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About us

Srimaan Trust is a charitable organization. It aims to aid the economically downtrodden people of our society. It aspires to see a ray of hope and confidence on the faces of people who think they have no future on this planet. Innovative and novel means are adopted to reach the poor and help them in times of need.

In today’s fast moving world, everyone forced to act just like machine and living with so many tensions and worries.

To forget the above and look after how our ancestors live without any tension or worries, just spare your precious time to view the oncoming slides fully deviated from modern polluted world.

Surely you will get pleasure and inputs to live like our ancestor in our precious life. Your need is very essential for us.

Srimaan Trust founded by the Acharya of Vedic lineage, Sri Parasara Badri Narayana Bhattar Swamy, is a mission established to promote the standard of living of the society.

With caste, creed, sex and age no bar it serves the needy especially the younger generation to live a peaceful content life by mutual understanding and helps.

Aim:

• Education to all
• Food to all
• Health to all

About us (continues....)

Our charitable activities include :

Activities	Meaning
Ayur Raksha	Medical aid
Anuyagam	Food Provisions
Vasthra daanam	Clothes
Vidhya Sahayam	Scholarship
Dharma Upanayanam	Sacred Thread ceremony
Acharya Vandanam	Honoring Acharyas
Vidwath vandanam	Honoring Scholars
Sannidhi Vandanam	Homage to Sannidhi
Sannidhi Cleaning	Cleaning sannidhis
Veedhi Pradakshinam	Ambulating the veedhis
Nithya Thadeeyaradhanai	Everyday feast for the devotees

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Activities

1. Ayur Raksha : Medical Aid

• Description: Purchasing medicines for the poor suffering from health hazards. There are a lot of tender-like kids and their parents facing serious complications in our country. We aid them by all means.
• Expenditure : Rs.36,000 p.a
• You can protect and save the life of these people by donating us.

2. Anuyagam : Provisions for the needy

• Description: Provide food grains, cereals and other provisions to the hunger-stricken people.
• Expenditure : Rs.20,000 p.a
• You can fill the stomach of these people and earn their whole hearted blessings

3. Vasthra daanam : Clothes for the needy

• Description: Distribute good quality clothing to children, men and women who cant afford them. School uniforms are also given under this scheme.
• Expenditure : Rs. 75,000 p.a
• You can sponsor the cost of buying dresses or you can give old clothes in your possession.

4. Vidhya Sahayam : Scholarship

• Description: Support students eager to study but are financially unsound. Their school fees, books and other materials, tuition fees and all other requirements are met by the Trust.
• Expenditure :Rs. 1,50,000 p.a
• You can help educate a child by sponsoring his academic expenses.

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5. Dharma Upanayanam : Sacred Thread ceremony

• Description: We bear all cost related to the sacred thread ceremony of poor families. Culture and customs should be upheld. It should not be compromised for want of funds. Hence we extend support to this activity.
• Expenditure : Rs. 30,000 per upanayanam
• You can participate in the spiritual enlightenment of a child by bearing the upanayanam related expenses.

6. Acharya Vandanam : Honoring revered Acharyas

• Description: Acharyas are the gurus who show the righteous path to the society. It is our duty to support them and show them respect. We buy them monthly provisions and also support them monetarily for their spiritual quest.
• Expenditure : Rs. 25,000 for 25 acharyas
• You can get blessed by the divine Acharyas by sponsoring the monthly provisions.

7. Vidwath vandanam : Honoring Scholars

• Description: Knowledge is power. Scholars are the knowledge banks of our scriptures and religious texts. They can help our nation face the tough challenges with their divine suggestions. We are bound to attend to their needs. We buy them provisions, books, give monetary aid, provide shelter and every other help to assist them in their spiritual journey.
• Expenditure : Rs. 25,000 for 25 vidwans.
• You can empower yourself by supporting these spiritual masters. You can sponsor their monthly provision requirement or buy them books/scriptures, bear their monthly rent or any other expense.

Links: May 2011 | Apr 2011 | Mar 2011

8. Sannidhi Vandanam: Homage to sannidhis

• Description: God gives us all wealth. How to reciprocate his benevolent action? It’s Simple. Help his servants and he’ll be elated. Hence we aid the kaninkarya paras(those looking after the Lord) in all their requirements. We buy Food grains, veshti(dhotis), ghee for the sannidhi they look after, arrange vehicles for their commutation from home to temple, provide monetary aid when needed.
• Expenditure : Rs.12,500 for 25 kainkaryaparas
• You can receive the blessings of God’s most beloved people by sponsoring the purchase of provisions, veshtis, medicines.

9. Sannidhi Cleaning : Keeping the Lords abode speckless

• Description: Just as we keep our houses clean, it is our prime duty to keep the temples clean. Hence, the students and volunteers of our Trust visit temples every month and clear them off the accumulated dust and litter. This will bring joy to God, his devotees and consequently to us
• Expenditure : Rs.3,600 pa
• You can serve Lord by participating in this kainkaryams.

Links: Apr 2011

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8. Veedhi Pradakshinam : Ambulating the Streets

• Description: The students of SBK and SBG circumambulate the Temple of Srirangam every forthnight. They chant sacred verses from the Vedas, divya-prabandhams, shlokas and stotras. They invoke the grace of God to help the poor and grief stricken people of this world.
• Milk is distributed to the thirsty students at the end of veedhi pradakshinam.
• You can join the students in veedhi pradakshnam!!

9. Nithya Thadeeyaradhanai : Everyday feast for the hungry devotees

• Description: Food is all important for sustenance; especially when on a pilgrimage where our physical exertion is beyond description! Hence we came out with the idea of feeding the hungry devotees who throng Sriangam everyday. This service shall be extended to every divya-desams shortly. This kainkaryams is the foremost of all kainkaryams.
• Expenditure per thadeeyarashanam :
• Rs 3000 – For students and devotees
• Rs 1500 – For students only.
• You can take up this noblest kainkaryam on your birthday, marriage day,after yatra, your Acharyans thirunakshtram by sponsoring a days meal or at least one time meal. We earnestly request you to take up this kainkaryam as it’ll bring punyam to you and your family.
• Spiritual classes :
• No power can match spiritual power. When we place utmost reliance on the Supreme Being, every Herculean task would turn into a Childs play.
• We travel across the length and breath of our country to schools and inject knowledge on Puranas, Ithihasas, stories of great saints and Acharyas to children.
• Fantastic results are seen in the students spiritual, academic, behavioral and personality spheres.
• We also distribute prasadam
• s/other eatables at the end of every class.
• You can take classes to empower children by contacting us.

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10. Refreshing camps :

• Every year, we take budding kids to scenic locations. We see to that it is a famous shrine of Lord coupled with nature’s beauty.
• Camps are generally wasted without any useful learning. Hence we see to that children enjoy the camp and also learn very many things.
• We teach table manners, the art of public speaking, cooking, social service skills etc in camps. The daily chores (anushtaanam) prescribed in our scriptures for healthy living is also taught.
• You could join the camps with your kids by prior intimation to us!

11. Informative quizzes :

• We conduct quizzes for children every quarter
• We cover general knowledge, Scriptural knowledge in our questions. We adopt innovative methods to teach the kids in a fun filled manner.

12. SriRamayana competition :

• A unique feature of our Trust is SriRamayana competition.
• We hold exams in two phases every year in Chennai, Trichy, Erode, Madurai, Bangalore, Salem, Tirunelveli. This year we’ll extend it to Hyderabad and Bombay also.
• Eligibility : 1st standard – 12th standard (they’ll be divided into 4 groups viz Namperumal,Namazhwar,Nanjeeyar and Nampillai)
• First Phase is a written exam. We’ll provide a question bank on Sriramayana. It’ll have questions and answers.The student has to study the questions and answers and attend the exam on the date intimated to him. Once he secures 60+,he’ll be eligible for the 2nd phase.
• The 2nd phase is a oral exam.We’ll provide the students with Srirramayana shlokas in Sanskrit and pasurams in Tamil. They’ll have to memorize it and recite on the date intimated to them.
• The final winners will be awarded gold coin, silver coin, valuable books and free trips to divya-desams.
• Your kids can participate in Sriramayana contest! Contact our volunteers for more info.

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Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham (SBK)

SBK caters to the need of the ever engaged and time-bereft youngsters. Spiritual classes are conducted for less than an hour everyday at SriKooratazhwan sannidhi, Parasara Bhattar thirumaaligai Srirangam. They are held at mornings and evenings. Divya-Prabandham, Vedam, stotras, Ramayana shlokas and chronicles, music, computer skills,yoga,Sanskrit are imparted to girls and boys. In addition, the students of SBK are made to participate in spiritual dramas, debates, oratorical competitions, elocution and social service. Honing their skills in SBK has amply helped the existing students in their academics too.

With the advent of English education, our Sampradic education has only witnessed set backs. This age-old tradition comprising of the Vedas, Divya Prabandhams, Puranas, Ethihases (Epics) and Other ocean of intellectual knowledge not describable within the ambit of words, is now on the verge of extinction ! What do we do to stop this retardation? How are we going to revive the most ancient tradition? How will India get its true colour? A Comprehensive Solution to the above mixture of questions is ‘SRIMAAN BHATTAR KUZHAM’. SBK is a school imparting high-quality education. What do we teach? The list goes endless:-

(1) VEDAS We teach Saptha Kandas as well as Upanishads. The meanings of Certain passages are also taught.

(2) DIVYA PRABANDHAM Known as the Tamil Vedas, they are considered the elixir of a Sri Vaishnavite’s Life! WE HAVE EXPERTS FOR TEACHING DIVYA PRABANDHAM who are also at service in Sri Renganatha’s temple. THE METHOD OF TEACHING adopted by us is VERY UNIQUE and helps memorizing the texts easily and quickly.

(3) STOTRAS: The nectar filled words of our acharyas like Ramanuja, Parasara Bhattar, Vedanta Desikan etc., are taught to our students. We have also INVITED EXPERTS FROM OTHER REGIONS to stay in Srirangam and teach our Students with ABSOLUTE CLARITY AND PERFECT PRONOUNCIATION.

(4) UPANYASAMS / RELIGIOUS DISCOURSES: This is the most unique feature of SBK. All the Children are infused with discoursing knowledge. This apart from increasing their knowledge, also paves way for excellent communication & inter – Personal skills.

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(5) ARTS AND SKILL-SETS: The Special talents of Children are recognized and honed by S.B.K. We conduct SINGING, RANGOLI, GARLAND-WEAVING, GARDENING AND COMPUTER AND VARIOUS INNOVATIVE CLASSES. EACH MONTH, A NEW SKILL – SET IS TAUGHT AND MASTERED BY OUR STUDENTS. This feature of SBK clearly distinguishes it from other Philosophical schools.

Activities: Pushpa Kainkaryam

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WE DO NOT RESTRICT OUR TEACHING TO MERE PHILOSOHPY AND SPIRITUALITY. OUR SBK IS THE PIONEER IN MORAL EDUCATION: Mere textual and conceptual knowledge makes life incomplete. Lord Ranganatha showers his grace on those who have imbibed the great virtues exhibited by our Acharyas like kindness, patience, devotion, respect, humanity, empathy. Hence, we conduct ‘VALUE INFUSION SESSIONs’ by inviting practitioners of Srivaishnava tenets / principles.

Our Salient Features:-

1) SBK shelters 150 disciplined, obedient and highly refined students.

(2) Srivaishnavam is not bound by caste, creed or sex. Its boundaries are beyond the horizon ! So, we teach students from all caste and sex. Absolute dedication and devotion is the only qualification required to join SBK.

(3) Excellent teaching of Vedas, Divya Prabandhams, Stotras, Upanyasama, Skill – Sets like Computer Operations, memory techniques, gardening, garland – making and other innovative staffs.

(4) Dedicated Staff working 24x7 [365 days a year].

(5) Calm, quiet and conducive atmosphere for conducting the classes.

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(6) Convenient timings for school-goers, college students and office-goers.

(7) Free Personality development classes every fortnight.

(8) Free Yoga Classes by experts.

(9) E-LEARNING for outstation students.

Want your child to join this exquisite school? Contact us.

Gnyanapiran Library

Gnyanappiran is a fabulous library. It harbors around 10,000 books in Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindi, English and Telegu on SriVaishnavism; Books on general academics is also available; numerous CDs of spiritual discourses by various scholars are stored in Gnyanappiran. It is frequented by SBK & SBG students to enrich their knowledge. The library is open to all people thirsty of knowledge. Srimaan Trust plans to convert Gnyanappiran into a full time info centre offering a one stop solution to all Spiritual queries.

Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam (SBG)

Bhattar Gurukulam is a unique free fully residential school. A child of SBG spends half a day quenching his spiritual thirst by learning Diya-prabandham, vedam, stotras, aagamas and the other half mastering English, science, math ,geography and loukeeka skills. Ultimately, these students will become authentic experts in above fields.

The aim of the Gurukulam is to create persons who stand on their own legs for their livelihood and also immerse themselves in Bhagavat Bhagavatha kainkaryams in full swing.Thus, divya-desams bereft of people to serve the Lord will have enthusiastic persons serving Lord throughout their life. At the end of the course, each student will teach 100 persons residing in a divya-desams and serving Divya-Desa Emperumaan and earn his livelihood through specialized loukeeka skills. The students of Bhattar Gurukulam prepare themselves to face the tough world with the mighty spiritual dagger!

Activities: At Kattumannar Koil | Navarathri | A Donor's day out! | Workshop | Brahmotsavam | Prize distribution at Thiruvellarai | Nutrition on every gulp

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ACHARYAH, School for Leaders

Acharyah is an absolutely groundbreaking school based on Montessori methodology of teaching .It is the first school to have fused vedic studies with Montessori system. The Trust aims to bring all acharya purusha children and other Srivashnava children under the roof of Acharyah.

The products of Acharyah school will be masters in all spheres. They would possess the knowledge to lead the world and shape the fortune of our country. The world would have never witnessed such persons who possess in-depth knowledge of all worldly affairs but retain their spiritual purity. They will be trained to empower Bhaaratha desam both economically and spiritually.

Acharyah is a place where the children

• Will be taught Ubhaya Vedanta.
• Will be taught all the Anushtanas.
• Will grow with the Atma gunas seen in Poorvacharyas
• Will learn multiple languages in order communicate the sampardayic values to the world.
• Girls will be specialized in Ganam. Natyam, Cooking, Sthree Dharma and will learn all the sampradayic knowledge that is required for them to enlighten their children and other family members
• Acharyah is a place where the children will also learn sufficient lowkeekam based on sampradayam

Why lowkeekam ?

• The so called Prabala Pramanam of our sampradayam "the Chatur Vedas" have 101 lowkeekic illustrations, stories and examples. WHY?
• All our Azhwars Pasurams have lots and lots of lowkeekic examples. WHY?
• All the Vyakyanams of our Acahryas have lowkeekic examples. WHY?
• Swamy Emperumanar learnt Sirpha Sasthram and many other lowkeekic aspects which were required for he Kainkaryam (like Divya Desa rakshanam)

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• Kanchi Mahavidwan Pradhivadhi Bhayankaram Annangarachariar Swami, Ubhaya Vedhantha Vidwan Authority person for our sampradaya knew to read write and speak effectively in more than 5 languages. Upanyasakar in 4 languages. Swamy learnt Lowkeekam. WHY?
• Satabishekam Govinda Narasimhachariar swamy knew sufficient amount of engineering. This helped him to completely renovate Azhwar Thirunagari temple, Thenthiruperai temple and also Manavala MamunigaL Sannidhi (Srirangam)

THE ONLY COMMON ANSWER FOR ALL WHYS IS..

If we have to enlighten the samsaris who are drowned in lowkeekam, we must learn lowkeekam at least to relate things and make them understand our sampradayam. That is why vedas or azhwars or acharyas or vidwans needed lowkeekam.

• In this science and technology era, i need to know considerable amt of lowkeekam at least to reach people.
• At least to tell spiritual knowledge is the ultimate knowledge and complete lowkeekic knowledge is Asaaram.
• People who have acquired only vaideeka knowledge (due to Prakruthi) some times get fascinated towards lokeekam with out knowing there is nothing special in that and hence it is better they learn lowkeekam also.
• Today's Acharya purushas have to be self sufficient. If People don't know who god is, how will they know who acharyan is, how will they support the Acharyan financially. Till we bring a gradual change in the society every Acharya Purusha should be self sufficient and cannot depend on the sishyas.
• More over the Acharya Purushas themselves want their offspring to learn lowkeekam (for any reason). If I have to bring up the future generation of these Acharya Purushas in the right direction, i need to somehow attract them and hence I require lowkeekam.

Contact Us

Srimaan Trust
231, South Uthara Street
Srirangam
Trichy - 620 006
Ph: 9150403470, 9790923211
Email: srimaantrust@gmail.com.

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Donate Us

‘THE MEASURE OF LIFE IS ITS DONATION AND NOT DURATION’

Srimaan Trust is making marvelous strides in various charitable and spiritual fields. Everyday a new feather is being added to its cap. Our Trust has touched upon untouched domains which have seldom been looked upon as potential areas of charity. Through Srimaan Trust we want to permeate to the remotest region in our country and aid the haves-not of our society.
Our motto is simple ‘OUR SUCCESS IS MAKING OTHERS SUCCEED IN THEIR LIVES’. We live and thrive to achieve this motto. Being a noble cause, we would welcome your contributions.

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YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN 3 WAYS:

ALL DONATIONS TO SRIMAAN TRUST ARE ELIGIBLE FOR 80G DEDUCTION UNDER INCOME TAX ACT !

• Donate yourself (by becoming a kainkaryashree volunteer)
• Donate money
• Donate in kind

Donate money:
From buying a packet of milk to owning a plot of land, we need money. Considering the wide activities of our Trust, monetary aid is very essential.
YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE under any of the 3 following options. REMEMBER, you as a donor are bringing light in the life of people who’ve seen only darkness!

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Join a scheme for life :

Instruction to donor :

• Select a scheme from the table below
• Enter your Name, email id and mobile no in the box below the table

	Monthly	Yearly	Life member
Sri	100	1,200	15,000
Rangasri	250	3,000	37,500
Nithyasri	500	6,000	75,000
Nithyamangalam	1,000	12,000	1,50,000

• Donate for specific activities listed below :

Instruction to donor :

• Select as many activities as you wish to sponsor for from next Page.

