Triplicane the place of Lord Parthasarathi is replete
with religious activities ~ this morning
the Gangai Kondan Mandapam [primarily meant to be the resting place of Sri
Parthasarathi Swami during vahana purappadu], is abuzz with devotees thronging
place to have a glimpse. In the centre
is the Chariot, exquisitely made ~ of more than 1 kg of Gold, embellished with
precious stones. It is the ‘Navarathan Ratha’ to be dedicated to Sri Raghavendra at
Manthralayam.
Hinduism is unique and more than 1000 years ago,
existed three Acharyars who profounded Vedanta philosophy. For us, their philosophies are the founding
principles. There is the ‘Advaita
philosophy’ of Sri Sankaracharya; the ‘Vishishtadvaita’ philosophy of Sri
Ramanujacharya and the ‘Dvaita’ philosophy of Sri Madhvaacharya.
There is fair sprinkling population of Madhwas in
Triplicane – i.e., those who follow the ideals propagated by Sri Madhvacharya.
Understand that the writings of Sri Madhvacharya comprises of thirty-seven
works, collectively called Sarva-moola Grantha. As we have Guru parampara
Acharyas in Sri Vaishnavism, the hierarchy in Madhvas starts with Sri Maha
Vishnu himself, Pirattiyar Lakshmi Devi, and then has Brahma, Saraswati,
Garuda, Anjaneya… heard from a friend that they have Karmaja Devatas which
includes Sri Prahladarajar. Prahlada as we know is famed for his blemishless
devotion to Sri Maha Vishnu, despite attempts by his father Hiranyakashipu, to
turn him to the contrary. He is accorded special importance as being the reason
for the Narasimha avatâr. The puranic instance of Sri Prahlada makes us
understand that God is everywhere.
Miles away, is the town of Mantralayam in Kurnool district. It lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra river
and is known for the holy Vrindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swami. Sri Raghavendra Swami is reverred to have
lived on this earth between 1595 – 1671.
His knowledge, the way of life and the numerous miracles performed have
led him being worshipped specially. After Sri Prahlada and Sri Vyasaraya,
Madhwas rever Sri Raghavendrar in holy esteem.
Sri Venkata Natha as he was known, learnt and
acquired mastery over Vedas, Sastra, puranas and was totally religiously
inclined in service of God. Upon taking Sanyasa, he came to be known as
‘Raghavendra Swami’; on a very auspicious day, the saint Sri Raghavendra Thirtha, entered the samadhi
in the Brindavan, alive. The event was marked by great festivity. Understand
that as ordered by the Swami, 700 saligrams
were kept in the Brindavanam and todate are being worshipped alongside
the image of Sri Anjaneya.
The Navrathna
Ratha, stationed in Thiruvallikkeni, is to be dedicated to Sri Raghavendrar at
Manthralaya and it is indeed a great
fortune for all of us living in Triplicane to have darshan of the ‘Navrathan
Ratha’ made specially for Sri Raghavendra Swamy Moola Brindhavana Sannidhana,
Manthralayam. This exquisite chariot is
on display at Gangaikondan Mandapam, Triplicane, Chennai and hundreds of
devotees have been having darshan of the
chariot. This Chariot will be at Triplicane tomorrow also and on
11.3.13, will be at Manthralaya where it will be submitted to the Mutt through
Hanumanthapuram Pallaki Seva Trust.
Hanumanthapuram is a village near Kollidam river – in
between Chidambaram and Sirkazhi. The
presiding deity here is Sri Lakshmi Narayanar, the idol of which was worshipped
by HH Sri Madhvacharya. Understand that
every year veteran musicians visit this place for 3 day Aradhana festival
during Aug / Sept. A group of devotees
of Gururaja have formed the trust ‘Hanumanthapuram Pallaki Seva Trust’ and
under the aegis of this Trust, have done this great kainkaryam to Manthralaya
Mahan.
Blessed are We, when we associate ourselves with
persons doing noble things……….. all of us can join in some way – do visit
Triplicane, today and tomorrow, have darshan of Navrathna Ratha and partake in
the kainkaryam in whatever manner possible.
Donations can be made to
– Hanumanthapuram Pallaki Seva Trust, ‘Guru Karuna’, 7 Ponnusamy St.,
Mookambigai Nagar Extn., Ramapuram, Chennai 600 089. Contact : 9283173771 / 9444464605 /
9952990304; E mail : pallakiseva@gmail.com
Here are some photos of the Navrathna Ratha taken by
me this morning. The exquisite chariot costs more than 1.2 crores. You can have
darshan of Lord Srinivasa of Sri Raghavendra Mutt, Triplicane blessing the devotees seated on the glittering
Chariot.
With regards – Srinivasan Sampathkumar.
9th March 2013.
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