Narasimha Kshetras - M S Rajajee

Part IV

Sri Paraankusa Yatindra Mahaadesika was the 8th pontiff. He became the spiritual head in 1522. He was well-known for his religious discourses and philosophical discussions. He was succeeded by Sriman Narayana Yatindra Mahaadesikan. After his sanchara to various Kshetras, he came to Ahobila and dedicated his life to the construction of various mantapas at Ahobilam. He was succeeded by Sri Sathakopa Yatindra Mahaadesika who ruled over the pontificate for nearly 17 years. His successor was Sri Srinivasa Yatindra Mahaa-desika who ruled for a long period of 38 years. He spent his life in the propagation of Sri Ramanuja Darsana and enlightened the people by his discourses on Srivaishnava religion and philosophy. Sri Veeraraghava Yatindra Mahaadesika succeeded him. It is said that following a vision, which he had, wherein Nammaazhvaar directed him to give an elaborate discourse on Bhagavat Vishaya, he gave a religious discourse for one whole year on the subject, at Azhvar Thirunagari! His reign was also for a long period, for nearly 44 years, next only to the renowned first Jeeyar. Because of his long rule, in the Sri Sannidhi circles, he is respectfully referred to as the elder Sri Veeraraghava Sathakopa Svami. Sriman Narayana Yatindra Mahaa-desika succeeded him. Complying with the request of his disciples, he wrote the Acharya Guna Darsana, as his disciples wanted this Jeeyar to expound on the Guruparampara Prabhaava. It is also believed that the Purushaakaara Meemaamsa was authored by him, though Sri Sannidhi Guruparampara ascribes this to the 2nd Jeeyar. The 15th pontiff was Sri Veeraraghava Yatindra Mahaadesika who was succeeded by Sri Sathakopa Yatindra Mahaadesika. Sri Veeraraghava Vedanta Yatindra Mahaadesika was the 17th pontiff. He was an extremely learned person. It is said that he stayed at Srirangam and gave at the Ramanuja Sannidhi discourses on the Sribhashya 12 times, discourses on the Bhagavat Vishaya 15 times, discourses on the Gita Bhashya ten times and discourses on the Rahasyatrayasaara on 10 occasions. He was responsible for providing the Lord at Ahobilam with many ornaments. Sriman Narayana Yatindra Mahaadesika was the 18th in the line. One Kavi Kandhaadai Annan Svami approached this Jeeyar and learnt the philosophical truths embedded in the Sribhashya. This Annan Svami was in charge of the Dasaavataara Sannidhi at Srirangam. This Sannidhi was handed over to the ancestors of Annan Svami by the 1st Jeeyar. Obeying the directions of the 18th Jeeyar and the divine command, Annan Svami re-handed over the Dasaavataara Sannidhi along with all its properties to this Jeeyar. Annan Svami handed over also a Silver Vigraha of Lord Ranganatha, which was being worshipped by him in his house, to this Jeeyar. This Vigraha of Lord Ranganatha is one of the Vigrahas carried by the Jeeyars in the Silver Mantapa when they go on their Sancharas. Sri Srinivasa Yatindra Mahaadesika and Sri Veeraraghava Yatindra Mahaadesika were the 19th and 20th pontiffs. The 21st pontiff was Sri Paraankusa Yatindra Mahaadesika who once developed an intense desire to write a Prabandha about the first Jeeyar. It is said that he got the divine approval in the form of Garuda circling the sky above him, when he expressed this desire. This Svami wrote the Adaikkala Patthu, consisting of eleven verses, which begins by extolling the first Jeeyar. This is included in the Nityaanusandhana in the Ahobila Matha from that day till today. He also wrote the Sat Sampradaya Saara which gives the Aacharya Vaibhava of all the preceding Jeeyars. He also wrote songs on Lord Krishna, which are sung during the cradle ceremony (Dolotsavam). The 22nd Jeeyar Sriman Narayana Yatindra Mahaadesika had the shortest reign of seven months. He was succeeded by Sri Veeraraghava Yatindra Mahaadesika. He extensively toured the country. He was staying at Srirangapatnam of Karnataka when he had a vision of two Srivaishnavas requesting him to come to the shrine of Bhagavan Ramanuja. He was called to heaven just at that time (February 1763).

(to be continued in August, 2006 issue)

© "Sri Narasimha Avatara" by M S Rajajee, published by Sri Ahobila Matha, Hyderabad 500 013. Part III of this article appeared in Splendour, June 2006 issue. Reprinted with permission.

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