Chitra-Desikeeyam

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An adaptation of the original work by Sri Lakshminarasimhan Sridhar www.svdd.com presents“Chithra Desikeeyam”A Pictorial Biography of Swami Desikan

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Sri: Sriman Venkatanatharya: Kavithaarkika-Kesaree ! Vedanthacharya-Varyo Me Sannidhaththaam Sadha Hrudhi: !!

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This presentation is a pictorial story of the life of the great Acharya Swami Desika. “Desika” is a Sanskrit word which means “Acharya” or tutor. Though there are numerous acharyas in the Srivaishnava Sampradaya, only Swami Desika is addressed as “Desika”. This is like referring Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam as Nam Perumal (in English “the Perumal”) and addressing Swami Satakopa as Nam Azhwar (“the Azhwar”). Sri Desika's original name was Venkatanathan. He was born in 1268 on a Sravanam day, which is the birth star of Lord Srinivasa of Thirumala. So his parents named him Venkatanatha. 3

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Bhagavath Ramanuja appointed 74 Simhasanadhipathis to propagate Srivaishnava & Visishtaadvaitha philosophy. Among the 74 Simhasanadhipathis was Anantha Somayaji of Viswamithra Gothram who lived in the Perumal Koil (Sri Kancheepuram). He had a son named Pundareeka Yajvaa whose son was Ananthasoori. There was a great scholar named Appullaar (belonging to the lineage of Athreya Ramanuja Kidambi Aachaan). He had a sister named Thothaarammaal. One fine day, Pundareeka Yajvaa approached Appullaar and proposed the marriage of his son, Ananthasoori, to Appullaar’s sister, Thothaarammaal. 4

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That same night, Lord Devaraja appeared in the dream of Appullaar and seconded the proposal saying that by this alliance will be born one who would be the prime torch-bearer of Bhagavath Ramanuja’s teachings. Then the marriage of Ananthasoori and Thothaarammaal was celebrated with great joy and they lived a happy and devout couple. Ananthasoori and Thothaarammaal were childless for a long time. One day Lord Srinivasa of the Seven Hills (Sapthagiri or Thirumala) arrived in the dream of Ananthasoori and ordered them to go on a pilgrimage to Thirumala. 5

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Divine Dream and Command 6

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Sri Kanchi Thirumala 7

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Those days there were no buses or trains to travel. So Sri Ananthasoori and his wife, Thothaarammaal walked from Kancheepuram to Thirumala. 8

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Swami’s parents on the way to Thiruvenkatam 9

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Reaching Thiruvenkatam 10

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They climbed the Hills and had the darshan of the beautiful Lord. That night they were resting in a Mantapam near the temple. The Lord appeared in their dreams in the garb of a Srivaishnava youth and handed over a small golden bell which Thothaarammaal swallowed. Next morning, they woke up and narrated their dreams to each other and were astonished to find how both had the same dream. 11

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The Divine Dream 12

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The next morning when the Bhattaacharyas opened the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, they found the Thiru Aaradhana bell missing. An investigation was ordered into the loss of the bell. The Lord appeared by Aavesa (spiritual trance) through Thirumalai Nambi and told that He (the Lord) had himself presented the bell to the Ananthasoori couple and henceforth, the small hand-bell need not be used during Thiru Aaradhana in the temple. That is why, even today there is no bell used for Thiru Aaradhana in the Perumal Sannidhi. Only the huge bell suspended in the front hall is used. 13

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Commotion in Temple and Aavesa (spiritual trance) 14

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Following this incident, the Ghanta (bell) of the Lord was born as Ghantaavathaara Azhwar. The avathaara of Venkatanatha was in the Kali Yuga year 4370 (1268) - Vibhava year, Purattasi month, on the Dasami day of Sukla Paksha, a Wednesday, in the constellation of Sravana Nakshatram (the same as that of the Lord of Thirumala). He was born in Thooppul, near Thiru-Thankaa adjacent to the temple of Lord Deepa Prakasa in Kancheepuram. 15

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Birth of Swami Desika 16

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Gopuram of the Deepa Prakasa Temple, Thiru-Thankaa or Thooppul 17

