WHY SRIRANGAM IS KNOWN AS ‘SUKRASTHALAM’

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja MahAdesikaya Namaha;

By dasan Kudandai amudhan

Sukran is known as Venus, signifing the following aspects of life -

Venus known as sukran,Bhargavan,Velli in tamil was born to sage Bhirgu muni and kiyathi.Sukran married jayanthi and sukirthi by whom he got a daughter Devayani.SukranAdhidevathai is Mahalakshmi,prathiyuga devatha is Indrani,indran and Vayu.He is brahmin by caste in Bhargava gothram.metal is silver,daniyam is white moochai.His vahana is Garudan.gemstone is diamond.His language is Telugu.Direction is south east and taste is sweet.His cloth is white silk (ven pattu),Sukran represent 'Appu' and rain is signified by him.He has curling hair and beautiful eyes,bright attractive face.Samithu is Atthi tree,Dhubam is Sambrani and Lavangam.Flower is White lotus.Day is Friday and numerical value is 6.Sukra dasa is 20 years which is the maximum period in life.Sukran signify - Marriage, love, diamonds, fragrance, perfumed oil/scents, fine arts like dance,music, musical instruments,acting ,silver,bird garuda, lavish buildings/palaces/towers and luxury life, Vehicles (vahanas), ponds/water pools, ornaments made out of gemstones, cloth of silk mainly ven pattu (white silk), milk, Beans,sugar, white lotus flower, Mahalakshmi, Beauty of eyes, beauty of walking,flowers and gardens, vimanam, tourism, handicrafts, carvings, scultures. sukran signify cheeks, lips, chin, neck, ovaries and kidney ect. Sukran is karaghan for reproductive organ and also for semon.Sukran also signify devadasis. They were serving in this temple as dancers till a century ago. Surachariyar is the achariyar for demons (asuras).Foreign travel to western countries are denoted by Sukran.

Sukrachariyar is the only deva to know the mantra ''sanjeevini mantra" to make the dead come back alive in the same physical body. Besides, Sukran is known as a Brahmanical planet with western outlook (abrahmanical in approach), "boga karaka" (cause of enjoyment) to give luxury living, bed comfort, poetry, arangetrams of dance or poetry or any kaviyam or kavithai,theatre hall,music and dance concerts,actors ect. Also, any Sacred epics, kings and noble persons, celebrities, all feminine articles and items come under him. These are salient features of sukrans karagathvam.If Sukran is weak in a horoscope,he will create health problems like Eyes trouble,in reproduction system,cold,Kidney problems.

Sukran is the plant which denotes all decorative items known as Alangaram such as cosmetics, dresses, ornaments, sandals used in our daily life. Srirangam is the only temple where one could see the sandals (padhukas) of lord Sri Ranganathar closer to Goshala nearby Dhanyalakshmi sannidhi inside the temple. It is believed that Lord Sri Ranganathar regularly uses these sandals made by devotees from cobbler community.They make it with due prayers for 48 days penance by observing strict viradham on the banks of river Kaveri, before Lord himself giving them the measurements of sandals on the sands of river bed. One could notice that those sandals undergoes wear and tear after some time as it is believed that Sri Ranganather wears and use these sandals (divine padukas) by walking inside the temple. These sandals are replaced every year by devotees.Sri swami Desikan rendered slokams of 'Sri paduka sahasram' in 1000 verses in praise of sacred sandals (divine padhukas) of Sri Ranganathar.

Now let us see how Srirangam, and Lord Sri Ranganathar are connected to the above karakams of Sukrachariyar.-

1) Sri Rangam - 'SRI' is Mahalakshmi, Adi devadhai propitiated by Venus (Sukran); 'Rangam' means 'stage' or arangam for fine arts like dance and music for Srivaishnavas to please Lord Sriman Narayana. Arangam also signifies Sukras' karakam.

2) Srirangam is also known as ''Bogha mandapam '' as it signifies planet ''Bogha karakan'' Sukran (causer of enjoyment)

3) Srirangam temple area is known as 'Velli Thirumutham' village as velli (silver) is associated with Sukran. Still, our government land records mention Srirangam as Velli Thirumutham village.Velli is also known as sukran.

4) Lord Sri Ranganathar is in reclining posture of sayanam in Adisesha in the milky ocean (Thiruparkadal), as Sukra is the karakan for milk, white color and white metals. Milk is it's karakam.Sri mahalakshmi took avatar from Thiruparkadal (milky ocean) when devas and asuras were churning this ocean to get Amirtham .Sri mahalakshmi is the adi-devadai of Sukran.

5) Ucchavar name is 'Nam perumal'' ''kasturi rangan'' and 'Azhagiya manavala perumal''. Needless to add that both kasturi (a rare perfume taken from kasturi deer's fat - well known as Musk) and Azhagiya Manavalan ( beautiful bridegroom ) are karaghas of Sukran.

6) The main deity, Moolavar Sri Ranganather idol is applied with special fragrance thylam and also Ucchavar idol Nam perumal is applied with kasturi thilak on fridays.Friday is known as sukravaar,the day of venus who denotes perfumes,fragrance ect

7) Sriranga vimanam known as 'pranavathika vimanam 'was brought from Ayodhya to the present place and placed at srirangam by Vibishanan - an Asura by birth, though not by nature - on his way to Srilanka. Vibhishana, has his precipitater - Sukrachariyar as achariyar for asura kulam . There are many carvings in temple mandapams showing Vibhishnan brought the vimanam to this temple. Sukran being the achariyar of Asuras signify above.

8) Srirangam has biggest and tallest Garudan in the world inside the garuda mandapam besides Amurtha kalasa garudan sannidhi near chakrathazhwar sannathi, orrai kal garudan (garudan standing in single stone) near Anna murthi sannidhi of madappalli(divine kitchen) apart from garudan sannidhi in front of the santhanu mandapam leading to sri Ranganathar sannidhi. Garudan is the bird of sukran while his animal is makaram (crocodile).Sthala puranam says that Garudan (in Garuda mandapam ) is waiting outside for periaperumal in this kshetram.Garudan was honoured by Emperuman by placing his image in the holy flag which is hoisted atop marking the beginning of festivals.

9) Lord Ranganathar married Kamalavalli Nachiyar of Thiru Uraiyur and Andal Nachiyar by love. Both fell in love and merged with lord Sri Ranganathar at Srirangam. Love and marriage are karghas of Sukran.

10) Kambar, the great Tamil poet, had made arangetram of his first recitals of the famous sacred epic Ramayana with poetical expression in a mandapam just opposite to lord Narasimhar(mettukudi) who gave his approvel with thundering voice as a sign of nodding the contents of epic from his Sannidhi. Later this stage is known as Kambar mandapam.Epics, poetical, the first performance of any art known as 'arangetrams' is of Sukran's significance.

11) Every day before sayanam, (going to bed) musical notes of veena in mohana raga is recited in front of moolavar before closing Lord Ranganathar sannidhi. Both Veena, a musical instrument and Ragas are of Sukran's karagham.

12) Lord Ranganathar's birth star is Revathi in Meena rasi ( Pisces) in which Sukran is exalted (uccham) in Revathi star in this rasi.

13) Arayar seva is conducted during the period of Thiruvaimozhi utcchavam (festival known as pakalpatthu) with dance and musical notes from Sama Vedam. Both dance and music are Sukra's karakam.Before few centuries ago,this Arayar seva was conducted in this temple by devadassis (ladies who are married to the lord in those days).This Kulam is denoted by sukran.

14) Azhgiya Manavala perumal will come on fourth day of above festival in ''Mohini avatar '' as a lady in his alankaram. Women and beautiful eyes signify Sukran.it is nothworthy to mention that thirupanazhwar praised Sri Ranganather beautiful divine eyes in his pasuram.Namperumal Nadaiazhaghu is feast to the eyes of devotees with different styles like -simha Kaadhi,Serpha Kaadhi,Gaja Kaadhi ect besides in Yaiyali.The beauty of eyes, Mohini avatar and Nadaiazhaghu ect signify sukrans karagham.

15) In Gayatri mandapam before the entrance to garbha graham of periaperumal, there are 24 pillars. Numerically it is totally 6 ( 2+4) which signifies Sukran as no 6 is his numerical value.

16) Just before entering the garbha graham of Sri Ranganathar,there are two pillars covered fully with plates which are known as ‘Kandha sthambams” also known as ‘Thirumana thunkals’’( pillars of marriage ) signifying marriage , a symbolic of Sukara karagathvam.

17) Sri Ramanuja came back in his physical body after it was ordained to be put in Thiruvarasu (mandapam) by sri Ranganathar to bless the devotees. Sukrachariyar only know the art of bringing back the life with physical body in his form, even after the soul departs from sthula saariram, with a mantra known as "Sanjiveeni Mantra''. Sri Ramanujar swayambu thirumeni is embalmed with saffron,sandal paste and karpuram ect in his divine form at udayavar sannidhi to give dharshan to devotees.This is attributed to the influence of sukran.

18) Lord Ranganathar accepted an outsider-anniya matham(other religion) princess for her true bhakthi and named as "Thulukacchi nacchiyar''who was given a sannidhi here.To Show his grace on her, ucchavar namperumal appears in his processional vahana every year on one day dressed in lunghi and takes bread as his prasadham from her. This matches with the western outlook (abrahmanical approach ) of Sukran .

