Tuesday, June 30, 2009

SVS 347 [Apramattha: - 326] (35.8)

326. OM APRAMATTAYA NAMA: अप्रमत्ताय नम:
Always enthusiastic to protect devotees.

Sri Mukkur Azhagiyasingar was born in Avani Hastham, the day when 'Ramanuja Daya patram' taniyan was born! He is the only Azhagiyasingar with the sanyasi name Vedanta Desika, in great reverence to Swami Vedanta Desika!




Due to his great bhakti in Kanchi Sri Varadaraja, he established Sri Varadaraja temple in his village Mukkur. There is a temple for Anjaneya, which is very famous and it is believed that all our prayers are answered by Hanuman here! In Sanskrit, 'pramadam [प्रमादम]' means inattentive or carelessness. This is different from Tamil pramadam [பிரமாதம்], which means excellent! The Lord is without pramadam towards His devotees! He is very attentive and interested in protecting His devotees. Sri Andal says 'ootramudayaai [ஊற்றமுடையாய்]' meaning deeply interested and highly attentive! It is this interest, which made Him to go to forests or as messenger! By chanting Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Vedanta Desika Yateendra Maha desikaya nama:, all our problems will vanish and we will be more interested in our duties.

Monday, June 29, 2009

SVS 346 [Adhishtanam - 325] (35.7)

325. OM ADHISHTANAYA NAMA: अधिष्टानाया नम:
Supported Mandira mountain from below, and made it stable for churning.


We are in Mukkur village, situated in between Thyyar and Kanchipuram.
SRIMATE SRIVAN SATAKOPA SRI VEDANTA DESIKA YATINDRA MAHA DESIKAYA NAMA:
ஸ்ரீ வண் சடகோப ஸ்ரீ வேதாந்ததேசிக யதீந்த்ர மஹா தேசிகாய நம:

We realize the sanctity of a place by the number of great Acharyas and Bhaktas have visited it. That way Mukkur gets its glory from the great Acharya born in it! The 44th Jeer of Sri Ahobila mutt was born here. He was a great philanthropist. He was born some 110 years back. He was the head of the Mutt for about 37 years. A satsanga has been formed by like minded persons to celebrate the golden jubilee of Sri Varadaraja Swami temple established in Mukkur by the great Acharya. Adhishtanam means supporter.

Friday, June 26, 2009

SVS 345


We are in Vazhtthur. King Ambarisha was wronged by Durvasa, and the Lord protected Ambarisha with His Sudarsana chakra. When Sudarsana chased Durvasa, he had to fall at the Divine feet of the Lord. At that time the Lord said that though Durvasa did no wrong to the Lord, he tried to tease His Bhakta Ambareesha. The Lord said further that as far as His devotees were concerned, He was never independent and so Durvasa had to fall at Ambareesha's feet and seek pardon. He supported the mountain and saved it from sinking, while churning. Not only that, while it is talked that Devas and Asuras churned, they had no stamina and the Lord pulled from both sides, and churned the ocean! Their minds were in the cheap Amrut, and so they never enjoyed the beauty of the Lord churning!

Q&A
Q: Can anyone put off a burning lamp?
A: While lamps can be lit by anyone, male or female, young or old, lamps can be put off only by ladies. Also, while, before lighting, we can handle the wick with our fingers, once the wick starts burning, we should never deploy our fingers to control the flame; we should use a small stick or other such implements. We should never do anything under a lamp's shade. To put off lamps, one should not blow or fan. Ladies can put off by cutting off the burning portion or by adding milk or curd.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

SVS 344 [Apannidhi: - 324] (35.6)

324. OM APANNIDHAYE NAMA: अपान्निधये नम:
When ocean was churned, supported it.


Today's [25th June 2009] lecture is also from Vazhutthur. When ocean was churned by rotating Mandira mountain, the Lord supported it from below by taking Sri Koorma Avatar. But when the mountain was rotated, it started tilting; and so, the Lord held it vertically.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

SVS 343 [Vasavanuja: - 323] (35.5)

323. OM VASAVANUJAYA NAMA: वासवानुजाय नम:
To bless Indra with Amrut, born after Indra.

Today's [24th June 2009] lecture is from Vazhutthur near Neduntheru. It appears once when the area was flooded, Sri Ambarisha Varada of Aduthurai temple [one of the 108 Divya desams] was brought here to save from flood. That is why the Lord in Vazhutthur is also Sri Ambarisha Varada! Just as Ambarisha is connected with sage Durvasa, Sri Koorma Avatar is also connected with Durvasa. In Munitraya sampradhayam, the very famous Swami Vazhutthur Andavan, hailed from this place. Vasava means Indra and anuja is younger brother. But in this way Swami Parasara Bhatta has not interpreted the meaning; the Lord took avatar for the sake of Indra, after Indra prayed for His help, like lifting the great Mandira mountain, or supporting the mountain from submerging, etc. Swami Vedanta Desika in his Dasavatara stotram says that when the mountain, on top of the shell of the Tortoise, was rotated to churn the ocean, it provided a soothing massage for Sri Koorma and the Lord slept in great comfort!

