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SRI RAMANUJA DÀSÒHAM - NEWSLETTER - NL - 63.

Reg. Off. :HON. GEN. SECRETARY : President Mo.:

No. 301, RNA Park View, Road No.: 4, Chembur, East Side of Gandhi Maidan, Chembur , Mumbai 400 071 , Mo.: 09821 013 274 B-8, Basera, Green Acres CHS, Deonar, Mumbai - 400 088. Mob.: 9820520804, 9323204484

Srinivasaya Mangalam

MumbaiDate : 24/01/2012

Special Spiritual Lecture Series bySri. U. Ve. Thenthirupperai Aravindalochanan Swami

(Programme Details Inside)

Reg. Off. : No. 301, RNA Park View, Road No.: 4, Chembur, Gandhi Maidan,

Chembur, Mumbai 400 071. Mo.: 09821 013 274

Managing Committee

President

Vice Presidents

Hon. Gen. Secretary

Hon. Jt. Secretaries

Hon. Treasurer

Hon. Jt. treasurers

Managing Committee Members

Hon. Advisors

Co-ordinators :

Internal Auditors :

BANKERS

AUDITORS

OUR MOTTO : SERVICE TO HUMANITY IS SERVICE TO GOD

Shri R.Sadagopan

Shri P. D. Ramakrishnan & Shri S.Ramanujam

P.Sundara Rajan B-8, Basera, Green Acres CHS, Deonar, Mumbai -400 088, Ph.: 022-2558 4396

Shri S. Raghunathan, Shri S.Seshadri ( Mulund )Shri K. S. Govindarajan Shri P.V.Kulasekharan

Shri R. SundararajanA-18, Takshasila, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094. Ph.: 022-2556 5954

Shri P. Srinivasan, Shri S.Seshadri (Vashi)

Shri R.Raghavan Shri K.S.Varadharajan Shri K.SrinivasanShri S.Thiruvengadathan Shri B.P.Ramanujam Shri K.G.Sridharan Shri R.SrinivasanShri N.C.Sukhumar Shri S.Rajagopalan Shri K.R.Santhanam

Shri S.Pattabiraman Shri S.SadagopanShri K. S. V. Chari Shri M. R. Rangachari Shri T. K. Varadarajan Shri Jana Iyengar Shri P. G. Govindarajan Shri M.S.SrinivasanShri Raju Pillai Shri M.L.Madan

Shri M.V.S. Gopalan- Nerul, Shri A.P.Kannan- Goregoan (West) Shri P.S.Ramanujam - Goreagoan (East), Shri R.Raghavan - Chennai,T.N. Dr R.Srivenkatesan - Srirangam , T.N , Dr R.Seshadri - Hyderabad,A.P. , Shri.K.Rajagopalan , Bengaluru. Dr. A. K. Sriraman, Bengaluru.

Shri K.S.Ravi, Shri V.Sureshkumar

State Bank of India,Chembur Branch, MumbaiIndian Overseas Bank, Garodianagar Branch

The Bharat Co-Op. Bank, Chembur Branch, Mumbai

M/s R. DEVARAJAN & CO.Chartered Accountants, Mumbai

Shri M.S.Ramanujam

Shri Santhanam Bhruhaspati

SRI BHAGAWAT RAMANUJA SIDDANTHA PRACHAR SABHA (Regd.)

Sri Ramanuja Daasoham - NL - 63

Sri Ramajayam

lr:

Dear DasasPranams and seasons greetings to all.

The Manavala Mamunigal Jayanthi Utsavam from 22nd to 31st October 2011, Pavitrotsavam for 20 days from 26th December 2011 to 15th January 2012 and Brahmotsavam function from 19th to 24th January, 2012 were celebrated at Sri Balaji Mandir of SLN Sabha Nerul . Our Sabha members participated in the chanting of Nalaayira Divya Prabhantham during the above functions.

Due to unavoidable circumstances we had to postpone the lecture series by Sri U.Ve Aravinda Lochanan Swamy and is rescheduled during from 2nd to 6th February 2012 and the programme is given in this newsletter. Members are requested to attend in large number and receive the benefit of his upanyasams.

The main activities of the Sabha are probagation of Divya Prabandham and spreading the message of Bhagawat Ramanuja through spirititual lectures. We are grateful to the various temples & organisations in Mumbai for allowing us to carry out such activities and to perform Bhagawat Kainkaryam.

Members are requested to send articles for newsletters and If members send their bio-data it will be published in future newsletters.

The Sabha is grateful to Sri K.G.Sridharan and Dr Kailas for contributing towards this newsletter.

MangalamManaging Committee

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FM-001 : Shri Sadagopan.R., GARODIA NAGAR,FM-002 : Shri Rangachari. M. R., BILEKAHALLI, BANGALORE FM-003 : Shri Sadagopan.S., GARODIA NAGAR,FM-004 : Shri SundaraRajan.P., DEONAR, FM-005 : Shri Ramakrishnan.P.D., VASHI,Navi Mumbai, FM-006 : Shri Chari.K.S.V. Iyengar , GHATKOPAR (EAST),FM-007 : Smt.Subha Ramesh N.C., KALINA , Santa CruzFM-008 : Shri Kulasekhar Varadan. P. M. S. , MULUND(WEST)FM-009 : Shri Ramanujam.S. , CHEMBURFM-011 : Shri Seshadri.S., Mulund (West)FM-010 : Shri Raghunathan.S., ANUSHAKTI NAGAR,FM-011 : Shri Seshadri.S., MULUND (WEST)FM-012 : Shri Raju M.Pillai, CHEMBURFM-013 : Shri Venkatesh Alwan, MULUND(West),FM-014 : Sri Sridhar Srinivasan, MULUND(West),FM-015 : Sow.Purasai V. Revathi, COLABA ,Mumbai FM-016 : Shri Sureshkumar.V., KOPARKHAIRNE, Navi Mumbai FM-017 : Shri R.Venkatesh Chari, THANE ( West)