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Maragathavalli, Sri Devi, Bhu Devi Sametha Deepa Prakasa or Vilakkoli Perumal of Thooppul 18

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Swami Desika’s Avathaara Sthalam (birth place) as seen now 19

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A Mani Mantapam which was constructed recently at Swami’s Avathaara Sthalam 20

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After Abdhapoorthi (the first birthday), the child was taken to Lord Vararadaraja’s temple at the Hasthigiri, by Appullaar. The child Venkatanatha had his Chowlam (tuft-launching ceremony) in his third year and Aksharaabhyaasam (initiation into learning) in the fifth. The Lord blessed the child to become the "beacon of light" of Srivaishnava Darsanam 21

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Swami Desika being taken to the Temple by his parents 22

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Kidambi Appullaar, Venkatanatha’s maternal uncle, one day, took him to the “Kalakshepam” (religious lecture) of Guru Nadaathur Ammaal. On seeing Vekatanatha’s “Divya Thejas” (brilliance), Nadaathur Ammaal stopped the Kalakshepam and asked the boy to come on stage. Recognising an “Avathara Purusha” (divine incarnation) in the boy and overcome with emotion, he hugged the boy to show his affection. Thereafter, while trying to resume the Kalakshepam and not remembering where he had paused previously, he asked his “Sishyaas” (disciples) where he had left the lectures. 23

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Much to the astonishment of the assembled audience, young Venkatanatha recalled the exact point where the Kalakshepam was stopped. Astounded by the boy’s memory power, he blessed the boy with a sloka. "Prathishtapita Vedanthah Prathi-Kshipta Bahir Mathaa Bhooyaah Thrividyaa Maanyas Thvam Bhoori Kalyaana Bhaajanam!" 24

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Meaning: “You shall establish Vedanta on a firm footing, demolishing the misrepresentation by individuals from other faiths". Even today, one can see the painting of AmmaaL blessing the boy, on the ceiling in front of the “Kachi Vaithaan Mantapam” in the temple of Lord Varadaraja. Nadaathur Ammaal wanted to take the boy under his tutelage, but taking into consideration his own old age, he decided otherwise. He blessed him to become the leading philosopher to preach and propagate the glory of Sri Vaishnava Siddhanta in future. He asked Appullaar to initiate the boy in all the Sastras and other esoteric doctrines. 25

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Venkatanatha – tutelage under his uncle Appullaar 26

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His parents performed the routine Brahminical rites of passage viz., his “Chowlam”, “Upanayanam” (the sacred thread ceremony) etc. Kidambi Appullaar took Venkatanaatha under his care and coached him in the fine arts of “Kavya” (poetry), “Naataka” (drama), “Sastra” etc. He was surprised at the brilliance of the boy and his instantaneous grasping and the ease with which he uptook whatever taught to him. The elders were left wondering whether Sri Desika was the combined reincarnation of previous Acharyas like Ramanuja, Nathamuni and Alavandar. At the age of 20, Sri Desika had mastered all the Sastras and become a scholar. 27

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At the age of 21, Sri Desika was married to a beautiful girl called Thirumangai or Kanakavalli. Sri Appullaar taught Desika the sacred Garuda Manthra. Sri Desika then started his family life as ordained in the Sastras. 28

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Desika’s Marriage 29

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He was strictly performing all the duties required by a Srivaishnava and living on “Uncha Vruththi”. i.e. the daily supply of rice and vegetables will be given by his disciples. A Brahmana is supposed to do Veda Adhyayana and pursue teaching. The needs of the Brahmanas would be taken care of by their students who are under his tutelage. They are not supposed to go to work for “salary/money” as is the wont these days. 30

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Desika undertaking Uncha Vruththi. 31

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Lord Devanatha (Moolavar) of Thiruvaheendra Puram Hemabhjavalli Sametha Devanathan Swami Desika’s dear uncle Appullaar passed away a little later. Sri Desika then left Kancheepuram and went to Thiruvaheendra Puram. 32

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After reaching Thiruvaheendra Puram, Swami Desika wanted to chant the Garuda Manthra taught to him by his Guru Appullaar. Desika climbed the small hill named Oushadha Giri in Thiruvaheendra Puram and began reciting the manthra while meditating on the Lord. For many days, without food or sleep, he chanted the Garuda Manthra to receive the blessings of Garuda. It is said in the scriptures that Garuda is Veda Swaroopi. 33

