Today August 17th, 2013; Vijaya Aavani Moolam, is the 27th day of HH 46th Srimath Azhagiyasingar, Srivan Sathakopa Sri Ranganatha Yathindra Maha Desikan’s Chathurmasya Sankalpam.
Today happens to be Ekadashi and Aavani Masapirapu and a Saturday. So bhakthas came in large numbers to get the anugraham of Malolan, Malola Upasakar, and the Dasavatharamurthis and offering dandavath pranamams at the Brindavanams of HH 41st, HH 44th and the spot where HH 45th Srimath Azhagiyasingar’s Brindavanam will be coming up. The assemblage were blessed with Perumal’s flowers, Theertham, SriSathari from Srimath Azhagiyasingar’s Thirukaram followed by prasadam (fruits & arisi upma). The arisi upma is bhogiyam and except for those observing total upavasam, devotees actually enjoy the prasadam. Rice is not eaten on Ekadashis but the broken pieces called arisi noi or arisi rava is prepared and offered. Ekadashi is an important day in the Vaishnava calendar. There are bhakthas who fast totally and even Perumal theertham is taken only once. They are Number-1 in the hierarchy of bhakthas. Those who cannot fast completely can fast on fruits or milk. Diabetics, the old, the sick and sumangalis, can have palaharam or broken rice. Pregnant and lactating mothers should not observe fasting. What is the most important thing on Ekadashis is Namasmarana, Nama Sankirthanam and Satsangham.
Some of the famous Ekadashis are Kaisika Ekadashi, Vaikunta Ekadashi and the Ashada Ekadashi of Maharashtra. During Ashada Ekadasi groups of pilgrims called Warkaris walk all the way to Pandharpur. The whole state of Maharashtra seems to be fasting and the atmosphere is charged with bhakthi. Kaisika Ekadashi and Vaikunta Ekadashi are important in the Sri Vaishnava calendar. Nampaduvan’s story is enacted as a dance-drama in Thirukurungudi and illustrate the power of a Srivaishnava. Srirangam Vaikunta Ekadashi is too well-known to be enumerated. As important as the Ekadashi fast is the Dwadasi Paranai. After a fast the food is totally satvik and cleanses the system totally. In Bengal, it is believed that fasting on Ekadashis is a cure for acidity. In short it is the most important Vratham.
The following are some of the photographs and videos taken earlier today at Srirangam Dasavathara Sannadhi…
Courtesy: Vyjayanthi and Sundararajan