Welcome to New Life Member :Lm356 : Shri Chari E.S. Iyengar, Flat No.:33, Geeta Building,

Shivaraman Society, Devidayal Road, Mulund (West)Mumbai - 400 080

LM-357 : Rengarajan K, 42/903, NRI Complex, Sea Woods Estate,Sector 54,56,58, Nerul (West), Navi Mumbai 400 706Tel.: 022-2752 6399, Mo.: 9870108620

LM- 358 : Shri Srikanth S, 501, Sunrise CHS, RSC-37, Plot No.: 92, Gorai-II, Borivali (West), Mumbai - 400 092

Mo-+919323646734LM-359 : Shri Sridhar Chari, A-2/22 Mulund Bhanu CHS,

Near Veena Nagar, LBS Marg, MULUND ( WEST ), Mumbai - 400 080. Tel.: 022-2567 1947,

LM-360 : Shri G.Srinivasan, 61, Gokul, Linking Road, Khar Pin.: 400 050. Tel.: 2646 2147

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Change of address1) FM-002 : M.R.Rangachari, A-204, Vignesh Paradise, Melur Road,

Srirangam, Trichy 6200 006,Mo: 089031084242) LM-001 : S.Pattabiraman,1/225, Thirumala,Agraharam,Poiyoor,

Arani Taluk,Thiruvannamali Dt.,Tamil Nadu ,Pin.: 632317,Mo.: 09790926177

3) LM- 332 : (We congratulate and wish Mr Ramkumar & family all soubhagya in the New House) Sri P.V.Ramkumar, 108 PRYAMID PATINA,Doddakallasadra.near gubballa gateKanakapura road,BENGALURU,Pin :560062,Mo.:09900107280

(We Welcome More Memebers to Join as Patron Family Members and make our Foundation Strong) SABHA'S PATRON FAMILY MEMBERS


Andal Matrimonisal Service:• Ref.L NL- 63-a

Wanted a suitable match for the following boys and girls.Name of the Girl : Rukmini Sridharan IyengarAcharyal : Mudaliyandan SwamikalDate of Birth : Feb.23, 1988Nakshatram : Bharani; Rashi: MeshamThenkalai : For alliance kalai no bar.Qualification : GDP [Fashion Communication]

PGPRCM [Retail Communication Management]Employed : Future BazaarHeight : 166cm; slim-build; fair in complexionSibling : Younger brother architecture studentContact : Father: A K Sridharan [native of Kanchee] 9619466103Mother : Malati 9324506473

Both employed in private sectorResidence : C 702 Vrindavan, behind Dindoshi bus depot,

Gen.AK Vaidya Road, Malad East, Mumbai 400097Other Contact No. : 9987554966/022-28431608Expected : Well qualified groom with good family background

• Ref : NL 63-bName : Mr. R. Badrinath IyengarDate / Day Of Birth : 12.06.1980, Thursday GothramViswamitra : Sub Sect. ThenkalaiTime Of Birth : 7.15 A.m.Place Of Birth : Dindigul, Star : Rohini - Fourth Padam

RASI : Rishabha, LAGNAM : MithunamQualification : B.Com, MBA, MMM, Height : 167 cmEmployment : Employed with JPMorgan in Mumbai as an AVP.Father's name : Prof. Ramaswamy Iyengar, teaching in B-SchoolAddress : Flat No.704,Sundaram,Vasant CHS, Mahavir Nagar

Extn, Kandivili( W) MUMBAI : 400 067Contact No. : Mob: 9821037705, 022-28606638Other Details : Mother - HomemakerSister : Designer from National Institute of Design (NID),

Ahmedabad. Married an architect & designer of NID, Poorvigam - Madurai (Thirali)

Acharyan : Shri Vanamamalai SwamihalLength of service : Eight years

«The Second edition of the book on Nalayira Divya Prabandham is ready and those who are interested may please contact Shri .R.Raghavan Mo.: 09819853988 Tel: 022-2521 2402

BOOK ON NALAYIRA DIVYA PRABHANDAM :


« Sri Vanamamalai News- Message received from Shri Pillai Iyengar. Thirty third Oru Kottai Ennai Kaappu(Anointing ceremony) for Lord Sri Thothadri (Vanamamalai) Perumal was performed on 23rd Jan 2012 in the auspicious presence of HH Srimad Paramahamsa Sri Kaliyan Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeer Swamigal.

Laksharchanai Mahotsavam for Sri Varamanga Kodha Samedha Sri Deivanayaga Perumal was performed from 19 Jan 2012 to 22nd Jan 2012 (both morning & evening). Ennai kaappu followed by Float festival (Theppam) on 24th Jan and 25th Jan 2012 for Sri Varamanga Kodha Samedha Sri Deivanayaga Perumal. This festival was planned for 3rd consecutive year after a gap of 25 years. Discourses by Vidwans, Nadaswara Kutcheri, Patradeepa Purappadu, Garuda Sevai and many other utsavams planned during this festival season. Many learned scholars were honoured during the Utsavam. All these festivals and Utsavams are organized by "Sri Varamangai Nachiyar Baktha Sabha".1. If you are interested to become an annual member (subscription fees of Rs. 200

or) or life member (subscription fees of Rs. 2000) of the Sabha, you can send us your contributions in the form of cheques to "Sri Varamangai Nachiyar Baktha Sabha", C/O Sri Vanamamalai Mutt, No: 3, East Tank Square Street, Triplicane, Chennai - 600 005.

