Dr. Sri APN Swami

with Purisai Swamy

Vachaspathy Dr. Sri. U. Ve Mukundagiri Vankeepuram Ananntha PadmaNabhachariar, fondly called as Sri Desika Divya Paduka Sevakan Sri APN Swami is a famous Upanyasakar, Writer, Researcher, Director and influencing pillar of Sanathana Dharma.

He is also the Editor of 75+ year old renowned Tamil Magazine “SriNrisimhapriya”. As a Director, He has spread our tradition and culture through his feature film(Ghantavatharam), short films and stage dramas. 

He continues to motivate young and dynamic volunteers SARAN Sevaks through SARAN Sathsangh to spread Sanathana Dharma all over the world.  

With a Siromani, M.A., M.Phil., and PH.D in Sanskrit from University of Madras, he has been playing a pivotal role in spreading Sanathana Dharma and helping millions of people understand the nuances and intricacies of the Hindu way of life.

Birth & Family Heritage

Sri APN Swami was born on 15th May 1972 in the Tamil month of Vaikasi on Murugasheerisam star at Chennai to an orthodox Srivaishnava Brahmin family belonging to Bharadwaja Gothram.

The family hailed from Mukundagiri, a small & ancient agraharam near Madurantakam (famously known as “Dwayam vilaintha Thirupathi”).  Mukundagiri is well-known for an ancient temple dedicated to Sri Kothandarama Perumal and Srinivasan.

Sri APN Swami’s Father, Sri Mukundagiri Vangeeepuram Narasimhachariar, popularly known as Sri Nrisimhapriya Narasimhan served as a teacher at Venkataramana Elementary School, Chennai Mylapore and rendered service to Sri Nrisimhapriya Tamil Magazine all through his life.

His name Sri Nrisimhapriya Narasimhan as given by Mukkur Srimadh Azhagiya Singar, speaks volume about his contribution to SriNrisimhapriya Tamil Magazine. This title has been included in Swami’s Charama Slokam too. Sri APN Swami’s Mother, Smt Ramani Narasimhan, also joined her husband to serve for Sri Nrisimhapriya Tamil Magazine. She has rendered invaluable service to the circulation of this magazine by supplying it to places like Higginbotham stalls in Railway stations.

Such a staunch dedication for SriNrisimhapriya from the entire family laid the foundation for APN Swami’s life too. He continued on the path set by his parents and his dedication and involvement in SriNrisimhapriya is there for everyone to see and experience today.

Holistic Academic Education

Sri APN Swami began his education at renouned Venkataramana Elementary School, a government School in Chennai Mylapore, under the direct guidance of his father till Class 5.  From Class 6 on, Swami continued his education at Sri Ahobila Mutt Oriental School in T.Nagar Chennai.  

After completing Class 10, Swami pursued the five-year Sironmani in Mimamsa from Madras Sanskrit College.  Swami completed his MA MPhil and Ph.D. degrees from Vivekananda College. His Ph.D. included theses such as Allegorical Dramas in Vishistadvaitham, Sankalpa Suryodhyam and Viveka Vijayam Manuscript edition.   Swami also completed Diploma in Vaishnavism from Madras University.

All this rich learning from esteemed institutions and a personal flair for languages has made Swami a multi-linguistic scholar today. He is well-versed in languages such as Tamil, Sanskrit, English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam.

Traditional (Sampradayic) Education

Sri APN Swami had initiation into SriVaishnava Sampradayam i.e. Samasreyanam under HH 44th Pattam Mukkur Srimadh Azhagiya Singar and became a Shishya of the ancient Srimadh Ahobila Mutt.

