Swami Manavala Mamunigal Sathsanga Vaibhavam

Swami Manavala Mamunigal Sathsanga Vaibhavam

Image Source: Sri Vikram Ramanujadasar, Swami Thiruvenkata Ramanuja Jeeyar Matam Shishya

Introduction

In Srimad Bhagavatham, it is said that if one comes in contact with a Bhaktha of Sri Hrusheekesha even for half a moment, it is the greatest treasure and benediction one can acquire. Sri Yudhishtira says to Mahathma Sri Vidhura that Bhakthas like Sri Vidhura always carry Sriman Narayana in Their pure hearts and thereby, are akin to Theertha Kshethras. Thus, such Bhakthas purify anyone / anything that gets associated with Them.

This article aims to highlight how this truth has been revealed, in several beautiful and illuminating ways, in the Divya Charithram of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

The events narrated in this article are as per what has been recorded by Acharya Sri Pillailokam Jeeyar, who is the great grandson of one of the Ashtadiggajas of Swami Manavala Mamunigal [named Sri Bhattarpiraan Jeeyar] and is an amsham of the great Acharya Sri Pillailokacharyar.

The grantham authored by Sri Pillailokam Jeeyar is called "Yathindrapravana Prabhavam" [life history of Swami Manavala Mamunigal] and its Arangetram [i.e. first reading after its completion] was done in front of Sri Ranganatha Perumal, who declared Sri Pillailokam Jeeyar as "Lokaryan" i.e. Acharya of all Lokas.

A couple of events in this article are also from the grantham called "Gaganagiri Muni Charithram" [life history of Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar, the first and foremost Shishya of Swami Manavala Mamunigal].

Sri Gaganagiri Muni Charithram was authored by Sri Gnanadrushti Azhagappangar [aka Sri Sundararyar], who is the great grandson of one of the Ashtadiggajas of Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar [named Sri Ramanujam Pillaan]. He wrote the Charithram by the orders of Sri Vanamamalai Perumal, who gave the order in His dream.

Thus, it is clear that the authors and the granthams have been blessed by Sri Ranganatha Perumal of Srirangam Divyadesham and Sri Deivanayaka Perumal of Sri Vanamamalai Divyadesham.

It is quite fitting that events from "Gaganagiri Muni Charithram" have also made it to this article because Swami Manavala Mamunigal has always mentioned that Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar is His "Praana Suhruth" [bosom friend of His very life force] and that whatever respect is accorded to Swami Manavala Mamunigal is to be offered to Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar as well.

Thereby, "Gaganagiri Muni Charithram" is nothing but an extension and a supplementary grantham of "Yathindrapravana Prabhavam."

Let us then enjoy, through a few enthralling events, how association with Swami Manavala Mamunigal elevates us to an exalted status.

---

Divya Kataksham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

Swami Manavala Mamunigal, before He became a Sanyasi, was called Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar. He was Acharya Sri Thiruvaimozhippillai's most favourite Shishya.

Before He became a Sanyasi, Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar was the second son to His Parents and, because of His radiant and attractive face, was named as Azhagiya Varadhar. When time was ripe for commencing studies, His Father took Him to Sri Azhwar Thirunagari and introduced Him to Sri Thiruvaimozhippillai. Just then, Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar entered the place and paid His obeisances to Sri Thiruvaimozhippillai.

Sri Thiruvaimozhippillai wanted little Sri Azhagiya Varadhar to become a Shishya of Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar. When He made the announcement, Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Nayanar glanced at little Sri Azhagiya Varadhar. Overjoyed to note the divine aura of the child, He glanced at little Sri Azhagiya Varadhar with very great affection. It was this cherished glance that made little Sri Azhagiya Varadhar a Shishya par excellence. He always prioritized His Acharya over and above Sriman Narayana.

Sri Azhagiya Varadhar realized that He may never be able to uninterruptedly serve His Acharya if He's attending to worldly duties. So, He decided to directly take up Sanyasa Ashramam from Brahmacharya Ashramam!

