SRS Vol.5.28 d/0915/04

September 15, 2004

SrimatE Raamaanujaaya Namaha //

SrimatE Nigamaanta Mahaa Desikaaya Namaha //

SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anupadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya/

SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anupadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya//

KAvEri VardhathAm kAlE, kAlE varshathu vAsava: /

SrI RanganAthO jayathu Sri Ranga Sri cha VardhathAm//

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SRI RANGA SRI VOL.05 / ISSUE # 28 dated 15th September 2004

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EDITORIAL:

After a hectic 12 day visit to Virginia for the Acharya Vaibhavam

Conference of AhObila Matam (4th and 5th September) and NJ for the

PraaNa pratishTaapana of Sri Venugopla Swami organized by Sri

Ramanuja Mission (11th September) I returned to Cleveland on 12th

night.

It is an unforgettable experience. Bhaagavatas from coast to coast

had assembled in large numbers to receive the blessings of Dolai

KrishNan and Acharyas in VA and Sri Venu Gopala PerumaaL and

achaarya Padukas in NJ. The venues presented an appearance of grand

wedding in both the places. In fact, we had a real wedding of Lord

KrishNa with Sri RukmiNi and Sathyabaama in NJ.

The cultural events in VA included music by Sri D.K .Nagarajan

(Brother of D.K. Pattammal). I was delighted to meet with Sri

Nagarajan who was my classmate in school way back in the early 1940s

in Puraswalkam, Chennai.

There was an interesting debate on "Who is your favorite Azhwar and

why?"

The contestants who chose to speak on ToNDar aDippoDi Azhwar,

Tirumangai Azhwar and Nammaazhwar vied with each other in presenting

very convincing arguments. I was asked to be the presiding judge and

hand over the judgment. I was ably assisted by Sri AMR Kannan Swami

and Sri Uppili Swami. But, delivering judgment was a tricky affair

that I did not anticipate! From the arguments projected, the

judgment went in favor of Swami Nammaazhwar, who is considered Chief

among Azhwars and Chief among Acharyas.

In NJ, the religious rituals commenced on 1st itself and went on

till 11th instant, what with recitations of Veda goshams, Stotrams,

Divya Prabhandams, Desika Stotrams and Desika Prabandams etc both in

the morning and evening. Simultaneously, we had the opportunity to

witness the Jalaadivasam, Dhaanyadi Vaasam, Netra Unmeelanam etc.

culminating in the actual PraaNa pratishTaapana as the grand finale.

The priest, Sri Sampath Iyengar Swami did a wonderful job in

strictly adhering to the Aagama Sastras in every detail. I am sure

that if we were back in India for a similar event, we would not have

been able to witness at such close quarters and in such minute

detail!

Another important point is that everyone was deeply involved in

enjoying the GuNaanubhavam of the Lord and Acahryas so much that

none had time for lowkeeam or socializing that we often see in

parties and meetings!

I must place on record the meticulous planning and execution by the

volunteers in both places, whether it be receiving guests or looking

after their comforts like food, transportation etc. and special

needs of children and ladies. The functions were so grand and

breathtaking that everyone felt sorry that they had to come to a

close and wished if it had continued forever! The solace is that

while we have to wait for another year to pass by for Acharya

Vaibhavam Conference, Dolai KrishNan of AhObila Matam and Sri

Venugopala KrishNan of Ramanuja Mission are ever ready to visit your

home, if you wish to invite.

May the blessings of Lord KrishNa and Acharyas be always with us (I

mean those who attended and those that could not make it for some

reason or other!)

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. WHO IS THIS AZHWAR?

2. IMPORTANT DAYS IN PURATTASI (KANYA) MONTH

3. DESIKAMRUTAM

SRIMAD RAHASYA TRAYA SARAM

BY SRI SADAGOPAN IYENGAR SWAMIN, SRIKARYAM OF

BOARD OF ADVISORY CONSULTANTS OF SDDS/ SRS

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146 Regular issues have been released, so far besides several

Special

Issues) -

- 27 Issues of Vol. 1

- 15 Issues of Vol. 2

- 42 Issues of Vol. 3

- 35 Issues of Vol. 4 &

- 27 Issues of Vol. 5

These issues have been archived for public view at -

by Sri Diwakar Kannan (diwakark)

You may also view the archives at http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia

maintained

by Sri Srinivasan Sriram (ajiva_rts)

We strongly urge you to kindly peruse the "Regular Issues" archived

in the "Files" Section and view the Contents at "srsindex.html" (Not

the individual postings allowed for encouraging "Reader

participation"). We are sure that you will be convinced of the

quality of the contents.

