sudarsanam - sampradayamanjari.org

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudharshana

Global Stotra Parayana Kainkaryam

“SUDARSANAM” Pilava Varusham

Avani Month`s Release

Questions and Answers by GSPK Vidwans Vol -2 – Release Date – 27-Aug-2021



GSPK Sudarsanam - Avani 2021 2

Questions and Answers by GSPK Vidwans

Panchangam 3

PREFACE 5

Acaram and Anushtanam 6

Stree Dharmam 28

Srisuktis of Purvacharyas 29




Panchangam Plava Varsha – Avani Masa Panchangam

Tamil Month (Avanai/Purattasi)

English Month

(Aug/Sep)

Janma Nakshatram

Shraddha Tithi

Thirunakshatram/ Festival

5 21 Thiruvonam Caturdasi Rig Upakarma

6 22 Avittam PaurnamI Yajur Upakarma

7 23 Sadayam Prathamai GayatrI Japam

8 24 Purattadhi DvitIyai Sree Vazhuthoor Swami

(Srimad Aandavan)

9 25 Uttirattadhi TritIyai

10 26 Revati Caturthi

11 27 Ashvini Panchami

12 28 Bharani Sashti

13 29 Karttikai Saptami

14 30 Rohini Ashtami

Sri Kumara Varadhachariyar;

Periyavacchan Pillai; Munitraya-Vaikanasa

Srijayanti;

15 31 - Navami Sripancharatra ; Sri

Ahobila Mutt Srijayanti

16 1 Mirigashirsam Dasami Uriyadi

17 2 Tiruvadhirai Ekadasi

18 3 Punarpusam Dwadasi Sri Vaishnava Ekadasi

19 4 Pusam Trayodasi Maha Pradhosham

20 5 Ayilyam Caturdasi

21 6 Magham Amavasyai Amavasyai

22 7 Puram Prathamai

23 8 Utram DvitIyai

24 9 Hastam TritIyai

• Ramanuja Daya Pathram Utsavam

• 44th pontiff Srimad Azhagiya Shingar Jayanti

• Sama Upakarma

25 10 Cittirai Caturthi

26 11 Svati Panchami

27 12 Visakham Sashti

28 13 Anusham/Kettai Saptami

29 14 Mulam

Ashtami – Navami

Tithi Dvayam

Avani Mulam

30 15 Puradam Dasami




31 16 Uttradam Ekadasi

1 17 Tiruvonam Shunya

Tithi

Kanyaa Masa pirappu; Tharppanam – after

12.30pm; Sri Vaishnava Ekadasi




PREFACE "Sudarsanam" is a perfect guide to be used by every Srivaishnava.

The launch of this e questionnaire is an attempt to encourage

Srivaishnavas to know and get clarity on various Shastric aspects.

A panel of highly qualified Vidwans have come forward to provide

answers very kindly for questions posted by bhaagavataas. These

answers are compiled and made available as an ideal manual which

can be used as an authentic resource for practicing and understanding

Sampradaya principles.

As much authentic and stringent as the answers provided are, they

are the most idealistic ideologies that could be followed. Some may

not be comprehendable to current day practices, in such cases it is

advisable for bhaagavataas to take the guidance of practices

observed by their elders.

It’s an appeal to bhaagavataas to make good use of Sudarasanam.

SUDARSANAM - The means to show us the right path of following our

Ramanuja Darsanam!




Acaram and Anushtanam (Questions & Answers)

Q16JUL21003

How to lead a balanced life that conforms to the ordains of the scriptures and

also that overcomes the pressures from family, colleagues, etc., with today’s

materialistic lifestyle?

Vidwan’s reply

• Do santhyavandhanam without fail.

• During leisure time you can listen to upanyasams or can

learn/recite Stotra Patam or Prabandams.

• Swami Desikan insisted to do Yoga daily as it is the best option to

reduce stress.

• Optionally one can do small services or contributions towards

temples.

• Can follow/do all possible rituals.

