D.R's Blog On Sri Vaishnavam

Srimathe Ramanujaya Namha: Srimathe Nigamananda Maha Desikaya Namaha: 1. Our Acharyans & Azhwars have highlighted the SharaNagathi in their Granthams (Slokas or Prabhandams).  While it may take a long time to understand,   we can try to   see them as we progress. In this posting let us see how our Jagadhachariyan Ramanujar did the SharaNagathi. 2. Bhagavad Ramanujar preached us the secrets of SharaNagathi through Vishnu Puranam, Maha Bharatam, Bhagavad Gita etc.. 3  On one sacred day (Panguni Uthram) when Sri Ranga Nachiyar & Sri Ranganathar were together in a decorated the mandap (serthi) for sake and on behalf of   Bhakthas like us , Bhagavad Ramanujar prayed before them and did Prapatti or SharaNagathi.   Later, during this occassion whatever the dialogue he had with them he composed three Granthams namely Saranagathi Gadhyam, Sri Ranga Gathyam and Sri Vaikuntha Gadhyam. All three are together called "Gadhyatrayam". Highlights of Gadhyatrayam...

Srimathe Ramanujaya Namha: Srimathe Nigamananda Maha Desikaya Namaha: How to do Saranagathi? 1. Doing Saranagathi is a thought in mind. There is no action (kriyai) defined for it. 2. When you think in your mind Sriman Narayana and say "Hey Narayana, I am surrendering you", from that moment Perumal takes care of you. 3. There is no time or day defined for it. Any Jeevathama can do Saranagathi.  Saranagathi is independent of Samasrayanam or Pancha Samaskaram. 4. However in Sri Vaishnava Sampradhayam, it is said that surrendering to Perumal through an Acharyan is more effective or the best. Because an Acharyan can help you understand more about principles of Saranagathi and guide you how to elevate yourself (atma) to be prapanan (saranagathan). Acharyan also teaches the life style to follow that pleases Emperuman (Sriman Narayana). 5. Hence our Gurus (Acharyans) have defined some processes called "Samasrayanam" or "Pancha Samaskaram" and "Prapatti"....

Before we get into further details on Sri Vaishnavam the first and foremost important topic we should understand is about Saranagathi.  Once we do this, then Emperuman will bless us to understand the rest more in detail.  Saranagathi : 1. Sar anagathi or Prapatti basically means surrendering to Sriman Narayana.  2. " Gathi" means "state".   "Saran" means Surrender. Hence Saranagathi means a state in which you have surrendered to someone whom you trust always, who is nothing but Sriman Narayana in our Vaishnava tradition 3.  By doing Saranagathi you transfer your burden to God and show your dependency on HIM. Key Aspects of Prapatti or Saranagathi  1. First and foremost, one has to believe that Srinman Narayana is the only GOD who can save us from this worldly struggles and provide salvation - This is called " Ananya Gadhyathvam". 2. One should feel that one can't do anything on one's own self.   Even to do saranagathi it is Sriman Narayan...

 This brief note is for those who intend to know what is so special about Vainavam or Sri Vaishnavam.  1. A "Sri Vaishnavan" is the one who strongly have faith and pray only Sri Narayanan. 2. Sri Vaishnavam is set of practices or life style followed by such Sri Vaishnavas. 3. You can classify the believers in God in two broad categories a. The religions that believe in Vedam , ie,  Dharma as defined in Vedas - This is called "Sanathana Dharma" b. Other religions who don't believe in Vedas - Kuthrushti mathangal 4. There is only one super natural Power called "Brahmam". Bhramam is Unique and is referred by Name " Narayana" as defined in Vedam 5. All Devathas other than Sriman Narayana are created by HIM only. 6. The life inside the body can be considered as Atma which unique for each of us. The power inside Bhramam is called "Paramatma" 8. Our physical body is different from Atma. Atma is everlasting and doesn't die out. It keeps...