IF you are satisfied with the quality and contents of

"Sri Ranga Sri"-

Tell your friends to join by sending an email to

Srirangasri-

IF NOT: Tell us, as to how we may improve.

Ever at your service

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy,

Editor & Publisher,

"Sri Ranga Sri"

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1. WHO IS THIS AZHWAR?

Sometime ago, we posted a query as follows:

"A few days ago, the Tirunakshatram of an important Azhwar went

unnoticed.

I was expecting someone to post on his greatness on the occasion.

But, none did.

Can you guess who it is?

Keep guessing and stay tuned.

To help you guess, I give below two clues:

1. Though we celebrate "Tirunakshatrams" that, strictly speaking,

are based on the birth stars, the birth of this Azhwar is based on

Thithi as in the case of Sri Rama Navami, Sri KrishNa AshTami etc.

2. He is NOT one of the 12 Azhwars or Amudanaar who together

composed the 4000 holy collects.

You may post your guesses to "Sri Ranga Sri", but I can see your

responses only on my return"

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Several Bhaagavatas came up with different answers:

Some guesses (incorrect) are given below:

KambanaaTTaazhwar, ILaiyaazhwar, Bharataazhwar, Satrugnaazhwar,

Sudarsanaazhwar, and VibheeshaNaazhwar

===============

Sri Garudadwajan <kgdwajan wrote in reply:

Respected anbil swAmin,

My best guess is Lord Vynatheyar.

His birthday is celebrated as Garuda Panchami - along with his

cousin (step) brothers as nAga Panchami.

Regards

Garudadwajan

A few others, also, could identify the correct Azhwar viz.

GaruDaazhwar. Congratulations to those who guessed it right.

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We commence a series on "THE GLORY OF GARUDAAZHWAAR"

(This write up is based partly on KaalakshEpams attended while in

India and partly from "Sri GaruDan Perumai"- a booklet by Sri

S.Sundaram of Vasu Chemical Industries published on 14th May 1995

for free distribution on the occasion of Kanchipuram GaruDa SEvai")

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THE EVENT

This TaaraNa year GaruDaazhwar's birthday (Avani Sukla Paksha

Panchami) fell under the "Swati" Tirunakshatram that is also the

birth star of Periyaazhwar. It is worth noting that Periyaazhwar is

considered the amsam of GaruDaazhwar.

This event occurred on Friday the 20th August 2004.

Village damsels used to observe Vratam on this day. SrivaishNava

temples perform special pujas on this day to propitiate GaruDaazhwar.

THE AZHWAR

Sri GaruDan is the divine falcon, the mount of Lord Srimahaa VishNu.

He is considered to be the very soul of the Vedas (Vedaatmaa

VihagEswara . His glory is beyond description and defies

description. Like the Lord's disc "Chakrath Azhwaar", Sri GaruDan is

known as "GaruDa Azhwaar", a rare tribute to them. Some esoteric

aspects of GaruDa Azhwaar can be learned only from learned

Achaaryas. We allude to some of these in this write up. Bhagavatas,

who are knowledgeable, may wish to add their tributes.

HIS OTHER NAMES:

GaruDaazhwar is also known by several other names like VihagEswara,

Garuthmaan, SuparNan, Pannakaasanan, KhagEndran, Pakshiraajan,

Daarkshyan, MOdakaamOdar, Pushpapriyar, MangaLaalayar, KshEmakaaree,

Periya TiruvaDi, KrishNan, JayagaruDan, PuLLarasu, Kaluzhan,

SuvarNan, Giri etc. (Vide GaruDa PuraaNa)

SIGHT

We come across several omens in our life. Some bring auspiciousness

when seen; other when heard. For example, it is considered good if

one sights a fox (nari mugathil vizhippadu). Forget, what is in

store for one whom the fox sees!

When GaruDa is seen flying, elders used to recite mentally the

words "MangaLaani Bhavantu". They would advise not to pat your

cheeks and not to bring your palms together in Anjali mudra.

SOUND

As for sound, it is considered auspicious if one hears the donkeys

bray, however, horrible the noise may be! There are certain others

like the owl that forebode evil whether seen or heard! But, in the

case of GaruDan, whether one sees or hears or even if one thinks of

it, one is assured of good fortune. The sound of GaruDa known

as "GaruDa Dwani" is deemed to be the very sound of "Saama Veda". In

fact, Lord GaruDa is considered the very personification of the

Vedas (Vedaatma VihagEswara:)

THE THOUGHT:

The very thought of GaruDa and mediation and recitation of GaruDa

mantra are said to confer auspicious benefits especially at the time

of going to bed, setting out for a long distance journey,

commencement of activities relating to wedding etc.

