Transcript Pictorial Story of Swami Desikan

www.svdd.com presents
“Chithra Desikeeyam”
Pictorial Life History of Swami Desika
An adaptation of the original work by Sri Lakshminarasimhan Sridhar
Sri:
Sriman Venkatanatharya:
Kavithaarkika-Kesaree !
Vedanthacharya-Varyo Me
Sannidhaththaam Sadha Hrudhi: !!
This presentation is a pictorial story of the life of our great
Acharya Swami Desika.
“Desika” is a Sanskrit word which means “Acharya” or tutor.
Though there are numerous acharyas in our Srivaishnava
Sampradaya, only Swami Desika is addressed as “Desika”. This
is like referring Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam as Nam
Perumal (in English “Our Perumal”) and addressing Swami
Satakopa as Nam Azhwar (“Our Azhwar”).
Sri Desika's original name was Venkatanathan. He was born in
1268 on a Sravanam day, which is the birth star of Lord
Srinivasa of Thirumala. So his parents named him
Venkatanatha.
3
Bhagavath Ramanuja appointed 74 Simhasanadhipathis to
propagate Srivaishnava & Visishtaadvaitha philosophy.
Among the 74 Simhasanadhipathis was Anantha Somayaji of
Viswamithra Gothram who lived in the Perumal Koil (Sri
Kancheepuram). He had a son named Pundareeka Yajvaa
whose son was Ananthasoori.
There was a great scholar named Appullaar (belonging to the
lineage of Athreya Ramanuja Kidambi Aachaan). He had a
sister named Thothaarammaal. One fine day, Pundareeka
Yajvaa approached Appullaar and proposed the marriage of
his son, Ananthasoori, to Appullaar’s sister, Thothaarammaal.
4
That same night, Lord Devaraja appeared in the dream of
Appullaar and seconded the proposal saying that by this
alliance will be born one who would be the prime torch-bearer
of Bhagavath Ramanuja’s teachings.
Then the marriage of Ananthasoori and Thothaarammaal was
celebrated with great joy and they lived a happy and devout
couple.
Ananthasoori and Thothaarammaal were childless for a long
time. One day Lord Srinivasa of the Seven Hills (Sapthagiri or
Thirumala) arrived in the dream of Ananthasoori and ordered
them to go on a pilgrimage to Thirumala.
5
Divine Dream and Command
6
Thirumala
Sri Kanchi
7
Those days there were no buses or trains to travel. So Sri
Ananthasoori and his wife, Thothaarammaal walked from
Kancheepuram to Thirumala.
8
Swami’s parents on the way to Thiruvenkatam
9
Reaching Thiruvenkatam
10
They climbed the Hills and had the darshan of the beautiful
Lord. That night they were resting in a Mantapam near the
temple.
The Lord appeared in their dreams in the garb of a
Srivaishnava youth and handed over a small golden bell
which Thothaarammaal swallowed. Next morning, they woke
up and narrated their dreams to each other and were
astonished to find how both had the same dream.
11
The Divine Dream
12
The next morning when the Bhattaacharyas opened the doors
of the Sanctum Sanctorum, they found the Thiru Aaradhana
bell missing.
An investigation was ordered into the loss of the bell. The
Lord appeared by Aavesa (spiritual trance) through
Thirumalai Nambi and told that He (the Lord) had himself
presented the bell to the Ananthasoori couple and
henceforth, the small hand-bell need not be used during
Thiru Aaradhana in the temple.
That is why, even today there is no bell used for Thiru
Aaradhana in the Perumal Sannidhi. Only the huge bell
suspended in the front hall is used.
13
Commotion in Temple and Aavesa (spiritual trance)
14
Following this incident, the Ghanta (bell) of the Lord was born
as Ghantaavathaara Azhwar. The avathaara of Venkatanatha
was in the Kali Yuga year 4370 (1268) - Vibhava year, Purattasi
month, on the Dasami day of Sukla Paksha, a Wednesday, in
the constellation of Sravana Nakshatram (the same as that of
the Lord of Thirumala).
He was born in Thooppul, near Thiru-Thankaa adjacent to the
temple of Lord Deepa Prakasa in Kancheepuram.
