ஸ்ரீ:

ஸ்ரீமதே ராமாநுஜாய நம:

ஸ்ரீமதே நிகமாந்ே தேசிகாய நம:
ஸ்ரீமதே ஸ்ரீவண்சடதகாப ஸ்ரீரங்கநாே யேீந்த்ர மஹாதேஶிகாய நம:
ஸ்ரீமதே வாத்ஸ்யஸ்ரீ க்ருஷ்ணமார்ய மஹாதேஶிகாய நம:
அஸ்மத் குருப்தயா நம:

SUNDARAN VS SUNDARI
சுந்ேரன் VS சுந்ேரி
This article is a short-adapted version of the original Tamil article காண்டகுதோளண்ணல் “KandagutholAnnal” by Sri APN
Swami. This is an attempt by adiyen to summarize the anubhavam of listening to Sri APN Swami about Kanchi Varadhan
Ratnangi and not a translation of the original article which has more details & references. Do not miss to read the Tamil art icle.

KARTHI GAI – ANUSHAM VAI BHAVAM

Today(6-Dec-2018) is Kruthika Anusham, Thirunakshatra Mahothsavam of Koti Kannikadhaana Sri Lakshmi

Kumara Thatha Desikan who is the Abhimana-puthra of Kanchipuram Sri Perundevi Thayar and Sri Varadharaja
Perumal. Sri Thatha Desikan has driven away all the forces of Delhi Sultanate away from the South India with the
help of the Vijayanagar army and saved many temples from invasions. He comes in the direct paternal l ineage and
Acharya Parampara of Sriman Nathamunigal, Sri Alavandhar and Sri Kurugesar. He was the foster-son of Acharya
Sri Pancha Matha Banjana Thatha Desikan.

VARADHAN I N RATNANGI

On this day, Sri Perundevi Thayar and Sri Perarulalan of Kanchipuram Sri Va radharaja Perumal Temple arrive at the
Sannidhi of Swami Sri Desikan and Sri Thatha Desikan early in the morning. On this day, Varadhan adorns
“Ratnangi” and Perundevi Thayar adorns all her valuable ornaments. Grand purappadu happens at Kanchi, via
Madapalli pradakshinam and Azhwar pradakshinam before they arrive at Swami Desikan Sannidhi. They enjoy an
elaborate Thirumanjanam and other Upacharams with a grand Veda, Divya Prabandha Satrumurai and stay there
in the Sannidhi for the whole day and enjoy an elaborate Thiruveedhi Purappadu and offers all respect to the
Acharya.

Kanchi Varadhan with his Consorts adorning Ratnangi

Kanchi Varadhan Temple, Swami Desikan Sannidhi, Sri Thatha Desikan with Ammangar
சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari
Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 1 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
SUNDARAN & SUNDARI

Decked in Ratnangi, Varadhan with Ubhaya Nachimar climbs down the Hasthigiri hill eagerly to see Perundevi
Thayar so that they can start on a grand purappadu towards Nammazhwar sannidhi. Varadhan eagerly awaits to
see Perundevi Thayar who joins Him from Her Sannidhi. This scene is same as Sita coming down to meet Ram in
Ramayanam. Perumal gives a loving look at His consort Perundevi Thayar and the divine consort reciprocates the
loving look which is mixed with joy and shy.

Like a child who is happy to wear different types of dresses, Varadhan looks very happy to adorn Ratnangi.
Varadhan is even happier to see His consort decked up with all the jewels. Varadhan’s happiness will go multi-fold
just by the thought that he is going to visit Azhwars, Acharyas and most important His Abhimana Puthiran.

