SrI: SrImathE Gopaladesika mahadesikaya nama: Dearest all, Let us continue to enjoy the acharya paramparai. After Sriman Nathamuni, Sri Pundareekakshar [also called as Uyyakkondaar], Sri Raamamisrar also called as maNakkaal nambhi]. As amsam of Kumudan, one of the Nityasuris in Sri Vaikuntam, he was born in Manakkaal , Trichy District. His devotion to his Guru UyyakoNdaar was immense and great. His Acharya bhakti was so intense that on one occasion when Swami UyyakoNdaar's two daughters were to cross the mud on their way back home after bath in the river, he laid down on the ground- on the muddy water and asked them to walk over on his back. Hence, the sands at the feet of the Guru's daughters were on his body, and he came to be known as maNal Kaal Nambi. He rendered personal service to his Acharya, Uyyak Kondaar and it is told that he took over also as the cook for his AchArya after the demise of Uyyak Kondaar's wife. Swami Desika in Sloka 7 of his Yatiraja Saptadhi praises Manakkaal Nambi as follows: anujjitha Kshamaa Yogam Apunya Jana Bhaadakam | asprushta Madha Raagam Thum Raamam Turyam Upaasmahe || We meditate on Raamamisrar (MaNakkaal Nambhi), who is forbearing, who is dangerous to unholy persons, who had forsaken taste for lust and anger, - who thus was the fourth Rama (i.e.- unlike: (1) Parasuraama- who was not forbearing, (2) Ramabhadra -who was dangerous to PuNyajanas (euphemism for Raakshasaas), and (3) Balaraama, - who was used to drinking liquor) The one who learned through Upadesam all the Sastaraarthas from Uyyakkondaar was Manakkaal Nambi. There were only three Ramas before. Here comes the fourth Rama. The defects noticeable in the other 3 Ramas were totally absent in this 4th Rama. Parasurama had no patience. Out of jealousy, he fought with 'Chakravarthi Tirumagan'. With an uncontrollable rage, he embarked on destroying the entire Kshatriya race. But, Manakkaal Nambi never lost his composure and kept his senses under absolute control. Dasaratha Rama destroyed the Rakshasas, otherwise known as 'Punya Jana'. But, Manakkaal Nambi never harmed anyone but always did all the good he could to Sadhus who are also known as 'Punya Jana' Manakkaal Nambi never exhibited any pride or prejudice or any excessive attachment to anything worldly. (like BalarAmA) So, he is better than for RAMAs. (what a verse from DesikA!) Let us prostrate before this blemish less 4th Rama, Sri Rama Misrar, MaNakkal Nambhi. It is this great Acharya purusha Sri Raamamisrar [MaNakkaal Nambhi] who transformed Sri YamunAcharya [Swami Alavandhaar -grandson of Sriman Nathamuni] into a Srivaishnava acharya purusha. Rama Misra (maNakkaal nambhi) was trying to catch Yamunacharya's attention to fulfill his promise to his Guru to install Alavandar as the spiritual successor to Nathamuni.. But, he could not meet Alavandar, being a king now to discuss the matter. He came out with an idea. He came to know that the king relishes thoodhu vaLai keerai (kind of spinach). He supplied that spinach to the royal kitchen daily. After few months, he stopped. The king asked the cook as to why the spinach is not being served. They replied saying "one brahmin used to supply. He does not come nowadays." Alavandhar told them that he would like to meet him, if he comes next. Next day, they met each other. Rama misrar told Alavandhar that his grandfather Sri Nathamuni had passed on the family wealth (kula dhanam) that needs to be handed over to Sri Alavandhar. Alavandhar said, "in that case, give me that." "No. It is not here. Come with me.". He took him all the way to Srirangam Koil. (ArAdha aruLamudham podhintha kOil). He showed Alavandhar, the Divya mangaLa vigraham of Sri Ranganathan. Looking at the Lord, in such divine splendour, the divine beauty- and looking (with tears rolling down his cheeks) at those "kariyavaagi, pudai parandhu, miLirndha, sevvariyOdiya, neeNda, ap periya vaaya kaNgaL.." (those dark, well spread, shining, ruddy lined, long, large eyes)- He bursts out: I have nothing to give you. None at all. I have no quailifications. I am not religious. What a Great person my Grand Father was! What am I! I have no one but You(the embodiment of mercy! Compassion!- dayA) as my refuge. He performed Saranagati at the Lotus Feet of Lord Ranganathan. na dharma nishtOsmi na chaatma vEdi na bhaktimaan tvaccharaNAravindE akinchanOananyagatih saraNya! tvat paadamoolam saranam prapadye. (Sthothra Rathnam- 22nd sloka) Oh you worthy of being sought as refuge! I am not one established in Dharma, nor am i a knower of the self. I have no fervent devotion to your lotus-feet. Utterly destitute as I am, and having none else for resort, I take refuge under your feet. Rama Misra explained the purpose of his mission and requested Alavandar to take over the reins of spiritual leadership bequeathed to him by his illustrious grandfather, Nathamuni. Alavandar took to Sannyas and was then known as YAMUNA MUNI. Thus Sri Ramamisrar [MaNakkaal Nambhi] is one of the greatest links of our Sampradayam. Acharyan ThiruvaDigaLE SaraNam asmadhAchArya paryanthAm vandhE Guru paramparAm Regards Namo narayana dAsan ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never Miss an Email Stay connected with Yahoo! Mail on your mobile. Get started! http://mobile.yahoo.com/services?promote=mail Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Oppiliappan/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Oppiliappan/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:Oppiliappan-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mailto:Oppiliappan-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Oppiliappan-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Home Page
http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia |
oppiliappan-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To subscribe to the list |