Dear Friend :
Subject: A Seminar on 11,12 and 13 Nov to commemorate the 800 anniversary of
the Great Sri Vaishnavite Acharya - Sri Pillai Locacharyar,has been planned-a
SriVaishnavite saint who saved the lord and his temple from islamic vandalism
and ultimately saved Hinduism .The seminar will discuss the life of the A
charya, his struggle,sacrifice,to save the lord the temple and granthas during
the third islamic invasion ,his contributions, and the ultimate Triumph of
Hindus over Islamic vandalism in South India .
A faithful artwork.of the acharya work engaged in teaching his desciples has
been drawn by an artist Madan after visiting the original Temple
premises,located in an isolated place, has been included at the end of the file
in jpg file.The entire history of the sack of the Srirangam temple has been
brought out in a four volume Tamil novel " Thiruvarangam ula", and "Madura
Vijayam", based on a medieval poem written by a queen ,yet to be translated
into other langauge.
Venue: Madras University Centenary hall.Beach road ,Chennai.
I am sending an e-booklet published in Srirangam only the day before yesterday.
"Srirangam" as the official website declares" Srirangam is the foremost of the
eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. It is
also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main
Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga
Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, and Bhogamandabam. In the Vaishnava
parlance the term "KOIL" signifies this temple only. The temple is enormous in
size. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent. It has seven prakaras or
enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which
run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras
providing a unique sight to any visitor. This temple lies on an islet formed by
the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon." http://www.srirangam.org/Index1.Html)
"The temple of Srirangam is situated at 10 degrees 52'N and 78 degrees 42' E
towards the southern tip of India on an Island formed by two arms of the River
Cauvery. The temple covers a vast area of about 6, 31,000 Sqm. (156 Acres)
with a perimeter of 1,116 Km or 10,710 feet. The temple consists of seven
Concentric rectangular enclosures round the sanctum sanctorum. The temple of
Srirangam is the only one in India with seven enclosures, a sacred symbolic
number which for present day Vaishnava believers represents either the seven
centers of Yoga, or a reference to the seven elements making up the human body,
in the center of which dwells the soul."
The history of this Temple is largely unknown to Hindus at large and to many
Historians in particular, and the sacrifices the Acharyas had to make to save
the Temple from Muslim invaders to save Dharma. In the year 1311 A.D and again
in 1323 A.D, Muslim forces led by Malik Kafur and Ulugh Khan attacked the
temple. In the first sack of Srirangam, all the golden gifts made to the temple
were carried away but fortunately it did not affect the religious life at
Srirangam. But the second sack resulted in fall of the Srirangam Temple in
alien hands who used it as a garrison till they were persuaded to leave the
temple precincts.
In the raid in 1331 AD, the processional deity itself had to be moved to safety
by a band of devotees headed by Pillai Locacharyar. The restoration took place
only in 1371 AD with the conquest of the South by the Vijayanagar. During the
period from 1331-1371, the Madurai Sultanate exercised jurisdiction over the
temple and we find traces of their influence in the temple routine and art.
One can come across on how the Acharyas had struggle to save the granthas and
the lord at the very cost of their very lives. Please go through the photo
gallery of the official website of the temple.
http://www.srirangam.org/Index1.Html) Hindus had become wanderers during the
Invasions, and wandering with the Deities before good days dawned.
An inscription in the second Prakara (Raja Mahendran Veedhi) records that
'Gopanna took the image of Ranganatha from Tirupati to Chenji, his capital and
after the defeat of the Muslims, restored the image to Srirangam and had it
installed with Lakshmi and Bhoodevi'. This reconstruction took place on the
17th of Vaikasi (in the year Paridapi), Saka 1293 (13th May 1371). According to
'Prapannamritam', the inscription in two verses in Sanskrit, were composed by
the great Sri Vaishnava acharya, Sri Vedanta Desika who had returned to
Srirangam after the self-imposed exile following the Muslim sack and witnessed
in great delight the reconsecration. Subsequent to the restoration, Vedanta
Desika, settled once again in Srirangam and spent a few years in a quite and
peaceful religious pursuit and brought out the famous work 'The
Rahasyatrayasara' and dedicated it to Lord Ranganatha.