Firm in His resolve, Sri Azhagiya Varadhar requested Sri Deivanayaka Perumal, the presiding Deity of Sri Vanamamalai Divyadesham, to grant Him Sanyasa and became Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar! When His Acharya came to know of this, He was deeply moved by the Acharya Bhakthi and Vairagya of His Shishya. This is when He blessed His Shishya with the famous title "Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar."

Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar served His Acharya with utmost dedication and considered Himself as the Paadha Rekha of His Acharya. This stupendous Acharya Bhakthi culminated in a great fashion.

During those days, there was no Uthsava Thirumeni for Srivaramangai Naacchiyar at Sri Vanamamalai Divyadesham. When Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar went on a Yathra to Thiruvenkatam, Srivaramangai Naacchiyar, who was residing at Thiruvenkatam at that time, appeared in Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar's dream in the form of a little girl, climbed onto His lap and said, “Dear Father, please perform my marriage with Sri Vanamamalai Deivanayaka Perumal!”

The Naacchiyar also appeared in the dreams of the then Thiruvenkatam Jeeyar and Archakas and said that She would travel to Sri Vanamamalai along with Her Father, Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar!

An overwhelmed Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar escorted Srivaramangai Naacchiyar and performed Her marriage with Sri Deivanayakan with great pomp and ceremony. Sri Vanamamalai Deivanayaka Perumal afectionately said, "O Jeeyar! Thou too became my Father-in-law like Samudra Rajan and Sri Periyazhvaar!" Even today, the Kanu Uthsavam is grandly celebrated at Sri Vanamamalai, where the Divine Couple visit Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar at His Matam and receive festive gifts!

Thus, we see that an affectionate glance cast by the compassionate Divine Eyes of Swami Manavala Mamunigal remarkably elevates the stature of the Shishya.

---

Divya Darshanam of Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar

When Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar became the first Jeeyar of Sri Vanamamalai, a King in the neighbouring state of Kerala, who owned the administration rights of Sri Vanamamalai Temple, travelled to Sri Vanamamalai. The king offered gold jewels and silk garments to Sri Deivanayaka Perumal of Sri Vanamamalai and visited the Matam.

A breathtaking sight smiled on the king:
The king saw Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar seated on a peetam [called Kurmasana]. The Jeeyar was adorned by 12 Urdhwa Pundrams, sacred Yagnyopaveetham, sacred saffron robes, Thridhandam, garlands of Thulasi and Lotus beads and garlands of pavithram threads.
The eyes of the Jeeyar resembled the petals of a freshly blossomed lotus and His face too was as captivating, cool and gentle like that of a lovely lotus.
While a supremely serene smile adorned His pleasant countenance, the aura of enlightenment that the Jeeyar radiated was indescribably intense. The Jeeyar was explaining the meanings of Thiruvaimozhi to His Shishyas, at that moment.

The bedazzled king promptly fell at the lotus feet of Sri Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeeyar, became His Shishya and wholeheartedly submitted the Temple Administration rights to the Jeeyar.

Here, the sense organ that triggered the Shishya to take the perfect spiritual step is the pair of eyes [with which He saw the Divya Mangala Vigraha of Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar]. Thus, it's extremely beneficial to set our eyes upon the auspicious Divya Mangala Vigraha of Swami Manavala Mamunigal [and His beloved Shishyas].

---

Divya Parimala Gandham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna lived in Thiruvenkatam. Every day, He brought holy water from Akasha Ganga, added spices like cardamom, cloves, edible camphor to enhance its fragrance and offered the fragrant, holy water for Sri Venkateshwara Perumal’s Thirumanjanam.

One day, a Sri Vaishnava from Srirangam visited Thiruvenkatam. Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna hosted Him with care and devotion. That night, the Sri Vaishnava stayed at Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna’s place.

Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna enquired about Srirangam. The Sri Vaishnava provided updates on several events and also, spoke at length about Swami Manavala Mamunigal. Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna was overjoyed by listening to His narrations.

Next day, Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna proceeded to Akasha Ganga Theertham and the Sri Vaishnava from Srirangam also accompanied Him. Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna eagerly requested the Sri Vaishnava to repeat whatever He had narrated about Swami Manavala Mamunigal the previous night. The Sri Vaishnava enthusiastically started narrating the same.

Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna was so engrossed in learning about Swami Manavala Mamunigal that He did not quite realize that He was getting late for His Thirumanjana Theertha Kainkaryam!

Suddenly, a Sri Vaishnava Ekaangi came rushing towards Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna, snatched the water pot from Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna and hurried away to ensure that the Thirumanjanam of Thiruvenkatavan takes place on time. Though Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna was calling out in a loud voice saying, “O respected sire! The ingredients for enhancing the fragrance have not been added yet,” the Ekaangi sped away.

A shocked Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna exclaimed, “Alas! Today, I committed a huge mistake in the service of Sri Srinivasa Perumal!” Lamenting thus, He went to the Sannidhi of Sri Venkateshwara Perumal to seek His pardon.

However, Sri Srinivasa Perumal manifested on the Archaka and said, “Anna! The wonderful aroma of the holy water you had offered today was extremely delightful!”

An amazed Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna understood. When the Sri Vaishnava from Srirangam spoke about Swami Manavala Mamunigal, the water from Akasha Ganga had acquired the most exceptional fragrance, leaving no necessity for adding any fragrance-inducing ingredients!

This divine experience made Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna’s bee-like heart remain firmly seated in the Golden Lotus Feet of Swami Manavala Mamunigal and made Him become an important Shishya of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

In Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, "hrusheekesha:" is a Nama, which means that Sri Mahavishnu is the controller of the sense organs. Here, Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna’s sole aim was to enhance the fragrance of the Thirumanjana Theertham. He would not have smelt the Theertham anyway, as it is meant only for Thiruvenkatavan [They will normally tie a piece of cloth around the nose so that they don't accidentally smell the fragrance]. Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna eagerly used His ears to listen to the glories of Swami Manavala Mamunigal. That was *transformed* into the fragrance of the Theertham and that fragrance was enjoyed by the olfactory senses of Sri Venkateshwara Perumal, the Hrusheekesha. It was Sri Venkateshwara Perumal's revelation about the fragrance that became the turning point of realization for Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Anna. Also, it is a significant moment to recollect what has been said regarding Sri Adhishesha in Divya Prabandha Vyakhyanas: it is said Sri Adhishesha, is very soft to touch and an exquisite, divine fragrance ["sourabham"] emanates from His Thirumeni! So, it is no wonder that His Avathara, Swami Manavala Mamunigal, also emanated the same divine fragrance!

---

Divya Sesha Prasadam of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

Sri Singarayyar, who lived in a village called Valluva Rajendram, had a garden to grow vegetables and every day, He offered them to any Dasa of Lord Sri Ranganatha. One day, a Sri Vaishnava told Him to offer the vegetables to Swami Manavala Mamunigal’s Matam. So, He went there, bowed to Swami Manavala Mamunigal and placed the vegetables in front of Him.

Swami Manavala Mamunigal asked, "Who are you? Where have these vegetables been grown? Who has watered the plants there? Why have you brought them here?" The modest Sri Singarayyar said, "Swami, my name is Singarayyar. These vegetables grew in the fields of good Dasas of Sri Ranganatha. Thy servants have watered the plants. This is the property of Sri Ranganatha Dasas."

Swami Manavala Mamunigal happily accepted the offering and instructed Sri Singarayyar to worship Sri Ranganatha Perumal before returning to Valluva Rajendram. So, Sri Singarayyar went to the Temple.

At the Temple, the Archaka smilingly asked, "To whom did you offer vegetables today?" When Sri Singarayyar explained what He had done, the visibly pleased Archaka said, "You're fortunate. You'd be blessed in a special way indeed!" and gave several prasadas of Sri Ranganatha Perumal.

