that the case was inspired by religious bias and intolerance from a "majority religious group in Russia", and have sought that their rights to practice their religious beliefs be upheld. The prosecutor's case also seeks to ban the preachings of Prabhupada and ISKCON's religious beliefs, claiming these were "extremist" in nature and preached "hatred" of other religious beliefs. "They have not just tried to get the Bhagavad Gita banned, but also brand our religious beliefs and preachings as extremist," Das said.

In the Nov 1 letter addressed to Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pulok Chatterji, ISKCON's New Delhi branch Governing Body Commissioner Gopal Krishna Goswami, said the prosecutor's affidavit claims Lord Krishna "is evil and not conforming to Christian religious view".

A book can be banned – but the greatness of BHADWAD GITA cannot be undermined by any Court rulings…….

Jai Sriman Narayana,

Hare Krishna

Supreme is SRIMAD BHAGWAD GITA

With regards – S. Sampathkumar

Arulmigu Maayappiraan Thirukovil – Kuttanattu Thirupuliyur.

2011-12-17T07:28:00.001+05:30

Of the 108 Divyadesams sung by Azhwaars and reverred by Sri Vaishnavaties, 13 are situated in Kerala and known as “Malai Nattu Divyadesangal” – one amongst them is Thiru Puliyur – situate closer to Chengannur. It is around 126 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram on way to Cochin and as you travel from Chennai – after Ernakulam, comes Thirupunithura, Kottayam, Chenganacheri, Thiruvalla – then the Railway Station of Chenganoor.

This divyadesam is closer to Changanoor. This is a divadesam sung by Thirumangai Azhwaar and Nammazhwaar. Locally it is known as a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

There are a few steps to be ascended at the entrance and on top we have darshan of Lord Mahavishnu in reclining posture. Inside, in typical Kerala style is the big temple – with dwajasthambam and a narrow entrance.

Lord Krishna known as ‘Mayappiran” is in standing posture. The Gopuram is a single vimana style tiled rounded structure.

Here are some photos taken from outside the temple.

குட்டநாட்டு திருப்புலியூர் மாயப் பிரான் திருக்கோவில்

மலைநாட்டு திவ்யதேசங்கள் என வழங்கப் படுபவை பதின்மூன்று - குட்டநாட்டு திருப்புலியூர் என வழங்கப்படும் இத் திருக்கோவில் திருவனந்தபுரத்தில் இருந்து கொச்சி வரும் பாதையில் சுமார் 126 கி மீ தொலைவில் உள்ளது. சென்னையில் இருந்து இத்தலம் சுமார் 800 கி.மீ தொலைவில் உள்ளது. எர்ணாகுளம், கோட்டயம், செங்கணாச்சேரி, திருவல்லா, கடந்து - செங்கண்ணூர் ரயில் நிலையம் உள்ளது. இங்கு இறங்கி இத் திவ்யதேசத்துக்கு செல்லலாம்.

திருமங்கை மன்னனும் நம்மாழ்வாரும் மங்களாசாசனம் பண்ணிய திருத்தலம் இது. நம்மாழ்வார் காலத்தில் இப்பகுதியில் ஒரு பெரிய நகரம் இருந்திருக்க வேண்டும். இவ்வூர் குட்டநாடு என்று அறியப்படுகிறது.

திருக்கோவில் வாசலில் சில படிகள் உள்ளன. முகப்பில் சயனித்த திருக்கோலத்தில் மஹா விஷ்ணு சேவை சாதிக்கிறார். படிகள் ஏறி சற்று நடந்து த்வஜஸ்தம்பத்தை காணலாம். கேரளா பாணியில் குறுகிய படிகள் வழியாக உள்ளே சென்றால் - ஒற்றை கும்பமும், குவிந்த வடிவமைப்புமாக பல ஓடுகளுடன் கூடிய அழகான விமானம் உள்ளது. இவ்விமானம் புருஷோத்தம / புருஷஸுக்த விமானம் எனப்படுகிறது. சன்னதி உள்ளே பெருமாள் கண்ணன் கிழக்கு நோக்கி நின்ற திருக்கோலத்தில் அருளுகிறார். சப்தரிஷிகள் "ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணனே தேவதைகளுக்கு எல்லாம் உத்தமன்" என பரதேவதா நிர்ணயம் செய்யுமாறு கிருஷ்ணர் - மாயப்பிரான் என ப்ரத்யக்ஷம் ஆனதாக ஐதீஹம். சப்த ரிஷிகள் அனைவரும் பெருமாள் ஒருவரே பரம்பொருள். மற்ற அனைத்தும் மாயை என வழிபாடு செய்ய, பெருமாள் மாயப்பிரானாக காட்சி அளித்த திருத்தலம் இது.

