I was reading the Tamil magazine (Ananda Vikatan dated 30.01.05) in which there was an article about a diver named Kannan working in "Kutrallam" waterfalls. Presently he is engaged in rescuing people who had fallen in the deep waters or recovering bodies from deep waters. In one of the experience, he cites that he rescued a young boy named Kalyana Sundram who had drowned in the deep water. His attempt to locate the boy deep in the water failed him for three days. When all hope of rescuing the boy became bleak and recovering the body was also given up. On the fourth day when a final try was made, he could locate the boy in deep water. Alas, that too is alive! The boy Kalyana Sundram who was inside the deep water for three days and rescued by Kannan is now married and living in the USA.
Shri Sadasiva Brahmendra
That reminded me of the yogic capacities of some of the siddha purushas of our Bharat varsha, especially the mystic incident that had taken place with Saint Shri Sadasiva Brahmendra. Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra was an avadhuta saint (meaning one who wanders naked) who practiced and preached advaita Vedanta. He is believed to have lived for more than two hundred years. He was a disciple of 57th pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, namely Sri Paramasivendra Saraswathi (1538 -1586). Ayyaval of Tiruvisanallur and Sadasiva Brahmendra had been schoolmates. It was Ayyaval who had introduced him to Sri Paramasivendra Saraswathi. He was very good at singing in praise of the Lord. This intelligent youth used to argue and debate at the slightest provocation. One day his guru had asked him to be silent. He took that as 'jnana upadesa' and took to the vow of silence. His guru HH Sri Paramasivendra Saraswathi later conferred the title "Sadasiva Brahmendra" on him.
In the early years, the floor of this pavilion had a hole in it, which could not be filled up despite many efforts. The bricks would simply fall through. It was this saint composer Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra who recommended a remedy for this. He prescribed the installation of Sri Anjaneya in the spot.
Miracles performed by the yogi
There are many miracles performed by this mauna yogi, avadhuta purusha while
wandering on the banks of Cauvery. The one I remembered when reading the above
article, is what happened when Kodumudi River was flooded. It is said that while
Shri Sadasiva Brahmendra was sitting on the bed of the Kodumudi River and penancing,
the river was suddenly flooded. People saw water submerge him as he was still in his
trance. He was given up as drowned. But three months later when the floods subsided
he was still there in the same trance posture; he just rose and walked away.
Bhajana Sampradaya
He had been a part of the movement when Bhajana Sampradaya was crystallizing in the south. He had left behind many valuable works on philosophy, kritis on many subjects and deities. Many musicians know him for his compositions of the kritis on advaita Vedanta, philosophy and deities. He is equally familiar to the devotees practicing the Bhajana Sampradaya. "Bhajare Gopalam" in raga Hindolam, "Bhajare Yadhunatham" in Peelu, "Pibare rama rasam" in Yamankalyani are some of the few enchanting kritis of His many other compositions.
Mystery of the hole in the pavilion
Today in many places of worship, Aradhana Utsavam of Saint Shri Sadasiva
Brahmendra is celebrated by organizing musical performances by famed artists of the
time. The famous among them is the musical festival performed in Tanjavur near The
Prasanna Venkateswara Swami Shrine. There is a four-pillared mantapam in
front of the Shrine, a pavilion on the side in which the Utsava Murthy is
kept before hoisting it onto the chariot during the car festival.
In the early years, the floor of this pavilion had a hole in it, which could not be filled up despite many efforts. The bricks would simply fall through. It was this saint composer Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra who recommended a remedy for this. He prescribed the installation of Sri Anjaneya on the spot. Under his instruction, the installation was done and this great saint consecrated the idol.
Temple for Anjaneya near nalu kal mandapam
The Anjaneya temple is in the Sannidhi Street of the Prasanna Venkateswara temple, and the street is buzzing with activity right from early morning. Sri Anjaneya Swami is placed in the small 'pirai' of the mantapam. You can see a lot of people offering prayer as they walk past the temple, even people from other sects and beliefs. Sri Anjaneya Swami installed by this great avadhuta saint who had practiced advaita philosophy is standing there with his hand folding blessing one and all. The temple attracts a large number of people on Saturdays, Tuesdays and other festival days.
Location of the temple: "Sri Anajaneya Temple, Nalu Kal Mandapam, Thanjavur"
Experience
The Lord Anjaneya of "nalu kal manpapam" near Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swami Shrine in Tanjavur continues to be a protector of all faith and poor. Next time when you visit Tanjavur visit this temple and bring back peace and have your faith inspired by the Anjaneya consecrated by the great saint.
SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE
Ed [January 2004]
Updates: [January 2025]