sriman venkata natharrya kavitarkika kasari vedantacharya varyome sannidhatam sadahrudi
The name Desikan by itself means Acharyan. Swami Desikan was a Srivaishnava Acharya and one of the most brilliant exponents of Visishtadvaitam after Sri Ramanuja. He upheld the concepts preached by Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. It is because of him that 'Ramanuja Darsanam' came to be recognized by the world. He was a polymath who wrote philosophical as well as religious and poetical works in several languages, including Sanskrit, Manipravalam (a Sanskritised form of literary Tamil), Tamil and Prakrit. He was called Kavitaarkika Simham. He was an expert in all forms of arts and science and His works are still standing after 750 years of His birth. He was also called 'Sarva Tantra Swatantra' (master of all arts, crafts and artefacts) because his works show his intimate knowledge of almost all arts and sciences known to human intelligence.
His lineage is an abundantly blessed one. In the Varadaraja Perumal Koil, there was one Anantha Somayaji of Viswamitra Gotram, who was one of the 74 Simhasanadhipathis nominated by Bhagavad Ramanuja. His son was Pundareeka Yajvaa. His son was Ananthasuri. Pundarika Yajvaa approached Appullaar (belonging to the Vamsam of Atreya Ramanuja Kidaambi Aachaan) and requested to give the latter's sister Totaramba in marriage to his son, Ananthasuri. That night, Lord Devaraja appeared in a dream of Appullaar and seconded the proposal saying that by this marriage will be born one who would be the prime torch-bearer of Ramanuja Darsanam. The very next day, the marriage of Ananthasuri and Totaramba was celebrated and they lived a happy and devout couple.
After their marriage, as ordered by Lord Srinivasa and Padmavati Thayar, the couple went on a pilgrimage to Tirumalai. The Lord appeared in their dreams in the garb of a Srivaishnava youth and handed over a small gold bell which Totaramba swallowed.
Next morning, they were astonished to find how both of them had the same dream. As the Archaka opened the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he found the bell missing. During an investigation ordered into the loss of the bell, the Lord appeared by Avesa (spiritual trance) on Tirumalai Nambi and told that He had himself presented the bell to the Ananthasuri couple and thence forward, the small hand- bell need not be used in the Tiruvaradhana in the temple. Even today. when the Naivedyam is offered to the lord, it is only the huge bell suspended in the front hall that is being rung.
12 years after this incident, the Ganta of the Lord was born as #Gantaavataara_Aazhwar. The Tiruvavatara of Thooppul Kulamani was in the Kali yuga year 4370 which corresponds to 1268 CE, Year Vibhava, month Purattaasi, on the Dasami day of Sukla Paksha, a Wednesday, in the constellation of Sravanam (the same as that of Lord of Tirumalai). Perhaps, he had Guru Udhara Vaasam for 12 years instead of 12 years of Guru Kula Vaasam, since he was destined to be the Vedanta Acharya. He was born in #Thooppul, (meaning pure grass, dharba) near Tiruttangaa adjacent to the temple of Deepa Prakaasar in Kanchipuram, the birthplace of Poigai Azhwar. As he was born during the Theerthotsava of Tiruvenkadamudaiyaan, Appullaar, his uncle named him #Venkatanathan.
After Abdapoorthi (the first birthday) Appullar took the child to #Perarulalan Temple at Kanchi. The Lord blessed the child to become the "beacon light" of "Srivaishnava Darsanam" like Ramanuja. Swami Desikan himself mentions this in his #Amritha_Ranjanai, thus: "Anre Adaikkalam Konda Nam Athigiri Thirumaal".
One day, Appullaar took his nephew, who was then hardly 5 years old, to the Eastern praakaaram of Lord Varadaraja temple to attend the Sri Bhashya Kalakshepam of Nadadur Ammaal. Ammaal was so impressed with the captivating brilliance of the kid that he stopped the discourse to exchange pleasantries. Later, when he tried to resume the discourse, Ammaal was fumbling as to the context where he left off. This little boy reminded him where he had stopped the discourse. Ammaal was overwhelmed and took the boy on his lap, hugged him and blessed him saying
"Pratishtapita Vedaantah Prati- Kshipta Bahir Mathaa Bhooyaah Traividyaa Maanyas Tvam Bhoori Kalyaana Bhaajanam"
meaning "you will establish Vedanta on a firm footing demolishing the misrepresentations of other faiths". Even today, one can see the painting of the scene of Ammaal blessing the boy on the ceiling in front of the Kachi Vaithaan Mandapam in the temple of Lord Varadaraja in Kanchipuram. He bade Appullaar to initiate the boy in all the Sastras and other esoteric doctrines.
