Irapathu day 10 at Thiruvallikkeni - 20.01.2014

Irapathu Sarrumurai - Nammalwar Moksham

 

Today  20^th Jan 2013 marks the culmination of Adhyayana Uthsavam – the 10 days of Pagal Pathu and Irapathu of 10 days starting with the famous Vaikunda Ekadasi

 

During Pagal Pathu – the Muthalayiram and Thirumozhi are rendered in the day time…. during Irapathu – on all evening purappadu – Sri Manavalamamunigal’s Upadesa Rathinamalai is rendered. After the purappadu – Thiruvaimozhi is rendered – 100 songs (oru pathu every day).  On all days of Irapathu – Perumal enters the ‘Paramapada vasal’ with Swami Nammalwar receiving Him at the gate.

 

The Irapathu sarrumurai is very significant for the “Thiruvadi Thozhuthal”.  More details of this on a later post.

Here are some photos of day 10 Sarrumurai purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni.  On all other days it was Swami Nammalwar with kavacham and today we are fortunate to have darshan of Swami Nammalwar’s thirumeni.

Here are some photos of the purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan

Swami Nammalwar’s thirumeni above and 

a photo with kavacham taken earlier (below)

Thiruvallikkeni - Iraapathu Uthsavam 9 : Govardhana Giri Gopala ..

Thiruvallikkeni - Iraapathu Uthsavam 9 :  19^th Jan 2014  - 

திருவல்லிக்கேணி இராப்பத்து  உத்சவம் 9

Today is  day 9  of Irapathu uthsavam at Thiruvallikkeni.  Lord Krishna even during His childhood days exhibited magical qualities and showed that He is the Supreme Power;  yet He mingled with cowherds and all other folks treating all as equals ~ such is the great quality of Lord Krishna, that He was accessible to all around. 

Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, brought up in Gokulam, played in Vrindavan and surroundings and thus many of His Leelas were in and around these areas ~ ‘lifting of the Govardhana Giri’ is a very important event. . These areas are known as Brajbhoomi….a part of Ganges Yamuna alluvial area… a golden triangle that would encompass Mathura, Gokul, Govardhan, Nandgaon, Barsana and more…

Govardhan is a hill located nearer Vrindavan, Mathura, considered sacred for its association with Lord Krishna.  The name could literally mean nourishment of the cow.  In Northern India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated after Diwali.   The greatness of the hills of Govardhan is appreciated by Periyazhwar in 10 hymns…  in one Azhwar speaks of the  abundance of rain at Govardhan from those clouds which descend to take water from the ocean and pour them over the hills.  In another, Periyazhwar sings :

செப்பாடுடைய திருமாலவன்தன் செந்தாமரைக் கைவிரலைந்தினையும்*

கப்பாக மடுத்துமணி நெடுந்தோள்  காம்பாகக் கொடுத்துக் கவித்தமலை*

எப்பாடும் பரந்திழிதெள்ளருவி இலங்கு மணிமுத்து வடம் பிறழ*

குப்பாயமென  நின்று காட்சிதரும்  கோவர்த்தனமென்னும்  கொற்றக்குடையே.

The most benevolent Maha Vishnu (embodied as Lord Krishna) upturned the big mountain just as an umbrella – He spread his five fingers of lotus hand which were akin to spokes and His long arm seemingly the stem.  With the mountain so held protecting the cows and cowherds, the gushing stream of water flowed down over the rims forming a tassel of ornament… the sprayed waters formed looked like a silken coat with pearls interlaced and worn by the might Lord… that was the lifting of Govardhana Giri. 

Thirumangai mannan in sthala pasuram of Thiruvallikkeni mentions thus : One of the annual celebrations of the cowherds was feasting where Indra was worshipped; as it was not forthcoming, Indra got wild and rained hailstones.  The cowherds ran to their natural protector Lord Krishna, who held aloft the Govardhana mountain with his finger and ensured protection of all the people.  Thirumangai Mannan says, that it is this Krishna who is before us at Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam.

