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Thirunakshatram of His Holiness Srimad Azhagiya Singar

From the Bhakti List Archives

Bharadwaj, Jaganath • December 8, 1997 


Dear Friends of the Bhakti Group,

On the most auspicious occasion of the Thirunakshatram of His Holiness
Srimate Srivan Satakop Sri Narayana Yateendra Mahadesikan, Jeer of Sri
Ahobila Mutt, I wish to submit a translation of the editorial from the
Saptati Malar issued on the occasion of His 70th  anniversary last year.

I learnt to read Tamil very recently with the inspiration of Swami
Desikan and the blessings of Lakshmi Hayagreevar.  In the course of this
translation, I realized the enormous cultural gap that would have to be
bridged between even a person brought up in a Vaidika upbringing and a
person of urban Indian upbringing like me - not to speak of bringing our
Sampradayam to kids brought up in this country.  No effort has been made
to use politically correct language here, and the translation is pretty
amateurish, but hopefully the essence is brought out.

adiyen
Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Vedanta Desika Yateendra Maha Desikaya
Namah:
Srimate Sri Lakshmi Nrsimha Divya Paduka Sevaka Srivan Satakopa Sri
Narayana Yateendra Mahadesikaya Namah:

Jaganath.


>It is a well-known fact, that fate determines if a couple will be
>happily married and that they will have good children.
>
>It is the same case in obtaining a Guru.  The greatest favor that God
>has bestowed upon us, is the bequest of an unsurpassable line of
>Acharyas.
>
>The present 45th Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt Sri Lakshmi Nrsimha Divya
>Paduka Sevaka Srivan Satakopa Sri Narayana Yateendra Mahadesikan is
>currently heading such a glorious and ancient line of illustrious
>Acharyas.
>
>This Acharya's 70th anniversary (birth) was celebrated on November 21,
>1996.  This corresponds to the Tamil Year thadu, in the star
>Uththiratadi which fell on the 6th day of the month of Karthikkai.
>
>The new Ahobila Mutt complex built in Tirupati Tirumala at a cost of
>twenty million rupees was inaugurated coincidentally.  On this
>auspicious occasion a special magazine detailing the auspicious
>qualities of the current Azhagiya Singar, by eminent Bhagavatas (devout
>scholars) was released.
>
>Our Srimad Azhagiya Singar (the present Jeer) had achieved exceptional
>levels of proficiency in knowledge of scriptures, the practice of the
>rules and regulations, as well as character, even as a householder
>(prior to becoming a Sannyasi).  He is known for His brilliant verbal
>and written skills.
>He is gifted with a great family background, good conduct, intelligence
>and equanimity.
>
>The reign of the present Azhagiya Singar can be described as a golden
>one without exaggeration.  People have been making donations in gold,
>jewelry and cash on a daily basis.  The whole world is a witness to the
>fact that Srimad Azhagiya Singar makes use of such donations exclusively
>for Bhagavath kainkaryam.  This is possible purely because of His total
>detachment from worldly pleasures.
>
>There are many who engage in the service of Malolan, exclusively because
>of their total faith in Srimad Azhagiya Singar.  Because of this, the
>Mutt and its disciples are able to serve Malolan in various ways better
>than ever.  He has accomplished the near impossible in the last five
>years.  We can understand Srimad Azhagiya Singar's greatness even as a
>youth when we reflect on the fond memories of His peers in His school
>days.
>
>The present Srimad Azhagiya Singar's  record of service in His five year
>tenure speak for themselves.  A reflection of Srimad Azhagiya Singar's
>student day activities, as narrated by His peers, is a source of joy.
>
>Srimad Azhagiya Singar's writings in Sri Nrsimha Priya are a source of
>inspiration to one and all.  His precise and lucid style of writing with
>apt quotations from the classics of our Purvacharyas, will be a guiding
>torch for successive generations.
>
>The present Srimad Azhagiya Singar has made it His life's mission to
>ensure that the Sri Sannidhi reaches out to the masses, for their
>upliftment.  By raising millions of rupees, Srimad Azhagiya Singar has
>given a chance to many a Bhagavata to do various kinds of service
>(kainkaryam) to Sriman Narayana.
>
>It is common to hear people talk with near disbelief, about how well
>Srimad Azhagiya Singar explain complex and esoteric concepts in a way
>that can be comprehended by people at all levels of intelligence.  Our
>hearts melt will gratitude to Sriman Narayana, when we realize how great
>an Acharya He has bestowed upon us.
>
>His frequent quotes from His Acharya, Injemedu Srimad Azhagiya Singar,
>and glowing praises about the latter's discourses, give us a glimpse of
>Srimad Azhagiya Singar's bhakti towards His Acharya.  Moreover Srimad
>Azhagiya Singar credits His elder brother for His current achievements.
>His devotion towards His elder brother is also visible from these
>remarks.
>
>Srimad Azhagiya Singar displays extreme fondness and affection towards
>those who have surrendered at the feet of Malola Lakshmi Nrsimha.  He
>does not display unpleasantness of any kind in his dealings with
>disciples and subordinates.   He deals patiently with those who have
>sought to do Prappati at the feet of Perumal, by giving them numerous
>examples both from Shastras and everyday life.  He makes these devotees
>understand the esoteric concepts behind the  principles of surrender and
>their relevance to everyday life.
>
>This Acharya's emphasis on the rigid rules that have to be observed at
>the Sri Sannidhi, is a continuation of the tradition from our
>Purvacharyas.  He did not relax these rules even during the course of
>rigorous travel in the past few years.
>
>This Acharya gives serious consideration to suggestions given by anyone
>including people with less experience or learning..  He would implement
>these suggestions if it appeared that they would  serve the interests of
>the Mutt better His own original proposals.  In order to spread the Glory
>of Malola to all corners, He would implement suggestions received from any
>quarter.
>
>As a result of an appeal placed in Sri Nrsimha Priya, sixteen lakhs of
>rupees was collected for the occasion of the Saptati Mahotsavam of our
>Acharya and for the continued kainkaryam of Malola Lakshmi Nrsimha.
>Acharya was very pleased to hear this and said that we do not lack anything
>when we have supporters like this.  He also promised Malolan's blessings to
>all the readers of Sri Nrsimha Priya.
>
>On this auspicious occasion, we submit this Malar with all its articles at
>the feet His Holiness, Srimad Azhagiya Singar.
>
>Srimad Paravakottai Andavan of Poundarikapuram Andavan Ashramam has sent a
>Srimukham containing his blessings and Mangalasasanam.
>
>Let us pray for the continued good health and long life of the present
>Azhagiya Singar so that He may continuje Malolan's kainkaryam and bless us
>for many years to come.
>
>
>Sd/-
>
>SVS Raghavan. 
>
>
>