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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
***
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
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
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.
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.
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,
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.,
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
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
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
2.While prostrating before Acharyas, we should continue to prostrate till Acharyan says stop.
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
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
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
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.
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
- Elders are generally addressed as 'Mama' (male) and 'Mami' (Female), unless there is specific relationship to
- Father in Law:" Mamanar": Mother- in Law:" Mamiyar" but generally address as appa/amma.
- 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
- 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:
MAJOR FESTIVALS
Navaratri October
Deepavali Oct/Nov
Month of Thai:
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
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
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
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:
(As water that pours from the sky goes ultimately to sea, in the same way worship of
THIRUKKUDAHTHAI AANDAVAN and SRI SATYA SAI who made me realise by their life that there is
No. Name of the Alwar Avatar of Month, Thiru Prabhandas composed & Numbers.
Nakshatram, and
Place
1 Poigai alwar Panjajanyam Iypasi, Thiruvonam, Mudal Thiru Andhadhi (100)
Kanchipuram
2 Boothath Alwar Ghadha Iypasi, Avittam, Irandam Thiru Andhadhi (100)
Mahabalipuram
3 Pei Alwar Nandagam Iypasi, Sadhayam, Moondram Thiru Andhadhi (100)
Mylapore (chennai)
4 Thirumazhisai Alwar Chakra Thai, Maga, Thiruchanda viruttam & Nanmugan
Thirumazhisai Thiru andhadhi (216)
5 Madura Kavi Alwar Vainadeyam Chithirai, Chitra, Kanninum siruthambu(11)
(Garuda) Thirukkoloor
6 Nammalvar Visvaksenar Vaigasi, Visakam, Thiru virutham, Thiruvasiriam, Peria
Alwar Thiru nagari thiruvandhadhi, Thiruvaimozhi
(1296)
7 Kulasekara alwar Kousthubam Masi, Punarvasu, Thiru Perumal Thirumozhi (105)
vanjikkalam
8 Peri alwar Garuda Aani, Swathi, Perialwar Thirumozhi (473)
Srivilliputtur
9 Aandal Bhooma devi Adi, Thiruppavai, Nachiar Thirumozhi
ThiruppooramSrivillipu (173)
ttur
10 Thondar adi podi alwar Vanamala Margazhi, Kettai, Thiru Maalai, Thiruppali ezhuchi (55)
Thirumandamkudi
11 Thiruppaan alwar Srivatsam Kartikai, Rogini, Amalanaathipiran (10)
Uraiyur
12 Thirumangai alwar 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.
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.
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
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.