Srimathey Sri Vedandtha Ramanuja Maha Desikaya Namaha

Srimathey Sri Rangaramanuja Maha Desikaya Namaha

Srimadyey Godhayey Namaha

Sri Ranganatha Dhivya Mani Padukapyam Namaha

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

GLIMPSES IN TO SRVAISHNAVA SAMPRADAYA

Prostrating many times at the Lotus Feet of my acharya, all poorvacharyas and elders,

I venture in this task of narrating in nutshell certain aspects of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya for the benefit of youngsters

who are not aquainted with the sampradayam

and dedicate this reverentially at the holy feet of acharyas.

***

Srivaishnava sampradayam is a part of Hindu religion. In fact, there is no such religion as Hindu religion. It is

only proper to call ours as vedic religion. None could establish so far as to when , where and how the VEDAS

emanated and hence stands our belief that, vedas emanated from the primordial power, heard by the rishies and given to

the mankind for its benefit by word of mouth. (The Bible also says that first there was the sound ). From an unknown

time from the past, we call the primordial sound as OM (pronounced as AUM) or Pranava. Hence, during the time of

Rama and Krishna we do not hear of Saivaite, Vaishnavite or Madhvas! Later, down the ages when there was anarchic

interpretation of vedic statements, great acharyas incarnated and the different codes of life (known as sampradhaya)

came into being. Adhi Sankaracharya codified the vedic religion into six group known as Shanmadhas. But,

fundamentally, the major three sampradayas enveloping all these can be said as saiva, vaishnava, madhava

sampradhayas. They have one single root. There is one central theme in vedas which says "ekameva adhvidheeyam na

dwidheeyam" ie., there is only one, no second. Based on the interpretation ( called Bashyams ) given by the three

acharyas to this Brahma Sutra at different times taking into consideration the living conditions of the people of their

time, three major off-shoots came into being. Adhi Sankaracharya (revered as avatar of Shiva) interpreted the Brahma

Sutra to the effect that there is only one force as Paramatma and all the rest is Maya-a vision similar to mirage/dream
and hence his followers came to be known as adhvaithis ie., those who believe there is no second. It was known as

adhvaitha (Monism). In simple parlance His teaching meant that Brahman is like a screen in the cinema and the

universe we see and identify are like pictures which are mere shadows - hence, Brahman alone exists as base. His

advent and that preaching were the urgent need of that hour because by then Buddhism had degenerated by discarding

the spirit behind the preaching of Gautama, the Buddha. Buddha did not speak of God but preached right living to

attain nirvana (enlightenment). Generations later the valuable teaching of Buddha was not practiced in its true spirit

and almost a sort of atheism developed. Thus Sri Shankaracharya’s advent and his monism to bring back the vedic

religion from near rout took place by the Divine will. He did it so successfully that Buddhism almost vanished from

Bharat. But, by the passage of time many common followers of Shankaracharya mis-interpreted the Great exposition

and indulged in mundane activities saying that the world is after all a dream. Hence, the Divine Will had to bring about

a fresh wind to blow the chaff away in the form of Ramanujacharya (revered as avatar of Adhi Sesha). He said that

the vedic statement no doubt meant that the Paramatman is without second but it does not mean that jivas are not there.

There is a Paramatma, the primordial power-to whom jeevas/creations form part of Him. Hence, he termed his

philosophy as vishista-adhvaidha ie, qualified advaidha. His commentaries on the Brahma sutras expounding

Vishistadvaidha is famously known as SRI BHASHYAM, the holy magnum opus for Shrivaishnavas. Later, to suit

particular conditions of the people of the time, Madhavacharya (revered as Vayu's avatar) interpreted the Brahma

Sutra and gave the conduct of living which is known as Dwaidha ie., always the Paramatma and Jivatmas exist, the

later subservient to the Paramatma. Hence, the root for all the three sampradhayas is the vedic dictum. While for the

vishishtadhvaidhis and dwaithis SRIMAN NARAYANA is the prime lord of worship, Adhi Shankaracharya also at

the end of all His immortal works, advocated for the common people like us the famous Baja Govindam song (sing the

praise of Govinda). Thus all the three Acharyas direct the people towards the worship of the Paramatma, in whatever

name one would like to call according to his previous karma or surroundings. Ramana Maharishi of Thiruvannamalai

says that "advaitha does not mean that one sits without doing anything-lots of actions are to done when we have this

body and the body will perform all acts for which it has come whether we like it or not. That is why Sankara was in

action (by singing hymns and going to various temples)." Incidentally, it is interesting to note that while the Bhashyams

are known by the name of the respective author like Sankara Bhashyam, the mere mention Shri Bhashyam denotes the

Bhashyam of Ramanujacharya. Scholars like to quote this as a proof for the excellence of the Bhashyam .Shri Ramanuja
is the only saint who is also called bashyakarar-one who gave the bashyam. (It is advised that one reads the book "

Life of Sri Ramanuja", written by Swami Ramakrishnananda, the direct disciple of Paramahamsa Ramamakrishna

himself and published by Ramakrishna Mutt, Chennai).

It is interesting to note that Bagawat Ramanuja started his vedic studies under the guidance of an Advaithic

teacher by name Yadava Prakasar at Kancheepuram, near Chennai. But, later his conviction was changed due to divine

intervention following the prayers of Saint Alavanthar and he embraced the Vishistadwaitha sidhantha. It is all the

more interesting to note further that Yadva Prakasa, who tried to murder his disciple Sri Ramanjuja as he found the

shishya more intelligent than him, later became the disciple of Sri Ramanujacharya not only because of his getting

convinced of the interpretations of Ramanuja but also because of the latter's compassion and greatness . Yadva Prakasa

was rechrisened as Govinda Jeeyar and became head of one of the mutts under Ramanuja.