THE MANTRA:

There are several mantras dedicated to important deities

called "Gaayatris". "GaruDa Gaayatri" is enshrined in the 4TH PRASNA

OF TAITTREEYA UPANISHAD (MAHAA NAARAAYANA UPANISHAD).starting with

the words "Tat purushaaya VidmahE". This has to be secured only from

a qualified Acharya, after due process, to be efficacious. Swami

Desika obtained this mantra from his preceptor and he was blessed by

Lord GaruDa with "Hayagriva Mantra". We know how prolific and

effective Swami Desika became as a result of these mantras.

PAANCHARAATRA SAMHITA, however, recommends reciting the following

Mantra while offering obeisance at the Sannidi of GaruDa. (This is

NOT the GaruDa Mantra mentioned above)

"GaruDaaya namas tubhyam sarva sarpendra satravE/

Vaahanaaya mahAAvishNO: Daarkshyaaya amita tEjasE//

ISWARA SAMHITA avers that GaruDa mantra can confer strong memory

power, knowledge of Vedantas, gift of the gab and whatever one

desires etc"

"Vaag siddhi mahatee BhavEt/

Jnaanam cha mahat aapnOti/

yat cha anyatadi kaankshitam //

PADMA PURAANAM in 4 slOkas that start with the

words "Siddhayachayathaa poorvam" catalogues the various super

powers that GaruDa mantra can confer on the Upasaka:

1) winning over others

2) vanquishing enemies

3) making others forget their evil designs

4) making others oblivious to their surroundings

5) floating in air

6) playing safe and being fearless and unaffected in the midst

of hurricanes, forest fires, floods etc.

7) performing magical feats

8) acquiring concentration in studies and improving retention

of what is studied

9) Being victorious in debates, arguments and war.

ATHARVA VEDA:

GaruDA Vidya occupies the pride of place among the 32 Vidyas

enumerated in the Atharva Veda.

SATHAPATA BRAAHMANA:

In the Vedas, he is known as "Garutmaan" that became "GaruDa" in the

PuraaNa period.

Sathapata BraahmaNa explains the word "Garutmaan" as "Dheeran"

(i.e.) Valorous.

MATSYA PURAANA:

Matsya PuraaNa equates GaruDa with Lord Himself even as we speak of

Sudarsana Bhagavaan as Bhagavaan Himself.

GARUDA PURANA:

This details a lot of information on Dharma Rahasyas, Laws of

justice "PrEta kalpam" (disposal of corpses), "VyaakaraNam"

(grammar), Chandas (metres), JyOtisham (astrology), "Saamudrikaa

lakshaNam" (defining the characteristics of ideal physical

shapes), "Ratna pareeksha" (evaluating precious gems) etc.

THE BELL:

You would have noticed the image of GaruDa on the top of the temple

bell used at the time of Tiruvaaradana. This is one of the four

images considered auspicious on top of the bell, the other three

being "AadOthyam", "Sri Sudarsana Jwaala" and "Araadhana MaNI"

THE SHADOW:

Fields where the shadow of GaruDa falls are found to yield profuse

bumper crops and render the very locations holy.

THE ROOT:

There is a root of a plant known as "GaruDak kizhangu". Elders used

to hang a bit of the root on the front entrance of the house (Just

like we hang mango leaves) and this is said to ward off poisonous

creatures while conferring auspiciousness to the home.

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To Continue

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2. IMPORTANT DAYS IN PURATTASI (KANYA) MONTH

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DATE /ENGLISH)/DAY/NAKSHATRAM/ (THITHI)/ EVENT/ REMARKS

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01/09.17.04/ Friday/ Chitrai/ Purattasi month begins

05/09.21.04/ Tuesday/ Kettai/AdhivaNN Satakopar (AM1)

08/09.24.04/ Friday/ SravaNam/ (Sukla Paksha Parivartana Ekaadasi)

TIRUVENKATAMUDAIYAN, SWAMI VEDANTA DESIKAN, BRAHMA TANTRA SWATANTRAR

(PM), Paduka Sevaka Ramanujar (p.344)

09/09.25.04/ Saturday/ AviTTam/ (Dwadasi)/ VAMANA JAYANTI

11/09.27.04/ Monday/ Poorattadi/ Koil Kandadai Vadoola Annan

12/09.28.04/ Tuesday/ Uttrattaadi/ (PourNami)/

EngaLaaNDavan Srinivasa MD (PA35)

13/09.29.04/ Wednesday/ Revati/ Chandragiri Venkatesan (p.344)

