Sri Devi Bhu Devi sametha Sri Veeraraghava Perumal

Darsanam

taic[mf
A magazine to learn Sri Ramanuja Siddhantha through the teachings of
Swami Vedanta Desikan.
Sravana Samithi, Muscat
10/17/2008
Sarvadhari, Aippasi 2008
 Truly for all the followers of Our Sampradayam Deepavali is when Devararaja
Perumaal and Thiru Venkata Mudayaan took the sankalpam to adorn this world with the
Avataaram of Swami Desikan. No wonder
then, that Deepa Prakashan (Vilakkoli
perumaal) took His avataram before
Swami Desikan could come as if to send a
message that Deepam will shine
(prakasham) only when the Avataram is
complete with Swami Desikan.
The significance of Purattasi
Piriyavidai
Sravanam will ever remain the corner
stone of our samapradayam as long as this Kali yuga runs its course. As in the past the
utsavams in all the temples had been beating the past in devotion to the great Acharya
and the significant participation of people of all ages and all castes is a thing to be
cherished as it is one step closer to creating a vaishnav kutumba.
It is but natural that a touch of imagination creeps without realization when one
reflects back upon the ten day celebrations in Thoopul and Thiru Ahendipuram. These two
centers of our Sampradayam are like two
wheels of our manoratham one symbolizing
devotion and the other the faith that carries
the chariot as it were to the feet of Swami
Desikan. These two Chakras (wheels) were
vying with each other in trying to taking this
chariot of my imagination to the Swami
Swami Desikan, Tiruvahindrapuram
Desikan as quickly as possible and it
appeared that the Swami was enjoying this on His Thiru Nakshataram when I was
travelling from Thiru Ahendipuram to Thoopul just after witnessing the Malai Utsavam.
Nowhere else is the devotion and shraddhai as much as I have seen in Thoopul and Thiru
Ahendipuram and it is our Bhagyam that we have devotees who are continuing a tradition
in conducting the utsavams that rejuvinate our Acharya Bhakthi. Through this editorial I

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 2

urge everyone one of you to set apart a few days (in your annual vacation) to participate
in the twin celebration at Thiru Ahendipuram and Thoopul to be with our Achar ya Deivam
and get his blessings. I assure you that the experience will be such that the words
“vaikunta Vase na meabhilasha” will flow without your realization because you will be
experiencing nothing less than that at least for that momentary seconds when Swami
Desikan is showered by Lord Varadan with flowers and one of the petals falls on your
Shiras. (head).
In devotion to Swami Desikan I experienced a unique example when I was in
Therazhundur which unfortunately has been forsaken by
many from our sampradayam. It may be painful
for many when they read this, but it is our
collective fault that we have betrayed our
forefathers in failing to protect the
sanctity of this great Divvya Kshetharam.
People who have visited this town will see
how the few vaishnavas (who are left) live
among people who hold a faith that cannot

Gosakhan, Terazhundur
be more diametrically opposite. It pains me every time
I visit this great town to see the sorry state of affairs but I am drawn by the beauty of
Gosakan and our Acharya to forget momentarily the pain and undertake the journey. The
sannadhi street which boasted of hundred of families of our sampradayam not so long
ago, is left with fewer than 10, who live in a environment that is bereft of any faith in the
Lord. Every time I think of my Gosakan, my heart gets heavy as we have failed to protect
Him (I mean the sanctity) and have treated the Punniya Bhoomi as mere fixed asset that
has a market value selling to the highest bidder. I have wondered in the past if there is
any hope that the little tradition that is still being maintained will continue to the next
generation. Now I think there is a hope and I was a witness to the same just two weeks
ago.
I went to the temple unannounced at about 11.30 am when temples in that part of the
state are closed. To my bhagyam, the temple was open and I rushed inside to make sure
the Bhattar sees me in case he is preparing to close the door. To my pleasant surprise I

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 3

found the Bhattar busy preparing for Thiru manjanam for Thaayaar and Swami Desikan
with no assistance. In other temples I have seen at least 3 people involved and a veda
goshti to support. Here I see Srinivasan Bhattar performing the Thiru Manajnam all by
himself, with no Sevarthis (I just happened to be there) and no vadhyam, no assistants
and no veda Goshti. Even the Madappali prasadam was prepared by him for the occasion.
What a devotion to the Lord! I wish I have some of the commitment that Srinivasan
Bhattar has. Here is a person who lives in a neighborhood, which has seen glorious days
of our sampradayam in the past but has been reduced to a minority, has little support in
terms of physical help, has little encouragement in the form of sevarthis, but still
continues with his devotion to Gosakan. It is this devotion and faith that drives the
sampradayam and may Swami Desikan bless us all this twin qualities.

