Periyava Times - Vol 5 issue 4

PERIYAVA Times “ Shreyo bhUyAt sakala janAnAm ” Dec 2020 Online Special Edition 2020 Volume 5, Issue #4





4 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Deivathin Kural KAALAIYIL THIRUMAL MAALAIYIL MAHADEVAN Dr. B Ramaswamy Deivathin Kural - Chapter 218 From the ancient times we have evolved a way for worship both Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana. For leading our everyday life serenely and in harmony with our Dharma, we pray to the Jagath Paripalaka Lord Vishnu and for redirecting our mind from the everyday material transactions to absorb with the Divine, we pray to Samharamoorthy Lord Parameswara,

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 5 In accordance with this theme, Isn’t our Lord MahaVishnu, Tribhuvana Chakravarthi (Royal form)? Our Lord Parameswara is in a mendicant form as Bhikshandi. Let us evaluate their possessions. Lord Shiva has ash, Oomatha poo ( Datura), Thumbai flowers ( Leucas Aspera), Erukkan flowers (crown flowers), skeleton head, Elephant skin and a snake. Nobody would even price these items. Lord MahaVishnu is adorned with the crown, jewels, Kausthuba mani and the beautiful yellow silk cloth (Peethambaram). Nobody can even estimate a price for these items. The items with Lord Shiva are Valueless and those with Vishnu are invaluable. Above all this, the embodiment of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi is with Lord Vishnu. Whereas, Lord Parvathi is in the form of Aparna (one who performed Tapas by not even consuming leaves) to attain Lord Shiva, refusing even the minutest of wealth. This shows that one should pray to Lord Vishnu for dharmic worldly happiness and Lord Parameshwara for developing the mindset for renunciation. This doesn’t mean that Lord Vishnu cannot grant the higher state of Wisdom or Lord Shiva , the material happiness for everyday life. Praying to them in these forms for the two different necessities of our life, enables one to develop undivided focus on them individually (through decoupling both the important dharmic needs). That is why our ancestors taught everyone to begin their dawn with “Hari Narayana” chanting and complete their dusk with “Shiva Shiva” chanting at least for few minutes. Very easy practice that everyone must follow. The basic constituents are the same at the macro (Andam) or micro (Pindam) entities of this universe. Therefore, everything that happens in our exterior synchronizes with our interior. At the dawn of the day, right before sunrise, when birds chirp merrily to signal the day’s beginning, it becomes easy for us to join along and pray to Lord Narayana for the whole world to prosper on that wonderful day. Similarly, when the world prepares to move into slumber with its characteristic darkness, our senses move to a state of rest resulting in a sense of internal peace, one finds it easy to meditate upon Lord Shiva. Though we pray to these respective Moorthis according to our mindset during that point of time, we should never forget that they are one and the same. The same man who wears his traditional attire for performing morning Sandhyavandhana changes to a coat and suit for his office. His form might change based on the function performed but that doesn’t change the person. Similarly, Swami is indeed one!

6 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Periya Puranam PERIYA PURANAM Balaji Baghavadhar AMAR NEEDHI NAYANMAR – ‘DHANAM ONLY FOR DHAANAM’ BIRTHPLACE : PAZHAYARAI, THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU | BIRTHDAY: AANI PURAM Food, water, clothing and shelter are fundamental necessities of humankind. Beyond these fundamental necessities, our wants to accumulate never ceases throughout our life. Like ghee thrown into fire, attaining our wants only fuels more contributing to the vicious circle of materialism. The seers or Gnanis are broken from this cycle by divine will and carry out their mission without even the fundamental necessities. As a textbook definition of their lifestyle, Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpadal composed ‘Kaupeena Panchakam’ named after the mere ‘loincloth’ they adorn themselves with. The Dharma Shastras blessed the householders of our Hindu society to be responsible to provide these Seers with fundamental necessities as they travel around. The Shastras created a lifestyle to ‘earn’ but not ‘own’ money. Especially, the members of the Vaishya community set up their businesses of different goods for everybody’s benefit running on optimal profits. The optimal profits were used to run their household and perform their Dharmic duties for Sivanadiyars who traveled across the country. Born in this virtuously affluent clan of Vaishyas belonging to Pazhayarai, ancient Chola capital, Amar Needhi was blessed with all the external and internal riches. He was rightfully named Amar Needhi (Amar- to sit, Needhi – Virtues/law) as all the virtues sat in him. Apart from the times spent with his daily professional demands, he spent his time chanting the Shiva Nama. He dedicated his life to provide Sivanadiyars with clothes according to their needs. Especially, he would donate loincloths or Kaupeenam for the ascetics. Attached to Sri Kalyanasundareshwarar temple of Thirunallur (Appar swamigal

