Sri RangaSri Vol.I / Issue 2 dated 9th October 2000

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SRI RANGA SRI

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Vol.I/ Issue 2 Dated 9th October 2000

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In this Issue:

1. Editorial on future plans

2. Srimukham Blessings so far received from AchAryas

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1. EDITORIAL

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Dear Bhagavatas:

Hope you have perused the Inaugural Issue Vol.I /Issue 1 dated 8th October

2000, containing Srimukham blessings for " SRI RANGA SRI " from FOUR PONTIFFS

belonging to various Mutts and Ashrams. We CONCLUDE the reproduction of

Srimukhams with those so far received from SIX ACHARYAS viz.,

& #61623; AchArya Purisai Krishnamachariar Swami (Editor, Nrisimhapriya)

& #61623; AchArya Seva Srinivasaraghavachariar Swami (Editor, Desika Seva)

& #61623; AchArya Srivatsankachariar Swami, French Institute of Indology,

Pondy.

& #61623; AchArya V.S.Karunakaran Swami, Director, SISI, Chennai

& #61623; AchArya M.K. Srinivasan Swami

& #61623; AchArya Anantha Narasimhachariar Swami

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We are glad to inform that we have been favored by Yathivaras and AchAryas

not only with their Srimukhams but also with numerous articles of quality

specially for " SRI RANGA SRI " journal each running to several pages.

 

Even if we can publish on a daily basis, it is likely to sustain us for at

least an year or more considering -

* the space constraints which would not allow more than 7 or 8 pages at a

time,

* the time constraints which would not allow such daily postings and

* lowkika preoccupation of the publishers and the readers alike.

 

We have, therefore, to judiciously stagger the postings which will

henceforth be featured at

 

 

 

Detailed plans of releases on periodicity and order of presentation will be

announced shortly. We will make available in other fraternity only

the Editorials indicating briefly the Contents of the respective Issues, as

and when released for general information of the respective egroup members.

 

We earnestly request you to enroll by subscribing to

by sending a request. Please provide us with your Postal address, E.Mail

Address, Phone and / or Fax numbers to facilitate a more fruitful

interaction and for building up a database of Subscribers to the Journal.

Thanking you

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

Editor and Publisher, SRI RANGA SRI

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2.SRIMUKHAM BLESSINGS SO FAR RECEIVED FROM ACHARYAS

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Srimukham Blessings from Acharya

Sri Ahobila Aasthaana VidwAn Purisai Nadadur Sri Bashya Simhasanam

Sri U. Ve. Krishnamachariar Swami, Editor, Sri Nrisimhapriya,

Journal of Ahobila Mutt.

Sri Ranga Bhavanam,

17 Devanathan Colony, West Mambalam, Chennai 600 033, Tamilnadu.

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Dated 19th September 2000

To Sri U. Ve Sriman Anbil Ramaswamy Iyengar

 

I am extremely happy to know that you are starting a n electronic journal

named “SRI RANGA SRI”.

 

I offer my earnest prayers to Sri Ranganatha and Sriranga Nachiyar that “SRI

RANGA SRI” should spread all over the world and everyone should be benefited

by reading the same.

 

I am sure that you will publish only Satsampradayam matters while taking

care not to hurt the feelings of anyone.

 

I have no doubt that the great Srivaishnava savants will perform

“Mangalasasanams” always and shower their grace with the utterance-

‘Sri Ranga Srischa VardhathAm”

(Sd) Purisai Nadadur Krishnamachariar

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m

Blessings from Acharya

Srotriyam Paiyambadi Settalur Mahavidwan

Sri Desika Darsana Pradeepa Sri Vatsankacharya Maha Desikan Swami

(Ex Principal, Sanskrit College, Madras and now at French Institute of

Indology,16 Dumas Street, Pondicherry 605 001, India

To Sri U.Ve. Anbil Ramaswamy Iyengar Swami, U.S.A.

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Dated 11th September 2000

“Santhu SreyAmsi BhooyAmsi”

I am happy that you are deeply involved in service to Srivaishnavas living

in the U.S.A and that you propose to start an Internet journal. I understand

that there are many Srivaishnavas spread all over there who are deeply

interested in our Sampradayam.

