June 26th, 2011 is a blessed day – for we had the blessings of our Holy Acharyar – “Sri Ubhaya Vedantha Kovil Kanthadai Chandamarutham Singarachar Swamy”.
Our varthamana Swami had descended at Vaanamamalai Mutt at Triplicane and hundreds of sishyas and members of ‘Sri Koil Kandadai Chandamarutham Periyappangar Swami Sishya Sabha’ gathered there to get the blessings of Acharyar.
The Sri Vaishnavaite and Thennacharya Sampradhayam is one of following the lineage of greatest of Acharyars who have guided us towards salvation.
From the ‘Thaniyan’ of Swami Koorathazhwaan that we observe daily - “Lakshminatha samarambaam, Nathayamuna madhyamam – Asmath Achaarya paryanthaam, vanthe Guru parambaram” -
We the Sishyas of Swami belong to the lineage, which emanated from the Holy feet of Sri Periya Perumal, Periya Pirattiar, Senai Muthalvar, Nammazhwar, Naathamunigal, Uyyakkondar, Manakkal Nambigal, Aalavanthar, Periya Nambi, Emperumaanar, Koorathazhwar, Mudaliandan, Embaar, Battar, Nanjeeyar, Nampillai, Vadakku Thiruveethipillai, Pillai Logachariyar, Thiruvoimozhipillai, Maanavala Maamunigal, Vaanamamalai Jeeyar to Doddacharyar (of whose lineage we have the present head – Sri Singarachaaryar Swami)
As our Swami observed today, in Kali Yuga – Perumal had direct interaction with Thirukachi Nambigal and our Doddacharyar Swami.
Here is some information, which I have heard from elders. For a
Srivaishnavaite, Perumal Koil refers to “Sri Varadharaja Swamy temple’ at
Kanchipuram. Legend has it that Brahma performed Asvamedha yaga at
mokshapuri i.e., Kanchi and Lord Vishnu emerged out of the fire with Sanku Chakram. It is believed that the annual Uthsavam was initiated by Brahma himself. Indira’s white elephant Iravatham took the form of a hill called Hastigiri on which shrine of Lord Varadharajar is located. This Lord is known by various names, prominent among them being : Devarajar, Devathirajar, Thepperumal, Varadhar, PerArulalar …
The most famous amongst the brahmothsavam is the Garuda Sevai – when
Lord is taken in procession on vahanam of Garuda also known as Periya Thiruvadi. Garuda was born to Kaashyapar and Vinathai (Vinathai siruvan siragu- ena pasuram]
Garuda Seva has special significance for Kanchi, Sholinghur because of Swami Doddachaaryar connection. Forefather of the present day Acharyar, who lived during 16th century, was an ardent devotee of Lord Varadharaja and did many kainkaryams to Him. He was a regular in the annual Vaikasi Garuda Sevai of Devathirajar. Legend has it that on a particular year, he was not well and could not attend the Garudothsavam at Kachi. He was feeling desperate about his misfortune of not being able to have darshan of PerArulalar at Kachi on Garuda vahanam. He lamented standing near the Thakkan kulam at Cholasimhapuram (Sholinghur]. He composed hymns on Varadharaja, known as Sri Devaraja Panchakam. He longed for the Lord's sevai and these outpourings were a direct result.
Emperuman will never let his ardent bhaktha down. He came down to Sholinghur and gave darshan to Doddacharyar - seated on Garuda vahanam. Such is the mercy and leela vinotham of PerArulalar.
Even today, on Vaikasi Garudothsavam day, there is a tradition known as
Doddachaaryar Sevai, when the archakas hide Lord Varadar at the western gate for a short time with two umbrellas just before He leaves the temple. It is believed that Lord goes to Sholinghur for giving darshan to Doddacharyar. The mangala harathi takes place thereafter.
In the Devaraja Panchakam, Acharyan [Doddachaaryar] sings that .’Lord
Varadarajan is radiant on the back of Garudan --the son of Vinathai-- and
is flanked on both sides by the twin sets of white umbrellas and Kavari deer tail chamarams (fans). His sacred, lotus-soft right hand is held in abhaya mudhra pose assuring all that He will free them from all their fears. His beautiful lotus-like eyes rain anugraham on all the beholders. Adiyen salutes always that Sarva Mangala Moorthy emerging out of His aasthaanam through the western gopuram on the third day of His Vaikasi Brahmothsavam.
Here are some photos taken during the festivities at Vaanamamalai Mutt when our varthamana swami blessed the sishyas and some had the panchasamskaram with his benign blessings.
Understand that there were 5 Thirumaligais of the lineage of Doddacharyar earlier. Presently there are only two - the family of Swami Periyappangar Swami - of whose lineage is our varthamana Acharyar - Sri Ubhaya Vedantha Kovil Kanthadai Chandamarutham Singarachar Swamy; the other is that of Swami Vedanthachaar.
Swami Periyappangar Swami did a lot of kainkaryams to 'Akkarakani Emperuman" at Sholinghur and renovated the temple. Known for his kainkaryams, this Swami also made a new Garuda vahanam for the Emperuman. We are proud to follow the lineage of Doddacharyar and follow the footsteps of our Acharyan - Sri U Ve Koil Kanthadai Chandamarutham Singarachaar Swami.
Azhwaar Emperumaanar Jeeyar Thiruvadigale Saranam !
Acharyan Thiruvadigale Saranam !!
Srivaishnavan uyya ore vazhi Emperumanidam saranagathi adainthu, thiruvadigalil prapathi seivathe !!! - Emperumanidam nammai servippavar nam Acharyare !!
Sree patha theertham samarpanai
Swami Upanyasam
