Vachaspathy Dr. Sri. U. Ve Mukundagiri Vankeepuram Ananntha Padmanabhachariar popularly called as Sri APN Swami, is a well-known upanyasakar, multifaceted individual who has been the driving force behind numerous innovative initiatives for the advancement of Sanatana Dharma.
We are all familiar with him as the Editor of Sri Nrusimha Priya, an 80-year-old Tamil magazine published by Sri Ahobila Mutt, as well as an orator who has been imparting knowledge through his discourses for more than 30 years and a writer of more than 60 books and 200+ articles.
His unique style of successfully balancing the traditional way of life with the most cutting-edge modern means of promoting our ancient culture and practices.
His contribution to our tradition includes a biopic Tamil feature film about Swami Vedanta Desikan titled ‘Ghantavatharam’, thanks to whom Swami Ramanuja's tradition is still flourishing today. In addition to acting as Swami Vedanta Desikan, the protagonist of the film, he has also appeared in more than ten short films as a director, musician, singer, and lyricist.
He is a historian who studies our sacred texts, finds inscriptions in archaeological locations, and concentrates on bringing back the former splendor of village temples.
Swami is the driving force behind the endeavor to restore several palm-leaf scriptures and has digitalized more than 5000+ rare volumes for future generations to treasure. Swami believes in preserving our old traditions in creative ways.
With the help of his supervision, SARAN - Sampradaya Anushtana Rakshna AbhimaN volunteers/Sevaks continue to engage with younger generations in a variety of activities.
Birth & Family Heritage
editSri APN Swami was born on 15th May 1972 in the Tamil month of Vaikasi on Murugasheerisam star at Chennai to an orthodox Srivaishnava Brahmin family belonging to Bharadwaja Gothram.
The family hailed from Mukundagiri, a small & ancient agraharam near Madurantakam (famously known as “Dwayam vilaintha Tirupati”). Mukundagiri is well-known for an ancient temple dedicated to Sri Kothandarama Perumal and Srinivasan.
Sri APN Swami’s father, Sri Mukundagiri Vangeeepuram Narasimhachariar, popularly known as "Sri Nrisimhapriya Narasimhan" served as a teacher at Venkataramana Elementary School, Mylapore, Chennai and rendered service to Sri Nrisimhapriya Tamil Magazine all through his life.
His name Sri Nrisimhapriya Narasimhan as given by Mukkur Srimadh Azhagiya Singar, speaks volume about his contribution to SriNrisimhapriya Tamil Magazine. This title has been included in Swami’s charama slokam too. Sri APN Swami’s mother, Smt. Ramani Narasimhan, also joined her husband to serve for Sri Nrisimhapriya Tamil Magazine.
Education
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- As a Siromani in Mimamsa, MA, M. Phil and Ph.D, with theses such as Allegorical dramas in Vishistadvaitam, Sankalpa Suryodayam and Viveka Vijayam.
- Gurukulam style kalakshepam (including 5 years of Anthevasi i.e. Serving the acharyan 24 X 7) from erudite scholars like Sri. U. Ve. Purusai Nadadur Krishnamachariar (Sri Purusai Swami), (Vaikuntavasi), a President awardee in Sanskrit, and Sri U. Ve. Kulapathy Uzhapakkam Sri Rajagopalachariar Swami (Vaikuntavasi).
Director
editWriter, Screenplay & Director of “Ghantavatharam”, a biopic feature film of Swami Vedanta Desika. It had huge response worldwide with more than 300 ‘free’ shows before premiering it on YouTube.
Many short films based on our epics.
Wrote Vendanta Desika Vijayam a Sanskrit skit, at the age of 20 and staged at 23 years of age.
Performed skits in All India Radio Ilaya Bharatam.
Orator
edit- Most sought-after orator rendering discourses with ability to quote verses in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, English, Sanskrit and Malayalam.
- Multiple television series in various channels like “Dinam oru Divya Namam”, a series about Vishnu Saharasramam with almost 1200 episodes.
- “Ramanuja Vaibhavam”, a detailed explanation of Sri Vaishanava Guru Paramparai (Acharya lineage) with more than 580 episodes.
- “Tapovanam”, a travelogue to hermitages of various saints located in deep interior forests with dangerous species in India.
- YouTube with thousands of different topics on our culture and philosophy including 3 seasons of Chaathurmaasya upanyasam.
- Participating in various religious Mutts Vidwath Sadas.
- Many of his books were also converted as audio books in his own voice to enhance listening experience of the audience.
Writer & Editor
editWritten and published more than 60 books and translated in Kannada, Telugu & English.
Megathin Dagam is the first book in the series of Swami Ramanujar based on his acharyan Sri. Purusai Swami instruction to him to write books on Swami Ramanuja. This book contains many interesting anecdotes and incidences in the life of Swami Ramanuja as he transformed from a small boy called Illayazhwar to Jagathacharyan Bhagavad Ramanujacharya.