2. If you are transferring your membership subscription online, you can use the following details for transfer.

Beneficiary name : Sri Varamangai Nachiyar (SVN) Bhaktha Sabha, Bank: Central Bank of India, Triplicane, Chennai. A/c No: 1037323636 MICR code: 600 016 023IFSC: CBIN0280884« Shri Dharanidhracharya Swamiji sends his compliments and greetings and invite all devotees with your family and for the Ennai Abhishekam ( Tailabishek ) on the occassion of the Prathishta Day of our Lord Balaji at Tilak Road, Ghatkopar East . This year it is celeberated on the Vasnth Panchami day which falls on Saturday 28th Jan 2012 from 9.00 am to 11.30 am.. All are requested to attend and receive the blessings of Lord Balaji.« Events :- • Dhanur Masa Utsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Sri Andal Kalyanam were celebrated in all temples in Mumbai in a grand way. The Andal Kalyanam at Sri Thotaddri Mutt's Sri Balaji Mandir , Tilak Road, Ghatkopar East was celebrated on 13-1-2011 . The programme was ably co-ordinaled by Sri Sridhar Chari . Sri Sundararajan with members of Sabha rendered devotional muisc pertainin g to Sri Andal Kalyanam. Our Sabha members & their family members ( Sri R.Sadagoapn and S.Sadagopan & many others) at Ghatkopar made excellent arangements and ambience for the whole programme under the able guidance of Shri Dharanidhar Swami and other Swamiji's in the temple.«Diring the Srivari Brhmotsavam of Sri Balaji Mandir, Nerul a religious & musical programme known a Beri Thadanam was performed where in all Devathas are invoked and invited with singing pasurams in 20 Ragas . Shri Sundararajan and Sri Sridhar , as in earlier years, gave a musical rendering of Thiruvengadamudayan Pasurams in respective Ragas. Many of our Sabha members participated in the programme.

Smt Syamala Sajnani's on Veena, Sri Kalyanaraman on Mrudangam with Nadaswaram added support for the programme. The following members actively participated in the above functions and made it a grand success:- Smt. Mythili Sunder Rajan, Smt Rathika & Sri Raghunathan, Smt Usha & Sri P.V.Kulsekharan with his mother Smt Sowndarya Varadhan, Smt Vidya & Sri K.Padmanabhan, Smt Kalyani & Sri S.V. Raghavan, Sri P.D.Ramakrishnan & others.

Ghatkopar Sri Balaji Mandir:-

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wedded couple:-

• Sow. Lavanya daughter of Smt Subha Kailas and Dr S.Kailas , Life Member of the

Sabha mariied Shri. Anil Kumar on 29-10-2011 at Ahobila Mutt, Chembur.

• Sow Gayatri D/o Smt Revathi Govindarajan and Sri M.P.Govindarajan ( B.P.C.L)

married Chi Ajay S/o Smt Kamala Srinivasan and Sri R.Srinivasan on Monday 7th

November at 2011 at Chennai. Reception was held 15-11-2011 at BPCL Staff

Colony.

• Chi Nandagopal alias Balaji S/o Smt Prema and & Sri V.Srinivasan Life Member of

our Sabha married Sow Dhanalakshmi alias Santhoshi D/o Smt Lakshmi and Sri

Pitchumani Iyengar on 30-11-2011 at Srirangam .

• Sow Krishnapriya daughter of Smt Parimala Sridharan and Shri K.Sridhran

Deekshidar ( Sri Venkatesa Devasthanam , Fannaswadi , Mumbai ) married Chi

Sriram Son of Smt Maya and Krishnan Iyengar on Sunday 29-01- 2012 at

K.R.Kalyana Mandapam , Mannargudi .

« The SponsorThe Sabha gratefully acknowleges the sustained support shown by

Shri K.G.Sridharan who is our Life Member. He is disciple of H.H.Srimad

Andavan Swamigal and settled at Vashi with his wife. This newsletter brings the

13th happy marriage Anniversary of Shri Sridharan's son Sri Vasan Sridharan with

Dr Vaidhehi Krishnan that falls on 22-01-2012. Sri Vasan is a Financial Executive

settled at Singapore and Dr Vaidehi is working as Research Scientist at

N.U.S.Univeristy at Singapore. She is daughter of our Life Member Shri Krishna

Iyengar , a highly devoted sishya of Sri Andavan Ashramam., from Goregoan West,

Mumbai . They are blessed with a daughter Sow Harini.

Sri Sridharan's daughter Dr Radha a practicing doctore married to Sri

Balaji who is Vice President with M/s Mahindra & Mahindra Mumbai. They are

settled at Mulund and are blessed with sons Chi Hari & Krishna . We fondly

remember the birth day of Sri Hari during November and a newsletter was sponsored

during his happy birth day.

As all of you are aware our newsletters are reaching many members

through out India and having the Arul Kadakshams of many Holy Jeers and

Acharyans. Also our newsltters now a days are reaching members globably as e-

magazines and many of our members setlled at foreign countries interract with us.

While wishing Sri Vasan Sridharan and Dr Vaidehi a long and happy married life

the Sabha members Pray Lord Srimanarayana to bless Sri Sridharan and all family

members a happy, healthy , prosperous and contented future years and the children

Saraswathi Kadaksham .