Performing the Upanayanam at the age of 7, Appullaar initiated the boy into Veda Adhyayanam, Saamaanya Sastras, Sri Bhashya and other scriptures. He was surprised to notice that he was so smart as to grasp all that he was taught instantly ("Eka Sandha Graahi"). By the age of 20, Desikan became famous for his mastery over poetry, logic, linguistics, science, Vedanta, debate, and allied arts. His exposure to Vedas, Divya Prabandhas and Sastras was at a very early age and he was a treasure house of knowledge. What was laudable was the fact, equal to his knowledge was his humility.
Appullaar got Venkatanathan married at the age 21 to a beautiful maiden called Tirumangai (Kanakavalli). He initiated Swami into the Garuda Mantra. Venkatanathan was carrying out his daily chores with Anushtaanam appropriate to his stage of life as a householder, with Oupaasana, Panchakaala Prakriya. He lived by "Uncha Vritti" (begging for grains) true to the norms prescribed for a Srivaishnava Grihasta. By age 27, he had already become an Acharya delivering discourses on Granthas and Mantras to his Sishyas. He is reputed to have delivered discourses on Sri Bhashya over 30 times in his lifetime.
On the demise of Appullar, Swami proceeded to #Tiruvaheendrapuram as per his instructions, where he climbed the Oushaadri hillock, sat under an Aswatha tree and meditated on the Veda Maya Swaroopa Garuda, the divine bird vehicle of Lord Vishnu reciting the Garuda Mantra taught to him by his Guru.
Garuda appeared before him and taught him the #SriHayagriva_Mantra. As he recited it, Lord Hayagriva appeared before him, fed him with the nectar flowing from His mouth and presented an icon of Himself to Desikan. Lord Hayagriva, took His seat on the tip of the tongue of Swami as prayed by him. Like Rama to whom All Astras and Sustras became slaves due to the Upadesam of Viswamitra, due to Hayagriva's grace, all Saastras became slaves to do the bidding of Desikan. Feeling grateful, Swami composed#Hayagriva_Stotram, #Garuda_Panchaasath, #Devanaayaka_Panchaasath, #Achyuta_Sathakam and many more in Sanskrit and Mummanikkaovai, Navamani Maalai and more, in Tamil.
There was no branch of knowledge. literary or scientific in which he was not proficient. Of the many deities he sang about, Devanatha of Tiruvaheendrapuram is the only one who has been praised in 3 languages, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Tamil. Swami himself catalogued all his works on Devanatha in the serial order thus:
Antam-Il Seer Ayindai Nagar Amarnda Naathan Adiyinai Mel Adi Uraiyaal Aimbadetti Chintai Kavar Praakritam Nooru Koori Senthamizh Mummanik Kovai Seriyach Serthu Pandhu Kazhal Ammaanai Oosal Yesal Paravu Navamani Maalai Ivaiyum Sonnen Mundhai Marai Mozhiya Vazhi Mozhi Neeyenru Mukundan Arul Thanda Payan Petren Naane ||
But, unfortunately, the Tamil poems mentioned above which are in the nature of love lore are lost for us.
On his way back to Kanchi, he visited Gopapura (Tirukkovalur) where he composed the famous #Dehaleesa_Sthuthi. Swami Desikan came back to Kanchipuram, he performed the Atma Raksha Bhara Samarpanam and composed various Stotrams explaining the concept of #prapatti or surrender. These Stotrams are #Nyasa_Vimshati, #Nyasa_Dashakam #Varadaraja_Panchasath and #Nyasa_tilakam in Sanskrit and #Adaikkala_pathu and #ArthaPanchakam in Tamil. While in Kanchi, Swami Desikan was enchanted by the beauty of Varadharaja Perumal and composed fifty Shlokas on Him. He also wrote Stotrams on Perumal by visiting the various temples in and around
Kanchipuram, composed stutis of incomparable beauty on the Lords in the various shrines. He composed in Sanskrit: #Saranagathi_Deepika on Lord Deepa Prakasa. (Vilakkoli Perumal), #Kaamaasikaashataka on Lord Narasimha whose temple is on the banks of the river Vegavathi, #Ashtabuja_Ashtaka in praise of the eight armed Lord in Ashtabuja temple, #Vegaasethu_Stotra on Lord Yatotkaari, #Paramaartha_Sthuthi on Lord Vijayaraghava at Tirupputkuzhi. He also composed Sri Vaishnava Dinasari, Panniru Naamam, Tiruchchinna Maalai In Manipravala.