Sri APN Swami has acquired in-depth knowledge and proficiency in Hindu Religion and Shasthras, Vedas, Divya Prabantham and Visishtadvaitha Siddantham through Kalakshepam in the Traditional and ancient gurukulam style from following great Scholars,

  1. Erudite scholar Sri U Ve. Purasai Nadadur Krishnamachariar (Sri Purisai Swami) (Vaikuntavasi), a President Awardee for Sanskrit was an editor of Sri Nrisimhpriya for more than 50 years and published many books on Sri Visishtadvaitham as well as written Bagavath Ramanuja’s Sri Bhashyam in Tamil.
  2. Another great scholar, Kulapathy Sri  U. Ve. O.R. Rajagopalachariar Swami (Vaikuntavasi), who has produced thousands of students for the propaganda of Sanskrit through his Sanskrit Vidhyalaya, Mambalam, Chennai.

Swami’s Sahithya Sanskrit was nurtured under the able guidance of Kulapathy Uzahappakkam Sri Rajagopalachariar (Son-In-Law of Sri Madhurantakam Swami).

Sri APN Swami attended SriVaishnava Sampradayic learning as per the ancient Guru Shishya Kalakshepam method under the guidance of eminent scholar Sri Purisai Swami for 7 years including 5 years of sampradayic learning. During this time, he diligently served his Acharyan 24/7 by staying as an “Anthevasi” from 1994 to 2002. 

Through traditional Kalakshepam under Sri Purisai Swami, Sri APN Swami learnt Sri Bhashyam, Srimadh Bhagavad Gita Bhasyam, Srimadh Rahasyatrayasaaram, Bhagavad Vishayam, Ramayanam, Mahabharatham & other important Sampradayam Granthas including works of Swami Ramanujacharya and Swami Vedanta Desika.

As per the guidance of Sri Purisai Swami, Sri APN Swami surrendered at the lotus feet of SrimanNarayana and performed Bharasamarpanam under the guidance of 45th Pattam Srimadh Azhagiya Singar.

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Sri Ahobila Mutt Asthana Vidhwan
Desika Darsana Choodamani Purisai Nadadur SriBhashya Simhasanam
Editor - SriNrisimhapriya (Vaikuntavasi) 
Sri U. Ve. Krishnamachariyar Swami

Swami as College Lecturer

In late 90s, Swami served as a Sanskrit lecturer in eminent colleges in Madras like Vivekananda College, Meenakshi College, Madras University, DG Vaishnava College. Through his hilarious words and deep knowledge, he has inspired many students to take a deep interest in our glorious heritage and culture.

Swami Devoting to Sampradayam

Sri APN Swami married Smt. Revathy in July 2001. Smt Revathy has been a great support and been a great pillar for all Sampradayic activities initiated by Sri APN Swami and SARAN Sathsang.  With total support from his wife and with the only aim to serve the Sampradayam, Sri APN Swami quit the job of working as college lecturer in December 2001, to devote his time completely for Sampradayic Kalakshepam, Upanyasams, Vidhwa Sadhas and researches of Holy Scriptures. Swami is a strict follower of daily Sampradayic rituals known as Nithya Anushtanams like Bhagavad Thiruvaradhanam, Trikala Sandhya Vandhanam etc. Swami is very devoted to teach and inculcate these anushtanams in the lifestyle of his shisya’s too.

Swami as an Acharya

Lot of disciples of various age groups ensemble Sri APN Swami daily to seek Sampradaya Kalakshepam in a true Guru – Sishya style.  His devotion to Sampradayam, clarity on Shastras, ever ready to clarify doubts and affection towards his Sishyas influenced many youngsters and couples to completely transform to Sanathana Dharma.  Sri APN Swami will always be seen surrounded by thirsty younger generation seeking knowledge on Sampradayam.

Swami has been teaching to his Sishyas through Kalakshepam in places like West Mambalam, Mylapore, Nanganallur, Mysore, Bangalore, Srirangam and to online shishyas across the globe including Australia, Europe, Middle East Countries and USA.  