VISHISTA-ADHVAITHAM

A small example will clear what this means. Saint Aalavandhar, Guru of Shri. Ramanuja and one of the most

revered acharyas of Srivaishnavaites, went to Chola king, who was then patronising Jain monks. The king asked

"Swami, the Veda says that Paramatma is one and there is no second. If so, how can you say that the world and

Jeevatmas exist and forms part of Paramatma". Swami asked the King; "Raja. I say that ' Chola Raja is one and there

is no second.' What does this mean? Does this mean that you have no wife, no children,no subjects, nothing? Or does

it mean that there is Chola Raja and everything, but none to equal Chola Raja." Raja replied, "Swami, it appears that

your second interpretation is correct." Swami said that in the same manner the Paramatma is supreme and has in Him

all the other attributes and hence the qualified advaidha known as vishistadvaidha. Chola king was, thus, convinced

and accepted Srivashnava sampradaya and rejected the philosophy of the Jain monks who were then having the

monopoly in his durbar.

Sri Satya Sai Baba gives many fine examples. We see a pot. In the pot you have mud. But in the 'mud', pot

does not exist. Pot is the result of the process of Kalpana(creation). Yet mud exists in the pot. (Assume mud the

supreme power and the pot creation. It will be understood). Similarly, a bubble of water arises from water because of

Kapana (creation) and hence it dissolves back in the water. Nevertheless, in the bubble too water is present as a thin

film. In the same manner, the supreme manifests ITSELF as creations and merge back in to IT.
 Hence forth, we will term this sidhantha as vaishnava sidhantha and the followers as sri vaishnavas or

srisampradayees, because this is the common terminology used in day to day life.

GURU PARAMPARA (Lineage of Gurus)

We do not know when the Vaishnavism came into being as a separate way of life. The history of Gurus (we

will call them as acharyas) commences from Srimad Nada Muni (Literally means singing saint) who lived somewhat

around 1300 years back. Before him we had twelve Azhvars (meaning persons who immersed themselves in Lord

Vishnu out of pure divine love) who gave to us the 4000 devotional songs which are famously known as Naalaayira

Dhiwya Prabhandam ( Annexure II gives all details) . One of the Azhvars is the famous Aandal. Over the period of

time the 4000 songs were lost. (In real count it is not exactly 4000 but slightly short of that number to which the Thiru

Arangathu Amudhanar’s 108 praising songs (known as Ramanusa nootranthathi) on his Guru Ramanujar is added to

make 4000. (Please see Annexure II- the list of Azhwars, their thiru nakshatras, works etc. at the end.)

We do not know when the Guru parampara started till Nada Muni's record started. The Guruparampara says

that as a child NADHA MUNI (born in the star Anusha in the month of Aani) heard some Brhamins from West

who came to Veeranarayanpuram temple (also known as Kaattu mannaar koil) and sang some Tamil pasruams of

Namnalwar ('aaraa amudhe adiyen udalam') which ended with aayirathul ip paththum (10 out of the 1000) and

when a thrilled Nada Muni asked them to teach him the remaining 990 songs they said that these ten songs are sung for

generations and they do not know beyond that. They advised him to go the birth place of Nam Azhwar and pray. Thus,

he went to Thirukurukoor (Azhwar Thirunagari) in deep South, did tapas before Nammalvar deity by singing 12000

times the Kanninum siru thaambu songs of Madura kavi Azhwar on Nammalvar and got the all the pasurams of

Dhiwiya Prabandam from Nam Azhwar's divine mouth. The diviya prabhandas are also known as Dravida Veda.

Hence, in Vaishanva sampradaya the Guru Parampara is like this:

$ First Acharya is Sriman Narayana to His consort Lakshmi

$ Then Lakshmi to Vishvaksenar. (Like Vinayaka to Saivaites, Vishvaksevnar is to Vaishnavas)

$ Vishvaksenar to Sadagopan, {who is considered to be incarnation of Vishvaksenar on Earth. He is famously

and very affectionately known as nam azhwar ie.,our azhwar}.

 $ Then, Nada Muni, followed by Uyyakkondar, Manakkal Nambi, Peria Nammbi, Aala vanthar,

Ramanjuacharya and the present day Acharya.

Every day we are ordained to say namaskar in the reverse order ie., namaskar to ……(present acharya),

Aala Vanthar, Peria Nambi, Mankkal Nambi, Uyyakkondar, Nada Muni, Sadagopan, Vishvaksenar, Lakshmi and

Narayana.( we recite : asmath guru, parama guru, yadheevara, poornow, sayamunam, ramam ,padmaksha natha,

satajith, senesa, rama, rampathimcha bajey)

Normally we do not say Vishvaksena, Lakshmi and Narayana . We address them:

Vishvaksena: Senai Nathan (Leader of the army of Vishnu), Senai mudalvar,

Lakshmi: Thiru Magal, or Thaayar or Praatti

Narayana: Emperuman or Perumal

In Shrivaishnava Sampradaya, if one says merely Koil it denotes Sri Rangam Temple, Perumal means Varadaraja of

Kancheepuram and Malai means Thirumala. The 108 Shrivaishnavite temples sung by Azhwars are sacred to

shirvaishnavas and are known as thirupathi. (See Annexure I which gives the names of 108 Thirupathis, name of the

Lord and His consort). (also Annexure III highlighting some thirupathis in Kerala and South Tamil Nadu).

The most important thing that one should every day remember and recite are the MANTR TREYAM

(THREE MANTRAS) viz., (1) "Om Namo Narayanaya" (2) "Sriman Narayana charanow charanm prapatye

Srimate Narayanaya Namaha" and (3) Sarvadharman Parityaksha Maam Ekam Charanam Vraja, Aham twa

sarva papepyoho, Mokshaisyami Ma suchaha". First is known as Moola Mantra, Second as Dwayam and the third

Charamas Slokam. These three mantras will be given as upadesa to devotees by their respective acharyas.

The commentaries given by ancient acharyas to these three mantras are known as Rahsya traya saaram

(essence of three rahasyas) Incidentally, one should know here about samasaranam and bharanyasam. The male and

female must undergo samasarnam. The male can have samasaranam only after upanayanam and the female can have

it only after marriage. Samasaranm and bharnyasam are conducted by the acharyan. Samasaranam is pancha

samskaras like purifying the body with pancha-kavyas, adapting daasa after ones name, wearing 12 thiruman kaappu

on the body, getting initiated to the mantra treyam (explained above) and getting the symbol of conch and discus of

Lord affixed on either shoulder. Only then a male is eligible for doing thiru aarathanam for God and the lady is

eligible for kitchen duty for any religious function. Bharanyasam or Bharasamarpanam ( practiced in vadgalai
branch only) is the ritual of surendering to Lord through acharyan, leaving all burdens to Him. There is no age limit

for bharanyasam and even a child in the womb is eligible, because no one knows when death will strike a person.