இந்திரனுக்கென்றாயர்களெடுத்த  எழில் விழவில் பழநடைசெய்,*

மந்திர விதியில் பூசனை பெறாது மழை பொழிந்திடத் தளர்ந்து, ஆயர்*

எந்தம்மோடினவாநிரை தளராமல் எம்பெருமானருளென்ன,*

அந்தமில் வரையால் மழைதடுத்தானைத்  திருவல்லிக்கேணிக் கண்டேனே.

Today, it was such a great sight to behold - Lord Parthasarathi bedecked  beautifully portraying the lifting of ‘Govardhana Giri’  and saving all – the eternal Saviour and protector…  here are some photos taken during the 9^th day of Irapathu uthsavam.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan. 

Thiruvallikkeni Irapathu day 8 - Rajamannar Thirukolam (2014)

Today 18^th Jan 2014 is the 8^th day of Irapathu Uthsavam ……… today it was ‘Raja Mannar’ Thirukolam……….. it is but natural – Krishna was the King of cowherds and Sri Parthasarathi was His natural self…as  Rajamannar, blessed  His bakthas.  The whip and the crowning glory were of unparalleled beauty – one could also notice the small calf at His lovely feet and the beautiful cow behind Him. 

The easiest way to reach Him, is surrender self… (Saranagathi) ~ of the infinite kalyanagunas of the Emperuman – there is one of ‘Vathsalyam’ – the exposition of patience and forgiveness……… we mistake so many mistakes and yet our Lord protects and takes us nearer removing us of all the sins….. it is rendered that the cow would like the dirt off the calf revealing it’s extreme love for its progeny.  So also Emperuman accepts us even when we are full of dirt and mistakes.   We should do nothing but surrender, prostrating at the divine feet of Sriman Narayana.

The meek cow represented the devotees who reach to Him, as the Eternal Saviour ~ the Emperor who protected the cows would sure protect us and give us the ultimate salvation.  In the words of Swami Nammalwar : “எல்லியும் காலையும் தன்னை நினைந்தெழ, நல்ல அருள்கள் நமக்கே தந்தருள்செய்வான்”.. He would besides giving us all the good things in life, give us the good mind to think of Himself of all the time during the day and night ~ and those of us who start feeling so, are the most blessed.

Here are some photos taken during day’s (rather night) purappadu.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

Swami Nammalwar

Thiruvallikkeni Irapathu day 5 - Thaipusam harvesting..

15^th  Jan 2014, the day after Pongal ~ celebrated as Kanu(m) Pongal… in the morning there was Andal purappadu in Hamsa vahanam (Kanu Parvettai purappadu)

In the evening, it was day 5 of Irapathu Uthsavam and it coincided with Thaipusam.  Today  Sri Parthasarathi had periya maada veedhi purappadu in ‘Kaalinga Narthana thirukolam’ accompanied by  Senai Mudalvar and Swami Nammalwar. At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, traditionally on Thaipusam day, Sri Parthasarathi visits Big Street – the long winding Veeraghava Mudali Street – which now a days is more of a lane than a Big street….  This is the Uthsavam where Perumal  collects the harvest from His field. (kadhir aruthal).

Thiruvallikkeni has had a great history… going by the description of Thirumangai Mannan, it was a fortified place  (full of madangal)…. It was Mayilai Thiruvallikkeni – in the description of Azhwargal.  In the days of Pallava and Thondaimaans, Thiruvallikkeni was pristine in its glory. Centuries later, during the British period, Chennai became prominent as frontiers were redrawn….Triplicane and near abouts were more of black towns…

By every probability, more than a century or two ago - the junction of Big Street, Pycrofts road, might have represented the border  of the locality and perhaps the area thereafter could have been opulent  rice fields………… now it is maze of buildings in small lanes and by-lanes where people jostle for space.  There was a small pandal put up at the Junction where Perumal halted for a brief-while and a reap of paddy was placed before the Lord, then at His feet.  The rice grains so placed were distributed to the devotees too……..