Some of the key Sampradayic Granthas taught by Swami through Kalakshepam method includes,  

  • Nammazhwar’s Thiruvaimozhi’s commentary Bhagavad Vishayam
  • Swami Alavandar’s Githartha Sangraham
  • Swami Alavandar’s Chatusloki
  • Swami Ramanujar’s Sri Bhashyam
  • Swami Ramanujar’s Gita Bhashyam
  • Swami Ramanujar’s Vedartha Sangraham
  • Swami Ramanujar’s Gadya Trayam
  • Nadadur Ammaal’s Prapanna Parijatham
  • Swami Desikan’s 32 Chillarai Rahasyams
  • Swami Desikan’s SrimadhRahasyaTrayaSaaram . 6 Avurtthi of this grantha kalakshepam with Sattrumurai has been completed. Sri APN Swami had once conducted kalakshepam of this great holy grantham at Srirangam Vadaku Utthara Veedhi, in Swami Desikan’s Thirumaligai for 18 days, 8hrs a day in a grand manner.  Swami Desikan had written this holy grantham during his stay in this house in Srirangam and such a grand kalakshepam explains Sri APN Swami’s love and respect to Swami Desikan.
  • Sandhyavandhanam Bhashyam
  • and many more

Coping up with technology and adapting to the modern needs, Swami has also been conducting Kalakshepam through online Google Meet where Shishyas from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Australia, Singapore, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai & USA join enthusiastically everyday with face to face and one on one interaction with Sri APN Swami.

Swami in Vidwath Sadas

Sri APN Swami is a very active and well known participant in Vidwath Sadas conducted by various Mutts, Sabhas and Sathsangs.  Few notable events are

  • Vidwath Sadhas conducted by Mutts like Sri Ahobila Mutt, Sri Parakala Mutt & Andavan Ashrams
  • Vidwath Sadhas conducted during Thirunatchathirams of our acharyas like Srimadh Azhagiya Singar, Sri Uttamur Swami.
  • Matha-Thraya Vidwath Sadas conducted by Vasudeva Satsangam during Swami Ramanuja Jayanthi, which includes scholars of all three philosophies Advaitham, Dvaitham and Vishistadvaitham. 

As a Magazine Editor 

Swami’s experience in book editing goes back to his college days. When he was a student at Mambalam Sanskrit Vidhyalaya, Sri APN Swamy along with Sri O.R.Devanathachariar (who later became Sanskrit, HOD Presidency College) were the editors of a Manuscript Weekly Magazine called “Abhilasha”.

It was during this time, the famous “Vedanta Desika Vijayam” Sanskrit drama was staged by the eminent students of Mambalam Sanskrit Vidhyalaya.

In 1998 or the Tamil year of Bahudanyam, Sri APN Swami started the magazine called “Sri Ranga Satajit Krupa”, as a mark of celebrating the 120th Thirunatchathiram of Srimadh Injimedu Azhagiya Singar,.  This magazine had articles contributed by eminent scholars like Sri Kaaryam Thayyar Rangarajachariar, Sri M K Srinivasan (Former Editor of SriNrisimhaPriya,English)  and famous Sampradayic Scholar and Upanyasakar Sri Mukkur LakshmiNarasimhachariar.  The magazine had interesting cartoons by Sri Keshav of Hindu and also included memes to depict how difficult it is to make people read magazines.  This magazine was well-enjoyed and appreciated by readers from all walks of life.

All this rich experience and learning prepared Sri APN Swamy to take the challenging role as the editor of SriNrisimhaPriya at a later stage.  “Appular Kiliyai Pazhakinaa Pole” – Like how Swami Desikan was trained and nurtured by his maternal Uncle Appular, Sri APN Swamy was trained & nurtured by Sri Purisai Swamy to take up Sampradayic activities and role in SriNrisimhaPriya.

In 1999, Sri Purisai Swamy retired from SriNrismaPriya. As per the niyamanam of 45th Pattam Srimad Azhagiya Singar, Pazhaveri Villivalam Sri U. Ve. Lakshminarasimhachariar (Sri Raghu Swami, Poorvashrama Son of 45th PattamSrimadAzhagiya Singar) took the role as Editor of SriNrismhaPriya and  Sri APN Swamy served as a Sub Editor till 2007.