Monday, June 22, 2009

SVS 342 [Pranado - 322] (35.4)

322. OM PRANADAYA NAMA: ॐ प्राणदाय नम:
In Koorma Avatara, Devas were blessed with power to churn the ocean.


From this Divine name 322, until Divine name 332, Sri Koorma Avatara is explained and is the 16th Petal according to Swami Parasara Bhatta. Till the last Divine name Prana: we saw the Lord's Sri Parasu Rama Avatara. Due to the curse of sage Durvasa, Sri Maha Lakshmi disappeared from all the Three worlds and put Devas and Asuras into problems. They were advised to churn the ocean using Mandira mountain. The Lord took Sri Koorma Avatara to support the huge mountain. From that story of Durvasa, we learn how to be courteous to great persona and how to respect Prasadams. Today's [23rd June 2009] lecture is also from Neduntheru. Prasadam means anugraham or blessings. While we should certainly be eager to receive prasadam, we should be disciplined.

SVS 341 [Prana: - 321] (35.3)

321. OM PRANAYA NAMA: प्राणाय नम:
He is the soul for all living beings.

Today's [22nd June 2009] lecture is from Neduntheru [நெடுந்தெரு], about 20 KMs from Kumbakonam and is on the banks of Kudamurutti river. The Lord is Sri RajaGopala Swami. Though He is the soul of all, the Lord says Gyanis are His Atma! They always think of Him and can not tolerate separation even for a second!

SVS 340 [Shishteshta - 310] (34.2)

310. OM SHISHTESHTAYA NAMA: शिष्टेष्टाय नम:
Adored by Gyanis like Markandeya.

In the Divine name shishteshta, there are two words fused - shishta and ishta. Shishta means great ones or Gyanis, who are famous for anushtanam or faithfully carrying out all duties as per Vedas and as per elders' customs. We have to follow such shishtacharyas path. Thus the Lord is liked by shishtacharyas. Sri Andal says in Tiruppavai, in pasuram 6, 'ullatthukkondu munivargalum yogigalum [உள்ளத்துக் கொண்டு முனிவர்களும் யோகிகளும்]'.

Q&A:
Q: Is there an age requirement for lighting lamps in Perumal sannidhi?
A: Any one irrespective of sex and age can light, provided they have Bhakti.

Q: Can we light a lamp with Two wicks or Two lamps with one wick each?
A: In this question, lamps with single wick only, are not the subject; it is about standing lamps [kutthu vilakku குத்து விளக்கு] with provision for Five wicks. It is certainly better to light these lamps, with Two, or still better, all the Five wicks; but due to conserving oil, if single wick is lighted, it is not objectionable.

Q: At which time is appropriate to chant SVS?
A: SVS can be chanted anytime; but, those wearing poonool, should chant after performing sandhyavandanam, preferably, in the pooja room, after lighting lamp. Ladies should follow the guidelines of their Acharyas.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

SVS 339 [Ishtovisishta - 309] (34.1)

309. OM ISHTAYA AVISISHTAYA NAMA: इष्टाय अविशिष्टाया नम:
During pralayam, He, like a mother, impartially, takes care of all in His stomach.

In Sri Ahobila Mutt, KUmbakonam, we worship Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Kaliyan is given special honours here. Here, during Purattasi - Kettai, birthday of Sri Adivan Satakopa Jeer, festivals are celebrated for Twenty days. In the last SVS sloka [33] there were Eight Divine names. All about the Lord during pralayam. This is continued. According to Swami Parashara Bhatta, ishtovisishta is single Divine name, while Swami Sankara counts as Two Divine names. The Lord does not differentiate between various atman inside Him. All are treated equally.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

SVS 338 [Anantajit - 308] (33.8)

308. OM ANANTAJITE NAMA: अनन्तजिते नम:
None could ever understand His eminence.

Anantajit means He has unlimited fame. This recording was done on Vaikasi Tiruvadirai, birthday of the present Srimad Ranga Ramanuja Maha Desikan [popularly known as Sri Mushnam Andavan].