 

True to Tirumangai Azhwar’s Statement- “Terindhu Ezhuthi VAsithum VaNangi

VazhipaTTum Poosithum POkkinEn POdhu”, it is very commendable that you have

taken upon yourself this task of spending your time in such a noble endeavor

designed to benefit such Srivaishnavas.

 

I pray to EmperumAn that everyone there should avail of this rare

opportunity to learn our Sampradayam and attain spiritual elevation. I also

pray to Lord Sriya: Pathi for your long life with all prosperity and

blessings to serve as a spiritual guide and torch bearer to them.

(Sd) Settalur V. Srivatsankachariyar

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Srimukham Blessings (Received through Courier) from Acharya

Seva N Srinivasa Raghavachariar

Founder and Chief Patron, Sri Vedanta Desika Research Center

Founder, Seva Trust, Publisher, Sri Desika Seva (Monthly Journal) and Sri

Desika Darsana Diary.

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We are very glad to learn of the launching of a movement called

“SRI RANGA SRI” in America.

 

There are very many reasons contributing to the glory of Srirangam each one

excelling the others. When we think of the greatness of SriRangam, right

from the days of Bhagavad RamAnuja to this day, the one thing that strikes

our minds is the unanimous statement uttered by every Srivaishnava in daily

prayers. That is “SRI RANGA SRI”. There may be many villages. But, none of

them is called “Sri ...GrAma Sri”

 

Flanked on either side by the holy waters of Kaveri, the Lord reclines here

facing South. Tondaradippodi Alwar reasoned out saying that he was gracing

Lanka - “Then Disai Ilangai NOkki” .Our Kulasekaran also says”Anbodu then

disai nOkki. Godha Sthuthi reaches the pinnacle of love. Swami Desikan says

that by this Lord Himself was rewarded “(BahumAnam) Vide-

‘Atraiva RangapathinA bahumAnapoorvam

NidrAlunApi Niyatham NihithA: KatAkshA:”

 

The greatness of Ubhaya Kaveri is unique. It was glorified by Swami Desika

when he said-“Hamsa jushTE” meaning Paramahamsas took their abode here only.

It is in this “SRI RANGA SRI” lived those who unfailingly performed their

Nitya anushtanams, worshipped Sri Ranganayaki Thayar and attained Sri

Vaikunta Paravasudeva anubhavam.

This SRI should spread everywhere; yes, beyond the seas; in America too!

 

Sri U. Ve. Anbil Ramaswamy Iyengar is involved in this mighty task. I pray

to my Aradhaka deity, Sri Lakshmi Hayagrivan that he should be granted long

life and all that is best in life, perfect health and all other blessings

for carrying out this noble task of spreading SRI RANGA SRI in foreign lands

also, so that even those belonging to other nations and faiths come to know

of the greatness of our Siddhantam. Wherever we are placed, irrespective of

whatever others may hold or say, we should follow the footsteps of Swami

Vedanta Desika and hold our heads aloft in such dedication.

 

I conclude with the PAsuram of Kulasekara-thus-

“Vann Peru Vanagam uyya, Amarar uyya, MaNNulagu uyya, MaNNulagil Manisar

uyya, Thunbamigu Thuyar agala, ayarvonrillA sugam vaLara, Agam Magizhum

thonDar Vazha, AnboDu then disai nOkki PaLLI koLLum aNiyarangan

Thirumutrathu, aDiyAr thangaLinba migu perunkuzhavu kaNDu yAnum isainthuDanE

enru kolO irukkum nALE//

 

SriRanga Sri VardhathAm. AbhivardhathAM.

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Srimukham Blessings from Acharya

Srimad U. Ve.Villur Nadadur Mahavidwan Sri Bashya Simhasanaadhipathi

Aasukavi Sarvabouma Srinidhi Srinivasacharya MahaDesika Swami Tiruvadi

Pravachana Bhooshanam Karunakaracharya Maha Desika Swami.