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Activities	Meaning	Actual Expense(p.a)	Your Donation !
Vidyarthi Samrakshanam	Sponsor a Gurukulam Child and secure his future !	Rs 3500 per month
Ayur Raksha	Medical aid	Rs.36,000
Anuyagam	Food Provisions	Rs.20,000
Vasthra daanam	Clothes	Rs. 75,000
Vidhya Sahayam	Scholarship	Rs. 1,50,000
Dharma Upanayanam	Sacred Thread ceremony	Rs. 30,000
Acharya Vandanam	Honoring Acharyas	Rs. 25,000
Vidwath vandanam	Honoring Scholars	Rs. 25,000
Sannidhi Vandanam	Homage to Sannidhi	Rs.12,500
Sannidhi Cleaning	Cleaning sannidhis	Rs.3,600
Veedhi Pradakshinam	Ambulating the veedhis
NithyaThadeeyaradhanai	Everyday feast for the devotees	Rs 3000/1500

Donate to our Corpus and help us realize the dream of future campus !

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HOW WILL YOUR CONTRIBUTION REACH US ? There are 4 ways :

Option 1

• Come in person to our premises and give your contributions. Our Contact details :

PLACE	ADDRESS	PHONE NO.
Srirangam	No.231, South Uthra Street, Srirangam, Trichy 620 006.	0431- 2431109
Chennai	No.46/4, Athri Apts., Singarachari Street, Triplicane, Chennai 600 005.	044-28446100 +91 9790923211

Option 2

• Call/mail our volunteers and request them to come in person and collect your contribution. Details of the main volunteers is given below:

Name	Place	Ph.no	e-mail id
Jayashree	Srirangam	+91 9150403470	srimaantrust@gmail.com
Vatsala Sampath	Chennai	Ph: 28446100 Ph: +91 9790923211	sampath.thothathri@gmail.com

Option 3

• Post/Courier/Money Order your contribution. Enclose your Name, Address, Contact Number, Email ID and amount donated in a paper along with your contribution.

Option 4

• Do Account transfer from your bank a/c to ours. Email your Name, Address, Contact Number, amount donated and other details to srimaantrust@gmail.com. Kindly find below the account details:

Account Number	6125 01 123322
Account Name	Srimaan Trust
Bank, Branch	ICICI Bank, Srirangam
IFSC	ICIC0006125

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FAQ

SBK

• Is any fee charged at SBK?
  No fee is charged. All classes and activities are absolutely free!!
• Is SBK a full time or part time school?
  SBK takes classes on part time basis.
• Where does the school run?
  • SriKooratazhwan Sannidhi, Ranganatha swamy temple, Srirangam.
  • Parasara Bhattar Thirumaligai, No 231,South Uthra Street, Srirangam
• What are the class timings?
  Morning batch : 5:30-6:15/ 6:15 – 7:00/ 7:00-7:30
  Evening batch : 6:30-7:15 / 7:15-8:30
• Can children of all ages join SBK?
  Age limit : 2.5 yrs – 20yrs.
• How many batches are running currently?
  8 batches
• Are SBK classes held daily?Are there weekend classes?
  Classes are held everyday including weekends.
• Is anything taught other than Divya-prabandham and shlokas in SBK?
  • Vedam, stotras, Ramayana shlokas and chronicles, music, computer skills, Yoga, Sanskrit.
  • spiritual dramas, debates, oratorical competitions, elocution and social service.
• What are the advantages of joining SBK?
  • High discipline at home, school and other places
  • High belief and devotion towards God
  • Increase in Memory
  • Recollection potential
  • High level of concentration
  • Service attitude towards society
  • Control in emotions
  • Stress relief
  • Inter-personal skills
  • Tuned to spiritual routine

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SBG

• Is any fee charged for SBG?
  No. Everything is free for SBG students. They only need to show devotion.
• Is it a normal school or a residential school?
  It is a complete residential school.
• What is taught in SBG ?
  Expert Knowledge in the sampradayam and loukeekam will be provided through the following courses:

Course Name	Gnyaana Srimaan	Vignyaana Srimaan
Duration	5yr	8yrs
Sampradaya education	Experts in Divya-Prabandham. Good understanding of Aagamas and their practice. Adikaaris in important portions of Vedam Learn the basic texts of Dharma sashtram Learning to fluently read and accurately write Sanskrit, Tamil, English, Hindi	Experts in Divya-Prabandham. Thorough Knowledge of Aagamas and their application. Learning to fluently read and accurately write Sanskrit, Tamil, English, Hindi and capacity to deliver lectures and write books. Adikaaris in important portions of Vedas and related bashyams. Have a thorough knowledge of Dharma Shastra texts. Proficient Bhagavad Vishaya adikaari or SriRamayana adikaari or SriBashya adikaari or jyothisha vidwan(the student has to choose one field) Commendable knowledge of Sanskrit. Coverage of the works of poorvacharyas including Rahasya granthas.
General academics	High level of proficiency in English, Tamil, Hindi Conceptual strength in Science and Math Geography Mastery of some specialized field (eg:DTP work;Computer Graphics,Animation etc. - student has to choose one field)	High level of proficiency in English, Tamil, Hindi Conceptual strength in Science and Math Geography Mastery of some specialized field (eg:DTP work; Computer Graphics,Animation etc. - student has to choose one field)

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• Who can join SBG?
  Children eligible to wear the sacred thread. Age limit:7-15 yrs.
• Course duration?
  Minimum 5 yrs. Maximum 8yrs.
• When can children join SBG ?
  They can join only at the beginning of academic year (June)
• Are field trips or tours conducted for SBG children?
  Lot of spiritual as well as study tours are conducted in SBG. Children feel at home when they are in SBG.
• Are vacations given to children of SBG at the year end?
  No. They are not given. They can leave SBG only at the end of the course. According to modern research on psychology, it takes a few days for a child to learn a new principle and a few months to put it into practice. It’ll requires at least 8 yrs for the knowledge, principle and its application to get imprinted in the Childs mind so that he never forgets them throughout life! Even a small break will shatter the whole process.
• What type of food is provided in SBG and what are the timings?
  We take utmost care to nourish our children at SBG. The daily food routine is listed below:

Time	Description of diet
6:30 am	Hot cereal porridge ( Kanjee-18ingredients)
8:30 am	A bowl of fresh fruits + dry fruit porridge
10:30 am	Filling Lunch [Rice,dal,3 Vegetables, curd]
1:00 pm	Curd rice with hot dal
4:00 pm	Mixture of pulses,cereals + milk
8:00 pm	Dinner [Rice,dal,vegetables,fruits,curd]

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• What about the other requirements as far as children are concerned(clothing, books, shelter)
  We take care of all the requirements of the children. Nothing is expected from the parents except the heart to admit their child in SBG.
• Will the students of SBG be provided any stipend after the course ?
  No. Stipend is an amount that’ll cater to their needs only for a couple of years. Here in SBG, instead of giving a stipend we develop special skills in them which will help them earn livelihood throughout their life. We shall invest in setting up infrastructure facilities(purchase of computers, furniture, land etc) in case he sets his own business or profession in a divya-desam. We’ll also act as free HR consultants and help the children get jobs through our wide professional contacts.

Acharyah school

• Where is Acharyah located?
  It is located in the eye span of SriRanganayaki thaayar
• What is unique about this school?
  It is the first school to have fused vedic studies with Montessori system of schooling. Srimaan Trust aims to bring all acharya purusha children and other Srivashnava children under the roof of Acharyah. In Acharyah, education would be concept based unlike most of the present day schools. For this, Montessori methodology has been adopted as it is a deeply researched and effective technique.
  Acharyah is a school which aspires to create leadership qualities in children from the second they join it. The very test of leadership is unshakable character. Hence Acharyah school intends to instill strong character traits in children which will aid them conquer the world with utmost ease.
  These children will show great serenity and resilience in their work as Acharyah will impart them loads of knowledge on God. A man without spirituality is considered dead. Hence, the children of acharyah will always carry the thought of Almighty in their hearts and live righteously.
• Age limit – for the current year it is 2.5 to 3.5yrs(pre-school)
• Course Fee ?
  Rs1500 non-refundable deposit + Rs500 per month

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• Why a course fee?
  Montessori equipments are very expensive also huge cost is incurred for running the school. Hence, only 50% of actual cost is charged from the parents. Remaining 50% is met by Srimaan Trust.
• Is any concession offered?
  Yes. But only to economically unsound family after strong verification of the facts.
• Timings?
  10am to 1pm.Saturdays and Sundays off.

• What about pre-primary(lkg,ukg),primary(1st std to 5th std ) and secondary(6th std to 10th std) education? Acharya would adopt Montessori for pre-primary school and ICSE syllabus for primary and secondary education.
• Are snacks provided daily in the school?
  Very nutritious snacks are provided to the children everyday.

Kainkarya Sree

‘Kainkaryashree’ is a body of volunteers putting into action the above objectives of Srimaan Trust. They work tirelessly & selflessly for the benefit of the needy souls.

Name	Contact Number	Area
Jayasree	9150403470	Srirangam
Vatsala	9566135075	Chennai
Sampath	9790923211	Chennai

Our Swami's Adi Month Upanyasam

Our Parasara Badri Narayana Bhattar Swami's Adi month (July 17 to August 15) upanyasam at Salem Towm Cheri Road, Santhashram (Opp. to Central Cooperative Bank) on:

7:30am to 9:00am - Thirumaalai
6:30pm to 8:00pm - SriGunarathnaKosam and Yedhu Dharmam

arranged by Srivaishnava Sampradaya Sabha

For srivaishnavas outside Salem can view and hear the upanyasams, both Live and Recorded in the link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bhattar.

Let the divine couple shower their blessing forever on you and all.

Srimaan Info Diary

The much awaited ‘annual info diary’ of Srimaan Trust has got released. The diary designed with great fervor to maximize the benefits has the following features:

• ‘Be on time’ - Utsava details of various divya desams (description and timings)
• ‘Know before u go’ - Contact nos of important people at various divya desams
• ‘Name your child’ - Names from SriVishnu sahasranam with meaning
• ‘Weekend plan’ - Details of important events in the forthcoming year falling on weekends
• ‘ Sampradaya Secrets revealed by a woman’ 1st CD FREE – Upanyasam on Thirukkolur pen pillai rahasyam

COST – DIARY + 1st CD – Rs.50/-

The book version of Thirukkolur pen pillai rahasyam,chinni ammal rahasyam and thiruvallikkeni pen pillai rahayam( called mummanigal rahasyam) published by Dr.Sri.V.V.Ramanujam swamy is available for Rs.60. You can order for the book also.

We want to bring to your attention that these diaries and cds can be gifted to relatives and friends instead of the usual gift items. Once the spiritual seed is sown in their minds, they as well as sampradayam shall be benefited alike.

The sale proceeds of the diary shall provide for the needs of the gurukulam students for a week.

Srimaan Info Diary 2011-12 (Kara year)

The annual Info diary of Srimaan Trust has got released.The diary was released by Periya Perumal and received by Sri Paramahamsa Periya Kelvi Appan Jeeyar swamy on 25/06/2011. Each year the diary carries new features to aid the temple lovers seek their temple destinations easily (the utsava details in diary) and also get help from the locals (the phone nos in diary).

The modern day critics of Indian tradition blame our culture for underrating the role of women and not recognizing their intellectual and spiritual contribution to our tradition. Regrettably, these critics aren’t aware of our Srivaishnava Sampradaya where we have a Kothai standing at the summit of the Sampradaya parvatham while the azhwars are at the foot of the parvatham, an Andal who resolved the dharma sashtra doubts of the sastra-vidwan Sri Kooratazhwan who cleared the doubts of SriRamanujacharya himself, a Kanakamba (wife of Pillai urangavilli dasar) who severed the ego of many of Ramanujacharya’s disciples by the exhibition of her exemplary traits, a Kongil piratti who proved her unshakeable faith at the feet of Sri Ramanujacharya thus earning his awe , a woman who jumped out of the boat to save nampillai during floods, a woman who pushed the chief of robbers from atop a gopuram of Srirangam temple to save Lord Ranganatha and a 20th century woman who baffled Mahavidwan Sri U.Ve.P.B.Annangarachariar swamy by her ingenious answer (Annangarachariar swamy had visited Azhwar thirunagari to complete his discourse on the magnum opus, Acharya Hrudayam. On a dwadasi morning far before dawn, swamy took a stroll around the streets of Thirukkurugur. As he was walking past a house, the mistress of the house came out and threw the banana leaf used for her meal into the dustbin. Swamy surprised at this odd meal timing asked her how can someone following the command of the sastras have her meal before sunrise. The woman looked at swamy in sheer amusement and replied “Oh Swamy! Here in Azhwar thirunagari we don’t wait for the sun that sets and rises everyday… Our sun is Vakula Bhooshana Bhaskarar [the sun that wears the vakula maalai - Namazhwar] who has risen at the beginning of Kali. This sun never sets. Hence the saamanya sashtras don’t apply to our Holy Land!]

The above are only a few instances of how woman have made enormous contribution to our sampradayam and the recognition they’ve earned from our acharyas. To explain one such instance in detail, Srimaan Trust has come out with a CD on ‘Thirukkolur pen pillai rahasyam‘. Ramanujacharya, while travelling to many of the divya desams, decided to visit Thirukolur, one of the nava thirupathis and the avathara sthalam of Madhurakavi azhwar. While entering the outskirts of the temple town, Sri Ramanujacharaya saw a woman moving out of the town. Out of curiosity, swamy asked her “ Oh woman, how can thee flee the town that draws everyone in ?” and the reply given by the woman stunned the Jagadacharya. The gripping conversation between them forms part of the CDs [ 3 in number].

The founder acharya has instructed us to give the 1st cd FREE with the diary since his sole aim is to reach the Sampradaya knowledge to one and all. Those interested can buy the 2nd and 3rd parts also. The diary costs Rs.50 (plus the courier charges). We request each one of you to buy a diary for yourself and many for your relatives and friends. As all of you would be aware that the cost of printing has gone very high and even on sale of all the diaries we wouldn’t be able to break even. But this doesn’t bother us provided all of you reap the benefit of the service of the Trust. The Trust shall thrive only when its services are used by patrons like you.

The link of the pictures of diary and the cd is here. Get a glimpse of them before buying :

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SIDKara201112?authkey=Gv1sRgCIuvxaeumMu7ugE.

Srimaan Trust Tour 2011

A tour packed with fun and spirituality was arranged by Swami to visit Mysore, Melkot and surroundings. In the very hot summer one can’t concentrate in serious studies and at the same time passing time unfruitfully is not permissible. Hence a tour combining both joy and spirituality was undertaken.

Moreover Swami wanted to develop the talent in the senior students of Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam. Art of Speaking, Convincing, Planning, funds raising, finance management arranging everything for a sojourn of 4 days including vehicle, tour plan, route, sampradaya prasadam at the place of visit, transportation by various buses (on contract) and return by train, confided on 4 senior students.

Swami directed them with references and cell numbers of selected donors and sponsors. And the children did a wonderful job of it with all successful execution of the plan. Each and every minute requirement was presumed and arranged properly. The share of our donors to sponsor for different expenses was the back-bone of the success of the tour.

We should like to thank all the donors, sponsors and swami’s who made different arrangements for food, residence etc. The Divine Couple of Srirangam certainly shall shower their Kripa Kataksham on them and their families.

The happiness of the packed tour is immeasurable and not easy to explain. Anyhow we would like to share the experience with all so that the happiness expands.

A big 56 seater bus was arranged to get us to Bangalore. About 70 participants (SBG students + SBK students + Volunteers + Parents) started at Srirangam at 7.30 pm on 19th May 2011 and arrived Bangalore on 20thmorning at 6 p.m. Another Karnataka State Bus was waiting ready with the Bangalore Swami and his friend at Bangalore Cantonment.

The bus started at 6.30 am and reached Maloor at 8 am. Maloor is a derived name from Manaloor and first we all took bath and had breakfast following hot milk. The place is called as Madhya Rangam. Where Sriranganatha Swamy abodes with his consorts just as in srirangam. Perumal is called as Srirama prameya perumal and the place is called as Channapattanam. After a good dharshan we travelled to Mysore where lunch was served at 1.30 pm.

After lunch we visited Brindavan Garden and enjoyed the colorful lightings and fountains. Then we went boating too. We had dinner followed by a cup of milk at 8.30 pm and went to sleep with pleasant memories of Sriranganatha.

Next day, on 21st morning we all took a dip in the holy waters of Cauvery in Srirangapatnam which is called as Aadhi Rangam. Sriranganatha’s dharsan at Aadhirangam was highly magnificent and with His blessings we went to the birth place of Swami Anathazhwan which is developed as a grand flower garden with holy cool water pond situated at Kirangur. It is called as Siruputhur and we were blessed with the Dharshan of Swami Ananthazhwan, a disciple of supererogation of Sriramanuja who was called proudly as “Aan Pillai” by Sriramanuja.

Then we visited the Ranganatha Thittu, bird sanctuary where a number of different species of birds from distant places assemble for breeding and sheltering in summar. There is a big lake in the sanctuary and we all went boating to help us watching the various birds without much strain. After that team visited Sree Parasara Gurukulam which has been founded some 5 years back and been maintained and developed very beautifully. The Gurukulam has got a vast land with Goshala and separate buildings for study, dwelling, madaippalli with modern facilities (to prepare prasadam for 1000 Thadhis within 30 to 45 minutes) for Thadhiyaradhana.

At 1 pm we returned to Mysore, took lunch and went to Mysore Palace. There are 2 places, one maintained by the Government and other by the king’s family. The Govt. maintained palace is gigantic and specious housing a number of halls with superior art work. The collection of old armory, paintings, furniture, lights were unusually superb. And the light decoration of the palace, when seen in the dusk made the place with a paradise look. The children enjoyed it very much. We had our dinner after the visit and proceeded to Melkote.

On 22nd morning we started at 6 am to Thondanur Lake which was dug by Sri Ramanuja’s desire, a vast and very deep water reservoir with cool and pure water. As the lake was not ideal to take bath for children, all took bath in the falls where the waters from the lake in let out. The cool water was very pleasant to take bath in the Sun and we went to Sriramanuja’s Temple where he gave dharshan as 1000 headed Adhisesha. The temple is situated on a small hillock and the children recited Ramanuja Nootrandhadhi.

