Aradhana of Nerur saint
L. RENGANATHAN
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The aradhana of Sadasiva Brahmendral is on, with the main rituals slated for May 7.
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MEMORIAL: The adishtanam of Sadasiva Brahmendral on the banks of the Cauvery at Nerur.
Set in the serene surroundings of lush green fields, made fertile by the quiet flowing Cauvery, Nerur in Karur district is located the samadhi of Avadutha Sri Sadasiva Brahmendral, a jivan mukta of the 18th century who rendered divine verses besides producing a masterpiece on Brahma Vidya.
The kritis, "Manasa Sancharare," "Bruhi Mukundeti," "Pibarare Ramarasam" and "Sarwam Brahma Mayam," which find a place in concerts were written by him.
It is said that he attained videha mukti at Nerur, Manamadurai, and in far-off Karachi, simultaneously.
A tree was grown at his samadhi here and as per his direction, a Siva lingam brought from Kasi was installed in front.
Born into an orthodox family in Madurai as Sivaramakrishnan, the saint exhibited an intense yearning for atma vidya even in childhood. He found his guru in Sri Paramasivendra Saraswath, a disciple of Sri Abhinava Narayanendra Saraswathi.
Upon his guru's command, the saint adopted mouna vrita and gradually became an avadutha, shedding his worldly attachments.
His fame spread and he came to be hailed as the guru of the Pudukkottai Samasthanam.
The royal family preserves and worships a relic (an upadesa etched on earth).
Sadasiva Brahmendral authored `Atma Vidya Vilasa' and a few other works, besides many compositions.
His greatness
Sri Nrsimha Bharathi VIII (1817-1879) of the Sringeri Saradha Peetam, during his tour of Tamil Nadu, chanced to savour the greatness of Brahmendral and his successor, Sri Satchidananda Sivabhinava Nrsimha Bharathi (1879-1912) made a seminal visit to the samadhi of the saint at Nerur. He
composed 45 verses called `Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Sthavam.' The essence of advaita philosophy is contained in those 45 verses.
The present pontiff, Sri Bharathi Teertha continues the tradition of offering worship at Nerur.
The aradhana of Sadasiva Brahmendral is observed between May 2 and 7, with the main rituals slated for May 7.
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