Sathguru Darshanam - Volume 1 - 11 Dec2011

SATHGURU DARSHANAM

A SMALL EFFORT TO PROTECT AND PROPAGATE THE

VEDIC DHARMA AND THE DARSHANAM OF OUR

SATH-GURUS.

VOL - I

[SATHGURU DARSHANAM] December 10, 2011

SATHGURU PAHI Page 1

PREFACE

From time immemorial Sanatana Dharma has been our way of life; our Dharma. But in quest of wealth and

various other material benefits, we have largely deviated from the laid path.

As always, deviating from known path leads to confusion. That is what we face today. The society today is

wrought with confusion as to whom to follow and what to follow. The only solution to the problem now

faced is – we have to understand our Dharma; we have to follow it. We have to try to return back to our

own path – the path laid down by our Great Ancestors.

These Great souls, our Poorva Aacharyas – the SathGurus have again and again stressed the point of the

nobility of Sanatana Dharma and the greatness of Vedas in their various works. They showed us ‘the lost

path’. Our thoughtlessness even in regards to the efforts of our Poorva Aacharya has cost us many valuable

treatises. In losing them, we are again slowly losing the path shown by them. Tragedy of losing all ancient

knowledge should not come to pass!

To try and protect the values of our religion and the works of Poorva Aacharyas, the magazine team

thought, a common platform to share knowledge is inevitable. Thus the ‘SathGuru Darshanam’ was born.

This magazine is an effort to try, understand, protect and propagate the ancient teachings; the path

(Darshanam) shown by the SathGurus – SathGuru Darshanam.

The age old saying very clearly states the results of protecting and enriching one’s Dharma – will in turn

protect you. Thus we appeal to all viewers to help us take this initiative forward and spread the word.

With humble pranams,

(The Editor)

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha



SAMARPANAM

Guru illadha vidhyai kuruttu vidhyai

As mentioned in the above quote, any form of art or knowledge gained without a proper and an eminent

guru, is totally useless. Guru is the bases of all learning; it is he, who teaches the difference between the

right and the wrong. Guru is the reservoir of all knowledge, who invokes the ultimate wisdom in us by

discriminating, between the right and the wrong. With this ultimate wisdom, a person can reach the

topmost level of consciousness (chith); attain salvation by breaking the cycles of birth and death and there

by enjoying eternal bliss.

Fortunate and true to the words shasthras we are blessed with the divine guru,

BrahmashriS.VaidhyanathaSastrigal, under whose tutelage, we could gain kinchithgyanam, there by

following the path of Sanathana Dharmam. It wasunder his guidance we could learn most of the dharma

Shaastras, Veda sukthas, Itihaasa puraana and other classics which helped us to sustain ourselves in this

mundane world by following the path shown by our purvaachaaryas. Though the word “showing our

gratitude” would not suffice for the knowledge he has given us, we still try to offer this first magazine of

“SATHGURU DARSHANAM “at his lotus feet. We also seek the blessings of numerous Aacharyaas who have

taken their goal who preserved and propagated our dharma. Last but not the least we offer our

namaskaaras to the divine for giving us this birth and also thank you for extending your support in making

this small effort fruitful.



OUR DHARMA

The religion which we follow is today called as Hinduism. Nowhere in our scriptures, have we found the

name alluded to it. If we look deep, as to what we should call it, there is no name given to it. It has been a

religion without a name.

The need of naming only comes when more than one of the same entity is present. The ‘namelessness’ of

our religion suggests that it was the only religion existing even before other ideologies were formed. This

shows the antiquity of our religion.

Then who named us Hindus? The answer to the question is the British. They needed a name to call us. We

dint have one. So they named us. They named those living in the Indus Valley as Hindus – as they lived near

Sindu River. By extension all Indians were called so. Thus, also the name Hindustan to our country.

So what should we actually call our religion? Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana means very old and ancient.

Dharma denotes a way of life. The ancientness has already been established. Our religion has never been ‘a

religion’; it never preached and never compelled to follow. It has been left to the individual to follow it. It

cannot be called a religion when it is not depended on whole society following it. It is a ‘way of life’ left to

the individual to take or not. So the name Sanatana Dharma – Ancient Way of Life perfectly fits it.

The religion (for want of a better short word I continue calling it so) dint just preach God. More so it never

preached. It induces values and it provides a regulated path for anybody who wishes to lead a meaningful

life – to him and to the society.

It just dint stop with just praising the Lord Almighty and describing how He should be worshipped. From

when to get up in the morning, how things are to be done, till the close of the day is regulated, so that

there is at least an iota of spiritual profit to both the follower and the environment he lives in.

It is the only religion that does not designate a specific time for spiritual work – namely worshipping God or

going to temple. Remembering God every minute and in every work one does – is suggested by this great

Dharma.

Even in detailing about God, the religion has provided with so many forms to choose from, though the

Almighty is one and only. This allows the follower to better connect with God, as he can visualize Him in

any form that is close to his heart. Even a She(Amba) or may be even an unseen form – a mix between an

animal and human (Ganesha or Nrisimha) or mix of different animals and birds (Adishesha, Garuda).

Though there are many Deities and sects worshipping each deity, all unite under the fact that all of them

are based on the scriptures – the Vedas. The seeming diversity vanishes at that point. All saint-poets of

different sects have acknowledged and praised the Vedas. The Vedas reveal the One Truth to us in the

form of many deities. The worship of each of these divine forms is like a ghat on the river called the Vedas.

Sekkizhar says the same thing: "Veda neri tazhaittonga."



This is also the only religion that proclaims that salvation is the birth right of every soul. It further more

proclaims that every soul is inherently and already free. The soul has but to understand and acknowledge

this freedom to be free.

In addition to these noteworthy points about our religion, it is also a scientifically factual religion. Though

many scientists find it hard to accept, it remains the truth. To quote an example, the powerfulness of Vedic

mantras, is scientifically proved. Every sound has its own specific effect in the physical world. Scientists, in

an experiment, played certain notes in certain order again and again near a lake. Light refracted particle by

particle above the lake and specific formations could be seen for specific order and notes. This is enough

scientific proof that specific Vedic chants have specific Divine forms and they could be revealed to the

chanter.

