Acharya Vamsa Vrisksham - The line of Muni Traya Parampara

Sri LaksmihayagrivAya Parabrahmane Nama:
Sri Ramanujaya Nama:
Swami Vedhantha Desikaya Nama:
Swami Thirukudanthai desika Mahadesi kaya Nama:
Sri Srinivasa Maha Desikaya Namah:
Sri Gopala desika Mahadesikaya Nama:

AcharyaVamsa Vriksham - The line of MuniTraya Parampara
(common to Poundarikapuram Asramam and Periyaasramam)

SRI PANCHA MATHA BHANCHANAM TATACHARYA (1500-1591 CE)

VED: _Sri Tatacharya, a cousin of Shashta Paraankusa, and his Srikaryam for sometime, was the Rajaguru of two Vijayanagar rulers. A contemporary of the great Vaishnava scholar, Mahacharya ( also known as Doddaachaarya), he wielded considerable power and influence. He was responsible for making Vaishnavism the most favored religion in the Vijayanagar empire._

PPM: He was born in Masi under Swati Nakshatram in Nathamuni Kulam(Sottai Kulam). He belonged to Tirumalai Nambi Vamsam. He learned the sastrarthas from Tirumalai Srinivasa Desika Swami. His son was the famous Lakshmi Kumara Tata Desikan who is believed to have grasped the Vedanta Arthas from Piraatti herself. He was instrumental in the renovation of the golden Vimaanams of Kanchi Perarulaalan and Tiruvenkatamudaiyan, reconstruction of Gopuras, Mantapas, Praakaaras etc and he is reputed to have arranged for the weddings of 10 million maidens. And hence known as _ Koti Kanyaka Dhaanam Tatachaariar_.

He wrote a Kavya called _Pancha Matha Bhanchanam_. He was the Srikaryam of Kanchi. He had a number of Sishyas including some kings like Venkatapathi Rayar. Several stone inscriptions on this Acharya are available. He represents the 21st generation of Sri Nathamuni. His Tanians are:

1. Composed by Keezh Neer Kundram Anantha Desikar:

Sri Saila Poorna Kula Vaaridhim Poorna Chandram
Sri Srinivasa Guru Varya Padaabja Bringam /
Sreyo Gunaambudhim Aaasrita Paarijaatham
Sri Tatayaaryam Anagham Saranam Prapadhye //

Meaning: I take refuge at the feet of Tatayaarya, the blemishless who is a Paarijatha flower (Granting all desires) of theose who take refuge at his feet, the one who is like the full moon coming out of the ocean of the lineage of Sri Saila Poorna.

2.Composed by Kachi Kadambi Appayya Dikshitar (a.k.a) Srinivasa Dikshitar

SukhaTaatham Trayee Maarge Tatraatham Tattva Nirnaye /
Tat Taata Taatamaayaare Taatayaaryam Aham Bhaje //

(meaning) _I celebrate Tatcharya Guru who is like Sukha Brahmam in Vedic lore and in establishing Tattvas_

Aparyaapta Amruta
Bhagavad Dhyaana Sopaanam
Srimad Aahnikam
Nigamaantha Desika Sahasranamam
Nikshepa Chintamani
Saaraswaadhini. (Saakshaat Swami had done only about 12 chapters of his Our Swami completed the rest as ordered by his Acharya)
Uttara Saaraswtham
Jayanthee Nirnayam etc.(PPM)

His Tanian reads as follows:

Sri Krishna Desika Padaambhuja Bringaraajam Vedaanta Lakshmana Muneendra Krupaatha Bodham /
Trayyantha Desika Yatindra Sataari Moorthim Gopaala Desika Sikhaamanim Aasrayaamaha //

Meaning: _Let us take refuge at the feet of Gopala Desika , the crown jewel, the Acharya for the three great Sannyasis, who was like the bee surrounding the lotus feet of Sri Krishna Desika and who was the recipient of the grace of Vedanta Lakshmana Muni_

The above means that Tirukkutanthai Desikan Swami combined in his persona;ity those of all the three AchAryas viz Sri Vedanta Desika, Sri Bhashyakara and Sri Satakopa. It is interesting to note that those who resorted to him were also three yathivaras.