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 7 obtained Deeksha here), he visited the place often and constructed a facility for travelers to be fed and provided with shelter. Amar Needhi settled down in this temple town, performing his duties with conviction. Lord Parameshwara, pleased with his devotee’s conviction, decided to visit him in the form of a Brahmachari boy. Hiding the crescent moon with his locks, shining with a pleasing countenance, wearing the four Vedas as his loincloth and a spare cloth tied to the stick in his hand, the boy, a cynosure of all eyes, walked along the streets of Nallur. Amar Needhi immediately walked up to the bright Brahmachari and requested him to grace Amar Needhi with a visit. Extolling the greatness of Vasthra Dhaanam, the Brahmachari appreciated Amar Needhi and politely refused the request since he didn’t want to add to Amar Needhi’s burden and moreover, didn’t have any needs. After repeated requests, he accepted to spend the day at Amar Needhi’s and requested him to take care of his only possession, the spare loin cloth until he returned from his afternoon ablutions and prayers. “This loincloth is precious because it is the representation of my Brahmacharya and the penance involved. Please save this among the most valuable of your possessions until I return”, the Brahmachari requested to Amar Needhi. He who controls the Ganges in his own head, went to the Cauvery for his afternoon bath. Strange are his plays and stranger are his ways. While returning from his bath, the Brahmachari was drenched wet by the afternoon showers. Shivering with chills, he requested Amar Needhi to bring the spare loincloth immediately. As Amar Needhi went to pick the spare cloth he had carefully preserved for his guest, a shock awaited him. The loincloth was nowhere to be seen.After searching for it everywhere and enquiring about it with all his family members and staff, a despondent Amar Needhi went to his Brahmachari and submitted his inability to find the spare cloth and offered anything to help him out. Livid with anger, the Brahmachari exclaimed “Didn’t I tell you how valuable a possession this was? I will not accept anything from you until you provide me with a loincloth equal to the one I am wearing”. Being a merchant who is used to measuring quantities with scales, Amar Needhi immediately complied and brought a scale. He asked the Brahmachari to place his loin cloth on one side and placed loin clothes he had readily stitched for his guests. No amount of clothes of any size could match up to this loincloth of the Brahmachari! Not even all the precious gems and wealth that Amar Needhi possessed. His mind was focused on making amends for this situation. He wanted no Sivanadiyar to leave dissatisfied by his conduct. For what use was his life, according to him, if he cannot satisfy this divine child who came only after his repeated invitations. With no other possession left, he went to his wife and children and said “Let us sit on the scale because there is nothing else left with me to match that loincloth. This means that from here on we become the slaves of this Brahmachari”. With his family’s approval, he himself sat on the giant scale with his family. Lo and Behold! The scale tilted into balance. The balance of two invaluable things in the world: The loincloth of Lord representing the four Vedas on one side and His unparalleled Nayanmar.

8 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 At this moment the Lord manifested himself to bless Amar Needhi and his family with a place in His abode, the Kailasa. Amar Needhi Nayanmar’s life demonstrates the virtues that a merchant must live by: “Dhanam only for Dhaanam’. It also shows a living example of the conduct for performing a dhaanam that the Upanishads prescribe, such as: ‘'Shraddha-ya deyam (give with dedication), Ashra-ddhaya adeyam (do not give without dedication), Shriya deyam (give with a sense of plenty), Bhiya deyam (give with a feeling of fear for the cause is great and the amount is so small), Hriya deyam (give with humility), Samvida deyam (give with the knowledge of the purpose to which you are giving).\" Another interesting aspect of this Punya charithram is its similarity to MahaBali’s story in Bhagavata puranam with Lord Narayana appearing as Vamana Brahmachari and the Thulabharam story in Guruvayur Kshetra Puranam. It re-emphasizes the truth that our Acharya Parampara stands by : “Shankara or Narayana are manifestations of the same Parabrahma” [ Ref: Verse 65 of Prashnottara Ratnamalika of Adi Shankara Bhagavatpadal].

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 9

10 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ, USA In HIS presence - Virtually ... Suriyanarayanan Subramanian The advent of this year 2021 began on a very auspicious and divine note for the overseas devotees of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Sri Periyava blessed all of us with HIS boundless grace and compassion through the event, Vande Guruparamparam, a virtual tour of Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ USA as its construction progresses. Thanks to today’s scientific advancement, devotees across the world witnessed the different facets of this Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ USA as Shri. Suri Subramanian, President of Sanatana Dharma Foundation Inc, presented key details of the construction to Sri Periyava. Dharmatma Dr.Yegnasubramanian presented the Poorna Kumbham along with Sri.Suri to submit our welcome at the lotus feet of Sri Periyava. Dr.Yegnasubramanian has been a guiding force of this initiative right from its early stages providing his valuable insights throughout its development. The event began with Mangala Vaadhyam by Chiranjeevi. Shishir Kumar (Saxophone). This was followed by JayaGhosham, a traditional announcement of the arrival of the Jagadguru of Moolamnaya Sarvajna Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, accompanied by the sounds of traditional instruments like Beri and Gowri kaalai. The divine Jayaghosham resonated through the minds of all the listeners reminding us of the unbroken two-thousand-year-old

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 11 tradition, unblemished by time or space, purely yet profound remark, Sri Periyava reiterated the through the grace and tireless efforts of our Acharya essence that this glorious lineage traces its origin to Parampara. Representatives of Delaware Valley Lord Narayana in both name and form. This Guru Asthika Mandali, Minnesota MahaPeriyava Satsang Parampara painting initiative was blessed by Sri , New Hampshire Hindu Temple, Maryland-DC Periyava during his camp in Ongole in 2016 and Satsangam, Detroit Satsangam, Seattle Satsangam, under His instructions, the name plates for all the Sacramento MahaPeriyava Mandali along with Acharyas in our Guru Parampara are being prepared Sri Sivan SAR Siva Saagaram Trust in Chennai were in India. Due to the restrictions imposed by the present in the conference to welcome and submit pandemic situation, all regulations were maintained their Poorna Kumbham honors to Sri Periyava throughout the event including social distancing and protective wear. The management trustees and Through drone and mobile videography Sri members of construction committee represented Periyava was presented with a virtual live tour of all the volunteers to receive Periyava’s blessings. the Manimandapam premises. Sri Periyava after listening to every minute detail explained how With the core vision of integrating ideas and some architectural features explained, resembled people belonging to our Sanatana Dharma famous temples such as Suseendram and Thirupathi across the world, Sri Periyava has synthesized and in South India. When Sri.Suri explained that the blessed several initiatives through our Sri Matam. Manimandapam will showcase our illustrious Guru This compassionate vision was resplendent Parampara with Tanjore paintings of Acharyas throughout the tour when He pointed out how some of our Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and wooden ideas used in the Manimandapam construction carvings of the Advaita Guruparampara, Sri Periyava such as Project Prakruthi (zero plastic waste efforts, remarked “Similar to Athi Varadhar (Sri Varadaraja Nandavanam irrigation through sacred water Perumal in Kanchipuram, a Swayambu Moorthy outlet system) could be adapted by temples in India. formed out of a fig tree trunk”). With this simple