Credibility of Vedas are thus established and this just the tip of the iceberg. This noble and ancient Dharma

has many more valuables in it. We have to be proud of our Dharma and its codes. We should not shun

away from our path just because someone who is nowhere related to our religion, calls it farce, imaginary

and recent. We should look into it ourselves to know the glory and the hoary history of our Ancient Way of

Life.



PILLAYAR

It is a distinctive feature of Tamil Nadu that wherever one looks around, there are temples for Pillayar. In

fact even without the need for a regular temple with overarching canopies, etc., our Lord Pillayar sits

under a pipal tree with just skies above. A Pillayar temple on every street, Pillayars on river sides and under

trees and so on – He has thus acquired all over Tamil Nadu (unlike others) a unique place not available to

other gods and bestows His grace. He is the first son of Parvathi and Parameshwara – the Mother and

Father of the Universe.

Vinayaka is the first son and He is Child-God. Yet, He was the beginning before everything else. Pranavam is

the origin of everything. It is from Pranavam that the entire universe and all life appeared. Pillayar is the

visual form of that Pranavam. If one looks at His elephant face with the curved trunk, He will look exactly

like Pranavam.

Ganapathi is like an elephant. Quite contradictory to this, the mouse is so small. Yet He uses this as His

vehicle. A God does not gain merit from his vehicle. Instead, the vehicle gains merit from the God. Though

Ganapathi is known as Sthula Kaayar, He sits light on the mouse and blesses it. In the same way, Ganapathi

sits on His devotee’s heart light and keeps blessing them.

Whichever God one may choose for worship only if Vinayaka’s benediction is obtained first, prayers will

fructify without hindrance. There is a sect which considers Vinayaka Himself as the first and absolute God

and worships Him. Such a practice is called Gaanaapathyam.

Only if Vigneshwara’s blessings are there, any effort will fructify without hindrance. Pillayar is the beautiful

Child-God who removes all obstacles and showers His blessings. May we pray to Him, worship Him and live

a good life free from troubles.

Vighna-Vinayaka Moorhy ki – JAI !!!

- Sri.Shankar



GURU PARAMPARA

Knowledge is an important need in spiritual life. This Knowledge though can be sought through personal

efforts, it’s a tedious process and not everyone are capable of doing it. Firstly, there should be someone to

guide us in the process.

There is an interesting anecdote that enunciates the importance of a guide.

There was a wealthy lady, who one day went to a relative’s function wearing a costly necklace. The next

day she couldn’t find the necklace anywhere. The whole house was searched and the necklace was

nowhere to be found. She thought it was stolen and began doubting every person she met at the function.

One old lady who came to visit this rich Lady enquired the cause of her worry. The rich lady explained her

misery. The old lady laughing, pointed out that the necklace had all along been in the rich lady’s neck. She

was wearing it and dint remember to check whether she was wearing it or removed.

The old lady here guided her to the knowledge of the whereabouts of the necklace. Imagine what would

have happened if old lady had not guided. Confusion and more doubting.

A guide is thus paramount. More so in spiritual pursuits, the Guide should know and should have followed

the path he is preaching. He should be a person who has reached the goal of spiritual journey. Such a

person is called, not just a guide but, a Guru.

Knowledge is best imported to the next generation, through a teacher-student set up. This has been

followed in our country as a tradition from time immemorial. Though Guru imparts knowledge to many

only a few or even only one among the shishyas is selected to take the responsibility of touching to the

next generation.

The chain of Guru and shishya, thus formed, protects the sanctity of the knowledge, without much

addition or changes impart it to the next generation. The Guru Parampara as it is called thus takes care of

the continuity in the passage of knowledge and also safeguards the originality.



ADVAITA GURU PARAMPARA

The Advaita philosophy has also been brought us to by such a Guru Parampara – a holy and illustrative

parampara.

The AdiGuruDakshinamoorthy is the root of all knowledge. Advaita philosophy is also believed to have

rooted from Him. Thus He holds the post of the First Guru in the parampara. The Guru Parampara sloka

thus states,

(I salute to the Guru Parampara which has originated from Sadashiva;

Which has Shankaraacharya in the middle; which ends with my Guru)

The AdiGuru imparts knowledge to his shishyas, not by speech, but by silence. Silence is His teaching and His mode

of teaching. Through the silence He imparts the Brahma Vidya.

च वंटतरोमू लेव ृ ा श याग ुयु वा ! मौनगंरुो त ुया यान ंश या त ुच नसशंया:!!

(The picturesque scene of AdiGuru teaching – sitting in the shade of the Vata

(banyan) vrksha, surrounded by old students, the Guru, whose form is shining

with youthfulness, explains in silence and the students remains bereft of

doubt.)

The Guru ParamparaStotram gives the meditation of the AdiGuru, as follows:

श ु प टकसकंाशशं ु व या दायकम ्!

श ु ंपणू चदान दंसदा शवअंहंभजे !!

The Guru Parampara after the AdiGuru, till Shri BhagavatpadaShankara is denoted in one sloka,

After AdiGuru the next preceptor is Shri Narayana, then Shri Brahma – the one born from lotus, then Shri

Vasishta, after whom Shri Shakti takes the responsibility. Then his sonShri Parashara, after him Shri Vyasa

च वंटतरोमू लेव ृ ा श याग ुयु वा !

मौनगंरुो त ुया यान ंश या त ुच नसशंया:!

! नसशंया:!!

श ु प टकसकंाशशं ु व या दायकम ्!

श ु ंपणू चदान दंसदा शवअंहंभजे !!



and then Shri Shukha held the post of teaching. After Shri Shukha, his shishya Shri Goudapada took the

onus and then Shri Govindapada becomes the guru. After Shri Govindapada, Shri Shankaraacharya took the

responsibility of propagating the Sanatana Dharma and Advaita philosophy.

The glory of the Aacharyas will be seen in consecutive issues.