The divine conversation begins between the Divine couple - Divya Dhampathi.
Varadhan: Priye! You are looking so nice with all your wonderful Jewels.
Perundevi: Swami, not just me you are also looking great in this Ratnangi. But….
Varadhan: O dear! What do you want to say?
Perundevi: Swami, Ratnangi is nice. No doubt. But even in this Ratnangi you cannot match my natural beauty.
Varadhan: Ok, now let’s find out who is looking beautiful today. Let us ask our knowledgeable Azhwar, one who
has “Mayar Vara mathi Nalam” (மயர்வற மேி நலம்). Let him look at us and tell the answer.
Varadhan was in deep thoughts on what will be the judgement “Who is looking beautiful? Is it Me or Is it
Perundevi ? What will Nammazhwar answer?”
Nammazhwar along with Madhurakavi Azhwar and Nathamuni were eagerly waiting to receive Perumal and
Piratti. But as Perumal & Piratti were nearing Nammazhwar Sannidhi, MadhuraKavi azhwar and Nathamunigal
came running as they saw Nammazhwar faint on seeing Perumal/Piratti’s beauty. They all manage to get back
Nammazhwar into consciousness. Like how the Maharishis in the forest got mesmerized on seeing Ram’s beauty,
Nammazhwar was mesmerized as well. Valmiki words रूपसंहननं लक्ष्मं सौकु्ार्यं सुवेषता् ् | ददृशुर्विस्म्ताकारा
रा्मर्य वनवाससनः||
Varadhan: Azhware, How are you all doing today? Why did you faint?
Nammazhwar: How can I not be happy today! I was waiting to see you all in this beautiful Ratnangi Sevai. Your
beauty is so mesmerizing that I fainted just by seeing you at a distance.
Varadhan: Ok, I have a question for you. Will you answer?
Nammazhwar: Sure, why not Varadha?
Varadhan: You said you fainted seeing us today. Ok, tell me. Who is looking nice today? Is it Me or Is it Perundevi?
Madhurakavi Azhwar and Nathamunigal thought that Nammazhwar will faint again on seeing the Seshi
Dhampathi (Divine Couple). But Nammazhwar was in deep thoughts….and then continued.
Varadhan: MagizhMaara, don’t take sides. Speak the truth. Don’t hesitate.
Nammazhwar: Varadha! I am yet to solve the confusion on whether I sang pasuram on you or not. Some accept
and some still question whether I sang on you or not. I have clearly established through Thirumangai Mannan that
the first 100 pasuram is for Kanchi. My posture “Thozhuthu Yezhu yen Maname” (தோழுது எழு என் மனதம )
clearly explains the same. Desikan has also reiterated in his work clearly that Prathama Satakam in Thiruvaimozhi is
on Varadhan. Despite all these, there is still confusion. I am yet to come out of the first confusion. Why are you
putting me into one more trouble?

சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari

Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 2 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
Varadhan: Azhware! Don’t give reasons. Just tell who is looking good today. Is it Perundevi or Is it Me? Don’t
divert the topic.
Nammazhwar: Varadha! Kindly excuse me. You have trained some of your devotees specifically for these types of
debates. I suggest you ask this question to Jagadacharyan Ramanujan who is eagerly waiting with other Azhwars
and Acharyas. It is He who clearly followed your (ஆறு வார்த்தே) Six Commandments. He is the one who is waiting
to do anything as per your order. I still remember the difficult (பிரியா விதட) “Piriya Vidai” Ramanujan had to go
through just to follow your order to go to Srirangam. I am sure he is eagerly waiting to see you all today. So, it
would be apt to spare me today and ask this question to Ramanujan.
Varadhan got restless since he didn’t get an answer and started to walk towards the next Sannidhi. On the way to
Ramanuja Sannidhi, Perumal & Piratti stopped by Manavala Maamunigal Sannidhi. Manavala Maamunigal who
already got the news about the question started to talk proactively.
Manavala Maamunigal: Varadha, even I am waiting to know the answer to your question from our Jagadacharyan
and other elders.
Perumal and Piratti continued to walk swiftly towards Ramanujar Sannidhi. Ramanuja with all other Azhwar &
Acharyans were all eagerly waiting for Ratnangi Sevai of Perumal & Piratti. The news about the question already
spread to Ramanuja Sannidhi. Azhwars belonging to Thondaimandalam were puzzled and didn’t want to get into
the trouble of answering that question as it could cause displeasure to Piratti or Perumal. Other Azhwars who don’t
hail from Thondaimandalam started to think how to escape that question. Thirumangai Mannan didn’t want to
answer since he will be termed partial and as one who already got bribe from Varadhan. Kumudhavalli gave all
signs to Thirumangai Mannan to keep quiet and not get into any trouble. All the Azhwars looked at Alavandar
with a puzzled look. Alavandar was cool without tension and started to talk.
Alavandar: Don’t worry. I have already nominated Ramanujan as the leader “Aam Mudhalvan” (ஆம்
முதல்வன் இவன்). He is there to answer on all our behalf. Let’s us all wait for Ramanujan’s reply.