Srimad Azahgia singer-44th acharya of Ahobila mutt terms Bharanyasa as insurance of the soul with Baghavan which

should not be postponed. There is an interesting episode. It is said that once when Aakkur Andavan was coming from

thiru Kaveri, a snake coiled around his leg and when others were scared, Andavan said that it has come to surrender

and saying so he sprinkled holy water on it and prayed for its surrender to Lord. There is a similar episode in

Ramakrishna Pramahamsa's life. Once when he was walking with his devotees, some persons where catching fishes in

the shallow water. One fish jumped and writhed around Paramahamsa's legs. He took it and placed it in the waters

saying that we are expected to surrender at the Lord's feet like that fish. (Then Kalai sect of Srivaishanvas do not

practice the ritual of Bharnyasam). Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharishi says that surrendering is not that simple.

He says in real terms when some one says that one surrenders to Lord one assumes that he is free other wise to act

according to his will. Even the very thought that we are surrendering is 'ego' says the Maharishi. The real surrender,

Maharishi says, is in 'realising' that everything goes as ordained by the Supreme power. Hence, surrender i.e.,

bharanyasam pre-supposes mental realisation that we are not the doer.

A word about Bharanysam. Some of us are driven to the fear to seek bharanyasam because of the fear that we

may have to eat outside, could make some slip in the rituals prescribed. No doubt, the rituals prescribed, the food

prohibited are all very important for control of senses, but they are not the be all and end all. The main point is the

mental resignation and realisation that we are not the doers. When the latter is perceived the former restrictions

will automatically fall in line as per the will of the God. If we mis-place our priorities on the technicalities and

not on the intent and purpose of surrender then we will be missing the woods for the tree. By this statement,

deliberate/avoidable violation of the dictums on food and daily rituals ordained by elders are not accepted but it is

emphasised that spirit of the act of surrender is not lost in the over zeal to hold on to the outer covers.

OUR ACHARYAS

Baghawat Ramanuja, ( who is also known as emperumanar-, Sriman Narayana is Emperuman while

Ramajuja is emperumanar) was born at Sriperumpudur in the present Tamil Nadu in the year 1017 AD and lived up to

120 years, established 74 mutts in different parts of this Bharatavarsha and the Mutt Heads were known as Jeeyers.
Some of the famous ones are Thirumalai-Thirupathi Jeeyer, Vaana Maa Malai Jeeyer, Ahobilam Jeeyer ,

Sriperumbudur jeeyer, Tridandi Ramanuja jeeyer etc., It is Ramanjuja who codified the daily rituals in the

Srirangam temple and in the daily life of srisampradayees. (Then Arangan selvam mutrum thiruththi vaithan

vashiyave-so sings the elders). Most vaishnava temples follow these codes. Swami Desikan has laid down the ahara

(food) niyamas also. Some interesting facts from Ramanuja's life is given in Annexure IV.

Among the Vaishnavites there are two sub-sets ( people call it kalai) known as vada kalai (who use the

Tripundaram-known commonly as Thiruman Kaappu in the head in " U " shape) and Then Kalai (who use a sharp

projection in the nose while applying Thiruman). There is not much of a difference in the sampradaya at macro level

among the two Kalais.. The principal acharya for all vaishnavas is RAMANUJA. Coming to Acharyas, in the VADA

KALAI sect there are two prime Mutts known as Srimad Aandavan Ashramam of Sri Rangam (near Trichy) and

Ahobila Mutt at Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. For both of these mutts predominant Acharya is VEDHANTHA

DESIKAN, who lived about 700 years ago. Swami Desikan has composed 28 stotra grandhas, 4 kaavya grandhas, 1

nataka grandha, 14 vedantha grnadhas, 8 vyakya grandhas, 2 anushtana grandhas, 32 rahasya grandhas and 24 Tamil

prabandhas. He wrote the famous paduka sahasram- 1008 sanskrit slokas on the virtues of Rama's Padukas in 3

nazhigais in a single night. Such is His greatness. He is the avatar of the holy bell of Thirumala and one will feel it as

one recites His works.

The Aandavan Ashram head is called Srimad Aandavan and the head of Ahobila Mutt as Azhahiya Singer

(ie. the Beautiful Narasimham). There can be no function or daily pooja/sandhya vandhana in sri vaishnava

family without seeking first the blessings of Nigamantha Maha Desikan (and Srimad Andavan or their

respective acharyas) for Vadakalai group. Thenkalai sect will invoke the blessings of Sri Manavala Maamunigal

and their acharyas.

In the Andavan ashramam procedure of worship, prime importance is for the padukas and the

aradhana to padukas of poorvacharyas and distribution of paduka theertham by Srimadanvan every day is a

very important ritual. The spiritual monthly magazine brought out by the ashram is itself title as Ranganatha

Paduka.
 SOME ACCEPTED TRADITIONS

1.While prostrating before God or elders, we should prostrate minimum twice and prostrations should be

only in even numbers-2,4,6,etc..

2.While prostrating before Acharyas, we should continue to prostrate till Acharyan says stop.

3.The sari pallu should always be on the left shoulder.

4.The deepam in the Perumal sannidhi in the house should not be allowed to extinguish by itself.

5. If saligrama deity is kept in the home, everyday something should be submitted as nivedyam without fail,

because Saligrama is not supposed to be left without any offering even for a day. When it becomes inevitable

that we will be unable to offer nivedayam, because of our going out on tour or any other reason, the Salagarma

has to be laid into the rice bowl.

6. Wife for all functions stands on the right side of the husband.

7. Before singing any sloka or stotras first sing the praise of Swamy Desikan: Ramanuja daya patram , gana

vairagya bhooshanam, srimad venkata natharyam , vandhey vedanda desikam. Similarly, before closing

sing Kavitharkika simhaya kalyana kunasaliney, srimthey venkatesaya vedantha gurave namaha.

8. Annually during the period from Thiru Karthikai day (some time during late November and early

December) to Hastha Nakshatra in the Tamil Month of Thai (Mid January), the period is called

anadhyayam period. During this period in the house naalaayira diwya prabandam should not be sung.

