SriSriAnna's 75th Jeyanthi Celebrations

September 2009

Chenganoor

Advent of the Avathar......

It is 'ThiruCheingaloor' or 'Sankapuri' a small hamlet near Kumbakonam. It was Krishna janmashtami day. The blessed father Sri. Venkatesa Sasthrigal performed the Vishnu Sahasranama Archana. He was then reading the Chapter of 'Lord Krishna's birth' from Srimad Bagavtham.

"Thamadhputham Balakam Ambujekshanam

Chathurbujam Shanka Gadharyudhayudham"

As he was reading these verses the blessed mother without any difficulty gave birth to a male child. It was the Bhava Varusha, the month of Avani, the star Rohini and a Friday. (31.08.1934).

Why the Avathar ?

Kali has spread its demonic clutches far and wide. Hinduism was destined to a slow death. The emergence of a new form of religion alone can save Hinduism. But it should be based on Vedas and Sasthras otherwise it will not be Vedic Hinduism. This new Hinduism should be without any bias, common to all and very simple to follow but based on the Sasthras. This is the Bagavatha Dharma. Unless 'Bagavatha Dharma' with Bagavan Nama Sankeerthanam as the backbone is established, Hinduism shall no longer Survive. At this important juncture the Avathar takes place. The job at hand is more crucial than previous Avathars. Premika Bagawan comes to earth once again ......

What is a Poornavathar ?

In certain Avathars God comes for a particular purpose and the Avathar shows only traits pertaining to that purpose. But at times he shows all his glory in one Avathar like in Krishnavathar and now in Premikavathar. In this Avathar he has come in his full glory, he establishes  'Bagavatha Dharma' by being a great Bagavtha himself, he spreads Namasankeerthanam by singing the Name of God throughout his Avathar with his devotees, he gives discourses every day of his life spreading love, peace, devotion, dharma, knowledge, wisdom, brotherhood and every other needed quality for man, he highlights the importance of Archavathar by bringing up thousands of temples that were dilapilated, he writes thousands of simple and love filled songs on the Archavathar in these temples so that Bakthas may sing them with love, he spreads love throughout by dancing with his devotees embracing them all with no reserve, he travels throughout blessed Bharath to establish Bagavatha Dharma, he highlights the greatness of Mahapurushas like Sri.Bagavannama Bodhendra Swamigal, Sri.Sridhara Ayyaval, Polagam Sri.Vijayagopala Yathindrar, Marudanallur Sadhguru Swamigal  by maintaining or establishing their matams, he has guided and developed hundreds of disciples  who have taken up his mission, he has given clear and easy interpretation of the Brahmasuthram by his classes, the list goes on and on .............So this is a Poornavathar which has come for multiple purposes and which has no match.

How does the Avathar work ?

The greatness lies in Simplicity. With just a white dhothi on his hips, with a simple white Angavasthram on his shoulders, a thulasi mala on his neck, a Gopi chandan on his forehead, living in grahasthashram with a big family, without any great organizational setup or backing, without ordering around anyone be it family, disciple or devotee, living in a simple place a simple life, singing and talking the glory of God throughout the day, not seeking any advertisement, not known to the general public, always immersed in Bagavath Bhava, working day and night without any rest, always pouring love, love and love to the world, the Avathar works his great mission in a simple way. It is now 75 years ....

So how do we celebrate ? 

SriSriAnna was not for any celebration. At the Akila Bharatha Sadhu Sangham at Tirunelveli, we planned to offer 75 crores of Rama Nama for SriSriAnna. What else can we give him that will delight him ? So we started this huge task (it looked huge at that time ...) an year back and started the work. We also decided to release the English translation of Anna's 'Upadesa Mozhigal'. The devotees of  Akila Bharatha Sadhu Sangham, Kumbakonam approached Anna for celebrating the function and got his permission just before the Brahmothsavam.  Anna asked them to celebrate at Kumbakonam itself. Maharanyam Sri.Muralidhara Swamigal was also very keen in celebrating the function and SriSriAnna gave his approval for a five day grand function at Chenganoor itself. World over devotees geared up for the function. They celebrated at their places itself. So now we visit Chenganoor for the 75th Birthday function. There was some confusion on the year. It is 'The 75th Birthday' if english system is taken, 'The 76th Jeyanthi' or 'The 75th Apda Poorthy' in Indian system. Anyway we have a grand reason to celebrate our Prabhu's Jeyanthi and we now go to Changanoor.

The Celebrations

SriSriAnna's 75th Birthday celebrations took off in a grand manner in Chenganoor on the 9th september 2009. Maharanyam Sri.Muralidhara Swamigal fondly called by his devotees as Sri.Muralidhara Guruji, took great care to conduct the celebrations at Chenganoor in great colour. The roads were cleaned, a layer of sand added to cushion Anna's feet, plantain leaves and colourful banners tied at important places, decorative Pandhals erected in front of Anna's Thirumalagai, Pandurangan Koil, Perumal Koil, Sivan Koil and T.C.Anna's house. Food arrangements were made for Vaidheekas at T.C.Anna house, Sri.Vaishnavas at the perumal Koil and the Bagavthas, devotees and public at Shiva Temple. The streets were well lit by tube lights, backed up by ever running generators. New Vasthram and Pushpa Alankaram was done for all the deities in Perumal koil, the two shivan koils, the Kalla puravi kovil and the small pillayar sannithi. In all Sri.Muralidhara Guruji saw to it that the arrangements were immaculate. Considering that they had only two days to arrange everything it was a marathon effort and showed his GuruBakthy. Sri.Venkatesan, ardent devotee of Sri.Muralidhara Guruji was in charge of the arrangements and he left no stone unturned to complete his Guru's orders.