Ramanujan was sitting as a central pendant with all the Azhwar & Acharyas on his either sides. Kurathazhwan was
also there, wondering what if Ramanujar nominates him to answer. As Varadhan and group approached, the
curiosity to know the answer and the tension increasedl.
Ramanujar: Varadha! Yen Appane! What a sight to watch you and Perundevi! What a sight to watch you in this
great Ratnangi and Perundevi with all oranaments.
Varadhan: Ok Ok.
Ramanujar: Varadha, what happened? Why you seem to be lost in thoughts?
Perundevi: (With Smiles) Ramanuja, you are the one who will understand what’s in our minds. No wonder you
found out that Perumal is lost in thoughts.
Varadhan: Ok ok. Let’s not digress. Ramanuja, I am lost in thoughts because of a question and can you tell me the
answer for that question?
Ramanujar: Sure Varadha. Adiyen, waiting for your orders as usual.
Varadhan: Ok tell me Ramanuja, who is looking beautiful today? Is it Me or Is it Perundevi?
Ramanujar (Starts to think - Looks like Varadhan is jealous of our Piratti’s beauty. Hmmm. What to answer!)
Other Azhwars & Acharyas start looking at each other and wait eagerly to Ramanujan’s reply.

சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari

Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 3 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
Varadhan: What Ramanuja, What happened? Why this silence? What are you thinking?
Ramanujar: Varadha, you very well know that adiyen know the answer. Adiyen did enough debates (Vatham-
Prathivatham) to prove that You are the Supreme. Apart from that, trained my successors and got everything
elaborated in detail through Venkatanathan.
Varadhan: (Gets restless) Make it crisp like ஆறு வார்த்தே) Six Commandments and not as elaborate as
SriBhashyam. Even I do not have patience to listen to long Upanyasams nowadays. So why don’t you reply faster?
Ramanujar: (Smiles and continues patiently….) Varadha, you accepted that Venkatanathan is very good in debates
and wanted him to go to Srirangam. Venkatanathan had a fruitful life participating in debates of all kinds, in all
languages thus establishing Your supremacy. No wonder He is KavitharkikaSimham. After listening to
Venkatanathan’s debates which is the same as what I think, I had stopped participating in debates/arguments. So
…
Varadhan: What Ramanuja, you also seem to join the group of all these Azhwars under the leadership of ப்ரபன்ன
ஜன கூடஸ்ேர் Prapanna Janna Santhana Koodasthar? No wonder you all hail him so.

Ramanujar: Varadha, please understand. I enjoy hearing my thoughts, through the words of Venkatanathan.
Hence, I prefer Desikan to reveal the answer with all reasoning. He is too good at that. I am sure you will also be
delighted to know my answer through Venkatanathan with all logical reasoning. So why not you hurry up to meet
Desikan in his Sannidhi. He is eagerly waiting along with Thatha Desikan.
Varadhan gets more curious to know the answer and even more curious to know the reason behind the answer. So,
He gave a “Ok, Hurry up. Let’s go” look to His consort and they all start to march towards Swami Desikan’s
Sannidhi. Meanwhile at Swami Desikan Sannidhi.
Thatha Desikan: Desika, why has Varadhan & Thayar not yet come here? Why are they delayed today? My
eagerness to see them and receive their blessings is beyond explanation.
Desikan: Thatha Desika, Yes, I understand your eagerness. Even I am waiting to see Varadhan and PerunDevi
today. We don’t get to see them in Ratnangi and special ornaments so often. Looks, like they are on the way. I
can hear, the Mangala Vadhyam. My dear, Thatha Desika, I am sure you need not wait any further. Here they are.
Varadhan with Perundevi all enter Swami Desikan Sannidhi where Thatha Desikan and his Consort are also eagerly
waiting.
Varadhan looks at Desikan first and then showers his quick glance on Thatha Desikan and immediately gets his
glance back on Desikan.
Varadhan: Venkatanatha, I have an important work for you to complete.
Thatha Desikan is puzzled on why Varadhan seem to be so lost in thoughts and in a hurry too. Desikan starts to talk
showing all eagerness as if he is waiting for Varadhan’s order.
Desikan: Varadha, please come and first accept our welcome. I am always here waiting for your command. Please
relax and tell me your command and I shall act as per your command.

சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari

Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 4 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
Varadhan: Yes Yes. Let’s get into the regular discussion/routine later. First, answer my question. Tell me who is
looking nice ? Is it Me or Is it Thayar?
Desikan: Varadha, Sure Sure. Such a Simple question. Yes, I have the answer. You should have asked when you
crossed this place on the way to Nammazhwar Sannidhi.
Varadhan: Desika you are hailed as ‘ேிருமதல மால் ேிருமணியாய்ச் சிறக்க வந்தோன்’ . Why not you
understand my urgency and eagerness? Nammazhwar and other Azhwars didn’t want to answer and managed to
escape. Alavandar pointed to Ramanuja and kept quiet. Ramanujan told me that you will give his answer that too
with all logical reasoning. So, you first tell me the answer then we can get into other discussions and regular
chores.
Desikan: Varadha, you are only beautiful in this Ratnangi. There is no doubt. I have another 100 such Ratnangi
made for you. No doubt that you are mesmerizing all of us in this Ratnangi.
Perundevi Thayar was with mixed emotions. Smile on one side and anger on the other side, her face turned red due
to anger and shyness. She was happy to hear Venkatanathan praise Vardhan’s beauty but at the same time she
also felt sad since Desika didn’t speak anything about her. Unable to control her feelings, Piratti started to talk.
Perundevi: Desika, didn’t you notice my presence. How can you give such an immediate response without seeing
me? People praise you saying “கஞ்சத் ேிருமங்தக உகக்க வந்தோன் ““Kancha Thirumangai Ugakka Vanthon”
but your answer is totally opposite to that. You always end up supporting Perumal. I am not sure why people tell
that you hail me and support me. I showered the rain of gold coins. Looks like you have forgotten that and you
remember only the titles and instruments you got from Perumal. You wrote just one Sri Sookthi on me and rest all
on Him. That itself speaks volume about your partiality. Still, Perumal is not satisfied with so many SriSookthis.
Now, He also expects a reply that He is only looking good. Be it slokam, be it praise from His devotees, Varadhan is
always greedy and wants it only on Him.
Varadhan is Happy on one side and eager on the other side to know the reason from Desikan on why He is looking
beautiful.
Varadhan: Desika, you are correct. I agree too. She is always Jealous of my beauty.
Perundevi: Yes. Of course, I am upset. He didn’t even look at me and just answered that You are beautiful. How
can I accept that? Your greediness to get praise from your devotees is also growing day by day.
Desikan: Amma Perundevi. Please don’t get angry. When have I ever spoken against you, to speak against you
today. Adiyen, got all this knowledge just because of Your glance Devi. How will I even think of talking against You.
How can I stop myself from praising You Devi.
Varadhan: I know Desika. You are always partial to Perundevi. I know about you. Just one sentence from her and
now you are about to change your answer.
Desikan: Varadha, how will I change my answer after seeing you in this Ratnangi? You are beautiful. No doubt. We
have another 100 Ratnangi ready for you. This is not adiyen’s answer but Bhattar’s thiruvullam. This was already
explained by Bhattar. I am just following the teachings of my Acharyas.
Varadhan: Ho! Desika you are following your Acharyan Ramanujan. So, now you are planning to send me to
Bhattar like how Ramanujan sent me here. I already did pradakshinam inside the temple and now you are asking
me to go to Bhattar Sannidhi all the way to Chetti Theru. Perundevi being படி ோண்டா பத்ேினி “Padi Thaanda
Pathini” wouldn’t come with me. Why are you making me to roam around like this?
Desikan: Varadha! You need not go anywhere. I have given you the answer already. Kindly look into the details of
that one-word answer which was earlier detailed by Bhattar.
Varadhan: How is this related to Bhattar’s words?
Desikan: Varadha, As sung by Bhattar, we all want to offer you not just one but many thousand Ratnangi because
you just look awesome in this Ratnangi.
சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari
Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 5 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
Varadhan: Don’t add to the puzzle. Why not you detail Venkatanatha? Why have you made 100 Ratnangi?
Desikan: ேிருவுக்கும் ேிருவாகிய ேிருமகள் தகள்வதன , do you remember this slokam by Bhattar?

Sriya: SrI:! SrIrangEsaya ! tava cha hrudhyAm BhagavathIm

Sriyam thvathyOucchair vayamiha PhaNAma: SruNutharAm |
dhrusou tE bhUyAsthAm sukhataraLathArE SravaNatha:
punar harshOthkarshAth sphutathu bhujayO: kanjukasatham ||
Varadhan is full of smiles. Piratti enjoys that smile. Saranya Dhampathi (Divine couple we resort to) travel all the
way to Srirangam and recollect Bhattar reciting this slokam in front of Ranganathan and Namperumal.
Desikan: Varadha, Piratti is superior than You with all Kalyana guna. No doubt. Your Kalyana Gunas are exhibited
only because of Her compassion. We reach you due to Her divine grace on us. As, we describe about Her
auspicious attributes /qualities to You, you become very attentive and very keen to listen to the praise about Her.
You get mesmerized with the description about Piratti’s kalyana gunas You start enjoying the same. Your body,
arms, shoulders expands due to happiness. Because of that your kavasam(armour) will break and shatter to pieces.
Then we will offer one more kavasam and start to describe about the next Kalyana guna about Piratti. You very
well know that a hundred armours would get exploded in Your experience of the poem on Your dearest consort
and such is the greatness of Her glory. So, to sing Her glory, we want to see you in this beautiful Ratnangi. We all
want to enjoy the beauty of this Kavasam on You and want to keep singing the glory of Piratti and keep offering
more such kavasam to you as it breaks due to the joy of listening to Her kalyana guna.

