151st Tirunakshatram of Poundarikapuram Andavan Swami

[Guest guest]

POUNDARIKAPURAM ANDAVAN'S 151st TIRUNAKSHATRAM CELEBRATIONS

 

Dear Bhagavatas,

 

I wholeheartedly endorse the appeal made by Sri Murali Rangaswamy for funds

for the 151st Tirunakshatram Celebrations of Srimad Poundarikapuram Andavan

to be held from 9th to 16th August 1997.

 

The lineage of Acharyas down from Tirukkudanthai Maha Desikan (1701-1783) has

been marked by an unbroken chain of successors of self- effacing ascetics, a

central pendant like figure being Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan (1847 - 1934).

He was a true Jnana- Viraghya- Anushtana storehouse. It was he who put this

Acharya line on a sound footing by founding a hermitage with pristine purity.

 

His mantle is being borne today by H.H. Paravakkottai Andavan, Sri Gopala

Desika Maha Desikan Swami, who received his first initiation from this

founder himself.

 

The present pontiff is hailed by one and all WITHOUT EXCEPTION as THE MODEL

ACHARYA. Simple and unassuming, profound in knowledge and strict in

observing disciplines of Sannyasa Dharma, he is easily accessible to all

those who yearn to learn. The present and previous Jeeyars of Ahobila Mutt

and all other Yathivaras extol his virtues in NOTHING SHORT OF SUPERLATIVE

TERMS.

 

In fact, once when I asked our present Jeeyar (in his Poorva Asramam) just

as we should diagnose the doctor before letting him diagnose our ailment,

whether it was not necessary for a would-be- Sishya to find out whether the

would-be-Acharya is qualified enough to be an Acharya before resorting to him

for Samasrayanam and / or Bharanyasam. He replied that he knew of one Acharya

who was most eminently qualified in every sense of the term. And, that was

H.H. Poundarika Puram Paravakkottai Andavan Swami. And, he described him as

" A living God walking on earth". Literally also, this Swami goes by foot

even long distances during his Sancharams.

 

Very strict on himself as a Sannyasi, he is so compassionate as to understand

the constraints we face (especially on this side of the Globe) and tenders

practical advice as to how we can still practice the disciplines enjoined in

our Sastras within the parameters of the ground realities.

 

He has planned a week long festival with Ubhaya Vedanta Parayanam and

Vakhyartha Sadas in which Yathis and masters of our Siddhanta will

participate.

 

This is a fitting occasion for all of us to contribute our mite for the

Celebrations and secure the blessings of the glorious lineage of this Acharya

Parampara.

 

Your tax-exempt contributions may be sent to Ahobila Muth, 5 Pissaro Court,

Gaithersburg, Maryland- MD - 20878 so as to reach before 5th AUGUST 97. The

Ahobila Muth will send a consolidated cheque to the Celebrations Committee.

Please remember to record a note on the Cheque / Pledge that the amount is

for Poundarikapuram Swami 151st Tirunakshatram Celebrations.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy