Kapisthalam Desikachariar Swami of Tirupati .--Biography
Biography written by DR K.C.Narsimhan ,great grand son of Sri Swami.
Introduction :
Mahamahopadya Kapisthalam Desikachariar Swami of Tirupati was one of the most distinguished exponents of Visishtadavaita school of Philosophy, besides being one of the few great scholars of his time.At the same time he was a ardent devotee of Lord Srinivasa , which made him decline number of remunerative posts and good offers outside Tirupati. Sri Swami was much superior to and deserved greater recognition than what he had received , which itself was quite considerable .He was regarded for several decades as the greatest living authority on Taraka sastra [logic], Nyaya dialetics and Vedantic philosophy during his life time .He had made use of Nyaya in precisely defining the metaphysical categories and epistemology in Visishtadvaita philosophy of Ramanuja .
He was considered as 'Apara Desika avatara' meaning- an incarnation of AcharyaVedanta Desika .
Early life and family.
Sri Desikachariar Swami was born in Trichanur [near Tirupati in Chitoor district of Andrapradesh] on 15 th october ,1855, in Tamil month of Purattasi under the constellation Anuradha star , synchronising with the birthday of Tirumala Nambi--a great savant of Tozhappa family and the maternal uncle of Srimad Ramanuja [the exponent of Visishtadwaita philosophy].
He belonged to Kaushika Gothram like Sri Vedanta Desikar .His father was Sriman Gopalachariar , a scholar and orthodox Vaishnavaite and his mother was Srimathi Venkataraghavaamma.His forefathers might have migrated from the village of Kapisthalam [near Kumbkonam]to Tirupati some two or three generations earlier
He had a younger brother Sriman Rangachari Swami who was equally eminent scholar in Sahitya and Alankara sastras , as he did not stir out of Tirupati , his erudition and scholarship could not be known to all.He was also a distinguished poet.Sri Desikachariar had a sister by name Srimathi Mangammal.
Being poor their father could not afford them the modern education .But by their own efforts ,Sri DesikachariarSwami and his brother studied Sahitya, Alankara ,Vyakarna and Tarka under the able guidance of Sriman Vidwan purisai Sri RangachariarSwami of Tirupati [in the present G.car street]
In his boyhood Sri Desikachariar Swami was noted for his precocious intellect with ingenious grasp of the lessons which made him obtain complete mastery over Vyakarana[grammar] and Tarka[logic] before he was 18 years of age.Then he was intiated into Vedantha[philosopy] and sampradaya works by the famous Sriman LadapuramGopalachariar Swami of Trichanur who was a grihastha intellectual like Sri Vedantha Desika.
When the great sanyasin Srimad Rangaramanuja Mahadesika Swami of Kethandapatti visited Trichanur during 1874-76,Sri Desikachariar Swami came under the inspiring influence of the yathi and was initiated into esoterics of visishtdwaita contained in its four classical texts,Sri Bhashya,Gita Bhashya, Rahasyatrayasra,and Bhagvat Vishaya.
Sri Desikachariar Swami married Srimathi Srinivasammaa daughter of Tozhappa family.Through her had two sons -Sri Kapisthalam Tirumalachariar and Sri Kapisthalam Veeraraghava chariar.Fate was cruel to him as it snatched away his young wife at his early age leaving his sons motherless.Later he married Srimathi Lakshmamma --a daughter of Arasanapalai family.Through her he had two sons-Sri Kapisthalam Chetlur Gopalachariar and Sri Kapisthlam Chetlur Srinivasachariar and two daughters Srimathi Kamalamma and Srimathi Andalamma.Sri Desikachariar bought a house in Govindrajaswami North Mada street at Tirupati where he lived till he attained paramapada.
When Sri Desika chariar Swami completed his education at the age of twenty , his father wanted him to visit places like Puddukotai , Trivandram etc and participate in Vidwat sadas[discussions,debates].However Sri Swami a very humble person felt that he was too small a man to engage eminent pandits in debates.When he told his guru about the desire of his father his guru was pleased about it encouraged him to fulfill his father's desire and blessed him that he would never experience any defeat or parajaya.
Whilst Sri Desikachariar Swami was discussing vedantha with his guru,the Kethandatti Swami at Trichanur , both used to be so deeply engrossed in the discussions that they were never conscious of passing of time .It was said that it used to be a pleasure to witness their discussions.