- Sri. Adith H.S



ADVAITA GURU PARAMPARA



SRI VAISHNAVA GURU PARAMPARA

Spiritual Knowledge is something which is far beyond the materialistic knowledge gained through a studyof modern science. It is far beyond the reach of one's senses. One can't understand these on his own. Evenfor materialistic knowledge which are highly evident to our eyes (senses in general), one has to go toschool for years. This process of learning from experienced persons goes on and on. Now, what to speak ofSpiritual Knowledge, which deals with the relationship existing between the three realities namely,

1. IshwarA (Supreme Lord): SrimanNArAyanA (NArAyanA who is ever united with Sri)2. ChetanAs (entities with knowledge): jivAtmAs3. achetanAs (entities without knowledge): Matter, Time, Suddha-SattvA

Obviously, one has to approach a person who has this type of knowledge. But so many pose themselves toknow this. How to find a bonafideAchAryA?

The answer to this is really simple. The Supremely merciful Lord SrimanNArAyanA reveals the spiritualknowledge to His most ardent devotees. They in turn instruct others. This is called a "ParamparA". Thus,NArAyanA Himself becomes the first AchAryA and the knowledge revealed in the paramparA is nothing butwhat NArAyanA Himself has revealed. This chain of tradition beginning from SrimanNArAyanA is alsoknown as the"SatSampradAyam".

The Sri VaishnavaSampradAyam has Lord NArAyanA as the first AchAryA, followed by His belowed consort'Sri'(MahALakshmi), Sri Vishvaksenar (Commander in chief of Sri Vaikuntam), Saint ShatakopA(NammAzhvAr), Sri NAthamuni, Sri PundarIkAkshA (UyyakkondAr), Sri RAmamishrA (ManakkAlNambi), SriYAmunAchAryA, Sri GhoshtiPUrnA (PeriaNambi), Sri Bhagavad RAmAnujA, and so on down to ourpresentAchAryAs.

The srIvaishNavaAchAryaguruparampara is our greatest gift. Meditating upon the salutations to ourAchAryAsremind us of their greatness, as well as the qualities that they had, and indirectly this reminds usof the kind of qualities that one needs to aspire to have.

The following are the salutations to the lineage of teachers right from the Lord srImannArAyaNa himself allthe way to srImaNavALamAmunigaL. The Lord Himself considers srImaNavALamAmunigaL to be hisAchArya(evidenced by the salutation, that was composed by ranganAthA himself). Hence, the lineagecompletes a full circle with the Lord at the top of the list, and the circle completed by the relationshipbetween the Lord and srImaNavALamAmunigaL.

The lineage is as follows:1. srImannArAyaNa (Lord ranganAtha)2. srIranganAyakiththAyAr3. srIviSvaksEna4. srInammAzhvAr (srIsaTakOpa)5. srImannAdha muni6. srIpuNdarIkAkshar (srIuyyakkoNdAr)7. srIrAmamiShra (srImaNakkAlnambi)8. srImanyAmuna muni (srIAlavandhAr)9. srImahApUrNa (srIperiyanambi)



10. srIrAmAnuja (emperumAnAr)11. srIembAr (srIgOvindabhattar)12. srIparAsarabhattar (11a. srIkUrattAzhvAn)13. srInanjIyar14. srInampiLLai15. srIvadakku-th-thiruveedhippiLLai16. srIpiLLailOkAchAriAr (15b. srIperiyavAchchAnpiLLai)17. srIthiruvAymozhippiLLai18. srImaNavALamAmunigaL19. back to Lord ranganAtha

We could see about every Aazhwaar and Aachaaryan as per the prescribed order in the Guru Parampara

Sloka from the next edition.

But still, for a start, we need to know about the Aazhwaar who was certified as the asset (soththu) of Nam-

Perumal himself. Swami NAM-AAZHWAAR.

To start with, we would understand how and when “ThenKurugoorNambiShatakopan” gained the name of

“Nam-Aazhwaar”.

It was around the mid-16th Century, India was threatened by invasions – French, Portuguese, Romans,

Turkish. Of these, the most fierce and aggressive were the Turkish infiltrators. After completing vandalising

the Northern parts of India, stripping off its wealth, their eyes turned towards the southern states.

Especially Tamil Nadu & Karnataka which was well known for its generosity and wealthy atmosphere.

Their main aim was to target temples where there were riches in immeasurable quantities and the powers

the deities possessed. So, slowly they started attacking each temple on their way looting whatever they

could see in front of them, behaving in a cruel way towards women and children, savagely attacking those

who opposed them.

Another reason for them to invade the temples was, temples were the store house of Sanatana Dharma.

Once that was destroyed, the entire Hindu religion would fall and in turn the economy, thereby gaining

control of the lands and people.

This invasion never left Srirangam too. Srirangam is known to be the reservoir of Sri Vaishnavam. Almost all

Aachaaryaas have lived in Srirangam for their entire span of life. Apart from the riches, Srirangam is very

well praised by all Aazhwaars for its geographical beauty.

Thondai-adi-podiaazhwaar say:

“vandinammuralumsholai, Mayilinamaadumsholai,

kondalmeedhuanavumsholai, kuyilinamkoovumsholai,.”

So was the geographical beauty of Srirangam. This was, on a particular period attacked by Turkish invaders.

Knowing not what to do, the then aachaaryaan of Sri Vaishnavasampradaya – “Swami PillaiLokhacharyar”,

SATHGURU PAHI

planned and shifted the moorthys of

palanquin to a place called Jyothishkudi, which is roughly located near tirunelveli.

pains and agony of the mortal body anymore, Swami Ulagaariyan shed the

meditating upon the lotus feet of Swami Empe

amongst the chanting of ThirukurugoorShatagopan’s 10

explains the events that happen when a Sri VAishnavan ascends to Peru Veedu

AzhagiyaManavaalan stayed there for some period.

Sri Vaishnavas had to vacate the caves of Jyotishkudi and

7 – 10 years of drifting, AzhagiyaManavalan at last chose the place “ThiruKanaambi” as his abode. Mean

while, the fear of invasion surrounded the famous AzhwarThirunagar

removed Shatakopan from his natural abode

was less. Both Sheshan and Sheshi met at the place “ThiruKinaambi”.

AzhagiyaManavaalan was only too happy to see his great bakthan near him. Using one of the archakaaas

9priests) as his mouth-piece, the Emperumaan said:

“ Nam-Aazhwaaryainamarugiliruthavum” (Make OUR* Aazhwaar seat near us).