Notes:

If time permits, one can spend their time in a useful mode by

particiapting in weekend upanyasams of GSPK. If unable to join live

upanyasam, can listen to recorded upanyasams by subscribing to our below

YouTube Channels:

https://www.youtube.com/c/GlobalStotraParayanaKainkaryamGSPK/playlists https://www.youtube.com/c/SampradayaManjari/playlists For more information about Stotra Patams/Prabandams Please join the

below Telegram group: https://t.me/gspkstotras

https://www.youtube.com/c/GlobalStotraParayanaKainkaryamGSPK/playlists

https://www.youtube.com/c/SampradayaManjari/playlists

https://t.me/gspkstotras




Q16Jul21004

Is Sudarsanam an online class? What does it clarify?

Vidwan’s reply

“Sudarsanam” is an online journal that shows Sri Vaishnavas a

principled path. GSPK’s vidwans responds to many queries and clarifies

doubts related to Acaram and Anushthanam, Sthree Dharmam and

Purvacharya Sri Suktis. For more information, refer the Introduction of this

issue and can join Sudarsanam Telegram channel through this link.

https://t.me/GSPKSudarsanam

Q16Jul21006

Why do we offer betel leaf (Vetrilai) garland to Lord Hanuman? Are there

any references about this in Valmiki or Kamba Ramanyams, or Azhvar

pasurams?

Vidwan’s reply:

There are no references about this Ramayanam or Azhvar pasurams and

our preceptors had also not provided any special insights on this.

Notes:

There is a belief that the offering of this garland will result in success.

It is said that Sita Piratti presented Hanuman with betel leaf garland and

blessed him to be successful during her stay at Ashokavanam. Although this

incident might not be a proof there may be some references to this in Puranas.

Q16Jul21008

What and who are Srivaishanavas?

Vidwan’s reply:

https://t.me/GSPKSudarsanam




Srivaishnavas are devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Notes:

One who holds absolute faith in Lord Vishnu belongs to Him alone,

adorns the Thiruman that signifies the Lord’s divine feet, performs panca-

samaskaram by surrendering unto an Acaryan, and who lives as a servant of

the Lord alone can be called as a Srivaishnavan.

Q16Jul21009

What is Narasimha Avarana pooja?

Vidwan’s reply:

Avarana pooja is conducted at many places these days. We shall look

at the details in the future.

Q16ul21010

Does our sampradayam accept offering food to crow after performing

Thiruaradhanam and before we partake food?

Vidwan’s reply:

Refer to Adi month Sudarsanam issue for reply.

Q16Jul21011

What are vegetables and fruits that are to be avoided in sattvic food?

Vidwan’s reply

Onion, cabbage, radish, potato, drumstick, lotus root, etc., are among

the vegetables that are to be avoided. Modern day fruits such as Kiwi, etc. are

not accepted by elders

Notes:




Swami Desikan has explained clearly about the vegetables that are fit

for consumption in Aharaniyamam, along with those that are to be avoided.

In short, fruits and vegetables that are not offered to Bhagavan are to be

avoided by us.

Q17Jul21002

A girl’s father has performed upanayanam for his grandchild by considering

him as his son. When his sons could not perform pitru karyam for him, can

the daughter or his grandson perform the obsequies?

Vidwan’s reply

Only sons must perform such rituals.

Notes:

There is no need for the daughter or the grandson to perform such

rituals, instead, they can sponsor food that is been distributed in the temple

or they can take up some other kainkaryam.

Q17Jul21003

Should the slokas be recited aloud or mentally in silence during Perumal

Thiruaradhanam?

Vidwan’s reply

It can be recited in both ways depending upon the circumstances during

Perumal Thiruaradhanam.

Q17Jul21004

Both Vadakalai and Thenkalai are followers of Visishtadvaitam and what

could be the major difference between them? What sub sect did Swami

Ramanujar follow?




Vidwan’s reply:

There were no different sects within Visishtadvaitam during Swami

Ramanujar’s period, hence there is no question of Swami following any of

the sects.

Q17Jul21005

Did the first Jeeyar Sri Adivansatagopa Yatindra Maha Desikan of Ahobila

Mutt follow Sri Vedanta Desikan Sampradayam during His ascetic tenure? If

so, did he follow the same in his purvashrama? Please forgive if it is an

inappropriate question.

Vidwan’s reply

Adivansatagopa Yatindra Maha Desikan Swamy without doubt

followed Swami Desikan’s Sampradayam.

