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Vol 01.002
19 October, 1997

In this Issue: 
1. A Standing Invitation from the President 
2. Note from the Editor - in - Chief 
3. Works of Swami Vedanta Desika - Part-2 - Anbil Ramaswamy 
4. Acharya Vamsa Vriksham- Part 2 - Anbil Ramaswamy 
5. Saranagathi- Part2 - Essence of Amirtha Ranchani - Sampath Rengarajan 

QUESTION BOX REPLIES

If members have any doubts on our Philosophy (Siddhanta) and / or Practices (Anushtana), they can seek clarification by addressing our "QUESTION BOX" specially provided for the purpose by sending an e. mail to anyone of the following- saranagathi@hotmail.com, vvijay236@aol.com, vasanthi@umich.edu, srengara@ford.com, 75041.3037@compuserve.com

We will provide answers ASAP with reference to source materials available here and if need be, by referring to our Acharyas back home and come up with authoritative replies. We will keep you informed in such contingencies as this will naturally take quite sometime for the back and forth correspondence .You will have to bear with us for the delay

V.Sadagopan
Editor -In -Chief


1. A STANDING INVITATION :

Dear Bhagavatas,

The SDDS was founded on the Tirunakshatram day of Swami Vedanta Desika in October 1996, with the blessings of the following Yathivaras and Acharyas:

7 Srimad Andavan of Poundarikapuram Asramam, Srirangam
7 45th Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt, Srirangam
7 Srimad Andavan Srimushnam Swami of Periyasramam, Srirangam
7 Brahmatantra Swatantra Swami of Parakala Mutt, Mysore
7 Sri Rangapriya Swami of Ashtanga yoga Kendra, Bangalore
7 Purisai Sri Krishnamachariar, Editor, Nrisimhapriya, Madras
7 Sri Seva Swami of Vedanta Desika Research Center, Madras
. Tirupputkuzhi Narasimha Tatachar Swami, Editor, Kanchi Perarulalan, Madras
. Sri Srivatsankachar Swami, Ex-Principal, Sanskrit College, Madras
7 Sri Anantha Narasimhachariar Swami, Ex-Principal, S.I.T., Trichy and many others.

Within 3 months of its inception, the SDDS celebrated its Inaugural Conference at Buffalo, in December, 1996 and its Second Worldwide Conference at Pomona, in August,1997. Both were well attended and concluded with astounding success.

AIMS AND OBJECTS:

The aims and Objects of SDDS and its official Journal "Saranagathi" inter alia are:-

MEMBERSHIP:

Anyone can become a member of SDDS and get the benefit of receiving our journal (by Electronic mail) by sending an e. mail request to saranagathi@hotmail.com. All that is required is:

They can also contribute articles for publication, subject to minimal editing. Become a member, if you are not already one. Encourage your friends and relatives to become members. This may prove a turning point in your life. You will be doing a service to us, to them and yourself too ! Wish you a very happy Satsang in the days ahead. !

Dasoham
ANBIL RAMASWAMY
President.




2. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR- IN- CHIEF

ISAVARA SAMVATHSARAM PURATTASI SRAVANAM
SATURDAY , OCTOBER 11, 1997

DEAR FELLOW SRI VIASHANVAAS :

It gives me great pleasure to announce the news about the launching of a new electronic journal named " SARANAAGATHI " on this Vijaya Dasami day . This day is also doubly sacred , since it is the birth day of both the Lord of the Seven Hills and Thuppul KulamaNI , Swami DEsikan .

At the outset , I wish to thank Dr . Narender Reddy of the Sri Venkateswara Temple , Pittsburgh , USA for suggesting that a new new journal in the electronic format focusing on the ancient and sacred doctrine of Saranaagathi would be very dear to the hearts of Sri VaishNavAs around the world . Dr. Reddy also asked me to serve as the Editor of this proposed new journal . Inspite of my limited qualifications to discharge the onerous responsibilities of this function , I have agreed to serve as the focal point for the assembly , editing and release of articles on SaraNaagathi as celebrated by our AzhwArs and AchAryAs .