Head of Sanskrit college at Tirupati.
The persistent efforts of Sri Desikachariar swami resulted in the starting of the Grand Duff Sanskrit Patasala in 1885 with the assistance of the then Mahanth [person administering Tirumala temple] and it was in the fitness of things that Swami became the first Head Pandit and in charge of Patasala ,in which capacity he served for many years .Mahanth Sri Prayaga Dasji had high regards for the SriSwami and he often took his advise on religious matters.
A doubt was raised in 1912 about utilising the Devasthanam funds for educational purposes .It was resolved ,when a act was passed in 1913 which made it possible for Devasthanam Funds to be utilised for educational purposes .At that time the Patasala was upgraded into a Sanskrit college and Sri Desikachariar Swami ,by virtue of his eminence was made the first Vice Principal and head of the college ,even though he had no English education .In this capacity he continued till 1926 .Thus Sri Swami rendered distinguished service to the institution for over forty years .Later in his life his brother's son Sri Kapisthalam Krishnamachariar was appointed as the Principal as per the university rules.
Sri Desikachariar Swami taught lessons to his pupils in a lucid way .He was affectionate towards his students and disciples.He used to take Purva Mimasa for Siromani examinations with ease and impressed upon the students with his command of the subject although he did not undergo any training in the same under any guru.An Advaitin by name Sri Ottipali Narakanteerava Sastrulu who also a pandit in the Patasala had difference of opinion with Sri Swami on a particular subject and finally they reconciled .
Invitations and visits :
Sri Desikachariar Swami's merits were recognised in all the Indian states of South India and more than once in far off Benares [kasi] and other places in Northern India.
At the age of 27 he was invited by the Maharaja of Travancore to participate in the Vedantic discussions held in the traditional style during Navarathri celeberations in his palace.There Sri Swami established the truths of Visishtadvaita by refuting the argumentsof rival schools of thought and the Maharaja was all praise for his subtle intellect, vast learning and dialectic skill and suitably honoured Sri Swami.This was the first experience of Sri Swami to be involved in Vedantic Sadas outside Tirupati.
In 1892
Sir S.Subramania aiyar,the distinguished judge of Madras high court sought Sri Swami's help to learn the Sankara Bhashyam and Advaitic system of Philosophy and Sri Aiyer expressed his admiration for Swami's unique powers of intuiting the fundamental and the foundational tenets of each system of Philosophy and expressing them with unsurpassed lucidity.
In 1912 Sri Swamy was invited to Benares for the first time by Sri Sathya Theertha Swami of Uttaradhi Mutt who was one of those propogating Madhwa philosophy , to participate in a Vidwat sadas .Sri Desikachariar Swami's lectures made an astounding impression on the sadas and the Uttaradhi Mutt Swami was so impressed with the knowledge of Sri Desikachariar Swamy that he not only honoured him at the sadas but also invited him for all the Vidwat Sadas conducted by him and suitably honoured Sri Desikachariar Swami by giving the first place to him.Particularily ,during all the visits of Uttaradhi Mutt Swami to Trichanur ,he never failed to invite Sri Desikachariar Swami and honour him .Hence it became a regular feature for Sri Desikachariar Swami to participate in every annual Vidwat Sadas conducted by Uttaradhi Mutt Swami at various places like Rajamundry, Raichur, Gadag, Bhagalkot ,Belgaum, Bangalore etc.Sri Uttaradhi Swami took the help of Sri Desikachariar Swami ,during his visit to Belgaum ,for justifying the sentence " Maya vada macchastram pracchanam baudda muaccyate"in a book written by Sri Lakshmi puram Srinivasacharyulu ,the astana poet of Mysore palace ,when the other pandits and poets from Mysore state opposed the same.
Sri DesikachariarSwami visited Benares in 1911 and 1918 thrice at the invitation of distinguished men and by his supreme dialectic skill in Vedantic disputations , prodiguos memory and unassailable logic, sustained the claim of Visishtadvaita to be the only system that satisfied the tests of Scriptures and Reason.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia ,the then Vice chancellor of Benares Hindu University was so fascinated by Sri Swami's intellect ,that he offered him a post in the University,But Sri Swami did not accept it as he did not want to leave Tirupati--the abode of Lord Srinivasa .Neverthless Sri Malvya had a very high regard and reverence for Sri Swami .Sri Malaviya paid a visit to Sri Swami's residence at Tirupati where they conversed in sanskrit for few hours .
