This Blog would be updated with Sri Vaishnava Sampradhya Articles
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Significant 74
Sreemathey Ramanujaya Namaha
Sreemadh Varavara Munaye Namaha
Sree Venkata Gurave Namaha
Sreemadh Varavara Munaye Namaha
Sree Venkata Gurave Namaha
Respected Bhagavatha Bandhus,
No 74 a two digit number, occupies a significant place in our sath sampradhayam, Mere words from human mouth
cannot speak the significance of the number, but this neechan could list a few
1) Swamy Ramanuja had appointed 74 simhasanathipathis to propagate and safeguard Sri Vaishnava Darsanam. (Here it means Swami Ramanuja had appointed 74 acharyas for Darsana Nirvaham)
cannot speak the significance of the number, but this neechan could list a few
1) Swamy Ramanuja had appointed 74 simhasanathipathis to propagate and safeguard Sri Vaishnava Darsanam. (Here it means Swami Ramanuja had appointed 74 acharyas for Darsana Nirvaham)
“Lakshmi Naathaakya sinthau sadaribu jalathahaa praapya kaarunya neeram!
Naathaa thraavap Kshinjan thathanu raguvaraam boja shaksur jalaabyaam!!
Gathvathaam yaamunaagyam saridamath yatheenthragya bathmaagaraenthraam!
Sampoorya praani sasyae pravahatha bahoothaa desikenthra pramegaihi.”!!
Naathaa thraavap Kshinjan thathanu raguvaraam boja shaksur jalaabyaam!!
Gathvathaam yaamunaagyam saridamath yatheenthragya bathmaagaraenthraam!
Sampoorya praani sasyae pravahatha bahoothaa desikenthra pramegaihi.”!!
Goes a sloka from Guruparampara which means the following
Lakshmi Nathan is a huge ocean. Nammazhwar is a cloud.
This black cloud Aazhwar took the water (gnanam/knowledge) from the ocean showered it as the rain (paasurams) on the hills. Hill is referred to Swami Nathamunigal. The water comes down as two water falls, water falls is referred to Swami Uyyakkondaar and Swami Mannakkaal Nambi this water fall reached the big river called Sri Aalavandaar. Then the water got accumulated in a lake. This Lake is referred to Swami Ramanuja. From the lake the water is distributed through 74 channels.
This black cloud Aazhwar took the water (gnanam/knowledge) from the ocean showered it as the rain (paasurams) on the hills. Hill is referred to Swami Nathamunigal. The water comes down as two water falls, water falls is referred to Swami Uyyakkondaar and Swami Mannakkaal Nambi this water fall reached the big river called Sri Aalavandaar. Then the water got accumulated in a lake. This Lake is referred to Swami Ramanuja. From the lake the water is distributed through 74 channels.
These 74 channels referred to are referred to 74 Simhasanthipathis who were selected by Swami Ramanuja to spread Sri Vaishnava Sampradhaym. Thus Guruparampara signifies, that the mercy from the Lord reached all Chetanas through 74 Simhasanathipathis.
2)It is also significant to note that Veeranam Lake has 74 outlets. Our Poorvacharyas interpret that the 74 outlets of the lake, depict the 74 simhasnathipathis appointed by Swami Ramanuja (Veeranam lake is very close to Kattu Mannar Koil, the birth place of the great acharya Nada Muni & his grand son Aalavandhar, now hope we understand the link!!!)
3)Swamy Manavala Mamunigal who became acharya to the Lord himself, lived in this bhoolokam for a period of 74 years, Swamy’s birth was in the month of Iypassi Moolam in the year 1370 and avathara samapthi was in the month of Maasi Krishna Paksha Dwadasi in the year 1443.
"mannuyir_kAL ingE maNavALa mAmunivan *
senkamalappOthukaLai * - unnis siraththAlE
theeNdil amAnavanum nammai * karaththAlE
theeNdal kadan "
Meaning :- "Oh Mumukshus (one who desire
for Moksham taking Mamunigal's Lotus Feet
on our head(that is taking refugee in the Lotus
feet of Mamunigal) will definitely lead us to the
touch/blessings of "Amanavan (which is a
pre-requisite/ mandatory for entrance into
Sri Vaikuntam" Here Vyakyanam is said that
Amanavan considers himself blessed, to touch the
adiyars,who had taken refugee in the
thiruvadi of Manvala Mamunigal 5)Yathiraja Sapthathi is a work of 74 verses by Swamy Desikan on Swamy Ramanuja.