Mangalam Nitya Jaya Mangalam.

The Sabha Members wish a happy married Life to the following newly


Dr Swaminathan Kailas is residing at 501/2, Tulip,Neelkant Garden,GOVANDI, Mumbai, Pin.: 400 088,Tel.: 022-2551 2291. He is the Grandson of Kailasa Vaasi late Sri. R.R.Iyer, belong to Serukalathur( near Kodavasal, Tanjore Dist). Their Family deity is Lord Swaminatha Swami of Swamimalai.His father is Sri. R. Swaminathan who retired from HSBC and

Know Your Life Member - Dr S.Kailas

Dr. S. Kailas with Daughter & Son in Law

mother is Smt. Lakshmi Swaminathan. They stay at Chennai with his younger brother Dr. S. Vasudevan.Dr Kailas graduated from Madras University and joined BARC training school in 1970. Joined Nuclear Physics Division in 1971. Ph.D in Nuclear Physics from Mumbai university. He was Head of nuclear physics division during 2001-2006. and holding the post of Associate Director Physics group 2003-2010 and now he is Director Physics group from 2010. He is recipient of many Scientific awards.Dr Kailas married to Smt. Lakshmi( Subha) Kailas who is well versed in carnatic music. Their a son Dr. Aravind Kailas who is a faculty at UNC, USA. Their daughter Sow. Lavanya who is doing her MS in sports medicine in UNC,USA got married to Mr. Anil Kumar software engineer working in USA on 29th of october at Sri Ahobila Mutt Hall. Dr kailas & family are highly religious minded and keenly interested in Satsangs, Poojas & Havans. He is at present the President of AKKKSabha, a Socio Religous organisation and President of B.R.R.Sabha a Music Association in Anushaktinagar. His association with these two organisations will talk volumes about his pleasing personality. Dr Kailas approaches any problem with a positive approach & that habit attracts a band of selfless volunteers. Surely his association with our Sabha will help in spreading our activities amongst the prestigious scientific community in Anushaktinagar. The Sabha wishes Dr Kailas and all his family members to have a happy, healthy, prosperous and contented life .

Mangalam Nitya Subha Mangalam.

Lord SrimannarayanaCourtesy Sri Sadagopan Iyengar Swami

Excerpts from e-mail forwarded by Shri Ramgaraj Ramaswami Iyengar, Shastras tell us that the Lord is present in five forms.The first and foremost is the Paramapurusha whose abode is Sri Vaikuntam, where He reigns supreme along with His Consort and the emancipated souls. Though this Cosmic form of His is in the constant sight of the nitya suris ("sadaa pasyanti sooraya:"), it is way beyond the ken of mere mortals like us, says the Veda Purusha-"na sandruse tishttathi roopam asya, na chakshushaa pasyati kascha nainam".Similarly, the Vyuha roopams, those of Sri Vasudeva, reclining on the snaky bed in the Milky Ocean, Sri Pradyumna, Sri Aniruddha and Sri Sankarshana, are too exalted to form the subject matter of our faulty sight. Maharshis like Sri Narada and the inhabitants of the Sveta Dveepam might be endowed with the good fortune of seeing these moorties, but not poor mortals.In the Vibhava avataras, constituting His descent to this earth assuming various forms like those of a fish, a boar, a man-lion, a giant turtle, the Princes of Ayodhya


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and Mathura and so on, He was indeed visible to mortal eyes, making Sri Koorattazhwan wonder at His accessibility-the Supreme Parabrahmam making itself visible to errant humanity ("nanu lochana gocharo bhoo:"). However, all those avataras were in the distant past, with absolutely no access to the present-day inhabitants of this planet.In His diminutive form as the Antaryami, the Inner Dweller of all beings, our accumulated baggage of Karma makes us unable to see Him within us, though He is present at extremely close quarters and in as splendorous a form as the one at Paramapadam.Lastly the Arcchavataram, the beautiful forms in stone, wood and mud, that the Lord assumes at various temples and it is only these fantastic figures of the Lord that we are able to see and admire. Thus, the Lord who is normally totally beyond the impaired vision of errant humanity, makes Himself perceptible to mortals, out of His infinite Mercy, and out of a desire to entice, enthrall, enchant and finally ensnare recalcitrant humans, weaning them away from the debilitating path of sin. we are able to see for ourselves, with our very own eyes, the immeasurable beauty of the Lord in His Arcchavatara-so much so that Sri Tirumangai Mannan holds the readily-available, blissful experience afforded by the Arcchavataram to be superior to that attainable at distant Paramapadam, admittance to which is restricted to the elite who perform Bhakti or Prapatti, and which is achievable only after herculean effort. Would anyone hanker after the flesh of a yet-to-be caught crow in the sky, which is anyway of dubious taste, when one has already captured a rabbit, which offers a delicious fare, enquires Sri Kalian, likening Arcchavatara anubhavam to tasty hare flesh and the bliss of Sri Vaikuntam to that of the crow-"Eraar muyal vittu kaakkai pin povade?". Swami Desikan too spurns Celestial Bliss for that afforded by the ecstatical sight of Sri Devadi Rajan of Kanchi, prepared to swear on the point-"Satyam sape Vaarana saila naatha! Vaikunta vaasepi na me abhilaasha:"Sri Nammazhwar shows us the way, in his pasurams on Tirukkurungudi. According to him, the only way to enjoy the matchless magnificence of the Lord is to take Him in inch by blissful inch, part by splendorous part, with undivided attention paid to one particular aspect of Emperuman's tirumeni or adornments or Ayudhas, at a time. This is because the Lord's brilliance is too much for us to absorb, all at once. Like a child with its favourite sugar candy, we too should stretch the experience to the maximum possible, savouring the boundless beauty of the Lord little by little. Kamban says that this too is impossible, for those who set sight on a particular aspect of Emperuman is unable to pry his eyes away from that part of the tirumeni, ("toL kandaar tole kandaar") with the result that the onlooker is unable to proceed to enjoy the next part of the divine body.The Azhwar's eyes first lock on the snow-white conch adorning the Lord's left hand, capable of striking terror in the heart of His foes with a single booming emission. He moves on to the dazzling Discus inhabiting the Lord's right hand, which at once serves as the ultimate weapon and an adornment par excellence.It is significant that Sri Poygaiyazhwar too mentions the Conch and Discus among the principal items of visual attraction on the Lord's perfect physique-"serukkilarum pon Aazhi kanden, puri shankham kai kanden, en Aazhi vannan paal indru". Moving on with reluctance, Azhwar's eyes are ensnared by the Lord's own, the eyes famed for their length, breadth, blackness, brilliance and size,resembling a beautiful lotus in full bloom. The divine eyes lock with Azhwar's own, full of love and affection. The eyes speak indeed volumes ("toodu sei kangal kondu ondru pesi"), obviating the