19) Srirangam temple has a tank known as Pushkarni inside (Chandra pushkarni),besides having a beautiful architecture of sculputers and marvelous carvings of master piece in its biggest Tower known as Raja gopuram. Sukaran signify sculputers, carvings, handicrafts, water pool, beauty ect.

20) In the moolavar sannidhi, from the entrance to the sanctum sanctorium, the interiors and doors are carved in silver metal to show the significance of Sukran as silver is his metal.

21) The main idol known as periaperumal, Sri Ranganathar put his feet on lotus flower while reclining in spiraling coils of Adisesha. Lotus flower is identified and favourite with Venus - the Sukran, as Pankajam is his flower.There is a legend a devadasi by name vellayee gave her life to protect the moolava murthi sannidhi by masking and diverting mughal army when they attacked to destroy the temple and looted its valuables few centuries ago.Hence the vellayi (white) gopuram in the temple is named after her.The Kulam of devadasis are under sukran karagathvam who used to receive garland from Periaperumal till few centuries ago during vasanthotsavam after their dance performance before the Lord in vasanthamandapam.

22) RangaRajan or Ranga Nathar is the king of Kings, ruling the universe known as bhoologam and hence srirangam is called as 'Bhoologa Vaikuntham',the divine place for enjoyment for the Lord and for devas. The demi gods come here everyday to worship periaperumal.Hence this kshetram has festivals in all the days of the year.Festivals, celebrations and enjoyment are sukrans karagathvam.

23)Nam perumal is decorated with makara kandi (crocodile shaped ) on one day festival during the Tamil month of Chitrai as Makara (The Capricorn) the crocodile is the Vehicle (vahana) for Sukran.Makara thoranam is also adorned at the entrance of mandapam on this occassion.

24) Moolavar prakaram under the vimanam, known as ''Thiru Vennazhi'' praharam, has many salagrams inside and hence the vibration, by its musical notes, is supposed to remove the Kalathra doshas caused by Sukran as he is pleased with the musical vibration here.Hence no one is allowed to walk in this praharam which is encircling periaperumal sanctum.Becouse of this reason,Bagwath Sri Ramanujar used his both knees during his parikrama around Thiru Vennazhi Praharam.

25) Chandran ( Moon) had to suffer due to the curse of dakshan because of chandrans attraction and more proximity towards Rohini by ignoring others among his 27 wifes,who are all daughters of dakshan.This angered Dakshan and made him curse Chandran to lose his beauty everyday. chandran got his curse relieved in chandra pushkarni with penance by praying to lord Sri Ranganathar. Star Rohini is in sukran house Rishabam in which star, chandran is exalted( uccham) and hence he had to suffer sukra dosham of having to lose his beauty everyday as beauty is sukran karagathvam.

26) Thondaradipodiazhwar,who rendered pasuram only in praise of Lord Sri Ranganathar used to render pushpa (flowers) kaimkarium by establishing a nandavanam. He was trapped during his early age by the act of Sukra dosha due to his attraction towards a devadasi, a beautiful dancer and was later imprisoned for no fault of him on a theft of an ornament from Arangan temple.Lord Ranganathar graced and rescued him later to make him realise his divine goal.Azhwar composed pasurams on periaperumal which are sung everyday before moolavar sannidhi with musical notes from Venna to wake up Emperuman in the early morning. sukran denotes devadassi-dancer,flowers and nandavanam ect.

For delayed marriage, difficulties in married life with life partner and to get all comforts in life, a visit to Srirangam and stay for a night at this kshetram on a friday is good to remove Sukra dosham besides giving to ladies white cloths and Moochai thaniyam. Reciting pasurams of lord Sri Ranganathar everyday or on fridays by reciting 'sri paduka sahasram' slokas composed by swami desikan is good to remove the dosham of sukran.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!

jyotish-vaishnavam by A.GOPALASWAMY is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

WHY KACCHI VARADAR KOIL IS GURU STHALAM

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha

By Kudandai Amudhan

Jupiter is known as Brahaspati or Devaguru,the teacher of Devas.Jupiters Adi devada is Brahma.His vahana is Elephant. Bird is Hamsa like Brahma.Metal is Gold.Flower is white Mullai (llily) Gems are Yellow tapaz (pushaparaham), Brahmins by caste,Language is Sanskrit, day is Thursday and Daniyam is Bengal gram .Jupiter Denotes honey, sweet by taste,Colour is Yellow.Jupiter owns Dhanusu and Meena Rasis and uttacha (exalted) in kataka (cancer) Rasi. Jupiter tree is Peepal.His direction is North. Jupiter denotes following aspects in our life-

Teacher,priest, Barrister,magistrates,awards,winners,charity, Philosophers, Rituals, Religious missionaries, wealth,long distance Travel, children, minister, seers, grand audience, sound, vedic texts, Blessings,holy water,yognas, knowledge of shrutras and smrities, Devotion towards god, wood, good luck,Asariri(aerial voice), bankers,financiers,boon for parenthood,schools, Education, treasure, honour, elder brother, grace, debates, Conference hall,prosperity.Jupiter represent brain,fat, Liver. Jupiter represent husband in females horoscope. Jupiter is associated with principles of growth, expansion, Good fortune and tends to expand things wherever he aspects. Jupiter is known as putra karaka as well as Dhana karaka.Spirituality,wealth.vedic scriptures,sastharas and long life are signified by Jupiter. Let us examine as to how Jupiter is connected to kanchi and sri varadar sthalam.

1) kanchi is one among the seven sacred cities ‘Ayodhya, mathura, maya, kasi, kanchi, Avantika, Dwaraka’ that can bestow moksha. ‘Ka’means Brahma and ‘Anjitham’means who was worshipped.since Lord Brahma worshipped Emperuman as Varadan (giver of boons) this sthalam is Known as ‘Kanchi’ or ‘kacchi’in tamil. Lord Brahma is the Adi Devada of Devaguru Brahaspati and hence Kanchi itself by name is connected to Devaguru.

2) This temple name ‘Hasthigiri’ or ‘Atthigiri in tamil is derived from legend that Airavatam, the elephant of Indran had taken the form of a Hillock at Kanchi serving as the uttravedhi for Brahmas yagam. Devaguru vahana Is Elephant which denotes the karagathvam in this.

3) Lord Brahma wanted to worship sriman Narayanan in ChaturBujam and went on long penance. Then a Asariri (divine voice) from Heaven informed him either he should perform one thousand Aswamedha yaagams or just one Aswamedha yaagam in a sacred place called ‘Sathya Vratha Kshetra’ which name is later known as ‘ kanchi’.This means good deeds performed in kanchi will yield benefits by thousand times. ‘Asariri’ is the karagathva of devaguru besides yaagam are denoted by Brahaspati. without grace of guru,it is not possible to get divine voice.

4) Brahma commanded Vishwa karma,the architect of demigods to create the Utthara Vedhi for the yaagam on top of Hasthigiri hill.Brahmas Main consort Saraswathi who due to an altercation with her husband took the form of a fast moving vegavathi River to destroy the yaaga salai. Then Lord Varadharajar took the form of a dam(sethu)across the vegavathi river and arrested the flow of furious river.Emperumans merciful glance Banished the anger of saraswathi and restored her to sense and made her join in ongoing yagam. The original moolaver deity of Lord Varadhan was carved out of Atthi Wood (fig tree) and was immersed in temple tank in a silver casket as per the order of Emperuman which is taken out from water tank once in every 40 years. Next scheduled for viewing this is for year 2019. A Granite deity brought from Pazhaya Srivaram was replaced as Moolavar in this place. Holy river,goddess of Education, realization of good sense,wooden deity are due to the influence of jupiter.

5) At the final stage of yaagam,Brahma offered his Vapaa (marrow from sacrificial horse ) as Aahuthi (offering) and poured in to yaagna fire when immediately arose the supreme jyothi housing Puniya koti vimanam with Lord Varadar ucchavar deity known as Dhivya Mangala Vigraham emerged at its centre from the womb of fire (Homa kundam). Brahma asked a Boon from Emperuman to stay permanently in Sathya vratha kshethram to bless devotees forever. Lord Brahma performed Aradhanam to Lord Varadhan in Krutha Yugam as per his directive. Yagams, supreme sacrifices, vedic fire and boons denote the karagathvam of Jupiter. Swami Desikan pasuram implies this in Hasthigiri Mahathmaiyam as below-

ஆதியுகத்தயன் கண்டிட னின்றவருள் வரதர்

காதலுயர்ந்த களிற்றைத் திரேதையில் காத்தளித்து

வாதுயர் தேவுகுருவுக்கிரங்கித் துவாபரத்தில்

சோதி அநந்தன் கலியில் தொழுதெழ நின்றனரே
- ஸ்ரீ ஸ்வாமி தேசிகன்

6) Maharishi Mahasanthar started severe penance in forest to worship dhivya mangala svarupam of Emperuman.Indran sent Apsares to distract Rishis attention.Having failed in this attempt,he took in disguise of a Male Elephant started making love with female Elephants in front of Maharishi who was tempted in his mind by seeing this and wanted to be an Elephant.Becouse of Indrans magical power, Mahasanthar become an Elephant called Gajendran.After wandering in forest for many years,this Elephant reached godavari river.Realising its purvajanmam,under the advice from Mirukandu Rishi,Gajendran reached sathya vratha ksethram to pray Lord Varadhan by doing daily Aaradhana by offering Lotus flowers to Emperuman with devotion. Thus one day when Gajendran was plucking Lotus flowers in the Pond,he was caught in foot by Crocodile and lost all hope on its survival after fighting with crocodile for many years.Finally by surrendering to Emperuman,Elephant cried aloud his divine name.Lord Varadan came to the resue of Gajendraazhvan and saved it by killing crocodile. Gajendraazhvan worshipped Lord Varadhan in Trethayuga.Elephant and devotion signify devaguru and gurus influence is in this episode.