One of Sri Swami's visits to Benares was at the invitation of Sri Jagathguru Gadi Ananthachariar Swami .While Sri Anantha chariar Swami was at Benares ,the Advaitins challenged him and objected to his calling himself 'Jagadguru'.Since he could not refute the challenge a telegram was sent to Sri Desikachariar Swami requesting him to immediately proceed to Benares and meet the challenge of Advaitins by expounding the tenets of Visishtadvaita philosophy.After Swami reached Benares ,the polemics seem to have been conducted in the form of court room trial with the Maharaja of Benares acting as judge.The Advaitins were effectively defeated which resulted in conceding their defeat in writing and also that Sriman Desikachariar Swamy can claim the tittle as the legitimate Jagadguru.At this ,Sriman Desikachariar convinced them to agree for the continuance of the Jagadguru title claimed by Sriman Gadi Ananthachariar Swami,since Sriman Desikachariar Swami was not after titles..
In the year 1912 ,Sriman Swami was invited by the Maharaja of Pithapuram to be his Astahana Vidwan.But as Sriman Swami never wanted to leave lord Srinivasa's sannidhi ,he declined the offer.He however attended the Navarathri celeberations at Pithapuram and delivered lectures for which he was profusely honoured by the Maharaja.Where ever Sriman Swami went to participate in the discussions ,he made an ever lasting impression on the pandits with his lucid and awe inspiring expositions .
During 1930 Sriman Swami was invited by Sri Suvarathindra Swamiji of Sri Raghvendra Swami Mutt in the Vidwat Sadas held at Kumbakonam where eminent Pandits like Sri Virupaksha Sastrulu of Mysore and others were present.At that time he delivered a lecture which was appreciated by Sri Suvarithindra Swamiji ,who honoured Sriman Desikachariar Swami with a shawl and a silver vessel full of rupee coins.
After his retirement as Vice Principal of the Sanskrit college ,SriSwami was made the Devasthanam Poet Laurete [Astana Vidwan]thanks to the generosity of Sri Mahant Prayaga Dasji ,whose cultural discernment was keen enough to recognise the erudition of Sri Swami.Fortunately he was given the same amount as his former salary as honorarium /pension for the rest of his life.It was this leisure so kindly afforded to him that had enabled him to produce some valuable books which none in the country but he could have written .
.During 1927-28 Sri Desikachariar Swami was invited by the Maharaja of Rewa to be the Astana Vidwan of his state .But the Mahant was not prepared to spare the services of Sri Swami nor did Sri swami want to leave Tirupati and be away from Lord Srinivasa .
When the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam committee took over the Administration from the Mahant ,there were some objections from some quarters for the continuation of Sri Swami as the Astana Vidwan of T.T.Devasthanam.Sri Mahant who was the president of the committee was very particular about continuing with Sri
Thus Sriman Swami had the unique distinction of being the first Astana Vidwan of T.T.Devasthanam after the advent of the committee .Evidently it was the wish of Lord Srinivasa to retain his ardent devotee with himself .
In 1927 he delivered lectures on Vedantha -about fifty in number before a distinguished and appreciative audience in Vedanta Desika temple at Mylapore.
During 1927 -31 Sriman Desikachariar Swami presided over a number of Vaishnava conferences in Poonamallee , Tiruvaheendrapuram ,Kanchepuram,Mannargudi and other places.He was one of the special invitees of Sri Vaishnava Sidhantha sabha at Mannargudi where Sriman Bhagvathi Shyam Chetlur Narsimhachariar presided .Sri Desikachariar Swami expounded Visishtadvaita Sidhantha there to the delight of all the discerning and perceptive audience .
At one of the Vaishnava sabhas held at Tiruvaheendrapuram under the presidentship of Sriman Desikachariar Swami,Sriman Bhagavatvishayam Chetlur NarsimhachariarSwami pointed out that Lord Devanatha [the presiding deity at Tiruvaheendrapuram temple and the place where in Sri Desikan had stayed for a number of years ] was capable of greater accessibility [sowlabya] than Lord Srinivasa .Sriman Desikachariar Swami in his presidential concluding remarks commented that for Swami Vedanta Desika the ultimate refuge was Lord Srinivasa as is evidenced by his firts sloka in Dayasatakam'Prapadhyetham girim srayaha '.But if Sriman Narsimhachariar wanted he could salute Lord Devanatha as 'Namathaha shri disaanaam naatham.'This reveals Sriman Desikachariars Swami's attachment to Lord Srinivasa which is quite in line with Sri Swami Desikan's own conviction.This wonderful exposition was applauded by the discerning audience that had gathered there.
