T Srinivasachariar Raghava Simham Press

A Book at 94 on his favourite tech gadget - the Desktop Computer

From a remote village to the Chief Priest of a renowned temple in Mylapore

Anchored Vedantha Desikar Srinivasa Perumal Temple's biggest renovation exercise in the 1970s - His Devotional Commitment in the 1950s ensured that annual utsavams were conducted during the dark days at Ahobilam Divya Desam 

At 94, his devotional memory is still razor sharp as he recalls the early life in a remote village without quality educational facilities, the financially challenging times he had to endure when Sanskrit suddenly received a step motherly treatment after independence, the blessings of Veera Raghava Perumal, Thiruvallur Divya Desam(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/06/veera-raghava-perumal.html) and interactions with five Jeers of the Ahobila Mutt. As the Chief Priest of Vedantha Desikar Srinivasa Perumal Koil, he anchored the Samprokshanam in 1975 following the biggest renovation the temple had seen in the previous five decades. Later in the 1990s, he was actively involved in assisting the police help recover the lost jewels including staying late into the night at the Police Station. To many in the next generation, he is a role model on a devotional way of life and the one they look up to for any temple pooja process related challenges. The books he has written and published serve as a guide book to archakas. Here is the story. 

Childhood - Financially Challenging Times 

T Srinivasachariar was born in Azhisoor, a village near the historical Sundara Varadar Perumal temple in Uthira Merur(https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/12/uthiramerur-sundara-varadar.html). Driven by financial challenges, his father, C Thirumalachariar, a Sanskrit scholar, moved to Kanchipuram where the Parakala Mutt had launched a Vedic and Prabhandham school. He taught Sanskrit in that school and later on in life, he became an aradhakar at the Kanchi Ahobila Mutt. Srinivasachariar discontinued academics after class III and went along with his father to Kanchipuram. There he was initiated into Sanskrit, the Vedas and Divya Prabhandham by his father. 

All alone to Madras - Sanskrit Initiation

Soon after, when he was not yet into his teens, his father packed him off to Madras to the Adi Kesava Chetty school, a Sanskrit Institution run by Narayana Mudali Chetty in North Madras. For four years, staying in a hostel, he embarked on a formal Sanskrit education and cleared the advanced course (Sanskrit equivalent to SSLC). Following this, his interest was to join the Sanskrit College, Mylapore to improve his skills in the language. However, the college at that time focused on Mimamsa, an area that was not of interest to him as he was keen on Nyaya. 

Graduates from Sanskrit College, Madurantakam 

The launch of the Sanskrit College in Madurantakam by the 42nd Jeer of the Ahobila Mutt, Injimedu Azhagiya Singar in 1942 turned out to be a great blessing. He recalls the years at the college "It was a great period of initiation at the College that laid a strong foundation for me and was to serve me well later in life.” 

Unfortunately, soon after he graduated, there was a sudden defocus on Sanskrit following India’s independence and quite unexpectedly those in the Sanskrit field had a tough time finding jobs. By this time, he also had a family to run. As was the tradition in those days, he married young at 17 on the last day of Aani in 1943.  It was a financially challenging phase for Srinivasachariar and he turned his hope towards the Ahobila Mutt. Participation in Kalakshepams earned stipend for youngsters in those days. But once again, his plans went awry. The Jeer was in the process of writing a book and he had put on hold the Kalakshepams till the completion of the book. 

Manager of Water Works and Catering 

Have completed his Sanskrit course and with no job in sight, he returned to Madras to his uncle’s house in Villivakkam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2010/06/sowmya-damodara-perumal-villivakkam.html) looking to explore some work opportunities in the city. His uncle’s neighbour was a civil engineer and a building contractor who worked under the brand name of Modern Housing Construction. He had just been awarded the contract of the Villivakkam to Kilpauk Water Works. At Rs. 1.50 salary a day, Srinivasachariar was asked to manage the contract work on the ground. On completion of this work, the contractor took a catering engagement at the Stanley Medical College Hospital. Here too, Srinivasachariar was assigned the task of managing the activity, end to end. 

