A Day in Sri Ahobila Matam - Part 5

Archanai

Swarna Pushpam
After the alangaram comes archanai. The Sannidhi paricharaka recites the ashtotra sada nama of Malolan in a slow and deliberate voice as Srimad Azhagiya Singar does the archanai with golden flowers.

About two years ago one day two Sanyasis belonging to the Madhwa Sampradayam came to our Sri Sannithi. After having a Dharshan of Malolan the senior sanyasi questioned Srimad Azhagiya Singar on sashtras. Srimad Azhagiya Singar answered their queries with a smile. The senior Yati then submitted two Swarna pushpam (golden flowers) and requested Srimad Azhagiya Singar to use them for daily archanai. Some of the sishyas witnessing the whole thing were so overwhelmed by Srimad Azhagiya Singar's gracefulness they also pledged to give several Swarna Pushpams. Thus started a craze among the Sri Sannidhi sishyas to submit swarna pushpas for Sri Malolan. The two grew to twenty, and soon there were 108. Today there is in excess of 200 swarna pushpams for archanai.

By the time the Archanai is over ThaLigai (food) is already ready near the Mandapam. The curtain is drawn and to the accompaniment all the Vadyams and twin Ghantai, Malolan is offered the morning ThaLigai.

After Archanai - Look for the Swarna Pushpam
After the Thaligai is offered Harathi is made ready. Then, the curtain is opened for Harati with Vadyam starting once again. The second sound of Vadyam is the sign for all the kainkaryaparas to reassemble in the hall. By this time the sishya crowed has swelled to about 200, (on Dwadasi days it will be well in excess of 500).

After the conclusion of Harathi Srimad Azhagiya Singar initiates Satrumurai with "Sitram Siru kale" and the goshti thunders along with the rest of the Satrumurai. Long strands of flower from Malolan is cut into small pieces and distributed to everyone.

During this time Srimad Azhagiya Singar offers the Silver Sri Satari to the Acaryas in the silver mandapam. Then "aruLappadu" (formal offering of theertham and satari to Acaryas) is offered. "aruLappadu" is only for Srimad Azhagiya Singar everyday. However, on the thirunaktram day of the month for Athivan Satakopan, Srimad Injimedu Azhagiya Singar, Srimad Devenar Vilagam Azhagiya Singar, and Srimad Mukkoor Azhagiya Singar, arulappaadu is offered to them first, and then to the current Azhagiya Singar. As Srimad Azagiya Singar takes Perumal Theertham and places the Golden Sri Satari upon Simad Azhagiya Singar's divine crown, the Goshti pauses the recitation of Satrumurai and the officiating Aradhakar Swami renders,

    "Vedamarga pradhishtApanAcArya,
    Paramahamsa ParivrAjakAcArya,
    Sarva tantraswatantra ubhayavedAntAcArya,
    sri bhagavat rAmAnuja siddAnta nirdhAraNa sArva bowma,
    Sri Lakshminrisimha Divya pAdukA sevaka SrivaN Satakopa
    Sri nArAyaNa yatIndra mahAdesikan arulappaadu."

Then, the goishti resumes satrumurai. Srimad Azhagiya Singar now commences offering the golden Sri Satari to the goshti, starting with the officiating Aradhakar Swami, followed by the other Aradhakar Swamees and panditAs who may be present. Then comes the rest of the devotees now standing in rows are offered. As Srimad Azhagiya Singar makes the round offering Sri Satari to everyone the two mrith kainkaryaparas use the silver rod to keep the devotees in line preventing them from accidentally touching Srimad Azhagiya Singar . One of the Sri Sannidhi paricharakas follow along with a lamp. Sri Satari comes out of the Silver mandapam only with the accompaniment of a lamp.

It is important to note that only Srimad Azhagiya Singar offers Sri Satari and only after Abhigamanam. Sri Satari is not offered at any other time during the day.

Sri satari
In parallel, Perumal Theertam is served by the Sri Sannidhi paricharakas. Also, ThirumadappaLLi paricarakas now distribute dried leaves for prasadam. The goshti is still continuing with the Satrmurai. The satrumurai consists of the following:

  • Thiuppavai
  • Sitram Sirukalae, Vangak kadal
  • Periya Thirumozhi - Ahobilam
  • nallai nence, singavel kunrudaiya
  • Periya Thirumozhi - Thiruvallur
  • pandhirukkum, indaikondu
  • Periya Thiumozhi - Naimisaranyam
  • Unudai, Edhamvandhu
  • Adaikkalappattu
  • thirumagalum, ARu payan
  • Athivan Satakopan adaikkalappattu
  • agalame, patthiyulla, AthimaRai
  • lakshminrisimhan adaikkalappattu
  • patthu, anaitthulagam
  • PallaaNdu
  • Sarvadesa, Vedanta Desikan Vazhi Thirunamam
  • Sarvadesa, Athivan satakopan Vazhi Thirunamam
  • Srimad Vedanta Desikan Mangalam
  • Srimad Athivan Satakopan Mangalam
  • Sri Sannidhi Guruparambarai Thaniyan Sri:pati, Sri:, Viswaksenar, Satakopan, Nathamuni, Pundarikakshar, Ramamisrar, Sri Alavandhar, Mahapurnar, Bhashyakarar, Embar, Parasara Bhattar, NanjIyar, Nampillai, Vadakku Thiruveedhippillai, Sri Rangeswarar, Kesavacaryar, Kamalavasar, Kesavacaryar, Athivan Satakopan, followed by 44 Srimad Azhagiya Singars.
  • Dasavataara Stotram
By the time Satrumurai is over Prasadam is already served. Next, Samasrayanam and/or Bara Nyasam for sishyas.

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