Sri.Muralidhara Guruji had also compiled thirty three 'Premika Avathara Mahima Vakyangal' or Sentences glorifying Premikan's Avathar. These were beautifully printed and hanged in the Perumal Koil, Pandurangan Koil and in front of Anna's thirumalgai. These sentences are a delight to premika Bakthas. Each of them have to be read, rejoiced and celebrated. Our humble salutations to Sri.Muralidhara Guruji for giving such a treat to all Premika Bakthas. It goes again to prove that Premika Avatharam is Poornavatharam. These verses are so delighful that Premika Bakthas are sure to read them every day as their Nithyanusanthanam.

It was 8.00 in the morning of September 9th, 2009. Hundreds of Vaideegas, Veda Paatasala boys, Vaishnava Periyavas, Bagavathas and devotees had come to chenganoor. SriSriAnna was seated in Pandurangan Koil. Hundreds of Patasala boys were waiting. Anna was discussing about the Grantha Parayanam and Premika Keerthanams that were to be conducted that morning with Sri.Muralidhara Guruji and other Bagavathas. Anna was looking at various Granthams and discussing with them all. After giving them instructions SriSriAnna got up and came around the Pandurangan temple.

Sri.Muralidhara Guruji gave a royal welcome to SriSriAnna and Sri.Manni with Chathra Chamara Upacharam. He garlanded Anna with an elegantly tied red and yellow rose garland. He himself took Arathi for Anna. Whenever Anna was welcomed, a big silver Umbrella, two big perumal kodais and two Guruvayoor Kodai's were held. Further devotees carried two silver ThiruChinnams and two more in velvet. To fan Anna, two silver Chamarams and two in velvet were used. There was Chathurveda Parayanam, Dhiya Prabhandha Seva and ofcourse Namasankeerthanam. In all SriSriAnna was treated like a emperor, which ofcourse he is. Anna garlanded Manni with a matching garland. Manni in  red and green and Anna in white looked great together. 

Anna and Manni were led into the Perumal Kovil in such a grand procession. The Archakas welcomed SriSriAnna with Poorna Kumba Mariyadai. They also garlanded Anna and tied a green parivattam. In the Perumal kovil hundreds of Vaideegas were chanting the Veda. Many Vaishnavas were chanting the Dhivya Prabhandham. Bagavatha Parayanam was being done by Bagavathas. The Pavithrothsavam function was started for Perumal. Many Homams were also conducted for SriSriAnna. Anna and Manni together did the Yagna Sangalpam. Anna went back to Pandurangan temple to the start Premika Keerthana Seva. Nearly six Bagavathas were singing all the Keerthanams of Anna. In Anna's house 'Sri Premika Grantha' Parayanam took place.

Anna went to Govindhapuram in the evening for his 'Bagavatha Ekadasa Skandam Upanyasam' and came back to Chenganoor. That night Perumal Purappadu took place. It was a very grand way to start the Premika Jayanthi and Chenganoor was glowing.

In Chenganoor all the Parayanams and Homams continued on September 10th also. SriSriAnna performed an Abishegam for Sri.Pandurangan and Rakumayi at 8.30 in the morning. He also distributed gifts to school children.

Kumbakonam Welcomes Anna ....

The members of the Akila Bharatha Sadhu Sangham at Kumbakonam approached SriSriAnna, days before Paranur Brahmothsavam and requested Anna for a grand function to celebrate the 75th Birthday. Anna was not for any function but seeing the sincere yearning of the devotees he could not refuse. The ABSS members were an excited lot. They went ahead and printed an Invitation  immediately. They were an active team consisting of their secretary Sri.T.V.Venkatraman, Dr.Lakshmi, Manikandan and others. Sri.Deepak Ramesh owner of Ramamanthram willingly gave his place for the function. A big Pandal was erected with a decorative entrance in the front. The open area adjacent to the Mandapam was covered and a Upanyasam stage was setup. Sri.Vasudeva Anna, Anna's disciple went about the task of locating 76 Vaideega dampathis for the thambathi pooja. Arrangements for the stay and food of all Bagavathas were made. The stage was set and the devotees  were waiting for Anna in the AdhiVaraha Perumal Koil nearby.