Then we went to Sri Parthasarathy temple and had dharshan of Thirumanjanam. The students recited in the Goshti and after that we returned to Melkote to take food. After food we went to visit Akka Thangi kulams, Dhanushkodi etc. On returning we visited the Academy of Sanskrit Research which helps a lot for Srivaishnavism by preserving a number of rare chuvadis (palm leaves) and printing of many granthas and research books. Our swami made a short upanyasam on the grass ground of the Academy.

Then we returned to Melkote, took dinner and went to bed.

On 23rd the children were very happy to take a bath in the holy kalyani, had breakfast and climbed the small hill on top of which Sri Yoga Narasimhar, the favourite God of Sri Ramanuja abodes. After the Dharshan of the yoga narasimhar, we returned and participated in the Thirumanjanam of Selvapillai in Serthi of Sriramanuja. It was a rare chance to get to Dharshan of both Perumal and Acharya in Serthi Thirumanjanam.

Actually Reservation for return journey was made in railway from mysore and a bus to carry us to mysore from melkote had been arranged.The bus unfortunately arrived very late to melkote at 2.30pm instead of 1pm.Moreover the bus met an accident on the downhill road and we were delayed for about 1hour. Hence we travelled to mandiya instead of mysore to catch the train. The train reached mandiya at 4.30pm and just 2minutes before that we have got to the railway station. Really it was very thrilling. Until we got into the train and got seated. Prasadam arranged by parasara gurukulam was scheduled to be issued to us at mysore. But as our boarding was at mandiya the prasadam was carried by the same train from Mysore to Mandiya and was handed over to us. We are very grateful for the founder swami of parasara gurukulam who assured the supply of parasadam to children undergoing themselves under trouble and strain. We reached Srirangam at about 4.30 am on 24.05.2011.

The tour needed a lot of arrangements and we got all helps from different persons. Initially when the tour was propose Sri Shyam at Bangalore selected the feasible places of tour in sequences and comfort. On his direction of Sri. Badri of Bangalore made a number of enquiries to select the mode of transportation to make it convenient and economical. He booked buses from Governmant transports of Tamilnadu and Karnataka well in advance. Return journey by train also was booked with minute details of the participants. Prasadams were arranged excellently with good care and devotion by Sri. Yoga swami at Mysore, Sri Sellu swami at Mysore and Sri Ananthazhwan swami at melkote. The strain they all took to confirm proper preparation and distribution and serving was wonderful.

Sri Vasudevan swami and his friend Sri Srinivas at Bangalore were very helpful by joining us at Bangalore and remaining with us until we reached Bangalore on return journey. They also took the strain of providing their cell phones for use in our roaming times. children and their parents from srirangam could contact at anytime during the tour with their cells.

We are very indebted very much for all of them not only for their assistance but also for their sweet hospitality.

The tour mainly helped the students to fraternize with each other and the seniors revealed their talent in the manoeuore of planning, arranging and executing a tour program and the heedfully ineffable arrangements. The tour brought out much pleasure totally which will last in the minds of the children for a long time.

To view the videos, kindly click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVtoRNYV-1U and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB67yG_d7vQ

To view the photos, kindly click here: https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/MelkoteTourDt200511To230511?authkey=Gv1sRgCKGP1vDThfvsEw

Great Brahmotsavam celebration in our Gurukulam

One may wonder sometimes about the number of activities undertaken ceaselessly in Srimaan Trust. Circumspective people would understand our swami’s basic consecration and fervor to plan every activity. Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students by their best to understand and cope up with the new challenges of life in spiritual ways by the direction of Swami.

Contiguity - to live near and serve Bhagavan, Bhagavatha and / or Acharyah in the only source of elevation of Jeevathma. Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students avail this chance by their novel innovative ideas to serve in our ancestral way.

Recently the Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students celebrated a Brahmothsav for their Thiruvaradhana Perumal in a grand way. They planned carefully in group and finalized each day’s activity before commencing the uthsav. They omitted almost nothing that is performed in Srirangatha’s Brahmothsav.

Daily Perumal Purappadu in different vahanams including a punnaimara vahanam, Divyaprabandha Goshti in front, Perumal in a beautifully decorated vahanam with Perumal embellished with colourful clothes and flowers, Vedha parayanam closely behind, the procession though with very few people, no doubt reminded of the Purappadu of Sriranganatha Himself. All requirements were prepared by the students who left no exertion to make the uthsav alive. Every day they tried to equal or excel the other day’s performance. And the public extolled especially the children on the streets gave out rhapsody with pleasure. The Uthsav celebrated by the students fortify their cause of study and keeps them with inclination to follow our Purvacharya’s ethics.

Incarceration of senses is almost not practical as explained by Thondaradipodi Azhwar (Kavalalil Pulanai vaithu…) and hence the senses are fed only with Sathvishayams like this. Will you accept it? And will you all encourage their attitude? Kindly make your mangalasasanams to the students.

To view the photos, kindly click here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SrimaanBhattarGurukulamUthsavam?authkey=Gv1sRgCKef5d7Sv8e0xQE#

To view the videos, kindly click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zunSYWLFA6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmxX-Gzo8nY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnHZgWsx8LA

Theertha Parimalam preparation

The upanyasakar, like the uninterrupted gushing of Ganges articulated thus “About 600 years ago, in the wilderness of the Seven Hilled Shrine of Thirumalai, lived a Maha vidwan doing theertha kainkaryam to the Lord of celestials and the earthlings. He had mastered all the sastras under the aegis of Sri Kumara Varadacharyiar, son of the illustrious Vedantacharyar and earned the title ‘ Prathivadhi Bhayankaram’ (meaning ‘formidable to adversary’ or ‘Terror of countering debators’) from His preceptor on winning an intellectual duel with a person of Monotheistic faith. Developing revulsion for material things, P.B.Annan advanced to Thirumalai seeking Kainkaryam at the feet of Lord and was awarded the task of fetching water for the Holy Abulation of Lord. On a fine day, as this scion of the Srivatsa Gothram was returning from aakasha Gangai carrying on his shoulder the vessel containing the Theertham for the Thiruvabhishekam of Thiruvenkatamudayam, a group of Theertha vaasi Brahmins from the banks of Cauvery chanced to meet him. On exchange of mutual respects according to the Srivaishnava Dharma, Prathivadi Bhayankaram Annan eagerly enquired of any news from Thiruvarangam. The Srivaishnavas, while dispersing news on the developments in the Sampradaic front, jubilantly described the vaibhavam of an Ascetic by name ‘Sri Azhagiya Manavala Nayanar’ who had come from the land of Namazhwar to the land of Namperumal and further extolled the unfathomable ocean of Gnyaanam, Bhakthi, Vairagyam in the possession of this Jeeyar. P.B.Annan, intrigued by this vaibhavam made further enquiries about him and thus slowly traced his steps to the sanctum sanctorum of Thiruvenkatamudayan listening to his vaibhavam. P.B.Annan submitted the vessel containing the water from Aakasha gangai to the Archakar and in a few minutes realized the grave mistake of not adding any Parimala dravyam (a mixture of smashed cardoman,clove,nutmeg and other aromatic spices) to the water and thus commiting a great sin at the feet of Emperumaan. P.B.Annan was shocked at this delinquency of his and turned remorse with shame. The very instant, Lord Thiruvenkatamudayan, the speaking Lord, exclaimed thus “ Anna ! My bhaktha ! The water thy brought today carries so much of spiritual aroma and the parimalam hasth filled my nostrils . It has caused me so much of pleasure. Thou need not regret not adding the Theertha parimalam.” P.B.Anna rejoiced hearing these Words from the Pavala Thiruvai of Emperumaan and he understood that the Vaibhavam of Mamunigal had turned into Theertha Parimalam for Emperumaan.”

The young male children of Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham listening to this splendid Vaibhavam, were greatly impressed and steered their way to the Head of SBK and expressed their wish prepare Theertha parimalam for the Emperumans residing in the Thirumaligais of Acharya purushas of Srirangam and other divya desams. It is to remembered that their female counterparts ( girls of Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham) had been doing the kainkaryam of weaving flowers into garlands and submitting it at various thirumaligais at Srirangam. This had already kindled the kainkarya thirst among the boys and they were contemplating a grandeur kainkaryam. And now they had this Theerthapodi kainkaryam at hand.

The boys would gather raw Cardoman, Cloves, Nutmeg and Jadipatri, power them using the traditional equipments and add some Divya prabandham and vaibhavams of azhwars and acharyas to the mixture ! Yes, the children had very clearly grasped the essence of the upanyasam that the vaibhavam of His adiyars was far more likeable to Him than anything else offered to Him! The children would carry the Theerthapodi in appropriate vessels and go each thirumaligai and submit the same to the Swamy there.

Healthy competition is always welcome and a healthy competition in Kainkaryam is most welcome!

His Holiness Chinna Jeeyar Swami

‘Acharyah’ – The school for leaders, was inaugurated in the year 2009 by none other than Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar swamy. The gnyaanam, bhakthi and Vairagyam of swamy is unimaginably mammoth that it is beyond the ambit of human senses, to say the least. The way swamy has been steering the Sampradaya kainkaryams in and outside India is very evident from the scores of Veda adyaayees and Sishyas swamy has produced for Sampradayam. Aim high, aim for the good of the world, be selfless, be for the Supreme Being – These are the fundamental principles entrenched in swamy’s heart and undoubtedly these have fetched for him all his Spiritual aspirations. When it comes to Bhakthi swamy turns into Bharatha, his Vairagyam is like that of Embar, his Gnyaanam is a clear exhibition of his deep understanding of the Sampradaya tenets. The able administration and the leadership traits of swamy have to be witnessed in person to gauge its magnitude.The commitment shown by swamy towards Vaidika dharmam is like the commitment a mother possesses for her beloved 3 year old toddler.

The speech given by swamy on the day of inauguration of Acharyah school was wisdom drenched. Listening to his serene and clear speech gave the feeling of slowly relishing the Aravanai prasadam (a kind of sweet pongal) of Periya Perumal.

Though it was recorded then, to our great misfortune, the recorder was lost and we were very upset. To our great joy and relief, a great soul visited our Trust recently and told he too had recorded the speech of Swamy. We rejoiced and collected the file from him. The link to the speech is here . Do listen and gain get drenched in his wisdom :

http://www.filefactory.com/file/cb69659/n/Tridandi_jeeyar_swamy_-_acharyah_op..mp3

Quiz - Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham and Gurukulam Students

On May 17, 2011, SRIMAAN TRUST has conducted a quiz competition. This encourages our students to learn more about the subject in an interesting way which also reaches them very well.

Senior students of SRIMAAN BHATTAR KUZHAM (SBK) sponsored a quiz competition with a variety of skill revealing methods. With no assistance completely, they prepared a series of questions on different heads. All required materials for quiz including audio and visual were prepared by themselves.

The participants (both Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham and Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students) were divied into 7 groups named PARANKUSA NAYAKI, PARAKALA NAYAKI, ANDAL, KALIYAN, MARAN, BAKTHISARAN, VISHNUCHITHAN.

The first round was named as the main round where the questions were based on vaibhavams of Emberumanar, Mudaliandan, Engalazhwan. The main round was with 6 questions. Every group was given equal chance to win.

The second was an audio round - To identify the voice of the Pravachanakartha and answer related questions of the Pravachana - was perfomed.

Next to that a visual round - To identify the Divyadesa Emberman, Azhwars, Acharyas etc.

Quite unusually a Riddle was conducted - To identify from a thaniyan - to find the composer, his Acharya, works of both and the meaning of the Thaniyan. This round was more interesting as it called for more knowledge.

Finally came the Rapid Fire round - To answer like fireworks without hesitation. The questions were based on Ithihasas, Azhvar Acharyas Vibhavam, etc.

PARANKUSA NAYAKI team won the competition. Totally the quiz was very successful and educative to the spectators too. Even new students who have joined the summer special course also participated with much enthusiasm in the quiz.

SRIMAAN TRUST will be conducting more activities in the future to make things interesting for the younger generation and to always make people realize the worth of our religion.

The photo link to this event is here. View the photos are do bless these children :

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SampradhayaQuiz?authkey=Gv1sRgCL-57JLB7IOkWQ&feat=directlink

THE VIDEO CLIP OF THIS EVENT WITH KIDS ENTHUSIASTICALLY ANSWERING QUESTIONS SHOT AT THEM IS HERE :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFWrIRPmtCI

Vidhwath Vandhanam - Sri. T.S Santhanam Vadhyar

Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham and Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students were introduced with a Vedantha Vidwan Sri. T.S Santhanam Vadhyar who has been already known to most of the students. Having spent long years in performing marriages and other ceremonies at many places, Sri Santhanam Vadhyar is a well known vadhyar. Hailing from a divya desam Thirukkannangudi, the swami made Thiruvadi sambandham with Sri Manalur Komadam Kannan Swami.

He learned Vedhabhagam for 15 years and Vedha Bashyam for 5 years. He worked as a teacher in Ku.Si. Patasala to teach Vedas and Sanskrit from 1976 to 1985.

At present the swami is performing veda parayana kainkaryam for SriRenganatha. He also teaches veda at Sri Renganatha Padhuka Vidhyalya. This Swamy is a salakshna kanapadi vedha bashya vidhwan.

The SBK and SBG children much impressed by the long term kainkaryam by the swami prostrated and submitted their sampavana and food materials as usual and as humble.

May the Divya thampathi of Srirangam bless the Swami with a long life and kainkaryam for the sampradhaya.

To view the photos, kindly click Photos.

To view the videos, kindly click Video1 and Video2.

Nepal Narayanan Swami

Nepal Narayan Swamiji is a rare kind of Kainkaraysree. He is in all means fit to be a model kainkaryasree. Born in a very dedicated srivaishnava family his grandfather and father were disciples of Sri Vanamamalai mutt established in Nepal.

Sri. Narayanji at an age of 8 got interest to learn 4000 Divya prabandham through Hindi. When somebody teased him learning Divya prabandham in Hindi, Sri. Narayanji immediately started to learn Tamil Language. At the age of 12, he wished to have Dharshan of Vanamamalai Jeeyar Swami (27^th Pattam) and went to Vanamamalai with his Acharya of Nepal origin. When he met the Jeeyar Swami, his only aim was to perform kainkaryam to him and the Sathacharya of Sri. Narayanji let him to stay in Vanamamalai mutt to perform kainkaryam to the Jeeyar Swami.

Sri. Narayanji served the Jeeyar Swami for more than 8 years after which the Jeeyar Swamiji attained Thirunadu. Sri. Narayanji was blessed with the chance of performing charamakala kainkarya for the Jeeyar Swamiji’s of 27^th, 28^th and 29^th Pattam.

During this time he mastered Tamil Language 4000 Divyaprabandham with vyakyanam and learnt Sri Bashyam, Bhaghawath Vishayam and more. He is also a master of many arts, cooking, painting, vigraham making likewise. Yet he is always simple and humble and stays always in the back end of Srivaishnava Goshti. He never accepts his talents and capacities to anyone but performs any kainkaryam allotted to him with perfection.

Sri. Narayanji couldn’t find time in his life for a married life and he never regrets it. Sri. Narayanji also has got a Temple and 2 Ramanujakoodams in Nepal which have been serving for the Sampradhayam.

The Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students were very happy to get introduced to Sri. Narayanji in their Vidwath Vandhanam. May the sacrifices of Sri. Narayanji inspire the good hearts to take him as their roll models in their lives.

To view photos , kindly click here.

Vidwath Vandhanam - Therazhundhur Kannan Swami

SRIMAAN BHATTAR GURUKULAM (SBG) and SRIMAAN BHATTAR KUZHAM (SBK) students have blessed this month to revere rare, highly eminent and austerity who has passed 91 years. It is flabbergasting and unbelievable to know that the Swami has spent 75 years in Bhagavath kainkaryam to Sri. Devathirajan of Therazhunthur incessantly.

Such a swami was found by the blessings of Sriranganatha to be revered in our monthly activity of Vidwath Vandhanam. To add surprise, the Swami Sri. U. Ve. Kannan Bhattachariar happened to be the father of Sri Raman Bhattacharya, the Agama Guru for SBG students.

The Swami visited happily and appreciated the vidhyarthis and of their devotion in performing Thiruvaradhana to Perumal. The swami seemed as that the Bhagawat kainkaryam itself has taken a body to exhibit. The vidhyarthis were very much impressed and inspired by hearing about the swami.

The swami made mangalasasanams to the perumal of the children’s nithya pooja and made mangalasasanams to the children also. When he was submitted with the regular sampavana, the swami returned it to keep for the children’s kainkaryam.

Everyone saw him with surprise in their eyes, devotion in their hearts and inspiration in their minds. The swami has achieved success without any effort to do so. The sole purpose of vidwath vandhanam was meaningful!

We do pray Lord Ranganatha to shower his choicest blessings on him and get more kainkaryam!

To View the photos, Kindly click here.

Srirangam Madhurakavi Azhwar Sannidhi cleaning

Madhurakavi Azhwar was a unique Azhwar among the 12 Azhwars. He preferred unambiguously only Acharyah and did not sing in (praise) accolade of any Divyadesa Perumal. His Acharya Bhakthi didn’t allow him to turn his attention to Perumal. All Azhwars are found to possess ambivalence – speaking something when they got sannithyam of Perumal and speaking differently when they did not get. All of them were found in 2 opposite states while Madhurakavi Azhwar never minded about that.

His Nishtai is called Charama Parva Nishtai and was appreciated by all our Purvacharyas very much. His state of mind is very rare and he was considered as a specimen of a disciple i.e sath sishya.

His Thirunakshatra fell on April 18th, 2011. Students of Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam(SBG) and students of Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham(SBK) along with enthusiastic volunteers performed sannidhi cleaning kainkaryam at his sannidhi (Sri Nammazhwar Sannidhi) with pleasant memory of the Azhwar.

The premises of Sannidhi were very clean and pleasant to our eyes after the work was finished, but the faces of the children were very pleasant from the starting to the end.

Which one do you prefer? Prathama Parvam or Charama Parvam?

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Pushpa Kainkaryam by Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham Students and Volunteers

Within a number of kainkaryams performed in Thiruvaradhana to perumal, submission of flowers to Him is considered as the head most. Periyazhwar ransacked all kainkaryams and preferred the same. Recounting the incident Sri Krishna expressed great joy when he was offered mala by the malakarar. So did Thondaradipodiyazhwar. SriRamanuja also felt in the same way and arranged one of his close disciples Ananthazhwan to do the same kainkaryam to Thirumalai Perumal. Sri Parasara Bhattar explained in an Idhihyam that any flower submitted to Perumal will please Him even Kandakali Poo. When his disciple queried about the forbiddance of Kandakali Poo in Sastra, Sri Parasara Bhattar stated that, that was to avoid hurting of Adiyars hands when the kandakali Poo was plucked and not to say that it was worthless.

In Srimaan Trust Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham (SBK) children have been trained to wreathe mala to submit Perumal. All activities are heedfully examined and selected before implementation in our Trust. And now following the training the children of SBK, wreathe the flowers and offer them to Acharya Thirumaligais each a day. This kainkaryam, done with no sadhana budhi, helps them to please Bhagawan, Bhagawatha and Acharya at a time. As the flowers are offered to Thirumaligais to Acharyas who are also in the category of Bhagawadhas and through their hands to Bhagavan, the children are blessed by all three.

Anybody inspired by this concept can arrange local children at their places by instigating them and helping with any requirements. Others can help the SBK children to expand their kainkaryam in future. And mangalasasanams can be made by all.

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At Kattumanar Koil

The early morning streets of Srirangam , usually characterized by minimal human activity restricted to vaidikas bending their steps for a dip in the Holy Cauvery, turned abuzz with activity on 15th April when the students of Gurukulam commenced their trip to the ‘ Land of the Path shower’ – Kaattu mannar kudi ( sampradaically termed as Kattum Mannar Koil, for, without the grace of this Mannar, the history of Azhwars and the Nalayira Divya Prabandhams would have remained in dark for eternity).

“Start reciting chatushloki and Ramanuja chatushloki” echoed a voice with convincing conviction. “ Please carry the fresh fruits and the flowers of Namperumal to garland Sriman Nathamunigal and Sri Alavandar” cried another. “ Are all the children inside the bus” asked a voice with shades of authority and deep concern. “Start the vehicle!” exclaimed all the children and the blue mini bus kick started the Spirtual journey.

Sri Vasudevan ,a donor of Srimaan Trust, along with a few other adiyaars, had long back wished to bring the tradition of Arayar Sevai to the place of its root i.e Kattu Mannar Kudi. This wish turned into reality with the grace of Mannar with Srivilliputtur Arayar swamy and Azhwar Thirunagari Arayar swamy coming to the birth place of Nathamunigal and performing arayar sevai right before the presiding deity , the beautiful Kattu Mannar. What a baghyam it would be to drink this divine event through mortal eyes! Hence the gurukulam students decided to take part in this event.

After the morning anushtanam at the Muth where they stayed, the children chanting ‘aara amudhae adiyen udalam’ from Thiruvaimozhi, the verses which fetched us the whole of Nalayira divya prabandham, entered the temple of Mannar and paid obeisance to The Lord and His divine consorts. Then chanting ‘ Stotra Ratnam’, the divine outpouring of Alavandar, these children of Gurukulam with utmost humility prostrated before the blemishless Thirumeni of Sriman Nathamunigal and Shri Alavandar. The founder Acharya Shri Badrinarayan Bhattar swamy and all the volunteers prayed at the feet of Mannar and Nachiars for the well being of humanity and made special prayers for the betterment of the donors and other selfless kainkaryparas of the Trust.

The arayar sevai of Srivilliputtur arayar swamy began at 6 pm and kept all the children rapt in attention. In the past, the old women fortune tellers would prognosticate whether the Thalaimagan (the male lover) might unite with the thalaimagal(the female counterpart). For this prediction they use pearls(muthu).The pearls are woven like plaits but in a circular manner and if the end (pearls) exactly fits the beginning(pearls) , the union is predicted to be successful. This is termed as Mutthukuri. In the divya prabandhams also when azhwars attain nayaki bhaavam, there are instances where the fortune teller predicts the union( or otherwise) of Azhwar (in Naayika Bhaavam) with Emperumaan. Srivilliputtur arayar swamy enacted one such pasuram( Pattudukkum ararthu irangum… from Thirunedunthandakam). The arayar sevai not only brought tears among the gurukulam students and the volunteers, but the Thirumukham of Mannar also exuded so much of satisfaction and pleasure. The evening was spent in contemplating the vaibhavam of Sriman Nathamunigal and Shri Alavandar.

The next day, a plan was charted for doing mangalasasanam at the nearby divya desams and accordingly the closet destination of Chidambaram was chosen and reached. The wonderful temple of Govindarajan was a treat to the eyes to say the least. The archakars were very pleased seeing the enthusiasm and devotion shown by the young clan of gurukulam children and arranged for a wonderful sevai at Perumal sannidhi and thayar sannidhi.

The gurukulam children presently mastering Periya thirumozhi, recited the verses of Thirumangai azhwar on Lord Govindarajan and the children headed to the thirumaligai of Shri Sundar swamy for lunch. Shri Sundar swamy's family is devoted to the kainakryam of Lord Govindarajan and hence the Gurukulam children were very pleased to be under the shade of such a family.A brother of Sundar swamy, who looks after the Koil Thirumadappalli ( Kitchen of Lord) prepared a variety of dishes for the children despite a grueling work schedule at the temple. The children enjoyed the prasadam at the thirumaligai of a Srivaishnavar and traced their steps back to Mannar’s temple for the arayar sevai of the day.

Azhwar thirunagari arayar swamy stood before the Presiding deity Mannar with Shri Nathamunigal and Alavandar by His side and rendered Thiruppavai with all its vyakyanam.What more can Kannan(Mannar) ask for ? It seemed Mannnar was ready to set aside all his utsavams and completely immerse in anubhavam of Aandal’s Thiruppavai! Some abhinayams were also sprinkled in between the arayar sevai. While the arayar sevai was progressing, a few gurukulam and Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham students( we forgot to mention that these children were also part of the journey) turned restless and were loitering around the temple premises in search of something. They couldn't tolerate the arayar swamy sweating and hence were asking the temple people for a hand held fan. On obtaining one,they began Thiru aalavatta kainkaryam for Arayar swamy and continued till the end. The arayar sevai was followed by the sthala acharya purushas discoursing on the vaibhavam of Kattu Mannar Koil and Shri Badrinarayana Bhattar swamy describing the wonderful kainkarayams of the Poorvacharyas born there. Swamy also thanked all the Srivaishnavas who had taken pains to care take the gurukulam children.

This was followed by Vidwath sadas and Purappadu of Emperumaan around the thiruveedhis. The children completing the anushtaanam and dinner were about to leave when the youngest among them was upset. On asking the reason, he cutely replied he wanted to worship Lord Varaha at Srimushnam. Understanding the love of the child for the Lord, the return journey plan was altered to fit in Lord Varaha sevai also. Bidding adieu to Lord Mannar and the Acharyas, the children left Kattu Mannar Koil and via SriMushnam ( worshipping Gnyannap piraan there) reached Periya Koil early morning.

In all the journey enriched the children with the knowledge of two scions of the Srivaishnava guruparamparai and had also made them realize the need for devoted service at such temple-towns where there is scarcity of human resources for kainkaryams.

Now that you have all had the anubhavam of Kattu Mannar koil in writing, it is time the visual treat is also served. The wonderful empermaan, the Arayar sevai.... do watch them and kindle the thirst to visit Kattu Mannar Koil and do kainkaryam to the deity and acharyas there!

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Navarathri at Gurukulam

Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students celebrate Navarathri Uthsav in the way of practical training. But none of their performances is amateurish. In a grand way, they celebrate as experts with easiness. It is very fascinating to watch the involvement and devotion of the Vidhyarthis to follow the uthsavas as followed in Temple.

Perumal was adorned in various kolams daily.( Andal, Rangamannar sayana thirukolam, Rajamannarkudi perumal, thiruppathi perumal, ramar thirukkolam, krishnar thirukkolam, Parthasarathy thirukkolam etc. )On 15^th October 2010, Thiruvadi seva of Thayar was performed with full décor. The teachers (Gurus) and other elders around had the Dharshan and appreciated the keen observance and adoption of Sampradhaya in pleasing manner.

Emberumanar Divyagna Vardhatham Abivardhatham!!

Kaliyum Kedum Kandu Konmin!!

Our Trust has always had the Baghyam of many donors visiting it and doing Mangalasasanams for its activities. One such donor visited us in the first week of March and spent quality time with us. On returning back , this donor has beautifully mailed( a long one indeed!) us his anubhavam amidst the children and members of Srimaan Trust. He is sending his anubavams in parts and we are reproducing them here .

IN THE VICINITY OF VIRTUE

Adiyen is a donor of Srimaan Trust. Though adiyen had been greatly impressed by the activities of the Trust, especially the running of the Gurukulam, all this impression was only through the mails circulated and news that spread by word of mouth. Never had I been there in person to see the children and witness their functioning.

Very recently, with the boundless grace of Namperumal and Srirenganachiar, adiyen got an opportunity to visit the pristine city of Srirangam. I spent the first day at the magnificent ‘Koil’ and needless to say, the day just passed off as a flowery breeze boosting the spirituality and Bhakthi within adiyen.

It was the second day that has and will ever remain entrenched in adiyen’s heart. The founder of Trust Sri Parasara Badribhattar swamy and his Dharma Pathni, knowing adiyens plan to visit Srirangam, had in advance requested me to visit the Gurukulam and bless the children. They had also, with great affection, asked the Srivaishnavar cooking meals for the children to prepare something special for adiyen also.

As the early morning sun softly let out its golden rays, and the wind carrying the reverberations of the Pasurams and Vedam sung in the streets of Srirangam, the unwinding walk around the Thiruveedhi finally led me to Bhattar Gurukulam.adiyen went there all alone with no prior intimation to the inhabitants.

Even before nearing the Gurukulam, the atmosphere seemed electrified with mellifluous voices chanting Pancha Shanthi , Gadya thrayam and Thirucchanda viruttham. At the entrance was seated a youngster in his mid twenties. With a face filled with Vairagyam and thejas, he welcomed adiyen with “ Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha”in his lips and and hands folded in Anjali mudrai. It seemed as though these words eternally belonged to him. I casually enquired his whereabouts and was overwhelmed (and also shocked) to know he was from Ayodhya ! This person holding a degree in engineering, with no prior knowledge of our Sampradayam, has come all the way from Ayodhya to Srirangam with the sole motive of taking care of the Gurukulam children.He is the care taker of the Gurukulam.

With utmost bewilderment and disbelief, adiyen entered the main hall and sat on the floor. It was then that it struck me that the very Master of Srirangam, Lord Ranganatha Himself was from the Land of Sarayu ! Lord Ranga came here to fulfill the wish of Cauvery and King Dharmavarma and this person has come to Srirangam to fulfill Lord Ranganatha’s wish of increasing by manifold His adiyars!

With these thoughts rushing through adiyens heart, adiyen’s eyes turned moist contemplating the Grace of Namperumal and Sriranganachiar. This train of thought was suddenly broken when two little nestlings of the Gurukulam with beautiful Kudumi , luminous Thiruman , Veshti and Thulasi Mani malai approached adiyen.

As these two little pupils of the Gurukulam approached adiyen, adiyen too got up. Both of them in unison uttered “ Adiyen Ramanuja daasan” at the pitch of their voice as little children always do. But only later in the day did adiyen know these children were more than mere children! Without giving a chance for adiyen to strike a conversation, these two vidyarthis paced their steps in rhythm, picked up a vessel each, filled it with well water and ventured to perform Sandhya-vandanam.

The site was very cute. Just around 7 yrs of age and still carrying some traces of Mazhalai in their words, they ambitiously performed the Nithya Karma as though it was the only thing they were born to do. Yes, we adults and very unfortunately even our kids are unable to fully immerse ourselves/themselves in any work . i.e give it 100 %. When I start a work my mind hops from a new wish to work to the ongoing World Cup to the whereabouts of my children and finally ends up worrying about everything mentioned above. The adult mind is filled with so much of random thoughts that it finally gets choked and energy gets sapped. Fortunately, these children haven’t fallen prey to the ‘living out of suitcase’ culture and won’t have to pay the physician in suitcases as we (I) do or are likely to do if we continue maintain this lifestyle!

Once the sandhya vandanam was over, they rushed into a room perched between the main hall and the kitchen. And adiyen followed them with lot of curiosity. Inside the room were seated almost all the students of the gurukulam. A few of them, I was told, were in the kitchen.

Seeing all these children together under one roof was something beyond words. The children are divided into groups such as Periya Thirumozhi, Periazhwar Thirumozhi and Iyarpa depending on their age. All the students of Periazhwar thirumozhi are the children of Acharakas of Divya desams like Thirukkudandhai . These children are vigorously learning Aagama sashtram. Looking at them adiyen was transported to Thirukkudandhai and the picture of them doing Thiruvaradhanam to Aaravamudhan enveloped my mind. It felt so blissful to be amidst them. They were shouldering so much of ancestral responsibility and the Gurukulam ( with the grace of Periya Perumal) has assumed the responsibility of nurturing them.

When all their morning Thiruvai(re-reciting previously learnt topics for permanent remembrance) got over, they all gathered at the main hall . Adiyen went straight and prostrated them. Immediately all of them prostrated me. Very shocked as this I asked why they prostrated, and one child, with the glitter in his eyes pervading his face, casually told “Vaishnavo Vaishnavam Drishtva Dhandavath Pranameth Bhuvi”. Except for a few words learnt at primary school and some words learnt while listening to Upanyasams, adiyen knows nothing of Sanskrit. Seeing me in perplexity, one elderly boy with so much of humility, softly told it meant “ A Vaishnavite should fall at the feet of another when each other meet”.

Virtue, it seemed had decided to seek refuge in these children.

Noting down the pious shloka on SriVaishnava lakshanam on a piece of paper, adiyen hurriedly pulled out one Vidyrthi from amongst them and asked him what he does everyday morning from the time of dawn till the time adiyen was there with them. He seemed more than satisfied in satiating adiyen’s query. The Gurukulam child’s day begins at 4 : 30 a.m ( except for Deepavali adiyen has seen this time only at dusk). Once all the children are awake and are done with brushing and bowel emptying, they gather outside the Gurukualam and commence Thiru Veedhi Pradakshinam ( ambulating the Main streets around the temple).Whether the breeze blows cold or whether raindrops trickle down the clouds above, these children strictly adhere to the principle of physical exercise at morning. Chanting the stotras composed by our Acharyas on our beloved Emperumaan, these children complete two pradakshinam of Chitra Street thus purifying their souls in addition to breathing in pure air.

The excitement among the children while this boy explained the routine was palpable. The little ones sitting drowsily at the corner began briskly murmuring “ Yoga anna,yoga anna” reminding the boy the next schedule. Once these children come back from walk, they gulp some water, rest for few minutes and begin a short yoga session covering lot of Surya namaskars and a few aasanas. It seemed when the yoga teacher first taught surya namaskar , a 12 year old was upset. On enquiry he asked “ Why should I do Surya Namaskar. Perumal alone is to be worshipped know?” Flabbergasted at this question, the yoga teacher sent in for someone knowledgeable and incidentally the Founder Acharya himself happened to go there and explain this to the child. I called for that boy. The clarity dripping down his face put to rest my doubts on the child’s mental maturity. He re-told the explanation given in his own words which adiyen is re-phrasing below.

In Sandhya Vandanam itself lot of Devathais are paid obeisance including Sooryan. Does it mean we are worshipping them? No .Any Vaidika karma ( i.e anything done stipulated as mandatory in the Vedas) will always have Lord Sriman Narayanan as the sole Receiver of the offerings. But it should be noted that anything done outside the framework of Vedic injunctions will not make Emperumaan the sole receiver unless it is directly offered to him. But this Yogic Surya Namaskar is done by us with the sole intention of gaining physical fitness which in turn will enhance the ability to do Kainkaryam. We have the treasure trove of Azhwars and Acharyas works for spiritual upliftment and don’t depend on Yoga for that. Pacified at this reply, the boy began his yoga sittings.

After the invigorating physical activity kick starting the routine, they eat fruits, some freshly prepared double beans and two glasses full of Kanji( porridge). Then begin the sandhai ,thiruvai and Aagama sessions which adiyen witnessed.

Listening to all this in awe, adiyen was about to throw in more questions when there was a visible disturbance among the students. The reason was simple, it was time for the next activity of Thiruvaradhanam to their little Lord and adiyen’s questions wouldn’t be entertained atleast for a while.

Their Thiruvadhanam is very very watch worthy. While the aagama students want an elaborate and methodical one, the little ones simply want action unlimited! They try to improvise with utsavams generously infused into the Thiruvaradhanam. Somehow a middle path was chosen and a very beautiful Thiruvaradhanam unfolded before adiyens eyes. With every child participating in his own way, some helping to prepare prasadam, some buying flowers and Thiruttuzhai, some fetching water from well, some aiding the doer of Thiruvaradhanam and some chanting Vedas and Divya – prabandham it seemed the Lord was very happy at these devout children

Once the Srivaishnavar looking after the kitchen was done with cooking, the Prasadams were served to Lord and an elaborate Satrumurai was held. The children properly aligned themselves to a line on either side of the main hall and participated in the Satrumurai. When the words ‘Ramanujarya Divya agnya’ were uttered every child invariably placed his palms in Anjali mudra . Watching that adiyens heart was pounding with joy and adiyen felt a few more Ramanujars were in the making…..

The Theertha prasadams were duly distributed following the satrumurai which was a grand spectacle. The love of grown ups often carries a tinge of superficiality and selfishness in it. But love that emanates from the heart of the bud like children is absolutely pure and fresh. It is never poisoned with selfishness, ego, superficiality and other vices.Such was the love of these children of Gurukulam for the Supreme Being encapsulated in the tiny Koil Azhwar ( the box that houses their Perumal). They look after their Perumal with so much of motherly compassion that adiyen felt Emperumaan’s objective of being protected and nurtured by His Bhakthas in Archavatharam was met at the Gurukulam premises.