இத்தலத்து திருக்கோவிலை, பீமன் ஜீர்னோத்தாரணம் செய்தாராம். திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் தனது "சிறிய திருமடலில்" ` ~~~~~~ "பேராலி தண்கால் நறையூர் திருப்புலியூர்" எனவும் நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய்மொழி எட்டாம் பத்து ஒன்பதாம் திருவாய்மொழியில் பத்து பாடல்கள் - மங்களாசாசனம் செய்துள்ளனர். கருமாணிக்க மலைமேல் எனும் பத்தில் - நம்மாழ்வார் - 'செழுநீர் வயல் குட்டநாட்டுத் திருப்புலியூர்; சுனையினுள் தடந்தாமரை மலரும் தண் திருப்புலியூர்" எனவாரெல்லாம் பாடியுள்ளார்.

திருவாய்மொழி 8-9-10 :

அன்றி மற்றோர் உபாயமென், இவளந்தண்துழாய் கமழ்தல்*

குன்ற மாமணி மாட மாளிகைக் கோலக் குழாங்கள் மல்கி*

தென்திசைத் திலதம்புரை குட்டநாட்டுத் திருப்புலியூர்*

நின்ற மாயப்பிரான் திருவருளாம் இவள் நேர்பட்டதே (3545) - என

மாபெரும் மணிகள் பதிக்கப்பட்டு குன்றம் போல் உயர்ந்தோங்கும் மாளிகைகளின் நடுவில் எந்நேரமும் பக்தர்களின் கூட்டம் நிறைந்திருக்க தென்திசைக்கு திலகம் போல் விளங்கும் குட்டநாட்டுத் திருப்புலியூரில் துளசிமாலையின் மனம் கமழ நின்றிருக்கும் மாயப்பிரானுக்கு என் உள்ளம் நேர் படுவதைத் தவிர இதற்கு வேறு என்ன வழி இருக்கக்கூடும் என்று நம்மாழ்வாரால் திருப்பாசுரம் பெற்றது இந்த திவ்யஸ்தலம்.

அடியேன் ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்

View of temple from the road

Close up view of the Gopuram (Maha Vishnu)

The path leading to dwajasthambam

View of dwajasthambam and entrance

Dwajasthambam

Sannathi - view from the back side

Vimanam

Kaisika Dwadasi Mahatmiyam - the story of Nam Paduvaan

2011-12-07T17:23:00.003+05:30

Today [7^th Dec 2011] is an all important day for Srivaishnavaites– ‘shukla paksha’ dwadasi of the month of Karthigai. [shukla paksham is the waxing phase of Moon and dwadasi is the 12^th day – the day following Ekadasi]. Today is “Kaisika Dwadasi”. In Divyadesams, most importantly at Thirukurungudi, Thiruvarangam and in Thiruvallikkeni – ‘kaisika puranam’ is read before the Lord. Today, evening there will be veedhi purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi at Triplicane.

Legend has it that on every Kaisika Ekadasi day, Nampaduvaan, an ardent devotee of the Lord Maha Vishnu used to do Namasankeerthanam for Emperuman at Thirukurungudi. This Nampaduvan Charithram was narrated by Sri Varaha Perumal to Bhoomi Pirarttiyar in Varaha puranam.

The gist of the story is given here :

Nampaduvaan, a great bhagavatha at Thirukurungudi used to observe ‘jakratha vratham’ without sleeping full night singing the glory of the Lord and thinking only about Him. This went on for 10 and more years…..