Notes:

The preceptor of Adivandatagopa Yatindra Maha Desikan was Chinna

Ammal Swami who was a follower of Swami Desika Sampradaya.

Q17Jul21006

Some preceptors of Ahobila Mutt are reverentially addressed as ‘Sri Lakshmi

Narasimha Divya Paduka Sevaka’. But some of our Acarya-s in the lineage

are addressed as Srimate, Sriman, and Sri. Please explain the significance.

Vidwan’s reply:

The Acaryas of Sri Matam are addressed with the prefix “Srimate Sri

Lakshmi Narasimha” as well. Depending on the divine wishes of the

respective Azhagiya Shingars, the AcAryas of Sri Matam include titles like

Sri or Sriman.




Notes:

The Vedas, Vedantams, and their meanings are also known as Sri.

Through the term ‘Sahishri:’, it is evident that even the Vedas address

themselves as Sri.

One who preaches the Veda, Vedanta and its meanings, and one who

holds those meanings in their heart are known as Srimad. Hence there are no

differences and all Acaryas are conferred with the common titles such as

Srimate, Sriman, Sri.

Q17Jul21007

Adiyen’s grandmother’s shraddha day falls on Ekadasi. As adiyen observes

Ekadasi fasting, should adiyen partake shraddha prasadham or observe

fasting? Kindly clarify.

Vidwan’s reply:

Those who observe Ekadasi fasting should not partake any food after

completion of shraddham and they should continue their fasting.

Notes:

Towards the end of the shraddham, instead of performing prashanam,

for those who are fasting, a ritual called avaghraanam is prescribed. In this,

after pinda pradhanam (offering of balls of cooked rice to the pitrus), a small

portion of prasadham is taken in hands and smelt by those who observe

fasting or those who partake palaharam only. After smelling the prasadham,

it must be thrown away as it is made of rice.

Those who are able observe total fasting, should do so. Those who are

unable to, must not partake anything that was not prepared as offerings




specifically for the shraddham. From among the shraddham offerings, they

must avoid offerings made of cooked rice and can partake cooked vegetables,

other offerings.

Q18Jul21002

Can we worship Mahans’ photos along with their respective spouses or

should we worship them separately?

Vidwan’s reply:

Yes, it can be worshipped. Since the spouse of an Acaryan is considered

equal to the Acaryan, one can worship their photos.

Notes:

Procedure for Salagrama murthis is prescribed by the scriptures. Photos

of Perumals and Mahans must not be included along with Salagrama murthis

during Thiruaradhanam. They must be worshipped separately.

Q18Jul21003

How to partake Perumal Tirtham after performing Thiruaradhanam at home?

Are there any specific rules?

Vidwan’s reply:

Before partaking Perumal Tirtham, one must clean both hands, keep the

left hand down, place a cloth over the left palm, place the right palm over the

cloth forming a cup and accept the Tirtham, while standing. The Tirtham

must be sipped without making noise. One must not spill the Tirtham.

Q17Jul21004

Which dal should be used during masa pirappu and tharpanam days? Is it toor

dal or moong dal?




Vidwan’s reply:

If festivals (like Tai and Adi masa praveshams) occur along with masa

pirappu and tharpanam days, it is a practice to include toor dal only. If not

festival falls on these days, moong dal can be used.

Notes:

In certain households, both are included. We ask you to follow as per

the practice of your respective households.

Q18Jul21005

Adiyen had received Mahalakshmi, Santhana Krishna, Nagar deities made of

silver as a bridal gift; adiyen’s husband offers flowers and food to the deities

during weekdays and on weekends he does Thiruaradhanam. Is this right or

are we committing any offence? Moreover, can adiyen clean silver figurines

as per the prescribed anushtanam for ladies?

Vidwan’s reply:

If Thayar and other idols have been consecrated, they must be

worshipped as per prescribed requirements and ladies must not touch the

idols during worship. The idols that are not consecrated can be cleaned by

ladies as per the scriptural procedures. Ladies are also prohibited from

touching the idols when the idols are worshipped along with Salagrama

murthis.