15
Birth of Swami Desika
16
Gopuram of the Deepa Prakasa Temple,
Thiru-Thankaa or Thooppul
17
Maragathavalli, Sri Devi, Bhu Devi Sametha
Deepa Prakasa or Vilakkoli Perumal of Thooppul
18
Swami Desika’s Avathaara Sthalam (birth place) as seen now
19
A Mani Mantapam which was constructed recently
at Swami’s Avathaara Sthalam
20
After Abdhapoorthi (the first birthday), the child was taken to
Lord Vararadaraja’s temple at the Hasthigiri, by Appullaar.
The child Venkatanatha had his Chowlam (tuft-launching
ceremony) in his third year and Aksharaabhyaasam (initiation
into learning) in the fifth.
The Lord blessed the
child to become the
"beacon of light" of
Srivaishnava Darsanam
21
Swami Desika being taken to the Temple by his parents
22
Kidambi Appullaar, Venkatanatha’s maternal uncle, one day,
took him to the “Kalakshepam” (religious lecture) of Guru
Nadaathur Ammaal. On seeing Vekatanatha’s “Divya Thejas”
(brilliance), Nadaathur Ammaal stopped the Kalakshepam and
asked the boy to come on stage. Recognising an “Avathara
Purusha” (divine incarnation) in the boy and overcome with
emotion, he hugged the boy to show his affection. Thereafter,
while trying to resume the Kalakshepam and not remembering
where he had paused previously, he asked his “Sishyaas”
(disciples) where he had left the lectures.
23
Much to the astonishment of the assembled audience, young
Venkatanatha recalled the exact point where the Kalakshepam
was stopped. Astounded by the boy’s memory power, he
blessed the boy with a sloka.
"Prathishtapita Vedanthah Prathi-Kshipta Bahir
Mathaa
Bhooyaah Thrividyaa Maanyas Thvam Bhoori
Kalyaana Bhaajanam!"
24
Meaning: “You shall establish Vedanta on a firm footing,
demolishing the misrepresentation by individuals from other
faiths".
Even today, one can see the painting of AmmaaL blessing the
boy, on the ceiling in front of the “Kachi Vaithaan Mantapam”
in the temple of Lord Varadaraja.
Nadaathur Ammaal wanted to take the boy under his tutelage,
but taking into consideration his own old age, he decided
otherwise. He blessed him to become the leading philosopher
to preach and propagate the glory of Sri Vaishnava Siddhanta
in future. He asked Appullaar to initiate the boy in all the
Sastras and other esoteric doctrines.
25
Venkatanatha learning under his uncle Appullaar
26
His parents performed the routine Brahminical rites of passage
viz., his “Chowlam”, “Upanayanam” (the sacred thread
ceremony) etc. Kidambi Appullaar took Venkatanaatha under
his care and coached him in the fine arts of “Kavya” (poetry),
“Naataka” (drama), “Sastra” etc. He was surprised at the
brilliance of the boy and his instantaneous grasping and the
ease with which he uptook whatever taught to him.
The elders were wondering whether Sri Desika was the
combined reincarnation of previous Acharyas like Ramanuja,
Nathamuni and Alavandar.
At the age of 20, Sri Desika had mastered all the Sastras and
become a scholar.
27
At the age of 21, Sri Desika was married to a beautiful girl
called Thirumangai or Kanakavalli. Sri Appullaar taught
Desika the sacred Garuda Manthra. Sri Desika then started his
family life as ordained in the Sastras.
28
Desika’s Marriage
29
He was strictly performing all the duties required by a
Srivaishnava and living on “Uncha Vruththi”. i.e. the daily
supply of rice and vegetables will be given by his disciples. A
Brahmana is supposed to do Veda Adhyayana and pursue
teaching. The needs of the Brahmanas would be taken care of
by their students who would learn from them. They are not
supposed to go to work as is the case in the present day.
30
Desika undertaking Uncha Vruththi.
31
Lord Devanatha
(Moolavar) of
Thiruvaheendra Puram
Hemabhjavalli Sametha
Devanathan
Swami Desika’s dear uncle Appullaar passed away a little
later. Sri Desika then left Kancheepuram and went to
Thiruvaheendra Puram.
32
After reaching Thiruvaheendra Puram, Swami Desika wanted
to chant the Garuda Manthra taught to him by his Guru
Appullaar. Desika climbed the small hill named Oushadha Giri
in Thiruvaheendra Puram and began reciting the manthra
while meditating on the Lord.