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Desika praying to Garuda Azhwan 34

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Garuda was pleased with the devotion of Swami Desika and appeared before him. He blessed Desika with Sri Hayagriva Manthra and instructed him to meditate on the Lord while chanting the Hayagriva Manthra continuously in order to receive the blessings of Sri Hayagriva. 35

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Sri Garuda giving darshan to Desika 36

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Hayagriva Manthra upadesam 37

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Desika reciting Hayagriva Manthra 38

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Then Lord Hayagriva appeared before Desika and blessed him with the nectar flowing from His own mouth. Lord Hayagriva took a seat on Swami Desika's tongue tip as prayed for by him. Lord Hayagriva also gave an idol of Himself for Swami Desika's daily worship. This idol or Vigraham is still preserved in Lord Devanatha’s temple in Thiruvaheendra Puram. Swami Desika then composed the famous Sri Hayagriva Sthothra, Devanayaka Panchasath in Sanskrit and Achyutha Sathakam in Praakruth language (colloquial Sanskrit) and Mummani-Kovai and Nava Mani Maalai in Tamil. 39

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(Left) Hayagriva Saakshaathkaaram; (Right) Swami holding the Hayagriva Vigraham presented by the Lord Himself 40

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Lord Sri Hayagriva Lord Sri Lakshmi-Hayagriva 41

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Those reciting Sri Hayagriva Sthothra will be blessed with great memory and excel in academic pursuits Jnaanaanandhamayam Devam Nirmala Sphatikakruthim Aadharam Sarva-Vidhyanaam Hayagrivam Upaasmahe! One more Hayagriva Sthothra Slokam: Visuddha Vigyaana Ghana-Svaroopam Vigyaana Visraanana Bhaddha-Dheeksham Dayaanidhim Deha-bhruthaam Saranyam Devam Hayagrivam Aham Prapadhye! 42

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Sri Desika praying to Lord Devanatha Place: Thiruvaheendra Puram 43

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Moolavar – Lord Devanatha Devanayaka-Panchasath-Sthuthi-Sampanna Sathyavaache Namaha! Meaning: Salutations to the Acharya , who became a Sathyavaadhi by creating the Devanayaka Panchasath sthothra. !!! 44

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Raja Alankaram of Lord Devanatha and His Consort Hemambhjavalli Nayaki Hemambhjavalli Nayaki Thiruvaheendrapuram 45

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Devanatha. 46

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A Mason’s Challenge to Swami Once a mason challenged Swami Desika to construct a well with the bricks supplied by him. Swami Desika accepted the challenge. 47

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The Swami builds a Well The mason gave broken and irregular-shaped bricks to Swami Desika. Despite this Swami arranged them nicely and finished the construction of the well successfully. This well exists even today in Thiruvaheendra Puram. 48

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Swami Desika doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Varadaraja in Kanchipuram 49

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Even today Acharyas perform es Mangalaasaasnam to Lord Devaraja. During Swami Desika’s Thirunakshathram celebration every year, he gets the rare honthe of getting close to the Lord to perform Mangalaasaasanam. 50

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Varadaraja 51

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Birth of Sudharsanaashtakam Once upon a time, an epidemic named Vaisuri struck the inhabitants of Thirup Putkuzhi, near Kancheepuram. A lot of people suffered as a result and the Swami, who is a Karunaamoorthy, immediately composed Sudharsanaashtakam and people were relieved of their miseries. 52

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Birth of Sudharsanaashtakam at Thirup Putkuzhi 53

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“Sudharshanaashtakam” Jaya Jaya Sri Sudharsana Jaya Jaya Sri Sudharsana 54

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According to another school of thought, Swami Desika composed Sudharsanaashtakam when he was challenged by a magician. One magician confronted swami and then drank water from a pond. With his magical powers, he made swami’s stomach bulge as he (the magician) drank water from the pond. Swami was feeling extreme pain and understood the reason quickly. At this point, Swami Desika just scratched a pillar near by with his fingernails and water flowed out of the pillar. The magician was astonished with the super magic of the Swami and begged his pardon. It is told that Swami Desika composed the Sudharshanashtakam at this instance. 55