A highly astonished Sri Singarayyar decided to inform this to Swami Manavala Mamunigal and so, proceeded towards Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Matam. On the way, He heard someone say, "Make a great effort and get hold of him!" Surprised by the timing of hearing such a remark, He reached the Matam and narrated all events that took place in the Temple for Swami Manavala Mamunigal and His Shishyas to hear.

Swami Manavala Mamunigal’s Shishyas immediately asked Sri Singarayyar to wait and take with Him the Matam prasadam for the day. Sri Singarayyar agreed. Later during the day, Sri Singarayyar partook the prasadam.

That very night, Sri Ranganatha Perumal appeared in Sri Singarayyar's dream. He touched His Divine Serpent, Sri Adisesha, and said, "He has taken birth as Swami Manavala Mamunigal. Do establish an association with Him!"

A stunned Sri Singarayyar became Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shishya by seeking refuge in Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Golden Lotus Feet.

Here, the sense organ that made all the difference and enabled the Shishya reach the zenith of enlightenment [by means of the divine dream] is the tongue - it tasted the shesha prasadam of Swami Manavala Mamunigal [i.e. highly sought-after prasadam, which is obtained after the Acharya has had His meal]. Thus, tasting Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shesha Prasadam with devotion is a perfect step one can take to obtain good fortune.

---

Divya Kara Sparsham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

When Swami Manavala Mamunigal was at Thiruppullaani Divyadesham, He and His Shishyas rested under a great, green Tamarind Tree, which gave excellent shelter from the sweltering heat.

When preparing to leave, Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shishyas requested Their Acharya to bless the Tamarind Tree that had given Them all such a wonderful shade to rest under!! Indeed, what a thoughtful gesture by the Shishyas!!

A smiling Swami Manavala Mamunigal affectionately touched the Tamarind Tree and said, "May you be blessed with the same bliss as I have been blessed with!" A few moments later, the Tamarind Tree withered!

The Shishyas were overjoyed to note that the Jivathma in the Tamarind Tree had reached Paramapadham! They exclaimed, "How blessed we are to have witnessed the truth that the very touch or glance of noble Bhakthas of Sri Hari would confer Moksha even on plants, leave alone the rest of beings!"

Here, the Tamarind Tree, by virtue of its nature, could not have managed to touch the Acharya in any manner whatsoever. Hence, the most compassionate Acharya offered His Divine Kara Sparsham and granted Paramapadham to the Tree.

---

Divya Thirumanjana Theertham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

In Srirangam, there lived a highly pious Sri Vaishnava named Sri Devarajan, who sincerely served Sri Ranganatha Perumal. He used to take bath in Kaveri River at the same time as Swami Manavala Mamunigal but at the next paditthurai [ghat]. Thus He was blessed to bathe in the same stream of waters that had bathed Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Divya Mangala Vigraha.

This greatly heightened His reverence for Swami Manavala Mamunigal. Eventually, Sri Devarajan became Swami Manavala Mamunigal's devoted Shishya and, hence, was called 'Thirumanjanam [i.e. Sacred Waters] Appa.'

Here, we can note that the Divya Sparsha Sambandham extends to even objects that have touched the Mahacharya i.e. waters that had touched the Thirumeni of Swami Manavala Mamunigal had acquired divinity and thereby, bestowed Thirumanjanam Appa with the greatest gnanam i.e. to become a Shishya of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

---

Divya Sri Paadhuka Theertham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

One day, Swami Manavala Mamunigal was on His way to River Kaveri to complete His morning ablutions. As there was a sudden onset of rains, Swami Manavala Mamunigal quickly took shelter in front of a Sri Vaishnava's house. The Lady of the house respectfully invited Swami Manavala Mamunigal to take shelter by standing on the Thinnai [front porch] of the house.

Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Paadhukas were on the ground and were being bathed by the rain water. The Lady picked up Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Paadhukas from the ground, sprinkled the Paadhuka Theertham on Her head, dried the Paadhukas with the end of Her saree and placed Them before Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

Surprised, Swami Manavala Mamunigal enquired about Her and She replied that She is the Daughter of Thirumanjanam Appa, that the house belonged to Her in-laws, the Kanthaadai Ayyangaars and that Her name is Aachi. Pleased, Swami Manavala Mamunigal happily said, ‘Oh, my dear Shishya Appa's Daughter Appaachiyar, are you?’

