S​ri mathe ramanujaya namaha !!

In the numerous vedantic discourses by our acharyas and the related commentaries by our Harikatha experts, we would have learned that Bhakthi Yoga is the one most favored by Emperumaanar Ramanujar among the other yogas(karma and Gnanam). This sort of Bhakti tradition has been practiced in various forms and manners over the years. Prior to Ramanujar, it flourished through the Alvars, and after him, it prospered and refined through his disciples and devoted followers - the Bhagavatas. One of the significant continuities of this Bhakti tradition is the Bhajan temples.

​Though Bhajan temples are widely known across the country, it is in this Tondai Mandalam region - comprising North Tamil Nadu and parts of southern Andhra Pradesh  - that this Bhajan temple tradition thrives vibrantly. Villages and towns in this region are dotted with numerous small temples dedicated to the devotional practice.

To encapsulate their significance, one can easily point out to the event that happens every year during the world famous Kanchi Garuda Sevai festival - where countless Bhajan groups gather spontaneously and harmoniously to sing and celebrate together. This self-organizing, collective devotion, where groups form and dissolve organically during the lord Varadhars procession is a unique phenomenon rarely seen in other sacred sites. As described by the Alvar in the verse: “ஏதமில் தண்ணுமை ஏக்கம் மத்தளி, யாழ் குழல் முழவோடிசை திசை கெழுமி கீதங்கள் பாடினர்” - uniting the other fellow devotees along with their Bhajan groups, merge themselves with the spirit and divine grace of Perumal. On that auspicious day, the atmosphere resonates with the divine bhajan of Bhagavatas, evoking the celestial melodies of devaloka kinnaras, thereby elevating the essence of Bhakti to unparalleled heights. Thus Bhajan groups serve as a vital thread of this devotional movement, once revered by Alvars in the ancient centuries.

​Apart from singing Keerthanas in the Bhajans, the practice of singing Naalaayira Divya paasurams set to the unique melodic tunes is a hallmark of these Bhajans in this particular region. Reflecting Nammalvar’s phrases - “எண்ணில் சோர்விலற்தாதி யாயிரத்துள் இவையுமோர் பத்திசையோடும் பண்ணில் பாட வல்லாரவர் கேசவன் தமரே” - there was once a golden era, when those pasurams were sung with crafted ancient tamil tunes called Tamil Pann. These melodies, though now look simple and appears as a folklore art, these have been preserved and transitioned orally across generations in the Bhajan temples. The legacy of Tamil Panns are deeply embedded in the verses of pasurams as name implies ‘santham’ and ‘virutham’. Thiruppaanaalvar, who himself born in the Paanar lineage of tamil ancient music heritage reflects the significant aspect of this tradition. These historical connection serves as a living testaments to the interplay of music, devotion and Tamil culture. Additionally, the Carnatic music stalwarts like Kanchipuram Naina Pillai and M.V. Venkata Varadhan meticulously composed various pasurams which are also celebrated in these devotional spaces.​

With this significant spiritual context, we have a temple “Arulmigu Sathyabama Rukmini sametha Sri Venugopala Swami bhajan temple” located at Pandava Perumal Koil North Mada Street, Kanchipuram. Lord Vishnu resides and bestows grace here as Sri Venugopal Swami in his Archai form. Typically, when discussing a temple’s importance, references are made to its protection under royal patronage, its mention in epics or puranas, or its ancient origins. However, in the case of this temple, its significance lies in the unique cultural fabric, the unblemished devotion instilled among ordinary people, and the timeless Bhakti tradition it upholds. This temple does not have documented records of its age. Yet, as per the lines of Periyazhwar, who sang: “எந்தை தந்தை தந்தை தந்தைத்தம் மூத்தப்பன் ஏழ்படிகால் தொடங்கி வந்து வழிவழி ஆட்செய்கின்றோம்” (meaning, “Our father, his father, and his father’s father – this lineage continues for seven generations”), it can undoubtedly be claimed that the temple has existed for generations. Apart from the systematic nithya-padi kaingaryams (daily worship rituals) offered to Sri Venugopal Swami, the temple also safeguards and nurtures the tradition of above said devotional movements that have flourished over an extensive period.​

This temple having weathered the passage of time, now finds itself in the state of disrepair. To restore its glory and make it suitable for modern needs, including improved facilities for worship and festivals, we have undertaken plans for renovation and reconstruction. The aim is to rejuvenate the temple with a fresh magnificence and conduct the Kudamuzukku (consecration ceremony) at the earliest. With heartfelt devotion, we appeal to you to contribute generously—be it through monetary assistance or material support—towards this sacred endeavor and receive the abundant blessings of Sri Venugopala Swamy.  

As Kulasekara Alvar envisioned with longing in one of the below pasuram: We look forward to the day when Sri Venugopala Swami graces us in his renewed sanctum, as devotees gather in joy and unity to witness and partake in divine bliss. Let us all come together to bring this vision to life and experience the profound happiness of seeing our beloved Lord amidst a devoted congregation. ​

“வன்பெரு வானகம் உய்ய,

அமரர் உய்ய, மண் உய்ய,

மண்ணுலகில் மனுசர் உய்ய,

துன்பமிகு துயர் அகல,

அயர்வொன்று இல்லாச் சுகம் வளர,

அகம் மகிழும் தொண்டர் வாழ,

தங்கள் இன்பமிகு பெருங்குழுவு கண்டு

யானும் இசைந்துடனே

என்றுகொலோ இருக்கும் நாளே”  

Thus,

Temple Renovation Committee & Administration