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Friday, August 30, 2013

Uriyadi Thiruvizha - Punnai Kilai vahana purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni 2013

Uriyadi Thiruvizha : Pinnai Kilai Vahana purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni

Having celebrated the birth of Lord Krishna on 29th Aug 2013 – we have more to celebrate.  Lord Krishna was born in every house of His devotees; He adorned new clothes offered by us; took with grace – the offerings of various sweets made with affection and fruits  placed by us.

After birth in the midnight, next day [30th Aug 2013] early morning was the purappadu of ‘little Krishna’ –dancing atop ‘Kalinga’. During this purappadu, devotees offer fresh butter to Lord Krishna. 

In the evening, there is the grand purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi, as ‘Krishna with flute’ in beautiful sitting posture on ‘Punnai tree’ [Pinnakilai vahanam].   On this occasion, ‘uriyadi’ – the game of hitting the hanging object [with hidden gifts inside],  with sticks  is played, specially by Yadavas, the cowherds, the clan of Lord Krishna Himself.  The game is very fierce as the clubbing with a stick is made most tough with  others fiercely throwing  water on the player.  The water twirled out of cone shaped pitchers would flow like a whip and can cause some pain too, when struck.  This is a traditional game. 

Here are some photos of the purappadu.  One can have darshan of  Lord Krishna at the feet of Lord Parthasarathi, sitting on Punnai kilai vahanam. 

கிருஷ்ண ஜெயந்தி நன்னாளில் ஸ்ரீகிருஷ்ணபகவான் தன்னை அன்புடன் அழைத்த பக்தர்கள் இல்லங்களில் எல்லாம் பிறந்து, அவர்கள் அணிவித்த புத்தாடை உடுத்தி, நம் இல்லங்களிலே தள்ளித்தளர் நடையிட்டு, நாம் அவருக்கு சமர்ப்பித்த "செந்நெல் அரிசி சிறு பருப்புச் செய்த அக்காரம் நறுநெய் பால்"; “கன்னலிலட்டுவத்தோடு  சீடை காரெள்ளினுண்டை"; ”அப்பம் கலந்த சிற்றுண்டி அக்காரம்  பாலில் கலந்த சிற்றுண்டிகள்";  “நாவற்பழம்  முதலான எல்லாபழங்கள்'  ஆகிய  எல்லாவற்றையும்  ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார்.  நாமும் ஆனந்தித்தோம்.

இப்படியாக நள்ளிரவிலே பிறந்த கண்ணபிரான், மறுநாள் காலை – பாலகண்ணனாக  'காளிங்க நர்த்தனனாய்" திருக்கோலம் பூண்ட கண்ணன் தாள் பணிந்தோரை எல்லாம் தயவுடன் காப்பவன் - சேஷ வாஹனத்தில் புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளினார். இப்புறப்பாட்டின் போது பக்தர்கள், கண்ணனுக்கு   வெண்ணை சமர்ப்பிக்கின்றனர்.

மாலை ஸ்ரீபார்த்தசாரதி பெருமாள் புன்னை கிளைவாஹனத்தில் எழுந்து  அருளி  பக்தர்களுக்கு அருள் பாலித்தார்.  புல்லாங்குழல் ஊதும் மிக அழகிய திருக்கோலத்தில் 'ஆயர்பாடியில் ஆயர்களோடு குரவை கோத்த மாமாயன்' – புன்னை கிளை வாஹனத்தில், கூடவே பால கண்ணனும் எழுந்து அருள புறப்பாடு கண்டுஅருளினார். திருவல்லிக்கேணியில் உள்ள யாதவர்கள் இந்நாளில் உறியடி திருவிழாவினை சிறப்பாக கொண்டாடுவர்.  சில இடங்களில் 'உரியடி' என்று எழுதப்பட்டாலும் 'உறியடி' என்பதே சரி.  தமிழில், உரி என்கிற வினை சொல்லுக்கு, தோலை நீக்கு' அல்லது ஒரு முகத்தல் அலகு'  என்றே பொருள் படும்.  உறி என்றபெயர்ச்சொல் பண்டங்கள், தயிர்  போன்றவை வைக்கும் பொருட்டு தொங்க விடும் உறி - எனவே இது உறியடி. 

நாலாயிர திவ்ய பிரபந்தத்தில் பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழியில் உறி பற்றி  -முதற்பத்து முதல்திருமொழி - வண்ணமாடங்கள் (பாடல் 4). “ உறியை முற்றத்து  உருட்டிநின்றாடுவார்*.  அடுத்த பாசுரத்தில்  " கொண்டதாளுறி கோலக்கொடுமழு" என்றும்வருகிறது.   இந்த உறியடி விளையாட்டில் உயரமான கம்புகள் இடையே கிணற்றில்இருக்கும் கப்பி போன்ற அமைப்பின் வழியாக தேங்காய்க்குள் பரிசு பொருள்கள் அடங்கிய உறி ஒன்று தொங்க விடப்படுகிறது. இளைஞர்கள் தங்கள் கையில் உள்ள கொம்பின் மூலம் அந்த உறியை அடித்து சாய்த்துவதுதான் போட்டி.  பெரிய ட்ரம்களில் தண்ணீர்வைத்து உருளிகள் மூலம் வாகாய் சுழற்றி  வேகமாய் உறியடி அடிக்க வருவோர் மீது பலர்அடிப்பார். இது சாட்டை அடி போன்று விழும்.