Swamy was blessed with an illustrious son Varadachrya (Nainacharya) in 1317 CE. He followed the footsteps of his father and shone like a lamp lit from another lamp.
Later, Swami Desikan undertook a pilgrimage to the North. The first halt was Tirumalai where he composed the famous #DayaaSathakam and the Lord conferred on him the honorific of #Vedaantha_Aachaarya. Swami himself refers elsewhere that it was Lord Ranganatha who conferred the title on him. It must be understood that the Swami did not treat any deity with any partiality but considered as one and the same. He exclaimed #VedaantaDesikaPadheVinivesyaBaalam meaning "Oh ! How the Lord had elevated me a mere boy into a competent Acharya."
He went on a pilgrimage to several Kshetras like TirukKadigai, Tiru Ayodhya, Kaasi, Mathura, Avanti, Badarikasramam, Puri, Brindavan, Dwaraka, Triveni, Gaya , Salagramam, Purushothamam, Srikoormam. Before returning to Kanchi, he also visited Tiruvallikkeni and Tiruvallur.
He stayed in several cities and towns through his life such as Thiruvaheendrapuram, Kanchipuram, Srirangam, Sathyagala, and Melkote. He also travelled widely all over India on foot. There exist several anecdotes regarding the life of Desikan furnished by his followers.
The archa murthi of Hayagriva which was originally worshipped by Goddess Saraswati and handed over by her to Bhagavad Ramanuja was being subsequently worshipped by Pillaan and Pundarikaaksha. This Pundarikaaksha was the son-in-law of Appullaar, and was working as the Rajaguru of the Rayar Samasthaanam in the north. As ordered by the Lord, Pundarikaaksha handed over the murthi to Swami Desikan with royal honours.This is reported to have happened while the Swami was in Kanchipuram.
Once a magician confronted him. As the magician drank the water of a pond, Swami's belly bulged filled with water and caused unbearable pain. Swami just scratched with his fingernail a pillar nearby and all the water flowed out there from and His belly regained the normal position. The magician begged to be excused and disappeared but not before the Swami thanking him for helping in cleaning the streets of Kanchi without any effort on his part!
Once, his boyhood friend, Vidyaranya, a Court official of 'Vijayanagara kingdom' wanted to help Desika financially and invited him to the court for the purpose. But, Swami declined and sent him a letter containing his famous #Vairagya_Panchakam depicting his renunciation of and detachment from worldly wealth.
Swami was requested to preside over and moderate in a debate between the Advaita Vidwan, Vidyaranyar and Dvaita Vidwan, Akshobhya, After hearing the arguments of both he gave a ruling impartially that Akshobhyas views were in accordance with Pramanas even though Vidyaranya was his childhood friend and settled the dispute.
Instigated by some jealous people, with the intention of embarrassing Swami sent a bachelor to Swami for financial help for his wedding, knowing full well that Swami had no means to help him. Swami Desikan took him to the Sanctum Sanctorum of the divine mother (some say Perundevi Thayar sannidhi, some say Ranganayaki Thayar sannidhi) and sang the famous 'Sri Sthuthi'. Immediately there was a rain of gold coins. Swami asked the bachelor to take them. The mischief makers were shamed.