In this context , it is my pleasure to welcome a great Sri VaishNavite scholar , Sri Anbil Ramaswami as the Co-Editor of this electronic journal . Many of you know him as the President of the Swami Desika Darsana Sathsangam ( SDDS ) . His scholarship , superb editorial skills and his connections to the Sri VaishNavite scholars in India would prove invaluable in the work related to the publication of the SaraNAgathi journal . I look forward to benefitting from his valued counsel and deep scholarship

The twelve AzhwArs and great AchAryAs like Nathamuni , ALavandhAr , RamAnujA , KurEsA , Parasara Bhattar , Thiruvarnagatthu AmudanAr , NadAthUr ammAL , PiLLai LokAchArya , VedAntha DEsikan , MaNavALa Maamuni and the peetAthipathis of AhObila Mutt , the two Andavan Aasramams and other SvayamAchArya purushAs have left us with moving , erudite and vast literature on SaraNAgathi doctrine , which is central to Sri VaishNavism . We will take care to select articles -both invited and contributed -for the coming issues of the new electronic journal . Reader particpation through comments and suggestions on content is very important . Please let us know also about questions that you may need clarification from our AchAryAs . We will do our best to get the answers from them to reflect the sampradhAyic view points .

Our main goal in initiating this effort is to gain a clearer understanding of the various aspects of the sacred and central doctrine of SaraNAgathi to prepare us for performing SaraNAgathi at the holy feet of an AchAryA of our choice and to practise the way of life recommended for the post-Prapatthi period of our life on this earth .

With this introductory note , We place the effort and fruit of this kaimkaryam at the lotus feet of Sriman NaarAyaNan and His divine consort , MahA Lakshmi .

Subhamasthu.
Sri RaamAnuja Daasan ,
Oppiliappan Koil VaradAchAri Sadagopan
Editor- in- Chief , SaraNAgathi Journal



3. WORKS OF SWAMI VEDANTA DESIKA - Part 2
- Anbil Ramaswamy

We give below the staggering bibliography of Swami Desikas Granthas. To start with, we will give a "birds eye view" of the contents of each work in as concise a manner as possible for a overall introduction to the entire gamut of his Granthas. After completing this, we will take up a detailed discussion of each of these works. You may want to print out copies and file the entire collections.

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy

A: DEVOTIONAL POEMS (STOTRAS)- (in alphabetical order)
1. Abheeti Sthavam
2. Achyuta Sathakam
3. Ashtabuja Ashtakam
4. Bhagavad Dhyaana Sopaanam
5. Bhoo Sthuthi
6. Dasaavataara Stotram
7. Dayaa Sathakam
8. Dehaleesa Sthuthi
9. Devanaayaka Panchaasath
10. Garuda Dhandakam
11. Garuda Panchaasath
12. Godhaa Sthuthi
13. Gopaala Vimsathi
14. Hayagriva Stotram
15. Kaamaasika Ashtakam
16. Nyaasa Dasakam
17. Nyaasa Tilakam
18. Nyaasa Vimsathi
19. Paramaartha Sthuthi
20. Raghu Veera Gadhyam (aka) Mahaveera Vaibhavam
21. Saranaagathi Deepikai
22. Shodasa Aayudha Stotram
23. Sree Sthuthi
24. Sudharsana Ashtakam
25. Vairaaghya Panchakam
26. Varadaraaja Panchaasath
27. Vegaa Sethu Stotram
28. Yathiraaja Sapthadhi

B: KAAVYA GRANTHAS
1. SUBHASHITHAANIVI
2. YAADHAVAABHYUDHAYAM
3. PAADUKAA SAHASRAM
4. HAMSA SANDHESAM
5. Samasya Sahasri (Luptham-Lost)

