Guest guest Posted May 7, 2001 Report Share Posted May 7, 2001 Dear Bhagavatas: We have been struck by a triple tragedy in the passing away of three great Acharyas of Bhagavad Ramanuja - Swami Desika Satsampradayam, all in such bewildering succession. While we cannot afford to lose even one, we were struck with three thunderbolts all at once leaving us aghast and speechless. I do not know whether we can ever get over our grief. All we can do is to derive some consolation in the thought that that they have all returned to their permanent abode for performing Nitya Kainkaryam to the Divya Dhampathis. Someone drew a comparison between these 3 Acharyas with the 3 Mudal AzhwArs. The difference, however, is that while the Mudal Azhwars were born on successive 3 days, these 3 Acharyas left their mortal coils on successive 3 days. What a coincidence! SRINIDHI SWAMI: This grand old sire of Sri Bashya Simhasanam was verily a Maharishi. In his heydays (until he got bedridden), no Srivaishnava event was complete without his active participation. He was a great inspiration even for Matadhipathis and Yathivaras in point of Jnana, Bhakti, Vairaghya and Anushtana. Srinidhi Swami as his name indicates was truly a “Srinidhi” (treasure) to our Sampradayam. He was an Aasu kavi - one, who could compose marvelous poems instantaneously, an Aparavatara of Gatika satham Ammal who is reputed to be capable of composing 100 verses in one “Gatikai”. Sri V.S.Karunakaran Swami is an illustrious son and successor of the Swami in all these aspects. He and his brother were constantly beside their father looking after his comforts. Recently, during his discourse on “Kaliyan Kanda Raghavan” at Tiruvellore temple, when someone paid rich tributes to him, Karunakaran Swami acknowledged them saying that all the praise were due to his father. This was in the manner in which Sri Govindan, the cousin brother of Bhagavad Ramanuja acknowledged praise as belonging to Emperumanar. SEVA SWAMI Like Nammazhwar’s “Unnum Sorum, Parugu neerum, Thinnum vetrilayum ellAm Kannan”, for Seva Swami, Swami Desikan was all this and more. His very breath was Swami Desika; the one thing that filled his thought, word and deed was “Desika, the whole of Desika and nothing but Desika”. “Seva” means “Service” He was the very personification of service in the cause of Srivaishnavam in general and Swami Desika in particular. During the 7th Centenary celebrations of Swami Desika, he took the silver bell (Ghanta) throughout the length and breadth of the country, to propagate the glory of Swami Desika. He named one of his sons as “Ghantamani” in deference to Swami Desika known as “Gantavatara”. This G. Mani is a member of our “Sri Ranga Sri’ Indefatigably, he wrote and discoursed day in and day out on Swami Desika and his works and arranged to translate and release them in all the 13 languages of India so that all could appreciate the greatness of Desika and become “Desika- minded” as he himself was. A prolific writer, there is no subject which he had not touched but whatever he wrote bore the stamp of Swami Desika. It is said that “Vidya” and “Vinayam” never go together. But, in his case, his masterly erudition was matched only by his easy and absolute accessibility. His “Soulabhyam’ was such that anyone can approach him at anytime to get doubts cleared. He would "stoop to conquer" our hearts! I had the bhaghyam of moving with this Mahan very closely and consulting on very many issues. He was verily a “ready reckoner” who can be trusted to offer sage advice with appropriate Pramanams. Once, while I attended his discourse in “Mani Mandapam”, he honored me by asking me to release his popular “Sri Desika Seva diary”. He called the temple constructed and maintained by him as “Mani Mandapam”. >From Mani Mandapam, he has graduated himself to adorn what he used to call the “Thirumaa Mani Mandapam” viz Srivaikuntam. We have great pride in publishing his Sampradaya lessons earlier in “Saranagathi” and now in “Sri Ranga Sri” journals- a series that had drawn appreciation from both kids to elders alike for being informative and enlightening. MUKKUR LAKSHMINARASIMHACHAR SWAMI His depth of knowledge, courage of conviction and his powerful manner of delivery, which could transform esoteric concepts as to be easily understood by even lay folk like me - were the hall marks of this stalwart. Of all the Upasanas, the one relating to Lord Nrisimha is said to be the most rigorous, demanding as it does strictest adherence to Achara and Anushtana. His incomparable Achara and Anushtana made him eminently qualified to do this in an exemplary manner. I wonder whether there can be a better Nrisimha Upasakar than this Swami. The innumerable Yagams, Yagnams and Homams he has been performing for our benefit and the benefit of mankind mark him out as a compassionate Srivaishnava – true to the essential traits of a Srivaishnava. I was an eyewitness to the occasion when H.H.Azhagiyasinghar "knighted" him as the “AasthAna Vidwan” of Ahobila Matam. On his return to Madras from a countrywide Sancharam, H.H. came to what he called a “homecoming” (Naan pirantha agathukku vandirukkiren). He was about to commence his Anugraha bhAshanam at the front yard of the Ahobila Matam at Triplicane, Madras. Referring to the qualities of head and heart of Mukkur Swami, H.H. announced the appointment and asked “Do you know the duties of an AasthAna Vidwan?” and himself proceeded to reply that “inter-alia, he should keep himself “eveready” (pun intended) to