An inscription in the second Prakara (Raja Mahendran Veedhi) records that
'Gopanna took the image of Ranganatha from Tirupati to Chenji, his capital and
after the defeat of the Muslims, restored the image to Srirangam and had it
installed with Lakshmi and Bhoodevi'. This reconstruction took place on the
17th of Vaikasi (in the year Paridapi), Saka 1293 (13th May 1371). According to
'Prapannamritam', the inscription in two verses in Sanskrit, were composed by
the great Sri Vaishnava acharya, Sri Vedanta Desika who had returned to
Srirangam after the self-imposed exile following the Muslim sack and witnessed
in great delight the reconsecration. Subsequent to the restoration, Vedanta
Desika, settled once again in Srirangam and spent a few years in a quite and
peaceful religious pursuit and brought out the famous work 'The
Rahasyatrayasara' and dedicated it to Lord Ranganatha.
Gopanna Udayar is said to have donated to the temple through Uttamanambi, 52
villages at an expense of 17,000 gold pieces. Saliva Mangiu, another
Vijayanagar General, is said to have gifted to the temple 60,000 madas of gold.
A new flag mast was erected in the Aniyarangan court yard in the third
enclosure (Kulasekharan Veedhi). The restoration of Srirangam meant, for all
practical purposes, the liberation of Tamil Country from the Muslim Yoke and
the beginning of a golden era for Vaishnavism.
During the siege, the temple worship had practically ceased, many structures
had been wantonly damaged, precious jewels, gold vessels etc. had been removed,
the gold plates covering pillars, walls and Vimanams had been peeled off and
golden idols carried away. The temple treasury and the granaries were emptied,
the jewels and valuables plundered, all the devadana lands having been usurped,
the temple was reduced to a state of wretchedness and poverty.
To the credit of the Vijayanagar emperors, it must be said they realised the
magnitude of the task of restoring this temple to its pristine glory and in
this stupendous task, they were ably and faithfully assisted by the
Uttamanambis of Srirangam - one of the most influential families associated
with the administration of the temple for long."
http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/temples/srirangam/ and also
http://www.srirangam.org/Index1.Html.
Note: This booklet was released on the occasion of the 800 Birth centenary
(Thirunakshathram) celebrated in Srirangam on 6th ,7th,and 8th November 2005
of Sri Pillai locacharyar who saved the main and utsava murthys of Lord
Ranganatha in Temple at Srirangam, during Muslim invasions. But for great
sacrifices of our Acharyas the Head quarters of Sri Vishnavism, which is larger
than the area of Vatican would have become a place of Islam with minarets and
domes of Mosque constructed over the Temple of Lord Ranganatha, and a
contentious place of worship like Ayodhya.Hindus not only retrieved the Temple
back but also reconstructed the entire complex during successive eras. The
temple was restored to its original splendor, given to the fact that the temple
was closed down for some forty eight years, and remained without poojas and
celebrations. Those of you who are not familiar with Tamil words are requested
to exercise patience, in going through the e booklet drawn from all traditional
sources, and will prove to be mine of historical information. On how 12000 sri
Vaishnavas were beheaded in one invasion etc. Totally there were three
invasions after which the Temple was brought back to life. It is there for us
all to see. An art work depicting the graet achrya teaching to his desciples
who hailed from all castes is included.Inscriptions in Granite has been
installed on the historic occasion.
On this occasion a seminar has been organised in the centenary hall of the
Madras university on the following days Nov 11,12 and 13 lasting for the three
full days.Many scholarly papers will presented on the occasion.A book
exhibition containing some 360 Sri Vaishnava granthas republished will be
held.Those living in and around chennai are requested to check the news paper
engagement coloumn due to inclement weather, to check for changes if any on
Timings, before arriving at the centenary hall.
Dhanyavadh
GPSrinivasan
10.11.2005.
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Sri:
Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama: Sri Lokagurave Nama:
Srimath VaraVara Munaye Nama:
Srirangam is a big and well-known city in Tamil Nadu. It is
protected by a seven-layer fort. Around the fort lies extensive open space,
skirting which the river Cauvery, with a wide expanse, flows majestically. At
the centre of the city is the temple of Sri Ranganatha , one of the holiest
centres of religious worship, pilgrimage and architectural splendour in the
country. It was here the Srivaishnava preceptors lived for several centuries
rendering yeoman service to humanity.