Here are some photos taken during the purappadu at Thiruvallikkeni.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

Senai Muthalvar

Swami Nammalwar

Irapathu day 4 - Sankranthi Oorgola Uthsavam ~ Hanumath Jayanthi - 2014

Today, (14th Jan 2014) is the 4th day of the ongoing Irapathu Uthsavam…. Today is Sankranthi and hence Sankranthi Urgola Uthsavam and today is Hanumath Jayanthi too…..

After Bhogi Thirukalyanam, Sri Andal and Sri Parthasarathi usually will have purappadu in a special open palanquin [one that had no roof known as kooralam] ~ today it was Perumal with Ubaya Nachimar in a Kedayam and Sri Andal by the side of Perumal.  There was Swami Nammalwar and Sri Baktha Aanjaneyar too… a glorious purappadu.  Today too,  Sri Parthasarathi adorned the Crown [Sigathadai]; Sri Andal was in a beautiful sitting posture.  It was a great occasion to have darshan of The Divine Couples [Divya Thampathi].  

Think about Hanuman…..

and what comes to mind is his unparalleled devotion for Lord Ram and unrivalled physical strength. Perhaps this is one reason why Hanuman is quite often associated with celibates, wrestlers and bodybuilders. Hanuman is also noted for his spirit of self service, which was rewarded by Lord Ram by stating that ‘whenever I am remembered, people will remember you too.’ Hanuman Jayanthi is observed during various time of year in different places. Some observe it in Chaitra month. In Thiruvallikkeni temple, it was celebrated yesterday.

In this sthalam, right in front of the Sri Ramar Sannathi, Sri Aanjaneya resides. Once in a year, there will be purappadu for this Utsavamurthy and yesterday Sri Parthasarathi Perumal, Sri Andal;  Sri Hanumar and Swami Nammalwar had purappadu. There is another Anjaneyar temple at East tank Square street too….

In Periyazhwar Thirumozhi, in the hymns celebrating the power of Govardhana Giri, Azhwar says  that in the Greatly reverred hill, female monkeys in singing lullabies to their kids, mention the heroic deeds of Hanuman, whose valour completely destroyed the city of demons – the  Lanka.**அடங்கச்சென்று இலங்கையையீடழித்த அனுமன் புகழ்பாடித் தம்குட்டன்களை* ……..

It is widely believed that Lord Hanuman is present wherever the story of Lord Ram is recited.  Let us prostrate  at the feet of  Jai Hanuman ~  here are some photos of the purappadu.

Here are some photos taken during today’s purappadu.

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan

14^th Jan 2014.

Sri Villiputhur Andal neeratta Uthsavam 2014

I have been posting about the Neeratta Uthsavam at  Thiruvallikkeni…. Sri Andal’s  birth occurred in the 98^th year of Kali Yuga – Andal  was found in a thulasi garden at Sri Villiputhur by Vishnu Chithar [Periyazhwaar]. 

In Tamil Nadu, most Temples have beautiful and majestic Gopurams and at Sri Villiputhur, the birth place of Sri Andal it is a 11 tiered structure of about 192 feet high. The famous Gopuram  dates back to  Sri Periyazhwaar.  Srivilliputhur, with its twin temples, dedicated to the deities Vadaabadrasayee and Andal-Rangamannar, is a place of high religious importance. The tall towers, massive car, huge tank, sculpted pillars, ancient Ramayana frescoes and modern wall paintings depicting the Lords of 108 Divyadesams, numerous inscriptions dating back to the rule of Pandya kings, fine rectangular hall with a wooden roof and above all its unique "Thiruppavai Vimanam" speak volumes of their rich architectural heritage. The majestic Gopuram of the West tower of the Sri Villiputhur divyadesam is the emblem of State of Tamil Nadu. 