Vazga Pallandu Thoppul Iyya

Vazga Palllandu Nam Gosakan
Vazga Pallandu Devanatha Perumaal
Vazga Pallandu Nam Varadaraja Perumaal
Vazaga Pallandu Nam Akkara kani
Adeyen ramanuja Dasan
Nanganallur Venkatesan

Swami Desikan Vandana

ivaYNva=\iGa`¹inaga- t¹sairt\¹p`b aranau BaavaaO

ivaVaivanaIt¹jainatO¹iva-malaO¹svatIqa-O : .
vyaanama`¹iXaYyajana¹rxaNa¹jaaga$kaO
vaodantsaU ir¹carNaaO XarNaM p`pVo .. 8
epaRqf @ klf vi pyi[fbtalf vi[ymf Mtliy K]gfk^qy<Ady
cixfyafk qaEl Ecafkfk pfpdf d !pat tI aftfttftaEl 'mfepRma[i[f
tiRvFyiliRnf T Eta[f bi[ kgfAkyibf p<[ itma[Avy<m f, v]gfki[
cixfyafk ^qkf kapfptilf k]f }mf kRtfTMAdy !EtSik[f
tiRvFk^qcf cr]mf `AdkiEb[f.

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 4

Name of the month : AIPPASI (SARVADARI)

Date Tamil Day Item Festival Special

17-10-08 1 Fri Masapirapau Tarpanam, Tula Snanam

20-10-08 4 Mon Tiruvadirai Sri Bhashyakarar Monthly TN

24-10-08 8 Fri Ekadasi Vratham

Paduka
25-10-08 9 Sat Dwadasi Paranai
Aradahanam
27-10-08 11 Mon Deepavali festival
28-10-08 12 Tue Amavasai Tarpanam
Sri Manavala Mamunigal
02-11-08 17 Sun Moolam
Varshikotsavam
Tirukkurugai Piran Pillan
03-11-08 18 Mon Pooradam
Tirunakashatram
06-11-08 21 Thu Sravanam Swami Desikan Monthly TN
Sri Poigai Alwar
-Do-
Tirunakshatram
Sri Bhudathalwar
07-11-08 22 Fri Avittam
Tirunakshatram

08-11-08 23 Sat Sathayam Sri Peyalwar Tirunakshatram

09-11-08 24 Sun Ekadasi Vratham

Paduka
10-11-08 25 Mon Dwadasi
Aradanam

12-11-08 27 Wed Pournami

15-11-08 30 Sat Kadai Muzhukku

16-11-08 1 Kar Sun Karthigai Month Mudavan Muzhukku

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 5

I was going though the 'sandhyaa vandhana bhaashyam' printed in 1901 and downloaded
from internet. In that book the 7 type of 'snaanams – bathing' are specified. That
attracted my attention and I wish to share those details with you all.

The type of 7 snaanams are

1. vaaruNa snaanam – bathing in a tank, lake
or river, ocean, wherein you get 'bodily
immersed fully' in water – adhaavadhu thalai,
udal muzhuvadhum nanRaaga amizhndhu
alladhu muzhugi snaanam seidhal - the best
type.

2. paarththiva snaanam – pruthvee is earth – paarthiva is with earth - covering the

whole body with clean earth and then clearing the earth from body with water.

