Ramanuja Vaibhavam

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Inroduction

(Before starting this page view pls click the following links) 1. http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/23/stories/2007042315590200.htm 2. http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/06/26/stories/2007062650631501.htm http://srirangapankajam.blogspot.com/2008/02/ramanuja-vaibhavam-chapter020.html Preview and Review from Editor’s Desk: Inspired by the book Swamy’s “Ramanuja Vaibhavam”, published by Sri R.V. Swamy at Srirangam Karuthurai Mandapam opposite to Sri RengaNachiyar Sannathi on 23rd April' 2007, we determined to put on the contents of book on web through our site. The book has been shaped in such a manner that we get to know the minute details of the incidents happened in Sri Ramanuja’s life. Also the details of Acharyas and Guru Parampara are given in the book. Many places quotes from Ramanuja Vaibhavam by Sri Vadivazhgiya Nambi Dasar, Adhikara Sankraham by Swami Vedantha Desikar, Ramanuja Nutrandadhi by Sri Thiruvarangathamudhanar and UbhaDesaRathinamalai by Sri Manavala Mamunigal are provided by the author. A detail index on the Acharaya’s Thirunaksthras is also provided as a readyreckoner. Details of history before and after Sri Ramanuja was dealt in correct

preposition in such a way that one can understand the fall and raise of Sri Vaishanavism through this book. Though this book is another milestone for the author among his works like Tiruvarangan Andhadhi, Divyadesa ManiMalai, Kuresan Tiruandhadhi. etc…., this is equal to the Centre Sapaphire Diamond adorning Namperumal’s Pandiyan Kondai. As the author himself is named by Namperumal to write the book, (see his initials Ramanuja Vaibhavam Swamy– R.V. Swamy), we are sure that the author’s fame and name will be there in the world till there is sun and moon in the universe. (We have made an attempt to transliterate most of the contents in the book as it is with due diligence to the author’s way of writing. Due to linguistic constraints, some phrases were translated accordingly to provide the contents of the context instead of the contains of the context) A Curtain RaiserIt is evident from the histories of many countries that at various ages and centuries, many sages and scholars were born to refine the society and social behavior of the mankind then and there when both seem to get derailed. Among such scholars, the one who scores high in the hearts of Vaishanvas (not only) and first in the best and who was called as • • • • • • • • • • •

‘Ilayazhwar’ by Periya Thirumalai Nambi ‘BoodhaPuriser’ by Sriperumbudur ADIKESAVA PERUMAL ‘Am Mudalvan Evan’ by Sri Alavandar • ‘Ethirajar’ and ‘RamanujaMuni’ by Kanchi PERARULALA PERUMAL ‘Udayavar’ by Srirangam PERIYA PERUMAL ‘Emperumanar’ by Tirukozhtiyur Nambi ‘Tiruppavai Jeeyar’ by Periya Nambi ‘Lakshmana Muni’ by Tiruvaranga Perumal Arayar ‘Sadagopan Ponnadi’ by Tirumalaiyandan ‘Sri Bashyakarar’ by KALAIMAGAL ‘DesiKendiran’ by Tirupathi TIRUVENKATAMUDAYAN ‘Koil Annan’ by Srivilliputhur KOTHAI NACHIYARis none other than our “SRI RAMANUJAR”

He is a Yuga Purusha, whom cannot be forgotten by Time and Mankind. He achieved many as single handedly those things which are not achievable by even LORD by many incarnations.He is man of character. He preached and practiced peace and won many by the same. He led a life on the Azhwars’s thoughts and re-established many temples and traditions followed in temples. More over all the above, he was a social reformer with kindness towards mankind. He preached Vishistadvaitha and made Vaishnavisam to attain its glory in all parts of the country. He made and showed all sort of Kaiynkariyas irregardless of the importance to it is the same to GOD. He also demonstrated the same by doing Kaiynkariyas starting from fetching of water for the GOD to writing the meaning (Bashyas) for many slogas (Poems / scripts in Sanskrit). He

traveled a lot to spread the way of attaining Mukthi by ‘Saranagathi’ (Throwing oneself to GOD fully). He lived for 120 years with such fame in the history that there is no scholar like him before and after him. His history is equivalent to epics we have with us. The story of the Divine soul who was Adhisesha in Kirthayuga, Lakshmana in Therthayuga, Balarama in Dwaparayuga and Sri Ramanuja in Kaliyuga is really great to listen and beyond words for writing.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 001 Thiruvarangathil Thiruvaimozhi Thirunal (Festival for Thiruvazhimozhi in Srirangam) LORD Sriman NARAYANA made this world and the worldly living beings. To know about the world affairs and get rid of the same, HE inducted the Vedas. To know the inner meanings of Vedas HE made the Sastras which are the parts and parts of the Vedas. All these were turned to be fruitless like the torch given to a blind man. LORD decided to get along with the worldly beings and personified himself into various avatars. Even by staging HIS various manifestations worldly beings were reluctant to understand and were not curios to know about the eternal bliss (‘Moksha’). Like using a dear to capture a dear and using an elephant for capturing an elephant, HE embodied HIS armory (‘Divya Ayudas’) as Azhwars for spreading the curiosity of Moksha among us - the earthly beings. But even the Azhwars viz, Poigaiyar, Bothathaar, PeiAzhwar, Thirumazhisaiyar, NamAzhwar, Kulasekarar, PeriyaAzhwar, Thondaradipodi, Thirupanar and Thirumangai Mannan, were not able to achieve the purpose of spreading the wisdom among the community as they themselves were drawn in HIS divine nature and character (‘Kalyana Gunas) and spent their entire life time on singing Pasurams. Same with the case of Andal and MadurakaviAzhwar as they also attained Moksha by way of their Acharya Bakthi. In such an era, once during a ThiruKarthigai Festival (Festival of Lights) in the Tamil month of Karthigai, our ThirumangaiAzhwar, the youngest among Azhwars, was chanting his ‘Thirunedunthandagam’ Pasurams (Phrases / Songs) to NAMPERUMAL and was making HIM delighted. As a mark of gift, Namperumal approved Thirumangai Azhwar to arrange 10 days festival for ‘Thiruvaimozhi’ (1000 Songs) having 10 set (‘Pathu’) each day, wherein 100 songs in a set, starting from the day of 11th day of Newmoon (Ekadesi) in the Tamil month of Margazhi. NAMPERUMAL also ordered to convoy NamAzhwar from Azhwar Thirunagari and wished to have the festival in his presence. HE also made to write a letter (‘ThiruMugam / Volai’) to NamAzhwar seeking his presence and blessed HIS Prasadas to NamAzhwar.

This event in history is celebrated meticulously even today in the same manner and format at Srirangam on the day of ThiruKarthigai Festival. The Tamil Version of NAMPERUMAL’s Letter is given below: Archagas in front of NAMPERUMAL: “Yedath Therailogya Nirmaanathraana Samhara Kaarinam Srimath Sriranganathasya Sasanam Sasvatham Param” ... “Karthigaku Karthigai, Thirukarthigai Nalandru Naam Purapattrauli, Nam Azhagiya Manavalan ThiruMandapathil, CheraPandyan Simhasanathil, Sundara Pandyan Thirumuthupandalyn keizh, Harihara Rayan ThirupallikattilynMel Ezhunthurauli Nam Kaliyan Pattu KellaNirkaiyil, Kovanavar, Kodavar, Koduval Edupar, Aaduvaar, Paaduvar, Thazhaieduvar, mathumulla Nam Adiyargalellam, ‘Nam Sadagopanuku Mun Petra Perum Petrai Tharavenum’ ena Kella Nirkaiyil, Namum Nam Sathikalaintha Santhanamum, SudiKalaintha Suganthamum, Uduthikalaintha Oliyanum Nam Thazhiyiduvan Kaiyil Koduthu Anupinom” says as NAMPERUMAL. (Meaning:- During the Festival of karthigai, in the month of karthigai, when I was in Azhagiya Manavalan Court, sitting in the throne gifted by the King CheraPandyan, under the Pearl ceiling gifted by the King SundaraPandyan, over the couch gifted by the King HariHara Raya and listening to the songs of our Kaliyan (ThirumangaiAzhwar), MY court caretakers, court dancers, court singers and other devotees pleaded as “Please bless us by demonstrating the form and way how NamAzhwar attained eternal bliss”. Hence, I am sending MY daily wearing Sandal paste, Garland and MY clothes (as signatory proof / digital signature) along with the bearer of this letter.) ThirumangaiAzhwar went to Azhwar Thirunagari and convoyed Namzahwar to Srirangam and commemorated the ‘Thiruvaimozhi’ festival for 10 days as spelled and blessed by NAMPERUMAL. On the last day of the festival, NAMPERUMAL demonstrated the form of making wayby and after form of eternal bliss by sharing NamAzhwar in the same Throne along with HIM, blessed him with HIS Garland, Kasturi Thilakam. Afterwards NamAzhwar was convoyed back to Azhwar Thirunagari by ThirumangaiAzhwar and returned to Srirangam. As a token of memento, NAMPERUMAL gifted ThirumangaiAzhwar with HIS Turmeric Bath festival (ManjalKuli Utsavam). This festival of ManjalKuli was celebrated in Srirangam for Azhwar till his period by NAMPERUMAL. After the lifetime of ThirumangaiAzhwar, the same was celebrated for his idol in his birthplace ‘Thirukuraiyalur’ at ‘ThiruNangoor’ during each year on the Newmoon day of Tamil month of Thai. Even today the Mandapam made for the above is called as ‘ManjalKuli Mandapam’

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 002 NALLAAYIRAM NAMAKALITHA NATHAMUNI Prologue: Nathamuni is the foremost in the Acharya Parampara (Band). As centuries passed, the Thiruvazimozhi festival incarnated by Thriumangai Azhwar in Srirangam and the sacred Hymns of Azhwars sung in many Divya Desams began to fade and was windswept. To set back, Namperumal made acharyas born and Nathamuni was the Head of all to begin. His Profile: Nathamuni was born in Kaliyuga 3925 in the Tamil year Sobakiruthu (823 AD) in the 7th day of Aani, in the star of Anusham, under Sadamarshana Gothra, for the Eswara Battar couple at Kattumannar Koil (Veeranarayanapuram) which has the famous big Veeranarayana (called as Veeranam)Lake. Early Days and Scholars Says: Nathamuni was so attached to the presiding deity Mannanar of Veeranarayana puram. Scholars say that, “Bakthi is described as, - on seeing which ever object you tend to forget the Lord, one should able to see HIM on those”. Nathamuni lived as the horizon for such bakthi. Scholars say… “Pattum, Painthamizhum Pazhuthattru Vilangiya Nathamuni.* Vainavam Vanagum GuruParamparaiyin Kudumi – Pinnar Varum Paramparikku Gyanathai Vaithupona Dharumi.* Pilgrimage Price Once Nathamuni set out for a Pilgrimage along with his father Eswara Battar and son Eswara Muni. He visited Brindavan and sunk in Bakthi with the LORD YamunaiThuraivan, there. He intoned to his son that they will be blessed with a grandson who will be named as Yamanai Thuraivan. (He was none other than our ‘Alavandar’) He then set out for Kumbakonam. There he happened to hear the local people of the city chanting the hymns from 5th and 8th sections (Pathu) of Thiruvaimozhi. At the end they chanted the Phrase, “Kurugoor Sadagopan Kuzhalin Maliya Sonna Orayirathul Ippathum Mazhalai theera Vallar”. (Meaning:- Will be blessed with sibilings if one chants these 10 songs from the 1000 songs recited melancholic by Kurugoor Sadagopan…) Nadamuni enquired about the chanting, as it was new and melodious to hear. He enquired with them, whether they know the all the 1000 lines as told in the phrase? They replied that they were being taught only with those 10 songs from Thiruvaimozhi which were on Kumbakonam LORD Aaravamudhan. And also added, that their forefathers had told them as that all the hymns sung by all the Azhwars would be enabled and complied by a Yogi (Sage) named Nadamuni.