With the sultry rays of the sun reminding the onslaught of the forthcoming summer, adiyen was exhausted .The whole course of continuous action from morning kept the stomach in a short hibernation but now it woke up and began its protest. Adiyen requested if we could begin the Thadeeyaradhanam(lunch). The children with their usual calm demeanor pointed out that is was time for Madhyanikam and softly asked if I could wait or be served immediately. Adiyen readily agreed to wait. When the players brim with patience, should the mute spectators not have some? Adiyen too joined them in the mid-day ritual.Very calmly, each child picked up his vessel and settled for the mid day prayer.

Adiyen would recommend each of the adiyaars to go to Srirangam and witness the way food is served and taken by the children. Everyone would think what’s the big deal in meal serving after all ? But one has to be there and witness. We can hold long sermons eulogizing the vastness and beauty of sea but the listener can appreciate it only if he travels to the coast and takes a glimpse of the huge water body. After Madhyanikam ,each Vidyarthi reached for his respective plate tucked away at a corner, neatly cleansed it and occupied a place in the main hall. One 8 yr old Vidyarthi has been given the exclusive responsibility of providing water in tumblers for each child .Once all of them(excepting a few) settled, this boy placed the tumbler, very carefully enquires how much water each child wanted and poured him the required quantity. When done with this work, that boy also settled for the meal.

Two boys have been vested the responsibility of serving the meal to all. These two Vidyarthis carry so much of mental maturity that adiyen was quite baffled at its exhibition. Just like others, these two were also hungry but responsibility was all that they seemed to bother for. Adiyen thought atleast today let these two eat with the rest and offered to serve them all. But the strong will of these two never ebbed. They smiled and simply told “ Atithis are allowed only to enjoy and not to strain” and went on to explain the intricacies of Athithi sathkaram which they heard in a Dharma sashtra upanyasam. The words of the speaker ,whomsoever it might have been,seemed to have got embossed in their hearts. Adiyen was about to tell them adiyen was no athithi but a donor who is just like their parents. After all as donors we are partly donning the parent’s role by financially helping these children (We can emotionally help only if we visit them often and strike a relationship). But these little ones won’t understand all that and hence quite helplessly adiyen too sat for the meal.

Like a stream of water clearly flowing in a set path, all these children got themselves arranged in the two perfect parallel lines. It seemed these parallel lines would not meet even at infinity! Immediately began the chanting of stotra paadam and the already pure air turned extremely pious. Simultaneously the two incharges began serving the vegetable stew, paruppu, prasadam etc. Asking every child whether he needs more of the item being served or wanted anything else, these two were showering so much of care and love on the others that adiyen’s hunger got pacified instantly. When everything was served and fully eaten, each child picked his plate,washed it and put it back at its original place. Then two Vidyarthis very neatly washed the place with dried cowdung. Finally the two in-charge boys sat for meals and two others immediately began serving them. To adiyen’s utter dismay many of side dishes were almost exhausted though prepared sufficiently by the Srivaishnavar. Adiyen understood these two had served all the dishes to other students and thus deprived themselves of these items. Post lunch, adiyen poured out my feeling to both of them thinking adiyen was acting wisely. Adiyen asked them to secure some food and other dishes for themselves even before serving the others and if not at least serve judiciously. They were all ears for all of adiyen’s advise and finally simply put an end to adiyen’s monologue by saying “ If the other Vidyarthis eat all the dishes and enjoy the food, it is as good as we eating them . It actually gives us immense pleasure that in front of our eyes our Saha-vidyarthis comfortably enjoy our service. We are engaged in Srivaishnava thadeeyaradhanai on a everyday basis and this a great kainkaryam for us. We have no regrets and hence you to needn’t have any.” So saying, in typical childlike manner they left for a game of cricket with others!

Who will not get stunned by such a matured reply from such young children? For a few minutes adiyen’s lips were sealed and eyes overflowed with tears. We’ve all heard of Srivaishnava lakshanams and adiyen often felt these were bequeathed to us from our Pooravacharyas only in the form of writings and there were no live examples to walk the way our Poorvacharyas did . This ignorance was dispelled by all that adiyen had seen unravel before me. Such sublimity of thinking can come only with the unconditional grace of our Poorvacharyas. On enquiry adiyen was told these two were the descendents of Azhwar thirunagari Arayar and first theerthakarar of Thirukkannapuram respectfully. Being born in such illustrious families, these two children were the epitome of humility and benevolence. Adiyen just wondered… Nathamunigal served the world with Nalayiram and a host of other divine works, far more than what humanity yearned for and this boy having the Shareera sambandham of Nathamunigal is serving delicious Prasadams to all the budding Shri Vaishnavas(more than what they asked !).

All these virtues have come to these children by the values imparted at the Gurukulam and adiyen felt great indebtedness to the Founder and scores of Volunteers in different parts of the globe who’ve sacrificed very many things for the sole benefit of these children.

Though adiyen didn’t want to, my thoughts travelled at lightening speed, traversing the waters of Kollidam and Cauvery to Bangalore where adiyen's family was living a cozy and comfortable life....

( to be continued)

Brahmotsavam at Gurukulam

Vidyarthis of SRIMAAN BHATTAR GURUKULAM performed a BRAHMOTHSAV for the Thiruvaradhana Perumal at Gurukulam.

Though it was simple and short, it was performed not leaving the minute details of Brahmothsav. The thiruvaradhana followed after a thirumanjanam very artfully and the Public who gathered to see the Uthsav appreciated very much of the vidhyarthis involvement, dedication and perfection in following the Pancharathra Agamam.They are performing Nithya Thiruvaradhana to the deity at Gurukulam which they have named Kasthuri Rangan.

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Prize distribution at Thiruvellarai

Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam students participated in a series of competition conducted on behalf of Thiruvellarai Melathirumaligai SRI. U. VE. SRINIVASACHARIYAR SWAMI’S THIRUNAKSHATHIRA MAHOTHSAVAM.

The competition was in reciting Dhivyaprabandham, Vedham etc. and eminent Vidwans and Veterans were the judges to evaluate the skills of children in various fields. It was really wonderful that most of our children had been successful and awarded with a number of first prizes and second prizes.

The prize distribution function was conducted at Thiruvellarai on the Thirunakshathiram of SRI. U. VE. SRINIVASACHARIYAR SWAMY. Melakkottai Thirunarayanapuram Sri. U. Ve. Arayar Sriramasharma Swamy distributed the prizes for the children and praised their talents. Our children who were taken in a mini bus to attend the function were received with pleasure by the swami SRI. U. VE. SOWMYA NARAYANACHARIYAR SWAMY and the veterans and vidwans who were gathered in hundreds appreciated the children and blessed for their prosperity.

Children after receiving prizes were taken to the temple and filled with details of the temples and they made a Pradhakshinam too to visit the unique swastic pond, echo point, cave etc.

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Nutrition in every gulp

‘Nutrition’ is a word that has been lapped up by the present society with utmost fervor and inexplicable zeal. This nutrition concept which had been an integrated part of living in the days of our Acharyas and even our grandparents, has now assumed a very revered and ‘distinct’ position amongst us.

But we should remember that this new found infatuation with nutrition has not helped bridge the rift between diseased/ailment prone living and healthy / salubrious living. The primary reason for this is again our new found attraction towards the latest pseudo-healthy products inundating every visible shop in our vicinity. The plethora of advertisements in every possible media is culpable in this regard. A health specialist made a very thought-provoking comment in a famous daily .Here’s the exact wordings Eat anything that is made from a plant. Refrain from eathing anything made in a plant’ implying natural products are safe and products manufactured in Factories( Plant) are in some or the other way harmful. The amusing irony here is that we carefully choose the factory made eatables presuming they would nourish us !

To attain the ‘pink of the health’ status and built – to –last shareeram , the most important aspect is in seeking the remedy from amidst the innumerable products Namperumal has lovingly and aptly manufactured for us! When our birth followed the Rules laid by Him, when our body’s functioning follows the Blueprint designed by Him, when our growth pattern religiously adhered to his decree , then why ransack our Health by plunging into the quagmire of ‘artificial / away from Actual’ products ? Staying in absolute communion with the Namperumal developed world is the only elixir for the Nutrition seeker. And that’s what Srimaan Trust is precisely doing for the Gurukulam students.

The Gurukulam Students are a lucky lot. Well it is wrong to boast of the Trust being its volunteers but then this envy is quite irresistible for us ! Everyday, when we see the care and micro level attention tended to every thread of the children’s existence , thoughts of unfulfilled past clogs our hearts ( all written in utmost good spirit !) . The villainy of time has resulted in our being only volunteers of the Trust and the coveted status of ‘pupil’ has forever eluded us!

A day (we restrict this mail to the nutritional intake part alone) in the life of ‘Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam’ child begins in salubrious style. Waking up to 3 glasses of power –packed 18 daanya (cereal, lentils, nuts) porridge (Kanji) at 6 :30 am, the child breezes through the early full meal at 9 :30 am. The 18 daanya kanji is one of the best breakfast option. Nutritionists are insisting on a very healthy breakfast to enhance the well – being of the body. Some of them go to the extent of placing the breakfast very close to waking up. This would provide the much starved ( 8 hrs of sleep!) body a real boost. And when the breakfast is brimming with nutrients like the 18 daanyams, what more to ask for ?

The full meal at 9 :30am is a more racy and action packed prequel to the routine afternoon sleep inducing lunch. An aromatic variety of vegetables often mixed together in unique manner acts as an appetizer to the child. After the Shastric prayer (Pariseshanam) and savoring the vegetable salad, the child is fed with vegetable filled kozhambu. What all vegetables missed the opportunity of gracing the salad cup earlier, find their venerable slot here. Isn’t it a baghyam to be swallowed by the mouth that unrelentingly utters the sacred Vedas, Stotras and Divya – Prabandham ?! Satramudhu is special in gurukulam. Each day the improvising Srivaishnava cook tries enriching it with fruits like pineapple, grapes and others. The fruits join the bandwagon in style.

Come the sultry noon, respite is offered through curd rice accompanied by vegetable stew (koottu) and pickles made from fresh vegetables sans preservatives and spices. (Gurukulam offers only Sathvika aaharam. The Founder Acharya is very stringent in this regard).

At around 5pm ,with the sun setting and cool Cauvery breeze engulfing the Srirangam dwellers, the gurukulam child is handed a cup full of dry fruits comprising Almonds ( Badam), Raisins ( Dry draksha ), Walnuts (acroot), Cashews ( mundiri) and soaked Groundnuts. Soaked Groundnuts are very healthy and provide excellent stamina. Another cup of a different variety of porridge also features in the 5pm session.

The dinner is very simple following the sastric saying ‘Breakfast like a kind, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’. This is another key to healthy living. The dinner, though simple ,is again nutrient centric. If dosai is made , it won’t be like the ones made routinely by us. Children love seeing and handling colours and we fulfill their wish with our culinary art. Variety of vegetables are added to the night meal be it dosai or idli or adai. When adais are prepared , a mixture of danyams are also added to provide the child with utmost nourishment. The 18 daanya adai is our speciality!

A cup of pure cow milk sums up the days nutrient intake. The protein rich milk is a must for growing children as protein is required for the body to repair tissues and preserve youth.

Apart from this dynamic routine, the Gurukulam has designed a chart to incorporate herbal medicines in the daily routine of students. Every Tuesday and Saturday the child is given Kalisadhi Choornam. Thursdays are meant for Ashwagandhi Choornam . Everyday Nilavembu Kudineer is administered;Nilavembu builds up enormous resistance and guards the body from frequent fever & other infections.

How has this tailor-made nutrition plan benefited the gurukulam children ? In a recent Dental Check up camp , the orthodontists were pleasantly surprised to find a negligible no. of students with dental problems. 95% of the children had a good dental health. The regular kashayam intake has proved a grand success in deterring foreign bodies from attacking the children. Frequent fever,cold,cough have become the rarest phenomenon in the Gurukulam children. Another splendid benefit of the nutrition plan is that the children readily eat and drink whatever is offered by the Trust ( unlike our protesting children back home). The children are seldom fatigued and are very active throughout the day.

A question may crop up in the minds of some /all of you. Being children of Gurukulam , will this cuisine not make them fall prey to the taste buds ? Well, do we think in this angle when it comes to our Children? Do we make bland food for them and cut down on tasty items? We cant imagine doing so. Its the same with these Gurukulam children. Their non-affluent background has resulted in their missing out the joy of childhood all these years. Now, they have become our Children and we shall leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the Parents role that we've assumed.

In this effort we also entreat you to play your role as a parent to these Children. The joy of assuming the role of guiding children other than ours is beyond the realm of words ! Do join us in this wonderful experience !

Sri Ramayana Contest 2011

Srimaan Trust, a non - profit, charitable trust serves the society in various ways especially to the younger generation. It also conducts STATE LEVEL COMPETITION IN SRIRAMAYANAM in a number of centers (More than 15 centers) all over TamilNadu. First year (2007-08) 3000 students, second year (2008-09) 5000 students and third year (2009-10) about 7000 students participated in the competition. Students from Ist std. to XII std. were classified into 4 groups (as detailed below) and each group in each centre in each khandam of Sriramayanam is awarded with gold and silver coins apart from a number of encouragement prizes and certificates.

This year contest is conducted in (1) BALA KHANDAM, (2) AYODHYA KHANDAM and (3) ARANYA KHANDAM.

Books are printed in both English and Tamil languages.

Students are divided into 4 groups as below:

Std.Group NameAbbreviation

1^st to 3^rd NamperumalNP

4^th to 6^th Nammazhwar NA

7^th to 9^th Nanjeeyar NJ

10^th to 12^th Nampillai NI

As the enthusiasm to participate in the competition among children all over TamilNadu increases, we do expect that this year (2011) 10000 students will participate. The Trust usually provides the children a specially prepared book in catechism way (Question & Answer format) for each child in English or Tamil, according to choice of students.

We are providing the list of existing centers which may be expanded in this year. We do request you to propagate the competition in your area and to induce the children to participate in the competition.

Exam date: 31-07-2011

Last Date for Registration:31-03-2011

For Registration, Contact:

Kumbakonam 9486310896 Alwar Thirunagari 9486715168, 9789342285

Pollachi 9150445123 Nagapattinam 9894216893

Karur 9787706793 Kanchipuram 9487568408

Coimbatore04222423559 Chennai 9566135075

Thiruvarur 9487993227 Salem 9080328087

Madurai9442235424 Srirangam, Trichy 9150450638, 9150403470

Hosur9442719683Nagpur09325704146

Dindugul99521 74530Delhi095666 15222

More details can be had from the appropriate center or directly to head office.

HEAD OFFICE:

SRIMAAN TRUST
231, South Uthra Street, Srirangam, Trichy – 620 006
Ph: 9150403470

Sri Ramayana Contest 2011 - Triplicane Center

It seemed the scorching sun decided to stay away as the day dawned for the Scion of Ikshvaku clan to adorn the answer sheets of Children. The latter would eclipse the former and make all the hard earned titles of the sun evaporate! Yes, Sriramayana competition held every year during the month of June-July was (and will be held during July-Aug) held at Srirangam, Trichy, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur, Karur,Kumbakonan,DindukkalAzhwar and Thirunagari with over 7000 registrants of the age group 7-14. The competition was held at Chennai on 31st July 2011.

SriRamayana is the epic that has been handled by our Acharyas extensively, far more than Srimath Bhagavatham. Just as the prince of a kingdom is fed with rich ghee every now and then, our Poorvachayas dip into the rich ocean of SriRamayana every now and then while writing their commentaries or while discoursing upon the Supreme Being. They found the panacea of every malady in the verses of Valmiki Maharshi. Unlike Mahabharatha where the Sage ventures to write on Krishna but ends up writing on the worldly politics and near to insane mortals, Sriramayana captures the external and the enviable atma gunas of the Supreme Being in a ornate style and enlightens the readers on the need to seek the abode of the Eternal Well doer, SriRama. It needs mention that all the three acharyas of Advaitha, Vishishtadvaita and Dwaitha schools of thought respectively have shown deep Bhakthi towards SriRamapiran more than any of the deities. This is very much reflected in their works.

Why leave such a Spiritual treasure entrapped within the walls of the temple and upanyasa-halls? Why not make Lord Rama seep into the hearts of school going children and bring them prosperity? Why not bring harmony and peace by sending Lord Rama to various houses in the form of Books?

These reasons prompted The Founder of Srimaan Trust, Sri U. Ve. Parasara Badrinarayana Bhattar swamy to begin a competition on SriRamayana. The contest has two phases. 1st phase is a written exam. Starting with Bala Kandam, a child progresses till Yuddha Kandam before he completes schooling (each year one Kandam is taken up by a child). The winners of the 1st phase progress to the second phase which is a recitation competition on Samkshepa Ramayana and Pasurappadi Ramayana. The final winner bags the Blessings of Great Seers and Vidwans and also gift items.

As has been the trend, the participation from the Christian and Muslim community has been growing every year and the likes of Mohammads and Khans are besotted with the history of SriRama!

It is a great pleasure for the Trust to make the children read and write on SriRama. It has been a Baghyam for the volunteers to participate in an event that promotes the greatness of the Supreme Emperumaan. We request each one of you to partake in the pleasure that has captured us (by reading this and also by volunteering for the competition activities).

The photos taken at various places have been attached in the link. We are sending the photos taken at Triplicane first and the rest will follow. Please don’t miss the video clippings at the end of the link.

As the adage goes, catch the children young and keep their minds ignited for ever! This would keep them young for eternity !

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/APPRECIATIONFORAPPRENTICESALLOVER?authkey=Gv1sRgCLOZ19WZ8NqT2wE

APPRECIATION FOR APPRENTICES ALL OVER!

SriRamayanam is the oldest epic which shows the value of Bharath culture and teaches the way of life to be led. It imbibes the best characters to everyone, a son, a daughter, a wife, a father, a mother, a brother, a friend, whatever may be the situation Lord Narayana incarnated as a man to show how a man should live in the way of Dharma. It has gone into the blood in our hereditary of the highest teachings of SriRamayanam. To say simply SriRamayana is an explanation of the Vedha itself in a simplified form.