The exceptions are Thiruppavai and Thirupallis ezhuchi.,Rananusa nootrandadhi, Desika Prabandam etc.,

During this period in the vaishnava temples in the festival called raa pathu and pagal pathu entire

naalaayiram will be sung.

9. No thiru aaradhanam or neivedhyam to Baghavan should be done without ringing the bell.

10.While serving food in the normal days only rice should be served first. On festival or important occasions

first a little of milk in the plate, then little sugar and then rice. Vegetable should not be served first.

11. Should NOT prostrate or fold hands as namaskar for a person lying down.

12. Should NOT prostrate any one in a temple, even if it is one's acharyan. In the temple only

God should be prostrated. Only fold the hands and do namaskar.

13. (GENTS) After prostrating perumal, thayar, sanyasin, ladies (EXCEPT mother) , veda or
 iyal ghosti coming with Perumal abhivadhaye is not to be told.

14. Do NOT prostrate or do namaskar to one younger to you or one in wet cloth.

15. During polluted days ( theettu ) Thiruarathanam is not to be done.

16. Do NOT fold hands as namaskar or prostrate to a person just leaving for outstation.

17. Generally idols more than two inches big are not kept for aradhana in the house as it requires strict

adherence to rituals and niyamas.

Some common terminologies in usage

- Elders are generally addressed as 'Mama' (male) and 'Mami' (Female), unless there is specific relationship to

call. Husband's brother's wife (ie.brother- in- law's wife): "Orpadi"

- Elder Sister's OR siter-in-law's husband: "Athimber."

- Father in Law:" Mamanar": Mother- in Law:" Mamiyar" but generally address as appa/amma.

- Husband's sisters: "Nathanar" / Peria{elder} Nathanar. / Chinna(younger) Nathanar.

- Father-in-Law's elder brother is" Peria (elder) mamanar.". His wife is called "Peria Mamiar".

- Aunt is called "Aththai". Husband's elder brother (either own or step-brother) is called "Anna" and elder

sister is called "Akka".

- Swamy sannidhi is called Perumal Sanndhi. Pooja is called Thiru Aradhanam.Temple is Kovil. Lord

is Perumal. Lord's consort is called Thayar (ie., mother).Cooked rice: Sadham.(generally it is called

prasadam by elders because they do not partake anything which is not submitted to Lord): Kitchen:

Thirumadapalli .Sambar:Kuzhambu Rasam: Sathumudhu. Sweet rice: Sakkarai Pongal Curry:

Kariamuthu Payasam:Kannamudhu(Thirukannamudhu) Curd Bath: Dadhiyonnam Drinking

water: Theertham or Jalam

MAJOR FESTIVALS

Corresponding English Month

Tamil New Year known as Chitrai Masa Pirappu Mid-April

.!st of Adi month Adi masa Pirappu Mid-August

Adi Perukku (18th day of Adi Month) "

Thiru Adi Pooram (Lord Andal's Birth day) "

Adi Month all Fridays . Deepa Poojai Mid August

Avani Avittam-Thread changing ceremony End of August

Gayari Japam next day

Krishna Jayanthi September

Purattasi month; Thiruvonam Sep-Oct

(Swami Desikan Birth day)

Navaratri October

Deepavali Oct/Nov

Karthikai Deepam November

Margazhi (Month of Thiruppavai sung

By Andal) Mid-Dec to Mid- Jan

Month of Thai:

1st day Bogi

2nd " Pongal Mid -January

3rd " Kanu

Month of Panguni Mid -Mar to Mid April

Sri Rama Navami

Uthira Nakshatram(Lord Andal's Thiru Kalyanam)

AUTHOR'S NATIVE PLACE

Our native place Srivilliputtur is about 60 kilometers South from Madurai. It is the birth place of Sri Andal,

one of the 12 vaishnavite saints. But she is considered as the reincarnation of Bhoo Devi of Lord Narayana and married

him by conducting vratha by singing Thirupavai song (30 numbers) in the month of Margazhi. Margasheersha or

Margazhi month is considered as the most auspicious for spiritual upliftment and in the Geetha, Krishna says in the

months he is Margasheersha month. Till recently, the temple tower at Srivilliputtur measuring 192 feet high was the

tallest in Indian Gopurams and even to day it is the Tamil Nadu Government's State Symbol. The temple of Andal
is one of the biggest ones in the south and the temple cart is the biggest in India. The other temple is called Peria Koil

(Big temple), where like Lord Ranganatha, there lies Perumal in Adhi Sesha in all His majesty. He is our family deity

(Kula Daiva) for generations. He is known as Vatapatra sayee or vada perum koiludaiyaan or Peria Perumal.(Big

perumal in size too). The special offering of prasadam to Him is amirtha kalasam which is a sweet dish with

poornam inside. When it is prepared at our instance we should ask the priest to do seva to vittala vaail appan also

near the Peria Perumal. Srivilliputtur is one of the 108 Diwya Desas dear to any true Srivaishnava. There is a Desikar

temple to which our forefathers till recently were doing sevas.

Let us pray to our acharyas and Lord that let us not forget at any time or on any auspicious occasion the

native place, the bewitching Gods whom our forefathers loved with their body and soul for generations. There is

no treasure to excel them. We should live upto Peria Azhwar’s song where he sings that for seven generations

and yore we continue to do seva in Thiruvonam festival ( in ' Pallandu' He sings enthai, thanthai,thanthaithan

moothappan, ezhpadikkal thodangi). Also we shall pray as Andal sang that for ever we shall do seva to our family

deities and shrivaishnavas ( 29th Song of Thiruppavai - sitram siru kale). Forsaking our false ego, let us sing loudly

the divine names of our dear God and Goddess.

WHO IS A TRUE VAISHNAVAN?

Whether by following the various daily rituals narrated alone a person becomes a Vaishnava? The elders and

scriptures deny. Bhagawat Ramanujacharya himself dispelled this doubt by openly giving upadesa of the MOOLA

MANTRA from the temple tower of Thirukoshtiur and also embracing all to the Srivaishnavism at Melkote and other

places of His visit. Ramanujacharya has given us some dictum (Ramanujarya Diwyagna) and one of it says that if

you cannot follow any of the direction atleast serve a Srivaishanva.