Here a manthram starting as "mruththikE hana mE paapam" is to be recited before

applying the earth on body. This manthram I got from Sri Mani varadarajan's mail and
our sri Sadagopan swamy has given the meanings – as early as 1999- from bhakti list
archives.
This is from the mrittika sUkta and are a set of Vedic mantras:
uddhritAsi varAheNa kRshNena SatabAhunA |
bhUmir dhenur dharaNI lokadhAriNI |
mRittike hana me pApam yan mayA dushkRtam kRtam |
tvayA hatena pApena jIvAmi SaradaH Satam |
mRttike dehi me pushTim tvayi sarvam pratishTitam |
Of course this is recited with the appropriate svara as befits the Vedic language.

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 6

 The meanings given are: This is a celebration of BhUvarAha Tathtvam and sacredness
of Earth (Thiru MaNN). The short meaning of the Veda Manthram is: Oh Sacred Earth!
Varaha Krishna has lifted you up with 100 arms. Thou art the wish yielding
KamadhEnu, Holder of Vasus (Iswaryam) and bearer of the world. Oh Sacred Earth!
Please destroy paapams done by me thru pursuit of acts prohibited by SaasthrAs.
Through your intervention in the destruction of my sins, May I live the Veda prAyam
of one hundred years! Oh Sacred Earth! please grant me strength (to perform
Vaidhika Karmaas) since everything is established in Y ou.

The 'mRittike hana me pApam' manthra is recited, while applying the oordhva
puNdram – 12 thirumaN in the face and body.

May be this is what our naturopathy doctors do to us after extracting a huge sum as
fees for them. Also this was popularized by our M.K.Gandhi.

3. aagnEya snaanam – the 'basmam' or the ashes from the 'agni guNdam' or the
'hOma vEdhika' of the
daily 'agni hOthram'
– is to be applied all
over the body with
the eesaana
manthram.
This eesaana
manthram reads like
"Om eesaanas sarva
vidhyaanaam
Pavithrotsavam, Villiambakkam
eeswarah sarva
bhoothaanaam
brahmaadhi pathir
braahmanaadhi pathir brahma sivO mE asthu sadhaa sivOm".

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 7

 I cannot vouch whether this manthra is correct. Also to what extent the prapannaas
and sree vaishNavaas will accept a 'siva manthram' while doing a snaanam - to make
one eligible for doing all other anushtaanams.
May be, in case water is not available or difficult, or like on a travel – this can be
resorted to as an exception.
[This manthram also I got on search in google].
[yes. I am able to perceive how difficult it is to get some homam ashes – for who is
doing 'agni santhaanam' regularly]

4. vaayavya snaanam – the dust from the hoof of a cow is collected and applied all
over the body. Since cow is treated as holy, this snaanam.

5. dhivya snaanam – getting drenched in the rains pouring out during the
uththaraayaNa period – in that also, the
central period – since uththaraayaNam is for
6 months – the central period – can be April
or May – viz. the first rains in the summer – is
called dhivya snaanam. Perhaps every one
can enjoy this without any categorisation.

6. manthra snaanam – with the

manthram starting "aapO hishtaa"----as in the
sandhyaa vandhanam - same manthram with
praNavam is to be used for this snaanam.

Actually this is only 'prOkshanam – sprinkling' of water at specified places of the body
like head, chest, feet, accompanied by the manthram.
aapOhishTaa mayO bhuvah - in both feet
thaana oorjE dhadhhaathanah – in head - siras
mahE raNaaya chakshasE - in chest
yO vah siva thamO rasah – in head
thasya bhaajaya thEha nah - chest

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 8

 usatheeriva maatharah - in feet
thasmaa aranga maama vah - in chest
yasya kshayaaya jinvatha – in feet
aapO janayathaa cha nah – in head

7. maanasa snaanam – this is nothing but reciting the manthram 'kasthitham

puNdareekaaksham – thinking on the supreme lord
vishNu' considering that ganges emanating from the
lord's thumb in the feet entering thru the central head
of ours – named brahma randhram. Since this is
already available in one of the ebooks in sadagopan
swamy's ebook series, I leave it you to take details
from there.

Apart from this 7 types, few more snaanams specified

there are -
1. pancha anga snaanam – not the 'almanac
bathing' but washing by sprinkling water in 5 places of
the body or washing 5 parts - 2 legs, 2 hands, and face.
2. Just rubbing the whole body with wet cloth - or to say in modern language - 'sponge
bath' is called kaapila snaanam.
3. Wearing the 'oordhva puNdram' - to apply the thirumaN [or naamam in colloquial
language] is also considered as a snaanam.
So those who do not find time to do a good 'water bath' – or snaanam, for want of
time, can at least resort to any of the above 11 options and then do their routines.