Even when one has the wherewithal to perform daily Tiruaradhanam,

if one does not do so, a minor offense is accrued. It is to one’s benefit that

such misdemeanors are rectified.




Q18Jul21006

Absolute faith is prescribed as one of the components of Sarangathi. In that

case can one perform saranagathi by holding absolute faith on Perumal’s

causeless mercy alone and forgo the rest?

Vidwan’s reply:

The query is not clear enough, kindly clarify the query.

Q18Jul21007

Can we partake turkey berry and goose berry (sundaikai and nellikai) if

Dwadashi occurs on Tuesdays or Fridays?

Vidwan’s reply:

Yes, we should partake them on whatever days Dwadashi occurs. It is

a must to take agathi keerai, sundaikai and nellikai during Dwadashi.

Breaking fast is considered complete only when we partake them.

Q18Jul21008

Facing which direction should one perform tharpanam? Is it East or South?

Some books have stated it to be south. Please clarify.

Vidwan’s reply:

It is best to perform tharpanam facing East similar to shraddham, etc.

Notes:

As per one tradition, sankalpam is done facing East and tharpanam

facing South. Follow the tradition as per the advise of one’s tradition.

Q18Jul21009

Can we consecrate Sudarshana yantra at home or at temples? If so, what are

the procedures?




Vidwan’s reply:

Sudarshana yantra can be consecrated. Kindly engage experts of

Pancharathra agama.

Q18Jul21010

I humbly request for a detailed video presentation on Anushtanam.

Vidwan’s reply:

Will consider this request and provide updates accordingly.

Q18Jul21011

Is sandhavandanam a part of daily rituals for Srivaishnavas? Apart from

kalakshepam and upanyasam what are the other strotra patam and books that

we should know to learn about our tradition?

Vidwan’s reply:

Yes, Sandhyavandanam is an essential daily austerity for a

Srivaishnava. It is important to listen to kalakshepam and upanyasam to learn

about our tradition. But before that one should learn to recite

Divyaprabandam and Swami Desika stotrams as a part of daily austerity

followed by listening to kalakshepams as ordained by our preceptor.

Q19Jul21001

If one gives birth to a baby girl, who should observe 3 days and 10 days taint

(theetu) respectively? Can that person light lamp in that household

Vidwan’s reply:

If a girl child is born, the asaucam period is 10 days for the child’s

• Father

• Father’s son




• Father’s brother

• Father’s brother’s son

• Father’s father

• Father’s father’s brother

3 Day`s asaucam period for

• Maternal uncle

Notes:

• There is no taint for bachelors

• A wife inherits the taint of her husband

• Stepbrother (if any) should also observe taint for 10 days

• If it is a boy 10 days taint should be observed including agnates of

seven generations.

• If a girl child is born, one should not light lamp at Perumal sannidhi

but can light lamp outside and kolams can be drawn at the entrance.

Q19Jul21002

Can we celebrate festivals as adiyen’s father in law’s cousin brother had

passed away?

Vidwan’s reply:

Festivals can be celebrated.

Notes:

If a parent in law (wife’s parents) passes away, festivals can be

celebrated at home though the wife might be distressed, she cannot avoid

festivals at her in-law’s house. A tradition of partaking sweets the next day




of the festival is still in practice. So, one can celebrate if a cousin brother of

the in-laws passes away.

Q19Jul21003

When must one perform tharpanam during sankramana punya kalam? Must

this be done during afternoon (aparAhNa) like amavasai? Or must this be

done when Sun enters a particular rAsi?

For example: In this year’s Srirangam Vakhya panchangam, Dakshinayana

punya kalam is said to occur at kata ravi 45-13 nazhiagais. If so, this means

the time is 17 July 12 AM.

Vidwan’s reply:

Sankramana punya kala tharpanam is performed when the month comes

into being. If a punya kalam begins morning 7 AM, after Sunrise and

performance of sandhyavandanam, tharpanam must be performed.

Notes:

If we consider Adi masam, scriptures say that Dakshinayana punya kala

tharpanam must be performed in Uttarayanam. So, even if the month begins

night/midnight on that concerned day, if time is available before Sunset,

tharpanam can be performed, based on the pramanam

“yAyAnatsannihitahA”. This means, those who can, can perform the

tharpanam as much closer to the time of the punya kalam. Those who are not

able to can perform the tharpanam during aparAhNa kalam.