 In the evening Anna went to Govindhapuram for his Upanyasam and from there he rushed to Kumabakonam. Sri.Visaka Manni and Kutty Rajagopal came along with Anna. Nearly 200 devotees were waiting for Anna in front of the Adhi Varaha Perumal Koil. They were chanting the Mahamanthram. The priests of the Temple Sri.Seshadri Battachar, Sri.Soundara Battachar, Sri.Kannan Battachar and Sri.Ramanuja Patrachar welcomed SriSriAnna with a Poorna kumba Mariyadai. They also garlanded Anna and took him inside the temple. Anna was beaming with joy on seeing all the devotees gathered to welcome him. He along with Sri.Manni came inside the temple. In the sannidhi the Battachars tied a special type of parivattam for Sri.Anna. It was bright red in colour and in the shape of a palm fan. (Visiri Parivattam). The Sadhu Sangham members had arranged for Perumal's thirumanjanam that morning. They had also arranged for Perumal Prasadham for all the devotees. Anna took some of the Prasadh and then it was distributed to the devotees.

Coming out of the Temple Anna looked like a king in that Parivattam. He walked like a king along with Sri.Manni who was equally majestic. An elephant garlanded Sri.Anna and Sri.Manni. With Chathra Chamara Mariyadai and with all the devotees doing Namasankeerthan Anna came in a Procession to the Rama Manthram. The ladies of ABSS took Arathi for Anna and welcomed him inside. Sri.Deepak Ramesh gave a Poornakumbam to Anna. Sri.Anna and Sri.Manni were garlanded with matching rose garlands. Anna went inside the Ramamanthram.

Here Anna sat down on the floor. Manikandan who was actively involved in all the arrangements, garlanded Anna and Sri.T.V.Venkatraman Mama placed a flower Crown on Anna's Siras. He also showered jasmine flowers on Anna. Anna accepted their Prema Pooja and was sitting there for sometime. The devotees outside were waiting for his Darshan and his golden words and Anna came outside to the stage.

Anna gave a great discourse stressing the importance of Sathsangh. He was talking about Bagavath Krupai and what we mortals can do to repay. He said that only by doing Akanda Nama Sankeerthan we can try to repay god's grace. He announced the programs that were to be held here the next day.

The ABSS had also arranged for distribution of gifts to nearly 35 students of 'Karunai Illam' by the golden hands of Anna. The students came one by one, prostrated Anna and got their gifts. Anna garlanded the Manager of the 'Karunai Illam' and honoured him. Dr.Lakshmi, ardent devotee of SriSriAnna, brought her Kitta 'Dhanavihari' and Radhai 'Kishori' to Anna. The young couple had come to attend Anna's Jeyanthi function and under Dhanavihari's command all the functions of the Kumbakonam Sadhu Sangham went on well.  Anna started the Akanda Nama and left for chenganoor promising the devotees that he would come and join them again after Perumal Purapaddu.

Perumal Purappadu .....

Anna reached Chenganoor and the Purppadu started off from Perumal temple. Sri. Periyavachan pillai came in reverse facing perumal and thaayar. There was continuous display of fireworks that coloured the skies. The Purappadu went on with Veda Parayanam, Prabhandha Parayanam and Nagaswaram. The chenganoor ladies kept on pouring water in pots on SriSriAnna's feet. This was a practice not seen in paranur and exclusive to this area. Anna would stand still receiving the water onto his feet. Sri.Kesava Dikshithar, ardent devotee of Anna came along with Anna by his side. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji was going ahead at a distance, seeing that everything went on well. He received Anna at Perumal Koil.  The Nagaswaram troupe wanted a snap with Anna and Anna oblidged and posed with them. Anna was waiting for Perumal at the Temple entrance. As soon as Perumal came to the entrance, the Vaideegas started chanting the four vedas. The Vasihnavas sang the Prabhandham. As this was going on Anna went inside the temple and sat down.

Anna sat elegantly leaning onto the temple pillar. All the devotees stood at a distance having his darshan. Many villagers fell at his feet. Anna was just quiet. After some time Perumal came into the temple and came around the outer Prakaram. Anna got up and waited for Perumal. Perumal came dancing and Anna had a Darshan and came out of the temple.

Anna came into the Pandurangan temple. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji requested Anna to distribute Prasadhams to Veda Paatasala boys. The boys had come for the function from his Ashram and he wanted everyone of them to receive Prasadh from Anna. He introduced the boys to Anna and they came to Anna, prostrated before him and received the Prasadh one by one. After this Sri.Muralidhara Guruji sat near SriSriAnna and the two were in conversation. The way he sat before Anna, the way he spoke, the way he reacted when Anna spoke are all finest examples of how a disciple will react before his Guru. It was great to see them together. Finally Anna said something and Sri.Muralidhara Guruji was smiling with his hands bowed.

Back to Kumbakonam for the Akandanamam ...

After the Purappadu Anna left for Kumbakonam immediately. The Rama Manthram had Premika Bakthas doing the Akanda Namsankeerthan. SriAnna sat on the stage facing the devotees. The devotees were overjoyed to see Anna. The tempo of the Akandanamam increased. The ladies danced around a little kitta. The gents took over after some time and they danced around the Kitta. Anna stayed till 4.00 a.m in the morning and after completing the Akandanamam left for Chenganoor. So Anna was in Akandanamam, his favourite and life time dharma when his Birthday arrived. 

The Birthday celebrations .....

The padha pooja ...

