Ramanuja, Andal's big brother
Blessed with both great gurus and fantastic disciples, Ramanuja is an exemplar of how one should lead a dharmic life in Kali Yuga. His basic guidance for daily living is simple and easy to follow: every morning one should turn southwards, close one's eyes and pray to Sri Ranganatha, chanting 'Ranga, Ranga'. One should turn northwards and internalising Venkatadri, pray to Him. Turning eastwards, and bringing up the image of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal in one's mind, one should pray to Him; Aligning to the West, one should think of Chella Pillai in Melkote and pray to Him.
Hailed as the essence of the four Vedas, Ramanuja, who was born in the Tamil month of Chittirai, in Sriperumbudur, is also celebrated as the 'brother' of Andal, the only female Azhwar. How did this come about? Following her pavai nonbu, Andal was awaiting her wedding to Ranganatha, but it did not take place at once. As is common with most of us, when we want something very badly, we pray to more than one God, fervently. Andal too prayed to Kallazhagar and He, playfully asked her, 'What will you give me if I make your wish come true?'. Without a moment's hesitation, she promised Kallazhagar 100 tada (ancient measure) akkaravadisal and 100 tadas of butter. Before she could act on her vow, Ranganatha appears, to marry her, thanks to Kallazhagar. The vow remained unfulfilled, until Ramanuja, who hears of it, says he will execute her vow, being her brother and travels to Tirumaliruncholai and fulfills her promise to Kallazhagar.
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