Sri Vaisnavism is as ancient as the Vedas themselves. Its
teachings are found scattered in the Vedas, Agamas, Smrtis, Ithihasas and
Puranas, and the songs of the Alvars. These have been gathered and
systematised by the earlier Acharyas, based on the interpretations of their
predecessors, Bodhayana, Tanka, Dramida, Guhadeva and others.
The first of the Sri Vaisnavite Acharyas was Sri Nathamuni, also
known as Sri Ranganathamuni. He was a Yogin and ardent devotee of Visnu.
Nathamuni was succeeded by Pundarikaksha, otherwise known as
Uyyakkondar and by Sri Ramamisra or Manakkal Nambi. There are no known works
of these two Acharyas.
The next bright star in the firmament, in this galaxy of our
purvacaryas, was Sri Yamuna, son of Iswaramuni and grandson of Nathamuni. He
lived a long and glorious span of life leaving four sons, and a host of
disciples and followers. He was Ramanuja's Paramacharya, and his great
influence on Ramanuja's thinking is evident in the latter's works.
Sri Ramanuja is the most illustrious of this great line of
Acharyas, also known as Yathiraja, Udayavar, Emberumanar, and Ilayalvar.
Born in Sriperumbudur in A.D.1017, he was the son of Sri Asuri Kesava Somayaji
and Kanthimathi, who was the sister of Tirumalai Nambi (Sri Sailapurna). Sri
Embar was the successor to Sri Ramanuja.
Ramanuja during his life time nominated Alvan's son, Sri Parasara
Bhatta, as his successor to Embar. Sri Parasara Bhatta was a brilliant debator
and won over opponents to the darsana. Most notable of these opponents was
Madhavacharya an advaitin. He later became Bhatta's ardent disciple and
successor, and was known as Nanjeeyar. He wrote the "Onbadinayirappadi"(the
9000 padi ), commentary on the Tiruvaymoli.
Nanjeeyar was followed by Nampillai, equal to, if not more
brilliant than Nanjeeyar, especially in his exposition of the Tiruvaymoli. The
hall of Srirangam, used to be crowded to capacity during his discourses. His
disciples, Periavachanpillai and Vadakku tiruvidippillai wrote the
Irubattunalayirappadi (24000 padi) and the Muppattu Arayirappadi (36,000 padi)
respectively both commentaries on the Tiruvaymoli.
Pillai Lokacharya, who succeeded Vadakku tiruvidippillai was his
son, named after his Acharya Nampillai. Nampillai was known as Lokacharya, and
the prefix, Pillai, was added to differentiate him from the senior Lokacharya.
He lived in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. Vedanta Desika
was a younger contemporary of Pillai Lokacharya. (1205 - 1323 AD)
Lokacharya hailed from a family of devout and saintly people known
for their learning and social standing. His father Sri Krishnapada was living
in the North Street of Kesava perumal Koil at Srirangam. Born in the Village
Mudumbai near Kancheepuram, he had developed deep devotion to God Sri Rama and
also had wanted to remain a bachelor like Anjaneya. But his mother had
married him off at a very young age. Freeing himself from domestic cares, he
went to educate himself from a 'Guru' named Kalivairidasa known as Nampillai.
Each night, without fail he would write down all that he had been taught during
the day. Many fellow-students improved their learning with the help of these
notes. This was later on known as Muppattu Arayirappadi or Eedu.
One day while the class was in progress, Krishnapada's mother,
accompanied by his wife, came wailing and lamented before Kalivairidasa: 'Sir,
Krishnapada is the only son in our family. He has been married for many years
now but the couple have no children. How can a home be happy without children?
Please bless him." The teacher called Krishnapada and, blessing him, said:
"Mother is God. Don't hurt her feelings. Take your wife's hand and go home."
Though Krishnapada did not desire a marital life, he respected the
Master's advice and began to live with his wife. He always remembered
Nampillai and his exalted qualities.
In due course, Vadakkutiruvidippillai's wife gave birth to a son
who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Sri Varadaraja of Kanchi in the
year 1205 AD (Birth Asterism -Thiruvonam during Tula manth, Krodhana Year -
according to the Hindu Calendar).
