Friday, April 15, 2011

Sadabishekam at Thiruppanandal




National Integration has been part and parcel of our culture. The tradition takes care of it by default and that itself is the very beauty of it one can boast of. The celebrated Tamil Saint Sri Kumaraguruparar got the skill to interact in Hindusthani language when he prayed Goddess Saraswathi through his famous Hymns, "Sakalakalavalli Maalai" The Mughul King in Delhi was so impressed with the saint and donated land at Varanasi in Kedar Ghat where Sri Kumaraguruparar established a Mutt and stayed there. He has authored outstanding literary works in Tamil, "Kandar Kali Venba", "Meenakshiammai Pillai Thamizh" ,"NeethiNeri Vilakkam", to name a few. Twentyone succesors have become the chiefs of the Mutt so far. It was during the reign of the sixth chief, the Mutt was built at Thirupanandal, near Kumbakonam in 1720. which is also known as Kasi Mutt. The contribution of the Mutt to Poor feeding and Education is incredible, The 20th Pontiff Sri Arulnandi Thambiran Swamigal has created Endowments to the tune of one Crore Rupees to various activities related to Health Care, Educational Institutions Propagation of Tamil Literature, Publication of Thirukkural and Thirumurais , assistance to Kasi Pilgrims and Sivacharyars, social services such as building bridges, Providing water and food, Sponsoring religious lectures, Thevaram group singing during Temple festivals, Cow Protection, renovation of temples, Lighting Ghee Lamps in Sanctums, Propagation of Saiva Siddhantha and so on.


The present chief of the Mutt , Kasivasi Sri Muthukumara Swami Thambiran Swamigal is also continuing the great task handed over to him by his Guru by initiating several welfare measures for the public. He has visited Mount Kailash apart from visiting hundreds of Temples across the country.The Mutt also brings out a monthly journal, "Sri KumaraGuruparar" in Tamil which carries topics of Literary interest.

Sri "Ejamaan Swamigal" as he is affectionately called, had completed 80 on 6th April and a three day function was organised by the Mutt at Thirupanandal by conducting Sadhabishekam and Kanakabishekam to the Pontiff. Thirumurai concerts and Lectures were also organised in which leading artists and scholars took part. A souvenir was released to mark the occasion.The highlight of the function was the presence of all Mutt Chiefs of Saiva Tradition. His Holiness honoured Oduvars, Sivacharyars, Tamil Scholars, Musicians and dancers and blessed them. Mahanyasa Rudra Homam was performed at Sri Arunajadeswarar Temple which is very close to the Mutt. Palm Tree is the sthala vriksha of the Temple. The main deity is worshipped by Thadaka , Chola King, Kungiliya Kalaya Nayanar and sung by Thirugnana Sambandar in His Thevaram Hymns.A beautiful Lotus Pond lies between the Temple and the Mutt. The Pond inside the Mutt houses a small temple at the centre which can be reached by a well constructed bridge. Mrithyunjaya Homam was performed in connection with the Sathabishekam in which leading Sivacharyars took part. "Vilakku Pooja" ( worship of Lamps) was conducted by women in front of Viswanathar Sannadhi in the presence of Sri Swamigal.

Sri Kasivasi Swamigal is leading our Sabha since its inception in the seventies which gave us an opportunity to participate in the function and receive his blessings. May The Almighty bless him many more years of active life to carry forward his great Mission. The unparallel work created by the Mutt remains as a benchmark for others to follow the noble guidelines set by the Pontiffs.