After reading this, I thought how elaborately and easily our 'vEdhic system' has given
alternates to each and every aspect of life.
Dasan
Vasudevan MG
In between Smt. Mani Varadarajan and Sri. Dr. V. Sadagopan.

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 9

 A Report

Alarmel Mangai Urai Marban, Muscat

9TH OCT 2008 was a memorable day for all SriVaishnavas at Muscat. The day was
the Thirunakshatiram of our Great Acharyan Swami Desikan. The day was filled with
activities. Tirumanjanam was performed in a grand mannar to Lord Srinivasan with
Ubhaya Nachiyaars in the morning at 6am. Swami Desikan, Emberumanaar, Nammalwar,
Kaliyan and Lord Lakshmi Hayagreevar also enjoyed the Tirumanjana Vaibhavam with
Emperuman.

The Thirumanjana was performed in amidst Veda Gosham and chanting of Divya
Prabhandam, Desika prabhandam and Desika stotras. Alankara Thaligai was offered to
Perumal, Alwars and Aacharayans. Then followed by Saturmurai, Prasadams were served
to all devotees.

Meantime the venue for Thirunakshatira vaibhavam was decorated and made ready
to welcome Perumal, Alwars and Aacharyans. Perumal with Alwars and Aacharyans

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 10

 reached the
celebration venue
at 4.30pm and
were received with
Mangala aarathi.
Special flowers
were flown in from
Dubai thanks to the
Kainkaryam of Sri
Sundar, Dubai.
Devotees decorated
Portion of Srivaishnava Goshti in Muscat
the dais where
Perumal with Ubhaya
Naachiyaars going to sit and bless the devotees. Alwars and Acharyans were seated on a
special dais below
Perumal’s and the
whole place was
resonating with
spiritual fervor.

All the devotees

assembled at 5.30PM
and the celebration
started with Kumba
aarathi and Mangala
aarathi to Perumal,
A portion of Ladies engaged in Emperuman
Kainkaryam, Muscat Azhwars and
Aacharyans amidst
Veda gosham and chanting of Ramanuja daya Paathram followed by Thiruppallandu.
When Thiruppallandu was in progress, the Bhagavathas formed four groups and started
chanting Vedam, Nalayira Divya Prabhandam, Desika Prabhandam and Desika Stotras
respectively. Around 8.30PM the groups completed their recitation. Simultaneously

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 11

Thiruvaaraadhanam was performed. Then Swami Desikan was taken with full honour to a
special seat opposite to Emperuman.

All Bhagavathas chanted Sri

Desika Gadhyam together
with absolute devotion and
everybody was overwhelmed
with emotion and bhakthi
towards our Great Acharyan and

Swami Desikan (both) - Muscat

His Krupai for the humanity.

Mariyadai to Alwars and Acharyans were performed with Arulappadu which was followed
by Saatrumurai.

At the end Theertham, Sataari and Prasadam were distributed to all the devotees.
Everyone who attended the Aacharyan Thirunakshatira Mahotsavam had a feeling of great
peace and devotion and the whole place was charged with spiritual vibration.

Vaazhi Thoopul Kulamani !

Srimathe Nigamaantha Maha Desikaaya Nama:

Malyappa Swami

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 12

 Once a sri vaishanavan approached a sri vaishanava vidwan and enquired about
the lakshanam with his folded hands. The vidwan said if he stays here with him, for six
month, he will teach him the SRI VAISHANAVA LAKSHANAM. With great pleasure, he
accepted and stayed, started serving the vidwan with great pleasure and enthusiasum.
After some years the sishiyan asked the same question. For that the VIDWAN replied as
follows.
HE SHOULD BE LIKE A STALK, HE SHOULD BE LIKE A COCK. HE SHOULD BE LIKE A
SALT. HE SHOULD BE LIKE YOU. sThen he started explaining one by one.