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Swami Desika scratches the pillar and water flows Dhushta Sanyasi drinks water from the pond 56

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Swami’s Vairagya (Asceticism) Some of the local people in Kancheepuram felt bad that a great master like Sri Desika is doing Uncha Vruththi i.e. begging for grains. They thought of mixing gold coins along with rice and offering it to him since Desika won’t accept money or gold if given separately. the Swami did not notice this trick and came home and gave the rice to his wife for making prasadham. She was also a simple woman and had never seen gold coins. She called Swami and asked him what the glittering things are. Swami Desika was surprised at this and told her that they are worms and separated them by a dharbha grass, as he did not even want to touch the gold coins. Such was the Vairaagya of Swami Desika! 57

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Gold coins in Uncha Vruththi offerings 58

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Birth of Vairagya Panchakam One of Swami Desika's friend (Vidyaranya) during their school days became the minister of Vijayanagara kingdom. He heard about the poverty of Sri Desika and wanted to help him. So he sent a message asking Swami Desika to come to the kingdom and receive gifts from the king. Swami Desika refused this request and in return sent him a poem called Vairagya Panchakam. 59

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Vidyaranya sending message to Swami Desika Place: Vijayanagara Empire 60

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Naasthi Pithraarjitham Kinchith Na Mayaa Kinchithaarjitham Asthi Me Hasthi-Sailagre Vasthu Paithaamaham Dhanam! Vairagya Panchakam Meaning: I have neither any accumulated wealth left behind by my father nor any wealth assembled from my own efforts. I have however one of the greatest of wealth in the world, that has been left behind by my grand seer (Brahma Deva), who gained it through the performance of the Aswamedha Yaaga at the Elephant Hill (Hasthi Giri at Kancheepuram). (When I have this imperishable  wealth, where is the need for  other kinds of wealth for me?) Place Kanchipuram 61

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Swami renders justice Swami was requested to preside over as the moderator in a debate between the Advaitha Vidhwan, Vidyaranya and Dvaita Vidwan, Akshobhya. Although Vidyaranya was his boyhood friend, after hearing the arguments of both the vidwans, Swami gave a ruling impartially that Akshobhya’s views were in accordance with Pramanaas and settled the dispute. 62

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Debate between Vidyaranya and Akshobhya 63

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Swami Desika gives judgement 64

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Blessing a poet 65

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Swami at Thirupathi Swami Desika then went to Thirupathi and here he composed the beautiful sthothra called Daya Sathakam. 66

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Swami Doing Nithya Anushtanam in Sri Vari Swami Pushkarini at Thiruvenkatam or Thirumala Place: Thirupathi 67

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The other names of Lord Srinivasar are: Thiruvenkatamudaiyaan, Balaji, Thimmappa, Venkatesa, Thirumalesa, Sheshachala Vaasa. Place: Thirumala Swami Desika doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Srinivasa 68

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Imaginary view of Swami Desika and Lord Srinivasa Place: Thirumala 69

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Once a band of Mayaa Vaadhis landed in Srirangam for a debate condemning Ramanuja Darsanam. Periyvaachaan Pillai, Pillai Lokaachaarya and others approached the Grand old master Sudharsana Bhattar for advice. Sudharsana Bhattar said that it was only Swami Desika who could save the situation and sent a letter to Kanchi inviting Thooppul Pillai, Swami Desika, to face the opponents. Challenge to the Ramanuja Darsanam 70

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Mayaa Vaadhis challenge in a debate condemning Ramanuja Darsanam Place: Srirangam 71

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People requesting the Acharya to accept the challenge at Srirangam Place: Kanchipuram 72

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Swami immediately set forth to Srirangam but on the way he halted at Sri Perumputhur and prayed to Yathiraja (Sri Ramanuja) and composed the famous Yathiraja Sapthathi. 73

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Swami Doing Mangalaasaasanam to Udaiyavar at Sri Perumputhur en route to Srirangam Lord Ramanuja’s ‘Thaan Ugandha Thirumeni 74