7) Deva Guru had to undergo sufferings by being born in earth due to some curse from Rishies on account of differences in views on sastras.Hence Brahaspati following the advice of sage Bharadwaj went on severe penance at kanchi praying for the grace of Lord varadhan.Brahma devan took pity on the plight of devas who lost their senses without the divine guidance of Brahaspati in devaloka prayed to Lord varadharajan for mercy on Brahaspati.Accordingly lord Devaraja perumal gave dharshan to Brahaspati and resorted him to his divine svarupam and position in devalooga.As per the directive of Lord varadhan, Brihaspathi performed Aaradhana to him in Dwaparayuga at kanchi.

8) Lord varadhan sannidhi vimanam is“Punniya Koti Vimanam” as it kills our sins and bestows puniyam by mere sight of vimana.Hence in this temple on Vaikunda Ekadesi day, there is no Swarga Vassal like in other Vishnu temples, as this kshethra itself would bestow moksha with a mere thought and sight of puniya koti vimana signifying with the saying ‘If guru paarthal koti punniyam” good aspect of Jupiter in a horoscope will give crores of good deeds.DevaGuru prayed Lord Varadhan under Punniya Koti Vimanam in Dwapara yuga. It is believed that every year on Purattasi Sravanam night,Devaguru visit Anantha saras pushkarni to do Aaradhanam to Lord varadarajar.-

வாதுயர் தேவகுருவுக்குத் துவாபரத்தில் இரங்கியருளும் பெருமாள்

வாரிதிசூழ் வையகம் வாழ்விக்கும் பெருமாள் விட்டுவெனும்
கட்டெழில் சோலைக் கரிகிரிமேல் நின்ற கற்பகமான பெருமாள்
வீணேயாம் பயனகற்றி தாமனைத்துந் தீவினையைத் தவிர்க்கும் பெருமாள்
- ஸ்ரீ ஸ்வாமி தேசிகன்

9) Perumdevi Thayar sannidhi vimanam is known as ‘kalyana vimanam’ which matches the significance of Jupiter who is the karaga for 7th house (kalathra sthanam) for ladies and also Gurus transit to benefic houses in Gochara movement would give strength to individual horoscope for fixing marriage to the native.Malayala Nachiyar,daughter of king of cheran who had her love and devotion for Sri varadhan in his Archa murthi merged with Lord in his sannidhi due to the divine blessing of perumdevi Thayar.Sight of Kalyana vimanam would shower golden blessings of Guru.

10) Lord vardhan avathara star is Hastham and moon in this star only direct 7th aspect falls on meena Rasi owned by Jupiter.Sri Ramanujar star is Thiruvathirai,moon in this star on its only 7thaspect falls on dhanusu Rasi owned by Jupiter and similarly for Swami Desikan star is sravanam, moon in this star aspects Kataka Rasi where Jupiter is exalted (uccacham) This shows that Guruparampara started from this Emperuman/piratti-Sri Ramanujar-swami Desikan and go on like this to the present achariyas. Varadarajar is the god referred to by Nammazhwar in his very first pasuram of Thiruvaimozhi ‘Madhi Nalam Arulinan Avan’(Giver of wisdom) and in conformity with this saying, Nammazhwar appears in this temple without his usual ‘Gnana mudrai" by keeping his hand on his chest. Achariyas and wisdom are gift of Jupiter.

11) Swami Desikan was approached by a Brahmin Brahmachari seeking financial support for his marriage.swamy Desikan took him to the sannidhi of divine mother Perumdevi Thayar and sang the famous ‘sristhuthi”.Immediately the sky was opened up and it rained Gold coins.Swami Desikan asked Brahmachari to take away the Gold coins for his marriage. Swamis divine grace to this poor Brahmin Brahmachari matching with blessings of Guru who is called Dhanakaraka for wealth and for Gold as his metal and also guru denotes Brahmins by caste.

12) Thirumangai mannan was imprisoned for not paying taxes to chozha king as he spent all those wealth thus collected for Bhagavathas kainkaryam and was feeding vaishnavas. He prayed to Lord Varadarajar when he was serving sentence in prison.Lord Varadhan came in his dream and pointed out the location of place of Treasure in vegavati river which was identified later and given to chozha king who realized the greatness of kaliyan and waived off the taxes due by giving back the treasure to him. Sri Thirumangai azhwar is posed in this temple at his sannidhi holding ‘NIDHI’ in his hand. Guru is the dhanakaraga who graced him as Treasure/Nidhi is his karagathavam.

13) The uniqueness of Lord sri Varadan in his Archa Murthi was that he had been the preceptor and guide of Sri Vaishnava Sampradhayam since he gave six words (tenets) through Thiru Kacchinambi advocating Prapatti by his divine answers to Sri Ramanujar. This six words contained the essence of our great philosophy that made Sri Ramanujar to teach Sri Bashyam to the world.The sixth word commandment from sri Varadhan was the direction to Sri Ramanujar to surrender at the holy feet of Sri Peria Nambi seeking him as his achariya. Hence in this temple Sri Ramanuja is in ‘vyakya mudrai’ posture of instructing to his disciples signifying this historical episode contrary to his normal posture in other temples with Anjali in worshipping manner.Lord Varadhan message through Nambi was given in ‘Kachi vaithan mandapam’. Thus Jupiter which signify the divine direction, philosophy, vedic sasthras,surrender to achariya are well defined in above episode connected to this koil.

14) Poigai Azhwar,very first of muthal three Azhwars took the Avatar without Garbha vaasam ( not by Birth) in a Golden Lotus Pushkarni at Kanchi as an incarnation of Panchajanyam,the divine white Conch of Lord Sriman Narayana.Panchajanyam which shape and sound are resembled to that of Holy Pranavam symbolzing the essence of Vedas swarupam and Brahma natham. Golden lotus,pranavam, sound,and vedas are connected with Deva guru through the Avatar of muthal azhwar here.

15) Both Sri Ramanujar and Swami Desikan had their Roots at kanchi and stayed for long time in this Kshetra to dedicate their entire life to nurture Vishitadvaitha philosophy. Lord Varadhan was dearer to both and as Araadhana murthi for sri Ramanujar while swami Desikan performed his prapatthi at the divine feet of Lord sri Varadharajar. Sri Ramanujar undertook pilgrimage on foot to Dwaraka,Badrinath,Mathura ect besides he went on a Mission to Kashmiram to obtain a Grantham from Saradha peedam.similarly swami Desikan had travelled on visit to temples in Badri, Ayodhia, Kaasi, Salagram, Mathura, Avanti, Dwaraka . Long distance travels, Holy Mission and Pilgrimage trips are of Jupiter Karagathvam which signify in this context on above.

16)Vishitadvaitham is the only philosophy that logically explains the concept of Vedas and Upanishads Initiated by great Achariyas Sri Nathamuni,Sri Alavandar.Bagwath Sri Ramanujar propagated the doctrines to make the world realise in a logical and scientific manner the supremacy of this philosophy. Swami Desikan dedicated his life to the exposition and elaboration of this philosophy which was expounded by Sri Ramanuja and systematized the philosophy faithfully interpreting the ancient knowledge in the true sprit of metaphysics. Due to the divine grace of Jupiter who is identified with the idea of growth,expansiveness/ prosperity this was made possible by Achariyas.

17) Ikshvaku kula king kusethvagen who was childless for many years,following the advice from sage sri vedhaviyazar came to kanchi and performed yagam and Aaradhana to Lord Varadharajar.Emperuman was pleased with his devotion blessed him for parenthood to a child who later become a chakravarthi called Sri Vichvajith who rendered many kaingariams to Kanchi Kshetram.similarly Lord vardhan came in the dream of swami desikan and blessed him for a son with all goodness,later known as Sri Varadhacharia. Jupiter is the putra karagha which denotes the blessings of childhood to them from Lord Varadhan.

18) Ganga Devi due to some curse was waiting at kanchi to have darshan of Lord Varadharajar in Garuda Seva to get relieved of her curse.Following the foot step of their leader Ganga Devi, other divine Thirthams also assembled at kanchi to take holy bath for witnessing the event of Ganga devi getting the divine grace of Emperuman in Garuda sevai.This took place at a place which was named as ‘Gangai Konda Mandapam’ and the holy tank where all sacred rivers converged for the holy Turmeric Bath is called as ‘Manjal Kalavai’at kanchi. Holy Rivers,yellow Turmeric water,Divine grace are of jupiters karagathvam.