For many days, without food or sleep, he chanted the Garuda
Manthra to receive the blessings of Garuda. It is said in the
scriptures that Garuda is Veda Swaroopi.
33
Desika praying to Garuda Azhwan
34
Garuda was pleased with the
devotion of Swami Desika and
appeared before him. He blessed
Desika with Sri Hayagriva Manthra
and instructed him to meditate on
the Lord while chanting the
Hayagriva Manthra continuously in
order to receive the blessings of Sri
Hayagriva.
35
Sri Garuda giving darshan to Desika
36
Hayagriva
Manthra
upadesam
37
Desika reciting Hayagriva Manthra
38
Then Lord Hayagriva appeared before Desika and blessed him
with the nectar flowing from His own mouth. Lord Hayagriva
took a seat on Swami Desika's tongue tip as prayed for by him.
Lord Hayagriva also gave an idol of Himself for Swami
Desika's daily worship.
This idol or Vigraham is still preserved in Lord Devanatha’s
temple in Thiruvaheendra Puram.
Swami Desika then composed the famous Sri Hayagriva
Sthothra, Devanayaka Panchasath in Sanskrit and Achyutha
Sathakam in Praakruth language (colloquial Sanskrit) and
Mummani-Kovai and Nava Mani Maalai in Tamil.
39
(Left) Hayagriva Saakshaathkaaram;
(Right) Swami holding the Hayagriva
Vigraham presented by the Lord
Himself
40
Lord Sri Hayagriva
41
Lord Sri LakshmiHayagriva
It is a proven fact that those reciting Sri Hayagriva
Sthothra will be blessed with great memory and
academic excellence.
Jnaanaanandhamayam Devam
Nirmala Sphatikakruthim
Aadharam Sarva-Vidhyanaam
Hayagrivam Upaasmahe!
One more Hayagriva
Sthotha Slokam:
42
Visuddha Vigyaana Ghana-Svaroopam
Vigyaana Visraanana Bhaddha-Dheeksham
Dayaanidhim Deha-bhruthaam Saranyam
Devam Hayagrivam Aham Prapadhye!
Place: Thiruvaheendra Puram
Sri Desika praying to Lord Devanatha
43
Moolavar – Lord Devanatha
Devanayaka-Panchasath-SthuthiSampanna Sathyavaache
Namaha!
Meaning:
Salutations to the Acharya, who
became a Sathyavaadhi by
creating
the
Devanayaka
Panchasath sthothra. !!!
44
Hemambhjavalli Nayaki
Raja Alankaram of Lord
Devanatha and His Consort
Hemambhjavalli Nayaki
Thiruvaheendrapuram
45
Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Devanatha.
46
A Mason’s Challenge to Swami
Once a mason challenged Swami
Desika to construct a well with
the bricks supplied by him.
Swami Desika accepted the
challenge.
47
Our Swami builds Well
The mason gave broken and
irregular-shaped
bricks
to
Swami Desika. Despite this
Swami arranged them nicely
and finished the construction of
the well successfully. This well
exists
even
today
in
Thiruvaheendra Puram.
48
Swami Desika doing Mangalaasaasanam to
Lord Varadaraja in Kanchipuram
49
Even today our Acharya does
Mangalaasaasnam
to
Lord
Devaraja.
During
Swami
Desika’s
Thirunakshathram
celebration every year, he gets
the rare honour of getting close
to the Lord to perform
Mangalaasaasanam.
50
Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Varadaraja
51
Birth of Sudharsanaashtakam
Once upon a time, an epidemic named Vaisuri struck the
inhabitants of Thirup Putkuzhi, near Kancheepuram. A lot
of people suffered as a result and our Swami, who is a
Karunaamoorthy,
immediately
composed
Sudharsanaashtakam and people were relieved of their
miseries.
52
Birth of Sudharsanaashtakam at Thirup Putkuzhi
53
“Sudharshanaashtakam”
54
Jaya Jaya Sri
Sudharsana
Jaya Jaya Sri
Sudharsana
According to another school of thought, Swami Desika
composed Sudharsanaashtakam when he was challenged by a
magician.
