Search:
Bhakti List Archives

Sri Thirumazhisai Azhwar

From the Bhakti List Archives

Satyan, Nagu (MSMAIL) • January 8, 1997 


From: Satyan, Nagu on Wed, Jan 8, 1997 11:20 AM
Subject: Sri Thirumazhisai Azhwar
To: bhakti digest

I re-read the article posted by Sri Anbil Ramaswamy on our Azhwars and 
Acharyas.  With respect to the incident when the Brahmins stopped 
reciting the Vedas when they saw Thirumazhisai Azhwar approaching, he 
(Sri AR) has indicated that they did so because the Azhwar was a 
fourth caste.  I did not come across an explanation by him that it was 
because the Brahmins were distracted by the intense glow from the 
Chakra Amsam.  

As Mani indicated, the references I have read including LIFCO Divya 
Prabhandham publication etc, clearly indicate that the Brahmins 
stopped reciting Vedas because of Azhwar's varnashrama.

However, on a different ocassion, when the Azhwar intended to attend a 
big celebration planned, there were a few rumblings because of his 
varnashrama.  When Azhwar prayed to Sriman Narayana to show to them 
that HE was residing in Azhwar's heart,  the Lord at that time heard 
his Bhaktha and appeared in the Azhwar's chest along with Conch and 
Chakram.  At this time, the Sudharshanam Chakram did come to his help. 
 I believe that this is the reason Swami Desikan referred to this 
Azhwar as "Mazhisai Vandha Jyothi."

Re Mani's comments that the Brahmins did apachaaram, I agree with him 
and  it is obvious  based on  the subsequent events that happened in 
Azhwar's life when the Brahmins themselves begged for his forgiveness. 
 My hope is to focus on the positive aspects (and the positive 
outcomes of these incidents)  of the great Azhwar's life.  

Nagu Satyan