Methavimani, Gambhira Vakvarshi Dr MA Venkatakrishnan Swami Sashtiapthapoorthi Celebrations

Sri Vaishnavism thrives in all Divyadesams ~ alongside Kovil, Thirumalai, Perumal Kovil – Thiruvallikkeni, the abode of Lord Parthasarathi is rich in heritage. At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam, sashtiapthapoorthi celebrations of   Methavimani, Gambhira Vakvarshi, Dr Mandayam Ananthanpillai Venkatakrishnan Swami is being celebrated grandly.  Dr MAV is  a popular person to all Sri Vaishnavaites.  Swami has been a regular in the “Divya Prabandha goshti’ of Thiruvallikkeni, Kanchipuram and many other Divyadesams.  He has been active and has been managing the affairs of Thiruvallikkeni Sri Parthasarathi  Vedha Adhyapaka Goshti.  He is always seen having  ‘dwadasa Urthva Pundram and clad in attractive neat dress (pancha kacham – the traditional Vaishnavaite dress]

Dr M.A. Venkatakrishnan Swami (Popularly MAV) was born in 1954 in the lineage of   Mandayam Ananthanpillai,  a descendant of Anandalwan, disciple of Sri Ramanuja.  Purattasi Visakham falling on 28th Sept. 2014 would mark the 60th Abdapoorthi celebrations of our beloved Swami.  On the academic side, MAV holds : M.A. (Sanskrit), M.Phil., (Visishtadvaita), Ph.D. (Visishtadvaita),D.Litt. (Srivaishnavism). He is presently Professor and Head of Department of Vaishnavism, University of Madras, having shaped many students inculcating the finer aspects of bakthi and Srivaishnavism.

Swami has printed several unpublished palm-leaf manuscripts for the first time. At a very young age, he started the Sampradhaya monthly journal “Geethacharyan” which is popular for over 30 years now.  He has published many books including : Jijnasadhikarana of Sri Bhashya - A Study, Tattvasara of Vatsya Varadacharya (with English Translation), Thirupplallandu with the commentary of Periyavachan Pillai and easy Tamil rendering;   Vainava Acharyargalin Vazhvum Vakkum (Detailed exposition of Aithihyas & Nirvahas - 832 pages); Tattvaviveka (a Sanskrit work of Pillai Lokacharya publised for the first time from a Palm-leaf manuscript.); Thiruvaradhanakramam of Manavala Mamunigal (with easy Tamil rendering).

Dr. MAV has been delivering discourses on various topics of SriVaishnava philosophy and is now infact training some youngsters in this line too.  On the occasion - Seminar on Srivaishnavism, Sribasha Sadas, Music / dance programme by renowned artistes with specific tinge on Srivaishnavism, Cultural events, Upansayams- are being arranged. 

The first phase lined up great scholars performing kalakshepams at Nampillai sannathi at Thiruvallikkeni. 

Dr MAV; Sri Aravinda Lochanan Swami;

Sri Karunakacharyar Swami; Sri MS Venkatacharyar Swami

On day 1 : it was ‘the Three who sung about Thiruvallikkeni’ – Sri MS VEnkatacharya Swami discoursed on Peyalwar; Sri Aravindha Lochanan Swami on Thirumazhisai Azhwar and Sri U Ve Karunakacharyar Swami on Thirumangai Mannan’s 10 songs in Thirumozhi about Thiruvallikkeni. 

Dr MAV; Sri Thirumalai; Sri Kidambi Narayanan and Sri Veeragavachar

On day 2 – it was Sri P Thiruvenkata Char Swami (Pillailokam Thirumalai) on Madurakavi azhwar; Sri Kidambi Narayanan Swami on Kidambiyachan and Thirunagai Veeragavachar Swami on Vaduga Nambi.

Dr MAV; Sri Gomadam Mukunthan; Sri Damal Ramakrishnan & Sri Vadagarai Vijayaraghavachar

On day 3 -  it was on the three who even shunned the ultimate Parama Padam and were content in doing kainkaryams here. Sri Damal Ramakrishnan Swami on Thiruvadi (Hanumar); Sri Gomadam Mukunthachar Swami on Thondaradipodigal and Sri Vadakarai Vijayaraghavan Swami on Thiru Panazhwar. 

Sri U.Ve Anantha Padmanabachar; Sri nagai Mukunthan & Sri KKA Rangarajan swami

On day 4 it was on “Devimar moovar” – Sri Nagai Mukunthan Swami on Seetha Piratti; Sri U. Ve. KKA Rangarajan Swami on ‘Napinnai piratti’ and Sri U Ve Anandha Padmanabachar Swami on ‘Goda devi – Kothai Piratti’

Sri Gomadam Madhavan; Sri A Krishnamachar & Sri Thirukottiyur Madhavan

On day 5 it was on ‘what all Srivaishnavaites observe every day – Azhwar Emperumanar Jeeyar. Sri Gomadam Madhavan Swami on Azhwar; Thiruvarangam Sri A Krishnamachar Swami (Editor of Panchajanyam) on Emperumanar and Thirukottiyur Madhavan Swami on Jeeyar (Swami Manavala Mamunigal)

After the great knowledge flow from 15 Vidwans – now today at Thiruvallikkeni on Sri Jayanthi day, it is going to be mellifluous  ‘Sree Krishna Ganam’ by Padmabushan, Sangeetha Kalanidhi Vainika Gayaka Shiromani, Harikatha Choodamani – Madurai TN Seshagopalan, accompanied by Sri SD Sridhar on violin and Sri J Balaji  on Mridangam.... more events to follow...

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.