* - here OUR is a singular word which represents AzhagiyaManavaalan.

That was how Sri Shatakopan got the name Nam

Kurugoor under his natural abode with the efforts of Swami VilancholaiPillai, ThiruvaaimozhiPillai and other kings of

Thiruvaangoor (presently travncore / Trivandram) and also AzhagiyaManavaalan set his foot steps towards

Srirangam.

But, how did Nam-Aazhwaarmak his way to Kurugoor

The same would follow in the later editions.

Now, a brief history of Nam-aazhwaar’s, his works and teaching.

DIVINE BIRTH :


planned and shifted the moorthys of AzhagiyaManavaalan,SrideviNachiyar and Ubhayanachiyars in a

to a place called Jyothishkudi, which is roughly located near tirunelveli.

pains and agony of the mortal body anymore, Swami Ulagaariyan shed the mortals coils at that place by

tus feet of Swami Emperumaanaar, VadakkuThiruveedhiPillai and

ThirukurugoorShatagopan’s 10th Canto – Soozhvishumbupaasuram (Here Aazhwar

explains the events that happen when a Sri VAishnavan ascends to Peru Veedu –

AzhagiyaManavaalan stayed there for some period. Owing to the alleged traitors to AzhagiyaManavalan,

Sri Vaishnavas had to vacate the caves of Jyotishkudi and travel north – towards Kerala DivyaDesam.

giyaManavalan at last chose the place “ThiruKanaambi” as his abode. Mean

while, the fear of invasion surrounded the famous AzhwarThirunagar – ThiruKurugoor. So, Sri Vaishnavas

removed Shatakopan from his natural abode – ThiruPuliaazhwaar and took him north

was less. Both Sheshan and Sheshi met at the place “ThiruKinaambi”.

giyaManavaalan was only too happy to see his great bakthan near him. Using one of the archakaaas

piece, the Emperumaan said:

namarugiliruthavum” (Make OUR* Aazhwaar seat near us).

here OUR is a singular word which represents AzhagiyaManavaalan.

That was how Sri Shatakopan got the name Nam-Aazhwaar.Later, Nam-Aazhwaar was restored back in Thiru

abode with the efforts of Swami VilancholaiPillai, ThiruvaaimozhiPillai and other kings of


Aazhwaarmak his way to Kurugoor? How did AzgiyaManavaalan gain the name

The same would follow in the later editions.

aazhwaar’s, his works and teaching.

December 10, 2011

Page 12

r and Ubhayanachiyars in a

to a place called Jyothishkudi, which is roughly located near tirunelveli.Not withstanding the

mortals coils at that place by

rumaanaar, VadakkuThiruveedhiPillai and Swami Nam-Pillai

Soozhvishumbupaasuram (Here Aazhwar

Sri Vaikuntam).

Owing to the alleged traitors to AzhagiyaManavalan,

towards Kerala DivyaDesam. After

giyaManavalan at last chose the place “ThiruKanaambi” as his abode. Mean

ThiruKurugoor. So, Sri Vaishnavas

ThiruPuliaazhwaar and took him north, where the invasion

giyaManavaalan was only too happy to see his great bakthan near him. Using one of the archakaaas

Aazhwaar was restored back in Thiru-

abode with the efforts of Swami VilancholaiPillai, ThiruvaaimozhiPillai and other kings of


? How did AzgiyaManavaalan gain the name – Nam-Perumaal?

SATHGURU PAHI

Aazhwar’s are blessed with MayarvaraMadhinalam( Divine bliss ), by

bhakthi in this world , thereby carving a path to attain his lotus feet.

Nammazhwar is regarded as the thalaivar of all the 12 Aazhwars.

He was born to Kaari – Udayanangaiyar.

Udayanangaiyar belong to Thiruvanparisaaram(

Tamilnadu – Kerala, near Nagarcoil ).

The couple pleaded the emperumaan of Thirukurungudi, for the grant of a child to them. Pleasing

to their wish Thirukurungudinambi himself born as Nammazhwar.

He was born in the 43rd year after the start of Kali Yugam, in the tamil month of Vaikasi, on

Vishakanakshatram in a full moon day, in a place called Thirukurugoor( nearTirunelveli ).

Thirukurugoor is also regarded as AazhwarThirunagari.

He was born with the functionaliti

Vishwaksenar ( SenaiMudhaliyar ).

Before his birth, Thiruvanthaazhwan made his birth as a peeple tree in Thirukurugoor and was

waiting for Aazhwar’s birth.


Aazhwar’s are blessed with MayarvaraMadhinalam( Divine bliss ), by SrimanNarayana to preach

bhakthi in this world , thereby carving a path to attain his lotus feet.

Nammazhwar is regarded as the thalaivar of all the 12 Aazhwars.

Udayanangaiyar.

Udayanangaiyar belong to Thiruvanparisaaram( Keraladivyadesam, situated in the border of

Kerala, near Nagarcoil ).


to their wish Thirukurungudinambi himself born as Nammazhwar.

year after the start of Kali Yugam, in the tamil month of Vaikasi, on


Thirukurugoor is also regarded as AazhwarThirunagari.

He was born with the functionalities of Sri Kausthubam( Chain of SrimanNarayana ) and

Vishwaksenar ( SenaiMudhaliyar ).


December 10, 2011

Page 13

SrimanNarayana to preach

Keraladivyadesam, situated in the border of


year after the start of Kali Yugam, in the tamil month of Vaikasi, on


es of Sri Kausthubam( Chain of SrimanNarayana ) and




AAZHWAR’S EARLY DAYS :

Aazhwar’s birth was as same as all other children, but after birth aazhwar’s activities were so

strange to normal one’s .

During the 7th month of child’s pregnancy, an air called SADAM, surrounds the baby thus vanishing

the knowledge of atman.

When Aazhwar was born , with anger he just smashed the layer of sadam (air ) , and hence

regarded as Sadakopan .

After his birth unlike other children, he didn’t cry for milk, water and so on.

Since his activities were so strange ( Maariiruthal in tamil ), he is also regarded as Maaran.

After that his parents bought up aazhwar under the shelter of the peeple tree in Thirukurugoor.

He didn’t talk, nor did cry, even didn’t open his eyes, but life was there.

His parents thought him as a divine birth and so they worshiped Polindunindrapiran of

Thirukurugoor, for the betterment of their children.

SenaiMudhaliyar, himself with the order of SrimanNarayana, performed PanchaSamskaram and

delievered him all the vaishnavamanthras.

For 16 years Aazhwar was under the peeple tree with his gnyanamudhra in his hand.

At that time ,MadhurakaviAazhwar ( born in Thirukoloor, Tirunelveli ), who was in north was

admired by a bright lusture in the sky.

When he was following the light, it landed down in Thirukurugoor, near the Aazhwar.

MADURAKAVI – NAMMAZHWAR :

MadhurakaviAazhwar was so fascinated seeing Nammazhwar in that posture.

To check whether Aazhwar was alive or not, Madhurakavi threw a small stone on Aazhwar.

After 16 years, Nammazhwar’s eyes got opened.

To test his speaking skill, he asked him a question.

“ sethatthinvayitrilsiriyadupirandaletthaithindruengaekidakum ??”

His question was, that where will be the atman belonging to the body lie and what will it

experience.

Aazhwar replied “ atthaithindruangaekidakum” !

Which means, the atman experiences the papam( sins ) and puniyam related to that body and lies

there itself.

Madhurakavi was so happy by the answer delivered by Azhwar and from then became a disciple to

him.

SATHGURU PAHI

AAZHWAR’S PRABHANDAM WORK:

SrimanNaryana then decided to preach Bhakth

Along with Garudan and his consort Mahalakshmi, Perumal gave his divyadarshan to Aazhwar

under the peeple tree of Thirukurugoor.

Unlike other Aazhwars, he didn’t travel anywhere to sing songs about SrimanNaryana.

SrimanNarayana himself visited Aazhwar in the form of various divyadesams, and got

mangalasaasanams from Aazhwar.

His tamilprabhandams were equaled with the Sanskrit Vedas.

By that way came the four prabhandams :

Thiruviruttam (100 – Rig Vedam )

Thiruvaasiriyam ( 7 – YajurVedam )

PeriaThiruvandadi ( 87 – AtharvanaVedam )

Thiruvaaimozhi ( 1102 – Saamavedam )

His whole life was devoted ( including his songs ) to lord Krishna, and hence he is regarded as

*KRISHNA THRISHNA THATVAM* .


AAZHWAR’S PRABHANDAM WORK:

SrimanNaryana then decided to preach Bhakthi to people on earth through Aazhwar.


under the peeple tree of Thirukurugoor.


nNarayana himself visited Aazhwar in the form of various divyadesams, and got

mangalasaasanams from Aazhwar.

His tamilprabhandams were equaled with the Sanskrit Vedas.

By that way came the four prabhandams :

Rig Vedam )

YajurVedam )

AtharvanaVedam )

Saamavedam )


*KRISHNA THRISHNA THATVAM* .

-

December 10, 2011

Page 15

i to people on earth through Aazhwar.



nNarayana himself visited Aazhwar in the form of various divyadesams, and got


Sri MadhusudananUppili



SRI VAISHNAVA GURU PARAMPARA



Efforts to grasp the limitless:

You may ask me as to why my title is a parody. Some may even think I’ve lost my mind for coming with a

topic like this. I don’t deny the fact that a limitless thing could never be grasped. Grasping as in knowing

completely, understanding or at least to know where something ends. But when we sit hours together and

speak about understanding God and and his Magnificence, its the same parody - we are trying to grasp the

limitless. Though limitless and ungraspable, we cannot deny the fact that we are intrigued by the Entity

called God and we desire to know more about it.

Attempts at grasping it.....

Internet is a vast limitless area, where when we desire to browse something of our wish, the internet

provides us with the relevant material. To channelize our wish and to receive whatever material the

internet provides us with, we need something called a browser. The browser must be compatible enough

to the material (required site) to be viewed and browsed. Even with a browser we need an ISP to connect

with the internet. Though Internet is vast and nobody controls it on the whole, there are laid rules called

protocols for communication and data retrieval to avoid confusion. Internet being limitless could only be

grasped by experience with the internet and by understanding its intricacies.

So to understand something like Internet we need:

1) Browser

2) ISP (internet service provider)

3) Protocols

Doing a comparative study with the Entity with God, there also we need three similar things:

1) Faith

2) Guru - Teacher

3)Shaastras - set rules

FAITH - the browser:

To understand God or to at leastchannelize its immense compassion, we need faith and that too

compatible faith. By compatible faith i mean, faith that not waver even when put to difficult situations.

Faith channelizes our prayers to God. Without faith there is no prayer. His eternal compassiongrants our

prayers through the faith. There is adage which reads "faith wrought more things than the world could

ever imagine". What can be done by faithshould not be put to discussion. Only the believer can wield faith

and only he can wield it to do things not thought of as possible. Faith is a beautiful and the most powerful

tool in this world. How faith possible achieves the goal or how The Compassion is channelized answer to

that particular prayer is a stupid question, as the very questioning speaks of lack of faith. but still we may

try to answer the question later.



Guru - Internet Service Provider

A guru is an initiator, teacher, guide and trusted adviser who connects us with God. He is the one that first

initiates the idea of God in us. He teaches us the magnificence of IT, guides us to be receptacles of The

Compassion, and advises in the dos and don’ts and what not.

Consider a treasure hidden in a dark room. Light helps in seeing what obstacles are there between

ourselves and the treasure, how to circumvent them. It also shows

us where the treasure is and leads us to it. Without Light reaching the treasure is impossible. So is a Guru,

without whom the path, obstacle, how to cross the obstacle

and the treasure are not known or clearly understood.

Shaastras - set rules

though God is limitless and can be approached in any way, rules are laid down by people who have tread

this path before, make our job simple and more time saving. So rules are to be followed to reach the goal

easier and earlier. Such rules are the Shaastras given by great sages detailing Do s and don’ts in many

proceedings and also the modus operandi of duties to be done to reach the goal.

