Paduka sahasra mahotsavam – Nanganallur – 11/3/2018
The second Sunday of March (11/3/2018) began on a bright note as bhaagavathas started making a beeline to the Lakshmi Nrsimha navaneedha krishnan temple at MMTC Colony in Nanganallur. It was no ordinary day for all those who revere Swami Desikan and his magnum opus – Sri Paduka Sahasram.
This was the day when the grand Paduka Sahasra Mahotsavam by Sri APN Swami. was going to happen for the first time within the city of Chennai. The excitement was palpable and one could see mamis in brightly-clad madisars and mamas with the perfect thiruman thronging to the temple.
The first big surprise was waiting for all of us. It was the special arrival and purapaadu of “ghantai” that was brought from SVDD temple in Mylapore. This is Swami Desikan’s seventh centenary silver ghantai (bell) that is being worshipped in the temple. As we walked around the streets of MMTC colony behind this prestigious ghantai, the real meaning of this experience began sinking into our minds. We felt privileged and blessed to be a part of this festivity.
We then headed back to the temple and waited eagerly for paduka sahasra parayanam to begin. With Swami desikan and divya dampathis facing each other, it was truly a sight to behold for all of us present there. As we were enjoying these blissful moments, the goshti assembled and everyone started getting ready for the parayanam.
It began with the first parivattam (mariyadhai) for our beloved Swami Desikan followed by parivattam for our Sri APN Swami. Ladies and gents were seated on either side and thus began the parayanam of one of the greatest works in the world. At the end of every paddhathi, a specific fruit and a specific flower was offered for Perumal and thayar. So, for 32 paddhathis, there were 32 types of fruits and flowers. Thanks to the members of Krishna Jana Bhakta Sabha and Sri APN Swami for meticulously coordinating these offerings.
The parayanam was guided by our Swami and it thundered as the goshti and all members joined in. Time flew and before we knew, we had reached the last but one paddhathi and this was when we had yet another opportunity to immerse ourselves in Swami Desikan’s bhakti. The goshti slowed down to give us all a few moments to capture the beauty and essence of Swami Desikan’s words.
Highlight of the day – Swami Desikan’s Kai thala sevai
During the recitation of the last eight verses, Swami Desikan was taken towards the Divya Dhampathis who were patiently waiting for his arrival. Each verse was repeated twice by the goshti while our Swami recited gattiyangal to herald the arrival of Swami Desikan towards Perumal and Thayar.
During this sevai, the body and mind came together to enjoy the divinity of the moment. The gattiyangal in APN Swami’s voice sounded mellifluous for the ears while the sight of Swami Desikan transported us to a different world altogether. The joy that we felt in our hearts can never be explained by mere words. You have to be there to experience this moment.
Finally, the union happened and Swami Desikan was placed at the lotus feet of the divya dampathis to give blessings for all those assembled there.
This was followed by pushpa vruthi where baskets of flowers were showered on Swami Desikan, Perumal and Thayar by the enthusiastic archakas. Mangalasasanam and a sumptuous feast ended this significant day for all of us.
As we left the temple, there was definitely a tinge of sadness as the utsavam had ended. At the same time, there was an overwhelming sense of happiness and bliss for having witnessed such a unique event.
A special thanks to Sri APN Swami and the kainkarya goshti for making this event so memorable for all of us. This day will be etched in our memories for many years to come.
PS: All is not lost if you missed this event. There is another paduka sahasra mahotsavam happening on March 31st at Ahobila mutt in Triplicane. So, you have yet another chance to experience this divine and blissful event.
Sri APN Swami 