One magician confronted swami and then drank water from a
pond. With his magical powers, he made swami’s stomach
bulge as he (the magician) drank water from the pond. Swami
was feeling extreme pain and understood the reason quickly. At
this point, Swami Desika just scratched a pillar near by with his
fingernails and water flowed out of the pillar. The magician
was astonished with the super magic of our Swami and begged
his pardon. It is told that Swami Desika composed the
Sudharshanashtakam at this instance.
55
Dhushta Sanyasi drinks
water from the pond
56
Swami Desika scratches
the pillar and water flows
Swami’s Vairagya (Asceticism)
Some of the local people in Kancheepuram felt bad that a great
master like Sri Desika is doing Uncha Vruththi i.e. begging for
grains. They thought of mixing gold coins along with rice and
offering it to him since Desika won’t accept money or gold if
given separately.
Our Swami did not notice this trick and came home and gave
the rice to his wife for making prasadham. She was also a
simple woman and had never seen gold coins. She called
Swami and asked him what the glittering things are. Swami
Desika was surprised at this and told her that they are worms
and separated them by a dharbha grass, as he did not even
want to touch the gold coins. Such was the Vairaagya of Swami
Desika!
57
Gold coins in Uncha Vruththi offerings
58
Birth of Vairagya Panchakam
One of Swami Desika's friend (Vidyaranya) during their
school days became the minister of Vijayanagara kingdom.
He heard about the poverty of Sri Desika and wanted to
help him. So he sent a message asking Swami Desika to
come to the kingdom and receive gifts from the king. Swami
Desika refused this request and in return sent him a poem
called Vairagya Panchakam.
59
Vidyaranya sending message to Swami Desika
60
Place: Vijayanagara Empire
Naasthi Pithraarjitham Kinchith
Na Mayaa Kinchithaarjitham
Asthi Me Hasthi-Sailagre
Vasthu Paithaamaham Dhanam!
61
Meaning:
I have neither any accumulated wealth
left behind by my father nor any wealth
assembled from my own efforts.
I have however one of the greatest of
wealths in the world, that has been left
behind by my grand seer (Brahma Deva),
who gained it through the performance
of the Aswamedha Yaaga at the Elephant
Hill (Hasthi Giri at Kancheepuram).
(When I have this imperishable wealth,
where is the need for other kinds of
wealth for me?)
Vairagya Panchakam
Place Kanchipuram
Swami renders justice
Swami was requested to preside over as the moderator in a
debate between the Advaitha Vidhwan, Vidyaranya and
Dvaita Vidwan, Akshobhya. Although Vidyaranya was his
boyhood friend, after hearing the arguments of both the
vidwans, Swami gave a ruling impartially that Akshobhya’s
views were in accordance with Pramanaas and settled the
dispute.
62
Debate between Vidyaranya and Akshobhya
63
Swami Desika gives judgement
64
Blessing a poet
65
Swami at Thirupathi
Swami Desika then went to Thirupathi and here he
composed the beautiful sthothra called Daya Sathakam.
66
Swami Doing Nithya Anushtanam in Sri Vari Swami
Pushkarini at Thiruvenkatam or Thirumala
Place: Thirupathi
67
Swami Desika doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Srinivasa
Place: Thirumala
The other names of Lord
Srinivasar are:
Thiruvenkatamudaiyaan,
Balaji,
Thimmappa,
Venkatesa,
Thirumalesa,
Sheshachala Vaasa.
68
Imaginary view of Swami Desika and Lord Srinivasa
Place: Thirumala
69
Challenge to Our Ramanuja Darsanam
Once a band of Mayaa Vaadhis landed in Srirangam for a
debate condemning Ramanuja Darsanam. Periyvaachaan Pillai,
Pillai Lokaachaarya and others approached the Grand old
master Sudharsana Bhattar for advice. Sudharsana Bhattar said
that it was only Swami Desika who could save the situation
and sent a letter to Kanchi inviting Thooppul Pillai, Swami
Desika, to face the opponents.
70
Mayaa Vaadhis challenge in a debate condemning
Ramanuja Darsanam
71
Place: Srirangam
People requesting our Acharya to accept
the challenge at Srirangam
72
Place: Kanchipuram
Swami immediately set forth to Srirangam but on the way he
halted at Sri Perumputhur and prayed to Yathiraja (Sri
Ramanuja) and composed the famous Yathiraja Sapthathi.