V.S.Karunakaran B.E.MIE, Small Industries Service Institute (Govt. Of India

Plot #9 & 10 Bharathiar Street, Sivakaminagar, Gowrivakkam

Chennai 601 302, Tamilnadu, India

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Dated 29th September 2000

“Sriman! SriRanga Sriyam anupadravam anudinam Samvardaya”

This means-

“Oh! Consort of Lakshmi! Please enhance the richness of Sri Rangam

(i.e) Shree Ranga Shree, day by day”

 

Richness of Srirangam means a lot. In our tradition, Srirangam is supposed

to be the 3rd Vibhoothi of Bhagavan as it can neither be called Leela

Vibhoothi nor Nitya Vibhoothi.

 

It cannot be called Leela Vibhoothi because it is Vaikuntam itself on earth.

It cannot be called Nitya Vibhoothi also because it is on earth. Hence, our

AchAryas classified it as 3rd Vibhoothi something like “Export Free Zone”.

 

Shree Ranga Shree, therefore, means the richness of Nitya Vibhoothi derived

in Leela Vibhoothi.

 

What is richness in Nitya Vibhoothi?

Uninterrupted enjoyment of Lord.

This can be got in Sri Rangam.

Sri Rangam is only illustrative. Any place where Lord is in the Archa form

and His devotees are discussing His virtues and enjoying them, that place is

verily Sri Rangam and that enjoyment is Shree Ranga Shree.

 

With the concept of Cyber space, this Electronic Magazine will now bring

Shree Ranga Shree to all the devotees irrespective of their location. It is,

therefore, appropriate to call this Electronic Magazine “Shree Ranga Shree”.

 

I am given to understand by the learned Anbil Ramaswamy Iyengar that H.H

Paravakkottai Andavan named the Electronic Magazine “Shree Ranga Shree”.

Perhaps, Bhagawan RamAnuja had in his vision this magazine also in his mind

when he offered his prayer to the Lord. In his form of H.H.Paravakottai

Andavan, he has now baptized this magazine as “Shree Ranga Shree”

 

I fancy this is a unique magazine, which had his “Mangalasasanam” for it

even before its coming into vogue.

 

All the Srivaishnavas chant this prayer everyday at the final part of

Tiruvaradhana Pooja in their house or temple TWICE. I am sure now they will

appreciate the necessity to chant it TWICE

– one, for the Shree Ranga Shree aspired by all Srivaishnavas and

- second, for the Electronic magazine bringing them that richness.

I wish the magazine all success.

(Sd) V.S.Karunakaran

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Srimukham Blessing from Acharya Sri M.K.Srinivasan Swami

President, Vedanta Desika Research Center,

7 Narmada Flats, Motilal Street,

T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017, Tamil Nadu, India

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Dated 12th September 2000

“With His grace, Success is sure”

 

The name “Sri Ranga Sri” conjures up visions of piety, learning,

sinlessness, and emancipation, not to speak of the sylvan natural beauty of

the temple-town, Srirangam, lying between Kaveri and its tributary Kollidam.

Above all, it brings before our mental eye the divine beauty of the Lord

reclining there under whose visual and verbal directions functioned our

venerable preceptors like Sri RamAnuja and Sri Vedanta Desika.

 

While Sri RamAnuja consolidated and harmonized the two streams of

VisishtAdvaita philosophy flowing through the Vedas and Divya Prabandams in

Sanskrit and Tamil respectively, it was Sri Desika who strung the real

RamAnuja Darsana

 

He has done this through exhaustive commentaries and original contributions

in Sanskrit, Tamil as well as in ManipravAla by different literary methods

viz., hymns, treatises, dissertation, poems, prose, drama including

dance-drama; through long compositions or short pithy works and in various

styles suited to different types of intellects and tastes.

 

Besides, he had conducted several discourses and debates establishing the

tenets of VisishtAdvaita philosophy and Srivaishnava religion. Everyone

belonging to the community, whether they are in India or abroad, should

study his life and works and learn about them as much as possible.

 

To the American readers of this new journal “SRI RANGA SRI”, I would only

invite reference to Sri Desika’s utterances which are similar to the famous

statement of one of the most popular Presidents of America – Abraham Lincoln

(with whom they must be familiar). While leaving Springfield, Illinois in

1861, he told the friends who had come to bid him farewell on his journey to

become the President, he said -

“Without the assistance of that Divine being who has ever attended me, I

cannot succeed. With His assistance, I cannot fail”

Compare Desika’s more profound and more spiritual utterance.