Again in the month of Purattasi in 2015, impressed by his zeal and enthusiasm in our sampradayam, 46th Patam Srimad Azhagiya Singar of Ahobila Mutt appointed Sri APN Swamy as the Editor of Sri Nrisimha Priya, the Vaishnava Sampradaya Spiritual Magazine in Tamil that is being published by Sri Ahobila Mutt for the past 75 years. This honor was bestowed upon Sri APN Swami at a very young age and he has brought-in various changes in the style & presentation of articles and important information to make it more appealing across different generations.

As an Upanyasakar

Sri APN Swami is very famous for his Upanyasams (spiritual discourses) in India. Sticking to his principles, he refused to travel abroad, though his Upanyasam are popular world over thru his CDs, Youtube, etc., Sri APN Swami is very popular for his new modern style of Upanyasam, wherein he blends the tradition with current modern way of our customs and life-style.  His spontaneous quotes from Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam literatures has earned him a special title ABHINAVEEYA PRAVACHANAMANI  in recognition of this unique style.

Swami is specifically popular for quoting timely enjoyable and relevant jovial anecdotes blending the current affairs, during his Upanyasams, which is widely acclaimed and enjoyed by large audience.  This pattern has been acquired by him due to his close association since his childhood days with Thirukkallam Sri Narasimha Raghavachariar, Sri Mukkur Laksminarasimhachariar, Sri Perukaranai Chakravarthiachariar Swamy and Sri K.V. Santhanagopalachariar.

Even at very young age, Swamy was very famous to have conducted 3 series of upanyasams in a day. Eg. Kizzpakkam, Mylapore and Tambaram during December season.

APN Swami is very famous for his multi-city dual Upanyasams. On one occasion Swami travelled to Madurai for evening Upanyasam and came back to Chennai for morning Upanyasam for 3 consecutive days.

Sri APN Swami’s Srimadh Bhagavata Upanyasam in Bangalore attracted all groups of people across all ages and has been a treat to listen for more than 10 years. This Srimadh Bhagavatam Upanyasam Series in Bangalore also included a grand Rukmini Kalyana utsavam in June 2017 and completion in 2018 with grand Bhagavad Gita Yagnam.

Sri APN Swami’s Sundara Kandam Upanyasam following 8 days Paarayana Kramam is a very famous series which is religiously used as a guidance by Ladies during Navarathiri Paarayanam.

Swami’s Upanyasams includes various topics ranging from Puranas, Ithihasas like Ramayanam, Mahabharatham, Sthala Mahatmiyam of ancient places and Divyadesams.  Many of his Upanyasams are available as Audio and Video CDs and also on his youtube channel.

For list of upanyasams by Sri APN Swamy also visit  the menu Upanyasams. 

As a Writer

Swami as a Researcher, Publisher & Writer

Generally the Orators have a limitation of being a writer and vice-versa. However our APN Swami is eloquent as a Writer and an Orator as well. Starting at a very young age, Swami has authored and published more than 30 books in Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada & English.

Sri APN Swami has well researched on rare collections of Sanskrit manuscripts Bharata Savitri, Sri Ahobila Kshetra Mahatmyam, Guru Thilaka Stuti, Acharya Shekara etc., These manuscripts were found torn and in a dilapidated condition to which APN Swami gave a new life, wrote commentaries with meaning, made it available in print format, so that, a common man can easily access and understand the real essence of them. These rare collections are now available for ever.

Sri APN Swami is not only eloquent in Sampradaya, he is equally proficient in Indian History as well.  He authored several books in a Historical Novel style including Sri Vaishnava Guru Paramapara for common audience. The books titled Sri Ramanuja Vaibhavam, Adi Guru are based on the incidents in Swami Ramanuja’s life and Sri Ahobila Mutt Acharya’s life related to Kanchi Sri Varadaraja Perumal.  These books were translated to Kannada & Telugu.

Sri APN Swami’s historical novel in Tamil Yamunai Thuraivar Thirumuttram narrates the incidents happened in Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Temple during the period of Aurangazeb between 1687-1711AD.

