END OF AN ERA…..FONDLY ANNA
END OF AN ERA…..FONDLY ANNA
Auspicious Krithika thithi - .
Lord Kaleesa must have thought it an apt day to merge Mama, அத்தை’s spouse - ANNA, Soma Navanna, as fondly all his beloved know him – in His heavenly abode.
Mama’s whole life was in the service of Lord Shiva, though he was pet Narayana to Kanchi Sankaracharya Swamiji Shri Jayendra Saraswathi. It was during Periyava’s challenging time, Periyava wanted to offer a Golden Nagabarana to Lord Ramanathaswamy at Rameswaram. Fearing the unwritten diktat at that time not to honor the Acharya in our Temples, the Priest at the Sanctum hesitated to accept the Periyava’s Offering and decorate the Deity there. Periyava just turned and called accompanying Mama, “ Narayanaa……”. Just that one address would suffice. Mama’s turn, he spoke to the Priest, “ Ayya, please accept and adorn the Lord with the Nagabaranaa. Don’t be afraid. Let anything happen. I would be your savior.” Periyava was in immense tear of joy seeing the abarana on Lord Ramanatha Swamy.
Yet another occasion. The eve was Kumbabhishekam in Ramanatha Swamy Temple at Rameswaram. There was a brewing storm as to who had the first honor to perform related to rituals there – between two Peetathibathis. It took Mama to pacify both Heads and ensure smooth Kumbabhishekam there.
His service didn’t confine to Lord’s service only. The societal welfare was upper in his mind since he was in his tender age. Vinobha Bhave held Mama’s tender shoulders while going about requesting well to do for Bhumidhan to those who had no land to till.
There was an occasion two sides in a village had utter animosities. The news was in the air if the bitterness wasn’t subsided, there could be massive casualty on both sides. The trials of mediations by well meaning people in the area were of no avail. Mama, entered the scene. The sickles fell, dropped. Peace prevailed.
No clear idea as to whether moral education classes were of part of school education those days. To fill the gap, Mama introduced the weekly prayer satsang - வார வழிபாடு in the space in front of the Dwajasthambam before the entry point of the Goddess Meenakshi Sanctum. Boys and girls thronged. He initiated all into reciting and chanting psalms -தேவாரம், திருவாசகம், பன்னிரு திருமுறைகள் in praise of the Lord. At the end of the satsang, he used to give prasads to attendees. He extended this Satsang service to other temples in the town. This satsang has been continuing without any interruptions. Generations after generations have been beneficiaries of such value education beyond campuses of any formal educational institution.
His acquaintances read who’s who of the celebrities, scholars, Rajas.
The list comprises of:
His long association with Rajas of Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai and Thanjavur. Association with Ramanathapuram Samasthanam was from the days of his great grandfather.
Swami Kirubanandavariar,
Pulavar Keeran. Mama used to sponsor weeklong discourse on Villiputhurar Mahabharatham by Pulavar Keeran.
Incessantly he held Bhagavan Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanthi every year at his Sri Ramakrishna Middle School, Devakottai. This school he painstakingly maintained to offer educational opportunity to kids from parents finding it difficult to sustain themselves.
His dress code:
Simple 4 yard Khadi Dhoti and a full sleeve spotless white khadi jibba. He never compromised on this attire.
Kalayarkoil:
You can see him chanting Kaleesa, Kaleesa. So fond of his services to Lord Swarna Kaleeswara, Kalayar Koil. Every Vaikasis Utsave during entire 10 days course, he stayed at Kalayar Koil.
His will was strong he journeyed very recently at his ripe age to Lord Ram’s abode at Ayodhya.
Initiated Kumbabhishekam to innumerable temples. Honored those in the Service of Lord Shiva with annual awards, titles like அறப்பணிச் செம்மல்.
His parting gift:
Nobody goes empty handed or unfulfilled of his wish after seeking help of Mama.
Like his spouse, Athai did just a month ago, he departed offering His eyes – and to enable about 4 see the light of the day.
May His Soul Find Peace in abundance.
Comments
Post a Comment