Piriyavidai is the third book in the series of books on Swami Ramanuja after Megathin Dagam and Thiruvaranga Vijayagam. It is an emotional farewell by Lord Varadan in Kanchipuram when Swami Ramanuja accepts to be the next Guru after Alavandar.
Yamunai Thuraivai Thirumuttram is a historic novel which was an outcome of 20 years of research about the detailed narration of state of temples during Aurangazeb invasion of Kanchipuram during 1687 - 1711 AD, when Varadan travel from Kanchi to Udaiyarpalayam. The reader of this book would experience time travel to 17th century and enjoy the intriguing narrative including Varadan Bramhostavam.
Bharata Savitiri is an appendix to Harivamsam which is considered as a part of Mahabharata. The slokas details glories of Lord Krishna, recounts numerous details of the Kurushektra war in terms of start date, who participated in the war, strategies involved etc, The book has the collection of slokas and its meaning that one should chant in their home for good welfare.
Villai Vidutha Vijayan is the 1st chapter commentary of Srimad Bhagavad Gita based on the Sanskrit manuscript of Sri Krishnachaya Prakashika written by Sri U. Ve. Puttamkottam Srinivasachariar Swami which was the only other Sanskrit work on Bhagavad Gita after Swami Desikan’s Tatpariya Chandrika. The commentary is based on the Vishishtadvaita school of thought, which Swami Ramanuja described.
Editor of Sri Nrusimha Priya, magazine published by Sri Ahobila Mutt for more than 85 years to promote Sri Vaishanvam. It is worth noting that his acharyan, Sri Purusai Swami was the editor of the magazine encouraged him to take on this work as an editor.
Traditional Trending articles in his blog is a testimony of his ability to relate the current state of affairs and associate it with our tradition in order to introduce nuanced aspects of our philosophy.
Lecturer & Kalakshepa Guru
edit- Resigned as a lecturer to create awareness and spread Sri Vaishnava Sampradayam.
- Inspired many students to develop deep interest in our heritage & culture while addressing in eminent colleges in Chennai.
- Based on Sri Purusai swami instruction, conducts Kalakshepam (Gurukulam style) on Vishistadvaita works. So far Srimad Rahasyatraya Saaram was completed 7 times, Gita Bhashyam 3 times and various batches of Granta Catushtya kalakshepam in progress with shishyas from various parts of the world.
- Developed many shishyas through Kalakshepam to spread Sanathana Dharma through his humerous and extensive historic knowledge.
- His kalakshepa shishyas are performing upanysams in various parts of the world U.S.A, Switzerland, Bahrain and Australia apart from India
Awards & Accolades
edit- Desika Dharshana Bhushanam by Srimad Paravakottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan.
- Pravachana Sironmani by Srimad Paravakottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan.
- Abhinaveeya Pravachanamani by Abhinava Desika Uttamur Swami Centenary celebration committee for his innovative style of upanyasams.
- Abhinava Desika Keerthi Ratna by Abhinava Desika Uttamur Swami 120th celebration committee for using most of Sri Uttamur Swami’s works in his upanyasam and kalakshepam.
- Pravachana Bhaskara by HH 45th pontiff Sri LaksimiNrusimha Divya Padhuka sevaka Srivan Satakopa Sri Narayana Yatindra Mahadeskian at Bharat Vikas Parishad function.
- Pravachana Vaschapathy by Dharmathma Vaidya Subramanya Iyer Award.
- Upanyasa Kesari by Sri Abhinava Vaagesha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swami.
- Abhinava Abhinaya Desika for producing a magnum opus movie biopic of Desikan, by Melkote Sri Lakshmi Tattachariar, Pattana Nagai Veera Raghavachariar Swami in the presence of Sri Abhinava Vaagesha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swami, in Jan 2020 at Mysore.
- Desika Darshana Data by Nadadur Ammal Trust in the presence of Srirangam Srimadh Andavan SriVaraha Mahadesikan, Poundareegapuram Srimadh Andavan Sri Srinivasa Gopala MahaDesikan by Sri. Dr V S Karunakarachariar Swami in Dec 2020 at Srirangam.
- Desika Paduka Sevaka by Mannargudi Sri. U. Ve. Rajagopalachariar Swami of Granta Catushtya Kalakshepa Samiti on premiering Ghantavatharam in YouTube for multi talents in various fields.
- Pravachana Ratna Choodamani by Sri Srinivasa Gopala Desikan during Srimad Paravakottai Andavan Sri Gopaladesika Mahadesikan’
Social Contributions
editSARAN “Sampradaya Anushtana Rakshana AbhimaN”, brain child, founded by Sri APN Swami, is a satsang that aims in propagating Swami Ramanujacharya’s doctrines and works as per the guidance of Swami Vedanta Desikan.