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necessity for words. The long eye-brows, forming a perfect bow on the Lord's forehead, clamour for attention too. The Azhwar manages to travel down the Lord's face, till he is captivated by the coral mouth, with its rows of orderly pearl-white teeth, which demands its share of Azhwar's attention, impeding further progress. The long, perfect and extremely shapely nose, from which emanate all the Vedas and the beautiful throat commend themselves to the Azhwar's attention next, followed by the Lord's jet black locks, which fall bewitchingly on His forehead and shoulders. Only part of the beautiful hair is visible, the rest of it being contained by the long and majestic kireetam, set with the most brilliant of gems, signifying the Lord's supremacy by its very magnificence. The broad and beautiful chest, adorned by the matchless Tirumagal, swims into view next and completely captivates the onlooker, embellished by the microscopic Kousthubham and the Vaijayanti maala.The four strong shoulders culminating in slender but strong arms, holding the Discus Sudarsanam, the Conch Paanchajanyam, the mace Koumodaki, and the invincible bow Sarngam, with the sword Naandakam hanging by His side, refuse to release Azhwar's vision, with the shining black torso competing for his attentions. The white Yagyopaveetam lies across the black chest like a flash of lightning in an overcast sky, with the several strands of Titutthuzhaai competing with garlands of pearls and fragrant flowers, to embellish the Lord's chest. The entire picture is one of unmatched magnificence and blinding brilliance, one which makes Azhwar dizzy with bliss and incapable of taking his eyes away to see mundane sights. It is this pinnacle of joy that made Sri Paananathan too exclaim, "en amudinai kanda kangal mattrondrinai kaanaave".It is thus that we should "see" Emperuman, with each of His perfect aspects leaving an indelible impression in our eyes and hearts. We should let ourselves be swept away by the wonderful waves of splendour emanating from the Lord, letting His beauty seep through each and every pore of our body, making us weak with delight, with our eyes filling with tears of joy and yet affording an uninterrupted view of the Lord's magnificence, our voices aquiver with uncontainable emotion, each individual hair on our head and body erect in enthrallment, with the palms automatically folding themselves in supplication and the head bowing in an involuntary gesture of submission and veneration. There should be thoughts in our mind only for the Lord, only about His glorious form and endearing exploits, with all other contemplations banished for the nonce, the mind verily an abode of pure love reserved solely for the Divine Inhabitant. In sum, the sight of the glorious Lord should reduce us to a state of utter incapability to turn our eyes, ears and other faculties away from Him even for a second, for fear of missing that second's delight. This state of bliss is described vividly by Sri Kulasekhara Perumal thus-

"Baddhena anjalinaa, natena sirasaa, gaatraischa romodgamai:Kanttena svara gadgadena nayanena utkeerna baashpaambunaa

Nityam tvat charanaaravinda yugala dhyaanaamrita aasvaadinaamAsmaakam Saraseeruhaaksha! satatam sampadyataam jeevitam"

CondolenceVadamalai Palayam V. L. Ramaswamy Iyengar father Dr R. Srivenkatesan a Life Member from Srirangam ( Ex-BARC) attained Acharyan Thiruvadi, 0n30-1-2011. The Sabha Members Pray for the departed soul to rest in peace in Heaven at the holy feet of Acharyan. Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha.


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«(Communication received through e-mail)