See full size image





The Lord has Yoga Nidra, which is not regular sleep, but in Yoga. At that time for Thousands of yugs [millions of years], all Universe is stored in His body! Sage Markandeya, went inside His body and was aghast at the site of many, many worlds and could not recall what all he saw inside His body!

yugAdikrth yugAvarthO naikmAyO mahAshanah | adrshyO vyaktha-roopascha sahasra-jith anantha-jith || (33)

SVS 337 [Sahasrajid - 307] (33.7)

307. OM SAHASRAJITE NAMA: सहस्राजिते नम:
By His Yoga nidra, thousands of yugs of Pralaya, is successfully passed over.

Kumbakonam is a city of temples of Sri Vishnu and Shiva. Near Sri Araamudan [Sri Sarngapani] temple and near Potramarai pond, is Kaliyan [Tirumangai Alwar] sannidhi, which is presently Sri Ahobhila mutt. The Lord, when in procession along Potramarai pond, presents special honours to Kaliyan. During Pagal patthu and Irappatthu times in the temple, Kaliyan is brought from Sri Mutt. Similarly, on his birthday, Sri Adi Van Satakopa Swamy [1st Jeer of Ahobhila mutt] arrives at the temple. On another occasion, Sri Amudhan, Sri Chakrapani and Sri Rama, arrive at Mutt and grace devotees.

Chakrapani-Sarngapani-ramar.jpg

Sahasrajit means the Lord is beyond time! As mentioned in Bhhotabhavya bhavat prabhu [SVS 11], He is beyond past, present and future. Divine names 301 to 3i3, describe the Lord during pralayam [great deluge] time. During this time none else is existing. All are stored by the Lord in Him. We are subject to births, deaths, growths, etc. But the Lord is ever present. He can not be measured by time.

Monday, June 15, 2009

SVS 336 [Vyaktaroopascha - 306] (33.6)

306. OM VYAKTAROOPAYA NAMA: व्यक्तरूपया नम:
Possesses Divine auspicious images which reflect His mercy.

[We are resuming from Divine name number 306, after breaking the serial to visit Kanchi Brahmotsavam. After studying Divine name 310, we will jump over to 321.]
We are back at Thoppu Theru Sri Rajagopalan temple, in Kumbakonam. Sri Moolavar is Sri Rama with Sri Sita, while Sri Utsavar is Sri Krishna. Also Sri Rama and Sri Sita are sculpted in the same stone! Also Sri Rama is Jatadhari, with moon crescent on His head. Sri Rajagopala is like in Mannargudi. Sage Markandeya was unable to imagine the Lord's form, as mentioned in Divine name adrusya [SVS 325]! At the same time the Lord is so simple to be available even for us in various temples! As told by Nammalwar, He is available easily for devotees, while He is unavailable for others. Mandodari could realize Him, while Ravana could not.

Friday, June 12, 2009

SVS 335 [Prathita: - 320] (35.2)

320. OM PRATHITAYA NAMA: प्रथिताय नम:
Famous through out the World.

We are in the conclusion day of Brahmotsavam. Last Ten days we have been experiencing Kanchi Brahmotsavam. There is no procession in the morning. But in the afternoon special poojas are performed. He is taken in procession in Vettiver [வெட்டிவேர்], fibrous material, mantapam, so that He gets cool breeze! He returns, after placing honours on Swami Desika. Also, whatever be the time, whenever He retutns, there would be exchange of garlands with Sri Andal! This way His fame is felt all over, which is prathita! We will resume from where we truncated for a while, from the next lecture.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

SVS 334 [Achyuta: - 319] (35.1)

319. OM ACHYUTAYA NAMA: अच्युताय नम:
Never disturbed from His qualities.

Today is the Ninth day of the Brahmotsavam festival. Navam means nine and new in Sanskrit. We are new targets for His merciful acts! The Lord also sports all new ornaments and garments. It is Tiruvonam day, meant for Theerthavari. The Lord arrives at Gangai Kondan mandapam. He would then start unnoticed by Sri Ubhaya Nacchiyar, stealthlfully! But Sri Ubhaya Nacchiyars close the doors! This is called Mattayadi [மட்டையடி] celebrated in all temples and celebrated in Srirangam on Panguni Uthram day! Later, with Them He arrives at the Hundred pillar mantapam. Then Tirumanjanam is performed with Theerthavari in Ananta saras pushkarini. In the evening the Lord is in procession on Punyakoti vimanam. With this procession to Periya Kanchipuran is concluded. Also Swami Desika arrives from Thoopul.

