Durmukhi Chitra Aridhra (10/5/2016) was the Avathara dinam of Bhaghavadh Bashyakarar. At Kanchi Varadaraja temple the morning was blessed by Thoopul Desikan’s purappadu on Sannidhi and Madaveedhis. Chitra Aridhra is the tirunakshatram of swami’s sakshaath acharyan Kidambi Appullar too.
At about 8.00 a.m. Varadaraja Perumal along with Ubhaya nachimars descended the Atthigiri slowly to the accompaniment of crackers and settled at ‘kanadi-arai mandapam’ giving darsan to all devotees. Tiruaradhana took place here.
At 4.00p.m. Vishesha tirumanjanam took place for Bhaghavadh Bashyakarar in Ramanujar sannidhi in Azhwar praakaram. The whole sannidhi was decorated aestheticaly with flowers of all hues. The stone pillars were covered with white jasmines and the pandal of flowers was beautiful. As Tirumanjanam commenced accompanied by Vedic chants devotees enjoyed Ramanuja’s tirumeni soundaryam and feasted their eyes on  milk, curds, honey, coconut water and sandal paste covering Bhaghvadh Bashyakarar. The cool Tulasi garlands and colourful garlands and the sahashradhara tirumanjanan were worth watching. After this Bashyakarar’s head was tied up to dry with a magenta towel and a matching silk vastram which  made him beautiful to behold. After this theertham and srisathari were given to those present. This was followed by Tiruppavai sevakaalam and vishesa sttrumurai.
At 7.00 p.m. Perumal along with Ubhayanachimars went slowly on Sannidhi street listening to the nadhaswara kutcheri all through the purappadu. On returning Perumal traversed along Azhwar praakaram to the accompaniments of various crackers and reached Bashyakarar Sannidhi where Sri Ramanujacarya  was waiting at the doorstep to receive Him. The Arulcheyal goshti poured their chantings, followed by the sonorous Vedic chantings of the Veda parayana goshti. Perumal was offered vastrams, fruits etc. and Perumal’s garland was presented to Bashyakarar. Then Perumal entered Ramanujar sannidhi and Ramanuja was seated by His side.
 After this Tiruaradhana for Perumal took place followed by maryadhai to Ramanujar. After this Perumal returned to aasthanam.
Thirumanjanam
  
Photos: Sri Sundararajan & Write – up: Smt Vyjayanthi Rajan
