Sri:
SrimatE Gopala MahadEsikAya nama:
Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan (Paravakotai Andavan)
SOUTH INDIAN Vaishnavism traces the heirarchy of acharyas (preceptors) from Lord Narayana and Mahalakshmi through Vishwaksena, then Nammazhwar, Nathamuni, Yamunamuni (Alavandar) and Ramanuja-muni, then descending down to Vedantadesika (1268- 1369) who did great service through expositions as well as numerous literary works. This tradition is rightly regarded as ``Munitraya - Sampradaya'' (acknowledging the contributions of the three munis or sages). Then came a great teacher, Gopalarya Mahadesikan (Thirukkudanthai Desikan) who lived between 1700 and 1782. He was in many respects the prototype of Vedantadesika and is acclaimed as Apara Desika (another Desika). This great savant enjoyed the singular distinction of teaching three disciples who were `sanyasis'. Such ascetics, in saffron clothes, normally command great respect. The common folk, namely the householders, of whatever pre-eminence in intellectual mastery in Vedantic field they might have, have to prostrate to show respect. Nevertheless, Thirukkudanthai Desikan commanded such pre-eminence in qualities characteristic of a preceptor that the three ascetic disciples came to him, showed the reverence implied in prostration and learnt, from him, all Vedanta works. They then carried on the spiritual propagation in their own way. This tradition came then to be denoted by the term, `Munitraya' - which acquired a two-fold significance since then.
A great luminary of this `acharya chain' was Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan (1847-1934). He was held in his times, as the most competent exponent on scriptures and Vaishnavism, to whose abode great scholars flocked to benefit. It is, in his times, that a hermitage in sylvan surroundings arose near the Coleroon river- bank, in the northern edge of Srirangam, which had, since his time, acquired the distinctive label, `Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan Ashramam'. Andavan, incidentally, is the Tamil counterpart of the Sanskrit designation `Swami'. And in this line came the great savant, Sri Paravakkottai Andavan (Sri Gopala Desika Mahadesikan) who was born in 1921 and who, after having been a Sanskrit teacher for long, took to sanyasa 1982. Strictly abiding by the highest level of austerity that characterises this line of teachers, he confines himself to the headquarters, only occasionally going, on foot, to attend any temple festival in the not-far-off shrines. He has been the guide in sastraic knowledge and spiritual works called ``Grantha-chatushtaya'' (the four works, Sribhashya, Gita-bhashya, Bhagavad-vishaya and Rahasyatrayasaram) to a large number of yearning students who proceed to the Ashramam for this purpose. So also, he administers, Pancha-samskara (samasrayanam) and Bharanyasa to persons who go to him and seek them. Here it should be mentioned that he does not simply accept everyone. The seeker has to fulfil certain qualifications - in terms of personal discipline, say sporting a `sikha' (tuft), daily fulfilment of scriptural duties, such as sandhya worship and so on. Every day he devotes two hours for the `kalakshepam' (discourse, in a systematic manner, on the above-mentioned Vaishnavite literature).
He greets visitors with geniality and warmth, to whatever religious sect they might belong. His strictness is matched by his kindness to humanity. He has been doing excellent propagation work also in the field of publication of the four `rahasya master-pieces' of Sri Desika. These are indispensable handbooks for students and teachers of religion. He contributes masterly articles to spiritual magazines also.
He was respected alike by his peers and seniors. It is worthwhile to specifically mention that they used to comment, ``There comes the sage; he is like Vasishta and Vamadeva; one has to be careful in his presence'':. This is no mean tribute, to his stature, that too, as evident in his youth. He would always be chanting some holy hymn or mantra. In other words, he was always in communion with God. His student days were perhaps an apprenticeship, a training ground, for the sanyasa-life and life of a `ashrama- pontiff that he was to adopt 40 years later.
This great acharya completes 80 years of age on March 30. The ``Sathabhishekam'' celebrations are to be held at Srirangam in his Ashramam premises from March 24 to March 30. Apart from Veda- parayana, recitations of the holy scriptures, Vedantic discussions, and spiritual discourses, pious persons would be able to witness the participation of many leading Vaishnavite pontiffs. They are the patrons of the Sathabhishekam Committee. As one who was this great savant's senior student, almost 50-odd years ago, I revere him and salute him. I pray to God that he be blessed with good health and continued service to the cause of religion for many years to come.
Article Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/03/16/stories/13160904.htm
Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan Swami Upanyasams
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is enthusiastically looking forward to the next address on September
26, 2004.
Namo Narayana,
SriMuralidhara Dasan