Tirunakshatram of H.H. Srimad Paundarikapuram Andavan Swami

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SrivAsa Ranga ParakAla MunitrayAbdha

LakshmAtma RakshaNa Yatitva YugAgamAntam

Acharya Bhakti ParipUtamanarGha Sheelam

Gopala Desika Munim GurumAshrayAma:

 

Dear Friends,

 

We have in the past couple of days been blessed with a shower of

Amrutham about the Lord of Srirangam by Sriman Sadagopan's outstanding

posts. In this note I wish to remember one of the

greatest Yativaras who adorns the Peetam of Andavan Swami of

Srimad Paundarikapuram Asramam-Paravakotai Sri Gopala Mahadesikan

Swami-a great doyen of our Sampradayam, who is immersed in service

of our Lord in the sacred city of Srirangam. His Tirunakshatram, Panguni

Rohini, is on April 1 this year.

 

Since its inception in 1886, Srimad Paundarikapuram Asramam has been

blessed with a stellar array of distinguished scholars as the

head of the Asramam, none more so than the present Swami, who is

an epitome of JnAna, Bhakti and Vairagya. Although, he upholds

the traditions and dictates of our SampradAyam in the strictest

manner (in letter and spirit), he is extremely, compassionate,

understanding and sensitive to issues faced by LoukikAs. As a result, he

is able to offer clear, thoughtful, and practical advice to overcome

problems encountered in our day-to-day lives. It is a

delight to hear him expound on esoteric aspects of our Sampradayam-a

case in point is the recently released Yatiraja Sapthathi tape series.

In it he very affectionately presents details

on the life and works of NammAzhwar, Sri Ramanujacharya, Sri Kidambi

ApuLLar and Swami Desikan. One of the tapes in this series contains a

very eloquent explanation on the taboo of Anya Devata worship in

our Sampradayam.

 

Several Sishyas of the Asramam including Sri Anbil Swamin and

Adiyen requested Srimad Andavan Swami to have a telephone connection

installed at the Asramam. However, the great Acharya politely but firmly

refused by pointing out that it would detract from the simplicity of

life in the Asramam. Several granthams containing

pearls of wisdom and brilliant flashes of insight on intricate

aspects of our Sampradayam have been published by the Asramam under

Swami's supervision.

 

Adiyen was fortunate to receive audience twice with this great Yativara

during a recent visit to India. Bhagavan Lakshmi-Hayagriva

is the Aradhana Murthy at the Desikar Sannidhi of the Asramam. The

idol has its origins to Sri Ramanujacharya, who offered his tribute

to the Lord of Seven Hills and was blessed with this Vigraham by

Goddess Saraswati. All aspects of the Dhyana Shlokam from the

Hayagriva Stotram are embodied by this Vigraham. Adiyen was fortunate

to have a wonderful Darshanam of this idol from less than two feet

away. The Shuba Tanu of Thayar is a rare blessing.

 

At the Asramam, Srimad Andavan Swami performs Nitya Aradhanam for

54 Salagramams to the accompaniment of Veda Parayanam, Prabandam

recitation and Desika Mangalam. Swamigal explained the significance

of the 54 Salagramams by pointing out that a place which houses

that many Salagramams is equivalent to a Kshetram sanctified by Azhwar's

MangalA Sasanams. The feeling of ecstasy at taking part

in any Kaimkaryam at such a Kshetram is inescapable-more so being

privy to the Dwadasi morning Aradhanam performed by Swami. Adiyen

was full of envy for the Kaimkaryaparas who constantly attend to the

needs of Swami and his Shishyas and work ceaselessly and tirelessly for

His pleasure and at His pleasure. The greatest form of Bhagavad and

Bhagavata Seva is rendered by performing Acharya Kaimkaryam.

These folk are a living example of Sri Ramanujacharya's desire of Nitya

Kaimkaryam for the Divya Dampatis of Srirangam. As Shishyas

of the Asramam (particularly those outside India) who are far

removed, it is incumbent on us to help the Kaimkaryaparas in any manner

possible.

 

During the recent visit to India, Adiyen was blessed with the source

material for Sri Stuthi and Subhashita Nivi by Swami.

He sees forums like Bhakti, SDDS and SharaNagati journal as a

powerful medium for disseminating information about our wonderful

Sampradayam. Swami recommends Nitya Parayanam of VishNu Sahasranamam

as the panacea for all ills afflicting us.

 

Acharyan TiruvadigalE SharaNam,

 

Namo Narayana,

 

Muralidhar Rangaswamy

 

 

 

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