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Swami near Srirangam Ranga Ranga Ranga Ranga Ranga Ranga Ranga 75

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Lord Ranganatha 76

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Swami wins the debate Place: Srirangam 77

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Swami getting Theertha Prasadam at Sri Ranganatha Sannidhi 78

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Swami Desika at Ranganayaki Thayar Sannidhi 79

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Swami defeats Sculptor Once a sculptor offered to provide a base and asked the Swami to make an image of himself. Desika made an image of himself but when the sculptor tried to fix it on the base, he could not do so. He tried to chisel out a portion of the body of the image. Blood flowed from the corresponding part of the body of Desika. The sculptor admitted that the fault was in the base made by him. Desika fixed it up in the base exactly as it should be, like a professional sculptor. Later, this image was installed by Desika’s son Kumara Varadacharya at Thiruvaheendra Puram. Those visiting Thiruvaheendra Puram and offering prayers to the idol, can never take their eyes off this marvelous Vigraham. 80

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A sculptor’s challenge 81

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Sculptor loses the challenge 82

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Swami Doing Mangalaasaasanam to Udaiyavar at Srirangam Sri Ramanuja’s ‘Thaanaana Thirumeni’ at Srirangam 83

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Swami Desika went on a pilgrimage to the South and visited many Divyadesams in Kerala and Madurai and while he was at Srivilliputhur he composed the famous Godha Sthuthi. Swami had special devotion towards Andal and this sthothra glorifies Andal. She has commanded that this sthothra should be recited during Her Utsavam along with Divya Prabandhams. Swami at Srivilliputhur: 84

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Naimisaranyam Swami then toured Northern India and visited various divya kshetrams 85

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Thiru Aayarpadi 86

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Devaprayag 87

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasnam at Badhrikaasramam 88

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam at Saligramam in Nepal 89

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasnam at Dwaraka 90

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Once, a snake-charmer challenged Sri Desika to control his poisonous snakes. Swami drew a chalk line on the ground and recited some manthra. None of the snakes could cross over the line drawn by swami except one ferocious snake which crossed over to harm swami. the Swami then recited the Garuda Manthra and instantly Garuda came and took away all the snakes. The snake-charmer begged Swami Desika to give back his snakes since it was his only livelihood. Swami again prayed to Garuda who returned the snakes. Snake-charmer tamed by the Swami 91

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Snake-charmer taught a lesson 92

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Swami praying to Vynatheya 93

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Once, when the Swami was visiting a Kshetram, he rested in the thinnai of a house for the night. Since he could not get anything as offering to the Lord, he just took some water to the Lord with a heavy heart and went to bed on an empty stomach. Suddenly, he was awakened by the landlord who reported that a white horse was eating the grain in his stores. Swami understood that it was the Leela of Sri Hayagriva and comforted the house owner. He asked the landlord to bring some milk and offered it to his upaasana moorthy. Thereupon, the horse disappeared. Next morning, when the landlord went to the shop he saw that all the sacks there were fully laden with gold. He offered the gold to Swami, but true to his self Swami refused. Lord Hayagriva's Leelai 94

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Horse eating grains 95

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Swami offering milk to the horse and praying to Lord Hayagriva 96

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Swami praying to Lord Hayagriva 97

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Once Swami Desika was performing the annual rites to his late parents and nobody came for eating on the occasion of the observance, but Swami did not lose heart. He put the plantain leaf and served all the items and prayed to the Lord and his prayers were answered. Lord Devaraja, Lord Hayagriva & Lord Srinivasa came in person and partook the offering on the occasion, to the astonishment of everyone there. Lords descend and take the food offered by Swami 98

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Annual ceremony at Swami’s house 99

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Once some wicked people of the town wanted to insult Swami. They hanged thoranam of slippers in front of his house, Swami just came out holding the Lord’s Padhuka on head and told that he was happy to have the Lord’s Padhuka above his head. And the opponents were ashamed of their act 100

