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Srimaan :
"sadagopan iyengar" sadagopaniyengar
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Sat Jun 1, 2013 7:57 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"sadagopan iyengar" sadagopaniyengar
Srimate Sri LakshmiNrisimha divya paduka sevaka SrivanSatakopa Sri Narayana
Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:
Sri Ranganatha Pattabhishekam
Surprised at the caption? I hear you complain—“We have heard of Sri Rama
Pattabhishekam, Sri Govinda Pattabhishekam, Vibhishana Pattabhishekam,
etc., but never of Sri Ranganatha Pattabhishekam”. Please bear with me and
do read on.
On this day, all roads led to Dasavatara Sannidhi. As you alight from a
train or bus, the auto driver asks you whether it is to Dasavatara Sannidhi
that you want to go. The entire island of Srirangam appears to be wearing a
festive look, just as Ayodhya did on the day of Chakravartthi Tirumagan’s
coronation. *Utsavascha mahaan aaseet* says Sri Valmiki, describing the
festivities on the occasion and the rejoicing among the Ayodhya citizenry.
Similar is the gaiety among not only the Sri Sannidhi sishyas but of entire
Srirangam, on the occasion of the Pattabhishekam of the 46th Pontiff of Sri
Ahobila Matam.
When you arrive at Dasavatara Sannidhi, you are greeted by a long line of
cars, big and small, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and all other
imaginable modes of conveyance, signifying the presence of sishyas of
various categories, some from overseas, many from Srirangam itself and
others from various parts of the country, all assembled to celebrate the
ascension to the spiritual throne of the 46th Srimad Azhagiasingar. The
heterogeneous assembly includes Vidwans of the highest order, the
not-so-well-read and the absolutely unlettered, people endowed with
abundant riches and those eking out their existence with difficulty.
Anushttaataas of acclaim rub shoulders on the occasion with those satisfied
with mere Sandhyavandanam thrice daily. The august assembly includes not
only direct disciples of Sri Ahobila Mutt, but also Sri Vaishnavas from
other sampradayas and many North Indian Vaishnavites too. However, despite
all these differences among them, the unity of purpose shines forth on all
their thrilled countenances—to be part of the historic celebrations. It is
not only people’s faces that are shining—the Sun too is out in all his
brilliance: even though it is only 8 a.m., in his enthusiasm, Sooryan tries
to get closer and closer to Srirangam, resulting in a predictable
escalation of the heat.
Srimad Azhagiasingar enters the Sannidhi, with sishyas heralding his
arrival enthusiastically. He performs tiruvaradhanam to Sri Malolan,
offering each ministration with love and devotion, watched by the devotees
mesmerized by the grandeur of both the Deity and His Chief Attendant.
Srimad Azhagiasingar’s divine visage bears the trademark smile which has
become his unique identity and which lights up the entire place. It is a
smile full of love, affection, warmth, welcome and mercy, inviting all to
come and partake of the inimitable experience of service to Sri Malolan.
The entire interior of Dasavatara Sannidhi is jam-packed, with many
standing on a single foot (there being no space to put down the other
foot). Those who have managed to secure vantage spots sport looks of
exultation. The festivities begin with the golden throne being bedecked
with flowers and shawls. Srimad Azhagiasingar, in an endearing display of
Acharya Bhakti, places the silver-clad Padukas of Srimad Mukkur
Azhagiasingar and Srimad Villivalam Azhagiasingar on the throne and
performs Padukaradhanam, invoking the blessings of the 44th and
45thPontiffs, who reigned for long from the Simhasanam, recalling
their golden
eras, with tears of devotion springing to his eyes. Having obtained the
blessings of Sri LakshmiNrismhan, Sri Tirumangai Mannan (who stayed for
long at the Sannidhi) and Srimad AdivanSatakopa Yatindra Mahadesikan, the
founder of the Sri Matam, Srimad Azhagiasingar occupies the Simhasanam
amidst a veritable uproar—the voices of vaidikas chanting Swasti Vaachanam,
that of Pouranikas reciting slokas from Srimad Ramayanam recalling the
Pattabhishekam of Sri Rama and the voices of unlettered people like me,
invoking the blessings of the Paramapurusha on the auspicious occasion, in
our own pidgin prose and *paamara bhaasha*. Valmiki tells us that Maharshis
like Vasishtta, Vaamadeva, Jaabaali, Kaasyapa, Kaatyaayana, Suyagya,
Goutama and Vijaya graced the occasion of Rama’s coronation: the assembly
on Srimad Azhagiasingar’s coronation is no less august, with the presence