Srivaishnava is one who considers that everyone belongs to the Vasudeva Kutumbam-all belongs to the

family of Vasudeva. He will consider other’s pain as his, world as the embodiment of saguna Brahma, he will not

abuse any one, and worship other women as his mother, pure in his thoughts and words. In short he will observe the

dictum of Bagawat Ramanuja but will not be dogmatic immersed lifelessly in rituals forgetting the substance of

Ramanujacharya's message. His life itself was His message. In short a true vaishnava will be a whole being fully

engrossed by the universal love. Narasi Mehta in his famous vaishnava janatho song extols the virtues of a Vaishnava.
 Basically one should follow his own religion but without hatred for any other religion or sampradaya. In

Baghawat Geetha, Lord Krishna asserts that whatever may be the path a person chooses ie.,Gnana Marga, Bakthi

Marga or Karma Yoga and whatever deity he chooses to worship, all those efforts reach the one and the only goal-the

Supreme Lord. Saint Nam Azhwar in His Thiruvai Mozhi pasuram reiterates that each one gets his chosen deity

according to his fate and no god has any short-comings ( avaravar iraiyavar kurai vilar, iraiyavar avaravar vidhi vazhi

adaiya nindranarey). Can there be a greater outlook for mankind than this one stated by our Azhwar?

The path of one pointed devotion to one God (maranthum puram thozha maanthar) is advised to have

concentration and not for hating Gods worshiped by others. Elders used to give an example. A married woman will

have the highest respect for her husband. But she does not show disrespect to other elders. But her devotion anyway is

supreme to her husband. As per vedantha Lord alone is the Pursha . (Purusha evedhagum sarvam). Bhakthi yoga is

in no way inferior to Gnana yoga and for the Kali Yuga Bakthi yoga is advised by acharyas as the best for mankind.

Let us keep in mind the following dictum which Swami Vivekananda emphatically proclaimed in the

Parliament of Religions:

Aakaasaath Pathitham Thoyam Yadha Gachchathi Saagaram

Sarvadeva Namskaram Sri Kesavam Prathi Gachathi

(As water that pours from the sky goes ultimately to sea, in the same way worship of

all Gods goes to Lord Shri Krishna)

Samarpan at the Lotus Feets of

THIRUKKUDAHTHAI AANDAVAN and SRI SATYA SAI who made me realise by their life that there is

nothing to equal selfless love.

Bangalore Alagar Govindakrishna Daasan

August 22, 2001 (Thirukkudanthai Aandavan Thiruvadi)

 ANNEXURE I

Srimathe Sri Ranga Ramajuja Maha Desikaya Namaha

Srimathe Vedhantha Ramanuja Maha Desikaya Namaha
Sri Ranganatha Diviya Mani Padukabyam Namaha
Srimadyai Godhayai Namaha