HE SHOULD BE LIKE A STALK : How a stalk would not care for small
fishes, like that we should not care for small Davathas. We should only
think and concentrate only on SRIMAN NARAYANA. Always thinking of
SRIMAN NARAYANA is a real SRIVAISHANAVAN.
'NA DIEVAHTHAM KESSAWATH PARAM'
NA PARAMPONDAREKASHATH DRUSAYATHE PURUSHARPA.
HE SHOULD BE LIKE A COCK: How the cock eat only the seeds and
leave the dirt from the dustbin, like that a SRI VAISHANAVAN
should learn and know, the important slokas from the SASTRAS.

HE SHOULD BE LIKE A SALT: How the salt is important in our

food like that a SRIVAISHANAVAN will always have a important
post in the society. He will be well versed in all the field.

HE SHOULD BE LIKE YOU : This is called GURU and SHISIYA

bhavam. Serving the guru or a srivaishanava is always one step
ahead of any other religious seva. This article is from SRIMATH THIRU KUDANDAI
ANDAVAN' upanasam
adiyen subadra ravindran
ramanuja dasi.

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 13

 Nangainallur Sri. Venkatesan

Dehalee means Threshold (Edaikhazhi , Rezhi or Nadai) The Lord of Tirukovaloor

stood on the Dehalee to give darshan to the Mudhal azhwars. The Dehalee was of
Mrukundu Maharishi’s hut.
Among the three Mudhal Azhwars
Poigai azhwar was the first to be born. He
incarnated as the Paanchajanyam of Our
Lord in the month of Iyppasi Sravana
Natshatram in a golden lotus in the pond
of the temple of Yathothakari Perumal
(Tiruvekha at Kanchi). Since this azhwar
appreared in a poigai He is revered as

Poigai Azhwar. Mudal Azhwars and others, Golu, Sri Thayyar

Krishna murthy Swamin house, Kanchi
Bhootath Azhwar who came next incarnated as the divine weapon KOUMEHTAKI , THE
MACE OF THE LORD AT T IRUKADALMALLAI (MAHABALIPURAM)HIS T HIRUNAKSHATRAM IS AVITTAM AND HE
IS CONSIDERED AS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD.

PEY AZHWAR (called pEyar later by people due to being crazy, mad, piththan, pEyar
after the Lord and even used to roll down with ecstasy and bhakti-)He was an incarnation
of the sword of mahAvishNu (called nandaki), appeared in sevvalli (Red alli-lily) flower in a
well of AdhikEsava perumAL koil at mylapore (in madras)
The three AzhwArs, Poigai, Bhootham and PEyAzhwArs have been linked to Para Bhakthi,
Para Jn~Anam and Parama Bhakthi respectively. In reality, each of them must have had
the good mixture of all the three types of Bhagavadh anubhavam.They expreciened and
articulated their experiences of the Lord of Tirukkovalur in all His glory. To these Azhwars
Perumal was a living presence.He lived in them and they lived in Him.This inextricable
interrelationsip is thus expressed – “Unnai kondu ennul vaithen, ennai unnill ittein.”

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 14

 POIGAI AZHWAR, BHUTHAAZHWAR AND PEI AZHWAR came together for the first
time in a place called Tirukkovalur in the front passage of a house usually called “rayzhi “
or “ dehali” on a stormy night. As the space too small all the three azhwars had to stand

Mudal Azhwars, Kanchi Varadan Temple

to accommodate each other. Suddenly they felt the presence of some one who was
amongst them in that total darkness. Being sages and not born through human womb,
they lit a light in the dark space with their divine paasurams. The pressure that they had
felt of some one else was none other than Thirukkovalur Aayanaar!
Sri Poigai Azhwar sang of the entire world as a lamp, the oceans as the ghee and
the bright sun as the flame. SriBhuthathazhwar lit the spiritual lamp dispelling the inner
darkness (agnyanam). He visualized his love for Sriman Narayana as the lamp, yearning
as the ghee and the mind pining away in divine bliss as the wick. Sri Pey azhwar who was
listening to these outpourings exulted in the direct darshanam of Sri Mahalakshmi and
Sriman Narayana.
Sri Poigai azhwar establishes the essence of SriVaishanava Siddhantam to the effect
that Upaayam (the way) and the Upeyam (the goal) is Sriman Narayana. The birth of
Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam took place at this Divya Desam. Sri Poigai Azhwar records
this “–Neeum Thirumagalum nindrayaal---- Paasuram 86 Mudhal Thiruvandhadi.”