புறப்பாட்டின் போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட சில படங்கள் இங்கே :

அடியேன் ஸ்ரீனிவாச தாசன்.


See the Kalinga Narthana Kannan at the Thiruvadi of Sri Parthasarathi
close-up above and full photo below 


Kannan Purappadu - Sri Jayanthi at Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam

Kannan Purappadu - Sri Jayanthi at Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam 

Sri Jayanthi was celebrated at every home, in the manner of Lord Krishna being born at every home.  We painted the footsteps of little Krishna – exhibiting His walking inside our home,  did Thirumanjanam for the vigraha at home, made Him adorn new  clothes and offered choicest dishes made with love at home. We also offered Him variety of fruits. 

At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, after birth in the midnight ~ Sri Jayanthi on 29th Aug 2013, on next day early morning was the purappadu of ‘little Krishna’ – the beautiful little Krishna in Sesha vahanam ~  dancing atop ‘Kalinga’. During this purappadu, devotees offer loads of fresh butter to Lord Krishna. 

Lord Krishna during His purappadu went inside Nagoji rao street, traditionally the place replete with cattle. Here are some photos taken this morning during the purappadu.

பெரியாழ்வார் கண்ணன் பிறந்தது முதல் ஒவ்வொரு பருவத்தையும் கொண்டாடி மகிழ்கிறார். ஓரிடத்தில் "செந்நெல் அரிசி சிறு பருப்புச் செய்த அக்காரம் நறுநெய் பாலால்" என -  செந்நெல்லரிசியும், சிறு பயற்றம்பருப்பும்; காய்ச்சித் திரட்டி நன்றாகச் செய்த அக்காரம் என்கிற கருப்புக்கட்டியும்; மணம் மிக்க நெய்யும்; பால் ஆகிய இவற்றாலேயும் "கன்னலிலட்டுவத்தோடு சீடை காரெள்ளினுண்டை"  எனவும் அப்பம் கலந்த சிற்றுண்டி அக்காரம் பாலில் கலந்து என்பதாகவும் சிறந்த சிற்றுண்டிகளை பெருமாளுக்கு சமர்ப்பிக்கிறார்.  தவிர பெருமாளுக்கு சிறந்த பழங்கள் பல சமர்ப்பிக்கப்படுகின்றன. இவற்றுள் நாவற்பழமும் சிறப்பிடம் பெறுகிறது. 

ஸ்ரீ ஜயந்தி, கண்ணன் பிறந்த இந்நாளை எல்லா திருகோவில்களிலும், எல்லாரது இல்லங்களிலும் சிறப்புற கொண்டாடினோம்.  யசோதை ஸ்ரீக்ருஷ்ணருடைய  திருப்பாதங்களில் ஒன்பது விரல்களுக்கு நவரத்ன வர்ணத்தையும் மற்றொரு விரலுக்குப் பொன்னிறத்தையும்  இட்டு கண்ணனை கொஞ்சி சீராட்டி வளர்த்தாக பெரியாழ்வார் பாடியுள்ளார்.  அந்த குழந்தை கண்ணன் நம் இல்லங்களுக்கு தவழ்ந்து தளர் நடையிட்டு வரும் அனுபத்தை ரசித்து, இல்லங்களில் கண்ணனின் திருப்பாதங்களை வரைந்து,  பூஜை அறையில், கண்ணபிரானை நீராட்டி, புது ஆடை உடுத்தி, அவருக்கு பலவித பழங்களையும் பக்ஷணங்களையும் படைத்து நாம் சிறப்புற கொண்டாடினோம்.   

திருவல்லிக்கேணி திவ்யதேசத்தில் இன்று காலை [30.8.13] ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணர் சேஷ வாஹனத்தில் புறப்பாடு கண்டு அருளினார்.  காளிங்க நர்த்தனம் புரியும் அழகான குட்டி கண்ணன் சேஷ வாஹனத்தில் புறப்பாடு எழுந்து அருளி பக்தர்களுக்கு அருள் செய்தார். 

பக்தர்களை உய்விப்பதற்க்காக இவ்வுலகத்தில் அவதரித்து,  வாழ்ந்து, நாம் அறிவு பெற நல்லமுதமாம் 'ஸ்ரீ பகவத் கீதையை' அருளிய கண்ணபிரானின் திருவடிகளை பற்றியவருக்கு, நிர்ஹேதுக  க்ருபை உடையவனான எம்பெருமான் எல்லா நலன்களையும் தானே அளித்து,  நம்மை பாதுகாப்பார்.  "வடமதுரைப் பிறந்த தாதுசேர்தோள் கண்ணனல்லால் இல்லை கண்டீர் சரணே."  :  வடமதுரையிலே அவதவதரித்த,   மாலையணிந்த தோள்களையுடைய கண்ணனைத் தவிர நமக்கு வேறொரு  புகலில்லை. அவன் தாள்களே சரணம்.