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Swami carrying Padhukas 101

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Once a young boy wanted some money for his marriage and approached some wealthy persons in Kancheepuram , who were as it were jealous of Sri Desikan’ fame and Vairagyam and wanted to humiliate him. Just to embarrass the Swami they told the boy that Desikan was wealthy and was the right person to approach for such help. The boy did not know of the mal-intent and went to Swami Desika for financial help. The Acharya did not have any money but he took the boy to the Thayar Sannidhi and recited the Sri Sthuthi. What a wonder ! It started raining gold coins. Swami Desika thanked Thayar for her mercy and asked the boy to take as much as he could as he did not want any for himself. The people who attempted this prank were shocked and dismayed at this incident and came running to seek the pardon of Swami Desika. Birth of Sri Sthuthi 102

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Swami Desika at Perundevi Thayar Sannidhi 103

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Swami reciting Sri Sthuthi even as it rains gold coins. 104

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Towards the end of the 13th century and beginning of 14th century, the city of Srirangam was invaded by Malik Kafur, the General of Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi. People were forced to flee Srirangam. One of those who could not escape was Sudharsana Bhattar, author of the famous commentary on Sri Ramanuja’s famous Sri Bhaashyam, known as Shrutha Prakaasika. He however, wisely left this book as well as two young children in the safe custody of Swami Desika. Swami, taking it as God’s will, left Srirangam for a safe place. He travelled along the cthese of river Cauvery and reached Sathyaakaalam, where he lived for several years. Swami’s Travel to Sathyaakaalam 105

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Place en route to Sathyaakaalam Swami’s Travel to Sathyaakaalam 106

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Swami’s Kalapshepam at Sathyaakaalam. Brahmathanthra Parakala Jeer is participating. 107

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Brahmathanthra Parakala Jeer – Founder and First Jeer of Parakala Math. 108

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Presiding Deities of Sathyaakaalam – Lord Kote Varadharaja & Goddess Perundevi Thayar 109

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At Sathyaakaalam there is a rare vigraham. The feature of this Swami Desika’s idol is that He is in a standing posture (Ninra Thirukkolam). Generally, we find him in all the temples in a sitting posture. It is said that Swami is standing and anxiously looking towards Srirangam to see if peace has returned after the chaos (his standing posture gives an impression that he was literally on his toes, ready to head back to Srirangam). 110

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Idol of Swami Desika in a rare Standing Posture at Sathyaakaalam 111

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While in Sathyaakaalam, Swami Desikan had selected a particular spot on the riverbed for his daily anushtaanam and meditation under a peepul tree (Aswatha Vruksham). This spot has been revered by generations of people who acknowledge the tree as Swami Desika’s “special seat” where he authored many literary compositions. The entire setting with the peepul tree is known as Jnaanaswatha. This spot was in a bad shape until recently, before it underwent renovation and was spruced up to make it fit for the visiting Holinesses and others to observe their “Anushtaanam”. Jnaanaswatha 112

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Swami Desika once had a dream in which a pious person requests that Swami allowed the person to do some form of service (kainkaryam) to him. Swami did not read too much into this dream. The very next day when Swami was returning from the river after his “Anushtaanam”, a tortoise followed him all through and raced fiercely. This happening also did not bother him in anyway. However, that night in his dream, Swami Desika had a vision of God telling him to do “Anugraham”. The next morning when he returned to his special seat (aasanam) under the Jnaanaaswatha, he found a stone peetam in the form of a tortoise (Koorma). Swami started using it during his “Anushtaanam”. The unique Sri Koormasanam (naturally formed in granite) on which the Swami performed his “Nithya Anushtaanam” on the Banks of Cauvery has been preserved in his Sannidhi. Koormaasanam 113

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Swami seated in Koormaasanam 114

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Picture of the Koormasanam in Sathyaakaalam 115

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Artistic view of Swami Desika seated in Koormaasanam under Jnnaaswatha on the banks of River Cauvery in Sathyaakaalam 116

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Picture of the Koormaasanam and Swami Desika’s Idol at Sathyaakaalam 117

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Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to Lord Thirunarayana at Melkote Swami at Melkote 118

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Swami at Melkote 119

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Swami Doing Mangalaasaasanam to Udaiyavar at Melkote Bhagavath Ramanuja's ‘Tamarugandha Thirumeni’ at Thirunarayanapuram (Melkote) Swami at Melkote 120

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Imaginary view of Swami doing Mangalaasaasanam to Udaiyavar at Melkote Swami at Melkote 121