Once a band of Maayaa Vaadhis landed in Srirangam for a debate condemning Ramanuja Darsanam. Periya Vaachaan Pillai, Pillai Lokaachaarya and others resorted to the Grand old Master Sudarsana Bhattar for advice. Sudarsana Bhattar said that it was only Swami Desikan who could save the situation and caused a letter to be sent to Kanchi inviting Thooppul Pillai to face the opponents. Swami immediately set forth to Srirangam but on the way he halted at Sriprumpudur and prayed to Yathirajar and composed the famous #Yathiraja_Saptadhi. On reaching Srirangam, Swami fell at the feet of Sudarsana Bhattar and sought his blessings. Bhattar blessed him saying that it was Perumals command that he should re-establish our Siddhanta like our Ramanuja did earlier. The debate went on for 7 days in which Swami demolished every single argument of the opponents. The Maayaa Vaadhis accepted defeat, became Srivaishnavas and his Sishyas. The essence of the debate is what we now have as #SathaDushani It was at this time that Periya Perumaal conferred the title #VedantaDesikan and Periya Piraatti the title #SarvaTantraSvatantra" . Sudarsana Bhattar and Periya Vaachaan Pillai commended on this and declared that he was the one who deserved the honorific most eminently.
As ordered by Udaiyavar, Swami composed 15 Vedanta Granthas like Bhagavad Dhyaana Sopaanam, Dasaavataara Stotram, Tattva Muktaa Kalaapam, Sarvaartha Siddhi, Nyaaya Parisuddhi, Nyaaya Siddhaanjanam, Seswara Mimaamsa, Tattva Teeka. Periya Vaachaan Pillai requested Swami to compose a shorter version explaining the essence of Prapatti Saastras. Accordingly, Swami composed Nyaasa Vimsati, Nyaasa Tilakam and Nyaasa Dasakam.
Once, when the Swami was staying in a Kshetram, he could not get anything to offer as Naivedyam to the Lord, he just offered some water to the Lord and went to bed with an empty stomach and a heavy heart. Suddenly, he was awakened by a farmer who reported that a white horse was grazing the crops in his field. Swami understood that it was the leela of Hayagriva and comforted the farmer. He asked the farmer to bring some milk and offered it to his upasana murthi. Thereupon, the horse disappeared. Next morning, when the farmer went to the field, it was fully laden with fresh and green crop (some say golden crop) where the horse had grazed.
A Vidwan by name Kandaadai Lakshmanaachar had committed some Apachaaram to Swami. Subsequently, he was found suffering from serious and incurable ailment. He rushed to Swami and begging his forgiveness, partook Swamis Sri Paada Theertham. Not only was he cured of his ailment completely but he was also blessed to have a son. He was named "Theertha Pillai" in honor of the drinking of the Sri Paada Theertham.
Once when he returned after his daily rounds of begging for rice ( Uncha vritti), somebody out of pity at his utter penury had deposited a few gold coins to help him. When he noticed them he threw them out saying they were like Vermin.
Once Swami Desikan was performing the annual rites for his late parents. Unfortunately nobody came for eating on the occasion of the observance, but Swami did not lose heart. He put the banana leaf and served all the items and prayed to the Lord. Lord answered his prayers and instantly Lord Devaraja, Lord Hayagreeva and Lord Srinivasa came in person and partook the offering on the occasion.
A sculptor challenged swami whether he can make an idol of himself and fitted in the pedastal that was made by the sculptor. Swami made an idol and the sculptor tried to fix it in the pedastal and could not do so. He thought that the idol was wrong and tried to chisel some part of the idol to fix it. Blood flowed out of desika’ns corresponding part of the body where he chiseled out. The sculptor accepted that the pedastel is of wrong size and then Swami Desikan corrected the pedastel and installed the idol on it. This image is even today available in Thiruvaheendrapuram.
Once, a mason wishing to test his skills, as Swami was called Sarva Tantra Swatantra (master of all arts), challenged him to construct a well with broken and irregularly shaped bricks that were supplied to him. Swami built a well almost in no time which stands to this day as a testimony of his dexterity as professional mason at Thiruvaheendapuram.
In 1327, during the Muslim invasion of Srirangam by Malik Kafur, the General of Allauddin, Sultan of Delhi, there was a great commotion. The Srivaishnavas who were Satvic by nature were no match to the Muslim plunderers. Fear gripped the minds of everyone as to what might happen to the temple and the Lords Archa murthis. The Acharyas deliberated under the guidance of the Centenarian Master, Sudarsana Bhattar. It was decided that one group under Pillai Lokacharya (who was equally advanced in age) was to take the Utsava Murthi and His consorts covered up in a palanquin to Tirupati. The party under Sudarsana Suri was to stay put at Srirangam, after erecting a stone wall in front of the Sannidhi of Moolavar to cover him from the sight of the invaders. Swami took Sudarsana Bhattars two sons and the manuscripts of #SrutaPrakaasika (the elaborate commentary on Sri Bhashyam chronicled by Sudarsana Bhattar during the Kalakshepams of Nadadur Ammaal) to safety at Tirunarayanapuram via Satyagalam. But, before he could do that, the Muslim army attacked them and massacred many of them. Swami hid himself with his wards amidst the corpses and spent the night. Morning, they moved to Satyakalam enroute to Tirunarayanapuram.