19) Bagwath Sri Ramanujar took sanyasam at Ananta saras Pushkarni and Lord Varadhan invested to him a Honorific Title ‘ Yethi Rajar ‘through Thiru Kacchi Nambigal meaning king among sanyasis.Similarly Swamy desikan was given a sammanam of ‘Thirucchinnam’under the divine order of Lord varadhan due to Desikans efforts to establish Tamil Divya Prabhandham recitation in Kanchi by defeating the opponents.Sri Desikan composed his work ‘Thiruchinnamalai’ for this Lord. Honour,Title and sanyasam are of karagathvam of Deva Guru.

20) Adhi seshan is doing Araadhana to Lord Varadhan in Kali yuga at Anantha saras pushkarni in temple where Bagwath Sri Ramanujar took sanyasam.As per the pasuram of Kanchi sthala Sri Poygaiyazhvar in Mudal Thiruvandadi, Adhi Seshan is the Paduka of Emperuman in his verses ‘Ninral Maravadiyam’.Hence Emperuman Paduka acts as achariya and its incarnation as Sri Ramanujar doing Aradhanam in Kali yuga in this temple are of importance for its connection to Brahaspathi .

Swami desikan works In Nutshell –

a) Swami Desikan described the beauty and puranam of Kanchi in a Kaviyam “Hamsa chandasam” depicting in imaginary mind as if a Hamsa bird as messenger was passing through this kshetram to hand over a message from Lord Rama to Sita piratti .Hamsa is the bird of devaguru.

b) Kanchi called as ‘Golden city’ was the seat of sri vaishnava sambradhayam which witnessed expansiveness and growth in Ritual practices in the past few decades in line with the karagathvam of Deva guru taught us the practice to apply Srichooranam in “Golden yellow’ described as Hiranya varnam as pirattis swarupam given in swami Desikans work which is the symbolic colour of devaguru with significance attached to Sri lakshmi.

c) Swami Desikan kumarar Sri varadacharya composed Thanian on Desikan imploring as ‘sriman venkata natharyah kavitharkika kesari’ corresponding to “Gaja Kesari yogam” bestowed by Jupiter.Sri varadacharyas Disciple Brahma tantra swantantra composed thanian saying ‘Gnana Vairaghya Bushanam’ denoting the’ Gnanam and vairaghyam bestowed by Jupiter.In Kundalini yoga,sakthi is awaken through Brahma Nadi under the guidance of Guru and similarly for going to moksha once jeevathma sheds its sthula sariram,it has to go via Brahma Nadi for which Jupiter grace is required and this is possible only with the blessing of achariya. Those who want to get the grace of Guru must visit kanchi on Thursday/ purattasi sravanam day and surrender to their achariyar for his divine blessings.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!

jyotish-vaishnavam by A.GOPALASWAMY is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

LORD SRINIVASAR OF TIRUMALA IS THE PARIHARA STHALAM FOR SANI GRAHA

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

By Dasan kudandai Amudhan

Saturn is known as ‘Shanai shchara (slow moving –in Sanskrit).Sani is the son of Surian and Chaya devi (shadow) belonging to kasiyapa muni gothram. His half brothers are Yama,Manu and sister is yamuna .Saturn Metal is Iron,Tree is Vanni Maram,Flower is karungkuvalai. Vahana is Crow and Animals are Dogs,Buffalos, monkeys, Ants in insects.Sani is Black colour and wears black/blue clothes,Direction is West.Taste is Astringent.Adidevathai is para vasudevan.Prathiyuga devatha is Yama and Vayu.Daniyam is black sesame seeds and black mustard seeds (becouse of oil content).Asanam is vilvam (Bilva) leaves. Sani owns Makara and Kumba Rasis. Saturn is for Implimentation of Law of Karma and Dharma.Hence denotes Judges. Sani Gems are Blue Sapphire. Element Is Air. Numerical Value is 8. His language is English used by mass people..Sani denotes stone weights used in weighing scale as Measurements.Sani denotes our karmas that follow us always. Since he was born to the shadow mother (chaya devi ) and to Suriyan, sani signify our shadows (darkness of our image) that falls out of sunlight. while sun gives us the light and life, sani gives us the darkness and end of life.Saturn rules over air and wind.oxygen in the air is the giver of life.Saturn denotes the first and last breath for which oxygen gives life.oxygen has 8 electons (valence no 8) and hence it is listed as 8th element on periodic table of elements.His metal iron is listed at 26th element in periodic tables. Saturn denotes 8th house longevity.The human body consists of 206 bones ( total 8).Sanis stars are pushyam, anusam and uttrattathi which are 8th ,17th(8) and 26th(8) stars from the first star on counting. 26 denotes parmathma.eight deities signify 8 directions.Lord Narayana is glorified by ashtothra manthram (8 letters).

Saturn is a planet of Truth, ambition, achievement,Administration, Hard work,Borders, Doors, windows, Teeth, Chin, bones, nail,Human Hair ect. It rules over masses, dark places, Labour. He is enemy of Sun. Saturn is linked with History, Traditions, Past, Future, Frustration,Disappoinment,Failure, Long term planning, Loneliness, Seperation. Saturn deals with reality.It rules over Rocks, Black Stones, Labour work like gardener, Farm workers, Lower strata of society, Jail, Prison workers/ wardners ect. Sanyasis, Sages are signified as religious orders Based upon observing discipline, isolation and personal Limitations.It rules over cold and dry places,Mountains, Gingelly Seeds, Oil, Mortgage, Debts, Civil Services, Slaves, Toughness ect. Saturn symbolize austerity, Simplicity, Concentration, Water Irrigation, Dams, Distribution of Water ect. Sani graha signify Cow-herds, Shepherds, wandering ect. Sani denotes caves, valleys, tunnels, partition, hypnotism, black magic, wind, animal husbandry, farms, hoof and horns, impersonation, duplicate, gas substance and gas expanded products like baloons, bare foot walking and washing feet,spleen,hairs,bone morrow, Nails,excretory system of any living beings and hence denotes drainage,garbage collection,waste disposal,plumbing,carpentary are signified by shani graha.Sani has no mercy in punishing the evil doers and implimenting the punishment based on karmas.If sani is not well placed in a horoscope,he will give aged look for young people and will cause bone marrow,paralysis,knee pain ect.In Astronomy,sani emits Blue twinkling light that is visible to the eyes sometimes.There are seven rings around this planet and is farthest from earth.Sani has guna of non-attachement to worldly pleasures and his look is downward glances.He denotes gardners,carpenters and plumbers besides bricksmaker, boulders,caves, land slides are his karagathvam.

Saturn denotes Fasting, spirituality, Mediation, time. hearing defect, miners, Ugly, Disabled, Deformity, aged, Handicapped people are its karagathvam. Sweepers, Faithfull Servents are denoted by sani. According to Brihat parasara Hora Sastra, Sani dwells in Ant-hills,dirty places ect.Because he is Farthest from Earth he denotes the Final experience Death.Saturn rules over Coal, Pressure and Ancient period.There is none who gives good results like sani Graha or ruins the life like sani. Longevity,Elderly people, Low Caste. Humiliation, Disgrace are denoted by Saturn. Father,Grand Father are indicated by Saturn which is the planet for social responsibilities,charity,Social Services ect. Sani will cause Long Delay,Slow Movement besides denoting Archaeology and Geological Departments. Sani being an agricultural planet,it indicates Implements used in farms/gardens. It denotes Disease, Limbs, knees, joints,ankles,foot Dependents etc Purana says Sani is opened with half his eyes and sani is the great devotee of Lord Krishna. Let us see the connections between sani Graha and Lord Srinivasar of Tirumala.

1) Lord Srinivasan took his avatar in purattasi when Sani is said to reduce his negative power during this month as he is pleased with the Spirituality of this period due to both Pithru Kaaryams and Deva Kaaryams are peformed.worshipping Vishnu ,Fasting on Purattasi Saturday would please Sani graha.Invariably saturn transits for every two and half years always occures during the month of purattasi.

a)During the Month of Purattasi,Pithru kaaryam performed as Mahalaya Paksha Tarpanam with water and Gingelly seeds (Elu) are performed to please Pithrus who descent to earth to their ordained rites from their descendants as Kanya Rasi represent South (dakshinayanam)since Pitru Loka is in southern Hemisphere.

b)Purattasi starts when, Athma karaghan Sun transit to Kanya Rasi where Sukran,Natural Enmity of Sun attains Neecha and Budhan, Lord of this Rasi goes uchcha both by Default. Sukran denotes Material life/ Enjoyment which are kept away during this month.Sun a Friendly Graha to Budhan by virtue of transit to kanya Rasi makes Lord Vishnu,Adi-devada of Budhan pleased during Purattasi.

c)Kanya Rasi denotes Earth and on Navarathiri days celebrated in Purattasi, Sri Bhudevi is worshipped first along with other goddess on all 9 days.Radha Janmashtami also falls in this period.

d) Mahalaya Amavasya day is the day of Ancestors worship for all Hindus irrespective of Caste/Creed cutting across Linguistic/ Local Customs. Sani is pleased during this period when food is offered to Ancestors in Different forms as Sun is the Pitru karagha and father of Sani graha.

2) Lord Srinivasan Avatar star is Sravanam which is in Makara Rasi owned by Saturn.Makara Rasi also denotes Earth in element and it denotes our Karma Bhumi.Becouse of Lords first house (moon sign) and second house both (makara and kumba) are owned by Sani graha due to his birth star in Sravanam,it gave name and fame besides wealth as second sign denotes wealth while the first(moon sign) signify name and fame.This made Tirumala as a famous and richest temple in the world.

3)On First Seva of Suprabhatam ,the very first opening of golden Door of Moolavar is done by a Golla (cowherd-Edayan) in the presence of Priests from Jeer Mutt and Temple officials.This honour of giving first darshan to a shepherd is for his community services to Lord srinivasan when he was in penance at Hill. Doors,Cowherds,gesture to them on first seva are the indications of sanis karagathvam.

4) The white spot (pacha karpuram) on the Chin of Lord Balaji reminds us the hit suffered at the hands of Sri Ananthazhwar who had thrown an Iron spade on Lord when later came as an young Lad to help the Pregnant Wife of Ananthazhwar in their Dedicated Services in Nandavanam (Garden).Chin,tooth in Face are under the karagathvam of Saturn besides Iron Implements used in Farms,Garden,Labour help are also indicated by Sani.Even now one could see this crowbar at the Entrance.

5)Sage Bhrigu,who went on a mission to find out the most Satvic Nature among Trio,having failed to see this quality with Brahma and Sivan, came to Lord Vishnu and finding him in Yoga Nithra without bothering him,kicked upon the Lord chest which is the abode of Lakshmi.On the other hand, Sri Vishnu apologised to Bhrigu muni for hurting his feet by the action of hit on the hard chest of Emperuman and in turn gave a massage to the feet of sage.By this act,Lord made Bhirgu pleased but Lakshmi got Angry. She felt humiliated/Insulted by the act of lord Narayana and left Vaikuntam to reside in the earth .Disgrace,Insults Humiliation, thus arised are due to Sanis karagathvam.

6) Lord Srinivasar was desperately wandering in earth without food and sleep to find out Lakshmi who left the Vaikuntham on above reason.He finally reached Sheshathri giri (parvatha) and took shelter in an Ant-hill to Meditate.Desperation,wandering without food,disappointment are Sanis karagam.

7) Lord Srinivasan Stayed in an Ant-Hill Under a Tamarind tree at Seshachalam and came out only to protect Cow and Calf (Brahma and siva) when a Shepherd tried to hit them,Emperuman Received the Blow on his Head and bleeded.Hence Golden Kireetam Presented by AkasaRaja is adorned on Fridays to Heal this injury.Ant Hill,Tamarind tree,Compassion in receiving the Blow are denoted by Sani.

8) Sri AdhiVaraha was the first God to occupy and own this Hill who had permitted Lord Srinivasan to stay here on condition all pujas and naivedyam must be offered to him first and all devotees of Lord Balaji must offer their worship to him first before going to Srivari temple.Dependent and one who is obligated permanently are under sanis karagathvam.

9) Vakulamalika,the old lady was directed by AdiVarahan to render kainkarium to Lord Srinivasar when he was in penance in Ant-hill at Seshachalam.She was Serving food to the Lord then and rendering kainkarium. she was the incarnation of Yasodha and desired to see the marriage of Lord Srinivasar as she could not see then the marriage of Lord Krishna with Rukmani and Sathya bhama. Pottu (Kitchen) in Temple is believed to be under the supervision of Vakulamalika.Compassion to the Old aged Lady/ Gesture to the aged shows the influence of sani graha.

10) Lord Srinivasan Borrowed money from Kubaran for his marriage with padmavathi by signing a Promissory note to pay with interest duly prepared by Brahma, witness signed by Siva and a pepple tree Ashwathm.Kubaran is mentioned in Vedas as chief of spirit of darkness and described as Dwarf,pot belled,humpback,deformed ugly body with eight teeth,three legs and one small eye with normal eye. He is the Custodian of Nava Nidhis of wealth to souls and half brother of Ravana. Permanent Debt, Mortgage and financier Ugly description shows the influence of Sani graha.

11) Due to Own Sankalpam, Lord Srinivasar is away from his consort Padmavathi and stands alone in Tirumala while Thayar is in Thiruchanur Separately. Similarly Tirumala Hill is isolated from outside influence and is confined to Spirituality. Sani Denotes Isolation, Seperation, spirituality.Sani also signify socialism/communism which is reflected in Tirumala where only TTD,a government nominated Board is vested with the power and right to own even a piece of Land and Buildings in the hill, which are sub-let to the disponent owners for lodging,boarding and resturants only for the convenience of devotees here.To support this Lord Srinivasar himself is a disponent owner while the original owner of hill is Sri Varahaperumal.

12) Tirumala Hill in 3200 Ft above the sea level is a mountainous region with Cold and dry Climate invariably round the year. Mountains, Cold –Dry Climate, Rocks/ Stones denotes Sanis karagham.

13) In Astronomy, various websites including Nasa.gov describe Saturn is Farthest planet from Earth and Saturn has SEVEN RINGS of thin flat consisting of numerous narrow ringlets made up of Ice particles that travel around the planet. Lord Srinivasan is in top most hill surrounded by SEVEN HILLS.Hence he is called as ‘Lord of Seven Hills”.

14) Tirumala is the only hamlet in the world that has Four Dams for the tiny Town spread within a radius of 3 KM. All Four Dams were constructed on Holy Theerthams to meet the water Needs of town. Sani denotes Dams,Irrigation, Reservoir that retard/ slow/Regulate/reduce the Flow of Water.

15) Dhruvabera (moolavar) apart from four Uttchavars- Bhoga Srinivasar, Koulvu Srinivasar, Ugra Srinivasar and Malayappa Swami either together or separately participate in Various Rituals time to time.Koulvu srinivasar Darbar is Daily Routine Seva when Idol is brought out to kalyanamantapam to read before the Lord, the income such as Arjitha seva/Hundi collections on the previous day and expenditure followed by reading of Panchangam of previous/ current day. Koluvu Srinivasar is offered with the prasadam of Mixture of fried Gingelley Seeds (Ellu) and Jaggery.On Anivara Asthnam,a procedure performed during july every year,annual accounts books are submitted to Koulu Srinivasar when new books are issued for Next financial year.Administration, Discipline, Gingelly Seeds Prasadam signify the influence of Sani Graha.

16) Ugra Srinivasar was the original Prachina Vigraham very long ago. Many centuries ago when this Idol was taken out exposing to sun rays,Big Fire was caught during Brahmotshvam. Lord gave a Divine Direction through an Archaka not to take out Ugra Srinivasar .Since then, this idol is taken out for Procession Before Sun Rise on wee hours of Kaisika Dvadasi day only which is named after the Raga of song rendered by Devotee Chandala Nambadavan.Signifying the fact,Sani is for darkness and Sun is for light,Sani attains Uchcha in Thula Rasi where Sun is Neecha and Vice Versa in Mesha Rasi.It is believed when Sani opened his eyes first time,Sun went in to Eclipse.Saturn represent element Air which helps fire to spread for destruction. Darkness,Compassion to Low Caste Devotee, above episode show Sanis Karagathvam.

17) On Every Thursday,Tirupavadai Seva is Conducted when one can have ‘Netra Darsanam’as otherwise the Deity Sports a wide Thiruman Kappu which almost Covers Half the Eyes of Lord and on this Seva When Thiruman Kappu is Peeled off,Lord first Gaze after opening Eyes fall on Mortals. Because It has so much power,it is made to fall on the heap of ‘Pulihora’(Tamarind Rice) directly in front of him thereby sanctifying it and reducing the intensity of his Gaze.This Tamarind Rice acts like a Paavada protecting devotees from his powerful Gaze.Then Lord is adorned with a thin Thiruman kappu and this stays till friday morning during Thirumanjanam. This reminds us the significance connected with the guna of Sani graha in opening his eyes.

18) Lord Srinivasar addressing Thirumalai Nambi as ‘Thatha’(grandpa) Came in disguise of an hunter to demand water from Nambi to quench his thirst by puncturing the pot which Nambi used to bring for Thirumanjanam to the Lord from far away Papavinasam. Next day, Emperuman again as same hunter approached Nambi and discharged an arrow to nearby Hillock to create a fountain called as Akasaganga and showed him this nearby water spring in order to avoid long distance walking for old aged Nambi. Grand Father(Thatha) is the word used by the Lord to call Nambi. sani denotes the karagathvam of grand father.

19) AdiSeshan (First one to serve) serve Emperuman as Umberla, simhasanam, paduka and as bed. He will never get separated from Lord and render Kainkarium to him always. Adhiseshan manifested in the form of Seshachalam Hill to hold Lord Srinivasar in his hood. To Honour his devotion and dedicated service, Lord Srinivasar wears Nagabaranam in his right hand, besides using Adiseshan as the first vahana for him to take on procession during 9 days Brahmotsavam. Faithfull Servents, Selfless Service, and Slaves are Sanis karagathvam.

