The Hindu Book Review- The Voice of Varavara muni- by Sri M Varadarajan- (reviewed by Sri VN Vedantha Desikan)

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http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/07/31/stories/2007073150051700.htm

 

Devotional work

 

V.N. VEDANTA DESIKAN

 

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THE VOICE OF VARAVARA MUNI: M. Varadarajan; Sri Ananth

Publications, 6-40, Padmavatipuram, Tiruchanur Road,

Tirupati-517503. Rs. 100.

 

 

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Manvala Mamunigal, usually called Varavara Muni,

especially in Sanskrit works, was perhaps the last of

the scholar-giants in South Indian Vaishnavism. The

most impressive aspect of his writings is his genius

in interpretation, with copious literary authorities,

to support a thesis. His commentaries are of a

variegated nature, seldom duplicative. He has to his

credit many original works, hymns, in Tamil as well as

Sanskrit. Some of such works are very useful for

recitation by laymen also.

 

An explanation in regard to the name Varavara Muni

would be useful in this context. This Acharya, like

some others, had borne the name of Ranganatha, namely

as Azhagiya Manavala, which actually means “lovely

bridegroom or fascinating son-in-law”, which indeed is

the fond manner in which Parasara Bhattar would refer

to Lord Ranganatha. In Sanskrit, it would become

“Ramya Jamata”. Varavara Muni is a lovely synonym.

 

Transliterations

 

This book contains Upadesa Ratna Mala—a garland of

gems of instructions. It contains 73 Tamil verses in

“venba” metre. These verses are also reproduced in

transliterations in English and Telugu scripts, so

that even non-Tamils can now read them. The author

provides a simple meaning in English, with sufficient

explanation on the content.

 

The work starts from Azhwars, gives some biographical

details, and focusses on the special virtues of the

works of each savant. Some of the thoughts that

Mamunigal presents would appeal to layman today. For

example, why is Periyazhwar so called? What is the

bigness about? The verses are all soul-stirring and

the author’s interpretation too is moving. Though the

verses are supposedly set in the instructive mood, the

saint often addresses himself, introspectively and

even tantalisingly. He allots equal importance to the

later Acharyas who have rendered yeoman service to

explain the actual import and philosophical

significance of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham through

their masterly commentaries in a unique,

so-far-unheard-of Manipravala language style, in which

Mamunigal was himself a great adept.

 

Commentaries

 

He traces the way in which the inimitable commentary

of Tiruvaymozhi, namely Eedu, came to be written. Then

he goes on to expatiate on the greatness of Sri

Vachana Bhushanam, on which also his commentary is

available as a great treasure. The work ends with some

13 verses on the duties of a disciple, the way of good

behaviour and the need to avoid bad company that would

spoil one’s character. Whether all verses do require a

commentary and explanation is a moot question. But

then there are subtle points to be emphasised, and

rightly the commentary of Pillai Lokam Jeeyar became

necessary. The work adopts the above-said commentary

to explain the content to the modern reader.

 

The world of Vaishnavism is indebted to the author for

this edifying book. There is an added bonus available

in the book, namely, an account of the life and works

of Mamunigal

 

 

 

 

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