6)Swami Ramanuja @ the age of 74 became acharya to Thirukkurungudi Nambi/The Lord of Thirukkurungudi who came to known be as “Vaishnava Nambi” (since the lord considered him as “Sri Vaishnava” after taking Swamy Ramanuja as his acharya and at this age Swamy founded the Thirukkurungudi Jeeyar Mutt to look after the nithya kainkaryam of Sri Vaishnava Nambi.
(The following is the intresting episode how the Lord of Thirukurungudi came to known as Sri Vaishnava Nambi
Swami Emperumanar came to Thirukkurungudi as a part of “Digvijaya” thereby spreading the Vishishtadvaita Siddhanta across the globe and to perform managalasasanam to the lord Sri Nambi. As Swami Ramanuja penetrated into the sanctorum of Lord Nambi, it was an amazing experience for everyone gathered at the place that the Lord Nambi breaking his archa Samadhi (Archa Samadhi -Not showing the eternal body to the human beings in the idol form) questioned swami Ramanuja, how it was possible to convert these ignorant human beings as Sri Vaishnava’s. Lord Nambi said that he took so many avatar’s previously but only a few reached his divine lotus feet. (Bhanumi Me vyatheetaani janma janmani tava ca arjuna – Lord Krishna said Arjuna in Bhagvad Gita that he took so much births). But the Lord Nambi was curious in knowing how could such innumerable beings surrendered under lotus feet if Swami Ramanuja. Inferring the thoughts of Lord Nambi, he said that “Lord!, if you appear in the required form I would say disclose the secrecy”. Lord Nambi commanded his devotees to offer a Ratna Simhasana (Honorable throne offered to great persons) to Swami Ramauja. Soon responding to Swami Ramanuja’s reply, he acquired a form of a disciple and stood near him. Swami Ramanuja meditated his acharya Periya Nambi and assumed him to be present at the place. Then Swami Ramanuja whispired the greatest mantra “Thirumantra” in the ears of Lord Nambi thereby he attained a honorable title “Srivaishnava Nambi” and exposed Swami Ramanuja as his acharya to the world. Also Lord Nambi conferred that he possess the relationship of Swami Ramanuja and said “Naamum nam Ramanusan udayom”. Till date the honorable throne (Ratna Simhasana ) is preserved at the sanctorum of Thirukkurungudi .)
Adiyen Ramanuja Dasan
Geetha VasudevanWednesday, 2 November 2011
Astakshari
Sreemathey Ramanujaya Namaha
Respected Bhagavtha Bandhus,
Sri Vaishnavam is a sanathana dharma, Sri Vaishnavam is not a caste, it is a group or association, with which one has to associate to reach HIM. Followers of Sri Vaishnavam are called Sri Vaishnavas, it is a broad based universal religion which is open to one and all independent of caste, creed, gender and scholarship of the individual. Our Sri Vaishnava siddhantam is as old as Veda itself, All the vedas, upanishads, ithihasa puraanas and the Pancharatra and Vaikanasa Vaishnava agamas undoubtedly establish the supremacy of Lord Sriman Narayana, who is worshipped through the Ashtakshari Mantra that is “Om Namo Narayanaya”
In Mumukshupadi Swamy Pillai lokachariar, in 1st sutra, says mumUkshuvukku aRiya vENdiya rahasyam mUnRu. meaning: There are three Rahasyas that one who craves Moksha (liberation) has to know for sure 2nd sutra says athil prathama rahasyam thirumanthram meaning: Amongst the three rahasyas the first rahasyam that a mumukshu has to know is the Thiru ashtakshara mahamanthram, that is “Om Namo Narayanaya” Swamy gives 1st preference to this Thirumanthram because it contains many meanings, so therefore it has to be learnt first and is the refuge of all prapannas This mantra is so special because
1)This mantra grants us Paramapadham
2)It is the one which showers us with all benefits
3)It is the mantra which is always chanted by Mumukshus (One who aspire for Moksha)
4)It is the one which bears us the fruit of Moksha
5)It is the mantra which enhances the bakthi/devotion and knowledge of the person chanting it
6)It is the mantra which even nullifies the greatest sins
7)This is the mantra, which always adheres the lips of Sri Vaishnavas
8)This is the mantra, which cleanses and purifies the chanter
9)This mantra is most pleasing and dearer to the Lord Sriman Narayana
10)The meanings of the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana) are contained within this manthra.
11)It is considered as the best amongst manthras, the best amongst rahasyas, and the best amongst the best things.