20) Annamayya was Imprisoned by King Saluva Narasinga Raya of Penugonda when saint refused to sing a song on king which he demanded similar to the song of Lord Venkateswara composed by Sri Annamayya.Saint who was in Prison chained by shackles sang a song on Emperuman with agony.The divine power of song was so great that made the chains getting Broken. Similar to this,Devotees at tirumala temple are also imprisoned invariably without their knowledge when they pass through Vertical Cellular Enclosures-for Arjitha seva(paid) and Horizontal Cellular Enclosures (kunndu) on Free Sudarshan seva with many gates Closed/Opened and made to wait in Cells time to time.Sani Grahas Symbolic Sign is Four Small Squares in the shape of window.Hence Sani denotes Prison, Gate, Window, Chain, Warden.Interestingly Bhoga Srinivasar is Permanently Chained with Moolavar by Golden Shackles.

21) Tirumala is the largest Collection Center in the World for Human Hair,exporting to other nations for Amino acid production.Human Hair is Sanis kragathvam.Tradition believes that No one in Tirumala is supposed to adorn their hair (kesam)with Flowers to maintain Spirituality, Austerity, Humility and Simplicity reminding the directive of Sri Ramanujar. Hair(kesam) and above gunas indicate Sanis influence.

22) Lord Srinivasar is subjected to undergo pressure to give Darshan to Devotees almost 21 hours with only Breakup of just three Hours and His time for Partaking the Prasadam is limited only to just few minutes.Yet Lord is compassionate to give darshan to all devotees with little break which reminds the karagathvam of Sani graha on hard work,Dedication to Work,patience and compassion.

23)The Geological Survey of India (GSI) Declared Tirumala Hill as ‘National Geological Monuments’ for its Marvel on Eparchaean Unconformity as the Granite and Gneiss of Hill underwent ‘Inundation by Sea’ several Millions years ago and the presence of ‘Ripple Marks’on the Quartzite Rocks bears Testimony to this fact.Another feature is “Sila Thoranam’at a distance of 1 km from temple wherein two Rocks groups precariously hang in the air with each others support forming an Arch.It is a portion of Quartzine left unsupported over a Width of 10 Metres and gap below the Arch is formed by Wind Erosion aided by the action of water as Scientific fact is that TIRUMALA was completely UNDER SEA Several Millions years ago. As per various Puranas, Lord Srinivasar made this hill as habitation on a day prior to 28 Mahayugas much before the present kaliyuga. Geological wonders, ancient period, Past, Time, History and erosion arised out of Wind are under the influence of Sanis karagathvam.Air is the element denoted by shani.

Sila Thoranam at Tirumala

24)Devotees Experience Delay often standing in Queue and while nearing the Thirumamani mandapam leading to the Moolavar, they will tend to be ‘Mudavan’ by limping slowly to extend the duration of darshan of Lord and with the glimpse of Emperuman, they become ‘Manthan” as they forget what they wanted to seek from Lord Srinivasan and after coming out from Darshan, they are not able to recollect in Mind the Divine Swrupum of Lord Srinivasan.Delay,Slowness, Desperation, are Sanis karagathvam.Also Sani is called as ‘Mudavan’(lame) and ‘Manthan’(inert mind) by nature.

25)Devotees pray to Lord Srinivasar with ‘Prarthanai’(vow) by climbing the hill on Foot up to the temple,Tonsuring the Head,some times collecting money through ‘Biksha’, Rooling in Prakaram on Stone (angapradekshanam)ect. Tonsuring Hair will Make our Ego, self pride surrender to Lord, Rolling over Stone in Prakaram makes our body surrender to Emperuman. Rolling on Stone, Biksha, Climbing on foot,Fasting and other Tough vows indicates the karagathvam of Sani as he denotes foot,fasting,Biksha and rolling on stone ect.

26)Old aged people, Handicapped, Disabled Devotees are given special Direct entry to have Darshan without any ticket which only in Tirumala Temple, this consideration is shown in line with the compassion of Lord Srinivasar. Ucchva murti Malayappa swami even reaches out masses nowadays in major cities, towns, villages and even crossing across the sea to bless all walks of people in their living places. Old, disabled, weaker section and masses(public) are denoted by sani graha.

27) T T D Render many Social Schemes like Free food to all Devotees, Free accomadation, Free transport services, Carrying Luggage freely from downhill for devotees climbing up hill on foot, Yearly One Lac Free Marriages, Rehabilitation centers for Blind, Deaf, Orphan Children, Old Aged Homes for Destitutes, Free medical treatment for poor, Free distribution of spectacles for old people, Hospitals ,schools and colleges for socially backward and downtrodden people children are few to be mentioned. This Coincides with the Social outlook of Sani graha caring for poorer, aged, handicapped and people of ill-health besides the socially backward section.

28)Dhruvabera(moolavar) idol does not conform to any agamic rule as Lord is above all rules with self manifested ‘swayamboo’ with his eyes are in ‘sama drishti’showing divine grace to all devotees.Lord subjected himself to undergo‘Self Test’ to re -establish through Sri Ramanuja Muni that He is None other than Sriman Narayanan himself when doubts were raised then by few section.Also Ucchavar Malayappa swami is ‘swayamboo murti’ when this idol was located in a place called ‘malayappan konai’in hill.So he is called as ‘malai kuniya Ninra Perumal”.This Matches the guna of Sani in ‘self testing’ for TRUTH through Sanyasi as Truth and sages are denoted by sani graha.Besides this Hill(malai),bending,self testing (suya parisothanai) are due to the influence of sani graha.

29)Ekanta seva completes every day with Tarigonda Vengamambas Harati named after this ardent devotee who rendered poems and songs in praise of Lord many centuries ago.As a Child Widow,Vengamamba staying in Tirumala,used to worship the Lord every night with Harati paying Pearls as fee to the Lord.Upon finding this practice,Priests banished her to a cave far away from the Temple.Yet it was believed that She continued to visit the sannidhi and rendered many kirthanas and poems till she breathed her last at Tirumala.Even now daily a Descendant of Venkamamba pays Pearls as fee and the final Harati is shown in her name during Ekanta seva.Lord compassion to the Child Widow and gesture to allow the tradition continue even now shows the influence of Sani Graha who denotes the Widowhood,Tradition and Compassion ect.

30)Lord Krishnas Standing posture is not straight but in Lalit Tribhang which means Bend at three points in foot,ankles and knees.Similar to this, Moola Dhruvabera idol of Lord Balaji,although is not exactly in the 'Tribhanga'pose,the body below the waist has taken a slight tilt to the left and the Knees themselves are bent and opened slightly outward giving it a peculiar grace and charm.Bend,knees and foot are denoted by Sani graha whose influence made the Lord stay in this posture here.

Like Hill which bent upon to receive Lord Malayappa swami Idol, Emperuman is bent upon to bless the devotees who approach him with devotion and total surrender. Saturn is quite opposite to the quality of Concious ego,personal pride,leadership,authority generally akin to the people normally influenced by Sun particularly politicians, government officials,personalities ect.They must seek the blessing of Lord with devotion and free from ego/ pride rather than mere confidence on the “Deal” of vow though hundi otherwise they will have to experience “Raw deal” at the end.

Sani graha in this Kali yuga subject us to undergo law of karma and make us accept reality and finally lead us to the path of Dharma.King Dasaradhan, Thirukachi Nambi,Anjanayar all underwent few Seconds of Sani grahas Negative results.Lord Srinivasar has taken avatar as ‘kali yuga kadavul’to bless us free from the evil efforts of sani graha. Emperuman who is adorned with Ornaments Studded with full of Diamonds reflect the bright rays of hope for Devotees,the fact remains Millions of years before,those Diamonds were in the form of Black Carbon (sanis karagham) subjected to pressure by Earth Crest.Crows in group called as ‘Murder’ is seen everyday to rest in Rajagopuram of Tirumala temple at night and come out in the Early morning hours before Sun Rise.Similar to this , a visit to Thiruvenkatam would kill all our sins as the name itself implies this.

Those horoscopes afflicted by Sun–Sani Mutual aspect,if Sani is adverse to Lagna,and not well placed with Sani Dasa running, a visit to Tirumala on Saturday preferably in Purattasi and on kaisika Dvadasi day to worship Ugra Srinivasar with Prayaga Chakra in hand with his consorts when he is taken out on procession before the Sun rise in Wee Hours would help them overcome difficulties.

Prakrutham Achariya H.H Srimath Srimushnam Andavan whose Gnanam in Jyothisha Sastras is well known to many followers of our Sambradayam, has always shown keen interest in making Srimath Andavan Ashramam render many Social and Charitable services to the Society like Free Annadhanam for Distribution in packets to all walks of devotees outside Thirumala Ashramam, Free Distribution of Spectacles to the poorer and old aged needy people ,Free Educational Scholarships to the Students of poorer and weaker section through Ashramam run Arts and science College at Srirangam,besides many other schemes under various trusts managed by Ashramam.Our participation in above social objective schemes initiated by our great acharya to the level of our capacity by any means would itself act as Good pariharam to please lord Srinivasan to bless us overcoming the Evil effects of Sani graha.

