Srimathe Sri Lakshminrusimha Parabrahmane Nama:
Srimathe Sri Lakshminrusimha Divya Paduka Sevaka Srivan Satakopa Sri
Narayana Yatheendhra Mahadesikaya Nama:
ACHARYA DAY 2004
If the Labor Day weekends are a permanent fixture in the American
calendar, so are the Acharya Day celebrations in the calendar of the
Sri Ahobila Matam sishyas of U S A, coinciding with the Labor Day
holiday. Every year, the annual congregation of sishyas and
abhimanis pays its humble obeisance to the great Acharyas of the Sri
Matam, by celebrating the event and reveling in every moment with joy
and pride. This year was no exception either and the two day event
was held at the Rajdhani Mandir in Virginia on the 4th and 5th of
September 2004. The event comprised of Thirumanjanam, Dolai, and
Purappadu for Dolai Kannan, Vedam and Prabandha Parayanam and other
Cultural Programs showcasing the talents of the participants.
Day 1 September 4th, 2004
The venue, in the presence of Dolai Kannan, the Padukais of Acharyas,
the flavorful smell from the Thirumadaipalli, the publication stall
of Sri Ahobila Matam, resembled uthsavams back home in India albeit
with an American touch. The morning began with the Visvaroopa sevai
of Dolai Kannan followed by Navakalasa Thirumanjanam and Paduka
Aradhanam for the padukais of Srimad Adivan Satakopan, the 41st,
42nd, 43rd, 44th and 45th Azhagiyasingars. Thirumanjanam to Dolai
Kannan accompanied by the recitation of Sri Sannidhi
Nityaanusandhaanam, Vedham, and Thirumaalai by the goshti was a joy
in itself. Thirumanjana Kattiyam for Dolai Kannan was also recited.
The Thirumanjanam was followed by alankaram for Dolai Kannan and He
graced the devotees with his Divyasoundaryam. Thirunedundhandakam and
Thiruvandhaadhi were recited by the goshti in a melodious fashion
during Saathupadi. The highlight during the satrumurai this year was
the recitation of the full Acharya Thaniyan of all the Acharyas of
Sri Sannidhi Guru Paramparai from Sri Lakshmi Nrusimhan to all the 45
pattam Azhagiyasingars on both the days of the event. Thanks to the
effort and interest of one young sishya, Sri Venkat Rajaji who was
inspired by this practice at the Sri Matam in India and who took
efforts to do the same here. Distribution of Perumal Theertham,
Sripada Theertham and Thaligai prasadam followed this. During the
lunch break, Smt Geetha Rao gave a veena recital in the presence of
Lord Krishna.
The noon session resumed after a very brief break. This was the
session dedicated to the cultural events. Kids born and brought up
here recited slokas, sang songs on Krishna and brought happiness and
hope for the future of our Sri Sampradayam here. There was a
kalakshepam by Sri A. M.R. Kannan who talked about Lord Krishna. To
grace the occasion came Swami Koorathazhwar in the form of a play
aided by talented actors and multimedia. The play, highlighting the
Acharya Bakthi and the virtues of Swami Koorathzhvan was well
received by the audience. The play was scripted and directed by Sri
Balaji and Sri Krishnakumar of Virginia. Special thanks to the
participants in the play, Sri Balaji, Sri Krishnakumar, Sri Anand
Iyengar, Sri Kesavan Kannan, Sri Srikanth, Kumari Deepa Mathavan, Sri
Ashok, Sri Venkat Rajaji, Sri Madhu, Sri Srihari Raghavan, Sri Adarsh
and Sri Ravi Raghavasimhan The much appreciated quiz show Jeopardy,
conducted by Sri Srihari Raghavan quizzed the participants on
Nrusimhavatharam, Swami Adivan Satakopan, Swami Desikan and Kanchi
Kshethram. The evening was scheduled for the Dolai for Kannan,
wherein Sri Raghavendra Battineni gave a soul stirring vocal recital
of Divya Prabhandha Pasurams, he continued the later half of his
program with a veena recital along with his students. The evening
came to an end with Aradhanam, Sahasranama parayanam, thaligai,
satrumurai and sayanam for Kannan.