All the devotees were assembled before Sri.Anna's house at 5.00 in the morning. SriSriAnna had arrived only at 4.30 in the morning from Kumbakonam. The devotees were eager to have his Prathama Darshan on the Avathara Dhinam.  Sri.Muralidhara Guruji was ready to welcome SriSriAnna. The Mangala Vadyam was ready. The Vaideegas and Vasishnavas were ready. The Chathram and Chamaram were ready. The ladies of the Tirunelveli Sadhu sangham stood ready in a line to welcome Anna. The frontage of Anna's house was decorated with flowers. Everyone's eye was on the door. It reminded one of the thirupavai verse in which Andal sings "Neye Nilai Kadhavam Neekelo rembavai". A friendship was formed for the devotees with the door, as they stood in front of it to have Krishna Darshan every day morning. The lovable door opened and SriSriAnna came out of the Periyavachan pillai Thirumaligai. All the devotees fell at his feet. The Mangala Vadyam played welcoming him. He accepted the frangrant yellow Shengbaga flower garland from a devotee and garlanded himself. He also accepted a wonderful Lotus garland from another devotee. He accepted the Chandanam, Kumkum and sweets offered by the ladies. Anna went inside his home and prayed to his Ancestoral Rama. An Arathi was taken for Anna and Manni by the house ladies.

Sri.Anna and Sri.Manni were taken in procession. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji led SriSriAnna in the front. Bagavathas showered flowers of Anna's path. It was nearly 5.45 in the morning and still dark. The procession reached the Pandurangan temple. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji gave a Poornakumba Mariyadai for Anna at Pandurangan koil entrance. SriSriAnna and Sri.Manni both full of swinging garlands elegantly entered the Pandurangan koil.

Sri.Muralidhara Guruji had planned a great pooja for Anna here. A beautifully decorated stage was ready for Anna. It was a wooden bench on which jasmine garlands were hung neatly around. A new mattress was laid on the top. SriSriAnna and Sri.Manni sat on the bench. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji performed a Padha Pooja for Anna. He took Anna's Padham on his lap to dry them with a cloth and then to apply Chandhanam and Kumkum. He decorated the Padham with lotus petals. He then kept a circular plate decorated with flowers under Anna's Padham. He placed a beautiful crown made of flowers on Anna's Siras. He gave a sceptre made of flower. He then showered lotus petals, jasmine, pichi, rose, vrukshi and marukozhundu on Sri.Anna. It was a  great sight for all the devotees assembled. He then sang the Bagavatha sloka "Thamathbutham Balakam Ambujekshanam" signifying Anna's Avathar. Anna placed the sceptre near his lips and posed as if playing the flute like krishna, much to the excitement of all the devotees. This is the way a disciple has to celebrate his Guru's Jeyanthi. It was full of love. Everything was done with care, with lots of love and reverence. Anna and Manni were very happy and were full of smiles.

A boodhanam (offering of land) was done for a Bagavathar from Govindhapuram. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji gave the document of the land to SriSriAnna, who gave a small Upanyasam at this juncture. He said "The lands around Govindapuram Matam were being occupied by outsiders. I used to request devotees in my Upanyasams to buy land there and offer to the Matam. Many devotees did that and saved the place from being taken over by others. Now we are offering a land to the Bagavathar performing Gurunathal's pooja, so that he can build a house there and live comfortably performing the pooja" Saying So Anna did the boodhanam.

A Godhanam (offering of cow) was done for the Perumal Koil Battachar. A beautiful and healthy black cow was brought inside the temple. It was decorated with a silk saree over its body and with silver anklets on its legs and a silver chain on its neck. SriSriAnna perfomed a pooja for the cow and gave it to the Battachar. Veradhanam (offering of rice grains) was done for all the devotees. The devotees were also given a bag containing five Bakshanams and a thambulam bag.

Perumal and Periyavachan pillai Purappadu to Anna's Thirumaligai ...

SriSriAnna and Sri.Manni were taken to the Perumal koil from there. The Battachar gave a Poorna Kumba Mariyadai for Anna and welcomed him inside. Anna and Manni were beautifully garlanded with very thick garlands made with white, green, yellow and red flowers. They went inside Perumal Koil where the Sri.Vaishnavas were singing the Dhivya Pradhandham for Perumal. The Archakar tied a bright orange  Parivattam for Anna. With the chanting of Veda and Prabhandam and with Mangala Vadhyam, Perumal, Thayyar and Periyavachan Pillai came out for the Purappadu. A devotee offered a violet shawl to SriSriAnna who tied it in his hips. Now both Sri.Anna and Sri.Manni were wearing matching violet coloured robes and it was a sight to behold ! Anna came upto the Pandurangan Sannidhi, stopped and smiled.

75 Crore Nama Prathishta Mahothsavam ...

When SriSriAnna stopped and smiled, no one knew what he was upto. Anna came toward T.C.Anna's house 'Ramanuja Kootam' where the 75 crore Rama Nama were arranged as a gift for SriSriAnna's Birthday. It was a gift by all the Premika Bakthas world over. The Akila Bharatha Sadhu Sangham at Tirunelveli had arranged for the same. They felt that nothing more precious could please Anna than Nama. They started the work a year back and worked hard to print and distribute lakhs of Rama Nama Notes. By SriSriAnna's everflowing grace the Rama Nama's poured in from all over the world. What started as a simple endeavor went on to become a great Yagna. It inspired thousands of volunteers to run around and distribute notes and collect them. It inspired thousands of devotees to write Rama Nama for the sake of beloved Premikan. Devotees from overseas took part eagerly and sent the completed books in courier unmindful of the expenses. It was a great movement powered by the love of premika Bagawan and love for premika Bagawan. We the devotees were giving SriSriAnna something that he really relishes, that he really wants, that he has really come for ...