எம்பெருமான் திருவடிகளே சரணம்; ஜீயர் திருவடிகளே சரணம். 
ஆச்சார்யன் திருவடிகளே சரணம்


Adiyen Srinivasadhasan

at Nagoji rao street




butter that is submitted to Perumal

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Lord Krishna purappadu - Udupi Krishna Mandiram, Thiruvallikkeni

Lord Krishna purappadu - Udupi Krishna Mandiram, Thiruvallikkeni

Connoisseurs of Carnatic music for sure would love “Krishna Ni Begane Baro” -  a famous classical song in Kannada Language. It is composed in Raagam: Yamunaa KalyaaNi by Vyasatirtha. The beautiful song has the lines --- ..  jagadOddhAraka namma Udupi Sri Krishnaa’…..  – a song on Lord Krishna at Udupi composed by Vyasaraya Tirtha.

Vyasaraja Swamin is acclaimed as one of the three spiritual lights or munitrayam of dvaita Vedanta, i.e., Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Jayatirtha and Sri Vyasatirtha.  He is regarded as one of the foremost dialecticians in the history of Indian philosophy. He along with  Swami Jayatirtha, helped in systematizing Dvaita into an established school of Vedic thought.

Udupi lies in the south-west of Karnataka and is the headquarters of Udupi District. It is famous for the Krishna Mutt.  According to legend, there was a storm in the sea at Malpe. Shri Madhvacharya was on the shore at the time and saw a ship which was in trouble. He helped the ship reach the shore to safety. The sailors were very grateful to him and gave him deities of Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama. He installed the deity of Lord Balarama near Malpe. This temple is known as Vadapandeshwara. He brought the deity of Lord Krishna and  installed at Udupi, which is regarded as the present day Krishna Mutt. The Mutt reportedly  resembles a living ashram, a holy place for daily devotion and living. Surrounding the Sri Krishna Matha are several temples, the most ancient being made of basic wood and stone of 1,500 years origin.  Pejawar is a village located in the Mangalore taluk of Dakshina Kannada, formerly known as South Canara.  It houses one of the eight ashta Mutts established by  Sri Madhvacharya.    In Triplicane, there is a branch of the Udupi Krishna Mandiram situate at Sunkuvar street.

Everything about Lord Krishna is sweet and music to ears.  Have seen that the locals at Gokul near Mathura where Lord Krishna grew firmly believe that it was the place where Lord walked. They firmly believe the even the cows would give only sweet milk there as it is the land of Lord Krishna.  Similar is the total faith in Udupi and other places

The day of birth of  Lord  Krishna is celebrated all over, in a manner that  Lord Krishna is born in every house.   People celebrate at home by painitng the  footsteps of little Krishna in their houses, have the vigraha of Krishna adorn new clothes and offer choicest dishes and fruits to the Lord.  Similarly, the birth of Lord is celebrated as ‘Sri Jayanthi’ in very many temples.

The day after Gokulashtami Lord Krishna idol of the Udupi Mutt at Thiruvallikkeni was taken on a rath and here are some photos of that purappadu.




With regards – S. Sampathkumar

Tailpiece : Udupi cuisine emanating from Udupi  is a world-renowned cuisine of South India.  Udupi cuisine comprises dishes made primarily from grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. It adheres strictly to the Satvik tradition of Indian vegetarian cuisine, using no onions or garlic. Pumpkins and gourds are the main ingredients in sambar, a stew prepared with ground coconut and coconut oil as its base.


Udupi or Udipi restaurants and hotels serving Udupi cuisine can be found all over India and many parts of the world. In the past, these restaurants were run by cooks and priests trained at Krishna matha at Udupi. With rising popularity many hotels have sprung up in every nook and corner claiming to serve authentic Udupi cuisine and having the name Udupi on its nameboard.  

Sri Krishna Jayanthi - celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna at Mathura

Today 29th day of August [13th day of Avani] 2013 is a day of Great significance.  Today is  ‘Rohini’ Nakshathiram in the month of Avani,  the day of birth of Lord Krishna.  


People all over celebrate this day in a manner that Lord Krishna is born in every house.  They paint the footsteps of  little Krishna in their houses, have the vigraha of Krishna adorn new clothes and offer choicest dishes to the Lord, many of which are referred to in the Naalayira  Divyaprabandham also.  Sri Periyazhwaar has sung songs celebrating all aspects from the birth of Sri Krishna, to His crawling, His toddling, requesting him to adorn ear rings; offering Him various flowers; bathing Him and more… Lots of fruits are also offered to Krishna at every home. 

Bhagwan Krishna’s birth variously known as Gokulashtami, Krishna Jayanthi and more is often referred to in the South,  as Sri Jayanthi.  There is a notion that ‘Jayanthi’ refers to the birth date and thereby we have no. of Jayanthis !!! -  Heard from Dr MA Venkatakrishnan, Head of Dept of Vaishnavism, University of Madras; a renowned scholar in Sanskrit and Vaishnavism that ‘Jayanthi’ connotes ‘muhurtham’ – among the various muhurthams i.e., the classification of time – one occurring between ‘Ashtami closer to Navami’ and on Rohini is known as ‘Jayanthi’ and it was on this muhurtham Lord Krishna was born.  Because of the birth of Lord Krishna, this muhurtham also attained special significance. As Srivaishnavaites prefix ‘Sri’ with all auspicious things associated with Maha Vishnu, it became ‘Sri Jayanthi’ – hence there cannot be any other Jayanthis – the one and only Jayanthi is that of Lord Krishna.  Just as the birth of Lord Rama is ‘Sree Rama Navami’ – that of Lord Krishna is ‘Sree Jayanthi’.