of Vaidikas, Sri Bhaashya and Bhagavad Vishaya Adhikaaris, those who have
seen the shores of the vast sea of Srimad Rahasyatraya Saaram and those who
have authored commentaries on various works of Purvacharyas. Also present
are the numerous devoted servitors of Sri Matam, whose invaluable
contribution makes the chariot of Sri Malola run smoothly and with
grandeur. It is this distinguished assembly of luminaries that escorts
Srimad Azhagiasingar to the throne and ensconces him on it. *Ramam ratna
maye peete saha Seetam nyavesayat* says Sri Valmiki, recording that the
Maharshis seated Sri Rama and His Divine Consort on the golden throne
studded with diamonds. Here too, at Srirangam, the throne is golden: the
only difference in the case of Srimad Azhagiasingar is that it is the
Tridandam that substitutes Sita Devi on Sri Rama’s throne. For an ascetic,
the Tridandam is an extremely close and inseparable companion, as is
evident from the veda mantram prescribed for picking it up—*sakhaa me
gopaaya.*
Srimad Azhagiasingar adorns his finger with the Hamsa Mudra, the ultimate
stamp of approval on his assumption of the august office of Peetadhipati of
Sri Ahobila Matam. The divine visage of Srimad Azhagiasingar shines with
elation at the incredible good fortune of wearing the Hamsa Mudra, gifted
by no less an Acharya than Sri Satakopa Muni, to no less an Acharya than
Srimad Adivan Satakopa Yatindra Mahadesikan, as a token of appreciation for
yeomen services rendered at Tirukkurugur. Passed on as an heirloom by each
distinguished Azhagiasingar to his successor, the wearing of the Hamsa
Mudra represents the symbolic assumption of the mantle.
Next on the agenda is for the distinguished new incumbent to put his seal
of approval on Sri Sannidhi matters and Srimad Azhagiasingar commences his
reign with the appointment of Devanarvilagam Sri Padmanabhachar as Sri
Karyam. The letter of appointment is read out by the distinguished editor
of Sri Nrisimhapriya, Sri LakshmiNrisimhachar Swami. This evokes a chorus
of agreement from the assembled disciples, for the new Sri Karyam is known
for his scholarship, anushttaanam, devotion to Sri Sannidhi and above all,
for his extremely saatvic nature.
In his maiden message from the spiritual throne, Srimad Azhagiasingar
recalls with gratitude and in a voice charged with emotion, the confidence
reposed in him by the 45th Azhagiasingar in choosing him as the successor.
He also firmly announces his resolve to continue on the hallowed path
trodden by previous Azhagiasingars and take the Matam to new heights of
glory.
Various Vidwans take the opportunity to pay glowing tributes to Srimad
Azhagiasingar. Knowing our Acharya as we do, not a single word of their
encomiums appears to be an exaggeration: if anything, they are only
understatements. As one of the scholars enthuses, it is indeed a glorious
occasion to have the Sri Sannidhi Simhasanam occupied by an acclaimed
Ghanapaati and one who had been performing Agnihotram daily, till his
opting for the ochre robes. None would have forgotten the appearance of Sri
Nrisimha in the form of flames from the yagya kundam, in 2009, in an
apparent and resounding approval of this Azhagiasingar, on the occasion of
his renunciation.
Emperumans of various divyadesams have sent their *udutthu kalainda peetaka
aadai, toduttha tuzhaai malar soodi kalaindana*, etc. to bless Srimad
Azhagiasingar on the occasion and the adorning of the ascetic with
garlands, shawls, etc. takes quite a long time. First in line of course are
the Archakas from Ahobilam, Tiruvallur, Pullambootangudi, etc., where the
kainkaryams are looked after by Sri Matam, followed by a long line of
Bhattacharyas from various other divya desams. Soon after, Srimad
Azhagiasingar pays obeisance at the brindavanams of his Poorvacharyas.
The festivities come to an end with a sumptuous celebratory feast, every
bit in the tradition of Sri Matam.
As you take leave of Sri Malolan with reluctance, you find His divine
countenance, which had hitherto been sober and subdued with the passing of
His intimate servitor, Srimad Villivalam Azhagiasingar, now sporting a
smile of satisfaction at having anointed Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha
Yatindra Mahadesikan to look after His bounties and to guide the multitude
of His devotees on the right path.
It is worthwhile recalling that the avataaram of this Azhagiasingar took
place at Srirangam (on Swati nakshatram) four years ago and it is again at
Srirangam (again under the constellation of Swati) that his coronation
also is performed now. It is not for nothing that the Lord has blessed this
ascetic with the name Ranganatha: the association with Srirangam is too
deep to be ignored.