Sri Desikachariar Swami was invited by the Calcutta university to take the Sanskrit chair but he declined as his attachment to Lord Srinivasa was very strong..
In 1931, Sri Swami delivered the Rukmini lectures instituted by Sri .N.Gopalaswami Ayyangar at Mylapore .There he elucidated the essential principles of Dwaita, Adwaita and Visishtadwaita which was appreciated by the eminent pandits who had gathered there..He took one day to explain Dwaita philosophy ,two days for Advaita philosophy and finally two days for Visishtadwaita philosophy.
After hearing his exposition on Adavita philosophy ,it appeared that everybody was wondering ,how he could establish the primacy of Visishtadwaita.But he sustained the claim that of Visishtadwaita to be the only system that satisfied tests of scriptures and Reason.
Sri P.N.Srinivasachariar ,the then principal of Pachaiyappa college who attended the lectures stated that the logical and lucid style and genius exhibited by Sri Swami in his comparison of the three systems was a marvel of metaphysical exposition .
His intellectual vigour and zest with which he threw himself into the discussions of different schools of Vedantic thought were never impaired by age , physical infirmities or failing eyesight.
The Rukmini lectures of Sri Swamy were published as Traya -sangraha in Tamil.This was translated into English by Sri M.R.Rajagopal Ayyangar of Madras formerly of Education service , an erudite scholar with a profound knowledge of philosophical doctrines and in Telugu by Vangipuram Sri Rangaswami Ayyangar of Trichanur ,who is a author of many books in Telugu, Tamil and English and was one of the disciples of Sri Desikachariar Swami.
Sri Desikachariar Swami showed his genius by giving 10 meanings for the slokam in Ramayana :
'Ramam dasradham viddhi, maam viddhi janakatmajaaam,
Ayodyam ataveem viddhi, gaccha thatha yada sukam'
in such way that the gist of entire Ramayana is brought out .Just as Sri Valmiki taught Ramayana to Lavakusa , Sri Swami taught this to his disciple Sri Susvaram Gopalakrishnacharyulu who has popularised the interpretation.
The following are the links to Kapisthalam Desikachariars publications and awards .
https://kcsujata.blogspot.com/2017/03/kapisthalam-desikachariar-swamis.html
https://kcsujata.blogspot.com/2017/03/kapisthalam-desikachariar-swamy-awards.html
Introduction :
Mahamahopadya Kapisthalam Desikachariar Swami of Tirupati was one of the most distinguished exponents of Visishtadavaita school of Philosophy, besides being one of the few great scholars of his time.At the same time he was a ardent devotee of Lord Srinivasa , which made him decline number of remunerative posts and good offers outside Tirupati. Sri Swami was much superior to and deserved greater recognition than what he had received , which itself was quite considerable .He was regarded for several decades as the greatest living authority on Taraka sastra [logic], Nyaya dialetics and Vedantic philosophy during his life time .He had made use of Nyaya in precisely defining the metaphysical categories and epistemology in Visishtadvaita philosophy of Ramanuja .
He was considered as 'Apara Desika avatara' meaning- an incarnation of AcharyaVedanta Desika .
Early life and family.
Sri Desikachariar Swami was born in Trichanur [near Tirupati in Chitoor district of Andrapradesh] on 15 th october ,1855, in Tamil month of Purattasi under the constellation Anuradha star , synchronising with the birthday of Tirumala Nambi--a great savant of Tozhappa family and the maternal uncle of Srimad Ramanuja [the exponent of Visishtadwaita philosophy].
He belonged to Kaushika Gothram like Sri Vedanta Desikar .His father was Sriman Gopalachariar , a scholar and orthodox Vaishnavaite and his mother was Srimathi Venkataraghavaamma.His forefathers might have migrated from the village of Kapisthalam [near Kumbkonam]to Tirupati some two or three generations earlier
He had a younger brother Sriman Rangachari Swami who was equally eminent scholar in Sahitya and Alankara sastras , as he did not stir out of Tirupati , his erudition and scholarship could not be known to all.He was also a distinguished poet.Sri Desikachariar had a sister by name Srimathi Mangammal.
