RAMANUJA - GLORIOUS TIMES

EMBAR - Govinda Bhattar is cousin of Ramanuja. He was put into the Vaishnava tradition by Tirumala Nambi at the intent of Ramanuja.

Certain episodes are worth mentioning here.

(1) He used to ready the bed for Tirumala Nambi, sleep on it and check for the comfort. Ffellow disciples who noticed it complained to Acharya, who sought explination. Govinda bHattar explained he will not care to go to hell for this sin, if his acharya gets sound sleep. This stunned every one at the devoute spirit of him.

(2) One day when all the shishyas are going for bath, Govinda Bhattar noticed a snake, which was hurt by a pin on the tongue and was having pain. Govinda stopped and removed the pin to soothen the snake. This showed is unconditional DAYA (kindness) to all jeevas (lives). He never mentioned the incidence to any one. Ramanuja howeevr noticed the virtues of this disciple.

Govinda bhattar developped high devotion to RAMANUJA. He wrote number of songs in devotion. They became popular and one Deva Dasi picked up the sons and used to sing them before the visitors. Govinda Bhattar also started witnessing the Deva dasi. This triggered critisism that a saintly person visiting such place is rediculous. Ramanujs came to know the instance and enquired. Bhattar's reply was smooth. He said "She is singing is praise of BHAGAVAN. Every day I am enjoying the qualities of RAMANUJA in her songs. What for I should shy?". This once again stunned all the discilples.

Mean while his wife grew up. Her parents wanted Bhattar to lead a life of family man. They approached Ramanuja. Bhagavan advised Govinda Bhattar to get in Samsaram and do it when it is dark. Bhattar was never happy with his wife. Inturn he explained to Ramanuja that he always saw Bhagavans lotus feet that glow bright in his heart and leaves no darkness to perform any Samsaram. Ramanuja understand that his devotion is very pure and called him Emberumanar. But Govinda Bhattar did not accept the same name of Bhagavan, then Ramanuja shortened the title to Embar.

Bhagavad Ramanuja was regularly singing Tiruppavai paasurams, while going in the streets of Srirangam. One day when he was just in front of Perinambi house, he was singing "undu mdagalittha". Then Atthullayamma, daughter of Nambi with her bangles making melodioud noice as in the paasuram, opened the doors to give ALMS to Ramanuja. Ramanuja felt as if Andal appeared and did Saastangam. Stunned by this Atthullayamma told Periya nambi, who explained Ramanuja does the singing of Tiruppavai fully immersed and he has the Anubhavam. For then all started calling him as TIRUPPAVAI Jeeyar.

TIRUVARANGATTHA MUDANAR was one of the nobles at Srirangam, who over sees the temple administration. Purappadu of Lord used to stop infront of his house as an honour. But Muddanar was negligent of his responsibility and was immersed in dance and music courtship. On one occassion he did not even attend Lord Ranganatha's darshan. RAMANUJA told Kuresan, he has to rectify Mudanar. From then Kuresan also started attending the music court at the noble house and slowly conerted him as devotee of Ramanuja in full spirit. Afew days later Mudanar's mother's ceremony occured. It was custonery to invite brahmins on that day and satisfy them fully. When Mudanar requested Ramanuja to come over, Ramanuja deputed KURESAN instead. At the end when Keresan was asked whether he is satisfied, he did not reply. Mudanar was panic. He pleaded to Kuresan, what is required. Kuresan asked for the "Temple Asministration To Go Proper". Mudanar gave the keys of Periya KOIL to Kuresan without hesitation, who handed over them to BHAGAVAD RAMANUJA.