12 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 After visiting the Garbagraham, Vishesha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Priest quarters, Sri Periyava blessed the initiative and efforts taken by the devotees involved in this divine initiative at every stage of the construction over the years. He expressed His happiness and blessings for the dedication of the Manimandapam team. The virtual tour was followed by Geetham by Vidwan. Prasanna Soundararajan and Chiranjeevi. Aarya Suryanarayanan (Vocal). Notably, they presented Sri Sankaracharyam (composed by Sri Subbarama Deekshithar) and Sri Chandrashekharam Aashraye (Composed by Vidwan. Sri B.Krishnamoorthy), both Krithis written in praise of Acharyas of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. The pinnacle of this event that the devotees of various Satsangams were waiting for, the Anugraha Bhashanam of His Holiness Sri Periyava, began after the tour. The Anugraha Bhashanam spanning close to 93 minutes covered a broad range of topics and inspirational ideas for all the devotees and especially the devotees living overseas . Sri Periyava began His divine discourse with the core definition of our Sanatana Dharma as that which is timeless and was conceived by Bhagavan for our righteous existence. He recounted the conversation between Justice M.M.Ismail and Sri MahaPeriyava in Kanchipuram. When questioned by the Justice on what the right ancient name is to be accorded to our religion, Sri MahaPeriyava explained that our Dharma was omnipresent and is as old as Bhagavat Srishti thereby eliminating the need to name and differentiate it from anything else But for convenience sake, Sri MahaPeriyava used the vaakyam \" \" to explain that Sanatana Dharma could be the right name for our religion. Sri Periyava outlined this definition for our Dharma with his impeccable memory of the date and time it was provided by Sri MahaPeriyava . In vogue with the current terminology, Sri Periyava also explained that Sanatana Dharma is a robust software created by Bhagavan for efficient functioning of our universe. He highlighted how within its vast umbrella, it even contains Science, Sociology, Ecology and of course, spirituality. This Dharma, as Sri Periyava explained, instituted several practices including our daily Nithya Karmanushtana and the forty Samskaras throughout one’s life to work towards the final goal of Moksha. Through various examples, Sri Periyava highlighted how our Adi Acharya Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada codified these practices, protecting our dharma from the influence of several non-vedic institutions that flourished during that time. May it be the Panchayatana Pooja for everyday worship or defining specific Moorthi Pooja practices such as Pradhosha Pooja or Shodasha Upacharam, Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada instilled the Roopa (form) worship paving way to Aroopa (formless) worship through natural progression according to one’s own abilities. It is to sustain and preserve these practices, Sri Periyava explained the need for Satsangams across the world. As the saying goes: “ ” (Kali Yuga needs the collective strength of Satsangam for propagating Dharma).

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 13 In this context, Sri Periyava appreciated the efforts of Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ USA Satsangam and various other affiliated Satsangams in creating the environment conducive for a Vedic Eco-system. He recounted how Sri MahaPeriyava explained the purpose of our Sri Matam as a refuge for seekers of Gnanam during one of HIS camps in Aouk, a small village. Sri MahaPeriyava, according to Sri Periyava, was a reincarnation of our Adi Acharyal without an iota of doubt and we were all blessed to have lived in the century He graced this universe in physical form. He insisted that the Satsangams should work towards motivating each other with affection and cooperation to understand our Rishi Parampara and Guru Parampara. Just like the economic middle class that governments promote and protect, Sri Periyava explained the need for a Vedic middle class which makes itself receptive and worth to receive the Vedic grace from Scholars and Pandits and mutually protect each other’s sustenance. This eco-system, He hoped, will preserve both our language and our dharma from all the external and internal disturbances. He urged the NRI devotees to develop Dharmic communication to understand our Rishi and Acharya lineage and build our relationship based on this common thread of Dharma. He blessed the Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ USA to serve as a Kamakoti Guru Parampara Mandapam, an infrastructure which will be looked up to by all institutions and temples across the world as a guiding force in sustaining our Sanatana Dharma as evolved by our Adi Acharya Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada. The Manimandapam team were filled with gratitude and touched by the blessings and motivation of Sri Periyava to work towards this divine mission. Our heartfelt thanks to Shri. Vijay Mehta, Shri. Ramesh Sethuraman and Shri.Sivaraman for coordinating this grand and blissful event with the Manimandapam team and helping us to reach the blessings of Sri Periyava to several devotees across the world. Volunteers of Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ USA worked tirelessly in setting up the construction site for the grand virtual tour and the Volunteers from Sri Siva Sagaram trust, Chennai provided all the technical support for the live video conferencing and ensured a very smooth and seamless telecast. Our prayers to Sri MahaPeriyava to bless them with continued dedication towards this initiative. Sri Periyava concluded the Bhashanam with Mangala Haarathi at the Adishtanam of Sri MahaPeriyava and Sri (Pudhu) Periyava. By this time, it was way past midnight for Sri Periyava and the devotees who had connected to receive His blessings, were immensely touched by the rigors Sri Periyava was subjecting himself to, for the sole cause of “Loka Shamkaram”. “Acharya Shankaracharyah Santhume Janma Janamani”

