Sri Nampillai’s Life Sketch Part 5 By: U.Ve. Sri E.S. Bhuvarahachariar Swamy

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Srimathe Ramanujaya Namah:

 

Part (5) of Sri Nampillai's Life Sketch (FINAL)

 

By: U.Ve. Sri E.S. Bhuvarahachariar Swamy

 

This article is a direct translation - from Sri Guru Paramparai -

(translated by U.Ve. Sri E.S. Bhuvarahachariar Swamy into English)

 

 

Hereafter there is no need for you to spend your time for acquiring

knowledge. It is enough and to spare in your case. Hence, perform

the service of the Lord by gathering all Srivaishnavas together and

propagate our Srivaishnava sampradaya. At the same time however I

wish to pass onto you a very important message. Sri Parasara

Bhattar having told all important and essential subjects relating to

the welfare of my soul finally advised me, "Do not be popped up with

pride for the following reasons – 1. I am by name Vedanti(one who

has learnt vedantas to its core). 2. I have for my Acharya, Sri

Parasara Bhattar. 3. I have given by way of Guru Dakshina (Tuition

fee to the teacher) plenty of wealth. Therefore think always that

Sri Emberumanaar's i.e. Sri Ramanuja's holy feet are the sole means

of salvation and take refuge unto him. I tell you now in a similar

fashion - you also take refuge under Emberumanar. Do not be elated

that you got the sobriquet Lokacharya and you are capable of

bringing out the esoteric meanings of 4000 hymns of Azhwars and the

propagator of Sri Bhashya (Beware of these pitfalls)".

 

Afterwards Sri Nanjeeyar begged the pardon of Nampillai and other

Srivaishnavas (for any fault if committed unknowingly, as it is very

difficult for a soul with this body to be free from any fault). He

then purified himself by having "Sri Pada Thirtha" (the holy water

after washing their holy feet) of Srivaishnavas. And then hosted a

dinner in their favour (Tadiyaradhana).

 

(Author's note – The exchange between Acharya and sishya is note

worthy. Keeping all these in our mind we have to behave towards our

Acharya and other Srivaishnavas. This is a lesson both, Acharya and

sishya should learn).

 

Subsequently, Sri Jeeyar kept his head on the lap of Sri Senapathi

Jeeyar and his holy feet on the lap of Sri Pinbazhagiya Jeeyar and

slept facing towards the temple and thus remained inside his mutt.

Thus meditating on the holy feet of Sri Parashara Bhattar, he began

his journey to Sri Vaikunta Loka (i.e. passed away).

 

Sri Pillai could not brook the separation from his Acharya with his

eyes full of tears, he fainted for a while and thus grieved very

much. All other Sri Vaishnavas consoled him, "Is it proper for your

noble self to grieve in this manner?". On hearing this, Sri Pillai

somehow consoled himself. He offered the garland, clothes etc. that

were sent by Lord Ranganatha through the Temple priest to the mortal

remains (Carama Vigraha) of his Acharya and performed the last rites

for the departed soul according to the prescribed rites for an

ascetic. He also performed the Tiruvadhyayana festival for his

Acharya.

 

Among our Acharyas, Sri Nanjeeyar's greatness is outstanding. We do

not find such special and extraordinary happenings that took place

in the life of Sri Nanjeeyar. And so also he is an extremely

exemplary character in the case of other Acharyas. What are they?

 

1. Sri Namperumal of his own accord showered this grace on

SriNanjeeyar and towards the close of his life coming out of His

temple He displayed His Archa vigraha which was Sarvaswam (the

entire world of wealth) for Sri Nanjeeyar. This is a special event

in the life of SriNanjeeyar.

 

2. Sri Nanjeeyar conducted Tiruvaimozhi Kalakshepam (Discourse on

Tiruvaimozhi of Sri Swamy Nammazhwar) 100 times and

therefore "shatabhishekha festival" was celebrated. This is a rare

phenomenon which contributes to his greatness and which the other

Acharyas cannot have a claim.

 

3. He deserted the company of his wife, children, house, friends,

wealth and his native place which were detrimental to the service of

his Acharya, Sri Parasara Bhattar.

 

4. Having snapped all worldly relations, Sri Jeeyar did not go to

any other place. He directly came to Srirangam where he could enjoy

the company and service of his Acharya. And thereby he proved that

the proper place of dwelling for a disciple was the nearness of his

Acharya.

