BG 14.14

In this program Kannanin Aaramudhu, we have been visiting the birth places of Azhvars and Acharyas. At present we have entered Chola region. Today's [16th March 2009]lecture is from Manakkal [மணக்கால்], near Lalgudi. Swami Ramamisra aka Swami Mankkal Nambi, was born here. Swami Nathamuni is regarded as the First among Vaishnava Acharyas. His disciple was Swami Uyyakkondar [உய்யக்கொண்டார்] aka Swami Pudarikaksha, who was born in Thiruvellarai. Swami Uyyakkondan's disciple was Swami Ramamisra or Manakkal Nambi, which was his title. Swami Alavandar or Yamunacharya was the disciple of Swami Manakkal Nambi. Swami Alavandar was the grand son of Swami Nathamuni.




We can worship him seated and with folded hands. He is holding Tridanda [த்ரிதண்டம்] in his right arm. So, he might have adopted sanyasam, and be an ascetic. From his face it is clear that he had removed kama [lust], krodam [anger], madha [ madness] and ragam [desire]. We can worship Lord Sri Varadaraja of this place. He is gracing ready to bless anyone coming to Him to worship! Sri Utsavar is in standing pose with right hand in Abhaya mudra and left hand in Kati mudra. He is accompanies by Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhudevi. Sri Moolavar is in seated pose with right hand in Abhaya mudra and left hand is placed on His left knee. Swami Nathamuni was born in circa 823. Hia disciple, Swami Uyyakondar, was born in circa 886. Swami Mankkal Nambi was born in circa 929, in Masi- Makam [மாசி மகம்] as Ramamisra. He was well learned. He became disciple of Swami Uyyakondar and learnt all shastras. He had intense devotion to his Acharya. This place got the name Manakkal, from Swami Manakkal nambi! Swami Uyyakondar lost his wife and Swami Ramamisra [Manakkal Nambi] helped in performing all last rites. Swami Uyyakondar had two young girls and Swami Ramamisra used to accompany them to bathe in Kaveri and bring home. Once, while returning from Kaveri, there was a slushy patch in the way and the girls did not know how to cross over it. Swami Ramamisra, immediately laid down on the slushy patch and made the girls to cross by walking over his body! That was his Acharya Bhakti. Since the girls' muddy feet were pressed on his body, he was given the title manal [மணல் mud] + kaal [கால்feet]. He thus became Swami Manakkal Nambi and this place came to be known as Manakkal. Swami Nathamuni taught all that he wanted to teach his grand son, Swami Alavandar, to Swami Uyyakondar, who taught them to Swami Manakkal Nambi. We know how Swami Mankkal Nambi transformed Swami Alavandar, who was a Ruler, to Acharya status, by feeding Alavandar with particular greens [தூதுவளை கீரை thooduvalai keerai] and teacing him and showing the great treasure, Sri Ranganatha at Srirangam temple! Thus the service rendered by Swami Manakkal Nambi is important. Swami Vedanta Desika, in his Yatiraja Saptati, praises Swami Manakkal Nambi as the Fourth Rama, as he was known as Swami Ramamisra also! First Rama, Sri Parashu Rama, was claiming bhoomi or lands [Kingdoms], while the Fourth Rama, showed the patience of bhoomi [Mothr Earth]! Sri Rama, the Second among Ramas, killed rakshasas or demons, while the Fourth Rama, attached himself with satva persons [satvika] amd did good to all. Sri Balarama, was in the habit of drinking and off the mind [madham], while Swami Ramamisra, removed all madha [madness] and other bad qualities such as likes and dislikes! He bathed in the great ocean of Bhakti, and removed the heat from three sufferings [adhyatmika, adhidaivata and adhbowtika]. Many people do not visit this place, though it is situated near Srirangam and Anbil. Even if exclusive visit might not be possible, on way to Anbil, this place should be visited by all. This Acharya is famous for removing rajo and tamo qualities, and today's sloka also reveals what we are to avoid. Sloka 12:

lobhah pravrttir arambhah
karmanam asamah sprha
rajasy etani jayante
vivrddhe bharatarsabha

O chief of the Bharatas, when there is an increase in the mode of passion the symptoms of great attachment, fruitive activity, intense endeavor, and uncontrollable desire and hankering develop.

Bharatarsabha = Arjuna, hero among Bharata dynasty [indirectly hinting that Pandavas are going to rule the Kingdom]! The Lord lists the symptoms in a person, when rajo quality dominates. Five indications are given:

1. Lobha = unwlling to share or donate, things dear to us.
   
2. Pravriti = engaged in useless actions, like biting nails, tapping on the lap, plucking grass, etc. These actions do not produce any results but shows rajo quality.
   
3. Karmanam arambhah = Beginning actions, for inferior objectives like reaching heaven or Chandra lok, etc. Should they not be done? No, we should never take any efforts for obtaining lower and inferior results. We should do anything which will take us to Moksham as taught by Alwars and Acharyas.
   
4. Asamah = sama means control of organs, while here asama means uncontrolled organs. Seeing what should not be or tasting what should not be or thinking what should not be, are all indicative of rajo quality.
   
5. Sprha = desires in objects and enjoying them.
   

These are all advices for refining our society! Donation means we should give away useful one and not what we consider as waste! In the later part of the sloka the Lord tells that these qualities are perceived when rajo quality is predominant and so, should be avoided. We will now take leave of this place.