Sri Gopalarya Maha Desikan embraced Sannyasam just before he neared his end. He was hailed as a Maha Bhaagavata in his own time in recognition whereof the special and rare privilege of embracing the idol of Aravamudhan so as to render it more efficacious, was accorded to him. He was succeeded in the Peetam by Sri Vedaanta Ramanuja Swami who came to be known as _Vazhutur Andavan_.

SRI VEDANTA RAMANUJA MAHA DESIKAN

(Aavani- Poorattaadi) (SRIRANGAM SRIMAD ANDAVAN OF VAZHUTHUR)

(PPM & VED): Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Swami was the son of *Madapusi (*SMM) Srinivasachariar Swami of Vazhuthur in Thanjavur District. He was born in the asterism of Poorattadi in the month of Simha of the cyclic year Rudrotkaari corresponding to 1743 CE. He was one of the 3 yathis who sought refuge at the feet of Tiruk Kudanthai Desikan. He was intensely devoted to both Lord Aravamudan of Kumbakonam and his own Acharya. Most of the time he used to stay in his Acharya_s Asramam, tending the gardens, mending fences, watering plants etc. Impressed by his Acharya Bhakti, his Acharya asked him to instruct his own other Sishyas. He became an acknowledged authority on all matters pertaining to the Vaishnava tradition having undergone intensive course of study under Tiruk Kudanthai Desikan. When he approached his Acharya, he was already well versed in all Sastras but approached him citing Tiruvoimozhi Pasuram 5-8-10. Tiruk Kudanthai Desikan was excited to find that he was eminently suited to succeed him after fully testing him before accepting him as a Sishya as required in Sastras

_Sruta Vividha Pareekshaa Sodite Kwaapai Paatre /
Pradisathi Nirapaayam Sampradaaya Pradeepam //

meaning _When an Acharya after testing the suitability of the prospective Sishya finds a deserving candidate, hands over the everlasting lamp of Sampradaaya to him_. He was therefore, called Andavan by successive generations. Prefixing the name of his village, he came to be known as _Vazhuthur Andavan_. *He was also known as Srirangam Srimad Andavan, as he stayed in Srirangam more or less permanently. As the Sampradaya was continued by the successive Acharyas of this lineage called known as _Gnaana Putra Paramparai_, he was also called _Kudumbi Swami_(*SMM).

He received the robes of a Sannyasi from the hands of Paduka Sevaka Sri Ramanuja Maha Desika. His choice as the fitting successor to Tiruk Kudanthai Desikan was well received by the Srivaishnavas of the time. During his time, the term _Andavan_ meaning one who came to rule the hearts of his followers was coined and applied reverentially not only to him but also to all Acharyas who came after him. Thereafter, the Parampara itself came to be called _Andavan Paramparai_ propagating _Muni Traya Sampradaaya_.

His discourses (Kalakshepams) attracted a large number of disciples. According to an oral tradition, a King Cobra was seen coming out of hole when his discourse was in progress with its hood raised. The audience were scared and tried to kill it. The merciful Acharya stopped them and proceeded with his Kalakshepam. The Cobra stood still till the end and disappeared. This was happening daily. One day as the Acharya was descending the steps of the tank for his Anushtanam, the Cobra went around him and struck its hood on the ground three times and appeared to beg something. The Acharya understood that it was a Mahapurusha in the previous birth and had become a Cobra by some curse and that it was seeking relief from Samsara. Plucking a fruit from a tree nearby, he offered it to his Aradhana murthi and performed Aartha Prapatti for the Cobra. Vazhuthur Andavan sprinkled some holy waters on the Cobra which was waiting for him to come. Instantly, it passed away and attained Mukti.