Being poor their father could not afford them the modern education .But by their own efforts ,Sri DesikachariarSwami and his brother studied Sahitya, Alankara ,Vyakarna and Tarka under the able guidance of Sriman Vidwan purisai Sri RangachariarSwami of Tirupati [in the present G.car street]
In his boyhood Sri Desikachariar Swami was noted for his precocious intellect with ingenious grasp of the lessons which made him obtain complete mastery over Vyakarana[grammar] and Tarka[logic] before he was 18 years of age.Then he was intiated into Vedantha[philosopy] and sampradaya works by the famous Sriman LadapuramGopalachariar Swami of Trichanur who was a grihastha intellectual like Sri Vedantha Desika.
When the great sanyasin Srimad Rangaramanuja Mahadesika Swami of Kethandapatti visited Trichanur during 1874-76,Sri Desikachariar Swami came under the inspiring influence of the yathi and was initiated into esoterics of visishtdwaita contained in its four classical texts,Sri Bhashya,Gita Bhashya, Rahasyatrayasra,and Bhagvat Vishaya.
Sri Desikachariar Swami married Srimathi Srinivasammaa daughter of Tozhappa family.Through her had two sons -Sri Kapisthalam Tirumalachariar and Sri Kapisthalam Veeraraghava chariar.Fate was cruel to him as it snatched away his young wife at his early age leaving his sons motherless.Later he married Srimathi Lakshmamma --a daughter of Arasanapalai family.Through her he had two sons-Sri Kapisthalam Chetlur Gopalachariar and Sri Kapisthlam Chetlur Srinivasachariar and two daughters Srimathi Kamalamma and Srimathi Andalamma.Sri Desikachariar bought a house in Govindrajaswami North Mada street at Tirupati where he lived till he attained paramapada.
When Sri Desika chariar Swami completed his education at the age of twenty , his father wanted him to visit places like Puddukotai , Trivandram etc and participate in Vidwat sadas[discussions,debates].However Sri Swami a very humble person felt that he was too small a man to engage eminent pandits in debates.When he told his guru about the desire of his father his guru was pleased about it encouraged him to fulfill his father's desire and blessed him that he would never experience any defeat or parajaya.
Whilst Sri Desikachariar Swami was discussing vedantha with his guru,the Kethandatti Swami at Trichanur , both used to be so deeply engrossed in the discussions that they were never conscious of passing of time .It was said that it used to be a pleasure to witness their discussions.
Head of Sanskrit college at Tirupati.
The persistent efforts of Sri Desikachariar swami resulted in the starting of the Grand Duff Sanskrit Patasala in 1885 with the assistance of the then Mahanth [person administering Tirumala temple] and it was in the fitness of things that Swami became the first Head Pandit and in charge of Patasala ,in which capacity he served for many years .Mahanth Sri Prayaga Dasji had high regards for the SriSwami and he often took his advise on religious matters.
A doubt was raised in 1912 about utilising the Devasthanam funds for educational purposes .It was resolved ,when a act was passed in 1913 which made it possible for Devasthanam Funds to be utilised for educational purposes .At that time the Patasala was upgraded into a Sanskrit college and Sri Desikachariar Swami ,by virtue of his eminence was made the first Vice Principal and head of the college ,even though he had no English education .In this capacity he continued till 1926 .Thus Sri Swami rendered distinguished service to the institution for over forty years .Later in his life his brother's son Sri Kapisthalam Krishnamachariar was appointed as the Principal as per the university rules.
Sri Desikachariar Swami taught lessons to his pupils in a lucid way .He was affectionate towards his students and disciples.He used to take Purva Mimasa for Siromani examinations with ease and impressed upon the students with his command of the subject although he did not undergo any training in the same under any guru.An Advaitin by name Sri Ottipali Narakanteerava Sastrulu who also a pandit in the Patasala had difference of opinion with Sri Swami on a particular subject and finally they reconciled .
Invitations and visits :
Sri Desikachariar Swami's merits were recognised in all the Indian states of South India and more than once in far off Benares [kasi] and other places in Northern India.
