Sri Manavala Mamunigal Sarrumurai sirappu at Thiruvallikkeni

It rained so much that Chennaites started feeling ‘when it would stop’ – those who ventured to Triplicane this morning would have wondered what was happening – it was a procession of umbrellas, nay not the black one that humans use when it rains– but spotless white parasols – the divine kodais and alongwith that hundreds of Thennacharya Srivaishnavaites, many of them sporting the traditional ‘Urthva Pundram – the Pannirandu Thiruman”

No need to wonder for today, 20^th Oct 2012 is a  great day for all Sri Vaishnavaites. The annual Utsavam of our Greatest Acharyar which was celebrated for the past 10 days, concludes today,  being ‘Thirumoola Nakshathiram’ in the month of Aippasi – the birth star of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.  The small write-up below will make you understand the significance of today and the greatness of Sri Manavala Mamunigal, the most reverred matchless Acharyar of our Srivaishnavaite philosophy, practiced by Thennacharya Srivaishnavas. 

Mamunigal is known as ‘Yathindra Pravanar’ arising out of his irresistible attachment to the lotus feet of Sri Ramanujar known as ‘Yatheendrar’.  Sri  Manavala Mamunigal is the incarnation of Adisesha.  He was born in Alwar Thirunagari, Tamilnadu in AD 1370.  At birth he was known as ‘Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanaar’.  Later he was hailed in very many names such as ‘Yatheendra Pravanar’, Ramyajamathru, Saumyajamatru, Visada-Vak-Sikhamani , Varayogi, Varavaramuni and more…..

His parents were of   Thigazhakidanthan Thirunaveerudayapiran thatharannan,  a disciple of Sri Pillailokacarya, and Sriranga nacciyar..  He became a sishya of Tiruvaymozhip pillai. Manavala mamuni's devotion to Nammalvar, Ramanuja and to his own Acharya grew as he studied the Alvar's hymns and rahasyas at Alvar tirunagari.  He lived for 73 years on this earth performing many Kaimkaryams  at Sri Rangam and undertook many pilgrimages to many  Sri Vaishnava Divyadesams.

Of the many works, ‘Upadesa Rathinamalai’ is one which all of us should know and recite regularly.  There are 73 paasurams + thanian given  by Kovil Kandadai annan and another one to complete rendered by Erumbiappa.   In the introductory remarks, Swami Maamunigal declares that he is performing upadesam for the future generations in strict accordance with the upadesam that he himself received from his Achaaryan, Thiruvaaimozhip piLLai and his AchArya paramparai.In the second paasuram , He says that the learned ones of discriminating intellect will study Upadesa Rathina Malai and instruct other devotees of the Lord on it with joy.  Upadesa Rathina Malai is a legendary work which provide complete details of month of the birth of Azhwars, the constellation in ascendance at the time of birth , the avathAra sthalams and the unique glories of each of them. 

For a Srivaishnavaite, Kainkaryam is essential; Selfless and unconditional „kainkarya‟ cleanses the soul of the performer. One must adore and be attached to their Acharyan and only the direction of Acharyar will lift us from all earthly evils – and for Us fallen at the feet called ‘Ponnadiyam Sengamalam’ – Swami Manavala Mamunigal will direct us and take us to salvation.

Here are photos taken during the morning purappadu of Sri Manavala Mamunigal with Sri Parthasarathi Perumal.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan