Ramanuja Sahasramanotsava

Śrī Rāmānujā Sahasramānotsavā Sevā

Svāmi Rāmānujā is the greatest exponent of viśiṣtādvaita. The year 2017 is a significant one in the passage of viśiṣtādvaita philosophy as it marks the 1000^th birth anniversary of this greatest philosopher, saint, social reformer ever to have appeared in this planet. This once in a life time event will be celebrated across the globe in a manner befitting the greatness of this Ācārya. In this regard Tirunarayanapuram (also known as Melkote), gears itself towards the millenium celebrations of its most favorite Ācārya.

This monumental event require the involvement, support and contribution of every Śrīvaiṣṇava. With Tirunarayanan and Svāmi Rāmānujā's unbounded mercy a Trust (Śrī Rāmānujā Sahasramānotsavā Sevā) is formed to commemorate the events of 2017.

The following are the major projects of this event.

1. Rāmānujā dhām

With ācārya krupai, it is intended to build a 'center' at or near Tirunarayanapuram to glorify Svāmi Rāmānujā. This 'center' will depict the events in the life of Svāmi Rāmānujā and portray his works. Special emphasis will be given to propagate and promote viśiṣtādvaita philosophy and Śrīvaiṣṇava sampradayam. This will not only be a place of extraordinary display of the glorious tradition of Śrīvaiṣṇava sampradayam, but will also be a sought after place for learning the nuances of the sampradayam by both beginners and advanced learners.

2. navagrantha dvāraṁ

Svāmi Rāmānujā wrote nine great works. To honor and promote these works, it is planned to construct 9 arched entrances (dvāraṁ) leading up to Tirunarayanapuram. Each one of these arches will represent one work of Svāmi Rāmānujā in a unique and purposeful manner. Everyone entering through these arches will not only remember the works of the great Ācārya but also seek his blessings to learn these granthams.

3. sahasra granthamālā

To spread the viśiṣtādvaita philosophy and Śrīvaiṣṇava sampradayam, 1000 publications will be prepared in 1000 different topics in simple and easy to understand style. These booklets will be in Tamil, Kannada, English, Telugu, Sanskrit and Hindi. These publications will be distributed to the general public. Each of these booklets shall benefit both advanced learners and beginners alike.

4. sahasra vṛkṣāṭavī

A special area is ear marked in Tirunarayanapuram to form a mini forest with 1000 trees planted in it. Each of these trees will depict each year after Svāmi Rāmānujā's birth and also provide a unique tourist attraction and eco balance. A 'mandapam' will be built in the middle of this forest.

5. sahasra vigraha

In Tirunarayanapuram Svāmi Rāmānujā is affectionately called Yatirāja Sampath Kumarar. Every Śrīvaiṣṇava in Tirunarayanapuram has Yatiraja Sampath Kumarar in their heart and residence. It is intended to spread the arcā vigraham of Svāmi Rāmānujā to the houses of at least 1000 Śrīvaiṣṇavas. 1000 arcā vigrahams (idols) are prepared and will be distributed to one and all who accept Svāmi Rāmānujā as their ultimate savior.

6. sahasra pārāyaṇa goṣṭhī

The essence Śrīvaiṣṇavam is unconditional surrender to the Supreme Lord. He and He alone is the means and achievement. This unconditional surrender or "saranagaty" is truly amplified by Svāmi Rāmānujā in three of his greatest works namely, Saranagaty Gadyam, Śrīranga Gadyam and Vaikunta Gadyam. These three gadyams (prose) are the divine conversation between the Supreme Lord Ranganata and Svāmi Rāmānujā. Every Śrīvaiṣṇava should be able to recite them from their heart and adhere to the principles of saranagaty. "Rāmānujā Nootrandadhi" is a collection of 108 Tamil songs glorifying Svāmi Rāmānujā. This is known as "Prapanna Gayatri" meaning the "gayatri" to be chanted daily by a prapanna or one who has surrendered to the Supreme Lord. In this regard a program is initiated to teach Gadya Trayam and Rāmānujā Nootrandhadi to all those who are interested. This will be taught in the traditional santhai format (rote system). Upon completion the student will be able to recite them with absolute ease and confidence. Every month on Tiruvatirai day those who are learning the santhai are welcome to visit Tirunarayanapuram and practice with the scholars.

7. sahsra yojana vijaya yātrā

During his life time Svāmi Rāmānujā tirelessly travelled all over the continent for the propagation of Śrīvaiṣṇava Sampradayam and to inculcate true Bhakti and servitude in the hearts of simple folk. In mark of this great effort, a vijaya yātrā (victory march) is planned from the year 2014-15 and 2016-17. An idol of Svāmi Rāmānujā will be travelling across the country starting from Tirunarayanapuram and this "travel" will visit countless villages and remote parts of the country to spread the teachings and message of Svāmi Rāmānujā.

8. Tirunarayanapuram Vruddhi

Ramanujacharya is not only know for his works and Srivaishnavism, he is known across the world for his social reforms. When he first visited Thondannur, he observed the ladies in the town fetching water from far away places and he insisted the kind Bittideva to build Tondannur lake. The present Tondannur lake is developed by the guidance of Swamy Ramanuja.  There are many ponds and kalyani in Tirunarayanapuram (Melkote). All these were the dream project of Swamy Ramanuja and built in his guidance in 11^th century. To show our tribute his social concerns decided to include below projects as part of Sahasramanotsava.

Converting Tirunarayanapuram to Green Gram – moving to Solar energy

Improve the existing school

Improve the existing Veda, Divyaprabanda, Agama pathashala – at present sponsored by Ramanuja Jeeyar from Srivalliputur

Moving to Solar Energy: Benefits:

Green Grama – less utilization of conventional energy

Sustainable energy

Reduces carbon footprint

Conserves natural resources

Energy indepedence

Reduces power bills over a period of time

Tirunarayanapuram will gain worldwide recognition

Moving to Solar Energy - Products:

Solar Street Lights

Solar for home

Solar water heaters

Solar for water pumping

Solar fencing system for agricultural land

Funding – Donations

Each of these projects demand great effort, dedication and involvement from one and all. We invite everyone far and near to come forward and contribute in as much capacity as they can.

Srinithya Krishnan Nadadur has contributed 4 acres of land for Ramanuja Dham project

Vedavalli has contributed 30 lacs for Navagrantha Dwara project

Each of you can donate Rs. 100 a month upto 2017 for 4 years

You can contribute to one of the project or part of the project

Contact Information:

Anandalwar, Melkote: 9448742259

Website: www.sriramanuja1000.org