Sri APN Swami has recently published “Villai Vidutha Vijayan” a book based on 1st Chapter of Bhagavath Gita with elaborate commentaries and meaning in Tamil based on Srimad Ramanuja’s and Swami Desikan’s Geetha Bhashyam in Sanskrit.  Swami is now working on the Second chapter and will continue publishing till completion of 18th Chapter of Gita. This would be a great treasure of the recent times.

For the list of books published by Sri APN Swami visit – https://apnswami.wordpress.com/publications/

Swamy’s Contribution To Magazines

Sri APN Swami regularly contributes articles to several magazines in a simple language that is easy to read for everyone.  He regularly contributes to magazines such as Maligai Magal , Deiva Darisanam, Gopura Deepam , Hindu , Kumudham Jothidam and vikatan.com.

His series of articles is widely appreciated by people from all walks of life. Some of his popular series include

  • Swami Ramanuja Vaibhavam in Kalki Deepam magazine
  • A research oriented article on Mahabharatha named as Bharatha Rahasyangal in Malligai Magal magazine.

Swamy’s Mission to Restore Scriptures

Swamy’s library hosts many rare ancient manuscripts and scriptures.  Swamy has been preserving these books with utmost care and has taken up the mission of digitalizing these ancient scriptures so that it is available for many generations to come.

As a Play Director

Sri APN Swami has written, directed and staged various plays, feature films and short films in Sanskrit and Tamil on spiritual topics.

  • During his early college days, APN Swami produced a full length Sanskrit Drama on Swami Vedantha Desikan. The audience were awestruck with his presentation of on-stage special effects and trick shots. This play was a grand success and had great reviews in Times of India.
  • Along with Sri O.R.Devanathachariar (Sanskrit, HOD Presidency College), Sri APN Swami has worked on plays titled “1942 – Freedom story”, “Bali Niyamanam”, “Pancharaathram”
  • Together with Ms.Anita Guha, Swami has choreographed Koodiyirundu Kulirndu a dance program on Andal’s Thiruppavai, brought to the audience in a new dimension.

As a Film Director

Through Television

Sri APN Swami has given discourses in many TV channels including Star Vijay TV, Podigai TV, SVBC TTD, SVBC 2 TTD, Sankara TV, Vanavil TV, Sanskar TV(Hindi channel with tamil program) & Jaya TV .

Sri APN Swami has independently accomplished many Live Telecast.  Interesting programs from his production house which have been very popular in small screen include

  • Swami’s Tapovanam a popular program on Great Rishies that was telecast on Star Vijay TV shows his deep Knowledge about our Sanatana Dharmam. While doing this program, he travelled to many risky spots on mountains, valleys, caves and the like.
  • Sri APN Swami produced Nadhi Moolam a travelogue program on Sacred Rivers that was telecast on Sri Sankara TV. Swami is the first Upanyasakar to present from Icy Cold Gangothri – ‘the origin of Ganges’. This program made the viewers to travel along the sacred river Ganges from its origin as it flowed through the great plains.
  • Swami has himself directed many programs, one among them is Sri Desika Vijayam, which was telecasted on Sanskar and Podigai TV.
  • Kanchi Varadhan GarudaSevai Live relay through Sanskar TV in early 2000 when technology was at its nascent stage and live relay was a big challenge is a feather on Swami’s hat.
  • Swami Vedanta Desikan Mangalasasanam live relay from Thiruvaheendipuram is another achivement.
  • Live relay of ASHRAMA SWEEKARAM & SASHTIABDA POORTI MAHOTSAVAM OF 46th JEER OF AHOBILA MUTT through Podhigai TV made it possible for millions of viewers to watch the event from the comfort of their homes.
  • Live relay of Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi Mahotsavam from Chembur Sri Ahobila mutt through Doordharshan Podigai TV was also much appreciated.
  • His individual productions in various channels like “DINAM ORU DIVYA NAMAM’ based on Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namavali telecasted through Jaya TV from Monday to Friday at 6.30 A.M. for more than 1500 episodes has earned him popularity and recognition not only in India but also abroad. Ancient temples from nook and corner of India were shown in this program for the benefit of viewers with the intent to inculcate knowledge in the minds of younger generation.  This resulted in preserving and maintaining the ancient art and culture for the future generation.  Swami was also instrumental in restoring more than 30 dilapidated temples through this program.
  • “Sri Ramanuja Vijayam” in Doordharshan Podhigai TV covering the complete life history of the great Srivaishnava guru Swami Ramanuja was telecasted for more than 3 years in commemoration of 1000th birthday celebration of Swami Ramanuja and 750th birthday Celebration of Swami Vedanta Desikan.
  • Famous programs in SVBC TTD Channel includes Manasellam Madhavan, Hari Vamsam, Bharata Savithri, Sri Anantha Padmanabhan Vaibhavam, Kaisika Ekadashi, Tholaadha Thani Veeran, Sindhika Sila Nodigal, Dinam Thorum Divya Desam, Srimadh Bhagavatam, Kaveri Mahatmiyam in commemoration of Kauveri Pushakaram 2017, Sri Lakshmi Puja during Deepavali, Swami Vedanta Desikan Mangalasasanam, Swami Vedanta Desikan Thirunatchathiram. and more have brought profound happiness to devotees world over.
  • Bhagavad Gunangal in Vanavil TV has also endeared him to viewers of all ages.
  • Famous upanyasams in SANKARA TV include Ahobila Mahatmiyam, Ramayanam.
  • Since Jan 2023 Swami is delivering Bhagavad Gita Lectures in SVBC2 TTD Tamil Channel at 6PM IST.