Mathura is the holy place where Lord Krishna was born…. ~ the centre of what is fondly referred as Braj bhoomi.  Remember Lord was born in a prison cell at Mathura, the capital of Surasena kingdom ruled by Kamsa, the maternal uncle of the Lord.  This is a very old place dating back to Ramayana days.  According to the Archeologists, the Ikshwaku prince Shatrughna slayed a demon called Lavanasura and claimed this  land.  By some accounts this place was a densely wooded Madhuvan.   This place was closely associated with history too.  Centuries later,  Mathura was one of the capitals of Kushan dynasty. Megasthenes, writing in the early 3rd century BCE, mentions Mathura as a great city.

At the place where Lord Krishna was born now exists a Temple popularly known as ‘Janmasthan temple’  -  Kesava Deo Temple considered most sacred for all Hindus.  There is a huge complex comprising of a small temple, the Janmasthan, gallery, a huge temple later built by Dalmiyas – the prison cell – the exact place where Lord Krishna was born is under a doom – all heavily fortified and guarded these days.  At the Janmasthan is the most beautiful  Kehsav Dev(Krishna), the worshipped  deity of this temple. According to traditions the original deity was installed by the  great-grandson of Krishna.

This temple is considered a monument of Gupta period (320 to 550 CE)which was destroyed in 1661 CE by Aurangzeb. Vrindavan is the twin town of Mathura and there are other holy places of Gokulam and Govardhana giri – all in the vicinity.  It is recorded that this  great temple was rebuilt by Bir Singh Deo Bundela during Jahangir’s time at a cost of thirty-three lakhs of rupees. The Dehra of Keshava Rai was one of the most magnificent temples ever built in India and enjoyed veneration of the Hindus throughout the land. The Dehra of Keshava Rai was demolished by Aurangzeb.  In 1815, the East India Company auctioned the area of Katra Keshavadeva, which was purchased by the then Raja Patnimal of Banaras.  In 1944, Madan Mohan Malviya was distressed at plight of the site and arranged for purchase of land from Raja Krishna Das of Benaras; then  Jugal Kishore Birla of Birla group took  the leading role to fulfill the wishes of Malviyaji and formed a private trust in 1951 to which the rights of land were later transferred. Jaidayal Dalmia of Dalmia Group was another leading personality, who took untiring efforts and the temple was finally constructed over the site. The trust which runs the temple has a glorious list of Trustees besides Birla and Dalmia family members.   

Though this modern temple attracts pilgrims, the original place of birth lies within the complex -  a small room  of  a prison cell, where it is  fully believed that Lord Krishna was born.  There is a mosque overlooking this place. 

Here are some photos of Sri Janmasthan of Sri Krishna at Mathura ~ photos of the entrance only as the temple premises is heavily guarded and cameras are not allowed these days.  On the day of Gokulashtami huge crowds would gather and sing paeans in praise of our Great Lord Krishna

Jai Sri Krishna

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan.

29th Aug 2013.







Sunday, August 25, 2013

Woraiyur [Uraiyoor] Sri Kamalavalli Nachiyar Thirukkovil


Recently had the fortune of worshipping at a Great Divyadesam 'Thiru Uraiyoor'

River Cauvery is considered very sacred ~ in the words of Thondaradipodi Azhwar – ‘more sacred than the Sacred Ganges’…. ~ and in that beautiful island formed by Cauvery [Kaveri and Kollidam] reclines Lord Ranganathar.  Azhwars, many sages and saints have left a rich treasure for posterity, in the form of classics containing all information about God and how He is ready to respond to the devotees' sincere pleas.  Most of them heaps praises on the Great Thiruvarangam and Lord Arangar as the saints could visualize and be recipients of the  Divine Grace.

The sacred Cauvery flowing across enriched all areas on its banks ~ the Chozha empire flourished due to that.  Historically, Uraiyur [also spelt Woraiyoor] was the capital of the Empire – had big palatial buildings and bigger choultries feeding the poor all the time.   Uraiyur over the period is known by various names such as ‘Thirukkozhi, Nikalaapuri, Uranthai, and Kozhiyur’. Inscriptions and rock edicts of earlier dynasties  describe Urayur as "the citadel and centre of the Cholas". The word Urayur in Tamil literally means "the residence" ~ perhaps meant to be the abode of the Lord Himself.  Legend has it that ‘cock attacked the elephant of the king’ and realizing the valour, the place came to be known as ‘Kozhiyoor’ too. 

For Sri Vaishnavaites, this places assumes significance for this is a Divyadesam ~ more so as every year Lord Num Perumal from Thiruvarangam visits this place.  The presiding deity here is Azhagiya Manavaalan in  standing posture possessing ‘Conch [Thiruvazhi] and Chakra in His hands.  The Thayar is Kamalavalli Nachiyar ~ who is in the main sannathi itself alongwith Perumal.   The moolavar Kamalavalli Nachiyar is in sitting posture of the bride [Thirukalyana thirukolam]. Thiru Kalyana uthsavam is celebrated on Panguni  Pooram day when NumPerumal from Thiruvarangam comes here for marriage.   Lord Ranganatha here is ‘Azhagiya Mana Vaalan’ ~ there is no Uthsavar idol for Perumal.  Thirumangai mannan sings about this place as :