Now we all know why SriSriAnna was smiling. He came towards T.C.Anna's house. The ABSS devotees knew that Anna could come in any time and they were ready. They had decorated the place with Rangoli, flower designs and lamps throughout. As soon as Anna came near the entrance they immediately rushed in pairs to take nearly three differently decorated Arathy's for Anna and Manni. They threw rose petals on his path and took him inside. The view inside was spell bounding. Nearly 85 crores of Rama Nama were neatly packed and arranged in shelves. The letters 'RAMA' in Tamil was made visible by the arrangement of the packed books. Anna was so happy to see the Namas. Sri.Natesan Trustee of ABSS,Tirunelveli and his wife Smt.Saradhamani honoured Anna and Manni with Chandanam and Kumkum. Anna was garlanded with a huge but beautifully tied thulasi garland. Sri.Manni was garlanded with a wonderful pink rose garland. The view was out of the world. Both looked great together. All the devotees were singing 'Hare Rama Hare Rama' enthusiastically. Two bundles of Rama Nama were kept ready in a small table. SriSriAnna performed a pooja for the Namas. He applied Chandhanam and Kumkum for the bundles. He showered them with flowers and then showed a Deepa Harathi. Anna then took the bundle on his head. All the devotees were moved to tears. Karunamoorthi, Premika Prabhu, our beloved Gurunathan placed the Rama Nama bundle into the shelf. He was so happy. He took a plate full of Akshadha and showered on all the devotees. The Divyadampathi were so happy and it showed in their faces. Their beauty in front of the sea of Rama Namas is undescribable. The whole event could have taken a few minutes but it was one unique event in the Jeyanthi Mahothsavam that was unparellel in grandeur. As SriSriAnna started to leave, a devotee garlanded him with another thulasi maala. Anna was so happy that he kept the thulasi mala on his siras. He walked down the streets for some time with the thulasi mala on his siras and a smile on his face. Now we all know that to make Anna happy we devotees have to write crores and crores of Rama Nama.

Perumal Purappadu to Anna's Thirumaligai continues ...

SriSriAnna rushed to the corner of his street and waited for Perumal. As Perumal came near he fell down and prostrated. All the devotees prostrated with Anna. Perumal came dancing into Anna's street. Anna offered a garland and a pink shawl to Perumal which the Archakar put on Perumal. SriSriAnna led Perumal into his Thirumaligai. Every Avani Rohini for generations Perumal comes into the house of SriSriAnna. 

The devotees carefully lowered perumal from their shoulders onto their arms and took him slowly inside the narrow entrance. SriSriAnna broke a coconut as Drishti for Perumal. He threw it sort of softly onto the ground unlike others who throw with force, and lo ! the coconut broke into two neat halves. Whatever he does is unique and charming ! Perumal, thaayar and Periyavachan pillai gave darshan to all the devotees from Anna's room. The Archakar performed a pooja and showed a Deepa Harathi. It was time for a quick Vaishnava Sammelanam.

SriSriAnna requested one of the Vaishnava Periyavar there to speak a few words. He too sat down to listen. Perumal and thaayar were listening from the room. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji immediately came behind Anna and started fanning.  The Periyavar spoke highly about Periyavachan Pillai and about SriSriAnna. He thanked Anna for giving a chance to speak and said " We normally come to see Anna speak, but Anna has asked me to speak, it will be nice to hear his golden words". Anna laughed at the remark and said "Me ! You want me to speak, Ok When a Vaishnava Periyava wants me to speak, I will", saying so Anna started a great discourse.

As soon as Anna started speaking the Vaishnava Periyavar took a Perumal garland and garlanded Anna much to the delight of all the devotees, Perumal and Thayaar. The sun fell directly on Anna at the same time. It was a miraculous sight. We have heard of the sun rays falling on temple deities on important days. But here, on Anna's Jeyanthi, in front of Perumal and all the devotees, the sun rays were falling directly on Anna. Surya Bagawan was celebrating Anna's Birthday by bathing him gloriously with his golden rays and it was an unforgettable sight. Anna was in his full flow, speaking about Periyavachan pillai his direct ancestor. Click here for the sound clip ....

As Anna concluded his speech, he asked the Principal of the sanskrit college at chennai, a very old devotee of Anna to speak. At that time Sri.Swaminatha Athreyar came to see Anna. Sri.Athreyar was a great scholar and devotee of Anna. He had fell down and gone through a major surgery but that did not prevent him from coming to see Anna. In the ripe old age he came slowly to Anna. Anna was so happy to see him. Sri.Athreyar had a small cover full of flowers. Anna strectched his hands and received all the flowers. In his happiness Anna showered himself with those flowers and all the devotees celebrated. Anna was talking to Sri.Athreyar happily. He said to him " What all you wanted to happen, are all happening". Sri.Athreyar was delighted and full of smiles.