C: DRAMA
1. SANKALPA SURYODHAYAM

D: RAHASYA GRANTHAS (ESOTERIC WORKS)
1. Sat Sampradaaya Pari Suddhi
2. Tattva Padhavi
3. Rahasya Padhavi
4. Tattva Navaneetham
5. Rahasya Navaneetham
6. Tattva Maatrukai
7. Rahasya Maatrukai
8. Tattva Sandhesam
9. Rahasya Sandhesam
10. Rahasya Sandhesa Vivaranam
11. Tattva Ratnaavali
12. Tattva Ratnaavali Prathipaadhya Sangraham
13. Rahasya Ratnaavali
14. Rahasya Ratnaavali Hridhayam
15. Tattva Thraya Sulakam
16. Rahasya Thraya Sulakam
17. ABHAYA PRADHAANA SAARAM
18. Rahasya Sikhaamani
19. ANJALI VAIBHAVAM
20. PRADHAANA SATHAKAM
21. UPAKAARA SANGRAHAM
22. Saara Sangraham
23. Muni Vaahana Bhogam
24. Madhura Kavi Hridhayam (Luptham- Lost)
25. PARAMA PADA SOPAANAM
26. PARA MATHA BHANGAM
27. HASTHIGIRI MAHAATHMYAM
28. RAHASYA THRAYA SAARAM
29. Saara Saaram
30. Virodha Parihaaram
31. Nigama Parimalam (Lutham-Lost)
32. Thiru Mudi Adaivu (Luptham- Lost)

E: VEDANTHA GRANTHAS
Group 1:
1. Tattva Mukthaa Kalaapam
2. Adhikarana Saaraavali
3. SATHA DHUSHANI (aka) Satha Doshaani)
4. Nyaaya Parisuddhi
5. Seswara Mimaamsa
6. Mimaamsa Paaduka
Group 2:
7. Nikshepa Raksha
8. Sat Charitha Raksha- containing-
(i) Sudharsana Paancha Janya Vidhi
(ii) Oordhva Pundra Dhaarana Vidhi
(iii) Bhagavan Nivedhitha Upayoga Vidhi
9. Rahasya Rakshaa
Group 3:
10. DRAMIDOPANISHAD TAATPARYA RATNAAVALI ( A commentary on Nammalwar's Tiruvoimozhi)
11. Dramidopanishad Saara ( A shorter version of above)

F: VYAAKHYAANA GRANTHAS ( Commentaries)
1. Sarvaartha Siddhi
2. Tattva Teekha
3. Chatus Slokee Bhashya
4. Stotra Ratna Bashya
5. Gitaartha Sangraha Raksha
6. Taatparya Chandrika
7. Isaavaasyopanishad
8. Vedaartha Sangraha (Luptam-Lost)
9. Rahasya Raksha (aka) Gadhya Thraya Bashya)
10. Adhikarana Darpanam

G: ANUSHTAANA GRANTHAS
1. Bhagavad Aaraadhana Vidhi
2. Yagnopaveetha Prathishta
3. Hari Dina Tilakam
4. Vaishnava Dinasari

H: MISCELLANEOUS GRANTHAS
1. Bhoogola Nirnayam
2. Silpaartha Saaram
3. Stheya Virodham
4. Chakaara Samarthanam
5. Vaadhi Thraya Khandanam
6. Vaisvadeva Kaarika
7. Guru Paramparaa Saaram
8. Dathi Panchakam
9. Yamaka Ratnaakaram
10. Daasa Deepikaa Nigantu
11. Vedaartha Sangraha Vyaakhyaanam
12. Saara Dheepam
13. Tattva Sikhaamani (Luptham-Lost)

I: TAMIL PRABHANDHAMS
1. Amrita Ranjani
2. Adhikaara Sangraham
3. Amritaaswaadhini
4. Para Matha Bhangam
5. Parama Padha Sopaanam
6. Mei Vratha Maanmiyam
7. Adaikkalap Pathu
8. Artha Panchakam
9. Sri Vaishnava Dinasari
10. Tiruchchinna Maalai
11. Panniru Naamam
12. Tiru Mantira Churukku
13. Dvaya Churukku
14. Charama Sloka Churukku
15. Gitaartha Sangraham
16. MumManik Kovai
17. Navaratna (aka Navamani) Maalai
18. Prabhandha Saaram
19. Aahaara Niyamam
20. Pandhu (Luptham-Lost)
21. Kazhal (Luptham-lost)
22. Ammaanai (Luptam-Lost)
23. Oosal (luptham-Lost)
24. Yesal (Luptham-Lost)

We have already published in our SDDS Internet Journal all the 32 Chapters of the Rahasya Traya Saara in detail. But, that was not done in the exact sequence of the original. We propose to re-run the earlier series for the benefit of new members. We hope that the old members who had not collected the earlier series will also find it useful to have the collection made NOW in the proper sequence, for future reference.