108 DIVIYA DESAM OF SRI VAISHNAVAS

No. Name of Diviya Desam Perumal's Thirunamam Thayar's Thirunamam

1 Thiru Arangam* Sri Ranganathar Sri Ranganayaki

2 Uraiyoor (Thiru Kozhi) Azhahiya Manavalar Kamalavalli Naachiyar
3 Uthamar Koil (Thiru Karambanur) Purushotahaman Poornavalli
4 Thiru Vellarai Pundarikashan Shenbagavalli
5 Thiru Anbil Vadivazhagiya Nambi Azhagiya Valli
6 Thirupper nagar Appak kudathan Indira Devi / Kamalavalli
7 Thirukkandiyur Harasaba Vimochana Perumal Kamalvalli
8 Thiru Koodaloor Jagat rakshagan Padmasani
9 Thirukkavithalam Gajendra Varadhan Ramamani Valli
10 Thiru Pulla Bootham Kudi Valvil Raman Hemambuja valli
11 Thirukkudanthai Aravamudan / Sarangapani Komalavalli
12 Thiru vinnagar Oppiliappan Bhoomi Devi
13 Thiru Naraiur (Nachiar Koil) Thiru Nariur Nambi Vanjula valli
14 Thiru cherai Sara nathan Sara Nayaki
15 Thiru Kanna Mangai Baktha vatsalan Abisheka Valli
16 Thiru Kannapuram Sauri Rajan Kannapura Nayagi
17 Thiru Kannamgudi Loganathan Aravintha valli
18 Thiru Nagai (Nagapatinam) Neelamegam Soundarya valli
19 Thiru Tanjai Maamanikkoil Neelamegam Senkamala valli
20 Nathan Koil Natha Nathan Shenbaga valli
21 Thiru velliangudi Kola valvil raman Maragatha valli
22 Thiru vazhunthur Devathi Rajan Sengamala valli
23 Thiru Aadhanoor Aandalakkum aiyan Ranga nayagi
24 Thiruchchiru Puliyur Arul Maa Kadal Thiru Maa magal
25 Thiru Thalaichangadu Naan madhiyap perumal Thalaichanga nayagi
26 Thiru Indhaloor Parimala Nayagan Parimala Ranga Nayagi
27 Thiru Naangoor Gopalakrishnan Madavaral nangai
28 Sirgazhi Thrivikraman Loga nayagi
29 Ariya mel vinnagaram Kudamadu koothan Amrutha kada valli
30 Thiru van purudothamam Purushothaman Purushothama Nayagi
31 Thiru chempon koil Perarulalan Alli malar nachiyar
32 Thirumadakkoil Narayanan Pundarika valli
33 Thiru vaikuntha vinnagaram Vaikuntha nathan Vaikuntha valli
34 Thiru vaali / Thiru nagari Lakshmi narasimhar Amrutha valli thayar
35 Thiru thevanar thogai Deiva nayagan Kadal magal nachiyar
36 Thiru thetri ammbalam Senganmal perumal Sengamanala valli thayar
37 Thiru manikkoodam Varadarajan Thiru ma magal
38 Thiru vellakkulam Srinivasan Alamelu mangai
39 Thiru parthana palli Thamariyal kelvan Thamarai nayagai
40 Thiru chitrakoodam (Chidambaram) Govindarajan Pundarika valli
41 Thiruvahindrapuram Deivanayagan Hemambuja valli
42 Thirukovalur Thrivikraman Poongoval nachiyar
43 Thiru kachchi (Kanchipuram)** Varadarajan (Perarulalan) Perunthevi thayar
44 Ashata puya karam Aathi kesavan Padmasani
45 Thiru than ka (Thooppul) Deepa prakasar (Vilakkodi Maragatha valli
perumal)
46 Thiru velukkai Azhagiya singar Velukkai valli
47 Thiru neeragam Jagadeeswarar Nilamangai valli
48 Thiruppadagam Pandava dhoothar Rukmini-Satyabama
49 Thiru Nila Thingal Thundam Chandra choodan Ner oruvar illa valli
50 Thiru vooragam Thrivikkraman Amrutha valli
51 Thiru veh ka Yadhoktha kari (Sonna vannam Komalavalli
seitha perumal)
52 Thirukkaragam Karunakaran Padma mani
53 Thirukkar vanam Kalvar Kamalavalli
54 Thiruk kalvanoor Adhi varagam Anjalai valli
55 Thiru pavala vannam Pavazha vannan Pavazha valli
56 Thiru parameswara vinnagaram Paramapada nathan Vaikunda valli
57 Thiru put kuzhi Vijaya raghavan Maragatha valli
58 Thiru nindra voor Bhaktha vatsalan Sudha valli
59 Thiru ev vul (Thiruvalloor) Veera raghavan Kanagavalli
60 Thiruvallikkeni Parthasarathy Vedavalli
61 Thiru neer malai Neer vannan Ani ma malar mangai
62 Thiruvidanthai Lakshmi varagar Komalavalli
63 Thirukkadal mallai (Mahabalipuram) Ulaguiya nindran Nilamangai
64 Thirukkadigai Akkarakkani Amruthavalli
65 Thiru Ayodhi Sri Raman Sita
66 Thiru naimisaranyam Devarajan Pundarika valli
67 Thiru pirithi(Joshi Mut) Parama purushan Parimala valli
68 Deva prayagai Neela mega perumal Pundarika valli
69 Badrinath (vadhari) Badri narayanan Aravinda valli
70 Salagaramam Sri moorthy Sri devi
71 Thiru vada madurai Govinda nesan Satya Bama
72 Thirvai paadi Nava mohana krishnan Rukmini-Satyabama
73 Dwarakai Dwaraka dheesan Rukmini-Lakshmi
74 Ahobilam (Singvel Kundram) Prahlada varadan Senju Lakshmi
75 Thiru vengadam*** Srinivasan Padmavathi
76 Thiru navaai Narayanan Siru devi
77 Thiru vithuvakkottu ammaan Abhaya pradhan Padma bhani
78 Thirukkaat karai Kaat karai appan Vatsalya valli
 79 Thiru moozhikkalam Appan Madura veni
80 Thiru valla vaazh Sri vallabhan Vatsalya valli
81 Thirukkadi thanam Adhbudha narayanan Karpagavalli
82 Thiruch chengunnur Imaiyavar appan Sengamala valli
83 Thiru puliyur Mayappiranp Porkkodi
84 Thiru varan vilai Thirukkural appan Padmasani
85 Thiru van vandoor Kamala nathan Kamala valli
86 Thiruvananthapuram Anantha padmanaban Srihari lakshmi
87 Thiruvettaru Adhi kesavan Maragatha valli
88 Thiruvan pari saram Thirukkural appan Kamala valli
89 Thirukkurungudi Nindra nambi Kurumkudi valli
90 Thiru sivara mangai Thothadri Seevara mangai
(Vaanamamalai)(Nanguneri)
91 Thiru vai kundam Vaikunda nathan Vaikunta valli
92 Thiru vara guna mangai Vijayasana perumal Varaguna valli
93 Thiruppulingudi Kaichina vendan Pulikkudi valli
94 Thiru tholai villi mangalam Devappiran Ubaya Nachiyargal
95 Thirukkulanthai Srinivsan Kulanthai valli
96 Thirukkolur Vaitha maanidhi Kumuda valli
97 Thirupperai Magara nedum kuzhai kaathan Kuzhai kaathu valli
98 Thirukkurukoor Aadhi nathan Kurukoor valli
99 Thiruvilliputtur (Srivilliputtur) Vadapatra sayee/Rangamannar Sri devi / Bhoo devi /
Neela Devi / Aandaal
100 Thiru than kaal Nindra Narayanan (Thiru than kaal Sengamalam
appan)
101 Thirukkoodal Koodal Alagar Madura valli
102 Tiru maal Irum solai (Alagar Koil) Kal Alagar Sundara valli
103 Thiru Mogoor Kala Megam Mohoor valli
104 Thirukkoshtiyoor Sowmya Narayanan Thiru Ma Magal
105 Thiruppullani Kalyana Jagannnathan Kalyana vanni
106 Thiru meiyyam Satya murthy (Meiappan) Oiyavantha nachiyar
DIVIYA DESAMS NOT ON
EARTH
107 Thirupparkadal Ksheerabdhi nathan Kadal Magal - Bhoo devi
108 Paramapadam (Thiru naadu) Parama padha naathan Peria piratti

1.*Known merely as KOIL ** as PERUMAL *** as MALAI to all Sri

Vaishnavas
2. "ARAIYAR SEVAI" is a special in 3 keshtras viz., Sri Rangam, Srivilliputtur, Azhwar
Thirunagari. 3. On iypasi month in moola nakshatra, the Vanamamalai jeer (30) wears the gold ring of
Manavala Mamunigal and gives sri pada theertham. 4. In Kandagi river at Salagrama(70) salagramas
are taken.

