As we all know, today is one of the most special day in Sri Rangam’s
history,today is the famed as Mohini Alankaram of our Azhagiya Manavalan.
We will start our discourse of today’s topic with a very brief history
of the Mohini Alankaram. The Asuras and the Devas were churning for
Amrutham(the Nectar of Life), and it was starting to appear as the
Devas were loosing to the Asuras. Hence, Sri Maha Vishnu, took on the
form of a BEAUTIFUL woman, to distract and seduce the attention of the
Asuras in order to obtain the Amrutham for the Devas. After doing so,
the Devas won the battle, and supposedly, corruption ended.
Now coming to today’s happenings at Thiruvarangam, and our Azhagiya
Manavalan’s magnificence. Starting with His hair, like that of a young
woman, His hair flows like a braided river, with Raakudi, Jada Nagam,
Pushpa Thanda, Kunjalam, and of course plenty of dazzling flowers!! In
the front of our Azhagiya Manavalan’s hair-do, there is Chandran and
Suryan encrusted with diamonds are placed, Nethi Chutti, Kalinga
Thora(which was only worn by the great Maha Ranis), the ever present
Kasthuri and Thiruman Kappu, Jimikis swaying from His ears, and a
beautiful nose ring. His Thirumugamandalam(face), is simply stunning,
and hypnotic to keep looking at!
His lips, red as a rose, wet with moisture, a Dhristi pottu to ward
off the evil eye! His neck is embraced by a beautiful Vaira
Adihai(Diamond Singlet) which is encrusted with a large diamond single
pendant, hanging down from this is a beautiful emerald pendant which
sways with the wind and His movements. Our Azhagiya Manavalan is
covered with rare stones, navaratnas, and gems and diamonds in
step-wise manner. A long coral necklace with abundant punyam hangs on
His chest!!
On His right hand, a parrot made out of rubies with a green(emerald)
nose! This parrot, actually played a big role as his messenger and his
confidant! Our Azhagiya Manvalan likes questioning his bird,”Am I
beautiful?!” The parrot responds, “Of course you are!” The parrot is
also his messenger, as it is this very parrot that talks to Sri Rangan
and informs him of those who come to see him. “Antharangama Rangan
kita pesum” This is a beautiful saying in Tamil, “The parrot talks
secretly to Sri Rangan!” On Naam Perumaal’s Left Hand, there are
numerous gem encrusted bangles, kanganam, vangi for his upper arms,
and for the dhrishti Parthika Thayathu(made out of pure gold, the
Thayathu is a ward, or a lucky charm once again to ward off the evil
eye from this beautiful stunning woman)! His fingers, are like that
of a newborn baby, soft and supple adorned with beautiful rings. His
Left Hand’s fingers all point to His Thiruvadi(Feet)—–“Maam yekam
charanam vraja” “Surrender to me, I will be with you!”
Our Azhagiya Manavalan’s waist is delicate and small like a young
girl’s, it is encircled by a gold circlet with different leaf
pendants(tulsi, etc.)
His Thiruvadi(Feet) are soft, and smooth like a newborn’s. His
Thiruvadi, is decorated with Nalangu(Saffron lines on the feet), since
His delicate, flowery, feet touched this earth, they turned red!!!
Our Azhagiya Manavalan’s feet are also covered with a pure gold
anklet,and a thandai(a lotus like decoration in bloom)
The description of Azhagiya Manavalan’s beauty on this special day is
endless, and there is not enough words or space in this world to
record all it, so we will move on. With all of these dressings and
decorations, Azhagiya Manavalan walks seductively, not Oyyara Nadai,
this is Anna Nadai, like that of a graceful bird. As Azhagiya
Manavalan is gliding along like a swan, Parasara Bhattar comes to pray
to Him. Our Azhagiya Manavalan filled with his vanity, asks Parasara
Bhattar, “How do I look?”
Parasara Bhattar replied, “Swami, you look like a lovely young lady,
and your dressings put everyone else to shame, but………please
forgive me my Lord, but the kindness and gentleness evident in Sri
Ranga Nachiyar’s eyes are missing in your eyes!” Our Azhagiya
Manavalan knew this to be truth.