Perumal started off again from Anna's room for his Purappadu. He was so happy to have come to Anna's thirumaligai and enjoy a Vaishnava Sammelanam sitting among Anna and all the devotees. A devotee put a lotus garland on Anna and it was a great view. The devotees could not be stopped and on came a jasmine garland, then a thulasi and then a rose. Anna's great bhava continued and he was happy with the devotees in the purapadu. Finally a beautiful and thick garland made of orange rose and white jevanthi was put and Anna looked great with nearly five beautifull garlands at the same time. The purapaddu was over, the devotees at Kumbakonam were waiting for Anna and Anna rushed to Kumbakonam.

The grandeur at the Kumbakonam Ramamanthram ....

SriSriAnna reached Kumbakonam RamaManthram. A Homam was conducted here for Anna's health. The Mandapam was flowing with Anna's devotees. It was a great sight to see so many devotees packed in one place with Anna. SriSriAnna opened a plaque containing a sanskrit verse about the 'Rama Manthram'. He then sat on the stage giving darshan to the numerous devotees.

As soon as talk about Anna's 75th Birthday started, a gang of boys headed by Suresh from chennai and Manikandan from kumbakonam and others vowed to bring Perumal Prasadh to Anna from a minimum of 75 Dhivya Desams. They planned meticulously during the Brahmothsavam. Suresh drafted a list of Dhivyadesams and alloted the boys each a list of Dhivyadesams to collect from. The aim was to cross 75 at any cost. There was great excitement among them whenever they discussed about the Jeyanthi uthsavam.

The boys worked hard and collected the DhivyaDesa Prasadhams and also Prasadhams from some Abimana Kshethrams. All the Prasadhams were ready in seperate bags neatly tagged with the name of the respective Dhivyadesams. They took all the Prasadhams and came in a procession from the Perumal koil nearby with Mangala Vadyam. Many Sri.Vaishnavas eagerly joined with the boys and came into the Mandapam with the Prasadham. They reached the stage where SriSriAnna was sitting. Seeing a lot of Sri.Vaishnavas coming in, chanting the Dhivya Prabhandam SriSriAnna got up.

We now go into one of the grandest events of the Jeyanthi. It was as if all the perumals stood in a line to honour Anna. One of the Sri.Vaishnavas said that 'Anna was another Azhwar, as like Nammazhwar all the perumals queued up to see and honour Anna'. Anna has also sang on all the Perumals in his 'Keerthanavali' and written about them in his Dhivya Desa Vaibhavam. The garlands, shawls, parivattams, Pavithra malais kept pouring. Sri.Anna and Sri.Manni stood throughout the nearly one hour that it took for the Sri.Vaishnavas to give the Prasadhams.

The prasadham started with important Kshethrams like Thirupathi, Srirangam, Kanchipuram etc.. Anna kept on bowing as the garland were put on him. He also garlanded Manni when a second garland was given. The Sri.Vaishnavas recited the Pasuram of the Perumal before garlanding Anna. As it took a lot of time, Pasurams were sung only for important Kshethrams. For the others a list was read out saying the name of the Temple and the name of Perumal and Thayaar. We have tried to give as many photos as possible for the sake of the devotees.

Sri.Andaal sent a big garland and a parrot for Anna. Anna gave the parrot to Rajagopal who was sitting in the front.  The Perumals of CholaNattu Thirupathigal, Pandianattu Thirupathigal, Thondai Nattu Thirupathigal, Vada Nattu Thirupathigal, Nadu Nattu Thirupathigal, all had sent their Prasadhams.  Further Prasadhams came from many Abimana Kshethrams like melkote. Madurai Meenakshi Amman who SriSriAnna considers as his sister had sent her Prasadham to her Anna. Prasadhams had come from far off Kshethrams like Pandari, Salagramam etc..

At one point a Sri.Vaishnavar continuosly put garlands over garlands on Anna. Anna looked yellow himself in the garlands. Suddenly in one swift movement Anna scooped all the garlands and put them on Sri.Manni. Sri.Manni was not perturbed, She took all the garlands from Anna gladly and wore them all with ease ! 'Anuroopa roopa' She is called !

A Thayaar photo was presented to Anna by a Sri.Vaishnava. Anna posed along with the photo happily. The Dhivya Desa Perumals had not only sent garlands but also Theertha Prasadh, Chandhanam, Kumkum, Thulasi, Shawls, Photos, Pavithrams etc.. It shows that the Prasadham were given with great love by all the Perumals to Anna.

When the Prasadham from Nammazhvar came, SriSriAnna was visiblily moved, He bowed his hands and received the Prasadham with great delight. Kutty Rajagopal was playing with the Andal Parrot and was active throughout. Sri.Jeyandra Saraswathi Swamigal had sent his Prasadh through the office bearers of Kanchi mutt.

After receiving Prasadh from more than a hundred temples, standing for nearly a hour, SriSriAnna sat down. His face was radiant with happiness. Prasadham came from the Thiruvisanaloor Sridhara Ayyaval matam and Anna stood up again to receive it. Sri.Ramakrishna Anna of the Ayyaval matam read the Ramamanthram plaque. The boys were glad to have successfully completed their dream project. Prasadhams from nearly 90 Dhivya Desams and 10 other Kshethrams had arrived in time. It was by Perumals grace and SriSriAnna's grace that this massive Kainkaryam went on well without any delays. More than the desire of the devotees to bring Prasadhams from all Dhivya Desams, the desire of the Dhivya Desa Perumals to send their Prasadh to SriSriAnna was greater. As the Prasadhams were given to SriSriAnna on the stage, all the devotees had a great view of their beloved premika Bagawan being honoured.