MAHALAYA PAKSHAM BEGINS

16/10.01.04/Friday/ MAHA BHARANI

20/10.06.04/ Wednesday/ Tiruvadirai/ (Madhya AshTami)/

VELIYANALLUR ANDAVAN (PP)

21/10.07/04/ Thursday/ Punarpoosam/

(MAHA NAVAMI)/ 1st Vaanamaamalai Jeeyar (as per pambu)

23/10.09.04/ Saturday/ Ayilyam/ 1st Vanamamalai Jeeyar (as per Vasan)

24/10.10.04/Sunday/ Magam/ (KrishNa Paksha Ekadasi)/

SANNYASTA MAHALAYAM

25/10.11.04/ Monday/ Pooram/ (Dwadasi) GAJACHAAYAI

26/10.12.04/ Tuesday/ (Trayodasi)/ SASTRA HATA PITRU THITHI

27/10.13.04/ Wednesday/ Koil Kandadai Vadoola Bhavanachar/

MAHALAYA AMAVASYAI

29/10.14.04/ Friday/ Swati/ NAVARATRI BEGINS/

Satakopa YMD (AM33)

30/10.16.04/ Saturday/ Visakam/ Tirumalai NambigaL

ABBREVIATIONS:

AM: Ahobila Matam, PA: Periyasramam, PM: Parakala Matam

PP: Poundarikapuram Asramam, YMD: Yatindra Maha Desikan

p.: denotes page number in Swami Desika's 700th Anniverasry Malar

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3. DESIKAMRUTAM

SRIMAD RAHASYA TRAYA SARAM

BY SRI SADAGOPAN IYENGAR SWAMIN, SRIKARYAM OF

BOARD OF ADVISORY CONSULTANTS OF SDDS/ SRS

THE THREE TENETS-7

----------------

Swami Desikan continues with his exposition of the various

components of Sri Ramanuja's Gadya phrase, "SvAdhIna trividha

chEtana achEtana svarUpa sthithi pravritti bhEdam", ascribing to

Emperuman the overlordship of the three classes of sentient souls

and non-sentient objects, in all their states of existence and

activity, as also of their essential nature. Thus far, the nature of

the three types of souls, viz., the BaddhAs, the MuktAs and the

NityAs, the three types of objects, viz., Prakriti, KAlam and

Shuddha Sattvam, in their three facets, viz.essential nature,

existence and activity, have been considered.

Let us recap what Swami Desikan told us about the support for the

bound soul's body, in the waking state:-

When we come to "Pravritti" or activity engaged in by the human

body, we are told that the same is due to the support provided by

the Attributive Knowledge or Dharma Bhoota GnAnam, which is one of

the principal characteristics of the Atma (as distinct from its

essential nature or Svarupam). Thus when we walk, when we talk, when

we engage in innumerable endeavours to achieve various goals

in life, when we adopt appropriate strategies to ensure such

achievement, etc.,it is Dharma Bhoota GnAnam or Attributive

Knowledge, which supports us in all this. When we perform Bhakti or

Prapatti for reaching the Lord, it is this Attributive Knowledge

that makes this possible.

We thus see that while the essential nature of the Atma ("SvarUpam")

supports the body during sleep and similar states, in the waking

state, it is the Dharma Bhoota GnAnam, which extends such support to

the body.

Thus, similar to "SvarUpam" or essential nature, "Dharma BhUta

GnAnam" or Attributive Knowledge too is also a substance, as far as

individual souls are concerned. This being so, why doesn't Sri

Ramanuja mention this separately in the aforesaid phrase from the

Gadya? Swami Desikan tells us that since Attributive Knowledge has

been included as an attribute of the Soul, no separate mention has

been made of it.

What are the distinguishing traits of this Dharma BhUta GnAnam?

The first and foremost is that it is luminous by itself to the soul,

which possesses it, while revealing objects. For instance, when the

soul perceives a pen, it is this GnAnam which reveals the object to

the soul as a pen. Simultaneously, Dharma BhUta GnAnam reveals

itself too to the soul.

As far as the Lord and the NityAs are concerned, this Attributive

Knowledge is all pervasive (nitya vibhu) and eternal.

For the Bound Souls, as long as they are in the grip of SamsAra,

this Knowledge expands and contracts variously, depending upon their

Karma. Once they are liberated from their mortal coils, this

Attributive Knowledge reverts to its original nature of being

pervasive and serves them thus, thenceforth.

So far we have seen the differences in the nature of Dharma BhUta

GnAnam, depending on whether it belongs to a Bound Soul, Mukta,

Nitya or the Isvara.