And it is again no coincidence that the very first mangalaasaasanam that
Srimad Azhagiasingar would be performing after his Pattabhishekam would be
that of Namperumal.
Srimate SrivanSatakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:
Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:
Sri Ranganatha Pattabhishekam
Surprised at the caption? I hear you complain—“We have heard of Sri Rama
Pattabhishekam, Sri Govinda Pattabhishekam, Vibhishana Pattabhishekam,
etc., but never of Sri Ranganatha Pattabhishekam”. Please bear with me and
do read on.
On this day, all roads led to Dasavatara Sannidhi. As you alight from a
train or bus, the auto driver asks you whether it is to Dasavatara Sannidhi
that you want to go. The entire island of Srirangam appears to be wearing a
festive look, just as Ayodhya did on the day of Chakravartthi Tirumagan’s
coronation. *Utsavascha mahaan aaseet* says Sri Valmiki, describing the
festivities on the occasion and the rejoicing among the Ayodhya citizenry.
Similar is the gaiety among not only the Sri Sannidhi sishyas but of entire
Srirangam, on the occasion of the Pattabhishekam of the 46th Pontiff of Sri
Ahobila Matam.
When you arrive at Dasavatara Sannidhi, you are greeted by a long line of
cars, big and small, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and all other
imaginable modes of conveyance, signifying the presence of sishyas of
various categories, some from overseas, many from Srirangam itself and
others from various parts of the country, all assembled to celebrate the
ascension to the spiritual throne of the 46th Srimad Azhagiasingar. The
heterogeneous assembly includes Vidwans of the highest order, the
not-so-well-read and the absolutely unlettered, people endowed with
abundant riches and those eking out their existence with difficulty.
Anushttaataas of acclaim rub shoulders on the occasion with those satisfied
with mere Sandhyavandanam thrice daily. The august assembly includes not
only direct disciples of Sri Ahobila Mutt, but also Sri Vaishnavas from
other sampradayas and many North Indian Vaishnavites too. However, despite
all these differences among them, the unity of purpose shines forth on all
their thrilled countenances—to be part of the historic celebrations. It is
not only people’s faces that are shining—the Sun too is out in all his
brilliance: even though it is only 8 a.m., in his enthusiasm, Sooryan tries
to get closer and closer to Srirangam, resulting in a predictable
escalation of the heat.
Srimad Azhagiasingar enters the Sannidhi, with sishyas heralding his
arrival enthusiastically. He performs tiruvaradhanam to Sri Malolan,
offering each ministration with love and devotion, watched by the devotees
mesmerized by the grandeur of both the Deity and His Chief Attendant.
Srimad Azhagiasingar’s divine visage bears the trademark smile which has
become his unique identity and which lights up the entire place. It is a
smile full of love, affection, warmth, welcome and mercy, inviting all to
come and partake of the inimitable experience of service to Sri Malolan.
The entire interior of Dasavatara Sannidhi is jam-packed, with many
standing on a single foot (there being no space to put down the other
foot). Those who have managed to secure vantage spots sport looks of
exultation. The festivities begin with the golden throne being bedecked
with flowers and shawls. Srimad Azhagiasingar, in an endearing display of
Acharya Bhakti, places the silver-clad Padukas of Srimad Mukkur
Azhagiasingar and Srimad Villivalam Azhagiasingar on the throne and
performs Padukaradhanam, invoking the blessings of the 44th and
45thPontiffs, who reigned for long from the Simhasanam, recalling
their golden
eras, with tears of devotion springing to his eyes. Having obtained the
blessings of Sri LakshmiNrismhan, Sri Tirumangai Mannan (who stayed for
long at the Sannidhi) and Srimad AdivanSatakopa Yatindra Mahadesikan, the
founder of the Sri Matam, Srimad Azhagiasingar occupies the Simhasanam
amidst a veritable uproar—the voices of vaidikas chanting Swasti Vaachanam,
that of Pouranikas reciting slokas from Srimad Ramayanam recalling the
Pattabhishekam of Sri Rama and the voices of unlettered people like me,
invoking the blessings of the Paramapurusha on the auspicious occasion, in
our own pidgin prose and *paamara bhaasha*. Valmiki tells us that Maharshis
like Vasishtta, Vaamadeva, Jaabaali, Kaasyapa, Kaatyaayana, Suyagya,
Goutama and Vijaya graced the occasion of Rama’s coronation: the assembly
on Srimad Azhagiasingar’s coronation is no less august, with the presence
of Vaidikas, Sri Bhaashya and Bhagavad Vishaya Adhikaaris, those who have
seen the shores of the vast sea of Srimad Rahasyatraya Saaram and those who
have authored commentaries on various works of Purvacharyas. Also present