Silent Azhwars, Jagadacaryan Ramanujan, Thatha Desikan and everyone including Perumal Piratti were dumbstuck
listening to the reasoning by Desikan.
Varadhan: Venkatanatha, as usual you always hail Piratti. No wonder you are praised as “கஞ்சத் ேிருமங்தக
உகக்க வந்தோன் “Kancha Thirumangai Ugakka Vanthon”. Look at Piratti’s face. It’s been a while since I have
seen her glowing with such happiness and shyness.
Desikan: It is all Her grace and blessings of SriBhashyakarar i.e “Jaya Vijayi Bhava” (தஜய விஜயி பவ as in
Sankalpa Suryodayam) which made me to give this answer to you Varadha. Your smile and loving look towards
Piratti explains that you are satisfied with this answer.
Varadhan: Yes Venkatanatha. I am happy to have praised you as கவிோர்க்கிக ஸிம்ஹம் “KavitharkikaSimham”.
No wonder, Ramanuja didn’t reply and sent me here. Your reasoning with Bhattar’s anubhavam clearly proves
that you follow the words of Kodhai too தமதலயார் தசய்வனகள் “Melaiyar Seivanagal”.
Desikan smiles with multi-fold joy which was reflection of the joy in Perumal-Piratti’s face.
Desikan: வரம் ேரும் மா மணி வண்ணதன ( Varam tharum maa mani vannane)Varadha, we all Jeeva Ratnams(ஜீவ
ரத்னங்கள் ) are your loving children. It is nice to see you adorning so many Ratnam explaining that you want to
adorn all the Jeeva Ratnam on you. It is not just one Ratnam but Perumal adorns all the jeeva Ratnam.
சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari
Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 6 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
 திருவுடன் வந்த செழுமணி ப ோல் திருமோல் இதயம்
மருவு இடம் என்ன மலர் அடி சூடும் வகை ச றும் நோம்
ைருவுடன் வந்த ைடு விகன யோற்றில் விழுந்து ஒழுைோது
அருவுடன் ஐந்து அறிவோர் அருள் செய்ய அகமந்தனபர – 8 - ஸ்ரீ அதிைோர ெங்ைிரைம்

Varadhan nods his head with a smile and Perundevi nods her head too acknowledging the wish of Varadhan.
Desikan: Matha Devi your divine grace(kadaksham) will surely make all the Jeevan to perform Saranagathi.
Varadhan: No doubt that people will follow the path of Saranagathi and reach us soon since this has been clearly
explained by Ramanujan and detailed by you Venkatanatha.
Perundevi: Swami, yes even I am eagerly waiting for that day to see you adorn all the Jeeva Ratnam(ஜீவ
ரத்னங்கள்).

Thatha Desikan: I could not have asked for a better birthday gift than this anubhavam of listening to the
conversation between Saranya Dhampathi(Divine Couple whom we resort to) and my beloved Acharyan Desikan.
The loving look with happiness and shyness of my beloved mother Perundevi Thayar is more mesmerizing.
Varadha, what a conversation to cherish till adiyen, will see you next time in Ratnangi.
After this wonderful conversation, the regular utsavam continues. Sri Thatha Desikan and his consort Sri Kamala
Ammangar receive Lord Sri Thayar and Sri Varadharaja Perumal’s Thirumanjana Sesha Vasthram, Thirumaalai and
Thiruparivattam. But nothing can compete with the experience of listening to the answer by Desikan for the
question raised by Perumal-Piratti. Yes, it is truly a divine conversation due to the divine Sankalpam of the divine
couple.
May this conversation linger in our hearts and may the beauty of Ratnangi be locked in our minds forever.
Kindly excuse for any errors in understanding and errors in the imagination.
Adiyen
SRJ
6-Dec-2018
Theedhila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSrikrishnarpanam
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This article is a short adapted version of the original Tamil article காண்டகுதோளண்ணல்
“KandagutholAnnal” by Sri APN Swami. This is an attempt by adiyen to summarize the anubhavam as learnt from
Sri APN Swami about Kanchi Varadhan Ratnangi and not a translation of the original article which has more details
& references. Do not miss to read the Tamil article.

சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari

Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 7 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam
 சுந்தரன் Vs சுந்தரி | Sundaran Vs Sundari
Adapted from the tamil book “Kandagutholannal” by Sri APN Swami | P a g e | 8 of 7
Theedila Nallor Thiral | SarvamSriKrishnarpanam