Vadakkutiruvidippillai's Guru had a title 'Lokacharya' - meaning
Teacher of the World, bestowed on him by Kandhadai Thozhappar, the grandson of
Sri Mudaliyandan. Inspired by his devotion to him, Vadakku tiruvidippillai
named his son ('pillai') as Lokacharya. On learning this, Nampillai told him:
"I had expected you to bestow on your son the name of God. But you named him
after me without asking me. Be that as it may, may you beget another child to
be named after God.
Another Child was born to the Vadakkutiruvidip pillai couple and as
desired by Acharya Nampillai, the newly born son was named 'Azhagiya
Manavala-Perumal' (meaning 'Beautiful God') after the name of Lord Sri
Ranganatha.
The children grew up like Rama and Lakshmana or Lava and Kusha.
They learnt many arts from Nampillai and with their father also educating them
at home, soon became very learned and came to be known for their good and moral
behaviour. True learning fills one with humility, and people like and praise
persons endowed with that fine quality. People's appreciation fills one's life
with a qualitative richness and satisfaction.
Lokacharya was an extremely intelligent boy. He would instantly
grasp the teacher's lessons. He wrote many books at a very young age and
earned acclaim from Nampillai. The children were impressed by their father's
words and vowed to remain bachelors.
Lokacharya's pursuit of learning progressed well and before long he
became well versed in our religion, its main features and principles.
Shortly, in a few months, both Nampillai and Vadakkutiruvidippillai passed away
and Lokacharya's responsibilities increased. All the 'Shishyas' of Nampillai
came to him. He chose the Lakshmi Narasimha temple also known as
Kattazhagiasingar temple situated in a forest on the other side of Srirangam
and began conducting classes. Hundreds of students were attracted to the place.
A good man by name Manal Pakkathu Nambi, became Lokacharya's
disciple. It is said he came to Lokacharya at the instance of Lord
Varadarajaswamy, the presiding deity of Kanchi. There is an interesting story
behind Nambi's going in search of the Master.
It seems Varadarajaswamy appeared in a dream and asked Nambi to
travel between two rivers and that He would impart him there the necessary
'secrets' of knowledge. So, Nambi came to Srirangam located between two
streams of Cauvery.
Pondering over when and where the Lord would favour him with the
secrets, he wandered aimlessly for some time and one day reached the
Lakshminarasimha temple also known as Kattazhagiasingar temple on the other
side of the river. There he recognized Pillai Lokacharya teaching his pupils
the same 'secrets' and was very much pleased.
Upon seeing the Acharya, an impressive personality with a smile on
his face, sitting crosslegged, Nambi was overwhelmed and bowed exclaiming, 'you
are that person!' (?..) He then told the Acharya about his dream. Thinking
that this was also a task ordained to him by God, Lokacharya taught Nambi all
the secret knowledge he had learnt from his elders and also his own experiences
relating to them.
Lokacharya would impart the sacred lore to his pupils in utter
concentration with his eyes closed. He would explain the sacred texts and
their meaning lucidly with appealing examples and comparisons. He would touch
upon old and contemporary historical events simultaneously. He impressed upon
the students that one could not imbibe good knowledge by books alone; it is
also to be acquired by watching the actions and sayings of the learned scholars
of the time.
In fact, the expositions of the Acharya had so captivated students
that they wished these gems of knowledge should remain for long and others
besides themselves should also benefit by it. They requested him to put down
the teachings in writing.
The Acharya consented and wrote his teachings, interpretations and
principles in eighteen volumes known as "Ashtadasa Rahasya". Among them the
famous 'Sri Vachana Bhooshana' occupies a pride of place. He also composed
several Rahasyas, commentaries conveying the esoteric meaning of the outpouring
of Azhwars. His writings are so simple and elegant that even children
lovingly recite these hymns.
The Acharya would impart his teachings with an easy flow of
language and anybody could understand it. His similes and examples could be
grasped by all.
The learned, the scholars, could realise God. How is this possible
through knowledge? Invisible water particles exist in the atmosphere; the
scientist learns this with the help of his knowledge. Similarly, God is
invisible but one could try to understand Him and we can also experience His
existence. The sea-water is salty and if we want to drink it we should know how
to take out this salt-content; we should strive to achieve success in the
effort. We can thus strive to realise God and acquire knowledge.
Beneath the earth flows water and we can bring it to the surface
for our use. God resides in our hearts. If we need groundwater, we dig till
it is found and the water sprouts up. Similarly we should practice devotion
to Lord and His devotees. Through this way our mind turns towards God within
our hearts and we realise him.