are the numerous devoted servitors of Sri Matam, whose invaluable
contribution makes the chariot of Sri Malola run smoothly and with
grandeur. It is this distinguished assembly of luminaries that escorts
Srimad Azhagiasingar to the throne and ensconces him on it. *Ramam ratna
maye peete saha Seetam nyavesayat* says Sri Valmiki, recording that the
Maharshis seated Sri Rama and His Divine Consort on the golden throne
studded with diamonds. Here too, at Srirangam, the throne is golden: the
only difference in the case of Srimad Azhagiasingar is that it is the
Tridandam that substitutes Sita Devi on Sri Rama’s throne. For an ascetic,
the Tridandam is an extremely close and inseparable companion, as is
evident from the veda mantram prescribed for picking it up—*sakhaa me
gopaaya.*
Srimad Azhagiasingar adorns his finger with the Hamsa Mudra, the ultimate
stamp of approval on his assumption of the august office of Peetadhipati of
Sri Ahobila Matam. The divine visage of Srimad Azhagiasingar shines with
elation at the incredible good fortune of wearing the Hamsa Mudra, gifted
by no less an Acharya than Sri Satakopa Muni, to no less an Acharya than
Srimad Adivan Satakopa Yatindra Mahadesikan, as a token of appreciation for
yeomen services rendered at Tirukkurugur. Passed on as an heirloom by each
distinguished Azhagiasingar to his successor, the wearing of the Hamsa
Mudra represents the symbolic assumption of the mantle.
Next on the agenda is for the distinguished new incumbent to put his seal
of approval on Sri Sannidhi matters and Srimad Azhagiasingar commences his
reign with the appointment of Devanarvilagam Sri Padmanabhachar as Sri
Karyam. The letter of appointment is read out by the distinguished editor
of Sri Nrisimhapriya, Sri LakshmiNrisimhachar Swami. This evokes a chorus
of agreement from the assembled disciples, for the new Sri Karyam is known
for his scholarship, anushttaanam, devotion to Sri Sannidhi and above all,
for his extremely saatvic nature.
In his maiden message from the spiritual throne, Srimad Azhagiasingar
recalls with gratitude and in a voice charged with emotion, the confidence
reposed in him by the 45th Azhagiasingar in choosing him as the successor.
He also firmly announces his resolve to continue on the hallowed path
trodden by previous Azhagiasingars and take the Matam to new heights of
glory.
Various Vidwans take the opportunity to pay glowing tributes to Srimad
Azhagiasingar. Knowing our Acharya as we do, not a single word of their
encomiums appears to be an exaggeration: if anything, they are only
understatements. As one of the scholars enthuses, it is indeed a glorious
occasion to have the Sri Sannidhi Simhasanam occupied by an acclaimed
Ghanapaati and one who had been performing Agnihotram daily, till his
opting for the ochre robes. None would have forgotten the appearance of Sri
Nrisimha in the form of flames from the yagya kundam, in 2009, in an
apparent and resounding approval of this Azhagiasingar, on the occasion of
his renunciation.
Emperumans of various divyadesams have sent their *udutthu kalainda peetaka
aadai, toduttha tuzhaai malar soodi kalaindana*, etc. to bless Srimad
Azhagiasingar on the occasion and the adorning of the ascetic with
garlands, shawls, etc. takes quite a long time. First in line of course are
the Archakas from Ahobilam, Tiruvallur, Pullambootangudi, etc., where the
kainkaryams are looked after by Sri Matam, followed by a long line of
Bhattacharyas from various other divya desams. Soon after, Srimad
Azhagiasingar pays obeisance at the brindavanams of his Poorvacharyas.
The festivities come to an end with a sumptuous celebratory feast, every
bit in the tradition of Sri Matam.
As you take leave of Sri Malolan with reluctance, you find His divine
countenance, which had hitherto been sober and subdued with the passing of
His intimate servitor, Srimad Villivalam Azhagiasingar, now sporting a
smile of satisfaction at having anointed Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha
Yatindra Mahadesikan to look after His bounties and to guide the multitude
of His devotees on the right path.
It is worthwhile recalling that the avataaram of this Azhagiasingar took
place at Srirangam (on Swati nakshatram) four years ago and it is again at
Srirangam (again under the constellation of Swati) that his coronation
also is performed now. It is not for nothing that the Lord has blessed this
ascetic with the name Ranganatha: the association with Srirangam is too
deep to be ignored.
And it is again no coincidence that the very first mangalaasaasanam that
Srimad Azhagiasingar would be performing after his Pattabhishekam would be
that of Namperumal.
Srimate SrivanSatakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesikaya nama:
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