Sama Vedam chant by Melattur Veda Patashala students!

Thanks to Shri Halasya Sundaram Iyer for this precious Sama Veda chant by the Veda Patashala Students in Melattur.

91 year old 'Veda Ratna'!

Renowned Veda scholar Narayanamangalath Agnisarman Namboodiri has been awarded with the prestigious title of Veda Ratna by the Kanchi University (Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya), Tamil Nadu in recognition of his contribution to the propagation and practice of the Vedas.

Agnisarman Namboodiri (91 years old) belongs to the traditional school of Veda scholars, who can recollect and recite about 20,000 shlokas, mantras and riks, both in ascending and descending order, along with the corresponding Mudras or hand gestures for each of them, said a press release from the University.

Wow.

Trained in the traditional Gurukula system, Agnisarman Namboodiri is also an expert in Kavya and Tarka Sastra in Sanskrit.

Agnisarman Namboodiri is recipient of several awards which include Gangeya Puraskaram by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai and Acharya Ratna Puraskaramby Brahmaswam Madhom, Thrissur.

Source: Times of India

Shankara. What a Person!

The below was written by Shri AJ Philip, three years back in www.heraldofindia.com.

The single-storied modern house, set in the middle of a large, lush-green compound was swarming with people, all relatives of Agnisarman Namboodiri. Attired in their best, they all seemed to be in a celebratory mood. I did not have to look for the paterfamilias, whose 88th birthday had brought all of us together. 

Bare-chested with sacred ash smeared on his forehead, the dhoti-clad, short-statured Namboodiri stood apart in the crowd as an epitome of dignity, nobility and solemnity. I learnt how considerate and caring he was when he asked his only grandson Yedu Krishnan to show us the bath room so that we could freshen up. 

In the meantime, he enlightened me about the sacred thread that he wore. It was made of three threads and the knots were in accordance with some specifications. "For a modern person, this thread may not have any significance but for a tradition-bound person like me, it is a symbol of our very existence", said Namboodiri. "Even our women wear the thread". But then, is wearing tight-fitting jeans in Kerala's humid weather a sign of modernity?

If that was the yardstick, Namboodiri was a living relic of the past. But when he tells you that the essence of Christianity does not lie in the spires that pierce the sky but in the belief that there is only one God who created the Universe and who favours being good, and helps himself and humans act morally and survive, since everyone makes mistakes, you appreciate the catholicity of his views.

We were ushered into a small room, close to the kitchen, where we were served simple but delicious vegetarian food on banana leaves. I watched Namboodiri eat as I myself partook of the feast. Not many people know when to eat pappad, when to taste the tamarind chutney and when to have the small banana. There is as much science to eating as there is to cooking. Incidentally, a good eater like Namboodiri won't waste even a morsel of food.

I saw many rounding off the sadhya with betel nut and pan leaves kept in a brass plate. Tobacco in any form was not served with paan. Before I go further, I must tell my readers what compelled me to travel all the way from Kayamkulam to Wadakkanchery to meet Agnisarman Namboodiri. I have great respect for people who can memorise.

As a Sunday School student, I took up the challenge of learning by heart Psalm 119, which would have fetched me a special prize. All I could do was learn Psalm 117, which is the shortest. I remember one of my classmates winning the coveted prize. 

This experience was at the back of my mind when a few years ago, while speaking at a church in Kerala, I offered to pay Rs 10,000 to the first Sunday School student who could learn Psalm 119 by heart within a month. Nobody came forward to claim the prize. 

Thus when Vijayan told me that his father could recite all the 10,472 riks of the Rigveda, the world's oldest religious text composed between 1700 and 1100 BC, in both ascending and descending order, I literally stood up in wonderment. One reason why I always respected my friend and classmate Parameswaran Unni, an expert in Islamic banking, whose services Kerala Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty had requisitioned to set up an Islamic bank in Kerala, was his ability to recite Sanskrit shlokas.

If Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna was born, Vrindavanam is not the place where Namboodiri was born. "I was born at Edappal, near Ponnani in Malappuram district. Our mana was close to the residence of A.V. Kuttimalu Amma, one of the tallest Congress leaders during the freedom struggle".

When I asked him whether he was related to the late leader, Namboodiri chuckled and said, "There was no relationship. Don't we all claim association with the rich and the famous?" His sense of humour and his ability to laugh at himself were secrets of his health.