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 15

Our Swamy Desikan wrote the Dehaleesha stuthi in praise of Tirukovaloor Trivikrama
Perumal (Aayanar), the presiding deity of
Nadu Naadu Divya Desam.
Our Swamy was on his way to
Kaanchipuram when He visited
Tirukkovaloor. He was moved by the
symbolisim of the Lord of this Divya
Desam carrying the Sankhu and Chakra
on the right and left hand
respectively.In this kshetram the
Sankhu and Chakram of Our Aayanar
has changed positions.
Our Swamy Desikan in his
Dehaleesha Stuti metaphorically
Dehaleesan, Tirukkoviloor captures the three azhwar’s vision of
Sriman Narayana in the seventh verse .
Kaasaara poorva kavi mukhya vimartha janma-----(7th sloka of Dehaleesha Stuti)
The Lord of Tirukkovalur is like plush juicy sugar cane grown on the Pennai aar (the
Pennai rivulet flowing through this place)The three great poets ( shenthamizh paaduvaar
as Thirumangai Mannan says in his
paasuram) were great saints who had no
desire except the Lotus feet of Sriman
Narayana. When they were intensely
expressing their devotion in the form of
paasurams, they were like three wheels in
a sugar cane crusher. The three wheels
crushed the plush sugarcane Sriman
Narayana and out of it came the sweetest
nectar Sousheelayam. This resulted in the
formation of another sweet as it was a
mixture of sugarcane juice and honey (the
paasurams were honey dripping). The

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 16

mingling of the three great souls and Sriman Narayana resulted in a different juice which
was sweeter than sugar cane juice and honey.
The first example of SriVaishnava Satsangh can be seen in this Koil as the three
Bhaaghavatas enjoyed the Divya Mangala Swaroopam of
Aayanaar. The first Thirvandhathi dispels
the outer darkness, the second the inner
darkness and the third allows the atma to
have a glimpse of the Parabhramam.
The three Thiruvandhathis are recited
on Tiruvenkatam on Kaarthigai Deepam
day to signify that true knowledge and
superior devotion can lead to
Bhaghavat Saakshatkaaram.
As Thirumangai Azhwar says
in his Thirunedunthandakam that Lord
of Tirumangai Mannan, Kanchi Thirukkolavur’s Thirvadi had
Vararadan Temple
become dry and had lost his
softness because the Thiruvadis
had not touched the head of a Bhaaghavathan
like Thirumangai Mannan! It looks like this same Lord of Thirukkovalur has taken a
sankalpam that He will not leave until the last of the jeevaatma is taken out of this
samsara mire. It almost looks like He is Desika Aadesha Aakaanshee (Nyasa Tilakam of
Swamy Desikan) (waiting for orders from our Aacharyas). Now to make his Sankalpam
come true we as Bhaaghavathas should follow the footsteps of our Aacharyas so that they
can take up our case to plead with Him.
Vaazhi Thirukkovalur Aayanaar
Vaazhi Poigai Azhwaar
Vaazhi Bhuttathazhwaar
Vaazhi Pey Azhwaar.

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 17

 Terazhandur Mahatmyam
Smt. Rajashree Venkatesan
Therezhandur is evolved out the two words namely Ther + A zhundur. That means
ratham. Azhundur means destroyed. Ratha-Magna-Puram in Sanskrit also conveys the
same meaning.
Therezhandur divya desam is among the Pancha Krishna Kshetrams. The other four
being Thirukkannapuram,
Thirukkannamangai, Kapisthalam and
Thirukkannangudi. The sthala puranam
of this place is mainly connected with
the story of an arrogant king and his
ratham and the way he was humbled.
The Moola Bheru (moorthy) of this
kshethram is known as Devadirajan. He
is seen in a standing posture facing
east. To his left is the Garuda Moorthy
and to his right is Prahladha Azhwan.
The idol of Kavery Thai is seen in a