- Sri. Adith H.S



REALISATION………

All of us, one day or the other would have stepped upon a rugged path filled with stones, boulders, rocks,

desserts, thorns. We very well know the effects of what would happen if we hit ourselves on a boulder or

ran a thorn in our foot. Yet, we take risk ourselves to take that treacherous route which would lead to

nowhere. Apart from the fact that the journey is too long and has a definite indefinite end, we choose to

take this way to reach our destination.

Once there were two people who dared to take their journey through this path. The first person

imperturbably comes inside this path without carrying any pre-requisites for him like clothes, water,

slippers, an umbrella and more of all the universal elixir of life – WATER. On the other hand, the second

person is a wise one. He had heard about this long path from many long bearded people and read about

this from many old papers who have crossed this path unaffected even by a single uncertainty. Hence,

before starting, he prepared himself physically and mentally. He collected all the necessary articles from

the sanctuary of his revered teacher and set for the journey.

“And so it began”. The two started their journey together, walked the long path. Hours passed, Days

passed, Months passed, Years passed…… they were nowhere near to the end. The first person crossed

many hurdles. His skin tarred by the hot scorching sun, clothes soiled from dust & earth, hairs matted due

to blowing wind, suffering from thirst, attacked upon by several spatial objects (meteors, birds, etc.). But

the second person does not find any problem in the path. “Is he a mad???” thinks the first man. Wherever

he goes, he takes it in a tranquil manner. He faces many problems, YES. But, he is not affected by them,

coz, he is very much prepared. He has an umbrella to protect him from wind, sun and space. He has got

water to quench his thirst and spare clothes to keep himself a new prince all time. Now, they reach a

paradise where they find all kinds of essentials needed to run their life. Beautiful ladies, wit-full kids,

delicious food to appease their stomach, neatly tailored clothes, a magnificent villa to stay in. they stay

there and enjoy it for a few days. Suddenly, a fine morning, they seem to be lying under the shade of a

boulder. They have again come to the long perfidious path. The first person mourns ‘Oh!! Was it all a

dream”… Whereas the second person says “Oh!! That was something. Come, let’s continue our path”…

They again continue in the unwinding path at last to see a nine headed monster waiting to eat anyone who

crosses it. The first person tried to supress the monster himself, but he got himself supressed and was

made a slave by it (monster). But the second person, wise, after all he had heard about this mind curdling

monster from those white & matted bearded people, took an invisibility cloak, threw it over him, escaped

from the sight of the monster without even being harmed a bit. Finally he reached the Golden Gates where

he was destined to reach. Seeing his humble nature, the monster surrendered itself to that 2nd person and

declared to be his (2nd person’s) slave henceforth.

OOOHHHHHH……. What a story….!!!!! Just wait. We are not done with it yet….

Do you this this a fiction??? Naa…

IT’S OUR OWN STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Shocked? Surprised? Incredible? Yes... It is…. The first person is none other than the one who does not

have any self-control, or bhagavath Smaranai or Naama japam or the most important of all… “Guru Bhakti

& Bhagavath Sharanagathi”.Whereas the second person has all things which a “Mumukshu” (a Jeevathma

who is interested in Moksha / Mukthi / ultimate liberation). He had an umbrella (Bhagavath Bhakti) which

protected him from the 3 Indhriyaas – wind, sun and space. He had water (Naama Japam) which made him

forget his thirst, thus winning over the 4th Indhriyaa. And also he had new spare clothes (Guru Kataksham),

which made him shed his soiled clothes and glitter as a newly polished diamond. He entered the paradise,

enjoyed life, thereby fulfilling his karma and not getting away from it. He was in that place physically, but

detached from it pleasures mentally, just like water drops on a lotus leaf. Whereas the first person was

involved deeply in its pleasures both physically and mentally, just like sugar dissolved in water. He was

inseparable from it, which lead to his mourning when the paradise disappeared.

The last obstacle was the Monster, the mind and its thoughts. First person tries to control & supress it, he

believed in his own ability to control it. Virtually he failed becoming a slave for it. The second person was

humble, he never believed on the syllable “I”, as he knew he was “Null & Void”. Hence he took refuge &

surrendered to his Guru and Bhagavan. The joint hands of Guru & Bhagavan acted as an invisibility cloak on

him, obviously shielding him from his thoughts (here – the Indhriyaas). At last, eventually, he found the

destination he ought to, entered the Golden Gates of Mukthi Samraajyam and merged with the Infinite…

But?? What happened about the first person? Oh No!!! Forgot about him… His condition is “Start from

Scratch”. “I” pray for that soul… AAhhhhhhhhhh After all these times… Sorry... Let ‘US” pray for that soul.

Also, let us take it as a lesson to do as the Mumukshu did.

It might be difficult but it is NOT impossible. This is the only way we can get saved by our Guru and

Bhagavan & get us released from this “Bheema Bhava Aarnavam” – Unconquerable Ocean of Samsaaraa.

Sath Guru Paahi…….

- Sri. RamKumar.N



MAHA BHAKTHA VIJAYAM

Let the all-mighty Sathgurun control me from within.

MahaBhakthaVijayam is a compilation of greatness of Bhagavaan Shri Pandurnangan residing at the banks

of Chandrabhaganadi in Pandarpur and the greatness of his bhakthajans who are called as Bhagavathas.

Here through the life history of the beatified personas, Bhagavathas, Lord Pandurangan tries to teach the

ignoramus commoners; of what is the goal of life? What are the different ways of achieving it? And among

the various ways etched by our ancestors and those quoted in our sacred texts, which is the easiest? As

Dharma Putra asked Bheeshma, when the later was in his death bed:

“Kim ekamdaivathamloka, kimvaapekamparayanam.

Kim japannmuchyathaerjanthurjanma samsara bandhanaath”.

(Who has to be praised? Who is the Almighty and All-Pervading? By chanting whose name, will we be freed

from the cycles of births and deaths and reach the supreme abode of Moksha?)