Born in a conservative family, Namboodiri was not sent to school for fear that he would lose his caste purity. Instead, he was taught at home. He began learning Sanskrit and the Vedas at the feet of his guru Narayanan Namboodiri. When he said, "I learnt by listening, not reading", I remembered the story about how Krishna and his elder brother Balarama used to learn by just looking at the letters and markers that their teacher would write for their benefit.

"I learnt at my Guru's feet 15,000 shlokas. He never took any fees from us." When it was time for Gurudakshina, he was satisfied with Rs 5 and four dhotis that we gave, unlike Krishna's guru who insisted on delivering alive all his five children, who had died young. The first thing that he does in the morning after ablutions is to chant the shlokas section-wise so that they remain as fresh in his mind as ever.

That is exactly what one of my friends, whose melodious chanting I have heard to my heart's delight, does every morning. It was another teacher, Manthetta Narayanan Namboodiri, who knew that reciting Sanskrit verses alone would not fetch kanji and payar (rice and lentils), if not bread and butter, and, therefore, initiated him into learning Hindi. When the time came to marry, he took as his bride Radha Thampuratty from an aristocratic Kshatriya family of Thrisoor called Punnathur. Today her Tharavadu (ancestral home), known as Punnathur Kotta, is more famous as Anathavalam, the single largest place for captive elephants in the world, attached to the Guruvayooor temple.

Namboodiri took learning of Hindi so seriously that he acquired postgraduate-level qualifications in the language. For his first job as teacher of Hindi that fetched him a salary of Rs 25, he paid a "bribe" of Rs 500. When he left the job, sooner than later, he was promised that the money would be refunded. Fifty-six years later, he still waits for that Rs 500!

Incidentally, the first time he entered the portals of a school was to teach. The job gave him experience that enabled him to get a full-time job with Malabar District Board, which had 28 schools under it. He served in several schools before retiring from the Government Girls Higher Secondary School at Wadakkanchery. Since his retirement, he has been with Guruvayoor Devaswom as a Vedic teacher.

"Mother Veda will protect you, do not worry!"

Veda Patashalas needing our help!
=========================

Here is a list of Veda Patashalas which are in need of financial assistance. Please do call 

the Srowthigals at the numbers mentioned to get more details. My acquaintance has 

reached out to me to help spread the word. Please do your might to help out.

1) Sama Vedha patasalai

Saraboji Agraharam,

Thiruvenkadu

Adhyapakar: Sri Sundara Srowthigal,

Mobile No. +91 9489825418

email address: abhayamsahayam@gmail.com 

This Veda Patashala was earlier located in Pazhaya Gudalur, near Kuttalam, Mayuram and 

recently shifted to Thiruvenkadu. Has about 10 vidhyarthis.

Spoke to Shri Sundara Srowthigal just a few minutes back. He said he was blessed in the 

sense that his Vedas test was administered by Swamigal Himself in the year 1981 when He 

was camping in Gulbarga, Karnataka in His Satara Vijaya Yatra. Swamigal had given him 

some reward on that occasion! Sri Sundara Srowthigal's online transfer details:

Bank account name .--- city union bank. 

Bank account number 500101010210689. 

Bank address. no.137/87 k.s.building.pattamangala street.mayiladuthurai. nagapattinam 

district.tamilnadu.india.


Ifsc code.CIUB 0000005. 


Bank Account Name: S.SUNDARA SASTRIGAL.. 

His home address in mentioned above. The pincode is Tiruvengadu 609114

Those wishing to write checks can write them in the name of S.SUNDARA SASTRIGAL.

2) Sri Sankara Gurukulam Acharya Vidhya Vidhya Peetam,

79, North Street, Melattur - 614 301

Tanjore District.

Adhyapakar: Sri Thiagaraja Sharma

Mobile: +91 9003428845

About 20 vidhyarthis are studying here. Both Sama and Yajur vedams are taught here. It 

seems that a donor who was taking care of the grocery needs of the Patashala to the tune 

of Rs.14,000/- a month, has suddenly stopped contributing.

I spoke to Shri Thygaraja Sharma just a few minutes back. He said after he completed his 

Veda Adhyayanam at the age of 15, his guru took him to Kanchi Swamigal and told Him 

proudly, "Only this boy in my class has agreed to teach Vedas!"