One year while on the way to the temple 0f Thirukurungudi, perhaps Malai Nambi sannathi, which is situate on hill in dense forestry, Nampaduvan was confronted by a Brahma Rakshas. This Rakshas tells Nampaaduvaan that he would eat him. Nampaduvan humbly requests that he had the duty of nama sankeerthanam. Nampaduvan pleads with the rakshas that he would return back after his vratham and darshan of Kurungudi Nambi. The rakshas naturally was not prepared to believe and states that none in this material would come back as food when death is certain and asks : is there any possibility that a deer could escape after it was caught up by a lion ?

Nampaduvan has nothing else in life but his sincere devotion to Lord Nambi. He promises that he would indeed return; he mentions of the various sins that he would get, if he were not to return. When he says that he has been rendering this for 10 years, the brahmarakshas says that it had been without food for 10 days and is so hungry that it immediately wants to devour the flesh and blood of the devotee. Nampaduvaan finally convinces the rakshas to release him for a while. With intent will, he goes straight to Thirukurungudi temple renders pasurams on Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi; kaisikam is a kind of music composition (called pan in tamil); the last pasuram rendered was kaisika pan.

Completing his determined wish, he returns as stated back to Brahmarakshas. While returning Nampaduvan is interrupted by Sri Kurungudi Nambi Himself in the disguise of an old man advising him to take alternate route escaping the rakshas. Nampaduvan firmly tells that he will keep his promise, would stand by his dharma and would go back to the rakshas. He even says that if the rakshas is not found in the appointed place, he would further go in search of the rakshas. Such is his commitment that he indeed fulfills his vow and presents himself before the Brahma rakshas.

The Brahma rakshas is startled by the return of Nampaduvaan and offers to free him, if he were to transfer the fruits of his dharma; Nampaduvaan retaliates saying that he had agreed to offer himself and is for the taking. Awe struck the rakshas asked for the palan(fruit) of the pasurams Nampaduvan had rendered and in the series of discussions that went on rakshas wanted atleast the palan of the last kaisika pan.

It gets revealed that the Brahmarakshas was a vidwan by name Soma Sharma who was cursed by Devas arising out of his ahankaram. The palan of pan (the song) relieves him of the curse.

This occurred thousands of years ago and few hundred years ago, on Kaisika Dwadasi day, Sri Parasara Bhattar chanted kaisika puranam before Lord Ranganatha and today the descendants of Bhattar chant the puranam on kaisika dwadasi day at Srirangam.

This morning it was read out in characteristic manner by Sri U.Ve M. A. Venkatakrishnan Swami at Sri Parthasarathi Swami temple. It is stated that the story of Nampaduvaan is in the 48th chapter of Sri Varaha Puranam,; explains and emphasizes the importance of singing the glory of Lord Sriman Narayana. Sri Varaha Purana is considered one of the major eighteen Mahapuranas.

As you would know, Thirukurungudi divyadesam is in Tirunelveli District, nearer Nanguneri – the greatest place for Thennacharya Sri Vaishanavas, better known as Vanamaamalai. Apart from the big temple looking like a Fort, there is another temple atop the hill known as ‘Malai Nambi Kovil’.

The World exists on promises and fulfillment of them and the story of Nam Paduvaan only describes the greatest virtues of those devoted and commited to Lord. They will never err or sin in life.

It is believed that those who go to temple on this holy Kaisika Dwadasi day and read ‘kaisika purana’ will be showered with munificence of Lord ; those who hear ‘kaisika purana’ will also get His choicest blessings and perhaps all of us who read and think of Nampaduvaan and Lord would also be getting the bountiful blessings of Lord Sriman Narayana

Azhwar Emperumanaar Jeeyar Thiruvadigale Saranam

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan.

I had posted on this 2 years earlier, yet writing again [with some additional inputs and for those newly added to my group]

Nambi Rayar Kovil Entrance

Azhagiya Nambi Rayar Gopuram

Panoramic view of Malai Nambi Thirukovil.