SARAN  & Events by SARAN

Awards & Accolades

Sri APN Swami has been conferred many Titles in recognition of his talent and contribution to the society and sampradayam.  To mention a few…

  • Abhinava Desika Keerthi Rathna
  • Vainava Semmal
  • Vainava Seva Ratna
  • Dharmathma Vaidya Subramanya Iyer Award
  • Desika Dharshana Bhushanam by Srimad Paravakottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan
  • Pravachana Sironmani by Srimad Paravakottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan
  • Pravachana Vachaspathi
  • Pravachana Bhaskara
  • Upanyasa Kesari
  • Abhinaveeya Pravachanamani
  • Choodamani
  • Abhinava Abhinaya Desika given to Sri APN Swami by Sri Abhinava Vaagesha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swami, in the presence of Melkote Sri Lakshmi Tattachariar, Pattana Nagai Veera Raghavachariar Swami in Jan 2020 at Mysore
  • தேசிக தர்சன தாதா- Desika Darshana Data Title to Sri APN Swami by Nadadur Ammal Trust in the presence of Srirangam Srimadh Andavan SriVaraha Mahadesikan, Poundareegapuram Srimadh Andavan SriSrinivasaGopalaMahaDesikan Sri Dr V S KarunakarachariarSwami in Dec 2020 at Srirangam
  • Pravachana Ratna Choodamani given to Sri APN Swami by Sri Srinivasa Gopala Desikan during Srimad Paravakottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan’s centenary ( Sathamaana Mahothsavam) celebrations at Srirangam on 20-03-2021
  • Sri Desika Divya Paduka Sevakan

Swami’s Social Contribution

Sri APN Swami Leads the life strictly as per the vedic scriptures and at the same time is focused in the social activities thus guiding the common man in the principles of Sanathana Dharma.

Sri APN Swami has always been the voice of Santana Dharma by voicing for the rights of Sanathana Dharma and followers of Sanathana Dharma.

  • Voice for Sanathana Dharma: Swami is very focused in voicing opinions with facts as per the Sanathana Dharma so that it reaches wider audience with ancient facts in all his public gatherings. Watch –  Sri APN Swami in Pesum Thalamai
  • Voice for Andal: When the birth of Andal one of the 12 Azhwars was wrongly propagated, Swami raised voice against the same.   The event had support from common man with more than 10,000 people joining a peace protest at Chepauk.

Sri APN Swami’s thoughts and deeds are always inspiring as they revolve around the betterment of our society in general and our Sanathana Dharmam in particular.