report to Acharya with utmost celerity, wherever he happened to be at the moment and assist him on any subject on which he may require consultation and produce suitable Pramanams in support”. I believe that Mukkur Swami had never once failed in this. He was not only majestic in appearance:there was also a peculiar majesty in his voice. Once, I attended his series of discourses on Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam at Venus Colony, Mylapore. He was expounding on just 2 words “Viswam Vishnu” for over 2 hours daily for about a whole week. The staggering volume of information and the sheer force of delivery held the huge audience captive as if in a trance - much in the manner of how the Gopis and cows were captivated by the sonorous and mellifluous music flowing out of the flute of Lord Krishna.His books of 4 Volumes entitled "Kurai Onrum Illai" will serve as immortal guides to any reader. He was the youngest of the 3 Mahans who left us in bereavement. But, their successive ascent to Paramapadam is an S.O.S. call to all of us not to be complacent but to flock to the feet of Acharyas who are fortunately alive and available to us today and hasten to learn our “swarupam”, resort to “Prapatti” and “Save our Souls” right here and now. I believe, only this will be a fitting tribute to the great Mahans. Dasoham Anbil Ramaswamy _______________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2001 Report Share Posted May 9, 2001 SrImatyaI GodayaI Nama: As mentioned by many Bhagavathas,it is very sad that we have lost 3 great Scholars of our Sampradayam in a quick succession.Many great scholars of that generation are getting older and in few years time we may not have the great scholars of that generation anymore.At least our generation we are fortunate enough to know and interact with some of them and see for ourselves how they have maintained and followed the path 'as close as possible' to our poorvacharyas just as it would have been in the 12th/13th century,as things seem to be moving it would be very difficult to maintin such a level of commitment and anusthanam in the future.Traditions such as the Araiyar Sevai etc are under stress and it is not clear how long they will continue.We must try to enhance our contact of those Vidvan's whom we may know SrI Anand has put this in a very appropriate manner. adiyen Ramanuja dasan venkat s iyengar Srivilliputtur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2001 Report Share Posted May 10, 2001 Ram Anbil wrote: Dear Bhagavatas:We have been struck by a triple tragedy in the passing away of three great Acharyas of Bhagavad Ramanuja - Swami Desika Satsampradayam, all in such bewildering succession. While we cannot afford to lose even one, we were struck with three thunderbolts all at once leaving us aghast and speechless. I do not know whether we can ever get over our grief. All we can do is to derive some consolation in the thought that that they have all returned to their permanent abode for performing Nitya Kainkaryam to the Divya Dhampathis.Someone drew a comparison between these 3 Acharyas with the 3 Mudal AzhwArs. The difference, however, is that while the Mudal Azhwars were born on successive 3 days, these 3 Acharyas left their mortal coils on successive 3 days. What a coincidence!SRINIDHI SWAMI:This grand old sire of Sri Bashya Simhasanam was verily a Maharishi.In his heydays (until he got bedridden), no Srivaishnava event was complete without his active participation. He was a great inspiration even for Matadhipathis and Yathivaras in point of Jnana, Bhakti, Vairaghya and Anushtana. Srinidhi Swami as his name indicates was truly a “Srinidhi” (treasure) to our Sampradayam. He was an Aasu kavi - one, who could compose marvelous poems instantaneously, an Aparavatara of Gatika satham Ammal who is reputed to be capable of composing 100 verses in one “Gatikai”.Sri V.S.Karunakaran Swami is an illustrious son and successor of the Swami in all these aspects. He and his brother were constantly beside their father looking after his comforts. Recently, during his discourse on “Kaliyan Kanda Raghavan” at Tiruvellore temple, when someone paid rich tributes to him, Karunakaran Swami acknowledged them saying that all the praise were due to his father. This was in the manner in which Sri Govindan, the cousin brother of Bhagavad Ramanuja acknowledged praise as belonging to Emperumanar.SEVA SWAMILike Nammazhwar’s “Unnum Sorum, Parugu neerum, Thinnum vetrilayum ellAm Kannan”, for Seva Swami, Swami Desikan was all this and more. His very breath was Swami Desika; the one thing that filled his thought, word and deed was “Desika, the whole of Desika and nothing but Desika”.