It was at this time, Swami composed the famous #Abheeti_Sthavam (bheeti means fear, abheeti means fearless. He prayed to Sri Ranganatha to remove the fear brought about by the invasion and to restore the temple back to as it was.) seeking the Lord to restore the worship of the Lord at Srirangam. He lived in Satyagalam for nearly 12 years (reciting incessantly the Sthavam) until news of restoration of the Lord in Srirangam reached his ears. The Aswatha tree under which Swami rested in Satyagaalam can still be seen in the village even today. The stone slab on which Swami sat is kept preserved in the temple of Lord Vardaraja in the village. There is also the image of Swami which is unique. Unlike in other places, the Swami is seen in a standing posture as if he was on his toes ever ready to move to Srirangam awaiting the good news of reinstallation of the Lord there. At Tirunarayanapuram, his son, Kumara Varadachariar delivered discourses on Pillaans commentary of Tiruvoimozhi called 6000 Padi with the help of Swamis notes called "Nigama Parimalam'
Swami Desikan had great compassion and was acutely aware of the social ills and problems of the world around him and deeply empathized with the community and wished for their welfare. An example of Desikan’s compassion for the commoner is the #Sudharsanashtakam_Stotram. He composed this Stotram upon seeing the plight of the people struck by a devastating epidemic in a village near Kanchi. It became at once both a prayer of hope and a therapy for relief at a time of great calamity for the people of Kanchi.
When Swami Desikan returned to Srirangam after 12 years in Satyagalam, it was time for yearly utsavams when the entire Divya Prabandham are recited in 20 days. The first ten days the utsavam is during the day and for the next 10 days it is in the night (raa pathu, pagalpathu). Since this utsavam was stopped for many years due to Muslim invasion, the orthodox people objected to recitation of Divya Prabandham since it is in Tamil and only Sanskrit Vedas should be recited. They also objected to install vigrahas of Azhvars because they were just human beings and many of them were not Brahmins. Swami Desikan argued with them at length proving that the Divya Prabandham is nothing but the essence of Vedas and Upanishads and the Azhvars are great devotees of Sriman Narayana and they are fit to be worshipped inside the temple. Finally the orthodox devotees agreed with Sri Desikan and the utsavam has been since celebrated in a grand manner. Swami was pained to see the objections and to make sure no such problems in the future arose, he has got the details of the utsavam written in a stone and installed in the temple. Sri Ranganatha was pleased with this and commended that the Thaniyan glorifying Swami Desikan “Ramanuja daya patram" should be recited every day in the temple before starting the Divya Prabandham recitation. While at Srirangam Swami composed the famous #Bhagavad_Dhyana_Sopanam glorifying the beauty of the Sri Ranganatha from the feet to the head. This Stotram is like the Amalanaadhipiran of Sri Thirupaan Azhwar. In recognition of Swami Desikan’s services to the firm establishment of one of the greatest schools of Vedantic philosophy, Sri Ramanujacharya’s Visishtadvaita Siddhantam, and for stoutly defending the recitation of Divya Prabandam in the Srirangam Temple, the elders gave him the title #Tarkika_Simham. He explained the mysticism of the Azhwar’s Tamil ‘marai’ in two magnificent works titled ‘Dravida Upanishad-tatparya-ratnavali’ and ‘Dravida Upanishad Saaram’, Swami Desikan demonstrated Sri Nammazhwar’s Thiruvai Mozhi as the perfect and peerless Tamil equivalent of the Vedantic Upanishads. He explained how the Vedas and the Divya Prabhandam together constituted the bed-rock of a unique tradition of Vedanta called ‘Ubhaya-Vedanta’ — the twin-fold way to Vedanta. The recitation of Azhwar’s Divya-prabhandham prevails and flourishes in all Sri Vaishnava temples is due to the relentless efforts of Swami Desikan, the ‘Tarkika Simham’. He re-instituted the practice of 'Adhyayana Utsava'- the ceremonial honoring of the Azhwars.