During that phase, he even drove a lorry. A Vasudevan, the personal assistant to the 46th Jeer of the Ahobila Mutt who performed archaka service for a decade at the Vedantha Desikar Srinivasa Perumal temple in Mylapore and later for a short period at the Ahobilam Divya Desam learnt the agamas from Srinivasacharya in the 1990s. He is not surprised at his acharya adapting to different kinds of engagements “In over three decades of my close interactions with him, his character was symbolized by carrying out the assigned task as sincerely and responsibly as possible. He would do everything that was required to complete the job on time.” 

An unexpected assignment by the Jeer 

When the Jeer completed his book, he came to Thiruvallur for Kalakshepam. And Srinivasachariar spent two years under his watchful eyes. Much to his delight, a completely unexpected opportunity came up on its own. The book that was to be printed was proving to be expensive with the printers of the time demanding a rather large sum of Rs. 10000. 

With joblessness rampant in the Vaishnavite community especially for Sanskrit scholars, the Jeer felt that the setting up of their own printing press would serve the twin purpose of printing the Mutt’s books as well as providing job opportunities. When the question arose as to who would manage the press, quite unexpectedly the Jeer pointed at Srinivasachariar and asked if he would take up the responsibility. Srinivasachariar recalls one of the most delightful days of his life “I had no clue of what printing was and no prior experience in the field but to be offered an opportunity from the Head of the Mutt was a God sent gift and I accepted it gleefully. It was to serve as an important source of income that was much needed at that time for my family.”

In 1950, Srinivasachariar spent months training on the processes involved - binding, composing and printing. He considers it a great honour to have had the launch of the Jeer’s Book as his first engagement at the Malolan Printing Press in Thiruvallur.

Raghava Simham Press 

On July 10, 1966, he launched a Printing Press of his own and called it ‘Raghava Simham’ press as the idea of the press was generated in Thiruvallur and blessed by the Ahobila Mutt Jeer. For a large part  over the next few decades, he did marriage invitations and bill books. 

Chief Priest at the Mylapore Temple 

In 1972, when the Vedantha Desikar Srinivasa Perumal temple was short on archakas, they sought his services and he joined at a salary of Rs. 50. Thattu Kaasu was minimal in those days. The printing press ran well enough to pay the salary of the staffers but it was not a big revenue earner. Hence, the opportunity at the temple came in handy at that time to help him financially. 

His daughter, the 62 year old Mala Nandakumar recalls the early years of the Raghava Simham press that he ran out of Saidapet “Those early years in the 1970s is symbolic of the hard work he put in. Every morning, at 5am, he would board the first bus from Saidapet (Number 5B) to Mylapore Tank. From there, he would walk to the Srinivasa Perumal temple. After the morning service, he would return home to carry out the printing work. He would then be back once again boarding 5B for the evening pooja. On Utsavam days, he would work late into the night to ensure that the printing work is completed within the deadline and once again board the bus next morning at 5am. His commitment to Srinivasa Perumal and to the Raghava Simham press have been a great source of motivation to all of us. ”

There were also occasions when he took up printing of Board Examination question papers. As these were confidential, the printing assignment would be taken up late in the night.

The daily trips from Saidapet were proving to be quite strenuous and taking a toll on him. And hence he moved closer to the temple shifting the printing press to Mari Chetty Street near the Mandaveli market. 

"Till the time I was married, he did not give any indication to me on the financial situation at home. Only later, did I come to know of the challenges he had faced during the 1950 and 60s. As I look back now on those early years of my school, he simply did not express his hardships to me at anytime and allowed me to enjoy my teenage years." 

The Biggest Renovation in 50 years 

Soon after he took charge, the temple saw its biggest renovation in over half a century. The previous construction had taken place in the 1920s by The Hindu K Balaji's (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-blossoming-cricket-career-was-cut.html) grand father. Till the 1970s, the Perumal and Thaayar were close to each other separated only by a wall. It was a completely different scenario till the early 70s at the temple. The location where one now finds the Ramanuja Sannidhi had been the madapalli for several decades. The Azhvaars were seen just behind the Perumal/ Thaayar Sannidhi where one now finds the Chakkarathazhvaar Sannidhi. Ramar Sannidhi was North of the Perumal Sannidhi (Azhvaars sannidhi now). 