Nadamuni without revealing his identity progressed towards Thirukurugoor (Azhwar Thirunagari), which is the birth place of Namazhwar. Namazhwar & Nathamuni At Azhwar Thirunagari, Nathamuni met Sri Parangusadasar, a disciple from the clan of Madurakavi who is the grand disciple of NamAzhwar. He explained the Kumbakonam incident and enquired on the Thiruvaimozhi hymns. Sri Parangusa stated that he also knew that there were 1000 such hymns by NamAzhwar. But expressed his agony that as he didn’t learnt those, he would only be able to tell the 11 hymns named ‘Kanninunsiruthambu’, made by Madurakavi on praise of Namazhwar. Sri Parangusadasar also voiced that if Nadamuni continue to meditate chanting those 11 hymns for 12000 times, Namazhwar would appear before him. Nadamuni with full faith and determination chanted Kanninumsiruthambu for 1200 times and heard NamAzhwar speaking through the idol form itself. NamAzhwar blessed Nadamuni with Thiruvaimozhi as he wished. Also preached him Ashtanga Yoga, Dvaya Mantra, ThiruMantra, Charamasolka and Vyasasutras. He also helped him to get all the 4000 hymns of 10 Azhwars. Nadamuni was galvanized and imprinted the same for helping future generations. While hymning the Thiruvaimozhi (5-2-1) “ Poliga ! Poliga ! Poliga.” (Triumph! Triumph! Triumph! ), NamAzhwar said “Kaliyum Kedum KanduKonmin’ and gifted Nadamuni the idol of Sri Ramanuja. Naalayiram Natukku Alithathu (Instituting Naalayiram) Nadamuni by hearted all the 4000 hymns of Azhwars. He compiled those and collated them with music and chanted them in front of LORD Mannanar. He taught those hymns to his nephews Sri MelayagathuAzhwan (Varadhacharyar) and Sri Kezhayagathu Azhwan (Krishnamacharyar). By then he structured Aryar Sevai. He traveled to Srirangam and got the oracle from Namperumal to re-establish the Thiru Adiyayna Festival. He structured the festival for a span of 20 days comprising 10 days as Pagal Pathu or Thirumozhi Thirunal by allocating those days for chanting the Thirumozhis (2000 in nos) by rest of the Azhwars in the form of Arayar Sevai and next 10 days as Rapathu or Thiruvaimozhi Thirunal by allocating those days for chanting Thiruvaimozhi (1000 in nos) by Namazhwar in the form of Arayar Sevai. On the 21st day, he made the ‘Eeyarpa Sathumurai’ wherein the rest final (1000 in nos) hymns were chanted as Chorus in front of Namperumal (Nadamuni followed the same customs by bringing NamAzhwar idol from Azhwar

Thirunagai. But during the days of Sri Ramanuja as there were some obstacles in bringing NamAzhwar idol from Azhwar Thirunagari, Ramanuja incarnated a new idol and sannathi for Namzahwar inside Srirangam Temple itself. The customs are then continued as instructed by Ramanjua, till now) Nadamuni then went to kumbakonam and incarnated the idol of NamAzhwar there and celebrated the Thiruvaimozhi festival there too. Becoz of the profound bakthi and gratitude he had with the LORD Aravamudan of Kumbakonam, he called him as ‘Aravamuthazhwan’. Disciples and Descending Days: Nathamuni had two great main disciples namely UyyaKondar* and Kuragai Kavalappan. *(To know more on Uyyakondar – please refer Archives in this site) Apart from the above two, he had 11 more disciples including his son Eswara Muni, nephews and the Chola King of his time. Nadamuni and the famous Tamil poet Kavi Chakravarthy Kambar were of same times. He handed over the idol of Ramanuja to Uyyakondar and told him to handover the same to Yamunai Thuraivar, his grandson, who would be then born for taking charge of his preachings and establish Vaishanavism. When he was 94 by age, he was told that a Man with bow and arrow along with a lady, another man of same sort and with a monkey came to meet him when he was out of his home. Nadamuni heard the same and recognized that they were none other than the Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana with Anjaneya. He went in search of them and fainted and ended his life at a place called sampodai near Gangaikonda Cholapuram at the year 917 AD in the Tamil month of Maasi, on an Ekadesi day. His Literary Works: Nadamuni wrote books named ‘Nyaya Thatvam’ and ‘Yogaragasyam’. To our unfortunate, these were not traceable today. He made Thaniyans / Prologue slokas for Thiruvaimozhi, Kanninumsiruthambu and Periyazhwar Thirumozhi.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 003 Sri AlavandAr Vaibhavam Aalavandar was born to Eswaramuni, the son of Sriman Nathamunigal, in the year 976 A.D in the tamil month of Aadi on a full moon day in the star of Uthiradam at Veeranarayanapuram called as KattuMannarkoil. As per Nathamuni’s desire, he was named as ‘Yamunai Thuraivar’. Yamunai Thuraivar was a child prodigy that he was able to by-heart all the Vedas, Upanishid and was able to mine the meaning of difficult phrases. After his father’s demise, when he was 12, he got into the school of a scholar called MahaBashya Battar. During those days, a scholar ‘AakiAzhwan’ was gaining popularity in the Chola King’s court. He proclaimed himself to be the Best and won many scholars in debates. As a prize for his gift, he collected 1/10 of their earnings as levy to him from those defeated also from those who restrained from debates with him. During such years, AakiAzhwan sent a notice to MahaBashya Battar for such levy. Yamanuai Thuraivar got ferocious and told that they were not scholars who live their livelihood from debates and prizes. He squashed that letter by stating that they would not pay such levies. He also announced that he was ready to debate with AakiAzhwan. Taken aback by the courage of Yamunai Thuraivar, the King invited him to his court for the debating with AakiAzhwan. But Yamunai Thuraivar refused the invitation and demanded a royal invitation and treatment for making his debate in the court. Owing to the demand, the King made the same to Yamunai Thuraivar. On seeing the 12 year old boy coming in the royal procession, the queen got impressed and told the king that she is confident that Yamunai Thuraivar will win AakiAzhwan. Hearing this, the King told that if Yamunai Thuraivar wins the debate, then Yamunai Thuraivar would be made as a king for half of the kingdom, if not the king would part away the queen for ever. The Debate was started. Yamunai Thuraivar was asked to choose his choice of subject for the debate. But he replied that he was ready to answer from any subject. AakiAzhwan made many questions and all of them were well answered by Yamunai Thuraivar. The court was stunned. Finally to conclude, AakiAzhwan asked Yamunai Thuraivar to have “Debate to Negate”. (The debater would raise a question or sentence and the opponent should negate the same based on Sastras and Vedas.) Yamunai Thuraivar went ahead and made the following three questions immediately and asked AakiAzhwan to negate and prove them based on Sastras. Those 3 questions spelled by Yamunai Thuraivar were:

1. Un Thai Maladi Allal (Your Mother is not issueless) 2. Entha Raja Sarvabowman (This King is a ruler of the world) 3. Entha Arasi PathiViradhai (This Queen has no affairs outside) Now AakiAzhwan need to Negate and prove with relevant base from Sastras as 1. His mother is issueless …. ie, does not have a Child. 2. The King is not a ruler of the world. 3. The Queen has affairs outside. As AakiAzhwan was unable to negate them, he accepted his defeat. Now the King asked Yamunai Thuraivar whether he would be able to negate them as told. Yamunai Thuraivar told YES and started negating those 3 sentences with the proof from Sastras… 1. “Kaakaa Vanthya Kathali Vanthya”, says sastra. The meaning is that by way of yielding one egg and one bunch of fruits, the crow and the Plantain tree are called as Non Yielder only. i.e., in other words, a single tree can never form or called as a groove. Also sastras proclaims that “Eka Puthroghya Logha Vadhath”. This is because, the mother of a single child will always be in the grip of the grief as she is left with no other alternate son or options for taking care of her. Given the above facts, AakiAzhwan’s mother is also childless. 2. “Sarvabowman” literally means the king who rules the entire world. But as the Chola king was ruling only a portion of the world, he cannot be called as ‘Sarvabowman’. 3. As per the Vedic sentences and Sastras, the bride is subjected to get married to the lords like Chandran, Gandharvan and Agni, who bless her with children, wealth and life. Hence any women who gets married through Vedic rituals, is not pure and cannot be called as solemate to her husband. On hearing the above explanations, the court, the King and AakiAzhwan too accepted them. The Queen rose from her seat and embraced Yamunai Thuraivar saying “O Child, u came to rule me…!” (“Ennai Aalavandeerey”), by then he was called as “Aalavandar”. The King also gave him half of his kingdom as promised to the queen. Aalavandar took over the kingdom parted to him. As years passed, he coupled his life with the lady “SriRanganachiyar” and was blessed with the following off springs ‘ThiruvarangaPerumal’, ‘DeiyvathirkarasuNambi’, ‘PillaiyarasuNambi’, and ‘Sottai Nambi’. Enjoying the richness and wealth, Aalavandar started forgetting his Vedic way of life which he was used in his childhood. This took Manakkal Nambi into deep distress as he felt that Aalavandar, Nathamuni’s grandson, should be the lead light for Vaishnavism in the world.

