Applying Pundara Samskaram

As the Satrumurai comes to a close, the sishyas wanting to undergo Samsrayanam line up near the Silver maNdapam. The Kainkaryaparas get the Changu and Chakram heated for the Thapa Samskaram. Srimad Azhagiya Singar then applies the Thapa Samskaram. After that, Srimad Azhagiya Singar initiates the sishyas with puNdara samskaram. Then, Srimad Azhagiya Singar takes the throne. The rest of the samskarams are completed near the throne.

At this point in time, the sishyas who are getting initiated with Panca Samskaram are given Sri pAda tIrtham of Srimad Azhagiya Singar. This is part of the Samarayanam. However, other sishyas gathered can also receive Sri pAda tIrthm. The way to receive tIrtham is to bow down so that Srimad Azhagiya Singar can sprinkle the tIrtham on your head. Then you extend your hand for receiving the tIrtham.

Sri pAda tIrtham is gathered everyday during Abhigamanam. Srimad Azhagiya Singar while seated on a stool extends Simad Azhagiya Singar's divine feet out. One of the Sri Sannidhi paricharakas pours some water on Simad Azhagiya Singar's thiruvadi and collects the divine water in a silver vessel. This is consumed by sishyas to as purifier.

Kainkaryaparas of Sri Ahobila Matam work every single day, i.e. there is no weekend off or anything like that. However, they do get about 50 to 60 days annual vacation. Whenever they take vacation they have to go to the Ashramam and get Manthrakshadai from Srimad Azhagiya Singar before leaving. Srimad Azhagiya Singar will enquire about the reasons for taking vacation and if appropriate will even give money for expenses. When they return from their vacation they can join duty only after purifying him by consuming Sri pAda tIrtham from Srimad Azhagiya Singar.

Upanyasam

After the conclusion of Samsrayanam Srimad Azhagiya Singar usually delivers a brief upanyasam. The upanyasam is very simple so that anyone can easily understand and yet captivating for even Vidwans. Often it is about the beauty of Malolan; how even in a remote place like Selaiyur so many devotees come because of the attraction of Malolan; how so many people are undertaking samasrayanam and prapatti; etc.

During this time those who want to perform Saranagati get ready and await Srimad Azhagiya Singar. After the upanyasam Simad Azhagiya Singar goes back to the Silver mandapam and performs Saranagati on behalf of the waiting devotees. Depending upon the adhikari it will either in the mode of Ukti Nishtai or Acarya Nishtai.

Abhiganam thus comes to an auspicious conclusion. Srimad Azhagiya Singar returns to Ashramam to the accompaniment of auspicious Vadyam.

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