73
Swami Doing Mangalaasaasanam to Udaiyavar at
Perumputhur en route to Srirangam
Sri
Lord Ramanuja’s
‘Thaan Ugandha
Thirumeni
74
Swami near Srirangam
Ranga
Ranga
Ranga
Ranga
Ranga
Ranga
Ranga
75
Lord Ranganatha
76
Swami wins the debate
77
Place: Srirangam
Swami getting Theertha
Prasadam at
Sri Ranganatha Sannidhi
78
Swami Desika at Ranganayaki Thayar Sannidhi
79
Swami defeats Sculptor
Once a sculptor offered to provide a base and asked our Swami
to make an image of himself. Desika made an image of himself
but when the sculptor tried to fix it on the base, he could not do
so. He tried to chisel out a portion of the body of the image.
Blood flowed from the corresponding part of the body of
Desika. The sculptor admitted that the fault was in the base
made by him. Desika fixed it up in the base exactly as it should
be, like a professional sculptor.
80
Later, this image was installed by Desika’s son Kumara
Varadacharya at Thiruvaheendra Puram. Those visiting
Thiruvaheendra Puram and offering prayers to the idol, can
never take their eyes off this marvelous Vigraham.
A sculptor’s challenge
81
Sculptor loses the challenge
82
Sri Ramanuja’s ‘Thaanaana Thirumeni’ at Srirangam
83
Swami at Srivilliputhur:
Swami Desika went on a
pilgrimage to the South and
visited many Divyadesams in
Kerala and Madurai and while
he was at Srivilliputhur he
composed the famous Godha
Sthuthi. Swami had special
devotion towards Andal and
this sthothra glorifies Andal.
She has commanded that this
sthothra should be recited
during Her Utsavam along
with Divya Prabandhams.
84
Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Naimisaranyam
Swami
then
toured
Northern India and visited
various places.
85
Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Thiru Aayarpadi
86
Swami doing
Mangalaasaasanam at
Devaprayag
87
Swami doing Mangalaasaasnam at Badhrikaasramam
88
Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Saligramam in Nepal
89
Swami doing Mangalaasaasnam
at Dwaraka
90
Snake-charmer tamed by our Swami
Once, a snake-charmer challenged Sri Desika to control his
poisonous snakes. Swami drew a chalk line on the ground and
recited some manthra. None of the snakes could cross over the
line drawn by swami except one ferocious snake which crossed
over to harm swami. Our Swami then recited the Garuda
Manthra and instantly Garuda came and took away all the
snakes. The snake-charmer begged Swami Desika to give back
his snakes since it was his only livelihood. Swami again prayed
to Garuda who returned the snakes.
91
Snake-charmer taught a lesson
92
Swami praying to Vynatheya
93
Lord Hayagriva's Leelai
94
Once, when the Swami was visiting a Kshetram, he rested in the thinnai
of a house for the night. Since he could not get anything as offering to
the Lord, he just took some water to the Lord with a heavy heart and
went to bed on an empty stomach. Suddenly, he was awakened by the
landlord who reported that a white horse was eating the grain in his
stores. Swami understood that it was the Leela of Sri Hayagriva and
comforted the house owner. He asked the landlord to bring some milk
and offered it to his upaasana moorthy. Thereupon, the horse
disappeared. Next morning, when the landlord went to the shop he saw
that all the sacks there were fully laden with gold. He offered the gold to
Swami, but true to his self Swami refused.
Horse eating grains
95
Swami offering milk to the horse and
praying to Lord Hayagriva
96
Swami praying to Lord
Hayagriva
97
Lords descend and take the food offered by Swami
Once Swami Desika was performing the annual rites to his late
parents and nobody came for eating on the occasion of the
observance, but Swami did not lose heart. He put the plantain
leaf and served all the items and prayed to the Lord and his
prayers were answered. Lord Devaraja, Lord Hayagriva &
Lord Srinivasa came in person and partook the offering on the
occasion, to the astonishment of everyone there.
98
Annual ceremony at Swami’s house
99
Once some wicked people of the town wanted to insult Swami.
They hanged thoranam of slippers in front of his house,
Swami just came out holding the Lord’s Padhuka on head and
told that he was happy to have the Lord’s Padhuka above his
head. And the opponents were ashamed of their act
100
Swami carrying Padhukas
101
Birth of Sri Sthuthi
Once a young boy wanted some money for his marriage and
approached wealthy people in Kancheepuram. They were
jealous of Sri Desika's simplicity. Just to embarrass our Swami
they had told him that only Desika can give lots of money
because he is rich. The boy did not know the evil intention and
went to Swami Desika for financial help. Our Acharya did not
have any money but he took the boy to the Thayar Sannidhi
and started reciting Sri Sthuthi.
