Irapathu day 3 - 2023 : கேடில் விழுப்புகழ்க் கேசவனை

How good is your memory ! – not far longer were the days when the World lived in constant fear, forced to remain at home and refreshing social media for daily updates – Covid 19 !!

 

In March 2020,  when the first case was identified in Kanchipuram and later when our Prime Minister  Shri Narendra Modiji  announced one day token lockdown, things were not understood fully and in proper perspective – concepts of remaining at home, social distancing were not appreciated. Then came months of lockdown – people became mad – and were afraid of communicating or even seeing fellow human beings. The global  statistics of those afflicted and those who passed away was alarming indeed.

 

COVID-19 disrupted the way Globe revolved, challenged  supply chains around the world. It tested the resilience of global healthcare systems and exposed weaknesses in public procurement processes.  Now the fears are surprising again.  Active corona virus cases in India crossed the 4,000 crore mark since the country reported a total of 4,054 active COVID-19 cases as of Monday, with 312 active infections reported in the last 24 hours. Of these 312 cases, the highest number of cases came from Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Kerala recorded 128 active corona virus cases whereas Karnataka reported a total of 73 active COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to strengthen surveillance in view of the increasing cases of respiratory diseases, including due to COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, and influenza.  The WHO also urged people to take protective measures. 

Sadly, the World turned upside down during 2023 -  Temples  remained closed and darshan of Emperuman was a thing of the past – we lived on earlier good reminiscences .. .. and slowly,  very slowly things turned for the better.  I am not pessimistic but when symptoms shall never be ignored and it is Time, people remain vigilant and act prudently when there is renewed threat !!

The festivity of Adhyayana Uthsavam is enthralling and today  is  day 3 of Irapathu Uthsavam.  During Irapathu, everyday   at around 0400 pm,  Sri Parthasarathi Perumal reaches the Paramapada vasal, where Nammalwar waits for the doors to open and have darshan of Lord coming through the entrance. Devotees throng to have darshan of this significant  event.  Around 6 pm occurs Periya mada veethi purappadu.

In the  mada veedhi, ‘Upadesa Rathinamalai’  of Acharyar Swami Manavala Maamunigal is recited by arulicheyal  goshti.  Upadesa Rathimalai is a legend, a lexicon, a masterpiece of Swami Manavala Maamunigal.   It focusses on the glory of our reverred Azhwargal, Poorvacharyaas and because of whom Sri Vaishnava sampradhayam has flourished over the years.  The literary masterly work Upadesa Rathinamalai, details the months, Thirunakshathiram, Sthalam  of birth [month, day and place of birth] of Alwars and extols their greatness. 

Today being day 3  evening  Sri Parthasarathy in his radiant splendour had periya maada veethi purappadu with Nammalwar.   Back in the temple,  is the  rendering of 3^rdCentum  [moonram pathu]  of Thiruvaimozhi, which concludes with the hymn :  

கேடில் விழுப்புகழ்க் கேசவனைக்  குருகூர்ச்சடகோபன் சொன்ன*,

பாடலோராயிரத்துள்  இவையும் ஒரு பத்தும்பயிற்ற வல்லார்கட்கு*, அவன்

 நாடும் நகரமும் நன்குடன் காண நலனிடையூர்தி பண்ணி*,

வீடும் பெறுத்தித்  தன் மூவுலகுக்கும்  தரும் ஓருநாயகமே.

 

Those who recite and render these 10 songs among the thousand made by Kurugur Sadagopan [Swami Nammazhwar]  extolling the ever remaining Kesavan of undiminished fame,   will be blessed with all riches,  including the ultimate Salvation also. 

Here are some photos of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal & Swami Nammalwar on the occasion of Irapathu uthsavam day 3 this day evening.

Azhwar Emperumanar Jeeyar thiruvadigale saranam

 
adiyen Srinivasadhasan
Mamandur Veeravalli Srinivasan Sampathkumar
25.12.2023