KURUKSHETRA: Kurukshetra the holy pilgrimage in which 360 places of pilgrimage related to the Mahabharata can be seen. It is one of those holy towns that have borne the imprint of Lord Sri Krishna's footsteps. Kurukshetra is the place in Haryana state in India where the epic Mahabharata battle took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Indian government has named the state as â€˜Haryanaâ€™ which in local language means: â€˜Hari ka anaâ€™ (Lord Hari came here). Tradition holds that the great 18-day battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas as described in the pages of the epic Mahabharata, was fought on the plains of Kurukshetra. Kurukshetra lies on the Delhi-Ambala stretch of the National Highway 1. Kurukshetra has been a symbol of sanctity and holiness for centuries. A visit to this hallowed land of high religious and cultural significance is indeed a rewarding experience!The founder of the land was King Kuru who practiced austere penance to make this land righteous that is why in the first verse of Bhagavad-Gita, Kurukshetra prefixed with an epithet Dharmakshetra.History of Kurukshetra: This region - the holy circuit- comprises 48 kosas or 100 miles with a large number of temples and tanks of antiquity and traditions. It covered a wide area with present Panipat and north-west corner of Jind district in south and eastern part of Patiala district, in the west Saraswati and Yamuna rivers as its northern and eastern boundaries. King Kuru is said to have made this land a great centre of spiritual culture. The Puranic story about this land is very interesting and runs thus:King Kuru selected this land on the bank of sacred river Saraswati for spiritual culture and cultivation of eight-fold virtues. King came here on his golden chariot and utilized its gold for making a plough for cultivation. He took bull of Siva and buffalo of Yama on loan and started ploughing the land. Indra, the king of heaven, came and asked Kuru as to what he was doing? King replied that he was preparing the land for growing eight-fold virtues of religious austerity (tapa), truth, forgiveness, kindness, purity, charity, yoga and continence (brahmacharya). Indra asked him to where he would get the seed of these virtues. King replied that the seed was in his possession. At this Indra laughed and went away. After king had cultivated land for several days, Visnu appeared before him and asked as to what he was doing? King replied in the same manner as he had done when questioned by Indra. Visnu asked Kuru to give Him the seed and that He would sow it for him. At this Kuru put forward his right arm and the same was cut into 1000 pieces with the Chakra of Visnu and sown in the field. In the same way king left arm, his 2 legs and then his head were offered by him to Visnu for sowing. This act of Kuru pleased Visnu very much and He blessed him. Indra also appeared at this stage and told that he was very much pleased with his sacrifice and told him to ask for any boon from him. Kuru there-upon begged of him 2 boons: one, that this land would forever remain a holy land named after himself, and the other, that anyone dying here would get relieved of cycle of birth and death irrespective of his sins or virtues. Thus King Kuru with wealth of his state and his austerities established at Kurukshetra an extensive institution of spiritual culture for humanity as a whole.

THE LAND OF SRIMAD BHAGAVAD-GITA


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Sripad Madhavacharya, a great Vaishnava acarya, who is also the third son of Vayu (after Hanuman and Bhima) visited here around 1250 AD. During his visit he dug-up a certain piece of land in Kurukshetra and found the mace (club/gada) used by Bhima on the battle of Kurukshetra. Later after showing this to his disciples he again kept back the gada to the place where Bhima originally kept it after the battle. Kurukshetra is 2 hour journey from New Delhi by Train and about 3Â½ by Bus. Sridham Vrindavan to Kurukshetra is about 5-6 hour journey by train via Mathura-New Delhi route. While travelling by bus there is a stop on Kurukshetra by-pass. From there catch an auto-rickshaw to reach ISKCON Main Bazaar temple and then see the holy places with the assistance from the local devotees, or at a nominal cost one can take the auto-rickshaw to visit all the important places to be seen in and around Kurukshetra. JYOTISVAR: This is the exact spot where Lord Sri Krishna spoke Bhagavad-Gita. Is the most important place to be seen because there is a Banyan tree in this place under which Krishna explained Bhagavad-Gita 5000 years back to Arjuna - his greatest friend and devotee. There is a board placed on the tree in which is written â€œThe immortal banyan tree witness of the celestial song Bhagavad-Gitaâ. In fact this place is named as the â€œGitopadesh sthal - place where the Bhagavad-Gita was spoken.The tree is full of birds and squirrels which adds to the mystic aura of that place. This place is eternally peaceful despite amidst coming and going of pilgrims throughout the day. Doing the Parikrama or Circumambulation of the tree is considered as a very auspicious. There is also a small chariot in a glass and marble case below the banyan tree where one can see Krishna and Arjuna speaking to each other. There is also another chariot nearby much bigger entirely in glass casing where both Krishna and Arjuna are seated. In the same courtyard of the Geethopadesh sthal is a Ved Pathshala, rooms containing different characters of Mahabharata like Ganga mata, Bhismadeva, Krishna-Arjuna etc… There is also an anccient Siva temple which is sheltered by the Banyan Tree. This temple is a witness to foreign invasions. Then there are also several other temples for other divinities. There is a small water body in front of the Geetopadesh sthal. Jyotisvar lies on Pehowa road, 5 km from Kurukshetra.

Divya Deasam : OriruvirukkaiThe place is connected to Thirumazisai alwar and the gurubhakthi of his shishya which forced even the lord to leave Thiruvika and spend a night at this place thus giving the name oru iravu irukkai (ஓரிரவு இருக்ை - now corrupted to present name!)

The legend is a moving one.Thirumazhisai Alwar who worshipped the Lord of Thiruvekka ( Kancheepuram) majestically reclining on his serpentine bed,was cared for by a couple.When the son Kanikannan was born to them,he became the Alwar's steadfast devotee.One day when Kanikannan saw a woman frail and bent with age,sweeping the temple premises offering worship to the Lord,he was moved.He stroked her hunched back in appreciation.The power of his guru surged into him and the woman regained her youth and was able to continue offering worship to the Lord with fresh vigour.The king of the period who greedily desired his youth restored to him requested Kanikannan to do so.But the youngman refused outright which enraged the king and he banished Kanikannan from his kingdom.The

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Alwar prepared to go with him and asked Lord Thiruvekka also to come too,as he could not live without Him. The Lord rolled up his serpentine bed and obediently followed the Alwar and Kanikannan. The three travelled some distance way from Kancheepuram on the northern bank of the Paalaar river and stayed the night there.But,with the Lord's departure,the town was plunged in darkness and disorder.The ruler realized his mistake and rushed to the trio,seeking their forgiveness.The Lord returned to Kanchi with his devotees. The place where he stayed overnight came to be known as Oriravu irukkai,which later got shortened to Orirukkai. This village deity is appropriately called 'Yatoktakari'/ 'Sonnavannam Cheitha'Perumal. The Utsavar comes out once in a year to the street in this village where a Vinayaka temple exists - now at the entrance to the site of the Satabdhi ManiMantapam from the Northern side. The temple contains a large prahara Mandapam with two halls and a sanctum with a huge idol of Mahaperiyava in a rudraksha mandabam .The walls have exquisite carvings i granite and the sculptures are breathtaking, especially the acharya parampara, the Pradosha thandavam, the navagraha with stone chains hanging from the roof and so on.