 

5. He placed his entire wealth at the disposal of his Acharya.

 

6. He thought that his life mission was serving Sri Parasara Bhattar.

 

7. His main stay of life was the service of his Acharya.

 

These rare features are to be found only in the case of Sri

Nanjeeyar (Author's note – Can we try to emulate at least one or two

special qualities of Swamy Nanjeeyar?)

 

Sri Nanjeeyar's birth day is phalguna month and the star Uttaram, as

that of Sri Ranga Nachchiyar.

 

His Taniyan

"Namo Vedanta Vedyaya Jaganmangala Hetave

Yasya vag amruthasara puritam Bhuvana Trayam"

 

(Meaning – Salutation to that Vedanti who has contributed to the

welfare of the world and the three worlds are submerged by whose

nectarine speeches)

 

Another Tanian runs as follows

 

Yad vachasakalam Sastram yatkriya vaidico vidhi:

Yatkataksho jagatraksha tam vande madhavam munim

 

(Meaning – I salute that saint by name Madhava whose words are the

sastras and whose acts are the prescribed rites in Veda and whose

glances secure the safety of the universe)

 

In the narrative account it comes across that Sri Namperumal gave

Sarvaswa dana to Sri Nanjeeyar. What does this mean? That is

showing off His entire charming body, i.e. Archa Tirumeni.

 

Sri Nanjeeyar also gave us sarvaswa danam. His sarvaswa dana is

giving out all secret principles of our Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya

without any reservation.

 

On one occasion, Sri Nampillai was returning to Srirangam

after worshipping Sri Nachchiyar Sengamalavalli, the divine consort

of Sri Pundarikaksha, Senthamarai Kannan at Tiruvellarai along with

his disciples. When he neared the river Kaveri to reach Srirangam,

it was in high spate with eddies and several acquatic animals. The

fury of the floods was immeasurable. The river Kaveri resembled

Ganga which with its floods used to dash against the banks and

uproot the trees standing there majestically. By the current of the

river Ganges, the Himalaya mountain shook and whole earth used to

tremble and the ocean used to dread the Ganga joining him. On

seeing the river Kaveri in a similar condition Sri Nampillai and

others became very much worried about crossing the river. They

could not obtain a comfortable and strong boat to cross the river.

They could get only a small boat called "Tazhi". They ascended the

Tazhi and as it reached the middle of the river the whole horizon

was enveloped by thick dark column of clouds; the darkness engulfed

all the directions. They could not see both the banks and judge the

directions. The Tazhi started slowly sinking unable to bear the

heavy weight of the crew. At that juncture the ferry man shouted on

seeing the alarming state of affairs. "If 2 or 4 people could jump

out, all others including Sri Nampillai could be saved. If not, all

of us have to drown." But no one was prepared to leap out as it was

the middle of the river and owing to fear of their death. At that

moment a pious old woman addressed the ferry man "Oh! Gentleman, you

will live for 100 years. Bestowing your best attention make Sri

Nampillai, the very life of the entire humanity - take him to

shore." Blessing him thus she jumped out of the ferry without

caring for the pitch darkness and the floods. By this timely act of

the woman, the ferry's weight became less and it reached the shore.

Sri Nampillai became very much distressed at the loss of this lady

on his account. The sacrifice touched him to the quick and he

repeatedly mourned the loss of a life for his sake. At that time

the lady who jumped into the river was carried away by the current

of the river to a very small distance. There she could find a sandy

mound and standing upon that she heard the moaning of her Acharya

Sri Nampillai which was clearly audible as it was a noctional

voice. She quickly responded to her Acharya "Oh! My respected

swamy! I am alive and very near to the bank. Kindly do not grieve

for my sake."

 

Immediately Sri Nampillai asked the ferry man to go and fetch

her which he did so. She also came and prostrated at his feet. As

the lady was not aware of any other protector except her Acharya,

Sri Nampillai, she remarked, "Oh! Protector, I suppose that you have

appeared there in the river bed as a huge sandy mound in order to

save me from finding a sea grave". Sri Nampillai replied "If that

is your strong faith I have nothing to say against it. Let it be

so".

 

The moral of this episode runs as follows – If a man wishes

sincerely to save his preceptor by sacrificing his body, wealth and

life he will be saved by Sriman Narayana at that juncture.

