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| Sri Sridhara Ayyaval:Pinrest.com |
Above image: Ari Ayyaval's Gangavatarana takes place every year on the day of Kartigai (Kartika) Amavasya in the well in his house in the village of Thiruvisanallur, close to Karuppur and Veepather (near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.................
Sri Sridhara Venkatesha Ayyaval, popularly known as Sri Ayyaval, was a revered saint, composer, and spiritual leader who lived in 17th-century Thiruvisanallur, near the temple town of Kumbakonam Tamil Nadu. Born (1635) in a Brahmin family in Mysore, now part of Karnataka, son of Diwan Sridhara Lingarayar, he got the best Vedic education. After his father's demise, instead of choosing Diwanship in the kingdom ruled by Wodeyars. he dedicated his life to the spread of Bhakti and settled in the Cauvery Delta region around Thanjavur, Kumbakonam.
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| Sridhara Ayyaval, Miracle well,Thiruvisanallur village,TN.dinamalar.com |
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| Ayyaval Mutt,TN miracle well. Thiruvisanallur. in.worldorgs.com |
Devotion to God and the "Nama Prachara" Movement
Sri Ayyaval’s devotion to God was unparalleled. He emphasized the chanting of God’s name as a simple, accessible path to divine union, encouraging everyone to embrace this form of worship. His life was dedicated to Nama Prachara, or the spread of divine name chanting, which helped build a strong foundation for the "Dakshina Sampradaya Nama Sankirtanam" tradition in South India. Along with contemporaries like Bodhendra Swamigal (his Athistanam is near Kutralam), Marudanallur Sadguru Swamigal, Ayyaval championed the Bhakti movement through devotional music and hymns, transcending social barriers.Above image: Sri Bodhendra Saraswathi Swamigal (left), Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Swamigal (middle), Sri Maruthanallur Sadguru Swamigal (right). Sri Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval, is one of the three acharyas who pioneered 'Naama-prachaara' movement in the south, along with Sri Bodhendral and Sri Maruthanallur Sadguru swamigal
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| Three acharyas satguruseva.org |
Above image: Sri Bodhendra Saraswathi Swamigal (left), Sri Sridhara Ayyaval Swamigal (middle), Sri Maruthanallur Sadguru Swamigal (right). Sri Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval, is one of the three acharyas who pioneered 'Naama-prachaara' movement in the south, along with Sri Bodhendral and Sri Maruthanallur Sadguru swamigal.........
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| Saint Ayyaval, i.ytimg.com |
Sri Ayyaval is most renowned for his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva, yet his reverence extended to various deities. He perceived the divine as pervading all creation and believed in the unity of all gods. His humility and deep sense of equality led him to view every individual as a manifestation of the divine, challenging the rigid social norms of his time.
The Miracle of Gangavatarana
A significant episode in Sri Ayyaval’s life is the miraculous event known as Gangavatarana, commemorated each year during the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December) on Kartika Amavasya. According to tradition, Ayyaval was supposed to invite Brahmins to partake of food on the occasion of annual Thithi- Srardham. Instead he dined with a few from other community, an act of compassion that incited criticism from the local community because he broke the tradition being followed by the Brahmin community. He was asked to go to the Ganges in Kasi to absolve of the sin.
Ayyaval fervently prayed to Goddess Ganga, who responded to hi
s call and caused the Ganges River to flow into his well. The local community realized their mistake and treated him with reverence. This miraculous event is celebrated annually, with thousands of devotees visiting Thiruvisanallur to take a holy bath in the well.
Legacy of Sri Ayyaval
The mutt (monastic institution) founded by Sri Ayyaval in Thiruvisanallur remains an active center of worship and spirituality. Daily rituals such as Naama Sankeertanam, Parayanam, and Annadanam (food distribution) keep his legacy alive, reflecting his dedication to devotion and compassion. Sri Ayyaval’s teachings on humility, inclusivity, and the power of devotion resonate with devotees across castes and backgrounds, embodying his vision of universal love.
Sri Ayyaval’s spiritual influence endures in the Bhakti tradition of Tamil Nadu. His life reminds devotees that the path to God lies not in social distinctions but in the purity of heart and selfless love. The Gangavatarana festival and the practices at his mutt stand as living symbols of his enduring message—seeing God in all and serving humanity with compassion.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/12/saint-sridhara-ayyaval-and-miracle-well.html
https://www.vikatan.com/spiritual/gods/thiruvisanallur-sridhara-aiyaval-mutt-and-the-ganges-river-connecti
https://www.sriayyaval.org/songs.htm
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