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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

SVS 333 [Maheedhara: - 318] (34.10)

318. OM MAHEEDHARAYA NAMA: महीधराय नम:
Sustains the World after destroying wicked people, who are burden to the World.

On the Eighth day, in the morning there is no procession. Yet, it is a very important day as Thotti Tirumanjanam [தொட்டி திருமஞ்சனம்] or Tiru Padam ser Tirumanjanam [திருப் பாதம் சேர் திருமஞ்சனம்], is celebrated. The Lord Sri Varada appears with special hair style for religious bath. Many devotees arrive from various parts to witness this. After a regular Tirumanjanam, the Lord is taken on the hands of Archaka [Kaitthala sevai கைத் தல சேவை] and His divine feet are dipped in sacred water in a large silver vessel [thotti தொட்டி]. In the evening the Lord is on horse procession [Kudirai vahanam குதிரை வாஹனம்] . At that time Tirumangai Alwar's vadinen vadi varundinen pasuram [வாடினேன் வாடி வருந்தினேன்] from Periya Tirumozhi is recited. When the Alwar was arrested by the King for not remitting the revenue collected in his region, the Lord appeared in his dream and showed him, heaps of treasures in the river bed of Vegavati at Kanchi. Alwar collected the money and did many services to the Lord! This incident is commemorated here. Later, near Ekambareswara temple, the Lord graces special procession with crossed umbrellas. Maheedhara means, the Lord supports, not physically as in Sri Koorma or Sri Varaha Avatars, but by removing the burden, of evil elements, from the World. In Sri Parashu Rama avatar, He removed all those who ruled against Vedas and who prevented Yagnas being performed.

ISHTO- visiSHtah shiSHteSHtah shiKHaNdee nahuSHO vrSHah | krOdhahA krOdha-krth-karthA vishvabAhur-maheedharah || (34)

SVS 332 [Vishvabahur - 317] (34.9)

317. OM VISHVABAHAVE NAMA: विश्वबाहवे नाम:
Possesses auspicious arms for the protection of the World, as He kills enemies.


On the Seventh day, it is Ther [தேர்], most beautiful. While arriving to get seated in Ther, the Lord comes swiftly, like a lion! This is entirely different from other Ther in other Kshetrams. Vishvabahu means possesses many arms for the benefit of devotees. Swami Desika says while praising Sri Ashtabhuja Perumal in Kanchi, that for his benefit, the Lord had doubled His hands!

Monday, June 8, 2009

SVS 331 [Karta - 316] (34.8)

316. OM KARTRE NAMA: कर्त्रे नम:
He killed His target of anger, Karthaveerya.

On the Sixth day of Brahmotsavam, the Lord graces as Sri Venugopala, which inspired Swami Vedanta Desika to compose Yadavapyudayam! When He played His venu [flute], cows and calves remained motionless to listen to the melodious tunes!

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In the evening the Lord rides elephant! One should be fortunate to witness the walk of the Lord!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

SVS 330 [Krodhakrut - 315] (34.7)

315. OM KRODHAKRUTE NAMA: क्रोधक्रुते नम:
Developed anger to destroy Kshatriyas.

Sri Varadaraja graces with the sandal paste used by Sri Thayar, on His chest! On the Fifth day, in the morning, the Lord appears as a beautiful Damsel - Nacchiyar Tirukkolam [நாச்சியார் திருக் கோலம்].


The Lord is in Golden palanquin. Before dawn, the Lord goes through the Four streets around the temple. Seeing Him in Woman's form, we may wonder whether He is really She! When Sri Rama declined to take Sri Sita, along with Him to forest, She ridiculed whether He was a Woman in Male form! He adores today all ornaments of Sri Perundevi Thayar! He then visits Thoopul to bless Swami Desika and reaches Gangaikondan Mandapam. In the evening He is in procession on Yali Vahanam!



Krodhakrut means develops anger! Jamadagni, father of Sri Parashu Rama, was unjustifiably killed and this developed anger in Sri Parashu Rama. He vowed to kill all Kshatriyas.

SVS 329 [Krodhaha -314] (34.6)

314. OM KRODHAGHNE NAMA: क्रोधघ्ने नम:
Got His anger quenched, in Sri Parashu Rama Avatara, after killing Kshatriyas of this Earth, in Twenty One generations, with His axe.

On the Fourth Day, the Lord appears as Sri Paramapada Nathan, along with Sri Ubhaya Nacchiyars. He is seated on Adisesha.