He also was sleepless as he was not able to keep the word given to his Acharya UyyaKondar, for shaping Aalavandar as the chief pontiff lead for spreading and establishing the Vasihnavism and rooting its heritage and principles in the world. His steps to meet Aalavandar went futile. He managed to port “Thoothuvalai”, (a variety of spinach) into the kitchen of Aalavandar and told the chef to include the spinach in the daily menu as it will help to enrich the knowledge power of the King, Aalavandar. The chef also did the same and Aalavandar took with much delight. (Note: Even today, on the Thirunakstra day of Aalavandar, ie, on the Star of Uthiram in the Tamil month of Adi, Thoothuvalai (Spinach) and Athandai Vathal (dry spices) is offered to Aalavandar at Srirangam) Six months passed. Manakkal Nambi was not able meet Aalavandar. He decided to use a tactics to meet him. He stopped porting the Spinach to the chef for three days. As the spinach was missing in the daily menu, Aalavandar enquired the same with the chef. Chef told that it was an old Brahmin man who gave the spinach daily and asked them to add to the daily menu, which was done. Also told him that they he was not seen for the past three days. As Aalavandar thought there must be some reason behind the act of the old Brahmin Man. He instructed the chef to bring that old man to him once he contacts the latter. The next day, Manakkal Nambi came to deliver the spinach to the chef. As per the King, Aalavandar instructions, Manakkal Nambi was taken to meet him. On seeing Manakkal Nambi, Aalavandar said,”Oh Brahmin! I was pleased with your daily spinach. Ask me anything you want, I will give”. Manakkal Nambi replies, “O King! I came to give and not to take. There is one wealth which was given to me by your grandfather. I wish to hand over the same to you”. Appreciating his honesty, Aalavandar said, “I am already possessing lot of wealth. Hence, let the said wealth be with you as I don’t require the same”. But Manakkal Nambi was unbending. Aalavandar said,” Ok, then place the wealth and leave”. Manakkal Nambi told, “It is an immovable property. I cannot bring the same. Hence request you to come along with me where I can show you”. Taken aback by the determination of Manakkal Nambi, Aalavandar decided to go with Nambi and explore the wealth left by Nathamuni for him. The Journey started. Manakkal Nambi neither took Aalavandar to Manakkal nor to his (Aalavandar’s) birth place. Rather took him along the banks of river Coleroon. On the way, Manakkal Nambi was chanting and explaining Aalavandar the meaning of Pursha

Suktam, Smirthis, Sri Vishnu Purana and Sri Bagavad Gita. This helped to make a phenomenal change inside Aalavandar. Aalavandar immediately surrendered himself to Manakkal Nambi and pleaded with tears to forgive him and accept him as his disciple. Manakkal Nambi, preached him the explanations of “Charama Solka” and accepted him as his disciple. Manakkal Nambi then reached Srirangam along with Aalavandar and made him to see “Thayar” and took him through Santhanu Mandapam and Gayathri Mandapam. Finally they stood in front of the Lord Renganatha - Namperumal between the two legendary Pillars in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Manakkal Nambi, showing the LORD, loudly said to Aalavandar “This is your ancestral property. The wealth left by your grandfather to you. Take it and preserve it for the sake of the world” Aalavandar had no words to say. He was elated and was motionless. He cried infront of the LORD, pleading with tears asked him not to discard him for his ignorance but to accept him for the sake that he is the grandson of Nathamuni. Now the LORD accepted him with his usual grin. (Grandfather’s wealth was regained by the Grandson) Aalavandar left his kingdom and palace. He took the form of a Pontiff. He learned all the Prabhandas and Rahasyas from Manakkal Nambi. Now at this stage, Manakkal Nambi handed over the idol of Sri Ramanuja to Aalavandar which was gifted to Nathamuni by NamAzhwar. Many days passed. Due to the divine grace of NAMPERUMAL, Aalavandar became the principal leader of the vaishnava community and a pioneer in spreading Vaishnavism in the country. Towards the end of his earthly existence, ManakkAl Nambi called AalavandAr and advised him to seek the guidance of Kurugai Kavalappan in learning Ashtanga YogaRahasyam. Accordingly, AalavandAr went to VeeraNArAyaNapuram to meet Kurugai Kavalappan where the latter was in deep meditation, in a secluded spot. Not wanting to disturb him, AalavandAr remained outside. However, Kurugai Kavalappan came out and asked whether anybody from the family of SottaiKulam was around? AalavandAr self introduced himself and was puzzled as to how he had been identified. When enquired Kavalappan as to how the later was able to identify him. Kurugai Kavalappan said, “When I am lost to the outside world in the experience of Namperumal’s loving presence, HE doesn’t even attend to the affectionate calls of His beloved PeriyaPiRAttiyAr. But this time, I could sense that Namperumal was obsessed by someone out here and was trying to see you by peering over my shoulders. Immediately I concluded that it can only be someone from my Acharya NAthamuni’s family clan, as is not that only they can be more beloved than PiRAtti for him?”

(This incidence was narrated in the history to tell us about the glory of NAthAmuni) AalavandAr sought his blessings for learning Ashtanga YogaRahasyam. Kurugai Kavalappan gave him a palm-leaf-manuscript. It was inscribed on it as to come before Thai Poosam (in the star of Poosam-tamil month of Thai), as he was destined to attain eternal bliss on that day. Returning to SriRangam, AalavandAr thought of Sri AnathaPadmanAbha Swami of Thiruvanathapuram when he heard the Thiruvaimozhi Pasuram “Kedumineer” and proceeded to Thiruvanathapuram. When he was at Thiruvanathapuram, Aalavandar thought of Kurugai Kavalappan and found that it that date was the date as inscribed on the palm –leaf-manuscript. He realized the significance of the same and was in deep grief. After this incident , as there were no experts to hand it down to subsequent generations, history tells us that, Ashtanga YogaRahasyam faded into oblivioAalavandAr spent the rest his life in SriRangam in serving NAMPERUMAL and gained many (20 in number, to be exact) disciples. He expounded on all the Rahasyathrayam, Prabandhas and their inner meanings to all of them. Meantime, ManakkAl Nambi shed his mortal coils and attained the blessed state shed his mortal coils and attained the blessed. AalavandAr’s disciples performed the last rituals with due diligence. AalavandAr composed 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Stothra Rathinam, MAyAvAta Khandanam, Aagama PrAmANyam, MahaPurusha NirNayam, Siddhithrayam(Atma Siddhi, Ishwara Siddhi, Samvid Siddhi), Sri GeethArtha Sangraham, Chatusshloki

His invaluable works were instrumental in taking Vaishnavism to greater heights and remain to this day, the cherished ancestral property of all practicing Vaishnavas. Among Sri AalavandAr;s 20 disciples, Periya Nambi, Tirukkoshtiyur Nambi, TirumalaiAandAn, Periya Tirumalai Nambi, TiruvarangaPerumal Arayar and Maaraner Nambi were closest to his heart. Aalavandar imparted to each of themprofound truths of the Sastras. One scholar named Tirukkachi Nambi, although not a direct disciple, was very affectionate towards AalavandAr. Knowing about these disciples will make us gain a better understanding of Swami AalavandAr’s knowledge and life history. Let us have a few beautiful glimpses into the lives and work of Aalavandar’s disciples.

Periya Nambi: Periya Nambi was born in the year 996 A.D (Tamil year Heyvilambi), in the Tamil month of Maargazhi under the asterism of Keattai (Jyeshta) on a Wednesday under the Bhaaradwaaja Gothram at SriRangam. He was a scholar in Shaastraas and Prabhandhas and came to be known as ‘Sri Maha Poornar”. He was instrumental in bringing Sri RAmAnujA from Kanchi to Srirangam by chanting immensely moving verses from Swami Aalavandaar’s Stotraratnam. He was also one of the five gurus of SriRAmAnujA (who is known as pancha-acharya padaashraya) and is said to have performed the sacred PanchaSamskaaraas (which confirm one as a Vaishnava), on behalf of SriYaamunaacharya for SriRAmAnujA. In this he was directed by the ever-benevolent LORD of Kanchi (Paerarulaalan). He is also credited with the giving of the epithet ‘Tiruppaavai Jeeyar’ to SriRAmAnujA, upon noting the latter’s deep affinity for Kodai’s matchless Tiruppaavai. He has left as a Thaniyan (Eulogy) for Sri Munivahana’s ‘Amalanaadippiran’ and the text Tirupathikovai. His daughter ‘Athuzhaai’ and son ‘Pundareekakshan’ became disciples of Sri RAmAnujA under his guidance. On his counsel, Sri RAmAnujA went to Tirukkosthiyur Nambi for learning ‘Rahasyathraya Mantra’ and also sought Tiruvaranga Perumal Arayar for learning ‘Acharya Nishtai’. He saw Sri RAmAnujA in the form of his Acharya Aalavandar. •

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When Maaraneri Nambi who was born in a lower caste (as they were referred to in those days,) accepted upon himself the dreaded killer disease (known as ‘RajaPavai’) as Acharaya Prasadam, Periya Nambi nursed him and also did the last rituals when the former attained eternal bliss. This deed of his created a needless furore in his community and he was nearly excommunicated.. When Sri RAmAnujA discussed this issue with him, he is supposed to have replied that Maaraneri Nambi was in no way inferior to JaDayu (Eagle in Ramayana) or Vitura (Brother of Pandu in Mahabaratha). Later NAMPERUMAL Himself proclaimed that Periya Nambi was without blemish and his actions beyond reproach. It is remarked in history that the first three Azhwars namely PeyAzhwar, BoothathAzhwar and PoigaiAzhwar came as ritual-guests to his house. Periya Nambi accompanied KoorathAzhwan to Tanjore from Srirangam to the Chola King’s Court. There the king penalised them by plucking their eyes for following Vaishnavism. On their way back to Srirangam, Periya Nambi departed the earthly life on the laps KoorathAzhwan saying ‘Is SriRangam more divine and precious than the laps of a devotee?’

Tirukkoshtiyur Nambi:

Tirukkoshtiyur Nambi was born in the year 987 A.D (Tamil year Sarvajith), in the Tamil month of Vaikhaasi under the asterism of Rohini in the family of Selva Nambi under Kaashyapa Gothram at Tirukkoshtiyur. He had numerous disciples. He was a man of principle and avoided sycophants.. He is said to have obtained a comprehensive and insightful understanding of the import of the Rahasyathraya Mantra ( TiruMantram-Dvayam-Charamasolkam) from SriAalavandaar. He kept his knowledge a secret so as to be able to impart it only to a worthy disciple. • •

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Aalavandaar is supposed to have handed over the idol of Sri RAmAnujA to Tirukkoshtiyur Nambi. He was the man who famously made Sri RAmAnujA make 18 trips from SriRangam to Tirukkoshtiyur to learn the secret Mantras. He finally imparted his esoteric knowledge concerning the Rahasyathraya to Sri RAmAnujA as advised by Periya Nambi and as willed by NAMPERUMAL When Sri RAmAnujA made this secret knowledge public, Tirukkoshtiyur Nambi realized Sri RAmAnujA’s greatness and called him as ‘Emperumanar’. He is credited with a- Thaniyan(eulogy) for ‘Periya ThiruMozhi’ His daughter ‘Devaki Piratti’ and son ‘Sowmya Narayanan (a) TherkAzahwan’became disciples of Sri RAmAnujA. He was instrumental in directing Sri RAmAnujA to TiruMalaiyAndAn for learning the import of SriNammaazhvaar’s‘ThiruvAimozhi’ He assigned KidambiAachan as Sri RAmAnujA’s personal chef to safeguard his life. He blessed and gifted the idol of Sri RAmAnujA to his daughter before attaining parama padham . (This idol is even now worshipped at Tirukoshtiyur in Nambi Sannathi)

TiruMalaiyAandan: TiruMalaiyAandan was born in the year 988 A.D (Tamil year Sarvadhaari), in the Tamil month of Maasi under the asterism of Makham under Kaashyapa Gothram at TiruMaaliruncholai. He dedicated himself to the lovely kaimkaryam of offering garlands to Sri SunderRaja Perumal (Azhgar). (Even today AZHGAR has on bath on TiruMalaiyAandan’s anniversary at Silambaru river) •

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As per the directions of Tirukoshtiyur Nambi, he expounded on the inner meanings of ‘ThiruvAimozhi’ to Sri RAmAnujA. He also learned some of the inner meaning of the same from Sri RAmAnujA who, as we all know is the allknowing AdiSesha. His son ‘SundaraTholudaiyaan’ became a disciple of Sri RAmAnujA. He noticed Sri RAmAnujA’s devotion to NammAzhwaar and the latter’s magnificent ‘ThiruvAimozhi’ and named him as ‘Sadagopan Ponnadi’ in recognition of this reverential fondness SriUdaiyavar had for SriSathari.