Vazhuthur Andavan chose Srirangam as the seat of Andavans; he himself lived in a small thatched hut on the Southern bank of the Coleroon; he was the epitome of simple living and high thinking. He used to go round the streets of Srirangam on his _Biksha_ and on return have it cooked and offered to the Lord as Naivedyam and to guests. He would partake only if anything was left out. Till the very end of his life, he was entertaining anyone seeking his guidance and rendered Siddhanta Pravachanams to them. He left behind him a host of _Paramaikaantins_,

of whom one Srinivasachariar, son of Sri Krishnamachariar of Kanchipuram succeeded him.

His Tanian reads as follows:

Gopala Desika Padaabja Madhu Vratasya Pragnaa Virakti Karunaa Mukha Sad Gunaabde/
Vedaanta Lakshmana Muneh Srita Bhagadeyam Paadaaravinda Yugalam Saranam Prapadhye //

(meaning) _ I surrender at the lotus feet of Vedanta Lakshmana Muni who was like a bee sucking the honey at the lotus feet of Gopala Desikar, who was endowed with a sea of auspicious qualities, knowledge, detachement and mercy, who showers Bhagya to those who resort to him_ IMPORTANT NOTE: Vazhuttur Andavan was succeeded by two great lineages headed by Tirutturaippoondi Srinivasa Ramanuja Maha Desikan details about whom we present in the next section viz., M 32 and the famous Navalpakkam Paramparaiheaded by AnnayArya Maha Desikan. Details about this Papamparai will be presented later on in a separate series .

SRIMAD ANDAVAN SRINIVASA RAMANUJA MAHA DESIKAN

( of TIRUTTURAIP PUNDI) (Aippasi - Uthiradam)

Sri Srinivasachariar referred above assumed the name of Sri Srinivasa Ramanuja Maha Desikan when he became Acharya but he was familiarly known as _Tirutturaip Pundi Andavan_ owing to his long association with that place where he had been giving instructions in all Sastras. He was an obvious successor to his Acharya on account of his pre-eminence among the disciples of Vazhuthur Andavan. His ancestors hailed from the fertile village of Vilaakkudi in East Thanjavur District, a few miles from Rajamannar gudi. He belonged to the illustrious Eyunni family of Bharadwaja Gotram. His forefathers had served Sri Ramanuja with devotion and distinction. He was born in the sacred month of Tula (Aippasi) when the star Uttradam was ascendant. In his poorvasrama, he sought the feet of Vazhuthur Andavan and became an erudite scholar. He won acclaim as an authentic exponent of our Darsana and continued the Vaishnava Sampradaya in a worthy manner.

His Tanian reads as follows:

Srimad Gopaala Sureh Niravathi Karunaa Vaapta Satsampradaayam
Srimad Vedaanta Ramanuja Yathi Nripathih Sarvatah Sthaapayitvaa /
Yasmin Sat Sampradaayam Sakalam Upadisan Amsato Anupravishtan
Srimad Srivaasa Ramanuja Munim Anagham Tham Bhaje Desikendram //

(meaning) _ I salute the blemishless Srimad Srinivasa Ramanuja Muni, who was the recipient of the limitless mercy of Srimad Gopaala Suri, who was nominated by the King among Yathis Sri Vedaanta Ramanuja Muni who taught him all that one should know about our Satsampradayam, and who appeared to have reincarnated in him_.

SRIMAD PERIYA ANDAVAN a.k.a VATHAL SWAMI

(Masi- Pushyam) (1801 - 1886 CE)

(VED): _Periya Andavan, as he has come to be familiarly known is the real architect of the Andavan Paramparai, for he laid it on firm foundation. He lived during the 19th Century CE- a most disturbed period in the history of Vaishnavism, when the Southern part of the Tamil country became a hotbed of internecine wars. Carnatic Wars (1743-1767 CE) broke out between the English and the French and both the temple and the town of Srirangam suffered much. The pilgrim town and the center of Vaishnavism became an occupied territory. The Nawab_s army took shelter in the Srirangam temple. The military fortunes of the contending parties were fluctuating until the English won the war and seized Tiruchirappalli and the surrounding regions.