Everyone of the mankind should read SriRamayanam and even tiny percentage of people follow it, observe it in their lives, the whole world shall become most lovable place to live.

To teach SriRamayana specifically to students of all age, Srimaan Trust planned to conduct State Level Contest every year in Sriramayanam to students from 1st std. to 12th std. Special books are prepared to teach in the catechism way i.e in Q & A method. Books are prepared separately for each khandam with about 500 questions and brief story. The trust has prepared the books based on Sri Valmiki Ramayanam which is the most reliable, authorized one.

Any how to feed more information and to create interest in hearing stories, our Trust provides some kainkaryaparas to attend different schools (Whoever are interested) to give a brief lecture on SriRamayana story and the Q & A. A team of senior (Lowkika Students with basic spiritual knowledge from Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham) students were selected to visit a number of schools at various centres.

The performance of the students is very pleasantly welcomed by the students as well as the teachers and the interest they showed has become a tonic for the team. The team visited almost all centres and gave very beautiful narration. But it is not the full story! The team of students have already been trained by our Swami for last few years to perform Upanyasams on various topics. Will there be any doubt for them to get the full attraction wherever they go?

To view the photos, kindly click here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/APPRECIATIONFORAPPRENTICESALLOVER?authkey=Gv1sRgCLOZ19WZ8NqT2wE

To view the videos, kindly click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtNKC0i1ReQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90otm637W5o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h2aGIhlVnA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZkaycOTQos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAde_oiesIw

Visesha Aadi Poora Theerthavari

The Srimaan Bhattar Gurukulam vidhyarthis performed, Visesha Aadi Poora Theerthavari for Thayar at Kollidam River.

FIRST DAY – Angurarppanam and Mruthsanghrahanam were performed orthodoxically and Navadhaniya Seeds dipped in milk were sowed in the sand.

SECOND DAY – Garuda Pradhishtai, Garuda Dwajarohanam, Berithadanam were performed just like it is performed at temple. In the evening Thayar was taken in pallakku on shoulders on all Thiruveedhis.

THIRD DAY – Thayar purappadu in pallakku was performed.

FOURTH DAY – Thayar was taken on shoulders to Kollidam chanting Agama Manthras. When they reached the river, Thayar was placed in Asthanam on the river bank, covered with vasthram on 3 sides and performed Punyahavasanam. After Punyahavasanam, the holy water from the kalasa (Vessel) was sprinkled on all the participants.

After completion of reciting Agama Slokas (Pancharathra) and Sadagopam was taken on shoulders by the vidhyarthis and got into the deep part of the river and dipped then by dipping themselves into water chanting slokas.

Then Thayar was taken back on shoulders to Gurukulam after about 2 hours. Ammangar and Kainkaryasree members participated in this vishesha aadi poora theerthavari.

To View the photos kindly click here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/ViseshaAadiPooraTheerthavariForThayar?authkey=Gv1sRgCJKQt9_Ur8ukzgE

CARD GAME TO WARD OFF TENSION ALONG WITH SIN !

On a sleepy Sunday noon, amidst the desolate streets of Srirangam, a devout volunteer of Srimaan Trust entered an apartment to handover a set of Sampradaya books asked by a donor. Finding the door no. and finally the owner, the volunteer was greeted with great warmth despite the oddity of the time of his visit.

The donor introduced his spouse, parents (all of whom were enjoying their summer siesta) and finally the cynosure of his eyes, his ‘children’. 3 in no. and studying in 2nd, 6th and 9th grades respectively, these lively children were engaged in one activity which seemed to engross all their senses and turn them oblivious of the volunteer’s presence. They were playing ‘WWF Cards’ (for those of you who aren’t aware of this, please break open your child’s wardrobe or peek into his cupboard or find it from the internet. A very addictive form of game with the single greatest benefit of blowing out your time and incidentally your brains too).

The donor cut a severe glance at them and turned his attention to the volunteer. He lamented that these kids spent their Sundays religiously playing this card game which had turned into an obsession for them. If he snatched away the cards, the kids would coolly tread to the next door and start afresh from their friends cards. The donor wished these children would spend time productively and at the same time entertainingly.

The volunteer came back contemplating the conversation with the donor and in a couple of days an idea struck him. These children want entertainment. They want to enjoy. They want to be together. They want thrill. They want suspense. They also want to kill time. Why not introduce a similar card game with Divya-desams and azhwars as the theme? A game in the lines of WWF Cards but with Emperuman,the creator of muscle as the entertaining factor and not the muscle wrenching wrestlers. Even the adults can play and enrich their knowledge of Sampradayam. So much spirituality can be injected into the human heart through such a game!

Thus, with meticulous planning and discussions, Srimaan Trust has come out with "Sampradaya playing cards". A set of 108 cards (each card depicting each divvy- desam). These cards are to be equally distributed among the players and the game would begin!

It is to be remembered that The Jagadacharya Shri Ramanujacharya was greatly impressed by children who played games involving Emperumaan.

The game would benefit the whole of your family in the following ways:

• Gain mastery in :
1. Knowledge of each divya-desam.
2. Name of Perumal and Nachiar.
3. The total number of pasurams for a divya desam.
4. The chapter( pathu) and padhigam in which it features.
5. The Azhwars who’ve sung for the divvy-desam.
6. The geographic distribution of Divya Desams since each card contains the Naadu (location) to which the divya desam belongs.
7. Posture and direction of each divya desam Emperman.
• Cleanse the minds of the players since every throw of card would make them chant the name of the divya desam and emperumaan.
• Bring joy to SrimanNarayanan since a mortal (whether with Bhakthi or not) chants His name and His Divya-desam when playing the game.
• Have the sevai of each divya desa perumal each time the card is used.
• The air would be kept pure and pious where the name of Divya Desams and the Perumals of those divya desams keeps reverberating.
• The cards can be played while travelling on Yatra and note about the divya desam travelled to can be penned down on the back of the card for future reference.
• The cards can be easily handled owing to their palm size. The description of a divya desam in a book cannot be torn and taken to that divya desam but these cards are easily separable and can be carried easily.
• These cards can also be used for conducting quiz competitions among the children of the family.

These cards can be the best set of gifts that you can give to anyone be them young or old.

Please place your order(s) at the earliest and keep ready the Navarathri gift now itself !

Find below example of the cards with description.

A clean sweep of Prarabdham !

Keeping our dwelling places very clean is of paramount importance to each one of us. Hence, every morning we engage ourselves or a maid on our behalf to do this work with utmost perfection. When it comes to the dwelling place of the Supreme Being, each one of us has the responsibility to keep it clean too as His place is nothing but our place.

Was it for Himself that He has descended His abode and settled amidst the most vulnerable planet in the Universe? A planet where in addition to the natural calamities, planned human calamities rock in succession? The sole object of His stay amidst us has been to redeem us from the clutches of Samsara. We have been caught in the web of samsara by our own deeds. He out of utmost benevolence and unconditional grace has conspired to save us.

Coming to the point, keeping His place clean is as important as keeping ours blemishless. But who will do this kainkaryam? Just as the responsibility to run the State vests with every citizen but out of practical difficulties a Head is appointed to look after the affairs of the State, the very same head is also to shoulder the responsibility of keeping the Temple of Lord clean. It was for this reason that the King of Thiruvananthapuram kept the now richest temple (quite amusing, the temple was already the richest with the coruscant Ananthapadmanabham adorning it. The media of course, is oblivious of this) clean with the golden broomstick. Tradition holds that the King would enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord every day pre dawn and would sweep the floor with a golden broomstick. Even now, the descendents of the King keep up to the tradition. Namazhwar in the second decade of the last Patthu of Thiruvaimozhi beautifully sings the Glory of Thiruvananthapuram wherein Azhwar states

“If We Go Here (Thiruvananthapuram) And Do Some Mopping And Cleaning Up Kainkaryam At The Temple Entrance, All Our Irremovable Sins Will Simply Disappear”

But since such a tradition does not (if there has been such a tradition in present day Tamil Nadu, please enlighten us) exist in our State, it is upto each individual to show devotion in cleaning up the temple premises.

The founder acharya of Srimaan Trust, Sri Parasara Badrinarayana Bhattar swamy recently travelled to Salem to do upanyasam for a month. While discoursing on SriGunaratnakosham, a work dedicated by Sri Parasara Bhattar on the glory of SriRenganachiar, Swamy took up the 50th shloka starting with ‘ Mathar Mythili….’ and made a deep exposition of it.

Here Swamy ParAsara Bhattar addresses Sri Ranganayaki as “Maathar-Mythili”. Oh My Mother Mythili! You took on the incarnation of Sita to accompany Your Lord during RaamAvathAram. You were kidnapped by Raavanan and he incarcerated you in Ashoka Vanam and put ugly and cruel Raakshasis as Your guards. They tormented you and committed so many apachArams and goaded you to marry their king, Raavanan. Among all the Raakshasis was one by the name Thrijadai, who was the daughter of VibhishaNan. She had a dream in which she saw Raavanan being destroyed by Lord Ramachandran and His retinue of Monkeys and bears. She woke up from her dream and counseled her fellow raakshasis to save themselves from the wrath of Lord Raama by performing complete surrender at the sacred feet of Seetha. Now the scene shifts from Sundara Kaandam to Yuddha Kaandam. The same Hanuman, who had witnessed the ill treatment of Sita Devi by the Raakshasis, has another opportunity to witness the greatness of Sita Piratti.The time was after Ravana Samharam. The place was Ashoka Vanam in Lankai.Hanuman had rushed to Piratti’s side to let Her know that the destruction of Raavanan at the hands of Her Lord had taken place. There HanumAn saw all the Raakshasis, who had committed the offense of causing pain to Piratti. Hanuman was mighty mad at them and sought the permission of Piraati to destroy those Raakshasis. He pointed out that the demo nesses have no repentance over the treatment they meted out to Piratti in their role as her jailors. He argued that all of the Raakshasis deserve to be killed:

The most merciful Saranaagatha rakshaki, Seetha Piratti counseled Hanuman against such rash deeds with these very famous words:

paapAnAm vaa SubhAnAm vaa vadhArhaNamatapi vaa
Kaaryam kaaruNyamAryENa na kascchinnaparAdhyathi

Meaning:

“Compassion should by a noble soul towards sinners as well for the good, nay, even for those deserving death. There is none who never commits a wrong”

Hanuman understands the power of the earlier appeal of Thrijadai on behalf of theoffending Raakshasis to Sita Devi. The most merciful Mother remembered that appeal and protected the Raakshasis.

But in the case of Emperumaan, He extended His grace to only those who unconditionally surrendered themselves to Him like Vibheeshana who left every belonging at Lanka and sought Emperumaan’s Thiruvadi and Kaakasura who was made to surrender himself unto the feet of Lord.

Thus when compared to the grace of Piratti which is like an unfathomable ocean, that of Emperumaan is only a handful of it!

Explaining thus the meaning of the Shloka, the Founder Acharya appealed to the gathering at Salem to come to Srirangam and undertake kainkaryam at the Thiruvadi of Piratti, Azhwars and Acharyas. In response, last Sunday, 50 volunteers from various socio-economic backgrounds visited Srirangam from Salem and drenched themselves in the Sannidhi Cleaning Kainakaryam. Singing the praise of SriRenganachiar, they devotedly swept, washed, cleaned, and dried the Sannidhi of Piratti, Thiruppan azhwar, Kooratazhwan and a few others. Amongst them, a woman by name Rukmini, mother of a 4 month old baby, immersed herself in the kainkaryam despite the need to attend to her child every now and then. The scene evoked great satisfaction on the faces of the onlookers itself as though they were involved in this kainkaryam and as if their houses were cleaned. Some even volunteered to participate.

Hope you too derive the same satisfaction reading this and seeing the photos. During your next visit to Srirangam, we request you to participate in the Kainkaryam of cleaning your Original House.

Twin Treat !

It is usually the habit of young children to imitate a person in the family who holds great appeal to them and their line of interest. For the children of our Gurukulam, it is the whole clan of Kainkaryapiras at Periya Koil who are their family and every member holds great appeal to them! Hence our Gurukulam children show equal love and devotion for each kainkaryam. The thiruvaradhanam they do to their perumal makes us wonder whether they treat the Supreme Being as Supreme or as their own child! The meticulous way they learn and recite the divya prabandham makes us think they were born adyapakars! Similar is their love for conducting utsavams to their perumal.

Srirangam is known for many things. In sampradaic parlance it is Bhoga mantapam. It is a bhogam mantapam not only for the taste buds but for all the senses. The most captivating feature of Srirangam is the almost 365 days of utsavam. It is the sankalpam of Namperumal to shower grace on the common man i.e the man who is surmounted by the problems of samsaram with every rise of sun and every rise of moon that he finds no time for the Supreme. For this, Namperumal, through various utsavams, reaches him.

Among all the Vahanams of Namperumal, Kudharai vahanam is the liveliest vahanam wherein Namperumal and the Kudharai compete in showing their prowess. The ‘Kona Vaiyyali’ of Kudharai vahanam is a must watch everyone.Here, the gurukulam children display their acumen in enacting the ‘Kona Vaiyyal’ with their perumal. The background gosthi is also sung by the gurukulam students from Periya Thirumozhi, the racy verses of which aptly match the racy pace at which the Utsavam is conducted. The pasuram is on the Narasimha Emperumaan of Thiruppiridhi ( called Joshi Muth) located in the Himalayan range.

It is a twin treat to watch the videos of the children as well as hear them recite the pasurams!

Do watch the videos and pour in your mangalasasanams for the children :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ4d_nch1Kg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxCtijOaPF4

The Elephant Enchantment !

Among the various vahanams of Namperumal, the Yaanai (Elephant) vaahanam holds great significance. In Srirangam, as per custom, the Srivaishnavas with Yagnyopaveetham carry the palanquin or vahanams of Namperumal,Srirenganachiar, Azhwars and Acharyas. But the only exception to this usual practice is the Yaanai Vaahanam. People from all social backgrounds participate in the kainkaryam of carrying Namperumal in Yaanai vahanam around the Main streets of Srirangam.

The Yaanai is also the reflection of one of Namperumal’s qualities, the quality of ‘Swatantryam’ i.e ‘the virtue of unquestionable freedom to make decisions’. In olden days, when a king died without having a natural successor or electing a successor, the whole town would assemble at a huge ground. An elephant would be given a garland and the one on whose shoulders the elephant throws the garland would be elected the King. Many a times amidst great warriors, archers, wrestlers, men of great administrative capacity, men who hold senior positions in the Kingdom, men who possess riches, the elephant would choose a pauper, a meek man, a man who has never been in limelight. Can anyone question this decision of the Elephant? None. That is Swatantrym. Many a times we ask why did the Supreme Being do this to me. It should be remembered that He is a Swatantran. But the difference between Him and the elephant is that the act of the elephant is out of sheer ignorance but that of Namperumal is out of absolute cognizance of what He’s doing and in keeping our Hitham / well being in mind.

The Gurukulam students have once again exactly enacted the Yaanai vahanam with great fervor and joy. Do watch the videos and bless the children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BNTAmnpXv0

Acharyah school children - talent exhibition.

“Who was the mastermind behind the establishment of the now world renowned and prestigious Indian Institute of Science? Was it the most radical thinking rationalistic scientists of yesteryear? Was it the most dynamic and influential politicians of the freedom era? Or was it the British men hailing from the Cradle of Industrial civilization and the self-proclaimed birth place of science? No, it was none of these men. It was none other than the man clad in saffron robe, the man who had renounced materialism. It was the man, in a foreign land, who stood before a congregation of people from various ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds and addressed them all as brothers and sisters plunging them into pin drop silence and awe. It was Swamy Vivekananda” exclaimed Gomathi, the Senior Educator of Acharyah school, in her inaugural speech of the Annual Parent Teachers meeting of Acharyah School held on 3rd September at the premises of the school.

Jamsetji N. Tata, the famous industrialist, happened to travel with Vivekananda by chance from Japan to Chicago and their meeting left an indelible impression in the mind of Tata. The spiritual aura of Swamy Vivekananda and his extraordinary view of Science wafted through the heart of Tata and he decided to set up the Indian Institute of Science under the aegis of the Swamy.

A view that has seeped into our heart from childhood is that Science and Religion are aeons apart and would never see each other even if they accidentally bump into one another. These views can prevail only due to double ignorance. The ignorance of both Science and Religion. Swamy Vivekananda is just one example to thwart this blissful ignorance. Our Indian history abounds with eminent persons who have journeyed through the ocean of Science and religion knowing them to be two rivers that confluence to form one ocean.

Spirituality and science are so closely knit that it needs great effort to see them separately and more so treat them as mutually exclusive topics. A leader needs great spirit, a grand vision, broad mindedness with no boundaries. A spiritual man essentially possesses these qualities and even more. And hence he suits the role of leader far more than others. Even for being successful in science, a spiritual bent of mind is quintessential. The study science in the light of spiritualism deepens the understanding of science and would throw a very unique perspective on science.

The above address of Gomathi was followed by the Principals address. She wanted the children to showcase their learning in front of their parents. A kind of talent exhibition was conducted. The children doing their second year at Acharyah exhibited their knowledge of Shabdas. Shabdas need lot of effort to memorize and recall. But for the Acharyah school students, it seemed like a breeze. One after the other, the children happily recalled the shabdas they learnt.

Next, the children, hardly 5 years of age, were adept in writing 4 digit numbers . It is to be remembered that in normal school setup, children write four digit numbers at a far later stage. The credit wholly goes to the system of teaching and the complete dedication of the teachers involved.

The parents were baffled at the way these children had mastered whatever they were taught.

After the Principals address it was the turn of the Founder Acharyah, Sri Parasara Badrinarayana to address the gathering .The thought provoking words of Swamy left the audience speechless.

The Founder Acharya focused on the traits these children have inherited from the ‘Acharyah ancestry’. We often ask this question either by self or are asked by others ; whether we plan to spend our life in loukikam or sampradayam ? We instantly reply ‘both’ as though we have been formally trained in the art of jugglery. But we have never been able to do justice to sampradayam. Either we get wedded to the back ache causing computer chair at office or get ourselves embroiled in family affairs that need our least attention. Thus the time we spend for sampradayam turns miniscule. But our longing for spending lot of time on sampradayam is not untrue. It is true in every sense. But the fact is our web of samsaram is seldom allowing us to venture outside its fringes.

