RAMANUJACHARY’S PRINCIPLES FORM THE FOUNDATION OF SRIVARI TEMPLE SERVICES — TIRUMALA PEDDA JEEYAR SWAMY — THREE DAY NATIONAL

The service traditions and rituals prescribed by Bhagavad Ramanujacharya for the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala continue to be followed even today, said Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar Swamy.

A three-day national conference on “Spiritual Services of Sri Vaishnava Acharyas”, organised by the TTD Alwar Divya Prabandha Project, began at Annamacharya Kalamandiram in Tirupati on Monday.

The conference will continue till August 19.

Addressing the gathering, Pedda Jeeyar Swamy said Ramanujacharya systematised the daily rituals and services at the Tirumala temple, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple and other Divya Desams. He also strengthened the arrangements for conducting the annual Brahmotsavams at Tirumala and promoted inclusive participation in the service of the Lord.

Chinna Jeeyar Swamy said Ramanujacharya, regarded as an incarnation of Adisesha, played a major role in systematising the services at Tirumala. He introduced the Friday Abhishekam, established the conch and discus to the Lord and ensured that Alwar hymns were incorporated into temple services.

Former Special Officer of the Alwar Project Dr. Madabhushi Varadarajan explained the contributions of Acharya Pundarikaksha in establishing the systematic recitation of the 4,000 hymns of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham in Vaishnava temples. 

He said the tradition established by Pundarikaksha continues to guide the preservation of Sri Vaishnava practices.

Hyderabad-based Sri Parakalan Swamy spoke on “The Spiritual Services of Sri Nathamuni and Pundarikaksha.” He highlighted the contribution of Nathamuni in compiling the 4,000 hymns of the Alwars as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham and described Pundarikaksha as an exemplary disciple known for devotion to his Guru, humility and dedication to service.

Scholars speak on Acharyas’ contributions

From 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, Sri Raghavan Swamy, Tiruvallikeni Sri Srinivasan Swamy, Sri Rangarajan of Chennai and Sri Madhavan Swamy spoke on the spiritual contributions of Sri Vaishnava Acharyas, Srivari service traditions, Visishtadvaita philosophy and the significance of Alwar hymns. Several scholars also presented research papers.

Special Officer of the Alwar Divya Prabandha Project Sri Tirumalishai Alwar, scholars, researchers and a large number of devotees participated in the programme.