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He wrote a Thaniyan (eulogy)for ‘Thirupalliyezhuchi’

Periya Tirumalai Nambi: Periya Tirumalai Nambi was born in the year 974 A.D (Tamil year Bhava), in the Tamil month of Chitirai under the asterism of Swathi. He spent most of the years of his life at Tirumala offering water from Papavinasa Theertham to Tiruvenkatamudayan. Pious tradition records that once he was also addressed as ‘Appa’ (thaatha) (Father!) by the LORD of seven hills (who is the parent, preceptor and friend of all beings). • • •

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He wrote:- Thaniyan(eulogy) for ‘Amalanaadippiran’ He was the maternal uncle of Sri RAmAnujA Periya Tirumalai Nambi arrived to Sriperumpudur on hearing the birth news of Sri RAmAnujA. On seeing that the child was marked for eternal service to Sriman Narayana ,, he named the baby boy ‘ElaiAzhwan’ (Laskhmanan). As requested by Sri RAmAnujA, he brought back Govindhan (another nephew of Periya Nambi) to the folds of SriVaishnavism from Saivam. He made his son ‘Pillai Tirumalai Nambi’, ‘Pillan’, his nephew KidambiAachan and two daughters seek spiritual guidance from Sri RAmAnujA who accepted them as his disciples. During Sri RAmAnujA’s first visit to Tirumala, Periya Tirumalai Nambi himself came down the hills, despite his old age, to welcome him. When Sri RAmAnujA asked him why he came all along as he could have asked some younger disciples to welcome? Periya Tirumalai Nambi is supposed to have replied, “I could not find anyone in Tirumala who was younger than myself” He bade his disciple Govindhan become a disciple of Sri RAmAnujA and when he came back restless, Periya Tirumalai Nambi asked him to go back to Sri RAmAnujA saying, “A cow sold cannot be bred again”.

Tiruvaranga Perumal Arayar: Tiruvaranga Perumal Arayar was born in the year 1017 A.D (Tamil year Pingala), in the Tamil month of Vaikaasi under the asterism of Keattai (Jyeshta). He was the son of Sri Aalavandaar. He learnt ‘Acharya Nistai’ from his father Sri Aalavandaar. He practiced the tradition of singing Pasurams with music in the paths laid by his grandfather Naathamuni. • • • • • •

Once NAMPERUMAL himself is said to have commanded Arayar to sing Pasurams on HIS gentle gait. Arayar pleased Sri Paerarulaalan, the LORD of Kanchi, and obtained Sri RAmAnujA as a prize for Srirangam. He instructed Sri RAmAnujA on the works of Sri Aalavandaar. He guided his brothers ‘DeiyvathirkarasuNambi’, ‘PillaiyarasuNambi’, and ‘Sottai Nambi’ to become disciples of Sri RAmAnujA. He wrote:- Thaniyan (eulogy) for SriTondaradippodiyaazhvaar’s‘Tirumalai and ‘Thirupalliyezhuchi’ He is said to have named Sri RAmAnujA ‘Lakshmana Muni’.

Maaraneri Nambi: Maaraneri Nambi was born in the Tamil month of Aadi in the star of Aailyam at a place called Puranthagam. Although he was born in what was considered a lower caste, he was a man with a great soul. He was a follower of Aalavandar. •

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Since his philosophical insights resonated with those of NammAzhwar, Aalavandar named him Maaraner Nambi (Maran = NamAzhwar; Ner = like or equal). Due to the rigid Caste rules that prevailed in those days, he visited the new house (Tirumaligai) of Aalavandar, one day before the house warming ceremony. Upon hearing this, Aalavandar decided to forego the function as he deemed the visit of Maaraneri Nambi was more purifying than a house warming ritual. He accepted the disease (the dreaded killer ailment known as ‘RajaPillavai’) of Aalavandaar as Aachaarya Prasaadam

Tirukachi Nambi: Tirukachi Nambi was born in the year 1003 A.D (Tamil year Sobhakiruthu), in the Tamil month of Maasi under the asterism of Mirugasheersham at Pursha Mangalam, now called as Poonamallee, as the 4th son of VeeraRagavan and his wife Kamalam. •

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He devoted himself to the lovely kaimkaryam of offering flowers to Sri Perarulalan, the LORD of Kanchi daily. He obtained the flowers in a saatwic manner from Poonamallee. He used the ancestral land he had inherited from his father for cultivating the flowers. He was also engaged in the service of fanning the LORD of Kanchi, during which he had the unique opportunity to have conversations with the LORD himself. He is said to have advised Sri RAmAnujA’s father to perform ‘Puthirakameshti Yagam’ (a yagam for begetting a child). He assigned the service of boring water for SriVaradarajaswamy Kovil (Perumal Kovil)to Sri RAmAnujA. When Sri RAmAnujA pleaded with him to be his Acharya, he refused on the grounds that he was not an ‘andhana’. However pious tradition records that SriRAmAnujA did receive six important commandments from SriPaerarulaalan through Kanchipoornar. He wrote:- Thaniyan (eulogy) for ‘Tiruchandavirutham’ ‘Sri Varadharaja Ashtakam’

In spite of having a great number of disciples as mentioned above, Aalavandaar appointed none of them as his successors for spearheading the revival of Vaishanavism. Rather he made all of them Acharyas in various capacities to Sri RAmAnujA. Having familiarized ourselves with the lives of these great saints, let us proceed to take a dip in the sanctifying river of divine grace known as SriRAmAnujA.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 004

AvathAram (SriRAmAnujA’s Advent on Earth) Vaikuntapathi, (LORD of the SriVaikuntam, which is also known as NityaVibhuthi) appeared on earth in various forms, several times to act out His Jagan Natakam, and to impart true knowledge to all Jivatmas, so that they could break free of the hold of prakiti, which is also known as MAyA. Under the direction of His unfailing will, His divine weapons manifested themselves as the Aazhwaars. All these incarnations were in vain. (It must be noted here, that when such things are said, they are not meant to criticize earlier manifestations but rather to praise the subsequent one. SriRAmAnujA uses this argument in his response to the advaitin objection to PAncharAtra. Likewise we need to understand that, SriRAmAnujA’s glory is being praised here, and it cannot be construed that the Lord’s incarnations or those of His eternal servants’ were ever in vain). Sriman Narayana wanted to remedy this, and He decided to send his sacred royal subordinate “Aadiseshan” (Personified as the Thousand-Hooded Serpent Lord, on whom the ever-smiling Vasudeva reclines luxuriously) as a world teacher on a mission of compassion and service to the Divine. The LORD Himself came to SriPerumpudur well in advance of SriAdiseshA’s birth as Sri Ramanuja and waited for his advent. In the SriPerumpudur of those times,, there lived a Vedic Scholar and pundit named ‘Kesava Somayaji’ in SriPerumbudur. He was a legatee of Asuri Vamsa and came under the HarithA Gothram. He was respected greatly by the people in and around SriPerumbudur. Impressed with his conduct and the respectability of his family, Periya Tirumalai Nambi fixed arranged to have Kesava Somayaji and Kanthimathi alias Bhoomi Piratti (Periya Tirumalai Nambi’s first younger sister) united in wedlock..His second younger sister ‘Thiyuthamathi’ alias Periya Piratti was married to ‘KamalaNayana Bhattar’ of PurushaMangalam. The couple, though peaceful and blissfully married, were deeply upset over the fact that they had been issueless since their union in sacred wedlock. Tirukkacchi nambi of Poonamallee (whose devotion to the Lord of Hasthigiri was touched upon in the previous chapter), who was a friend of Kesava Somayaji advised the latter to perform the celebrated PutraKameshti (sacrifice performed by those desirous of begetting a son)yagam to beget a child. Seeing much merit in the suggestion, Kesava Somayaji and Kanthimathi performed ‘PutraKameshti Yagam’ at Thiruvallikeni seeking the blessings of SRI PARTHASARATHY, the LORD of Thiruvallikeni. The lovely LORD of Tiruvallikeni appeared in their dream and gave them the assurance that He Himself would be born as their son. (This incident resonates in spirit with the incarnation of SriNammAzhwAr. It is to be remembered that Tirukarungudi Nambi Himself took birth as NammAzhwAr). On the twelfth day of the bright fortnight shuklapaksham) of the Tamizh month of

Chittirai, under the asterism of ThiruvAdhirai (ArdrA) was born the greatest Acharya of SriVaishnavism – SriRAmAnujA. According to Western chronology, the date would have been the 4th of April in the year 1017 A.D – according to Indian chronology, it was the 4119th year of the Kaliyuga(and the Thamzih year Pingala). The lagnam (or ascendant) was Kataka and the time of birth midday. Despite being unaware of the fact that his child was destined to conquer the religious world and establish the philosophy of Visishtaadvaita, Kesava Somayaji brimmed with happiness and sent a message conveying the good news to Periya Tirumalai Nambi, the maternal uncle of the child. Periya Tirumalai Nambi came and saw the child with full joy and named him as ‘IlayAzhwan (Lakshmanan)’. He bestowed his benedictions upon the baby and prophesied that IlayAzhwan was desinted to become a great personage who would be remembered forever for his tremendous service to knowledge and humanity. He was claimed and celebrated to be, the manifestation of • • • • • • •

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‘Adiseshan’ as know to the common man and particularly by Vaduga Nambi in his ‘Sri Venkatesa IthihasaMala’ ‘5 Divine Weapons’ by ThiruvarangatthamudhanAr ‘Sriman Narayana’ by Achan Pillai ‘Vishvaksena’ and ‘Dattathraeya’ by Swami Vedantha Desikan ‘Victory Flag of Sri Renganatha’ by KooratthAzhwAn ‘LORD Krishna’ by Tirukoshtiyur Nambi because Krishna was the brother of Bala’Rama’ – Ramanuja was also named as Lakshmana (Ilakkumanan)(brother of Rama) (this is the story behind the RAmAnujaThraya in the SriSampradayaam – Lakshmana, SriKrishna and Udaiyavar). Krishna was the 8th son – Ramanuja was the 8th Man in the GuruParamparao Krishna was born to kill Kamsa – Ramanuja was born to kill Kaliyuga Krishna was born and brought up in disguise – Ramanuja was a born Vaishnava who briefly appeared to the outside world as an advaitin. Krishna glorified Yadava cult – Ramanuja glorified Yadava Prakasaro Krishna bequeathed upon us the blessed Bhagavad-Gita – Ramanuja churned the ocean of the Gita for its nectar – meaning the essence of its immortal truths.