The children of Acharyah have proved this ‘fact’ accepted by us wrong. Every day these children are mastering both the loukeeka skills and simultaneously imbibing all Sampradaic knowledge. If languages are taken these children are learning Sanskrit at lightening pace. Amarakosham meaning ‘immortal treasure’ contains the instructions concerning nouns and gender in the form of verses. This work forms a base for mastering Sanskrit. And the Acharyah school students can pop out verses as though they were rhymes. Panini, the father of Sanskrit Grammar, has made Sutras( Grammatical rules) which are very quite tough to master but are very important in the process of understanding sakskrit. The sutras are tongue twisters are enunciating them requires immense practice. The Acharyah school children, hardly 5 years old, keep singing the sutras like songs and are slowly gaining mastery over them.

When is comes to loukeeka academics, these children once again glitter brightly. They can locate places in the world map with ease. A 3 year girls mother was very happy in expressing that one night her child told she’ll write rhyming words at 8pm. The family thought the girl would write two three words and waited for her to commence. But the girl ended up writing 30 rhyming words!

Acharyah has taught the children discipline and thirst for knowledge. When a persons is dunked in water for a long time, he would come out gasping for air. His mind would be yearning for air. No other thought would even for a second enter his mind. The pursuit of knowledge should be exactly the same. The Acharyah school children are in this pursuit now.

All the parents felt that they never ask their children to study at home nor do homework. These children love studying and hence start studying, writing and experimenting with the subjects. Acharyah has implanted in them this devotion to the subject. The reason for all this is the spiritual knowledge that gets passed on to the children everyday.

The young petals of Acharyah are watered with Sampradaya knowledge everyday. Acharyah has customized the Montessori methodology of teaching to suit our culture. The children have attuned themselves to cater to the Sampradaic form of life and rise to the occasion when their loukeeka skills are in need.

Apart from all the above mentioned learnings, there is one trait that Acharyah wants the children to never lose. The children already possess it. But like us, with age and with the pollution of mind, they shouldn’t change. It is the pristine quality of praying to Emperumaan keeping the prayer and Emperumaan’s well being as its end. As children, we too went to temples and simply prayed, admired and loved Him. The prayer was the end, never a means to something. With adulthood came the habit of ‘ asking’ , ‘demanding’ emperumaan for things absolutely material or leading to a material gain. With age withered away our wisdom. Going to the temple started assuming reasons other than worshipping His divya mangala vigraham and praying for His good. The children of Acharyah would reach the zenith of success in life but stay children when praying to Him. In other words, they would retain the purity of childhood. Even if Acharyah doesn’t make these children “the best” in all fields of life, it will endeavour to keep their mental purity intact.

The Founder Acharya quoted the example of a 5 year old Acharyah school child who visited Kanchipuram and stood in front of Devadhi rajan and instantly recited ‘Devaraja Ashtakam’ composed by Kanchi- Poorna ( Thirukkachi Nambigal), the dearest and intimate Bhaktha of Devadhi Rajan. This Acharya ( Kanchi Poorna) was in the Kainkaryam of fanning the Lord every night. The Lord would enjoy this Kainkaryam and enter into a breezy conversation with Shri Kanchi Poorna. Such was their intimacy.

This child of Acharyah did not know what benefits he would get if he recited Devaraja Ashtakam. He did not know if he would shine in his studies, he did not know if he would get a new toy, he did not know if he would be showered with chocolates. He had been taught that reciting Devaraja Ashtakam would please Lord. That alone prompted the child to do so.

The Founder Acharyah, with great emotion declared that all the children of Acharyah would never shed this learning for the rest of their lives. In the instant case, the Archakar swamy at Lord Varadaraja’s sannidhi asked the child to come close to the Lord , handed him the divine fan and asked him to do Thiru aalavatta kainkaryam( fanning kainkaryam performed by Kanchi Poorna) ! Purely the blessing of Paerarulalan!

For the Children of Acharyah, life insurance cover or medical insurance is not the protection. The children are growing under the soft and caressing fingers of Srirenganachiar. What protection can those insurance covers offer than the shield of immeasurable love and compassion offered by Srirenganachiar? This shield shall protect these children even from the dreadful clutches of Karma. This shield will prevent emperumaan to punish them if at all they transgress any of His injunctions. The children would ever bask in the joy of possessing this shield than any of the bronze or metallic shields they may fetch in future for their loukeeka achievements. And Acharyah shall ever endeavour to fetch this shield for every child from the divine Lamp (Srirenganachiar) that keeps Srirengam in glitter and also ensure that they value this shield more than anything else in life.

History reveals that many of the educationalists, philosophers and spiritualists considered Bharatha desham as their destiny for seeking knowledge in their respective fields. Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori system of education visited India, spent time here in understanding our culture, tradition and our system of education. She went back rich with the knowledge of India’s way of education and incorporated it in her system of education. Thus what we teach today as a very effective foreign system of education is nothing but our ancestral property which had changed hands and has finally come back to us. This wouldn’t have happened had we kept our old education system intact.

All the institutions under Srimaan Trust run under the graceful eyes of Periya Perumal and Periya pirattiayar. What the Trust and Acharyah has achieved had never occurred even in our dreams . Periya Perumal has just used all of us( Srimaan Trust volunteers, the parents and donors) as an instrument in achieving his wish. We should all pray at His delicate feet that He uses us to the fullest extent in achieving his wish. That is the only way we can satisfy Him.

The children of Acharyah shine today like diamonds emanating immense radiance. The treasure within them has been unearthed by the krupai of Srirenganathan. Let us pray the Divya –dampathis that their glitter increases manifold in the years to come and let their contribution to Sampradayam be unmeasurable.

The parents were deeply moved by the views of the Founder Acharyah and prayed Emperumaan that Acharyah gets a new and bigger premise for accommodating children in near future. The Trust fervently hopes their prayers are heard by Periya Perumal and Srirenganachiar.

Photo link :
https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/AcharyahParentsMeetingDt030911?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMTr0b35_sOTjAE&feat=directlink

Video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DtVvct0Gpk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj1CTono93s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhS7V26kDJI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKM2FexMD_o

The final destiny - 'ACHARYAN'

Why do we need an acharyan? Why someone in between us and the Supreme Being? How does acharyan aid us in attaining moksham ? These are the most frequently asked questions when someone enters the sampradayam.

Acharyan is like the lighthouse that stands in the shore and guides the ships caught in the sea to reach the seashore. Likewise, we are caught in the sea of samsara, the darkness of which has impaired our vision and has led to our losing the sense of direction in life. It is Acharyan who comes to our rescue by showing us the path that leads to the Supreme Emperumaan. Acharyan is that benevolent beacon that helps us bypass the ills of samsaric existence.

There might be a switch and an electric wire that connects the fan in our house. But simply turning on the switch will not make the fan work and give us good air circulation. We need electricity to run through the wire. Acharyan is that electricity in our lives. Our prayers alone won’t fetch us the Grace of SrimanNarayanan. We need Acharyan to recommend us to Him.

The Bright sun never fails to bloom the lotus that is in water, but if the same lotus separates from the water , the sun would only wither the lotus. Water is Acharyan, the Sun Emperumaan and we are Lotus. If only we have the sambandham of Acharyan will Emperumaan Cause blossom in our lives. Though we may have all the qualities of a Sharanagathan, Emperumaan will reject us without the sambandham of acharyah. Acharyan is someone who wipes out the ignorance that has enveloped our soul. He is the one who gives us Gnyanam of self and the supreme. And it is this Gnyaanam that entitles us a seat in the abode of Emperumaan. It is because of the lure of the ‘Acharya post’ that Emperumaan himself turned Geethacharyan.

When we have committed unpardonable mistakes and have ended up causing harm to someone, we seek their mercy. If we approach them , hold their hands and ask for pardon, there is a likelihood that they may not pardon us. But if we fall at their feet and hold them tightly, even if their heart is iron, it will turn molten and we would be pardoned. Seeking Emperumaan for Moksham is like the former example and seeking acharyan is like the latter. The three eyes of Shiva or the eight eyes of Brahma or even the thousand eyes of Paramapurusha cannot equal the Grace of one eye of Acharyan.

Acharya sambandham is like the Mangalasootram ( Thaali) that women wear. All the ornaments a woman wears would add her beauty and lusture provided the vital Mangalasootram bedecks her neck. If she loses the eligibility to wear the Mangalasootram, wearing any other ornament would only kill her beauty and charm. So even if a jeevatma possesses all the qualities of a Sharanagathan like Gnyaanam, Bhakthi and Vairagyam, the lack of Acharyasambandham would never lead him to the feet of Supreme Being.

Emphasizing the importance of Acharyas, Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham(SBK) has been regularly felicitating the Acharyas of our Sampradayam through a small scheme named ‘Acharya Vandanam’. The children of SBK have been tutored on developing savings habit. Every month end, the children pool their savings and keep it ready for the Acharyan who would visit them and bless them. An acharyan would be invited from any of the divya desams and would be duly honoured by the students of Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham. The children would render Vedam, Pasurams and Storas before him and that Swamy would bless the children with a short and enlightening speech.

This month was unique as the veteran Acharya purusha Sri Srinivasachariar Swamy hailing from Prathivadi Bhayankara thiruvamsam visited Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham and accepted the Acharya Vandanam honour . Swamy is the grandson of Prathivadi Bhayankaram Gadhi swamy, the Kalakshepa acharyan of Mahavidwan Prathivadi Bhayankaram Annangarachariar swamy. Swamy is also the Owner and Nirvaha kartha of Bombay Phanaswadi Srinivasa Perumal Koil. Swamy has sishyas throughout India especially the North and West.Sri swamy’s shatabhishekam was recently celebrated with thousands of sishyas from North India flocking Kancheepuram to seek his Blessings. Swamy was very happy to see the children learn Sampradayam with great fervor. He blessed the children and prayed for their use in the Kainkaryams of Emperumaan.

The photos of Swamy and the Acharya Vandanam are here in the link. Sastras say the person who has celebrated Shatabhisekam is to be worshipped with the reverence that is offered to SrimanNarayanan. Please see the photos and seek the blessing of swamy (through the Photo) and bless the children of SBK.

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/AcharyaVandhanam02?authkey=Gv1sRgCMjskZbx3IiHTQ

The joy of honouring !

In continuance of the felicitation kainkaryam of various Bhagavathas in our Sampradayam, Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham(SBK) recently, under the ‘Sannidhi Vandanam’ scheme, paid homage to the Archakar swamy of Namazhwar sannidhi. Under the Sannidhi vandanam scheme, every month a Kainkaryaparar of a sannidhi is chosen and the children of SBK honour him with a small sambhavanai (pooled out of their savings).

The archakar swamy of Namazhwar sannidhi has been in kainkaryam for many years and his devotion and dedication towards Azhwar has drawn him the respect and affection of all the Bhakthas. It was our Baghyam to have felicitated him on behalf of the donors and well wishers of the Sampradayam.

In another instance, Sri N. Viraraghavachariar swamy (lovingly addressed as Pattanna swamy), a great veteran of the Srivaishnava sampradayam was honoured under ‘Vidwath Vandanam’ scheme. Swamy, equipped in both Vaideeka and Loukeeka education has been propagating the Eternal Truths of our sampradayam through pracharams, Kalakshepams and Upanyasams. More importantly, swamy is running a Gurukulam by name ‘Parashara Gurukulam’ under Vishvakshema Trust in the beautiful city of Mysore. The Gurukulam houses young Brahmacharees who are imparted both vaideeka and loukeeka education . These children are sure to take our sampradayam and sanathana dharmam to great heights. A detailed note on the Gurukulam is attached for your viewing. Please go through the same to appreciate the initiative of Swamy. Pattanna swamy was thrilled to see our children ( As he loves children) and gave them a very understandable and relatable guidance. The cheerfulness of Swamy threw light on the atma Gunas possessed by him. The SBK students were very elated to have received and honoured Swamy.

The photos of both Vandhanams are here for your viewing :

sannidhi vandhanam :

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SannidhiVandhanamNammazhwarSannidhi?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCITa9tXYlJ3pLg&feat=directlink

Vidwath vandanam :

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/VidhwathVandhanamPattannaSwamy?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCO-toO3snPfIdQ&feat=directlink

Enjoyable Exam !

Exam days are days when every medical parameter would throw a fancy number when tested on us. The head would ache; the heart would beat from tip to toe, the legs would turn brittle and the stomach would sing never before heard songs. Added to this woe would be our bloodshot eyes and unkempt hair. Overall we would stand to win the appreciation of every mother who is desperate to feed her 2yr old boy if we just let the child have a glimpse of us.

But for our gurukulam children, exam is an enjoyment! For them it is a chance to get nearer Emperuman with their mastery of Kainkaryam. The exams are tension free but very exciting event for them. Unlike us, these children are tested not on the syllabus of that year alone but on everything they’ve learnt from the first day of Gurukulam. We at school learnt the reasons for various phenomenon occurring in the world and were ultimately tested on our knowledge of them. The Vedas call Emperumaan “Sarva kaarana kaaranam”. These gurukulam children are so fortunate to learn the superficial kaaranam as well as the ultimate kaaranam. True education is education about the Supreme Being. Sashtras declare “Yasmin Vignyathe sarvam aevam vignyatham bhavathi” meaning if one knows the original cause, the subordinate causes are automatically known. Hence if the true knowledge of Paramapurusha is obtained by us, no further knowledge need be attained in life since He is the final destination of the pursuit of knowledge.

Recently, we had the Annual Divya Prabandha parikshai of the Gurukumal children. With utmost grace, Sri Thirunarayanapuram Ananthanpillai Ranganathachariar swamy(popularly known as Kutty swamy) accepted to test the children. Swamy is an adyapakar at Srirangam temple and a master of Divya Prabandhams. The children were tested individually as well as in groups.

Swamy was very happy at the way the children performed. He also suggested improvements in certain areas like pronunciaton . He was more in admiration of their bonding with one another and their aarthi towards sampradaya kainkaryams.

The link to the photos is here for your viewing. Please view the same:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/AnnualDivyaprabandhaParikshaiGurukulam02?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIuR8ravrabVsgE&feat=directlink

To view the videos, kindly click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nstp4p2znZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSYBzdFKYgA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXSQzBtPxUI

A reflection...

Everyone is happy when appreciated. But for us at Srimaan Trust, appreciation is an indication that our performance of kainkaryam needs of be further fuelled. It is an indication that we have great hearts to stand by us and support us in achieving gargantuan Kainkaryams that await us in the near future; it is a sign of relief to us. Most importantly it showcases the Grace of Periya Perumal and Srirenganachiar; the Divine Couple have been monitoring and aiding in each step the Trust has taken.

All the appreciations directed at us are the mirror reflections of your own Kainkaryams, for, we are doing all the divine kainkaryams on your behalf. From the food, clothing, living premises and recreational activities, every joy of the gurukulam children is due to your benevolence. We ardently wish you accompany us in this Journey of Kainkaryam forever and satiate the thirst of our Poorvacharyas!

We are reproducing a few appreciative mails received by us. We thank the donors who’ve sent them and remind them/you that they (you) are the true recipients of the appreciation.

“Sri Bhattar Swamy,

I don’t know how to write nice mails like this but could not stop myself from sharing my thoughts in my own crippled language. Please excuse me for that.

The mails from Srimaan Trust are very enjoyable. I don’t miss reading it. The photos and videos make the readers to live in Srirangam for that moment. Recently I visited Srirangam for couple of days to take part in our Respected Acharya Koil Gandhadai Annan swamy thirunakshatram (1 to 10th Oct ’11). I got the chance to enjoy the veda goshti by the kids from bhattar kuzham. Even though it was late in the evening these kids chanted with shradhai and w/o a swara bedham. Looking at the kid’s innocent faces, enthusiasm and intelligence I used to wonder how blessed they are to be brought up under such a care, compassion and guidance.

My very best wishes to the kids and mangalasasanams to Sri Bhattar Swamy”

Adiyen,
Ramanuja dasan.
Sri. Ranganathan T S

“Dear Team, Hi !

The examples are great.

If your mails us regularly with these types of example it will help our children to grow well.

Please keep sending, Thank you for the team.

In the photos the young boys eyes are so bright with that itself we can know how good they have been developed.”

Smt. Kavitha Krishnamoorthy

“ DAsan narasimhan pranams to the kainkaryaparas at the trust. my heart filled with joy and eyes with tears at this great "practicals" conducted by the children of the gurukulam. there cannot be any better way of doing practicals. i am sure He would have enjoyed the kainkaryam from the tiny hands of the children.”

Sri Narasimhan vr

“adiyaen dAsan, wonderful write-up . adiyaen krutagyathai for devareer mails, its adiyaen bhAgyam to receive all devareer mails.

wonderfully written, the content is very rich and crisp with more sampradAyic meaning....

adiyaen just recollects what is given by our poorvAcharyargal in the vyakyanam.. the same comparison with elephant and EmperumAn for Swatantrym. this is being shown in the Avatharikai of Acharya hrudayam and also the Thiruvaimozhi first pAsuram (mayar vara mathi nalam)1.1.1.

Excellent adiyaen! Have been thoroughly enjoying your write-ups and have great liking for them.”

Sri Gopalakrishnan Alagiamanavalan

“After seeing the photographs, I wish I am atleast one amongst the Vidhyarthis of this great unmatchable Gurukulam. Let me hope to have this privilege at least in Adiyen's next birth.”

Sri Balakrishnan.

“Adiyen was out of Mumbai on official work and returned two days back which caused my delayed response although i did READ the mails while i was away but could not respond.

Once again the Kainkaryashree who had visited the Great Gurukulam and rendering his impressions and feelings gathered by him during his visit is immensely fulfilling our hearts too. The Children's love either to our Supreme Empurumaan or to the people around them being so pure, serving of Thadeeyaradhanam by the TWO vidhyarthis with love and compassion to saha vidhyarthis or to the Athithis up to their satisfaction as per the Srvaishanava Thadeeyaradhanai are very much felt in my heart while reading the same. Our heartfelt Congratulations to all the Kainkaryashrees involved in the running of Gurukulam.”

With very best wishes to one all.