The names of ALWARS in descending order of their avatar
No. Name of the Alwar
1 Poigai alwar
2 Boothath Alwar
3 Pei Alwar
4 Thirumazhisai Alwar
5 Madura Kavi Alwar
6 Nammalvar
7 Kulasekara alwar
8 Peri alwar
9 Aandal
10 Thondar adi podi alwar
11 Thiruppaan alwar
12 Thirumangai alwar
ANNEXURE II
Avatar of Month, Thiru Prabhandas composed & Numbers.
Nakshatram, and
Place
Panjajanyam Iypasi, Thiruvonam, Mudal Thiru Andhadhi (100)
Kanchipuram
Ghadha Iypasi, Avittam, Irandam Thiru Andhadhi (100)
Mahabalipuram
Nandagam Iypasi, Sadhayam, Moondram Thiru Andhadhi (100)
Mylapore (chennai)
Chakra Thai, Maga, Thiruchanda viruttam & Nanmugan
Thirumazhisai Thiru andhadhi (216)
Vainadeyam Chithirai, Chitra, Kanninum siruthambu(11)
(Garuda) Thirukkoloor
Visvaksenar Vaigasi, Visakam, Thiru virutham, Thiruvasiriam, Peria
Alwar Thiru nagari thiruvandhadhi, Thiruvaimozhi
(1296)
Kousthubam Masi, Punarvasu, Thiru Perumal Thirumozhi (105)
vanjikkalam
Garuda Aani, Swathi, Perialwar Thirumozhi (473)
Srivilliputtur
Bhooma devi Adi, Thiruppavai, Nachiar Thirumozhi
ThiruppooramSrivillipu (173)
ttur
Vanamala Margazhi, Kettai, Thiru Maalai, Thiruppali ezhuchi (55)
Thirumandamkudi
Srivatsam Kartikai, Rogini, Amalanaathipiran (10)
Uraiyur
Sarngam (bow) Karthigai, Kruthikai, Peria Thirumozhi,
Thirukkuraiyaloor Thirukkurunthandagam, Thiru
nedunthandagam, Thiruvezhu
kootrirukkai, Siria thiru madal, Peria
Thiru madal (1253)
Additional information:

1. The above prabhandas total up to 3892 to which by adding 108 pasurams of Thiru
arangathu amudanar's Ramanuja nootrandhadhi the Diviya Prabhandas account for
4000. Hence , NALAIYA DIVIYA PRABANDAM.
2. Swami Desikan gives the numbers of each alwars composition in his Prabhanda
saaram.
3. The Alwars mentioned above have other names also, as indicated below:
-Poigai: Padma muni, Saro yogi, Kasaara yogi
-Pei: Kairava muni, Mahadhavaiyar
-Thirumazhisai: Maheesarapureeswarar, Bhakthidsarar, Bargawar
-Nammalvar: Maaran, Sadagopan, Kurugayarkon, Vagulabharanar,
Paraangusan, Sadathjit, Sadathdweshi etc.,
-Madurakavi: Azhwarkkadiaan, Inkaviyar
-Kulasekaran: Kolli kaavalan, Koodal Nayagan, Kozhikkon,
Seralar Kavalan, Villavar Kon
-Periazhwar: Bhattanathan, Bhattar piraan, Vishnu chithan,
Srivilliputturar, Sri Ranganathsvasoorar
-Aandal: Goda, Kothai, Soodikkodutha Naachiyar,
-Thondaradipodi: Bhakthangrirenu, Vipranarayanar,
Palliunarthiya piraan, Mandamgudiyaar
-Thiruppaan: Paanar, Munivahanar, Yogivahanar
-Thirumangai: Aalinaadan, Kalian, Nalikavi perumal**,
Arul maari, Mangayar Kon, Para Kaalan
** This title was acknowledged by the great saivait saint THIRU GNANASAMBANDAR
who was a contemporary of this Alwar.

4. The following are the other names of our great acharyas:

Ramanujar:
Udaiyavar, Yathi rajar, Emperumaanaar, Bhashyakarar, Elaiyaarwar, Lakshmana Muni,
Vadhasanar
Swami Desikan:
Vishnu Ghandavatharam, Venkata Naathan, Kavitharkika
Simham, Sarva Thantra Swathantrar, Tamil maraiyon

Manavala Maamuni (He is the acharya for Then kalai branch

Of Sri vaishnava sampradayam)
Visadha vaak sigamani, Sri vara vara muni, Yadheentra
Pravanar, Azhagiya Manavalar, Muppaththu aaraayira perukkar
 ANNEXURRE III

Some DWIYA DESAMS IN KERALA (Malai Nadu)

1. Thiru Naavaai:
There is rail station in this name between chennai and calicut. The temple is one mile from
the station. Otherwise from Shoranur one can come by bus to Kutteepuram and change the
bus to Thirunavai. Since nine yogis did taps here this place came to known as Thiru Nava
Yogi, twisted as Thiru naavaai. The place is song by Nammalvar and Thirumangai alwar.

2. Thiru vithuvakkodu:
Also known as Thiruvichikkodu, Thiruvinjikkodu. The nearest station is Pattambi, in the
Shoranur-Calicut route. 2 miles from the station. It is also in the bust route in between
Shoranur & Guruvayoor. Sang by Kulasekara Alwar.
3. Thirumoozhi kalam or Moozhi kalam
Reachable from Alwaye by town bus. Or can come by bus from Ernakulam. Sang by
Namalwar and Thirumangai alwar.
4. Thiruvalla
Thiruvalla station in between Quilon and Ernakulam. 3 miles from station. Sang by Nam
alwar and Thirumangai alwar.
5. Thiruchitraru (Thiruchengundrur)
Chenkannur station in the Thiruvananthapuram - Quilon route via Ernakulam. Sang by
Nam alwar
6. Thiru anantha puram ( Trivandrum)
Sang by Nam alwar.
7. Thiru vattaru
In between Thiru ananthapuram and Nagercoil in bus route. Get down at Thoduvetti and
from there take another bus for 6 miles. Sang by Nam alwar.
8. THIRUPATHI SARAM ( THIRUVAM PARISARAM)
2.5 miles from Nagercoil (Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu). Sang by Nam Azhwar.

Some Dwiya Desams of Pandya Kingdom (Present south Tamil Nadu)

1. THIRUKKURUN GUDI
Direct buses from Tirunelveli. Or come to Nanguneri from Thirunelveli (18 miles) by
bus and from there another bus to Thirukkurungudi. VERY IMPORTANT KSHETRA
FOR VAISHNAVAS. Here THIRUMANGAI AZHWAR LEFT HIS BODY. IT IS
UNDER THIRUKKURUNGUDI JEEYAR.
Sang by Peri alwar, Thirunazhisai Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Nam Alwar.
2. THIRU SEEVARA MANGAI (Vaana Maa Malai, Nanguneri, Totadri )
Another very important Kshetra. Popularly known as Nanguneri or Vaana Maa Malai.
Comes under Vaana Maa Malai Jeeyar established by Manavala Maa Munigal. Direct
buses from Thirunelveli. Sang by Nam alwar.
3. SRIVAIKUNDAM
Another important place. Can come by direct bus from Thirunelveli. Also there is a
station by name Srivaikundam in Thirunelvei - Thiruchendur rail route. Sang by Nam
Alwar.
4. Sri Vara Guna Mangai (Also known popularly as Naththam)
1.5 miles from Srivaikundam (above). Sang by Nam alwar.