In his Poorvasrama, Periya Andavan was called Sri Srinivasa Raghavachariar. The son of one Krishnamacharya Swami, he belonged to the village, Pillaiyaranai near Kanchi. He was born in the Kali year Roudri in the month of Maasi when the star Pushyam was in the ascendant and this corresponds to 25-2-1801. He came from a distinguished Dipa- Pradipa family who were entitled to some special honors at the Kanchi Perarulaalan temple. After Brahmopadesa at the age of 8, his father himself instructed him in the Vedas and Divya Prabhandam. He also administered the Sudarsana Maha Mantram. He received his Pancha Samskaram from one Sama Periyappan Swami, a descendent of Tata Desika. In the course of a pilgrimage, Sri Krishnamachariar and his family worshipped at the Aravamudan Sannidhi at Kumbakonam, where he met one Navalpakkam Raghavachariar Swami, an erudite scholar and previous acquaintance. At the latter_s request, Sri Krishnamachariar and his family stayed with him for some years as his guest. At his departure, he left his son to be instructed in Kavyas and Tamil lore at the feet of Navalpakkam Swami. Later, Srinivasa Raghavachariar studied Vyakarana and Mimamsa Sastras at the feet of his paternal uncle. Goaded by an intense urge to seek the feet of Sri Vedanta Ramanuja Maha Desikan, he arrived at Srirangam and prostrated himself before the Acharya. From him he sought and received Bharanyasam at the Sannidhi of Lord Ranganatha. Discovering in the Prapanna, the potential Acharya, Srimad Andavan directed him to get instructed in all Rahasya Granthas by Tirutturaip Pundi Andavan. Soon, he became a scholar in all Vedaanta Sastras and won the appreciation of the two Acharyas and their disciples. He visited the Navalpakkam village six months after his marriage and on that occasion, his father-in-law presented him a gold ring. Srinivasa Raghavachariar is said to have made golden image of Swami Desika out of the ring and installed it in the local temple. With an intense longing to become a Sannyasi, he came back to Srirangam but both his mother and wife pleaded with him not to take to holy orders. Sensing the domestic compulsions, the Acharya advised him to remain a householder till such time as he is blessed with a child. With the birth of a daughter, a few years later, Sri Srinivasa Raghavachariar decided to take the Sannyasa Asrama. But, still his mother would not allow him to do so. Assuring his mother that he would not become an ascetic unless he saw auspicious signs, he proceeded to Srirangam. On the way, he encountered an astrologer who predicted that he would turn either a great king or a saint destined to blaze a new trail. Just about the same time two Garudas were seen hovering in the sky. The green signal for the new course of life was given and his mother reconciled herself to the inevitable and blessed her son. Taking leave of Lord Devaraja, Sri Srinivasa Raghavachariar reached Srirangam and received the ochre robes from Tirutturap Pundi Andavan. Assuming the name of Srinivasa Maha Desikan, he entered the holy order of ascetics at the age of 30 in the year 1831 CE.

Srimad Srinivasa Maha Desikan led a simple, austere life on the banks of Kollidam. Every day he would go round the streets of Srirangam and accept alms from the houses of only those who lived a pure life, reciting and teaching Vedas. It is said that after receiving the cooked rice, he would go to the river and wash it so as to rid it of all fat and oil content. The meager food he took lacked the vital fat content rendering him frail and he was, therefore, called _Vathal Swami_. He was a self-denying saint, a Jithendriya who bent his Thirumeni to the service of his soul. He taught rather by his practice than by precept. He wielded such influence on his disciples that they hailed him _Periya Andavan_. When Tirutturaip Pundi Andavan attained his Acharya_s feet, Periya Andavan became the Acharya in due course. On hearing about his succession,, learned scholars of the day came to see him and obtain his grace. A brilliant galaxy of distinguished scholars flocked to his feet and the Goshti consisted of such eminent persons as Vedaanta Tatachariar Swami of Sankarapuram (who later became Veliyanallur Andavan of this Asramam), Sri Tirupput Kuzhi Tatachar Swami, Gopala Samudram Vidwan Sri Narayanachar Swami, Mannargudi Vyaakarana Narasimhachar Swami ( who late became the 39th Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt), Agnihotram Srinivasa Tatachar Swami, Vidwan Paravastu Venkatachar of Srivilli puttur, Tiruvaheendrapuram Ashtaavadhaanam Anantachar Swami ( who later became Tiruk Kudanthai Andavan) etc. etc. Periya Andavan was a logician of great repute and many of his disciples also excelled in this art. One Govardhanam Rangachariar, a reputed logician of the North arrived in Srirangam and challenged the scholars of the day to a dialectical debate. Mannargudi Rajagopalachariar, nominated by Srimad Periya Andavan to accept the challenge defeated the visiting scholar after several days of debate. The vanquished gracefully accepted defeat and requested Periya Andavan to spare Raj agopalachariar Swami for a brief period , so that he could get further instructions from him in Vedanta. At the end of the period, he honored Mannargudi Rajagoplachariar and conveyed his gratitude to Periya Andavan for putting him in the right path of knowledge.