 

Later on, while Sri Nampillai along with his disciples was

guarding the Visishtadwaita sampradaya with all his might a lady

disciple of Swamy lived in her own house which was adjacent to Sri

Nampillai's mansion. A Srivaishnava gentleman who used to attend

Sri Nampillai's discourses along with her and thus who became very

friendly with her advised her very often to donate her house to

swamy Nampillai as Sri Nampillai's mansion could not accomadate all

Sri Vaishnavas during the discourse. She replied in the negative,

stating that who would get even a small house at the holy Srirangam

and therefore she would not part with her property till the end of

her life time. The Srivaishnava gentleman duly reported this to Sri

Nampillai. Sri Nampillai invited this lady and addressed her, "You

require a small portion of the house to live in. During the

discourse, my house is hardly sufficient to accommodate all Sri

vaishnavas. Therefore you please donate your house for the sake of

the Sri Vaishnava assembly". On hearing this, the lady submitted

humbly "I will do so, but on one condition. Swamin! You have to

assure me a berth at Sri Vaikunta in exchange of this

accommodation". Sri Nampillai replied, "This could be done only by

Sri Vaikunta Natha as it is under his jurisdiction. I can only make

a humble requisition to him and then I can do so if he permits me".

The lady continued, "I am an innocent woman. Therefore I am not

satisfied with your vocal assurance. May I request you Swamin to

put it in black and white." Sri Nampillai became highly pleased at

this strange request. Hence he took a piece of paper and wrote on

it after affixing the date, month and year as follows- "I,

Tirukkalikanri Dasar (Nampillai) have granted a berth for this lady

at Sri Vaikuntam today. It is therefore the duty of SriVaikunta

natha to register the same and grant a place in Srivaikuntam to this

devoted lady". He also put his signature as Tirukkalikanni Dasar

and handed it over to the lady. The lady received the letter with

due respect and by bearing it on her head she also partook Sripada

Thirtha (Holy water after washing the holy feet of her teacher) and

the prasada (food etc.,). She spent the consecutive two days

serving Sri Nampillai, and on the third day she started her sojourn

to Sri Vaikunta Loka.

 

We understand from this happening, that a man is

expected to have absolute faith in Acharya and he has to totally

depend upon what the Acharya grants to him by his mercy. The

Acharya has absolute authority over the two worlds i.e. Nitya vibhuti

(Sri Vaikunta Loka) and Lila vibhuti(this mortal world meant for His

sport)

 

Sri Mahabhashya Bhattar, a Srivaishnava wishing to dispel

his doubt put a question to Sri Nampillai, "How is a sentient soul

cock sure of getting salvation at the end of his life?" Sri

Nampillai gave a convincing answer "The soul (a Srivaishnava) firmly

believes that he would reach only the abode of Lord Sriman Narayana

at the end of his life owing to the following reasons.

 

1. He has unflinching faith in Lord's Sriyapathi's upayabhava

(the sole means of salvation) and the upeyabhava (sole goal)

2. He has very strong faith in his Acharya who is solely

responsible for his upliftment while he was losing the enjoyment of

God's vicinity for a very long time.

3. He has absolute faith in Visishtadwaita siddhantha as

enunciated by Sri Ramanuja in his Sri Bhashyam.

4. He meditates upon the pious virtues of Lord Sriman Narayana

as found in Sri Ramayana (i.e.spending his time by the study of Sri

Ramayana in order to enjoy the special amiable qualities of Sri Rama

and not as means of salvation)

5. Spending his life time by the study of Alwar's Divya

Prabhandams.

 

On account of these, a soul (SriVaishnava) need not

entertain even an iota of doubt as regards his emancipation at the

end of his life as per the assurance given by Swamy Nammaazhwar in

his Tiruvaimozhi – "Mitchi yinni ----- Matradu kaiaduve" (He who

studies Divya Prabhanda will hold in his palm the Vaikunta Loka - a

non return abode)

 

The gist of this answer is worth remembering for every

Srivaishnava, determination of upaya and upeya in a very clear cut

manner, possession of absolute faith in Acharya and in

Visishtadwaitha philosophy, a very strong appetite for the covetable

virtues of the Lord are the most requisite essential qualities of a

Sri Vaishnava which would ensure him liberation from worldly bondage

at the end of his life.