12)The three important vyApaka manthras are:
1. Om Namo Narayanaya
2. Om Namo Bagavade Vasudevaya
3. Om Namo Vishnave
Amongst these three, the Ashtakshara manthra which is also known as the Periya Thirumanthra is considered the highest. Just as there is no being superior to Sriman Narayana, so also there is no manthra superior to the Ashtakshari manthra. Also, one can see the greatness of this manthra by the fact that it is the first to be taken in the Vishnu Gayathri manthra. Thirumangai Alwar in his Periya Thiurmozhi clearly explains this
The Do’s of Sri Vaishnava
First as a Sri Vaishnava we must know/learn the following:-
1)The bedha or the difference between the shareeram(body) & the athama (soul), that means shareera athma bhavam which is the most important concept in the Ramanuja siddhantham or Sri Vaishnava Siddantham. The two thatvams the chetanas (all living beings) and achetanas (all non living beings)are all the sareeram(body) of the lord, and the emperumaan is the athma for these chetanas and achetanas.
2)Knowing the difference between aathma and paramathma, Our Sri Vaishnavisim calls for sehsatvam, (that is every jeevatma is the slave to paramathma) and we should know that we don’t have the choice to act independently. In fact all jeevathmas(both male and females) are considered as females and the Lord only is the Purushotthaman.
3)To know the difference between the supreme lord Sriman Narayana and anya/other devathas & taking refuge only in emperumaan and subservience only to HIM and none else
4)To know the difference between gurus who teach other sashtras and the guru who give us bramha gynam
5)To know the difference between other mantras and the “Ashatkshara Manthra”
6)To understand the difference between other upayas and “siddho upaya”
The Don’t s of Sri Vaishnava
1)A Sri Vaishnava firstly should refrain from doing Bhagavath apacharam and Bhaagavatha apacharam Bhagavath apacharam means
a)Visualizing any other devatas as equal or superior to Sriman Narayana
b)Treating Vibhava avatarams of Emperumaan like Rama or Krishna as mere humans
c)Treating the lord’s archa moorthies in temples (as made up of mud, metal, wood etc)
d)Having giving an ear to Naasthikas
e)Polluting the temples and mutts/ashrams
f)Thinking that our athma is independent, and not a slave to emperumaan
g) Just standing without paying obeisances to emperumaan, when he is in processions (during thiruveedi purappadu)
h)Eating the food without offering or doing aaradhanai to HIM
i)Reading, Srimadh Ramayanam, Mahabaratham and Srimad Bhagavatham as mere novels or story books
j)When listening to kalakshepam, or emperumaan gunas, wearing footwear is forbidded and Bhaagavatha apacharam means
a)Speaking ill of bhagavathas with respect to their caste
b)Treating difference between bhagavathas with respect to their financial status
c)Neglecting bhagavathas with respect to their shareera doshas/avaya doshas
d)Doubting the fact, that acharyan thiruvadi is the cause of our spiritual upliftment
e)Not treating all the kainkarya parargal as the same particularly in temples
f)teasing bhagavathas, and taking away their assets etc
By being slaves to emperumaan and doing kainkaryam is great, but being slaves to his thondars/adiyars is even greater. Bhaagavatha seshathvam is held with superiority even by alwars Lord’s creations can be classified in seven types namely Devas, Humans, Thriyak (animals which walk (across) with 4 legs and birds), Thavaras (plants), Kirumi (bacteria), Puzhu (worms), Poochi (insects) Out of these, we are being blessed with Manushya Janama, which has six senses, which knows what is good or bad, questioning sense, and Intellectual quest. Even in this birth also we suffer, from hunger, age, disease, distress factors so thondaradipodi alwar prays emperumaan to not to give him birth again “Aadhalaal piravi veenden arangama nagarulanee” that means alwar asks for moksham.and sharangathi’s destination is nothing but MOKSHAM, this is also the goal of every SrI Vaishnava, to escape from the cycle of birth & death. Thus let us surrender and take refuge in Emperumaan and chant his nama to attain the eternal abode of the Lord.