God appears in many incarnations like Sri Rama and Sri Krishna to
punish the evil. What does this mean? Why do people worship so many Gods and
go to temples? Lokacharya answers all these questions patiently and in simple
terms: The early incarnations of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna were like the
floodwaters during the rainy season. At this time, water is easily available
aplenty. Likewise when God appears in an incarnation, one Could realise Him
easily. This season will not remain throughout the year. But we need water
even then. What will we do then? We will have constructed tanks, dams, wells
etc., and we go there to fetch water. Likewise are the icons and portraits of
Gods and Goddesses. It is easy for one to retain the image of God in his
memory while He is incarnate before us. When he is not incarnate thus, we go
to temples, worship the deities and portraits and feast our eyes and minds with
the imagining of God's forms. The well, tank, dam all have
their own different shapes and sizes. Water adjusts itself to any of the
various shapes. However, water in all the places is the same. Likewise God.
Though people may worship Him in different forms, He is only one. We worship
Him according to Hindu Tradition.
Like the Acharya's personal conduct and expositions, his works too
are easy to comprehend.
One should not consider one's birth place, caste or creed in
worshipping the Almighty. For the true 'Bhakta' of Lord Vishnu the whole world
is his land, Vishnu the Father and Mahalakshmi the Mother. Such a person
could truly be called the 'Dasa' of God and one should keep proper, good
company to reach God. The feeling that one is superior to another is wrong.
The devotees of Lord Sriman Narayana belong to only one caste & creed, known as
"prapannas".
A Vaishnava should not bother about the follies in other people.
Our judging them may itself be wrong. We should learn to recognize only the
good qualities in them. Others may harm us sometimes, but even then we should
not trouble them. We should preserve our 'Dharma' and constantly pray to God
that all people would be well and happy.
This was the principle Lokacharya taught and followed. Pillai
Lokacharya and his brother were pure-hearted 'Prapannas'. They stressed again
and again that among men one should not be considered superior to another.
God will definitely approve of his principle of equality. Devotees quote
several instances in support of this attitude and we may note here one of them.
At that time, there were many people who thought Lokacharya's
utterances were not consistent with our holy texts. They broached the subject
before Lord Ranganatha one day, pleading that Lokacharya was spoiling the world
with his teachings. The priest of Ranganatha temple sent for Lokacharya, but
he had gone to Cauvery for his bath. Hence his brother who was at home came to
the temple. Said to be directed by Sri Ranganatha, the priest told him:
"What is this you are doing? Lokacharya is believed to have disclosed the
spiritual secrets, thus degenerating both the 'Dharma' and the World." The
younger brother then elaborately explained how Lokacharya's pronouncements are
true and logical.
The priest then agreed, on instruction by the Lord Himself: "All
these interpretations are in the Gita. They are not new. Lokacharya's eighteen
works are simple in language and beautiful in expounding. He is truly a
'Jagadguru' (a universal teacher)! In this exposition is also found the
essence of the knowledge of Sri Nammalwar's 'Divya-prabandhas'. Let this be
named 'Acharya Hridaya' ('The Heart of the Master').
This appreciation was followed by a ceremonial procession of
Lokacharya's brother on a 'Brahmaratha' in the town. There are lessons one
could learn from such events. The devotees with good heart attract the Lord's
love. None can be called 'great'by his birth alone . Men who sincerely regard
all the people as equals are considered by God as worthy of Grace. The man
who recognizes this by his knowledge would be celebrated as a great devotee.
It was the day of a major festival at the temple - Panguni Uthira
Festival. A huge decorated pandal has come up in the open field near Pandri
Azhwan Sannidhi on the banks of Kollidam. On a bejeweled golden throne sits
the Lord. All around, oil-lamps glitter like diamonds. Golden pots filled
with Cauvery waters and scented with such perfumes as 'Kesari' and 'Kasturi'
(famous Indian perfumes used in preparation of special dishes and offerings
like sandal paste to God) were ready for the sacred bath of the Lord. The
main ablution was about to begin. The priests were offering the special
seven-staged lit lamps in 'Mangalarati'. Thousands of devotees clasped their
hands over their heads in worship and were chanting 'Govinda!', 'Govinda!'.
God appeared resplendent as the Sun.