Swami Desikan out of his deep involvement in the arulicheyals of Azhvars has composed #Desika_Prabhandam. Here Swami Desikan codifies the birth place of Azhvars, their thirunakshatram and month, names of the prabandhams blessed by them, their verse total count and most importantly the main purport of their prabandham. The brilliance of Swami Desikan shines extremely well in every line of the prabandham as all the above information is packed in one pasuram dedicated to one Azhvar. Swami prays to each azhvar to bless him with their prabandhams for his anusandhanam or recitation. In the end Swami summarises the names of all azhvars and their prabandham count in two pasurams and in the next pasuram he prays to all the 12 azhvars and Swami Emperumanar and finally concludes that the arulicheyals are the only means to overcome this samsara sagaram. Swami calls himself proudly as “Tamizh mariyon” ie the one who follows the tamil vedam divya prabandham. Swami also states that, one who recites this prabandham, will be blessed by Perumal. This prabandham provides the meaning of the 32 chapters present in the Srimad Rahasya trya saram in brief and so got the name adhikara sangraham. In this prabandham swami desika praises the ten azhvars, madhura kavi azhvar and eight acharyas.
#Ahara_niyamam: This prabandham stipulates the rules that are to be observed on food habits and hence got this name. If the food we consume is impure then the mind won’t be pure and impure mind can’t do any good deed and he is unfit to do any vaidika karmas. Swami Desikan has given clear instructions what to eat and what to avoid based on the sastras which are given to us by the sages.
He was the first Acharya in the Vedantic tradition who boldly went as far as to define God’s quality of Universal compassion as being not merely a theological necessity but a philosophical axiom and said that a God without compassion would be a contradiction. Since we see that compassion exists in this world, therefore we should conclude that God too must exist. He added a fourth dimension ‘Daya’ to the Upanishad definition of Brahman namely, Satyam, Jnanam, and Anantham. It became the central theme of his famous #DayaSatakam, a Stotram only someone possessing great ‘Daya’ could have ever composed.
Swami Desikan was bestowed with many rare qualities and was aptly called ‘Kalyana Guna-Shali’. Two of his outstanding qualities were his courage and his compassion. He was utterly fearless (‘nirbhaya’) and full of compassion (‘Karunyan’). And because he was utterly fearless, he was also utterly compassionate towards a world around him that was mired in fear of every conceivable kind. The fears and anxieties that beset ordinary men in life held no dread for Desikan. Poverty, sickness, old age, social approval never mattered to him.
As a critic, he was as searchingly critical as he was sympathetically tolerant. He ennobled his poetry through philosophy and embellished his philosophy through his poetry. He preached only what he practiced and practiced what he preached. He was a saint par excellence though he remained a Grihasta throughout. It is difficult to find such a harmonious blend - of Precept and Practice, of exalted thinking and simple living.
He composed over 2000 Shlokas of exquisite Sanskrit poetry on a variety of religious themes mostly in praise of SriRangam Raganatha, Thiruvengadam (Venkateswara), Kanchi Varadar etc. His poetry flowed in an impressive variety of forms ranging ‘Stotras’, ‘Gadyams’ to ‘Dandakams’. in every known metric rhythm – from the simple ‘Malini’ metre to the long-winded ‘Saardulavikreedita’. In his famous work praising the Lord Thiruvengadam, ‘Daya-Satakam’, Swami Desikan composed 108 Shlokas in 10 different meters each most appropriate to the underlying theme of the verse. He was known as ‘Kavi Kesari’, ‘Tarkika Simham’, ‘Kalyana Guna Shali’ and ‘Vedanta Guru’. His magnum opus is his 'Rahasya Traya Saram' in Manipravala style (a mixture of Sanskrit and Tamil) explaining Tattva, Hita And Purushartha as well as the significance of the three great Mantras of Ashtakshara, Dvaya and Charama Sloka. This #RahasyaTrayaSara is said to be one of the four works that any Srivaishnava should study, the other three being Sri Bashya, Gita Bashya and the Nalayira Divya Prabandams. He wrote a poem entitled '#Hamsa_Sandesam which excelled the famous poem of Kalidasa #Megha_Sandesam
Some of his works are
Desika-prabhandham which enjoys a status equal to that of the Azhwars’ Divya Prabhandham
Many Stotrams such as – Bhu Stuthi, Daya Satakam, Godha Sthuthi, Hayagreeva Stotram, Kamasika Ashtakam, Paduka Sahasram, Shodasha Ayudha Stotram, Sri Sthuthi, Sudharsana Ashtakam, Yathiraja Saptati etc.