 

On one occasion, some SriVaishnavas belonging to Pandiya

Desa came to Sri Nampillai and requested him to tell them some

important messages of Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya on which they could

repose their confidence. Sri Pillai exhorted them to remember

always "The magnificient sea shore". Confused at this answer, they

exclaimed, "Are we expected to remember the sandy hillocks and huge

regions of "Rose Apple" forests (Jumbolana) on the sandy seashore?"

Sri Nampillai smiled at this quietly and told them, "SriRama

accompanied by a huge host of monkey army encamped on the sea shore

before crossing it. The night came. As all the monkeys were very

much attached to Him, they kept a close watch over securing his

safety even at the cost of their lives. Sri Rama slept while the

monkeys were keeping awake and guarding him. He woke up when the

monkeys had gone to sleep. Then he along with his brother, Sri

Lakshmana fastened the quiver at the back of their shoulders, strung

the bow and holding the sharp arrow in their hands, went round the

entire army throughout the night in order to ward off any

catastrophe that may befall them. Hence there is no other protector

except Sri Rama. This is what you have to remember always."

 

Therefore if we give up the mental worry with regards to

our safety and resign ourselves to his benevolent care, He is sure

to take care of us.

 

A certain person, on another occasion put a question to Sri

Nampillai, "Swamin, all Srivaishnavas say in one voice that all

celestial beings other than Sriman Narayana are not to be

worshipped. But all those gentlemen do worship them in their daily

rituals (Nityakarma like Sandhyavandana, Amavasya tharpana etc., and

on other occasions in their nimithika Karma (like Grahana (eclipse)

tarpana (debatory rites) ) prescribed by sastras. What is the taboo

in the worship of these deities in their respective temples

dedicated to them?"

 

Sri Nampillai answered, "Though the fire in Agnihotra (the

daily fire worship ritual) and the fire used for cremating the

corpse in the crematorium are one and the same, the former one is

considered to be holy and the latter one unholy. Same is the case

with the worship of the deities prescribed in the veda sastras and

divinities consecrated in their respective temples. In the Nitya and

Nimittika karmas, Srivaishnavas do worship the other deities like

Indra, Varunam Vayu, Agni etc. but there is a special rule stating

that even though they worship those deities they do so not as

separate entities, but as body of Lord Sriman Narayana. Hence it is

permissible and it results in the worship of Sriman Narayana only

who is their inner soul. But in the respective temples of these

deities they are according to the holy scripture Veda, subordinate

to Lord Sriman Narayana. Hence there is a change in the order

(Paravaratatvavyatyayam). Moreover these deities are consecrated

there by the people who are full of Tamo Guna and they have done so

using the mantras and tantras (mode of performance) as found in

Saiva Agamas which are opposed to vedic principles. To add to that,

there is no special rule laid down in the Vedas that these deities

should be considered as part and parcel of Sriman Narayana (body) as

they are considered in the case of Nitya Nimittika rituals. In the

group of these deities, especially siva is to be abandoned by all

means. This is because that siva is charged with Tamo Guna in full

which is at logger heads always with Satwa Guna and therefore in

the temples dedicated to him, he should not be worshipped as part

and parcel of Sriman Narayana.

 

So the deities like siva etc though they are considered

to be part and parcel of Sriman Narayana according to Veda (sa agni,

angaranyan Devata – He is the soul, the other demigods are his body)

are consecrated in their respective temples not according to the

prescription of veda and Vedanta. Hence they are not to be

worshipped in these temples by Srivaishnavas who have an earnest

desire to liberate themselves from the worldly bondage.

 

This particular question and answer in this section is to be

understood in its proper perspective. It does not mean that

Srivaishnavas hate the other Gods. According to the Holy Scripture

Veda, the heavenly beings are also souls just like any one of us.

These souls enjoy a very good healthy body, bereft of disease,

decrepitude and decay etc. owing to their virtuous deeds. The

mortals in this world have inferior bodies. Any mortal by

performing several sacrifices etc. as per the prescription in the

veda can become Indra, Siva, Brahma etc. But there is no means for

any soul to become Sriman Narayana. In short, all the so called

demi Gods belong to the category of chetanas. They do have the

power to grant boons and pronounce curses etc but those powers are

given to them by Lord Sriman Narayana. Srivaishnavas main goal is

in getting liberation from the cycle of birth and death and thereby

reaching the abode of Sriman Narayana and serving Him in the company

of his consort, calculated to bring happiness to the divine couple.