14 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Sri MahaPeriyava According to the South Indian tradition as revived by Sri MahaPeriyava, Manimandapam NJ, USA Annabhishekam is performed for Lord Shiva in temples on the full moon day of Aippasi month. Sri MahaPeriyava 27th Aaradhanai Sri MahaPeriyava insisted that the rice offered as Annabhishekam should be distributed to humans, The 27th Aradhana Mahotsavam of insects and birds (by scattering them on the ground) Sri MahaPeriyava was observed to signify the Punya and marine creatures (by mixing a part in water Tithi of HIS shedding the mortal coil and blessing the bodies) symbolizing that this whole eco-system is Universe. Since the Aradhana also nurtured by the universal father, the Jagatah Pitha, coincided withAnusha Nakshatra, the birth star of Sri Lord Parameshwara. HE strongly believed that MahaPeriyava, Avahanthi Homam was performed this ritual of gratitude alone sustains us every year in front of Moolavar Sri MahaPeriyava praying with surplus food and protects us from disasters. for prosperity and wellness. Pandits of Rig, Yajur Volunteers of Sri MahaPeriyava and Sama Veda performed Rudhrabhishekam to the Manimandapam celebrated the Annabhishekam Holy Padhukas followed by Teertha Narayana pooja festival by offering rice, in accordance with the age-old traditions of Sri vegetables and fruits to Moolavar Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. This was followed Sri MahaPeriyava. As advised by HIM, the food by Rig, Yajur and Sama Veda Parayanam at the was distributed to members of our community construction site of Sri MahaPeriyava disadvantaged by the current pandemic situation, Manimandapam NJ USA . All the regulatory through the help of Mr.David and Ms.Mergelie protocols associated with the COVID-19 pandemic Mootley. We pray to Sri MahaPeriyava for their were followed throughout the event. health and prosperity and continued efforts of Paropakaram. Community Outreach Our volunteers across the US Throughout the hundred years (1894 – 1994) collectively also worked on a ‘Community of HIS physical presence in this world, Food drive’ during the Thanksgiving Week. Various Sri MahaPeriyava inspired millions of souls, food items and other essentials (1725 pounds in to- unrestricted by racial or tal) were collected by our team and organized at our geographic boundaries, through his simple yet facility. It was heartwarming to see many young profound life and teachings steeped in Hindu volunteers taking part in this drive and realizing tradition. He urged everyone to work towards the that working for our community is the best fun betterment of self, family, community and in weekend fun activity after all. We were blessed to turn our beautiful planet through our devoted deliver our collections at the ‘Flemington Area Food thoughts and actions. He instilled in us the value of Pantry’on Dec 5th 2020. This initiative found so much community service by being a living example of resonance among the hearts of our volunteers the Sanskrit adage – ‘Paropakaraatham Idham that they hoped that we conduct these drives on a Shareeram’ (‘Our body was created to serve others’). regular basis especially during the times of this As a humble effort to work towards this mission Pandemic, when our community needs are higher. Sri ordained by HIM, Sri MahaPeriyava MahaPeriyava Manimandapam thanks the Manimandapam instituted ‘Paropakaram’ as one of Raritan township and the mayor, Her the core pillars of its overall vision and conducts reg- Excellency, Betsy Driver, for the guidance and ular different outreach programs throughout the year cooperation throughout this initiative and we hope to that are inherently beneficial to our community. shoulder any effort of the township to contribute to this wonderful community. “Daamyatha Datta Dayathvam Janatha.. Shreyo Bhuyaat Sakala Jananam”

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 15

16 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Sri MahaPeriyava Simply put, the Rig Veda is chanted in praise of the different deities we worship while also Manimandapam NJ, USA teaching us about the various rituals involved in any rites of passage(samskara) and also focuses on COOL nature worship. The Yajur Veda serves as a guidebook for priests on the right way to conduct Center Of Oriental the poojas and yajnas. Sama Veda lays the founda- tion for music and Atharva Veda contains verses to Learning & Living protect against illness, ailments and towards metaphysical realizations. By The term Veda means knowledge and are Sindhu Karthik, Novi, MI , USA learned from a Guru as they are regarded as “Shruti” (something that is heard). This forms the Like many of you out there, I am an ardent basis of the Guru-Shishya tradition that is practiced believer of Sanatana Dharma, where a lot of extensively even to this day. There are rigorous rules the practices and lifestyle choices were laid out to established for proper pronunciation, tone and order us by elders in the family. As much as I trust the of the slokas as it is believed that these vedic recit- norms and customs that were articulated, some als are a part of the sounds of the Universe. When part of me used to wonder where all these were these slokas are recited, it is believed that the cos- coming from and why. Now, as an adult with the mos is regenerated. If you have heard someone talk responsibility of passing on these traditions and about the power of the uttered word that affects the practices to the next generation, there are times vibrations of a place or person, it comes from the when I struggle to answer the question, Why? from Vedas. The sounds uttered and heard by humans are my own kids. The presentations put together by the said to influence everything within and around us. volunteers of COOL (Center for Oriental Learning The concepts like positive thinking, mindfulness and Living) continue to help me in this endeavor. and meditation all have their roots from the Vedas and Sanatana Dharma practices. With most of us The most recent session about the Vedas was having a lifestyle that is inundated with technology the most eye opening one yet. The Vedas and devices, adhering to our Dharma helps us to take are the scriptures that form the root of Sanatana a pause and let ourselves be in sync with the natural Dharma and is akin to the constitution that a world around us and to take a moment to thank the country’s government must abide by. These sacred Brahman, for the blessings of the 5 natural elements scriptures are separated into 4; with each focus- of Fire, Air, Wind, Water and Space which support ing on a different body of knowledge ranging from and sustain life. Ayurveda to Music, Chemistry and Physics. If you (age is just a number, all are welcome!) are also curious and would like to know about the science incorporated into our Dharma, be on the lookout for other cool sessions by our COOL team of volunteers. If you would like specific topics covered or questions answered, find us on Facebook at Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ USA, Instagram or write to us at [email protected]

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 17

18 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Management lessons Abhilash Sridharan Paramacharya “Growth and comfort do not coexist” – Gini Rometty, former CEO of IBM CEO Mellody Hobson, who recently became the Lesson17 first African American chairwoman of the Proactively embrace Starbucks board, shared an insightful personal story while making a point on embracing discomfort at the discomfort 2015 Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders. “I love swimming so much that even as an adult, I swim with a coach. One day, my coach assigned a drill that required swimming all the way to the end of the pool without taking a breath. It was really hard – and every time I failed, he made me start over. I thought it was a breath-holding exercise but at the end, he explained it wasn’t. I was stumped. Then what was it? ‘The point of the drill,’ he said, ‘was to make you feel comfortable being uncomfortable because that’s howmost of us spend our day. The drill teaches you how to relax into your discomfort and get through it.”