In such an inspiring atmosphere, a man was squatting before
Ranganatha. He appeared to be in the throws of some deep thought. He was a
distinguished and bright personality. His face exuded serenity and peace. He
was debating within himself: "One of the 'Gopikas' named Chintayanti breathed
her last in agony when Lord Krishna was leaving town. The bird Jatayu fought
Ravana and died trying to save Sita. Once there was a fire accident in the
temple of Tirunarayanapura and an 'Araiyar', named Pillai Thirunaraiyur Araiyar
refused to leave the abode, embraced the Lord's image there and perished with
his entire family in the inferno. How lucky were those people! Could we
have such an opportunity? Will we really get a chance to laydown our lives in
the service of God and our culture?" Caught up in these thoughts, he had
forgotten the world around him. That man was none other than Lokacharya.
At this time, a washerman rushed to Lokacharya and whispered in his
ears: "Holy Sir, I was washing clothes on the banks of Cauvery when my
donkeys, their ears raised in shock and surprise, ran away. When I climbed
up a tree and looked around, I noticed that a large battalion of our enemies
are converging from the northern direction. I think it is those Muslim
invaders. What about our fate? More important, what should happen to our
deities?" Closing his eyes for a little while in thought, he told the man:
"Kasturiranga, go and attend to your duties as usual. Carefully watch the
invaders' movements and report to our headman Singappa." So saying, he rose
from his seat like a lion and called out his assistant, who was staying beside
the idols, and in low tones instructed him about some tasks ahead. He told the
priests that the enemy is about to strike and the Lord's image would enter the
temple secretly without formal anointment. Understanding the
implication, people disbursed helter-shelter to protect themselves from the
enemy. The idol of Sri Ranganatha was brought back to the Temple.
Meeting Singappa, the Acharya suggested steps to save Sri Ranga:
"Don't confront the enemy in battle. On the contrary, try to behave as if you
are not opposed to them. But ensure that they do not decorate the 'Original'
('Moola Vigraha', as it is traditionally known) idol. Guards have already
crossed to the western shores of the river and the idols, with all pooja
accessories, are safe in their hands. There are our one hundred and twenty
rare, sacred texts lying at the Sri Lakshminarasimha Temple also known as Sri
Kattazhagiya Singar Temple on the Cauvery islet. Tell your brother to save
them.
Invaders were approaching and the people of Srirangam were debating
whether they should remain in town or flee. Who is to decide and advise them?
The people then decided to appeal to God Himself! In front of the deity,
they all dropped chits (Tiru Ulla seettu) expressing their opinion and then
drew up one chit which said that all could remain there itself.
Pillailokacharya then got the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha)
fortified by a stone wall and placed an artificial idol in front of it.
Lokacharya himself undertook the responsibility of saving the
Procession Deity (Utsava murthy -Azhagiya manavalan) of Sri Ranganatha.
Assisted by a small group of his followers, he carried the idol, crossed the
Cauvery at the Southern side leading towards Madurai. The Moolamurthy was
'safe' in His Sanctum.
The same evening, the Muslim enemy army invaded Srirangam.
Thousands of the town's citizens were killed, the enemy looted the prosperous
town and it was a bloodbath. This had been recorded in the History of Srirangam
Temple known as Koil-Ozhugu as The great bloodshed of 12,000 Sri Vaishnavas at
Pandri Azhwan Sannidhi (Sri Varahaswamy Sannidhi) (??)
When the enemy invaded the town, Lokacharya dutifully carried the
Lord's idol and with a small group of devotees left Srirangam to save the
precious idol.
Leaving Srirangam, he had to suffer many hardships during the
journey. He had to be wary of the enemy attack while he also had to protect
himself and his party from robbers.
He constantly prayed that whatever sufferings may befall them, Sri
Ranganatha's idol should not face any danger or desecration. After an arduous
trek, he reached Jyothishkudi near Madurai.
All this happened eight hundred years ago. With no bus or rail
travel facilities like today, transport was a big and painful problem at that
time. It was difficult to even engage carts. And Lokacharya was a man
strictly adhering to religious modes and manners. Such persons find it
difficult to secure accommodation and catering facilities on the way. These
troubles were common to people in those days but the Acharya had to face more
severe hardships as he had to carry the idol of Lord Ranganatha undamaged.