Adiyen Ramanuja Dasan
Geetha Vasudevan
Respected Bhagavtha Bandhus,
Sri Vaishnavam is a sanathana dharma, Sri Vaishnavam is not a caste, it is a group or association, with which one has to associate to reach HIM. Followers of Sri Vaishnavam are called Sri Vaishnavas, it is a broad based universal religion which is open to one and all independent of caste, creed, gender and scholarship of the individual. Our Sri Vaishnava siddhantam is as old as Veda itself, All the vedas, upanishads, ithihasa puraanas and the Pancharatra and Vaikanasa Vaishnava agamas undoubtedly establish the supremacy of Lord Sriman Narayana, who is worshipped through the Ashtakshari Mantra that is “Om Namo Narayanaya”
In Mumukshupadi Swamy Pillai lokachariar, in 1st sutra, says mumUkshuvukku aRiya vENdiya rahasyam mUnRu. meaning: There are three Rahasyas that one who craves Moksha (liberation) has to know for sure 2nd sutra says athil prathama rahasyam thirumanthram meaning: Amongst the three rahasyas the first rahasyam that a mumukshu has to know is the Thiru ashtakshara mahamanthram, that is “Om Namo Narayanaya” Swamy gives 1st preference to this Thirumanthram because it contains many meanings, so therefore it has to be learnt first and is the refuge of all prapannas This mantra is so special because
1)This mantra grants us Paramapadham
2)It is the one which showers us with all benefits
3)It is the mantra which is always chanted by Mumukshus (One who aspire for Moksha)
4)It is the one which bears us the fruit of Moksha
5)It is the mantra which enhances the bakthi/devotion and knowledge of the person chanting it
6)It is the mantra which even nullifies the greatest sins
7)This is the mantra, which always adheres the lips of Sri Vaishnavas
8)This is the mantra, which cleanses and purifies the chanter
9)This mantra is most pleasing and dearer to the Lord Sriman Narayana
10)The meanings of the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana) are contained within this manthra.
11)It is considered as the best amongst manthras, the best amongst rahasyas, and the best amongst the best things.
12)The three important vyApaka manthras are:
1. Om Namo Narayanaya
2. Om Namo Bagavade Vasudevaya
3. Om Namo Vishnave
Amongst these three, the Ashtakshara manthra which is also known as the Periya Thirumanthra is considered the highest. Just as there is no being superior to Sriman Narayana, so also there is no manthra superior to the Ashtakshari manthra. Also, one can see the greatness of this manthra by the fact that it is the first to be taken in the Vishnu Gayathri manthra. Thirumangai Alwar in his Periya Thiurmozhi clearly explains this
Kulam Tharum Selvam Thanthidum Adiyar Padu Thuyar Ayinavellam Nilam taram seyyum Neel Visumbhu arulum Arulodu Perunilam alikkum Valam Tharum Marrum Thanthidum Petra Thayinum Ayina Seyyum Nalam Tharum Sollai Naan Kandukondein NARAYANA ennum Namam.The meaning of this pasuram is The Narayana nama will give to those who recite it, a high class, wealth, it will destroy all that cause suffering to His devotees, it will give them moksha, it will provide them His grace and the strength to remain in His anubhava, and give all good things that are seeked by them. It does more than what a mother would do to a child. Thus, the Thirumanthra will provide all the good things that are seeked by those who keep reciting it.
The Do’s of Sri Vaishnava
First as a Sri Vaishnava we must know/learn the following:-
1)The bedha or the difference between the shareeram(body) & the athama (soul), that means shareera athma bhavam which is the most important concept in the Ramanuja siddhantham or Sri Vaishnava Siddantham. The two thatvams the chetanas (all living beings) and achetanas (all non living beings)are all the sareeram(body) of the lord, and the emperumaan is the athma for these chetanas and achetanas.
2)Knowing the difference between aathma and paramathma, Our Sri Vaishnavisim calls for sehsatvam, (that is every jeevatma is the slave to paramathma) and we should know that we don’t have the choice to act independently. In fact all jeevathmas(both male and females) are considered as females and the Lord only is the Purushotthaman.