To which Swamigal replied, " I am very proud of you! Mother Veda will take care of you, 

you do not worry! You have my complete blessings!"

And he started to teach Vedas at the age of 17 to a first batch of 3 boys!

He told me that checks can be drawn in the name of ' Sri Sankara Gurukulam Acharya 

Vidhya Peetam'.

Here are the online transfer details for this Patashala:

A/c.Name: SRI SANKARA GURUKULAM ACHARYA VIDYA PEETAM
A/c.No. 05370100004395

Bank : Bank of Baroda

IFSC: BARB0MELATT (Please note that it is a zero and not the letter O)

3) Thogur Veda Patashala

I just spoke to Shri Makarabhushanam Mama #2 in the list. He told me that Mahaswamigal blessed him to go to his guru's place and start the Veda Patashala, without seeking out money. And that he will be in 'Parama Kshemam'! He has been doing it from 1978.

Please send a check addressed to Shri Makarabhushanam and mail it to

Shri N. Makarabhushanam
Jemineeya Sama Veda Patashala,
Thogur,
Tanjore District,
Tamil Nadu --- 613102

Here are the online transfer details for Shri N. Makarabhushanam Thogur Veda Patashala:

IFSC code CIUB 0000081

a/c 08100 10003 07655

Kumbakonam City Union Bank 

Thogur branch 613102

4) Chidambaram Veda Patashala

Spoke to Shri Sabapathi Dikshidar. He mentioned that they started the Patashala in June 2012 and have 9 students now. He said when he went to Mahaswamigal to get His blessings for his Upanayanam, Swamigal showered His grace by giving him a Poorrnaphalam Matta Thengai and told him, "do your Adhyayanam properly and you will be blessed!".

Please write a check addressed to his father, Shri KM Ganeshamurthi and mail it to

6/52 Raghevendra Flats
F2 First floor,
North Car Street,
Chidambaram 608001
Tamil Nadu

Here are the online transfer details for Shri Sabapathi Deekshitar in Chidambaram

A/C holder name --- KM Ganeshamurthi (his father)
Bank a/c number --- 11040290790
Bank --- State Bank of India SBI
South Car Street, Chidambaram.

IFS Code --- SBIN 0000823

"Had a short conversation with Shri Makarabhushanam mama of Thogur. Some useful details: He has at present six resident vedic students as per our Gurukula system. Each adhyaayi spends an average of 9 years in the Gurukulam to master the Sukthas, Brahmanas and Grihyasutras.

He maintains 11 cows - 7 of which are milk-yielding, in a traditional Goshaala. He uses the milk, dung etc. obtained from the cows tended in the Goshaala only, for all the Gurukulam's needs and doesn't procure them from outside. The cost of feeding these cows averages Rs. 12k per month."

5) Sirugumani Veda Patashala

Bank Details: Central Bank Of India, Pettavaithalai Branch,Trichy-639112.
SB A.C No: 1960427760
IFSC Code: CBIN 0280902

Cheque shall be drawn on Shri Parasuraman P.

Mailing Address: Bru.Sri. Parasuramachar P, Somayaji, Adhyapakar,
Rigveda Gurukula Patasala,
97, Agraharam,
Sirugamani Post, Trichy- 639115.
Phone No: +91 9994304832

Thanks a ton!

*****

In the picture Swamigal is seen listening in rapt attention to children reciting the Vedas!

Veda Patashala in Madras enrolling students now!

Sri Vedha Vidya Asharamam is now enrolling students from the age 7 to 11 for Krishna Yajurveda. The children in this age group must have had their Upanayanam ceremony completed. Please find attached the banner in this regard, created by Ganapatigal Gururaman who runs this veda patasala at West Mambalam. Shri Karthik Narasimhan forwarded this to me, to be posted here and elsewhere. He says that Ganapatigal requested him to let everyone know. Significant to note that Karthik himself is attending the classes in this place after he saw an earlier similar post two/three months back!

Contact Details:

Ganapatigal Shri Gururaman
c/o Shri Vedha Vidya Ashramam
63, Ellaiamman Koil Street,
West Mambalam,

Madras – 600 033

Phone: 94442 24310/98410 55109

Special Veda classes in Summer Holidays in Madras, 2014!

