Dear Fellow-Bhagavathas,

The visits and Mangalaasaasanam of Acharyas at the helm of traditional institutions like Sri Ahobila Mutt, Srimath Andavan Asramam, Sri Parakala Mutt from time to time not only lend exalted divinity to the ambience but they also accentuate the sanctity of a temple. So, it’s a great pride that our’s is a shining example in that respect.

The recent one by the 46th Srimath Azhagiyasingar Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Mahadesikan turned out to be immensely memorable on many counts. It was a long-awaited visit to Mylapore by the Pontiff with Malolan and other deities and entourage; in fact, it was HH’s first since ascending the throne in May 2013. The enthusiasm and expectations were hence great during the five-day camp at Sri Vedantha Desika Hall here (January 5 to 10) organised and sponsored by Mayilai Malola Kainkarya Samithi.

As if waiting for the opportunity, the Trustees of the temple made the formal request to the Acharya for Mangalaasaasanam as also for Pattana Pravesam. Srimath Azhagiyasingar’s stay at Mylapore coincided with His three-day monthly Thirunakshathram celebrations as a lead up to the Shashtyabdha Poorthi to be held in June. The two aforesaid events were slated for 9th January, and impeccable and elaborate arrangements had been made by the temple authorities.

The Acharya arrived to a grand welcome to the offering of traditional Poorna Kumbham by the Trustees, followed by the honour of typically-impressive array of Kudais and Sri Sataari. He performed Mangalaasaasanam as the deities — Perumal and the two Consorts, Selvar, Thaayar, Nammazhwar, Peyazhwar, Swami Desika — were draped in new silk Vasthrams offered by Him for the occasion and He was accorded top temple honours.

Then the Pontiff blessed the devout gathering with Anugraha Bhaashanam. The Trustees were honoured and all the staff members of the temple were presented dhotis. Next came the palanquin procession known as ‘Pattana Pravesam’, the piece de resistance of the evening. Srimath Azhagiyasingar boarded an aesthetically-decorated floral palanquin and was taken around the Mada Streets to the chanting of Desika Prabandham and the Vedas. Srimath Azhagiyasingar was greatly pleased with the excellent Kainkaryam rendered by Srivaishnava Sripatham Kainkaryam Association affiliated to the temple.

There were special troupes of Nadhaswaram, bands and Jantai Melam playing wonderful music while horses led the procession. Scores of women engaged themselves in drawing Kolam all through the way; Kummi and Kolaattam added colour to the proceedings. The procession reached its logical completion at the Ahobila Mutt camp.

What a spectacle it turned out to be! Such a magnificent event it was that it will linger in the minds of those who had the fortune of witnessing it, for a long time to come.

Meet you in the next Note.

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