All through the journey, they had to pass through possible attacks from
invaders and thieves. They had to trek hundreds of miles on foot. In spite of
all kinds of hardships, the Acharya carefully kept the Ranganatha image in his
personal possession.
He was particular that the traditional daily worship of Sri
Ranganatha should not be missed and therefore carried the idol himself with
greatest care and devotion and proceeded towards the south.
Indifferent care and lack of food and rest had adversely affected
the Acharya's health. Also he had received severe beatings from the enemy and
moreover, he was mentally distressed. His mind refused to continue living on
this earth seeing the tragic state in which Ranganatha had to be kept. Like
Jatayu, injured by Ravana while the latter was carrying away Sita, he wept
helplessly.
The Acharya instructed his disciple Koorakulottamadasa to take the
idol to 'Vanagiri' also known as 'Azhagarmalai' near Madurai and asked another
disciple of his, Vilancholai, to remain at Trivandrum and protect the image of
Sri Padmanabha.
Soon, Lokacharya's health deteriorated seriously. He suffered
severe mental agony at the barbarous attacks on temples. Lokacharya breathed
his last on the 12 th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Jyeshta (when
he was 118 years old) while the devotees shed tears.
Lokacharya was one of our esteemed teachers and philosophers who
preached equality of men irrespective of caste, place of residence, etc. It
has remained a noble principle to this day which should be emulated by men
around the world to enrich their lives. After all, it was enunciated by an
exalted soul who led a pure, noble life. Though there were many who opposed
Lokacharya's arguments, no less a person than the learned priest of Sri
Ranganatha supported him extolling him as 'Jagadguru'. Gradually people came
to recognize the relevance of this universal human message.
We cannot afford to forget the services of Lokacharya who devoted
his whole life in the cause of preserving our divine idols and holy places.
He was always pining, 'Let this body and soul of mine be sacrificed for God's
sake!' and had his wish fulfilled. He sought nothing for himself, amassed no
earthly riches, and laid down his life for a Noble cause.
After the demise of Pillailokacharya his sishyas performed the last
rites as prescribed in the sastras. They interned his body at Jyothishkudi
(now known as Kodikkulam) and installed an idol of Pillailokacharya. They
continued their journey along with the idol of Sri Ranganatha towards south
passing through Ettayapuram, Nagarkoil, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikodu,
Thirunarayanapuram, Thirukkanambi, Sathyamangalam, Thirumalai. On the way, the
party met a group of Vaishnava devotees possessing an idol of 'Nammalwar'
from the town of Alwar Tirunagari. The Sri Vaishnavas, realizing that the
visitors were in a similar dilemma as themselves, took them along with him.
They climbed the Gopalaswamy hill and reached the Rippoo hillock. In a
crevice, deep down were kept a huge treasure of gold and diamond ornaments and
several idols. While the idol of Ranganatha was at Thirumala the Vijayanagara
chieftains, Veerakampanna Udayar, Saluva Mangu, Koppanarya etc., took all the
efforts and installed Lord Ranganatha's idol at Srirangam on 6th June 1371 AD.
The great Iyppasi festival conducted at Srirangam earlier was not
celebrated after the return of Lord Ranganatha, instead as a mark of respect
for Pillailokacharya's sacrifice his festival is celebrated with great pomp and
glory during Iyppasi tiruvonam and continues even today .
After Pillailokacarya came Tiruvaimozhipillai whose original name
was Sri Sailesa. He also excelled in the exposition of the Bhagavat Vishayam
and thus earned the appellation Tiruvoimozhippillai . He had the distinction
of being Acarya to the great Manavala mamunigal, who succeeded him to the Sri
Vaishnava Pontificate. He is believed to have been another incarnation of
Ramanuja, who was himself considered by his followers as an incarnation of
Adisesha. Sri Manavalamamunigal wrote excellent commentaries on a few works of
Pillailokacharya namely Mumukshuppadi Tatvatrayam and Sri Vachana Bhushanam.
Note: An original edition of a book on Pillai lokacharya by Arayar
Sriramasharma is now revised and re published by SriVaishnavaSri
A.Krishnamachari, incorporating some more finer details and being released on
8.11.2005 in connection with the 800th Birth Anniversary Celebration of
Pillailokacharya.
http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/temples/srirangam/
http://www.srirangam.org/
http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/india/srirangam_vishnu_temple.html
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