3)To know the difference between the supreme lord Sriman Narayana and anya/other devathas & taking refuge only in emperumaan and subservience only to HIM and none else
4)To know the difference between gurus who teach other sashtras and the guru who give us bramha gynam
5)To know the difference between other mantras and the “Ashatkshara Manthra”
6)To understand the difference between other upayas and “siddho upaya”
The Don’t s of Sri Vaishnava
1)A Sri Vaishnava firstly should refrain from doing Bhagavath apacharam and Bhaagavatha apacharam Bhagavath apacharam means
a)Visualizing any other devatas as equal or superior to Sriman Narayana
b)Treating Vibhava avatarams of Emperumaan like Rama or Krishna as mere humans
c)Treating the lord’s archa moorthies in temples (as made up of mud, metal, wood etc)
d)Having giving an ear to Naasthikas
e)Polluting the temples and mutts/ashrams
f)Thinking that our athma is independent, and not a slave to emperumaan
g) Just standing without paying obeisances to emperumaan, when he is in processions (during thiruveedi purappadu)
h)Eating the food without offering or doing aaradhanai to HIM
i)Reading, Srimadh Ramayanam, Mahabaratham and Srimad Bhagavatham as mere novels or story books
j)When listening to kalakshepam, or emperumaan gunas, wearing footwear is forbidded and Bhaagavatha apacharam means
a)Speaking ill of bhagavathas with respect to their caste
b)Treating difference between bhagavathas with respect to their financial status
c)Neglecting bhagavathas with respect to their shareera doshas/avaya doshas
d)Doubting the fact, that acharyan thiruvadi is the cause of our spiritual upliftment
e)Not treating all the kainkarya parargal as the same particularly in temples
f)teasing bhagavathas, and taking away their assets etc
By being slaves to emperumaan and doing kainkaryam is great, but being slaves to his thondars/adiyars is even greater. Bhaagavatha seshathvam is held with superiority even by alwars Lord’s creations can be classified in seven types namely Devas, Humans, Thriyak (animals which walk (across) with 4 legs and birds), Thavaras (plants), Kirumi (bacteria), Puzhu (worms), Poochi (insects) Out of these, we are being blessed with Manushya Janama, which has six senses, which knows what is good or bad, questioning sense, and Intellectual quest. Even in this birth also we suffer, from hunger, age, disease, distress factors so thondaradipodi alwar prays emperumaan to not to give him birth again “Aadhalaal piravi veenden arangama nagarulanee” that means alwar asks for moksham.and sharangathi’s destination is nothing but MOKSHAM, this is also the goal of every SrI Vaishnava, to escape from the cycle of birth & death. Thus let us surrender and take refuge in Emperumaan and chant his nama to attain the eternal abode of the Lord.
Adiyen Ramanuja Dasan
Geetha Vasudevan
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Importance of No 18
SRIMATHEY RAMANUJAYA NAMAHA
Dear Bhagavtha Bandhus,
In this article let us see the importance of number 18. For some 18 denotes the age 18, where in the childhood disappears and the adulthood appears, and legally, we get our voting rights from the age of 18, and people expect us to make wise decisions. This is all loukikam.
But our sampradaya has something different to say on the no 18 let us see:
A) The puranas are 18 in number they are
1 Vishnu Purana
The Vishnu Purana has been known as the `Puranaratna` meaning gem of Puranas.
2 Naradiya Purana
This ancient book is written in a form of narration. Narada narrates to Sanatkumara the dharmas of Brhatkalpa.
3 Padma Purana
The Padma Purana houses the major sections named as the Srishti Khanda (Book of the Universe), Bhumi Khanda (Book of the Earth), and many more.
4 Garuda Purana
This Purana is generally read by the Hindus of India during the cremation of dead bodies.
5 Varaha Purana
In this Purana, Varaha, the third incarnation of Vishnu narrates the story about holy places and mantras.
6 Bhagavata Purana
Stories of devotees, the various avatars of Krishna or Vishnu are described in the earlier section of the Purana.
7 Brahmanda Purana
The different sections of the Purana cover the comprehensive description of the creation of cosmos, discussion about the time as a dimension and the details of Kalpa and Yuga.
8 Brahmavaivarta Purana
The Brahmavaivarta contains eighteen thousand verses and is regarded as holy.
9 Markandeya Purana
The beginning of the Markandeya Purana is from the mouth of Jaimini asking four questions to Markandeya.
10 Bhavishya Purana
There are certain portions on the text, which has been drawn from the law book of Manu.
11 Vamana Purana
The Vamana Purana boasts ten characteristics apparently- Sarg, Visarg, Sthaan, Poshan, Uti, Vritti, Raksha, Manvantara, Vansh and Upaashraya.
12 Brahma Purana
It is believed that if this Purana along with Jaladhenu is gifted in the month of Vaisakha (May), the donor will attain heaven.
13 Matsya Purana
The first and the oldest of the all the Puranas, Hindu scriptures and texts, is the Matsya Purana.
14 Kurma Purana
Kurmamurti (incarnation of Vishnu as Kurma or tortoise) taught this Purana while narrating the story of Indradyumna at Patala.
15 Linga Purana
The prominence of Lord Vishnu, and the emergence of Brahma as the creator of cosmos are described in this Purana.
16 Shiva Purana
Actually it contains the instructions of Shiva to Dharma sitting in the form of `linga` or `Phallus`.
17 Skanda Purana
The popular stories that are contained in the Skanda Purana are, the yagna (sacrifice) of Prajapati Daksha, the churning of ocean and many more.