Gadyams - Raghuveera Gadyam (a.k.a. Mahveera Gadyam)
Dandakams - Garuda Dandakam
Adaikkala Patthu, Artha Panchakam, Nyasam Vimshati, Nyasa Dashakam for Saranagati
Paramapada Sobanam (Way of Living)
#Padhuka_Sahasram A rival poet challenged him to compose poetry on a pair of common footwear, as a heap of insult. Next morning Swami Desikan astounded the rival, and the rest of the poets, with a poetic work of 1008 stanzas entitled ‘Paduka-Sahasram’. Over one thousand stanzas in chaste Sanskrit, in praise of the sacred Sandals of Sri Ranganatha, composed within the course of one night! Such was his genius!
In the ‘Paduka-Sahasram’, Swami Desikan demonstrates with telling effect where seemingly meaningless words are woven to create enchanting sound. In his Verse 933, the Acharyan uses only two syllables: paa paa dha paa paa dha paa paa paa dha paa dha dha paa dha paa | dha paa dha paa paa dha paa dha paa dha paa dha dha paa dha paa ||933||
A mere reading of the above, if penned by someone of a lesser stature than Swami Desikan, would have invited derision for passing it off as poetry.
paapaadhapaa paadhapaapaaa paadhapaa dhadhapaadhapaa I
dhapaadhapaa paadhpaadha paadhapaa dhadhapaadhapaa II
Meaning: The Paadhuka cleanses our sins; it bestows lustre to the Lord’s feet (It confers effulgence to individual souls, which are aspects of the Lord). Its water used to cleanse His Padhuka protects those who perform this service of respectfully and adorn it to the Lord’s feet. Those Paadhukas saved me from sins!
It is a profound construction of two syllables. He effortlessly intertwined sound and meaning that are tightly coupled to celebrate the glory of Sri Ranganatha Paadhukas. It is no wonder why Swami Desikan is hailed by all as ‘Kavi-Kesari’. In the course of the 32 paddhatis or chapters, Desika makes frequent allusions to Nammalvar, to Srimad Ramayanam from which the idea of the greatness of the sandals comes, as well as other aspects of religion and philosophy.
When in Srivilliputtur, he composed #Godha_Sthuthi Sri Andal Naachiyaar was so pleased that she ordained that the Stotra should be recited during Her Utsavam days along with Divya Prabhandams. This recitation is being followed in Srivilliputtur to this day.
#Godha_Sthuthi First Shloka
Sri Vishnuchittha Kulanandana Kalpavalleem Sri Rangaraja Harichandana yoga dhrusyam | Saakshath Kshamam Karunaya Kamalamivanyam Godham Ananya Sharana Sharanam Prapadhye ||
Meaning: Godha Piraatti is the wish-granting Kalpaka tree in flower garden of the clan of Sri VishNu Chitthar; She is most beautiful as She gives us Her darsanam as the Karpaka creeper united with Her Lord Sri Rangarajan standing majestically as the Harichandana tree in that Nandavanam; She is the incarnation of Bhumi Devi known for Her auspicious qualities of forbearance; Godhai is the embodiment of forbearance; When it comes to the quality of Her Mercy, Godhai is a veritable Maha Lakshmi (Kamala). I, who has no other refuge, seek Her as my sole refuge.
A poet by name Dindima, a junior contemporary of Swami challenged him to write an epic poem to match his work entitled ‘Rama abhyudhayam’. Swami wrote 'Yadhava abhyudhayam'- a poem of exquisite beauty which was praised by all especially by Appayya Dikshitar of Advaitha philosophy and yet an ardent admirer of Swami Desikan. The following verse was created by Dindima Kavi in praise of Swami.