கோழியும் கூடலும் கோயில் கொண்ட கோவலரே  ஒப்பர் குன்றமன்ன*
பாழியும் தோளுமோர் நான்குடையர் பண்டிவர் தம்மையும் கண்டறியோம்*
வாழியரோவிவர்  வண்ணமெண்ணில் மாகடல் போன்றுளர் கையில்வெய்ய*
ஆழியொன்று ஏந்தி ஒர் சங்கு பற்றி  அச்சோவொருவர் அழகியவா.**

திருமங்கை மன்னன் தமது திருமொழியில் மங்களாசாசனம். " உறையூரையும், தென் மதுரையையும் இருப்பிடமாகவுடைய கோபாலக்ருஷ்ணன் போல இருக்கும் இவர் பெரிய கடல் போன்றும்; மலை போன்ற வலிமை பொருந்திய அழகிய நான்கு திருத்தோள்களையும் உடையவராய் இருக்கிறார் ~ அத்தகைய பெருந்தகையோன் -  பல்லாண்டு பல்லாண்டு  வாழ்ந்திடுக.

This place has added significance of being the avathara sthalam of Thirup Paan Azhwar for whom there is a separate sannathi.  The prakaram is not big and on the left side of the corridor is the sannidhi of Thirupanar.  Such was his blemishless devotion to Lord Aranganathar that he claimed that he does not want to see anything else with his eyes that saw the most benevolent Lord Arangar. ~ அண்டர்  கோன் அணியரங்கன் என்னமுதினைக் கண்ட கண்கள் மற்றொன்றினைக் காணாவே.


Adiyen Srinivasadhasan.
Gopuram photos taken by me in 2008 

Uraiyur Kamalavalli Nachiyar after Adi Vellikizhamai purappadu

Thirup Panar - courtesy : antaryami.net

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Thiruvengadamudayan Purappadu at Holy Tirumala


Thirumala Thirupathi, the name itself is divine. Thiruvengadam, the abode of Lord Balaji would ever remain as the ‘Thilakam’ the shining glory of the whole Earth.  All that we need to do is to pray towards the Greatest Lord of Universe from wherever we are, think of HIM always and do good to humanity in Thy Name

For Sri Vaishnavaites, the word Kovil, Thirumalai, Perumal Kovil would refer to “Sri Rangam, Thirumala Tirupathi and Kanchipuram” respectively. The sacred and most reverred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak – Venkatachala hill of Tirumala.  The Lord stands tall as bestower of all boons and lakhs of people reach here to have a glimpse – a few seconds darshan of the Lord.  This beautiful temple in its present form owes a lot to the works of the greatest Vaishnava Acharya – Sri Ramanujar. 

Had the great fortune of attending the 959th  Avathara Uthsavam of Thirumalai Ananthazhwaar – a full day rendition of Swami Nammalwar’s Thiruvaimozhi and other pasurams sung by other Azhwars on Tirupathi Perumal.  More details of this festivity later. 

Now a days, you have all the facilities, the roads are well laid,  transportation is at its best as there are buses at almost every 5 minutes from the foothill to the top – private vehicles are allowed to be driven to the top – you can go in a two wheeler, car, van, jeep, bus and more.  In olden days, people used to climb the hill afoot which was arduous.  Sri Udayavar (Ramanujacharya) used to climb the hill on his knees reverring the sacredness of the hill itself.  One would have visited the most sacred and reverred Thirumala many a times in life – but our wish to have more darshan of HIM would remain unsatiated.   A few seconds of His darshan and chanting His name ‘Govinda, Govindha’ – makes us feel so happy as we  feel extremely satisfied and blessed with His darshan. Felt extremely blessed to have darshan of Lord Srinivasa on Sunday 3rd March 2013.

To quote the glorious words of Kulasekara Azhwar in his ‘Perumal Thirumozhi”
ஊனேறு செல்வத் துடற்பிறவி யான்வேண்டேன்*
ஆனேறேழ் வென்றானடிமைத் திறமல்லால்*
கூனேறு சங்க மிடத்தான் தன் வேங்கடத்து*
கோனேரி வாழும் குருகாய்ப் பிறப்பேனே*

In this earthly World, where one considers the birth of human as the best – Azhwar prays that if at all, one were to get a birth even as an animal, still he would feel happier, if it were to be a life in the holy hills of Thirumala; Azhwar prays for a birth of a Stork / a bird living on the banks of the Swami Pushkarini, known as ‘Holy Koneri’; that exhibits the exemplary spirit of Azhwar in doing service to the Lord in whatever manner, wishing to be closest to His divine place. 

Here are some photos taken during the purappadu of Lord Srinivasa at Thirumala Tirupathi.

Adiyen – Srinivasa dhasan.










