Release of a book on “Periyazhwar” formed the highlight of the Azhwar Festival organised at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on Wednesday.
This was the fourth year in succession that the festival was organised by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
The book with 75 articles on Periyazhwar focuses on multi-dimensions of his services: from literature to service, from environment to nature, from music to values, and so on. It has a special feature on the comparative study of Periyazhwar with other works of eminent seers and saints in the order of Manavala Maamunigal. As Periyazhwar is noted for his verses on “pallandu”, the book has 10 articles on “pallandu”.
Sri Ranga Narayana Jeer of Srirangam presided over the function and released the book on the occasion and the first copy was received by P. Jayaraman, Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, also Executive Officer of the temple.
Mr. Jayaraman said that Azhwars codified time-tested ethics which every individual should adhere to.
The “pasurams” were not only rich in literary content and devotional spirit but also formed a treasure of values.
“Celebrating a festival in glory of them is a honour for their ‘pasuram’, their philosophy and ideology,” he said and explained the objective of the festival.
A.V. Rangachari, a scholar from Chidambaram who reviewed the book, spoke on the services of Periyazhwar.
Three scholars K. Sekar, Vijayasundari, and Gokulachari spoke on Nammazhwar.
Mr. Sekar spoke on the definitions of bhakti in the eyes of Nammazhwar.
While Ms. Vijayasundari elaborated on his blessings, Mr. Gokulachari described how Nammazhwar celebrated Sri Ranganathar.