It is truth, because, no matter how stunning and how mesmirzing our
Azhagiya Manvalan might be to look at, he is still the King of Kings
underneath it all, and this awesome power can not be contained by His
Eyes. Sri Ranga Nachiar is a divine Lotus to mankind, and Her eyes are
most Merciful! To look at Her eyes is to look at Heaven, and
forgiveness and understanding…..basically the eyes of the Mother!!!
Thousands of devotees worshipped Namperumal at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi festival on FRIDAY.
On this day, our Azhagiya Manavalan wears a Rathanangi(A suit made out of pure Rubies). The specialty about this Rathanangi is on the Sri Vatsham(The special place designated for Sri Ranganayaki on His Right Chest). To note this specialty is a blessing, because one must look closely to identify it, and I’ve had the blessing to see this! There is Maha Lakshmi INSIDE one of the many ruby stones! After Namperumal, exited the Paramapada Vasal, amidst milling devotees.
Following Vaikunta Ekadesi, Periya Perumal Sri Ranganathaswamy will be adorned in Muthangi (coat of pearls).this year lord ranganathan was decorated by muthangi for 20 days including the pagal pathu.
After customary honours for the Srirangam Jeyer and the stalasthars, our Nam Perumal makes His through the RajaMahendran Chutru, Kulasekaran Chutru before reaching the Vraja Nadhi mandapam where Veda parayanam was recited. One of the million aspects that make Sri Rangam Booloka Vaikundam(Heaven on Earth) is this Vraja Nadhi Mandapam. Vraja means open and pure, Nadhi means River. When one puts the ear to the ground at this Vraja Nadhi Mandapam, one can hear the splashing of the waters of Cauvery river! This is a Deva Loka Mandapam(Heavenly Mandapam). It is through this Mandapam that Our Nam Perumal takes everyone throught the Sorga Vasal.
around the Pranavakara Viamana prakaram, with His Woiyyara nadai
(gentle and subtle walk) and then reaches the kannadi arai. He looks
at HIMSELF, HIS majestic appearance, the jewels that look much
brighter and stunning being worn by HIM. HE moves on and goes to
“Vruja Nadi” (A well called vruja nadi) and meets Senai Mudaliyar (
HIS personal secretory). From there, with the arayar swamis reciting
divya prabandham, HE moves step by step in a rhythmic motion to
Paramabatha vasal (entrace of the Heven Gate) HE shows her HIS
grandeur! From here, HE moves on to Thirumamani Mandapam and enjoys
the celebration along with all the 12 Azhwars.
These are HIS activities during pagal patthu.
Please Have the Blessings from our Ever Azagiya Manavalan
If you look at the pictures enclosed, you can see his Abhya Hastam(His Blessing Right Hand). Today is a specialty in that, this Divine Hand is adorned with the rare Kohinoor Diamonds, if you look closely you can see the Sri Chakra in the middle. There is a diamond pendant with a ruby encrusted in the middle that is hanging from His Abhya Hastam, when He goes on his Oyyara Nadai as explained yesterday, this pendant sways with His movements, these two eyes are not enough to gaze upon Him!
In his Thirumarbhu (Chest ) Sri Ranganatha is wearing Pranava Karam Vimana Padakam. The is truly magnificent, as the whole Moolasthanam(Sanctum Santorum), including Sri Devi, Boo Devi, Periya Perumal, Uthsavar, and his personal security, Jaya and Vijaya-The Dwarabalakas are ALL ENCRUSTED in the Vimana Padakam! I am truly humbled to say that Lord Ranganatha has blessed me as Archagar of Sri Rangam and to hold this Vimana Padakam in my hands as I gazed upon His face, His Thirumeni and was lost by Azhagiya Manavalan’s magnificence!!
In conclusion, let us all be blessed and may Sri Ranganatha’s presence always be in all our lives
Meaning:
My eyes which saw Him, who has the form of a
moisture laden cloud, who has the mouth with
which He ate butter when born as a yadava,
who stole my heart, who is the Lord of the
nithyasooris, who rests in Srirangam which
is an ornament to this world, who is nectar
to me, will not see anything else
.I am writing about the 6th day of Iraa Pathu utthsavam inMargazhi
celebrations at Sri Rangam.