10th March 2013.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Srivilliputhur Srinivasa Chariyar Araiyar - the fine tradition in Srivaishnava Temples

Sri Vaishnava temples follow the doctrine and practices instituted by our great Acharyar Sri Ramanujar.  In most Divyadesams, one would be impressed by the resplendent splendour of Archavathara Murthies, the garlands and floral decorations, the ornate ornaments, the devoted services of Battars, Veda Adhyapakars rendering Vedas and Divyaprabandhams, the Sripadham thangigal who with mighty devotion take the Lord on their shoulders and there is more…

In the lineage of great Acharyars of our Sampradhayam – Sriman Nadhamunigal is in the midst. After the great Azhwars, there was a period when the ‘divyaprabandhams’ rendered by them were lost in oblivion; it was Sri Nathamunigal who got them back; he is credited with the regenesis of  ‘Divya Prabandham’.  Sri Nathamunigal was a great Bhakti Yogi and practiced the Yoga of eight accessories ( ashtAnga yoga); he authored the  treatise “Yoga Rahasya”.  He was also an exponent of divine music  who initiated the ‘singing of divyaprabandham ~ now known as Arayar Sevai’.

The “Araiyar Sevai” is a unique offering that takes place on certain specific occasions at a few divyadesams – Thiruvarangam, Srivilliputhur, Thirukurugoor [Azhwar Thirunagari], Thirukkannapuram….  It is bakthi in its purest form – rendered by special people – who sing the verses of Nalayira Divyaprabandham accompanied by abinayam [gesture] with ease.   Araiyars are hereditary and take great effort to preserve their family tradition, descending from the days of Acharyar Nathamunigal…. Sadly, there are not many as over the years we have failed to recognize and take care of their exquisite art totally dedicated to Sriman Narayana.  

Though there are administrators and the department is getting huge revenue, some temples are in the state of neglect, manuscripts are not properly preserved and traditional fine arts practised for centuries in temples are slowly forgotten due to long years of neglect.  `Araiyar Sevai’ is the visual enactment of the           passionate expression by those in the tradition of Araiyars who have upheld the literature of Iyal, Isai and Natakam.  The Araiyars are not mere dance performers ~ being well versed in Vaishnavaite commentaries possessing great knowledge. Have read that according to ‘Koil Ozhugu’  record book of the Srirangam temple, Thirumangai Azhwar, started the practice of presenting Thirunedun thandakam with the accompaniment of music  before Lord Num Perumal; ages later, Nathamunigal introduced its performance during the Thiruvadhyayana Uthsavam.   His nephews - Keezhai Agathu Azhwar and Melai Agathu became the foremost Araiyars at Srirangam.  According to tradition they were given a cone-like cape “Ariyar Kireedam,'' two cymbals and the sacred garlands by the Lord of Srirangam Himself.  The Araiyars first recite the Paasuram, they then explain its inner meaning and finally perform the Abhinaya, a unique art/dance performance with their hands and legs explaining the Paasurams with special musical effect.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

One of the few committed to and continuing the traditions of Araiyar Sevai is ‘Srinivasachariyar of Srivilliputhur’  - Here is the article that appeared in The Hindu dated 8th Aug 2013.  The  article source  can be  followed here : http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/dance-of-devotion/article5003192.ece?homepage=true [news and photos courtesy : The Hindu]

The over 1,000 years old art of Araiyar Sevai, which was once performed across Divya Desams, has seen a decline in recent times (it is now performed only in Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Azhwar Tirunagari), one Araiyar is not ready to give up. In the eighth decade of his service to the Lord, Srinivasachariyar of Srivilliputhur performs Araiyar Sevai with the same devotion with which he started way back in 1943, when he was just 13 years old.

It would be appropriate to recapture the origin of Araiyar Sevai. Vaishnavite Savant Nadhamuni, who lived in the 9th-10th Century A.D., wished to make sure that Naalayira Divya Prabandham was preserved. What better way than to give them a musical shape and gestures to go with it? Aided by his nephews, Keezhaiyagath Azhwar and Melaiyagath Azhwar, Nadhamuni created special ragas and talas for the paasurams. Araiyar Sevai was born. Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam is believed to have gifted the Araiyars (Kings of Music) the cone-like cap, two cymbals and a sacred garland to be worn around their neck during performance.

Born in Srivilliputhur on Pooram day in Purattasi in 1930, Araiyar Srinivasachariyar, a descendent of Melaiyagath Azhwar, was initiated into this special art of presenting the sacred verses by his father Araiyar Vadapatrasayee at the age of seven. The learning process that spanned 18 long years included singing the paasuram in a special tune with the relevant raga, practising abhinaya and presenting the Vyakyanam every morning at 4 and again in the evening at 9. The entire process involved not just acquiring knowledge of the 4,000 divine songs of the Azhwars but also the monumental task of capturing the meaning of each of these Paasurams and then reaching out the essence of these verses to the audience. The Vyakyanam for the Thiru Pallandu verses alone runs into 70 pages!

Araiyar Srinivasachariyar has fond memories of his Arangetram in 1943 “I really felt honoured to be led by a music band with ‘melam and thaalam’ and the temple elephant with an umbrella over me and a sacred chamaram (to fan me) around the streets of Srivilliputhur and then into the Andal Sannidhi, Vadabadrasayee Sannidhi and the Peri Azhwar Sannidhi. I was presented with the ‘Kreedam, Parivattam and Peetambaram.’ That was a divine moment.” In the same year, he presented his first ever Araiyar Sevai in front of Tirukurungudi Nambi, his Kula Deivam, performing the abhinaya for Thirumangai Azhwar’s Periya Thirumozhi verse ‘Akkum Puliyum’ and Nammazhwar’s Tiruvoimozhi paasuram ‘Enganeyo’. Since then, for decades, he has been presenting these two verses at the Thirukurungudi Divya Desam on Kaisika Ekadasi.