Anna came to the place where the Homam was being held. He held his vasthram to receive the Akshada from the Vaideegas. All the Vaideegas briskly chanted the Veda and showered Akshada onto Anna's Vasthram. Finally Anna collected the Akshada and showered it on all the devotees.

The next function was the Dampathi pooja. Nearly 85 Vaideega Thambathis were seated inside the Ramamanthram. Anna said in his upanyasam the previous day "It is rare to have the Darshan of even one Vaideega Dampathi, seeing nearly a 100 of such Dampathis is a great opportunity" . The Vaideega Dampathis were of all ages. There were just-married couples and couples married for 70 years. First Anna went about showering Akshada on all of them. Then he asked the devotees to distribute garlands to them. As soon as all of them got the garlands, the couples garlanded one another. The thick yellow Jevanthi flower garlands looked great when wore enmass by all of them. Anna then gave a small gold mangalya suthram to all of them. Amidst playing of Mangala Vadhyam the husbands tied the Mangalya Suthram on their wives. Anna showered flowers on them. He was so happy to see so many Vaideega Dampathis. He again went to all of them and gave some Sambhavana. Anna stood happily seeing them all. He called Sri.Deepak Ramesh and asked him to receive the Akshadha from all the couples. Finally Arathi was taken for SriAnna, Sri.Manni and all the couples. Anna requested them to have food before leaving.

The ABSS has to be appreciated for the great effort. Sri.Vasudeva Anna helped in bringing all the Vaideega Dampathis. The ABSS members arranged all other required things. SriSriAnna himself offered the gold mangala suthra and the Sambhavana. The sight of hundreds of Vaideega couples sitting together facing Anna and Anna looking at them with beaming joy and satisfaction will never leave our hearts. Anna left for Chenganoor.

The Grand Abishegam at Chenganoor ....

SriSriAnna reached Chenganoor and a grand Abishegam for Perumal started. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji had arranged for a grand thirumanjanam. The thriumanjanan was done exactly as in Thirupathi. All the 'Mangala Dravyams' used in Thirupathi were used. Even the Vasthram, Alankaram and Pushpam were the same as in Thirupathi. SriSriAnna went inside the temple and sat throughout the Thirumanjanam. The 'Neivedhyam' offered to Perumal was also the same as in Thirupathi. Nearly ten cooks who cook for Thirupathi Perumal had been called from Thirupathi for the same. The list of Prasadhams runs long but we will go through it. The list consisted of 1008 laddus, 500 vadas, Dosais, Kadambam, Melagu orai, Akkara Vadisal, Puliyodharai and Thayir Sadham. The Prasadham was distributed to all the devotees.

Kumbakonam functions continue ....

That evening Anna reached Govindapuram at 4.00 and gave his Upanyasam till 6.00. Sri.Visaka Manni was giving a Kathakalakshepam on 'Sri.Krishna Jananam' at Kumbakonam Ramamanthram at the same time. SriSriAnna had promised the day before to the devotees that he will sit among them and listen to Visaka Manni's Upanyasam. Anna finished his Upanyasam at Govindhapuram and rushed to Ramamanthram. The sweet voice of Visaka Manni was still ringing. Anna sat on a chair near the stage. Sri.Visaka Manni was in full flow. Anna was enjoying it throughout. She completed the upanyasam after mentioning about how we were all here for Anna, how much we are drenched in his grace, how we have to repeatedly gather for the 100th, 200th, 500th jeyanthi of Anna, how Anna should keep on showering his grace on us for all that years .... The devotees were thrilled to hear her. The recording can be heard here ...

SriSriAnna came up to the stage and gave a small Upanyasam. He highlighted the importance of celebrating the Birth days of 'Athma Bandhus' than those of 'Sarira Bandhus' or even 'Desa Bandhus'. He said that the relationship between himself and the devotees was only 'Aathma Bandhavyam'. The devotees were moved to tears on hearing Anna's Upanyasam. Anna thanked Mr.Deepak Ramesh for giving the Mandapam and the ABSS members for oraganizing a great event.

Finally Anna relased the English Translation of the Tamil book 'Upadesa Mozhigal'. The book was a collection of little anecdotes given by Anna in his Upanyasam. It contained a small example and a moral. It was so sweet and simple. Anna recollected how Sri.T.C.Anna and Sri.Krishnadoss Anna collected the same years back. On the mention of the names of these two great devotees Anna was in tears. He stopped his Upanyasam for seconds. He recollected himself and said in tears " They both are so dear to me". Anna continued about the two translations made earlier in english of the same book. He praised Mrs.Priya SanthanaKrishnan for the translation of the new book 'Words of Wisdom". He released the book by giving the first copy to Mr.Deepak Ramesh. He also gave a copy to Dr.Lakshmi calling her to the stage, Anna said "She is Doctor and to me Daughter" amidst great laughter.  Anna's Upanyasam can be heard here ...