Arayar swamy’s vyakyanam today is “Ulagam unda Peru vayaa-Thruvaai
mozhi Aram pathu pasurams..
As mentioned in one of my previous mails, while worshiping perumal at
Sri Rangaam, one must keep in mind that Periya Perumal represent Sri
Krishna Avataram and Namperumal represents Sri Rama avataram. The scar
caused on Krishna’s waist when mother Yashoda tried to tie HIM up can
still be seen on Periya perumal’s waist!!
Lord Sri Ranganatha not only purify our hearts but also our sins will
be absolved!
On this day, Namperumal, as usual, goes to Iraapatthu Thirumamani
Mandapam from HIS moolasthanam. My sincere prayer is that HIS
beautiful Woiyyara Nadai,Kasturi thilakamum, on this blissful day at
Srirangam,
People are blessed to see our Namperumal and I request the readers
of this mail to view the picture of our Azagiyamanavalan will bless
us with the strength and courage so that success will always be with
us.Now
pleasant smell of the soil along kaveri and everything that has any
relation with Sri Ranganatha must always be with us
.Our Azagiya Manavalan will be enjoying the cool and gentle breeze in
this Mandapam
Our Azhagiya Manavalan, starts the procession in the morning in
Simhagadhi. HE does HIS routine rhythmic movement, like dancing to the
tunes of arayar swamys’ recitals and their rythm. HE moves graciously
yet majestically (as described before about HIS “Voiyyara Nadai”) and
reaches Lord Ranganatha enjoysiAfter customary honours for the
Srirangam Jeyer and the ˜stalasthars, our Nam Perumal makes His
through the RajaMahendran Chutru, Kulasekaran Chutru before reaching
the Vraja Nadhi mandapam where Veda parayanam was recited. One of
the million aspects that make Sri Rangam Booloka Vaikundam(Heaven on
Earth) is this Vraja Nadhi Mandapam. Vraja means open and pure, Nadhi
means River. When one puts the ear to the ground at this Vraja Nadhi
Mandapam, one can hear the splashing of the waters of Cauvery river!
This is a Deva Loka Mandapam(Heavenly Mandapam). It is through this
Mandapam that Our Nam Perumal takes everyone throught the Sorga Vasal(
Parama Padha Vasal )
The rituals at the Vraja Nadhi mandapam was completed and the
Paramapada Vasal was thrown open, allowing the procession to emerge
through it. ˜Namperumal then reached the Thirumamani(Aayariam Kaal,
or 1000 Pillars Mandapam), Asthana Mandapam, where Arayar Sevai was
performed. All twelve Azhwars, will be at the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam
where they will perform Mangala Sasanam, Tiruvaimozhi and all other
Divya Prabandhams by Azhwars during this 20 day long celebration at
Sri Rangam.
Almost 16th day utthsavam will over.After each day of Utsav, the way
everything winds down is very peaceful and beautiful. In the cool
evening hours of a Sri Rangam winter, our Azhagiya Manavalan, covered
in his head by a Korra(A Musalin cloth, a transparent, fine, silk-like
cloth) for warmth, makes His way to the Moolasthanam while in Veena
Ekantham. This Veena Ekantham is, melodious, soft evening time Veena
Music, which accompanies our Azhagiya Manavalan’s Oyyara Nadai back to
the Moolasthanam..
…Today marks the 7th day of Vaikunta Ekadesi(Thiruvai Mozhi Thirunaal)
also known as Thiru
Kaithala Sevai. The Day starts with our Azhagiya Manavalan, adonred in
his festival clothes and jewelries and looking magnificent as usual.