One leg is folded and the other is stretched. Till last Divine name, that is from Divine name 301 to 313, the Lord's appearance on the tender banyan leaf [Sri Vata Patra Sayee] was explained. From now on till Divine name 321, Eight Divine names describe Sri Parashu Rama Avatar. He took His axe weapon and killed all Kshatriyas [Rulers] of 21 generations. Krodhagna means anger suppressed. After killing Kshatriyas in 21 Generations, Kashyap Prajapti, requested Him to discard anger and so suppressed His anger. He threw away His axe in the ocean and reclaimed that area as His and it is Kerala today. The Lord as Sri Paramapada Nathan, arrives at Vahana Mandapam, and strolls with very little ornaments. At that time, safron is made into a paste and applied on His body. This is called 'vizhudhu kaapu [விழுது காப்பு]'. When worshiping here, we may wonder, whether this Lord could ever be angry?! In the evening the Lord is in procession in Chandra Prabha, and showers coolness - opposed to the quality in Sri Parashu Rama Avatar. On return, Nel alavai utsavam [நெல் அளவை உத்ஸவம்] is celebrated, when auditing of income and expenditure is done!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

SVS 328 [Vrusha: - 313] (34.5)

313. OM VRUSHAYA NAMA: वृषाय नम:
Devotees are drenched in His captivating form and by His sweet words.

Third day of Brahmotsavam is the most eagerly awaited Garudasevai in the early morning!



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Garuda is holding the Divine feet, which redeem everyone from this samsaram. Even in British rule, during Garuda sevai, entire district was declared holiday. Swami Doddayacharya, who used to worship this Garuda sevai without fail, was once indisposed and could not attend. The Lord out of compassion for that great devotee, disappeared from Kanchi, for a while, to be present in Sholingapuram to grace Swami Doddayacharya! This is enacted even now, before start of the procession! Swami Desika says that the Lord of Kanchi showers rain of Moksham! The Lord graces Thoopul, birth place of Swami Desika, where one umbrella is lowered as mark of respect for the great devotee! It is believed that Ganga Devi performs pooja on Vaikasi Pournami day at the Sarvatheertham pond. Since the Lord accepted that pooja, the mandapam there is called Gangai Kondan mandapam [கங்கை கொண்டான் மண்டபம்]. In the evening on the Third day, the Lord appears on Hanumanta vahanam.

Friday, June 5, 2009

SVS 327 [Nahusho - 312] (34.4)

312. OM NAHUSHAYA NAMA: नहुषाय नम:
Binds people by His miraculous power.

During Brahmotsavam, the Lord displays various ornaments and dresses, never repeating. This festival starts on Vaikasi Hastam with Dwajarohanam and ends on the next day of Vaikasi Shravanam [when there will be Theertavari], with Dwaja avarohanam. After Simha vahanam on First evening, in His sannidhi is celebrated 'Irandam Saatthu [இரண்டாம் சாத்து]'. On the Second day, in the morning the Lord is on procession on Hamsa vahanam.




In the evening the Lord is in procession in Surya Prabha.





Nahusha means binding. Vaikasi-Visaka, in Nammalwar's birthday. On that day, the Lord arrives at Nammalwar sannidhi. We are bound by our Karmas. Punya is like golden shackles and papa is like iron shackles. Our actions result in papa/punya.

SVS 326 [Shikhandi - 311] (34.3)

311. OM SHIKHANDINE NAMA: शिखण्डिने नम:
Possesses extraordinary valour, that none can conquer Him, as Crown of abilities.

[This telecast of SVS was held up for a week from 25th May and we should have resumed from Divine name 306. But since arrangements at Kanchipuram to coincide with Brahmotsavam were already made, we start the series with SVS divine name 311. It is proposed to restart from Divine name 306 to 310, from the lectures beginning after Two weeks.]

From today [1st June 2009] the lectures are from the Brahmotsavam in Kanchipuram. Swami Vedanta Desika has praised this Brahmotsavam in his works. It takes place for Ten days, both in the day and night, in Vaikasi month, every year. Processions start from the temple in Vishnu Kanchi, aka Little Kanchi, to Gangaikondan [கங்கை கொண்டான்] mandapam in Shiva Kanchi, aka Big Kanchi, and return procession. Crowds assemble from all parts of the country. It is lead by Divya Prabhanda Ghoshti and followed by Veda Parayana Ghoshti.
Shikhandi means special Crown to denote His valour. On the first day of Brahmotsavam, after Dwajarohanam in the day, the Lord Sri Varadaraja is in procession on Simha [Lion] vahanam in the evening. Two large umbrellas are deployed during procession.