abhimAna sthalams in Andhra

[Guest guest]

I have been sharing some interesting e-mail discussion with Sri P. B.

Anand of this forum on doing research for a future series of postings on

the abhimAna sthalams of the state in which both our families have had

roots for several generations, Andhra Pradesh.

 

While there can be no question of the importance of the divya dEshams at

Ahobilam and Thirumalai, the role of the abhimAna sthalams in Andhra in

preserving and promoting our satsAmpradayam are just as great as at

these two holy shrines. There are several stories of the connection of

our pUrvachAryans to these holy temples, and several noted scholars from

Andhra, such as Sri Bhashyam Appalacharya, U. Ve. Gopalacharya, and

others, also have deep rooted connections to these temple towns.

 

While I understand that there are books in Telugu on this subject, our

goal in researching these temples is to discover and share with others

the direct connection that they have to emperumAnAr darshanam. As a

result, Sri Anand and I are proposing to address the following areas in

our research:

 

1. the sthala purAnama of each temple

2. the location of each temple and how one can reach there

3. historical events that are related to SriVaishnavam and its

development

4. important SriVaishhnava festivals that are taking place at each

temple

5. which pUrvAchAryans are connected to each temple

6. the current scholars that are linked to these temples (Sri Anand has

aptly referred to them as the "unsung heroes of SriVaishnavam," as their

reputation does not generally extend beyond the borders of Andhra)

7. A concluding series on the vaibhavam of Srinivasan and

Thirupati/Thirumalai

 

We cordially invite the support and participation from all those who are

interested in the undertaking of this kainkaryam project. Please reply

to this e-mail (msagar) if you would like to

participate.

 

I am looking forward to learning a great deal from all of you.

 

adiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan,

 

Mohan

[webramanuja 0]

Good