After he is full prepared, he leaves his Moolasthanam at 3:15pm via
ParmaPada Vasal. Our Azhagiya Manavalan’s walk is not some mere
stroll, it is a jaunt, a saunter befitting the King of Gods, aptly
termed Oyara Nadai. He will reach Thiru Maamani Mandapam around
5:45pm. The specialty of today is that, Namm Azhwar(the Patron of the
Vaikunta Ekadesi Utsavam) dresses as a woman (Parangusanayaki) to get
a glimpse of our Azhagiya Manavalan, who Himself has dressed as a
Mohini in the past. Namm Azhwar disguises himself in the form of a
woman with hopes of at least catching our Azhagiya Manavalan’s eyes
that way, just like the rest of us, Namm Azhwar is simple yearning for
the Lord’s sympathetic attention.
Let us now come to the reason for why today is called Thiru Kai thala
Sevai( Literally translating to Lifting the Lord with ones hands, not
shoulders, only performed by Archagas. It takes 3 people to perform,
and I remember a very fond memory from my days as Archagar at Sri
Rangam. My father, the Late Anna Rangaraja Bhattar, was taking the
lead, I was the second pair of hands lifting up our Azhagiya
Manavalan, my younger brother was the third pair of hands. I am
humbled and grateful for every second of these memories! Coming back
to the procession, as Lord Ranganatha is lifted by the archagas with
their hands really high, His Eyes fall upon Namm Azhawar finally. And
as Lord Rangatha looks upon Namm Azhwar, the cries and chants of
“Ranga!! Ranga!!!” from the thousands assembled fill the air,
charging the atmosphere. Along with this the Araiyar’s thalam(beat or
rhythm) will accompany Namm Perumal as he reaches Thiru Mamani
Mandapam. Here, Thiruvaradanam, Neiveydhayam, Ariryar Sevai. After
this, Lord Ranganatha, departs from Thiru Mamani Mandapam back to his
Moolasthanam’s roughly around 12:45 AM. The cool december air inside
the Sri Rangam Temple is filled with the soft melodious sounds of the
Veena. As Namm Perumal makes his way back to his inner sanctum under
the peaceful strings of the Veena Ekantham, His Night is over.
As Ekadesi draws to a close, it is culminating with Namm Azhwar
finally attaining Moksham by the Grace of Lord Ranganatha on the 10th
day, which I will write more about(Namm Azhwar’s Moksham)
.Today marks the 8th day of Vaikunta Ekadesi. Today is called Vedupari,
which means to hunt down and steal/rob. So today, Namm Perumal leaves
from the Moolasthanam at 4:30pm to Thiru MaaMani Mandapam.
On his way he goes across Manal Veli, and Thiru Mangai Azhwar is waiting in
ambush to rob Lord Ranganatha! Â Lord Ranganatha is on his Steed,
Kudarai Vahanam. Thiru Mangai Azhwar is on foot, so he can be quick
like a cat while robbing! So, Thiru Mangai Azhwar first makes a
reconnaissance round around our Azhagiya Manavalan. On his second pass
while coming close to our Namm Perumal, Namm Perumal’s horse senses
something is not quite right and starts getting nervous and takes off
in a zig-zag haphazard fashion out of control. Lord Ranganatha does
not seem to notice Thiru Mangai Azhawar’s presence(well, He is the
Supreme being, so how true can this be?!) and is focused on
controlling his horse.
It takes a lot of energy for our Nam Perumal
to control his horse and by the time he does mange to calm the horse,
both the horse and Nam Perumal become and tired and takes a moment to
catch their breaths. At this moment, Thiru Mangai Azhwar senses his
opportune moment to strike at Lord Ranganatha and relieve him of his
jewels. As he is about to touch Lord Rangantha, Thiru Mangai Azhwar
realizes who he is attempting to rob and realizes that it is our
Azhagiya Manavalan in front of him. As soon as he recognizes, he
falls at our Azhagiya Manavalan’s Lotus feet, and begs for mercy and
apologizes with every fiber of his soul! Lord Ranganatha, the
compassionate, smiles upon Thiru Mangai Azhwar and gives him Moksha.
After this, our Azhagiya Manvalan reaches Thiru MaaMani mandapam
finally at 7pm. Pooja, Thiruvaradham, Goshti are all done there and He
leaves there and makes his way back to his Moolasthanams around 1AM.
As usual, the cool December Sri Rangam early morning air is filled
with Veena Ekantham.