Thus He blessed Her and left the place after it had stopped raining. By virtue of His Sri Paadhuka Theertham, Aachi felt a very intense, uncontrollable desire to seek refuge in Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Golden Lotus Feet.

In the previous section, we already saw how the Divya Sparsha Sambandham extends to even objects that touch Swami Manavala Mamunigal. Here, we see something special - the Divya *Paadhuka* Theertha Sparsham gives immediate gnanam. The Divine Feet of Swami Manavala Mamunigal is where a Shishya must concentrate. They are both: the ultimate goal and the way to attain the goal. Thus, anything associated with the Divine Feet of the Acharya has enormous power. Whether it is Sripaadha Theertham or Sripaadha Dhooli / Renu [specks of dust on the Divine Feet] or the Sri Paadhukas or Sri Paadhuka Theertham or Sri Paadhuka Dhooli, our association with Them will bestow excellent fortune.

---

Divya Anugraha Vachanam of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

In the previous section, we saw how Aachi felt a great desire to become Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shishya. Unable to mention Her desire at Her in-laws place [as Kanthaadai Ayyangars were themselves great Acharya Purushas and therefore, would question Her taking refuge in the feet of some other Acharya], Aachi requested Her Father [Thirumanjanam Appa] to help Her.

Her Father beseeched Swami Manavala Mamunigal to accept Aachi as His Shishya. Though initially reluctant to accept Her as Shishya without the knowledge of Kanthadai Ayyangaars, Swami Manavala Mamunigal finally relented due to Appa’s moving entreaties. He blessed Her stating that Her entire clan will be uplifted because of Her, performed the Pancha Samskaras for Her and accepted Her as His Shishya.

And Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Anugraha Vachanam came true within a short span of time. A few weeks after Aachi became Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shishya, everyone in the Kanthaadai family, starting from Sri Koil Kanthadai Annan, were blessed with divine dreams, in which Swami Ramanujar or Sri Ranganatha Perumal or Sri Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal ordered them all to take refuge in Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Golden Lotus Feet. Amazed by the simultaneous dreams and other auspicious omens, the entire Kanthadai clan became Shishyas of Swami Manavala Mamunigal!

Here, the Acharya has employed 2 of His Divine Senses: 1. He heard the heartfelt pleas of Thirumanjanam Appa and only then, He accorded Pancha Samskaram to Aachi. Thus, it is evident that lady luck meets us when the Acharya listens to our sincere words. 2. He spoke Swasthi Vachanam i.e. He blessed that the entire clan of Aachi shall be benefited because of Her. This led to about 120 Kanthadai Ayyangars witness excellent, divine dreams and They too became Swami's Shishyas. Thus, auspicious blessings uttered by the Acharya confer great fortune on us.

---

Divya Upadesham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

One day, when several people were assembled in the Thiruppavithra Mantapam of Srirangam, Sri Namperumal [Sri Ranganatha Uthsavar] manifested on the Archaka and beckoned Swami Manavala Mamunigal to stand right in front of Him, while everyone assembled there was watching the unexpected proceedings.

And then, Sri Namperumal said, in a loud & clear voice, “O Manavala Mamunigal! I hereby cancel all Uthsavams for a year. Only one Uthsavam will be held from now on and that is we all listening to your discourse on Thiruvaimozhi, with all its commentaries starting from Eedu 36000 Padi commentary! Conduct the discourses at Periya Thirumantapam.”

Swami Manavala Mamunigal was overwhelmed. “Sri Namperumal summoned this lowly me! Ordered me to explain the meanings of the great Thiruvaimozhi! At a glorious place like Periya Thirumantapam! What a wonder!” He exclaimed.

And so, Sri Namperumal, Naachiyaars, all Adiyars including Azhwars & Acharyas assembled [in the Archa Vigraha form] and several people, hearing the news, flocked to the Srirangam Temple.

