In general, it is being assumed that one’s name should be treated as his qualities. To elucidate the auspicious qualities of our Swami further, it is necessary to understand the significance of the name “Madhavan”. Madhavan, incidentally, is the third name in the 12 primary names of the Lord and occurs three times in Vishnu Sahasranamam.
The word “Ma” refers to Mahalakshmi and she has been fondly addressed as பிராட்டி and தாயார் in Tamil and the word பெருமாள் refers to Lord or Consort. The Almighty is also called ‘Madhava’ for the reason that the பிராட்டி is devoid of any blemish and possessing the auspicious qualities. She is also the mother of the entire universe and is eternally inseparable from Maha Vishnu when she entrenched heself in his heart. There are more than adequate references in Vedic literature and other materials that are focusing on all pervading, powerful and spotless nature, displayed by the goddess Mahalakshmi as a universal motherhood. Thus, the name Madhavaa implies that the Supreme Lord, along with his inseparable Consort Mahalakshmi, protects the people from all walks of life as one’s parents and relative.
Ma (Mother) refers to the knowledge of Hari, means Lord Vishnu, preceptor or instructor (Acharya). Therefore, Lord Thirumal (Vishnu) is the bestower and the lord of knowledge. Moreover, such an understanding about Hari is essential for seekers of salvation.
3 Since Hari has emerged through ‘Madhu Vidya’ (one of the 32 Brahmavidyas leading to salvation), he is called Madhava.
4 The Lord has realised through control of the senses, meditation on theParamatma) and continued practice of this meditation. Hence, he is known as Madhava. 5 Vishnu is called Madhavam, since he does not have a master or some one superior to him.
6 Hari ignores the blemishes of his devotees and is ever willing to shower warmth and affection towards them, and hence, he is called Madhava.
7 மாதவன் என்றதே கொண்டென்னையினிப்பால் பட்டது (திருவாய்மொழி). The Azhwar ((நம்மாழ்வார்) says that “No sooner than the name, Madhava, is recited, the Lord blesses the devotees with his gracious presence and saves them from the bane of this existence”.
8 மார்வமென்பதோர் பூவிடவ்ல்லார்க்கு அர்வதண்டத்திலுய்யலுமாமே
(பெரியாழ்வார் திருமொழி) – The people, who constructed a sanctum sanctorum in their heart and established Madhava as the deity, besides offering their devotion, as the flower need not get scared over the sorrow caused by the messengers of Yama.
9 மாதவ நாமமும் வான்கதை நான்கும் மணிநிறமும்
ஒதும் முறைப்படியேந்தி உரத்திலும் மேலும் அல்கி
போதலாமாதுடன் புந்தியில் அன்பால் புகுந்தளிக்கும்
தூதனும் நாதனும் ஆய தொல் அத்திச்சுடரே
(பன்னிருநாமம்) The Lord (of all beings) – Perarulalan ((பேரருளாளன்), who was the ambassador for Pandavas, resides at the top of Sri Hastigiri. The ancient light holding four powerful maces called “Komodthaki” in a manner prescribed in Vedic literature has adorned the name of Madhava. Having a hue of sapphire, he resides in our heart and protects us from evil-doers. He along with his Consort goddess Mahalakshmi, who resides on a lotus flower to safeguard the people, and more so, the devotees.
Our Swami, true to this honourable name – Madhava, is a beacon of the Haritha vamasa, bestowing the profound knowledge of Hari upon us so that we might gain enlightenment, rid ourselves of the distress of the worldly life and attain salvation. To summarise, our Swami is a gem among mortals, who has dedicated his life only to remain as a gleaming source of the name and fame of his Acharya, ஸ்ரீமத் திருக்குடந்தை ஆண்டவன் ஸ்வாமி.
Conclusion:
While describing the qualities of a sishya, our Acharya Swami Niigamantha Mahadesika in Sri Nyasa Vimshati, says as follows:
A To be wise and take shelter at the feet of an Acharya;
B Intent in performing Bhagavad Kainkariyam;
C Penchant for doing Acharya Kainkariyam;
D Discarding arrogance and jealousy;
E Intend to perform puja for Acaharya regularly;
F Controlling external and inner sense from going astray;
G Not to speak ill of others;
H Surrendering unto Acharya and awaiting him at his residence (திருமாளிகை);
I Be firm in attaining karma Kariyam, as advised by Acharya;
J Performing tasks as determined by his Acharya;
K Sishya with aforementiond qualities;
L Act true to spirituality;
M Deserves to be taught;
N The subject that he wishes
Such a sishya, having the above said qualities is worthy of learning the principles, the means and the benefits of adhering to the virtues that could benefit the society. Our Swami, having all the qualities of a virtuous sishya, was the trusted lieutenant of his Acharya, besides being blessed by several other Acharyas with their benediction and benefaction. Our Swami commands respect to the core and reverence from erudite scholars and pandits of our heritage. It is our good fortune and a boon to have Swami as our Acharya! Is there any return in kind that we can do to our Swami, who is conferring us with abudant knowledge? Swami Desikan in his அதிகாரசங்கிரக பாசுரம் says as follows:
ஏற்றி மனத்தொழில் ஞானவிளக்கை இருளனைத்தும்
மாற்றினவர்க்கு ஒருகைம்மாறு மாயனும் காணகில்லான்
போற்றி உகப்பதும் புந்தியில் கொள்வதும் பொங்கு புகழ்
சாற்றி வளர்ப்பதும் சற்றல்லவோ முன்னம் பெற்றதற்கே.
Acharya also instructs and imparts his sishyas to learn about the procedures related to religious matter, thereby, instilling the light of knowledge and wisdom, while destroying the darkness of ignorance. When even the omnipotent Lord is not in a position to find a return in kind for such an impeccable and noble service rendered by the Acharya in initiating the sishyas into the righteous path to gain wisdom, how can lesser mortals find a way of expressing their gratitude for the knowledge and information they derived from the Acharya?
Highlighting and singing in praise of their Acharya, meditating on the great principles taught by him and follow the righteous path trod by him are the only ways to demonstrate the gratitude by the sishyas for all the benefits they received from the Acharya in the form of knowledge and wisdom. Let us all take refuge at the divine feet of our Swami and be steadfast in our devotion towards him. May this satsangam, lauding the credentials of our Swami grow further and further.
-K.V. Venugopal