It was during that renovation that separate sannidhis were built for Rama, Ramanuja, Chakkarathazhavar with Madapalli being taken out to a different location east of the temple. It was Srinivasachariar who master minded the reconstruction of the temple and anchored the mega samprokshanam of the new look temple in 1975. That remains one of the most cherished accomplishments of his life. 

He has also undertaken Samprokshanam in temples across the country including in Bombay, Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad. He was also the one who anchored the Samprokshanam of the Dasavathara Sanndhi in Srirangam (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/12/dasavatharam-temple-in-srirangam.html).

To Ahobilam Divya Desam for 16 years 

In the dark days for Ahobilam around 70 years ago, Srinivasachariar was instrumental in carrying pooja items for 16 long years to this Divya Desam for the annual utsavams, at a time when that Divya Desam was on the lines of the description in Thiru Mangai Azhvaar’s Periya Thirumozhi (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2010/10/singavel-kundram-ahobilam.html). It was forest like with no electricity and the rocky terrain was difficult to reach. There were not too many facilities available there. Even to reach Ahobilam would take three days. In those difficult times, it was Srinivasachariar who ensured the celebration of the annual utsavams. In recognition of his selfless efforts for well over a decade from the early 1950s, the 45th head of the Mutt handed him the responsibility for the Samprokshanam in 1998 when Srinivasachariar was past 70. Currently, a restoration process is on at Ahobilam under the leadership of industrialist Venu Srinivasan ( https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/11/ahobilam-temple-restoration.html).

His books – A Ready Reckoner for Archakas

It was during his service as the priest of the Mylapore temple that he began writing books on temple related topics, especially those that would be relevant for the archakas. When the HR & CE planned to start an Agama school, Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple’s Rangaraja Bhattar called him for the meeting and it was he who brought out a comprehensive book on the agama processes in temples. This was directed by the Government to be circulated to all temples in Tamil Nadu. 

While the original version was in Sanskrit, the HR & CE also requested him for a Tamil version (it is another matter that the agama school did not materialize). The agama book has seen multiple reprints and is a handbook used by archakas across temples. He wrote books on core pooja related topics for archakas in temples that served as a ready reckoner. With the common man too, especially in the new gen, having a number of doubts on the processes to be followed at home, Srinivasachariar wrote a book detailing the pooja related formalities for those at home to be followed on occasions such as child birth, death and by overseas persons who are not physically present here.

Prabhandham acharya Natteri Srihari Parthasarthy (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/11/srihari-parthasarathy-prabhandham.html), who has been initiating students into the sacred verses of the Saint Poets for the last two decades and ST Sathyanarayanan (a senior member of the Prabhandham team at the Mylapore temple) undertook their Sri Bashyam, Bhagavat Vishayam and Rahasyatraya Saaram under the guidance of Srinivasachariar. Navalpakkam Ranganathan (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2015/02/navalpakkam-ranganathan.html), who is an integral member of the Prabhandham team at the Srinivasa Perumal temple secured his Pancharatra Deekshai from Srinivasachariar.

Ahobila Mutt’s Vasudevan learnt the agamas from Srinivasachariar and dedicates all his achievements in life to his period of learning from the revered acharya which he says continues to this day “I have known him from the time I was a small boy in the 1980s. It was he who taught me all that is required for an archaka to perform his duty well. Throughout my childhood, I watched him perform service at the Srinivasa Perumal temple. He was disciplined and focused on carrying out his service on time. He never went after money. There were many devotees who were pleased with his service and handed money for his kainkaryam. Even if it was personal money given to him (not on the thattu), he would still share it with all the other archakas, such was his gracious nature.”

Vasudevan also feels blessed that his debut Samprokshanam in the outskirts of Madras in the late 1990s was under the leadership of Srinivasachariar "He was disciplined, worked with precision and always had a time sense to complete work within tough deadlines".