His selfless service and devotion assume greater significance as many Araiyars even within these three Divya Desams where Araiyar Sevai is being performed have looked for financially ‘greener’ pastures (corporate world). He has had the unique honour of being invited to present Araiyar Sevai in over 30 Divya Desams in the State, including Sarangapani Koil, Nachiyar Koil, Thiruchcherai, Azhagar Koil and Thiru Nagai. He particularly remembers his first such presentation at the Sri Parthasarathy Swami temple in Triplicane, exactly fifty years ago in 1963, in front of a big audience.

Cherishing those special moments, Araiyar Srinivasachariyar says, ‘It was a privilege to travel to these to renowned Divya Desams and present Araiyar Sevai for long hours. Devotees used to gather in thousands and would watch in pin drop silence the presentation that would sometimes go late into the night.” All through this 70-year service he has been presenting Araiyar Sevai at Srivilliputhur on all festive occasions such as Aadi Pooram, Panguni Uthiram and the 20-day Adhyayana Utsavam. 
the cymbals and the Kireedam


Through his story telling, Araiyar Srinivasachariyar transports listeners to a different world peopled by gods, goddesses and demons. Andal grows into a beautiful young girl, Lord Vishnu demolishes the evil forces - Kamsa and Hiranya - Lord Naryana retrieves the nectar and hands it back to the Devas and Lord Rama’s triumphs over Ravana as he sings the verses of Azhwars with appropriate abhinaya.

In the Himalayas : The most memorable experience of his life was his trip in 1978 to the Himalayas, where he presented Araiyar Sevai in front of Lord Badri Narayanan at the Badrinath Divya Desam. His eyes light up as he recounts that trip. “I was sitting outside my house in Srivilliputhur when an astrologer passed that way. I told him I wanted to go North. He suggested that I leave for my trip that same day. I left immediately for Madras and from there I went to Hyderabad and met Sriman Narayana Jeer. From Secunderabad, I went to Badrinath and stayed in the Himalayas for nine days.”

Tears well in his eyes as he continues: “It was God’s grace that I was able to present Araiyar Sevai at 3. 30 a.m. in front of the Lord. Almost everyone was shivering as it was extremely cold. But I was out there presenting Araiyar Sevai. My entire thought centred on Badri Narayana Perumal and I was oblivious of the temperature that must have been several degrees below zero.” Moved by his dedication, Sriman Narayana Jeer honoured him with the title ‘Bhagavad Vishaya Vidwan’. His two other favourite presentations which he savours are Thirumangai Azhwar’s ‘Thooviriya Malar Uzhakki’ Periya Thirumozhi verse praising the Lord of Thiruvali Divya Desam presented in Deva Mukhari Ragam and the Thiru Nedunthaandagam verses – both during the Pagal Pathu Utsavam in Margazhi.  Araiyar Srinivasachariyar Swami can be contacted at 9443867345

Admirers’ appeal : The wish of all those who have been following the service of Srinivasachariyar Swami is that he should be conferred Kalaimamani by the Tamil Nadu Government. Araiyar Sevai, after all, is a unique combination of music, dance and devotion. The 400-year old house of Araiyar Swami on Periya Perumal West Mada Street in Srivilliputhur is in bad shape. Swami has been presenting Araiyar Sevai for seven decades without financial support of any form. Nor has he been tempted by offers by cinema producers and visitors from abroad to video film his performance.

Tomorrow at Villiputhur : Araiyar Srinivasachariyar Swami will present his special ‘Muthu Kuri’ Araiyar Sevai tomorrow evening (August 10) at Srivilliputhur Divya Desam as part of the tenth day celebrations of the Aadi Pooram Utsavam. He is set to present Araiyar Sevai at the Nadha Muni Thiruvarasu in Chokka Pallam, east of Gangai Konda Chozha Puram, on September 15 on the occasion of the Samprokasham of the shrine. The performance, of course is being dedicated to the saint, who introduced Araiyar Sevai.

Highlights:
1943 – Arangetram at the Andal shrine, Srivilliputhur
1943 - First presentation at Thirukurungudi
1963 – Araiyar Sevai at Parthasarathy temple in Thiruvallikeni
1970s - Performs at Tirunaraiyur, Sarangapani temple, Srimushnum and Azhagar Koil
1978 - Araiyar Sevai in the Himalayas in front of Badri Narayana Perumal.
2007 – Presentation at Ashtalakshmi temple, Chennai

2009 - Velukkudi Krishnan confers on him the title, ‘Kainkarya Srimaan.’
the Araiyars of Srirangam

Srivilliputhur Andal...... her parrot .... and the maker...

There is divinity everywhere… still some are more closely associated with divinity…

 

கூட்டிலிருந்து கிளியெப்போதும் கோவிந்தா கோவிந்தாவென்றழைக்கும்*

ஊட்டுக்கொடாது செறுப்பனாகில் உலகளந்தானென்றுயரக் கூவும்*

நாட்டிற்றலைப்பழியெய்தி உங்கள் நன்மையழிந்து தலையிடாதே*

சூட்டுயர் மாடங்கள் சூழ்ந்து தோன்றும் துவராபதிக்கென்னையுய்த்திடுமின்.

