Nammazhvar

June 6, 2006

SRIMATHE RAMANUJAYA NAMAHA

APPAN THIRUVADIGALE SARANAM.

Dear Bahavathas, Accept my pranam. Nammazhvar’s Thirunakshthram falls on 9th June. The article below is presented to fit this occasion in 3 parts.

Ramanuja had similar experiences like Sriman Nathamunigal. In his younger days he had difference of opinion over explanations to Upanishad Vakyas with his teacher. It nearly cost his life. Later, he studied Thiruvaimozhi and it helped a lot and was a source of inspiration in explaining Brhmasutra (as informed in sutra 65 of Acharya Hirudhyam).

He had a large and kind heart .He could not control his exuberance on obtaining the Rahasya Thirumantra which was got from Thirukoshtiyur Nambi with much difficulty and wanted to share it with others who had a desire to know it. He broke the promise given by him to his master on this account. He was ready to go to hell for this noble cause. He pleaded with his master for sharing the secret of Sarama slokam with Koorathu Azhvan. So far, Acharyas were imparting secrets of religion to disciples only after testing their fitness to have them. But, Ramanuja felt by this method people will loose the treasure and it should be imparted to all those who were interested to have it. This new policy was a boon and many became his disciples. He made a commentary on Brhamasutra upholding the supremacy of vishnu, known as Sribashya. The purport of this work is to establish that the ultimate exposition of Vedhantha is to get release from earthly bond and to obtain Moksha through Bhakthi assisted by karma and gna yogas. This was done to contradict the claims of Mayavadhin and other philosophies. But, his faith was rested in Prapthi or absolute surrender as expounded by Thiruvaimozhi.

His mission was succeeded by Parasara Bhatta, Nanjeeyar, Nampillai, Vadakku Thiruveedhi Pillai and Pillai Lokacharyar and other eminent Acharyas. This was a golden period wherein Srivaishnavam flourished.

In the beginning of 14th century, south India was affected by the islamic invasion. There was a disruption of worship at Srirangam for a period 40 years or so and Srivaishnavam suffered for a short time. But the damage done was great and a new great Mahan had to arrive at the scene.

The third Mahan is Manavala Mamunikal.

Ramanuja arrived at a scene when there was danger to Vedas.

‘THAZVONRILLA MARAI THAZHUNTHU KALIYE AALKINRA NAAL VANDHUTHAVAN KAANMIN.’. (Ramanuja arrived at a juncture when KALI YUGA was playing its worst and the glorious Vedas have gone down. He set right things) This is how it is described in Ramanuja Noorandhathi.

But, Manavalamamunigal arrived at a scene wherein the damages done to Srivaishnavism are to be repaired and the Glory of Thiruvaimozhi should be restored. HE DID IT.

What are the damages?

During the period of Pillai Lokacharyar there was discontent among some Srivaishnavas that due respect is not being given to vedic practices. Also, due respect was not shown to works of Azhvars by some. This is evident from Upadesa ratna malai.

‘AZHVARKALAIYUM ARULICHEYALKALIYUM

THAZHVAKA NINAIPPAVARKAL THAM NARAKIL VEEZHVARKAL ENRE NINAITHU NENJE EPPOZHUTHUM AVARKAL PAL CHENRU ANUKA KOOSI THIRI’.(Upadesaratnamalai. 35. (Those who think Azhvars and their works (Arulicheylkal) as inferior will go to hell. O’Mind, Stay away from them always).

Pillai Lokachariyar wrote a wonderful work SRIVACHANA BHOOSHANAM.

His brother Azhakiya Manavala Nayanar wrote AACHARYAHRIDHYAM (Mind of Nammazhvar). These two works are master piece of Srivaishnava literatures.

Apart from this, the damages done to Srirangam temple and its practices and the damage done to Prapathi marga due to the disruption by Islamic invasion. are to be set right. This was done by Manavala mamunikal

For one whole year, the festive activities of Lord Ranganatha were suspended and He attended to the Kalashepa of Manaval Mamunikal on BAGHAVAT VISHAYAM (Thiruvaimozhi). At the end Manavala mamunikal was respected with full honours..

‘CHERRU KAMLA VAYAL CHOOZH ARANGAR THAM CHEER THAZHAIPPA

PORRITHOZHUM NALLA ANTHANAR VAAZH IPPBHOOTHALATHE

MARARRA CHEMPON MANAVAALA MAMUNI VANDHILANEL

AARRIL KARAITHA PULI YALLVO THAMIZH AARANAME.’

This is a song in praise of Mnavala Mamunikal. Meaning( Manavala Mamunikal arrived to uphold the glories of Arangan whose temple is surrounded by fields with lotus flowers and the lives of good people were saved. Had he not arrived (theses would not have happened) and the Tamil jewel, Thiruvaimozhi would have disappeared just like tamarind paste poured in water.

So far we had gone through a brief history of Srivaishnavam.

But, our job is to find out how the word ‘ THEN’ JUSTIFIES ITS OTHER MEANING…Beautiful, as ordained to show the real protector.

Let us examine.

(to be continued)

Adiyen, Ramanuja dasan, T.Parthasarathy.