“Seva” means “Service” He was the very personification of service in the cause of Srivaishnavam in general and Swami Desika in particular. During the 7th Centenary celebrations of Swami Desika, he took the silver bell (Ghanta) throughout the length and breadth of the country, to propagate the glory of Swami Desika. He named one of his sons as “Ghantamani” in deference to Swami Desika known as “Gantavatara”. This G. Mani is a member of our “Sri Ranga Sri’Indefatigably, he wrote and discoursed day in and day out on Swami Desika and his works and arranged to translate and release them in all the 13 languages of India so that all could appreciate the greatness of Desika and become “Desika- minded” as he himself was. A prolific writer, there is no subject which he had not touched but whatever he wrote bore the stamp of Swami Desika.It is said that “Vidya” and “Vinayam” never go together. But, in his case, his masterly erudition was matched only by his easy and absolute accessibility. His “Soulabhyam’ was such that anyone can approach him at anytime to get doubts cleared. He would "stoop to conquer" our hearts!I had the bhaghyam of moving with this Mahan very closely and consulting on very many issues. He was verily a “ready reckoner” who can be trusted to offer sage advice with appropriate Pramanams. Once, while I attended his discourse in “Mani Mandapam”, he honored me by asking me to release his popular “Sri Desika Seva diary”.He called the temple constructed and maintained by him as “Mani Mandapam”. From Mani Mandapam, he has graduated himself to adorn what he used to call the “Thirumaa Mani Mandapam” viz Srivaikuntam.We have great pride in publishing his Sampradaya lessons earlier in “Saranagathi” and now in “Sri Ranga Sri” journals- a series that had drawn appreciation from both kids to elders alike for being informative and enlightening.MUKKUR LAKSHMINARASIMHACHAR SWAMIHis depth of knowledge, courage of conviction and his powerful manner of delivery, which could transform esoteric concepts as to be easily understood by even lay folk like me - were the hall marks of this stalwart.Of all the Upasanas, the one relating to Lord Nrisimha is said to be the most rigorous, demanding as it does strictest adherence to Achara and Anushtana. His incomparable Achara and Anushtana made him eminently qualified to do this in an exemplary manner. I wonder whether there can be a better Nrisimha Upasakar than this Swami. The innumerable Yagams, Yagnams and Homams he has been performing for our benefit and the benefit of mankind mark him out as a compassionate Srivaishnava – true to the essential traits of a Srivaishnava.I was an eyewitness to the occasion when H.H.Azhagiyasinghar "knighted" him as the “AasthAna Vidwan” of Ahobila Matam. On his return to Madras from a countrywide Sancharam, H.H. came to what he called a “homecoming” (Naan pirantha agathukku vandirukkiren). He was about to commence his Anugraha bhAshanam at the front yard of the Ahobila Matam at Triplicane, Madras.Referring to the qualities of head and heart of Mukkur Swami, H.H. announced the appointment and asked “Do you know the duties of an AasthAna Vidwan?” and himself proceeded to reply that “inter-alia, he should keep himself “eveready” (pun intended) to report to Acharya with utmost celerity, wherever he happened to be at the moment and assist him on any subject on which he may require consultation and produce suitable Pramanams in support”. I believe that Mukkur Swami had never once failed in this.He was not only majestic in appearance:there was also a peculiar majesty in his voice. Once, I attended his series of discourses on Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam at Venus Colony, Mylapore. He was expounding on just 2 words “Viswam Vishnu” for over 2 hours daily for about a whole week. The staggering volume of information and the sheer force of delivery held the huge audience captive as if in a trance - much in the manner of how the Gopis and cows were captivated by the sonorous and mellifluous music flowing out of the flute of Lord Krishna.His books of 4 Volumes entitled "Kurai Onrum Illai" will serve as immortal guides to any reader.He was the youngest of the 3 Mahans who left us in bereavement. But, their successive ascent to Paramapadam is an S.O.S. call to all of us not to be complacent but to flock to the feet of Acharyas who are fortunately alive and available to us today and hasten to learn our “swarupam”, resort to “Prapatti” and “Save our Souls” right here and now. I believe, only this will be a fitting tribute to the great Mahans.DasohamAnbil Ramaswamy_______________Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.comTo from this group, send an email to:Srirangasri-Your use of is subject to Auctions - Click and bid on cool stuff like Dave Matthews Band Tickets &; more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2001 Report Share Posted May 11, 2001 >to: Rajagopalan Narayan <rajagopalannarayan > > >Re: A Triple Tragedy >Sirs, I acknowledge with thanks and with a heavy heart to feel exactly like Sri U Ve. Anbil Ramaswamy whose words carry the real sentiment with which we respect and adore the three doyens of SriVaishanvism before and after they shed their mortal coil. My humble self would like to emulate the services of the Acaryas at least a little to the cause of SriDesika. Dasan Dr.R. Thirunarayanan, Professor and Head, Dept. of Sanskrit St.Joseph's College, Trichirapalli-2. Resi: 10, Akhila, Ranganagar, Srirangam,620006. Ever to be of some service to the cause of Sri Desika, >Dear sir, >i am deeply shocked to know of the triple tragedy. i met with mukkur >swamigal in iit, madras where he performed a swathi yagnya. Eversince i >have been in touch with him treasuring the vastras and other yagnya >prasadams he would promptly send after each yagnya. We will all miss the >niagara of words that came of him during the upanysas. i had also the >pleasure of knowing Sri Seva swamigal over several years. i had not the >fortune to know personally Srinidi swamigal but fortunate to know his son >Sri Karunakaran swami. We in the us seem to be suddenly in a void. only the >LORD CAN HELP US AND WE BOW TO HIS JUDGEMENT. >ADIEN DASAN >NARAYANAN _______________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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