Malai Nambi Gopuram

Thiruputkuzhi Divyadesam Kandome

2011-11-28T17:20:00.000+05:30

திருப்புட்குழி திவ்யதேசம் : 'மரதகத்தை புட்குழியெம் போரேற்றை'

The Divyadesam known as “Thiruputkuzhi” is situated on the Chennai Bangalore High Road – around 90 km off Chennai. As you pass through Sriperumpudur, on way to Vellore, you would pass the bridge known as ‘Vellai gate’ which would take you to Kanchi. Around 10 kms after this, is Baluchetty Chathiram. Hardly half a kilometer from the main road, is the temple sung by Thirumangai Azhwar in Periya Thirumozhi and Periya Thirumadal.

Legend has it that Lord Rama did moksha kainkaryam to ‘Jadayu’ – the bird who fought valiantly against Ravana when he was abducting Sita and lost his life. There is a sannathi for Jadayu before the temple tank. ‘Pul” is bird and this sthalam is known as “Thiru-pul-kuzhi – thiruputkuzhi’. Unusually, the dwajasthambam (the flag post) is situated outside the Temple and the main Gopuram lies after the the dwajasthambam. Here are some photos of this temple and Lord Vijayaraghavar (Uthsavar).

சமீபத்தில் திருப்புட்குழி சென்று பெருமாளை சேவிக்கும் பாக்கியம் கிட்டியது.

திருப்புட்குழி திவ்யதேசம் சென்னையில் இருந்து சுமார் 90 கி மீ தொலைவில் உள்ளது. ஸ்ரீபெரும்பூதுரை கடந்து வேலூர் பெங்களூர் செல்லும் பாதையில் பயணித்தால், பிரதான சாலையில், கச்சி செல்லும் வெள்ளை கேட் தாண்டியவுடன் வரும் மேம்பாலத்தை தாண்டி சுமார் 10 கி மீ பயணித்தால் பாலுசெட்டி சத்திரம் வரும். இங்கே பிரதான சாலையில் இருந்து இடது புறம் திரும்பி சுமார் அரை கி மீ தூரத்திலேயே திருக்கோவில் அமைந்துள்ளது. திருக்கோவில் வாசலிலே உள்ள குளம் 'ஜடாயு தீர்த்தம்' என வழங்கப் படுகிறது. வித்யாசமாக த்வஜஸ்தம்பம் குளக்கரை அருகே கோவிலுக்கு வெளியே அமைந்துள்ளது. கொடிமரத்துக்கு பின்னல் பிரதான கோபுரம் உள்ளது.

இங்கு பெருமாள் ஜடாயுவுக்கு (புள்) மோக்ஷம் கொடுத்த திருத்தலம் ஆனதால் திருப்புட்குழி ! குளக்கரையில் ஜடாயுவுக்கு சன்னதி உள்ளது. உள்ளே மூலவர் விஜயராகவப் பெருமாள் பரமபதத்தில் இருக்கும் நிலையில் வீற்றிருந்த திருகோலத்தில் சேவை சாதிக்கிறார். மூலவர் ஜடாயு சம்ஸ்காரம் செய்யும் தாபத்தை தாங்க முடியாமல் ஸ்ரீதேவியும் பூதேவியும் இடம் வலமாக மாறி எழுந்து உள்ளனர். தாயார் : மரகத வல்லி தாயார்.

திருமங்கை மன்னன் தனது பெரிய திருமொழியில் {இரண்டாம் பத்து - ஏழாம் திருமொழி} - "அலங்கெழுதடக்கை ஆயன் வாயாம்பற்கு அழியுமால் என்னுள்ளம் என்னும் * புலங்கெழு பொருநீர் புட்குழி பாடும்" - எனவும் "பெரிய திருமடலில்" - " மரதகத்தை புட்குழியெம் போரேற்றை" எனவும் மங்களாசாசனம் செய்துள்ளார் .

அடியேன் ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்.

திருக்கோவிலின் முகப்பு

குளம், கொடிமரம், கோபுரம் காண்க

கோவிலின் உள்ளே, சந்நிதியின் அருகே

உத்சவர் விஜயராகவர்

திருமஞ்சனம் கண்டு அருளும் அவசரம்

Rohini Purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni Divyakshetram

2011-11-14T14:41:00.003+05:30

திருவல்லிக்கேணி ரோஹிணி புறப்பாடு

In the divyadesam of Thiruvallikkeni, there are many festivities. On every ‘Rohini Nakshathiram’ day – Rohini being the birth star of Lord Sri Krishna, there will be a procession (purappadu) in the mada streets of Triplicane.