!!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!!

jyotish-vaishnavam by A.GOPALASWAMY is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

WHY THIRUKUDANTHAI IS KNOWN AS ‘BHASKARA KSHETRAM’

Srimathe Ranga Ramanja Mahadesikaya Namaha:

By Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan

Suriyan is known as Ravi, Savithaa, Bhaskaran, Diwakaran, VisvasVatha, Aaditya, Mithra, Mirchi, Marthandan, Bhanu, kathiravan ect Suriyan was born to Maharishi Kasiyapar and Aditi. Suriyan sons are VaivasuthaManu,Aswani brothers,Yama,Sani,and daughter is Yamuna. suriyan wifes are Sanjana,Padmini,Usha, and Chayaadevi.Suriyan is the Mythological Father of Karna and Sugrivan.Suriyan metal is copper.Animal is Lion.Birds are Eagle,Peacock.Flowers are Lotus(pink) and Sun flower. Language is Hindi. Day is Sunday.Grains are Wheat,Rava.Food is Chakrai pongal.Direction is East. Tree is Red Sandar wood. Samithu is Erruku(Arka) Leaves,Vahana is Temple Car (Ther), Chariot (Ratha) driven by seven horses.He is Kshetriyen by caste,Male in Gender.Taste is Hot and Pungent in Smell.Adi Devada is Agni and Prithyutha devada is Sriman Narayanan.Gems are Ruby and Red Garnet.Colour is Red.Numerically sun represent no 1.Sun owns Leo in Zodiac.His Charioteer is his half Elder brother Arunan whose sons were Jadayu and Sampathi, eagle brothers.Suriyans another half brother is Garudan.Surian is called Aditya because he was born to the son of Aditi Who is also the Mother of Indran.Sri Vamana avatar took place with the parentage of Aditi and Sage Kashyapa as twelth Aditya.So Sri Vamana murti is also called as Upendra.Hence Suriyan is the Amsam of Sri MahaVishnu himself as Suriya Narayana or Paruthi Mal.It is Said that Lord Hanuman Learnt Vedas from Suriyan.

Suriyan represent Soul (Athma) to our Body and gives Life Force, Energy, Physical strength, Vitality, Immune System. Surian is the giver of Brilliance, Wisdom, Knowledge, Sharpness of mind, Fame, Intelligence, Majestic appearance, Will power, Generosity, Clarity of Vision, Ambition, Confidence, Consistency, inspiration, Motivation, integrity and dispeller of Darkness and peace loving, Path of Truth,Time giver. Sun represent Wealth, Cheerfulness, Arrogance, powerful speech, Social status, Bone Structure, Surian gives Self pride, Ego, Leadership Qualities,Authority.Suriyan represent Father, Emperors, Kings,, Patrons, Celebrites, Bureaucrates, Administrators,Doctors in Medicines.Surian rules over Dignity, politics and political leaders, Mansions,Theatres,.Surian denotes Head, Brain,Heart and gives Fever,one sided Headach, piles/constipation, Leprosy, Skin Rashes, Indigision, Blindness, Pimples in face, Body heat,Asthma, Yellow fever, Palpitation in Heart, Baldness, Erratic Blood circulation,Digestive disorder ect.Surian denotes Right Eye,Bone, Day light besides signifying Saffron, Amber, Panchalogam,Simhasanam, Articles made out of Copper and Brass, Ginger, Marigold, Jeera, Monuments, Castles, Forts, Palaces,Astronomy, Temples, Governmental Buildings. Sun denotes Forest, Living in Villages/Forest, Fire, Ayurvedic Medicines,Maize, Ivory, Timber,Olive Tree, Ash Tree.Sun causes Photosynthesis and gives life, Breathing to all vegetation and living beings.

Parva Kala is determined by Sun with the relative movement of Earth and Suriyan determines Harvest,Rainfall,Season,Sleep patterns of all living creatures. Suriyan is known as Pithur Karagan and Athma Karagan. Good Health and Good Eyesight are indicated by the placement of Sun in Natal Chart of Horoscope.Suriyan is the lover of Namaskaram and pleased with simple worship to grand boons. Sun is Mild malefic in nature although considered as benefic planet. sun produce Heat waves that kills people in sun stroke while giving life to them by its Light and Rays.Good Health, Good Eyesight, Prosperity, Courage, Success, Cure for chronic Diseases like Leprosy, Heart ailment can be obtained with the worship of Suriyan who is the head of all the Grahas.Samba Puranam Mention that Sambavan,son of jambavathi and Lord Krishna was cured of Leporsy by praying to suriyan Let us See how suriyan is connected to Sarangapani and Chakrapani Temple.

1) Vaidhika Vimanam in Sri Sarangapani Temple is an off shoot of bifurcated and Manifested form of Pranavathika Vimanam of Srirangam carrying the legacy of Suriya Vamsam starting from Suriyan who first received this Vimanam from Lord Brahma with Sri Ranganathar idol inside.This was later worshipped by dynasty of Suriyan and subsequently by clans of Ishvaku before being passed on to the hands of Lord sri Rama from whom it reached through Vibishanan to Srirangam. Hence Sri Sarangapani Koil is closely connected to Suriyan with his legacy through its Vimanam.

2) Sri Rama Piran himself is manifested as Emperuman here and have taken position under Vaidhika Vimanam in this Kshetram. Hence Sri Sarangapani is called as ‘Sarangarajan’ and his Discus Chakrathazhwar is called as ‘Chakararajan’ and ‘Hethirajan’ both invested with the title of king as Lord Rama was the king of Ayodhia.His bow was ‘kothandam’ which is identical to the bow‘Sarangam’,of Sri Sarangapani. Suriyan denotes Kings, Simhasanam and also lord Ramas lineage with Suriyan which are signified as above.

3) Emperuman desended from Vaikuntam in his Chariot to marry Goddess Komalavalli who was in penance at pootramaraikulam in this Kshetram.She was the incarnation of of Sri Mahalakshmi born here as daughter of Hema rishi desired to unite with Sriman Narayanan while her father Hema rishi,the re-birth of Sage Bhirgu muni repending to the action of his arrogancy done to Lord Vishnu was also in penance at this Kshetram.At the request of this Sage,Emperuman settled down in this place with his Chariot.Hence this koil has both its Vimanam and Sanctum in the shape of a Chariot.It is said Suriyan transverse in sky across Mount Meru every day in a Chariot drawn by Seven horses by his Charioteer Arunan.He is Personified as Redness.The first appearance of Red color in the Sky is known as Arunothium pre-dawn to the Suriyothiyum,(sun rise).Suriyan Vahana is the Chariot which signify the Shape of the Ratham in Emperuman Sanctum.

4) Suriyan once tried to compete with Sri Vishnu to show his power of Radiance which was immediately diminished by Sudarshana Chakram as Sri Vishnu increased his disc radiance more than a Crore times that of Suriyan and put down his pride.Suriyan pleading for mercy to regain his original power performed penance at Chakra Thirtham here where Azhwan appeared before him on a Pournami day in Vaikasi Masam and bestowed the Radiance to Suriyan.Hence a temple for Sudarshana Azhwar came up in this Place at the request of Suriyan which is called as ‘Bhaskara Kshetram’.Azhwan Sannidhi has the idols of Suriyan,agni and Brahma in the posture of worshipping him and starting slokha in Karpuraarthi to the Lord begin with ‘Suriyam Jithva’.This explains the connection of Suriyan with this Kshetram.

5) Suriyan denotes Athma,life force and Creative energy for the Nectar and seeds of Creation of Universe.Sun is the Nucleus of Creation and as a Source of Primordial Power in whose Presence all living beings Spring in to life.During the Cosmic deluge of Pralayam, at the end of Dwapara yuga,Brahma put the Nectar and seeds of Creation in a Pot for next cycle of Yuga and set adrift in the deluge.The drifting pot while settling in a place, was broken open by an arrow from Siva as an hunter.The nectar (Amirtham) had spilled out of this pot in to a place later to be called as ‘kumba Konam’.Since Emperuman landed in this place of sand mixed with Amirtham, he is called as ‘Aparyaaptham Amirtha’ This explains that Suriyan was the first one to Create this Kshetram for the Emperuman through his creative energy as Nucleus of Creation and got blessed by the Lord later.

6) Suriyan represent No 1 numerically and denotes ‘A’in Aksharaam (alphabetic). Suriyan is the Graha who bestows one the qualities of determination,will power , future vision, motivation, and confidence ect. Sri Natha Muni while on his visit to Sri Amudhan Sannidhi happened to listen to the tamil hymns starting with ‘Aaaravamudhe’ ending with verses குருகூர்ச் சடகோபன் குழின் மலியச்சொன்ன ஒராயரத்துளி இப்பத்தும் (10 verses in 1000) recited by a group of sri Vaishnavas. Inspired by its content,Sri Natha muni desired to collect the entire 1000 verses.With the divine direction of Sri Amudhan,he went to Azhwar Thirunagari where sri Nammazhwar from his Yogadasai divinely blessed Sri Nathamuni.Hence he was able to compile not only 1000 verses he was initially after but also entire 4000 verses composed by other Azhwars.Sri Nathamuni was imparted with above qualities akin to the gunas of Suriyan by the blessings of Emperuman in this Sannidhi and hence he could bring back the disappeared tamil Pasurams of entire 4000 verses.The Hymn which inspired Sri Nathamuni has the first letter ‘A’,the very first Syllable and also contains numerical value No 1 in word present in this hymn.This explains the connection of Suriyan in bringing back the tamil Vedham to the world through the efforts of Sri Nathamuni.