Navagrahas with the stone chains hanging from the roof all from a single stone!! Almost all figures and panels are sculpted from a single stone

How to reach : Oruirukkai is about 5 kms away from Kanchi as a continuation of the kamarajar salai in Kanchi. When you reach the village look for the board on the right as in the photo below. A short ride brings you to the Mani mandapam.

The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is made of Upa and Nayanam. (vision through knowledge). Literally, it is identified as the second vision known as Wisdom & knowledge. Also, Dwijan as we call the boy to whom the ceremony is being performed, is known to get the second birth - first being born on the earth with physical body and second being "taking one near to wisdom". through this ceremony. Essentially it has two parts. First is the investiture of the three stranded thread called Yagjnopaveetham. The second part is the Brahmmobadesam - taking one to the Brahmman - a recitation into his right ear the Gayathri mantra. This is usually performed by his father, who becomes the Teacher known as Guru to the boy. The Youngster is thus, made eligible to be taken near the Vedas, so that he can study them and practice what is ordained upon him, in the Vedas. Here is the simplest way I explain the ritual known as Upanayanam - Brahmmobadesam. This ritual is performed with a larger gathering of friends, family relations and others to bless the boy. And from this day, he begins his routine Sandhya Vandanam - a regular prayer done thrice a day - during Morning, Noon & in the Evening. Also, from the day of Upanayanam & Brahmmobadesam, he start to perfom the Samitha Dhanam, a holy fire sacrifice, which he is supposed to perform daily.

Vedic mantra is a two liner and translate in its simplest form as: We meditate and bow before the exalted Dweller of the effulgent sun Who kindles our intellect. While uttering the mantra OM BHURBHUVAHA is always added to invoke the Supreme Lord of the three worlds.

There are various forms ceremonies, and rituals which mark the diverse stages and activities of men. Samskaaram (signifying cleansing) is the comprehensive Indian word for these forms. these are secular (like a handshake),

UPANAYANAME-MAIL FROM PROF RAMASWAMY <[email protected]> wrote:


civil (like certification by a legal authority), or religious( like birth rites) in character. The Indian society is characterized by four broad choices (varnnyam or Varnam) of occupation, and the Upanayanam is administered to those who opt for religious education and practice, or the organized defense of a nation or community, or commercial operations according to established norms and practices. The ceremony is regarded as important as a re-awakening and creates for the functionaries the obligation to a life-long commitment of ethical principles, the ambience of Dharma. The passage through the ceremony confers the identity of Dvija (of dual birth) on these three groupings of citizens.

The expression Upanayanam indicates a preceptors leading the pupil on a spiritual quest of meaning and purpose. The Upanayam ceremony has two initial stages. THe Upaveetham involves the investiture of the sacred thread which is a three stranded loop (representing the three entities of creation, the chit or the animate, the anachit or the inanimate and the Eesvara the Lord) with a consecrated knot (Brahmagranthi), worn on the left shoulder across the midriff. The Upaveetham is the accessory in the worship of the Lord Supreme, Vishnu-Naarayana. The Upaveetham thread is known as Yagnjopaveetham in acknowledgement that the Lord is Yagna (Yagno vai Vishnu).

The Upanayanam signifies the purpose of it all, namely, the reaching for God-awareness through the study of the Upanishad. This mission of reaching or knowing (Brahna-jijnaasaa) is to be realized by means of the sacred formula (Gaayathri Mantram) imparted in the second stage which is thus named Bramopadesam. The young pupil is now known as the Brahmachaarinn, the candidate for the knowledge of Godhead.

The Gaayathri Mantram, hitched to the pranavam, is the precious acquisition of the ceremony, and yields unfailing protection to the one who recites it. The mantram and its metre is adored as the Mother of all sacred formulas and metres, Gaayathri Chhandasaam Maataa. This mantram is to be imbibed with due attention and veneration, and in privacy. There is an ongoing electronic-media commerce in singing this mantram, and this is a gross offence.

The mantram speaks of Devasya, savitu: and bharga charting the Lord (Deva:) who is in the lustre (bharga:) of the sun (savitaa). The cognomen deva: is from dyu: for lustre, and relates to the Indo-European dei and deity. Savithaa, a masculine noun, is for the Sun, but is a substitute for prasavitaa (from sou to bring forth), the maker. Bharge: is effulgence. The following texts establish the Gaayathri as a hymn for the Lord, Sri Maha Vishnu - Sriman Narayana.