Q19Jul21004

Can a prapanna worship Pancamuka Anjaneya and partake his prasadham?

Is Anjaneya the next Brahma as per Srimad Bhagavatam? Please clarify.




Vidwan’s reply:

Prapannas must not accept Anjaneya’s prasadham.

Q19Jul21005

How did Sudarshana chakra appear in Emperuman’s divine hand?

Vidwan’s reply:

Emperuman appears four armed and all the weapons that adorns his

four arms are eternal.

Q19Jul21006

Swami Desikan has mentioned about Puri Kshetram in Hamsa Sandesham.

Is Puri an abhimana sthalam? Is there any connection between our

sampradayam and Puri kshetra?

Vidwan’s reply:

Preceptors like Sri Bhasyakarar have rendered mangalasasanam to Puri

kshetram and as the puranas also mention this kshetram, it is considered as

one of the abhimana sthalam.

Q19Jul21007

Andal has sung ‘sendru nam sevithal’. But due to the current situation, the

parayanam in our temple has been halted. Will doing parayanam and

aradhanam at home acquire the fruits of rendering kainkaryam at the temple?

Vidwan’s reply:

Andal has referred so because it is our duty to worship the Lord in

person with the organs that we have been blessed with. If we are unable to

worship in person due to circumstances, nothing is lost when we do

parayanam and aradhanam at home.




Q19Jul21008

Some of my relatives are not interested to know about panca-samaskaram,

bharanayasam and its greatness. Can adiyen pray mentally for them to

Acaryan?

Vidwan’s reply:

Yes, you can definitely pray for them, his grace shall elevate them.

Q19Jul21009

Has Bhagavad Ramanujar mentioned about Bharanyasam? Is Bhara

samarpanam only for those who are from Vadakalai sampradayam?

Vidwan’s reply:

Bhagawad Ramanujar had mentioned about the greatness of

Bharnayasam extensively in Gitabashyam and Gadhyatrayam.

Notes:

Followers of Thenkalai sompradayam do not render Sharanagati based

on the principle that Bhagavan protects out of his causeless mercy.

Sharanagati is a part of austerities for Vadakalai followers.

Q19Jul21010

Can the followers of Vadakalai sampradayam recite 3000 Padi

Guruparampara prabavam of Brahmatantra Jeeyar? What is the difference

between this and 6000 Padi Guruparampara prabhavam?

Vidwan’s reply:

• Yes, Vadakalayars can recite Brahmatantra Jeeyar’s 3000 padi.




• 6000 padi of Thirukurugai Piran Pillan is common to both the sub sects

but particularly 3000 padi of Brahmatantra Jeeyar is recited at Parakala

Mutt, and Eduvyakhyanam is recited at Sri Mutt.

Notes:

The expositions that are in tune with Desika Sampradyam can definitely

be recited.

Q20Jul21001

Prapannas having surrendered unto Perumal for moksham, are not supposed

to worship demi-gods for remedy from pitru dosham, stree sapam (curse) and

naga dosham. Are there any Vedanta Desika slokas that can be recited as a

remedy from such doshams? Adiyen had listened to Daya Shatakam

upanyasam for pitru dosham.

Vidwan’s reply:

Those who have performed Sharanagati must not worship demi-gods

for any reason. One must have total faith in Emperuman and that he will

destroy all doshams. One can worship Perumal directly and worship his

servitors like Garuda and Vishvakshenar.

Notes:

• Listening to Daya Shataka upanyasam is the best remedy for pitru

dosham.

• To be absolved from naga dosham one can learn and recite Garuda

Panchasat.

• For revival from the curse of women, recite Sri Stuti, Bhu Stuti and

Godha Stuti




• For remedy from Navagraha doshami, chanting Paduka Sahasram will

be beneficial.

• In our sampradayam reciting Swami Desikan’s stotras will remove all

dosham.

• As all the demi-gods are under the control of Emperuman, a prapanna

can directly approach Emperuman as all others are His subjugates.