Here are some photos taken during the purappadu of Lord Parthasarathi on 13th Nov 2011 (Sunday)

கிருஷ்ண பகவான் இப்பூவுலகில் வந்துதித்த ரோஹிணி நக்ஷத்திரத்தன்று, பிரதி மாதமும் திருவல்லிக்கேணியில் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதிக்கு சிறிய மாடவீதி புறப்பாடு நடைபெறுகிறது.

13/11/2011 அன்று ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி அழகாக எழுந்து அருளிய புறப்பாட்டின் போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில படங்கள் இங்கே :

அடியேன் - ஸ்ரீனிவாசதாசன்

Sri Peyazhwaar Sarrumurai 2011

2011-11-07T07:33:00.000+05:30

பேயாழ்வார் சாற்றுமுறை (5^th Nov 2011)

Among the 12 Azhwaars of Srivaishanva Tradition, Poigai Azhwar, Boothath Azhwar and Peyazhwar – were the ones to have decended on this Earth earlier. They were contemporaries and are praised as “Muthal Azhwars (the first among the Azhwars). They were born in the month of “Aippasi: in the thirunakshathirams of ‘Thiruvonam, Avittam, Sathayam’ respectively.

The three of them met on a rainy day at Thirukkovalur – when they sang 100 verses each which now form part of Moonravathu Ayiram (Iyarpa) in Naalayira Divyaprabandham.

Sri Peyalwar was born in a tank in Mylapore (thence known as Mylai Thiruvallikkeni). His birthplace is in the present day Arundel Street in Mylapore closer to Mylai Madhaava Perumal Kovil. At Thiruvallikkeni, the road adjacent to Sri Parthasarathi Kovil houses a separate sannathi (temple by itself) for Sri Peyalwar and the street is named after the Azhwar and is known as ‘Peyazhwar kovil Street’.

On 5^th of Nov 2011 was the sarrumurai of Sri Peyalwar. Here are some photos of Mylai Peyalwar (during His earlier visit to Thiruvallkkeni); Lord Parthasaratahi during Aekadasi purappadu yesterday and the avatharasthalam (birthsite) at Mylapore.

[Perumal Aekathasi photos : courtesy Thirumazhisai Kannan]

ஐப்பசியில் ஓணம் அவிட்டம் சதயம் இவை - ஒப்பிலவா நாள்கள் உலகத்தீர் - என ஸ்ரீ மணவாள மாமுனிகள் தமது 'உபதேச ரத்தினமாலையில்' எடுத்து உரைத்தார். இவை எப்புவியும் பேசு புகழ் "பொய்கையார், பூதத்தார், பேயாழ்வார்' - இவ்வுலகில் வந்துதித்த நாள்கள். பன்னிரு ஆழ்வார்களில் முதலில் வந்துதித்ததனால் முதல் ஆழ்வார்கள் என பெருமை பெற்றவர்கள் இவர்கள். ஸ்ரீ மணவாள மாமுனிகள் "உபதேச ரத்தினமாலை"யில் மேலும் :

மற்றுள்ள ஆழ்வார்களுக்கு முன்னே வந்துதித்து *

நற்றமிழால் நூல் செய்து நாட்டை உய்த்த * -

பெற்றிமையோர் என்று முதலாழ்வார்கள் என்னும் பேரிவர்க்கு *

நின்றது உலகத்தே நிகழ்ந்து. -- என சிறப்பித்தார்.