I am writing about the 9 th day of utthsavam in Margazhi
celebrations at Sri Rangam.
Arayar swamy’s vyakyanam today is Maalai Nanee-pasuram and
Vykyanam.Thiruvaai moozhi Onbatham pathu pasurams.
Azhagiya Manavalan goes pradakshinam
around the Pranavakara Viamana prakaram, with His Woiyyara nadai
(gentle and subtle walk) and then reaches the kannadi arai. He looks
at HIMSELF, HIS majestic appearance, the jewels that look much
brighter and stunning being worn by HIM. HE moves on and goes to
“Vruja Nadi” (A well called vruja nadi) and meets Senai Mudaliyar (
HIS personal secretory). From there, with the Arayar swamis reciting
Divya prabandham, HE moves step by step in a rhythmic motion to
Paramabatha vaasal (entrance of the Heven Gate) HE shows her HIS
grandeur! From here, HE moves on to Thirumamani Mandapam and enjoys
the celebration along with all the 12 Azhwars.
As you all know, today is the ninth day of Iraa pathu. . This ninth
day , which literally means an all-pearl Alankarams for our Azhagiya
Manavalan. Sri Ranganathan will be donning a Muthu Kondai(Head-dress),
Muthu Charam(the swaying pendant), Muthu Kathukapu(which literally
means ear-guard), Muthu Abhayahastham, and one of the most beautiful
aspects of this all-pearl theme for our Azhagiya Manavalan, his pearl
embedded chest guard(Muthu Kavasam)! His ThiruMarpu will be adorned by
this Muthu Kavasam, which is fine pearls embedded on very fine maroon
and gold silk. It is truly a sight to behold Him today!! Our Azhagiya
Manvalan’s Lotus feet are covered by pearls also!
The meaning of this all-pearl themed Ninth day is profound yet so
simple at the same time. As we all know, the pearl is a very rare and
hard to find gem. It takes great peril to dive in the ocean and
retrieve these precious pearls. Sri Ranganatha’s divine blessings, His
Grace, is like that pearl. It is hard to come by, but it is Pure and
to behold it and feel His warmth will cleanse all our sins and make us
pure like the Pearl!
Sri Ranganatha is the savior of all creatures. He protects them as His
duty. Since Sri Rangam is the abode of the Lord Himself, this is the
ONLY place on earth which is worth being called as “Bhooloka
Vaikuntham”. Blessed are those who are born in Sri Rangam, those who
live in Sri Rangam, and those who end their materialistic existence by
leaving their body in Sri Rangam. One must always consider it a goal
in life to visit Sri Rangam at least once. But the best thing to do is
– Be born, live and get Moksham in Sri Rangam.
Along with this the Araiyar’s thalam(beat or
rhythm) will accompany Namm Perumal as he reaches Thiru Mamani
Mandapam reached around 130pm. Here, Thiruvaradanam, Neiveydhayam,
Ariryar Sevai. After
this, Lord Ranganatha, departs from Thiru Mamani Mandapam back to his
Moolasthanam’s roughly around 9.45pm The cool december air inside
the Sri Rangam Temple is filled with the soft melodious sounds of the
Veena. As Namm Perumal makes his way back to his inner sanctum under
the peaceful strings of the Veena Ekantham, His Night is over.
.Today is the 10th day of Thiruvaaimozhi Thirunaal. 26 th of Dec,2010.
Our Namperumal leaves from His Moolasthnam in 9.00am and arrived in
Chandrapuskarani 10.00am via Paramabatha Vasal.
After the Theerathawari in Chandra puskaranee reached in Thirumami
mandapam around 11.30am.
To day in this Thirumaamani mandapam our Azagiyamanavalan had special
Thirumanjanam( Bathing)around 6.30 pm to9.00pm with all the
Upacharams. Then Alankaram and Naivedyam almost 11.00pm.Arayar sevai
starts from 11.00am to 3.00am
Public had a Dharshanam for our Azagiyamanavalan 4.00 am to 6.00am.
