BHAGAVAD RAMANUJA EDUCATION

Kesava Somayaji was a learned scholar at SRI PERUMBUDUR. Kanthi mathi is sister of Srisailapurna another scolar, who regarded his siter as Bhudevi amsam found Kesava Somayaji as suitable groom for Kanthimathi. But for long time the couple did not have children. On a Lunar eclipse day the couple had bath in the sea and prayed Lord PARTHA SARADHI at Tiruvallikkeni, they had a vision that ANATHA will be their son soon. Thus BHAGAVAD RAMANUJA is with us. Srisailaprna automatically spelt his name as RAMA+ANUJA (meaning younger to RAMA or Lakshmana, who was Adisesha). Also named the boy traditionally as ILAI ALWAR. The child has divine light and shades of serpant hoods, resembling ANANTHA of Srivaikuntham.

Yadava prakasa was wellknown and great scholar of ADVAITA phylosophy. Ramanuja wanted to learn Vendantha and Kesava somayaji admitted him at the gurukul of Yadava prakasa. From him Ramanuja learnt many scripts and sciences, but with a difference. Ramanuja always had inquisitiveness, doubt, clarity and alternate view and the Acharya was pleased, but with a fear. Ramanuja's Visistadwaitha phylosophy one day might override the present Advaitha. Yadava Prakasa was in twin minds, (1) encourage Ramanauja and allow him to grow beyong his stature at the cost of his own beliefs or (2) to contradict and force Ramanuja into existing thought. The education went on more like peer to peer discussion or at times question, answer and argument sessions that are more of judgemental nature. Same time Govinda bhattar, cousin of Ramanuja also joined Gurukul. One day the SRUTHI - "Thasya Yatha Kapyasam Pundareeka Meva Makshini" - was discussed. Yadava prakasa and Bhagavad Ramanuja had different interpretation, obviously Ramanuja's interpretation gained acceptace. This lead to dispute of Acharya and disciple that resulted in a conspiracy to end Ramanuja's life. Govinda bhattar and Lord Lord VARADA RAJA helped Ramanuja to continue life, vision and mission.

ACHARYA has a special place. BHAGAVAD RAMANUJA completed all the learning. Later Tirumalai Andan asked him to go to Tiruvaranga Pperumal Arayar to learn special meanings. Arayar looked at RAMANUJA and said "You have learnt every thing, nothing more is left". Ramanuja did not leave at started as disciple to him. After six months during DHANURMASAM Arayar used to perform dance and sing before Lord Ranganatha. Bhagavan used to comfort Arayar with all his SAVAI. On a chat ARAYAR asked RAMANUJA "You have learnt all Sastras from many people. Whom do you consider GREATER?". Bhagavan replied without hesiation "Ranaganatha Himself". Arayar realised RAMANUJA need to know PANCHAMOPAYAM. This is beyond Karma, Jnana, Bhakthi, Prapatthi and that is "ACHARYA SEVAI". Because ACHARYA tells us about God, his existance and kalyanagunas- If God is angry Acharya is there as savier - If Acharya is angry no one will tell us what is what and what is better.

BHAGAVAD RAMANUJA learnt from FIVE great Acharyas. (1) Periya Nambi (Maha purna) - Pancha samskarams, (2) Tiru Kkottiyur Nambi (Gostee Purnulu) - Meaning of Charama Slokam, (3) Tirumala Nambi (Srisaila Purnulu) - Viseshathams of Srimad Ramayanam, (4) Malaa Dhara Nambi - Meaning of Divya Prabandhams, (5) Tiruvaranaga Pperumal Arayar - Dravida ganam and Panchamopayam. BHAGAVAD RAMANUJA is a HONEY BEE, which took nectar from lotus feet of all the PANCHA ACHARYAS