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 19 The cardinal rule of bodybuilding is to work test. The test that has come my way is to find out through discomfort, but not pain. Similarly, if in the midst of all this noise, I can conduct Pooja transformational leaders enable their organizations and without being distracted by the noise. We should not teams to be comfortable with discomfort. Disruption let go of this opportunity.’ The above incident is a is inevitable in business – marketplaces shift, reflection of how Paramacharya proactively turned a customer needs evolve, new technologies emerge and small challenge to test Himself further. Paramacharya employee preferences change continuously. Leaders further illustrates the need to lead in the extremes to and organizations would need to train themselves drive moderation. “For human nature which cannot to embrace discomfort and self-disrupt the status on its own be moderate in various aspects of life, quo, if they intend to stay relevant in the medium- practicing two extremes in (religious) observances to-long term. This is even more pertinent today becomes the means to moderate them. A feast being than it has ever been, when the world is undergoing balanced by fasting (‘upavasam’), a joyful outburst unprecedented disruption. To reach 50 million users, being balanced by mounam – thus by the practice it took the telephone 75 years, radio 38 years, TV 13 of following the extremes and balancing, all aspects years, Internet and Facebook 4 years, while angry of life become moderate just as the weighing scale birds did it in 35 days (in 2015)! The advent of digital is even when balanced equally on either side and the transformation post COVID-19, has accelerated this moderate (‘yuktha’) state is achieved. Moderation is even further and in the words of Satya Nadella, “we attained by practicing the extremes alternatively”. An have seen two years’ worth of digital transformation important takeaway for managers driving disruptive in two months.” transformations within their organizations is to be in the extreme, to move the needle to moderation. Most leaders and managers would conceptually agree with the case for change . Except for one In the words of Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati, problem, no one likes discomfort. And to address while sharing His experiences about His preceptor this, it is imperative that a leader sets the culture and their travels to North India, “Paramacharya of proactively embracing disruption from the very grew from strength-to-strength amid resistance” top by encouraging his divisions and employees to (‘edhirpilaye valardhavar periyavar’). May our challenge the existing processes / systems and not Acharya’s life be an inspiration for all managers accept status quo, ask hard-hitting questions to push and leaders to proactively embrace discomfort and the thinking and lead by personal example to never accelerate growth amid resistance. get comfortable with status quo while continuing to push oneself. Sources: There are several such incidents from HH • Voice of God, Pages 562, 568-569 (Volume 3) Paramacharya’s long and illustrious leadership journey that indicate how embracing discomfort was • https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/ a way of life for Him. To quote Paramacharya from starbucks-board-member-mellody-hobson-lets- one of His speeches in Chennai, “If you want to be be-color-brave/ free from difficulties, that is not possible. Difficulties have got to be there. Then only the karma can be • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/ wiped out. But at the same time, it should not be felt as blog/2020/04/30/2-years-digital-transformation- difficulty. (While referring to songs sung by devotees 2-months/ amid his Pooja / prayers) Because some people thought that this creates a lot of noise and distraction, • https://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2015/03/13/it- they started putting placards ‘silence please’. I asked took-the-telephone-75-years-to-do-what-angry- them to remove them. It is only now an opportunity birds-did-in-35-days-but-what-does-that-mean/ has come (for Me) to learn something and pass the • www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OWV1rqNMD4 • h t t p s : / / w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=SL8eqRFjXG8

20 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Musings of an Ascetic Bystander Abhilash Sridharan Peter Drucker, the celebrated management thinker, titled his memoirs as ‘adventures of a bystander’. In that classic, he shares his outside- in perspectives of the world of management, business and other key events of his times, not as a passionate ‘man in the arena’, but as an objective bystander who sees it from outside dispassionately. A devoted study (parayanam) of Srimad Yenipadigalil Mandhargal (the author is half way through it), leaves us with a very similar impression. Sri Sar has meticulously strung together his musings, supported by miraculous nuggets of information from across timelines, in this holy masterpiece (SYPM). My limited study of SYPM has convinced me that beneath the dispassionate glimpses of world history, lurks several powerful management convictions for leaders and administrators. Among several other insights, there are three key underlying messages at the foundation of YPM (in the author’s humble perspective): (1) The need for a well-intentioned, values- driven and tough leader to be successful, while ensuring that moral correctness is adhered to (2) The realization that before the emergence of modern religions, Sanatana Dharma and worship of Shiva was prevalent throughout the world – across Greece, Egypt, Mongolia, Britain etc. (3) How thoughtless use of science can be a detriment to the world at large.

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 21 In today’s article, we would specifically dive deeper into the first point outlined above, which Sri Sar supports with several examples spanning across different countries, cultures and timelines: First, as early as in the preface, Sri Sar sets the context for how it is the obligation of a good administrator to be very tough in punishing wrong doing / criminal activities and in ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the judicial system. He furthers the point with an example of Murat the Sultan from the Ottoman empire (page xii), who at the age of 20, established extremely tough measures to clean up the administration and judiciary. To quote Sri Sar, “The courage of Murad, his bold and martial demeanor confirmed the respect and awe which his strenuous ferocity inspired.” (page 102). Second, Sri Sar furthers the above point with a few commandments, of which a few select ones have been curated below (page 266): (A) An administration which does not show lowly people / criminals their place is akin to a sinner (B) An administration which lends a blind eye to the acts of rogues is akin to a sinner (E ) A wise administrator is adept at nipping evil things at the bud Similar to Murat the Sultan, Sri Sar shares the example of Genghis Khan (1154-1228), a Mongolian emperor who followed Sanatana Dharma (page 108) and instituted tough punishments for law breakers and criminals, thereby establishing a just rule in Mongolia. Third, Sri Sar adds an additional dimension (pages 49-50) by underscoring the need for administrators / leaders to adopt (if necessary) a form of statecraft (‘raja thanthiram’) or deceit (‘ubaayam’) to punish criminals. He shares the example of how Bhagwan Sri Rama, while being the Model King who never wavered away from dharma, adopted deceipt to punish Vaali (Sugreeva’s brother) for his crime of immorally abducting Sugreeva’s kingdom and family. To summarize all of this, Sri Sar articulates an important objective of His in the preface, which is for mother earth to bear good and well intentioned individuals. And as a famous Sanskrit quote goes, “yatha raja, tatha praja” (as is the ruler, so are his / her subjects). As a consequence, to create an environment that is conducive for well-intentioned people to flourish and prosper, it is imperative to have well-intentioned, wise, competent and tough leaders / administrators, who understand what it takes to be successful, to be at the very top. The author would like to thank Sri Sivaraman, Bharath Ramaswamy and Karthi (from YPM study circle (Chrompet)), for their inputs and discussions on YPM. Placing the above at the lotus feet of Sri Sar!

22 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Sri Sivan SAR Sri Sivan SAR Jayanthi Mahotsavam FERVOUR, WITH (DIVINE) CARE Sri Sivan SAR's Jayanthi Mahotsavam, 2020 was celebrated during September 30th till the 11th of October, with a Maha Rudram. The pandemic offered it's own unprecedented challenges of choosing a venue offering a safe and closed environment for the team of 12 Vaideekas and the Volunteers, with adequate space and conditions for ventilation, shelter and proper sanitation. By the grace of Sri Vallabha Ganapathy, Sri Maha Periyava and Sri Sivan SAR, the perfect venue was found in the form of the Shankara Mutt (Kainkarya Sabha), Adambakkam, Chennai. It was non negotiable that devotees had to have the best possible Darshan through online streaming of the everyday festivities. It is Sri Vallabha Ganapathy, who is much to our delight, the Pradhaana-moorthy to-be for Lord Vinayaka at Sri Maha Periyava Manimandapam, New Jersey. It was indeed the work of His Providence, that He presided over the entire 12 days amidst the holy Kalashams to which the Nithya Parayanam took place. Everyday would start as customary, with the Ganapathy Homam, followed by MahaNyasa-poorvaka Ekadasha Rudram in front of Sri Adi Shankaracharya's Sannidhi. Simultaneously in the adjacent hall, the idols of Sri Maha Periyava and Sri Sivan SAR would had an elaborate Abhishekham, Archanai and Alankaram humbly carried out by the team of volunteers. On the 10th, Rudra Homam and Chandi Homam were performed with utmost devotion, followed by Gho, Kanya, Thampathi and Vadu Pooja. The alankarams of the deities in particular, were a sight to behold. It is imperative that our boundless gratitude is shown to Sri Maha Periyava and Sri Sivan SAR, for they continue to show a way of safe salvation despite the dire situation pervading the world at present. Let us all pray for a healthy and happy society, for life to return to normal. Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu.

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 23

24 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Sri Sivan SAR Ramana Kiran Tribute to Manikkavachagar, this Margazhi Adaptations from YPM “ In this Kaliyuga, many GnAnis would have manifested without our knowledge. But as far as I know, the only Ones who have reached the final, ultimate Truth areAbirAmu*, MAnikkavAchagar and SadAsiva Brahmam” reveals Sri Sivan SAR, ever so direct. This time around, we will be looking into the documented insight on Sri MAnikkavAchagar, a NayanmAr immortalised not only in the Periya Puranam, but Yenipadigalil Maanthargal too. *(Sri AbirAmu hailed from Palestine) “One among the famed NayanmAr quartet, (Appar, Sampandhar, Sundarar the others), MAnikkavAchagar served as a minister par excellence to a Pandya king. As the dheiva sAdhu was on par with King Janaka for his virtue, goddess Meenakshi once decided to make known of his minister’s nobility. One fine day, when all those notable were present in the king’s Darbar, MAnikkavAchagar suddenly squeezed his Angavastram ( robe wound around the upper body) and exclaimed “Phew! Thank goodness!!”, which drew everyone’s attention. “Sure enough, when the king demanded an explanation, the minister humbly revealed that he wanted to join in on putting out the curtain, at the threshold of Lord Nataraja's Sannidhi (sanctum) that accidentally caught fire, which those at the scene did at once. Skeptical, the king sent his men to Chidambaram to verify his minister’s 'far-fetched' claims.” It was reported to be true after all! How else could it be? Sri SAR reminisces of a similar incident, but now with Apollonios of Tyana, a Thuravi, who yelled out on the street, the slaughter of

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 25 Philosophy Ramana Kiran the rather infamous king Domition, as it happened! “There is however, a slight difference between the two great souls 'seeing' such incidents as they unravel. This being, A dheiva sAdhu cannot, by own will, 'see' such worldly events. MAnikkavAchagar was rather 'shown' the scene at Chidambaram out of goddess Meenakshi's will.” There is also the famed sequence of events behind the Athma-nAtha Swami temple at AvudaiyAr Kovil, commissioned by the Saint Himself, out of the Lord’s wish through His dream. Even though he spent the funds to scout and buy the best warhorses available, entirely on the temple, we are gently reminded by Sri SAR that: 30 E: “ A dheiva sAdhu in plight, is rescued by none other than the Almighty” Such extraordinary souls see money, only as a means to serve the Lord in whatever way they possibly can. This steadfast devotion and commitment to the Lord enshrined till date at AvudaiyAr Kovil, forced the Divine hand to play an inimitable “ThiruvilaiyAdal” of bearing sand bags bartering for 'Puttu' (Pound rice and jaggery sweet), while getting a lash while banking the imminent Vaigai flood, a crucial element in the entire play. As we continue to revere, recite and rejoice in the dheiva sAdhu turned GnAni's outpouring such as the 'ThiruvembAvai', it is impossible to forget to our Maha Periyava's tireless mission of reviving and propagating both the above mentioned work, but also the Saint poetess AndAl's 'ThiruppAvai'. Such was the essence of Advaita that He embodied. Thousands of children over the years were fed these two exemplary works of unwavering Bhakti. Their lives are constant reminders to us, to remain devotees, but never patrons.

26 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 27

28 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 29 BhargaviKamakshivalli Periyava and Music

30 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Guru Bhakthi Dr. Srikant Kamesh Iyer EKnaGtuhruavini The Story of My Guru Sri Gowri Shankar Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar would go several times a year to have a darshan of Sri MahaPeriyava. Once when Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar went along with his 5 years old son to Mahagaon (a village near Satara in Maharasthra) to see Sri MahaPeriyava. Sri MahaPeriyava asked him as to whether he had come for darshan a couple of months ago and also a few times before that? Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar answered in the affirmative to both the questions. The karunamurthy was concerned that Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar may be spending a lot of money for his frequent train travels from Calcutta to meet HIM. Sri MahaPeriyava enquired whether his salary was adequate and whether he was receiving leave of absence for several trips that he was making. Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar told HIM that he was coming with loss of pay for these trips. Then Sri MahaPeriyava asked him as to whether he had to pay full price for the train tickets for these trips. Then little did Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar know as to why Sri MahaPeriyava was asking these questions. The government of India has introduced a new scheme by which physically handicapped and disabled people could avail 75% concession on tickets and Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar was not aware of this. Sri MahaPeriyava then told him that as he had already come here with loss of pay and also had paid full price for the train tickets, then he should not hurry back immediately and instead spend a day more hereatthecampandgobackthenextday.Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar followed Sri MahaPeriyava’s command. Little did he know that the next day he would be witness to Sri MahaPeriyava’s divine grace. Next day morning, the western zonal manager of Indian railways had come from Bombay to have Sri MahaPeriyava’s darshan. Sri MahaPeriyava pointed at Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 31 Shankar who was standing nearby and asked him to come closer. Then HE asked the zonal manager as to whether the new concession scheme that was announced by the government could also be availed by Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar. The zonal manager replied in the affirmative that Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar was indeed eligible to receive about the concession. HE then enquired about how much concession would be provided for the railway tick- ets and also about the paperwork and other legal formalitiesthatwouldhavetobecompletedinorderfor Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar to receive it. Upon hearing about the large number of legal formalities that would have to be completed, HE asked the zonal manager as to whether he could help Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar in completing the requirement and ensure that the concession was received without much difficulty. The zonal manager immediately agreed to help Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar and made sure that all the requirements were completed even before he went back to Calcutta. In addition to the 75% concession for his ticket, Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar could also bring along an escort for his railway travels and also avail a 50% concession for the escort. So for the price of a single one-way full ticket, Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar could now pay for his travels to and fro. Additionally, the conces- sion also ensured that his companion’s travel costs were also partly covered. Sri MahaPeriyava ensured that Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar could come regularly for darshan without feeling any monetary pinch. For one who has surrendered to Sri MahaPeriyava, HE takes care of even the smallest of things. Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar was a personal witness to another major miracle that happened within 6 months of this first incident. Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar’s younger brother was a person of high moral character. He was working in the Indian air force. Once due to a medical error, he was wrongly administered an injection due to which he became comatose. He was then admitted to the special ward of the Southern command military hospital at Pune, Maharasthra. Upon hearing this new, Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar rushed to Pune from Calcutta to see his brother. At the military hospital he found that Brigadier General (Dr.) Narayanaswamy Iyer, a very senior ranking military officer, was the person in charge.

32 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Swamigal. Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar told her that since he had first vowed to see Sri MahaPeriyava, he would first go along with her to Kanchipuram and later from there take her to Tiruvannamalai ,as she desired. Upon reaching Kanchipuram, they learnt that Sri MahaPeriyava was camped near Oruirukkai. They reached Oruirukkai early in the morning. His mother decided that she would sit under a tree that was about a 100 meters away from the location where Sri MahaPeriyavawas staying.Sri TheBrigadierGeneralwasfromCoimbatore,and Thiruvannamalai Gowri upon realizing that SriThiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar was also a native Tamil speaker, began to Shankar asked her as to wht she had decided to sit here converse with him. He informed Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar that recovery from this disease was and why she was not coming to have a quite rare and only about 1 in 10000 people survived. He made it clear the survival at this stage was no darshan of Sri MahaPeriyava ? She responded longer in the doctor’s hands. He asked Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar to go and pray by saying that she only wants to see Sri Ramana to his family deity or the Kanchi Mahaswamy, whichever he felt was suitable. When Sri Maharishi and Sri Sehsadri Swamigal. Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar went back to meet his mother, he decided not to Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar was irked with tell her the things that the doctor had just mentioned. She initially scolded him for leaving this answer. He asked her that when she was his brother and coming back here. He just told his mother that as he had made prayer to go and meet Sri already here, how could she even think about going to MahaPeriyava, he had come back to see her before leaving. He enquired as to whether she would Tiruvannamalai directly without first having a also come and have a darshan of Sri MahaPeriyava. His mother was an ardent devotee of Sri Ramana darshan of Sri MahaPeriyava. His mother politely Maharishi and Sri Seshadri Swamigal right from her younger days. Hence, she asked him to take responded by saying that she is not preventing him for her to Tiruvannamalai so that she can have a darshan of Sri Ramana Maharishi and Sri Seshadri having a darshan of Sri MahaPeriyava, but she would continuetowaithere.WhenSriThiruvannamalaiGowri Shankar went inside and did his namaskarams to Sri MahaPeriyava, he could no longer control his emotions. In a flash he started to sing the following verses from Tiruvempavai to Sri MahaPeriyava. He had barely started to sing a few verses when he was completely overcome with emotions.Hiseyeswerefilledwithtearsandhecouldnot complete the stanza. Sri MahaPeriyava patiently waited till he could control his emotions again and then asked Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar to continue and complete the stanza that he had just