ஐப்பசி சதயம் நட்சத்திரத்தில் பேயாழ்வார் திருமயிலையில் அவதரித்தார். ஒரு காலத்தில் திருவல்லிக்கேணி பிருந்தா அரண்யம் என துளசி காடாக இருந்ததை போலவே, திருமயிலை புதர்கள் மண்டி, மரங்கள் அடர்ந்து காடாக இருந்திருக்கிறது. சிறப்பு வாய்ந்த இந்தத் தலத்தில் மாதவப் பெருமாள் திருக்கோயில் அருகில் உள்ள ஒரு குளத்தில் (கிணற்றில்) அதிசயமான செவ்வல்லி மலரிலே மஹா விஷ்ணுவின் ஐம்படைகளில் ஒன்றாகிய நாந்தகம் எனும் வாளின் அம்சமாக பேயாழ்வார் அவதரித்தார். இவர் அயோநிஜர். இந்த அவதார ஸ்தலம் - இன்று அருண்டேல் தெரு என அழைக்கப் படும் வீதியில் மிக சாதரணமாக உள்ளது.

இவர் அருளிச் செய்த பிரபந்தம் : மூன்றாம் திருவந்தாதி. முதல் ஆழ்வார்கள் மூவரும் ஒரு நல்ல மழை நாளில் திருகோவலுரில் ஒரு இடைகழியில் சந்தித்தனர். முதலில் பொய்கை ஆழ்வார் அங்கே இருந்தார்; பூதத்தாழ்வார் அவ்விடம் வந்தபோது, 'ஒருவர் படுக்கலாம், இருவர் இருக்கலாம்' என இடமளித்தார். பிறகு பேயாழ்வாரும் அங்கே வரவே "ஒருவர் படுக்கலாம், இருவர் இருக்கலாம், மூவர் நிற்கலாம்' என அவரையும் வரவேற்றனர். ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணன் அவர்களை சோதிக்க எண்ணி தானும் உட்புகுந்த போது, முதலில் பொய்கை ஆழ்வார் "வையம் தகளியா, வார்கடலே நெய்யாக (உலகத்தையே விளக்காகவும் பெரிய கடலை நெய்யாகவும்) கொண்டு நூறு பாடல்கள் பாடினார். பிறகு, பூதத் ஆழ்வார், 'அன்பே தகளியா ஆர்வமே நெய்யாக' (அன்பை விளக்காகவும் ஆர்வமான எண்ணங்களை நெய்யாகவும்) கொண்டு நூறு பாடல்கள் பாடினார்.

இவ்வாறான விளக்குகளில் எம்பெருமானை சேவித்த பேயாழ்வார்

"திருக்கண்டேன், பொன்மேனி கண்டேன், *திகழும்

அருக்கன் அணி நிறமும் கண்டேன்;* செருக்கிளரும்

பொன்னாழி கண்டேன், புரிசங்கம் கைக் கண்டேன்,*

என்னாழி வண்ணன் பால் இன்று" - என நூறு பாடல்கள் பாடினார். இப்பாடல்களே நாம் அனுசந்திக்கும் "மூன்றாம் திருவந்தாதி"

முதலாழ்வார்களின் சாற்றுமுறை வைபவம் திவ்யதேசங்களில் சிறப்பாக நடை பெற்றது. திருவல்லிக்கேணி திவ்யதேசத்தில் ஆழ்வாருக்கு தனி சந்நிதி (தனி கோவில் என்று சொல்லலாம்) அமைந்துள்ளது. ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி கோவிலுக்கு வடக்கு பக்கம் கோவிலை ஒட்டி அமைந்துள்ள வீதியில் இந்த கோவில் உள்ளதால், இந்த தெரு "பேயாழ்வார் தெரு". பழமையான இந்த சன்னதி தற்போது புனர் அமைக்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. திருவல்லிக்கேணி ஸ்ரீ மணவாளமாமுனிகள் சபையார் இத்திருப்பணிகளை செய்து வருகின்றனர். திருப்பணி வேலைகள் நடைபெறுவதால் ஸ்ரீ பேயாழ்வார் உத்சவர், ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி கோவில் உள்ளே எழுந்து அருளி உள்ளார்.

சென்னை மற்றும் சுற்றுபுறங்களில் தொடர்ந்து பெய்து வரும் மழை காரணமாக, சாற்றுமுறை புறப்பாடு(5/11/2011 Eve) மிகவும் வேகமாக நடைபெற்றது.

அடியேன் ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்.