 

~ Andal the quintessential devotee draws reference to the caged parrot which keeps calling the names of Lord as ‘Govindha, Govinda’ ~ when it is not fed and starved as a punishment, it shouts more as ‘Lord who measured the Earth’…… Andal pleads that she be taken to Dwaraka, the city that has  high spired domes as She should be taken to the place of Lord Krishna, lest there will be words of abuse from the World.

Sri Andal at Thiruvallikkeni with the parrot

Elephants are closely associated with God in our philosophy and parrots do occupy a high position.  Parrots, also known as psittacines are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera.  They are found in most tropical and subtropical regions.  From time immemorial parrots are kept as pets, especially macaws, Amazon parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, and cockatoos. These birds have been popular companions throughout history because they are intelligent, charismatic, colorful, and musical. Some birds can imitate many nonavian sounds, including human speech. 

The primordial Divyadesam at Thiruvarangam enclosed by the holy river Kaveri is Ramayana-centric as the reclining Lord Ranganathar was worshipped by the Ikshvaku dynasty and was gifted to Vibhishana by Rama.  There is the ‘Kili mandapam’  [hall of parrot] just outside the precincts of Sanctum Sanctorum ~ here is ‘Kannan Kovil’ where Lord Krishna with his family of Vasudeva, Devaki and Rohini are worshipped.  

Thinking of parrots [kili] naturally leads to Sri Andal at Sri Villiputhur.  It is the birth place of Andal and Periyazhwar.  The temple tower of Sri Vadapathra Sayee Perumal is the emblem of the Tamil Nadu State Government.  Here [as also in many other divyadesams] Sri Andal has the parrot in her hand…  In her Nachiyar Thirumozhi, Andal sends cuckoo as her envoy and she promises that in return she would befriend her pet parrot which is being brought up by providing milk and sweet rice. The exquisite parrot that adorns the shoulder of Andal is a treat to watch, especially at Srivilliputhur.  

Here is a report that appeared in The Hindu [reproduced as it is here : http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/labour-of-love/article5003197.ece] – this is an article written by Ms Suganthy Krishnamachari. (I was under mistaken impression that copyright is with the magazine, but the author pointed to me that it is with the author and author’s name must be attributed.  The error is regretted and corrected) 

S. Raman has an unusual profession… everyday, he makes a fresh, eco-friendly parrot that adorns Andal.



In Her ‘Nachiar Tirumozhi’ (5th Decad, 5th verse), Andal refers fondly to Her parrot as ‘Paal amudhootti edutha en kolakkili’- a parrot that’s fed on milk. In Her verse, Andal speaks of three birds - the swan, the cuckoo and the parrot.

Dr. M.A. Venkatakrishnan explains the significance of this verse. In the sloka, ‘Koojantam Rama Rameti,’ Valmiki is referred to as a cuckoo -- Valmiki kokilam. Sukabrahma Rishi narrated the story of Lord Krishna. Suka also means parrot in Sanskrit. So Andal, by singing about the cuckoo and the parrot, may be said to be referring to the narrators of the stories of Rama and Krishna, respectively. The reference to the swan is Andal’s way of referring to the Acharyas, who are invariably compared to swans because of their discerning capacity.

When the Andal utsavar idol is taken on processions in Srivilliputhur, a golden, gem studded parrot adorns Her. But when She returns to the temple, she is seen holding a parrot made of green leaves!  S. Raman, who makes this parrot, says, “It takes me four and a half hours to make the bird.” Everyday, a fresh parrot is made, which adorns Andal for roughly the same time as it takes to make it. “Once R. Venkatraman, the then President of India, asked if he could have the parrot at the end of the day, and the executive officer of the temple sent it to Rashtrapathi Bhavan!” says Raman.

He twists around his fingers a bunch of fibres from the stem of the banana plant, drawn into thin strands, and shapes the threads to resemble a parrot. These fibres are covered with tapioca leaves. A pomegranate flower is cut into two, and is used to make the beak and the mouth. Bamboo sticks are used for the legs. These are covered with the petals of pink oleander and nandiyavattai (Ervatamia coronaria). Palm fronds are cut and used for the tail and wings. A glittering stone called kakkaipon, that is obtained when wells are dug, is broken and shaped to resemble the parrot’s eyes. “These days few people dig wells. So it’s difficult to get these stones. Luckily, I have a good collection,” Raman says, as his fingers work deftly.


The pomegranate flowers come from the temple garden. All the other leaves and flowers come from a nearby village called Malli. “Once in two days, I go to Malli and collect what I need,” Raman says. How does he ensure that the leaves and flowers don’t wilt? “I keep them in the shade and covered. I don’t expose them to heat,” he says. In fact he is reluctant to pose with the parrot, because the parrot isn’t completely ready yet, and he is afraid that holding it where there is sufficient light to enable the photographer to get a good picture, will make the leaves wither.

Raman is the fifth generation lineal descendant of a gentleman who made Andal’s parrots. “But long before that, people in my family made these parrots for the temple,” says Raman. What is his profession? “I am content to make the parrots for Andal. That’s all I know.” Wealthy devotees may gift jewellery and silks to Andal, but one can’t help feeling that She will be partial to Raman’s parrots, for they are a labour of love. Raman’s work is an everyday affirmation of his faith and devotion.

Thanks to The Hindu & the author  for the report & the photos…  

adiyen Srinivasadhasan.

Srinivasan Sampathkumar

20.8.2013