This purushartha (aim of life) cannot be granted by anyone else

except Sriman Narayana. To cite an example, the celestial beings

like Indra etc. are A class prisoners and we are in the B class

prison. To seek release from the jail, a prisoner has to surrender

to king of the land and not to an A class prisoner. Hence

Srivaishnavas neither have disregard nor regard for the other

deities. They always cherish a spirit of tolerance in their heart

and hence no animosity towards the other Gods or their devotees as

they have absolute faith in the Vedas and follow the doctrines

enunciated in the holy scriptures as the creation of Sriman

Narayana. Therefore they do not despise them while prohibiting the

worship of other Gods. This underlining principle is to be

remembered by all the readers.

 

One day, a Sri vaishnava approached Swami Nampillai and

remarked "Oh! Swamin! Your respectable body has become very lean and

emaciated." Sri Pillai quipped, "while one wanes, the other one

waxes is the general rule. Don't you know this?"

 

The sum and substance of this proverb is to be understood

clearly. When knowledge (of God), devotion(to Him) and detachment

(to other worldly objects) increase, naturally the body of that

person who comes to possess these traits becomes very lean owing to

his devotion to Lord, he always contemplates on the nice qualities

of the Lord, His heart melts, and consequently, he loses his taste

for food etc. This results in the welcome weakness of the body.

While the worldly man who identifies his body with soul eats well,

maintains the health of the body. Thus his physical stature waxes

and the soul naturally wanes.

 

Another Sri vaishnava approaching Sri Nampillai

enquired, "Are you hale and healthy?" Sri Pillai retorted, "Are we

going to wage war? No, the necessary health to serve the Lord is

available in plenty. There is nothing that is wanting".

We understand from this reply of Sri Swami that a

Srivaishnava need not go in quest of health.

 

Once Sri Nampillai had an attack of some disease. A

Srivaishnava who was very much attached to him came and saw him and

became very much vexed in his heart on seeing Swamy's condition.

Sri Pillai on observing Sri Vaishnava's lamentation said, "I

consider the disease to this body as a welcome guest. Why do you

mean like this?"

 

Sri Nampillai's heart is to be understood here. Normally

a dangerous disease will result in death. Who is afraid of death?

Only a man who has not done his duty as prescribed by the sastras.

On the other hand a man who has discharged his duties entertains

death as the most welcome guest.

 

After some time Sri Nampillai was suffering from

some disease once again. At that time Engalazhwan and Ammangi

ammal, the two celebrated Sri vaishnavas came to see Sri Nampillai

to enquire about his health. At the behest of Sri Engalazhwan, Sri

Ammangi ammal full of affection for Sri Nampillai tried to touch the

body of SriNampillai having kept in his hand a yantra (a copper

plate which possess the magical powers affected by incantation)

which would cure Sri Nampillai. But Sri Nampillai unable to brook

this, withdrew his body from being touched by Ammangiammal. Both of

them became very sad at this behaviour of the teacher. Quoting some

scriptural lines both of them addressed Sri Nampillai, "If you

endeavor to annihilate your disability by having recourse to other

mantras and tantras, it brings discredit to you(swaroopahani) as you

are entirely depending on Sriman Narayana for the safety of your

body and soul. If we on your behalf commit some acts for nullifying

the evil effect of disease, it does not bring discredit to you.

Hence why do you prevent us from doing so?" Laughing at this

SriNampillai said, "you are quoting some scriptural lines to prove

the validity of your behaviour. I also know all these. Apart from

that I know a particular and special scriptural dictum to which I

pin my strong faith." Both of them expressed their desire to know

that special authoritative scriptural mantra. Sri Nampillai

categorically declared, "my most respected Acharya, Swamy Nanjeeyar

towards the close his lifetime told me very clearly that all other

mantras except Dwaya mantra are equal to the kshudra mantra

sivapanchakshari (Om nama sivaya)". At this both of them

questioned, "Grand Sire! What will then happen to Tirumantra?" (Is

it also equal to Sivapanchakshari?)