As per the hagiographic accounts available,, SriRAmAnujA’s idol is considered to be older than that of SriNammAzhwAr’s idol. When Sri Madurakavi was in the process of recovering NamAzhwar’s idol for worship, from the Taamirabharani river, he first got Sri RAmAnujA’s idol. This was kept buried under the Tamarind tree where NamAzhwar was in meditation. When TiruVaimozhipillai was involved in the planning of Azhwar Thirunagari Town, he was instructed in a dream about Sri RAmAnujA’s idol under the tree. He immediately unearthed Sri RAmAnujA’s idol and constructed a temple and four streets around it, and named the town as ‘ChaturVedi Mangalam’,. This city is in close

proximity to Azhwar Thirunagari. (It must be mentioned that, enraptured by this idol of Sri Ramanuja, Sri Manavala Mamunigal, sang the ‘YathiAja Vimshathi’)

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 005 Childhood & Education ElaiyAzhwAr was a celebrity even in his tender years and was undoubtedly the pride of SriPerumpudur. He is said to have been the brother of two younger sisters; ‘Bhoomi NAcchiyAr’ and ‘KamalAmbAl’. After 8 years, ElaiAzhwAr’s mother’s sister was blessed with a child in the year 1025 A.D. Periya Tirumalai Nambi came from TirumalA and named the baby ‘Govindan’. Both ElaiAzhwAr and Govindan commenced Vedic study at an appropriate age.. Their early Vedic lessons were from ElaiAzhwAr’s father Sri Kesava SomayAji. ElaiAzhwAr also took part in the divine service of Sri AdiKeshava Perumal, the LORD of Sri Perumpudur. The great Bhaktha of PaeraruLaaLan, SriTirukkacchi Nambi was in the habit of visiting his friend Kesava Somyaji while en route to Kancheepuram from Poonamallee. He came to admire young ElaiAzhwAr’s redoubtable service to the temple and was impressed with his exemplary conduct.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 006 Marriage In due course of time, ElaiAzhwar’s sisters entered into matrimony with their elders’ blessings. ‘BhoomiNAchiyAr’ was wedded to ‘Anantha Dikshitar’ and ‘Kamalambal’ to ‘Mahaayatheesar’(son of Kurugai Kavalappan). Afterwards, when ElaiAzhwar attained the age of 16, he entered into wedlock with ‘Thanjamambal’ (also known as ‘RakshakAmbAl’) in the year 1033 A.D. ElaiAzhwar’s early experiences as a griahstha were blissful. However destiny, who serves Sriman Narayana’s samkalpa with utmost loyalty, had other plans for the young RAmAnujA.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 007 Education at Kancheepuram Years rolled by. ElaiAzhwar’s father Kesava Somayagi attained the abode of eternal bliss (beautifully referred to as Meelaa Thirunaadu in chaste Thamizh). For a period of time,

ElaiAzhwar and his mother Kanthimathi were deeply disconsolate over his demise. However, they found some consolation in the wise words of Tirukachi Nambi and Periya Tirumalai Nambi. Acting on their counsel, RAmAnujA’s family moved to, Kancheepuram, the city non-pareil. The philosophical canvas in India was heavily coloured by advaitin views during the centuries following AdiSamkara. RAmAnujA was destined to change this state of affairs. In accordance with this divine ordination, destiny made him enroll as a student in the class of one ‘YAdavaPrakAsA’ who taught a version of Bhedaabheda that was to a large extent influenced by Kevalaadvaita. This scholar held his vedanta classes and discourses at Tiruputkuzhi, a place where LORD RAmA is said to have performed the final rituals for JatAyu. Tiruputkuzhi is somewhat far away from Kancheepuram, and is home to SriVijayaRaghavaPerumAl. ElaiAzhwar obtained permission and blessings from his mother and trekked daily from Kancheepuram to Tiruputkuzhi for attending YAdavaPrakAsA.’s classes. He was accompanied by his cousin Govindan. Both were good students and gained entry into the teacher’s good books. However, all this was set to change, as Sriman Narayana pulled the strings for RAmAnujA’s first clash with his teacher. Even though Yadava Prakasa was a great scholar, he was a filled with ego and rudeness. He was also stubborn and adamant in his preaching on Advaitha principles. He used to preach unacceptable meanings for the Vedanta’s and would try to justify the same with his ability in reading between the lines from the Sastras. ElaiAzhwar was deeply hurt by his Acharya’s behaviour. But was silent. The day came…..!!

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 008 Guru’s Conspiracy In the ‘Taittriya’ Upanishad, there is a famous text which declares ‘Satyam, JnAnam, Anantam Brahma…’ While explaining this passage, YAdavaprakAsa committed the fallacy of making the claim that these three terms denote the very essence of Brahman. ElaiAzhwar was not able to accept this explanation and explained that existence, knowledge and infinity are verily attributes of the ParaBrahman, and not its essential nature as claimed by the teacher. He went on articulate his views using the grammatical concept of SamAnAdhikaraNyam. This incident aroused strong fears in the teacher and these fears were like oblations to the fire of enmity raging in his bosom. Another incident occurred, which made things worse. Once ElaiAzhwAr was applying oil on the body of his master. On this occasion YAdavaprakAsa mangled a word from the ‘ChAndogya Upanishad’ which refers to the eyes of the Supreme Person. His contention was that the word ‘kapyasam’ could only be read as ‘Kapi + Asam’ which would then

imply that “NArAyaNA’s eyes were like the nates of a monkey”. On hearing the same, IlaiyaPerumAL’s cheeks were rendered moist and warm by an uncontrollable torrent of tears. When asked to give a reason for his grief, ElaiAzhwAr fearlessly explained that that meaning was incorrect. Much to his teacher’s consternation, he also added that he hadn’t expected such an interpretation from so learned a scholar. YAdavaprakAsa challenged him to supply a better meaning, and RAmAnujA, whose only intention was to do justice to the statements of the Shruthi, did so without hesitation. His masterful exposition on the etymology of the word ‘Kapyasam’ as ‘Kam+ Pibathi + Aasam’, ( which gives he meaning of the passage as ‘ the eyes of the Parama Purusha , Sriman NArAyaNA are like the choicest of lotuses which blossom In response to the lifegiving rays of the sun’).shocked the teacher out of his earlier attitude of indifference. After this display of superior knowledge on the part of the young LakshmaNan, YAdavA was gripped by fears for the safety of his own philosophical views. He decided to get rid of ElaiAzhwar once and for all and induced some of his favorite disciples to become party to a chilling conspiracy according to which the class would go on a trip to Kashi (a holy city on the banks of the Ganges) and the teacher would get rid of RAmAnujA while bathing in the holy river. YAdavaprakAsA believed that he could do this ghastly thing and make it look like an unfortunate accident. Accordingly he announced that a trip was to be taken up by all the students and sent them to obtain permission from their parents. RAmAnujA, whose mind was always turned towards the ever-auspicious Lord of SrI, did not suspect a thing and promptly obtained his mother’s assent.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 009 KAshi YAtrA (A holy trip to KAshi) After reassuring his mother and young wife, ElaiAzhwar joined the group of students heading for KAshi under the guidance of YAdavaprakAsA. His cousin Govindan was part of the tour group. The year was 1035 and IlaiyAzhwAr had already spent eighteen human years on earth.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 010 Aavarar Thunai ? (Who will escort?) After traveling for many days, the party reached the mountain ranges of the Vindhyas. One fine day Govindan stumbled upon the secret plans of YAdavaprakAsA. He kept this knowledge to himself and waited for the right moment. When the time came, he roused

the sleeping ElaiAzhwAr and apprised him of the conspiracy. RAmAnujA was thoroughly upset. Govindan asked his cousin to get away from the murderous AchAryA without wasting any more time. Also he assured IlaiyAzhwAr that he would accompany the group all the way to KAshi to avoid attracting suspicion. Govindan accompanied ElaiAzhwAr till the end of the grove in which they had camped. After parting with his dear cousin, ElaiAzhwAr walked through the dark jungle. This is symbolic of the fact of the JivAtma’s isolation in the world. None but the Lord can be the companion of any JivAtman. Tiredness took its toll on the young boy and he succumbed to an attack of dizziness. Truly, the Jivan wandering through the forest called life experiences the darkness of ignorance and grows tired of the vicissitudes of life. When there is no one to turn to including one’s own self, the Lord appears. RAmAnujA being Sriman NArAyaNA’s beloved servant did not remain uncared for. Help arrived, in the form a hunter and his wife.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 011 The Hunter Couple Sleep gave way to wakefulness and ElaiAzhwAr sat upright, without a clue as to what he was going to do about his predicament. As he commended himself to the care of Sriman nArAyaNA, he heard the sound of someone moving towards him. A hunter and his wife approached him, stepping out of the darkness. With parental concern evident in every syllable, they asked the young rAmAnujA, “dear Son! What are you doing in this dark jungle which is home to many dangerous animals? Where are you going?” LakshmaNan wiped his eyes with his knuckles, and realizing that it was not a dream, spoke to them in a clear, but tired voice. ‘I was en route to KAnchi. I seem to have lost my way.’ The Hunter smiled at him and said, “We are coming from Uttar Pradesh and are heading towards Sethu Samudram via KAnchi. If you are happy to walk with us, we will accompany you.” ElaiAzhwar was more than happy to accept their gracious offer. The couple gave the famished lad, nuts and fruits to appease his hunger, and he rejoiced in Their kindness. The incarnation of AdiseShA reprised his role as a companion to the divine couple (for indeed, the Hunter was Hari, and His wife, HariNi). This time, however, it was an unconscious gesture on the part of the young rAmAnujA. ElaiAzhwar told the hunter that he felt a strange kinship with LakshmaNan who had accompanied RAmA and SitA to the jungle, during the TretA YugA. The bemused hunter, asked the sincere child to narrate the story to him, as they made their way to the holy city. ElaiAzhwar with much enthusiasm took it upon himself to narrate the Ramayana to the

hunter and his wife. Daylight was replaced by the darkness of night, and the threesome decided to remain in a safe place until daybreak. The Hunter woman complained of an irresistible thirst and asked for water. The Hunter informed her that there was a well near their temporary camping spot and asked her to bear with her thirst until daybreak. On hearing this exchange, ElaiAzhwar decided to help them and went in search of the well. He found it soon enough and returned with water that was as pristine as it was sweet. On tasting the water which was very sweet, the hunter woman asked for more. When he returned with water a second time, the hunter and his wife were not to be found. In the meantime the day had already begun. Seeing the sun brightening the horizon, ElaiAzhwar went in search of human settlements. He found a few people coming out on the streets. He stopped them and asked them the name of the place. The reply surprised him. One of the bystanders pointed in the direction of the PuNyakoti VimAnam, and said ‘of course this is the holy city of kAnchi. Perhaps you are a stranger to these parts.’ rAmAnujA was assaulted by a bewildering array of emotions. He was surprised to know that he had come to kAnchi overnight. He was sad that he had not been able to thank the Hunter Couple for their kindness. He was happy to have reached home. When these emotions subsided, his mind was illumined by the light of divine insight. The hunter and his wife were none other than the Divine Couple. Perundevi and PaeraruLALan the pride of kAnchi. He hastened home, and narrated his experiences to his mother and wife who listened with great interest and concern. The Lord had announced, in one single gesture, His Will that rAmAnujA should live to spearhead the revival of VaishNava dharmA.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 012 Salai Keenaru Theertha Kainkaryam Days rolled by, and the Lord’s Will began to work wonders in rAmAnujA’s life. Soon he met TirukkacchiNambi and apprised him of his adventures. Impelled by the commanderfrom-within (antaryAmin), He implored Nambi to accept him as a disciple and further his education. Nambi refused and assured him that PaeraruLALan would send a teacher his way, when the time was ripe. ElaiAzhwar was not to be deterred so easily, and he sought to enter the service of the Lord of kAnchi. TirukkacchiNambi, who was a confidante of the Lord of Hastigiri, advised rAmAnujA to wait for a reply from the Lord himself. Then the ageing VaishNava proceeded to ascertain the Lord’s wishes on the subject of rAmAnujA’s desire to perform ‘kaimkaryam’ (which is the spiritual Summum Bonum, according to the SriVaishNava SampradAyam). Later that night, while TirukkacchiNambi was engaged in performing the fanning service (TiruAalavattam Kainkaryam) to Perarulalan, he conveyed rAmAnujA’s request to the LORD. The LORD gracefully parted his lotus-like lips and ordered TirukKachi Nambi to