For almost one full year, every day, Swami Manavala Mamunigal explained the meanings of Thiruvaimozhi paasurams, using the 5 great Thiruvaimozhi Vyakhyanams [including 36000 Padi, the most superior Vyakhyanam of the 5]!

Swami Manavala Mamunigal explained every single aspect [shabdha, arttha, bhaava rasaas, etc.] of every single paasuram in a detailed manner and also, gave several relevant quotations from Vedhas, Upanishads, Smrithis, Ithihasas, Puranas, Sri Bhashyam, Sri Geetha Bhashyam, Sri Vachana Bhushanam, Sri Acharya Hrudhayam, etc.

Finally, the Saatrumurai day [i.e. the day of the last Thiruvaimozhi paasuram] arrived in the Pramadeesha year, Aani month & Moolam star. Many plates of fruits, flowers, Thaamboolams, etc. were placed in front of Swami Manavala Mamunigal as Sambhaavana [Dakshina]. However, Sri Namperumal had different plans.

The Archakar had a five-year-old boy named Rangarajan. The boy came running & stood, amidst the Sambhaavana plates, facing everyone. Elders took the child away from the plates. Yet the little boy repeatedly did the same thing. Bewildered, the Elders assembled there asked the child if he wanted to say something.

The child stood with an Anjali Mudra [Namaskar Pose] and, in a loud & clear voice, said, “sree shailEsha dhayA pAthram.” People around were amazed because “sree shailEsha” is the original name of Acharya Sri Thiruvaimozhippillai and therefore, “sree shailEsha dhayA pAthram” was referring to Swami Manavala Mamunigal, who was the primary recipient of the Acharya’s grace!

And then, the child continued, “DHee BHakthyAdhi guNArNavam yathIndhrapravaNam vandhE ramya jAmAtharam munim” & then swiftly ran away from there! Everyone was amazed that such an amazing couplet praising Swami Manavala Mamunigal was uttered by the child!

Some of them went in search of the child & brought him back. The Elders asked the boy to repeat the couplet. The child blankly stared at them all and said he knows nothing. Though a few repeated requests were made, the child continued to look normal and blank. Finally, the child ran away to play.

And then, everyone understood. It was Sri Ranganatha who had appeared in the form of the Archakar’s child & uttered that couplet because He had become the Shishya of ‘Eettu Perukkar’ Swami Manavala Mamunigal by listening to His excellent Thiruvaimozhi / Eedu 36000 Padi discourses for a year!

Before anyone could recover from this great surprise, Sri Namperumal manifested on the Archaka again, summoned Sri Appillai & asked Him to compose a ‘Vaazhi Thirunamam’ [a poem that wishes a glorious person to live happily until eternity].

Sri Namperumal also ordered that the great Thaniyan must henceforth be recited before and after Divya Prabandha Parayanam at all Divyadeshams and homes and that Swami Manavala Mamunigal's ‘Vaazhi Thirunamam’ must follow in the end.

In the previous section, we learnt that when the Acharya hears our sincere words with His Divine Ears, fortune smiles upon us. Here, hearing the Divya Kalakshepam of Bhagavad Vishayam by none other than Vishadha Vaak Shikamani Swami Manavala Mamunigal was the key reason why the listener became Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shishya. It is significant here to recall 2 Namas in Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam: 1. "shuchishravaa:" - which means that Sri Mahavishnu gladly listens to pure, agreeable and devotional words offered by His Devotees. 2. "vidheyaathma:" - which means that Sri Mahavishnu gladly allows Himself to be at the disposal of His Devotees such that They can even command Him to execute Their orders. Thus, listening to Upadesham & Kalakshepam of Swami Manavala Mamunigal conferred purest happiness on the Paramathma Himself!

---

Divya Sambandham of the Shishyas of Swami Manavala Mamunigal

Sri Appillai and Sri Appillaar were pious Sri Vaishnavas and great Vidwaans. Sri Appillaar was a good friend of Sri Erumbiyappa.