What a wonder! It started raining gold coins. Swami Desika
thanked Thayar for her mercy and told the boy to take as much
as he wants and he did not take any coin for himself. The
jealous people were shocked at this incident and came running
to seek the pardon of Swami Desika.
102
Swami Desika at Perundevi Thayar Sannidhi
103
Swami reciting Sri Sthuthi even as it rains gold coins.
104
Swami’s Travel to Sathyaakaalam
Towards the end of the 13th century and beginning of 14th
century, the city of Srirangam was invaded by Malik Kafur, the
General of Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi. People were forced
to flee Srirangam. One of those who could not escape was
Sudharsana Bhattar, author of the famous commentary on Sri
Ramanuja’s famous Sri Bhaashyam, known as Shrutha
Prakaasika. He however, wisely left this book as well as two
young children in the safe custody of Swami Desika. Swami,
taking it as God’s will, left Srirangam for a safe place. He
travelled along the course of river Cauvery and reached
Sathyaakaalam, where he lived for several years.
105
Swami’s Travel to Sathyaakaalam
Place en route to
Sathyaakaalam
106
Swami’s
Kalapshepam at
Sathyaakaalam.
Brahmathanthra
Parakala Jeer is
participating.
107
Brahmathanthra Parakala Jeer – Founder and First Jeer of Parakala Math.
108
Presiding Deities of Sathyaakaalam –
Lord Kote Varadharaja & Goddess Perundevi Thayar
109
At Sathyaakaalam there is a rare vigraham. The feature of this
Swami Desika’s idol is that He is in a standing posture (Ninra
Thirukkolam). Generally, we find him in all the temples in a
sitting posture.
It is said that Swami is standing and anxiously looking towards
Srirangam to see if peace has returned after the chaos (his
standing posture gives an impression that he was literally on
his toes, ready to head back to Srirangam).
110
Idol of Swami Desika in a rare Standing Posture at Sathyaakaalam
111
Jnaanaswatha
While in Sathyaakaalam, Swami Desikan had selected a
particular spot on the riverbed for his daily anushtaanam and
meditation under a peepul tree (Aswatha Vruksham). This spot
has been revered by generations of people who acknowledge
the tree as Swami Desika’s “special seat” where he authored
many literary compositions.
The entire setting with the peepul tree
is known as
Jnaanaswatha. This spot was in a bad shape until recently,
before it underwent renovation and was spruced up to make it
fit for the visiting Holinesses and others to observe their
“Anushtaanam”.
112
Koormaasanam
Swami Desika once had a dream in which a pious person requests that
Swami allowed the person to do some form of service (kainkaryam) to
him. Swami did not read too much into this dream. The very next day
when Swami was returning from the river after his “Anushtaanam”, a
tortoise followed him all through and raced fiercely. This happening
also did not bother him in anyway.
However, that night in his dream, Swami Desika had a vision of God
telling him to do “Anugraham”. The next morning when he returned to
his special seat (aasanam) under the Jnaanaaswatha, he found a stone
peetam in the form of a tortoise (Koorma). Swami started using it during
his “Anushtaanam”. The unique Sri Koormasanam (naturally formed in
granite) on which our Swami performed his “Nithya Anushtaanam” on
the Banks of Cauvery has been preserved in his Sannidhi.
113
Swami seated in Koormaasanam
114
Picture of the Koormasanam in Sathyaakaalam
115
Artistic view of Swami Desika seated in Koormaasanam under
Jnnaaswatha on the banks of River Cauvery in Sathyaakaalam
116
Picture of the
Koormaasanam and
Swami Desika’s Idol at
Sathyaakaalam
117
Swami at Melkote
Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to
Lord Thirunarayana at Melkote
118
Swami at Melkote
119
Swami at Melkote
Bhagavath Ramanuja's
‘Tamarugandha
Thirumeni’ at
Thirunarayanapuram
(Melkote)
Swami Doing
Mangalaasaasanam
to Udaiyavar at
Melkote
120
Swami at Melkote
121
Imaginary view of Swami doing
Mangalaasaasanam to Udaiyavar at Melkote
Present day Idols of Lord Ramanuja at Melkote.