Tvayi pravrthE mama kim prayAsai? Tvayi apravrthE mama kim prayAsai?

“With you there to protect me, why should I make any effort? When you deny

me protection, of what avail are my efforts?”

Sri Desika thus conveys man’s total dependence on God’s grace for the

success of his efforts.

 

May the minds of younger generation in America and their children turn more

and more towards Sri Desika for success and through him to our earlier

preceptors and ultimately to our Lord in Srivaikunta, ever in the company of

His Consort, SRI

SRI RANGA SRIscha VardhathAm.

(Sd) M.K.Srinivasan

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Srimukham Blessings from AchArya

Ananthanarasimhachariar, Retd. Principal, Seshasayee Institute of

Technology, Tiruchy , 160 South Chitra Street, Srirangam 620 006

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Dated 23rd September 2000

It is really gratifying to note that a periodical named as “SRI RANGA SRI”

would come out soon in United States of America for disseminating precious

information on Srivaishnava Sampradayam in general and particularly Swami

Desika Sampradayam to all Aasthikas settled down in America.

 

The naming of the periodical as “SRI RANGA SRI” appears to be most

appropriate and there can be no better name than the above on account of the

following reasons:

1. Srirangam is the Bhooloka Vaikuntam and the temple set up is the very

replica of Srivaikuntam.

2. Lord Sri Ranganatha who is called Periya Perumal and Lord Kasturi Rangan

is called Nam Perumal. Goddess Sri Ranganayaki also called as Periya

Pirattiar are sung by all the 12 Alwars including Andal (Goda Devi) and this

is the unique greatness of this sacred place.

3. Periyavachan Pillai, a great Srivaishnavite Acharya calls Srirangam as

Tritiya Vibhoothi which is neither in Leela vibhoothi (this mortal universe)

nor in Nitya Vibhoothi (Srivaikunta Divyalokam.)

4. Srirangam is the birth place of Ubhaya Vedanta (Sanskrit and Tamil) and

many Great AchAryas.

5. Sri Vedanta Desika sung in praise of the golden sandals of the Lord in

his Paduka Sahasram.

6. Sri Vaishnavism took strong roots in Srirangam only.

7. “Sri” means wealth. “SRI RANGA SRI” means wealth of Srirangam. Wealth

need not mean money always. It refers to all spiritual activities, temple

festivals, writing of books on Sri Visishtadvaita philosophy and Swami

Desika’s Sampradayam, Propagation of the teachings of various Srivaishnavite

AchAryas in the traditional style known as Kalakshepam or otherwise. This

can be not only in Srirangam but also in any part of the Globe which then

becomes part and parcel of

“SRI RANGA SRI”.

8. An excellent tradition has been set up in our Srivaishnava Sampradayam

for praying for further and continuous growth of

“SRI RANGA SRI” - Everywhere, in every home and in every temple and every

day.

9. Sri Bhagavad RamAnuja prayed to Lord Ranganatha to grant a boon for the

growth of “SRI RANGA SRI” and the word “SRI RANGA SRI” was coined by him.

 

I pray to the Divine couple of Srirangam to shower their choicest blessings

for the continuous publication of the periodical “SRI RANGA SRI” without any

break and also for the widest possible circulation in America and elsewhere

so that the readers from all sections of society without distinctions of

caste, creed, color etc., may acquire spiritual knowledge and resort to

SaraNAgathi at the feet of Sriman Narayana for attaining eternal bliss in

Srivaikuntam.

 

It is also noted with immense pleasure that Sri Anbil Ramaswamy, a great

Srivaishnavite Savant in America is the Founder and Editor of this

periodical. I am confident that under his able and dynamic editorship this

periodical would fulfil all the aspirations of the people.

 

I pray for the long and healthy life of Sri Anbil Ramaswamy so that his

valuable services to Srivaishnava Sampradayam will be available for several

decades to come. An appeal is also made to learned scholars to contribute

informative and thought provoking articles for. “SRI RANGA SRI”

 

Let “SRI RANGA SRI” grow from strength to strength and reach everyone in

every nook and corner of the Globe.

 

(Sd) Anantha narasimhachariar, Srirangam 23rd September 2000

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