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy


4. ACHARYA VAMSA VRIKSHAM- Part2 (Bibliography)

Dear Bhagavatas,

The following authoritative sources have been consulted in preparing this series. They have been indicated by Abbreviations as shown against each.

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy

(1) Acharya Vamsa Vriksha Chart" issued by Desika Darsana Sabha, New Delhi and released by Sri Uttamur Swami Centenary Celebration Committee (AVV)

(2) "Srirangam Srimad Andavan of Poundarikapuram Asramam Tanians" compiled by Kampavayal Vangipuram Sri J. Raghavachariar and released by Sri Paravakkottai Srimad Andavan, Sri Gopal Desika Maha Desikan (PPT)

(3) " Sri Vaishnava Acharya Parampara"- A special manuscript in the handwriting of Sri Paravakkotai Srimad Andavan, Sri Dopala Desika Maha Desikan- containing details from Prathama Acharya to Tirutturaippoondi Ramanuja Maha Desikan of Poundarika puram Asramam. (PPM)

(4) "Veda Malar"- Souvenir issued during the Centenary Celebration of Vennatrankarai Srimad Andavan, Sri Srinivasa Maha Desikan- containing details from Swami Vedanta Desikan to Paravakkottai Swami (VM)

(5) " Aniyarangan Tirumutrathu Adiyargal" published by Sri Visishtadvaita Research Center, Madras, 1993 (ATA)

(6) " Sri Ranganatha Paduka"- March 1993 issue containing details from Srimad Vazhuttur Andavan to Prakritam Srimushnam Swami of Periyasramam (SRP)

(7) " Guide to Srivaishnavas" by Srirangam Siromani M.S.Rajagopalachariar and published by Sri Visishtadvaita Pracharini Sabha, Madras. (MSR)

(8) " Peeps into Mysticism" by D. Ramaswamy Iyengar and published by Sri Visishtadvaita Pracharini Sabha, Madras,1986(DR)

(9) " Golden lives of the East" by Sri V.R.Srinivasa Iyengar published by P. Venkateswara & CO, Madras.(GLE)

(10) " Vaishnava Vinaa Vidai" by Karappankadu Venkatachariar Swami and published by Tamilnadu Deiveega Peravai, Madras18, 1970.(VVV)

(11) "Sri Vaishnavam" by Sri V.N.Gopala Desikan published by Tiruppavai Committee, Kumbakonam,1994 (SVG)

(12) "A dialogue on Hinduism" by Sri V.N.Gopala Desikan published by Sri Visihtadvaita Research Center, Madras,1990 (DH-G)

(13) " Vaishnavism- A Concise study" by Sri M.K.Srinivasan, President, Vedanta Desika Research Center, Madras and published by Hari Vilas Charities, Madras,1995 (MKS)

(14) "Acharya Vaibava Manjari" by Puttur Sri S. Krishnaswami Iyengar, Editor, Sri Vaishnava Sudarsanam, Trichy (AVM)

(15) " Vinodha Rasa Manjari"- monthly (VRM)

(16) " Tenkalai Guru Parampara"- 1880 Edition- (TKP)

(17) " Vadakalai Guru Parampara" - 1880 Edition -(VKP)

(18) " Prapannamritam"- An old Edition (PRA)

(19) " Visishtadvaita Catechism" - An old Edition (VAC)

(20) "Srivaishnavam" published by Anuragam Publishers, Madras (SAN)

