A.V. Devan Times

Dear Readers! I was fortunate to visit “Eri Kaatha Ramar” temple at Maduranthakam recently while on my way to Melmaruvathur Adiparasakthi temple. In Tamil ‘Eri’ means ‘Lake’ or ‘Tank’, ‘Kaatha’ means protected hence the “Lake protected by Rama.” There is an interesting story behind this name, which you can find in the article. You will also be surprised to note that the shrine of Janakavalli Thayar i.e. Sita’s shrine was built with the help of the then British Collector, Colonel Lionel Blaze who sanctioned necessary funds as an offering to Lord Rama. The temple also has its connection with Saint Ramanuja. The temple is a revered shrine for Srivaishnavas as it is hallowed by the visit of Emperumanar Ramanujar enroute to Srirangam. It was here in Maduranthakam temple Sri Periya Nambigal performed Pancha Samskaaram to Sri Ramanuja. The temple has rich legends dating back to Ramayana period. The temple abounds with interesting incidents and enlightening legends. Please read on to know mo

Am happy to present the article “Tyagaraja! Ramaraja” as part of the “Endaro Mahanubavulu” Series of articles. In fact the name is coined from the very composition of “Tyagaraja” himself. This article is a tribute to the great Saint and is being brought out to commemorate his aradhana celebrations. Tyagaraja attained mukti on Pushya Bahula Panchami as per the Hindu calendar which falls on 24th January this year. When I thought of naming the article the first thought that came to my mind was the non-paralleled “Rama Bhakti” of Tyagaraja. One can feel the Rama Bhakti in each and every song of the Saint. He ate, lived and breathed the divine naama called Rama. For anything and everything Tyagaraja goes to Rama and appeals to him. One can appreciate his Rama Bhakti even if one gives a cursory reading of his compositions. It is for this reason the article is so titled, since Rama surrenders to the Bhakti of Tyagaraja. The Saint lived in mortal form from circa 1767 to 1847 for a peri