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A Tribute to Sri. U.Ve. Kannan Swamigal

From the Bhakti List Archives

Nadadur • March 29, 1999 


Dear Bhagavathas:

Sri U. Ve. Puducheri, Thattai Kannan Iyyangar has attained SRI VAIKUNDAM.
He has joined the select band of Nithyasuris in performing ever-permanent
kainkaryam to Sriman Narayana and Goddess Mahalakshmi at Sri Vaikundam. He
is survived by his mother, wife, a son, three daughters and seven grand
children.

Following are the excerpts from the tribute that was paid to him at the time
of offering his physical remains to Agni, a ceremony that was fulfilled at
MD today (March 29, 1999):

Born in 1930 in a large family of three brothers and six sisters Sri Kannan
Iyyangar eventually married Srimathi Sulochana in 1954.  Their forty-four
years of happily married life transformed into a wondrous family.  After
serving as a CPA Sri Kannan Iyyangar retired from the government of India.
During the course of his professional career he managed simultaneously to
pursue his religious values.  His dedication was reflected by the fact that
he attended several discourses and kalakshebham under the most authentic
religious leaders of Sri Vaishnavism.  Having acquired this invaluable
knowledge through Sathacharyas, Sri Kannan Iyyangar earned the title Upaya
Vedanthin, meaning a Vedic scholar both in Tamil and Sanskrit languages.

After retirement when he had the choice of staying in India or joining his
son in the U.S., he chose to migrate to the U.S., a great honor for both
Kesavan and Mythili.  Kesavan had the rare distinction of being Sri Kannan
Swamigal's son as well as his disciple.  Sri Kannan Swamigal has transferred
his knowledge to his son Kesavan and his grand son Chiranjevi Bhadri
Narayanan.  Since 1990 he dedicated all his time and efforts to serving the
cause of Sri Vaishnavism in the U.S.  He inspired many of us here through
his great achievements, which include:

1.  Co founder and the President of Sri Ramanuja Mission Inc. of Srirangam
Srimad Andavan Asramam.  He provided invaluable guidance in the production
of audiotapes and CDs on the works of Sri Alavandar, Sri Ramanujar and Sri
Vedantha Mahadesika.

2.  Served as a Priest in several temples – Sri Ranganatha Temple in NY,
Murugan Temple in MD, and the Hindu Center in Richmond.

3.  He participated in the activities of organizations such as Sri Ahobila
Muth Inc, NAMA, the Association of Sri Vaishnavas, Sri Desika Dharasana
Sabha (SDDS), and several others.

4.  Contributed several articles and presented discourses and thus served
the community and God.

The ultimate goal of any Sri Vaishnava is to aspire for and attain Moksha.
Sri Kannan Iyyangar had his Bharanyasam, an act of self-surrender, performed
to him by HH Srirangam Srimad Thirukudandai Andavan.  It is more than a
coincidence that Sri Kannan Iyyangar passed away on March 28, 1999, the day
after the Thiru-Nakshathiram of HH Srirangam Srimad Thirukudandai Andavan.

Sri Kannan IyyangarÂ’s simple life and great achievements will continue to
inspire all of us in the years to come.  He was fully content and satisfied
when he left us. We should carry forward the mission he left behind.  This
is the most sincere tribute we can do to honor and cherish the memory of
such a great man.

PS:  Sri Kesavan and family will be in India for the next four weeks to
fulfill their obligations of completing Sri Kannan SwamigalÂ’s karyam.
Tributes and/or personal communication in this regard may be sent to his
son: Sri Kesavan at: kannank@ibm.us.com Their postal address is given below:

14433 SETTLERS LANDING WAY
NORTH POTOMAC, MD 20878-4304

Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanamasthu

For Sri Ramanuja Mission, Inc.
of Srirangam Srimad Andavan Periyashramam

Nadadur Mathava Dasan