Swamy Desikan

Today  (25092023) we celebrate our Acharya, Swamy Nigamantha Mahadesika. A Srivaishnava guru and a polymath, he wrote several works in Sanskrit,Tamizh, Prakrit and Manipravalam. He is considered to be an avatara of the Divine bell of Sri Venkateshwara (Tirumala).

Ghantavatara

Kamasikashtakam

Gopala Vimshati

Dehalisha Stuti

Inspired by Swami Desika’s poetry and visual imagery from young age, I have attempted bring out his divine and elevating thoughts. 1.Dehaleesha stuthi 2. Desika's acharya parampara depicted in a bell (Ghantavatara) and an ode to Lakshminarasimha (Kamasikashtaka)

Constructing a well

Swamy Desikan explains to his wife, about the coins in the bhiksha from devotees, as worms.

Defeating the challenge from a snake charmer

Sculpting his image

In his epic compositions, Yadavabhyudama (on Sri Krishna) and Sri Padukasahasram (on the attributes of Sri Paduka Devi)he has composed his verse in visual arrangement, called chitra paddhati. The knight movement in the chess board is just a sample. My visual journey was very much guided by this Acharya. His ideas inspired and taught me. Acharya Devo Bhava.

Vatsalya Narasimha

 Prahlada Varadha with Conch - (sata Pathatu Bheeshane) - Kamasikashtakam Shloka by Swami Desikan

Krishna Leela

 

On Krishna's instructions, Vasudeva prepares to carry the new born child across Yamuna to Gokula. The parents are unchained. The guards are asleep. Yamuna gives way. Adisesha's hoods act as an umbrella. His shining eyes provide light. Vasudeva crosses the Yamuna.  "It appeared as though he had crossed the Janana sindhu, the sea of birth, for being blessed with Krishna as his son." -- Swami Desika in his sanskrit kavya 'Yadavabhyudayam'

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