Sri Appillai and Sri Appillaar came to know that Sri Koil Kanthaadai Annan, all His relatives and Sri Erumbiyappa had taken refuge in the Golden Lotus Feet of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

“Who is Swami Manavala Mamunigal? Why would Sri Koil Kanthaadai Annan and Sri Erumbiyappa do such a thing??” They wondered. Sri Appillaar said, “I know Sri Erumbiyappa well. He is an expert in Shasthras. He would have never done anything of that sort. Let me find out and come back.” So, He went in search of Swami Manavala Mamunigal’s Matam, after learning that Sri Erumbiyappa is staying at the Matam.

Without entering the Matam, Sri Appillaar sent a message through a Sri Vaishnava to Sri Erumbiyappa: “Pray kindly inform Sri Erumbiyappa that one Appillaar has arrived to see Him!” When Sri Erumbiyappa heard from the Sri Vaishnava, He felt a great rush of joy and said, “This day has dawned well for Him!” and came out of the Matam.

No sooner than Sri Erumbiyappa stepped out of the Matam, Sri Appillaar saw the symbols of Shankham and Chakram [because of Pancha Samskaram] on Sri Erumbiyappa’s shoulders. Miraculously, Sri Appillaar felt a sense of inexplicable clarity in His mind! He listened to Sri Erumbiyappa’s account of how the Deity of His Home [Sri Rama] had shown Him that Swami Manavala Mamunigal is none other than Sri Adhishesha and understood the greatness of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

Sri Erumbiyappa also met Sri Appillai and explained the same to Him. He introduced Sri Appillai and Sri Appillaar to Sri Ponnadikkaal Jeeyar and Sri Koil Kanthaadai Annan, two of the greatest Shishyas of Swami Manavala Mamunigal. They too explained the Avathara Rahasya of Swami Manavala Mamunigal to Sri Appillai and Sri Appillaar.

Sri Appillai and Sri Appillaar rushed to Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Matam, were totally elated when They saw the Divya Mangala Vigraham of Swami Manavala Mamunigal and immediately became His Shishyas. Eventually, They too became two of the Ashtadiggajas of Swami Manavala Mamunigal.

Here, we see how a mere glance at the Shankha Chakra Mudras on Sri Erumbiyappa's shoulders brought a totally unexpected transformation in Sri Appillaar, who was initially unwilling to even enter the Matam. Thereafter, we also see how listening to the Divya Vachanam of Swami Manavala Mamunigal's Shishyas brought a complete change in both Sri Appillai and Sri Appillaar. Thus, it is clear that whatever Sathsanga Mahathmyam is true for Swami Manavala Mamunigal is true for His wonderful Shishyas as well.

---

Conclusion

It is indeed quite marvellous that the Divya Charithram of Swami Manavala Mamunigal single-handedly elucidates how Mahaa Bhaagavatha Sathsangam brings excellent good fortune and, that too, in so many wonderful ways.

The Divya Charithram highlights how the 5 sense organs of ours, which usually are slaves of vices and temptations, can indeed become our greatest friends, if we associate them with Swami Manavala Mamunigal and His great Shishyas.

The greatness of Swami Manavala Mamunigal is so astounding that even Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Perumal, the Head of all 108 Divyadeshams, gladly chose to be subservient to the Mahacharya!

Like the most pious Sri Erumbiyappa said:

O Varavaramuni! Whatever my mind may think, may that turn out to be thoughts of Your Esteemed Self. Whatever my tongue may utter, may that turn out to be the Divine Names of Your Esteemed Self. Whatever acts my body may perform, may they turn out to be vandhanam to Your Esteemed Self. May everything be an aradhana to Your Esteemed Self.

O Varavaramuni! May the servants of those devoted servants of Your Esteemed Self cast their compassionate glances on this lowly self and mark me as Their humble servant. That is the most beneficial gift one could be blessed with. This humble servant desires nothing else.

May we be dedicated in celebrating Swami Manavala Mamunigal and His excellent lineage of Adiyaars in our thoughts, words and deeds. Nithyashree: Nithyamangalam!

---