At the age of 27 he was invited by the Maharaja of Travancore to participate in the Vedantic discussions held in the traditional style during Navarathri celeberations in his palace.There Sri Swami established the truths of Visishtadvaita by refuting the argumentsof rival schools of thought and the Maharaja was all praise for his subtle intellect, vast learning and dialectic skill and suitably honoured Sri Swami.This was the first experience of Sri Swami to be involved in Vedantic Sadas outside Tirupati.
In 1892
Sir S.Subramania aiyar,the distinguished judge of Madras high court sought Sri Swami's help to learn the Sankara Bhashyam and Advaitic system of Philosophy and Sri Aiyer expressed his admiration for Swami's unique powers of intuiting the fundamental and the foundational tenets of each system of Philosophy and expressing them with unsurpassed lucidity.
In 1912 Sri Swamy was invited to Benares for the first time by Sri Sathya Theertha Swami of Uttaradhi Mutt who was one of those propogating Madhwa philosophy , to participate in a Vidwat sadas .Sri Desikachariar Swami's lectures made an astounding impression on the sadas and the Uttaradhi Mutt Swami was so impressed with the knowledge of Sri Desikachariar Swamy that he not only honoured him at the sadas but also invited him for all the Vidwat Sadas conducted by him and suitably honoured Sri Desikachariar Swami by giving the first place to him.Particularily ,during all the visits of Uttaradhi Mutt Swami to Trichanur ,he never failed to invite Sri Desikachariar Swami and honour him .Hence it became a regular feature for Sri Desikachariar Swami to participate in every annual Vidwat Sadas conducted by Uttaradhi Mutt Swami at various places like Rajamundry, Raichur, Gadag, Bhagalkot ,Belgaum, Bangalore etc.Sri Uttaradhi Swami took the help of Sri Desikachariar Swami ,during his visit to Belgaum ,for justifying the sentence " Maya vada macchastram pracchanam baudda muaccyate"in a book written by Sri Lakshmi puram Srinivasacharyulu ,the astana poet of Mysore palace ,when the other pandits and poets from Mysore state opposed the same.
Sri DesikachariarSwami visited Benares in 1911 and 1918 thrice at the invitation of distinguished men and by his supreme dialectic skill in Vedantic disputations , prodiguos memory and unassailable logic, sustained the claim of Visishtadvaita to be the only system that satisfied the tests of Scriptures and Reason.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia ,the then Vice chancellor of Benares Hindu University was so fascinated by Sri Swami's intellect ,that he offered him a post in the University,But Sri Swami did not accept it as he did not want to leave Tirupati--the abode of Lord Srinivasa .Neverthless Sri Malvya had a very high regard and reverence for Sri Swami .Sri Malaviya paid a visit to Sri Swami's residence at Tirupati where they conversed in sanskrit for few hours .
One of Sri Swami's visits to Benares was at the invitation of Sri Jagathguru Gadi Ananthachariar Swami .While Sri Anantha chariar Swami was at Benares ,the Advaitins challenged him and objected to his calling himself 'Jagadguru'.Since he could not refute the challenge a telegram was sent to Sri Desikachariar Swami requesting him to immediately proceed to Benares and meet the challenge of Advaitins by expounding the tenets of Visishtadvaita philosophy.After Swami reached Benares ,the polemics seem to have been conducted in the form of court room trial with the Maharaja of Benares acting as judge.The Advaitins were effectively defeated which resulted in conceding their defeat in writing and also that Sriman Desikachariar Swamy can claim the tittle as the legitimate Jagadguru.At this ,Sriman Desikachariar convinced them to agree for the continuance of the Jagadguru title claimed by Sriman Gadi Ananthachariar Swami,since Sriman Desikachariar Swami was not after titles..
In the year 1912 ,Sriman Swami was invited by the Maharaja of Pithapuram to be his Astahana Vidwan.But as Sriman Swami never wanted to leave lord Srinivasa's sannidhi ,he declined the offer.He however attended the Navarathri celeberations at Pithapuram and delivered lectures for which he was profusely honoured by the Maharaja.Where ever Sriman Swami went to participate in the discussions ,he made an ever lasting impression on the pandits with his lucid and awe inspiring expositions .
During 1930 Sriman Swami was invited by Sri Suvarathindra Swamiji of Sri Raghvendra Swami Mutt in the Vidwat Sadas held at Kumbakonam where eminent Pandits like Sri Virupaksha Sastrulu of Mysore and others were present.At that time he delivered a lecture which was appreciated by Sri Suvarithindra Swamiji ,who honoured Sriman Desikachariar Swami with a shawl and a silver vessel full of rupee coins.
