Today August 25th, 2013; Vijaya Aavani Revathi, is Day 35 of HH 46th Srimath Azhagiyasingar, Srivan Sathakopa Sri Ranganatha Yathindra Maha Desikan’s Chathurmasya vratham. Being a Sunday, the number of devotees for Sri Sathari was more than usual but there was no delay in Theertha Viniyogam, Sri Sathari blessing, or in Prasadha (Fruits and Dadhiannam) distribution.
Following this, shishyas managed to be on time for Nammperumal’s Revathi Purappadu at 9:15 am. Revathi is the nakshatram of Sri Ranganathaswamy. At Srirangam temple if one wants to know at which mandapam Nammperumal will be blessing follow the kolams. There is a team of devotees who work in unison to decorate the path the Lord will be taking. For example last night the whole area around Revathi Mandapam was decorated with kolams bordered with red chemman. Revathi Mandapam is in the circle where devotees stop to have darshanam of ParaVasudevan on the Vimanam.
About Perumal’s Purappadu, so much has been written. Srirangam is famous for the gait of Nammperumal which Swami Desikan avers is because of the presence of ManiPadhukas on His Feet. For the fortunate one’s who are present it is a visual treat. The sight of the Sripadathangis dressed uniformly, maneuvering the turns and steps (if climbing down is one kind of enjoyment, climbing up is another). As Perumal is brought down the steps one can have darshan of Him in the mirror if we happen to be in the vicinity. Today He was resplendent in green silk with a blue border. After turning the corner clockwise devotees get to see Him in another mirror. He stops at the sannidhi of Vishvaksens, Vibhishana and Hanuman and proceeds straight before climbing up near Krishna Sannidhi. He waits infront of Revathi mandapam and ensures that every one present gets to have His darshan and then climbs up the stairs via Arjuna Mantapam to reach Revathi Mandapam where Araiyar Sevai takes place and Thirumaalai Pasurams are recited. After this, Thirumanjanam takes place, which can be seen by everyone who happens to be in the vicinity.
The following are some of the photographs taken at Dasavathara Sannadhi today…
Courtesy: Vyjayanthi and Sundararajan
