Emperumanar Darsanam Taking care of a Srivaishnavite

August 12, 2001

My doorbell rang at 2.30 p.m. in the afternoon,a day when the Sun God was at

His peak and no sign of the Rain god anywhere near Chennai.Open the door and an

old man ,must be in the age group of 80 plus with a bag on his shoulder

enters the house and I pay my respects to him having known him.The Swamin a true

Srivaishnavite,has been performing religious ceremonies like Ammavasya Tharpanam

etc.He has the wonderful habit of visiting houses on important days to

distribute "Saradu" for ladies and Yagnopaveedam for gents .Since we have our

Aavani Avittam later in the month, he had come to our house.We offered him

butter milk and he wanted to take some rest .After sometime my wife asked him

as to why he should take all the trouble to walk in the scorching sun,climb the

first floor,when his eye sight is very bad and added to it his hearing capacity

has detriorated very badly.

The the story unfolded,a story which according to me should be very common among

the Srivaishnavites.

In short it is like this.He has sons well settled who do not like him to be in

this "profession".Over a period they do not take care for him and he has to fend

for himself and finds immense satisfaction in doing this .What he said little

later was startling".Even if I sit at home as they desire, I am sure they would

still not care for me.I have become a liability and of no use to them at this

old age ".During our recent visit to States I was discussing with NRI s on

various issues and one issue on which every one was concerned but at the same

time hoplessly helpless was regarding OLD AGE of their near and dear ones.They

have realised the tons of money they earn can not solve the the problems

associated with old age.Family ties are breaking,materialistic world engulfing

them and on top of it the ADJUSTMENT problem.All these at the end of the day

make them feel what is the purpose in living in this world.Compare this NRIS

with the old man at Chennai.The problem remains the same except that one can

be called POOR Rich old man and the other POOR old man.

Every one must be wondering what has this got to do with Emperumanar

Darsanam.Has OUR GREAT ACHARYA RAMANUJA SAID ANYTHING TO TAKE CARE OF A

SRIVAISHNAVITE IN DISTRESS AND WHO IS IN NEED OF HELP.

Let me conclude for the time being on this.

Jaya Sriman Narayana

Sri Mudaliyandan Swami shishya sampath

---

Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Version: 6.0.263 / Virus Database: 135 - Release 6/22/01

Recommended Posts