5. Thiru Pulingkudi
Just less than a mile from the above place. Or 2 miles from Srivaikundam (item 3).
Sang by Namalwar.
6. THIRUKKURUKOOR ( Azhwar Thirunagari)
Just 3 miles from Srivaikundam (item 3). There is also a station as Azhar Thirunagari
in the Thirunelveli - Thiruchendur rail route. VERY IMPORTANT FOR
SRIVAISHNAVAS as it is the birth place of NAM ALWAR. If one stays here for a
couple of days he can to all nava thirupathis ( which include all these 6 places
mentioned so far) around. The tamarind tree (known as Thiru Puli Azhwar) in whose
whole Namalwar stayed is also there still in the temple).
7. SRIVILLIPUTTUR
60 kms from Madurai. Countless buses, almost leaving every 15 minutes. It also in the
rail station Srivilliputtur in the chord line to Quilon from Chennai. Birth place of
Andal. Sang by Peri alwar and Aandal.
8. Thiru Than Kaal
Just half an hour bus journey from Srivilliputtur. Sang by Boothath Alwar and
Thirumangai alwar.
9. Thirukkoodal (Madurai)
In the heart of Madurai near the Madurai junction. It is here the Peri alwar won the
gold bag from Pandiyan King and sang PALLANDU to ward off evil eye that may
affect the kalyana roopam of Lord. Massive deity in the sitting posture. Sang by
Thirumangai alwar and Thirumazhisai alwar.
10. Thirumal irum solai (Alagar Koil)
12 miles by town bus from Madurai. Very famous. It is here Sri Ramanuja placed
before Lord butter in 100 massive vessels and Sakkarai Pongal in 100 massive vessels
to fulfill the vow taken by Andal for marrying Lord but went to vaikunda without
fulfilling the vow. Hence Ramanuja is called elder brother of Andal. Andal is
addressed as 'Perumboothoor Maa Munikku Pinnanal Vazhi'- hail she who came after
Perumboothur Maa Muni (Ramanuja). In fact Ramanuja came long long after Andal.
But since he fulfilled her vow, he is considered as anna of Andal
11. Thirumogoor
7 miles by town bus from Madurai. Gajendra Moksha place. Very famous. Sang by
Peri alwar, Pei Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Boothath alwar, Thirumazhisai alwar.
12. THIRU PULLANI ( DHARBA SAYANAM)
By town bus from Ramanathapuram. Side by side is the Sethu samudram. Rama in
tapas over kusa grass for favour from samudra raja. Sang by Thirumangai alwar.

( It can be seen that by staying in Madurai and Thirunelveli one can see all the
above Dwiya desams).
 ANNEXURE IV
SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION

I. There are 3 famous images of Saint Ramanujar:

(1) Thanana Thirumeni (His own body): In the Sri Rangam temple precincts is placed the
body of Ramanuja. Some say the image was made in 3 days time and the saint breathed
life into it for placing over the place where he was laid to rest. Some say the very image
now there is actual body of Saint Ramanuja, kept intact by the yogic power of the saint
even after 1000 years.
(2) Thanugantha Thirumeni: ( Image preferred by Him): The devotees of Yadavadri ( the
present Melkote in Karnataka State) made an image of the saint and Ramanuja embraced
the same and handed it over to them
(3) Thamarugantha Thirumeni: The devotees of Sriperumbudur had made an image of the
saint and were invoking life into it for installation in the temple. At the same moment,
Ramanuja who was at Sri Rangam became silent and from his closed eyes two tear drops
trickled down. Ramanuja opened his eyes and narrated what was happening in the
Sripenrumbudur temple.

Ramanuja left this world on a Saturday, 10th day of Sukla Paksha in the month of Magha in the year
1137 AD after living 120 years.
II. Ramanujacharya's last message:
He who has truly surrendered at the feet of the Lord should not bestow thought on the future
which is entirely at his disposal and any least anxiety felt betrays the hypocrisy in the
surrender.
Dictums:
1. Study the Sribashya and teach it to others
2. If the above is not possible, study saint Sadagopa and others' works and teach them to
others.
3. If not, do service to Lord in any of the holy places
4. If not, remain where you are and throwing all burden on the Lord and your acharya be
immersed in their contemplation.
5. If any of the above is not possible, seek a Srivaishnava of wisdom and devotion and serve
him.
III. We talk of abolishing untouchability to day and we need Acts. Think of this saint who
arranged 1000 years back the right of entry in to temple for the untouchable at Melkote.
IV. Thirukkachi Nambigal, also known as Kanchipurna was noted for talking to Lord Varadharaja
of Kancheepuram. Ramanuja told him that certain doubts (he did not elaborate them) are
haunting him and he wanted the reply of Lord. Kancipurana next day agreed to get the answers
and so got them. They are:
1. I, Vishnu, is the absolute Brhaman (Para tatwam)
2. The distinction between Jiva and Iswara is axiomatic
3. Self-surrender is the only means for Liberation
4. Even if my devotee fails to remember me while breathing his last, liberation for him
is sure.
5. As soon as my devotees leave their bodies, they attain me.
6. Take refuge in Mahatma Mahapurana
On getting the replies, Ramanuja was supremely happy and moved towards Srirangam to get initiated
by Mahapurana, least knowing that Mahapuran was moving towards Kanchi to get Ramanuja to head
the Srirangam mutt, which was orphaned by the passing away of Alavandar. Both met at the temple of
Madurantakam ( now in the Chengleput district of Tamil Nadu). Ramanuja insisted that he be initiated
into the worship of the Lord then and there. The reason he gave was that life in the earth is not even as
permanent at a lightning and that there should not be any delay in this. Mahapurana conducted the
samasaram ceremony for Ramanuja in the temple of Rama at Madurantakam.