Sri Abirama Bhattar of Thirukkadayur in Tanjore District

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Sri Srinivasa Ratnaketa Dikshitha was father-in-law of

sri Appayya Dikshitha (great siva bhaktha and who gave

Sambo Mahadeva deva "Marga bandhu stotram", to us).

Given below is an episode (source: I think, it came in

one of Ambaa-l mails) during their life time.

 

When one reads it, we get a feeling that Sri Srinivasa

Ratnaketa Dishitha and Sri Abirama Bhattar are one and

same. Anyone can further clarify please ??

 

"Appayya Dikshithar’s Marriage

 

Ratna Kheta Srinivasa Dikshitar, an erudite scholar in

Sanskrit, a devotee of Kamakshi Devi, Kancheepuram,

was the Chief Pundit of the Court in the Chola

kingdom. The Chola king asked the Pundit, "O

Pundit, what is the day today?" The Pundit replied,

"Today is Full Moon day". But, really, it was New Moon

day. Everybody laughed. Srinivasa Dikshitar felt

greatly mortified. He was a true devotee of

Kamakshi Devi. Her grace was fully upon him. Srinivasa

prayed to Her. The Devi appeared before Srinivasa,

gave him one of Her earrings and asked him to throw it

in the sky. Srinivasa acted accordingly. The

earring attained the form of a full moon and shone

brilliantly. The king, the ministers and other people

witnessed this marvellous scene and were struck with

amazement. The king made Srinivasa sit on the

golden throne, adorned him with jewels and honoured

him highly.

 

Srinivasa came to know that Appayya was a great

scholar. He wanted to defeat him. He proceeded to

Kancheepuram to propitiate Kamakshi Devi in order to

get Her blessings. He did severe Tapas. The Devi

appeared before him and said, "O Bhakta, choose your

boons from Me". Thereupon, Srinivasa said, "Let all

the Kalas be seated on my tongue. I have to

conquer Appayya, who is a great scholar and orator,

through Thy grace and help only. The whole world knows

my name and fame. Please help me to keep up the same".

 

The Devi replied, "O Bhakta, Appayya is not an

ordinary human being. He is verily the incarnation of

Lord Siva. I am verily your form. Do not enter into a

controversy with him. Give your daughter Mangalambika

in marriage to Appayya and become the revered

father-in-law to him. Then only your desire will be

fulfilled".

 

At the same time, Lord Siva appeared in Appayya's

dream and said, "O child, go to Kancheepuram.

Srinivasa will give his daughter in marriage to you".

 

Appayya went to Kancheepuram immediately and lived

there. Srinivasa took his daughter and reached

Appayya's residence. Appayya honoured Srinivasa duly

with Arghya (offering of special hospitality by way of

 

respectful libations and glorification), Padya

(washing of the feet), Asana (offering of an elevated

seat), etc. Srinivasa said, "The Devi has ordered me

to give my daughter in marriage to you. O Appayya,

please marry her and attain fame, prosperity and

tranquillity". Appayya married Mangalambika. He led

the life of a householder."

 

 

 

 

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