Karanatakavaishnavatemples.net

Nesting amidst natural surroundings and against the backdrop of the holy waters of Cauvery is a shrine, which is adorned by Sri Varadharajar and Perundevi Thayar, known as SATHYAGALAM. Sathyagalam had the distinction of being selected as a perfect setting for swami Desikan’s daily Anushtanam and worship and writing. It is only 130 Kms southwest of Bangalore and is well connected by road. Nearby there are some picnic spots like the Gaganchukki Falls, Madhyarangam temple, Bluff ( name of a power generating station), Talakad etc.

Swami Desikan, a ,Lion among Acharyas was appropriately known as Kavitarkika Simha and Sarwa Tantra going by the contributions made by him to the Hindu religion and Srivaishnava Community in particular, he is only next to Sri Ramanuja. It is he who laid the firm foundation to Vasishtaadwaita philosophy which was articulated by Ramanuja.

Kottai Varadharajar and his consort Vardha Vallabha Thayar also known as Perundevi Thayar. It is said the idols of both the deities descended to Sathyagalam - other words they were Swayam Vyaktam. They revealed themselves to our Swami Desikan ..

In 13^th Century, Srirangam city was invaded by Muslims. Malik kafur the General of Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi. Srirangam became a veritable hotbed of attacks from northwest of India towards the end of 13^th Century beginning of 14^th Century forcing people to flee Srirangam. One of those who could not escape was Sudharshana Bhattar, author of the famous commentary on Ramanuja’s famous Sri Bashyam known as Shrutha Prakashike. He however wisely vested this book as well as two young children in the safe custody of Swami Desikan, who thinking it was God’s will lefty Srirangam for a safe place. He traveled along the course of river Cauvery it is no wonder he reached SATHYAGALAM, he must have said “this is it”.

Swami Desikan settled down nicely at Sathyagalam and got into his routine of Aradhanam, meditation, writing and Kalakhsepams on Sri Bhashyam. It may be mentioned here that swami had the unique distinction of giving Kalakshepam on Sri Bhashyam over 30 times , a feat which does not appear to have been matched by anyone ever since. He is said to have written a number of books and the one, which is frequently mentioned, is “ABHITISHAVA”, the recitation of which is said to ward off all types of fear.

While in Sathyagalam, Swami Desikan had selected a particular spot on the riverbed for his daily “Anushtanam” and meditation under a “peepul tree” {Ashwatha Vriksham}. This spot has been revered by generations of people who acknowledge the tree as Swami Desikan’s “special seat” seated where he composed many literary compositions. The entire setting with the “peepul tree” {Ashwatha Vriksham} is known as Gynaashwatha. This spot was in bad shape until recently, when it underwent renovation and was spruced up to make it fit for visiting Holinesses and others to observe their “Anushtanam”. Swami Desikan once had a dream in which a “Satvik” person requests that he allow him to do some form of service {Kainkaryam} to him. Swami Desikan did not read too much into this dream. The very next day when swami was returning from the river after his “Ahannikam”, a tortoise followed him all through and “raced fiercely”. This happening also did not bother him in anyway. However, that night in his dream, he had a vision of GOD wherein he was told to do “Anugraham”. The next morning when swami Desikan returned to his special spot under the gnyaanaashwattha, he found a stone Peetam in the form of a tortoise [“Koormasanam”]. The swami started using it during his “Anushtanam”. The unique Sri Koormasanam (naturally formed in granite) on which Our Swami performed his Nithya Anushtanam on the Banks of Cauvery is now preserved in his Sannidhi.

There is a unique feature in the Desikar’s Idol at Sathyagalam. Swami Desikar is in Ninra Thirukolam or standing pose. It is said Swami is standing and anxiously looking towards Srirangam to see if peace has returned or not (his standing posture gives an impression that he was literally on his toes, to head back to Srirangam). This pose is not there anywhere in the world as you will generally find him in all the temples in a seated pose. Swami Desikan left SATHYAGALAM for Srirangam when all the trouble had ceased there. His fame kept growing by leaps and bounds, what with his unique contributions and display of “Pandithyam”, some people did not tolerate His greatness and one among them was Lakshmanacharya. His follower’s dragged swami Desikan one day and manhandled him. This was yet another instance when SATHYAGALAM beckoned Swami Desikan. Not much later Lakshmanacharya was stricken with Leucoderma and his wife was quick to realise that this was a result of their showing disrespect (Apacharam) to Swami Desikan, without losing time they reached Sathyagalam and made amends.

The Temple Timings are 6 Am to 10 Am & 5 Pm to 7 Pm

Please contact anyone of the following for the sevas .

The temple's address is:
Sri Kote Vardharaja Swamy Temple,
Sathyagalam, Kollegal Taluk,
Pin:571440.
Karnataka,
India.

Sri Madhavan Bhattar's Father is Aradhakar at Talakad and His Brother Sri Sridhar Bhattar is Aradhakar at Madhya Rangam.

For more details please log on to www.sathyagalam.com

This Web page is sponsored by Dr. Oppiliappan Koil VaradAchAri Sadagopan of U S A