18 Agni Purana
In this Purana there are a number of verses dealing with cosmology, history, warfare, law, medicine, martial art, and a lot more.
B) The Mahabaratha is divided into 18 parvas
C) The Bhagavath Geetha given by Kannan Emperumaan has 18 chapters
D) Sarvadharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja |
Aham tva Sarva Papebhyo Mokshayishyami Masuchaha
the charma sloka is given to us by kannan emperumaan only in the 18th chapter of Bhagavath Geetha
D) The Kurukshetra war was fought for 18 days
E) Due to grace of ULAGA AARIYAN / SWAMY PILLAI LOKACHARIAR we got ASHTADASHA RAHASYANGAL They are 18 in number
1 Mumukshupadi (Thirumantram, Dwayam and Charamaslokam):
2 thatthava thryam
3 Artha panchakam
4 Sri Vachana Booshanam
5 Archiradhi
6 Premeya shekaram
7 Prapannaa Paritranam
8 Sarasangraham:
9 Samsara samrajyam:
10 Nava ratna malai:
11 Nava vidha sambandham:
12 Yadrichchika padi:
13 Parandha padi
14 Sriya: pathi: padi
15 Thathuva Shekaram
16 Thani dhwayam
17 Thanicharamam
18 Thanipranavam
F) Kripa matra prassanacharya Swami Ramanuja walked 18 times to Thirukoshityur to get Thirumantrartham from Thirukoshtiyur Nambi
All acharyas before Ramanuja were called anuvritti prasanna acharya i.e. one who imparts knowledge to sishyas who have passed all the criteria in terms of basic knowledge, anushtana, perseverence etc. But Ramanuja broke this chain (oraNvazhi) and introduced a simple criterion – ” Desire to know”. (This was a boon to people like us) Hence he was the first one to be hailed as Kripa mAtra prasanna acharya. Manavala Mamunigal in Upadesa Rattina malai – “Asai udayorkkellam AriyarkAl kUrumenru pEsi varambaruttAr pin”
G) Every time when Swamy Ramanuja walked to Thirukoshtiyoor to get Thirumanthartham from Nambi, Nambi wouldn’t send swamy empty handed,every time he gave priceless messages, which are also 18 in number, they are as follows:
1) A soul intrested in Moksham, must shun away from Samsara
2)Shunning away from samsara, will also drive away ahankarm and mamkaram
3)Once Ahankaram and Mamakaram leaves deha abhimanam will also leave
4)Once Deha Abhimanam leaves Athma Gyanam will be born
5)Birth of Athma Gyanam leads to hatred towards Aishwarya Bhogam
6)Dislike towards Aishwarya bhogam leads to love towards Emperumaan
7)Love towards Emperumaan will keep us away from other subjects
8)Shunning away from other subjects leads to Parathan threeya Gyanam
9)Birth of Parathan threeya Gyanam leads to departure of Artha, Kama, Raga & Dweshas
10)Departure of Artha, Kama, Raga & Dweshas leads to Sri Vaishnavisim
11) Once we come into the fold of Sri Vaishnavisim, we will get into Satsangam
12)On getting Satsangam, we will have Bhaagavatha Sammandahm
13)Bhaagavatha Sammandham leads to Bhagavat Sammandham
14)Bhagavat sammandham makes us to avoid other subjects
15)Avoiding other subjects leads us to be Adiyars to Emperumaan
16)Being Adiyars, we take refuge only in HIM
17)One who takes refuge only in Emperumaan is eligible for THIRUMANTHRARTHAM
18)Thus the soul accomplishes in knowing THIRUMANTHRARTHAM
H) Advaitha proponent named Yagna Murthy was defeated in Tarkha vadham (debate) by our Yethiraja Mamuni on the 18th day due to the grace of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal and was bought into the sri vaishnavisim fold naming him ARULALA PERUMAL EMBERUMAANAR who was given the kainkaryam of doing Thiruvaradhanam to the aaradhna perumal of swamy Ramanuja
I) When Sri Ramanuja was going round the main streets of Thirukoshtiyur one day reciting the 18th Thiruppavai verse, he went near,Thirukoshtiyur Nambi’s house and when he recited the concluding portion “Vandhu thiravai “, Nambi’s daughter opened it to offer Bhiksha and the saint fell at her feet as he was so obsorbed in the pasuram, he felt andal nachiyaar standing before him, this earned him the title “Thiruppavai Jeeyar”
J) They are 18 Steps at Azhagar Koil
K)One has to climb 18 steps to reach Adi Kesavan Sannadhi of THIRUVATTARU DIVYA DESAM TEMPLE
I)Adiyen also once heard, to remark the tireless efforts of Swami Ramanuja’s walk to Thirukkoshtiyor, even today on Panguni Utthiram Day, Namperumal is given 18
argyas, 18 padyas and all aradhana kramams 18 times (kindly correct me if adiyen is wrong)
So adiyars, the all above are the importance of no 18 in our sampradayam. Adiyen would like to know your valuable comments.