Q20Jul21003

It is very difficult to explain about prescribed and proper conducts (Acaram)

to the young generation of today as they question each and every aspect of

the tradition, unlike those of us who followed the ordains of elders. How to

make the youngsters follow the Acara-anushtanam and make them follow our

tradition?

Vidwan’s reply:

To make the youngsters interested in our tradition we can join them in

Sampradya Manjari e-patashala of GSPK. We are trying to train and nourish

the youngsters in our rich tradition through effective methods.

Notes:

The children should be taught Stotras and Prabandhams first which

results in mental clarity while reciting them; this will induce them towards

good matters.

We conduct classes to impart divine stories, values, meanings. All their

questions will be answered through these stories enhancing their curiosity

and interest.




Q20Jul21004

Adiyen’s son a Prappana, attained Acarya’s divine feet two years ago while

diving in Thirumala waterfalls. I spend most of my day in spiritual matters

but still not able to bear the loss of my son. Elders are advising that my

thoughts would trouble the liberated soul. Whenever I listen to Dayashatakam

upanyasam and about the waterfalls I could not control my feelings. Please

clarify whether the liberated soul would be affected because of my feelings.

Vidwan’s reply:

The muktatma (liberated soul) resides happily at Paramapdam and

renders eternal services to Emperuman. Hence our feelings do not affect the

liberated. True, it is not easy to bear a child’s loss, we have to divert the mind

by engaging in spiritual matters.

Q20Jul21005

During this pandemic time, for shraddham we are forced to call upon our

relatives to participate rituals related to pitru sthanam (This is largely done to

avoid inviting strangers). For such relatives who are invited to take various

roles/place (in place of the ptirus), how many Gayatri mantra japam must be

done for the respective sthanam?

Vidwan’s reply:

It is superior if relatives are always invited to participate in shraddham.

What ever position they are asked to be in during the annual shraddham, 108

Gayatri mantra japam is must. Having partaken during shraddham, they must

not be invited the following day.




Q20Jul21006

Should we change the lamp wick every day in the morning? Can we use the

same wick in the evening that was used in the morning?

Vidwan’s reply:

It is not in practice to change wick every day. The same wick used in

the morning can be used again in the evening.

Notes:

• Normally the lamp is cleaned during Mondays and Thursdays for using

it afresh during Tuesdays and Fridays.

• When we use the cleaned lamp, we light it with new wick.

• Some house follows the rule of not touching the used wick. Elders say

women are exempted from this rule. While some others say one should

take bath if they touch used wick, though women are excluded. One can

use something to thread the wick end instead of touching it with bare

hands and no need to use new wick.

• While these are general practice, one can seek the advice of the

household elders and follow them accordingly.

Q20Jul21007

Kalakshepams and sandhai classes are not conducted mostly during new

moon and the next day of new moon. During such days what kind of pooja

can be done at home? What are the slokams to be chanted?

Vidwan’s reply:




During those days we do not perform any special pooja. No

kalakshepams and sandhai take place. We can recite the stotras that we have

learnt on those days.

Q20Jul21008

As our children have settled abroad, we are compelled to travel overseas.

When we return home, we atone by bathing in holy rivers and partake

panchagavyam. While we do atonement many times, will such atonements

remove our sins as we have transgressed against the ordain of scriptures?

Why travelling overseas is wrong fundamentally? Please clarify.

Vidwan’s reply:

• As per Sastras, yes these atonement to some extent will purify us

• Smritis say that one should not travel to overseas.

• Obeying the ordains of Vedas are virtuous.

• In those days there was a restriction for going abroad, because the

connection of our Vedic tradition will be completely cut off.

Notes:

“paNNiya nal vratamellAm palikkumenRu

bhAradattai pangayattOn paDindittAnE”

Even the devas come down to Bharata, the karma bhumi, for acquiring

merits. The good deeds rendered here alone will fetch good fruits. Hence

travelling overseas is prohibited.

Q20Jul21009

Can a Prapanna recite Swami Desikan’s slokams for achieving material

benefits like jobs, marriage etc.?




Vidwan’s reply:

Yes we can say. As Swami Desikan himself mentioned about this, in

Phala Shruthi, that one can recite slokas for obtaining those materialistic

benefits by the grace of Bhagavan.