Swami Desikan, Terazhundur

semi kneeling posture on the left of
GarudaAzhwar. Markandeya Rishi is on
the right side. The very presence of these four Bhaktas in the sanctum sanctorum has an
inner meaning. Four different vargas (jaathis) of living beings are doing Saranagathi to
Devadirajan. Markandeya Rishi (human form), PrahladhAzhwan (asura) GarudaAzhwan
(pakshi) and the Kavery nadi (achit). TherAzhundur Amman’s Parattvam is evident from
this. On the other hand the utasava moorthy is Soulabhayam incarnate. He is
Amaruviappan (Aa = cows + Maruvi = loves) The lord who loves cows - Gosakhan. This is
only Divya Desam where the utasava moorthy is seen with Rukmini and Sathyabhama, the

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 18

cow and the calf. Further in not many Divya Desams do we see Lord Krishna as
Chaturbhuja Perumal. The Thayar who is karunai incarnate is Sengamalavalli Thayar. This
Divya Desam is connected with an interesting incident in the life of Sri Thirumangai
Mannan. In the course of his pilgrimage Thirumangai Azhwar reached Therezhundur. As
soon as he entered the town, he asked the people the name of the presiding deity in the

GOSAKHAN, TERAZHUNDUR

temple. On hearing that the name was Devadirajan, Thirumangai Azhwar thought
that it was a temple for Lord Indran, who was the king of Devas. He therefore did not visit
this temple and hence decided to pass through the town. Devadirajan realized that He will
miss an opportunity of hearing our Azhwar’s divya paasurams. He wanted Azhwar to sing
about him in His praise. He therefore used his maya shakti. As the Azhwar was passing
through the town, Devadirajan created a maya by which Our Azhwar could not move
further. He felt that some one has caught his feet and tied them up! His foot became
heavy like lead and he could not move even a step further. Azhwar realized that

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 19

Devadirajan is none other than Thiruvukkum Thiruvaagia Shelva! His anubhavam of
Devadirajan was complete with forty five paasurams .
The SaranAgathi
“Out of the 40 pasurams on Terazhundoor, the most important ones, from our viewpoint,
would be the seventh ten of the seventh decad ( Ezhaam Patthu, Ezhaam Tirumozhi ). It is
this group of verses that has Azhwar performing Saranagati at the lotus feet of Aamaruvi
Appan. Ananya Gatitvam or the adoption of Emperuman as Sole Saviour, is portrayed by

GOSAKHAN TIRUMANJA NAM

Azhwar?s words, nin adi andri mattru ariyen , which are repeated no less than four times,

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 20

in as many pasurams. In this cruel Kali Yugam, Saranagati is the sole refuge for us
mortals, says Azhwar, after weighing the relative merits and possibility of performance of
other aids to emancipation Kanden naan Kali Yugatthadan tanmai , Karumam aavadu
enthanakku arinden. And Azhwar demonstrates the quintessence of Shastras that
Saranagati is to be performed at the lotus feet of the Divine Divya Dampathis by
commencing this impassioned plea with the significant phrase, Tiruvukkum Tiru aagiya
Selva!. And what prompts Azhwar to perform Saranagati? It is the endless torture we
undergo at the hands of the cruellest of our foes our five faculties which are always intent
on leading us astray. It is these Pancha Indriyas which ensnare us time and again and
ensure that we remain enslaved, by exposing us to limited doses of puerile pleasure,
which makes us oblivious to the endless bliss that awaits us at Srivaikunttam, in
Emperuman’s company. We can contend with external foes, but these internal enemies
(udan nindru iyvar ennul pugundu, ozhiyaadu aruvi tindrida ) prove unconquerable, even
with the most strenuous of effort. And the only way to vanquish these resident
adversaries and to ensure emancipation is to surrender ourselves, heart and soul, to the
Lord, says Azhwar Un adi keezh vandu pugunden.” (sadagopan swami Iyengar)
This Divya Desam is also the birth place of Kamban Kavi.His home is very close to
the koil. No word can describe the beauty of this kshethram .Only by visiting this Divya
Desam can we really get a glimpse of the anubhavam of Sri Thirumangai Mannan.
Sri U Ve Velukkudi Krishnan Swami has appealed to all the Srivaishnavas to participate in
the renovation of this beautiful DivyaDesam. The link to that video recording is --
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/2237176/vidslib.com/index.php?q=velukkudi%20krishna
n%20upanyasam - 54k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty-smxX1gl0
My request to all Muscat Srivaishnavas is to visit this divya kshethram and then decide on
monetary contributions. Middle East has at least provided us with enough monetary
comfort that we can keep aside a tidy amount for Divya Desa Tirupani .