Day 2, September 5th, 2004
The next morning began with the great expectations generated from
the previous day's experience and the expectations were not
belied.
As usual, the morning began with Visvaroopa sevai followed by
Aradhanam for Kannan and Paduka Aradhanam. The sevakalam consisted of
Sri Sannidhi Nityaanusandhaanam, Kanninun Siruthaambu, Ramanuja
Nootrandhaadhi, and Sri Desikar Prabhandam consisting of Adhigara
Sanghraham, Mummani Kovai, Navamani Maalai, Prabhandasaaram and
PillaiAndhaadhi devoted to the Acharya Sookthis. Every year, the
ever-growing number of eager participants in the goshti contributes
to the grandeur of the occasion. Satrumurai consisting of Sri
Sannidhi Satrumurai, Ramanuja Nootrandhaadhi and Pillaiandhaadhi
followed the Aradhanam.
After a break for the lunch, the afternoon session of cultural fiesta
resumed the second day. The first program was a debate organized by
Sri Anand Iyengar. The topic was "Who is your favorite Azhwar
among
Nammazhwar, Thondaradipodi Azhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar". The
teams
were named Visakam, Kettai and Krithikai for the nakshatrams of
Nammazhwar, Thondaradipodiazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar
respectively. Each Azhwar had a team of two members. The
participants fiercely and at times with humor debated on behalf of
their teams to the roaring applause and approbation of the audience.
Nammazhawar's Visakam team was declared winner by the team of
judges
consisting of Sri Anbil Ramaswamy, Sri A.M.R.Kannan and Sri Uppili.
I had gone out of the hall briefly at the start of the next program
when I chanced to listen to the audio from outside, I heard some
familiar sound but different syllables. Wondering what was happening,
I went inside the hall to find that it was a program with a
difference. Truly different!!! The program titled "Identify the
Prabhandham" conducted by Sri Venkat Rajaji had to do with
Identifying the Prabhandham Pasurams from their English Translation.
It amused the participants as well as the audience. It teased even
people knowledgeable in Prabhandhams. The meaning was familiar but
it was hard to guess as to which pasuram it was. It was a case of so
near yet so far, for many. The next item was Anthakshari based on
Prabhandham again. The program conducted by Sri Uppili, put to test
the spontaneous reaction of the participants. Later in the evening,
Smt and Sri D.K.Nagarajan and their disciples gave a vocal recital
consisting of songs on Lord Krishna. Their lilting rendition lifted
the spirit of the evening.
With so much happening, Lord Krishna decided to do his part as well.
Bedecked in best costumes and jewellery he came on a Purappadu around
the hall to the rendition of Siriya Thirumadal. The Purapadu began
with a kummi by students of Subha Krishnakumar He attracted everyone
with his bedazzling and bewitching beauty. It brought tears of joy
in the eyes of many. It was the highlight of the entire event. When
Kannan returned to asthanam, Subha's students aptly caught the
mood
of many by dancing to the song Theeradha Vilayatu Pillai. He is
indeed the theeradha vilayatu pillai who treats and teases, captures
and wrecks the hearts of many! This grand finale was followed by
evening aradhanam and recitation of Swami Desikan's sthothrams.
After all the tiring, nevertheless enjoyable events, bidding everyone
a sleepy goodbye Lord Krishna went for sayanam. That brought the
curtains down for the event.
As is customary with the Sri Matam, the abundant prasadam be it
puliyorai or charkarai pongal, was enjoyed by all. It was a palatable
delight indeed!! The planning and execution of the Program started
many months ago. The entire event would not have been possible but
for the active participation of the many volunteers who were involved
in planning and organizing the events, helping with the logistics,
hosting the guests and Thirumadaipalli kainkaryam. Sri Ahobila Matam
is thankful to everyone who contributed to the success of this annual
event.
As the event ended the hall was empty, but the hearts were full of
Divine experience and delight. The event truly reflected the spirit
of the sishyas who showed their respects to the glorious Acharyas of
Sri Ahobila Matam. Well, the clock is ticking and it is another 350
odd days before we meet again!!!
Azhagiya Singar Thiruvadigale Charanam!!!!
Chitra Malolan
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