Vede Sanjnaata Khede Muni Jana Vachane Praapta Nityaavamaane Sankirne Sarva Varne Sathi Tadanugune Nishpramaane Puraane | Maayaavaade Samode Kali Kalusha Vasaat Soonya Vaade Vivaade Dharma Thraanaaya Yo Bhooth Sa Jayathi Bhagavaan Vishnu Gantaavataarah ||
(meaning) "Due to the nature of Kaliyuga, great confusion arose; Vedas were misinterpreted; The sayings of great men were ignored; There came about an admixture of castes; The sacred scriptures lost their validity; Maayaavaadis were gloating in glee; Soonyavaada pervades everywhere untrammeled; Swami Desika appeared at this juncture as the very incarnation of the great bell of the Lord, vanquished all and established Dharma. All Glory unto him"
Swami Desikan lived for 101 years and in the year 1369 CE, he felt that the time had come for him to leave for the spritual abode of Sriman Narayana. He went to Sri Ranganatha and took his permission. His disciples and his son were sobbing inconsolably. Swami Desikan consoled them and instructed them to continue their divine works and follow the Ramanuja Darshanam. Praying to Udaiyavar and Appullaar, he placed their Paadukas on his head. He kept his head on the lap of his son Kumara Varadhachariar and his feet on the lap of Brahma Tantra Svatantrarar, while his Sishyas chanted Tiruvoimozhi and Upanishads, he left his mortal coils. This was in Sowmya year in the month Kartigai 1369 CE. Later Sri Ranganayaki Thaayar ordered that a Sannidhi should be made for Swami Desikan close to her Sannidhi inside the temple. One can see the Swami Desikan’s Sannidhi in front of the Thaayaar Sannidhi in Srirangam.
Some say He is an avatara of Tirumalaiyappan, some say He is the avatara of His bell, some say He is the reincarnation of Swami Ramanuja. one may argue that all three may be correct. That is the greatness of Swami Desikan's Vaibhavam. His Thiruvavathaaram is so special as He got upadesa through Acharyas deep rooted in tradition and imparted knowledge in the same way. We are so blessed to receive this infinite grace.
A number of #Thanians (laudatory dedication verses) were dedicated to him.
1. His son Varadacharya implores "the great lion of poetics and dialectics and the great preceptor of Vedanta (that Swami Venkatanatha was ) should reside in his heart always."
"Sriman Venkata Natharyah Kavitarkika Kesari | Vedantacharya Varyo Mey Sannidhattam Sadaa Hridhi ||"
(2) Another one was by his disciple Brahma Tantra Swatantra which says:- " I salute the great Venkata Natha also called Vedanta Acharya and Lion among poets and logicians and who was well adorned by both Knowledge and discretion and who well deserved the grace of Srimad Ramanuja":
"Sri Ramanuja Daya Patram Gnana Vairaghya Bushanam | Srimad Venkata Natharyam Vande Vedanta Desikam ||"
(3) Pillai Lokaachaarya, the doyen of Tenkalai Sampradaayam lavished a praise on Swami Desika that " For a person who desires to ascend up to the Heavens, even a single statement of the great Acharya , Tooppul Tiuvenkadamudaiyan ( Vedanta Desika ) uttered by him for the benefit of humanity would be sufficient to lift him up to his desired goal
"Seeronru Tooppul Tiruvenkata mudaiyan Par onra chonna pazhamozhiyul | OronRu thane Amaiyado Dharaniyil Vazhvorkku Vanerap Pomalavum Vazhvu ||"
After Swami Desikan's time his son Varadacharya installed the vikragams of Sri Deiskan and Sri Hayagreevar In Tiruvaheendhapuram.
We may not know Veda but knowing how Swami Desikan lived is equivalent to knowing the Vedas say our elders. Let us read his Vaibhavam and revel in his glory. By his sambandham we are getting Sri Ramanujar’s sambandham and through him Perumal’s sambandham. This is the purpose of our birth here. What more do we want!
Kavi Taarkika Simhaaya Kalyaana Guna Saaline |
Srimate Venkatesaaya Vedaanta Gurave Namah ||
Sri Thoopul Nigamantha Maha Desikan thiruvatikale charanam.
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam
Reference https://swamydesika.tripod.com/life.html
Desika Daily https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agg4JaBu1g4&ab_channel=DesikaDaily%7C%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B6%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D
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