Date: April 20th to June 17th, 2014

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Venue:

Shri Veda Vidhya Ashramam
No. 63, Ellai Amman Koil Street,
W Mambalam,
Madras --- 9

Phone: 044 6456 4446, 94440 55444, 94442 24310


Other details are mentioned in the above pictures.

Please avail of this for your children. Even older gentlemen from the 20s onwards should also take part, as nothing will make Kanchi Acharyas more happy!

Thanks a bunch to Smt Sandhya Gururaman who had posted this Bala Periyava group in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/balaperiyava/

Temple, Veda Patashala, Goshala, Old Age Home by the banks of idyllic Kollidam!

Sri Lalitha Parameswari temple at Nochiam

Important Dates:
--- May 12, 2014 - The Asramam will wear a festive look again in celebration of Periyava’s Jayanti (Anusham)
--- May 30, 2014 - Preliminary rituals begin
--- June 2, 2014  6.45-7.30 am - Rituals culminate in consecration on this day.
--- June 2, 2014 9 am - Maha Abishekam, Deeparadhana, etc. A souvenir will be released in connection with the consecration. Advertisements are welcome.
--- June 12, 2014 - The Asramam will wear a festive look again on Pournami Full Moon day.
--- June 30, 2014 (Aani 16) 6-7 am - The coronation of Sri Lalitha Parameswari as Empress (Samrajya Pattabishekam) will take place.
--- July 16, 2014 (Aani 32) - Mandalabishekam concludes on this day. The occasion will be marked by special homams and pujas for global welfare.

Smt Rajalakshmi Vittal (standing on the left) has undertaken the task of constructing a massive temple for Sri Lalita Maha Tripura Sundari with shrines for Vinayaka, Subramanya, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Veda Vysa, Adi Shankarar and Mahaperiyava. What a dedication and service by this octagenarian! Humility personified, she says its all His grace! 

"Work is progressing at a brisk pace!", Rajalakshmi Mami, who thanks all the devotees of Paramacharya, spread across the globe, for their contribution. Construction has reached a crucial phase and with more funds the shrines can be completed and Maha kumbabishekam performed by May 2014 to coincide with Maha Periyava's Jayanthi. Samrajaya Pattabishekam of Sri Lalitha Parameswari (Raja Mathangi) is her ultimate aim.

It was two years ago that she started the project, which includes a Veda Patashala, Goshala and Residence for senior citizens as a monument to Mahaswamigal, Whom she worships.

Rajalakshmi Vittal Mami's Ashramam is located at:

4/305, Aiyan Canal South Bank, Kollidam north Bank, Madhava Perumal temple, Nochiam, Tiruchi 621216.

She may be contacted at numbers 9443370605, 9842441091.

Please send your invaluable contributions in one of the following ways:

I) Demand drafts or cheques made in favour of 'Sri Jagadguru Kanchimamunivar Charitable Trust' may be sent to the above address.

II) Money may be transferred online to either of these three banks. Account Holder Name is 'Sri Jagadguru Kanchimamunivar Charitable Trust'. You may also put in Mami's name Smt Rajalakshmi Vittal in brackets:

1) Lakshmi Vilas Bank

A/C number 0784301000016904
IFSC Code: LAVB0000784

Bank Address: 64/3C, Chennai Main Road,Opp.Punjab National Bank,N.S.Complex,No.1, Tollgate, Bikchandar Kovil Panchayat,Uthamarkoil, Mannachanallur (TK), Trichy
State : Tamil Nadu
City : Uthamarkoil
Pin No. : 621216

2) Indian Bank

A/C Number: 886244176
IFSC Code: IDIB000S110

Bank Address: 51, Sannadhi Street Tiruvanai Koil, Trichy 620005
Tamil Nadu


3) City Union Bank Ltd

A/C Number: 115001001829205
IFSC Code: CIUB0000115

Address: Kamakoti No. 29, 1st floor, EVS Chari Road
State: Tamil Nadu
Branch: Srirangam (Trichy)


Please check these articles too:

1) Article #1 in Hindu

2) Article #2 in Hindu

3) Article #3 in Hindu

4) Article in The Hindu dated April 17th, 2014

This is her website kanchimamuni.org.