commission ElaiAzhwar to bring a pot of water from the “SAlai KiNaru” near Kanchi for HIS ThiruvArAdhanam and Tirumanjanam, every day. He also added that Perundevi ThAyAr would be more than pleased with this service, and bless rAmAnujA unreservedly. It is an important fact to be noted, that the grace and protection of the Divine Mother are all important to anyone who wishes to achieve anything in life. Without Her kind glance, even the all-merciful Lord will not support a Jivatma in her endeavors. Such is the greatness of ThAyAr. The next day had hardly begun, and the rays of the sun had hardly kissed the morning clouds, when Nambi heard someone knocking on his door. Upon seeing that it was none other than rAmAnujA, Nambi was overcome with joy and amazement. He was happy to see the sincerity of the young Hari-bhakthA, and amazed at his dedication to duty. ElaiAzhwar agreed to do as advised, with a faint trepidation in his heart, which was ever anxious to serve the Lotus-eyed One. He then discussed his adventures with Nambi. Nambi confirmed his hunch that the hunter and his wife, who had saved him from the dangers of the jungle, were none other than THE DIVINE COUPLE of Kanchi. rAmAnujA began fetching water for the Lord’s worship from that day onwards. Even today, one can find this well in a place that is about 7 kms away from Kanchi en route to Sevilimedu. Even today the Lord of kAnchi is worshipped exclusively, using water from this well. Interestingly, each year once the Thiruvadhyayana Utsavam is consummated, the LORD of Kanchi and RAmAnujA visit this Salai Keenaru (well). First Tirumanjanam (Holy Bath) is performed for rAmAnujA using water from this well. After his servant’s Tirumanjanam (SeSA) is done, PaeraruLALan’s is done with much fanfare, as rAmAnujA looks on, with devotion and love.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 013 Ullankai konarntha NAyanAr Govindan, who was responsible for rAmAnujA’s escape to safety, had joined YAdavaprakASA’s group soon after the adventure. The next day had dawned unceremoniously when YAdavA discovered that LakshmaNan was missing. Govindan lamented the ostensible loss of his cousin and the wicked pseudo-philosopher displayed sham grief to ward of suspicion. In keeping with the charade of being genuinely concerned for IlaiyAzhwAr’s safety, he sent a few students in search of rAmAnujA. He nursed a secret hope that the boy would have been devoured by wild beasts. As they made their journey towards kAshi, he beguiled Govindan into accepting him as a

better being than he was in actuality. When they camped at Kashi, YAdavA and his students bathed religiously in the sacred Ganges. One day, Govindan found a Sivalingam in the waters of the Ganges, and YAdavA, who had planted it there to fool the young boy, made him take to the Saivaite mode of worship, christening him ‘Ullankai Konarntha NAyanAr’. On their way to kAnchi, the group camped for some time at KALahasti, a prominent Saiva-kshetram. Govindan decided to remain there with the permission of YAdavaprakAsA. Govindan made a small trip to Maduramangalam, and consecrated the LingA he had obtained from the Ganges, after which he returned to KALahasti.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 014 Guru’s Shock and Continuation of Education After leaving Govindhan in KALahasti, YAdavaprakAsA returned to KAnchi. There he was given to behold a most shocking sight. He saw ElaiAzhwar carrying a pot on his shoulder and walking towards the PaeraruLALan Temple. Upon reaching his residence he sent his disciples to get ElaiAzhwar back to his school. The gullible boys went up to ElaiAzhwar and told him that the guru had been helpless when ElaiAzhwar had been feared lost during the trip to KAshi. They added, without being aware of all that had transpired that rAmAnujA had been saved by the prayers of YAdavA and advised him to meet the latter. RAmAnujA came to know of Govindan from his erstwhile classmates. ElaiAzhwAr went back to meet his former guru and narrated to him the story of the hunter couple. YAdavA understood that the incident was an instance of divine protection. He asked the young boy to continue his education with him. He took comfort in the belief that ElaiAzhwAr was not aware of his conspiracy. ElaiAzhwar became the former’s disciple once again after obtaining the permission and blessings of his mother and Thirukkacchi NambigaL. However, he made it a point to continue his Theertha Kaimkaryam to the Lord of the Kanchi Temple.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 015 Sri AalavandAr Mutt and the legendary MAraNer Nambi As rAmAnujA faced all these experiences, his spiritual preceptor Sri ALavandAr was laying the groundwork for the resurgence of VaishNavA thought in the country. He had

constructed a Mutt near the temple at SriRangam and fixed a date for the warming ceremony of the Mutt. On hearing the dates, MAraNer Nambi, who was an adherent follower and disciple of AalavandAr, belonging to a supposedly ‘lower’ varNa, decided to visit the Mutt one day before the ceremony as he thought that it may not be appropriate for a person of his social standing to enter the Mutt after the warming ceremony. Hence he visited the Mutt the night before the warming ceremony taking care not to be noticed. However he was indeed noticed and the news reached SriYAmunA. The latter called off the ‘mutt-warming’ adding with love, that Maaraner Nambi’s feet had rendered the premises auspicious and that there was no need for any rituals anymore. ALavandAr’s Mutt was situated in the East Chitraveedhi in SriRangam and was later gifted to Periya Nambi by ALavandAr. Thereafter it came to be known as Periya Nambi TiruMaLigai.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 016 AAam Muthalvan Evan (AalavandAr praises ElaiAzhwar) In those days, Kanchi YAdavaprakAsA enjoyed a great reputation nationwide. Thus RAmAnujA’s differences with his famous teacher also came to be known to the world at large. When AlavandAr came to know of rAmAnujA’s philosophical exploits, he immediately recognized that the latter was none other than the BhavishyathAchAryA who would resuscitate the BhAgavatha dharma which had suffered much in the wake of SankarA’s philosophical rampage through India. It must be noted here that the image of the BhavishyathAchAryA gifted to SriNAthamuni by SriSathakopAzhvAr corresponds to the appearance of rAmAnujA. SriyAmunamuni decided to meet hastened to Kanchipuram. A group of Vaishnavites and TirukkacchiNambi welcomed Sri AalavandAr at KAnchi. ALavandAr discussed the routines of AalaVatta Kainkaryam with Tirukkacchi Nambi. Nambi after explaining his Kainkaryam, waxed eloquent on the character, knowledge and wisdom of ElaiAzhwar to Sri AalavandAr. Sri AalavandAr became anxious to meet ElaiAzhwar. TiruKachi Nambi took Sri AalavandAr to Perarulalan Temple and the latter had a glorious DarSan of all the deities. While circumambulating the sanctum, AalavandAr observed YAdavaprakAsA coming in with his disciples. Sri AalavandAr was eager to spot rAmAnujA and asked Nambi to help him identify the young lad. Nambi did the honours as asked, saying,”Swami, the young lad who is tall, fair, slim, with a toned physique and who is as luminous as the noonday sun is our ElaiAzhwar”. ElaiAzhwar didn’t look at them.

Sri ALavandAr was overcome with admiration and love and expressed his appreciation to Nambi saying, ‘AAam Muthalvan Ivan’, which can be taken to mean that rAmAnujA was the one earmarked by NammAzhwAr himself. Then he went to Perarulalan Sannathi and entreated the Lord to bring ElaiAzhwar into the nourishing fold of SriVaishnavism. He returned to Srirangam without being noticed by ElaiAzhwar. The Lord works in mysterious ways indeed.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 017 Chapter 17. The BrahmarAkshasA Episode Several things happened which catapulted the young rAmAnujA into celebrity status. It so happened that when rAmAnujA was a student of yAdavaprakAshA, the princess of Kanchipuram came to be possessed by an evil spirit (known as a BrahmarAakshasa, which is nothing but the form taken by fallen Brahmins in their next birth). Both the King and Queen were stricken with grief and worry and prayed fervently for a remedy. When the king consulted his ministers, they opined that the famous YAdavaprakAsA could be of assistance under the circumstances. The king sent his messengers to the scholar who, puffed up as he was with unwarranted pride and a sense of mastery over the scriptures, replied that the spirit would leave the princess even if they were to merely mention his name in her presence. The royal messengers went back to the court and did as advised. The brahmarAkshasA laughed eerily and replied that for all his self-assuredness yAdavA could leave the city. This message was conveyed to the scholar whose indignation knew no bounds. He traveled with his disciples to the court and decided to deal with the spirit himself. Upon reaching the King’s court, he went up to the princess and spoke to the spirit which possessed her, ‘ I , YAdavaprakAsA command you to leave this poor girl’. The spirit laughed derisively and replied ‘ hey BrAhmaNA, you are puffed up with arrogance and erroneously believe that you are a master of all sAstrAs. For your kind information, I was a BrAhmaNA in my earlier birth and I was far more learned than you are in this birth of yours. Stop being a pest or else I’ll inform you of your previous birth for the benefit of all and sundry. YAdava challenged the spirit to make good on its threat. The spirit replied , “Hey YAdava! you were a creature on the banks of the temple tank in MadurAnthakam. Some pilgrims from Srirangam who were making their way to Tirumala happened to sit on the steps of the temple tank while having their meal. You consumed the remnants of the food they ate and as a consequence were born as a

BrAhmaNA in this birth. I was a Brahmin named Soma Sharma in my earlier birth. It was dereliction of duty which led me to this birth. Your words amuse me. I won’t leave the princess.’ Now yAdavA was in a tricky position. He had to help the king somehow, for his reputation and possibly liberty were at stake. In a voice that betrayed his inner apprehensions he asked, ‘ whose command will you obey?’ The brahmarAkshasA replied, ‘There is one man who is a Nithya Suri amongst your disciples. Ask him to put his foot on the princess’ head. I will attain Mukthi by his grace and leave this girl in peace”. After this it went ahead and identified ElaiAzhwar as the Nithya Suri. YAdava PrakAsar ordered ElaiAzhwar to do as requested by the spirit. Immediately ElaiAzhwar sought the intervention of the LORD and proclaimed “Hey BrahmarAkshasA! Please go away from the princess’ body. Show us some sign of your departure so that we may rest assured that you have kept your word.’ Then he placed his foot on the head of the princess. The spirit thanked him for having given him salvation, and left the princess. Prior to doing so, it informed the people in the court that it had been a resident of a tree in the royal garden, and that the tree would be rent asunder as a sign of its disappearance from this world.’ As if by magic, the tree in the garden was split in twain and the princess regained normal control of her body and mind. The king was overjoyed and the queen more so. RAmAnujA became extremely well known, and this added fuel to the fire of jealousy burning in yAdavA’s heart. RAmAnujA’s greatness was coming to be acknowledged by one and all.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 018 Chapter 18. SaranAgathiyin Balam (Strength of Total Surrender) YAdavA tried his best to make rAmAnujA feel uncomfortable on some days, and the young student bore with his teacher’s conduct with much patience. One day, the teacher took to explaining the Upanishadic statement ‘Sarvam khalvidam Brahma’ and asserted that this verse supported the view ‘jivo brahmaiva nA para:’ ElaiAzhwar was unable to put up with such a misinterpretation and voiced his views politely. He went ahead and proved his point on the basis of the principles of the as-yetunnamed philosophy of Visishtaadvaita. This was indeed a turning point in his life as YAdavaprakAsA expelled him from the school on that very day. ElaiAzhwar was disappointed. But Tirukachi Nambi consoled him and asked him to