(Author's note – kshudra mantra does not mean despicable and

detestable mantras as all other mantras including sivapanchakshari

will yield only insignificant and temporary fruits. They are all

kshudra mantras – i.e.kshudra phala prada mantras – kindly avoid

misconception)

Sri Nampillai replied, "Tirumantra is the one mantra that is being

elaborately explained in Dwaya Mantra i.e.Tirumantra is vivarini

(that which needs elaboration) and Dwaya mantra is vivarana (that

which brings out clearly all the hidden meanings of Tirumantra).

Therefore owing to "vivarana – vivarani" bhava in the case of

Tirumantra and Dwaya, this question does not arise. Tirumantra is

not a kshudra mantra. It is part and parcel of Dwaya mantra". Then

the two srivaishnavas asked Sri Nampillai, "In that case, why can't

we make use of Dwaya mantra to eradicate your disease? Is it also

objectionable?" Sri Nampillai replied, "A man drinks water only to

quench his thirst. He does not make use of water as a medicine to

drive away his disease. Similarly Dwaya mantra is to alleviate the

taapa (the burning sensation caused by the afflictions of life). It

can never be used to quell the disease. That does not mean that

Dwaya mantra lacks efficacy to quell the disease. But a prapanna

(who has taken refuge under Sriman Narayana) by making use of it for

driving away his disease loses his swarupa and paratantriya (total

dependence upon the Lord). On the other hand if a surrenderer makes

use of Dwaya mantra for the sake of another, he is taking law into

his hands. Lord Sriman Narayana alone is the saviour. Therefore a

Srivaishnava is not expected to make use of Dwaya mantra for

ensuring the health of any other person. If he does so, it brings

discredit to the supreme knowledge and matchless prowess of Lord

Sriman Narayana. That is an encroachment in realm of God who alone

is the protector. Hence using Dwaya for any purpose is totally

prohibited in the case of Prapannas (surrenderers).

 

Days passed on. Sri Nampillai recovered his health. As

usual he was conducting discourses and thus he was the uncrowned

monarch of Srivaishnava kingdom. During that period Sri

Kurathazhwan's grandson by name Naduvil Thiruveedhi Pillai Bhattar

grew very jealous of Sri Nampillai and was highly intolerant of his

Gyana (supreme scholarship), Bhakthi(Devotion), Vairagya

(renouncement of all other worldly desires) the wealth of

Srivaishnava attendance, his popularity among the public, the huge

host of honest disciples etc., One day as he was proceeding to the

court of chola king he met on his way Sri Pinbazhagiya Perumal

Jeeyar and addressed him, "Oh! Jeeyar Swamy! I am on my way to

king's court. Would you mind accompaniying me?". Invited thus, Sri

Jeeyar too thought that he should accompany him as Sri Bhattar

hailed from the family of his paramacharya, Sri Kurathazhwan. So,

both of them were very soon at the Royal gate. The king entertained

them with great warmth and affection, offered a respectable seat to

Sri Bhattar and stood by his side with great reverence in his august

assembly. As the king had the good luck of listening to several

eminent scholars of Srivaishnava Sampradaya (He was Bahushrutha) and

by himself possessed a very high IQ, he wished to examine the deep

erudition of Sri Bhattar. He questioned him, "Oh! Revered master!

Sri Rama who took special care in concealing his divinity by his

categorical declaration `Atmanam manusham manye' – (Meaning of the

stanza `I consider myself not the incarnation of Sriman Narayana as

you all proclaim but only as the son of Dasaratha and a mortal

being') in the presence of all celestial beings headed by Brahma

after slaying Ravana, forgot all about this and granted `mukthi' to

the vulture king Jatayu by pronouncing `Gatchcha Lokam Anuttaman'

(Go to the supreme world by my order)". But Sri Bhattar got

perplexed at this query and needed some time to ponder over this

problem and answer the same. Luckily for him, the king at that time

had to attend some other important royal business. This interval

was a god sent to Sri Bhattar. He turned round to Sri Jeeyar and

asked him, "What is the solution offered by Sri Nampillai for this

intriguing matter of granting salvation to Periya Udaiyar (another

name for Jatayu as he is the uncrowned king of all vultures, periya-

great, udaiyar – king) by SriRama being a mortal (By doing so the

cat was out of the bag)?" Sri Jeeyar replied with all

humility, "Sri Nampillai used to quote the line `Satyena Lokan

Jayathi' (SriRama conquers all the worlds by speaking truth always),

thereby solved this conflicting and incongruous matter." Sri Bhattar

pondered over this solution of this intriguing problem and arrived

at the conclusion that it was just and proper. The king after

completing his official duty looked at Sri Bhattar, "you have not

answered my interrogation?" Sri Bhattar replied, "You were otherwise

engaged. How could I answer your question? Now with your mind

focused towards the subject on hand listen to me with rapt

attention". The citizens of Ayodhya while eulogizing the

extraordinary and exemplary qualities and rare virtues of Sri Rama

sing the following song:

 

"Satyena Lokan Jayati Deenan Danenas Raghavaha

Gunin Shushrushaya Veeraha Dhanusha yudhi shathravan"

 

(Sri Raghava possesses control over all the worlds by speaking truth

always. He captivates the mind of the distressed by giving them

sufficient donations {to quell their agony} He attracts the mind of

elders by his sincere service to them. The hero vanquishes his foes

by the eminent display of wielding his bow)

 

The king lent his ear to this wonderful explanation and

became highly pleased. He nodded his head by way of ascent and

saluted Sri Bhattar by falling at his holy feet and repeatedly

praised him to the skies. The monarch honoured him by presenting

several invaluable ornaments, several costly clothes and also huge

wealth and stood there dumb founded at his explanation. He bid

adieu to him with great respect and requested him to get back to

Srirangam. Sri Bhattar received all the ornaments and clothes

offered by the king and proceeded from there catching hold of the

hand of Sri Jeeyar. He appealed to Sri Jeeyar to take him along

with the gifts to Sri Nampillai and recommend them to Sri Pillai.

He thus entreated him in manifold ways. Sri Jeeyar also did so.

Sri Nampillai was amazed at the unexpected arrival of Sri Bhattar

and rose to receive him as the latter belonged to the family of his

paramacharya, Sri Veda Vyasa Bhattar. Sri Nampillai prostrated

before him and asked looking at all the presents offered to

him "What are all these?" Sri Bhattar answered, "Oh!Swamin! This is

the value for your single supreme sukthi (Divine speech) among ten

thousand crores of other inestimable divya sukthis. Therefore

please accept both myself and these gifts." Sri Nampillai

said, "Let it be so. But I think it is not proper on your part to

do like this being the grandson of Sri Kurathazhwan". Sri Bhattar

replied, "This is the gift offered by the king, who is after all

merged in worldly pleasures for time immemorial having been

enraptured by your one single and superb statement. I have nothing

else to offer you suited to the superior relationship with Sri

Kurathazhwan. Living in the adjacent house to your mansion, I lost

the golden opportunity of serving your holy feet not withstanding

that, unable to brook your grandeur I became the very generating

station of jealousy towards you and thus was wasting the precious

span of life offered to me by Sri Ranganatha. For such a wretched

soul there is no other expiatory act than taking refuge under your

holy feet. Hence you must take me into your fold. So saying, Sri

Bhattar fell at the feet of Sri Nampillai, tears welling out of his

eyes and imploring his pardon. Sri Pillai lifted him up with much

affinity and embraced him. He looked at him with eyes full of mercy

and posted him with all Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya doctrines at his

command without anything left behind. At this Sri Bhattar thought

that he had fulfilled his mission in life and thereafter never

getting separated from his Acharya enjoyed every minute of his life

time by listening to the sweet words of his teacher and serving him

always.

 

During that period, Sri Nampillai invited Sri Bhattar into

the esoteric meaning of Tiruvaimozhi by conducting kalakshepam. Sri

Bhattar too listened to his teacher with rapt attention and absorbed

in his heart every single syllable of his exposition with a very

steady mind. Through out the night he wrote everything he heard and

thus completed the work. He took them all to his teacher and

presented them before him respectfully. Sri Pillai asked what it

was. "This contains the meaning of Tiruvaimozhi as given by your

venerable self for my sake" replied Sri Bhattar. Sri Pillai took

the grantha and went through the same and found that the book

contained 125000 granthas (one grantha = 32 syllables) in the order

of Mahabharatha. (Note – Tiruvaimozhi of Sri Nammazhwar has at

present 5 commentaries called 6000 padi, 9000 padi, 36000 padi and

12000 padi written by Sri Tirukkurugai Piran Pillan, Sri Nanjeeyar,

Sri Peria vachchan Pillai, Sri Nampillai [the scribe being Sri

Vadakku thiruveedhi pillai] and Sri Azhagiya Manavala Jeeyar

respectively. `Padi' 32 syllables constitute one Padi which is also

called grantha ). This book brought displeasure to the master

instead of joy. He looked at Sri Bhattar and asked him, "Why did

you write this commentary without my permission and according to

your whims and fancies.