7) Suriyan is the Embodiment of Sudharshana Chakram.Suriyan is placed in one of the six corners of Chakram which has the radiance of thousands of Suriyans.Moolavar Sannidhi and koil Vaasal is towards the eastern direction to face Sun rise.Lord Aravamudhan had to position himself in “uttara Syanam” in a slightly raised reclining posture to greet Thirumazhisai Azhwar from his Archaimeni in response to the commanding call of Azhwar who rendered instantly a ' நடந்த கால்கள் நொந்தவோ நடுங்க ஞாலமேனமாய் இடந்த மெய் குலுங்கவோ விலங்குமால் வரைச்சுரம்' wondering whether Emperuman tiredness was due to his long journey walked presumably in Dandakaruniyam during his Avataram of Sri Rama.Later Azhwar himself comforted Emperuman to stay put in this Position. Thirumazhisai Azhwar is said to be the Amsam of Sudarshana azhwan and his personified radiance of chakram with suriyan ,upon his arrival made Emperuman to position himself in Uttra Syanam .

8) Suriyan is the Pithru Karaghan denoting the rituals of Shradham done to ancestors and forefathers departed souls.A legend dates back to few centuries ago goes with the story of an ardent devotee by name Sri Lakshmi Narayana swami, a brahmachari having performed many Kainkariyams to this Emperuman was left with none to perform for his last rites on his attaining paramapatham.Sri Amudhan was moved so much that Lord himself performed the last rites for this devotee..Emperuman is doing Shradham rituals to him every year during Aipasi Masam.Sri Rama along with Lakshman and Sita were believed to have visited Gaya and performed Pinda (oblation)on the banks of river Sarayu for Dasaratha.Similarly Pullambhudankudi a divya desam closer to Kudanthai is a known Kshetram where Lord Rama was believed to have taken rest after performing the last rites to Jadaayu(Eagle is the bird of sun)This explains the influence of Suriyan with this Kshetram.

9) ThirumangaiAzhwar Composed a Special work for the glory of Lord Sri Amudhan known as ‘Thiruvezhkurrirukkai”a typical Prabandham in 46 lines by drawing a Chariot with a top half and a Bottom half,each one is in the form of a Seven tiered Pyramid.The top is an upright Pyramid and the Bottom is inverted one to give a Chitram of a Ratham called as Ratha Bandham.The base at the Centre where Lord is Seated has 13 Slots with tapering Structure of upright Pyramid.Same Pattern like this is the order for inverted Pyramid at the bottom.All slots are filled with Numbers from One(1) to Seven(7) arranged in ascending and descending order filled with words appropriate to the numbers in Sound and woven in to garland of words in a Chariot form inscribed on the wall of Sri Sarangapani koil.

Above Prabantham stands for Meaning of Seven (Ezhu) Decks (kurru) base(Irrukkai) for the Pedestal at the centre of Ratham where Lord is seated.Ratham is the Vahana of Suriyan.,The Number Seven has connotion to Sun whose Chariot is drawn by Seven Horses.Sun light Gives Seven colors (Rainbow),Sun has only Seventh House aspect in Horoscope.Lord Rama is the Seventh Avataram of Sri Vishnu,Seven Kandams in Ramayana,Seven Massive Sala trees were ripped in a Single arrow by Lord Rama. Number Seven Signify in Saptha Rishes/kanyas/Logas/ Puras/ Samudras/ Giris/ Swaras/Chakras/ Thithis(days)/ Parvathas(mountains)/islands/Vrikshas(trees)/ Prakaras(in Srirangam) and 7 generations. It is said Sri Ramas Kothandam has Seven bells.Sri Krishna was holding Govardan hill in his little finger for 7 days. Lord Krishna tamed 7 bulls. Lord Sri Aravamudhan was decorated with Pasurams of Seven Azhwars.This Prabandam is recited During the Rathotsvams of Several Kshetrams. This explains the connection of Sun with Ratham, Number Seven, and Pyramidal structure of our Temples.

10) There are Two Entrances to the Sanctum of Emperuman,the Uttrayana Vaasal(Doorway) in Northern Side and the Dakshinayana Vassal in Southern Side .Each door is opened for Six Months in a year.Uttrayana is the period When Sun increase its power and the Day will be Longer than Night. Same is Vice Versa During Dakshinayanam.. ttrayana Vaasal is opened on Makara Sankaranthi day and Dakshinayana Vaasal is opened on 18th Day of Adi month known as ‘Pathinettam Perukku’. Both Opening days are the only Festivals that are Based on dates of Solar Calendar while rest of all Festivals are celebrated based on lunar calendar like Thithis (phases of moon) or on Stars..The Wheels on both sides of chariot in sanctum has 12 Spokes in each denoting 12 months of Sun and 12 names of Aadityas.This explains the Connection of Suriyan with two Entrances to Moolavar Sanctum that exists in both Sarangapani and Chakarapani Temples.

11) Opening of door in North side of Emperuman Sannidhi on Makara Sankranthi day signify with the movement of sun towards Makara Raasi coming in opposite direction to Sravanam,the avatara star of Lord Vishnu,when doors of Vaikuntham are believed to be opened on this day.Uttrayana punyakalam is the beginning of day time for devas.When sun enters Makara Raasi,it transits through the constillations of three stars namely uttradam,sravanam and avittam,the avatara stars of Brahma,Vishnu and agni deva respectively.Suriyan is pleased to transit through these stars and in makara Raasi,the ownership of which is Shani dev,the son of Suriyan.Hence this period is associated with Harvest reaping season,since Shani is the graha of agricultural.Also Mars, the Bhumi karaghan is exalted(ucchem) here as the owner of star Avittam,the birth star of Agni deva,who is the adi-devada of Suriyan.Thus the opening of the door is connected to the movement of Suriyan here.Suriyan jayanthi also falls during this month.

12) Pathinettam Perukku,is the day when Dakshinayana Vasaal is opened on 18th day of Adi Month. During Dakshinyanam, sun travels towards the southern direction.This Period is the night time for Devas. Sun,the Pithru karaghan travelling in South would please Pithrus as they are supposed to reside in southern hemisphere.This concides with annual freshes of rivers,lakes and waterlines which go in spate on this day.Aadi is the month of sowing,rooting and planting of seeds and vegetation since it is the peak monsoon season when rain is showered in abundance.Sun is the causer of rain by evaporating the water from tanks,rivers and lakes ect with its hot Sun rays and later to give back in the form of rain through its clouds. When sun enters Kataka Raasi,it transit through the constillations of punarvasu.pushyam and aayilyam,the birth stars of Lord Rama,Bharatha and Lakshman respectively,the princes of Suriya Vamsam,the lineage of Suriyan.This explains the connection of Suriyan in this door opening too.

13) Paathala Srinivasar Sannidhi here is located 10 steps below the Pedestal.According to the Legend Lord Srinivasar after his marriage with Sri Padmavathi came down to Kudanthai to take shelter below the earth in a Pitch of darkness.He was waiting for an Opportunity to Marry Sri Lakshmi Who Took rebirth here as Komalavalli thayar doing penance at Golden Lotus tank.It is Believed that Lord Srinivasar Himself Assumed the Name of Lord Aravamudhan to Marry Sri Lakshmi here to fulfill the promise he made to Sage Brighu Rishi who was born here as father of Sri Mahalakshmi in the name of Hemarishi. Above is Implied in the meaning of a Pasuram of Thirumazhisaiazhwar as given below-

செழுங்கொழம் பெரும்பனி பொழிந்திட உயர்த்தவேய் விழுந்துலைர்ந்தெழுந்து விண்புடைக்கும் வேங்கடத்துள் நின்று எழுந்திருந்து தேன் பொருந்து பூம்பொழுல் தழைக்கொழும் செழுந்தடங்குடந்தையுள் கிடந்த மாலுல்லையே

திருச்சந்தவிருத்தம்:60

This Pathala Srinivasar Sannidhi reminds us the episode of Ugra Srinivasar of Tirumala in the context that Lord Srinivasar Stayed in pathalam avoiding Sun Light exposure in this Bhaskara Kshtrem.However to give his gesture to Suriyan, Ratha-Sapthami Is Celebrated in a Grand festive mood in Tirumala. Ratha Saptami Falls on 7th Day of Sukla Paksha in the month of Thai When Sun is in Makara Rassi.This day is Known as Surya Jayanti When Suriyan is Supposed to have Taken Birth to Aditi and Sage Kasyapa.RathaSapthami is Important Day in Tirumala When Lord Malayapa Swami Gives Darshans on Seven Different Vahanas On this day . It Starts with Suriya Prabha in the Early Morning When Sun Rays falls at the feet of Malayappa Swami till it ends up with Chandra Prabha Vahana in the Night. This is the only day one can worship Sri Malayappa Swami with his Consorts in Seven Vahanas,on the same day besides having the Darshan of Nija Rupa Seva from Morning to Evening.Ratha Sapthami is an important festival in Andhra as the day starts with taking Head bath Over Seven Arka Leaves (Erukku) and doing Tharpana to Ancestors which is Powerful than Amavasai. Worshipping Suriyan as SuriyaNarayana is important on this Day. This Signify the importance of Suriyan and Ratha Sapthami Festival in Tirumala with its connection to Sarangapani koil as given in above pasuram.

!OM NAMO NARAYANAYA!

jyotish-vaishnavam by A.GOPALASWAMY is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.