To know details about Phala Shruti of Desika Slokas and its respective

benefits please click this link and listen to the upanyasam

https://youtu.be/5_NVaIt1DYo

Q20Jul21010

Adiyen, how many Salagrama Perumal can be arranged in a box? Should it

be in odd or even numbers?

Vidwan’s reply:

One Salagrama Perumal can be worshipped but two or three Perumals

cannot be placed together. If there is four or more, then it should always be

in even number and One should not keep odd number of Salagrama Perumals

in a house.

However this number count is nullified if there are more number of

Salagrama Perumals.

Q20Jul21011

Can we use single wick for lighting lamp?

Vidwan’s reply:

Double wick should be used for lighting lamps. One can verify with the

respective elders for further clarification.

https://youtu.be/5_NVaIt1DYo




Q20Jul21012

What is Vaishvadevam? What is Anuyagam? Who should perform them and

what are their importance?

Vidwan’s reply:

Vaishvadevam is a mandatory duty of a married man (grihastha). There

5 places where a grihastha can acquire sins due inadvertent killing of other

living beings. Vaishvadevam must compulsorily be performed to atone for

such sins.

Vaishvadevam must performed after learning from a preceptor and

must be performed only by married men and not others. It is performed both

during day and night times following the prescribed procedures and by

invoking all Devatas.

Partaking food is not only to satisfy a hunger. Many precepts need to

be followed. It is called Anuyagam and is performed after Ijjya Aradhanam.

Swami Desikan has shown that it is a yagam (sacrificial offering) for the

sould (Jivan) that is atomic in nature.

To know what the 5 types of sins are, the procedures for performing

this, the time when it should be performed and to learn why eating is called

Anuyagam and its significance and procedure for doing Anuygam, refer the

link below.

https://youtu.be/qkTkX2R276s - Sri Desikan Anushtanam – Vaisvadevam & Bhojanam | Vande

Vedanta Desikam

Q20Jul21013

What is the food that are to be totally avoided?

https://youtu.be/qkTkX2R276s




Vidwan’s reply:

Scriptures have stated hundreds of foods that are unfit for consumption

as per its gradation. Saints have univocally accepted that consuming

intoxicating substances such alcoholic drinks will reap greater sin. Onion and

garlic come in next in the list that are to be completely avoided. Many

scriptures have specifically mentioned that these two must be avoided. There

are many vegetables and fruits that are to avoided by Brahmins.

One can click the link below to verify the proof about foods that are to

be avoided, the sins one gets for consuming it and the atonements for

consumption.

https://youtu.be/XAGaZQgqj48 Sri Desikan Upadesam - Saappidave koodaadha vasthukkal | Vande

Vedantha Desikam

https://youtu.be/XAGaZQgqj48




Stree Dharmam (Questions - Answers)

Q18Jul21012

What are the pasurams and stotras that women can recite while offering

cooked food?

Vidwan’s reply:

Women can recite ‘Koodarai vellum seer’ pasuram and chant Govinda

nama while offering.




Srisuktis of Purvacharyas (Questions - Answers)

Q16Jul21002

Why is Emperumanar superior to Emperuman? (A young boy’s question)

Vidwan’s reply

Emperumanar is the one who showed us the Emperuman. Without

Emperumanar, we would not have understood Emperuman.

Notes:

This is what Thiruvarangthamudanar also says in Ramanuja Nutrandadi

pasuram:

“Manmisai yonigal torum pirandu, engal Madavane

Kannura nirkulum kanagilla ulagorgal ellam

Annal iramanusan vandu tonriya appozhude

Nannaru gyanam talaikkondu naranarkayinare”

Q16Jul21001

Adiyen’ child is questioning as to who is Nappinnai who has been mentioned

by Andal as well. Adiyen had said she in the incarnation of Neeladevi. Can

you please elaborate on Nappinnai?

Vidwan’s reply

Kannan’s mother Yashoda had a brother call Kumban. Nappinnai

Piratti is his daughter. She is Krishna’s maternal uncle’s daughter and eligible

to marry him. Kannan married her by taming seven bulls as per Harivamsam.

She is said to be the incarnation of Neeladevi.