Recovery of lost Jewels 

By the mid 1990s, he was close to 70. When the jewels were stolen from the Vedantha Desikar Srinivasa Perumal temple, he was the one who the Police personnel trusted the most. Whenever they required any information, it was Srinivasachariar that they looked up to. Vasudevan credits the recovery of all the jewels within a month to the efforts of Srinivasachariar “There were many occasions when he was called by the police late in the night. Unmindful of his old age, he would go to the police station and assist them in every way. There were nights when the meeting went up to as late as 2am. I was the one he would call at the end of the meeting to pick him up from the police station to take him home.”

Vasudevan remembers his decade long service at the Srinivasa Perumal temple and his association with Srinivasachariar "While he was not part of the Seva Kalam being an archaka, he would listen to the recital and initiate his archaka colleagues with deep insights into the inner meanings of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. Also he would often ask us if we knew the significance of the Sahasranama archanai we did  and he would put each of the names into context."

He served as the Chief Priest of the temple and retired after almost three decades at a salary of Rs. 1200!!!

Tech Savvy after Sathabhisekam

Just under two decades ago, when technological improvements came into play, he made the move to offset printing. His two grandsons were growing up and were quick to grasp new technologies. He brought his first computer in 2000 and with the help of his grandsons learnt computers when he was close to 80!!! His record maintenance has always been perfect as can be seen from the beautifully chronicled books in his large library at the printing press on 2nd Trust Cross Street in Mandaveli. In the process of writing topical books, he managed to collect rare historical books that now number over 400. Not only does he possess such a rare collection but he has also catalogued every single book in his library for easy reference by anyone. 

Lavish Praise of his student

Three years on the occasion of the felicitation of Prabhandham Acharya Srihari Parthasarathy in March 2017, Srinivasachariar was seen engaged in a healthy debate with his once student. When the then 91 year old, Srinivasachariar referred to Srihari as 'Swami', the latter strongly objected saying that he had undergone Kalakshepam under the great Vidwan and hence it was not appropriate for him to refer to his student as Swami.

However, Srinivasachariar dismissed Srihari off remarking that he had rendered a great service to the Vaishnavite community by creating the next generation of students that will keep the Prabhandham traditions going for the next several decades and that the occasion was appropriate for Srihari to be referred to as ‘Swami’ even though he had once been his student!!!

                             

Referring to the Maaley Manivanna Pasuram, where Andal presents the specific process to be followed (Conch, Drum, Ghosti..), Srinivasachariar praised Srihari for the systematic way in which he had brought up his students since the mid 1990s. If today there is a strong Ghosti to reckon with, in Mylapore, the credit for that goes to Srihari, Srinivasachariar said that day at the Vedantha Desikar Srinivasa Perumal temple. 

His decades of devotional service at the Srinivasa Perumal temple symbolized the way he lived – Total dedication to the cause that he took up, timely service and acting with precision. Even today, well into his 90s, he falls full length near the Dwajasthambam of the temple invoking the blessings of the Lord such is his devotion. He considers being asked to manage the printing press of the Mutt as a devotional gift from his acharya and continues to run Raghava Simham press with personal care, over half a century after its launch. He has initiated over 70 people into agamas and several students are continuing to take Vedantham lessons from him with kalakshepam each day in the morning and evening even during the year of the Pandemic. 

Azhisoor T Srinivasachariar was hailed on Sunday (December 27) by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme as a role model for the younger generation. Referring to Srinivasachariar’s learning computers and offset printing into his 80s, the Prime Minister said he was a prime example of how it is never too late to learn. 

Srinivasachariar will turn 95 in just over a month. It is an age when not too many are active. But Srinivasachariar is unique and his deeply disciplined devotional life sets him apart. He continues to engage everyday with his disciples on agamas, sukthas and the sacred verses. And of course, he puts his favourite gadget of the last decade or so -  The Desktop Computer - to the benefit of the society!!!! This last week of December 2020, he is seen typing the content of his latest project from the printing press in Mandaveli, Madras. The new book will feature the processes to be followed in temples after a Pandemic of this magnitude decoding its features from the agamas. This latest addition to his glorious writing is expected to be launched over the next fortnight or so. 

Truly a remarkable devotional endeavour at 94.