122
Once peace returned, Swami returned to Srirangam. When
some of the orthodox people objected to the recital of Divya
Prabandham in the temple on the grounds that they included
the works of Non-Brahmin Azhwars, written in ‘Dravida
Baasha’ and Thiruvoimozhi in particular dealt with Kaama
that according to them, was taboo (forbidden).
Swami argued with them and convinced them that the holy
collects were equal to the Vedas since they contained all that
was in the Vedas, that since they were in praise of the Lord, the
language did not matter and that the Kaama spoken of was
nothing but absolute devotion to the Lord.
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Thus he re-instituted the practice of “Adhyayana Uthsavam” the ceremonial honouring of the Azhwars.
Birth of Padhuka Sahasram
Some vidwans challenged Swami Desika to compose 1,000 hymns in
praise of Lord Ranganatha in one day. Swami accepted the challenge and
he prayed to Ranganatha to bless him. The Lord commanded that Sri
Desika should compose the sthothram on the Divine Sandals (padhukas).
Swami was busy with various activities during the day like teaching. He
also slept until the wee hours after midnight. Then he started writing
down the stotras and in less than 3 hours he composed the 1,008 slokas
on the padhukas. Even a fast recital of the entire Padhuka Sahasram
would take us about 5 hours, while Swami Desika composed them in
such a short time. No wonder then that he is hailed as “KaviTharkika
Simham” which means ‘lion among the poets’.
Title conferred on Swami by Periya Perumal and Periya Piraatti
It was at this time that Periya Perumal conferred the title of "Vedanta
Desikan" and Periya Piraatti conferred the title of "Sarva Thanthra
Swathanthra" on Swami Desikan.
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Composition of Sri Padhuka Sahasram
125
Our Swami becomes a Nithyasoori (an eternally liberated soul
that sets off to serve the Lord at Sri Vaikunta)
Swami Desika lived 100 years and he felt the time had come for
him to go the spiritual abode of Narayana. He went to SrI
Ranganatha and took his permission. His disciples and his son
felt the pain of his separation and cried. Swami Desika
consoled them and instructed them to continue their divine
works and follow Sri Ramanuja darsanam.
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In the year 1369, he kept his head in the lap of his son Kumara
Varadacharya and left his mortal coil while listening to the
chanting of Thiruvoymozhi and Upanishads.
Later Sri Ranganayaki Thayar ordered that a Sannidhi should
be made for Swami Desika close to her own Sannidhi inside
the temple. Also, it is believed that she ordered that no other
Acharya Sannidhi will be made hereafter inside the temple as a
mark of respect to this great Acharya, which is being followed
to this day. One can see Swami Desika’s Sannidhi in front of
the Thayar Sannidhi in Srirangam.
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Place: Srirangam temple
An imaginary picture of Swami taking permission from Lord
Ranganatha, Goddess Ranganayaki, to come to his spiritual abode.
Swami is seen with is son Kumara Varadacharya, H.H. Brahmathanthra
Parakala Jeer and other disciple.
128
Narayana
Narayana
Narayana
Narayana
Imaginary view of
Swami
Desikan
becoming
a
Nithyasoori with his
head
in
Kumara
Varadhacharya's lap
and his feet is on that
of H.H. Brahmatantra
Jeer.
129
Artistic view of Swami Desika sitting in the lap of Sriman Narayana
130
Artistic view of the Sannidhi at Thooppul where in Swami Desika
is doing mangalaasaasanam to Lord Deepa Prakasa with
Ubhanaachiyars, Maragathavalli Thayar and Andal.
131
Artistic view of
Swami Desika doing
mangalaasaasanam in
Paramapadam
132
Artistic view of Swami
Desikan doing
mangalasasnam in
Thiruparkadal
133
Swami Desika at Thooppul with Lord Devanatha
adorning his Vakshatsthalam (chest)
134
Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva - Aradhana Moorthi of Swami Desika
135
Dhanur Maasa Sevai Of Lord Deepa Prakasa with Sudarshana Azhwar,
Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, Andal, and Navaneetha Nardhana Krishna.
136
Kavithaarkika-Simhaya
Kalyana Gunasaline !
Srimathe Venkatesaya
Vedantha Gurave Namaha !!