Q16Jul21005

Perumal is Omnipresent or all-pervading (Vibhu). Soul (Jivan) is atomic in

nature and cannot be split. If Bhagavan is Vibhu, does it mean that he will be

inside a Jivan?

Vidwan’s reply

Perumal is inside as an antaryAmi, an in-dweller. There is no doubt that

he is the Soul of our soul.

Notes:

According to Swami Desikan, as the Jivan is atomic, there is no such

thing as inside of a Jivan. Hence there is no question of Permal being inside

a soul. If Perumal is said to be an antaryAmi for a soul (Jivan), it implies that

no part of a soul that is disassociated from Perumal, everything is attached to

Him.

Q16Jul21007

Why has Azhvars sung lesser number of pasurams on Kanchi Varadhan than

on Arangan and Thirumalaiappan? Though Hastigiri is equally divine

kshetram like other two kshetrams, why did the Azhvars’ pasurams not

resonate the same status? Is there any reason behind this? Kindly explain.

Vidwan’s reply

Generally, all the sanctums and kshetrams where Emperuman graces

are divine.

Notes:

• Swami Desikan had said ’muhyantaya bhanguradhiyo muni

sarvabhoumaH’ in Varadharaja Panchashat. The inference here is that




Azhvars having been mesmerized and lost themselves upon witnessing

Lord Vardhan’s enchanting form, have sung lesser number of pasurams

on Him.

• This is the reason even though lesser number of pasurams were sung on

this kshetram does not lack in glories that are found in Arangam and

Thirumalai.

Q17Jul21001

Can Srivaishnavas who had undergone Bharanyasam learn Bhagavatam and

Bhagavad Gita from Advaitins?

Vidwan’s reply

• It is not advised for Sri Vaishnavas to listen Bhagavad Gita by Advaitis.

Notes:

• Bhagavatam talks about the glories of Perumal, and it is not wrong in

listening to them.

• But there is a huge difference in the way Bhagavad Gita is interpreted

by Srivaishnavas and Advaitis. As Advaitins philosophy varies from

ours, it is not appropriate to learn from Advaitins as part of our tradition

or practise and we can listen to just know their side of explanation.

Q17Jul21008

Swami Desikan in his Prabhandasaram had mentioned about the place, day,

date and pasuram count, but he did not mention about their lineage. Is there

a specific reason to this or is my understanding wrong?

Vidwan’s reply:




Azhvars are incaranations of Nityasuris (immortals who does eternal

service to Bhagavan) so, their lineage is not important. We should revere

them and celebrate their Thirunakshatram grandly, hence Swami Desikan had

included such details in Prabhandasaram.

Notes:

He has mentioned these details so that an Azhvar’s appearance day

should be celebrated grandly every year as a festival. On that day we must

recite their Prabhandam. Moreover, most of them appeared as ayonijas (not

being born from a womb) knowing their lineage is not crucial.

Q18JUL21001

Adiyen has a doubt in Prabandasara pasuram on Periazhvar. Swami Desikan

while mentioning the count of pasurams, at the end say four hundred and

seventy-one and two instead of four hundred and seventy-three

(“nAnURRuezhubathonRiraNDum”). Is there a reason behind this?

Vidwan’s reply:

Generally, a pasuram or poem is written based on the kind of verse

(viruttham); composers construct the words based on the type of viruttham.

As this is based on En Asiriya Viruttham, he has mentioned four hundred and

seventy-one and two.

Notes:

An interesting aspect – from Periazhvar Thirumozhi, the first two

pasurams ‘pallandu pallandu and adiyomodum ninodum’ are unique in that

these two pasurams are chanted in the beginning of recitation during

nitiyAnusandhanam.




Though these two are separate pasurams, it is a tradition that two of

these pasurams are considered one.

“nAnURRuezhubathonRiraNDum” – though Swami has set this

pasuram in Chandas metre, the fact that he is included a special meaning

shows our Kavi Simham’s singular ability.

Q20JUL21002

Can adiyen have Srimad Abinava Vageesha Brahmatantra Parakala Swami’s

Acarya taniyan (invocatory verse)?

Vidwan’s reply:

sudarsanam - sampradayamanjari.org

Documents