After his retirement as Vice Principal of the Sanskrit college ,SriSwami was made the Devasthanam Poet Laurete [Astana Vidwan]thanks to the generosity of Sri Mahant Prayaga Dasji ,whose cultural discernment was keen enough to recognise the erudition of Sri Swami.Fortunately he was given the same amount as his former salary as honorarium /pension for the rest of his life.It was this leisure so kindly afforded to him that had enabled him to produce some valuable books which none in the country but he could have written .
.During 1927-28 Sri Desikachariar Swami was invited by the Maharaja of Rewa to be the Astana Vidwan of his state .But the Mahant was not prepared to spare the services of Sri Swami nor did Sri swami want to leave Tirupati and be away from Lord Srinivasa .
When the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam committee took over the Administration from the Mahant ,there were some objections from some quarters for the continuation of Sri Swami as the Astana Vidwan of T.T.Devasthanam.Sri Mahant who was the president of the committee was very particular about continuing with Sri
Thus Sriman Swami had the unique distinction of being the first Astana Vidwan of T.T.Devasthanam after the advent of the committee .Evidently it was the wish of Lord Srinivasa to retain his ardent devotee with himself .
In 1927 he delivered lectures on Vedantha -about fifty in number before a distinguished and appreciative audience in Vedanta Desika temple at Mylapore.
During 1927 -31 Sriman Desikachariar Swami presided over a number of Vaishnava conferences in Poonamallee , Tiruvaheendrapuram ,Kanchepuram,Mannargudi and other places.He was one of the special invitees of Sri Vaishnava Sidhantha sabha at Mannargudi where Sriman Bhagvathi Shyam Chetlur Narsimhachariar presided .Sri Desikachariar Swami expounded Visishtadvaita Sidhantha there to the delight of all the discerning and perceptive audience .
At one of the Vaishnava sabhas held at Tiruvaheendrapuram under the presidentship of Sriman Desikachariar Swami,Sriman Bhagavatvishayam Chetlur NarsimhachariarSwami pointed out that Lord Devanatha [the presiding deity at Tiruvaheendrapuram temple and the place where in Sri Desikan had stayed for a number of years ] was capable of greater accessibility [sowlabya] than Lord Srinivasa .Sriman Desikachariar Swami in his presidential concluding remarks commented that for Swami Vedanta Desika the ultimate refuge was Lord Srinivasa as is evidenced by his firts sloka in Dayasatakam'Prapadhyetham girim srayaha '.But if Sriman Narsimhachariar wanted he could salute Lord Devanatha as 'Namathaha shri disaanaam naatham.'This reveals Sriman Desikachariars Swami's attachment to Lord Srinivasa which is quite in line with Sri Swami Desikan's own conviction.This wonderful exposition was applauded by the discerning audience that had gathered there.
Sri Desikachariar Swami was invited by the Calcutta university to take the Sanskrit chair but he declined as his attachment to Lord Srinivasa was very strong..
In 1931, Sri Swami delivered the Rukmini lectures instituted by Sri .N.Gopalaswami Ayyangar at Mylapore .There he elucidated the essential principles of Dwaita, Adwaita and Visishtadwaita which was appreciated by the eminent pandits who had gathered there..He took one day to explain Dwaita philosophy ,two days for Advaita philosophy and finally two days for Visishtadwaita philosophy.
After hearing his exposition on Adavita philosophy ,it appeared that everybody was wondering ,how he could establish the primacy of Visishtadwaita.But he sustained the claim that of Visishtadwaita to be the only system that satisfied tests of scriptures and Reason.
Sri P.N.Srinivasachariar ,the then principal of Pachaiyappa college who attended the lectures stated that the logical and lucid style and genius exhibited by Sri Swami in his comparison of the three systems was a marvel of metaphysical exposition .
His intellectual vigour and zest with which he threw himself into the discussions of different schools of Vedantic thought were never impaired by age , physical infirmities or failing eyesight.
The Rukmini lectures of Sri Swamy were published as Traya -sangraha in Tamil.This was translated into English by Sri M.R.Rajagopal Ayyangar of Madras formerly of Education service , an erudite scholar with a profound knowledge of philosophical doctrines and in Telugu by Vangipuram Sri Rangaswami Ayyangar of Trichanur ,who is a author of many books in Telugu, Tamil and English and was one of the disciples of Sri Desikachariar Swami.