Adien
Mumbai
4th April 2011.
Sri PURUSHOTHAMAN R

“Swamy, Adiyen is delighted to read all your mails and feel how these children are blessed by the Divine Dampathis for having an Acharya like you and an environment wherein, our samnpradayam is being imbibed in today's loukika world. I Pray the Divya Dampathis that more and more Srivaishnava children comes under this sphere.”

Smt. Rohini Vasudev

“PRANAMS, Overwhelmed to see children perform these spiritual activities”

Smt. akila sanath

Beginning with Victory !

At 6 a.m on the 6th of October, Namperumal, the beloved utsava deity of Srirangam, set on an expedition in his palanquin. The destination was the temple of Singaperumal famously known as Kaatazhagiyasingar, a temple located about a kilometer from Srirangam. The agenda of the expedition was to signify the killing of the Asuran named Vanniyasuran and to signify this, the very same evening Namperumal’s representatives( the Archakars) on his behalf ,struck cane arrows with brass heads at the Vanni Tree and also in different direction. This act of Namperumal was a reminder of his oath, the oath to protect the good and punish the evil. And this day is called Vijayadashami, the day that stands for victory.

Back in the Uthra Streets of Srirangam, the very same morning, Acharyah school was embellished with flowers and scents. The usually ebullient sun, was a bit hesitant in rising since a group of suns carrying satchel around their shoulders, bedecked in bright shirts and matching shorts strode their way into the Acharyah school premises. It seemed the finest pearls across the globe bequeathed their luster to the eyes of these toddlers, the diamonds their glitter to the face and gold its purity to their heart.

Vijayadashami celebrations began at 10 am. All the parents of Acharayh school were invited and all of their were present. Sharp at 10 : 30, the Gurukulam(SBG) students, under the guidance of Sri Raman Bhattachariar swamy conducted ‘ Vidyarambha Homam’. The Homan was a prayer to Hayagreeva Emperumaan, the Lord who is the Very repository of Knowledge and the bestower of knowledge. The Gurukulam children performed the Homan with utmost sincerity and keeping in view the well being of the Acharyah children. The very scene of one set of children( Gurukulam) doing a Homan for the well Being of another set of children(Acharyah) evoked tears in the eyes of the parents and the volunteers of the Trust. The Homan continued till 1 p.m and to the joy and astonishment of the parents and the faculty of Acharyah, almost all the Acharyah school petals stayed glued to the mat till the end of the Homam! In an age where the only power capable of keeping the children glued to a place is the television, the Acharyah children showed that they were special. They stayed despite the fumes from the Homan causing irritation to their eyes. They stayed despite their stomachs pleading for food. A Vijayam for the vision of the Trust on the day of Vijayadashami !

After the Homam, special prasadams prepared at the Gurukulam were distributed to the parents and children. Aksharabhyasam( teaching alphabets) was conducted for the new entrants. Each new child sat on the lap of a Gurukulam student and another gurukulam student held the hand of the new entrant and performed aksharabhyasam. So beautiful a scene! And to mark the auspicious occasion, teachers started a new chapter in each subject. And that very evening, Sankalpam was made in the name of all Acharyah school children and archanai performed at Srirenganachiar’s sannidhi.

Just as Namperumal struck arrow at the demon,signifying the conquest of the evil, the children of Acharyah need to strike arrows at their senses( indriyas) and keep them focused on acquiring, assimilating, understanding and finally spreading knowledge. If they are able to achieve this, then Vijayam will beckon them at every stage of their life. And let us pray the Gracious couple to confer upon them this Vijayam !

Please don’t miss the colourful and gleeful children of Acharyah :

acharyah vidhyarambam homam photos

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/AcharyahVidhyarambamHomam?authkey=Gv1sRgCInF-4el0I7onQE

acharyah vidhyarambam homam videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwGSdJwPmtg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5naeHDdflbA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay6gK58QpAs

Feeding our family....

One 17th morning (Monday), when the volunteers of our Trust were seriously engrossed in their respective kainkaryams, there came two middle aged men, very pale and haggard and wounded in different parts of the body. They bore marks of domestic laborers. Seeing them stand calmly at the doors of the Trust, a volunteer enquired there whereabouts and the purpose of their visit to the Trust.

These two men were painters in Srirangam. They were basically poverty stricken. Added to that, a recent accident while at work left them with wounds throughout their body. But the malice of poverty prevented them from seeking medical aid. And somewhere, they heard the Trust’s name and approached it for help. The Trust volunteers were deeply moved by their story and immediately arranged provisions for their family and medical treatment for them. They are now better both physically and in their mindset. Many a times, we encounter people who ask us why the Trust ventures to help people outside the Srivaishnava circle. Every soul is part of the divine “Vasudeva Kutumbam”. It is from His womb that all of us have emanated. And every atma, being his property needs our care and attention. It is in this spirit that these two men were helped. Uplifting the people who are at the lower rungs of society is our dharmam and the Trust shall ever endeavour to be of assistance to the have-s not of our society.

Following THE footsteps!

In our Sampradayam, the most important acharya is Sri Ramanujacharya. His importance is so evident that the Lord of Thiruvarangam, Namperumal, rechristened the name of this sampradayam with his name as Emperumanar darshanam or Ramanuja darshanam despite the likes of Brahmanandi, Bharuchi and other Great rishis of the Vedas contributing immensely to it and all the azhwars and acharyas dedicating their lives for the sampradayam far before the avatharam of Ramanujacharya.

Till date temples resonate with the sound of ‘ Ramanujarya divyagnya’ be the temple at Nepal or the temples at the Southern tip of India. No doubt this Acharya was the gift of Namperumal to this darshanam. His greatness is such that in most temples , it is His perumai that is sung as Gosthi (Ramanuja Nootrandadhi) for the thirunakshtram of any azhwar or acharya. Even for their own Thirunakshtrams, they wish to hear His praise ! That He was considered with great reverence by His predecessors and successors is no surprising a fact considering the magnitude of His personality.

But we shouldn’t think He was sought only to seek religious initiation or to solve philosophical problems. His acharya, Sri Periyanambigal sought His aid for every domestic problem of his. When His daughter came to a marriageable age, he called upon Ramanujacharya to seek a groom for her. When after marriage, the in-laws of the daughter demanded a servant, he sought Ramanujacharya for a solution and Swamy gave the best answer in the form of Mudhaliaandan. Swamy’s Muth was the single point where a variety of problems and difficulties queued up seeking solution and were resolved in the best possible manner.

Just by impersonating Him we won’t become Him. But following his footsteps will surely make us to His liking. And that is what each one of us is endeavouring for. Srimaan Trust is also in this endeavour. An old girl student of Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham (SBK), after completing her academics was decided to be given in marriage to a bright boy good boy.But she wasn’t from an affluent family. How to conduct the marriage was the boiling question? And the parents were at the Trust’s premises for solution.

The first word of the Founder acharya and the volunteers was that this girl is Lord Ranganatha’s treasure which meant she was ours too. And conducting her marriage was our duty too. With these words they assured the parents of help in all forms. As a first step all the utensils needed for marriage were purchased and given to the parents. This was followed by monetary aid and will be followed by human resource aid.

And we pray the Lord who made Ramanujacharya the ubhaya vibhoothi naathar to give us more opportunities to follow the footsteps of Ethirajar!

The photo link of the utensils given for the marriage is here :

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/HelpForNeedy?authkey=Gv1sRgCLjGpvaayrWtvwE

Nectar to the ears!

Sriramayanam competition conducted for school chidren every year by our Trust has two stages. The first stage is the written competition based on Valmiki Ramayanam while the second is recitation competition. A child who has scored 60% in the written phase becomes eligible for the second phase. The second phase consists of recitation of jewel like shlokas from Sriramayanam, Samkshepa Ramayanam and Pasurapadi Ramayanam.

This year, despite the weather being so cloudy, no cloud was seen in the faces of the children and they participated with absolute excitement and enthusiasm. Each child excelled in his own way of expression and tone of recitation. Shlokas were explained with their meaning. The children almost performed Harikatha with actions for each shloka. The judges resorted to a tough questioning pattern where they asked questions like 'tell the Shloka that describes the most enviable quality of Raama? Tell the shloka that describes the craving of sri raama for seetha? And the children were exceptionally well in answering these questions. A 10 year old child from Nanganallur took the gathering by storm with her exemplary rendition of each shloka in a different Raagam. The nectar of Rama blended with the wonderful voice of the child and plunged the gathering into spiritual bliss.

Four judges were invited and the competition went on very nicely. Evey time the children explained the greatness of Rama as explained in the various works they have written in their hearts, every volunteer wished to rejoin school and participate in this competition !

For Nectar to eyes and ears, follow the link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SriRamayanamRecitationCompetition2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCN-hpeyRsMiVtQE

Built......to last!

16th November 2011 marked a significant day in the career of Srimaan Trust. While all of us have loved to possess a new house of our own, a house built brick by brick from the pennies we have carefully deposited in the bank, this new block of Srimaan Trust rose from the savings of many dedicated souls to stay for eternity and serve the Srivaishnava world. While we invited the close relatives and bosom friends for our Grihapravesam, an assortment of innumerable souls were the invitees for the inauguration of “Eramanusan Ponnadi”. They included every donor of the Trust from its very inception, Kainkaryaparas from each divya desam, Acharyapurusha families, adhyapakas, Vidwans and past and present beneficiaries of the Trust. 1200 invitations were sent across India.

Work began a couple of days before the Grihapravesham. The volunteers, along with the past students of Srimaan Bhattar Kuzham (SBK) were engrossed in preparing the new premises for the Grihapravesam. The dedication shown by the past students of SBK cannot be described by words. Most of them didn’t leave the Trust for two days. Neither did they go to their houses nor to their workplaces (or college). Every action of theirs created joy and motivation in the minds of the volunteers. The motivation that they ought to create more such “Kainkarya jewels” for sampradayam.

The muhoortham was between 6- 7:30 am on 16th. The new banner resplendent in shades of golden and red with “Eramanusan Ponnadi” printed on it, was slowly raised and put on the new building with the joyous shrieks of the volunteers. The whole building glittered in the light of the bright lamps and the glow was enhanced by the full smile of the Srivaishnavas present there.

At 6:30 am, with all the Bhagavathas assembled at ‘Eramanusan Ponnadi’, the auspicious cow along with its calf was brought outside the premises and go-pooja was performed. New vasthrams were put across the body of the cow and the calf. Sandhanam was ceremoniously sprinkled on them. Fresh Kunkuman was smeared across their forehead. An instant later, the Pravesham was done with Sri Parasara Azhagiyasinga Bhattar swamy and Ammangar, SriAasuri Madhavachariar swamy, all the Gurukulam students, donors and the volunteers entering through the front door. The environment was electric.

Immediately, the Holy cow and its calf made their way into premises followed by the Founder Acharya and His Dharmapathni. The Homa kuntham was placed in the second room at the ground floor. The Homan was awaiting the arrival of Pramahamsa Srirenganaraya Jeeyar swamy. And as expected, Swami arrived at the promised hour. Under His auspices, the Homan was conducted in which all the Gurukulam students participated. The whole building reverberated with the chant of SriSudarshana Azhwar’s Thirunaamam and Mantram.

Simultaneously as the Homam was progressing, the first floor was ready to feed the Srivaishnavas with Balabhogam. Majority of the volunteers, students of SBK and the students of the Gurukulam engaged in serving Balabhogam with each room getting filled simultaneously.

This was followed by the Gurukulam children bringing their Thiruvaradhana perumal , doing a splendid alankaram to Him and readying Him for the Divya Prabandha gosht. The gosthi was headed by one of the adhyapakars of Thiruvarangam Periya Koil. Important pasurams from all the Divya Prabandhams were recited. The Gurukulam children participated with utmost enthusiasm. Finally, the satrumurai was conducted and theertha prasadams distributed to all.

By noon many sthala –acharya purushas visited the premises and heaped their blessings. Sri Sirupuliyoor Annan swamy, despite his age, placed his Holy foot on the new building and blessed the Children.The alankaara thadeeyaradhanai was conducted at Sri Koorathazhwan’s sannidhi.

This shareeram of ours was given by Emperumaan to serve Him and His adiyars. But due to the Prakruthi sambandham, half our life is eaten away by sleep, a quarter in fulfilling the fads of the Indriyas. If at all our life is left, we spend try to spend it in Bhagavad and bhagavatha kainkaryam. But even then, how many Bhagavathas can we serve with our shakthi and time? Very few. But a building can serve innumerable bhakthas from its very inception. And it can go on and on for many years. “Eramanusan Ponnadi” is here to stand and serve Srivaishnava Sampradayam for posterity.

Like the Keerthi of Eramanusar, we pray the Lord of Thiruvarangam to keep the Kainkarya selvam of “Eramanusan Ponnadi” to last forever! We request each of you to visit Eramanusan Ponnadi and commence its kainkarya journey.

Kindly click the below link for photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/RamanusanPonnadi16thNovember2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCM3BrvmViJyXRg

Learning the eternal language...

Is it possible to describe vividly in words the incomparable grandeur of the Sun? Well, Sanskrit is as resplendent as the Sun. Its intrinsic worth and value cannot be brought out in full measure in words. It is no hyperbole to say that even if all the trees in the world are treated as pens, all the water in the oceans and seas the ink and the entire earth the writing sheet, we cannot adequately bring out in words the extraordinary richness and opulence of that priceless and peerless language.

How old is Sanskrit? Well, it is as old as Emperumaan Himself which means, it has no origin, neither human nor divine. The exact antiquity of Sanskrit cannot be established with any degree of certainty. There were standard books in Sanskrit on almost all the disciplines in ancient India including science, technology, mathematics, astrology, astronomy, medicine etc. So, it is not as if Sanskrit is literature alone, including devotional literature, and nothing else.

But the decline of Sanskrit began with the establishment of the Muslim rule in India. Mohamad Ghazni was a raider who invaded India seventeen times only to loot India of its wealth. He had no intention of establishing Muslim rule in India. But, Mohamed Ghori, not only invaded India, but established Muslim rule in India in the twelfth century. He replaced Sanskrit with Persian, as the language of administration. Since then, Sanskrit was on the wane, though it did not become extinct, thanks to Emperuman’s bountiful grace and the efforts of our Poorvacharyas and several other Mahans of other Darshanams. Other than the vyakyanams and a few other works, most of the divine writings of our Poorvacharyas have been in Sanskrit.

When India became independent from the British rule, Sanskrit should have been adopted as the official language of India. But it wasn’t so adopted. And today, this blunder has resulted in our relegating Sanskrit to a position that was meant for foreign languages like French and German. Sanskrit is now a language that we can choose as second language provided our misbegotten foreign language fad lays in hibernation. But the irony is that the foreigners are smitten by Sanskrit.

Samskritha Bharathi has been taking several initiatives in promoting Sanskrit throughout India. They have toiled hard in taking Sanskrit to the masses and school going children. And Srimaan Trust has been pouncing at every chance to promote and spread Sanskrit. So when the people of Samskrita Bharathi approached the Trust for pooling in children for taking spoken Sanskrit classes, a meeting was arranged inviting the parents of SBK children and several others. About 50 students were enrolled in the classes. In a short duration, the children learned Sanskrit and began conversing in it.

Go through the videos and please control any envy that may naturally overpower you.

LISTEN TO A FREE FLOWING SANSKRIT CONVERSATION:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SpokenSanskritVideo?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJbaqby9k-mlAw&feat=directlink

PHOTO LINK :

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SpokenSanskritFinalDayFunction?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJi0neL7p9-00QE&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/SpokenSanskritClass?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPyvoobBhYSZwQE&feat=directlink

Savouring the divine fruit!

What is the panacea of all our diseases, both physical and mental? What can give us imperishable peace? What can bestow us with immeasurable bliss/aanandam?

When Shri Veda Vysya pondered these questions several thousand years ago, He discovered the one pill remedy called Srimad Bhagavatham. Shri Vyasadeva, the compiler of all the Vedic literature, foresaw the age we now live in deteriorating more and more through quarrel and hypocrisy. To help man not defeat the actual purpose of his human life, he compiled the Srimad-Bhagavatam. The Srimad-Bhagavatam gives clear directions on how we can live a contented and happy life. It plunges us into the mystic ocean of “KRISHNA” and leaves us marooned in it for the rest of our life.

A mango fruit’s taste usually sticks to the tongue, leaving us wanting more. And the wonderful taste is enhanced if it is already tasted by a Bird or squirrel. Srimad Bhagavatham is described as the fruit that has been bitten by the Divine Sukar (Bird).

With a view to impart the knowledge of Srimad Bhagavadam amongst school children, Srimaan Trust has started taking classes at school with the aid of several Bhagavathas. One such initiative has materialized in a session at South Ranga School of Srirangam. This was followed by a session at Acharyah also. This time, the classes were taken by Shri Divya Krishna Dasan.

It is a Baghyam for these children to listen to the charitram of “ Vennai unda vaayan” at day and visit Him at His abode in the midst of Saptha Prakaram.

The photo link is here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/ChildrenSDaySpecialAcharyah?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJKZzvmb7N64cA&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/srimaantrust/ChildrenSDaySpecialSouthRenga?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCK6EmOvlzZKaqwE&feat=directlink

SriRama beckons you !

The SriRamayana competition conducted by Srimaan Trust at various places in South India was conducted with great zeal in two phases. The competition saw excellent response from various cities and from various sects of people. From the little toddler mumbling words in Mazhalai to the 12th grader equipped to face the outside world, the contest has seen a variety of participants. Every year the participation of Muslim and Christian community is also on the rise.It is with great pleasure we state that the Sri Ramayana Contest has been a very excellent medium in effectively imparting sampradaya knowledge among school going children.

This year, the competition turned out to be a great attraction for the students despite there existing distractions at every possible direction. The eager participation provided great promise that our culture will sustain the onslaught of materialism and philistinism.

The final prize distribution function for the competition held at Chennai will be held on 27-11-2011. The invitation is attached. Please grace the occasion, listen to the thought provoking speeches of the great stalwarts who’ll preside over the function and bless the winners of the context. Spending a couple of hours by you for the children shall boost the motivation levels of the children as well as the volunteers of Srimaan Trust.

The invitation is here in this link :

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zUZw07iu-fCNuc9O3DBUqAsAeGgGg_0DBC2xSa1cRiU/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1--

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