SARAN Sevaks (Volunteers) are active in Sampradayic utsavams and propagating Sanathana Dharma in many ways such as
Restoring ancient books, palm leaf scriptures in Digital format.
Conducting classes & workshops on Vaishnavism.
Publishing books in Tamil, English, Kannada to spread the message in our ancient scriptures given by our Acharyas.
Making short films & documentary about our traditional practices, ancient temples, rivers etc.
Making feature films on Sanatana Dharma. "Ghantavatharam" movie on Swami Vedanta Desikan & many short films based on Swami Vedanta Desikan’s works.
Participating in Social religious activities to safeguard Hindu Dharma.
Conducts cultural events & programmes that are revolutionary and first of its kind.
Panchajanyam Trust funds the activities which are executed by SARAN Sevaks. It was formed with the aim to spread the Teachings of Swami Ramanujacharya in the path laid by Swami Desikan. The trust offers funds for Sampradayic activities including utsavams, temple renovation, recognition of scholars and to nurture young talent.
The Sampradayic activities are executed by SARAN Sevaks (volunteers) who extend their active voluntary service and their valuable time towards these Sanathana Dharma activities initiated by Panchajanyam Trust. The donations to this trust has 80G exemption as per the Indian Income Tax Act.
Sri Ramanuja Dayapathra Utsavam is a three days celebration starting on Tamil Avani month, Hastam star at Sri Adivan Satakopan Brundavanam, Melkote Thirunarayanapuram to commemerate the Thaniyan that SriSarvathanthra Swathantra Jeer swami presented to Swami Vedanta Desikan.
Swami Desikan’s Sri Paduka Sahasram Utsavam is an annual event on 25th December every year at Bengaluru where large gathering chant Paduka Sahasram in unison. The first utsavam commenenced in Mysore Palace. During this event, 32 types of flowers, fruits, bhakshanams are offered for each of the 32 padthathis in Paduka Sahasram. Swami Desikan adorns Kaithala Sevai & Pushpa Vrushti. This event is now celebrated across various parts of India like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and across Karnataka.
Thirumaligaithorum Swami Desikan: In commemorating Sri Ramanuja’s 1000th Thiru Nakshthram and Swami Desikan’s 750th Thiru Nakshatram, SARAN and Panchanjanyam Trust joined together to bring home the Thiruvaradana Murthi form of Swami Desikan. Hence, it is celebrated as Thirumaligaithorum Swami Desikan. In February 2023, this utsavam had its 2001st such visits and this utsavam is growing stronger with many devotees looking forward to bring Swami Desikan into their respective homes.
Desika Bhakthi Samrajyam is a three day grand event conducted by SARAN and in association with Tyaga Bramha Gana Sabha (Vani Mahal) in July 2018, to commemorate 750th thiru nakshatram of Swami Desikan. The event had dance, drama, bhajans, seminar, debates and lectures from eminent scholars on the teachings of Swami Desikan. The valedictory function was presided by the then Honorable Governer of Tamil Nadu, H. E. Banwarilal Purohit.
Darshanodayam is four day event to celebrate millenium (1000th) thiru nakshatram of Swami Ramanuja that took place in May 2017. This event was organized by SARAN and Tiruvallur Veeraraghavar Temple Committee. The event had theatre, dance, debates and Arayar Sevai. It had a great response from the crowd for its novel idea in depicting Swami Ramanuja life history.
Chennaiyil Srivilliputhur is an event replicating the lifestyle of Goddess Andal of Srivilliputtur in Chennai. This annual event was celebrated in a grand manner in in November 2017 with two days of cultural activities, It does take an immaticulate planning to create the experience of Srivilliputtur during Andal’s era. The event had exhibition stalls with dolls depiciting Andal’s life history, Tiruppavai Akshara Mala (a novel pictorial composition of every letter in Tiruppavai), dance, skits and grand finale with a fusion music ensemble, This event was covered by The Hindu newspaper as well.
Nadanukku Nadanjali is an event on Swami Nadamuni in Iyal Isai Natakam sytle in Sanskrit and Tamil. Nadamuni was the propounder of Divya Prabhandam.
Elainyar Yezhuchi Manadu is a program for the younger generation to create awareness of our Sampradayam during millennium celebration of Kurathazhwan.
Vande Vatsya Vibhushanam is a year long festival that was celebrated to commemorate his acharya Sri Purisai Swami's Centenary Celebrations (Avani month, Chithirai nakshatram). The year long celebration had monthly upanyasams, Veda parayanam, Granta Catushtya Vidwath Sadas, book release, music , conference on Srimad Rahasyatraya Saaram & Sri Bhagavath Vishayam.
Special webinars and workshops on Samashrayanam and Saranagathi were conducted. More than 700 participants participated across these sessions and close to 250 Asthikas have done Samashrayanam & Saranagathi after this workshop. On the final day, a street procession of Sri Purisai swami photo was also carried out, which was attended by many people.