If there is any mistake, kindly apologize, this is purely due to my ignorance
ANNAIYAI ATTHANAI ENNAI ANDIDUM THANMAIYAN
RAMANUJAN EN NAMBEYE!
ADIYEN RAMANUJA DASAN
GEETHA VASUDEVAN
Dear Bhagavtha Bandhus,
In this article let us see the importance of number 18. For some 18 denotes the age 18, where in the childhood disappears and the adulthood appears, and legally, we get our voting rights from the age of 18, and people expect us to make wise decisions. This is all loukikam.
But our sampradaya has something different to say on the no 18 let us see:
A) The puranas are 18 in number they are
1 Vishnu Purana
The Vishnu Purana has been known as the `Puranaratna` meaning gem of Puranas.
2 Naradiya Purana
This ancient book is written in a form of narration. Narada narrates to Sanatkumara the dharmas of Brhatkalpa.
3 Padma Purana
The Padma Purana houses the major sections named as the Srishti Khanda (Book of the Universe), Bhumi Khanda (Book of the Earth), and many more.
4 Garuda Purana
This Purana is generally read by the Hindus of India during the cremation of dead bodies.
5 Varaha Purana
In this Purana, Varaha, the third incarnation of Vishnu narrates the story about holy places and mantras.
6 Bhagavata Purana
Stories of devotees, the various avatars of Krishna or Vishnu are described in the earlier section of the Purana.
7 Brahmanda Purana
The different sections of the Purana cover the comprehensive description of the creation of cosmos, discussion about the time as a dimension and the details of Kalpa and Yuga.
8 Brahmavaivarta Purana
The Brahmavaivarta contains eighteen thousand verses and is regarded as holy.
9 Markandeya Purana
The beginning of the Markandeya Purana is from the mouth of Jaimini asking four questions to Markandeya.
10 Bhavishya Purana
There are certain portions on the text, which has been drawn from the law book of Manu.
11 Vamana Purana
The Vamana Purana boasts ten characteristics apparently- Sarg, Visarg, Sthaan, Poshan, Uti, Vritti, Raksha, Manvantara, Vansh and Upaashraya.
12 Brahma Purana
It is believed that if this Purana along with Jaladhenu is gifted in the month of Vaisakha (May), the donor will attain heaven.
13 Matsya Purana
The first and the oldest of the all the Puranas, Hindu scriptures and texts, is the Matsya Purana.
14 Kurma Purana
Kurmamurti (incarnation of Vishnu as Kurma or tortoise) taught this Purana while narrating the story of Indradyumna at Patala.
15 Linga Purana
The prominence of Lord Vishnu, and the emergence of Brahma as the creator of cosmos are described in this Purana.
16 Shiva Purana
Actually it contains the instructions of Shiva to Dharma sitting in the form of `linga` or `Phallus`.
17 Skanda Purana
The popular stories that are contained in the Skanda Purana are, the yagna (sacrifice) of Prajapati Daksha, the churning of ocean and many more.
18 Agni Purana
In this Purana there are a number of verses dealing with cosmology, history, warfare, law, medicine, martial art, and a lot more.