continue the Theertha Kaimkaryam as before. ElaiAzhwar pleaded Tirukkacchi Nambi to be his guru. But the latter refused and told that the LORD of Kancheepuram would surely bless him at the right time. As days passed, ElaiAzhwar’s mother KAntimati attained eternal bliss. ElaiAzhwar was once again consoled by Tirukachi Nambi and he immersed himself in the service of PERUNDEVI and PERARULALAN. At SriRangam, AlavandAr had been afflicted with a terrible illness, and Maranaer Nambi had taken the disease upon himself to relieve his guru of the same, by the grace of NamperumAL. Periya Nambi did his best to nurse Maaraneri Nambi. Sri AlavandAr spent his time worrying about the future of the SriVAishNavA empire. Fully aware of rAmAnujA’s deep and insightful understanding of the VedAnta and also of his commitment to VaishNavA theism, he decided to entrust the SriVaishNavA world to the young man.’ As he was making arrangements to act on this decision, some pilgrims from Kanchi told him that rAmAnujA had been expelled from school for disputing the claims of his teacher. They also informed him that the young scholar was engaged in performing the Theertha Kaimkaryam for the LORD of Kanchi. SriyAmunamuni immediately sent Periya Nambi to Kancheepuram with clear instruction to bring ElaiAzhwar to SriRangam, the capital of the SriVaishNavA empire.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 019 Chapter 19. Sosthira Rathinathin Eerppu (Attraction towards Sosthira Rathinam) Periya Nambi who had been entrusted with the task of bringing rAmAnujA to SriRangam went to Kanchipuram and discussed the purpose of his visit with Tirukkacchi Nambi. Tirukkacchi Nambi, who knew Sri AlavandAr’s vision for VaishNavism, consented and asked Periya Nambi to take ElaiAzhwar to SriRangam. RAmAnujA, the dutiful young lad, had gone to the Salai Keenaru and, Periya Nambi went in search of the one man who had been blessed by NammAzhwAr with the verse ‘Poliga Poliga’ in the sacred TiruvAimozhi. On his way, he took to singing the verses of the Stotraratnam of SriyAmunamuni and when rAmAnujA came across the older savant, he was struck by the beauty of the verses and their import. He instituted enquiries to determine the identity of the composer. Periya Nambi proudly identified the composer as SriyAmunAchAryA. He explained the revered scholar’s status as the descendant of yogi nAthamuni and told him that he lived in SriRangam. ElaiAzhwar asked, “Can I able to meet him..?”

Periya Nambi informed the young scholar that the leader of the SriVaishNavAs at SriRangam wanted to meet him. RAmAnujA was overjoyed at the prospect of doing so and completed his kaimkaryam for the day. Then he obtained the permission and blessings of the Lord of Kanchi and his beloved Tirukkacchi Nambi and without informing his family left for SriRangam with Periya Nambi. It was the year 1042 and ElaiAzhwar was 25 years old. Periya Nambi enthralled rAmAnujA with an honest account of SriyAmunamuni’s devotion, erudition and unrivalled glory as they walked to SriRangam.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 020 Chapter 20. Sri Aalavandar TiruNaatiruku Ezhuntharulal (Demise of Sri Aalavandar) During Periya Nambi’s absence, ALavandAr’s health deteriorated and he was soon beyond recovery in a human sense. On one occasion, he noted with great calmness that NamperumAL’s garland had fallen down during the recitation of the ‘SUzh Visumpanimugil’ pAsuram. Having understood that this meant the end of his earthly sojourn, he met his intimate disciples Tirukkoshtiyur Nambi, TirumaalaiYandan and Periya Tirumalai Nambi, and apprised them of his plans for rAmAnujA. He sought forgiveness from his disciples for any mistakes that he may have committed in his lifetime. Not being privy to his state of mind, they responded by saying that they would accept his faults if any such things could be predicated of NamperumAL who is always devoid of any flaw/fault whatsoever. YAmunamuni consoled them and took Sri NAthamunigal’s Theertha Prasadams. He then took Sri NAthamunigal’s Paduka on his chest and forehead. Remembering UyyaKondar and Manakkal Nambi, hearing ‘SUzh Visumpanumugil’ and Purusha Suktam, Sri Aalavandar attained eternal bliss on the 6th day of VaikAsi, in the year 1042 on a day marked by the SravaNam asterism. His intimate disciples fainted, unable to withstand the gravity of the loss. They came to their senses in due course of time and were stricken by acute mind-numbing grief which is a defining characteristic of the human condition. ALavandAr’s son PillaiArasu Nambi performed the obsequies. Sri Aalavandar’s mortal remains were taken in a decorated chariot. Namperumal’s final homage was paid to Sri Aalavandar in the form of HIS dhoti and HIS garland. The funeral was to be performed on the northern banks of the holy Cauvery in Srirangam. When Periya Nambi and ElaiAzhwar neared the northern Banks of the Cauvery, they noted that a huge crowd had gathered on the other side of the river. Upon finding out that the great patriarch if the family of all SriVaishNavAs had made his way to Vaikuntham

the two men fainted. They were soon restored to normalcy but rAmAnujA could hardly restrain himself, and lamented loudly. People around made them to come back to normalcy. ElaiAzhwar was not able to control himself and was crying loudly. Periya Nambi took him to the funeral site. Periya Nambi introduced ElaiAzhwar to the departed leader’s disciples and informed them that rAmAnujA was the one whom the saint had wanted to meet before his time on earth came to an end.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 021 Chapter 21. Sri Aalavandarin Mundru Kuraigal (Three unfulfilled wishes of Sri Aalavandar) ElaiAzhwar cried a lot on seeing the mortal body of Sri Aalavandar. He was also unable to judge why Sri AalavandAr wished to see him. He felt upset and was unable to co-relate the intentions behind Sri Aalavandar’s wish. Then Periya Nambi consoled him. When ElaiAzhwar saw the body of Sri Aalavandar, he noticed that the three fingers in the right hand were folded. When he enquired whether it was the same when he was alive too, people nodded that it was only then they saw it folded. Then ElaiAzhwar asked, “Did Acharya had any unfulfilled wishes?” Periya Nambi and other recollected and told, “Yes, there were three unfulfilled wishes of our Acharya.1. Based on the reference of “Bodayana Virthuti’, he was intended to write ‘Bashyam’ for the Veda Vyas, “Brahma Sutra” on the ground of Vishistadvaitha principles told by Azhwars. 2. He had immense faith and bakthi towards ‘Sadagopan’ – NamAzhwar. He was intended to write an explanatory notes for ‘ThiruVaimozhi’ and name some suitable Vaishnavite accordingly to make the name ‘Sadagopan’ known to the world. 3. He was intended to name the names of ‘Parasara Battar’ author of Vishnu Puranam and ‘Veda Vysa Battar’ author of MahaBharatha to some suitable persons for making the world know them.But before he could make these wishes come true, he attained the eternal bliss” ElaiAzhwar immediately took oath on each of these wishes and proclaimed to fulfill the same as Acharaya’s order. To everybody’s surprise, the folded fingers were set right automatically. The crowd rejoiced and chorused “ElaiAzhwar is our next guru as wished by Sri Aalavandar”.Then, Sri Aalavandar was made to rest on the banks of north Cauvery. Even today the place where he was made to rest is called as ‘Sri Aalavandar’s Padithurai’. (Sri Aalavandar’s Ghat)Since ElaiAzhwar was not able to see Sri AalavandAr in life and flesh, he got dejected on Namperumal and returned to Kancheepuram without even visiting the temple. It is also said by many scholars as an explanation that if both of them had met in their life time, they could have laid the steps to Sri Vaikuntam. Then there won’t be any existence of this world as anybody could have claimed the same easily. Hence Namperumal purposefully decided not to make them meet in their lifetiChapter 21. Sri Aalavandarin Mundru Kuraigal(Three unfulfilled wishes of Sri Aalavandar)ElaiAzhwar cried a lot on seeing the mortal body of Sri Aalavandar. He was also unable to judge why Sri AalavandAr wished to see him. He felt

upset and was unable to co-relate the intentions behind Sri Aalavandar’s wish. Then Periya Nambi consoled him. When ElaiAzhwar saw the body of Sri Aalavandar, he noticed that the three fingers in the right hand were folded. When he enquired whether it was the same when he was alive too, people nodded that it was only then they saw it folded. Then ElaiAzhwar asked, “Did Acharya had any unfulfilled wishes?” Periya Nambi and other recollected and told, “Yes, there were three unfulfilled wishes of our Acharya.1. Based on the reference of “Bodayana Virthuti’, he was intended to write ‘Bashyam’ for the Veda Vyas, “Brahma Sutra” on the ground of Vishistadvaitha principles told by Azhwars. 2. He had immense faith and bakthi towards ‘Sadagopan’ – NamAzhwar. He was intended to write an explanatory notes for ‘ThiruVaimozhi’ and name some suitable Vaishnavite accordingly to make the name ‘Sadagopan’ known to the world. 3. He was intended to name the names of ‘Parasara Battar’ author of Vishnu Puranam and ‘Veda Vysa Battar’ author of MahaBharatha to some suitable persons for making the world know them.But before he could make these wishes come true, he attained the eternal bliss” ElaiAzhwar immediately took oath on each of these wishes and proclaimed to fulfill the same as Acharaya’s order. To everybody’s surprise, the folded fingers were set right automatically. The crowd rejoiced and chorused “ElaiAzhwar is our next guru as wished by Sri Aalavandar”.Then, Sri Aalavandar was made to rest on the banks of north Cauvery. Even today the place where he was made to rest is called as ‘Sri Aalavandar’s Padithurai’. (Sri Aalavandar’s Ghat)Since ElaiAzhwar was not able to see Sri AalavandAr in life and flesh, he got dejected on Namperumal and returned to Kancheepuram without even visiting the temple. It is also said by many scholars as an explanation that if both of them had met in their life time, they could have laid the steps to Sri Vaikuntam. Then there won’t be any existence of this world as anybody could have claimed the same easily. Hence Namperumal purposefully decided not to make them meet in their lifetime.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 22 Chapter 22. Thanjamambalin Muthal Kutram (Thanjamambal’s first offense) When ElaiAzhwar returned to Kanchi, he found his wife was upset with him. He explained the situation under which he visited Srirangam. He then met ThrukachiNambi and told him the demise of Sri Alavandar. He also pledged him to be his Guru. But Thirukachi Nambi consoled ElaiAzhwar and explained that being a Vysya by birth; he can’t be a guru to ElaiAzhwar who is a Brahmin and advised ElaiAzhwar that he will be blessed with a Guru by the LORD of Kanchi soon.Not to force him further, ElaiAzhwar decided to invite Thirukachi Nambi to his house as guest, offer him food and take the remaining as Prasad by way accept him as Guru. Unaware of this, Thirukachi Nambi accepted his invitation. ElaiAzhwar informed his wife to prepare for the best lunch. Eventhough Thanjamambal was not interested in preparing food for Thirukachi Nambi, she did due to ElaiAzhwar’s order. When ElaiAzhwar left to get Thirukachi Nambi via south street, knowing the desire of ElaiAzhwar, Thirukachi Nambi came to ElaiAzhwar’s house by North street. He also informed Thanjamambal that he need to go to temple for

Kainkaryam hence asked her to serve the lunch in the veranda itself before ElaiAzhwar returns. Thanjamambal too served the lunch to Thirukachi Nambi in the veranda of the house as he wished. Nambi hurriedly took the lunch and removed the banana leaf which the lunch was served and left the house. Once he left, Thanjamambal cleaned the place with cow dung and gave the remaining to beggars. She took a bath and prepared fresh food for her husband ElaiAzhwar. ElaiAzhwar, when returned found that she has taken bath at that irregular time and preparing lunch fresh. He enquired her and came to know about Nambi’s visit and her approach towards it. He felt very bad and noted it as her first offence and forgave her. Note: But as a gesture of fulfilling Ramanuja’s desire, even today in Srirangam, during the Adyanostavam Ramanuja is served after Nambi.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 23 Chapter 23. PERARULANANIN Aaru vArthaigal (Six oracles of LORD of Kanchi) ElaiAzhwar met Thirukachi nambi and asked him to apologise for the incident. Nambi consoled him. Taking that as the right time, ElaiAzhwar decided to ask his various doubts to the LORD of Kanchi and without uttering the same to Nambi, pledged him to get the answers from the LORD.