The Upanishad text describe the Lord as dwelling in and radiating from the Sun. The Lord is identifies in specific descript such as Lotus-eyed (Chaandogyam), the pure animation (Suddha-sattvam) forming the core dwelling of the Lord in the Sun (Maitreyaaani), bharga signifying Vishnu (Yaajna-valkya smrti), savitr-mandala-madhya-vartree (agneya puraanam), Vishnu's supreme magnificence known as Rk, Yajur, Saama, enveloping the Sun's core (Vishnu puraanam), in Purushasooktam which speaks of the Sun's radiance transcending darkness (aaditya-varnam tamasa: parstaat), the Narayanasooktam describing how the lightning streaks out of the dark cloud (neela-toyada-madhyasthaat), in Sri Raamaayanam which is revered as Vedic redaction, Seeta identifying herself with Sri Raama even as the luminosity inheres in the Sun (bhaaskarena prabhaa yathaa).

The Udhaga Shanthi ( Uthaka Shanti) Japam recitals takes place normally the earlier day. The boy is being prepared with mentally and physically to take the


Brahmmacharyam through the recitals and also with cleansing him with the Holy water. Then the Panchacavyam - a combination of Cow's Urine, Milk, Curd, and the holy water and mixed after recitals of specific Slokas & Mantras to purify the boys body & soul. Then the naandhi srardham (known as Abhvyooham to Srivaishnavas( is performed the day previous to the upanayanam and a very important requirement is stressed by the administering priest/aacharya- manasamaadheeyataam, Compose your mind! This is a pre-condition for receiving instruction, retaining and practicing it. Srimad Bhagavad-Gita Sri Krishna reiterating this discipline, samaahitamanaas srunu, Listen thou with a tranquil mind!

Normal age to perform Upanayanam: between 7 and 15 years.. generally odd running year is taken. If performed after the age of 15 years , earlier the better. Best period for performing the ritual is during the Tamil month Maasi, which fall during Mid February to Mid March. However, during UtharayaNa period this can be performed. i.e., from Mid January till Mid July ( Tamil months from Thai to Aani). During Dakshinayana, it is advisable to avoid performing Upanayanam. Also, for Sama Veda followers must avoid performing Upanayanam during the time when Mars is set (Kuja Asthamanam), for Rg Vedis to avoid during Jupiter's setting, (Guru Asthamanam) and Yajur Vedi's to avoid during Venus setting period (Sukra Asthamanam). On the day of Muhurtham, the 8th house to the selected day's Muhurtham should be clean and without any malifics. This is a must for performing the Brahmmobadesam. Due to paucity of time and availability of halls and economical considerations, nowa-a-days, the Udhaka Shanthi, Nandhi and Upanayanam/Brahmmobadesam is performed in a single day.Here are some interesting facts about the Poonool known as Yagnjopaveetham:

The sacred thread consists of three strands, (all common to Srivaishnavas, Smarthas & other Bachellors) joined by a knot known as Brahmagranthi or the knot of Brahma. The three strands symbolizes the Hindu trinity - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. There are various interpretations of the three strands to represent many of the other triads like Mahasarasvati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Or the three qualities known as sattva, rajas and tamas; past, present and the future; the three states - wakefulness, dream and deep sleep. Some even say that it represents the three dimensions known as heaven (swarga), earth (martyaloka) and nether regions (patala).But the most important meaning of the three strands is ida, pingala and sukshama nadi, through which the kundalini energy manifests as prana and consciousness. Yajno-pavita means 'thread of sacrifice.' That is so called because it symbolizes the sacrifice of ego, Anger & selfishness.According to the Manusmrti which specifies the following ages for the initiation ceremony to take place:In the eighth year after conception, (i.e. at the age of 7 on birth) one should perform the initiation of sacred thread) of a Brahmin, in the eleventh year after conception for a Kshatriya and in the twelfth year that of a Vaisya. (Manu Smruthi II.36).The sacred thread is a passport to obtain Vedic education. It is a prerequisite for learning Veda and also for marriage. For without it, in those days, no Brahmin man can dream of getting a bride for him. It was considered important because a person with Yajnopavitha must have undergone all the oaths associated with wearing it and should have led a celibate life and should have completed a major portion of his Vedic Sastras and education. A Brahmachari known as bachelor wears a single sacred thread that has three strands. A married person wears a pair of three bands each.

Courtesy: www.trsiyengar.com .


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SRI U.Ve.THENTHIRUPPERAI ARAVINDALOCHANAN SWAMI

Sri U.Ve. Aravindalochanan Swami hails from Thenthirupperai, one of the 108 Divya Desams of Sri Vaishnavas. Born to illustrious parents, Sri U.Ve.Ma. Kannan Swami and Smt. Srivaramangai in 1978, Sri Aravindalochanan is a disciple of the illustrious Sri Vanamamalai Mutt, Nanguneri, Tamil Nadu. He has the privilege of undergoing his initial training in “Arulicheyal” from Sri U.Ve. Vanamamalai

Sri Aravindalochanan is an Engineering Graduate, besides a “Govidha” certification in Sanskrit language. Apart from his traditional service in Thenthirupperai Makara Nedunkuzhaikkadhar Sannidhi, there are regular kalakshepams and arulicheyal goshtis in his residence in Triplicane, Chennai. He is one of the emerging SriVaishnava Sampradaya orators and Sri Ramanuja Sabha takes immense pleasure in introducing a young and powerful speaker to Mumbai Ramanuja Dasas. All are requested to attend his upanyasams with family and friends and derive the benefits of his deep knowledge and make this Lecture Series a grand success.

Deivanayagam Swami and “Grantha Kalakshepam” from Sri U.Ve. K.B.Devarajan Swami and Sri U.Ve. Velukkudi Krishnan Swami.

book - 1xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/3179390/1825578920/name/e-magazine... · shri s. raghunathan, shri...

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