Devotees who have not heard much about the revered Ananthalwan can read his unique achievements as follows:
Aanthalwan (means endless or limitless) was born to Sriman Kesiahvacharya, a Vedic Pandit, and his wife Yadugiri in a pious Vaishnava family. He was born in 1053 AD at Siruputtur (the present Kirangur, 3 km away from Srirangapattana, near Mysore).
Devotees can pay a visit to the acharya’s birthplace and visit the temple built in memory of Ananthalwan.
While growing up, Ananthalwan had mastered all shashtras and became well-versed in Vedic knowledge. He always seemed to be involved in Bhagavath Bhagavathacharya Bhakti. On hearing the greatness of Sri Ramanujacharya, Ananthalwan decided to become his disciple. He wanted to learn the mystic teachings of the Vedas. He left for Srirangam to surrender before the divine Guru Srimad Ramanujacharya. When he prostrated before the Divine Guru, he entrusted the task of teaching Ananthalwan to his disciple Sri Arulal Perumal Emperumanar.
One day, Emperumanar brought Ananthalwan to Sri Ramanujacharya and submitted with utmost respect that he had done his best with the entrusted task and admitted the fact that Ramanujacharya was the ideal guru for Ananthalwan. The most awaiting moment for Ananthalwan had come and his joy knew no bounds. Obviously, Ananthalwan felt that he was blessed and his life had got the real meaning and fulfillment by servine Ramanujacharya.
One day the Guru was delivering a discourse on Nammazhvar’s Thiruvaimozhi. (Nammazhvar is the first Azhwar, who is considered a great mystic of the Vaishnava tradition.) Suddenly he remembered the hymn in his mind and he repeated it within himself at regular intervals. Until Nammazhvar explained about the hymn, the devotees were not aware of the presence of Lord Srinivasa in Tirumala.
Later, Ramanujacharya called a meeting of his disciples one day, including Ananthalwan and asked them to lay a garden at Venkatadri hills in Tirumala for the service of the Lord and insisted that flowers must be offered for his worship every day. The guru
wanted to know from his disciples whether anyone could take up the god-send opportunity? The disciples hesitated as they knew that it was a cumbersome task, since the weather was not conducive in the hills. Adding salt to the wound, the hills were full of dense forests and wild animals used to roam freely. Naturally, none of his disciples were inclined to accede to the requests of their guru.
However, on hearing his guru’s plea, Ananthalwan declared solemnly that he would fulfill his desire. Ramanujacharya was overjoyed to hear his words and embraced him before declaring without batting an eyelid that he was the only “Anpillai”(Only brave man). Thereafter, Ananthalwan was bestowed with the title Anpillai. Later Ananthalwan took the blessings of his guru and left for Tirumala along with his wife, who was pregnant. This incident is the best epitome to show the relationship between a guru
and his disciple. Physical hardships like hunger, tiresomeness, fear and so on can do nothing against the one who follows his guru’s path.
According to Ananthalwan, the guru’s words not only show him strength and energy, but also indicate the right path to be taken up. The strength of cosmic energy flows from the guru and protects the disciple till they complete their task.
Following the customs and traditions of the yesteryear, Ananthalwan’s marriage was performed at a very young age. “There is a woman behind every successful man”, the proverbial saying aptly suitable to Ananthalwan’s wife. She supported her better-half
in all his decisions and served him with steadfast loyalty, besides assisting him with utmost devotion.
After reaching Tirumala with his wife, Ananthalwan took a holy dip in the Pushkarini (temple pond) and offered services to Adivaraha Swamy and pleaded with him to give him strength to fulfill his guru’s wishes. Later, he paid a visit to Sri Tirumala Nambi, a great religious scholar and the maternal uncle of Ramanucharya and sought his blessings.
However, as the days progressed, Ananthalwan could not find any progress in his endeavour, much to his chagrin and discomfiture. He was upset and decided to give up his efforts in anguish. With frustration started growing up, Ananthalwan asked
his wife to pack up everything and get ready for their village in the next morning, as the thought of going back to their village made her happy.
(More in second part)
P. VENKATA RAMI REDDY (Author)
–K.V. VENUGOPAL
