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http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/07/31/stories/2007073150051700.htm

Devotional work 

V.N. VEDANTA DESIKAN 

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THE VOICE OF VARAVARA MUNI: M. Varadarajan; Sri Ananth
Publications, 6-40, Padmavatipuram, Tiruchanur Road,
Tirupati-517503. Rs. 100.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manvala Mamunigal, usually called Varavara Muni,
especially in Sanskrit works, was perhaps the last of
the scholar-giants in South Indian Vaishnavism. The
most impressive aspect of his writings is his genius
in interpretation, with copious literary authorities,
to support a thesis. His commentaries are of a
variegated nature, seldom duplicative. He has to his
credit many original works, hymns, in Tamil as well as
Sanskrit. Some of such works are very useful for
recitation by laymen also.

An explanation in regard to the name Varavara Muni
would be useful in this context. This Acharya, like
some others, had borne the name of Ranganatha, namely
as Azhagiya Manavala, which actually means ?lovely
bridegroom or fascinating son-in-law?, which indeed is
the fond manner in which Parasara Bhattar would refer
to Lord Ranganatha. In Sanskrit, it would become
?Ramya Jamata?. Varavara Muni is a lovely synonym.

Transliterations 

This book contains Upadesa Ratna Mala?a garland of
gems of instructions. It contains 73 Tamil verses in
?venba? metre. These verses are also reproduced in
transliterations in English and Telugu scripts, so
that even non-Tamils can now read them. The author
provides a simple meaning in English, with sufficient
explanation on the content.

The work starts from Azhwars, gives some biographical
details, and focusses on the special virtues of the
works of each savant. Some of the thoughts that
Mamunigal presents would appeal to layman today. For
example, why is Periyazhwar so called? What is the
bigness about? The verses are all soul-stirring and
the author?s interpretation too is moving. Though the
verses are supposedly set in the instructive mood, the
saint often addresses himself, introspectively and
even tantalisingly. He allots equal importance to the
later Acharyas who have rendered yeoman service to
explain the actual import and philosophical
significance of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham through
their masterly commentaries in a unique,
so-far-unheard-of Manipravala language style, in which
Mamunigal was himself a great adept.

Commentaries 

He traces the way in which the inimitable commentary
of Tiruvaymozhi, namely Eedu, came to be written. Then
he goes on to expatiate on the greatness of Sri
Vachana Bhushanam, on which also his commentary is
available as a great treasure. The work ends with some
13 verses on the duties of a disciple, the way of good
behaviour and the need to avoid bad company that would
spoil one?s character. Whether all verses do require a
commentary and explanation is a moot question. But
then there are subtle points to be emphasised, and
rightly the commentary of Pillai Lokam Jeeyar became
necessary. The work adopts the above-said commentary
to explain the content to the modern reader. 

The world of Vaishnavism is indebted to the author for
this edifying book. There is an added bonus available
in the book, namely, an account of the life and works
of Mamunigal



       
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