And that which can be followed in this world, given the situation (Kaliyug). Again there are different ways

of performingBakthi which we find from various life histories of mahaBhakthas including the Nayanmaars

of the Shivaist cult and the Aazhwaars of the Vaishnavist cult. In the life histories of the various

bhagavathas in BhakthaVijayam we find one thing in common. That is none other than Naama

Sankeerthan, this is the clue that is already been hinted by our erudite ancestors. Bhagavan Pandarinaadan

also illustrates the same fact to the commoners, and he answers all the questions stated above through

the lives of the Mahrastrian Saints. As Bhagavan Sri Krishna paramaathma advices Arjun by ‘Gita Upadesh’

–

SarvadharmanParityajya Mam EkamSaranamVraja |

AhamtvaSarvaPapebhyoMokshayishyamiMasuchaha ||

The point that is being made through these verses as understood by me is, bhakthi is the only way to attain

the God’s lotus feet and it is all above other saadanaas. One who completely surrenders at his lotus feet is

to be atoned of all sins and would be liberated from this mundane world.

This sloka is also decoded in this fashion; Interestingly, there are 32 Brahma Vidyas in the Upanishads. The

two parts of this sloka has 32 alphabets each, adding up to 64 alphabets overall. Maybe it illustrates how

this sloka is doubly effective than all 32 Brahma Vidyas put together.

Giving a brief introduction of the history of Pandarpur and Pandurangan. There was a merchant named

Pundarigan in the town which was later known to be Pandarpur named after the residing

dietyPandurangan. Pandarigan’s parents became old and he thought that they were a road block to his

prosperity. Because of this he decided to drive them out. Fortunately for them, they could join a group of

poor devotees who were going to Varanasi by foot. Later Pundarigan himself undertook the pilgrimage to

Varanasi but in horse drawn chariots. He crossed on his way, his parents but did not even bother to

enquire about them. After some time, while they were resting in the banks of a river, they met Rohit Das a



cobbler in his hermitage. Rohit das, though extremely poor was taking care of his parents disregarding his

own comforts. Pundarigan that night saw three ugly women taking bath in the pond of the hermitage and

rising up as divine beings. On enquiry they told him that they werethe rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari

who had to bear the load of sins left by people who took bath in them. They got cleansed by coming to the

Hermitage of Rohit Das who was looking after his parents.

A sea of change descended on Pundarigan. He returned back, begged for forgiveness from his parents and

spent all his time in looking after them. One day Maha Vishnu took the form of a cowherd and went to the

house of Pundarigan. He was told by Pundarigan that he was busy in looking after his parents. Lord Vishnu,

informed him, who he was but Pundarigan said that he was busy even for the Lord. He gave Lord Vishnu a

brick to stand till he finished looking after his parents. Lord Vishnu blessed him and decided to stay there.

That place is Pandarpur. He is called Vittala (brick) because he stood on the brick. Even today we can see

Pandurangan present at the Sree Kovil along with his parivaaras.

Having said there are number of mahrashtrian saints, I was a bit confused from where to start. By His grace

I choose to start it from none other than the abhang written by ShanmadaSthaapanchaaryar Sri

AdiShankaraBhagawatPaadal.

This great prayer has been written by AdiSankara the incarnation of Lord Maheswar is extolling the virtues

of the Deity of Pandarpur in Maharashtra. This has eight stanzas, so called as Pandurangashtakam, named

after Pandurangan. This is often quoted to be the first and the prime abhangams written on Panduranga.

महायोगपीठेतटेभीमर या

वरंप ुडर कायदातंुमनुी ैः .

समाग य न ठ तमानदंकंदं

पर म ल गभंजेपा डुर गम ् ..

I worship that Panduranga, who is the complete Brahman, one who is the source of immense happiness,

and who stays in the great seat of yoga, in the banks of Bheema, Along with great seers to fulfil the boon to

Pundarigan.

And as the DakshinaBhajana Sampradaayaa chants:

Kaloukalmashachittaanaam, papa-travyopajeevinaam,

Vidhikriyaamviheenaanaam, GathihiGovindaNamaSamkeerthanam.

(In this age of Kali, where people fight for every small thing, when people war among themselves, When

there is no hope for you to survive in this disastrous world, O Mind!!! take your only refuge in

“GovindaNamaSamkeerthanam”.)

GOVINDAM PARAMA AANANDAM

- Sri Guru Krupa. N



TEN COMMANDMENTS OF PARAMACHARYA

1. One of our duties as human beings is to avail ourselves of every opportunity to do good to others. The

poor can serve others by their loyal work to the country and the rich by their wealth to help the poor.

Those who are influential can use their influence to better the condition of the lowly. That way we can

keep alive in our hearts a sense of social service.

2. Man by himself cannot create even a blade of grass. We will be guilty of gross ingratitude if we do not

offer first to God what we eat or wear – only the best and choicest should be offered to Him.

3. Life without love is a waste. Everyone should cultivate “Prema” or love towards all human beings, bird and

beast.

4. Wealth amassed by a person whose heart is closed to charity, is generally dissipated by the inheritors: but

the family of philanthropists will always be blessed with happiness.

5. A person who has done a meritorious deed will lose the resulting merit if he listens to the praise of others

or himself boasts of his deeds.

6. It will do no good to grieve over what has happened. If we learn to discriminate between good and evil,

that will guard us from falling into the evil again.

7. We should utilize to good purpose, the days of our life-time. We should engage ourselves in acts, which

will contribute to the welfare of others rather than to our selfish desires.

8. We should perform duties that have been prescribed for our daily life and also be filled with devotion to

God.

9. One attains one’s goal by performance of one’s duties.

10. Jnana is the only solvent of our troubles and sufferings.

- Sri Hari Ganesh



VEDA SAMRAKSHANAM – OUR DUTY

Vedas, our holy scriptures, are called ‘Nigama’. They lead us to ‘the Ultimate’, thus the name. Theirimportance is even more stressed when they are called the ‘Breath of God’ or the ‘Bhagavad aajna’.

God himself says in Vishnu Puranam,

Srutismrutimamaivaajnaayad tad ullanghyavartate !Ajnaacchedhe mama drohi mat bhaktopinavaishnava: !!--- Vishnu

(The rulings of the Vedas or Sastras are my own. One who does not follow them is considered a drohi byme. He can never be a Vaishnava or a bhaktha.)