He set up the Asrama on the lands donated by a patron and continued his Kalakshepam classes there uninterrupted in the sylvan environment. He conducted classes in Sri Gita Bhashya, Sri Bhashya, Rahasya Traya Sara and Bhagavad Vishaya more than 30 times to hundreds of disciples. His Sishyas listened entranced wondering that so much Vedantic wisdom emanated from so frail a body. He framed a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to by his disciples. He undertook a pilgrimage which took him to Tiruk Kudanthai, Mannargudi, Vaduvur and other places. Whatever he touched he enriched and he left behind a tradition of excellence, a spiritual touch for his worthy successors to cherish and carry forward.

Such indeed is the glory of Periya Andavan. He observed 55 Chaturmasya austerities (58 according to SRP) during the span of 85 years. He attained the lotus feet of his Acharya in the year 1886 that is the Krishna Trayodasi in the month of Makara_.

His Tanian reads as follows:-

Sri Rangesa Pathe Samarpitha Bharam Srutyanta Raamaanuja
Sri Yogeendra Guroothamena Yaminah Srutyanta Vidyaatmanah /
Praaptha Srutya vathamsa Yugma Hridayam Sri Vaasa Raamaanujaath
Sri Srivaasa Muneendra Desika Manim Sreyonidhim Samaasraye //

(meaning) _ I resort to Srivasa Munindra Desika who is the gem of Sreyas, who did his Bharasamarpanam at the feet of Rangesa, who had learnt all about Ramanuja darsanam from his Guru, to whose heart resort all the Srutis_

SRIMAD CHINNA ANDAVAN

(1826 - 1885)- (MSR)

(SRP): _As none came forward to take Sannyasa, Peiya Andavan was a little worried. He sent word to Maha Vidwan, Sri Raghavachariar of Velianallur to whom he had performed Bharanyasam earlier. Sri Raghavachariar immediately rushed literally walking through Tiruk Kudanthai and Royampettai and reached Srirangam. Periya Andavan blessed him with the ochre robe. Both of them stayed together for about 6 months in the Periaasramam being called _Periya Andavan_ and _Chinna Andavan_ (Senior and Junior) respectively). When the Senior passed away, the junior faced some difficulties and he retired to ANBIL for some time. Hearing this, some Sishyas in Royampettai bought a grove on the banks of Vada Kaveri, built an Asramam and invited Chinnandavan to come back to Srirangam. When the difficulties were cleared, Chinnandavan occupied the original Asramam. Hence, both the Asramams were called _Periyasramam_ and _Chinnaasramam_. Though he did only 10 Chaatur maasyams, he wrote several works as follows-

1.  Ahnika Artha Prakaasikai
2.  Sree Jaynthee Nirnayam
3.  Ukti Acharya Nishtaa Vichaaram
4.  Satpada Rakshai
5.  Janmaashtami Nirnayam
6.  Tadakratu Nyaaya Vichaaram
7.  Yathi Dharma Samuchchayam
8.  Achaarya Sambhavana Kramam
9.  Asoucha Sangraham