Kothai Piratti  [Andal] represents   the most unique combination of divine wisdom coupled with devotion non-pareil.  A paragon of virtues - supreme example of single-minded devotion in serving the Lord, as clearly brought out in her great prabandham of 30 hymns "Thiruppavai".  Andal’s  philosophy is clear and unmistakable.  She says ‘immaikkum ezhezhu piravikkum patraavan, nammaiyudaivan Narayanan nambi’  -  "Sriman Narayana is our refuge now and forever and He will not let us down, for we are His possessions".  In Nachiyar Thirumozhi, she says

“தொழுதுமுப்போது முன்னடி வணங்கித் தூமலர் தூய்த்தொழு தேத்துகின்றேன்*

பழுதின்றிப் பாற்கடல் வண்ணனுக்கே பணிசெய்து வாழ” ~ to her kainkaryam to Sriman Narayana is throughout the day as she does matchless service with flowers ~ to Her the very reason of birth is to do service to the Lord of Thirupparkadal. 

My brother S. Sundararajan visited this divyadesam recently  and here are some photos taken by him during the Uthsavam at Sri Villiputhur. 

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan.

14^th Jan 2014.

Irapathu Uthsavam day 2 at Thiruvallikkeni 2014

Thiruvallikkeni - Iraapathu Uthsavam 2 – 12.01.2014  - 

திருவல்லிக்கேணி இராப்பத்து  உத்சவம் 

Today, Sri Parthasarathy shone in radiance  as ‘Sri Venugopalar ‘ – the cowherd - -  one with the Flute and Cows.  Here are some photos of Perumal taken during today’s evening purappadu. 

Adiyen Srinivaadhasan

Koodarai vellum Seer Govindha - Andal Neeratta Uthsavam day 7 (2014)

11^th Jan 2013 – it is the day of Vaikunda Ekadasi and  7^th day  of  Andal Neeratta uthsavam.  Sri Andal was exquisitely draped in green and blue silk and gave darshan in a grand sitting posture. 

In hymn no. 28 Sri Andal sings the glory of being the cow, reaching to forest on their trail and the significance of total surrender…… it reminded us of ‘கறவைகள் பின்சென்று கானம்சேர்ந்து உண்போம்’ – the day pasuram was of great significance……….. it was “Kudarai Valli” –  a day, when the sweet pongal [made of jaggery with ghee flowing] is offered to God and then shared with all near and dear..   it is ‘Koodarai vellum seer Govindha”…

The true quality of Sri Vaishnavaite is to renounce everything, fall at the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana and feel happy of the fact of being his  eternal follower, allowing the Master to decide, determine and dictate the future. The best of wealth that one can get is the chance to do kainkaryam (service) to the God Himself and to Bhagavathas (His followers)

கூடாரை வெல்லும்சீர்க் கோவிந்தா உன்றன்னைப்*

பாடிப் பறைகொண்டு யாம்பெறு சம்மானம்*

நாடு புகழும் பரிசினால் நன்றாகச்*

சூடகமே தோள்வளையே தோடே செவிப்பூவே*

பாடகமே என்றனைய பல்கலனும் யாமணிவோம்*

ஆடை உடுப்போமதன்பின்னே பாற்சோறு*

மூடநெய் பெய்து முழங்கை வழிவாரக்*

கூடியிருந்து குளிர்ந்தேலோரெம்பாவாய். 

In this pasuram, Kothai Piratti expresses her great joy over the acquirement of the boons that she and her friends entreated Lord Krishna to grant them. To celebrate, She calls beating the drum, wearing new clothes describing all the ornate ornaments that are to be worn and eating sweet rice prepared in milk with ghee overflowing. In the early pasurams of Thiruppavai, it is the Paavai Nonbu – now it is nearing completeion and is the time for sanmanam from the Lord for those who observed the vratham.  The Pasuram starts with “Koodarai Vellum Seer” – which speaks of His greatest Quality of winning the hearts of even those who want to fight against Him.

To us, the bakthas, it is not only of getting that much sought benevolence of God but more of sharing them with all bhakthas ‘koodi irunthu kulirnthu’. Thiruppavai is also about Govindha Naama Sankeerthanam which reaches its peak in the concluding verses where She ponders ‘kurai ondrum illatha Govinda’. The myriad meanings of Thiruppavai are detailed in many many discourses of Sri Vaishnavaite Periyavars, especially during this month.

Here are some photos taken during the morning purappadu.

Sri Andal thiruvadigale saranam.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.

12^th Dec 2o13.