The Premika Padhuga Purappadu ...

SriSriAnna came back to Chenganoor for the Purappadu. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji is the authority on Guru Pooja Prakriya. He had arranged for a great Premika Padhuga Purappadu. A beautifully decorated Mena was ready for the Purappadu. He placed SriSriAnna's 'Sri.Padugas', that were in his daily pooja, on the mena. SriSriAnna came carrying Rajagopal. He was in a great mood and was chatting with Sri.Ramanujam of Nanguneri and also with Sri.Muralidhara Guruji. The purapaadu started and Anna was going in the front ahead of the Padugas. The Palanquin was richly decorated with flowers befitting the Premika Padukas.

There was a continuous display of fireworks. Kutty Rajagopal was so curious about the fireworks that he kept on looking up the skies. Sri.Muralidhara Guruji was fanning SriSriAnna from behind. He started singing Premika Keerthanas and the purappadu took a sudden turn !!

"Gayathi Radham vanamali"

"Smarare Brindavanam Manasa Smarare Brindavanam"

All the premika bakthas were delighted to hear SriSriAnna's songs. All the songs were perfectly selected and were honey to the ears.

"Sukayathi me hruthayam Sukumaraha Sukayathi me hruthayam"

SriAnna himself was so happy and the place was vibrant with everyones excitement.

'Janakiramana Jalaja Vilochana Jagadega Rakshaka Sujana Jeevana'

he started. Sri gopal Anna of Aduthurai and his wife were so excited that they showered Kanakambaram flowers on Anna. The chenganoor ladies were not to be left behind and they came one after another to pour water on his feet. The holy feet, Vishnu Padham from where Ganga matha originated, the only refuge of all the devotees, it was a divine sight to see the water splashing on our Prabhus feet. The Premika Ganga, the river of devotion and love originates from this holy feet, the water from it will cleanse the whole world, it will give devotion to all those who even think of it. Even if they do not think about it, it will go after them, chase them and give them salvation.

'Thava charanambuja Chayayam dhayaya vaasam dehi Sri Rama'

SriSriAnna stood in  Panduranga Bhava listening to the song. As one song after another came Anna was so delighted and so were all the devotees. All of them were singing and celebrating at the same time, walking back facing Anna, they were so excited and thrilled. 

''Thava Katakshena Sarvam Paripoornam"

this song is an all time favourite of premika Bakthas. When all the people in a crowd think or feel alike, a resonance is created. When all the devotees in a Purapaddu have the same thrilling joyous feeling on hearing a song sung in front of their Gurunaathal, a unique ecstatic vibration envelopes everyone present. It gives them great joy that can never be enjoyed when alone. This resonance of all the joy together is vibrating and moves the devotee to more unlimited joy. Words fail me, as I am not able to even convey a fraction of what we all felt. I pray that by Guru Krupai all those who read this may get that great feeling.

When the line

'Aparimitham thava karunyam'

was sung Sri.Muralidhara Guruji could not control himself, he fell at SriSriAnna's feet. It was a great purapaddu to be part off and no one there can forget the Premanandham they experienced. Tamil Songs were sung now

'Vishamakara Kannan pollada Vishamakara Kannan'

brought laughter among all the devotees. The Tamil version of Meera Bhajan

'Sadguru padukai kunjaram en mel patta pozhudu thane Nimadhi adainthen ulagam maranthen'

brought tears to all. It was one Purapaddu that was unique in every way. The joy in singing Premika Keerthanams with Premikanathan is wordless. We pray Gurunathal to give us all, more such occasions.

Anna reached Pandurangan koil and sat against the pillar. The devotees now sang many meera Bajans. Anna was waiting for the Paduga to arrive. As soon as it came near SriSriAnna started again to Kumbakonam.

SriSriAnna reached Kumbakonam for the third time that day. A DhivyaNamam was being conducted by the Bagavathas and Anna was sitting in the stage enjoying the same. He left back to Chenganoor as soon as the Dhivyanamam was completed.

On the morning of september 12th, Bagavthas started singing 'Govindha Sathagam' in the Pandurangan koil.They started at 7.30 in the morning and completed the whole sathagam the same day. SriSriAnna was with them enjoying the Bajans.

As SriSriAnna started to the Govindha Sathagam Bajan, he was seen wearing a lotus garland. A group of villagers were going in a Trailer. As soon as they saw Anna thay stopped the vehicle, jumped down and eagerly rushed to Anna. They all fell at Anna's feet. Anna was so happy to see them. He blessed them all and asked them where they were going. They said they were going to work in the fields. Anna smiled at them, blessed them again and left. The poor villagers were so happy and they left thrilled.

We now leave chenganoor and our beloved SriSriAnna with a heavy heart. It is by his grace that we were able to complete this massive page. We pray that his Sri Padhugais must be always in our heart, his thoughts should always fill our mind, his roopam should always fill our eyes, his voice should be always ringing in our ears ........

Premikendra Sadgurunath Maharaj Ki .... Jai

Madhuri Raman Baktha Kuthukhala Lal Ki .... Jai

Seethala Komala Charanara Vinda Ki ... Jai