Guru Bhakthi 33  Periyava Times - Online Special Edition started, HE then asked Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar as to what had happened and his reason for coming. In his flustered mental state, Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar incorrectly stated that his brother was undergoing dialysis. The sarvagyan asked him again as to what had happened. Again Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar incorrectly stated that his brother was undergoing dialysis. Even though Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar knew that dialysis was only related to the kidneys, while in his brother case it was his brain that had been affected; he continued to incorrectly state that his brother was undergoing dialysis due to his mentally distressed state. Then Sri MahaPeriyava himself pointed to HIS head and said the problem isn’t with the kidneys but with the brain and Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar agreed in confirmation. HE then took some kumkumam in his hand, closed HIS eyes and went into a meditative state. HE then gave the prasadam to Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar. Sri MahaPeriyava then asked him whether he has come on his own, to which Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar replied stating that he hand come with his mother. HE then enquired about the number of days for which Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar had received permission for leave of ab- sence from work. The Kanchi Mahaswamy then told him that he could go back to Calcutta and then to go to Pune after receiving permission for leave of absence, but he should send the kumkumam prasadam to his brother immediately that very day. Imagine at a time when the doctors told Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar that the chances of his brother surviving was extremely rare, Sri MahaPeriyava calmly told him to just send the prasadam immediately while he could go later after receiving permissions from his office. Can anyone except the very Vaidyanathan Swamy himself give this direct assurance?. Sri MahaPeriyava then continued to speak to the other devotees who had come there to seek his blessings. After about 10 minutes, Sri MahaPeriyava stood up and adjusted his kaupeenam (the traditional loincloth).After removing his kashaya vastram, HE then stood as a kaupeenadhari and then continued to neatly fold his kashaya vastram and then placed it over HIS shoulder. Taking the dandham in his hand, HE started walking. Everyone followed Sri MahaPeriyava and they circumambulated the premises and reached the location where Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar’s mother was seated. She prostrated to Sri MahaPeriyava and unable to control her emotions, she started to cry. Sri MahaPeriyava asked Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar’s mother about her maternal ancestry. She responded by saying that they were from Thiruvannamalai. Sri MahaPeriyava then asked her whether Sri Seshadri Swamigal had come to her house? She responded by saying yes in- deed and then started to describe her many experiences with Sri Seshadri Swamigal. In this elated state she completely forgot that she was speaking with Sri MahaPeriyava and she continued talking using very colloquial words. Sri MahaPeriyava then also enquired as to whether she had met Sri Ramana Maharishi and also sung akshara malas in front of Sri Ramana Maharishi? She responded by saying that as a small child, she would often go to the Ramanashramam directly from school and sing in front of Sri Ramana Maharishi. She was extremely elated to talk about her experiences.

34 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 HE then asked her as to where she was planning standing in HIS kaupeenam. She to go next, to which she responded by saying even commented that HIS body was that she was planning to go to Thiruvannamali. After shining and shimmering, just like the completing the conversation, Sri MahaPeriyava then way people often describe Sri Ramana continued to walk back towards the camp. HE had barely Maharishi’s body. She then continued walked about 50 yards, when Sri Thiruvannamalai to say that even HIS voice sounded Gowri Shankar’s mother asked him that he has stated exactly like that of Sri Seshadri to Sri MahaPeriyava had come and spoken to her, but Swamigal. It is only later that Sri she was seeing HIM as a kaupeenadhari. To her eyes, Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar Sri MahaPeriyava looked like Sri Ramana Maharishi, realized that Sri MahaPeriyava had given darshan to his mother standing in his kaupeenam, exactly like Sri Ramana Maharishi and spoken to her in a voice exactly like Sri Seshadri Swamigal. Isnt this exactly what she had wished for? We can learn several things from the experience narrated by Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar. The first thing we learn is that we must always be earnest in our devotion when we want to have a darshan of Sri MahaPeriyava. Even after several attempts, it took ten long years for Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar to get his first chance at a darshan. But when the yearning to see Sri MahaPeriyava and become HIS devotee became genuine, he received grace in abundance from Sri MahaPeriyava. How much we receive is only dependent on how earnest and genuine our bhakti is towards Sri MahaPeriyava. Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar wanted to have a darshan of Sri MahaPeriya while his mother wanted to have a darshan of Sri Seshadri Swamigal and Sri Ramana Maharishi. It is by HIS divine grace that both the wishes were simultaneously fulfilled. Another thing we learn is about the importance of learning devotional songs such as Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai; especially since this is the sacred Tamil month of Marghazi.

Guru Bhakthi 35  Periyava Times - Online Special Edition Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar sang verses from Tiruvempavai to Sri MahaPeriyava to save his brother from the jaws of certain death and by now the readers must have already guessed correctly that by the grace of Sri MahaPeriyava, Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar’s brother recovered completely. There is another amazing incident that occurred after the kumkuma prasadam given by Sri MahaPeriyava was received by Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar’s brother. We shall read more about that and a few other incidents narrated by Sri Thiruvannamalai Gowri Shankar in the next part of this series.

36 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020 Our Omniscient Veena Dakshinamurthy Once a Veena Vidhwan, who had come to omniscient and omnipresent. It is not wrong to err. have a darshanam of Sri MahaPeriyava, was But, once we make a mistake and we playing the veena in front of HIM. During his are aware of it, we must immediately try performance, he realized that he had made a small error while to rectify. This is especially true when playing the veena but he felt that as nobody was going relating to things such as chanting to find out, he should continue with his performance and mantras or slokas, where correct complete it as though nothing wrong had happened. But intonation and pronunciation are important. can anything ever escape the omniscient Mahaswamy. Art by Sri MahaPeriyava, then asked the vidhwan to give Swasinya HIM the veena for a minute. HE then played on Jayaraman the veena for a few seconds. Low and behold, it was exactly the part where the vidhwan had made a mistake. The people around although elated to see Sri MahaPeriyava play the veenai, were unaware of the real reason. Deep within his heart the vidwan knew that HE had played on the veena only to make him realize his mistake. The vidwan realized that he was performing for none other than the Pratyaksha Parameshwaran, and did a shashtang namaskaram to Sri MahaPeriyava. To quote Sri Jambunatha Ghanapadigal, we should not try to hide things from Mahans and Acharyals. The divine is

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 37

38 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 39

40 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020

 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 41

42 Periyava Times - Online Special Edition 2020