"Encyclopedia
of Knowledge"
Sri
Paramachariar’s Close Association with Sri Subramania Sastrigal
Siddhamalli Subramania Sastrigal who later
became to be known as Sri Subramania Yatheendraal, was born in April1868 at Siddhamalli. His father was Sri Kothandarama Iyer,
who owned 35 Velis of wet land and dry lands. Their ancestors were brought up from Kerala in 16th Century. Sri Subramania Sastrigal's Guruparampara is from Sri Abhirama Bhattar. Born in Koundinya Gothram, Sastrigal
lost his father at the age of 10 and started his vedic education in sastras etc from Brammasri Mannargudy Raju Sastrigal,
the Authority on Vedas, who was
also awarded with Mahamahopadya Award by then British Government.
Sri Subramania Sastrigal became the disciple of Kanchi Maha Periavaa and was included as teacher to teach Yajur Veda to Sri Kanchi
Periavaa in the year 1911 at Mahendramangalam. From that day onwards he was closely associated with Kamakoti Mutt and became
a Scholar. He was with the Maha Periava for almost a year, spending his money
for the development of the Mutt. Mahaswami of Kanchi Mutt deputed Sri Subramania Sastrigal to Benares(Kasi) to attend the
Vidwad Sadas organised by the Kasi Maharaja. Sastrigal went to Kasi and partricipated in the Sadas.He was awarded Medals and
Shawls and Gold coins by the King of Kasi.A grand reception was accorded on behalf of the Mutt at Madras Central. Sastrigal
put all the awards at the Lotus Feet of Mahaperiavaa and got His Blessings.
In
the Pujya Sri Mahaswami Divya Charitram in the chapter.."Yatra to Kumbakonam for Mahamagam during the "Navarathri at Tanjore...
Peetam established by Sri Adi Sankara was born into this world, it is said in this Charitram that ..
Sri
Paramachaariar, accepting the invitatiion of Landlord "KUNNIYUR SAMBASIVA IYER", His Holiness stayed in Kunniyur for some
time. Then he travelled around "Siddhamali", Alangadu, Pattukottai, Aranthangi
and came to Avudayar Koil in July 1922. During this time, Mirasdar(landlord)from
SIDDHAMALI---SUBRAMANIA IYER(Sastrigal), stayed with Swamigal and served the mutt.
Such
is the fame attached to this beautiful village called "Siddhamalli" and Shri Subramania Sastrigal, on whom this article is
written about. His internal life was so
intense, holy and great that it is no surprise that Shri Maha Periavaa Paramachariar
used to call him as "Library"or "Encyclopedia of Knowledge".
During
the pre-independence during the late 19th and early 20th century, the Sanskrit Scholars were honoured with the title "MahaMahopadyaya". Mannargudi Thyagaraja Makhin alais "Shri Raju Sastrigal" was the first person to receive
the title. Later, a doyen among Tamil Scholars and pioneer in editing Tamil Classics
from manuscripts also acheived the title.
The
title "Vedabhasyaratnam" was offered to the scholars who qualified in the dharmasastras by the Kanchi Kamakotti Pitam. This is a sanskrit monastry, which fosters Vedic and Sastriac studies. The title " Sastraratnakaram" was allotted to the person having an
exceptionally good qualification. Few of
the names are mentioned here, who were honoured with this title, The persons are Tiruvisanallur Venkatasubba Sastrigal, K.
Balasubramania Sastrigal and Thiruvaiyaru Balakrishna Sastrigal. The Vedantic
Scholars were entitled with "Atmavidyabhusanam" and Injikollai Jagadisvara Sastrigal and Varahur Annasami Sastrigal got this
title. The best promoter of Vendanta used to get the title "Bhasyabhavajna" and
the proud achiever of this title were Varahur Venkatarama Sastrigal and Varahur Kalyanasundara Sastrigal. The title "Panditaraja" was given to the person who regularly attends the "Sadas" organised by the Maharaja
of Cochin and who gets recognised by one and all as great scholars. It should
be mentioned here that our "Shri Subramania Sastrigal" and one Balasubramania
Sastrigal were the proud owners of this great title. What an achievement indeed for their scholarly knowledge!
Again,
Sri Subramania Sastrigal's close association with the Maha Periavaa can be recounted once too oftern...It is said that in
one incident in 1929, when Sri Maha Periavaa of Kanchi was camping at Madras, HH used to give Lectures. By his side Subramania
Sastrigal(Yatheendraal) was standing. Immediately Periyavaa asked Sastrigal to continue the UPANYASAM and went inside for
Japas. Subramania Sastrigal then started at length, giving Lectures on behalf of Periavaa!! All the devotees were
happy. After 45 minutes, Mahaperiavaa came to the Dais and it was to the surprise of all the people gathered there that His
Holiness was also listening to the SPEECH given by Subramania Sastrigal. Then Maha Periyavaa started Upanyasam!! This is the
Gift given by MAHA PERIVAA to our YATHEENDRAAL OF SIDDHAMALLI
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