Sri Desikachariar Swami showed his genius by giving 10 meanings for the slokam in Ramayana :
'Ramam dasradham viddhi, maam viddhi janakatmajaaam,
Ayodyam ataveem viddhi, gaccha thatha yada sukam'
in such way that the gist of entire Ramayana is brought out .Just as Sri Valmiki taught Ramayana to Lavakusa , Sri Swami taught this to his disciple Sri Susvaram Gopalakrishnacharyulu who has popularised the interpretation.
The following are the links to Kapisthalam Desikachariars publications and awards .
https://kcsujata.blogspot.com/2017/03/kapisthalam-desikachariar-swamis.html
https://kcsujata.blogspot.com/2017/03/kapisthalam-desikachariar-swamy-awards.html
Labels: Biography
posted by K.C. Sujata at
5:33 AM
13 Comments:
Dear Sujata Garu,
Thanks a lot for educating us on SrimAn Kapisthalam DesikAchAriar Swami, A great scholar of our sampradAyam.. ADiyEn fortunately landed on this page while searching for SiddhAntha Traya Samgraha..
adiyEn Lakshmi Nrisimha rAmAnuja dAsan Pavan.
I need a photo of kapisthalam swami wer can i get?
namaskaram madam
i came across this article on
"Kapisthalam Desikachariar Swami of Tirupati" by chance. on going through it i was thrilled i was actually searching about this.
my grand mother is actually Andalamma whom you have mentioned in this post. i would like to know more about my great grand father and others in the family.
my name is vaidehi.s. amudhan. i live in Chennai please let me how can i be in touch with you
thanks god bless you
Dear Pavan garu
Thank you for our nice comment
Dear Srivatsan
I donot posses any photo of Kapisthalam swamy . Maybe you can try your luck in Sanskrit college Tirupathi where he worked as a professor for a long period of time. .
Dear Vaidehi ,
Though hailing from same family tree we have had no contact till date.Nice to know that this blog has brought us together.I also live in Chennai .
My address is -A.5 Srinandan apartments .No :22 Dr Thomas road T nagar Chennai 17.
My phone no: Landline 24357084
cell --8220249657.
Be free to call me and to call on me.
Regards Sujata
Greetings revered mam. I came across your blog. I am generally interested in Sri Vaishnavism, religion and many other stuff related to our religion and Sri Vaishnavism. I hail from the populous, revered and yet ancient Chetlur lineage. The word 'Chetlur" was catchy in your profile. I just love researching about my lineage. Actually a disciple of Sri Ramanuja was from this lineage. Also I don't know any of my ancestors from this family, but my grandparents' and their parents' native was Chetlur or Shetlur, which is said to lie on the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Recently I also came to know that one of my ancestors 6 generations ago had built a small temple in a village named Saathamangalam, maybe 10-15 kilometres from Tiruchirapalli. Pls kindly let me know if u come across any info regarding this topic. This brings out the fact that we are distant relatives having the same initial in your great grandfather's name and the same native! Am I right?
Dear Unknown
I read a list long back in Sapthagiri magazine that gave the names of the 74 disciples of Sri Ramanujar who were asked to propogate Sri Vaishnavism and Visishta Dwaita philosophy.The name Chetloor figures in that list .It could be the family name of a disciple or the disciples name itself .I think that Since Chetlur signifies the importance given to that person his descendants have proudly affixed it to their names even as they would have branched of .Yes we could be very very distantly related .
Since my anscestors viz Chetlur's settled in Kapisthalam in Kumbakonam in Tamil nadu centuries back they have affixed that place's name also to thier title viz Chetlur..
Hence the prefix Kapisthalam Chetlur.
OK what is your name ?
Please send me your email id. My email id devakcrajan@gmail.com. I will send you the details.
I am unable to reply to your mail as there seems to be a error in your E mail id.
I was looking forward to reading the details.
Thank you all the same. From Sujata.
Hello,
I am the grandson of KC Varadachari and wanted to thank you for this informative post.
Krishna
Hello,
I am the grandson of Sri KC Varadachari (of Chittoor) and wanted to thank you for this informative post.
Krishna
I am glad that you like it .
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