SRI
ANJANEYA SWAMI TEMPLE, NALU KAL MANDAPAM, THANJAVUR, T NADU
gk kaushik
I was reading the Tamil magazine (Ananda Vikatan dated 30.01.05) in which
there was an article about a diver named Kannan working in "Kutrallam"
waterfalls. Presently he is engaged in rescuing people who had fallen in the
deep waters, or recovering bodies from deep waters. In one of the experience
he cites that he rescued a young boy by name Kalyana Sundram who had drowned
in the deep water. His attempt to locate the boy deep in the water failed him
for three days. When all hope of rescuing the boy became bleak and recovering
of the body was also given up. On the fourth day when a final try was made,
he could locate the boy in deep water. Alas that too alive! The boy Kalyana
Sundram who was inside the deep water for three days rescued by Kannan is now
married and living in USA.
Shri Sadasiva Brahmendra.
That remained me of the yogic capacities of the some of the siddha purushas
of our Bharat virsha, especially the mystic incident that had taken place
with Saint Shri Sadasiva Brahmendra.
Sri Sadasiva
Brahmendra was an avadhuta saint (meaning one who wanders naked) who
practiced and preached advaita Vedanta. He is believed to have lived for more
than two hundred years. He was disciple of 57th pontiff of the Kanchi
Kamakoti Mutt, namely Sri Paramasivendra Saraswathi (1538 -1586). Ayyaval of
Tiruvisanallur and Sadasiva Brahmendra had been schoolmates. It was Ayyaval
who had introduced him to Sri Paramasivendra Saraswathi. He was very good in
singing in praise of Lord. This intelligent youth used to argue and debate at
the slightest provocation. One day his guru had asked him to be silent. He
took that as 'jnana upadesa' and took to the vow of silence. His guru HH Sri
Paramasivendra Saraswathi conferred the title "Sadasiva Brahmendra" on him.
Miracles performed by the yogi
There are many miracles performed by this
mauna yogi, avadhuta purusha while
wandering on the banks of Cauvery. The one I remembered when reading the
above article, is that what happened when Kodumudi river was flooded. It is
said that while Shri Sadasiva Brahmendra was sitting on the bed of the
Kodumudi river and penancing, suddenly river was flooded. People saw water
submerge him as was still in his trance. He was given up as drowned. But
three months later when the floods subsided he was still there in the same
trance posture; he just rose up and walked away.
Bhajana Sampradaya
He had been a part of the movement when Bhajana Sampradaya was crystallizing
in south. He had left behind many valuable works on philosophy, kritis on
many subjects and deities. Many musicians know him for his compositions of
the kritis on advaita Vedanta, philosophy and deities. He is equally familiar
to the devotees practicing the Bhajana Sampradaya. "Bhajare Gopalam" in raga
Hindolam, "Bhajare Yadhunatham" in Peelu, "Pibare rama rasam" in Yamankalyani
are some of the few enchanting kritis of His among many other compositions.
Mystery of the hole in the pavilion.
Today in many places of worship Aradhana Utsavam of Saint Shri Sadasiva
Brahmendra is celebrated by organizing musical performance by famed artist of
the time. The famous among them is the musical festival performed in Tanjavur
near The Prasanna Venkateswara Swami Shrine. The shrine has a four-pillared mantapam, a pavilion in which the
Utsava Murthy is kept prior to hoisting it
on to the chariot during the car festival.
In early years, the floor of this pavilion had a
hole in it, which could not be filled up despite many efforts. The bricks
would simply fall through. It was that this saint composer Sri Sadasiva
Brahmendra who recommended a remedy for this. He prescribed installation of
Sri Anjaneya in the spot. Under his instruction the installation was done and
this great saint consecrated the idol.
Temple for Anjaneya near nalu kal mandapam
The Anjaneya temple is in the Sannathi Street of the Prasanna Venkateswara
temple, and the street is buzzing with activity right from early morning. Sri
Anjaneya Swami is placed in the small 'pirai' of the mantapam. You can see
lot of people offering prayer as they walk pass the temple, even people from
other sect and belief. Sri Anjaneya Swami installed by this great avadhuta
saint who had practiced advaita philosophy is standing there with his hand
folding giving blessing all. The temple attracts large number of people on
Saturdays, Tuesdays and other festival days.
The Lord Anjaneya of "nalu kal manpapam" near Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swami
Shrine in Tanjavur continues to be a protector of all faith and poor. Next
time when you visit Tanjavur visit this temple and bring back peace and have
your faith inspired by the Anjaneya consecrated by the great saint.
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