Then our NAMMAZWAR Mokham starts from 6.00 am to 7.00am
A festival to honour ‘Vedham Tamil Seitha Maaran’
Araiyars recite the last of the Paasurams of the Naalayira Divya
Prabhandham at the 1000 Pillar Mandapam in Srirangam just after 6am on
30th December and in a dramatic scene, NammAzhvaar falls at the feet
of NamPerumal and attains Moksham
A festival to honour ‘Vedham Tamil Seitha Maaran’
Araiyars recite the last of the Paasurams of the Naalayira Divya
Prabhandham at the 1000 Pillar Mandapam in Srirangam just after 6am on
30th December and in a dramatic scene, NammAzhvaar falls at the feet
of NamPerumal and attains Moksham
NammAzhvaar Moksham
NammAzhvaar didnt want ˜life anymore. He asked for Moksham on the
very first day. NammAzhvaars desire to attain Moksham is said to have
been as big as the sky. Lord, however, wanted to make a positive
change to the world through his Paasurams and wanted everyone to
absorb the beautiful Paasurams of NammAzhvaar. As the Lord decided
that the world should benefit from Nammazhvaars Paasurams, he delayed
the Moksham of NammAzhvaar till the very last day.
Finally after listening to the beautiful Paasurams of ThiruvaaiMozhi,
Lord gives in. The Lord was so taken in by the Paasurams that it is
said Lord wanted to take NammAzhvaar to Vaikuntam in the same form.
It was this body that rendered the beautiful Prabhandham to the world
and hence I want to take you with me with your body itself was Lords
view.
Araiyarsarrived at the 1000 Pillar Mandapam at 9. 00pm and for the
next hour and a half they kept the devotees, who had stayed awake late
night to witness the Araiyar Sevai, captivated with the enactment of
the final 100 paasurams of NammAzhvaars ThiruvaaiMozhi.
By the time they had presented this song, dance enactment with the
Abhinayam of 90 of the last 100 Paasurams of the Prabhandham, it was
3am. It was once again a tireless effort by the Araiyars. As long as
these Araiyars of Srirangam continue to show the passion that they
displayed on this night, one can be assured that the Araiyar Sevai, at
least in Srirangam, is here to stay for another generation and
more.They went back well after the clock had struck 3.00am only to
return in a couple of hours for the balance 10 paasurams and
conclusion of Thiruvaaimozhi.
6am Back at Thirumaamani Mandapam. NammAzhvaar being brought to
Thirumaa Manni Mandapam
At 6am, the Araiyars were back at it again and along with NammAzhvaar
make their way to the Thirumaamani Mandapam. With NammAzhvaar placed
in front of NamPerumal, the Araiyars begin the recital of the balance
10 paasurams (they had presented 90 of the last 100 paasurams of
ThiruvaaiMozhi till 3am earlier that morning).
And as the Araiyars recited the last of Paasurams of Naalaayira Divya
Prabhandham, NammAzhvaar falls on the feet of NamPerumal and attains
Moksham, quite a dramatic scene. Subsequent to this, NammAzhvaar
adorns the garland worn by NamPerumal himself.
he Last verse of Prabhandham
Avaa Aara Choozh Ariyai Ayanai Aranai Alatri
Avaa Atru Veedu Petra Kurugur Sadagopan Sonna
Avaail Anthaathigalaal Ivai Aayiram Mudintha
Avaail Anthaathi Ippathu Arinthaar Piranthaar Uyarnthey
(The 1000 songs on the Lord is by Thiru Kurugur Sadagopan who found
his liberation(Moksham). Those who master these verses will attain
Moksham too)
After the Moksham Thirurhuzai distrubutions 7.00am to 8.00am
Starting from Thirumamani mandapm (1000 pillars mandapam)9.30am
Reaching His Moolasthanam around 10.00am.
Arayar pasurams: ThalaThamarai pasuram Abinayam vyakynam
Thiruvaaimozhi Patham pathu pasurams.
Namazwar Moksham Thiruvai mozhi sathumaurai.
The Great Vaikunta Ekadeshi Festival is Over.
AAlvaar Emberumaanaar, Jeeyar Thiruvadikale saranam.
Leave a Reply