திருமயிலை பேயாழ்வார் திருவல்லிக்கேணி எழுந்து அருளிய போது

ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி ஏகாதசி புறப்பாட்டின் போது

அருண்டேல் தெருவில் உள்ள ஸ்ரீ பேயாழ்வார் அவதாரஸ்தலம்

அவதார ஸ்தலத்தில் மண்டபமும்

ஆழ்வார் அவதரித்த கிணறும்

Thiruvallikkeni Sri Manavala Maamunigal Uthsavam - Sarrumurai

2011-11-03T07:34:00.000+05:30

Sri:

Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama:

Srimath Varavara Munaye Nama:

Today is the most important day for Thennacharya Srivaishnavaites – Thirumoolam in the month of Aippasi is the birth thirunakshathiram of Acharyar Swami Manavala Maamunigal.

On 31^st Oct 2011, it was celebrated in a very grand manner. In the morning immediately after mangalasasanam in all the sannathies in Thiruvallikkeni Divyadesam, there was the unique “Kaithala Sevai” – whence Lord Parthasarathi and his consorts were taken on the palm of kainkaryabara Bhattacharyars infront of hundreds of devotees. Then there was the morning purappadu which was embellished with 10 pairs of thirukudais (total 20 in nos).

In the evening, again there was grand purappadu of Sri Manavalamamunigal with Lord Parthasarathi.

31/10/2011 இன்று மிக சீரிய "ஐப்பசியில் திருமூலம்". இன்று - நம் ஆச்சார்யர் ஸ்ரீ மணவாள மாமுனிகள் உதித்த நந்நாள் . "செந்தமிழ் வேதியர் சிந்தை தெளிந்து சிறந்து மகிழ்ந்திடும் நாள் - அந்தமில் சீர் மணவாள முனிப் பரன் அவதாரம் செய்திடு நாள்"

திருவல்லிக்கேணி திவ்யதேசத்தில் இன்று அதிகாலை எல்லா சன்னதிகளிலும் மங்களாசாசனம் முடிந்து, மாமுனிகள் - ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாளின் மரியாதைகளை பெற்றுக் கொண்டபின், "கைத்தல சேர்வை" நடைபெறுகிறது. பெரிய சன்னதியில் இருந்து உடையவர் சன்னதி முன் உள்ள மண்டபம் வரை, முதலில் உபய நாச்சிமார்களையும் அடுத்து ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதி உத்சவரையும், அர்ச்சகர்கள் தங்கள் கைத்தலத்தில் ஏளப்பண்ணுவர். வேறு எந்த திவ்ய தேசத்திலும், இந்த சிறப்பு சேவை உள்ளதாகத் தெரியவில்லை. ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் கைத்தல சேவை உண்டு - இராப்பத்து உத்சவத்தில், இது நடைபெறுவதாக கேள்விப்பட்டு உள்ளேன்.

திருவல்லிக்கேணியில் பொய் இல்லாத மணவாள மாமுனிகளின் உத்சவ சிறப்புகளில் - கைத்தல சேவையும் ஒன்று. தீபாவளி புறப்பாடு, அன்ன கூட உத்சவம் போன்றவை இன்ன பிற. சாற்றுமுறை அன்று காலை புறப்பாட்டின் போது ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதியும் மாமுனிகளும் ஏளுகின்றனர். இவ்வமயத்தில் திருக்குடைகள் சிறப்பு. இன்று காலை பெருமாள் பத்து ஜதை குடைகளுடன் (இருபது குடைகள்) புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருள ஆயத்தம் ஆனபோது, பெருமழை பெய்து, புறப்பாடு இடர்ப்பட்டது. பிறகு மழையில் நனைந்த வீதிகளில் புறப்பாடு அழகாக நடந்தது. மாமுனிகள் அருளிச்செய்த உபதேச ரத்தினமாலை சேவிக்கப் பெற்றது.

இரவு மாமுனிகளும் ஸ்ரீ பார்த்தசாரதியும் சேர்ந்து புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளினார். "திருவரங்கத்து அமுதனார் இயற்றிய இராமானுஜ நூற்றந்தாதி" கோஷ்டி ஆனது. மணவாள மாமுனிகளின் சாற்றுமுறை புறப்பாட்டின் போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில படங்கள் இங்கே.

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