44th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt

[Guest guest]

Today (9-14-96) is the Thirunakshathram of the 44th Jeeyar

of Srimad Ahobila Mutt, the Mukkoor Azhagiya Singar. Of his

many achievements building of the Srirangam rajagopuram is the

one by which HH will be remembered by the future generations

of Sri Vaishnavas and others.

 

HH's quick temper was readily seen and still criticized

by some. However, it is no surprise that for most Sri

Vaishnavas it is equally readily apparent that HH's

quick temper is for our benefit. For them, being the

object His fury was a great boon. Presented below

is a narration of an anecdote from HH's life from

the August 1995 issue of Sri Nrisimha Priya -

Telugu/English edition.

 

"In those days when the travel was arduous and mostly

done by foot and pallaki, the 43rd Jeer was once on his

sanchara going in a pallaki. It was a usual sight at

such times to see our 44th Jeer (then in his poorvashrama)

accompanying the pallaki by foot holding invariably a

head-load of firewood and a pot of water. In case the

Jeer felt thirsty, the latter was thus ready to prepare

hot water in an instant and serve his Acharya! What an

example of one's service towards his master."

 

The total tenure of 43rd Jeeyar was less than 6 years.

The 44th Jeeyar was to ascend to the throne in less than

6 years during the sanchara described above. Obviously,

HH must have been an accomplished scholar during these

times. For this Mahapurusha, knowledge was no substitute

for service to one's acharya. To me He is the very

Vishnu who came down as "aaLari" that Thirumangai

Azhvaar describes as "angaNmaa NYaalamanca".

 

Thank you.

 

 

Dileepan