Being the closet to the LORD, Nambi though not informed by ElaiAzhwar, he informed the LORD about the mindset of ElaiAzhwar. The LORD too was kind enough and replied only the answers as questions were not told. 1. NaME Paramporul. (I am the supreme soul) 2. Jeevathma Veyru Paramathma Veyru (Living souls are different from supreme soul) 3. Ennai Sarandaivathey Mukthikku Vazhi (Surrrending oneself to me is the only path to the eternal world) 4. Ennai Saranadainthavargal Marana Kalathil Ennai Nenaika Theyvaillai (Those who surrendered me, need not think about me in their life end) 5. En Adiyarkku Sareera Mudivil Moksham Alipen (I bless those who surrendered me with eternality at the end of their bodily life) 6. Maha Poornaram Periya Nambiyai Guruvaga Kolga. (Take the preaching from Periya Nambi) Thirukachi Nambi told the above six divine replies / words of the LORD to ElaiAzhwar

and asked whether these were the replies he needed?. ElaiAzhwar enjoyed the words from the LORD and expressed his pleasure and joy to Thirukachi Nambi.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 24 Chapter 24. Enniya Palan Yethiril Varal (Result met on way) In this period at Srirangam, the disciples of Sri Aalavandar were discussing about the next head of the mutt and establishment made by Aalavandar to preach Sri Vashnavism. They concluded that the next pontiff of the establishment can be none other than ElaiAzhwar alone as that was Sri Alavandar’s wish. They requested Periya Nambi to visit Kanchi and get ElaiAzhwar to Srirangam for accepting the post. Periya Nambi left for Kanchi along with his wife Vijayambal. At the same time, as per the words of the LORD, ElaiAzhwar started from kanchi to Srirangam to meet Periya Nambi and join him as Nambi’s disciple.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 25 Chapter 25. Dvayam ViLaintha Tirupati (The Holy Land which gave birth to the Dvayam) Periya Nambi wished to perform rAmAnujA’s confirmation ceremony, known as PanchasamskAram, at Kanchi. Whereas rAmAnujA insisted on having it done at MadurAntakam. rAmAnujA’s reasoning prevailed over Nambi’s sentiments. Consequently, Nambi accepted rAmAnujA as his disciple and performed the PanchasamskAram under a Magizhampoo tree in the MadurAntakam temple complex. This happened on a panchami day (fifth day in a lunar fortnight) in the year 1044 CE. rAmAnujA was 27 years old when he became a confirmed SriVaishNavA.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 26 Chapter 26. ThanjamambALin IrandAvathu Kuttram (Thanjamambal’s Second Offence) rAmAnujA and Periya Nambi duly reached Kanchi with their families. rAmAnujA requested his AchAryA to perform the confirmation for his wife ThanjamambAL. The preceptor consented and she too became a SriVaishNavA. The two families moved into rAmAnujA’s residence, and the young stalwart made room for Periya Nambi’s wife and

Nambi in the western portion of his house. Pleased with his love and devotion, Nambi imparted all that he could, of the VedAntA and AgamA literature to rAmAnujA. He also taught him the prabandhams of the AzhwArs. However, before he could commence instruction on the nectarine Thiruvaimozhi, rakshakAmbAL committed her second offence which was to cause much agony to rAmAnujA. One day, when rAmAnujA had been away, his wife and Nambi’s wife had an unpleasant encounter. Both of them had gone to the well in the backyard to obtain water. A drop of water from Nambi’s wife’s pot fell into ThanjamambAL’s vessel, and this enraged the young lady. She accused Nambi’s wife of having intentionally contaminated her water and displayed a sense of superiority which wounded Nambi and his wife. Without leaving word for rAmAnujA, they hastened away from his house. rAmAnujA came to know of this and caught up with the couple as they were heading out of Kanchi. Nambi did not wish to turn rAmAnujA against his wife, so he informed the disturbed scholar that he wanted to return to his beloved NamperumAL and was hence heading to SriRangam. rAmAnujA made a mental note of his wife’s second offence.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 27 Chapter 27. ThanjamambALin MoondrAvathu Kuttram (Thanjamambal’s Third Sin) One day, ElaiAzhwAr met a poor brAhmaNA at the Temple whose hunger was evident in his eyes. rAmAnujA’s defining characteristic was his ability to retain philosophical attitudes which required him to be detached from the world, with a genuine compassion for all beings. Moved by the man’s plight, he asked him to visit his home and inform his wife that rAmAnujA himself had told her to provide him with food. When the poor brAhmaNA did as suggested, he was met by an unresponsive ThanjamambAL who claimed to have no food in the house as she had not prepared any. rAmAnujA came to know of this and was surprised. He gave prasAdam to the brAhmaNA and felt sorry for not having been able to feed him. He was in for a surprise when he went home. His wife had cooked a sumptuous feast, with special sweets and whatnot, and was in a good mood. When he posed a query regarding the reason for her elation, she replied that she had been apprised of her brother’s marriage and had prepared the meal to feed the man who brought her such good news. rAmAnujA was terribly upset. A true VaishNavA does not suffer from the vacillations of the mind. Here, she seemed to be regarding it unnecessary to feed someone who was in need, but felt obliged to prepare a feast for someone who gave her news which was of personal significance. Indeed, personal relationships are blinders which prevent most people from realizing their true nature and their relationship to the Absolute. rAmAnujA realized that she was not the right person for him. In such cases, someone who has insight into the character of the human mind, does not persist in trying to make such relationships work. She or he will have to put an end to them even at the cost of personal emotions. rAmAnujA did something even more far-reaching in its consequences. He decided to renounce worldly ties in toto. He arranged for his wife to be

sent away to her village on the pretext of a family function, and hastened to accept samnyAsA. He had told her that he would meet her at her residence, but he did no such thing.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 28 Chapter 28. YatirAjar Aaathal (Becoming the King of Ascetics’) One cannot decide on one’s spiritual status without consulting the Lord. One may want to become an ascetic, but the Lord may want one to remain a householder. Also one person’s spiritual path is not suitable for another person. One size does not fit all. Therefore rAmAnujA wanted to seek PaeraruLALan’s consent for his decision. The Lord of Kanchi did more than just provide His assent. He welcomed rAmAnujA as ‘yatirAjar’(King of Ascetics) through His priests. RAmAnujA accepted the tridaNdam and the kAshAyam, the characteristic costume of ascetics, and declared that he had renounced everything.He was confirmed as rAmAnuja Muni. Thirukkacchi Nambi was ordered by the Lord to help rAmAnuja establish his monastery. Sri RAmAnujA was 32 years of age (a magic number), and it was in the year 1049 CE when he became the pontiff of the SriVaishNavAs under the benign guidance of PaeraruLALan.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 29

Chapter 29. Muthal SEEdargal (First Disciples) Sri Ramanuja stayed and began of the new ear of SriVaishnavisam in the Mutt at Kanchi as directed by the LORD. His nephew ‘Dasarathi’ from Purshamangalam met him and became his First Disciple. Sri Ramanuja named him as ‘MudaliyAndan’, who in later days was popularly knows as the Tirudhandam (Staff hold) and PAdukai (Scandals) of Sri Ramanuja. During these happenings at Kanchipuram, at a place called Kooram, 5 Kms away, Kooresar who was born 8 years after Sri Ramanuja, was living with rich wealth and Popularity. Sri VatsangaMisrar, who was also called as Kooresar, was having a rich knowledge of Vedas and Idhihasas. He had a commendable memory power. He was married to Andal who is also good in deeds and served as a great life companion to Kooresar in his daily functions.

They were performing a daily AnnaDhana (Free Food) to all who visit their house. Their house doors are kept open always and hence called so too. They had a practice of closing the door only after the temple doors of Kancheepuram were closed by night. Once due to some reasons, Kooresar’s house door was closed prior to the close of Kanchi Temple. On hearing the sound, the LORD enquired Tirukachi Nambi, as why the temple doors were closed before the completion of the Poojas. He replied about the Kooresar’s deeds and both the LORD and Thayar were astonished by the deeds and wealth of Kooresar. On hearing this through Nambi, Kooresar felt depressed and immediately left away with his wealth and house. As he was already having plans to join with Sri Ramanuja, he went to meet Sri Ramanuja along with his wife. There Sri Ramanuja accepted him as his disciple by performing PanchasamSkAra and named him as ‘KoorathaAzhwan’. In later days he was profoundly called as the Pavithram (Ring) of Sri Ramanuja. Following Mudaliyandan and KoorathAzhwan, VardhaDesikan the son of the couple MahadayAdEEsar and Kamalambal (Sri Ramanuja’s second sister), became the disciple of Sri Ramanuja. He was named as NadAthurAzhwan. After making a group of disciples, Sri Ramanuja thought to make his cousin brother Govindhan as his disciple. He was certain that this was possible only through his maternal uncle Periya Tirumalai Nambi. Hence sent a letter to him and requested him to get this task done.

Ramanuja Vaibhavam Chapter - 30 Chapter 30. SEEdarana Guru (Teacher turned as Disciple) EthiRasar’s (Sri Ramanuja) fame was spreading like a forest fire through out the land. He preached Meemamsa and other Sastras to those who came and accepted him as Guru. Once when the mother of YAdava PrakAsar visited Kanchipuram, she pleaded to the LORD to make her son to become the disciple of Sri Ramanuja. She also told her son about this and requested him to surrender to Sri Ramanuja and accept him as his Guru. He was hesitant to do that.One night, Perarulalan, the LORD of Kanchi, came in the dream of YAdava and pacified him to accept the Sanyasa Dharma and get associated with Sri Ramanuja as his Guru. As YAdava PrakAsar was not able to finalise on the dream, he enquired about the incidence to Tirukachi Nambi. But Tirukachi Nambi answered him that the LORD was actually asking whether he is re-checking on the dream, YAdava PrakAsar got stunned and went immediately to meet Sri Ramanuja. Both the earlier Guru (YAdava) and the disciple (ElaiAzhwar) met. Sri Ramanuja exchanged pleasantries and

directed Kooresar to provide the quotes from Vedas, Upanishads and PurAnas which establish the Principles of Vishistadvaitha. Later Sri Ramanuja executed PanchaSamskAra to YAdava PrakAsar and named him as ‘Govindha Jeeyar’. As per Sri Ramanuja’s direction, later on Govindha Jeeyar wrote a literary work called ‘Yathi Dharma Samuchayam’ at the age of 80.