(21) Srivaishnavam by R. Ramaswamy Ramanuja Dasar, published. by Alwargal Amuda Nilayam, Madras.1994 (S-AAA)

(22) " Visishtadvaitam"-do- (V-AAA)

(23) " Pirkaala Vaishnavam" by M. Radhakrishna Pillai. Published by Alliance & CO1987(PVA)

(24) Life of Alwars- An old Edition (LOA)

(25) Life of Ramanujaachaarya by Govindacharlu- An old Edition (LOR)

(26) Ramanujacharyas Divya Charitai- An old Edition (RDC)

(27) Palanadai Vilakkam- An old Edition (PLV)

(28) Periya Tirumudi Adaivu- An old Edition (PTA)

(29) Hari Samaya Deepam- An old Edition (HSD)

(30) Divya Suri Charitham- An old Edition (DSC)

(31) Vaarthaa Maalai- An old Edition (VAR)

(32) "Alwargal Kaala Aaraaichi"- by Dr. M.Rajamanickanaar(AKA)


5.SaraNAgathi - Essence of Amirtha Ranchani - part 2
- Sampath Rengarajan

The previous post explained the literal meanings of each line of the pAsurAM "Nin AruLAm" from SDP (*) and its reflection of each angam of prapatti. It is observed with deep sentiments that for many bAgwathALs in Swami desika pArampariyam this pAsuram is considered as the magnum opus of all the pAsurms of SDP (*). AcharyALs after achAryALs starting from Swami dEsikan's (son) thiruk kumArar nayinAchAriar and the first brahma thanthra swami of parakaLa mutt who was also one of the 12 direct disciples of Swami desikan, did anausanthAnam of this pAsuram at periya perumAL sannithi in Srirangam with tears filled in their eyes. The essence of saraNagathi is delivered in this pAsuram and much more. Hence it is our utmost desire to deal this pasuram in great detail and attempt to impart the required and necessary understanding of this pAsruam. All the other citations to saraNAgathi from other literatures will be quoted as the reference to this single pAsuram and this pAsuram will be the central theme of the entire series of the currently presented posts on saraNagathi.

First it is important to know about "Amirtha Ranchani", the prabhandahm that is a very important in SDP. Swami Desikan delivered the 17 rahasya granthAs that deals from "sampradhAya parisuddhi" to "sAra deepam" in maNipravALa (a dialect of tamil and sanskrit). They form the first part of chillarai rahasyangaL. Swami Desikan condensened the essence of the rahasyAs in its begining and end, and through such essence of each of these 17 rahasyAs, 39 pAsurams were presented as a prabhandham known as "Amirtha Ranchani". For the minds of those who do anausanthAnam (chant) of this prabhadhams, this will bring enormous happiness such that it is even greater than the happiness the sweet nectar would bring in for one. "Ranchani" means the one that is most pleasing. Thus it is said that these 39 pAsurams in this prabhandham is most desired and the one that will provide more happiness than the amirtham (nectar) itself.

In this wonderful grantham Swami Desikan explains
1. As to how he has been blessed by his achArYAL and attained the knowledge (aruL through sEvai to acharyALs).

2. He clarifies and delivers the essence of the three rahasyAs namely thirumanthiram, dvyam and charama slOkam in a condensed manner.

3. He explains and differentiates the swaroopam of the three thaththuvams known as chEthana, achEthana and Eswaran.

Having stated the abstract of "Amirtha Ranchani", we will attempt to show as to how this one pAsuram contains in itself all these essences as an inner layer of its own meanings. Once this is explained some detailed discussion will be presented on each anga and athma samarpanam of prapatti yOgam. The word prapatti is often translated as sranagathi or surrender. Prior to bringing out the intensive study of these pasuram an attempt is made to present what "saranagathi" means in physical and philosophical terms. In the following part we will deal with the definition of saranagathi as referred commonly and in other literatures as well.

Swami Desikan thiruvadikalaE saraNam
Sri Boomi dEvi thAyAr sametha Sri oppiliappan thiruvadikaLE
saraNam
SAMPATH RENGARAJAN