B) The Mahabaratha is divided into 18 parvas
C) The Bhagavath Geetha given by Kannan Emperumaan has 18 chapters
D) Sarvadharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja |
Aham tva Sarva Papebhyo Mokshayishyami Masuchaha
the charma sloka is given to us by kannan emperumaan only in the 18th chapter of Bhagavath Geetha
D) The Kurukshetra war was fought for 18 days
E) Due to grace of ULAGA AARIYAN / SWAMY PILLAI LOKACHARIAR we got ASHTADASHA RAHASYANGAL They are 18 in number
1 Mumukshupadi (Thirumantram, Dwayam and Charamaslokam):
2 thatthava thryam
3 Artha panchakam
4 Sri Vachana Booshanam
5 Archiradhi
6 Premeya shekaram
7 Prapannaa Paritranam
8 Sarasangraham:
9 Samsara samrajyam:
10 Nava ratna malai:
11 Nava vidha sambandham:
12 Yadrichchika padi:
13 Parandha padi
14 Sriya: pathi: padi
15 Thathuva Shekaram
16 Thani dhwayam
17 Thanicharamam
18 Thanipranavam
F) Kripa matra prassanacharya Swami Ramanuja walked 18 times to Thirukoshityur to get Thirumantrartham from Thirukoshtiyur Nambi
All acharyas before Ramanuja were called anuvritti prasanna acharya i.e. one who imparts knowledge to sishyas who have passed all the criteria in terms of basic knowledge, anushtana, perseverence etc. But Ramanuja broke this chain (oraNvazhi) and introduced a simple criterion – ” Desire to know”. (This was a boon to people like us) Hence he was the first one to be hailed as Kripa mAtra prasanna acharya. Manavala Mamunigal in Upadesa Rattina malai – “Asai udayorkkellam AriyarkAl kUrumenru pEsi varambaruttAr pin”
G) Every time when Swamy Ramanuja walked to Thirukoshtiyoor to get Thirumanthartham from Nambi, Nambi wouldn’t send swamy empty handed,every time he gave priceless messages, which are also 18 in number, they are as follows:
1) A soul intrested in Moksham, must shun away from Samsara
2)Shunning away from samsara, will also drive away ahankarm and mamkaram
3)Once Ahankaram and Mamakaram leaves deha abhimanam will also leave
4)Once Deha Abhimanam leaves Athma Gyanam will be born
5)Birth of Athma Gyanam leads to hatred towards Aishwarya Bhogam
6)Dislike towards Aishwarya bhogam leads to love towards Emperumaan
7)Love towards Emperumaan will keep us away from other subjects
8)Shunning away from other subjects leads to Parathan threeya Gyanam
9)Birth of Parathan threeya Gyanam leads to departure of Artha, Kama, Raga & Dweshas
10)Departure of Artha, Kama, Raga & Dweshas leads to Sri Vaishnavisim
11) Once we come into the fold of Sri Vaishnavisim, we will get into Satsangam
12)On getting Satsangam, we will have Bhaagavatha Sammandahm
13)Bhaagavatha Sammandham leads to Bhagavat Sammandham
14)Bhagavat sammandham makes us to avoid other subjects
15)Avoiding other subjects leads us to be Adiyars to Emperumaan
16)Being Adiyars, we take refuge only in HIM
17)One who takes refuge only in Emperumaan is eligible for THIRUMANTHRARTHAM
18)Thus the soul accomplishes in knowing THIRUMANTHRARTHAM
H) Advaitha proponent named Yagna Murthy was defeated in Tarkha vadham (debate) by our Yethiraja Mamuni on the 18th day due to the grace of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal and was bought into the sri vaishnavisim fold naming him ARULALA PERUMAL EMBERUMAANAR who was given the kainkaryam of doing Thiruvaradhanam to the aaradhna perumal of swamy Ramanuja
I) When Sri Ramanuja was going round the main streets of Thirukoshtiyur one day reciting the 18th Thiruppavai verse, he went near,Thirukoshtiyur Nambi’s house and when he recited the concluding portion “Vandhu thiravai “, Nambi’s daughter opened it to offer Bhiksha and the saint fell at her feet as he was so obsorbed in the pasuram, he felt andal nachiyaar standing before him, this earned him the title “Thiruppavai Jeeyar”
J) They are 18 Steps at Azhagar Koil Once there was an attempt to take away the idol of KallAzhagar. A priest at this temple put together a team and captured the 18 men who had come there to steal the idol. These 18 men were so lured by the beauty of Azhagar that they prayed to the Lord and requested that they stay here for ever. It is believed that each of these 18 men have taken a step each and now reside in the 18 steps of the temple at the main Eastern entrance.
K)One has to climb 18 steps to reach Adi Kesavan Sannadhi of THIRUVATTARU DIVYA DESAM TEMPLEI)Adiyen also once heard, to remark the tireless efforts of Swami Ramanuja’s walk to Thirukkoshtiyor, even today on Panguni Utthiram Day, Namperumal is given 18
argyas, 18 padyas and all aradhana kramams 18 times (kindly correct me if adiyen is wrong)
So adiyars, the all above are the importance of no 18 in our sampradayam. Adiyen would like to know your valuable comments.
If there is any mistake, kindly apologize, this is purely due to my ignorance
ANNAIYAI ATTHANAI ENNAI ANDIDUM THANMAIYAN
RAMANUJAN EN NAMBEYE!
ADIYEN RAMANUJA DASAN
GEETHA VASUDEVAN
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)