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Devotional work

V.N. VEDANTA DESIKAN

Manvala Mamunigal, usually called Varavara Muni, especially in Sanskrit works, was perhaps the last of the scholar-giants in South Indian Vaishnavism. The most impressive aspect of his writings is his genius in interpretation, with copious literary authorities, to support a thesis. His commentaries are of a variegated nature, seldom duplicative. He has to his credit many original works, hymns, in Tamil as well as Sanskrit. Some of such works are very useful for recitation by laymen also.

An explanation in regard to the name Varavara Muni would be useful in this context. This Acharya, like some others, had borne the name of Ranganatha, namely as Azhagiya Manavala, which actually means “lovely bridegroom or fascinating son-in-law”, which indeed is the fond manner in which Parasara Bhattar would refer to Lord Ranganatha. In Sanskrit, it would become “Ramya Jamata”. Varavara Muni is a lovely synonym.

This book contains Upadesa Ratna Mala—a garland of gems of instructions. It contains 73 Tamil verses in “venba” metre. These verses are also reproduced in transliterations in English and Telugu scripts, so that even non-Tamils can now read them. The author provides a simple meaning in English, with sufficient explanation on the content.

The work starts from Azhwars, gives some biographical details, and focusses on the special virtues of the works of each savant. Some of the thoughts that Mamunigal presents would appeal to layman today. For example, why is Periyazhwar so called? What is the bigness about? The verses are all soul-stirring and the author’s interpretation too is moving. Though the verses are supposedly set in the instructive mood, the saint often addresses himself, introspectively and even tantalisingly. He allots equal importance to the later Acharyas who have rendered yeoman service to explain the actual import and philosophical significance of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham through their masterly commentaries in a unique, so-far-unheard-of Manipravala language style, in which Mamunigal was himself a great adept.

He traces the way in which the inimitable commentary of Tiruvaymozhi, namely Eedu, came to be written. Then he goes on to expatiate on the greatness of Sri Vachana Bhushanam, on which also his commentary is available as a great treasure. The work ends with some 13 verses on the duties of a disciple, the way of good behaviour and the need to avoid bad company that would spoil one’s character. Whether all verses do require a commentary and explanation is a moot question. But then there are subtle points to be emphasised, and rightly the commentary of Pillai Lokam Jeeyar became necessary. The work adopts the above-said commentary to explain the content to the modern reader.

The world of Vaishnavism is indebted to the author for this edifying book. There is an added bonus available in the book, namely, an account of the life and works of Mamunigal.

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