Dealing next with the Pravritti or activity of this GnAnam, Swami

Desikan lists its functions thus-

1. It illuminates objects and makes them amenable to perception

by individual souls.

2. When the body makes an effort, Attributive knowledge directs

the body and the senses therein.

3. When the soul is in a state of bondage, Attributive

Knowledge undergoes expansion and contraction, as already pointed

out, due to Karma.

4. It undergoes experiences, which reveal objects as favourable

or unfavourable.

What exactly is the nature of Experience? It is the process of

feeling a particular object as agreeable or disagreeable,

pleasurable or otherwise. All objects, which form the bounties of

the Lord, are totally pleasurable and favourable to Him, to the

Nityas and the Muktas. However, to the BaddhAs or Bound souls

suffering in Samsara, objects afford pleasurable, painful or

indifferent experiences.

The type of experience derived from an object again depends upon the

person, the time of experience and the place. Thus, the same object

may afford pleasure to one person, while being extremely

disagreeable with another. While Sugar is extremely sweet and brings

a smile to a healthy child's face, to a diabetic, it is nothing less

than poison. The same object may afford pleasure to one at a

particular time and pain at another. Similarly, depending upon the

place too, objects may turn out to be agreeable or disagreeable.

A question arises here-how can the same object offer different

experiences to different people and to the same person at different

times and places? After all, the object is the same and does not

change from person to person or from place to place or from time to

time!

Swami Desikan clarifies that the essential nature of the object

doesn't change. All objects are inherently favourable only. It is

the Karma of the Bound Souls that makes the object agreeable or

disagreeable to the experiencing soul, as reward or retribution for

its good or bad deeds, as ordained by the Lord. It is due to the

Lord's ever-true will, that objects acquire agreeability or

disagreeability, depending upon the soul's baggage of Karma.

What are the qualifications that are present only in Bound Souls,

that make them eligible for and subject to experiencing the sweet

and bitter fruits of Karma?

These are two-fold-

1. The essential nature of the JIvAs, as being subject to the

will of another, Supreme Person.

2. Another and subsidiary reason is their engaging in sinful

activities, resulting in offences against the Lord.

Though the MuktAs and the NityAs too are subordinate souls, subject

to IsvarA's will, they do not have the second qualification of

sinning, making them ineligible for experiencing the fruits of

Karma. The Lord too, being the Supreme Ruler of all, is neither

subservient to another person, nor has any reason or occasion to

transgress the commands of a suprerior, and is totally ineligible to

be tainted by the stigma of Karma.

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To Continue

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September 16, 2004

Dear Swamin,

I have clarification to seek as below:

Is there any reason as to why we should not be in anjali mudra when Garuda

is seen flying above us. These days, it is very difficult to see Him and

hence the urge to become Anjalibaddha when He flies above us.

Also, His cousin brothers get much fan following during Naga panchami, I

just dont understand why Garuda panchami has not been celebrated by all.

This is really sad and hard to digest.

Likewise, Garuda purana, which is the one of the most oft quoted puranas by

Sri Madhwaacharya in his works has been only read by the general community

when someone expires in the household. But like Vishnupurana, this purana

is full with tattva and led the reader to vairagya. In that context,

Garuda purana is one of the major puranas and stands among Vishnupurana,

Srimadbhagavatha & bhagavadgita with full of vedantha.

I read somewhere that Vishnu Himself requests Garuda to become his vahana

soon after Garuda win over Indra in a fraction. Although this is as per

purana, this only strengthens veda calling Garuda as valorous.

Sukumar

September 16, 2004

Dear Swamin:

I hereby request Sri Sadagopan Iyengar Swamin, the author of the article to

reply to your query.

Moderator

=====================================================================

Dear Swamin,

Please clarify at your convenience:

Is Dharma Bhootha Gnanam(DBG) same as Viveka. Why can't it be active in the

state of asleep, to warn/caution us on bad dreams so that we are saved from

ignonimy of acquiring sins while sleeping.

Which drives this DBG to act? is it our prarabdha or God or both? Where

at which point God enters to guide DBG? Because everything is as per His

will, but we do acquire luggage in our life due to our own activities. Then

at some point of our life, due to maya or whatever, we are disconnected with

the God and engage/drive away our indriyas from God. How long this

effort(error) does God tolerate in human being?

I am very ignorant and have only gone through 5 pages of Sri Bhashyam, which

is ofcourse very difficult to understand the way it is being taught by

Srimadaacharya. Please pardon me for wasting your time.

Sukumar

ramanbil [Ramanbil]

Thursday, September 16, 2004 4:08 AM