SRIMATHE RAMANUJAYA NAMAHA
APPAN THIRUVADIGALE SARANAM.
Dear Bahavathas, Accept my pranam. Nammazhvar?s Thirunakshthram falls on 9th June. The article below is presented to fit this occasion( in 3 parts.)
THENKALAI.(1).
Generally, the word ?Then ? denotes the direction?south?. But, it has some more meaning as could be seen from the commentaries (Panneraiyrapadi) by Vadhi Kesari Azhzkiya Manavala Jeeyar, Pasuram Thiruvai mozhi 9.6.2.&3. ?Then katkarai =?Dharsaneeyamana? & ?Azhakana?. Katkarai. meaning ?beautiful?
?Then thiru navai?(TVM.9.8.8)=?kattalipatta?.?ordained? as due protector..
Let us examine and enjoy.
The history of Srivaishnavism has roots in South India. It may be divided into 3 parts.
1. Prior to the advent of Azhvars
2. Period s of Azhvars .
3. Periods of Acharyas.
It can be gathered from ?Sangam Literatures ?Paripadal? that worship of ?Thirumal..Sriman Narayanan? was in vogue along with other smaller deities. ?Thirumal ? was considered as the supreme lord and there was no dispute over this position. Later, Jainism and Bhuddhism came into exixtance fom 6th B,C. in northern India and its influence was felt in south India also till 4th A.D. From this period onwards up to 7th century A.D.they began to decline due to the emergence of Arulicheyals of Azhvars of Srivaishnavism .. Another new development has also taken place during this period. Saivites (Nayanmars) began to claim Lord Siva as supreme deity and they developed Saivism.
Another force for the decline of Bhudhism is the advaitha philosophy propogated by from the philosophical side by Adi Sankara( also, known as Maya vadham).
In the course of time the Arulicheyals of Azhvars went out of propagation or it can be said sufficient force was not available for that purpose. At this juncture, Sriman Nathamunikal happened to hear the recital of Thiruvaimozhi ?Aravamuthe??. He was immensely pleased with it and wanted to know all the thousand pasurams. He was well versed in yoga and he pursed to gather Thiruvaimozhi and other Arulicheyls. He succeeded in his efforts.
>From now on, the period of Acharyas has begun.
PERIOD OF ACHARYAS;
Sriman Natha munikal was the first Acharya for all practical purposes. Srivaishnavism was developed into a dynamic force to be counted upon from him. Srivaishnavism was devoleped by 3 Mahans(great Acharys). Of course, there were many more great Acharyas who have contributed for its development. Yet, these three have played significant roles. He desired that the knowledge acquired by him should be spread to one and all of the society. He had another wish also. Mayavadhins were misinterpreting the VEDAS. So, a commentary to BRHAMASUTRAS upholding the supremacy of Vishnu should be brought out and spread to people at large. By his yogic powers he realized that a great one who is yet to be borne could accomplish these wishes. He made arrangements through his disciple to pass on the responsibility to his grand son Alavandar and he in turn selected the great Ramanuja Although, both of them never met, Ramanuja accomplished these commitments.
RAMANUJA is the second great person
(to be continued)
Adiyen, Ramanuja dasan, T.Parthasarathy.
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