 

Sri Bhattar politely replied, "I wrote this commentary as per your

explanation and nothing in excess". Sri Pillai said with disgust,

Oh! My dear sir! You wrote whatever I expressed in words. But did

you understand the inner meanings of Tiruvaimozhi treasured up in my

heart? During the period of Sri Udaiyavar (Sri Ramanuja) Sri

Thirukkurugai Piran Pillan, the devoted disciple of Sri Ramanuja

toiled and moiled to obtain the permission for writing Tiruvaimozhi

commentary 6000 padi. But during my period you wrote the commentary

without getting sanction from me and that too such an elaborate one

125000 padi. This is unbeaming of the relationship between the

teacher and the taught and will become a precedent." So saying he

took the manuscript and having dipped it in water he put it inside

the ant hill. Thus the commentary became extinct.

 

Later on Sri Nampillai commanded his dearest disciple Sri

Periya Vachchan pillai (Sri Krishna Pada) who had learnt all Sri

Vaishnava Sampradaya texts without an iota of doubt under his

tutorship to write a commentary on Tiruvaimozhi. He too wrote a

commentary called 24000 padi on par with the no of slokas in Sri

Ramayana (i.e.24000 verses)

 

Another disciple by name Sri Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai

(who subsequently became Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya leader) listened

to Sri Nampillai's Tiruvaimozhi kalakshepam during the day time and

put everything to paper during the night (He too was otherwise known

as Sri Krishnapada. The popular saying at that time was that Sri

Nampillai had "Iru Kannargal" in his assembly referring to these two

pupils). After completing the entire commentary on 1102 stanzas of

Tiruvaimozhi, he submitted the same to his revered Guru. Sri Pillai

asked, "what is this?This manuscript contains your oral

commentary on Tiruvaimozhi during this time" humbly replied the

disciple. Sri Nampillai went through the commentary. It was

neither very brief nor very elaborate and was so charming even as a

well decorated elephant (elephant itself is very pretty to look at,

so is the Tiruvaimozhi text. If the elephant after bathing is well

decked with ornaments and silken clothes, it is sure to be more

attractive, so also is the commentary). Sri Pillai became immensely

pleased at this super commentary 36000 padi which was in the order

of Suta Prakashika, the super commentary on Sri Bhashya of Sri

Ramanuja. Staring at his pupil, Sri Nampillai applauded him

saying "no doubt you have written it in a most commendable manner

with your remarkable and surprising memory power. However you have

written it without getting my permission. Therefore hand it over to

me". Having said so he took it from him and kept it under his

custody. Iyunni Madhava Perumal who was an eyewitness to this

happening entreated Namperumal (the utsava murthy at SriRangam) by

going round in circumambulation and prostrating before Him several

times. One day Sri Namperumal asked him through the temple

priest, "why do you pressurize me like this by your worship?". He

too made a humble submission, "There is a very entertaining and

educative commentary on Tiruvaimozhi, styled "Idu

Muppatharayirappadi" in the possession of Sri Nampillai. Your

supreme self should order him to give it to me mercifully". Sri

Namperumal too kindly consented to do so. One day Sri Nampillai

went to the temple to worship Him. Sri Namperumal honoured him with

presents like Thirtham, prasadam, pariyattam and Sri Satakopan and

through the priest commanded him to hand over the super commentary,

Idu to his disciple Sri Iyunni Madhava Perumal. Sri Pillai too

received this order with his bent head as a very rare and rich

gift. He came back to his mansion and handed over Idu to his

devoted disciple Sri Madhava Perumal.

 

The greatness of Sri Nampillai is beyond the realm of language.

His disciples unanimously panegyrized in a tamil verse whose meaning

runs as follows – "Who will care for the speech of Brahma (the four

faced God), Ishan (shiva), Indra and skandan (subramanya), after

listening to the sweet words of Sri Nampillai? Sri Nampillai's

words resemble costly pearls. With a pearl picked up from the midst

of other pearls that got scattered in his mansion, a man can buy a

huge kingdom."