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Present day Idols of Lord Ramanuja at Melkote. 122

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Once peace returned, Swami returned to Srirangam. When some of the orthodox people objected to the recital of Divya Prabandham in the temple on the grounds that they included the works of Non-Brahmin Azhwars, written in ‘Dravida Baasha’ and Thiruvoimozhi in particular dealt with Kaama that according to them, was taboo (forbidden). Swami argued with them and convinced them that the holy collects were equal to the Vedas since they contained all that was in the Vedas, that since they were in praise of the Lord, the language did not matter and that the Kaama spoken of was nothing but absolute devotion to the Lord. Thus he re-instituted the practice of “Adhyayana Uthsavam” - the ceremonial hontheing of the Azhwars. 123

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Some vidwans challenged Swami Desika to compose 1,000 hymns in praise of Lord Ranganatha in one day. Swami accepted the challenge and he prayed to Ranganatha to bless him. The Lord commanded that Sri Desika should compose the sthothram on the Divine Sandals (padhukas). Swami was busy with various activities during the day like teaching. He also slept until the wee hthes after midnight. Then he started writing down the stotras and in less than 3 hthes he composed the 1,008 slokas on the padhukas. Even a fast recital of the entire Padhuka Sahasram would take us about 5 hthes, while Swami Desika composed them in such a short time. No wonder then that he is hailed as “KaviTharkika Simham” which means ‘lion among the poets’. Title conferred on Swami by Periya Perumal and Periya Piraatti It was at this time that Periya Perumal conferred the title of "Vedanta Desikan" and Periya Piraatti conferred the title of "Sarva Thanthra Swathanthra" on Swami Desikan. Birth of Padhuka Sahasram 124

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Composition of Sri Padhuka Sahasram 125

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the Swami becomes a Nithyasoori (an eternally liberated soul that sets off to serve the Lord at Sri Vaikunta) Swami Desika lived 100 years and he felt the time had come for him to go the spiritual abode of Narayana. He went to SrI Ranganatha and took his permission. His disciples and his son felt the pain of his separation and cried. Swami Desika consoled them and instructed them to continue their divine works and follow Sri Ramanuja darsanam. 126

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In the year 1369, he kept his head in the lap of his son Kumara Varadacharya and left his mortal coil while listening to the chanting of Thiruvoymozhi and Upanishads. Later Sri Ranganayaki Thayar ordered that a Sannidhi should be made for Swami Desika close to her own Sannidhi inside the temple. Also, it is believed that she ordered that no other Acharya Sannidhi will be made hereafter inside the temple as a mark of respect to this great Acharya, which is being followed to this day. One can see Swami Desika’s Sannidhi in front of the Thayar Sannidhi in Srirangam. 127

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An imaginary picture of Swami taking permission from Lord Ranganatha, Goddess Ranganayaki, to come to his spiritual abode. Swami is seen with is son Kumara Varadacharya, H.H. Brahmathanthra Parakala Jeer and other disciple. Place: Srirangam temple 128

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Narayana Narayana Narayana Narayana Imaginary view of Swami Desikan becoming a Nithyasoori with his head in Kumara Varadhacharya's lap and his feet is on that of H.H. Brahmatantra Jeer. 129

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Artistic view of Swami Desika sitting in the lap of Sriman Narayana 130

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Artistic view of the Sannidhi at Thooppul where in Swami Desika is doing mangalaasaasanam to Lord Deepa Prakasa with Ubhanaachiyars, Maragathavalli Thayar and Andal. 131

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Artistic view of Swami Desika doing mangalaasaasanam in Paramapadam 132

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Artistic view of Swami Desikan doing mangalasasnam in Thiruparkadal 133

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Swami Desika at Thooppul with Lord Devanatha adorning his Vakshatsthalam (chest) 134

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Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva - Aradhana Moorthi of Swami Desika 135

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Dhanur Maasa Sevai Of Lord Deepa Prakasa with Sudarshana Azhwar, Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, Andal, and Navaneetha Nardhana Krishna. 136

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Kavithaarkika-Simhaya Kalyana Gunasaline ! Srimathe Venkatesaya Vedantha Gurave Namaha !!