Gitaacharyan further more stresses this point in Bhagavad Gita,

Yah Sastravidhimutsrijyavartatekaamakaaratah !nasasiddhimavaapnotinasukhamnaparaamgatim !!tasmaatsaastrampramaanamtekaryaakaryavyavasthitau!jnaatvaaSaastravidhinoktam karma kartumihArhasi !!-----Bhagavad Gita - 16.23-24

(One who does not follow Saastras gains not Sukham or Siddhi or paramagati. Sastras are the authority toclassify the do’s and don’ts. Therefore know the Sastras and then do karma.)

The divinity of the Vedas needs no more proof. Scientifically also, the Veda mantras have power, is proved.

Every sound had its own specific effect in the physical world. Scientists, in an experiment, played certainnotes in certain order again and again near a lake. Light refracted particle by particle above the lake andspecific formations could be seen for specific order and notes. This is enough scientific proof that specificVedic chants have specific Divine forms and they could be revealed to the chanter.

This Ultimate knowledge – Vedas and along with the knowledge of other arts and sciences were given tothe Brahmin class for the protection and proper propagation of them. The Brahmin class formed the brainof the society. The held the responsibility of the ‘Culture and custom protection’ through impartingknowledge to the society.

In Tamil the Vedas are called, “Ezhudaakilavi”. In Sanskrit they are named the Sruti. Sruti is something that

is to be heard. It is to be taught vocally and learnt through listening and by hearting the same, so the name

Sruti. It can never be done as a part time job.

Vedas where taught in a fashion where one person chants the hymns, word by word and the others repeat

them twice, thus creating a Vedic charged atmosphere. Through this tradition, the great ocean of

knowledge, Vedas had been protected and propagated vocally till the end of last century. There is no more

greater sin than to destroy the efforts of a very ancient tradition or not to do the God given duty.

Thus, we see that Veda Samrakshanam forms a part of a Brahmin’s life. Our lives become fruitful this way.Today we have changed our ways and drifted far from the brahminical way of life that, we are not able to



perform this commitment demanding duty. Even if we don’t find time to study Vedas and impart them toothers, we can contribute to the Samrakshanam by at least doing the nityakarma prescribed to us by theVedas and by socially and monetarily supporting those who do the ‘God given duty’ amidst all obstacles.

Even if not for all above reasons,

“Vedonithyamadhiyataamtadutitam karma: sadhaanushtyataam”

Is how the SaadhanaPanchakam of Sri Bhagavatpada starts. In his advice to what to do to attain the divine,he starts with ‘Study the Vedas daily and practice that which is said in it”

We should do this duty as a tribute to our revered Guru Sri Bhagavatpada, to whom we owe ourbeing Hindus and Sanatanis. Our scriptures dictate that a Guru should be given paramount importance.Thus his words should also be acceded such importance.

Loka: SamastaSukhinoBhavantu

Sri GurubhyoNama:

- Extracts as told by Sri MahaPeriava



MANGALAM

The greatness of lord hanuman is boundless. We will be able to understand about the greatness of lord

hanuman and the blessings he bestows on his devotees from this sloka.

We will be able to know about the kind of blessings that lord hanuman bestows on the persons who

meditates upon him. He provides the person

Buddhihi : knowledgeBalam: PowerYashaha:FameDhairyam: Courage, strength for initiativesNirbhayatvam:FearlessnessArogatha: Illness free healthAjadhyam: Lack of foolishness: High mental agilityVakpatuthvam: Good Oratory skillsBhaveth: Will happen (Will be bestowed upon the individual)Hanumathsmaranath : By Praying to hanuman

All these characters for the one who meditates upon him. He is a person who showers all (shreyas) andgood characters to his devotee.

The reason behind this is that, we can see the contradicting characters and powers present in the sameperson - Hanuman. The characters that which we think are contradicting to each other are present in him,naturally. For example, a strong and mighty person will not be humble. An intelligent a person will nothave an egoless bakthi. Hanuman is not only extraordinary in his might, intelligence, but also in beinghumble and egoless. In spite of being so mighty he considered everything as Lord Rama’s blessings andremained to be his servant without asking for any post or honour. He was highly contended being a slaveto his master.

People who have bakthi, generally do not understand gyanam(knowledge) or in other words they do nottake up the gyanamargam and remain either as blind bakthi or morattubakthi. At times they use to fightclaiming that bakthi and gyanam are different. But Hanuman remained to be a great Rama bakthan,though he was a great gyani.

The only person who is master in strength, knowledge, humble, service, might is Lord Hanuman. Above allthis is his, brahmachari. He has never given room for even a moment time for love / desire . He has notthought or asked anything for him. He lived his life without any desire by just serving his master Lord Ram.

We call him as hanumaar,in Karnataka he is called as hanumanthaya, to the north of chithoor in AndhraPradesh it is called as aanjaneyalu, as maruthi in Maharashtra and towards the north he is called asMahaveer.

Hanuman is unparallel to others, we would gain gyanam, strength, braveness, and desires would be brokeninto pieces. Let us all do bagawathseva with great humbleness.

Lord Hanuman comes to all those places wherever ramanamam is chanted or the songs in praise of Ramais sung.



Let us all pray to him in order to spread dharma all over the world.

Anjaneya Swami ki – JAI !! - Sri Venkataraman Ravi



SATHGURU DARSHANAM – TEAM

Not always a person could be correct. Hence, we would like to get your valuable comments, suggestions

and criticisms. The names of the team members and their contact details have been attached below. Do

send your comments and queries. Or you could forward your comments to

[email protected].

S.NO: NAME E-MAIL ID

EDITORS

1. AdithHariharasubramanium [email protected]

2. Shankar Subramaniam [email protected]

CO-EDITORS

1. Guru krupa Narayanan [email protected]

2. Madhusudanan [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORS

1. Venkatraman Ravi [email protected]

2. Hari ganesh [email protected]

3. RamKumar Nandakumar [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS / SUPPORTERS

1. Pramod Narayan [email protected]

2. Bagavatheswaran [email protected]

3. Ajay Krishnan [email protected]

4. Gopalakrishnan [email protected]

5. Kishanbhat [email protected]

6. Vigneshjayabalan [email protected]

7. Shyam Siddarth [email protected]

8. VilasiniRamanujan [email protected]

9. Manoj Mandela

10. Muneswaran S [email protected]



Documents

Sathguru Darshanam - Volume 1 - 11 Dec2011