Vaazhi Azhundur Ammane

Vaazhi Kaliyan Azhundur Pasuram
Vaazhi Kambanattazhwan

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 21

 Smt. Suchitra Rajan

Narada Muni is well known for his devotion towards Lord Vishnu. He always chants
"Narayana Narayana" (Narayana is one of the names of Lord Vishnu). He always wanted
to be the favourite devotee of the Supreme Lord Sriman Narayanan.
Once upon a time he went to Vaikuntha Loka,
the abode of the Supreme Lord Sriman
Narayanan. During their conversation Narada
intentionally asked - " O Lord! You have so many
devotees. I am curious to know who is your favourite
one." Narada was expecting that Lord Vishnu
will choose him to be his favourite devotee. To his
shock , Lord Sriman Narayanan( Vishnu) pointed to a
poor farmer on the earth and said "That poor farmer is my favourite devotee."
Narada Muni was curious to find out why the farmer was the Lord’s favourite
devotee and so he went to the farmer’s house. The farmer was very poor but simple and
humble. He used to get up early in the morning and before getting up from his bed used
to chant Lord's name once. Then the whole day he used to work hard on his field with his
other family members. He used to return late in the night.
Before going to the bed he again used to chant Lord's name
once. Narada was surprised to know that the farmer chanted
Lord's name just twice in a day. Narada thought to himself -
"I chant the name of my Lord the whole day but still He
loves this poor farmer who chants His name only twice in a
day."
Narada went back to Vishnu and asked - "O Lord! I
visited the farmer and I am surprised to know that he is your
favorite devotee. Do you know that he chants your name just twice in a day?". The Lord
Vishnu smiled at him and handed over a vessel completely filled with oil. Vishnu said -

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 22

"Narada! Take this vessel and see me in the evening. Remember that you should always
carry this vessel with you and not a single drop of oil should spill from it."
Narada did as the Lord has instructed. Throughout the day he was carrying the oil
filled vessel with him taking care than not a single drop is spilling from it. He returned to
Vaikunta in the evening thinking about how he finished the task given by his Lord without
spilling the oil.
As soon as Narada arrived, the Lord welcomed him saying "I was waiting for you".
HE looked at the oil vessel and said - "Good! It seems you did not spill even a single drop
of oil." Taking a pause he continued - "Now tell me honestly how many times you uttered
or chanted MY name?". Narada said - "O Lord! You had given me oil filled vessel and
warned me not to spill a single drop of oil. My total attention was on the oil vessel. How
can I chant your name when I am busy taking care of the vessel?" Vishnu smilingly said -
"You forgot me when you were busy in some ordinary work. However, the poor farmer
remembers me at least twice a day. He remains so busy earning his bread and butter but
still chants my name twice without fail. Now you decide who is better devotee." Narada
thus understood his mistake.
SO, Every one of us can aspire to be HIS favourite devotee by trying to remember
HIM always before we start doing our daily activities. For example, we can chant HIS
name “ HARI” 7 times before we get up from the bed and
after bath we chant His names or glories or the
simple Pasurams of our Alwars, before going
to school and chanting His names as
“ACHUTHA, ANANTHA, GOVINDHA" before
partaking our prasadam kept in our lunch
boxes, chanting or listening to Vishnu
Sahasranaamam in the evenings or reading
or listening about the Lord from our elders
and most important thing to respect our
Acariyan, parents and elders and also before
going to bed like the farmer. Let us all try from today with HIS
mercy and try to become HIS favourite chidren . All glories to HIS devotees (children). All
glories to Narada Muni for giving inspiration to become HIS favourite devotee.

Darsanam, Sarvajith – Aippasi 2008 23